BowelsOpened:

ExpositorySermonsonSongofSolomon4:16-6:3

byRichardSibbes

TABLEOFCONTENTS

PrefatoryNote

TotheChristianReader,byJohnDods

IntroductorySermon:Cant.5:1

TheSecondSermon:Cant.5.1

TheThirdSermon:Cant.5:1,2

TheFourthSermon:Cant5:2

TheFifthSermon:Cant5:2

TheSixthSermon:Cant5:2

TheSeventhSermon:Cant.5:3

TheEighthSermon:Cant:5:2,3

TheNinthSermon:Cant:5:6

TheTenthSermon:Cant5:6

TheEleventhSermon:Cant5:6,7

TheTwelfthSermon:Cant5:7

TheThirteenthSermon:Cant:5:7,8

TheFourteenthSermon:Cant5:9,10

TheFifteenthSermon:Cant.5:9.10

TheSixteenthSermon:Cant.5:5:10,11,12,13

TheSeventeenthSermon:Cant.5:13

TheEighteenthSermon:Cant.5:16,6:1,2

TheNineteenthSermon:Cant.6:3

TheTwentiethSermon:Cant.6:3

NOTE

The expository sermons which compose the treatise, entitled, in thequaintphraseologyof theage, 'BowelsOpened,' (nodoubtderivedfromtheHebraicideaoftheseatoftheaffectionsbeinginthe 'bowels,'Cant.5:4;andcompare1John3:17)passedthroughthreeeditions,asfollows:—

(a)1stedition,4to,1639.

(b)2dedition,4to,1641.Thereisnointimationofitsbeinga'2dedition;'butitreallywasso.Thepaginationiswhollydifferentfroma.

(c) 3d edition, 4to, 1648. This is designated '3d edition,' and thepaginationdiffersfromaandb.PrefixedtoitisaportraitofSibbes,ætat58.Underneathitaretheselines,withoutsignatureorinitial:

'Thylearning,meekness,wisedome,heavenlyminde,

Soefulloflove,soezealous,soediscreete,

Thyworks,yeChurch,yeaHeaven,wheretheydoefinde

Acrowne—declare,forearththeywerenotmeete.

Whoe,slightingthee,himselfepreferrsbefore,

Lethimgetttothee,—heshallthenknowmore.'

Ourtextfollowsa,withcomparisonofbandcforcorrectionofmisprints.Itstitle-pageisgivenbelow.*G.

*Originaltitlepage:—

BOWELS

OPENED,

OR

ADISCOVERYOFTHE

Neere and deere Love, Union and Communion betwixt Christ and theChurch,andconsequentlybetwixtHimandeverybeleevingsoul.

DeliveredindiversSermonsontheFourthFifthandSixtChaptersoftheCANTICLES.

BythatReverendandFaithfullMinisteroftheWord,DOCTORSIBS,late

Preacher unto the Honourable Societie of Grayes Inne, and Master ofKatharineHallinCambridge.

Being in part finished by his owne pen in his life time, and the rest ofthem perused and corrected by those whom he intrusted with thepublishingofhisworks.

CANT.4:10

Thouhast ravishedmyheart,mySister,mySpouse: thouhast ravishedmyheartwithoneofthineeyes,andwithonechaineofthynecke.

LONDON

PrintedbyG.M.forGeorgeEdwardsintheOldBailyinGreene-ArbouratthesigneoftheAngell,MDCXXXIX.

HONORATISSIMODOMINO,

DOMINOEDWARDOVICE-COMITIMANDEVILLE,*

QUEM, UT VERÆ NOBILITATIS DELICIAS, CANDORIS NIVEM, INRES CHRISTI, ET ALIORUM COMMODA EFFUSISSIMUM,SUSPICIMUS, COLIMUS; UNAQUE CONCIONES HAS IN CANTICAPOSTHUMAS IN AMORIS GRATIAM QUO AUTHOREM IPSECOMPLEXUS EST NOSTRÆQUE IN DNEM ILLIUS MERITISSIMÆOBSERVANTIÆTESTIMONIUM

D.D.

THOMASGOODWIN.

PHILIPPUSNYE.

TOTHECHRISTIANREADER

THEperusalofthisbookbeingcommitteduntomebyanancientandafaithfulfriendofmine,Ifoundit,Iconfess,sofullofheavenlytreasure,andsuchlivelyexpressionsof the invaluablerichesof the loveofChristtowardsallhispoorservantsthatsueandseekuntohim,thatIsentuntothe godly and learned author, earnestly entreating him to publish thesame, judging it altogether unmeet that so precious matter should beconcealedfrompublicuse:whenheexcusedhimself,byundervaluinghisownmeditations;butwithalsignifiedhisdesireofthechurch'sgood,ifbyanythinginhisworksitmightneversolittlebepromoted.Icouldnotbutdeclare myself in recommending this treatise as a very profitable andexcellent help both to the understanding of that dark andmost divineScripture, and also to kindle in the heart all heavenly affections untoJesusChrist.

It iswellknownhowbackwardIamandeverhavebeen tocumber thepress,butyetIwouldnotbeguiltyindeprivingthedearchildrenofGodof the spiritual and sweet consolations which are here very plentifullyoffereduntothem.

And thewhole frameof all these sermons is carriedwith suchwisdom,gravity,piety,judgment,andexperience,thatitcommendsitselfuntoallthat are godly wise; and I doubt not but that they shall find theirtemptationsanswered,theirfaintingspiritsrevived,theirunderstandingsenlightened, and their graces confirmed, so as they shall have cause topraiseGod for theworthyauthor'sgodlyandpainful labours.And thusdesiringtheFatherofallmerciesandtheGodofallcomforttoblessthisworktotheconsolationandedificationofthosethatseekhisfavouranddesiretofearhisholyname,Irest

ThineinJesusChrist,

J[OHN]DOD.*

BOWELSOPENED

SERMONI

I amcome intomygarden,my sister,my spouse: I have eatenmyhoneycombwithmyhoney;Ihavedrunkmywinewithmymilk:eat,Ofriends;drink,yea,drinkabundantly,Obeloved.—CANT.5:1.

OTHER books of Solomon lie more obvious and open to commonunderstanding;but,asnoneenteredintotheholyofholiesbutthehighpriest,Lev.16:2,seq.,andHeb.9:7,sononecanenterintothemysteryofthisSongofsongs,butsuchashavemorenearcommunionwithChrist.Songs,andspeciallymarriagesongs,servetoexpressmen'sownjoys,andothers'praises.SothisbookcontainsthemutualjoysandmutualpraisesbetwixtChristandhischurch.

And as Christ and his church are the greatest persons that partake ofhumannature,sowhatsoeverisexcellentinthewholeworldisborrowedtosetouttheexcellenciesofthesetwogreatlovers.

Itiscalled'Solomon'sSong,'who,nextuntoChrist,wasthegreatestsonof wisdom that ever the church bred, whose understanding, as it was'large as the sand of the sea,' 1 Kings 4:29, so his affections, especiallythatoflove,wereaslarge,aswemayseebyhismanywives,andbythedelight he sought to take in whatsoever nature could afford. Whichaffectionoflove,inhimmisplaced,hadbeenhisundoing,butthathewasonebelovedofGod,whobyhisSpiritraisedhissoultolovelyobjectsofahighernature.Here inthisargumentthere isnodanger for thedeepestwit, or the largest affection, yea, of a Solomon, to overreach. For theknowledgeoftheloveofChristtohischurchisaboveallknowledge,Eph.3:19. The angels themselves may admire it, though they cannotcomprehend it. Itmaywell, therefore, be called the 'Song of Solomon;'the most excellent song of a man of the highest conceit* and deepestapprehension,andofthehighestmatters,theintercoursebetwixtChrist,

thehighestLordoflords,andhisbestbelovedcontractedspouse.

Therearedivers things in thissongthatacorruptheart,untowhichallthingsaredefiled,maytakeoffence;but'tothepureallthingsarepure,'Titus 1:15. Such a sinful abuse of this heavenly book is far from theintentionoftheHolyGhostinit,whichisbystoopinglowtous,totakeadvantage to raise us higher unto him, that by taking advantage of thesweetestpassageofourlife,marriage,andthemostdelightfulaffection,love,inthesweetestmannerofexpression,byasong,hemightcarryupthesoultothingsofaheavenlynature.Weseeinsummerthatoneheatweakensanother;andagreatlightbeingnearalittleone,drawsawayandobscurestheflameoftheother.Soitiswhentheaffectionsaretakenuphigher to their fit object; they die unto all earthly things, whilst thatheavenly flame consumes and wastes all base affections and earthlydesires.Amongstotherwaysofmortification,therebetworemarkable—

1. By embittering all earthly things unto us,whereby the affections aredeaded*tothem.

2.Byshewingmorenoble,excellent,andfitobjects,thatthesoul,issuingmorelargelyandstronglyintothem,maybediverted,andsobydegreesdieuntootherthings.TheHolySpirithathchosenthiswayinthissong,byelevatingandraisingouraffectionsandlove,totakeitofffromotherthings, that so itmight run in its right channel. It is pity that a sweetstreamshouldnot rather run intoa garden than intoapuddle.Whatashameisitthatman,havinginhimsuchexcellentaffectionsaslove,joy,delight,shouldcleave todirty,base things, thatareworse thanhimself,sobecomingdebasedlikethem!ThereforetheSpiritofGod,outofmercyandpitytoman,wouldraiseuphisaffections,bytakingcomparisonfromearthly things, leading to higher matters, that only deserve love, joy,delight,andadmiration.LetGod'sstoopingtousoccasionourrisingupunto him. For here the greatest things, the 'mystery of mysteries,' thecommunion betwixt Christ and his church, is set out in the familiarcomparisonofamarriage,thatsowemightthebetterseeitintheglassofcomparison,whichwecannotsodirectlyconceiveof;aswemayseethesuninwater,whosebeamswecannotsodirectlylookupon.Onlyourcaremust be not to look somuch on the colours as the picture, and not somuchonthepictureasonthepersonitselfrepresented;thatwelooknot

somuchtotheresemblanceastothepersonresembled.

SomewouldhaveSolomon,byaspiritofprophecy,totakeaviewhereofallthetime,fromhisagetothesecondcomingofChrist,andinthissong,asinanabridgment,tosetdowntheseveralpassagesandperiodsofthechurch in several ages, as containing divers things which are morecorrespondenttooneageofthechurchthananother(a).Buthowsoeverthissongmaycontain,wedenynot,astoryofthechurchinseveralages,yet this hinders not, but thatmost passages of it agree to the spiritualestateof the church ineveryage, asmost interpretershave thought. Inthissongthereis,

1.A strongdesire of the churchof nearer communionwithChrist; andthen,

2.Somedecliningagaininaffection.

3. After this we have her recovery and regaining again of love; afterwhich,

4.Thechurchfallsagainintoadecliningofaffection;whereuponfollowsafurtherstrangenessofChristtoherthanbefore,whichcontinuesuntil,

5. That the church, perceiving of Christ's constant affection unto her,notwithstandingherunkinddealing,recovers,andcleavesfastertoChristthaneverbefore,chap.3.

ThesepassagesagreetotheexperienceofthebestChristiansinthestateof their own lives. This observation must carry strength through thiswhole song, that there is the same regard of the whole church, and ofeveryparticularmember, in regardof the chiefestprivilegesandgracesthat accompany salvation. There is the same reason of every drop ofwaterasofthewholeocean,alliswater;andofeverysparkoffireasofthewholeelementof fire,all is fire.Of thosehomogenealbodies,aswecall them, there is the same respect of the part and of the whole. Andtherefore, as the whole church is the spouse of Christ, so is everyparticular Christian; and as the whole church desires still nearercommunionwithChrist,sodotheveryparticularmember.Buttocometo

thewords,'Iamcomeintomygarden,'&c.

Thischapterisnotsowellbrokenanddividedfromtheformerasitmighthavebeen,foritwerebetterandmoreconsequent*thatthelastverseoftheformerchapterwereaddedtothebeginningofthis.

'Awake,Onorthwind;andcome,thousouth;blowuponmygarden,thatthe spices thereofmay flow out. Letmy beloved come into his garden,andeathispleasantfruits,'Cant.4:16.

And therefore, by reason of connection of this chapterwith the formerverse,wewillfirstspeaksomewhatofitbriefly,onlytomakewayforthatwhichfollows.Thewordscontain—

1.AturningofChrist'sspeechtothewindstoblowuponhisgarden,withtheendwhy,'thatthespicesthereofmayflowout.'

2.WehaveaninvitationofChrist,bythechurch,tocomeintohisgarden,withtheend,'toeathispleasantfruits.'

Quest.ItmaybeaquestionwhetherthiscommandbethewordsofChristorthedesireofhisspouse?

Ans.ThewordsarespokenbyChrist,becausehecallsit'mygarden,'andthechurchafterinviteshimtoeatof'hispleasantfruits,'notofhers.Yetthe words may be likewise an answer to a former secret desire of thechurch, whereof the order is this: The church being sensible of somedeadnessofspirit,secretlydesiressomefurtherquickening.Christ thenanswers thosedesiresbycommanding thewinds toblowuponher.ForordinarilyChristfirststirsupdesires,andthenanswersthedesiresofhisown Spirit by further increase, as here, 'Awake, thou north wind; andcome,thousouth;andblowuponmygarden,'&c.

1.Forthefirstpointnamed,weseeherethatChristsendsforthhisSpirit,withcommandtoallmeans,underthenameof'northandsouthwind,'tofurther the fruitfulness of his church. The wind is nature's fan. Whatwindsaretothegarden,thattheSpiritofChrist,intheuseofmeans,istothesoul.FromcomparisonfetchedfromChrist'scommandingthewinds,

wemayingeneralobserve,thatallcreaturesstandinobediencetoChrist,asreadyataword,whensoeverhespeakstothem.Theyareall,asitwere,asleepuntilheawakesthem.Hecancallforthewindoutofhistreasureswhenhepleases:heholdstheminhisfist,Prov.30:4.

Use.Whichmaycomfortall those thatareChrist's, that theyareunderonethathathallcreaturesathisbeckunderhimtodothemservice,andathischecktodothemnoharm.Thisdrewthedisciplesinadmirationtosay,'Whatmannerofmanisthis,thateventhewindsandtheseasobeyhim?'Mat.8:27.Andcannotthesamepowerstillthewindsandwavesofthechurchesandstates,andcauseasuddencalm,if,asthedisciples,weawakehimwithourprayers.

2. Secondly, we see here that Christ speaks to winds contrary one toanother,bothinregardofthecoastsfromwhencetheyblow,andintheirquality; but both agree in this, that both are necessary for the garden:wherewe see that the courses thatChrist takes, and themeans thatheuseswithhischurch,mayseemcontrary;butbyawiseordering,allagreein the wholesome issue. A prosperous and an afflicted condition arecontrary:amildandasharpcoursemayseemtocrossoneanother;yetsweetly they agree in this, that as the church needeth both, so Christusethboth for the church's good.Thenorth is anippingwind, and thesouth a cherishingwind; therefore the southwind is thewelcomer andsweeter after thenorthwindhath blown.But howsoever, all things areours:'Paul,Apollos,Cephas,thingspresentandtocome,life,death,'&c.,1Cor.3:21,22; 'allthingsworktogetherforgoodtous,beinginChrist,'Rom.8:28.

Use1.HenceitisthatthemanifoldwisdomofChristmakethuseofsuchvarietyof conditions; andhence it is that theSpiritofChrist ismild insome men's ministries, and sharp in others: nay, in the very sameminister,asthestateofthesoultheyhavetodealwithalrequires.

Use2.Sometimes,again,thepeopleofGodneedpurging,andsometimesrefreshing. Whereupon the Spirit of God carries itself suitably to bothconditions;andtheSpiritinthegodlythemselvesdrawsgoodoutofeverycondition, sure [as] they are that allwinds blow themgood, and [that]wereitnotfortheirgood,nowindsshouldblowuponthem.Butinregard

thatthesetimesofours,bylongpeaceandplenty,growcold,heavy,andsecure,weneedthereforeallkindsofwindstoblowuponus,andalllittleenough.Timewaswhenweweremorequickandlively,butnowtheheatofourspiritsis*abated.Wemustthereforetakeheedofit,and'quickenthosethingsthatarereadytodie,'Rev.3:2;orelse,insteadofthenorthandsouthwind,Godwillsendaneastwindthatshalldryupall,asitis,Hos.13:15.

Use3.Again, ifChrist can raiseor lay, bindupor let loose, all kindofwindsathispleasure,thenifmeansbewantingorfruitless,itishethatsays to theclouds,Dropnot,andto thewinds,Blownot.Therefore,wemustacknowledgehiminwantorplentyofmeans.TheSpiritofChristinthe use ofmeans is a free agent, sometimes blows strongly, sometimesmoremildly,sometimesnotatall.Nocreaturehaththesewindsinabagatcommand,andthereforeitiswisdomtoyieldtothegalesoftheSpirit.Though in some other things, as Solomon observes, it may hinder toobservethewinds,Eccles.11:4,yethereit isnecessaryandprofitabletoobservethewindsoftheSpirit.

Now,fortheclearunderstandingofwhatwearetospeakof, letus firstobserve—

1.WhytheSpiritofGod, intheuseof themeans, iscomparedtowind.Andthen,

2.Whythechurchiscomparedtoagarden;whichshallbehandledintheproperplace.

Butfirstforthewind.

1. 'Thewindblowethwhere it listeth,' as it is John3:8.So theSpiritofGod blows freely, and openeth the heart of some, and poureth graceplentifullyinthem.

2. The wind, especially the north wind, hath a cleansing force. So theSpiritofGodpurgethourhearts'fromdeadworkstoservethelivingGod,makinguspartakersofthedivinenature,'2Pet.1:4.

3.Thewinddispersethandscatterethclouds,andmakesaserenityintheair.SodoththeSpiritdispersesuchcloudsascorruptionandSatanraiseupinthesoul,thatwemayclearlyseethefaceofGodinJesusChrist.

4. The wind hath a cooling and a tempering quality, and tempers thedistemperofnature.Asinsomehotcountriestherebeyearlyanniversarywinds,whichblowatcertaintimesinsummer,temperingtheheat;sotheSpiritofGodallayeththeunnaturalheatsofthesoulinfierytemptations,andbringethitintoagoodtemper.

5.Thewindbeingsubtle,searchethintoeverycornerandcranny.SotheSpiritlikewiseisofasearchingnature,anddiscernethbetwixtthejointsand the marrow, betwixt the flesh and the Spirit, &c., searching thosehiddencorruptions,thatnaturecouldneverhavefoundout.

6.Thewindhatha cherishinganda fructifying force.So theSpirit is aquickeningandacherishingSpirit,andmaketh theheart,which isasabarrenwilderness,tobefruitful.

7.Thewindhathapowerof conveying sweet smells in theair, to carrythemfromonetoanother.SotheSpiritinthewordconveyeththeseedsofgraceandcomfortfromonetoanother.Itdrawsoutwhatsweetnessisinthespiritsofmen,andmakesthemfragrantanddelightfultoothers.

8. The wind, again, bears down all before it, beats down houses, andtrees,likethecedarsinLebanon,turnsthemupbytheroots,andlaysallflat.SotheSpiritismightyinoperation.Thereisnostandingbeforeit.Itbringsdownmountains,andeveryhighthingthatexalts itself,andlaysthem level; nay, the Roman and those othermighty empires could notstandbeforeit.

Fortheserespectsandthelike,the'blowingoftheSpirit'iscomparedtowind.ForwhichendChristherecommands thewind to 'blowuponhisgarden.'

1.Toblow,&c.Seehere theorder, linking,andconcatenationof thingsone under another. To the prospering of a poor flower or plant in agarden,notonlysoilisneedful,butairandwindalso,andtheinfluence

ofheaven;andGodcommandingall,asherethewindstoblowuponhisgarden.Tothisend,asawonderfulmercytohispeople,itissaid,'Anditshallcometopassinthatday,Iwillhear,saiththeLord:Iwillheartheheavens,andtheyshallheartheearth;andtheearthshallhearthecorn,thewine,andtheoil;andtheyshallhearJezreel,'Hos.2:21,22.As thecreatures are fromGod, so the order and dependence of creatures onefromanother,toteachusnotonlywhattoprayfor,butalsowhattoprayfitly for;notonly topray for thedewofheaven,butalso forseasonableand cherishing winds. It is not the soil, but the season, that makesfruitful,Nonagersedannusfacitfructus,andthatfromseasonablewindsand influences. So in spiritual things there is a chain of causes andeffects:prayercomesfromfaithRom.10:14;faithfromthehearingoftheword;hearing fromapreacher,bywhomGodbyhisSpirit blowsupontheheart;andapreacherfromGod'ssending.IftheGodofnatureshouldbut hinder and take away one link of nature's chain, the whole framewould be disturbed.Well, thatwhichChrist commands here, is for thewindsto'blowuponhisgarden.'

Andweneedblowing: our spiritswill bebecalmed else, and standat astay; andSatanwill be surebyhimself, and such as arehis bellows, toblow up the seeds of sinful lusts in us. For there are two spirits in thechurch,theonealwaysblowingagainsttheother.Therefore,thebesthadneedtobestirredup;otherwise,withMoses,Exod.17:12,theirhandswillbe ready to fall down, and abate in their affection. Therefore we needblowing—

1.Inregardofournaturalinability.

2.Inregardofourdulnessandheaviness,cleavingtonatureoccasionally.

3.Inregardofcontrarywindsfromwithout.

Satanhathhisbellowsfilledwithhisspirit,thathinderstheworkofgraceall they can; so that we need not only Christ's blowing, but also hisstoppingothercontrarywinds,thattheyblownot,Rev.7:1.

4.InregardoftheestateandconditionofthenewCovenant,whereinallbeginning,growth,andending,isfromgrace,andnothingbutgrace.

5. Because old grace,without a fresh supply,will not hold against newcrossesandtemptations.

Use.ThereforewhenChristdraws, letusrunafterhim;whenheblows,letusopenuntohim.Itmaybethelastblastthateverweshallhavefromhim.Andletussetupondutieswiththisencouragement,thatChristwillblowuponus,notonlytopreventus,butalsotomaintainhisowngracesinus.ButO!whereisthisstirringupofourselves,andoneanother,uponthesegrounds!

Quest.But,whyisthechurchcomparedtoagarden?

Ans.Christherein takesallmannerof termstoexpresshimselfandthestateofthechurch;asitistohim,toshewusthatwheresoeverweare,wemay have occasion of heavenly thoughts, to raise up our thoughts tohighermatters.Hischurchishis'temple,'whenweareinthetemple;itisa'field'whenwearethere;a'garden,'ifwewalkinagarden.Itisalsoa'spouse'anda'sister,'&c.Butmoreparticularlythechurchisresembledtoagarden.

1. Because a garden is taken out of the common waste ground, to beappropriatedtoamoreparticularuse.SothechurchofChrististakenoutofthewildernessofthiswasteworld,toaparticularuse.Itisinrespectoftherest,asGoshentoEgypt,Exod.9:26,whereinlightwas,whenallelsewas indarkness.And indeedwhereindoth thechurchdiffer fromothergrounds, but that Christ hath taken it in? It is the same soil as othergroundsare;but,hedressethandfitsittobearspicesandherbs.

2.Inagardennothingcomesupnaturallyofitself,butasitisplantedandset. Sonothing is good in theheart, but as it is planted and set by theheavenlyhusbandman, John 15:4; andMat. 15:3.Weneednot sow thewilderness, for the seeds of weeds prosper naturally. The earth is amothertoweeds,butastepmothertoherbs.Soweedsandpassionsgrowtooranknaturally,butnothinggrowsinthechurchof itself,butas it issetby thehandofChrist,who is theauthor,dresser, andprunerofhisgarden.

3.Again, inagardennothinguses tobeplantedbutwhat isusefuland

delightful.SothereisnograceintheheartofaChristian,butitisuseful,asoccasionserves,bothtoGodandman.

4.Further,inagardentherearevarietyofflowersandspices,especiallyinthosehotcountries.SoinaChristian,thereissomewhatofeverygrace.As some cannot hear of a curious flower, but theywill have it in theirgarden,soaChristiancannothearofanygracebuthelabourstoobtainit. They labour for graces for all seasons, and occasions. They have forprosperity,temperanceandsobriety;foradversity,patienceandhopetosustain them. For those that are above them, they have respect andobedience;andforthoseunderthem,suitableusage inallconditionsofChristianity.FortheSpiritofGodinthemisaseminaryofspiritualgoodthings.Asinthecorruptionofnature,beforetheSpiritofGodcametous,there was the seminary of all ill weeds in us, so when there is a newquality and new principles put in us, therewith comes the seeds of allgraces.

5.Again,ofallotherplaces,wemostdelightinourgardenstowalkthereand take our pleasure, and take care thereof, for fencing, weeding,watering,andplanting.SoChrist'schiefcareanddelightisforhischurch.Hewalksinthemidstofthe'sevengoldencandlesticks,'Rev.2:1;andifhe defend and protect States, it is that they may be a harbour to hischurch.

6.And thenagain, as in gardens therehadwont tohave fountains andstreamswhichrunthroughtheirgardens,(asparadisehadfourstreamswhichranthroughit);sothechurchisChrist'sparadise;andhisSpiritisa spring in the midst of it, to refresh the souls of his upon all theirfaintings,andsothesoulofaChristianbecomesasawateredgarden.

7.Soalso, 'theirfountainsweresealedup,'Cant.4:12;sothejoysofthechurchandparticularChristiansare,asitwere,sealed,up.Astranger,itissaid,'shallnotmeddlewiththisjoyofthechurch,'Prov.14:10.

8. Lastly, a garden stands always in need of weeding and dressing.Continuallabourandcostmustbebestoweduponit;sometimesplanting,pruning, and weeding, &c. So in the church and hearts of Christians,Christ hath always somewhat to do.Wewould else soon be overgrown

andturnwild.Inallwhich,andthelikerespects,Christcallethuponthewinds'toblowuponhisgarden.'

Use 1. If then the churchbe a severedportion, thenwe shouldwalk asmenofaseveredconditionfromtheworld,notasmenoftheworld,butasChristians;tomakegoodthatweareso,byfeelingthegracesofGod'sSpirit insomecomfortablemeasure, thatsoChristmayhavesomethinginus,thathemaydelighttodwellwithus,sotobesubjecttohispruninganddressing.For,itissofarfrombeinganillsign,thatChristisatcost*withus,infollowinguswithafflictions,thatitisratherasuresignofhislove. For, the care of this blessed husbandman is to prune us, so as tomakeusfruitful.Mencarenotforheathandwilderness,whereupontheybestowno cost. SowhenGodprunes us by crosses and afflictions, andsowsgoodseedinus,itisasignhemeanstodwellwithus,anddelightinus.

2.Andthenalso,weshouldnotstrivesomuch forcommon libertiesofthe world that common people delight in, but for peculiar graces, thatGodmaydelightinusashisgarden.

3. And then, let us learn hence, not to despise any nation or person,seeingGodcantakeoutofthewastewildernesswhomhewill,andmakethedesertanEden.

4.Again,letusblessGodforourselves,thatourlothathfallenintosuchapleasantplace,tobeplantedinthechurch,theplaceofGod'sdelight.

5. And this also shouldmove us to be fruitful. For men will endure afruitlesstreeinthewastewilderness,butintheirgardenwhowillendureit?Dignityshouldmindusofduty.Itisstrangetobefruitlessandbarreninthisplacethatwelivein,beingwateredwiththedewofheaven,underthesweetinfluenceofthemeans.Thisfruitlessestatebeingoftenwateredfromheaven,howfearfully is it threatenedbytheHolyGhost, that 'it isnear unto cursing and burning,' Heb. 6:8. For in this case, visiblechurches, if theyprospernot,Godwill remove thehedge,and lay themwaste,havingagardenelsewhere.SometimesGod'splantsprosperbetterinBabylon,thaninJudea.ItistobefearedGodmaycomplainofus,ashedothofhispeople,'Ihaveplantedtheeanoblevine;howartthouthen

come tobedegenerated?'Jer.2:21. If in this casewe regard iniquity inourheart,theLordwillnotregardthebestthingthatcomesfromus,asourprayers,Heb.12:17.Wemustthenlearnofhimself,howandwhereintopleasehim.Obediencefromabrokenheartisthebestsacrifice.Markin[the]Scriptureswhatheabhors,whathedelightsin.Weusetosayofour friends,WouldGodIknewhowtoplease them.Christ teachethus,that 'withoutfaith it is impossibletopleasehim,'Heb.11:6.Letusthenstrive and labour to be fruitful in our places and callings. For it is thegreatesthonourinthisworld,forGodtodignifyuswithsuchacondition,astomakeusfruitful.'Wemustnotbringforthfruittoourselves,'asGodcomplainsofEphraim, [Israel],Hos. 10:1.Honour, riches, and the like,are but secondary things, arbitrary atGod's pleasure to cast in; but, tohaveanactiveheartfruitful fromthisground,thatGodhathplantedusfor this purpose, thatwemay do good tomankind, this is an excellentconsiderationnottoprofaneourcalling.Theblessedmanissaidtobe,'atreeplantedbythewaterside, thatbringsforthfruit indueseason,'Ps.1:3. But it is not every fruit; not that fruit whichMoses complains of,Deut.32:32,thewineofdragons,andthegallofasps:butgoodfruit,asJohnspeaks;'Everytreethatbringethnotforthgoodfruit,ishewndown,andcastintothefire,'Mat.3:10.

6.Lastly,inthatthechurchiscalledChrist'sgarden,thismaystrengthenourfaithinGod'scareandprotection.Thechurchmayseemtolieopentoallincursions,butithathaninvisiblehedgeaboutit,awallwithoutit,andawellwithinit,Zech.2:5.Godhimselfisawalloffireaboutit,andhisSpiritawelloflivingwatersrunningthroughittorefreshandcomfortit.AsitwassaidofCanaan,soitmaybesaidofthechurch,'TheeyeoftheLordisuponitalltheyearlong,'Deut.11:12,andhewatersitcontinually.FromwhichespecialcareofGodoverit,thisisagoodpleaforustoGod,'Iamthine,saveme;'Iamaplantofthineownsetting;nothingisinmebut what is thine, therefore cherish what is thine. So, for the wholechurchthepleaisgood:'Thechurchisthine;fenceit,waterit,defendit,keepthewildboaroutofit.'ThereforetheenemiesthereofshallonedayknowwhatitistomakeabreachuponGod'svineyard.Inthemeantime,let us labour to keep our hearts as a garden, that nothing that defilethmayenter. Inwhichrespects thechurch iscomparedtoagarden,uponwhichChristcommandsthenorthandsouthwind,allthemeansofgrace,

toblow.

Buttowhatendmustthesewindsblowuponthegarden?

'Thatthespicesthereofmayflowout.'

Theendofthisblowingis,yousee,'thatthespicesthereofmayflowout.'Goodthingsinusliedeadandboundup,unlesstheSpiritletthemout.We ebb and flow, open and shut, as the Spirit blows upon us;withoutblowing,noflowing.Thereweregraciousgoodthingsinthechurch,buttheywantedblowingupandfurtherspreading,whencewemayobserve,that,

Obs.1.Weneednotonlygracetoputlifeintousatthefirst,butlikewisegrace to quicken and draw forth that grace that we have. This is thedifferencebetwixtman'sblowingandtheSpirit's.Man,whenheblows,ifgracebenottherebefore,spendsallhislabouruponadeadcoal,whichhecannotmaketakefire.ButtheSpiritfirstkindlesaholyfire,andthenincreases the flame. Christ had in the use of means wrought on thechurchbefore,andnowfurtherpromotethhisownwork.Wemust firsttakein,andthensendout;firstbecisternstocontain,andthenconduitsto convey.Thewind first blows, and then the spicesof the church flowout.Wearefirstsweetinourselves,andthensweettoothers.

Obs. 2. Whence we see further, that it is not enough to be good inourselves, but our goodness must flow out; that is, growmore strong,useful to continue and stream forth for the good of others. We mustlabourtobe,aswassaidofJohn,burningandshiningChristians,John5:35.ForChristisnotlikeaboxofointmentshutupandnotopened,butlike thatboxofointment thatMarypouredout,whichperfumesall thewholehousewiththesweetnessthereof.FortheSpiritishereinlikewind;itcarriesthesweetsavourofgracetoothers.AChristian,sosoonashefinds any rooting in God, is of a spreading disposition, andmakes theplaceshelivesinthebetterforhim.Thewholebodyisthebetterforeverygood member, as we see in Onesimus, Phil. 11. The meanest persons,when they become good, are useful and profitable; of briars, becomeflowers. The very naming of a good man casts a sweet savour, aspresentingsomegracetotheheartofthehearer.Forthenwehavewhat

wehave topurpose,whenothershaveoccasion toblessGod forus, forconveying comfort to them by us. And for our furtherance herein,therefore, the winds are called upon to awake and blow upon Christ'sgarden,'thatthespicesthereofmayflowout.'

Obs.3.Hencewesee,also,thatwhereonceGodbegins,hegoeson,anddelights to add encouragement to encouragement, to maintain newsettersupinreligion,anddothnotonlygivethemastockofgraceatthebeginning,butalsohelpsthemtotrade.HeisnotonlyAlpha,butOmega,unto them, the beginning and the ending, Rev. 1:8. He doth not onlyplantgraces,butalsowaterethandcherisheththem.WheretheSpiritofChrist is, it is an encouraging Spirit; for not only it infuseth grace, butalso stirs it up, that we may be ready prepared for every good work,otherwise we cannot do that whichwe are able to do. The Spiritmustbringall intoexercise,elsethehabitsofgracewill lieasleep.WeneedapresentSpirit todoeverygood;notonly thepower towill,but thewillitself;andnotonlythewill,butthedeed,isfromtheSpirit,whichshouldstirusuptogotoChrist, thathemaystiruphisowngraces inus, thattheymayflowout.

Use.Letus labour, then, inourselves tobe fullofgoodness, that sowemaybefittedtodogoodtoall.AsGodisgood,anddoesgoodtoall,somust we strive to be as like him asmay be; in which case, for others'sakes, wemust pray thatGodwouldmake thewinds to blow out fullyuponus, 'thatourspicesmayflowout'fortheirgood.ForaChristianinhis right temper thinks that he hath nothing good to purpose, but thatwhichdoesgoodtoothers.

ThusfarofChrist'scommandtothenorthandsouthwindtoawakeandblowuponhisgarden, that thespices thereofmay flowout. In thenextplacewehave—

II.Christ'sinvitationbythechurchtocomeintohisgarden,withtheendthereof,'toeathispleasantfruits.'

Which words shew the church's further desire of Christ's presence todelightinthegracesofhisownSpiritinher.Sheinviteshimtocomeandtakedelight in thegracesofhisownSpirit;andshecallshim 'Beloved,'

becauseallherloveis,orshouldbe,impartedandspentonChrist,whogavehimselftoacurseddeathforher.Ourloveshouldruninstrengthnoother way, therefore the church calls Christ her 'Beloved.' Christ wastherebefore,butshedesiresa furtherpresenceofhim,whencewemayobserve,that

Wheresoever grace is trulybegunand stirredup, there is still a furtherdesireofChrist'spresence;andapproachingdailymoreandmoreneartothesoul,thechurch,thinkshimnevernearenoughtoheruntilshebeinheaven with him. The true spouse and the bride always, unless indesertionandtemptation,crieth,'Come,LordJesus,comequickly,'Rev.22:20. Now, these degrees of Christ's approaches to the soul, until hissecond coming, are, that he may manifest himself more and more indefending,comforting,andenablinghischurchwithgrace.Everyfurthermanifestationofhispresenceisafurthercoming.

Quest.Butwhyisthechurchthusearnest?

Reason 1. First, because grace helps to see our need of Christ, and sohelpsus toprizehimthemore;whichhighesteembreedsahungering,earnestdesireafterhim,andadesireoffurtherlikenessandsuitablenesstohim.

Secondly,becausethechurchwellknowsthatwhenChristcomestothesoul he comes not alone, but with his Spirit, and his Spirit withabundanceofpeaceandcomfort.Thissheknows,whatneedshehathofhis presence, that without him there is no comfortable living; forwheresoeverheis,hemakesthesoulakindofheaven,andallconditionsoflifecomfortable.

Use. Hence we may see that those that do not desire the presence ofChrist in his ordinances are, it is to be feared, such as thewind of theHolyGhostneverblewupon.TherearesomeofsuchadispositionastheycannotendurethepresenceofChrist,suchasantichristandhis limbs,*whomthepresenceofChristinhisordinancesblastsandconsumes.Suchare not only profane and worldly persons, but proud hypocrites, whoglory in somethingof their own; and therefore their hearts rise againstChrist andhis ordinances, as laying open and shaming their emptiness

and carnalness. The Spirit in the spouse is always saying to Christ,'Come.' Ithathneverenoughofhim.Hewasnowinasortpresent;butthechurch,afteritisonceblownupon,isnotsatisfiedwithoutafurtherpresence.ItisfromtheSpiritthatwedesiremoreoftheSpirit,andfromthepresenceofChristthatwedesireafurtherpresenceandcommunionwithhim.Now,

TheendandreasonwhyChristisdesiredbytheChurchtocomeintohisgardenis'toeathispleasantfruits;'thatis,togivehimcontentment.AndisitnotfitthatChristshouldeatthefruitofhisownvine?havecomfortofhisowngarden?totasteofhisownfruits?TheonlydelightChristhathintheworldisinhisgarden,andthathemighttakethemoredelightinit, hemakes it fruitful; and those fruits are precious fruits, as growingfromplantssetbyhisownhand,relishingofhisownSpirit,andsofittedforhistaste.Now,thechurch,knowingwhatfittedChrist'stastebest,andknowing the fruits of grace in her heart, desireth that Christ woulddelightinhisowngracesinher,andkindlyacceptofwhatshepresentedhimwith.Whenceweseethat

Agraciousheartisprivytoitsowngraceandsinceritywhenitisinarighttemper, and so far as it is privy is bold with Christ in a sweet andreverendmanner. Somuch sincerity, somuch confidence. If our heartcondemn us not of unsincerity, we may in a reverend manner speakboldly toChrist. It isnot fit there shouldbe strangenessbetwixtChristand his spouse; neither, indeed, will there be, when Christ hath blownuponher,andwhensheisonthegrowinghand.Butmarktheorder.

First, Christ blows, and then the church says, 'Come.' Christ begins inlove, then lovedraws love.Christ draws the church, and she runs afterhim,Cant.1:4.Thefireoflovemeltsmorethanthefireofaffliction.

Again,wemayseehereinthechurchacarefulnesstopleaseChrist.Asitistheduty,soitisthedisposition,ofthechurchofChrist,topleaseherhusband.

1.The reason is, first,ourhappiness stands inhis contentment,andallcannotbutbewellinthathousewherethehusbandandthewifedelightin,andmakemuchof,eachother.

2.Andagain,afterthatthechurchhathdeniedherselfandthevanitiesofthe world, entering into a way and course ofmortification, whom elsehathshetogiveherselfto,orreceivecontentmentfrom?Ourmanneristostudytopleasemenwhomwehopetoriseby,beingcarefulthatallwedomaybewelltakenofthem.AsforChrist,weputhimoffwithanything.Ifhelikesit,soitis;ifnot,itisthebestthatheisliketohave.

Uses.1.Oh!letustaketheapostle'scounsel,'Tolabourtowalkworthyofthe Lord, &c., unto all well-pleasing, increasing in knowledge, andfruitfulness in every goodwork,' Col. 1:9, 10.And this knowledgemustnot only be a general wisdom in knowing truths, but a specialunderstandingofhisgood-willtous,andourspecialdutiesagaintohim.

2.Again,thatwemaypleaseChristthebetter,labourtobecleansedfromthat which is offensive to him: let the spring be clean. Therefore thepsalmist,desiringthatthewordsofhismouthandthemeditationsofhisheartmightbeacceptablebeforeGod,firstbegs'cleansingfromhissecretsins,'Ps.19:12.

3. And still we must remember that he himself must work in uswhatsoever is well-pleasing in his sight, that so we may be perfect ineverygoodthingtodohiswill,havinggracewherebywemayservehimacceptably.Andoneprevailingargumentwithhimis,thatwedesiretobesuchashemaytakedelightin:'theuprightarehisdelight.'Itcannotbutpleasehimwhenwedesiregraceforthisendthatwemaypleasehim.Ifwestudy topleasemen inwhomthere isbut littlegood, shouldwenotmuch more study to please Christ, the fountain of goodness? Labourtherefore tobespiritual; for 'tobecarnallyminded isdeath,'Rom.8:6,and'thosethatareinthefleshcannotpleaseGod.'

The church desires Christ to come into his garden, 'to eat his pleasantfruits,'wherewesee,thechurchgivesalltoChrist.Thegardenishis,thefruithis,thepleasantnessandpreciousnessofthefruitishis.Andasthefruits please him, so the humble acknowledgment that they come fromhimdothexceedinglypleasehim.Itisenoughforustohavethecomfort,lethimhavetheglory.ItcamefromagoodspiritinDavidwhenhesaid,'Of thineown,Lord, I give thee,'&c., 1Chron.29:14.Godaccounts theworksandfruitsthatcomefromustobeours,becausethejudgmentand

resolutionofwill,wherebywedothem,isours.Thishedothtoencourageus;butbecausethegracewherebywejudgeandwillaright,comesfromGod,itisourdutytoascribewhatsoeverisgoodinus,orcomesfromus,unto him; soGod shall lose no praise, andwe lose no encouragement.The imperfections in well-doing are only ours, and those Christ willpardon,asknowinghowtobearwiththeinfirmitiesofhisspouse,being'theweakervessel,'1Pet.3:7.

Use. This therefore should cheer up our spirits in the wants andblemishesofourperformances.TheyarenotwithstandingpreciousfruitsinChrist's acceptance, so thatwedesire topleasehimaboveall things,andtohavenearercommunionwithhim.Fruitfulnessuntopleasingnessmay stand with imperfections, so that we be sensible of them, andashamedforthem.Althoughthefruitbelittle,yetitisprecious,thereisablessinginit.Imperfectionshelpusagainsttemptationstopride,nottobe matter of discouragement, which Satan aims at. And as Christcommands the north and south wind to blow for cherishing, so Satanlabourstostirupaneastpinchingwind,totakeeitherfromendeavour,ortomakeusheartlessinendeavour.WhyshouldwethinkbaselyofthatwhichChristthinksprecious?Whyshouldwethinkthatoffensivewhichhecountsasincense?Wemustnotgivefalsewitnessoftheworkofgraceinourhearts,butblessGodthathewillworkanythinginsuchpollutedheartsasours.Whatthough,astheycomefromus,theyhavearelishoftheoldman,seeinghetakesthemfromus,'perfumesthemwithhisownsweetodours,'Rev.8:3,andsopresentsthemuntoGod.HeisourHighPriest which makes all acceptable, both persons, prayers, andperformances,sprinklingthemallwithhisblood,Heb.9:14.

To conclude this point, let it be our study to be in such a conditionwhereinwemaypleaseChrist;andwhereaswearedailypronetooffendhim, let us daily renew our covenant with him, and in him: and fetchencouragementsofwell-doingfromthis,thatwhatwedoisnotonlywell-pleasinguntohim,butrewardedofhim.Andtothisenddesirehim,thathewouldgive command tonorthand south, toall sortofmeans, tobeeffectual formaking usmore fruitful, that hemay delight in us as hispleasantgardens.Andthenwhatisintheworldthatweneedmuchcarefororfear?

Now, upon the church's invitation for Christ to come into his garden,followshisgraciousansweruntothechurch'sdesire,inthefirstverseofthisfifthchapter:

'I am come intomy garden,my sister,my spouse: I have gatheredmymyrrhwithmyspice;Ihaveeatenmyhoneycombwithmyhoney;Ihavedrunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drinkabundantly,Obeloved,'Cant.5:1.

Whichwordscontaininthemananswertothedesireofthechurchinthelatterpartof theverse formerlyhandled: 'Awake, thounorthwind;andcome,thousouth,'&c.

Then, ver. 2, is set forth the secure estate of the church at this time, 'Isleep,butmyheartwaketh;'insettingdownwhereoftheHolyGhostherebySolomonshewslikewise,

ThelovingintercoursebetwixtChristandthechurchonewithanother.

NowChrist,uponthesecureestateandconditionof thechurch,desiresher'toopenuntohim,'ver2;whichdesireandwaitingofChristisputoffand slighted with poor and slender excuses: ver. 3, 'I have put off mycoat;howshallIputiton?'&c.

Thesuccess*ofwhichexcusesis,thatChristseemstogoawayfromher(and indeed to her sight and sense departs): ver. 6, 'I opened to mybeloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself,' &c.; whereupon shelaysabouther, isrestless,andinquiresafterChristfromthewatchmen,whomisuse,'woundher,andtakeawayherveilfromher,'ver.7.

Another intercourse in this chapter here is, that the church for all thisgivesnotoversearchingafterChrist,butasksthedaughtersofJerusalemwhatwasbecomeofherbeloved,ver.8;andwithal,inafewwords,butfulloflargeexpression,sherelateshercaseuntothem,that'shewassickof love,' and so 'chargeth them to tell her beloved,' 'if they find him.'Whereupon a question moved by them, touching her beloved, ver. 9,'What is thy beloved more than another beloved?' she takes occasion,beingfulloflove,whichisgladofalloccasiontospeakofthebeloved,to

burstforthintohispraises,bymanyelegantexpressions,verses10,11,12,&c.

1.Ingeneral,settinghimatalargedistance,beyondcomparisonfromallothers,tobe'thechiefestoftenthousand,'ver.10.

2.Inparticulars,ver.11,&c.:'hisheadisasmostfinegold,'&c.

Theissuewhereofwas,thatthe'daughtersofJerusalem'becomelikewiseenamoured with him, chap. 6:1; and thereupon inquire also after him,'Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest amongwomen?' &c. Untowhichdemandthechurchmakesanswer,chap.6:2;andso,ver.3ofthatchapter makes a confident, triumphant close unto all these grandpassagesforenamed,'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine,'&c.;allofwhichwillbetterappearintheparticularsthemselves.

The first thing thenwhichoffereth itself toourconsideration isChrist'sanswertothechurch'sinvitation,chap.4:16:

'I am come intomy garden,my sister,my spouse: I have gatheredmymyrrhwithmyspice;Ihaveeatenmyhoneycombwithmyhoney;Ihavedrunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drinkabundantly,Obeloved.'Inwhichversewehave,

I.Christ'sanswertothechurch'spetition,'Iamcomeintomygarden.'

II.Acompellation,ordescriptionofthechurch,'Mysister,myspouse.'

III.Christ'sacceptationofwhathehadgottenthere,'Ihavegatheredmymyrrhwithmyspice;Ihaveeatenmyhoneycombwithmyhoney.'Thereis,

IV.AninvitationofallChrist's friendstoamagnifique*abundantfeast,'Eat,Ofriends;drink,yeadrinkabundantly,Obeloved.'

I. For the first, then, in that Christmakes such a real answer unto thechurch's invitation, 'Iamcomeintomygarden,'&c.,wesee, thatChristcomesintohisgarden. 'Tismuchthathethathathheaventodelightin,willdelighttodwellamongthesonsofsinfulmen;butthishedothforus,

andsotakesnoticeofthechurch'spetition.

'Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruit.' Theright speech of the church that gives all to Christ,who,when she hathmadesuchapetition,hearsit.Theorderisthis—

First of all,Godmakes his church lovely, planteth good things therein,andthenstirsupinhergooddesires:bothfitnesstoprayfromaninwardgracious disposition, and holy desires; after which, Christ hearing thevoice of his own Spirit in her, and regarding his own preparations, heanswers them graciously. Whence, in the first place, we may observe,that,

Godmakes us good, stirs up holy desires in us, and then answers thedesiresofhisholySpiritinus.

A notable place for thiswe have, Ps. 10:17,which shews howGod firstpreparesthehearttopray,andthenhearsthesedesiresofthesoulstirredupbyhisownSpirit, 'Lord, thouhastheard thedesiresof thehumble.'None are fit to pray but the humble, such as discern their ownwants:'Thou wilt prepare their hearts, thou wilt make thine ear to hear.' SoRom.8:26,itissaid,'LikewisetheSpiritalsohelpethourinfirmities;forweknownotwhatwe shouldpray for asweought: but theSpirit itselfmaketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered.'ThustheSpiritnotonlystirsupourhearttopray,butalsopreparesourheartsuntoit.Especiallythisisnecessaryforus,whenourthoughtsareconfusedwithtrouble,grief,andpassions,notknowingwhattopray.InthiscasetheSpiritdictatesthewordsofprayer,orelse,inaconfusionofthoughts,sumsupallinavolleyofsighsandunexpressiblegroans.Thusit is true, that ourhearts canneitherbe liftedup toprayer, nor rightlypreparedforit, inanyframefitting,butbyGod'sownSpirit.Nothingisaccepted of God toward heaven and happiness, but that which isspiritual: all saving and sanctifying good comes from above. ThereforeGodmustpreparetheheart,stirupholydesires,dictateprayer;mustdoallinall,beingour'AlphaandOmega,'Rev.1:8.

1.NowGodhearsourprayers,First,Becausethematerialsoftheseholydesires are good in themselves, and from theperson fromwhence they

come,hisbelovedspouse,asitisinCant.2:14,whereChrist,desiringtohearthevoiceofhischurch,saith, 'Letmeseethycountenance,andletmehearthyvoice;forsweetisthyvoice,andthycountenanceiscomely.'ThusthevoiceoftheSpouseissweet,becauseitisstirredupbyhisownSpirit,whichburnstheincense,andwhenceallcomeswhichissavinglygood.ThisofferingupofourprayersinthenameofChrist,isthatwhichwithhis sweet odours perfumes all our sacrifices andprayers; because,beinginthecovenantofgrace,Godrespectswhatsoevercomesfromus,aswedothedesiresofournearfriends,Rev.8:3.

2.Andthen,again,Godhearsourprayers,becausehe looksuponusaswe are in election, and choice ofGod theFather,whohath givenus tohim.Notonlyasinthenearbondofmarriage,husbandandwife,butalsoashehathgivenustoChrist;whichishispleauntotheFather,John17:6,'Thine they were, thou gavest themme,' &c. The desires of the churchpleasehim,because theyare stirredupbyhisSpirit, andproceed fromherthatishis;whosevoicehedelightstohear,andtheprayersofothersforhischurchareaccepted,becausetheyareforherthatishisbeloved.

Toconfirmthisfurther,seeIsa.58:9.'Thouthenshaltcry,andtheLordshallanswer; thoushaltcall,andpresentlyheshallsay,HereIam,'&c.So as soon asDaniel had ended that excellent prayer, the angel tellethhim, 'At the beginning of thy supplications the decree came forth,'&c.,Dan. 9:23. Sobecauseheknowswhat toput into ourhearts, he knowsourdesiresandthoughts,andthereforeacceptsofourprayersandhearsus, becausehe loves the voice ofhis ownSpirit inus. So it is said, 'Hefulfils the desires of them that fear him; and he is near to all that calluponhim,toallthatcalluponhimintruth,'Ps.145:18.AndourSaviour,he saith, 'Askandye shall receive,'&c.,Mat. 7:7.Sowehave it, 1 John5:14, 'Andweknow ifweaskanythingaccording tohiswill,hehearethus.'

Use1.Letitthereforebeasingularcomforttous,thatinallwants,sointhatoffriends,whenwehavenonetogoto,yetwehaveGod,towhomwemayfreelypouroutourhearts.Therebeingnoplaceintheworldthatcanrestrainus fromhispresence,orhisSpirit fromus,hecanhearusandhelpus in all places.What a blessed estate is this!None canhinderusfromdrivingthistradewithChristinheaven.

Use2.Andletusmakeanotheruseofitlikewise,tobeameanstostirupour hearts tomake use of our privileges.What a prerogative is it for afavouritetohavethefare*ofhisprince!himweaccounthappy.Surelyheis muchmore happy that hath God's care, him to be his father in thecovenant of grace; him reconciled, upon all occasions, to pour out hisheartbeforehim,whoismercifulandfaithful,wiseandmostabletohelpus. 'Whyarewediscouraged, therefore;andwhyarewecastdown,'Ps.42:11,whenwehavesuchapowerfulandsuchagraciousGodtogotoinallourextremities?Hethatcanpraycanneverbemuchuncomfortable.

Use3.Solikewise,itshouldstirusuptokeepourpeacewithGod,thatsowemayalwayshaveaccessuntohim,andcommunionwithhim.Whatapitifulcaseisittoloseothercomforts,andtherewithalsotobeinsuchastate,thatwecannotgotoGodwithanyboldness!Itisthegreatestlossofallwhenwehavelostthespiritofprayer;for,ifweloseotherthings,wemayrecoverthembyprayer.ButwhenwehavelostthisboldnesstogotoGod,andareafraidtolookhimintheface,asmalefactorsthejudge,thisisawofulstate.

Now there are diverse cases wherein the soul is not in a state fit forprayer.Asthatfirst,Ps.66:18,'IfIregardiniquityinmyheart,theLordwillnotregardmyprayer.'Ifamanhathanaughtyheart,thatpurposethtoliveinanysinagainstGod,hetakeshimforanenemy,andthereforewill not regard his prayer. Therefore we must come with a resolutepurpose to break off all sinful courses, and to give up ourselves to theguidance of God's Spirit. And thiswill be a forcible reason tomove usthereunto, because so long aswe live in any known sin unrepented of,Godneitherregardsusnorourprayers.Whatafearfulestateisthis,thatwhenwehave suchneed ofGod's favour in all estates; in sickness, thehourofdeath, and in spiritual temptation, tobe in sucha conditionasthatwedarenotgotoGod!Thoughourlivesbecivil,*yetifwehavefalseheartsthatfeedthemselveswithevilimaginations,andwithapurposeofsinning,thoughweactitnot,theLordwillnotregardtheprayersofsucha one; they are abominable. The very 'sacrifice of the wicked isabominable,'Prov.15:8.

2.Anothercaseis,whenwewillnotforgiveothers.Weknowitisdirectly

setdown in theLord'sprayer, 'Forgiveus our trespasses, aswe forgivethemthattrespassagainstus,'Mat.6:14;andthereisfurtheradded,ver.15, 'If you forgive notmen their trespasses, neither will your heavenlyFatherforgiveyou.'Ifourheartstelluswehavenodispositiontopardon,beatpeaceandagreement,thenwedobuttakeGod'snameinvainwhenweaskhim to forgiveour sins,andwecontinue inenvyandmalice. InthiscaseGodwillnotregardourprayers,asitissaid,'Icarenotforyourprayers,orforanyserviceyouperformtome,'Isa.1:15.Why?'Foryourhandsare full ofblood,' Isa.66:1.Youareunmerciful, of a cruel, fiercedisposition,whichcannotappearbeforeGodrightly,norhumbleitselfinprayer. If it doth, its ownbloody and cruel dispositionwill be objectedagainsttheprayers,whicharenotmingledwithfaithandlove,butwithwrathandbitterness.ShallIlookformercy,thathavenomercifulheartmyself?CanIhopetofindthatofGod,thatotherscannotfindfromme?Anunbrokendisposition,whichcounts'prideanornament,'Ps.73:6,thatiscruelandfierce, itcannotgotoGodinprayer.For,whosoeverwouldprevailwithGod inprayermustbehumble; forour supplicationsmustcome from a loving, peaceable disposition, where there is a resolutionagainst all sin, Ps. 73:1. Neither is it sufficient to avoid grudging andmalice against these, but we must look that others have not cause togrudgeagainstus,asitiscommanded:'Ifthoubringthygiftstothealtar,and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leavethere thygiftbefore thealtar,andgothyway; firstbereconciledto thybrother,andthencomeandofferthygift,'Mat.5:23.Sothatifwedonotseekreconciliationwithmenuntowhomwehavedonewrong,Godwillnotbereconciledtous,noracceptanyservicefromus.

Ifthenwewouldhaveourprayersandourpersonsacceptedorrespected,letusmakeconscienceofthatwhichhathbeensaid,andnotlosesuchablessed privilege as this is, that Godmay regard our prayers. But heremaybeasked—

Quest.HowshallIknowwhetherGodregardmyprayersornot?

Ans.1.First,Whenhegrantsthethingprayedfor,orenlargethourheartstopraystill.Itisagreatergiftthanthethingitselfwebeg,tohaveaspiritof prayerwith aheart enlarged; for, as long as theheart is enlarged toprayer,itisasignthatGodhathaspecialregardofus,andwillgrantour

petitioninthebestandfittesttime.

2. When he answers us in a better and higher kind, as Paul when heprayed for the taking away of the prick of the flesh, had promises ofsufficientgrace,2Cor.12:7–9.

3.When,again,hegivesusinwardpeace,thoughhegivesnotthething,asPhil.4:6, 'Innothingbecareful,but inall thingsletyourrequestsbemadetoGodwithprayerandthanksgiving.'

Obj.Butsometimeshedothnotanswerourrequests.

Ans. It is true he doth not, but 'the peace of God which passeth allunderstandingguardsourheartsandmindsintheknowledgeandloveofGod,'Philip.4:7.Sothoughheanswersnotourprayersinparticular,yethevouchsafesinwardpeaceuntous,assuringusthatitshallgowellwithus, thoughnot in that particularwebeg.And thus innot hearing theirprayers,yettheyhavetheirhearts'desirewhenGod'swillismadeknown.Isnot thissufficient foraChristian,eithertohavethething,or tohaveinwardpeace,withassurancethatitshallgobetterwiththemthaniftheyhadit;withaspiritenlargedtopray,tilltheyhavethethingprayedfor.Ifanyofthesebe,Godrespectsourprayers.

Again, in that Christ is thus ready to come into his garden upon thechurch'sinvitation,wemayfurtherobserve,that

Christvouchsafeshisgraciouspresencetohischildrenupontheirdesireofit.

Thepointisclear.Fromthebeginningoftheworld,thechurchhathhadthepresenceofChristalway;foreitherhehathbeenpresentinsacrifices,orinsomeotherthings,signsofhispresence,asinthe'bush,'Exod.3:2,or some more glorious manifestation of his presence, the ark, Exod.25:22,andinthecloudandpillaroffire,Exod.13:21,andafterthatmoregloriously in the temple.He hath ever been presentwith his church insome sign or evidence of his presence; he delighted to be with thechildren of men. Sometimes before that he assumed a body, andafterward laid it down again, until he came, indeed, to take our nature

uponhim,nevertoleaveitagain.Buthereismeantaspiritualpresencemostofall,whichthechurchinsomesorteverhad,nowdesires,andheoffers,asbeingaGod 'hearingprayer,'Ps.65:2.Andto instance inoneplace for all, to see how ready Christ hath always been to shew hispresencetothechurchupontheirdesire.Whatelseistheburdenofthe107thPsalmbutarepetitionofGod'sreadiness toshewhispresence inthe church, upon their seeking unto him, and unfeigned desire of it,notwithstandingalltheirmanifoldprovocationsofhimtoanger?whichiswellsummedup,Ps.106:43, 'Manytimesdidhedeliver them,but theyprovokedhimwiththeircounsel,andworebroughtlowfortheiriniquity.Nevertheless,heregardedtheirafflictionwhenheheardtheircry.'

It doth not content the church to have a kind of spiritual presence ofChrist, but it is carried from desire to desire, till the whole desire beaccomplished; foras therearegradualpresencesofChrist, so therearesuitabledesiresinthechurchwhichrisebydegrees.Christwaspresent,1,by his gracious spirit; and then, 2, more graciously present in hisincarnation, the sweetest time that ever the church had from thebeginning of theworld until then. It being 'the desire of nations,'Hag.2:7,forthedescriptionofthosewholivedbeforehiscomingisfrom'thewaitingfortheconsolationofIsrael,'thatis,forthefirstcomingofChrist.Andthenthereisa3dandmoregloriouspresenceofChrist,thatallofuswaitfor,wherebywearedescribedtobesuch'aswaitforthecomingofChrist,'Mark15:43.ForthesoulofaChristianisneversatisfieduntil itenjoythehighestdesireofChrist'spresence,whichthechurchknewwellenough must follow in time. Therefore, she especially desires thisspiritual presence in a larger and fuller measure, which she in somemeasurealreadyhad.So,then,ChristisgraciouslypresentinhischurchbyhisHolySpirit.'Iwillbewithyou,'saithhe,'untotheendoftheworld,'Mat.28:20.Itishispromise.WhenIamgonemyself,'Iwillnotleaveyoucomfortless,' John 14:18, but leavewith youmyvicar-general, theHolySpirit,theComforter,whoshallbealwaywithyou.But—

Quest.HowshallweknowthatChristispresentinus?

Ans.Toknowthis,weshallnotneedtopullhimfromheaven.Wemayknowitinthewordandsacraments,andinthecommunionofsaints;forthese are the conveyanceswhereby hemanifests himself, togetherwith

theworkofhisowngraciousSpiritinus;for,asweneednottakethesunfromheaven toknowwhetherornot itbeup,orbeday,whichmaybeknownby the light,heat,and fruitfulnessof thecreature;andas in thespringweneednot look to theheaven to seewhether the sunbe comenearusornot,forlookingontheearthwemayseeallgreen,fresh,lively,strong,andvigorous;soitiswiththepresenceofChrist.Wemayknowheis present by that light which is in the soul, convincing us of bettercoursestobetaken,ofaspiritual life, toknowheavenlythings,andthedifference of them from earthly, and to set a price upon them. Whenthere is, together with light, a heat above nature, the affections arekindled to love thebest things, and to joy in them; andwhen, togetherwith heat, there is strength and vigour to carry us to spiritual duties,framingus to a holy communionwithGod, and onewith another; andlikewisewhenthereiseverywaycheerfulnessandenlargementofspirit,asitiswiththecreaturewhenthesunapproacheth.Forthesecausesthechurch desires Christ, that shemay havemore light, life, heat, vigour,strength, and that shemaybemore cheerful and fruitful induties.Thesoul,whenitisoncemadespiritual,dothstilldesireafurtherandfurtherpresenceofChrist,tobemadebetterandbetter.

WhatacomfortisthistoChristians,thattheyhavethepresenceofChristso far forth as shall make them happy, and as the earth will afford.Nothing but heaven, or rather Christ in heaven itself, will content thechildofGod.Inthemeantime,hispresence inthecongregationmakestheir souls, as it were, heaven. If the king's presence, who carries thecourtwithhim,makesallplaceswhereheisacourt,soChristhecarriesakindofheavenwithhim.Wheresoeverheis,hispresencehathwithitlife,light, comfort, strength, and all; for one beam of his countenance willscatterallthecloudsofgriefwhatsoever.Itisnomatterwherewebe,soChrist bewith us. If with the three children in a fiery furnace, it is nomatter, if 'a fourthbetherealso,'Dan.3:25.So ifChristbewithus, theflamesnornothingshallhurtus.Ifinadungeon,asPaulandSilaswere,Acts16:24,ifChrist'spresencebethere,byhisSpirittoenlargeoursouls,all is comfortable whatsoever. It changeth the nature of all things,sweeteneth everything, besides that sweetnesswhich it brings unto thesoul,bythepresenceoftheSpirit;asweseeintheActs,whentheyhadreceived the Holy Ghost more abundantly, they cared not what they

suffered, regarded not whipping; nay, were glad 'that they wereaccountedworthytosufferanythingforChrist,'Acts5:41.Whencecamethisfortitude?FromthepresenceofChrist,andtheComforterwhichhehadformerlypromised.

So let us have the Spirit of Christ that comes from him; then it is nomatterwhatourconditionbeintheworld.UponthisgroundletusfearnothingthatshallbefallusinGod'scause,whatsoeveritis.Weshallhavea spirit of prayer at the worst. God never takes away the spirit ofsupplication fromhis children, but leaves them that, until at length hepossessthemfullyoftheirdesires.InallChrist'sdelays,letuslookuntothecause,andtoourcarriagetherein;renewourrepentance,thatwemaybeinafitstatetogotoGod,andGodtocometous.Desirehimtofitusforprayerandholycommunionwithhim,thatwemayneverdoubtofhispresence.

THESECONDSERMON

Iamcomeintomygarden,mysister,myspouse:Ihavegatheredmymyrrhwithmyspice;Ihavegatheredmyhoneycombwithmyhoney;Ihavedrunkmywinewithmymilk:eat,Ofriends;drink,yea,drinkabundantly,Obeloved.'—CANT.5:1.

THIS song is amirrorofChrist's love, adiscoveryofwhichwehave inpartinthisverse;whereinChristacceptsoftheinvitationofthechurch,andcomesintohisgarden;andheentertainsherwiththetermsofsisterandspouse.Hereinobservethedescriptionofthechurch,andthesweetcompellation, 'my sister, my spouse;' where there is both affinity andconsanguinity,allthebondsthatmaytieustoChrist,andChristtous.

1.Hissister,byblood.

2.Hisspouse,bymarriage.

Christisourbrother,andthechurch,andeveryparticulartruemember

thereof,ishissister.'Igo,'saithChrist,'tomyFatherandtoyourFather,to my God and to your God,' John 20:17. 'Go,' saith he, 'and tell mybrethren.' This was after his resurrection. His advancement did notchangehisdisposition.Go,tellmybrethrenthatleftmesounkindly;go,tellPeterthatwasmostunkindofall,andmostcastdownwiththesenseofit.Hebecameourbrotherbyincarnation,forallourunionisfromthefirstunionoftwonaturesinoneperson.Christbecameboneofourboneandfleshofourflesh,tomakeusspirituallyboneofhisboneandfleshofhisflesh.

Therefore let us labour tobe like tohim,who for thatpurposebecameliketous,Immanuel,Godwithus,Isa.7:14; thatwemightbe likehim,and 'partake of the divine nature,' 2 Pet. 1:4.Whom should we ratherdesiretobelikethanonesogreat,sogracious,soloving?

Again, 'Christ was not ashamed to call us brethren,' Heb. 2:11, nor'abhorredthevirgin'swomb,'tobeshutupinthosedarkcellsandstraits;but took our base nature, when it was at the worst, and not only ournature,butourmiserable conditionandcursedueuntous.Washenotashamed of us? and shall we be ashamed to own him and his cause?Against this cowardice it is a thunderbolt which our Saviour Christpronounceth, 'He that is ashamed of me before men, him will I beashamed of before my Father, and all the holy angels,' Mark 8:38. Itargues a base disposition, either for frown or favour to desert a goodcauseineviltimes.

Again, It isapointof comfort toknowthatwehaveabrotherwho isafavourite in heaven;who, though he abased himself for us, is yet Lordover all. Unless he had been our brother, he could not have been ourhusband; forhusbandandwife shouldbeofonenature.Thathemightmarryus,therefore,hecameandtookournature,sotobefittedtofulfilthework of our redemption. But now he is in heaven, set down at therighthandofGod:thetrueJoseph,thehigh,stewardofheaven;hehathallpowercommitteduntohim;herulesall.Whatacomfort is this toapoorsoul thathathno friends in theworld, thatyethehatha friend inheaventhatwillownhimforhisbrother, inandthroughwhomhemaygotothethroneofgraceboldlyandpourouthissoul,Heb.4:15,16.Whatacomfortwas it toJoseph'sbrethren that theirbrotherwas thesecond

personinthekingdom.

Again,ItshouldbeamotivetohavegoodChristiansinhighestimation,and to take heed howwewrong them, for their brotherwill take theirpart. 'Saul, Saul,whypersecutest thoume?'Acts9:4, saith theHead inheaven, when hismembers were trodden on upon earth. It ismore towrongaChristianthantheworldtakesitfor,forChristtakesitasdonetohimself. Absalom was a man wicked and unnatural, yet he could notendurethewrongthatwasdonetohissisterTamar,2Sam.13:1.Jacob'ssonstookitasahighindignitythattheirsistershouldbesoabused,Gen.34.HathChristnoaffections,nowheisinheaven,toherthatissonearhimasthechurchis?Howsoeverhesuffermentotyranniseoverherforawhile,yetitwillappearerelongthathewilltakethechurch'spart,forheisherbrother.

'Mysister,myspouse.'

The church is the daughter of a King, begotten of God; the sister andspouseofaKing,becausesheisthesisterandspouseofChrist,andthemotherofall thatare spiritualkings.ThechurchofChrist is everywayroyal.ThereforewearekingsbecauseweareChristians.HencetheHolyGhost doth add here to sister, spouse. Indeed, taking the advantage ofsuch relations as are most comfortable, to set out the excellent andtranscendantrelationthatisbetweenChristandhischurch;allotherarenotwhattheyaretermed,somuchasglassestoseebetterthings.Riches,beauty,marriage,nobility,&c., are scarceworthyof theirnames.Theseare but titles and empty things. Though our base nature make greatmattersofthem,yettherealityandsubstanceofalltheseareinheavenlythings.Truerichesaretheheavenlygraces;truenobilityistobebornofGod,tobethesisterandspouseofChrist;truepleasuresarethoseoftheSpirit, which endure for ever, and will stand by us when all outwardcomfortswill vanish. Thatmystical union and sweet communion is setdown with such variety of expressions, to shew that whatsoever isscatteredinthecreatureseverally is inhimentirely.Heisbothafriendandabrother,aheadandahusband,tous;thereforehetakesthenamesofall.Whencewemayobservefurther,

ThatthechurchisthespouseofChrist.Itspringsoutofhim;evenasEve

takenoutofAdam'srib,sothespouseofChristwastakenoutofhisside.Whenitwaspierced,thechurchroseoutofhisbloodanddeath;forheredeemedit,bysatisfyingdivinejustice;webeinginsuchaconditionthatChrist must redeem us before he would wed us. First, he must beincarnate in our nature before he could be a fit husband; and then,becausewewereinbondageandcaptivity,wemustberedeemedbeforehe couldmarry us: 'he purchased his churchwith his own blood,' Acts20:28.Christhathrighttous,heboughtusdearly.

Again, another foundation of this marriage between Christ and us, isconsent.HeworksusbyhisSpirittoyieldtohim.Theremustbeconsentonourpart,whichisnot inusbynature,butwroughtbyhisSpirit,&c.Weyieldtotakehimuponhisownterms;thatis,thatweshallleaveourfather'shouse,allourformercarnalacquaintance,whenhehathwroughtourconsent.Thenthemarriagebetweenhimandusisstruckup.

Some few resemblances will make the consideration of this the morecomfortable.

1.Thehusbandtakeshiswifeunderhisownname.She, losingherownname,iscalledbyhis.SowearecalledChristians,ofChrist.

2.Thewifeistakenwithallherdebt,andmadepartakerofthehonoursand riches of her husband.Whatsoever he hath is hers, and he standsanswerableforallherdebts.Soitishere:wehavenotonlythenameofChristuponus,butwepartakehishonours,andarekings,priests, andheirswithhim,Rev.1:5,6.Whatsoeverhehath,hehathtakenusintothefellowship of it; so that his riches are ours, and likewise,whatsoever isoursthatisill,hehathtakenituponhim,eventhewrathduetous.Forhecamebetweenthatandus,whenhewasmadesinandacurseforus,2Cor. 5:21; so there is a blessed change between Christ and us. Hishonoursandrichesareours.Wehavenothingtobestowonhim,butourbeggary,sinsandmiseries,whichhetookuponhim.

3.Thosethatbringtogetherthesetwodifferentparties,arethefriendsofthe bride; that is, the ministers, as it is, John 3:23. They are theparanymphi,thefriendsofthebride,thatlearnofChristwhattoreporttohis spouse, and so they woo for Christ, and open the riches, beauty,

honour,andallthatislovelyinhim,whichisindeedtheespecialdutyofministers—tolayopenhisunsearchableriches,thatthechurchmayknowwhatahusbandsheisliketohave,ifshecleavetohim;andwhatanonesheleaves,ifsheforsakehim.ItwaswellsaidinthecouncilofBasil,outof Bernard, 'Nemo committit sponsam suam Vicario; nemo enimEcclesiæsponsusest,'—Nonecommitshiswifetoavicar,fornoneisthehusband of the church. To be husband of the church is one of theincommunicable titles of Christ, yet usurped by the pope. Innocent theThirdwas the first thatwrongedChrist'sbedby challenging the titleofSponsus, husband of the church. Bernard forbids his scholar Eugeniusthistitle(Epist.ccxxxvii.adEugenium).It isenoughforministerstobefriendsof theBride.Letusyieldhimtobehusbandof thechurch, thathathgivenhimself to sanctify itwithwashingofwaterandblood,Eph.5:26.Weareawifeofbloodtohim.

In this sweet conjunction we must know, that by nature we are cleanotherways than spouses; for what was Solomon's wife, Pharaoh'sdaughter?A heathen, till she came to be Solomon's spouse. And asweread inMoses, the strangewomanmust have her hair cut off, and hernailspared,Deut.21:12.Beforesheshouldbetakenintothechurch,theremustbeanalteration;sobeforethechurch,whichisnotheathenish,butindeedhellishbynature,andledbythespiritoftheworld,befittobethespouseofChrist,theremustbeanalterationandachangeofnature,Is.11:6–8;John3:3.Christmustalter,renew,purge,andfitusforhimself.Theapostlesaith,Eph.5:24,itwastheendofhisdeath,notonlytotakeustoheaven,buttosanctifyusonearth,andprepareusthatwemightbefitspousesforhimself.

Use1.LetusoftthinkofthisnearnessbetweenChristandus,ifwehaveonce given our names to him, and not be discouraged for any sin orunworthinessinus.Whosuesawifefordebt,whensheismarried?Uxorilisnonintenditur.Thereforeanswerallaccusationsthus:—'GotoChrist.'Ifyouhaveanythingtosaytome,gotomyhusband.Godisjust,buthewill not have his justice twice satisfied, seeing whatsoever is duethereuntoissatisfiedbyChristourhusband.Whatacomfortisthistoadistressedconscience!Ifsincannotdismayus,whichistheillofillsandcauseofallevil,whatotherillcandismayus?Hethatexhortsustobear

with the infirmities one of another, and hath enjoined the husband tobearwiththewife,astheweakervessel,1Pet.3:7,willnothebearwithhischurchastheweakervessel,performingthedutyofanhusbandinallourinfirmities?

Use2.Again,hisdesireistomakeherbetter,andnottocastherawayforthatwhichisamiss.Andforoutwardills,theyarebuttorefine,andmakeusmoreconformabletoChristourhusband,tofitusforheaven,thesamewaythathewent.Theyhaveablessinginthemall,forhetakesawayallthatishurtful,hepitiesandkeepsus'astheappleofhiseye,'Zech.2:8.Therefore,letusoftenthinkofthis,sincehehathvouchsafedtotakeussonear tohimself.Letusnot lose thecomfort that thismeditationwillyieldus.Weloveforgoodness,beauty,riches;butChristlovesustomakeusso,andthenlovesusbecauseweareso,inallestateswhatsoever.

Use3.AndifChristbesonearus,letuslabourforchastejudgments,thatwedonotdefile themwitherrors, seeing thewhole soul is espoused toChrist. Truth is the spouse of our understandings. Veritas est sponsaintellectus. It is left* to us to be wanton in opinions, to take up whatconceit we will of things. So we ought to have chaste affections, notcleavingtobasethings.Ithathbeenofttimesseen,thatonehusbandhathmany wives, but never from the beginning of the world, that one wifehathhadmanyhusbands.Godpromisethtobetrothhischurchtohiminrighteousnessandfaithfulness,thatis,ashewillbefaithfultoher,sosheshall by his grace be faithful to him; faithfulness shall be mutual; thechurch shall not be false to Christ. So there is no Christian soul mustthinktohavemanyhusbands;forChristinthiscaseisajealoushusband.Takeheed thereforeof spiritualharlotryofheart, for our affections arefor Christ, and cannot be better bestowed. In other things we lose ourlove, and the things loved; but herewe lose not our love, but this is aperfecting love, which draws us to love that which is better thanourselves.Weare,asweaffect;†ouraffectionsare,astheirobjectsbe.Ifthey be set upon better things than ourselves, they are bettered by it.Theyareneverrightlybestowed,butwhentheyaresetuponChrist;anduponotherthingsastheyanswerandstandwiththe loveofChrist.Forthe prime love, when it is rightly bestowed, it orders and regulates allother loveswhatsoever.Nomanknowshowtouseearthly things,buta

Christian,thathathfirstpitchedhisloveonChrist.Thenseeingallthingsinhim,andinallthem,abeamofthatloveofhis,intendinghappinesstohim,soheknowshowtouseeverything inorder.Therefore letuskeepour communion with Christ, and esteem nothing more than his love,becauseheesteemsnothingmorethanours.

Quest.Buthowshallweknow,whetherwebeespousedtoChristornot?

Ans.1.Ourheartscantellus,whetherweyieldconsenttohimornot.Inparticular, whether we have received him, as he will be received, as aright husband, that is, whether we receive him to be ruled by him, tomake him our head. For the wife, when she yields to be married,therewithalsosurrendersupherownwill,toberuledbyherhusband.Sofarshehathdeniedherownwill;shehathnowillofherown.Christhathwisdomenoughforus,andhimselftoo,whosewisdomandwillmustbeours.Tobeledbydivinetruthssofarastheyarediscovereduntous,andto submit ourselves thereunto, is a sign of a gracious heart, that ismarriedtoChrist.

Ans. 2. Again, a willingness to follow Christ in all conditions as he isdiscovered in theword. To suffer Christ to have the sovereignty in ouraffections, above all other things and persons in the world; this is theright disposition of a true spouse. For as it was at the first institution,theremust be a leavingof father, andmother, and all, to cleave to ourhusband*: sohere,whenanythingandChrist cannot stand together,orelseweshallneverhavethecomfortofhissweetname.ManymenwillbegladtoownChristtobegreatbyhim,butasStAustincomplainsinhistime,ChristJesusisnotlovedforJesushisownsake.VixdiligiturJesuspropter Jesum, but for other things, that he brings with him, peace,plenty,&c.—asfarasitstandswiththesecontentments.IfChristandtheworldpart once, itwill beknownwhichwe followed. In timesofpeacethis ishardlydiscerned.Ifhewillpaymen'sdebts,soastheymayhavethecreditandgloryofthenametobecalledChristians,ifhewillredeemthemfromthedangerofsin,alliswell;butonlysuchhavethecomfortofthis communion, as love him for himself. Let us not so much troubleourselvesaboutsignsasbecarefultodoourdutytoChrist,andthenwillChristdiscoverhisloveclearlyuntous.

Use4.Now,theythatarenotbroughtsoneartothishappyconditionbyChrist,mayyethave thisencouragement, there is yetplaceofgrace forthem.Letthemthereforeconsiderbutthesethreethings.

1.TheexcellencyofChrist,andof thestateof thechurch,when it is sonearhim.

2.Thenecessityofthis,tobesonearhim.

3.Thatthereishopeofit.

There is in Christ whatsoever may commend a husband; birth,comeliness,riches,friends,wisdom,authority,&c.

1.TheexcellencyofthisconditiontobeonewithChrist,is,thatallthingsareours.Forhe is theKing,andthechurchtheQueenofall.All thingsare serviceable tous. It is awondrousnearness, tobenearer toChrist,thantheangels,whoarenothisbody,butservantsthatattenduponthechurch.Thebrideisnearertohimthantheangels,for,'heistheheadandhusband thereof, and not of the angels,' Heb. 2:16. What an excellentcondition is this forpoor fleshandblood, that creepsupanddown theearthheredespised!

2.Butespecially,ifweconsiderthenecessityofit.Weareallindebtedformore thanweareworth.Todivine justiceweoweadebtof obedience,andinwantofthatweoweadebtofpunishment,andwecannotansweroneforathousand.Whatwillbecomeofusifwehavenotahusbandtodischargeallourdebts,buttobeimprisonedforever?

Aperson that isa stranger toChrist, thoughhewereanAhithophel forhisbrain,aJudasforhisprofession,aSaulforhisplace,yetifhissinsbesetbeforehim,hewillbeswallowedupofdespair,fearingtobeshutupeternally under God's wrath. Therefore, if nothing else move, yet letnecessitycompelustotakeChrist.

3.Considernotonlyhowsuitableandhownecessaryhe isuntous,butwhathopethereistohavehim,whenashesuethtousbyhismessengers,and wooeth us, whenas we should rather seek to him; and with other

messengers sendeth a privy messenger, his Holy Spirit, to incline ourhearts.Letustherefore,asweloveoursouls,sufferourselvestobewon.Butmoreofthisinanotherplace.Thenextbranchis,

III.Christ'sacceptation.'Ihavegatheredmymyrrhwithmyspice,'&c.Sothat,togetherwithChrist'spresence,hereisagraciousacceptanceoftheprovision of the church, with a delight in it, and withal, a bringing ofmore with him. The church had a double desire, 1, That Christ wouldcometoacceptofwhatshehadforhimofhisowngrace,whichhehadwroughtinhersoul;and2,Shewasalsoverilypersuadedthathewouldnotcomeemptyhanded,onlytoacceptofwhatwasthere,butalsowouldbring abundance of grace and comfort with him. Therefore she desiresacceptationandincrease;bothwhichdesiresheanswers.Hecomestohisgarden, shews his acceptation, and withal he brings more. 'I havegatheredmymyrrhwithmyspice.Ihaveeatenmyhoneycombwithmyhoney;Ihavedrunkmywinewithmymilk,'&c.Whenceweobserve,

ThatGodacceptsofthegracesofhischildren,anddelightsinthem.

First,Becausetheyarethefruitsthatcomefromhischildren,hisspouse,hisfriend.Loveofthepersonwinsacceptanceofthatwhichispresentedfromtheperson.Whatcomesfromloveislovinglytaken.

Second,TheyarethegracesofhisSpirit.Ifwehaveanythingthatisgood,allcomesfromtheSpirit,whichisfirstinChristourhusband,andtheninus.AstheointmentwasfirstpouredonAaron'shead,Ps.133:2,andthenrandownuponhisrichgarments,soallcomesfromChristtous.StPaulcallsthewife'thegloryofherhusband,'1Cor.11:7,because,asinaglass,sheresembleththegracesofherhusband,whomayseehisowngracesinher. So it is with Christ and the church. Face answereth to face, asSolomon saith in another case, Prov. 27:19. Christ sees his own face,beauty,glory,inhischurch;shereflectshisbeams;helooksinloveuponher, and always with his looks conveys grace and comfort; and the,churchdoth reflectbackagainhis grace.ThereforeChrist lovesbut thereflectionofhisowngracesinhischildren,andthereforeacceptsthem.

Third,Hiskindnessissuchashetakesallingoodpart.Christisloveandkindnessitself.Whydothhegiveuntoherthenameofspouseandsister,

butthathewouldbekindandloving,andthatweshouldconceivesoofhim?Wesee,then,thegracesofChristacceptingofusandwhatwedoinhis strength. Both we ourselves are sacrifices, and what we offer is asacrifice acceptable to God, through him that offered himself as asacrifice of sweet smelling savour, from which God smells a savour ofrest.GodacceptsofChristfirst,andthenofus,andwhatcomesfromusin him. We may boldly pray, as Ps. 20:3, 'Lord, remember all ourofferings,andacceptalloursacrifices.'TheblessedapostleStPauldothwillus'toofferupourselves,'Rom.12:1,aholyandacceptablesacrificetoGod,whenweareonce inChrist. In theOldTestamentwehavediversmanifestationsofthisacceptation.HeacceptedthesacrificeofAbel,asitisthought,byfirefromheaven,andsoElijah'ssacrifice,andSolomon's,by fire, 1 Kings 18:38; 1 Chron, 21:26. So in the New Testament heshewed his acceptation of the disciples meeting together, by a mightywind,and then filling themwith theHolyGhost,Acts2:3.Butnowthedeclarationoftheacceptationofourpersons,graces,andsacrificethatweoffer tohim, ismost inpeaceof conscience and joy in theHolyGhost,andfromaholyfireoflovekindledbytheSpirit,wherebyoursacrificesareburned.Intheincenseofprayer,howmanysweetspicesareburnedtogetherbythisfireoffaithworkingbylove;ashumilityandpatienceinsubmitting to God's will, hope of a gracious answer, holiness, love toothers,&c.

Use1.IfsobethatGodacceptstheperformancesandgraces,especiallytheprayersofhis children, let itbeanargument to encourageus tobemuch inallholyduties. Itwoulddead theheartofanymantoperformservice where it should not be accepted, and the eye turned aside, notvouchsafing a gracious look upon it. This would be a killing of allcomfortableendeavours.Butwhenallthatisgoodisaccepted,andwhatisamissispardoned,whenabrokendesire,acupofcoldwatershallnotgounrespected,nay,unrewarded,Mat.10:42,whatcanwedesiremore?It is infidelity which is dishonourable to God and uncomfortable toourselves,thatmakesussobarrenandcoldinduties.

Use2.OnlyletourcarebetoapproveourheartsuntoChrist.Whenourhearts are right,we cannot but think comfortably of Christ. Those thathaveoffendedsomegreatpersonsareafraid,whentheyhearfromthem,

becausetheythinktheyareinastatedispleasingtothem.Soasoulthatisunder theguiltofanysin isso far fromthinkingthatGodacceptsof it,that it looks tohearnothing fromhimbut somemessage of anger anddispleasure. But one that preserves acquaintance, due distance, andrespecttoagreatperson,hearsfromhimwithcomfort.Beforehebreaksopena letter,orseesanything,hesupposes itcomesfroma friend,onethat loves him. So, as we would desire to hear nothing but good newsfrom heaven, and acceptation of all that we do, let us be careful topreserveourselves in a goodestate, or elseour soulswill trembleuponanydiscoveryofGod'swrath.Theguiltyconscienceargues,whatcanGodshew tome,being suchawretch?Theheartof suchanone cannotbutmisgive,as,wherepeaceismade,itwillspeakcomfort.ItissaidofDanielthathewasamanofGod'sdesires,Dan.9:23;10:11,19;andofStJohn,thatChristsolovedhimthatheleanedonhisbreast,John21:20.EveryonecannotbeaDaniel,noronethatleansonChrist'sbosom.Therearedegreesoffavourandlove;butthereisnochildofGodbutheisbelovedandacceptedofhiminsomedegree.Butsomethingofthisbeforeintheformerchapter.

'I have gatheredmymyrrhwithmy spice; I have eatenmyhoneycombwithmyhoney,'&c.

That is, I have taken contentment in thy graces, together withacceptation.Thereisadelight,andGodnotonlyaccepts,buthedelightsinthegracesofhischildren.'Allmydelight,'saithDavid,'isinthosethatare excellent,' Ps. 16:3. But this is not all, Christ comes with anenlargementofwhathefinds.

Christ comes, and comes not empty whensoever he comes, but withabundanceofgrace.IfStPaul,whowasbutChrist'sinstrument,couldtelltheRomans,'Ihopetocometoyouinabundanceofgraceandcomfort,'Rom. 15:29, because hewas a blessed instrument to convey good fromChrist to the people of God, as a conduit-pipe, how much more shallChristhimself,whereheispresent,comewithgracesandcomfort!Thosethat have communion with Christ, therefore, have a comfortablecommunion,beingsuretohaveitenlarged,for'tohimthathathshallbegiven,'Mat. 25:29. It is not only true of his last coming,whenhe shallcome to judge the quick and the dead, 'I come, andmy reward iswith

me,'Rev.22:12,butalsoofallhisintermediatecomingsthatarebetween.Whenhecomestothesoul,hecomesnotonlytoacceptwhatisthere,butstillwith his rewardwith him, the increase of grace, to recompense allthatisgoodwiththeincreasethereof.Thismadehispresencesodesiredinthegospelwiththosethathadgracioushearts.Theyknewallwasthebetter forChrist, thecompanythebetter, forhenever leftanyhouseortablewherehewas,but therewasan increaseofcomfort,andofgrace.Andasitwasinhispersonal,soit is inhisspiritualpresence.Henevercomes,butheincreasesgraceandcomfort.

Therefore, let us be stirred up to have communionwithChrist, by thismotive,thatthusweshallhaveanincreaseofafurthermeasureofgrace.LetuslabourtobesuchasChristmaydelightin,forourgracesarehoneyandspicestohim,andwherehetastessweetnesshewillbringmorewithhim.Tohimthatovercomethhepromiseth'thehiddenmanna,'Rev.2:17.They hadmanna before, but hemeans they shall havemore abundantcommunionwithme,whoam'thehiddenmanna.'Thereisabundanceinhim to be had, as the soul is capable of abundance. Thereforewemaymost fruitfully and comfortably be conversant in holy exercises andcommunionwith Christ, because our souls are fit to be enlargedmoreandmore, till theyhave their fulness inheaven; and still there ismoregraceandcomforttobehadinChrist,themorewehavetodealwithhim.

But tocometoshewwhat ismeantbyhoneyandwine,&c.Not to takeuncertaingroundsfromthesewords,butthatwhichmaybeafoundationforustobuildcomfortandinstructionon,wewillnotshewinparticularwhat ismeantbywineandhoney (for that isnot intendedby theHolyGhost), but shew in general how acceptable the graces of the Spirit ofChristaretohim,thattheyfeedhimanddelighthim,aswineandhoneydous,becauseinthecovenantofgracehefillethusbyhisSpiritofgrace,tohavecomfortinusaswehaveinhim.For,excepttherebeamutualjoyinoneanother,thereisnotcommunion.ThereforeChristfurnishethhischurchwithsomuchgraceasisnecessaryforastateofabsencehere,thatmay fit her for communionwith him for ever in heaven. As Isaac sentRebecca,beforethemarriage,jewelsandornamentstowear,Gen.24:22,thatshemightbemorelovelywhentheymet,soourblessedSaviour,hesends to his spouse fromheaven jewels and ornaments, that is, graces,

wherewith adorned, he may delight in her more and more till themarriage be fulfilled. Therefore in this book the church is brought in,delightinginChrist,andheinthechurch.'Thylove,'saiththechurchtohim, 'is sweeter thanwine,' Cant. 1:2. Christ saith to the church again,'Thyloveissweeterthanwine.'WhatsoeverChristsaithtothechurch,thechurch saith back again toChrist, and he back again to the church. Sothere is amutual contentment and joy one in another. 'Eat, O friends,drink,'&c.

Here is an invitation. When he comes stored with more grace andcomfort, he stirs them up; both the church, others, and all that beargoodwilltohispeople,thattheywoulddelightinthegracesandcomfortsofhischurch.Whenceobserve,that

Obs.We ought to rejoice in the comforts and graces of others, and ofourselves.

Hestirrethupthechurchhere,aswellasothers;forhespeakstoall,bothtothechurchandthefriendsofit.Hehadneedtostirheruptoenjoythecomfortofherowngrace;fortheyaretwodistinctbenefits,tohavegrace,andtoknowthatwehaveit,thoughoneSpiritworkboth,1Cor.2:12.TheSpiritworksgrace,andshewsus the things thatGodhathgivenus,yetsometimesitdoththeone,andnottheother.Inthetimeofdesertionandoftemptation,wehavegrace,butweknowitnot;righttocomfort,butwefeelitnot.Thereisnocomfortofasecret,unknowntreasure;butsoitiswiththechurch,shedothnotalwaystakenoticeofherowngraces,andtherightshehathtocomfort.

WehaveneedtohaveChrist'sSpirittohelpustoknowwhatgoodis inus.AndindeedaChristianshouldnotonlyexaminehisheartfortheevilthatisinhim,tobehumbled;butwhatgoodthereis,thathemayjoyandbethankful.AndsinceChristacceptstheveryfirstfruits,theearnest,anddelights in them,we should knowwhat he delights in, thatwemay goboldly to him; considering that it is not of ourselves, but of Christ,whatsoever is graciously good. Therefore we ought to know our owngraces;forChrist,whenhewillhaveuscomfortableindeed,willdiscovertouswhatcausewehavetorejoice,andshewuswhatistheworkofhisownSpirit,andourrighttoallcomfort.

Andso, forothers,weshouldnotonly joy inourselves,and inourownconditionandlot;butalsointhehappyconditionofeverygoodChristian.There is joy inheavenat theconversionofonesinner,Luke15:10.GodtheFatherjoystohaveanewson;GodtheSontoseethefruitofhisownredemption,thatoneispulledoutofthestateofdamnation;andGodtheHolyGhost,thathehathanewtempletodwell in;theangels,thattheyhaveanewchargetolookto,thattheyhadnotbefore,tojoinwiththemtopraiseGod.Sothereisjoyinheaven;theFather,Son,andHolyGhost,withtheangels,joyatit;andalltrue-heartedChristiansjoyinthegracesoneofanother.

Reasons.For,1.God,Christ,andtheHolyGhosthaveglorybyit;and2,the church hath comfort by the increase of a saint. 3. The prayer of aChristianaddsnewstrengthtothechurch.Whatahappyconditionis itwhenGod's glory, the church's comfort and strength, and our own joy,meet together. So thatwe should all takenotice of the grace ofGod inothers.

WeoughttotakenoticeoftheworksofGodincreationandprovidence,whenweseeplants,stars,andsuchlike,orelsewedishonourGod.Whatthenshouldwedoforhisgiftsandgracesinhischildren,thatareabovethese in dignity? shouldwe not take notice ofwhat is graciously good,andpraiseGodforit?ThustheydidforPaul'sconversion,'theyglorifiedGod.'ForwhentheysawthatPaulofawolfwasbecomenotonlyasheep,butashepherdandleaderofGod'sflock,theyglorifiedGod,Gal.1:24.

So thebelievingJews,whentheGentileswereconverted, 'theyglorifiedGod, that he had taken theGentiles to be his garden and people,' Acts11:18.WhenPaul andothershadplanted the gospel, andGod gave theincrease, thegodlyJews rejoicedat thatgood.So,we thatareGentiles,shouldrejoicetohearoftheconversionoftheJews,andprayfor it; forthentherewillbeageneraljoywhenthatis.Wantofjoyshewswantofgrace. There is not a surer character of a Satanical and Cainishdisposition,thantolookonthegracesofGod'schildrenwithamalignanteye:asCain,whohatedhisbrother,becausehisworkswerebetterthanhis, 1 John 3:12. Those that deprave* the graces of God in others, andcloudthemwithdisgraces,thattheymaynotshine,andwillnothavethesweetointmentoftheirgoodnamestospread,butcastdeadfliesintoit,

shewthattheyareofhisdispositionthatistheaccuserofthebrethren.Itis a sign of the child of the devil. All that have grace in them, are ofChrist's and of the angels' disposition. They joy at the conversion andgrowth of any Christians. Here, such as they, are styled friends andbeloved; and indeed none but friends and beloved can love as Christloves,anddelightasChristdelights.

THETHIRDSERMON

Iamcomeintomygarden,mysister,myspouse:Ihavegatheredmymyrrhwithmyspice;Ihaveeatenmyhoneycombwithmyhoney;Ihavedrunkmywinewithmymilk;eatO friends;drink,yea,drinkabundantly, O beloved! I sleep, but my heart waketh, &c.—CANT.5:1,2.

IThathbeenshewedhowChristandthechurchwere feastingtogether.Sheentreatedhiscompany'tocomeintohisgardenandeathispleasantfruits.'He,accordingtoherdesire,wascome;andnotonlyfeastedonthechurch'sprovision,butalsobroughtmorewithhim.Christtakingwalksinhisgarden,thatis,hischurch,andeveryparticularsoul,whichisasasweetparadiseforhimtodelightin,ismuchrefreshed;andinwitnessofacceptance brings increase. What greater encouragement can we wish,thanthatwe,beingbynatureastheearth,sincethefall,accursed,shouldbethesoilofChrist'sdelight,plantedandwateredbyhim;andthatwhatwe yield should be so well taken of him. We are under so gracious acovenant that all our services are accepted; not only our honey, buthoneycomb;notonlyourwine,butourmilk;ourweakservicesaswellasourstrong;becausetheSpiritwhichwehavefromhimsweetenethall.Asinnaturethereisonecommoninfluencefromheaven,butyetvarietyofflowers,violets,roses,gilliflowers,spices,allsweetintheirseveralkind,withadifferentkindofsweetness:soallgraceshavetheirbeginningfromthe common influence of Christ's Spirit, though they differ one fromanother;andareallacceptedof the 'Fatherof lights,' fromwhencetheycome, James 1:17.Christwonders at his owngrace, 'Owoman, great isthyfaith,'Matt.15:28;andCant.3:6,'Whoisthisthatcomethoutofthe

wildernesslikepillarsofsmoke,perfumedwithmyrrhandfrankincense,withallpowdersofthemerchant?'

Letnottheweakestofallothersbediscouraged.Christlooksnottowhathebrings, somuchasoutofwhat store; thatwhich is least inquantitymaybemostinproportion,asthewidow'smitewasmoreinacceptancethan richer offerings, Luke 21:3, 'A pair of turtle doves,' Levit. 5:7,wasacceptedinthelaw,andthosethatbroughtbutgoats'hairtothebuildingofthetabernacle,Exod.35:6.

The particulars here specified that Christ took delight in, and invitethotherstoafurtherdegreeofdelightin,are

Myrrhandspice,honeyandhoneycomb,milk.

Which shew, 1. The sweetness of grace and spiritual comfort. 2. Thevariety.3.Theuse.

Myrrh and spices, 1, refresh the spirits, and 2, preserve fromputrefaction;whichare thereforeused inembalming. If thesoulbenotembalmedwithgrace,itisanoisome,carrionsoul;andasitisinitself,sowhatsoevercomethfromitisabominable.

Milkandhoneynourishandstrengthen;andwineincreasethspirits;andthereuponencouragethandallayethsorrowandcares.'Givewinetohimthatisreadytodie,'Prov.31:6.ThesenseoftheloveofChristissweeterthanwine;itbanishethfears,andsorrow,andcare.

FromthismutualdelightbetweenChristandhisspouseweobservenext,that

There is a mutual feasting betwixt Christ and his church. The churchbringethwhatshehathofhisSpirit;andChristcomeswithmoreplenty.

For there being so near a covenant betweenhim andus,we are by hisgracetoperformallofficesonourpart.Weinvitehim,andheinvitethus.There is not themeanest Christian in whom there is not somewhat towelcomeChristwithal;butChristsendshisprovisionbefore,andcomes,aswe say, tohis own cost.He sends a spirit of faith, a spirit of love, a

spiritofobedience.1.Somearecontenttoinviteothers,butarelothtogoto others, as if it were against state. They would have wherewith toentertainChrist,butareunwillingtobebeholdentoChrist.2.SomearecontenttohavebenefitbyChrist,ashisrighteousnesstocoverthem,&c.,but theydesirenot grace to entertainChrist; but a heart truly graciousdesireth both to delight in Christ, and that Christmay delight in it. Itdesirethgracetogetherwithmercy,holinesswithhappiness.Christcouldnotdelightinhislovetous,ifwebyhisgracehadnotaloveplantedinourheartstohim.Buttocometospeakofthisfeast.

We see it pleaseth Christ to veil heavenly matters with comparisonsfetchedfromearthlythings,thatsohemayenterintooursoulsthebetterbyoursenses.

1. Christmaketh us a feast, amarriage feast, amarriage feastwith theKing'sSon,ofall feaststhemostmagnificent.Afeast, first, inregardofthechoiceraritieswehaveinChrist.Wehavethebest,andthebestofthebest.'Fatthings,andthemarrowoffatness;wine,andwineonthelees,'Isa. 25:6, refined, that preserveth the strength. The comforts we havefrom Christ, are the best comforts; the peace, the best peace; theprivileges, the highest privileges. 'His flesh,' crucified for us, to satisfydivine justice, 'ismeat indeed; his blood, shed for us, is drink indeed,'John6:55;thatis,theonlymeatanddrinktorefreshoursouls;becausethesefeedoursouls,andthattoeternallife.TheloveofGodtheFatheringivingChrist todeath;andChrist's love ingivinghimself, togetherwithfull contentment to divine justice; this gift it is that the soul especiallyfeeds on. What could Christ give, better than himself to feed on? Hethoughtnothingelseworthyforthesoultofeedon;andthisitdailyfeedson, as daily guilt riseth from the breakings out of the remainder ofcorruption.Otherdaintiesarefromthis; fromhencewehavetheSpirit,andgracesof theSpirit. If he givethhimself,will henot give all thingswithhimself?

2. As Christ maketh a feast of choice things for his elect and choicespouse, so there is variety, as in a feast. 'Christ ismade to us of God,wisdom,righteousness,sanctification,andredemption,'1Cor.1:30,thatweshouldnotbetoomuchcastdownwiththoughtofourownfolly,guilt,unholiness,andmisery.ThereisthatinChristwhichanswerethtoallour

wants, andanall-sufficiency for all degreesofhappiness.Therefore,hehath terms fromwhatsoever is glorious and comfortable inheaven andearth. Christ is all marrow, all sweetness. All the several graces andcomfortswehave,andtheseveralpromiseswherebytheyaremadeoverandconveyeduntous,arebutChristdishedoutinseveralmanner,astheneedofeveryChristianshallrequire.Christhimselfistheocean,issuinginto several streams, to refresh the city of God. We can be in nocondition,butwehaveapromisetofeedon,and'allpromisesareyeaandamen,' 2 Cor. 1:20,' made to us 'in Christ,' and performed to us 'forChrist.'

3.Therefore,aswehaveinChristafeastforvariety,soforsufficiencyofallgood.Nomangoethhungryfromafeast.Itwasneverheardforanytofamishatafeast.InChristthereisnotonlyabundance,butredundance,adiffusiveandaspreadinggoodness;asinbreaststogivemilk,incloudstodropdownshowers,inthesuntosendforthbeams.AsChristisfullofgrace and truth, so he fully dischargeth all his offices. There is anoverflowingofallthatisgoodforourgood.Hethatcouldmultiplybreadforthebody,hecanmultiplygraceforoursoul.Ifhegivethlife,hegivethitinabundance,John10:10.Ifhegivethwateroflife,hegivethrivers,notsmall streams, John 7:38. If he giveth peace and joy, he giveth it inabundance;hisscopeistofillupourjoytothefull.Asheisable,so'ishewilling to do for us far more abundantly than we are able to think orspeak,'Eph.3:20.WhereChristispresent,hebringethplentywithhim.Ifwinebewantingat thefirst,hewillratherturnwater intowine, thanthereshouldbeafail.

4. In a feast there is variety of friendly company; so here friends arestirreduptorefreshthemselveswithus.WehavetheblessedTrinity,theangels,andallourfellow-membersinChristtocomewithus.

Thereisnoenvyinspiritualthings,whereinwhatsoevertheonehath,theotherhathnottheless.

5.Inafeast,becauseitisintendedforrejoicing,thereismusic;andwhatmusicliketothesweetharmonybetweenGod,reconciledinChrist,andthesoul,andbetweenthesoulanditself,ininwardpeaceandjoyoftheHolyGhost,sheddingtheloveofChrist inthesoul.Wedonotonly joy,

butglory,underhopeofglory,andinafflictions,andinGodnowasours,inwhomnowbyChristwehaveaninterest,Rom.6:2–10.Whenwecomesorrowfultothisfeast,wedepartcheerful.This,asDavid'sharp,stillsallpassionsanddistempersofspirit.

ThefounderandmasterofthefeastisChristhimself;andwithalisbothguest,andbanquet,andall.AllgracesandcomfortsarethefruitsofhisSpirit;andhealonethatinfusedthesoul,cansatisfythesoul.Hethatisabove the conscience can only quiet the conscience.He is thatwisdomthat'sendsforthmaids,'Prov.9:3,hisministers,toinvitetohisfeast.Itishethatcheerethuphisguests,ashere.Thosethatinvitedothers,broughtointment, andpoured it outupon them, to shew theirwelcome, and tocheer them up, asmay appear by our Saviour's speech to the Phariseethatinvitedhim,Luke7:44.SowehavefromChristboththeoilofgraceand oil of gladness. 'He creates the fruits of the lips to be peace,' Isa.57:19,speakingthatpeaceandjoytotheheartthatothersdototheear.'He raiseth pastors according to his own heart, to feed his sheep,' Jer.3:15.

ThevesselswhereinChristconveyethhisdaintiesaretheministryoftheword and sacraments. By the word and sacraments we come to enjoyChristandhiscomfortsandgraces;andbythisfeastofgracewecomeatlengthtothefeastoffeasts,thatfeastofglory,whenweshallbesatisfiedwiththeimageofGod,andenjoyfulnessofpleasuresforevermore;and,which adds to the fulness,we shall fully know that it shall be a never-interruptedjoy.

We see, then, that we cannot please Christ better than in shewingourselveswelcome,bycheerfultakingpartofhisrichprovision.Itisan,honour to his bounty to fall to; and it is the temper of spirit that aChristianaimsat,to'rejoicealwaysintheLord,'Phil.4:4,andthatfromenjoyingourprivilegesinhim.Wearenotbiddentomournalways,butto'rejoice always,' and that upon good advisement; 'Rejoice,' and 'I sayagain,'saithStPaul,'rejoice.'Indeed,wehavecausesofmourning,butitisthattheseedofjoyshouldbesowninmourning;andwecanneverbeinsoforlornacondition,wherein,ifweunderstandChristandourselves,wehavenotcauseofjoy.'Inme,'saithChrist,'yeshallhavepeace,'John16:33. Theworldwill feed uswith 'bread of affliction,'Hos. 9:4. If the

world canhelp it,we shall have sorrow enough; andChrist knows thatwell enough, and stirs us up to a cheerful feeding on that he hathprocuredforus.Hehathbothwill,andskill,andpower,andauthoritytofeedustoeverlastinglife,fortheFathersenthimforth,andsealedhimtothatpurpose.Allthespringsofourjoyarefromhim,Ps.87:7.

OurdutyistoacceptofChrist'sinvitingofus.Whatwillwedoforhim,ifwewillnotfeastwithhim?Wewillnotsufferwithhim,ifwewillnotfeastwithhim;wewillnotsufferwithhim,ifwewillnotjoywithhim,andinhim.Happyare they thatcome, thoughcompelledbycrossesandothersharpways.Ifwerudelyandchurlishlyrefusehisfeasthere,wearelikenever to taste of his feast hereafter. Nothing provokes so deeply askindnessdespised.ItwasthecauseoftheJews'rejection.'Howshallweescape,'notifwepersecute,but'ifwedobutneglectsogreatsalvation?'Heb.2:3.

Thatwhichweshouldlabourtobringwithusisatasteofthesedainties,and an appetite to them. The soul hath a taste of its own, and as allcreaturesthathavelifehaveatastetorelishanddistinguishofthatwhichisgood for them, from thatwhich isoffensive, sowheresoever spirituallife is, there is likewise a taste suitable to the sweet relish that is inspiritualthings.Godshouldlosethegloryofmanyexcellentcreaturesiftherewerenotseveralsensestodiscernofseveralgoodnessinthem.Soiftherewerenotatasteinthesoul,wecouldneverdelightinGod,andhisrichgoodnessinChrist.

Taste is themost necessary sense for the preservation of the creature,because there isnearestapplication in taste;and thatweshouldnotbedeceivedintaste,wehear,see,andsmellbefore,andifthesesensesgiveagoodreportoftheobject,thenwetasteofitanddigestit,andturnitintofit nourishment. Omnis vita gustu ducitur. So the spirit of man, afterjudgmentofthefitnessofwhatispresented,tastesofit,delightsinit,andis nourished by it. There is an attractive, drawing power in the soul,wherebyeverymembersucksthatoutofthefoodthatisconvenientforit.Sothesouldrawsoutwhatiswelldigestedbyjudgment,andmakesititsownforseveraluses.

ThechiefthingthatChristrequirethisagoodstomachtothesedainties.

1. The means to procure an appetite. We are first to be sensible ofspiritualwantsandmisery.Thepassoverlambwaseatenwithsourherbs;soChristcrucified,relishethbesttoasoulaffectedwithbitternessofsin.Whilstmenarerichintheirconceit,theygoemptyaway.Thedutiesandperformancestheytrustto,arebuthusks,windy,emptychaff.Swellingisnotkindnourishment.

2.Thatwhichhindersthesharpnessofthestomachare,colddefluxions,thatdulland flat theedgeof it.Souponploddingupon theworld,colddistillationsdropuponthesoul,andtakeawaythesavouranddesireofheavenlythings.Thesethingsfillnot.Thereisbothavanityofemptiness,anda vanityof short continuance in them. 'Why shouldwe layoutourmoney,'Isa.55:2,spendourtime,ourwits,ourendeavoursomuchaboutthem?Thismakessomanystarvelingsinreligion.

Besides, there be other noisome affections to be purged, as 1 Pet. 2:1,['Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, andenvies,andallevilspeakings,'whichbreedadistasteanddisaffectiontospiritualthings;]asmaliceandguile,&c.HowcanChristbesweettothatsouluntowhichrevengeissweet!

3. Exercise quickens appetite. Those that exercise themselves untogodliness, see a need of spiritual strength to maintain duty. A dullformalistkeepshisround,andismanyyearsafterwherehewasbefore;seesnoneedoffurthergrowthorstrength.AChristianlife,managedasitshould be indeed, as it hath much going out, so it must have muchcomingin.Itwillnotelsebekeptup.Thosethathaveajourneytogo,willrefreshthemselvesforafterward,lesttheyfaintbytheway.

4. Company likewise of such as 'labour for that blessed food thatendurethto lifeeternal,'John6:27,provokethto fall tooas therestdo,especially if theybe equal or gobeyondus inparts.Forwewill reasonwithourselves,HavenotIasmuchneedasthey?Ifthesethingsbegoodforthem,thentheyaregoodforme.

ThusStPaulforetelleth,thattheexampleoftheGentilesshouldprovokethe Jews to come in, and taste of the banquetChrist hathprovided forboth,Rom. 11:25,26.Especially this should stirusupearnestly to take

ourpartinthatChristhathprovided,becauseweknownothowsoonthetablemaybetakenaway.Whenmenseethedishesinremoving,thoughbefore they have discoursed awaymuch time of their supper, yet thentheywillfallfreshtoit.Weknownothowlongwisdomwillbeinvitingofus. It will be our wisdom to take our time, lest we put off so long, aswisdom herself laughs at our destruction; and a famine be sent, of allfaminesthemostmiserable,afamineoftheword,andthenwemaypineaway eternallywithout comfort.Christwill not always stand invitingofus. If we will none of his cheer, others will, and shall, when we shallstarve.

Let thisdrawuson, thatwe seehereChrist'sheartyand freewelcome,the gracious look that we are like to have from him. He counts it anhonour,sincehehathmadesuchrichprovision,forustotakepart,andforourpart, shewourunwillingness, that such freekindness shouldberefused.Wecannothonourhisbountymorethantofeedliberallyofthathe liberally sets before us. We are glad to perceive our friends uponinvitation to think themselves welcome. Let us open our mouth wide,sinceChristissoreadytofillit.Wearenotstraitenedinhislove,butinourownhearts.Thewidow'soilfailednottillhervesselsfailed,2Kings4:6.WearebiddentodelightintheLord,andinwhomshouldwedelight,butwhereallfulnessistobehadtodelightin?Ourspiritsarenotsolargeasthoseblessedcomfortsarewhichwearecalledtotheenjoymentof.Ifthe capacity of our souls were a thousand times larger, yet there is solargeaseaofcomfortinChrist,astheyarenotabletocomprehendit.Ataste of these good things breeds 'joy unspeakable,' and 'peace thatpasseth all understanding,' Philip. 4:7. What will the fulness do? Thistastewefeelintheordinanceswillbringustothatfulnesshereafter.Oh,let us keep our appetites for these things which are so delightful, sosuitabletothesoul.Howgreatisthatgoodnesswhichhebothlaysupforhereafter,andlaysoutforhis,evenhereinthislife!

Insomeagesof thechurch, the feasts thatChristhathmadehavebeenmoresolemnandsumptuousthaninotherthereafter,asChristhathbeenmore or less clearly and generally manifested. At Christ's first comingtherewasagreaterfeastthanbefore;becausetherichesofGod'sloveinChristwere then laidopen,and thepaleof the churchwasenlargedby

thecominginoftheGentiles.Sowilltherebearoyalfeast,whentheJewsshallbeconverted.'BlessedthenshallthosebethatshallbecalledtothesupperoftheLamb,'Rev.19:9.Suppersareintheendoftheday,andthissuppershallbefurnishedtowardstheendoftheworld.

But then will be the true magnificent supper, when all that belong toGod's election shallmeet together, and feedupon thatheavenlymannaforever.Thentherewillbenothingbutmarrowitself,andwinewithoutall dregs. In all our contentments here, there is some mixture of thecontrary; thennothingbutpurequintessence.Inthemeantime,he letsfallsomemannainthisourwilderness,heletsusrelishthatnow.Itwillnotputrefyastheothermannadid,butendure,andmakeusendureforever.It'sthetrue'breadoflife.'

Mark how Christ draws his spouse on to drink, and drink abundantly.There isnodangerof taking toomuch.Where thespring is infinite,wecanneverdraw thesewellsdry,never suck thesebreastsof consolationtoomuch;andthemorestrongandcheerfulweare,thebetterserviceweshallperform,andthemoreaccepted.Delightisassugar,sweetinitself,anditsweetensallthingselse.ThejoyoftheLordisourstrength.Dutiescomeoffmoregracefully,andreligionismademorelovelyintheeyesofall, when it comes forth in strength and cheerfulness. Christ'shousekeepingiscreditedhereby.InourFather'shouseisplentyenough,Luke 15:17.When themartyrs had drunk largely of this wine, it madethem forget friends, riches,honours, life itself.The joy stirredupby it,carriedthemthroughalltorments.

Ifanybehinderedbyconceitofunworthiness,ifaffecteddeeplywithit,let themconsiderwhatkindofmenwerecompelledtothebanquet, theblind, the lame, Luke 14:21. See a lively picture of God'smercy in theexampleoftheprodigal.Hefearssharpchiding,andthefatherprovidesarich banquet. He goeth to his father, but the father runs tomeet him,Luke 15:20.Did Christ ever turn back any that came unto him, if theycameoutofatruesenseoftheirwants?

'Eat,Ofriends.'Christ,outofthelargenessofhisaffections,multipliethnew titles and compellations—'beloved' and 'friends.' Christ provides abanquet,andinviteshisfriends,nothisenemies.Thosegoodthingsthat

neither 'eyehathseen,norearhathheard,thatareaboveourconceittoapprehend,' 1Cor.2:9; theseareprovided for 'those that lovehim,'notthat hate him.Hemingles another cup for them, 'a cup ofwrath,' andthey are to 'drink up the very dregs of it,' Ps. 75:8. Friendship is thesweetness, intimateness, and strength of love. In our friends our lovedwellsandrestsitself.Conjugalfriendshipisthesweetestfriendship.AllthekindsanddegreesoffriendshipmeetinChristtowardshisspouse.Itisthefriendshipofahusband,ofabrother;andiftherebeanyrelationinthe world wherein friendship is, all is too little to express the love ofChrist.

In friendship there is mutual consent, an union of judgment andaffections.Thereisamutualsympathyinthegoodandilloneofanother,asiftherewereonesoulintwobodies(b).Therebemutualfriendsandmutual enemies. 'Do Inothate them,' saithDavid, 'thathate thee?'Ps.139:21. There is mutual love of one another for their own sakes. Inflattery,menlovethemselvesmost;insemblance,loveothers,butallisinreflectiontothemselves.

Thereislibertywhichisthelifeoffriendship;thereisafreeintercoursebetween friends, a free opening of secrets. So here Christ openeth hissecrets to us, and we to him. We acquaint him with the most hiddenthoughtsofourhearts,andwelayopenallourcaresanddesiresbeforehim. Thus Abraham was called God's friend, 2 Chron. 20:7, and thedisciplesChrist'sfriends,John15:15.ItistheofficeoftheSpirittorevealthesecretsofChrist'shearttous,concerningourownsalvation.Hedothnotrevealhimselftotheworld.

Infriendship,thereismutualsolaceandcomfortoneinanother.Christdelighteth himself in his love to his church, and his church delightethherself inher love toChrist.Christ's delightwas tobewith the sonsofmen,andoursistobewithhim.

In friendship there is amutualhonourand respectoneof another;buthere is some difference in this friendship. For though Christ calls usfriends,andthereininsomesortbringshimselfdowntous,yetwemustrememberthatthisisafriendshipofunequals.Christ'shonouringofusishisputtinghonouruponus.Ourhonouringofhimisthegivinghimthe

'honour due to his name,' 1 Chron. 16:29. This friendship must bemaintainedbyduerespectonourparts.Asheisourfriend,soheisourking, andknowshow to correct us ifwe forget ourdistance. If hehereseemtouseushardly,itisthathemayuseusthemorekindlyafter.Hesuffers much for us, therefore we may well allow him the liberty ofseasonablecorrectingofus.

Hethatinspirethfriendshipintootherswillundoubtedlykeepthelawsoffriendshiphimself,will countour enemieshis enemies.The enemiesofthechurchshallonedayknowthatthechurchisnotfriendless.

Andashisfriendshipissweet,soconstantinallconditions.Heusethnothisfriendsaswedoflowers,regardthemonlywhentheyarefresh;buthebreedsthatinusthatmaymakeussuchashemaystilldelightinus.Ifotherfriendsfail,asfriendsmayfail,yetthisfriendwillneverfailus.Ifwe be not ashamed of him, he will never be ashamed of us. Howcomfortablewouldourlifebeifwecoulddrawoutthecomfortthatthistitle of friend affordeth! It is a comfortable, a fruitful, an eternalfriendship.

'Isleep,butmyheartwaketh.'Herethechurchexpressethachangeablepassageofherspiritualcondition,aftershehadrecoveredherselfoutofaformer desertion, expressed in the beginning of the third chapter; andenjoyed a comfortable intercourse with Christ. Now she falleth into adeeper desertion and temptation, from the remainder of corruptiongetting strength. The churchnow falleth asleep, thenwas awake in thenight, andsoughtherbeloved.Here isnopresentawaking,no seeking;therenomisusagebythewatchmen,ashere.Thereshefindethhimmorespeedily;hereshefallssickwithlovebeforeChristdiscoverethhimself.

Beforewecometothewords,observeingeneral,

Obs. 1. That the state of the Church and every Christian is subject tospiritualalterations.Thechurchisalways'beloved,'a'spouse,'a'friend;'but in this one state there falleth out variety of changes. No creaturesubjecttosomanychangesasman.Fromastateofinnocencyhefellintoa state of corruption. From that he, by grace, is restored to a state ofgrace, and from grace to glory,where his condition shall be asChrist's

nowis,andasheaventheplaceis,altogetherunchangeable.Andinthatstateofgrace,howmany intercoursesbethere! the foundationofGod'slovetous,andgraceinusalwaysremainingthesame.Oncebeloved,foreverbeloved.

Weseehere, aftera feast, the church fallethasleep.See it inAbraham,sometimes 'strong in faith,' sometimes fearful. David sometimesstanding,sometimesfalling,sometimesrecoveringhimselfandstandingfaster,sometimestriumphing, 'TheLordisthelightofmycountenance,whomshallIfear?'Ps.27:1;sometimes,again,'Ishallonedayfallbythehands of Saul,' 1 Sam. 27:1. In the very same psalm he begins with'Rebukemenotinthywrath,'andendswith'Away,yewicked,'Ps.6:1,10.Elias,thoughzealous,yetafterfliesforhislife,1Kings19.SoJob,Peter,sometimes resolute and valiant, otherwhile sinks for fear, Job 6;Mat.14:30.

Thereason.Theground is,by reasonofvarietyofoutwardoccurrencesworking upon the diversity of principles in us, nature and grace. Bothnatureandgracearealwaysactiveinusinsomedegree.Whencorruptiongets strength, thenwe find a sick state creeping upon us, and lose ourformerframe.Itiswiththesoulaswiththebody.Inacertainperiodoftimeitgatherethillhumours,whichbreakoutintoaguishdistempersatlength;sothereliesofaspiritualdiseasenotcarriedaway,willripenandgathertoahead.Thisshouldteachus,whenwearewell,tostudytokeepanevencourse,and towatchover the firststirrings,and likewise, ifweseesomeunevennessinourways,nottocensureourselvesorothersoverharshly.Exact evenness is tobe strivenafterhere,but tobeenjoyed inanotherworld.

Obs.2.Wesee,bycomparingthestateofthechurchherewiththestateofitinthethirdchapter,thatwherecorruptionisnotthoroughlypurged,andacarefulwatchkeptoverthesoul,thereafter*arecovery,willfollowamoredangerousdistemper.Corruptionwillnotonlystriveforlife,butforrule.Iftherehadbeenathoroughreformationinthechurchafterherformer trouble, anda thoroughclosingwithChrist, shewouldnot thushave fallen intoamoredangerouscondition.WeseeDavid, inhis latertimes,fallsto'numberingofthepeople,'2Sam.24:1,seq.;andSamson,after he had done great services for the church, at length shamefully

betrayshisstrength;andhethathadruledotherssubmitstoberuledbya base strumpet, Jud. 16. Jonah, for not thorough repenting for hisrunning fromhis calling, falls after to quarrelwithGodhimself, Jonah4:9.Itisthebest,therefore,todealthoroughlywithourhearts,elsefleshunsubduedwilloweusagreatershame,andweshalldishonourourownbeginnings.Yetthisisthecomfort,thatthiswilloccasiondeeperhumilityand hatred of sin in those that areGod's, and a faster cleaving toGodthaneverbefore,asweseeinthechurchhere.Afterwardsgracewillhavethebetteratlast.

Obs.3.Wemayobserve the ingenuityof the church in layingopenherownstate.ItisthedispositionofGod'speopletobeingenuousinopeningtheirstatetoGod,asinDavid,Nehemiah,Ezra,&c.

Thereasonisthus:—

(1.)ByafreeandfullconfessionwegiveGodthehonourofhiswisdominknowingofourowncondition,secretandopen.Wegivehimthehonourofmercythatwillnottakeadvantageagainstus,thehonourofpowerandauthorityoverus,ifheshouldshewhisstrengthagainstus.Weyielduntohim the glory of all his chief prerogatives; whereupon Joshua movethAchantoafreeconfession,'Myson,giveglorytoGod,'Joshua7:19.

(2.)We shameSatan,who first takes away shameof sinning, and thentakesawayshameforsin.Hetemptsusnottobeashamedtodothatweare ashamed to confess, sowe, by silence, keepSatan's counsel againstourownsouls.Ifweaccuseourselves,weputhimoutofofficewhoisthe'accuserofthebrethren,'Rev.12:10.

(3.)Weprevent, likewise,malicious imputationsfromtheworld.Austinanswered roundlyandwellwhenhewasupbraidedwith the sinsofhisformerage:'Whatthou,'saithhe,'findestfaultwith,Ihavecondemnedinmyselfbefore.'Quœtureprehendis,egodamnavi.

(4.)Thisingenuousdealingeaseththesoul,givingventtothegriefofit.Whiles the arrow's head sticks in the wound, it will not heal. Sinunconfessed is like a broken piece of rusty iron in the body, ferrum invulnere.Itmustbegottenout,elseitwill,byranklingandfestering,cause

moredanger.Itislikepoisoninthestomach,ifitbenotpresentlycastupitwill infect thewholebody. Is itnotbetter to take shame toourselvesnow, than tobe shamedhereafterbeforeangels,devils, andmen?HowcarefulisGodofus,bythisprivatewaytopreventfutureshame!

(5.)Thisfaithfuldealingwithourselvesisoftameansofpresentdeliveryoutof any trouble.David, inPs.32:4,was inagreatdistemperbothofbodyandspirit;hismoisturewasturnedintothedroughtofsummer.Itisthoughthemadethispsalmbetweenthetimeofhissinandhispardon.Whatcoursetakethhe?'Isaid,'saithhe,thatis,'Iresolvedtoconfessmysin,andthouforgavesttheiniquityofmysin,'ver.5.Uponafreeandfull,a faithfulandingenuousconfession,withoutallguileofspirit,hefoundeasepresently,bothinsoulandbody.ThecauseofGod'sseveredealingwithus is, thatweshoulddealseverelywithourselves.Thebest trialofreligion in us is by those actions whereby we reflect on ourselves byjudging and condemning of ourselves, for this argueth a spirit withoutguile. Sin and shifting* came into the world together. The subtilty ofproud nature, especially in eminency, is such that sins may pass forvirtues, because sin and Satan are alike in this, they cannot endure toappearintheirowncolourandhabit,andsothosethatopposeitshallbeaccounted opposers of good. This guile of spirit hath no blessednessbelongingtoit.Takeheedofit.

Obs.4.Mark,further,onesignofagracioussoul,tobeabasedforlesserdefects, sleepiness, and indisposition to good. One would thinkdrowsinesswerenosuchgreatmatter.Oh,butthechurchhadsuchsweetacquaintancewithChrist,thateverylittleindispositionthathinderedanydegreeofcommunionwasgrievoustoher!YoushallhaveaJudas,aSaul,an enormous offender confess great falls that gripe his conscience. Allshallbecastup,thattheconscience,beingdisburdened,mayfeelalittleease;buthowfewhaveyouhumbledfordulnessofspirit,wantoflove,ofzeal,andcheerfulness induty?This,accompaniedwithstrifeagainst it,arguesagoodspiritindeed.

A carnal man is not more humbled for gross sins than a graciousChristian forwants in good actions,when it is notwith him as it hathbeen,andashewould.Thereasonis,wherethereisaclearandheavenlylight, there lessermotes are discernible; and spiritual life is sensible of

anyobstructionandhindrance.Thisgoeth intheworld forunnecessarynicety(c).Theworldstrainethnotatthesegnats.Butthoseuponwhoseheartsthesunofrighteousnesshathshinedhavebothaclearsightandatenderheart.

Tocometo thewords, 'Isleep.'Thechurchfetchethacomparisonfromthebodytoexpressthestateofthesoul.Itisoneuseofourbodytohelpus in spiritual expressions. Whilst the soul dwelleth in the body, itdependethmuchintheconceivingofthingsuponthephantasy,*andthephantasyuponthesenses.Wecometoconceiveofspiritualsleepbysleepofthebody,whichweareallwellenoughacquaintedwith.

Thechurch,assheconsistsofadoubleprinciple,fleshandspiritmingledtogetherinallparts,asdarknessandlightinthetwilightanddawningoftheday;soheresheexpressethherconditioninregardofeitherpart.Sofarasshewascarnal,sheslept;sofarasshewasspiritual,shewasawake.

Inthismixedconditionthefleshforthepresentprevailed,yetsoasthespirithaditsworking;'sheslept,butherheartwaked.'

Thewordscontainaconfession,'Isleep;'andacorrection,'butmyheartwaketh.'Shehathadoubleaspect,onetotheill,'hersleeping;'theotherto the good, 'the heart in some degree awaked.' The Spirit of God is adiscerningSpirit,itdiscoverethwhatisfleshandwhatisspirit.

Sothatwemustnotconceivethissleeptobethatdeadsleepallmenareinbynature,nortobethatjudicialsleep,thatspiritofslumber,whichisafurtherdegreeofthatnaturalsleeptowhichGodgivethupsome,asasealoftheirdesperatecondition;buthereismeantthatsleepthatarisethout of the remainder of corruptionunsubdued, andnow, is here in thechurch,prevailingover thebetterpart.Fleshand spirithaveboth theirintercourse inus,asMosesandAmalekhad.Unlesswestanduponourguard,thefleshwillgettheupperground,asweseehere.Thebestarenofurthersafethantheyarewatchful.

Fortheclearunderstandingofthis,observesomecorrespondencyintheresemblance; wherein toomuch curiosity is loathsome, and postill-like(d);andcalleththemindtoomuchfromthekerneltotheshell.

Bodily and spiritual sleep resemble each other in the causes, in theeffects,andinthedangerousissue.

1.Thesleepofthebodycomethfromtheobstructionandbindingupofthe senses by vapours which arise out of the stomach. So there bespiritual fumes ofworldly cares and desires that obstruct the senses ofthe soul. Therefore our blessed Saviour counts it a spiritual surfeiting,whenthesoulisoppressedwithcareabouttheworld,Luke21:34.Lustsbringthesoula-bed.Prosperityisastrongvapour.Ifitovercomenotthebrain,yetitweakenethit,asstrongwatersdo.SeeitinSolomonhimself.

2.Thedisciplesfellasleepinthegardenwhentheywereoppressedwithheavinessandsorrow,Luke22:45,whichpassionswillhavethelikeeffectuponthesoul.

3. Sleep ariseth oft from weariness and want of spirits. So there is aspiritualwearinessarisingfromdiscouragementsandtoomuchexpenseofthestrengthofthesouluponothermatters;uponimpertinenciesthatconcernnotthebeststateofthesoul.

4.Somearebroughtasleepbymusic.Somany,byflatteringenticementsand insinuations of others, joining with their own flattering, deceitfulheart,arecastintoaspiritualsleep.

5. Sleep ariseth fromwant of exercise.When there is a cessation fromspiritualexercise,abouttheproperobjectofit,therefollowethaspiritualsleep.Exercisekeepswaking.

6. Sleep ariseth oft from cold diseases, as lethargies; from cold, grosshumours. Cold, earthly, gross affections about the things here below,benumbthesoul,andbringitintoaheavy,drowsy,sleepytemper.

7. Sometimes sleep is caused by some kind of poison, especially thepoisonofasps,whichkillsinsleeping.Anddonotsinfuldelightsdotheliketothesoul?Insensibleevilsarethemostdangerousevils.

8. Otherwhile slothful, yawning company dispose to sleep. There is nomore ordinary cause of spiritual sleep, than conversing with spiritual

sluggards, that count it a high point of wisdom not to be forward inreligion. These formal, proud persons, as they are cold themselves, sothey labour to cast water upon the heat of others. Nay, those that areotherwise good, if declining in their first love, will incline others to afellowship in the samesecure temper, lest they shouldbeupbraidedbythevigilancyofothers.Theyarelikeintheeffects.

1.Mendisposed tobeasleepdesire tobealone.Those likewise thataredisposedtotakeaspiritualnap,willavoidcompany,especiallyofsuchaswouldawakethem.Theywillhardlyendurerousingmeans.

2. Men will draw the curtains and shut out light, when they mean tocompose themselves to rest. So when men favour themselves in someways not allowable, they are afraid to be disquieted by the light. Lightbothdiscovereth,awaketh,andstirsuptoworking.Andmenwhentheyare loth to do what they know, are loth to knowwhat they should do.'They that sleep, sleep in thenight,' 1Thess.5:7.Asa,otherwiseagoodking, shut up the prophet in prison for doing his duty, 2Chron. 16:10.Muchoftheangerthatmenbearagainstthewordlaidopentothem,isbecauseitwillnotsufferthemtosleepquietlyintheirsins.Suchaswillsufferthemtolivequietlyintheirsins,—theyarequietandhonestmen.Therecannotbeaworsesignthanwhenmenwillnotendurewholesomewords.Itisasigntheyareinanillleaguewiththattheyshouldaboveallwagewaragainst.

3.Insleep,phantasyruleth,anddreamsinphantasy.Meninsleepdreamoffalsegood,andforgettruedanger.

Manycherishgoldendreams;dreamofmeat,andwhentheyawake,theirsoul is empty, Isa. 29:8.Vain hopes are the dreams ofwakingmen, asvaindreamsareallthewakingofsleepingandcarnalmen,whoselifeisbutadream.

Insleep, there isnoexerciseof sensesormotion.As then,menarenotsensibleofgoodorill,theymoveneithertogoodorill.Motionfollowethsensibleness.Whatgoodwearenotsensibleof,wemovenotunto.Hencesleepisofkintodeath,forthetime,deprivingusoftheuseofallsenses;andasecureprofessorinappearancedifferslittlefromadeadprofessor.

Bothofthemareunactiveingood;andwhattheydo,theydoitwithoutdelight,inanuncomelyandunacceptablemanner,unbeseemingthestateof aChristian. It is all one tohaveno senses, andnot touse them.Wemay say ofmen in this sleepy temper, as the Scripture speaks of idols,'theyhaveeyesandseenot,earsandhearnot,'&c.,Ps.115:5.

Solikewisetheyarealikeindanger.Insleep,thepreciousestthingmencarryaboutthemistakenawaywithoutresistance;andtheyarereadytoletloosewhattheyheldfastbefore,wereitneversorichajewel.Anditisso in spiritual sleepiness. Men suffer the profession of the truth to bewrungfromthem,withoutmuchwithstanding;andwithlettingfalltheirwatch,letfalllikewise,ifnottheirgrace,yettheexerciseoftheirgraces,andareindangertoberobbedofall.

Thereisnodangerbutamaninsleepisfairfor,andexposedunto.Siserawasslainasleep,Jud.5:26,andIshboshethatnoonday,2Sam.4:7;andthere is no temptation, no sin, no judgment, but a secure, drowsyChristianisopenfor;whichisthegroundofsooftenforcingwatchfulnessbytheSpiritofGodintheScriptures.Asspiritualdeadnessofspiritisacauseofothersin,solikewiseitisapunishmentofthem.Godpourethaspiritof 'deadsleepuponmen,andclosethuptheireyes,'Isa.29:10,tillsome heavy judgment falleth upon them; and how many carnal mennever awake in thisworld, till they awake inhell!Nowonder thereforethat Satan labours to cast men into a dead sleep all that he can; anddeludesthem,withdreamsofafalsegood,thattheirestateisgood,andlikesotocontinue;thatto-morrowshallbeasto-day;thatnodanger isnear, thoughGod'swrathhangethover theirhead, ready toberevealedfromheaven.

Thusweseehowtheresemblanceholds.SomeapplythistoConstantine'stime, about three hundred years after Christ, when the church uponpeaceandplentygrewsecure,andsufferedecclesiasticalabusestocreepin. Religion begat plenty, and the daughter devoured themother. Thismade the writers of the ecclesiastical stories, to question whether thechurchhathmorehurtbyopenpersecutionorpeace,whenoneChristianundermineth and rageth against another.* Human inventions were somultiplied, that not long after, inAugustine's time, he complained thattheconditionoftheJewswasmoretolerablethantheirs;†forthoughthe

Jewswere under burdens, yet theywere such aswere imposedbyGodhimself,andnothumanpresumptions.ButGersonmanyhundredyearsafter increaseth his complaint. If, O Augustine, thou saidst thus in thytime,whatwouldstthouhavesaidifthouhadstlivednow,whenmen,asa toy§ taketh them in thehead,willmultiplyburdens?Andhewasnotafraid tosay, that thenumberofhumanConstitutionswassuch, that iftheywere observed in rigour, the greatest part of the churchwould bedamned.Thus,whilstthehusbandmenslept,theenviousmanSatansleptnot,butsewhistares.Thuspoperygrewupbydegrees,tillitoverspreadthechurch,whilstthewatchmenthatshouldhavekeptothersawake,fellasleep themselves. And thuswe answer the papists, when they quarrelwithusaboutthebeginningoftheirerrors.Theyaskofus,whensuchandsuchanheresybegan?Weanswer,thatthosethatshouldhaveobservedthem, were asleep. Popery is a mystery that crept into the church bydegrees,undergloriouspretences.¶Theirerrorshadmodestbeginnings.Worshippingofimagesarosefromreservingthepicturesoffriends,andafter thatwerebrought intothechurch.Invocationofsaintsarose fromsomeofthefathers'figurativeturningoftheirspeechtosomethatweredead. Transubstantiation had rise from some transcendent, unwaryphrasesofthefathers.Thepapacyitself,fromsometitlesoftheRomishChurch and bishop. Nothing in popery so gross, but had some smallbeginnings, which being neglected by those that should have watchedoverthechurch,grewatlengthunsufferable.Nowonderifthepapistsbecastintoadeadsleep;theyhavedrunktoodeepofthewhore'scup.Theythatworshipimagesare,astheScripturesaith,'likeuntothem,theyhaveeyes and see not,' &c., Ps. 115:5. They cannot discern of their errors,though they be never so ridiculous and senseless, as prayer in anunknowntongue,andsuchlike.

Anduponthisstateofthechurchletusaddthiscaution.

ACaution.Ifthebestmenbesopronetosleep,thenwecannotsafelyatall timesbuildupontheir judgment.Thefathersof thechurchwerenotalwaysawake.Therebefewofthem,but insomethingswemayappealfromthemselvessleeping, to themselveswaking.Thebest,havingsomedarknessleftintheirunderstandings,andsomelustsunsubduedintheiraffections, may write and speak sometimes out of the worst part and

principle that is in them,aswellasoutof thebest,whentheykeepnotclosetotherule.

Whenouradversariespressuswiththeauthorityoffathers,weappealtothem,wheretheyspeakadvisedlyandofpurpose.*Whentheywerenotawaked by heretics, they speak sometimes unworthily, and giveadvantagestohereticsthatfollowed.It isthemannerofouradversariestomaketheunwarrantablepracticeof theancienter timearuleof theirpractice, and the doubtful opinions of the ancients their own grandtenets;whereininboththeydealunsafelyforthemselves,andinjuriouslytowardsus,whenweupongroundsinsomethingsdissent;whichliberty(oftwhentheyshouldnot)theywilltaketothemselves.

But howsoever this sleepy condition agreeth to the former times of thechurch, yet Iwish therewerenot cause to apply it to ourselves, in thislatterageofthechurch,whereinmanyoftheancientheresiesarerevived;andbesides,theevilsthataccompanylongpeacetakeholdofus,andwillprevail too far, if we do not rouse up ourselves. The church is in thecommonwealth,andusuallytheyflourishandfalltogether.Whenthereisasleepofthechurch,forthemostpartthereisasleepofthestate.Acivilsleepis,wheningroundsofdangerthereisnoapprehensionofdanger;and this sleep is apunishmentof spiritual sleep,whenwithEphraimastate hath 'grey hairs, and knoweth it not,' Hos. 7:9; when judgmentsabroadwillnotawakemen.Whennoiseandpinchingwillnotawake,thesleep must needs be deep. The whole world almost is in combustionroundaboutus;andmanycountries thought themselvesassafe,a littlebefore their troubles, as we now think ourselves. If fear of outwarddangers will not awake, then spiritual dangers will not, as beingmoresecret,andnotobvioustosense.Nowonder,then,iffewwillbelieveourreportofthefearfulconditionofwickedmenintheworldtocome.Amanmay be startled and awaked with outward dangers that is spirituallysottish, but he that is careless of outward danger, will be regardless ofwhatwesayinspiritualdangers.Thefearofdangermaybethegreater,when, as it was amongst the Jews, those that should be watchfulthemselves, and awake others, instead of awaking, rock the cradle, andcry'Peace,peace,thetempleoftheLord,thetempleoftheLord,'Jer.7:4.Yetwemustneverforgettobemindful,withthankfulness,forpeaceand

the gospel of peace, which yet by God's blessing we enjoy, alwayssuspectingthereadinessofnaturetogrowsecureundertheabundanceoffavours,andsotoblessourselvesinthatcondition.

Signsofasleepystate.1.Nowweknowthatsleepiscreepinguponus,bycomparing our present condition with our former, when we were in amorewakefulframe,whenthegracesofGod'sSpiritwereinexercise inus.Ifwedifferfromthatwewere,thenallisnotwell.

2. Compare ourselves again with that state and frame that a Christianshould be in; for sometimes a Christian goes under an uncomfortableconditionallthedaysofhislife,sothatheisnotfittomakehimselfhispattern.Thetrueruleis,thatdescriptionthatisintheword,ofawakingand living Christian.What should aman be, take him at the best, thevarying fromthat isasleepyestate.As, for instance,aChristianshouldwalk'inthecomfortoftheHolyGhost,'Acts9:31,liveandwalkbyfaith;heshoulddependuponGod,andresist temptations.Faithshouldworkby love, and love to ourselves should move us to honour ourselves asmembersofChrist,todisdaintodefileourselvesbysin.Ourhope,ifitbewaking,willpurgeus,andmakeussuitabletotheconditionwehopeforinheaven,andthecompanywehopetohavefellowshipwiththere.

3.Again,looktotheexamplesofothersthataremoregracious.IhaveasmanyencouragementstobethankfultoGod,andfruitful.TheyenjoynomoremeansthanI;andyettheyaboundinassurance,arecomfortableinall conditions. I am down in a little trouble, subject to passion, tobarrenness, and distrust, as if therewere no promises of Godmade tosowing in righteousness. Thus a man may discern he is asleep, bycomparinghimselfwithothersthatarebetterthanhimself.

4.Again,itisevidentthatwearegrowingontoasleepyconditionbythis,when we find a backwardness to spiritual duties, as to prayer,thanksgiving,andspiritualconference.ItshouldbethejoyofaChristian,as it is his prerogative, to come into the presence of Christ, and to beenabledtodothat,thatisabovehimself.Whenwhatisspiritualinadutywillnotdownwithus,itisasignoursoulsareinasleepytemper.Thereisnotaproportionbetweenthesoulandthebusinessinheavenlyduties.WhomdowespeaktobutGod?whomdowehearspeakinthewordbut

God?whatshouldbethetemperofthosethatspeaktoGod,andhearhimspeaktothem?Itshouldberegardful,reverent,observant.Thosethatarewatchfultotheeyeofaprince,whatobservancetheyshew,whentheyaretoreceiveanythingfromhimortoputupanyrequesttohim.'Offerthisto thy king,' saith the Lord by Malachi, Mal 1:8. When a man comesdrowsily toGod, to sacrifice, tohear, topray,&c., offer this carriage toman;willhetakeitatthyhands?OhthemercyofourpatientGod,thatwill endure such services as we most frequently perform! By thisindisposednesstodutymoreorless,maywediscoveroursleepiness.

5.Whenthesoulbeginstoadmireoutwardexcellencies;whenitawakesmuch to profits, pleasures, andhonours;whenmen admire greatmen,richmen,greatplaces.Thestrengthandfatofthesoulareconsumedbyfeedingonthesethings;sothatwhenitcomestospiritualthingsitmustneedsbe faint anddrowsy.By theseand the like signs, letus labour tosearchthestateofoursouls.

Motives against sleepiness. 1. And to stir us up themore, consider thedanger of a secure, sleepy estate. There is no sin but aman is exposeduntoinasecureestate.Thereforethedevillaboursallhecantocastmenintothistemper;whichhemustdobeforehecanmakehimfallintoanygrosssin.Whenheisasleep,heisinafitframeforanyillaction;heisinatemperfitforthedeviltoworkupon;tobringintoanydreamorerror;to inflamethe fanciesandconceitswithoutwardexcellencies.Thedevilhath a faculty thisway, tomake outward things great that are nothingworth,andtomakesuchsinslittleas,ifwewereawake,wouldaffrightus.He works strongest upon the fancy, when the soul is sleepy or a littledrowsy.

There isnoman that comes to gross sin suddenly.Buthe fallsby littleandlittle;firsttoslumber,andfromslumbertosleep,andfromsleeptosecurity;andsofromonedegreetoanother.Itistheinlettoallsins,andthebeginningof alldanger.Therefore theLord takesa contrary coursewithhis.Whenhewouldpreserve a state or person, heplants in themfirstaspiritoffaith,tobelievethatthereissuchadanger,orsuchagoodtobeapprehended,uponwatchingandgoingoninacoursebefittingthatcondition; and then faith, if it be amatter of threatening, stirsup fear,which waketh up care and diligence. This is God's method, when he

intendsthepreservationofany.

2.Amaninhissleepisfittoloseall.Asleepyhandletsanythinggowithease. A man hath grace and comfort; he lets it go in his spiritualsleepiness,—grace in a great measure, and the sense and comfort of italtogether.AChristianhathalwaysthedivinenatureinhim,thatworksinsomedegree;yetnotwithstandinginregardofhispresenttemperandfeeling, he may be in such a case, that he shall differ nothing from areprobate,nay,hemaycometofeelmorethananyordinarywickedmanfeelswhileshe lives in theworld, asdivers goodChristiansdo.Andallthis,throughtheircarelessness,—thattheysufferthemselvestoberobbedof firstbeginnings,byyielding todelights,company,andcontentments.Feedingtheirconceitswithcarnalexcellencies,sofavouringcorruptions,andflatteringthatthatisnaughtinthem,theylosethecomfortofallthatisgood.Whowoulddothisforthegainingofalittlebrokensleep;Isaybrokensleep,forthebetteramanis,themoreunquietlyshallhesleepinsuchastate.HeshallfeelstartlingsandfrightsinthemidstofhiscarnaldelightsifhebelongtoGod.

3. Besides, Godmeets themwith some crosses in thisworld, that theyshallgainnothingbyit.ThereisnoneofGod'schildrenthatevergainedby yielding to any corruption, or drowsiness, though God saved theirsouls.It isalwaystrue,asecurestateisasureforerunnerofsomegreatcross, or of some great sin. God cannot endure such a temper of soul;lifelessandunfeelingperformancesandsacrifices,tohimthathathgivenussuchencouragements.ItmustneedsbedistastefultoGod,whenwegodrowsilyandheavilyabouthiswork. 'Cursedishethatdoththeworkofthe Lord negligently,' Jer. 48:10. If it were to sheath his sword in thebowelsofhisenemy,towhichmanisexceedinglyprone,yet if itbenotdonewithdiligenceandaneyetoGod,amaniscursedinit.

4.And it is anodious temper toGod.Fordothnothedeserve cheerfulservice at our hands? hath he been a 'wilderness' to us? doth he notdeservethemarrowofoursouls?dothnothisgreatnessrequireitatourhands, that our senses be all waking? and doth not hismercy deserve,that our love should take all care, to serve him that is so gracious andgoodtous?Isitnotthefruitofourredemptiontoservehimwithoutfear,inholinessandrighteousnessallthedaysofourlives?Luke1:14.

5.ItisastatenotonlyodioustoGod,butirksometoourownspirits.Theconscience is never fully at peace in a drowsy state or in drowsyperformances.

Likewise it isnotgraceful toothers. Itbreedsnot love in them togoodthings,butdislike.Carnalmen,letthemseeaChristiannotcarryhimselfwaking,asheshould,thoughtheybeathousandtimesworsethemselves,yetnotwithstandingtheythinkitshouldnotbeso.Suchacoursedothnotsuitwithsomuchknowledgeandsomuchgrace.

Letamanconsider,whereforeGodhathgiventhepowersofthesoulandthe graces of the Spirit. Are they not given for exercise, and to beemployedabouttheirproperobjects?Amanisnotaman,aChristianisnot a Christian, when he is not waking. He so far degenerates fromhimself,asheyieldsuntoanyunbeseemingcarriage.WhereforehathGodgivenusunderstanding,buttoconceivethebestthings?Whereforehavewejudgment,buttojudgearightbetweenthethingsofheavenandearth?Wherefore have we love planted in us, but to set it on lovely objects?Wherefore faith,but to trustGodoverall?Whereforehatred,but to flyill? Wherefore have we affections, but for spiritual things? Whenthereforeouraffectionsaredull,andlosetheiredgetothesethings,beingquick only to earthly things, what a temper is this! How doth a mananswerhiscreation,thestateofanewcreature!Whereforeareallgracesplantedinthesoul,asfaithandlove,andhopeandpatience,buttobeinexercise, and waking? To have these, and to let them sleep and lieunexercised, so far a Christian forgets himself, and is not himself. AChristianasaChristian,thatis,inhisrighttemper,shouldbeintheactandexerciseofwhatisgoodinhim,uponalloccasions;aswesayofGod,he isapureact,becausehe isalways inworking.TheSpiritofGodisapureact,inwhomisnosufferingbutallaction,aboutthatthatisfitforsogloriousanature.Soitiswiththespiritofaman,thathaththeSpiritofGod.Heisinact,inexercise,inoperation,astheSpiritismoreorlessinhim. So he is more or less in operation, more or less fruitful. What aworldofgoodmightChristiansdo,iftheywereinarighttemper!Whatadealofillmighttheyescapeandavoidthattheyliein,iftheywouldrouseup their souls to be as Christians should be, and as their soul andconsciencetellsthemtheyoughtandmightbe,didtheyrightlyimprove

themeanstheyhave!

THEFOURTHSERMON

Isleep,butmyheartwakes,&c.—CANT.5:2.

THEwords,asithathbeenshewed,containaconfession,'Isleep,'andacorrection, 'my heart waketh.' The confession hath been handled, nowsomethingofthecorrectionorexception.

'Myheartwaketh.'Thewordheart,youknow,includesthewholesoul,fortheunderstanding is theheart, 'anunderstandingheart,' Job38:36.To'laythingsupinourhearts,'Luke2:51,thereitismemory;andtocleaveinheart is to cleave inwill,Acts 11:23.To 'rejoice inheart,' Isa. 30:29,thatisintheaffection.Sothatallthepowersofthesoul,theinwardman,asPaulcallethit,2Cor.4:16,istheheart.

'I sleep, butmy heartwaketh.' Indeed the churchmight have said,Myheartsleepeth,butmyheartwaketh.Foritisthesamefaculty,thesamepowerofthesoul,bothinthestateofcorruption,andofgrace,inwhichthe soul is; as in the twilight we cannot say, this is light and that isdarkness,because there is suchamixture. Inall thepowersof the soulthere is something good and something ill, something flesh andsomethingspirit.Theheartwasasleep,andlikewisewasawake.'Isleep,butmyheartwaketh.'

Obs.1.Youseehere,then,firstofall,inthiscorrection,thataChristianhath two principles in him, that which is good, and that which is evil,whence issueth theweakness of his actions and affections. They are allmixed,asaretheprinciplesfromwhichtheycomeforth.

Obs.2.Wemayobserve,further,thataChristianmanmayknowhowitiswith himself. Though he be mixed of flesh and spirit, he hath adistinguishingknowledgeandjudgmentwherebyheknowsboththegoodandevilinhimself.Inadungeonwhereisnothingbutdarkness,bothonthe eye that should see and on that which should be seen, he can seenothing;butwherethere isasupernaturalprinciple,wherethere is this

mixture, there the light of the Spirit searcheth the dark corners of theheart.AmanthathaththeSpiritknowethboth;heknowethhimselfandhisownheart.TheSpirithathalightofitsown,evenasreasonhath.Howdothreasonknowwhatitdoth?Byareflectactinbredinthesoul.Shallamanthatisnaturalreflectuponhisstate,andknowwhatheknows,whathethinks,whathedoth,andmaynotthesoulthatisraisedtoanhigherestateknowasmuch?Undoubtedlyitmay.Besides,wehavetheSpiritofGod,whichislight,andself-evidencing.Itshewsuntouswhereitis,andwhatitis.TheworkoftheSpiritmaysometimesbehindered,asintimesof temptation.Then I confess amanmay lookwhollyupon corruption,and so mistake himself in judging by that which he sees present inhimself,andnotbytheotherprinciplewhichisconcealedforatimefromhim.ButaChristian,whenheisnotinsuchatemptation,heknowshisownestate,andcandistinguishbetweentheprinciplesinhimofthefleshandspirit,graceandnature.

Again,weseehere in that thechurchsaith, 'butmyheartwaketh,' thatshe doth acknowledge there is good as well as evil. As the church isingenious* to confess thatwhich is amiss, 'I sleep,' so she is as true inconfessing that which is good in herself, 'butmy heart waketh,' whichyieldsusanotherobservation.

Obs.3.Weshouldaswellacknowledgethatwhichisgoodasthatwhichisevilinourhearts.

Becausewemustnotbearfalsewitness,asnotagainstothers,muchlessagainst ourselves. Many help Satan, the accuser, and plead his causeagainst theSpirit, their comforter, in refusing to seewhatGodseeth inthem.Wemustmakeconscienceofthis,toknowthegoodaswellastheevil,thoughitbeneversolittle.

Tocomeinparticular,whatisthatgoodthechurchhereconfesseth,whenshesaiththat'herheartwaketh?'

(1.)Sheinhersleepyestate,first,hathherjudgmentsoundinthatwhichistruth,ofpersons,things,andcourses.Christiansarenotsobenightedwhentheysleep,orgivenuptosuchareprobatejudgment,asthattheydiscernnotdifferences.Theycandiscernthatsuchareinagoodway,and

such are not; that suchmeans are good, and such are not. A Christianofttimes is forcedtodoworkoutof judgment, incasehisaffectionsareasleepordistracted;andsuchworksareapprovedofGod,astheycomefrom a right judgment and conviction, though the evil of them bechastised.

(2.)Butallisnotinthejudgment.ThechildofGodasleephathaworkingin thewill. Choosing the better part,whichhewill cleave to, hehath ageneral purpose 'to pleaseGod in all things,' andno settledpurpose inparticular for to sleep. Thus answerable to his judgment, therefore, hechooseththebetterpartandside;heownsGodandhiscause,evenineviltimes, cleaving in resolution of heart to the best ways, though withweakness.

TakeDavidinhissleepytimebetweenhisrepentanceandhisfoulsin.IfoneshouldhaveaskedhimwhathethoughtofthewaysofGodandofthecontrary,hewouldhavegivenyouanansweroutofsoundjudgmentthusand thus. If you should have asked him what course he would havefollowedinhischoice,resolution,andpurpose,hewouldhaveansweredsavourly.

(3.) Again, there remaineth affection answerable to their judgment,which, though they find, and feel it not for a time, it being perhapsscattered,yet there isa secret love toChrist,and tohis causeandside,joinedwithjoyinthewelfareofthechurchandpeopleofGod;rejoicingintheprosperityoftherighteous,withasecretgriefforthecontrary.Thepulseswill beat thisway, and good affectionswill discover themselves.Takehiminhissleepyestate,thejudgmentissoundinthemain,thewill,the affections, the joy, the delight, the sorrow. This is an evidence hisheartisawake.

(4.)Theconsciencelikewiseisawake.Theheartistakenofttimesfortheconscience in Scripture. A good conscience, called a merry heart, is 'acontinual feast,' Prov. 15:15. Now, the conscience of God's children isnever so sleepy but it awaketh in some comfortable measure. Thoughperhapsitmaybedeaded*inaparticularact,yetnotwithstandingthereissomuchlife in it,asuponspeechorconference,&c., therewillbeanopening of it, and a yielding at the length to the strength of spiritual

reason. His conscience is not seared. David was but a little roused byNathan,yetyouseehowhepresentlyconfessedingeniously†thathehadsinned, 2 Sam. 12:13. So, when he had numbered the people, hisconsciencepresentlysmotehim,2Sam.24:10;andwhenheresolvedtokillNabalandallhis family,whichwasawickedandcarnalpassion, inwhichtherewasnothingbutflesh;yetwhenhewasstoppedbytheadviceanddiscreetcounselofAbigail,weseehowpresentlyheyielded,1Sam.25:32,seq.ThereisakindofperpetualtendernessofconscienceinGod'speople.Allthedifferenceisofmoreorless.

(5.)AndanswerabletotheseinwardpowersistheoutwardobedienceofGod'schildren.Intheirsleepyestatetheygooninacourseofobedience.Thoughdeadlyandcoldly,andnotwith thatglory thatmaygiveothersgoodexampleoryieldthemselvescomfort,yet there isacourseofgoodduties.Hisordinaryway isgood,howsoeverhemaystepaside.His fitsmaybesleepywhenhisestateiswaking.Wemustdistinguishbetweenastateandafit.Amanmayhaveanaguishfitinasoundbody.Thestateofa Christian is a waking state in the inward man. The bye-courses hefallethintoarebutfits,outofwhichherecovershimself.

Use. 1.Whence, for use, let usmagnify the goodness of God, that willremainbyhisSpirit,andletitstaytopreservelifeinsuchheartsasoursare,sopronetosecurityandsleepiness.LetitputusinmindofotherlikemercifulandgraciousdoingsofourGodforus,thathegavehisSpirittouswhenwehadnothinggoodinus,whenitmetwithnothingbutenmity,rebellion,andindisposedness.Nay,considerhowhedebasedhimselfandbecame man, in being united to our frail flesh, after an admirablenearness,andalloutofmercytosaveus.

Use.2.IfsobethatSatanshall temptus insuchoccasions, letusenterintoourownsouls,andsearchthetruthofgrace,ourjudgment,ourwills,our constant course of obedience, and the inward principle whence itcomes, that we may be able to stand in the time of temptation.Whatupheldthechurchbutthisreflectact,bythehelpof theSpirit, thatshewasabletojudgeofthegoodaswellasoftheill?ThusDavid,'Thedesiresofoursoulsaretowardsthee,'Ps.38:9;andthoughallthishavebefallenus,yethavewenotforgottenthyname,Ps.44:20.ThiswillenableustoappealtoGod,asPeter,'Lord,thouknowestIlovethee,'John21:15.Itis

anevidenceofagoodestate.

Obs. 1. 'My heart waketh.' God's children never totally fall from grace.Thoughtheysleep,yettheirheartisawake.TheprophetIsaiah,speakingofthechurchandchildrenofGod,Isa.6:13,saith,'Itshallbeasatree,asanoakwhosesubstanceisinthem,whentheycasttheirleaves.'Thoughyou see neither fruit nor leaves, yet there is life in the root, 'the seedremainsinthem.'Thereisalwayaseedremaining.Itisanimmortalseedthatwearebegottenby.Peter,whenhedeniedhisMaster,was like anoakthatwasweather-beaten;yettherewaslifestillintheroot,1Pet.1:3,Mat. 26:32, seq. For, questionless, Peter loved Christ from his heart.Sometimes aChristianmaybe in such a poor case, as the spiritual liferunnethalltotheheart,andtheoutwardmanisleftdestitute;asinwars,when the enemyhath conquered the field, thepeople run into the city,andiftheybebeatenoutofthecity,theyrunintothecastle.ThegraceofGod sometimes fails in the outward action, in the field, when yet itretirethtotheheart,inwhichfortitisimpregnable.'Myheartwaketh.'

When the outwardman sleeps, and there areweak, dull performances,andperhaps actions amiss, too, yetnotwithstanding 'theheartwaketh.'Aswe see in a swoonor great scars, theblood, spirits, and life, thoughtheyleavethefaceandhands,&c.,yettheyareintheheart.ItissaidintheScriptureofEutychus,'Hislifeisinhimstill,'thoughheseemedtobedead,Acts20:9.AsChristsaidofLazarus,John11:4,soamanmaysayofaChristianinhisworststate,His life is inhimstill;he isnotdead,butsleeps;'hisheartwaketh.'

Obs.2.Thisisasounddoctrineandcomfortable,agreeabletoScriptureand the experienceofGod'speople.Wemustnot lose it, therefore, butmakeuseofitagainstthetimeoftemptation.Therearesomepulsesthatdiscover life in the sickest man, so are there some breathings andspiritual motions of heart that will comfort in such times. These twoneverfailonGod'spart,hislove,whichisunchangeable,andhisgrace,afruitofhislove;andtwoonourpart,theimpressionofthatlove,andthegraciousworkof thenewcreature. 'Christneverdies,' saith theapostle,Heb.7:25.Asheneverdiesinhimself,afterhisresurrection,soheneverdiesinhischildren.Thereisalwaysspirituallife.

Use forcomfort. 'Theheartwaketh.'This isasecretofGod'ssanctuary,onlybelongingtoGod'speople.Othershavenothingtodowith it.TheyshalleverloveGod,andGodwilleverlovethem.Theapostle,1Cor.13:8,saith, 'Loveneverfails.'Gifts,youknow,shallbeabolished,becausethemannerofknowingwenowuseshallcease.'Weseethroughaglass,'&c.,'butloveabideth,'1Cor.13:12.DothourlovetoGodabideforever,anddoth not his love to us, whence it cometh? Ours is but a reflection ofGod's love. Let us comfort ourselves, therefore, in this for the time tocome,thatinalltheuncertaintyofthingsinthislifewehaveto-dayandloseto-morrow,asweseeinJob,thereissomewhatasaintmaybuildonthatisconstantandunmoveable.'IamtheLord,Ichangenot;thereforeyousonsofJacobarenotconsumed,'Mal.3:6.Godshoulddenyhimself,asitwere,whichhecannotdo,andhisownconstantnature,ifheshouldvarythisway.

Obs.3.AChristianiswhathisheartandinwardmanis.Itisatruespeechof divines, God and nature begin there. Art begins with the face andoutwardlineaments,ashypocrisy,outwardpaintingandexpressions;butgrace at the centre, and from thence goes to the circumference. Andthereforethechurchvaluesherselfherebythedispositionandtemperofherheart.ThusIamformyoutwardcarriage,&c.'Isleep,butmyheart,thatwaketh.'

Therefore,letusenterintoourconsciencesandsouls,forthetrialofourestates,howitiswithourjudgments.DoweallowofthewaysofGodandofthe lawof the inwardman?Howis itwithouraffectionsandbenttogood things?howwithourhatred,our zeal? Is itnotmore foroutwardthings than for inward?WeknowwhatJehu said toJonadab,whenhewouldhavehim intohischariot, 'Is thineheartasmine?Thencome tome,'2Kings10:15.SosaithChrist,Isthineheartasmine?thengivemethyhand.ButfirstGodmusthaveourhearts,andthenourhands.Amanotherwise isbutaghost inreligion,whichgoesupanddown,withoutaspiritofitsown;butapicturethathathanoutside,andisnothingwithin.Therefore,especially,letuslooktoourhearts. 'Oh,thatthereweresuchanheartinthispeople,'saithGodtoMoses,'tofearmealways,fortheirgood,'Deut. 5:29.This is it thatGod's childrendesire, that theirheartsmaybearightset.'Washthyheart,OJerusalem,'saiththeprophet,'from

thy wickedness,' &c., Jer. 4:14. Indeed, all the outward man dependsupon this. Therefore, Satan, if he can get this fort, he is safe, and soSatan'svicar,Prov.4:23.ItwasawatchwordthatwasinGregoryXIII.histime, inQueenElizabeth'sdays, 'Myson,giveme thyheart.Dissemble,gotochurch,anddowhatyouwill;but,damihicor,beinheartapapist,andgowhereyouwill' (e).Godisnotcontentwiththeheartalone.Thedevilknowsifhehavethehearthehathall;butGod,ashemadeall,bothsoulandbody,hewillhaveall.Butyet in timesof temptation thechieftrialisintheheart.

And fromhencewemayhave amaindifferencebetweenoneChristianand another. A sound Christian doth what he doth from the heart; hebegins the work there. What good he doth he loves in his heart first,judgethittobegood,andthenhedoethit.

An hypocrite dothwhat he doth outwardly, and allows not inwardly ofthatgoodhedoth.Hewoulddoill,andnotgood,ifitwereinhischoice.Thegoodthathedothisforby-ends,forcorrespondence,ordependenceupon others, or conformity with the times, to cover his designs underformality of religion, that he may not be known outwardly, as he isinwardly,anatheistandanhypocrite.Sohehathfalseaims;hisheartisnot directed to a right mark. But it is otherwise with God's child.Whatsoever good he doth, it is in his heart first; whatsoever ill heabstainsfrom,hedothitfromhisheart,judgingittobenaught;thereforehe hates it, andwill not do it.Here is amain difference of the churchfromallothers.Itwakesintheheart,thoughtheoutwardmansleeps.Butothermen's hearts sleepwhen theywake, as you know somemenwillwalk anddomany things in their sleep.Anhypocrite is such a kind ofman.Hewalksandgoesupanddown,buthisheartisasleep.Heknowsnotwhathedoth,nordothhethethingoutof judgmentor love,butasone asleep, as it were.He hath no inward affection unto the things hedoth.AChristianisthecontrary;hisheartisawakewhenheisasleep.

Anotherdifferencefromthewordsyoumayhavethus.AChristian,bythepower of God's Spirit in him, is sensible of the contrarieties in him,complains,andisashamedforthesame.Butanhypocriteisnotso;heisnotsensibleofhissleepiness. 'Isleep,'saiththechurch.Somuchasthechurchsaithsheslept,somuchshedidnotsleep;foramanthatisasleep

cannotsayheisasleep,noradeadmanthatheisdead.Sofarashesaithheisasleep,heisawake.Now,thechurchconfesseththatshewasasleepbythatpartthatwasawakeinher.Othermendonotcomplain,arenotsensibleof their sleepiness and slumbering,but compose themselves toslumber, and seek darkness, which is a friend of sleep. They wouldwillinglybeignorant,tokeeptheirconsciencedullanddumbasmuchastheycan,thatitmaynotupbraidthem.Thisisthedispositionofacarnalman;heisnotsensibleofhisestateasherethechurchis.

Obs.4.Awakingstateisablessedstate.Thechurchyouseesupportsandcomforts herself that shewaswaking in her inwardman, that shewashappyinthatrespect.

Quest.How shall we do to keep and preserve our souls in this wakingcondition,especiallyinthesedrowsytimes?

Ans. 1. Propound unto them waking considerations.What causeth oursleepsbutwantofmattersofmoreseriousobservation?Nonewillsleepwhenathingispresentedofexcellencymorethanordinary.Tosee,andknow,andthinkofwhatastatewearenowadvanceduntoinChrist;whatweshallbeerelong,yetthefearfulestateweshouldbein,ifGodleaveusto ourselves! a state of astonishment, miserable and wretched, beyondspeech,nay,beyondconceit!*Thusdidtheblessedsoulsinformertimesexercise their thoughts, raise, and stir them up by meditation, that sotheymighthold theirsouls inahighesteemof thebest things,andnotsufferthemtosleep.Weneverfalltosleepinearthlyandcarnaldelights,tillthesoulletitsholdgoofthebestthings,andceasethtothinkof,andtowonderatthem.WhatmadeMosestofallfromthedelightsofEgypt?Hesawthebasestthingsinreligionweregreaterthanthegreatestthingsinthecourt,yea,intheworld.'HeesteemedthereproachofChristbetterthanthegreatesttreasuresofEgypt,'Heb.11:26.

2.Maketheheartthinkoftheshortnessandvanityofthis life,withtheuncertaintyofthetimeofourdeath;andofwhatwondrousconsequentitistobeinthestateofgracebeforewedie.Theuncertaintyofthegalesofgrace, that theremay be a good hourwhich, if we pass, wemay neverhavethelikeagain,Luke19:42,Mat.23:37;astheangeldescendedatacertainhourintothepoolofBethesda,John5:4,whenthosethatentered

notimmediatelyafter,wentawaysickastheycame.Sotherearecertaingoodhourswhichletusnotneglect.Thiswillhelptokeepuswaking.

3.Thenecessityofgrace,andthenthefreedispensingofitinGod'sgoodtime, and withal the terror of the Lord's-day, 'Remembering,' saith StPaul,'theterroroftheLord,Ilabourtostirupallmen,'&c.,2Cor.5:11.Indeeditshouldmakeusstirupourheartswhenweconsidertheterrorof the Lord; to think that ere long we shall be all drawn to an exactaccount,beforeastrict,precisejudge.Andshalloureyesthenbesleepingandcareless?Theseandsuchlikeconsiderationsoutofspiritualwisdomwe should propound to ourselves, that sowemight havewaking souls,andpreservetheminarighttemper.

Ans.2.Tokeepfaithwaking.Thesoulisastheobjectisthatispresentedto it, and as the certainty of the apprehension is of that object. Itconduceth much therefore to the awakening of the soul to keep faithawake.Itisnotthegreatnessalone,butthepresenceofgreatthingsthatstirsus.Nowitisthenatureoffaithtomakethingspowerfullypresenttothesoul;foritsetsthingsbeforeusinthewordofJehovah,thatmadeallthingsofnothing,andisLordofhisword,togiveabeingtowhatsoeverhehathspoken,Heb.11:1.Faithisanawakeninggrace.Keepthatawake,anditwillkeepallothergraceswaking.

Whenamanbelieves,thatallthesethingsshallbeonfireerelong;thatheaven and earth shall fall in pieces; thatwe shall be called to give anaccount, [and that] before that timewemaybe taken away—is it not awonder we stand so long, when cities, stone walls fall, and kingdomscometosuddenperiods?Whenfaithapprehends,andsetsthistotheeyeofthesoul,itaffectsthesamemarvellously.Thereforeletfaithsetbeforethe soul some present thoughts according to its temper. Sometimesterriblethingstoawakenitoutofitsdulness;sometimesgloriousthings,promisesandmercies,towakenitoutofitssadness,&c.Whenweareina prosperous estate let faithmake present all the sins and temptationsthatusuallyaccompanysuchanestate,aspride,security, self-applause,and the like. If inadversity, thinkalsoofwhat sinsmaybesetus there.Thiswillawakenupsuchgraces inus,asaresuitabletosuchanestate,forthepreventingofsuchsinsandtemptations,andsokeepourheartsin'exercisetogodliness,'1Tim.4:7;thanwhich,nothingwillmoreprevent

sleeping.

Ans.3.Andwithal, labourforabundanceof theSpiritofGod.Forwhatmakesmen sleepy, and drowsy? The want of spirits.We are dull, andoverloaden with gross humours, whereby the strength sinks and fails.Christians should know, that there is a necessity, if they will keepthemselveswaking,tokeepthemselvesspiritual.PrayfortheSpiritaboveallthings.It isthelifeofourlife,thesoulofoursoul.Whatisthebodywithoutthesoul,orthesoulwithouttheSpiritofGod?Evenadeadlump.And let us keep ourselves in such good ways, as we may expect thepresenceoftheSpirittobeaboutus,whichwillkeepusawake.

Ans. 4. We must keep ourselves in as much light as may be. For allsleepiness comes with darkness. Let us keep our souls in a perpetuallight.Whenanydoubtordarkthoughtariseth,uponyieldingthereuntocomesasleepytemper.Sleepinessintheaffectionsarisethfromdarknessof judgment. The more we labour to increase our knowledge, and themore the spiritual light and beams of it shine in at our windows, thebetteritwillbeforus,andthemoreshallwebeabletokeepawake.Whatmakes men in their corruptions to avoid the ministry of the word, oranythingthatmayawaketheirconsciences?It isthedesiretheyhavetosleep.Theyknow, themore theyknow, themore theymustpractise,orelsetheymusthaveagalledconscience.Theyseereligionwillnotstandwith their ends. Rich theymust be, and great they will be; but if theysufferthelighttogrowuponthem,thatwilltellthemtheymustnotrise,andbegreat,bytheseandsuchcourses.Agraciousheartwillbedesirousofspiritualknowledgeespecially,andnotcarehownearthewordcomes;becausetheyingeniously*andfreelydesiretobespirituallybetter.Theymakeallthingsintheworldyieldtotheinwardman.Theydesiretoknowtheirowncorruptionsandevilsmoreandmore.And therefore love thelight'aschildrenofthelight,andoftheday,'1Thess.5:5.Sleepisaworkofdarkness.Menthereforeofdarkanddrowsyheartsdesiredarkness,forthatveryendthattheirconsciencesmaysleep.

Ans.5.Labourtopreservethesoul in the fearofGod:becausefear isawakingaffection,yea,oneofthewakefullest.For,naturallywearemoremovedwith dangers, than stirredwith hopes. Therefore, that affection,that ismost conversant about danger, is themost rousing and waking

affection. Preserve therefore the fear of God by all means. It is onecharacterofaChristian,who,whenhehath lostalmostallgrace, tohisfeeling,yetthefearofGodisalwaysleftwithhim.Hefearssin,andthereward of it, and therefore God makes that awe the bond of the newcovenant.'Iwillputmyfearintotheirhearts,thattheyshallneverdepartfromme,'Jer.32:39.OneChristianisbetterthananother,byhowmuchmore he wakes, and fears more than another. Of all Christians, markthosearemostgracious,spiritual,andheavenly,thatarethemostawfuland careful of their speeches, courses, anddemeanours; tender evenofoffendingGodinlittlethings.Youshallnothavelightandcommonoathscome from them,norunsavoury speeches. Sometimes a goodChristianmay in a state of sleepiness be faulty some way. But he grows in theknowledge of the greatness of God, and the experience of his owninfirmities,ashegrowsinthesenseoftheloveofGod.Heisafraidtolosethatsweetcommunionanyway,ortogrievetheSpiritofGod.Therefore,alwaysasamangrowsingrace,hegrowsinawfulness,andinjealousyofhis own corruptions. Therefore let us preserve by allmeans this awfulaffection, the fearofGod.Letus thenoftensearchthestateofourownsouls; our going backward or forward; how it is between God and oursouls;howfitwearetodie,andtosuffer;howfitforthetimesthatmaybefallus.Letusexaminethestateofourownsouls,whichwillpreserveusinawakingestate;especiallyexamineourselvesinregardofthesinsoftheplace,andthetimeswherewelive;ofthesinsofourowninclination,how we stand affected and biassed in all those respects, and see howjealousweareofdangersinthiskind.Thosethatwillkeepwakingsouls,must consider the danger of the place where they live, and the times;what sins reign, what sins such a company as they converse with, aresubject unto, and their own weakness to be led away with suchtemptations.Thisjealousyisabranchofthatfearthatwespakeofbefore,arising from the searching of our own hearts, and dispositions. It is anotablemeanstokeepusawake,whenwekeepourheartsinfearofsuchsinsaseitherbycalling,custom,company,or the timewe live in,orbyourowndisposition,wearemostproneto.

ThereisnoChristian,buthehathsomespecialsin,towhichheismoreprone than to another, one way or other, either by course of life, orcomplexion.HerenowisthecareandwatchfulnessofaChristianspirit,

thatknowingbyexamination,andtrialofhisownheart,hisweakness,hedoth especially fence against that, which he ismost inclined to; and isabletospeakmostagainstthatsinofallothers,andtobringthestrongestargumentstodisheartenothersfrompracticeofit.

Ans.6.Inthelastplaceitisathingofnosmallconsequence,thatwekeepcompany with waking and faithful Christians, such as neither sleepthemselvesordowillinglysufferanytosleepthatarenearthem.

Itisareport,andatrueone,ofthesweatingsickness,thattheythatwerekeptawakebythosethatwerewiththem,escaped;butthesicknesswasdeadly if they were suffered to sleep. It is one of the best fruits of thecommunionofsaints,andofourspiritualgoodacquaintance,tokeeponeanotherawake.Itisanunpleasingworkonbothsides.Butweshalloneday cry out against all them that have pleased themselves and us, inrockingusasleep,and thank those thathavepulledus 'with fear,' Jude23,outofthefire,thoughagainstourwills.

Letus labouruponourownhearts intheconscionable*useofall thesemeans, in theirseveral timesandseasons, thatwemaykeepourheartswaking;andthemoreearnestoughtwetobe,fromconsiderationofthepresentageandseasoninwhichwelive.

Certainlyadrowsytemperisthemostordinarytemperintheworld.Forwouldmen suffer idle words, yea, filthy and rotten talk to come fromtheirmouthsiftheywereawake?Wouldawakingmanrunintoapit?orupon a sword's point?Aman that is asleepmaydo anything.What domenmeanwhentheyfearnottolie,dissemble,andrushuponthepikesofGod'sdispleasure?Whentheysayonethinganddoanother,aretheynotdead?ortakethematthebest,aretheynotasleep?Weretheyawake,wouldtheyeverdothus?Willnotafowlthathathwings,avoidthesnare?orwillabeastrunintoapitwhenitseesit?Thereisasnarelaidinyourplayhouses, gaming houses, common houses, that gentlemen frequentthat generally profess religion, and take the communion. If the eye oftheirsoulswereawake,wouldtheyrunintothesesnares,thattheirownconsciencetellsthemareso?Iftherebeanygoodnessintheirsouls,itiswondrous sleepy. There is no man, even the best, but may complainsomething, that they are overtaken in the contagion of these infectious

times. They catch drowsy tempers, as our Saviour saith, of those lattertimes. 'For the abundanceof iniquity, the loveofmany shallwax cold,'Mat.24:12.Achilltempergrowseverfromthecoldnessofthetimesthatwelivein,whereinthebestmaycomplainofcoldness;butthereisagreatdifference.Thelifeofmany,wesee,isacontinualsleep.

Let us especially watch over ourselves, in the use of liberty and suchthingsasareinthemselveslawful.Itisablessedstate,whenaChristiancarrieshimselfsoinhisliberty,thathisheartcondemnshimnotfortheabuseofthatwhichitalloweth,andjustlyinamoderateuse.Recreationsarelawful;whodeniesit?Torefreshaman'sself,isnotonlylawful,butnecessary. God know it well enough, therefore hath allotted time forsleep, and the like. But we must not turn recreation into a calling, tospendtoomuchtimeinit.

Where there is least fear, there ismost danger always.Nowbecause inlawfulthingsthereisleastfear,wearethereinmostdanger.Itistrueforthemostpart, licitisperimusomnes,moremenperish in thechurchofGodbytheabuseoflawfulthings,thanbyunlawful;morebymeat,thanbypoison.Becauseeverymantakesheedofpoison,being*heknowsthevenomofit,buthowmanymensurfeit,anddiebymeat!So,manymendiebylawfulthings.Theyeternallyperishintheabuseoftheirliberties,morethaningrosssins.Thereforeletuskeepawake,thatwemaycarryourselvessoinourliberties,thatwecondemnnotourselvesintheuseofthem.Wewillconcludethispointwiththemeditationoftheexcellencyofa waking Christian.When he is in his right temper, he is an excellentperson,fitforallessays.†Heisthenimpregnable.Satanhathnothingtodowithhim,forhe,asitissaid,isthenawiseman,and'hathhiseyesinhis head,' Eccles. 3:4. He knows himself, his state, his enemies, andadversaries,thesnaresofprosperityandadversity,andofallconditions,&c. Therefore, he being awake, is not overcome of the evil of anycondition,andisreadyforthegoodofanyestate.Hethathathawakingsoul, he sees all the advantages of good, and all the snares thatmightdrawhim to ill.Mark 13:37.What ablessed estate is this! In all thingsthereforewatch; inallestates, inall times,andinallactions.Thereisadanger in everything without watchfulness. There is a scorpion undereverystone,astheproverbis,asnareundereveryblessingofGod,andin

everycondition,whichSatanusethasaweapontohurtus;adversity todiscourageus, prosperity topuff usup:when, if aChristianhathnot awakingsoul,Satanhathhiminhissnare, inprosperitytobeproudandsecure; in adversity to murmur, repine, be dejected, and call God'sprovidence into question.When a Christian hath a heart and grace toawake,thenhislove,hispatience,hisfaithisawake,asitshouldbe.Heisfitforallconditions,todogoodinthem,andtotakegoodbythem.

Let us therefore labour to preserve watchful and waking heartscontinually,thatsowemaybefittolive,todie,andtoappearbeforethejudgment seat of God; to do what we should do, and suffer what weshouldsuffer,beingsquaredforallestateswhatsoever.

THEFIFTHSERMON

ItisthevoiceofmyBelovedthatknocketh,saying,Opentome,mysister, my love, my dove,my undefiled; formy head is filled withdew,andmylockswiththedropsofthenight.—CANT.5:2.

HITHERTO, by God's assistance, we have heard largely both of thechurch'ssleepingandheart-waking;whatthissleepingandheart-wakingis;howitcomes;thetrialsoftheseoppositedispositions;ofthedangerofsleeping, and excellency of heart-waking; and of the helps andmeans,bothtoshuntheoneandpreservetheother.Now,thechurch,havingsofreely and ingeniously* confessed what she could against herself,proceeds yet further to acquaint us with the particulars in her heart-waking disposition, which were twofold. She heard and discerned 'thevoice of her Beloved,' who, for all her sleep,was her Beloved still; andmore than that, she remembers all his sweet words and allurements,wherebyhepressedhertoopenuntohim,saying,'Opentome,mylove,my dove, my undefiled;' which is set out and amplified with a furthermoving argument of those inconveniences Christ had suffered in hiswaiting for entertainment inherheart, 'Formyhead is filledwithdew,and my locks with the drops of the night,' all which aggravates heroffence; andhis raregoodnessandpatience towardsmiserable sinners,sotowaitfromtimetotimeforadmissionintoourwretchedsouls,thathemayruleandgovernthembyhisHolySpirit.Therefore,wehadgreatreason to shun this sleepy distemper of soul, which for the present solocksup 'theeverlastinggatesofoursoul, that theKingofglorycannotenterin,'Ps.24:7,andtostriveforthisblessedheart-wakingdisposition,whichmayhelpusatalltimestoseeourdangers,and,byGod'sblessing,recover us out of them, as here the church doth at length, though firstsmartingandwellbeatenbythewatchmen,inaworldofperplexitiesereshe can recover the sense of her former union and communion withChrist.

And surelywe find by experience,what awoful thing it is for the soulwhich hath once tasted how gracious the Lord is, to be longwithout asense of God's love; for when it looks upon sin as the cause of this

separation,thisisforthetimeassomanydeathsuntoit.Therefore,thechurch's experience must be our warning-piece to take heed how wegrievetheSpirit,andsofallintothisspiritualsleep.Whereinyetthisisagoodsign,thatyetwearenotinadesperatedeadsleepwhenwecanwithhersay,

'ItisthevoiceofmyBelovedthatknocks,saying,Openuntome,'&c.

Inwhichwordsyouhave,

1.Thechurch'sacknowledgmentofChrist'svoice.

2.Ofhiscarriagetowardsher.

1.Heracknowledgmentissetdownhere,'ItisthevoiceofmyBeloved.'

2.Hiscarriage,'Heknocks,'&c.Wherein,

(1.)His patience in suffering thingsunworthy andutterly unbeseemingfor him. He doth not only 'knock,' but he continues knocking, till 'hisheadwasfilledwithdew,andhislockswiththedropsofthenight.'

(2.) His friendly compellation, 'Open to me, my love, my dove, myundefiled.' Lo, here are sweet actions, sweetwords, and all tomelt theheartofthespouse!

First,thechurch'sacknowledgmentistobeconsidered,confessing,'Itisthe voice of her beloved.' The first thing to be observed in thisacknowledgmentis,thatthechurch,howeversleepyanddrowsyshewas,yetnotwithstanding,herheartwassofarawakeastoknowthevoiceofherhusband.Thepointisthis,

Obs.ThataChristiansouldothknowandmaydiscernthevoiceofChrist,yea,andthateveninalazy,sleepyestate,butmuchmorewheninagoodandlivelyframe.God'sbelieversareChrist'ssheep,John10:3.Now,'Mysheep,'saithChrist,'hearmyvoice,'verse4.Itistheear-mark,asitwere,ofaChristian,oneofthecharactersofthenewman,'totastewordsbytheear,'asJobsaith,Job12:11.Hehathaspiritualtaste,adiscerningrelishinhisear,becausehehaththeSpiritofGod,andthereforerelishethwhat

isconnatural,andsuitabletotheSpirit.Now,thevoiceofChristwithoutin the ministry, and the Spirit of Christ within in the heart, areconnatural,andsuitableeachtoother.

Andsurelyso it is, that this isonewaytodiscernatrueChristianfromanother,evenbyatasteinhearing.Forthosethathaveaspiritualrelish,they can hear with some delight things that aremost spiritual. As theheathenmansaidofameadow,thatsomecreaturescometoeatonesortof herbs, others another, all that which is fit for them; men to walkthereinfordelight;allforendssuitabletotheirnature;so,incomingtohearthewordofGod,somecometoobservetheelegancyofwordsandphrases,sometocatchadvantageperhapsagainstthespeaker,menofadevilishtemper;andsometoconformthemselves to thecustomsof theplaces they live in, or to satisfy the clamours of a troubled conscience,that will have some divine duty performed, else it goes on with muchvexation.ButeverytrueChristiancomesandrelishethwhatisspiritual;andwhenoutwardthingscanconveyinsimilitudesspiritualthingsaptlyto themind, he relisheth this, not as elegant and pleasing his fancy somuch,as for conveying thevoiceofChristuntohis soul, so thatamanmaymuchbehelpedtoknowhisstateingraceandwhatheis,byhisear.'Itching ears,' 2 Tim. 4:3, usually are such as are 'ledwith lust,' as theapostle saith, and theymustbe clawed.They are sick, andnothingwilldownwiththem.Theyquarrelwitheverythingthatiswholesome,astheydidwithmanna.Nosermonswillpleasethem,nobreadisfineandwhiteenough;whereas, indeed, it is their owndistemper is in fault.As thosethatgoinashipuponthesea,it isnotthetossingbutthestomachthatcausethasickness, thecholerwithin,andnot thewaveswithout,so thedisquiet of thesemen, that nothingwill downwith them, is from theirown distemper. If Christ himselfwere here a-preaching, theywould besuretocavilatsomething,asthenmendidwhenhepreachedinhisownperson, because they labour of lusts, which they resolve to feed andcherish.

Andagain,observeitagainstouradversaries.Whatsaythey?Howshallweknow that theword is thewordofGod?For thisheretic saith thus,and this interprets it thus. This is the common objection of the greatrabbisamongstthemintheirwritings,howwecanknowthewordtobe

God's, considering there are such heresies in the churches, and suchcontrarietyofopinionsconcerningtheScripturesreadinthechurches.

Eventhustoobjectandaskisanargumentandtestimonythatthesemenhave not the Spirit of Christ, for 'his sheep knowhis voice,' John 10:3,who,howsoevertheycannotinterpretallplacesofScripture,yettheycandiscernintheScripturewhatissuitablefoodforthem,orintheunfoldingoftheScripturesinpreachingtheycandiscernagreeablefoodforthem,havingafacultytorejectthatwhichisnotfitfornourishment,toletitgo.As there is in nature passages fit for concoction and digestion and forrejection,sothereisinthesoultoworkoutoftheword,evenoutofthatwhich ishard,yetwholesome,what is fit for thesoulandspirit. If itbecastdown,itfeedsuponthepromisesfordirectionandconsolation;andwhatisnotfitfornourishment,thatitrejects,thatis,ifitbeofacontrarynature,heterogeneal.Therefore,weanswerthemthus,that'God'ssheephear his voice,' John 10:4; that his word left in the church, when it isunfolded,hisSpiritgoestogetherwithit,breedingarelishofthewordintheheartsofpeople,whereby theyareable to tasteandrelish it, and ithath a supernatural power and majesty in it which carries its ownevidencewithit.Howshallweknowlighttobelight?Itcarriesevidencein itself that it is light. How know we that the fire is hot? Because itcarriesevidenceinitselfthatitisso.SoifyouaskhowweknowthewordofGod tobe thewordofGod; it carries in itself inbredarguments andcharacters, that thesoulcansaynonebut thiswordcanbe thewordofGod;ithathsuchamajestyandpowertocastdown,andraiseup,andtocomfort,andtodirectwithsuchpowerandmajesty,thatitcarrieswithititsownevidence,anditisargumentenoughforit,1Cor.14:24,25;2Cor.10:4,5.Andthusweanswerthem,whichtheycananswernowaybutbycavils. 'God'ssheephear thevoiceofChrist.'Hespeaks,andthechurchunderstandshim,'andastranger'svoicetheywillnothear,'John10:5.

Andindeed,thisistheonlysurewayofunderstandingthewordtobeofGod,fromaninbredprincipleofthemajestyintheword,andapowerfulworkthereofonthesoulitself;andanassentsogroundedisthatwhichmakesasoundChristian.Ifweshouldask,whatisthereasontherebesomanythatapostatize,fallaway,growprofane,andaresounfruitfulunderthegospel,notwithstandingtheyhearsomuchastheydo?Theansweris,

their souls were never founded and bottomed upon this, that it is theword ofGod, anddivine truth, so as to be able to say, I have felt it byexperience, that it is the voice of Christ. Therefore they so soonapostatize, let Jesuits, or seducers set upon them. They were neverpersuadedfrominbredarguments,thatthevoiceofChrististhewordofGod. Others from strictness grow profane, because they were neverconvincedbythepowerandmajestyofthetruthinitself;andthenintheend they despair, notwithstanding all the promises, because they werenever convinced of the truth of them.They cannot sayAmen to all thepromises.Butthechurchcansayconfidently,uponsoundexperience,'Itisthevoiceofmybeloved,'&c.

Again,whereasthechurchsaithhere,It isthevoiceofmybeloved,&c.,andknowsthisvoiceofherbeloved,wemaynote—

Obs. That the church of God, and every Christian, takes notice of themeansthatGodusethfortheirsalvation.

AChristianissensibleofalltheblessedhelpshehathtosalvation.Toadead heart, it is all one whether they havemeans or nomeans; but aChristiansoultakesnoticeofallthemeans.'Itisthevoiceofmybelovedthatknocketh.'ItseethChristinall.

Andmarkwhatthechurchsaith,moreover,'Itisthevoiceofmybeloved.'SheacknowledgethChrist tobebelovedofher, thoughshewereasleep.SothenhereisadistinctionbetweenthesleepofaChristianandthedeadsleepofanothernaturalman.Theonewhenhesleeps,hisheartdothnotonlywake,but it isawaketodiscernthevoiceofChrist. Itcanrelish inreadingwhat is spiritual andgood,what is savoury, andwhatnot.AndlikewisetakeaChristianattheworst:whenheisasleep,helovesChrist,hewilldonothingagainsthim.'Icandonothing,'saithPaul,'againstthetruth,butforthetruth,'2Cor.13:8.Hewilldonothingagainstthecauseofreligion.Thereisanewnatureinhim,thathecannotdootherwise.Hecannot but love; he cannot sinwith a full purpose, nor speak against agoodcause,becausehehathanewnature, that leadshimanotherway.Christisherbelovedstillthoughshesleep.

Obs.TakeaChristianatthelowest,hisheartyearnsafterChrist.

Acknowledginghimtobehisbeloved,thereisaconjugalchastityinthesoulofaChristian.HoldingfirmtothecovenantandmarriagebetweenChrist and it, he keeps that unviolable. Though he may be untoward,sleepy,anddrowsy,yet there isalwaysaconjugal,spouse-likeaffection.'Itisthevoiceofmybeloved,'&c.

Now, leaving the church's notice of the voice of Christ, we come toChrist'scarriagetowardsher.

1.'Heknocketh;'andthenwehave—

2.Hispatienceinthatcarriage.'Myheadisfilledwithdew,andmylockswith thedropsof thenight,'&c.Here ispatienceandmercy, to endurethis indignityat thechurch'shand, tostandathercourtesy tocome in;besides, 3, the compellation, afterwards to be spoken of. The generalobservationfromChrist'scarriageisthis—

Obs.ThatChrist stilldesiresa furtherand furthercommunionwithhischurch.

Evenasthetruesoulthat is touchedwiththeSpirit,desiresnearerandnearer communion with Christ; so he seeks nearer and nearercommunionwithhis spouse, by all sanctifiedmeans.Christ hathneverenoughofthesoul.Hewouldhavethemmoreandmoreopentohim.OurheartsareforChrist,whohaththeheavenofheavens,andthesoulofabelievingChristianforhimselftodwellin.Hecontentsnothimselftobein heaven alone, but he will have our hearts. He knocks here, waits,speaksfriendlyandlovingly,withsuchsweetwords, 'Mylove,mydove,'&c.We had a blessed communion in the state of innocency, and shallhave a glorious communion in heaven, when the marriage shall beconsummated; but now the time of this life is but as the time of thecontract, during which there are yet many mutual passages of lovebetween him and his spouse, a desire of mutual communion of eitherside. Christ desires further entertainment in his church's heart andaffection, thathemight lodgeanddwell there.Andlikewisethere is thelike desire in the church, when she is in a right temper; so that if anystrangenessbebetweenChristandanyman'ssoul,thathathtastedhowgood theLord is, let himnot blameChrist for it, forhedelightsnot in

strangeness. He that knocks and stands knocking, while his locks arebedewedwiththedropsofthenight,dothhedelightinstrangeness,thatmakesallthislovetoaChristian'ssoul?Certainlyno.

Thereforelookforthecauseofhisstrangenessatanytimeinthineownself. As,whetherwe cast ourselves imprudently into company, that arenotfittobeconsultedwithal,inwhomtheSpiritisnot,andwhocannotdo us any good, or they cast themselves to us. Evil company is a greatdamping, whereby a Christian loseth his comfortmuch, especially thatintimatecommunionwithGod;whencewemayfallintosecurity.

Again,discontinuingofreligiousexercisesdothwonderfullycauseChristto withdraw himself. He makes no more love to our souls, when weneglect the means, and discontinue holy exercises, and religiouscompany,whenwestirnotupthegracesofGod'sSpirit.Beingthiswaynegligent, it isnowonder thatChristmakesnomore love toour souls,whenweprizeandvaluenotthecommunionthatshouldbebetweenthesoul and Christ, as we should. 'Whom have I in heaven but thee?' Ps.73:25.'Thylovingkindnessisbetterthanlife,'saiththepsalmist,Ps.63:3.Whenwe prize not this, it is just with Christ tomake himself strange.Where love isnotvaluedandesteemed, it is estranged,and forawhilehidesitself.Sothatthese,withothercoursesandfailings,wemayfindtobethegroundandreasonofthestrangenessbetweenChristandthesoul,forcertainlythecauseisnotinhim.Forweseehere,heusethallmeanstobeentertainedbyaChristiansoul:'heknocks.'

YouknowwhathesaystothechurchofLaodicea—'Behold,Istandatthedoor,andknock,'Rev.3:20;sohere—'It is thevoiceofmybelovedthatknocketh.' Therefore, in such a case, search your own hearts, where, iftherebedeadnessanddesertionofspirit,laytheblameuponyourselves,andenterintoasearchofyourownways,andseewhatmaybethecause.

Now,tocomemoreparticularlytoChrist'scarriagehere,knockingattheheartofthesleepychurch,weseethatChristtakesnottheadvantageandforfeitureof thesinsofhischurch, to leave themaltogether,butmakesfurther and further love to them. Though the church be sleepy, Christcontinues knocking. The church of Laodicea was a lukewarm, proud,hypocritical church; yet 'Behold,' saith Christ, 'I stand at the door, and

knock,' Rev. 3:20; and it was such a church as was vainglorious andconceited. 'Iamrich,andwantnothing,whenshewaspoor,blind,andnaked,' Rev. 3:17. And here he doth not only stand knocking, but hewithal suffereth indignities—'the dew' to fall upon him, whichwe shallspeakmoreofhereafter.Christ,therefore,refusethnotweaksinners.Hethat commands, 'that we should receive him that is weak in the faith,'Rom.14:1,andnotcasthimofffromourfellowshipandcompany,willhereject him that is weak and sleepy? No. What father will pass by orneglecthischild,forsomefailingsandweaknesses?Naturewillmovehimtorespecthimashischild.

Now,Christ ismercifulbothbyhisofficeandbyhisnature.Ournaturehetookuponhim,thathemightbeamercifulRedeemer,Heb.2:17.AndthenasGodalso,heislove,'Godislove,'1John4:16:thatis,whatsoeverGod shews himself to his church, he doth it in love. If he be angry incorrecting,itisoutoflove;ifmerciful,itisoutoflove;ifhebepowerfulin defending his church, and revenging himself on her enemies, all islove.'Godislove,'saithJohn,John4:8:thatis,heshewshimselfonlyinways,expressions,andcharactersoflovetohischurch.SoChrist,asGod,isalllovetothechurch.AndweseetheScripturesalsotosetoutGodaslove,bothinhisessenceandinhisrelations.1.Inrelationsoflovetohischurch, he is a father: 'As a father pitieth his child, so the Lord pitiesthemthatfearhim,'Ps.103:13.And,2.Alsointhosesweetattributesoflove,whicharehisessence,aswesee,Exod.34:6.WhenGoddescribeshimself toMoses, after his desire to know him, in the former chapter,'Thoucanstnot seemeand live;' yethewouldmakehimknowhim,aswas fit for him to be known—'Jehovah, Jehovah, strong, merciful,gracious, long-suffering,' &c., Exod. 34:6. Thus God will be known intheseattributesofconsolation.SoChrist,asGod, isall loveandmercy.Likewise Christ, as man, he was man for this end, to be all love andmercy. Take him in his office as Jesus, to be a Saviour; he carriethsalvationinhiswings,asitisinMal.4:2,bothbyofficeandbynature.

And here how excellently is the expression of Christ'smercy, love, andpatiencesetout!Heknocks,'mybelovedknocks,.'&c.,saying,'Open.'Heknocksforfurtherentrance,aswasshewedbefore.Somehehadalready,buthewouldhavefurther.Asyouknowwehavediversroomsandplaces

inourhouses.Thereisthecourt,thehall,theparlour,andcloset:thehallforcommonpersons,theparlourforthoseofbetterfashion,theclosetforaman'sself,andthosethatareintimatefriends.SoaChristianhathroominhisheartforworldlythoughts,buthiscloset,hisinmostaffections,arekeptforhisinmostfriendChrist,whoisnotcontentwiththehall,butwillcome into theverycloset.Heknocks, thatweshouldopen,and lethimcomeintoourhearts,intoourmoreintimateaffectionsandlove.Nothingwillcontenthimbutintimateness,forhedeservesit.Asweshallsee,heknocksforthisend.Buthowdothheknock?

Everykindofway.1.Itistakenfromthefashionofmeninthiskind,Godcondescendingtospeaktousinourownlanguage.Sometimes,youknow,there is a knocking or calling for entrance by voice, when a voicemayserve,andthenthereneedsnofurtherknocking.

Sometimesbothbyvoiceandknocking.Ifvoicewillnotserve,knockingcomesafter.So it ishere.Christdothknockandspeak,usethavoiceofhis word, and knocks by his works, and both together sometimes,whetherbyworksofmercyorofjudgment.Helabourstoenterintothesoul,toraisethesleepysoulthatway.Hebeginswithmercyusually.

(1.)Bymercies.AllthecreaturesandblessingsofGodcarryinthem,asitwere, a voiceofGod to the soul, that itwouldentertainhis love.Theregoesavoiceoflovewitheveryblessing.Andthelove,themercy,andthegoodnessofGodinthecreature,isbetterthanthecreatureitself.Aswesayofgifts,theloveofthegiverisbetterthanthegiftitself.SotheloveofGodinallhissweetbenefitsisbetterthanthethingitself.Andsointhatwehave.Thereisavoice,asitwere,entreatingustoentertainGodandChrist in all hismercies, yea, every creature, as one saith, and benefit,speaks,asitwere,thustous:Weservethee,thatthoumayestservehimthat made thee and us. There is a speech, as it were, in every favour.Whichmercies,iftheycannotprevail,then,

(2.)Comecorrections,whicharethevoiceofGodalso.'Heartherod,andhimthatsmiteth,'Micah6:9.

2. But hath the rod a voice? Yes, for what do corrections speak, butamendmentofthefaultwearecorrectedfor?Sowemustheartherod.All

corrections tend to thispurpose.Theyareasknockings, thatweshouldopentoGodandChrist.Andbecausecorrectionsof themselveswillnotamendus,God to this kind of knocking adds a voice.He teacheth andcorrects together, 'Happy is thatman that thoucorrectest, and teachestoutofthylaw,'saiththepsalmist,Ps.94:12.Correctionwithoutteachingis to little purpose. Therefore God adds instruction to correction. Heopenstheconscience,sothatittellsusitisforthisthatyouarecorrected;andtogetherwithconscience,giveshisSpirittotellusitisforthisorthatyouarecorrected;youaretoblameinthis, thisyouhavedonethatyoushould not have done. So that corrections are knockings, but thenespecially when they have instruction thus with them. They aremessengers fromGod, both blessings and corrections, Lev. 26:24, seq.Theywill not away, especially corrections, till they have an answer, fortheyaresentofGod,whowilladdseventimesmore;and if the firstbenot answered, then he sends after them. He will be sure to have ananswer,eitherinourconversionorconfusion,whenhebeginsonce.

3.Many other ways he useth to knock at our hearts. The examples ofthoseweliveamongthataregood,theycalluponus,Luke13:2,3;1Cor.10:33.Thepatternsoftheirholylife,theexamplesofGod'sjusticeuponothers,arespeechestous.Godknocksatourdoorthen.Heintendsourcorrectionwhenhevisitsanother,when, ifweamendby that,heneedsnottakeusinhand.

4.Butbesidesallthis,thereisamorenearknockingthatChristusethtothechurch,hisministerialknocking.Whenhewashereinthedaysofhisflesh, hewas a preacher and prophet himself, and now he is ascendedintoheaven,hehathgivengiftstomen,andmentothechurch,Eph.4:11,seq., whom he speaks by, to the end of the world. They are Christ'smouth, aswe said of the penmen of holy Scripture. Theywere but thehand to write; Christ was the head to indite. So in preaching andunfoldingthewordtheyarebutChrist'smouthandhisvoice,asitissaidof John, Mat. 3:3. Now he is in heaven, he speaks by them, 'He thathearethyouhearethme,hethatdespisethyoudespisethme,'Luke10:16.Christiseitherreceivedorrejectedinhisministers,asitissaidofNoah'stime,'TheSpiritofChristpreachedinthedaysofNoahtothesoulsnowin prison,' &c., 1 Pet. 3:19. Christ as God did preach, before he was

incarnate, by Noah to the old world, which is now in prison, in hell,becausetheyrefusedtohearChristspeaktothembyNoah.Muchmorenow, after the days of his flesh, that he is in heaven, he speaks andpreacheth tous,which, ifwe regardnot,weare like tobe inprison,asthosesoulsarenowinprisonforneglectingthepreachingofNoah,1Pet3:19.SotheministersareChrist'smouth.Whentheyspeak,hespeaksbythem,andtheyareasambassadorsofChrist,whomtheyshouldimitateinmildness.'Wetherefore,asambassadors,beseechandentreatyou,asifChristbyusshouldspeaktoyou;soweentreatyoutobereconcileduntoGod,'2Cor.5:20.Andyouknowwhatheart-breakingwordstheapostleusethinallhisepistles,especiallywhenhewritestoChristiansinagoodstate,as to thePhilippians, 'If therebeanybowelsofmercy, if therebeanyconsolationinChrist,'thenregardwhatIsay,'beofonemind.'Phil.2:1.AndamongtheThessalonianshewasasanursetothem,1Thess.2:7.SoChristspeaksbythem,andputshisownaffectionsintothem,thatashe is tenderand fullofbowelshimself, sohehathput thesamebowelsintothosethatarehistrueministers.

He speaks by them, and theyuse all kind ofmeans thatChristmaybeentertainedintotheirhearts.Theymoveallstones,asitwere,sometimesthreatenings, sometimes entreaties, sometimes they come as 'sons ofthunder,' Mark 3:17; sometimes with the still voice of sweet promises.Andbecauseonemanisnotsofitasanotherforallvarietiesofconditionsandspirits,thereforeGodgivesvarietyofgiftstohisministers,thattheymayknockattheheartofeverymanbytheirseveralgifts.Forsomehavemorerousing,somemoreinsinuatinggifts;somemorelegal,somemoreevangelicalspirits,yetallforthechurch'sgood.JohnBaptist,byamorethundering way of preaching, to make way for Christ to come,threatenethjudgment.ButChrist,thenhecomeswitha 'Blessedarethepoorinspirit,''blessedaretheythathungerandthirstforrighteousness,'&c.,Mat.5:3.Allkindofmeanshavebeenusedintheministryfromthebeginningoftheworld.

5.Andbecauseofitselfthisministryitisadeadletter;thereforehejoinsthatwiththeword,whichknocksatthehearttogetherwiththeword,notseveredfromit,butisthelifeofit.Oh!theSpiritisthelife,andsoulofthe word; and when the inward word, or voice of the Spirit, and the

outwardwordorministrygotogether,thenChristdothmoreeffectuallyknockandstiruptheheart.

NowthisSpiritwithsweetinspirationsknocks,movestheheart,lightensthe understanding, quickens the dull affections, and stirs them up toduty, as it is, Isa. 30:21, 'And thine ears shall hear a voice behind theesaying,Thisistheway,walkinit.'TheSpiritmovesussweetly,agreeabletoourownnature.Itoffersnotviolencetous;butsoasinHosea11:4,'Idrew them by the cords of a man.' That is, by reasons and motivesbefittingthenatureofman,motivesof love.SotheSpirit,togetherwiththeword,worksuponus,aswearemenbyrationalmotives,settinggoodbeforeus,ifwewillletChristintogovernandruleus;andbythedangeronthecontrary,somovingandstirringupouraffections.Thesebe 'thecordsofaman.'

6.AndbesideshisSpirit,Godhathplantedinusaconsciencetocalluponus,tobehisvicar;alittlegodinustodohisoffice,tocalluponus,directus,checkandcondemnus,whichingreatmercyhehathplacedinus.

ThusweseewhatmeansChristusethhere—hisvoice,works,andword;worksofmercyandofcorrection;hisword,togetherwithhisSpirit,andtheconscience,thathehathplanted,tobe,asitwere,agodinus;whichtogetherwithhisSpiritmaymoveustoduty.ThisAustinspeaksofwhenhesays,Deusinme,&c.'Godspakeinmeoft,andIknewitnot'(f).Hemeans it of conscience, together with the Spirit, stirring upmotives toleave his sinful courses.God knocked inme, and I considered it not. Icried,modòandmodò,sinemodo.IputoffGod,nowIwill,andnowIwill,but Ihadnomoderation, Iknewno limits.AndwhilstChrist thusknocketh, all the three persons may be said to do it. For as it is saidelsewhere, that 'Godwas and is in Christ reconciling theworld,' &c., 2Cor.5:19.ForwhatsoeverChristdid,hediditasanointed,andbyoffice.AndthereforeGoddoth it inChrist,andbyChrist,andso insomesortGod died in his human nature, when Christ died. So here the fatherbeseechethwhenChristbeseecheth,becausehebeseecheth, that is sentfromhim,andanointedof theFather.AndGodtheFatherstoopstouswhenChriststoops,becauseheissentoftheFather,anddothallbyhisFather's command and commission, John 5:27. So besides his ownbowels,thereistheFatherandtheSpiritwithChrist,whodothallbyhis

Spirit,and fromhisFather, fromwhomhehathcommission.ThereforeGodtheFather,Son,andHolyGhostknockattheheart.'Opentome,mylove,mydove,myundefiled;'butChristespeciallybyhisSpirit,becauseitishisoffice.

Obj.Butsomemayobject,Christ canopen tohimself,whydothhenottakethekeyandopen,andmakewayforhimself?Whowillknock,whenhehaththekeyhimself?andwhowillknock,whenthereisnonewithintoopen?Christcanopentohimself,andwehavenofreewill,norpowertoopen.

Bellarminemakes this objection, and speaks very rudely, that he is anunwisemantoknock,wherethereisnomanwithintoopen;andthatifChristknock,andwecannotopen,itisadelusiontoexhorttoopen,andthatthereforetheremustneedsbefreewillinustoopen(f).

Theansweris,first,Christspeakstothespousehere,andso,manysuchexhortationsaregivento themthathave theSpiritofGodalready,whocould by the help thereof open. For good and graciousmen aremovedfirstbytheSpirit,andthentheymove;theyaremotimoventes,andactiagentes.TheyareactedfirstbytheSpirit,andthentheydoactbyit,notofthemselves;astheinferiororbsmovenot,butastheyaremovedbythesuperior. Thequestion is not of them in the state of grace, but at theirfirstconversion,whenespeciallywesay thatChristspeaks to themthathemeanstoconvert.Heknocksattheirhearts,andopenstogetherwithhisspeech.Then theregoesapower that theyshallopen; forhiswordsareoperativewords.Asitwasinthecreation, 'Lettherebelight,' itwasan operative word, 'and there was light,' Gen. 1:3. Let there be such acreature,itwasanoperativeworkingword,andtherewassuchacreaturepresently.Soheopenstogetherwiththatword.Withthatinvitationandcommandtheregoesanalmightypowertoenablethesoultoopen.Wereitnotawisereasontosay,whenChristcalledtoLazarusto'comeforth,'John11:43,thatweshouldreasonhehadlifetoyieldtoChrist,whenhebadehimcome forth?No,hewas rotten, inhisgrave,almost;butwithChrist'sspeakingtoLazarus,therewentanalmightypower,thatgavelifetohim,bywhichlifeheheardwhatChristsaid,'Arise,Lazarus.'SoChristbyhisSpiritclotheshiswordintheministry,whenhespeakstopeoplewith amighty power. As theminister speaks to the ear, Christ speaks,

opens, and unlocks the heart at the same time; and gives it power toopen,notfromitself,butfromChrist.PaulspeakstoLydia'sear,Christtoher heart, and opened it, as the text says, Acts 16:13, whereby shebelieves;*soChristopenstheheart.

Quest.Butwhydothhethuswork?

Ans.Becausehewillpreservenature,andtheprinciplesthereof;andsohe deals with us, working accordingly. The manner of working of thereasonable creature, is to work freely by a sweet inclination, not byviolence.Thereforewhenheworkstheworkofconversion,hedothitinasweet manner, though it be mighty for the efficaciousness of it. Headmonishethuswith entreatyandpersuasion, as ifwedid it ourselves.Butthoughthemannerbethussweet,yetwiththismannertheregoethanalmightypower.Thereforehedothitstronglyascomingfromhimself,andsweetly,asthespeakingistous,preservingournature.Sotheactionisfromhim,whichhathanalmightypowerwithit.AsholyBernardsaith,'Thou dealest sweetly with my soul in regard of myself;' that is, thouworkestuponme,asamanwiththewordsoflove,yetstronglyinregardof thyself.Forexceptheaddstrengthwithsweetness, theworkwillnotfollow;butwhenthereareboth,analmightyworkiswroughtinthesoulof a Christian; and so wrought, as the manner of man's working ispreservedinasweetandfreemanner,whilstheischangedfromcontrarytocontrary.Anditisalsowiththegreatestreasonthatcanbe,inthatnowheseesmorereasontobegood,thaninthedaysofdarknesshedidtobenaught,Godworkssosweetly.Godspeakstousafterthemannerofmen,butheworksinusasthegreatGod.Hespeakstousasamaninourownlanguage,sweetly;butheworksinusalmightily,afterapowerfulmanner,asGod.Sowemustunderstandsuchphrasesasthese, 'Iknock;opentome,mylove,mydove,'&c.Wemaytakefurthernotice,

Obs.ThattheheartofaChristianisthehouseandtempleofChrist.

He hath but two houses to dwell in; the heavens, and the heart of anhumblebroken-heartedsinner,Isa.57:15.

Quest.HowcanChristcomeintothesoul?

Ans.Hecomes intotheheartbyhisSpirit. It isaspecialentertainmentthat he looks for.Open thine ears that thoumayest hearmyword; thylove,thatthoumayestlovememore;thyjoy,thatthoumayestdelightinmemore;openthywholesoulthatImaydwellinit.AChristianshouldbeGod'shouse,andatrueChristianisthetruetempleofGod.Helefttheothertwotemplestherefore;buthisownbody,andhischurchheneverleaves.Forahouseisforamantosolacehimselfin,andtorestin,andtolayupwhatsoeverisprecioustohim.SowithChrist.Amanwillrepairhishouse, soChristwill repairoursouls,andmake thembetter,andmakethemmoreholy,andspiritual,andeverywayfitforsuchaguestasheis.

Quest.HowshallweknowwhetherChristdwellsinourheartsornot?

Ans.Wemay knowby the servantswhatmaster dwells in an house. IfChristbeinthesoul,therecomesoutofthehousegoodspeeches.Andwewatch the senses, so as there comes nothing in to defile the soul, anddisturbChrist,andnothinggoesout tooffendGod.Whenwehearmenfullofgracioussweetspeeches,itisasignChristdwellsthere.Ifwehearthecontrary,itshewsChristdwellsnotthere.ForChristwouldmovethewholemantodothatwhichmightedifyandcomfort.

Again, where Christ comes, assistance comes there. When Christ wasborn,allJerusalemwasinanuproar;so,whenChristisborninthesoul,thereisanuproar.Corruptionarmsitselfagainstgrace.Thereisacombatbetwixt fleshandspirit.ButChrist subdues the fleshby littleand little.God's image is stamped upon the soul where Christ is; and if we haveopeneduntotheLordofglory,hewillmakeusglorious.

Christhathneverenoughofus,norwehaveneverenoughofhimtillwebeinheaven;and,therefore,wepray,'Thykingdomcome.'AndtillChristcomesinhiskingdom,hedesireshiskingdomshouldcometous.Open,saith he, stupenda dignatio, &c., as he cries out. It is a stupendouscondescendence,whenhethathathheaventoholdhim,angelstoattendhim, those glorious creatures; he that hath the command of everycreature, thatdoyieldpresentlyhomagewhenhecommands, the frogs,and lice, andall thehost ofheavenare ready todohiswill! forhim tocondescendandtoentreatustobegoodtoourownsouls,andtobeseechustobereconciledtohim,as ifhehadoffendedus,whohavedonethe

wrongandnothe,orasifthatwehadpowerandrichestodohimgood;heregreatnessbeseechethmeanness,richespoverty,all-sufficiencywant,and life itself comes to dead, drowsy souls. What a wondrouscondescending is this! Yet, notwithstanding, Christ vouchsafes tomaketheheartofasinful,sleepymantobehishouse,histemple.Heknocks,andknockshere,saying,'Opentome,'&c.

Use1.Thisisusefulmanyways,asfirst,cherishallthegoodconceits*wecanofChrist.Timewill come that thedevilwill setuponuswithsharptemptations, fiery darts, temptations to despair, and present Christamiss, as if Christ were not willing to receive us. Whenas you see heknocksatourhearts toopen tohim,usethmerciesand judgments, theministryofhisSpiritandconscience,andall.Willnothethenentertainus,whenwe come to him, that seeks this entertainment at our hands?Certainly he will. Therefore, let us labour to cherish good conceits ofChrist. This is the finisher and beginning of the conversion of a poorsinful soul, even to consider the infinite love and condescendence ofChrist Jesus for the good of our souls.Weneednotwonder at this hiswillingness to receive us, when we first know that God became man,happinessbecamemisery,andlifeitselfcametodie,andtobe'acurseforus,' Gal. 3:13. He hath done the greater, and will he not do the less?Therefore, thinknot strange that heuseth all thesemeans, consideringhowlowhedescendedintothewombofthevirginforus,Ephes.4:9.

Nowsuchconsiderationsasthese,beingmixedwiththeSpiritandsetonbyhim,areeffectualfortheconversionofpoorsouls.IstheresuchloveinGod tobecomeman,and tobea suitor towoome formy love?Surely,thinksthesoulthen,hedesiresmysalvationandconversion.Andtowhatkindofpersonsdothhecome?Nonecanobjectunworthiness.Iampoor:'Hecomes to thepoor,' Isa. 14:32and29:19. Iam ladenandwretched:'Come unto me, all ye that are weary and laden,' Mat. 11:28. I havenothing:'Comeandbuyhoney,milk,andwine,thoughyouhavenothing,'Isa.55:1.Hetakesawayallobjections.ButIamstungwiththesenseofmysins:'Blessedaretheythathungerandthirst,'&c.,Mat.5:6.ButIamempty of all: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit,' Mat. 5:3. You can objectnothing,butitistakenawaybytheHolyGhost,wiselypreventing*alltheobjectionsofasinfulsoul.Thisisthebeginningofconversion,thesevery

conceits. Andwhenwe are converted, these thoughts, entertainedwithadmirationofChrist'scondescending,areeffectualtogiveChristfurtherentranceintothesoul,wherebyamorehappycommunioniswroughtstillmoreandmorebetweenChristandthesoulofaChristian.

Use2.Oh,buttakeheedthatthesemakenotanysecure.For,ifwegivenot entrance to Christ, all this will be a further aggravation of ourdamnation.Howwill this justify the sentence upon us hereafter, whenChristshallsetusonthelefthand,andsay,'Departfromme,'Mat.25:41,forIinvitedyoutocometome,Iknockedatthedoorofyourhearts,andyouwouldgivemenoentrance.Departfromus,saidyou;therefore,now,Depart you from me. What do profane persons in the church but bidChrist depart from them, especially in themotions of his Spirit? Theyentertainhimintheoutwardroom,thebrain;theyknowalittleofChrist,but,intheheart,thesecretroom,hemustnotcometheretorule.Isitnotequal that he should bid us, 'Depart, ye cursed, I know you not'?Mat.25:41;youwouldnotgiveentrancetome,Iwillnotnowtoyou,astothefoolish virgins he speaks,Mat. 25:12, and Prov. 1:28.Wisdom knocks,andhathnoentrance; therefore, in timesofdanger, theycalluponher,butsherejoicethattheirdestruction.WhereGodmagnifieshismercyinthis kind, in sweet allurements, and inviting by judgments, mercies,ministry,andSpirit,hewillmagnifyhisjudgmentafter.Thosethathaveneglectedheavenwiththeprerogativesandadvantagesinthiskind,theyshall be cast into hell. 'Woe to thee, Chorazin,' &c.,Mat. 11:21, as youknowinthegospel.Thisisonethingthatmayhumbleusofthisplaceandnation, that Christ hath no further entrance, nor better entertainmentaftersolongknocking!fortheentertainingofhiswordisthewelcomingofhimself,asitis,Col.3:16.'LetthewordofGoddwellplentifullyinyou.'And, 'LetChristdwellinyourheartsbyfaith,'Eph.3:17.Comparethoseplaces; let theworddwellplenteously in youbywisdom,and letChristdwell in your hearts by faith. For then doth Christ dwell in the heart,whenthetruthdwellsinus.Therefore,whatentertainmentwegivetohistruth,wegivetohimself.Nowwhatmeansofknockinghathhenotusedamongus a long time?Forworksof all sorts, hehathdrawnusby thecords of a man, by all kind of favours. For mercies, how manydeliverances have we had (no nation the like; we are a miracle of theChristian world) from foreign invasion, and domestical conspiracies at

home?Howmanymerciesdoweenjoy!Abundance, togetherwith longpeace and plenty. Besides, if this would not do, God hath addedcorrectionswithallthese,ineveryelement,ineverymanner.Infectioninthe air, judgments in inundations. We have had rumours of wars, &c.Threatenings, shakingsof the rodonly,but suchasmighthaveawakedus. And then he hath knocked at our hearts by the example of othernations.Bywhathehathdonetothem,hehathsheweduswhathemightjustlyhavedonetous.Wearenobetterthanthey.

As for his ministerial knocking: above threescore years we have livedundertheministryofthegospel.This landhathbeenGoshen,a landoflight,whenmanyotherplacesareindarkness.EspeciallywethatliveinthisGoshen, thisplace, and such like,where the light shines inamoreabundantmeasure.Ministershavebeensent,andvarietyofgifts.Therehathbeenpipingandmourning,asChristcomplainsinhistime,thattheywere like froward children, that neither sweet piping nor dolefulmourningwouldmove to be tractable to their fellows. 'They had John,whocamemourning,'Mat.11:17,andChristcomfortingwithblessinginhismouth.Allkindofmeanshavebeenused.

AndforthemotionsofhisSpirit,whoarethereatthistime,whothusliveinthechurchundertheministry,whocannotsaythatGodtherebyhathsmotetheirhearts,thosehardrocks,againandagain,andawakedtheirconsciences,partlywithcorrectionspublicandpersonal,andpartlywithbenefits?Yetnotwithstanding,whatlittlewayisgiventoChrist!Manyareindifferent,andlukewarmeitherway,butratherinclinetotheworst.

Let us then consider of it. The greater means, the greater judgmentsafterwards, if we be not won by them. Therefore let us labour to holdChrist,toentertainhim.Lethimhavethebestroominoursouls,todwellinourhearts.Letusgiveupthekeystohim,anddesirehimtoruleourunderstandings,toknownothingbuthim,andwhatmaystandwithhistruth,nottoyieldtoanyerrororcorruption.Letusdesirethathewouldrule inourwillsandaffections; swayall,giveall tohim.For that ishismeaning,whenhesays,'Opentome,'sothatImayrule,asinmineownhouse,asthehusbandrulesinhisfamily,andakinginhiskingdom.Hewill have all yielded up to him. And he comes to beat down all,whatsoeverisexaltedagainsthim;andthatisthereasonmenaresoloth

to openuntohim.They know if they open to theSpirit ofGod, hewillturnthemoutoftheirfool'sparadise,andmakethemresolveuponothercourses of life, which, because they will not turn unto, they repel thesweetmotionsof theSpiritofChrist,andpullawayhisgraces,buildingbulwarksagainstChrist,aslusts,strangeimaginations,andresolutions,2Cor.10:3–5.Lettheministerssaywhattheywill,andtheSpiritmoveashe will, thus they live, and thus they will live. Let us take notice,therefore, of all the means that God useth to the State, and to us inparticular,andeveryonelabourtoamendone.Everysoulisthetemple,the house, Christ should dwell in. Let every soul, therefore, among us,considerwhatmeansChristusethtocomeintohissoultodwellwithhim,andtorulethere.

Andwhatshallwelosebyit?DoweentertainChristtoourloss?Dothhecome empty? No; he comes with all grace. His goodness is acommunicative,diffusivegoodness.Hecomestospreadhistreasures,toenrich the heart with all grace and strength, to bear all afflictions, toencounteralldangers, tobringpeaceofconscience,andjoy intheHolyGhost.Hecomes,indeed,tomakeourhearts,asitwere,aheaven.Dobutconsiderthis.Hecomesnotforhisownends;buttoemptyhisgoodnessintoourhearts.Asabreastthatdesirestoemptyitselfwhenitisfull;sothis fountain hath the fulness of a fountain,which strives to empty hisgoodness into our souls. He comes out of love to us. Let theseconsiderationsmeltourheartsforourunkindness,thatwesufferhimtostandsolongatthedoorknocking,asitissaidhere.

If we find not our suits answered so soon aswewould, remember, wehavemadehimalsowaitforus.Perhapstohumbleus,andafterthattoencourageus,hewillmakeuswait; forwehavemadehimwait.Letusnotgiveover, forcertainlyhethatdesiresustoopen,thathemaypourouthisgraceuponus,hewillnotrejectuswhenwecometohim,Mat.7:7;Hab.2:3.Ifheanswersusnotatfirst,yethewillatlast.Letusgoonandwait,seeingthereisnoonedutypressedmoreinScripturethanthis.Andweseeitisequity,'Hewaitsforus,'Isa.30:18.Itisgoodreasonweshouldwaitforhim.Ifwehavenotcomfortpresentlywhenwedesireit,let us attend upon Christ, as he hath attended upon us, for when hecomes, he comeswith advantage, Isa. 60:16. So thatwhenwewait,we

losenothing thereby,butaregainersby it, increasingourpatience, Isa.64:4;James1:4.The longerwewait,hecomeswiththemoreabundantgrace and comfort in the end, and shewshimself rich, andbountiful tothemthatwaituponhim,Isa.40:1,etseq.

THESIXTHSERMON

It is the voiceofmybeloved thatknocketh, saying,Openuntome,mylove,mydove,myundefiled,&c.—CANT.5:2.

IN the first part of this verse hath been handled the church's owncondition,whichshewas in,aftersomeblessed feelings thatshehadoftheloveofChrist.

Now,inthenextwords,thechurchsetsdownanacknowledgmentofthecarriageofChristtoherinthishersleepycondition.'Itisthevoiceofmybeloved that knocks, saying,Open tome,my sister,my love,mydove,'&c.SheacknowledgethChrist'svoiceinhersleepyestate,andsetsdownhis carriage thus, 'howhe knocks', and then also speaks, 'Open tome,'andthensetsdownwhathesufferedforher,'Myheadisfilledwithdew,andmy locks with the drops of the night.' And that nothingmight bewanting thatmightmoveher heart to respect this his carriage towardsher,heusethsweet titles,a lovingcompellation, 'Open tome,' saithhe,'mysister,mylove,mydove,myundefiled,'assomanycordsof lovetodraw her. So here wants neither loving carriage, sweet words, norpatience.'Itisthevoiceofmybelovedthatknocketh.'

Thechurch,asshetakesnoticeofthevoiceofChrist,soshedothalsoofthemeansheuseth,andseethhisloveinthemall. 'Itisthevoiceofmybeloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me,' &c. Here is also anotherdistinguishingnoteof a soundChristian fromanunsound.A sanctifiedspiritseesChristinthemeans.Thisis,saystheheart,thewordofChrist,andthisthemercyofChrist,totakesuchpainswithmysoul,tosendhisministers,toprovidehisordinances,togivegiftstomen,andmentothechurch,Eph.4:11,12.'Itisthevoiceofmybelovedthatknocketh.'

But wemust especially understand it of theministerial voice, wherebyChristdoth chieflymakeway forhimself into theheart, and thatbyallkindofwaysdispensedtherein:asgiftsofallsorts,somerougher,somemilder, all kind ofmethods and ways in theministry tomake way forhimself.Firstofallbythethreateningsofthelaw,andbyterrors.AsJohnwas sentbeforeChrist, andas the stormwentbefore the still and calmvoice,whereinGodcametoElias,1Kings19:12,soheusethallkindsofcoursesintheministry.Andministers,bythedirectionoftheSpirit,turnthemselves,as itwere, intoall shapesand fashions,bothof speechandspirit,towinpeopletoGod,insomuch,thatGodappealstothem,'WhatcouldIhavedonemoreformychurch,thatIhavenotdone?'Isa.5:4.

Use.ThereforeletustakenoticeofthisvoiceofChrist intheword,andnot think as good Samuel thought, that Eli spake, when God spake, 1Sam.3:5.LetusthinkthatGodspeakstousintheministry,thatChristcomestowoous,andwinusthereby.

AndweministersarethefriendsoftheBridegroom,whoaretohearwhatChristsaithandwouldhavesaidtothechurch;andwemustpraytohim,that he would teach us what to teach others. We are to procure thecontract,andtoperfectittillthemarriagebeinheaven.Thatisourwork.

Andyouthatarehearers,ifyoudonotregardChrist'ssweetvoiceintheministry, which God hath appointed for the government of the world,know that there is a voice that you cannot shake off. That peremptoryvoiceat thedayof judgment,whenhewill say, 'Go,yecursed, intohellfire,' &c., Mat. 25:30. And that God who delights to be styled 'a Godhearing prayer,' Ps. 65:2, will not hear thee, but saith, 'Such a one asturnshisearawayfromhearingthelaw,hisprayerisabominable,'Prov.28:9. It is a doleful thing, that he thatmadeus, and allureth us in theministry,thatfollowsuswithallevidencesofhislove,andadds,togetherwith the ministry, many sweet motions of his Spirit, that he shoulddelight in the destruction of his creatures, and not endure the sight ofthem, 'Depart away from me, ye cursed, into hell fire,' &c. There arescarceanyinthechurch,butChristhathalluredatonetimeorothertocomein,andinmanyheopenstheirunderstandingsinagreatmeasure,andknocksupontheirhearts,thatthey,asitwere,halfopenuntoChrist,like Agrippa, that said to Paul, 'Thou almost persuadest me to be a

Christian,'Acts26:28.SoHerod'didmanythings,andheheardgladly,'Mark 6:20. They are half open, seem to open, but are not effectuallyconverted.Butat last they see, that furtheryieldingwillnot standwiththat which they resolve not to part with, their lusts, their presentcondition, thattheymaketheirGod,andtheirheaven.Whereupontheyshutthedooragain.WhentheyhaveopeneditalittletothemotionsofGod'sSpirit,theydaregivenofurtherway,becausetheycannotlearnthefirstlessoninChrist'sschool,todenythemselvesandtakeuptheircross.

Thisisanundoubtedconclusion.OurblessedSaviourgivethsuchmeansandmotions of his Spirit to the vilest persons in the church, that theirownhearts tell them, theyhavemoremeansand sweetermotions thantheyyieldto,andthat thesentenceofcondemnation isnotpronounceduponthemformerelynotknowingofChrist,butuponsomegroundsofrebellion,inthattheygonotsofarastheyareprovoked,*andputon†bytheSpiritofGod.TheyresisttheHolySpirit.Therecanbenoresistancewhere there is not a goingbeyond thedesire andwill of himwhomheresisteth,Acts7:51.Amandothnotresist,whenhegiveswayasfarasheismoved.Thereisnowickedmaninthechurch,thatgivessomuchwayasheismovedandstirredtobytheSpiritandwordofGod.

Away then with these impudent, ungracious objections about God'sdecreeformatterofelection.Letusmakeitsure.Andforanyillconceitsthatmayriseinourheartsaboutthatotherofreprobation,letthisdampthemall, that in the church ofGod, he offers unto the vilestwretch somuch means, with the motions of his Spirit, as he resisting, provesinexcusable;hisownrebellionthereforebeingthecauseofhisrejection.Letmencease fromcavilling;Godhath that in theirownbreast, in theheartofeverycarnalman,whichwillspeakforGodagainsthim,andstophismouththatheshallbesilentandspeechlessatthedayof judgment,Mat.22:12.

ThusweseethatChristdothcondescendsolowastoaccountitalmostapartofhishappiness tohaveour souls fora temple todwell in, to rulethere. Therefore hemakes all this earnest suit,with strong expressionswhathesuffereth.

AndsinceChristbearsthisgreatandlargeaffectiontohispoorchurch,it

mayencourageustoprayheartilyforthesame,andtospreadbeforeGodthestatethereof.Why,Lord?itisthatpartoftheworldthatisthysister,thylove,thydove,thyundefiled;thecommunionwithwhomthoulovestabovealltheworldbesides.ItisastrongargumenttoprevailwithGod.Thereforeletuscommendthestateofthechurchatthistime,oratanytime,with this confidence.Lord, it is the church that thou lovest.TheythoughttheyprevailedmuchwithChristwhentheylabouredtobringhimtoLazarus,saying,'Lord,hewhomthoulovestissick,'John11:3.Sosaywe,thechurchwhomthoulovest,thatis,thyonlylove,inwhomthyloveisconcenterate,asitwere,andgatheredtoahead,asthoughthouhadstnootherloveintheworldbutthychurch,thisthyloveisinthisstateandcondition.Itisgoodtothinkofprevailingarguments;nottomoveGodsomuch as our own hearts; to strengthen our faith to prevail with God,which is much fortified with the consideration of Christ's wondrouslovingexpressiontohispoorchurch.ThencometoChrist,offerthyself,andhewillmeet thee.Arenot two lovingwell-wisherswellmet?Whenthou offerest thyself to him, and he seeks thy love, will he reject theewhen thou comest to him that seeks thy love, and seeketh it in thispassionate, affectionate manner, as he doth? Therefore, be of goodcomfort.Heismorewillingtoentertainusthanwearetocometohim.

And for those that have relapsed any kind of way, let them not bediscouragedtoreturnagaintoChrist.Thechurchherewasinadrowsy,sleepyestate,andusedhimunkindly;yethe issopatient, thathewaitsher leisure, as itwere, and saith, 'Open tome,my sister,my love,' &c.Thomaswas sountoward, thathewouldnotbelieve, 'unlesshedid seetheprintofthenails,'&c.,inChrist'sbody.YetChristwassograciousashecondescendethtopoorThomas,John20:27.SotoPeterafterhewasfallen,Mark16:7,andtothechurchafterbacksliding.

'Opentome,mysister,'&c.Henceobservefurther,

That Christ hath never enough of his church till he hath it in heaven,where are indeed the kisses of the spouse, and of Christ. In themeanwhile 'Open, open,' still. Christ had the heart of the spouse in somemeasurealready;butyetthereweresomecornersoftheheartthatwerenot so filledwithChrist as they should be.Hewasnot somuch inherunderstanding, will, joy, delight, and love, as he would be. Therefore,

openthyunderstandingmoreandmoretoembraceme,anddivinetruthsthatareofferedthee.Openthylovetosolacememoreandmore.ForGodin Christ, having condescended to the terms of friendship, nay, tointimatetermsoffriendshipinmarriagewithus;therefore*thechurchinherrighttemper,hathneverenoughofChrist,butdesiresfurtherunion,andcommunionstill.ItbeingthedescriptionofthepeopleofGod,that'theylovetheappearanceofChrist,'2Tim.4:8;Rev.22:20,astheylovedhisfirstappearance,andwaitedfor'theconsolationofIsrael,'Luke2:25;sotheylovehissecondappearing,andareneverquiet,tillhecomesagainintheflesh,toconsummatethemarriagebegunhere.SoChristalsoheisas desirous of them, yea, they are his desires that breed their desires.'Open tome,my sister,my love,my dove,' &c. Again his love and pitymoveshimtodesirefurthertocomeintous.Christknowswhatisinourhearts.Ifhebenotthere,thereisthatthatshouldnotbethere.WhatisinthebrainwhereChristisnot?Adealofworldlyprojects,nothingworth.What is inour joy ifChristbenot there?Worldly joy,which cleaves tothings worse than itself. If a man were anatomised, and seen into, hewouldbeashamedofhimself,ifhedidseehimself.Christtherefore,outof pity to our souls, would not have the devil there. Christ knows it isgood for our souls to give way to him, therefore he useth all sweetallurements, 'Opentome,mysister,my love,'&c.Christhathneverhisfill, till he close with the soul perfectly; so that nothing be in the soulabovehim,nothingequaltohim.Therefore'Open,open,'still.

Again, he sets down, tomove the church themore to open tohim, theinconveniencesthatheendured,'Myheadisfilledwithdew,'&c.Whereinhoshewswhathesuffered,whichsufferingsareoftwosorts:inhimself;inhisministers.Inhimself,andinhisownblessedperson,whatdidheendure!Whatpatiencehadheinenduringtherefractoryspiritsofmen,whenhewas here!Howmany indignities did he digest in his disciplesaftertheirconversion!Towardshislatterend,hisheadwasnotonlyfilledwith thedrops, but his body filledwithdrops of blood.Drops of bloodcame from him, because of the anguish of his spirit, and the sense ofGod'swrathforoursins.Uponthecross,whatdidheendurethere!ThatsenseofGod'sangerthere,wasonlyforoursins.'MyGod,myGod,whyhast thouforsakenme?'Mat.27:46.Whatshouldwespeakofhisgoingup and down doing good, preaching in his own person, setting whole

nights apart for prayer! And then for what he suffers in hisministers.Thereheknocks,andsaith,'Open,'inthem.Andhowwasheusedintheapostles that were after him, and in the ministers of the church eversince!Whathavetheyendured!forheputaspiritofpatienceuponthem.Andwhatindignitiesenduredtheyintheprimitivechurch,thatwerethepublishersofthegospel!Thosesweetpublishersthereof,drawingmentoopen to Christ, were killed for preaching. So cruel is the heart, that itofferethviolencetothemthatlovethemmost,thatlovetheirsouls.Andwhat greater love than the love of the soul! Yet this is the Satanicaltemperanddispositionofmen'shearts.Theyhatethosemenmost,thatdealthiswaymosttrulyandlovinglywiththem.Itisnotthatthegospelissuchanhardmessage. It is thewordof reconciliation,and thewordoflife;butthehearthatesit,becauseitwoulddrawmenfromtheirpresentcondition; and 'therefore condemnation is come into theworld, in thatmen hate the light, because their works are evil,' John 3:19. Is thereanythingtrulyandcordiallyhatedbutgrace?andareanypersonsheartilyand cordially hated in the world so much as the promulgers andpublishersofgrace,andtheprofessorsofit?becauseitupbraidsmostofall, andmeddles with the corruptions ofmen, that are dearer to themthantheirownsouls.

Now,whatpatienceisthereinChristtosufferhimselfinhismessengers,andhischildrentobethusused!Norit isnotstrangetosaythatChriststands thus in his ministers; for it is said, 'That Christ by his Spiritpreached in the days of Noah, to the souls now in prison,' 1 Pet. 3:19.ChristpreachedinNoah'stime,beforehewasincarnate,muchmoredothhepreachnow.Andashewaspatientthentoenduretheoldworld,untowhomNoahpreachedahundredandtwentyyears;soheispatientnowinhisministerstopreachstillbythesameSpirit,eventousstill,andyetthe entertainment in many places is, as Paul complains, 'Though themoreIloveyou,yetthelessIambelovedofyou,'2Cor.12:15.

Use1.LetthesethingsmoveustobepatienttowardsGodandChrist,ifwebecorrectedinanykind,consideringthatChristissopatienttowardsus,andtowaituponhimwithpatience.Howlonghathhewaitedforourconversion!Howlongdothhestillwaitforthethoroughgivingupofoursoulstohim!Shallwethinkmuch,then,towaitalittlewhileforhim?

Use2.AndletthisSpiritofChriststrengthenus likewiseinourdealingwithothers,astobearwithevilmen,andasitis, 'towait,ifGodwillatany timegive themrepentance,'2Tim.2:25,26.Neithermaywebe soshort-spirited,that ifwehavenotananswer,presentlytogiveover.WeshouldimitateChristhere.NevergiveoveraslongasGodcontinueslifewithanyadvantageandopportunitytodogoodtoanysoul.Wait,ifGodatanytimewillgivethemgrace.'Opentome,mysister,mylove,'&c.

Use3.Let thisagainworkuponus, thatourSaviourChristherewouldthus set forth his love, and his patience in his love, in bearingwith usthus, under the resemblance of a silly suitor that comes afar off, andstandsatthedoor,andknocks.ThatChristshouldstoopthusinseekingthe good of our souls, let this win and quicken our hearts with allreadinessandthankfulnesstoreceivehimwhenhecomestoworkinoursouls. Considering that Christ hath such a care of us by himself, hisministers,andthemotionsofhisSpirit,whojoinswithhisministry, letnotusthereforebecarelessofourownsouls,butletitmoveourheartstomelt to him. The motives may be seen more in the particularcompellations.'Opentome,mysister,mylove,'&c.

'Mysister.'Thiswasspokenofbeforeintheformerverse.ThechurchofGod is Christ's sister and spouse. We are knit to him both byconsanguinity and by affinity. The nearest affinity ismarriage, and thenearest consanguinity is sister.So that thereareallbonds toknitus toChrist.Whatsoeverisstronginanybond,heknitsustohimbyit.Isthereanyloveinanhusband,abrother,amother,afriend, inanheadtothemembers? in anything in theworld? Is there any love scattered in anyrelation, gather it all into one, and all that love, and a thousand timesmore than that, is in Christ in a more eminent manner. Therefore hestyleshimselfinallthesesweetrelations,toshewthathehaththeloveofall.Willasistershutoutabrother,whenthebrothercomestovisither,anddoherallgood?Isthisunkindnesseveninnature,tolookstrangelyupon aman that is near akin, that comes and saith, 'Open tome,mysister?' If the sister should shut out the brother, were it not mostunnatural?Andisitnotmonstrousingrace,whenourbrothercomesforour good, and in pity to our souls, to let him stand without doors?Remember thatChristhath the sameaffections, to accountusbrothers

andsisters,now inheaven,ashehadwhenhewasupontheearth.Forafter his resurrection, saith he to his disciples, 'I go tomyGod, and toyourGod,tomyFather,andtoyourFather,'John20:17.Hecallshimselfourbrother,havingonecommonFather inheaven,andoneSpirit, andoneinheritance,&c.Thisisasweetrelation.Christbeingourbrother,hisheartcannotbutmelt towardsus inanyaffliction.Josephdissembledawhile, out of politic wisdom, Gen. 42:7, seq., but because he had abrother's heart to Benjamin, therefore at last he could not hold, butmeltedintotears,thoughhemadehiscountenanceasthoughhehadnotregarded.SoourJoseph,nowinheaven,mayseemtowithdrawalltokensandsignsofbrotherly love fromus,andnot toownus;but it isonly inshow,heisourbrotherstill.Hisheart,firstorlast,willmelttowardshisbrethren,totheirwonderfulcomfort.'Mysister,'&c.

'Mylove.'Thatwordwehadnotyet.Itisworthyalsoalittlestandingon,for all these fourwords be, as itwere, the attractive cords to draw thespouse,notonlybyshewingwhathehadsuffered,butbysweettitles,'Mylove,Mydove.'

What,hadChristnolovebuthisspouse?Didhislovegooutofhisownhearttoher,asitwere?Itisstrange,yettrue.Christ'sloveissogreattohis church and children, and so continual* to it, that his church andpeople and everyChristian soul is the seat of his love. That love in hisownbreastbeinginthem,theyarehislove,becausehehimselfisthere,andonewiththem,John17:26.

He loves all his creatures. They have all some beams of his goodness,whichhemustneeds love.Thereforehe lovesthemascreatures,andastheybemoreor lesscapableofahigherdegreeofgoodness;but forhischurchandchildren,theyarehisloveindeed.

Quest.Butwhatisthegroundofsuchlove?

Ans.1.He loves themashebeholds theminhis father'schoice,as theyare elected ofGod, and given unto himself in election. 'Thine they are,thougavestthemme,'John17:6.Christ, lookingonusinGod'selectionandchoice,lovesus.

Ans.2.Again,helovesusbecauseheseeshisowngracesinus.Heloveswhatishisinus.Beforewebeactuallyhis,helovesuswithaloveofgoodwill,towishallgoodtous.ButwhenwehaveanythingofhisSpirit,thatour natures are altered and changed, he loves us with a love of theintimatestfriendship,withtheloveofanhead,husband,friend,andwhatwecanimagine.Heloveshisownimage.Paulsaith 'thatthewife istheglory of her husband,' 1 Cor. 11:7, because whatsoever is in a goodhusband,thewifeexpressethitbyreflection.SothechurchisthegloryofChrist;shereflectshisexcellencies,thoughinaweakmeasure.Theyshewforthhisvirtuesorpraises,asPeterspeaks,1Pet.2:9.Thusheseeshisown image inher,and theHolyGhost inhis church.He lovesher,andtheseinher,soaswhetherweregardtheFatherorhimselforhisSpirit,thechurchishislove.

Ans. 3. Ifwe consider alsowhathehathdone and suffered forher,wemaywell say the church is his love. Besides the former favours, not tospeakofelection,hechoosedusbeforewewere.Intimehedidchooseusby actual election, bywhich he called us.We had an existence, butweresisted.Hecalleduswhenweresisted.Andthenalsohejustifiedus,andclotheduswithhis own righteousness, and after feedsuswithhis ownbody. As the soul is the most excellent thing in the world, so he hathprovidedforitthemostexcellentornaments.Ithathfoodandornamentsproportionable.Whatloveisthis,thatheshouldfeedoursoulswithhisownbody,andclotheuswithhisownrighteousness!'Helovedme,'saithPaul,Gal.2:20.Whatwastheeffectofhislove?'Hegavehimselfforme.'He gave himself, both thatwemight have a righteousness to clothe uswithinthesightofGod,andhegavehimselfthathemightbethebreadoflife,'Myfleshismeatindeed,andmybloodisdrinkindeed,'John6:55.The guilty, the self-accusing soul feeds upon Christ dying for its sins.Again,Rev.1:6,youhavehislovesetforth, 'Helovedus;'andhowdothhewitnessit?'Hehathwasheduswithhisownblood,andhathmadeuskings,andpriests,&c.Thelikeyouhave,'Helovedus,andgavehimselfasweetsacrificetoGodforus,'Eph.5:2.Whenthisworldisatanend,weshall seewhathis love is.He isnot satisfied tillwebe all inoneplace.WhatdothheprayfortohisFather?'Father,IwillthatthosewhomthouhastgivenmebewithmewhereIam,'&c.,John17:24.Runthroughallthe whole course of salvation, election, vocation, justification,

glorification,youshallseehisloveinallofthem.Butitwereaninfiniteargument to follow to shew the love of Christ, which is beyond allknowledge,Eph.3:19;anditistoolargeforustoknowallthedimensionsofit,toseetheheight,breadth,depth,andlengthofit,whichweshouldeverthink,speak,andmeditateof,becausethesoulistheninthemostfittempertoserve,love,andglorifyGod,whenitismostapprehensiveofhisgreatlove.

1.Thisphraseimportsdiversthings.1.Thatthereisnosavinglovetoanyout of the church, which is his love. It is, as it were, confined in thechurch,asifallthebeamsofhislovemetinthatcentre,asweseewhenthebeamsofthesunmeetinaglass,theyburn,becausemanyarethereunited.Sointhechurchallhislovedothmeet.

2.Thenthechurchishislovealso,becausewhatsoevershehathorhopesfor is from his love, and is nothing but his love. The church, as it is achurch, is nothing but the love of Christ. That there is a church soendowed,sograced,sofullofthehopeofglory,itisoutofhislove.

And for the properties of it. (1.) It is a free love, a preventing love.Heloved us before everwe could love him.He loved uswhenwe resistedhim,andwerehisenemies.

(2.) It isamost tender love,asyouhave it in Isa.49:15, 'Canamotherforgethersuckingchild?Ifsheshould,yetwillnotIforgetthee.Thouartwrittenonthepalmsofmyhands,'&c.Hehathusinhisheart,inhiseye,inhishand,inamother'sheart,andbeyondit.Hehathatendereyeandapowerfulhandtomaintainhischurch,Deut.33:3.

(3.)Itisamosttranscendentandcarefullove.Allcomparisonsareunderit.

(4.)Anditisamostintimateinvinciblelove,thatnothingcouldquenchit.Asweseeherethechurchdroopeth,andhadmanyinfirmities,yetsheis Christ's love. So that the love of Christ is a kind of love that isunconquerable;nowaterwilleverquenchit;nosinofours;noinfirmity.SoasitisverycomfortablethatthechurchconsideredunderinfirmitiesisyettheloveofChrist. 'Isleep,butmyheartwaketh,'yetChristcomes

with'Mylove,mydove,'&c.

Quest. But what, cannot Christ see matter of weakness, sinfulness,hatred,anddislikeinthechurch?

Ans.Ohyes,topity,help,andhealit,butnotatalltodiminishhislove,buttomanifestitsomuchthemore.Hisloveisatenderlove,sensibleofall things wherewith we displease him, yet it is so invincible andunconquerable,thatitovercomesall.Again,heseesillindeedinus,butheseesinussomegoodofhisownalso,whichmoveshimmoretolove,thanthatthatisillinus,moveshimtohate.Forwhatheseesofours,heseeswithapurposetovanquish,mortify,andeatitout.TheSpirit isasfiretoconsumeit.Heisaswatertowashit.Butwhatheseesofhisown,he seeswith apurpose to increase itmore andmore, and toperfect it.Thereforehesays,'mylove,'notwithstandingthatthechurchwasasleep.

Use.This therefore serves greatly for our comfort, to searchwhat goodChrist by his Spirit hath wrought in our hearts; what faith, what love,whatsanctifiedjudgment,whatfireofholyaffectionstohim,andtothebestthings.Oletusvalueourselvesbythatthatisgood,thatChristhathin us. We are Christ's love notwithstanding we are sleepy. If we bedispleasedwith this our state; that asChrist dislikes it, so ifwe by theSpiritdislikeit,thematterisnotwhatsinwehaveinus,buthowweareaffectedtoit.Havewethatillinus,whichistrulythegriefofourheartsandsouls,whichasChristdislikes,soweabhorit,andwouldbepurged,andridofit;anditisthegriefofourheartsandsouls,thatwecannotbebetter,andmorelovelyinChrist'seye!thenletusnotbediscouraged.ForChrist esteems of his church highly, even as his very love, even at thattimewhenshewassleepy;andmayteachusintimeoftemptationnottohearkentoSatan,whothenmovesustolookaltogetheruponthatwhichisnaughtinus,therebytoabateourlovetoChrist,andourapprehensionofhistous.ForheknowsifwebesensibleoftheloveofChristtous,weshalllovehimagain.Forloveisakindoffire,anactivequality,whichwillsetusaboutglorifyingGod,andpullingdownSatan'skingdom.Aswesayinnature,firedothall;(whatworkalmostcanamanworkwithoutfire,bywhich all instruments aremade and heated?&c.). So grace doth allwithlove.GodfirstdothmanifesttooursoulshislovetousinChrist,andquickenusbyhisSpirit,witnessinghis love tous,wherewithhewarms

our hearts, kindles and inflames them so with love, that we love himagain;which lovehathaconstraining,sweetviolencetoputusuponallduties,tosuffer,todo,toresistanything.IfamanbeinlovewithChrist,whatwillbeharshtohimintheworld?Thedevilknowsthiswellenough;therefore one of his main engines and temptations is to weaken ourhearts in the senseofGod's love andofChrist's. Therefore let us be aswiseforoursoulsasheissubtle,andpoliticagainstthem;aswatchfulforourowncomfort,asheistodiscomfortus,andmakeusdespair.LetusbewisetogatheralltheargumentsofChrist'slovethatwecan.

Quest. But how shall we know that Christ loves us in this peculiarmanner?

Ans. 1. First, searchwhat course he takes andhath taken to draw theenearer unto him. 'He chastiseth every one that he loveth,' Heb. 12:6.Seasonable corections sanctified, is a signofChrist's love;whenhewillnot suffer us to thrive in sin;whenwe cannot speaknordo amiss; buteitherhelashethusinourconscienceforit,andbyhisSpiritchecksus,orelsestirsupothers,onethingorothertomakeusoutoflovewithsin.

2.Again,wemaygatherChrist'slovebythis,ifwehaveanylovetodivinethings, and can set a great price upon the best things; upon theword,because it isChrist'sword;upongrace,prizingthe imageofChrist,andthenewcreature.WhenwecansetanhighvalueuponcommunionwithChrist, the senseofhis love inourhearts, andall spiritualprerogativesandexcellenciesaboveallthings,thisisanexcellentargumentofChrist'slovetous.Ourloveisbutareflectionofhis;andthereforeifwehavelovetoanythingthat isgood,wehave it fromhimfirst.Ifawall that iscoldbecomehot,wesay,thesunofnecessitymustshineonitfirst,becauseitisnothingbutcoldstoneofitself.Soifourhearts,thatarenaturallycold,beheatedwiththeloveofdivinethings,certainlywemaysay,Christhathshinedherefirst;fornaturallyourheartsareofacoldtemper.Thereisnosuchthingasspirituallovegrowinginournaturesandhearts.

You have many poor souls helped with this, who cannot tell whetherChrist love them or no; but this helps them a little, they can findundoubtedargumentsoftheirlovetoChrist,hisimage,andservants,andof relishing theword, though they findmuchcorruption:and this their

lovetodivinethingstells thembydemonstrationsfromtheeffects, thatChrist loves them, because there is no love to divine and supernaturalthingswithouttheloveofChristfirst.Andthegracesinourhearts,theyare love tokens given to the spouse. Common favours he gives, asAbrahamgiftstohisservantsandothers,butspecialgiftstohisspouse.Ifthereforetherebeanygrace,atenderandsoftheart,aprizingofheavenlythings,lovetoGod'speopleandtruth,thenwemaycomfortablyconcludeChrist lovesus;not onlybecause they are reflectionsofGod's love, butbecausetheyarejewelsandornamentsthatChristonlybestowsuponhisspouse; and not upon reprobates, such precious jewels as these, John15:15.

3.Bydiscoveringhissecrets tous,Ps.25:14, for that isanargumentoflove.DothChristbyhisSpiritdiscoverthesecretlovehehathbornetousbeforeallworlds?DothhediscoverthebreastofhisFather,andhisownhearttous?Thisdiscoveryofsecretaffections,ofentirelove,shewethourhappy state. For that is one prerogative of friendship, and the chiefestdiscoveryofsecrets,whenhegivesusaparticularrighttotruths,asourown,thatwecangochallengethem,thesearemine,thesebelongtome,thesepromisesaremine.ThisdiscoveryofthesecretloveofGod,andoftheinterestswehaveinthepromises, isasignthatChrist lovesus,andthatinapeculiarmannerwearehislove.

Use 1.Letusbe likeourblessedSaviour, thatwherewe seeany savinggoodnessinany,letuslovethem;forshouldnotourlovemeetwithourSaviour'slove?ShallthechurchofGodbetheloveofChrist,andshallitbeourhatred?ShallagoodChristianbeChrist'slove,andshallhebetheobjectofmyhatredandscorn?Canweimitateabetterpattern?Oletusneverthinkourestatetobegood,excepteverychildofGodbeourloveasheisChrist'slove.CanIloveChrist,andcannotIlove*himinwhomIseeChrist?ItisasignthatIhatehimself,whenIhatehisimage.Itistobewonderedatthatthedevilhathprevailedwithanysomuch,astothinktheyshouldbeinagoodestate,whentheyhaveheartsrisingagainstthebestpeople,andwho,astheygrowingrace,sotheygrowintheirdislikeofthem.IsheretheSpiritofChrist?

Use2.And let them likewise behere reproved that are glad to see anyChristianhalt, slip, andgo awry.ThebestChristians in theworldhave

thatinpart,whichiswhollyinanotherman;hehathfleshinhim.ShallweutterlydistasteaChristianforthat?Thechurchwasnowinasleepycondition,andyet,notwithstanding,Christtakesnottheadvantageoftheweaknessofthechurchtocashier,*andtohateher,buthepitiesherthemore, and takes a course to bring her again into a good state andcondition.Letusnot thereforebegladat the infirmities and failingsofany,thatdiscoveranytruegoodnessinthem.Itmaybeourowncaseerelong.ItcaststhemnotoutofChrist'slove,buttheydwellinhislovestill;whyshouldwethencastthemoutofourloveandaffections?Letthembeour loves till, as they are the love of Christ, notwithstanding theirinfirmities.

THESEVENTHSERMON

Mylove,mydove,myundefiled;formyheadisfilledwithdew,andmy lockswith the drops of the night. I have put offmy coat; howshallIputiton?Ihavewashedmyfeet;andhowshallIdefilethem?—CANT.5:2,3.

THATthelifeofaChristianisaperpetualconflicting,appearsevidentlyin this book, the passages whereof, joined with our own experiences,sufficientlydeclarewhat combats, trials, and temptations the saints aresubjectunto,aftertheirnewbirthandchangeoflife;nowup,nowdown,now full of good resolutions, now again sluggish and slow, not to bewaked, nor brought forward by the voice of Christ, as it was with thechurchhere.ShewillnotoutofhersleeptoopenuntoChrist,thoughhecall, andknock, and standwaiting for entrance.She isnowdesirous topity herself, and needs no Peter to stir her up unto it (g). The flesh ofitself is prone enough to draw back, and make excuses, to hinder the

powerofgracefromitsdueoperationinus.Sheislaidalong,asitwere,toresther;yetisnotshesoasleep,butshediscernsthevoiceofChrist.Butupandriseshewillnot.

Thuswemay see the truthof that speechof ourSaviour verified, 'Thatwhichisbornofthefleshisflesh,andthatwhichisbornoftheSpiritisspirit,'John3:6.Thefleshpullsherback:theSpiritwouldraiseheruptoopentoChrist.Heinthemeanwhilemakesherinexcusable,andpreparesher by his knocking, waiting, and departing; as for a state of furtherhumiliation,soforanestateoffurtherexaltation.Buthowlovinglydothhespeaktoher!

1. 'Open unto me, my love.' He calls her my love, especially for tworespects;partlybecausehislovewassettleduponher.Itwasinhisownbreast,butitrestednotthere,butseateditselfupon,andintheheartofhisspouse,sothatshebecameChrist'slove.Weknowtheheartofaloverismorewhereitlovesthanwhereitlives,asweusetospeak;andindeed,there is a kind of a going out, as it were, to the thing beloved, with aheedlessnessof all other things.Where theaffection is inanyexcess, itcarriesthewholesoulwithit.

2.But,besidesthis,whenChristsaithmylove,heshews,thatashislovegoes,andplants,andseatsitselfinthechurch,soitisunitedtothat,andisnot scattered tootherobjects.TherearebeamsofGod'sgeneral lovescattered in thewholeworld; but this love, this exceeding love, is onlyfastened upon the church. And, indeed, there is no love comparable tothisloveofChrist,whichisabovetheloveofwomen,offather,ormother,ifweconsiderwhatcoursehetakestoshewit.Fortherecouldbenothingintheworldsogreattodiscoverhislove,asthisgift,andgiftofhimself.Andthereforehegavehimself,thebestthinginheavenorinearthwithal,toshewhis love.TheFathergavehim,whenhewasGodequalwithhisFather. He loved his church, and gave himself for it. How could hediscoverhislovebetter,thantotakeournaturetoshewhowhelovedus?Howcouldhecomenearertous,thanbybeingincarnate,sotobeboneofour bone, and flesh of our flesh; and took our nature to shew how heloved it,Eph.5:30.Lovedraws thingsnearerwheresoever it is. Itdrewhimoutofheaventothewombofthevirgin,theretobeincarnate;and,afterthat,whenhewasbornnotonlytobeaman,butamiserableman,

becausewecouldnotbehisspouseunlesshepurchasedusbyhisdeath.We must be his spouse by a satisfaction made to divine justice. Godwouldnotgiveustohim,butwithsalving*hisjustice.Whatsweetloveisittohealusnotbysearing,orlancing,butbymakingaplasterofhisownblood,whichheshedforthosethatshedhis,inmaliceandhatred.Whatawondrousloveisit,thatheshouldpourforthtearsforthosethatshedhisblood! 'OJerusalem,Jerusalem,'&c.,Mat.23:37; thatheprayedforthosethatpersecutedhim,Luke23:34;andwhatwondrousloveisitnowthathesympathisethwithusinheaven,accountingtheharmthatisdoneto the least member he hath, as done to himself! 'Saul, Saul, whypersecutestthoume?'Acts9:4,andthatheshouldtakeusintoonebodywithhimself, tomakeoneChrist,1Cor.12:27.Andhedothnotcontenthimselfwithanythinghecandoforushere,buthisdesireis,thatwemaybeonewithhimmoreandmore,andbeforeverwithhimintheheavens,asyouhaveitinthatexcellentprayer,John17:24.

Use1.Nowthisshouldstirusup tobe fullypersuadedofhis love, thatlovesussomuch.Christ'sloveinus,isastheloadstonetotheiron.Ourheartsareheavyanddownwardsofthemselves.Wemayespeciallyknowhislovebythis,thatitdrawsusupwards,andmakesusheavenlyminded.Itmakesusdesirefurtherandfurthercommunionwithhim.Stillthereisamagneticalattractiveforce inChrist's love.Wheresoever it is, itdrawstheheartandaffectionsafterit.

Use2.Andwemayknowfromhenceoneargumenttoprovethestabilityof the saints, and the immortality of the soul, because Christ calls thechurch his love. The want of love again, where it is entire, and in anygreatmeasure,isamisery.Christthereforeshouldsuffer,ifthosehehathplantedhis loveupon,whomhe loves truly, either should fall away forever,orshouldnotbeimmortalforever.Christwillnotlosehislove.Andas it is an argument of persevering in grace, so is it of an everlastingbeing, that this soul of ours hath; because it is capable of the love ofChrist,seeingthereisasweetunionandcommunionbetweenChristandthesoul.ItshouldmakeChristmiserable,asitwere,inheaven,theplaceof happiness, if there should not be ameeting of him and his spouse.Theremustthereforebeameeting;whichmarriageisforever,thatbothmaybeforeverhappyoneinanother,Hos.2:20.

Use 3. Let us often warm our hearts with the consideration hereof,becauseallourloveisfromthisloveofhis.OhthewonderfulloveofGod,that both such transcendent majesty, and such an infinite love shoulddwell together.We saymajesty and love never dwell together, becauseloveisanabasingofthesoultoallservices.Buthereinitisfalse,forheremajestyandlovedwelltogetherintheheartofoneChrist,whichmajestyhathstoopedaslowashisalmightypowercouldgiveleave.Nay,itwasanalmightypower thathe could stoop so lowandyetbeGod,keepinghismajestystill.ForGodtobecomeman,tohidehismajestyforawhile,nottobeknowntobeGod,andtohidesofarinthisnatureastodieforus:whatanalmightypowerwasthis, thatcouldgoso lowandyetpreservehimselfGodstill!YetthisweseeinthisourblessedSaviour,thegreatestmajestymetwiththegreatestabasementthateverwas,andalloutoflovetoourpoorsouls.Therewasnostooping,noabasementthatwaseversolowasChristwasabaseduntous,towantforatimeeventhecomfortofthepresenceofhisFather.Therewasanunionofgrace;buttheunionofsolaceandcomfortthathehadfromhimwassuspendedforatime,outoflovetous.Forhehadarightinhisownpersontobeinheavenpresently.Now for him to live so long out of heaven, and ofttimes, especiallytowards his suffering, to be without that solace (that he might be asacrifice for our sins), to have it suspended for a time, what acondescendingwasthis?It issaid,Ps.113:6, thatGodstoops 'tobeholdthethingsdoneherebelow.'Itisindeedawondrouscondescending,thatGodwilllookuponthingsbelow;butthathewouldbecomeman,andoutof love to save us, suffer as he did here, this is wondrous humility toastonishment! We think humility is not a proper grace becoming themajestyofGod.Soitisnotindeed,butthereissomeresemblanceofthatgrace inGod,especially inChrist, thatheshould, torevealhimself,veilhimselfwith flesh, and all out of love to us. The consideration of thesethings arewondrous effectual, as to strengthen faith, so to kindle love.Letthesebeforatastetodirectourmeditationsherein.Itfollows,

'Mydove.'WeknowwhenChristwasbaptized,theHolyGhostappearedintheshapeofadove,Mat.3:16,asasymbolofhispresence,todiscoverthusmuch:(1.)ThatChristshouldhavethepropertyanddispositionofadove.'Andbemeekandgentle.'Forindeedhebecamemanforthatend,tobe 'amercifulSaviour.' 'Learnofme, for Iammeekand lowly,'Mat.

11:28,29.'AndIwillnotquenchthesmokingflax,norbreakthebruisedreed,' &c.,Mat. 12:20, said he; and therefore the Spirit appeared uponhim in the shape of a dove. As likewise, (2.) To shew what his officeshould be. For even as the dove inNoah's arkwas sent out, and camehomeagaintothearkwithanolivebranch,toshewthatthewaterswereabated; so Christ was to preach deliverance from the deluge of God'sanger, and to come with an olive leaf of peace in his mouth, andreconciliation, to shew that God's wrath was appeased. When he wasborn,theangelssung,'GlorytoGodonhigh,onearthpeace,andgoodwilltowardsmen,'Luke2:14.Now,asChristhadtheSpiritinthelikenessofadove;soallthatareChrist's,thespouseofChrist,havethedispositionofChrist.ThatSpiritthatframedhimtobelikeadove,framesthechurchtobeadove;astheointmentthatwaspouredonAaron'shead:itrandownuponthelowestskirtsofhisgarments,Ps.133:3.

Now,thechurchiscomparedtoadove,partlyforthedispositionthatisandshouldbeinthechurchresemblingthatcreature;andpartly,also,forthatthechurchisinamournfulsufferingcondition.

I.Forthelikedispositionasisfoundinadove.Thereissomegoodinallcreatures. There is no creature but it hath a beamofGod'smajesty, ofsomeattribute;butsomemore thanothers.There isan imageofvirtueevenintheinferiorcreatures.WhereforetheScripturesendsustothemformany virtues, as the sluggard to the ant, Prov. 6:6. And indeedwemayseethetrueperfectionofthefirstcreation,thestateofit,moreinthecreatures than in ourselves; for there is no such degeneration in anycreatureasthereisinman.

Now,thatwhichinadovetheScriptureaimsat,1,weshouldresembleadoveinis,hismeeknessespecially.ThechurchismeekbothtoGodandman, not given tomurmurings and revengement.Meek: that is, 'I heldmytonguewithoutmurmuring,'as it is inthepsalm; 'Iwasdumb,'&c.,Ps. 39:2: which is a grace that God's Spirit frames in the heart of thechurch,andeveryparticularChristian,eventobemeektowardsGodbyan holy silence; and likewise towards men, to put on the 'bowels ofmeekness,'asweareexhorted,'AstheelectofGod,putonthebowelsofmeekness and compassion,' &c., Col. 3:12. Hereby we shall shewourselves tobeChrist's,and tohave theSpiritofChrist.And thisgrace

disposethustoanearercommunionwithGodthanothergraces.It isagracethatGodmostdelightsin,andwouldhavehisspousetobeadornedwith,asisshewed,1Pet.3:4,wheretheapostletellswomen,itisthebestjewel andornament that they canwear, and iswithGodof greatprice.Moses,weread,wasamightymaninprayer,andaspecialmeanstohelpand fit him thereunto, was because hewas themeekestman on earth,Num.12:3;andtherefore,'seektheLord,seekmeekness,'Zeph.2:3;anditfitsamanforcommunionwithGod,'forGodresisteththeproud,andgivethgracetothemeekandhumble,'1Pet.5:5.Itisagracethatemptiesthesoulofself-conceit,tothinkaman'sselfunworthyofanything,andsomakesitcapacious,low,andfitforGodtofillwithalargermeasureofhisSpirit.Ittakesawaytheroughnessandswellingofthesoul,thatkeepsoutGod and grace. Therefore in that grace wemust especially be like thismeek creature, which is no vindictive creature, that hath no way torevengeitself.

Again,2, it isasimplecreature,withoutguile.Ithathnowaytodefenditself,butonlybyflight.Thereisasimplicitythatissinful,whenthereisnomixtureofwisdominit.Thereisasimplicity,thatis,apuresimplicity;andsoGodissimple,whichsimplicityofGodisthegroundofmanyotherattributes.Forthereuponheiseternal,becausethereisnothingcontraryinhim;thereisnomixtureinhimofanythingopposite.Sothatisagoodsimplicity in us,when there is nomixture of fraud, no duplicity in thesoul. 'Adouble-heartedman is inconstantandunstable inallhisways,'James1:8.Nowsimplicity,asitisavirtue,sowemustimitatethedoveinit;forthereisasinful,dove-likesilliness.For,Hos.7:11,Ephraimissaidtheretobe 'likeasillydovewithoutheart;theycalltoEgypt,theygotoAssyria.' There is a fatal simplicity, usually going before destruction,whenwehatethosethatdefendus,andaccountthemenemies,andrelymore upon them that are enemies indeed than upon friends. So itwaswithEphraimbeforehisdestruction: 'Hewasasillydovewithoutheart;hecalledtoEgypt,andwenttoAssyria,'falsefriends,thatwereenemiesto the church of God; yet they trusted them more than God or theprophets.Menhaveaworldoftrickstounderminetheirfriends,toruinthem,andtodeserveillofthosethatwouldwithalltheirheartsdeservewell of them, when yet in the mean time they can gratify the enemy,please them,andholdcorrespondencewith them,ashereEphraimdid.

'Ephraim isa sillydove,'&c.This, therefore, isnot thatwhichwemustaim at, but to be simple and children concerning evil, but not inignoranceandsimplicitythatway.

3.Again,thiscreatureisafaithfulcreature.Thatismainlyhereaimedat.Itisfaithfultothemate.SotheChristiansoul,bytheSpiritofGod,itismadefaithfultoChrist,itkeepsthejudgmentchaste,isnottaintedwitherrors and sins.Hekeepshis affections chaste likewise, setsnothing inhis heart aboveChrist. 'Whomhathhe inheavenbuthim, andwhat isthere in earth he desires beside him?' Ps. 73:25. You know in theRevelation,thespouseofChristisbroughtinlikeavirgincontracted,buttheRomishChurchlikeawhore.ThereforethechurchofGodmusttakeheedof theRomanChurch, for that isnot adove.Wemustbe virgins,whomustkeepchastesoulstoChrist,asyouhaveit—'ThosethatfollowtheLambwheresoever he goeth, they have not defiled themselveswithwomen,'Rev.14:4.Themeaningisspiritual,namely,thattheyhavenotdefiled themselves with idolatry and spiritual fornication; they havechasteheartstoChrist.Sointhisrespecttheyresemblethedove.These,therefore, that draw away from the love of religion to mixture, to bemeretrices*andharlotsinreligion,theyarenotChrist'sdoves.Asfarastheyyield to this, it is anargument that theyhave falsehearts.Christ'schurchisadove.Shekeepscloseandinviolatetohim.

4.Again, thiscreature isofaneatdisposition.Itwillnot lodgewhere itshallbetroubledwithstench,andannoyedthatway;andlikewisefeedsneatlyonpuregrain;notuponcarrion,asyousee in theark,when theravenwassentoutitlightsuponcarrion,ofwhichtherewasthenplenty,andthereforenevercameintothearkagain,Gen.8:7.Butthedove,whenshewentout,wouldnotlightuponcarrionordeadthings;andsofindingno fit food, came back again to the ark. So the Christian soul in thisrespect is like adove, thatwill not feeduponworldly carrion, or sinfulpleasures,butuponChristandspiritualthings.Thesoulofacarnalandanaturalmanusethtofeedupondust,earthandearthlythings.Whenthesoulofa trueChristian, thathaththetasteofgrace, feedsneatly, itwillnot feed on that which is base and earthly, but upon heavenly andspiritualthings.

5.Itisgregariaavis,abirdthatlovescommunionandfellowship,asthe

prophetspeaks, 'Whoarethosethatflocktothewindowsasdoves,'Isa.60:8; for so they use to flock to their houses by companies. So thechildrenofGodlovethecommunionandfellowshiponeofanother,andkeepseveredfromtheworldassoonasevertheyareseparatedfromit,delightinginallthoseofthesamenature.Doveswillconsortwithdoves,Christians with Christians, and none else. They can relish no othercompany.Theseandsuchlikepropertiesmayprofitablybeconsideredofthedove.ThemuchstandingupontheseweretowrongtheintendmentoftheSpiritofGod;toneglectthemaltogetherwereasmuch.Thereforewehavetoucheduponsomepropertiesonly.

I.Now,forthesufferingsofthechurchitislikeadoveinthis.Thedoveismolestedbyall thebirdsofprey, itbeing thecommonpreyofallotherravenousbirds. So thepoor churchofGod ispersecutedandmolested.'OhthatIhadwingslikeadove,'&c.,saithholyDavid,Ps.55:6.Itisanoldspeech,andisforevertrue,thatcrowsandsuch,escapebetterthandoves.Thepunishmentthatshouldlightonravens,ofttimesit lightsondoves.ThusGod'sdove,God'schurch,isused.

ButwhatdefencehathGod'spoorchurch?Why,nodefence.But,

First,flight,evenasthedovehathnothingbutflight.Ithathnotalonstowound,butithathflight.SowearetoflytoGodastoourmountain;flytotheark,thatGodmaytakeusin.ThechurchofGodhathnootherrefugebuttobehousedinGodandChrist,Prov.18:10.Heisourark.

Secondly,andtomourn;asHezekiahsaithofhimself,'Hemournedasadove, and chattered like a crane,' Isa. 38:14.The state of the churchofGod is like the turtle's, to mourn in all afflictions, desertions, andmolestationsofwickedmen;tomourntoGod,whohearsthebemoaningsofhisownSpirit in them.Andwoe toallotherbirds, thebirdsofprey,whentheturtlesdomournbecauseoftheircruelty.Itisapresageofruintothem,whentheyforcetheturtletosorrowandmourning.

Thirdly, And then, thirdly, they have another refuge besides flight andmourning, which is to build high from vermin that would otherwisemolest them. Instinct teacheth them thus to escape their enemies bybuildinghigh,andsotosecurethemselves.SothereisinGod'schildrena

gracious instinct put, an antipathy to the enemies of it;which tends totheirsafety, inthattheyminglenotthemselveswiththem.AndlikewiseGodbreedsinthemafamiliaritywithhimself,andstirsthemtobuildinhimasonarock,tobesafeinhim.

Objec.Butyouwillobject,IfthechurchofGodbehisdove,whyisitsowithitasitis,thatGodshouldsufferhislove,andhisdove,andhisturtlethusasitweretobepreyedupon?'Givenotthesouloftheturtletothebeasts,' saith thepsalmist,Ps. 74:19. If the churchwereGod'sdove,hewouldesteemmoreofitthanhedoth,andnotsufferittobepersecutedthus?

Ans.Godneverforsakeshisdove,butisanarkforittoflyto,arockforittobuildon.Thedovehath always a refuge inGodand inChrist in theworst times. You have a notable place for this, 'Though you have lienamong the pots,' that is, smeared and sullied, 'yet they shall be as thewings of a dove coveredwith silver, and her featherswith yellow gold.When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as the snow inSalmon,'Ps.68:13,14.SothoughthechurchofGodliesamongthepotsawhile,allsmeared,andsoiled,andsulliedwiththeill-usageoftheworld,yetaslongasitkeepsitselfadove,unspottedofthefilthoftheworldandsin (though it be smearedwith the ill-usage thereof),we seewhatGodpromiseth here, 'yet shall they be as the wings of a dove covered withsilver,andherfeatherswithyellowgold.'SoGodwillbringforthhisdovewithgloryoutofalltheseabasementsatlength.Somuchforthetitleofdove.Itfollows,

'Myundefiled.'Undefiled is a highword to be applied to the churchofGod here; for the church, groaning under infirmities, to be countedperfectandundefiled.ButChrist,whojudgetharightofhischurch,andknowsbestwhatsheis,heyetthusjudgethofher.But,howisthat?Thechurch is undefiled, especially in that it is the spouse of Christ, andclothedwiththerobesofhisrighteousness.Forthere isanexchangesosoon as ever we are united to Christ. Our sins are upon him, and hisrighteousness is made ours; and therefore in Christ the church isundefiled.Christhimself thesecondpersonis thefirst lovelythingnexttheFather;andinChristallthingsastheyhaverelationtohimareloved,as they are in him. Christ's human nature is next loved to the second

person.Itisunited,andisfirstpure,holy,andbeloved.Then,becausethechurchisChristmystical,itisneartohim;and,inamanner,asnearasthat sacred body of his, bothmaking up oneChristmystical.And so isamiableandbelovedevenofGodhimself,whohathpureeyes;yetinthisrespectlooksuponthechurchasundefiled.

Christandhischurcharenottobeconsideredastwowhenwespeakofthisundefiledness,butasone.AndthechurchhavingChrist,withallthatisChrist's, theyhave the field,and thepearl* in the field together.AndChrist giving himself to the church, he gives his righteousness, hisperfection,andholiness;allisthechurch's.

Quest.Buthowcanitbethechurch's,whenitisnotinthechurch,butinChrist?

Ans. It is safe for the church that it is in Christ, who is perfect andundefiledforus;tomakeusappearso.AndsoitisinChrist,thesecondAdam,forourgood.Itisnotinhimasanotherperson,butitisinhimasthechurch'sHead,thatmakebothoneChrist.Thehandandthefootseenot;butbothhandandfoothavebenefitbytheeye, thatseesforthem.There isnomemberof thebodyunderstands,but theheaddoesall forthem.Putthecasewehavenotabsoluterighteousnessandundefilednessinourownnaturesandpersonsinheringinus.Yetwehaveit inChrist,thatisonewithus,whohathitforourgood.Itisours,forallthecomfortandgoodthatwemayhavebyit;andthereuponthechurchinChrist isundefiled; yea, even then when it feels its own defilements. And hereariseth that wondrous contradiction that is found in a believer'sapprehension. The nature of faith is to apprehend righteousness in thesenseofsin,happinessinthesenseofmisery,andfavourinthesenseofdispleasure.

Andthegroundofitis,becausethatatthesametimethesoulmaybeinsomemeasuredefiled in itself, andyetnotwithstandingbeundefiled inher head and husband Christ. Hence the guilty soul, when it feelscorruptionandsin,yetnotwithstandingdothseeitselfholyandcleaninChristthehead.Andsoatoncethereisaconscienceofsin,andnomoreconscience of sin, as the apostle saith, Heb. 10:2, when we believe inChrist,andarepurgedwithhisblood,thatis,thereisnomoreguiltofsin

bindingovertoeternaldamnation,yetnotwithstandingalwaysthereisaconscienceofsin,forweareguiltyofinfirmities, 'Andifwesaywehavenosin,welie,anddeceiveourselves,1John1:8.

Obj.But,howcanthisbe,thatthereshouldbeconscienceofsin,andnoconscienceofsin,asinner,andyetaperfectsaintandundefiled?

Ans. 1.The conscienceknows itsown imperfection, so it isdefiled, andaccusethofsin.AndasitlookstoChrist,soitseesitselfpure,andpurgedfrom all sin.Here is the conquest, fight, and the victory of faith in thedeepestsenseofsin,pollution,anddefilementinourselves,atthesametimetoseeanabsoluteandperfectrighteousnessinJesusChrist.Hereinis even the triumph of faith,whereby it answersGod.AndChrist,whoseesour imperfections,but it is topurgeandcleansethemaway,nottodamnus for them,at the same timehe seesus inhisown love clothedwithhisrighteousness,asonewithhimself,endowedwithwhatsoeverhehath;his satisfaction andobediencebeing ours as verily as anything intheworldis.Thushelooksonus,andthusfaithlooksuponhimtoo,andtogetherwiththesightandsenseofsin,atthesametimeitapprehendsrighteousness,perfectrighteousness,andsoisundefiled.Thisisthemainpointinreligion,andthecomfortofChristians,toseetheirperfectioninChrist Jesus, and to be lost in themselves, as it were, and to be only'foundinhim,nothavingtheirownrighteousness,buttherighteousnessof God in him,' Phil. 3:9. This is a mystery which none knows but abelieving soul. None see corruption more, none see themselves freedmore.Theyhaveaninwardsighttoseecorruption,andaninwardfaithtosee God takes not advantage at it. And surely there can be no greaterhonour toChrist than this. In the senseof sin,ofwants, imperfections,stains, and blemishes, yet to wrap ourselves in the righteousness ofChrist, God-man; and by faith, being thus covered with that absoluterighteousnessofChrist,withboldness togo,clothed in thegarmentsofthisourelderbrother,tothethroneofgrace.ThisisanhonourtoChrist,to attribute somuch tohis righteousness, thatbeing clothed therewith,wecanboldlybreakthroughthefireofGod'sjustice,andallthoseterribleattributes,whenweseethemall,asitwere,satisfiedfullyinChrist.ForChrist,withhisrighteousness,couldgothroughthejusticeofGod,havingsatisfied it to the full for us. And we being clothed with this his

righteousnessandsatisfaction,maygothroughtoo.

Ans.2.Butbesidesthat,thereisanotherundefilednessinthechurch,inrespect towhichshe iscalledundefiled, that is, inpurityofdisposition,tendingtoperfection.AndGodrespectsheraccordingtoherbetterpart,andaccording towhathewillbringher indue time.Forwearechosenuntoperfection,andtobeholyinhissight;andperfectlyholy,undefiled,andpure.Wearenotchosentoweakbeginnings.

In choosing us, what did God aim at? Did he aim at these imperfectbeginnings,torestthere?No;wewereelectedandchosentoperfection.For, as it is in this natural life, God purposed thatwe should not onlyhave all the limbs of men, but grow from infancy to activeness andperfection.AsGodatfirstintendedsomuchforourbodies,noquestionhe intends asmuchalso for the soul, thatwe shouldnot onlyhave thelineamentsofChristianity,asanctifiedjudgment,withaffectionsinpartrenewed,buthehathchosenustoperfectionbydegrees.Astheseedfirstlies rotting in theground, thengrows toa stalk, and then toanear, soGod's wisdom shines here, by bringing things by degrees to perfectionandundefiledness.Hiswisdomwillhaveitthus(orelsehispowermighthave it otherwise), because hewill have us to live by faith, to trust hismercyinChrist,andnottotheundefilednessthatisbeguninus,buttoadmirethatwhichwehaveinChristhimself.

And, indeed, it is the character of a judicious believing Christian soul,that he can set a price and value the righteousness of Christ, out ofhimself,labouring,living,anddyingtoappearinthat;andyettocomfortandsustainhimselfduring thisconflictand fightbetween the fleshandtheSpirit,thatintimethisinherentgraceshallbebroughttoperfection.

AndChrist,helooksuponusashemeanstoperfecttheworkofgraceinusbylittleandlittle,ashemeanstopurgeandcleanseus,asEph.5:26,27. The end of redemption is, that hemight purge his church, and soneverleaveittillhehavemadeit'agloriousspouseinheaven.'Helooksuponusasweshallbeerelong,andthereforewearesaid'tobedeadtosin,'whilewearebutdying to it.And, saithhe, 'youhave crucified thefleshwith the affections, and lusts thereof,'Gal. 5:24,whenwe are butcrucifyingit.Butitissaidsobecauseitisassuretobedoneasifitwere

done already. As a man, when he is condemned, and going to hisexecution,heisadeadman,sothereisasentencepasseduponsinandcorruption.Itshallbeabolishedanddie.Thereforeitisdeadinsentence,and is dying in execution. It is done; 'They that are in Christ havecrucifiedtheflesh,withtheluststhereof,'Gal.5:24.Itisassuretofaithas if itweredonealready.Sowearesaid 'tosit inheavenlyplaceswithChrist,'Eph.2:6.Wearewithhimalready.ForChristhavingtakenussonear inaffection tohimself,hewillnever leaveus tillhehavemadeussuchashemayhave full contentment in,which is inheaven,when thecontract between him and us shall be fulfilled in consummation of themarriage.Thusfaithlooks,andChristlooksthusuponus.Whichshouldcomfort us in weakness, that God regards us not in our presentimperfections,but ashemeans tomakeus ere long. In themean time,thathemaylookuponusinlove,helooksuponusintheobedienceofhisson,inwhomwhatsoeverisgoodshallbeperfectedatthelast.

Use1.Whatshouldwedothen,ifChristdothmakehischurchthus,'hislove,' 'his dove,' 'his undefiled,' bymaking his love tomeet in it as thecentre thereof, whereunto he doth confine all his love, as it were?Weshould confine our love to him again; and have no love out of Christ,sincehehathno love out of us. There shouldbe an everlastingmutualshiningandreflectionbetweenhimandthesoul.Weshouldlayopenoursouls tohis love, as indeedhedesires especially the communionof ouraffections.Weshouldreflectlovetohimagain.ThisperpetualeverlastingintercoursebetweenChrist andhis spouse, ishermainhappinesshere,andhereternalhappinessinheaven.Inlookingonhimwhohathdonesomuch for us, he shines on us, andwe look back again uponhim.DothChristloveussointimately,andsoinvincibly,thatnoindignitiesnorsincould overcome his love, which made, that he endured that which hehates most, 'to become sin for us,' 2 Cor. 5:21, nay, the want of that,whichwasmore tohimthanall theworld, thewantof thesenseof thefavourofGodforatime.'MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?'HathChrist thus infinitely loved us, and shall notwe back againmakehimourlove?IntheirdegreethesaintsofGodhavealldoneso.ItwasagoodspeechofIgnatiusthemartyr,'MyloveChristwascrucified!'(h)SoaChristianshouldsay,'Mylovewascrucified,''Mylovedied,''Myloveisinheaven.'Andforthethingsonearth,Ilovethemastheyhaveabeam

ofhiminthem;astheyleadmetohim.Butheismylove,theremyloveispitched, even upon him. This is the ground of these Scripture phrases,'Butourconversationisinheaven,fromwhencewelookfortheSaviour,the Lord Jesus Christ,' &c., Phil. 3:20; and 'set your affections on thethingsthatareabove,'Col.3:1.Why?Christourloveisthere.Thesoulismore where it loves, thanwhere its residence is. It dies, as it were, toother things,and lives in the thing it loves.Thereforeour thoughtsandaffections,our joyanddelightshouldbedrawnuptoChrist; for indeedhis love hath such amagnetical attractive force, thatwhere it is, itwilldrawuptheheavyiron,thegrosssoul;andmakeitheavenly.Forthereisabinding,adrawingforceinthisexcellentaffectionoflove.

Use 2. 'My love, my dove,' &c. There are all words of sweetness. Helabourstoexpressalltheaffectionhecan.Fortheconscienceissubjecttoupbraid, and to clamour much. So that there must be a great deal ofpersuasion to still the accusing conscience of a sinner, to set it down,make it quiet, and persuade it of God's love. Therefore he useth allheavenlyrhetorictopersuadeandmovetheaffections.

Use 3. In this that the church is undefiled in Christ, let us learnwhenafflictedinconscience,notsomuchtojudgeofourselvesbywhatwefeelinourselves,asbywhatfaithsuggests.InChristthereforeletusjudgeofourselvesbywhatweareas inhim.Wearepoor inourselves,buthaverichesinhim.Wedieinourselvesinregardofthislife,butwehavealifein him, an eternal life; andwe are sinners in ourselves, but we have arighteousness inhimwherebywearerighteous inhissight,2Cor.5:21.Wearefoolish,unskilful,andignorantinourselves,butheisourwisdominallwhatsoeverisamissinus.Letuslabourtoseeafullsupplyofourwantsmadeup inChrist.This is to glorifyGodasmuchas ifwe couldfulfilthelawperfectly.IfwewereasundefiledasAdamwas,wecouldnotglorifyGodmore,thanwhenwefindourselvesandourconscienceguiltyof sins, yet thus by the Spirit ofGod to go out of ourselves, and to seeourselvesinChrist,andthustocastourselvesonhim,embracehim,andtake that gift of God given us, Christ offered to us, because God socommands, John 4:10. We honour God more than if we had theobediencethatAdamhadatfirstbeforehisfall.Fornowinthecovenantof grace, he will be glorified in his mercy, in his forgiving, forbearing,

rich,transcendentmercy,andingoingbeyondallourunworthinessandsins, by shewing that there is a righteousness provided for us, therighteousness of God-man; whose obedience and satisfaction is morethanourdisobedience,becauseitisthedisobedienceofmanonly,buthisobedienceandrighteousnessistheobedienceandrighteousnessofGod-man. So it satisfieth divine justice, and therefore ought to satisfyconsciencetothefull.OurfaithmustanswerChrist'scarriagetous.Wemustthereforeaccountourselvesinhim'undefiled,'becauseheaccountsusso.Notinourselves,butaswehaveabeinginhim,weareundefiled.

Use 4. Again, see here, Christ accounts us, even in regard of habitualgrace,undefiled,thoughwehaveforthepresentmanycorruptions.Letusthereforelearnalessonofmoderationofsoexcellentateacher;letusnotbeashamedtolearnofourSaviour.Whatspiritshallwethinktheyhave,thatwillunchurchchurches,becausetheyhavesomedefilementandun-brotherlybrethren, accounting themno churches,nobrethren,becausethey have some imperfections? Why hath not Christ a quarrel to thechurch then? is he blind? doth his lovemake him blind?No; he seethcorruption,butheseethbetterthings;somewhatofhisown,thatmakeshimoverlookthoseimperfections,becausetheyaresuchashemeanstomortify, subdue,wear away, and to fire out by the power of his Spirit,whichas fire shallwaste all those corruptions in time.So it iswith thechurch.Putthecase,shehathsomecorruptions;thatitbenotwithher,as it should be, yet she is a church notwithstanding. The church ofCorinth,wesee,Paulstylesthemsaintsandbrethren,withallthosesweetnames, 1 Cor. 1:2, notwithstanding they had many corruptions amongthem.

Use5.Wehaveacompanyofmalignantspirits,worsethantheseagreatdeal,atheisticalpersons, thathavenoreligionatall,who,outofmaliceandenvy,watchforthehaltingofgoodChristians;whocanseenothingbut defilement in those that have any good in them, nothing buthypocrisy,moppishness, all that is naught;who, if they can devise anyblemish,put ituponthem.WhereasChristseesagreatdealof ill inthechurch, but he sees it to pardon, subdue, and to pity the church for it,extolling and magnifying its goodness. What spirits are those of thatwatchtoseeimperfectionsinothers,thattheirheartstellthemarebetter

thanthey,thattheymayonlydisgracethembyit;forgoodnesstheywillseenone.

Use6.Andlikewise,itshouldteachusnottowrongourselveswithfalsejudgment. We should have a double eye: one eye to see that which isamiss in us, our own imperfections, thereby to carry ourselves in aperpetual humility; but another eye of faith, to see what we have inChrist,ourperfectioninhim,sotoaccountofourselves,andgloryinthisour best being, that in him we have a glorious being,—such an onewherebyGodesteemsusperfect,andundefiled inhimonly.Theoneofwhichsightsshouldenforceustotheother,whichisoneend,whyGodinthis world leaves corruption in his children. Oh, since I am thusundefiled, shall I rest inmyself? Is there anyharbour forme to rest inmineownrighteousness?Oh,no;itdrivesamanoutofallharbour.Nay,IwillrestinthatrighteousnesswhichGodhathwroughtbyChrist,whoisGod-man.ThatwillendurethesightofGod,beingclothedwithwhich,IcanendurethepresenceofGod.So, thissightofourownunworthinessandwants should not be a ground of discouragement, but a ground todriveusperfectlyoutofourselves,thatbyfaithwemightrenewourtitleto that righteousness,wherein isourespecialglory.WhyshouldwenotjudgeofourselvesasChristdoth?Canweseemoreinourselvesthanhedoth?Yet,notwithstandingallhesees,heaccountsusasundefiled.

Use7.Again,sinceheaccountsusundefiled,becausehemeanstomakeusso,andnowlooksonusasweshallbe,inallourfoils*andinfirmities,letuscomfortourselves,itshallnotthusbealwayswithus.Oh,thisfleshofmine shall fall and fall still, and shalldecayasSaul'shouse, and theSpirit at the last shall conquer in all this! I am not chosen to thisbeginning, to this conflicting course of life. I am chosen to triumph, toperfectionofgrace:thisismycomfort.Thusweshouldcomfortourselves,andsetuponourenemiesandconflictinthishopeofvictory:'Ishallgetthebetterofmyselfatthelast.'Imperfectionshouldnotdiscourage,butcomfortusinthisworld.Wearechosentoperfection.Letusstillrejoice,inthat'wearechosentosanctification,'whichisalittlebegun,beinganearnestofotherblessings.Letusnotrestinthepledgeorintheearnest,butlabourforafurtherpledgeofmorestrengthandgrace.Forthosethathave the Spirit of Christ, will strive to be as much unspotted and as

heavenly as they can, to fit themselves for that heavenly condition asmuchasmaybe.When,becausetheycannotbeinheaven,yettheywillconverse there as much as they can; and because they cannot be withsuchcompanyaltogether,theywillbeasmuchastheymaybe;labouringas they are able to be that which they shall be hereafter. Imperfectioncontentsthemnot,andthereforetheypraystillintheLord'sprayer,'Thykingdomcome,'Mat.6:10.While there isany imperfection, theirheartsareenlargedmoreandmore;nothingcontentsthembutperfection.AndindeedGod accounts us thus unspotted for this end, because hewouldencourageus.Whereheseesthewillandendeavour,hegivesthetitleofthethingdesired.

Ihaveputoffmycoat;howshallIputiton?Ihavewashedmyfeet;howshallIdefilethem?Verse3.

Here is an ingenious confession made by the church of her ownuntowardness. Notwithstanding all Christ's heavenly rhetoric andpersuasionthathediduse,yetshedrawsback,andseemstohavereasonsotodo.'Ihaveputoffmycoat;howshallIputitonagain'tolettheein?'Ihavewashedmyfeet,&c.Itisaphrasetakenfromthecustomofthosehot countries,wherein they used towash their feet. 'I havewashedmyfeet;howshallIdefilethem'toriseandopenthedoortothee?Thereisaspiritual meaning herein, as if she had said, I have some ease by thissleepyprofession,somefreedomfromeviltongues,andsomeexemptionand immunity fromsometroublesIwas inbefore. Iwas then,perhaps,tooindiscreet.Nowwiltthoucallmeagaintothosetroubles,thatIhavewiselyavoided?No;'Ihaveputoffmycoat;howshallIputiton?Ihavewashedmyfeet,howshallIdefilethem?'Iaffect‡thisestateverywell;Iamcontent tobeas Iam,without troublingofmyself.Thus thechurchputsoffChrist.ThisItaketobethemeaningofthewords.Thatwhichisobservableisthis:thatitisnotaneasymattertobringthesoulandChristtogether intonear fellowship.We seeherehow the churchdrawsback;for the flesh moves either not to yield at all to duty, or to be cold,uncertain,andunsettledtherein.ThefleshknowsthatanearcommunionwithChristcannotstandwithfavouringanycorruption,andthereforethefleshwill do something, butnot enough. Itwill yield to something, butnottothatthat itshoulddo,tothatcommunionandfellowshipthatwe

oughttohavewithChrist.Toinstanceinsomeparticulars,asaruleandmeasuretosomewhatofwhichweshouldbe.

Obs. 1. A Christian life should be nothing but a communion andintercoursewithChrist,awalkingintheSpirit;andtobespiritual,andtofavour the things of the Spirit altogether, he should study to adorn hisprofessionbyalivelyandcheerfulperformanceofduty,Mat.5:16,andbeexemplary to others; and shouldbe in such a frameashe should 'walkcontinually in the comforts of the Holy Ghost' undismayed, andundaunted,'andaboundinthefruitsoftheSpirit,'Acts9:20,'anddoallthe good he can wheresoever he comes. He should 'keep himselfunspotted of the world,' James 1:27, go against the stream, and becontinually in such a temper, as it should be the joy of his heart to bedissolved,and tobewithChrist,2Tim.4:6.Onemightgoon thus inaworldofparticulars,whichwouldbe too long. Ifwecouldattain to thisexcellency,itwereanhappylife,aheavenuponearth.Thisweshouldaimat.Willthefleshendurethis,thinkyou?No,itwillnot;whichyoushallseemoreparticularlyinthisnextobservation,whichis,

Obs.2.Thatoneway,whereby theunregeneratepart inushinders thiscommunion with Christ, and the shining of a believer in a Christiancourse, is by false pretences, reasons, and excuses. 'I have washedmyfeet;Ihaveputoffmycoat,'&c.

The flesh never wants excuses and pretences (there was never any yetcame to hell, but they had some seeming pretence for their comingthither)toshiftandshuffleoffduties.Therewasneveryetanycareless,sinfulcoursebutithadthefleshtojustifyitwithonereasonorother;andthereforeitisgoodtounderstandthesophisticalshifts*oftheflesh,andpretencesandshowswhichithath.AndasitisgoodtoknowthetruthofGod,andofChristrevealedinhisword,soisittoknowthefalsenessanddeceitfulness of our own hearts. They are bothmysteries almost alike,hardtobeknown.Labourwethenmoreandmoretoknowthefalsehoodofourowndisposition,andtoknowthetruthofGod.Togiveinstanceinafewparticulars.YouseeinthechurchthedifficultyofhercommunionwithChrist comes from the idle pretences and excuses she hath. Everyonehathhisseveralpretexts,ashisstateandconditionis.Wethinkweshould be losers if we give ourselves to that degree of goodness which

othersdo;whereasGoddoth curse thoseblessingswhichmengetwithneglectofdutytohim.Ifweseek 'firstthekingdomofheaven,allotherthingsthataregoodforusshallbecastuponus,'Mat.6:33.

Obj.Thoushaltlosethefavourofsuchaone?

Ans.Never care for that favour thou canst not keepwithGod's favour.Thefavourofmanisasnare.Takeheedofthatfavourthatsnaresthee.Thou losest their favour and company, but thou gainest the favour ofChrist,andcompanyofangels.

Obj.Buttheywillrailonthee,andreproachtheewiththyoldsins?

Ans.Carenot,'Godwilldotheegoodforthat,'asDavidsaidwhenShimeicursedhim,2Sam.16:12.

Obj.ButIshalllosemypleasure?

Ans.O!butsuchpleasuresendindeath.Theyarebutpleasuresofsinforaseason,andthoushaltnotlosebythechange.'Thewaysofwisdomarepleasantways,'Prov.3:17.Onedayreligiouslyspentinkeepingofagoodconscience,whatasweetfarewellhathit!Joyis inthehabitationoftherighteous. It becomes the righteous to be joyful. However outwardly itseems, yet there is a paradise within. Many such objections the fleshmakes.Sometakescandalattheprosperityofthewicked,andafflictionofthesaints,andfromhencetakeoccasiontorotintheirdregsofsin.Butwhat saithChrist? 'Happy is themanwho is not offended inme,'Mat.11:6.As for theprosperity of thewicked, envy themnot. They stand inslippery places, and flourish like a green bay tree, but presently theyvanish.Takenooffenceatthem,noratthecross.Looknotatthis,butattheensuingcomfort.'Blessedaretheythatsufferforrighteousnesssake,'1Pet.3:14.Bindsuchwordstoyourheadasyourcrown.Godreservesthebestcomfortstotheworsttimes;hispeopleneverfinditotherwise.

Obj.Ay,butifIbethusprecise,thetimesaresobad,Ishallbealone.

Ans. Complain not of the times, when thoumakest them worse. Thoushouldstmake the times better. Theworse the times are, the better be

thou;forthisisthyglory,tobegoodinanevilgeneration.ThiswasLot'sglory, 2 Pet. 2:7. Paul tellswhat ill times theywere; but, saith he, 'ourconversationisinheaven,fromwhencewelookforaSaviour,'Phil.3:20.What brings destruction on God's people, but their joining with thewicked?Whentheyjoinedwiththechildrenofmen,thencametheflood.Theseandthelikepretenceskeepmenaltogetherfromgoodness,orelsefrom such a measure as may bring honour to God and comfort tothemselves.

Orifmenbegreat,why,this isnothonourabletodothus,asyouknowwhatMichalsaidtoDavid,'HowgloriouswasthekingofIsraelthisday!like a fool,' &c., 2 Sam. 6:20. To attend upon the word of God withreverence, to make conscience of religion, Oh! it stands not withgreatness,&c.ButtheSpiritofGodanswereththis inhim, 'Iwillyetbemorevile forGod,'verse22.It isaman'shonourheretostandforGodand for good things; and it is our honour that God will honour us somuch.

Thoselikewisethatareworldlyhaveexcusesalso. 'Alas!Imusttendmycalling.'AndtheyhaveScripturefor it too. 'Hethatprovidesnot forhisfamily is worse than an infidel,' 1 Tim. 5:8, as if God had set up anycallings to hinder the calling of Christianity; as if that were not thegreatestcalling,andthebestpartthatwillabidewithusforever;asifitwerenot thepart of aChristian to redeem time fromhis calling to thedutiesofChristianity.Ihavenotime,saiththeworldling;whatwillyouhavemetodo?Why,whattimehadDavid,whenhemeditatedonthelawofGoddayandnight?Ps.1:2.Hewasaking.Thekingisboundtostudythe Scriptures. And yet whose employment is greater than theemploymentofthechiefmagistrate?Deut.17:18,19.

And thus every one, as their state and condition is, they have severalpretences and excuses. Those that are young, their excuse is, we havetime enough for these things hereafter. Others, as those that werenegligenttobuildthesecondtemple,'thetimeisnotyet,saythey,'Hag.1:2; whenas the uncertainty of this life of ours, the weightiness of thebusiness, the danger of the custom of sin, the engaging of our heartsdeeperanddeeperintotheworld,makesitamoredifficultthingtobeaChristian.Itmoreandmoredarkensourunderstanding,themorewesin;

andthemoreitestrangethouraffectionsfromgoodthings,themorewehaverunoutinanevilcourse.Timeisaspecialmercy;butthenthouhastnot time only, but themeans, good company, and goodmotions. Thoumayestneverhavesuchagaleagain;thyheartmaybehardenedthroughthedeceitfulnessofsin.Again,whowouldwantthecomfortsofreligionforthepresent?AsAustinsaith,'Ihavewantedthysweetnesstoolong.'*Whatfollyisittowantthesweetnessandcomfortofreligion,solongaswemayhaveit.

Someotherspretend,theuncomfortablenessofreligion,Ishallwantmycomforts;whenas indeed there isno soundcomfortwithouthavingourhearts in a perfect communion with Christ, walking with God, andbreaking off from our evil courses.What is the reason of discomforts,unresolvedness, and unsettledness? when we know not where we are,whitherwego,orwhatourconditionis.Unsettlednessbreedsdiscomfort;andindeedthereisnopleasuresomuchasthepleasurethattheservingofGodhathwithit.Asthefirehathlightandheatalwaysinit,sothereisnoholy action thatweperform throughly, but as it hathan increaseofstrength,sothereisanincreaseofcomfortandjoyannexedtoit.Thereisa present reward annexed to all things that are spiritually good. Theycarrywiththempresentpeaceandjoy.Theconsciencehaththatpresentcomfort which consumes all discouragements whatsoever, as is alwaysfoundintheexperienceofthatsoulthathathwonsomuchofitself,astobreak throughdiscouragements to thepractice ofholyduties.Believershaveajoyandcomfort'thatothersknownotof,'Rev.2:7;anhiddenkindofmannaandcontentment.

These and a thousand such like discouragements men frame tothemselves:'Myhealthwillnotserve,''Ishallendangermylife.''Thereisalionintheway,'saiththesluggard,Prov.26:13,who,withhisexcuses,'thinkshimselfwiserthanthewisestinthecity,'verse16.Thereisnoneso wise as the sluggard, for belly-policy teacheth him a great manyexcuses,whichhethinkswillgoforwisdom,becausebythemhethinkstosleep in awhole skin.He is but a sluggard for all that; and though heplead 'yetalittlewhile,'poverty,notonlyoutward,butspiritualpovertyand barrenness of soul, 'will come upon him as an armedman,' Prov.6:11,and leavehimdestituteofgraceandcomfort,whenheshallseeat

lastwhatanevilcourseoflifehehathled,thathehathyieldedsomuchtohis lazyfleshtobedrawnawaybydiscouragementsfromdutiesthathewas convinced were agreeable to the word. Now, what may be thegroundsandcausesofthesefalsepretencesandexcuseswhichhinderusfromholyduties?Therebemanycauses.

1.Firstofall,onecauseofthisinusisthis:Naturally,sofaraswearenotguidedbyabetterspirit thanourown,weare inclinedtoomuchto theearthlypresentthingsofthislife,becausetheyarepresentandpleasant,and we are nuzled up in them, and whatsoever pulls us from them isunwelcometous.Thisisoneground.

2. Again, join with this, that naturally, since the fall, the soul of manhaving lost wisdom to guide it to that which is truly good, hath witenoughlefttodeviseuntowardshifts,toexcusethatwhichisevil.Inthisfallenestatetheformerabilitiestodevisethingsthroughlygoodisturnedtoamatterofuntowardwit, joinedwithshifting. 'Godmademanright,buthehathsoughtoutmanyinventions,'Eccles.7:29.Carnalwitservescarnalwillverywell;andcarnallustsneverwantanadvocatetopleadforthem,namely,carnalreason.Fromthebent, therefore,of thesoul to illthings, pleasure, ease, and honour, such a condition as pleaseth theoutwardman since the fall, the bent andweight of the soul goeth thisway, together with wit. Having lost the image of God in holy wisdom,thereisshifting.Thisisagroundalsowhydelaysarejoinedwithshifts.

3. Again, there is another ground, that corrupt nature, in this like thedevilandsin,whichneverappearintheirowncolours,setsamanonthisway. Who would not hate the devil if he should appear in his ownlikeness?orsin,ifitshouldappearinhisowncolours?Andthereforewitstretcheth itself to find out shifts. For, says the heart, unless there besomeshiftsandpretencestocovermyshame,IshallbeknowntobewhatIamindeed,whichIwouldbelothweredone.Iwouldhavethesweetbutnottheshameofsin,thecreditofreligion,butnotputmyselftothecostwhich comethwith true religion, todenymyself.Corrupt coursesneverappearintheirowncolours.Theyarelikethedevilforthis.

4.Andthen,again,naturallythereisagreatdealofhypocrisyinus.Wemaydodutiestosatisfyconscience,forsomewhatmustbedone,tohear

now and then, read and come to prayer betwixt sleeping and waking,yawningprayers,whenwecandonothingelse.Somewhatmustbedone.Conscience else will cry out of us that we are atheists, and shall bedamned. Some slubbering service must be done therefore. Yetnotwithstanding,hereinisourhypocrisy,thatwecannotbringourheartstodoit,asitshouldbedone,topurpose;forthoughitbetruethatthereismuchimperfectioninthebestactions,thebestperformances,yetthisishypocrisywhenmendonotdoitasGodmayacceptit,andasitmayyieldthemselvescomfort.Theheartdrawsback.Duties itwillandmustdo, but yet will not do them as it shall have comfort by them. This isinbredintheheartnaturally.Conscienceforcethtodosomething,thoughthefleshandcorruptionpullsback.Thisisthedispositionofallmen,tilltheyhavegotthevictoryoftheirownatheisticalhearts.

5.Andthen,again,anothergroundmaybethis,afalseconceitofGodandof Christ, that they will take anything at our hands. Because we loveourselves,andthinkthatwedoverywell,wethinkthatGodissuchaoneaswe are, as it is, 'Thou thoughtest that I was like unto thee,' &c., Ps.50:21thatGodwillbeputoffwithanything,andanyexcusewillservetheturn.Youhavenotaswearer,afilthy,carelessperson,buthethinksGodismerciful,andChristdiedforsinners;andIwasprovokedtoit,&c.Stillhethinkstohavesomeexcusefor it,andthattheywillstandgoodwithGod.Thisatheismisinusnaturally,andwhenwearepalpablytoblamein the judgment of others and ourselves in our sober wits, yet we putmore ignoranceandcarelessnessonGod thanonourselves. 'Tush,Godregards itnot.' It is the times. Iwouldbebetter. It is companywhomImustyieldunto,&c.TheythinkGodwillacceptthesethingsfromthem.

6.Butonemaingroundthereofis,thescandalsthatwemeetwithalintheworld, which, indeed, is a ground, because our own false hearts arewilling to catch at anything. You see, say they, these men that makeprofessionofreligion,whattheyare;andthenthedevilwillthrustsomehypocrisy* into the profession of religion, and they judge all by one ortwo,andwillbesuretodoit.Thereinstandstheiringenuity;andiftheycan see any infirmity in them that are incomparably better thanthemselves,Oh,theyaresafe.Hereiswarrantenoughtodislikereligionandallgoodcourses,becausesomedoandso,*asifthecourseofreligion

weretheworseforthat.Thustheywrapthemselvesinthoseexcuses,asmendotheirhandstodefendthemfrompricks.Thisisthevilepoisonofourhearts,thatwillbenaught,andyet,notwithstanding,willhavereasontobeso.Thespeechis,wickednessneverwantedpretexts,which,asitistrueofgreatwickedness,muchmoreisitofthatwhichgoesintheworldfor drowsy lukewarmprofession, underwhichmany sink to hell beforetheyareaware.Theyneverwant reasonandpretexts tocover their sin.Thereisamintandforgeoftheminthesoul.Itcancointhemsuddenly.Thusweseeourwitsdoserveusexcellentlywelltolayblocksinourownway tohinderus fromheaven.Wearedunces, anddull todoanythingthatisspirituallygood,whereofweareincapable.Butifitbetolayblocksinourownwaytoheaven,toquarrelwithGodandhisordinances,withthedoctrineofsalvation,withthe instruments, teachers,andthosethatleadusabetterway,thatourwitwillservefor.Buttotakeacoursetodousgoodanotherday,tolayupcomfortsinwhichwemightendandcloseup our days, therewe are backward, and have shift upon shift. This isadded for the further explication of it, because of the necessity of thepoint;forexceptourheartsbediscoveredtous,weshallneverknowwhatreligion means, save to know so much as may, through the winding,turning, shifting, and falsehood of our own nature, bring us to hell.Whereinweareworseenemiestoourselvesthanthedevilis,whocouldnothurtusunlesswedidbetrayourselves.Buthehath factors inus todealforhim.Ourowncarnalwitandaffection,theyholdcorrespondencywithhim;whenceall themischief thathedothus isbythat intercoursethatournaturehathwithSatan.That is theDelilahwhichbetrayethallthe Sampsons, sound worthy Christians in the world, to their spiritualenemies. Therefore, we can never be sufficiently instructedwhat a vilenature we have, so opposite to religion, as far as it is saving. Corruptnaturedothnotopposeitsofarasitisslubberedover,butsofarasmaybringus to that stateweshouldbe in.Wehavenoworseenemies thanourownhearts.Therefore,letuswatchourselvescontinually,anduseallblessed means appointed of God whereby we may escape out of thisdangerous, sleepydispositionof soul,whichcost thechurchsodear,asweshallhear,Godwilling,hereafter.

THEEIGHTHSERMON

Ihaveputoffmycoat;howshallIputiton?Ihavewashedmyfeet;howshallIdefilethem?—CANT.5:3.

WE are now, byGod's assistance, to speak of the remedies against thelazydistempersweareproneunto in spiritual things;wherewe leftoffthelastday.

Quest. What course should we take, then, to come forth from thisdistempered laziness?Thatwemayattaina spiritual tasteandrelishofheavenlythings,soasnottoloathereligiousexercises;ordelayandputthemoffwithexcuses?

Ans.1.Firstofall,resolvenottoconsultwithfleshandbloodinanything.Foritalwayscounselsusforease,asPetercounselledChrist,'Master,pitythyself,' Mat. 16:22. So we have a nature in us like unto Peter, Spare,favour, pity thyself. LikeEve, and Job'swife,wehave a corrupt naturethatisalwayssolicitingfrom*God,anddrawingusuntovanity,Gen.3:6andJob2:10.Takeheedofcounsellingwith fleshandblood; for ifmenwere ina city environed roundaboutwithenemies,would they consultwiththemwhattheyshoulddofordefenceofthecity?Wereitnotamadpart?And is itnotagreatermadnesswhenChristianswill consultwithflesh andbloodwhat they shoulddo in duties of obedience,whichwillalways put us upon terms of ease, the favour ofmen, content, and thelike,which,ifamanyieldto,heshallneverenterintoheaven?Takeheedtherefore of consulting with our enemy, seeing Satan hath all thecorrespondencyhehathbythatenemywhichweharbourinourbosom.Inwhicheasethehurthedothusbyhissophistrycomesbyourselves.Webetray ourselves by our carnal reason,whereby Satanmingleth himselfwithourimaginationsandconceits.Letusthereforebewarewelistennotto the counsel of flesh and blood, especiallywhen thematter comes tosuffering once, for there of all other things flesh and blood doth drawback.EveryonehathaPeter inhimself that saith, 'Spare thyself.'Thouartindiscreettoventurethyselfuponthisandthathazard.Butwherethejudgmentisconvincedofthegoodnessofthecause,whetheritbereligionor justice (for the first or for the second table, thatmattersnot), if the

judgment be convinced of the thing, then consult not with flesh andblood,whatsoeverthesufferingbe.Itisnotnecessarythatweshouldlivein riches, honours, pleasures, and estimation with the world. But it isnecessary we should live honest men and good Christians. Therefore,when flesh and blood objecteth in this kind, consult not with it. First,because it is an enemy, and therefore is tobe suspectedandneglected;secondly,becauseitissaid,'fleshandbloodshallnotinheritthekingdomofheaven,'1Cor.15:50.

2.Andthereforeweshouldpractisethatfirstlessoninreligion,heavenlywisdom. To aid us wherein, Christ, knowing what an enemywe are toourselvesinthewaysofGod,saith,'Letamandenyhimself,andtakeuphis cross, and follow me,' Mat. 16:24. There is no following of Christ,considering that our flesh is so full of cavils and excuses, unless wepractisethatheavenlylessonofChrist,'todenyourselves,'ourwholeself,ourwitandreason,inthemattersofGod:ourwillandaffections.Saynaytoall thesluggishnessof the flesh;silenceallpresently,assoonasevertheydiscouragetheefromholyways.Considerwhencetheycome,whichisenough;fromGod'sandourenemy,andtheworstenemywehave,thatlieth in our own bosom. And to enable us the better, mark what Paulsaith, 'We are no more debtors to the flesh,' &c., Rom. 8:12. We owenothingtoit.Iowenotsuchobedience,suchsubjection,tothefleshandcarnalreason;Ihaverenounceditlongsince.What!amIobnoxioustoaman unto whom I owe no service? We owe the flesh no service orobedience. What! shall we yield to that which we have long sincerenounced?

3.Andwithal, inspiritualcourses, letusarmourselveswithresolution.First, conclude is it so or not so. Let our judgments be convinced. Forresolution isadispositionarising fromthewill immediately;but it isofthewill,bysoundjudgment,convincedofthegoodnessofthething,afterwhichthewillresolves.Getresolutionfromsoundnessofconvictionthatsuchthingsaregood,andthattheyarebestforus,andbestforusatthistime, the sooner the better; that there is an absolute necessity to havethem,andthattheyareeverlastinglygood.Oh!theseconsiderationswillput us on amain to obtain the same. It is our duty, and we shall sinagainst God, against our conscience, against the Spirit of God, and

against others that take like liberty by our examples, ifwe yield to ourbaselustsandsuggestionsinthiskind.

Andtohelpresolutionthemore,letushavebeforeoureyestheexamplesofGod'sworthies,who (like untoDavid'sworthies,who brake throughthehostofthePhilistinesforwater,2Sam.23:16)haveinallagesbrokenthroughalldiscouragements,andmadeaconsciencemoretopleaseGod,to hold communion and fellowship with Christ, than to hold anycorrespondencywiththeworld.LooktoblessedPaul,'Whatdoyevexingofmeandbreakingmyheart?IamreadynotonlytogotoJerusalem,buttodieforChrist'ssake,'Acts21:13.AndlooktoChristhowheshakesoffPeter, 'Gettheebehindme,Satan,'&c.,Mat.16:23.LooktoMoses,howheshookoffallthesolicitationsofacourt,'Becausehehadaneyetotherecompenceofthereward,'Heb.11:16.LooktoJoshua,'IandminehousewillservetheLord,'Josh.24:15.Letothersoftheworlddowhattheywill;ifotherswillgotothedevil,letthem;formyself,Iandmyhouse,thosethat I have charge of, will serve the Lord. This was a noble resolutionwhich was in good Nehemiah, 'Shall such a man as I flee?' Neh. 6:11.What!shallIflee?shallIdothis,yieldtothisbasediscouragement?shallIdiscourageothers,likethosespiesofCanaan,bymineexample?Henceit is that Hebrews 11th, in that notable chapter, that little 'book ofmartyrs,'afterthecatalogueofthoseworthiessetdownthere,thatwhichweareexhortedandpointed to in thebeginningof thenext chapter, isuntothepracticeofthelikevirtues,inimitation,havingbeforeus'suchacloudofwitnesses,'wherewithbeingcompassed,theexhortationis, 'Letus therefore shake off everything that presseth down, and the sin thathangethsofaston,'&c.,Heb.12:1(i).AsthecloudwasaguidetothemtoCanaanoutofEgypt,sothecloudofgoodexamplesisasitwerealighttogobeforeustotheheavenlyCanaan.

Inthiscaseaboveall,letuslooktoChrist,'whoistheauthorandfinisherofourfaith,'Heb.12:2.Thiswillmakeusbreakthroughdiscouragementsand resolve indeed. What could hinder him? His love is so fiery, thatnothingcouldhinderhimtocomefromheaventothewombofthevirgin;fromthencetothecross,andsotothegrave,tobeabasedlowerthaneverany creature was. His love to us so carried him through alldiscouragements and disgraces. 'Consider him, who endured such

speakingagainstofsinners,'Heb.12:3.TheconsiderationofChrist'sloveandexamplewillcarryusthroughalldiscouragementswhatsoever.

4.Andfurther,letusbeablebysoundreasonstojustifythewaysofGod,and to answer cavils; to give account of what we do to ourselves andothers,withreasonswhywesanctifytheSabbath,havesuchcommunionwithGodinprayer,neglectthefashionsoftheworld,&c.Tohavereasonsready from Scripture is an excellent thing; when we are able to justifywhatsoeverwedobytheword,againstallthequarrelsofourownheartsandothers.Whenweareledtodothingsonlybytheexampleofothers,or by respects, then we are ofttimes put to it on the sudden bytemptations,beingnotabletojustifywhatwedo.Letuslabourthereforeto do things upon good grounds, and be able to justify all the ways ofreligion,astheyareeasilyjustified.Fornothinginthisworldstandswithsomuchreason,asexactnessinthewaysofGod.Thereissomuchreasonfor nothing in the world, as to be not only Christians, but exactChristians,asPaulsaithtoAgrippa,'WouldtoGodyouwerenotalmost,but altogether as I am, saving these bonds,' Acts 26:29, to makeconscienceofallwaysandcourses.Itstandswiththemostreasonoftheworld,sotojustifyreligionbyreasonsunanswerable,thatmaysetdowncorruptnature,andstopthemouthofthedevilhimself.Andhereinletuspropoundsoundandstrongquestionstoourselvesoften.ArethosethingsthatIammovedtodogood,oraretheynot?Iftheybegood,whydoInotdothem?Iftheybebad,whydoIdothematall?Iftheybegood,whydoIstickatthem?HowdoIprovethemtobegood?HavealwayreadysomeScripture, or reason from thence,which is as good. The reasons of theword aremost divinely strong, let them be ready against all objectionswhatsoever,asagainstslightoaths,thinkofthatofChrist,thatwemustgive an account for all idle words, Mat. 12:36. How much more foratheistical oaths! So against grosser sins learn reason, a civil man, anheathen,wouldnotdothus.

So also when the flesh moveth us to any backwardness in religiouscourses, letushave someScripture ready,or reasonsdeducted from it.As,1.Fromthedignityofourprofession,fromthegreathopeswehavetobegloriousanotherday.Andreasonthematter,HowdoththisthatIammovedto,suitwithmyhopesandexpectationtocome?Howfurthersit

my journey homewards? And consider this likewise. 2. That no excusewillservetheturnatthedayofjudgment,butsuchanoneasarisethfromaninvincibleinfirmity,oranunremovableimpediment.Suchanexcuse,takenfromaninvincibleinfirmity,maythenservetheturn.As,whenwecannotpossiblydoa thing, from impediments thatall themeans in theworldcannotremove,as,apoormancannotbeliberal,&c.Excusesalso,fetchedfromimpossibleimpediments,asfrominvincibleweakness,mayavail.Ifamanhaveaninfirmbody,thathecannotdothatwhichanothermancan.Theseexcuses,withagraciousGod,willservetheturn:whichare not so much excuses, as a just plea. But otherwise, our untowardexcuseswill not serve the turn.Whathindered them in the gospelwhowereinvitedtothesupper?Luke14.Excusesfromoxen,wives,&c.Wasitnot lawful to buy oxen? and was it not lawful for the married to takecontentinawife?'Anotherhadmarriedawife.'Werenotallthesethingslawful? Very lawful. The farm hurts not, if it hinder not, nor the wife,oxen,noranything.But in thiscase,whenweregard these thingsmorethantheinvitationtocometothefeastofholythings,hereisthemaliceofthedevil,whichbringsthatdolefulmessage,'Theyshallnevertasteofmyfeast,'Luke14:24.Thereissuchaninfinitedisproportionbetweenthegood of religion, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost here, andheavenandhappinesshereafter,andbetweenanythinginthisworld,thattoallegeanyhindrancewherebywecannotkeepagoodconscience,andpreserve assurance of salvation, is most extreme folly and atheism. Ibelieve not a better life, the disproportion being so great between thestateofthislifeandabetter,ifIfetchexcusesfromthethingsofthislife,tokeepmefromreligion,thefearofGod,andworkingoutmysalvationwithfearandtrembling.Theseexcuseswillnotservetheturn.NotonlywithGodatthedayofjudgment,butalsoourownconscienceswilltellus,thatwearehypocritestomakesuchorsuchaplea.Therefore,whenmenbecome false, thereby to provide forwife or children, and take corruptcoursestokeepthemfromreligion,withpretextoftheircallings,lesttheyshould lose one day in seven, this employment cannot prosper, whichslightsoverdutiesunderfalsepretences.Oh,theycantoilforthepelfoftheworld!Butformattersoftheirsouls,theyturnoffallshamefully,asiftherewerenotaGodtojudgethem,aheaventorewardthem,orahelltopunishthem.Willsuchexcusesservetheturn?Oh,no;theycannotwithconscience, much less with God the Judge, who is greater than our

conscience. This is anotherway to cut off these idle cavils, to considerthattheseexcusescannotservetheturn,neithertocomfortconscienceinthis world, nor to uphold us in our plea at the day of judgment.Rememberthat.

5.Andthenagain,Letusinureourselvestobeartheyokeofreligionfromouryouth,whichwillmakeiteasyafterwards.Itwereanexcellentthingifthosewhoareyoung,intheprimeoftheiryears,wouldinurethemselvestotheexerciseofreligion.Thiswouldmakeiteasyuntothem,toreadthewordofGod,toopentheirspiritsuntohiminprayer.ItmaypleaseGodhereby (though they be negligent herein), yet they may be called toreligion. But for an old man there is much work to do to read, to getanythingintohisbrain,whenhismemoryispesteredwithotherthings,andcorruptnature inhimisarmedwithaworldofexcuses, thatmighthavebeenpreventedbyatimelyandseasonabletrainingupinacourseofreligion.Profaneyoungpersonsknownotwhattheydowhentheyputoffreligion.Have they excuses now? Theywill havemanymore hereafter,whenSatanandcorruptionwillbemuchstronger.O! let thembear theyoke of religion, that is, inure themselves to duties that becomeChristians,whichmayfacilitateandmakeiteasyandpliable,thatitmaynotbeharshtoournature.Ifamandonothear,pray,andread,hecanneverhave faith,grace,knowledge,mortificationofcorruption,whereinreligionstands.Butbecausetheseleadtodutiesthatarehardtonature,andharsh,itiswisdomtoinureyoungonestheretobetimes,that,havingused themselves to thesepreparingduties, theymaybe themore fittedfor the essential ones; that, having things in the brain by reading andhearing,gracemaybewroughtintheheart,itbeingamoreeasypassagefromthebraintotheheart.Whenamanisconverted,itisaneasymattertobringitfromthebrainuntotheheart;whereasamanthathathbeennegligent in his youth must then be instructed in the principles ofreligion.Therefore,itisamiserablecase(thoughmenbeneversopoliticintheworld)tohavebeennegligenthereintillage.Itbreedsagreatdealofdifficultytothem,eretheycancometobeinsuchastateasaChristianshouldbein.Rememberthis,therefore,todoasPauladvisethTimothy,ayoungman,'toexercisehimselfingodliness,'1Tim.4:7.Itisagoodthingforall that are young to exercise themselves to alldutiesof religion,orelse pretences will grow up with age, whereby they will be indisposed

everydaymorethanother.Experienceshewsitgenerally.Wemaybelieveit.Ifwewillnot,weshallfindithereaftertootruebywofulexperience.

6.Andthenagain,bylittleandlittle,notonlytobeinuredtotheyokeofreligion,but likewisetoenduredifficulties,opposition,andhardship;astheapostlestandsuponittoTimothy,'toendurehardshipandafflictionsfrom the beginning,' 2 Tim. 2:3. If the thing be good andwarrantable,neglectthespeechesoftheworld.Whatarethespeechesofacompanyofmeninthestateofnature,intheirmiserablecondition,toregardthem,soasnottoendurehardshipinsuchthings,ofthegoodnesswhereofweare convinced? But in these daysmen take up a delicate profession ofreligion.Menwillbereligious,buttheywillsuffernothing,notatauntorascoff.Theywillpartwithnothing;beatnoloss;suffernocross;beatnopainswithreligionfurtherthanmaystandwithallearthlycontentofthisworld. This delicate profession, if anything among us, threateneth theremovingofthegospelandblessedtruthsweenjoy,becausewewillnotpartwithanypleasurenow.Howwilltheysufferafflictionsforthegospel,ifsuchtimescome,thatwillnotpartwithavainoath,acorruptfashionoflife,asuperfluity,thatwillnotpartwitharottenunsavourydiscourse,which discovereth a rotten spirit, and infecteth others? Here is aprofessionof religion, indeed, thatcannothavesomuchmasteryof thecorruptheartastodenyandovercomeitselfinthingsthataregrosslyill!Howwillamanpartwithhisbloodandlife,thatwillnotpartwiththingsthathe shouldpartwithal?notonlywithsomething to thepoorand togood uses, but to part with some sinful course of life, and wicked andungodlyluststhatfightagainstthesoul;whowillnotendurenotsomuchasacheck;who, rather than theywillgounder thatcensurewherewiththe world is pleased to disgrace religion, they will live and die likeatheists.ThisextremetendernessinthemattersofGodandofsalvationisthecausewhymanyeternallyperish.

7.Again,tocutoffallvainexcuses,letusofthaveinthoughtofourheartwhatweshouldbe,andwhatweshouldallaimat,andhowfarwecomeallshortofit.AChristianthathopesofgoodofhisreligionshouldlivebyfaith, anddependuponGod in the use of lawfulmeans. If he be as heshouldbe,heoughttowalkwithGod,keephiswatchwithhim,anddonothingunbeseemingtheeyeofGod.Whenhiscorruptiondrawshimto

becareless,thenheisnotasheshouldbe;forinarighttemper,heoughtto be fitted to every good work, ready for all opportunities of doinganything that is good, because the time of this life is the seedtime, thetimeofdoinggood.Thetimeofreaping is intheworldtocome.When,therefore, the heart is shut, when any opportunity is offered of doinggood,hemayconcludecertainly,Iamcoldanddull;pretendwhatIwill,Iamnotas I shouldbe.AChristianought to 'abound in theworkof theLord,'1Cor.15:58,especiallyhavingsuchabundanceofencouragementsaswehave.WhataworldofencouragementshathaChristian!Therearenoneto*thoseofreligion,fromtheinwardcontentthatitbringshere,atthe hour of death, and in glory hereafter. When we are drawn to bescanty,niggardly,andbasetothingsthataregood,surelythisisnotasitshouldbe.Pretendwhatwewilltothecontrary,thisisafault.AChristianshould at all times be fit to yield and to render up his soul unto God,because our life is uncertain. When, therefore, we are moved bycorruptiontoliveinastatethatwecannotabidetodiein,becauseweareundertheguiltofsomesin,thencertainly,pretendwhatwewill,ourstateissofarnaught,asfarasthereisunfitnessandunwillingnesstodie.Letushaveintheeyeofoursoul,therefore,whataChristianshouldbe,aimat it, and think that whenwe stop at a lowermeasure and pitch, that,pretendwhatwewill, all isbut fromcarnalwit andpolicy, thegreatestenemythatreligionhath.

We pray in the Lord's Prayer, 'Thy kingdom come; thywill be done inearth, as it is done in heaven:' great desires, and which should be thedesires of all our hearts. But herein we play the hypocrites.Whilst wepraythus,thatthekingdomofGodmaycome,thatChristmayruleinourhearts over lusts anddesires; yet notwithstanding,wepretend this andthatexcuse,wherebywemaybeledwiththisandthatlust.Wecrossourownprayers.Yet itshewethwhatpitchweshouldaspireto, 'Tosanctifythe Lord in our hearts,' to delight in him, and trust in him above all.When we do not this, we fall short of our own prayers. And when wecannotbringourheartstosuffer,andtodowhatGodwouldhaveustodo,butareledawaywithourownwills,wearenotasweshouldbe.OurwillsshouldbeconformabletoChrist'sinallthings.Itisourprayer,andthereforeweshouldaimatit.Now,whenfleshandbloodsetsupapitchofreligion,Iamwellenough;andyetprays,'Hallowedbethyname;thy

kingdomcome; thywillbedone,'&c.,—suchaman isanhypocrite.Forhis prayer leads him further and further still, till he come to heaven,where is all perfection; until when, our life is a life of endeavour andprogress.Thoughwebenever soperfect, yetChristmaymore ruleandsetuphiskingdomyetmoreintheheart,andfurtherbringourwilltohisinallthings.Whenfleshandbloodsetsupcavilsagainstthis,weplaythehypocrites with God, and cross ourselves. Therefore, let us justify ameasureofreligionbeyondourpresentpitch,whatsoever it is; justify itmore andmore still. Think,we are never aswe should be tillwe be inheaven;andneverblessourselves,butthinkthatweshouldalwaysbeonthe growing hand; and whatsoever excuse comes to hinder us fromzealousness and earnestness, though it carry a show of reason in theprofessionofreligion,accountittocomefromourcorrupthearts.

8.Again,remembertodoallthingstoGodandnottoman,inourcallingsboth of religion and in our particular callings; and then whatsoeverdiscouragement there is frommen, we should not be discouraged.Weshallhearmencontinuallycomplainofothers, that theyareunthankfulpersons;andwhyshouldwedoanythingforthem?Why!doittoGod.Ifit fall within our callings, let us do justice and shew mercy. God willaccept,thoughmendonot.Itcutsoffmanydiscouragementsinduties.ItisbesttohaveGod'sreward.Inthisworlditisgoodtomeetwithnaughtyunthankful persons, because else we should meet with all our rewardhere.ItisgoodtodosomewhatforGod'ssake,andforreligion,letpeoplebeasunthankfulastheywill;tosay,Ididitnottoyou,buttoGod.Ifamanregardthediscouragementoftheworld,heshallneverdothatwhichis good, people in theworld are so unthankful and regardless to thosethatwishthembest,andthatdobesttothem.ButifamandoathingtoGod,anddoitoutofdutyandconscience,hemayholdon;haveheneversomanydiscouragementsintheworld,heshalllosenothing.Allshallberewarded,andisregarded.

9.Likewise,besuretocarrythisinmind,thatsinisthegreatestevil,andgrace and goodness the best thing in the world. Therefore, there is noexcuseforsin,fromanythingintheworld,foritistheworstthingintheworld,whichstainsthesoul,andhindersitfromcomfort.Andforgraceand goodness in the inward man, it is the best thing in the world.

Therefore,purchasethis,thoughwithdisadvantage.Itisbesttoavoidsin,thoughwith enduring evil; yea, to avoid the least sin, by enduring thegreatest evil. It is wisdom to do good with disadvantage, when thedisadvantageisboundedonlyinthislife,thethingthatIdobeingathingwhichfurthersmyreckoningat thedayofaccount.Therefore,havethisalway in consideration,whatsoever I suffer in thisworld, Iwillnot sin.Thiswillcutoffaworldofexcuses.

Therefore, letus labour tocutoffall cavils,and to 'armourselves.' It isthe apostle Peter's exhortation, 1 Pet. 4:1. As David's worthies brakethroughthepikestofetchhimwaterfromthewellofBethlehem,2Sam.23:16, so all Christian worthies that look to be crowned, let them bearmedinwardlywithresolutionforgoodthings,takeupresolutionsthattheywill do it. As Paul tells his scholar Timothy of his purpose, 'Thouknowest my purpose, and manner of living,' 2 Tim. 3:10. This is themannerofaChristianlife:thatthis,Iwillnotbreakforalltheworld.So,thereisapurposeof livinghonestlyamannerof life,notbystarts,nowandthentospeakaword,andtodoagooddeed;butthereisapurposeandamanneroflifeforit.Heresolvesalwaysforthebestthings.

AndtothisendbegofGodhisSpirit,whichisaboveallimpediments.Themore Spirit, the more strength and courage against impediments. Themoreweattenduponholymeans, themorespiritualandheavenly lightandlifeissetupinthesoul.Themorespiritualweare,themoreweshalltreadunderfootallthosethingsthatstandbetweenusandheaven.LetusthereforelabourmoreandmorefortheSpirit,andthenweshallofferanholyviolenceuntogoodthings;asitwassaidofJohnBaptist'stime,'ThekingdomofGodsufferedviolence,'Mat.11:12.Menweresoeagerofit,asthat they surprised it as a castle, by violence. There is no way to takeheaven but by offering violence to discouragement, corruption, andwhatsoever stands in theway. The violent only takes heaven by force.*Nowwhenwearespiritual,weshallnotpretend, that 'there isa lion inthe way,' that there are difficulties, as the sluggard doth, that thinkshimselfwiserthanmanymenwhocanrenderareason.Butweshallgoboldly and courageously on; and know that there are moreencouragementsforgood,andstronger,thantheworldhathallurementstobenaught,whicharebutforthepresentlife;butwehaveinwardones,

whichwillholdoutinthehourofdeathandafter.Therefore,goonboldlyand resolutely in good things, always remembering to beg the Spirit ofGod,thatmayarmourspiritswithinvinciblecourage.

Now the Spirit of God brings faith with it, which is a conquering,victorious grace over the world, and 'sees him that is invisible,' Heb.11:27; which brings love also, 'which is strong as death,' Cant. 8:6:wherewiththesoulbeingwarmed,itconstrainethustododutiesinspiteof all impediments. The Spirit of Godwill strengthen our hope also ofheaven,whichstrengthensusagainstalldiscouragementswhichstandinour way. For this hope is on greater and better grounds thandiscouragements are; andhe that givethus this hope,will enableus topossessit.

Thereforelabourfirst,tohaveaclearunderstandingofthethingsofGod,and of the excellency of them; for light will cause heat Why did thekingdom of heaven in John Baptist's time, 'suffer violence?'Why weremen then so violent to cleave unto Christ? Because from that time thegospelwasmoreclearlymanifested.Andheavenlytruths,themoretheyarediscovered and laid open (there is such an excellency in them), themoretheyworkupontheheartandaffections.Therefore,'thekingdomofheavensufferedviolence.'Andwherearepeoplemoreearnestaftergoodthings, thanintheseplaceswheretheevangelical truthsofGodare laidopenmost?Theretheybreakthroughalldiscouragementswhatsoever.

And so, labour for faith to believe those truths: which is the mostvictorious and conquering grace, that will carry us through alldiscouragementswhatsoever;becauseitwillsetgreaterthingsbeforeus,than the discouragements are.Arewe afraid ofmen?Faith, it sets hellbefore us. Are we allured by the world? It sets heaven before us. Itconquers the world, with all the discouraging temptations thereof. Arethe discouragements from impossibilities?O, it is hard, I cannot do it.Aye, but, saith Paul, 'I am able to do all things through Christ thatstrengthensme,' Phil. 4:13. There is a kind of omnipotency in faith, 'Owoman,beituntotheeasthouwilt,'Mark15:28.WehaveabundanceofstrengthinChrist.Faithisbutanemptyhand,thatgoestoChristtodrawfromhimwhatithathneedof;'InChristIcandoallthings.'

So,tohaveourheartswarmedwithlovetohim.ThisgraceoftheSpiritwillmakeuspassthroughalldiscouragements,forithathaconstrainingpower.'TheloveofChristconstrainsus,'saiththeapostle,2Cor.5:14.Ifourheartsoncebewarmedwith the loveofChrist, thiswillmakeus tothink nothing too dear for Christ, and will cut off all excuses andpretences whatsoever, which come from coldness of affection. 'Love isstrongasdeath,'aswehave it in thisbook, 'muchwatercannotquenchit,' Cant. 8:6. All oppositions and discouragements whatsoever, all thewater which the devil and the world hath or useth, cannot quench theheavenlyfireoflove,whenitiskindledinanymeasure.Whatcarriedtheblessed saints andmartyrs of God in all times through the pikes of alldiscouragements?TheSpiritofGod,bythespiritoflove,fromaspiritoffaith,andheavenlyconvictionof theexcellencyand truthof the things.Theysawsucha light,whichwroughtupontheiraffections,andcarriedthem amain against the stream (contrary to the stream of the timeswhereintheylived),thattheworsethetimeswere,thebettertheywere.

10.Andletusconsideragain,thatChristwillnotbealwaysthusalluringus;thatweshallnotalwayshavetheseencouragements,suchtruthsandmotionsofGod'sSpirit,asperhapswefeelnow.Therefore,whenwefeelanygoodmotionstirreduptowardChrist,entertainitpresently.Happilywe shall never hear of it again. The longerwe defer and put it off, theworse.Asamanthat isrowinginaboat, lethimneglecthisstroke, theneglecting of one may make him tug at it five or six times after toovertake those that are before him. So nothing is gotten by sloth andnegligence.Wedobutcastourselvesbackthemore.

11. And let us help ourselveswith setting the glory to come before oureyes,withMosestohaveapatriarch'seyetohim'thatisinvisible,'tosee'acountryafaroff,'Heb.11:27.Now,'wearenearersalvationthanwhenwebelieved.'Letushelpourbackwardsoulsthisway:thatso,havingstillglory in our eyes, it may help us to go through all discouragements,whatsoever they be. We know Zaccheus, when he was afraid that heshouldnotseeChrist,wentbeforethemultitude;andgettingupuponthetopofatree,thushelpshimself.Sodothgracehelpitselfbyglory.Andsofar isgrace fromobjectingandpretending lets,*as itmakessupplies inGod'sservice;asDavid,whointhiscasewaspleasedtobeaccountedvile,

2Sam.6:22.Letus lookuntotherecompenceof thereward;not to thepresent discouragements, but to the prize at the end of the race.Whatmakesasoldiertofighthardforthevictoryintheend?Thesweetnessofthe triumph. What makes a husbandman go through alldiscouragements?He hopes to receive a crop in the end. Consider theissue which followeth after a conscionable, careful, and Christian life,afteramorenearandperfectwalkingwithGod,maintainingcommunionwithhim.Lettherebewhatdiscouragementstherewillbeintheworld,'theendthereofispeace.''Theendofthatmanispeace,'Ps.37:37.Uponthis ground, the apostle exhorts us, 'to be fruitful and abundant in theworkoftheLord;knowingthatyourlabourisnotinvainintheLord,'1Cor.15:58.

THENINTHSERMON

Irosetoopentomybeloved;butmybelovedhadwithdrawnhimself.—CANT.5:6.

NATURALLY we are prone to delays in heavenly things, and then tocover all with excuses. Aman is a sophister to himself, whom he firstdeceives,before thedevilor theworlddeceivehim;which is thereasonwhysooftinScriptureyouhavethismentioned:'Benotdeceived,Godisnotmocked,'Gal. 6:7. 'Benotdeceived,neither adulterer, nor covetousperson,norsuchandsuch,shalleverenterintothekingdomofheaven,'1Cor.6:9. 'Benotdeceived,'which isan intimation thatnaturallywearevery prone to be deceived in points of the greatest consequence in theworld,toflatterourselves,asthechurchdothhere,withfalseexcuses.'Ihaveputoffmycoat,'&c.Butwe shallnowsee in thisnext versewhatbecomes of all those excuses and backwardness of the churchwherebysheputsoftChrist.

'Mybelovedputinhishandbytheholeofthedoor,andmybowelsweremovedforhim.

'Irosetoopentomybeloved;andmyhandsdroppedwithmyrrh,andmyfingerswithsweet-smellingmyrrh,uponthehandlesofthelock.

'I rose to open tomybeloved;butmybelovedhadwithdrawnhimself,'&c.,ver.4–6.

Thiscomesofhersluggishnessanddrowsiness,thatChristabsentedandwithdrewhimself. There are three thingshere set down in these versesnowread.

1.Christ'swithdrawingofhimself.

2.Hisgraciousdealing,havingwithdrawnhimself.

Hedothnotaltogetherleavehischurch,but'putshisfingerintotheholeofthedoor,'andthenleavessomesweetnessbehindhimbeforehegoes.

Afterwhichissetdown,

3.ThesuccessofChrist'sdepartureandwithdrawingofhimselffromher.

(1.)Herbowelsweremovedinher,whichwerehardbefore.

(2.) She rose up out of her bed,wherein formerly she had framed andcomposedherselftorest.

(3.)Sheseeksandcallsafterhim.

Butthedoctrinalpointswhicharetobeobservedoutoftheseversesarethese,

Obs.1.ThatChristdothsometimesusetoleavehischildren,ashedidthechurchhere.

Obs.2.Thatthecauseisfromthechurchherself,asweseehowunkindlyshehadusedChrist, to lethimattendher leisureso long.Thereforehe,taking a holy state upon him, leaves the church. The cause of hisforsakingusisinourselves.Wemaythankourselvesforit.

Obs. 3. That though Christ deal thus with us, yet notwithstanding henever leaves uswholly,without some footsteps of his saving grace andeverlastinglove;someremaindersandprintsheleavesuponthesoul,soas it lingersafterhim,andnever rests till it findhim.Healways leavessomething. There is never a total desertion; as we see here in Christ'sdealing, 'he puts his finger into the hole of the door.'He stands at thedoor,andleavesmyrrhbehindhim,somethingintheheartthatcausethalingeringandrestlessaffectioninhertowardsChrist.

Obs. 4. That the church, by reason of this gracious dealing of Christ,(leavingsomewhatbehindhim) issensibleofher formerunkindness, isrestless,andstirsupherself toendeavourmoreandmore, till shehaverecoveredherformercommunionandsweetfellowshipwithChristwhichshe had before. She never gives over till Christ and shemeet again inpeace, as we shall see in the prosecution. These be the chief pointsconsiderable.

Obs. 1.First,Christdothuse sometimes to leavehis church,asherehedoth,'Mybelovedhadwithdrawnhimself,'&c.

Butwhatkindofleavingisit?

We must distinguish of Christ's leavings and withdrawings of himself.Theyareeitherinregardofoutwardorinwardcomfortsandhelps.

1. Outward, as Christ leaves his church sometimes by taking away themeans of salvation, theministry, or by taking away outward comforts,which is awithdrawingof his; especially if he accompany the taking ofthemawaywith some signs of his displeasure or sense of his anger, asusually it falls out. This doth embitter all crosses and losses, namely,when theycome fromChristasa testimonyofhisanger forour formerunkindness.

2.Sometimeshisforsakingismoreinward,andthatisdouble,eitherinregardofpeaceandjoy,sweetinwardcomfortthatthesoulhadwonttofeelintheholyordinancesbytheSpiritofChrist;orinregardofstrengthandassistance.Thereisadesertioninregardofcomfortandinregardofstrength.Sometimesheleavesthemtothemselves,inregardofstrengthandsupportation,tofallintosomesin,tocuresomegreatersinperhaps.

NowthatChristthusleaveshischurch,itistrueofall,bothofthebodyandofeachparticularmemberofthechurch.

(1.) It is true of thewhole bodyof the church, for youhave the churchcomplaining, Isa. 49:14, 'God hath forgottenme,' 'Can amother forgetherchild?' saithGodagain.SoPs.44:9;and inotherplaces thechurchcomplainsofforsakings.TheScriptureisfullofcomplaintsinthiskind.

(2.)Itistrueoftheseveralmembers,andespeciallyofthemosteminentmembers, as we see holy Job complains, as if God had 'set him,' as itwere,'abutttoshootat,'Job6:4,andhadopposedhimselfagainsthim.So David complains, Ps. 88:11, Ps. 77:9, and Ps. 60:1, and in otherPsalms, of God's anger. 'Correct me not in thine anger,' Ps. 6:1. ThePsalms are full of this, so as it would be time unprofitably spent to belargeinapointsoclear,thateveryoneknowethwellenoughwhoreads

andunderstands thePsalms. So Jonah likewise felt a kindof forsakingwhenhewas in themidstof thesea,whenthewaveswerewithoutandterrorswithin,whenhewas in themidst ofhell, as itwere, Jonah2:2.Thus,yousee,theinstancesclearthepoint.

The ends thatGodhath in it aremany. (1) To endear his presence themoretous,whichweslightedtoomuchbefore.Itisourcorruption,thenot valuing of things till they be gone.We set not the true price uponthemwhenwe enjoy them.Whenwe enjoy good thingswe look at thegrievanceswhicharemingledwiththegood,andforgetthegood;which,when it is gone, then we remember the good. The Israelites couldremembertheironionsandgarlic,andforgettheirslavery,Num.11:5.So,becausemanna was present, they despisedmanna, and that upon oneinconvenience it had, 'itwas ordinarywith them,'Num. 21:5. Thus thecorruptheart ofman isprone in the enjoyingof favours. If it have anygrievance,itmurmursatthat;andittroublesandmakesthemforgetallthe goodness and sweetness of what they enjoy. But, on the contrary,when God withdraws those good things from us, then we forget thoseformer inconveniences, and begin to thinkwhat goodwe had by them.Thisisthepoisonandcorruptionofournature.

(2.)Again,Christseemstoforsakeus,totrythetruthofthegracesandaffections in us, whether they be true or not; and to cause us tomakeafterhim,whenheseemstoforsakeus,asundoubtedlyweshall,wherethereistruthofgraceplantedintheheartinanymeasure.

(3.)Andinregardofothers,hedothittoteachusheavenlywisdom,howtodealwiththoseinaffliction,2Cor.1:4.Itmakesuswise,tender,andsuccessful in dealingwith others, whenwe have felt the like particulargrievance ourselves, as Gal. 6:1, 'Brethren, if a man be overtaken in afault,youthatarespiritualrestoresuchaoneinthespiritofmeekness,considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.' Experience of spiritualgriefinthiskind,willmakeusfit,able,andwiseeverywaytodealwithothers.

(4.) This serves likewise to wean us from the world, in the plenty andabundanceofallearthlythings.FortakeaChristianthathathnocrossintheworld,lethimfindsomeestrangementofChristfromhisspirit,that

hefindsnotthecomfortsoftheHolyGhost,andthatenlargementwhichin former times he enjoyed, and all the wealth he hath, the earthlycontentmentsheenjoys,pleasehimnot,norcancontentthatsoul,whichhatheverfeltsweetcommunionwithChrist.Again,howshouldwepraywith earnestness of affection, 'Thy kingdom come,' in the time ofprosperity,exceptthereweresomewhatinthiskindtoraiseupthesoulto desire to be gone?Now, it is our subjection to these alterations andchanges,ebbingsandflowings,sometimestohavethesenseofGod'slovein Christ, and sometimes to want it; sometimes to feel his love, andsometimes again the fruits of his anger and displeasure, which servesexceedinglytostirupmen'sdesiresofheaven.

(5.)Inthisplacehere,theespecialendwasTocorrectthesecurity,andillcarriageofthechurch.

And, likewise (6.) toprepare the church,by thisdesertionandseemingforsaking,fornearercommunion.For,indeed,Christdidnotforsakeher,buttoherfeeling,tobringher,inthesequel,tohavenearercommunionandunionwithhimself thanevershehadbefore.God forsakes, thathemay not forsake.He seems strange, that hemay be themore friendly.This is Christ's usage.He personates an adversary,when he intends toshew the greatest effects of his love, as we may see afterwards in thepassagesfollowing.

Andalso,(7.)tomakeustoknowthoroughlythebitternessofsin,thatwemaygrowuptoafurtherhatredofthatwhichdeprivesusofsosweetacommunion.Wethinksinatrifle,andneverknowitenoughtillthetimeoftemptation;thatconsciencebeawakenedandopened;thatitappearsinitsrightcolours.

And then, again, (8.) that we may know what Christ suffered andunderwentforus,inthesenseofGod'swrath,intheabsenceofhisfavourfor a time. This the human nature could never have suffered, if hisdivinityhadwithdrawnitself.Now,allofusmustsipofthatcup,whereofChristdrankthedregs,havingatastewhatitistohaveGodtoforsakeus.Forthemostpart, thosebelieverswholiveanytime(especiallythoseofgreatparts),Goddealsthuswith.WeakerChristiansheismoreindulgentunto. At such times we know of what use a Mediator is, and how

miserable our conditionwerewithout such an one, both to have borneandovercomethewrathofGodforus,whichburdenhecouldneverhaveundergone,buthadsunkunderit,butforthehypostaticalunion.

Use 1. Let us not, therefore, censure any Christian, when we find thattheircoursehathbeengoodandgracious,yetnotwithstandingtheyseemto want comfort. Let us not wonder at them, as if God had utterlyforsaken them. Indeed, sometimes they think themselves forsaken, andtheworldthinksthemsotoo,'thatGodregardsthemnot,'Ps.66:18.TheyarepeopleofnorespecteithertoGodortoothers,asyouhavethechurchinthePsalmscomplaining,asifGodhadforsakenthem,'Ps.44:9;sotheythink themselves forsaken, and the world thinks them so too, andneglectsthem.Therefore,insodoing,weshallcensurethegenerationofthe righteous. Itwas thuswith theHead of the church,with thewholechurch, and with every particular member. Neither is it fit we shouldalways enjoy the sense of God's love. Christ by heavenly wisdomdispensethofhissweetness,comforts,andpeace,asmaystandwithoursouls'bestgood,andweshouldasmuchtakeheedofcensuringourselvesinthatcondition,asifwewererejectedandcastawayofGod.Wemustjudgeourselvesatsuchtimesbyfaith,andnotbyfeeling;lookingtothepromises and word of God, and not to our present sense andapprehension.

Use2.Again, if thisbe so, learn toprepare and look for it beforehand,andtogetsomegroundsofcomfort,somepromisesoutoftheword,andtokeepagoodconscience.Oitisaheavything,whenGodshallseemtobe angrywithus, andour conscience at the same time shall accuseus;whenthedevilshalllaysinshardtoourcharge,andsomeafflictionatthesame time lie heavy upon the sore and guilty soul. If we have notsomewhat laidupbeforehand,whatwillbecomeof thepoorsoul,whenheaven,andearth,andhell,andallshallseemtobeagainstit.Therearefew that come to heaven, but they knowwhat these thingsmean. It isgood, therefore, to look for them, and to prepare some comfortsbeforehand.

Butwhat here should be the inwardmoving cause? It is in the churchherself;formarkthecoherence.ShehadturnedoffChristwithexcuses,pretences, and dilatory answers; and now presently upon it Christ

forsakes her in regard of her feeling, and of the sweet comfort sheformerlyenjoyed.Thepointis,

Obs.2.That the cause rests inourselveswhyChristwithdrawscomfortfromoursouls.

Ifwesearchourownheartsweshallfinditso,andusuallythecausesinourselvesarethese,asitwasinthechurchhere:1.WhenweareunkindtoChrist,andrepelthesweetmotionsoftheSpirit.2.Whenweimprovenot the precious means of salvation that we enjoy. 3. When we arecarelessofourconversationandcompany.4.Whenwelingeraftercarnallibertiesandease.5.Whenweyieldtocarnalpolicyandshiftstokeepusofffromthepowerofreligion,togooninalukewarmcourse.6.Whenwelingerafterearthlythingsandcomforts,andwrapourselvesupinfleshlypolicy for ease. 7. When we tremble not at God's judgments andthreatenings, and at the signs of them; withmany such things.Wherethesedispositionsare,weneednotwonderifwefindnotthecomfortsofChrist and of the Holy Ghost in us, with the gracious presence of hisSpirit.Thecauseisinourselves.Butsecurityhathbeenatlargespokenofbefore,wherethechurch'ssleepwashandled.*Therefore,thepointshallnotbehereenlarged,butonlysomeusemadeofit,asmayserveforthepresentpurpose.

Use1.IfChristshouldtakeawaythecomfortsthatweenjoy,andremovehimselfandhisdwellingfromus,forheisnowyetamongusandknocksatourdoors,dowenot givehim just cause todepart?What a spirit ofslumberpossessethus,whichwillbeawakedwithnothing to seekafterChrist!HowfewlayholduponGod,pressuponhim,wrestlewithhimbyprayer, tohide themselvesbefore theevilday come,as they shoulddo!Therefore,ifChristhaveabsentedhimselfalongtimefromthechurchingeneral,andwithdrawnthecomfortandpresenceofhisordinances;and,inparticular,withheldthesweetcomfortsofourspiritsandourpeace,sothatweseehiminthecontrarysignsofhisdispleasureandanger,asifhedidnotregardandrespectus,wehavegivenhimjustcausesotodo.WeseeherehowthechurchusedChrist;andsodowe,withthelikesecurity,and a spirit of slumber, with unkindness. Notwithstanding all theprovocationsthatChristusethtowinus,heleavesusnot,untilhebeleftfirst, for he desires to have nearer acquaintance, communion, and

fellowshipwith thesoul,aswehaveseen in the formerverse, 'My love,my dove,my undefiled, open tome,' &c. Therefore, if we do not enjoymore acquaintance with Christ than we do, and walk more in thecomfortsoftheHolyGhost,itismerelyfromourownindispositionandsecurity,Acts9:31.Therefore, letuscensureourselves in thiskind,andnotcallChristanenemy,as ifhehad forgotten,andGodhad forsaken.Takeheedofsuchaspiritofmurmuring.Ifsuchastatebefallus, letuslabourtolayourhanduponourmouthandtojustifyChrist.Itisjustwiththeethustoleaveme,togivemeovertothisterror,todealthuswithme,that have dealt so unkindly with thee. So to justify God, and accuseourselves,isthebestwaytorecoverspiritualcomfort.

Obs.3.Well, for the thirdpoint.ThathowsoeverChristbeprovokedbythechurch'singratitude,drowsiness,andcarelesscarriage,toleaveherinregardofherfeeling,andofinwardcomfort;yetnotwithstandingheissogracious, as to leave somethingbehindhim, that shews indeed, thathehad not left the church altogether, but only in some regard. ForhowsoeverChrist,inregardofsomeorderofhisprovidence,leaveit,yetinregardofanotherorderofhisprovidence,careandmercy,hedothnotleave it, so as one way which he takes must sometimes give place toanotherwayofhisworkinginorderingthings.Sometimesheispresentinawayofcomfort,thatisoneorderofhisdispensation;andwhenheseesthat that is neglected, then he withdraws his comforts and hides hisgracious countenance. Yet he is then present still in another order andway, though we discern it not, that is, in a way of humbling the soul,lettingitseeitssin.Sohere,howsoeverChristhadwithdrawnhimselfinregard of this manner of his dealing, in respect of comfort, that thechurchdidnotnowseehisgrace,favour;yetheleftbehindhimaspiritofgrace,toaffectherheartwithgrief,sorrow,andshame,andtostirupherendeavours to seek after him, as it is said here: 'I rose to open tomybeloved; andmy hands droppedmyrrh, andmy fingers sweet smellingmyrrh,uponthehandlesofthelocks.'

Here observe these three things,which shall be briefly named, becausetheyshallbetouchedelsewhere.

Obs.1.Christ'sgraceisthecauseofourgrace.Hefirstleavesmyrrh,andthen her fingers drop myrrh. Our oil is from his oil. The head being

anointed, 'theoilrandowntotheskirtsofAaron'sgarments,'Ps.133:2,36:9;'Outofhisfulnesswereceivegraceforgrace,'John1:16,thatis,ourgraceisanswerabletothegraceofChrist.Wehaveallfromhim,favourforhisfavour.Becauseheisbeloved,wearebeloved.Wehavethegraceofsanctificationfromhim.HewassanctifiedwiththeSpirit,thereforewearesanctified.Wehavegraceofprivilegeforhisgrace.Heis theSonofGod, therefore we are sons.He is the heir of heaven, therefore we areheirs.Sothatofhisgraceit iswereceiveall.Whetherwetakegraceforfavour, or for the grace of sanctification, or the grace of privilege andprerogative,allourgracesarefromhis,'ourmyrrhfromhismyrrh.'

Use.Thisshould teachus, thenecessityofdependenceuponChrist, forwhatsoeverwehaveorwouldhave;whichdependenceuponChrististhelifeofourlife,thesoulofoursouls.

Again,observefromhence,thatthechurch'sfingersdroppedmyrrhwhensheopenedthedoor,andstirredupherselftoendeavour.Whenfirstherbowels were moved, then she makes to the door, and then her handsdroppedmyrrh,sothat,

Obs.2.WefindexperienceofthegraceofChrist,especiallywhenwestirupourselvestoendeavour.'Ariseandbedoing,andtheLordshallbewiththee,' 1 Chron. 28:20, saith David to Solomon. So let us rouse upourselves toendeavour,andweshall findagraciouspresenceofChrist,andablessedassistanceoftheSpiritofChrist,whowillshewhimselfinthemidstofendeavours. 'Tohimthathathshallbegiven:'whatisthat?Tohimthathath,ifheexerciseandstirupthegraceofGodinhim,shallbegiven.Mat.25:29.Therefore,letusstirupthegracesofGodinus;letusfalluponactionsofobedience,secondthemwithprayer.Whatsoeverweprayforanddesire,setuponthepracticethereof.WemockGodelse,exceptweendeavourforthatwedesire.Therewasmyrrhleftonthedoor,butshefeelsitnottillshearose,openedthedoor,andlaidherhanduponthelock.

IspeaktoanyChristian'sexperience,ifinthemidstofobediencetheydonotfindthatcomforttheylookedfor,andthatitismeatanddrinktodoGod's will. Therefore keep not off and say, I am dead and drowsy,therefore I shall be still so. You are deceived; fall upon obedience and

practising of holy duties, and in the midst thereof thou shalt find thepresenceandassistanceofGod'sSpirit.Thatwillcomfortthee.

Obs.3.The third thingobservable fromhence is this, thatGod'sgracesare sweet. Pleasant and sweet, compared here tomyrrh, whichwas aningredientintheholyoil.Gracemakesussweet.Prayersaresweet,asitisin Rev. 8:4. Christ mingleth them with his own sweet odours, and sotakesandoffersthemtoGod.Holyobedience issweetanddelightful toGod and to the conscience. It brings peace and delight to others.Thereforetheyarecalled fruits.Fruitdothnotonly implyandshewtheissuingofgoodthingsfromtheroot,butthereisalsoapleasantnessinit.Sothereisadelightfulnessingoodworks,asthereisinfruittothetaste.Therefore if wewould be sweet and delightful to God, let us labour tohave grace. Ifwewould think of ourselveswith contentment, andhaveinwardsweetness, letus labour for thegracesofGod'sSpirit.Thesearelikemyrrh. 'Thewicked are an abominationunto theLord,' Prov. 15:8,who abhors them, and whatsoever is in them. But 'the righteous andsincereman is his delight,' Prov. 15:8. Therefore, if we would approveourselvestoGod,andfeelthathehathdelightinus,labourtobesuchashemaydelightin.

Use.Wherefore let the discouraged soulmake this use of it, not to beafraidtodothatwhichisgood,uponfearweshouldsin.Indeed,sinwillcleavetothatwedo,butChristwillpardonthesin,andacceptthatwhichissweetofhisownSpirit.LetusnotesteembaselyofthatwhichChristesteemshighlyof,norletthatbevile inoureyesthatispreciousinhis.Let us labour to bring our hearts to comfortable obedience, for it is asweetsacrificetoGod.

Now,whencecameallthis?Fromthisthatismentioned,'Mybelovedputinhishandbytheholeofthedoor,andmybowelsweremovedforhim,'ver. 4.First, for that expression,heputhis finger inby thehole of thedoor.ItimpliesherethatChrist,beforehedeparted,leftbyhisSpiritanimpressiononthechurch'sheart,whichdeeplyaffectedhertoseekafterhim.

The fingers spoken of are nothing but 'the power of his Spirit.' As theusual Scripture phrase is, 'This is God's finger,' 'God's mighty hand,'

Exod.8:19,withoutwhichallordinancesareineffectual.'Paulmayplant,and Apollos may water,' 1 Cor. 3:6, 7, but all is nothing without theworkingoftheSpirit,themotionswhereofaremoststrong,beingGod'sfinger,wherebyhewroughtallthataffectioninthechurchwhichishereexpressed.Christ,beforehe leaveth thechurch, 'putshis finger into thehole of the door,' that is, heworks somewhat in the soul by his Spirit,which stirred up a constant endeavour to seek after him. Forwhy elsefollowsit,'herbowelsweremovedafterhim'?whichimpliesaworkoftheSpirituponherbowels,expressedinhergriefforhisabsence,andshamefor her refusing his entrance, and whereby her heart was moved andturnedinhertoseekafterhim.Fromwhence,thusexplained,observe,

Obs.1.Thatoutwardmeanswilldonogood,unless the fingerofChristcometodoallthatisgood.

ThefingerofChrististheSpiritofChrist—thatis,akindofdivinepowergoesfromhiminhearingandspeakingthewordofGod,andinprayer.There ismore than aman's power in all this. If thesework any effect,Christ 'must put his finger in.' When duties are unfolded to us in theministry of theword, all is to no purpose, but the sounding of a voice,unlessthefingerofChristopentheheart,andworkinthesoul.

Use 1. Let us make this use of it, therefore, not to rest in any meanswhatsoever, but desire the presence of Christ's finger to move and toworkuponourheartsandsouls.ManycarelessChristiansgoabout theordinances of God, and never regard this power of Christ, this mightypower, 'the finger of Christ.' Thereupon they find nothing at all that isdivineandspiritualwroughtinthem.For,asitrequiredaGodtoredeemus,totakeournature,whereinhemightrestoreus,solikewiseitrequiresthepowerofGodtoalterournatures.Wecouldnotbebroughtintothestateofgracewithoutdivinesatisfaction,andwecannotbealtered toaframeof gracewithout a divine finger, the finger ofGodworkinguponourheartsandsouls.Thisshouldmoveus, inall theordinancesofGodthatweattendupon,toliftupourheartsinthemidstofthem,'Lord,letmefeelthefingerofthySpiritwritingthyworduponmyheart.''Turnus,OLord,andweshallbeturned,'Jer.31:18.Prayforthisquickeningandenlivening,forthisstrengtheningSpirit.Allcomesbyit.

Fromthisthatitissaidhere,'thatChristputshisfingerintotheholeofthedoorbeforeheremovedit,'andwithdrewhimself,observe,

Obs.2.HowgraciouslyChristdothdealwithus,thathedothalwaysleavesomegracebeforehedothoffertodepart.Letustherefore,forthetimetocome,layandstorethisupasagroundofcomfort,thathowsoeverChristmayleaveus,yet,notwithstanding,hewillneverleaveuswholly;butashegaveushisHolySpiritatfirst,sohewillcontinueHiminusbysomegraciousworkorother,eitherbywayofcomfort,orofstrengthtoupholdus.Perhapswemayneedmoresorrow,morehumility,thanofanyothergrace. For winter is as good for the growing of things as the spring,because were it not for this, where would be the killing of weeds andworms,andpreparingofthegroundandlandforthespring?Soit isasneedful for Christians to find the presence of Christ in the way ofhumiliationandabasement,causingustoafflictourownsouls,astofeelhispresenceinpeace,joy,andcomfort.Inthislifewecannotbewithoutthis gracious dispensation. We may therefore comfort ourselves, thathowsoever Christ leaves us, yet he will always leave somewhat behindhim,asherehe leftsomemyrrhafterhimuponthehandleof thedoor.Somemyrrhisleftalwaysbehindhimuponthesoul,whichkeepsitinastate and frame of grace, and sweetens it. Myrrh was one of theingredients in the holy oil, as it is Exod. 30:30; and so this leaving ofmyrrh behind him signifies the oil of grace left upon the soul, thatenabledthechurchtodoallthesethings,whichareafterspokenof.

Obj.But youwill say,Howdoth this appear,when in somedesertionaChristianfindsnograce,strength,orcomfortatall,thatnothingisleft?

Ans.Itisanswered,theyalwaysdo.Takethosewhoatanytimehavehadexperience of the love ofGod, andofChrist formerly, take themat theworst,youshallfindfromthemsomesparklesofgrace,brokenspeechesof tried secret comfort, some inward strength and struggling againstcorruptions; their spirits endeavouring to recover themselves fromsinking too low, and with something withstanding both despair andcorruption.TakeaChristianattheworst,therewillbeadiscoveryoftheSpirit of Christ left in him, notwithstanding all desertion. This isuniversallyinallinsomemeasure,thoughperhapsitisnotdiscernedtoaChristianhimself,but to thosethatareable to judge.Sometimesothers

can read our evidences better than ourselves. A Christian that is intemptationcannotjudgeofhisownestate,butotherscan.Andso,atthevery worst, he hath always somewhat left in him, whereby he may becomforted. Christ never leaves his church and children that are hiswholly. Those that are wholly left, they never had saving grace, asAhithophel, Cain, Saul, and Judas were left to themselves. But for thechildrenofGod,ifevertheyfoundthepowerofsanctifyinggrace,'Christwhomhe loves, he loves to the end,' John 13:1, fromwhomhedepartsnot,unlesshe leavessomewhatbehindhim, that setsanedgeupon thedesirestoseekafterhim.

Use2.Makethisseconduseofit,tomagnifythegraciousloveandmercyof Christ, that when we deserve the contrary, to be left altogether, yetnotwithstanding so graciously he deals with us. Behold, in this hisdealing,themercyofChrist.Hewillnotsufferthechurchtobeinastateofsecurity,butwillrather,tocureher,bringhertoanotheroppositestateof grief and sorrow, as we shall see in the next point, how that whichChristleftintheheartofthechurchsoafflictedher'thatherbowelswereturnedinher.'Whereuponsheriseth,seeks,andinquiresafterChristbythewatchmenandothers.Soshesaithofherself,

'Mybowelsweremovedinme,'&c.Whatwasthat?MyheartwasaffectedfullofsorrowandgriefformyunkinddealingwithChrist.Herebythoseaffections were stirred up, that were afore sleepy and secure, to godlygrief, sorrow, and shame. For God hath planted affections in us, andjoinedthemwithconscience,astheexecutionerswiththejudge.Sothat,when as conscience accuseth of any sin, either of omission orcommission,affectionsarereadytobetheexecutionerswithinus.Thusto prevent eternal damnation, God hath set up a throne in our ownhearts, to take revenge and correction by our own affections, godlysorrowandmourning,asherethechurchsaith, 'Mybowelswereturnedinme.'Itwasashameandgrief,springingoutoflovetoChrist,thathadbeen so kind, patient, and full of forbearance to her. 'My bowels wereturned in me;' that is, sorrow and grief were uponme for my unkinddealing.

Theobservationfromhenceis,

Thatsecurityandacold,dullstateproducethacontrarytemper.Thatis,thosethatarecold,dull,secure,andputoffChrist,hesuffersthemtofallintosharpsorrowsandgriefs.

We usually say, Cold diseasesmust have hot and sharp remedies. It ismosttruespiritually.Security,whichisakindoflethargy,acolddisease,forgettingofGodandourdutytohim,musthaveahotandsharpcure.Andthelethargyisbestcuredbyaburningague.SoChristdealshere.Heputshisfingerinattheholeofthedoor,andleavesgracebehindtoworkupon thebowelsof the church, tomakehergrieveandbeashamed forher unkind dealing. Thus he cures security by sorrow. This is the bestconclusionofsin.

Andwemayobservewithal,thatevensinsofomission,theybringgrief,shame,andsorrow.And in the issue, throughChrist'ssanctifyingthem,these which they breed consume the parent. That is, sin brings forthsorrow,shame,andgrief,whichareameanstocuresin.Securitybreedsthis moving of the bowels, which moving helps security. Would wethereforepreventsorrow,shame,andgrief?Takeheed thenofsecurity,the cause that leads to them; yea, of sins of omission,wherein there ismoredangerthaninsinsofcommission.Thesinsofcarnal,wickedmenareusuallysinsofcommission;mostwhichbreakoutoutrageously,andthereby taint themselves with open sins. But the sins of God's people,who are nearer to him, are for themost part sins of omission; that is,negligence,coldness,carelessnessinduty,wantofzeal,andofcaretheyshouldhaveinstirringupthegracesofGodinthem;asthechurchhere,whichdidnotgivewaytoChrist,norshookoffsecurity.

Use. Let us esteem as slightly as we will of sins of omission andcarelessness,theyareenoughtobringmentohellifGodbenotthemoremerciful.Itisnotrequiredonlythatwedonoharm,andkeepourselvesfromoutwardevils;butwemustdogoodinagoodmanner,andhaveacaretobefruitfulandwatchful,whichifwedonot,thistemperwillbringgrief,shame,andsorrowafterwards.Ashere,evenforsinsofomission,deadness,anddulness,weseethechurchisleftbyChrist,'andherbowelsareturnedinher.'ForcarelessneglectandomissionofdutytoGodisapresageandforerunnerofsomedownfalanddejection.Andcommonlyitistrue,whenamanisinasecureandcarelessstate,amanmayreadhis

destiny (though he have been never so good); nay, the rather if he begood.Suchaoneisindangertofallintosomesharppunishment,orintosomesin;forofallstatesandtempers,GodwillnotsufferaChristiantobe in a secure, lazy, dead state, when he cannot perform thingscomfortably toGod,orhimself,or toothers.Adead,secureestate is sohatefultohim(decayinourfirstlove,thislukewarmtemper)thathewillnot endure it. It either goes before some great sin, cross, affliction, orjudgment.

'My bowels were moved in me.' And good reason. It was a suitablecorrection to the sinwherein she offended.ForChrist, his bowelswereturnedtowardsherinloveandpity,'Mylove,mydove,myundefiled,'inwhich case, she neglecting him, it was fit she should find 'moving ofbowels' in another sense, out of love too, but in shame andmourning.Christhereleaveshertoseekafterhim,thathadwaitedandattendedherleisurebefore,asweshallseeafter.

The next thing we may hence observe in that, 'that her bowels wereturnedinher,'fromsomethingleftintheholeofthedoorbytheSpiritofChrist,is,

ThatChristhathouraffectionsinhisgovernment.

Hehathourbowelsinhisruleandgovernment,morethanweourselveshave. We cannot of ourselves rule our grief, shame, sorrow, or suchaffectionsasthese,Thewisestmanintheworldcannotaward*griefandsorrowwhenGodwillturnituponhisbowels,andmakeamanashamedand confounded in himself. All the wit and policy in the world cannotsuppressthoseaffections.ForChristrulesourhearts,'Theheartsofkingsareinhishand,astheriversofwater,'Prov.21:1,aswellastheheartsofordinarypersons.

Ifhesetanythinguponthesoultoafflictitandcastitdown,itshallafflictit,ifitbebutaconceit.Ifhewilltakeawaythereinsfromthesoul,andleaveittoitsownpassion,removingawayitsguard;forhebyhisSpiritguardsoursoulswithpeace,bycommandingoftranquillity;soaslethimbut leave it to itself,anditwill tear itself insunder,asAhithophel,whobeing left tohimself,did tearhimself inpieces,2Sam.17:23.Cainalso

being thus left, was disquieted, tormented, and wracked himself, Gen.4:13.SoJudasinthiscase,beingdividedinhimself,youseewhatbecameofhim,Mat.27:5.LetChristbutleaveustoourownpassionofsorrow,whatwillbecomeofusbutmisery?Hehathmore rule thereforeofourpassionsthanweourselveshave,becausewecannotrulethemgraciously,norcanwestaythemwhenwewould.

Use. Therefore this should strike an awe in us of God, with a care topleasehim.Forthereisnotthewisestmanintheworld,butifheremovehisguardfromhissoul,andleavehimtohimself;iftherewerenodevilinhell, yet he would make him his own tormentor and executioner.Therefore the apostlemakes this sweet promise.He bids them pray toGod;'andthepeaceofGodwhichpassethallunderstandingshouldguardtheir souls,'&c., Philip. 4:7. So theword is in the original. It is a greatmatterforthekeepingofGod'speople,tohavetheirsoulsguarded.

'Herbowelswereturnedinher.'

Here again, as the conclusion of all this, we seeing this estate of thechurch,maywonderatChrist'scarriagetowardsherinthisworld.Christiswonderful in his saints, and in his goodness towards them, 2 Thess.1:10; sometimes alluring them, as we see Christ the church here;wondrous in patience, notwithstanding their provocation of him;wondrous inhisdesertions;wondrous in leavingsomethingbehindhimin desertions. Those that are his he will not leave themwithout grace,wherebytheyshallseekhimagain.Nay,thefallingoutofloversshallbetherenewingoffreshandnewlove,moreconstantthanevertheformerwas. Thus our blessed Saviour goes beyond us in our deserts, takingadvantageevenofoursecurity;forourgreatergood,makingallworktogoodinthe issue,Rom.8:28;whichshallend inamorenearandclosecommunionbetweenChristandhischurchthaneverbefore.Carnalmenfeel not these changes, ebbings and flowings. They are not acquaintedwithGod'sforsakings.Indeedtheirwhole life isnothingbutaforsakingofGod,andGod'sforsakingofthem,whogivesthemoutwardcomforts,peaceand friends in theworld,wherein theysolace themselves.But forinwardcommunionwithhim,anystrengthtoholyduties,oragainstsin,fortobeinstrumentsforGod'shonour,andservice,todoanygood,theyarecareless.Fortheyliveheretoservetheirownturns,leavingtheirstate

andinheritancebehindthem.TheScripturesaith,'Theyhavenochanges,thereforetheyfearnotGod,'Ps.55:19;andsotheygodowntohellquietlyandsecurely.Oh!butitisotherwisewithGod'schildren.Theyaretossedupanddown.Godwillnotsufferthemtoprosper,orlivelonginasecure,drowsy, sinful state, the continuancewherein is a fearful evidence thatsuchanoneasyethathnosavinggrace,northatheyetbelongstoGod,seeing Christ hates such an estate, and will not suffer his to be longtherein, but will shift and remove them from vessel to vessel, fromcondition to condition, till hehavewrought in them that dispositionofsoulthattheyshallregardandlovehimmoreandmore,andhavenearerandnearercommunionwithhim.

THETENTHSERMON

Iopenedtomybeloved;butmybelovedhadwithdrawnhimselfandwasgone:mysoulfailedwhenhespake;Isoughthim,butcouldnotfindhim;Icalledhim,buthegavenoanswer.—CANT.5:6.

THUSweseethatthelifeofaChristianistroubleupontrouble,aswaveuponwave.Godwillnotsufferustorestinsecurity,butonewayorotherhewill fire us out of our starting-holes, andmake us to run after him.Howmuch better were it for us, then, to do our works cheerfully andjoyfully,'sotorunaswemayobtain,'1Cor.9:24,thantobethushurriedupanddown,andthroughourowndefault,comingintodesertions,andtherereceivingrebukesandblowsanddelayserewehavepeaceagain,asitfelloutwiththechurchinthesequel;forthistextisbutthebeginningof her seeming misery. The watchmen, after this, 'found her, andwoundedher,'&c.,verse7.Butheavenismoreworththanall,nowthatheraffectionsaresetonfire.Fromthenceshebestirsherself,isresolutetofindoutherbeloved,whomshehighlyvaluesaboveallthisworld.HowheraffectionswerestirredbyChrist'sputtinginhisfingerattheholeof

thedoor,wehaveheard.Now followsheraction thereupon; forhere isrising,opening,seeking,calling,andinquiringafterChrist.

Action follows affection. After her bowels are moved, she ariseth andopeneth;fromwhencewemayfurtherobserve—

Obs. 1. That where truth of affection is, it will discover itself in theoutwardman,onewayorother.Iftherebeanyaffectionofloveandpietyto God, there will be eyes lift up, knees bended down, and handsstretched forth toheaven. If therebeanygrief for sin, therewillbe thefacedejected, theeyes lookingdown,someexpressionorother. If therebe a desire, there will be a making forth to the thing desired; for theoutward man is commanded by the inward, which hath a kind ofsovereign commandingpower over it, and says,Do this, and it doth it;Speakthis,anditspeaksit.Therefore,thosewhosecoursesoflifearenotgracious, their affections and their hearts are not good; for where theaffectionsaregood,theactionswillbesuitable.'Herbowelsweremovedin her,' and presently she shews the truth of her affection, in that shemakethafterhim.

1.Hersoulfailedwhenhespake.

2.Shemakesafterhim.

'Mysoulfailedwhenhespake:Isoughthim,butIcouldnotfindhim.'—OfChrist'swithdrawing himself,we spake in general before,whereforewewillleavethatandproceed.

'My soul failed when he spake.' That is, her soul failed when sheremembered what he had spoke when he stood at the door and said,'Opentome,mysister,mylove,mydove,myundefiled: formyheadiswetwith the dew,' &c.Now,whenGod's Spirit hadwrought upon her,thensherememberedwhatChristhadsaid.Allthosesweetallurementswere effectual now unto her, especially when she saw that after thosesweetallurementsChristhadwithdrawnhimself;forthatisthemeaningofthesewords,'Mysoulfailedwhenhespakeuntome.'Hedidnotspeaknow;buthersoul failedafterhespake; forso itshouldberead, that is,after she rememberedhis speech toher; fornow,when sheopened,he

wasnotthere.Therefore,hecouldnotspeaktoher.

Obs.2.ThewordofChrist,howsoeverforthepresentitbenoteffectual,yet afterwards it will be in the remembrance of it. To those that aregracious,itwillbeeffectualwhentheHolyGhostcomestosealitfurtherupon theirhearts.Christ spakemany things tohisdiscipleswhich theyforgot;butwhenafterwardstheHolyGhosttheComforterwascome,hisoffice was, 'to bring all things to their remembrance that they hadforgotten before,' John 14:26. The Holy Ghost taught them not newthings, but brought former things to their remembrance; for God willmakethewordeffectualatonetimeorother.Perhapsthewordwehearisnoteffectual for thepresent; itmayafterwards,manyyearsafter,whenGodawakesourconsciences.

AndasthisistrueofGod'schildren,theseednowsowninthemwillnotgrowuptillmanyyearsafter,soitistruealsoofthosethatarenotGod'schildren.Theythinktheyshallneverhearagainofthosethingstheyhear.Perhapstheywilltakeorderbysensuality,hardeningoftheirhearts,andthrough God's judgments withal concurring, that conscience shall notawakeinthisworld.Butitshallawakeoneday;foritisputintothehearttotakeGod'spart,andtowitnessagainstusforoursins.Itshallhaveandperformitsofficehereafter,useitasyouwillnow;anditwillpreachoverthosethingsagainthatyounowhear.Youshallhearagainofthem,butitshallbeabarrenhearing.Nowwemayhearfruitfullytodousgood,butafterwardsweshallcalltomindwhatwehaveheard,anditshallcutustotheheart.Dives,weknow,hadMosesandtheprophetsto instructhim,but he never heeded them in his life, until afterwards to his torment,Luke16:29.Somenneverheedwhattheyhearandread;theyputoffall,and lay their consciencesasleep;butGodwillbring themafterwards toremembrance. But because it is a point especially of comfort to thechurch;

Labourwe all of us tomake this use of it, to bediligent and careful tohearandattendupontheordinancesofGod;forhowsoeverthatwehearisnoteffectualforthepresent,butseemsasdeadseedcastintotheheart,yet Godwill give it a body after, as the apostle speaks, at one time orother, 1 Cor. 15:38. And that which we hear now, the Holy Ghost willbringittoourremembrancewhenwestandinmostneedofit.

'My soul failed when he spake.' She was in a spiritual swoon anddeliquium*uponhiswithdrawing,whencethepointconsiderableis,

That Christ doth leave his church sometimes, and bring it very low intheir own apprehensions, that their hearts fail them, for want of hispresence.SoitwaswithDavid,Ps.38:2,3;sowithJonah,Jonah2:2;sowiththechurch,Lam.3:1,seq.Weseeitatlarge.

Reason. The necessity of our souls and of our estates require this. Assometimesabodymaybesocorrupt, that itmustbebroughtas lowaspossiblemaybe,beforetherewillbeaspringofnewandgoodbloodandspirits,sowemayfallintosuchastateofsecurity,thatnothingwillbringus to a right temper but extreme purging. And usually God deals thuswithstrongwitsandparts,iftheybeholy.DavidandSolomonweremenexcellently qualified; yet when they tasted of the pleasures andcontentmentsoftheworldtoodeep,answerablytheyhad;andsousuallyothers shall have such desertions as will make them smart for theirsweetness,aswasshewedbefore.

ButuponwhatoccasionsdothaChristianthinkespeciallythatGoddothleave,forsake,andfailhim?

First. This failing and fainting of the soul is sometimes upon anapprehension,as ifGodandChristwerebecomeenemies, asJob saith,7:20,andashavingsetusasabutttoshootat.Butthisisnotallthatagraciousandpureheartsinksfor.

But also secondly. For the absence of Christ's love, though it feel noanger.Even as to a lovingwife, herhusbandnot looking lovinglyuponherasheusedtodo,isenoughtocastherdown,andcauseherspiritstofail;soforGodtolookuponthesoul,putthecase,notwithanangry,yetwithacountenancewithdrawn,itissufficienttocastitdown.Foranyonethathathdependenceuponanother,toseetheircountenancewithdrawn,andnottoshewtheirfaceasbefore,iftherebebutasweetdispositioninthem,itisenoughtodauntanddismaythem.

Nay,thirdly.Moreover,whentheyfindnotthatformerassistanceinholy

duties;whentheyfindthattheirheartsareshutupandtheycannotprayas formerlywhen theyhad theSpiritofGodmore fully;andwhen theyfind that they cannot bear afflictions with wonted patience—certainlyChristhathwithdrawnhimself,saythey.ThisisfirstdonewhenwehearthewordofGod,notwiththatdelightandprofitaswewerewont.WhentheyfindhowtheycomeneartoGodinholycommunion,andyetfeelnotthatsweettasteandrelishintheordinancesofGodastheywerewonttodo, theyconclude, certainlyGodhathhidhis face.Whereupon theyarecastdown,theirspiritsfail.Anddonotwonderthatitshouldbeso,foritissoinnature.Whenthesunhidesitselfmanydaysfromtheworld,itisanuncomfortabletime;thespiritsofthecreatureslowerandwither.Wesee it so in thebody, that theanimal spirits in thebrain,whichare thecause of motion and sense, if they be obstructed, there follows anapoplexy and deadness. So it is betweenChrist and the soul.He is the'Sun of righteousness,'Mal. 4:2, bywhose beamswe are all comfortedand cheered,whichwhen they arewithheld, thenour spiritsdecay andarediscouraged.Summerandwinterarisefromthepresenceandabsenceof thesun.Whatcauseth thespring tobesoclothedwithall those richornaments?Thepresenceof thesunwhichcomesnearer then.Sowhatmakesthesummerandwinterinthesoul,buttheabsenceorpresenceofChrist!Whatmakessomesovigorousbeyondothers,butthepresenceoftheSpirit!As it is innature, so it ishere.ThepresenceofChrist is thecauseofallspirituallifeandvigour;whowhenhewithdrawshispresencealittlethesoulfails.

'Mysoulfailedwhenhespaketome:Isoughthim,butIcouldnotfindhim;Icalled,buthegavemenoanswer.'

Obs.1.Thechurchredoublethhercomplainttoshewherpassion.Alargehearthathlargeexpressions.ShetookittoheartthatChristdidnotshewhimselfinmercy.Thereforesheneverhathdone.IsoughthimbutIcouldnot find him, I called but he gave me no answer. Affection makeseloquentandlargeexpressions.

Obs.2.Butmainlyobservefromthisfailingofthechurch,thedifferencebetween the true children of God and others. The child of God is castdownwhenhefindsnotthepresenceofGodashewaswont;hisspiritsfail.Acarnalman,thatneverknewwhatthispresencemeant,regardsit

not,canabidethewantofit.Hefinds,indeed,apresenceofGodinthecreaturewhichhethinksnotof.Thereisasweetnessinmeat,drink,rest,and a contentment in honour, preferment, and riches; and thusGod ispresent always with him, but other presence he cares not for. Nay, heshunsallotherpresenceofGod,labouringtoavoidhisspiritualpresence.Forwhatisthereasonthatacarnalmanshunstheapplyingofthewordand the thinkingof it, butbecause it bringsGodnear tohisheart, andmakeshimpresent?Whatisthereasonheshunshisownconscience;thathe is loath tohear the just andunanswerable accusations that itwouldchargeuponhim,butbecausehecannotabidethepresenceofGodinhisconscience?What is the reason he shuns the sight of holier and bettermen than himself? 1 Kings 17:18. They present God to him, being hisimage, and callhis sins tomemory, andupbraidhiswicked life.Hencecomes that Satanical hatred more than human in carnal, vile men, tothose thatarebetter than themselves;because theyhateallpresenceofGod, both in the word, ministry, and all God's holy servants. All suchpresenceofGodtheyhate;whereofonemainreasonis,becausetheyaremalefactors, wicked rebels, and intend to be so. And as a malefactorcannotenduresomuchasthethoughtofthejudge,sotheycannotthinkofGodotherwise,inthatcoursetheyarein,thanofajudge;whereuponthey tremble and quake at the very thought of him, and avoid hispresence.

You know that greatman, Felix, Paul spake to in theActs, Acts 24:25,whenhespakeofthejudgmenttocome,andthosevirtues,astemperanceandrighteousness,whichhewasvoidof,andguiltyofthecontraryvices;hequaked,andcouldnotenduretohearhimspeakany longer.Wickedmenlovenottobearraigned,tormented,accused,andcondemnedbeforetheirtime,Mark5:7.Therefore,whatsoeverpresentstothemtheirfutureterribleestate,theycannotabideit.Itisanevidenceofamaninacursedcondition, thus not to endure the presence ofGod.Butwhat shallGodandChristsaytothematthedayofjudgment?ItwasthedesireofsuchmennottohavetodowiththepresenceofGodhere,anditisjustwithChristtoanswerthemthereastheyanswerhimnow;'Depart,depart,wewillhavenoneofthyways,'saythey,Job22:17.'Depart,yecursed,'saithhe.Hedothbutanswer in theirown language, 'Depart, ye cursed,withthedevilandhisangels,'Mat.25:41.

But you see the child ofGod is clean of another temper.He cannot becontenttobewithoutthepresenceofGodandofhisSpirit,enlightening,quickening, strengthening, and blessing of him in spiritual respects.Whenhefindsnothispresencehelpinghim,whenhefindsChristhislifeis absent fromhim, he is presently discouraged. For 'Christ is our life,'Col. 3:4.Now,when aman's life fails all fails.When, therefore, amanfindshisspiritualtasteandcomfortnotasitwasbefore,thenOh,'thelifeof my life' hath withdrawn himself, and so is never quiet till he haverecoveredhislifeagain,for'Christishislife,'Col.3:4.

And because there is a presence of God and of Christ in theword andsacraments—asweetpresence,thegodlysoul,hedroopsandfailsifhebekept from these.Hewill not excommunicate himself, asmany do, thatperhapsareasleepwhentheyshouldbeattheordinancesofGod.Butifhebeexcommunicatedandbanished,Ohowtakesheittoheart!'Asthehartpantethafterthewaterbrooks,solongethmysoulafterthee,OGod,'Ps.42:1.Thewhole84thPsalmistothatpurpose,'Ohowamiablearethytabernacles,OLordofhosts.'HefindsapresenceofGodinhiswordandsacraments,andwhenhedothnottasteasweetpresenceofGodtherein,hedroopsandsinks.

Acarnalmanneverheedsthesethings,becausehefindsnosweetnessinthem; but the godly, finding Christ in them, they droop in thewant ofthem,andcannotlivewithoutthem.'Whithershallwego?'saithPetertoChrist, 'thou hast the words of eternal life,' John 6:68. I findmy soulquickenedwiththyspeaking.Soasoulthatfeelsthequickeningpoweroftheordinances,hewillneverbekeptfromthemeansofsalvation,buthedroopsandisneverwelltillhehaverecoveredhimselfagain.

Again,anotherdifferencemaybeobserved.Carnalmen,whentheyfindthesenseofGod'sanger,theyseeknotGod'sfavour,butthinkofworseandworsestill,andsorunfromGodtilltheybeinhell.ButthosethatareGod's children, when they fail and find the sense of God's displeasure,they are sensible of it, and give not over seeking toGod. They run notfurtherandfurtherfromhim.

Thechurchhere, thoughshe foundnotChristpresentwithher,yet sheseekshimstillandnevergivesover.Whenceagainwemayobserve,

3.ThatalthoughthechurchbesaidtofailandnottofindChrist,yetheispresentthenwithher.Forwhoenabledhertoseekhim?Toexplainthis,thereisadoublepresenceofChrist.

1.Felt.

2.Notfelt.

1. The presence felt, is, whenChrist is graciously present and iswithalpleasedtoletusknowsomuch,whichisaheavenuponearth.Thesoulisin paradise then, when she feels, 'the love of God shed abroad in theheart,' and the favourable countenance of God shining upon her. Thenshedespiseththeworld,thedevil,andall,andwalksasifshewerehalfinheavenalready.Forshefindsapresenceandamanifestationofit,amoregloriousstatethantheworldcanafford.

2.But,thereisapresenceofChristthatissecret;whenheseemstodrawusoneway,andtodriveusanother,thatwearebothdrivenanddrawnatonce:whenheseemstoputusaway,andyet,notwithstanding,drawsus.When we find our souls go to Christ, there is a drawing power andpresence;butwhenwefindhimabsent,hereisadrivingaway.Asweseehereinthechurchandinthe'womanofCanaan,'Mat.15:21,seq.Weseewhat an answer she had from Christ, at first none, and then anuncomfortable,and lastlyamostunkindanswer. 'Wemustnotgive thechildren's bread to dogs,'Mat. 15:27. Christ seemed to drive her away,but,atthesametime,hebyhisSpiritdrawshertohim,andwastherebysecretlypresent inherheartto increaseherfaith.WhenChristwrestledwith Jacob, though he contendedwith him, yet the same time he gaveJacob power to overcome him, to be Israel, a prevailer over him, Gen.32:28. So, at the same time, the church seems to fail and faint, yet,notwithstanding, there is a secret, drawingpowerpullingher toChrist,wherebyshenevergivesover,butseeksandcallsstillafterhim.

ItisgoodtoobservethiskindofChrist'sdealing,becauseitwillkeepusthatwebenotdiscouragedwhenwefindhimabsent.Ifstilltherebeanygrace leftmovingus to thatwhich is good, ifwe find the Spirit ofGodmovingusto lovethewordandordinances,tocalluponhimbyprayer,andtobemoreinstant,certainlywemaygatherthereisahidden,secret

presencehere that drawsus to these things.Naymore, that the endofthisseemingforsakingandstrangenessistodrawusnearerandnearer,andatlengthtodrawusintoheaventohimself.God'speoplearegainersbyalltheirlosses,strongerbyalltheirweaknesses,andthebetterforalltheir crosses,whatsoever they are.Andyou shall find that theSpirit ofGodismoreforceible inthemafterastrangeness, tostir themupmoreeagerly after Christ than before, as here the church doth: for hereagerness,constancy,andinstantness,itgrowethasChrist'swithdrawingofhimselfgroweth.

Use1.Letusthereforelearnhencehowtojudgeofourselves,ifwebeinadead, lifelessstate,both inregardofcomfortandofholyperformances,whetherwebecontenttobeso.Ifwebenotcontented,butmaketowardsChristmoreandmore,itisagoodsignthathehathnotforsakenus,thathewillcomeagainmoregloriouslythaneverbefore,ashereweshallseeafter, it was with the church. He seems strange, but it is to draw thechurchtodiscoverheraffection,andtomakeherashamedofherformerunkindness,andtositsurerandholdfasterthanshedidbefore.Allendsinamostsweetcommunion.

Use2.Weshouldlabour,therefore,toanswerChrist'sdealingsinsuitableapprehensionsofsoul,whenheisthuspresentsecretly,thoughheseem,in regard of some comforts and former experience of his love, towithdrawhimself.Itshouldteachustodependuponhim,andtobelieve,thoughwe feelnot comfort, yea,against comfort,whenwe feel signsofdispleasure.Ifhecanloveandsupportme,andstrengthenmysoul,andshew itapresenceof thatwhich is fit forme,certainly I shouldanswerthuswith,my faith, Iwill dependuponhim, thoughhekillme, as Jobdid,Job13:15.OursoulsshouldnevergiveoverseekingofChrist,prayingandendeavouring, for there is true lovewherehe seems to forsakeandleave.ThereforeIoughtinthesedesertionstocleavetohiminlifeandindeath.

THEELEVENTHSERMON

Iopenedtomybeloved;butmybelovedhadwithdrawnhimself,andwasgone:mysoul failedwhenhe spake: I soughthim,but I couldnotfindhim;Icalledhim,buthegavemenoanswer.—CANT.5:6,7.

THEprideandsecurityofthespouseprovokestheLord,herhusband,ofttobringherverylow,theybeingincompatiblewithChrist'sresidence.

Prideisanaffectioncontrarytohisprerogative;foritsetsupsomewhatinthesoulhigherthanGod,thehighest.

Securityisadulltemper,orratherdistemper,thatmakesthesoulneglectherwatch,andrelyuponsomeoutwardprivilege.Wherethisillcoupleisentertained, there Christ useth towithdrawhimself, even to the failingandfaintingofthesoul.

Thespouseishereinherfaintingfit,yetsheseeksafterChrist.Stillshegives not over. So Jonah, 'I am cast out of thy presence,' says he, 'yetnotwithstanding I will look toward thy holy temple,' Jonah 2:4. AndDavid,'Isaidinmyhaste,Iamcastoutofthysight;yetnotwithstandingthouheardestthevoiceofmyprayer,'Ps.31:22.Hesaidit,buthesaiditinhishaste.God'schildrenaresurprisedonthesuddentothinktheyarecast away; but it is in haste, and so soon as may be, they recoverthemselves. 'Isaiditismyinfirmity,'saidDavid,Ps.77:10.Itisbutinapassion. Here then is the difference between the children of God andothersindesertions;theyarise,theseliestillanddespair.Thereis'lifeinthe substanceof theoak,' Isa. 6:13, thatmakes it lift up itsheadaboveground, though itbecutdownto thestumps.Nay,wesee furtherhere,thechurchisnottakenoffforanydiscouragements,butherfaithgrowsstronger,asthewoman'sofCanaandid,Mat.15:21,seq.

Thereasonwhereofis—1,faithlookstothepromise,andtothenatureofGod,nottohispresentdealing.

Andthen,2.God,byasecretworkofhisSpirit,thoughheseemtobeanenemy,yetnotwithstandingdrawshischildrennearerandnearertohimby such his dealing. All this strangeness is but tomortify some formerlust,orconsumesomeformerdregsofsecurity.

'I sought him, but I could not find him.' Here one of the greatestdiscouragementsofallotheris,whenprayer,whichis lefttothechurchasasalveforallsores,hathnoanswer.Thisisthecomplaint,butindeedanerror,ofthechurch;forChristdidhearthechurch,thoughheseemedtoturnhisback.

ButhowshallweknowthatGodhearsourprayers?

First.Amongstmanyother things this isone.Whenhegivesus inwardpeace,thenhehearsourprayers,forsoistheconnection,Phil.4:6,7.

Orsecondly. Ifwe finda spirit topraystill, a spirit towaitand toholdout,itisanargumentthatGodeitherhathorwillhearthoseprayers.

And as it is an argument that God hears our prayers, so is it of thepresenceofChrist.Forhowcouldwepraybutfromhisinwardpresence?Christ was now present, and more present with the church when heseemed not to be found of her, than he was when she was secure; forwhence else comes this eagerness of desire, this spirit of prayer, thisearnestnessofseeking?'Icalled,buthegavenoanswer,'&c.

Directionshowtocarryourselves insuchanestate.Howshallwecarryourselveswhenitfallsoutthatourheartsfailofthatweseekfor,whenwepraywithoutsuccess,andfindnotapresentanswer,orareinanysuch-likestateofdesertion.

1.Wemustbelieveagainstbelief,asitwere,'hopeagainsthope,andtrustinGod,'Rom.4:18,howsoeverheshewshimselftousasanopposite.*Itisnomatterwhathispresentdealingwithhischurchandchildrenhereis; thenatureof faith is tobreak throughall opposition, to see the sunbehindacloud,nay,toseeonecontraryinanother,lifeindeath,acalminastorm,&c.,1Cor.6:8,9,seq.

2. Labour for an absolute dependence upon Christ, with a poverty ofspirit in ourselves. This is the end of Christ's withdrawing himself, topurgeusofself-confidenceandpride.

3.Stirupyourgraces.Forasnaturejoiningwithphysichelpsittowork

andcarryawaythemalignanthumours,sobytheremainderoftheSpiritthatisinus,letussetallourgracesonworkuntilwehavecarriedawaythatthatoffendsandclogsthesoul,andnotsinkundertheburden.Forthisisaspecialtimefortheexercisingoffaith,hope,love,diligence,care,watchfulness,andsuch-likegraces.

Andletusknowforourcomfort,thateventhisconflictingconditionisagoodestate.Inasickbodyitisasignoflifeandhealthapproachingwhenthe humours are stirred, so as that a man complains that the physicworks. Sowhenwe take to heart our present condition, thoughwe failand find not what we would, yet this will work to the subduing ofcorruptionatlength.Itisasignoffuturevictorywhenwearediscontentwithourpresentillestate.Gracewillgettheupperhand,asnaturedothwhenthehumoursaredisturbed.

4. Again, when we are in such a seeming forlorn estate, let us haverecourse to former experience.What is the reason thatGod vouchsafeshis children for the most part in the beginning of their conversion, intheirfirstlove,experienceofhislovetoravishment?Itis,thatafterwardsthey may have recourse to that love of God then felt, to supportthemselves, andwithal to stir up endeavours, and hope; that finding itnotsowellwiththemnowasformerly ithathbeen,bycomparingstatewithstate,desiresmaybestirreduptobeastheywere,orratherbetter,Hosea2:7.

Andastheremembranceofformerexperiencesservetoexciteendeavour,sotostiruphope,Ihopeitshallbeasitwas,becauseGodisimmutable;Ichange, but Christ alters not. The inferior elementary world changes.Hereisfairweatherandfoul,butthesunkeepshisperpetualcourse.Andasinthegloomiestdaythateverwas,therewaslightenoughtomakeitdayandtodistinguishitfromnight,thoughthesundidnotshine,sointhemostdisconsolatestateofaChristiansoul,thereislightenoughinthesoultoshewthattheSunofrighteousnessisthere,andthatChristhathshineduponthesoul,thatitisdaywiththesoul,andnotnight,Ps.112:4.

5.And learnwhenweare in thiscondition towaitGod's leisure, forhehathwaitedours.Itisforourgood,toprepareusforfurtherblessings,tomortifyandsubdueourcorruptions, toenlarge thecapacityof thesoul,

thattheLordabsentshimself.ThereforeBernardsaithwell,'Tibiaccidit,'&c., 'Christcomesandgoesawayforourgood.'Whenhewithdrawsthesenseofhislove,thesoulthereuponisstretchedwithdesire,thatitmaybe as it was in former time, in the days of old. Thusmuch for that. 'Isought,butcouldnotfindhim:Icalled,buthegavemenoanswer.'

Obj.Herewemustansweroneobjectionbeforeweleavethewords.ThisseemstocontradictotherScriptures,whichpromisethatthosethatseekshallfind,Matt.7:7.

Ans.Itistruetheythatseekshallfind,butnotpresently.God'stimesarethebestandfittest.Theythatseekshallfind,iftheyseekconstantlywiththeirwholeheartinallthemeans.Somedonotfind,becausetheyseekinonemeansandnotinanother.TheyseekChristinreadingandnotintheordinanceofhearing,inprivatemeditation,butnotinthecommunionofsaints.WemustgothroughallmeanstoseekChrist,notonemustbeleft.Thus if we will seek him, undoubtedly he willmake good his promise.Nay,insomesort,'heisfoundbeforeheissought,'forheisinoursoulstostirupdesireofseekinghim.Hepreventsuswithdesires,andanswersus insomesortbeforewepray, Isa.65:24.Whenhegivesusaspiritofprayer,itisapledgetous,thathemeanstoanswerus.ThereforeitisaspiritualdeceitwhenwethinkChristisnotinus,andweareneglectedofhim, because we have not all that we would have. Amongmany otherdeceitsthatChristiansdeceivethemselveswithinthiskind,thesebetwo.

1.Thattheyjudgegracebythequantityandnotbythevalueandpriceofit; whereas the least measure of grace and comfort is to be esteemed,becauseitisanimmortalseedcastintothesoulbyanimmortalGod,theFatherofeternity,*Isa.9:6.

2.Anotherdeceitis,thatwejudgeofourselvesbysenseandfeeling,andnotbyfaith.

'Thewatchman thatwent about the city foundme, and smoteme, andtookawaymyveilfromme.'Herethepoorchurch,afterthesettingdownof her own exercise in her desertion, now sets out some outward illdealing she met with, and that from those that should have been hergreatest comforters. 'Thewatchmen thatwent about the city foundme,

theywoundedme:thekeepersofthewallstookawaymyveilfromme.'

Thusweseehowtroublefollowstrouble.'Onedepthcallsuponanother.'Inward desertion and outward affliction go many times together. ThetroublesofthechurchmanytimesarelikeJob'smessengers.Theycomefastoneuponanother,becauseGodmeanstoperfecttheworkofgraceintheirhearts.All this is for theirgood.Thesharper thewinter thebetterthespring.Learnhencefirstofallthereforeingeneral,

That it isnoeasy thing tobeasoundChristian.Weseehere,when thechurch had betrothed herself to Christ and entertained him into hergarden, thereafter she falls into a state of security and sleep, whenceChristlabourstorouseherup.Thensheusethhimunkindly.Afterwhichhewithdrawshimself,evensofarthatherheartfailsher.Then,asifthiswere not enough, the watchmen that should have looked to her, 'theysmiteher,woundher,andtakeawayherveil.'SeeherethevarietyoftheusageofthechurchandchangesofaChristian;notlonginonestate,heisebbingandflowing.

Thereforeletnonedistastethewayofgodlinessforthis,thatitissuchastate as is subject to change and variety,whereas carnalmen are upontheirleesandfindnochanges.

Obj.Butyouwillsay,AllChristiansarenotthustossedupanddown,sodesertedofGodandpersecutedofothers.

Ans.Ianswer,indeedthereisdifference.Whencecomesthisdifference?FromGod'sliberty.Itisamysteryofthesanctuary,whichnomanintheworldcangiveareasonof,whyofChristiansbothequallybelovedofGod,some shouldhave a fairer passage toheaven, others rougher andmorerugged. It isamysteryhid inGod'sbreast. It issufficient forus, ifGodwill bringus anyway toheaven, as theblessed apostle saith, 'if by anymeans Imight attain to the resurrection of the dead,' Phil. 3:11; eitherthroughthickorthin,ifGodwillbringmetoheavenitisnomatter.'IfIbyanymeans.'

'Thewatchmenthatwentaboutthecitysmoteme,'&c.Bythewatchmenherearemeantespeciallygovernorsofstateandchurch.

Whyaretheycalledwatchmen?

It is a borrowed speech, taken from the custom of cities that arebeleaguered.Forpolicy'ssaketheyhavewatchmentodescrythedangertheyare liableunto.Somagistratesbewatchmenofthestate.Ministersare the watchmen for souls, 'watching over our souls for good,' Heb.13:17.

Quest.WhydothGodusewatchmen?

Ans.1.Notforanydefectofpowerinhim,butfordemonstrationofhisgoodness. For he is the great watchman, who watcheth over ourcommonwealths, churches, and persons. He hath an eye that neversleeps. 'He thatwatcheth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps,' Ps. 121:4.Yet notwithstanding he hath subordinate watchmen, not for defect ofpower,butfordemonstrationofgoodness.Hemanifestshisgoodnessinthathewillusevarietyofsubordinatewatchers.

Andlikewisetoshewhispowerinusingmanyinstruments,andhiscareforuswhenhekeepsustogetherwithhisownsubordinatemeans.

And in this thatGod hath set over uswatchers,ministers especially, itimplies thatoursoulsare indanger.Andindeedthere isnothing intheworldsobesetasthesoulofapoorChristian.WhohathsomanyandsobadenemiesasaChristian?andamongstthemall,theworstandgreatestenemy he hath is nearest to him, and converseth daily with him, evenhimself.Thereforetheremustneedsbewatchmentodiscoverthedeceitsof Satan and his instruments, and of our own hearts; to discover thedangers of Jerusalem, and the errors and sins of the timeswhereinwelive.Thechurchisindanger,forGodhathsetwatchmen.NowGodandnaturedothnothinginvainorneedlessly.

Again, in thatGod takes such care for the soul, it shews thewondrousworthofit.Manyargumentstherebetoshewthatthesoulisapreciousthing.ItwasbreathedbyGodatfirst.Christgavehislifetoredeemit.Butthisisanespecialone,thatGodhathordainedandestablishedaministryandwatchmenoverit.AndasGodhathsetsomewatchmenoverothers,sohathhe appointed everyman tobe awatchman tohimself.Hehath

given everyman a city to watch over, that is, his own estate and soul.Therefore let us not depend altogether on the watching of others. Godhathplantedaconscienceinevery[one]ofus,andusethasotherstoourgood, so our own care, wisdom, and foresight, these he elevateth andsanctifieth.

'Thewatchmenthatwentabout thecity foundme, theysmoteme, theywoundedme,'&c.

Comewenowtothecarriageofthesewatchmen.Thosethatshouldhavebeendefensiveprovemostoffensive.

They smote the church andwounded hermanyways, though it be notdiscoveredhereinparticular.As(1.)withtheirillandscandalouslife;and(2.)sometimeswithcorruptdoctrine,andotherwhileswithbitterwords;and (3.) their unjust censures, as we see in the story of the church,especiallytheRomishChurch.Theyhaveexcommunicatedchurchesandprinces.Butnot tospeakof thosesynagoguesofSatan,comewenearerhome and we may see amongst ourselves sometimes those that arewatchmen,andshouldbeforencouragement,theysmiteandwoundthechurch,andtakeawayherveil,3John10.

Whatisittotakeawaytheveil?

You know, in the times of the Old Testament, a veil was that whichcoveredwomenformodesty,toshewtheirsubjection;anditwaslikewisean honourable ornament. 'They took away the veil,' that is, thatwherewith the churchwas covered.They took away that thatmade thechurchcomely,andlaidheropen,andasitwerenaked.

Nowboththesewaysthechurch'sveilistakenawaybyfalseandnaughtywatchmen.

1.Astheveil isatokenofsubjection,whenbytheirfalsedoctrinestheylabourtodrawpeoplefromChrist,andtheirsubjectiontohim.

The church is Christ's spouse. The veil was a token of subjection.Nowthey that draw the people to themselves, as in popish churches, that

desire to sithigh in the consciencesofpeople, and somake the churchundutiful, 'they take away the veil of subjection,' and so forceChrist topunishthechurch,asweseeinformerages.

2.Astheveilisforhonourandcomeliness,so'theytakeawaytheveil'ofthe church, when they take away the credit and esteem of the church;whentheylayopentheinfirmitiesandweaknessesofthechurch.Thisisstrange that the watchmen should do this; yet notwithstandingoftentimes it fallsoutso that those thatbyplacearewatchmen,are thebitterest enemiesof the church.Whowerebitterer enemiesof thepoorchurchinChrist'stimethanthescribes,pharisees,andpriests?

Andso in the timeof theprophets.Whowere thegreatest enemies thechurchhad,butfalsepriestsandprophets?

Quest.Whatisthegroundofthis,thatthosementhatbytheirstandingshouldbeencouragers,areratherdampersofthechurch'szealinpursuitofit?

Ans.Therearemanygroundsofit.

SometimesitfallsoutfromaspiritofenvyinthematthegracesofGod'speople, which are wanting in themselves. They would not have othersbetterthanthemselves.

Sometimes from idleness, whichmakes them hate all such as provokethemtopains.Theyraiseupthedignityofoutwardthingstoomuch,asweseeinpopery.Theymakeeverythingtoconfergrace,asiftheyhadaspecialvirtue inthem.Buttheyneglect thatwherewithGodhath joinedanefficacy,hisownordinances.

Use1.Thisshouldteachus,tobeinlovewithChrist'sgovernment,andtoseethevanityofallthingsherebelow,thoughtheybeneversoexcellentin theirordinance.Such is thepoisonofman'sheart,and themaliceofSatan,thattheyturntheedgeof thebestthingsagainstthegoodof thechurch.

What is more excellent than magistracy? yet many times the point of

swordisdirectedthewrongway.'Ihavesaidyearegods,'Ps.82:6.Theyshould govern, asGodhimselfwould govern, and askwith themselves,WouldGodnow, ifhewereawatchmanof thestate,do thusandthus?ButIwishwoefulexperiencedidnotwitnessthecontrary.

So ministers are Christ's ambassadors, 2 Cor. 5:20, and should carrythemselves even asChristwoulddo.They should strengthen the feebleknees and bind up the broken hearted, nor* discourage; and not sewpillowsunderthearmholesofwickedandcarnalmen,Ezek.13:18.But,alas!weseetheedgeoftheordinanceisoftentimesturnedanotherwaybythecorrupt,proud,unbrokenheartsofmenandthemaliceofSatan.

Use 2. Again, it should teach us not to think the worse of any for thedisgraces of the times. The watchmen here take away the veil of thechurch,andherforwardnessisdisgracedbythem.Takeheed,therefore,weentertainnotrashconceitsofothersupontheentertainmenttheyfindabroadintheworld,oramongthosethathaveastandinginthechurch,forsoweshallcondemnChristhimself.Howwashejudgedofthepriests,scribes, and pharisees in his times? And this hath been the lot of thechurch in all ages. The truemembers thereof were called heretics andschismatics.Theveilwastakenoff.Itisthepoisonfulprideofman'sheartthat, when it cannot raise itself by its own worth, it will endeavour toraiseitselfbytheruinofothers'creditthroughlyingslanders.Thedevilwasfirstaslandererandliar,andthenamurderer,John8:44.Hecannotmurderwithout he slander first. The credit of the churchmust first betakenaway,andthensheiswounded.Otherwise,asitisausualproverb,Thosethatkilladogmaketheworldbelievethathewasmadfirst;sotheyalways first traduced the church to theworld, and thenpersecutedher.Truth hath always a scratched face. Falsehoodmany times goes underbetter habits than its own,whichGod suffers, to exercise our skill andwisdom,thatwemightnotdependupontherashjudgmentofothers,butmightconsiderwhatgroundstheyhave;notwhatmendo,orwhomtheyoppose, but from what cause, whether from a spirit of envy, idleness,jealousy,andpride,orfromgoodgrounds.Else,ifChristhimselfwereonearthagain,weshouldcondemnhim,asnowmendo thegenerationofthe just, whom they smite and wound, and take away their veil fromthem.

THETWELFTHSERMON

Thewatchmen thatwent about the city foundme, they smoteme,theywoundedme: thekeepersof thewalls tookawaymyveil fromme.—CANT.5:7.

THEwatchmen,thosethatbytheirplaceandstandingshouldbeso,theysmotethechurch.AsBernardcomplains,almostfivehundredyearsago,'Alas,alas!' saithhe, 'those thatdoseekprivileges in thechurchare thefirstinpersecutingit;'andashisfashionistospeakinakindofrhetoric,'theywerenotpastors,but impostors.'Therebetwoordinanceswithoutwhichtheworldcannotstand.

1.Magistracy.

2.Ministry.

Magistratesarenursingfathersandnursingmotherstothechurch.

Ministersarewatchmenbytheirplaceandstanding.

Now,forshepherdstobecomewolves,forwatchmentobecomesmiters,what a pitiful thing is it! But thus it is. The church hath been alwayspersecuted with these men under pretence of religion, which is thesharpestpersecutionofallinthechurch.Itisagrievousthingtosufferofanenemy,butworseofa countryman,worse then thatof a friend,andworstofall,of thechurch.Notwithstanding,by theway,wemustknowthatthepersecutedcauseisnotalwaysthebest,asAustinwasforcedtospeakinhistimeagainsttheDonatists(j).Sarahwasatypeofthetrue,and Hagar of the false, church. Now, Sarah, she corrected Hagar.Therefore, it follows not that the suffering cause is alway the better.Therefore,wemustjudgeofthingsinthesekindofpassagesbythecause,andnotbytheoutwardcarriageofthings.

'Theytookawaymyveil.'

Quest.What shallwedo in suchcases, ifwe sufferany indignity, if theveil be taken off? That is, if our shame, infirmities, andweaknesses belaidopenbyfalseimputations.

Ans.Inthiscaseitisthe'innocencyofthedove'thatistobelabouredfor,andwithal thewisdomof the serpent,Mat. 10:16. If innocencywillnotserve, labour forwisdom,as indeed itwillnotalone.Thewickedwouldthenlabourforsubtiltytodisgracerighteouspersons.

Obj.Butwhatifthatwillnotserveneither?Christwaswisdomitself,yethesufferedmost.

Ans.When innocency and wisdom will not do it (because wemust beconformable to our head), then we must labour for patience, knowingthat one hair of our heads shall not fall to the ground without theprovidenceoftheAlmighty.

Commendourcase,asChristdid,byfaithandprayertoGodthatjudgeth.

'Ichargeyou,OdaughtersofJerusalem,ifyouseemybeloved,thatyoutellhimthatIamsickoflove,'&c.

Here the church, after her ill usage of the watchmen, is forced to thesocietyofotherChristiansnotsowellacquaintedwithChristasherself.'Ichargeyou,OdaughtersofJerusalem, ifyou findmybeloved,'&c., 'tellhim,'&c.Whatshalltheytellhim?

'TellhimIamsickoflove.'

Thechurch isrestless inherdesireandpursuitafterChrist till she findhim.Noopposition,yousee,cantakeoffherendeavour.

1.Christseemstoleaveherinwardly.

2.Thenshegoethtothewatchmen.They'smiteandwound'her.

3.ThenshehathrecoursetothedaughtersofJerusalemforhelp.

Generally,beforewecometotheparticulars,fromtheconnectionwemay

observethis,

Thatloveisafirekindledfromheaven.

Nothingintheworldwillquenchthisgrace,Cant.8:7,8;noopposition;nay,oppositionratherwhetsandkindlesendeavour.

The churchwas nothing discouraged by the ill usage of thewatchmen,onlyshecomplains;sheisnotinsensible.AChristianmaywithoutsinbesensibleofindignities;onlyitmustbethe'mourningofdoves,'Isa.38:14,andnottheroaringofbears.Itmustnotbemurmuringandimpatiency,butahumblecomplainingtoGodthathemaytakeourcasetoheart,asthe church doth here. But as sensible as she was, she was not a whitdiscouraged,but seeks afterChrist still inothermeans. If she findhimnotinone,shewilltryinanother.Weseeherethenatureoflove.Ifitbeinanymeasureperfect,itcastethoutallfearofdiscouragements.

And,indeed,itisthenatureoftruegracetogrowupwithdifficulties.Asthearkrosehigherwiththewaters,solikewisethesoulgrowshigherandhigher,itmountsupasdiscouragementsandoppositionsgrow.Nay,thesoul takes vigour and strength from discouragements, as the windincreaseththeflame.SothegraceofGod,themorethewindsandwavesofafflictionopposeit,withsomuchthemoreviolenceitbreaksthroughalloppositions,untilitattainthedesiredhope.

Toapply it: thosethereforethataresoondiscouraged, thatpull in theirhornspresently, it isasigntheyareverycold,andhavebutlittlegrace.For where there is any strength of holy affection, they will not bediscouraged, nor their zeal be quenched and damped. Therefore theysubordinate religion to their own ends, as your temporary believers.Where is any love toChrist, the love of Christ is of a violent nature. Itswaysintheheart,astheapostlespeaks,'TheloveofChristconstrainethus,'2Cor.5:14.

Ifwefindthisunconquerableresolutioninourselves,notwithstandingalldiscouragementstogooninagoodcause,letusacknowledgethatfiretobefromheaven;letusnotlosesuchanargumentofthestateofgrace,assufferingofafflictionswithjoy.Themorewesuffer,themoreweshould

rejoice, if the cause be good, as the apostles rejoiced 'that they wereaccountedworthytosufferanything,'Acts5:41.

'Ichargeyou,OdaughtersofJerusalem,ifyoufindmybeloved,thatyetellhimIamsickoflove.'

Shegoestothe'daughtersofJerusalem'forhelp.Whencewemaylearn,

That, if we find not comfort in one means, we must have recourse toanother.

IfwefindnotChristpresentinone,seekhiminanother;andperhapsweshall findhimwherewe least thoughtofhim.Sometimes there ismorecomfort in the society of poor Christians, than of the watchmenthemselves.

'Ichargeyou,OdaughtersofJerusalem,'&c.

Wherewehave,1.Achargegiven.'Icharge,'&c.

2.Thepartiescharged,'thedaughtersofJerusalem.'

3.Theparticularthingtheyarechargedwith,thatis,iftheyfindChrist,'totellhimsheissickoflove.'

The parties charged, are 'the daughters of Jerusalem,' the daughters ofthechurch,whichiscalledJerusalem,fromsomeresemblancesbetweenJerusalemandthechurch.Somefewshallbetouched,togivelighttothepoint.

1.Jerusalemwasacitycompactinitself,asthePsalmistsaith,Ps.122:3,soisthechurch,thebodyofChrist.

2. Jerusalemwas chosen fromall places of theworld, to be the seat ofGod;sothechurchistheseatofChrist.Hedwellsthereintheheartsofhischildren.

3.ItissaidofJerusalem,theywentuptoJerusalem,anddowntoEgypt,and other places: so the church is from above, Gal. 4:26. 'The way of

wisdom is on high,' Prov. 15:24. Religion is upward. Grace, glory, andcomfort come from above; and draw our minds up to have ourconversationandourdesiresabove.

4.Jerusalemwas'thejoyofthewholeearth;'sothechurchofGod,whatweretheworldwithoutit,butacompanyofincarnatedevils?

5.InJerusalem,recordswerekeptofthenamesofallthecitizensthere;soallthetruecitizensofthechurch,theirnamesarewritteninthebookoflifeinheaven,Heb.12:23.

ThedaughtersofJerusalemthereforearethetruemembersofthechurchthatarebothbredandfedinthechurch,1Peter1:20;1Peter2:2.Letustake a trial of ourselves, whether we be daughters of Jerusalem or no.Thatwemaymakethistrialofourselves.

1.Ifwefindfreedominourconsciencefromterrorsandfears.Ifwefindspiritual liberty and freedom to serve God, it is a sign that we aredaughtersofJerusalem,becauseJerusalemwasfree,Gal.4:26.

2. Or if wemind things above, and things of the church. If we take toheart the cause of the truth, it is a sign we are true 'daughters ofJerusalem.'WeknowwhatthePsalmistsaith, 'Letmyrighthandforgether cunning if I forget thee,O Jerusalem, if I do not prefer Jerusalembeforemy chief joy,' Ps. 138:5, 6. If the cause of the church go to ourhearts; if we can joy in the church's joy, and mourn in the church'sabasementandsuffering,itisasignwearetruedaughtersofJerusalem,andlively*membersofthebodyofChrist.Otherwise,whenwehearthatthechurchgoesdown,andthattheadversepartprevails,andwejoy,itisasignwearedaughtersofBabylonandnotofJerusalem.

Therefore let us ask our affections what we are, as Austin writesexcellently inhisbookDeCivitateDei. 'Ask thyheartofwhat city thouart.'

But what saith the church to the daughters of Jerusalem? In the firstplace,'Ichargeyou.'

It is a kind of admiration supplied thus: 'I charge you, as you lovemeyoursister,asyouloveChrist,asyoutendermycasethatamthusused,asyouwillmakeitgoodthatyouaredaughtersofJerusalemandnotofBabylon, 'tellmybeloved,thatIamsickof love.'It isastrongcharge,adefectivespeech,whichyieldsusthisobservation,

ThattrueaffectionsareseriousinthethingsofGodandofreligion.

She laysaweightupon them, 'I chargeyou,OdaughtersofJerusalem.'True impressions have stong expressions. Therefore are we cold inmattersofreligioninourdiscourses;itisbecausewewanttheseinwardimpressions.Thechurchherewas full, shecouldnotcontainherself, inregard of the largeness of her affections. 'I charge you, O daughters ofJerusalem,'&c.

We may find the truth of grace in the heart, by the discoveries andexpressionsintheconversationingeneral.

'Ichargeyou,OdaughtersofJerusalem,ifyoufindmybeloved,thatyetellhimIamsickoflove.'

The churchhere speaks toothersmeaner thanherself. Shewouldhavethe church tell Christ, by prayer, the surest intelligencer, how she wasused,howshe languished,andwassick forhim,andcannotbewithouthim.

Quest.WhydidnotthechurchtellChristherself?

Ans. So she did as well as she could, but she desired the help of thechurchthiswayalso.SometimesitissowiththechildrenofGodthattheycannot pray sowell as they should, and as theywould do; because thewaters of the soul are so troubled, that they can do nothing but uttergroansandsighs,especiallyinastateofdesertion,asHezekiahcouldbutchatter, Isa. 38:14; andMoses could not utter a word at the Red Sea,thoughhedid strive inhis spirit,Ex. 14:15. In suchcases theymustbebeholdentothehelpofothers.

Sometimesamanisinbodysick,asJamessaith,'Ifanymanbesick,let

him send for the elders, and let thempray,' James 5:14. Theremay besuchdistemperofbodyandsoul,thatweareunfittolayopenourestatetoourowncontent. It isoftsowiththebestofGod'schildren;not thatGoddothnot respect thosebroken sighs anddesires, but they givenotcontent to the soul. The poor palsy man in the gospel, not able to gohimself,wascarriedontheshouldersofothers,andletthroughthehousetoChrist,Mark2:2,3.Ofttimeswemaybeinsuchapalsyestate,thatwecannotbringourselvestoChrist,butwemustbecontenttobebornetohimbyothers.

'Ichargeyou,OdaughtersofJerusalem,thatyetellmybelovedIamsickoflove.'

WhencethepointthatIdesireyouwouldobserveis,

That at such times as we find not our spirits enlarged from any causeoutward and inward, to comfort and joy, then is a time to desire theprayersandhelpofothers.

Itisgoodtohaveastockgoingeverywhere;andthosethrivethebestthathavemostprayersmade for them;havea stockgoing ineverycountry.This isthehappinessofthesaints.Toenforcethis instruction,todesiretheprayersofothers,wemustdiscover,thatthereisawondrousforceintheprayersofChristiansoneforanother.Itismorethanacompliment.Woulditwereso!

ThegreatapostlePaul,seehowhedesirestheRomans,thattheywouldstriveandcontendwithGodafteraholyviolence,bytheir jointprayersfor him, Rom. 15:30; so he desires the Thessalonians that they wouldprayforhim,'thathemightbedeliveredfromunreasonablemen,'2Thes.3:2.It isusualwithhimtosay, 'Pray,pray,'andforustoo;forsucharegracious in the court of heaven. Despise none in this case. A true,downright,experiencedChristian'sprayersareofmuchesteemwithGod.OurblessedSaviourhimself,whenhewastogointothegarden,thoughhis poor disciples were sleepy, and very untoward, yet he would havetheirsocietyandprayers,Mat.26:38(k).

'Ichargeyou,OdaughtersofJerusalem,ifyoufindmybeloved,thatye

tellhimIamsickoflove.'

Tospeakalittleofthematterofthecharge,'Iamsickoflove.'Ilovehim,becauseIhavefoundformercomfort,strength,andsweetnessfromhim,thatIcannotbewithouthim.Tobelove-sick,then,inthepresenceofthechurch, is to have strong affections to Christ; from which comeswondrousdisquietnessof spirit inhisabsence.Here is somewhatgood,andsomewhatill.Thisisfirsthervirtue,thatshedidferventlylove.Thiswas her infirmity, that shewas somuch distemperedwith her presentwant.Thesetwobreedthissicknessoflove.Whenceweobserve,

Wherethethinglovedisnotpresent,answerabletothedesiresofthesoulthatloves,therefollowsdisquietanddistemperofaffections.Thatisheretermined*sicknessoflove.

The reason hereof is, natural contentment is in union with the thingloved.Themoreexcellentthethingisthatisloved,themorecontentmentthereisincommunionwithit;andwhereitisinanydegreeormeasurehindered,thereisdisquiet.Answerabletothecontentmentinenjoying,isthe grief, sorrow, and sickness in parting. The happiness of the churchconsistinginsocietywithChrist,thereforeitishermiseryandsicknesstobe deprived of him, not to enjoy himwhom her soul so dearly loveth.Therearefewintheworldsickofthisdisease.Iwouldthereweremoresickof the loveofChrist.Therearemany that surfeit ratherof fulness,who think we have toomuch of this manna, of this preaching, of thisgospel.Thereistoomuchofthisknowledgeoftheordinances.Thesearenotsickoflove.

Use.Make a use, therefore, of trial, whether we be in the state of thechurch or no, by valuing and prizing the presence of Christ in hisordinances,thewordandsacraments.

Therearemanyfondsicknessesintheworld.ThereisAmnon'ssickness,thatwassickof love forhis sisterTamar,2Sam.13:2;hiscountenancediscoveredit.AndAhab,heissickindesiringhisneighbour'svineyard,1Kings21:1,seq.Youhavemanystrangesicknesses.Manysickwithfireskindledfromtheflesh,fromhell,butfewsickofthissicknessherespokenof.

1.IfwefindourselvescarriedtoChrist,toruninthatstreamasstrongastheaffectionsof those thataredistemperedwithsicknessof the loveofotherthings,itwilldiscovertouswhetherwebetrulylove-sickornot.

2. Take aman that is sick for any earthly thing, whether of Ahab's orAmnon'ssickness,orofanything,takeitasyouwill,thatwhichthesoulissickofinlove,itthinksofdaily.Itdreamsofit inthenight.Whatdooursouls therefore thinkof?Whatdoourmeditationsrunafter?Whenweareinouradvisedandbestthoughts,whatdowemostthinkof?IfofChrist,ofthestateofthechurchhere,ofgraceandglory,alliswell.Whatmakesus, inthemidstofallworldlydiscontentments, tothinkalldunganddross incomparisonofChrist,but thissicknessof lovetoChrist. Ifourlovebeinsuchadegreeasitmakesussickof it, itmakesusnottohearwhatwehear,nottoseewhatwesee,nottoregardwhatispresent.Thesoulisinakindofecstasy;itiscarriedsostrongly,andtakenupwiththingsofheaven.Itisdeadedtootherthings,whenoureyesarenomoreledwithvanitythanifwehadnone,andthefleshissomortifiedasifwewere dead men, by reason of the strength of our affections that runanotherway,tobetterthingswhichareabove.

3. Thus we see it is in love. Talk with a man that is in any heat ofaffections,youtalkwithonethatisnotathome,youtalkwithoneabsent.Thesoulismorewhereitlovesthanwhereitdwells.Surelywhereloveisinanystrengthitdrawsupthesoul,sothatamanofttimes,inhiscallingandordinaryemployments,dothnotheedthem,butpasseththroughtheworld as amanat random.He regardsnot the thingsof theworld; forChrist is gotten into his heart, and draws all the affections to himself.Where theaffectionof love isstrong, itcaresnotwhat it suffers for theparty loved,nay, itglories in it.As it is saidof thedisciples,when theywerewhippedandscourgedforpreachingthegospel, itwasamatterofglorytothem,Acts5:41.Itisnotlabour,butfavour.Itisnotlabourandvexation,butfavourthatistaken,whereloveistothepartyloved.Wherethe loveofChrist is,whichwashere in thechurch, labour isno labour,sufferingisnosuffering,troubleisnotrouble.

4.Again,itisthepropertyofthepartythatissickofthisdisease,totakelittlecontentmentinotherthings.Tellacovetousworldlingthatisinlovewith theworld adiscourseof learning,what careshe for learning?Tell

himofagoodbargain,ofamatterofgain,andhewillhearkentothat.SoitiswiththesoulthathathfelttheloveofChristshedabroadinhisheart.Tell him of theworld, especially if hewant* thatwhich he desires, thepeace and strength that he found from Christ in former times, herelishethnotyourdiscourse.

Labourwe,therefore,everydaymoreandmoretohavelargerandlargeraffections toChrist. The soul that lovesChrist, thenearer toChrist themore joyful it is; when he thinks of those mutual embracings, whenChrist and his soul shall meet together there. This happiness is there,wherethesoulenjoysthethingloved;butthatisnothere,butinheaven.Therefore, inthemeantime,withjoyhethankfullyfrequentstheplaceswhere Christ is present in the word and sacrament. And, that wemaycome to have this affection, let us seewhat our souls arewithout him;meredungeonsofdarknessandconfusion,nothingcomingfromusthatisgood.Thiswillbreed love to theordinances;andthenweshall relishChristbothinthewordandsacrament.Forheisfoodforthehungrysoul,and requires nothing of us but good appetites; and this will make usdesirehisloveandpresence.

THETHIRTEENTHSERMON

Ichargeyou,OdaughtersofJerusalem,ifyefindmybeloved,thatyetell him I am sick of love.What is thy belovedmore than anotherbeloved,Othoufairestamongwomen?&c.—CANT.5:8,9.

THE soul, as it is of an immortal substance, so in the right and truetemper thereof, [it] aspireth towards immortality, unless when it iscloudedandoverpressedwith that 'whichpressethdownwards,and thesinwhichhangethsofaston,'astheapostlespeaks,Heb.12:1,*whichisthe reason of those many and diverse tossings and turmoilings of theenlightened soul, now up, now down, now running amain homewards,andnowagainsluggish, idle,andlazy;untilrousedupbyextraordinarymeans, it puts on again. As the firemounteth upwards unto its properplace, and as theneedle still trembleth till it stand at thenorth; so thesoul,once inflamedwithanheavenly fire,andacquaintedwithher firstoriginal,cannotbeatrestuntilitfinditselfinthatcomfortablewaywhichcertainly leadshomewards.An instancewhereofwehave in the churchhere, who, having lost her sweet communion with Christ, and so paiddearlyforherformerneglectandslightinghiskindinvitations,asbeingtroubled,restlessinmind,'beatenandwoundedbythewatchmen,'bereftofherveil,&c.Yet thisheavenly fireof theblessedSpirit, this 'wateroflife,'John4:10,sorestlesslyspringinginher,makeshersicknessofloveandardentdesireafterChristtobesuch,thatshecannotcontainherself,butbreaksforthinthispassionatechargeandrequest—

'Ichargeyou,OdaughtersofJerusalem,ifyefindmybeloved,thatyetellhimIamsickoflove.'

Thuswemayseethatthewaytoheavenisfullofchanges.Thestrengthofcorruption overclouds many times, and damps our joys. How manyseveral tempers hath the church been in! Sometimes she is allcompoundedof joy,vehementlydesiringkissesofherbestbeloved.Sheholdsherbelovedfast,andwillnotlethimgo;andsometimes,again,sheis gone,hath lostherbeloved, is in a seaof troubles, seeks and cannotfind him, becomes sluggish, negligent, overtaken with self-love, after

whichwhenshehathsmartedforheromissions,ashereagain,sheisalla-fireafterChrist,aswesay,nogroundwillholdher,awayshefliesafterhim, and is restless until she find him.Where by thewaywe see, thatpermanency and stability is for the life to come; here our portion is toexpect changes, storms, and tempests. Therefore they must not bestrangetoparticularpersons,sinceitistheportionofthewholechurch,whichthusbysufferingsandconformitytothehead,2Cor.4:17,18,mustenter intoglory,whileGodmakeshispowerperfect inourweakness,2Cor. 12:9, overcomes Satan by unlikelymeans, and so gets himself theglory,evenoutofourgreatestinfirmities,temptations,andabasements.

But God, though he make all things work for good unto his children,Rom.8:28,eventhedevil,sin,anddeath,desertions,afflictionsandall;yetwemustbewarnedherebynottotemptGod,byneglectingthemeansappointed for our comfortable passage, but open to Christ when heknocks, embrace him joyfully in his ordinances, and let our hearts flyopenuntohim.Forthough,throughhismercy,ourwoundsbecured,yetwhowouldbewoundedtotrysuchdangerousexperiments,asherebefellthechurch inherdesertions, forhersluggishnegligence,deadness,andself-love?

So thatwe see there is nothing gotten by favouring ourselves in carnalliberty,security,orbyyieldingtotheflesh.Thechurchstoodupontermswith Christ when he would have come in to her; but what ensuedhereupon?She fell intoagrievousdesertion,andnotonly so,but findsvery hard usage abroad, all which she might have prevented bywatchfulness,carefulness,andopeningtoChristknocking.Itisaspiritualerror,towhichweareallprone,tothinkthatmuchisgainedbyfavouringourselves, butwe shall find it otherwise. See here, again, thatGodwillbearwith nothing, though in his own, but hewill sharply punish themevenforomissions,andthatnotonlywithdesertion,butsometimestheyshallmeetwithoppositionsintheworld.

Davidcannotscapewithaproudthoughtinnumberingofthepeople,buthemustsmartforit,andhispeoplealso,2Sam.24:1.Godiswondrouscareful of his children to correct them, when he lets strangers alone,Amos3:2.Itisasignoflove,whenheisatthiscostwithus.Anditshouldtie us to be careful of our behaviour, not to presume upon God's

indulgence;forthenearerwearetohim,themorecarefulheisoverus:'Hewill be sanctified in all that comenear him,' Lev. 10:3.We see theCorinthians,becausetheycomeunreverentlytotheLord'stable,thoughotherwisetheywereholymen,'someofthemaresick,someweak,otherssleep,thattheymightnotbecondemnedwiththeworld,'1Cor.11:30.

Let none, therefore, think the profession of religion to imply animmunity, but rather a straighter* bond; for 'judgment begins at thehouseofGod,'1Pet.4:17.Whatsoeverhesuffersabroad,hewillnotsufferdisordersinhisownhouse,astheprophetsays,'YouonlyhaveIknownof all the families of the earth, therefore you shall not go unpunished,'Amos 3:2. The church is near him, his spouse whom he loveth, andthereforehewillcorrecther,notenduringanyabatement,ordecayofthefirst love in her. And for this very cause he threateneth the church ofEphesus,'toremovehercandlestick,'Rev.2:5.

Toproceed.Thepoorchurchhereisnotdiscouraged,butdiscoversandempties herself to the daughters of Jerusalem. As it is the nature ofculinaryfire,notonlytomountupwards,butalsotobewrayitselfbylightandheat,soofthisheavenlyfire,whenitisoncekindledfromabove,notonlytoaspireinitsmotion,buttodiscoveritself,inaffectingotherswithits qualities. It couldnot contain itself here in the church, but that shemust go to the daughters of Jerusalem. 'I charge you, O daughters ofJerusalem,ifyefindmybeloved,thatyetellhimthatIamsickoflove.'Thereforetheymaydoubtthattheyhavenotthisheavenlyfirekindledinthem, that express it not seriously; for of all affections, it will not beconcealed.Davidwondersathisown love: 'Oh,howI love thy law!Oh,howamiablearethytabernacles!'Ps.119:97.

Again,weseehere,thatwherethesoulissickoflove,itstandsnotuponany terms, but it humbleth and abaseth itself. We say that affectionstandsnotwithmajesty.ThereforeChrist'slovetousmovedhimtoabasehimselfintakingournature,thathemightbeonewithus.Lovestoodnotupon terms of greatness. We see the church goes to those that weremeanerproficientsinreligionthanherself,topouroutherspirittothem,'to the daughters of Jerusalem.' She abaseth herself to any service, 1Thess.2:3.Loveendurethallthings,1Cor.13:7,anythingtoattaintothething loved; as we see Hamor the son of Shechem, he would endure

painfulcircumcisionforthe loveheboretoDinah,Gen.34:24.So,Acts5:41,itissaidtheywentawayrejoicing,aftertheywerewhipped,becausethey lovedChrist.Thespiritof lovemadethemrejoice,whentheyweremostdisgracefullyused.

Sometimeswhere this affection of heavenly love is prevalent, so that aman is sick of it, the distempers thereof redounds to the body, andreflectsuponthat,asweseeinDavid: 'Thathismoisturebecameasthedrought of summer,' Ps. 32:4; because there is a marriage and asympathybetweenthesoulandthebody,whereintheexcessiveaffectionsoftheoneredoundandreflectupontheother.

'TellhimthatIamsickoflove.'Hereisasickness,butnotuntodeath,butunto life; a sickness that never ends but in comfort and satisfaction.Blessed are those that hunger and thirst after Christ, they shall besatisfied,Mat.5:6,asweshallseeafterwardsmoreatlarge.

Knowledgegivesnotthedenomination,forwemayknowillandbegood,and wemay know good and be evil; but it is the affection of the soulwhichcleavestothethingsknown.Thetruthofourloveisthatgivesthedenominationofastatetobegoodorill.Loveistheweightandwingofthesoul,whichcarriesitwhereitgoes;which,if itcarryustoearth,wearebaseandearthly;iftoheaven,heavenly.Weshouldhaveespecialcarehowwefixthisaffection;forthereafterasitis,evensoisourcondition.'Askthyloveofwhatcitythouart,whetherofJerusalemorBabylon,'asAustin saith. Now the daughters of Jerusalem reply unto the church,wonderingatherearnestness,

'What is thy belovedmore than another beloved,O thou fairest amongwomen?whatisthybelovedmorethananotherbeloved,thatthoudostsochargeus?'

Insteadofgivingsatisfactiontoher,theyreplywithaskingnewquestions,'What is thy belovedmore than another beloved,O thou fairest amongwomen? what is thy beloved,' &c. Wherein ye have a doubling of thequestion,toshewtheseriousnessofit.Ofthistheiranswertherearetwoparts.

1.Alovingandsweetcompellation,'Othoufairestamongwomen.'

2. The question doubled, 'What is thy beloved more than anotherbeloved?'Andagain,'Whatisthybeloved,'&c.,'thatthoudostsochargeus?'Asiftheyshouldsay,'Thoulayestaseriouschargeuponus;thereforethere is somegreatmatter surely in thybeloved that thoumakest suchinquiry after him.' Thus the weaker Christians being stirred up by theexample of the stronger, they make this question, and are thusinquisitive.Buttospeakofthemintheirorder.

'O thou fairest amongwomen.'Here is the compellation.The church isthe fairest amongwomen in the judgmentofChrist. Sohe callsher, 'Othou fairest amongwomen,' Cant. 1:8; andhere the fellow-members ofthechurchtermhersotoo;fair,andthefairest,incomparablyfair.

Quest.Buthowcomethshetobethusfair?

Ans. 1. It is in regard that she is clothedwithChrist's robes.There is awomanmentionedclothedwiththesun,Rev.12:1.WewereallennobledwiththeimageofGodatthefirst,butafterwehadsinnedwewerebereftofthatimage.Thereforenowallourbeautymustbeclothing,whichisnotnaturaltoman,butartificial;fetchedfromotherthings.Ourbeautynowisborrowed.It isnotconnaturalwithus.Thebeautyof thechurchnowcomes from theHeadof the church,Christ.She shines in thebeamsofherhusband,notonlyinjustification,butinsanctificationalso.

2. The church is lovely and fair again, as from Christ's imputativerighteousness,so fromhisrighteousness inherent inher, thegracesshehath fromhim.For of himwe receive grace for grace.There is never agracebutitisbeautifulandfair;forwhatisgracebutthebeamsofChrist,the Sun of righteousness? So that allmust be fair that comes from thefirstfair,allbeautifulthatcomesfromthefirstbeauty.

Thisbeautyofgrace,whereby itmakes thechurchso fair, springs fromthesegrounds.

First. In that it is from a divine principle and original. It is not baselybred,butfromheaven.Andthereforeitraiseththesoulabovenature,and

makesthesubjectswhereinitisasfarsurpassallothermen,asmendobeasts.

Secondly. In regard of the continuance, it is everlasting, andmakes uscontinueforever.'Allfleshisgrass,andastheflowerofgrass,'saiththeprophet, Isa. 40:6; and it is repeated in the New Testament in diversplaces. All worldly excellency is as the flower of grass. 'The grasswithereth and the flower fadeth, but theword of the Lord (that is, thegrace that is imprinted in the soul by the Spirit with the word), thatabidethforever,'1Pet.1:24,andmakesusabidelikewise.

Use 1. From this fairness of the church, let us take occasion tocontemplate of the excellency of Christ that puts this lustre of beautyupon the church. Moses married a woman that was not beautiful, butcould not alter the complexion and condition of his spouse. But Christdoth.He takes uswallowing in our blood, deformed anddefiled.He issuch a husband as can put into his church his own disposition, andtransformherintohisownproportion.Heissuchaheadascanquickenhis members; such a root as instils life into all his branches; such afoundationasmakesuslivingstones.Thereisavirtueandpowerinthishusbandaboveall.

Obj.Butsheisblack.

Ans.She is so, indeed,andsheconfessethherself tobe so. 'I amblack,but comely,' Cant. 1:5. (1.) Black in regard of the afflictions andpersecutionsofothersshemeetswithinthisworld.

(2.) Black, again, in regard of scandals; for the devil hates the churchmore than all societies in the world. Therefore, in the society of thechurchthereareoftenmorescandalsthaninotherpeople;astheapostletells the Corinthians there was incest amongst them, the like was notamongtheheathen,1Cor.5:1.

(3.) She is black through the envy of theworld, that looksmore at thechurch'sfaultsthanvirtues.

(4.)The church isblackandunlovely,nothingdiffering fromothers, in

regardofGod'soutwarddealing. 'All fallsalike toall,'Eccles.9:2.Theyare sick and deformed. They have all things outwardly whatsoever incommonwithothers.

(5.)Lastlyandprincipally,sheisblack, inrespectofher infirmitiesandweaknesses;subjecttoweaknessandpassions,asothermen.Thebeautyofthechurchisinward,andundiscernedtothecarnaleyealtogether.TheScribesandPhariseesseenovirtue inChristhimself. It issaid, 'thathecameamonghisown,andhisowncouldnotdiscernofhim:thedarknesscouldnotcomprehendthatlight,'John1:5,11.Now,asitwaswithChrist,soitismuchmorewiththechurch.Letthis,then,betheuseofit.

Use2.Opposethisstateofthechurchtothefalsejudgmentoftheworld.Theyseeallblack,andnothingelsethatisgood.Christseesthatwhichisblack, too; but then his Spirit in them (togetherwith the sight of theirblackness) seeth their beauty, too. 'I am black, but comely,' &c. Be notdiscouraged, therefore, at the censure of the world. Blind men cannotjudgeof colours. It is saidofChrist, 'hehadno formorbeauty inhim,whenweshallseehim,'Isa.53:2.(1.)Notinoutwardglory,nor(2.)intheview of the world. If we be, therefore, thought to be black, we are nootherwisethoughtofthanthechurchandChristhathbeenbeforeus.

Use 3. Again, let us make this use of it against Satan in the time oftemptation.DothChristthinkusfairforthegoodwehave?Dothhenotaltogethervalueusbyourill?andshallwebelieveSatan,whojoinswiththedistempersofmelancholyorweaknesswearein(whichheusethasaweaponagainstthesoul),tomakeusthinkotherwise?'Satanisnotonlyamurderer,butaliarfromthebeginning,'John8:44.Wemustnotbelievean enemy and a liar withal. But consider how Christ and the churchjudgeth,thathavebetterdiscerning.AndletusbewarewebenotSatans*toourselves;foriftherewerenodevil,yetinthetimeoftemptationanddesertionwearesubjecttodiscouragement,togivefalsewitnessagainstourselves.Weareapttolookonthedarksideofthecloud.ThecloudthatwentbeforetheIsraeliteshadadoubleaspect,onedark,theotherlight,Exod.14:20.Intemptationwelookonthedarksideofthesoul,andarewittyinpleadingagainstourselves.Oh,butconsiderwhatChristjudgethofus, 'O! thou fairestamongwomen;'andwhat thoseaboutus thatarelearned,whocanreadourevidencesbetterthanweourselves,dojudgeof

us.Letustrustthejudgmentofothers intimeoftemptationmorethanourown.

Use4.Learnagainhere,whattojudgeofthespiritsofsuchkindofmenasareallindisgracinganddefacingthepoorchurch.TheirtabletalkisoftheinfirmitiesofChristians.Theylightuponthemasfliesdouponsoreplaces,andwillseenothingthatisgoodinthem.Oh!whereistheSpiritofChrist,orofthechurchofChrist,inthemthatthusbescratchthefaceof the church? when yet ofttimes their hearts tell them these poordespisedoneswillbebetterthanthemselvesoneday,forgraceshallhavetheupperhandofallexcellences.

The church is fair and fairest. Grace is a transcendent good. All theexcellencyofcivilityandmoralityisnothingtothis.Thisdenominatesthechurchthefairest.Sheisnotgilt,butpuregold;notpainted,buthathatrue natural complexion. All other excellencies are but gilt, paintedexcellencies. 'ThewhoreofBabylon,' she iswondrous fair!Butwhereindoth her beauty consist? In ornaments and ceremonies to abuse sillypeoplethatgonofurtherthanfancy.Itisanexcellencythatcomesnottothe judgment, but the excellency of the church is otherwise. She is 'thefairestamongwomen.'Shehathanaturalfairness.Asgoldispuregold,sothechurchisofapurecomposition,gloriouswithin.Itisforthefalse,whorish church to be glorious without only, but the true church isgloriouswithin.But thatwhichweshouldespeciallyobserve is, thatweshouldlabourtoanswerthiscommendation;notonlytobefair,butthefairest;tobetranscendently,singularlygood;todosomewhatmorethanotherscan;tohavesomewhatmoreinusthanothershave.

For it is answerable to the state of a Christian. Is a Christian in anexcellent rank above other men? Let him shew it by a carriage moregracious,more fruitful and plentiful in good works. There is a kind ofexcellency affected in other things,muchmore should we desire to beexcellentinthatthatisgood,thatwemaynotbefaironly,butthefairest.This the apostle St Paul excellently presseth to Titus, his scholar, Tit.2:14,andtoallofusinotherplaces,thatweshouldbe'apeculiarpeople,zealousofgoodworks,'notonly todo them,but tobezealousof them,andtogobeforeothersinthem,standingasstandard-bearers.Thereforethose that think theymay go too far in religion, that theymay be too

fruitful,arenotworthythenameofthespouseofChrist; forshe is fair,yea,thefairestamongwomen, 'Therighteousismoreexcellentthanhisneighbour,'Prov.12:26.Thereforeweshouldexcelingoodworks,astheapostleexhortsus,'tolabourafterthingsthatareexcellent,'1Cor.12:31;2Pet.1:8,asifheshouldsay,Isthereanythingbetterthanother,labourfor that.Youhavesomeso far fromthisdisposition that theycrydowntheexcellenciesofothers,lestthefairnessofothersmightdiscovertheirblackness.Thusweleavethecompellation,andcometothequestion.

Quest.'Whatisthybelovedmorethananotherbeloved?'Andtheydoubleit,'Whatisthybelovedmorethananotherbeloved,thatthousochargestus?'

Questions are of diversnatures.We shall not standupon them.This isnot a question merely of ignorance, for they had some knowledge ofChrist, thoughweak.Norwas it a curiousnor a catching question, likethose of the scribes and pharisees unto Christ, to instance in that ofPilate, 'What is truth?'John18:38,whenChristhad toldhimthe truth.'What is truth?' saith he, in a scornful, profane manner (l), as indeedprofane spirits cannothear savourywords, but they turn themoffwithscorn, 'What is truth?' This here in the text is not such, but a questiontendingtofurtherresolutionandsatisfaction,'Whatisthybelovedmorethananotherbeloved?'

Firstofall,observethattheseofthechurchherewerestirredupbytheexamplesofothermembersofthechurchtobeinquisitiveafterChrist,soto be satisfied. Hence observe that there is a wondrous force in theexamples of Christians to stir up one another. We see here, when thechurchwas sick of love, the other part of themembers began to think,whatisthereasonthechurchissoearnesttoseekafterChrist?Thereissomeexcellencysure inhim.Forwisemendonotusegreatmotions inlittlematters.Greatthingsarecarriedwithgreatmovings.Weusenottostir up tragedies for trifles, to make mountains of mole-hills. Theendeavours and carriages of great persons that be wise, judicious, andholy are answerable to the nature of things. And indeed the churchjudgetharightinthis.Thenseetheforceofgoodexample.Anymanthathathhiswitsabouthim,whenheseesothersserious,earnest,andcarefulaboutathing,whereofforthepresenthecanseenoreason,especiallyif

theyhavepartsequalorsuperiortohimself,willreasonthuspresently:—

What is thematter that such a one is so earnest, so careful, watchful,laborious, inquisitive? It is not for want of wit; surely he hath partsenough,heunderstandshimselfwell.Andthenhebeginstothink,sureIamtoocold.Hereuponcomecompetitionandco-rivality,*surelyIwillbeasgoodashe.

Use.Letus labour, therefore, tobeexemplary toothers,and toexpressthegracesofGod;forthusweshalldomorethanweareaware.Thereisasecret influenceingoodexample.Thoughamansaynothing,saithone,there isaway toprofit fromagoodmanthoughheholdhispeace.Hiscourseof lifespeaks loudenough.Weowethistoall,eventothemthatarewithout, todo themsomuchgoodas togive themagoodexample,andwewrongthemwhenwedonot,andhindertheircomingonbyaneviloradeadexample.

Letthisbeonemotivetostirusuptoit,thatanswerabletothegoodweshalldointhiskindshallbeourcomfortinlifeanddeath,andourrewardafter death. For themore spreading our good is either inword, life, orconversation, the more our consciences shall be settled in theconsiderationofagoodlifewellspent,ourrewardshallbeanswerabletoourcommunicationanddiffusionofgood;andwhereasotherwiseitwilllie heavy on the conscience, not only in this life, but at the day ofjudgmentandafter;whenweshallthinknotonlyofthepersonalillthatwestandguiltyof,butexemplaryillalso.

It should move those therefore of inferior sort to look to all goodexamples,asthechurchheretotheloveoftheotherpartofthechurch.Whereforeareexamplesamongusbut thatweshould followthem?Weshall not only be answerable for abuse of knowledge, but also of goodexampleswehavehadandneglected.DothGodkindlelightsforus,andshallnotwewalkby their light? It is a sinnot to consider the sun, themoon,thestars,theheavens,andworksofnatureandprovidence,muchmorenottoconsidertheworksofgrace.ButoneplaceofScriptureshallcloseupall,whichis,Rom.11:11,thattheexampleofusGentilesatlengthshallstirupandprovoketheJewstobelieve.Tothosestiff-neckedJewsexampleshallbesoforciblethatitshallprevailwiththemtobelieveand

tobeconverted.Ifexamplebeofsuchforceas toconvert theJewsthataresofaroff,howmuchmoreisitorshoulditbetoconvertChristians!Wondrousistheforceofgoodexample!Sowecometothequestionitself,

'Whatisthybelovedmorethananotherbeloved?'&c.

We see there is excellentuseofholy conference.The church coming tothe daughters of Jerusalem, speaking of Christ her beloved, that she is'sick of love,' &c., the daughters of Jerusalem are inquisitive to knowChristmoreandmore.Here is thebenefitofholy conferenceandgoodspeeches.Onethingdrawsonanother,andthatdrawsonanother,tillatlength the soul be warmed and kindled with the consideration andmeditation of heavenly things. That that is little in the beginningmaybring forth greatmatters. This question to the church and talkingwithher, 'I charge you, if you findmybeloved, to tell him that I am sick oflove,'breedsquestionsinothers,'Whatisthybeloved?'&c.Whence,uponthe description of her beloved, her heart is kindled, she findeth herbeloved;sothattalkingofholyandheavenlythingsisgoodforothersandourselvesalso.

Itisgoodforothers,asitwasgoodforthedaughtersofJerusalemhere;forthereupontheyarestirreduptobeinquisitiveafterChrist.Anditwasgood for the church herself, for hereupon she took occasion tomake alargecommendationofChrist,whereinshefoundmuchcomfort.

2.Good conference, then, is good for ourselves; forwe see a little seedbrings forth at length a great tree, a little fire kindlethmuch fuel, andgreat things many times rise out of small beginnings. It was a littleoccasion which Naaman the Assyrian* had to effect his conversion, 2Kings 5:2. There was a poor banished woman, a stranger, who was aJewishmaidservant.Shetoldherlord'sservantsthattherewasaprophetin Jewry that could heal him, whereupon he came thither, and wasconvertedandhealed.AndPaulsheweththattheveryreportofhisbondsdidagreatdealofgoodinCæsar'shouse,Philip.1:13.Reportandfameisalittlematter,butlittlemattersmakewayforthegreater.

Thismayputusinmindtospendourtimefruitfullyingoodconference,whenindiscretionitisseasonable.Weknownot,whenwebegin,where

wemaymakeanend.Oursoulsmaybecarrieduptoheavenbeforeweareaware,fortheSpiritwillenlargeitselffromonethingtoanother.'Tohim that hath shall be given more and more still,' Mat. 13:12. Godgraciouslysecondsgoodbeginnings.Weseethepoordisciples,whentheywere in adamp for the loss ofChrist, afterhe comes,meets them, andtalksofholythings.Inthatveryconferencetheirheartswerewarmedandkindled,Luke24:32.For,nexttoheavenitself,ourmeetingtogetherhere,itisakindofparadise.Thegreatestpleasureintheworldistomeetwiththoseherewhomweshalleverlivewithinheaven.Thosewhoaregoodshouldnotspendsuchopportunitiesfruitlessly.

And to this end, labour for the graces of the communion of saints; forthereissuchastate.Webelieveitasanarticleofourcreed.Howshallweapprove ourselves to be such as have interest unto the communion ofsaints,unlesswehavespiritsabletocommunicategoodtoothers?pitifulandlovingspirits,thatwemayspeakawordindueseason.

Whataworldofprecioustimeisspent inidleconversing,as if thetimewere a burden, and no improvement to be made of the good parts ofothers.Sometimes,thoughweknowthatwhichweaskofothersaswellas they do, yet notwithstanding good speecheswill draw us to know itbetter,bygivingoccasiontospeakmoreofit,wherewiththeSpiritworksmoreeffectuallyandimprintsitdeeper,sothatitshallbeamorerootedknowledgethanbefore;forthatdothgoodthatisgraciouslyknown,andthatisgraciouslyknownthattheSpiritsealsuponoursouls.Perhapstheknowledge I have is not yet sealed sufficiently; it is not rooted byconference.ThoughIhearthesamethingsagain,yetImayhearthemina fresh manner, and so I may have it sealed deeper than before.Experiencefindsthesethingstobetrue.

Again,weshouldlabourheretohaveourheartsinquisitive.Theheathenmanaccounteditagrace inhisscholar,andasignthathewouldprovehopeful,becausehewasfullofquestions.Christiansshouldbeinquisitiveofthewaysofrighteousness;inquisitiveoftherightpathwhichleadstoheaven;howtocarry themselves inprivate, in their families;how inallestates;inquisitiveoftheexcellencyofChrist.'Whatisthybelovedmorethananotherbeloved?'Questionsendusuallyinresolutions;forthesoulwill not rest but in satisfaction. Rest is the happiness of the soul, as it

were. When a question is moved, it will not be quiet till it havesatisfaction.Thereforedoubtingatthefirst,breedsresolutionatthelast.It is good therefore to raise questions of the practice of all necessarypoints;andtoimprovethegoodpartsandgiftsofothersthatweconversewith, to give satisfaction. What an excellent improvement is this ofcommunionandcompany,whennothingtroublesourspirit,butwemayhave satisfaction fromothers uponour proposing it. PerhapsGodhathlaid up in the parts of others, satisfaction to our souls; and hath sodetermined thatwe shall be perplexed and vexedwith scruples, till wehaverecoursetosomewhomhehathappointedtobehelpfultousinthiskind.Manygomourningagreatpartoftheirdaysinakindofsullennessthisway, because that they do not open their estate to others. You seeherethecontrarypracticeofthechurch.Shedoublesthequestion:'Whatisthybelovedmorethananotherbeloved,Othoufairestamongwomen?whatisthybelovedmorethananotherbeloved,thatthoudostsochargeus?

THEFOURTEENTHSERMON

What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairestamongwomen?whatisthybelovedmorethananotherbeloved,thatthoudostsochargeus?Mybelovediswhiteandruddy,thechiefestamongtenthousand.—CANT.5:9,10.

THE last time we met we left the church sick of love; which strangeaffectioninher,togetherwithherpassionatechargetothedaughtersofJerusalem, moved them to make this question unto her, 'What is thybelovedmorethananotherbeloved,'&c.Tobeinloveismuch;toconcealit is grievous; to vent it with such fervency and passion breedsastonishment in these younger Christians, who wonder what that iswhich can so draw away the church's love, and run away with heraffections. They knewno such excellencies of the person the church soadmired, and therefore theydouble thequestionuntoher, 'What is thybeloved?'&c.'whatisthybeloved?'&c.Wherebyweseetheexcellencyofthe soulwhich aspires still towards perfection; not resting in any state

inferior to themostexcellent.Thereforealso is the church's sicknessoflovehere,whodesiresanearerunionandcommunionwithChrist thansheatthistimehad.

Fortherearedegreesofspirituallanguishing.Tillwebeinheavenwearealwaysundersomedegreeofthissicknessof love;thoughthesoulhavemorecommunionatonetimethanatanother.Yea,theangelsareunderthiswishtoseeChrist,togetherwithhischurch,infullperfection.Sothatuntilwebeinheaven,whereshallbeaperfectreunionofsoulandbody,andofallthemembersofthechurchtogether,thereisakindofsicknessattendinguponthechurchandalanguishing.

Thequestionaskedis,

'Whatisthybelovedmorethananother'sbeloved,Othoufairestamongwomen?'

What! now fair when her veil was taken away? now fair when thewatchmenabased*her?nowfairwhenshewasdisgraced?Yes;nowfair,andnowfairinthesightofthedaughtersofJerusalem,andinthesightof Christ that calls her the fairest among women. So that under alldisgraces,infirmities,andscandals;underalltheshamethatrisethinthesouluponsin;underallthesecloudsthereisanexcellencyofthechurch.She is, 'the fairest among women,' notwithstanding all these. 'O thoufairestamongwomen.'

Quest. Whence comes this fairness, under such seeming foulness anddisgrace?

Ans.Itcomesfromwithout.It isborrowedbeauty,asyouhaveit,Ezek.16:1,2.Bynaturewelie inourblood.Theremustbeabeautyputuponus.WearefairwiththebeautythatwehaveoutofChrist'swardrobe.ThechurchshinesinthebeamsofChrist'srighteousness;sheisnotbornthusfair, but new-born fairer. The church of Christ is all glorious, but it iswithin,notseenoftheworld,Ps.45:13.Shehathalife,butitisahiddenlife, 'our glory and our life is hidden in Christ,' Col. 3:3. It is hidsometimes from the church itself,who seesonlyherdeformity andnotherbeauty,herdeathbutnother life,becauseher 'life ishid.'Here isa

mysteryofreligion,Thechurchisnevermorefairthanwhenshejudgethherself tobemostdeformed;nevermorehappy thanwhenshe judgethherselftobemiserable:nevermorestrongthanwhenshefeelsherselftobe weak; nevermore righteous thanwhen she feels herself to bemostburdened with the guilt of her own sins, because the sense of onecontraryforcethtoanother.Thesenseofillforcethustothefountainofgood, tohavesupply thence. 'WhenIamweak, thenamIstrong,' saithPaul,2Cor.12:10.Graceandstrengthisperfectinweakness.

Use.ThisshouldteachuswhattojudgeofthechurchandpeopleofGod;even under their seeming disgraces, yet to judge of them as theexcellentest people in the world, 'All my delight is in those that areexcellent,'Ps.16:3;tojoinourselvestothem.Especiallythisisheretobeunderstood of the church, as it is themystical body of Christ; not as amixedbody,asavisiblechurch,'butasitisthetempleoftheHolyGhost,'1Cor.3:17.

Thevisiblechurchhathtermsofexcellencyputuponitsometimes,butitis in regardof thebetterpart.Asgoldunrefined is calledgold,becausegoldisthebetterpart;andaheapofwheatunwinnowediscalledwheat,though there bemuch chaff in it. The body ofChrist itself hath alwaysexcellenttermsgivenit,'Othoufairestamongwomen.'

Thosethatlookuponthechurchwiththespectaclesofmalicecanseenosuchbeauty inher, thoughtoespyout faults (as thedevilcould inJob,Job1:9,seq.),toquarrel,toslander,theyarequick-sightedenough.Butweseeherethechurchinthe judgmentof the 'daughtersofJerusalem,'thatsheisthe'fairestamongwomen.'

Thepapistshaveapaintedbeautyfortheircatholicchurch,buthereisnosuchbeauty.Itbecomesawhoretobepaintedtobeasfairasherhandscanmakeher,withfeignedbeauty.ButthechurchofChristhathabeautyfromherhusband,areal,spiritualbeauty,notdiscernedoftheworld.

Use.ThisshouldbeofusetoGod'schildrenthemselves,tohelptheminthe upbraidings of conscience (as if they had no goodness in them),becausetheyhaveagreatdealofill.Christiansshouldhaveadoubleeye,one to set and fix upon thatwhich is ill in them, tohumble them; and

anotheruponthatwhichissupernaturallygraciousinthem,toencouragethemselves. They should look upon themselves as Christ looks uponthem,andjudgeofthemselvesashejudgethofthem,bythebetterpart.Helooksnotsomuchwhatillwehave,forthatshallbewroughtoutbylittleandlittle,andbeabolished.Itiscondemnedalready,anditshallbeexecutedbylittleandlittle,tillitbewhollyabolished.Buthelooksuponusinregardofthebetterpart.Soshouldwelookuponourselves,thoughotherwhilesuponourblackfeet(ourinfirmities)whenwearetemptedtoprideandhaughtiness.ButalwaysletthemeanthoughtsweconceiveofourselvesmakeustoflytoChrist.

'Whatisthybelovedmorethananotherbeloved?'

Here isaquestion,andaquestionansweredwithaquestion.Questionsthey breed knowledge; as the Greek proverb is, doubtings breedresolution. Whereupon the inquisitive soul usually proves the mostlearned, judicious, and wise soul. Therefore that great philosopher*counteditasavirtueamongsthisscholarsthattheywouldbeinquisitive.Sothescholarsofrighteousnessareinquisitive,'TheyinquirethewaytoCanaan,andthewaytoZionwiththeirfacesthitherwards,'Jer.1:5.

It is a special part of Christians' wisdom to improve the excellency ofothers by questions; to have a bucket to draw out of the deepwells ofothers.AsSolomonsaith,'Theheartofawisemanisasdeepwaters,butamanofunderstandingcantellhowtofetchthosewatersout.'Therebemany men of deep and excellent parts which are lost in the world,becausemenknownothowtoimprovethem.Thereforeitisgood,whilewehavemenexcellentinanykind,tomakeuseofthem.Itisanhonourto God as well as a commodity to ourselves. Doth God suffer lights toshineintheworldthatweshouldtakenonoticeofthem?ItisawrongtoourselvesandadishonourtoGod.

'Whatisthybelovedmorethananotherbeloved?'&c.

A further point from hence is, that if wewould give encouragement tootherstorepairtousforanygood,weshouldlearntobesoexcellentastoadornreligion.

'Othoufairestamongwomen,what is thybeloved?'&c.They inquireofher,because theyhaveagoodconceitofher.Aworldofgoodmightbedone if there were bred a good conceit of men in others. We say insickness,Agoodconceitofthephysicianishalfthecure.Sointeaching,agood conceit of the teacher is half the learning. 'The daughters ofJerusalem'hadagoodconceithereintheirquestioningofthechurch.'Othou fairest among women, what is thy beloved more than anotherbeloved?'

Let us labour, therefore, to be such asmay bring honour and credit toreligion,andmakeit lovely;thatwhatwedomaymakeothersthinkwedowhatwedo togreatpurpose;which isofttimesa specialmeansandoccasionoftheirconversion.ThoughproperlythecauseofconversionbetheSpiritofGodintheordinances,yettheinducement,manytimes,andoccasion,istheobservationofthecourseandcarriageofthosethatexceland are known to be eminent in parts and in graces. Emulation addsspurs to the soul.Do they take such courses that arewiser than I, andshall not I take the like course too? Paul saith, the emulation of theGentilesshallbeameansoftheconversionoftheJews,Rom.11:11.WhentheyshallseethemembraceChrist,theywillbeencouragedtodosoalso.Whatshallwethink,therefore,ofthemthatlivesoasthattheybringanevilreport,scandal,andreproachuponreligion?Greatandfearfulistheirwickedness, that by their ill conversation, like Hophni and Phinehas,discredittheordinancesoftheLord,1Sam.2:17.

Now the church thusanswers the formerquestion touchingChrist, 'Mybelovediswhiteandruddy,thechiefestoftenthousand.'Sheisnotafraidtosetoutherbeloved'sbeauty;forthereisnoenvyinspiritualthings.Itiswantofwisdomamongstmentocommendathingthatisverylovelytoothers,andsotosetanedgeupontheiraffectionswhentheycannotbothshare; and themore one hath, the less another hath of all things herebelow.Butinspiritualthingsthereisnoenvyatthesharingofothersinthatweloveourselves,becauseallmaybelovedalike.Christhathgraceand affection enough for all his.He hath not, as Esau speaks, but 'oneblessing.'No,hecanmakeallhishappy.Thereforethechurchstandsnotupon terms. When the 'daughters of Jerusalem' inquire about herbeloved,Itellyoufreely,saysshe,whatmybelovedis.First, ingeneral,

the answer is, 'My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among tenthousand.'Thenafterwardsthereisaspecificationoftheparticulars.Shewillnot standupon thegross,butadmires*ateveryparcel in the thingbeloved.Everythingislovely,asweshallseeinparticularsafterwards.

'Mybelovediswhiteandruddy,thechiefestamongtenthousand.'

Wewilltakethatwhichissafe,becausewewillhavesurefooting,asnearaswecan,inthismysticalportionofScripture.

Quest.Whatisthatwhiteandruddy?WhydoththechurchsetforththespiritualexcellenciesofChristbythatwhichismostoutwardlyexcellentandmostbeautiful?

Ans. Because of all complexions, the mixed complexion of these twocolours,whiteand ruddy, is thepurestand thebest.Therefore she setsout the beauty and the spiritual excellency of Christ by this 'white andruddy.'Beautyarisethofthemixtureofthesetwo.First,shesetsoutthebeautyofChristpositively;andthen,bywayofcomparison,'thechiefestamongtenthousand.

Butwhatisthiswhiteandruddy?whatisbeauty?

1.Tothemakingofbeautythereisrequiredasound,healthyconstitution,soastheparticularshaveadueproportion.Theremustbeaharmonyoftheparts,onesuitingwithoneanother;forcomelinessstandsinoneness,whenmanythings,asitwere,areone.Uncomelinessisindiversity,whendiversethingsarejumbledtogetherthatbelongtomanyheads;aswesayitisuncomelytohaveanoldman'sheadonayoungman'sshoulders.Butwhenallthingsaresosuitedthattheymakeone,agreeingexactly,thereisbeautyandcomeliness.

2.Besidessoundnessofconstitutionandcomelinessofproportion,thereisagraceofcolourthatmakethbeauty,whicharisethoutoftheother.Sothat soundness and goodness of constitution, together with the exactproportion of the variety of parts, having with it this gracefulness ofcolourandcomplexion,makesupthatwhichwecallbeauty. Inaword,then,thiscarnationcolour,whiteandruddy,maybeunderstoodofthat

excellentandsweetmixturethatmakessuchagracefulnessinChrist.Inhim there is wonderful purity and holiness, and yet a wonderfulweakness.There isGod the 'greatGod' andapieceof earth, of flesh inoneperson;abloody,pierced,andagloriousshiningbody;humilityandglory:justice,wonderfuljustice,andyetexceedingloveandmercy:justicetohisenemies,mercytohischildren.

Obs.Christisamostbeautifulperson,notasGodonly,butasman,theMediator, God and man. The person of the Mediator is a beautifulperson, as Ps. 45:2, there is a notable description of Christ and of hischurch,'Thouartfairerthanthechildrenofmen,graceispouredintothylips,'&c.

ButthelovelinessandbeautyofChristisespeciallyspiritual,inregardofthegracesofhisSpirit.Adeformedperson,manorwoman,ofahomelycomplexion and constitution, yet, notwithstanding, when we discernthem by their conversation to be very wise and of a lovely and sweetspirit, very able and withal wondrous willing to impart their abilities,beingwondroususeful;whataworldoflovedothitbreed,thoughweseein their outward man nothing lovely? The consideration of whatsufficiency is in Christ, wisdom, power, goodness, and love, thatmadehimcomefromheaventoearth, to takeournatureuponhim, tomarryus,and joinournature tohis (thathemight joinus tohim in spiritualbonds):theconsiderationofhismeeknessandgentleness,howheneverturned any back again that came to him, shouldmake us highly prizehim. Indeed some went back of themselves (as the young man indiscontent,Mat. 19:22),Christ turned themnotback;nay,he loved theappearanceofgoodnessintheyoungman,andembracedhim.Heisofsosweetanaturethatheneverupbraidedthosethatfollowedhimwiththeirformer sins, as Peter with denial, and the like. He is of so gracious anaturethathetooknotnoticeofpettyinfirmitiesinhisdisciples,buttellsthemofthedangerofthosesinsthatmighthurtthem:beingofsosweetanature that 'hewillnotquench the smoking flax,norbreak thebruisedreed,'Isa.42:3;hiswholelifebeingnothingbutadoingofgood,'hedidallthingswell'(asthegospelspeaks),excellentwell,Mark7:37.

Now,theconsiderationofwhatagraciousSpiritisinChrist,mustneedsbealoadstoneoflove,andmakehimbeautiful.ThereforeBernardsaith

well,WhenI thinkofChrist, I thinkatonceofGod, fullofmajestyandglory; and, at the same time, ofman, full ofmeekness, gentleness, andsweetness.So,letusconsiderofChristasofthe'mightyGod,'powerful;andwithal considerofhimas a gentle andmildman, that came ridingmeeklyonanass, as theScripture setshimout,'Mat. 21:5.Hewas forcomers, and gave entertainment to all: 'Come untome, all ye that arewearyandheavyladen,'&c.,Mat.11:28.Forthemostweakandmiserablepersonofallhadthesweetestentertainmentofhim,'Hecametoseekandtosavethatwhichwaslost,'Luke19:10.Letus,Isay,thinkofhimbothasof the great God, andwithal as ofmeekman: the one to establish oursouls, that he is able to do greatmatters; the other to draw us to himbecausehelovesus.WeareafraidtogotoGod,'aconsumingfire,'Heb.12:29;butnow letus thinkwego toboneofourboneand fleshofourflesh, to ourbrother, to one that out of his goodness abasedhimself ofpurposethatwemightbeonewithhim:wholovedusmorethanhisownlife,andwascontentedtocarrythecurseforus,thatwemightbeblessedofGodforever,andtosufferamostpainfulandshamefuldeath,thatsohemightmakeusheirsofeverlastinglife.

Christisspirituallylovely,'thechiefestoftenthousand.'Thechurchsetshimoutbycomparison,'astandard-bearer,'acarrierofthe'banneroftenthousand.'For,asthegoodliestmenusetocarrytheensign,thebanner;sohe,thegoodliestofallother,isthestandard-bearer.

Obs.Whencewegather,thatChrist,asheisbeautifulandgood,soheisincomparably,beyondallcomparisongood;'Heisastandardbearer,oneamongtenthousand;anointedwiththeoilofgladnessabovehisfellows,'Ps.45:7.

First,forthatheissoneartoGodbythepersonalunion.

Andinregardlikewise,thatallothershaveallfromhim.Ofhisfulnesswereceive grace for grace, John 1:16.Ours is but a derivative fulness.Hisgloryandshiningisastheshiningofthebodyofthesun;oursasthelightof the air, which is derived from the glory of the sun. Ours is but thefulness of the stream, andof the vessel, but the fulness of the fountainandofthespringishis.Thereuponheiscalled 'theheadofthechurch,'Col.1:18;theheadisthetowerofthebodywhichhathallthefivesenses

in it, andwisdom for thewholebody. It seeth,heareth,understandeth,anddothall for thebody;having influence intotheotherpartsof it.SoChrist is above all, and hath influence into all his church, not onlyeminence,butinfluence.

What is excellent in the heavens? The sun. So Christ is the 'Sun ofrighteousness,'Mal.4:2.Thestars.He is the 'brightmorningstar,'Rev.22:16. The light. He is the 'light of the world,' John 9:5. Come to allcreatures;youhavenotanyexcellentamongst thembutChrist isstyledfromit.Heis'thelionofthetribeofJudah,'Rev.5:5,the'lily,'Cant.2:1,andthe'rose,'Cant.2:1,and'theLambofGodthattakethawaythesinsof theworld,'John1:29, 'the treeofLife,'&c.,Rev.22:2.There isnotathingnecessarytonature,butyouhaveastylefromitgiventoChrist,toshewthatheisasnecessaryasbreadandwater,andthefoodoflife,John6:35; John 4:14.Whenwe see light, therefore, think of the 'true light,'John9:5.Whenthesun,thinkofthe'Sunofrighteousness,'Mal.4:2.Soremember 'thebreadandwaterof life,' inour common food.Thereforethesacramentswereordained,thataswegototheseabytheconductofrivers, sowemight go to the sea of all excellency and goodness by theconductof theseriversofgoodness, tobe ledbyeveryexcellency in thecreature, to thatof ourmediatorChrist,who is 'the chiefest among tenthousand.'

Tocomemoreparticularlytospeakofhisexcellencies,omittinghistwonaturesinoneperson,Godandman;thatwemayconsiderhisoffices,aking,priestandprophet.Hebeingthechiefinallthese,soallgoodkingsbeforehimweretypesofhim,asalsotheprophetsandpriests.Hewasallin one.Never any before himwas king, priest, and prophet, as hewasking,priest,andprophetinone.Soineveryrespecthewasincomparableaboveall.

1.Suchaking,asiskingofkings;andsubdueththingsunconquerabletoallotherkings,eventhegreatestenemiesofall;suchakingasconqueredtheworld,death,hell,andsin,allthingsthatareterrible.Deathyouknowis called 'the king of fears,* because it terrifieth even kings themselves.Christissuchakingastakesawaytheseterriblegreatestillsofall;suchakingasrulesoverthesoulandconscience,thebestpartofman,wherehesettlesandstablishethpeace;suchakingassetsuphiskingdominour

very souls and hearts, guides our thoughts, desires, actions, andaffections, setting up a peaceable government there. So he is anincomparablekingeveninregardofthatoffice.'Heisthechiefestoftenthousand;'suchakingascarriesthegovernmentuponhisownshoulders,asitisIsa.9:6.Hedevolvesnotthecaretoanother,tomakeitashelistandsobeacypherhimself,buthecarriesalluponhisownshoulder.Heneedsnotapopeforhisvicar.

2.Again,asapriest,suchahighpriestasofferedhimselfasacrificebyhiseternalSpirit.HeasGodoffereduphismanhood.SuchapriestashathsatisfiedthewrathofGod,andreconciledGodtoman.Allotherpriestswerebuttypesofthispriest,whoissuchapriestasneverdies,'butlivesforevertomakeintercessionforusinheaven,'byvirtueofthatsacrificewhichheofferedinthedaysofhisflesh.Hewasbothpriestandsacrifice.Sucha'priestasistouchedwithourinfirmities;'somildandgentle,fullofpityandmercy.Nopriesttothispriest.Godonlysmeltasweetsmellfromthissacrifice.

3.Andforhispropheticaloffice,heisaprophetbeyondallothers.Suchaoneascaninstructthesoul.Othermencanpropounddoctrines,buthecan open the understanding, and hath the key of the heart, the 'key ofDavidwhich can open the soul,' Luke 24:45. By hisHoly Spirit he canmaketheverysimplefullofknowledge,Prov.1:4.Suchaprophetashathhischairintheveryheartofman;thisgreat'Bishopofoursouls,'1Pet.2:25, 'the Angel of the covenant,' that Λογὸς, 'the messenger of theFather.' So he is 'the chief of ten thousand,' consider him as king, aspriest,orasprophet.

Use.Theuseof this is exceedingpregnant, comfortable, and large, thatwehavesuchaSaviour,suchaneminentperson,sonear,sopeculiartous. Our beloved, my beloved. If he were a 'beloved, the chief of tenthousand,' itwerenogreatmatter,buthe ismine.He is thusexcellent;excellent considered with propriety in it, and a peculiar propriety.Peculiarity andpropriety, togetherwith transcendent excellency,makeshappy if therebe any enjoyingof it.Therefore repentnot yourselves ofyourrepentings,but thinkIhavenotcastawaymy love,buthaveset ituponsuchanobjectasdeservesit, 'formybelovedisthechiefestoftenthousand.'

THEFIFTEENTHSERMON

Mybelovediswhiteandruddy, thechiefestamongtenthousand.—CANT.5:10.

LOVE is such a boundless affection, thatwhere it once breaks forth inpraisesuponagoodfoundation,itknowsnomeasure;asweseehereinthe church, who being provoked and, as it were, exasperated by the'daughtersofJerusalem'toexplaintheexcellencyofhimshehadwithsomuchaffectionincessantlysoughtafter,thatshemightjustifyherchoice(ere she descend into particulars), she breaks forth into this generaldescription of her beloved; whereby she cuts off from all hopes ofequallinghim,'Mybelovediswhiteandruddy'(exceedingfair),nay,'thechiefamongtenthousand'(nonelikehim).Shewouldnothaveusthinkshehadbestowedher lovebuton themostexcellentofall, 'thechiefoftenthousand.'Wellwereitforusthatwecoulddosoinourlove,thatwemight be able to justify our choice; not to spend it on sinful, vain, andunprofitable things, which cause repentance and mourning in theconclusion,whereofthechurchhereworthilyclearethherself;inthatshehadchosen'thechiefamongtenthousand.'

Andmostjustlydidsheplaceheraffectionsuponsoexcellentanobject,whowassofullof'allthetreasuresofwisdomandknowledge,thelifeofour life, inwhomdweltall the fulnessof theGodheadbodily,'Col. 1:11,19; in whom was a gracious mixture and compound of all heavenlygraces;wheregreatnessandgoodness,justiceandmercy,Godandman,meet in one person. Such an one who breaks no 'bruised reed, norquenches the smoking flax,' Mat. 12:20, who refuses not sinners, butinvites themuntohim, offering to heal all and cure allwho comeuntohim.Heisakingindeed,John18:37.Butthisalsoapprovesherchoice;herulesall,commandsall,judgesall.Whatthencanshewantwhohathsuch a friend, such a husband?whose government is sowinning,mild,andmerciful?

He is not such a monarch as loves to get authority by sternness, like'Rehoboam,1Kings12:12,butbythoseamiablegracesofgentlenessandlove. All the excellencies of holiness, purity, and righteousness, aresweetly tempered with love and meekness in him. You may see, forinstance,howhe takeshisdisciples'partagainst thePharisees,and thepoorwoman's that came towash his feet and kissed them, against thePharisee that had invited him to dinner, Luke 7:44. The church is acompanyofdespisedpeople,thatarescornedofPharisaicalproudspirits;who perhaps havemorality and strength of parts to praise them with.NowChrist takespartwith thebroken spirits, against all proud spirits.Howsoeverhebegonetoheaven(whereheisfullofmajesty),yethehathnot forgotten his meekness nor changed his nature, with change ofhonour. He is now more honoured than he was, for 'he hath a nameabove all names, inheavenor in earth,'Acts4:12; yethe ispitiful still.'Saul, Saul,whypersecutest thoume?'Acts9:4.Hemakes the church'scasehisownstill.Togetherwithbeamsofglory,therearebowelsofpityinhim,thesamethathehadhereuponearth;whichmakeshimsolovelyto the truly brokenhearted, believing soul, 'My beloved is white andruddy.'

Heissetoutlikewisebycomparinghimwithallotherswhatsoever,'Heisthechiefoftenthousand;'acertainnumberforanuncertain,thatis,thechief among all. In all things Christ hath the pre-eminence. 'He is thefirst-born from the dead,' Rom. 8:29; 'he is the first-born of everycreature,'Col.1:15;heistheeldestbrother;heisthechiefamongall.Forallkings,priests,andprophetsbeforewerebuttypesandshadowsofhim.He, thebody, thetruth,andthesubstance.And(aswasshewedbefore)he is all three in one, king, priest, and prophet; the great doctor* andprophetofhischurch,thatspakebyalltheformerprophets,andspeaksbyhisministerstotheendoftheworld.'Theangelofthecovenant,'thatΛογὸς, theWord, that expresseth his Father's breast; that as he camefromthebosomofhisFather,solaysopenhiscounseltomankind.Itwashe that spakebyNoah,andpreachedbyhisSpirit to the souls thatarenowinprison,asPeterspeaks,1Pet.3:19.So,'heisthechiefamongall.'But especially in regardofhis righteousness; forwhichPaul 'accountedall dung and dross, to be found in Christ, not having his ownrighteousness,buttherighteousnessthatisinChrist,'Phil.3:8;whichis

morethantherighteousnessofanangel,beingtherighteousnessofGod-man,andabovealltherighteousnessofthelaw.

Quest.Butwhatisthistousortothechurch?

Ans.Yes;forhisbeautyandexcellencyisthechurch's,becauseheisthechurch's. 'My beloved is white and ruddy, andmy beloved is the chiefamong ten thousand.' It is thepeculiar interest that the churchhath inChristthatdothrelishherspirit;excellencywithproprietyinhim;'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine.'Themoreexcellentthehusbandis,themoreexcellentisthewife.Sheonlyshinesinhisbeams.Thereforeit is the interest thatwehave inChrist thatendearsChrist tous.Buttocometomoreparticularapplicationofit.IsChristthusexcellent,super-excellent, thus transcendently excellent, 'white and ruddy,' the chief oftenthousand?'Thisserves,

1.TodrawthosethatarenotyetinChristuntohim.

2.TocomfortthosethatareinChrist.

Use 1. First, those that are not yet in Christ, not contracted to him, todraw them;whatcanprevailmore than thatwhich is inChrist?Beautyand excellencies, greatness and goodness.And indeed onemain end ofour calling, the ministry, is, to lay open and unfold the unsearchableriches of Christ; to dig up the mine, thereby to draw the affections ofthosethatbelongtoGodtoChrist.

Use2.ButitisnotenoughtoknowthatthereareexcellenciesinChristtodrawustohim,but,theremustbeasightofourmisery;whatbeggarsweare,andhowindebted.BeforeweareinChristwearenotourown.Thedevillaysclaimtousthatwearehis;deathlaysclaimtous.Weareundersin;wecannotsatisfyoneofathousand;thereforethisenforcethtomakeouttojoinwithhimthatcandischargeallourdebts,answeralloursuits,andnon-suitSataninthecourtofheaven.Whenoncewearemarriedtothe Lord of heaven and earth, all is ours.We have a large charter, 'Allthingsareyours,andyouareChrist's,andChristisGod's,'1Cor3:22,23.

Quest.Whyareallthingsours?

Ans.BecausewearemarriedtoChrist,whoisLordofall.Itistheendofourcalling tosue foramarriagebetweenChristandeverysoul.Wearethefriendsofthebride,tobringthechurchtohim;andthefriendsofthechurch,tobringChristtothem.ItistheendofourministrytobringthesoulandChristtogether;andletnodebts,nosinshinder.Forespeciallyhe invites such as are sensible of their sins. 'Where sin abounds, graceaboundsmuchmore,'Rom.5:20. 'Comeuntome, all ye that arewearyand heavy laden,' Mat. 11:28. And, 'he came to seek and to save thatwhichwaslost,'Luke19:10.Herequiresnomore,butthatwebesensibleof our debts and miseries, which sense he works likewise by his HolySpirit.

Use3.Again,forthosethathaveentertainedChrist,letthemseewhatanexcellentgraciouspersontheyhaveentertained,who is 'thechiefof tenthousand.'Theworldthinksthemacompanyofsilly,meanpeople,thatmakechoiceofChrist,religion,theword,andsuchthings;butthereisajustification of their choice. They choose him that is 'the chief of tenthousand.' 'Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth,' saith thespouse,'forthyloveisbetterthanwine,nay,thanlifeitself,'Cant.1:2.AChristianmust justify the choice that he hathmade withMary 'of thegoodpart,'Luke10:42;againstall those thatshalldisparagehischoice.LettheworldaccountChristianswhattheywill;thattheyareacompanyofdeluded,besottedpersons,foolsandmadmen;theChristianistheonlywiseman.Wisdomisseeninchoiceespecially;andhereisthechoiceofthat which is excellent and most excellent of all,' the chief oftenthousand.'

Use 4. So also, we may see here the desperate and base folly of allwhatsoever,savetrueChristians.Whatdotheymakechoiceoftojointo?that which is base, the condemned world, vain, transitory things; andrefuseChrist. Are they in their rightwitswho refuse a husband that isnoble forbirth, rich forestate,mighty forpower, abundant inkindnessand love itself, every way excellent, and take a base, ignoble, beggarlyperson? This is the choice of the world. God complains, 'Israel wouldnoneofme,'&c., Ps.81:11.What shallwe judge therefore of those thatwillnoneofChristwhenhewoosandsuesthem;butpreferwithEsaua'messofpottage,'beforetheireternalbirthright,Heb.12:16;withAdam,

an apple before paradise; andwith Judas, thirty pieces of silver beforeChristhimself.Thisisthestateofmanymen.TobemarriedtoChrististotakehimforanhusband;toberuledbyhiminallthings.Nowwhenwepreferbasecommoditiesandcontentmentsbeforepeaceofconscienceandtheenjoyingofhislove—whatisit,butforpelfandcommodity,thirtypiecesofsilver(perhapsforsixpence,athingofnothing),torefuseChrist.Yetthisistheconditionofbaseworldlingsthatlivebysenseandnotbyfaith.Sothenasitservestocomfortthosethathavemadeatruechoice;soitservestoshewthemadnessandfollyofallothers,whichonedaywillfeel their hearts full of horror and confusion, and their faces of shame,whentheyshallthink,What?hathChristmadesuchsuittomyhearttowinmylove?hathheordainedaministryfortobringmein?madesuchlargepromises?ishesoexcellent?andwasthisdiscoveredtome,andyetwouldInoneofhim?whatdidIchoose,andwhatdidIleave?IleftChristwithallhis riches,andmadechoiceof the 'pleasuresandprofitsof sin,which are but for a season,' Heb. 11:25. When the conscience is oncethoroughlyawaked, thiswill torment it,—thepunishmentof loss,notofloss simply, as the lossofChrist and the lossofheaven,but the lossofChrist and of heaven so discovered and opened. Therefore there is noconditionintheworldsoterribleasofthosethatliveinthechurch,andhearthosethingsofChristcrucifiedunfoldedtothembeforetheireyes.AsPaulspeaksoftheministry,itmakesChrist'scrosssoopentothemasifhehadbeen crucifiedbefore their eyes,Gal. 3:1.Yetnotwithstanding[they] yield to their base heart's desires and affections before theseexcellencies;whichiftheyhadaspiritoffaithwoulddrawtheirheartstohim.

Thereforeletusconsiderhowwehearthosethings.Itconcernsusnearly.Ontheonesideweseewhatweget ifwe joinwithChrist;wehavehimand his. On the contrary, we lose him; and not only so, but we gaineternalmisery,andperisheternally.Owhatbasenessofmindpossessethus!Christ leftallthingsinlovetous,andweleaveChristforanypaltrything in theworld; almost to please and content the humours of sinfulmen, to attain a few empty titles, to get a little wealth, enjoy a littlepleasure.Youseethentheequityofthatterriblecommination*thatyouhave, 'If anyman lovenot theLord JesusChrist, let himbeAnathemaMaran-atha,'1Cor.16:22.Lethimbeaccursedforeverthatlovesnotthe

LordJesusChrist.IfanymansinthereisaremedytodischargehissininJesus Christ, if he will marry him and take him; but when Christ isofferedandwewillhavenoneofhim,wesinagainstthegospel;andthenthere is no remedy; there is nothing but 'Anathema and Maran-atha.'Thereforethemostdangeroussinsofall,arethoseagainstthelightofthegospel;whenyetwechooserathertoliveaswelist,thantojoinourselvesto Christ. To this purpose, Heb. 2, St Paul makes an use of the firstchapter,wherein he sets out the excellency of Christ, whom the angelsadore.Heissobeautiful,solovelythatGodtheFatherisinlovewithhim,andpronounceth,'ThisismybelovedSon,'Mat.3:17.Inthebeginningofthe second chapter, 'Wherefore,' saith he, 'how shall we escape if weneglect so great salvation; for if they escaped not that despisedMoses'law,&c.,howshallweescapeifweneglectsogreatsalvation?'Heb.2:3.Hesaysnot,ifweopposeChrist,butifweneglecthim,ifwedonotlovesogreatsalvation;as2Thess.1:8,itissaid,'ChristwillcomeinflamingfiretotakevengeanceofallthosethatdonotknowGod,andobeynotthegospelofChrist,'thoughtheydonotpersecuteit.

Use1.Thereforethisreprovesallcivil,moralpersonsthatthinktheyhaveriches enough.Notonlydebauchedpersons, but self-sufficientpersons,thatthinktheyhaveanyrighteousnessoftheirown.Letthemknowthat'Christshallcomeinflamingfire,totakevengeanceofsuch.'Thisisthescope of the second psalm, which ye know sets out the excellency ofChrist, 'I have set my king upon Zion,' Ps. 2:6. God the Father thereanointsChristkingofthechurch.Towhatend?'ThatweshouldkisstheSon,'kisshimwiththekissofsubjection,assubjectsdotheirprince;withthe kiss of love, as the spouse doth her husband; and with the kiss offaith.Butwhatifwedonotkisshim,andsubjectourselvestohim,lovehim,andbelieveinhim?'Ifhiswrathbeoncekindled,happyareallthosethattrustinhim.'Heisalamb,butsuchaoneascanbeangry.Itissaid,'ThekingsandgreatpersonsoftheworldflyfromthewrathoftheLamb,'Rev.6:16.Hethatissosweet,mild,andgentle,ifwejoinwithhim,onthecontrary,ifwecomenotuntohim,weshallfindthewrathoftheLambaterriblewrath,whichthegreatestpotentates intheworldshalldesiretobehidfrom.'Ifhiswrathbeoncekindled,blessedareallthosethattrustinhim,'andwoebetothemthatdonotreceivehim.

Use2.Forus thatprofessourselves tobe inChrist,and tobe joined tohimthat is thusexcellent, letusmakethisuse, tomakehimtheruleofour choice in other things. In the choice of friends, choose such as arefriends to Christ. Take heed of society with idolaters, or with profane,wretchedpersons.IfyouwillbejoinedtoChrist,andprofessyourselvestobeso,thenletusjointononebutthosethatwecanenjoyandChristtoo. So in marriage, let the rule of choice be the love of Christ. Andlikewise, let the measure of our respect to all things be the respect toChrist.Letusmeasureourlovetowifeandchildren,tokindred,friends,andtoallcreatureswhatsoever,asitmaystandwithlovetoChrist.ObeyintheLord,marryintheLord,doallthingsintheLord,soasmaystandwiththeloveandallowanceoftheLord,1Cor.7:39,40.

Use3.Makealsoauseofdirection,howtocometovalueChristthus,astokeepanhighesteemofhim.Forthisfollowsinfalliblyandundeniably,if Christ be 'the chief of ten thousand,' he must have the chief of ouraffections'abovetenthousand.'For,asheisinexcellency,hemusthaveplace inourheartsanswerablethereunto; forthenoursoulsareastheyshouldbe,whentheyjudgeof,andaffectthingsastheyareinthemselves.

1.First, letusenter intoaseriousconsiderationof theneedwehaveofChrist,ofourmiserywithouthim,ofourhappinessifwebejoinedwithhim.Thesoulbeingthusconvinced,theaffectionsmustneedsfollowthesanctifiedjudgment.

Whatwillcomeofit ifChristbesetinthehighestplaceinourheart?Ifwecrownhimthere,andmakehim'KingofkingsandLordoflords,'inaheartysubmittingofalltheaffectionsofthesoultohim?Whilethesoulcontinues in that frame it cannot be drawn to sin, discomfort, anddespair. The honours, pleasures, and profits that are got by baseengagementstothehumoursofmen,whatarethesetoChrist?Whenthesoul is rightlypossessedofChristandofhisexcellency, itdisdains thatanythingshouldcomeincompetitionwithhim.

2.Again,itstandsfirmagainstalldiscouragementswhatsoever:foritsetsChristagainstall,whoisthe'chiefoftenthousand.'ThesoulinthiscasewillsetChristagainsttheangerandwrathofGod,againstSatan,andallourspiritualenemies.Christistheangelofthecovenant.Satanisalion,a

roaring lion; Christ the lion of the tribe of Judah. Satan a serpent, adragon;butChrist,thetruebrazenserpent,theverylookinguponwhomwill take away all the stings and fiery darts of Satan whatsoever.Wherefore it is said, 1 John 5:4, that faith is that that 'overcometh theworld.' How doth faith overcome the world? Because it overcomes allthings in the world, as, on the right hand, pleasures and profits andhonours,andonthelefthand,threatenings,pains,losses,anddisgraces,bysettingChristagainstall.

3.Again,ifwewouldhavearightjudgmentandesteemofChrist, letuslabour to wean our affections as much as may be from other things.Fleshlyheartsthathaverunsodeeplyintotheworld,andvanitiesofthispresent life, it is in a sort an extraordinary task for them to be drawnawayandpulledfromtheworld,asachildfromafullbreast,whichtheyhave sucked so long.Now, for sweet affections that are tender, it is anexcellent advantage they have to consider betimes that there is that inreligionandinthegospelwhichisworththeirbestandprimeaffections,theflowerandmarrowofthem.Letthembegin,withyoungTimothy,2Tim.3:15,Daniel,andJoseph,toloveChristfromtheirchildhood.Itisadesperatefolly,ontheotherhand,toputofftheregardofgoodthingstillafter,whenweshallbelessfit,whentheunderstandingwillbedarkened,and the affections blunted, when we shall not have that edge, naturebeing decayed, and theworld having taken such possession of the soulthatweshallnotvaluethisexcellency.Thereforeletusbeginbetimestomakeup themarriagebetweenChrist and the soul.No time, indeed, istoolate,butitweretobewishedthatthosethatareyoungwouldbethuswisefortheirsoulsbetimes.

4.Besides, ifwewouldhighly valueChrist, beg ofGod a spirit thatwemayjudgearightofourcorruptions,forinwhatmeasurewecandiscerntheheight,andbreadth,anddepthofourcorruptnature,inthatmeasureshallwejudgeoftheheight,andbreadth,anddepthoftheexcellencyofChrist. The sweetest souls are the most humble souls. Those that loveChristmostarethosethathavebeenstungmostwiththesenseof theirsins.Wheresinmostaboundsinthesenseandfeelingofit,gracemuchmoreaboundsinthesenseandfeelingofthat,Rom.5:20.Dideversoullove Christmore than thatwoman that had somany devils cast out of

her?Luke8:2.AndPaul,thathadsuchgreatsinsforgiven?Dothanymanso love his creditor as he that hathmuch debt forgiven him? It is ourSaviourChrist'sownreason.Thereforethesetwogoalwayswiththetruechurch.1.Thetrueknowledgeofthecorruptionofnature,andmiserybyreasonofit;and2.Thetruesenseandfeelingofit,withtrueandheartysorrowforit,&c.Inpoperytheyslightoriginalsin,thatmother,breedingsin. Actual sins be venial, and many sins no sins. And therefore theyesteem so slightly of Christ that they join saints, the pope, works andsatisfactionwith him. Because they knownot the depth of themalady,how black sin is, what a cursed estate we are in by nature, they haveslight,shallow,andweakconceitsofsin.Thereforetheyhaveanswerableweak and shallow conceits of Christ and of his righteousness andexcellency. Therefore the conviction of our sins goeth before theconvictionofrighteousnessinChrist,asit issaid, 'TheHolyGhostshallconvince the world of sin and then of righteousness,' John 16:8. Forexceptthesoulbeconvincedofsin,andofillinitself,itwillneverbetrulyconvincedofgoodandofrighteousnessinChrist.

ThePassoverwasalwayseatenwithsourherbs,becauseitshouldaddarelish to the feast. So Christ, the true Passover, we never relish trulywithoutsourherbs,theconsiderationofsin,withthedesertofit.Christsavoursotherwisetoamanhumbledforhissinsthanhedothtoanothermannot touched therewith;otherwise toapoorman thanhedoth toarich;otherwisetoamanthattheworldgoesnotwellonhissidethantoaprosperousman. One savoury discourse of Christ relishethmore to anafflicted soul than seven discourses with such as are drunk withprosperity,nothavingabrainstrongenoughtoconceive,noranappetitetorelishheavenlythings.

Therefore why do we murmur at the cross, when all is to recover ourspiritualtasteandrelish?SolomonhadlosthistasteandrelishofChrist.Henevermadehissongofsongswhenhewasinhisidolatrousway,norwas so in lovewithChrist andhis excellencieswhenhedoted somuchupon his wives. No; but when he had recovered his spirit's taste andrelish of heavenly things once, thenmadehe the book of the preacher.Whenhehadrunthroughvarietyofthings,andsawalltobenothingbutvexation of spirit, and besides that vanity, then he passeth his verdict

uponallthings,thattheywerevanity.Soitiswithus,wecanhardlyprizeChristwithoutsomeafflictions,somecrossorother.Thereforehere thechurch is fain to endure a spiritual desertion, to set an edge upon heraffections.Now,whenshe is thus inherdesertions, 'Christ iswhiteandruddy,thechiefoftenthousand.'

Wevaluemore, and set ahigherprice on things in thewantof them—such is our corruption—than in the enjoying of them. And if Godremember us not with affliction, then let us afflict, humble, and judgeourselves; enter into our own souls, to view how we stand affected toChrist, to heaven, and to heavenly things.How do I relish and esteemthem?IfIhavelostmyesteemandvaluing,wherehaveIlostit?Considerinwhatsin,inwhatpleasure,inwhatcompanyIlostit;andconversenomorewithsuchasdullouraffectionstoheavenlythings.

4.Andletusmakeuselikewiseofourinfirmitiesandsinstothispurpose,to set an high price on the excellencies of Christ. We carry about usalwaysinfirmitiesandcorruptions.Whatuseshallwemakeofthem?Nottotrusttoourownrighteousness,whichis 'asadefiledcloth,'Isa.64:6,butflytoChrist'srighteousness,whichistherighteousnessofGod-man,all being as dung and dross in regard of that.Often thinkwith thyself,WhatamI?apoor sinful creature;but Ihavea righteousness inChristthat answers all. I am weak in myself, but Christ is strong, and I amstronginhim.Iamfoolishinmyself,butIamwiseinhim.WhatIwantinmyselfIhaveinhim.Heismine,andhisrighteousnessismine,whichis the righteousness of God-man. Being clothed with this, I stand safeagainst conscience, hell, wrath, and whatsoever. Though I have dailyexperienceofmysins,yet there ismore righteousness inChrist,who ismine,andwhoisthechiefoftenthousand,thanthereissininme.WhenthusweshallknowChrist,thenweshallknowhimtopurpose.

THESIXTEENTHSERMON

Mybelovediswhiteandruddy,thechiefestamongtenthousand.Hisheadisasfinegold;hislocksarebushyandblackasaraven;hiseyes

areas theeyesofdoves,by the riversofwaters,washedwithmilk,andfitlyset,&c.—CANT.5:10,11,12,13.

Obj.Hencelikewisewemayanswersomedoubtsthatmayarise;aswhythedeathofoneman,Christ, shouldbeofvalue for satisfaction for thesinsofthe,wholeworld.Howcanthisbe?

Ans.Obutwhat kind ofmanwas he? 'The chief among ten thousand,'especially considering that his excellency ariseth from the grace of hispersonalunionofGodandman.ThefirstAdamtaintedthousands,andwouldhavetaintedaworldofmenmoreiftherehadbeenmore;buthewas mere man that did this. And shall not Christ, God and man, thesecondAdam,advance theworld,and ten thousandworlds if therehadbeenmore?Heischiefamongtenthousand.

'Hisheadisasmostfinegold;hislocksarebushyandblackasaraven,'&c.

1.Positively,'Heiswhiteandruddy.'2.Comparatively,'Heisthechiefestoftenthousand.'

Thechurchdothnotthinkitsufficient,ingeneral,tosetoutChristthus;butshedescendsintoaparticulardescriptionofhimbyallthepartsofabodythatareconspicuous.First, ingeneralobservehence, that it is thenatureof loveuponalloccasionstoreflectuponthething loved.Asthechurchhere,fromthingsthatareexcellentintheworld,borrowsphrasesandcomparisons to setout theexcellencyofChrist, exaltinghimaboveany other thing.Whatsoever the soul of a Christian sees in heaven orearth,ittakesoccasionthencetothinkofChrist.

Again, in general, observe from hence, seeing the church fetchethcomparisonfromdoves'eyes, fromthebodyofamanandotherthings,that there are some beams of excellency in every creature. There issomewhat of God in every creature. This makes the meditation of thecreaturetobeuseful.Thereisnone,eventhemeanest,butithathabeing,and thereby in a sort sets out the being of God. Why doth God stylehimself a shield, a rock, abuckler, a shadow,and the like?but to shewthatthereissomethingofhiminthese.Andthereforetoteachustorise

from them to him, inwhom all those excellencies that are scattered inthemareunited.

IninnocencyweknewGod,andinhimwehadknowledgeofthecreature;butnowwearefaintohelpourselvesfromtheknowledgeofthecreaturetorisetotheknowledgeofGod.

'His head is as fine gold.' A little in general. See the boldness andlargeness of the church's affections, who, though she had been illentreatedbythewatchmenandothers,yetisshenotdisheartenedforallthis. No; she goes on and sets out particular commendations of herbeloved.Wherelovehathanystrength,nowatercanquenchit.Youseethe church here found but cold entertainment from thewatchmen andothersthatshouldhavebeenbetter.

Nay,shewasindesertion,yetshewasnotdiscouraged.Nay,notfromthedesertionthatChrist lefther in;butsheseeksafterhimwhomhersoulloved.Oh!thisisthesignofatrue,sanctifiedsoul,touchedfromheaven,never to give over seeking of Christ; nor setting out his praises. No,thoughitthinksitselfnotbelovedofChrist.Asksuchones,DoyouloveGod,hischildren,andhisword?Oh!youshallhave themeloquent.Nowordsareenoughtosetouttheiraffections.

Andthisisonereason,whichwemaynotebytheway,whyGodplantsinhischildren,attheirfirstconversion,asweetlove,whichwecall,'thefirstlove,' that when desertions come theymay call tomind what they feltfrom Christ, and what they bore to him; and thereupon the churchconcludes,'Iwillreturntomyfirstlove,forthenwasIbetterthannow,'Hos.2:7.Thechurchhere,fromwhatdothshecommendherbeloved,butfromsomewhatthatwasleftinhersoul,someinwardtasteoftheloveofChristinher?Shecalledtomindhowitwaswithherbeforeintheformerpartofthis,andinthelatterendoftheformerchapter;whatanexcellentestateshehadbeenin.Thishelpedhertorecoverherself.

Now you may say, Why is she so exact in reckoning up so manyparticularsofherbeloved,hishead,locks,eyes,lips,andsuchlike?

Why?1. It is from largenessofaffection.A largehearthathalway large

expressions.Whenwe arebarren in expressions towardsChrist, andofgood things,whence comes this but fromnarrow, poor affections? Thechurchhadlargeaffections;thereforeshehadsuitableexpressions.

Andthen,2.Sheisthusparticular,becauseChristhathnotonebutmanyexcellencies.Everything inhim isexcellent, inwardandoutward,ashishead,&c.Forindeedbeautyconsistsnotinsweetnessofcolouronly,butinaffinityandproportionofallparts.NowthereisallsweetproportioninChrist. So it should be with Christians. They should not have oneexcellency, but many. Those that receive grace for grace from Christ,John1:16,havenotonlyhead,eyes,hands,andfeetgood;butalllovely,'grace for grace,' answerable to the variety of graces in JesusChrist, inwhomallthingsjointly,andeverythingseverally,arelovely.

Then, 3. She sheweth her particular care and study, to be exact in thisknowledgeofChrist.Toriphimupandanatomisehimthus,fromheadtofoot, it argueth she had studied Christ well, ere she could attain thisexcellency.SoitshouldbethestudyandcareofeveryChristian,tostudythe excellencies of Christ, not only in the gross, to say asmuch as youhaveintheCreed;hewasbornforusoftheVirginMary,wascrucified,dead, and buried, &c., which every child can say; but to be able toparticularizethehighperfectionsandexcellenciesofChrist,asthechurchhere;tostudyhisnature,offices,thestatehewasin,andhowhecarriedhimself in his humiliation and exaltation; what good we have by bothstates, redemption by his abasement; application of it by hisadvancement;whathedidforusonearth;whathedothinheaven;whatinjustification,adoption,sanctification,andintheglorytocome.Studyeverything,andwarmtheheartwiththemeditationofthem.

Thisparticularspreadingand layingopen theexcellenciesofChrist isathingworthyofaChristian.Wemakeslightworkofreligion.Wecanbeparticular and eloquent enough in other things, but in thatwherein alleloquence is too little,howbarrenarewe!how shamefaced to speakofChristandhisexcellenciesinbasecompany,asifitwereadishonour!Letusthereforelearnthisfromthechurchhere,tobemuchinthoughtsandmeditationsof theexcellenciesofChrist,andsoourexpressionswillbeanswerable to ourmeditations. So the holy fathers thatwere godly (tillanotherkindofdivinity came into theworld,ofquerks*and subtilties)

there was none of them but was excellent this way. Paul admirable,accounting 'all dunganddross in comparisonofChrist.' In speakingofhim,whenhebegins,hegoesonfromonethingtoanother,asifhewereravished,andknewnothownorwheretoend.

The soulhath sightsofChrist thatGod shews to it, andwhich the soulpresentstoitselfbythehelpoftheSpirit.ThesightsthatGodinthiskindshews, are to those in affliction especially; as Daniel and Isaiah sawChristinhisgloryinavision.SoEzekielhadavision,andJohn,Rev.1,where Christ was presented to him gloriously. So there is a gloriousdescriptionofChristpresenttothechurch,Rev.4:5.

And as there are sights let down from God into the soul, so there aresightsthatthesoulframesofChrist,suchasthechurchhereconceivesofhimbyfaith.ThusMosessawhimbeforehewasincarnate,andAbrahamsaw his day and rejoiced, John 8:56: so should we now have spiritualsights,ideasofChristframedtooursouls.Thisistobestowoursoulsasweshoulddo(m).Somuchforgeneral,nowwecometosomeparticulars.'Hisheadisasfinegold;hislocksarebushyandblackasaraven.'

'Hisheadisasfinegold.'Hebeginstosetouttheexcellencyofthechiefpart,thehead.TheheadofChristisGod,asitis1Cor.11:3.Heisaboveall, and God only is above him. All is yours, and you are Christ's, andChristisGod's,1Cor.3:22,23.Butthatisnotsomuchintendedhere,astoshewChrist'sheadshipoverthechurch,asGodandman.Hisheadisas fine gold, that is, his government andheadship is amost sweet andgoldengovernment.

Daniel2.Youhavean imageof themonarchies; the firstwhereofhadagoldenhead,whichwas theChaldean.Thebestmonarchy is set outbythe best metal,—gold; so Christ, the head of the church, is a precioushead,aheadofgold.

Aheadhathaneminencyaboveallothers;aninfluenceandmotionaboveall otherparts. It is the seatof the senses. So this goldenhead ismoreeminentthanall,governsthewholechurchandhathinfluenceintoall.Inhimwelive,andmove,andhaveourbeing,Acts17:28.

Quest.WhyisChristaskingthusresembledtoanheadofgold?

Ans. Because gold is the chief, themost precious, durablemetal of allothers. Christ is a king for ever, and hath an everlasting government.Gold isalso themostpliablemetal.Youmaybeat itout to leavesmorethananyothermetalwhatsoever.Christisallgoldindeed.Hislovehathbeathimselfoutaslowasmaybe,allforourgood.WhatabasementliketoChrist's?Thatwhich ismostprecious ismostcommunicating,as thesun,agloriouscreature.Whatdothsomuchgoodasit?SoChrist,asheisthemostexcellentofall,'thechiefoftenthousand,'soishealsothemostcommunicative.Whatgoodto thegoodthatChristdid?Hewasbeaten,outof love tomankind, to lowestabasement forus.Though thisbenotmainlyaimedathere,yet,bytheway,speakingofgold,wemaypresenttoourselvessuchcomfortablemeditations.

Use 1. Well then, is Christ such an excellent head, a golden head, 'inwhomarehidallthetreasuresofwisdom,Col.2:3,togovernhischurch?Whatneedwethengo to that triplecrown,havingsuchagoldenhead?Theapostasyof the churchhath foundout another goldenhead. IsnotChristpreciousenough?LetustakeheedofleavingtheheadChrist,asitisCol. 2:19. It is a damnable thing to forsakehim.Let the apostatical*churchalonewithherantichrist.

2.Again,ifChristbeagoldenhead,letushismemberslaboureveryoneto be suitable. Though there be difference between the head and themembers in many respects, especially in those three formerly named,eminency,government,andinfluence,yetfornaturetheyareone.Headandmembersmakebutone.So thatas theheadof thebody isgold,soshouldeverymemberbe.Thereforethesevenchurchesarestyledsevengolden candlesticks. Everything in the tabernaclewas gold, even to thesnuffers, to shew that in the church everything is excellent. Thetabernaclewasgold,mostofit,thoughitwascoveredwithbadgers'skins.Thechurchindeedhathapoorcoveringasofbadgers'skins,notgildedashypocrites;butitispreciouswithin.Again,Christ,asheisgold,soheisfinegold,wholegold.Hehathnotonlythecrownonhim,buthisheadisgolditself.Otherkings,theircrownsareofgold,buttheirheadsarenotso.Butthereissuchaprecioustreasureofwisdominhimthathisheadisgold.SoletthechurchandeveryChristianlabour,nottobegilt,butgold;

tobethoroughlygood;tohavetheinsideasgoodastheoutside,theheartas good as the conversation. The church is glorious within, Ps. 45:13.Beloved, is Christ an excellent golden head, and shall we have a basebody?Ishefittobeunitedtoagoldenheadthatisacommondrunkard,aswearer,thatisabeastinhislifeandconversation?Isthissuitable?

3.Again,isourheadsogolden,andwhatsoeverexcellencywehave,isitfromourhead?ThereforeasthechurchintheRevelation,'letuscastallourcrownsathisfeet,'Rev.4:10.Havewecrownsofgold?anythingthatisexcellentwithin,anygrace,anycomfort?Letuslayitdownathisfeet,forallisfromhim.Naturalmenhavegoldenimagesoftheirown.Israelwouldhavegoldencalves.Nebuchadnezzarsetsupagolden image,andallmustworshipit.Sointhedecliningtimesofthechurch:theyframedgolden images, that is, a golden whorish religion, gilded, and painted,framedbytheirownbrain,whereuntoallmuststoop.Butthetruegoldisthatwemustrespectandsubmitourselvesuntoandadmire.Othersarebutgoldendreamsandimages,asNebuchadnezzar'swas.Christ'sheadisoffinegold.

All must be fine gold that comes from this head. His word is gold,sometimes purged in the fire. His ordinances gold, in the Scripturephrase,Ps.19:10.Thecity,thenewJerusalem,whichsignifiesthestateofthechurchinthisworld,whenitshallberefinedtotheutmost,all isofgold;thewallsofpreciousstones;thegatesofpearl;andthepavementofthestreetsofpuregold,Rev.21:21,toshewtheexcellencyofreformation;whichgolden timesareyet tocome. In themean time letusgoonandwaitforthem.

'His locks are bushy, and black as a raven.' I think this is butcomplemental, to fillup theother. It isnothingbutacommendationofhis freshness, a foil to beauty. Therefore not particularly to be stoodupon.

'Hiseyesareasdoves' eyesby the riversofwaters,'&c.Hiseyesareasdoves'eyes,andsucheyesasarebytheriversofwaters;wheretheyarecleansedandwashedwithmilkthattheymaybetheclearer,andfitlyset;neithergoggleeyes,norsunk intothehead,but fitlyset,asa jewel inaring;neithertoomuchin,nortoomuchout,tosetoutthecomelinessof

thispart,theeye,whichisthegloryoftheface.

Quest.WhyisChristsaidtohavetheeyesofdoves?

Ans. The dove hath many enemies, especially the white dove is a fairmarkforthebirdsofprey.ThereforeGodhathgiventhatcreatureaquicksight,thatshemightdiscernherenemies.ThustheScripturehelpsustoconceiveofthequicknessofChrist'seye,Rev.5:6.Therearesevenhornsandseveneyes,whicharethesevenSpiritsofGod.HereChristthelamb,hath seven eyes and seven horns.What be these? Christ hath not onlyhorns of power, as the enemies have horns of violence.—He hath hornagainsthorn;butseveneyes,thatis,aquicksighttoseeallthedangerthechurchisin,andseveneyes.Sevenisawordofperfection,thatis,hehathmanyeyes,anaccuratesight.Hehathnotonlyaneyeofprovidenceoverthe whole world, but an eye of grace and favour, lively, and lovely inregardofhischurch.Allthingsarenakedandopenbeforehiseyes,asitis,Heb.4:13.Hecanseethroughus,heknowsourveryheartsandreins,which hemust do ex officio, because hemust be our judge.He that isjudgeofallhadneedtohaveeyesthatwillpiercethroughall.Ithadneedbeaquickeyethatmustjudgeoftheheartandaffections.Butwhatmaywe learn hence? That we have a Saviour that hath doves' eyes, that is,cleareyes,abletodiscern.

Use1.Takeitasapointfirst,ofallcomforttothechurch,thatwhenwehaveanyimputation[that]liesuponus,thatwearethusandthus,Christhathquick eyes,heknowsourhearts.Thouknowest, saithPeter,Lord,thatIlovethee,John21:15.Inallfalseimputations,restintheeyesightofChrist.Heknowsitisotherwisewithus.

Use2.Thenagain, inallabasement,knowthatthereisaneyethatseesall.Heseeswithhiseyeandpitieswithhisheart.Ashehathaquickeye,sohehathatenderheart.Thoughheseemstosleepandtowink,itisbutthatwemaywakehimwithourprayers;whichwhenwehavedone,weshall see that Christ hath seen all this while, and that the violence theenemiesofGodhaveofferedtohischurch,thespouse,hathbeeninhissight,andthattheyshallknowatlengthtotheircost.

Likewiseit isapointofterrortoallhypocritesandothers,thatthinkto

blindfoldChrist again.Can they blindfoldhim inheaven that hath thissharpeye?No;heseesall theircoursesandprojects,whattheyareandwhattheytendto;andasheseesthem,sohewillspreadthemallopenerelong.

Use 3. And as it is a point of comfort and terror, so it is a point ofinstructiontousall,thatwehavingtodealwithajudgethatseesall,toworshipChristinspirit.IfwehadknowledgethatsuchaneyeofGodisfixeduponusinallplaces,inallouraffectionsandactions,wouldwegiveliberty to base and filthy thoughts, to cruel designs, and to treacherousaimsandintents?tohatchahell,asitwere,inourhearts,andtocarryafairshowoutwardly.Itcouldnotbe.Menarenotafraidoftheirthoughts,affections,desires,andinwarddelightsoftheirsoul,becausethereisnoeyeofjusticeuponthem.Butiftheydidconsiderthattheall-seeingGoddidobserve these inwardevils,andwouldcall themtoaccountonedayforthem,thentheywouldbeaswellafraidtothinkillastodoill.

'Hischeeksareasbedsofspices,andassweetflowers.'

Cheeks are the grace of the face. They are used here to denote thepresence of Christ, which is sweet as spices and flowers. Not only hispresence isglorious inheaven,whenweshall see thatgoodlypersonofChristthatbecamemanforus,thattransformingsightthatshallmakeuslikehimself,butthespiritualpresenceofChristinhisordinanceswhichwearecapableofhere,thisisasspicesandflowers.

Obj.But youwill say, cheeks, face, andpresencepresent colours to theeye,andnotsmells,asspicesandflowers,whicharethepeculiarobjectofanothersense.

Ans.Oh,butChrististheobjectofallthesenses.Beloved,heisnotonlybeautytotheeye,butsweetnesstothesmell,andtothetaste.Thereforefaithhath thenameofall thesenses, tosee,hear, taste,andsmell,anddothall,becauseitcarriesustoChrist,thatisinsteadofalltous.Butthepointis,

ThatthemanifestationofChristtohischurchandchildrenbyhisSpiritinanyofhisordinances,isasweetmanifestation,anddelectableasspices

and flowers; as it is, Cant. 1:3; 'Because of the savour of thy goodointments,thynameisasanointmentpouredout,thereforethevirginslovethee.'TheverynameofChrist,whenheisknownandlaidopenbytheministry, is a precious ointment, and the virgins, that is, all chastesouls,followhimbythesmellofhisointments.Allhisordinancesconveya sweetness to the soul.His sacraments are sweet, hisword sweet, thecommunionofsaintssweet.Thepresenceofthesun,youknow,isknowninthespringtimebythefreshnessofallthings,whichputforththelifeandlittlelivelinesstheyhaveinthem,someinblossoming,andsomeinflowers.Thatwhichlay,asitwere,deadinwinter,itcomesoutwhenthesundrawsnear;sowhenChristcomesandshewshispresenceandfacetothesoul,herefreshethanddelightsit.

HenceweseetheyareenemiestoChristandtothesoulsofGod'speoplethathinderthemanifestationofChrist,wherebyhisfacemightbeseen,and his lovely cheeks discerned. Those that hate and undermine theordinancesofGod,theyhinderthecomfortsoftheirownsouls.

AndtheyareenemiestoChrist.ForwhenhathChristglorybutwhenthevirginsfollowhiminthescentofhissweetointments?Whenthesoul,inthesenseofhissweetness,followshim,andcleavestohimwithjoy,love,anddelight,thismakesChristChrist,andsetshimupintheheartaboveallothers.Thisistheproperworkoftheordinances.Those,thereforethatareenemiestotheordinancesofChrist,areenemiestothesoulsofGod'speople,andtothegloryandhonourofChristhimself.Thusfarwemaygosafely,uponcomparisonofthiswiththeotherScriptures.

THESEVENTEENTHSERMON

Hislipsarelikelilies,droppingsweet-smellingmyrrh;hishandsareasgoldringssetwithberyl;hisbellyisasbrightivoryoverlaidwith

sapphire:hislegs,&c.—CANT.5:13.

INspeakingoftheseparticularswearetobeverywary,forwehavenotthatfoundationaswehaveinothergenerals.FornodoubtbuttheSpiritofGodheredidmoreintendtosetoutthelargeaffectionthatthechurchhad to Christ, than to insinuate any great particularity in every one ofthese. Therefore let us only cull out, and take those things that are ofmoreeasyexplication.

'Hislipsareaslilies,droppingdownsweetmyrrh.'

That is, his doctrine is as sweet as the lilies, and sound as themyrrh,keeping from putrefaction, it being the nature ofmyrrh, as it is sounditself,sotomakeotherthingssound.Inlikemanner,thespeechofChristmakesthesoulsoundthatembracethit.WhatwasevermoresweetthanthetruthofChrist?Whenhespakehimself,theyallhunguponhislips,Luke4:20,asthephraseisinthegospel(n),asamanhangsuponthelipsof another whom he desires and delights to hear speak, and theymarvelledatthegraciouswordsthatcameoutofhislips.Gracewasinhislips, Ps. 45:2. All was sweet that came from him, for it came from theexcellency of his Spirit. His words were dyed in these affections of hisheart. In the learned language, the same word signifieth speech andreason(o),tointimatethatspeechisbutthecurrentofreasonfromtheheart,theseatofreason.ThereforeChrist'sspeechesweresweet,becausehis heart was sweet, full of all love, grace, mercy, and goodness, Mat.12:34,35.Hisheartwasa treasure.His lipsmustneeds thenbe sweet.Beloved, therefore let us hence take a trial of ourselves, what ourconditionis,whetherthewordsthatcomefromChristwhenhespeaksinhisministrytousbesweetornot.

Theword,tosomekindofmen,islikethenorthernair,whichparchethand cutteth. Ahab could not endure the breath of Elias, 1 Kings 21:18,seq., nor Herodias the breath of John Baptist, Mark 6:16, nor thePhariseesthebreathofStephenandPaul,Luke7:44,Acts22:22.Sotoomanynow-a-dayscannotendurethebreathofdivinetruth,whenitcutsandpierceth.Thesewordsarearrowsthatstick.Iftheysticknotsavingly,theystick tokilling. IfwecannotendureChrist'sbreath,wearenothisspouse,norhaveanycommunionwithhim.

'Hislipsarelikelilies,droppingsweetmyrrh,'&c.

ThisisoneexcellencyofChristandofhistruth,thatitpreservesthesoulinapureestate.Itispureitself,andsoitpreservesthesoul.Myrrhisaliquorthatkeepsfromputrefaction.Thereisnothingthatkeepsthesoul,butthewordthatenduresforever.Whereas,ontheotherside,errorisofaputrefyingnature,corruptinganddefilingthesoul.

'Hishandsareasgoldringssetwithberyl,'&c.

Hands are the instruments of actions. Christ's actions are precious.Whatsoeverhedothtothechurch,nay,evenwhenhedothuseevilmento afflict and exercise the church, he hath a hand there, a golden, aprecious hand, in the evil hand ofwickedmen.God doth all things byChrist. He is, as it were, God's hand, which all things pass through.Joseph was the secondman of Egypt, through whose hands all thingscametotherest,Heb.1:2,John5:22;soallthingscomethroughChrist'shandstous;andwhatsoeverishishandiworkisgood.Evenasitissaidinthedays of his flesh, 'he did all thingswell,'Mark. 7:37, so still, in thechurchallhisworkmanshipisexceedingwell.Thoughwecannotseetheexcellencyofit,itisallwellbothinthegovernmentofthechurchandhisworkmanshipinourhearts,'thenewcreature.'

'Hisbellyisasbrightivoryoverlaid,'&c.

Hisbelly, that is,his inwardparts. In theHebrew(p), it isused for theinwardaffections.Theyareasbright ivoryoverlaidwithsapphires, thatis,theyarepure.AlltheinsideofChrist,allhisaffectionsthathebears,arewondrousgood.Hislove,hisdesires,hisjoys,hishatred,allpure,likepurewater ina crystal glass. Itmaybe stirred sometimes,but still it isclear.Therearenodregsatthebottom,becausetherewasnotaintofsininhim.

'Hislegsareaspillarsofmarblesetonsocketsoffinegold,'&c.

Thatis,allhispassagesandwaysareconstantandfirm,evenaspillarsofmarble.His childrenare so likewise, as faras theyareenduedwithhisSpirit. Christ is yesterday, to-day, and the same for ever,Heb. 13:8. In

regardofhisenemies,he issetout inanothermannerofsimilitude, 'ashaving legs of brass to trample them all in pieces,' Rev. 1:15. But inrespectofhisconstanttruthandwaysofgoodnesstohischurch,hislegsareaspillarsofmarble.

'HiscountenanceisasLebanon,excellentasthecedars.'

Lebanonwas a goodly forest lying on the north side of Judea,whereinwere excellent plants of all kinds, especially cedars. Christ hiscountenanceisasLebanon,excellentasthecedars,thatis,hispresneceisgoodly,stately,andmajestical.Soitisandwillbewhenheshewshimself,indeed,forthevindicatingofhischurch.ThentheenemiesthereofshallknowthathispresenceisasLebanon,andexcellentasthecedars.

ThechildrenofGodare liketocedars, too, for theyareChristmystical.Othermenareasshrubstothem,menofnovalue;buttheyarecedars,and grow as cedars in Lebanon, from perfection to perfection, bearingmost fruit in theirage.Wickedmensometimesarecedars, too,andaresaidtogrowandflourishasthecedarsinLebanon.Butlookawhile,andyou shall see their place no more. They have no good root, no goodfoundation,Ps.37:10.AChristianisacedarsetinChristthechiefcedar.Heisaplantthatgrowsinhim.Hehathaneternalroot,and,therefore,heflourishetheternally.

'Hismouthismostsweet,heisaltogetherlovely.'

Hismouthismostsweet.Shedoublesthiscommendation.Shehadsaidbefore,hislipsareasliliesdroppingsweetmyrrh.Hereshesaithagainofhismouth, it ismostsweet, toshewthatthis isthechief lovelythinginChrist.Therepetitionargueththeseriousnessofthechurch'saffectiontoChrist, and of the excellency of that part. Themain lovely thing is thatwhich comes from his heart by his words and his lips; as, indeed, themostexcellentthingthatwecanthinkofistheexpressionoftheheartofGodinChrist,andofChrist'slovetous.'Hismouthismostsweet.'And,indeed,thebestdiscoveryofatrueaffectiontoChrist,andofatrueestateingrace,isfromouraffectiontothewordofChrist.Wheresoeverthereisinterest intoChrist, there isahigh respect to theword. 'Mysheephearmyvoice,' John 10:4; andyouknowwhatPeter saith, John6.Manyof

Christ'shearersandfollowersforsookhim,uponsomehardspeeches,asthey thought, that came from him. Saith Christ to Peter, 'Will ye alsoleaveme?'Peteransweredagain,'Whither,Lord,shallwego?Thouhastthewordsofeternallife,'John6:68.Theapostles,thathadtheSpiritofGod,perceivedanincrediblegraciousnesstositonhislips,andthereforethey hung uponhis lips. 'Whither shallwe go?Thouhast thewords ofeternal life.' Ifwe leave his speech,we leave our comfort,we leave ourlife.

Asacommenthereupon,seePs.19,wherewehaveahighcommendationofGod'sexcellency;first,fromthebookofnature,theworksofGod:'theheavensdeclarethegloryofGod;'thenfromthewordofGod;andhereinthepsalmistiswondrouslarge.'ThelawoftheLordisperfect,convertingthe soul; the testimoniesof theLordare sure,makingwise the simple;the statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart; thecommandmentsoftheLordaresure,andenlightentheeyes;moretobedesiredthangold,yea,thanfinegold;sweeteralsothanthehoneyorthehoneycomb.'

Butmarktheorder.When is thewordofGodpreciousasgold,sweeterthan thehoneyor thehoneycomb,butwhen the formercommendationtakesplace?Wherethewordisperfect,convertingthesoul,andwhereitissure,makingwisethesimple,andwherethefearoftheLordisclean,&c., there it ismore tobedesired than fine gold, and sweeter than thehoneycomb. So the church here finding, first of all, the word to be aconvertingword,andgivingunderstandingtothesimple,shecannotbutspeak of the sweetness of the word of Christ. His lips are as liliesdropping sweet-smellingmyrrh.Hismouth ismost sweet. Thus amanmayknowhisestateingracebyhisrelishoftheword.

There is a divine and a heavenly relish in the word of God; as, forinstance, take thedoctrineofhisprovidence, 'that all things shallworktogether for the best to them that loveGod,' Rom. 8:28.What a sweetwordisthis!Awholekingdomisnotworththispromise,thatwhatsoeverbefallsaChristianinthisworld,thereisanoverrulingprovidencetoswayalltogood,tohelpforwardhiseternalgood.

ThatChristwillbepresentwithus inallconditions,whatasweetword

andpromise is this!Mat.28:20; 'thathewillgivehisHolySpirit, ifwebegit,'Luke11:13;'thathewillnotfailusnorforsakeus,'Heb.13:5;that'ifweconfessoursins,andlaythemopen,heismercifultoforgivethem,'1John1:9;that'ifoursinswereasredasscarlet,theyshallallbewhiteaswool,' Isa.1:18.Whatkindof incrediblesweetness is in these toaheartthat is prepared for these comforts! The doctrine of reconciliation, ofadoption, of glory to come, of the offices of Christ and such like, howsweetarethey!Theyrelishwondrouslytoasanctifiedsoul.

Letus thereforediscernofourestate ingraceby this,howdowerelishdivine truths?Are theyconnaturalandsuitable tous?Dowe love themmorethanourappointedfood?Aretheydeareruntousthanthousandsofgoldandsilver?Dowelikethemaboveallothertruthswhatsoever?Ps.119:72, 127.Every truth in its rank is lovely, and is abeamofGod.FortruthisofGodwheresoeverwefindit.Butwhatareothertruthstothisheavenly, soul-saving truth? this gospel-truth that is from Christ? 'Hismouthismostsweet.'

In our nature there is a contrary disposition and antipathy to divinetruth.We lovethe lawbetter thanthegospel,andanytruthbetter thanthe law. We love a story, any trifling, baubling thing concerning ourordinarycallings,better thandivine truth. Indivine truth,as thingsaremorespiritual,sothemoreremotetheyarenaturallyfromourloveandliking.Evangelicaltruthswillnotdownwithanaturalheart;suchanonehad ratherhearaquaintpointof someviceorvirtue finely stooduponthan anything in Christ, because he was never truly convinced of hiscorruptandmiserableestatebynature.ButwhenthegraceofGodhathalteredhim,andhiseyesareopentoseehismisery,thenofalltruthsthetruthofChristfavours*best.ThosetruthsthatcomeoutofthemouthofChrist,andoutoftheministryconcerningChrist,theyarethemostsweetofall.Oh!howsweetarethosewordsinthegospeltothepoorman,'Thysinsareforgiventhee,'Mat.9:2.Doyouthinktheywentnottohisheart?Sotothewoman,Luke7:47.Hermanysinsareforgivenher,forshelovedmuch.Oh!theywerewordsthatwenttohersoul!Andtothethiefonthecross, 'Thisdaythoushaltbewithmeinparadise,'Luke23:43.Howdoyouthinkthosewordsaffectedhim?Soitiswithus,ifeverwehavebeenabased in the sense of our sins. Oh! how sweet is a promise ofmercy

then!'Hethatbringsitisasoneoftenthousand,thatcomestodeclaretomanhisrighteousness,Job.33:23;tolayopenthemercythatbelongstoadistressedsoul.Oh!theveryfeetofthosethatbringthesegladtidingsare beautiful! Rom. 10:15. When our blessed Saviour, after hisresurrection, spake toMary, and calledherbyhername, after that shehadsoughthimandcouldnotfindhim,'ORabboni,'saithshe.ThewordsofChristtheymeltedherpresently.LetChristoncecallusbyournames,forheknowsusbyname,asheknewMoses,Exod.34:27, Isa.43:1; lethim by his Spirit speak to us by name, and own us, then we call himRabboni.Weownhimagain,forwhatisourlovebutthereflectionofhisbackagain?Thereforesaiththepsalmist,'Letmehearthevoiceofjoyandgladness,thatthebonesthatthouhastbrokenmayrejoice,'Ps.51:8.'Letmehear;' that is,I longforthywordtohear it;notthebareministerialword, but the word of the Spirit. But the church resteth not here, butsaithfurther,

'Heisaltogetherlovely.'Altogetherdesirable;asifsheshouldsay,Whatshould I stand upon particulars? he is altogether, from top to toe,amiable,lovely,anddelectable.

'He isaltogether lovely.'Lovely toGod, tous, to thesoul; lovely tohimthat can best judge of loveliness. The judgment of God I hope will gocurrentwithus;andwhatdothGodtheFather judgeofChrist? 'This ismybelovedSon,'Mat.3:17.HeistheSonofGod'slove,Col.1:13,asGodcannotbutlovehisownimage.Heislovelyalsoasman,forhewaspureand holy; lovely as mediator by office, for he was anointed by God toconvey the Father's love to us. He must needs be lovely in whom allothersareloved.ThisismybelovedSon,inwhomIamwellpleased;outofhimIamwellpleasedwithnobody.Andindeedhewasfilledwithallgraces thatmightmake him lovely. All the treasures of wisdom are inhim, and of his fulness we all receive grace for grace. He is made astorehouseofallthatisgoodforus.

HeislovelytoGodinwhatsoeverhedid.Hecarriedhimselflovely,andpleased his Father in all his doings and sufferings. God loved himespecially, 'because he was obedient, even unto the death of the cross.Therefore God gave him a name above all names; that at the name ofJesuseverykneeshouldbow,bothinheavenandinearth,'Phil.2:8–10.

As for the angels, they look upon himwith admiration. They attendedhim, and accounted it an honour to wait upon him.He is lovely to allaboveus,andshallhenotbelovelytous?

Obj. But youwill say,Was he lovelywhen hewas nailed on the cross,hungbetweentwothieves,whenheworeacrownofthorns,waswhipped,laid grovelling on the ground, when he sweat water and blood? Whatlovelinesswasinhimwhenhewaslaidinhisgrave?

Ans.Oh!yes;thenhewasmostlovelyofalltous,byhowmuchthemorehe was abased for us. Thismakes himmore lovely that out of love hewouldabasehimselfsolow.Whengreatnessandgoodnessmeettogether,howgoodlyisit!ThatChrist,sogreatamajesty,shouldhavesuchbowelsof compassion! Majesty alone is not lovely, but awful and fearful; butjoinedwithsuchcondescendinggrace,iswondrousamiable.Howlovelyasight is it to see so great a person to be someek and gentle! Itwas sobeyondcomparisonlovelyintheeyesofthedisciples,thattheystoodandwondered to see him, who was the eternal Word of the Father,condescend to talk with a poor Samaritan woman, John 4:6, seq. AndwhatlovelinessofcarriagewasinhimtoPeter,undeserving,afterhehaddeniedandforswornhim,yettorestorehimtohisformerplacethathehad inhis heart, lovinghimasmuch as everhedidbefore! In aword,what sweetness, gentleness, bowels of meekness, pity, and compassiondid he discover to those that were in misery! We cannot insist uponparticulars.

ThereisaremarkablepassageinthestoryofAlphonsustheking,notverywelllikedofsome.Whenhesawapoormanpullingofhisbeastoutofaditch,heput tohishand tohelphim;afterwhich,as it is recorded,hissubjects ever loved him the better. It was a wonderful condescending.AndisitnotaswonderfulthattheKingofheavenandearthshouldstoopsolowastohelpuspoorwormsoutoftheditchofhellanddamnation?and that, when he hath set us in a state of deliverance, he should notleaveus there,butadvanceus tosuchastateandconditionas isaboveouradmiration,whichneitherheartcanconceivenortongueexpress?Isnotthiswonderfulcondescending?

Use1.Thatwemayfurtherimprovethispoint,IsChristaltogetherlovely;

solovelytous,andsobelovedofGodtheFather?Letusthenrestuponhis obedience and righteousness; build upon it, thatGod cannot refusethatrighteousnesswhosewholesubjectisaltogetherlovely.Letuscomeclothed in the garments of our Elder Brother, and then doubt not ofacceptance;foritisinChristthathelovesus.Inthiswell-belovedSonitisthatGodiswellpleasedwithus.IfweputonChrist'srighteousness,weput on God's righteousness; and then how can God hate us? NomorethanhehateshisownSon.Nay,helovesus,andthatwiththesamelovewherewith he loves him; for he loves whole Christmystical, Head andmembers, John 17:23.Let this strengthenour faith, that ifChristbe soaltogetherlovelyinhimselfandtotheFather,thenwemaycomfortablycome before the Father, clothed with the garments of him our ElderBrother,andsorestourselvesontheacceptationofhismediation,thatissobelovedamediator.

Use2.Again,ifChristbesolovely, 'altogetherlovely,'thenletuslabourto be in him, that so wemay be lovely to God; because he is the firstamiablethingintheworld,inwhomwearealllovely.AllourlovelinessisinbelovedChrist.

Use 3. Again, if Christ be so lovely, here only we have whereupon tospendthemarrowofourbestaffections.Isitnotpityweshouldlosesomuchofouraffectionsaswedouponother things?Christ isaltogetherlovely;whyshouldwedoatuponotherthingssomuch,andsetupidolsinour hearts above Christ? Is he altogether lovely, and shall not he havealtogether our lovely affections, especially when we are commanded,underpainofacurse, to lovetheLordJesus?AnathemaMaran-athatothosethatlovenotChrist,1Cor.16:22.Letusthereforelabourtoplacealloursweetaffectionsthataretobeexercisedupongood,aslove,joy,anddelight, upon this object, this lovely deserving object, Christ, who is'altogether lovely.' When we suffer a pure stream, as it were, to runthrough a dirty channel, our affections to run after the things of theworld, which are worse than ourselves, we lose our affections andourselves.

Let,therefore,thewholestreamofouraffectionsbecarrieduntoChrist.Lovehim,andwhatsoever ishis; forhebeingaltogether lovely, all thatcomesfromhimis lovely.Hispromises,hisdirections,hiscounsels,his

children, his sacraments, are all lovely. Whatsoever hath the stamp ofChristuponit,letusloveit.Wecannotbestowourheartsbetter,toloseourselvesintheloveofChrist,andtoforgetourselvesandtheloveofall.Yea,tohateallincomparisonofhim,andtoaccountall'dunganddross'comparedwithChrist, is theonlyway to findourselves.And indeedwehaveabetterconditioninhim,thanintheworldorinourselves.Severedfromhim, our condition is vain, andwill come tonothing; but thatwehave in him is admirable and everlasting. We cannot conceive thehappinesswhichwepoorwretchesareadvanced to inChrist; andwhatexcellent thingsabide forus,whichcome fromthe loveofGod tous inChrist,whoissoaltogetherlovely.ThereforeletuslabourtokindleinourheartsanaffectiontowardsChrist,allthatwecan,consideringthatheisthuslovely.

Use4.Andletusmakeanuseoftrial,whetherhebethuslovelytous,orno.WemayseehencewhetherweloveChristorno.Wemayjudgeofourlovebyouresteem.

1.HowdowevalueChrist?whatpricedoththechurchsetonhim?'Heisthe chief of ten thousand.' What place, then, should he have in ourhearts? If he be the chief of ten thousand, let us rather offend tenthousand than offend him. Let us say, with David, 'Whom have I inheavenbutthee?'&c.,Ps.73:25.AndwhenthesoulcansaytoChrist,orany that is Christ's (for I speak of him in the latitude of his truths,promises, sacraments,andcommunionwithhis children), 'Whathave Iinheavenbut thee?'&c., then it is inahappycondition. If these thingshavethesameplace inouresteem,as theyhave inrespectof theirownworth,thenwemaysaytruly,withouthypocrisy,'Heisaltogetherlovelytous,'thatwetrulylovehim.

2.Inthenextplace,arewereadytosufferforChrist?Weseethechurchhere endures anything for Christ. She was misused of the watchmen.Theyscornedher,andher 'veil is takenaway,'yetnotwithstanding, shelovesChriststill.DowestandreadydisposedtosufferforChrist?oftheworldtobedisgracedandcensured?andyetareweresolvednottogiveover?Nay,doweloveChristthemore,andsticktohistruththefaster?Certainlywhere the loveofChrist is, there isaspiritof fortitude,aswemaysee in the churchhere,who isnotdiscouraged fromChristbyany

means.He isstill thechiefof tenthousand.Whenshewaswrongedforseeking after him, yet he was altogether lovely.Whereas, on the otherhand, you have some that, for frowns of greatness, fear of loss, or forhopeofrising,willwarptheirconscience,anddoanything.WherenowislovetoChristandtoreligion?HethatlovesChrist,loveshimthemoreforhis cross, as theHolyGhost hath recorded of some, that they 'rejoicedthattheywerethoughtworthytosufferforChrist,'Acts5:41.Sothemorewe suffer for him, themore dear he will be to us. For indeed he dothpresenthimselfinloveandcomfortmost,tothosethatsufferforhissake;thereforetheirloveisincreased.

3.Again,whereloveis,thereitenlargeththeheart,whichbeingenlarged,enlargeththetonguealso.ThechurchhathneverenoughofcommendingChrist, and of setting out his praise. The tongue is loosed, because theheart is loosed. Love will alter a man's disposition. As we see inexperience,amanbaseofnature, lovewillmakehim liberal;he that istongue-tied,itwillmakehimeloquent.LetamanloveChrist,andthoughbeforehecouldnotspeakawordinthecommendationofChrist,andforagoodcause,yet,Isay,iftheloveofChristbeinhim,youshallhavehimspeakandlabourearnestlyinthepraisesofGod.Thishotaffection,thisheavenlyfire,willsomouldandalterhim,thatheshallbecleananotherman.Asweseeinthechurchhere,afterthattherewaskindledaspiritofloveinher,shecannothavedonewithChrist.Whenshehadspokewhatshecould,sheadds,'Heisaltogetherlovely.'ThosethatcannotspeakofChrist,orforChrist,withlargeheartsindefenceofgoodcauses,butaretongue-tied and cold in their affections, where is their love? Put anyworldlyman to a worldly theme that he is exercised in, and speaks ofdaily,hehathwitandwordsatwill;butputhimtoathemeofpiety,youlosehim:he isoutofhis theme,andoutofhis element.But 'tisnot sowiththosethathaveeverfelt the loveofGodinChrist.Theyhave largeaffections.HowfullisSaintPaul!HecannotspeakofChrist,butheisintheheight,breadth, length,anddepthof the loveofGod inChrist, andthe knowledge of God above all knowledge. Thus we may discern thetruthofourlovebytheexpressionsofithereasinthechurch.

4.Again,thechurchhereisnevercontenttillshefindChrist;whatsoevershehad,nothingcontentsher.Shewantedherbeloved.Asweseehere,

shegoesupanddowninquisitiveafterhimtillshefindhim.SoitiswithaChristian. Ifhehave lost,byhisown fault,his formercommunionwithChrist,hewillnot restnorbesatisfied;butsearchethhereand there intheuseofthisandthatmeans.HerunsthroughallGod'sordinancesandmeanstillhefindChrist.Nothingintheworldwillcontenthim,neitherhonour,riches,place,orfriends,tillhefindthatwhichheonceenjoyed,buthathnowforaseasonlost,thecomfortandassuranceofGod'sloveinChrist.

Now, ifwecansitdownwithotherthings,andcanwantChristandtheassuranceofsalvation,thatsweetreportoftheSpiritthatwearehis,andyet be contentedwell enough, here is an ill sign that aman is in an illcondition.Thechurchwasnotsodisposedhere.Shewasneverquiet,norgivesoverherinquisitionandspeakingofChrist(thatbyspeakingoftheobject shemightwarm her affections), until at the last shemeetswithChrist.TheseandthelikesignsthereareofthetruthoftheloveofChrist.ButwherethereisaflamingloveofChristthereisthisdegreefurther,adesireoftheappearanceofChrist,adesireofhispresence.ForifChristbesolovelyinhisordinances,ifwefindsuchsweetnessinthewordandsacraments, in the communion of saints, in the motions of the Spirit,whatisthesweetness,thinkyou,whichthesoulsinheavenenjoy,wheretheyseeChristfacetoface,seehimasheis?Hereuponthespousesaith,'Lethimkissmewiththekissesofhismouth.'Oh,thatImightliveinhispresence.ThisisthedesireofaChristiansoulwhentheflameofloveiskindledinanystrength,'Oh,thatImightseehim.'Andthereforeitlongsevenfordeath;forasfarasamanisspiritual,hedesirestobedissolvedand to be with Christ; as Simeon, when he saw him, though in hisabasement,'NowIhaveenough;letthyservantdepartinpeace,formineeyeshaveseenthysalvation,'Luke2:30.ThepresenceofChrist,thoughitwere but in the womb, when Mary, the mother of Christ, came toElizabeth, it caused the babe that was in her womb to spring. SuchcomfortthereisinthepresenceofChrist,thoughhebebutinthewomb,as itmadeJohntospring.What, then,shallbehispresence inheaven?Howwoulditmaketheheartspringthere,thinkyou?ForthatwhichismostlovelyinChrististocome.ThereforethesaintsthathaveanydegreeofgraceintheNewTestament,theyaresetoutbythisdescription.TheyweresuchaslovedtheappearingofourLordJesusChrist.Howcanitbe

otherwise?IftheyloveChrist,theylovetheappearingofChrist,whereinweshallbemadelovely,asheislovely.

Herewearenot'altogetherlovely;'forwehavemanydregsofsin,manyinfirmitiesandstains.Shallwenot,then,desirethattimewherein,asheis 'altogether lovely,' so shallwe bemade a fit spouse for so glorious ahusband?

Toconcludethispoint,letustryouraffectionsbythechurch'saffectionsinthisplace,whetherChristbesolovelytousornot.Itissaid,'Thereisnobeauty inhimwhenweshall seehim,andhewasdespisedofmen,'Isa.53:2.Hewasso,inregardofhiscrossandsufferings,totheeyeoftheworld and of carnalmen.Herod scornedhim;whenPilate sent him tohim,madenobodyofhim,asthewordintheoriginalis(q).TheylookedupontheoutsideofChristinthefleshwhenhewasabased.'Therewasnoform nor beauty in him,' saith the Holy Ghost, that is, to the sight ofcarnalmen;butthosethathadthesightoftheirsinswithspiritualeyes,they could otherwise judge of Christ. The poor centurion saw anexcellencyinhimwhenhesaid,'Hewasnotworthythatheshouldcomeunderhisroof,'Mat.8:8.ThepoorthiefsawtheexcellencyofChristuponthecrossinthosetorments.'Lord,remembermewhenthoucomestintothykingdom,'Luke23:42.

So those souls thatwereenlightened, thathad the sightof theirmiseryandthesightofGod's love inChrist,hadahighesteemofChrist inhisgreatestabasement.Therefore,ifwehaveameanesteemofthechildrenofGodas contemptiblepersons, andof theordinancesofGodasmeanthings,andofthegovernmentofChrist(suchashehathleftinhisword)asbase,itisanargumentofasinful,unworthydisposition.InsuchasoulChristhathneverbeeneffectuallybyhisSpirit; foreverything inhimislovely,eventhebitterestthingofall.Thereisamajestyandexcellencyinall thingsofChrist.Thecensuresof thechurchareexcellentwhen theyproceedandissueforthwithjudgment,astheyshoulddo,'todeliversuchamanovertoSatan,thathemaybesavedinthedayoftheLord,'1Cor.5:5.

Now, if the ordinances of Christ, the word and sacraments, and theshuttingsinnersoutofthechurch,ifthesethingsbevilifiedaspowerless

things,itshewsadegenerate,wickedheart,notacquaintedwiththewaysofGod.IfwehaveameanesteemofmenthatsufferforChristandstandout for him, if we account them so and so, shall we think ourselvesChristiansinthemeantime?WhenChristisaltogetherlovely,shalltheybeunlovelythatcarrytheimageofChrist?Canwelovehimthatbegets,and hate them that are begotten of him? Canwe love Christ, and hateChristians?Itcannotbe.

Now,thatwemaygetthisaffectionandesteemofChristthatissolovely,

Letuslabourtomakeoursinsbitterandloathsome,thatChristmaybesweet.

Quest.WhatisthereasonwesetnohigherapriceofChrist?

Ans. Because we judge not of ourselves as we are indeed, and wantspiritualeye-salvetoseeintoourselvesrightly.

2. And let us attend upon the means of salvation, to hear theunsearchable riches of Christ. What makes any man lovely to us, butwhenwehearoftheirriches,beauty,andgoodintenttous?Inthewordwe aremade acquaintedwith the good intent ofChrist towards us, therichesofmercyinforgivingoursins,andrichesofglorypreparedforus.Themorewehear ofhim, ofhis riches and love tous, themore itwillinflameourlovetoChrist.ThosethatlivewheretheordinancesofChristareheldforthwithlifeandpower,theyhavemoreheavenlyandenlargedaffectionsthanothershave,astheexperienceofChristianswilltestify.

3.Again,ifwewouldesteemhighlyofChristthathemaybelovelytous,let us joinwith company that highly esteem of Christ, and such as arebetter than ourselves. What deads the affections so much as carnal,worldly company, who have nothing in them but civility? By conversewith themwhohavediscourse of nothingbut theworld, if amanhaveheavenlyaffections,heshallquicklydull them,andbe indangerto losethem.Theymaybeconversedwithincivilthings,butwhenwewouldsettobeheavenlyandholyminded,letusconversewiththosethatareofanheavenly bent.Aswe seehere, 'thedaughters of Jerusalem' arewon toloveChrist.Bywhat?Byconversingwiththechurch.Uponthediscourse

thatthechurchmakesofhisexcellencies,inparticular,theybegintoask,WhereisChrist,asinthenextchapter;andsoareallbroughttotheloveofChrist.

THEEIGHTEENTHSERMON

His mouth is most sweet; yea, he is altogether lovely. This is mybeloved, and this ismy friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.—CANT.5:16.

Whitheristhybelovedgone,Othoufairestamongwomen?whitheris thy beloved turned aside? that wemay seek himwith thee?Mybelovedisgonedown,&c.—CANT.6:1,2.

BY this time the church hath well quit herself in that safe subject,commending her beloved; first in general, and then in particular. Sheaffirms in effect, there was none like him in general; which she aftermakesgood,inalltheparticularsofherdescription.Nowshesumsupallwithakindofsuperabundantexpression.WhatshallIsaymoreofhim?if thatwhich is saidbenot enough, thenknow farther,he is altogetherlovely.Therewerenoend togo throughallhisperfections;but lookonhimwholly, 'he isaltogether lovely,'and thereforedeservesmy love.Sothat there is no cause why you should wonder at the strength of myaffections,andcaretofindoutthismybelovedandthismyfriend,OyedaughtersofJerusalem.Thusweseehowthepitchofanenlightenedsoulisbent.Itaspirestothingssuitabletoitself;toGod-wards;tounionandcommunionwithChrist; to supernaturalobjects.Nothingherebelow isworthythenameofitsbeloved.Itfastensnotonearthly,basethings.Butthisismybeloved,andthis ismyfriend,thissoexcellentaperson,thisJedidiah,*thisbelovedSon,thisjudgeofall,Lordofall,thischiefoftenthousand.Herethechurchpitchesheraffections,whichsheconceals,notasashamedthereof,butinakindoftriumphing,boastingofherchoice.Sheconcludesallwithakindofresoluteassurance,thattheobjectofthisherchoiceisfarbeyondallcomparison.

'Thisismybeloved,andthisismyfriend,OdaughtersofJerusalem.'

Which is the closing up of her commendations of Christ. 'This is mybeloved,andthismyfriend,'&c.Whichshallonlybetouched,becausewehad occasion to speak thereof before. She calls Christ her beloved.Howsoever he had withdrawn himself in regard of the comfort andcommunionshehadwithhimbefore,yetheisherbelovedstill.

Thatwhichisspeciallytobestooduponis,thatthechurchheredothsetout not only in parcels, but in general, her beloved Christ. This is mybeloved.Shedoth,asitwere,boastinherbeloved.Whenceobserve:

AChristiansoulseemstogloryasitwereinChrist.

'Thisismybeloved,andthisismyfriend,OyedaughtersofJerusalem.'But tounfoldmore fully thispoint, therebe threeor fourendswhythechurch thusstandsupon theexpressionof theexcellenciesofChrist, inparticularandingeneral.

1.Theone, toshewthat it ismost just thatsheshould loveandrespecthiminwhomthereisallthistodeservelove.Bothinhimself,inregardofhisownexcellencies,so,andinrelationtous,inregardofhismeritsanddeserts.

2. Secondly, to justify her large affections before the world and allopposites. For the world thinks, what mean these who are calledChristians to haunt the exercises of religion, to spend somuch time ingoodthings?Theywonderat it forwantofbetter information.Nowthechurch here, to justify her large expressions, says, 'This ismy beloved,thisismyfriend,OyedaughtersofJerusalem.'

3.Andnotonlytojustify,butlikewisetoglorytherein,asyouhaveit,Ps.44:8.ThechurchthereboastsofGod,'Iwillmakemyboastoftheealltheday long.' So that Christians may not only justify their course of lifeagainstenemies,butinsomesortboastofChrist,asPauloftdoth.Andheshewsthereasonofit,thatGodhathmadeChristtousallinall,wisdom,righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, 1 Cor. 1:30, thatwhosoevergloriethmightgloryintheLord,ver.31.Foritisnotamatter

ofgloryinginthechurchwhenshehathsuchaheadandsuchahusband.'This is my beloved.' The wife shines in the beams of her husband.Thereforethisyieldsmatternotonlyofjustificationbutofglory.

4.Andnext,inthefourthplace,thechurchisthuslargeandshutsupallwitharepetition,'Thisismybeloved,'toenlargeherownaffectionsandto feed our own love. For love feeds upon this fuel, as it were; uponexpressionsandmeditationsof thepersonor thing loved.Love is, as itwere, wages of itself. The pains it takes is gain to itself. To the churchhere,itisanargumentpleasing.Shedilatesuponacopioustheme.ImaytrulysaythereisnogreatercomforttoaChristian,norareadierwaytoenlargetheaffectionsafterChrist,thantospeakoftoftheexcellenciesofChrist;tohavehistongueasthepenofareadywriterfurnishedthisway,'Thisismybeloved,'&c.

5. In the fifth place, another end of thismay be, to aggravate her ownshame, as indeedGod's children aremuch in this argument; that upontheir second thoughts of Christ'sworthiness, and therewithal reflectingupontheirownunworthinessandunkindness,theymayrelishChristthebetter.Thereforethechurchhere,thatitmightappeartoherself,forherhumiliation, how unkind she had been to shut the door against Christwhenheknocked (whereuponhedeservedlydidwithdrawhimself, andmadeherseekhimsolongsorrowing),Itellyou,saysshe,whatakindofbelovedheis,thusandthusexcellent.HowdidtheconsiderationofGod'skindnessandlovemeltDavid'sheartafterthathorriblesininthematterofUriah, 2 Sam. 12:13; and the sweet looks of Christ uponPeter,Mat.26:75, that hadbeen sounkind,meltedhim. Sohere the church,whenshe considered how unkind she had been to Christ her beloved, soincomparablyexcellentaboveotherbeloveds,tolethimstandatthedoor,tillhislockswerewetwiththedewofthenight,theconsiderationhereofmadeherashamedofherself.What!soexcellent,sodeservingapersonasmybelovedistome,tobeusedofmeso!whatindignityisthis!Thustoraiseup theaggravationofherunkindness,noquestionbut the churchtakesthiscourse.ForGod'schildrenarenotasuntowardworldlingsandhypocrites, afraid to searchand tounderstand themselves.The childofGodlovestobewellreadinhisownheartandunworthyways.Thereforehelaysalltheblamehecanuponhimselfeveryway.Heknowsheloseth

nothingbythis;forthereismoremercyinChristthanthereissininhim.And the more sin abounds in his own feeling, the more grace shallabound.HeknowsthemysteryofGod'scarriage inthiskind.Thereforefor thisend,amongst therest,shesays, 'This ismybeloved,andthis ismyfriend,'whomIhavesounkindlyused.

6.Andthelastreasonwhythechurchisthuslargewas,todrawandwinduptheaffectionsofthosewell-meaningChristiansthatwerecomerson,whowere inquisitive of theway to Zion. O ye daughters of Jerusalem,that youmay know that there is some cause to seek after Christmorethanyouhavedonebefore,Itellyouwhatanexcellentpersonmybelovedis;towhettheiraffectionsmoreandmore.Andweseethesuccessofthisexcellentdiscourse in thebeginningof thenextchapter. 'Whither is thybelovedgone?'&c.

These and the like reasons there are of the large expressions of thechurch,of theexcellenciesofChrist. 'This ismybeloved,andthis ismyfriend, O ye daughters of Jerusalem.' But we will single out of thesereasonsforuse,thatwhichIthinkfittestforustomakeuseof.

Letus thenoft thinkof theexcellenciesofChrist for thisend, to justifyour endeavours and pains we take in the exercises of religion, and tojustifyGod'speoplefromthefalseimputationsoftheworld,thattheylayuponthem;asiftheywerenegligentinothermatters,andweretoomuchbusiedinspiritualthings.Youseehowlargethechurchisinsettingouttheexcellenciesofherbeloved,andthensheshutsupall (beingable tosay nomore) justifying our cause, 'This is my beloved, and this is myfriend.'Do youwonder that I seek somuch after him then? orwonderyou at Christians,when they take such pains to keep their communionwithChristinaholywalkingwith,anddependinguponGod?Thesearenowonders,ifyouconsiderhowexcellentChristis,whathehathdoneforus,andwhathekeepsforusinanotherworld?thathewillpreserveustohis heavenly kingdom, till he put us into possession of that gloriousconditionthathehathpurchased?Lettheheartsofmendwellupontheconsiderationofthesethings,andthenyoushallseethatGod'schildrenare rather to be blamed that they are no more careful, watchful, andindustrious, thantobe taxedthat theyaresomuch.OurSaviourChristsaid,'Wisdomisjustifiedofallherchildren,'Mat.11:19.Ifyouwillmake

good that you are children of wisdom, youmust be able to justify thewisdom of God every way, to justify your reading, hearing, yourcommunion of saints; to justify all the exercises of religion from anexperimentaltasteandsweetnessofthem,asthechurchdothhere,'Thisismybeloved.'WhatsaysJoshua?'ThischoiceIhavemade;doyouwhatyouwill,itmattersmenot,butIandmyhousewillservetheLord,'Josh.24:15.SoPaulmakesavoluntaryprofessionofhisaffection,Rom.1:2,'Iam not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.' Let the gospel beentertainedintheworldasitwill,andletothersthinkofmeastheywill,thatIamforwardinthepreachingofit;Iamnotashamedofit.Andgoodreasonhehadnottobeashamed;foritisthepowerofGodtosalvation,to all that believe; yea the savingpower tous.Andhavenot I cause tostandinthedefenceofit?Andsohesaith,'IknowwhomIhavebelieved,'&c.,2Tim.1:12.Iamnotashamedtosufferbondsforhissake.Thoughtheworld thoughthimameanperson, 'Iwillnotbe scornedoutofmyfaithandreligionbyshallow,emptypersons,thatknownotwhatChristand religionmeaneth.'No; 'I knowwhomIhavebelieved;he is able tokeepthatthatIhavecommittedtohimagainstthatday.'Letusthereforebeabletojustifyfromajudiciousapprehension,sweetdivinetruths.YouseewhatjustificationsthereareofthechurchofGod,'Whereforeshouldtheheathensay,WhereisnowtheirGod?'Micah7:10,andPs.42:10.Oh,itwenttoDavid'sheart,whentheysaid,'WhereisnowtheirGod,''WhatwasbecomeofhisGod,'whenhewasleftintrouble,asthechurchhere.Andwhatdothheanswer?Dothheletitgowithaquestion?No,sayshe;ourGodisinheaven,Ps.113:4,andhathdonewhatsoeverhepleased.

Andthisjustificationofreligion,youmayknowbythissign.Itiswiththedesertion of all discourses opposite to religion whatsoever. He thatjustifies the truth, he esteemsmeanly of other courses and discourses.Therefore in the next verse the church vilifies the idols. Our God is inheaven, anddothwhatsoeverhepleaseth; the idols are silver andgold,theworkofmen'shands:theyhaveeyesandseenot,earsandhearnot,Ps. 115:6. And themore we justify Christ, themore we will be againstantichristandhisreligion.Wemayknowtheowningoftheonetruthbythe vilifying the other. Let us labour therefore to grow to such aconvincingknowledgeofChrist;thegoodthingsinhim;andthewaysofGod,aswemaybeabletostandoutagainstalloppositionofthegatesof

hellwhatsoever.

AndtothisendproceedinthestudyofChrist,andtoadeepersearchofhim,andoftheexcellenciesandgoodthingsinhim,thatwemaysayasMicah7:18,'WhoisaGodliketothee,thatpardonssinsandiniquities?'andasDavid,Ps.113,'WhoisaGodlikeourGod,thathumblethhimselftobeholdthethingsdoneherebelow?'

Anddesirealsotothispurpose, thespiritofrevelation, thatwhichPaulpraysfor,Eph.3:18,'thatwemayknowthatknowledgethatisaboveallknowledge, the height, depth, and breadth of God's love in Christ.' Sosweet is God in the greatest abasements of his children, that he leavessuchatasteinthesoulofaChristian,thatfromthencehemaybeabletosay, 'This ismy beloved,' when his beloved seems not to care for him.WhenthechurchseemedtobedisrespectedandneglectedofChrist,yetshe says, 'This ismy beloved, and this ismy friend,O ye daughters ofJerusalem.'

Shallrichmenboastoftheirriches?Shallmenthatareinfavour,boastofthefavourofgreatpersons?Shallamanthathathlargepossessionsboastand think himself as good and as great as his estate is? Shall a base-mindedworldlingbeabletoboast?'Whyboastestthouthyself,Omightyman?'Ps.52:1.Nay,youshallhavemalignant-spiritedmenboastoftheirmalignantdestructivepower.Icandothisandthatmischief.Shallamanboastofmischief,thatheisabletodomischief?andhathnotaChristianmore cause to boast in God and in salvation? Lord, shine onme, saysDavid,Ps.4:6, letmeenjoy the lightof thycountenance;andthatshallbringmemorejoythantheyhave,whentheircornandwineincreaseth.Know this, as he goes an in the same psalm, that God accepts therighteousman.

ThereforeletusthinkwehavemuchmorecausetoboastofGodandofChristinaspiritualmanner,thantheworldlinghathoftheworld.IsnotGod and Christ our portion? and having Christ, havewe not all thingswithChrist?Putcaseallthingsbetookfromus.IfamanhaveChrist,heisrichthoughhehavenothingelse.Ifhehaveallwithouthim,hisplentyis (as a father saith, and as it is in truth) beggary.Butwhosoever hathChristmay thus rejoicewithDavid, 'The lot is fallen tome in pleasant

places;yea,Ihaveagoodlyheritage,'Ps.16:6.WouldwehavemorethanGod in Christ, a ring with a diamond very precious in it? Now thedaughtersofJerusalem,hearingthislargeexpressionofaffection,ask,

'Whither is thy beloved gone,O thou fairest amongwomen?whither isthybelovedturnedaside?thatwemayseekhimwiththee,'chap.6:1.

Hereisanotherquestion.ThefirstwhichthedaughtersofJerusalemaskis,'Whatisthybeloved?'whereuponthechurchtookoccasiontoexpresswhat her beloved was: upon her expression closing up all with thisgeneral,'Thisismybeloved,andthisismyfriend.'

Thenthesecondquestionis,'Whitheristhybelovedgone?'Onequestionbegets another; and indeed if this question be well satisfied, what isChristaboveothers?thiswillfollowagain.Whereishe?HowshallIgethim?Howshall I seekhim?What is the reason this secondquestion isseldommade?Whither ishegone?howshall I getChrist?Because theformerquestion,namely, 'What isChrist? is so seldommade.For ifwedid once knowwhat Christ is, wewould be surewith the daughters ofJerusalemtoaskwhitherishegone,thatwemayseekhimwiththee.

We see here is a growth in the desires of the daughters of Jerusalem,whencewelearn,

That grace, though it be in never so little proportion at the first, it isgrowingstill.

From the first question, 'What is thy beloved?' here is a second, uponbetter information, 'Whither is thybelovedgone, thatwemayseekhimwiththee?'Nothingislessthangraceatthefirst,nothingintheworldsolittle in proportion. The kingdom of heaven is compared to a grain ofmustardseed,Mat.13:31,seq.Thatis,theworkofgraceintheheart,aswellasinthepreachingofthegospel,inthebeginningislittle.Itistrueoftheworkofgrace,aswellasofthewordofgrace,thatitislikeagrainof mustard seed at first. 'What is thy beloved?' inquires the church atfirst;butwhenshehearsoftheexcellencyofChrist,then,'Whitheristhybeloved gone?' Grace begets grace. There is a connection and knittingtogetherinreligion.Goodthingsbegetgoodthings.It isastrangething

inreligionhowgreatamatterarisethofalittlebeginning.ThewomanofSamariahadbutasmallbeginningofgrace,andyetshepresentlydrewmany of her neighbours to believe in Christ. SoAndrew, John 1:41. Assoonashewasconverted,hefindshisbrotherSimon,andtellshimthathe had found theMessiah, and so brings him to Christ. AndPhilip, assoonashehadgotasparkof faithhimself,hedrawsalsoNathanael tocometoChrist.Paulspeaksofhisbonds,howthenoiseof themwas inCæsar's court, Philip. 1:13, and many believed the very report, which,howsoeveritisnotaworkingcause,yetitmaybeapreparing,inducing,leadingcausetosuchthings,fromonethingtoanother,tilltherefollowthischangeandfullconversion.YouseeherethedaughtersofJerusalemgrowing.Therefore, letus labour tobeundergoodmeans.Someof theRomists and others, which are ill affected and grounded in that point,they thinkthat theefficacyofgrace is,aswecall it, fromthecongruity,fitness, andproportionof themeans to theheart andwill ofman.Andthereupon God converts one and not another, because there is acongruousandfitofferingofmeanstohimwhenheisfitlydisposed,andanotherisnotfitlydisposed.Therefore,therefollowsnotuponiteffectualcalling.Sothatthevirtueofthemeansoffereddependsuponsuitablenessandfitnessinthepartytowhomthemeansareoffered,andnotuponthepowerandblessingofGod.Verily, this isplausible,andgoesdownveryroundlywithmanyweakpersons;butthisisafalseandagrosserror,forunless God by his Holy Spirit do work by themeans, no planting andwateringwillbringanyincrease,andchangetheheartandmind.Thoughthere were greater means in Christ's time when he wrought thesemiracles, than any time before, yet all those could not convert thatfroward generation; and it was Moses's complaint in the wilderness,wheretheyhadabundanceofmeans,'Godhathnotgivenyouahearttoperceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear until this day,' Deut. 29:4.When a man is planted under good means and frequents them, thenordinarily it pleasethGod,by the inwardworkingsofhis ownpowerfulSpirit, toworkgreatermatters; and those thatkeepoutofGod's reach,thatwillnotcomeintoplaceswheretheymayheargoodthings,thereisnohopeofthem.Thoughtherebemanyillfishinthenet,yetthereisnohopetocatchthemthatarewithoutthenet.Sothosethatarekeptoutofall opportunities and occasions whereby God's Spirit may work uponthem,thereisnohopeofthem.

Let us learn this heavenlywisdom, to advantage ourselves thisway, byimprovingallgoodopportunitieswhatsoeverwherebywemaylearn;forGodworksbyoutwardmeans.Goodcompanyandgooddiscourse,thesebreed excellent thoughts. As, therefore, we love our souls, take alladvantageswhereintheSpiritofGodworks.Weshallfindincrediblefruitthereof,morethanwewouldbelieve.Buttocometothequestion.

1.Seehere,firstofall,inthisquestiontheblessedsuccessofthechurch'sinquiry after Christ in the daughters of Jerusalem after they heard thelargeexplicationsof theexcellenciesofChrist,especiallyby thechurch,whom they had a good conceit of, for they call her 'the fairest amongwomen.'

Andseeing,likewise,theconfidenceofthechurch,shestandstoit,'Thisismybeloved;'yea,also,eagernessinthechurchtoseekafterhim,theywouldseekhimwithher.Sothatwherethesemeet,alargeunfoldingofthe truth of God, and that by persons that are known to be good,wellaccepted,andconceitedof,andwhere there isa largedemonstrationofrealaffection,andthethingsarespokenofwithconfidence,asknowingwhattheysay;theword,Isay,somanaged,itisneverwithoutwondroussuccess.

(1.)For in thecourseofreason,whatcanIhave tosay,consideringthepartywhospeaksisanexcellentperson?HeiswiserandholierthanI;hetakes toheart these things; and shall not I affect thatwhich those thathavebetterpartsandgracesdo?

(2.) Then, withal, I see not only excellent persons do it, but I see howearnesttheyare.Surelythereissomematterinit;forpersonssoholy,sowise,andgracioustobesoearnest,surelyeithertheyaretoblame,orIamtoodullandtoodead;butIhavemostcausetosuspectmyself.

(3.)And to see themcarriedwitha spiritof confidence,as if theywerewell enough advised when they deliver this, 'This is my beloved,' inparticular,andthentoshutupallingeneral,'Thisismybeloved,andthisis my friend;' I say, when there is grace and life in the heart, andearnestness with confidence, this, together with the explication of theheavenlyexcellenciesofChristandofreligion,ithathadmirablesuccess.

As here in the church, 'the fairest among women,' the 'daughters ofJerusalem,'seeing thechurchwassoearnest,confident,andso large intheexplicationoftheexcellenciesofChrist,seehowitworks.Itdrawsoutthisquestionwithresolution.TheyjoinwiththechurchinseekingChrist,'Whither is thy beloved gone,O thou fairest amongwomen?whither isthybelovedturnedaside?thatwemayseekhimwiththee.'Wherebythewayobserve,asthechurchbeforedoublesit,'Thisismybeloved,andthisis my friend,' so they answer with a double question, 'Whither is thybelovedgone?whitherisheturnedaside?Othoufairestamongwomen,'&c.Fromthisappellationnote,

2.Ifwewouldbehappy instruments toconvertothers,beingconvertedourselves, labour to be such as the world may think to be good andgracious.'Othoufairestamongwomen,'fairintherobesofChristtook*outofhiswardrobe.All thebeautyandornamentsthatthechurchhathshehathfromChrist.Letuslabourtobesuchastheworldmayconceitare good persons.We say of physicians, when the patient hath a goodconceit of them, the cure is half wrought. So the doctrine is halfpersuadedwhenthereisagoodconceitofthespeaker.

3. Again, labour to be earnest. If we would kindle others, wemust bewarmed ourselves; if we would make others weep, we must weepourselves. Naturalists could observe this. The church spake this withlargeexpressions, indeed,morethancanbeexpressed.Letus labourtobedeeplyaffectedwithwhatwespeak,andspeakwithconfidenceasifweknewwhatwe spoke, as the apostle Johndoth, in the beginning of hisepistle, to bring others to be better persuaded of his doctrine. Heaffirmeth 'that which was from the beginning, which we have heard,whichwehaveseenwiththeseoureyes,whichwehavelookedupon,andthesehandsofourshavehandledofthewordoflife'hedeliveredtothem,1John1:1.

Forwhenweareconfidentfromspiritualexperience,itiswonderfulhowwe shall be instruments of God to gain upon others. So Peter. 'Wefollowednot,' sayshe, 'deceivable fables,whenweopeneduntoyou thepowerandcomingofourLordJesusChrist,butwithoureyeswesawhismajesty,'2Pet.1:16.

Donotthinkitbelongsonlytotheministry.ThereisanartofconversionthatbelongstoeveryonethatisagrownChristian,towinothers.

'Whitheristhybelovedgone,Othoufairestamongwomen?'

Thenextobservationoutof thewords,because it is theespecial,whichworksuponthedaughtersofJerusalem, is fromthe largeexplicationofChrist.

ThatwhichmostofallstirsupholyaffectionstosearchafterChrististhelargeexplicationsofhisexcellencies.

Thenbe in lovewith theministry of the gospel and the communion ofsaints,whohave their tongues and their hearts taught ofGod to speakexcellently.Theirtonguesareasrefinedsilver;theirheartsareenrichedto increase the communion of saints, Prov. 10:20. Mark this oneexcellency of that excellent ordinance of God in Christ, whereof Paulsaith,Eph.3:7,8, 'Tome iscommitted thisexcellentoffice, to layopenthe unsearchable riches of Christ;' such riches as may draw you towonder, such 'as eye hath never seen, nor ear heard, nor hath enteredinto the heart of man to conceive,' 1 Cor. 2:9; and so to draw theaffectionsofpeopleafterthem.

And because it is the special office of theministry to layHimopen, toholdupthetapestry,tounfoldthehiddenmysteriesofChrist,labourwe,therefore, tobealway speaking somewhataboutChrist, or tending thatway.Whenwespeakof the law, let itdriveus toChrist;whenofmoralduties,toteachustowalkworthyofChrist.Christ,orsomewhattendingtoChrist,shouldbeourthemeandmarktoaimat.

ThereforewhatshallwejudgeofthosethatarehinderersofthisgloriousordinanceofChristinthegospel?TheyareenemiesofconversionandofthecallingofGod'speople;enemiesoftheircomfort.Andwhatshallwethink of those wretched and miserable creatures that, like Cain, arevagabonds? who wander, and will not submit themselves to anyordinancemeekly,butkeepthemselvesoutofthisblessedopportunityofhearingtheexcellenciesofChrist,whichmightdrawtheirheartstohim?Wearemade forever, ifChristandwebeone. Ifwehaveall theworld

withouthim,itisnothing;ifwehavenothingintheworldbutChrist,wearehappy.Oh!happythenwhenthismatchismadebetweenChristandthe soul! The friends of the bride and of Christ, they, laying open theunsearchable riches of Christ to the spouse, draw the affections, workfaith,andsobringthebrideandthebridegroomtogether.

Thus far of the question. Now we have the church's answer to thedaughtersofJerusalem.

'Mybelovedisgoneintohisgarden,tothebedsofspices,tofeedinthegardens,andtogatherlilies.'

Thequestionwasnotforabaresatisfaction,butfromadesirethechurchhadtoseekChrist.'Whitheristhybelovedgone,thatwemayseekhim?'It was not a curious question, but a question of inquisition tending topractice. Many are inquisitive; but when they know another man'smeaning,itisalltheydesire.NowIknowyourmeaning,willtheysay,butI mean not to follow your counsel. The daughters of Jerusalem had amore sincere intention, 'O thou fairest among women, whither is thybeloved turnedaside? thatwemay seekhimwith thee.'Whereunto thechurchanswered,

'Mybelovedisgoneintohisgarden,tothebedsofspices,tofeedinthegardens.'Wherewesee,

The church is not squeamish, but directly answers to the question. Forthere is no envy in spiritual things, because they may be divided insolidum.Onemayhaveasmuchasanother,andallalike.Envyisnotinthose things that are not divisible; in other things, themore one hath,anotherhaththeless.Butthereisnoenvyingraceandglory,becauseallmaysharealike.Thereforehereisnoenvyintheanswer,asifshedeniedthedaughters of Jerusalem the enjoyingofherbeloved.No. If youwillknow,saysshe,Iwilltellyoudirectlywhithermybelovedisgone.

'Mybelovedisgoneintohisgarden,tothebedofspices,'&c.

God hath two gardens. The church catholic is his garden, and everyparticular church are gardens and beds of spices, in regard thatmany

ChristiansaresowntherethatChrist'ssouldelightsin,asinsweetspices.Thiswasspokenofbeforeatlargeinchapter5:1,whythechurchiscalledagarden,beinga severedplace from thewaste.*The church is severedfromthewildernessoftheworldinGod'scareandlove;likewisehetendsandweeds his church and garden. As for thewaste of theworld, he iscontentthewildernessshouldhavebarrenplants,buthewillnotenduresuch in his garden. Therefore those that give themselves liberty to benaughtinthechurchofGod,hewillhaveatimetorootthemout.Treesthatarenotforfruitshallbeforthefire;andaboveallothertreestheirdoomshallbetheheaviestthatgrowinGod'sgardenwithoutfruit.Thatfig-treeshallbecursed,Luke13:6–9.

Menarepleasedwithansweringthebillofaccusationagainstthemthus:Arewenotbaptized?anddowenot come to church?&c.Whatdoyoumakeofus?Yettheyareabominableswearers,andfilthyintheirlives.TosuchIsay,themoreGodhathliftyouupandhonouredyouintheuseofthemeans, themore just shall yourdamnationbe, that youbring forthnothingbutbriersandbrambles,Heb.6:4,seq.,thegrapesofSodomandthevineofGomorrah,Deut.32:32.Heavywillthedoombeofmanythatliveinthechurch'sbosom,towhomithadbeenbettertohavebeenborninAmerica (r), inTurkey, or in themost barbarousparts in theworld.They have a heavy account tomake that have been such ill proficientsunderabundanceofmeans.Thereforeitoughttobetakentoheart.

'Mybelovedisgoneintohisgarden,tothebedsofspices,tofeedinthegardens,andtogatherlilies.'

That is, having first planted them lilies here, to gather them, and totransport them out of the garden here to the garden in heaven, wherethereshallbenothingbutlilies.ForthechurchofGodhathtwogardensor paradises since the first paradise (whereof that was a resemblance),theparadiseofthechurchandtheparadiseofheaven.AsChristsaithtothegoodthief, 'Thisdaythoushaltbewithmeinparadise,'Luke23:43;sothosethataregoodplantsintheparadiseofthechurch,theyshallbeglorious plants also in the paradise of heaven. We must not alway behere;weshallchangeoursoil,andbetakenintoheaven.'Heisgoneintohisgardentogatherlilies.'

1. Christians are compared to lilies for their purity and whiteness,unspotted in justification; and for their endeavours in sanctity andholiness,whereinalsoat lengththeyshallbewhollyunspotted.It istheend they are chosen to, 'to be holy without blame before him in love,'Eph.1:4.GodandChristlooksuponthemwithoutblame,notastheyareheredefiledandspotted,butastheyintend,bylittleandlittle,topurgeand purify themselves by the Spirit that is in them, that they may bealtogether without blame. They are lilies, being clothed with the whitegarment of Christ's righteousness, not having a natural whiteness andpurity (s). Thewhiteness and purity of God's children is borrowed. Alltheir beauty and garments are taken out of another's wardrobe. Thechurch is all glorious within; but she borrows her glory, as the moonborrowsallherlightfromthesun.Thechurch'sexcellencyisborrowed.Itisherown,butbygift;butbeingonceherown,itisherownforever.

The church before was likened to a garden culled out, an Eden, aparadise. Now there, you know, were four streams, sweet and goodlyrivers,whichwateredparadise;theheadsofwhichriverswerewithoutit.So thechurchofGod,hergracesareherown; that is, theSpiritofGodcomes through her nature, purgeth and purifieth it; but the spring ofthosegraces,asinparadise,isoutofherself.

2. And then the lily is a tall, goodly plant. Therefore the church iscompared to them. Othermen are compared to thorns, not only for anoxious,hurtfulqualityinthem,butfortheirbasenesslikewise.Whatarethornsgoodfor,but tocumber theground, toeatout theheartof it, tohidesnakes,andforthefire?Wickedmenarenotlilies,butthorns.Theyarebase,meanpersons.Antiochus,Dan.11:21,issaidtobeavileperson,though he were a king, because he was a naughty*man.Wickedmen,though they be never so great, being void of the grace of God, are vilepersons.Thoughwemust respect them in regardof theirplaces, yet asthey are in their qualification, they are vile and base thorns. But thechurch is not so, but as a lily among thorns, that is, among vile andabominablepersons.

Use1.TheuseistocomfortGod'schildren.Theyhaveanexcellencyandgloryinthem,which,howsoeveritisnotfromthem,yetitistheirsbygift,and eternally theirs. Therefore let them comfort themselves against all

the censures of sinful persons that labour to trample them under foot,andthinkbaselyandmeanlyofthem,asoftheoffscouringoftheworld.Lettheunworthyworldthinkofthemastheywill,theyareliliesinGod'sesteem,andaresoindeed;gloriouspersonsthathavetheSpiritofgloryrestinguponthem,1Pet.4:14,andwhomtheworldisnotworthyof,Heb.11:38,thoughtheirglorybewithin.Thereforeletusgloryinit,thatGodvouchsafethsavinggracetousaboveanyotherprivilege.

Use 2.Again, it comforts us in all ourwantswhatsoever, thatGodwilltake care for us.Christ useth this argument.God saith, he clotheth theliliesofthefieldwithanexcellentbeauty;hecaresevenforthemeanestplants,andwillhenot takecare foryou,Oyeof little faith?Mat.6:29.Dothhe care for lilies, thatare to-day, and to-morroware cast into theoven?andshallhenotcarefortheliliesofparadise,thelivinglilies,thoseholyreasonablelilies?Undoubtedlyhewill.OurSaviourChrist'sreasonisundeniable. He that puts such a beauty upon the poor plants, thatflourishto-dayinthemorning,andwitherbeforenight;hethatputssuchabeautyuponthegrassofthefield;willhenotputmoreexcellencyuponhis children?will henot provide for them, feed them?Undoubtedly hewill.ThuswehaveshewedwhyGod'schildreninthechurchofGodarecomparedtolilies.

'Togatherlilies.'Christissaidtogathertheselilies,thatis,hewillgatherthemtogether.Christwillnothavehisliliesalone,scattered.Thoughheleavesthemoftaloneforawhile,yethewillgatherthemtocongregationsandchurches.Thenameof a church in theoriginal isEcclesia (t). It isnothingbuta companygatheredoutof theworld.Dowe think thatweare lilies bynature?No;we are thorns andbriers.Godmakesus lilies,andthengathersustootherlilies,thatonemaystrengthenanother.TheSpirit of God in his children is not a spirit of separation of ChristiansfromChristians,butaspiritofseparationfromthewaste,wildwildernessof the world, as we say of fire, Congregat homogenea et disgregatheterogenea. It congregates all homogeneal things, as gold, which itgathers, but disgregates heterogeneal things, consumeth dross. So theSpiritofGodseversthorns,andgatherslilies;gathersChristianstogetherinthechurch,andwillgatherthemforeverinheaven.

ThusweseetheanswerofthechurchtothedaughtersofJerusalem,what

it was, with the occasion thereof; the question of the daughters ofJerusalem, 'Whither is thy beloved gone?' So that the church wasbeholdentothedaughtersofJerusalemforministeringsuchaquestion,to give her occasion to know better what her beloved was. Indeed, wemany times gain by weaker Christians. Good questions, though fromweak ones, minister suitable answers. It is a Greek proverb, that'doubtingbegetsplentyandabundance,' fordoubtingat the firstbegetsresolutionat last.O! thatwecould takeoccasionhence to thinkof this.What excellent virtue is in the communion of saints, when they meetabout heavenly exercises!What a blessing followswhen, though at theentry their affectionsmay be flat and dull, yet they part not so! Christheatsandinflamestheirheartstodomuchgoodtooneanother.O!thosethatshallforeverlivetogetherinheaven,shouldtheynotdelighttolivemoretogetheronearth?

THENINETEENTHSERMON

I ammybeloved's, andmybeloved ismine;he feedeth among thelilies.—CANT.6:3.

THESEwordsareakindoftriumphantacclamationuponalltheformerpassages;asitwere,thefootofthesong.Forwhenthechurchhadspokenformerly of her ill-dealingwithChrist, andhowhe thereuponabsentedhimselffromher,withmanyotherpassages,sheshutsupallatlastwiththis,'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine.'

Now she begins to feel some comfort from Christ, who had estrangedhimself from her. O! saith she, notwithstanding all my sufferings,desertions, crosses, and the like, 'I ammybeloved's, andmybeloved ismine,'wordsexpressingthewondrouscomfort,joy,andcontentmentthechurchnowhadinChrist;havingherheartinflamedwithloveuntohim,uponhismanifestingofhimselftohersoul. 'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine:hefeedethamongthelilies.'

Thereisamutualintercourseandvicissitudeofclaiminginterestbetwixt

Christ and his church. I am Christ's, and Christ is mine. 'I am mybeloved's,andmybelovedismine.'

Fromthedependenceandorderofthewordscominginafteradesertionforawhile,observe,

ThatChristwillnotbelongfromhischurch.

Thespiritualdesertions (forsakings,asweuse tocall them),howsoevertheybeveryirksometothechurch(that lovescommunionwithChrist),and to a loving soul to be deprived of the sense of her beloved, yetnotwithstanding they are but short. Christ will not be long from hischurch.Hisloveandherdesirewillnotlethim.Theyofferviolence.Whyart thou absent? say they.Why art thou so far off, and hidest thyself?Josephmayconcealhimselfforaspace,buthewillhavemuchadosotohold long, to be straitened to his brethren. Passion will break out. SoChrist may seem hard to be entreated, and to cross his own sweetdisposition,astothewomanofCanaan,buthewillnotlongkeepatthisdistance.Heissoonovercome. 'O!woman,great isthyfaith;havewhatthou wilt,' Mat. 15:28.When she strove with him a little (as faith is astrivinggrace), seehow shedidwinuponhim!So the angel andJacobmaystriveforawhile,butJacobatthelengthprovesIsrael;heprevailswith God, Gen. 32:24, seq. So it is with the Christian soul and Christ.Howsoevertherebedesertion,forcausesbeforementioned,becausethechurchwasnegligent, aswehear, andpartly for the time to come, thatChrist,byhisestrangement,mightsweetenhiscomingagainhowsoevertheremay be strangeness for a time, yetChristwill return again to hisspouse.

Use1.Theuseshouldbenotonlyforcomforttostayusinsuchtimes,buttoteachuslikewisetowait,andnevergiveover.Ifthechurchhadgivenoverhere,shehadnothadsuchgraciousmanifestationsofChristtoher.Learnhence,therefore,thisuse,towaitGod'sleisure.Godwillwaittodogoodtothemthatwaitonhim,Isa.30:18.Ifwewaithisleisure,hewillwaitanopportunityofdoinggoodtous.WhenGodseemsnottoanswerourprayers,letusyetwait.Weshallnotlosebyourtarrying.Hewillwaittodousgood.

Use2. In thenextplace,observe,after this temporarydesertion,Christvisitshischurchwithmoreabundantcomfortthaneverbefore.

Now, the church cannot hold, 'My beloved ismine, and I am his;' andChrist cannot hold, but falls into a large commendation of his spousebackagain.Asshewaslargeinhiscommendations,soheislargeinhers,and more large. He will have the last word. Therefore, learn by thisexperience, 'that all thingswork together for thebest to them that loveGod,'Rom.8:28.Allthings.What?evil?Ay,evil.Why,evensinturnstotheirhumiliation;yea,anddesertion (thosespiritual ills), turns to theirgood;forChristseemstoforsakeforawhile,thathemaycomeafterwithmoreabundanceofcomfort.Whenoncehehathenlargedthesoulbeforewithaspaciousdesireofhiscoming,tosay,O!thathewouldcome;whenthesoulisthusstretchedwithdesireinthesenseofwant,thenhefillsitagaintillitburstforth,'Mybelovedismine,andIamhis.'ItwasagoodexperimentofBernard,anholymaninilltimes,tibiaccidit,&c.,speakingofChrist'sdealingwithhischurch.Hecomesandhegoethawayforthygood.Hecomesforthygoodtocomfortthee;afterwhich,ifthoubenotcareful to maintain communion with him, then he goeth away for thygood,tocorrectthyerror,andtoenlargethydesireofhimagain,toteachtheetolaysureandfasterholduponhimwhenthouhasthim,nottolethimgoagain.

Ifyouwouldseeaparallelplacetothis,lookinCant.3,wherethereisthelikecaseofthespouseandChrist,'BynightonmybedIsoughthim.'ThechurchsoughtChristnotonlybyday,butbynight, 'Isoughthimwhommy soul loved.' Though she wanted him, yet her soul loved himconstantly.ThoughaChristian'ssoulhavenotpresentcommunionwithChrist, yet hemay truly say,My soul loves him, because he seeks himdiligently and constantly in the use of all the means. So we see thechurch, before my text, calls himmy beloved still, though she wantedcommunionwithhim.Well,shegoeson, 'Isoughthim,butIfoundhimnot.'Would the church give over there?No; then she riseth and goethabout the city, and about the streets, and 'seeks him whom her soulloved,' seekshim,andwillnotgiveover.SoIsoughthim,but Iwantedthe issue ofmy seeking, I foundhimnot.What comesupon that? 'Thewatchmengoabout the city, and findher.'Ofwhom,whenbyherown

seekingshecouldnot findChrist,she inquires, 'Sawyouhimwhommysoul loveth?'She inquiresof thewatchmen, theguidesofGod'speople,whocouldnotsatisfyherfully.Shecouldnotfindherbeloved,yetwhatdothshe,sheshews,verse4.Itwasbutalittlethatshestayed,aftershehadusedallmeans,privateandpublic—inherbed,outofherbed—bythewatchmen and others, yet, saith she, it was but a little that I was pastfromthem.Shehadnotananswerpresently,thoughthewatchmengavehersomegoodcounsel.Itwasnotpresently,yetnotlongafter.Christwillexercise us awhilewithwaiting: 'It was but a little that I passed fromthem,butIfoundhimwhommysoulloved.'Afterallourseeking,theremust be waiting, and then we shall find him whom our soul loveth.Perhapswehaveusedallmeans,privateandpublic,andyetfindnotthatcomfortwelookfor.Oh,butwaitawhile!Godhathalongtimewaitedforthee.Bethoucontenttowaitawhileforhim.Weshallnotlosebyit,foritfollowsinthenextverse;aftershehadfoundhimwhomhersoulloved,'Iheldhim,Iwouldnotlethimgo.'Sothisistheissueofdesertions.Theystirupdiligenceandsearching, intheuseofmeans,privateandpublic;andexercisepatiencetowaitGod'sleisure,whowillnotsufferagracioussoul to failof itsexpectation.At lengthhewill fulfil thedesiresof themthat fearhim,Ps. 145:19;and thiscomesof theirpatience.Gracegrowsgreaterandstronger. 'Iheldhim,andwouldnot lethimgo,until Ihadbrought him unto my mother's house.' Thus you see how the Spiritexpresseththesametruthinanotherstateofthechurch.Compareplacewithplace.Togoon.

'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine.'Thewordsthemselvesareapassionate expression of long-looked-for consolation. Affections haveeloquence of their own beyond words. Fear hath a proper expression.Love vents itself in broken words and sighs, delighting in a peculiareloquencesuitabletotheheightandpitchoftheaffection,thatnowordscanreachunto.Sothathereismoreinthewordsbreathedfromsuchaninflamedheart,thaninordinaryconstructioncanbepickedout,'Iammybeloved's,'&c.,comingfromafullandlargeheart,expressingtheunionand communion between Christ and the church, especially after adesertion.'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine.'

First, I say, the union, viz., the union of persons, which is before all

comfortandcommunionofgraces,'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine.' Christ's person is ours, and our persons are his. For, as it is inmarriage,ifthepersonofthehusbandbenotthewife's,hisgoodsarenothers,norhistitlesofhonour;forthesecomealltoher,becausehispersonishers:hehavingpassedovertherightofhisownbodyandofhispersontohiswife,asshehathpassedoveralltherightofherselftoherhusband.Soit is inthismysticalmarriage.Thatthatentitlesustocommunionofgraces is union of persons between Christ and his church. 'I am mybeloved's,andmybelovedhimselfismine.'AndindeednothingelsewillcontentaChristian'sheart.Hewouldnotcaresomuchforheavenitself,ifhehadnotChristthere.Thesacrament,word,andcomforts,whydothheesteemthem?AstheycomefromChrist,andastheyleadtoChrist.Itis but an adulterous and base affection to love anything severed fromChrist.

Now,fromthisunionofpersonscomesacommunionofallotherthingswhatsoever.'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine.'IfChristhimselfbemine,thenallismine(u).Whathehathdone,whatbehathsuffered,ismine;thebenefitofallismine.Whathehathismine.HisprerogativesandprivilegestobetheSonofGod,andheirofheaven,andthelike,allismine.Why?Himselfismine.Unionisthefoundationofcommunion.Soitisherewiththechurch,'Iammybeloved's.'Mypersonishis,mylifeishis,toglorifyhim,andtolayitdownwhenhewill.Mygoodsarehis,myreputationhis.Iamcontenttosacrificeallforhim.Iamhis,allmineishis.Soyouseethereisunionandcommunionmutually,betweenChristand his church. The original and spring hereof is Christ's uniting andcommunicating himself to his church first. The spring begins to* thestream.Whathath thestreamorcistern in it,butwhat ishad fromthespring?Firstwelovehim,becausehelovedusfirst,1John4:19.ItwasatruespeechofAugustine,Quicquidbonum,&c.:whatsoeverisgoodintheworldor lovely, it iseitherGodor fromGod; it iseitherChristor fromChrist.Hebeginsit.Itissaidinnature,lovedescends.Thefatherandthemotherlovethechildbeforethechildcanlovethem.Love,indeed,isofafierynature.Onlyhereisthedissimilitudefireascends,lovedescends.Itis stronger, descending from the greater to the less, than ascending upfromthemeanertothegreater,andthatforthisamongstotherreasons,

Becausethegreaterpersonlooksuponthelesserasapieceofhimself—seeshimselfinit.Thefatherandmotherseethemselvesintheirchild.SoGodlovesusmorethanwecanlovehim,becauseheseeshisimageinus.Neither is there only a priority of order.He lovesus first, and thenwelovehim.Butalsoofcausality.Heisthecauseofourlove,notbywayofmotiveonly.Helovesus,andthereforefromaningenuousspiritwemustlovehimagain.ButhegivesushisSpirit,circumcisethourheartstolovehim,Deut. 30:6; for all themotivesormoral persuasions in theworld,without theSpirit, cannotmakeus love, 1Thess. 4:9.Weare taught ofGod to love one another, our brethren whomwe see daily, saith Paul,muchmoreneedwetobetaughttolovehimwhomweneversaw,sothathislovekindlesoursbywayofreflection.

In thenew covenantGodworks bothparts, his own andourparts too.Ourlovetohim,ourfearofhim,ourfaithinhim,heworksall,evenasheshewshisownlovetous.

IfGod loveus thus,whatmustwedo?Meditateuponhis love.Letourheartsbewarmedwiththeconsiderationofit.Letusbringthemtothatfireofhislove,andthentheywillwaxhotwithinus,andbegtheSpirit,'Lord, thou hast promised to give thy Spirit to them that ask it,' Luke11:10,andtocircumciseourheartstolovethee,andtoloveoneanother,'givethyHolySpirit,asthouhastpromised.'

Inaword,thesewords, 'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine,'tojointhembothtogether.

1.Theyimplyamutualpropriety,Christhathaproprietyinme,andIinChrist.Peculiarpropriety.Christismine,soasIhavenoneintheworld.Somine,'whomhaveIinheavenbutChrist?'andwhatisthereinearthincomparisonofhim?Heismine,andmineinapeculiarmanner,andIamhisinapeculiarmanner.Thereisproprietywithpeculiarity.

2.Then,again,thesewords,'Iamhis,'impliesmutuallove.Allismutualin them,mutual propriety, mutual peculiarity, andmutual love. I loveChristsoasIlovenothingelse.Thereisnothingabovehiminmyheart,asChrist lovesmemorethananythingelse,saiththechurch,andeveryChristian.He loves all, and gives outward benefits to all, but tome he

hathgivenhimself,soloveIhim.Asthehusbandlovesallinthefamily,hiscattleandhisservants,buthegiveshimselftohisspouse.SoChristismine, himself is mine, and myself am Christ's. He hath my soul, myaffections,mybody,andall.Hehathaproprietyinme,andapeculiarityinme.Hehathmyaffectionandlovetotheuttermost,asIhavehis,forthereisanintercourseinthesewords.

3. Then, again, they imply mutual familiarity. Christ is familiar to mysoul,andItoChrist.Hediscovershimselftomeinthesecretofhislove,andIdiscovermyselftohiminprayerandmeditation,openingmysoultohimuponalloccasions.God'schildrenhaveaspiritofprayer,whichisa spirit of fellowship, and talks, as it were, to God in Christ. It is thelanguageofanew-bornChristian.HecriestohisFather.ThereisakindoffamiliaritybetweenhimandhisGodinChrist,whogivestheentranceand access to God. So that where there is not a kind of familiarity inprayerandopeningofthesoultoChristuponalloccasions,thereisnotthisholycommunion.Thosethatarenotgiventoprayer,theycannotintruthspeakthesewords,asthechurchdothhere,'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine,'fortheyimplysweetfamiliarity.

4.Then, again, they implymutual likeness one to another.He ismine,andIamhis.Theoneisaglasstotheother.Christseeshimselfinme,Iseemyselfinhim.Forthisistheissueofspirituallove,especially,thatitbreeds likeness and resemblance of the party loved in the soul thatloveth;for loveframeththesoultothelikenessoftheparty loved.Iamhis, I resemble him. I am his, I have given myself to him. I carry hispicture and resemblance in my soul, for they are words of mutualconformity.Christ,outoflove,becamelikemeinallthings,whereinIamnot likethedevil, that is,sinexcepted.Ifhebecamelikeme, takingmynaturethatImightbenearhiminthefellowshipofgrace,'Mybelovedismine,' Iwill be as like himas possibly I can, I amhis.EveryChristiancarriesa characterofChrist'sdispositionas farasweaknesswill suffer.YoumayknowChristineveryChristian;forastheking'scoincarriesthestampof the king (Cæsar's coin bearsCæsar's superscription), so everyChristiansoulisGod'scoin,andhesetshisownstampuponit.IfwebeChrist's,thereisamutualconformitybetwixthimandus.

Now,whereyouseeamalicious,unclean,worldly spirit,know that isa

stampofthedevil,noneofChrist's.HethathathnottheSpiritofGodisnoneofhis.Now,wheretheSpiritofChristis,itstampsChrist'slikenessuponthesoul.Thereforeweareexhorted,Phil.2:5,tobelikemindedtoChrist.

5.Again,thesewords,'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine,'implyamutualcarethatChristandthesoulhaveofthegoodofoneanother,ofeachother'shonourandreputation.AsChristhathacareofourgood,soaChristiansoul,ifitcansaywithtruthandsincerityIamChrist's,itmustneeds have care of Christ's good, of his children, religion, and truth.What! will such a soul say, Shall Christ care for my body, soul, andsalvation,andstooptocomefromheaventosaveme,andshallIhavenocareforhimandhisglory?Hehathlefthistruthandhischurchbehindhim,andshallnotIdefendhistruth,andstandforthepoorchurchtotheutmost of my power against all contrary power? Shall not I stand forreligion?Shallitbeallonetomewhatopinionsareheld?ShallIpretendhecaresforme,andshallInotcareforthatIshouldcarefor?Isitnotanhonourtomethathehathtrustedmetocareforanything?thathewillbehonouredbymycare?Beloved,itisanhonourforusthatwemayspeakagood word for religion, for Christ's cause, for his church, againstmalignersandopposers;andweshallknowonedaythatChristwillbearewarderofeverygoodword.Wherethisissaidinsincerity,thatChristismine,andIamChrist's,therewillbethismutualcare.

6.Likewise there is impliedamutualcomplacency in thesewords.Byacomplacency I mean a resting, contenting love. Christ hath acomplacency and resting in the church; and the church hath a sweetresting contentment in Christ. Christ in us and we in him. A trueChristiansoulthathathyieldedupitsconsenttoChrist,whenitisbeatenintheworld,vexedandturmoiled,itcanrelyonthis,'Ihaveyetalovinghusband;'yetIhaveChrist.

Letthisputusuponasearchintoourselves,whatweretireto,whenwemeetwithafflictions.Thosethathavebrutishandbeastlysoulsretiretocarnalcontentments,togoodfellowship;forget,besot,andflyawayfromthemselves; their own consciences and thought of their own trouble.Whereas a soul that hath any acquaintancewithGod in Christ, or anyinterest into Christ, so that it may say, that Christ is mine, and I am

Christ's,therewillbecontentmentandrestinsuchasoul,whatsoeveritmeetswithintheworld.

7. The last thing implied is courage, a branch of the former. Say allagainstitwhattheycan,saiththeresolvedsoul,IwillbeChrist's.Hereiscouragewithresolution.Agreeableheretoisthat,'OneshallsayIamtheLord's,andanothershallcallhimselfbythenameofJacob;anothershallsubscribeandsurnamehimselfby thenameof Israel,' Isa.44:5.Wherethereisnotthisresolutioningoodcauses,thereisnottheSpiritofChrist;thereisnointerestintoChrist.Itisbutadelusionandself-flatterytosayIamChrist's,whenthereisnotresolutiontostandtoChrist.Thesewordsaretheexpressionofaresolvedheart,Iam,andIwillbeChrist's;Iamnotashamedofmybargain;oftheconsentIhavegivenhim;IamandIwillbehis.YouhavethelikeinMicah4:5,'Allpeoplewillwalkeveryoneinthenameofhisgod,theywillresolveonthat,andwewillwalkinthename of the Lord our God for ever and for ever.' So that where thesewords are spoken in truth, that 'I am Christ's,' there is necessarilyimplied,Iwillownhimandhiscauseforeverandever.

Hehathmarriedmeforeverandever;therefore,ifIhopetohaveinterestinhimforcomfortforeverandever,Imustbesuretoyieldmyselftohimforeverandever;andstandforhiscause, inalloppositions,againstallenemieswhatsoever.TheseandsuchlikeplacesinScripturerunparallelwiththisinthetext,'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine,'notonlyholdingintheperson,butinthecauseofChrist.Everymanhopeshisgodwillstandforhimagainstthedevil,whoaccusethusdaily.IfwewillhaveChristtostandforus,andtobeanadvocatetopleadourcauseashedothinheaven,wemustresolvetostandforhimagainstallenemies,heretics,schismatics,persecutorswhatsoever;thatwewillwalkinthenameofourGodforeverandever.

Quest.Butwhenthecaseisnotthuswithus,andthatneitherwecanfeelcomfort from Christ, nor have this assurance of his love to us, whatshouldwejudgeofsuch?

Solution.Weshouldnotwondertoseepoorsoulsdistemperedwhentheyareinspiritualdesertions,consideringhowthespousecannotenduretheabsence of Christ. It is out of love therefore in the deepest plunge she

haththisinhermouth,'mybeloved.'Thereforeletusnotjudgeamissofourselvesorothers,whenweareimpatientinthiskind.

But for a more full answer, in want of feeling of the love of Christ inregardofthatmeasurewewould(forthereisneveraltogetherawantoffeeling,thereissomuchaskeepsfromdespairalway,yet),ifwecarryaconstant love towards him, mourn to him and seek after him as thechurchhere; if thedesireof our soulsbe afterhim, thatwemakeafterhim in theuseofmeans,andarewilling to speakofhimas thechurchhere,feelorfeelnot,wearehis,andhewillatlengthdiscoverhimselftous.

Letsuchdroopingspiritsconsider,thatashewillnotbelongfromus,norwholly, so it shallnotbe forourdisadvantage thathe retiresatall.Hisabsence at length will end in a sweet discovery of himself moreabundantly than before. He absents himself for our good, to make usmorehumbleandwatchful forthetimetocome;morepitiful toothers;more to prize our former condition; to justify the ways of God morestrictly;towalkwithhim;toregainthatsweetcommunionwhichbyournegligence and security we lost. When we are thus prepared by hisabsence, there ensues amore satisfying discovery of himself than everbefore.

But when is the time that he comes? Compare this with the formerchapter.Hecomesafterlongwaitingforhim.Thechurchwaitedforhim,andwaitedintheuseofallmeans.Sherunstothewatchmen,andtheninquiresafterhimofthedaughtersofJerusalem.Afterthisshefindshim.AfterwehavewaitedandexpectedChrist intheuseofmeans,Christatlengthwilldiscoverhimselftous;andyetmoreimmediately,itwasafterthechurchhadsodeservedlyexaltedhiminsuchloftypraises,'Thisismybeloved,thechiefoftenthousand;heisaltogether lovely.'Whenwesetourhearts to thehighexaltationofChristaboveall things intheworld,proclaiming him 'the chief of ten thousand,' this at the last breeds agracious discovery, 'I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine,' forChristwhenheseesusfaithful,andsolovingthatwewillnotendurehisabsence, and so constantly loving, that we love him notwithstandingsomediscouragements,itmeltshimatthelast,asJosephwasmeltedbyhisbrethren.

'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine.'

Inthewords,youseeamutual interestandowningbetweenChristandthechurch.Howsoeverintheorderofwords,thechurchsaith,'Iammybeloved's' first, yet inorderofnatureChrist is ours first, thoughnot inorderofdiscovery.There isoneorderofknowing,andanotherorderofcausing. Many things are known by the effect, but they issue from acause.Iknowheismine,becauseIamhis.Ihavegivenmyselftohim.Iknowitisday,becausethesunisup.Thereisaprooffromtheeffect.SoIknowamanisalive,becausehewalks.Thereisaproofofthecausebytheeffect.'Iamhis;'Ihavegracetogivemyselfuptohim.ThereforeIknowhelovesme.Heismine.ThusIsayinorderofdiscovery;butinorderofnature,heisfirstmine,andthenIamhis.'Mybelovedismine,andIammybeloved's.'

The union and communion betwixt us and Christ hath been alreadyspokenof.

Now to speak of the branches, 'I ammy beloved's, andmy beloved ismine.'ThatChrist is firstours;andthenwearehis,becausehe isours;andthewondrouscomfortthatissueshence—thatChristhimselfisours.

HowcomesChristtobeours?(1.)ChristisoursbyhisFather'sgift.Godhathgivenhimforus. (2.)Christ isoursbyhisowngift.Hehathgivenhimself for us. (3.) And Christ is ours by his Spirit that witnesseth somuchtoourspirits.FortheSpiritisgivenforthispurpose,toshewusallthingsthataregivenusofGod,whereofChrististhechief.ThereforetheSpiritofChristtellsusthatChristisours;andChristbeingours,allthathehathisours.

Ifhebeours,ifwehavethefield,wehaveallthetreasuresinthefield.Ifwehavehim,wehaveallhis.Hewasbornforus;hisbirthwasforus;hebecamemanforus;hewasgiventodeathforus.Andso likewise,he isours inhisotherestateofexaltation.Hisrising is forourgood.Hewillcause us to rise also, and ascendwith him, and sit in heavenly places,judgingtheworldandtheangels.Werecoverinthissecond,whatwelostinthefirst,Adam.

Use 1. This is a point of wondrous comfort to shew the riches of aChristian,hishighestate,thatChristishis.

AndChristbeingours,GodtheFatherandtheHolySpiritandallthingselse in theworld, the richpromises, are ours; for inChrist they are allmade,and forhim theyshallbeperformed.For, indeed,he is thechiefpromiseofallhimself,andallare'yeaandameninhim,'2Cor.1:20.Canwewantrighteousness,whilewehaveChrist's righteousness?Isnothisgarment large enough for himself and us, too? Is not his obedienceenoughforus?Shallweneedtopatchitupwithourownrighteousness?Heisours,thereforehisobedienceisours.

Use 2. And this should be a ground likewise of contentation* in ourconditionandstatewhatsoever,—Christhimselfisours.Inthedividingofall things, somemen havewealth, honours, friends, and greatness, butnotChrist,northeloveofGodinChrist,andthereforetheyhavenothinginmercy.But aChristian, he hathChrist himself. Christ is his by faithand by the Spirit's witness. Therefore, what if he want thoseappendencies, the lesser things? He hath the main; what if he want ariveret,astream?Hehaththespring,theocean;him,inwhomallthingsare, and shall he not be content?Put case amanbe very covetous, yetGodmightsatisfyhim.What!shouldanxiousthoughtsdisquietus,whenwehavesuchbills,suchobligations fromhimwho is faithfulness itself?WhenaChristiancannotsay,honour,favour,orgreatpersonsarehis,yethecansay,hehaththatthatisworthall,morethanall;Christishis.

Obj.Oh!maysomesay,thisisbutaspeculation,—Christisyours.Amanmaywantandbeinmiseryforallthat.

Ans.No;itisareality.Christisours,andallthingselseareours.Hethatcan command all things is mine. Why then, do I want other things?Because he sees they are not formy good. If they were, he would notwithholdthemfromme.Iftherewerenonetobehadwithoutamiracle,no comfort, no friends, he could and wouldmake new out of nothing,nay,outofcontraries,wereitnotbetterformetobewithoutthem.

Use 3. That you may the more fully feed on this comfort, study theexcellenciesofChristintheScripture,therichesandhonourthathehath,

thefavourheisinwithhisFather,withtheintercessionthathemakesinheaven,John17.Studyhismercy,goodness,offices,power,&c.,andthencomehometoyourselves,'Allthisismine,forheismine;theloveofGodismine.'Godloveshim,andthereforehelovesme,becausewearebothone. He loves me with the same love that he loves his Son. Thus weshouldmakeuseofthis,thatChristisours.Icometothesecond.

'Iammybeloved's.'

Thisisaspeechofreflection,secondinnature,thoughfirstinplaceandindiscovery tous.Sometimeswecanknowourown love,whenwe feelnotsomuchtheloveofChrist,butChrist'slovemustbetherefirst.'Iammybeloved's,'1John4:19.

HowareweChrist'sbeloved?

1. We are his, first of all, by his Father's gift; for God in his eternalpurpose gave him for us, and gives us to him, as it is in the excellentprayer,'Father,thinetheywere,andthou,gavestthemme,'John17:6.Ihadnotthemofmyselffirst,butthinetheywerebeforeallworldswere.Thou gavest them me to redeem them, and my commission doth notextendbeyondthygift.Idieforallthosethatthougavestme.Isanctifymyself for them, that theymay be sanctified. So we are Christ's in hisFather's gift. But that is not all, though it be the chief, fundamental,principalgroundofall.

For,2.Wearehislikewisebyredemption.Christtookournature,thathemight die for us, to purchase us. We cost him dear. We are a bloodyspousetoChrist.AsthatfrowardwomanwrongfullysaidtoMoses,'Thouartabloodyhusbanduntome,'Exod.4:25,soChristmaywithoutwrongsaytothechurch,'Thouartaspouseofbloodtome.'Wewere,indeed,tobehis spouse,but firsthemustwinusby conquest in regardofSatan,andthensatisfy justice.Wewere insuchdebtbysin, lyingunderGod'swrath,soas,tillalldebtswerepaid,wecouldnotinthewayofjusticebegivenasaspousetoChrist.

3. Nor is this all; but we are Christ's by marriage also. For when hepurchasedus,andpaidsodearforus,whenhediedandsatisfieddivine

justice,hediditwithapurposetomarryustohimself.Wehavenothingto bring himbut debt andmisery; yet he tookuponhimour nature todischargeall, thathemightmarryus,andtakeustohimself.Sowearehisbymarriage.

4.Thenagain,wearehisbyconsent.Wehavepassedourselvesoveruntohim.He hath given himself to us, andwe have given ourselves to himbackagain.Tocometosomeuseofit,ifwebeChrist's,asChristisours.

Use1.First,itisapointofwondrouscomfort.Godwillnotsufferhisowntowant.Heisworsethananinfidelthatwillsufferhisfamilytoperish.WhenweareonceofChrist'sfamily,andnotonlyofhisfamily,butofhisbody, his spouse, can we think he will suffer us to want that which isneedful?

2. Then again, as it comforts us againstwant, so it likewise fenceth usagainstalltheaccusationsofSatan.IamChrist's;IamChrist's.Ifhehaveanythingtosay,lo!wemaybidhimgotoChrist.Ifthecreditorcomestothe wife, she is not liable to pay her own debts, but saith, Go to myhusband. So in all temptations, learn hence to send Satan whither heshouldbesent.Whenwecannotanswerhim,sendhimtoChrist.

3.Andforthetimetocome,whatagroundofcomfortisthis,thatweareChrist's,aswellasheisours.Whatapleadoththisputintoourmouthsforall things thatarebeneficial tous. 'Lord, Iamthine;saveme,' saiththepsalmist.Why?'Saveme,becauseIamthine,Iamthine;Lord,teachme and directme,' Ps. 27:11. The husband is to direct the spouse. Thehead should direct all the senses. All the treasures of wisdom are inChrist, as all the senses are in the head for the good of the body. Allfulnessdwells inhim.Therefore,pleadwithhim, Iwantwisdom; teachmeandinstructmehowtobehavemyselfintroubles,indangers,infears.Ifitbeanargumentstrongenoughamongstmen,weakmen,Iamthine,Iamthychild,Iamthyspouse,&c,shallweattributemorepityandmercyto ourselves than to theGod ofmercy and comfort,who planted theseaffections in the creature? Shall hemakemen tender and careful overothers,andshallnothehimselfbecarefulofhisownflock?Dowethinkthat hewill neglect his jewels, his spouse, his diadem, and crown? Isa.62:3.Hewillnot.

Butyouwillurgeexperience.Weseehowthechurch isused,evenasaforlornwidow,asifshehadnohusbandintheworld,asanorphanthathadnofather.Therefore,howdoththisstandgood?

Ans. 1. The answer is, all that the church or any particular Christiansuffersinthisworld,itisbutthattheremaybeaconformitybetweenthespouseandthehusband.TheHeadworeacrownofthorns,andwenttoheavenandhappiness throughagreatdealofmiseryandabasement intheworld, the lowest that everwas.And it is notmeet that the churchshouldgotoheavenanotherway.

Ans.2.Thenagain,allthisisbuttofashionthespousetobeliketoChrist,but to bring the church andChrist nearer together. That is all thehurttheydo,todrivethechurchnearertoChristthanbefore.Christisasneartohischurchaseverinthegreatestafflictions,byhisSpirit.Christcriesoutonthecross, 'MyGod,myGod,whyhast thouforsakenme?'It isastrange voice, that God should be his God, and yet, notwithstanding,seem to forsake him. But God was never more his God than at thatpresent. Indeed, hewasnot hisGod in regard of some feelings that hehadenjoyedinformertimes.Heseemedtobeforsakeninregardofsomesense,asChristseemstoforsakethechurchinregardofsomesenseandfeeling, but yet his God still. So the church may say, I am thine still.Thoughsheseemtobeforsakeninregardofsomefeelings,yetsheisnotdeserted in regard of God's care for support of the inward man andfashioning to Christ. The church hath never sweeter communion withChrist thanunder thegreatest crosses; and, therefore, theymany timeshave proved the ground of the greatest comforts. For Christ leads thechurch into the wilderness, and then speaks to her heart, Hos. 2:14.Christ speaks to the heart of his spouse in thewilderness, that is, in aplace of no comfort. There are no orchards or pleasures, but alldiscomfortsthere.Amanmusthaveitfromheaven,ifhehaveanygoodin thewilderness. In thatwilderness, that is, inadesolate,disconsolateestate, Christ speaks to the heart of his children. There is in thewildernessoftentimesasweet intercourseof love, incomparablybeyondthetimeofprosperity.

Ans.3Again, to stayyourhearts,know thiswillnotbe long;aswe seehere,thechurchseemedtobeforsakenandneglected,fellintothehands

ofcruelwatchmen,andwasfaintogothroughthisandthatmeans,butitwas not long ere shemet with him whom she sought after. It may bemidnightatthistime,butthenightcontinuesnotlong;itwillbemorningere long.Therefore thechurchmaywell say, 'Rejoicenotagainstme,Omine enemy; for though I be fallen, I shall rise again; though I sit indarkness,theLordwillbealightuntome,'asitisMic.7:8.Itshallnotbealwaysillwiththechurch.Thosethatsurviveusshallseeothermannerofdaysthanweseeyet,whatsoeverweshallourselves.

4.Hencewehavealsoanuseoftrial.WhosoeverareChrist's,theyhaveheartstogivethemselvestohim.Ashegiveshimself,nothisgoodsorhishonours,buthimselfforhischurch,sothechurchgivesherselftoChrist.Mydelightisinhim;hehathmyself,myheart,myloveandaffection,myjoyanddelight,andallwithmyself.IfIhaveanyhonour,heshallhaveit.Iwilluseitforhisglory.MyrichesIwillgivethemtohimandhischurchandministryandchildren,asoccasionshallserve.Iamhis,thereforeallthatIhaveishis,ifheaskitatmyhands.ItissaidoftheMacedonians,theygave themselves toChrist, and then their riches andgoods,2Cor.8:5.ItisaneasymattertogiveourrichestoChristwhenwehavegivenourselvesfirst.AChristian,assoonaseverhebecomesaChristian,andeverafter,todeath,andindeathtoo,hegivesuphimselftoChrist.TheythatstandwithChrist,andwillgivethisorthatparticular,willpartonlywith idle things that theymay spare, are theyChrist's?No.AChristiangiveshimselfandallhis toChrist.Soweseeherewhatweshoulddo ifChrist be ours. Let us give up ourselves to him, as it isRom. 12:1. Theissue of all that learned profound discourse in the former part of theepistle, that Christ justifieth us by his righteousness and merit, andsanctifies us by his Spirit, and hath predestinated and elected us, andrefusedothers,isthis,'Ibeseechyou,giveupyourbodiesandsouls,andallasalivingsacrifice,holyandacceptableuntoGod.

Inbrief,thesewordsimplyrenunciationandresignation.'Iamhis,'thatis, I have given upmyself to him, therefore I renounce all others thatstandnotwithhis love and liking. I amnot onlyhis bywayof service,which I owe him above all that call for it, but I am his by way ofresignation.Ifhewillhavemedie,Iwilldie.Ifhewillhavemelivehere,Iwill. I have not myself to dispose of any longer. I have altogether

alienatedmyselffrommyself.Iamhistoservehim,histobedisposedofbyhim.Ihaverenouncedallother.

Therefore herewe have another answer to Satan, if he come to us andsolicitustosin.LettheChristian'sheartmakethisanswer,Iamnotmineown.WhathathSatanandhisinstrumentstodowithme?Ismybodyhisto defile? Ismy tongue his to swear at his pleasure? Shall I make thetempleofGodthememberofanharlot?Astheapostlereasons, 'ShallIdefilemy vessel with sin?' 1 Cor. 6:15.What saith converted Ephraim?'What have I anymore to dowith idols? for I have seen and observedhim?'Hos.14:8.Weoughttohavesuchresolutionsreadyinourhearts.Indeed,whenaChristianisresolute,theworldcountssuchtobelost.Heisgone.Wehavelosthim,sayyourdissolute,profanepersons.Itistruetheyhave lost him indeed, for he is not his own,much less theirs, anylonger.ButheisfoundtoGodandhimselfandthechurch.Thusweseewhatspringsfromthis,thatChristisours,andthatweareChrist'sbackagain.Letuscarrythiswithuseventodeath;andiftimesshouldcomethatGodshouldhonourusbyservinghimselfofusinourlives,ifChristwillhaveusspendourblood,considerthis,Iamnotmineowninlifenordeath,andit ismyhappinessthatIamnotmyown.For ifIweremineown,whatshouldIdowithmyself?Ishouldlosemyself,asAdamdid.Itis therefore my happiness that I am not mine own, that I am not theworld's, that Iamnot thedevil's, thatnoneelsehath todowithme, toclaimanyinterestinme,butIamChrist's.IfIdoanythingforothers,itisfor Christ's sake. Remember this for the time to come. If there beanythingthatwewillnotpartwithforChrist'ssake, itwillbeourbane.WeshallloseChristandittoo.Ifwewillnotsaywithaperfectspirit,Iamhis,mylife,mycredit,mypersonishis,anythinghis;lookwhatwewillnotgiveforhim,atlengthweshallloseandpartwithitandhimtoo.

THETWENTIETHSERMON

I ammybeloved's, andmybeloved ismine;he feedeth among thelilies.—CANT.6:3.

THE church, you see here, though she stood out a while against allChrist's invitation and knocking, yet at length she is brought to yieldherselfupwhollyuntoChrist,andtorenounceherself,whichcourseGodtakeswithmost,yea,inamannerwithallhispeople,eretheygooutofthisworld, to layallhighthings low,beatdowneveryhighthoughtandimaginationwhichexaltethitselfagainsthim,2Cor.10:5,thattheymaygive themselvesandall theyhave toChrist,Luke14:26, ifhecall for it.ForhethatdothnotsoisnotworthyofChrist.Ifwedonotthis,atleastin preparation ofmind, let us not own the name of Christians, lestweown thatwhichshall further increaseandaggravateourcondemnation,professingreligiononeway,andyetalienatingourmindstoourlustsandpleasuresoftheworldanotherway.Tohavepeculiarlove-fitsofourown,distinct from Christ, how stands this with 'I ammy beloved's, andmybelovedismine'?Howstandsitwiththeself-resignationthatwasspokenofbefore?

Now this follows upon apprehension of Christ being ours. 'I am mybeloved's,becausemybelovedisminefirst.'TherearefourreasonswhyChristmust be given to us beforewe can give ourselves to himby thisself-resignation.

1. Because he is the chief spring of all good affections, which hemustplaceinus;lovingus,erewecanlovehim,1John4:10,19.

2.Because lovedescends.Thoughitbeofa fierynature,yet inthis it iscontrary,forlovedescends,whereasfireascends.Thesuperior,firstlovestheinferior.Christmustdescendinhis lovetous,erewecanascendtohiminouraffections.

3. Because our nature is such that we cannot love but where we knowourselvestobe lovedfirst.ThereforeGodis indulgenttousherein;andthatwemaylovehim,hemanifestshislovefirsttous.

4.Becausenaturallyourselves,beingconsciousofguilt,are fullof fearsfromthence.SothatifthesoulbenotpersuadedfirstofChrist'slove,it

runsaway fromhim,asAdamdid fromGod,andasPeter fromChrist,'Departfromme,forIambutasinfulman,'Luke5:8.Sothesoulofeverymanwouldsay,iffirstitwerenotpersuadedofGod'sloveinChrist,'Whoamongst us shall dwell with the everlasting burnings?' Isa. 33:14.Thereforetopreventthatdispositionofsoulwhichwouldriseoutofthesenseofguiltandunworthiness,GodfirstspeakstousinChrist;atlengthsaying unto our souls, 'I am thy salvation,' whereupon the soul firstfinding his love, loves him back again, ofwhom it finds itself somuchbeloved; so that our love is but a reflection of his, 'I ammy beloved's,becausemybelovedismine.'

It iswith theSpiritofGodaswith thespirits in thesoulandbodyofaman,thereisamarriagebetwixtthebodyandsoul.Thespiritsjoinbothtogether,beingofamiddlenature;fortheyhavesomewhatspiritualnearthe soul, and somewhat bodily near the body. Therefore they comebetweenthebodyandthesoul,andaretheinstrumentsthereof,wherebyitworks.SoitiswiththeSpiritofGod.ThesameSpiritthattellsthesoulthatChristisours,thesameSpiritmakesupthematchonourpart,andgivesusuptoChristagain.

Let this thenbe the trial thatweareChrist's,by the spiritual echo thatoursoulsmaketothatreportwhichChristmakestooursouls,whetherinpromisesorininstructions.

Use1.Seehence likewise thenatureof faith, for theseare thewordsoffaithaswell asof love.Faithhath twobranches, itdothgiveaswell astake.Faith receivesChrist,andsays,Christ ismine;and thesame faithsaith,IamChrist'sagain.Indeed,oursoulsareempty;sothatthemainworkoffaithistobeanemptyhand,mendicamanus(asLuthercallsit);abeggar'shandtoreceive.Butwhenithathreceiveditgivesbackagain,bothourselvesandall thatwecando.ThechurchesofMacedonia 'gavethemselves,'andthen 'theygavetheirgoods,'2Cor.8:5.Wherefaithis,therewillbeagivingofourselvesandourgoods;and,byaproportion,ourstrength,wits,andallbackagain.Thisdiscoversagreatdealofemptyfalsefaithintheworld;forundoubtedlyifitweretruefaiththerewouldbeayieldingbackagain.

Use 2. And again, these words discover the mutual coherence of

justificationandsanctification,andthedependenceoneuponanother.'Iam my beloved's, and my beloved is mine.' Christ is mine; hisrighteousnessismineformyjustification;IamclothedwithChristasitis,'Thespousethereisclothedwiththesun,'Rev.12:1,withthebeamsofChrist.But is thatall?No. 'Iammybeloved's;' IamChrist's.There isareturnoffaithinsanctification.ThesameSpiritthatwitnessethChristisours, it sanctifies and alters our disposition, that we can say, I amChrist's.Itservestoinstructusthereforeinthenecessaryconnectionofthese two, justification and sanctification, against the idle slander ofpapists,thatsinfullytraducethatdoctrine,asifwewereSolifideans(v),as ifwesevered justification fromsanctification.No.Weholdhere thatwhensoeverChristisours,thereisaspiritofsanctificationinus,toyieldalltoChrist,thoughthisresignationbenotpresentlyperfect.

Use 3. This likewise helps us, by way of direction, to understand thecovenantofgrace,andthesealsof thecovenant,what theyenforceandcomprise;notonlywhatGodwilldotous,butthedutywearetodotohimagain,thoughwedoitinhisstrength.Acovenantholdsnotononeside,butonboth.Christismine,andIamChrist'sagain.'IwillbetheirGod,'buttheymusthavegrace'tobemypeople,'Lev.26:12;andthenthecovenantismadeup.Thecovenantofgraceissocalled,becauseGodissograciousastoenableustoperformourownpart.

Andso in thesealsof thecovenant inbaptism.Goddothnotonlybindhimself todothusandthustous,butbindsusalsotodobackagaintohim.Sointhecommunion,wepromisetoleadanewlife,renewingourcovenant;andthereforewemustnotthinkthatalliswell(whenwehavereceivedourMaker),thoughwecontinueinascandalous,fruitlesscourseoflife.No.Thereisapromiseinthesacrament(thesealofthecovenantofgrace),toyieldupourselvestoGod,toreturntoChristagainwithourduty.Thenwecomeasweshoulddowhenwecomethusdisposed.Thisfordirection,'Mybelovedismine,andIammybeloved's.'

Use 4. To proceed to make an use of comfort to poor, doubtingChristians. 'Iammybeloved's,' isthevoiceofthewholechurch,thatallranksofChristians, if theybetrue,maywithoutpresumptiontakeup.Ihavenotsomuchfaith,somuchlove,somuchgrace,somuchpatienceasanother, saithapoorChristian; therefore IamnoneofChrist's.Butwe

mustknowthatChristhathinhischurchofallranks,andtheyareallhisspouse, one as well as another, there is no exception. There is a littlespiritofemulation,andaspiceofenvy,inChristiansthatareweaker.Ifthey have not all that greatmeasure of gracewhich they see in others,theyfeartheyhavenoneatall;asiftherewerenobabesinChrist'sschoolaswellasmenandgrownpersons.

Thenagain,weseeherethenatureoffaithinthewholechurch.Itisthesamethatisineveryparticular,andthesameineveryparticularasitisinthewhole church. Thewhole church saith, 'I ammybeloved's, andmybelovedismine.'Iappropriatehim.Thereisaspiritofappropriationinthe whole, and there is so in each particular. Every Christianmay saywithPaul,'IlivebyfaithintheSonofGod,thathathlovedme,andgavehimself for me,' Gal. 2:20; and with Thomas, 'My God, andmy Lord,'John20:28.

Thegroundhereofis,becausetheyarealloneinChrist,andthereisoneandthesameSpiritinthewholechurchandeveryparticularChristian,asinpipes,thoughofdifferentsounds,yetthereisthesamebreathinthem.So Christians may have different sounds, from the greater or lesserstrengthofgracethat is intheoneandintheother,butallcomesfromthesamebreath,thesameSpirit.TheSpiritinthebridesaithCome,Rev.22:17,thewholechurchsaithit,andeveryparticularChristianmustsayit;because,asthebodyisactedbyonespirit,andmakesbutonenaturalbody, though consisting ofmany parts weaker and stronger, so shouldthere be a harmony in this mystical body acted by that one Spirit ofChrist,whosoregardsall,asiftherewerebutone,andregardseveryoneso,ashedothnotforgetthewhole.Sicomnibusattentusutnondetentus,&c.Christ soattends toall, thathe isnotdetained fromanyparticular,and he so attends every particular, that he is not restrained from all.Thereisthesamelovetoallastoone,andtoeveryone,asiftherewerenoother.Hesoloveseachone,thateveryChristianmaysayaswellasthewholechurch,Christismine,andIamChrist's.

Inthosethingsthatwecallhomogeneal,thereisthesamenatureineachquantityasinthewhole,asthereisthesamenatureinonedropofwaterasinthewholeocean,alliswater;andthesamerespectofaspark,andofalltheelementoffire.SoChristbearsthesamerespecttothechurchas

toeveryparticular,andtoeveryparticularastothechurch.

Use5.Tocometomakeanuseofdirection,howtocometobeabletosaythis,'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine.'Foranswerhereto,takenoticeinthefirstplace,fromthedependence.Christmustbefirstours,beforewecangiveourselvestohim.

(1.)Therefore,wemustdwellontheconsiderationofChrist's love.Thismustdirectandleadourmethodinthisthing.WouldwehaveourheartstoloveChrist,totrustinhim,andtoembracehim,whythenthinkwhathe is to us. Begin there; nay, and what we are: weak, and in ourapprehension,lost.Thengotoconsiderhislove,hisconstantlovetohischurchandchildren.'Whomheloves,helovestotheend,'John13:1.WemustwarmoursoulswiththeconsiderationoftheloveofGodinhimtous,andthiswillstirupourfaithtohimbackagain.Forwearemoresafein that he is ours,Gal. 4:9, Philip. 3:12, than thatwe give ourselves tohim.Wearemoresafeinhiscomprehendingofus,thaninourclaspingandholdingofhim.Aswesayofthemotherandthechild,bothhold,butthe safetyof the child is that themotherholdshim. IfChrist oncegivehimselftous,hewillmakegoodhisownpartalway.Oursafetyismoreonhissidethanonours.Ifeverwehavefelt the loveofChrist,wemaycomfort ourselves with the constancy and perpetuity thereof. Though,perhaps,wefindnotouraffectionswarmedtohimatalltimes,noralike,yet the strengthofaChristian's comfort lies in this, that first, 'Christ ismine,'andthen,inthesecondplace,that 'Iamhis.'Now,Isay,thatwemay be able to maintain this blessed tradition of giving ourselves toChrist,

(2.) Let us dwell on the consideration of his love to us, and of thenecessitythatwehaveofhim;howmiserablewearewithouthim,poor,beggarly,inbondagetothedevil.Thereforewemusthavehimtorecoverusoutofdebt,andtoenrichus.ForChrist's lovecarrieshimforth,notonly topayallourdebts forus,but toenrichus;and it isaprotecting,preservinglove,tillhebringsustoheaven,hisownplace,whereweshalleverbewithhim.Theconsiderationofthesethingswillwarmourhearts,andforthispurposeservestheministry.

(3.)Weshouldtherefore,inthenextplace,attendupontheword,forthis

veryend.Whereforeservestheministry?Amongmanyothers,thisisonemain end—'to lay open the unsearchable riches of Christ.' Therein youhavesomethingofChristunfolded,ofhisnatures,offices,andbenefitswehavebyhim,—redemption,andfreedom,andarighttoallthingsinhim,the excellencies of another world. Therefore attend upon themeans ofsalvation,thatwemayknowwhatricheswehaveinhim.ThiswillkeepouraffectionsclosetoChrist,soastosay,'Iamhis.'

(4.)Andlabourwealsoeverydaymoreandmoretobringallourlovetohim.Weseeinburning-glasses,wherethebeamsofthesunmeetinone,how forcible theyare,because there isanunionof thebeams ina littlepoint. Let it be our labour that all the beams of our lovemaymeet inChrist, that hemaybe as the church saith, our beloved. 'Mybeloved ismine,andIammybeloved's,'saithshe,asifthechurchhadnoloveoutofChrist.Andisitlovelost?No;butasChrististhechurch'sbeloved,sothechurchisChrist'sloveagain,asweseeinthisbookoft,'Mylove,mydove.'Asallstreamsmeetinthegreatocean,soletallourlovesmeetinChrist.Wemayloveotherthings,andweshoulddoso,butnootherwisethanastheyconveylovetousfromChrist,andmaybemeansofdrawingupouraffectionsuntoChrist.Wemayloveourfriends,andweoughttodoso,andotherblessingsofGod;buthow?Nootherwisethanastokensofhislovetous.Weloveathingthatourfriendssendtous.O,butitisasitdothconveyhisaffectiontous.Somustweloveallthings,astheycomefromGod'slovetousinChrist.

And,indeed,whatsoeverwehaveisalove-token,evenourveryafflictionsthemselves.'WhomIlove,Irebukeandchastise,'Heb.12:6.

(5.)Again,thatwemayinflameourheartswiththeloveofChrist,asweare exhorted by Jude, 21, let us consider the vanity of all things thatenticeusfromChrist,andlaboureverydaymoreandmoretodrawouraffections from them, as we are exhorted—'Hearken, O daughter, andconsider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thyfather'shouse:soshallthekinggreatlydesirethybeauty,'Ps.45:10.So,ifwewill haveChrist to delight in us, thatwemay saywe are his, let uslabourtosequesterouraffectionsmoreandmorefromallearthlythings,thatwemaynothave suchhearts, as St James speaketh of, adulteroushearts.'Oyeadulterersandadulteresses!knowyenotthattheloveofthe

worldisenmitywithGod?'James4:4.

Indeedthereisreasonforthisexhortation;forallearthlythings,theyareallvainandemptythings.Thereisanemptinessinwhatsoeverisintheworld,saveChrist.Thereforeweshouldnotsetouraffectionstoomuchuponthem.AmancannotbewiseinlovinganythingbutChrist,andwhathelovesforChrist.Thereforeletusfollowthatcounsel,todrawourselvesfrom our former company, acquaintance, pleasures, delights, andvanities.WecannotbestowourloveandouraffectionsbetterthanuponChrist.Itisahappinessthatwehavesuchaffections,asjoy,delight,andlove, planted in us byGod; andwhat a happiness is it, thatwe shouldhavesuchanexcellentobjecttofillthoseaffections,yea,totranscendandmore than satisfy them! Therefore the apostle wisheth that theymightknow all the dimensions of God's love in Christ. There is a 'height,breadth,length,anddepthoftheloveofGod,'Eph.3:18.

Andletusthinkofthedimensions,theheight,breadth,anddepthofourmisery out of Christ. The more excellent our natures are, the moremiserabletheyareifnotchanged;forlookwhatdegreeofexcellencywehave,ifitbenotadvancedinChrist,wehavesomuchmiserybeingoutofhim.Thereforeletuslabourtoseethis,astovalueourbeinginhim,sotobeable,upongoodgrounds,tosay,'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine.'

(6.)Again,letuslabourtowalkinthelightofasanctifiedknowledgetobeattainedby thegospel, foras it is, 'theendofallourpreaching is toassureChristtothesoul,'1John5:13,thatwemaybeabletosaywithoutdeceivingourownsouls,'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine.'Allpreaching,Isay,isforthisend.Theterrorofthelawandthediscoveryofcorruptionistodriveusoutofourselvestohim;andthentoprovokeusto grow up into him more and more. Therefore saith John, 'All ourpreaching is thatwemayhave fellowshipwith theFather and theSon,andtheywithus,'1John1:7.Andwhatdothhemakeanevidenceofthatfellowship?'walkinginthelight,asheislight,'orelseweareliars.Heisbold in plain terms to give us the lie, to say we are Christ's, and havecommunionwiththeFatherandtheSon,whenyetwewalkindarkness.Insinsagainstconscience,inwilfulignorance,thedarknessofanevillife,we have no communion with Christ. Therefore if we will have

communionwithhim,letuswalkinthelight,andlabourtobelightsomein our understandings, to have a great deal of knowledge, and then towalkanswerabletothatlightandrevelationthatwehave.Thosethatliveinsinsagainstconscience,andarefriendstothedarknessof ignorance,ofanevillife,OhtheyneverthinkofthefellowshipwithChristandwithGod!Thesethingsaremereriddlestothem;theyhavenohopeofthem,or if any, their hope is in vain. They bar themselves of ever havingcomfortablecommunionwithChristhere;muchlessshalltheyenjoyhimhereafterinheaven.

Thereforelaboureverydaymoreandmoretogrowrichinknowledge,toget light, and to walk in that light; to which end pray with the holyapostle, 'That you may have the Spirit of revelation,' Eph. 1:17, thatexcellentSpiritofGod,torevealthethingsofGod,thatwemayhavethelightdiscoveredtous.

WhataworldofcomforthathaChristianthathathlightinhimandwalksinthatlight,aboveanotherman.Whetherheliveordie,thelightbringshim into fellowship with the Father of lights. He that hath this lightknowshisconditionandhisway,andwhitherhegoeth.Whenhediethheknowsinwhatconditionhedieth,anduponwhatgrounds.Theverylightof nature is comfortable,muchmore that of grace. Therefore labour togrowdailymoreandmoreintheknowledgeandobedienceofthelight.

AllprofessorsofthegospelareeithersuchasarenotChrist's,orsuchasare his. For such as are not yet, that youmay be provoked to draw tofellowshipwithChrist,dobutconsideryouareasbranchescutoff, thatwillwitheranddie,andbecast into the fire,unlessyoubegrafted intothelivingstock,Christ.Youareasnakedpersonsinastorm,notclothedwith anything to stand against the stormofGod'swrath. Let this forceyoutogetintoChrist.

Use6.Andnext for encouragement consider,Christ offerethhimself toallinthegospel;andthatistheendoftheministry,tobringChristandour souls together, tomake a spiritualmarriage, to lay openhis richesand to draw you to him, 1 John 1:9. If you confess your sins, he willforgive them, and you shall have mercy, 'He relieves those that areweariedandheavyladen,'Mat.11:28,andbidsthosecometohimthatare

thirsty, Isa. 55:1. Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost.Christoffershimselfinmercytotheworstsoul.

Thereforeiftherebeanythathavelivedinevilcourses,informertimes,consider that upon repentance all shall be forgotten, and as a mistscatteredawayandcastintothebottomofthesea.Christoffershimselfto you.These are the times, this is thehourof grace.Now thewater isstirringforyoutoenter;dobutentertainChrist,anddesirethathemaybe yours to rule you andguide you, and allwill bewell for the time tocome.

Obj.Donotobject,Iamaloathsomecreature,fullofrebellions.

Ans.Christdothnotmatchwithyou,becauseyouaregood,buttomakeyougood.Christtakesyounotwithanydowry.Allthatherequiresistoconfess your beggary and to come with emptiness. He takes us notbecausewe are clean, but becausehewill purgeus.He takesus in ourbloodwhenhefirsttakesus,Ezek.16:9.Letnonedespaireitherforwantofworthorof strength,Eph.5:27.Christ seeth that forstrengthwearedead, and for worth we are enemies; but he gives us both spiritualstrengthandworth,takesusneartohimselfandenrichethus.Letnonethereforebediscouraged. It isouroffice, thus to layopenandoffer therichesofChrist.Ifyouwillnotcomein,butloveyoursinfulcoursesmorethanChrist, thenyouperish inyourblood,andwe freeourhands, andmayfreeoursoulsfromtheguiltthereof.Thereforeasyouloveyourownsouls,comeinatlengthandstandoutnolonger.

AndforthosethathaveinsomemeasuregiventhemselvesuptoChrist,andcansay,'HeismineandIamhis,'letthemgoonwithcomfort,andneverbediscouraged for the infirmities thathangabout them.ForonepartofChrist'sofficeistopurgehischurchbyhisSpiritmoreandmore;nottocastherawayforherinfirmities,'buttowashandcleanseitmoreandmore till it be a glorious spouse likehimself,' Eph. 5:27. For if thehusbandwill,bythebondofnature,bearwiththeinfirmitiesofthewife,as the weaker vessel, doth not Christ bind himself by that which heaccountsusbound?Istheremoreloveandmercy,andpityinustothosethat we take near us, than there is in Christ to us? What a mostblasphemous thoughtwere this to conceive so!Only letus takeheedof

being in leaguewith sin; forwe cannot giveour souls toChrist, and tosinful courses too. Christ will allow of no bigamy or double marriage.Where he hath anything to do, we must have single hearts, resolving,though I fall, yet I purpose to please Christ, and to go on in a goodconversation; and if our hearts tell us so, daily infirmities ought not todiscourageus.Wehavehelpsenoughforthese.First,Christbidsusaskforgiveness; and thenwehave themercy ofChrist to bearwithweakervessels.Thenhisadvocation.*Heisnowinheaventopleadforus.Ifwewere perfect, we needed not that office, 1 John 2:2. Let none bediscouragedtherefore;but letus labourmoreandmorethatwemaybeabletocomprehendinsomemeasuretheloveofChrist,sowillalldutiescome off sweetly and easily; and thenwe shall be enabled to suffer allthings,notonlywillingly,butcheerfully,andrejoice in them.Love isofthenatureoffire,whichasitseverethandconsumethallthatisopposite,all dross and dregs, and dissolves coldness, so it quickens and makesactiveandlively.Ithathakindofconstrainingforce,asweetviolence.Astheapostlesaith,'theloveofChristconstraineth,'2Cor.5:14.

LetamanthatlovestheLordJesusChristinsincerity,becalledtopartwithhislife,hewillyielditasasacrificewithcomfort.Comewhatwill,alliswelcome,whenweareinflamedwiththeloveofChrist;andthemorewesuffer,themorewefindhislove.Forhereservesthemanifestationofhis love most for times of suffering; and the more we find themanifestationofhislove,themorewelovehimbackagain,andrejoiceinsuffering forhim thatwe love so.Whether theybedutiesofobedience,active or passive, doing or suffering, all comes off with abundance ofcheerfulnessandease,wheretheloveofChristis,thatthesoulcansay,'Iammybeloved's,andmybelovedismine.'Nothingintheworldisabletomakesuchasoulmiserable.Itfollows.

'Hefeedethamongthelilies.ThechurchhereshewswhereChristfeeds.

Quest.But thequestion is,Whether itbe the feedingof thechurchandpeoplethatismeant,orwhetherhefeedshimself?

Ans.Foranswer,hebothfeedshischurchamongthelilies,anddelightshimself tobe there.Theone follows theother.Especially it ismeantofthechurch.Thosethatarehis,hefeedsthemamongthelilies.How?

Liliesaresuchkindofflowersasrequireagreatdealofnourishment,andgrowbestinvalleysandfatground.Thereforewhenshesaith, 'Hefeedsamong the lilies,' themeaning is, he feedshis churchandpeople in fatpastures,assheepinsuchgroundsasaresweetandfruitful.Sucharehisholywordandthecommunionofsaints.Theseareespeciallythepastureswhereinhe feedshischurch.Theholy truthsofGodare the foodof thesoul, whereby it is cherished and nourished up to life everlasting. Thiswholebookisakindofpastoral(tounderstandthewordalittlebetter),a'songofabeloved'concerningabeloved.ThereforeChristinmanyplacesof this book, he takes uponhim the term and carriage, as itwere, of aloving shepherd, who labours to find out for his sheep the fattest,fruitfulest,best,andsweetestpastures,thattheymaygrowupascalvesofthestall,asitisMalachi4:2,thattheymaygrowandbewellliking.

Youhave,togivelighttothisplace,aphrasesomewhatlikethis,wherehefollows the point more at large, Cant. 1:7. The church there prays toChrist,'Tellme,Othouwhommysoulloveth,wherethoufeedest,wherethoumakestthyflockstorestatnoon.'Thosethatarecomingupinthechurchdesire to knowwithwhom theymay join, andwhat truths theymay embrace. 'Tellmewhere thou feedest, andwhere thoumakest thyflock to rest at noon:' that is, in the greatest heat and storm ofpersecution,asatnoon-daythesunishottest.'ForwhyshouldIbeasonethat turnsasideby the flocksof thycompanions?' that is,by those thatare not true friends, that are false shepherds; why should I be drawnawaybythem?Idesiretofeedwherethoufeedestamongthysheep.Whyshould I be as one that turns aside by the flocks of those that areemulatorstothee?asantichrististoChrist.ThusthechurchputsforthtoChrist,whereuntoChristreplies,verse8.'Ifthouknownot,Othoufairestamongwomen,gothywayforthbythefootstepsof theflocks,andfeedthykidsbesidetheshepherds'tents:'thatis,ifthouknownot,gothywayforth,get theeoutof thyself,outof theworld,outof thyformercourse,put thyself forward, stay not complaining, go on, put thyself toendeavour,gothywayforth.Whither?'Inthefootstepsoftheflocks.'Seethe steps ofChristians in the best times of the church in former times.Treadinthestepsofthosethatlivedinthebestagesofthechurch.'Feedthykids,'thyChristians,'besidetheshepherds'tents,'thebestshepherds.Markwhere theapostlesandprophets fed their sheep; there feed thou.

Andmarkthefootstepsoftheflockthathavelivedinthebesttimes;forofalltimessincetheapostlesandprophets,wemustfollowthosevirginbest times. All churches are so far true churches, as they haveconsanguinitywiththeprimitiveapostolicalandpropheticalchurches.

Therefore, 'wearenowtogooutbythefootstepsoftheflock.'Markthefootsteps of former Christians, Abraham, Moses, and David; and inChrist's time, of John, Peter, and the rest. Blessed saints!walk as theywalked,gotheirway,and'feedyourselvesbytheshepherds'tents.'Marktheshepherdswheretheyhavetheirtents!Sothesewordshavereferencetotheprophetical,especiallytotheevangelicaltimes,whereuntowemustconformourselves;forthelattertimesareapostatetimes.Afteracertainseason the church kept not her purity; which the Scriptures foretolddirectly, thatwe should not take scandal at it. The church did fall to akindofadmirationofantichrist,andembraceddoctrinesofdevils,1Tim.4:1.Thereforenowwemustnotfollowthesecompaniesthatleadintoby-paths,contrarytotheapostolicalways,butseewhereinourchurchagreeswith the apostolical churches and truth, and embrace no truth for thefoodofoursouls,butthatwefindinthegospel.Forantichristfeedshisflockswithwind,andwithpoison,andwithemptythings.Forwhathathbeenthe food inpopery?Sweetandgoodly titles;as if they,poorsouls,had the best pastors in the world, whenas they administer to themnothingbutthatwhichwillbethebaneoftheirsouls,fullofpoisonandfraud.Thisisspokentounfoldthatplacewhichgiveslighttothis,spokenof the pastoral care of Christ, 'he feeds his flock among the lilies,'plentifullyandsweetly.Fromhencemaybebrieflyobserved,first,

ThatChristfeedsaswellasbreeds.Andwehaveneedoffeedingaswellasbreeding.Wheredostthoufeed?thatis,buildupthychildren,andgoonwith thework begun in them.We have need to be fed afterwe arebred;andChrist (answerable toourexigenceandnecessity)he feedsaswellasbreeds;andthatwordwhichistheseedtobegetus,isthatwhichfeeds too, 1Peter 1:23.What is the seedof thenewbirth?ThewordofGod,theholypromises,theyaretheseed,theSpiritminglingwiththem,whereby a Christian is born, and being born, is cherished and bred.Therefore,'asnew-bornbabes,'saiththeapostle,'desirethesinceremilkof theword, that youmay grow thereby,' 1 Peter 2:1. So that the same

thing is both the seed of a Christian, and that which breeds him; theblessedtruthandpromisesofGod.

Quest.Ifyouask,whywemustgrowupandbefedstill?

Ans. 1. Do but ask your own souls, whether there be not a perpetualrenewingof corruption,which still breaksout intonewguilt everyday.Thereforewehaveneedtofeedeverydayanewuponthepromises,uponold promiseswith new affections. Somewhat breaks out ever and anonwhich abaseth the soul of a Christian, thatmakes him gowith a sharpappetitetotheblessedtruthsthatfeedhissoul.

Ans. 2. And then again, we need a great deal of strength, which ismaintainedbyfeeding.Besidestheguiltofthesoul,thereneedsstrengthforduty,whichmustbe fetched fromtheblessedwordofGod,and thecomforts thence,wherebywe are able towithstand and resist, to standanddoallthatwedo.

Ans. 3.And thenwe are set uponby variety of temptationswithin andwithout,whichrequirevarietyofwisdomandstrength,allwhichmustbegottenby feeding; and therefore you seeaChristian forhis subsistenceandbeing, hathneedof a feeding, cherishing, andmaintaining still, bythesweetandblesseddirectionsandpromisesoutofthewordofGod.

Thereforeyoumayseewhatkindofatheisticalcreatures thoseare,andhowmuchtheyaretoberegarded,thatturnoffallwithacompendiuminreligion, Tush, if we know that we must love God above all, and ourneighbours as ourselves, and that Christ died for all,we know enough,morethanwecanpractise.Theythinkthesecompendiumswillservetheturn,asiftherewerenotanecessityofgrowingstillfurtherandfurtherindistinct knowledge. Alas! the soul needs to be fed continually. It willstagger else, and be insufficient to stand against temptation, or toperformduties.

Asecondgeneralpointoutof thetext is this, thatasChrist feedethstillhis flock and people, so he feeds them fully, plentifully, and sweetlyamong the lilies. There are saving truths enough. There is an all-sufficiencyinthebookofGod.Whatneedwegoouttoman'sinventions,

seeingthereisafulnessandall-sufficiencyoftruththere?Whatsoeverisnot in that iswind, or poison. In theword is a full kind of feeding. InformertimeswhentheyhadnottheScriptures,andthecomfortsofthemtofeedon,whatdidthepoorsoulsthen?andwhatdothoseremaininginpopery feedon?Upon stones as itwere.Therewas adreamof anholymaninthosetimes,divershundredyearsagone,thathesawonehavingadealofmanchet*tofeedon,andyetallthewhilethepoorwretchhefedonstones.Whatfollyandmiseryisthis,whentherearedelicatethingstofeedon,tognawuponstones!Andwhatisalltheschoollearningalmost,(except one or two that had better spirits than the rest) but a gnawinguponstones,barrendistinctions,emptythings,thathadnosubstanceinthem?TheyhadtheScriptures,thoughtheywerelockedupinLatin,anunknown tongue.Theyhad the sweetpasturesofChrist to feed in;andyetallthiswhiletheyfed,asitwere,onstones.

This should shew us, likewise, our own blessedness that live in thesetimes, wherein the streams of the gospel run abundantly, sweetly, andpleasantly.There isa fulnessamongus,even in thespiritsof theworstsort. There is a fulness almost to loathing of that heavenlymanna: butthosesouls,whoeverwereacquaintedwiththenecessityofit,ratherfindawantthanafulness;andstilldesiretogrowuptoafurtherdesire,thatastheyhaveplentifulmeans,sotheymayhaveplentifulaffectionsafter,and strength by thosemeans. Let us knowour ownhappiness in thesetimes.Isitnotacomforttoknowwheretofeedandtohavepasturestogo to, without suspicion of poison? that we may feed ourselves withcomfortsfullywithoutfearofbane,ornoisomeminglingofcoloquintidain the pot, which would disrelish all the rest? to know that there aretruths thatwemay feedonsafely?This thechurch in the formerplace,Cant.1:6,7,accountedagreatprivilege,'Oh,shewmewherethoufeedestatnoon.'Inthegreatestheatofpersecution,thatImayfeedamongthem.So then it is a great privilege to know where to feed, and so to beesteemed,thattherebywemaybestirreduptobethankfulforourowngood,andtoimprovetheseprivilegestooursouls'comfort.

But the second branch that must be touched a little is, that there isfulness nowhere but in God's house; and that there, and there only, isthatwhichsatisfieththesoulwithfatnessandsweetness.

Nay,notonlythepromises,buttheveryrebukes,ofScripture,aresweet.Therebukesofafriend,theyfeedthesoul.Forwehavemanycorruptionswhich hinder our communionwithGod, so that aChristian delights tohave his corruptions rebuked; for he knows, if he leave them, he shallgrowintofurthercommunionwithChrist,whereinstandshishappinessinthisworld,andthefulnessofhishappinessintheworldtocome.

Ifthisbeso,letusknowthenthatwhenwecometoreligionwelosenotthesweetnessofourlives,butonlytranslatethemtoafarmoreexcellentandbettercondition.Perhapswefedbeforeuponvainauthors,upon(asitwere)gravel,vaincompany;butnowwehaveourdelight(andperhapsfindmore pleasure) in better things. Instead of thatwhich fed our idlefancy(vaintreatisesandthelike),nowwehaveholytruthstodelightoursouls.Believeit,aChristianneverknowswhatcomfortistopurposetillhe be downright and sincere in religion. Therefore Austin saith ofhimself,'Lord,Ihavewantedthysweetnessoverlong.Iseeallmyformerlife(thatIthoughthadsuchsweetnessinit)wasnothingatallbuthusks,empty things. Now I know where sweetness is, it is in the word andtruth.'*Therefore letusnotmisconceiveof religionasof amopishanddullthing,whereinwemustloseallcomfort.Ifwegiveourselvesovertothestudythereof,mustweso?Mustweloseourcomfort?Nay,wehavenocomforttillwebereligiousindeed.Christfeedsnothisamongthornsandbriersandstinkingweeds,butamonglilies.Dostthouthinkhefeedsthee among unsavoury, harsh, fretting, galling things? No; 'he feedsamong lilies.' Therefore when thou comest to religion, think that thoucomest to comfort, to refresh thy soul. Let usmake use of this for oursoul'scomfort,tomakeusinlovemorewiththewaysofChrist.

Now, to seal this further, seewhat the Scripture saith in some parallelplaces. 'The Lord is my shepherd;' and what is the use that Davidpresentlymakeshereof?Why,'Ishallwantnothing,'Ps.23:1.Hewillfeedme plentifully and abundantly. The whole psalm is nothing but acommenting upon that word, 'the Lord is my shepherd.' How doth heperform the duty of a shepherd? 'He makes me to lie down in greenpastures, and leadsme by the still waters.' It is not onlymeant of thebody,butofthesoulchiefly,'herestorethmysoul;'thatis,whenmysoullanguishethandisreadytofaint,herestoresit,andgivesmeasitwerea

new soul; he refresheth it.We see say,* re-creation is the creating of athinganew.Soherestoresmysoul;hegivesmemysoulanew,withfreshcomforts.Thus theblessedShepherddoth, andhow?Because 'he feedsamong the lilies,' thepromisesof thegospel.Thenhedothnotonlydogoodtothebodyandsoul,butheguidesallourways,allourgoingsout,'heleadsusinthepathsofrighteousness.'Andwhy?BecauseIdeservesomuchathishands?No;'forhisownname'ssake,'becausehehathalovetome;becausehehathpurchasedmewithhisblood,andgivenhislifeforhissheep;hathboughtmesodear,thoughtherebenoworthinme.Hegoeson,'ThoughIwalkthroughalltemptationsandtroubles,'whichareas'thevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,'thatis,wherethereisnothingbutdisconsolationandmisery;'yetIwillfearnoneill;thou,withthyrodandstaff,dostcomfortme.'IfI,asawanderingsheep,venturetogooutoftheway,thou,outofthycare,beingasweetandlovingshepherd,wiltpullmeinwiththyhookandstaffagain.Hehathnotcareonlytofeedus,buttogovernusalso.WhatasweetShepherdandSaviourhaveweincovenant,thatdealsthuswithus!Andsoheproceeds,'Thouwiltpreparemytableinthepresenceofmineenemies.'Andforthetimetocomehepromisethhimselfasmuch,thatGod,ashehathbeenaShepherdforthepresent,toprovideallthingsnecessaryforbodyandsoulandguidance,sosurelythegoodnessof theLordshall followmeall thedaysofmy life; forhe isaperpetual Shepherd. He will not leave us till he hath brought us toheaven.ThusweseeinthisplacethesweetcareofChrist.

Thelikeplaceyouhave—'Heshallfeedhisflocklikeashepherd;heshallgatherthe lambswithhisarms,andcarrytheminhisbosom,andshallgently leadthose thatarewithyoung,' Isa.40:11.Sohe leads themintothepastures,andfeedsthemplentifullyandsweetly,notonlywithsweetthings,butwithatendercare,whichissweeter.Asashepherd,hetakesinto his bosom the poor lambs that cannot walk themselves, and thesheep that are heavy with young. He cares for them; 'he gently leadsthem'thatarepoor,weakChristians,thatstruggleandconflictwithmanytemptations and corruptions. Christ hath a tender care of them. Hecarries them, as itwere, inhis bosomand inhis arms, and leads themgently;forindeedallChrist'ssheepareweak.Everyonehathsomewhattocomplainof.Thereforehehathatendercare;hefeedsthemtenderlyandsweetly,orelsetheymightperish.

Anotherplacenotableforthispurpose,seeEzek.34:14,seq.,whereinyouhavethesamemetaphorfromalovingshepherd;anditisbutacommentupon the text. Therefore, being parallel places, they may help ourmemories:'IwillfeedthemingoodpasturesuponthehighmountainsofIsrael;thereshalltheirfoldbe;thereshalltheylieinagoodfold,andinafat pasture. Iwill feedmy flock, and cause them to lie down, saith theLordGod. Iwill seek thatwhich is lost, andbringback thatwhichwasdrivenaway; Iwillbindup thatwhichwasbroken,andstrengthen thatwhich is sick, and destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them withjudgment.'ThosethatareChrist'struesheephavesomewhattocomplainof.Eithertheyaresick,orbroken,ordrivenaway.Somewhatisamissorother. But Christ's care preventeth all the necessities of his sheep. Hehatha fit salve forall theirsores.*And, toapply this to thebusiness inhand,†dothnotChristfeedus'amongthelilies?'Dothhenotnowfeeduswithhisownbodyandblood in the sacrament?Wouldyouhavebetterfood?'Mybodyismeatindeed,andmybloodisdrinkindeed,'—thatis,itis the only meat, with an emphasis; the only meat and drink that oursoulscould feedupon.GodgavehisSontodeath, toshedhisblood formy sins.Whatwould become of the hunger-bitten, thirsty soul, that isstungwithSatanandhistemptations,wereitnotforthebloodofChristtoquenchourthirst,andthebodyofChristgivenbytheFathertodeathforsin?Were itnotthatthesoulcouldthinkuponthis,wherewerethecomfortof thesoul?All this isrepresentedtoushere in thesacrament.We feed on the body and blood of Christ spiritually, and are refreshedthereby, as verily as our bodies are refreshedwith the bread andwine.ForGoddothnot feeduswith empty symbols and representations,butwith things themselves, that the soulwhich comes prepared by faith ispartaker of Christ crucified, and is knit to him, though now in heaven.There is as sure an union and communion between Christ and theChristiansoul,asthereisbetweenthefoodandthebody,whenitisoncedigested.

Thereforeletuscometothisblessed,tothissweetfoodofoursoulswithhungry appetites and thankful hearts, that God hath given us the bestcomforts of his word, and fed us with the sweet comforts of thesacraments,asasealoftheword.Weshouldevenspendourlivesmuchin thankfulness for this, that he will feed us so sweetly, that thinks

nothing is good enough for our food, but his own self, with his owngraciouswordandtruth.ThusweshouldbeverythankfuluntoGod,andnowatthistimelabourtogethungryappetitesfitforthisblessedfoodtoreceiveit.

Howshallwedothat?

1.Thinkseriouslyof the formerpartof thy life,and thisweekpast.ForChrist, the food of the soul, relisheth well with the sour herbs ofrepentance. Let us stir up in our hearts repentance for our sins, andsorrowintheconsiderationofourowncorruptnatureandlife;andwhenwehavefeltourcorruptionsandhavethesenseofourwant,thenChristwillbesweettous.Thepaschallambwastobeeatenwithsourherbs;soChristourpassovermustbeeatenwithrepentance.

2.Thenwithaltheremustbepurging.Therearemanythingswhichclogthestomach.Comenotwithworldly,wicked,maliciousaffections,whichpuff up the soul, James 1:21; 'but lay aside,' as the apostlewisheth, 'allguile,malice, and superfluity,' 1 Pet. 2:1. Empty the soul of all sin andprepossessing*thoughtsoraffections.

3.Andthenconsiderthenecessityofspiritualstrength,thatwehaveneedto growupmore andmore inChristianity, to be feeding still.WehaveneedofstrongfaithandstrongassurancethatChristisours,andthatwearehis.Letus often frequent this ordinance, and comeprepared asweshould,andweshall findChristmakinggoodhisownordinance, inhisown best time; so as we shall be able to say, in truth of heart,experimentallyandfeelinglywiththechurch,'Mybelovedismine,andIamhis.Hefeedethamongthelilies.'