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 SACRAMENTAL 
 
 Meditations and ^Advices 
 
 GROUND E>D UPON 
 
 Scripture -texts, 
 
 PROPER FOR 
 
 COMMUNI CANTS, 
 
 T O 
 
 Prepare their "He arts, excitetheir Affections, 
 quicken their < races and enl'ven their De- 
 votions on Sacramental Occasions: 
 
 And llkewife ufeful 
 To promote gracious Dispositions and Reso- 
 lutions in Christians, at all Times, upon the 
 Remembrance of a Crucified Jesus. 
 
 Together with 
 
 A Short Christian Directory, 
 
 Cor.fifting of 
 Forty Scripture Directions, proper for all 
 Christians intending Heaven: And a Vari- 
 ety of bCRiPTURE-SoNGS for Z/Ws TRAVEL- 
 LERS in their Way thither. 
 
 To which are added (by Way of APPENDIX.) 
 I. A Lecture concerning the Inftitution of the 
 
 Lord's Supper, on i Cor. xi- 17. to the End. 
 IL A Preparation Sermon from Jojh. iii. 5. 
 III. An Action Sermon from Cant. ii. 4. 
 All taken from the Author's Manufcrips after his 
 Deceafe. 
 
 By the Rev. Mr. John Willis on late Minifter at Dundee. 
 
 EDINBURGH: 
 Printed by S Willison and M. Jarvie, for G. 
 uwfurd and A.Donaldson. M ; dcc,lxi. 
 
Cntecen m Stationers |)all 
 
 B Y 
 
 SamuelWi llison, Son to the 
 Author ; fo that if any Perfons pre- 
 fume to print the fame, they will be 
 profecute in terms of Law. 
 
 JCS *tsi V 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 THE Eternal Son of Gec/,whtn taking his Leave 
 of an ungrateful World, inftituted the Sacra- 
 ment of the Supper, as a lively Refemblance ard 
 Memorial of his bloody Sufferings and Death in the 
 Room of his People; and alfo to be a bright and 
 lafting Evidence of the amazing Love of God the Fa- 
 ther, Son and Holy Ghofl to perifhmg Sinners. 
 
 As God once fent his Son into the World in a low- 
 ly Habit, clothed with human Flefli to fave Sinners ; 
 fo now he fends him in a homely Drels, clothed with 
 the Elements of Bread and Wine, to allure us of his 
 .Love, and to engage us to come to him. — Kings ex- 
 .pecl that their Children will be refpedtcd, tho* their 
 Officers be neglected. Surely (faith God) They wi.l 
 reverence my Son; they will make him welcome and 
 hearken to him. 
 
 In this mod Auguft Ordinance of the New Tefta- 
 ment the Great God approaches very near to us, and 
 we to him ; and yet is to be deeply regreted that 
 many who profefs to believe this, come to it with fo 
 little Thought and Preparation, ai d with fo much 
 Indifferency and Carlefnefs of Spirit. Oh, mail we 
 adventute fo near the Great God, who is infinite! v 
 holy, in whofe Sight the Heavens are not pure, and 
 in whofe Prefence the Sun and Stars are dimm'd, and 
 the brighteft Seraphims do gather in their Wings, 
 and account themfelves as little Flies before him ! 
 y\nd (hall we, who are Creatures fo mean and fo 
 vile, be carelefs and unconcerned, when we make 
 the neareft Approach to this great and holy God, 
 that we can make on this Side Heaven. 
 
 Ought we not to go blufhing, a (harried and deeply 
 humbled on many Accounts, and particularly for our 
 Ingratitude for Redeeming Love, that Love which faf- 
 fetk Knowledge-, and for our Contempt of God's un- 
 jfeakaiU Gift, the greateft Sin hi 'the World ; yea, 
 
 a we 
 
iv PREFACE. 
 
 we fhouid go wondring that we are out of Hell, for 
 many Thoufands are burning there, who have not 
 finned lb heinoufly in making light of precious Chrifl: 
 as we have clone. 
 
 Moreover, Reader, confider if you go to this Or- 
 dinance unpreparedly, or with indifference, you not 
 only make light of the Lord Jefus Chrifl, but you 
 are guilt) of the Body and Blood of the Lord, 1 Cor. 
 ^i. 27. Surely that Word may caufe you to quake 
 and tre nble; Blood gu'tltenefs of any Sort is a dread- 
 ful Sin, and efpecially to be guilty of the Blood of 
 the Lord Murder is a Sin that cries for Vengeance 
 on the Aclor, and gives God no Feft till he punifh it, 
 Gen iv. 10. The Voice of thy Brother s Blood crieth 
 to me fom the Earth. If it be a crying Sin to mur- 
 der a common Person, what mint it be to murder a 
 King ? Who can ft retch forth hit Hand againfl the Lord 1 ! 
 j4>:ointed, and be guiltlefs P 1 Sam. xxvi. 9. O then, 
 what a Crime mail it be to murder the eternal Son 
 of God, who is thy exalted King, thy everlafting 
 Father, thy dear Redeemer, and thy Gcd who gave 
 thee a bein^. Child-murder is a heinous Crime, but 
 what Chrifl -7uurder is, no Tongue can tell ! If on 
 him that flew Cain (that wicked Man) Vengeance 
 fhouid he taken feven fold, what Vengeance will be 
 taken on him that crucifies afrefh the Lord of Glory ? 
 T. is Consideration fhouid make all of us afrai(J of 
 carelefs and unworthy Communicating. 
 
 If we could communicate worthily, we mufl be 
 earneft, not only for the Life of Grace, but alfo for 
 the Livelirels of Grace ; not only for the Truth and 
 Sincerity of Grace* hut likewife for the Activity and 
 vigorous Exerci r e of Grace. So that a believer 
 him. elf doth not eat and drink worthily, unlets the 
 Grace that is in him be excited and exercifed at 
 
 this Ordinance. There mull be not only Faith in 
 
 the Truth of it, but there mull be Faith realizing, ap. 
 plying, appropriating and making ufe of Chrift's 
 
 De2th 
 
-PREFACE. v 
 
 Death and Purchafe in this Ordinance.— —Not only 
 rhuft there be a DifpoGtion of Soul to be humbled 
 for Sin, but there mud be actual mourning and melt- 
 ing of Heart for Sin, and for particular Sins, when 
 we look on him we have pierced by them.— — ^ot 
 only mull there be a Principle of Love to Chnft, 
 but alio an exciting of Love to flame out to Chrift, 
 who loved us and gave himlelf for us. 
 
 Worthy Communicating being a Work of lech Im- 
 portance, the following Scriptural Meditations and 
 Advices are humbly offered to Chriftians, as an Help 
 in their Preparations for it. Reading and thinking 
 much on the Subjects here propofed, may thro' God's 
 Blefliing be ufefui to promote their habitual Prepa- 
 ration for the holy Supper. Chrift's Body and 
 
 Blood herein exhibited are pure and holy Things, 
 and mould be received in prepared and cleanfed 
 Hearts. His Body never law Corruption in the 
 Grave,nor will be mixed with it in Hearts where Cor- 
 ruption is allowed. It lay in a Virgin's womb, and 
 in a Virgin's Sepulchre, and will dill be entertained 
 in Virgin's Souls and affections ; in Hearts purified and 
 confecrated to God. In thefe Chrift chules to refide 
 and not in thefe where Sin and the World, with the 
 Lulls thereof are harboured. Oh, had we Grace to 
 mantain and cherifh the Fear of God, and the Love 
 of Chrift habitually in our Souls, we might, without 
 much Pains, be prepared for coming to him at his 
 Table. 
 
 Did we always bear in our Minds, that Sacramen- 
 tal Occalions are folemn appointments, and Bethel* 
 meetings with God, for renewing Covenant, and en- 
 tertaining Fellow (hip and Communion with him, we 
 would gaurd more againft Formality creeping in up- 
 on us in our Preparations for, and in our Attendance 
 upon this Ordinance, than alas, we do. Oh, fueh 
 Formality will provoke the Matter of our folemn 
 Feafts to withdraw from them, and then what poor> 
 dry. melancholy and lifelefs Things will thev be r 
 
 What 
 
>i PREFACE. 
 
 What are Sacraments without ChrHVs Prefence m 
 them? O let us never be fatufied with Commun»i*« 
 iabbatbs, without Communion with Chriit in them. 
 
 On the other Hand, if we would keep up Commu- 
 nion with Chriit in thele Ordinances, let us hew 
 of relying on our previous Pains or Preparations, ei- 
 ther for our right performing of our Duty, or for our 
 Acceptance in it : For we are never more ready to 
 milcarry, and to be difappointed, than when we are 
 guilty of this reding. Sundry go to the Lord's Table 
 with great Humilation for Sin, and yet come away 
 without Comfort: Why ? becauie they make a Chriit 
 
 of their Sorrow. O what Worth ean we iee in our 
 
 bed Preparations, Confeflions, Prayers, Tears, Hu- 
 miliations, fcc> if we compare them uith the Law of 
 God ? We have more Caufe to be afhamed of them, 
 than to lay any Strefs on them. Could we renounce 
 all Self-confidence, and difclaim all our ProviGou in 
 point of Dependence, and cad ourfelves wholly on 
 Chrid for Strength, Through-bearing and Acceptance 
 we would have better Succeis at the Lord's Tuble r 
 than commonly we have. 
 
 We are never more fit for this holy Table, than 
 when we are mod humbled, and mod afhamed of 
 eurfelves, becaufe of oar Unfitnefs for this folemn 
 Approach ; and we are never lefs fit, than when we 
 think ourfelves mod fit and prepared for the Duty.— ■ 
 A holy Deniedneis to all Self-fufficiency, and a deep 
 Senfe of unworthinefs and unfitnefs, is the bed pre- 
 paration we can attain to for this lolemn Ordinance. 
 Let us make Holy David our Pattern, when going to 
 partake, PfalAxxi. 16. I will go in the Strength of 
 the Lord God : 1 will make mention of thy Right eon/- 
 
 ?iefs y even of thine only, And let us pray with the 
 
 Spoiifc, Cant. iv. 1 6. Awake North Wind, and 
 coi-ie thou South, blow upon my Garden^ that the Spices 
 thsrccfviay flow out. Amen, 
 .dee, August 1747. 
 
 CONTENT 3 
 
Vlt 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 O F 
 
 Sacramental Meditations 
 from 
 
 SCRIPTURE-TEXTS 
 
 Page 
 
 MEDITATION I. Heb. xi, 7. A crucified Jefus 
 the Believer's Ark 1 
 
 II. 2 Pet. ii. 4. Fallen Angels punifhed, and fallen Men 
 
 fpa red 5 
 
 III Psal. cxlvii. 20. Britain's Gofpel-mercies Subject of 
 Praife 9 
 
 IV. 1 Johk iii. 1. The amazing Love of the Father and 
 
 of the Son to us x 3 
 
 V. Psal. viii. 4. The condefcenfion of the Great God to 
 Man admirable 1 7 
 
 VI. 1 Cor.x 4. Chrift our Rock, fmit ten and dreaming, 
 highly ufeful 2 1 
 
 VII. Zech. xii. 10. Chrift pierced for our Sins> a Heart- 
 affecting Sight 2$ 
 
 VIII. Luke xxii. 61. Chrift's Look to Peter melted his 
 Heart in Tears ' 29 
 
 IX. Mat. xv. 27. Often Trials are iharp, where Faith 
 
 is ftrong 3 3 
 
 X. 1 Cor. xu 24. ChrhTs Sufferings worthy to be remem- 
 bered at his Table 3 3 
 
 XI. Phil.L 23. Communicant's oft in Straits betwixt two 
 which of them to chufe 42 
 
 XII. Phil. iv. 19. Rich Supplies in Chrift for all our 
 Neec's 4$ 
 
 XIII. lphes. iii. 19. The Dimensions of drift's Love 
 pafs Knowledge $ r 
 
 XIV. Luke xxii. 44. A View of Chrift's Agony and 
 bloody Sweat s> 
 
 XV. Is a. liii. 7. The Lamb of God fiient, mid daughter - 
 
 cd fcr HS~~ j 9 
 
 xiv; 
 
viii CONTENTS. 
 
 Medita. Pa"* 
 
 XVI. Eph i. 7. Amazing things to be (ecu in redeem- 
 
 A ing Blood 64 
 
 XVII. Psal. Ixxii. 6. ChriiVs coming to his Church like 
 Rain on dry Ground 69 
 
 X VIII. Mat. viii. 8. The lowly Believer, or Faith a Self- 
 am azing Grace 74 
 
 XIX 2 Cor. ix. ic. Chrift is Go J 's unfpeakablc Gift, 
 with Marks of theie who are thankful for it 79 
 
 XX. Luke ix. 22. A View of the manifold Sufferings of 
 Chrift 84 
 
 XXI. John xviii. 4. Chrift's Willingnefs to fuffer for us 
 viewed and im proven 89 
 
 XXII. John xvi. 7. The Expediency of Chrift's going a - 
 way from his Difciples considered 94 
 
 XXIII. Hos. ii. 19. An aftonifhing Match betwixt love- 
 ly Chrift and lothfbme Creatures 99 
 
 XXIV. Is a. liii. 8. A View of Chrift ftricken by many 
 Hands for our man> r Sins 104 
 
 XXV. Gal. ii. 20. A particular and appropriating Faith 
 
 in Jefus Chrift, both our Duty and Intereft 109 
 
 XXVI. 1 John iv. 19. God's preventing Love, the Cauft 
 
 of our Love to him 114 
 
 XXVII. Psa l. exxvi. 5. Sowing in Tears brings a joyful 
 reaping Time 1 1 8 
 
 XXVIII. Rev. i. c. Chrift's Love in pouring out his 
 Blood for us, calls for Songs of Praife to him 125 
 
 XXIX. Luke xv. j 8. The humble Confeffions and Plead- 
 ings of a penitent returning Prodigal l *i 
 
 XXX. Song i. 4 Our remembnng of Chrift's Love at 
 his Table fliould fill cur Souls with Wonder, Love and 
 Gratitude 13° 
 
 XXXI. Isa. liii. c. Chrift's Wcunds by our Sins, fhew 
 
 the evil Nature of Sin, and call for Revenge upon it 134 
 
 XXXII. John vi.51. Chrift crucified our heavenly Bread, 
 cxcclls die Ifraditcs Manna ' 3 * 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 O F 
 
 Sacramental Advices 
 from 
 
 SCRIPTURE-TEXTS. 
 
 Page 
 ADVICE I Gen vii. x. A Call to periihing Sinners 
 
 u7X to come into the Ark of a crucified Chrift for Safety, 
 with Directions how to get into it 14I 
 
 II. Rev. iii. 20. Chr.ft's landing and knocking at the 
 Door of the Heart, affords powerful Arguments for Sin* 
 ners opening to him 147 
 
 III Rev. Mi. 20 A View of the Extcnfivenefs and Solem- 
 nity of Chrift's Calls to open to him, and the bleiled Pro- 
 vifion he brings in with him 1 cr 
 
 IV. Prov. ix. j. Chrift the Bread of Life, excellent Soul- 
 food, with Directions how to come and eat it ijr 
 
 V. GeN. xlv. 4. Chrift our loving Brother typified by 
 Jofcphy with Directions how to come near him in the Sa- 
 crament ij^ 
 
 VI. Matth. xxii. 2. A Call to ccme and fign the Mar- 
 riage-contract with Chrift atfeis Table, with Directions in 
 doing it 163 
 
 VII. Lam. i. 12. A Call to view Chrift's dreadful Suf- 
 ferings under God's fierce Anger i6j 
 
 VIIL Matth. xxvi. 22. Communicants called to be zea- 
 lous over their Hearts, to fearch out their Sins and for- 
 row for them, and to do it after a Godly Sort, with 
 Marks of it 17 1 
 
 IX. HeB. vi. 1 8. Chrift our only City of Refuge, with 
 Directions how to flee to it from the Avenger of Blood 175 
 
 X. John iii. 14. A Call fo view Chrift nailed and lifted 
 
 up on the Crofs, withfuitable Thoughts and Affections 179 
 
 XI. Exodus xiv. ij. A Call to Communicants, under 
 Doubts and Fears, to go forward to tjrc Red Sea of 
 Chrift's Blood 18$ 
 
 XU.Jogli 
 
x CONTENTS. 
 
 XII. John xii. 32. Chrift lift* J up on the Crofs, a noble 
 Engine for drawing Souls to him, with Directions to 
 look for his drawing Power x$j 
 
 XIII. John xix. 5- A Call to behold the Man Chrifr Je« 
 
 fus underlies various Sufferings ip2 
 
 XIV". Joi. xxxvii. 14. Directions to ftand (till and confi- 
 der God's wondrous Works difplayedin the Sacrament 196 
 
 XV. Rev. xxii. 2. Chrift our Tree of Life, infinite*/ pre- 
 ferable to Adam's Tree in the earthly Paradife, with Di- 
 rections to view and make Ule of this bleiled Tree 20 r 
 
 XVI. Ica. xxxii. 2. Chrift our only Hiding-place and Co- 
 vert from Storms of Wrath, with Directions to get into it 206 
 
 XVII. 1 Kings xix. 9. Communicants mould be ready to 
 give Account to God of their Errand at the Lord's Table 21* 
 
 XVIII. John v. 6. Communicants mud come lenfible of 
 their Difcafes, with Faith in Chrift's healing Power, and 
 Marks of a healing Faith 2ie 
 
 XIX. Exod. xii 14. How to improve a Communion Sab. 
 bath as a Memorial of Chrift's Death, Refurreclion, and 
 Benefits obtained thereby 219 
 
 XX. JeR. Ill . 19. A Sinner's taking hold of God's Cove- 
 nant, furmounts all the Hindrances and Difficulties in the 
 Way of his Salvation 224 
 
 XXI. LuKe v. 26. Communicants are to recollecl and 
 confider what ftrange Things they have feen at the Sa- 
 crament, and be fuitably affected 229 
 
 XXII. LuKe vi. 21. The BlefledneC of true fpiritual 
 Hunger, with the good Things provided to fill the Hun- 
 gry 234 
 
 XXIIL Psal cvii. 2. Redeemed Souls are under Special 
 Obligations to give Thanks and fmg Praile to their Re, 
 deemer 237 
 
 I offer no particular Contents of the annexed Directory and 
 Songs, in regard the 40 Scripture Directions arc fhort, and the 
 Songs but few; they being moftly tranflated from the Song of 
 Solomon, and other notour Paflages in the Bible, particularly tl*e 
 New Teftament ; wherein redeeming Love, the Sufferings of 
 Chrifr, and the Benifitsof his Purchafe, are fet forth in order to 
 excite our Thanksgiving and Praiies for them. Which infpired 
 Matter, Chriftians are fufficienrly warranted to make Ule of im 
 $tD£». O to get our Heat is turned with Love ! 
 
S AC RAMENTAL 
 
 MEDITATIONS 
 
 Upon Sundry 
 
 Scripture-Texts. 
 
 MEDITATION I. 
 
 From Heb. xi. 7. 
 
 By Faith Noah prepared an Ark to the facing 
 (tf his Houfe. 
 
 TH O' the Flood that drowned the old 
 World was at many Years Diftance, yet 
 Noah was moved with Fear at God's 
 warning him of it, and prepared an Ark 
 for his Safety : And (hall not uncon- 
 verted unbelieving Sinners, who have a far more ter- 
 rible Flood threatned againft them, and may be only 
 z, few Days diftant, take Warning, and provide with 
 all Speed for their Safety ? Oh \ (hall I, a wretch- 
 ed guilty Sinner, take Reft, while I am within the 
 Flood-mark of God's Wrath, and not arife in Time 
 to provide an Ark to flee to for my Safety . ? — But O 
 good News! I have not the Ark to provide, it is 
 prepared to my Hand : God, in his infinite Wifdom 
 and Pity, hath made ready an Ark long ago fur loft 
 Sinners of /ldam\ Race to fly to ; and now it iscom- 
 pleatiy furnifhed and finiihed, and all Things are 
 ready, fo that I have nothing to do but go and ta^e 
 PofiefTxon. 
 
 A O what 
 
A Crucified Jefus, 
 
 O what had become of me, and other perilhing 
 Sinners, had we the Ark to build for ourfelves ? Nay; 
 the whole Creation had not been able or fufficient 
 for this Purpole. How foon would the raging FloocJ 
 of Divine Wrath iWeep away all the Arks of Men 
 or Angels building ! But Thanks be unto God for 
 ever, for the excellent well-built Ark of God's dcvifing, 
 for the many fpacious Rooms and fafe Lodging- places 
 within it, for the fuitable Accommodation and plen- 
 tiful Provifion laid up therein, and for the Door 
 opened in the Side thereof for perifhing Souls to enter 
 by.- — The Salvation of Sinners by a Crucified Chrift 
 is a well-ordered Scheme, a beautiful Contrivance ! 
 BlefTed be the infinitely wife Contriver for it. I fee all 
 Things in Chrift crucified necefTary for me . He is 
 made of God to Men, Wifdom, Right eoufnefs, Sflnffi* 
 ficatlcn and Redemption. There is in him infinite 
 Wifdom to guide me, a fpotlefs ilighteoufnefs to co- 
 ver me, precious Blood to wafh me, the Holy Spirit 
 to fanclify me, his good Word to direct me, bis juft 
 Laws to govern me, and his infinite Fukels to frpply 
 all my Needs : Safe and happy then would I be, were 
 I found in him. O that, upon Trial by Scripture- 
 marks, I could conclude myfelf to be within the Ark, 
 to wit, a Crucified Jefus J 
 
 Can I fay, I have been warned of God, and mov- 
 ed with Fear, to fly to this Ark ? Have I difcovered 
 my fhelterlefs State by Nature, the Waves and Bil- 
 lows of Wrath rifing and rolling againft me- ? Have 
 I feen my own Inability to provide an Ark for myfelf, 
 and the Excellency and Fitnefs of the Ark of God's 
 providing ? Have 1 been made willing to abandon all 
 filfe Arks, and earnestly inquifitive how to get into 
 the true Ark ? Have I been made willing to ufe all 
 appointed iMeans for this End, to rtad, hear, medi- 
 tate, pray, repent, believe, effty to climb up the Sides 
 «if the Ark, and prefs to get in at the Door the 
 t I been willing to venture my All in th* 
 
 like 
 
the Believer's Ark. 3 
 
 like Noah, notwithstanding of the Difcouragements, 
 Scoffs and Hatred of the World for lb doing ? Have 
 1 willingly acquiefced, fheltered and lodged my Soul 
 in God's Ark, and been made to fay, This is my Reft 
 for ever y here will I dwell P Come what Floods will, 
 Chri/l {hall be my Ark, His Right eoufnefs alone my 
 Refuge and Hiding-place. 
 
 Alas ! upon impartial Search, have I not Caufe to 
 fear that 1 have not yet fled to the Ark, but am ftill 
 expoled to the devouring Flood ? and can I be eafy 
 or quiet in fuch a Cafe ? Can I forbear crying, What 
 ftiall I do to get into the Ark Chrift ? Nay, What 
 would I not do to get into it I Lord, what wouldffc 
 thou have me to do } . Would (I thou have me to humble 
 rnyfelf, confefs, mourn, part with Sin, clofe with Chrift: 
 in all his Offices? Prelcribe, Lord, what thou wilt, I 
 will not fcruple what thou enjoins me, but obey thee 
 without Referve. I am refolved upon it, whatever it 
 coil me, that the Solicitations of the Flefti, the Temp- 
 tations of Satan, the Scoffs, Reproaches or Perfec- 
 tions of the World, (hall not (top me from flying to 
 the Ark ; I would break through all thefe to be found 
 in it. Lord, increafe and ftrengthen my Faith for 
 that End, and help my Unbelief. 
 
 O how fuitable is the Ark Chrift to my deftitute 
 and miferable Condition : In my felf I want all Thingc, 
 but I fee Supply for all my Wants in the Ark. I am 
 poor, but I fee Gold in the Ark to make me rich : I 
 am wounded by Sin, but I fee Balm in the Ark to heal 
 my Wounds: I am blind, but there is Eye-falve in 
 the Ark to make me fee: I am perilling with Hunger, 
 but I fee Bread in the Ark to fttisfy me : I am naked, 
 but in the Ark there is white Raiment to clothe me 1 
 I am polluted, but in the Ark there is a Fountain to 
 warn me : I am expoled to more terrible Floods than 
 Noah was, but I fee the Ark Chrift can fave me from 
 them all : Noah's Ark faved him only from a Flood 
 of Water, but the Ark Chrift favci from a Flood of 
 
 A a the 
 
4 A Crucified Jefus, 
 
 the Curies of the Law, and the Wrath of God, 
 which will ("weep away all the unbelieving World. 
 This Flood rofe, fwelled high, and darned furioufly 
 againfl our Ark ; but the Ark was Proof againft it, 
 and fheltered all the Elect World from the Flood, (o 
 that not one Drop did light on them. O how ex- 
 cellent is this Ark ! for it can fave me from bein£ 
 overwhelmed or carried away with any Flood, and 
 particularly it can fave me from being carried away 
 with a Flood of Satan % Temptations which fweeps 
 away many, or with a Flood of indwelling Cor- 
 ruption, with a Flood of Error, with a Flood of 
 Profanity, or with a Flood of Neutrality and IndifTe- 
 rency about fpiritual Concerns ; by which Floods, 
 Multitudes are deftroyed. Let me then by Faith fly 
 to this blefled Ark, where all Believers are preferveu 
 from thefe deftroying Floods. Behold I run, I fly: 
 May Jefus draw me, and help me in ! 
 
 Blefled for ever be the God of Heaven, for provi- 
 ding fuch an Ark for fallen Sinners upon Earth. I de- 
 fire to count all Things but Lofs and Dung, that I 
 may be found in this Ark, among the preferved in 
 Chr'tjl Jefus, whom no Flood can reach. However 
 this Ark be flighted by the World, I'll prize it above 
 all Things, and count them for ever happy who get 
 into it, feeing God declares it, that there is no Con- 
 demnation to them that are in Chrift Jefus — i—The 
 Ark was flighted by the old World, and Noah ridicu- 
 led for preparing it for himfelf and his Houfe ; but it 
 foon appeared that Noah was the wifeft Man that 
 then lived upon the Earth. Few there were who en- 
 tered with Noah into the Ark, and no doubt v/ere re- 
 proached and mocked for their Singularity; but foon 
 was the World perfuaded that they were the only- 
 wife and happy Men in it. Better Purely it was to 
 have followed the eight Perfons that went into the 
 Ark, than to have joined eight Millions of theie who 
 were drowned in the Flood. Should I be fo foolifh 
 
the Believer's Ark. 5 
 
 as follow the old World in undervaluing the Ark, I 
 rouft lay my Account to be (hut out and perifh with 
 them too : Wherefore I will not fear the Reproach of 
 Men for being Angular in my Efteem of glorious 
 Chrift.— — May I be numbered among that happy 
 Company (however few they be) who love the Lord 
 Jefus Chrift in Sincerity, and will blefs God eternally 
 For providing this Ark for drowning Men I May 1 be 
 one that will ever blefs my lovely and loving Jefus, 
 that pitied me and took me in, when others were 
 warned off from the Sides of the Ark, as adhering 
 only to it by a dead and formal Profeffion ! May I 
 be one that will ever fing to his Praife, O amazing 
 free Love ! that pitied and diftinguifhed me, when 
 the Flood came ; that gracioufly drew and determi- 
 ned me in fuch a Manner, that I got into the Ark and 
 was fafe, when many others were wafned off and 
 perifhed for ever ! 
 
 MEDITATION II. 
 
 From 2 Peter ii. 4. 
 
 God [pared not the Angels that finned, hut 
 cafl them down to Hell. 
 
 HO W admirable, free and d!ftingui/hing is the 
 Love of God to Mankind Sinners, in pitying 
 them in their low and loft Eftate ! O hew different h 
 the Cafe of fallen Men upon the Earth, from, the C 
 of fallen Angels in Hell, and that of damned S; 
 there ! Manna is rained down upon us, while an e:c: 
 nal Shower of Fire and Brirr^or-e falls down eppn 
 them. They are bound in Ca ,in* of Darknefs. 
 thou, Lord, art drawing us with Cords of Lovr, 
 Thou didfl not (pare Angels, nor take oa their v 
 
 turt ; 
 
6 FaJkn Men pitied, 
 
 ture ; hut thou haft fpared us, married our Nature, 
 and exalted it to the Heavens. They contine with- 
 out Hope under the Deluge of God's Wrath, while 
 the pleaiant Rainbow of the Sacrament appears to u<, 
 as a Token of God's Covenant of Grace, and of his 
 Willingneis to fecure us from that overflowing Flocd, 
 by the Interpofition of his dear Son in our Nature. O 
 how welcome (hould we make that Gofpel Rainbow ! 
 
 Lord, thy Wrath foon broke out agiinit the An- 
 gels that fell ; thou didft panilh them immediately up- 
 on their finning againft thee. Thou didft net wait 
 for their Repentance, nor make any Offer of Mercy 
 to them; bur, prefently upon their iirft Offence, did it 
 condemn them to eveilafting Chains of Darknds. O 
 how far different is thy Manner of dealing with us ! 
 Long haft then waited upon us after we have finned ; 
 yea, thou haft followed us with thy Mercy after ma* 
 ry Refufals of it, and even after our trampling the 
 precious Blood of Chrift under oar Feet ! Marvel- 
 lous and peculiar is thy Mercy to fallen Men inrefpect 
 of fallen Angels ! Glory to fovereign free Mercy, that 
 thcu didft not call us off for ever without a Parley, 
 as thou didft them ; but waits to be gracious to us, 
 long ftretching out thy Hand, and calling us to Re- 
 pentance, faying, Turnje, turn ye ; why will ye die f 
 
 Againft the finning Angels God was Co provoked P 
 that he refolved within bimfelf, and hath kept hisRe- 
 iblulion ever fince the Beginning of the World, and 
 Vv ill keep it to all Eternity, that he will not fo much 
 as enter into a Pariey with thefe Creatures, however 
 glorious they once were, nor be reconciled to them 
 upon any Terms ; yea, that he* will hear of no Terms, 
 but will revenge himfelf upon them to all Eternity — 
 May not then the hearing of this cau'e us to quake and 
 treml.Ie I for, why migic not the Lord have dealt 
 with us in the fame Manner, who were far more 
 wretched and miferabie Creatures than Angels? Sure- 
 i\ if a King be :b angry vtfith an o&nd\tifgJtoMema*i 
 
 that 
 
and fallen Angels pinijmi. y 
 
 that was once his fpecial Favourite, as to banifn him 
 from Court, and afterwards hear of no Terms of Re- 
 conciliition with him ; Would not a. Footman, or 
 mean Servant, that had offended, when bearinc* of 
 this, begin to dread, and fay. O what will become 
 of me a poor Man, when the King treats his Peers lb 
 feverely f 1 may furely deipair of a Remiiflon or Re- 
 conciliation with him. So in like Maimer, we poor 
 Clay Worms, upon hearing of God's Severity to fil- 
 let* Angels, might have been overwhelmed with Fesr^ 
 if the Bible had not told us, that the Son of God his 
 Delights were with the Sons of Men ; that verily he 
 took not en him the Nature of Angels, but he took cri 
 him the Seed oj Abraham, Heh. ii. 16. and that he 
 gave himfelf to be a Sin-Odering and Sacrifice Cor 
 Men ! Aftonilhing News ! Glory to God for thefc 
 glad Tidings of Great Joy ! 
 
 O admirable Love to Adam's rebellious Oftprmg ! 
 Haft thou, Lord, pail by Angels, and remembred us 
 in our low Ellate ! and in thy infinite Cornpanllion be- 
 come our Surety, to appeale Divine Juftice for ovr 
 heinous Sins, when no other Sacrifice could do it ! O 
 what (hall we render to thee for this diftinguimicg 
 Love ! Surely our Condition in Adam was no better 
 than that of the Angels who -left their fiift Eftate. 
 By Nature we were in a moil dreadful Cafe, King; 
 like Ifaac, bound on the Altar, to be a Sacrifice to 
 the Juftice of God, and t:.e Sword of Juiiue lift up 
 to give the killing Blow, until the Son of God du- 
 covered himfelf as the Ram caught in the Thickets, 
 and calling to Juftice, Hold thy Hand, loofe them, 
 and bind me in their Room ; Til be the Sacrifice for 
 tbeui. In choofing fallen Men, and not Angels, God 
 gave an amazing Inflance of the* Sovereignty of his 
 Grace, that he would be merciful to whom he would 
 merciful ; would pafs by the fuperior Nature, and 
 choofe the interior ; prefer Velfels of Clay to Vei- 
 kfl What can we fay: Nothing, but 
 
 ponder at God's i}^ Grace ! Unfpeckable Love ! 
 
 Lord, 
 
8 Fallen Men pitied, &c. 
 
 Lord, it had been much if thou hadft provided 
 an Angel to mitigate our Suffering* in Hell, by 
 giving us Drops or' Water to cool our Tongue ; 
 but that thou fhouldft have condescended to come 
 and change Rooms with us, ly in Hell For us, and 
 fuffer the very Pains and Agonies due to us, is Love 
 that paffeth Knowledge. 
 
 Lord, .when I confider thy diftinguifhing Pity, and 
 low Stoop, to purchale and recover fuch Clod* of 
 Earth and Sin with thy Blood and Agonies, lama- 
 mazed at thy Love, confounded at my own Ingrati- 
 tude, and afhamed at the Coldnefs and Hardnefs of 
 my Heart ! Oh ! was Chi id willing to change Rooms 
 with the like of me, and (hall not I be willing to 
 chirge Rooms with him, and at his Demand to part 
 with the filthy Rags of my Sins, and takeon the Robe 
 of his Righteoufnefs I O (hall not this amazing Love 
 of Chrift conftrain me to love him again, and live to 
 him that died for me . ? (hall it not conftrain me to 
 think on him ? conftrain me to clofe with and truft in 
 him ? conftrain me to commend him ? conftrain me 
 to hate and avoid his Enemy, Siu ? conftrain me to. 
 adhere to ChrihVs Truths and Ways ? to perlevere in 
 Prayer, Praife, and Holy Walking ? 
 
 Are fallen Angels left, and fallen Men pitched up- 
 on to be the Monuments of free Grace, to fill up 
 the vacant Rooms which Angels fell from ? What 
 fhall I fay to this, but, even fo, Father, for fo it 
 pleafed th:e ; Let thy fovereign free Grace be the 
 eternal Song of both Men and Angels- Not unto us 9 
 
 net unto us, but unt9 thy Name be the Glory.' Blef- 
 
 fed be God, that 1 hear this joyful Sound of Reconci- 
 liation with fallen Men, and of a Treaty of Peace 
 carried on with them : The Devils never heard, and 
 
 never will hear fuch News. But Oh, if I come not 
 
 in, and accept of the Terms and Offers made to me 
 in theGofpet, I'll put myfelf in a worie Cafe than the 
 Devils : For it cannot be charged upon, fallen Angels, 
 
 as 
 
Britain^ Gofpel Mercies, &c. 9 
 
 ss on fallen Men, that God was willing to be recon- 
 ciled to them, and they would not. Now then, when 
 the Gofpel treaty is proclaimed, God forbid I be 
 found guilty of refufing his Terms, fcorninp, his Offers, 
 and defying his Threatnir^s. how (hall I rfcape, 
 if 1 negleCt fo great and wonderful Salvation as is ten- 
 dered to me ? Neglect it, Lord, I dare not, I will 
 not. Lo, I come, I accept, I embrace, I take hold 
 of thy Covenant, and the Seal of it tendered to me: 
 I renounce the old Covenant, I break League this Day 
 with all thy Enemies, I proclaim War againft them : 
 I clofe with Chrift Jefiw, both as my ilighteoufnefe 
 And my Strength : I make a full and free Surrender 
 and Refignation of myfelf unto the Lord, to be his, 
 and his only, in all I am, and in a41 I enjoy, to 
 be ordered and difpofed of for his Glory and Service. 
 Lord, I am thine ; I will not be my own, I will not 
 be the World's, but I'll be thine, thine only, and 
 thine wholly ; thine to love thee, ferve and obey 
 thee without Referve : Since thou would ft have no 
 Nature but mine, I will have no Will but thine. I re- 
 nounce my own Will, and take thins for my Rule. 
 Lord, I am thine, O fave thou me ; and J will trum- 
 pet forth the Prai'es of free Grace and redeeming 
 Love for ever. Amen, 
 
 MEDITATION III. 
 
 From Pfalm cxlvii. 20. 
 He hath not dealt fo with any Nation* 
 
 "* HE Nation of Jfrael was fiiigularly privileged 
 
 I above others ; they were taken into Covenant 
 
 with God, they had God's Word and Ordinances, 
 
 '■leans of Con verfion arc] Salvation ; thcV had the 
 
 Gofpel 
 
lo Britain's Gofpel '-mercies. 
 
 Gofpel Revelation, the Knowledge and Promifes of 
 the Mefiah. — But we under New- Teftament Times, 
 and in Britain, arc yet more peculiarly privileged 
 with clearer Light and Difcovcries of the Mefliah than 
 the Nation of lj'rael had. They lived under a dark- 
 er and harfher Difpenfation of the Covenant of Grace 
 by Mofes, whofe fji ft Miracle was the turning of Wa- 
 ter into Blood ; but we live under the clearer and 
 fweeter Difpenfation of it by Chrift himlelf, whole firft 
 JViiracle was the turning of Water into Wine, that 
 cheers the Heart. The Nation of Ifrael were called 
 a People near unto God ; but in Gofpel- times we are 
 allowed yet nearer Accefs to God, than they had.— 
 The Children of Ifrael were not allowed fo much as 
 to touch the Mount on which the Lord came down ; 
 the Men of Bethjbemefh had not Liberty to look into 
 ,the Ark, the Place of his Refidence : — But, behold, 
 we are allowed to take a near View and Iteady Look 
 of a crucified Jefus in the Sacrament, who is the Image 
 ef the invifible Cod, the Brightness of his Father^ Glo- 
 ry, and the exprefs Image of his Perfon. Yea, we have 
 Liberty not only to look to him, but alfo to touch 
 lum, handle his Wounds, embrace his Perfon, ancj 
 lodge him id our Hearts. 
 
 The Advantage of a clear Revelation of a crucifi- 
 ed Chrift in the Golpel- ordinances, and particularly 
 m the Lord's Super, is an invaluable Privilege. If the 
 Royal Pialmifi: admired the Divine Goodnefs in cau- 
 ling the Sun, Moonand Stars to (hine in the Firma- 
 ment for Man's Behoof, and therefore cries, What is 
 Man, that God is thus mindful of him ? How far great- 
 er Caufe have we to fay fo, when we obferve how God 
 caufes the Sun of Righteoufnels (hine fo brightly in the 
 i "ii mamnent of Gofpel -ordinances, and the Day fpnng 
 from en high to vifit us with the Light of faving Know- 
 ledge, and of eternal Salvation thro* him ? — Agahi, 
 ?f the Pfalmilr. cxnits God's Goodnefs fo much in bi3 
 :he Beads ofthe Field, fowls of the Air, 
 
 FiOies 
 
Matter of Pr J iff. II 
 
 Fifties of the Sea, to be Food for Man ; what Ground 
 have we to admire and praife God's infinite Mercy, 
 in giving us the Flefh and Biocd of his own dear Son 
 to preferve the Lives of our Souls ! O what rare Gof- 
 pel-feafts are thefe which God allow? us in the Land 
 wherein we dwell? And Ohow wonderfully are they 
 preferved and continued with us, from Time to Time, 
 by the miraculous working of God's Mercy and 
 Power ! while others are viGted with Cleannefs of 
 Teeth, and a Famine of the Word of God. He hath 
 not dealt with every Nation as with us. 
 
 And, Lord, how didinguifhing is thy Goodnefs un-» 
 to me a mod unworthy Creature ! By thy Mercy I 
 was born in a Valley of Virion ; and I dwell in a 
 lightfome Goflen, when Multitudes of others, in Pa- 
 gan and Popifh Nations, 'are covered with Egyptian 
 Darknefs, and fit in the Region of the Shadow of 
 Death. I hear Heaven's free Market-days of Grace 
 proclaimed, when others have Glent Sabbaths ; I am 
 invited to a rich Banqueting-houfe, when others are 
 ftarving for Want of the Bread of Life. O that I 
 could value my Mercies aright ! It is a great Privi- 
 lege that I am allowed to fpeak to the great God in 
 Prayer, and to hear him fpeak unto me in his Word ! 
 But dill he puts a greater honour upon me, by callincr 
 rne to enjoy intimate Communion and FeJowfhip 
 with himfelf, yea, inviting me to fit down with him 
 at his Table, and feaft upon the Fruits of ChrilVs 
 Death, and Benefits of his Purchafe ! ~ Oh, f am not 
 worthy of the lcalt Crumb that falls from the ChiU 
 drens Table, and far lets of being fet down at the 
 Table with the Children to eat or their Bread, and 
 fhare of the Dainties provided for them by their hea- 
 venly Father, If rettry after having ieen ChrifFs 
 Glory and his own Vilenefs, judged himfelf unworthy 
 to be in the fame Ship with Chriji, and therefore. 
 
 ied, Dcfarf from toe, fir J\cm a fitful Man; how 
 
 I. the chief of Sinaers, advei c to fit at thn 
 
 B 2 feme 
 
12 Britain'/ Gofyel-merc'ies. 
 
 fame Table with him, and feed upon his Flefh and 
 Blood ? Amazing Condelcenfion ! 
 
 O what Diftinction dorh God make among Na- 
 tions, in fending theGofpel tc them, with clear Views 
 and preffing Offers of a crucified Jefus to perifhing 
 Souls ! And what Caufe have we in thcfe Nations 
 of admirng the diitinguifhing Goodnefs of God to> 
 us in this ReipecT: beyond others ! Would we not ad- 
 mire his Goodness, if he caufed the Sun fhine only in 
 our Horizon, as he did on Go/ben, when other Na- 
 tions were covered with Darknefs, as the Land of 
 Egypt was ? yet furely the Gofpel-fun is by far a 
 greater Mercy. — TheGofpel is indeed a joyful Sound \ 
 Pfai. lxxxix. 15. lb called, with Allufion to the Sil- 
 ver Trumpets made ufe of under the Law to call Peo- 
 ple to the fblemn AfTemhlies, and to intimate to 
 them the Feaft of the Pafforver, which reprefented 
 the Love and Sufferings of the Meffiah. A joyful 
 Sound the Gofpei is indeed, if we compare it with the 
 Sound of the Law's Curfes and Threatnings thundered 
 from Mount Sinai againft Sinners. But, behold, this 
 joyful Sound bringing Salvation comes from Heaven, 
 even to Heaven-daring Sinners, who had openly re- 
 belled againft the God of Heaven ! Glad News ! 
 BlefTed are they who know this joyful Sound ; know 
 it (b, as to believe it, admire it, entertain it, and 
 ' comply with it, (o as to receive Chrift offered there- 
 in to loft Sinners. 
 
 Lord, I make this joyful Sound welcome ; it is Mtl- 
 ilck to my Ear, and a Cordial to my Heart. I rec- 
 kon their Feet beautiful who bring fuch Glad-tidings 
 to my Soul O how welcome would Men make them, 
 who would bring them an Invention, that would fc- 
 cure 'heir Eftates from con fuming, their Houfes from 
 burning, or their Bodies from dying ! — But here we 
 have the fure News of an Invention that doth much 
 more for us than all this, even a Device that fecures 
 us from Hell; ar.d enfures us of Heaven. Ought I not 
 
 then 
 
Matter of Praife. 13 
 
 then ehearfully to comply with this joyful Sound, and 
 tall in with the Call thereof? God forbid that I 
 fhould ftop my Ears at it ; it had been better forme 
 then never to have heard of it at all : How dreadful 
 would my Cafe be at the Judgment-day i How would 
 Devils, Turks, Heathens, and my own Confcience^ 
 upbraid me in Hell to all Eternity for my Felly in 
 flighting this joyful Sound ! Surely God may flight 
 the mournful Sound of their Prayers in Time of Di- 
 ftrefs, who flight the joyful Sound of his Gofpel in 
 
 Time of Health. But, Lord, I bleis thee for it, I 
 
 love it, I receive it, I welcome it, I fall heartily in 
 with it, and will admire it for ever. 
 
 MEDITATION IV. 
 
 From 1 John iii. i. 
 
 Behold, wkat Manner of Love the Father hath 
 
 he flowed upon us! 
 
 IN the amazing Woik of our Redemption, we are 
 called to behold and admire both ihe Love of the 
 Father, and the Love of the Son. Unfpeakable 
 Love of the Father i that contrived our Redemption, 
 pitched upon and gave the Redeemer. O how readi- 
 ly accepted he of the Son's Offer to fuffer and fatisfy 
 infinite Juftice for Sin in "our Room ! Upon our Fall, 
 he might juftly have faid, No, the Soul that fins 
 fhall die perfonally, I'll admit of no Suiety,. But, 
 glory to the blefled Father, fuch was his Love to us, 
 that Uhen the dear Son Jaid, Father, I will be the 
 Surety for Sinners of jMankind, let my Blood be fried 
 for theirs, let the Blow light on me, let me dir ifl 
 their Koom ; iuch was the Love and Pity of the Fa- 
 ther to us, that he pi efeiuly accepted' the Offer, held 
 our Redeemer at his Word, faying* Be it as thou haft 
 (aid; Awake } Swot J again ji the Mffy that is my 
 
 Pillow f 
 
14 The tfbnijbing Love of 
 
 fellow i TtmU the Shepherd, and fpare the Sheep, 
 1*11 glorify my Juftice upon my own dear Son, rather 
 than upon them. Amen, (aid the blefled Son of God : 
 I will be the Sactifke ! 
 
 O Love unfpeakable, both in the Father and the 
 Go.a ! Human Love, angelical Love is nothing to it ! 
 O what is the Love of Creatures one to another, to 
 this Love of God to Man ! Aftotoifhing Love ! that 
 the eternal Son of God, intreated by no Man, but 
 hated of all Men, (houid in his Love and Pity uitrea£ 
 for Men; yea, undertake and die for them, when Ene- 
 mies to God and all that is good ! the Breadth, 
 the Lengthy the Depth, the Height of this Love of 
 Chrift, which pafftlh Knowledge / I may poilibiy feel 
 it, but I cannot fathom it. The Love of Creatures is 
 nothing to the Love of Chrift. It was great Love 
 that Jacob bore to Racke!, that he endured the Heat 
 of Summer, and Frofts of Winter for her : But all 
 that was nothing to the Winter-dorm which Chrift 
 iuffered for us. It was extraordinary Love that Jo- 
 nathan had to Dazid, that he would peril his Life to 
 avert his Father's Wrath from him: But what was 
 that to Chrift's Love, that took on his eternal Fa- 
 ther's Wrath, which was infinitely greater than Saui\ 
 and actually laid down his Life to avert that dreadful 
 Storm of Wrath from us ! What Love was it that 
 made him (land before the Mouth of Kell Furnace, 
 and fuffer himfelf to be fcorched with it, in the molt 
 terrible Manner, that he might (lop the Flame from 
 breaking out on us ! Behold him receiving the Sword 
 of Juftice into his Bowels, to prevent its being (heath* 
 ed into our Hearts 1 Behold, when the Sea of God's 
 Wrath raged and was teropeftuous, threatening to 
 (wallow us all up ; Chrift came, and (aid, like Jonah, 
 Spare thee poor Sinners; take me up, and caft me 
 into the Sea in their Stead, that the Storm may be 
 appealed aga'mlt them ! Chrift was willing to be caft 
 into the Sea of Wrath, to be ■ blefled Plank of Mer- 
 fhu. wrecked Souls to grip to, and be laved. 
 
 AdmhtaM* 
 
the Father and the Son. 15* 
 
 Admirable Love of the Father of our Lord jefusr 
 Cbrift, who would give his dearly beloved Son, out 
 of free Love and Pity to Man, to die and fuffer Wrath 
 for him ! and would chu'e rather to fee his dear Son 
 agonizing and ftruggting under infinite Wrath for a 
 Time, than to lee an elect World ftruggling m Hell 
 among Devils for ever ! O who can utter the mighty 
 Acts of the Lord ! who can (hew forth all his Praiie S 
 O Father of Mercies, from all Eternity thou forefaw 
 our Fall and Mifery, and, in thy Wifdom and Love, 
 didft contrive a noble Remedy for us : Thou even 
 didft provide a Surety for Man before the Dtbt was 
 contracted, a Saviour for him before he was loft ; and 
 by this glorious Surety thou haft found out a noble 
 Way to fatisfy both the Demands of Juftice arid In- 
 tieatiesof Mercy, and glorify both these Divine Per- 
 fections at once. — By this, Lord, we know thou le- 
 vel!: us, that thou haft not withheld thy Son, thine 
 only Son from us, to be iacrirked in our Room ; and 
 gratioufly called us to commemorate thy Love, In 
 providing this Sacrifice, at thy holy Table. — Inftead 
 of thi3, thou mighteft juftly have called Multitudes of 
 us together, to make us a Sacrifice to ihy Juftice for 
 our heiaous Sins and Rebellions againft Heaven. But 
 behold they calls us together to thy Table upon a 
 quite other Dcfign, even to intimate to us a Sacr ■- 
 of thy own prov:dir.g, fufficient for us all ; and ac- 
 tually to behold the bleeding Victim of the irmor 
 Lamb of God, who willingly, at his FatV : 
 gave him (elf to be {lain to take away the Srs c>f the 
 WorldJ Lord, what didft thou fee in JUcfi Crei 
 to make thee love U3 after this Manner ? K 
 but much to make thee lothe us j yet the Time v' 
 we we:e molt lothfome, thou mad'fl it the Time of 
 Love ! Surely thy Thoughts ore not as cur Thouf 
 mr thy Way'% as our Ways! How aftonifhing was thv 
 Conduct in redeetaiflg us when loft \ And worfe affi 
 we than Devils, if we be not rat'flied with the Love 
 
1 6 The ajionijbing Love of 
 
 af the Father in projecting our Redemption, and with 
 the Love of his eternal Son that made him leave his 
 Glory in Heaven, and even wade thro' Hell to fave 
 the Dregs of the Creation. 
 
 O what Manner of Love is this, that the Father 
 did give his eternal Son, to die for theie who deferved 
 eternal Wrath for their Rebellion and Trealbti againfl 
 himfelf! When Notice was firil given in this lower 
 World, that the Son of God was coming down to 
 it from Heaven ; what could have been expected, 
 but that his Bufuiefs here would be to condemn the 
 World, and haften the Execution of thole he found 
 in Arms againfl: him ? But O! who can think, and 
 not wonder, that he mould have fent him to fuffer 
 and die for fuch as forfeited their Lives, and deferved 
 to be flain ; yea, for fuch as were alienated from the 
 Life of God, and full of Enmity againfl: him, un- 
 worthy of any Place of x^bode upon Earth, and by 
 their Wickednefs fully prepared for Hell ! O how 
 fur prizing it ip, that God would, in this our refer- 
 able State, fend the Son of his Love to die for us, to 
 refcue us from deferved Wrath, and purchafe a new 
 Title for us to Life and Glory ! Behold what Manner 
 of Love this is, tha*: the Jufl (hould fuffer for the Un- 
 jufl, the jufl: Prince for the unjufl: Rebels that were in 
 Anns againfl: him, the King of Glory for the Chil- 
 dren of Difohedience, the obedient Son for mortal E- 
 nemics 1 O this is fuch a Manner of loving, that the 
 higheft Tranfport of Wondering cannot reach : For 
 fcarcely for a righteous Man wilt one dare to die ; 
 but God commends his hove to us y in that, while we 
 were yet Sinners, Chrijl died for z/f, Rom. v. 7, 8. 
 
 Oh how am I able to hear, fpeak, or think of this 
 Love, and my Heart not burn with an admiring 
 Senfe of the Freenefs and Riches of God's Grace ; and 
 "vvith a vehement Hatred and Indignation againfl my 
 Sins, which contributed to pierce and crucify my glo- 
 rious Redeemer ! Can I be but ravifced with Lope 
 
 to 
 
the Father and the Son. \ j 
 
 to him, when he comes to communicate his Love to 
 me at his Table, and fay, Behold how I have loved 
 you, and given myfelf for you ! I was cut off, but 
 not for my I elf ; I was 'mounded for your TranfgreJfions y 
 and bruifed for your Iniquities. It was for you I was 
 betrayed, reviled, condemned and crucified ; for you 
 my Hands and Feet were nailed to the Tree, my 
 Head crowned with Thorns, and my Side pierced 
 with a Spear : And all this I fuffered, that you might 
 be faved from Hell, and get Sin forgiven, and God 
 reconciled to you for ever. 
 
 MEDITATION V. 
 
 From PfaL viii. 4. 
 JVhat is Man, that thou art mindful of him f 
 
 WHEN David beheld the Heavens, with its glo- 
 rious Luminaries, the Sun, Moon and Stars,, 
 and the mighty Works of God in the Creation, and 
 confidered what a mean Figure Man made amoggft 
 them; he admires God's Condefcenfion and Goodnels 
 in his Concern and Pains about him, in his Works of 
 Providence and Redemption. Lord, what is Man, 
 fallen Man, that thou (houldft notice him fo much ? 
 a poor, vile, finful Worm ! And yet how Angularly 
 minded and honoured is he, in God the Son his under- 
 taking to be his Cautioner and Ranfom ! Had he done 
 it for Angels it had not been fo marvellous ; but what 
 is Man, thatGod mould vifit him in this Manner! mould 
 pay him a homely Vifit in human Nature, to fee what 
 ailed him, to hear his Complaints, and know feeling- 
 ly his Wants and Miferies, that he might the better 
 fympathize with him, relieve and lupply him ? 
 
 But who is this that comes to pay this Vifit to 
 Man ? Even he that is King of Kings, and Lord of 
 Lords, who is infinite in Majefty and Power, in R> 
 
 G * ches 
 
l8 The ajloniJhingCondefcenfion 
 
 ches and Glory. How awful are the Delcriptions gi- 
 ven us of liim in the Bible ? Great is %ur Lord, and of 
 great Power, his Under (landing if infinite. He call; 
 the Stan by their Names. Whatfoever he pieafed, that 
 did he in Heaven and in Earth, in the Seas and all deep 
 f ! aces. And it is faid of his coming to Judgment, 
 Dan. vii. 10. A fiery Stream iffued forth from before 
 him y thoufand thoufands yinifred unto htm, and ten 
 thoufand Times ten thoufand flood before him. And 
 yet this almighty PeHbn, the great God, condefcends 
 to clothe himfelf with our Nature, and (loops to the 
 very Ground, in the moft lowly Manner, to pay a 
 kind Vifit to his rebellious Creature, Man, even Man 
 that is a Worm ; and when he gets not Accefs to him 
 at firft, he continues to {land and knock at his Door. 
 — O how marvellous is this, that he who was Omni- 
 potent, that could by a Word have annihilated fallen 
 IVlan, and created a more amiable Creature in all Re- 
 fpecls in his Room, mould (loop fo low to him ! that 
 he who was Omn'ifeient, and perfectly knew Man's 
 Unworthinefs, his Enmity, his Ingratitude, and what 
 unkind Returns he would make for the greateft Kind- 
 nefs, mould court him fo earneftly ! that the Judge 
 of Heaven fnould come down from the Bench, and 
 put en the PannePs Clothes, that he might anfwer 
 and fatisfy the Law for him ! that the great General 
 of the Armies of Heaven, fhould put himfelf in the 
 Room of a poor condemned Deferter to fuffer for 
 fiim ! that the Creator fhould ftoop to die for the 
 Creature, even the great God for a Worm, Man ; 
 is Love that fwallcws up ©ur Thoughts and Lan- 
 guage ! What can we think, what can we fay of it ! 
 It is Love that pafleth Knowledge ! the mod pene- 
 trating Angel cannot fathom its Height, its Depth, 
 its Breadth, or its Length ! Why ? for its Height, it 
 is infinitely higher than the higheft Heavens. For its 
 Depth, none can (ee its Bottom, for it made him 
 (loop as low as Hell. For its Breadth^ it is as broad 
 
 as 
 
of the great Cod to fallen Man. 1 9 
 
 as the whole Earth, and the whole Heavens too ; it 
 comprehends all his People, even the pooreft Out- 
 caft en Earth, as well as the higheft Saint in Heaven, 
 For its Length, it never ends, but continues without 
 Interruption, notwithstanding of Provocations ; nay, 
 it is drawn out parallel with the longelt Line of E- 
 ternity. 
 
 Lord, what is Man that thou fhouldfl: have minded 
 him, vilited him, and loved him fo ! a Creature mod 
 unlovely, ugly and black as Hell ; that had got the I- 
 mage of God razed out, and the image of Satan pic- 
 tured in its Room.— A Creature lame and impotent, 
 that could not rife but as Chrilt lifted him, could not 
 (land but as he upheld him, could not walk but as he 
 
 led him, nor move but as he drew him. A Rebel, 
 
 that was in League with Hell, that hated his Sove- 
 /eign, and was plotting with the Devil to pull the 
 Crown off his Head. — A Creature made lothfome by 
 Sin in God's Sight, yea more lothfome than a new- 
 born Infant wallowing in its Blood, than Job when 
 full of Boils, than Lazarus full Ox Sores, or a dead 
 Carcafs crawling with Worms. — A Creature that was 
 undefirous of God's ViGt or Help, and unwilling to 
 accept of it ; that faid to him, Depart from us } we? 
 defire not the Knowledge ef thy Ways. A Creature 
 that contemned his Love, rejected his Offers, and 
 
 trampled his Blood. Who would have pitied fuch a 
 
 Creature \ oneib poor, fo vile, fomiferable ! It had 
 been much to have given him an Alms ; but for the 
 Son of God to give his Life for him, may ftrike Men 
 and Angels with aftonifhing Surprize for ever. Lord, 
 what is Man I 2l poor Feeble crawling Worm, that 
 thou fhouldeft be mindful of him after this Manner? 
 And what are we, that we mould (till have the Offers 
 of this Love continued to us? Oh, fhall we ever make 
 light of this Love any more ? Jbelieve^ Lord, help my 
 Unbelief 
 
 Thfrs 
 
so The Honours and Favours 
 
 There is a parallel Text, PfaL cxliv. 3. Lord, 
 what is Alan that thou takejl Knowledge of him P or 
 the Son of Man that thou makeft Account of him P 
 What a poor little Thing is' Man, that thou fhouldft' 
 makefo great Account of him, put fuch Reject up- 
 on him above all other Creatures, fo as to condeicend 
 to (land in a nearer Relation to him than to any 
 other, as that of a Father, a Brother, a Husband, a 
 Friend, &c. yea more, thou haft dignified this poor 
 Thing, Man, fo much as to affame his Nature into 
 an ineffable, peribnal Union with the fecond Pcrfon 
 of the ever glorious Trinity, whereby the Nature of 
 Man is exalted above all the Angels of Heaven. It 
 is not the angelical, but the human Nature, which 
 Cod hath chofen to tabernacle in ; and now it is hor 
 noured io far, as to be fet on the Right-hand of the 
 Majefty on High. — The great Account God hath of 
 thia little Thing, Man, appears further in the great 
 Coft he hath laid out for him. Why ? God not only 
 gives his Creatures to die for Man, to yield him Food, 
 but he alio gives his Chrifl to die for him, to procure 
 him eternal Life. Again, how great is the Goodnels 
 which God hath laid up for him hereafter ? Eye hath 
 not feen it, Ear hath not heard it, nor hath it enter- 
 ed into the Heart of Man to conceive how great it is ! 
 O what a Favourite of Heaven muft this little Crea- 
 ture, Man, be. 
 
 Lord, who can but wonder at the Honour thoa 
 haft already put upon Man, and at the Favours 
 thou (lill defigns for him ! Great Things haft thou 
 laid out, and great Things haft thou laid up for 
 Man. I admire thy low Stoop in the Vifit thou 
 madeft Man, in the Incarnation of thy dear Son, and 
 io thy Vifit in the Gofpel-proclamation, and Offer of 
 Pardon thro' him I but let me ftill plead for another 
 Vifit in the ErTuGon of thy Holy Spirit : This other 
 Vifit ihou knoweft is neccflary to make the former ef- 
 ual to my Salvation. May then thy Holy Spirit 
 work Faith in me, to fall in with thy glorious Device 
 
 for 
 
God be flows on Man. &% 
 
 for the Redemption of Man in all Joints, to accept of 
 thy Love- offers, and reft upon thy free Promiies of 
 Salvation thro* Jelus Chrift, and his mod perfect 
 Righteoufnefs. Amen. 
 
 MEDITATION VI. 
 
 From i Cor. ,x. 4. 
 Ami that Rock was Chrijl. 
 
 HOW ufeful was that Rock in the Wildernefs to 
 the Jfradttes fojourning there, after it was 
 fmitten by Mo/es his Rod : When they were ready 
 to periih m that dry Delert, the Rock fent forth 
 Streams of Water to them in great Abundance ; 
 Streams that followed them up Hill and down Hill, 
 in all their Turnings and Windings, Marches and 
 Countermarches thro' that weary Land. That Rock 
 was to them a lively Type of Chrift, who being unit* 
 ten by the Rod of the Law's Curies, whofe Minifter 
 Mofes was, fends forth plentiful Supplies to his People, 
 while travelling in the Wildernels of this World. 
 There are two principal Streams of Bleffings which 
 he lends forth, moft ufeful to us, to wit, a Stream of 
 Blood for our Juflifidathn, and a Stream of the Spi- 
 rit for our Sauziification. The Channel or ConJuit- 
 pipes, for conveying tbefe Streams to us f are the Or* 
 ditiauces and Prtmjfh oftheGofpel; and thro' thefe 
 Pipes, thele blefTed Streams run freely to all true Be- 
 lievers, from the Rock Chrift, which was broached 
 for them. 
 
 Oh, how coftly was our Redemption to our dear 
 Kiniman Jefus Chrift, dear did our Souls coft bifn ! 
 The Rock of our Salvation was cleaved alum. 
 rent and pierced to the very Heart, to' let out the 
 
 aters of Life to us, by which only we can be pre- 
 fer-, ed 
 
21 Cbrift our fir earning Reck, 
 
 ferved from eternal Death, and obtain eternal Life. 
 How coftly and precious are the Streams of ChrifTs 
 Biood and Spirit, his Mercy and Grace, which flow 
 from the (mitten Rock, and follow us thro* the Wil- 
 dernefs in the free Offers of the Gofpel ! They are 
 Life giving Streams, Fire-quenching, Heart-foftning, 
 Soul -cleaniing, healing and fructifying Streams: Wel- 
 come then (hould we make theie Streams to our Souls 
 
 In this dry and thirfty'Land. Like ways the Rock 
 
 was to the Ifraclites a Shadow from the Heat, and a 
 Covert from Tempefts and Storms : So Chrift our 
 Rock fcreens us from the icorching Heat of vindictive 
 Juftice, and from the Waves and Billows of God's 
 Wrath. ■ - How neceiTary and ufeful is the Rock 
 Chrift to the Souls of fallen Men ! Oh, let me never 
 Jejhurun-like 7 lightly efteem this Rock of our Salva* 
 tion. O let me never go to falie }<ocks, or falfe 
 Screams, for Shelter or Supply in Straits, when the 
 true Rock is (b near, and the iaving Streams run clofe 
 by my Door ; yea, follow me daily in the Channel 
 of the Word and Sacraments : Streams appointed by 
 Heaven to anfwer all the Cales and Ailments of loil 
 Sinners. O fhall God in his tender Mercy provide 
 fuch a wonderful Remedy, fet the Rock a-broach for 
 me, and caufe its Streams to follow me ; and (hall I 
 be fo foolifli as turn my Back upon them, and refufe 
 to apply or make ufe of them ? O lave me fiom fuch 
 curfed Ingratitude and Madnefs; I believe, Lord, hel£ 
 my Unbelief. 
 
 O how much mould my Heart be affedled at thy 
 holy Table, when I fee the Rock of my Salvation 
 fmitten by the Rod of Juftice, and behold the bloody 
 Spear pierce into his Heart ! O Rock of Ages, what 
 made thee to rend and cleave fo! O Brightnefs of thy 
 Father's Glory, who hath disfigured thee lb ? O Ri- 
 ver of Life, clear as Cryftal, who hath troubled thee 
 Jo ? Oh, it was my Sins, my Pride, my PaiTion, my 
 I nbelief, my WorldlineJs>my Hardnc's, Impenitence, 
 
 b.Q. 
 
moft profitable in all Cafes. 23 
 
 he. Thefc were the Caufe of my Redeemer's Suf- 
 ferings. The Iniquities of finful Men were laid upon 
 him. When he was pierced, it was I that fhould 
 have been fmitten. When he groaned and fvvate 
 Blood, I mould have howled and roared in Hell, 
 Harder fhan the Rock is my Heart, if I can fee my 
 dear Saviour fmitten and pierced, and not mourn. O 
 can I fee his Side and Heart dreaming out Blood, and 
 mine Eyes not pour out Tears ! Can I behold the 
 Rock fmitten for the Sins of Men, and not adore the 
 Holinefs and Juftice of God manifefted therein ? Can 
 I fee my innocent Saviour wounded and (lain for my 
 Sins, and my Soul not hate them ; yea, (hall I not 
 be filled with Horror and Trembling at Temptations 
 to Sin ? 
 
 Let me, at my Saviour's Call, approach to his Ta- 
 ble, and come near to the Rock of my Salvation, and 
 nearken to the raging Billows of infinite Wrath> 
 darning againft the Rock for my Sins, and even ma- 
 king the Rock to groan, iweat and tremble under the 
 Preflure. O what a dreadful Hurricane of Wrath did 
 he endure, to keep the i welling Ocean of divine Wrath 
 from overflowing guilty Men ! Surely my glorious Ivu 
 manuel's groaning and fweating Blood under the 
 Strokes of God's Vengeance, is a greater Evidence of 
 the implacable Wrath and Indignation of God again!:: 
 Sin, than if he had hurled all the Rocks of the Crea- 
 tion into the Mid ft of the Sea, yea, or a thoufaad 
 Worlds of Men and Angels into Hell. O that, while 
 I am beholding this Sight, I may tremble at Sin, 
 come by Faith under the Shadow of this Rock, and 
 run into the Clefts of it for Safety. Here I would be 
 out of the Reach of the Law's Curfes, and Threat- 
 nings of Wrath ; and tho' I hear the Roarings ar-d 
 Darnings of the Sea upon the Rock, yet a Drop of it 
 could not touch me. 
 
 O that 1 could imitate Mofis, when I am at the 
 Table, asd fmite the Rock by the R.od of Faith, that 
 
 the 
 
24 Chrijl our flreaming Rock, 
 
 the Streams of Chrift's Blood and Spirit my flow our! 
 to me. What was his Error will be my Wifdom, to 
 Imite the Rock oftner than once, to put forth many 
 Acts of Faith on Jefus Chrift, fuch as the dHcernmg, 
 aflenting, approving, deriving, receiving, doling, 
 embracing, truiting, pleading, applying, ?nd appro- 
 priating Acts of true Faith. May I, like Ifrael of 
 old, Deut. xxsii. 13. be helped by Faith to luck Ho- 
 ney out of the Rock, and Oil out of the flinty Rock: 
 Honey and Oil, Sweetnefs and Fatnefs, Quickning 
 and Comfort. How fhall I come' at this Honey and 
 Oil ? Only by (biking : And how (hall I fuck, but 
 by the Mouth of Faith ? There is no fucking without 
 it. Neither can I fuck by Faith, unlefs God make 
 me do it ; for it is faid Deui. xxxii. He made them 
 to fuck Honey out of the Rick. It is God that muft 
 give me both a Mouth and Strength to fuck, Faith in 
 the Habit, and Faith in iixercife. It is only the Blow- 
 ings of the North and South Winds on the Garden, 
 that make the Spices to flow out. Awake, North 
 Wind, come thou South , blow upon my Garden; bring 
 Faith to Life, that I may fuck Honey from Chrift in 
 the SacramcHt. Chrift's Breads are now full ; O let 
 r.ot Faith be wanting, for if it be wanting, I can 
 fuck nothing : ElefiTed be God, Jelus Chrift, my Re* 
 c!eemer, is the Author of Faith. Lord, increase my 
 Faith, thzX I may fuck Honey from the Rock. 2. 
 iJut what Honey may I expect from it ? Anfw. The 
 Koney of Pardon of Sin. O how fweet is this Ho- 
 ney ! The Honey of Peace and Reconciliation 
 
 with God; the Honey of a Law biding Righte- 
 
 oufnefs ; — -the Honey of Accefs to, and Communion 
 with God ; — 'he Honey of Enlargement of Heart, 
 snd looiing of Bands, &c. O let me ever fuck from 
 this Rock, the Rock that anfwers all my Needs, and 
 
 richly fupplies all my Wants. Let me alfo, under 
 
 c.ll mv Straits, fiipport myfclf with the Pfalmifl's . 
 . Pfakxv\iu 46. the Lord livelh, and blelfed 
 
 be 
 
mc P profitable in all Cafes* 2 f 
 
 bt my Reck. Why mould Believers in Chrift. drocp in 
 any Condition, or look like dead Men, while their 
 Lord liveth, and their Rock ftandeth I Bleffed be 
 God, my Rock is a living and laiting Rock, my 
 Hopes may die, my Comforts die, my Frames die, 
 my Gifts, my Wealth, and my Relations, they may 
 all die ; but I rejoice in the News, that my Lord will 
 not die, nor my Rock fall. He once died for me, 
 but he is rilen again ; good News ! Now he is alive, 
 and will die no more. 
 
 -- - — ■'■-* 
 
 MEDITATION VII. 
 
 From Zee!:, xii. 10. 
 
 Thy jball look upon me lubom they bave 
 
 pierced, and mourn. 
 
 THIS Promife hath a Refped, not only to the 
 VJ when converted; but to all Sinners when 
 brought :o Repentance. We have all pierced Chrift, 
 in as much as our Sins were the Caufe of his Death ; 
 He was zjiunded for our TrjK/grtJJjons. Now, a be- 
 lievicg Sight of a pierced Saviour, is the belt Spring 
 of Sorrow for Sin ; it is Faith's Look to a crucified 
 Chrift, that will let us a mourning after a godly Sort. 
 O that this Promife may be made good to me at this 
 Time, that I may be helped to lo^k believingly up- 
 on Chrift as piei ced for my Sins, my Pride, my Paf- 
 fion, my Unbelief, my Carnality, my Di obedience, 
 f Impenitence, my Sins of the Heart, of the Tongue, 
 and of the Life, that I may confefc ana bewail them, 
 mourn and weep over tl.em before t: e Lord. Oh i 
 sn (hall I mourn and weep if not now, when I 
 I called to lock upon my dt^r Lord and Surety at 
 Table, all red with Elood for my it2 aad Scarlet* 
 fl -jid $hil I will not now Hand arar ori, and 
 D look 
 
26 Chi ft fierced ly our Sins, 
 
 look to my Saviour on the Crofs, as thefe Women- 
 who followed him from Galilee, Luke xxiii. 49. No, 
 I will come clofs to him, take a near Look, and a, 
 narrow iew of his Wounds and Piercings by my 
 Sins, that 1 may fee how wide and and deep they are, 
 that my Eye may affect my Heart with godly Sorrow 
 for Sin. 
 
 When I look, on him, HI confider the Dignity of 
 the Perfon pierced by and for me ; he is the Almigh- 
 ty Creator, the glorious bn?nanuel, the Plant of Re- 
 nown, the Prince of the Kings of the Earth, that is 
 pierced and nailed to a Crofs. Jeremiah laments irv 
 the Captivity, that Princes were hanged up by the 
 Hands, Lam. v. 12. But what were the Princes of 
 Ifrael to the Prince of Peace, the King^of Glory, 
 whom I fee hanging nailed thro' the Hands on the 
 Crofs, and his Blood poured out like Water upon the 
 Earth ! O it is royal Blood, the Blood of God, that 
 I lee running down to fatisfy Juftice for my Sins; and 
 will not fuch a Sight ca^fe me mourn for them ? Can 
 I look on my lovely Redeemer, ftript naked, mount- 
 ed up, and fixed with Nails to a tormenting Crofs \ 
 Can I fee hn Head pierced with Thorns, his Back 
 pierced with Scourgings. his Hinds and Feet pierced 
 with big Nails, his Side pierced with a Spear, and 
 his Heart pierced with Sorrows for my Sins, and my 
 Heart not mourn for them ? Yet all the Piercings and 
 Wound* of his iacred Body were but fmall* to the 
 Piercings and \gonies of his Soul, when be drank the 
 Cup of the Father's Wrath for me, which made him 
 cry out, My Soul is exceeding fbrrowfnl even a/it$ 
 Death ; my God, Vij God, why haft thou forfaken me ? 
 Can 1 behold this loving Jelus, (landing in my Room, 
 bearing the Wrath of a Deity for me, and my Heart 
 not bleed ! Can I fee him, when the Sword of Jufiicfcr 
 was drawn to (mite me, opening his Breaft to receive 
 the Stroke into his Heart, and my Heart not melt 
 within me ? Lord, grant me inch a Sight by Faith, of 
 
 &| 
 
c mojl a jf effing Sight. 27 
 
 a wounded bleeding Saviour, as to make me a melt- 
 ing Aud mourning Smner. 
 
 How can I leave this Subject until my Heart be 
 moiv .ifFe&e^ I Had I been perlbnaily at Mount Calva* 
 ry y and with my bodily Eyes had teen my dear Redeem- 
 er racked and nailed to the Tree ! Had I leen him 
 lifted up between Heaven aqd Earth, that the Nati- 
 ons might behold him, with his Arms ftretched out 
 to embrace Sinners ! Had I beheld his dying looks, 
 and heard his dying Groans ! Had I feen his precious 
 Elood for many Hours run from his wounded {-lands 
 and, Feet to the Earth ! Could I have flood by with 
 jdry Eyes, or an unconcerned Heart, efpecially when 
 I had thought he was fuffering all this out of Love 
 to me, for my Sins, and in my Room ! — Why then 
 ihould not I be as much concerned, when Icome to his 
 Table to celebrate the Memorial of that fearful Tra- 
 gedy, and look upon the outward Signs which repre- 
 sent the" lame ! Lord, give rce Faith's Eye to behold 
 the Things (ignified thereby^even the Bleeding, and 
 
 Dying of the glorious ImmanueL And what 
 
 Kind of Blood is it I fee running down ! It is inno- 
 cent Blood ! precious Blood ! royal Blood ! Heart 
 Blood ! Nay, the Blood of the eternal Son of God, 
 one drop whereof is worth an Ocean of our Blood, 
 and is .of infinite Value ; and yet behold all this Blood 
 is ifhed for fuch Worms as I am ! O can I think long 
 upon this Subject, and not find my Heart pained with 
 Love, and be ready with Jofeph, to leek a fecret 
 Place to weep in ? Had an ordinary Man been exe- 
 cuted for my Grime, it would have affecled me all 
 my Days ; how much mould it touch me to fee the 
 Son of God put to Death for me ! The Sun fainted, 
 the Heavens mourned in black, the Earth quaked, 
 and the Rocks rent, when this black Tragedy was 
 acted; how much more thould my Heart rend and 
 jnourn at the Repreientation of it before my Eyes ! 
 jwrciy my Mourning fhould be great, deep, and bit - 
 
 D ? ur 
 
18 Chrifl bleeding and Sinners weeping, 
 
 ter Mourning, as in the Text, like the Mourning of 
 a Parent for the Death of an only Son ; or like the 
 Mourning of Hadadrimmon in the Valley of Megid- 
 do! O what was the Death of King Jofiah to the 
 Death of King Je/iiS 9 the eternal Son of God ! O my 
 dea- flain Lamb, fhall I not mourn and weep over thee ! 
 
 Oh ! Can I iee his Blood run down in Streams, 
 and my Eyes not pour out fome Drops ! Did Chrift 
 iweat Blood, and weep Blood for my Sins, and fhall 
 not I weep Tears for them ? Shall 1 not give Drops 
 of Water for Streams of Blood ! Alas ! am I more 
 iparing of my Tears for Chrift, than Chrift was of 
 his Blood for me ! How faft did the Blood trickle 
 down Chrift *s Cheeks in the Day he wore the Crown 
 of Thorns for me ? But how flowly do the Tears fall 
 from my Eyes when I commemorate his dying Love ? 
 Can I fhed fears in Plenty for a dead Child ! and 
 Lave I relerved none for a flain Saviour? Yea flain by 
 my Sins 1 How fad is it to fee fo many weepirg Eyes 
 at a Funeral, and fo many dry Eyes at a Communi- 
 on Table ? Alas, this is a fad Sign of few looking by 
 Faith to him we have pierced ! few fenfible of the E- 
 vil of their Sins, that were the Hammers which drove 
 in the Nails into his Body. O for a realizing Acl of 
 Faith, reprefenting all that the Lamb of God fuifer- 
 ed, in the greateft Certainty and cleareft Evidence, 
 that it is no devifed Fable. O for an applying and 
 appropriating Act of Faith, to bring all home to my- 
 felf, and fay, He loved m?, end gave himfelffsr me! 
 
 What a hard Heart is this 1 have beyond others ! 
 Can I fee others weeping and mourning over a flain 
 Saviour, that fit at the fame Table, eat the fame 
 Bread, and drink the fame Cup with me, and cannot 
 J get one Tear ! Is God come with his Bottle wait- 
 ing for my Tears!? Do others pour into it plentifully, 
 and have I not one Tear to drop into Gcd's Bottle ? 
 Lord, what means the HarcJcefs of my Heart, and 
 
 the 
 
a tnoft ajfefling Sight. 29 
 
 the Drynefs of my Eyes, at the Sight of my Saviour's 
 bleeding and dying for my Sins i When mould I 
 mourn and weep, if not now.! Was there ever fuch an 
 Occafion for Tears ! Oh ! doth God intend to refer ve 
 weeping for me in Hell, where Tears (hall never he 
 dried up ! th's is what I deferve, if I he hard-hearted 
 and dry-eyed now. But, Lord, pity my Hardnefs, 
 and give me fuch a Look as thou gaveft Peter, that 
 may caufe me weep, and weep bitterly, at the Re- 
 membrance of my Sins which pierced thee. 
 
 MEDITATION VIIL 
 
 From Luke xxii. 61, 62, 
 
 The Lord looked upon Peter And Peter 
 
 went out, and wej)t bitterly. 
 
 LORD, fince my Looks to thee are fo flight, fo 
 wavering and inconftant, that they make little 
 or no Impreilion upon my hard Heart, do thou vouch- 
 fafe to look upon me with Pity and with Power; for 
 thy Looks are efficacious, aid melt down the hard.ed 
 Heart. O give me fuch a Look as thou gaveft Pe- 
 ter, when he denied thee, and began to curfe and 
 fwcar : A Look that may bring me to my (elf, and 
 cau!e me weep, and weep bitterly at the Remem- 
 brance of my Sins, my Unbelief, my Pride, my Paf- 
 fion, my Dilbbedience, which pierced thee, my deareii 
 Lord and Saviour. Look thou upon me > and be mere** 
 Jul unto v/e, Pfal. cxix. 132. ChrihVs Look to back- 
 Aiding Piter .was merciful, end full of Companion ; 
 his Bowels yearned for his poor Difciple, when ready 
 to fall into the DeviiYArms by total and final Back- 
 fliding, and prevents him fpeedily. He would not 
 let him ly lojjg in that difmaJ State he fell into, as it 
 jfcre on the very Brink of Hell, but prefect ly plucks 
 
 hiai 
 
go Chrifts Look to Peter, 
 
 him back, and recovers him. In like Manner, Lord, 
 look on me, and recover me fpe»;JiIy when I fall into 
 Sin, left my next Step be into HeJl. 
 
 ChrifVs Look to Peter was a preventing Look ; he 
 looked on Peter before Peter lo ked to his Saviour 
 tor Mercy, and before he looked on i.imfelf, or upoa 
 his Sin, and the Danger he was e po:ed toby it. 
 Glory to cny Redeemer that watches over his People, 
 feci and minds their Danger, when they themfelves 
 are little thinking upon it ; he is more careuu of them 
 than they are of themfeives. How marvelous was 
 Chrift's Love, that would be (b concerned about Pe- 
 ter at fuch a Time, w* en he biaafelf was amidft his 
 l&loody Enemies, and upon Trial for his Lire J Even 
 then, as it were, he forgets his own Danger, and 
 takes Notice of the Danger of his Servant : He, be- 
 ing the great Shepherd of the Sheep, ventures all to re- 
 fcue one of his Flock out of the Mouth of the Lion, and 
 from the Paiu of the Bear. O who would not defire 
 to belong to the Flock of fucb a faithful, loving and 
 ,compaflionate Shepherd i 
 
 The Look Chrhl gave Peter was a convincing 
 took ; it laid open his Sin to him with all its Aggra- 
 vations, which made it very bitter to him* It (poke 
 £ich Language to him as this ; u O Peter, what haft 
 " thou done ? Haft thou cad off thy Saviour ? And 
 Ci haft thou faid, thou knoweft not me, who knew 
 €i thee from the Womb, and am going to die for 
 *.' thee? Doft thou not know me that called thee 
 M from thy Nets, that 'mpowered thee to preach the 
 44 Gofpel, and work Miracles ; that kept thee from 
 "finking in the Waters ? Ami not he thou fawefl 
 i( fhining on Mount Tabor P Even he tbou faidfl thou 
 44 wouldft rather die than deny t n O for fuch a con- 
 vincing Look from Christ., that would perce and melt 
 my Heart, and make me weep bitterly both now and 
 it his Table, for my bafc Ingratitude, in difowning 
 and piercing mv dear Redeemer I 
 
 V h ' Chrifl's 
 
Chrift s Look to Peter. 31 
 
 Chrift's Look to Peter was a powerful and over- 
 coming Look ; it conquered bis Will, looted him? 
 from the World and Sin, and made him yield 
 prefently to Chrift : He was not able to hold out 
 a Moment longer, but, like Jofefh, feeks a fecret 
 Place to weep in. O how powerful is a Look from 
 Chrift ! it is fufEcient to bow the moil ftubborn Will, 
 and melt the bardeft Heart ; it can turn the Rock 
 into {landing Water, and the Flint into a Fountain of 
 Water, Pfal. cxiv. 8. How powerful was the Look 
 he gave to poor JerufaLml when lying in their 
 Blood ; a Look that caufed them to live, Ezek. xvi. 
 6. How powerful was the Look he gave to Zaccbe* 
 vs on the Sycamore Tree, Luke xix. 5. O for fuch 
 a Look as would bring me prefently down, in like 
 Manner, from the Sycamore of my Self-conceit and 
 Self-righteoufnefs, and from my beft beloved Sins 
 and Idols, and caufe me receive Chrift joyfully into 
 my Heart, and go with Chearfulnefs to his Table, 
 and receive the Seal of his Covenant, faying my Lord, 
 a?id my God I 
 
 Chrift's Look to Peter was a peculiar and diftia- 
 guifhing Lookj; the Power and Grace of God went 
 alongft with it to change Peters Heart, and bring 
 him to his right Mind. Chrift looked on many Thou- 
 lands that were never the better of it. He looked 
 on Judas after he betrayed him, and when he pre- 
 fumed-to kiis him, and reproved hira too for his bale 
 Treachery : But neither that Look nor Reproof 
 melted his Heart. As the Beams of the fame very 
 Sun hardens Clay and f of tens frozen Earth; lb a Look 
 from the fame Jefus, the Sun of Righteoufnejs , left 
 Judas hard and impenitent, whilft it foftened Peter's 
 Heart. The one went on in his Vi)tainy,$whrHr. the 
 other relented, and melted into Tears. Why ? he 
 looked but on the Face of Judas, but he looked on 
 the Heart of Peter, He looked upon the one with a 
 frowning judicial Look, but looked upon the other 
 with a recovering and drawing Look, Chnfi.'$ Look 
 
 to 
 
32 ClrijTs Lcoi/u Peter.* 
 
 to Peter was accompanied with the inward Influen- 
 ces of his Spirit on his Heart, otherways it had been, 
 ineffectual. Oh, if he would vouchlafe fuch a graci- 
 ous Look to my frozen Heart, and fuften it ! I would 
 fain bring my haid Heart and lay it before this blef- 
 fcd Sun, and wait until he draw by the Cloud, look, 
 thro', and fliuie upon it. Lord I tremble to go to 
 thy Table with this hard Heart, left thou fhouldft 
 look on me with Anger, as thoudidft upcnthele. Mark 
 iii. 5. upon account of the Hirdnels of their Hearts. 
 Lord, I defire to be grieved for my Heart-bardneii, 
 and to look to thee whom I have pierced by it. Give 
 fuch a Look to my Heart as thou gave to Peter\ t 
 melt it down into penjtentia; Tears, and caufe me to 
 go afide andindcp bitterly. 
 
 Child's Look caufed Peter to remember and think 
 upon ChrihVs Words Co him. It is in and by hU 
 Word that he works upon Sinners Hearts. O if the 
 Spirit would bring the Word to my Mind, let it 
 powerfully home upon my Confcience, and fo give 
 the happy Turn to my Soul. Lord, help me to lay 
 up thy Words, and ponder them in my Heart ; and 
 O bring them always leafonably to my View, that 
 when I fail I may not ly long under Sin, nor conti- 
 nue in a State of 13ackfliding from , thee. May I 
 r»ave fuch a . Look from thee, as (hall look ail my 
 Idols out of Countenance, and look my wandering 
 Heart into a right frame for covenanting and com- 
 municating Work : A Look that (hall put new Life 
 in all my drooping Graces, and kindle iuch a Flame 
 of Love to Chrift in my Heart, and of Indignation 
 againft Sin, as all the Devils in Hell ihall never be 
 able to quench. A Look that mall make me weep, 
 while I live, for piercing Chriii: the Lamb. 
 
 Oh, (hall others (hed Tears ia plenty for Sin, and 
 my Eyes remain dry ? Shall others get their Hearts 
 broken, and mine continue hard ! Lord, thy Grace 
 is free ; O how ea(y were it for thee to melt mf 
 Heart; and moifter* my Eyes . One Touch o^ thy 
 
 Hani, 
 
Thefbarp Trial, &c. g 5 
 
 Hand, nay one Look of thy Countenance, one Cad 
 of thine Eye is fufficient to do it. O turn unto me, 
 and give me one merciful Look ; for thy Ordinance 
 will be lifelefs, and loft unto me, if thou look not 
 on me. How can I go to thy Table to behold Jefus, 
 my Surety, all red with Blood for my red and fear- 
 let- coloured Sins, while my Heart doth not mourn, 
 nor my Eyes run down ? Surely the Streams of my 
 Saviour's Blood deferve to be lamented with Tears 
 of Blood, and (hall I not do it, at leaft with Tears 
 of Water ? Was he wounded for my Tranfgreffions, 
 and fnall not my Heart bleed, and Eyes weep, for 
 bis Wounds given him by my Sins ? 
 
 MEDITATION IX, 
 
 From Matth. xv. 27. 
 
 And Jke faid, Truth, Lord, yet the Dogs eat 
 of the Crumbs. 
 
 r^ H I S Woman was a Car.acnite, and lived a- 
 X mong Heathens, yet (he had greater Know- 
 ledge and Faith of the Mejfiah than mod of the jevs. 
 Her Faith, Humility, Patience and Refolution, a- 
 midft the greateft discouragement., are here recorded 
 for a Pattern and Encouragement to defponding Be- 
 lievers in all Ares. 
 
 © 
 
 This Woman was fo fenfible .of her Mifery, that 
 (lie addrefTes Chrift with great Earneftnels for Help : 
 She doth not (peak calmly or coldly to Chrift, but 
 (he cried unto him, and followed him with her Cries, 
 v. 22. 25. Surely, if I were duly afFecled with my 
 fpiritmd wants and Miferics, I would fpeak to God 
 in no other Language than that of Cries and Tears. 
 what Caule have I to bewail my Coidnefs and In- 
 herency in Prayer, and the little Scnfe I have of 
 
 £ my 
 
34 The jloarp Trial of 
 
 my Dangers and Neceflities, which are great beyond 
 Ex predion ? 
 
 This Woman, notwithstanding of her great Ear- 
 neitnefs and Ifcrong Faith, met with very great Trials 
 and Di'couragementsin her Addrelfes to Chrift. 
 
 1. Herfirft Trial is Chrifl's Silence to her, when 
 crying to him for Mercy, #.23. He anfwered her not 
 a Word. Strange! not a Word from a meek and 
 merciful Saviour, that never put a poor Sinner, feek- 
 ing Mercy, away from him before; but (till invited 
 all to come to him for it. That is a fore Tentation, 
 Lam. \\u 8. When 1 cry and ' Jhcut \ he Jhutteth out my 
 Prayer. Believers are apt to think that God (huts 
 out their Prayers in Wrath, when it is not fo. Chrift 
 beard this Woman, accepted her, was plealed with 
 her, and ftrengthened her to hold on in Prayer, tho* 
 he did not immediately anfwer her. He entertained 
 her with Silence to draw her on to be more importu- 
 nate, and to try her Faith, Patience and Perfeve- 
 rance, and thereby to teach us to be Followers of ' thtfe 
 ivho through Faith a fid Patience do now inherit the 
 Promifer. Chrift keeps the Door bolted for a Time, 
 that we may knock the harder, Mat. vii. 7. Ask, 
 feeky knock. The choiceft Mercies come to us after 
 the greateft Wreftlings. Likewife I fee here, that 
 there is Love in Chrifl's Heart to wreftling Souls, e- 
 ven when Frowns appear in his Looks; wherefore 
 let me take Encouragement from him, tho he flay 
 vie> yet to truft in him. 
 
 2. Another fore Trial the Woman met with, wat 
 the Anfwer Chi ill: £ave his Difciples when interceed- 
 mg for her, whereby he feems to exclude her out of 
 his CommiiTion, v. 24. 1 dm not fent but to the I oft 
 Sheep of the Houfe of Ifrael. The Jews were called 
 Sheep, but the G entiles y Dogs. The Jews were in- 
 deed to have the fir ft Offer of Chrifl's Grace and Pur- 
 chafe, Tho' the. Woman might have taken Chrift's 
 Words as a plain Repulfe, vet (he ftudies to put the 
 
 be£ 
 
the IVoman of Canaan. 35 
 
 fceft Senfe on them fhe can, and continues her Impor- 
 tunity. Which teacheth us never to leave the Throne 
 of Grace for any Difcooragement. 
 
 3. She gets a Repulie yet more (harp than the two 
 former, even after (lie had come clofe up to him, and 
 fallen down at his Feet, faying, Lord, help me. Then 
 it is Chrift ranks her among the Dogs, thefe that 
 were without the Covenant, profane and unclean. 
 Now, one might think fhe is cut off by that Word^ 
 and will infill no more after it. Nay, fne takes hold 
 of that word of Reproach, and pleads upon it in the 
 Text, Truth, Lord, I am a Dog, y We and unworthy ; 
 yet let me humbly afk the Dogs Room and Privilege 
 even to creep beneath theChildrens Table, and gather 
 fome Crumbs of Mercy. O how much is contained 
 here for our Iuftruclion and Imitation ! 
 
 \fl, What Caufe have we, O Lord, to blefs thy 
 Goodnefs, that we Gentiles, of Dogs are now become 
 Children, and allowed to come to thy Table ! And, 
 at the fame Time to fear thy Juftice, Cnce the Jews, 
 of Children, are now become Dogs, and (hut out as 
 unclean ! If they were cut off who crucified thee in 
 thy low Eftate, what may we expect, if by our 
 Sins, we crucify thee in thy Glory ? Let us not be 
 high-minded but fear. 
 
 2dly^ Chrift puts the ftrongeft Faith of his People 
 upon the fharpelt Trials : He thinks fit, for his own 
 Glory, where he gives much Grace to try Grate 
 much. 
 
 idly, The r e who are eminent in Faith are moft 
 humble ; this Woman was fo. O how humbly did 
 fhe plead with Chrift 1 She threw herfelf on the 
 Ground, lay low at his Feet, and from the Duft, 
 cried for Help ; fhe claimed nothing, only begged 
 for Mercy. And when Chrift fpurned her from his 
 Feet, calling her a Dog, fhe doth 'not murmur nor 
 complain of his harm Carriage, but humbly takes 
 with the Charge ; Truth, Lord, thou doft not mif- 
 K 2 call 
 
3 6 Strong Faith under jbarp Trials. 
 
 call me, nor call me fo bad as I am ; / am a Dog x 
 a moft vile and unworthy Creature, and have no 
 Right to the Childrens Bread, and muft ftarve if thou 
 halt not Mercy on me. She can bear any Thing, 
 the word Frown or Chadilement from Chi id, only 
 (he can't bear being excluded from his Mercy and 
 Grace ; (he would have lome Token of it, tho' ne- 
 ver fo fmall : She claims not a Benjamin % Meal, nor 
 a Child's Portion, only let her have a Dog's Crumb. 
 Lord, I take patiently the Stripe from thee ; give 
 me but a Crumb after it, and 1 11 go away fatisBed. 
 Surely the more humble any Supplicant is at a Throne 
 of Grace, he comes dill the better Speed ; for the 
 Lord refills the Proud, but gives Grace to the Huvible. 
 AtUjf God's ufual Method of difpenimg his Mercy 
 and Grace to Sinners, is fird to call them down be- 
 fore he raife them up ; he fird humbles and lays them 
 low in a Senfe of their Unworthinefs and Vileneis, 
 before he advance them to his Favour. We mull 
 firft fee ourfeives to be as Dcgs, lefs than the leajt of 
 till God's Mercies, before we aie lit to be dignified 
 with the Privileges of Children* 
 
 $thly f When ^ Unbelief draws difmal Conclufions 
 from every Thing, and tempts us to quit our Grips 
 and Hopes, upon any dark DHpenfation, and to fay 
 with that wicked King, 2 Kings vi. 33. This evil is 
 cf the Lord : What Jhould 1 wait for the Lord any lon- 
 ger P Behold, Faith is a valiant and importunate 
 Grace, it puts the bed Conftruclions upon all Chrid's 
 AcYions ; it is fharp-figbted, to Tee and take Hold of 
 all Advantages to drengthen itielf, and finds Encou- 
 ragement even in that which is difcouragiqg. That 
 which leemed to cut off this believing Woman's Hope, 
 ihe improves it as a Ground of Hope, and an Argu- 
 ment in Prayer, Truth, Lord, yet the Dogs eat, &c. 
 q. d. Even the worthlefs Dogs belong to the Family, 
 and though they may not it-\i\ with Children at I 
 Table, they may creep under it and gather Crumos, 
 ' 1 
 
Strong Faith under Jharp Trials. 3 y 
 
 thefe Off-fallings that would be fvvept to the Door, 
 this will not wrong the Children. Let me ftand in 
 Relation to Chriit, tho' in the meaneft Station, even 
 that of his Dog ; I'll be thankful for it, or for any 
 Thing, }f he do not turn me out of the Houte. 
 
 dthly, When our Dilcouragements are greater!:, 
 \vc mould learn from this Woman, never to give o»er 
 the Esercife of Faith and Prayer; but to look ftp all 
 our Diiappoiiitmenta in the Succefs of Prayer, as Ex- 
 citements to greater Earneilneis in Prayer. Faith 
 will not let Limits to the Holy One ; tho* ipeedy An- 
 swers be not given to our Prayer, it becomes us to 
 wait God'a Time, who is the btffc Judge of the fitteft 
 Sea fon : He that believe th will not make hafle ; Why ? 
 he knows his Extremity is God's fit Opportunity. 
 
 7tb/y, A refolute adhering to Chriit by Faith un* 
 der Trials, is molt pleafing and acceptable to him ; 
 as when weperfevere in the Uie of Means when Su 
 cefs is (mall, when we depend upon his Promife, and 
 look to his Power ; when under the darkeft Difpen- 
 iatiens we watch o/er our Hearts and Steps, that 
 they do not decline from his Ways, as thele in PfuL 
 xiiv. 17, lS. And Glory to him that gives us <uch 
 Encouragement for this rei'olute Adherence to him, 
 as the Mercifulnels of his Nature, and his Faithful • 
 eels, which affuie us, there is more Good- will in 
 his Heart, than is viiible in his Dealings; and thac 
 Providence will never give his Word the L'e. Ke 
 es in fecret Strength to his People to adhere to 
 ■, when he (eems molt oppoiitc to them, as 
 to this Woman. He loves to bring about his 
 People's Mercies by Means improbable and contrary, 
 to glorify his Wiuiom. He delights to bring Light 
 out of Darknefs. 
 
 %thiy 9 Great will the Reward at lad be of the Be- 
 liever's Faith, Humility and Perfeveraricc in Prater ; 
 for, faith Chrift at length, v 28, Woman, great 
 Faith ; belt unto tbsp even as thou wilt . 
 
 M EDIT A- 
 
3 S Chrifts dying Charge. 
 
 MEDITATION X. 
 
 From i Cor. ii. 24 . 
 This do in Remembrance if me. 
 
 OMy Soul, here is a folemn Ordinance inftitutcd 
 for keeping up the Remembrance of a crucified 
 Jefus ; and behold it was appointed by himfelf, when 
 he was jufl a-going to do more tor us than all the An- 
 gels in Heaven could have done, even to make Atone* 
 nient for our Sins by his Death and Sufferings ; and 
 he twice repeats his dying Charge to us, z\ 24 and 
 25, This do y this do ye. Men ufe to regard the Com- 
 mands of their dying Friends, and perform their Wills 
 religiou/ly; and (hall not I with Pleafure obey the 
 Will and Command of a dying Redeemer, when the 
 Thing he requires is fo eafy and agreeable, to eat and 
 drink at his Table in Remembrance of him ? If I 
 forget thee, G Friend of Sinners, let my right Hand 
 forget its Cunning, ire. 
 
 Our loving Redeemer well knew the Treachery of 
 our Memories, the Worldlinefs of our Hearts, and In- 
 conftancy of our Affections, that we would be ready- 
 to let his Death and Love flip out of our Though ts^ 
 and therefore he would have the Signs of his Surfer- 
 ings frequently prefented to our Eyes. Alas ! for the 
 curfed Ingratitude of my Heart, that is fo apt to for- 
 get him that remembered me when there was none to 
 ; ity me ; but Glory to him that takes fuch Pains to 
 cure my Forget fulnefs, by letting forth Chrift crucifi- 
 ed fo evidently before my Eyes in the broken Bread 
 and poured out Wine in the Sacrament — I look up- 
 on this Ordinance as a vifible Reprefentation and 
 -Commemoration of my Saviour's Death and Suffer- 
 ings for his People, which he will have continued till 
 h« come again 4o Judgment. It is like a Marble 
 
 lar fet up upon his Grave ; with an Jnfcription 
 
 bearing 
 
Chrift's dying Charge. 39 
 
 bearing Account of his glorious Achievements and 
 mighty Deeds, his glorious Sufferings, Conflicts and 
 
 Victories for his People. Wherefore, as oft as he 
 
 calls me, I will go thither, and put all the Honour 
 and Refpect I can upon my kind Benefactor : I will 
 remember his Love, proclaim his Worth, and publifh 
 his Prailes. I'll hereby own myfelf before the World 
 to be one of his Difciples, and a Follower cf the 
 Lamb. I'll declare my Abhorrence of Sin that 
 pierced him, and my Gratitude to the Lamb for the 
 attoning Sacrifice he offered up for me upon theCrofi. 
 1*11 triumph in this as the only Ground,of my Hope, 
 I'll put the Crown on his Head, and cad all my 
 Crowns down at his Feet, and cry, Worthy is the 
 Lamb that was flaw, and ha s redeemed me from my 
 Sins by his Blood ; worthy is he to recshe ait Hcuour, 
 Power, Glory and Dominion for ever and ever. 
 
 Glory to my dear Saviour, that leeks ao greater 
 Return for all his Labour of Love, thai* a tbankrbi 
 Remembrance of it at his Table, Oh, mould I 
 grudge to give fuch a fmall Return to him that fuller- 
 ed the Pains of Death and Hell for me! Had he bid 
 me facrifice my Firft-born, and give ail I have to the 
 Poor, or go in Pilgrimage to the Holy Land to viut 
 his Sepulchre, or go to the Top of Mount Ca4airy 
 where the Crofs ftood, as a Token of Thankful nefs 
 for his Love, could I have refufed it? But he puts me 
 to no fuch hard Talk - — Lord, thou bids me not go 
 to a bloody Scaffold to remember thee, but to a well- 
 covered Table to do it. Thou bids me not go there 
 to bleed or burn for thee, but to eat aud drink ; not 
 the Bread of Affliction or Water of Adveruty, but 
 Bread that ftrengthens the Heart, and Wine that 
 cheers the drooping Spirit, Bread and Wine which 
 thou haft fanctified and blefTed for ms.- — Surely, O 
 dear Saviour, I owe my Life to thee, nay a thoL- 
 falid Lives if I had them ; but it is not my Life, b»jt 
 my Memory and Thoughts thou art ca! tog fori it h 
 
 tot 
 
jio Rememtring of CBrifFi Sufferings 
 
 not to die for thee, but to remember thee. DidH t r 
 drink the Cup of Wrath on the Crois for me, and will 
 not I drink a Cup of B! effing at the Table for thee., 
 nay formyfelf, and for my eternal Salvation ? 
 
 Let me go then to this holy Tab 1 *:, with Faith, 
 Love and Thankfulnefs, to remember Chriir. and hit 
 dying Love, as he commands me. And while I re- 
 member him, let me alio receive and embrace him, 
 as my bleeding High Pried:, in the Arms of my Faith, 
 and at the fame Time throw my guilty Soul into his 
 
 wounded Arms, for faving me from Wrath. Le: 
 
 me go and remember the Woundings and Piercings o{ 
 my Redeemer, with a pierced and wounded Heart for 
 e curled Sins which nailed and killed the Prince of 
 Life. Let me henceforth be the Death of Sin, which 
 was the D^ath of my dear Saviour. Oh, (hall I fuffer 
 Sin to live any longer in me. that would not fufFer 
 my Redeemer to Jive in the World ! 
 
 But let me confider my High Pritft before-hancv, 
 and what of his Sufferings I fhould remember at his 
 
 Table. I'll remember how the glorious Heir of aii 
 
 Things denuded himfelf of his Riches aud Glory, how 
 lie left his Throne of M -jelly to lodge in a Virgin '« 
 Womb ; yea, to be born amoig Beafts, and cradled 
 in a Manger, for fuch a Worm as me ! I'll remem- 
 ber how he was attacked by the Devil, contradicted 
 by Sinners, and reproached by the World for my 
 
 Sake ! I'll remember how forrowful bis Soul was 
 
 it) the Garden, when the bitter Cup was put in hit 
 Hand ; and how he fwate, how he prayed, ho* 
 fell to the Ground, till he was quite overwhelmed w\ 
 Wrath, and covered withhisown Blood for mySak 
 I'll remember how he was fold for a fmall Price, and 
 bvely betrayed by jwfv ; how he wis taken by I 
 Soldiers, tied as a Malef-.clor with Cores, denied 
 Peier, forfaken by all his Difciples, and left aloiK 
 mong hi 5 cruel and infill ting Enemies. I'll remeraJ 
 
 how 
 
at his holy Table. 4 1 
 
 how he was blindfolded, mocked, (pit upon, buffeted 
 and affronted by Ruffians a whole Night, and patient- 
 ly fuffered all for my Sake ! I'll remember how his 
 Jovely Countenance was disfigured with Biows, and 
 the plucking the Hair off his Cheeks ; and how the 
 fweeteft Face ever the Sun faw, was all befmeared 
 with Blood and Spitting for my Sake. I'll remem- 
 ber how he that clothes the Lillies of the Field, was 
 himlelf ftript naked, bound to a Pillar and cruelly 
 fcourged, till the Pavement of Pilate's Judgment- nail 
 was all bedewed with his precious Blood. I'll re- 
 member how the Crown of Thorns was plaitted with 
 the (harp Points turned inward, put upon his Head, 
 and driven into his Temples with a Reed, till they 
 pierced his Skull in many Places, and a new Shower 
 
 of Blood run down his bleffed Neck. I'll remember 
 
 how the heavy Crofs-tree was laid upon his fcourged 
 and bleeding Shoulders, and he made to carry it thro* 
 the Streets of JsrufaUm, forth df the Gates, and up 
 Mount Calvary , to the Place of Execution, until his 
 Strength was fpent, and he foundered under the Bur- 
 den. 1*11 remember how the Crofs-tree was laid 
 
 down and my Saviour ftript naked and ftretched out 
 upon it as a Rack ; and how he was faftned to it with 
 four big Iron Nails thro' his Hands and Feet, and the 
 Crofs lifted up and let fall into a deep Hole digged 
 for the Foot of it, to the violent rending and widen- 
 ning of his facred Wounds by which he hang, until 
 all his Blood flream'd forth at them, and he expired 
 amidft the mod exquifite Tortures. 
 
 I'll remember alfo the Sufferings of his Soul at that 
 Time, when the Lord ran upon him as a Giant, and 
 made his Soul the Butt of his envenomed Arrows, the 
 Poifon whereof drank up his Spirits, until his Strength 
 
 was dried up like a Potfherd. I'll remember how 
 
 his Soul was troubled and noapluffed at the diftant 
 Profpeft of this Cup ; and how fore amazed he was 
 
 fbon after when it was put into his Hand. I'll re- 
 
 F member 
 
42 The Communicant f s 
 
 memoes how the tatting of it caft him into a bloody 
 fweat and Agony, which dyed his Garments red, and 
 
 bedewed the Ground where he lay 1*11 remember 
 
 how he was broken with Breach upon Breach, till all 
 the Sea-billows of divine Vengeance went over him, 
 and the Lion of the Tribe of Judab was made to 
 roar under the Strokes and Bruiles of the flaming 
 
 Sword, Pfal. xxii. i I'll remember the dreadful 
 
 Hidings of God's Face he lay under, until he was made 
 to cry, My God, my God, why haft thou forfaken me I 
 — I'll remember the Inexorablenefs of divine Jufticc, 
 that would not fpare him one Stripe, bate him one 
 Farthing of the Debt, nor one Drop of the Cup ; fo 
 that he drank till he ciied, // ;/ finifhcd, and gave 
 up the Gholb. Glory to him for his Love in finilhing 
 the Work. 
 
 MEDITATION XL 
 
 From Philip, i. 23. 
 For I am in a Strait betwixt two. — 
 
 AS the A pottle was in a Strait whether to chufe t« 
 die or to live, fo I am in a Strait whether to go 
 to the Lord's Table or to ftay back. Now, thou 
 called me, Lord, to celebrate the Memorials of thy 
 Death, yea, to feaft with thee at thy holy Table, 
 and I know not what to chu r e ; F am in a Strait be- 
 twixt two. My Heart is fo unholy,, and my Unwor- 
 thinefs fo great, I tremble to go forward to feaf: with 
 a God fo holy, and whole Purity is infinite ; and yet 
 my Wants are fo many, and my Neceflities {^o great, 
 that my Cafeishopelefsif I ftay back : Lord, I can go 
 to noneelie in all the World tofupply my Needs, but 
 to thyfelf alone —But oh, when I think of going for- 
 ward", my Guilt (tops my Mouth, and fills me witlj 
 Bluihtog. Lord, if the holy Angels, thcfe pure and 
 
 unspotted 
 
Strait beHvixt T-wq. 43 
 
 unlpotted Sertphims, who burn in Zeal for thy Ser- 
 vice, muft even cover their Faces before thee ; how 
 (hail I venture into thy Pretence, I vvhofeZeal is fo 
 lan^uifhing, whofe Love is ib cold, whole Mind is fo 
 earthly, and Prayers To dull ? Shall I approach ibnear 
 a holy God in fuch a Cafe ? But what then (hall I do ? 
 Shall I join with thefe Worldlings who were bidden 
 to the Feaft of the great King, refuse, and make my 
 Excufe ? Then I fear the King will be angry, declare 
 me unworthy to tafte of his Supper, yea, fvvear in his 
 Wrath that I (hall never enter into his Reft. 
 
 Lord, I abhor myfelf for my Unworthinefs and 
 Vilenefs, my Guilt and Pollution ; but where -(hall I 
 go to get Help and Remedy for it, but unto thee a- 
 lone I Haft thou not bidden me come, tho'my -Sins be 
 red as Crimfon \ -Have not many fuch come to thee, 
 -and found Relief and Help I Surely, O Lord, thy 
 Goodnefs is greater than my Sinfuln^ls, and thy Mer. 
 cy furpafleth my Mifery ; for tho* my Sins reach ever* 
 to the Clouds, yet thy Mercy is above the Heavens* 
 O merciful Father, extend thy free, boundlels Mercy 
 to a cniferable, helplefs Sinuer : Surely Mifery is the 
 proper Object of Mercy. Holy God, if thou help me 
 hot for the Sake of my Ivliferies which I havedeierved, 
 yet help me for the Sake of thy Mercies which thou 
 haft promifed in Chriil thy dear Son. Wherefore I 
 plead for Chrift's Sake, that thou wilt hear the Cry 
 of my Miferies, and not the Cry of my Sins. O 
 doth not his precious Blood cry louder for Pardon, 
 than my Sins for Punifhment ? Lord, hear the Cry of 
 that Blood, and -let it not be as Water fpilt upon the 
 Ground. For the Sake of that prevalent Blood, pity* 
 pardon, and accent a poor unworthy Creature, that 
 deGres to obey thy Call, and prepare his Heart to 
 feek thee, tho* he be not cleanfed according to the 
 Purflcation of tKc Sanctuary. 
 
 O Lord, tho' 1 may be alhamed to come to thee, 
 my Needs are fo pretFmg and pinching that I cannot 
 
 F 2 ftay 
 
44 The Communicants 
 
 ftay away. To whom fly all I go but unto thee, for thou 
 hajl the iVorrts of eternal Lije P The whole Creation 
 cannot 'upply my Wants. Thou only art my Sun, 
 from whole Beams I muft receive laving Light : Thou 
 art my Head, from whom I mud get ipiritual Life ; 
 Thou art the Root, from which I mult receive Sap and 
 Growth : Thou art the F sunt am, from which I muft 
 dr 3 w living Water : Thou art the Treafurr, from 
 which I muft obtain the Riches of Grace. So that 
 without thee I am nothing, 1 have nothing, I can do 
 nothing To thee then I muft go for all my Sup- 
 plies, and out of thy Fulnels receive Grace for Grace, 
 
 Lord, thou haft enough toiupply many Worlds 
 
 of needy Souls ; for the Sun is not fo full of Light, 
 nor the Sea fo full of Water, as thou art full of 
 Grace and Mercy to needy Creatures : And as thou 
 art full, fo I am allured thou art free, and willing to 
 
 communicate thy Fulneis. In fpite then of all Ob* 
 
 jeclions and Difficulties, forward to thee I will go, 
 and caft myfelfdown at thy Feet ; If 1 peri /h, I pe- 
 riflu Oh 1 did ever any periffi at Mercy's Door ? 
 
 Lord, I have heard of thy Mercy to the very chief 
 of Sinners, and cannot this Mercy reach the like of 
 me ? Surely the viler Sinner I am, thou haft the fair- 
 er Opportunity to (hew the Riches of thy Mercy, 
 the Freenefs of thy Love, and the Efficacy of thy 
 Elood ; and if I be allowed to (hare therein the 
 fweeter and louder will the eternal Hallelujahs be, 
 that will be fling to the Lamb of God on my Ac- 
 count. O that he would glorify his Mercy, his Love 
 and Blood, in my "Relief. O where (hall a poor 
 heavy laden Sinner go, but to him that can free him 
 of his Burden ? Where (hall I go with a Multitude of 
 Sins and Miferies, but to thee who haft a Multitude 
 of tender Mercies ? Where I fhall go with my deep 
 and heinous Guilt, but to thee who haft a deep Foun- 
 tain to wafh it away ? Behold one Depth calleth to 
 \ p another, the Depth of my Mifery to the Depth of 
 
 tl.y 
 
Strait betwixt Tivo. 45 
 
 thy Mercy ! My Wound is great, but thy Balm is 
 excellent ! My Sore is broad, but thy Plairter is an- 
 fwerable ! Lord be ?nereiful unto ?ne } heal my Sou/, 
 for I have finned again f thee. 
 
 Lord, is not the Golpel-feaft I am invited to a 
 Feaft of Charity, to which thou called not the Rich, 
 but the Poor, maim'd, halt and blind, who cannot 
 make any Return for thy Bounty ? And may not fuch 
 a milerable Object as I am take Encouragement from 
 
 fuch a free extenfive Invitation ? Luke xiv. 21 
 
 My bleft Redeemer, whiie he was on Earth; did not 
 diidain to eat with Publicans and Sinners, nor to dine 
 with Simon a Leper. And tho' he is now exalted in 
 the higheit Heavens, yet he ft ill retains the Bowels 
 pf a Man, and all the Pity and Charity to perifliing 
 Sinners he had while here in this State of Humiliati- 
 on. Wherefore, fenlible of my Unworthinefs, loath- 
 ing myfelf for my vilenefs, and trufting to my Savi- 
 our's Compadion to the Miferable, I defire to go for- 
 ward to his holy Table : O that he would direct and 
 ftrengthen me to go about fuch a weighty Work ! Let 
 not that Ordinance, which God hath inftituted for 
 a BlelTing, be made a Curfe to me thro' my unworthy 
 Partaking. Lord, rebuke all unieafonable Thoughts 
 and Wandrings that would mar the Duty ; excite 
 and actuate in me every proper Grace, and enable me 
 to manage fo, that I may not dilhonour, but glorify 
 thee ; I may nGt increaie my Guilt, but augment my 
 Grace ; I miy not bring more Hardneis, butSoftneis 
 into my Heart. Lord, defcend thou into my Heart 
 by the Influences of thy Spirit, that I may aicend un- 
 to thee by the Actings of Grace ; and when the King 
 (its at his Table, let my Spikenard fend forth the 
 Smeil thereof. Lord, I look to thee for Strength, 
 Conduct and Through-bearing, in every Strait. I 
 truft not in my Preparations, but in thy free Mercy, 
 for Acceptance ; j truff. not in my Faith, but in thy 
 f'aithfuinels, who haft promifed to give Power to the 
 
 Faint ; 
 
46 The Communicants Strait, 6cc. 
 
 Faint ; I trufl not in my Repentance, but in thy free 
 pardoning Mercy ; I trull not in my Doings, but in 
 thrift's Doings. O take away my filthy Garments, 
 and clothe me with the heft Robe, The Lord our 
 Righteousness. / will go in the Strength of the 
 Lord God, I will make -mention of thy Right eoufnefi, 
 €ven of thine only. Awake, North. windy and come 
 thou South, blow upon my Garden, that the Spices 
 may flow out. If thy Prepuce g9 n ot with ?ne } carry 
 m$ not up hence. 
 
 The Lord made a Breach cm the I/raelites, for not 
 feeking him after the due Order, 1 Chron. xv. 13. — 
 lie imote 50,000 of die Bethfhemitcs for an irrererent 
 Look into the Ark^ which typified ChrHt ; and what 
 Caufc then have I to fear a Stroke, mould I rafhly 
 touch the Symbols of his Body and Blood ? See- 
 ing this Ordinance is intended for doing Honour to 
 the King of Zion, O fave me from doing Indignity 
 to him, by betraying him with a Kifs, or by throw- 
 ing his PiSure, or Great Seal, into a Puddle.- 
 
 ^Vlay I fo prepare for this Feaft, that the blelfed Ma- 
 iler of it may (ee I am watchful of his Eye, tender 
 of his Honour, and fearful of his Anger. Lord, 
 awake my Heart, ftir up my Graces, and prepare 
 me for a Meeting with my Saviour ; and let not my 
 Soul, whole only Hope is to be faved by ChrHt's 
 Blood, be lent away from his Table with the Guilt, 
 inftead of the Benefit, of that Blood upon it. 
 
 MEDITATION XII. 
 
 Fro m Philip i v . 19. 
 But my God (hall fuffly all your Need, accor- 
 ding to his Riches in Glory , by Chrijl Jefus. 
 
 HEAVENLY Father, 6ut of thy rich Bounty 
 thou waft pkdfcd once to lav up a great Stock 
 
Supply for cur Needs in Chriih 47 
 
 for me in my Progenitors Hands, but they very foon 
 fquandered it all away, fb that I am become extreme- 
 ly poor and needy. Oh ! what can I do in this indi- 
 gent Condition, but come back to thee for Pity and 
 
 new Supplies f For ever blefled be thy Name, for 
 
 the reviving News thou haft publimed in the Gofpel ; 
 that thou haft now laid up a new Stock for Bankrupt 
 Sinners in the Hands of a Surety that cannot fail, 
 and haft creeled a Throne of Grace for fuch as I am 
 to come to in Time of Need, where Chrift Jefus my 
 Surety fits, as commiflioned by thee, with glorious 
 
 Riches to fopply my Wants. Many are the Needs 
 
 which thou thinks fit to leave upon me, that I might 
 have the more Errands unto this Throne, and that 
 thou may'ft the oftner hear my Voice. Opour out 
 upon me a Spiiit of Grace and Supplication, and 
 eaufe me delight in approacrhing to thee, and pouring, 
 out my Wants before thee. 
 
 Behold, Lord, a needy Creature, an Object of Pi- 
 ty, approaching to a liberal Saviour, whofe Fulnefs is 
 iiiiinite ! O how fuitable is it to my Wants whici: 
 are great and innumerable ! I am ftarvingand have- 
 no Bread ; I am naked and have noCioatbing ; lam 
 wounded and have no Cure ; I am in Debt and have 
 no Money ; lam polluted and have no Fountain ; 
 I am burdened and have no Reft ; I have deftroyed 
 
 myfelf and can find no Help in myfelf. But yet 
 
 there is Help for me elfewhere : I have heard of the 
 Mercy of the King of Ifrael, and of the Remedy he 
 hath provided for the'e who are helplefs, loft and mi- 
 ferable. Wherefore, tho* I bs poor, I will not de- 
 fpair, for thou art the Lord of the whole World, 
 and halt opened thy Treafures to the Needy t Tho* 
 J be polluted, I will not defpond, for thou haft f&e 
 Fouutain of Salvation : Tho' I be naked, I will upt 
 with Adam run from thee and bide myfelf; nay I 
 I r'Tti to thtr to cover me with the Wool and Fleece 
 of th* Lamb of Go4 5 even the fpotkfi Higbteobfbefe 
 
 and 
 
4 8 Rich Supplies in Ch'rifl 
 
 and Innocence of my Saviour : Tho' I be hungry and 
 itarving, I'll take Encouragement from the glad 
 Tidings thou haft proclaimed in the Goipel of a rich 
 Feaft for the Poor and Needy. — Lord, I come to 
 thee as the Hungry to be fed, as the Naked to be 
 cloathed, as the Wounded to be healed, as the cold 
 ftarving Creature to the Fire, as the Unclean to be 
 wafhed in the Fountain that is opened not to the 
 Ho'jle of David only, but even to the pooreft Inha- 
 bitant in Jerufalem. Glory to God, that it is fo free 
 and open to the Poor and Needy. 
 
 Lord, I come not to thy Table becr.ufe I am wor- 
 thy ; but becaule thou art rich in Mercy, and doft 
 promife that the Needy jhall not be forgotten, and 
 the Expeftation of the Poor fpall not peri ft? : And that 
 when the Poor and Needy ft ck Water, and there is nor.e^ 
 and their Tongue faileth for Thirjl, Thou the Lord wilt 
 hear them, and open Rivers in the Wilder ne ft, and 
 Fountains in midjl of the ValUes. O come, do as tkou 
 haft faid, pity a poor, needy, perifhing Creature, 
 and fill my narrow Veflel out of the Ocean of thy 
 
 Mercy, where it will not be milled. Come to the 
 
 Feaft of thine own Appointment, and difplay thy 
 Fulnefs and Liberality. Caft open the Doors of thy 
 Treafures, and allow me Accel's to Chrift's unfearch- 
 
 able Riches Thy Word, Lord, doth affure me> 
 
 that in all Ages thou haft beftowed thefe Riches upon 
 the Poor and Needy, without Money, and without 
 Price. And this doth warrant me to plead with thee 
 to come to thy Houfe, where many needy Beggars 
 are gathered, and Icatter thy Bounty among them, 
 
 and admit me to gather with them. O let not 
 
 iiich a miferable Object go from thy Door without an 
 Alms, without a Crumb of the Children? Bread, fee- 
 ing there is Bread enough in thy Houie, and to (pare. 
 O let none return afhamed from the Fountain who 
 come expecTmnr Water. Thou haft promifed to pour 
 Water upon the thufty, and Floods upon the dry 
 
 Ground*- 
 
fir all our Needs* 49 
 
 Ground. Oh, is there any more dry, more poor, 
 more needy than I am ! Lord make me as thirfty as I 
 am dry, as humble as I am poor, and as lenfible as I 
 am needy. Alas, that I have fo little Senfe of my 
 Wants ! Oh, deal not with me according to my Senfe 
 of Need, which is fmall, but deal with me according 
 to my real Need, and thy Royaly Bounty, which is 
 exceeding great. 
 
 O that I were poor and needy in my own Eyes, 
 and truly fenfible of my own Wants ; that I am 
 drowned in Debt to the Law and Juftice of God, owe 
 many Thoufands, and have not one Farthing to pay ; 
 that I am deftitute of every Thing that is good, can 
 do nothing to pleafe God, and am unworthy of the 
 lead of his Mercies. O that I were made willing to 
 quit all Confidence in my own Righteoufnefs, Duties, 
 Frames or Attainments ; and well content to go in- 
 tirely out of myfelf to Chrift, for Righteoufnefs toju- 
 ftify me, and for his Spirit and Grace to renew and 
 faritify my Nature. 
 
 Lord, I am poor, but I fee God has treafured up 
 unfearch able Riches, and infinite Fulnefs in Jefus Chrift 
 to anfwer all my Needs ; — I am naked, but I fee in 
 Chrift a Robe of Righteoufnefs, that is fufficient to 
 cover me, and a whole eledt World ; — I am a fta: 
 ving Creature, but in Chrift there is the Bread of Life, 
 and the Waters of Life for my Soul ; — I am fooltth 
 and ignorant, but Chrift hath infinite Wifdom to 
 teach me and guide me ; — I am loaden with Guilt, 
 but Chrift's Sacrifice is fufficient to atone for it ; — 
 I have ftrong Lufts and Corruptions, but Chrift hath 
 
 a kindly Power to fubdue them ; 1 am under much 
 
 Darknefs, but Chrift is the Light of the World ; — I am 
 under Fears and Dilcouragements, but Chrift is the 
 Confolation of Ifrael ; — lam wounded and fick, but 
 Chrift, my Phyfician, hath excellent Balm for me ; 
 -—I am under a Burden of Debt, but Chrift, my Sure- 
 ty, is rich, and fully able to piy it ;— T?.n; in PrHoa, 
 G ai I 
 
5*o Rich Supplies in Chrijl, &c. 
 
 and under Bonds, but Chrift opens Prifon-doors, and 
 loofes them that are bound ; — I am fatherlefs by A- 
 dam's Fall, but Chrift: is the everlafting Father in 
 
 whom the Fatherlefs find Mercy ; 1 have many E- 
 
 nemies to purlue and accufe me, as Law, Juitice, 
 Satan, and Confcience ; but Chrift my Advocate can 
 anfwer them all : — Therefore 1 flee to him for Re- 
 fuge, I dole with him in all his Offices, and put my 
 whole Confidence in him. 
 
 It gives great Encouragement to my poor needy 
 Soul, that I have a Saviour fo full of Goodnels and 
 Pity to look to, a mighty Agent in Heaven to plead 
 my Caufe, and to prefent my Bills, Petitions and Sup- 
 plications to the Father. I put all my Requefts and 
 Concerns in his Hand, and commit them to his Care 
 and Management ; he knows the fitted Time to pre- 
 fent them, and to fend me an Anfwer. In the Sacra- 
 ment I fwear Allegiance to thee, as my Sovereign 
 Lord and King, over thy broken Body and (bed Blood, 
 I engage to be a true and faithful Soldier in thy Ar- 
 my, and to take the Field againlt thy Enemies. Ma* 
 ny Pieces of Furniture do I need for this Warfare; I 
 need the Girdle of Sincerity, the Shield of Faith, the 
 Helmet of Hope, the Sword of the Spirit, theBrealt- 
 plate of Righteoufnefs, and to have may Feet Ihod 
 v/ith the Preparation of the Golpel of Peace. But 
 Glory to thy Name, my Redeemer and Captain of 
 Salvation hath provided a noble Armory and Store- 
 houfe to anfwer all thefe my NecelTities and Wants, 
 Lord, fupply all my Needs out of thy infinite Fulneis, 
 and furnifn me with every Thing requifite and neceiTa- 
 ry for the Work and Warfare thou calleft me unto. 
 Oh, my Enemies are lively, and they are ftrong : But 
 I look to my glorious Captain, to gird me with 
 Strength for the Battle, and to teach my Hands f 
 r. 
 
 MED -I- 
 
The Love ofChrifl fajfeth Knowledge. 51 
 
 MEDITATION XIIL 
 
 From EpheJ. iii. 19, 
 And to know the Love of Christ, which 
 
 fa.flkth 
 
 Knowledge, 
 
 WHERE (hall I begin my Thoughts upon this 
 Subject of the -Love of Chrift to Men \ And 
 when begun, how (hall I make an End ? It hath a 
 Breadth and Length, a Depth and Height that paf- 
 Teth Knowledge- If the Apoftle Paul, that had the 
 brighteft Difcoveries of this Love, owned this, much 
 mere may I. 1 may fooner fioyd out the Height of 
 Heaven, the Breadth of the Earth, or the Depth of 
 the Sea, than meafure Chrift's Love. It is an un- 
 fathomable Ocean that hath neither Bank nor Bot- 
 tom. O whither did his Love carry him 1 From the 
 Height of Glory to the Depth of Mifery. How low 
 and deep was our Fall, that nothingcould recover and 
 raife us up, but the low Abafement of the Son of God, 
 the King of Glory ! How low was the Step he made 
 to help us up ; even to put on our Nature, and iuffer 
 himfelf to be pierced for our Tranfgre/Tions, and brui- 
 fed for our Iniquities ! Blefied Lord, thou took 'ft not 
 on thee the Nature of Angels, but the Seed of Abra- 
 ham ; thele are fad bound up from thee with Chains 
 of Darkneis, whilftthoudraweft us to thee *ith Cords 
 of Love ! How diftingnifhing was thy Love to Man, 
 that brought thee from Heaven to Earth, from the 
 Throne to the Manger, from the Manger to the 
 Wildernefs, from the Wildernefs to the Garden, from 
 the Garden to the Judgment-hall, from the Judg- 
 ment-hall to theCrofs, from theCiofs to the Grave; 
 yea, from the Glory of Heaven to the very Torments 
 of Hell, and all for Creatures that were black and 
 ugly as Hell ! How wonderful is the S : ght thou cal- 
 
 C 2 left 
 
52 The Love of Cbrifl 
 
 left me to fee at the Lord's Table ! Even to fee him 
 luffering for Sin that never committed Sin ! To fee 
 him made Sin for us f who know no Sin, that we who 
 knew no Righteoufnefs, might be made the Righteouf- 
 nefs of Cod in him ! An amazing fight indeed I 
 Lord, what is Man that thou art mindful of him ! 
 
 what is he that thou fhouldft magnify and fet thy 
 Heart on him ! And what am I, the word of Men, 
 and viieft of Sinners, that thou mould ft {loop lb low 
 to exalt me ! That thou (houldft endure the Poverty 
 of this World, that I might enjoy the Riches of Hea- 
 ven ! Be content to live in the Form of a Servant, 
 that I might have the Adoption of Sons I Be willing 
 to bow thyfelf unto Death, to raife me to eternal 
 Life ! Content to be numbered among Tranigreflbrs, 
 that I might have a Room among the Blefted ! To 
 be crowned with Thorns, that 1 might be crowned 
 with Glory ! To be condemned before Men, that I 
 might be juftified before God ! To drink the bitter 
 Cup of Wrath, that I might drink the pure River of 
 Life ? To cry ou^ in Sorrow upon the Crols, that 
 
 1 might triumph with Joy upon the Throne ! To 
 Hand before the Mouth of Hell Furnace, to keep its 
 Flames from breaking out on me ! O Lord Jefus, thy 
 Love hath overflown all Banks, and thy Compailion 
 knew no Bounds ! Can I think on it, and my Heart 
 not burn ? Can 1 ("peak of it, and not be overcome, 
 Jfo as to (eek, with Jo/eph, a (ecret Place to weep in \ 
 
 O Love that paiTeth Knowledge ! How (hall I 
 think of it and not (rand amazed ! That the General 
 {houjd die for the Soldier, the Phyfician for the Pati- 
 ent ! That the righteous judge of Heaven mould come 
 to the Bar, put him (elf in the Malefactor's Clothes, 
 and be condemned for him ! That the bleflfed Son of 
 God (hould interpofe his innocent Breaft to receive 
 the mortal Stroke for us ! That God all-fufficient 
 thould be expofed to Hunger and Tbirft, to Grief and 
 W^arftiefsj and the vileit Reproaches and Indignities 
 
 for 
 
pajjeth Knowledge. 53 
 
 for Worms like us \ Behold the Creator of the World 
 wounded, mangled and killed, by ungrateful Crea- 
 tures whom he came to lave ! Behold his Bowels 
 yearning toward them who raked in them with their 
 bloody Hands ! Behold his Heart burning with Af- 
 reclion toward them that cruelly pierced it \ Surely 
 a believing View of this Love of Chrift is fufTicient to 
 mollify a Heart more cold and frozen than Ice itlelf ! 
 O Love unfathomable ! Who can meafure its Dimen- 
 iions ! It hath a Height without a Top, a Depth 
 without a Bottom, a Breadth without a Side, a 
 Length without End ! AftonifhingLovc i that my ex- 
 alted Lord mould {loop fo low as become a Man ; 
 nay, a poor Man, a Man of Sorrows, a dcferted 
 Man, a dying Man, and alio a dead Man, for fuch 
 a Wretch as me ! Nay, more, that he fnould (loop 
 to be made a Curfe, and underly a dreadful Lead of 
 Wrath upon his innocent Soul, infinitely more heavy 
 frhan what is laid upon any damned Soul in Hell ! 
 
 O what a Sea of Wrath did my loving Jefus fwim 
 thro', to lave me from perilling ! Behold how that 
 raging Sea wrought, and was temptftuous, roared 
 mo ft terribly, and threatned to fwaliow me up with 
 the reft of the el eel World ; till once my Redeemer 
 ftept in, and undertook to be the Sacrifice for calm- 
 ing the Sea \ Take me up, (faid he, like Jonah) and 
 throw me into the Sea, and ye [hall be all fafe. In 
 this Red-fea our bleflcd Jonah was content to fwim 
 for thirty-three Years, without feeking Deliverance, 
 till once the Sea was perfectly calm, and every elect 
 Soul out of Danger. Marvellous Loving-kindnels ! 
 Oh that I could, with a iiti table Frame of Heart, 
 both remember aiul admire redeeming Love, and re- 
 deeming Blood, when I go to lit down at my Re- 
 deemer's Table. O that I may there get Faith's 
 Sight of the various Jnftances of his Love, that paffetb 
 Knowledge. Let me there view Chriit in the Womb, 
 and in the Manger \ in his weary Stepi > and hungry 
 
 Bowels : 
 
^4 CbrijVs Love fajjeth Knowledge. 
 
 Bowels; in his Profl rations in the Garden, and slot- 
 ted Drops of bloody Sweat. Let me view his Head 
 with a Crown of Thorns, and his Face befmeared 
 with the Soldier's Spitt. Let me view him in his 
 March to Catalry, and his Elevations upon a painful 
 Crofs, with his Head bowed down, and his Side drea- 
 ming Blood ! O unparalleled Love ! It had been 
 wonderful Love to have fent one of the lofty Sera- 
 phims to fuffer for us ; but to give him whom all die 
 Seraphim? ferve and adore, is Love that paj/eih Know- 
 ledge'. Let me view the Scripture Dtfignations and 
 Titles of him that loved us, and gave h:mf elf for us 9 
 that lie might wafh us in h\z Blood. 
 
 He is our lmmaniiel, the Wonderful, the Counfellor, 
 the Mighty Cod, the Everlajling Father, the Prince of 
 Peace, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, the 
 Prince of the Kings of the Earth, the Lord of Glory , 
 the Rofe of Sharon, the Plant of Renown, the Bright- 
 ?icfs of his Father s Glory, the exprefs hnage of his 
 Per/In, the bright and Morning Star, the Sun of 
 Right eonfnefs, the Light of the World, the Head of the 
 Church, the Beginning and Firjhborn from the Dead, 
 the appointed Heir of all Things. This is he that loved 
 us, and gave himfelf to die for the Redemption of a 
 Crew of Rebels, Grace-abufing, and Gofpel- flighting 
 Sinners ! Oh, what am I that thou fhouldft fpare, 
 yea, ranfom and feaft me in iuch a Manner ! Long a- 
 go mighteft thou have fhaken off the Hand of thy 
 Providence fuch a Viper as I am into Fire unquench- 
 able ; and there made me to know, to fad Experience, 
 what it is to abufe free Grace, by the Lofs of eternal 
 Glory.— But, inftead cf that, thou haft pitied me, 
 loved me, become my Surety, to appeafe Juflice for 
 my heinous Sins by thy Blood, when no other Sacri- 
 fice would do. Lord, I welcome thy Love-feaft ; I 
 lay my Hand on the Head of the Sacrifice, and reft 
 tipon it ; I believe, Lord, help my Unbelief. O that 
 I may henceforth live under the continual Sen'e of 
 
 my 
 
Chrifts Agony in the Garden. 55 
 
 my infinite Obligations to my glorious Surety, that 
 would make bis Soul an Offering for my Sin. O what 
 Return (hail I give him for ail his aoul-travel and 
 Agonies for me \ O that I could fpend my whole 
 Life, and each Day^of it, in magifying his Love, and 
 living to his Praile. Now, blejfed be his glorious 
 Name for ever and ever; let the whoU Earth be filled 
 with his Glory. Amen, and Amen* 
 
 MEDITATION XIV. 
 
 From Luke xxii. 44. 
 
 And being in an Agony — his Sweat was as U 
 were great Drops of Blood 
 
 OMy Soul, this Text affords thee great Subject 
 of Thoughts, when thou goelt to remem- 
 ber thy dear Saviour at his Table. Here I fee him 
 in a bloody Agony ! And firft, let me obferve the 
 Place where his Agony began, the Garden of Geth-> 
 femane y which lay in the Valley of Jekojhophat, on 
 the Eaft-fide of Jerufalem, at the Foot of the Mount 
 of Olives. Now, it was in the Valley of Jehojhaphat 
 that God did plead with the Nations in Chrifl their 
 Surety, Joel hi. 2. The Word Gethfemane fignifies a 
 Mill or Prefs for Olives, as being probably the Place 
 where they preffed the Olives that grew on ihe 
 Mount, and there fqueezed the Oil out of them, 
 Jn this Place, it pleafed the Father to bruise Chrift 
 our true Olive, that fo out of his Fulnefs the ttt 
 Oil of his Merit and Grace might flow abundantly 
 to needy Souls. Never was there fuch an Olive pref- 
 fed there before, fince the firlt Planting of that 
 Mount ! Never was there fuch precious Oil feen a« 
 Jefus's Blood ! O that I may paruke of the Root 
 aodFatorfi of that£.W Olive which was preffed here, 
 
56 drift's sfgony, and 
 
 and of that Oil, which will nuke my Grace to grov, 
 and my Face to fhine ! 
 
 As it was in a Garden that Man's Sin and Mifery 
 firfl began, Co it was in a Garden that our bleifcd 
 Surety began his I aft expiatory Sufferings for Sin, 
 which caft him into a fearful Agony. As the Gar- 
 €?en of Eden produced Man's Mifery, fo the Garden 
 of Gethfemane provided a Remedy. O that when I 
 walk and retire myielf in a Garden, I may have 
 Grace to think ierioufiy, and with luitable Affections 
 upon the Sins of Men, and the Sufferings of my Sa~ 
 viour for them ! and, at the fame Time, to lend up 
 my Ejaculations to God, for an Intereft in his Agony 
 and Attornment, and for the comfortable Intima- 
 tion thereof to my Soul. When my dear Redeemer 
 was in his Agony of Soul, I read of his offering up 
 Prayers ar.d Supplications to God, with jlrong Cry- 
 ing and Tears, Heb. v. 7. and Lave I no Prayers 
 nor Tears to offer up to God at the Remembrance of 
 his Agony ? efpecially, when I confider how much 
 my Sins contributed to throw him into it.— — O 
 how flrong and bitter were my Surety's Cries at this 
 Time, when God bruiied his Soul, and poured down 
 a Flood of his Wrath upon him ? He cried, till he 
 was fpent with Crying ; he grow hoarie with it, and 
 his Throat fb dried, that he could cry no more. 
 Ffal Ixix. 3. Now was his Soul in Travel, and 
 great Caufe had he for his ftrong Crying and Tears ! 
 He was filent under all the Fains of his Body, and 
 under his Sufferings from Men ; all that Time he is 
 dumb, as a Shtep before his Shearers : But, behold, 
 when fierce Wrath from God alighted on his Sou!, 
 he cries vehemently ; and he prayed molt earneftly 
 and importunately for Support and Through-bearing 
 under this terrible Storm. O that, from my Savi- 
 our's Example, I m.iy learn, when under Soul- 
 trouble and inward Dittrefs, to make my Prayers to 
 ' 0$ m«rc earnd! and fervent, and to perfeve'.e with- 
 out 
 
Bloody Sweat. 57 
 
 but fainting ; which I have great Encouragement to 
 do from this, that my Saviour's fervent Prayers arid 
 Tears have made Way for mine. 
 
 I obierve alfo in this PaiTage, that the Agony of 
 ChriiVs Soul increafed fo much, that it produced a 
 Sweat of Blood over his Body ; yea, geat Diops or 
 Clods of Blood, which, by his vioie t Agony, burfl 
 thro* his very Clothes, and watered the G/uund 
 where he lay. O what Trouble and Anguifh, Pangs 
 and Sorrows, Defertions and Stragglings, muft bis 
 Soul have endured at this Time, unihr tne Burden of 
 God's Wrath tor his People's Sins, which put his fa- 
 cred Body and Blood Into fuch a dreadful Commotiori 
 and Ferment ! O what a prodigous and preter-naiu- 
 ral Sweat was this ! Never was the like heard of 
 fince the World began ! According to the Courfe of 
 Nature, Chrift lying in the open Air, in a cold Night, 
 upon the cold Ground, with the Greatneb of his 
 Confternation, (hou)d have drawn all his Blcod in- 
 ward from the external Parts of his Body : But 
 thrift's Sweating and Bleeding was altogether preter- 
 natural. He fwate without external Heat, he bled 
 without external Wound. The Fire of divine Wrath, 
 now kindled in his Soul, was fo very hot and raging, 
 that it made the Blood about his Heart to boil, aid 
 burft thro' both Flefh and Garments. He bid re- 
 ceived at this Time, no Wound nor external Violence 
 from any Hand ; no Judas , no Soldier, no Tonv.en- 
 tor, had yet attacked him ; no Spear, no Nail, no 
 Thorn or Scourge had yet touched his lacred Body, 
 and yet he bleeds moft plentifully ! Oh, but the 
 Sword of Juftice had reached him, and made' a deep 
 Wound and wideGafh in his Soul ; at which Breach 
 a Sea of Wrath brake in with luch Violence, nat ir 
 overwhelmed him ; made him fall firft on his Knees, 
 and then flat on the Ground, where he lay agonizing 
 •and crying, till all the Waves and Billows of divine 
 Vengeance went over him. Oh ; what a dreadful 
 
 H PreiTure 
 
58 Chrift s Agony, and 
 
 PrefTure was my Saviour's Soul under at this Time I 
 What fqueezing Anguifh had he about his Heart, that 
 made his Body to druggie, and fweat in fuch a Man- 
 ner, fo that every Pore of his Body became a bleed- 
 ing Wound ! O how awfully fhould I be affected with 
 this tragical Sight ! How thankfully mould I remem- 
 ber my Redeemer's Love, when he calls me to do it 
 at his holy Table ! 
 
 In my Saviour's Agony I may fee, as in a Glafs, 
 the malignant Evil and curled Nature of Sin, that no 
 lels could attone for it, than the Soul. travel and A- 
 gony of the dear Son of God ! Can I ever make 
 light of Sin, when I view the great Drops of Blood 
 (landing above his Garments, while he lay groveling 
 on the Earth in the Anguifh of his Soul ! Shall I not 
 henceforth abhor Sin, and (land in Awe of offending 
 a juft and holy God, feeing it is fuch a fearful Thing 
 to fall into his Hands : If fuch Things were done m 
 the green Tree y what /hall be done in the dry ? Was 
 the Cup of Wrath fo terrible to the innocent human 
 Nature of Chrift, when prefcnted to him, that he 
 (hrinked and cried out ! O what will it be to guilty 
 Sinners ! Here I may fee how coftly the Redemption 
 of Souls is ; ere this could be compafTed, God mull 
 be made Man, Eternity mud fuffer Death, the Lord 
 of Angels muft weep in a Cradle, the Creator of the 
 World muft hang like a Slave ! He muft ly in a Man- 
 ger at Bethlehem, cry in an Agony at Gethfemane y 
 die on a Crofs at Calvary ! Unfpotted Righteoufnefs 
 muft be made Sin, and unblemifhed BleiTedners muft 
 be made a Curfe ! O did Chrift value Souls at fo high 
 a Rate, and (hall Mtn he fo foolifli as throw them 
 away for a Thing of nought ! 
 
 Here I may lee the great Difficulty of making 
 Peace with God, when once his Law is broken ; no 
 lefs could do it than the Blood, and Soul-agony of 
 the Son of God ; even an infinite Ranfom muft be 
 paid ere God would be reconciled to Man, O how 
 
 much 
 
Bloody Sweat. 59 
 
 much am I beholden to Chrift that undertook the Re- 
 conciliation, that prevented my Ruin, by taking the 
 Cup out of my Hand I O the Cup he drank for me 
 was mingled with Wrath and Curfes, a Cup full of 
 Vengeance preffed down, heaped up, ftiaken together, 
 and running over ; a Cup, which if Men or Angels 
 had but tafted, they had reeled, daggered, and 
 fallen headlong into Hell : Yet, faid Chrift, ere any 
 of my elect Ones drink it, I will do it for them ; 
 reach it hither to me bitter as it is.— -Oh how ready 
 was Chrift to engage for Men 1 and how willing was 
 he to perform ! how ready, full and free was the 
 Fountain of his Blood to wafh the Defiled i Behold 
 how freely it ifTued forth before a Wound was open- 
 ed ; all his Veins and Pores poured it forth, without 
 waiting for the Tormentors. 1-ord, make me as 
 willing and ready to apply it. Did Chrift wreftle in 
 an Agony to obtain the Redemption of loft Sinners ; 
 and &all not I wreftle as in an Agony to get an In- 
 tereft in this Redemption, and the Evidences thereof 
 cleared up to my Soul ! O for Faith and Fervency 
 in Prayer, that I may wreftle without cealing for the 
 Affurance of his Love, that ( may go with Joy to 
 his Table. 
 
 MEDITATION XV, 
 
 From ffa. I'm. 7. 
 
 He opened not his Mouth ; he is brought as a 
 
 Lamb to the Slaughter* 
 
 IT becomes me to read and confider thefe Words 
 with great Attention, feeing they were the Oc- 
 casion of the Ethiopian Eunuch's Converfion ; for it 
 was while he read and thought on thefe Words, that 
 God fent Philip ;o join him, A8s yiii # 29. O that 
 
 H3 God 
 
60 The Lamb of God 
 
 God would, in like Manner, fend his holy Spirit to 
 join me whiie I am meditating on them. 
 
 1. I obierve that Chrifl is the great Sacrifice provi- 
 ded by G^d to make Attonement for our Sins : He 
 h the great Anti-type and Subftance of all the Lambs 
 and Beaitst-hat were offered up in Sacrifice under the 
 law, and therefore he is often in the New Tefta* 
 meiu called the Lamb, the Lamb cfiGod, and the 
 Lamb fu.in. The Spirit of God lee.ns to have a pe- 
 culiir Delight in dwelling upon this T/pe of the 
 Lamb, move than in any other of the Old Teltament 
 Types; and lliould not I delight in it too, and often 
 with Plea lure make mention of the Lamb, the worthy 
 Lamb, that will be the OSjecl of the rraiies of Saints 
 and Angels through all Eternity I 
 
 2. Chrill is reprefented by a Lamb to point out the 
 Innocence of his Perfbn, the Meeknefs of his Nature, 
 the Ulefulne.s of his Benefits, and his Patier.cc under 
 Sufferings. How patient is the Lamb under Injuries ! 
 It is filent both before the Shearer and Butcher ; it 
 parts with its Fleece in fnearing Time, and with its 
 Life in {laughter Time, without any Noife or Refi- 
 nance. Do^s and Swine howl and cry when Vio- 
 lence is offered to them, bnt the Lamb is quite filent. 
 So Chrill the Lamb of God opened not his Mouth, 
 under the greateft Kevilings, Mockings, Buffetings, 
 Spittings, Piercings, and. the meft cruel Death, which 
 he lliffercd from Men, I Pet. ii. 23. and hence it is 
 faid in the Text, when he was led to the Slaughter, 
 he opined not his Mouth .• He opened not his Mouth 
 "Unle's it was to bleis, teach, or pray for the !e who in- 
 jured him ; yea, he not only did pray, but alio pled 
 anExcufefor them, Father, forgive them> fir they knew 
 not what they do. And after his Resurrection, how 
 ready was this meek Lamb to forgive all that wrong- 
 ed him ! When giving Orders to preach Remillion of 
 Sins to a loft World, he bids begin £f Jerufalern, Luke 
 xxiv. 46. where they mocked and pierced him, becaufe 
 
 there 
 
faughtered for us. 6 1 
 
 there they had greateft Need of his Blood to wafh 
 them from Guilt. How meekly did our biefled Lamb 
 carry to Peter f when he denied him in his own Hear- 
 ing. He did not turn and frown upon Peter, as he 
 well defer ved, tho' he might have frowned him into 
 Hell : it is aid only, He turned and looked on Peter, 
 Luke xxii. 6\. net wirh an angry Look, but with an 
 arreclicnate melting Look, which recovered him to a 
 penitent Frame : Neither did he afterwards upbraid 
 him with his Carriage. O meek Lamb of God ! Can 
 I remember thee at thy Table, without being filled 
 with Remorfe and Grief for my Impatience under In- 
 juries, and the Pronenefs of my Heart to refent them ? 
 Shall I not be aftiamed of my uncbriilian Temper, 
 when I fee my meek and loving Jefus, willing to be 
 the Sport and Derifion of Men and Devils, that he 
 might be the Author of Salvation to perifhing Souls ? 
 Oh, how aftonifhing is it to lee the Creatoi affronted 
 by the Creature, the Potter by his Clay, the King of 
 Glory by Worms of the Earth, and yet hold his 
 Peace ! Now, is the Head fo meek and patient, and 
 fhouid not the Members be fo too ? O how unfeemly 
 is it to fee a Company of fierce Lions following a 
 meek Lamb ! O that 1 could learn more of him that 
 is meek and lowly in Heart. 
 
 3. Here I fee the greateft Inftanceof Divine Love 
 that ever the World law. Behold an offended God 
 willing to fpare wretched Criminals ; and take Satif- 
 fad"tion from a Surety in their Room ; and he himfeif 
 finds out the Lamb to be the Sacrifice, even bis eter- 
 nal Son, who willingly undertook to aflume a Body 
 for that End. How aitonifliing are the L amb's 
 Words, Heb, x . 5. Sacrifice and Offering thcu ivouldjl 
 not, but a Body haft thou prepared ms P as if he had 
 faid, " Father, fince all the legal Sacrifices are in- 
 " fufiicient to fatfofy thy Juftice, attone for Sin, and 
 \* ranfom precious Souls ; even take the Body thou 
 \\ hail prepared for me. let that be the Sacrifice to 
 
 " Juftice s 
 
62 TJ:c Lamb of Cod 
 
 41 Juftice ; it is more valuable than any other, being 
 " the Tabernacle of my Divine Perfon ; it will bring 
 41 Glory to thy offended Juftice, and fatisfy it to the 
 " full. 1 yield myielf willing to be the Prifoner of 
 14 Juftice, and go quietly as a Lamb to the Slaugh- 
 iC ter ; not dragged to it as an Ox or Bullock, but 
 41 meekly and pleafantly like a Lamb." When ac- 
 cording to this Agreement, Juftice required the Lamb 
 to be facrificed ; O how patient and filent was he 
 under all the Accufations led againft him, tho* he 
 was wholly innocent ; he would fay nothing in his 
 own Defence ; at which Pilate (not knowing the 
 Caufe of his Silence) marvelled greatly, having never 
 feen the like before. But our Lamb confidered, that 
 he flood not only at Pilate's Bar, but alfo at the 
 Bar of God's Juftice as our Surety, bearing our Guilt ; 
 and tho* Man had nothing to lay to his Charge, yet 
 be knew what Divine Juftice had to charge upon him, 
 and therefore he is filent,, and aniwers nothing, that 
 he might not hinder our Redemption, nor ftop the 
 Payment of our Debt. When Juftice charged him 
 with our Sins, our Unbelief, Pride, Covetoufiiefi , &c. 
 he might have laid, " O Father, thefe Tranigrellions 
 4( are not mine, I never offended thee ;" but he will 
 do nothing to retue himlelf. Therefore when the 
 fearful Charge of the whole Sins of an Ele& World 
 was exhibited againft him, and the Sword of Juftice 
 drawn, ready to ftrike, he opened not his Mouth, 
 but takes with the Charge, as if he had been guilty of 
 all. Glory to the filent Lamb for ever, that would 
 not hinder our Releafe from Punifhment, but meekly 
 took the Stroke for us. 
 
 4. Behold this meek Lamb, before he was brought 
 to the Slaughter, led up and down from Place to 
 Place ; from the Garden to the High Prieft, from the 
 High Prieft to Pilate, from Pilate to Herod, from 
 Herod back to Pilate, from Pilate to Calvary. Be- 
 hold him mocked, abu'ed, and difgraccd by them, 
 
 buffeted 
 
faughtered for us. 63 
 
 buffeted and fpit upon, crowned, fcourged, and pier- 
 ced, and yet never redds nor complains. He willing- 
 ly gave his Back to the Smiters, and his Cheeks to them 
 that pluckt off the Hair, and hid not his Face from 
 Spitting. Now, the meek Lamb is con ten l to be as 
 the Ram caught in the Thickets, to be flaughtcred and * 
 facrificed in our Room, who were lying bound like 
 lfaaCy to have been the Sacrifice. Oh, it was our 
 Sins that plaited the Thorns ; they alio were the 
 Reed that drove them into his Temples, yet he open- 
 ed not his Mouth. 
 
 5; Now this flaughtered Lamb is fet before my 
 Eyes in the Sacrament, and God's Call to me is, Be~ 
 bold the Lamb of God, John i. 29. Now let me be- 
 hold him with an earned and deady Look, with 
 Faith and Expectation, that I may get Healing to all 
 ray Difeafes. As no flung Ifraelite got Healing from 
 the brazen Serpent, unlefs they looked to it, fo none 
 can get Benefit ,from Chrift unlefs they behold him. 
 May I never look away from this Lamb, to my Tears, 
 Convictions, Prayers, Reformations, or any Thing 
 elfe; feeing the bed of Dnties will make bad Savi- 
 ours. If I expect Salvation from other Things, I am 
 undone, for there is no other Name given under Hea- 
 ven whereby Men can be laved : But if I look to the 
 Lamb of God, my Salvation is fecured by his Pro- 
 mife, Ifa. xlv. 22. 
 
 6. There was no Houfe in Egypt fafe from the de- 
 droying Angel, but thefe who had their Doors fprink- 
 led with the Blood of the Pafchal Lamb : So there is 
 no Soul fafe from the Sword of revenging Juftice, but 
 thele who by Faith put themfelves under the Protecti- 
 on of the Blood of this flain Lamb: Let me therefore 
 take the Bunch of Hyilbp, Faith, and dip it in the 
 
 ' Bafon of the new Covenant, and iprinkle this Blood 
 on my guilty Soul, and To 1 (hall be fafe. 
 
 7. How ble (Ted is their Character who fo'low the 
 Lamb, Re v. xiv. 4. May I follow him as my Phyli- 
 
 citii 
 
64 Redeeming Blood, 
 
 cian to cure me, my Righteoufnefs to juftify me, my 
 Life to quicken me, my Hufband to fupply my Wants, 
 my Guide to conduct me, my Pattern to direct me in 
 my Steps. Let me learn from his Example, to be pa- 
 tient without murmuring, when I am under Affliction. 
 Let me learn Meekneis towards Men, when I meet 
 
 with Reproaches or Injuries from them. Let me 
 
 learn a Readinefs to obey God's Call to every Duty. 
 O did Chrift go willingly to the Slaughter for us ; 
 and (hall I be backward to pray, communicate, part 
 with Sin, or do any Thing he requires of me ? Let 
 me, in all Duties and Ordinances, feek after the 
 Lamb's Prefence, feeing my eternal Happinefs lies in 
 being ever with the Lamb, and to be i'td and led by 
 him, Rev. vii. 16. 
 
 MEDITATION XVI. 
 
 From Epb. i. 7. 
 
 frt whom we have Redemption thro 7 his Blood. 
 
 HO W difmal is our Cafe by Nature ! We are 
 Slaves to Sin and Satan, and Prifoners to the 
 Juflice of God, being lentenced to die, doomed to 
 Wrath, and referved to publick Judgment and Exe- 
 cution. In this miferable Condition were all Man- 
 kind, until Chrift came to ranfom us : And O how 
 difficult acd coftly was our Redemption to Chiift ! 
 1:0 lefs could be the Price of it, than his precious 
 Blood. The glorious Son of God, who created Hea- 
 ven and Earth, muft become a Creature, be born of 
 a Woman, and pour out his Blood on an ignominious 
 Crofs, before we could be redeemed from Sin and 
 Wrath. O how valuable muft the Blood bf this infi- 
 nite Perfon be ! What is the Blood or earthly Kings 
 and Princes to this Hlood I Surely one Drop of it is 
 of more Value, than an Ccean of theirs! and yet 
 
 every 
 
a moft ajfefting Sight. 65 
 
 every Drop of this Blood was poured out upon the 
 
 Ground for our Redemption. In this Blood I fee 
 
 iundry Things : 
 
 1. The amazing Love of Chrift, in fhedding his 
 Blood for the Redemption of fuch Creatures as 1 am ; 
 Creatures moft ugly, that had loft the Image of God, 
 and got Satan s Image pictured in its Room, and were 
 
 thereby become black as Hell. Creatures lothfome 
 
 as dead CarcafTes, being dead in Trefpafles ; and yet 
 thefe he loved fo as to flied his Blood, and bleed to 
 Death for them. For as lovely as Sarah was, while 
 alive, yet when dead, Abraham could look on her no 
 more, but would have her buried out of his Sight. 
 But Chrift (aid not fo of his Elect Spoafe when dead ; 
 no, faid he, let me bleed and die for her to bring her 
 to Life ; tho' at the fame Time (lie was more loth- 
 fome than Job with his Boils, Lazarus with his Sores, 
 or any dead Carcafc with Vermin. O what Caule 
 could be given for the Love of a bleeding Jefus I 
 well might he fay, I lovsd you 9 becaufe I loved you; 
 
 and I leve you freely And O with what Sorrow, 
 
 Pain and Agony, was his bleeding Love attended, 
 while his dear Soul was overwhelmed with the terri- 
 ble Billows of his Father's Wrath ! Chrift knew well 
 before Hand all thefe Sufferings, and all the Ingredi- 
 ents in the Cup, yet he would needs drink it for us : 
 He forefaw the Poifon of God's Arrows that would 
 drink up his Spirits ; the burning Third that the Heat 
 of divine Wrath would create in him ; yet willingly 
 did he go to bleed and die, like a Lamb to the Slaugh- 
 ter. Love that paffeth Knowledge ! 
 
 2. In Chrift's Blood I fee the Glory of infinite Wif- 
 c?om difplayed : Who could have found out a Way to 
 reconcile Juftice and Mercy, and fatisfy both their De- 
 mands about Adam's fallen Race ? A general Coun- 
 cil of Angels could never have thought of the Son of 
 God his being made Flefn, and fhedding Blood ! How 
 fhocking would the Suggeftion have been, if God had 
 
 I not 
 
66 Redeeming Elcod, 
 
 not made it ? But, behold hereby infinite Wifdom 
 hath ditcovered a Way to gratify both Juftice and 
 Mercy ; to punifch Sin, and yet pardon the Sinner ; 
 to maintain the Honour of the Law-?naker, and yet 
 prelerve the Life of the Law-breaker : Hereby Mercy 
 is iatibtied in (paring the Rebel, and yet Ju/iice more 
 glorified, and Sin rendered more odius, than if the 
 
 Sinner himfelf had been eternally damned for it.. 
 
 Ts T ay, tho'all the I\ien on Earth had been call into 
 Hell -fire for Sin, and the Angels with them, it had 
 been no fuch Inftance of Juftice, as Chrilt's bleeding 
 and dying for Sin : For what is the punifhing of Crea- - 
 tui es, to the Suffering of the Greator ! 
 
 3. This Blood being the Blood of God, hath infi- 
 nite Virtue and Efficacy ; it hathpurchaied the Church 
 of God, and all Grace and Glory to her, ACti xx. 28. 
 it protects all who come under the Covert of it from 
 the Wrath of Cjod f Exod.x'n. 13. When I fee the 
 Blood, 1 will pafs over you, and the Plague [ball net 
 be upen you to deftroy )ou, when I /mite the Land of 
 Egypt. —-This Blood, which is the Price of our Re- 
 demption, hath marvellous Eftects ; it pleads for the 
 Guilty, and obtains Pardon of Sin, Peace with God, 
 "Nearnels to and Communion with him. It , cleanfo, 
 heals, fatisfies and beautifies perilhing Souls ; it feals 
 the New Teft ament, overcomes our Enemies, libe- 
 rates the Prifoners, opens Heaven's Gates, and gives 
 B^ldnefs to enter in : The Perfon et. our Redeemer 
 being preferable to a Million of Worlds fullofMen 
 and Angels, his Blood alone might well ferve for an 
 Elect World. What Sins can be lo heinous or (b nu- 
 merous, but the Blood of God can warn away ? This 
 was famous Crant?iers Support that Day he fuffered 
 Martyrdom ; when his heinous Sin of renouncing the 
 Truth (tared him in the Face, and he was greatly de- 
 jected for it ; he brake out, Surely Cod was vuide 
 flejh, and fhe d his Blood , not for leffer Stns crtly, but 
 f*r great Sins alfo : This relieved him, and made him 
 
 die 
 
a mojl ajfefiing Sight. 67 
 
 ■die with Courage. This Blood can help in all Straits, 
 deliver from aH Fears, and is able to lave to the ut' 
 termoft. It hath laved many who have condemned 
 themlelves, and thought their Salvation impofTLbie. 
 It hath eaied many Confciences, when the Terrors of 
 the Almighty have furrounded them, and his Arrows 
 have (luck raft in them. It hath unfting'd Death, and 
 carried many iafe thro* its darkelt Vallies. This 
 Blood hath cleanfed many whofe Hearts were filthy 
 as the Mire, and whofe Lives l'warmed with the molt 
 abominable Lulls, fuch as the Corinthians, 1 Cor. vi. 
 II. and Three thoufand ofthelewbo had embrued 
 their Hands in (bedding of it, Atts ii. 36. Nay, it 
 is able to take away the Sins of a World, John i. 29. 
 and much more the Sins of any one Soul, tho' like a 
 -Mountain for Weight, or the Sand for Number. 
 
 4. I fee this redeeming Blood to be a fuitable Re- 
 medy for all my Maladies ; O that I could look to it 
 by Faith, apply it to my Sores, and plead it with 
 God : " Lord, I am an unrighteous Creature, bun 
 14 here is juftifying Blood; my Heart is unholy, but 
 " here fanclifying Blood ; my Soul is wounded, but 
 u here healing Blood; my -Lulls are ftrqng, but 
 u here mortifying Blood; my Heart is hard, but 
 ** here fbftning Blood ; my Affections are dead, but 
 " here quickning Blood ; my Love is cold, but here 
 u is Heart-warming Blood. — When I am at the holy 
 " Table, I am near this blefied Remedy ; O let me 
 i€ not mifs a Cure when the Balm of Gilead'a among 
 €t my Hands ; let me not perifii in my Guilt befide the 
 u open Fountain. Oh, this Blood bath healed 
 li Thoufands, and fhail I remain under my Plagues? 
 
 " • Lord let that innocent Blood, which run from 
 
 " thy Hands, Heart and Side, drop on my guilty 
 €i Soul, and cleanfe me from all Sin, O my glorious 
 il bleeding Lamb, if thou wilt thou can/} make me 
 ** clean. O lay to me as thou did ft to the Leper, / 
 
 12 f J rf. 
 
68 Redeeming Blood, 
 
 u willy be thou clean. Surely thy Blood is more* able 
 u to lave me, than my Sins are to deftroy me." 
 
 5. How jutt is it that I fliould commemorate the 
 fhedding ct this Blood in the Way that Chrift ap- 
 points \ Lord, help me to go to thy Table, and rea- 
 lize the (heading or this Blood to myfelf, as much as 
 it 1 had Hood by the Crcfs, and leen it with my Eyes 
 flowing fiom his Wounds. Let my Faith be the E- 
 vidente of Things not ieen, and let it realize the fhed- 
 ding of Chriit's Blood as evidently to me, as if I had 
 actually feen it. Ah, I cannot fay it is fo, while my 
 Eyes are fj dry, and my Heait lo hard ; alas for my 
 ilupid unconcerned Heart, that dotjj not burft into 
 Love and Tears at the facramental View of this 
 Blood -fhedding ! How can I lee theie Hands, that 
 fway the Scepter of the Heavens, najled to the Tree 
 of Reproach, and not mourn ? How can I fee the(e 
 Feet, that trample on the Powers of Hell, nailed to 
 a Tree, and not weep ? Did the Earth tremble, 
 Rocks rend, Sun hide, and Heavens darken, and will 
 not my rocky Heart rend for Sin that cau fed all I — 
 Since thou, Lord comes to me, in Streams of Blood, 
 let me go forth and meet thee with Streams of Tears. 
 Oh ! fhall I be more fparing of my Tears for Chrift, 
 than he was of his Blood for me ? Can I fee this pre- 
 cious Blood run down in Streams, and my Eyes not 
 pour out fome Drops ? Can I refufe Drops of Water 
 tor Streams of Blood f Can I fee the Blood of the 
 King of Kings fpilt like Water on the Ground, and 
 the Earth drinking it up, and my Heait not rend for 
 fheddmg it ? Oh that viy Head were Waters, a??d 
 -.nine Eyes a Fountain of Tears, that I might weep Day 
 and Night for the ilain Lamb of God ! 
 
 6. How dreadful mull the Ciime be to tread this 
 Blood under Foot by Unbelief, or unworthy Commu- 
 nicating ! Had Zimri Peace that /lew his Majler f 
 And c rt n I have Peace if I be guilty of the Blood of 
 him that is my Matter and Redeemer both ? How fad 
 yiti my Cafe be, if that Blood, which alone can pro* 
 
 core 
 
a mofl affefling Sight. ~ 69 
 
 cure my Pardon, (hall cry for my eternal Punifhment \ 
 Deliver me from Blood Guilihiefs, God. — O that I 
 could value and efteem, plead and apply this precious 
 Blood more ! Lord, accept of it as a full Satisfaction 
 fbr all my Sins, and anall-fufHcient Price for my Soul's 
 Redemption. Is not one Drop of thy Son's Biood of 
 more Value than a Sea of mine ? My Sins, alas, have 
 {hut me out of Paradife, but O let this Blood open 
 Paradife to me again ; and let me, thro* this Red- 
 fea, enter into the Heavenly Canaan ; I know I can 
 have no other PalTage to it. Lord, impute not the 
 Guilt but the Merit of this Blood to me. 
 
 MEDITATION XVII. 
 
 From Pfahn lxxii. 6. 
 fie JJja/I come down like Rain ufon the nioivn 
 Grafs r as Showers that zuater the Earth. 
 
 *~'W~* HIS is fpoken and promifed of Chrift, and ferves 
 JL to teach us, that Chrilt coming to his Church 
 and People, by the gracious Influences of his holy Spi- 
 rit, is moil: uferul and refrefhing to their Souls, like 
 Showers or' Rain to the dry Ground, or a Meadow 
 
 newly cut to make it fpring again. Chrilrleis Souls 
 
 are like the dry Ground, without the Moifture of la- 
 ving Grace, their Hearts are hard ; neither Rod*, 
 Mercies, nor Sermons, make Imprdlion upon them ; 
 Why . ? they are without Chrilt, the Fountain of Grace, 
 and fpiritual Influences.— Before the Fall, Man's Soul 
 was like a well watered Garden, beautiful, green, 
 and fragrant ; but by his Apolbcy from God, in A- 
 dam our firft Head, the Spring? or' Grace and Holi- 
 nefs are quite dried up in his Soui ; and there is no cu- 
 ring of this Drought, but by the Soul's Union with a 
 pew Head, to wit, (khrlft cw f::z~ d A Warn, who has 
 
 the 
 
7© Chrift* s coming to his Church, 
 
 the Spirit given him without Meafure for the Ufe of 
 all his Members. Now, when we are united by Faith 
 to Chrift, our Head of Influences, the dry Land ts 
 turned into Water Springs ; Chrift comes down as the 
 Rain by his Spirit of Regeneration, and brings the 
 Springs or* Grace into the Soul. He is the firit and 
 immediate Receptacle of the Holy Spirit, and all re- 
 generating and fandifying Influences, and out of his 
 Fulnefc we mufl by Faith receive them. And when at 
 any Time the Springs of Grace are interrupted in the 
 Soul by Sin or Unbelief, fo as the Ground turns dry, 
 the Plants wither, and the Things which remain are 
 ready to die ; the Soul hath Need to look up to Jefus 
 Chrift to come down with new Showers upon the 
 thirfty Ground, and decayed Plants. 
 
 I. As the Rain is the free Gift of God to the dry 
 Ground, it comes free and cheap to Poor and Rich, 
 Small and Great, and cofts them nothing : So Chrift 
 -with his Bledings is God's free Gift to a dry periihing 
 World, for which we fhould continually be thankful. 
 2. As nothing can ftop the filling of the Rain ; fo no- 
 thing can hinder Chrift's gracious Influences, when he 
 defigns to awake, convince, or (often a hard Heart. 
 When thefe Showers do fall on Sinners, the moft ob- 
 ftinate Will muft yield, and cry, Lord, what wilt thou 
 have me to do P 3. As the Rain is moft neceflary and 
 fuitable to the dry Ground, and to the various Plants 
 it produceth, and alio to the different Parts of every 
 Plant or Tree ; fuch as the Root, Trunk, Branches, 
 Leaves, Flowers and Fruit : So Chrift is abfolutely 
 neceffary, and his Influences moft fuitable to all his 
 Peoples Souls, and to every Faculty of them, the Un- 
 dent an ding, Will, Memory, and Affections ; and to 
 all their different Graces, Faith, Love, Repentance, 
 ■&c. to root and eftablifh them, ftrengthen and con- 
 firm them, quicken and increale them, cherifh and 
 •preferve them. 4. As the Rain comes down in di- 
 verfe Ways and Manners to the Earth, fomeiimes 
 
 with 
 
Compared to Rain. 71 
 
 with cold Winds and Tempefts, Thunders and Light- 
 nings ; and at other Times with Calronels and 
 Warmth : So Chrift comes to Sinners, fometimes with 
 (harp Convictions and legal Terrors, and lometimes 
 with alluring Invitations and Promiles. 5. O how 
 pieafant are the Effects of Rain to languifhing Plants, 
 to make them green and beautiful, lively and ftvong, 
 fragrant and fruitful ? So the Effects of Chrift's Influ- 
 ences are moft defirable to drooping Souls, for en- 
 lightning and enlivening them, for confirming and 
 Itrengthening them, for comforting and enlarging 
 them, for appetizing and fatisfying them, transform- 
 ing and beautifying them. A Shower from Chrift 
 would foon make the Church, tho' withered, tun: 
 green and beautiful, and to fend forth a Smell as o£a 
 Field that the Lord hath blejTed ; and likewife Tome 
 Drops of this Shower, falling down upon the languish- 
 ing Graces of Communicants, would foon make them 
 vigorous and lively in (hewing forth their Saviour's 
 Death at his Table. 
 
 Here I may fee the Reafon why many Souis con- 
 tinue as dry Ground in their parched natural Conditi- 
 on, while others near them are flourifhing and fruit- 
 ful ; Chrift's Shower hath come down upon the one, 
 and not upon the other ; one Piece is rained upon, 
 and another Piece is dry and withered, according to 
 
 that Word in Amos iv. 7. Oh, what Caufe is there 
 
 to bewail the evident Symptoms of this continuing 
 natural Drought in Multitudes of Souls ! Why ? their 
 Hearts are hard, impenetrable and unaffected with 
 the miserable State they are in by Nature, and with 
 the wqful Plagues of their Hearts. They have no 
 Senfe or Feeling of the Evil of Sin, potwithftanding 
 of all the Reproofs and Threatnin^s of the Word, or 
 the Rods and Strokes it brings Upon them ; or of the 
 Sufferings of Chrift for Sin. And do' God allures 
 them, that the End of dry Ground is Curfirg and 
 Bur?iirg } they a;e impenitent and unconcerned Lnder 
 
72 drift's coming to bis Churchy 
 
 sll.— *0 if parched Souls in their natural Ertate wcr<$ 
 made fenfible of thejr Mifery, and brought to bewail 
 their Cafe, and fay, ' 4 Oh, I am as the Heath in thr 
 u Deiert that fees no Rain ; I am a dry Tree, if I 
 " continue in this State, 111 be cut down as cumbring 
 " the Ground, and made Fuel to Hell-fire. I fee the 
 m Ax of Juftice laid to my Root, every Hour I am in 
 " Danger of the Blow O if CI: rift would interpofe 
 " to fpare me, and come down upon me as the Rain, 
 " and bring the Moifture of Grace into my Soul." 
 
 Kow lamentab : the Cafe of thole who once 
 feemed to be watered by thisheavenly Rain, and now 
 are parched by a long confuming Drought and wi- 
 thering Wind I They have loft their former Greennefs 
 and Moifture, their Spirituality and Livelinefs, and 
 their Duties are quite dwindled away into a life. 
 Carcafe and a dead Formality. They have loft their 
 wonted Freedom and Enlargement in Prayer, and 
 are fallen under fad Bonds and Straitnings of Spirit, 
 which make them count holy Things a Wearinefs, 
 ai;d frequently neglect fecret Prayer. Surelv fuch have 
 great Need of ChriiVs coming down upon them as the 
 Rain, to make them fpring up as the Grafs, and re- 
 vive as the Com. Alas we have a finful Hand in 
 
 bringing on f.ch a fpiritu.il Drought, by quenching 
 
 the Motions of the Spirit, indulging flefhly Lufts, gi- 
 
 H the World ChrilVs Room in the Heart, and ne- 
 
 ::;ng to live by F^ith on the Son of God, who is 
 
 the Rain and Dew of I'raet. 
 
 Ho v. - are thefe who live under the Droppings 
 
 of this Rain ! They are like Tr^es planted by the 
 Waters, their Roots fpread forth, and their Leaves 
 are green. Jr\ x\\\. 8. Have I the Signs of fach Per- 
 ions P u fl my Heart ready to melt at the Sight of a 
 u crucified Jefus fet before me in the S t ? Do 
 
 i: I mourn for my Sirs that rierced him ? Am I ready 
 • ' I o think wot f~ cf m rfilf I V other Ferfcn can ? 
 
compared to Rain. 73 
 
 kt Is my Heart foft and pliable to the Will of God, 
 ic both in his Precepts and Providences ? Do the 
 u World's good Things bulk but little in my Eye \ 
 €< Is it my Defire to meet with Chrift in every Duty 
 M and Ordinance ! Do I ftill look on Sin as Chrift's 
 M Enemy ? Am I afraid of provoking him by Sin to 
 *' with-hold the Showers, and make the Heavens as 
 u Brals to me ? Am I defirous to bring forth Fruit 
 H anfwerable to the Waterings he gracioufly allows 
 u me V* O may I find thefe Marks in my Soul ! 
 
 O that I could earneftly plead tor the fulfilling of 
 this Promife in the Text, that Chrift would come 
 down as the Rain, that he would fend the Shcwers 
 he hath merited and. promifed, lend them to my(elf> 
 to the Church, and to the whole Land ; to the pre- 
 fent Age, and to the rifing Generation ! O what 
 glorious Effects would thefe Showers produce ! They 
 would beautify the Church and her AfTemblies, make 
 both Mini ft ers and Profeftbrs to (hine in Holinefs, and 
 Congregations to be lively in Worfhip. They would 
 open Prifon Doors, loofe Bonds, enlarge Hearts, re- 
 vive drooping Souls, turn their Water into Wine, 
 their Sorrow into Joy, their Complaints into Praifes, 
 and make them fing in the Ways of the Lord. — By 
 thefe Showers God would be glorified, the Church 
 cemented, and her Diftempers healed. Ordinances 
 would be fuccefsful, Communions more pleafant, the 
 Godly more valued, Religion more efteemed, and the 
 Way to Heaven more delighful. — Lord, look on the 
 dry Ground and prefent droughty Seafon with Pity, 
 open the Windows of Heaven, and fend down 
 Showers as in former Times, and as in other Parts of 
 the World. Send a Shower to young Communicants, 
 and to thele who have not feen thy Goings in the 
 Sanctuary ; a Shower to ftony Hearts and withered 
 Hands; a Shower to foften the Clods, loofe the 
 Roots, and open the Springs. O how much Good 
 would cne of Chrift's Showers do to 2 poor dry Land ! 
 
 K what 
 
74 7^ Jowly Believer defer i bed. 
 
 what Wonders would it work ' what Prifoners would 
 k loofe ! what cloudy Minds would it brighten, and 
 what doubting Souls would it refblve ! Come down 
 Lord Jelus. /limn. 
 
 MEDITATION XVIII. 
 
 From Mat. viii. 8- 
 
 Lord, I am not worthy that thou Jljouldjl come 
 under my Roof. 
 
 FA I T H and Repentance do (till go together ; 
 every Believer is a true Penitent : He that puts 
 on the Lord Jefus, is alio clothed with Humility, 
 The higher Thoughts a Man hath of Chrift, the 
 lower Thoughts will he have of himfelf. When the 
 Man's Eyes are open to fee the Holinefs and Excel- 
 lency of Chrift, he is made to own his own Nothing- 
 nefs before him, and his infinite Diftance from him, 
 and to fay, like the Centuiion in the Text, / 
 worthy that thou fhouldf} come under my Roof, q. d. 
 It is too great a Honour for fuch a guilty and filthy 
 Creature to entertain a Saviour of infinite Purity ; my 
 Heart is more unworthy than my Houfe, I have no- 
 thing to commend me fo thee. The lowly S 
 
 abhors himfelf as vile in the light of a holy God ; he 
 fays, I am all as an unclean Thing, and all my 
 Righteoufnefs is as filthy Rags ; in me dwells no good 
 Thing ; I am inefficient of myfelf to do any 4 Thing 
 that is good, or even to think a good Thought : It 
 is God that muft work in me, both to will and to 
 do, of his good Pleafure. He is under no Obliga- 
 tion to pity or help me, it will be abfolute free Mer- 
 cy in him if he do it.— The lowly Man hath urn 5 
 valuing Thoughts of himfelf, and of all his own D >« 
 ings and Attainments : He renounceth all Confidence 
 
 in 
 
The fowiy Believer defcriked. 7$ 
 
 in his own Righteoufnefs, and humbly fubmits to the 
 Righteouihefs of God by Faith : He is content to be 
 itript of all his own Garments that Chrift may be his 
 CLoatbing. He looks not to his own Performances to 
 recommend him to Gcd, but only to Chrift his Sure- 
 ty. He is willing to go out of.himfelf, and live 
 wholly upon borrowed Righteoufnefs and borrowed 
 Strength, even to Uve upon Chrift crucified, and to 
 derive daily and hourly from him Strength, both for 
 
 Duty and Difficulty, for Work and Warfare* The 
 
 Man that is lowly in Heart, fubmits to the Will of 
 God in all his Difpenfations, is content with every 
 Condition he thinks beft for him; he is patient in 
 Affliction, and dent under God's Rod without an- 
 fwering again. He is lenfible that he juftly deierveth 
 Hell, and therefore is very thankful for the leaft 
 Mercy ; like the Woman of Canaan, he owns him- 
 felf unworthy as a Dog, and will be thankful for the 
 -Crumbs that fall from the Childrens Table. He will 
 be thankful for a Word from Chrift, for a Look, for 
 a Smile, for the leaft Token of his Favour, or the 
 fmalleft Influence of his Spirit. ^ 
 
 Wherever Faith is in Exercife, it is a Soul-humbling 
 and Self-emptying Grace, and lays the Soul very low- 
 before God -, and God always hath Refpect to fuch 
 Faith, and to fuch Lowlinefs, PfaL cxxxviii. 6, Chrift 
 put great Refpedl upon the lowly Centurion , v. io, 
 13. / have net found fo great Faith , no, not in Ifrael ; 
 go thy Way, and as thou haft believed, fo be it done 
 unto thee. He alfo put great Refpect on the humble 
 Publican, Luke xviii. 13, 14. and declared him jo- 
 llified ; for (faith he) He that humbleth himjelf jhall 
 be exalted. He put great Horiour on the humble 
 Woman of Canaan, that owned herfelf vile as a 
 Dog, Mat. xv. 27, 28. Woman, great if thy 
 Faith, (faid he) be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And 
 he faith of himfelf, Ifa. lvii v 15. though he be the 
 High and Lofty One that inhabitcth Eternity, yet he 
 
 K 2 dweUeti 
 
76 Faith in Jefus Cbrifl h 
 
 dwelleth with the humble Spirit : And thus he fets hirn- 
 felf before us, as the great Pattern of Humility, and 
 bids us learn it of him. When he appeared unto Mo- 
 fesy it was not in a lofty Cedar ^ but in a low, mean, 
 humble Bujh, And when he would appear in our Na- 
 ture, it was not a great exalted Woman he takes up 
 with, but a low ku>,wle Virg'n, as Mary herfelf ob- 
 serves, Luke i. 48, 52. May I be helped .hen to ap- 
 pear before him at his holy Table, with a humble 
 Spirit, and lowly Frame, that he may vouch fare to 
 dwell and hold Communion with me ! 
 
 O that I had the Marks of a lowly Heart, and 
 could fay, that I blufh, and am afliamed before God 
 in Prayer, becaufe of my Sinfulnefs and Pollution ! 
 that lam made to wonder at free Grace in fparing 
 Juch a vile unthankful Wretch, in keeping me out of 
 Hell, in offering me Cbrift and Pardon through his 
 Blood, and calling me to his Table. That I dis- 
 claim all Righteoufnefs by the Law, and expect no- 
 thing but Wrath and Ruin from that Airth ; that I 
 look only to Chrift, and have admiring Thoughts of 
 
 bim and his Law-biding Righteoufnefs. That I have 
 
 a deep Senfe of indwelling Sin, and of the Corrupti- 
 ons of my Heart, and think more meanly of myfeif 
 than any other Perfon can - — That I am jealous of 
 my wicked Heart, and afraid left J betray or wound 
 the Son of God, and contract Blood-guiltinefs ; and 
 therefore I adventure to his Table with much Fear 
 and Trembling. Lord, beftow upon me fuch a 
 bumble Heart. 
 
 O can fuch an illdeferving Creature appear before 
 God,, and expect Mercy, who have fo long abufed 
 Mercy ! Lord, inflead of llretching forth a Sceptre 
 of Mercy to invite me to thy Table, thou mighteft, 
 with the Rod of thy Juftice, juftly dam me in Pieces 
 as a Potter's Veflel. Indeed of entertaining me with 
 die Bread of Life, and the Cup of Blefling, thou 
 jp.ighteft give me the Bread and Water of Affliction; 
 
A Self aba fmg Grace. 77 
 
 yea, caft me into that Pit, where I fhould cry in vain 
 for a Drop of Water to cool my Tongue, O fhali 
 fuch a wretched Dog as I prefumQ.to come to thy 
 Table, and eat of the Childrens Bread, who am not 
 worthy to gather the Crumbs that fall from it ! But 
 I have beard of the Mercy of the King ofJfrael, that 
 he delights to fhew it to the unworthy that humble 
 themfelves before him. Oh, lam vile and unfit to 
 appear betore thee ; but, furely they are undone that 
 keep away from thee. I am come to thee, not be- 
 cauie I am fit or worthy, but becaufe thou art rich 
 in Mercy, and haft: contrived a Way for faving the 
 like of me. — Lord, I am not worthy to come with- 
 in fight of thee, but far lets that thou fhoudft come 
 under my Roof to lodge with me ! Will Cod in very 
 Deed come and dwtll -with Men! This is a Wonder, 
 tho' all Men were as innocent and righteous as once 
 Adam was ! But will he lodge or feaft with me that 
 am a Leper \ Will he come under the Roof of my 
 Soul, a Houfe fo ruinous, fin ok y and defiled, where 
 he has not a fit Place to lay his Head \ But, O my 
 humble, condelcending Saviour, did not difdain to \y 
 in a Manger among Bealte, nor to dme with Simon 
 a Leper i O Lord Jefus, come in thylelf and furnifh 
 the Houfe, prepare an upper Room in my Soul, large, 
 Iwept and garnifhed, and there abide, and keep the 
 Paflbver with me. 
 
 Lord, I am not worthy to eat the Crumbs that 
 fall from my own Table, much lefs thole that fall 
 from thine. I deferve not a Room to ftand among 
 thy Servants, far lefs to fit down with thy Children. 
 I am unworthy of my daily Bread from thee, and 
 (hall I be allowed to eat of the Bread of Life ? Shall 
 I, who deferve not the Bread of Men, be admitted 
 to eat the Bread of Angels ? Shall I fit down with 
 him, at whofe Feet they fall ? If John the Baftijl 
 (one of the greateft that was born of Women, who 
 was filled with the Holy Ghoft from the Womb) 
 
 thought 
 
78 Faith in Jefus Cbrift, 
 
 thought himfelf not worthy to loofe ChrHVs Shoe?, 
 how unworthy am I, the meaneft of Creatures, a 
 TranfgreiTor from the Womb, to be admitted to 
 touch, nay feed upon ChrifVs broken Body and (bed 
 Blood ! If Peter y after ieeing Chrift's Glory, and his 
 own Vilenefs, judged himfelf unworthy to be in the 
 fame Ship with Chrift, and cried, Depart from me> 
 for 1 am a finful Man : How (hall I, the chief of 
 Sinners, adventure to fit down at the fame Table 
 with him ia a familiar Way ! If the Woman with the 
 bloody IvTue was afraid to -come and touch the Hem 
 of Chrift's Garment, how much more may I, who am 
 full of the running [flues of Sin, fear to to touch the 
 Symbols of his Body and Blood, or put my Hand in- 
 to his Side ? If the pureft Angels muft cover their Fa- 
 ces when before him, how fhall I, who am fo impure, 
 appear openly in his Prefence ? But Glory to God for 
 the blefTed Covering provided for my guilty Soul, un- 
 der which I may appear and be acepted* J come tp 
 thee wrapt in it, Lord, accept of me. 
 
 O how diftinguifning are thy Favours to me an un- 
 worthy Creature ! Thou mightefl: juftly have put in 
 rny Hand a Cup of Trembling and unmixed Wrath, 
 a Cup filled with Horror of Confcience and fearful 
 Defpair : But, inftead thereof, thou giveft me the 
 Cup of Bleding, filled with the Hope of Pardon and 
 eternal Life. I might have been in Hell drinking the 
 Damned's Cup of Wrath, into which Juftice i3 (till 
 pouring in as faft as they drink out : But Glory to 
 free Grace, thou called me to drink the Cup of Sal- 
 vation, which my Saviour hath purchafed with hi$ 
 Blood, and fweetned with his gleffing. Thanks be 
 to God for it for ever. 
 
 M EDL 
 
thrift the Gift of Cod to Man. 79 
 
 MEDITATION XIX. 
 
 From 2 Cor % ix. 15. 
 Thanks be unto Cod for his Unffeakakle Gift. 
 
 MANY give Thanks to God for Meat and 
 Drink to their Bodies, which indeed is the 
 Duty of all ; but alas I few give Thanks to God for 
 Jefus Chrift, the only Food of precious Souls, and 
 God's unfpeakable Gift to Men 1 Many are fond of 
 temporal Gifts and earthly Riches, which are nothing 
 but Vanity ; but ah ! they are eafy about this Pearl 
 of great Price, this matchlefs Gift, whofe Value no 
 Tongue can exprefs, nor open up what is contained 
 in it. ) The Apoftle tells us a great Truth, Eph. i. ju 
 that God blefles us -with all fpiritiml Bis flings in Chrift. 
 In this Gift of God, we have innumberable Gifts be- 
 ftowed on thefe who believe on him, fuch as the Gifts 
 of fpiritual Illumination, Pardon of Sin, a Law-bid- 
 ing Right eoufnefs, Pveconciliation with God, Adop- 
 tion into his Family, reftoring of his Image, fanclify- 
 ing Influences, ipiritual Strength for Work and War- 
 fare, loofing of Bonds, Witneflings of the Spirit, 
 unilinging of Death, Conduct thro* the dark Valley, 
 and a Title to the ManGons of Glory, and the eter- 
 nal Enjoyment of God. Chiifl is the moft neceffary 
 and moft enriching Gift ever was given to the World* 
 God gave him to be a Plank of Mercy, to five our 
 Souls when fhipwrecked. He gave him to be our 
 Phyfician and Balm, to heal us when our Wounds 
 feemed uncurable. He gave him to be the Lord our 
 Right eoufnefs, when we had no Rir/hteoulhefs. He 
 gave him to be our Advocate to plead for us, when 
 we had many Accufers, and none to take our Part. 
 He gave him to us to be IVifdom, Right eoufnefs 9 
 $ unci ifi cation and Rede7hpthn. In this Gift there is 
 
 infinite 
 
80 Chrift the Gift of God to Man. 
 
 infinite Fuhiefs, and unfearchable Riches, Well maj 
 the Spoufe call Omit a Bundle cf Myrrb % and a Ctu- 
 Jier cf dimphire, Cant. i. r;, 14. becaufe To many 
 Gifts and Bleffingl are bundled op in this one Gift. 
 Oh, what can 1 conceive, or what can I cxprels of 
 thrs Gift ! He th*t would describe or ipcak of this 
 Gift, would need to have his Tongue dipt in Heaven. 
 Should an Angel come down from it to tell us of this 
 Gift, he would outfpeak all the Men on Earth ; yet 
 when he had faid all he could, the Gift would be far 
 above his Expreilion : Why ? becauie he is unj peak- 
 able. 
 
 Thanks be unto God that gave us not a Servant, 
 not an Angel, not a Frier. ci, but his Son. Not an a- 
 dopted Son, but his own Son by eternal Generation ; 
 A Son roho is the Brightness of his Father's Glory, and 
 the exprefs Image of his Ptr/bn* Yea, he gave us his 
 only Son, to die as a Sacrifice in our Room ! How 
 bitterly did Jacob bewail the parting with one Son, 
 when he had eleven behind ! But God gave his only 
 begotten Son, and the Son of his Love for us ! It is 
 recorded AS an admirable lnltance of Abraham's Obe- 
 dience, that he was willing to part with his only 
 Son at God's Command, ( <•'/. wii. 12. A"o:e I know 
 tr.it t bou feareft God, feting thou hajl not uith-held thy 
 Son, thi Son, from 're. But what was Abra- 
 
 r l Son to God's eternal Son, the fecond Perfon of 
 the glorious Trinity ! a Son that was his Equal ! a 
 Son in whom his Soul delighted ! a Son that never 
 difpleafcd him at any Time ! How bitterly did Dai id 
 mourn at parting with a rebellious Son ! Abfalom, 
 my Sor. % my Son, i:C'//d to Cod I hid died for thee, 
 &C. Hut what arc ill the Sons of Men, or Ten 
 thoufand Worlds full of Men, or as many Heavens 
 full of Angela, to the Moved Son of God, whom 
 all the Angell WOtfhip ar.tf adore ! And yet tins is the 
 
 \ t'«.u G id Ip giving this Gift, Divine 
 
 Bounty hath fl :> the uttcrmoil: He 
 
 could 
 
an unffeakable. Gift. 8 1 
 
 could have created a Million of Heavens more bright, 
 and Millions of Angels more glorious for us ; but a 
 more Glorious Son he had not, nor could have ; a 
 greater Gift he had net in all his Treafures, than his 
 own Co-eternal andCon-fubftantialSon, yet he makes 
 a free Gift of him to us ! O who would not give 
 Thanks unto God for this his unfpeakable Gift ! And 
 who would not part with all the World to have an 
 Intereftinthis Gift fealed to hkn at the Lord's Table I 
 This is the Gift that fweetens all other Gifts, and 
 without which nothing in a World hath any Sweet- 
 nefs in it. 
 
 This Gift of God is mod free; it was impofTible 
 that the World could have Chrift any other Way 
 than as a free Gift. A Man like old Jacob may be 
 bereaved of his Children, but it was not pofTible that 
 God could be bereaved of his dear Son. Neither 
 could we have him by Purchafe ; we were fo poor, 
 we had not wherewith to purchafe the leaft Bleffing. 
 And what tho' all the Riches of the World had been 
 ours, tho' all its Mountaios had been Gold, Pearls or 
 Diamonds, they would not have been fufficient to 
 purchafe one Sight of this Gift, far lefs a Right to it. 
 Nor could ever any Motive be found out for bellow- 
 ing this Gift, but the mere free Love of God, John 
 Hi. 16. God fo loved the World, that he gave his only 
 begotten Son : As if he had faid, fince the World hath 
 no Merit, nor Price, Worth nor Motive, to obtain 
 this BlelTing, I juft make a free Gift of hkn to the 
 World : Take him freely, poor Beggars of Adam's 
 Family ; take him, and he will enrich you all ! And O 
 how feaionably and unexpectedly was this Gift given ? 
 j4dam> when he came trembling before God after his 
 Fall, looking for his final Doom, did little expect 
 liich a Gift, until God himfelf, to the Aitoniihment 
 of Angels and Men, promifed the Seed of the Wo* 
 man. Who could have thought that the Great God 
 Id have gifted his dear Son to fuch vile Wretches, 
 L * Sinners 
 
82 IVho are thankful for this Gift. 
 
 Sinners that were not feeking him ! Nay, who of 
 Mankind could have deiired inch a Gift ? Indeed, 
 when we bad been perilling, we might have looked 
 up, and cried, Q God have Mercy upon us: But 
 who v ould have (aid, O give the Son of thy Love to 
 be^r the Wrath due to us ! We neither deferved, nor 
 defirt-d tbisGi t, butood gave it mod .:nd fur- 
 
 prizing! ' When ' ke God's Covenant, he 
 
 was purfaed v.ith a Cfyj Adam ivhere art thou ? 
 Do; btlc T . a terrible Blow from the 
 
 Swo:a of Juftice ; bu , behold, he is purfued with 
 a Cry, and the unffeakable Gift in the Crier*s Hand ! 
 
 how furprifing was this to poor, trembling, guilty 
 Adam ! What Caufe had he to cry, Thanks be unt& 
 Cod for his unfpeakable Gift ! What Jh all I render to the 
 Lord for fuch a Gift P And the fame Caufe have we. 
 
 O wonderful Love ! this free Gift is offered freely 
 to the pooreii Creature of Adam's Familiy ; fo that 
 fuch 'an One as I, am warranted to accept and em- 
 brace it, and make lure my Intereft in it ; Lord, I 
 believe, help thou my Unbelief Many covet other 
 Gifts, but I covet this belt Gift, this enriching Gift ; 
 this is a lawful Covetoufnefs : I receive this Gift of 
 God into my Bolbm, into my very Heart. O that 
 
 1 had the Marks of tbefe who poflefs this Gift, and 
 aie truly thankful for it ! Can I fay, that this Gift 
 is truly precious in my Eyes, and that I efteern it far 
 above all temporal Gifts whatlbmever : That I am 
 oft thinking upon his matchlefs Excellency, his low- 
 Step and condefcending Love ; and do I frequently 
 break out with the Pfalmift, Whom have J in Hea- 
 ven but thee P and there is none upon Earth I defire be. 
 fides tbee % ~— Have I low Thoughts of my lei f, as 
 unworthy that Chrift fhould come under my Roof, 
 jreckonin£ myfelf with Paul, the leaft of Saifit*, and 
 chief of Shiners P Do I renounce all Chrift's Rivals 
 and Competitors* fuch as ray Leloved Lufts, and be- 
 loved Righteoufuefs ? Do I count all my Duings and 
 
 Duties 
 
Who are thankful of this Gift. 83 
 
 Duties but Lop and Dung for the Righteoufnefs of 
 Chrift ! Do I take the Crown off every Head, and 
 put it upon drift's Head, and give him all the Glo- 
 ry of my Salvation, and fay, that in the Lord Jfus 
 only I have Right eon fiefs dtid Strength I Am I care- 
 ful to avoid every Thing that would dishonour Chriilf 
 and do I lay to every Temptation that offers, How 
 Jhall 1 do this Wickednefs and fin again]! God> or 
 bring a Reproach upon Chrift and his Way* \ Do I 
 rejoice when Chrift is honoured, his Throne railed, 
 his Glory advanced, and his Subjelis increaied ; and 
 when Strangers and young Ones are drawn to love 
 and admire him ? Am I often faying, What Jhall I 
 render to the Lord for hh unfpeakablc Gift P I am at a. 
 Lois how to exprefs my Thankfiilnefs : I have no- 
 thing to give him ; but I'll render all I have to him, 
 my Soul, my Body, my Love, my Praifes, my Time, 
 my Talents, my Walk and Converiation. Lord, ac- 
 cept of my two poor Mites, Soul and Body, in To- 
 jktn of my Gratitude for God ? s redeeming Love and 
 free Gift; and make me fit for giving thee Thanks 
 eternally for this unfpeakabie Gift : O that I could 
 apply the feblelfed Marks to myfelfl 
 
 And O what Thanks do I owe to my dear Savi- 
 our, that fubmitted willingly to be Heaven's Gift 
 to the Children of Men ; yea, frankly offered, and 
 gave himleif to be a Sacrifice for them, to drink of 
 the Brook in the Way, even the Cup of God's 
 Wrath, that we might drink the Cup of God's Blef- 
 iing 1 O how low was our Fall, that nothing could 
 rahe us up again but the low Abafement of the Son 
 of God 1 And O how low was the Step that he be- 
 hoved to make to recover us ! The Son of God muh; 
 be tread upon as a Worm ! The Almighty Phyfician 
 muft come from Heaven, and let his Heart be pier* 
 ced, to prepare a Medicine to cure our Difeafe ! H-* 
 that thought it no Robbery to be equal with God, muft 
 be made equal to Robbers *ami Murderers ! He muft 
 
 L .• \\s> 
 
84 The manifold Sufferings 
 
 not only Puffer Death, but Defertion alfo, from God, 
 from Man, and the whole Creation ! He gave him- 
 felf not only to fuffer the Pangs of Death, but the 
 Pains of Hell ; not only the Sorrows of dying Men, 
 but the Sorrows of damned Souls ! O unfpeakablc 
 Gift! 
 
 MEDITATION XX. 
 
 From Luke ix. 22. 
 The Son of Man mufl fuffer many Things. 
 
 OUR Lord oft fpoke of his Sufferings to his Dis- 
 ciples, becjufe he would have them deeply im- 
 printed upon the Hearts of all his People, that they 
 might always think upon then, and carry about with 
 them the dying of the Lord Jefuc. As Chrift fore- 
 told his Sufferings before-hand, fo they came exactly 
 to pafs. He faid he mutt fuffcr many Things for his 
 People, and accordingly he did fo : Let me view his 
 Sufferings before I go to commemorate them at his 
 Table. 
 
 I. I mud confider him that fuffered many Things 
 for us ; the Spirit of God requires us to confider the 
 High Prieft, who he is, He!?, iii. i. Tho' he calls 
 himfelf in the Text the Son cf Man, as to his hu- 
 man Nuture ; yet he is alfo the Son of Cod as to his 
 divine Nature ; yea, God equal with the Father, the 
 great God our Saviour : This God-man, the WON- 
 DERFUL, is our High Pr/*fl, that fuffered many 
 Things for us. He is our glorious Immanueiy the 
 Innocent and immaculate Lamb of God, that had not 
 
 the leaft Spot or Crime of his own to fuffer for. 
 
 He is the Brightnefs of his Father's Glory, the ex- 
 pre ( s Image of h»s Perfon ; he is the King of Kings 
 arid Lord of Lords. {Ie that fuffered is he that 
 went always about doing good toPerfons of all Sorts, 
 
 and 
 
of Jefus Chrijl. 85 
 
 and deferved well of thofe who perfected and crn- 
 cificd him. He is the great Lover of Mankind, and 
 Friend of Sinners, our glorious Benefactor, who re- 
 membered us in our low Eftate ; one that comes un- 
 der the moft endearing Characters to us, as that of 
 our Father, our Hufband, our Brother, Mailer, Phy- 
 fician, Ranfomer, ire. Now, will not a Son be fen- 
 fible of the Sufferings or his Father, or a Wife of the 
 Sufferings ef her Hufband ? Or one Rrother be touch- 
 ed with the Sufferings of another ? This is the great 
 High Pried that furTered many Things for us. 
 
 2. I am to conGd^r the many Things he furTered. 
 Ah, they are fo great, lb various, and manifold, I 
 can't recount nor comprehend them ! I may fay, he 
 furTered in both Natures: Tho' hi.s Godhead could not 
 properly fufFer Grief or Pain, yet it furTered an E- 
 ciipie for 33 Years, except a fhort Time it fhone forth 
 
 on Mount Tabor He furTered many Things in his 
 
 human Nature, both in Soul and Body; 'he was per- 
 fected, tempted, calumniated, betrayed, bound, 
 mocked, (pit on, burfeted, fcourged, wounded, 
 
 crown'd with Thorns, and crucified. He furTered 
 
 in ail his Offices ; he was mocked as a Prsphet, and bid 
 propheiy who fmote him ; as a Fntfi, he was Bid fave 
 bimfelf, leeing he pretended to fave others ; as a 
 King, he was mocked with an old purple Robe and 
 thorny Crown — He furTered id his Honour and Re- 
 putation, being dilgraced and reproached by Men, 
 called a Samaritan, one porTeiTed of the Devil, a Blaf- 
 phemer, a Glutton, a Drunkard, a Seducer, ire. He 
 was even overwhelmed with Calumny He furTer- 
 ed as a Blafphemer againft God, as a Traiior to C<e- 
 far, and an Enemy to Mofii Law, tho' he was 
 entirely free of them all.- — He was wounded and 
 pierced in all Parts of his Body, in his Head, Hands 
 
 and Feet ; in his Cheeks, Back and bide. He fur- 
 
 fered in his outward Goods being fpoiled of all 
 Things, and even itr'pt of his Clothes to his very 
 
 Skin, 
 
26 The mnnifold Sufferings 
 
 Skin, and nailed to the Crofs naked. He differed 
 
 in all his five Senfes ; his Sight 9 with the Spiteful Car- 
 riage of thofe that palled by, wagging their Heads ; 
 his Hearing y with their blasphemous Talk ; his Smelly 
 with the noifome Savour of the Sculls of the Dead; his 
 Tafte, with Vinegar and Gal! ; has Feeling, with Thorns 
 and Nails piercing his Head, Hands and Feet. He 
 fuffered in the molt tender and finewy Parts of his Bo- 
 dy by the tormenting Nails, efpecially being violently 
 •ftretched out, and probably disjointed, to make them 
 reach to the Holes ; therefore he faith, Pfal. xxii. 
 1 6, 17. They have diggd my Hands and my Feet, 
 J may tell all my Bones, they look and flare upon me. — 
 He fuffered mod of all in h'.s Soul, and its noble Fa- 
 culties : How great was the Agony and Travel of his 
 Soul, when he fwate Blood in the Garden thro' all 
 the Pores of his Eody ! C how great was the An- 
 guiih of his Mind upon his Heavenly Father's debit- 
 ing him, which made him fend forth a dreadful Cry 
 to Heaven for Relief, My God, my God, why hall thou 
 Jorfaken me ? Then it was he cried and groaned un- 
 der his Preffure, but no Relief appeared ; there was 
 none to anlwer, every Door was (hut againft him : 
 For at this Time his own Son, his own Heaven, his 
 own Father, his own Godhead, did all hide their Fa- 
 ces and Confolations from him \ O the many Things 
 he fuffered for us, they cannot be numbered I 
 
 3. I am to confider from whom the Son of Man 
 fuffered. He fuffered from all Hinds, from Earth ? 
 from Hell, from Heaven ; from Men, from Devils, 
 from infinite Juftice. He iuffercd from all Sorts of 
 Men, from King Herod and his Men of War, who 
 mocked him and let him at nought ; from the Jewijb 
 Pnejls and Rulers, who cruelly ufed and prolecute 
 him to Death ; from Governor Pilate, who iconrged 
 and condemned him to be crucified : He iuflered 
 fror* the Jews and from the Romans, from the Clergy 
 and from the Lawjcrs, from Soldiers and Servants, 
 
 from 
 
of Jefus Chrifl. 87 
 
 from great Ones and Commons, and even from thefe 
 
 he had done much Good unto. He (offered from 
 
 the!e whom he came to fave and wafh by his Blood ; 
 for there were 5000 of thefe who crucified him, or 
 were aelive in his Sufferings, that were converted to 
 him by Peter's Sermon, Afti ii. He lurkred not only 
 from Enemies, but from profeffed Friends and Dif- 
 ciples ; one of thefe betrayed and fold him, another 
 of them denied and abjured him, and all the reft for* 
 Took him, and left him alone to fuffer in the midft of 
 
 Devils and Ruffians infulting over him. He fuffered 
 
 from the Devils, and ail the Powers of Hell ; theie 
 Dogs and Bulls of Bajhati were all let loofe to tear 
 and gore him in his laft Sufferings ; for this (he laid) 
 was their Hour and Power cf Darknefe — -But, which 
 was word of all, he fuffered ai:o from Heaven ; for 
 he being iubftituted in the Room of Sinners, a juft 
 and holy God acled as an inexorable Judge towards 
 him, he frowned terribly upon him, iifiote him with 
 the Sword ^f Juftice, and withdraw all the Feeling 
 of his Loving-kindnefs from him, and all theie divine 
 Influences which might any Way refrefh his troubled 
 Soul in the Hour of his greateft Need : And thus he 
 fell a Sacrifice to incenfed Juft ice for our heinous Guilt 
 and Provocations. At this Time a fearful black Cloud 
 was fpread oyer the glorious Sun of Righteoufaefs, ne- 
 ver was there any fuch Eclipfe feen or heard of as 
 this ! For a Candle to be put out is no great Matter, 
 but for the Sun to be darkned is very uncommon : 
 But tho' Sun, Moon and Stars had all been blown 
 out at o,uce, it would be noways \o amazing as the 
 darkning of the eternal Sun of Righteoufnels upon 
 the Crols ! A ftrarge and marvellous Sight-! What 
 meant the Heat of this great Anger f Mud. even the 
 Creator himfclf fuffer for the Creature's Sins ? Muft he 
 fuffer (uch a Load of Wf*tn, as make him cry out to 
 the Aftonuhment of Angels and Men I 
 
 4. 1 am 
 
38 7he manifold Sufferings 
 
 4. I am to confider the High Prieft, and for whom 
 it was he fuffered thele great and many Things. He 
 fuffered not for himfelf, for he never offended either 
 againft God or Man, and deferved no Punifhment. 
 He fuffered none for fallen Angels, they mult all fuf- 
 fer for themselves : Tt was only for Men of j4dam\ 
 Race, that were Debtors to Juftice and Prifoners 
 of Wrath ; he fuffered for Creatures mod undeferving, 
 for Rebels, and for many that were his greateft E- 
 nemies ; and even for the ( e who were his Murderers 
 and Executioners, for he both prayed and was heard 
 for them, when they were pouring out his Blood. 
 
 5. Let me confider with what Affection he fuffered 
 all thefe Things for us. It was with ardent Love to 
 periming Souls, which many Waters coitfd not 
 quench ; — with fervent Wifhes and Longings for the 
 Hour of his Paflion, / have a Baptifm to be baptized 
 with, and h 9iv 1 am Jlraitned until it be accowp/ijhed P 
 
 with great Liberality : It is not the Blood of his 
 
 Finger, or a Part of his Blood, that lie would fhed 
 for us ; no, he would needs pour out his all his Blood, 
 and even his Heart* blood too, and with that he pour- 
 ed out his Soul alfo, I fa. liii. Why would he be fo li- 
 beral? that with him theremight beplenteous Redemp* 
 
 tion y Pfal. cxxx. 7. He fuffered with great Meek- 
 
 nefs, Patience and Refignation ; when he fuffered, he 
 threatned not, but was led as a Sheep to the Slaugh- 
 ter, dumb, not opening his Mouth : With great 
 
 Hunftity add Self-denial, content to be as a Worm 
 and no Man, to bring Glory to his Father :- — -With 
 a thirfty Zeal for the Salvation of Souls, and forcom- 
 pleating the Work of our Redemption : and hence it 
 was, he cried on the Crofs, I thirjt, and glad when he 
 could fay, // h Jinified. 
 
 O what Caufe have I to obey his dying Charge, to 
 2p to his Memorial Feaft, and to think upon and 
 wonder at the matchlefs Love of Chrift, that mads 
 him willing to fuffer fo rr^any Things for iuch wretch- 
 ed 
 
of Jefus Chrifl* 89 
 
 ed Creatures as I am. He knew well enough before* 
 hand what our Salvation would cofl him, yet he wil- 
 lingly undertook it, faying upon the very firft Motion 
 of it, Lo I come. But faith God to him, If you 
 will engage in this Work, you muft underly my 
 Wrath, and be handled as if you were the Sinner in 
 Law : Well, faith Chrift, / come /* do thy Will, 
 God ; I am (atisfied with the Terms : Let the Gup be 
 never fo bitter, I'll drink it, ere thefe miierable Crea- 
 tures do it. O loving High Prieft, how (hall I think 
 of thy Sufferings without Raptures of Lov« and Ad- 
 miration ! I had been ia Hell if thou hadft not been 
 in an Agony here; I had for ever been fcorched there, 
 if thou hadft not fwate here ; yea, not only I, but alL 
 the Pollerity of Adam had perilhed if thou hadft not 
 fuffered thele many Things for them : Surely the Weight 
 of Wrath which made thee heavy, and caufed thee 
 fall to the Ground, fweat, groan and cry, would 
 
 have funk all Mankind into Hell for ever O what 
 
 Ingratitude muft it be to refufe ChrihVs Offers and 
 Terms of Salvation, after what he has fuffered to 
 purchafe it ! Was he at fo much Pains to obtain Re- 
 demption for us, and will we be at no Pains to get 
 an lntereft in it ? Did he fhed Blood, and will not I 
 drop Tears ? Lord pity this Heart of mine ! 
 
 MEDITATION XXI. 
 
 From John #viii. 4. 
 
 Jefus knowing all Thing* that Jhould come 
 
 upon him, went forth, &c. 
 
 CHRIST foreknew all his Sufferings, with all 
 their Ingredients, before they came upon him ; 
 yet he willingly and refolutely went forth to meet 
 then. He will not flee, nor hide himfelf from h : 4 
 
 M Peife- 
 
9a Chrift's PFiUtngntfs 
 
 Perfecutors, but caft h'mfelf in trjeir Way. Ke hw 
 the Op of Wrath mixed -md ready for him, and now 
 as it were, he reaches torch his Hand to take it. 
 When t K c People would have forced h-mto aCrown, 
 he hid nimicif from thtm, John vi. 15. But when 
 thev would force him to a Croks he offered himfelf 
 to them, knowing that his Huur was come to fulfil 
 his Sureufhip foi us, and oomploat our Redemption. 
 Umoh this Account he made his Sufferings welcome, 
 and »'ie IVlover tnat introduced them, Luke xxii. 
 I § IVith Dejre have I de fired to eat this Pajfover. 
 He abhorred all Counfels that tended to hinder him, 
 and rebuked I cter as fmartly for d*ffuading him from 
 fuffering, as he wou!d have done Satan himfelf, Mat* 
 xvi. i;. And tho' all his Dixiples would have dif- 
 fuaded him, John xi. 8. he marched with great For- 
 wardnefs to Jerufalem, where he foretold the bloody 
 Tragedy was to be acted ; he battened to the Field of 
 Battle, and Place of Suffering : Yea, he went (o fait 
 to it, that his Difci pies were amazed at it, and afraid 
 to follow him, Mat, xx. 18. Mark x.32. They were 
 behind him, and would have fallen behind altogether, 
 had it not been for Shame, and let him go alone ; 
 they were amazed to fee a Man haften lb faft to a 
 bloody Death : But he would not ftop, though they 
 had ail left him, as they did afterwards. And when 
 his Time was come to be apprehended, he will nei- 
 ther let Peter defend him, nor Angels refcue him, 
 tho' there were twelve Legions at his Gall : One An- 
 gel would have been fuificient to do it, or one Word 
 from his own Mouth ; but, faith he, The Cup my 
 Father hath green me to drink, /ball I not drink it P 
 —-Wherefore, when they accufed him of Blafphemy 
 a'gainft God, and of Enmity to C&far and Mofes\ 
 Law, and Things he was perfectly innocent of, he 
 would make no lejgal Defence to fave his Life before 
 PiLte, but held his Peace, in fo much that Pilate 
 marvelled greatly. He- might think it was eafy for 
 Ktfi' to aniwer all they feid, but he knew not the 
 
 Re a (on 
 
to fuffer for us. 9 1 
 
 fleafoji of our Lord's Silence, viz. that he would do 
 nothing to hinder the ElecYs Redemption, which he 
 had undertaken— — And, as he was lilent before Pi- 
 late, ib v/as he before divine Juftice, and would do 
 nothing to divert the Stroke : Soon might he have 
 relcued himfelf when Jultice drew the Sword, by lay- 
 ing, Father , tkefe Sins are not mine : No, he is uient, 
 and takes with the Charge, as if he had committed 
 them all. On me, Grith he, be the CurJ} j I mil be 
 theSacrifice for thefe loti Sheep. O Love uufpeakaui- ! 
 
 The Reafons of my Saviour's Willing.ie:s to faffer 
 are obvious; he knew it was his Father's Will he 
 «hould furfer, and therefore he faicl, Pfal, si. 1 delight 
 to do thy Will, my God^ He knew it would greatly 
 difpisy the Glory of the Divine Attributes, that was 
 fullied by our Sins ; it would highly magnify his 
 Love to his Sheep, John x. 1 lay dov);i my Life pr my 
 Sheep ; I do it of myielf, freely, without Couipulfl- 
 on : It wasnecefTary to make his Sacrifice acceptable 
 and well pleafing unto God. The Heathens would 
 not offer a Sacrifice to their gods that came draggling 
 to the Altar ; ib every Sacrifice offered to the true 
 God muft be a Free-will Otfering, as we would havs 
 it of a tweet fmelling Savour unto him. This Child 
 hath taught us by his Example, and upon this Ac- 
 count God hath twice proclaimed from Heaven, This 
 is my beloved S*n> in wbo?/i I am well f leafed, 
 
 O, was Chrift's VVillingueis to iufFer for Sinners fo 
 well pleafing to the Father, and (hail it uot render 
 him mod amiable and lovely to us \ Surely the Me- 
 diator^ frank and chearful undertaking to furfer fo 
 much for us, when unrequired by us, is a Favour in- 
 finitely kind and obliging, and doth command Rap. 
 tures of Love and Praile from us when we celebrate 
 his holy Supper. What a moving Sight is it to the 
 Eye of Faith, to behold our glorious lmtnanuel volun- 
 tarily ftating himfeif in our- Law-room, without the 
 ioiiciting of any Creature, and engaging chearfully to 
 
 M 2 
 
92 Cbrifls Willingnefs 
 
 go through Satan's Bufferings, Death's Pangs, and 
 Hell's Flames for us ! With what elevated Thoughts 
 and ratted Affections, mould we admire, love and 
 praife a crucified Jelus, who did all this willingly and 
 unrequired for us ! Oh, he never had fo good Will to 
 eat when hungry, as he had to fufferand fatisfy Juftice 
 for us ! Hence he faid, My Meat is to do the Will of 
 him that fent me, and to finijb bis Work, John iv. 34. 
 Here is Food mod delicious for Faith to teed upon at 
 
 the Redeemer's Table Again, from this Willing- 
 
 nefs'of Chrift to fuffer for us, 1 have good Ground to 
 conclude his Willingnefs to receive us, when we come 
 to him by Faith to partake of the Fruits of his Suffer* 
 ings O how can any Believer, or (enfible Sinner, 
 queftion or doubt of Chrift's Willingnefs to help and 
 fave them, who was fb willing to offer himfelf a Sa- 
 crifice to Juftice for them ? Surely he is far more wil- 
 ling to fave, than any Sinner is to repent or believe. 
 .And from this I'll take my Encouragement ro come 
 to him : Since my loving Jefus came willingly as a 
 JLamb to the Slaughter for Sinners, I'll venture, with 
 humble Confidence, to go to this meek, companion- 
 ate, fweet-natured L3mb, for Pity and Help in the 
 Time of my Need, trufting he will not reject me, nor 
 any fhat comes to him upon his Call in the Gofpel. 
 1 believe, Lord, help my Unbelief 
 
 O, did Chrift fuffer the Pains of Death and Hell fo 
 willingly for us, and mail not we be willing to fuffer 
 the Reproaches or Revilings of Men, or any other 
 Perfecution for him ? And when any fuch Injuriesare 
 done us, fhall we not bear them with Meekncfs and 
 Patience after Chrift's Example, who fubmitted chear- 
 fuily to every Thing he knew to be his Father's 
 Will ? Tho' he was perfectly innocent, and met with 
 the greateft Provocations from wicked Men, yet he 
 patiently bore them ; taking all as out of his Father's 
 Hand, who had mingled the Cup for him. There- 
 fore, when he was reviled; he reviled not again ; he 
 
 could 
 
to fuffer for us ; 93 
 
 could have told Pilate, Caisphas, and his ether Per- 
 fecutors, what Sort of Men they were, yet he opened 
 not his Mouth, but went willingly as a Lamb to the 
 Slaughter. O tnat we could imitate the Meeknefs, 
 Patience and Willingnefs of the Lamb of God in all 
 the Sufferings he calls us to. 
 
 O did Chrift delight to do his Father's Will, and 
 go willingly thro' the molt hard and difficult Talk of 
 I w eating, bleeding and dying for us ? and fhall we 
 find fo little Delight in doing his Will, and perform- 
 ing the Duties which lead to Communion and Fel- 
 lowihip with him, as Prayer, Praiie, reading, hear- 
 ing or communicating ? Did Chrift come lb chearfully 
 to die for us, and ihall we go fo backwardly and 
 unwillingly to his Table to enjoy Fellowship with him, 
 when he invites us to it ? O what a lhameful Re- 
 quital is this! May not Chrift fay, Is this thy Kind- 
 nefs to thy Friend P When the Father called me to 
 futfer, and drink the Cup of Trembling for thee, how/ 
 readily did 1 echo back, I ccme> h I come y to do thy 
 Will 1 take Delight ! But when 1 call thee to pray or 
 communicate, how backward and dead-hearted art 
 thou in that Work? I did not weary Jo foon in the 
 Garden, as thou didit in the Church / I did not fo 
 foon weary on the Cro/j, as thou doft in thy Clofct ! 
 I was longer in my Agony, w refiling under the 
 Wrath of God for tbee, than ever thou wait in 
 ^refiling in Prayer for thy Soul. 
 
 Did Chrift offer his Sacrifice fo willingly for us, O 
 then let me go to God my Saviour, with the Sacri- 
 fice of iryfelf and my Duties , with a ready and 
 chearful Heart : God taveth a cbearfrl Giver. As A- 
 maziah offered hi??ij r elf 'willingly unto the Lcrd, 2Chrcn. 
 Kvii 1 6. and David faith, Accept of the Free-will 
 Offerings of my Mouth, Pial. c.xix. 10S. O that with 
 like Willingness I could offer myfelf, my Heart, and 
 my Sacrifices of Prayer and Pj aiies unto the Lord : 
 And whsn I feel any Reluftancy and Backwardnefsof 
 
 Spirit 
 
94 The Expediency of C&riJTs 
 
 Spirit to Duty, let me ftill call to Mind how willing- 
 ly Chriit offered himlelf a Sacrifice to God for us, and 
 
 chide my Heart for its Unwillingnels. Surely 
 
 it is much for the Honour of God, and the Credit of 
 Religion, as it is molt jufl and reasonable in ibelf, to 
 ierve God with Joyfulnefs, who has willingly given 
 us the unfpeakable Gift of his dear Son to die for us. 
 The wicked and profane are ready to reproach Reli- 
 gion as a four and melancholy Thing, .\hen we ierve 
 Grod in a dead-hearted Ma: ner ; and God himfelf 
 is higly difpleafed with us for it, as is evident from 
 that long and terrible Chapter, the 28th Deuterono- 
 my, that is full of Curies and threatned Judgments, 
 ver. 47. where the Caute of ail is given, Becaufe 
 thou fervedfl not the Lord thy God with Joyfu'nefi and 
 Gladnefs of Heart. Since tie Sacrament is called the 
 Eucharifl or Thanklgiving, let me go to it with a 
 joyful and thankful Heart, blefling God for Chrift. 
 Thanks be to God for his unjpeakable Gift. Amen, 
 
 MEDITATION XXIL 
 
 From John xvi. 7. 
 It is expedient for you that I go away. — — 
 
 NO Wonder that Sorrow filled the Difciples 
 Hearts atthe Intimation of ChriuVs Departure 
 from them : They had enjoyed a fweet Time with 
 him at the Communion - Table ; his Pretence with them 
 was their Heaven, and they cannot think of parting 
 with him : They are greatly troubled, that he will 
 neither ftay ftiil with them, nor take them away with 
 him ; neverthe!sf< 9 faith he, it is expedient for you that 
 1 go a-way. — Lord, faith the Soul, how is it expedient 
 for me to be left behind thee in a State of Corruption, 
 with indwelling Sin that darkens my Mind, deaden;, 
 
 my 
 
having the Bifciples on Earth. 95* 
 
 my Heart, diforders my Affeclions, and indifpofesme 
 for fpiritual Work ? — How (hall I ftay behind thee, 
 amidft Satan's Temptations and fiery Darts, flying 
 thick about me ? Muft I abide in the Place where that 
 Enemy hath his circuit, and ftill rangeth about de- 
 vouring many Thoutands ! Could I win away with 
 Chrift, I would be quite out of the Reach of his Sliot. 
 Lord, either Hay with me, or take me up to thee. 
 - — Oh, muft I ftay behind thee amidft the infectious 
 Defilements and enlnaring Examples of an ungodly 
 World ! When I open my Eyes here, what wilt 
 meet them but Multitudes wallowing in Pride, Senfu- 
 ality, Covetoufnefs, Injuftice, Malice, Envy, Drun- 
 kennefs, Gluttony, Uncleannefs, Contempt of God 
 and Religion ? Muft I ftay to fee this horrible "ight, 
 the whole World lying in Wickednefs 1 Muft I ftay 
 to hear God daily diihonoured by the Tongues of the 
 Ungodly ? Mult I ftay to fee Chrift flighted, wound- 
 ed, and crucified afrefli by wicked Men r O what Dan- 
 ger will I be in of being infected by their Examples ! 
 But, Lord, if 1 could win away with thee, I would 
 be quite out of Hazard, and out of Sight of the Wick- 
 ednefs of the World. — How fhail I ftay behind thee 
 in fuch an earthly Tabernacle, to be burdened with 
 bodily DiftreiTes, Sicknefs, Pains, and manifold Com- 
 plaints ; and amidft innumerable LofTes, Crofles and 
 Difappointments from the Creature I How (hail I 
 ftay to fee fuch melancholy Divifions, Contentions, 
 Debates and Separations, as fall out among the People 
 of God in Chrift^ Abfence I Muft I ftay behind thee 
 to fuffer Injuries, Reproaches, cruel Mockings, bad 
 Ufage and Persecutions, both from the Tongues and 
 Hands of Men ? and (ometimes to be torn as with the 
 Teeth of wild Beafts ? Hence this World is called a 
 Den of Lions and Mountain of Leopards, Cant. iv. 8. 
 Oh, could I win away to Heaven with Chrift, I 
 would fee no Lion nor Leopard there. There is none 
 to hurt ordeftroy in all God's holy Mountain above. 
 
 Have 
 
96 The Expediency of Chrift s 
 
 Have I feen the King in his Eeauty, and mud I he 
 left behind him f Math the Communion-Table been 
 like Mount Tabor, where he was transfigured before 
 my Eyes, with his Countenance mining, and his Rai- 
 ment white as Light ? And mud I go down from the 
 Mount again to a Land of Darknefs, of Drought, and 
 of perplexing Doub;s and Fears, wh?re 1 (hall fome- 
 times go mourning without the Sun ; yea neither Suu 
 nor Stars appearing to me for many Days ? Mud I 
 be put to walk without the Light of God's Counte- 
 nance, and without the Food of my Soul, Communion 
 with my God P After I have been lifted up, muft I 
 lay my Account with being caft down again, perhaps 
 into Depths like thele of Afaph, Plal. lxxvii. or like 
 thele of Heman, Pial. lxxxviii. with Fears of (inking 
 in them, and of falling Ihort of Heaven for ever ? 
 Could I win away with Chrift, I would be at pnee de- 
 livered from all thele Fears. — Here my Knowledge 
 of God is fmall, and oft oblcured with Darknefs j 
 my Faith is weak, and oft in Hazard of being over- 
 whelmed with Unbelief; here my Love is cold, and 
 eff like to be chilled with Froft- winds fromSj/rftfand 
 the World ; my Prayers oft are formal and wandering, 
 my Fraifes low and flat ; here my beft Wifhes are at- 
 tended with many Shortcomings and Defects ; But O 
 if I could win to Heaven with Chrift, where Grace 
 and Holinefs are in Perfection, I would praife him 
 without wandering, and ferve him without Sin fore- 
 ver ! Here Sin (till cleaves to my Nature, mixes it* 
 felf with my Services, and defiles my beft Duties, 
 Here I dill carry about with me a deceitful and trea- 
 cherous Heart, whereby I am in Hazard of backfli- 
 ding from God, and mifcarrying for ever, fhould I be 
 left to it : But O were I with Chrift, I would be free 
 of all thefe anxious Thoughts and Fears. Lord, ftay 
 here with me, or take me up to thee. 
 
 But thou iayeft, It is expedient for me to ftay be- 
 hind for a Time. Why, Lord ? Muft I ftay that my 
 
 travelling 
 
leaving the Difcifles on Earth. 97 
 
 travelling Graces, my Faith, Hope and Patience, 
 may be tried and exercifed here below, and thereby 
 gradually ftrengthned and ripened for the perfeel: 
 State? Maft I ftay that I may be conformed to my 
 Head both In ferving and iuffering ; and that thy Wi(- 
 dom, PowerandMercy may be glorified in conducting 
 and preferving me thro* all the Difficulties and Dan- 
 gers of this Wildernefs ? Thy Will, Lord, be done, 
 only leave me not alone ; but for thy Name's Sake 
 lead me and guide me— Or, is it thy Pleafure to fufc 
 pend my Heaven for a while, that I may promote thy 
 Glory on Earth, be ufeful to the Souls of others, and 
 recommend my dear Redeemer to thefe.who know 
 him not, which is a Work I cannot do in Heaven f 
 O fit me for it by thy Grace, and fill me with Zeal 
 for thy Glory. O let thy Kingdom come upon Earth, 
 that the Kingdom of Glory may he haftened. 
 
 Thou fay'ft, it is expedient for thee to go away. 
 Why ? Lord ; muft thou thyfelf be thy People's Fore- 
 runner to carry Tidings to Heaven of their compleat 
 Redemption, and of their coming after thee in their 
 Jeveral Generations ! Muft thou go to open the Pa£ 
 fage and pave the Way for Accefs to their Perfons and 
 Duties, and prepare Rooms and Lodgings for them 
 againft the Time they come home ? — Mu(l thou go 
 away to be a public Agent and IntercefTor for thy 
 People under all their Trials and Toflings here be- 
 low, and likewiie to provide and furnifh a rich and 
 glorious Communion table for them in thy Father's 
 Houfe above ? Lord, fend thy holy Spirit to fit and 
 prepare me and many others far that blelled Enter- 
 tainment.— Lord, when thou faidft, // is expedient for 
 you that I ge away ; thou didft add, for if I go not a- 
 way, the Comforter will not come unto you ! Why ! it 
 was fo agreed in the Council of the Trinity, that the 
 (ending of the Spirit in his plentiful .Effufion, which 
 was to be the Purchafe of ChrhVs Death, mould be 
 given iu an Anfwer to his Interceflion, *,vhea he en- 
 
 N tered 
 
98 7be Expediency of Chrifts 
 
 tered within the Vail, John xiv. 16. And the Spirit 
 was to make ule of it as an Argument for convincing 
 the World of the Perfection and Acceptablenefe of 
 ChrihVs Sacrifice, that Chrift was now received and 
 welcomed into Heaven , Likewife the Spirit was to be 
 given only upon Chrift's Ailenfion tofupply the Want 
 of his bodily Prefence to the Church, as being far bet- 
 ter for them, feeing ChrifVs bodily Prefence could be 
 in one Place only at once, but the Spirit is in every 
 Place to animate and put Life in Ordinances. May 
 the Church have this Fruit of ChrilVs Aicenfion ftill 
 more and more. 
 
 Lord, tho' thou haft gone away for neeeflary Ends, 
 yet thy Marriage- contract with thy People and the 
 Love tokens thou givelt them in the Sacrament, are 
 a fure Pledge of thy returning to pay them a comfort- 
 able Vifit at laft, according to that fweet Word, 
 John xiv. 3. If I go and prepare a Place for you, I 
 will come again, and receive you to myfelf that where 
 I am, there you may be al/b. O that I may be one of 
 thefe to whom Chrilt's Vifit at his fecond Coming 
 will be joyful ancf comfortable. Let me examine my- 
 felf after the Sacrament, if I have the Marks of fuch. 
 — -Am I efpoufed to Chi ift t Have I a high Efteem of 
 the Bridegroom? Havel fubferibed the Marriage -con- 
 tract and gone into thrift's Terms ? Do I heartily 
 approve the wholeContrivance of Redemption, thro* 
 the Suretiihip and Righteoufaenefs of Chrift i Have 
 I renounced my own Righteoufners, my beloved Sins, 
 and all Chrift's Enemies i Do 1 mourn for the In- 
 juries done to Chrift by myself and others, and re* 
 joice when his Intereft and Kingdom prcrfper in the 
 World ? Do I mourn for ChrihVs Departure and the 
 withdrawing of his Spirit from Ordinances, or from 
 my own Sour? Do I thirft for more Holinefs in Heart 
 and Life, and for greater Conformity and Likencfi 
 to the glorious Bridegroom ? Then I may expect his 
 Vifit and Re; urn will be comfortable to me, and 1 
 
 may 
 
leaving the Diftiftes on Earth* 99 
 
 slay rejoice in the View and Expectation of it, and 
 anfwer Chrift when he faith, Rev. xxii. 20. Surely I 
 
 come quickly ; Amen, even jo come Lord J ejus Is 
 
 my Forerunner now gone away ? Let me follow him 
 as clolely and fpeedily as I can ; let me follow him in 
 the Way of Faith, in the Way of Obedience, in the 
 Way of fuffering, in the Way of Patience, Prayer, 
 ReGgnation, Deniedne& to the World, Heavenly- 
 mindedneis, toe. 
 
 MEDITATION XXIII. 
 
 From Hof. ii. 19* 
 / ivili betroth thee unto me for ever. 
 
 AB'iga'il thought .herfelf highly honoured, by Da~ 
 vid's propofing to match with her : But much 
 more honoured are we, apoftate Sinners of Adam's 
 Family, by the eternal Son of God his propofing to 
 match with us, and courting us fo earneftly ; when 
 he neglected Angels that feemed to be a fitter Match 
 for him in refpeft of the fuperior Dignity of their Na* 
 ture. Yet all thefe he would pafs by, and match with 
 Worms !- — O how amazing is this Step ! that the 
 heavenly Bridegroom, whole Kingdom is mighty, his 
 Riches infinite, and his Beauty furpailing ; that he 
 ftoulcT chufe a Bride naturally polluted, deformed, 
 uncomely and black as Hell I and that he fhouldfeek 
 her thro' a Sea of Blood, thro J the Pains of Death, 
 the Horrors of the Grave, and Torments cf Hell ! 
 And after many Slights and Refulals, that -he fhould 
 follow her in her Warujrings thro 1 the Wildemefs of 
 Sin, with his charming Invitations, and alluring of- 
 fers in the Golpel, preienting her with the Rings and 
 Bracelets of his precious Prornifes and Spirit's Con- 
 folations ; and all to win her Heart and gain her 
 £^nfent to him 1— -How aftonifhing is it to fee this 
 
 N 2 glorious 
 
loo The Match betwixt lovely Jefus 
 
 glorious Perfon coming over all Objections from the 
 Blacknefs, Guilt, Poverty, and Unworthinefc of the 
 Bride, faying, tho* (he be black, I'll make her comely 
 thro* my Comelinefs put upon her! Tho'fhebemean, 
 I'll make her noble! Tho> a flave, I'll make her free ! 
 Tho' a Fool, I'll make her wife ! Tho' Bankrupt, I'll 
 pay all her Debt ! Come here Law, Juftice, and all 
 her Creditors, here full Satisfaction or all that is due 
 to you, take it and write her Difcharge ! Now, who 
 can lay any Thing to the Charge of Cod 1 s £/<r<f7,Chrift*s 
 
 Bride \ Behold God difplaying his free Love here 
 
 to the utmoft i He never difplayed his other Attri- 
 butes to the utmoft, infinite IVifdom could have conr 
 trived ten Thoufand Worlds more beautiful than this, 
 and infinite Power could have produced them. But 
 here infinite Love and Mercy hath gone to the utmoft ; 
 a greater Demonstration of his Love Chrift could not 
 give, than by leaving Heaven, afluming a Body, and 
 giving his Life for the Bribe, nay wading thro' Hell 
 for her, and in Face of all Dilcouragements courting 
 and betrothing her to himfelf for ever ! 
 
 After many Meetings, Treaties, and broken Tryfts 
 with fome, the Bridegroom is come again to court a 
 Bride, and has fent his Friends in his Name to de- 
 mand her Confent, faying as they did to Rcbckah, 
 <9en. xxiv. 58. Wilt thou go with this Man? Poor 
 Woman, Lad, Lais, wilt thou yield to this glorious 
 Jmmanuel ; many former Treaties have been broke 
 off by the Devil, the World, Unbelief and an ill 
 Heart ! Oh, will not the long fpoken of Match hold 
 at length ! Minifters, the Bridegroom's Friends, are 
 doing their bed to draw on another Meeting between 
 Parties. Chrift, I fee, is content to hold another, 
 and it may be the laft Tryft he will fet with many. 
 To (hew his Earneftnefs, he hath conveened his Friends, 
 Angels, Saints, and Ambaffadors to witnefs the Sin- 
 cerity of Parties; he hath put on his Scarlet Rebes, 
 r.is Garments dipt in Blood, to win Sinners Hearts; 
 
 he 
 
end lothfome Sinners. i o I 
 
 he bath brought the Marriage Contract and fpread it 
 before them, faying, " What think ye of its Articles 
 *• and Terms? Are ye pleafed with them? Are ye 
 V content to break with ^in and all my Enemies I to 
 " renounce the World, Self-righteou(nefs, and all o« 
 *' ther Lovers ? to fall in with the Self-denying Way 
 u of Salvation thro' a borrowed Righteoufnefs ? to 
 " accept of me in all my Offices? to live wholly up- 
 €f on your Hufband, borrow all from him, and be 
 ?' aireternal Debtor to him ? to make a Surrender of 
 f 1 your Soul and Body to him, and -leal a Covenant 
 €< with him at his Table ? Are you refolved to be 
 f* faithful to your Hufband, cleave to him all the 
 €t Days of your Life, and be oft looking out for his 
 €< iecond Coming ? And in the mean Time to be oft 
 e( commemorating his Sufferings, Conflicts, Conquefts, 
 il and Atchievments, and for that End to be frequent- 
 li ly looking on his Picture in the Sacrament with a 
 * believing, penitent and thankful Heart ? Now, 
 €i what is your Anfwer? Lay your Hand- to vour 
 " Heart." 
 
 Lord, unworthy as I am, I defire to go forward 
 thro' all Difficulties, Impediments and Difcourage- 
 ments, and fay with Rebekah, when called to an* 
 iwer, I will go with the Man : And with Eflher, I 
 will go in to the King ; Tho' I be not worthy of him, 
 yet he is worhty to be obeyed that calls me : Tho' he 
 hath no Need of me, yet I have great Need of him : 
 Tho* my Diftance be great, he allows ree to creep 
 nearer to him : Tho* I cannot move of myfelf, yec 
 he is able to draw me, be my Clogs never \o great : 
 Tho* my Motion be fmall, yet I will not turn back, 
 bur. keep my Face toward him, and fix my Eye on 
 him. As a Look hath brought Healing, fo a Look 
 hath brought Strength ; yea, though he fbould (eem 
 to frown on me, and chide me away from him ; yet, 
 J ike Jonah, J will look again towards his holy TemfU • 
 Tho* I have no Werthinsfs in myfelf, yet he hath 
 
 Worthiness 
 
102 The Match betwixt lovely Jefus 
 
 Worthinefs enough for me : Tho* I be a black and 
 uncomely Bride, my glorious Huftund can beautify 
 me with bis perfect Comelinefs put upon me. There- 
 fore I do, with all my Heart, accept of him at my 
 Lord and Hufband : Lord I make choice of thee, 
 and all that is tfiine; for richer, for poorer ; for bet* 
 ter, for- worfe ; for well, for wo ; for Profperity, 
 for Adverfity : I jnake choice of thee for all Times 
 and Conditions, to love honour and obey thee above 
 all I renounce all other Lords, and Lovers, and 
 will have none but Chrift : I renounce my own Will, 
 and take thy Will for my Law. 1 elteem thy Pre- 
 cepts concerning all Things to be right, and will hate 
 every falfe Way : I fubmit to all thy Providences and 
 Dealings with me, and am content to take up thy 
 Crofs and follow thee, whitherfoever thou goeft : I 
 take thy Spirit for my Guide, thy Word for my Rule, 
 thy Glory for my Scope, thy Teftimonies for my 
 Councilors, thy Promifes for my encouragement, 
 thy Sabbaths for my Delight, thy People for my 
 Companions : Lord Jefus, 1 take thee for my Life, 
 Holinefs for my Way, and Heaven for my Home. — - 
 .And as I accept of thee, and all that is thine ; fo I 
 give up myfelf to thee, and all that is mine, Soul and 
 Body, with ail my Faculties and Affeclions, Senfes 
 and -Members, to be thy Agents and Inftruments ; 
 with all my Enjoyments to be employed for thy Ufe 
 and Service. 
 
 / will go with the Man, tho* I fee him all over 
 wounded, mangled and bleeding, and his Viiage mar- 
 jfti with the Wounds, Stripes and Blows which he 
 got from Men and Devils. Nay, I fee him even in 
 this mangled Condition, to be fairer than all the Son* 
 of Men, and all the Sons of God too; fori ieehin* 
 wounded for my Traufgreffions, and brut fed for my Ini- 
 quities, that by his Stripes I might be healed : I lee him 
 a Match every Way luitable for me, that can (upply 
 all my Needs : I ana a poor dying Worm, but he i* 
 
 a 
 
snd kthfome Sinners, 103 
 
 it living Head that can make me live for ever : I am 
 a needy Creature all made up of wants, but in bim 
 doth all Manner of Fulnefs dwell : 1 want Grace, 
 but he hath all Fulnets of Grace fuitabl£ for me : 
 I want Grace to believe, but he is Che Author of 
 Faith : I want Grace to repent, but he is a Prince and 
 Saviour exalted to give Kepentance^ I wantGrace tp> 
 pray, to hear, to communicate, to mortify Sin, Bear 
 the Croft, refill Temptation, &c. but my Hufband 
 hath all Grace to beftow. O let me be ftrong in the 
 Grace that is in Chrift Jefus. 
 
 O that I had the true Marks of thefe who are di- 
 vorced from the Law, and married to Cbrift as their 
 Hufband ; that I could fay, I look upon all my Do* 
 ings in point of Acceptance with God as old Rags ; 
 I live wholly and freely upon my Hufband, and take 
 all I want from him for nothing; I clothe myfclf 
 with his Righteoufnefs, and effay the Performance of 
 every Duty in his Strength ; I defire to live entirely 
 upon his Coft.— I have a Heart-love to my Hufband, 
 and every Thing that belongs to him, and a Heart- 
 hatred to Sin, and Averfion to every Thing that is 
 injurious to him : I am defirous to pleafe him in all 
 Things ; and out of Regard to his dying Command, 
 I go to his Table to remember his dying Love, and 
 renew my Marriage Vows : I delight in my Hufband's 
 Company, and prefs for Communion with him in all 
 Ordinances. His Honour is always dear to me, and 
 I am eaiy about my own Honour and Intereft in re- 
 fpe# of his ; Let me decreafe, but let him increafe*%* 
 And in regard the Devil reigns here, Sin abounds, Er- 
 #ror and Corruption prevail; I am well pleafed with 
 the Thoughts of Chrift's fecond Coming to pull down 
 Satan's Kingdom, and to confummatc the Marriage 
 with me, and all that are efpoufed to him, and fay, 
 Why tarry the Wheels of his Chariot ? Make hajle my 
 Beloved, even fo come Lord Jefus. O that all the 
 World would love him, exalt him, aad fubmit to him. 
 Many in different Places admire him, and fee match- 
 
 iefs 
 
1 04 Chrift fir ic ken for our Sins. 
 
 !efs Charms in him, his Name to them is as Ointment 
 poured forth, his Garments fmeli of Aloes, Myrrh 
 and Cadi a, they have beheld his (lately Goings in 
 the Sanctuary : O that all the World might lo ad- 
 mire him, and fubmit to him alfo. 
 
 MEDITATION XXIV. 
 
 From I fa. liii. 8. 
 
 For the Tranfgrejfion of my Peofle was 
 
 he fir ic ken. 
 
 OUR Sins andTranfgreflions are great and vari- 
 ous, and therefore our Surety's Sufferings 
 for them were heavy and manifold ; he endured ma- 
 ny Wounds, Bruiles, Chaftifements and Stripes, which 
 (hould (till endear him the more unto us ; for he was 
 wounded for our Tranfgrejfions, he was bruifed for our 
 Iniquities; the Chajitfement of our Peace was upon him, 
 and with his Stripes we are healed, ver. 5. O who 
 can think on that Verfe without Sorrow, or fpeak of 
 it without Tears 1 He was wounded and bruiled to 
 Death, to fave us from deadly Wounds and Bruifes J 
 And when dying, he left us his Fortaiture, with the 
 Marks of his Wounds, that we might look upon it 
 at his Table, and mourn for our Sins which gave him 
 thefe Wounds. Oh, can I fee my dear Saviour all 
 wounded and mangled by my Sins, and not be deep* 
 ly affected for the Ti anfgrefTions for which my dear Jefus 
 was ftricken ! Stricken he was many Ways, by ma- 
 ny Hands, by many Rods, by many Stripes : He 
 was ftricken by the Hand of God, by the Hand of 
 Men, by the Hand of Devils : Stricken by the Rod 
 of Mofes y the Rod of Juftice, the Rod of the Jews, 
 ixc* O how early was he ftricken by the ill Ufage 
 he met with from Men, being thruft out, to be born 
 
 in 
 
Chrift Jlricken many IV ays. i o£ 
 
 ■ 
 in a foul Stable and laid in a Manger; and foon after 
 Was he ftricken by the Rod of Persecution and Banifti- 
 ment, being made to flee his native Country for Safe- 
 ty from Herod. All this he fuffercd for us, becaufe 
 we deferved to be deprived of all earthly Accommo- 
 dations and Comforts, and to be banifhed from God 
 and Heaven for ever. 
 
 He was ftricken by the Rod of Poverty, and pinch- 
 ing Straits. Tho' he was the King of the Univerfe, 
 and poflefled all the Riches in it, yet for our Sake J he 
 became poor, that we through his Poverty might become 
 rich, 2 Cor. viii. 5. He was not born of a rich Em- 
 prefs, but of a poor Virgin ; not in his own Houfe, 
 but in another Man's : He had no Houfe nor Foot of 
 Ground of his own to live or lodge in : Tho' the Fox- 
 es had Holes, and the Birds Nefts, yet he that created 
 them, had not where to lay his Head. His Diet was 
 oft a-fceking, and commonly very mean, Barley- 
 bread and fmall Fifties. He had no Money to pay 
 his Tax, but muft borrow it from a Fifti of the Sea. 
 He travelled (till on Foot, except once he rode to 
 Jerufalem to fulfil a Prophecy ; and then he had nei- 
 ther Horfe nor Afs of his own, but muft bor- 
 row another Man's Afs. He had no fine Mounting, 
 but the Clothes of them that followed him : He had 
 no Burial Place of his own, but was laid in another 
 
 Man's ; and all this he fubmitted to for our Sakes - 
 
 He was alfo ftricken by the Rod of fore Labour and 
 Toil, by working at a mechanick Trade, until he was 
 thirty Years of Age ; therefore they faid, Mark vi. 3. 
 Is not this the Carpenter ? Man having ear en the for- 
 bidden Fruit was doom'd to fore Labour, that he 
 fhould eat his Bread with the Sweat of his Brow, 
 Gen. iii. 19. and to this Doom our Surety fubmitted 
 for us, Man broke God's Covenant by eating of the 
 Tree, therefore his Surety muft die on a Tree. Man 
 idolized a Tree, and preferred its Fruit to God's Fa- 
 vour ; therefore his Surety muft labour in cutting and 
 
 O hev/nig 
 
Io6 Cbrijl Jlricken many Ways. 
 
 hewing Trees moft of his Time Man lived a Life 
 
 of finning, and therefore Chrift muft live, a Life of 
 Labour and Sorrow ; he even became a Man.of Sor- 
 rows, Ifa. liii. J. that we might obtain everlafting 
 Joy and Confolation. 
 
 He was jlricken by Mens reproachful Tongues, 
 Scoffs and Mockeries, being called a Gluttony Wine' 
 tibsr. Deceiver, Samaritan, Blafphtmsr, a Devil ^ 
 and one in compact with Beelzebub, the Prince of De- 
 vils. They derided him in all his Offices ; as a Pro- 
 phet, by bidding him prophefy who fmote him ; as a 
 Priejl, bidding him iave bimlelf, fince he pretended 
 to five others ; as a King, by putting on him a. Pur- 
 ple Robe, a Crown of Thorns, and giing him a, 
 mock Sceptre. Yea, he endured the moft cruel 
 Mockings, and that in the midft of his (harped Suffer- 
 ings and Soul Agonies, when he cried out on the 
 fcloody Crofs, Eli, Eli, Sec. O, fay they, this Man 
 calls for Elias, playing on the Word Eli. It was not 
 out of Ignorance or Miftake they faid fo, but out of 
 Malice and Derifion ; for they underftood the Hebrew 
 Language well enough, and knew he called on God, 
 and that Eli fignified, My God. But, in their Spite, 
 they would reprefent him as an Idolater; and, whea 
 dying, that he prayed not to God, but to Saints for 
 
 Help. He was jlricken by the moft open Affronts 
 
 and Indignities from Men, by fpitting in his Face, 
 condemning him to die for Blafphemy againft God, 
 and Treafon againft C<rfar : By preferring Barabbas f 
 a Murderer, before him, and pofting him between 
 two Thieves. Thus the King of Glory was defpifed 
 and rejeclecled of Man for us, If a. liii. j. 
 
 He was jlricken by the Scourges of plaited Cords 
 on his Back, and with the Thorns they drove into 
 his Head : That thorny Crown was defigned for Tor- 
 ture, as well as Derifion j for, if it had been only to 
 mock him, a Crown of Straw would have ferved the 
 Turpofe as well as one of Thorns.— —He was Jlricken 
 
 by 
 
for our manifold Sins. \qj 
 
 fty the Pincers that pluckt the Hair off his Cheeks % 
 and by the heavy Crofs-tree laid on his bleeding 
 Shoulders, which he muft carry to Calvary. — He was 
 ftricken with four big Iron Nails thro' his Hands and 
 feet, on which his whole Weight muft: hang. — He 
 was ftricken with a burning Heat and Thirft, which 
 the Wrath of God for our Sins, created in him, and 
 dried him up like a Potfheard : This made him cry 
 ottt, I thirft, yet no Wine, no Fountain, no Crea- 
 ture that he made muft relieve him at this Time — He 
 was ftricken by a Spear thurft into his Side to let out 
 his Heart blood, to be fure. that no Life remained. 
 Well, (faid our dying Lamb) let my deareft Blood, 
 my Heart blood, go for thefe loft Sinners, that their 
 Souls may live and fingfor ever. 
 
 He was ftricken by the ungrateful Behaviour of his 
 own Difciples to him : By Judas his betraying and 
 felling him for a fmall Sum, the Price of a Slave i By 
 Peter's denying him, and 1 wearing he knew him not, at 
 the Temptation of a poor Damiel : By all of them 
 forfaking him and leaving him in the Midft of his Ene- 
 mies. — BeGdes all this, he was ftricken in his Soul, by 
 the terrible glittering Sword of Juftice, by the Curies 
 of the Law, by Detertion from God, by the Vials of 
 hii Wrath poured out on hkn, which made fearful 
 Bruifes, deep Wounds, and wide Gaihes in his Soul. 
 —Oh, our dear Surety was ftricken till he fell to the 
 Ground ; was overwhelemd with Wrath, and covered 
 with Blood. With -thefe Strokes our mighty Redeem- 
 er was thrown down, and broken with Breach upon 
 Breach, till all the Sea-billows of Divine Vengeance 
 went over him. Oh, never was there any Sorrow 
 like my dear Saviour's Sorrow, which he fufferetl 
 when ftricken for my Sins I 
 
 Lord, I am alhamed of the Hardnefs and Uncon- 
 cernednefs of my Heart at this moving Spectacle ! Oh, 
 did the dead Earth tremble, the hard Rocks rend, the 
 -Graves open, the Heavens turn black at the Sight of 
 
 O2 a 
 
loJJ Chrift fir ic ken many Ways. 
 
 a. dying Jefus, ftricken by the Sword of Juftice ? And 
 (hall not my rocky Heart tremble and quake, rend 
 and melt for my Sins, that were the Caufe of it I 
 Shall the Hiftory of Jofeph in the Pit move me more 
 than that of Chrift upon the Crofs ? Shall the News 
 of the tragical Death of a Friend, or the Sufferings of - 
 an Acquaintance among the Turks, move me more 
 than the Death and Sufferings of the Innocent Son of 
 God on my Account ? Alas, my Heart of Stone will 
 neither break nor melt, till Chrift turn and look on 
 me as he did on backfliding Peter. Lord, one Look 
 from thee can turn the Rock into [landing Water, and 
 the Flint int$ a Fountain of Water. One Blink of the 
 Sun of Righteoufnefs can melt the mod frozen and 
 icy Heart in the World, 
 
 O how lovely is my ftricken and bleeding Jefus! E- 
 ven when bleeding and mangled by my Sins, I fee him 
 to be white and ruddy, and the Chief ejl among ten 7hou- 
 fand. Every Wound and Stroke he got doth ftill 
 beautify him the more to me, and make my Soul to 
 cry, O my loving and lovely Jefus ! O how can I fee 
 him fubftituting himfelfin my Room, and making him- 
 felf the Butt of the envenomed Arrows of Juftice, and 
 not be ravifhed with his Love to me, and with the 
 -warmeft Affection to him ! And at the fame time fil- 
 led with Sorrow for my Sins, which brought on all his 
 Strokes and Wounds ? Oh my Sins were the Thorns 
 that pierced his Head, the Nails which pierced his 
 Hands, and the Spear that pierced his Heart. My Sins 
 prefled him down, and made him fweat Blocd in the 
 Garden. My Soul being exceeding fmful, made his 
 Soul exceeding forrowful. May I always hate Sin, 
 and forrow for it. 
 
 M E D I-T A. 
 
An appropriating Faith t &c. 1 09 
 
 MEDITATION " XXV.' 
 
 From Gal. ii. 20 
 
 / live by the Faith of the Son of God, who lo- 
 ved me f and gave himfelf for me. 
 
 OHow deGrable an Attainment is the Exercife 
 of true Faith upon the great Saviour JeiLs 
 Chrift, with an appropriating*? erfuafion, or Jpecial 
 Application to a Man himfelf, fo as to lay, ". I believe 
 * and admire his Love to the Elecl in general, and to 
 v me in particular; I truft him with my Soul, and my 
 i{ eternal Salvation ; I embrace him, and put my 
 f( whole Confidence in him, who loved ?ne, and gave 
 " himfelf for me /" Surely this is the Faith, that eve- 
 ry one that defires to obey that great Commandment, 
 I John iiL 23. (hould aim at, and prelsfor,as a Thing 
 of the lait Moment and Confequence ; Lord, I ie» 
 lieve, help thou my Unbelief. 
 
 Lord, I will not reft in a general Belief and Per- 
 fuafion of the Mercy of God in Chrift, and ot Chrift 's 
 Ability and Willingnefs to lave all that come unto 
 him ; but I will apply his Blood and Righteoulhels to 
 myfelf in particular, and reft on him as one that loved 
 me, and gave himfelf for me. This appropriating 
 Faith is neceflary to my Juftihcation •, for every juili- 
 fied Perfbn applies Chrift *s Righteoufnefs to himfelf, 
 faying, as in Jfa. xlv. 24. Surely, in the Lord have I 
 Righteoufnefs. As the Church in general calls him 
 the Lord our Righteoufnefs ; I'o I, in particular, call 
 him the Lord my Righteoufnefs I make it my daily 
 Practice to wrap up my naked Soul in this Robe, and 
 live by Faith upon it. I make perfbnal and particu- 
 lar Application of the Remedy to my Soul's Maladies, 
 and draw Virtue from it This particular Appropri- 
 ation in the A flings of Faith ; is mod needful for clear- 
 ing 
 
lio An appropriating Faith 
 
 ing up a Believer's Evidences, and for filli»g the Soul 
 with Joy and Peace in Believing ; for overcoming the 
 Fears of" Death, and giving Comfort at a dying 
 Hour. And particularly, it contributes greatly to th« 
 Soul's comfortable Approach to the Holy Table of 
 the Lord, when it can fay, " I receive a crucified 
 €i Chrift as my Saviour ; I go to him as one who loved 
 gt me, and gave himfelffor me ; I take the Symbols, 
 4i and feed upon his Body as broken for me, and on 
 " his Blood as fhed for me; and I accept of fchefe as 
 4i an Earned and Pledge of my living and feafting 
 €i with my Saviour for ever." 
 
 A crucified Chrift, with all his Purchafe, is offered 
 to all the Hearers of the Gofpel : For Chrift in the 
 Word, and by his Minifters in the Gofpel -offer, fpeaks 
 to all and every one of them ; yea, fpeaks to every 
 Sinner, Man and Woman m particular, as tho* he 
 called them by'Name and Sirname. And every Man 
 is bound to take the Call and O&r home to himlelf, 
 as if he were fo named, and believe that Chrift ftands 
 at his Door and knocks, faying, Jfycu, or any Man 
 will open to me, I will come in. The Promife is to 
 you, and to all that are afar off ; even to all the Ends 
 of the Earth, and to the Stout-hearted ; to all the 
 Sons of Men, to every Creature to them that have 
 no Money, to the poor, maimed, blind, naked, 
 wretched and miferable, and to whofoever will come; 
 To you is the W$rd of this Salvation fent. Chrift dotb 
 be'eech you to be reconciled, and to beware of coming 
 fhort af the Promife, by Unbelief; fuch a Promife as 
 that, Whofoever believeth in the Sou fl) all not perifby 
 but have eternal Life ; And that, Him that cometh to 
 rnc, 1 "Ml in no Ways caff out : Belides many others ; 
 John iii. 16. — vi. 37. Rev. Ill - 1;, 18, 20. — xxii. 17. 
 Prov. viii. 4. Jfa. xlv. 22» — xivi. 12 — Iv. 1. Mark 
 xvi. 15. Luke x\v. 2f, 22, 23. Atts ii. 39. — iii. 26. 
 — xiii. 26 ; 47. 2 Cor. v. 20. Bet. iv. I. 
 
 Mow, 
 
our Duty and Inter eft. ill 
 
 Now, feeing the Gofpel-Call and Offer is given to 
 every one, Faith which is the Echo of the Gofpei- 
 call, muft needs receive an offered Chrift, and Salva- 
 tion thro' him, with particular Application to the 
 Soul that believes. As Chrift offers himfelf, and his 
 Purchafe, to every Soul in particular ; fo Faith ap- 
 propriates Chrift to the Soul itfelf in particular. And 
 indeed, the Life and Sweetnefs of Faith lies in this Ap» 
 fropriation and appl'icatory ACi, when the Soul is help- 
 ed to fay with Thomas, Thou art my Lord, and my 
 Cod ; and with the Spoufe, My Beloved is mine, and I 
 cm his ; and with David, Thou art my Rock, and the- 
 
 Cod of my Salvation. Unbelief would tempt me to 
 
 put away the Gofpel-offer from me, faying, it doth not 
 belong to me, I am not elected, nor defigned to mare 
 of Chrift's Purchafe ; he did not love me, nor die for 
 me. — But in regard fecret Things belong to God, my 
 Salvation is at the Stake, my Meed of a Saviour is 
 unfpeakable, and the Offer is made to me; I have no 
 Time toloie indiiputing with the Devil and Unbelief, 
 but I will go to Chrift on the Ground I have. He 
 tells me he came to fave Shiners, I am fure that is my 
 Name; he loved Enemies, that is my Name ; he re- 
 ceived Gifts for the Rebellious, that is my Name ; and 
 now I hear the Mafter calling and inviting me in par- 
 ticular: Therefore, in fpite of the Devil and Unbelief, 
 and all my Guilt, I'll go forward, and accept of 
 Chrift as my Saviour and my King ; I'll truft him with 
 my Salvation, and believe he loved me, and gave him* 
 felf for me, vile and guilty as I am. — This EfTay to 
 believe, Lord, I make in thy Strength, and in Obe- 
 dience, to thy Command : But, Oh, my Mints are 
 weak and fecklefs ! It is only thy Spirit enlightning 
 my Mind, and opening up the Gofpel-call and Pro- 
 mife to me, faying, To you is the Word of this Salva- 
 tion fent ; that determines me to make particular Ap» 
 plication of thy Love-offer, by an acceptable appro- 
 priating Faith ; Letrmy Help some from thee. 
 
 ' O 
 
112 An Appropriating Faith 
 
 O Lord, my Sins are great and numerous; but^ 
 fhould I add to them this Sin of refufing the Remedy, 
 and putting away Chrift's Love and Blood offered to 
 me in the Gofpel, this would be greater than all the 
 reft ; for fo I would bring not only my own Blood, but 
 the Guilt of the Bl>od ot God upon my Head. This 
 I dare not do ; now my Soul is at the Stake, now the 
 Remedy is in my Offer, my Need of it is great, I 
 cannot delay doling with it, yet a little while and 
 my Opportunity is gone, and I muft change my 
 Dwelling for ever ; and how can I go any where 
 without my Saviour? Chrifl I muft have to teach me, 
 juftify and fanftify me, none elfe can do it, on him 
 all my Help is laid. Howlhall I goto a Communion- 
 table without him ? How will I go to Death without 
 him ? How will I go to a Judgment-feat without 
 him ? Lord, my Gale is defperate without thee ; 
 wherefore I accept of thy Offer, I believe thy Love, 
 I trull in, thy Merits, I apply thy Blood, I appro- 
 priate thy Purchafe, and cry, My Lord, and my God. 
 1 confide in a Sin -pardoning God, and reft on his Pro- 
 mife to me, thro* Chrift's Blood and Merit, for Life 
 and Salvation. And tho' Clouds arife, and he fhould 
 threaten even to flay me, yet I will truft in him, as 
 one that loved me y an i gave him fe If for me. 
 
 Objefl. But doth not the calling Sinners to fuch 
 appropriating Acts of faith, encourage the prefump- 
 tuous Confidence of Hypocrites to call God their 
 God, like Balaam, Num. xxii. 1 8. and to continue 
 in Sin ? Anpiu, No ; thele Gofpel- calls do encourage 
 Sinners to love God, to repent and leave their Sins ; 
 tor till we believe, and tafte fbmething of God's Love 
 to us, we cannot love him, nor turn to him, I John 
 iv. ro. We love him , becauCe he fir ft loved us. And 
 the Abufe or Preemption of Hypocrites muft not hin- 
 der the publifhing of free Goipel-offers and Promifes. 
 
 Again, the appropriating Faith of Believers hum- 
 bles the Creature, deftroys Self-confidence, purifies 
 
 the 
 
our Duty and Interejl. n* 
 
 the Heart, draws forth the Soul in Love to God, and 
 Hatred to Sin : whereas the Preemption of Hypocrites 
 hath no fuch Effects. 
 
 It is the Duty then of every Man, that hath Chrift 's 
 Love offers tendered to him, to repent and believe the 
 Gofpel, to lee his loft State in Adam, and his Need 
 of Chrift, to be well pleafed with this Gofpel -device, 
 receive Chrift in all his Offices, to truft in him as bis 
 Saviour, and thereupon believe that his Sins are for- 
 given thro' Chrift's Blood ; and fo perfuade and af- 
 iure himfelf that Chrift is his, that he died for him, 
 and that he (hall have Life and Salvation thro* him. 
 This Perfuafion and Affurance being mo ft necelTary to 
 the fpiritual Lire, it is the great Duty of every one 
 to prefs forwards in the Acts of Faith, until they at- 
 tain it, Faith being (till weak and lame without it. 
 But feeing many Believers have it not always, thro' 
 prevailing Doubts and unbelief, it muft furely belong 
 more to the Perfection of Faith, than to the EfTence 
 of it: Their Cafe is like that of a (hip wrecked Man 
 that hath got hold of a Plank, he believes the Plank 
 is fufficient to bear him up, and keep him from fink- 
 ing, but the blowing Storm, and his own Weaknefs, 
 make him doubt if his Grip be faft enough to hold by 
 it* i Indeed, Lord, if thou didft not take fafter 
 
 Grips of me than I do of thee, my weak and flippery 
 finger'd Faith, would foon let thee go ; but I truft 
 not in my Faith, but in thy Faithfulnefs ; I truft not in 
 my Promifes to thee, but in thine tome ; that thou 
 wilt never leave me, nor forfake me. Lord, do as 
 thou haft faid ; be it to me according to thy Word* 
 
 MEDITA^ 
 
114 CtriJPi Love the Cattfe of our Love. 
 
 MEDITATION XXVI. 
 
 From i John iv. 19. 
 IV e love him, becaufe he Jirjl loved us • 
 
 NO Reafon can be given why God loved any of 
 Adanis Race, but only becaule lie loved us: 
 But good Realbns can be given why we love God, 
 both becaule he is infinitely lovely in himfelf, and be- 
 caufe he firft loved us, and before wehad any Thoughts 
 
 of Love to him. O what is our Love, but a (mall 
 
 Stream that flows from and returns again to the O- 
 cean of his Love ! God's Love to us is the Source, the 
 Incentive, the Motive, and moral Gaufe of our Love 
 to him. We can never love God, until fome Rayt 
 of his everlafling Love break out to us ;,for Confci- 
 ence of Guilt, and Fears of Wrath, do rather incline 
 us to hate him, and fke from him as an Enemy, than 
 to love him, and draw near to him ; But the break- 
 ing out of the Beams of God's antieut and prevent- 
 ing Love to us in Jefus Chrift, makes Way for break- 
 ing the Enmity of our Hearts, and bringing in the 
 heavenly Fire of Love to him. The ferious Confi- 
 deration of God's eternal free Love to us, poor, 
 wretched and unlovely Creatures, and his loving us 
 at iuch a Rate, as to leek and court our Love at the 
 Expence of his Son's Blood, is the moft powerful Mo- 
 tive in the World to engage and draw out our Love 
 to him ; and the more we have of the Faith or Feel- 
 ing of this Love, the warmer (till will our Love to 
 him be. God's redeeming Love difplayed to Men 
 doth obfeure all the feeming Glories of this World, 
 as much as the Meridian Sun doth darken Candles or 
 fmaller Fires; and (oon convinces us that there is 
 nothing that deferves our AffecYiousbutGodand Chrift. 
 No Man that ever tafted the Sweetnefs of God's Love, 
 
 but 
 
Chrifi loving its firft, 1 1 £ 
 
 but finds his Heart warmed with Love to him again. 
 A forgiven Soul cannot read his Pardon but with Tears 
 of Love and Joy, aod dill there is much Love where 
 much is forgiven. We love him } becaufe he fir ft loved 
 us. 
 
 Lord, at thy Call, I go to thy Table to admire 
 and give Thanks for God's preventing Love vented 
 to Man in the Council of Peace, the Covenant of Re- 
 demption, in the Incarnation, the Death, the Blood 
 and Righteoufnefs of our God- Redeemer. O Amaz- 
 ing Love ! I admire it in the Autiquity of it; God's 
 Love is from all Eternity ; his Thoughts were long 
 fet upon Man before he had a Being. I admire the 
 Freenefs and undeiervednefs of this Love; there was 
 nothing in Man to engage his Love ; he faw nothing 
 in him but Poverty, Debt, Impotency, and Defor- 
 mity ; yea, Man was fo far from deferving any Love, 
 from God, that he deferved all Hatred, as being 
 lothfome and full of Enmity; having razed out the 
 Image of God, and got Satan 9 s fet up in its Room ! 
 Yet, even then, God loved him (o, as to give his dear- 
 ly beloved Son to die for him, O, did God love Man 
 when utterly unworthy of his Love ! and (hall not 
 we love God, who infinitely defer ves all our Affection ^ 
 as being in him'eif entirely amiable, and altogether 
 lovely ; and like ways as affectionate to us, as he is 
 
 lovely in himfelf ! — -Lord Jefus, I admire the 
 
 Strength and Ardency of thy Love ! Many Waters of 
 Affliction did not quench it, and the Floods of Wrath 
 that went over thee could not drown it ! Strong was 
 that Love that made thee engage, and carried thee 
 through infuffering the Pains both of the firft and fe- 
 cond Death in our (lead i Oh, I am afhamed and af- 
 flicted for my little Love to thee ! 1 marvel at the 
 
 Conftancy and Stedfaftnefs of thy Love, that it con- 
 tinues firm to thy People from everlafting to everlaft- 
 ing ; and that it is never altered by all the unkind Re- 
 turns, Provocations, and Ingratitude thou meets with 
 
 P 2 from 
 
1 1 6 engageth us to love him. 
 
 from then* 1 wonder at the Fruits and EffeeTs of 
 
 thy Love ! O how great ! how iweet ! how nume- 
 rous ! Who can value or fei them forth ? Such as, 
 44 Quenching the Fire of Juftice, dilarming the Law 
 u of its Curies, bruifing tne Serpent's Head, paying 
 4i Believers Debt, obtaining for them Regeneration, 
 " Pardon of Sin, Peace with God, Peace with Con- 
 <( fcienee, Peace with Angels, Adoption into God's 
 te Family, Judication, Santtification, all the Gra- 
 " ces of the Spirit, Audience of Prayer, Growth in 
 €i Grace, Comfort in Affliction, a Blefling on all Pro- 
 ** vidences, Perfeverance in Holinefs, the Miniftry of 
 €i Angels, Victory over Death, a happy Refurrecli- 
 €i on, Acquittance at the Tribunal, the beatifick 
 " Vifion, and everlafting Life !" Who can declare 
 the Loving Kindnefs of the Lord ? Who can utter 
 his mighty Acts ? Who can (hew forth all his Praife ? 
 I may fooner fathom the Depth of the Sea, the 
 Breadth of the Earth, or the Height of Heaven, than 
 meafure the Love of God in Chrift ; for it pafTeth 
 Knowledge ! 
 
 Oh, how little do we love him, that loved us firft, 
 
 and loved us at fuch a Rate ! Nay, how unthankful 
 
 are we for all the Inftances and Fruits of his match- 
 
 lefs Love ! How unkind are the Returns we make to 
 
 him for it ! Be aflonijhed ye Heavens at this, and 
 
 be horribly afraid at the Ingratitude of men ! How 
 
 little do we think on redeeming Love, and upon the 
 
 Propitiation provided by God for our Sins ! How 
 
 Jittle do we fpeak of this Lqve, or recommend it to 
 
 thefe who know it not ! How do the fmall Trifles, 
 
 and little Nothings of this World, get more Room 
 
 in our Hearts, than Chrift \ glorious Purchafe ! How 
 
 Jittle Pains are we at to fecure an Interefl in the blef- 
 
 fed Fruits of his Love ! How unwilling are we to go 
 
 into the Terms of redeeming Love, to renounce a 
 
 Covenant of Works, Self-righteoufnefs, darling Sins, 
 
 beleved Idols, ire. How averfe are we to reneunce 
 
 the 
 
% 
 
 Chrift laving us firft } Sec. 117 
 
 the World, deny Self, and to be Debtors wholly to 
 free Grace ! How inclinable are we to fatisfy Confci- 
 ence after Commiflion of Sin, by our own Doings, 
 Onfeflions, Mournings, Reiblutions, ire. without 
 going to the Propitiation provided by the Love of 
 God ! How great is the Liking we have to Sin that 
 kitled the Lamb of God ! How can we fay, we love 
 God that loved us firft, when we hugg his Enemy in 
 our Bofom ! thai my Head were Waters, and my 
 Eyes a Fountain of Tears, that I might weep and 
 mourn day and Night for the ungrateful Requitals of 
 the Sons of Men for the preventing Love of God in 
 Chrift, and the amazing Inltances of it ! 
 
 O that I could fay on good Ground, and from the 
 Bottom of my Heart, I love him that firft loved me. 
 Surely a fineere Love to God and Chrift would be a 
 fure Evidence of God's eternal Love to me ! O that I 
 had the Marks of this- Love, and could fay, My Me- 
 ditations of him arc fweet : I place my Happinefs in 
 his Favour, and the Comfort of all Ordinances in his 
 Prefence : I rejoice in the fiourifhing of his Kingdom, 
 and abhor every Thing that is injurious to him : I 
 efteem Chrift the Mediator, and Gift of God, as mod 
 precioui, with every Thing that belongs to him : I 
 fall heartily in with the Device of redeeming Love 
 forfaving Sinners, and ftudy the Life of Faith on the 
 
 Son of God. I renounce my own Righteoulbeis 
 
 and Strength, and defire always to fay, In the Lord 
 Jefus have I viy Right eoufnefs and Strength. Were 
 this the Language of my Heart, I might appeal to 
 himfelf, and lay, Thou that knoweft ail Things, know- 
 cfl that Hove thee, and defire to render thee Love for 
 Love. 
 
 It would be a great Shame for Believers, if they 
 did not love him that firft loved them, when they 
 were Enemies to him ! Surely they cannot be Belie- 
 vers without Love to him. O for greater and warmer 
 Love to him that firft loved us i Leve is the great 
 
 Qualifi- 
 
1 1 8 Sowing in Tears 
 
 Qualification of the Saints above ; the more Love we 
 have, the liker Heaven we arc, and the meeter to 
 dwell in it. Were it podibie there could be a Man 
 iq Heaven without Love, he would reckon the Place 
 a Hell, and the Work a Torment to him. It is 
 Love that makes fpiritual and heavenly Work de* 
 lightful ; hence Love is faid to be the fulfilling of the 
 Law. If the Love of God be in the Heart, the Law 
 of God is there alio, and the Soul is inclined to all 
 holy Obedience. O may the Love of God in Chrift 
 
 conflrain me to live to him that died for me. 
 
 Have I ieen the aftonifhing Love of God in parting 
 with his dear Son to fave me ? O let that Love con- 
 drain rae to part with all my Sins and Idols for 
 
 him. Have I fecn the dear Son's amazing Love 
 
 in bleeding to Death on the curfed Tree, to fave me 
 from lying in Hell for ever ? O let me never again 
 
 wittingly walk in the Road that leads to it. Have 
 
 I feen him ftruggling in an Agony to open Heaven's 
 Gates for me I O let me never turn my Back on Hea- 
 ven, and tell him thereby he might have faved his 
 Labour. O let his boundlefs Love warm my Heart 
 more and more with Love to him ! May the Charms 
 of his Love triumph overall the Charms of Sin's Plea- 
 fures and Satan $ Devices, and kindle fuch a Fire of 
 Love in my Heart, as will burn up all my Lufts like 
 Stubble. Amcu* 
 
 MEDITATION XXVIL 
 
 From Pfal. cxxvi.y. 
 They that fozu in Tears, jhall reap in Joy. 
 
 H E fowin£ Time of God's People i« all here, 
 
 but their leaping Time is but partly here, and 
 
 far more fully hereafter. Here they fow very much 
 
 T 
 
brings reaping in Joy. 1 1 9 
 
 5n Tears ; there is Need for it : This Seed-time is the 
 mod promifing of any. Mei love a dry Seed-time, 
 but God loves wet Seed-times bed ; A wet Towing 
 Time doth promi.'e a Harved of Joy, whereas a dry 
 one portends a Harveft of Sorrow. JVo to them that 
 laugh now, they Jball weep. If Men do not begin • 
 with Tears, they (hall end with them ; if they weep 
 not now, they mail weep and wail, and gnafli their 
 
 Teeth hereafter. Godly weeping is a good Sign 
 
 offpirituai Life. If a Child, when born, was heard 
 cry, it is reckoned a legal Proof of its living ; but if 
 not, it is accounted dill-born or dead. Alas, the 
 Number of dill- born Children in the Church is great ! 
 few are heard cry or feen weep, in a godly Sort, if 
 
 compared with thefe who do not. There be many 
 
 who pour out Tears on worldly Occafions, but few 
 on fpiritual Accounts. If a Child die, we can mourn 
 and weep over him, but who mourns for Chrift as 
 for an only Son ? Who weeps for Sin that pier- 
 ced him ? Oh, how little are we afFeeled with 
 the Sufferings of our dear Redeemer ! Our Ears are 
 i'o accudomed to the hearing of ChriiVs Love, his 
 Agonies, his Wounds, his Blood, his Death, that 
 they are become Words of a common Sound, and 
 make little Impreflion on us, tho' they be the moft 
 awful and moving Things that ever the "Worlc^heard 
 
 of. ~— Thou, Lord, art prefent at Sacraments, 
 
 thou obferveft our Tears, and corned with thy Bottle 
 to receive and preferve them ; but, oh, how empty 
 is it of Tears, for the mod part, of Gofpel hearers! 
 and how few are the Tears which are dropt in it by 
 Communicants themfelves ! 
 
 Lord, I am.afhamed of the Hardness and Uncon- 
 cernednefsof my Heart, and the woful Dryness of my 
 Eyes ! Shall the Rocks about jcrufilem rend looner 
 at drift's Sufferings than my rocky Heart ? Shall 
 others weep and (ow in Tears, when Chrid's Wounds 
 and Blood are let before tl^rr? ar.-d I continue ftupid 
 
I 20 Sowing in Tears 
 
 and hardned ? Shall the Hiftory of Jofeph in the Pit 
 move my Heart more than that of Chrift upon the 
 Crofs ? Lord, look upon my ftony Heart with Pity, 
 look it into Streams of penitential Tears, give me 
 fuch a Look as thou gaveft Peter when he denied 
 thee ; a Look that may caufe me weep, and weep 
 bitterly at the Remembrance of my Sins that pierced 
 thee. If I have not openly denied my Saviour, lurely 
 I have (hamefully forgot him, and fo Waken him in 
 my Heart : I have had a deep Hand in all his Suffer- 
 ings. When my dear Lord was in the Garden fweat- 
 ing Blood, neither Jew nor G entile 9 Judas nor Pilate , 
 were there to caufe it ; but oh my Unbelief, my Pride, 
 my Carnality, my Hypocrify, my finful Words and 
 Aclions were there, and with their Weight prefled 
 him to the Ground, and brought that fearful Agony 
 and Sweat upon him. My DiiTimulation was the 
 Traitor's Kifs, my Ambition the thorny Grown, my 
 drinking up Iniquity like Water, the Portion of Gali 
 and Vinegar; my Want of Tears caufed him fhed 
 both Tears and Blood ; my forfaking God made him 
 to be forfaken of God ; my Soul's being exceeding 
 guilty, made his Soul exceeding heavy ! Oh, what 
 means then the Hardnefs of my Heart, and Drynefs 
 of my Eyes, when thefe Things are fet before me [ 
 Is it that weeping is defigrted for me hereafter, where 
 Tears (hall never be dried ap I Lord, fave me, for 
 Chrift's Sake, from Sell's Tears, and give Grace to 
 prevent them by fowing in Tears now in the proper 
 Sea ( bn. 
 
 So long as I am in the Valley of Tears, there are 
 many Reafons for (owing the Seed of Tears. I fee 
 many Grounds for them, may a Glance of them be 
 the Means of melting my Heart, and filling my Eye* 
 
 With Tears. Tears for my woful Apoftacy from 
 
 God in <4da?n y whereby I am banifhed from God, 
 have loft his Image and Countenance, and am fallen 
 
 under his Wrath and Curie. Tears for the woful 
 
 Cozv 
 
brings reaping in Joy. 121 
 
 Corruption of my Nature, my Enmity againil God, 
 and the manifold Plagues of my Heart, as Atheifm, 
 Ignorance, Pride, Unbelief, Hardnej}, Hypocrijy, For- 
 
 maiity, &c- Tears for the Sins of my Life, open 
 
 and fecret, of Omiflion and Commiflion, of Light 
 and Ignorance, which are more in Number than the 
 Hairs of my Head, and many of them very heinous 
 because of ieveral Aggravations ; of all which I may 
 have an affecling View, by reading our Larger Cate- 
 
 chiim upon the Ten Commandments. 'Tears upon 
 
 the Remembrance of Chrift's Love, in fuffering and 
 dying in my Room, to warn away my Sins and fave 
 me from Hell. Surely the Thoughts of this Love 
 may inflame the coldeft Breaft, melt the harden: 
 Heart, and make the dried Conftitution run down 
 with Tears. It was this that made Mary Magda- 
 len '$ Eyes gufh out fo plentifully with Tears of Love 
 and Joy, as were enough to wafh her Saviour's Feet.-- 
 Tears for the Abufe of God's Fatherly Goodnefs, Mer- 
 cy, and Patience towards me, a finful Hell-deferving 
 Creature. This Confideration melted the Prodigal's 
 Heait, and made him cry, Father, I have finned a* 
 galnjl Heaven, and in thy Sight, and am no more wor- 
 thy to be called thy Son. David's undeferved Kindnefs 
 made even a hard-hearted Saul to lift up his Voice 
 and weep, and will not God's Kindnefs, which is in- 
 finitely greater and freer, make me drop fome filent 
 Tears at his holy Table ? — Tears, becaufe of the 
 Frowns of my heavenly Father, the Tokens of his 
 Difpleafure, his Chafti'ements, and even his Chidings 
 and taking the Rod at me : Thefe will melt the 
 Heart of a Child whofe Nature is kindly and ingenu- 
 ous, while the Stubborn will ftand it againft many 
 Strokes. David, tho' a Man of the greateft: Valour 
 ~gainft his Enemies; yet when he law God was an- 
 gry with him in Abfakm\ Rebel iion, he wept like a 
 Child before the Enemy while going up Olivet, 2 Sam. 
 xv. 30, and feemed to have no Courage at all*— 
 
 0. Agiin, 
 
122 Sowtng in Hears 
 
 Again, I ought to low in Tears for the Dhhonou/* 
 done to God by the Sins of others ; and elpccialiy 
 when damnable Herefies and Blafpbemies are vented 
 againft God. And like wile Tears for the Miferies 
 and perifhing Condition of others. And efpecially 
 Tears of Sympathy with God's People in Affliction. 
 Fori read of Chriii himfelf, David, Hezekich, J0J7- 
 ah, Jeremiah, and other Saints fowing luch Tears. 
 Well then may this World be called a Valley of 
 Tears. 
 
 BeGdes all thefe, it is well pleaGng to God when 
 Chriftians (bvv Tears of Tendernels in renewing Co- 
 venant with him, in Prayer, in hearing the Word, 
 in communicating and commemorating the Death 
 and Sufferings of Ch rift fer their bins. This 1 aft is 
 a fpecial Seafon for lowing Tears, according to Zech. 
 xii. 10. O fhall Chriftians be more fparing of their 
 Tears for Chrift, than Chrift was of his Blood for 
 them ? We cry out againft the Jews and Romans as 
 hard-hearted Men for piercing (Thrift, and being un- 
 concerned at his Sufferings. But what fbfter are our 
 Hearts, if we can lee how our Sins put him to Death, 
 and not be grieved nor weep ? Lord, lend thy Spirit 
 to touch my Heart, and then it will melt into a 
 Stream of Tears for Sin, that euifed Thing that but- 
 chered the Lamb of Gcd. O let this be my weeping 
 Time, and Seed Time of Tears, that hereafter I may 
 reap in Joy. Alas, my Seed Time is fcrimp and in- 
 fignificant, O let not my Harveft be proportioned to 
 if — Lord, tho' I have not Tears enough with Mary 
 to wafh thy Feet, yet thou haft Blood enough to wafh 
 my Feet, my Heart, my Hands, my Tears, and all 
 my Duties, and to make me and them acceptable and 
 favoury to God, fo that I may reap in Joy with his 
 People above, and (land there as a Monument of free 
 Grace for ever. 
 
 Many after fowing the precious Seed of Tear* at 
 Communion Seafood have even had their reaping 
 
 / Timer. 
 
brings reafing in Joy* 123 
 
 Times here below, as an Earneft and firftFruits of the 
 full Harveft above. Lord, make me acquaint both 
 with the (owing and reaping of penitent Believers in 
 this World, that I may have good Hope, through 
 Grace, of fharing with them in the Harveft of Glory 
 hereafter, even the full Enjoyment of God in Heaven, 
 eternal Communion with the glorious Trinity, with 
 the Saints and holy Angels. Let me know what it 
 it, after a Seed Time of Tears, to reap even in Or- 
 dinances here below, the clearing of my Evidences 
 of Grace, and the Evidences of my Intereft in Chrift, 
 and in the well ordered Covenant. Let me reap the 
 lifting up of the Light of thy Countenance upon me, 
 which will put more Joy in my Heart than World- 
 lings have when they reap Corn and Wine in the 
 greateft Plenty. Let me fee my Name written in 
 Heaven before I go thither, that my Paffage may be 
 
 joyful in the midft of Tears.— Let me reap even 
 
 here new Supplies of Grace, Strength to bear CrofTes, 
 and refill Temptations; give me gracious Returns of 
 Prayer, and Victory over my Corruptions, that I 
 may fing with the Pfalmift, Pfal. cxxxviii. 3. In the 
 Day when 1 cried, thou anfweredji .me ; and flrength* 
 nedjl me with Strength in my Soul. 
 
 MEDITATION XXVIII. 
 
 From Rev. i. j\ 
 
 Unto him that loved us, and vjajbed us from 
 our Sins in his own Blood. 
 
 THE Love of Chrift in becoming Man, and (bed- 
 ding his Blood to ranfom and fave Sinners of 
 Mankind will be the eternal Song of the Redeemed 
 above, and why fhould they not begin this Song here 
 kdow !— _;sever was their fuch Matter for Songs 
 
 0.2 Of 
 
1^4 Chrift*s free Love m 
 
 of Praife as the unfathomable Love of Jefus. His Name 
 is Love ; and therefore it is to me as Ointment pour- 
 ed forth. I'll remember his Love more than Wine. 
 His Nature is Love , his Words and Actions were 
 Love; he preached and practiied Love ; he lived in 
 
 Love, was fick of Love, and died for Love. O 
 
 what Thoughts (hould I have of this free and unde- 
 served Love of the glorious Son of God, who was 
 intreated by no Man, and even hated of all Men ; 
 yet in his free Love intreats and undertakes for Man, 
 faying, Tho' he be my Enemy, I'll be both his Surety 
 and Sacrifice, Til drink the Cup of Wrath, be made Sin 
 and a Curfe for him. I'll pour out all my Blood and 
 
 die fov him. O how (hall I ipeak of this aftonifhing 
 
 Love to thy Enemies ! To have fpared our Lives had 
 been great Mercy, but to give thy Life for ours is 
 
 Love unfpeakablel Oh J Lord, thou haft found 
 
 me in my Enmity, and loved me ! When my Hand 
 was lifted up againft thee, thy Arms were open to 
 -embrace me! Nay, thou haft opened thy loving Heart 
 to fhelter Rebels who trode thee ui^er Foot ! Thy 
 Heart burned with Love lo them who cruelly pierced 
 it ! Thy Bowels yeavned towards theie that raked in 
 them with Bloody Hands! Surely Eternity itfelfwill 
 be ihort enough to celebrate the PraHes of our glo- 
 rious Immanuety who loved us, and wafhed us from 
 our Sins in his own Blood. Worthy is our flain bleed- 
 itog Lamb of eternal Hallelujahs from Men and An- 
 gels. Lord fit my Heart for thefe new Songs. 
 
 O never was there (uch a Miracle of condefcend- 
 ;ing Love to the Sens of Men, as this of the eternal 
 Son of God, his becoming Man to fuffer Hell for them, 
 and pour out his Blood to wafli them from Sin that 
 kindles Hell-fire againft them. Glory to the Lamb 
 for his Fire-quenching Blood, and for his preventing 
 Love that kept me from feeling of this Fire ! O how 
 would this Love have affeded me, if Juftice had fent 
 rr.e to Hell; and kept me there one Year, or on? 
 
 Month, 
 
fie deling his Blood for us. \2$ 
 
 Month, or but one Day ! Surely, one Day in Hell 
 would have made me prize and praiie redeeming Love 
 and redeeming Blood at another Kate than now 1 do. 
 
 Or had 1 feen the Damned in tneir Mifery defpa- 
 
 ring and without Hope ! Or had 1 leen my agonizing 
 Saviour in the Garden fweating Blood for rue ; or 
 feen him dying on the Crofs, pouring it out at £ve 
 big Wounds to the very lafl Drop to waihaw^v Sin ! 
 O would not I then have valued the great Remedy 
 
 and Salvation he now tenders to me ! And is not 
 
 all this which now I hear in the Word, and lee re- 
 presented in the Sacrament, as true, as reai and cer- 
 tain, as if I had leen it with my Eyes ? 
 
 And now when I go to behold Chrift dying and 
 bleeding in this holy Reprelentation, even the Lamb 
 of God lacrificed and ilaughtered for my Sins ; Lord, 
 touch my Heart that it may be iuitably affected with 
 the Si^ht, fo as intenfclv to love mv bieiTed Saviou 
 
 and to hate my curled Sins. O how ihould I, at 
 
 this Occafion be covered with Shame and lathe my 
 (kif, who have both procured the Death of Chriit by 
 Sin, and finned again ft his Death, by flighting his 
 
 Blood and neglecting his great Salvation £>jh ! lam 
 
 chargeable both with the Guilt or' ChriiVs Blood, 
 and of murdering my own Soul. — O pardon and de- 
 liver vie from Biood-giulimefs, Godj (h:u G:d of 
 my Sahatio/i. 
 
 My Sins have indeed (bed the Blood of Chrift, but 
 Lord, impute not the Guilt, but the. Merit of this 
 
 Blood to me. Lord, what Profit is there in mv 
 
 Blood . ? Surely the lead Drop of thy dear Son's Blood 
 is of more Value than a Sea of mine. A whole Sea 
 of it can't wafh away or.e Sin, but Lord thou called 
 me to look unto the Lamb's Blood that ta'^es away 
 
 the Sins of a World. Oh, is not this Blood more 
 
 powerful to wanh me, than my Sins are to defile me ? 
 U not its Virtue as frefh ft ill as when it dropped from 
 his Wounds en the Tree, or in the Day whe: 
 FJ€4llied 3000 at once : Is not thy Son's Blood a lufi 
 
 fit,. 
 
126 Chrifis free Love, &cc. 
 
 ficient Satisfaction for all my Sins, a full Price for my 
 Redemptiou ? — O my Soul, thou art now near the 
 blefTed Remedy tor thy Guilt and Pollution, this is 
 the only Well of Salvation and Fountain of Life ! O 
 canlt thou iee Chrift's Blood running, and not defire 
 to be bathed in it i Now the cleanfing and healing 
 Streams run on both Sides of the Table ; now let me 
 apply and live, let me bring all my Sores and Plagues 
 to the Streams, my blind Eyes, my deaf Ears, my 
 weak Hands, my feeble Knees, my hard Heart, my 
 <old Affections, my unbelieving and doubting Mind, 
 my leprous and unclean Soul. Lord, this Blood has 
 warned away the Plagues, Spots and Stains of many 
 Thoufands, who are now praifing the Lamb for it ; 
 Oh, let me be joined to the number, that I may alfo 
 fing to him that loved and warned me. 
 
 O bleeding Lamb, if thou wiit y thou canfl make vie 
 clean ; O let that Blood which gufhed from thy 
 Heart and Side, but drop on my Soul, and it will 
 
 cleanfe me from all Sin. And when thou are pleafed 
 
 to come to me in the Sacrament in Streams of Blood, 
 O raiie me up, that I may meet thee with Streams of 
 Tears, Tears of Repentance, Love and Gratitude. 
 O let me not be more (paring of my Tears for Chrift, 
 than he was of his Blood for me. Dav'td\ Kindnefe 
 made even a hard hearted Saul lift up his Voice and 
 weep, and will not Chrift's Kindnefs, which is inn> 
 nitely greater, make me drop at leaft fome fi.lent Tears i 
 
 O how dreadful a Thing muft it be to reject this 
 Remedy ! Surely Juftice will not (pare them that 
 trample under Foot the Blood of the Son of God : If 
 Jullice was inexorable when he himfelf prayed, if if 
 be pojjible, Ul this Cup pafs ; how will he fpare me, or 
 •hear the Cry of thofe who reject his Blood and Sacri- 
 fice f How is it potTible that the Cup of Wrath can 
 pafs from them who do it ? No, they muft drink it 
 for ever tkemfelves ! Lord fave me from rejecting thrs 
 Biocd. / believe ? LorJ, help my Unbelief 
 
 MED1T4- 
 
The penitent Prodigal, &c. 1 27 
 
 MEDITATION XXIX. 
 
 From Luke xv. 18, 19. 
 
 Father, I have finned againfl Heaven, and 
 before thee, and am no more worthy to he 
 called thy Son, make me as one, Sec. 
 
 FATHER: Ah, I may be aihamed to call thee fo> 
 confidering what a difobedient and unthankfu 
 Child I have been. I am a moil wretched Prodigal, 
 I left thy Houie and Prefence and went into a tar 
 Country ; far from thee, my Biifs and Happinels. 
 Eut now, Father, behold me defiring to come tack 
 as a poor penitent, mourning and returning Prodigal. 
 I come from afar Country indeed, I come from the 
 Land of Sin and Darknefs ; I come from the Frontiers 
 of Hell, from the very Borders of the 6uraing Lake ! 
 Ah, foolifli Creature that I am, How have I forfaken 
 thee the Fountain of living Waters ! How fond have 
 I been of broken Cifierns, and in love with filthy 
 Puddles ? O the Bafenefs, the Difi ngenaity, the In- 
 gratitude that I have been guilty of. I ha\e refilled 
 thy Power, defpiied thy Wifdom, undervalued thy 
 Goodnefs ! Father of Mercies, I now lee what an e* 
 vil Thing and bitter it is to forlake the Lord. Holy 
 Lord Jejtis, I now lee what Indignities I have done 
 againfl thee ! Thy blefied Body was dreadfully torn 
 with Nails upon the Crois, and thy precious Blood in- 
 humanly fpilt by thy Crucifiers ! But Oh I have not 
 I occafioned more Grief and Sorrow to thee by my 
 manifold Sins againfl Light and Love } They crucifi- 
 ed thee but once, but I have crucified thee Day after 
 Day ! They crucified thee becaulc they knew thee 
 not; but I have known thee what thou art in thdelf, 
 the Lord of Glory; and what thou art to ?ne, a ten- 
 der and merciful Father ; yet I have cojuiuued tocru- 
 
 off 
 
128 The penitent Prodigal, 
 
 cify thee afrefh. — O holy Spirit, I have refitted thy 
 Strivings, quenched thy Motions, demolifhed thy 
 Work, and put thee away grieved. But, Lord, I 
 condemn my Folly, and ice my Mifery. Oh, what 
 have I gained by offending thee? nothing but Shame 
 and Confufion, Fear Trembling and Horror! Owhat 
 Fruit had I in thefe Things whereof I am now a- 
 fliamed! 
 
 But, Father, I have heard of thy Compaflions to 
 the guilty when they confels and forfake and turn to 
 thee : Wherefore tho' J am afhamed like the Publican 
 to lift up my Eyes to Heaven ; yet let me with humble 
 Magdalene come behind thee weeping, and wafh thy 
 Feet with my Tears, and kils them. And let me hear 
 the News of Pardon from thy Mouth. Thoucameft, 
 Lord, not to call the Righteous, but Sinners to Re- 
 pentance ; and of thefe i am chief. Lord, I am 
 
 full of Di'eafes, full of Wounds, full of Piague-fores, 
 full of Weaknefs and Infirmities, full of Sins and Pol- 
 lutions. Here, Lord, is Work for thy ftrong Hand, 
 Work for thy Wonder-working Blood, O ftretchout 
 
 thy Hand and fave. Father, I a?:i no ??iore worthy 
 
 to be called thy Soft, wake me as one of thy hired Ser- 
 vants-; and thou knowefr. no Hire, no Wages will fa- 
 tisfy me but thylelf ; Lord, give me thy (elf, be thou 
 my exceeding great Reward. 
 
 Lord, I am fo vile a Creature, that I may fear to 
 come and preient a Petition to thee upon the Knee, 
 and far more to come and fit down with thee at thy 
 Holy Table : If John Bapti/l, a Saint of the firft 
 Magnitude, thought himfelf not worthy to (loop down 
 and loole the Latchet of thy Shoes, (hall I, who am 
 loaden with Sins, adventure to that holy Feaft, where 
 
 .Angels wait as miniltring Spirits ? But, Lord, in 
 
 thy CompaJlion receive me, that comes nottoe\cufe, 
 b:it to accule my'elf, with Kyes ca(t down, fmiting 
 on my Bre^it with the Publican, Lord, he mercifu. 
 rrtt a Su.ntr, Thou didft s*racioufly accept of the 
 
 * Publi- 
 
his humble Confejfion. 1 29 
 
 Publican's Prayer, of Mary Magdalene's Tears, the 
 Faith of the Thief on the Crofs, the Repentance of 
 Peter, and of thefe that crucified thee. By thefe In- 
 ftances of thy Mercy, I am encouraged to draw near 
 to thee ; O fend me not away empty, left I faint by 
 the Way ; but fatisfy my needy Soul with the r ood 
 of thy heavenly Banquet, that I may receive fpiritual 
 Strength and Nouriihment to eternal Lire. 
 
 Lord, hear my Cry, and hide not thy Face from me r 
 "When Manaffch cried to thee, thou had ft refpect to 
 his Prayer : When the Ninivites humbled thcmfelves 
 before thee, thou waft intreated ; yea, thou invited 
 the molt crimfon and fcarlet coloured Sinners, to come 
 and reafon with thee, and alTures them, thou wilt 
 
 caft out none that come. Many Thoufands, who 
 
 have experienced the Truth of thy Word, are, at 
 this Hour, Gnging thy Praifes, and exalting thy free 
 Grace. Lord, do thou make me alio a Monument 
 of thy free Grace to ail Eternity. 
 
 Ah, I may beamamedto fpeak of Mercy and Grace, 
 who have fo long abufed thy Grace, and trampled on 
 the Blood that fhould lave me. O that I could mourn 
 and weep all my Life for it. Oh, what (hall I do 
 with my ftony Heart that will not break and melt 
 for abufing God's Mercy, and trampling Chrift's 
 Blood ! Oh, fhalll mourn and weep for a dead corpfe, 
 or departed Friend, and not mourn for a dead Heart, 
 or for God's departing from me ! Shall the dear Son 
 of God weep, fweat, and bleed for us ; and we not 
 weep for ourfelves, or for our Sins, that pierced his 
 Head with Thorns, his Hands with Nails, and his 
 Side with a Spear, and his Heart with Sorrows. 
 Lord Jefus, I look to thee for a penitent Heart, fee- 
 ing thou tells me, thou art exalted for this very End, 
 to give Repentance to lfraeL 
 
 Lord, what is Man that thou art ?nindful of him P 
 and what am I, the unworthieft of Men, that thou 
 faouldfr call me to fit with thy Children at thy Table, 
 
 R who 
 
1 30 The Remembrance of ChriJPs Lois 
 
 who am unworthy as a Dog to creep under it ; yea, 
 calieft me to cat the Bread of Angels, who am not 
 
 worthy to eat the Bre d of Men ? Amazing 
 
 Love ! that God mould court thole to Obedience, 
 whom he can peremptorily command to it ; aud, in 
 «dfe Of Oilobedience, punilh inltantiy in Hell j that 
 he (hould take poor Slaves, condemned to the Prifon? 
 of Hell, and mike them crowned Kings hi Heaven ; 
 that he fliould not only be willing to dwell in Flefh, 
 but alio to give bs this Flefh for our Food ; that he 
 ftonld not only lave us from Hell, but even leave his 
 Throne in Heaven, and tofe his Life on Earth, to 
 enthrone us in his Kingdom 1 Thefe are Prodigies cf 
 Love, which (hould engage us to love our Saviour, 
 
 and mourn for Sin while we live. Lord Jefus, pity 
 
 a relenting, returninc; Prodigal, take him home, and 
 imkeh'm thy Servant tor ever. It is hio'hly jult. that 
 I (hould offer up myfelf a living Sacrifice to my Re- 
 deemer, who offered up him elf a dying Sacrifice for 
 m y Redemption. 
 
 MEDITATION XXX 
 
 From Song i. 4. 
 We will remember thy Love. — — 
 
 I Go, bltfTed Je'bs, at thy Call to remember thy 
 Love at thy holv Table; thy Words have an 
 awful Sound in my Ears, Do this in Remembrance .of 
 Tne. I lee much in them, in Obedience to them I'll 
 do thh in Remerr.brrnce of thy dwelling in Flefh 
 Memory of thy Love that carried thee to the Man- 
 ger, to the Garden, and to the Crofs for me ; in Me- 
 mory of the infinite Price of thy Blood which tho»i 
 dicft (bed ; in Memory of the Victory obtained by it 
 •ver the Etfc&ies of my Soul ; ia Memory of the De- 
 livery. 
 
Jhould ajfeft our Hearts. 131 
 
 liverance from Wrath, and the immortal Glory thou 
 haft purchafed by it for me \ Tho' thou didfl die and 
 lie in the Grave, yet thy Love (hail ever live in my 
 Heart. Glory to thee, thou art now alive in Hea- 
 ven ; O come and live with me ; let never thy Love 
 !>e one Moment out of my View. I blefs thee for 
 this lading Memorial of thy Love. 
 
 I look on this Sacrament as no real or proper Si* 
 crifice, as many do, but only as a Reprefentation or 
 Commemoration of the real Sacrifice Chrift offered 
 on the Oofs. I do no more at the Lord's Table, 
 than what Chrift did at it : Since he offered no Sacri- 
 fice at the Table, neither do I : He only did comme- 
 morate that Sacrifice he was going to offer, and the 
 fame, and no more do L If any mould fay that Chrift 
 offered a real Sacrifice, when he inftituted this Sacra- 
 ment, then the Oblation on the Crols would have been 
 fuperfluous,becaufe Sinners would have been redeemed 
 by that of the Supper which went before. 
 
 Now is the Time for a fojemn Commemoration of 
 thy Love : Oh, (haft I be unmindful of thy Love at 
 this Fealt, when thou waft lb mindful of me at it, 
 made thy Teftament, pi^t me in it, and left me pre- 
 cious Legacies to cauie me remember thee, fuch as 
 Life and Light, Pardon and Peace, Righteoufnefsand 
 
 Strength, Grace and Glory. O how heroick, how 
 
 generous and free is thy Love to finful Worms ! We 
 had done nothing to oblige thee ; nothing faweftthou 
 in us to engage thy Love to us ; but much didft thou 
 fee in us to incenfe thee againft us. When we were 
 without Strength, ungodly Sinners, and Enemies, 
 thou lovedftus, and diedft for us. Greater Lavs hath 
 no Man than this, to lav down his Life for his Friends ; 
 but far greater Love hath God-man, who laid down 
 his Life for his Enemies! O what (hall I think of this 
 Love ! It had been wonderful Love in an Angel to 
 have ftooped to be united to a Lump of Earth, and 
 therein furfered for us, tho* it could not have paid our 
 
 R 2 Debt. 
 
132 The Remembrance of Cbrijl's Love 
 
 Debt. But, O my Soul, here is one more valuable 
 than all the Angtls in Heaven, that has (looped to 
 do it ! The Word was made Flejh aiiddwelt among us I 
 When I was like Jfaac bound on the Altar, he free- 
 ly offered himfelf to be made a Sacrifice to fatisfy 
 Jultice for me, Father , faid he, lo I eouie, to do thy 
 Will I take Delight ! 
 
 Remember this Love, O my Soul, the Son of God 
 is become the Son of Man for thee, that thou mihgteft 
 be railed to the Dignity of a Son of God ! H§ that 
 was infinitely rich, for my Sake became poor, that 
 I, a poor naked Creature, might become rich and 
 well clothed. How can I look on the Incarnation 
 and Birth of my Redeemer, and not remember his 
 Love with Wonder ! Can I behold the Manger his 
 .Red, and not adore the Love that brought him to ly 
 in it ? O how low were the Circum (lances of the 
 Heir of Heaven, when he came to (ojourn on Earth, 
 who had neither a Houfe to live in, nor an Eftafe to 
 live upon, but mud be fubfifted by the Hofpitality of 
 others, and frequently his Fare was very mean ! Ama- 
 zing Prodigy of Divine Love ! God (loops to dwell 
 in Kiefn, and gives us his Flefh to i'ted upon in the 
 Sacrament ! He not only pardons our Sins, andfaves 
 us from Hell; but leaves his Throne in Heaven, lofes 
 his Life on Earth, and wades thro 5 Hell to enthrone 
 us in rrs Kingdom, and make us crowned Kings for 
 ever. BleiTed be the Lord that gives me a Commu- 
 nion-Sabbath to remember this Love! What (hall I 
 render to thee for it ? A Day of glad Tidings ! Thou 
 Iiaft often, on iuch a Day, vifited the Earth and 
 watered it, and made it rich with thy Showers ! May 
 thy Grace and Spirit diop on us this Day, like Rain 
 on the mown Gra!s. 
 
 Lord, I am not worthy to touch the Threfhold of 
 thy Houfe, .and yet thou called me to thy Table ! 
 Kot worthy to (land among thy Servants, and yet 
 thou wouldft have me fit with my Redeemer ! Not 
 
 worthy 
 
Jhould ajfeft our Hearts, 133 
 
 worthy to ly at thy Footftool, and yet thcu wouldft 
 make my Heart thy Throne ! Not worthy to eat the 
 Bread of Men, and yet thcu called me to eat the 
 Bread of Angels ! O Love worthy to be remembered 
 to all Generations ! Lord enlighten my Eyes, and 
 give me a clearer View of thy Love, than ever I got; 
 and while I am muling on it, let the Fire burn ; Q 
 make my Heart burn within me with Lcve to him 
 that loved us. 
 
 O my Soul, confider theGreatnefs of ChriiVs Love 
 in the -Cup he drank for thee ! How legible is it in his 
 Tears and Prayers, his Groans and Cries, his Agony 
 and Sweat, his Wounds and Blood, and all for us P 
 
 let this matchlefs Love beget in me the warmeft 
 
 Love and Affection to him that loved us ! O let 
 
 the Fire of Chrift's Love burn up my Lufts and world- 
 ly Love likeStubhle ; and removethe Coldnefs of my 
 Heart tp him ! Oh, that I could weep bitterly that 
 
 1 cannot bring this vile Heart of mine to love the 
 Lord Jefus more ! Oh, (hail I throw away my Affec- 
 tions upon every worthlefs Objecl, and yet have none 
 for thelovelieft Object of the whole Creation of God ; 
 and yet One that would needs die for me, to become 
 my Raniom, Sacrifice and Atonement ? Is it the 
 Character of thefe who are Chrift's Spcuie ? Is it the 
 Character of the whole army of Martyrs, and of e- 
 very Believer to Love Chrift, and fhall not I love 
 
 him too ? Oh, the Virgins love thee, the Upright 
 
 love thee ; and every one of them ciy, then whom ?/:y 
 Soul loveih ; and fhaii not I join theie chafte Lovers ? 
 
 Or. (hall I be expolld to the terrible Fate of theie 
 
 who want Love to Chrift . ? I Cor. xvi. 22. If any Mail 
 love not the Lord J--fu$ Chrifl, let him be Anathema, 
 Islaranatha.* — O that 1 could exprels my Love to him 
 in Adorations and Praifes, in defiring his Prefence, 
 loving his Members, promoting his Kingdom on Earth, 
 snd l° n ging to be with him for ever. 
 
 MEBITA- 
 
X 34 Chrifts Wounds made 
 
 MEDITATION XXXI. 
 
 From If a. liii. 5. 
 
 He was wounded for our Tranfgreflions. 
 
 HOW amazing is the Love of God to fallen Man, 
 in taking a body to be pierced and wounded For 
 him ! Man did caft off the Image of his Maker, and 
 became a Rebel and Run- away from God : And, be- 
 hold, his Maker takes on him Man's Image to reftore 
 him again to Favour : Yea, he aflumes our Nature, 
 when at theloweft, thatfo he might Ggh, groan, grieve, 
 weep, (orrow, fweat, bleed and die tor undone Man j 
 and he did this, to raife. him from his miferable State, 
 to a happier Condition than he was in before his Fall. 
 — Had not God become Man, we could not have 
 enjoyed him fo nearly, fo familiarly as we may da? 
 now. The Enjoyment of God as a Redeemer, a 
 Hufband, a Brother, is another Manner of Enjoy- 
 ment of him than of God as a Creator. Tbo* we 
 ruined ourfelves, and fell under Wrath, yet God, by 
 the Incarnation has recovered us, and made us up far 
 above all we had to lofe. But, ere this be done, he 
 mud not only be Man, but he mult be wounded for 
 Sind by Man's Sins ; yea, wounded to Death, an4 
 crucified, before Man could be railed up to live with, 
 God. 
 
 Many, yea innumerable, were the Wounds my 
 God Redeemer received for me ; as, by the Thorns 
 that pricked his Head, by the Pincers that plucked 
 his Hair, by the Scourge that tore and furrowed his 
 Back ; beudes the rive big Wounds made in his Hands 
 and Feet by the four Nails, and in his Side by the 
 Spear ; and the many WounJs given his Soul by the 
 Curfes of the Law. Now, all thele Wounds are open- 
 ed as ib many Mouths to coll lis to flee into them for 
 Safety from the Sword of Juftice.w— Now tliefe 
 
 Wound* 
 
by our cur fed Sins. 1 35 
 
 Wounds were unfpeakably painful, being envenomed 
 by our Sins. Crucifying, in itielf, was an exceeding 
 painful Death ; the four big Nails wneron the Body- 
 hung, pierced the moft finewy and nervous Parts of 
 the Body, and confequently Hioft ienble of Pain: 
 And hence the Romans expreiled Torment by a Word 
 borrowed from the Crofs ; and make Cruciate fignify 
 to Torment* Thus was our innocent Saviour wound- 
 ed on the Crofs, cruciate or tormented, and all to- 
 fave js from eternal Torment. 
 
 Aftonifhing Sihgt ! The eternal Son of God whom 
 all the Angels worfhip, wounded to Death, hung by 
 Nails on a Crois, tortured and racked for feverai 
 Hours ; and, in the mean time, loaded with Reproach 
 and Scorn from thei he died for ! Never iuch a Sight 
 as this! it ftruck Terror in the whole Creation. The 
 Sun hid its Face, and could not behold it, the Vail 
 of the Temple rent in twain, the Earth quaked, 
 the Rocks rent, the Dead were moved, and their 
 Graves opened : And even his Enemies were ftruck 
 with Amazement, and made to (brink, and fay,!Tr///y 
 this was a righteous Per/on ; this v?ai the Son of God. 
 O my Soul, employ all thy Faculties, all thy Thoughts, 
 to ftudy, pore, and penetrate into this awful Subject, 
 it deierves the profoundeft Regard and clofeft Atten- 
 tion : Hence the great Apoftle determined to ftudy 
 and know nothing but it. 
 
 This amazing Tragedy ought to create in me the 
 ■greateftAbhorren.ee of Sin, the Caufe of it. Never 
 can Sin appear more exceeding finfui, and hateful, 
 than in the wounding and crucifying of the Son of 
 Gqjd. Our Tranfgreflions were the Nails and Spear 
 that wounded his facred Body, and the Sword that 
 pierced his Soul. Theie were the ]:>Jc<s that betray* 
 ed him, the Soldiers that bound Kim, blindfolded and 
 mocked him, the Pilat* that condemned him, theiTx- 
 ecutioners that nailed him to the curled Tree : It was 
 Sins that put :he Sword in his Enemies Hanck He 
 
 became 
 
136 Cbriftj Wapitis fhew 
 
 became a Curfe for us. All the Derifion, Mockery, 
 and Contempt ; all the Pain, Suffering and Sorrow- 
 he endured, did proceed from our Sins ; thefe brought 
 
 him to the Crols, and lo the Grave. Let us then 
 
 turn our Hatred, and difebarge our fierceft Indignati- 
 on againft: our Sins, let them be our Averlion and 
 Dread for ever ; let me always look on Sin, that 
 crucified Chrift, with Horror and Trembling. Never 
 luchan Inllance of the Strictness and Severity of God's 
 Juftice, and of his Abhorrence of Sin as here ! He 
 Would not fpare his dear Son, when he flood in the 
 Room of dinners, not fpare him one Stripe or Woundj 
 when he cried ; but let him bleed and die, till Sin 
 was fully attoned for ! Can I fee this and not cry, O 
 curfed Sin ! Murderer of the Son of God ; away with 
 it, away with it; crucify it, crucify it. 
 
 Oh my Soul, fee the Evil of Sin in the Glafs of 
 Chrift's Wounds* and Sufferings in his Body and Soul \ 
 Say, O Sin, what haft: thou done! Thou haft: pro- 
 voked the God of Heaven to fiery Indignation ! Thou 
 haft killed the Prince of Life, turned Angels into 
 Devils, filled the Earth with Troubles, and Hell with 
 precious Souls ! If any Body had killed my Father, 
 would I embrace the Murderer, or love the Dagger 
 that was hefmeared with his Blood ? But what are all 
 my Relations to my Lord, 7nyLove that ivas crucified 1 . 
 O that my Eyes were Fountains of Tears, that I 
 might weep Day and Night for my Sins that flew my 
 Saviour ! Oh, flony Heart, for Shame, become now 
 like Wax, and be melted in the midft: of my Bowels ! 
 Woe's me, that I can grieve no more for my Sins. Let 
 me atleaifc revenge my Saviour's Death upon my Sins, 
 and fuffer them no longer to live in me. 
 
 How dreadful mull the Guilt of thefe be who 
 
 willingly harbour Sin, and delight \a the Murder of 
 
 our Lord ! It is no le* than to ki's the Nails, or to 
 
 the Spear that pierced him. They make that 
 
 their 
 
the grent Evil of Sin. 1 57 
 
 their Joy which made Chrift a Man of Sorrow ! They 
 make light of that which made his Soul heavy unto 
 Death. Oh, have I feen my Saviour bleeding to Death 
 by Sin, and ihall I Jive any longer in Sin that wound- 
 ed him ? When a Temptation to Sin is prefented, (hall 
 i ever difpute any more, whether Chrift or Barabbas 
 mall be preferred ? My Lufts denied, or my Lord cru- 
 cified ? Whether thefe Sins (hail be forfaken by me, 
 that made Chrift to be forfaken of God I Whether 
 that (hall be fweetto me, that was To bitter and dead- 
 ly to him ? Oh, was my lovely Jelus a Man of Sor- 
 rows all his Life, and fometimes made to fay, My Soul 
 is exceeding forrowful ; and (hall not 1 be lorry for, 
 and abhor thefe Sins that caufed all his Sorrows I 
 
 O may the believing View of ChrihVs Wounds and 
 Sufferings which he endured for my Sins, and to fave 
 me from that Wrath which they deferved ; kindle the 
 
 Fire of Love in my Soul to Chrift. Lord, thou art 
 
 the God that wont to anfwer thy People by Fire ; O 
 pity me, and anfwer my Meditations and Prayers, by 
 kindling the holy Fire of Love in my Heart, and let 
 that Fire put out the impure Fire of my Lufts and 
 Corruptions, and infpire me with holy Zeal and Acti- 
 vity in thy Service. O did Chrift freely give himfelf 
 to be a Sin-offering for me ; and (hall not I give my- 
 felf a Thank-offering to him ? Surely it is highly rea- 
 fonable that I mould offer up mylelf a living Sacrifice 
 to my Redeemer, who offered up himfelf a dying Sa- 
 crifice for my Redemption. 
 
 M E D I T A* 
 
138 A crucified Chrifl is 
 
 MEDITATION XXXIL 
 
 From, John vi. 51. 
 
 / am the living Bread that came down from 
 Heaven : If any Man eat of this Bread % 
 be Jhall live for ever. 
 
 CHRIST crucified is our Manna, or heavenly 
 Bread that preierves the Life of the Soul, and 
 
 it is only by Faith it mud be leceived and eaten. 
 
 Bread is a comprehensive Word, including all Things 
 neceifary for this Life ; fo Chrifl:, our ipiritual Bread, 
 is a mod comprehenfive Blefling, including all we 
 want, feeing /v is viade of God to us, Wtfdom, Right e- 
 oufnefs, Sancllfication and Redemption.* Again, 
 
 Bread is the mod neceflary Thing tor our Life, and 
 the want of it brings the greated Mifery ; ib Chrifl: 
 is the mod neceffary Bleffing to the Soul, and the 
 Want of him makes a Man miserable in Time, and 
 thro' Eternity. It is a greater Mifery to have no 
 Saviour for the Soul, than to have no tfread for the 
 Body. Chrifl: alone is the Bread that preierves us 
 from Soul -famine, and nourifheth us to eternal Life ; 
 he is the Bread of Life, the living Bread. Lord, give 
 its ever-more this Bread. 
 
 Bread is called the Staff and Stay of Man's Life ; 
 fo Chrid is the Staff and Stay of our fpiritual Life, 
 lie upholds our Sonls in Life. Keis the Staff that faint 
 and weary Souls mud lean to, in going up thro' this - 
 Wilderneis": Yea, Chrift our living Bread is a Stud' 
 to defehd us, and to beat off our Enemies, and to put 
 all the hellifli Hjds to Flight. That was a ftraugc 
 Dream of one or* the Midi unites, Judg. vii. 13. 7>V- 
 bo/d, a dike of Barley Bread ca?ne tumbling into i 
 Hofi of Midian, andfmote aTent. Strange! a Piece 
 of Bread to overturn a Tent ? Bclx>ld this Drc . 
 
our heavenly Manna . 139 
 
 made good in the Sacrament. The Bread there 
 which reprefents Chriit, when received with Faith 
 upon him, will tumble into the Hod of Satan and 
 his Lufts, thcie Midianites who vex us with their 
 Wiles, (Irike down their Tents, and put them all to 
 Flight. 
 
 Chrift is the Bread that came down from Heaven, 
 of which the IJraelitet Manna, that God fent miracu- 
 loully from Heaven, was an eminent Type. That 
 Manna was God's free Gift to the murmuring and re- 
 bellious Ifrae/ites, to preferve them from Marking in 
 the Defarts where Bread could not be had : This 
 Manna was a curious Grain, that made fine Bread, 
 with which God furnifhed them plentifully every Mor- 
 ning from the Clouds, fufficient to fatisfy 6oo,oco 
 Men. But Chrift, our fpiritual Manna, doth far 
 excel theirs, tho* he was refembled by theirs in fome 
 Things. Manna was firft grinded and beaten, and 
 baken in Ovens, before it was made Bread to them; 
 and fo the Grain which makes our ordinary Bread 
 mud be threfhed, and grinded betwixt two Miilftones, 
 and baken by the Force of Fire, before we eat it : 
 So Chrift, the Antitype, was threfhed and bruifed, 
 and grinded betwixt the Milliiones of Divine Juftice 
 and our Sins, and alio roafted by the Fire of Wrath, 
 that he might be fit Bread for faving the Lives of our 
 Souls ; and all this we mould call to Mind, when we 
 fee and make Uie of the Bread in the holy Supper. 
 
 The Jfraetites Manna came down to them with the 
 Dew ; (b Chrift, with the Benefits of his Purchafe, 
 comes to us by the Dews and Influences of the holy 
 
 Spirit. Their Manna fell round about their Tents, 
 
 and every Man was free to gather it ; fo every Man 
 
 is at Freedom to gather our heavenly Manna.— \ 
 
 The Ifraelites behoved to go out of their Tents to 
 
 gather theirs ; fo God will have us to go forth, and 
 
 at Pains to get our fpiritual Food. God, who 
 
 S 2 ruined 
 
1 40 A crucified Chrijl is 
 
 rained Manna about their Tents, could have rained it 
 into their Mouths ; but he loves not to encourage 
 Sloth in his People, but would have them at all Pains 
 to make fure of Chrift for their Portion. As the lf- 
 raelitds gathered daily, fo we mull be daily going to 
 Chrift, and making Ule of him. As they gathered 
 early in the Morning, fb God would have us feeking 
 after Chi ilt in the Morning of our Lives. 
 
 O how far doth our heavenly Manna excel that of 
 the IJraelites I Theirs but fed the Body, and could 
 riot preferve them from Death at lad; but our Man- 
 na fteds the Soul, and nourifhes to eternal Life, and 
 
 prelerves all that eat of it from eternal Death.- 
 
 Theirs fell not on the Sabbath-day ; nor durlt they 
 go to feek it on that Day ; but ours falls every Day, 
 and double on the Sabbath ; and therefore God calls 
 us to double our Diligence, in gathering it on the 
 
 Sabbath, Their Manna continued only in the Wil- 
 
 dernefs, and ceafed when they came to Canaan ; but 
 ours continueth for ever, and our fullefl Enjoyment 
 of it is in the heavenly Canaan ; and therefore all 
 true Ifraelites long to be there. 
 
 O how lamentable is their Folly, who fpend all 
 their Time and Thoughts in feeking Bread to their 
 Bodies, and are carelels and indifferent about the 
 JBread of Life to their Souls ! All their Care is to 
 iupport the Clay Houfe, but let the Soul ftarve that 
 inhabits it. Oh, it is but fhort Time they can en- 
 joy the Bread they are fo concerned for ; the Bodies 
 they mind fo much, mult foon be Meat for Worms, 
 and the Souls they neglect a Prey for Devils ! 
 
 But, whatever others do, may I be wile to provide 
 the living Bread for my Soul, and learn to eat it, and 
 make Ule of it by Faith, and especially when 1 go to 
 the Lord's Table ; for without Faith we can get no 
 ]S T ourifhment, no Life, nor Strength from this Hea- 
 venly Bread : Faith is the Mouth that eats the Bread 
 pf Life, and fucks Honey out of the Rock. Now, 
 
 the 
 
cur heavenly Manna. 141 
 
 the Spirit of God calls Faith or Believing, an eating, 
 becaufe by it we tafte the Sweetnei's and Excellency 
 of Chrift , and have great Satisfaction in partaking 
 of Chrift and his Benefits. As by eating, our Bo- 
 dies mcreafe in Srength a.-d Stature ; lo by believing 
 our Souls grow in Grace and Spiritual Strength, to run 
 m God's Ways. — As by eating, the Bread incorpo- 
 rates and becomes one with us ; io by our receiving 
 and applying Chrift 's broken Body by Faith, he is 
 
 made one with us, and we one with him. As by 
 
 eating Bread, Men live upon it, and get Support 
 and Strength for working or journeying; io Believers 
 by looking to, and trufting wholly in the Righteouf- 
 neis of Chrift, and the Merit of his Blood, they feed 
 and receive fpiritual Nourifhment, and Strength for 
 their Work and Warfare, and ib make Prcgreis in 
 their Journey to Carman. 
 
 that I had a fpiritual Hunger and (harp Appetite 
 for this Bread of Life, and were defiling and longing 
 for it, for the Support and Nourifhment of my Soul, 
 more than a hungry Man doth for Bread to his Body. 
 A hungry Man periuYing for Want of Bread, would 
 prefer a Piece of Bread before many Bags of Gold, 
 if both were fet before him,, and he allowed to make 
 his Choice ; fo the awakened Soul that fees his Need 
 of Chrift, prefers him to a whole World ; give him 
 never fo much of the World's Comforts, he is ftill 
 diilatisfied without Chrift, and lays, What will all 
 thefe Things avail me, if my ftarving Soul perifii 
 Without Chrift the Bread of Life \ 
 
 1 have many Arguments to plead with God for this 
 Bread ; Lord, do not thy free Calls and Promifes 
 bind thee to give me it ? Thou haft (aid, Ike Needy 
 
 Jhall not be forgotten « Is not Chrift, the Bread 
 
 from Heaven, the free Gift of Gcd to perifhing Souls? 
 And doit thou not invite thele to come and eat of it 
 that have no Money or Price to give for it ? — Lord, 
 thou hadft Companion upon the Belies of Men when 
 
 thev 
 
142 A crucified Chrifl is, Sec. 
 
 they bad no Bread to eat, and didft provide Bread 
 for 5000 of them by a Miracle ; and bail thou not 
 as much Compadicn to (tarving Souls that are far 
 more precious f — Lord, thou rnveft natural Affections 
 to earthly Parents, and makes them pitiful to their 
 Children, when they cry for Bread, fo that they can- 
 not (hut up their Bowels against, them when hungry, 
 nor will they give them a Stone inftead of Bread : 
 And will my heavenly I ather, who is infinitely more 
 companionate than the mod tender Parents, refufe 
 the Bread of Life to ftarving Souls who cry earneftly 
 for it ? Lord, I truft in thy Mercy, and depend on 
 thy Promife, I believe thou wilt' ft not let a poor 
 hungry Beggar flarve and fall down at thy Door, 
 when there is Bread enough in thy Houfe, and to 
 fpare. O caufe me to fing with the Pfalmift, Pfal. 
 xiii. 5. But I have trufted in thy Mercy, my Heart 
 (ball rejoice in thy Salvation. 
 
 SACK A- 
 
M3 
 
 SACRAMENTAL 
 
 ADVICES 
 
 FROM 
 
 Various Sripture Texts. , 
 
 — ^— I ■i i yi" 1 llll ■ ■ III I ' ■ 
 
 ADVICE L 
 
 From Gen. vii. I. 
 Come thou and -all thy Houfe into the Ark. 
 
 AS God in his Mercy called Noah to come into 
 the Ark prepared for him and his Houfhold, 
 to fave him from drowning m the great De- 
 luge, fo God, by the Gofpei, calls yon, O Man, to 
 come into the Ark, Chrift crucified, which he hath 
 provided for perifhing Sinners, to lave them from the 
 Deluge of Wrath that is coming. God hath long 
 forewarned you of it ; nay, the Flood is beginning to 
 rife, it is Time for thee to flee to this Ark ; believe 
 it, there is no other Way for thy Safety : The Ark 
 of thy Prayers, prof thy Tears, Convictions or Re- 
 formations, will not lave thee from it ; nothing will 
 do it but the Ark Chrift. 
 
 As all who were out of Noah's Ark perifhed in the 
 
 Flood, fo will all perifh who are out of Chrift. 
 
 Thefe of the old World, who only came near to the 
 Ark, or touched the Outride of it, they perilhed if 
 they did not enter into it; fo in like Manner vv ill thefe 
 perinV who only come ne^r Chrift by an outward 
 Profef&on, and are not found in htm by a fcn 
 
 As 
 
1 44 Chrift crucified 
 
 As the Ark gave a good Account of all that en- 
 tered into it, not one of them was loft in the Flood % 
 fo will Chi 1ft give a good Account at the lafl Day of 
 all that fly lo him by Faith : None (hall pluck them 
 out of his Hand, not one of them (hall perifh in the 
 Delude of Wrath ; Chrift; will prefent them all fafe 
 to his Father, Behold here air* J, and the Children thou 
 bajl green vie. 
 
 As Noah's Ark was acceffible, and bad a Door in 
 it for People to enter ; to in a crucified Jefus there is 
 a Door of Acceisopened, even a Door of Faith, where- 
 by poor Sinners of the Gentiles may have Accefs to 
 Chrift, and to God in him, Afts xiv. 27. As Paul 
 and Barnabas rehearfed it as glad Tidings to the 
 Church, that God had opened a Door of Faith unto the 
 Gentiles ; fo we Gentile Sinners mould gladly receive 
 the News. Glory to God in the highefl for opening/ 
 this Door of Faith, and keeping it ftili open to pe-i 
 riming Sinners. 
 
 Come then, Gentile Sinner, enter in by this Door 
 to the Ark, and lodge thy Soul within it, that thou 
 may ft be fafe from the Flood of Wrath that is com* 
 ing upon the ungodly World. God forbid you be 
 found hovering without the Ark, until the Flood 
 come and wafh you off from the very Sides cS it. O ] 
 how difmal and cutting will the Thought be to you ' 
 through all Eternity, that you was fo near Chrift, 
 and within a Step of the Ark, and fometimes touch- 
 ing it, and yet never entered into it ! How fad will 
 h be to perifh, like the Thief upon the Crofs, with a 
 Saviour at your Side, and to fink into Hell betwixt 
 the Arms of Mercy ftretched forth to fave you ! Now, 
 poor Soul, the Ark is near you, flee to it with fpeed ; 
 behold, for yow Encouragement, there is a Window 
 opened in the Side of the Ark, and Mercy's Hand is 
 put forth to take in fheltcrlefs Doves who come to 
 Jt. Now is the Time to beftir yourfelf, to come in- 
 
 to 
 
the Sinner's Ark. I^y 
 
 tt> the Ark without Delay, and fo prevent your pe- 
 rilhing in the Flood tor ever. 
 
 Q. What (hail I do to get into the Ark, to wit, a 
 crucified Jefus. r* 
 
 A. I . Be like Noah's Dove which he fent forth, 
 fee that you find no Reft for the Sole of your Foot 
 any where elfe ; turn your Back upon all other Arks 
 of Men's devifing, they are all inefficient to fave you 
 from the Flood : Make not an Ark of the abso- 
 lute Mercy of God out of Chrifl, feeing he declares a 
 crucified Jefus to be the only Channel of his Mercy. — =. 
 Make not an Ark of Church privileges, as your good 
 Education, Admiilion to lealing Ordinances, tec. for 
 the Ark did not fave Smith, nor the Altar's Horns 
 
 fave Jcab, nor the Temple fave Jerufalem. Make 
 
 not an Ark of your Gifts, Knowledge, Prayers, Du- 
 ties, moral Honefty, or Self-righteoufnefs, for the 
 Flood, when it comes, will dafh all thefe in Pieces. 
 Suppole thefe of the old World had built other Ships 
 as like the Ark as polTible, or had fled to high Towers 
 of their own contriving, the Deluge would have de- 
 ftroyed them all ; there was no Safety for them but 
 in Noah's Ark alone. So whatever Arks you devife 
 to fcve you from Wrath, if a crucified Chrift, the Ark 
 of God's building, be flighted, the Flood will ivveep 
 away all your own Arks, as the Refuge of Lies, Ifa. 
 xxv iii . 17. 
 
 2dly, Labour to be thoroughly convinced of your 
 Mifery while out of the Ark ; and, in a deep Senie of 
 your NecefTity of getting into it, break presently o- 
 ver all the Bars and Hindrances which the Devil cads 
 in your Way to {top your Entry into the Ark, as Un- 
 belief, finful Pleafures, worldly Cares, preiumptii- 
 ous Hopes, carnal Company, Diverfions, tec. break 
 refoluteiy through all thefe to the Ark, as David's 
 three mighty Men brake through the Holt of the Phi" 
 iiflines to the Well of Bethlehem ; furely your Argu- 
 ments for doing it are far ftronger than theirs. 
 
146 Chrifl crucified j 
 
 %dy, Approve heartily the whole Contrivance of 
 God's Ark in all its Rooms and Stories: Approve 
 Chrifl crucified in his Perfon, Natures, Offices and Re- 
 lations, in his State of Humiliation and Exaltation : 
 Accept ofhim in them all, fublcribe to the whole 
 New*Covenant Scheme, as a Device worthy of God 
 and of infinite Wildom ; confent to the great End 
 and Dtlignofit, namely, that Self be debafed, and 
 free Grace eternally magnified, 
 
 /;//'/;, Be frequently eflaying Faith's Flight unto 
 the Ark, and to the Window in the Side of it ; make 
 earned Mints, Like Noah's reftlefs Dove, to get in ; 
 fay oft like Dr.ztrf, Pfal. lv. 6. that I had Wings 
 like a Dove, for then I would fly away and be at RejL 
 I would batten my Efcapefrom the Flood, and lodge 
 my Soul this Minute in one of the Rooms of the Ark. 
 Believing is a Work you fhould be often eflaying, and 
 tho' you cannot believe with faving Faith, yet believe 
 as you can, looking to God for more Strength. You 
 cannot pray, praife, or fancYify the Sabbath aright, 
 yet you aim at thefe Duties as you can ; io in like 
 Iftanner make honed Mints at believing and flying to 
 Chrifl ; and aim in his Strength to apply his Blood, 
 every Man to his own Soul in particular, by an ap- 
 propriating Faith (eorrefponding to the free Golpel- 
 offer) and taking home the Remedy as his own ; de- 
 pending dill upon the Spirit's Grate, who will not 
 fail thefe who trtift in him, but ailift them in making 
 faving Application. 
 
 Sthly, Be willing to part with every Thing that 
 would compete with God's Ark, however Ipecious or 
 plaufible a Shew it may have. Renounce the old Co- 
 venant, and all lurking Places about Mount Sinai, for 
 in none of thefe you can find Safety. Abhor your 
 Righteoufnefs for an Ark, whatever Shape it appear 
 in ; and embrace him alone for it, who is the Lord 
 cur Righteoufnefs. His Righteoulhefs only i* fpotleft, 
 r/erfect and Law-bidir£. 
 
the Sinner's Ark. 1 47 
 
 6th!y, Make a Surrender of yourfelf, and all you 
 have, to Jefus Chrift, to be difpofed of by him as he 
 pleafeth : Be willing to fuffer the Lofs of all Things 
 •for him, yea, count all Things Lofs and Dung that 
 you may win to the Ark, and be found therein when 
 the Flood cometh. 
 
 ADVICE IL 
 
 From Rev. in. 20. 
 Behold I Jhnd at the Door and knock. 
 
 LOST Sinner, I bring you good Tidings ; the e«. 
 ternal Son of God hath undertaken a long Jour- 
 ney, and endured great Sufferings topurcbafe Salvati- 
 on for thee 4 . A dear Purchafe it is, dear hath it coifc 
 him to obtain it ! and now he hath brought it the 
 Length of thy Door, and there, O Man, Chrift is 
 Handing knocking, and laying, This D*j> Salvation is 
 come to this Houfe Door, open and take it in.-; — Now 
 can you refufe, O Sinner, to take in Chrift's purchafed 
 Salvation, when Chrift hath come with it to thy ve- 
 ry Door, even the Door of thy Heart-? Behold he 
 itands at it, and knocks for Entrance J Open, open, 
 <&c. 
 
 The Arguments for your opening are ilrong and 
 many : 
 
 1. Condfier at whofe Door Chrift doth (rand, e*i 
 
 ven at the Door of a Creature infinitely below him 1 
 
 Oh ! it it is at a Beggar's Door, that hath nothing 
 to entertain Chrift with when he enters ! yet faith he, 
 Open to me, and I will bring in Provifion with me, 
 and make thee a rich Feaft.— It is at the Door of a 
 poor Lazarus, that is all full of Ulcers and Sores ; 
 yet, faith Chrift, open and I will bring in the Balm of 
 Gileadj a Plaifter of my Blood for healing all your 
 ;Sores, and for as coftly as it is, it (hall coft you no- 
 T 2 thi:?g. 
 
148 Chrift knocking 
 
 thing. — It is even at the Door of an Enemy > a mortal 
 Enemy, that Chrifl [lands ; you have (poke ill of him, 
 thought ill of him, and done ill to him ; you have af- 
 fronted him, wounded him, and lodged his Traitors 
 and Murderers ; yet, faith Chrifl, Open, and hearken 
 to the Offers and Terms of Reconciliation which I 
 have purchafed for you with my Blood ; they are 
 
 mod farprizing and fafe, eafy and honourable. It 
 
 is at the Door of Satan's Slaves that Chrift (lands, 
 theie who have been long drudging at his Work and 
 and feeding upon his Hulks ; yet, faith Chrift, Open to 
 me, and I will let you at Liberty, and make you God's 
 free Men and Children. Why then will you not open 
 and receive him joyfully ? O Sinner, (land amazed at 
 ChriiVs condelcending Goodnefs, in (landing at the 
 Door of fuch a fmoky Cottage, fo ill (wept, and out 
 of Order ! Good Reafon have you to cry out, Lord, [ 
 4m not worthy thou fiouldft come under my Roof; but, 
 feeing thou humbled thyfelf to rifit the Unworthy in 
 fuch a Manner, come in, and but fpeak the Word, 
 and the Houfe (hall be cleanfed, Difeales healed, 
 Grievances redreffed, and the Soul made happy. It 
 is highly your Interefl then to open the Door, and 
 -welcome in your Saviour, who (lands and knocks for 
 .Acccfs. 
 
 2. Again, confider who it is that {lands at your 
 Door :— It is even, the King of Glory, a King of in- 
 finite Power and Majefty I And will not you lift up 
 the Gates of your Souls to this King ? Were it but 
 an earthly King that knocked at your Door, you 
 would foon open and receive him, yea, count it a 
 great Honour that you had fuch a Perfon in your 
 Houfe ; but what are Clay Kings to the King of Glo- 
 ry ? To the Prince of the Kings of 'the Fa r 'h P To our 
 great Imntanuel, the gloriuos Plant of Renown, the 
 Bead of the elecl World? Who then would notcaft 
 the Gates wide open to fuch a glorious King? — Again, 
 he is tbt everlaftir.g Fqther } and the Father of all Be.* 
 
 lievers* 
 
at the Boor of our Hearts. 149 
 
 !ievers, that (lands and knocks ! A Father full of Pi- 
 ty, that follows after his prodigal Children, and in* 
 vites them to return to him ! And will not a Child 
 open the Door to his Father ? Can yon find in your 
 Heart to keep your companionate Father {landing at 
 
 your Door ? Nay, further, it is your Husband 
 
 that knocks, a loving Hufband, that hath fuffered 
 much for your Caule : And will not an affectionate 
 Spoufe open and let in her Hufband ? — Moreover it 
 is your Phyfician that knocks, who brings healing Me* 
 dicines for all your Difeafes, by which he hath cured 
 many Thoufands before now ! And will not a fick and 
 dying Man let in fuch a Phyfician . ? Openj O Sinner, 
 why will you die ? 
 
 3. Confider Chrift's Patience and Long-fufFering 
 at your Door, he doth not knock and then go away 
 as one indifferent whether you open or not ; no, he 
 knocks and ftands flill ; he (lands and knocks again, 
 and that after many Repulfes ! No Beggar wanting 
 an Alms would itand fo long at our Doors, as Chrift 
 Hands at a Beggar's Door, not ieeking to take from 
 
 hfm, but wanting to give unto him O wonder at 
 
 his Goodnefc and Long-patience! Behold he that hath 
 a Throne of Glory to fit en, and Ten thoufand 
 Times Ten thoufand to bow before him, is willing, 
 O Sinner, to fland at thy Door! yea, he flands whilfr. 
 thou do'ft ly in the Boiom of thy^ Lulls, — He (lands 
 ■without, whilft his Enemies are let in and allowed 
 
 to pcfTefs the bed Seats ! He ftands at the Door 
 
 while Sat an is let in, and gets the eafy Chair ! O 
 wonderful Patience ! That Chrift after fo many Af- 
 fronts and Repulfes, and after feeing Enemies pre* 
 ferred before him, fhould continue to fland at your 
 Door and knock ! But, O Sinner, do not try his Pa- 
 tience too much, nor provoke him too long ; for, ob- 
 ferve the Text, he now flands, he is on his Feet rea- 
 dy to go away ; the Knock will be given that will 
 prove the lad, and thou know' eft not but the prefent 
 
 Knock 
 
150 Cirift knocking, Sec. 
 
 *s lock may be ft, do not then delay to open one 
 Moment longer. 
 
 IV. Confider Chrifl's earnefi Defirc to be let into 
 your Heart, he not only (lands at the Door, but he 
 
 ocks ; yea, knocks loud and knocks often, to con* 
 vince you of his E^rncftnefs. Many a loud Knock 
 doth he give, by his Cails and Invitations in his Word, 
 Come unto me, of en unto vie y look unto me. Many a 
 Knock ^ives he by his Promifes to you, I will come 
 in, I will fup^with you, I will eafe you, heai you, 
 enlighten you, manifeft myfelf to you, &c. — Mmy 
 a Knock gives he by his Threatnings of Wrath and 
 Vengeance again ft thefe who (hut their Doors againft; 
 him. Many a Knock gives he by your own Conjci- 
 ence, and by his own Spirit railing Convictions, In* 
 clinations, Defires and Purpoies within your Heart to 
 
 bring you to a Saviour. And many a Rap and 
 
 Knock doth he give at your Door on Sacrament Oc- 
 cafions. Then it is he knocks aloud with his nailed 
 Hands and pierced Feet, and ftands at your Door 
 with his Wounds open, his Biood dreaming, and hie 
 Garments dyed with Blood : And all this to (hew his 
 
 Earneflners to be let into your Heart. Open then 
 
 to Chrift, O Sinner, while he is knocking, be allured 
 he will not knock always, this may pollibly be the 
 laft Day of the Spirit's Knocks and Strivings with 
 thee ; To that if you refufe to open at this prefent 
 Knock, God may ftrike you dead and fenfelefs ail 
 your Life, clap a Seal on the Door that it (hall never 
 open ; you may hear Minifters knock after this, but 
 never hear God's Spirit knock again ; and Wo unto 
 you if he depart from you. Remember, O Man, 
 
 r as many Knocks as God gives at your Door, he 
 -keeps an exact Account of them all, and will reckon 
 them all up to you at the Judgment Seat. And can 
 you think he will open Heaven to you then, who will 
 not open your Heart to him now ! No, no; his Ear 
 will be as deaf to you hereafter^ as yours is to him 
 
 now. 
 
Chrifl willing to come in, Sec. 1 ji 
 
 now. Read and bdilve that terrible Word, Proxri 
 u 24. tec. 
 
 ADVICE III. 
 
 From Rev. iii. 20. 
 
 Jf any Man hear my Voice, and open the Door, I 
 •will come and fup with hitit. 
 
 GREAT and precious are the Promifes which 
 Chrift makes to them who hearken to hU 
 Voice in the Gofpel- offers, and open their Hearts to 
 receive him, as offered to them in all his Offices ; I 
 will come in, and bring alLthe Benefits of my Pur- 
 chafe with me to entertain and feaft that Soul, even 
 Pardon, Peace, Light, Life, Grace and Glory. 
 
 I. Obferve, the Duty called for, is to hear Chrifi's 
 Voice, and open the Door to him, that is, to accept 
 and embrace his free Gofpel-offers, and heartily to 
 acquiefce in the Gofpel-mcthod of a Sinner's Recon- 
 ciliation and Justification thro' the Righteouihefs of 
 our Glorious Immanuel, and willingly receive ant! 
 fubmit to him as our Prophet, Pried and King. What 
 is the preaching of the Gofpel, but Chrift's charming 
 
 Voice calling loft Sinners home to himfelf ? 
 
 What is it, but ChrilVs following them with Invita- 
 tions and Iritreaties to come to him and live ? This 
 isChritt's Voice which he would have Sinners to hear, 
 come and live 5 tho* they generally refufe to do it I 
 Oh, what condemned Malefactor would refufe to hear 
 the Voice of his Sovereign offering him his Life, as 
 condemned Sinners do \ John v. 40. Ye ivill not co??:e 
 to me that ye might have Life. Yet behold, after ma- 
 ny Refufals, he follows his Offers with Arguments, 
 ftrong Arguments to prevail with Sinners, and after 
 the greateft Obftinacy he is loth to break off his Trea- 
 ty with them ; Hcf. xi. 8, HQw.Jball 1 give the- 
 
152 Chrift -xilling to cbme in 
 
 Ephratm P Why will ye die ? What Rea r on can yoa 
 give fir refuting Life, or for chufmg Death ? 
 
 II. Oblerve, who it is that Chrifl calls to hear his 
 Voice, and open their Doors to hivi ,■ it is not this or 
 that Man only, or any particular Sort of Men ; it is 
 any Man, every one that lits under the Gofpel. If 
 any Man will hear my Voice, and open the Door, faith 
 Chrift, I will come in. If any Man will open, be he 
 old Man or young Man, I will come in. If the great- 
 eft Sinner, the moft crimfon -coloured Sinner will 
 open, I will come in. Any Man - if the Swearer 
 will open, if the Sabbath- breaker, if the Murderer, 
 if the Drunkard, if the Unclean> if the Thief, if the 
 Cheat, if the Liar, \i the Mocker, if the prayerlels 
 Man, if the Man that hates God and Godlinels will 
 open to me, I will come in and /up with him. O 
 what Encouragement doth this Word, If any Man, 
 give to every Sinner to fly to Chrift ! If any Man, 
 whoever he be, whatever he hath done, if he will 
 welcome me, receive me in the Gofpel- offers, I will 
 come in to him. 
 
 III, Obferve, Chrift requires Sinners to open the 
 Door, that he may come in to teach them ; however 
 unable they be, this is their Duty, they muft mint, 
 and ufe all means to do it, and look up to him for 
 Strength. He will have the Sinners Content, and 
 the Soul made willing to receive him. O then caft: 
 open the Door, open it wide, receive Chrift wholly, 
 receive him without Referve, open before him the 
 two- leaved Gates, not the Wicket, or one Leaf only, 
 hut both Leaves of the Door. Let Chrift have the 
 full and free Confent of the Soul, and abundant En- 
 trance into it. There are fome relbiving to open the 
 Door to Chrift, others perhaps are beginning to open 
 it, O let them not halt in doing. With fome the 
 Door is half open, and there they ftop. They are 
 almoft, but not altogether Chriftians. O alwoft Chri- 
 flian, why do you halt \ Why would you lofe all the 
 Pains vou have been at? A little mc r s would caft 
 
 the 
 
to all tuko open to hira. i 3*3 
 
 toe Door wide open, and make you an altogether 
 Chriftian. Go theo a little further, O Sinner, to lave 
 your Soul. Open to Cbrift all the Powers and 
 Faculties of your Soul. Open to him fully here, as 
 you would have him to open freely to you hereafter. 
 Oh, what mean you to open to Chrift only by Halves ? 
 the half open Door will be ready to go to again, and 
 Alas, if fo, it may never open for the future. Let it 
 be your Concern than to go a little further than the 
 almoft Chri(\\an y and reft not in fair Beginnings. 
 
 IV. Obferve, how great the Advantage is of open- 
 ing the Door to Chrift : Why ? I will come in to the 
 Houfe, faith he, even the Friend of Sinners, the King 
 of Glory will come in, the beft Gueft that ever came 
 in to a poor Man's Houfe : How honourable, how 
 profitable, how happy and bleiTed mult fuch a Vifit 
 
 be ! Q. For what End will Chrift come in ? A. He 
 
 will come in to enlighten the Houie ; for the Soul is a 
 dark Dungeon while Chrift is (hut out : He will come 
 in to adorn and enrich the Soul with the Ornaments 
 and Trea lures of his Grace : he will come in to reign 
 in the Soul, and pull down the Tyrant that hath 
 long oppreft you : As in the Text, he will come in 
 and fup with you : and caufe you to fup with him : 
 And becaufe you have no fitting Provifion in the 
 Houfe, he will bring it with him. And O how rare 
 are Chrift 's Dainties, his hidden Manna, the Fruits 
 of the Tree of Life, the Grapes of Canaan , the Bread 
 that comes down from Heaven ! How excellent is 
 the Water of Life ? One Drop of it would be an ever- 
 lafting Spring in thy Soul, that would keep the from 
 third ing after the Creature any more. What a rich 
 Feaft are the Graces of the Spirit quickned to a lively 
 Exercife ! What a fclcft Feaft is Pardon of Sin, Peace 
 vth Jtilice. Peace with the Law, and Intereft in 
 Chrift *s Purchafe, Intimations of Chrift's Love, Gof- 
 pelpromiies applied, Ccmmuuion with Gcd, Views 
 
 of 
 U 
 

 1^4 TJ JC Blejfwgs which Chrjjl brings in 
 
 of eternal Life, well grounded Hopes of immortal 
 Glory! &c. O how precious and delicate are thefe 
 Gofpcl rarities which are let before you on the Com- 
 munion-table, and freely tendered to every one that 
 opens the Door to Chrift ! Who would not welcome 
 fuch a Gueft that brings fuch glorious Provifion with 
 hi:n ? Had poor Tinners Ipiritual Appetites lharpened 
 for ChrihVs Feaft, there would not be lb many (hut 
 Doors a gain ft him. 
 
 V. Obfcrve, haw folcmnly Chrift offers thefe Gofpe I 
 Blefiings to you, with a behold I ftarjd, &c. Chrift 
 takes WitnefTes upon it, WitnefTes .againft the Refu- 
 fers : Behold ye Angels, and witnefs for me how kind 
 and bountiful my Offers are to Adam's rebellious 
 Children ! Behold ye Minifters, and witnefs againfl 
 thefe who (hut me out \ Behold ye Stones and Timber 
 of the Houfe, ye Elements and Communion-tables, 
 bear Witnefs for me and againft them ! Behold ye 
 rellow^communicants and Hearers, bear Witnefs'one 
 againft another that I knocked, I called, I knocked 
 loud, I knocked long, but ye kept your Doors bolted 
 
 againft me. It is a melancholy Thought for thefe 
 
 who are Minifters to entertain, that they will one 
 Day be brought in as Witnellcs againft thofe who (hut 
 out their Saviour ; but when called, they muft wit- 
 nefs againft fuch,tho' never fo dear to them now, that 
 Chrift called, but they refu'ed ; he made kind and 
 large Offers, but they regarded them not. O then 
 let every Soul fet about fweeping and warning all the 
 Rooms, and caft open all the Doors, as wide as they 
 can, to the King of Glory, and receive him with Ac- 
 clamation and Praile. Take the Crown oft the Head 
 -of Sidfy and put it on the Head of Chrift, alcribing 
 all the Glory of your Salvation to him, and nothing 
 ^o Trc-e-wiil cr ycur own Doings. 
 
 ADVICE 
 
Chrift crucified the Bread of Life. 155 
 
 ADVICE. IV. 
 
 From Prov, ix. 5. 
 Come, eat of my Bread, and drir.k of the JVhie, &c. 
 
 CHrift is the Wifdom of God, who hath made rich 
 Provifion for entertaining his People, anil hath 
 let it before them in the Ordinance of the Lords Sup- 
 per, even Chr ft crucified, with ail the Fruits of his Pur- 
 chafe. His flifl is Meat indued, and his Bloud Drink 
 indeed. The Fruits we feail upon are Pardon and 
 Peace, Right eoufhefs attd Grace, the sflfurauce cf God's 
 Love, the Ccr.Jolations 0} his Spirit, the Promifes of the 
 Gofpd, and all the Earnefts and Pledges of eternal 
 Life. To this Feaft ftarving Souls are invited, to 
 feed by Faith upon thefe Provifrcfns Chi ill hath pre- 
 pared for them, applying them to them 'elves, and 
 taking the Comfort of them. 
 
 Bread and Wine are choten as fit Refemblances of 
 his fpiritual Feaft. As Bread and Wineferve to pre- 
 ferve our natural Life, and to ftrengthen and cheer 
 us when weak or fainting ; io Chrift crucified, appre- 
 hended by Faith, preferves our fpiritual Life, and 
 procures eternal Life, ftrengthens weak Believers, and 
 cheers drooping. Souls. As Bread and Wine incor- 
 porate with our Bodies ; £0 Chrift by his Spirit dwells 
 in us, and we by .Faith and Love dwell in him. — As 
 Bread and Wine fatisfy our Hunger and Third: ; (b 
 thefe, who by Faith lay hold and partake of Chrift's 
 Flefh and Blood, (hall no more hunger or thiril after 
 earthly Things .-*-Bread i. c the morl neceffary Thing 
 in the World, hence called the Staff of Bread, it up- 
 holds our Lives ; fo Chrift is the Mercy of Mercies, 
 the molt uieful and aecelfary Bleiling to prefer ve our 
 
 ftarving Souls. Chrift is the Staff -if Bread indeed to 
 
 believing Cumtrrunicants, a Staff that fupports you, 
 
 3 Staff that defcends you, a Staff that, will beat off all 
 
 ir Enemies: If you take hold of thU Staff by Faith, 
 
 U 2 it 
 
156 Our heavenly Manna 
 
 it will rout and put all your Foes to Flight. There 
 is no Bread like this) I a??itbe Bi ead of Life, faith 
 Chrift. 
 
 We read, Judges vii. 13. of a Dream of one the 
 Midianitijh Hcjt 9 he dreamed when Gideon was com- 
 ing upon them, that a Cake of Barely-bread came 
 tumbling into the Holt of Midi an y and fmote a Tent 
 that it fell to the Ground. Strange ! a Piece of 
 Bread overturn a Tent ! Behold the Interpretation of 
 that Dream, in the holy Sacrament! Here a Piece of 
 Bread, if eaten by Faith, that Will invade the Midia- 
 nitijh Hofl of the Devil, and the Ltifts of the Flefh, 
 ftrike down all their Tents, and put them to Flight. 
 Come then, eat of this Bread believingly, and take 
 Faith's View of ChrihVs Body reprefented by it, as 
 bruifed and broken by your Sins , this will weaken 
 their Power, and turn your Heart againft them, and 
 make you re'olve that thefe Enemies of Chrift {hall 
 not live in your Soul. If the Sight of Cafars bloody 
 Kobe incenfed the Romans againft the Murderers who 
 Hew him ; much more a Sight of ChrihVs Wounds and 
 Bruifes in the Sacrament, mould excite you to hate 
 and kill Sin, and revenge Chrift's Death upon this 
 cruel Murderer. 
 
 Again, would you have Strength for yourWilder- 
 nefs Journey, and for the Temptations and Trials 
 you meet with, before you have OccaGon of another 
 Sacrament ? Come eat of this Bread that ftrengthneth 
 
 the Hearts of Men. Here is Food more fubftantial, 
 
 durable and nourifhing, than Elijah's Cake baken on 
 the Coals, and his Crule of Water provided for him 
 by the Angel ; and yet it is laid, he went in the 
 Strength of that Meat 40 Days and 4c Nights, until he 
 came to Horeb the Mount of Cod, 1 Kings xix. 7, 8. 
 There we find Elijah twice wakned by the Angel, 
 that he might take a double Meal, Arife and eat, for 
 thy Journey is long : So God may be faying to thee, 
 O Chriftian-traveller, A rife and eat ; awake O Faith, 
 
 awake 
 
is to be eaten by Faith. 157 
 
 awake O fpiritual Appetite, thy Journey may be long r 
 take a good Meal, you know not what Kills you 
 have to climb, what Winds and Storms may blow in 
 thy Face, before another Occafion or* this Sort : Sa- 
 tan's Storm may blow, and Death's Storm may blow, 
 fo that you may not (ee another Table like this, till 
 
 you come to the Mount of God above. This is the 
 
 fame Bread the glorified Saints do feed on in Heaven. 
 Chrift is the Manna that came down from Heaven to 
 feed perifhing Souls. The Ijraelites Manna was a 
 Type of Chrift, and hence called fpiritual Bread ', 
 I Cor. x. 4. 
 
 The Manna was freely given to them, and fell e- 
 very Morning round their Tents, and all of them were 
 at Freedom to gather it, and there was enough for 
 the whole Camp ; fo Chi ill: is God's free Gift, and in 
 him is a Fulnefs of Grace for the whole believing 
 World, and every Gofpel Hearer is free to gather it, 
 tho' indeed the Morning of our Lives is the mod: pro- 
 per gathering Time. There was a Memorial of this 
 Manna preferved in the Ark ; fo is there of Chrift in 
 the Lord's Supper, as the Food of our Souls.-- Manna 
 was ground in a Will, or beaten in a Mortar, and 
 bakcn in an Oven, before it was fit for Food •, fo 
 Chvift was bruiied and ground by his Sufferings, and 
 fcorched in the fiery Oven of his Father's Wrath, 
 that he might become a fit Saviour and fit Food for 
 our Souls. 
 
 But Chrift crucified infinitely excels the Jfraeliles 
 Manna : Theirs was peculiar to themfelves ; but Chrift 
 is free to both Jews and Gentiles : Theirs ceaied when 
 they came to Canaan ; but ours continues for ever, and 
 is enjoyed moft fully in the Canaan above : Theirs on- 
 ly preierved a natural Life ; but ours gives a fpiritual 
 and eternal Life.-O come then, eat of this heavenly 
 Bread, when fet before you in Plenty, with Hunger 
 and Defire, blefting God for it, faying, Lfrd, ever- 
 more give us this Bread: Ccme with fpiritual Appe- 
 
 tities 
 
158 Our I ; v Mannz } &c. 
 
 and purified Hearts. The Ifraelites Mann: fris 
 laid e Ark, and kept in a pure golden Tot, 
 
 e your Hear 1 Sin and Cor- 
 
 ruption, icy may be (it to lodge Jeius Chrift our 
 
 bea.1 i ia. It the Veflela which contain the 
 
 iacramental Bread, were foul or polluted, you would 
 cenfure it as mod indecent ; but much more unbecom- 
 ing is it, to receive Chrift: into a foul Heart. 
 
 Come to this Table with Humility, and a deep 
 e of your Hi defervings, acknowledging, that the 
 leaft Crumb of this Bread will be a great Mercy to fuch 
 an unworthy Creature ! Trulh y Lord, 1 am a Dog, vile 
 and polluted, yet the Dogs eat of the Crumbs which 
 from the Childrens Table 1 May I plead for a. 
 Crumb for thy t\-ee Mercies S.ike.--Oh, I am unwor- 
 thy of the common Bread that is let upon my o 
 
 much more of the heavenly Bread that is let 
 1 lnftead of Bread thou mayft give a 
 ] of a Smile, a Frown ; inftead or I 
 Cup of ment, thou mayeft put a C 
 
 of Wrath and Trembling in my Hand : But thy fee 
 Grace, and large OrFers, encourage me to wait and 
 hope, that the Needy /ball net be forgotten, . 
 £: -; :f thz Pozrjhr. I wot'perijb. 
 
 Come with a lively Faith to receive and eat, not 
 only of the Bread of Life, but alio to receive the 
 Bread, the Lord, your 1mm in Penon, and 
 
 m kc Q e of rim in all his Offices. Come eat 1 
 
 Love and Thankfulnefs, to him that was willing to 
 be beaten, bruifed, ground and icorched, that he 
 be Bread for nourifhing of ftarving Souls. Re- 
 ceh id of Heaven thankfully as a d:(tingui(h« 
 
 mg 1 is not granted to all indifferently ; 
 
 far as GoJ rained clown Manna from Heaven upon 
 the • fij he rained down Fire and B: 
 
 and Gemorrai, 
 
 ADVICE 
 
Jofeph a Type ofCbrifl, 1 59 
 
 ADVICE V. 
 
 From Cert. xlv. 4. 
 
 — Come neur to me, I am Jofeph your Brother, 
 
 whom you fold. — 
 
 JOsei'H was an eminent Type of Chrift ; tho' he 
 was hated, foW, and cruelly u'cd by his Brethren ; 
 yet he ftill loved them, forgave them, and laid out 
 
 himfelffor their Prefervation and Happinefs. Tho* 
 
 Chrift be Lord of Heaven and Earth ; yet, O believ- 
 ing Communicants, he owns himftlf as your Brother, 
 Bone of your Bone, and Fief? of your Fief? ; nay, he 
 is not afh&med to call you Brethren, Co tell my Bre- 
 thren, {aid he, to Mary, Mat. xxviii. ICK- Tho' you 
 be mean and low, and Chrift highly railed, yet his 
 Exaltation doth not caufe him forget his poor Friends 
 below ; he ftill owns them as his Brethren. He is 
 indeed the elder Brother, and Heir of all Things ; 
 yet he is pleafed to adopt his younger Brethren into 
 his Right, and make them joint Hens with him of the 
 Inheritance above. As Jofeph was molt condefcend- 
 ing to his poor Brethren, tho* he was Lord over all 
 the Land ; ib is Chrift. As they did not know jo- 
 feph, until he told them / am jofeph your Brother; 
 fo neither do we know Chrift, until he difcover him- 
 felf to us. As Jofeph (eemed to deal roughly with hi? 
 Brethren at firft, to make them remember the Injuries 
 they did him j yet in the mean time he loved tnem, 
 gave them Food ; and afterwards (poke kindly tu 
 them : So Chrift at firft takes Ways to humble his 
 People, and make them feniible of their Sin ; yet at 
 the fame time he lecretly fupports them, and at length 
 brings in Conlblation to them, laying, I am Jefus 
 your Brother, it is /, be not afraid. Come near to ?ve y 
 laid Jofeph in a kind and familiar Way to his Bre- 
 thren ; fo Chrift laith to you, Draw near to me with 
 
. 
 
 l6o How to come near Qhrifi 
 
 a fincere Heart, and I will manifeft myfelf unto you, 
 as a loving Brother. 
 
 But if you would have the gracious Intimations of 
 his Favour, ycu mufl (jr,ft be humbled for the Wrongs 
 you have done him. You have dealt treacheroufly 
 and inhumanely with Chrift, as Jacob's Sons did with 
 their Brother Jofeph : Thefe fold their Brother for 
 Twenty Pieces of Silver ; but, Ah! have not ibme of 
 you fold Jefus, your Brother, for leli, even for (bine 
 vile Lull or filthy Pleafure ? Nay, have you not mur- 
 dered him by your Sins I As Cain flew his innocent 
 Brother openly in the Field ; fo your Sins have open- 
 ly nailed Jefus to the Crofs, in the Fields without Je- 
 rufalcmy and fhed his Blood like Water on the 
 Ground. O how can you anfwer for fuch honid 
 Cruelty to your innocent Brother ? How can you 
 look him in the Face, after all you have done againft 
 him ? What Feeling have you of the Injuries you have 
 done him \ Are you deeply humbled, and heartily 
 grieved for them ? Then I have good News to tell 
 you, you have to do with amoft loving and forgiving 
 Brother ; though you have betrayed him, fold him, 
 wounded him, murdered him : yet he is willing to 
 forget and forgive all to the humble Penitent : Gems 
 near tome , faith he, lam Joieph jour Brother, ftand not 
 at a Diftance, but come near me by Faith and Pray- 
 er, embrace me in the Sacrament, and I willgive you 
 a fealed pardon of all your Crimes ; I will give you 
 all the good Things of the Land, far excelling the 
 ricbefr. Fruits of Egypt y even my own Body and Blood, 
 with all the fpiritual and eternal BlelTings purchased 
 thereby. 
 
 Objeft. But alas, I have dealt fo btfely and trea- 
 cheroufly with my Brother Jofeph, I have no Confi- 
 dence to go and meet him, I am afraid he frown on 
 me. dnf. He has indeed good Ground to do it, but 
 he is full of Bowels, Tendeiuels and Pity to Penitents, 
 and u.oft ready to forgive. Let me advife you to 
 • .tate 
 
ivitb Prefents. 161 
 
 imitate Jacob when going to meet his orother Efau, 
 whofe Wrath he very much dreaded : He carried Pre- 
 fents alongft with him to his Brother. In like Man- 
 ner do you take Prefents with you, fuch as, i. A 
 broken, contrite and humbled Heart, a broken Heart 
 
 be will not defpife. 2. Take Faith with you, and 
 
 the ftronger it is, it will be the more agreeable Pre- 
 ient to Chrifl ; put a firm Truft and Confidence in nis 
 Blood and Bowels, bode and threap Kindnefs on him, 
 like the Woman of Canaan, Truth , Lord, I am a 
 Dog, but Dog as I am, I may plead for a Crumb, 
 feeing thy faithful Word warrants me to do it ; this 
 Prefent from that poor Creature was fo acceptable to 
 Chrift, that he immediately anlwered, Q~ Woman, 
 great is thy Faith ; be it unto thee even as thou wilt, 
 Matth. xv. 28. 3. Take with you a firm Purpofe 
 and Refolution, in the Strength of your Brother, not 
 to betray or wound him any more, and leal a Cove* 
 nant with him upon thefe Terms. 4. Take with you 
 a fincere Heart and Purpofe of imitating your Bro- 
 ther, and ftudying Conformity to him. Learn of me, 
 faith he, for I a?n meek and lowly in Heart, Thefe 
 Prefents would be moft acceptable to your grieved 
 and offended Brother. But ieeing }ou have nothing 
 of yqur own, cry, Lord, give them firft to me, and 
 I'll offer them unto thee. 
 
 What Condefcenfion is this, that Chrift, the Kipg 
 of Kings, mould lay to all Believers, Ye are my Bre- 
 thren and Sifters ! who would not defire to ftand in 
 this honourable Rektion to an earthly King, and tar 
 more to the King of Glory ! Would we have him then 
 ror our Brother to own us, fuccour and fympathize 
 with us in all our Troubles ; let us forthwith embrace 
 and clofe with him by Faith, as he is tendered to us 
 in the rich, large and free Offers of the Gofpei, and 
 then the Relation is prefently made up. O how in- 
 viting and alluring is that Word, lam Jefus your 
 Brother ! It fhould conquer the moft itubborn Will, 
 
 X and 
 
1 6 2 C&rift cur losing Bi .... 
 
 and make every unbelieving Heart to receive Lim lik# 
 J as, and fay, A(j Lord and my i 
 
 L c: every Believer in Diitrcfs come like the Bee, 
 and fuck Honey from this Flower, I am Jcfui your 
 Brother, Be not afral , ft is /. Do not miftake nic 
 for an Enemy in any of my Dealings with you; it is 
 I your Brother, that means you no Harm. It is f 
 that love y^u, and laid down my Lire for yon ; it is 
 J, who by my Blood purchased fanctified , a ,rTiicYioi;s 
 |o you, to work for your Good. It is I that doth 
 all well, and have infinite Wi dom and Love 
 
 to order and drecl eve ry Dilpenfation for your Inte- 
 reft and Benefit. It was I that fwate Blood for you 
 in tie Garden, was fpit on and buffeted in the High 
 PriefVa Hall, and sailed for you to the Crofs, and all 
 to | e ettrnal Happinefs and Glory for my af- 
 
 flicted Brethren. I am Jefus your Brother, Behold 
 Hands and my Feet. It is I that died and rofe 
 a^a:n for you, and have aicended to my Father and 
 ir Father, to my God and your God ; and have 
 ie up to prepare a Place for you. It is I that lit 
 Lt the Helm, and all Power given to me. It is I 
 thit am faithful crYsd true, I have the lame tender 
 rt and yearahtg Bowels for you I had on Ear*] . 
 It is I that never faded any thai I d m mc. It is 
 
 Jef - gr o am itili the lame Yetlerday, 
 
 to I fd for ever. Be Dot afraid in 1 rouble, it 
 
 is I yon ,>iend and Brother ; come near to n.c 
 
 in the d ercifc of Faith. Come near and dole 
 
 to mc at nv cl take a narrow Look to ;. 
 
 five big is, and draw Confoia'tion from then . 
 
 Behold the two Wounds in my Hands, and the tuo 
 WoO ads in my Keet, which were made to hring y. u 
 back* from Hell to Hen en. Behold a fifi 
 10 my Side, and look ii to my Heart, and fee it p rt n 
 ing with Love, and do Hot queftion your Brotht • 
 Love to you any mo; c. 
 
 A D V I G 
 
The Marri teoixt Chrif., &c. 1 63 
 
 ADVICE VI. 
 
 From Mafiff. xxii. 2. 
 A certain King made a Marriage for his So;:. 
 
 TH E Gofpe! -Covenant, or Covenant of Grace 
 is a Marriage covenant betwixt Chriftand re- 
 lievers ; a furprihng Marriage this is, and yet a Mar- 
 riage of God's making. Wonderful ! The great 
 God is content to give his dear Son iu Marriage to 
 faiiea Adam'% Daughter, that was becoiiie a Sia\e 
 to the DjvH ! Yea, he hath drawn up the Contract, 
 and all the Articles of it. Chrifr. che Bridegroom 
 bath chearfully lubferibed the Contract, he dipt the 
 Pen in his own Blood on the Crois, and put his 
 Hand to it in the View of God, Angels, Men, and 
 all the World. "Now the Bridegroom wants your 
 ent to the Marriage- contract, and he hath long 
 .been dcour ting you to iubicribe it : Some or you have 
 often been purpoied to do it, yea, taken the Pen in 
 your Hand, but, upon ibme fmali Temptation, r 
 ftopt and thrown by the Pen. This day Chlttt hath 
 let a Try it with you to cc nclude the Bargain, and 
 his AmbalTadorsare come, in his-Na-me, tofpread the 
 Contract before you with all its Articles. Well then, 
 IVIA you go wiii this Man ? Will you put your 
 Hand to the Contract I 
 
 O Sinners, you have no Reafon to be fhy in 
 Matter, you have nothing to be vain of, you aie 
 mean born, of low Extract ; you are lothibpie Le- 
 pers, you arc deformed, black, and have no B 
 ty ; you are Cripples, cannot walk, unlefs C 
 lift you ; you are drowned in Debt, many oid Scores 
 bath Chrift to clear for you, if he match % 
 O who would make Love to filch a wretched Crea- 
 ture ! Yet, behold, here is one that is fairer ?han the 
 Gods of Men, of the Blood-Roval of Heaven, 
 
 X 2 ' Heir 
 
164 The Marriage betuo'i ,v/ 
 
 Heir of all Things, courting you ! Be aftonifhed, O 
 ye Heavens, at this Match ! One infinitely rich, with 
 a Beggar, the Heir of Heaven with the Heir of Hell, 
 the Beauty of Heaven and Earth with a deformed 
 [Negro f But if the Bridegroom be content, why 
 iTiould you flick \ Can you give any Reafon for your 
 KefuCil or Delay ! Now the God of Heaven is fet- 
 ling Tryft with you to conclude this bleffcd Bargain 
 with you at his Table, and calling you there to fign 
 and feal a Man iage-contract with his Son, and that 
 before all the Merlons of the glorious Trinity, before 
 the elect Angels, before Child's Ambaffadors, and 
 before all the Congregation, Witneffes thereto. 
 There have been many Meetings heretofore, about 
 this grand Affair, to no Effect : The World, Satan, 
 and the FUJh have formerly broke off the Treaty ; 
 forbid it, Lord, that they do it this Day. O that 
 "the long fpoke of Match bfiwixt a crucified Jefus 
 and loft Souls may hold at laft. This may be the 
 ] aft Try ft, the laft Offer Chrift will make ; it may 
 be now or never with you. Lay yoar Hand to your 
 Heart then, and confider well before you refufe. 
 
 Cc;*e take another View of this beautiful Bride- 
 groom that is in your Offer. Behold how delicate his 
 Complexion is, He is white and ruddy ; white in re- 
 gard of his Innocence, ruddy in his bloody PafTion. 
 O how peerlefs is hisperfon ! how ravifhing his Beau- 
 ty ! how charming his Voice! how ftately .his Go- 
 ings ! how fragrant are bis Garments ! They imell 
 of Aloes, Myrrh and Cailia ! Search all the World, 
 you cannot find his Equal. One Glimpfe of him is 
 enough to ravifh Men and Angels; His Locks are 
 <:k and bujby as the Raven, th Lip J are like Li Hies 
 dropping fweet fmelling Myrrh \ his Legs as Pillars of 
 Marble fet upon Sockets of fine Gold ; his Countenance is 
 as Lebanon, excellent aj tie Cedars ; jea } he is alto- 
 gether lovely I Now, can you refuse liich a lovely 
 Perlon, efpetially when you think how he loved 
 
 you, 
 
Chrifl and Sinner's. 1 65 
 
 you, fo as to fuffer a cruel and bloody Death for you, > 
 and to fend his Portraiture with the Marks or' his 
 Wounds to be put in your Hands at his holy Table, 
 and all to win your Heart ! Come view, and remem- 
 ber the many Wounds he received tor you, by the 
 Thorns which pierced his Head, by the Pincers that 
 pluck't his Hair, by the Scourges that tc*e his Back, 
 by the Nails that pierced his Hands and Feet, and by 
 the Spear that opened his Side 1 Surely thcie Wounds 
 do not mar his Beauty to the Eye of Faith ; nay, 
 tho' he be all over wounded, mangled and bleeding, 
 yet to a Believer he is iiill whit* and ruddy , the chief* 
 eft among ten thou funds , fatter than all the Sons cf 
 Men, nay, and all the Sons ofGcd too. 
 
 Certainly the Bridegroom muft be in earr.eft, when 
 he comes in his Marriage- robes to win backward 
 Hearts, when he puts on his dyed Garments, and is 
 red in his Apparel ; \\ ben he dilplays his Glory, brings 
 the Marriage- con tract in his Hand, fpreads it on the 
 Communion-table, and calls all who love him to 
 fign it. O that many were made willing, in a Day 
 of his Power, to go into all the Articles of this Marri- 
 age-covenant, laying, My Heart is now content to 
 go with the Man Chriit, that wonderful Man ; I 
 confent to all his Terms, he is my Lord and my God, 
 my glorious Immanuel ; my Beloved is mine, end I 
 am his. Que ft. I would kno;v particularly what he 
 requires on my Part of the Contract, that I may 
 diltinclly cloie with him \ Anf. He would have you, 
 I. Convinced of your finking and periihing State, 
 vhile you (land upon the old Bottom of a Covenant 
 of Works, and wiliing to leave it, and leap from it, 
 and cleave to a Covenant ol Grace, and a borrowed 
 
 Righteoufnefs for all the Ground of your Hope. 
 
 2 • He would have you humbled and grieved for your 
 long flighting his kind Offers by your Unbelief, and 
 ior your preferring Satan's Drudgery to his Service. -- 
 3. Give up with all other Lovers, and thele that 
 
 wo*ld v 
 
1 66 The Marriage betwixt 
 
 would rival it with Chrift, fuch as Sm, the World, 
 *nd the Law ; Self-righteoufnels mud be renounced and 
 parted with ; you mult break * eague with all ChrirTs 
 
 Enemies 4. Accept of Jefus Chrift as your Huf- 
 
 band, receive him in all his Offices, reft and depend 
 on him alone for Rigbteoufnefs, Strength, and Sal- 
 vation. 5. Give away yourfelves, Soul and Body 
 
 to Chrift, refign your Will to his Will, and furren- 
 
 der all you have to his Difpofal. 6. Relblve and 
 
 vow, in Chrift's Strength, to crucify Sin, and walk 
 
 with him in all the Ways of new Obedience. 
 
 7. Engage to be true and faithful to your Hufband, 
 and never to retract — 8. Keep up the Rcmembra; 
 of your Hufband's coming at the laft day 'to folem- 
 nize the Maniage, and take you home to himielf, 
 and be always in Readineis to go forth to meet him. 
 The Bridegroom is ready long fince, and will foon 
 rend thefe Clouds to meet you in the Air, and fend , 
 his Angels to bring you up to him ; Therefore be ye I 
 alfo ready. 
 
 O why doth he delay his Coming ? What ft ops the 
 Wheels of his Chariot ? Snrely it is not becaufe he 
 is unready, but becaufe you are not ready. All the 
 Elect are not yet brought in to him, and he is deter- 
 mined not to want one of them. O then be provid- 
 ing for the Marriage- day all proper Furniture, Robes, 
 jewels, Rings and Ornaments, againft the Time that 
 Chrift and you take up Houfe together in Heaven. 
 Be lure to go to Chrift for every Bit of your Plenifh- 
 ing, for Righteoufnefs, and for all the Graces of the 
 
 Spirit. In the mean time, take home with you the 
 
 Marriage-contract, the precious Promifes which Chrift 
 hath fub'cribed with his Blood. Be often looking in- 
 to it, and viewing your Bridegroom's Hand writ and 
 Engagement. His Writing is fair and beautiful ; let 
 not Satan or Unbelief caft Blots upon it to deface it: 
 keep it iair and legible, and draw all ycur Comfo- 
 
 from 
 
Chrijl and Sinners. 1 67 
 
 from it ; your Hufband is faithful, and will keep his 
 Word? 
 
 ADVICE VII. 
 
 From Lam. i. 12. , 
 
 Behold and fee, the Lord hath afflifted me. in the Day 
 of his fierce Anger. 
 
 WIT H far better Ground may Chrift make Ufe 
 of tbefe words of his Church, and call us 
 to behold his Sufferings for us under the fierce Anger 
 of God, in the Day when it pleafed the Lord to hruijt 
 him, and put him to Grief m our Stead, If a. liii. jc. 
 Many Things did he fufferfrom Men and Devils ; but; 
 his Afflictions and Bruifes from the immediate Hand 
 of God, taking Vengeance for the Elect's Sins, were 
 far more heavy. His Soui-fufferings were the moft 
 afflicting of all others. Let every Communicant be- 
 hold, fee, and conliJer thefe with fuitable Affections. 
 Behold not only the Buffetings, Scourgings, Woun- 
 tiings, and cruel Mockings your lovely Jeius endured 
 from Men, the Inftruments of God's Juilice ; but e- 
 fpeciallv what he fuffered in his Soul by the Defertion 
 or Dereliction cf God the Father, whereby the gra- 
 cious Influences and Comforts from the Diune to the 
 Humane Nature of Chrift were fufpended for a Time, 
 and a black Cloud of Wrath overwhelmed him, io 
 that no Light appeared to him ; which made him cry 
 out, My God, my God, why halt thou forfake?i me /— 
 Nay, at this Time he had a Torrent of Wrath flow- 
 ing in upon his Soul, and the moft dreadful Imprtili- 
 ons of his Father's Anger, and the Law's Curfe, which 
 fell upon him for Man's bin, when he was made a 
 Curfe for us, that itcaft him into a Fit of Tore Amaze- 
 ment, Confternation and terrible Agony, and into a 
 it of Blocd. The Fire oT Wrath raging in hi? 
 

 1 68 , Orift fuffering 
 
 Soul affecTed his Body fo, that it dried up his Strength 
 and Moifture as a Potfherd, and made his Tongue 
 cleave to his Jaws. Pie held his Peace under all his 
 Sufferings from Men, and opened not his Mouth; but 
 when God's immediate Wrath feil heavily on him, 
 then he cried out : it is faid, He put up Prayers and 
 Supplications, with jtrong Crying and Tears, Heb. v. 
 7. Yet God would not fpare him, nor abute him 
 one Stripe or Farthing of the Debt ; let him cry ne- 
 ver fo loud, Jultice was inexorable ; he mult iatisfy 
 to the full. 
 
 O can you fee the Great hnmar.utl fubftkute in youf 
 Room or Stead ; God acting againit him as an inex- 
 orable Judge ; Jehovah running upon him as a Giant, 
 not only withdrawing his Countenance, and all Feel- 
 ing of his Loving-kiwdriefs from him, but making him 
 the Butt of his envenom'd Arrows ; and not be filled 
 with Admiration at ChrihVs Love, and forrow for 
 your Sins, which brought fuch a Storm of Wrath up- 
 on him ! O how fad were the Bruifes ! How deep 
 
 were the Wounds ! How wide the Games ! and how 
 heavy the Blows he got from the Sword of Juftice for 
 our Sins ? The Sword was not dull or fleepy, but 
 furbifhed and awakened by Ju ft ice to the Execution. 
 
 — O how heavy were the Blows our Surety got 
 
 from this awakened Sword in the Garden otGcthfe- 
 mane, which made his Soul exceeding forrowjul, and 
 put. him in a dreadful Agony and bloody Sweat ! — 
 Behold and fee how patiently he drank the bitter Cup 
 of God's Wrath for you, the Poifon whereof drank . 
 up his Spirits, and made his Blood to boil in his Veins, 
 and burffc thro' his Body, Clothes and all ! He fwate 
 without any outward Fire or Heat, and bled without 
 any external Wound ! — Behold hisGarments dyed red 
 r.nd the Ground and Grafs where he lay all bedew- 
 ed with his precious Blood ! Behold him broken 
 
 with Breach upon Breach, till all the Sea-billows of 
 Divine Vengeance went over him ; lb that he fell to 
 
 the 
 
under God's fierce Anger. 169 
 
 the Ground, was covered with Blood, and over- 
 whelmed with Wrath J Behold and fee, if there be 
 any Sorrow like his Sorrows I 
 
 It is laid Mark xiv. 35. He 6 eg an to be fore amazed 
 and very heavy ! Which (hews what a Load and Pref- 
 fure of Wrath his Soul lay under, that put him in au 
 Agony that ftill increaied more and more, like the 
 Waters in EzekieTs Vifion, dill deeper and deeper, 
 from the Ancles to the Knees, till they became Wa- 
 ters to i'wim in, yea fwelled into an Ocean that 
 would have overwhelmed the whole Elect World. 
 Into this Ocean our bleffed Jonah was willing to be 
 thrown for our fake, and in it he continued to fwim 
 
 until he brought every ElecT: Soul fafeafhore. 
 
 It is recorded of Abraham, when offering his Sacri- 
 fice, Gen. xv. 1 2. That in the Evening lo an Horror of 
 great Darknefs fell upon him* This was verified much 
 more of Chrift in the Evening before his Paflion in 
 the Garden : There a terrible Horror of great Dark» 
 nefs fell upon (Thrift's Soul, which made him exceed- 
 ing heavy, and fore amazed, at the Profpecl of the 
 Sea of Wrath that was coming rolling upon him, 
 while the Father was hiding his Face from him. O 
 how great was the Anguifh of Chrift's Mind at this 
 Time, when he found himfelf prefTed aud bruifed be- 
 twixt the Mi I (lone of God's Juftice and our Sins ? 
 Which Preffure made him fweat without Heat, and 
 bleed without Wound ! Ah ! the Fire, the Heat, the 
 Wounds were inward, even in his Soul ! O Commu- 
 hicants, behold and fee ChrihVs Sorrows for you, no- 
 thing can be more acceptable to Chiift than often 
 to meditate thereon with Admiration and Love. If 
 any of you had loft a Hand, or even a Finger, in 
 defending or refcuing your Fiiend from an Enemy, 
 you would expect he would be ever mindful of the 
 Favour, and never forget you. But O what is 
 that to the Sufferings of the Son of God for. you? 
 He hath loft not a Hand, but his Heart Biood ; yea,. 
 Y ihi 
 
17 o Chrifl fujfering 
 
 the Favour and Countenance of God for you for a 
 Time. He left his glorious Throne in Heaven, and 
 (looped to become a Alan, a poor Man, a Man of 
 Sorrows, a deferted Man, and a dead Man for you. 
 Kay he was willing to be made a Curfe for you, and 
 to take on a dreadful Load of Wrath upon his inno- 
 cent Soul, yea infinitely more than any damned Soul 
 in Hell can heir ; and to fwimlong in a Seaof Wrath 
 to fave you from periftiing in it. Let the iurprifing 
 Love of Chriftfill your Soul with Wonder, and kin* 
 die a Flame of Love in your Soul to him. 
 
 Again, meditate on thrift's Sorrows, with deep 
 Sorrow for Sin the Caufe thereof. Believe that amaz- 
 ing Word, lj'a. liii. 6< He was worndedfor, our Tranf- 
 greffionsy he was bruifed fcr our hiiqutties* Let the 
 Sound of it never go out of your Enrs ; fay, Oh ! 
 my Sins were the Thorns which pierced his Head, the 
 jSIaiis which pierced his Hands, and the Spear which 
 pieVced his Side My Curfed Sins put the Lord of 
 Life to a cruel Death, they wounded him more than 
 all his other .Enemies. When my dear Lord was in 
 the Garden, no Judas, no Pi/ate, no Jew nor Gen- 
 tile was there, to caule his amazing Horror of Soul, 
 and his fearful Sweat of Blood ; but, Oh, my Un- 
 belief, my Pride, my Carnality, my Hypocrify, and 
 other Sins were there, and with their Weight pref- 
 Jcd him to the Ground, and brought that Agony and 
 Sweat upon him. Oh, that my Head were Waters, 
 that I might weep a Flood of Tears for my Sins ! 
 
 • Lajlly y Abhor Sin as the greatell Evil, and never 
 have flight Thoughts of it any more ; Can you be- 
 hold your agonizing Saviour under a Burden of Wntb. 
 and hear him complaining of the burning Heat and 
 Third which the Fire oC Juftice created within him ! 
 Can you fee the great Drops of Blood (landing above 
 his Garments ! Can you hear his Cries and Roar 
 under the Bruifes and Anguifh of his Soul, and not 
 he convinced of the Evil and Demerit pf S : u ! £ 
 
under God? s fierce Anger. 171 
 
 that fit light upon your Soul which fat fo heavy up- 
 on Chrift's Soul \ O what defperate Malignity mutl 
 there be in that, which could not be expiated with- 
 out fuch a coflly Sacrifice ! Look on them as Fools 
 who make a Sport of Sin, which coft the Son of God 
 fo much Soul Travail and inward Horror : Never 
 yeild any more to the Temptations of Sin, which coft 
 fo dear before it could be forgiven. 
 
 ■ ■ 
 
 ADVICE VIII. 
 
 . From Mat. xx\i. 22. 
 They were exceeding for rovful, and began every cne to 
 fay, Lord is it I ? 
 
 TT was a commenckble Exercife of Chrift Difci- 
 I pies, before partaking of the Holy Supper, to be 
 karching themfelves, and looking inward with a ho- 
 ly Sufpicion upon their own Hearts, efpecially when 
 Chrift had told them, there was a Traitor among 
 them, and at the fame Time looking up to him that 
 isOmnifcient, to aftift them in the (earch, faying Lord 
 is it I ! Am I the Traitor ? Will I betray my dear 
 Lord and Saviour ? Ah ! every one of us have within 
 us traiterous Hearts to Jefus Chrift, and have Rea- 
 fon to fuipect ourfelves as they did, and acknowledge 
 we have many Enemies of Chrift lodged in our Bo- 
 foms, fuch as Unbelief, Hypocrijy, Pride, Malice, En- 
 vy, Amb>tion y IVordlinefs, Atheifm, Wandrings from 
 Cod, Backwardnefs to Duty, &c. by which we have 
 
 betrayed Jefus Chrift. And as the Diiciples when 
 
 iearching themfelves were exceedi??g forrowful ; fo 
 ought we before we partake : and good Reafon have 
 w T e for it, when we reflect upon our former Guilt and 
 treacherous dealing with God, and when we confider 
 the prefcnt Deceitrulnefs, and defperate Wickednefs 
 of our Hearts, and that they are as ready to betr?y 
 Y 2 Chrift 
 
172 Searching and for rowing for Sin. 
 
 Chrifl: as ever; yea, that there is Hypocrify and 
 Treachery in ou ■• Hearts againft Chrifl which we 
 have not yet difcovered. Upon all which accounts, 
 we have Ground wich the Dilciples to be exceeding 
 Jorrowful. 
 
 Now is the Time, O Communicants, to fearch and 
 examine yourfelves, and to be exceeding forrowful 
 for the many traiterous Wounds you h*ve given Chrift 
 by breaking both Tables of the Law, and eve«ry 
 Command thereof; by finning againft Light and 
 Conicience, againft Mercies and Judgments, Warn- 
 ings and Reproofs, Confetfions and Prayers. By Un- 
 thankfulnefs for redeeming Love, neglecting Goipel- 
 offers, not loving and reding upon a crucified Jelus, 
 not accounting all Things Lofs and Dung for him ; 
 not delighting in attending his Ordinances, and in 
 remembering his Love in the Holy Supper. — — O how 
 treacherous have your Hearts been to Chrift ! how 
 blood -thirfty have your Sins been againft him, in 
 preding him down in the Garden, in nailing him to 
 the curled Tree ! How are you able to look to Geth» 
 famane or Golgotha, with unconcerned Hearts or dry 
 Eyes ! Were not your Sins the principal Actors in that 
 horrid Tragedy ? 1 hefe, to be fu re, were the Trai- 
 tors, which by the Hands of Judas, delivered up Je- 
 fus to be crucified : What were Pi/ate, the Jews or 
 Romans, but the Executioners of your Sins \ Who 
 put the Sword in Juftice Hands ? Who raifed the 
 Temped of Wrath againft your Surety ? Oh ! it was 
 your Sins. Blame none \o much as them ; they were 
 the Judas, that betrayed him, the Herod that mocked 
 him, the Pilate that condemned him, and the Soldier 
 that pierced him ; will you not then be exceeding J or- 
 rowju I for your traiterous Hearts and bloody Sins ? 
 Could they ever been guilty of a more horrid Crime 
 than murdering the Lord of Glory ? O mail the Rocks 
 about Jerusalem rend afunder, the Earth tremble and 
 fliake, The Sun vail its Face, and the whole Heavens 
 * put 
 
Searching and for rowing for Sin. 173 
 
 put on a mourning Habit, when (Thrift fuffered for 
 your Sins ? And (hall you the Criminals, who defer- 
 ved all this Punifhment, (tand unaffected ? O what 
 ftupid Hearts mud you have, if they do not mourn 
 for your Sins which brought on fuch Agonies upon the 
 Son of God, before they could be expiated. Had 
 you in your Pa (lion given a deadly Wound to any 
 poor innocent Man, your Heart would have bled 
 for it all your Days ; and will not your Hearts much 
 more relent for flaughtering the innocent Lamb of 
 God ! One that never wronged you, but was always 
 jnterpofing for you, and doing you good ! 
 
 Remember what David iYid to the Lord, when he 
 faw the People deftroyed for his Sin, 2. Sam. xxiv. 1 7. 
 Lo, I have finned and done wickedly ; but as for theje 
 Sheep, what have they done P In like Manner lay you, 
 Lord, I have finned, I have done wickedly; but as 
 for this fpotlels Lamb, what hath he done ? I have 
 eaten the jour Grapes, but his Teeth were fet on Edge. 
 O when will your Heart melt, and your Eyes weep, 
 if not now I Never was there fuch a moving Sight 
 fet before your Eyes, as the Lord of Glory pierced 
 and flain by your Sins. Now it is, that Deep calleth 
 unto Deep, deep Sufferings in Chrilt for deep Sorrow 
 in thee. 
 
 O faith one,' I dcfire to be grieved for my Hypocri- 
 [y and treacherous Dealing with Chriff, and for Sin 
 that crucified him, but how (hall I know if my Sor- 
 row be of the right Sort ? Anf. Esamine it by fuch 
 Marks asthefe, r. Godly Sorrow is accompanied with 
 fbme View of the Mercy pi; God in Chrifr, which 
 fupports the Soul, aud keeps it from De'pair. Judas 
 Sorrow, however deep it was, wanted this neceffary 
 
 Ingredient. 2. If true, it will be univerfal, both 
 
 for your own Sins, and the Sins of others ; for the 
 Sins of the Place where you live, and for thefeof the 
 
 whole Land. 3. If it be right Sorrow, it will 
 
 bring you to confider the Aggravations and heinous 
 
 Circum- 
 
174 72* Marks and Effetts 
 
 Circumftances of your Sins, as being againft Light, 
 againft Love, and againft folemn Engagements and 
 ProfeiTions of Friendship, fo as to mourn and cry- 
 How traiterous hath my Heart beeen to fo kind a 
 Matter i 4. It will produce thefe (even happy Ef- 
 fects mentioned, 2 Cor. vii. 11. There it is faid, 
 godly Sorrow for Sin works, I Carefulnefs, that is, 
 a Care to recover Peace with God for what is paft, 
 and to pleafe God for the Time to come, ; by amend- 
 ing what is amifs, and avoiding all Temptations and 
 
 Occafions that lead to Sin. 2. Cleariug of your- 
 
 /elver, by mourning over the Sins of other men, dif- 
 fenting from them, and fhowing your Detefration 
 of them. 3. Indignation againll: Sin, as the abo- 
 minable Thing which God hates. The Heart of a 
 true Penitent rile?, fwells, and boils againft Sin. 
 Then it is you are angry and fin not, when you are 
 angry at Sin, and at yourfelves for Sin. — 4. Fear, 
 The true Penitent fears to offend God as he hath 
 done ; and that he may not do it, he nourifheth a 
 holy Fear and awful ImpreiTion of the Holinels of 
 God ; and alfo a Fear of holy JeatovJ) and JVatch* 
 fulnefs over himlelf, left Sin i'urprife him at any 
 Time. .5. Vehement Defire^o wit, after Re- 
 conciliation with God thro* drift, and after Refor- 
 mation of every Thing amifs, and to be entirely 
 rid of all Sin.- -6. Godly Sorrow produceth Zeal, 
 which is an Affection or Grace compounded of Love 
 and Anger, to wit, Love to God and Duty, and 
 Anger againftSin and every Thing oppofite to God. — 
 7. Revenge, by feeking the utter Extirpation of Sin, 
 by failing, mortifying the Flefh, and denying your- 
 fehresin fome Things lawful for a Time, A good 
 Way to execute this Revenge againft Sin, is for 
 Penitents to take frequent Views of the deep and 
 bloody Wounds which Sin hath given to your dear 
 Redeemer. It is written of the Emperor Julius C<r- 
 fatj tha after he was murdered in the Senate, trey 
 
 Wrought 
 
 
of true Sorrow. \j$ 
 
 brought forth his Robe all befmeared with his Blood 
 to the Market-Place, and expofed it to open View, 
 in order to awaken his Friends to take Revenge 
 upon his Enemies. This is furely one defign of the 
 holy Sacrament, to awaken your Zeal againft Sin, 
 
 which murdered the Lord of Glory. l* a flfyi 
 
 Godly Sorrow for Sin, will drive you to Chrift for 
 Help againft Sin ; it will make you flee to Chrift 
 for Deliverance from an ill Heart, as well as from 
 the Wrath that Sin deferveth ; hence the Apoftle cri- 
 ed, wretched Man that I am, who jhall deliver mi 
 from the Body of this Death / Rom. vii. 24. 
 
 — — ^— — !■ « ' II I I I ■— — ^— — I III ■ ■ . 
 
 ADVICE IX. 
 
 From Hei. \\. 18. 
 
 *—Who have fed for Refuge, to lay bold upon the 
 , Hope fet before us. 
 
 WE haw here a two-fold Defcription of true 
 Believers, which come to one ; ! . They are 
 fuel-, as have fled to Chrift as the true City of Refuge, 
 
 to (belter them from avenging Juftice. 2. I bey arc 
 
 inch as have by Faith laid hold on Chrift fct before 
 them in the Gofpel-Promile, as their only Hope of 
 Salvation. 
 
 Chrift is our Refuge-city from the Curfes of the 
 Law which hang over us, from the Avenger of Blood, 
 Divine Juftice that purlues us, and from the Devils 
 which ly in wait for us — — The Cities of Refuge un- 
 der the Law were fix, but under the Gofpel \ve have 
 one better than them all. Theirs only protected the 
 Bodv from the Wrath of Man ; but outs doth pro- 
 ted both Soul and Body from the Wratb'of anaii 
 God. The Way to it is made plain and potent, Pil- 
 lars are fet up, Chrift's Minifters to dirci rs in 
 
 c Way to it. In this blefled Citv there is FrorecYi- 
 
176 Flying to&tlft 
 
 on, InftrucYion, Provifion and Fulnefs for all that flee* 
 to it. Here is all our Hope of Salvation, and it is 
 in vain to hope for Safety any where elfe. Now 
 Communicants, this blelled Hope is fet before you, 
 come lay hold on it, and cleave fad to it. Now the 
 City is fet on a Hill, the Way to it prepared, and 
 the Gates open : The Gofpei-trumpet is founded, 
 and Proclamation made, whofoever flees to the City, 
 be his Cafe what it will, (hall in no wife be cafl: out. 
 Under the Law, he that (aw his Danger, and fled 
 to the City of Refuge, did firmly believe there was 
 Safety and Security for him by publick Authority in 
 that privileged Place, if he could but get into it in 
 time before the Avenger of Blood did overtake him : 
 Therefore he earnestly defired to be once within the 
 Gates of it, and for that End put forth his utmofr. 
 Vigour in running. He did not linger, halt, nor fit 
 down by the Way ; nor would he turn afide to any 
 crooked By-path that might lead him about, but 
 keep the ftraight and nearer! Way to the City, as the 
 Pillars fet up directed him. No Perfnafion of any 
 Man could make him look or flee to any other City, 
 Cattle, or hiding Place for Safety, but to the City 
 authorized by Law. In like Manner let every con- 
 vinced Sinner, learn from this to flee to Jefus Chrift: 
 our Safety from Wrath, as the only Refuge appoint- 
 ed by God for him. Look, defire and pant earneftly 
 to be within the Gates. O Sinner, run with Speed, 
 now the Gates are wide open in the Word and in the 
 Sacrament. Put forth yourutmofl: Vigour, and efcape 
 for your Life : Do not linger nor delay, but flee as 
 one that fees Jufticeclofe atyour Heels. Avoid allo- 
 ther Shelters and py-waysfbr Relief; away with car- 
 nal Company, finful Pleafures, worldly Mirth or Di- 
 verlions : Nay, take no Shelter in your own Duties 
 and Performances ; believe that none of thefe can 
 skreeu or protect you from the Sword of Juftice, and 
 
 that 
 
our only Refuge- city. 177 
 
 none elfe can, but be who is the Lord our Eighieovf- 
 nefs. 
 
 Of old, nothing could flop the Man when flying to 
 the city of Refuge : Had his Wife and Children hung 
 about him, or his own Heart fuggefted to him, will 
 you leave your Houfe, your Garden, Lands, Relati- 
 ons and many Accommodations, and go to a Orange 
 City and fpend your Days \ He would have flung 
 them all from him, and taken flight, faying to Wife 
 and Children, Better part with all Things than part 
 with my Life, if you will not follow me, I mull leave 
 
 you all behind. So let awakened Souls flee with 
 
 Speed and Refolution to Jelus Chrift ; fay to the 
 World's Profits, Sins, Pleafures, Satan's Allurements, 
 and whatever would tempt you to flay behind, Get 
 you hence ; away with every Thing that would hin- 
 der me from Chrift. My Saviour and my Soul are 
 more precious to me than all the World ; take all 
 
 Things from me and give me Chrift.- How great 
 
 was Jerome, one of the ancient Fathers, his Love to 
 Chrift ? How ftrong was his Refolution when he faid, 
 ic If my Father were weeping on hi* Knees before 
 u me, my Mother hanging about my Neck behind 
 * ( me, my Brethren, Sifters and Kinsfolk howling on 
 iC every Side to retain me from Chrift, I would cad 
 " my Mother to the Ground, run over my Father, 
 H and defpife all my Kindred, tread all under my Feet 
 " and run to Chrift." 
 
 O awaken'ed Soul, behold how Chrift difplays his 
 Love to thee in the Sacrament, he opens his Wounds 
 to be a Refuge and Hiding-place to thee, and calls 
 aloud to thee to come and flee in thither, Turn ye, 
 turn yeywhy will ye die P To whom will you flee for 
 Help, when the Avenger of Blood is at your Heels, 
 if you flee not to Chrift the only Refuge from Wrath ? 
 Hills, and Mountains, Seas and Depths, Heaven and 
 Earth cannot hide thee from the Storm, if Chrift do ic 
 not. Now you have a noble Opportunity; while the 
 
 Z Clefts 
 
178 Flying to Chrijl, &c. 
 
 Clefts or ChrilVs Wounds (land open, and the blefft/d 
 Hope is fet before you in the Sacrament, and Chrift 
 flretching out his Hand and waiting to ice who will 
 rife and flee to him ! O to fee Souls riling in Flocks, 
 and flying as Doves to their Windows ! What a plea- 
 fant Sight would this be ! 
 
 O faith one, I can't rife, my Wings are dipt, my 
 Soul clogg'd, I can't mount up. Anfw. If you can't 
 mount up as with Eagles Wings, fee if you can run 
 to Chrifl:, and kneel before him, like that young Man, 
 Mark x. 17.-: Object. I find myfelf fo burden- 
 ed and heavy laden, that I cannot run. Anfw. Then 
 fhew a Willingnels to run to Chritt ; and c^y Draw 
 me 9 and I will run after thee ; even a Defire to run 
 
 will be accepted, as of thole in Nehem* 1. ii.- ■ — • 
 
 Objeft. But, faith one, My Heart is (bdead and fiug- 
 gifli, I have neither Strength nor Will to run to 
 Cbrift. Anfw. If you cannot run, then fee if you 
 can but go towards him ; for we read in Jer . ii. 2. 
 Thele who went after him in the Wildernejs, were ac- 
 cepted of him.- Object. Alas, faith one, I am fo 
 
 weak and feeble, I cannot go. Anfw. Then endea- 
 vour to creep and move towards him as you can. 
 
 Objeft. But I am folame and impotent both in Hands 
 and Feet, that I can't creep or move. .Anfw. If 
 you cannot move to Chriil, then look to him as the 
 Jfraelites did when (lung with fiery Serpents. Chrilr. 
 calls every feeble Soul to do it, lfa. xlv. 22. Look 
 unto me, a?id be ye faved, all the Ends of the Earth ; 
 and would you have Chrifl come any lower than a 
 Look ? O look up to Jefus as lifted up upon the Pole 
 of the Crofs, for all Nations to behold him — Objecl. 
 IVIy Eyes are dim, the Cro's far off; Jerufalem, whert 
 it was fet up, is out of Sight. Anfw. The Pole of 
 the Gofpel and of the Sacrament, on which Chrifl is 
 now lifted up, is near hand ; look up to him thereon, 
 
 and be faved. ObjjcJ. Saith one, I am (b burdened 
 
 with Guilt, I can't lift up mine Eyes. Anfw. Then 
 
C&rifl nailed to the Croft, &cc. 179 
 
 1/ low before him like the humble Publican, who was 
 fo burdened, that he was afhamed to lift up his Eyes 
 to Heaven, and under a deep Senie of his Vilenefs 
 cried, Cod be merciful to me a Sinner, and (b doing 
 was accepted : In like Manner humble yourfelf be- 
 fore a merciful Redeemer, and plead his Promife, 
 Matth. xi. 28. Truft his Word for Eafe and Reft 
 to your burdened Soul. 
 
 ADVICE X. 
 
 From John iii. 14. 
 ,- Even fo muft the Son of Man be lifted up* 
 
 *HT^ HE lifting up of the braze?i Serpent upon a 
 
 j[ Pole, to heal Serpent- ft ung Ifraelites, was 
 
 a Type of the lifting up of Chrift on the Crofs, to 
 
 heal convinced Sinners of their Wounds by Sin. 
 
 As there was but one brazen Serpent for healing the 
 whole Camp of Jfrael ; fo Chrift crucified is the only- 
 Remedy and Saviour for a loft World He 
 
 muft be lifted up ; his dying on the Crofs was necef- 
 fary to fulfil his Engagements from Eternity to be 
 our Surety ; he muft be offered up as a Sacrifice to 
 fatisfy divine Juftice for the Sins of Men, feeing no- 
 thing elfe could do it. Tho' Chrift 's Engagement 
 to fuffer for us was entirely voluntary at fir ft ; yet 
 having once undertaken, it became necefTary for him 
 to be lifted up. And Glory to him that would not 
 go back from his Word, however great his Suffer* 
 ings were. 
 
 Come then, O Communicants, behold and confi- 
 der, with fuitable Thoughts and Affections, your 
 lifted tip Jefus dying on the Crofs. After he had 
 born the heavy Crois on his bleeding Shoulders up 
 Mount Calvary, this Crofs muft next bear him upon 
 she Top of the Mount, being fir ft nailed to it, and 
 Z 2 lifted 
 
1 80 Chrifl nailed to the Crofs 
 
 lifted up with it. Come, fee how this was done 5 
 
 Behold the Crois-tree laid down upon the Ground, 
 and the Lord Jeius fhipt naked, laid on his Back, 
 with Hands and Feet llretched out upon the Tree, 
 that they might take the Meafureof his Body, and 
 mark the Holes for the Nails ! and lo, they take the 
 Mealiire longer than the Truth, that they might both 
 crucify and rack him at once, till his Bones mould 
 go out of Joint : So the Oofs was a Rack as well as 
 
 ,a Death Our firft Parents ft retched forth their 
 
 guilty Hands to take the forbidden Fruit from the 
 Tree : therefore our glorious Saviour did willingly 
 ftretch forth his innocent Hands to be nailed to tic 
 
 Tree, tofatisfy for their Guilt. Come fee four big 
 
 Nails driven into his Hinds and Feet, the inoft iinewy 
 and (enfible Parts of his Body, and faltned to the 
 Tree ; apply your Ear, and hear the hideous Sound 
 of the Hammers knocking in thefe Nails ! Oh, your 
 Sins were the Hammers that did it, mourn for them. 
 Come next and fee the Lord of Glory, when nailed 
 fad to the Tree, lift up with it on high, and made to 
 Hand upright to the View of all the World ! And 
 then the Foot of the Tree let fall down with Vio- 
 lence into the deep Hole they had digged to fallen it, 
 which Fall did unlpeakabiy increafe his Torments, 
 nnd rend the four Wounds made by the Nails. Thus 
 his own Weight became his Torture, Mill widening 
 the Wounds more and more, till all his precious 
 
 Blood dream 'd out at them. Behold your great 
 
 lmmamiel lift up on a Crofs betwixt Heaven and 
 Earth, as if he had been unworthy of a Place in ei- 
 ther, hanging bet wixt two Thieves, as if he had been 
 the great eft M leracror of the Three ! O what a Spe- 
 ctacle was your Retainer Co both Heaven and Earth 
 when thus lifted up ! An Aitoniftiment to Angels ! 
 A Derifion to the Wicked ! Compunclion to Be 
 vers ! but a Sacrifice acceptable to the JufV.ce of his 
 eterfcal Father I Look on this moving Specta- 
 cle 
 
lift up and Heeding to Death. 181 
 
 pie with deep Sorrow for Sin that fattened him to the 
 Tree, and made him hang on thefe tormenting Nails 
 for (everal Hours without Comfort inward or out- 
 ward ! No Way could he turn for Eafe, being fix'd 
 to the Tree ; if he flirred his bleiTed Body at all, he 
 was tormented afrefh by the Wounds of his Hands 
 and Feet, on which the whole Weight of his Body 
 did hang; If he moved his head, which had the 
 Crown of Thorns on it, the Thorns would but pierce 
 into it the deeper ; yet for all this he complained 
 not ; no Groan or Sigh was heard from trim, but 
 what he offered up to God for your Sins ! 
 
 When the Son of Man was thus lifted up, obferve 
 how the Streams of his precious Blood run down to 
 the Ground, and (food in a little Pool at the Foot 
 of the Crofs, until the Earth drank it up. Let this 
 Sight affect your Hearts, and open all the Springs 
 of Sorrow for Sin that pierced him. Sit down at the 
 Foot of the Crofs, and receive this i'acred Blood, as 
 it falls, upon your hard Hearts ; let it drop en them, 
 until it make them as loft as the Grouud it fell on. 
 Let it drop 051 all the Sores and Wounds of your Souls, 
 
 for it is the Balm that muft: heal them. 
 
 Obferve alio the great Extent of Chrift's Sufferings 
 at this Time, they reached to all the Farts of his 
 Body, and to ail the Powers of his Soul : He fuifered 
 in all his Senfes ; his Seeing, with the (cornful Ge» 
 (lures of Enemies ; his /-/taring, with their Scoffs and 
 Blafphemies ,; his Sme!!, with the noifome S teach of 
 Golgotha; his Tajie, with Gall and Vinegar; his 
 Feeling* with the piercing Nails and Thorns. Behold 
 his Hands, that were (till bellowing BlcfTmgs, now 
 fixed with Nails ; hhFeet that walked in God's Ways, 
 now digged thro' , his Bowels, that yearned for Sin- 
 ners, now fhrunk and dried up ; his Lips, that fpokc 
 as never Man (poke, now (wollen with Blows. Now 
 he fuifered on the Crofs till his Strergth wvs dried up 
 like a PotJherd } and his TmgxiQ cleaved to his Jaws • 
 
 the 
 
1 82 Cbrift flailed to the Crofs, 
 
 the Fire of God's Wrath fcorched him inwardly, 
 which made him cry out, / thirft. His Enemies min- 
 gled, at this Time, a Cup of Vinegar, and Gall to 
 him, which he refufed ; but. Glory to him, he refu- 
 ted not the Cup which his Father mingled to him, tho* 
 filled with Wrath and Curfes : This he drank for us, 
 tho' it filled his whole Soul with Anguifh, and made 
 him roar and complain of his Father's deferring him : 
 The Arrows of the Almighty, were within him, the 
 Poifou whereof drank up his Spirit. Amidft thefe fear- 
 fill Sufferings, our lifted up Jefus expired, willingly 
 offering up himfelf, on the Crofs, a propitiatory Sa- 
 crifice for us. 
 
 O Believers, did Chrift lift up himfelf as a willing 
 Sacrifice for you en the Crofs : lee then to lift up the 
 Gates of your Souls to receive in this Saviour ; let him 
 have a joyful Welcome into your Souls, and give him 
 the belt Entertainment, the befl Affections, and the 
 heft Service. — Did he willingly ftretch out his Arms 
 to be nailed to the Crofs for you ? Then be not un- 
 willing to ftretch out the Arms of Faith to embrace 
 him ; but fee to embrace him wholly in all his Offices, 
 «f Prophet, Prieft and King ; be willing to be taught, 
 faved, and ruled by him. Was Chrift lifted up on 
 the Crofs (as the brazen Serpent was lift up in the 
 Wildernefs) for healing all the Stings and Wounds gi- 
 ven us by Sin and Satan P O then look up to him with 
 the Eye of Faith for healing. This is the great Remedy 
 of God's contriving and providing, put ftrong Con- 
 fidence in it, and look to it with Hope and Expecta- 
 tion : Never miftruft the Virtue of God's Remedy, 
 nor defpair of Healing from it, however deep your 
 Stings, or large vour \Y T ounds be : For Chrift was 
 lifted up to be a Remedy for the Chief of Sinners, I 
 Timothy i. 15. and none ever periflied that looked to 
 
 him. Was Chrift willing to be lift up to fuffer for 
 
 vou ? Then let your Hearts be lift up to feive and o- 
 him, like King Jebofhapkat, vvhofe Heart was lift 
 
 up 
 
lift up and bleeding to Death. 183 
 
 up in the Ways of the Lord, 2 Chron. xvii. 6. Lift 
 up your Heart with your Voice in his Praife ; fpeak 
 of the glorious Honour of his Majefty, and make 
 known his mighty Acls : Obey his Commands, and 
 particularly his dying Command ; to remember him 
 at his Table, with Aftivity and Delight : Go with 
 lift up Hearts to a Communion-Table to remember 
 him, that went fo willingly to be lift up on a bloody 
 Crols for you. The antient Exhortation to Commu- 
 nicants was, SURSUM C O R D A, Lift uf 
 your Hearts to meet with a lift up J^JjiL* 
 
 ADVICE. XI. 
 
 From Excd. xiv. 1 5. 
 •Speak unto the Children e/Ifrael, thai they 
 
 go forward. 
 
 THIS is the Anfwer of Mo/es'% Prayer for Ifraet 
 when in a great Strait at the Redfea. It is 
 faid, He cried to God, yet we read not of one Word 
 he fpake : Ke only lift up his Heart to God, who 
 well underftands the Language of the Heart. Alofes's 
 filent Prayers of Faith prevailed more with God, 
 than IJraei's loud Outcries of Fear. A believing 
 Communicant may, in a Strait, cry to God, in pray- 
 er, without Jpeaking a Word, fo did Mofes here for 
 fainting Ifrael, When they came out of the Land 
 of Bondage, and fled from Pharaoh* $ Tyranny, the 
 Lord ordered them to march toward the Sea; but 
 now when they are near to it, and fee Pharaoh's mighty 
 Army purfuing, and dole at their Heels, they are in 
 a great Strait what Courfe to take ; they think cer- 
 tainly they mull: turn either to the Right or Left 
 Hand to make their Elcape from P^huraoh ; No, faith 
 God, fpeak to them to go jlill forward, as ftreight 
 towards the Sea, as^if they (aw a Fleet of Traofport 
 
 Ship* 
 
I 84 Go forward to the 
 
 Ships there waiting to take them in. O might they 
 think, " This is a hard Command, Go forward \ when 
 " we ice nothing but the deep devouring Sea before 
 H us ; as good go back to the Egyptians, or (land Rill 
 u until they come up and put us to the Sword, as go 
 " forward into the Sea and be drowned : Will the 
 u deep Sea have any more Mercy on us, than the 
 
 €< cruel Egyptians. 7 But, faith the Lord, Make 
 
 no Objections, afk no Quellions, let the People go 
 forward, obey my Command, and truft me with then- 
 Lives. 
 
 Obferve here, O timorous Communicant, O doubt- 
 ing Believer, when you are in Fears and Straits with 
 refpect to the Management or Succefs of your Duty, 
 you are to fet yourielves to obey God's Command, 
 go forward in the Uie of Means, with a lincere Heart, 
 and leave the Event to God. You may poffibly, at 
 this Time, be brought to the ftraitning Cafe of the 
 Children of Ifrael, when at the Brink of the Red-fea y 
 and their Hearts in gre-*t Perplexity, ready to fink 
 within them for Fear. Some may be faying within 
 themfelves, How mall fuch a vile black ua worthy 
 Creature go forward to the lied -lea ofChrili's Blood, 
 who have both fpilt it and defpifed it ? How (hall I, 
 after all venture to go forward \ to wa(h or bath my 
 unclean Soul in it ? Well, it is God's plain Command 
 to yon to go forward to it, however heavy leaden you 
 be with Guilt, fee 1 John iii. 23. Mat. xi. 28. John 
 i. 29. others as vile and black have obeyed his Com* 
 mand, have gone forward to this Red -lea, and been 
 warned in it, fee 1 Cor. vi- 9, 10, 11. yea, we read, 
 A8s ii. 36. of three Thousand of thefe who actually 
 embrued their Hands in this Blood, who were warn- 
 ed by it. How wonderful is its Virtue ! It is able to 
 take away the Sins of a whole World, and much 
 more the Sins of a few; therefore do not, O Shiner, 
 rebel agaiuft God's Command any longer. 
 
 Again, , 
 
Red-fea of Chrifl's Blood. 1 85* 
 
 Again, conGder what is God's fpecial Command 
 to thee at this Time, namely, Do this in Remembrance 
 of me ; his Precept is plain and exprefs to keep up 
 the Memory of his Love to loft Men. Can you think 
 to look on his Face with Comfort at the laft Day, if 
 you have no Pleafure to remember him now : Surely 
 his Prefence will be terrible then to thofe, to whom 
 his Memory is not delightful now. But you may- 
 have Straits and Difficulties about this Duty. O, faith 
 one, u My Strait is great, I know not what to do ; 
 " whether to flay back from God's holy Table, or 
 Ki go forward : If I ft ay back, I dilbbey my dying 
 " Saviour's Command, to (hew forth his Death in, 
 u this Manner : If J go forward unworthily, I con- 
 " tract the Guilt of his Body and Blood, and eat 
 u and drink my own Damnation. Alas, what fhall 
 44 I do ? my Need of Chrift and his Blood is fo great, 
 u I cannot think of Maying back ; and yet my Pre- 
 " paration is fo little, I know not how to go for* 
 €( ward.-~— Ah ! my Uiiworthinefs is great, how 
 Cl mall I go to the Table of fo great a King in the 
 u State and Cafe I am in, fo vile, fo finful, lb indif- 
 *' pofed, fo hard-hearted . ? If the Woman that had 
 <c the bloody IfTue feared fo much to come and touch 
 <c the Hem of Chrift's Garment ; how much more 
 u may I, who am full of the running JfTues of Sin, 
 ri fear to go forward to touch the facred Symbols of 
 iC his Body and Blood, and put my Hand into his 
 *< Wounds, and feel the Print of the Nails . ? " Come 
 then, unworthy as you are, obey Chrift's Command, 
 and venture ycur Soul in his Hand : Go forward with 
 all the Preparation you can attain to, deeply lenfible 
 of your own Vilenefs, and humbled for your Short- 
 comings^ trufting in the Worthtnefs of the Lamb that 
 was (lain to anfwer for your Unv)ortbinefs 9 in his Blood 
 to waih away your Pollution, and in his Strength tp 
 help your Weaknefs. Venture forward, faying, like 
 Jekofiaphat* u Lord, I have no Ability, no Might for 
 
 A a « th'rt 
 
186 Co forward to the 
 
 u this great Ordinance, neither know I what to do ; but 
 u my Eyes are unto thee, it is in thy Name, in thy 
 " Strength, and at thy Command, that I go forward 
 " to remember a dying Jefus at his holy Table. Lord 
 4( put on me the Wedding Garment, prepare, re- 
 (C ceive, and welcome me." 
 
 01 j eel. Some may fay, They are only the Children 
 of Ifrael, who, in the Text, are bid go forward ; and 
 
 we are afraid we are none of theie. Anf. All are 
 
 bidden, without Exception, come to Chrift ; yea, e- 
 ven the flout-hearted are called to go to him. Now, 
 if you come to Chrift, it will be a lure Proof of your 
 being Ifrael' s Children, and among theie who are bid 
 go forward. Minifters indeed have a fpecial Commif- 
 fion to fpeak to the Children of Ifrael, that they 
 go forward to this Table; whoever ftay back, they 
 ought not, 
 
 Queft. Who are thefe that may be numbered a- 
 mong IfraeT s Children, or the Seed of Jacob ? Anf. 
 The Children of Jacob or Ifrael, if they be of the 
 true Kind, will be like their Father, particularly in 
 theie Things ; I. Jacob was a great Wre filer with 
 God in Prayer, and hence he got the Name of Ifrael, 
 lie wept and made Supplications at Bethel, and pre- 
 vailed as a Prince with Cod, which is the meaning of 
 the Name Ifrael. Now, if you be Wreftlers with 
 God, you are IfratVs Children, and called to go for- 
 ward. 2. Jacob was a plain Man ; fo he is called, 
 
 Gtn. xxv. 27 that is a fingle hearted Man : It was 
 by this Character that Chrift defcrihesa true Ifraelife, 
 John i. 47. Behold an lfraelite indeed, in whom is 
 no Guile. Now, if yon ftudy godly Sincerity, and 
 plain dealing in your Behaviour both to God and 
 Man, you are IfraeVs Children, and called to go for- 
 ward 3. Jacob had F,iith in Chrift, and believing 
 
 Views of him as the glorious Shikk ; he waited for 
 his Coming, drew his Comfort from it, and rejoiced 
 in the gathering of the People to bii.* : If it be fo 
 with you, then we bid you go forward. ■ ■ — 4. If- 
 
Red-fea of Chrift's Blood 187 
 
 rsel and his Children were God's covenanted People ; 
 they chuied God for their God, and gave themfelves 
 up to him : If it be fo with you, you are Ijrael's Chil- 
 dren, Go forward. ~5- Jacob was zealous for Re* 
 
 formation, both with refpec! to himfelf and his Fa- 
 mily, and caufed them put away all their Idols, 
 cleanfe themfelves, and change their Garments, when 
 going to renew Covenant with God, Gen. xxxv. 2. 
 Now, if you Rudy fincerely to follow his Example, 
 you are among the Children of Ijrael, to whom God 
 warrants Minivers to (peak, and bid thern go for- 
 ward to his Table. Now, if you have any of the 
 forefaid five Characters, in Chrift's Name we can pro- 
 mite you welcome to his Table. Go forward to it 
 then with Hearts burning with Love to Chrifl: and to 
 his People ; go with Thankfulnefs and Praife to God 
 for providing fuch a Saviour and fpiritual Feaft for 
 you ; and^o with Hunger and Thirft to partake of 
 it Go forward with Humility and Self-denial, re* 
 nouncing all Confidence in your Preparations and Per- 
 formances, and depending only upon Chrift's Media- 
 tion for Acceptance with God. 
 
 ADVICE XII. 
 
 From John xu\ 32. 
 
 And 7, if I be lifted upfront the Earth, will draw all 
 Men unto me. 
 
 AS the Sacrifices under the Law were heaved and 
 lifted up before the Lord ; To Chrifl: the Anti- 
 type muft be lifted up on the Crofs as the atoning Sa- 
 crifice for our Sins. The Jews were not more wil- 
 ling to lift him up, than he was to lift up himfelf; he 
 readily undertook to be lift up, Lo, fco??ie, laid he ; 
 he willingly carried his Cro's to the Place, that he 
 It he lip up on it. He ditfuades the Women to 
 A a 2 weep 
 
1 88 A lift '-up J e fits dying, and 
 
 weep for him. Why ? Bccaufe I am going to be lift up 
 a Sacrifice to Juftice for your Sins, and lo draw your 
 Souls unto me. 
 
 Queft. But how doth he draw all Men, when Sa- 
 tan keeps many (till fail in his Grips ? Anfa. Chrift 
 was lifted i,p to obtain drawing Offers and Invitati- 
 ons to all Men without Exception, and accordingly 
 
 /es drawing Calls to all Men in his Word ; and if 
 they be not drawn to him it is their own Fault. But 
 tho' many be called, and Multitudes flock to the 
 Word ; yet there are none effectually. drawn to Chiifl 
 but the Elett ; and thefe may be called all Men, as 
 they are gathered out of all Nations, Kindreds and 
 Languages, Ages, Sexes and Qualities. All Ms n 
 C entiles as well as Jews : All Sorts of Men, Sinners 
 of all Sizes, greater as well as lefTer. Queft. But 
 how doth the lifting up of Chrift draw Sinners effectu- 
 ally to him f Anjw. By the Merit of his lift up Sa- 
 crifice he obtained the Removal of ail Hinderances of 
 their coming to him, fuch as the Guilt of their Sins, 
 toe Enmity of their Natures, the Power of their Cor- 
 ruptions, their Unbelief, Hardne's, Blindnefs and dif- 
 cour aging Fears. And likewife by it he purchaied all 
 the Means requifite for drawing Men to htm, fuch as 
 the preaching of the Gofpel, fandlified Rods, the 
 Grace of Faith, and, above all, powerful Influ- 
 ences of the holy Spirit. As Chrift was lifted up on 
 the Crofs, io he muft he alio lift up on the Pole of the 
 Gofpel. for drawing Sinners to him. Thus the bra- 
 zpn Serpent was lift up in the Wildernefs, for draw- 
 ing the ftung I fr a elites about it, 2nd it proved mod 
 
 final for that End ; (o a crucified Jefus held out, 
 
 and evidently let forth in the Go'pel, as he was lift- 
 
 1 a bloody Crofs, with his pierced Hands 
 
 tc ed out to embrace left Sinners, is furely the 
 : tractive and di ^ joht in th~ World. 
 
 >nderful Liadflons hath drawn Thoufands of 
 it once, A natural Loatlftone 
 
 tho'- 
 
drawing Sinners 1 unto him. i#9 
 
 tho' it draw Iron to it ; yet it may be drawn away 
 from it again : But a crucified Chrift draws the Heart 
 fo powerfully and clotely to him, that they can ne- 
 ver be feparated again. Never was there fuch a draw- 
 ing Engine in the World as this ! A lift up Standard 
 or Enfign draws Numbers of fcattered Soldiers unto 
 it, but it is feen by few : But a crucified Jefus lift up in 
 theGotpel is an Enfign to draw great Multitudes indif- 
 ferent Nations under the fianner of his Love, Jfa. xi. 
 IO. The firft Experiment that was made of its Vir- 
 tue in Jerufalem by the Apoftle Peter, 2000 Souls 
 were drawn to Chrift at once, and after that many 
 Nations that knew him not, did run unto him. Come 
 then, O Sinners, admire and experience the Power 
 of this lift up Enfign ; let your Iron Hearts be drawn 
 by this Loadftone ; it hath loft nothing of its Virtue 
 to this Day. Thoufands of Hearts in other Places do 
 (till feel its Power : We arefometimes refrefhed with 
 the welcome "News of their being drawn off from the 
 Vanities of Time, and the Love of Sin, to glorious 
 Chrift : Why then don't your Hearts alio yield t» 
 the Power of this bleiTed Loadftone, Chritl crucified 
 lift up in the Word and Sacrament ? It hath the lame 
 Virtue here as elfewhere, were but the Eyes of Faith 
 opened to behold it, according to that alluring Call, 
 Jfa. xlv. 22. 
 
 When Chrift: was lift up on the Crofs, his Face 
 was turned to the Gentiles, for the Jews out of Ma- 
 lice (as feveral write) would have him crucified with 
 his Face toward the Weft, as reckoning him unwor- 
 thy to look to the Temple and holy Citv that (rood 
 on the Eaft Side of Mount Calvary ; but Chrift had a 
 loving Defign in it to us Gentiles, and to accompliili 
 that Word, PfaL Ixvi. 7. His Eyes behold the Natl* 
 ons. Behold, O Sinners, Chrift turned his Face to 
 you on the'Crofi to draw you unto him ; there he 
 bowed his Head toward you to draw you ; there he 
 •pened a Cleft in his Side to draw you , there Blood 
 
 and 
 
190 A lift-up Jefus dying f and 
 
 and Water flowed from his Heart to draw you to 
 him ! And now he hath (ent his Word and Spirit to 
 draw you; now he dilplays his Blood and Wounds 
 in the Sacrament to draw you ; now he is calling his 
 Cords of Love about your Hearts to draw you to 
 Lira ; now the Devil is holding and Chrift drawing ; 
 Chrift and the Devil are now ftrugrjing for your 
 Hearts ; the Eyes of many are on you, the Eyes 
 of the glorious Trinity, the Eyes of Angels, the Eyes 
 of Minifters and Saints are on you, to lee what the 
 JfTue of the Combat (hall be, which of them fhall 
 gain the Prize. Satan indeed is the (Irong Man, but 
 Glory to God, Chrift is ftronger than he. O that he 
 may prevail, the Heart is Lis by Right, iurrender it 
 to him without Delay. He will not enter without 
 your Con (ent ; his People muft all be made willing 
 in the Day of his Power. Oh, if the Will were once 
 conquered, the Day were Chrift's, and the Field were 
 won for ever. 
 
 Would you then have Satan defeat, your biatfed 
 Will overcome, and your Souls iavingly brought to 
 Chrift, O look up and cry for a Draught of Chrift's 
 Power. You have neither Strength nor Will to come 
 to a crucified Chrift, unlefs he draw you. Ordinances 
 or Providences cannot draw you, the Word or Sacra- 
 ments cannot draw you. Judgments or Mercies can- 
 not do it; yea neither Minifters nor Angels can draw 
 your dead and heavy Hearts. O then look beyond 
 them all to* a Lift-up Immanuel, Draw me, Lord, and 
 I will run after thee* The Ordinance you have in 
 view can never be a drawing Ordinance, if Chrift put 
 not forth his Virtue with it ; the Sacrament will be 
 lifelefs, and tbeAdminiftrators lifelefs, if Chrift draw 
 you not. The rnoft powerful Sermons, the moft al- 
 luring Calls will all be loft, if he draw not. You'll 
 fit ftill in the Sodom of a natural and wrathful 
 S:~te, if he draw net; you'll d"e in your Sins, if he 
 draw not ; you'll be eternally damned, if Chrift draw 
 
 you 
 
drawing Sinners to J him% 191 
 
 you not to him. You can never overcome the ft r on g 
 and fubtile Temptations Satan cafts in your Way , you 
 can never deny Self, forfake beloved Lutts, renounce 
 Juftification by Works, quit all Confidence in your 
 own Doings, go naked and empty to Chrift be con- 
 tent to live wholly upon his Righteoufneis, and receive 
 Grace, Lire, Strength and Glory as a free Gift from 
 Chrift, without the drawing Virtue of a Lift- up Sa- 
 viour. Oh, if you were once acquainted with this 
 drawing Power, you might go with Comfort to his 
 Table, and teed upon his Purchafe. 
 
 Queft. How mail I know, if I have yet been drawn 
 effectually to a Lift-up Jelus ? 
 
 Anf. Try it by thefe Marks : Have you difcovered 
 his matchlefs Excellency io as to draw off your Heart 
 from Sin and the perifhing Things of the World ? 
 Have you felt the Cords of his Love about your Heart 
 and Will, conftraining you to yield yourfelf wholly 
 to him ? Is your Heart drawn out in Love and Affec- 
 tion to a crucified Chrift above all Things, fo that 
 the Defire of your Soul is to him and the Remem- 
 brance of his Name ? — Are you growing ftill likerto 
 him, more holy, more humble, meek, and heavenly- 
 minded ? Nearnsfs will breed L'tkenefs Are you 
 
 troubled for Diftance from Chrift, when at any Time 
 you are drawn off him by Sin, Satan, the World'* 
 Allurements r — Are you drawn to Duty with a View 
 of enjoying his Prefeuce therein ? In the mean time 
 are you drawn off from refting on Duties, or putting 
 any Attainments in Chrift's Room ? Then you may 
 conclude your Heart is effectually drawn by a lift-up 
 Saviour ; and fo may, with holy Confidence and Joy, 
 draw near to him in the facramental Trying-place^ 
 and hold Communion with him there. 
 
 AD VI C 
 
192 Behold the Lamb, 
 
 ADVICE XIII. 
 
 From John i. 36. xix. 5. 
 
 Behold the Lamb of God Behold the Man. 
 
 O Communicants, both John and Pilate call yoii 
 to behold Chrift fuffering and facrificed for 
 you, and which is more, the Spirit of God calls you 
 to this Duty alfo. Let each one of you then lay with 
 Mofes, Exod, iii. 3. I will now turn a fide, and fee this 
 great Sight. A great Sight indeed ! For tho* he be 
 called a Lamb, and a Man, he is alfo Cod, God in 
 human Nature differing, bleeding aud dying, a great 
 and a wonderful Sight! All the Perfons of the glorious 
 Trinity call you to behold it, Ifa. xlii. 1. — xlv. 22 
 John i. 29. Draw then as near as poflfible, that you 
 may get a good View of it ; (land not at a Diftance 
 like thole who followed him from Galilee to the Crofs, 
 of whom it is faid Luke xxiii. 49. They flood afar 
 off beholding thefe Things. Do not now (land afar 
 off, nor take a far off Look of a crucified Chrift, but 
 come clofe to him by Faith and take a near and fav- 
 ing Look ofhim, as he calls you, Jfa. xlv. 22. Look 
 unto me and be faved ; 1 am God, and there is no Sa- 
 viour be fide me. O then turn not your Batk or Shoul- 
 der to him, look not alquint to him, look not by him 
 to other Things ; but look with a broad, ftraight 
 and fteady Look unto him. The Man Chrift Jefus 
 is the Lamb of God, appointed by him to be 
 facrificed to make Atonement for our Sins, and to 
 purchale Pardon, Life and Salvation to us : And 
 looking to him by Faith is the great Mean of lecuring 
 2nd applying the Blcflings of his Purchafe to us. And 
 in a fpecial Manner he calls us to look unto him in his 
 bufferings for us. Behold me, Behold ?ne ! 
 
 Behold the Suffering Man, a Man of Sorrow in- 
 deed ! And particularly behold him entering upon that 
 fearful Scene in the Garden of Cethjemane, when he 
 
 begin 
 
Behold the Man. 1 93 
 
 began to fear, turn forrowful, and very heavy ; when 
 he was fore amazed, fell into an Agony and bloody 
 S*eat, and cried out, My Soul is exceeding forrowful 
 even unto Death / O what was it that made yourSa* 
 viour {6 heavy, but the dead Weight of the Elect's 
 Sins, with the Law's heavy Curfes annexed to them ? 
 Oh, your Souls were exceeding guilty, which made 
 his Soul exceeding heavy. Behold and fee your for- 
 rowful Redeemer falling into a fearful Agony, and, 
 while in it, falling down fometimes on his Knees, 
 and fometimes on his Face, praying once, praying a- 
 gain, and praying the third Time, until he is quite 
 overwhelmed with Wrath and covered with his own 
 Blood ! Behold the forrowful Man with the great 
 Drops of Blood ttanding above his Garments for your 
 Sins, and bedewing the Ground ! See Jehovah now 
 acting againfl him, as an inexorable Judge, running 
 on him as a Giant, and making nim the Butt of his 
 envenomed Arrows ! Behold him in this Agony- 
 making his Moan to his Difciples,who could make no 
 Help to him; for neither they nor the Angels in Hea- 
 ven durlt touch his Load, nor taftehis Cup: Yea, he 
 got not fo much as Sympathy from hisDifciples, they 
 fell afleep when he was at the worit, and left him in 
 his Agony to ftr'uggle and tread out the Wine-prefs 
 alone i O be not idle Spectators of your Saviour's A- 
 gony, but let your Souls be exceedingly affected with 
 Chrift's Soul-fufferingsfor your Souls Sins. 
 
 Behold the Man Chrift betrayed and fold for a little 
 Money, apprehended and bound with Cords like a 
 Thief, and bound fall, as Judas bade, yea fo fall fas 
 fome fay) that the Blood burft out of his tender 
 Hands .' O can your Heart or Eyes hold to fee thofe 
 Hands that made the Heavens, wrung together and 
 bruifed with hard Cords ! To lee him bound as a Pri- 
 soner, that came to fet the Prisoners free. But had not 
 the Cords of your Redeemer's Love held him farter 
 than the Cords of his Enemies, thd' they had been 
 B b - Cabka 
 
194 Behold the Man. 
 
 fables or Chains, they could not have kept him ; but 
 his Love to you made him a willing VvWontvl— Behold 
 the Ma?; blindfolded, mocked, buffeted and abufed for 
 you ! Behold him ftript naked and Icourged ! Behold 
 him that clothes the Lilies of the Field, that made 
 Coats of Skins to clothe our fir (l Parents, now ftript 
 and unclothed himfelt ! He is ftript naked, that you 
 might not be found naked at God's Bar ! He is ftript 
 of his Robes, that he might provide a Robe of Rig£- 
 
 teoulheisto cover your Nakedneis Behold the Mar. 
 
 Icourged by Pilate, and that above Meafure, thinking 
 thereby to fave his Life ; but as the Jews were not la- 
 tisfied therewith, lb neither was infinite Juftice fatis- 
 fied ; fo that his Life muft go, and the Man Chrift is 
 willing it fhculd : Willingly did he give hij Back to 
 the Smiters, that you might be freed from the ever- 
 Ufting Lafhes of God's Wrath in Hell ! Behold every 
 Part of his bleffcd Body torn and wounded by Scour- 
 gings becaule every Part of you was wounded by Sin ; 
 and his Stripes were the only Cure for your Wounds. 
 Behold the Man with a plaited Crown of Thorns 
 on his bleiTed Head, with the (harp Points turned in- 
 ward, and thefe beat into his Head with a (iaff, till 
 all his Head is but as one Wound, from whence a new 
 Shower of Blood ran down his Neck for you ! You 
 may be ready to cry, Fy on the Jews, or fy on the 
 Soldiers that ufed our Saviour fo ; but rather cry, Fy 
 on your Sins that did worle to him, thefe plaited the 
 Crown of Thorns and crucified him too. Behold the 
 Lamb of Cod now willingly caught in the Thickets, 
 like the Ram, to be facrificed in your Room, when 
 you were bound like If ace for that End. Behold him 
 willing to wear a Crown of Pain and Ignominy, that 
 you might wear a Crown of Glory and Renown ; 
 Willing to be difgraced and affronted, that you might 
 be honoured and exalted : Willing to let aBarrabaj, 
 the vileft Malefactor in all Jerufi/em, be preferred be- 
 fore him ; that you might be preferred to a Room a- 
 
Behold the Man. 
 
 I9J 
 
 xnong God's Children.- Behold the Man ', after all 
 
 theie Sufferings, put to bear the heavy Croisonhis 
 fore wounded Shoulders, a heavy Load indeed with 
 the ElecYs Sins and Law's Curies faftned to it ; yet 
 he bears without Complaint till his Strength is fpent, 
 and he is ready to faint under the Burden, (o that an- 
 other muft help ! Oh, it was not the Weight of the 
 Tree that made hjm faint, he had a greater Burden to 
 bear than ten Thoufand Worids > even the infinite 
 Wrath oFGod due to theElecVs Sins i O can you be- 
 hold this Sight with dry Eyes ! 
 
 Behold the Man brought to Golgotha, nailed to the 
 Tree, lifted up, and drinking out the bitter Dregs of 
 the Cup of Wrath thereon, till at length he yielded 
 himfelf Prifoner to Death by bowing his Head, gi- 
 ving Death his Orders to execute his Commiilion, and 
 carry him otf the Stage ! Beheld and wonder at the 
 Sight, the Lord of Life Death's taken Prifoner ! — O 
 Man, can'it thou (land and fee the Lamb of God (lain, 
 in thy Room, and for thy Sins, and not be affe&ed ! 
 -Write that Man a Beaft, a itone, a Lump of Earth, 
 that can be fenfelefs, ftupid and unconcerned at fuch a 
 Sight ! O blufh and beafhamed, O Man, at thy Stu- 
 pidity, when the dead Earth and Rocks about Jeru* 
 falem quaked and rent at the Sufferings you now be- 
 hold reprefented in the Sacrament. O curfed Sin 
 (which many make light of) that could not be ex- 
 piated by any other Sacrifice, than that of our Imma- 
 nuel, the Lamb of God, the Man Chrift Jefus \ O 
 Behold the Man, and tremble at Sin, the accurfed 
 Thing that murdered the Son of God, the Man that 
 is God's Fellow, the Man that is infinitely preferable 
 to a Million of Worlds full of Men and Angles 1:0. 
 O that Men would always look on Sin in the Glafs 
 of the Agonies and Sufferings of the Man Chrijl, that 
 they might be filled with Horror at it, as at Hell it- 
 ieifl Nay, in feveral Refpech Sin is a greater Evil 
 than Hell, 
 
 Bb 2 Let 
 
196 Stand Jlill and fee 
 
 Let every Communicant, every Chriftian come and 
 behold the glorious Son of God, with the greeted 
 Love and Admiration, who for our Sakes was willing 
 to become a Man, and God's Lamb to be facrificed 
 tor the Sins of Men. O let his Name Jefus be always 
 to you as precious Ointment poured forth, and let 
 the Remembrance of his Love inflame your Souls with 
 a vehement Indignation againft Sin, and a burning 
 Affection to the 1 amb of God, the ManChrift, that 
 was willing to ftruggle in bloody Agonies, and bleed 
 to Death on the curled Tree to deliver you from ly» 
 ing in Hell for ever ! O what can we render to him 
 for his free Love, amazing and unfpeakable Love ! O 
 that we could Ipend our whole Lives in admiring his 
 Love, and contemplating his Beauty, and were there- 
 by made meet iniomeMeafure for theExercife of the 
 Redeemed above. Arnui. J \tf**' f£LQ- 
 
 ADVICE XIV. 
 
 From Job xxxvii. 14. 
 Stand fl ill, and con fid er the wondrous Works of Cod. 
 
 THE Works of God, being wondrous, do well 
 delerve our molt ierious Lonhderation ; but fo 
 wavering are our Minds, we cannot confider them a- 
 right, unlels we ftand lull and compote ourfelves for 
 that End. This Advice doth Elihu give to Job in the 
 Text, and Mcfes give to the Children QtljraeL Exod. 
 xiv. j 3. — Ail God's Works are wondrous and highly 
 worthy of our Obfervation, as his Works of Creation 
 and Providence ; ard more Specially his Works of 
 Redemption and of Grace, as they are made known to 
 us in the Golpel Difpenlation,and particularly in the 
 
 oacrament of the Lord's Supper. Here God calls 
 
 you to {land (till, arc! confider his wondioui Woik 
 redeeming Wifdom and Mercy, iniaving fallen 
 
 Sinner-- 
 
Cod 9 j wondrous Works. 1 97 
 
 Sinners. — The Work of Creation is indeed moft won- 
 derful and ftupenduous ; but his work of Redemption 
 is far more coiUy and fuprifmg : The one coft him 
 hut a Word of hisPower, but the other cod him the 
 Death of his Son : The one is but the Work ofhts 
 Fingers, PfaL vni. 3. the other is the Work of his 
 Arm, Lute 1. 5 J. Much of the divine Wifdom and 
 Power is displayed in making us Men, but much more 
 in making us Saints ; by the one we have but a fhort 
 mortal Life, but by the other an eternal and immor- 
 tal Life. God's Works of Redemption and of Grace 
 will be the Admiration of Saints and Angels to allE- 
 ternity, Rev. v. 12. — xv. 3; 
 
 Come then, and behold thefe Works of the Lord, 
 as they are let forth before you in the Word and Sar 
 crament ! Come and fee God from all Eternity paf- 
 iing by Angels, and pitching his Love upon poor ruin* 
 ed Sinners of Adams Family, and contriving their 
 Redemption by the Incarnation and Death of his dear 
 Son, while he paffed by the Angels that fell! — Come 
 and fee the glorious Son of God undertaking, in the 
 Council of Peace, to become Surety to pay our Debt, 
 and latisfy Juftice for the Injury our Sins did to God's 
 
 Glory ! Behold and confider the Device of infinite 
 
 Wifdom for reconciling Juftice and Mercy about guil- 
 ty Men, and tatisfymg the Demands of them both, 
 by punifhing Sin feverely, and yet pardoning the Per- 
 fons guilty ! — Stand jiiil and fee the wondrous iVork of 
 making the Word Flefh to dwell among us ; of the 
 Creator s leaving his Throne of Glory, to lodge in a 
 Virgin's Womb, and a Bead's Manger ; ofthe^);- 
 c'unt of Days becoming a Child of a Day old, learning 
 to fpeak and go, and fubjecring himlelf to his own 
 
 Law in the Room of Rebel-Sinners ! Behold Cod's 
 
 wondrous Work in letting up a Court and Throne of 
 Grace among the Piifoners of Juftice, and caufing 
 Grace fit as Queen on the Throne, with a Scepter of 
 Mercy m her Hand, and thence to iflue forth Procla* 
 
 mations 
 
198 Stand fill and fee 
 
 mations of Grace to poor, wretched, blind, mifer.i- 
 ble and naked Sinners ; proclaiming Pardon to the 
 condemned, Liberty to the Captives, and Lire to the 
 Dead : Yea, fee Grace laying Siege to the Hearts of 
 Rebels, ilimmoning them by the Gufpel trumpet to 
 (urrender, and ufing the mod prevailing Arguments 
 with them to do it, taken from the Mediation, Suf- 
 ferings, Blood, Righteoulneis and Satisfaction of the 
 Son of God. 
 
 Behold and confider the wondrous Wurk of God in 
 furnifhing and fitting the Mediator for our mi'erable 
 Circumltances, joining the divine and human Natures 
 in one Perfon for our Relief! Obierve, how well he 
 iuits our Exigencies ; he is Man, that he might die 
 for us ; and God, that he might overcome Death 1 Man 
 that he might combat the Devil ; and God that he 
 might vanquifli him ! Men, that he might take on 
 our Guilt and Punifhment ; and God, that he might 
 fupport under it ! Man, that he might offer a Sacri- 
 fice for us; and God, to make it infinitely merito- 
 rious ! Man, that he might imypathize with us in 
 Trouble ; and God, that he might deliever us ! a 
 wondrous Work indeed ! Again, obferve the Me- 
 diator's Fulnefs, how exactly it (bits our Miieries and 
 W^nts ! In our wonderful Immanuel there is Life for 
 our Deadnefs, Light for our Darkneis, Beauty for 
 our Deformity, Strength for our W'eaknels, Health 
 for our Sicknefs, Balm for our Wounds, Raiment for 
 our Nakednefs, Riches for our Poverty, Merit for our 
 Guiltinefs, Righteoufnels for ourjuflification, a Foun- 
 tain for our Pollution, Grace for our SancYiflcation, 
 Bread for our Hunger, Water for our Tbirft, and 
 deep Mercies for our deep Miseries ! a wonderful 
 Work, to make one Depth fo exactly to anfwer ano- 
 ther Depth ! This is the Doing of the Lord, and won* 
 drous in our Eyeu 
 
 Stand Ji til end fee God's wondrous Works, in fend- 
 ing our Jmmtmtcl, the Prince of the Kings of the 
 
 Earth 9 
 
 9 
 
GocPs wondrous Works 199 
 
 Earth, to go up and down the Wildernef? Jeeking af- 
 ter the loll Sheep, calling and inviting them in the 
 mod tender Manner to come unto him for Life and 
 Salvation, willingly fubmitting to be buffeted by Sa- 
 tan, contradicted by Sinners, to iuffer all Manner of 
 Indignities, a curfed Death, and the Wrath of God, 
 and all that he might be a Sacrifice to fatisfy Juftice 
 for our Sins : And after he had fubmitted to Death 
 and the Grave for a Time, he conquered them and 
 rofe again ; and gave CommifTion to his AmbafTadors 
 to go thro' all the Earth, and call perilhing Sinners 
 to come unto him, and offer them Salvat'on in his 
 Name ; and having done fo, he afcended into Heaven 
 to interceed for them. Now, it is incumbent upon 
 all Communicants to remember thefe amazing Works 
 of God, at his holy Table, with Wonder, Thankful- 
 nefs and Praile. 
 
 Gome here, and fee the Fountain of the great Depths 
 of infinite Love broken up, and Streams of the Wa* 
 ter of Life running freely therefrom to the Sons of 
 
 Men.— ~- Come fee Jacob's Ladder fet up, that 
 
 reaches from Earth to Heaven, and God the Father 
 at the Top of it calling you to climb to Heaven by 
 the Steps of it, viz. Chrift's Wounds > Offices and Pre- 
 
 ??iifes ! Come fee the Manna coming down in 
 
 plentiful Showers, and falling about your Tents, and 
 
 every Man invited to gather. Come, fee the Rock 
 
 broached in the Wildernefs, to fupply the Necefli- 
 ties of your Souls ; fee the Rock faaitten by the Rod 
 of MofeSy and bearing the Curfes of the Law for 
 
 you ! #-Come fee the City of Refuge opened for 
 
 poor Manflayers, that Sinners, who have flain their 
 Souls by Sin, may flee to it for Shelter. O then flee 
 
 for your Lives, and do not liDger by the Way ! 
 
 Come, fee God bringing his Right eoufnefi near you 
 who are guiity Criminals, and bidding you put it on 
 for your Safety in Judgment, it is a Robe that will 
 fit every one of you ! — Come, fee the Fruits and 
 
200 Stand JIM and fee, &cc. 
 
 Leaves of the Tree of Life fliaken and (battered among 
 iiarving wounded Souls: Gather and feedon the fruits 
 of his Vurcha'e for your Nourishment ; apply the 
 
 Leaves of his Promif-s for your Healing. Come 
 
 fee the Well of .Salvation opened, briog the Chain 
 and Bucket of Faith, and draw Water. The great 
 Medicine-well is here, come with all your Difeafes and 
 .Ailments to it, come with your hard Hearts, blind 
 Eyes, weak Hands > fei ble Knees, lame Feet and cold 
 
 Affections to get then) healed. Come, Ice Cbriji % s 
 
 Teflament opened, and every Man allowed to put iu 
 for a Share of the Legacies therein contained. This 
 you are to do by believing, claiming, laying hold 
 and embracing the Promifes ! Come, fee foray- 
 ing Prodigals returning to their Father's Houle, and 
 fee their Father embracing them, and the whole 
 Family rejoicing at their Return : See their filthy 
 Rags taken off, and the white Robe of the Son 
 of God put on them, and the fatted Calf killed fur 
 
 them. Come, fee the &ng of Glory entering in at 
 
 the everlafting Gates of Men's Soul's, dethroning Sin 
 and Self, taking Poffeilion of their Hearts, and fet- 
 ting up his Throne and Kingdom in them- — Come, 
 fee King Solomon both crowned and married in one 
 Day ! An aftontfhing Match concluded between the 
 Prince of Life and the Heir of Hell ! All the Daugh- 
 ters of Zion are called forth to behold this Sight, 
 
 Cant.lv. ii. All the r e are great and wondrous 
 
 Works of God to be ieen in the Word and Sacra- 
 ment, which all Communicants ought to (land (lill 
 and confider. 
 
 Confider thefe marvelous Works fo as to be luit- 
 ably affected with them, make them the Subject of 
 your Meditation ; entertain high and admiring 
 Thoughts of God, and of his infiinite Love and Wif- 
 tlom manifefted in them. Give firm Credit to the 
 R.ecord and Teftimony God 'hath given us of thefe 
 wondrous Works, and glorify the great Author of 
 Acm with your Hc.irts, Tongues and Lives. Em- 
 brace 
 
Chrijl Jefus, Sec. 201 
 
 brace the Gofpel -offer, and be afraid of offending that 
 God who has humbled himfelf fo low for our Sakes, 
 and has wrought fuch great and wondrous Works for 
 us. Be careful to ferve him and pleafe him in all 
 Things, and abhor Sin his grand Enemy. 
 
 ADVICE xv. 
 
 From Rev. xxii. 2. 
 In midjl of the Street was the Tree of Life. 
 
 IT was a fad Day to Mankind, when God banifh- 
 ed Adam from the earthly Paradife, and from 
 the Tree of Life that grew therein, and alio (hut the 
 Entry to it ! But behold God, in his free Mercy, is 
 now opening an Entry, and inviting Adam's banifh- 
 ed Pofterity back again to a better Paradife, where 
 there are purer Delights, and neither Sin nor Satan 
 can enter ; and where there is a Tree of Life, Jejus 
 Chriji, infinitely preferable to that in Adavis Para- 
 dife. This Tree of Life far excels that in its Leaves, 
 •Shadow, Fruit and Virtues ; it animates, yea, re- 
 itores and preierves Life for ever ; neither is there any 
 flaming Sword to hinder our Accefs to it. Adam's 
 Tree endured but a fhort Time, but ours lads for e- 
 ver. Other Trees decay, fade and wither ; but Je- 
 fui Chrijl is the fame Yefierday, to Day, and for ever. 
 O come then, (it down under the Shadow of this 
 Tree, eat of- its Fruit and live for ever. Tho' the 
 Tree be now planted in the heavenly Paradife, yet its 
 Branches, Shadow and Fruit extend to every Believer 
 on Earth, as well as to the Saints above. Thousands 
 of Communicants at the Lower Table have/tff down 
 under his Shadow with great T)elight y and found his 
 Fruit five et to their Tape. Ghrift is a Tree that bear- 
 Fruit at all Times, every Month, and even in the 
 fliarpeft Winter Months of Sicknels and Death. 
 
 Cc There 
 
202 Cbri'ji Jefus our 
 
 There are fome very ufeful Trees in the World, 
 that afford all NeceflTaries to Men, fuch as Meat, 
 Drink, Phyfick and Clothing. Behold, God hath 
 provided luch a Tree for us. Jefus Chrift affords us 
 all tbcfe. I. Meat: He tells us, That his Flejh is 
 Meet indeed ; that is, his Fltfh wounded and dying, 
 yields rtrengthenint* Food for the Soul, in rtriped of 
 its Fruits and E&&&. It is Food well prepared; the 
 Holy Trinity fpent, a whole Eternity in preparing it. 
 It ts Meat well feafoned ; it Is [caponed with the Love 
 of God, j'uuctd with the Blood of Chrift, and fpiced 
 
 with tl e Graces of the Spirit 2 Drink : ChriiVs 
 
 Blood is al fp Drink indeed to the Soul, in refpect of 
 its comfortable Effects ; fuch as Pardon, Peace, Light, 
 Life, Strength, &c. Thefe Streams from the Rock 
 are moft refreshing, cordial and favoury Drink 1 fa- 
 voury to Gbd s favoury to Angels } and moft favoury 
 to every Soul that hath tafted it. It is a fwcet Cup 
 that is to he put in your Hand, if you have Faith ; 
 but it is poionous to an unworthy Communicant that 
 Wants Faith : But, if you be worthy, the Prink will 
 poifon Sin, quicken Grace, and refrefh the Soul. Fear 
 not, O Be lever, to take a good Draught ; Faith 
 will make the Cup medicinal and reitorative to thy 
 
 Soul, and it will only kill and deitroy the Lufts. 
 
 3. Phyfick: The Leaves of this Tree are for healing 
 of the Nal ons : Chrift hath many healing Promifes, 
 which, when applied by Faith, are nibft ufeful to 
 purge out Sin and Corruption, and to heal all the 
 
 Soul's Wounds and Difeaies 4. This Tree arTords 
 
 Clothing alfo. Poor fallen Adam, when naked, went 
 to the Fig-tree for its Leaver to cover him ; but, O 
 let his Pofterity go to the Tree of Life, where they 
 Hi all get infinitely better Clothii g, e\enChrift's per- 
 U-<\ Rightemifttefs, which is fpotleft and Law- biding. 
 I D0I4 a rich Robe, let with the Pearls and Diamonds 
 of Heaven.— —A large Robe, fo broad as to coyer a 
 v). [t World* It a) Spot! and 
 
 Infirmities 
 
Tree of Life. 203 
 
 Infirmities of Believers ; fo that not one of them is to 
 be feen. This Robe is as broad as the Law, which 
 we are told is exceeding broad. And it is juft as beau- 
 tiful as broad ; for it makes every elect Soul amiable 
 
 and acceptable to God. Never then was there 
 
 fuch a Tree, either in the earthly or the heavenly Pa- 
 raciife, as our glorious Tree of. Life, Jefus Ch rift. O 
 hungry Souls, here is Meat J O thirfty Souls, here is 
 Drink! O dilcafed Souls, here is Medicine I O naked 
 Souls, here is Clothing { O come then to this Tree 
 of Life, and you have all Things necefTary for you. 
 
 O Communicants, you are called to take a View 
 of this blejfed Tree, as it was hewn, mangled, and 
 cut down by the Ax of Juftice,, when he died upon 
 theGrofs for you. Even in this his mangled Condition, 
 he is a mod beautiful and engaging Sight to the Eye 
 of Faith ! O Believer, behold \ our princely Jefus lift- 
 ed up on a bloody Crois, on the Top of Mount Cal- 
 vary, for all Nations to fee him, and gather to him 
 for Food and Healing. Since that Mount was firft 
 created, it never produced fuch a Tree, or fuch pre^ 
 cious Fruit, as the Lord of Glory hanging on the 
 Tree of the Crofs, that was planted there fome 
 Hours : ChrilVs hanging on it changed its "Nature 
 from a curfed to a blefled Tree, a Tree of Life and 
 Salvation. This Tree of Life made Mount Calvary a 
 fweet and lovely Paradije that Day, (notwithstand- 
 ing of all the Malefactors Bones that lay (battened up- 
 on it) and the Fruit growing on it that Day hath 
 enriched both Heaven and Earth, and will fill Hea- 
 ven with eternal Songs of Praile. 
 
 You are like wife called, at this Time, to draw near 
 a crucified Chrifr, the Tree cf Life, that is always 
 loaden w ith Fruit : Come as near as poiTible you can 
 win, Inake the Tree by Faith, and gather as much 
 Fruit as ycu can ; cat, and lay up for after Times ; 
 yea, gather and lay up for Eternity. — — The Fruits 
 of this Tree are durable and lading, plentiful and eu- 
 C c 2 richingj 
 
204 . Cbrift Jcfus our 
 
 ricbing, fvveet and fatisfying, manifold 2nd various, 
 Rev. xxii. twelve Maimer of Fruits every Month 9 
 which is 144 Crops in the Year. Likewiie they are 
 mod fuitab'e to the Wants and NeceiTities of your 
 Souls. What can be more fui table to the Guilty than 
 Pardon ? to the Dead than Life . ? to the Hungry 
 fhan Bread ? to the Thirfty than Drink ? to the 
 Wounded than Balm ? to the Blind than Eye-ialve ? 
 to the Naked than Clothing ? to the Impotent than 
 Strength ? to the Weary than Keft ? to the Captive 
 than Liberty I to the Difturbed than Peace ? to the 
 Bewildered than Light \ to the Warrior than Victo- 
 ry ? All thefe, and innumerable more, are the Iv/eet 
 and fuitable Fruits of the Tree of Life. 
 
 O then, give all Diligence to fecure and clear up 
 your Intereft in this blefled Tree of Life and its Fruits, 
 which are now offered to you freely, without Money 
 or Price. Abandon and rejed the (bur and uniavou- 
 ry Fruits of Sin, the World, and your own Righte- 
 oufnefs ; and embrace the Tree of Life in the Arms of 
 Faith, and all its Fruits are yours. Come, fit down 
 under his Shadow, at his Table, and believing 1 y re- 
 ceive and feed on tbefe delicious Fruits. -O how de- 
 lightful and refrefhing is the Shadow 3nd Shelter of 
 ChrijVs Right eoufnef to the Soul, that hath been 
 fcorched with a Senfc of divine Difplealure for Sin. 
 This Shadow fkreens and protects him from the Heat 
 of God's Wrath, from the Curfes of a fiery Law, and 
 from the fl tviflb Fears of Death, and Wrath-like D'il- 
 
 peii'ations. Then let every weary and fcorched 
 
 Soul come at Chrift's Call, and fit down under his 
 Shadow : Gi e firm Credit to the Gofpel Report con- 
 cerning Chrift's Suretyfhip, his fufficient Righteouf- 
 nefs and free Offers : Acquiefce heartily in this bleiled 
 Contrivance of Shelter and Safety, and put all your 
 Trill and Confidence in his Righteoufnefs alone; and 
 abide contentedly under its Shadow, without wander- 
 ing from it, or goi^g from Tree to Tree, as m 
 
 do, 
 
Tree of Life. 205 
 
 io, feeking Reft ov Shelter. Surely all who leave 
 Chri'ft, and wander after the Shadow of Creature- 
 comforts, or their own Doings for Relief, will dif- 
 quiet themfelyes in vain; for there is no Safety or 
 Reft any where, but under the Shadow of the Tree of 
 Life. Here only you will find Protection and Provi- 
 fion : This made the Spoufe lay, Cant. ii. 3. J fat 
 down under his Shadow with great Delight, and his 
 Fruit was fwest to my Tajle. 
 
 Let all thefe, who have experienced the Safety and 
 Sweetnefs of Chrift's Shadow and Fruit, blefs God 
 that gave them Counfel, and drew them to this Hap- 
 pinefs. See that you abide clofe under this Shadow, 
 and make it your continual Refort. Chrift /peaks 
 to you, as David to Abiathar, when he fled to him 
 from Saul's Cruelty, Abide thou with me, fear not 
 for he that fee keth rny Life, fetketh thy Life, but with 
 
 me thou /halt be in Safeguard. Likewi/e pity 
 
 and pray for them who flight the Tree of Life, and 
 are going thro' all the Trees of the Wood for Reft and 
 Satisfaction, but cannot find it. O commend this 
 blefTed Tree to them, and invite them to come and 
 fit down under the Shadow of it, where they will 
 find all Things. Say to them, as Philip to Nathaniel, 
 
 Come and fee. Be alio looking out, and longing 
 
 for the full Enjoyment of the Tree of Life in the Pa- 
 radife above, where you (hall eternally fing among 
 the Branches of it, meet with all your Friends, and 
 eat the Fruits with a far better Appetite and Relim 
 than ever anv did here below. 
 
 A D V I C E 
 
20 5 Clrifl Crucified 
 
 ADVICE XVI. 
 
 From If a. xxxij. 2. 
 
 A Man /hall be a Hiding-place from the Wind, and 
 a Covert from the TempejL 
 
 WHATEVER Storms or Tempers Believen 
 are expofed to here, Onriit is an excellent 
 Shelter and Hiding-place from them. Before Adam's 
 Fall, that Sin entered into the World, all was cairn 
 and ferene ; but fince that, the World is become a 
 weary Wildernefs, Full of Tempcfts ; and allbon as 
 one is laid, another is ready to blow. There are 
 Storms of outward Afflictions, Sicknels, Lolies, and 
 Disappointments, and many Wrath-like Difpenfations 
 of Providence ; there are Storms of Temptations from 
 Satan, Challenges from Confidence, Thunderings from 
 Mount Sinai, Deiertions from God, Reproaches and 
 Perfecutions from the World : And yet all thefe 
 Storms here are but like Drops before the Shower, if 
 compared with the terrible Storm of Wrath to come, 
 which is abiding the Ungodly and Unbelieving. But 
 Glory to infinite Wifdoin and free Love, for finding 
 out a proper Hiding-place for loft Sinners amidlt thefe 
 Storms, to which we are called to turn, 2<ech* ix. T2. 
 Turn ye to the Strong-hold, ye Prif oners of Hope. The 
 Man Chnfl is an excellent Strong- hold and Hiding- 
 place againft all Storms whatfoever: in him there is 
 fufficient Room and Accommodation for us, his 
 Wounds are wide, bis Mercy large, his Merits infinite, 
 his Offers free, his Calls moll gracious and extenfive*, 
 J fa. xlv. 2 2. Look to we, and be ye faved, nil the Ends 
 of the Earth. The Accels is declared free, and the 
 Way patent, to all who turn to this Strong- hold 
 for Shelter, and never was any excluded that turned 
 to it. 
 
 A era* 
 
Our Hiding-flace* 207 
 
 A 'crucified Jefus, O Communicants, reprefented to 
 you in the Sacrament, is the Strong-hold and Hiding- 
 place to which you are called to turn by Faith tor 
 Sneiter and Safety, from the Sword of Juilice. In 
 him there are excellent Clefts for Shelter, Cant. ii. 
 14. and which you ought to be well acquainted with. 
 There are the Clefts of his Wounds and Merits, which 
 all Chrift'j Doves flee to when Storms arife. There 
 is alio the Cleft of his Power, the Cleft of his Wifdom, 
 the Cleft of his Love, and the Cleft of his Faithful- 
 nef ; many a Storm have they efcaped in thefe 
 Clefts. In this Hiding-place there are alio Cham- 
 bers^ of Safety, to which you may retire when the 
 Tern pelt blows, Jfa.xxvi. 20. There are the Cham- 
 bers of Ch rift's Offices and iweet Relations, which he 
 hath aflumed for the Safety andComfort of Believers; 
 in each of theie many of them have found Slicker when 
 Storms have blown. There is alto the pieafant 
 Chamber of his Covenant, with the Clofets of its Pro- 
 viifes, which afford i'weet 1 etiring Places in tempeftuous 
 Times. O ftudy to be acquainted with them. David 
 was well acquainted with the well-ordered Covenant 
 and its Promifcs, and had his Recourle thereto ia 
 troublous Times, and particularly when he was 
 threatned with the Storm of Death, 2 Sam, xxiii. 5. 
 Alt ho' ?ny Ho rife be not fo ivilh God, yet he hath made 
 with me an everlafling Covenant, ordered in all Things 
 a?idjure ; this is all my Salvation. And he pleads the 
 Promifes of this Covenant for his Safety, PfaL cxix. 
 49. Rjmember the l/jrd to thy Servant, upon which 
 thou haft caujed ?;.<? fo hope. Come then by the £x- 
 ercile of Faith, and (hut yourfelves up in thefe iweet 
 Chamfers at the Lord's Table, and take Complacen- 
 cy in viewing and walking through therp. 
 
 Chrijl crucified is a Covert and Hiding-place to 
 Believers, and to evety Tfliflg that belongs to them : 
 He is even a Covert to their Bodies in Time of Dan- 
 gefy fo was he to his Dilliple when the Strom was. 
 
 breaking 
 
20 8 Chrijl cruel fie & 
 
 breaking upon himfelf, John xviii. 8. If ye fee k vie, 
 let the/a go their Way. But more efpecially he is a 
 Covert to their Souls, thefe he accounts precious as 
 his Jewels ; he hides them in his Wounds, and keeps 
 them by his Power, thro 9 Faith, unto Salvation. He 
 is alfo a Covert to their Graces, and keeps them in 
 Life when ready to die, and laves them from being o- 
 verwhelmed in the Day of Tempeft. What had be- 
 come of David and of Peter\ Grace, under violent 
 Storms of Temptation, if he had not been a Covert 
 to them. Many a Time hath he preferved thzfmoakm - 
 ing Flax, and the hruifed Reed, under the moft. dan- 
 gerous Storms. — Likewife Chrift is a Covert to their 
 Evidences and Marks of Grace ; he preferves them, 
 end keeps them legible, after many Blots which Sin 
 and Satan do caft upon them : He hath the blefled 
 .Art of recovering and clearing up their Evidences, 
 when they are frequently given up for loft in Times of 
 Backfliding. 
 
 Let all conflder how miferable they are who have 
 no Intereft in this Hiding-place ; you that are out of 
 Chrift, have no Covert from the Tempeft, you can 
 neither have Safety nor Comfort in Times of Trouble. 
 2s T ay, when any Storm blows from without againfl 
 you, a guilty Conscience will be ready to raife a Storm 
 within ; and alio fhew you a more terrible Storm ga- 
 thering a^ainft you, even the Wrath that is to come ; 
 Wrath (till coming, but never all come ; a Storm 
 that will ftili be blowing, but never will blow over.-- 
 O what will become of you, if Death come upon you 
 in this fhelterlels State, while out of Chrift the only 
 Hiding-place ! to be fure then Hell will follow the pale 
 Her ft. To whom then will ye flee for Help for Shel- 
 ter? The Rocks or Hijis will not be a Hiding-place 
 to you, if Chrift do not hide you : No Creature will 
 fkreen or pity you, if Chrift do it not : All the Crea- 
 tures will take Part with their Creator againft you, 
 and inftead of hiding you, they will be ready to di- 
 vulge 
 
tiur Hiding-place. 209 
 
 vulge and accufe you to the Purfuer, the Juflice of 
 
 Cud. If you cry to the Heavens, O cannot the vaft 
 
 expanded Heavens afford me a Hiding-place from the 
 Temped ? No, will they fay, there is no Refuge, 
 no Entrance here for the Slighters of Chrift ; we'll 
 open only to rain Fire and Brimftone, and furious 
 Storms upon their Heads. — -If you look to the Air, 
 and fay, Is there no Hiding-place thro' the vaft Re- 
 gions of the Air for me ? No, the Air is traftfparent, 
 and will difcover the Criminal, and will raife a Whirl- 
 wind of Wrath to blow you into Hell —If you cry 
 
 to the Sea, Is there no Hiding-place in all the Depths 
 of the fpacioui Sea to fhelter me from the Lamb's 
 Wrath . ? No, the Sea will give up her Dead to be 
 
 judged, and will rage furioufly againft you. If 
 
 you look to the Earth* Is there no Cave nor Pit in all 
 the Earth to hide me from the dreadful Storm ? No, 
 the Earth, inftead of hiding you, will open its Mouth 
 and let you ga quick down to Hell, for flighting the 
 Wounds of Chrift, that were opened to (helter you. 
 
 O let every Sinner then flee now, while it is Time, 
 to thefe bleiTed Wounds of Jeius for Safety : Be of 
 good Comfort, O Sinner, rife, he calletb thee ; rile and 
 come, for there is yet Room ; for fake all falfe Shel- 
 ters and lying Refuges. Abfolute Mercy, a blamelefs 
 Walk, Convictions, Rejolutions, Prayers, Tears, Or- 
 dinances, Minifters, will not be a Hiding-place to 
 you, if Chrift be neglected. Nothing can fatisfy Ju- 
 flice. nor (kreen from Wrath, but the Wounds and 
 Blood of the Redeemer; therefore fee to make thefe 
 only your Covert and Hiding-place. 
 
 It concerns all to try if they have got into this 
 Hiding-place, and if they be among Chrift/ s hidden 
 Ones 1 fo Believers are called, Pfal. lxxxiii. 3. If you 
 be among thefe hidden Ones, you will have a hidden Life, 
 and be acquainted with a Life of fecret Prayer and 
 Correfpondence with Heaven, and a Life of Faith and 
 learrrg unon th^ Son of God ; you'll have hidden Food, 
 
 D d Meat 
 
2 1 o The Commnmcanfs Errands. 
 
 Meat the World knows not of, the hid Minna ofConr- 
 munion with God — You'll have hidden Qioathhig, and 
 be acquaint with putting offyour own Rags, and put- 
 ting on the- hidden Garment of Ch> ill's Ri^hteouir, 
 — You'll have bidden Stret-Jth, and be acquaint with 
 borrowing Strength from Chrift both for Work and 
 Warfare. — You'll live wis in dirk 
 
 and calamitous Times^ and draw Comfort from the 
 Promifes, and make thele the Ground of your Hope. 
 — If you be in Chrift as your i y you'll be 
 
 among Cbrift's poor and needy Ones, for it is to fuch 
 he is a Refuge, I/a. xxv. 4, Do you fee your own 
 Emptinefs, Ill-de!ervings, and Inefficiency, aid de- 
 pend upon free Mercy for every Crumb ? Are you dill 
 
 Happy are they who can lay claim to thefe Mark! 
 
 ADVICE XVII. 
 
 From I Kings xix. 9. ' 
 The Lord fa': d unto him. What do/I thou here, Elijah .* 
 
 IT is the Concern of every Man, to be always in 
 Cafe to give Account to God of his Errand and 
 Defign in every Pieceof Work he is imployedin ; 
 £0 ought Communicants at the Lord's Table, when 
 God or his Minifrers ask them, as the Lord did Elijjh, 
 JVhat doll tho-i here, Communicani P What is your Bu- 
 fine'i and Errand at this Table ? Can you fay, I h 
 many Errands Tiere ; I come, upon my Saviour's 
 Call, to celebrate the Memorial of h . 
 that his Name may be remembred to all Genera- 
 tion- ? And is the Lamb that was jlaiu to be 
 admired, adored, and praifed for ever 1 come alio 
 
The Communicant s Errands. - 211 
 
 the mod folemn Manner, before all the Perfons of the 
 glorious Trinity, before the elect Angels, and before 
 all the Congregation. Seeing Chriftdoth once more 
 call me to it, after many a broken Tryft, and hath 
 put on to his Marriage robes, his dyed Garments, to 
 win and engage my Heart, 1 come to join Hands 
 with him before God, Angels, and Men, and take 
 \hem all Witnelfes to the Bargain. Surely this is a 
 good Errand : O that the long Ipoken of Match may- 
 no w hold. 
 
 Can you fay, I am come to a rich and liberal Sa- 
 viour, to fupply my Needs out or his Fulneis. I come 
 on a good Day when he ufes to deal bountifully to 
 the Poor and Needy, and to fay to them, as the 
 King to E/lhvr, IV hat is thy Petition P and what is thy 
 Requeft ? — Weli. is thy Petition ready ? Doll thou 
 come with the Publican's Petition, God be merciful to 
 7ne a Sinner P Or with David* & Petition, Lord be 
 merciful to me ; heal any Soul \ for I have finned again ft 
 thee ? Or with that Petition, Purge me -with Hyffopy 
 and I /hall be clean ; veafh me, and I /hall be whiter 
 than the Snow P Or \v4th that, Let my Soul live, and 
 it fhall praife thee. Or do you come with the 
 Spouie's Petitions and Requefts, Draw me, and we 
 will run ajter thee. Awake North Wind; and come 
 thou South ; blow upon my Garden, that the Spices 
 thereof may flew out ! Surely thefe Petitions are agree- 
 able to your Redeemer ; fee that you infill upon 
 them, and preis for an Anfwer. Study to have a. 
 
 lively Feeling at this Time of all your Wants. 
 
 XVould you have them all fupplied at once ? Then 
 come and embrace a crucified Je us in the Arms of 
 Faith, and he will fully anfwer them all. Would you 
 have all your five Senfes fatisfied at once ? Behold 
 
 (Thrift invites you to come to him to get it done 
 
 Would you have the Senfe of Seeing fatisfied ? Then 
 he fays to you, Look to vie, and be ye fated.-- Be^ 
 me, beheld me / Beeold King Solomon with the Crown 
 pn his Head ! — Would you have the Senfe of Hearing 
 
 D d 2 fatisfied ? 
 
?1 2 JVho are the invited Guefls. 
 
 fatisfied ? Then faith he, Incline thine Ear ; hearken 
 to me ; give Ear to my Voice. -Would you have 
 
 the Senle ofTafting fatisfied \ He faith tajfe and fee 
 
 that God /s gad. Would you have the Senfe of 
 
 Toach/ng fatisfied ? He faith Reach hither thy Hand, 
 thruft it ifito my 'Side ; feel the Wounds made by the 
 
 Spear and the Nails. Would you have the Senfe of 
 
 Smelling fatisfied ? Come then to Chrift, whofe Nam^ 
 is as Oinment poured forth ; and whofe Garments fine 11 
 of Aloes, Myrrh, and Caffia. — Come here and get all 
 your fpiritual Senfes fatisfied at ChrinVs full Feaft. 
 
 Object. But I am afraid I am not among thefe in- 
 vited Guefts that Chrift will make welcome. Anjw. 
 Have you any of the Scripture-Characters of thefe that 
 Chrift invites ? Are you among his Friends ? Do you 
 wifh well to his Caufe ana 1 Intereft I then Chrift faith 
 
 to you, Eat Friends , Cant. v. i Is your Heart 
 
 open toChrift's Offers, and willing to accept him in 
 all his Offices ? Then he faith to fuch, he will co??ie 
 
 and ftp with them, Rev. iii 20- Doth your Heart 
 
 love him ? Then he faith, He will mani fell himfelf to 
 iuch, John xiv. 21- — Are you poor and needy ? Then 
 lie faith, The Needy J): all not be forgotten, Plal. ix. 
 
 18 Do you fee yourfelf a loft Sinner f Then he 
 
 faith, He is come tofeek and call iuch, Lukexix. 10. 
 Mat. ix. 1 3— Do you feel Sin to be a heavy Burden? 
 Then he bids the heavy laden come to him, Mat. xi. 
 28. — Are you fick, and much diftrefled ? Then C hrift 
 chufes to entertain and converfe with fuch, Mat. ix. 
 
 1 2 Do you hunger andthirft for Chrift \ He faith, 
 
 He fills the Hungry with good Things, Luke i. 53. 
 
 Are you fenfible of Back/tidings ? He invites iuch to 
 come to him, Jer. iii. 14 — -—Are you defirous to put 
 on the Wedding garment of i?nputed Right eoujnefs P 
 Then, to be fure, you (hall neither be excluded, nor 
 
 neglected Do you earneftly feek for his holy Spirit t 
 
 He allures you, he is more willing to give the Spirit to 
 t*»em that ask it, than loving Parents are to give Bread 
 ($ their, hungry Chi'd'e?:. \\ hat is Mens CcmpafHon 
 
 to 
 
The Communicant 9 * Errands. 2 1 3 
 
 to their Children, in Companion of Chrift to his ? 
 Well then, you may reft on ChrifVs Word ; for he 
 is not more free in making Promifes, than faithful in 
 making them good. He is a God that keeps Covenant 
 to a Thou/and Generations. Venture then upon his 
 Word, and come to his Table with Hope and Expec- 
 tation to get all your Wants fupplied. 
 
 Let me again ask you, as Gcd did Elijah, What 
 deft thou here. Communicant ? Can you lay, that you 
 are come to get a Heart-affecling Sight of the Blood 
 and Wounds of the Glorious Redeemer, (o as you may- 
 love Chrift, and hate Sin more than ever \ That is a 
 good Errand, and what God will lurely approve. 
 Come then, draw near, as it were, to the Foot of 
 the Crols, and take a narrow and cloie View of his 
 Wounds, and of the Blood that ftreams from them. 
 Obferve how faft the Blood runs down from his 
 Hands to the Ground, fafter than ever Tears run 
 down from your Eyes for Sin, that cauied the fhed- 
 ding of his Blood ! Chrift is not fparing of his Blood 
 for you, however fparing you be of your Tears for 
 
 him. Draw yet nearer, and lay your Ear to his 
 
 Wounds, efpecially his five big Wounds in his Hands, 
 Feet, and Side ; which like fo many Mouths, are 
 wide opened to (peak to believing Communicants. 
 Liften and hear what they lay ; What is the Lan- 
 guage of the two Wounds in his Hands ! Come to me> 
 and c aft your guilty Soul into my bleeding out-jfretched 
 Arms, and Til Cave you from the Sword of juftice. — 
 Lay your Ear to the two Wounds in his Feet, and 
 hear what they fay, Run to mt, and cajl y our f elf 
 down at my Feet, and I'll protecl ycu from the Aven- 
 ger of Blood. — Hearken to the deep Wound in his 
 Side, laying, Flee to me, O trembling Dove, and VII 
 jheltcr thee in this Clift of the Bock : Thou haft now 
 free Acels to the Ark, behold the Window opened in 
 the Side of it ; look in at it, and fee my Heart burn 
 ing with Love : Yea, thrift m thy Hand to v:y Side 
 
 unbelieving 
 
214 ^ e Communicant's Errand. 
 
 unbelieving Thomas, and feel viy bleeding Heart how 
 warm it is to you, and be no more fjitkUfs, but be* 
 lieving. 
 
 O Communicant, can you come to the Foot of 
 Chrift's Crofs, and fee his Wounds, and hear fuch 
 Language, and your Heart not be affected with Love 
 to Chrift, and Hatred to Sin ? Can you behold Chrift 
 thus cruelly ufed, nailed to the Tree, bleeding and 
 dying in "your Room! Can you fee the Heavens turn- 
 ing black, the Sun drawing in its Head, the Earth 
 quaking, and the Rocks rending at the Sufferings of 
 the Son of God, and your Heart not quake for Sin, 
 that awakened the Sword of Juftice againfthimas our 
 Surety ! — O what Caufe have you to be afhamed of 
 the Hardnefs and Unconcernedneis of your Heart at 
 fuch a Sight, and to cry to God that the Heart of Stone 
 may be changed into an Heart of Flefh, and that the 
 Fire of Chrift 's Love may defcend 3nd kindle iuch a 
 Flame in your Soul, as may melt your frozen Affections, 
 and confume the Stubleot your Lufts apd Corruptions. 
 Of old the Lord ufed to anfwer his People's Prayers 
 and Sacrifices by Fire from Heaven : Pray that he 
 may anfwer your's in like Manner, by kindling a holy 
 Fire in your Soul, as he did in the Hearts of the two 
 Difciples going to Emmaus ; even a twofold Fire, to 
 wit, a Fire of Love to Chrift, and a Fire of Indigna- 
 tion againft Sin. O love the Lord Jefus as your Trea- 
 fure and Portion ; let }our Thoughts be mainly upon 
 him, and your Soul's Breathings after him. Be much 
 concerned for his Intereft and Caufe, and for the 
 fpreading of his Kingdom and Glory in the World. 
 And be looking out, and longing for the full and per- 
 fect Enjoyment of him. — Likewife keep up a ftrong 
 Averfion to Sin, and to what is oppofite to Chrift, 
 and injurious to his Intereft and Kingdom ; look al- 
 ways upon Sin as the Grand Enemy and Murderer of 
 Chrift ; and therefore do not r parc it. 
 
 ADVICE 
 
Chrift will have m, See . 215 
 
 ADVICE XVIII. 
 
 From John v. 6. 
 Jefas faith unto him, Wilt tkcu made whole ? 
 
 THIS miraculous healing Pool of Beth f da, at 
 which the* impotent Man had lien thirty-eight 
 Years, was a Type of the Me flak, and the Fountain of 
 liis Blood opened and fet forth in Gofpel-Oidinances, 
 for healing all cur fpiritual Diieafes. And Chrift 's 
 Method of healing this Man teaches us, That if we 
 would be healed, we mult be willing to wait it the 
 Pool of Ordinances, till the Spirit come to fur the 
 Waters, apply the Blood, and effeft the Cure. And, 
 in the mean time, we muft be fenfible of our Difeafe, 
 and look up to Chrift our great Phvfician, with ear- 
 ned Defires for healing. This is imported in Chrift 's 
 Que ft ion, Wilt thou be mads whole ? 
 
 O Communicants, you are difeafed by Sin, and the 
 Plagues of your Hearts ; thefe have blamed the primi- 
 tive Beauty of the Soul, and brought on it a ghaftly 
 Deformity, with much Pain and Weaknefs. Your 
 Diieafes are manifold ; Athe'tfllcalThoughts, Misbelief, 
 and Ig?iorance of God's Truths, are weful Plagues ; 
 Hardnefs of Hearty and Earthly •tmndednejs, Formali- 
 ty, end Heart-waiideritigsip Duty, trifling to your own 
 Right eoufnefs, Ingratitude, and Backjltdivgs from 
 Cod ; thefe are Diieafes you ought all to be r enfible ofc 
 God would have every Man to know the Plague of his 
 Own Heart, i Kings viii. 38. in oider to his being 
 made whole. Thefe are the Sick that Chrift is ready 
 to come to heal, Mat. ix 12. Chrift fir ft makes 
 Men lick and fenfible before he makes them whole. 
 Kave you then any Acquaintance with this healthful, 
 preparatory Sicknefs ? Have you been made fenfible 
 of the dangerous Nature of your Difeate, and thought- 
 Til and ibliicituous about the liTlie of it ? Have yog 
 
 been 
 
I26 Chrifl will have us 
 
 been made to groan und moan under the Burden of 
 your Dileafe, faying, I mi troubled and bowed down 
 greatly, I go mourning all the Day long P Have you 
 leen there is no Healing in yourlelves, or in your Con- 
 viflions, Prayers, Tears, or Reformations P and that 
 it is only in Chrift, who hath an infinite Fulnefs of 
 Merit and Spirit to fuit your defperate Malady? Are 
 you willing to fubrriit to the Phyfician'sPreicriptions tor 
 healing? Be the Pill or Portion never lb bitter, you 
 will fwallowit: hit yourCry, Lor d t what wilt thou have 
 me to do P Thefe are Tokens of a right preparatory 
 Sickriers. May the holy Spirit work them in you. 
 
 The great meritorious Means of your healing is the 
 Blood ofjefus Chrifl, which is let before you in the 
 Sacrament, for you to look to arid apply by Faith. 
 As the Ifraelites were madeferifible of their Stings be- 
 fore they looked to the Brazen Serpent for Healing ; 
 lb mud ye, in order to your* prizing of Chrift, and 
 looking to his Blood for healing your jpiritual Plagues. 
 Now the Fountain is open, and the healing Streams 
 run freely on both Sides of the Table ; Cbrne then, 
 with a Feeling of your Difeafes, and bathe in them 
 for curing your hard Hearts, your blind Eyes, your 
 weak Hands, your feeble Knees, your la?ne Feet, and 
 fold Affeftions. — O impotent Man, are you lying at 
 the Side of the Pool while the Waters are ftirring ? 
 Have you no Strength to move forward, and is there 
 none to put you in ! O then look up to Chrift, that 
 healed the impotent Man after many Years waiting : 
 Look to him by Faith, as he calls you, Ifa. xlv. 22. 
 Look unto me, and be ye faved, all the Ends of the 
 Earth. As I orTer myielf to every difeafed Soul in par- 
 ticular, as well as to all in general ; fo let every Soul 
 embrace me as his Saviour, and apply my Blood to 
 his particular Diieafes. Faith is a healing Grace, not 
 only its Touches, but its very Looks are healing; hence 
 Chrifl: faid to leverals who were healed, Thy Faith 
 
 h 
 
its Nature and Effefts. 2 1 7 
 
 hath made thee whole. O fee then if you have got this 
 healing Faith. 
 
 Qneft. How may I know if my Faith be of this 
 Kind ? An/w* A healing Faith will make the Soul 
 heartily approve the Gofpel-method of Salvation, 
 embrace God's Teftimony, and clofe with his Gofpel- 
 orfer in all Refpects. And it hath in it, an appropri- 
 ating TrtiJ} and Confidence in the Merit and Virtue of 
 Chrift'^ Blood, offered to the Sinner in particular for 
 his Pardon and Healing ; which makes him reft upon 
 Chrift as his Saviour, and venture his Soul and Salva- 
 tion upon his Merit and Promi e. In this healing 
 Faith of a difeafed Sinner, there is a particular Accep- 
 tance of, and Confidence in a crucified Chrift, correfpon* 
 ding to that free Gofpel- offer which he makes of him- 
 
 ielf to the diftrefTed Soul. This Faith brings him 
 
 to * fixed Refclution to ly at the Phyfician's Door, 
 and depend upon him alone for Healing. And it 
 makes him caft open all the Doors and Rooms of his 
 Soul to receive and entertain his Phyfician. Now O 
 poor impotent Soul, if there be fuch a Faith as this 
 wrought in thee, then thy Faith in Chrift makes thee 
 whole. The healing Bairn is applied, the Cure be- 
 gun, and (hall fhortly be perfected. Be of good 
 Cheer y thy Sins are forgiven thee ; Jefus Chrift maketh 
 thee whole. 
 
 It concerns you alfo, to try if the happy Fruits and 
 Effecls of this healing Faith appear in you, whereby 
 you may conclude, that the Strength of your Diieafe 
 is broken, by Virtue of the Blood of C'nrift ; and that 
 you have got it applied for curing your Heart- A* he ifm, 
 Hardnefs, Unbelief 9 Pride, Carnality, and particular- 
 ly your Weaknefs of Hands and Feeblenefs of Knees ; 
 So that, tho' formerly they were fo weak and feeble, 
 that you could not lift up the one, nor bow down the 
 other in Prayer with any Fervency and Livelinefs ; 
 yet now it is other wife : Then this is a good Token 
 theStrengtb of the Difeaft is brckc-n, Chrift has taken 
 
 E e you 
 
2 1 8 A healing Faith f 
 
 you into his Hofpital, and has you under Cure, by th« 
 daily Application of his Blood and Spirit, and you are 
 
 en the Way of Recovery.. Can you lay further, 
 
 That your Drought is greatly abated, your Tbirfl af- 
 ter Sin and the World ; and that your Appetite* 'for 
 Soul-food, Communion with Chrifi in Ordinances, is 
 happily rncreafed ? Can you bear the Light better than 
 before I Do you love fearch'mg Sermons ? All thefe 
 are good Signs — -Have you a high Efteem of your 
 Phyfician, and do you entertain him kindly when he 
 vifits you ? Have you recovered more Strength and 
 Willingnefs to ferve him in the Way of commanded 
 Duties ? And have you a holy Fear and Jealoufy of 
 every Thing that might bring on a Relaple into your 
 old Diftempers ? Then there is good Hope, thro 9 
 Grace, that your Faith is a healing Faith, the Work 
 of healing is begun, and fo far carried on. Ghrifl; 
 is our Rock, and his Work is perfect. 
 
 O then ftudy to be thankful to your great Phyfici- 
 an, faying, What fhall I render to the Lord for all 
 his Benefits towards me P Blefs the Lord, my Soul> 
 and forget net all his Benefits : Who forgiveth all 
 thine Iniquities , he a let h all thy Difeafes, and rcdecm- 
 eth thy Soul from Deflruclion ; who reneweth thy Youth 
 like the Eagles, maktth thee run and not weary, walk 
 and not faint s ■ Blejfed be the God and Father of our 
 Lord J ejus Chrtfl, who, according to his abundant Mer- 
 cy, hath begotten us again to a lively Hope, by the Re- 
 Jlirreclion of Jefus Chrift from the Dead, to an Inhe- 
 ritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not 
 away, referved in Heaven for us. Then the Cure 
 fhall be fully perfected, and we fhall dwell always 
 befide our Phyfician, and enjoy perfect and uninter- 
 rupted Health for ever and ever.— Exprefs your Thank- 
 ful nefs while you are here, by being Witnefles for 
 Chrift, Joining as Lights before others, commending 
 Chrift and his Ways to them, hating all Sin, abftain- 
 iagfroinit; reproving Sin in ethers, and teftifying 
 
 againft 
 
its Nature and EffeQs. 219 
 
 -againft it. Be meek and lowlyin your Carriage ; 
 deal uprightly with all Men; loveallthat bear Chrift's 
 image ; be zealous for Family -religion, for fanclify- 
 ing the Sabbath, and attending God's Ordinances. 
 Pray earneftly for the coming of Chriib Kingdom up- 
 on the Earth, and do all you can to promote it. 
 
 Watch and Pray againft Backflidings and Relapfes 
 kito old Diftempers, and for that End be humble and 
 Selfrdiffident, be denied to your own Strength and 
 Conducl, and be always jealous of your corrupt and 
 deceitful Hearts. Live by Faith upon the Son of God, 
 looking to him both for Righteoufnefs and Strength. 
 And becaufe you are invironed with Enemies, put on 
 the vshole Armour of God, that you may be able to 
 jland again]} the Wiles of the Devil. It is not the Ar- 
 ?nour, of your own Refolutions, it is the Armour of 
 Cody even the Graces of his Spirit. It is not fome 
 Graces or Parts of that Armour, it is the whole Ar* 
 mour, all the Chriftian Graces. It is not enough to 
 have the Armour in the Houfe, or Grace in the Ha- 
 bit ; no, it muft be put on, daily worn and exercif- 
 ed. God hath provided different Pieces of Armour 
 for you, the Sword of the Spirit, the Shield of Faith, 
 the Helmet of Hope, the Breaft- Plate of Righteouf- 
 nefs ; but there is nothing for the Back, for God dif- 
 owns Runaways, Heb. x. 38. If any Dflan dra-w 
 back, &c. 
 
 ADVICE XIX. 
 
 From Exod. xii. 1*4. 
 And this Day JJiall be unto you for a Memorial. 
 
 AS the Paflbver-feaft was a Memorial both of the 
 Deliverance from Egypt, and the Redemption 
 by Chrift : fo a Communion-Sabbath is a Memorial 
 £>f fundry remarkable Things, and ought to be held 
 
 E e 2 as 
 
220 A Communion-Sabbath 
 
 as a mod memorable Day by every Believer, as it 
 brings to our Remembrance the greateit Events and 
 Bleiiings. 
 
 I. /i Communion-Sabbath is a lively Memorial of 
 
 ChriJVs Death ; for the Sacrament adminiftred that 
 
 Day by breaking of Bread, and pouring out of Wine, 
 
 is a vilible Reprefentation of Chrill's Death, by the 
 
 breaking of Chrill's Body, and pouring forth his 
 
 Biood on the Oofs ; an Event which God will -have 
 
 remembrcd to the End of the World, and thro' all 
 
 Eternity. Why ? Becaule by it God's Perfections 
 
 are highly glorified, and the Elect World redeemed 
 
 from Hell. Chrift did inftitute the Ordinance to be 
 
 a (landing Monument of his Death while the World 
 
 ftands, I Cor. xi. 26. As often as ye eat this Bread, 
 
 and dunk this Cup y ye do /hew the Lord's Death till he 
 
 come. And a Monument of the wonderful Love of 
 
 God in giving his Son, and of the Son in giving him- 
 
 ielf to be a Sacrifice for our Sins, who were utterly 
 
 unworthy of his Love. By this- Memorial God would 
 
 teach us the ineftimable Value of ChriiVs Death, as 
 
 the greateft: Obligation that ever he put upon the 
 
 World, and that we ought to declare our Gratitude 
 
 to God for the Favour in the mod open and public 
 
 Manner, and rely upon Chrift 's Death and Sacrifice 
 
 as the Foundation of all our Hopes of Pardon and 
 
 Salvation. The Death of Je!us Chrift is the moll 
 
 worthy Subject of the Difcourie and Praifebothof the 
 Redeemed on Earth, and the Glorified in Heaven, ac- 
 cording to Rev. i. 5. — J v. 9. 12. Hence it was 
 
 that Mofes and Ellas when they came from Heaven 
 to Mount Tabor to wait upon their Lord when tranf- 
 figured, they made Choice of Chrift's Death for the 
 Subject of their Converfation, Luke ix. 3 r. And good 
 Realbn, for Chrifl's Death was the Spring and Caute 
 of all their Glory in Heaven ; neither Mofes nor E- 
 lias had fhined there, if it had not been for Ch rift's 
 Death. 
 
 2 a 
 
a Memorial. 221 
 
 2. A Com?nunion Sabbath is a (fecial Memorial to us 
 of Chriji's Refurredion from the Grave, which was 
 on the firft Day of the Week, and hence called the 
 Lord's Day, it being the mod honourable Day to our 
 Lord Redeemer, and the nioft joyful Day to all the 
 Redeemed ; as it gave^a clear Proof of the Perfecti- 
 on of ChriiVs Sacrifice he offered to Divine Juftice, 
 and that our Surety's Satisfaction was accepted for 
 our compleat Jultihcation and nbfolution. Hereby 
 it appeared that the Elect's Debt was difcharged, 
 their Redemption finifhed, and their Cautioner libe- 
 rate from Prilon. This Day Chrift was declared to 
 be the Son cf God with Poiier. As his Death did (hew 
 him to be truly Man, lb his Redirection did manifert 
 him to be truly God, and the great Redeemer of the 
 
 World. This was the Day of Chrift \ Victory and 
 
 Triumph, in which he 'olemnly appeared to be the 
 Captain of bur Salvation, and obtained a glorious 
 Victory over all his and the Church's Enemies. This 
 Day he triumphed over the Grave, Death and Hell, 
 and over Sin, Satan and wicked Men. Now Death 
 was unftinged, the Grave loft its Purchafe, the Ser- 
 pent's Head wasbruifed, the Powers of Hell vanquish- 
 ed, and they were all (wallowed up in Victory.. 
 
 Likewife Chrift by his Relurrection, as the Head of 
 the Church, gave to all the Members of his Body a 
 fure Pledge and Earned of their Refurrection from 
 the Grave at the laft Day, to Immortality and eter- 
 nal Life. And on this Day he reded from all his 
 Works of Suffering and Redemption, and rejoiced in 
 the Review of them with infinite Delight and Com- 
 placency. Now a Communion Sabbath is a bright 
 Memorial of this glorious Day, which is' to be lxad 
 in everlafting Remembrance. O Believer, remem- 
 ber it with Thankfulnefs and Joy. 
 
 3. This day is a Memorial of your fpiritual Re- 
 furrection and new Birth, as it declares your Recep- 
 tion into God's Family, and feals your Title to the 
 
 Privileges 
 
22 2 A Communion Sabbath 
 
 Privileges of his Children, that you are born Heirs of 
 God y and joint Heirs with Chrift of the Heavenly In- 
 heritance. And tho' the Lord's Supper be not a con- 
 verting Ordinance in its own Nature, yet the Preach- 
 ing of a crucified Chrift this Day, has been the Means 
 of converting many Thoufands, and, in many others 
 of beginning the Pangs and Forerunners of the New- 
 birth, to wit, Saving Convictions of Sin, and En- 
 quiries after Chrift, and Salvation thro' him, which 
 have landed in their Converfion. O pray that it may 
 he fuch a Day to you and many others. 
 
 4. This Day is a Memorial of your Marriage Day ; 
 becaufe on it you enter into, or renew your Marriage 
 Covenant with Chrift, the Bridegroom of the Church. 
 IViinifters, by the Gofpel-orTers court your Souls to 
 Chrift, fayirig, as thele Did to Ribekah, Gen. xxiv. 
 58. Will you go with the Man Chrift P On the Com- 
 munion-Day, you folemnly give your Anlwer as fhe 
 <!id, We will go ; and at the Lord's Table you feal 
 your Engagement to him. Likewife this Day is a 
 Memorial of the Confummation of your Marriage with 
 Chrift at the great Day, when he will come to re- 
 ceive home his efpoufed Bride, and conduct her to 
 the King's Palace with Joy and Triumph. # pre- 
 pare and long for that Day. 
 
 5. The Communion Sabbath is a Memorial of your 
 crucifying Sin, which was the Caufe of your Redeem- 
 er's Death. At this Ordinance you draw Virtue from 
 the Death of Chrift, to kill Sin and moitify ftrong 
 Lufts. Many wreftling Believers have been enabled, 
 at this Occafion, to give a Death's Wound to thefe 
 "Lufts and Idols they had been long ftruggling againft 
 before. Refolve then, in Chrift's Strength, that Sin 
 fhall not out-live this Day ; it is mod juft to revenge 
 the Death of Chrift upon it. 
 
 6. A Communion Sabbath is a Memorial of Chrift's 
 Conqueft and Coronation : For on this Day Chrift fre- 
 qently receives the Fruit and Reward of the Travel 
 
 of 
 
a Memorial. 223 
 
 of his Soul and his bitter Agonies, by overcoming 
 Hearts, depofingiSrf tan from his Throne, and delive- 
 ing Souls from his Thraldom, and tranflating them in- 
 to his own Kingdom. And, at this Occafion, all wor- 
 thy Communicants do, as it were, put a Crown of 
 Glory and Honourupon ChritVs Head, by renouncing 
 Sin, Satan, and all that had exerciled Dominion over 
 them before, and giving their full and hearty Content,, 
 that Chrift alone (hall reign over them for ever. Chrift 
 is fo delighted with this, that he efteems it as his Co- 
 ronation Day, Cant. iii. I r. O come then and yield 
 your Hearts to Chrift, and pray that the Communis 
 on Day may be a Day of his Coronation aud Con- 
 quer!, when Sinners (hall give their free and willing 
 Confent to the dethroning of Satan, and enthroning 
 of King Jefus; come under ChrirVs Sceptre and Go- 
 vernment, and abandon all his Enemies ; for he hath 
 beft Right to the Throne, and the jufteft Title to 
 reign over you. 
 
 7. A Communion Sabbath is a lively Memorial and 
 Emblem of the everlajiing Sabbath above, and the 
 heavenly Feaft there that (hall never end, which Chrift 
 hath purchaled and promifed to his People. Why ? 
 becaufe on a Communion Sabbath here, there is an af- 
 fembling of God's Peoble to give Thanks for redeem » 
 rng Love, and to f^d upon Chrift and his Purchafe, 
 with Satisfaction and Songs of Praife. In like Man- 
 ner, in the heavenly Sabbath, there will be a great 
 Gathering of all the Saints thro* all the World, to 
 admire and praife God for redeeming Goodneis, and 
 to fit down and feaft with Chrift for ever, upon the 
 Benefits of his Purchafe. O how great is the Plenty* 
 Variety, the Fulnefs of Provifion and Satisfaction 
 which is at the upper Table ! there they feed upon e- 
 ternal Redemption from Hell and Wrath., perfect 
 Freedom from Sin and Satan, and from all Afflictions 
 and Complaints : They feed upon the glorious Pre. 
 fence of God inhuman Nature, the .conftant^ Shin- 
 ing* 
 
224 Taking hold of God^s Covenant, 
 
 ings of his Face, and Intimations of his Love ; the 
 bright Difcoveries of the Works of God in Creation 
 and Providence, and efpecially in the Redemption of 
 Men by Chrift. Afad in this Feftival they have perfecT: 
 Satisfaclion, joined with eternal Songs of Praife. But 
 O how far will the Communion Sabbath above excel 
 thefe we have here below ! Here we are oft put to 
 mix our Prsifes with Mourning and Tears, becaufe 
 of Sin prevailing, or the Spirit withdrawing. Here 
 Judafes, and unworthy Guefts thruft in among the 
 Disciples ; hut at the higher Table there is nn fucli 
 Mixture, all is pure and holy, and there is nought to 
 
 allay their Joy. Here our Communion Sabbaths 
 
 are foon over, and have Nights, Week Day«, and 
 Trials to fucced them ; but the Communion Sabbath 
 above, the Feaft, Mufic, and AfTembly are everlaft- 
 ing, without Interruption or Uneafinefs of any Sort. 
 — O then improve thefe fhort "Sabbaths, as Memori- 
 als and Means to prepare you for this everlafting Sab- 
 bath ; and in all Ordinances here, keep your Eye up- 
 on the heavenly Feftival. 
 
 • ■ - 
 
 ADVICE XX. 
 
 From Jere7n. iii. 19. 
 
 How Jhall I put thee among the Children P Thou ft: alt 
 call me my Father.* 
 
 TH (V there be great Mountains of Difficulties 
 in the Way of Sinners Salvation, yet God, in 
 his free Mercy, hath found out an Expedient to get 
 over them ; even hy making Choice of God as our 
 
 God and Father in Chrift That you may admire 
 
 his Grace the more, take a View of the Difficulties 
 that ly in the Way. Cod might fay, Hciv (hall I 
 put thee aruuig the Ch.ldren of my Family, who are 
 
 the 
 
fur mounts all Difficulties. 2 2 J 
 
 the Offspring of apoftate and rebellious Parents, who 
 ungratefully departed from God without any Provo- 
 cation, fold themfelves to the Devil to do his Drudge- 
 ry, and rebelled againft a moil gracious God, and 
 loving Father ? And how fhall I put you, that have 
 finned after the Similitude of Adam, among my Chil- 
 dren ? How fhall I be reconciled to luch treacherous 
 
 Dealers ? Again he might fay, How fhall I put 
 
 you among my Children , who are condemned Rebels in 
 the Hands of my infinite Juft ice, and whom I am en- 
 gaged by my Truth to deftroy, having faid, The Soul 
 that finneth fhall die. Here is a burning Mountain of 
 Juftice in the Way of your Salvation ; how fhall 
 
 Mercy get over it to help you ? How fhall 1 put 
 
 you among my Children, whofe Hearts are full of En- 
 mity againft me, and have all your Days been plot- 
 ting with the Devil, and affiftinghim to fight againft 
 
 me, and pull the Crown off my Head ? How fhall 
 
 I put you among my Children, who are fo deformed, 
 polluted and lothiome Creatures, as black as Hell 
 can make you, who have all your Days been wallow- 
 ing in the Mire, and drenched in the Fuddle of Sin f — 
 How fhall I put you among my Children, who have 
 been all your Days Satan s VafTals, drudging at his 
 Work, grinding in his Prifon, and ferving divers Lufts 
 
 and Pleafures ? How fhall I put you among my 
 
 Children, who are impotent and lame, cannot run my 
 Errands, nor move one Step in my Service, nor do 
 
 any Thing to pleafe or glorify me ? How fhall I 
 
 put you among my Children, w 7 ho hate my Children 
 and my Image in them, and have preferred the De- 
 vil's Children to mine ? How fhall I put you among 
 my Children, that hate my Childrens Bread, and 
 chufe rather to feed on Hufks with the Swine? — 
 How fhall I put you among my Children, that never 
 liked my Childrens Work, never loved Prayer, Praife, 
 nor any fpiritual Employment I How (hall J put 
 you amojig my Children, who are Sinners in Zhn, have 
 
 F f fitter 
 
226 Taking hold of God's Covenant, 
 
 fitten many Years under Gofpel Offers and Calls to 
 come to Cbrilt, and have flighted them all, and bolt- 
 ed the Door againft my dear Son, and quenched the 
 
 Motions of my Spirit i How jhall J put you amove 
 
 viy Children, who have been ib impenitent and haid- 
 hearted all your Days, as ne\er to drop one Tear for 
 any of all the black and heinous Sius you have coin- 
 
 mkted againft me I How jhull I put you among 
 
 my Children, who have never kept one Word to me, 
 but have broke all your baptilmal Engagements, and 
 gone over to the Devil's Camp, and harboured my 
 Enemies \ O how is it that God can come over the(e 
 Mountains, to put luch as you among the Children, 
 and allow you to fit down at the Childrens Table, 
 and eat of their Bread ? how is this confident with 
 the Honour and Hoiinefs of God ? 
 
 Blefied be God who hath found out a Way for his 
 Mercy to come over all thefe Mountains, by provid- 
 ing a Mediator and Surety to fatisfy Juftice for our 
 Sins, and proclaiming a new Covenant, that vvhofo- 
 ever accepts of the Mediator, and makes Choice of 
 God as his God and Father in him, (hall be taken in- 
 to God's Family, and be numbered among his Chil- 
 dren, notwithftanding of ail you have done to pro- 
 voke him to caft you off. Thou ft J a It call ?ne my Fa* 
 ther. Wonderful Condefcenfion, that he mould al- 
 low fuch Prodigals and Run-away s at all to fpeak to 
 him, and far more that he mould put Words in their 
 Mouths, and fuch kindly \Y r ords, as//;/ Father! a- 
 mazing Goodnefsl 
 
 If you would make this Addrefs aright, and take 
 hold of his Covenant, fo as you may be taken in a- 
 mong the Children of God. and allowed to come to 
 his Table and eat of their Biead ; you muft be truly 
 grieved for your long rebelling againft your heavenly 
 Father, and flighting his Offers of Mercy and Pardon 
 thro' Chrilt ; you muft be deeply humbled before him, 
 and fail in with- the Gofpel^method of A< ccS to him 
 
furmounts all Difficulties. 227 
 
 hy a Mediator; you muft quit all Dependence on your 
 own Righteoulnefs, and break with ail your Father's 
 Enemies, you muft make a free and hearty Choice of 
 God, as your God and Fatherin Chrift, reiting whol- 
 ly upon Chrift's Mediation and Righteoufneis for Ac- 
 ceptance with God ; — you muft make a Surrender of 
 yourielves, and all you have to him, and engage in 
 .ChrhVs Strength to ferve him, as obedient Children, 
 defirous to pleafe your Father in all Things, 
 
 O come then, enter into Covenant with God, and 
 make Choice of him as your Father in ChriftV; this is 
 the only Expedient for removing theDiincultiesin the 
 Way of your Salvation, and for taking you intoGod's 
 Famiiy,and numberingyou amonghis Children ; unlels 
 you fell in with it, you can have no Right to the 
 Children's Bread, you'll be unworthy Communicants, 
 and eat and drink Judgment to yourielves. O then 
 prevent it, by entering into Covenant with God, that 
 you may be taken in among the Children. — O young 
 Perfons, let me put the Matter home to you, as Jo- 
 Jhua d-d to the Ifraelites y Chufe you this Day whom 
 you will fervs ! Chu'e you whom you will take for 
 your Father, whether God or the Devil \ Both are 
 courting your Hearts ; which of them will you yield 
 to ? Is there any io fooliih as to halt betwixt two O- 
 pinions in this Cafe ? Is there any fo mad as (land in 
 Doubt whether to dwell with Chrift or the Devil for 
 
 «ver ? Now Michael and his Angels, andtheDnz- 
 
 gon and Ins Angels, are ftruggling for your Hearts r 
 a cunning Devil is holding, and a dying Saviour is 
 drawing; now caft the Balance, and Ihew which of 
 them you incline to : The Eyes of the holy Trinity 
 are on you, the Eyes of Angles and Men are on you, 
 to iee what the IiTue will be. O then be wile and 
 comeprefently, and make a Surrender ©fyour Hearts 
 to God in Chrifr. There is no Mufic fo melodious 
 in God s Ears, as the Voice of young Perfons weep- 
 ing and Covenanting with God. The Seafons of 
 Ffs" Youth 
 
228 Taking bold of God's Covenant \ &c< 
 
 Youth is the Male in your Flock, it belongs to God, 
 let him have it, they are curled who deny it to him, 
 and referve the Blind and the Lame to God, fuch as 
 the Dregs of old Age, or Sicknefs, Mai. i. 7. 
 
 O Communicants, fee always to bring Chrilt alongft: 
 with you in your Covenanting with God ; never think 
 of Covenanting with him but by Sacrifice ; bring the 
 Sacrifice of Chrilt's Death to a tone for the Breach of 
 the iirfl Covenant, and bring h\$SuretyJbif> to anfwer 
 for your Faithfulncls in the fecond, other wile you can 
 never callGod your Father, nor be takenin among his 
 
 Children. Remember you are all engaged in this 
 
 Covenant by your Parents undertaking for you in 
 Baptifm ; but aflbon as you are capable, God will 
 have you to renew it perfonally and explicitely, and 
 to come fenfible of your breaking this Covenant, in 
 running away from ChrihVs Colours, and in going o- 
 vcr to the Devil's Camp ; and deeply lenfibie of your 
 Folly in delaying and (landing out fo long againfl: 
 ChrihVs gracious Calls and free Offers. O come, as 
 penitent Prodigals, and mourning Backjliders, with 
 your Faces Zion-ivard, weeping as ye go, willing to 
 enter into God's Covenant, and give yourfelves away 
 unto the Lord, who is your rightful Owner. Since 
 Chrift comes to you at this Occafion, as \nftreams of 
 Blood, it is furely proper that you meet him with 
 Streams of Tears for Sin, that caufedhis Blood to be 
 poured forth as Water ; and that you comeprefently 
 to an open Rupture with all his Enemies, and parti- 
 cularly with your Unbelief, your Pride, your Paflion , 
 your Hypocrify, and other Sins that have pierced" 
 him. Break with them all, and come to him with 
 the appropriating Acls of Faith, laying, My Father, 
 T/jy Lord, and my God. 
 
 ADVICE 
 
Strange Sights to be fee n, Sec. 229 
 ADVICE XXI. 
 
 From Luke v. 26. 
 
 They glorified Cod, faying, We have feen Jlrange 
 
 Things To-day. 
 
 THESE, who have been attending Ordinances, 
 ought to recollect what they have been feeing, 
 doing and hearing, and to be fuitably affected there- 
 with. Self. Examination is needful after communicat- 
 ing, as well as before it. Had you the Eyes of Faith 
 open to fee and obferve the Goings of our God and 
 King in his Sanctuary; you may then fay on the Evening 
 of a Communion Sabbath, We have feen [irange and 
 marvellous Things To-day. You have feen the bloody 
 Tragedy of Chrift's Sufferings repreiented and re-acled ; 
 Cbrifl with Garments dipt in Blood fighting a bloody 
 Battle for us; in which the Glory of the Divine Attri- 
 butes are wonderfully difplayed : Behold the free Love 
 and Mercy of God, who was highly offended with us, 
 yet contriving our Redemption, and giving the Son of 
 his Love to die for us, who were his Enemies ; and 
 for this End creating a new Thing in the Earth, the 
 Incarnation of an infinite Perfon, making a Woman, a 
 Virgin,., to be Mother of him that cieated her ! God 
 incarnate is a World's Wonder, Jer. xxxi. 22. A 
 ftrange 1 hing ! The Son of God conients thus to 
 humble himfelf and die for condemned Criminals ; 
 rather jhan he would fee Elect Sinners plunged into the 
 bottomlefs Gulf of eternal Mifery, in his Love and Pity- 
 he would put himfelf into it to keep them but ! 
 
 Here infinite iVifdom difplayed in finding out a Way 
 to fathfy Juftice in puniihing Sin feverely, and at the 
 fame Time to gratify Mercy in pardoning the Sinner 
 freely ! A flrange Device ! Juflice and Mercy are re- 
 conciled, and kifs one another in Man's Redemption 
 by Chrift's Death, the Demands of both are anfwered, 
 and the Glory of both equally discovered ! — Here is 
 
 feen 
 
230 Si range Sights to be feen 
 
 feen the Severity of Juftice and Fiercenefs of God's 
 Wrath againft: Sin, in not fparing his innocent Son 
 when he became our Surety, nor abating him one 
 Farthing of the Debt ! Nay, he awaked the Sword of 
 Juftice againft him, and poured out the Vials of his 
 Wrath upon him ; which kindled a Fire in his Soul, 
 made him fweat, and fall to the Ground ; and there, 
 he that made the Heavens lay grovelling in the An- 
 gui(h of his Spirit, and fweating Clods of Blood 1 O 
 how heavy was the Burden of Guilt that prefled his 
 Soul at this Tittle. 
 
 You have feen a ftrange Thing, Blood firtaming 
 forth of marvellous Virtue, thai: can ibften Hearts, 
 though harder than a Stone ; that can heal all the 
 Wounds given you by the old Serpent ; that can wafti 
 away the deepeft Stains of Guilt, and make Creatures 
 black as Hell, whiter than Snow \ and tho* many 
 Thoufands have been cleanfed by it, yet the Stream is 
 nowife defiled, but ftill is pure and clear asCryftal ! 
 You have feen the amazing Humiliation of the Son of 
 God for vile Worms ! a ftrange Thing ! he was made 
 a Worm, a Clod of Duft: •, yea, xn^dt Sin for us ! 
 ftrange ! that he who thunders in the Heavens, fhould 
 be brought to ly in the Manger, and cry in the Cra- 
 dle ! That he who framed the Heavens mould work 
 with a Carpenter in his Trade ! That the great Judge 
 of all the World, fhould be brought to the Bar, aG- 
 cufed as a Malefactor, condemned and crucified be- 
 twixt two Thieves, that fuch Ciiminals as you might 
 have a Room among the Blefled ! You have feen the 
 Lord of Life deprived of Life, to purchafe Life for you ! 
 ipotlefs Holincfi made Sin, and eternal Blejfedncjs 
 made a Curfe to redeem you from Sin, and the Curfe 
 due to it ! A ftrange Thing ! for the Holy One of God 
 to make fuch an Exchange with you, to take the 
 Curfe, to give you the Bleiling ! to take Shame, .to 
 give you Glory ! to take Death, to give you Life ! to 
 take your Sins, to give you his Righteoufnefs ! A 
 
 ftrange 
 
in the Sacrameut. 231 
 
 ftrange Thing! to fee the Righteoufnejs of one Man, a 
 Robe large enough and fufhxient to cover many Thou- 
 sands, fo as not one Spot of Guilt can be feen in them 
 
 by the Eye of infinite Juftice ! A ftrange 
 
 Thing ! to fee Chrift willing to have his Side open- 
 ed, to fatisfy doubling Souls of the Reality of h:3 
 Love, that you might look into his Heart, and 
 lee it panting with Love to you, and hear him fay* 
 ing, as to Thomas, Be no more faithlefs, but belie- 
 ving t Strange 1 to fee him bowing his Head en the 
 Crofs, to whilper Comfort into your Ear, faying, 
 Now it is finijhed ; I have drunk the Brook in the 
 Way, even the whole River of Gods Wrath, fo that 
 there is not one Drop left for you ; every Believer's 
 Debt is paid ! — A ftrange Thing ! to behold the Fa- 
 ther pleafed to fee the Bruifes, .Agonies, and Suffer- 
 ings of his dear Son, that his Enemies might be eter- 
 nally freed from them ! 
 
 A ftrange Thing ! to fee Death conquering Death ; 
 the Death of Chrift conquering all his and our Ene- 
 mies ! If any had feen Chrift entering the Lifts with 
 Death and Heil, Law and Juftice, he might have 
 ftood amazed, and faid, O what will come of this 
 Champion that is engaged with iuch ftrong Ene- 
 mies ? But ftay a little, aad you (hall lee him lead 
 Captivity Captive, triumphing over them all, and 
 fetch all he came for, out of the Hand of the Devil ! 
 When Chrift was brought to the Crofs, one ought 
 have thought tnat Devils, wicked Men, and Death, 
 were triumphing over him ; but the Word faith, that 
 i the Crofs he jp:iled Principalities and Poivers « and 
 
 -de a Jheiv of them cpen.j, triumphing freer thsm in 
 it. A ftrange Myftery ! while Enemies were fcifting 
 and Hifolting him, Chrift is triumphing over them I 
 A glorious Conqueft Chrift's was, for he not only 
 fubdued his Enemies, but conquered them fo far, as 
 to make them ufeful and ferviceable to him and his 
 People ! Let us admire the Conqueft and the Con- 
 
 eror, tho 1 he was defiled by Men; yet, like D*r 
 
232 Strange Sights to be fee n 
 
 >id. 
 
 he glorioufly iuhviucd Goiiath, that defied the Ar - 
 mies of the God of Jfrael ; He crufhed the Head of 
 the old Serpent that had bruifed his Heel, and enflav- 
 ed his Eleft ; and he put all his other Enemies to 
 flight ! 
 
 A ftrange Sight ! you have fecn To-day God com- 
 ing over the greateft Mountains of Difficulties, to 
 pardon and lave Sinners! taking Rebels to be his 
 Children and Favourites ; and exalting them above 
 Angels that never finned ! You have feen the King of 
 Glory courting poor Slaves, black Ethiopians, and 
 inviting them with ourftretched Arms to come and 
 match with him, and fealing the Marriage Covenant 
 with his Blocd ! You have feen him make a rich Feaft: 
 to them, and welcome them to feed on a crucified 
 Cbrift, and all his Purchafe ! Behold the heavenly 
 Pelican, that feeds his young Ones with his Blood f 
 How amazing is the Sight, that God mould not only 
 feaft, but feal a Marriage-covenant with you, whole 
 Defcent is bafe, whole Perfon is ugly, whofe Portion 
 is nothing but Difeafes and Mifery ! O what ftrong 
 Sights have you feen To-day! you have feen the 
 Love of Chrift, the Worth of Souls, the Price of 
 Pardon, an Emblem of the higher Table, to which 
 many of your Friends and Acquaintances are gone, 
 where the Feaft will never end ! 
 
 You have feen, To-day, a ftrange Acl of Mercy 
 to guilty and ill deferving Creatures, who have eat 
 and drunk before the Lord, and yet on them he hath 
 not laid his Hand ; he hath made no Breach upon 
 any, as on Uzzah 9 Nadab, AMku, or the Men of 
 Betbfbemsjh J He hath not ft ruck any dead with the 
 Breikl in their Mouths, or Cup in their Hands ; nor 
 tent any from the Table, to Hell, tho' you muft ac 
 knowledge you deferved rather to have had a Cup of 
 Wrath put in your Hand, than a Cup of Bleffing ! 
 — A ftrange Sight ! that Gospel Offersareyet continu- 
 ed to the'e who have abufed many Sacraments and Ser- 
 mons ! that Chrift mould be fti etching out the Scepter of 
 
 Grace, 
 
in the Sacrament, 233 
 
 ferace, and offering Pardon and Mercy to thefe who 
 have crucified him afrelh, and trampled his Blood un- 
 der Foot. 
 
 Have you feen Evidences of gracious Changes 
 wrought on Hearts and Wills by the Word, fecure 
 Souls awakened, blind Eyes opened, proud Creatures 
 humbled, carelefs Sinners made to cry, Away with the 
 World, and give me Chrift ; None but thrift. I 
 count all Things but Lofs and Dung in Comparifon 
 of Chrift and his Righteoufnefs. Thefe are ftrange 
 Sights, with which you {hould be much affected, fo as 
 to hate Sin, love Chrift, blefs God and glorify him 
 with your Hearts, Tongues and Lives. It is the End 
 of all God's Works that we (hould glorify him, — Oh! 
 the beft have Reafbn to lament that they are fo little 
 affected with the marvellous Things fet before them in 
 the Word and Sacrament ! Surely when you compare 
 the Rock whence you are hewn, and that on which 
 God fets you ! and when you confider the low Stoop 
 Chrift has made to purchafe fuch Clods of Earth and 
 Sins with his Blood, you have Caufe to be amazed at 
 his Love, and confounded at your own Ingratitude, 
 in being fo little affected with his marvellous loving 
 Kincjnefs, or melted for Sin that was the Caufe of all 
 his Sufferings ! — O let the ftrange .and wonderful To- 
 kens of Chrift's Love, you have been feeing and fha- 
 ring of in the Sacrament, engage you to more Thank- 
 fulness in Heart and Life. Have you been warning 
 your Robes white in the Blood of the Lamb ? be care- 
 ful to keep them clean, and do not defile them again 
 in the Mire of Sin ; remember your Vows, and keep 
 your Face ftill towards your Father's Houfe, which is 
 a pure and undented Dwelling : you cannot take fil- 
 thy Hands or Feet thither, for no unclean Thing en- 
 ters there, PfaL xciih 5. Holms fs keccmsth thins Houfe^ 
 Lord, for evsr. 
 
 Gs AD VIC 
 
Hungry Souls who they are 
 
 ADVICE. XXII. ' 
 
 From Luke vi. 2T. 
 Bleffed are ye that hirnger now, for ye Jh all be filled 
 
 Icripture, Hunger and Thirfl, when applied to 
 ipirit al Things, imports the fame Thing, to wit, 
 a ftrong Defire after Ipintual and heavenly good 
 Things ; which Defire implies Spiritual Life, a feel- 
 ing Senfe of Want, and a longing for Food to the 
 Soul, together with the Ufe of all proper Means to ob- 
 tain it. Now, the main Object of this Hunger or 
 Third is Jefis drift, or God in Chrift, PjaL xlii. i, 
 
 2.— lxiii. i. Now there are many Things in Chrilr. 
 
 which the hungry Soul d-oth defire ; as i. Chrift's 
 Blood, as the Soul s Ranfom and cleanfmg Fonntain.- 
 2. Chrift's Spirit, as the Soul's Quickner, Comforter 
 and Guide. — J. Chrift's Righteoulheft, as the Soul's- 
 
 Clothing and Protection. 4. Chrift's Word, as the 
 
 Soul's daily Food and Cordials — 5. Chrift's Supper, 
 as the Soul's Feaft and Pledge of Heaven. — 6. Chrift's 
 
 Graces, as the Soul's Riches and Ornaments. 7. 
 
 Chrift's Way, or Holinefs in Heart and Life, as the 
 
 Soul's Path to Heaven 8. Chrift's Day, as the 
 
 Soul's w-eekly Market-day for getting in Provifions 
 
 ncceffary for working, journeying, righting, &c. 
 
 o. Chrift's M3n(ions above, as the Soul's dwelling 
 Place for eternal Communion with God and his Saints. 
 
 Now, if ye would be truly hlefled, ye muft hunger 
 
 and thirft for thefe Things, firmly believing that in 
 thele your true Happine's doth ly, and not in the 
 World or fenfual Things. 
 
 Again, fee that your Hunger be of the right Kind, 
 that it be infatiable, fo that nothing can put it oft' or 
 fatisfy it but Chrift ; the truly hungry Soul will not 
 be plealed with the beft Duties, Ordinances, Mini- 
 sters, Sermons, Sacraments, or any Thing without 
 
 Chrift. 
 
The fiungry are filled. s 235 
 
 Chrift:. The hungry Soul will adventure on the 
 
 greateft Difficulties for Chrift ; he will part with any 
 Thing for him: All the Treafares, Honours, Mu<ic, 
 or Comforts ©f Life, cannot fatisfy him, none but 
 Chrifl: the Soul's Food. True Hunger will put him 
 upon the Ufa of all Means, and make him content to 
 take Chrift on any Terms, and put a Blank in his 
 Hand, and fay, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ? 
 I'll fubfcribe to any Thing, only give me Chrift, give 
 me Food to my ftarving Soul. 
 
 Such hungry Souls are blefled, becaufe he hath pro- 
 miied to iatisfy and fill them. It is God that creates 
 the Appetite, and excites the Hunger, and therefore 
 be will Iatisfy it. The Hungry are the mod earned I 
 and importunate Beggars at the Throne of Grace ; 
 and (ucb he has promifed to hear, Luke ii. 9. The 
 Hungry will wait at God's Door for an Alms, and he 
 promifes that thefe who watt for him fimll not be afham- 
 ed, Ha. xlix. 23. The Proud, the Rich, the Full and 
 Self righteous will go away, if the Door be not pre- 
 fently opened, but the Hungry will ask, feck, knock, 
 and knock again, and wait till God think fit to open, 
 and grant an Alms. Thefe God is bound by his Word 
 to Iatisfy. He is their Father, and hath the Bowels 
 of a Father t© pity his Children. He hears the Ra- 
 vens and young Lions when they cry, and feeds them, 
 and will he not hear his own Children, and fill their 
 hungry Souls ? Yes, he hath promiied it. 
 
 But what is that Fill he promiles to the Hungry ? 
 Anf He fills them with divine Difcoveries, as with 
 the Knowledge of Cod' s Greatnefs and Majefty, fo as 
 to make them fenfible of their own Nothingnels ; and 
 with the Knowledge of God's Good nefs and free Love 
 to Sinners in Chrifl, fo as to make them fall into Rap- 
 tures of Admiration, and cry, Who is a God like unto 
 
 thee, that pardoneth Iniquity, Micah vii. 18. He 
 
 fills them with a Difcovery of the Excellency of the 
 
 Cof^s I Remedy for perifhing Souls, fo as to make them 
 
 Gg 2 fay 
 
2%6 Hungry Souls, who they are. 
 
 fay it is a Device every Way worthy of God, ChrifVs 
 mediatory Offices, his Covenant, his Righteoufaefs, 
 his Blocd, his Purchafe and Fulnefs, do nobly anfwer 
 all our Souls Wants and Neceflities ; they deliver us 
 from Sin and Mifery, and they bring us Grace and 
 
 Glory. He fills his hungry People with G of pel-pro* 
 
 imftSy by letting them lee their Name in them, and 
 giving them Faith to take hold of them and apply 
 them. Many a fweet Fill do they get from fuch Pro- 
 mifes as thele, Jer. xxxii. 40. Ezck. xxxvi. 26, 28. 
 Jcr. iii. 22. 1 John ii. 1. Rom. xvi. 20. //?£. xiii c. 
 
 He fills them with the Intimations of the Pardon of 
 
 their Sins, and with Peace and Joy in believing, Rom* 
 xv. 13. fo as to banifli their Doubts and Fear*. What 
 a fweet Fill doth Chrift's Voice give them, fuch as 
 that in Mat. ix. 2. Luke xxiv. 36, 38. John xiv. 27. 
 
 Rom. viii. I.- He fills them with Refoiution a?:d 
 
 Strength to conquer Sin, perform Duties, refift Temp* 
 tations, and bear Afflictions ; when he (peaks to them 
 as to Paul, 1 Cor. xii. 9. or as in Ifa. xli, 10. and 
 
 xlii. 2 He fills them by giving them fweet Returns 
 
 of Prayer , Affurance of his "Love, and of his gracious 
 
 Prefence with them. He fills them, by making over 
 
 Chrif's Fulnefs and Purchafe to them, and by giving 
 them Pifgah Views of the promifed Land, and will at 
 lalt fill them with Glory. 
 
 It is only the Hungry that (hall be filled, the Needy, 
 the Humble and Self-denied, for the Rich are fent 
 empty away, Luke i. 55. the Rich, that is thefe who 
 are filled with a Conceit of their own Strength and 
 Sufficiency, their Gifts and Performances, and go a- 
 bout to eftablifh a Righteoufnefs of their own, and fee 
 not their Need of Chrift : Thefe lhall go empty away, 
 for they do not prize Chrift, nor are willing to come 
 up to his Terms. They go away empty of Chrift and 
 his Riches ; but alas, they go away filled with Pride 
 and Self-conceit, filled with Love to Sin, Love to the 
 
 World, 
 
Tie Redeemed Jhould be thankful. 237 
 
 World, and Love to their own Righteoufnefs. Ok 
 this is a miferable Fill ! 
 
 O hungry Souls, blefs God that gives you this Ap» 
 petite, when others are rich and full in their own Con- 
 ceit, labour to preferve this Appetite, and wait about 
 God's Houle and Table, where Soul -food is to be had ; 
 and blefs him even for the fmalleft Crumbs, as when 
 he gives you a greater Hatred of Sin, a higher Efteem 
 of Chrift;, a greater Defire after Heart-holinefs, a Reft- 
 lefsnefs without Chrift, a Willingnefs to part with all 
 for Chrift, or (tronger Refolutions to cleave to Chrift: 
 and Duty. Thefe Crumbs are worthy of Thanks, 
 tho' ye be not filled with Joy and Peace in believing. 
 Wait on the Lord, and wait for him in every Ordi- 
 nance and Duty of his Appointment, believing him to 
 be faithful who bath faid, They jh all not be ajhamed 
 who wait for me, 
 
 Gbjett, Some may fay, We have waited long, and 
 have not got a Crumb. Anf, Some eminent Saints 
 have been put to cry, How long wilt thou forget me f 
 Lord, Jball it be for ever, Pfal. xiii. But they muft 
 wait in the Uie of Means until God's Time come, and 
 adore the Sovereignty of God in his Dealings with 
 them. His People have religned themfelves to the 
 Care and Wifdom of God, who knows what is be ft 
 for them ; believing there is a Time coming when God 
 will make up all their Lodes. O Believers, there is a 
 Fill remaining for you above, that will foon make 
 you forget all your Days of Scarcity here below. 
 
 ADVICE XXIII. 
 
 From Pfal. cvii. 2. 
 Let the Redeemed of the Lord fay fo, 
 
 HAT is it fuch Perfon? fiiould fay ? Let them 
 both fay and ling of God's Goodnels and Mer- 
 cy 
 
 w 
 
23 8 The Redeemed of the Lord 
 
 cy to them ; for (of all Men) the Redeemed of the 
 Lord have molt Rea on to be thankful for Chrift's di- 
 (iinguiihing Mercy in freeing them from the Law's 
 Curies and Satan s Power, from the Guilt, Dominion, 
 and Punifhment of bin; from the Sting of Death, and 
 the Wrath to come. Believers are redeemed both 
 from Sin and Hell. 
 
 (h How may I know if I be among thefe happy 
 Ones, the Redeemed of the Lord P A. Take thefe 
 Marks. Did you ever fee your Slavery and Bon- 
 dage by Nature, lb that no lefs than an infinite Price 
 and Power could ranfom and liberate you ! — Was 
 you (b convinced and humbled with the Sight of your 
 Mifery, as to be content of Freedom from it on any 
 
 Terms ? Have you ventured your Soul on Chrift's 
 
 Merit and Mercy, conform to Gofpel-offer«, being 
 well pleafed with the Frame of the New-covenant, 
 and the Self denying Way of faving Souls by Chrift's 
 
 imputed Righteoufnefs ? Are you content with 
 
 Chrift to be your King and Ruler, as well as your 
 
 Prieft and Saviour ? Have you given up yourfelf to 
 
 the Lord to live for him, defirous (that his Love may 
 always conftrain you to do his Will ? O then, you 
 may conclude, you are among the Redeemed of the 
 Lord, and that his bleffed Body was broke, and his 
 Blood Hied to ranfom you. 
 
 Peculiar Reafons have you to extol his Goodnefs 
 and Mercy above others. Why ? he hath opened 
 your Eyes to fee the Beauty of your Redeemer, and 
 the Ways of Holinels, when others remain in Blind - 
 
 nefs ! He hath opened your Ears to hear the joyful 
 
 Sound, and fall in with it, when others are deaf to it I 
 ——He hath loofed your Tongues to pray and praile, 
 when others are dumb and Tongue-tied I — He hath 
 opened your Hearts to entertain Chrift crucified, when 
 
 others fhut him out ! He hath brought you to a 
 
 reeling of the Evil and Burden of Sin, when others 
 
 arc with our Feeling . ? — He hath given you A((e~ 
 
 tites 
 
fbould fwg his Praife. 239 
 
 thes for fpiritual Pood, when others relifh nothing 
 but Things earthly ! • ■ He hath given you the 
 Promife and Hupes of compleat Redemption from Sia 
 and Mifery above, when others live without Chrift and 
 without Hope ! Let the Redeemed vf the Lord then 
 ling and praile above all others. 
 
 O believing Communicants, Redeemed of the Lcrd 7 
 give him Thanks, and exprefs your Thankiulnefs by 
 your Thoughts and Actions, as well as your Words ; 
 namely , by your bigh Efreem of your Redeemer, .and 
 of his Blood and Righteoufnefs that purchated all for 
 
 you. By avoiding every Thing that difhonours him, 
 
 and flying from the Sins that are common and fafhion- 
 able where you live.— By commending your Redeem- 
 er to thefe who know him not.— By {landing up as 
 Witneffes for him, and for his Truths and Ways, in 
 the Midft of a Chrift defpifing Generation* — By ftrict- 
 ly obferving the Lord's day, as being a weekly memo- 
 rial of Redeeming Love* — By longing for the enlarging 
 of Chrift's Kingdom, and rejoicing at the News of it ; 
 and by putting Honour on all the Friends and Lovers 
 of the Redeeyner. 
 
 Lajlly, Shew your Thankfulnefs, hy fing'ing Pfa/ms, 
 Hymns, and fpiritual Songs in Praife of redeeming 
 Love, and of the Redeemer's Perfon, Offices and Suft 
 ferings ; a Subject that can never be exhaufted. Sing 
 Praifes to the Great God, that humbled himfelf to 
 leave his high Throne, and come down to dwell in 
 Flefh, aud die for us ; and to rife again, and afcend 
 to Heaven, to take PofTeffion of the Inheritance, and 
 make Accommodations for us there. On this Account 
 the Spirit calls us four Times to fing Praifes in one 
 Breath, P/al. xlvii. 6. God is gone up with a Shout ; 
 fing Praifes to Cod, fing Praifes ; fing Praifes unto our 
 Kin%, fing Praifes % This fmging is mo ft acceptable 
 to God, and profitable to ourfelves. As God makes 
 it the eternal Work of Heaven, fo he would have us 
 frequently employed in it on Earth, But Oh ! how- 
 do 
 
240 The Redeemed of the Lord, See. 
 
 do we fail here ! Reformed Churches abroad do far 
 exceed us in the Frequency of this Duty, as they do 
 in the Variety and Sweetnefs of their Tunes. 
 
 What is Singing, but a Kind of reading with Medi- 
 tation and Deliberation, in order to give the more free 
 Vent to the Thoughts and Affections to breathe and 
 afcend Heavenwards. The wiie God inftitutes Sing" 
 ing in his Praife, becau r e the Melody of the Voice 
 helps to affect the Heart, and raife the Thoughts ; for 
 he knows th our Frame, And indeed, it is only when 
 the Heart correfponds with the Voice, that the Mufic 
 is pleafant to God : To this Purpofe one faith well ; 
 
 Sweet Melody the Hymn affords, 
 When with the Lines the Heart accords. 
 
 let the Redeemed fing Praife, and give Thanks 
 to God for his unfpeakable Gift, both now and for e- 
 vermore. Amen. 
 
 1 (hall add no more Sacramental Advices in the pre- 
 ceeding Method, but (hall (hut up all with a Clufter 
 of (hort Scripture Directions, proper not only for 
 Communicants, but for all Chriftiaus travelling Hea- 
 venward. ; . 
 
 
 
C 2 4 I ] 
 A SHORT 
 
 Christian Directory; 
 
 CONSISTING OF 
 
 Forty Scripture Directions, 
 proper for all Christians in- 
 tending Heaven. 
 
 IT ought to be the great Concern of all baptized 
 Perfons to renew their Baptiirnal Covenant be- 
 times, and, by a private Traniaclion with God, 
 to take the Baptifmal Engagements upon themlelves, 
 and thereby become Chriilians by their own peribnal 
 Conient and Surrender, as well as by their Parents 
 Dedication; and afterwards go and Teal thisTranfac- 
 tion publickly, by partaking of the Lords Supper. 
 Concerning this, I have given Diredrionsin Thz youn^ 
 
 Com?nunicaru*s Catzchifm Only I would entreat 
 
 all my Readers, for thrift's Sake, and their own 
 Souls Sake, to beware of going about this Work in 
 a ibperficial or formal Manner, and of retting upon 
 
 Lip-labour, and the external Part of Duty O 
 
 never be eaiy until you inwardly and heartily clo!e 
 withChrift, according to the gracious Gofpel-orTer 
 which God makes unto you. Take no Rell till yon 
 get your Souls united to Chrid by a true Faith, and 
 faviugly renewed and changed from Nature to Grace 
 by the efficacious Working of the holy Spirit in Re- 
 generation. And as you are to clote with Chriil bv 
 Faith in your Hrft Converfion, lb you mull iludv to 
 live all your Days a Life of Faith on the Son of God, 
 always making ufe of him, and leaning "on him for 
 Righteoufnefs and Strength. I fhall fay no more by 
 Way of Preface; but proceed to branch forth the 
 
 II h Chilian's 
 
24 2 Scripture Directions. 
 
 CLriftian's Work and Exercife in this lower V. 
 in the following Scripture-precepts and Directions. 
 
 Direftion I. Let never the World come in Coo's 
 Room. Beware of the Love of the World ; often 
 think upon that awakening Word, i John ii. 15. 
 Love not tie World, neither the Things that are in the 
 World i if am love the World, the Love of the 
 Father is not in him. Ob, this is the mining Sin of 
 Multitudes, their Love to, and Complacency in, the 
 Things of the World. Nay the mott Part of Men 
 are damned for loving the World too much, and lov- 
 ing God too little. — Remember the falter Grip 3 ye 
 take of the World, the loofer are your Grips of 
 Chrift ; and the more 3 ou get of the World, ye have 
 the greater Account to make to him that gives it, and 
 has made you the Steward of it ; therefore ufe your 
 Money and Goods for his Service and Honour : You 
 mud anfwer for your Riches, but your Riches can- 
 not anlwer for you.. Al;b, remember if ye fet 
 
 your Hearts on the World, it will he all that you 
 will get ; to have a competent Portion of Things 
 earthly is a mercy, but to have earthly Things for 
 our Portion is a dreadful fvliiery. Wherefore, while 
 vcur Hand is in this World, let your Heart be in 
 Heaven. Let I Gnefs of your Soul be the Eufi- 
 nei's of your Life. 
 
 .-:?. II. Keep wp the feme Ofim • of the 
 
 Things of the F/crid, t kit you ivill hive "jehen ycu ccvie 
 You io a low Price Men let upon the 
 
 Riches, Pomp and Glory of the World when they 
 are dying : Had you the fame Thoughts of thefe 
 Things now. lam iuie you would not \enture the' 
 Loft of your Souls, the Lois of God's Favour, the 
 Lofs ef a good ( Dee, and the Lofi of ctcinai 
 
 i farkfsfo.- a (hall Trifle 
 
to Chriftians intending Heaven. 243 
 
 of it, as many now do. Think much upon that 
 Text, Math. xvi. 26. 
 
 Dire ft. III. Be not Strangers to \ cur f elves ^ but of- 
 ten ccmvmtie with your cw?i Hearts ; as direcled, PfaL 
 iv. 4. When others are ceniuring and back-biting 
 their Neighbours, be you Searching and ceniuring your- 
 feives. Self-examination is a moft neceflary Duty. 
 Examine yourielves after every Ordinance, what 
 Good you got by it, what Entertainment you gave 
 your S .viour ; Aik how were your Hearts arlecled by 
 fuch a Word, ire. Commune with your Hearts a- 
 bout your Title to Heaven: Judge of your eternal 
 State by your Spiritual State, and judge of* your fpi- 
 ritual State by the delightful and cuftomary Actions 
 of your Lives, Judge of it by your Hatred of Sin, 
 and Love to Chrilt, and by the Conscience you make 
 of iecret Prayer, and reading God's Word, In com- 
 muning with your Hearts, among other Things, afk 
 yourielves, What are likelieft to be your Death-bed 
 Thoughts and Wifaes I Will they not be iuch as 
 thele I O that I had loved Chrffl mere, and the 
 World lefs ! O that I had improven Gofpel-opportu- 
 nities better! O that I had accepted ChrihVs Calls 
 and Offers more readily ! O that I had fpent more 
 Time in Prayer and Searching the fcriptures I O that 
 I had been more fpiritual and fervent in every Duty! 
 
 Aik yourielves, What are theie Sins or Practices 
 
 which will be moft frightful to look back on, when 
 ye iee yourielves juft within a Stepof God's Tribunal ? 
 Study always to keep up Death bed Thoughts of 
 
 Things. Commune with your Hearts about thele 
 
 Tilings upon y cur Bed, and alio before you go to BeS, 
 
 Let Con'cience bring in the Accounts of every Day 
 
 before you ly down ; mourn over the Sins of every 
 
 Day, and apply the Blood of Chrift for warning 
 
 them away. Thus keept fhort Reckonings with God 
 
 Confcience, that you may not have old Scores 
 
 :Iear when you come to a Death-bed. Likewile 
 
 Hh 2 at 
 
244 Scripture Direttions 
 
 at thefe Communings, let every Man afk himfelf, 
 What is my prefcnt State and Condition ? Would I 
 be williing to ly down and die in the Frame and 
 Difpofition I am in jufl: now ? And I know not but I 
 may be as near Death this Moment, as if my Friends 
 were looking on me ftruggling with the Pangs of 
 Death on my Bed. 
 
 Direcl. IV. Begin early in the Service of God, and 
 give bun the Days of Youth, Eccl. xii. I. Thcfe 
 who are young cannot begin their Service t j God 
 too foon ; God defires it, to (hew God's Delight in 
 early Piety. We fee the Seripture commends young 
 Ones for it ; it is recorded with Honour, that the 
 Child Samuel miniftred to the Lord, i Sain. ii. lS. 
 Jofiah is commended for his tender Heart for God in 
 his tender Years, 2 Kings xxii. 19. Chrift was well 
 plea led with the Hoiannahs of the Children that at- 
 tended him. Math. 21. 15 16. When Solomon in 
 his Youth fought God for Wifdom, it is faid, the 
 Speech pleafed the Lord, 1 Kings iii. 16. So Ti?no- 
 thy is commended for his early Piety, 2 Tim. iii. 15. 
 -And God lays to Ifrael, 1 remember the Kindnefs of thy 
 Touth, Jcr. ii. 2. And he recommends to every one 
 to begin foon, Eccl. xii. t. The young Diiciple was 
 mod beloved, and leaned on Cr . fit's Bofom. — Now 
 is the proper Time, O young People, for making 
 your Acquaintance with God, and for laying a good 
 Foundation for the Time to come. Repentance is 
 eafieft in younger Years; Sin is then lefs rooted, Sa- 
 tan's Grips lefs fattened, Gofpel offers are not lb (light- 
 ed, the Spirit is not fo nruch quenched, the Confci- 
 ence not fo hardned ; the Heart is then more eafily 
 .melted and broke. God feeks the Malt of the Flock, 
 the be(t of your Time, O then let him have it. If 
 you fo? get God when young, it is juit with God to 
 forget and neglect you when old. 
 
 Direff. V. Shun the Company that (hunt Cod, and 
 I ttp the Company that God keeps, Pfal , cxix . 63 . ? lf< 
 
 Pror. 
 
to Christians intending Heaven. 245* 
 
 Prov. xiii. 20. Look on the Society of the Carnal 
 or Prophane as infectious ; but reckon ferious praying 
 Perfons the excellent ones of the Earth. Such will 
 ferve to quicken you when dead, and warm you when 
 cold. Make the livelieft of God's People your great- 
 eft Intimates; and fee that their Love and Likenefs 
 to Chrift be the great Motive of your Love to them, 
 more than their Love or Likenels to you. It is not 
 true Chriftian Love, but Party Love, to Love only 
 thefe who are of your Sentiments in all Things. Yea, 
 tho' they mould differ from you in fome Things, it" 
 you fee God's Image on them, and that they have 
 Fellowfhip with the Head, you ought to love them, 
 and have Fellowfhip with them ; Keep up the Com* 
 munion of Saints, for it is one of the Articles of our 
 Cre^d. Chriftian Conference and focial Prayer have 
 been blelTed of God to prefer ve the Life of Religion 
 in many Places, therefore let thefe who fear the Lord 
 fpeak often one to another, MaL iii. 16. 
 
 Dirett. VI. Put a high Value upon precious Time, 
 arid lofe none of it by Sloth, Eph. v. 16. Efteem Time 
 as thefe do who are at the Point of Death ; and al- 
 ways remember that it is impotfibh to call Time a- 
 gain. Look upon the Lofs of Time as a greater Lofs 
 than the Lofs of your Money, or any wordly Thing ; 
 and therefore fhun Time-wafting Games, unprofitable 
 
 Diverfions, and idle Talking. Especially value the 
 
 molt precious Part of your Time, iuch as the Morn- 
 ing or Youth, the Morning of every Day, and par- 
 ticularly the precious Time of the Lords Day. Look 
 on the Lord's Day as a Try ft -day with Heaven ; 
 lofe not any Part of it, but carefully improve it 
 for God and the Good or Souls, both vour own and 
 others. It is Want of Thought, not Want of 
 Work, that makes any fay, they have Time to 
 fpare. 
 
 Dire ft. VI I. Allow a little Time every Day to think 
 upon Eternity. Confider the Import of thele Words, 
 
 everlaJHng 
 
246 Scripture Dire Eli ons 
 
 everlajling Punt foment, and Life eternal, Matth. 
 :<xv. 46. O Eternity, Eternity, that is never near* 
 er an End, but always, as it were, but beginning! 
 One ferious Thought of Eternity is enough to ftrike 
 a carelefs Soul to the Heart. Why ? he (lands every 
 Hour at the Door of Eternity, and if he ftep in while 
 out of Chrift, he is eternally undone ; eternally in 
 
 Delpair. O the fwift River Time is carrying every 
 
 one of us into the Ocean of Eternity, an Ocean that 
 hath neither Bank nor Bottom, and what each of 
 us mud foon lancfi forth into. What an awful 
 Thought is this ! Every one of us is within a Step 
 of being eternally bleffed, or eternally curfed ! Eter* 
 nally faved or eternally damned I O if every one 
 would believe and confider this, and be wile, fo as 
 to pray as for Eternity, repent as for Eternity, hear 
 as for Eternity, live as for Eternity, obey and do e* 
 very Thing as for Eternity. 
 DireSI. VIII. Throughout yur whole Life, be mind* 
 ful of the chief Bufinefs of Life, Phil. ii. 12. Now 
 the Bufinefs of Life is to make it lure that Chrift is 
 your Life ; it is to think much on the End of your 
 Life, and provide for it; it is to lay hold on eter- 
 nal Life,- and keep (rill Sight of it : So that when 
 Chrift who is your Life fhalt appear, ye may alfo ap* 
 pear with him in Glory, Col. iii. 4. Let not Religion 
 be your Diverfion, but your Bufinefs ; mind it as the 
 one Thing needful ; give all Diligence to make your 
 Calling and Election fure. Make lure your Calling, 
 and thus you make fure your Election. If you would 
 make fure your Calling, make it fure that you are 
 united to Chrift by Faith, and that Chrift is the Life 
 of your Souls. Do net reft in Convictions, nor in 
 Tears, or Prayers or Duties, nor in any Thing fhort 
 of Chrift. Prets both for an Intereft in Chrift, and 
 for the AflLrance of it. Affurance is attainable, and 
 actually attained by many ; and it is molt neceilary 
 for cheaiful Obedience, for bearing the Crok, rejou - 
 
to Chriflam intending Heaven. 247 
 
 ing in the Lord, giving Thanks for redeeming Love 
 and for performing many other Duties of Chriftiani- 
 
 Direft. IX. Let the rational Sou! govern, and the 
 Body be fubfervient toit, i Cor. ix. 27.. Alas, many 
 on the contrary make their Souls Drudges to their 
 Bodies, and employ their noble Faculties wholly in 
 devifing how to pleafe the Fiefh. Ah, what Fools 
 are they who mind nothing but their Bodies 1 Why I 
 they are the greateft Enemies to their Bodies, for by 
 fo doing they forfeit the eternal Happinefs of their 
 Bodies, as well as of their Souls. Whereas thefe who 
 prefer their Souls, and mind them chiefly, they con- 
 sult the Happinefs of their Bodies, as well as of their 
 Souls ; for the Body is never fo well as in Heaven ; 
 when fafhioned like Chrift glorious Body, then it is in 
 perfect and eternal Health. 
 
 Direci. X. Study both to live and die in the Exercifs 
 of Repent a?ice and godly Mourning for Sin, Mat. 
 v. 4. Some may think Repentance a melancholy 
 Word, but it is one of the fweeteft Words in all the 
 Book of God : It is a Gofpel-duty, for the Law or 
 Covenant of Works admitted of no Repentance ; it is 
 the Effect of God's free Love in and thro'. Chrift, to 
 open the Door of Repentance to fallen S : !nners ; it 
 coft Chrift his Blood to obtain it for us, and it is his 
 free Gift to us, Atts v. 31. Surely it is good News 
 to hear that our Sovereingn bids poor condemned 
 Criminals, that were brought to the Place of Exe- 
 cution, repent, and throw themfelves down at his, 
 Feet, and they fnall get Pardon. It was the Sum 
 both of Johns and ChriuVs Preaching, Repent, jor the 
 Kingdom of God is at Hand, It was the laying of a 
 godly Minifter, u That if he were to die in the pulpit, 
 * 6 he would wifli to die preaching Repentance and if 
 <( out of the Pulpit, he would wi(h to die pracli- 
 " ling Repentance'* Augufiv.e iaith, Repentance 
 
 is 
 
248 Scripture Directions 
 
 i€ is the fitteft Difpofition both for dying Chrif- 
 " tians and Minifters." And it is written of 
 himfelf, that he died with Tears in his Eyes, 
 weeping for Sin. This is a Duty never out of Sea- 
 Ton ; therefore ftudy daily to keep up a tender and 
 mourning Frame, maintain Contrition of Heart and 
 Abhorrence of Sin, and for that End take every Day 
 a Turn upon Mount Calvary, Many think it a fad 
 Thing to be repenting on Earth, bjt it is a far fad* 
 der Thing to be repenting in Hell. Seek Repen- 
 tance from God for Chrift's Sake ; fay with Ephraim> 
 Jer. xxxi. iS. Turn thou me and 1 fhall be turned, 
 for thou art the Lord my Go J. 
 
 Dire ft. XI. While you ?nind the neceffary Study of 
 Holinefs or inherent Right eoufnefs, let it never take the 
 Place of imputed Righteoufnefs, Rom. x. 3. Pfal. 
 lxxi. 16. Inherent Righteoufnefs indeed is to be loved, 
 but imputed Rigbteoufnefs only is to be trufled ; for 
 tho' inherent Righteounieis or Holinefs be a neceffa- 
 ry Qualification for Heaven and Salvation, and our 
 Evidence for it ; yet it is imputed Right eoufnefs only 
 that is the Foundation of it, and our Title to it. Let 
 ChrifVs Name be dear to you, The Lord our Righte- 
 tu fiefs. 
 
 Dirett. XII. Imploy Ghrift as your Surety in all 
 Cafes, and in every Strait go to him for Relief, Pfal. 
 cxix. 122. If a. xxxviii. 14. Study therefore to be 
 well acquainted with your Surety, and live near him. 
 
 When the Law demands Payment of Debt, and 
 
 threatens you with Prifon, look to Chrift, and cry, 
 Lord, be Surety fr me, Lord, undertake for me*— — 
 When you are called to perform Duties, bear Af- 
 flicYions, refill TemptationS)(truggle with Corruptions, 
 engage with Enemies, &c. Look (till to Chrift to 
 be your Surety, and to undertake for you ; plead 
 with him to make out that Promi.'e to you, Deut* 
 
 xiii. 2;. ds thy Days fo fhall thy (Irength be. 
 
 Direct. XIII. As you expert to live with Chrijl in 
 Heaven , St udy to live to Chrift on Earth, 2 . Cor. v . 1 5. 
 
 rhii. 
 
to Chriftians intending Heaven. 249 
 
 fbil. i. 21. If you would live to Chrift here, then you 
 muft make Chrift's Honour and Glory your ultimate- 
 End in all your Defigns and Actions ; and make your 
 mod valuable Interefts fubfervient to his Intereft and 
 Glory. Study an univerfal Conformity to Chrift's holy- 
 Laws and Precepts, and make it your great Bulinels 
 to approve yourfelves to Chrift in all Things : Chufe 
 the Things that pleafe him, and carefully avoid eve- 
 ry Thing that is difpleafing to him, PfaL cxix, 30. 
 l/a. Ivi. 4. 
 
 Direct. XIV. Cleave f 'aft to Chrift, and the Way of 
 Holinefs, whatever it may coft you, Adrs xi. 23. 2 Tim. 
 iii. 12. Think not the worfe of Chrift and his Ways, 
 that they are perfecuted or reproached, and that few 
 do own them. Chrift foretold th ? s, and faith, His 
 Way is a narrow Way that few walk in. Join with 
 the little Flock to whom the Kingdom is promifed, 
 which will abundantly compenfate all your Sufferings 
 for Chrift. Never follow a Multitude to do Evil, 
 but cleave to Chrift however few join you. 
 
 DireCl. XV. Seek the Approbation of God ahve that 
 of Men, 2 Cor. x. 18. What is the Applaufe of 
 Worms to the Smiles of the God of Heaven f' What 
 would it avail us to have poor Men like ourfelves to 
 commend us, when the great God that made us doth 
 condemn us ? no Matter tho' Men cenfure or condemn 
 our Actions, if God approve and commend them. It 
 is a very f?nall Thing to be judged of Man s Judgement, 
 but he that judgeth us is the Lord, Cor. iv. 3. 4, 
 
 Direcl. XVI. Be much employed in advilring God's 
 redeeming Love, and ChrifFs Surcty/Jjipfor us, 1 John 
 iii. I, 16. This is the Employment of the redeemed 
 to all Eternity, Rev, v. 9. And all who go to Hea- 
 ven muft be acquaint with their Work while here, 
 Rev. i. 5. O what Matter of Eternal Wonder and 
 Praife is there in God's giving his dear Son to be our 
 Surety and Sacrifice; and in the Son's' voluntary un- 
 dertaking it ! 
 
 I i Direct* 
 
i$o Scripture Direfti: 
 
 Direft. XVII. Delight much in turning and /peak. 
 ittg cf Chi ft, and particular!) of his Derfth and Suffer- 
 ings for us, Luke ix. 31. Rev. v. 9. 12. Oh, did 
 he wade through a Sea of Wrath, a Sea of Blood, a 
 Sea of Sorrows and Sufferings, to bring Redemption 
 to us ? And will we ever forget him ! The great God 
 takes great Plealure in the Work of our Redemption, 
 and is well pleaitd with our Redeemer who undertook 
 it. Ged repented that he made Man, but never re- 
 pented his redeeming Man. Now, what God delights 
 in, we mould delight in, efpecially fince we reap the 
 
 Benefit. We fee, from Luke ix. Rev. v. that the 
 
 Subject of Chrift's Death is Matter of Difcourfe and 
 Praife to the glorified Society above. When Mofes 
 and Elias came from Heaven to Mount Tabor to wait 
 upon their transfigured Lord, they chofc (Thrift's Death 
 for the Subject of their Cor; ver Tat ion . Why ? Cbrift's 
 Death was the Spring and Caufe of a41 their Glory in 
 Heaven^ Neither IVhfes or Elias had mined there, 
 had it not been for Cbrift's Death/ And (hall not v;c, 
 here below, (Jeligjit in thinking,, fpcajcing and finging 
 of this noble Subject, which is the Ground of all the 
 Happinefs we either have, or hope for ? 
 
 I)'ireCl. XVIIJ. TreatObjefticns raifed agawft your 
 elcfing with Chrifl, as Suggs (lions cf the Enemy, that 
 is feeking the Ruin of your Souls. Reject them, as 
 Chriftdid Pe!cr'sCounfe\, Mat. xvi. 23, Get thee behind 
 me, Satan, As Satan would have hindered ChrilVs dy- 
 ing for us ; fo he would hinder us from relying on 
 Chrift's Death — Oh, faith one, I am unworthy of any 
 Share in Chrift's Death. An fin. If you will have no- 
 thing but what you are worthy of, you mult have no- 
 
 . but Hell. What was Abraham, Paul, J\ 
 da ten's, the Thief on the Crofs, the idolatrous Corin* 
 thians worthy of, before the Lord called th< 
 Whatever be your Unworthmels, are you willi 
 apply Chrift's Blood \ Then fee what Chrift faj 
 you ; Rev. xxii . j 7. JVhofoever will, hi him tabe of 
 
 the 
 
to Chrijlians intending Heaven. 251 
 
 the water of Life freely.- O but, faith another, my 
 
 Sins are heinous. Anf. Canft thou be more guilty, 
 than Chriit is gracious f Doth he not promiie to wafli 
 away Sins that are like Scarlet and Crimfon, Ija* i. 18. 
 and tells you, 1 John i. 7. That his Blood clean fth 
 
 us from ail Sin P O blefs him for that Word AiL 
 
 Do not then believe Satan, who would tempt thee to 
 think that God hath call thee off; but, in Spite of all 
 he can fay, dill believe God's faithful Word, that 
 there is Mercy enough in God, Merit enough in Chrill, 
 Power enough in the Spirit, and Room enough in the 
 Oofpel- offers and Promifes to you. Beiieve that 
 Word, Lam. iii. 25. The Lord is good to them that 
 limit for hiviyto the Soul that feekeih him. Say to thy 
 Soul, " Can this Word of God rail ? Has God made 
 <€ thee willing >to wait and feek for him, and is he 
 u not willing to be found of thee ? O my Soul, doll 
 " thou not lee an infinite perfection in Chrift's Righ- 
 " teoufnels, in Child's Bleed and Merits." We may 
 fee an End of ail earthly Perfection, but we can lee 
 no End of CbHft Perfection, which is infinite. 
 
 DirecJ. XIX. Study much thefe great Gofpel-Lefjcns 
 cf denying yowfeives, and exalting God's free Grace 9 
 Mat. xvi. 24. 1 Cor. i. 31. The Defign of the Gof- 
 pel is to call down (elf, and all Idols, that God alone 
 may be exalted ; it is to make Seif Nothing, and God 
 All, in 'Point of Wififoin, Strength, Righteoufnefs, 
 and Glory ; it is to take' man wholly offhimfelf, and 
 caft him on Chrift for the whole of his Salvation. It 
 is a good Sign of a faving Change upon the Heart, 
 :n a Man is thus humbled, and cait into the Gof- 
 pej Mould, when Self-lovwgh turned into Self loath- 
 ing, Se ] f admiring into Self-abhoring, Selfexcu/ing 
 into Self accufing, and Sef-jeehing into Self-denvuig. 
 
 Direcl. XX. Draw ail your Strength for Work and 
 
 Warfare from Chrijl, and prefent all your Duties to God 
 
 in Chnjrs Name, I'a. xlv. 24. Col. ii. '17. Chrifl 
 
 bimfe If tells us, That without him r xe can do ?iothing f 
 
 m xv. 5. that is ; nothing aright, or nothing that 
 
 Ii 2 if 
 
252 Scripture Directions 
 
 is acceptable to God. All our Duties, if acceptable, 
 mud be done in ChrifVs Strength, and covered with 
 his Righteouihefs. The Apoftle owns that of himfelf 
 he could not fo much as think a good Thought, 2 Cor. 
 iii. 5. but he could do all Things through Chrijt that 
 flrengthentd him, Philip, iv. 13; And hence he exhorts 
 us to be flrong in the Lord, and in the Power cf his 
 Might, Eph. vi. 10. Let us think, befoie we go to 
 Duty, from whence our Strength for it muft come, 
 and ftudy to fetch it in by Faith, and believing Ejacu- 
 lations ; and when we are afliiled, let us alcribe the 
 
 Glory to Jefus. Be allured of this alfo, thac your 
 
 mod coftly Sacrifices are unfavoury, if they be not 
 perfumed with the fragrant Incenfe of Chrift's Merits 
 and IntercefTion ; and that your faired Right eoujhefs 
 is but as filthy Bags in God's Sight, if ChrihVs Righte- 
 oufnels do not cover it. Let it therefore be your con- 
 front Language, In the Lord Jsfus have I Righte* 
 oufnefs and Strength, Ifa. xlv. 24. 
 
 Direct. XXI. In all the Actions of your Life, Jet 
 the Lord fl ill before you, Pfal. xvi. 8. — xxv. 15. Ac- 
 knowledge him in all your Undertakings, and by Faith 
 and Prayer commit your Way to him, look to him 
 for Direction and Succefs, and depend on him as the 
 Father of your Mercies, the Sum of your Blifs, the 
 Strength of your Life, the Staff of your Bread, the 
 Breath of your Noftrils, and the Length of your 
 Days, Set the Lord always before you as your Al- 
 inighty Creator, your loving Redeemer, your rightful 
 Owner, your careful Preferver, your All-iufficient Por- 
 tion, your holy Pattern, ^our obferving Witnefs, and 
 your awful Judge. Undertake and perform all your 
 AcYions- under a Senfe of God's Ail-feeing Eye, and 
 of your being accountable to him for all you do. 
 
 Direfi.yLKU. Whether }e eat, or drink, or what* 
 fcever ye do, do all to the Glory of God, 1 Cor. x. 31. 
 We eat and drink to God's Glory, when we do it for 
 the End that our Bodies may be fitted to ferve our 
 
 Sc 
 
to Christians intending Heaven. 253 
 
 Souls in honouring and ferving God ; and when we 
 receive thefe Mercies with Thankfulneis from the 
 Hand of God, and depend upon God's Blefftng to 
 make them nourilhing to us ; and when we remember 
 we are but Stewards of what we poiTefs, and are ac- 
 countable to God the Proprietor 4 how we improve 
 thefe earthly BleiTings to his Honour and Service.— 
 You mult alio apply the Bufinefs of your Callings to 
 God's Glory, and this you do, when you depend on 
 God to blefs you in it, and to profper the Work of 
 your Hands, and to arm you againft all the Sins, 
 Snares and Temptations, which your Bufinefs may 
 give Occafion to. You ought alio to pay and receive 
 Vifits, and attend Company with an Eye to God's 
 Glory, by blefiing God for giving you Friends and 
 earthly Accommodations, and looking to God for 
 Wifdom to behave yourfelves fo, as ye may do no 
 Harm to thefe ye converfe with, nor get any Harm 
 from them : But on the contrary, may be helped to 
 do them Good, and get Benefit from them. — You are 
 alio to undertake Journies for God's Glory, to look to 
 him for Protection by the Way, and for Direction, 
 Through-bearing and Succefs. 
 
 Direfi. XXIII. Spend as much Time as pofjible in 
 fecret Prayer and Converfe with CoJ 9 i Thei!. v. 1 7. 
 And that ye may do this with Delight, endeavour to 
 keep your Hearts always in a ferious praying Frame, 
 with an abiding ImprefTion of Gcd upon your Spirits. 
 There is a great Difference betwixt a ferious Fit and a 
 ferious Frame. Ahab 9 Saul, Felix, and others, had 
 their ferious Fits, but religious Perfonsonly keep their 
 Souls in a ferious Frame, and itudy to be in the Fear of 
 the Lord all the Day long, as God enjoins us, Prov. 
 xxiii. 17. Prayer, that is acceptable to God, mufl: 
 be performed with Faith, Delight and Liveliness, and 
 pot withDeadne's and Wearinels, as if it were a Task 
 or Burden. A Life without Prayer, or a Prayer 
 without Life, are both hateful to the God of cur Life. 
 
 He is thelivingGod whom we worfliip,' and hath no 
 
 1 * • ■ 
 
254 ' Scripture DireHions 
 
 Pleafurein dead Performances : But they who delight 
 themfelves in Dut\ ■, fhall have the DeGres of their 
 Hearts granted them, PfaL xxxvii. 4. Surely they 
 who ipend their Days in Faith and Prayer, fnall end 
 their Days in Peace and Comfort. 
 
 Direfl. XXIV. Make Cwfcicnce of Family Rel 
 en, as well as of the Clofet Duties, Jofh. xxiy. 15. 
 2 Sam. vi. 20. Neglect not Family-prayer and Praifes, 
 reading the Word, catechifing Children and Servant*, 
 fanctifying the Sabbath, exhorting to Duty, reproving 
 and curbing Sin. Religion and Reformation mult be- 
 gin in Families, if we would wilh it to be national 
 and uniVerfal. God is the Author and Founder of 
 Families, and therefore (lioulrf have Homage from 
 Families, as fuch, by the Morning and Evening Sa- 
 crifice of Prayer and Praife. Go to him to blels Fa- 
 mily-mercies, fupply Family-wants, (andtify Family- 
 trials, and rcdreis Family-grievances Early train 
 
 up Children in the Way they fhould go, pray much 
 for them, and for God's Bleffing on the Means of 
 their Education. 
 
 Direff. XXV. Begin and e?id every Day with God, 
 
 Pfal. v. 3. iv. 8. Let Prayer be the Key to 1 
 
 the Heart to God In the Morning, and lock it againfh 
 all his Enemies at Night* Let no Cr riilian lay he 
 cannot pray ; for Prayer is as neceflary to him as 
 Breath, Lam. iii. 56. Let none lay, they have not 
 Time for it? better take Time from Sleep, than \ 
 Time for Prayer. Think it not enough to fay your 
 Prayers, but mind you mufr. pray your Prayers, pray 
 with Sincerity and Fervour. Think with yourfelf, 
 this Morning may be my laft Morning, or this Night 
 my la ft: Night ; for certainly that Morning cometh 
 of which you will never fee the Night, or that Night 
 of which you will never fee the Morning, Lei 
 ConclbGon of every Day put you in Mind of the Con- 
 dition of by the long Night 
 that will put an End to all your Work, and bring you 
 to count and reckon wit about 
 
 your 
 
to Chriftians intending Heaven. 255 
 
 vour Work. O to lye down every Night reconciled 
 with him ! O that we could iye down and leave oar 
 Hearts with Chrift, and com pole our Spirits fo, as if 
 we were not to awake till the Heavens are no more. 
 
 D:rrfi. XXVI. Seeing none kr.oweth 'what a Day 
 may bring forth, fpend every Day as it were to be 
 ycur )afl } Prov. xxvii. I. Look on yourlelves as 
 {landing every Day at the Door or' Eternity, and 
 Hundreds of Difeafes and Accidents ready to open the 
 Door to let you in. No doubt you hare fometimes 
 apprehended yourfelves nearer Death than you think 
 yourlelves juft now; yet it is certain that Death was 
 never fo near ycu, nor Judgment never fo near you 
 as they are at prefent. We, who Hand every Hour 
 at the Door of Eternity, fnould fpend our precious 
 Hours with the greater! Frugality, feeing the Work 
 we have in Hand is Soul work, and Work on which 
 Eternity depends ; and the Time we have to work 
 it in, is very fhort, and cannot be recalled. This 
 fhort Life being only a PalTage to Eternity, it fiiould 
 be fpent as a continual Preparation for Eternity. 
 Surelv thefe who ha'- e immortal Souls io near PJter- 
 nitv, hive other Work to do than trifle away Time 
 in Tippling, idle Talking, Gaming, and luch Diver- 
 fions. 
 
 DireCi. XXV1T. Sojourn in this World as Travel- 
 lers, keeping Jo loo/ e from the World, as to be able to 
 pack up arid be gone from it nponjbdrt Warnivg, 1 Pet. 
 i. 17. 1 Cor. vii. 29. 31. We have no continuing 
 City nor certain Abode here ; therefore let us always 
 be ready to arife and depart. And if we would be 
 right Travellers towards Zttm above, we mutt have 
 Chrift ia our Hearts, Hezven in our Eye, and the 
 
 World under our Feet We maft take God' 
 
 rit for our Guide, God's Word for our Rule, God's 
 Glory for our End, God's Fear for our Guard, C 
 People for our Companions, God's Pfailb for our Re- 
 creation and God's Promiies for our Cordials. We 
 
 mud 
 
2^6 Scripture Directions for 
 
 mud make Religion our Bufinefs, Prayer our Delight,' 
 
 Holinefs our Way, and Heaven our Home. O 
 
 VJons Travellers, diftinguilh yourfelves from the Men 
 that dwell upon the Earth ; let Chrift always be pre- 
 cious to you, the Word Kveet, Sin bitter, the World 
 
 a Wildernels, and Death welcome. Let ChrinVs 
 
 Will be your Will, ChriiVs Difhonour your Affliction, 
 Ghrift's Caufe your Concern, Chrifl's Succefs your Joy 
 Chrill's Day your Delight, Chrift'l Crols your Glory, 
 ChriiVs Sufferings your Meditation, Chritt's Wounds 
 your Refuge, Chrift's Blood your Balm, Chrift'l 
 Righteou'he's your Clothing, and Chrift's Prefence 
 your Heaven While travelling here, let your 
 
 Hearts burn with Love to Chrift, Love to think of 
 Chrift, Love to hear of Chrift, Love to read of 
 Chrift, Love to fpeak of Chrift, Love to fpeak for 
 Chrift, Love to fpeak to Chrift. 
 
 Direfi. XXVJIL Keep :<p a lively Senfe of Sacra- 
 mental Vows and Engagements, and walk arifwerably 
 thereto, Plal. Ivi. T2, 13. You are under a Sacramen- 
 tal Oath to be true and faithful Soldiers to the Cap- 
 tain of your Salvation, fee that you fight his Battles 
 againft his and your Enemies, the Devil, the World 
 and the Hem. Remember what your Captain has 
 done and (uttered for you, let his Love, as well as 
 your Oath, conftrain you to abide by his Standard. 
 Never £o over to his Enemies Camp, uor keep Cor- 
 
 refpondence with them. Your glorious Captain 
 
 j;ives you choice Feafts at his Table to ftrengthen and 
 encourage you both for Work and Warfare ; walk 
 on in Strength of thefe~ fpiritual Meals, and grow 
 ftrongcr in Grace, and more lively in fpiritual Du- 
 ties, pray more fervently, hear more attentively, 
 meditate more frequently, partake more believingly, 
 keep Sabbaths more delightfully, and walk worthy 
 of the Lord to all well pleating. Your fpiritual Meals 
 are defigned for your Nourishment, Strength, and 
 Growth. Therefore grow in Grace. O Believers, 
 
Chilians intending Heaven. 257 
 
 If you would lay up a Treafure of Glory for your- 
 (elves hereafter, lay up a Treafure of Grace in your 
 Hearts juit now ; increa'e Faith, Love, Heart-purity 
 and Humility. Whoever is rich in Grace now, wilL 
 be rich in Glory hereafter : For what is Grace but 
 Glory begun, and what is Glory but Grace perfected I 
 Who then would not lo^e Grace, feing it is began 
 Glory, and a certain Pledge of compleat Glory. 
 
 Direft. XXIX. Improve the Talents God gives you 
 for his Service and Glory, Lukexixj.3. Remember 
 you were not made for yourfelves only, but for the 
 Society and Benefit of others ; therefore employ your 
 Gifts, Subftances, and whatever God has bellowed, 
 for the Good of others ; teach the Ignorant, relieve 
 the Poor, ftrengthen the Weak, comfort thefe that 
 are call down, tell them your Experiences, commend 
 Chrift as a choice Mailer and lovely Saviour, and 
 invite them to come tajle and fee that he is good ; pity 
 thefe who are Strangers to him, and pray for them. 
 Be ufeful to others while you live, which will make 
 your Memory favory when you die ; many, alas, 
 are fo unprofitable in their Lives, that when they 
 come to die, Neighbours fcarce think their Life worth 
 a Prayer, or their Death worth a Tear ; but public- 
 
 fpirited and ufeful Perions are much lamented.- Let 
 
 every one in their Stations be active and occupy their 
 Talents for God. Be allured, the more you do for 
 God in this World, the more God will do for you in 
 the World to come. If the Saints were capable of 
 Grief in Heaven, it would be for their doing lb little 
 for God on Earth. 
 
 Direft, XXX. Let all Believers be thankful to Cod 
 for his dvli*:gi>ijhh:g Favours and Mercies to them y 
 Pfal. cxvi. 8, 12. A Life of Praife doth highly be- 
 come the Proofs of God's Love to you. Fail down 
 humbly before God, and afcribe all to his fret unde- 
 fervQd Grace ! For who is it that maketh thee to differ 
 from another P IV hat hail thou, hut what thou haft re* 
 > of frig Gift I O wondtr at his free 
 K k Love, 
 
258 Scripture Directions for 
 
 Love, that has diftinguifhed you from others ! ha: 
 done that for you, that he ha? Dot done for Thou- 
 lahds, for Myriads, for Millions! nor for thele who 
 lit in the fai I in the lame Hot;!e 
 
 .. ith you ! O bleis C jd v\ bo (cut his dear Son to ran- 
 ioni you, and bring you but of Prifon, when others 
 are left in Bondage ! Who fent his holy Spirit to open 
 your Eyes, when others are left blind ; to open your 
 Ears, when others are left deaf; to open yourllearts 
 when others are left ihut ; to open your Mouths to 
 praiie Crce dtftirigtiilhilxg Love, when others are left 
 dumb. Employ your '! ongues then to commend his 
 Love,, and ring his Praife. 
 
 Dire a. XXXI. Since God diftinguijBes yon from 
 ethers, in his Mercies to you, fee that yon diftinguijb 
 jourf.'zss from ttt Serf, in your Service to him, Mat. v. 
 47. Are you Chriftians indeed ? You are under Wrong- 
 er Obligations to live and ad for Chrift, than others : 
 "Why ? *you have both your netV Name and new Na- 
 ture from Child, which others have not; you are 
 more nearly related to Chrift than others ; ycu are 
 engaged to zct for him. By more frequent and'folemn 
 Vows than < ivc greater Mercies beftow- 
 
 rd on you than others ; otheis have been common 
 Mercies, but you have Covenant Mercies, Mercies 
 
 that accompany Salvation.- Ycu have fpiritual 
 
 Lifts within you, and olivine Influences, which others 
 want ; not only the World, but Chrift himlelf ex- 
 perts more from you than others ; all which are pow- 
 erful Engagements on ycu, to do more for God than 
 
 others. You know more or the Things cf God 
 
 than others ; you talk more of them, you profefs 
 more, you pi omi'e and engage .to do more than o- 
 lheis ; yea, God lias done uofpeakably more for you 
 id he may juftly expeel more from you 
 than others ; and put that Queftion to yc at do 
 
 r vie more than others f Mat. v. 47. 
 
 W: -.ere in fliould Believers ciitingnifh them- 
 fetves, and do more for God than < 
 
 1 
 
Chrijtians intending Heaven* 259 
 
 You fhould be WitnelTes for God, and teftiry agaiuft 
 what is dishonouring to him, by abilaining from ail 
 known Sin, and from thefe Sins which are common 
 
 and fafhionable, and little thought of by others. 
 
 By reproving Sin in others, and endeavouring to pluck 
 them out of the Fire. By keeping up Family- re- 
 ligion even in the Mid ft of Bufinefs, and baoifhing all 
 known Vice from your Dwellings, even minc'd 
 Oaths, ra(h uGng 'of God's Name, idle walking Of 
 talking on the Lord's Day, Back-biting c , evil Wifyies, 
 revengeful Actions, unneceflary drinking or tippling, 
 
 Lottery-games and Paftimes of bad Report, ire. 
 
 Be zealous for Sabbath-holinefs. Be meek and lowly 
 in your Carriage; commend Chrift to others ; fpeak 
 for the Honour of Religion before thefe who dlfre- 
 gard it ; (hew fpeciai Regard to thole who are (lamp- 
 ed with God's Image, tho' mean or deTpiled ; be re 
 to forgive Wrongs, and render Good for Evil; deal 
 honeftly and juftly with all Men, be fober and tem- 
 perate in eating, drinking, Sleep, Apparel, &c 
 Guard againft Pride, Paflion, hafty and unguarded 
 Words j put great Re (peer, upon God's Word and 
 Ordinances ; be concerned for the enlarging cf (Thrift's 
 Kingdom; never venture upon any known Sin for the 
 Sake of worldly Gain ; make Conference of relative 
 and Rational Duties, as to the good Hufoands, good 
 Wives, good Parents, good Children, good Matters, 
 good Servants, good Neighbours, &c. In fuch Things 
 as thefe, you are to do more for God than others. 
 
 Direfr. XXXII. Be not content with a fair Prof ef- 
 fion of Religion, or with a Form of Godlhtefs, and a 
 Name to live among Men, Tit. i. 16. 2 Tim. iii. 5. 
 But endeavour to know and feel the Power of Godii- 
 nefs in your Hearts, and to have your Practice in all 
 Refpecls corresponding to your ProfefTion. If your 
 Practice be not anfwerable to what you profefs, you 
 fin againft great Light, you ducredit Religion, aod 
 ttempt Men to think it all Hypocrify. If a Man live 
 
 K k 2 
 
*6o f Scripture Directions for 
 
 and die a meer ProfefTor, it bad been better for him 
 he had lived and died a meer Heathen. 
 
 Dirctt. XXXIII. Keep always a Watch on the Door 
 tf your Lips, Pfal. cxli. 3. feeing the Tongue hath a. 
 World of Iniquity in it, Jam. iii. 6. Keep it as with 
 a Bridle, Pfal. xxxix. 1. and beg the Lord's Help to 
 keep it, and that he himftlf may let a Watch upon 
 your Mouths, as the Pfalmift prays, Pfal. cxli. as 
 knowing that no Watchfulnefs or Refolution of our 
 own is fumcient for the governing of our Tongues, 
 without God's fpeciai Grace, without this the mod 
 wake rife Watchman watcheth in vain. Earneftly 
 leek, for Chrift's Sake, God's fpeciai Grace to govern 
 this unruly Member, that it may not be fuffered to 
 utter Words which may tend to the Difhonour of 
 God, or to the Hurt of Men. Study to govern your 
 Tongues by ufmg God's Name with Reverence, fpeak- 
 ing always what is Truth and what is feafonable, 
 uleful and edifying, guarding carefully againft lying, 
 evil (peaking, paffionate, proud and lelf-exalting 
 Words, and againft all ram Cenfures : You have 
 need of great Caution in fpeaking, and to take heed 
 either how ye commend yourfelves,or condemn others. 
 DirecJ. XXXIV. U/alk ck ear fully and contentedly 
 in every Condition, AcTs viii. co. Philip- iv. 1 1. Such a 
 Walk as this doth bring great Credit to Religion 
 and tie Service of our Redeemer. What tho' a Be- 
 liever be fed with the Bread and Water of Affliction 
 the mod of his Life, be hath other Bread and ano- 
 ther Cup to fweeten both ; the Forgtvencfs of Sin is a 
 reviving Cordial in every Cafe. Have no Will of your 
 own drftincl from God's Will, but be refigned to 
 ■hI's difpeiing Will in every thing, and let God's 
 ill and Choice be always yours. If you cannot 
 bring your Condition to your Mind, then you mull 
 Our to bring ycur Mind to your Condition, belie- 
 ving that the Will of your heavenly Father is always 
 heft for you. Still remember that he hath engaged 
 -ielf to be with you in all States and Conditions, 
 
 and 
 
Chriftians intending Heaven. 261 
 
 and to order all Things for your Advantage : Be fure 
 then he cannot deny himfelf, all his Words are Oaths 
 for their Certainty, and all his Promifes are the fure 
 Mercies of David. Becontent in every Cafe ; for Gnce 
 Chriit is yours/ all Things are yours. Well then, let 
 your covenanted God chufe out your Lot for you; for 
 you may truft that it (hall be done with more Wif- 
 dom, and with more Affection, than you can chufe 
 for yourfelf. 
 
 Direct. XXXV. If you would manifeft yourfelves 
 to be truly religious both before God and Man, keep 
 always the fir ft and fecond 'Table cf the Law joined to- 
 gether , and make Confidence of both, Matth. xxii, 37. 
 &c. Love both God and your Neighbour, be jufl and 
 upright in all your Dealings with Men, acling always 
 under a Senfe of the all- feeing Eye of your heavenly- 
 Father, who enjoins you to do the fame to other?, as 
 ye would have them "doing to you. Let a moral Man 
 try his religion by the Duties of the firft Table of the 
 Law, and a Prcfeftor his by the Duties of the fecond 
 Table of the Law. See that ye love God above ail 
 Things, and prefer his Worfhip and Service to every 
 Thing. Love God for himfelf, and love men prin- 
 cipally for what is God -like in them. 
 
 Dirert. XXXVI. Carefully guard again ft Apofta- 
 fiy and Backfili ding from God ana his Ways y Heb. x. 58, 
 39. Be always jealous of your deceitful and treache- 
 rous Hearts, knowing that they are bent to Backfill- 
 ding. A holy Fear of departing from God, is a good 
 Means to keep us from departing from God. There- 
 fore endeavour to preferve always a watchful and 
 tender frame of Heart, and be afraid of falling away, 
 according to that Word, Heb. iv. 1. If ye would 
 preferve yourfelves from total Apoflafy, rie fpeedily 
 after every Fall by found Repentance, and Recourle 
 to the Blood of Chrift. Lie not one Day in any Sin, 
 but rife out of thd Puddle immediately, and go to the 
 cleanling Fountain; and renew your Covenant with 
 
 God, 
 
262 Scripture Directions for 
 
 God, and beg more Strength* and Faith to derive 
 continual Supplies from Chrift your Head. Be ofteu 
 calling your Souls to Account, and asking your 
 JHearts, what is become of the good Frames, the 
 melting Senfe of Sin, thehungiing DeGres,the delight- 
 ful Taftes, the heavenly Longings., the warm'AfFecli- 
 ons to Chrift, that they lometimes had. When ye at* 
 tain to thefe, or to any of them, fee that ye commit 
 them to Chrifl's keeping, faying with the Pialmift, 
 Lord he Surety for thy Servant for good, Laflly, con- 
 iider the dreadful Cafe of an Apoftate as deicribed by 
 our Lord and his Apoftle, Mjt. xii. 43, 44. 2 Pet* 
 ii. 20, 21. That Man's Gale becomes far more mi- 
 ferable than it was at firft. What a lad Cafe is it for 
 a Soul to fall back into Hell, after it had climbed 
 near the Gates of Heaven? None falls fo deep into 
 Hell as tbefe who fall backward into it. 
 
 Dire ft. XXXVII. Be watchful again fl all Sin, and 
 particularly your darl'uig or constitutional Sin, the Sin 
 that ?no(l eafily hefets you, Pfal. xviii. 23. Heb. xii. 1. 
 Our Adverfary the Devil well knows this Sin, and ci; 
 what Side we may be attacked with the greateft Suc- 
 ce r s ; and to be fu re he will bring his itrongeft Temp- 
 tations thither, and employ his moil fubtile Wiles and 
 Devices that Way to enfhare us. It were happy for 
 us if we were ftill watching againfl him, and could 
 fay with the Apoftlc, we arc not ignorant of his De- 
 vices. You are likeways to watch againfl all Sin 
 whatfomever, Sins of Omiffion as well as of Com- 
 miiTion. Grofs Outbreedings make Conlcience to 
 flart at their /Appearance, but it is not fo alarmed 
 with the Neglect of Duties. But if Conference be a- 
 wakned, Sins of OmHfion will ly heavy as well as 
 Sins of CommifTion. Some eminent Chriftians who 
 hive lived the mo ft circumi'pecl Lives, when ll 
 come to die and reflect upon their by pa ft Time, have 
 been put to cry, Lord in fpeci // forgive my Sins of ■ 
 ■'ion. Venture not to live in any Frame, Courie or 
 
 Practice 
 
Chilians intending Heaven. 263 
 
 Practice that you would not adventure to die in, fee- 
 ing you know not but your next Step may be into the 
 Grave, Guard again ft all thefe Sins and Evils now in 
 the Time of ycur Health, that may put Thorns in 
 vour Pillow when Sickncis and the Harbingers of 
 Death approach, inch as mifpending of precious Ti?ne ? 
 Negletf of Prayer or reading of the ScriptttreSy Forma- 
 lity and Lukewarwnefs in Religion, Earthly -minded* 
 nefs y Unthankfutnejs for Metrics, and viij carrying af- 
 ter them. Neglect of improving Chrifi, quenching the 
 Spirit } Negled of Conviction s, breaking of VovcSy falling 
 from your fir ft Love, returning to old Sins you had 
 mourned over, jinnir.g againft Light } and after dfflic~ 
 tionjy &c. 
 
 Direct. XXXV III. Be heartily concerned for the Co- 
 ning and Enlargement oi - ': Kingdom in the Wot Id, 
 Mat. vi. 10. Pial. Ixxii. 19. Bewah it that his Hock 
 is ib little, his Subjects fo few, when Satan\ are ib 
 numerous. Eevvail the Unluccelsfulne.'s of the Gof- 
 pel, the Reftraint of the Spirit, the DiviCons among 
 Chriftians, and the m^ny Hindrances of the Progrets 
 of ChriiVianity. Lament the Wrongs and Dimonours 
 done to God by others, cry and wreiile for the Out- 
 pouring of the Spirit, both at home and abroad ; pray 
 for the Revival of God's Work inthe'e Lands, amidic 
 thele doclining Years ; and in enquiring after publick 
 News, have a View to this,. be concerned for the In- 
 terelt and Welfare of Chrift's Kingdom thio' the 
 World, for the Accomplimmcnt of God's Promifes 
 concerning the Deftruclion of Antichrift, Babylon * 
 Downral, the inbringmg of the Jew, and the iubdu- 
 ing of the Nations. And when you hear of any /ip- 
 pearance of God's arifing to countenance his Word, 
 and conquer Sinners Hearts to him. elf, whether at 
 home or abroad ; rejoice at the News; reckon them 
 good Tidings of great Joy, and bids the Lord for 
 them with ail your Hearts It is molt pleafing and 
 acceptable to God, to lee his People heartily concern- 
 ed for the Frotberitv of lern'alem. 
 
 Direct. 
 
264 Scripture Directions for, &c. 
 
 DireeJ. XXXIX. Be bufy laying up a Stock fcf 
 a Sick- bed or Death- bed, when all the Comforts of 
 Life will be tajlelefs to you y 1 Tim. vi. 19. Lay 
 up a Stock of Faith and Patience, a Stock of E- 
 vidences of divine Love, and of your Intereft in 
 Chrid: ; a Stock of divine Promiies and Experiences of 
 God's Loving-kindnels, which may be (bpporting to 
 you in the Day of (harp Trials. When Mariners goto 
 Sea, they victual the Ship, and provide for a Storm. 
 Andought not we to foreiee) the Storms of Affliction, 
 of Sicknels and Death, and provide and lay up for 
 them \ It will be fad, if, when the Bridegroom is 
 come, we have our Oil then to buy, when the Mar- 
 ket is over. Now is the Time for providing Oil ; 
 now is the Market of Grace ; now is the acceptable 
 Time ; now is the Day of Salvation. 
 
 Direff. XL. Be looking an J longing for the eternal 
 Supper cf thitLamb, Philip, i. 23. Rev. xix. 9. Hun- 
 gry Souls whohave tafted the Love of Jefus, long for 
 the Lambs Supper below, that they may enjoy Com- 
 munion with him here, and this makes them cry, 
 When (hall the Opportunity return ? When (hall I 
 come and appear before God ? Whenfhall I again fee 
 his Power and Glory in the Sanctuary . ? When fhall I 
 again tafte bis Love and Goodnefs in the Sacrament ? 
 and yerthefe are but fmall Foretaftes of the Lamb's 
 Supper above. What is our drinking of the Fruit of 
 the Vine here, to our drinking it new with Chrift in 
 
 his Father's Kingdom ? Therefore look out, and 
 
 long for the Time when the Day (hall break, and the 
 Shadows flee away, bnd the Marriage or the Lamb 
 (hall be triumphantly folemnized, and compltated 
 with the Church his efpoufed Bride, whom he will 
 then lead into the King's Palace, where their tranfi- 
 cnt Glinccs fhall be changed into immediate Vifion, 
 and their fhort Taftes into everlafting Feafting and 
 Fulneis. bUfjed are they for ever who arc called /# 
 the Marriage Supper of the Lamb ; Thefe are the true 
 Sayings of Cod* I believe. Lord help my l T nbe! ; 
 men. 
 
SCRIPTURE-SONGS 
 
 FOR 
 
 Z 10 N's TRAVELLERS, 
 
 In their Way to Heaven. 
 
 Ifa- xxxv. 10. Th e Ranfomed cf the Lord Jhali rsturhy 
 and come to Zion with Songs. 
 
 Pfal. exxxviii. 5. They Jhall fing in the Ways of the 
 Lord. 
 
 S O N G I. 
 
 The Primitive Communicants. 
 
 1 /^HRIST's Friends at firft oft broke his Bread, 
 V^> Infpir'd with Love Divine ; 
 
 They drank the Spirit of their Head, 
 As Well's the facred Wine. 
 
 2 They ftiew'd his Death with Heart and Sosl, 
 
 And feafted on his Love ; 
 His Blood and Wounds they did extol, 
 And fling like Saints above. 
 
 3 Lord grant us Part of that Love-flame, 
 
 Which in their Hearts abode ; 
 That made them witnefs for the Lamb* 
 And fuffer for their God. 
 
 4 Warm Show'rs from Heaven fend down en us, 
 
 That frozen Hearts may yield, 
 And turn us from a Wilderneis 
 Into a fruitful Field. 
 
 5 Thy People, Lord, lament for thee, 
 
 And fore thy Abfence mourn ; 
 They long thy Face again to fee ; 
 To Cojpel Feafls return. 
 
 *■ 1 6 Come 
 
c65 rifture Songs 
 
 6 Come to thy Table, with us Gt, 
 
 Our piudga all remove, 
 Unite our H .5 fit 
 
 To keep the Feaft: of Love. 
 
 7 Caufe Strc Bow 
 
 In C .ce ; 
 
 And let the North arid South V :w, 
 
 -to releafe. 
 $ Thy Spirits Ten^le make o.: I 
 And \vi. 1] abide ; 
 
 Make his Convict; Dart?, 
 
 Let us no more bickflide. 
 
 9 Tl y Hidir.^s are a bitter cup, 
 
 Like FiO'.vers mt fade and mourn; 
 We droop, we grieve, and can'c look up, 
 T;.i thou o^r Sun return. 
 
 10 Lord, charge not on us former Guilt* 
 
 Let all th. ;er ceafe ; 
 
 Look to the Blood on Caftfrj Ipflt, 
 ?eace. 
 
 SONG II, 
 
 i* Holy Spirit j&i fu fir tik Holy Tabli. 
 
 1 /^\ FATHER of our eying Lord, 
 K^J H: eaking Blood, 
 
 £1 to us I Word ; 
 
 Send down the Ij Feed. 
 
 2 Thy Spirit grant, for wiocb he pray'd, 
 
 To glorify thy Son ; 
 
 ^iT.:>'d Ir.P.uences fhed, 
 -Venders may be done. 
 1 Giad we'll his Death ccmmerr.c: - 
 till he come ag: 
 
 the Word and Sacramc. 
 Take thy great Power and Rr go. 
 a Chrift'i Table now ft2nd« furniihed, 
 With BicfTings of beft Kinds ; 
 
 6 ParJi 
 
fir ZionV Travellers. 267 
 
 Parlm and Peact bought with his Blood, 
 Choice Food for troubled Minds. 
 
 5 Give Faith to fee lew his Love, 
 
 His Stripes and Wounds each one, 
 How he was jeer'd that's fear'd above, 
 Blafphem'd add (pit upon. 
 
 6 In's Hands and Feet we fee the N 
 
 Piercing his tender Viens ; 
 For us each Wound the blufhing Ground, 
 With Blood infinite I 
 
 7 Black Clouds for us o'erwhelm'd his Soul, 
 
 Sore was his Agonie ; 
 When he cry'd, Mj God, vt) G:J, 9 
 Ha mc ? 
 
 S Thy matchlefs Love we'll praife aloud, 
 Our Souls it k doth cocftrain 
 To love and live to thee our God, 
 Who tor our c ip. 
 
 9 May I no more to Prayer be drag_ 
 To icrve thee let me rap ; 
 May I in Duties keep my Courfe, 
 Like to the rifing Sun. 
 (0 Unto the Lamb tl ce was f;.- 
 
 Be Prai.e and Glory given, 
 By ail that dwell upon the Earth, 
 And all the Hods of Hcai 
 
 SONG in. 
 
 CHRlST's Sacrifice \bc cr/v Four.lctkn cf 
 Trust. 
 
 1 CO peat's the Gait of fallen Man, 
 *3 None could his Pardon buy ; 
 Great ntiiQ it be, when God himfelf 
 ifi for his Creature dy ! 
 Beatts for Sin could not atone, 
 :h Offerings all were vain, 
 LI 2 
 
268 Scripture Songs 
 
 - Had not the Father glv'n his Son 
 For Sinners to be flain. 
 
 3 Had the whole Church been offer'd up, 
 
 As one burnt Sacrifice ; 
 Our fmalleft Debt this could not pay, 
 Creatures could not luffice. 
 
 4 But Mercy in this hopelels Cafe, 
 
 A Sacrifice prepares : 
 A Lamb of all- fufficient Worth, 
 Which dillipates our Fears. 
 
 5 This Sacrifice more precious 
 
 Than all created Things, 
 To us eternal Happinels 
 In Soul and Body brings. 
 
 6 This is the *ure Foundation-ftone, 
 
 Which God in Zion lays, 
 For Men to build their Hopes upon, 
 He's bU{\ that on it flays. 
 
 7 Tho' Earth's Foundations be remov'd, 
 
 This Rock dill ftandeth fad, 
 By Storms unmov'd on this alone 
 My Anchor I will cait. 
 
 8 The Lamb, our Rock, for us did die, 
 
 For us rofe from the Dead, 
 For us he did afcend on high, 
 For us his Blood doth plead. 
 
 9 O bleeding Lamb, (hew me my Name 
 
 Writ in thy Book of Life ; 
 Then I will long to be with thee, 
 Out of this Land of Strife. 
 
 10 To worfhip with theheav'nly Hoft, 
 
 Jehovah One in Three, 
 The Father, Son, and Holy Gholt, 
 To all Eternity. 
 
 SONG 
 
for Zion's Travellers. 269 
 
 SONG IV. 
 
 The Distrssed Soul looking to the Lamb for Pity. 
 
 1 f\ OME fee my Cafe, O bleeding Lamb, 
 \^j In Mercy take me as I am, 
 
 Quite naked, and put Cloathing on 
 A Stranger, and make me a Son. 
 
 2 Burden'd with Guilt, and give me Eafe, , 
 A Bond-man, and my Soul releafe, 
 
 All vile, not fit to join thy Saints ; 
 A Creature all made up of Wants. 
 
 3 By Nature I have nothing good, 
 AlLmuft be bought me by thy Blood ; 
 But Cnce thy Wounds are open'd wide, 
 I'll hope in Jefus crucify *d. 
 
 4 Thy Blood Men's (bred Plagues doth cure, 
 Thy Wounds their backward Hearts allure, 
 Thy Blood ftrange Changes works in Men, 
 For wondrous Works the Lamb was flain ? 
 
 5 Thy Bible doth thy Pity (hew, 
 
 I reft on thy Words fweet and true, 
 Souls come to me 9 a?id no more dcubty 
 For him that C07nes I'll not cafl out, 
 
 6 Renew my Soul, plant Grace this Day, 
 Give me a Heart to mourn and pray, 
 O kill in me this Rebel Sin, 
 
 Reftore thy Image me within. 
 
 7 For thefe Things I to thee do come ; k 
 Cad me not out, fince there is Room, 
 
 Make good thy Words, and hear my Cries, 
 For on thy Truth my Soul relies. 
 
 8 O deareft Lamb, didft thou not bleed, 
 TopurchdTe every Thing we need f 
 Doth not thy Blood dill run to heal 
 Diftreffed Souis, their Plagues who fee, I ; 
 
 9 We feel our Sores, Lord, heal us loon, 
 And in us let thy Will be done : 
 
 * Praife ' 
 
27 o Scrip ure Songs 
 
 Praife Father, Son and Holy Ghoft, 
 One God in Chrift, that faves the Loft. 
 
 SONG V. 
 
 A Call to wonder at Christ'* Sufferings, from 
 Love to us. 
 
 1 "O EHOLD Chrift in a Bloody Sweat, 
 X3 Which all his Garment (tains ! 
 
 See four wide Wounds in's Hands and Feet, 
 When big Nails piere'd his Veins ! 
 
 2 Behold his Soul opprefTed fore, 
 
 And in the greateft Pain I * 
 How heavy was the Wrath he bore, 
 Of which he did complain ? 
 
 3 Yet, Lord, whilft our Sins fill'd to thee 
 
 This bitter wrathful Cup ; 
 A blefled Feaft thou mad'it, that w e 
 Might at thy Table (up ! 
 
 4 O Friends of Chrift, draw near his Throne, 
 
 To him Thank-ofPrings bring, 
 For in his Temple ev*ry one 
 Should of his Glory fing. 
 $ Let Men him love, and Sin abhor, 
 Which caus'd him GrieF and Pain, 
 Let all the Angels (till adore 
 The Lamb for Sinners flain ! 
 
 5 With warm Affeclion let us ble r s 
 
 Our great high Prieft above, 
 And every Day admire and praife 
 The Wonders of his Love ? 
 J From Love he left his Throne on high, 
 Lodg'd in a Virgin's Womb ! 
 Love brought him to the Crofs to die, 
 Love laid him in a Tomb ! 
 ' Love rais'd him up, and took bim back, 
 To Heaven to make us Room ! 
 
 From 
 
for ZionV Travellers. 271 
 
 From thence return he'll for our fake, 
 In Love to bring us home ! 
 
 9 From Love he wearies not to plead, 
 
 And (hew his bleeding Hands, 
 Since he hath Juftice fatisfy'd, 
 Our Freedom he demands. 
 
 10 Thy Blood hath done all Things for me, 
 
 I'll glory in thy Crofs ; 
 My bed Things I'll give up for thee, 
 I count them all but Lois. 
 
 SONG VI. 
 
 From 2 Sam. xxiii. 3. — 7. 
 
 Being a Prophecy 0/ Christ, and King David'.* 
 Swan Song iu Views oj Death. 
 
 1 A Ruler juft o'er Men fhall rife 
 
 f\ In God's Fear rule fhall he, * 
 
 As Morning Light fprings from the fkie?, 
 So welcome fhall be be : 
 
 2 Like riQng Sun he fcatters all 
 
 The black Shades of the Night, 
 No Clouds this Morning darken fhall, 
 Refrefhing is its Light. 
 
 3 He fhall the frozen Earth folace, 
 
 Like Sun-ihine after Rain, 
 Whofe warming Beams revive the Grafs, 
 And make all ipring again. 
 
 4 I'm griev'd, all prove not good and juft, 
 
 Who from my Loins do Ipring ; 
 But glad to ice he fprings from me, 
 That's Zionh blefled King. 
 
 5 A King that faves us from our Foes 
 
 In Hearts rules by his Might ; 
 With his juft Laws let all Men clofe, 
 Obey him, it's his Right. ' 
 
 6 Although 
 
2 72 Serif hire Songs 
 
 6 Although my Houfe be not with God 
 
 Such as it ought to be ; 
 Yet he hath thro' Media's Blood, 
 A Cov'nant made with me : 
 
 7 A Covenant which Life doth bring, 
 
 And evermore endure, 
 Well ordered in ev'ry Thing 
 
 With Promiies mod lure : 
 3 My Heart's Defire is towards it, 
 
 'Tis my Salvation, 
 Altho' he doth not come as yet 
 
 For to redrefs what's wrong. 
 o But Belial's Sons who are his Foes, 
 
 God fmite them will in ire, 
 He'll them confume who him oppo r e, 
 
 Like Thorns burnt up with Fire. 
 
 SONG VII. 
 
 The Saints Trtumi»h over Death. From Job xix. 2 5. 
 &c. i Cot. xv. 43, 53. Philip, iii. 21. Ezek. xvi. 14. 
 
 1 r A "'Hough on me heavy Trials come, 
 
 A And Death's -Stroke on me fall, 
 IVly Faith and Hope (hall not luccumb, 
 But triumph o'er them all. 
 
 2 I know that my Redeemer lives, 
 
 Who pleads my Caufe with God, 
 To fave each Soul that him believes, 
 He comes to fhed his Blood. 
 
 3 Then for a while, he'il go away, 
 
 But will return again, 
 And on the Earth, at Latter Day, 
 Stand with a glorious Train. 
 
 4 Though in the Grave my Bod.y fall, 
 
 And Worms do it confume, 
 Ev'n Skin and Fiefh', Blood, Bones and all, 
 Yet Death I'll ovtrcome» , 
 
 5 My 
 
for Zion's Travellers. 27 r 
 
 5 My Lord will raife me from the Duft, 
 
 He'll clothe my Bones with Flefh, 
 I'll fee my God whom now I trull, 
 Which will my Soul refrefh 
 
 6 That Flefh which all confumed was, 
 
 The very fame (hall rife ; 
 Yea, I will fee Chrift's lovely Face, 
 With thofe my very Eyes. 
 
 7 Though for a Time my Duft be loath'd, 
 
 Mod beautiful I'll be, 
 My mortal Body fhali be cloath'd 
 With Immortality. 
 
 8 Like Chrift's own Body will I (hine, 
 
 With Raiment white as Light. 
 His Comelinefs is ever mine: 
 This ev'ry Saint makes bright. 
 
 SONG VIII. 
 
 CHRISTY Eternal Love to Mankind : From 
 Prov. viii. 27. to the End, 
 
 1 TT7HEN the Creation was begun 
 
 \ V Ey God's Almighty Hand, 
 Then I, his own Eternal Son, 
 Concurred in the Command. 
 
 2 I joined in his Counfels wife 
 
 Loft: Mankind to redeem ; 
 I was my Father's chief Delight 
 And I rejoic'd in him. 
 
 3 And in the Earth when it for Man 
 
 Was fram'd with divine Art ; 
 With Pleafure I forefaw the Church, 
 Its habitable Part. 
 
 4 Before the Light was made to ihine, 
 
 My Heart was fet on Man ; 
 My Thoughts, from all Eternity, 
 Oa his Salvation ran. 
 
 Mm 5 The 
 
274 Scripture Songs 
 
 2 As Lilies fhine amidft the Thorny 
 
 So doth my Love the Bride ; 
 The Daughters want what her aiorm, 
 Tho* they live her beGde. 
 S p o u s E. 
 
 3 As th' Apple-tree doth far excel 
 
 The Foreft's barren Growth ; 
 So my Love outfhines Mortals all, 
 Tho' in their blooming Youth. 
 
 4 Under his Shade with great Delight, 
 
 I fat down rbr to reft : 
 I found Solace, his heavenly Fruit 
 Was fweet unto my Tafte. 
 
 5 He brought me to his Houfe of Wine, 
 
 My Faintings to allay ; 
 The Banner of his Love Divine 
 
 er me he did display. 
 
 6 Bring ftrength'ning Flaggons unto me, 
 
 With Cordials from above ; 
 Fetch me fweet Apples from the Tree, 
 Foi I am fick of Love. 
 
 7 When thus my fainting Soul did cry 
 
 For Grace me to uphold, 
 My tender hearted Lord drew nigh, 
 His Arms me did infold. 
 
 8 All Things without me and v/ithir:, 
 
 1 charge to ftand in awe, 
 
 To wake or grieve my Love with Sia, 
 Ltd from me he withdr . 
 
 9 Tho' griev'd, he doth return to me* 
 
 For lo ! his Voice I hear, 
 O'er Hills of Guilt nim leap I fee, 
 My mourning Soul to chear. 
 30 He haftes to me like Hart or Rc C) 
 Our dark Walls he makes light ; 
 Thro' Lattefla himielf doth fhow, 
 :fs m oft bright. 
 
 S O N rV 
 
for Zion's travellers. 275 
 
 SONG XI. 
 
 From Song ii. 10. to the End* 
 
 Christ. 
 
 1 TT) I S E up, (aid Chrift, my faireft One, 
 £\^ Come thou away to me ; 
 
 The Winter Storms of Wrath are gone, 
 I bore them all for thee. 
 
 2 From barren Ground the Flowers do fpring, 
 
 Men hear the Turtle's Voice ; 
 The drooping Birds begin to Cng, 
 And fad Hearts to rejoice. 
 
 3 Young Figs and Grapes do now appear, 
 
 And yield a fweet Perfume ; 
 The heav'nly Vine faint Hearts doth chec 
 Rife up, my Love, and come. 
 
 4 My Dove that lodged in the Rock, 
 
 In clefts of my deep Wounds j- 
 And dofr. to me in fecret look, 
 When in thee Grief abounds : 
 
 5 Lift up thy Face and Voice tome; 
 
 Thefe pleaie mine Eye and Ear ; 
 Thy Graces all I love to fee, 
 Thy Voice of Prayer to hear. 
 
 6 Take us the Foxes, vvhofe Defigrts 
 
 Are Vineyards to annoy, 
 The little Foxes, which the Vines 
 And tender Grapes deftroy. 
 Spouse, 
 
 7 My Love is mine, my Souls Delight, 
 
 And I am alio his ; 
 Among his Saints, t^efe Lillies white, 
 His Place of feeding is : 
 S There he abides > till Break of Day, 
 When Shadows all mall flee ; 
 Till then, come like a Hart or Roe, 
 O'er Bcthcr Hills to me. 
 
 SONG 
 
 < 
 
Scripture Songs 276 
 
 SONG XII. 
 
 From Song m. 1, 2, 3, 4, $, n. 
 
 1 A LL's dark when Jefus hides his Face, 
 J[\ Night Shades tall me upon ; 
 De.'ertion is a weary Cafe, 
 
 When Chrift my Love is gone. 
 
 2 I On my Bed my Lofs did mind, 
 
 I fought him thus alone ; 
 My drowfy Search him did not find, 
 Vain was my flothrul Moan. 
 
 3 I'll rife, and round the City go, 
 
 Thro' Streets, Broad- Ways, and Lanes ; 
 This Way I fought my Love, but lo ! 
 Succefslefs were my Pains. 
 
 4 The City Watchman found me out, 
 
 Their Doctrine touch'd my Cale : 
 Ah, where's he ! Can ye folve my Doubt ? 
 None of them brought me Eafe. 
 
 5 When Means and Duties prov'd fo weak", 
 
 Beyond them all I paft : 
 When I fome Steps from them did make, 
 I found my Love at laft. 
 
 6 1 him embrac'd, and held him faft, 
 
 Till once I got him brought 
 Into my Mother's Dwellings wafte, 
 To {Trengthen what he wrought. 
 
 7 Since he's come in, I do you charge, 
 
 Who Saie7us Daughters are, 
 By Roes anJ Hmds which run at large, 
 Our Joys voii do not mar. 
 S Let Sin or Earth no Motion make, 
 For to difturb his Reft ; 
 Let none prefume my Love to wake, 
 Until it pleafe him beft. 
 9 O, Zfon's Daughters, all go forth, 
 Eehold King Sohmi 1 
 
 Ev a ft 
 
for ZioivV Travellers. 277 
 
 Even Chrift our King, of higher Worth, 
 
 Wearing his glorious Crown ; 
 10 W T herewith his Mother crown'd his Head, 
 
 On his Efpoufal Day, 
 That Day on which his Heart was glad. 
 
 Him love and praifefor ay. 
 
 SONG XIII. 
 
 From Sovgiv. 7, 8,9, ic, 11, 12, 16. 
 
 Christ. 
 
 THou art all fair when in f hy Drefs ; 
 My Love, thou rt fair to me ; 
 When cloathed with my Righteoufriefs, 
 
 "No Spot is feen in thee. 
 My Spoufe come off from Lei anon, 
 
 And Mounts of Vanitie : 
 Let all the World's Deceits alone, 
 
 And come alongfh with me. 
 By Faith look from Amancfs Top, 
 
 Shenir and Her mm fair; 
 From Dens of Prey, behold with Hope 
 
 The Land beyond compare. 
 My Spoufe, thou doft my Love enhance, 
 
 And draw'ft my Heart to thee, 
 With thy Neck-chains, and with a Glance 
 
 Of thy believing Eye. 
 Thy Love to me more grateful is, 
 
 Than Wine of any Kind ; 
 Thy Graces more than fragrant Spice 
 
 Acceptance with me find. 
 Thy Lips drop fweet; and from thy Tongue 
 
 Do Milk and Honey flow : 
 Thy Garments fmell as Lebanon, 
 
 Which on thee I beftow. 
 A Garden fair, inclos'd by Grace, 
 
 My Spoufe thou art tojnc ; 
 
27 3 Scripture So figs 
 
 I chus'd thee from the Wildernefs, 
 With fine Springs farnifti'cLthee. 
 Spouse. 
 3 Ifl thy Garden be, O Lord, 
 Caule Heaven's Wind awake, 
 Sweet quick'ning Gales to me afford, 
 My Graces lively make. 
 
 9 Sharp Northern Blafts fend to convince, 
 
 And caufe the South Winds blow; 
 With Breathings warm aflifl: my Mints, 
 And make my Spices flow. 
 
 10 Then let my Love his Preience fweet 
 
 Unto his Garden grant, 
 That he may eat his pleafant Fruit, 
 Which he himfelf did plant. 
 
 SONG XIV. 
 
 From Song v. 7, 2, 3, 4. 
 
 Christ. 
 x IV Ji Y Spoufe, to anfwer thee I'm come 
 X VI Into my Garden fair ; 
 My Myrrh and Spice of fweet Perfume, 
 With Pleafure I do (hare. 
 
 2 On Honey, Wine, and Milk I feaft ; 
 
 All Friends come eat with me, 
 And drink my Wine of heav'nly Tafte, 
 Yea, drink abundantlie. 
 
 Spouse. 
 
 3 While Chrift invites, my Sloth prevails, 
 
 Yet fomething wakes in me, 
 To hearken to ChriiVs Knocks and Calls, 
 Jiis Voice fpeaks preffinglie. 
 Christ. 
 
 4 Open to me, my Father's Child ; 
 
 Open to me, my Love ; 
 
 Open to me, my UndefiTd ; 
 
 Open to me, my Dove. 
 
 5 From 
 
* for Zion'j Travellers. 283 
 
 5 From Love I'm (landing at thy Door, 
 
 Thy Heart call open foon ; 
 A midnight Shower of Wrath I bore, 
 To fave thee when undone. 
 Spouse. 
 
 6 I am undrefs'd, and Reft is fweet, 
 
 From "Bed I cannot rife; 
 How (hall I now defile my Feet ? 
 Thus Sloth did me entice. 
 
 7 By the Key-hole, my Well-belov'4 
 
 His Hand of Pow'r put in ; 
 So that my Bowels all were rnov'd, 
 For being ungrate to him. 
 
 8 When I rouz'd up, obey'd his Knock, 
 
 My Hands dropt pleafantly 
 With Oil of Myrrh, left on the Lock ; 
 Which made the Bolt to fly. 
 
 9 To my BeWd I open'd faft, 
 
 Who, to my Grief wat gone : 
 I fainted, when his Speeches pad 
 I mournfully thought on. 
 
 10 I fought him then with Carefulnels; 
 
 But found he could not be : 
 I calTd on him in this Diftrete, 
 He did not anfwer me. 
 
 11 The Watchmen who do go their Rounds^ 
 
 And keep the City -wall, 
 Abus'd me, and did give me Wounds, 
 And tore away my Vail. 
 
 SONG XV. 
 
 A Dialogub betwixt the Spoufe and Daughters of 
 Jerufalem, from Song v. 8. to the End. 
 
 ■o 
 
 S P O U S E. 
 
 Salem 's Race, if yon Him find, 
 I charge you tell my Cafe ; 
 
 Nn I'm 
 
a 84 Scripture Songs 
 
 I'm fick of Love, fore pain'd in Mind, 
 He only can me eafe. 
 
 Daughters. 
 
 2 O faireft One, we fain would know 
 
 The ObjecT: of thy Love ; 
 What Charms he hath, that thou doft fe 
 Prize him all Men above. 
 Spousk. 
 
 3 My Love is white and ruddy too, 
 
 The chief of Thoufands Ten ; 
 His Innocence and SufPrings do 
 Him beautify to Men. 
 
 4 His blefTed Head doth far excel 
 
 The Gold that is mod fine, 
 His Locks are black and curled well, 
 They Raven like do mine. 
 
 5 His Eyes are like the Eyes of Doves, 
 
 When they in Flocks are met 
 Near Water- ftreams, which they do love, 
 Milk-wauYd and fitly fet. 
 
 6 His Cheeks are like the fweeteft Flow'rs, 
 
 And Beds where Spices grow ; 
 His Lips like Lillies are, from whence 
 Sweet- fmelling Myrrh doth flow. 
 
 7 As Rings of Gold with with Beryl fet, 
 
 So do his Hands appear ; 
 His Belly bright as Ivory 
 
 O'erlaid with Sapphires clear. 
 S His Legs like Marble Pillars are, 
 Which on Gold Sockets went; 
 Like Lebanon his Face is fair, 
 As Cedars excellent. 
 9 His Mouth that makes fweet Promises, 
 To ev'ry Saint is fweet : 
 Yea, he all over lovely i?, 
 
 View him from Head to Feet. 
 to O Daughters of Jerufaletn. 
 Thb is my Love and Friend, 
 
 For 
 
fir Zion^ Travellers. 283 
 
 For whom none can devife a Name, 
 Or proper Emblems find. 
 
 SONG XVI, 
 
 The Dialogue continued. Song vi. Chap, 
 
 Daughters. 
 
 1 /^\ Faireft Bride, we fain would know, 
 X^J Where's thy Beloved gone ? 
 
 Tell us that with thee we may go, 
 To leek this matchlefs One. 
 
 SPGUSS. 
 
 2 My Love is gone to Heav'n above, 
 
 Yet doth he condefcend 
 To come into his Garden here, 
 And Beds of Spice attend. 
 
 3 In Meetings of his Saints he's found, 
 
 There Gardens of Delight, 
 He's there to bring them rich Supplies, 
 And gather Lilies white. 
 
 4 To my Beloved I belong, 
 
 And my Belov'd to me ; 
 To feed among the Lily FlowYs, 
 Great Pleafure taketh he. 
 Christ. 
 
 5 O who is (he that looketh forth, 
 
 Like to the Morning Light I 
 
 When it darts out to cbace away 
 
 The Darknefs of the Night. 
 
 6 Fair as the Moon, clear as the Sun, 
 
 With dazzling Beams array *d ; 
 Yet like an Army terrible, 
 
 With Banners all difpiay'd*. *Chap. vi. 10. 
 
 7 She comes up from the Wildernefs, 
 
 She walks and always leans 
 On her Beloved ; for her Heart 
 From all Things elfc (he weans.' 
 
 SONG 
 
286 Scripture Songs 
 
 SONG XVII. 
 
 Christ's Sufferings for us. From Ifa. liii. 
 
 1 T T 7Ho hath belie v'd the faithful Word, 
 
 V V Which we to Men declare i 
 Who feels the Arm of God the Lord 
 Difplayed and made bare ? 
 
 2 Melfiah, like a weak Plant grows, 
 
 A Root from Ground that's dry j 
 No outward Beauty he afTumes, 
 To draw the carnal Eye. 
 
 3 Rejected and defpis'd is he, 
 
 Thro'Sinners Unbelief; 
 A Man of Sorrows all his Days, 
 And well acquaint with Grief. 
 
 4 We hid our Faces when he came, 
 
 To take our wrathful Lot, 
 Defpis'd he was and put to Shame, 
 - And we efteem'd him not. 
 
 5 Of Griefs and Sorrows all his Time, 
 
 For us he bore the Load ; 
 But ah, we judg'd that for his Crime, 
 He (mitten was of God. 
 
 6 But he for our Tran^greflions 
 
 Was wounded and abus T d, 
 His Soul for our Iniquities s 
 
 Moft grievoufly was bruis'd. 
 J On him was laid our Chaftifement, 
 
 By which our Peace he feal'd ; 
 Sharp bloody Stripes be underwent, 
 
 Whereby our Wounds are heal'd. 
 
 8 A41 we like Sheep from God haveitray'dj 
 
 And d/id our own Ways chufe ; 
 And thefe our Sins God on him laid, 
 
 Which Love would not refute. \ 
 
 9 Oppreis'd and wrong'd our Surety ftcod, 
 
 Actufed of Untruth •, 
 
 To 
 
for TXon's Travellers. 287 
 
 To Slaughter went he as a Lamb, 
 And open'd not his Mouth, 
 I© Before the Shearers, like a Sheep, 
 He dumb and filent lyes ; 
 He meekly goes thro* Waters deep, 
 Without repining Cries. 
 II His Soul in trav'ling Anguifh lies, 
 His Pains were multiply'd ; 
 But when the blefTed Fruit he fees, 
 He is well fatisfy'd. 
 
 SONG XVIII. 
 
 ^Thanksgiving/c/- Redeeming Love: Fran 
 Rom, v. and Hzb. xiii. 
 
 1 TT7Hen we were defiitute of Strength, 
 
 V V Ourfelves to help and fave , 
 For the Ungodly Chrift at length, 
 His Life a Ranfom gave. 
 
 2 Scarce any for a righteous Man 
 
 Will dare his Life to ftake ; 
 And for a good Man it were much 
 Such an Exchange to make. 
 
 3 But God hismat^hlefs Love commends, 
 
 When his moft glorious Son 
 Dy'd for us while unrighteous, 
 Vile Sinners and undone. 
 
 4 Since by his Blood Chrift us from Sin 
 
 Doth juflify and free, 
 Then furely from the Wrath to come, 
 We ever fafe (hall be. 
 
 5 If Chrift for Enemies to God 
 
 Did die, to end the Strife ; 
 Much more when reconciled thus, 
 He'll fave us by his Life. 
 
 6 Yea, more than fo, we joy in God, 
 
 Thro' Jefus Chrift our Lord : 
 
 The 
 
236 Scripture Songs 
 
 The great Atonement we receive, 
 And fo obey bis Word. 
 
 7 Now he that's Lord of quick and dead, 
 
 The God of Love and Peace, 
 That from the Grave brought Chrift «ur Head, 
 And him to Life did raife ; 
 
 8 Who, as the Shepherd great and good, 
 
 His Life for us did grant* 
 And did eftablifh, with his Blood, 
 Th' eternal Covenant ; 
 
 9 May he in us his Work fulfil, 
 
 Till us he perfecl make, 
 Still ftrengthning us to do his Will 
 For our Redeemer's Sake ; 
 io And work in us what his Word fays, 
 Is pleafing him before ; 
 Thro' Jefus Chrift, to whom be Praife 
 And Glory evermore. 
 
 SONG XIX. 
 
 Matchless Love in theGitT of CHRIST: from 
 John iii. 14. to ij. 
 
 1 /""\ Wondrous Divine Love to Men ! 
 
 y_J When Wrath 'gainft ui did (well, 
 
 God took our Nature, bore our Guilt, 
 To fave our Souls from Hell. 
 
 2 As Mofes in the Wildernels, 
 
 Did lift high on a Pole 
 A brazen Serpent for (lung Mefr 
 To view and be made whale ; 
 
 3 So Jefus Chrift the Antitype, 
 
 Was lifted up on high 
 Upon the Crofs, that wounded Souk 
 Might look and healed be. 
 
 4 And there, he fays, who'er believes 
 
 In him unfeigned ly, 
 
 Shall 
 
for Zion's Travellers. 2%f 
 
 Shall never perifh in their Sins, 
 But live eternally, 
 
 5 God lov'd the World fo, as to give 
 
 His Son to dwell in Clay, 
 And die, that all who in him truft, 
 
 Might live with God for ay. ,> ~ 
 
 6 Good News! that Chrift there twice declare, 
 
 Ail who in him beleive 
 Arefafe from Hell, and ever (hall 
 With God in Heaven live ; 
 
 7 And that his Son God did not fend 
 
 A loft World to condemn ; 
 But by his Blood he did intend 
 To fave condemned Men. 
 
 8 Believers all with (Thrift live (hall. 
 
 And ne'er condemned he ; 
 The broken Law he fatisfy'd, 
 
 Them for to juftify, 
 o But Vengeance juft for ever lies 
 
 On all the Rebel Race, 
 Who God's Eternal Son defpife, 
 
 And fcorn his offer'd Grace. 
 10 Obey ChrihVs Call who faves the loft, 
 
 Serve God that's One in Three; 
 To Father, Son and Holy Ghoft, 
 
 Give Praile eternally. 
 
 SONG XX. 
 
 GOD's Love in CHRIST unalterable : From Rom. 
 viii. 31. to the End. 
 
 J/^^ OD's Love in Chrift tranfeends our Thoughts, 
 VJ in faving Men from Woe ; 
 If God's for us, and ftands our Friend, 
 Who then can be our Foe ? 
 ? Since God for us fpar'd not his Son, 
 But gave him up to die j 
 
 Hif 
 
290 Scripture So?igs 
 
 His lefler Gifts he'll not refufe, 
 Nor ought that's Good deny. 
 
 3 Who (hall God's elect Ones arraign, 
 
 Whom God hathjuftify'd? 
 Or who will dare thofe to condemn, 
 For whom this Surety dy'd ? 
 
 4 Chrift: dy'd for us : yea, in his Love, 
 
 He rofe up for our Sake, 
 And doth at God's Right Hand for us 
 Sill Interceflion make, 
 
 5 Who from Chrift's Love (hall us divide ! 
 
 Shall Trouble or Diftrefs ? 
 Shall Perfecution or the Sword, 
 
 Famine or Nakednefs ? 
 7 Nay, o'er all thefe we triumph (hall, 
 
 With the celeftiai Pow'rs ; 
 Thro' Jefus Chrift's victorious Love, 
 
 We're more than Conquerors. 
 
 7 I am perfuaded Death, nor Life, 
 
 Nor Principalities ; 
 Nor finite Powers, nor prefent Tkings, 
 Nor yet Futurities : 
 
 8 No Height, no Depth, no Creature flull 
 
 DifTolve the twifted Cord 
 Of mutual Love 'twixt God and us, 
 In Jefus Chrift our Lord. 
 
 9 Unchangeable is Love divine, 
 
 Time makes it not decay ; 
 For thele whom once the Lord doth love, 
 He them doth love for ay. 
 TO From Love, great Mercies us thou giv 'ft, 
 But One we'll fmg of flill ; 
 Eternal Thanks to God for Chrift, 
 His Gift unipeakable ! 
 
 Son* 
 
for ZionV Travellers. 287 
 
 SONG XXI. 
 
 Thnksgiving for GOD's free Love in and thro 1 
 CHRIST, fro?n Eph. i. 3, ire. Eph. iii. 18, trc. 
 
 1 "QLEST be ChrihVs God, and Father dear, 
 
 Q For all our heavenly Fare; 
 In Chrift he hath enriched us, 
 With fp'ritual BlefHngs rare. 
 
 2 In Love he chofe us in his Son, 
 
 Before the World he made, 
 
 To make us blamelefs holy Men, 
 
 Like Chrift our holy Head. 
 
 3 Predeflinate us of his Grace, 
 
 By Jefus Chrift did he, 
 To be adopted Children all, 
 In his own Familie ; 
 
 4 That all the Praife might ftili redound 
 
 To glorious Grace alone ; 
 The Lord hath us accepted made, 
 In his beloved Son : 
 
 5 In whom, thro' his mod precious Blood, 
 
 We have Redemption free, 
 Even full Remiflion of our Sins, 
 That rich Grace all might fee. 
 
 6 In Wifdom God makes Grace to us 
 
 Flow out abundantly, 
 That Grace may be our lading Song, 
 To all Eternity. 
 
 7 May we be grafping with the Saints, 
 
 Chrift's Love to comprehend, 
 Whofe Breadth and Length, and Depth and 
 Do boundlefsly extend ; [Height 
 
 8 And prefs to know that wondrous Love 
 
 Which Knowlege all exceeds, 
 That from his Fulnefs we may have 
 Supply to all our Needs, 
 
 9 Now unto God who can do more, 
 
 Than we can ask or think, 
 
 O © According 
 
288 Scripture So figs 
 
 A ^cording to "ii mighty Power, 
 i ' r ill's Brink. 
 
 10 «• u the Church by Chrift, 
 
 rendered then, 
 Tl i all for evermore ; 
 
 q fay Ameii+ 
 
 SONG XXII. 
 
 #z/r //a/*? ri w CHRIST's Righteousness, and t 1 
 being with him: From Philip, hi. 7, <&c. 2 Cor* 
 v. r, 6*<r. 
 
 1 ^T^HESE Things I heretofore thought Gain, 
 
 X And of them made my Boaft, 
 For Chrift that doth me juftify, 
 I gave them up for ioft. 
 
 2 Yea, c'oubtlefs, 'tis my fist Refolve, 
 
 To count all Things but loft, 
 That 1 the Excellence may know, 
 Of Jefus and his Crofs. 
 
 3 All worldly Things for him I've loft, 
 
 I them a* Dung cfleem, 
 That I may Chrift my Tieafure win, 
 And fafe be found in him. 
 
 4 My Righteotifnefs as Ra^s I quite, 
 
 I plead what Chrift hath done : 
 Tiii* Righteoufnefs which God ordains. 
 By Faith I take alone. 
 
 5 May 1 know Jc'us in that Power, 
 
 ch rais*d him from the Grave, 
 That with him in his Sufferings, 
 I Fellowfhip may have ; 
 
 6 And being conform *d to his Death, 
 
 By dying unto Sin : 
 A Re fur reel on hi eft from Death, 
 I may obtain tl ro' him. 
 
 7 Yea, now we know if this Clay Houfe 
 
 Difiblv'd were off the Field, 
 
 An 
 
for Zion'i" Travellers* 289 
 
 An heavenly Houfe we have on h'gh, 
 "Which God hknfetf doth build. 
 3 With ftrong Defires we thereto; cgrcne, 
 That to us it were giv'n- 
 To know that Bliis, and be new cloth'd 
 "With our pure Houfe in Keav'n. 
 o We walk by Faith, and not by Sight, 
 And hence we often fay. 
 Content we would the Body leave, 
 And dwell with Chrift for ay. 
 10 Faith's Views of Chrift prompt us to feek, 
 And make it dill our Cara? 
 That whether here, or with our Lord, 
 Of his Love we may (hare. 
 
 SONG XXIII. 
 
 ^Thanksgiving for the Fruits cj CKRIST's 
 Resurrection : Front 1 Pet. i. 3, 4, &c% 
 
 1 XT' OR ever bleiTed be the God, 
 J7 And Father of our Lord, 
 Whofe Mercy d< -h to us abound, 
 
 According to his Word : 
 
 2 Wbo hath begotten us again 
 
 Unto a lively Hope, 
 By Chrift his rhxg from the Dead, 
 
 Of Faith the bltiTed Prop. 
 5 For by it we arc vv r ell fee or 'd 
 
 Of an Inheritance, 
 That's not corrupted nor defiTd, 
 
 Nor fades by any Chance; 
 
 4 Which is for us in Heaven relet v' d, 
 
 And we are kf.pt for it, 
 By the Almighty Power of Gcd 
 Thro' Faith, till we be fit. 
 
 5 For that Salvation glorious, 
 
 To be reveal'd at laft, 
 
 O 2 Gf 
 
290 'Scripture Songs 
 
 Of which we wait to be pofTeft, 
 When Time and Days are pad. 
 
 6 In this bled Hope we do rejoice, 
 
 Tho' for a Time we need, 
 Here to be kept in Heavinefs, 
 Thro 1 Trials multiplied. 
 
 7 Our Faith more precious than Gold, 
 
 By Fire is tried here, 
 That unto Praifeit may be found, 
 When Jefus doth appear. 
 
 8 This Jefus, tho' unfeen, we love, 
 
 In him believing (till ; 
 Which yields us Joy unfpeakable, 
 That is of Glory full. 
 
 9 When Jefus comes, we mail receive 
 
 The bleft End of our Faith ; 
 Even the Salvation of our Souls, 
 Procur'd us by his Death. , 
 
 SONG XXIV. 
 
 The Sons of GOD manifefted : From i John iii, 
 
 I, 2, <&C. 
 
 1 'QEhold how rnatchlefs is that Love ! . 
 |> The Father hath beftow'd 
 
 On Men, that we mould be adopt, 
 And call'd the Sons of God ! 
 
 2 His Image he makes us to bear, 
 
 As Sons of heavenly Birth ; 
 TLis Dignity exalts us far 
 Above the Kings on Earth. 
 
 3 Though now the World us doth not know, 
 
 As Chritt it never knew ; 
 Yet God doth own us as his Sons, 
 We're chang'd and born anew. 
 
 4 And what we mall hereafter be, 
 
 It doth not yet appear ; 
 But this we know, when Chrift (hall come, 
 We (hall his Likenefs bear : 
 
 For 
 
for ZionV Travellers. aji 
 
 5 For we (hall fee him as he is, 
 
 And like him (nine full bright : 
 We then come near our glorious Sun, 
 From whom we have our Light. 
 
 6 As Chrift is holy, io mud we ; 
 
 Ail who hope for that Hour, 
 Themleives will alio purifie, 
 As he the Lord is pure. 
 
 7 Let's here, as Strangers, follow Peace, 
 
 And walk with one Accord, 
 And always ftudy Holinefi, 
 As we would fee the Lord. 
 
 8 No Eye hath feen, no Ear hath heard, 
 
 No Heart can Things above 
 Conceive, which Jefus hath prepar'd 
 For them who him do love. 
 
 SONG XXV. 
 
 The glorious TRINITY adord y and C H R I S T's 
 Love cxtoll'd : From Rev. i. 4, 5, &c. Rev. 
 iv.8, isc. 
 
 1 IV /f ^^ we ^ ave Grace an( * P eace from God, 
 JLVA The glorious One in Three, 
 
 Who us created and redeem'd, 
 
 And us doth iancYifie : 
 
 2 Ev'n from the Father who ftill was, 
 
 Who is, and dill (hall be, 
 And from the Sev'nfoid working SpVit, 
 Before his Throne on high ; 
 
 3 From Jefus Chrift the Witnefs true, 
 
 And fir ft- born from the Dead, 
 Who of ail earthly Kings and Powers 
 Is Prince and ruling Head ; 
 
 4 To this great Lord, that fo lov'd Men, 
 
 Such lothfome Men as we, 
 
 As wafh us in his precious Blood, 
 
 Our Souls from Sin to free. 
 
 To 
 
292 OLnpUTC OQIIgS 
 
 5 To him, who made us Kings and Prieftf, 
 
 To God his Father high ; 
 Be Glory and D< minion 
 Thro' all Etern 
 
 6 Behold he comes with flying Clouds. 
 
 Him evei\ Eye dull iee, 
 Anc lielreri who him pierc'd, 
 
 Sh... wail molt hitterlie. 
 
 7 But let eri Lift their Heads 
 
 With Joy, to ile and hear, 
 For then 1 eat Redemption 
 
 To them is very near. 
 
 8 The I ne tLeir Homage pay, 
 
 And Crowns call on the Ground, 
 They never c^afe by night nor Day, 
 
 The es to relound ; 
 
 y " O holy, holy holy Lord, 
 
 " Almighty God alone, 
 " Who ever was, and alio is, 
 
 < c And ever is to tome ! 
 
 10 Oloiy, Power, and Honour ftill, 
 
 Thou'rt worthy to receive ; 
 All Things were made to pleafe thy Will, 
 And by thy Pleafure live. 
 
 11 Moil worthy, Lamb, art thou, they ling, 
 
 To be adored thus ; 
 Let with thy Fraiie HenvVs ManGcns ring 
 For thou waft (lain for us. 
 
 SONG XXVI. 
 
 L A MB thai BMP (bun eternally exjltcd : J 
 Rev. v. 
 
 X r a ^HE heav'nly Holts and E 'n, 
 
 ^_ To bow before the Lamb, 
 With golden Harps and iweeteft Tunes, 
 \ trampei forth Mi Fame. 
 
 1 They 
 
for Zion'j' Travellers. 293 
 
 2 They cry, " O Father, who fhall look 
 
 (t Into thy fecret Will ? 
 " Worthy the Lamb to take the Book, 
 " And open ev'ry Seal. 
 
 3 u ThouVt fit God's MyhVries to reveal, 
 
 fl For thou wait flain for us, 
 <l And thy Blood purchas'd us to God, 
 " Which thou fliedil on the Crofs. 
 
 4 " From ev'ry Nation, Kindred, Tongue, 
 
 " Thy precious Blood us bought ; 
 u Well thou delerv'ft our praifing Songs, 
 Who us Salvation brought. 
 
 5 " Unto the Lamb that once was flain, 
 
 t€ Be endlefs Praifes giv n, 
 u By all that dwell upon the Earth, 
 " And all the Hods of Heav n. 
 
 6 u Thou halt us ranfom'd with thy Blood, 
 
 <( And fet us Pris ners free ; 
 u Thou makTfc us Kings and Priefts to God, 
 11 And we fhall reign with thee." 
 
 7 Let's join, while here, our cheaiful Songs, 
 
 With Hods around the Throne, 
 Ten thouland Thoufands are their Tonguei, 
 Yet all agree in one. 
 
 8 " Worthy the Lamb that dy'd, they cry, 
 
 " To be exalted thus, 
 u Worthy the Lamb, let is reply, 
 u For he was flain for us. 
 
 9 " The Lamb is worthy to receive 
 
 " Strength, Wildom, Richer, Might ; 
 " Eternal Honours we afcribe 
 " To him, for 'tis his Right. 
 
 10 " Let Heav n and Earth unite in one, 
 
 i( To praife the glorious Name 
 « Of him that fits upon the Throne, 
 # And to adore the Lamb." 
 
 SONG 
 
294 Scripture Songs 
 
 SONG XXVII. 
 
 A View of the Saints ^Martyrs in Heaven : 
 From Rev. vii. 
 
 1 T E T'$ view by Faith the Saints above, 
 
 Jj j Redeem'd from Sin by Jefus' Love ; 
 
 Their various Tribes, their (\veet Employ, 
 In Raptures of eternal Joy. 
 
 2 The Patriarch's, with Jacob's Race, 
 Rais'd up to Heav'n by God's free Grace ! 
 With Songs they praife their Father's God, 
 Who led them home the heav'nly Road. 
 
 3 Next, fee a numerous Multitude, 
 Redeemed from Hell by Jefus* Blood, 
 From ev'ry Nation, Kindred, Tongue, 
 Who (ing an everlafting Song. 
 
 4 In white Robes cloath'd they all do (land, 
 With Palms of Triumph in their Hand : 
 
 u Salvation to God on the Throne, 
 €i They cry, and to the Lamb his Son." 
 
 5 Next thefe, come Angels, and fall down, 
 Humbly adoring Three in One ; 
 
 " They cry, Amen, give Glory, Pow'r, 
 u And Thanks to God for evermore." 
 
 6 But whence come thefe in white who (hine 
 AH cloath'd with Righteoufnefs Divine ? 
 Thefe come from Sufferings great to God, 
 Their Robes they wauVd in the Lamb's Blood, 
 
 7 The Martyrs Trials now are o'er, 
 They fee God's Face for evermore ; 
 
 The Lamb makes fure their heav'nly Blifs, 
 They've faid, He's ours, and we are his. 
 
 8 No more the Heat fhall them torment 
 Of fcorching Sun they've no Complaint ; 
 The Lamb, who mines amidft the Throne, 
 Shall be their everlafting Sun. 
 
 9 To Father, Son and Holy Ghoft, 
 One God, who faved us when loft, 
 
 Be 
 
for ZionV Travellers. 295 
 
 Be everlafting Glory giv'n, 
 
 By all on Earth, and all in Heaven. 
 
 SONG XXVIII. 
 
 Christ'/ Viftory and Babylon'* Downfal : From 
 Rev. xviii. and Rev. xv. &c; 
 
 1 "O Ehold, an Angel doth defcend, 
 j3 With Power and Glory great ; 
 To Earth he comes, for a good End, 
 
 Bleft Tidings to relate! 
 
 2 " Great Babylon that did enthral 
 
 " The Kingdoms of the Earth, 
 u The Time is come for her to fall, 
 " Which calls for holy Mirth. 
 
 3 " Let Heav'ns be glad, with all the Saints, 
 
 " Let Prophets all rejoice ; 
 u God doth avenge your long Complaints ; 
 " With Praife lift up your Voice. 
 
 4 " A Milftone's call by Gabriel, 
 
 " And in the Sea is drown'd ! 
 " Thus terribly {hall Babel fall, 
 " And never more be found." 
 
 5 Upon the Sea of Glafs tbeyftand, 
 
 The Bead who overcome, 
 With Harps of Gold into their Hand, 
 To celebrate her Doom. 
 
 6 Thefe Conquerors do meet in Throngs, 
 
 And to Jehovah's Name, 
 They pleafantly unite the Songs 
 Of Mofes and the Lamb. 
 7 By Mofes 9 Hand, the Enemy 
 Did fink deep in the Flood ; 
 So drovvn'd our Sins are in the Sea 
 Of Je'us' precious Blood. 
 3 The Conquerors with fluent Tongues, 
 Chrift's Honour will proclaim, 
 
 Pp In 
 
296 Scripture Songs 
 
 In fweeter Notes than Mo/is* Songs, 
 They'll tune thofe of the Lamb. 
 
 9 All Nations fh.il I to thee bow down, 
 
 And worfhip rev'rently, 
 When once thy Judgements are made known, 
 Againft thine Enemy. 
 
 10 The Hofts of God, with one Confent, 
 
 Shall Hallelujah's fing ; 
 When the Lord God Omnipotent, 
 Takes his great Pow'r to reign. 
 
 11 At length will end the Devil's Reign, 
 
 Over the Sons of Men ; 
 Let H^av'n and Earth rejoice and fing, 
 With all that dwell in them. 
 
 SONG XXIX. 
 
 The Good News of the Ransom of Christ'j 
 Blood. 
 
 1 ^ Reat Pity God (hews 
 VJI To Gentiles and Jews ; 
 
 He fent them his Got pel to bring them good News. 
 
 Good News to the Loft, 
 
 With racking Fears tofs'd, 
 That found is a Ranfom, in which they may boaft. 
 
 2 A Ranfom of Blood, 
 That runs like a Flood, 
 
 Their Sins 01T to carry, who God's Law withftood. 
 News ! that Chrift was kind, 
 When Hell's Pow'rs combin'd, 
 
 To rout them, he freelv hu dear Life refign'd. 
 
 3 Blood ftream'd from hit Side, 
 T' attone ^or our Pride ; 
 
 Sin was the Tormentor that him crucify 'd. 
 Whefl wc have Lim vie" 
 With his Blood imbru'd, 
 iy we by this Profpecl get all Sin fubdu'd. 
 
 4 What 
 
for Zion' \s Travellers. . 297 
 
 4 What Sight do we fee ? 
 Chrift ftretch'd on the Tree, 
 
 For Rebels as we are, mod willing to die ! 
 
 Pains dreadful he felt, 
 
 O let our Hearts melt 
 For Sin that did pierce him, when he bore our Guilt. 
 
 5 Since for Sins of Men, 
 God's dear Lamb was flain, 
 
 Hard muft the Man's Heart be, thaf yet feels no Pain. 
 
 When the Sun did faint, 
 
 And hardeft P^ocks rent, 
 Shall we be fo ftubborn, as never relent ! 
 
 6 Our glorious Head, 
 Our Viclim was made, 
 
 To heal us when wounded, his Blood all he fhed , 
 
 In our Place he flood, 
 
 And pour'd out his Blood, 
 Yea, gives us free Accefs to that healing Flood. 
 
 7 Chrift's Feaft we'll attend, 
 And his Love commend, 
 
 We'll think on his Sufferings till our Hearts do rend. 
 
 His Wounds I'll not view, 
 
 Like a harden*d few, 
 But when let before me ; my Grief I'll renew. 
 
 SONG XXX. 
 
 The News of Christ's pierced Feet : From Ifa»< 
 
 liii. 7. 
 
 1 TTOW beautiful upon the Mount! 
 
 XJL Were Chrift's Feet piere'd on our Account, 
 
 Where he was crucify 'd ! 
 His Feet, tho' nailed to theTree, 
 Swift Tidings bring to you and me, 
 Cod's Wrath is pacify V. 
 a Tidings that Chrift has puvchas'd Peace, 
 With Treaiures full of needful Grace, 
 To fupply all our Wants. 
 
 Good 
 
298 Scripture Songs 
 
 Good News ! that he hath purchas'd Room, 
 For ev'ry needy Soul to come, 
 To ft a?id fcajl with Saints. 
 
 3 Were Men at God's Bar ftritfly try'd, 
 None living could be juftify'd, 
 
 All would be guilty found. 
 From Juftice Throne we Sinners fly, 
 To Chrift our bleeding Prieft on high, 
 
 Where Mercy doth abound. 
 
 4 In Chrift's the proper Mercy-feat, 
 Where we with God may humbly treat, 
 
 In him God's fatisfy'd. 
 His Blood hath Juftice reconcii'd, 
 Its flaming Sword hath quit the Field, 
 
 Juftice is on our Side. 
 
 5 Now God his Friendlinefs to prove, 
 Invites us to a Feaft of Love, 
 
 A rich and coftly Feaft ; 
 To partake of the rareft Food, 
 Pardon and Peace thro' his Son's Blood, 
 
 Which Angels ne'er did tafte. 
 
 6 Lord, Sin, the Murderer here (lands, 
 
 That riere'd thy Heart, thy Feet and Hands , 
 
 For which I mourn and grieve. 
 Lord, give a ilrong couragious Faith, 
 To doom each darling Luft to Death. 
 Siu (hall no longer live. 
 
 7 This Foe my Saviour betray'd, 
 
 It bound and hawl'd him to be try'd, 
 
 And rais'd the furious Cry, 
 To crucify the Lord our H«ad : 
 Put, good News ! he roie from the Dead, 
 
 Apd fields for us on hi^h. 
 
 SONG 
 
for Zion'j' Travellers. 29$ 
 
 SONG XXXI. 
 
 The LAMB's Battle and Victory. 
 
 1 rnr^HE Lamb fought for me, 
 
 My Foes vanquiih'd he ; 
 The Lion he conquer'd, when naiFd to the Tree. 
 
 The Lamb when he fought, 
 
 Great Victory brought ; 
 Our Freedom from Bondage to Satan he wrought. 
 
 2 The Lamb for us dy'd, 
 He was crucify 'd ; 
 
 Yet, when at the ioweft, Hell's Pow'rs he defy'd. 
 
 He lay in the Grave, 
 
 Our loft $ou!s t0 * a ve ; 
 Yet rofe as our Champion, mod valiant and brave. 
 
 3 He fought and he fell, 
 Yet overcame Hell ; 
 
 He conquer 5 d and triumph'd, for fuch as rebel. 
 
 He rofe for our Sake ; 
 
 And did the Earth (hake, 
 The Devils and Keepers to tremble did make. 
 
 4 Then Rocks they did rend ; 
 Him Angels attend, 
 
 He taught his Difciples, till he did afcend. 
 
 He went up in Might, 
 
 With Chariots of Light ; 
 A Cloud him received, out of his Friends Sight. 
 
 5 Above he did land, 
 
 Sits on God's Right-hand, 
 
 Our High Prieft and Sov'reign, all Things to corn- 
 There he pleads on high, [mand. 
 Loud doth his Blood cry, 
 
 For Pardon to Sinners, who to him do fly. 
 
 6 The Lamb's Judge of ail, 
 The Dead he will call, 
 
 All mil ft ftand before him, be they great or fmall. 
 
 His Mercy is great, 
 
 His Blood paid our Debt, 
 He will then abiolve us, when judgment is fer. 
 
 7 Of 
 
300 Scripture Songs 
 
 7 Of Chrift that did die, 
 
 But now reigns on high, 
 Our Songs with fweet Mufic, we'll fpread thro' the 
 
 With both Hearts and Tongues, [Sky. 
 
 We'll fing the Lamb's Songs, 
 Let ev'ry Soul join us, that to him belongs. 
 
 SONG XXXII. 
 
 CHRIST'S Sufferings, ^ to Love to Be- 
 lieving Souls. 
 
 1 YT 7 Hen Jefus pour'd out Blood and Tears, 
 
 VV A finking Load of Wrath he bears, 
 
 God's Juftice to appeafe. 
 A bloody Robe for us he wore, 
 His Soul in Pain did travel fore, 
 
 And all to bring us Eafe. 
 
 2 The Ploughers his dear Back did plough, 
 Their Scourges here long Furrows drew, 
 
 In which his Blood did run. 
 They him expos'd to all dii^race, 
 They fpat upon his blefled Face, 
 
 His Loye this did not fnun. 
 2 He bore our Curfe and Punifhment, 
 Shed Blood till ev'ry Drop was fpent, 
 
 To ranfom us from Wrath. 
 Who can his Love enough commend, 
 That faves all Criminals condemn'd, 
 
 Who look to him by Faith ? 
 
 4 From Sin and Wrath thou dofl: relieve, 
 The Chief of Sinners who believe, 
 
 Thy Wounds do them inclofe : 
 Their Souls in thefe thy People hide, 
 And there they conflantly abide, 
 
 Safe from their deadly Foes. 
 
 5 A Skrecn from Wrath, I know of none, 
 But Jefus 1 Righteoufnefs alone ; 
 
 Which covers all our Sin. 
 
 Stria 
 
for Zion's Travellers. 301 
 
 Strict Trial this can well endure, 
 For it is infinitely pure, 
 
 No Flaw is found therein. 
 
 6 Thou when on Earth the Sick didft heal, 
 And to the hungry Bread didft deal, 
 
 Our Souls when ftarving Teed : 
 More precious they are than Clay ; 
 Lord Jefus, pity Souls this Day, 
 
 And fatisfy our Need. 
 
 7 Believers by thee are beiov'd ; 
 A Kindorp, ne'er to he remov'd, 
 
 Shall unto them be giv'n. 
 Rich Crowns on them thou wilt beftow, 
 » No Matter what they Want below, 
 They'll be made up in Heav'n. 
 
 SONG XXXIII. 
 
 CHRIST'S great Sufferings bring great Bene- 
 fit/a Uf. 
 
 1 r~p<HE Lamb filent flood, 
 
 JL While Men filed his Blood ! 
 Himfelf he gave freely, to be our Souls Food. 
 
 Crown'd was he with Thorn, 
 
 Us'd with Spite and Scorn, 
 Yet patiently bore it, to fave thee forlorn. 
 
 2 Expofed he ftands, 
 
 With nail'd Feet and Hands, 
 Deep pierced, long bleeding, to pay Law's Demands, 
 *No Man's Tongue. can tell, 
 What Grief him bcfcl, 
 In faving loft Sinners, from finking to Hell. 
 3 He was doom'd to die; 
 On Mount Calvary, 
 Sore prefs'd he did utter his laft bitter Cry. 
 Our Guilt which he bore, 
 Scjueez'd Blood from each Pore, 
 Great was his Soul's Torture, that made him to roar. 
 
 4 His 
 
302 Scripture Songs 
 
 4 His Wounds bring us Peace, 
 His Pains give us Eafe, 
 
 From Sin's Pow'r and Bondage they do us releafe. 
 
 Cbrift frying Souls fought, 
 
 Their Pardon he bought, 
 From Satan's vile Slavery their Freedom he wrought. 
 
 5 Lord, thy Love's divine, 
 It doth kindle mine, 
 
 O let it caufe in me all Graces to fhine. 
 
 Dead Souls to revive, 
 
 When they Life derive, 
 From thy Wounds, the Fountain that makes Men 
 
 6 I'm finfui and vile, [alive. 
 My Heart's full of Guile, 
 
 It will be free Mercy if on me thou fmile. 
 
 Lord, do not defpiie 
 
 My Soul's feeble Cries, 
 Receive a loft Sinner that to thy Blood flies. 
 
 7 This Blood faves from Hell. 
 And Fears doth difpel, 
 
 The Thunders of Sitiai, the Lamb's Blood doth 
 I plead thy free Grace, [quell. 
 
 One Smile of thy Face, 
 
 Or Word to me fpoken, would fill me with Peace. 
 
 finis. 
 
: 
 
 APPENDIX- 
 
 Containing 
 
 I. A Lecture on i Cor. xu i 7* to the 
 
 * End. 
 
 II' A Preparation Se.rmon from Jof. 
 
 iii. 5. 
 III. An Action Sermon from Cant. 
 
 ii. 4. 
 
 All taken from the Author's Manufcripts, and ne- 
 ver before publifhed. 
 
 A Lecture on 1 Cor. xi. 17* to the End, 
 concerning the Inftitution of theLoRD's 
 Supper, 
 
 Verfe 17. Nov in this that I declare untc you, Ipraije 
 
 you net, that you come together, not for the better 
 
 but for the ivorfe. 
 18. For fir ft of all, when ye come together in the 
 
 Churchy I hear that there be Divifions among you ; 
 
 and I partly believe it. 
 Jo. For there muft be alfohereftes among y mi, that they 
 
 r ::hich are approved may be made manifeft among ycu. 
 
 IN this PaiTage the Apoftle takes Occafion to re- 
 prove the great Diibrder* and Abufes crept in 
 among them in admiitrating and partaking of 
 the Lord's Supper; which (as the Ancients tell us) 
 was' commonly adminiilrate with a Love- read an- 
 nexed to it, which give Occafion to the fcandalous 
 Diforders here reprehended. 
 
 Verfe 17. We have the Manner of his introducing 
 the Charge, N$w in this thai I declare unii 
 
C 3°« ] ' 
 
 fralfe you not, &c. Which (hews his Will ingnefs to 1 
 commend them fo far as he could. But inch icanda- 
 lous Difordersas they were guilty of in fo facred an 
 Inftihition, he could not pfi, without a fharp Reproof. 
 Why ? they hr erted the" very End and Defign of the 
 Ordinance, which was intended to m;.ke them bet- 
 ter, or to promote their jpiritual Interests, but it 
 really made them worie. Wherefore he fays, they 
 come together not jor the better but the worje. 
 
 Objerve 1. That Chrilt's Ordinances, if they do 
 not make us hetter, they are apt to make us worfe. — 
 If they do us no Good, they may do us Harm ; if 
 they do not melt and mend, they w ill harden ; and 
 that Corruptions wil! he confirmed in us, if the pro- 
 per Means do not woik a Cure of them. 2. It con- 
 cerns us all to enquire into the Succek of Ordinances 
 and (olemn Meetings. O 'tis fad, if our Meetings 
 tend to the Increate of our Sin, inftead of the In- 
 creafe of our Grace. Let us earneftly deprecate 
 this. 
 
 Verfe 18. For fit ft of ally uuheJi ycu c:vie together in 
 the Churchy I hear there be Dhifions a?mng you, &c. 
 Tney fell into Divisions, Sects, Parties, and Faclions r 
 in their celebrating of this Ordinance ; they fell a 
 quarrelling one with another cboi\t Meats and Drinks 
 in the Love-feafts, or about the Order of their dr \. n • 
 fitting, or the Time when they fhould begin, or did 
 not (lay till they all came up. The whole Church 
 did not join together, but they eat it feparatelv : there 
 was alio Uncharitablends, Alienation of Affections, 
 DHcord and Contentions among them, which very 
 much marred their Edification, and Su< cefs of the 
 Gofpcl. 
 
 Qveft. Seeing Schifrns are mentioned here, what 
 is meant thereby ? Who 'are guilty of Schilm, and 
 who are Schi (ma ticks ? Anfiv. Tn Scripture the Won! 
 is varioufiy takci f I 'Tis taken for a Difference in 
 Opinions and Sentiments about fome Points, when- 
 
 there 
 
C 3«>7 3 
 
 there is no Heat of Contention, or r reach of Com* 
 inunian. Such a Divifion or Schifm was among the 
 Pharrfees, about Chrift's curing tbe blind Man, John 
 ix. 16. 'tis faid '* there was a Divifion among them," 
 originally yj^ a « ^ricl fuch Schifms may be a- 
 mong Orthodox Divines about leder Poin s, and yet 
 managed without giving Offence 2. The general 
 Senfe of the Word is, a dividing and breaking off 
 from the Communion of the Church in public Ordi- 
 nances, without Caufe, like thefe Heb. 10. 25. Not 
 for faking the ajfsmbling of ourfelves together •, as the 
 Manner of Jome is. And in this Sen'e the Antients 
 •take Schifm as diflinguilhed from Hereiy. Augaflne 
 faith, Sch'tfmaticosfacit non diver fa fides f fed commu- 
 nionis difrupta focietas. 2. In this Place, and com- 
 monly in other Places of Scripture, as 1 C6r*A i. 10. 
 I Cor. iii. 4» 1 Cor xii. 25. the Word ^Jfta is 
 taken for uncharitable, contentious and divifive Prac- 
 tices among the ProfeMbrs of the Go. pel, without 
 breaking off from the Communion of the Church ; 
 when People are chargeable with uncharitable Con- 
 tentions and Difcords, and Alienation of Affections 
 from their Brethren ; for here they came together, 
 and yet were Fchifmaticks. 
 
 Obferve. There may be Schifm, where there is no 
 Separation of Communion. Perfons may attend Ordi- 
 nances together, and fit together at the Lord's Table, 
 and yet be Schifm aticks in Scripture Senfe, by Reafon of 
 •their uncharitable Contentions, and Alienation of Af- 
 fections : Whereas Chriftians may feparate from one 
 anothers Communion, and yet be charitable towards 
 one another ; and this is not fo much Schifm in Scrip- 
 ture Senfe, as to be uncharitable and contentious. 
 
 The Apoftle had had a Report of thefe Divifions, 
 which he did the more eaflly believe ; becaufe he 
 knew there behoved not only to be Divifions but He- 
 re fies a 1 fo, that is, falfe Doctrines, more dangerous 
 than Schifms ; for Herefies are corrupt Opinions which 
 
 finks 
 
C 308 ] 
 
 ftrike at the Fundamentals of Chnftianity and all 
 found Religion. Here/}, according to the modern 
 Senfe or the Word, is an error in the Fundamen- 
 tals of Religion maintained with Obflinacy ; tho' we 
 cannot lay the Word neceflarily imports iiich. a ftrong 
 Senfe in this Place, Herefy and Schifm fometimes be- 
 ing fynonymous Terms. 
 
 Gbferve 1. We have no Caufe to wonder that there 
 fhoufd be Breaches of Ghriftian Love in the Church, 
 when we know fuch Oifences will come as (hall make 
 Shipwreck of Faith and a good Conlcience. 
 
 Quefl. How fays the Apoflle, Herefies mujl come ? 
 What Neceflity is there for them ? Anjw. There is 
 no Neceflky of Force upon any iMan to broach them, 
 any further than his own Corruption, Pride, vain 
 Glory, Envy or contentious Spirit, or Satan's Temp- 
 tation prompts him to it. But the Event is certain, 
 becaufe of God's Decree permitting them, who by 
 his VVifdom orders them for wife Ends, that they 
 who are approved, ??iay be wade manifelj, by their 
 conftant adhering to the Truth againft' all the 
 Temptations of Seducers. 
 
 Gbferve 2. A Time of Temptation afjd Seduction 
 is a Time of Trial and Difcovery, who are fincere 
 and conftant Adherers to the Truths and Ways of 
 God, and who not. 
 
 Gbferve 3. It is a Pleafure to God to fee the Faith 
 and Conikancy of his upright Ones diicovered to the 
 World. 
 
 Gbferve 4. The Wifdom of God can make the Er- 
 rors and Wickednels of others a Foil to the Piety 
 and Integrity of the Saints. 
 
 Verie 20. IV ben ye come together therefore intQ one 
 Place, this is not to eat the L*rd\< Supper. 
 
 21. For in eating every o?ie taketh before other his 
 own Supper; and one is hungry f and another is 
 drunken. 
 
 The 
 
n s°9 ] 
 
 The Heathens ufed to eat and drink plentifully at 
 their Feafts upon their Sacrifices ; and this profane 
 Cuftom was creeping in among the wealthier Corin- 
 thians. Many think the Apoitle was pointing here 
 at their 'Ayasrar, or Love Feafts, that in thefe 
 Times either preceeded or followed the Lord's Sup- 
 per ; and they are called Love-Feafts, becaufe they 
 were deGgned to manifeft: their Love to their Fellow 
 Chriltans, both Poor and Rich, and the Poor carri- 
 ed away what was left at them : And alfo t'hey had 
 them to reprelent our Lord's laft Supper, in which 
 he eat the Pafcbal Lamb, before he inftituted that 
 Ordinance now called the Lord's Supper. Thefe 
 Love Feafts were founded on no Command of Chrift, 
 but came in by Cuftom, and by the Jews who became 
 Chriftians. Theie would needs have an Appendix or 
 Appurtenance of the Lord's Supper; and in Imitati- 
 on of Chrift's eating the Pafchal Lamb before the 
 Lord's oupper, would have a Feaft or Supper of their 
 own to preceed the Lord's Supper ; and having pro- 
 vided it at home, would needs bring it to the Place 
 where the Church met. To this Feaft: all the Poor 
 were invited at the Charges of the Rich, as an Ex- 
 preflion of their perfect Lo\e and Charity one to- 
 wards another. But in this Church great Abufes 
 crept in, in this Practice ; the poor Chriftians were 
 neglected and defpifed. The Rich did either not invite 
 them, or did not wait for them : But the Rich halted 
 to eat what they had brought with them, and fome 
 of them eat and drank to excefs, io that one was 
 hungry, another was drunken. The Apoille inveighs 
 againlt this Practice, as turning a Feaft of Charity 
 into a Debauch, and as that which made them inca- 
 pable to partake of the Lord's Supper. This was a 
 fcandalous Irregularity, a profaning a facred Inftitu- 
 tjori* and corrupting a Divine Orcinance to the Isfl 
 Degree. What fhould have beea a Bond of mutual 
 
 Amity 
 
C 3^° ] 
 
 Amity and Affect on, was made an Inftrument of 
 Difcord and Difunion. 
 
 Obfsrve I. Duties not done as they ought, are 
 not done at ail in Cbriflft Account. — Or a carelefs 
 eating and drinking of the Lord'sSupper is as good 
 as none, yea worle than no eating. So Prayers may 
 be made, yet not made; Sacraments received, yet 
 not received. Alms given, yet not given, becaufc 
 not done in the Manner and Form required by God. 
 
 Obferve 2. A fincere Soul muft and will look not 
 only to the Flatter of the Duty, but alio to the 
 Manner of performing it. 
 
 Obferve 3. It is a heinous Evil for Chviltians to 
 treat their Fellow Chriftians with Contempt and Info- 
 lence, efpecially at the Lord's Table: For the Rich 
 to delpife the Poor, this is a great Evil. 
 
 Obf 4. That even in the apoftolical and primitive 
 Times, great Dilbrdersand Irregularities had crept into 
 the Church ; and that there is no Church without 
 Spot in this imperfect State. 
 
 Obf £. That the A poftle, notwithstanding of thefe, 
 doth not direct the one Part of the Corinthians to fe- 
 parate from the other; but he only reproves and 
 rectifies their Abufes. He doth not fay, Withdraw 
 from fuch perfons, for they will pollute the Ordi- 
 nance to you. No, if they be polluted, it is to 
 themfelves, and not to others. He eats and drinks 
 Damnation to hhnfelf Every Man mail bear his 
 own Burden. Wherefore, fays he, Let a Man exa- 
 mine bimfelf not his Neighbour. The Apo(t!e doth 
 not encourage Separation upon that Ground, that 
 there were fcandalous Perfons admitted in CoYinth, 
 even fome drunk about the Time of partaking, which 
 might be the Occafion of their divided Way of com- 
 municating. But he reproves their divided Communi- 
 cating, and charges them to come together to the 
 Lord's Supper, and tarry for one another. He in- 
 deed fharply reproves their fcandalous Practice, and 
 
 telle 
 
C 3ii 3 
 
 tells them that it was moft hazardful to themfelves 
 to communicate unworthily, butfpeaks of no Dan- 
 ger to other?. He commands them to examine 
 themf elves, and fo to eat, but not to examine their 
 Fellow Communicants, which certainly he had done, 
 if their joining with them had made them Partakers 
 of their Sin and Danger. 
 
 Verfe 22. What, have ye not Houfes to eat and to 
 drink in P or defpife ye the Church of God, and Jhame 
 them that have not ? What Jh ail I fay to you ? fhall 
 1 praife you in this ? I praije younot. 
 
 The Apoftle here doth condemn both the Abufes 
 of thole Fealts, and alio their keeping them in the 
 Place where the Church met. Some underhand the 
 Church, of the Houfe wherein the Church met, and 
 call their feafting there, a profaning or unhal- 
 lowing the Place fet apart for divine Worftnp. O- 
 thers underftand it of the People or poor Members 
 there met. Why do ye delpife them ? by exclud- 
 ing them from your Company, becaufe of their Po- 
 verty ; and lb ye put them to Shame, whom God 
 has adopted, and admitted into his Family. This 
 Feaft was originally defigned for the Poor's Relief, 
 and ye exclude them from it. 
 
 Obf. i The defpifing of the poor Members of 
 the Church, is a defpifmg of the Church itfelf, yea, 
 Chrift the Head of the Church, as he that pincheth 
 the little Toe, paineth the whole Body, and the 
 Head too. 
 
 Cbj\ i. With what Lenity and Mildnefs the A- 
 poitle reproves thefe great Diiorders, Shall I praije 
 you ? It was the firft Time he had told them of their 
 Faults, in Hopes of Amendment, and therefore doth 
 k gently,- and fome think this gentle Way of Re- 
 proof had the due Effect, becaufe no Fault is taveel 
 in the fecond Epiftle that was reproved in the firft. 
 
 Verfe 2 5 . For I have received of the Lord, that which 
 I a(fo delivered unto you, That the Lord Jefus, the 
 
 lamt 
 
[ 3*2 ] 
 
 fame Night in which he was betrayed, took Bread. 
 
 24. And when he had given Thanks, he brake it, 
 and f aid, Take, eat ; this is my Body, which is bro» 
 hen for you: This do in Remembrance cf me. 
 
 25. After the fame Manner alfo he took the Cup, 
 when he had flipped, faying, This Cup is the new Tef- 
 tament in 7ny Blood ; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, 
 in Remembrance of me. 
 
 26. For as often as ye eat this Bread, and drink 
 this Cup, ye dojbew the Lord's Death till he co?ne. 
 
 Arter reproving their Dilbrders, he reduces them 
 to the primitive Inftitution, and tell* them, how he 
 came by the Knowledge of it, feeing he was not a- 
 mong the Apoftles at the firft Inftitution. It was 
 by Revelation from Chrift ; and what he had received 
 of the Lord, he communicated to them without va- 
 rying from the Truth in the leaft, without adding 
 or diminifhing. As if he had faid, i( As for thefc 
 '" Love Keafts preceeding the Lord's Supper, / re* 
 €t ceived nothing from the Lord ; you have borrowed 
 u them from Jews or Heathens : But all that I re- 
 l( ceived from the Lord concerning the Lord's Sup- 
 u per, I here fet before you." And indeed he gives 
 a more particular Account of the Inftitution than 
 we meet with elfewhere. 
 
 1. We have the Author of it, the Lord Jefus 
 Chrift. Obf 'Tis an Aft of ChriftVs royal Power and 
 Authority, as King and Head of the Church, to in- 
 flitute Sacraments. The Church has no Power to 
 appoint fich, but only to execute and adminifter 
 what Chrift appoints : And as it is ChriftVs Ordi- 
 nance, we fhould have a fpecial Regard to it, and 
 not profane or neglect it. 
 
 2. We have the '1 rime of the Inftitution, the fame 
 N'ght in which he was betrayed ; when he was enter- 
 ing on his Soul Sufferings in the Garden, and going 
 next Day to the Croft ; a Night much to be remenv 
 kred, being the laft Night before ChriftVs Death; 
 
 the 
 
[ J* i 3 
 
 the Night wherein he began his bitter Agonies, and 
 fwate the bloody Sweat for us ; a Night, wherein he 
 faw Heaven, Earth and Hell, even Juftice, Men and 
 Devils, drawn up in a Battle array againfl him. A won- 
 drous Inftance of his Love, in fpending lb much of that 
 little Time he had in the World (when he feemad 
 to have more Need to mind himfelf ) in fettling an 
 Ordinance for the Confirmation and Coniolation of 
 his People, to the End of the World.. Whatever 
 
 come of himfelf, his People muft not be forgot. 
 
 Obferve from the Time of the lnftitution, the Night 
 before his futfering, that it is very neceflary when Suf- 
 ferings are approaching, to have Recourfe to the 
 Lord's Table, which affords both an Antidote againfl: 
 Fear, and a Reftorative and Cordial to Faith. Where- 
 fore Chrift, for our Example, commuoicated with 
 his Difciples the Night before he fuffered. 
 
 3. We have the Sacramental Elements, or the me* 
 morative, fignificative and inftruclive Signs, Bread 
 and Wine. 
 
 4. The Things fignified thereby, the Body and 
 Blood of Chrift, his Body broke and Blood ihed, to- 
 gether with all the Benefits which flow from his 
 Death and Sacrifice. 
 
 Obferve 1. There is no Tranfubftantiation, as the 
 Papifts, abfurdly imagine. Why ? Paul calls that 
 which is eaten Bread five Times over in this pafTage, 
 and even after what the Papifts call Confecration. 
 A plain Argument that the Apoltle knew nothing of 
 their monftrous Doctrine, which makes the Bread by 
 the Words of Confecration to be changed into the 
 Subftance of Chrili's Body, only the Accidents of 
 Jkead remaining ; which affronts and deftroys the 
 Nature of a Sacrament, and gives the Lie to our Sen- 
 fes. 'Tis called his Body, becaufe it was a Sign- and 
 Reprefentation of it, not his real Body to be fure . 
 for then it would follow that Chrift eat his own Bod* 
 Avhile alive ; and that his Difciples did the fame ; yea 
 R r that 
 
C 3 12 3 
 
 tl^at they devoured that Body over Night which hung 
 upon t lie Crofs next Morning, with a Thousand fuch 
 like Abiurdities. But whether the Papifts will or 
 not, they mult admit of a figurative ExprefTion in this 
 Paflage ; For when Chrift fays, This Cup is the New- 
 tefl anient in Piy Blood, they muft mean that which 
 was in the Cup, and not the vefTel that held it ; 
 and this if. the ordinary Sacramental Dialect, con- 
 cerning Ciic-imcifion and the PafTover. Circumcifion 
 iscalleJ God's Covenant, Gen. xvii. 18. ft e. the 
 Sign of it. Alfo the Lamb is called the Pajfover, 
 Exod. xii. 11. /. e. the Sign of it. 'Tis true the 
 Heathens laid it to the Charge of the primitive 
 Chriftians, that they eat human Flefh ; but falfly, 
 as appears by the Apology made for the primivive 
 Chrittians, by Tertull.an and others ; which Apolo- 
 gy had oeen fal'fc, had they daily eaten the Flefh of 
 Chfift in the Sacrament. It hath been always rec- 
 koned a molt deteftable Tiling to eat human Flefh, 
 and much more is it to eat the God we worfhip, and 
 devour him whom we pretend to adore. 
 
 Obf. 2. That both Bi^ad and Cup are ufed togerher, 
 which (hews the unwarrantable Ufurpationof the Pa- 
 pills in depriving the La ty of the Cup. It is direct- 
 ly contrary to Gift's Inilicution; for our Saviour, 
 (as it wer<-:) foreleeing the Papifls Encroaehment in 
 this Matter, is more expreis in his Injuncton concer- 
 ning the Cup, than the Bread, in thefe Words, Mat. 
 xxvi. 27. Drink re all of it ; and their Obedience is 
 recorded of the Cup, and not of the Bread, Mark 
 xiv. 27. And they all drank of it. Now, why is 
 Chrift: (b exprefs in this ? Surely it was, becaufe lie 
 forefiiw in the After-ages this Ordinance would be dif- 
 membred, by the Prohibation of the Cup to the Laity, 
 and that by the Popifh Councils and Canons, with an 
 fciprels Non-objlante to the Command of Chrift. 
 
 5. We have the facramental Actions, both on the 
 Minider's and Peoples Part. 
 
 For the firft, Our Lord took the Bread; he bleffed 
 
 it, 
 
C 3*3 ] 
 
 ft, he brake it, lie gave it to bis pifciples. i. The 
 
 Taking of Bread fignifies God's chufing, letting a- 
 part, and appointing Chrift to be a Surety and Sacri- 
 fice, and trying on bim th€Sini of hi? ?t >ple. 2. The 
 Bleffing fignifies his qualifying and furnifl tog t bwft 
 with ail .Gifts and Graces needful for thi irge 
 
 of his mediatory . Offices, and for an: his 
 
 People's Exigencies. 3. The Breaking fignifies all 
 ChrifVs Breakings, Bruilings and Woundings, hoth in 
 Soul and Body, which were for our Sins, iu order to 
 fatisfy divine Juftice, and procure Salvation for us. 
 4. The Giving fignifies his offering, giving, ai:d ac- 
 tually beftowing Chrift and all his Benefits on us. 
 There is no Promife relerved, no Blefiings excepted 
 or kept back ; all is theirs. 
 
 2d!y, The Actions on the Communicants Part are 
 to take, to eat, and drink in Remembrance of Chrift. 
 Que ft. What is meant by taking thi> Bread ? Anf. 
 It is the accepting of Chrift as he h offered to us ; a 
 receiving the Atonement, approving of it, contenting 
 •to it, coming up to the Terms en which the Benefit 
 is propo'fed to us. It is an accepting of Chrift *s Grace, 
 and iubmitting to his Government. Believing on 
 Chrift is expreiFed by taking or receiving of him. Well 
 then, when we are bid take this Bread, we are bid 
 take Chrift and all the Benefits of his Purchase ; and 
 that fincerely and hcnellly, without Diilimuiation ; 
 intirely, fully, and without Exception ; with cloie and 
 particular Application, faying, My Lord, and my Cod ; 
 with Thank r ulne!s and Praifefor fuch agloriops Surety, 
 fuch a rich Purchafe, fuch a free Covenant, an .1 fucb fuit- 
 able Promifes ; v/iib Humility and Self-denial, renou'n-' 
 cirA all Confide 1 . ce in ou?* own Prep^rat : ons, or Qua- 
 ^htions of any Sort, laying, In the L r rd only have I 
 n&teoufne/} and Strength; anci with full Aflurance 
 of Faith looking on the Bread, as the Lord's Seal 
 aaid Pledge of our Intereft in, and Title to the Blef- 
 75 of the Covenant; and as a Token from Chrift . 
 Rr 2 tha ? . 
 
C 3H3 
 
 that bis Body was broken for us ; believing that 
 Chrift and all the BleiTings of the Cotenant are here- 
 with given to us, as really as Chrift gives the Bread 
 into our Hands. 
 
 Qucft. What is meant by eating this Bread P slnf. 
 It fignifies our feeding by Faith upon Chrift and his 
 Benefits, wh'eh is done by our believing the Report 
 concerning Chrift and his Purchafe, and making a 
 particular Application of Chrift and his Benefits unto 
 our Souls, and their various Neceilities and Exigen- 
 ces. And particularly this Eating fignifies, 1. Our 
 Union with Chriftv 2. Our Satisfaction and Compla- 
 cency in him. 3. Our receiving Strength and Increale 
 of Grace from Chrift. 4. Our taking Infeftment and 
 Poftelfionof Chrift and his Purchafe as our Inheritance, 
 and receiving this outward Sign as a Pledge of the 
 whole. 
 
 As to the Words concerning the Cup, This Cup 
 is the NeixrT eft anient in my Bhod, Jhed for maty, for 
 the Remiffion of Sins ; it is a figurative Speech, ligni- 
 fying that the Wine in the Cup, as repreientmg the 
 fheclding of ChrilVs Blood, is a Sign and Seal of Chrift *s 
 Teftament or Covenant of Grace, confirmed by his 
 Blood. — From which we may cbferve, r. That every 
 worthy Communicant doth here get a Copy of Chrift's 
 Teftament pmt into his Hands, with all the Legacies 
 and Bleffings it contains, fuch as Pardon of Sin, Peace 
 with God, Wifdom, Righteoufners, Sa unification, 
 Redemption, Grace and Glory. Which Teftament 
 if we take hold of, and acquiefce in the Method of 
 Salvation contained in it, and can prove our Relation 
 to the Teftator by Faith and Regeneration, we^re 
 Children and Heir?, and have an Intereft therein^^r- 
 Obf. 2. What it was that purchafed the New Te la- 
 ment to us, even Chrift's Blood ; there's never aDre 
 we read or hear of the New Teftament, but we 
 fhould mind the Blood of Chrift. Had it not been 
 for the Blood of Chrift; we had never had the New 
 
 Teftamcn 
 
C 3*5 3 
 
 Teftament written, and had it not been for the New 
 Teftament, we had never known the Meaning of 
 ChrhVs Blood flied. 
 
 6. We have the Ends of the Inftitution, I. To 
 keep up the Remembrance cf ChrijL Chrift knew 
 how apt our bafe Hearts would be to forget him a- 
 midft a Throng of fenfible Objects as we here converfe 
 witn ; and how much our Forgetfulnefs of Chrift 
 would be to our Prejudice and Difadvantage ; and 
 therefore he appoints this Ordinance, to bring Chrift, 
 his Death and Love to our believing, afTecYionate and 
 thankful Remembrance, 2To/J:ew firth his Death i.e, 
 to declare, publifliand proclaim it, It is not barely, in 
 Remembrance of Chrift, of what he hath done and fuf- 
 fered, but alio to celebrate, publilh and proclaim his 
 glorious Condefcenfion, his Love and Favour to loft Sin- 
 ners. We declare his Death to be our Life, and the 
 Spring of all our Comforts and Hopes. We glory in 
 this Atonement and Sacrifice, and fpread it before 
 God as our only Ranfom. We fet it in the View of 
 our Faith for our Quick ning and Comfort, We own 
 it before the World, as the only Ground of our Hope; 
 and that we are the Difciples of a crucified Chrift, 
 who truft in him alone for Salvation and Acceptance 
 with God. 
 
 7. We have a Mandate or Charge given for the Ce- 
 lebration of this Ordiaance,and fordoing it frequently. 
 Our Lord's Command is twice repeated for Security, 
 This do ; this dr) ye. It was our Lord's Will that we 
 fhould celebrate the Memorial of his Death ~nd Paf- 
 fion. It isthe YVillofourfovereignLord and Lawgiv- 
 er, the exnrels Command of a Saviour, yea of a dying 
 
 >ioui\ A Command of Love ; and it is fuch a. 
 
 ■rimand, as if we duly obferve it, will be a blefled 
 HPans to enable us to obferve all the Commands of 
 God the better. It is fuch a Command, as whofo- 
 ever lives in the wilful Neglecl of it, cannot be cal- 
 led a Chriftian, hut will be treated by Chrift at the 
 Great Day as an Enemy, aad Dclpifer of his dying 
 
 Love,- 
 
316 
 
 Love. Wherefore 'tis our Duty not only to com- 
 municate and partake of this Ordinance, but we muft 
 do it often. We cannot maintain bodily Health and 
 Strength without frequent Meals, fo neither can 
 we maintain Soul-bealth and Strength without this 
 fpiritual Diet I taken and received. The 
 
 antient Churches celebrated this Ordinance every 
 Lord's Day. Let us be. thankful that we have this 
 fpiritual Meal more frequently tendered to us than 
 formerly. O for fharpened Appetites for our rood ! 
 8, We have the Perpetuity of the Ordinance. 
 It is to be celebrated til', the Lord c:me the fecond 
 'lime, without Sia, fori ra of them that 
 
 believe, and to judge t - — Objerve i. That 
 
 the Lord's buper is ucL a temporary; but a (land- 
 ing sod perpetual Ordinance. 2. That there is no 
 Iseed oh Sacraments in Heaven ; for Chrift is there 
 
 bodily prcfent. Faith is then changed into Vifion, 
 
 and Hope into Fruition. Here we hold Communi- 
 on with him by Signs and Symbols; but above, we 
 will fee him as he is, and enjoy him perfectly. The 
 Day then will break, and all the Shadows will llee 
 • away. 
 
 Verfe 27. Wherefore, whofoever frail eat this Bread, 
 and drink this C-//j> of the Lord unworthily, jhall be 
 guilty of the Body and Bleed of the Lord, 
 
 28. But let a Man examine himfelf, and fo let him 
 eat of that Bread, and drink of that Cup. 
 
 29. For he that cateth and drbtketh unworthily, eat* 
 tth Hb Damnation to hi??:felf y r.ct difcerr. 
 the 
 
 1 I e Apoftle having declared the original Inftituti- 
 on of the Lord's Supper ; he comes now to infrruclt 
 Corinthians m the right Ufc of it, and to be war 
 profaning and ahufing this Ordinance, as they had 
 
 ' rz-c. 1. Tie Sin which he warns- them of, v 
 
 Fating and Drilling unworthily. Que/!. What is 
 
 As i dxf. It is not a weak FaHbj cr Weaknefs in 
 
 Kr. 
 
C ,3*7 ] 
 
 Knowledge, or Want of Perfect Holinefs or Free- 
 dom from Sin, that will denominate a Peifon an un- 
 worthy Receiver ; for this Ordinance was not inlii- 
 tuted for Angels, but for Men who are -imperfect and 
 finrul : But it is to come ignorant, without due 
 Preparation, without Faith, without Repentance, 
 Self-examination ; without Refolution againft Sin, 
 and without Reconciliation to God ; or to our Neigh- 
 bour. 
 
 Obferve.2. The Guilt and Heinbufne r s of this Sin ; 
 they are guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord, 
 i. e* It is an Acceflion to the Guilt of fhedding the 
 innocent Blood of our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift. 
 
 It is an implicite Approbation of the Jews Act in 
 
 crucifying Chrift. It is, a trampling Chrift's Blood 
 
 under our Feet.— —It is a crucifying Chrift afrefh, 
 and harbouring the Traitors and Enemies of Chrift in 
 our Bofom. 
 
 Obferve 3. The Danger of it, eating and drinking 
 Damnation to ourfelves ; t* e. They provoke God to 
 inflict lore Judgments on them, temporal and fpi ritual 
 Judgments here >. and eternal Judgments hereafter. — 
 The Meaning is not, that this Sin is unpardonable, 
 but that it deferves Damnation, afnd will bring it on, 
 without Repentance, and flying to the Blood of 
 Chrift for cleanfing. Every Sin is in its own Nature 
 damning, and therefore fuch a heinous Sin, as profa* 
 ning this holy Ordinance, muft furely be fo* But ti- 
 morous and fearful Believers fhould not be difcourag- 
 ed from attending this holy Ordinance by the Sound 
 of this Word, as if they bound upon themfelvcs the 
 Sentence of Damnation, by coming to the LoixTs 
 Bte unprepared. For hearing arid praying unwor- 
 wtSHy incur. Damnation, as weH as corormlaieaiiDg 
 unworthily, But this Sin, as well as others, leaves 
 Room for Forgi reliefs upon Repentance, 
 
 Gbfurve 4. That unworthy Receivers of the Lord'* 
 Supper do contracl great Guilt, and incur great Dan- 
 
Z 318 ] 
 
 gcr to themfelves. And therefore they fnould be 
 much concerned to guard againft this heinous and 
 dangerous Sin ; and cry with the Ffalmifr, Lord de- 
 liver us frc?/i Blood- guilt incfs* 
 
 Qbferve, 5. It is only Judgment to himfelf, it is 
 not to another that receives with him. For if a 
 wicked Man's Pretence at the Sacrament mould pol- 
 lute the Ordinance to a worthy Receiver ; then 
 Chrifl and his eleven Apoftles were defiled by the 
 Company of Judas at the Paflover, at which he cer- 
 tainly was, and, as many think, at the Lord's Sup- 
 per alio. Which is abfard, 
 
 We have in vcrje 26th, the Duty required for 
 preventing the Sin and Danger of unworthy Corn- 
 municatiug, and that is the great and necefTary Duty 
 
 of Self Examination. It isa Metaphor taken from 
 
 Goldfmiths, who try tfae Truth of their Gold by the 
 Touchftone, the Purity of their Gold by the Fire, 
 and the Weight of it by the Scale. We have here, 
 1. The Perfon examining, Let a Man examhic^ 2. 
 The Perfon examined, it is himfelf \ he is to call him- 
 felf to the Bar of Canfcience, and put Queftions to 
 himfelf, 1. Concerning his State, whether he has a 
 Right to come or not. 2. Mis Sins and Shortcomings, 
 q. H;3 Wants and Neceflities. 4. His Ends and De- 
 figns; whether it be to obey the Charge of his dying 
 Saviour, to (hew forth bis Death, renew and feal his 
 Covenant with God, get Nearnefs and Communion 
 with him, Nourifhment to his Soul, and Supply to 
 his Wants. And £. Concerning his Graces and Qua- 
 lifications, particularly as to Knowledge, Faith, Re- 
 pentance, Fear, Love ; Thankfulnels, holy Delires, 
 and new Obedience. ^ 
 
 Gbferve^ 1. It H not enough that a MinifterJ 
 mine us before Partaking. Wc mud examine our- 
 ielves, for we only can try our cwn Hearts and 
 Thoughts; which a Minister cannot. 
 
 Olferv? 
 
C 319 ] 
 
 Obferve 2. Our main Concern before partaking is 
 about ourfelves.— It is not about examining others, 
 but about examining ourfelves that we are to be em- 
 ployed. It is not what he or (he is that is to commu- 
 nicate with us ; but what I am myfelf. 
 
 Obferve 3. It mould therefore be our Angular Care 
 before Communicating, to examine ourfehes, and 
 commune with our own Hearts, as to our Right to, 
 and Fitnefs for the Lord's Table. 
 
 We have in Verje 29th, the true Caufe of unworthy- 
 Communicating, Not difcerning t be Lord's Body ; i.e. 
 not making a DiftincYion between this Bread and 
 common Bread; betwixt the Lord's Body and the 
 
 Body of a mere Man ; not prizing nor efteeming 
 
 the Body of a crucified Jefus, as the meritorious 
 Ground of our Judication. 
 
 Verfe 30. For this Caufe many are weak and fickly 
 among you, and many flecp. 
 
 Some were punifhed with Sicknefs and Weaknefs, 
 and Tome with Death, for their Irreverence in ap- 
 proaching to the Lord's Table. 
 
 Obferve 1. That carelefs and irreverent Partaking 
 brings on temporal Judgments, as well as fpirituai 
 and eternal. 
 
 Obferve 2. That God may punifh his own People 
 with temporal Judgments: For (everals of thefe fo 
 punifhed, were in a State of Favour with God, as ap- 
 pear from the Word flcep, the Death of the Wick- 
 ed being hardly called Sleep in any Place of Scrip- 
 ture ; and from Verfe 32. they were chaflened of the 
 Lord, that they might not be condemned with the World. 
 Now, divine Chaftening is a Sign of divine Love. 
 ^Obferve 3. That the Holineis of an Ordinance, or 
 habitual Holiness of a Perfon will not exempt him 
 from God's Difplealure and the Infliction of temporal 
 Judgments here in this Life, if he do not by actual 
 Preparations fanctify the Name of God in the Duty 
 and Ordinances of his Worfhip. 
 
 S f Obferve 
 
C 3=o ] 
 
 Obferve 4- That God punirties his People nov 
 prevent their eternal Woe. 
 
 Vfr/c gf* For if we would judge our/elves, w* 
 fiould not be judged. 
 
 If we would examine, -try, cenfure and fentence 
 ourfelves, and fo come to the Lord's Table, we 
 would e!cape the caftigatory Puniftiment, and con* 
 demnatory Sentence of God Obferve 1. That as 
 
 1 our Duty often to examine and judge ourfelves, 
 fo feif-judging will preierve us from the Condemna- 
 tion and Judgment of God. 2. That the 
 through Weakness of Underftanding are not capable 
 to examine themfelves, are by no Means fit to par- 
 take of this Ordinance. 
 
 Verfe 32. But when we are judged, we are chc 
 eJ of the Lord, that we fhould not be condemned with 
 the World. 
 
 The Natnre ofthe r e Judgements, or afflictive Evils, 
 which do befal the Children of God in this Life, they 
 areChaftenings, we are chajfened of the Lord. To be 
 chaftened has a double Afpecl, firil upon our Prhi- 
 le^e, it denotes our Relation, as Children to God 
 our Father. Chartenings are a Part of his Childrens 
 Portion ; yet in that we are chaftened, it taxes us 
 with Weaknefs;. we are fcolifh and unruly, and there- 
 fore fo long as we are here, mud always go with a 
 Rod at our Back. Chrift who was alfo a Son, was 
 chaftentd, The Cbafli foment of our Peace was u k 
 hbn ; but his were judiciary Chaftifements, not as a 
 Child, hut as an Enemy, a Malefactor, in our Stead. 
 Obferve* The merciful Deiign of God in (-battening 
 his Children, is to prevent their Condemnation. 
 . efore at any Time we are under C haftjle - 
 inent, let us juftify Gcd, and condemn 
 
 hi* Chaiiilements are deligned to prevtril 
 Condemnation 
 
 Verfcs 35. 34. Wherefore wy Brethren, when re 
 together to eat tarry one for another, Am if any 
 
[ 32i ] 
 
 Man hunger, let him eat at Home ; that ye come not 
 together unto Condemnation. And the reft will 1 fet in 
 Order when 1 come. 
 
 The Apoftle clofes all with a Caution to beware 
 of the Irregularities they had been guilty of, and to 
 rectify them, that they come not together to Con- 
 demnation. Obfsrve I. That our holy Duties thro* 
 
 our own Abufe may prove Matter of Condemnation. 
 Chriftians may keep Sabbaths, hear Sermons, per- 
 form Prayers, attend Sacraments, and only aggra- 
 vate their Guilt, and bring on a heavier Doom on 
 thcmfelves. — Obferve 2. We have great Need to fee 
 that we come to God in due Order. 
 
 Laftly, he tells them, that as to the other Points 
 of Church Older, he would determine them, when he 
 came among them : The rejl will 1 fet in Order when 
 I come. Such unchriflian Diforders may arife in the 
 Church, as will require the Prefcnce and Coming of 
 an Apoftle to correct and reform them. 
 
 PREPARATION SERMON 
 
 before the Sacrament. 
 
 Jofhua iii. 5% San fit fy yourfe/ves, for TV 
 morrow the Lord will do Wonders among 
 you. 
 
 IN this Chapter we have the Hiftory of Ifrael'* 
 paiTing thro' Jordan to Canaan ; and a very me- 
 xnctfable Hiftory it is; for long after they are bid to 
 Hfcber what God did for them between Shittim 
 w^fOilga!, Micah vi. 5. that they may know the 
 Righteoufnefs of the Lord. Shittim was the Place where 
 they decamped, and G'tlgal where they next pitched. 
 
 Sf2 Se e 
 
C 322 3 
 
 See Jojhua iii. 1. compared with Jofhua iv. io* 
 He orders them to march up to the River fide, where 
 they came and lodged, tho' they were unprovided of 
 Means to pa(s it in the ordinary Way. Tho' they 
 had neither Boats nor Bridges, yet they go forward 
 in Faith, trufting God's Power and Promiic. It was 
 told them, jojhua i. 1 1* that they fliould pa's it. 
 We muft go on in the Way of our Duty, tho' we 
 forefee Difficulties, trufting God to help us thro' them 
 
 when we come to them. The People are direct* 
 
 ed to follow the Ark, v. 3. when born by the Prisfts 
 aftd Levltesy to teach us clofely to attend Ordinances, 
 if we would have the Marks of God's Favour and 
 ipecial Prefeuce. 
 
 In the Text we have two Things, 1. A Command. 
 2 Reafons given for it. 
 
 As to the firft, Santtify y ourfelves. The Word 
 fanttify has divers Acceptations in Scripture. Some- 
 times it is applied to God, we are commanded to 
 fa?iCrify the Lord, i. e. to think and fpeak reverently 
 of him, or humbly to worfhip him. At other Times 
 we are commanded to fanttify our/elves, and then it 
 imports feveral Things ; 1 . Our feparating or fetting 
 ourfelves apart to fome holy Ufa. 2. Our cleanfing 
 ourfelves from all ceremonial Pollution. 3. Our pre- 
 paring ourfelves for fome fblemn or facred Action, by 
 the Ule of fome facred Rites, or Ceremonies, fuch as 
 legal Warning, (?c. 4. Our putting ourlelves in a 
 fuitable Frame for attending on God's Worfhip. 5. 
 Our purifying ourfelves inwardly from Sin, and a- 
 dorning ourfelves with Holinefs. I might cite Scripture 
 for all the Significations of the Word, as Exod. six. 
 22. Jofli. vii. 13. I Ckton. xv 12. 2 Chron. v.^i* 
 xxix. 5. xxx. 3. &c. I (hall take it here as conjjj 
 hending fome thing of all thefe Senfes, efpecially^t 
 People's preparing themselves to attend the Ark, and 
 the difcovering of God's Power, Glory, and Good- 
 
 nefs, 
 
C 3 2 3 ] 
 
 uefs, with a fuitable Sorrow and awful Frame of Spi~ 
 rit, befitting fuch a great Occafion. 
 
 II. We have the Reafons for it, For To-morrow the 
 Lord will do Wonders among you* See how magnifi- 
 cently he fpeaks of God's Works, he calls them 
 Wonders ; and indeed thefe were lb, the dividing of 
 the Waters of Jordan, and making them to Hand 
 upon a Heap, and then to run back, turning Fluids 
 into Solids, and caufing the J/raelites to walk thro' 
 the rapid River upon folid dry Ground, All the/e 
 were great Wonders of God's Power and Goodnefs 
 towards JfraeL Now, fays Jojhua, fmce God is 
 about to give you fuch uncommon Inftances of his 
 Power and Fa\ /our, fan clify yourfehes, compofe your 
 Minds by Meditation, Prayer, and Abftraclednefs 
 from the World, that ye may be in Cafe for a care- 
 ful and religious Obfervationof his wonderful Works, 
 and to receive the Difcovery of his Glory, and the 
 Communications of his Goodnefs, that io ye may 
 give God all the Glory, and take to yourfelves the 
 Comfort of his wondrous Works and gracious Ap- 
 pearances. 
 
 Doctrine. When God is about to make wonderful 
 Difcoveries of his Glory and Goodneis to his People, 
 then they mould make folemn Preparation for ob- 
 ferving and receiving of the fame. For Confirmati- 
 on whereof, (ee Excd. xix. io, II. dud the Lord 
 faid unto Mofes, Co unto the People, and fan clify them 
 To-day and To morrow, and let them wajh their 
 Cloaths ; and be ready a gain ft the third Day ; for the 
 third Day the Lord will CQine down in the Sight of all 
 the People, upon Mount Sinai. Or zdly, When God 
 lets Try (I with a People, they fhould prepare them- 
 es to attend him, i Sam. xvi. 4, 5. And Samuel 
 Id that which the Lord /pake, and came to Bethlehem ; 
 and the Elders of the Town trembled at h s com ng, 
 and [aid coxnej] thou peaceably P And he f aid pace ably ; 
 
 I am 
 
 did 
 
r 324 ] 
 
 ^» 
 
 J am come to f aerifies unto the Lord : Sanilify your- 
 felveSy and come with me to the Sacrifice. 
 
 Method I. When it is that the Lord makes fuch 
 wonderrul Di!coveiies ofhimfelf to his People. 
 
 II. Wherein the Preparation for waiting on this 
 wonder- working God doth lye. 
 
 III. The Properties of this Preparation. 
 
 IV. The Neceflity of it. 
 
 V. And laftly, I (hall make Application. 
 
 1. As to the firft Head, When it is that the Lord 
 makes glorious and wondrous Dhcoveries of himfelf 
 to a People. I. When, notwithstanding of grievous 
 Sins and Provocations, he averts threatned and im- 
 pending Judgments, and comes to them in a Way 
 of Mercy ; as when he threatens Famine and Scarci- 
 ty, he fends fruitful Seafons and plenty of Bread ; 
 when he threatens thenoifome Peftilence, he removes 
 it and lends Health ; when he rhrcatens a bloody 
 Sword, he (heaths it up, and fends Peace and Safety. 
 
 2. When he is plealed to quell the Church's Ene- 
 mies and Perlecutors, to deliver his People from their 
 Opprellions-, and give them the Freedom of their Af- 
 femblies. and of observing God's Inftitutions in Purity. 
 
 5. When he pours out a Spirit of Reformation on 
 all Ranks and Degrees, ib that People generally turn 
 to the Lord, prize Ordinances, Prayer, Family Wor- 
 fliip, and appear againft Vice. 
 
 4. When God pours out his Spirit on the AfTem- 
 hlies of his People, fo that the preaching of the 
 Gofpel is attended with Life, Power and Succefs, to 
 the melting of Hearts, and converting Souls. 
 
 5. When he difcovers a Redeemer to a loft (inking 
 Soul; when a poor felf-condemned Sinner, that was 
 at his WitVend, gets a Sight of the Pollibility of 
 tat Ion thro 1 the Satisfaction of Chrift. 
 
 6. When he fets forth Chrift crucified before our 
 ' Eyes in the Sacrament ; when he difplavs therein the 
 
 Wifdcm, 
 
C ?*$ ] 
 
 . Wifdom, Juftice, Love and Goodnefs of God to 
 dinners in a moft lively Manner. 
 
 7. When he returns and makes his People's Sky 
 break after a long Night of Deiert'on ; when he 
 makes Light to arife and mine to them that were in 
 Darkneis, and opens the Door of his Prefence Cham- 
 ber. 
 
 8. When he gives thern the Victory over Satan's 
 Temptations and A (faults, after long Sufferings and 
 Conflicts, and fpeaks to them as to Paul, 1 Cor. xii. 
 9. My Grace is fufficient for thee \ for my Strength is 
 made per feci; in Weabiefs. 
 
 9. When he meets with them in Ordinances, loofcs 
 their Bonds, frees them from their Straitnings in Du- 
 ty, and enlarges their Hearts in Prayer, and enables 
 them to pour forth their Complaints and Requefts 
 before the Lord. 
 
 ig. When he comes with a Return to their Pray- 
 ers; particularly, i. By lifting on them the Light of 
 his Countenance ; or, 2. By giving them a \ few of 
 their Covenant-relation to God ; a well grounded 
 Hope of Heaven ; and new Strength to grapple with 
 Sin, perform Duties, and bear Trials. 
 
 1 1. When he ccmes and gives a glorious Difcove- 
 ry of his Greatnefs and Majefty, foas to fill them with 
 awful Fear znd Reverence of God, and makes them 
 cry, Lord 11 hat is Man, that thou art mindful of 
 him P O the unfpeakable Difbnce that is between 
 God and us ! God is glorious, and the Creature is 
 nothing. 
 
 12. When he comes and gives the Soul a glorious 
 Difcovery of the Holme's and Purity of God, in his 
 
 JNature, his Law and his Works, as he did to Job, 
 WKing hiiai cry, Behold I am Vale ,• and to Jfaiah, 
 Wo is me, for I am undcne 9 becaufe 1 a?n a Man of 
 unclean Lips. 
 
 13. When he gives a glorious Difcovery of the 
 Goodiiefy and Mercy of God,- particularly in thefe 
 
 In. 
 
C 326 ] 
 
 Mlances, I. The glorious Contrivance of our Re- 
 demption, by fending Chrifl to fave us. 2. In par- 
 doning guilty Sinners fo many Grime?, and making 
 them cry, as Micah vii. 18. Who is a God like unto 
 thee, that pardoneth Iniquity, and paffethby the Tranf 
 greffnn of the Remnant of his Heritage ? he retaineth 
 not his Anger for ever, becaufe he delight eth in Mercy. 
 
 3. In taking rebellious Traitors and Enemies to God, 
 to be Children of God, and Favourites of Heaven. 
 
 4. In exalting them above Angels that never finned, 
 and providing glorious Manfions for them. 
 
 14. When becomes in the Ordinances, and quic- 
 kens the dead and languifhing Graces of his People ; 
 as, 1. When he melts their hard Hearts into the Ex- 
 ercife of Repentance and mourning for Sin. 2. When 
 he comei and actuates their Faith, enables the weak 
 Sinner to go out to Chrifl, cad his Soul and lay his 
 Burden on him, and wholly to look to him, and lean 
 on bim for Pardon and Salvation. 3. When he 
 comes and makes their Hearts burn with Love to 
 himfelf, and to precious Chrifl: the Mediator, while 
 he talks to them and opens up the Scriptures. 4. When 
 he draws out the Defires and Pantings of the Soul to- 
 wards himfelf. 5. When he quickens the Spirit of 
 Prayer, and elevates the Heart for Praile, and en- 
 ables the Soul for every Duty. 
 
 II. As to the fecond Head, Wherein this Prepara- 
 tion and fanctifying of the Heart for waiting on God 
 in Ordinances, doth lye. Firft, It fuppofes, I. That 
 we are naturally unfit and unprepared for approach- 
 ing to God. 2. It fuppofes a Work of God's Grace 
 and Spirit on the Heart ; he only fits the Soul for 
 fpiritual Things. 7/ is God that worketh in us bo th to 
 'ivilP mid Jo of his good Pleafure. The preparation 
 <f the Heart in Man, and the Anfwr of the Tongue 
 is from the Lord, Prov. xvi. I. 
 
 Secondly, It direclly imports thefe Things ; I. 
 The Soul's being in a gracious State, tranflated from 
 
 Nature 
 
£ 3*7 3 
 
 Nature to Grace by the Spirit of God, and that the 
 Soul is reconciled to God by the Blood of CI rift, and 
 a Work of San edification begun ; without this we 
 cannot be accepted. 
 
 2. It lies in bringing our Hearts with us, and en- 
 gaging all the Powers and Faculties of our Souls to 
 attend God in Duty, Pfalm lxxxvi. n. Unite my 
 Heart to fear thy Aame ; and, Pfalm cxix. 10. With 
 my whole Heart have I/ought thee. 
 
 3. It lies in our having right Thoughts and Uptak- 
 ings of that gracious God whom we approach to ; 
 I. That we believe that God is, and is a Rewarder 
 of them that diligently Peek him* 2. That he it 
 incomprehenfibly great and glorious, fills the Hea- 
 vens and Earth with his Prefence, and that great Fear 
 and Reverence is due to him. 3. That he is glorious 
 in Holinefs, and of purer Eyes than that he can be- 
 hold Iniquity. 4. That he it fpotlefs in Juftice, and 
 will by no Means clear the guilty. 5. That he is 
 omnipotent in Power, for protecting his People, and 
 deftrcying his Enemies. 6. That he is matchlefs in 
 Clemency and Mercy, eafy to be intreated, and rea- 
 dy to forgive thro* Chrift. 7. That he is faithful, 
 and keeps Covenant for ever. 
 
 4. It lies in having humble and low Thoughts of 
 ourielves, as unworthy to approach to God, or re- 
 ceive any Token of his Favour. The Soul that is fanc- 
 tified and prepared for approaching to God, hath a 
 deep Senie of former Sins and Mifcarriages, wonders 
 at God's Patience, that the Earth has not opened its 
 Mouth to {wallow it up e're now. 
 
 5. It tfes in cleanfing and purifying ourfelves, by 
 fearching for and throwing out all thefe Sins and fi- 
 
 *»iis that unfit us for Converfe with God. If we would 
 have God to accept us, we mult regard no Iniquity 
 in our Hearts; particularly, 1. We mud cad out 
 Pride and Self conceit. If we have a good Opinion 
 of ourielves, our Duties and Performances, God will 
 
 T t not 
 
C 3^8 ] 
 
 not accept us, we mnfl count all but Lofsand pung- 
 for Chri(t. 2. * llii efs, and 'thoughts about 
 
 ei My Things. 3. Unbelief and Doublings con- 
 cerningthe Truths of God. 4. Malice and Revenge. 
 5 nd s aodering Thoughts, and feek to ha\e 
 
 pur Hearts fixed, P/al. \v\. 
 
 6. It lies in our Retired nefs and Abractednefs from 
 the World and earthly Thoughts. In the Temple, 
 for as much Flefh as was ufed there for the Sacrifice} 
 not one Fly was ken (lining ; which teacheth us to 
 drive away the Flies of worldly Thoughts in God's 
 Pretence, that they do not fpoil or corrupt the Sa- 
 crifice, as that grievous Swarm of Flies did every 
 Thing in the Land of Egypt, Exod. viii. 24. Do as 
 Abraham, when he went to approach God and do 
 Sacrifice on Mount Mori ah, Gen xxii. 4, c. When 
 he /aw the Place afar eff, he f aid to his young Men, 
 Abide you herewith the Afs, and 1 and the Lad nut 11 
 go yonder and -xorjhif). Ke knew that if they had 
 gone along with him, they would lb diltracl him with 
 their Clamour, that he could not offer Sacrifice with 
 that Freedom and Tranquillity of Spirit requifite. 
 
 7. It lies in examining the Principles from which you 
 act, and Ends to which you move in Duty. The 
 Principles mull be Faith and Love ; the liclief of 
 God's Command, and the Love of Chrift, n ull con- 
 strain you to Duty. Your Ends muft he to glorify 
 God and enjoy him ; not as the Pharijees, to be feen 
 of Men ; not legal Ends, to get a Reward. Selfim 
 and legal Ends are as a dead Fly to fpoil the Oint- 
 ment, and make Duties unfavoury to God. O for 
 sight Principles, pure and lpiritual Kndi ! 
 
 8. It confifts in labouring to get the Heart in a 
 fuitable Frame for Ccnverfe with God ; as, 1. In a 
 humble and felf deuied Frame. 3. In a fpffituaJ and 
 heavenly Frame. 3. In a Hxe^ and ftayed Frame, 
 calling in allflrayingand wandering Thoughts,breath- 
 ing out that Prayer, PfaL JU'xxvi- i!. 4. In a lov- 
 
C 3 2 ? 3 
 
 in-g and af&tionate Frame ; for God Is Love, aud 
 
 Love is the Cedent between God an . Soul in 
 
 Duty-. 5:. In a cautbus and watchmg i^rame ; 
 guarding always againft every Thk^ ft at m ly creep 
 in, to indi r po!e you for jEdnlhiunion with God, r,d 
 • mar your recce's to hirh. 6. Ju an adtfve and lively 
 Frame j all the Spices mould flow ou% all the Gra- 
 ces (hould be in Erercife. 
 
 - 9. It lies in wakening our Souls which are natu- 
 saily ciull and drowfy, to jMtivity and Liveiihefs in 
 Duty-, is David, Pfal. ivii. 8. Awake up my Giory, 
 awake Pfaltery and Harp ; I ' myfelfivii! worth* tarty. 
 Pfal. ciiii i. B'efs the Lord, my So ' ; and all that 
 is within me blips ' his holy Name. Be ftirred up all 
 that is wirhin (fee ; there muft be a (tiering up our 
 Souls to take hold of God, If lxiv. 7. Put forth 
 your fp'ritual Strength to the utmoft ; pray with 
 the fciofl? fervent Importunity ; praife with fpiritual 
 Elevation of Heart ; love God */ith the moflfublime 
 Affections, and do all in fome Proportion to the 
 Greatness of that God with whom you have to do, 
 as Pfal. cl. 2. Praife him accordi?ig to his exce!le?it 
 Greutnrfs, 
 
 10. It lies in our earned Prayers to God to fauclify 
 us ; for we mud put it back on him, and pray for 
 the faricWying Influences of his Spirit, for the fubduing 
 of Sin, quickning Grace, and perfecting Kolineis in 
 the Fear of God. 
 
 III. As to the third Head, the Properties of this 
 Preparation ; I. It mult be timeouc Preparation. The 
 Jews took Time to prepare for approaching God in 
 the PaiTbver, they had the Lamb four Days before in 
 their Hou!es, tied to their Bed-pods, that hearing 
 conftantly its; bleating, they might look back to E- 
 gypt, and remember the Soirows and Bondage they 
 endured there, and be thankful for their Redemption ; 
 and especially for their Deliverance from the deft roy- 
 
 • Angel that Night he palfed over their Houies, 
 T t 2 whi 
 
[ 33° ] 
 
 which were fprinklcd with the Blood of the Lamb ; 
 and that they might look forward to the Mefliah, 
 and remember the bitter Agonies and Sufferings Ll 
 was to endure for their Sins. 
 
 2. Inward preparation. It mud ly mainly in the 
 Heart ; a grave decent Carriage is needful indeed, 
 but God looks to more than the outward Appearance, 
 even to the Heart. 
 
 3. Confcientions Preparation, doing all as in the 
 Sight of God, before whom all Things are naked and 
 bare. Study to have fingle Ends and Aims, to glo- 
 rify God, and obey our Lord and Saviour's Call. 
 
 4 Diligent Preparation, not dealing with a flack 
 Hand, but applying your Souls with the greateft Acli* 
 \ity to the Work in Hand, believing that your Sal- 
 vation depends on it 
 
 5. Humble and felf denied Preparation, truftingin 
 nothing in yourfelves, but in Chrift ; depending on 
 God that he would fit and prepare your Hearts, and 
 accept gracioufly for Chrift 's Sake, 
 
 6. Univerfal Preparation , be mindful of all the 
 Parts of it, efpecially of examining yourfelves with 
 refpec"\ to your State, your Sins, your Wants, your 
 Knowledge, Faith, Repentance, Love and new O^ 
 bedience. 
 
 IV. As to the Fourth Head, The Ncceflity of this 
 Preparation ; 1. Becaufe of the Falienefs, Sluggifhnefs 
 and Deceitfulnefs of our Hearts ; they love to wander 
 from God, and are bent to backflide in Duty, as the 
 wife Man fays, Ecclcf. x. IO If the Ircn be blunt , and 
 he do not whet the Edge, then muft he put to 7?icre Streng th . 
 Labour to heat the Iron, ieeing a blunt Iron, if hot, 
 will pierce moreeaCly than a (harper, if cold. Warm 
 your Hearts with the Love and Sufferings of Chrift. 
 
 2 Becaufe it is the Heart God mainly feeks in Du- 
 ty, Prov. xxiii. 26 My Son give ms thine Heart ; he 
 fays as Jofeph concerning Benjamin, Except your 
 Brother be with you , I will not fee your Face. W the 
 
 Heart 
 
C 33* 3 
 
 Heart be not brought to him, there can be no Ac» 
 ceptance. 
 
 5, Becaufe God is well pleafed with them that ch> 
 fo, as with fehofaphat y 2 Chron. xix. 3. Neverthclejs 
 there are good Things found in thee, that thou haft ta- 
 ken away the Groves out of the Land, and haft prepare 
 ed thine Heart to feek God. And he is highly difpleafc 
 ed with theie that do it not, as with Reh'oboam, 
 2 Chron. xii. 14. And he did Evil, becaufe he prepared 
 not his Heart to fee k God. 
 
 4. Becaufe God, whom we approach to, is an in* 
 finitely holy and pure Spirit, and will be worfhipped 
 in Spirit and in Truth. 
 
 IMPROVEMENT 
 
 Inference. I. See hence the Caufe why fo few get 
 DHcoveries of God's Glory, and Wonders of Mercy, 
 in the Ordinance, but meet with a hiding God, they 
 do not fan&ify th«mfelves, and prepare their Hearts 
 in afuitable Manner. 
 
 ll.Ufe of Reproof 'to feverals ; I. To thefe who 
 approach God under the Power of wan J ring and ro- 
 ving Thoughts, their Minds are not fixed, fanclified 
 and prepared. 2. To thefe whole Minds are going 
 after their Covetoufnefs, when their Bodies only are 
 prefented before God. 3. To thefe who are hypocri- 
 tical and formal in their Approaches to God. 4. To 
 thofe whole Hearts are dull and drowfy in God's 
 Service. 
 
 III. Uje of Trial. It concerns you upon this Oc- 
 cafionto examine if your Hearts be fancYified and pre- 
 pared for approaching God Tomorrow. It is high* 
 ly necefTary now to examine your Souls, Let a Man 
 examine hi?nfelf 9 and fo let him eat. I fear there are 
 many unfancYyied and unprepared Hearts among us. 
 And in order to aflift you therein, I lhall give fome 
 Marks, both negatively and politively. 
 
 I. Nc- 
 
C 33 2 3 
 
 I. Negatively, Marks of unfancYified Hearts. I # 
 The ignorant Heart that knows not Chrift, nor has 
 any uptaking of the VVay of Salvation through his 
 Righteoulnefs. Suv.h unprepared, and incapable of 
 gracious Communion with God. See how the Pro- 
 mi ii: runs, Jer. xsiv J will give them an Heart to 
 know me y h :-n the Lord, and they fh all be -my 
 People ', and 1 Mi be their God ; for they Jhall return 
 unfo 7h: with their whole Heart. 2. The unbelieving 
 Heart is unprepared, 3. The impenitent Heart. 
 4. The Heart that harbours Chrift's Enemy. 5. 
 The Heart that hath no Love to Chrift. 6. No Love 
 to the Friends of Chrift 7. No hungring and thirft- 
 ing aftei Chrift and his Righteoufnefs. 8. That hath 
 flight Thoughts of his Ordinances, 9. Indifference 
 about the Succefs of the Ordinances to. That re- 
 fife the Motions of the Spirit. 1 1. The Heart that 
 is drowfy, and at no Pains to waken itfeif. ) 2. That 
 is a Stranger to itlelf, and to Self« 'examination. Such 
 Hearts are unfandtiried and unprepared for approach- 
 ing to God To-morrow. 
 
 II. Pofitive Marks of Hearts in fomc Meafurefane- 
 tified and prepared. I. Hearts fendbte of their De- 
 pravity and Sinfulnefs. 2. That are fenfible of their 
 Need of Chrift. 24 Hearts filled with Revenge a- 
 gainft Sin. 4. That are humble and lowly. 5. 
 Hearts troubled for Heart Plagues and Sins 6. 
 Heaits- that confent to the well ordered Covenant in 
 all its Articles. 7, Hearts that aim at Communion 
 and Fellowfhip with God in every Duty. 8. Hearts 
 that hold on in clofe Pur'uit after Chrift, notwith- 
 Handing Difcouragements and Diiappointrhents, as 
 Mhry Magdalene, who would not leave the Sepulchre, 
 
 ■:n others left it. 9. .Hearts that are unfatisfied 
 with fhe heft Mears and Ordinances, if God be not 
 found in them. 10. Hearts that are applying them- 
 klvcs to every Duty, in ChrhVs Strength, faying, 
 
 .UiourChi'ift I can do nothing. II. Hearts that 
 
 are 
 
C 353 ] 
 
 are troubled when they drive heavily in Duty, and are 
 weary or* their Rc-miilheis. 12. Hearts lender of the 
 Peace of God, afraid of Sin, and grieving the Spirit. 
 12. Hearts concerned about the Succeis of thin Ordi- 
 nance, both with refrefl: to themielves and others,' 
 14. He?. rts concerned for want of fiifficieUt Prepara- 
 tion, praying, with Hezekiah, for Pardon and Ac- 
 ceptance, tho' not cleanied according to the Purifica- 
 tion of the Sanctuary, 2 Ckron. xxx. it 19. 
 
 IV. life of Exhortation. O Communicants fanclify 
 yourfelves againft To-morrow, that the Lord may- 
 come down and do Wonders among you, Wonders 
 of Mercy for your Souls. 
 
 Motives* I. Confider that the near Approach you 
 are to make to God at his Table To morrow, is the 
 nearefl Approach you can poilibly make on this Side 
 of Death. Confider what Preparation God required 
 of the Ifraelitesfov receiving the fiery Law at Mount 
 Sinai , Exod. xix. 10. I J. Cod commanded tbrm to 
 fanClify tktmfelvesy ivafh their C.'caJhj, and be rea- 
 dy againft the third Day, for upon that Day the Lord 
 ivtuid c:?ne doiun upon Mount Sinai, in Sight of all 
 the People. What awful Fear and Trembling do 
 you imagine was there among them, when Gcd came 
 down in a thick Cloud, when the Trumpet began to 
 found, the Thunder to crack, the Mountain to linokc, 
 and the Earth to tremble under the Weight of the 
 
 Great God delcending on it. Weli, you fhou ! d be 
 
 under the fame Awe of God in this folemn Ordinance 
 as they were. It is true, he comes not down with 
 fuch Terror, to give a fiery Lav/ as on Mount Sinai, 
 but to deliver the Gofpel of Peace from Mount Ziotr, 
 But mind, 'tis the fame God that (peaks, hath the 
 fome-Majefty, the fame Authority ; and therefore you 
 Mould prepare as carefully, and be as humble before 
 him, as the lfraelites were. Wei e God to come 
 down among you To-morrow in Terrible Majefty, 
 (hould a thick Cloud fill this Koufe, and Lightning 
 
 break 
 
I 334 3 
 
 break our^and mould you hear the Thunder of hii 
 Voice, I am the Lor J, thou /halt have no other God* 
 before me, certainly fucb a dreadful Glory would make 
 your Heaits tremble within you, and theearth trem* 
 ble beneath you. Well then, God is come down a3 
 really among you as among the Ifraelteis, hear him 
 with the fame Reverence, and be as intent upon Ado- 
 ration as they were. Let not his gracious and fami- 
 liar Way of condefcending to deal with you, tempt 
 you to come with lefs Prepartion and Reverence. 
 
 II. Confider the Nature of that God ycu are to ap. 
 proach to. x. A great and mighty God, Pfal. Ixxxix. 
 7, 8. Cod is greatly to be feared in the affembly of the 
 Saints , and to be had in Reverence of all them that are 
 about him. Lord, Cod of Hofls, who is a ftrong 
 Lord like unto thee, or to thy Faithfuluefs round about 
 thee ? Would we feaft with a great King with filthy 
 Hands and Garments? Jofeph prepared himlelf, by 
 fhaving himfelf and changing his Raiment, before he 
 went into Pharaoh ; and wilt thou not prepare thy felf, 
 by putting thy Soul in the holieft Drefs and humbled 
 Port ure, when thou art to go to the King of Heaven and 
 Earth? 2. He is a jealous and omnifcient God, mod jea- 
 lous of his Honour, and will come in to fee the Gueits, 
 Matth. xxii. n. and then he'll fpy every unprepared 
 and unfanelified Gueft ; he notices the State of your 
 Souls, the Frame of your Hearts, the Ends of your 
 communicating, and your Preparation before hand. 
 O then fanclify yourfelves, before you come to the 
 
 Feaft. 3. He is a pure and holy God ; he cannot 
 
 hold Communion with unholy Perfbns, he will be 
 fanclified in them that come nigh him, Lev. x. 3. he 
 will be attended as a holy God, in a holy Manner. 
 Did a hloly Angel fet Tryft with you at a certain 
 Place, againft luch an Hour, would you not prepare* 
 with aU Serioufnefs and Solemnity to attend him ? 
 Oh ! but it is the God of Angels that Tryfts with you 
 
 here* 
 
C 335 ] 
 
 liere, even the God before whom the Angels adore^ 
 and cover their Faces and Feet with their Wings, and 
 Holy* holy, holy. Lord God Almighty . Jf the Linen 
 on the Communion Table, or Veiies that hold the 
 Elements were foul, ye would be ready to exclaim a- 
 gainlt it ; and no doubt there ought to be obfervedan 
 outward Decency in this respect ; Chrift would have 
 the very Room in good Order where he was to eat 
 the Paffover. But O it is a imall Crime to have a 
 foul Cloth or Vellel for outward Elements, ir reipect 
 of what it is to have a foul Heart, or an unprepared 
 Soul to entertain a holy God, and receive the Body 
 and Blood of Chrift. 
 
 3. Confide* that God's People ufed always great 
 Preparation before folemn approaching to God, Geiu 
 
 xxxv. r 5, Where we lee how iolemnly Jacob 
 
 prepared himfelf and his Family, when by God's 
 Command he was going up to Bethel to facrificc unto 
 the L&rd. " They change their Garments, wafh and 
 make the/nfelves clean, and put away their Itrange 
 gods." How much more ought we to prepare, when 
 we go not only tq Bethel, God's Houfe, but to God's 
 Table, by changing our Garments of Sin, and put- 
 ting on ChrihVs Righteouihels by Faith, and putting 
 away and mortifying our Lufts and Idols of Jeaiouiy t 
 We fee alio the Pfa I mill's Preparation for app; oach- 
 ing to God, P/Ww xxvi. 6. 77/ wajh my Hands in 
 Innocencyjfo will I compafs thine A^tar, Lord, The 
 Jews had great Preparation for the Pafiover, and (6 
 Jhould we for the Lord's Supper that is come in its . 
 Room. Wherefore we find the primitive Chriflians 
 ufed to (it up whole Nights at Prayer before the 
 Lord's Supper, which they called Vigilia. 
 
 4. Confider that the Matter of this Sacrament re- 
 quires iolemn Preparation. Solomon di reels us, when 
 we are to eat with a Ruler, to confider w&at is let 
 before us, Prov. xxiii. I. There are here the Sym- 
 bols of Chrift's Body and B!ood ; rare Food ! It is % 
 
 U u great 
 
t 33* 3 
 
 great Sin to abufe common Meat and Drink, or to 
 partake of thefe without lome ferious Thought be- 
 fore hand. We would have VefiTeU clean to hold 
 our ordinary Food ; But here is Soul-food, Heaven's 
 Dainties, the Jewel of Heaven. Chrift's Body in 
 the Sacrament mult be wrapt in a clean Soul, as well 
 as his Body by Jiftph of Arimathea was wrapt ia 
 clean Linen, and laid in a new Tomb. 
 
 c. The Duties to be performed at the Lord's Ta- 
 ble require Preparation,?/^. Covenanting with God, 
 renewing our baptifmai Vow, exprefling our Love to 
 Chriit, reading on a broken Chrift. 
 
 6. You are naturally unfit for this Ordinance ; 
 naturally you have neither habitual nor actual Pre- 
 paration, being dead in Sins and TrelpafTes, leprous, 
 lothforoe, carnal, and earthly minded. Where- 
 fore wc mult be quickned and purified, before we can 
 hold Communion with a holy God. 
 
 7. Becaufe Communion with God would be alto- 
 gether difagreeable to an unianctified Soul, he would 
 weary of it, and take no pleafure in it, 
 
 8. Becaufe of the great Advantage of this Prepa- 
 ration, God will come To-morrow, and -vork Won- 
 ders of Mercy forfuch as fincerely aim at Preparation. 
 O then fanclify yourfelves. Que/L W r hat are thefe 
 Wonders of Mercy ? /info). 1. He will raifc dead 
 Sou's out of the Grave, and put Life in them. 2. He 
 will warm cold Hearts, and put fynritual Heat in 
 them. 3. He will foften hard rocky Hearts, and 
 make them tender and fenlible. 4. He will cleave 
 the Rock and make Waters gufh out of it, the Wa- 
 ters of. penitential Tears. 5. He will cure the pa- 
 ralytick trembling Hand, that could hardly be (tretch- 
 «d out, or grip to airy Thing. He will enable the 
 weak Soul to grip fait to Chriit, and fubferibe his 
 Name to the Marriage Contract. 6. He will ftrength- 
 en the feeble Knees and lame Feet, and make the 
 Soul to run in> the Way of his Commandments with 
 
 enlarg-. 
 
C 337 ] 
 
 enlarged Heart. 7- He will kill ftrong Coliahs and 
 Lufts^that defied the Armies of the God of Ifrael.8. 
 Ke will fix a wandring Heart, and fix it on God and 
 Things above. 9. He will heal a wounded Conlcience 
 by the Balm of Ghead. 10. He will brightena dark 
 cloudy Mind, and reloJve all the Doubts and Fears 
 of a Believer. 11. He will give a Sight of the King 
 in his Beauty, a View of the Smiles ot (Thrift's lovely 
 Face. 12. He will give a ital of the Pardon of all 
 your Sins. 13. He will give a Pi/gah View of Ca- 
 naan, a Sight of the Prom. Ted Land. 14. He will 
 read the Hungry, and fill them with the Dainties 
 of Hea\en.--0 thefe are rare Wonders of Grace,that 
 Chrift will woik for the prepared Soul. O Prepara- 
 tion is your Seed Time, Receiving is your Harveft. 
 >fow, as a Man foweth, lb inall he reap ; he that 
 foweth [paring ly 9 fiall reap fparixgly, and be which 
 foweth bountifully, /ball reap alfo bountifully, 2 C©r. 
 ix. 6. It is in the Duty of partaking, as in the 
 Duty of praying ; the more prepared a Man's Heart 
 is to pray, the greater is his Return from Heaven, 
 Pfal, x. 17. 7 hou wilt prepare their Hearts, thou. 
 wilt caufe thine Ear to hear. So it may be faid in the 
 Cafe of receiving, Thou wilt prepare theHeart ; thou 
 wilt caufe thine Hand to give. When God prepares 
 a Man's Heart for Duty, it is a Token he hath a 
 Hand prepared for Mercy. Hence the Lord makes 
 that gracious Promife, PfaL lxxxi. 10. Open thy 
 Mouth wide, and I will fill it, q. d. I'll enlarge my 
 Hand, as you enlarge your Heart. He faith, as Jo- 
 feph to his Steward, Gen. xliv. 1. Fill the Mens Sacks 
 as much as they can carry. So as Jofeph's Brethren 
 prepared Sacks in Number and Largenefs, fodidthey 
 carry Corn away : And as you bring prepared Hearts 
 to the Ordinance, fo mall you reap Benefit thereby. 
 9 Becaufe of th,e great Danger in coming unpre- 
 pared. If you do not fancYify and prepare yourfelves, 
 God will come and do wonders of Judgment; Won- 
 ders 
 
C 338 ] 
 
 <Jer«of Wrath, among you. I. He may iuflicl bo- 
 dily Diieales, as 1 Cor. xi. 30. 2. He may lend un- 
 timely Death. 3. He may fmite with Deiertioa 
 from God. 4. Hemayfend Darknefs on the Mind. 5, 
 He may imiLe with Deadnefs and lmpenitency on the. 
 Heart 6. Willi decaying and withering on the 
 Gifts and Graces. 7. He may fend Leanneis and 
 Barrenneis on the Soul. 8. He may ("mite with For- 
 mality and Lifeleiheis in Duty. 9 \Vith Searednefs 
 on the Confcience, (o as it (hall challenge for no Sin. 
 10. He may fend Horror and Terror on the Confci- 
 ence, ib as to make it a Magor jM-ftabib. ir. He 
 may let Satan loofe, againft you with Temptations, 
 atheillical and blaiphemous Thoughts. 1 2 He may 
 fend yoa to Heli from the Communion Table, a$ 
 Matth. xxii 12, 13. And he faith unto hi??!, Friend, 
 how came ft thou in hither not having a Wedding- gar- 
 ment P And he was fpse chiefs. Then J "aid the King to 
 the Servant Sy bind him Hand and Foot, and take him 
 away, and ca/I him into outer Darknefs . 
 
 Que ft. How (hall I get my Heart fanclified and 
 prepared, To as I may expect the Lord will come and 
 do wonders of Grace for me To-morrow Anf\ 
 There is a two fold Preparation, habitual and adlual ; 
 you muft fludy both, and habitual Preparation in the 
 i\xi\ place. Queft. What is habitual Preparation ? Anf 
 It hath feveral Ingredients in it. 1. A Covenant - 
 relation to God in Chrilt. 2. A Principle of fpiritual 
 Life. 3. A State of Peace with God. 4, The Im- 
 putation of ChrihVs Right eoufnefs. c. An univerfal 
 Change by regenerating Grace. 6. The Inhabitation 
 of the Spirit. 7- A holy Converfation. 8. The 
 Lamp of a ProfefTion. Qucft. 2. What is actual 
 preparation for the Lord's Supper P Anf. 1. Seque- 
 Itrarii.g ouHelves from the World. 2. Self examina- 
 tion. 3. Humiliation for Sin. 4. Renewing of our 
 perlonal Covenant with God in Chrrft. 5. Reforma- 
 tion of what h anihs. 6. Exciting of all the Graces 
 
 to 
 
[ 239 1 
 
 V 
 
 lb a lively Esevcife. 7. Mediation on the Deatji 
 and bufferings of Chrift. 8. Earned Prayer to God 
 
 for Preparation and Ailiihnce in the Work., And 
 
 after your utmoft Preparation., you muft lay no 
 Streis thereon, but caft yourfelf wholly on Chrift for 
 Affiftance, faying, // is only in the Lord 1 have R'tghte- 
 oufnefs and Strength, We ought to be deniec} to 
 ourielves, and to look with David to the Lord both 
 for Afliftance and Acceptance, PfaL lxxi. 16; I will 
 go in the Strength of the Lord, I will make Mention 
 cf thy Right eoufneCs, even of thine only. You ought 
 to imitate King Afa, who, tho'he had a great Ar- 
 my to fight again ft the Ethiopians, yet cried to th» 
 Lord, and trurted in him alone for Help, as yotr 
 have it recorded, 1. Chron.xiv. 11. And Afa cried 
 unto the Lord his God, and f aid, Lerd y it is nothing 
 with thee to help, whether with many* or with the?n 
 that have no Pow:r ; help us, Lord our God ; f or 
 we reft on thee, and in th^ Name go out agaixft this 
 Multitude. So let every Communicant fay, " Lord, 
 " all my Strength and Preparations are nought, I 
 u have no Power for celebrating this Feaft, help me, 
 * O Lord my God, for Irelt on thee, and in thy Name 
 u I go to this great and weighty Ordinance/' And 
 if you come forward To-morrow in this Self denied 
 and fanclilied Frame, you have Ground to expect 
 that the Lord will do Wonders of Grace and Mer- 
 cy for you. 
 
 ACTION SERMON, 
 
 From Canticles ii. 4. 
 He brought me to the banqueting Houfe, and 
 his Banner over me was Love* 
 
 THE whole of this Song is an allegorical Defec- 
 tion of the xnyfterious Union and Communion 
 
 betwixt 
 
C 34^ ] 
 
 betwixt Chrift and bis Church, under the Perfon* of 
 a Bridegroom and Bride, which is a frequent Meta- 
 phor made u(e of in Scripture. The Forty fifth Pfalm 
 
 is an Abridgment cf this Song. in this Chapter 
 
 Chrift and the Church ieem to drive, who (hill out- 
 vie each other in their Commendations. Chrift firft 
 commends the Church, and then the Church extols 
 Chrift. She compares him to the Apple Tree among 
 Ihe Trees of the IVocd, Vtrfe 3. Chnll is a Fruit- 
 bearing Tree ; but the Children of Men are barren 
 Trees. And O but his Shadow is refrefhing, and his 
 Fruit fweet to a Believer. But as if the Shadow 
 and Fruits of an Apple Tree were too low a Smile, 
 to fet forth his Excellency and Goodnefs, fhc tells us 
 of the Entertainment he gives her in the banqueting 
 Iloufe, in the Text. 
 
 Where we have, 1. The Place which the Spoufe 
 was brought to, the banqueting Hortfe, or Houfe of 
 Wine, /. e. of feafting, becaule Wine is a principal 
 Part of Feafts ; by whfch we are to underftand the 
 Order, or Mears, whereby Chrift conveys his Graces 
 and Bleftings to Believers ; and there is none of all 
 the Ordinances of the Gofpel that may be more fitly 
 nailed the banqueting or feafting Hou(e, than this of 
 the Lord's Supper, which is the great Gofpel Feaft 
 wherewith Chrift entertains his People on Earth, 
 Ordinance^ are called his banqueting Houfe, becaufe 
 of the great Plenty, Variety and Riches of the Bief- 
 fings he thereby communicates td his People. 
 
 2. We have the Perfon that brings her into this 
 banqueting Houfe, and that is Chrift, HE brought me ; 
 which fhews, 1 . Our Want of Right to thele Blef* 
 fings, of ourfelves. All our Right is in Chrift. 2. Our 
 Impotency to come to the feafting Houfe ; he rnuft 
 both give us Strength and Preparation of Soul. 3. 
 The Freeneis of Irs Grace in beftovving tue'e Bieilings 
 «ki us. 
 
 3. Tit 
 
[ 34i 3 
 
 J. The Manner how (he is brought m, and that is 
 under a Banner, Standard or Enfign. It is a milita- 
 ry Rod ; Banners or Enfigns are u(ed in Camps and 
 Armies. PfaL xx. £. Weivill rejoice in thy Salvation^ 
 and in the Name of our God will fet up our Banners. 
 Her March or Entry into thisfeafting Houfe W3S joy- 
 ful and triumphant, fuch as that of People under a 
 difplayed Banner ? or Colours lifted up. Colours are 
 ufefut to draw, invite, engage, and lead People after 
 their Captain ; and the lifting up and difplaying of 
 Colours is a Sign to invite and direct thofe of fuch a 
 Party or Side, to come to fuch a Place, or march 
 (uch a Way. Now, what is the Device or Motto of 
 Chrft's Banner ; not like thofe of other Generals, a 
 Lion, an Eagle, &c. hut LOVE. The Love of a 
 crucified jefus is like a Banner lifted up and difplayed 
 in the Golpel for inviting and engaging Sinners to 
 come to him. Love is the Banner that Chrilt lifts 
 up and difplays this Day, to engage you to come to 
 him, and lift yourlelves under his Banner. Love is 
 that which leads to the hanqueting Hou'e, and fur- 
 nifhes Provition and Entertainment for us there. 
 
 Obftrve I. That Chrift has rich Feafts in the Ordi- 
 nances for entertaining his People's Souls. 
 
 II. That the Banner which Chrift difplays for 
 d: awing us to him, is Love. 
 
 As to the Firft, I mall (hew, I. That Chrift in the 
 Ordinances doth provide Feafts for his People's Souls. 
 2. That the Lord's Supper in particular is one princi- 
 pal Feaft that he prepares for them. 3. Why he 
 prepares fuch*a Fealt. 4. Shall apply. 
 
 As to the Firft, it is evident, 1. From God's Pro- 
 file to his People, PfaL xxxvi. 8. They fliall be a- 
 bund ant fy fatisfied with the Fat tie fs of thy Houfe ; and 
 then fait make them drink of the River of thy Pleajures* 
 Ifiiah xxv. 6. And in this Mountain fly all the Lord 
 ff Hefts make unto all People, a Feaft of fat Things, 
 / if Wind on the Lees of Fat Things futtvf 
 
 Marrow x 
 
r 342 3 
 
 Marrow, of Wines on the Lees well refined. This 
 
 Promife is concerning the Gofpel Time*. Fiom 
 
 Prov. i\ 2. where Wtfdopi, i. e Chrift, is faid to 
 have killed her BeafJs. mingled her Wine, and fur- 
 
 mfhed her Table. ind, to name no more, from 
 
 Luke xv. where the Father prepares the tatted Calf 
 for his penitent Prodigal. 
 
 2. From the hxperience of God's People, as of 
 David. Pfal. iv. 6. Ixiii. c and lxv. 4. and particu- 
 larly from the Experience of the Church in the Text 
 God's People can let to their Seal to thi? Truth. 
 
 As to the Second liead, That the Lord's bupper 
 is one principal Feaft, which-ihe Lord prepare> for 
 his People. Wherefore it is called the Table of the 
 Lord, 1 Cor. x 21. It is called a Feaft on the Sacrifice 
 cf Cbrifii i Cor. v 7, 8. a Wedding Feaft, Matth. 
 xxii. 4. In thefe Places the Lords Supper is principal- 
 ly pointed at. — I lhall heie (hew wherein the Lord's 
 Supper resembles a Feaft ; yea, it is not an ordinary 
 Feaft, it is a rich, royal and magnificent Feaft. 
 
 I. At a Feaft there is rich and noble Provifion. So 
 here there is more than Bread and Wine, even the 
 Body and Blood of Chrift, My Flejh u Meat indeed, 
 and my Blood is Drink indeed, John vi. 55. What 
 Bread and Wine afford to the Body, viz. Strength, 
 Comfort and Nourifhment, the fame doth the Body 
 and Blood of Chrift, received by Faith, yield to the 
 Soul.— -Here is Spiritual Food to the hungry Soul, 
 Bread that ftrengthens Man's Heart, and Wine that 
 cheers the fainting Spirits. Behold here is Wildom's 
 Gates, and Wifdom's Feaft. It is good for us to be 
 
 here, good to wait at her Door Pofts. Here the 
 
 Breads of Confolation are drawn forth, here we may 
 fuck and be fatisfied. — Here the Fountain of Life, 
 and the Wells of Salvation are opened, the Stone 
 
 rolled from the Well's Mouth. -Here is the hidden 
 
 Manna, Angels Food, Bread from Heaven, yea the 
 Fruits of the Tree of Life, that grows in Midft 
 
 of 
 
t 343 1 
 
 of the Paradifc of God. Here is the Water of Life 
 
 that fprings from beneath the Thrcne of God and the 
 Lamb, clear as Chriftal ; if you get but one Drop 
 of it, it (hall be an everlafting Spring in your Soul, 
 io that you need not third after carnal Comforts and 
 
 Enjoyments. Here are the Grapes of Canaan, the 
 
 Fruits that grow in the Land of Promiie ; yea Chi- 
 llers of thefe Grapes are at this Feait, the firft Fruits 
 
 of Heaven. In a Word, there is at this fpiritual 
 
 Feafr. for the Soul to feed on, Chrift crucified, and 
 all his Benefits and Purchafe: And are there not ma- 
 ny Difhes and Delicacies here ? 
 
 I. Here is Pardon of Sin i'ealed to a BeJJever. O 
 is not this a rare Feaft and excellent Cheer, Matth. 
 ix. 2. Be of good 'Cheer, thy Sins are forgiven thee. 
 Here you get Chrift's Blood, which was fhed for 
 many, for the Remiffion of Sins. Here we clafp a- 
 bout a crucified Chrift as the great propitiatory Sa- 
 crifice for our Sins, and accept of him as the Lord 
 our Righteoulhefs ; and thus we receive the Remiffion 
 of Sins. HereGcd faith to a believer, as Nathan to 
 David, 2 Sam. xii. 13. The Lord hath put away thy 
 Sins, thou Jh alt not die. Here we hear the Voice of 
 Joy and Gladnefs, which hath made many a broken 
 f>one to rejoice. Is there any Thing more fweet 
 than Pardon to a condemned Man near the Place 
 of Execution ? And what can give more Joy, than a 
 free Difeharge to a Sinner arrefted by Juftice, and 
 drawn to Heirs Door to be call: into that Prifon for 
 Debt. out.of which there is no Redemption. 
 
 2. We have Peace and Friendfhip with God ; O rare 
 Difh ! not only to be freed of a Burden of Debt, that 
 would have weighed us down to Hell ; and for which 
 Millions already have been carried thither, and are 
 roaring under it without Hope ; but alfo to be re- 
 ceived into fpeciai Favour with God : For in this Sa- 
 crament a Covenant of peace and Frieridfhip is feal- 
 ed and confirmed. O muft it not be a fweet Cordial, 
 
 X k \ for 
 
1 
 C 344 3 
 
 for an Enemy, a Rebel, to be owned as afpecial Fa- 
 vourite of the King of Heaven, lb tbat the Soul may 
 fend a Challenge to Hell and Earth, and bid Defiance 
 to Men and Devils, Rom. viii. 3 3, 34. Who jh all] ay 
 any Thing to the Charge of Cod* J EleCi ? It is God that 
 juftifitth, who is he that condemntth ? It is Chrift that 
 £ 'fed, yea rather, that is rifen again, who is even at 
 the right Hand of God% who alfo maketh Interceffion 
 for us. And you may fay with David, Pfal. iv. 8. 
 I will both lay me down in Peace, and fleep : For thou f 
 Lird, only makejt me to dwelt in Safety. Come Life, 
 come Death, I am fafe ; my confeience is difburden- 
 ed, and I am at Eafe. 
 
 3. Adoption is another of the Dimes at this Feaft. 
 You are not only made a Friend, but a Son and Heir* 
 and in this Saerament you get Safme and Infeftment 
 of theChildrens Privileges, Relation and Inheritance. 
 
 And here God iaith, I will be a Father to thee ; 
 
 and, Son, thou (halt be ever with me, and all that 
 I have is thine. Thou (halt have my Blefiing and 
 Love, the Smiles of my Face, the KiTesof my Mouth, 
 and the Arms of my Grace to fupport and preferve 
 thee. Thou (halt have my Son for thy elder Bro- 
 ther, thy Pried and Advocate ; my Angles to be thy 
 Guards; my Providence to be thy Proteclor and 
 Manager : Thou (halt have Manna in the Wilder- 
 nefs, and Water out of the Rock. Thou (halt b* 
 my Heir, and joint Heir with my eternal Son and 
 Fi;ft born. Thou (halt have Heaven for thy Home, 
 Chrift's Tbroue for thy Seat, and a Kingdom for thy 
 Portion; a honourable Maintenance while here, and 
 an incorruptible Inheritance hereafter. 
 
 4. Another DitTi is Peace of Confeience. This is 
 one of the precious Legacies which Chrift leaves in 
 his Teftamer.t, whieh is here feaied, John xiv. 27. 
 It is here Chrift fpeaks Peace to his People and to his 
 Saints, here he oreaths Peace upoa them, as in Luke 
 *xiv. ;6. Do Doubts and Fears arife within you, 
 
 that 
 
[345] 
 
 that hinders you to believe the good News, as with 
 the Difciples ; fo thereisthat in this Sacrament which 
 may check all thefe Fears. Luke xxiv. 38, 39. Why 
 are ye troubled, and why do Thoughts arif? in your 
 Heart i ? Behold my Hands and my Feet, that it is I 
 tnyfeif ; handle me and fee, &c. O but the Prints of 
 the Nails may calm the doubting Confcience, and 
 quiet thy Fears. 
 
 5. Supplies and Strength to our weak and decayed 
 Graces. Here Chrift's Storehoue is opened, and 
 we may get Grace for Grace out of his Fulnefs ; here 
 the fmoaking Flax may be kindled into a Flame, and 
 the brui ed Reed find Support ; here you may get 
 weak Faith ftrengthened, cold love enflamed, weak 
 Defire kindled, Repentance renewed, Hope made 
 lively, the Soul fitted and fortified for Trials and Suf- 
 ferings, and prepared for parting thro' the Valley of 
 the Shadow of Death : Yea, in a Word, you may 
 pet all your Wants fupplied, all your Grivances re- 
 drefled, and Malad ; es remedied. Here you may get 
 a Meal that will both fatisfy, and beget a Stomach 
 in you, that will prove Life to your Souls, and 
 Poifon to your Lufts. It is here the empty Soul is 
 filled, the ftarving Creature fed, the Poor Beggar 
 enriched, the hard Heart foftened, the cold Heart 
 warmed, the dead Soul quickned, the paralytick 
 Hand cured, the blind Eye enlightened, the thirfly 
 Heart fatisfied, the feeble Knees ftrengthened, the 
 ftraitened Heart enlarged, the wandering Heart fixed, 
 the creeping Defires elevated, the cloudy Soul bright* 
 ned, and the doubting Sool refolved. O are not 
 thefe gracious and blefled Changes ! Here you may 
 get Strength againft your ftrong Lufts and Tempta- 
 tions, and Furniture for every Duty, fo as yon may 
 pray with Enlargement, hear with Comfort, praiie 
 with Elevation of Mind, and meditate with Delight. 
 
 «. Here 
 
I 346 3 
 
 6. Here is Chrift's gracious Pretence, and a Sight 
 of his Countenance; that is a rare Delicate in this 
 Feaft, that fatisfies the Soul, Pfalm xvi. ult. In thy 
 Preftnce is Fubufs of Joy, that was the Pfa/mifl's 
 Heaven upon Emh. It is here Chrift try (Is with his 
 People, here he walks with them, and is held by them 
 in the Galleries ; here he vifits them and holds Com- 
 munion with them, intimates his Love, and kifTes 
 them with the KifTes of his Mouth. Here they fee 
 the King in his Beauty, here the Saints have beheld 
 the Beauty of the Lord, Pfal. xx\\\. 4. O this is 
 worth our while. O let it be our Errand this Day 
 to meet with Chrift, and fee his blefTed Face. God's 
 People in all Ages have placed their Happinefs here. 
 Abraham rejoiced in a Sight of Chrift, tho* afar off, 
 at 1900 Years Diftance. The wife Men thought it 
 worth their while, to undertake a long Journey from 
 the Eaft to lee bim> tho' but new born. Old Simeon 
 defires to fee no more on Earth, after he gets a Sight 
 of him, tho' a Child. Zaccheus ran and climbed up a 
 
 Tree to foe him, though defpifed of Men.' O now 
 
 he is mining in Glory, (hall not we defire a Sight of 
 him i David delired it as his one Thing, PfaL xxvii. 
 though he then wanted his Throne and Kingdom. 
 The Spoule feeks it as her one Thing, Cant. iii. 3. 
 Saw ye him wh r m ??iy Soul loveth ? O but a Sight 
 of him would make your Face to mine, a Sight of 
 him in his Love, in his dyed Garments, treading out 
 the WinePrefs alone. 
 
 7. Another Difh is the Comfort of Ms Spirit, and 
 the clearing up your Intereft in Chrift and Glory, a 
 Sight of Heaven, and ycur Names written in the 
 Book of Life, (o that all your Fears may befcatter- 
 ed, QbjecYions anfwered, Doubts refolved, and like- 
 ways the Evidences of your Gracescleared up to you 
 fo that tho'^you doubted before if you had Faith, yet 
 now you may be enabled to fay with the poor Man, 
 Lerd, I believe. You doubted before of your Love, 
 
 but 
 
C 347 3 
 
 but now you may fay with Peter, Lord, thou that 
 knowefl all Things knowefl that I Lve thee. You 
 dou bted before of your Intereft in thrift, but now 
 you can fay with Thomas. My L'^d, and my God ; 
 with Job, I know that my Redeemer liveih ; and with 
 Paul, I know in whom I have believed. 
 
 Thus I have (hewn you fome of the rich Provifion 
 and noble Entertainment prepared in this Banquet 
 before you : Yea, you fee it is not only rieh Provifi- 
 on, but there are choice Rarities here, hidden Manna, 
 Angels Food; yea, not only choice, but Plenty and 
 Variety, Food adapted to our Sou'.s Nature and Fa- 
 culties ; Food to nourifh, ftrengthen, delight and 
 fefrefh the Soul. Mere is Food tuitable to all the 
 Faculties, Light to the Mind, Peace to the Confci- 
 ence, Satisfaction to the Will, and Food for all the 
 Affections. Here Love may fatisfy itielf in embracing 
 the Chief among Ten thoufands. Defire may fatisfy 
 itfelf in clafpng the Defire of all Nations. Delight 
 may here bathe itfelf in the River of Pleafure, In a 
 Word, what can the Soul need but is here? for Chrifl 
 is made of God to us Wifdom, Righteoufnefs, Sancti- 
 flcation and Redemption. Here is precious Blood to 
 purge away our deep Guilt; ht re is perfect R'rghte- 
 ouinefs to cover our naked Soul; here are Riches, and 
 unfearchable Riches in Chrift, Righteoufnefs for our 
 Juftification, and Grace for our Sanclification ; here 
 all Things are given us richly to enjoy; here Hope 
 may feed on the great and precious Promifes. 
 
 idly, At Feafls there u r ed to be Lavers for the 
 Guells to wafh m, as at the Marriage-feafl in Cana 
 of Galilee, where were fix Water pots fet for Purifi- 
 cation, John ii 6. Doth Senfe of Defilement fear 
 you from partaking? Behold here is a Fountain ope- 
 ned, Zech. xiii. i. O come, and wafh in it, that 
 ye may be fit to compafs God's Altar, and fit down 
 at his Table. 
 
 $dly, At Banquets there ufes to be Mirth and 
 Chearfulnefs ; fo herr, when prodigal Sinners firft 
 
 return 
 
C 348 3 
 
 return to their Father, he hath Mirth and Mufkk to 
 entertain them, See Luke xv. 24. The Tidings of 
 Chrift's Purchafe, and the Promifes, are the befi Mu- 
 fie and Melody in the World : the News or what 
 he hath done and fuffered, ought tofill your Hearts 
 and Lips with the high Praiies of God, and thank- 
 ful Admiration of Chrift and redeeming Love. O 
 Believers, confider you are not to come like Mour- 
 ners to a Funeral, but like Children to your Father's 
 Feaft a royal Feaft. I'll bring them to my holy 
 Mountain, and make them joyful in my HoufeofPray- 
 #r, faith the Lord : So that ye may eat this Bread 
 with Joy, and drink this Wine with a merry Heart, 
 in Hopes of God's accepting you and your Sacrifice, 
 Ecclef. ix. 7. 
 
 qthly, At Feafts there is the Mafter of the Feaft, 
 to bid the Guefts welcome, as ready as the Father to 
 welcome the prodigal Child. Chrifl is the Mafter of 
 this Feaft ; he hath lent forth his Servants, to call 
 and invite you to the Feaft, and now he is to come 
 to the Table to bid you welcome, as in Cant. v. 1. 
 Eat Friendly drink, yea drink abundantly , Beloved. 
 
 $th!y y At Feafts there are Servants to attend the 
 Guefts; here the Minifters are Stewards and Servants 
 to attend Chrift's Guefts at this Feaft : and their 
 Work is to direct you to the Table, and to give every 
 one their Portion of Meat in due Seafon. God grant 
 we give not the Childrens Bread to Dogs, and them 
 that have no Right to it. We know not the Heart, 
 ye all have profefted yourfelves to be Children; O do 
 not mock God and his Servants. 
 
 6thly 9 Here is a blefling craved by the Mafter of 
 this Feaft ; yea, he has commanded, and will com- 
 mand the bleffin^s and his Servants are to pray for 
 the Virtue of that BJefTing to this Table.l 
 
 -jtbly, At a Feaft there is good Company. O 
 there is rare Company at this Feaft. The King fits 
 athisjabie Cant. i. X2. even the King of Glory. 
 
 Chrift 
 
[ 349 ] 
 
 Chrift himfelf is there prefent, and the Father alio ; 
 for in this Feaft we have Fellowftiip with the Father 
 and the Son. thro' the holy Spirit. Here the Chil- 
 dren of God, yea the glorious Saints above fit at this 
 Table, and fnare with us in this Feaft. It is true., 
 tbey fit at the upper end of the Table, and we at the 
 
 lower End. -They have better Appetites better 
 
 Mufick ; they feed on a naked Chrift, we by Signs 
 and Symbols ; but we have all the fame Cheer. O 
 
 what a great and good Company is here / We 
 
 read of Beljhazzar that made a Feaft for a Thoitfand 
 of his Lord?, Dan. v. i. But here is a Feaft formany 
 Thoufands. yea, to all Believers, Jews and Gentiles, 
 an open free Feaft, Ifa xxv. And we read that 
 Aha'uerus made a Feaft to all his Princes and Servants 
 which laded One hundred and eighty Days, EJih. i. 
 4. But here is a Feaft which lafts to all Eternity. 
 
 III. As to the third head, why he prepares fuch 
 a Feaft for his People \ AnJ. 1. To be a (olemnMc- 
 morial of his Love to Sinners, in fuffering and dy- 
 ing for them ; and this Memorial is to be kept up 
 thro' all Generations till Chrift's fecond Coming. 
 Juft fo the Paflover was a commemorating Feaft to 
 the Ifraslites of their protection and Deliverance from 
 the Bondage of Egypt. 
 
 2. To difcover his infinite Riches and Goodnefs to 
 poor Sinners. So A^afuerus Efther i. 3. 4. made 
 a Feaft to all h)s Princes and Servants y to {hew them 
 the Riches of his excellent Majefly. 
 
 3. To exprefs the Joy and Satisfaction he hath in 
 the Believer's coming to him. The Father of the 
 Prodigal evidenced his Joy for the R-eturn of his 
 Son (who was dead and now alive, lo ( l and founj) 
 by a Feaft and Mufick. O Believers this is the Day 
 of the Gladne'sof ChrinVs Heart ; glad is he to lee 
 his Prodigals returing, and this Feaft is the Welcomt 
 home. 
 
 4- To 
 
C 35° 3 
 
 4. To exprefs his Love to Believers, and tha: 
 might have Opportunity of nearer Com nun ion and 
 Fellowfhip with them. At Feafls People have great 
 Freedom and Familiarity with one another, mutual 
 Expreflions of Kindnefs, communicating of Secrets, 
 rejoicing in one another. O but many a poor Sou! 
 has been ravinVd with Chrift's Love here, and with 
 the Wine ofhis Confolation ; hehas made rare Dif- 
 coveries of his Love to them. 
 
 5. To ratify and confirm the Covenant between 
 God and us. It was ufual in the Eaftern Countries 
 to ratify Contracts and Covenants by eating and 
 drinking together. So it was in the Covenant made 
 between lfaa: and Abimelech, (eeGen. xxvi 28, 30. 
 And fo it was a federal Rite between Labzn and Ja- 
 cob, Gen. xxxi. 46. between the Ifraslites and Gtbe- 
 cnitesy Jt/hua ix. 14. between David and Abnen 2 
 Sam. m. 20. Confider then, this is a covenanting 
 Feaft, here a folemn Bargain between God and us 
 is fealed and ratified. What is the Bargain ? See 
 the Tenor of the Covenant, ASIs xvi. 3 1 £f - Be- 
 lieve on the Lord Jefus Chrijl, and thou jhalt befaz-ed. 
 Here we engage to believe in Chrift, and Chrift 
 engages to fave us. Here God promifes to be to 
 us a God, and we^proraife to be to him a people. 
 
 Here God promifes and feals the Benefits of 
 
 the Covenant on his Part, and we promife and feai 
 
 the Duties of the Covenant on our part. Here 
 
 God's givTag the Signs is a Seal on his Part, and our 
 
 taking them is a Seal on ours Here Chrift gives 
 
 us his Soul and Body to lave us, and we give our 
 Souls and Bodies to ierve him — Here God binds h'm* 
 felf to be faithful, and we bind our'elves to be con- 
 stant. — Yea, we here fwear ^llegianceto Chrift over 
 his broken Body and fhed Blood. 
 
 6. To be a Cordial to his poor fainting Ones, and 
 
 for ftrengthening the weak and feeble of his People. — 
 
 Manv of his People are fore caft down, and have 
 
 r dwelt 
 
C 351 ] 
 
 dwelt long with Fears and Horrors ; and this is a 
 1 Relief to them, here Chrift fmiles, and fpeaks Peace. 
 
 « Others are weak in Grace, here he brings them 
 
 Supplies ; here the Decayed have renewed their 
 Strength ; here the Lame have been made to leap 
 as an Hart, and the Tongue of thfe Dumb to fing. 
 
 7* To fortify and encourage againft ail Difficul- 
 ties and Trials we may meet with in Ghrift's Service. 
 We are to look for Reproaches and Perfecutions, if 
 we hold faft by Chrift. Satan and the World will 
 not be idle, fee Heb, x. "2. 4 Here is a Meal and 
 Cordial to hearten us for it ; and fome have met 
 with that in this Feaft which hath made them chear- 
 fully venture on Sufferings, and refolve never to leave 
 Chrift. An Hour of fealing animates the Soul for 
 an Hour of Suffering. If the Redeemer fmile ©n us, 
 and his Love be fhed abroad in our Hearts, we can 
 bear any Thing, fuffer any Thing, lofe any Thing* 
 and not be discouraged. O then come, and take in 
 Provifion againft the evil Day, for ye have a Wil- 
 dernefs to go thro*. Elijah wa^s excited to take a 
 double Meal, for his Journey was long. So if you 
 would have Strength for your Journey, O here you 
 may have it, here is Food more fubfifting, durable, 
 and nourishing than Elijah's Cake and Cruife of 
 Water, of which he eat and drank, and in the 
 Strength of that Meal went forty Days and forty 
 Nights, unto H&reb the Mount of God, i Kings xix. 
 
 6, 8 What Bread and Wine afford to the Body, 
 
 the fame doth Chrift's Body and Blood in the Sacra -f 
 ment received by Faith, afford %o the Soul, viz* 
 (lengthening, comforting Nourifhmenf/. And who 
 but a Madman would be *o cruel to himfelf, as to. 
 deny his faint Body its dated Meals and Relief? O 
 may it not hearten you, that whatever your Straits* 
 bodily Wants or Neceflitles Ire, and however you 
 may be defpifed, you have a great King that honours 
 you, owns you, takes you to feaft with himfelf here, 
 
 Y y and 
 
C 35 2 3 
 
 and will fliortly call you to the Marriage-fuppef of 
 the Lamb abo e 
 
 8. To you from the vain Plea Cures and 
 
 Comforts of the World, and from fcnlual Delights; 
 and to make you long tor that glorious and full Feaft 
 above. 7 his is aForetafte of it, and fhould ftir up 
 a Hunger for it ; for this Feaft is the Firft fruits ef 
 Hta tn. 
 
 Improvement I. I infer what a horrid Calumny it 
 is, t;.at is raifed againit the Ways of Chrift by the 
 Dev : l and the World, that they are fad and melan- 
 choly, of put pofe to fright Men from them. No, 
 you tee Chrift has royal Feafts for his People, the 
 World knows little of. A Believer would not give 
 a Crumb of this fpiiitual Feaft for many Day« of 
 worldly F € afts. 
 
 II. Admire his CondefcenGon, that the Lord of 
 Glory fhould make fuch 2 Feaft for Beggars, fee Lute 
 xiv. ft. Poor Worms, vile Sinners, will he call us, 
 that deferve not a Dog's Crumb beneath the Table \ 
 to come and fit down with the Children at the Table ? 
 O what are we that he mould deal fo with us, Siu- 
 Bers vile as the Mire, and black as Hell. You have 
 far greater Caufe to wonder at this Privilege than 
 Mephibojbeth, 2 S;<m. ix. 7. David f aid to him, 1 will 
 furely Jkcv) thee Kind tie fs for Jonathan thy Father's 
 Sake, and will reflore the all the Land of Saul thy 
 Father y and thou /halt eat Bread at my Table conti- 
 nually, Obferve his Anfwer, What is thy Servant y that 
 thou • fkouldjl look upon fuch a dead Dog as I am? 
 
 IH. How unexcufable are they who flight this Feaft, 
 that has coft Chrift fo dear, more than ten Thouiand 
 Kingdoms ? He has made all Things ready, and has 
 been calling Sinners to come. Confider how grie- 
 vcufly the King took it, when he made his Marriage 
 Supper, and thofe that were "bidden would not come, 
 huh xiv. 24# 
 
 I .£"*- 
 
C 353 
 
 IV. Exhort&thn. O Communicants who have been 
 preparing for this Feaft, come away to the Marriage, 
 all Things are ready on Chrift's Part. Orj. But how 
 /hall I get AccefstotheBanqueting-hou i :m- 
 
 ploy Chrift to bring you in. It is he alone that brings 
 his Spoufe in. You may come to the Table, and get 
 the outward Elements, but .nlefs (Thrift bring you in 
 tothe Ba.-queting-houie, ye will not be uken in. It" 
 is only Chrift can give you Appetites, and clothe you 
 with the Wedding-Garment ; 'tis only he that can 
 quicken the dead Soul, and ftrengthen tre Weak, / 
 can do a. I Things thro* Chrift fircngtkemag me f faith 
 Paul. He only can fend the Comforter, the North 
 and South Gales of the Spirit. He only can remove 
 the Burden of Sra, and take away the Heart or Stone, 
 dilTolve Doubts and icatter Clouds. O look **nd long 
 for him then to bring you in, and fay with thefe in 
 Jthn xi. 56. What thin,- I he come to the Feajl ? 
 
 will he bring me in to the Banqueting houfe; will he 
 touch my Heart and take me by the Hand ? Poor 
 Sinner, I'll tell you whom he will bring in. 'Tis 
 true, it is not every one, many come thronging to 
 the Feaft that have no Ground to expect to be taken 
 io. But there are feme he will bring in, and they are 
 the r e ; 1. The hungry and thirfty Sinner that is long- 
 ing for a Meeting with Chrilt, fenfible of his Needs 
 and Wants, and crying, O a Crumb from his Hand, 
 a Drop from his Wounds, a Seal of Pardon from that 
 T-b:e, die I die. Thefe have a Promife to be filled. 
 2. The poor, broken-hearted, humbled Soul, that 
 
 5 a deep Senfe of his own Nothingneis and Unwor- 
 thme&j faying, I am not worthy that Chrift mould 
 come under my Roof, and far lefs worthy that I 
 (hould come under Chrift's Roof, my Sins are fo ma- 
 ny and great. Is there any {landing afar off with 
 the Publican, afraid to come to the holy Table, fay- 
 ing, G?d be merciful to me a Sinner, Chrift will come 
 to fuch, JfmA lvii. I 5. He will revive the Spirit cf 
 
 Y j 2 the 
 
' i C 3*4 3 
 
 he humble , and the Heart of the contrite Ones. 3. The 
 poor praying and wreftling Soul, that has been put- 
 ting up many a Petition, Sigh and Groan for Accefs, 
 faying, that I knew where to find him! O when 
 Wilt thou come unto me, how long wilt thou hide 
 thy Face ? O have ye been ftorming Heaven with 
 vour Cries laft Week, lad Night, and this Morning? 
 TIave ye been knocking for the Opening of the Door 
 of the Banqueting-houfe ? he will come and bring 
 fuch in. 4 All the Friends and Lovers of Chrift 
 will be taken in. O Sinner, art thou fuch, fee thy 
 Warrant and thy Welcome, Cant, v r. O fay fome, 
 I can't be a Friend to Chrift ; but I wi(h him well, 
 and his People and Intereft. I can't fay I am a true 
 Lover of Chrift ; but I find my Heart glowing and 
 warming with Defire to him, and I would give all 
 the World I had thefeGlowings kindled into a Flame. 
 Take Courage, poor Soul, Chrift will not quench 
 the fmoaking Flax, he will blow it up into a Flame, 
 and take thee in. 5. All fi ncere covenanting Souls, 
 that have been Yefternight and this Morning honeft- 
 ly confenting to the Bargain offered in the Golpel, 
 content to clofe with Chrifr. as he offers himfelf, to 
 renounce their Idols and Luftf, and to give Chrift 
 their Hearts. Is there any Soul willing to open to 
 Chrift ; O then he will take youjn, Rev. iii. 20.^ If 
 any Man open the Door, I wilt come in to him, and 
 ivill fup with him, and he with vie. O poor Sinners, 
 that never opened your Hearts to Chrift, be perfuad- 
 ed to open to a bountiful Lord ; open your Hearts 
 to him, and he will open his Banqueting-houfe to you. 
 O Sinner, haft thou no need of ChrinVs Dainties ; art 
 thou not a poor, perifhing, ftarving Soul, a famifhed 
 Prodigal, and needed thou not the Bread of Life? 
 Chrift is at the Door with Variety of BleiTmgs, and 
 ready to open his Banqueting-houfe to you, O will 
 ye open to him \* Conflder that if ye do not accept of 
 Chrift, he may pa r s fuch a lentence agamft you, as 
 h Luke xiv. 24. For I fay untojou, that none ofihefe 
 
[ 355 3 
 
 Jtten which were bidden fhall tafle of my Supper. ® 
 will it not be dreadful to fee the Saints fitting at the 
 Royal Feaft in Heaven, and jou yourfelves (hut out, 
 like a Company of ftarving Beggars (landing about 
 the Doors where the Marriage Supper is kept \ they 
 fee the Lights, and behold the rich Dirties carried up, 
 they hear the Mirth and Mufick of the Guefts, but 
 not a Bit comes to their Share. 
 
 But as for you that are content to accept ofChrift 
 on his own Terms, come away to the Marriage Sup- 
 per, Chriit the Matter of the Feaft invites you, and 
 will make you welcome. And in coming to this 
 Feaft obferve the following Directions ^ 
 
 r. Come with holy Awe and Reverence of God, 
 the Mailer and Maker of this Feaft. If ye were go- 
 ing to a Prince's Table, you would have fome Awe 
 upon your Spirits; mind the Matter of this Feaft: is a 
 glorious, holy and jealous God, that will not be v 
 mocked. 
 
 2. Come with a pure Heart and clean Hands ; wafti 
 your Hearts in the Tears of true Repentance, purge 
 them of alf Filth, thro' the Blood of Jefus, which 
 cleanfeth from all Sin, other ways you'll affront the 
 Matter of this Feaft. Should a Beggar that has been 
 wallowing in a Puddle, intrude himielf in that Con- 
 dition into a Prince's Company, fit down at h's 
 Table, and dip his befmeared Hands into the lame 
 Diih with him, How would he take it ? O come not 
 with filthy Rags and filthy Hands to this holy Table, 
 but repent of every Sin, renounce every Sin, and re- 
 folve agiintt every Sin. 
 
 2. Come with a holy Fear and Jealoufy over your- 
 fe ves, tear'd that you be not ready. Cry, Lord, 
 , jet me not wrong Chrift or my own Soul this Day ' 
 O let me not betray the Son of God with a Kifs ; O 
 let me not murder Chrift or my own Soul, contract 
 Blood-guiltinets, or drink Damnation. O what if I 
 v. ant the Wedding Garmentvvhen the King comes 
 in to view the Guefts ! 
 
 4. Come 
 
C V* 3 
 
 4. Come with a broken and bleeding Heart t« 
 view the flain Lamb. O will not the dying Groans 
 and bleeding Wounds or' Chrift move you ? When 
 you tee him ttrrtched out :v>d nailed, will je not cry, 
 O behold my Saviour that vas nailed for mc, dying 
 with Love in his Heart, and finiles in his face ; O it 
 was my Sins drove in thefe Nails. Remembe., the 
 Sun vailed his Face in the Time of Chrift 's Sufferings, 
 fainted at the Sight, and could not l^ok ; O vail 
 yours, retire inwardly, and take amends of bin the 
 Caufe of his Sufferings. 
 
 5. Have on the Wedding Garment, viz. Faith in 
 a Redeemer's Righteoufnefs. Come relying on him 
 for Acceptance, and look to him for Strength and 
 Furniture ; Look up to him, O dead Soul, for Life 
 and Quickening. How umeemly will it be to iee a 
 Company of dead Corp e let down to the Feaft of 
 the living God ? O be act ng Faith in a lively Man- 
 ner on Chrift, tor Faith is the Life of all : O come 
 reach hicher thy Finger and behold Chrift's Hands, 
 reach hither thy Hand, and feci the Prints of the 
 Kails, and Mark of the Spear, and cry with Thomas , 
 My Lord and my God ; here Vll reft, and here VII ft ay. 
 In the Clefts of his Wounds my Soul (hall take Shel- 
 ter, where Juftice fhall not reach me. 
 
 6. Come with Love, for it is a Love-feaft. O 
 love Chrift, that is both the Mailer, the Maker and 
 Matter of the Feaft. Chrift's Heart is burning and 
 bleeding with Love to you, O let yours do To to 
 fcim. Without Love ye have nothing to do here. 
 •—Come alfo with Love and Chanty to all M?n, be 
 ready to forgive every one, as ye would have God to 
 forgive you. 
 
 7. Come with panting and thirfting DeCres, te 
 fee and meet with Chrift, faying I care not who be 
 feere, if CI. rift he abfcnt. O the DeGre of my Soul 
 is towards him and the Remembrance of his Name. 
 
 8. Come 
 
C 357 ] 
 
 8. Come with Expectation, depending only on 
 ChrirVs Merits, God's Promifes, and free Mercy in 
 Chrift, greedily expecting ibmething from Chrift this 
 Day ; as the poor cripple Man did from Peter and 
 John, Aclsni. 4, 5. ^W Peter fapemngkh Eyes up- 
 on him y with John, [aid. Look on us. And he gave 
 heed unto them y expetfing to receive J ovist hing of them* 
 We ordinarily jeceive little, becaufe we expect little. 
 O raife your Defires and Expectations, for ye come 
 to a merciful and liberal God, that will not let the 
 Expectation of the poor perifh, Pfal % ix. 18. 
 
 9. Come refigning yourielves to Chrift. Give up 
 your Hearts to Chiift, laying, Lord, I have no Sa- 
 crifice to bring but my Heart, O that it were a thou- 
 fand Times better than it is, it mould be thine ; 
 Lord, accept of this poor Sacrifice. 
 
 10. Come with Admiration and Praife. O the 
 high Praifes of God fhouid be in our mouths : Won- 
 der and praife God for the Contrivance or our Re* 
 demption, and for making Choice of fuch a Redeemer. 
 O wonder and praife our Redeemer for leaving his 
 Throne of Glory for a Manger ; yea, for a Crofc 
 and a Grave, and all for the Sake of us. Say, 
 t( Lord, what am I, that thou fhouldft p?.\t with 
 u thy Glory, yea with thy Blood and Life for fuch 
 ** a Wretch a3 I am ? O how ami afiSamed, that 
 * I love thee no more ; my Heart is co.d, my 
 " Tongue is flow, I cannot love, I cannot praife. 
 " O let Heaven and Earth, Angels and Men, join 
 u and extol his free Grace and wondrous Love If 
 ye come in fuch a Frame, you will be taken into the 
 Banqueting-houfe, and his Banner over you will be 
 Love. And this leads me to fpeak a Word to ..he 
 Banner cf L r ve. 
 
 Chrift upon the Crofs hatfr lifted up a Banner of 
 Love ; he hath declard himfelf willing to receive e- 
 very Soul that will ccme under his Banner, and lift 
 himfelf to fight under his Colours. As ye are profef- 
 
 fing 
 
C 358 ] 
 
 fing to leave the Devil's ftandard, and come to 
 Chrift, by taking your Sacrament, (which uled tob- 
 a military Oath among theRomans) and (wearing 
 Allegpnce to Chrift ; O mipd ye are not to draw 
 back, but to^follow the Captain of your Salvation, 
 and limit he. Devil, the World and the Flefn. 
 
 If ye perjure yourlele?, and return to your old Ways, 
 laying, Welcome drunken Gups, bloody Oaths, Ijii 
 
 \ e will incur all the Curfes of the Law, and 
 Vengeance of the Gofpel alio. O ye will (ink deeper 
 into Heil than others, and ye T .\ill be made to cry, 
 Would to God I h id been the Son of a Pagan or Mw 
 v. Wherefore own and ftand by the Banner 
 of Chrift ; and to encourage y vj toStedfaftnefs, kc 
 in mind that you have, x. A noble General, who hath 
 already conquered, and is ready to join you in the 
 Fight- 2. A noble Cau'e ; 'tis the Lord's Bat: 
 ■■; are God's Enemies, and Enemies to your Souls 
 ;. You have noble Weapons, the Shield of 
 Faith. Sword of the Spirit, &c. they are impenetrable 
 and full Proof. 4. Noble Pay,' a white Stone, a 
 Covn and a new Name, Gr.ice here, and Glc 
 hereafter. 5. Ye are lure of Victory, if ye Eg 
 
 ly, for Chrift will fairly bring you cut cf the 
 lield a/ length. 
 
 A L is a S : an of Union ; it fignifies that all 
 
 relbrt to it, are united in one Company, under 
 
 luch a r O then ltudy>Lmion among your- 
 
 Let t e Cenfideration of Chrift's Love move 
 
 be unite, and to love one another. O 
 
 . Drcord, Hindering and, backbiting ; 
 
 rs ot one Company, and under one 
 
 Cant: in, ar.d if you divide, Enemies will reap 
 
 I gain, a Banner is a Sign of Pro- 
 
 ner that en^kges Chrift 
 
 to . ; as long as Chrift loves his 
 
 ted and defend them, O then 
 
 Work .:: evil Times, flee to Chrift's Love, 
 
 and 
 
cs6i : 
 
 and abide in this Love ; keep vour Souls in the Love 
 of God, clear up the Evinces of Chrift's Love, 
 and i'o you may look to him for Protection afld tj^o- 
 rough-bearfcg in the vvVrft Cafe ; Men or Devils (hall 
 do you no fltrt, \¥hile%s Banner over^^i is %ove. 
 La/lly, A Banner difplayed Ggm^p Victory. 
 When Conquerors won a City, they difplayed- their 
 Colours on the Walls ; O has Chrift this Day won 
 your Hearts, conquered your Enemies and Lufts> and 
 difplayed his Banner thereupon. O it is Love that 
 engaged him to make fuch a Conqueft. Be faithful 
 to your friendly Conqueror, and let not thefe Enemies 
 and Rebels get into the City again. O hold out the 
 City, and fight valiantly under ChrinVs Banner ; be 
 not cowardly, do not bafely furrender the fort that 
 Chrift has won ; he has won it, let him wear it, let 
 him pofTefs the Throne for ever. Say to Chrift, as 
 the Men of Ifrael faid to God, Judg, viii. 22. Rule 
 thou over us, fsr thou haft delivered us out of the Hand 
 o/Midian. O but Chrift has delivered you out of the 
 Hands of Satan ; fubmit therefore kindly to his Go- 
 vernment and Laws, own him as a King as well as a 
 Prieft ; furrender willingly the Keys of your Heart to 
 him, aud keep your Heart for him, 
 
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