ChristPrecioustoThoseWhoBelieve

byJohnFawcett

TableofContents

ChapterI.IntroductoryRemarks

ChapterII.Thecharacterofthepeople,towhomChristisprecious

ChapterIII.Theevidencebelieversgive,thatChristisprecioustothem

ChapterIV.InwhatwaysJesusChristisprecioustothosewhobelieve

ChapterV.Practicalimprovementofthesubject

ChapterI.IntroductoryRemarks.

Thesubjecttowhichthereader'sattentionisinvitedinthesepagesisofthe highest importance; since love to the divine Redeemer is thedistinguishingcharacteristicofarealChristian,andmostindispensablyrequirementinordertoourservingGodacceptablyinthisworld,andtoour dwellingwith him in the nextworld.Without a sincere and lovingattachment to the Author of eternal salvation, whatever worksof morality we may perform, our obedience will be materially andessentiallydefective,asnotflowingfromaproperprinciple.

Love is theparentandpromoterofeverythingexcellentandamiable intheChristiancharacter.Itdiffuses itself throughthewholetrainofholyactions. Itgives themall theirmotion,anddignifies themwithall theirrealvalue.Theeloquenceofmen,orevenofangels,thegiftofprophecy,the knowledge of all mysteries, the power to work miracles, the mostextensiveliberalitytothepoor,andeventhesufferingofmartyrdom,areallinsignificantandunprofitablewithoutlovetoJesus.

Hewho lovedussoas togivehimselfa ransomforoursouls,whowasliftedupupon the ignominious cross, that hemight drawallmenuntohimself,proposestothosewhoprofesstobehisdisciples,thesolemnandimportant inquiry, "Do you loveme?"He valuesnot our service—if theheartisnotinit.Heknowswhatisinman;heseesandjudgestheheart,andhasnoregardtooutwardactsofobedience,ifnodevoutaffectionisemployedinthem.Itisnotenoughfortheeyetobelifteduptohim,orthe knee to bow before him; it is not enough for the tongue to beemployedinspeakingofhim,orthehandinactingforhisinterestintheworld.Allthismaybedonebythosewhosereligionismerepretense!Buttheheartwithalltheinwardpowersandpassionsofthesoul,must,inthefirstplace,begiven tohim. "Gracebewithall thosewho loveourLordJesusChrist insincerity;" andas thenatural consequenceof that,keephiscommandments.

I would ground the following observations on thewords of the apostlePeter, "Yes, He is very precious to you who believe!" 1 Peter 2:7. Thewordprecious,signifieshonor,price,orpreciousnessitself;thatwhichisofinfinitevalue.

ThepeopletowhomChristisprecious,are,withgreatpropriety,saidtobethosewhobelieve.Unbelievers seenobeautyormajesty inhim,norany loveliness that they should desire him. Hence have we so manystrange notions advanced, concerning his adorable person. Manydaringly deny the onlyLord that boughtuswithhis owndear life, andsubstituteamerecreatureinhisroom.Thereareotherswhohavesuchlowandirreverentconceptionsofhim,asiftheyknewnotthevalueofhisperson, his work, and his sacrifice, in the business of our salvation.Whereas,thereisnothinginourreligionwhichhaseithertruth,realityorsubstance—but by virtue of its relation to Christ, and what he has

accomplishedonearthonourbehalf.

Perhaps innoage, since the establishmentofChristianity in theworld,wasgreateroppositionmade to the realdignityandgloryof theSonofGod,thaninthepresent.Itisaconsiderationwhichmayjustlyaffecttheheartsofallwholovehiminsincerity.ThedoctrineofhisproperDeity,isthegroundofallourhopeandsalvationbyhim,andtheveryfoundationof the Christian religion; yet the disbelief of this is openly avowed bymany, who strenuously maintain, and industriously diffuse theirsentimentsintheworld.

It isawful toconsider,howmanyruin theirownsoulsbystumblingontherockofsafety,anddashthemselvesinpiecesonthatwhichislaidasthe only foundation of hope. Yet in this the Scripture is fulfilled. Thesame Jesus, who is precious to those who believe, is "a stone ofstumbling,andarockofoffence,eventothosewhostumbleattheWord,being disobedient." The reason here assigned whymen stumble at theWord, and at what it reveals concerning Jesus Christ,isdisobedience; and, perhaps itwill be found, that, inmany instances,thecauseofmen'srejectingtheSavior,isarootedaversiontothatpurityofheartandconductwhichtheevangelicalsystemrequires."This,"saysour blessed Lord, "is the condemnation, that light has come into theworld,butmen lovedarkness rather than light,because theirdeedsareevil."

Christisnotprecioustothosewhodonot,underasenseoftheirabsoluteneed of him,manifest that regard for himwhich the sacred Scriptureseverywhere require.The religious system,adoptedbymanyat thisday,has very little of realChristianity in it.Many laboredperformances arenow published to the world, in which we find the duties ofmoralityrecommendedwithpeculiareleganceofstyle,andacutenessofreasoning,whereinwemeetwithlittleornothingconcerningtheperson,the work, or the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is like raising asuperstructure, without a solid foundation. The great mystery ofredemptionbythebloodofthatLambofGodwhotakesawaythesinofthe world, appears to be of little or no use with such people, in theirattemptstopromotepietyandobedience.*Theremaybemanythingsinsuch performances highly worthy of attention; theremay be a striking

display of learning and ability; but at the same time, that whichconstitutes the real essence of Christianity, and which is the properspringofalltrueobedience,isentirelyomitted.

*Amodernwriter,ofdistinguishedeminence,justlyremarksthattowardsthecloseofthelastcentury,divinesprofessedtomakeittheirchiefobjecttoinculcatethemoralandpracticalpreceptsofChristianity;butwithoutsufficiently maintaining, often even without justly laying the grandfoundation of a sinner's acceptancewithGod; or pointing out how thepracticalpreceptsofChristianitygrowoutofherpeculiardoctrines,andareinseparablyconnectedwiththem.Bythisfatalerror,theverygeniusandessentialnatureofChristianityunderwent a change.Sheno longerretained her peculiar character, or produced that appropriate frame ofspiritbywhichherfollowershadbeencharacterized.

The example thus set was followed during the present century, and itseffect was aided by various causes. The fatal habit of consideringChristian morals as distinct from Christian doctrines, has insensiblygained strength. Thus the peculiar doctrines of Christianity wentmoreout of sight; and, as might naturally have been expected, the moralsystemitselfalsobegantowitheranddecay,beingrobbedofthatwhichshould have supplied it with life and nutriment. At length, in our owndays, thesepeculiardoctrineshavealmostaltogethervanishedfromtheview. Even in many sermons scarcely any traces of them are to befound.Wilberforce'sPracticalView,Chapter6.

'Itisnotso,'saysaveryrespectablewriterofthepresentage,'itisnotsoinourviewofthings.WefindsomuchuseforChrist,thatheappearsasthesoulwhichanimatesthewholebodyofourdivinity;asthecenterofthesystem,diffusing lightand life toeverypartof it.TakeawayChrist,andthewholeceremonialoftheOldTestamentappearstouslittlemorethanadeadmassofuninterestingmatter;prophecylosesalmostallthatis interesting and endearing; the gospel is annihilated, or ceases to bethatgoodnewstolostsinners,whichitprofessestobe;practicalreligionisdivestedof itsmostpowerfulmotives; theevangelicaldispensationofitspeculiarglory,andheavenitselfofitsmosttransportingjoys.

The sacred penmen appear to have written all along, upon the same

principles.TheyconsideredChristastheallinalloftheirreligion,andassuch, they lovedhimwith theirwholehearts.Do theyspeakof the firsttabernacle? They call it a "figure for the time then present. But whenChristcameasahighpriestofgoodthingstocome,byhisownbloodheenteredinonce intotheholyplace,havingobtainedeternalredemptionfor us." Do they speak of prophecy? They call the testimony of Jesusthespiritofprophecy.Dotheyspeakofthegospel?ItisChristcrucified.Dotheyspeakofthemediumbywhichtheworldwascrucifiedtothem,and they unto the world? It is the cross of Christ. One of the mostaffecting ideas which they afford us of heaven, consists in ascribingeverlastinggloryanddominion"tohimwholovedusandwashedusfromour sins in his own blood." (Fuller's Calvinistic and Socinian Systemscompared,page217,218.)

All the lines of evangelical truthmeet and center in Jesus Christ, andthereforehehimselfsays,"Iamthetruth."Werehetobeexcluded, theseveralpartsoftheglorioussystemwouldbedisconcerted,andthewholeframewouldbebrokeninpieces.Whatwouldbecomeofthedoctrineofredemption,ofpardonofsin,ofjustification,ofpreservation,oroffuturefelicity?

Jesus is the life of all the graces and comforts of a Christian. By theknowledge and contemplation of him, and of his death in our stead—faith lives, and is strengthened from day to day. All the springsofrepentanceareopened, and flow freely,when theheart ismeltedbyviews of a dying Savior.Love feels the attractive power of its gloriousobject, and is kindled into a holy flame.Sin ismortified. Theworld issubdued. The hope of future glory is supported, enlivened, andconfirmed,soastobecomesureandsteadfast,likeananchorofthesoul.But without him, whom having not seen we love, these graces wouldwitheranddie;or,tospeakmoreproperly,theywouldhavenoexistence.

WhatissaidinthefollowingpagesconcerningthegloryandpreciousnessofJesusChrist,isnottobeunderstoodasifspokentotheexclusionoftheFather,oroftheHolySpirit.ButIwouldbegpermissiontosay,thatIamnot able to form any clear, satisfactory, comfortable thoughts of God,suitedtoawakenmylove,orencouragemyhopeandtrust—butashehasbeenpleased to reveal himself in the person of JesusChrist.* Godwas

oncemanifested in the fleshon earth, andhe isnowmanifested in thesamehumannatureinheaven,exercisinguniversaldominion,havingthegovernmentofheaven,earth,andhelluponhis shoulders! "Godwas inChristreconcilingtheworlduntohimself."Thelightofhisgloryisseenintheface,orperson,ofJesusChrist.This isthefoundationonwhichtheChristian's hope is built, the fountain whence he derives all hisrefreshmentandconsolation.

UntilGodinhumanfleshIsee,Mythoughtsnocomfortfind;Theholy,just,andsacredThreeAreterrorstothemind.

* Jesus Christ says, "I amGod, and there is none else." This does notexcludetheGod-headoftheFather.Ithinkitissufficientlyevidentfrommany places of Scripture, that the Father and the Son have aninconceivable communion, and that one and the same Divine nature,which is in the Father, dwells in the Son. For, since divine names andattributes,works andworship, are ascribed to both, theymust both betruly God; and since there is but one true God, they must both havefellowshipinthesameGod-head.HencethereisnootherGod-headbutthatwhichdwells inChrist; thatGod-head inwhichhepartakesbyhisbeingOnewiththeFather."IandmyFatherareone.IamintheFather,andtheFather is inme."Thereforetheapostlesays,"All the fullnessoftheGod-headdwellsbodilyinhim."

ButifImmanuel'sfaceappear,Myhope,myjoybegins;Hisnameforbidsmyslavishfear,Hisgraceremovesmysins.—IsaacWatts.

Theoutlinesofourplan,intheensuingdiscourse,are:

1.ThecharacterofthepeopletowhomChristisprecious.

2.TheevidencetheygivethatChristisprecioustothem.

3.InwhatrespectsChristisprecious.

Chapter II. The character of the people towhom Christ is precious: "to those whobelieve."

Theimportofthetermbelieveisplainandeasy.Incommondiscourseitis so well understood, that no one is at a loss to determine what isintendedby it.Everymanknowsthemeaningofhisneighbor,whenhehearshimsay,'Ibelievethefactwhichyourelate;'or,'Idonotbelievethereport which I hear concerning you.' Now, if the term is understood,when it refers to the common affairs of life—why should we be atuncertaintiesaboutthemeaningofit,whenappliedtoreligioussubjects?Thesacredwritersdonotusewordsinasensedirectlycontrarytotheirgeneralacceptance.Iftheydidthis,theinstructionstheyareauthorizedtogiveus,concerningthemomentousaffairsofoursouls,andofeternity,wouldbewrappedupinimpenetrableobscurity.

Yetwefindinthesacredwritings,twokindsofbelievingspokenof,andtwosortsofbelieversdescribed.

1. Some believe for a while—but in time of temptation fallaway.Simonthesorcererissaidtohavebelieved,whenhewasinthegallofbitterness,andthebondofiniquity;whenhisheartwasnotrightinthesightofGod.*

*Itissaid,Simonhimselfbelievedalso;butitmaybeinquired,Whatdidhe believe? There is reason to conclude from the proofs which hepresentlygaveofhisignoranceandimpiety,thatheknewlittleornothingoftherealcharacterofthegloriousRedeemer.Hisbeliefofwhathehadheard delivered,was but in a verypartialway.He believed just in thesame manner as Judas repented. The repentance of that apostate wasbut partial; and a repentance merely on account of thedreadful consequencesof his sin. Simon seems to have been prevailedupon,bythewonderfulpowerdiscovered intheworkingofmiracles, tobelievethathe,inwhosenametheywereperformed,mustbedivine.Hebelieved that such a person as Christ existed, and likewise some little

concerningwhathewas,asthathewasaBeingpossessedofgreatpower;but the chief part of the Savior's excellence, which is revealed in thegospel, and constitutes the very essence of it—was unknown to him.Much the same may be said concerning the faith of the stony-groundhearersoftheword.

TheapostleJames speaks of a kindof faithwhich answersno valuablepurpose,becauseitisdestituteofthoseworkswhicharetheproperfruitsoftruefaith."Doyounotknow,Ovainman,thatfaithwithoutworksisdead?"Suchafaithasthis,istobefoundalmosteverywhere,inacountryfavoredwiththelightofdivinerevelation,andtheministryofthegospel.Butitisquiteuneffective,sincethemanwhoisthesubjectofit,isstillaslave to sin, a lover of this present evil world, an enemy to God andgoodness,andinthebroadwaywhichleadstodestruction!

2. The other kind of believing, spoken of by the inspired writers,especially in the New Testament, is that which has pardon of sin,justificationbeforeGod,andeverlastinglife,annexedtoit."Youarenotof thosewhodrawbackuntoperdition—butof thosewhobelieveto thesavingofthesoul."Thisfaithisaccompaniedwithcertainqualitieswhicharenotconnectedwiththeother.ThoughthenominalandrealChristianare both said to believe, and the articles of their creed may, in manyrespects, be the same—yet their dispositions and characters, areessentiallydifferent.

Now,theleadingtruth,whichistobebelieved,is—thatJesusChrististheSonofGod,andtheSavioroftheworld."Petersaid,YouareChrist,theSonofthelivingGod."Thatis,YouarethetrueMessiah,andbywayofeminence,theproperSonoftheeternalGod,andthefountainoflifeandhappinesstoallyourfollowers.SotheapostlespeakstotheRomans,"Ifyou shall confesswith yourmouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in yourheart thatGodhas raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." Theconfession which the Ethiopian eunuchmade, in order to be baptised,amountedtothesamething:"Astheytraveledalongtheroad,theycametosomewaterandtheeunuchsaid,'Look,hereiswater.Whyshouldn'tIbebaptized?'AndPhilipsaid,'Ifyoubelievewithallyourheart,youmay.'Andheansweredandsaid,'IbelievethatJesusChrististheSonofGod.'"

Tobelievethis,istobelievethegospel;forthesumofthegospelis,"thatGodwasinChristreconcilingtheworlduntohimself,notimputingtheirtrespassesuntothem."Orinotherwords,thatthesupremeGovernoroftheworld,ofhisfreemercy,forthesolesakeofwhathisSonJesusChristhasdoneandsuffered—pardons,justifies,andsavesthebelievingsinner.Butnothingismorecertain,thanthatamerenominalChristian,amanwhohasanametolive,andstillisdeadintrespassesandsins,maygivehisassenttoall that isexpressedabove.Hemaystatethearticlesofanorthodoxcreedascorrectly, inmanyrespects,asanyotherperson.Andtherefore it is necessary to pay strict attention to those things whichaccompany true faith—anddistinguish it from thatwhichamanmaypossess,andyetdieinhissins.

1.True faith implies thatdivine illumination,wherebywearetaughttoknowourselves,toknowtheonlytrueGod,andJesusChristwhomhe has sent,whom to know is life eternal. Faithcannotexistwithoutknowledge;forhowisitpossibleforamantobelievethat which he does not understand? Believing in Jesus Christ to thesaving of the soul, is the effect ofDivine teaching. "It is written in theprophets,"saidJesus,"TheyshallbealltaughtofGod;everyonethereforewhohasheard,andlearnedoftheFather,comesuntome."WhenPetermadethatconfessionbeforerecited,hisDivineMasterpronouncedhimblessed,asbeingthesubjectofilluminationfromabove."Blessedareyou,SimonBarjona;forfleshandbloodhasnotrevealedituntoyou—butmyFather,whoisinheaven."Thosewhobelieve,arethereforesaidtoknowthetruth.AndthustheapostlePaultellsus,thathe"knewwhomhehadbelieved."

2.True faith is groundedon the testimonyofGod.What otherideaof faith canwehave, than thatofbelieving something revealed,ormade known? Hence the prophet says, "Who has believed ourreport?" The faith of a Christian, is a divine conviction of the truthswhichGodhasrevealedinHisWord.

Hastheauthorofourbeingrevealedinhisblessedword,thepurityofhisownnature,hisabhorrenceofsin,thestrictnessandholinessofthatlawbywhichwearegoverned?Thisisknownandbelieved,when,undertheilluminationoftheDivineSpirit—thecommandmentcomeshometothe

conscience; then sin revives, the awakened sinner gives uphis delusivehope,and,inthatsense,dies.

HasGodrevealedthedepravityofhumannature?Thattheheartofman is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; that we arealtogetherbecomefilthy; that there isnonethatdoesgood,nonotone;thatwearealienatedfromthelifeofGod;thatwearetheservantsofsin,the slaves of Satan, children of wrath, under the curse, condemnedalready,andliabletoeternaldestructionandmisery?Allthisisinsomemeasureknown—andreallybelievedbyhimwhohastruefaith.

No man is solicitous about being saved—who does not see and feelhimself lost. Thewhole do not apply to the physician—but those whoare sick. No man comes to Christ for pardon—who does not see thegreatness and grievousness of his sins.Noman believeswith the heartuntorighteousness—whoisnotconvincedoftheinsufficiencyofhisownworks to justify him before God. No man looks to the Redeemer forjustification—who does not see that he is under the sentence ofcondemnation.NomancomestoJesusthathemayhavelife—whoisnotsensible,that,asasinner,heisdoomedtoeternaldeath.Thus,truefaithimplies a conviction and belief of what the Word of God reveals,concerningthestateandconditionoffallenman.

DoesthedivinewordrevealaSavior?Doesitinformus,thattheSonofGodtookuponhimournature,stoodinourplace,boreoursins,satisfiedjustice for our offences, and reconciled us to God? Does the Fatherdeclare unto us that he iswell pleasedwith his Son,whohas obtainedeternalredemptionforus?Thisisunderstoodandbelieved,byhimthathastruefaith.

Does the gospel containpromisesof pardon, of righteousness, of lifeandsalvation,madetothemostwretchedandguiltyofmankind,whoareenabled to come to Jesus for them? Does it assure us, that none whosincerely come unto him are ever cast out, on any account whatever?Savingfaithisnootherthing,thanasincereandheartybeliefofthis.Itisadivinepersuasionof thetruthofwhattheWordofGodmakesknownforourbelief.Henceitiscalled"thebeliefofthetruth."

Perhapstherecannotbeabetterdefinitionof truefaith ina fewwords,thanthatjustmentioned,"thebeliefofthetruth;"andyetitisnecessarytoinquirewhatismeantbytruth.ThatJesusChristhasappearedandsojournedonearth,accordingtowhatwaspredictedofhim;thathewasbornofavirgin,inthetownofBethlehem;thathepreachedthegospel,andwroughtmiracles;thathesuffered,wascrucified,roseagainfromthedead,andascendedupintoglory—havingatonedforsin,satisfiedDivinejustice,andobtainedeternalredemptionforus—allthisistruth;butitisnotthewholetruth.TheinfiniteexcellencyoftheblessedGod;theequity,reasonableness,andgoodnessofhislaw;theexceedingsinfulnessofsin;theruinousandlostconditionofman,asinastateofalienationfromhisMaker;theabsoluteneedofholinessandpurityofheart,inordertofinalhappiness; the infinite lovelinessandpreciousnessof JesusChrist, andthe suitablenessandgloryof the way of salvation by him, as in everyrespect honorable toGod, and safe forman—these are branches of thetruthwhichmust be believed, as firmly as those abovementioned.Buttheyhavenotfullpossessionofthemindsofany,exceptingthosewhosefaithisofthegiftandoperationofGod.

Thosewhosehearts arenot purifiedby faith, donot conceive of divineobjects as they are in themselves; and therefore they do not believethetruthconcerningthem."YouthoughtthatIwasaltogethersuchaoneasyourself;butIwillreproveyou!"

The Word of inspiration represents God in his true character; itrepresentsmenastheyreallyare;itdeclaresthetruthconcerningtheevilof sin, and its just demerit; it sets forth not only the reality—but theexcellencyofheavenlythings.That is, itholdsthemforthas theyare inthemselves;andthatmustundoubtedlybethetruthconcerningthem.Toconceiveof themotherwisethanaccordingtothisrepresentation, isnottobelievethetruth—buttobelievealie!

OurblessedRedeemertellus,thathecameto"bearwitnesstothetruth,"that is, amongother things—to thepurity and inflexibilityof thedivinelaw,tothejusticeandholinessofGod,totheevilanddemeritofsin,andtotherealityofhisbeingtheonlybegottenoftheFather,andtheSaviorof men. This was to bear witness of things—as they really are inthemselves. Itmust therefore be the truth; and a hearty reception and

persuasion of it, as it is revealed—which is what the apostle calls "thebelief of the truth." Thus when he denominates the Thessaloniansbelievers, he immediately signifies what it was which constituted themsuch,"Becauseourtestimonyamongyouwasbelieved."Thistestimonyiselsewherecalled"thetestimonyofGodconcerninghisSonJesusChrist."It is that in which the everlasting interests of men are deeply andintimatelyconcerned."Hewhohasreceivedthistestimony,hassettohissealthatGodistrue."

3.Faithistheresultofseriousandimpartialinquiry,andofareverential regard to the authority of God, in what he hasspoken."Thewordisnearyou,eveninyourmouth,andinyourheart;thatis,thewordoffaithwhichwepreach;forfaithcomesbyhearing,andhearing by the word of God." The truth is believed, not from commonreport,not fromthetestimonyofman—butfromthetestimonyofGod.Hence, says the apostle to theThessalonians, "For this causewe thankGodwithoutceasing,because,whenyoureceivedtheWordofGod,whichyouheardofus—youreceiveditnotasthewordofmen—but,asit is intruth,theWordofGod,whicheffectuallyworksalsoinyouwhobelieve."

4.TruefaithinJesusChrist,isaccompaniedwithasincereandheartyapprobationofhim—as theexclusive, theall-sufficientSavior. It is not a faint, feeble, wavering assent—but such a firmpersuasion as, in some measure, corresponds with the strength andclearness of the evidencewithwhich the truth is confirmed.Thewholesoulacquiescesinthereliefwhichitbrings,andapprovesofthemethodofsalvationwhichitreveals.Thereisgreatproprietyinsuchexpressionsastheseconcerningtruefaith."Ifyoubelievewithallyourheart.""Withthe heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouthconfessionismadeuntosalvation."Thesetermsmustimplytheconsentof the judgment, connected with the approbation and acceptance ofthewill,andtheaffections.Thisisfaithsincere.

Peoplemayprofesstobelievethisandtheotherthing,when,infact,itisbutamerepretense—asisevidentfromthegeneraltenoroftheiractions.Hewhoreallybelievesthatcertainsubstancesareofapoisonousquality,will act accordingly; he will carefully avoid them. He who is fullypersuadedthatfirewillburn,cannotbeinducedtorushintotheflames.

He who believes that the profits, the pleasures, and the honors of theworldwillmake him happy—acts in amanner consistentwithwhat hebelieves—he pursues these objectswith all hismight.His belief in thiscase, is not amerepretense—but real, as is evident byhis practice.Hewho certainly believes that a large estate is left him by a deceasedrelation,willnotdelay toput inhis claim for it. In all these cases, andmany others which daily occur in common life, we see that a real andsincerebelief—isfollowedbyacorrespondingpractice.

Applythistoreligioussubjects.Amanprofessesandpretendstobelievethat God is angry with the wicked every day, and that his wrath isrevealedfromheavenagainstallungodlinessandunrighteousnessofmen—yethelivesasunconcernedasiftherewerenodanger—hedoesnotfleefrom thewrath to come—he takesnomeasures forhis soul's escape. Isthis man's belief real and hearty—or only amere pretense? Is it notevident, that he does not sincerely believe the solemn declarations ofGod'swordwithhiswholeheart?*

* Justin Martyr, in his apology for the Christians, addressed to theemperorAntoninus Pius, expresses himself to the following purpose: 'Imust tell you, that of all men living we are the greatest promoters ofpeace, by teaching that it is impossible for anyworker of iniquity, anycovetous or insidious person, to hide himself from God; and thateveryoneissteppingforwardtoeternalmisery—orhappiness,hisworksgivingevidenceforhimoragainsthimbeforetheJudgeofall.'Hethenadds, 'If men were once fully persuaded of these things, (or did theybelieve them with their whole hearts) who would make the boldadventuretoembracethepleasuresofsinforaseason—withhiseyeuponeternal fire at the end of the enjoyment?Who would not strive to theutmostofhispowertocheckhimselfonthebrinkofruin,andseektobepossessed of what is necessary to secure him from everlastingvengeance?'

Anotherman pretends to believe that sin is the greatest and worst ofevils; thatthere isnothingsoodious,nothingsodangerousto the soul,nothingsoruinousanddestructiveassin.Andyetthismansecretlylovesit—anddailylivesintheknownandallowedpracticeofit!Whatshallwethinkofhisfaithinthisparticular?Isheheartyinhisbelief?Orrather,

since it has had no influence on his life and walk—is it not a merepretense?

Others again profess to believe that there is a real excellency in truereligion; thatwisdom'swaysare lovely,pleasantandpeaceful; and thatno joy canbe comparedwith thatof servingandpleasingGod;andyettheyliveinthecontinualneglectofeverythingtheypretendtoapprove!Can a faith so utterly uneffective—be real, and sincere? Is it thus—thatmenbelievewiththeheartuntorighteousness?Surelynot!

DosuchpeopletellusthattheybelieveintheLordJesusChrist,anddeclarethatthereisnoobjectsodesirable,soexcellent,solovelyasheis,intheirestimation?Whileatthesametime,theworldhasfullpossessionof their hearts, theymind earthly things, and are entire strangers to aheavenly life. Surely such a faith is but imaginary; for sincere faith"worksbylove"toitsobject—theLordJesusChrist.

5.Intruefaith,thereisadeepconvictionoftheimportanceofwhat is believed. It is far from being considered as a trifling,uninteresting concern. It is viewed as themost interesting of anythingthatcanpossiblyengagetheattentionofmankind—aswhatrelatestothelifeofthesoul,andtoitseverlastingstate.Hewhobelievesislikeamanwhose house is on fire, and who is eager to have it saved from thedevouring flames!Or likea shipwreckedmariner, strugglingamidst theoverwhelming billows of the deep—but beholding before him a rockwhereuponhemayrestwithsafety.

ThosewhotalkoftheirfaithinChrist,andatthesametimehavelittleornoabidingconcernaboutthesalvationoftheirsouls,andtheaffairsofafutureworld,dobutdeceivethemselves.ThosewhobelievearecomparedintheScripturestotheman-slayer,who,sensibleofhisdangerfromtheavenger of blood, ran with all his might to the city appointed for theprotection of suchpeople. "Youhave fled for refuge, to layhold on thehopesetbeforeyou."What theangelsaid toLot,whenhebroughthimout of Sodom, may be applied to him who is warned to flee from thewrath to come; "Escape for your life, looknot behind you, neither stayyouinalltheplain!Escapetothemountainlestyoubeconsumed!"WhenthejailoratPhilippiwasawakenedtoajustsenseofhisguiltyandruined

condition, in an agony of distress he inquired, whether therewere anypossiblewayofreliefforhim,"Sirs,whatmustIdotobesaved?Andtheysaid,BelieveintheLordJesusChrist,andyoushallbesaved."

SuchisthedescriptionwhichourLordJesusChristhimselfgivesoffaithinhisname."AsMoses liftedup theserpent in thewilderness, somustthe Son of man be lifted up; that whoever believes in him should notperish—but have everlasting life. The allusion is to what God said toMoses,"Makeafieryserpent,andsetituponapole;anditshallcometopass,thateveryonewhoisbitten,whenhelooksuponit,shalllive."Hereadivine remedywas provided against a national calamity; a sovereignantidoteagainstspreadingandmortalpoison.Thosewhowerestungandperishing,thoughtheywereattheutmostlimitsofthecamp,mightlookuptothebrazenserpentandfindhealingandlife.

Physicians were of no use in that dreadful malady; human efforts,applications,plasters,ormedicineswereinsignificant.Theswiftandfierypoison operated powerfully in such as were bitten, and, without relief,theywerequickly brought to the very borders of the grave.But thoughtheywerejustabouttoexpire—iftheycouldbutcastalooktowardstheappointed remedy—they were sure of healing and recovery. On theconfinesof thegrave,andthebrinkofdeath—theywererestoredto lifeand happiness—by a look to the brazen image of the serpent! A mostlivelypicture thisofabelievingsinner.He is inhimselfasonereadytoperish—but being enabled to believe the promises of grace in JesusChrist, and looking to him that he may be saved, he is pardoned andhealed;he isdelivered fromgoingdown to thepit, through the ransomwhich has been found and accepted for him, and his life shall see thelight: or, according to thewords of our blessedRedeemer himself, "Heshallnotperish—buthaveeverlastinglife!"

6.True faith is connectedwithrepentanceof sin. Ifwe are notturnedfromsintoGod,ifsinisnotmadebittertous,ifitdoesnotappearhateful, if our hearts are not penetrated with sorrow, grief, and self-abhorrence on account of it—in vain do we imagine ourselves to bebelievers in Jesus! Looking unto him whom we have pierced, isaccompanied withmourning and bitterness of soul. That faith whichleaves the heart impenitent, is not saving; for repentance is absolutely

necessarytosalvation.

OurblessedRedeemersaidtoacertainwomaninthegospel,"Yourfaithhassavedyou,goinpeace."Butwhatwastheattendantofthefaithshepossessed? Was it not penitence? She wept at the feet of Jesus, shewashedhisfeetwithhertears,andwipedthemwiththehairofherhead.Sherememberedherownevilways,andhersins—andloathedherselfinher own sight! Repentance and faith are inseparably united; the onenever exists in themind of a sinnerwithout the other. Ifwe have everbeheldJesuswithsinceredelight,asaSavior fromsin—weshallmournheartily thateverwesinnedagainsthim.Wecannotbutrepentofsin—while we look for the forgiveness of it, through his astonishing love indying for us, that so he might deliver us from eternal destruction.Repentance is justlysaidbysome, tobe the tearof lovedroppingfromtheeyeoffaith.

7. True faith in Jesus Christ, is attended with subjection ofheartandlife,tohiswillandgovernment.Forbyfaiththeheartispurified,andconsequentlythelife.Tobelievethegospel,istoobeyfromtheheart,thatformofdoctrinewhichwasdelivereduntous.Faithworksbylove—bothtoGodandman;andthereforeitispositivelyaffirmed,that"faithwithoutworksisdead."TalknotofyourfaithinJesus,ifyouhaveno love to him. Pretend not to love him, if you are not concernedtopleasehim."ThisistheloveofGod—thatwekeephiscommandments;and his commandments are not grievous." Our Divine Savior himselfsays, "Hewho hasmy commandments, and keeps them—he is the onewholovesme."

TheworksofarealChristianarenottheproductionofaspiritoflegality;theyareworksoffaithandlaborsoflove,whichareshowntohim.Suchistheefficacyofasavingandlivingfaith—thatitisthevigorousroottoall holy obedience; it bears up the soul amidst the severest trials; itstrengthens it for themostarduousservices;enables it toovercometheworld,andtolayholduponeternallife.Bywayofdescribingitsefficacy,allowmetomakeashortextractfromaveryancientChristianwriter.

JustinMartyr,describingtheworshipandthepracticeofbelievers,says,'Weworship the Creator of the universe, not with blood, libations and

incense,ofwhichhestandsinnoneed;butweexalthimtothebestofourpower,withtherationalserviceofprayersandpraises,inalltheoblationswemake tohim;believing this tobe theonlyhonorworthyofhim.Weapproveourselvesthankfultohim,andexpressourgratitudeinthemostsolemnhymns—forourcreation,ourpreservation, thevariousblessingsofhisprovidence,andthehopesofaresurrectiontoanincorruptiblelife,which we are sure to have. We who were formerly guilty of impurepractices—nowstrictlykeepourselveswithintheboundsofchastity.We,whodevotedourselves tomagicarts—nowconsecrateourselvesentirelytothetrueGod.We,wholovednothingsomuchasourpossessions—nowproduceallwehaveincommon,andspreadourwholestockbeforeourindigentbrethren.We,whowere instigatedwithhatred tooneanother,andwouldnotsomuchaswarmourselvesatthesamefirewiththoseofadifferent race—now live and die together, praying sincerely for ourenemies. For evils done to us—we return the gentlest persuasives toconvert those who unjustly hate us—that they, being brought to aconformitytoChrist,mightbefilledwiththesamecomfortablehopesofenjoyingthelikehappinesswithourselves.Christcommandshisdisciplesto shinewith a distinguishing patience andmeekness, and towinmenoverfromtheirsins,bysuchgentlemethodsofconversion.Icouldgiveyou bright examples frommany converts amongus,who, frommen ofviolenceandoppression—weretransformedintoquiteanothernature.'

Inanotherplacehesays,'ThosewhodonotmakethepreceptsofChristthe rule of their lives, are to be looked upon as not trueChristians, letthem say ever such fine things of his law. Thosewho are Christians inwordonly,whotalkofreligion—butdonotpractice it, ifsuchsmartfortheirhypocrisy, it isnomorethantheydeserve.Jesushimselfhassaid,"Everytreewhichdoesnotbringforthgoodfruit—ishewndownandcastintothefire.Noteveryonewhosaysuntome,Lord,Lord,shallenterintothekingdomofheaven;buthewhodoesthewillofmyFatherwhoisinheaven."SuchisthetestimonygivenbythisveryrespectableadvocatefortheChristiancause.

True faith transforms the temper and frame of our souls into anotherimage,eventheimageofChrist.Thisisdone,insomedegree,inthefirstsavingdiscoverywhichwehaveofhim;sothathewhotrulybelieves in

Jesusisanewcreature.Comparethetwofollowingpassagestogether;inthe former, the apostle says, "Neither circumcisionavails anything,noruncircumcision—but faithwhich works by love." "Neither circumcisionavails anything, nor uncircumcision—but a new creature." We henceinfer,thattobearealbelieveristobeanewcreature."Beholdingasinaglass the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same image fromglory to glory, evenasby theSpirit of theLord."Our very tempers arechangedintoChrist'sholy likeness; themeekandlowly, thedevoutandheavenlymind,whichwasinChristJesus,insomedegree,takesplaceinus.

Faithgenuinelyinfluencesallthepowersofthesoul,andalltheactionsofthelife,accordingtothedegreeofitsvigor,strength,andliveliness.Themore we live by faith in Jesus, themore steadily we look to him—themore we shall be transformed into his likeness. We lay aside everyweight,andthesinwhichsoeasilybesetsus—asweruntheracewhichissetbeforeus,lookinguntoJesus.AsthefaceofMosesshonewhenhehadseentheDivineglory,sotherewillbesomeraysofholinessinourwalkintheworld—aswelivebyfaithintheSonofGod.

8.Truefaithsetsallthingsinadifferentlightbeforetheeyesofthesoul,andgivesitquiteanotherviewofthem.'Itis,'saysIsaacWatts,'likesomeheavenlyglassappliedtotheorganofsense,whichnotonlyassistsandimprovesoursight—butrepresentsallthingsinadivinelight.Italterstheviewandappearanceofallthegreatandmirthfulthingsofthisworld.Thetreasures,thesplendorandtheentertainmentsofthisworld,wereoncethemostinvitingobjectsuponwhichwecouldlook.Butnow we look on the world, with all its most glittering and the richestscenes—as trifling, poor, anddespicable things.We are crucified to theworldbythecrossofChrist.Weseekthethingswhichareabove,whereourRedeemersitsattherighthandofGod;andwhentheworldbeginstoflatterusagain,andtoappeargreatandtemptinginoureyes—reneweddiscoveries ofChrist's glory,who is the chief among ten thousand, andaltogetherlovely,eclipsethesplendorofallbelowtheskies."Thisisthevictorywhichovercomestheworld,evenourfaith."

ThesolemnattributesofGod—hisholiness,hisrighteousnessandjustice—wereoncetheterrorofoursouls;sothatweturnedoureyesaway,and

couldnotcontemplatehimwithpleasure.Aswehadnosolidhopeinhismercyorhislove,wesawnothinginhimdesirableordelightfultous.Westoodafaroff fromhim;weneglectedand forgothim;or, perhaps, likeourfirstparents,wevainlyendeavoredtohideourselvesfromhim.Thedreadfulthreateningsofhisdispleasureweretous,asthemessengersofdamnation.We beheld them as somany angels with flaming swords—toforbidourentranceintoParadise!Butnow,beingenabledtobelieveinJesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come, the terrors of thelawhavenolongerhavesuchadreadfulaspect.WeknowthattheswordofjusticehasawokeagainstthemanwhoisGod'sfellow—andthatallitsvengeancewasexecuteduponhim,asoursurety.ThethreateningsoftheAlmightyarethereforenowdisarmed,andnolongerstandasbarriersintheway,toforbidourhappiness.

We behold God in Christ, as reconciling sinners unto himself, notimputingtheirtrespassesuntothem.Henceweareenabledtolookuponhiminhiswholecharacter,notonlywithoutdismay—butwithameasureof delight! We "give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness;" wesurvey and dwell uponhis glorieswith solemnpleasure;we lift up oureyes towards him with humble confidence, as our reconciled God, ourFatherandourFriendforever.

Ourconscienceswereburdenedwithguilt.WesaiduntotheMostHighGod, "Our flesh trembles for fear of you, and we are afraid of yourjudgment." We could find no relief until we were led to the cross ofthebleedingPrinceofpeace.Hewhohungupon the tree, took off ourburdens, sprinkled us with his own blood, undertook to secure useffectually from Divine wrath, and said unto us, "Fear not—I haveredeemedyou!Yoursinsareforgiven!Goinpeace!"

We believe that his blood is sufficient to atone for our offences, andprocureuspardon;thathisrighteousnessissufficientforouracceptanceuntoeternal life; thathispowerandgraceare sufficient to conquer alloursins,todeliverusoutoftemptations,tosanctifyourvitiatedappetitesand passions, to incline our wills to holiness, to strengthen us for theperformanceofgoodworks,toaccomplishinusallthegoodpleasureofhisgoodness,andtheworkoffaithwithpower.

9. True faith endears Christ to the soul; since it is said, "he isprecious to thosewhosobelieve." It enthroneshim in theheart; forhedwellsintheheartsofhispeoplebyfaith.Theproofofthisisattemptedinthefollowingpages.

10. In a word, true faith is attendedwith ameasure of solidpeaceanddivine joy. These are experienced in different degrees bybelievers in Jesus, according to the strength orweakness of their faith.Butweareassured,thatalltruebelieversshallnotonlybejustified—buttheyshallhavepeaceandjoy.Thistheydoinanespecialmanner,whentheyarefilledwithalljoyandpeaceinbelieving,andmadetoaboundinhopethroughthepoweroftheHolySpirit.Truefaithfixesonthatwhichalonecangivepeaceandresttothemind—theatoningbloodandperfectrighteousnessofourLordJesusGrist."WerejoiceinGodthroughJesusChristourLord,bywhomwehavenowreceivedtheatonement."

Thehappinessofabeliever's life,consists inhavinghismindstayedontheall-sufficientRedeemer,bywayofferventaffections,livelyhope,andsteadyconfidence."Youwillkeephiminperfectpeace,"saystheprophet,"whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." The apostlePeter, writing to a scattered, dispersed, persecuted people, concerningJesus,says,"Whomhavingnotseen,youlove;inwhom,thoughnowyouseehimnot—yetbelieving, you rejoicewith joyunspeakableand full ofglory."

Itmayeasilybeinferredfromwhathasbeensaid,aswellasfrommanypassages of Scripture, that the faith of a trueChristian is not themereeffort of human nature and natural reason—but the gift of God. It isthereforecalled the faithof theoperationofGod. Ifwesavinglybelievethe truth of the gospel, and its glorious promises—it is "givenus so tobelieve, according to the working of God's mighty power, which hewroughtinChristwhenheraisedhimfromthedead."

It may be allowed, as one writer observes, that believing, simplyconsidered,isanaturalactofthemind;butbelievingsuchthingsasthegospel reveals, and understanding the nature and excellency of them,must be a spiritual act. To think, and to love, simply considered, arenatural acts; but to think godly thoughts, and to love holiness, are

spiritualacts.Thefaithwhich isattendedwithsuchpowerfuleffects,ashas beenmentioned, is not of ourselves; but is one of those good andperfectgiftswhichcomedownfromtheFatheroflights,withwhomisnovariableness, nor shadow of turning. However strong, rational, orconvincingtheevidencemaybewhichaccompaniesthetestimonyofGod—yet without the operation of his blessed Spirit, it will not effectuallysubdue the mind which is blinded by prejudice, bloated with pride,benumbedwithcarelessness,andpoisonedwithenmityagainstthetruth.

We describe the operations of a gracious mind in detail, as if aconsiderablespaceoftimewererequisitefortheproductionofthem;butit ought to be remembered, that the change wrought in a sinner'sconceptionsandviews,inhistransformationfromdeathuntolife,fromastateofnaturetoastateofgrace,maybeinstantaneous.Forthereisnomiddle condition between death and life, enmity and reconciliation,unbelief and faith, or condemnation and justification. The publican,oppressedwith conscious guilt, cried out, as he smote uponhis breast,"God be merciful to me, a sinner," and he went down to his housejustified.ThejailoratPhilippiinquiredwhathemustdotobesaved,andthesamenightgaveevidenceofanentirechangeofmind;forit issaid,"hebelieved, rejoicing inGodwithallhishouse."TheLordopened theheartofLydia,andsheattendedtothethingswhichwerespokenbyPaul.ThreethousandofPeter'shearers,onthedayofPentecost,hardenedinimpenitence,andfixedinunbelief—wereatonceprickedintheirhearts,undersolemnapprehensionsoftheirsinanddanger;theyweredirectedto theDivine remedyprovided for the relief of ruinedman, they gladlyreceivedtheword,werebaptized,andthesamedayaddedtothechurch.TheconversionofZaccheuswassomewhatsimilar.

It is true,all thesewereextraordinary instancesof thepowerofsavinggrace.Butinallothercases,Ihumblyapprehend,thechange,asit isinitself, and as it is in the sight of God, must be instantaneous; thoughthe discovery of it, both to the sinner's own satisfaction, and to thesatisfaction of others, is often very gradual. The precise periodwhen ittakes place—is known to God, though it is often unknown to the manhimself,otherwisethanbytheeffectswhichfollowuponit.

TheentranceofGod'sWordgiveslight;butthelightatfirst,isnotclear

and distinct. The God who caused the light to shine out of darkness,shinesintothesinner'sbenightedheart,togivethelightoftheknowledgeofhisgloryinthefaceofJesusChrist.Yetitisbutaverylittlewhichanybeliever knows at first—in comparison with the discoveries which areafterwardsmadetohim.Perhapsallhecansay,bearssomeresemblancetothelanguageoftheyoungmaninthegospel,whohadbeenbornblind,"One thing I know, thatwhereas Iwas blind, now I see." Faith, in likemanner,maybeatfirstbutasagrainofmustardseed—butit isagreathappiness when "your faith grows exceedingly, and," as its properattendant,when "your love towards each other abounds."ThedisciplessaiduntotheLord,"Increaseourfaith."

"Itisnotnecessarythatalltheseseveralworkingsoftheheart,shouldbeplain,distinct,andsensibleineverytruebeliever.Fortheactionsofthesoul,andespeciallythesprings,themotives,anddesignsofthoseactions—are sohidden, and somingledwith each other, that they are not alldistinctly perceived, evenby themanhimself inwhom they takeplace.Whenthepoormaninthegospelsaid,"LordIbelieve;helpmyunbelief;"there were a multitude of crowding thoughts and passions, whichproducedandmingledwiththoseideasandexpressionsoffearandfaith—that could never be distinctly apprehended and recounted by thepersonwhofeltthem."—IsaacWatts.

Yet theattendantsof saving faith, or those thingswhich prove it to betrue,shouldbecarefullyattendedto,lestweshoulddeceiveourselvesinamatterofsomuchimportance.

The great things which are ascribed to faith, by the inspired writers,should induceus tobe verydeeply concerned tobepartakers of it.Wefind them constantly asserting such things concerning faith as mayconvince us of its great use.Menhave remission of sins through faith;they are justified by faith; their hearts are purified by faith; theyhave access to God by faith; they live, they walk, they stand by faith;theyovercomeall enemies by faith; they arekeptby the power ofGodthroughfaith;and,toencompassallinoneword,theyaresavedbyfaith.How necessary, how important then is the apostle's exhortation,"Examineyourselves,whetheryouareinthefaith!"

Faith,wesee,isneithermorenorlessthanasincerebeliefofthetruth.Sothe divine word defines it. "These things were written that you mightbelievethatJesus is theChrist, theSonofGod,andthat,believing,youmighthave life throughhisname."But then itmaybe saidof faith—asoflovetoGod,ofdesireafterhim,andofhopeandjoy inhim—bytheirfruitsyoushallknowthem.Theyarealldistinguishedanddiscernedtobetrue and genuine—by their attendants, and the way in which they aremanifested.

Inrespecttotrueandsincerefaith,theWordofGodfullyandclearlysetsbeforeus—whatitsattendantsanditsfruitsare.It isthelessneedfultoenlarge on themhere, because this is intended to be done through thewhole of the following chapter. I hope the brief and simple account offaith,alreadygiven,willnotbe foundmateriallydefective.AndIwouldearnestly entreat the reader to examine himself concerning thisimportantarticle. Iapprehend it isevident fromtheScriptures, thatnomanisatruebeliever,whoseheartisnotchangedbythegraceandSpiritofGod."ForifanymanisinChrist—heisanewcreature;oldthingsarepassedaway;beholdallthingsarebecomenew.""Beingdeadinyoursins—youarerisenwithhim,throughthefaithoftheoperationofGod."Thefaithofonewholivesacareless,unconcerned,thoughtlesslife—isavainfaith;heisyetinhissins.

Noman is a true believer, inwhom the blessed Spirit ofGod does notdwell,ashisteacherandguide."AsmanyasareledbytheSpiritofGod—theyaretheSonsofGod;butifanymanhasnottheSpiritofChrist—heisnoneofhis.""Whenhe,theSpiritoftruth,hascome,heshallguideyouintoalltruth.Heshallreprovetheworldofsin,ofrighteousness,andofjudgment.Heshallglorifyme,forheshalltakeofmine,andshallshowituntoyou."Themanwhohasneverhadaheart-affectingdiscoveryofthepurityofGod'slaw,oftheexceedingsinfulnessandjustdemeritofsin,ofhisownguiltyanddepravedcondition,ofhisutterhelplessness,andtheinsufficiencyofanyrighteousnesshecanperform,torecommendhimtotheDivine favor; themanwhohasneverbeen taught, in an efficaciousway, the glory of Christ's person, the sufficiency of his sacrifice, as aproper atonement for sin, the perfections of his righteousness, thefullnessofhisgrace,andhisabilitytosavetotheuttermost;themanwho

has not been taught these things, in some degree, is yet in a state ofunbelief.HowcanhehavefaithwhoneitherknowsnorunderstandswhatGod'sWordrevealsasthetruth?"Iknow,"saystheapostle,"whomIhavebelieved."

He is no truebeliever—whoseheart is not supremely attached to JesusChrist;whoseesnobeauty,noexcellency,nolovelinessinhim;fortoallthosewhobelieve—Christisprecious.WhentheapostlePaulrequiresustoexamineourselves,whetherweare inthefaith,headds,"DoyounotrealizethatChristJesusisinyou—unless,ofcourse,youarereprobates?"Accordingtohim,tobeinthefaith,andtohaveChristdwellinginus,soastopossessthechiefplaceinouraffections,andbearswayinoursouls—areoneandthesamething.

He isno truebeliever, inwhomtheWordofGoddoesnotdwell, in itssanctifying power and energy.Where the truth is sincerely believed, itenters themind, it isreceived intotheheart, it is incorporatedwiththesoul,anditdwellsandabidesthere."Thetruthdwells inyou.MyWordabidesinyou.Itworkseffectuallyinyouwhobelieve.ItisinyouastheingraftedWord,whichisabletosavethesoul.Youhaveobeyedfromtheheart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto you." All theseemphaticexpressionsaredescriptiveofthosewhobelieve.Henceisthatremarkable account of faith, which is given us by the apostle to theHebrews,wherehe tellsus, that "faith is the substanceof thingshopedfor."Itrealizesthem,andgivesthemasubsistenceinthemindandheart.The lawofGod iswritten there.The truthofChrist abides there, in itslight,itsenergy,itssanctifyingandgoverningpower.Itbearsswayinthesoul,andrulesthelife.Reader,thisistruefaith,faithinreality,orastheapostlePetertermsit,"preciousfaith;"preciousinitsauthor, itsobject,itsuse,itsefficacy,anditsend.

Itmustappear to everyattentive reader, fromwhathasbeen said, thatthe Lord Jesus Christ, in his work of mediation for the recovery andsalvationoflostsinners,asproposedinthepromisesofthegospel,istheproper object of faith. Hence it is called a believing in him, and abelievingonhisname.Ifmenwouldattendtotheirownexperienceintheapplications they make to God for pardon and salvation, manyunnecessary disputes concerning faith would be prevented. Every true

Christian knows, that he has been enabled, with his whole heart, tobelievethedivinepromises,containingandproposingtheatonementofthe Redeemer, as the procuring cause of our reconciliation and peacewithGod,accordingtotherichesofhisinfinitegraceandmercy."Tohimgivealltheprophetswitness,thatthroughhisname,whoeverbelievesinhim,shallreceiveremissionofsins."EveryChristianknowsthathehassincerely approved, and does still heartily approve of the way ofjustification and salvation by Jesus Christ, proposed in the gospel, asaffording amost glorious display of thewisdom, theholiness, the love,andthemercyofGod.HencetheapostlePauldescribesthefaithofthosewhoarecalled,byitsapprobationofthewisdomandpowerofGodintheplanofsalvation."WepreachChristcrucifieduntotheJewsastumbling-block, and unto theGreeks foolishness; but unto thosewho are called,both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God, and the wisdom ofGod." In the lack of this gracious acquiescence in the gospel scheme,consists the nature of unbelief. Without this, no man is influenced byevangelicalmotives,tohateandrenouncesin,ortodevotehimselftoGodinthewayofobedience.Butwhereverthiscordialsincereapprobationofthewayof lifebyJesusChristdoesprevail inthemind, itwillcertainlyproducehumiliationforsin,andholinessoflife.

TheimmediatedesignofJehovah,inthegreatandimportantconcernofour salvation, is, to display his own infinite perfections; "to declare hisrighteousness, to commend his love, to manifest his wisdom and hispower," as hisWord everywhere testifies. And the business of faith, inreceivingtheineffablebenefitsofhissalvation,istogivethatglorytohimwhich he designs so to exalt. Abraham, being strong in the faith, gaveglory toGod;andthis is thenatureof faith,even in itsweakestdegree."Webeholdhisglory,asinaglass.Hegivesusthelightoftheknowledgeofhisglory,inthefaceofJesusChrist."ThesoulofabelieverdoeshereingiveuntoGod,thegloryofallthoseholypropertiesofhisnature,whichhedesignedtomanifest,inoursalvationbyhisowndearSon.TohimtheFather said, "You aremy servant, inwhom Iwill be glorified." And hedirects us to fix our believing regards on him as such: "Behold myServant,whomIuphold,myElect,inwhommysouldelights."

Before I conclude this chapter, I would beg permission, in a plain and

seriousmanner, to address thosewho are yet in a state of impenitenceandunbelief.

Supposing you then, my dear reader, to be in this condition, I wouldentreatyou,byallthatregardwhichyououghttohavefortheeverlastingwelfareandsalvationofyourownsoul—toconsiderwhattheblessedGodsaystoyouinhisholyWord,thatWordaccordingtowhichyouaretobejudgedatthelastday.

Thegospel,aswehaveseen,plainlydeclares—thatGodhascontrivedaway for the reconciling of sinners unto himself; that this wasaccomplishedbyhissubstitutinghisonlybegottenSon,intheplaceoftheguilty, sending him into the world to work out salvation for them,delivering him up to death, even the death of the cross, as an atoningsacrificefortheiroffences,andraisinghimagainfromthedeadfortheirjustification.Itdeclaresthat,bythisdivineexpedient,thelawwhichtheyhad violated is perfectly fulfilled and magnified; Divine justice fullysatisfied; and God well pleased and glorified. It also declares, thatwhoeverheartilyreceivesandbelievesthistestimony,upontheauthorityofHimwhorevealsit—shallmostcertainlybesaved;andthatpurelybyfreegrace,withoutanyrespecttoworksormeritsofhisown,throughtheredemptionwhichisinJesusChrist.

Uponthisground,thegospeladdressessinnersassuch,sinnersofeveryrank and degree—calling upon them to regard and believe its graciousmessages—that theymaybesaved. Itnotonlycontainsadeclarationoffacts,concerningthepersonandworkoftheRedeemer—butthekindestinvitationsandexhortations, foundeduponthatdeclaration.TheSonofGodhimselfrepresentsthepreachingof thegospel,underthenotionofinviting toamarriagesupper,whereall things arepreparedand readyfortheguests.Allsortsofpeopleareinvited;thepoor,themaimed,thehalt, and the blind; they are called from all those placeswhichmay besupposed to be haunts of the destitute and themiserable; such as thestreetsandlanesofthecity,andthehighwaysandhedgesofthecountry.Theservantsarecommandedtobidthesesonsanddaughtersofwoeandwretchedness to come to the marriage; nay, even by those effortsofpersuasion,whicharemightythroughGod—tocompel themtocomein,thattheweddingmaybefurnishedwithguests.

WhatJesusChrist representsbywayofparable, the apostlePaulholdsforthwithoutafigure.Attendtowhathesayswiththegreatestcloseness,mydearreader;itisnotavainthing;yourlifeisinit:"GodwasinChristreconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses untothem;andhascommitteduntousthewordofreconciliation.Nowthen,weareambassadorsforChrist,asthoughGoddidbeseechyoubyus,webeg you, in Christ's stead—be reconciled to God." These ambassadorsweretopresshomethedoctrineofreconciliationuponguilty,rebelliousmen, as the grandmotive and argument, through the power of Divinegrace, to engage them to give up themselves to God, to acquaintthemselveswithhim,andsotobeatpeace.

Thisisthedriftandscope,notofafewpassagesonly—butofthewholeoftheNewTestament.Thatthismaynotpassunnoticed,theAuthorofthatdivinebooksays,intheconclusionofit,"IamtheRootandtheOffspringof David, and the bright Morning Star. The Spirit and the bride say,"Come!"Andlethimwhohearssay,"Come!"Whoeveristhirsty,lethimcome;andwhoeverwishes,lethimtakethefreegiftofthewateroflife!"Language more kind, more generous or more free, cannot possibly bedevised.Yet this isperfectly conformable towhatJesussaid to sinners,whenhehimselfsojournedamongthem:"Inthelastday,thegreatdayofthefeast,Jesusstoodandcried,saying,Ifanymanthirsts,lethimcomeuntomeanddrink.Hewhobelievesonme,astheScripturehassaid,outofhisbellyshallflowriversoflivingwater!"Nothingcanbeplainer,thanthatthiswasaddressedtothosewhoweretheninastateofunbelief.Othatyoumayattendtoit,andreceiveitwiththankfulnessandjoy,givingglorytoGodfortherichnessandfreenessofhisgrace.

LetnotyourowninabilitytobelieveinJesusChrist,beconsideredasaninsuperablebarandhindrance; forhewhocalls you to this, can, at thesame time, give you the needed power. He who spoke the world intoexistence,hewhoquickensthedeadbyhisomnipotentWord,may,withthe greatest propriety, say to him who is dead in trespasses and sins,"Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ shall give youlight."Hiswordislivingandpowerful.Itisasfiretoquickenthelifelesssoul; and as ahammer, to break the rock in pieces. It shall not returnuntohimvoid—butshallaccomplishthatwhichhepleases,andprosper

inthethingwhereuntohesendsit.

UnbelieversarespokenofintheWordofGod—asbeingdeadinsin;bywhich is intended, their lying under a charge of guilt, which subjectsthemtocondemnation;andtheirbeingunderthepoweranddominionofsin.Butthisspiritualdeathisnot,inallrespects,likethenaturaldeathof the body; for if itwas—the use ofmeans to quicken and rouse suchpeople,wouldnotonlybeimproper—butabsolutelyhopeless.Sinner,youhaveaconscience,youhaveasenseofrightandwrong,youhavehopes,youhave fears, andother affections, capableofbeingwroughtuponbythose means which God has appointed. Your guilt will therefore beaggravatedinproportiontothemeansof instructionyouenjoy,andthewarnings and exhortations given you, if you are not brought torepentance. This is so evident from the word of God, that it seemsunnecessarytoproduceparticularproofsofit.Fromthisconsiderationitisplain—thatyouarecapableofinstruction,andofconviction,bytheuseof those means which Divine wisdom has ordained for that purpose;otherwiseyourguiltwouldnotbeheightenedbydisregardingthem.

ThereissuchasuitablenessinthemeanswhichGodhasappointed, forbringingyoutotheknowledgeofthetruth,thatifyoushouldobstinatelyreject them, you would be entirely without excuse. The gospel is thehappyexpedientforquickeningthosewhoaredeadinsin,sinceitisthepower of God to the salvation of everyone who believes. The mostwonderful effects are ascribed to it; it enlightens the understanding, itquickens the conscience, it converts the soul, and sanctifies the mind.Andthough itdoesnotproduce theseeffects,without theagencyof theblessed Spirit of God—yet his agency is not to be considered, asabstractedfromthemeans;forheworksbythemonthemindsofmen,andgivesthemalltheirefficacy.

Openthatpreciousbook,theNewTestament,mydearfellow-sinner,andyou will presently find, that the God of infinite mercy invites you torepent, andbelieve the gospel.At the same time, youwill find, that hedoesnotcallyoutobelieve—withoutshowingyouwhatyouaretobelieve,andexhibitingtheclearestandfullestevidenceforit.Neitherdoeshecallyou to repent—without declaring unto you, both your sin, and yourdanger on account of it. I will suppose that you have read this divine

book, and that youhave repeatedlyheard thegospelpreached.Youarenottheninthesamestateoftotalignoranceinwhichyouoncewere.Youknow something of religion in theory. You have received someinformationwhichyouoncehadnot,bothconcerningyourdanger—andthedivineremedy.Givemepermissiontoremindyou,thatifyoushouldneglectsogreatsalvation,youwillbeherebyrenderedquiteinexcusable.Forsuchneglectmustnowbetheeffectofperverseness,andnotsimplyofignorance.O,thatyourattentionmaybeengagedtotheevidenceandtheimportanceofthegospel-message;andthatyourheartmaybewontobelieveandembracethetruthasitisinJesus!

Remember,thatthedeclarationofitisaccompaniedwiththemostkindandtenderinvitations,entreatiesandexpostulations,whichareurgedinthe Scriptures, by the most alluring and alarming motives which canpossiblybeproposedtothehumanmind.Godforbidthatyoushouldbearmoredagainst themall, andhardenyourself inunbelief, toyourownutterruin!Givethegospelafairhearing;consideritsevidence;attendtoits kind and pathetic entreaties. Search the Scriptures daily, whetherthesethingsareso.TheBereansdidthis,andthesacredhistoriantellsus,that"thereforemanyofthembelieved."

Letmeentreat you toattempt the solemnworkof callinguponGodbyearnest prayer and supplication.Hearken towhat he himself says untoyou,inreferencetothis:"SeektheLordwhilehemaybefound,callyouupon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and theunrighteousmanhisthoughts;andlethimreturnuntotheLord,andhewill have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantlypardon."

The gospel holds forth immediate relief to a wounded conscience. ThesamehourthatthejailoratPhilippiasked,"WhatmustIdotobesaved?"he was told that the remedywas at hand; "Believe in the Lord JesusChrist, and you shall be saved." No long course of preparation, noprerequisites, no previous qualifications are necessary. Should theyindeedbesought,theywouldbesoughtinvain.Humiliationforsin,lovetoGod,devotednesstohim,andvictoryoversinandtheworld—arenottobelookedforinourselves,inorderthatwemay,onsuchgrounds,beencouraged to believe; so far from it, that they are spoken of in the

Scripturesasthecertaineffectswhichfollowbelieving.

The legal spirit of which we are all naturally possessed, leads us toimagine,thatwemustnotembracethepromiseoflifebyChristJesus—unlesswearesomewayfitted,preparedandqualifiedforsodoing.Thisis a perversion of the free proclamation of the gospel, and turning, insome sort, the covenant of grace—into a covenant of works. This issettingthegospelremedyatsogreatadistance,thatitisimpossibleforustoclaimthebenefitofit.Whereas,"thewordisnearyou;itisinyourmouthandinyourheart,"that is, thewordoffaithweareproclaiming:Thatifyouconfesswithyourmouth,"JesusisLord,"andbelieveinyourheartthatGodraisedhimfromthedead,youwillbesaved.Foritiswithyourheart that youbelieve andare justified, and it iswith yourmouththatyouconfessandaresaved."

The glory of this inestimable blessing is—that it is absolutely free tosinners,assuch,ofeveryrankanddegree;andlikethebrazenserpenttothewounded,dying Israelites, it is designed to give immediate relief toperishing souls! "WHOEVER believes in him shall not perish.WHOEVER will, let him come," without seeking for any kind ofpreparationwhatever.Ifheisasinner,forsuchtheremedyisprovided."Thisisafaithfulsaying,andworthyofallacceptance,thatJesusChristcarneintotheworldtosavesinners."Itisadeplorablemistaketolookfortheeffectsoffaith,wheretheeffectualcauseofthoseeffectsislacking.

Does the afflicted person say, 'As soon as I am cured of this deadlydisease—Iwillcallinthehelpofaphysician?'Themanwhoisfallenintoanhorrible pit,whose feet stick fast in themiry clay, needs immediaterelief,andneverthinksofwaitinguntilheisqualifiedtodeserveit,fromthe friendly hand which is ready to draw him out. When Peter wassinking in themightydeep,he instantlycriedout, "Lord, saveme—or Iperish."

Thosewhohavebelieved throughgraceare, in theWordof inspiration,describedby thoseholydispositions,and thatheavenlywalk,whicharethe necessary fruitsand effectsof faith; as such, I have endeavored topoint them out in the preceding pages. But it would be a strangeperversionoftheorderofthings,toconcludethatwemustnotbelievethe

promises of salvation by Jesus Christ—untilwe find in ourselves thosefruitswhich canonlybeexperienced in consequenceofbelieving them.Remember,mydearfellow-sinner,thatyourheartscanonlybepurifiedbyfaith, and that love toGod, and conformity tohiswill—follow uponbelieving,aseffectswhicharedependentontheircause.Letthetreefirstbemadegood—andthen,itsfruitswillbegood."Youwillrecognizethemby their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes or figs fromthistles?Inthesameway,everygoodtreeproducesgoodfruit,butabadtreeproducesbadfruit.Agoodtreecan'tproducebadfruit;neithercanabadtreeproducegoodfruit.Everytreethatdoesn'tproducegoodfruitiscutdownand thrown into the fire. So youwill recognize themby theirfruit."

"WithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseGod.ThisistheworkofGod,"aworkmostacceptableinhissight,"thatyoubelieveinhimwhomhehassent."ThehistoryofChrist,thetruthsofhisgospel,andthepromisesofhisgrace,"werewritten, thatyoumightbelievethatJesus is theChrist,the Son of God, and that believing, you might have life through hisname.''ThustheGodofallgraceproposedtoourfirstparent,inhislost,forlorn,andhopelesscondition,thepromiseofredemptionbyChrist,thebeliefofwhich,nodoubt,broughthimbackfromthebordersofdespair;andgavehimimmediaterelief.

Theawakenedsinner'saddresstoGod,suitedtotheforegoingremarks.

AlmightyandeverlastingGod,myCreator,myPreserver,andmyJudge,beforewhosesolemntribunalImustshortlymakemyappearance.Iamapoor individual of the fallen race of mankind, shaped in iniquity,conceived in sin, and chargeable with actual transgressions almostwithoutnumber.Ihavebroughtmyselfunderthecondemningsentenceofyourrighteouslaw,andrenderedmyselfdeservingofyoureverlastingdispleasure.Itishightimeformetoawakeoutofsleep,andtoinquire,with theutmostseriousness,and thedeepestconcern—whether there isanypossiblewayof escaping thatwrathwhich is revealed fromheavenagainstallungodlinessandunrighteousnessofmen.

Ifeelarayofhopespringupinmysoul,sinceyouhavesaid,inyourholy

Word, "you have destroyed yourselves—but in me is your help." JesusChrist,youronlybegottenSon,cameintotheworldtosavesinners,suchas I am. This is no delusive supposition, no uncertain report; it is afaithfulsaying,andworthyofallacceptance.ButIlearnfromthesacredScriptures,thathewhodisregardsthistestimony,whoreceivesitnotinthe loveof thetruth,whobelievesnot intheSonofGod,theappointedSavior,musteverlastinglyperish.Ilearnfromyourword,thatpardonofsin,deliverancefromcondemnation,andtheenjoymentofeternalfelicity—areinseparablyconnectedwithtruefaithinChrist.

Do mercifully impart to me, that divine illumination, without which Ishallneitherknowthewayofpeace,norbelievethetruthtothesavingofmysoul.O teachme toknowmyself—thedeepdepravityofmynature,the guiltiness of my whole life, the purity of your law which I haveviolated, the inflexibility of your holiness and justice which I haveoffended,theexceedingsinfulnessofsin,andmyownutterinabilitytodoanything,towardsdeliveringmyownsouloutofthatstateofmiseryintowhichIhavebroughtmyself.Bringmetoanacquaintancewithyou—theonlytrueGod,andwithJesusChrist,whomyouhavesenttoredeemandsave the lost and the undone—whom to know is life eternal.May yourHolySpiritsetbeforeme,inthemostpowerfulandengagingmanner,thegloryofhisperson,thesufficiencyofhissacrifice,theefficacyofhisbloodto cleanse fromall sin, theperfectionofhis righteousness to clothe thenakedsoul,thefullnessofhisgracetosupplyeveryneed,andhisabilityineveryrespecttosavetotheuttermost,allwhocomeuntoGodbyhim.

May that precious gospel, of which Christ crucified is the sum andsubstance,appeartomeinallitstruth,asthetestimonyofGod;inallitssacredimportanceastheWordoflife;inall itsfullness,itssuitablenessto my case, its preciousness, and its glory—that I may be enabledtoreceiveitwithfullandentireapprobation,asasystemmosthonorabletoGod,andsafeforman,andthatImaybelieveitwithmywholeheart.

Let me be a partaker of that faith which is connected with truerepentance of sin, a sincere attachment to JesusChrist, a subjection ofheartand life tohiswillandgovernment,aholy indifference toall thatthis present world can afford, and a sincere and constant endeavor toobey your commands. May I receive and embrace the truth as it is in

Jesus,sothat itmaydwellandabideinme,inall itssacredenergyandsanctifyingpower,workingeffectually inme,as itdoes inall thosewhobelieve.Thusletmyheartbepurifiedbyfaith,andgivemeaninheritanceamong those who are sanctified by faith in you. Never let me be astranger to the joy of faith; but fill me with all that joy and peace inbelieving, which arise from the view and manifestation of pardoningmercy, through the precious blood of your dear Son; to whom withyourself, and the blessed Spirit, the one eternal God—be equal andendlesspraises!Amen.

Chapter3. Theevidence believers give, thatChristisprecioustothem.

Godhasmagnifiedhislove,andsetforththerichesofhisgracetowardsus,inamannerwhichshouldeffectuallyallureourheartstohim.Whilewewereenemiesandrebelsinopenarmsagainsthim—hewaspleasedtosendhisbelovedSontodieforoursins—inordertoredeemusfromsinandhell.HewhoisthebrightnessofhisFather'sglory,andtheexpressimage of his person, became aman of sorrows for our sakes. In thegreatnessofhiscondescension,hecalledhimselftheSonofman—butallthe fullness of theGod-head dwelt in him.Hewas declared to beGodmanifest in the flesh. He came down from his Father's bosom, andbecameman—nottocondemntheworldofmankind—buttogivehislifeand blood for our sakes; to make his soul an offering for our sins, tosufferinconceivableanguishandsorrow,andtodieforus,thathemightbringusbacktoGodandhappiness.Hepouredouthissoultodeath,tosecure us from the deserved wrath and vengeance of God. He waswounded for our transgressions, hewas bruised for our iniquities. Thechastisement of our peace was upon him, that we through his stripesmightbehealed.HewasstrickenandsmittenandafflictedbyGod—thathemightopenthewayforustopartakeofDivinemercy,andrendertheoffendedMajestyofheavenamoreproper,andamoreengagingobjectof

ourlove.

He is the beloved Son of God, the first and the everlasting favorite ofheaven, thehighestobjectofhisFather'sdelight;he is thegreatpeace-maker betweenGod and sinners, the chiefmessenger of divine love tomen.Ifhehadnotundertakentomakepeacebythebloodofhiscross,wewouldhavecontinuedthechildrenofwrath forever.Wewouldhavebeen in the same state with the fallen angels, for whom no Savior isprovided,andtowhomnopromiseofpardonandreconciliationismade.ToustheChildwasborn,toustheSonwasgiven.Hecametodeliverusfrom our state of enmity and rebellion, to save us from sin and itsdreadfulconsequences;fromthecurseofGod'srighteouslaw,andfromeverlastingdestruction.Hisheartwaspiercedforthesakeofsinfulmen.Themessagesofhisown,andofhisFather'slove—hehaswrittentousinlinesofblood;hesealedthecovenantofpeacebetweenGodandman—withthebloodofhiscross,whichheshedforus,toprocuretheremissionofoursins.ThisisthatdivineSaviorwho,thoughdisregardedbymany,is precious to those that believe. I now proceed to consider—whatevidencebelieversgive,thatheisprecioustothem.

Section 1. If Christ is truly precious to us—we will trust oureverlastingconcernsinhishands.

TheapostlePeter,whenhespeaksofChristbeingprecioustothosewhobelieve,representshimundertheideaofafoundation."BeholdIlayinZion a chief corner-stone, elect, precious: and he who believes on himshall not be confounded. Yes,He is very precious to youwho believe!"Thatis,preciousunderthatconsiderationparticularly;andyoushowit,bymakingityourchiefdesignandcaretobefoundbuiltuponhim,asthesurefoundation.

Theywhotrust intheirownhearts,andgoabouttoestablishtheirownrighteousness, like the unbelieving Jews—do, like them, stumble at thestumbling-stone. To such Christ cannot be said, in any sense, to beprecious;sincetheysetthemselvesdirectlytoopposetheverydesignofhiscoming into thisworld,whichwas, thathemightbe"theendof thelaw for righteousness to everyone who believes." That man is no true

believerinJesus—whorestsinthelaw,andendeavorstolayafoundationof hope contrary to thatwhich is laid, even Jesus Christ.He seeks notrighteousnessbyfaith—butbytheworksofthelaw.

Buthe, towhomtheSaviorofsinners isprecious, isdeadtothe lawbythebodyofChrist,thathemayliveuntoGod.Heplacesallhisconfidencefor acceptance with the Father, and for everlasting life, in that divineRedeemer.HeworshipsGodintheSpirit,herejoicesinChristJesus,andhasnoconfidence in the flesh.Heknowswhomhehasbelieved,and ispersuaded that that almighty Savior is able to keep what he hascommitted unto him until that day. In short, all his hopes center inChrist.

Hencethesacredwriterssofrequentlyspeakoftheactualout-goingsofagracious soul towards Jesus Christ, for salvation—oflookingandcomingtohim—ofreceivinghim—andoftrustinginhim.Thisissomethingmorethangivingcredittothetestimonywhichisgivenconcerninghim;somethingdifferentfromamerebeliefofthetruth.Butatthesametime,hewhoreally,andfromhisheart,believeswhatGod'sWord reveals concerning the nature of sin, his own vile and lostcondition, togetherwith thegloriousway inwhichsinnersaresavedbyJesusChrist—willnecessarilybe induced to flee tohim, to receivehim,andtorestuponhimforthesalvationofhissoul.Itmustbesointheverynatureofthings.

HowcouldtheenlightenedsinnergiveevidencethatChristisprecioustohim, as one who is able to save to the uttermost, if he himself has nodegree of hope, trust, or confidence in him, under that consideration.Hence,thoughthisdependenceontheRedeemerforsalvationisdistinctfromthebeliefofthetruthconcerninghim—itisdistinctfromitonlyasan inseparable effect is distinct from its cause. Faith and trust maybedistinguished—but they cannot be divided. Some degree of hope ortrust in Christ appears to be the necessary and immediate effect ofbelieving what the gospel reveals concerning him. When the sinnerunderstandsandrealizeswhatGodsaysoftheevilofsin,ofthemiseryoffallenman,andof theappointedwayofsalvationbyagloriousandall-sufficientMediator; he, in consequence, flies for refuge to the hope setbeforehim,andventuresthewholeweightofhiseverlastinginterestsin

hishands!

The convinced sinner is deeply impressed with a sense of theinsufficiency of his ownworks; he has given up all hope of acceptancewithGodbyanythingwhichhehasdone,orevercando;ifwethereforesuppose him to haveno trust in the Savior of sinners, hemust be in astateofabsolutedespair;andthisisentirelyinconsistentwiththatfaithwhich,aswehaveseen,impliesthechoiceandapprobationofGod'swayofsavingsinnersbyJesusChrist.HopeandtrustaretheimmediateandnaturalconsequencesofsuchbelievingviewsoftheproprietyandgloryoftheDivineremedy,ashavebeenmentionedintheformerchapter.

AgreatdealissaidintheOldTestamentconcerninghopeandtrust.Thetermfaithveryrarelyoccurs.ButthehopeandtrustsofrequentlyspokenofbyMoses,Davidandtheprophetscertainlycomprehendand includewhatiscalledfaith,bythewritersoftheNewTestament.Hopeandtrustsweetly compose the soulof a regenerateman, andbringhim into thatstateofrestandtranquilitywhichissodesirableamidstthefluctuationsanddisquietudestowhichhumanlifeissubject.Alltherestweenjoyinthisworld,isconnectedwithtrustinGod."Youwillkeephiminperfectpeacewhosemindisstayedonyou;becausehetrustsinyou."ThespecialobjectofthistrustisGod,reconcileduntousthroughthemediationofhisSon. Respect must be had to this mediation—where the goodness, themercy, the grace, the name, the faithfulness, or the power of God ismentioned—asthatonwhichthesoulrelies.Fornoneofthesecanbetheobjectofahelplesssinner'strust—butonaccountofthatcovenantwhichisconfirmedandratifiedbythebloodoftheRedeemer.

When the infinite mercy of God is spoken of in particular, as that inwhich we are to confide—we are to understand by it, his unboundedgrace,settingforthJesusChristasthepropitiationforoursins.Trustinthismercy,iswhattheapostlecalls"receivingtheatonement."Receivingitdenotesourapprobationofit,andourconfidinginit,asthegreateffectofDivinewisdom,goodness,faithfulness,loveandgrace,whichcanneverfailthosewhorelyuponit.

Itisnotthepartofwisdom,innaturalthings,totrustanyonewithaffairsof importancebeforeweknowhim; ifwewoulddo so, thoughperhaps

our concerns may be safe in his hands—yet every discouragingcircumstance,everyflyingreport,willbereadytoshakeourhearts,andfill uswith fear.TheChristianknowswhomhehas believed; or, as thewordusedbytheapostlesignifies,whomhehastrusted.Atheniansmaybuild theiraltars toanunknowngod; butChristiansdonot trust in anunknownRedeemer. "Thosewho know your name,"OGod our Savior,"willputtheirtrustinyou."

ThistrustconsistsinacommittingoftheguiltyhelplesssoultothecareofChrist,whoiscommissionedbyhisalmightyFathertotakecareoflostsouls, and to save them with an everlasting salvation. It is a secretapplicationofthehearttoChrist,inwhichweresignourguiltypersonstohim—tobepardonedforthesakeofhissufferings.Weresignournakedsoulstohim—tobeclothedinhisrighteousness.Weresignoursinfulandpollutednaturestohim—tobesanctifiedbythepowerofhisgrace,andtobemadefitforeverlastingglory.

We are encouraged thus to trust in him under a full persuasion of hisabilitytosavetotheuttermost.Weknowthathe ismighty tosave.Weareassuredthathisobedienceuntodeathwasperfectandcomplete;thathisbloodcleansesfromallsin;thathisrighteousnessrendersthosewhobelieve accepted with the Father, unto eternal life; that his power andgracearesufficienttoconquerallourdisorderlypassions,tosupportusunder all our temptations, to purify our hearts, to strengthen ourendeavorsinthepracticeofholiness,andtokeepussafelytohisheavenlykingdom.

This trust differs from a feeble belief of the words, the works, and thepowerofChrist,uponhearsay,orslightnotice; it isbuiltupon justandcertain evidence. The believer has abundant testimony to the truth ofChrist'sbeingable tosave.Godhimselfhasgivenwitness fromheaven,bymiracles,visions,andvoices.Theapostles,prophets,andmartyrshavefilled the earthwith theirwitness; and, bymost convincing arguments,have proved the all-sufficiency of the Redeemer. The Christian has awitnessinhisownsoul,tothepowerandgraceofChrist,whenhefeelsthe sanctifying efficacy of the gospel upon his heart, and experiencesDivine peace in his conscience, with the sweet foretastes of immortalfelicity.Christ ispreciousonaccountofall thosegloriousqualifications

whichrenderhimthefittestobjectofasinner'shopeandtrust,andthebeliever gives evidence of this in his own case, by entrusting hiseverlastingconcernstohishands.

Section 2. If Christ is precious unto us—we shall delight tothinkofhim,tohearofhim,andtospeakofhim.

The Christian knows that his future blessedness will consist in beingwhereJesus is,andbeholdinghisglory;andheconcludesthat frequentcontemplationofhiminthepresentstatemusthaveatendency,throughDivine grace—to prepare him for that happy state which he has inprospect."Forweallwithopenface,beholding,asinamirror,thegloryoftheLord—arechangedintothesameimagefromglorytoglory,evenasbytheSpiritoftheLord."

"To know God, and to love him, constitute aman holy upon earth; toknowGod,andtolovehim,willconstituteamanhappyinheaven.Godisthe supreme truth; and all the intelligence, all the knowledge of ourmindsoughttorelatetohim,astotheirobject.Godisthesupremegood,andall themotionsof ourwills ought to tend towardshim, as towardstheironlyand last end.On thisprinciple, JesusChristhas founded thereligionandworship,whichweprofess."Fleschler

Alearned,piousandageddivine,makesuseofthefollowingexpressions,whenspeakingoftheimportanceandutilityandhabitualcontemplationon the glory and excellency of Christ: "If we desire to have faith in itsvigor, or love in its power—giving rest, delight, and satisfaction to oursouls, we are to seek for them in the diligent discharge of this duty;elsewheretheywillnotbefound.HereinwouldIlive;hereinwouldIdie.HereuponwouldIdwellinmythoughtsandaffections,tothewitheringand consumption of all the painted beauties of this world; to thecrucifyingofthingsherebelow,untiltheybecomeasworthless,dead,anddeformed—andinnowayfitforaffectionateembraces."

The believer will surely take pleasure in musing on the glories andexcellencies of his adorable Redeemer. The object of our warmestaffectionwillbemuchinourthoughts."Mymeditationofhim,"saysthe

Psalmist, "shall be sweet. In the multitude of my thoughts within me,your comforts delight my soul." It appears from the writings of holyDavid—that he employed a considerable portion of his time, amidst allthe business and the cares which came upon him as the king andgovernorofanumerouspeople,inmeditatingontheWord,thestatutes,andthetestimoniesofGod;andheeverfoundsomethinginthemworthyof his high esteem, and his holy joy. "O how I love your law! It ismymeditation all the day. I have seen an end of all perfection—but yourcommandments are exceeding broad."Hewas particularly delighted incontemplating thegloriesof theexpectedMessiah. "Myheart," sayshe,"overflows with a beautiful thought! I will recite a lovely poem to theking, formy tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet. You are themosthandsomeofall.Graciouswordsstreamfromyourlips.Godhimselfhasblessedyouforever.Omightywarrior!Youaresoglorious,somajestic!"

Itisthetendencyoflovetoexciteinthemind—manythoughtsaboutthebelovedobject.A right knowledge of theLord JesusChrist,will fill themindwiththoughtsandmeditationsconcerningHim—soastoexcitetheaffections tocleave toHimwithdelight.Adiscoveryof thegloryofHisperson, of theperfectionofHis atoning sacrifice, andof the fullness ofHis grace—must inspire the heart with love to Him! He who lives theblessedlifeoffaithintheSonofGod,willfrequentlythinkofhisSavior;of what he is in himself, of his love, of his humiliation, and of themanifestationofallthegloriousexcellenciesoftheDivinenatureinhim—fortherecoveryandsalvationofmen.

Itismuchtobelamented,thatthosewhoprofessasincereattachmenttotheRedeemer,shouldhavetheirthoughtssolittleemployedabouthim.Where amultitude ofworldly cares, desires, fears andhopes prevail inthe mind—they cumber and perplex it—so as to bring on a greatdisinclinationtospiritualmeditation.TheadviceoftheapostlePaulisofgreat importance in this case, "If you then are risen with Christ—seekthosethingswhichareabove,whereChristsitsattherighthandofGod.Set your affection (yourmind, your thoughts,) on things above, not onthingsontheearth.For(withrespecttothispresentworld,accordingtowhatyouprofess)youaredead,andyourlifeishidwithChristinGod."Earthly and sensual affections fill the hearts and heads of men, with

multitudesofthoughtsconcerningthoseobjectsonwhichtheyarefixed,soastoleavenoroom,norindeedinclinationforspiritualandheavenlythoughts.

"Shall notmy thoughts," says the believer, "be frequently employed inmeditatingon the loveof that infinitely gloriousperson, towhomI amindebtedfordeliverancefromthegreatestmisery—andforallthehopeIhave of being one day advanced to everlasting glory and felicity! Hepouredouthisholysoulinagonies,underthecurseoftheavenginglaw—tomakeme apartaker of eternal blessedness.Heperfectly fulfilled thepreceptsofthatlaw,thatI,byhisobedience,mightbemaderighteous!"

ThegrandblessingwhichourLordsolicitsanddemandsforhisdisciples,inhislastsolemnintercession,isthattheymaybeholdhisglory.Itisthatwhich will complete the blessedness of heaven, and fill its inhabitantswith joy unspeakable and full of glory. Surely, then, it should be ourdelighttoanticipate,insomedegree,thatcelestialbliss,andtohabituateour souls to this sacred exercise, which will be our business and ourrewardforever.

This glorious and adorableRedeemer, thought uponus longbefore thefoundationsoftheworldwerelaid.Heboreusonhisheartwhenhehungonthecross;whenhewastornwithwounds,andrackedwithpain;whenhe poured out his dying groans, and spilt his blood.He remembers usnow,whenheisexaltedattherighthandoftheMajestyintheheavens;andwill never,never forgetus, throughall the ages of eternity! Surely,then,weoughttothinkofhim!Impressedwithasenseofhiseverlastingkindness—we should be ready to say, as the captives in Babylon,concerningtheirbelovedcityJerusalem,"IfIforgetyou,OblessedJesus—letmyrighthandforgetherskill.MaymytonguesticktotheroofofmymouthifIfailtorememberyou,ifIdon'tmakeyoumyhighestjoy!"

Whatholytransportsofsoul,whatdivinedelightshavemanyChristiansexperienced, in meditating on the glories of the Redeemer! Ascendingthemountof contemplation, their soulshave takenwing, and exploredtheheightanddepth,thelengthandbreadthoftheloveofChrist,whichpasses knowledge! They have seen, by the eye of faith—that he isinfinitelylovelyinhimself,thatheistheadmirationofangels,thedarling

of heaven, and the delight of the Father. They have viewed him in thebrightnessofhis ineffableglory,clothedwith indescribablemajestyandhonor!Theyhavebeen transportedwith the smilesofhis countenance,and said of him, "He is the chief among ten thousand, and altogetherlovely!"

Theyhavethenconsideredtheirownunworthiness,andsaid,"Cansuchawretch as I be theobject ofhis love?So vile aworm, sounprofitable acreature, so great a sinner, one so deserving of his everlastingabhorrence! Has he loved me, so as to give himself for me? O whatmarvelouskindnessisthis!Ismyworthlessnamewritteninhisbookoflife?AmIredeemedbyhisblood,renewedbyhisSpirit,beautifiedwithhis loveliness, and clothed in his righteousness?Owonder ofwonders!Mystery beyond allmysteries! How can I forbear to love this adorableSavior?CanIwithholdmychoicestaffectionsfromhim?Ahno!HadIathousandlives,athousandsouls—theywouldallbedevotedtohim.Youtemptingvanitiesofthisbaseworld,youflatteringhonors,youdeceitfulriches, adieu! Jesus is my all! He is my light, my life, my unfailingtreasure,myeverlastingportion!Nothingbelowtheskiesisdeservingofmylove!PreciousRedeemer,inyoutheboundlesswishesofmysoularefilled, and all my inward powers rejoice in you. I long to leave thistenementofclay,andtorestinthebosomofyourloveforever!"

ThatonewholovesJesusdelightstohearofhim,andtoconverseabouthim—cannot be doubted, since every man is best pleased with thatconversationinwhichtheobjectofhisdearestaffectionsistheprincipaltheme.Itisonthisaccount,thatthegospelisajoyfulsoundtohimwhobelieves—because it sets forth Christ in his glory! No sermons are soprecious and so animating to him—as those in which the Redeemer'sexcellenciesaremostfullydisplayed.ItisthenthattheChristiansays,"Isit under his shadowwith great delight, and his fruit is sweet untomytaste!"AsermonwhichisnotenlivenedwiththehoneyednameofJesus,inwhichthereisnothingofhisatonementforsin,ofhismatchlesslove,and saving power—is heard with coolness and indifference; while thedoctrineofthecrossisaslifefromthedead!

Section3.IfChrististrulyprecioustous—weshallbegrateful

forthebenefitswereceivefromhim.

It must be acknowledged, that, like many who are more forwardtoborrowthantopayback;wearefrequentlymorereadytoaskfavorsatthehandofGod,thantoreturnthanksforthosewereceivefromhim.Anunhumbledheartsetsa lowvalueonDivinemercies;but thosewhoaretrulyacquaintedwiththemselves,whoknowwhattheyareandhavebeen,togetherwithwhattheLordhasdoneforthem,inraisingthemupfromthedepthsofsinandwoe—willcallupontheirsoulsandallthatiswithinthem—toblesstheholynameoftheirgraciousDeliverer.Theywillperhapsexpresstheirgratitudeinsomesuchlanguageasthefollowing—

"OLord,Iwillpraiseyou,forthoughyouwereangrywithme,yourangeristurnedaway,andyoucomfortme.Behold,Godismysalvation,Iwilltrust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and mysong;healsohasbecomemysalvation."EternallyblessedbethegraciousRedeemer, who, from the plentitude of heavenly bliss, and the highestexaltationofglory,descendedtobasemortality,andbecameobedienttodeath,eventhedeathofthecross,toransommyperishingsoul,torescuemefromdeathanddamnation,andtogivemealotamongtherighteous!HowcanIpretendtohavearegardforhim,ifIamnotthankfulforhisbenefits?

"Lordyouhaveraisedmeupoutofahorriblepit,outof themiryclay;youhavesetmy feetuponarock,andestablishedmygoings.Youhavegraciously pardoned those hateful crimeswhichmight have causedmeeternalregret,andplungedmeineverlastingmisery.Youhavegiventhattranquility tomyonce troubled conscience,which is the anticipationofParadise. You have given me hope of seeing your face hereafter withunutterable joy, and of dwelling at your right hand, where there arepleasuresforevermore!

"BlessedbetheLord,whodailyloadsmewithhisbenefits,whileIaminthewaytothepromisedinheritance.Yours,OLord,istheairIbreathe,thefoodIeat,andtheclothingIputon.TheintellectualpowersofwhichI am possessed, the use of my reason, and a capacity of knowing, ofloving,ofserving,andofenjoyingyou—areamongthebestandchoicestofyourmercies.All thehappiness,and indeed,all theusefulnessofmy

life,eithertomyselforothers,arefromyou.

"Long agomight I have been cast off, as an unprofitable servant, whoknewhisMaster'swill—yetdiditnot.Butyourmercyisgreaterthantheheavens, and the instances thereof aremore innumber than the sandsupon the sea-shore. They are renewed every morning, and multipliedeverymoment.

"While I attempt to celebrateyourpraise,may I live to thegloryofmyeverbountifulBenefactor.ItwouldbetheexcessofingratitudetoemploythefavorsIreceive fromyou, intheviolationofyourcommands.Everyblessing of yourhand furnishesmewith amotive to serve you.Lord, Iwould show forthyourpraise,notonlywithmy lips—but inmy life,bygivingupmyselftoyourservice,andwalkingbeforeyouinholinessandrighteousnessallmydays."

The religionwe profess, is far from requiring us to put on amournfulcountenance. On the other hand, it enjoins upon us cheerfulness,gratitude of heart, and joy in the Lord. It is an apostolic injunction,"Rejoice in theLordalways, andagain I say, rejoice!"As if it hadbeensaid, 'Endeavor to maintain a habitual joy in Christ Jesus, and in thehopesandprivilegesyouderive fromhim; for thehonorofyourDivineMaster, and the prosperity of your own souls are intimately connectedwith it. There is enough in the object of your affections to furnish youwithmatterofjoy,evenintheworstcircumstanceswhichcanattendyouin this world. The worldly man rejoices in his possessions,thevoluptuousman inhis vainpleasures—but youare to rejoice in theLord.Delightyourselves inhim,andhewillgiveyou thedesireofyourhearts. Serve him with gladness, and come before his presence withsinging!'

When the Ethiopian eunuch became acquainted with Christ and hissalvation, how was his heart cheered with the discovery! A new sunseemed to arise, and a new world to display its beauties around him.Everyobjectbrightenedbeforehim,andhe"wentonhiswayrejoicing."Christians,goanddolikewise.CalluponyoursoulstomagnifytheLord,andletyourspiritsrejoiceinGodyourSavior.Hislove,hisgoodness,hismatchless and multiplied benefits demand this at your hands. If we

derivenotthesameconsolationfromChristandthegospel,whichgodlymenhaveformerlyexperienced,itmustbeowingtotheweaknessofourfaith,andthelackofsincerity,ardoranddiligenceintheserviceofGod.

Weareexpresslycommanded,"Ineverything,togivethanks."Whatevermay be our present circumstances, our dependence on God, and ourobligations to him, require us to be habitually grateful to our DivineBenefactor,sincewenevercanbeattendedwithsuchafflictionsasnottohave greater cause for thankfulness, than for complaint. We shouldreflectonourunworthinessoftheleastofallGod'smercies,andontheriches of his undeserved grace, in loading us with benefits, which farover-balance all our afflictions.We should labor to keep up a cheerful,thankfulframeofheartineveryconditionoflife,for"thejoyoftheLordisourstrength!"

It is thewill ofGod inChrist Jesus, thatwe should in everything, givethanks.By the gift of his Son for us, and the bestowment of his savingblessings on us, he has laid a foundation for perpetual thankfulness,whichiseverywaysufficienttojustifythereasonablenessofthedemand.

Section4.IfChrististrulyprecioustous—weshallpreferhimabove every other object; he will have the chief place in ouraffections.

ThelovewhichaChristianhastohisSavior,penetratesandpossesseshisheart.Thisdistinguishesitfromthepretendedloveofhypocrites,whichisonlyinword,orinsomeexternalactions,whiletheirheartsarefullofsinful self-love, so that itmay be said of them asGod once said of theIsraelites,"Thispeoplehonormewiththeirlips—buttheirheartsarefarfromme."

"Those religiousperformanceswhich leave inourhearts the loveof theworldanditscarnalpleasures,areratherasemblanceofpiety,thanpietyitself. We are only before God what we are in heart and affection. Hemust be the object of all our desires, the end of all our actions, theprincipleofallouraffections,thegoverningpowerofourwholesouls.Allthat does not flow from these dispositions, all that does not either

conductustothese,orestablishusinthem,howevershiningbeforemen,is nothing but a sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal in God's eyes!"Masillon.

Divinelovesopossessestheheart,asnottoallowapartitioningof it toinferior objects. Thus it is distinguished from that partial lovewhich issometimes found in unregenerate people, which is only transient, andnever comes to perfection; because the heart is divided, and occupiedwith various worldly objects. The love of Christ is not rooted, norpredominantintheirminds.

Abelievermay,and, indeed,oughtto lovehisfellow-creatures.Afathershouldlovehischildren,ahusbandhiswife,andafriendhisfriend;butthe character of love to Jesus is, on the one hand, to allow no lovecontrary to itself, tohaveplace in theheart; for "nomancanserve twomasters;andthefriendshipofthisworldisenmityagainstGod."And,ontheotherhand,thisdivineaffectiondoesnotallowanyoftheobjects,theloveofwhich is insomedegreecompatiblewith itself, tohold thechiefplaceintheheart.ThischiefplaceisfortheLord,whomweoughttolovewithsupremeardor.Toregardhimonlyinasecondaryway,istoprovokehis resentment. The choicest affections of our souls ought to besupremelyfixeduponhim."HowisyourBelovedbetterthanothers?Yes!Heisaltogetherlovely.ThisismyBeloved,andthisismyFriend!"

Thatlove,whichhasbutcreatedthingsforitsobject,isdegradingtothesoul. It is a cleaving to that which can neither contribute tothehappinessnortotheperfectionofournature;and,ofcourse,whichcannot give repose to ourminds. For to love any object ardently, is toseekourfelicityinit,andtoexpectthatitwillanswerourdesires.Itistocall upon it to fill that deep void which we feel in ourselves, and toimagine that it is capable of giving us the satisfactionwe seek. It is toregarditastheresourceofallourneeds,theremedyofalltheevilswhichoppressus,andthesourceofallourhappiness.Now,asitisGodaloneinwhomwecanfindalltheseadvantages, it isadebasingofthesoul, it isidolatrytoseekthemincreatedobjects.

IfChrististrulyprecioustous—weshallbeinducedtodevoteoursoulsand our bodies, our talents, our powers and our faculties, as a living

sacrifice to him. To contemplate his adorable perfections will be ourhighestjoy.Weshallbereadytoobeyhiminoppositiontoallthethreatsandthesolicitationsofmen.Weshallrelyuponhim,thoughalloutwardappearances seem tobeagainstus;and rejoice inhim, thoughwehavenothing else to comfort us. If we enjoy health and plenty, friends andreputation, the Lord is still the object of our earnest desires and oursupremedelight."WhomhaveI inheavenbutyou?There isnoneuponearththatIdesirebesidesyou!Asthedeerpantsforthewater-brooks,solongsmy soul after you,OGod.My soul thirsts forGod, for the livingGod;whenshallIcomeandappearbeforeGod?"

ThereligionofJesusdoesnotconsistindullandlifelessformality."Godisaspirit,andthosewhoworshiphimmustdoitinspiritandintruth."Ourheartsshouldbewarmlyandvigorouslyengagedincleavingtohim;we should be fervent in spirit, in serving the Lord. Such is the infiniteexcellencyofJesusChrist,theAuthorofeternalsalvation,thattherecanbenosuitablenessintheexercisesofourmindstowardshim,unlesstheyare lively and powerful. Lukewarmness is nowhere so odious anddetestableashere.ThereissomethingverysignificantintheapostlesofChristbeingsaidtobebaptizedwiththeHolySpirit,andwithfire—asitisexpressive,amongotherthings—ofthefervorofthoseaffectionswhichtheSpiritofGodexcitedintheirhearts.

TheapostlePaulspeaksoflove,asofthegreatestimportanceinreligion.Herepresentsitasthefountainwhenceproceedsallthatistrulygood.Hespeaksof itasthatwithoutwhichthegreatestknowledgeandgifts,andthe most splendid profession, are vain and unprofitable. The sumofvitalreligionconsistsinthisdivineaffection,andinthosethingswhicharethefruitsofit.ThechildrenofGodaredescribedasthose"wholovetheLordJesusChristinsincerity."

This loving apostle, inwhom the true spirit ofChristianitywas so fullyexemplified,gaveeverykindofevidencethatJesusChristwasprecioustohim.ItappearsfromallhiswritingsthatthisservantoftheLordwas,inthewholecourseofhislife,afterhisconversion,inflamed,actuated,and,as it were, swallowed up, by a most ardent love to his DivineMaster.Henceheesteemedallthingsbutlossfortheexcellencyoftheknowledgeof him, and counted them but dung that he might win Christ, and be

found in him. He declares that he was overpowered by this divineaffection, and carried forward by it in the service of him whom he soardently loved, through all difficulties and sufferings. "For the love ofChristconstrainsus;"notonlyhislovetous—butourlovetohim.

TheknowledgeabelieverhasoftheexcellencyofChrist,tendstoraiseinhismindahighesteemofhim.Asitisimpossibleforanymantoloveanunknownobject,soitcannotbeexpectedthatChristshouldbesupremelyprecious unto us, unless we know him to be excellent and desirable,beyondwhatevermaybe comparedwithhim.Weshallnot esteemhimaboveallthings,ifwehavenotelevatedviewsofhistranscendentworth.

Wemay possibly delight in some objects of an inferior nature, as theycontributetoourhealth,ourease,orourcomfort.Ourhomes,ourfood,andourothertemporalenjoymentsaredeartous,becausetheyministerto our comfort and convenience in the present life. We have acompassionate regard for the poor, though perhaps we see little realexcellency in their character. We feel our affections of pity movedtowards them, as fellow-creatures in distress. We have a naturalattachmenttoourcountryandourkindred,becauseof theirrelationtous.Butwe love theDivineSaviorwithavery superiorkindof love.Weknowthatheisinhimselfpossessedofthehighestexcellencies,andthatheisabletobestowuponustherichestbenefits.Ouresteemofhimrisesin proportion to the knowledge we have of him. Godly men thereforeardentlydesiretoincreaseintheknowledgeofhim,thattheiraffectionsmaybemoreintenselyfixeduponhim.

Andthoughthebeliever'sregardforhisSaviorisfarfrombeingwhollyaselfishprinciple—yetthehopeofinterestinChrist'sfavorservestodrawforth and confirm his attachment to him. It seems impossible for anyman to contemplate his supreme excellencies with delight—if he isdestitute ofhope. Christ is precious to thosewhobelieve—not to thosewhodespair.TheevilspiritssaidtoJesus,whenhesojournedonearth,"Weknowyouwhoyouare—theHolyoneofGod;"but theyknow thatthere is no hope of their ever enjoying his favor; and therefore theycontinue in theirenmityandrebellionagainsthim.Terror, slavish fear,anddespairaresooppositetolove,thattheapostleJohndoesnotscrupleto say concerning the Supreme Being, that it is a sense of his love to

uswhichdrawsforthourattachmenttohim:"Welovehim—becausehefirstlovedus."

Muchhasbeensaid,andperhapswithpropriety,concerninglovetoJesusChrist for his own infinite excellency, as being themost distinguishingproofofarealgraciousaffection;butatthesametime,itdoesnotappeareitherfromtheWordofGod,orfrommatteroffact—thatsincerelovetoJesus ever exists in anymind destitute of hope. So far as slavish fearprevails, it is a bar to love to Jesus; and therefore "hewho fears" thatChristisnothisfriend—butmaydisownhimatlast,"isnotmadeperfectinlove."HopeofasavinginterestinChristopensthespringsofaffection;itdrawsandattracts theheart to itsobject.And thereforewhenwearerequiredtogivetoourMakerandSovereign,ourwholeheartandmind,andsoulandstrength,themannerinwhichthecommandisexpressedisworthyofpeculiarnotice,"YoushalllovetheLordyourGod."

It is amaxim laid down by some respectablewriters, that anunselfishlove toGod isessential tobeinga trueChristian;or,as theyexpress it,'Whoever seeksanything inGodbesideGodhimself,doesnot sincerelylove him.' It is allowed, that God is in himself—an object infinitelyamiable—that, were it possible for an intelligent being to existindependent of God, it would be impossible for such a being tocontemplate the Divine Nature and not to love it. But it should beremembered, that, even in the case supposed, consciousness ofconformity to the nature and fitness of things,would be attendedwithpleasure;andpleasureispersonalinterest;sothat,strictlyspeaking,pureunselfishlovetoGodseemstobeimpossible.

SincereChristiansloveGodunderthesevereststrokesofhisprovidence.They find a pleasure in loving him, and in submitting to his sovereignwill,whichamplycompensatesthem,andgivesthemthehighestinterestinthislove.Thereare,asitshouldseem,notthreedifferentkindsoflovetoGod—butthreedistinctdegreesofthesamelovetohim:

1.Our lovemay be drawn forth towards him by the temporal benefitswhichwereceivefromhisindulgenthand.Yettemporalblessingsarenottheobjectsofoursupremelove;butGod,thegiverofthem.

2. Our love may be kindled and excited towards him bythespiritualblessingswhichhebestowsuponus,accordingtotherichesof his grace; such as his regarding and answering our prayers, hisgrantinguntousdiscoveriesofhismercy, in forgivingoursins,andthelike."IlovetheLord,"saysthePsalmist,"becausehehasheardthevoiceofmysupplication."

3.Godistobelovedforhisowninfiniteamiablenessandexcellency.Butthislove,beingattendedwithpleasure,cannotbeseparatedfrommentalinterest. 'I lovehim,' says themost spiritual andheavenly-mindedmanuponearth,'whoisthehealthofmycountenance,andmyGod.IwillgotothealtarofGod;toGodmyexceedingjoy.'

Withrespecttothesethreedegreesoflove,iftheexperienceofChristiansincommonbeattendedto—itwillperhapsbefound,thatmostbeginwiththefirst,growintothesecond,andendinthelast.

Andtothelast,astothatdegreewhichismostelevating,mosthonorabletoGod, andproductiveof themostnoble effects—all godlymen shouldaspire.

'AChristian'sdesire,'saysoneofourolddivines,'istoGodchiefly,andtoGodsimply;toGodastheGodofgrace,formorestrengthandabilitytoserve him; and to God as the God of all comfort, for the pleasure offellowshipandcommunionwithhim.'Horton

IfJesusChristisprecioustous,thebentofoursoulswillbetowardshim.Weshall choosehimaboveandbeyondeveryotherobject, asourmostdesirableportion,andexceedinggreatreward. Ifanything in thisworldbechosenbyus,asourchiefgood—ourheartswill runout instrongestaffections towards it.We shall look for our felicity in that object, be itwhatitmay;thatobjecttherefore,andnotChrist,willbemostpreciousuntous.

Ifourregard for theRedeemer issupreme,as itought tobe,ourwholeheartswill go out after him in themost intense longings, andwith themostpleasingdesires.Theheartofabelieverisrestlessuntil it findsitsSavior;untilitobtainsasolidhopeandpersuasionofhislove,agrowing

conformity to him, and sincere delight in him. The soul rests andacquiescesinhimalone,andisnothappywithouttheenjoymentofsometokensofhislove.Thelanguageofsuchaoneis,'IfIhaveChristformyfriend,andmyeverlastingportion—Ihaveall.Whenhis face ishidden,and his comfortswithdrawn, I seek himwith restless desire, and oftencry,O that I knewwhere Imight findhim!After a seasonofdarkness,when the light of his countenance is again lifted up upon me, I say,Returnuntoyourrest,Omysoul,fortheLordhasdealtbountifullywithyou.' (For severalhints in thispartof thework, I am indebted to IsaacWatts,inhisexcellentDiscourseontheLoveofGod.)

The sensewehaveofour continual andabsolute need ofChrist,hasatendencytoengageouraffectionstoHim.Atourfirstconversion,whenwewereturnedfromdarknessto light—wesawourselves lost—andthatnonebutChristcouldsaveus.Wefeltthewoundsofaguiltyconscience—and we knew that He alone could heal them.We trembled before theoffendedMajesty of God—andwewere persuaded thatHe alone coulddeliverusfromthewrathtocome.Wesawthattherewasnoremissionofsin,noreconciliationwithGod,nosalvationbut throughChristJesus—henceHebecame,atthatperiod,allinalltous.

WestillseetheabsolutenecessityofthispreciousSaviorineveryrespect,sothatwithouthimwecandonothing,ashehimselfhastoldus.Wehaveneedofhim,whenwearedark—to enlightenus;whenwearedull andlifeless—toquickenus;whenwearestraitened—toenlargeus;whenweareweak—tostrengthenus;whenwearetempted—tosupportus;whenwehave fallen—to raiseand restoreus;whenweare fullofdoubtsandperplexity—tocomfortusandgiveuspeace;whenwearedisquietedwithfears—toencourageus;whenwearestaggeringatthepromisesthroughunbelief—toconfirmourfaith.AsnonebutChristcandothesethingsforus—hemustbeprecioustooursouls.

The following aspiration shall close the present section: 'Reign, blessedJesus,inmyheart,reignsupreme,andwithoutarival.Iwouldsincerelyloveyouaboveallthingsinheavenorearth.Iseethatyouareinfinitelygloriousinyourownself,andworthyofthehighestesteemandlove.Youare the only all-sufficient good, the overflowing spring of grace andblessedness. All things beneath and besides you—are vanity and

emptiness.Incomparisonwithyou,theyarelessthannothing.Youhavedrawnmyhearttowardsyourself,andmademewillingtomakechoiceofyou,asmySavior,andmyPortion. Iwouldrenounceall that theworldcalls good or great, that I may be entirely yours. Be my everlastinginheritance,andIshalldesirenothingthatawholeworldofcreaturescanbestow.WhomhaveIinheavenbutyou?ThereisnothingonearththatIdesireincomparisonofyou!

'Iambutastrangerinthisworld,whereverImaybesituated,orhoweverImayhappentobedistinguished.AndsurelyitismyprivilegethatIamso.WhenIlooknotuponmyselfasastrangerandapilgrim,whenIamcaptivatedwithanythinginthisplaceofmyexile—Iforgetmyself,andactfarbeneathmycharacter,asacandidateforanimmortalcrown.

'I hope Ihave counted the cost of beingoneof yourdisciples; I hope Ihave laid in the balance—all which thisworld can flattermewith, andcompared itwith thegainof godliness.Theodds I find tobe infinite. Iwouldthereforebidadieutothegaudypompsandemptyvanitiesoflife,andgivemyhearttoyou.Ihearthevoiceofinfinitemercydirectingmetosetmyaffectionsonthingsabove.IwouldobeythecelestialMonitor.What canpresent scenes afford, to temptme to relinquish the choice Ihavebeenenabledtomake?Whatcantheyoffer,asanequivalenttohisfavor,whosesmilesenlightentherealmsofbliss,andfillall inhabitantsofheavenwithunboundedandeverlastingdelight?'

Section 5. If Christ is truly precious to us—we shall sincerelydesire his presence, and long to enjoy intimate communionwithhim.

It is well known, that this is the tendency of a sincere attachment,whoeveristheobjectof it.Hencewedesiretohavethecompanyofourdearfriendsandrelations.Absence isoneof thesharpestpainsof love.OurblessedRedeemerhassaid,"HewholovesmeshallbelovedbymyFather, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." If he ispreciousuntous,weshallearnestlydesirethefulfillmentofthatpromise,thathewouldmakeknownuntousmoreandmore—ofthelovelinessofhis person, and of his special kindness and love to our souls. Distance

fromhim,thesuspensionofhisfavor,orthehidingsofhisface—willgiveuspain.

Weshalloftensay,'Lord,whenwillyoucomeuntome,accordingtoyourpromise? Letme find you graciously near, assuringmy soul that I amyours,and thatyouaremine forever.Fillmyheartwith thoseheavenlycomforts and holy joys—which you bestow on those who love you. Icannotbearthisabsencefromyou.Come,LordJesus,dwellinmyheartby faith, that I being rooted and grounded in love, may be able tocomprehend with all saints, what is the breadth and length,thedepthandheightof your love; and to knowyour lovewhichpassesknowledge;thatImaybefilledwithallthefullnessofGod.

Whentheeyesofmenareopenedtoseetheirsin,theirdangerbyit,andtheinsufficiencyoftheirownworkstojustifyandsavethem—noobjectissodesirabletothemastheLordJesusChrist.Theriches,thehonors,andthe pleasures of the world—are but vanity and emptiness to them, incomparison with him. He is therefore said to be the "desire of allnations," because men in all nations under heaven, who are madesensible of their need of him, uniformly desire acquaintancewith him,andasavinginterestinhimaboveeverythingelse.Theirdesires,likesomany needles touched by the loadstone, have all a tendency to beattracted to him as their center. They all meet in him—as the sameblessedobject.

WerethosewhoareilluminatedbyhisSpiritandgrace,collectedtogetherfromtheremotestcornersoftheearth,itwouldbefound,onthestrictestexamination, that their desires have all the same tendency. Now, thatwhichistheobjectofourardentdesire—ispreciousinourestimation.Towinourhearts,thedivineRedeemerdied.Todrawmenuntohimself,wasthe endhehad in viewwhenhebecameobedientuntodeath, even thedeathof thecross."AndI, ifIbe liftedupfromtheearth—willdrawallmenuntome."SurelysuchaSaviorisworthyofourwarmestdesires,andour most fervent love. All others are in such a state of blindness andinfatuationwiththeworld,astoseenobeautyorexcellencyinJesus,thattheyshoulddesirehim.Buttothosewhobelieve—heissopreciousthatthedesireoftheirsoulsistohim,andtotheremembranceofhim.Butasbreadandwateraremadenecessaryanddesirablebyhungerandthirst—

sothisdesireafterChristspringsfromasenseofneed.

'Comedown fromonhigh,OSovereignofmyheart; takepossessionofmeforyourself.Inspiremewiththatholyflameofspiritualaffection,thatmy soul may offer up the perpetual incense of holy love and desiretowardsyou.

'Omayall thealluringtriflesandvaindelightsofthisworldstandalooffrommy heart; for I have devoted it tomyRedeemer for a habitation.Keepyourdistance,Ocaptivatingdelusions,fromthegatesofmyheart,whereheonlyshoulddwell.Theremayhereignalone,overallmydesiresforever!

'I seek after him inhis public ordinances; I search for himdaily inmyretireddevotions; I there givemy soul a greater latitude,whereno eyebeholdsme,wherenoearcanhearkentomyvows.ThereItellhimallmyheart—in secret groans and cries.He knowswhatmy sighsmean, andwhataremy fears,andmypainfulsorrows.ThereIblushbeforehim—formysecretsins,andpourout the tearofpenitentialsorrow.There Iuttermybittercomplaints,of thedisorderlypassionsIdaily feelwithinme;Ilamentoverthevanityofmythoughts,andspreadbeforehiseyes—allmysoul'ssoresanddiseases. I laymyself low in thedustathis feet,and tell himwith humble confusion of face—howmuch I have done todishonorhim,howunworthy Iamofhisnotice,andyethowI long forcommunionwithhim.

'Owhenshallthesedaysofsinandtemptation,thesetediousseasonsofabsence anddistance frommyGodandSavior, have an end? I breatheout fromtimeto time, themostearnestdesiresafterhim,andafter theendearingsensationsofhislove.MysoulthirstsforGod,thelivingGod;whenshallIcomeandappearbeforeGod?'

MypassionsflytoseektheirKing,Andsendtheirgroansabroad;Theybeattheairwithheavywing,AndmournanabsentGod.

RoundthecreationwildIrove,

Andsearchtheglobeinvain;There'snothingherethat'sworthmylove,Tilhereturnsagain.

PensiveIclimbthesacredhills,Andnearhimventmywoes;Yethissweetfacehestillconceals,Andstillmypassiongrows.

HowlongshallmypoorfaintingsoulSeekyou,myLord,invain?Revealyourlove,myfearscontrol,Andeasemeofmypain.

Yourpresence,graciousLord,cancheerThisdungeonwhereIdwell;'Tisparadisewhenyouarehere;Whenyouaregone,'tishell.

Immortaljoysyoursmilesimpart;Heavendawnsineveryray;Oneglimpseofyouwilleasemyheart,Andturnmynighttoday!

Section 6. If Christ is truly precious to us—we shall beconcernedthatothersmayknowandlovehim.

It is the nature of love—to wish well to the beloved object; and, ifpossible,todogoodtohimwhohasaplaceinourhearts.Now,sincetheblessedRedeemer can receive no good from us—all we can do is to beheartily concerned for themanifestation of his excellencies and honorsamongmen.Andthisconcernweshallsurelyfeel—ifourheartsarerightinhissight.

The apostle Paul, in whom every part of the Christian character wasexemplified to a proper degree, expressed amost earnest solicitude forthe conversion and salvation of the Jews. On this subject we find him

declaringthesentimentsandfeelingsofhisheart,inthefollowingsolemnand moving manner: "I say the truth in Christ, I am not lying; myconscience also bearsme witness in theHoly Spirit. That I have greatheaviness,andcontinualsorrowinmyheart—forIcouldwishthatmyselfwereaccursedfromChrist,formybrethren,mykinsmenaccordingtotheflesh." The sense of these last words appear to be this, 'As Christsubjectedhimselftothecurse,thathemightdeliverusfromit,IthinkIcouldbecontenttobemadeananathemaafterhisexample,andbelikehimexposedtoall theexecrationofanenragedpeople,andeventotheinfamousandaccurseddeathofcrucifixion,ifmybrethrenandkinsmenaccording to the fleshmight hereby be delivered from their blindness,unbelief and impenitence, and be partakers of the blessings of theRedeemer'skingdom.'ThisistrueChristianheroism,initshighestpurityandexcellence.

While we talk of our regard for the Redeemer, what sentimentsof compassiondo we feel for those who are strangers to him? Are wewilling to submit to the most pressing difficulties, and do we thinknothing toogreat tobedone, toogreat tobeborne—if their conversionandsalvationmighttherebybepromoted?

Among the heathens, we find whole nations, who trained up theirchildren in a regard for the public good, as the highest object and thenoblest end of all their cares.Wemeet with heroes among them, whoeternalized their names by their zeal for the welfare of their fellow-citizens. We find Phocion, who, in taking that poison which waspresented tohimbyhis cruel persecutors, exhortedhis son to take thesame poisons—because he owed more to his country than to hisfather.Aristides, who, in going out to a banishment to which he wasunjustly condemned, lifted up his eyes to heaven, and prayed, that theAtheniansmight never have cause to remember the cruelties they hadexercised on him. Codrus, who, having learned that the oracle hadpromised victory to the people whose prince should perish in war,devoted himself to death. It would be easy to extend the list, bymentioningCamillus,Sertorius,PaulusAemilius,andothers, famous inthepageofancienthistory,forthisvirtue.ButtheapostleoftheGentilesexcelledthemall,asfarasthegospelhepreachedsurpassesthedictates

oftheheathenmoralists.

"Brethren," says he, to the converts at Rome, "My heart's desire andprayertoGodforIsraelis,thattheymightbesaved."Theywereinastateof impenitence and unbelief; theymade light of Christ, and persecutedhisfollowers,havingazealforGod—butnotaccordingtoknowledge.TheapostlelongedafterthemallintheaffectionsofJesusChrist.Thesteadybelief inGod's secret purposes, was no check upon his ardor for theirconversion.He sought it ofhim,whoalone could effect it; he sought itwith thegreatest earnestnessandconstancy.Heknew theirdestructionwas inevitable, if they continued in unbelief and impenitence. Thesalvationofsoulsappearedtohiminallitsmagnitude,asthatwhichhademployed the counsels of Jehovah frometernity; thatwhich theSonofGod spent his life and shed his blood to procure; and that which is ofinfinite importance to sinners themselves.Hencearose the ardorofhismind,inthisnoblecause.

He towhomJesus is precious,whohas himself experienced the powerandsweetnessofhissavinglove—willbereadytosaytoothers,withthePsalmist,"OtasteandseethattheLordisgood!Blessedareallwhotrustin him." Such a one will use his endeavors to bring his fellow-sinnersunder the means of grace. He will reveal his love to them, andcompassion for them—by seasonablehints, exhortationsandentreaties.HewillearnestlypraythattheWordwhichtheyhearmaysavinglyprofitthem.Hewillbecareful to laynostumbling-blockbefore them.Hewilltrytoconvincethemoftheirdanger,andtoinformthemwheretheironlyhelp lies.Hewill strive to recommend thegoodcause,and towin theirsoulstomakechoiceofit,bythemeeknessofwisdom,thelaboroflove,andtheattractivepowerofahumbleandholylife.

Section7.IfChrististrulyprecioustous—weshallbegrievedwhenheisdishonored.

The sins of thosewhopretended some regard for the gospel—but livednotundertheinfluenceofitssanctifyingtruths,excitedthesorrowoftheapostlePaul,becausetheauthorofthatgospelwasprecioustohim."Ofthese,"sayshetothePhilippians,"Ihavetoldyouoften,andnowtellyou,

evenweeping,thattheyaretheenemiesofthecrossofChrist!"Hecouldnotthinkofthem,thoughtheywereenemies,withoutweeping,normakementionoftheminhisletter,withoutbedewingthepagewithtears.

It is the burden of a Christian's heart, that the commands of himwhomadetheworld,whogavebeingtoallthings,andwhogavehimselfforusthathemightredeemusfromalliniquity,shouldbetrampledupon,anddisregardedbymeningeneral;andmoreespecially, that thisshouldbethecasewithanywhoprofesstohopeforsalvationbyhim.

Apiousman ismoreparticularlygrieved for thesinsof thatcity, town,congregation, or family—to which he belongs. When Lot sojournedamong the Sodomites, "that righteous man, dwelling among them, inseeingandhearing,vexedhisrighteoussoulfromdaytodayonaccountof their unlawful deeds." And the prophet Jeremiah most patheticallywishedthathisheadwerewaters,andhiseyesfountainsoftears—thathemightweepdayandnight,forthesins,andconsequentcalamitiesofhiscountrymen.Inanotherplacehethusaddressesthem,"Butifyouwillnothear—my soul shallweep in secret places for your pride,my eyes shallsorelyweep,andrundownwithtears."

AtrueChristianisachildofGod;anditmustgrieveanddistresshimtosee his heavenlyFather so greatly offended anddishonored as he is bymany.He is a disciple of Jesus, and loves hisDivineMaster; hence hecannotbutbedistressedthatmenshouldmakelightofhim,ofhisgospel,his authority and commands.He is fully persuaded that thosewho sinagainst him—wrong their own souls; and that all who hate him—lovedeath, and that which will issue in their own destruction. Under suchconsiderations as these, the Psalmist broke out in the following strongexpressions,"Riversofwatersrundownmineeyes,becausemenkeepnotyourlaw."

Thestainofsincanonlybewashedawaybyblood;thisintimatesthatsindeservesdeath.It isnotthelengthoftimeemployedincommittingsin,whichoughttodecideastothedegreeorthedurationofitspunishment;butthenatureandtheatrociousnessoftheoffence.

Sin is a slighting every instance of God's goodness, with which we are

surrounded. The earthwhich sustains us, the sunwhich enlightens us,thefoodwhichnourishesus,and,inshort,allthecreaturesdesignedtoour use—are so many motives to obedience, and consequently are somany aggravations of our guilt and ingratitude, in rebelling against sogoodandgraciousaGod.

But let us consider the greatness of that Being, against whom sin iscommitted.Approach to his throne; his eyes are as a flaming fire; themajesty of his glory fills heaven and earth. Regard the celestialmultitudes, who are the ministers of his will. And especially consider,that this great God is united tomortal flesh, to the end that hemightsuffer for us—all thatwhich the fury ofmen, all thatwhich the rage ofDevilscouldimaginetobemostrigorous.Nowthinkwhatthenatureofsinis,ascommittedagainstsuchaBeing.TohatesuchaGod,todespisesuchaSavior, totrampleonhis laws, todisregardhisgospel,andtobeunawed by his threatenings—is deserving of the deepest hell. Thatburning lake, that eternal misery, with its unfathomable deeps, Devilswiththeirrage,hellwithitshorrors—havenothinginthem,whichseemstoosevereforrebelscapableofsuchastonishingingratitude!

CharlestheNinth,kingofFrance,sentamessagetothePrinceofConde,azealousChristian,andgavehimthreethingstochoose—togotomass,or tobeput todeath,or tosufferbanishment for life.ThePrincenoblyanswered,'ThefirstIwillneverchoose,Godhelpingme,forIabhortheidolatryofthemass;butforthetwoother,Ileaveittothechoiceoftheking,todoashepleases.Forthereismoreevilintheleastsin,thaninthegreatestmisery.'

Icannotforbearobserving,thattherearemanycausesforthisgriefatthepresent day; and if the Redeemer is indeed precious to us, our heartsmustbeaffectedwhilewearewitnessestothedishonordonetohimbymultitudesaboutus. Ifwe look into theprofessingworld,we shall findmany, who, on account of their scandalous lives, may justly bedenominated the enemies of the cross of Christ.They profess to knowhim,andtobelieveinhim—butinworkstheydenyhim.

Manyopenlyoppose the importantdoctrinesofhisproperdeity; ofhisatonementforsin;oftheworkofhisblessedSpiritontheheartsofmen,

in bringing themnear toGod; and of justification and salvation by hisdeath.Thiscannotbutgivepaintothosewho,withtheapostlePaul,arefullypersuadedthatanotherfoundationforthehopeofsinners,nomancan lay, than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ; who believe,according to the Scriptures, that there is no other nameunder heaven,givenamongmen,wherebywemustbesaved.Itappearstothem,thatanoppositiontotheseleadingtruthsofthegospelcarriesinitanattempttorob theRedeemerofhisglory, to take thecrown fromhishead,and tooverthrow thatwhole systemof evangelical truthwhich isheld forth intheNewTestament:sincetheleadingdesignofthissystemis,"ThatwemightbelievethatJesusistheChrist,theSonofGod,andthatbelieving,wemighthavelifethroughhisname."

There are others again, who profess to believe the truth, and yet showlittleornoregardto it, inapracticalway.Thepowerofgodliness is, inmanyplaces,manifestlyonthedecline.Iniquityabounds,andtheloveofmanyhaswaxedcold.Thatlovewhichistheverybondofperfectness,israrelytobefound;fewindeedthereare—wholoveoneanotherferventlywith a pure heart. Most seem to content themselves withmerespeculationsinreligion,andthatdeadfaithwhichtheWordofGodcondemns,asunprofitable.While inothers, the caresof thisworld, thedeceitfulness of riches, and the lusts for other things choke the Wordwhich they hear, so that it becomes unfruitful. Instead of having theirhearts in heaven, they mind earthly things, and seem to be intent ongainingtheworld—thoughtheylosetheirownsoulsinthevainpursuit!Othersturnasidefromtheholycommandmentwhichwasdelivereduntothem,andfallintosuchscandalouspracticesasgivegreatoccasiontotheenemiesoftheLordtoblaspheme.

HewholovestheLordJesusChristinsincerity,or,inotherwords,hetowhom the divine Redeemer is precious, must be greatly distressed tothink that he should be thus wounded in the house of his professedfriends.

If we look into the world at large, we find everything to shock anddisquietaseriousmind.Thewholeworld,saystheapostleJohn—lies,isburiedorentombed,inwickedness!

The abominable sin of drunkenness is practiced everywhere, by thosewhosegodistheirbelly,andwhogloryintheirownshame.Theuncleanspiritseemstohavefullpossessionofothers,wholiveinthedetestable,infatuating, and ruinous vice of lewdness, and are hurried on by theirungovernable passions, from bad to worse, from one degree ofwickedness to another. The mouths of many are full of cursing andbitterness; their commondiscourse is interlardedwithprofanenessandblasphemy.TheheartsofthosewhofearGodarewounded,andtheirearsare stunned by multitudes, who, on all occasions, take His holy andsacred name in vain, and call for damnation on their own souls! Ourstreets, our roads, and all our public places are crowded with thesediabolicalmonsters in the shapeofmen,whoseemtohave studied thelanguageofthebottomlesspit!"TheyblasphemeYou;YourenemiestakeYour name in vain." Psalm 139:20. "Do not take the name of the Lordyour God in vain, because the Lord will punish anyone who takes Hisnameinvain."Exodus20:7

TheprofanationoftheLord'sdayisgrowntoanamazingheight.Nothingtendsmoretotheincreaseofviceandwickedness.Itisaninlettosinofeverykind.WhatsenseofGodandofdutyis likelytobekeptup,whendivine worship is wholly neglected, and that day is entirely devoted tosensual gratification in the serviceof sin andSatan—whichought tobeemployedinactsofpiety?Theprofanationof theSabbathhas, inmanyinstances,beenaleadingsteptoaninfamousend.

Theman towhom Jesus is precious,must be disquieted on account ofthese andmany other abominations, which are constantly practiced intheworld.Whatproofdowegiveof regard tohis law,hisname,orhishonor—ifweareunmovedbythesethings?"Ibeheldtransgressors,andwasgrieved,becausetheykeptnotyourlaw."Doddridge'smovingversesonthesewordsofthepiousPsalmistshallclosethissection.

Arise,mytenderestthoughts,arise;Totorrentsmeltmystreamingeyes:Andyou,myheart,withanguishfeelThoseevilswhichyoucannotheal.

Seehumannaturesunkinshame;

SeescandalspouredonJesus'name;TheFatherwoundedthroughtheSon;Theworldabused;thesoulundone.

SeetheshortcourseofvaindelightClosingineverlastingnight;Inflameswhichnoabatementknow,Thoughbrinytearsforeverflow.

MyGod!Ifeelthemournfulscene;Myaffectionsyearno'erdyingmenAndfainmypitywouldreclaim,Andsnatchthefire-brandsfromtheflame.

Butfeeblemycompassionproves,Andcanbutweepwheremostitloves;Yourownall-savingarmemploy,Andturnthesedropsofgrieftojoy.

Section 8. If Christ is truly precious to us—we shall be readytodenyourselvesforhim.

"Ifanyonewouldcomeafterme,hemustdenyhimselfand takeuphiscrossdailyandfollowme.Luke9:23.IfwejudgeofourregardforJesusmerelyby the fervencyand frequencyofouremotions towardshim,weshall, at some seasons, perhaps, have painful suspicions respecting oursincerity.Hehimselfhasbeenpleasedtogiveusasafeandproperruleofjudgmentinthiscase:"Ifyouloveme,keepmycommandments.Hewhohas my commandments and keeps them, he it is that loves me."HisWordandwillhaveaprevailing, governing influenceon theheartsandlivesofthosetowhomheisprecious.Asteadydesireandendeavorto avoid those things which are displeasing in his sight—is a practicalproofthatheisdeartous.

Todenyourselvesis—togiveupourownsupposedwisdom,thatwemaybe entirely under the guidanceofGod; to resignour ownwills thatwemaybesubject tohiswill;andtoyieldourpassionstohisgovernment.

Todenyourselvesis—toforegoeverythingsinfultowhichselfisinclined;topracticeeverygoodthingtowhichselfisaverse;andtobereadytogiveup everything dear to ourselves at the call of God—as our ease, ourfriends, our goods, our health, or even our life. It is a disowning, orrenouncingourselvesforChrist;makingourselvesnothing—thathemaybeall.This cannotbedoneunlesshe isprecious tous,or,which is thesamething,unlessheistheobjectofoursupremeaffection.Butifthisisthecase,weshallgiveupourselves,withallthatwehave,tohim,withoutmakinganyreserve.Weshall,onadeliberatecountingofthecost,choosethereligionofJesus,withallthatappertainstoit;chooseitasattendedwithallitsdifficulties.SoMoseschosetosufferafflictionwiththepeopleof God, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin which are but for aseason,esteemingthereproachofChristgreaterrichesthanthetreasuresofEgypt.

This is what our Lord means by the strong figurative expressions ofpluckingouttherighteye,andcuttingofftherighthand;thatis,partingwitheverythingdeartous,whenitstandsincompetitionwithhim,orisopposed to his service or his honor. For he justly reminds us, that "noman can serve two masters; either he will hate the one, and love theother; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other." Heconstantlyteachesusthenecessityofpreferringhimandhisinterestandservice—to the dearest objects on earth. "For he who loves father ormother, son or daughtermore thanme, is notworthy ofme.Whoeverdoesn't take up his cross and follow me—is not worthy of me." Whenmatters come to such a crisis, that a man must either break with hisnearestanddearestrelationsandfriends—orbreakwithChrist—hewhoprefers their favor and friendship to Christ's, and will not give uptemporalendearmentsforhissake—isnotworthytobeownedasoneofhisrealdisciples,norcanhepartakeofthespiritualandeternalblessingswhich belong to such. He who prefers his own ease and safety in thisworld—to the truths and the service ofChrist, cannot be justly deemedonewhosincerelyloveshim,oronetowhomheisprecious.

The same lesson of instruction is taught us by the parable ofthetreasurehiddeninafield,which,whenamanhasfoundit—hegoesand sells all that he has, and buys that field. And likewise by that of a

merchant-man,seekingfinepearls,whohavingfoundonepearlofgreatprice—hegoesandpartswithall, thathemaypossess thatpearl.He iswillingtogiveuptheriches,thehonorsandpleasuresofthisworld—fortheenjoymentofthatinestimabletreasurewhichhehasdiscovered.

Tohaveaheartto forsakeall forChrist, is thesame thing, ineffect, asactuallydoingit—sofarasthereisoccasion,andsofarasweareputtothe trial. What our Lord speaks of "selling all that we have," is to beunderstoodofadispositionofmindtobereadyandpreparedtodoit,ifitbe necessary.Many of the primitive Christians showed their regard fortheSaviorandhisfollowers,byactuallydoingthis,thoughtheirexampleis no farther binding upon us, than as it relates to that disposition ofmind which all the followers of Jesus should possess, namely—areadinesstopartwithallforhissake,wheneverthereisapropercalltoit.

Self-denial,inrespecttothingsinthemselvessinful,shouldbeuniversal,otherwisewedonotgiveproperevidenceofthesincerityofourloveforChrist.Many go very far in a profession of religion, and yet live in thehabitual indulgence of some sin, either great or small, secret oropen.Judasmadesofairashow,thatall theotherdisciplesquestionedtheirownsincerity,ratherthanhis.YetJudaswascovetous!HerodwasahearerofJohn theBaptist,nay,heardhimgladly,anddidmany thingswhichJohnrecommended;yetHerodwasresolvedtoliveinincest.Itisthesameinmanyothercases.Oreader,examineyourself,andbewareofsplitting upon this rock. If your heart is not sound in the statutes ofHeaven,youareindangerofbeingputtoshameanotherday.

Letuslaborthen,tomortifycorruptaffections,andnotwillfullyindulgeourselves in any sinful habit, custom, or practice. Without habituallyresigning ourselves toGod, and laboring to subdue sinful passions andinclinations,supposingwearerealChristians,wecannotexpectoursoulsto prosper in the use of the means of grace. If Agag is spared, fromwhatever motive, our sacrifices, like those of Saul, will neither beacceptabletoGod,norprofitabletoourselves.

SatanandsinunitetheirartTokeepmefrommyLord:DearSavior,guardmytremblingheart,

AndguidemebyyourWord.

ThepathtoyourdivineabodeThroughawidedesertlies;Athousandsnaresbesettheroad,Athousanddangersrise!

Wheneverthetemptingfoealarms,Orspreadsthefatalsnare,I'llflytomyRedeemer'sarms,Forsafetymustbethere!

DearLord,obedienttoyourcall,Iwouldtheworldresign,Denymyself,giveupmyall,Andbeforeverthine!

Section 9. If Christ is truly precious to us—we shall bedistressed that we are not more conformed to his blessedimageandholywill.

Inproportionashe isprecious tous,willbeouraversiontosinandallunholiness. In the undertakings, the sufferings, and the death of ourRedeemerforus—wehavesucharepresentationoftheevilofsin,andofthe dreadful punishment due to it, as must tend to inspire our heartswithholyhatredagainstit.

Weseeinthewounds,thesorrows,andthecrucifixionoftheSavior—thedreadful malignity of sin. We see how hateful it is to God, since hepunisheditsoseverelyinhisbelovedSon,wheninourplace,heboreitinhis own body on the tree.We read the nature of sin—in characters ofblood—on thecrossofChrist.All the laboreddeclamationsofmoralistson the intrinsicdeformityofvice, cannever represent it in suchpropercolorsasitisseenhere.

Thosewhohaveaduesenseofthespiritualityofthedivinelaw,andwhostrictly examine their own hearts and lives by that perfect rule of

righteousness, will ever see abundant reason for humiliation and selfabasementbeforeGod.

FromsincerelovetoJesusChrist,willarise—hatredofthosethingswhicharecontrarytohiswill,andwhichopposeandhinderusinourendeavorsafterconformity tohim.Thevain imaginationsofourownevilhearts—willbematterofgriefandsorrowtous,"Ihatevainthoughts—butIloveyourlaw."

The Christian is grieved and distressed thathisthoughtsandaffectionsaresomuchtakenupconcerningtheaffairsof thepresent life,and thatheshouldbeso insensibleandunmovedatmany times, in respect to eternal realities; that his heart should be sohard, so dull and unaffected about matters of infinite importance. HemournstothinkthathislovetoGodissocold,thathisdesiresafterhimaresolanguid,thathiszealforhimissolow,andhisgratitudeforfavorsreceived,issosmall.

Hisheartispainedwithinhim—thatheshouldfeelhimselfsoinsensibleandunmovedunderthesoundofthegospel.Thatheshouldsitandhearof the astonishing love of God in Christ Jesus, and of His giving hisbelovedSontobleedanddieforhisownsins—withoutbeingmeltedintopenitence, or inspiring him with love and zeal for Jesus. His heart ispained—thatheshouldbesounaffectedwiththeamazingkindnessandcompassionofJesusChrist,manifestedinHisdyingagonies,Hisbloodysweat,Hisignominiouscross,Hisloudandbittercries,Hispiercedside,andbleedingheart—andall this forHisbitterenemies—todeliver themfrom deserved and eternal destruction, and to bring them to thepossessionofeverlastinggloryandfelicity!

'Surely,' says he, 'if there is a call for the exercise of fervent affectionsanywhere—itishereatthefootofthecross!OhowdisquietedIam—tothinkthatIshouldbesostupidand insensible,evenwhenIcouldwishmyhearttobemostravished!Cananythingbepresentedtomythoughtsmore important, more wonderful, or more interesting? And yet howsuperficialandineffectual,atsometimes—aretheimpressionswhicharemadeuponmymindbytheseviews!

"Blessed Jesus! how cold, how feeble, how languid ismy love to You—who is altogether lovely! Alas! how readily aremy fluctuating passionscaptivatedbyworldlythings!OthatImightfeeltheforceofthatmotive—oflovingYou,whohasfirstlovedme!MayYourlove,OpreciousSavior,constrain me, and attach me intimately to Yourself—when I considerwhat you have done for me! Do, by a gentle but powerful influence—attract my desires. Though my eyes have never seen Your lovely face,though no accent of your voice has reachedmy ear—yet you canmakeyourselfmoreintimatetomysoul,thananyoftheobjectsofsense.O,letmenotlivesoestrangedfromYou!Warmmycold,andfrozenheart—andkindleinmybosom,aflameofholyfervortowardsyou.

Keepme,OmyGod, ineveryhourof temptation.Unsupportedbyyourpreventing hand—I fall. But, armedwith your protection, I shall standfast, be strong, andvictorious.O strengthenme towara goodwarfare,thatatlengthImaybeovercome,throughHimwholovedme.Beatmyrighthandtosaveme,lesttheenemyshouldtriumphoverme,andIbemade the reproach of the foolish. I dread the thought of being left tomyself! In thehour of temptation I have a thousand times experiencedmyownweaknessandinstability.Everydivineimpressionhasseemedtobe obliterated. The celestial scenes which before engagedmy attentionhavedisappeared;paradise,and thegloriesofheaven,have fled likeanairy vision; and the most important truths of Christianity have beenconcealed frommy view—as if I had never known them! Lord,what isman!Mysoulishumbledwithinme,becauseofmyfoolishness."

Atsomeseasons,thebeliever'smindissooppressedwithasenseofhisownvileness—thatheisreadytosinkintodespondencyanddejection.Inhisretiredmomentshepoursouthiscomplaintsinsuchlanguageasthis:'Theclogsof guilt,and thecloudsofdarknesshang heavy onmy soul.What language can express thedepth ofmydistress on account of sin!The spirit of a man may sustain his infirmities; but awounded spirit—who can bear? A sense of the vilest ingratitude to the best ofBeings,stingsmyheart,anddeprivesmeofrepose.Allisgloomywithin;all is discouragement without. What returns have I made for favorsreceived?Icannotbearthesightofmyownvileness.Iabhormyself,andrepent as in dust and ashes. The several periods of my life have been

markedwithrepeatedinstancesofingratitudetohim,whoisthegiverofeverygoodandperfectgift,whomIdesireto love,andtoobeywithmywholeheart.MyunstablesoulhasbeenperpetuallydepartingfromGod,inclining to folly, and verging towards that which is evil. This, this iswretchednessindeed!ForthisIcondemnmyselfalmostwithoutceasing.My spirits droop,myheart desponds,my soul is disquietedwithinme.Lord,bemercifultome,pardonmyiniquity—forit isgreat!'Yetamidstthesegloomy,theseself-condemningthoughts,lightsometimesbreaksinuponthemind,andthen

ThehumbleChristianfeelswithinAspringofconsolationfromabove,Andsecretcordials,whichrepairhisstrength,Raiseandupholdhisfainting,languidheart.

Amongthemanyconsiderationswhichexcitethebeliever'ssorrowfortheevil propensities of his mind, and the sins of his life—is that oftheRedeemer'sdeathforhisoffences.TothinkoftheloveofJesustomypoorsoul,manifestedinhissorrows,hissufferings,hisagonies,andthesheddingofhispreciousblood—piercesmyheart,andmakesme loathemyselfinmyownsight.WhileIlooktohimuponthecrosswhomIhavepiercedbymyoffences,surelyIoughttomourn,andbeinbitterness,asonewhomournsforhisfirst-born.ShallnotIshedtearsofgriefforthosesins,forwhichmyRedeemershedhispreciousblood!

It is true, the constitutions of men are different, some have tears atcommand, and others can scarcely weep on any occasion. But the lackoftears,shouldinthiscase,bemadeupbyinwardgrief.YetImustbegpermissiontosay,thatifmencanshedtearsonlighteroccasions(andallthecausesofsorrowarelight—incomparisonwiththis)butnevershedatearonaccountoftheiringratitudetoadyingSavior,itseemstoindicatealackof lovetohim,andthattheyhavenotajustsenseoftheevilandmalignityofsin.Thepenitentwoman,mentionedinthegospel,satatthefeetofJesusweeping;shewashedhisfeetwithhertears,andwipedthemwiththehairofherhead.

'Break, break, O my stony heart! And you my eyes—why are you notfountainsoftears,thatImightweepdayandnight?Lord,Iabhormyself

onaccountofthedefilementwhichcleavesuntome.BeholdIamvile,Iwill laymyhanduponmymouth, and putmy face in the dust! I haveexperienced a thousand proofs of your goodness, the remembrance ofwhich fillsme with shame, because ofmy ingratitude. I cannot in anyinstancechargeyouwithseverity.Yourlawsarenotrigorousorgrievous—butholy, just,andgood.AndyetIhavefrequentlyviolatedthesacredruleswhichmyheartapproves.Buttheheightofmyfollyliesinhavingsooften sinned against infinite goodness and love. I have abused yourkindness,andaffrontedyourclemency.OLord,Ibeseechyou,pardonmyiniquity,foritisgreat.'

Suchexercisesofmindasthese,stronglyindicatethesincerityofourloveforthedivineSavior.

Alas!howwidemyspiritflies,AndwandersfromherGod!Mysoulforgetsherheavenlyprize,Andtreadsthedownwardroad.

Howmywildpassionsragewithin,Noryourcommandsobey;Andfleshandsenseenslavedtosin,Drawmybestthoughtsaway.

ShallcreaturesofameanerframePayalltheirduestothee;Creatureswhichneverknewyourname,Noreverlovedlikeme?

GreatGod!createmysoulanew,Conformmyhearttothine;Meltdownmywill,andletitflow,Andtakethemolddivine!

Thenshallmyfeetnomoredepart,Nomoremysensesrove;Devotionshallbeallmyheart,Andallmypassionslove!

Section10.IfChrististrulyprecioustous—weshalladheretohiminallconditions.

Weshallpersevere inhiswaysandservice,amidstall thevarious trialswith which we may be exercised. If people who make a profession ofreligionliveanyconsiderabletimeinthisworldofafflictionandtrouble—theymustmeetwithmany trials of their sincerity and steadfastness. Itevidently appears from the sacred Scriptures, that the all-wise Goddesignedlybringshischildrenintoastateoftrialanddifficultyfortheirgood; andparticularly that itmaybemademanifest to themselves andothers, that they belong to him, by their being enabled to endure thiscourseofseverediscipline,withoutfaintinginthedayofadversity.

After the patriarch Abraham had stood his ground amidstmany othersharpexercises,itpleasedGod,towardsthecloseofhislife,totryhim,bygivinghimthatsingularandsolemncommand,totakehisonlysonIsaac,whomheloved,andtoofferhimupforaburntsacrifice.Abrahamfullydemonstratedthesincerityandstrengthofhisfaith—byhisreadinesstoobeythismysteriouscommand.

WhenthechildrenofIsraelhadnothingtodrinkbutthebitterwatersofMarah,itissaidthatthere"theLordtestedthem."Theirbeingdestituteofprovisionsforthesupportoflife,wastoanswerthesameend;untilatlength,intheirgreatestextremityofdistress,"theLordsaiduntoMoses,Behold,Iwillrainbreadfromheavenforyou."Heafterwardstoldthem,thatthedesignoftheirbeingledthroughthewildernessforthespaceoffortyyears—wastohumblethem,totestthem,andtoknowwhatwasintheir hearts, whether they would keep his commandments or not. Thewilderness was great and terrible, wherein were fiery serpents, andscorpions, anddrought;where therewasnowater to supply them—butwhatwas"broughtoutoftheflintyrock."TheLordthusdealtwiththem,notfromalackofregardtothem—butasherepeatedlydeclared,forthepurposeoftryingthem,that"hemightdothemgoodintheirlatterend.FortheLordyourGodtestsyou—toknowwhetheryoulovehimwithallyourheart,andwithallyoursoul."

Whentheyweresettledinthelandofpromise,theLordsaidtothem,"I

willnothenceforthdriveoutthenationswhichJoshualeftwhenhedied,thatthroughthemImaytestIsrael,whethertheywillkeepthewayoftheLord,towalktherein—ornot."SomesuchmethodasthisGodispleasedtotakewithhisspiritualIsraelinallages.

Wehave a very singular and instructive instance of theendanduseofadversity—inthecaseofJob.Thatholymanwasseverelytried;yet,inthedepthofhiscalamity,wehearhimsay,"Myfoothasheldhissteps;hisway have I kept, and not declined; neither have I gone back from thecommandmentofhislips.IhaveesteemedtheWordsofhismouthmorethanmynecessaryfood.Thoughheslaysme—yetwillItrustinhim.Heknows theway that I take;whenhehas triedme, I shall come forthasgold."

Now, theman isblessed,who endures temptation; the outcomewill beglorious; forwhenhe is tried,heshall receive thecrownof life.Wearetherefore admonished not to think it strange, concerning the fiery trialwhichistotryus,asthoughsomestrangethinghappeneduntous.ByoursteadyadherencetoChristandhiscause,inthemidstofall—wehavethefairestopportunitygivenus,ofprovinghowpreciousheistooursouls.

True Christians have such views of the transcendent excellency of theRedeemer,thattheyarepowerfullydrawnafterhim,andattachedtohim—inallconditionsoflifeintowhichtheymaybebrought.Theyseehimasworthytobefollowed,thoughtheyshouldbecalledtoforsakeallforhim,and to endure the severestpersecutions forhis sake.Others, in timeoftemptation,fallaway.ButtrueChristiansendurethestorm,forthelovewhich theybear tohisname.Through theviewswhich theyhaveofhissuperlativeamiablenessandexcellency—theyarethoroughlydisposedtobesubjecttohim,andengagedtolaborwithearnestnessandactivityinhisservice,amidstallthedifficulties,trials,andtroubleswhichtheymaymeetwithinsodoing.It isthediscoveryofhisdivineexcellency,whichmakesthemadheretohim;forthissodeeplyimpressestheirminds,thattheycannotforgetorforsakehim.Theywillfollowhimwhereverhegoes,and the solicitations and the persecutions of men, and the guile andmaliceofSatan—areemployedinvain,todrawthemawayfromhim.

Some"havehadtrialofcruelmockingsandscourgings,yes,moreover,of

bonds and imprisonments. Theywere stoned, theywere sawn asunder,theywereslainwiththesword;theywanderedaboutinsheepskins,andgoatskins;beingdestitute,afflicted,tormented;ofwhomtheworldwasnotworthy;theywanderedindeserts,andinmountains,andindensandcavesof the earth."Yet all couldnotwean theirhearts fromJesus,norextinguish their love to him! They were enabled to maintain theirattachment tohim in themidstofall—becausehewasprecious to theirsouls!

Section 11. IfChrist ispreciousuntous—weareconcerned tomakehisglorytheendandaimofallouractions.

OurblessedLorddied—that thosewho livebyhisdeathshouldnot liveuntothemselves,makingtheirownhonor,ease,orpleasure—theendoftheir living in thisworld; but that they should devote their lives to theservice, the interest, and the glory of their great Lord and Savior, whodiedintheirplace,totakeawaytheirsinsbythesacrificeofhimself,andwhoroseagainfortheirjustification.

Wehaveachoiceexampleofthis,intheapostlePaul.WhenaprisoneratRome,hewrotetothebrethrenatPhilippi,toestablishtheminthetruthwhichtheyhadreceived,andtoexhortthemnottobeshakeninmindbythepersecutionswhichheendured;forhewaspersuadedthesewould,intheoutcome,be for the furtheranceof thegospel. "IeagerlyexpectandhopethatIwillinnowaybeashamed,butwillhavesufficientcouragesothatnowasalwaysChristwillbeexaltedinmybody,whetherbylifeorbydeath."Hethenadds,"FortometoliveisChrist—andtodieisgain."Asifhehadsaid,'IhaveexpressedmyhopethatChristshallbeglorifiedinme,whetherIdieorlive,andinthishopeIamencouraged,becauseheisthesupremeendofmylife.Ivaluelifeonlyasitmaybeemployedtothepurposeofhishonor.TheinterestandthegloryofmyRedeemerarethegreatendsIpursue,withunabatingardoranddelight;thatinpublishinghis blessed gospel, and suffering for his sake, Imay gain over souls tohim,andsopromotehishonorintheworld.'

AsthelifeofaChristianisderivedfromChrist,soitisdirectedtohim.Itismostcertain, that,whenhe isactuatedby thenobleprincipleswhich

the gospel inspires—that the honor of his Savior's name, and theadvancementof religion, lienearesthisheart.And this seems tobe thespecialimportofthewordsaboverecited,fromtheconnectioninwhichtheystand,"TometoliveisChrist;"—thatis,'heisallandinalltome;Iliveonlyforhim.'

Thewholeoftheapostle'slifeservestoillustratethisdeclaration.Inthemidst of shame, hunger, nakedness, chains, and imprisonment, hewashappyifhisLordandMastermightbehonoredthereby.Hedidnotcounthislifedearuntohimself,sothathemightfinishhiscoursewithjoy,andtheministrywhichhehadreceivedoftheLordJesus,totestifythegospelofthegraceofGod.WhenhisfriendsendeavoredtodissuadehimfromgoingtoJerusalem,becauseofthedangerstowhichhewouldbeexposedinthatcity,hesaid,"Whyall thisweeping?Youarebreakingmyheart!ForIamreadynotonlytobejailedatJerusalembutalsotodieforthesakeoftheLordJesus!"

This heavenly man lived and breathed only for the honor of theRedeemer, and for the advancement of his kingdom in the world.The Jews hated him to the point of rage and madness.The Gentiles threatened him, sought his life, and persecuted himeverywhere.When at Rome, in the hands of Nero, as in the paws of araging lion,hewastranquilandserene;concernedfornothingsomuchas the honor of Christ. Whence was that calmness of mindwhich heinvariablymanifestedonsuchoccasions?Washisheartmadeofironorsteel?Washeinsensibletothetroubleswhichagitateothermen?No—hewasnostoic.Hissoulwasall tendernessandsensibility.ButasupremeregardtoChristcarriedhimaboveall.TheSavior'sloveconstrainedhim.Jesus was precious unto him. Where his honor was in question, Paulwouldneitherbeinfluencedbythedesireoflife,northedreadofdeath.A regard for the glory of hisDivineMaster, overcame all.Noble spirit!This isChristian heroism in all its sublimity; infinitely superior to thebrutalferocityofyourAlexandersandyourCaesars.Theironlyaimwasto aggrandize themselves, though this should be done by cruelty andoppression. The highest wish of this blessed apostle—was to glorifytheRedeemer, in promoting the welfare, the liberty and happiness ofthosewhomhediedtosave.

But it is not enough to admire so fine an example. We ought in ourinferior stations, so farasweareable—to imitate it.Weknowwhohasrepeatedlytoldus—thatunlesswepreferhimtoall that isdeartous inthisworld—wecannotbehisdisciples.Thesteadyandreigningdesignofoursoulsshouldbe—thatwemaylivetoChrist,andmakehishonortheend of all our actions. We should count our services, our exertions,ourlabors,andevenoursufferingsdelightful,ifthisendmaybeanywaypromoted by them. All we possess, should be consecrated to him whogave himself for us. The members of our bodies, and the faculties ofour souls should be employed for him. Our tongues should sing hispraises,ourearsshouldhearkentohisvoice,oureyesshouldreviewhiswonderfulworks,ourfeetshouldruninhisways,andourhandsshouldbe employed in the execution of everything in our power, which ispleasinginhissight.Inallplaces,inallcompanies,ineveryundertaking,civilorreligious,itshouldbeouraimtoglorifyhim.Thegeneralrulelaiddown by the apostle Paul, should be always kept in remembrance,"Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do—do all to the glory ofGod!" And in another place, he speaks much to the same purpose,"Whateveryoudo,inwordordeed—doallinthenameoftheLordJesus,givingthankstoGodtheFatherbyhim."

Weshouldneverforgetthatwearenotourown—butareboughtwithaprice,forthisveryend—thatweshouldglorifyGodwithourbodies,andwithourspiritswhicharehis.Alltheoperationsofhisgraceuponusarefor the same purpose—that we should show forth the virtues and thepraiseofhimwhohascalledusoutofdarknessintothemarvelouslight.This will be our delightful employment through the revolutions of ablissfuleternity.ThatJesuswho isprecious toushassaid, "Ifanymanservesme—himwillmyFatherhonor;"andsurely,thosewhoexpecttobeglorifiedwith him inheaven, shouldmake it their business, their aim,andtheirconstantendeavor—toglorifyhimuponearth.Topresentourbodies, together with our souls to him, a living sacrifice, holy andacceptableinhissight—isareasonableservice.

Itgrievesme,Lord,itgrievesmesore,ThatIhavelivedtoyounomore,Andwastedhalfmydays;

MyinwardpowersshallburnandflameWithglowingzealforyourgreatname,Iwouldnotspeak—butformyGod,Normove—buttohispraise.

Section12.IfChrististrulyprecioustous—weshalllongtobewithhim.

We shall not only entertain joyful hopes of future felicity—butwe shalllive inexpectationof thepromised inheritance.Weshall feel,atcertainseasons,ardentdesiresofseeingHimuponhisthroneofglory—towhosehumiliation,agoniesanddeath,weareindebtedforalloursalvation.Weshallwish to join thehappy societywho,without ceasing, celebrate hispraise,crying,"WorthyistheLambwhowasslain,toreceivepower,andriches,andwisdom,andstrength,andhonor,andglory,andblessing!ForhehasredeemedustoGodbyhisblood!"

Theweather-beatentravelerlongstobeathome—thathemayenjoythecompanyof thosewhoaremostdear tohim.Themariner,afterhavingbeen exposed to many storms and tempests, in a long and dangerousvoyage—longstoreachtheportofrest.Thedesiredhavenismuchinhisthoughts, and the nearer he approaches it, the more constantly andardentlyhelooksoutforit.Justso,doesthebelievingsoullongtobeintheimmediatepresenceofhim,whomhavingnotseenheloves.

'Theheartsofbelievers,'saysthejudiciousDr.Owen,'areliketheneedle,whichcannotrestuntilitcomestothepointtowhichitisdirected,bythemysteriousvirtueof themagnet.Forbeingonce touchedby the loveofChrist, and receiving from it an impression of secret, ineffable virtue—they will ever be in motion, and restless, until they come to him, andbeholdhisglory.Thatsoulwhichcanbesatisfiedwithoutit,andcannotbeeternallysatisfiedwithit—hasneitherpartnorlotinthematter.'

'Ihavewaited,'saystheChristian,'foryoursalvation,OLord—whenwillyouadmitmeintoyourholyhabitation?HowlongshallIlieatthisgreatdistancefromyou?'

Whoever considers what it is—to behold the glorious face of Jesus inheaven,tocontemplateabeautywhichneverfades,tobeenrichedwithabeneficencewhichcanneverbeexhausted,andblessedwithalovewhichis unmerited and infinite—will find abundant reason to say again andagain,"IhaveadesiretodepartandbewithChrist,whichisbetterbyfar!Whyisthetimeofmyabsencefromhimprolonged?Whenshallthedaysof my pilgrimage have an end? When shall I see the face of myRedeemer,withoutaveilbetween?Manyofmy friendsaregonebeforeme;andnow,secureoftheconquestoveralltheirenemies,theypossesstherewardsofvictory,andaretriumphingintheregionsofimmortality.Theysurveywhatwasoncetothem—thebattlefield,andlookbackwithunutterable pleasure on thedangerswhich are now past. Their unitedfoes are forever vanquished, and they inherit uninterrupted tranquilityand repose. Their eyes behold the King in his beauty. They are in hispresencewherethereisfullnessofjoy,andathisrighthandwherethereare pleasures for evermore! O how I long to join their blessed society.Come,LordJesus,comequickly!Thismustbethelanguageofmysoul—untilthesolemn,thesweetmomentofyourappearancearrives!"

Supposing we were to have no pleasure on this side heaven—yet theprospectofbeinghappythere,toalleternity,shouldteachustobecalmand patient under every calamity here, and even to bear these lightafflictions,whicharebut foramoment,withaholy joy.ThereweshallseeJesus,livewithhim,andenjoythegloriouslightofhiscountenance,not for a day, a month, an age—but forever. And who can tell thepleasure,peace, joy,andtransportofaglorifiedsaint, inthe immediatepresence of his ever-adorable and all-gracious Redeemer? When he isadmittedintohisgloriouspalaceabovetheskies—withwhatsurpriseandastonishmentmusthebeseized?Wecanconceivebutvery imperfectly,of thefirst impressionsmadeuponhimbytheobjects intothemidstofwhich he finds himself transported. He there sees multitudes from allnations, countries, and languages, uniting in the admiration of infinitelove,castingthemselvesbeforethethroneofGod,layingtheircrownsathis feet, andcrying, from theabundanceofaheartpenetratedwith theperfectionofaBeingsoworthyoftheirhomageandadoration,"Blessing,andglory,andhonortohimwhositsuponthethrone,andtotheLambforeverandever!"Maywenotsupposesuchanewlyarrivedinhabitant

of the celestial place to say within himself, 'Is this heaven—andamIhere!'

The glory of heaven is described to us by a variety of figures, andmetaphorical expressions.We can only judge of happiness andmisery,according towhatweare conversantwith in thepresent state.But inafuturestate,theveilsoffleshandbloodshallbetakenaway.Thedarknesswhich now beclouds our minds will be dispelled, and all the scales ofignorancewillfallfromoureyes.Weshallnomoreseeasthroughaglassdarkly—but face to face. Then we shall know what is meant by themarriage-supperoftheLamb,andbysittingdownwithAbraham,Isaac,andJacobinthekingdomofGod.

Inheaven,thereareangels,archangels,cherubimandseraphim,thrones,dominions, princedoms. In heaven, there are patriarchs, prophets,apostles,andmartyrs,myriadsofsaints,agreatmultitudewhichnomancannumber.Inheaven,therearethethroneofglory,thefullnessofjoy,theriversofpureandeverlastingdelight,thepleasureswhichflowfromGod'srighthandforevermore!Thedepartingsaintnosoonerleaveshisearthly tabernacle, thanhemingleswith themorning stars and sonsoflight.ThesupremeexcellentGodunveilshimself,andallowshimtogazeon his infinite beauty. That Supreme Being displays there, the brightassemblageofhisadorableperfections.ThereistheeternalFather;therethe well-beloved Son, clothed in a body like our own; and there theblessedSpirit.

TheChristian longs to be in heavenuponmany accounts; but chiefly—thathemayseeandenjoyhisGodwithoutinterruption;nexttothis,thathemayforeverbefavoredwiththeblessedcommunionofsaints.Whenhelaysasidehisfrailgarmentsofmortality,heisclothedwiththewhiterobes of purity, glory, and honor. He immediately feels the force, andbreathestherapturesofimmortallove.Theecstaticmoments,crownedwithjoyandever-bloominglife,nowbegintheireverlastinground.

The believing prospect of future glory—is the great persuasive to holyobedience, and constant patience under the trials of life; since nothingcanbetoomuchtodoortosuffer,intheviewofthatblessedstate.Howhappy is the condition of the man who waits, with firmness and

steadiness, for that crownofglory—towhichhehasa clearandcertainright!Hecandrawfromawell-groundedhopeofit—pleasuressuitabletoanintelligentcreature,andanimmortalsoul!He,inthemidstofsomanypains, so many miseries, so many labors with which this mortal lifeabounds, feels in his bosom—that source of consolation which isconnectedwitha firmexpectationofeternal felicity!Howishefortifiedagainst the terrors of death!Deathto him is disarmed of its sting, andthegraveof its boasted victory.What canwewish,more suited to ourcircumstances in these regions of mortality—than to know that ourRedeemerlives,andthatweshallshortlylivewithhim,wheredeathshallbeknownnomore!

To an impenitent sinner—death appears as the messenger of God'svengeance,whocomes to leadhimto that tribunalwhereallhiscrimeswillbeexaminedandpunished!Whenthatdreadfulmomentarrives,theblandishmentsoftheworldvanishlikeadream;agatheringgloomveilsthefaceofnature,andeclipsesall itsbeauty.Nocreatedenjoymentcancheer the sullen hours, while he stands shivering on the brink of anunknown,unfathomableeternity.Thesesolemnitiesarenewtohim,andinfinitely more dreadful than he had ever imagined. The king ofterrorsstandsconqueringbeforehim—anddrawshissablecurtainroundthebedoflanguishing.

Thetimeofourabodeinthistransitoryworldisveryuncertain,andthefinaleventofthingsverysolemnandimportant.Theancientheathens,toavoidthethoughtofdeath,forboretomentiontheverynameofit.Andasitwasimpossibletoliveuponearthwithouthavingoccasiontospeakoftheendof life, theyexpressedbyaparaphrase, thatwhichtheyweresoreluctanttoname.Insteadofcallingitdeath,theytermeditasubmittingtodestiny,afallingbythestrokeoffate,adeparting,andasleeping.Butto change the name of a frightful object—will not much diminish thehorrorofit.Thetwoexpressionslastmentionedareadopted,and,atthesame time, sanctified by the inspired writers. Paul speaks with holytranquilityofthetimeofhisdeparturebeingathand.Anddeathiscalledasleep,asitis,toagodlyman,theperiodofhisenteringintorest.Andithas thisnamegiven itwithapeculiar respect to theresurrection,whenthosewhosleepinthedustoftheearth—shallawake,andarise,someto

everlastinglife,andsometoshameandeverlastingcontempt.

MayIhavethatloveforJesus,whichwillrenderitadesirableobjecttodepart—thatImaybeforeverwithhim!Thisistheonlywaytodiewithcomfort.Maythegreatpurposesoflifebeansweredinme,andatlengththehourofdeathbewelcomedwithcheerfulness, that Imay thenhavenothingtodobuttoresignmyspiritintothehandsofmySavior!Ishallthen bid adieu to this tenement of clay, to have no farther connectionwithit.Itrequiressomethingmorethanhumanfortitudetosupportthesoulundertheimmediateviewsofthisseparation.Heretheresolutionofnatureandtheaidsofreasonfail.

Butfaithcantriumphoverthegrave,Andtrampleonthetombs;MyJesus,myRedeemerlives,MyGod,mySaviorcomes!

Then, Omy soul, your deliverance will be complete from all that nowenfettersyou.Mybondswillfalloff;Ishallbeperfectlyfreefromallthesnares of senseand sin,which have formerly entangled me. I shall beoppressed with no weights, held down by no clogsofguilt,weaknessoraffliction.Mywholesoul,andmybodytoo,afterthegreat resurrection day,will enjoy the glorious liberty of the children ofGod.Howunspeakablewill be thepleasureofhaving every faculty andaffectionatmycommand,andofhavingthefreeexerciseofall!

When the poorprisonerhas his fetters knocked off, and full liberty isgivenhimtoleavehisloathsomedungeon,andbreathethefreeair—howgreatishisjoy!Thebirdescapedfromthecage,clapsitswings,andwithalacritytakesitsaerialflight.ThisisafaintemblemofthejoyIshallfeel,whenmortalityshallbeswallowedupof life.Thelanguageofthehappysocietywillbeinthatday,"Oursoulhasescapedasabirdoutofthesnareofthefowler;thesnareisbroken,andweareescaped!Theywillthenfeelthemselves free from all confinement, and no longer say, "When wewoulddogood—evilispresentwithus."

My soul is winged with fervent desire after the bright vision of mySavior's face, and intensely longs for her dismissal from the regions of

mortality.Oh,whenshalltheblissfultimearrive!Isighforpermissiontoentertheworldofperfect lightand love. Iamstill inastateofwarfare;yet various as the sources of suffering are, the conflict—inwhich I amsupportedbythehopeoffuturerest—canneitherbelongnoraltogetherpainful.Thegreatobjectofmyexpectationcannotbeveryfardistant.Afewyears, a fewmonths, nay, even a fewdaysmay bringme into thatstateofbeing,wheretheFountainofeverlastinglightdisplayshisglories,and where neither clouds nor darkness can ever intercept his radiantbrightness!Ilong,withincreasingdesire,thatmykindFatherwouldsignmy release, and speedily dismissme from this scene of combat.Whenshallthestormsoflifebepast?WhenshallIreachthehavenwhereIlongto be?When shall I enter the regions of perfect light and felicity, theparadise of God, where the tree of life forever blooms, and where anunboundedspringofjoy,inallitsglory,foreverflows!

Come,blessedangel,raisemysoulTothisdivineabode;Hasten—formyspiritlongstoseeMySaviorandmyGod!

Chapter 4. In what WAYS Jesus Christ ispreciousthosewhobelieve.

Toyouwhobelieve,heisprecious,orheisyourhonor.Youaccounthimyour glory and your gain. He is not only precious to you—butpreciousness itself. He is your jewel, your treasure; and should you berobbedofallbesides,inhimyouaresuperlativelyandeverlastinglyrich.By the faith which you have in him, you are enabled to discern hisexcellency,whois fairerthanthechildrenofmen,nay, thechiefamongten thousands, and altogether lovely. As such you must account himprecious,andbestowthechoicestaffectionsofyourheartsuponhim.Ifthe question is proposed to you, "What is your Beloved more thananotherbeloved?"youwillnotbeatalossforananswer.Heispreciousineveryview,andundereveryconsideration.All that is inhim,all thatisdoneorspokenbyhim,andallthatappertainstohim—isprecious.Letusenumerateafewparticulars,bywayofillustration.

Section 1. The HISTORY of Christ is precious to those whobelieve.

Thisisgivenusbythefourevangelists,undertheimmediateinspirationof the Holy Spirit. They have related every material circumstanceconcerningthebirth,thelife,thesufferings,thedeath,theresurrection,andtheascensionofJesusChrist—inamannersosimple,sosincere,andyet sosublime—asmust captivate the attention, and touch the heart ofeveryunprejudicedreader.Thefactstheyrecord,arethemostinterestingthateveremployedthepen.

The incarnation of the Savior of mankind was one of the mostimportant,oneof themostgloriouseventswhichever tookplace in therevolutionsof time.Thenthevirginconceivedandbrought forthaSon,whosename isGodwith us.The Lord of glory took up his dwelling inmortal flesh. The purposes and promises of God relating to thiswonderful transaction,werethenfulfilled.Thefullnessof thetimeswas

then completed, andGod sent forthhisSon,madeof awoman.Angelsdescended from heaven to bring the joyful news. A multitude of theheavenly host made their appearance on the occasion. Celestial musicwas heard by mortal ears. The glorious messengers had no soonerdelivered the glad tidings, than they united in one of the anthems ofheaven.Themorningstarssangtogether,andthesonsofGodshoutedforjoy;"GlorytoGodinthehighest,andonearth,peace,good-willtowardsmen."

TheSonofRighteousnesswasnowtoariseandshineuponabenightedworld,andanewstarappearedintheheavens,asasignalofthisbrighterday.Wisemen fromtheeast, taughtofGodtoknowthesignificanceofthissacredtoken,came,undertheguidanceofitsshiningrays,topresenttheirgifts,andpaytheiradorationsto thenew-bornSavior.Such is thehistory of his birth. Abraham, the patriarch, rejoiced in the distantprospectofthisday;hesawitbyfaith,andwasglad.

A certain writer enumerates the circumstances attending the Savior'sbirthinthefollowinganimatedmanner,'Herodturnspaleonhisthrone;the powers of darkness tremble; the eastern sages suspend theirspeculations, and attend to no sign in the skies, excepting that whichconnectsthemtothenew-bornSavior.Aministeroflightistheheraldoftheastonishingevent,andcries to thewakefulshepherds,whomingledtheirmidnightdevotionswiththeircarefortheirflocks,"Behold,Ibringyougladtidingsofgreatjoy,whichshallbeuntoallpeople;foruntoyouisborn thisday, in the cityofDavid, aSavior,who isChrist theLord."Andstraightway,amultitudeoftheheavenlyhostinformtheshepherds,ontheSonofGod'sassumptionofmortalflesh.

ThecelestialspiritswonderedtobeholdtheirCreatorandLord—becomeaBabeatBethlehem,wrappedinswaddlingclothes,andlaidinamanger.From the moment of his nativity, how deep were his humiliation andabasement! Yet in that inglorious place where oxen fed—the heavenlyhostsadorehim!TheMagipaiddivinehonorstotheincarnateGod.Hispresence changed the stable into a temple of glory, and ennobled themangerwherehelay,soastomakeitinsomeway—athroneofgrace.'

The account given us of the public life and ministry of Jesus is

precious. His entrance on the important work he had to do, wassignalized by the manifestation of the glorious Trinity. When he wasbaptizedofJohninJordan,theheavenswereopeneduntohim,andJohnsawtheSpiritofGoddescendinglikeadove,andlightinguponhimandaloudvoice fromheaven, saying, 'This ismybelovedSon inwhomI amwell pleased.' After his herald had directed the sinful multitude, whosurroundedhim,tobeholdhimastheLambofGod,whotakesawaythesinoftheworld—Jesusbegantopreachthegladtidingsofthekingdom,and to confirm his divine mission by a vast variety of astonishingmiracles.Hewentaboutdoinggood,andhealingallwhowerediseased.Theblindreceivedtheirsight,thelameweremadetowalk,thedumbtospeak,thedeaftohear;demonswereexpelledfromthosewhohadbeentormentedbythem;thosewhoweresickofthepalsywererestoredtotheperfect use of their limbs; the leperswere cleansed, and even the deadwerecalledbacktolife—byhisomnipotentWord.

ThiswasthedayforwhichthechurchofGodhadlookedandlonged,forthespaceofalmostfourthousandyears.Patriarchs,prophets,andkingshadwaitedforit,withearnestexpectation.Nowitwascome.ThegloryoftheLordwasrevealed;theOnlyBegottenoftheFather,fullofgraceandtruth, was made manifest. The greatest honor was conferred on thisearthly globe at that period, when he who formed it by his almightypowerbecameitsinhabitant.Thegloryofthesecondtemplewasgreaterthan that of the first, because the Son of God himself made hisappearanceinit.Ifapoormanshouldbefavoredwiththepresenceofaprince,oranemperorunder theroofofhiscottage,hewouldthink itagreathonor.Whatanhonorthenwasconferredonthisworld,whentheKingofGlorybecameitsinhabitant!

The sojourning of the Son of God on earth, is the chief event whichadornstherecordsoftime,andenlivensthehistoryoftheworld.Itistheglory of theair, that he breathed in it; of the sun, that its beams onceshoneuponhim;oftheground,thathetroduponit;andofthesea,thathewalked serenelyon itsglassy surface. It is thegloryof theelements,thattheyoncenourishedhimwhoisthebreadoflife;ofthewater,thatitquenchedhisthirst;ofmen,thathelivedamongthem;andofJudea,thatitwasthelandofImmanuel,wherehesojournedmorethanthirtyyears.

Itisthegloryofournaturethatheassumedit,and,bysodoing,exaltedittoahighdegree.

ThedispensationsofProvidence, through successive ages, like somanylines, point at this period, as their center.Beforehis appearance, theymadewayforhiscoming;andsincethatperiod, theyaresubservienttothegreatendstobeansweredbyit.

The history of his sufferings and death is equally interesting, andequallyprecious.Thatheshouldsuffer,bleed,anddie—wasthedesignoftheFatherinsendinghimintotheworld.TheSpiritofGod,intheancientprophets, foretold the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that shouldfollow.

Ledbythesacredhistorians, letthissolemnandaffectingsceneemploymy meditation. Think, O my soul, on that most tragic—and yetmostgloriousevent,onwhichyoursalvationdepends.Call tomindtheastonishing, thealmost incrediblehistoryofyourSavior's love.HewhoupholdsallthingsbytheWordofhispower,whothoughtitnotrobberytobe equalwithGod—humbledhimself so as to becomeobedientuntodeath,eventhedeathofthecross.Beholdhimloadedwiththosesorrowswhich he willingly bore for our sakes. Follow him into the garden ofGethsemane;seetheawfulcombatwhichhetheresustained;acombatinwhichhedefendedhimselfonlybyhisprayers,hiscries,andhistears;acombatwhichledontosomethingstillmoreformidable,theverythoughtof which so overwhelmed his holy soul, that his sweat was as it were,great drops of blood falling down to the ground, and he cried out,"Father,ifitispossible,letthiscuppassfromme."

Letmeproceedstill farther,andreviewthat torrentofsufferingswhichthe adorableRedeemer endured, from theperiodof his being led awayout of the garden by a band of ruffians, to the hour of his crucifixion.Behold him accused by the loud clamor of a thousand revengeful andblasphemingtongues.Hearthefatalsentencepronouncedagainsthimbyaprevaricatingjudge,whodeclared,thathebelievedhimtobeperfectlyinnocent.Seehislovelyvisagemarred,hisfacedefiledwithspitting;hishandsboundwithcords;his templescrownedwithpricking thorns;hisbodybruisedwithcrudeblows,andhisbackscourgedwithwhips,until

hecouldcountallhisbones.Seehim,afterallthis,tremblingundertheweightofthatcrossonwhichhewastoexpire, inagonieswhichcannotbe described. Ascend with him to Golgotha—the place of skull—thetheaterofthegreatestwonderwhichomnipotenceitselfeverwrought!

BeholdtheretheLambofGod!BeholdthatJesus,whoisthebrightnessof his Father's glory, and the express image of his person; see himstripped of his garments, nailed to the notorious gibbet, treated as thevilestmalefactors,and,duringthatawfulperiod,having,as itwere, lostsightofthosefavorableregardsofhisdivineFather,whichconstitutedallhisjoy.Hearhim,hearhimcryingout,"MyGod,myGod—whyhaveyouforsakenme!"

Naturewasthrownintoconvulsions.Theearthquaked.Rocksweretornapart.Theheavenswerecladinmourning.Theverygravesbeingopenedresigned their prey, and many of those who slept arose and showedthemselvesaliveafterhispassion.Onthisgreatday, forwhichallotherdays were made, atonement was offered up for human guilt; solemn,avenging justice, which called for our blood—was fully and completelysatisfied; the price was paid for the ransom of our souls; eternalredemptionwasobtained;ouroldmanwascrucified,thatthebodyofsinmightbedestroyed;principalitiesandpowerswereconquered;theworldwasovercome;deathandthegraveweresubdued;theeternallawofGod,whichwehadviolated—wasmagnifiedandmadehonorable;andall theattributesofDeitywereinfinitelyglorified!

ThejusticeofGodismagnifiedbythepunishmentofimpenitentsinnersinhell;hisgoodness ismagnifiedby thehappinessof saints inheaven.But the death of Christ magnifies them both in a degree unspeakablyhigher. In this divine expedient, mercy and truth meettogether,righteousnessandpeaceembraceeachother.Byconsequence,a way is opened for the communication of every blessing, which weperishing sinners, stand in need of, to make us completely andeverlastingly happy. Pardon, peace, justification, acceptance,perseverance, and eternal life—are all ensured by the Savior's death.Thewretchednessofthatstate,outofwhichwearedelivered—canonlybeequaledbytheblessednessofthat intowhichwearebrought,byourdyingRedeemer.

Section 2. The PERSON of Christ is precious to those whobelieve.

His glory is so great—as to surpass the comprehension of finiteminds.ButthatdegreeofknowledgewhichaChristianhasofhispersonbyfaith,ismorevaluablethananyotherkindofknowledgewhatever.TheapostlePaul, who knew how to estimate it, calls it "the excellency of theknowledgeofChristJesustheLord."Hejustlycountedallthingsbutlossin comparisonwith this,which shows howpreciousChristwas to him.Ourfutureblessednesswillconsistinbeingwithhim—andbeholdinghisglory.

TheevangelistJohn,speakingofthepersonofChrist,tellsus,"TheWordwasmadeflesh,anddweltamongus."ButwhatorwhomdoeshemeanbytheWord?"ThatWordwhowasinthebeginning,whowaswithGod,whowasGod,bywhomallthingsweremade,andwithoutwhomwasnotanything made that was made." The Word was made flesh by theassumptionofhumannature, soas tobe Immanuel,Godwithus.Thiswasset forth in thedivinepredictionconcerninghis incarnation. "Untousa child isborn,untousaSon is given, and thegovernment shallbeuponhis shoulder; andhisname shall be calledWonderful,Counselor,theMightyGod,theEverlastingFather,thePrinceofPeace."

SuchisthedignityofChrist'sperson,that"hewhohasseenme—hasseentheFatheralso."Hetellsusinanotherplace,thatheisintheFather,andtheFatherinhim;thatis,intheunityofthesameDivineessence;forheandtheFatherareone.

Heonlywhoisoverall,Godblessedforever,wasabletoexecutetheworkofoursalvation,whichrequiredtheexertionofunboundedwisdomandalmightypower.

Butitwasnecessary,inordertotheaccomplishmentofthegreatworkofour redemption, thathe shouldappear inournature.For inhisDivinenature, simply considered, he could not bear our sins, give his life aransom for our souls, nor rise again for our justification. Neither was

there that peculiar relation between his Divine nature and ours, whichcould give us a special interest in what was done by him. Forasmuchtherefore as the childrenwerepartakers of flesh andblood—hehimselflikewise took part of the same. This alliance between him and us wasneedful,toentitleustothebenefitsofhismeditation.Itwasthus,thathebecame our near kinsman, towhom belonged the right of redemption,andfromwhomalonewecouldclaimrelief inourruinedcondition.Onhis becoming man, therefore, our deliverance from misery anddestructionabsolutelydepended.

He,ininfinitecompassionandcondescension,sanctifiedaportionofournatureuntohimself,andtookittobehisown,inaholyandmysterioussubsistence in his own person. By so doing, he has exalted our natureabovethewholecreation.FortheFatherhasset the incarnateSaviorathis own right hand, in the heavenly places, far above all principalities,and powers, andmight, and dominion, and every name that is named,notonlyinthisworld—butalsointhatwhichistocome.

In thisview, theLordJesusought tobe,andreally isprecious to thosewhobelieve.Theyseetheirownnaturedeliveredfromthelowestdegreeofdebasementintowhichitwasbroughtbysin,andmostgloriouslyanddivinely exalted in the person of their Redeemer. This considerationaffordsconsolationanddelighttotheirsouls.Hemustsurelybepreciousuntothem—whohasassumedtheirverynatureintounionwithhimself,so that all the fullness of theGodheaddwells bodily, substantially, andeternally in it. Never can we sufficiently admire the depths of Divinewisdom,condescension,andlove,displayedinthismysteryofgodliness!

Inhis incarnation,hebecomes the representative imageofGod tous—withoutwhomourunderstandingscannotmakeanyintimateapproachestotheDivinenature.WebeholdthegloryoftheDeityinthefaceofJesusChrist.Withgreatproprietyheisthereforesaidtobe"TheimageoftheinvisibleGod; and the brightness of his Father's glory; and the expressimageofhisperson."

ThewonderfulunionofthedivineandhumannaturesinChrist,rendershim an object of admiration and adoration both to angels and men."Beyondallquestion,themysteryofgodlinessisgreat:Heappearedina

body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preachedamongthenations,wasbelievedonintheworld,wastakenupinglory."In thepersonof Christwe behold themostwonderful and astonishingdisplay of Divine wisdom, grace and power. The whole mystery ofgodliness isresolved intothisonearticle—thatGodwasmanifest in theflesh.Thisisthefoundationonwhichalonefaithcanrestwithsecurity,and thedistressedconscience findpeace.The inspiredapostledoesnotscrupletosay,that"Godhaspurchasedthechurchwithhisownblood."Thatis,HedidsowhowasbothGodandmaninoneperson.Hisbloodisof sufficient efficacy to cleanse us from all sin, and to purge ourconsciencesfromdeadworks.

He is the sovereign Lord of all. The whole universe is under hisgovernment, and at his control. He does whatever he pleases in thearmiesofheaven,andamongtheinhabitantsoftheearth.Themightiestmonarchsarebutaswormsbeneathhisfeet.Thethrones,principalitiesand powers of heaven are subject unto him. He is "higher than theheavens,"withalltheirshiningmultitudes.

"Who,"itisasked,"hasmeasuredthewatersinthehollowofhishand,orwiththebreadthofhishandmarkedofftheheavens?Whohasheldthedustoftheearthinabasket,orweighedthemountainsonthescalesandthehillsinabalance?"Accordingtotherepresentationoftheenrapturedprophet Isaiah,whosawhisglory,andspokeofhim—it isevenhewhoshall feedhis flock likeashepherd,whoshallgather the lambswithhisarm, and carry them in his bosom. "All the nations of the world arenothingincomparisonwithhim.Theyarebutadropinthebucket,duston the scales.Hepicksup the islands as though theyhadnoweight atall."

His knowledge is without bounds or limits; for he knows all things.Hiswisdomisperfect;forheisthewisdomofGod.Hispowerisinfinite;for he is the Almighty. His riches are immense. "The unsearchablerichesofChrist."

Whateverbenefitorblessingwestandinneedof,hisgraceissufficient,more than sufficient to bestow it. He is able to save sinners to theuttermost. Being one with the divine Father, he knows, he wills, he

performsthesamethingsastheFatherdoes.Inhismediatorialcapacity,he is theabsoluteLordof lifeanddeath.He is theheadoverall things,andmanages all providences as he pleases, for the church's good. Thebookoflife,andthekeysofhellanddeathareinhishand.Heexecuteshisofficewith thegreatest fidelity, for thehonorof theFather,and thesalvation of men. What a safe, what a suitable object of faith—isImmanuel! There is all the ground that we can desire, for the firmestconfidenceinhim,andrelianceuponhim.

BeingintheformofGod,hethoughtitnorobberytobeequalwithGod;he counted it no usurpation to claim a full equality of nature with theFather,sinceheandtheFatherareessentiallyone.Henceallmenshouldhonor the Son even as they honor the Father. To him the followingaddressismade,"Yourthrone,OGod,isforeverandever."Alltheangelsinheavenarecommandedtoworshiphim,ortopaythesameadorationtohimastotheFather.ForthereisnoperfectionattributedtotheFather—butthesameisattributedtotheSon,inequaldegree,andequalglory.As such,he is infinitelyworthyof all possible esteem, love and service,bothfrommenandangels.

HeclaimsequalitywiththeFatherinhisDivineoperations,"MyFatherworkshitherto, and Iwork."Hisworkandauthority are the samewiththoseoftheFather,inthepreservationandgovernmentofallthings.Andhencetheapostleassuresus,that"byhim,andthroughhim,andtohimareallthings."

ThattheDivineRedeemerisman,cannotbedoubtedbythosewho,withproperattention,readthehistoryofhislifeuponearth.Hishungerandthirst, his labors and sorrows, his stripes and wounds, his offering upstrong cries and tears, his pains and his death, fully prove his realmanhood. But when we contemplate him in his transfiguration on theholymount,webeholdhisglory,thegloryasoftheonly-begottenoftheFather, full of grace and truth. Then theDivinity, enshrinedwithin hismanhood,communicateditsradianceoutwardlytohisbody,andeventohisgarments."Hisfaceshinedasthesun,andhisraimentwaswhiteasthe light."Hewas "clothedwithmajesty andhonor; he decked himselfwithlightaswithagarment."

Whenwecontemplatethewonderfulworkswhichheperformed,weseethatheisthetrueGod,andeternallife.Themostboisterouselementsinnature cease from raging, and compose themselves into aperfect calm,whenhegivesthepowerfulcommand,"Peace,bestill."Themostfoulandinveterate leprosy isperfectlyremoved,andthat inamoment,whenhesays,"Beclean!"Thebodywhichhadbeendeadforfourdays,returnstolife, and rises from the tomb, when he says, "Lazarus, come forth!"Disease and death, yes, the legions of darkness are obedient to hisomnipotentWord!SurelythisistheLordofnature;thisisGodmanifestin the flesh. This is he who says of himself, "I am the Alpha and theOmega,theFirstandtheLast."

Thenaturewhichsinned,accordingtotherulesofjustice—wastosufferfor sin.TheWord,or theSonofGodwas thereforemade flesh, thathemight, as he said at his baptism, "fulfill all righteousness." He wasincarnate, that he might have something to offer, more valuable andefficaciousthanthefleshofbullsandofgoats."Sacrificeandofferingyoudidnotdesire,butabodyyoupreparedforme;withburntofferingsandsinofferingsyouwerenotpleased.ThenIsaid,HereIam—itiswrittenaboutmeinthescroll—Ihavecometodoyourwill,OGod."AndasChristtook manhood, that by it he might be capable of death; so, becausemanhood is the proper subject of compassion and sympathy, he, whowithout our nature could not suffer for the sins ofmen on earth, doesnow,bymeansofthatnature,makeintercessionforsinners,andexercisedominionoverallmen,withatrue,anatural,andasensibletouchofpity.(Hooker)

ImustbegleavetoreferthereadertothelearnedJohnOwen,andotherablewriters,whohavegivenusatlargetheScripturedoctrineconcerningthepersonofChrist.Mypresentdesignisonlytocontemplatethesubjectin a cursoryanddevotionalway. I freely admit, that I am lostwhen ImeditateonthegloryofImmanuel.HeformedtheheavensbyhisWord,and all their starry host by the breath of hismouth.He fills thewholeuniversewithhisimmensity.Myfaithascendstohiminthepalaceofhisglory,surroundedwiththousandsofthousands,andtenthousandtimestenthousandmightyangels,alwaysreadytoexecutehiswill.Anddidhebecome incarnate forusmen, and for our salvation? I lookdownupon

myselfandsay,WhatamI?Lord,whatisman,thatyoushouldbethusmindfulofhim,andthesonofmanthatyoushouldsoregardhim?Iambutanatom,Iambutdustandashes,andalloverspreadwithpollutionand deformity. And can this atom, this dust, this deformed mass ofimpurity—be theobject of redeemingmercy?Whatmotive could enticethe Lord of glory to become man for my sake, and to communicatehimselfinamannersointimate,soendearing,toacreaturesobaseandvile?Theseraphimaroundhisthronecovertheirfaceswiththeirwings,andcryonetoanother,"Holy,holy,holyistheLordGodAlmighty!Thewholeearth is fullofhisglory."Struckwithasenseofhismajesty,howjustlymayIexclaimwiththeprophet,"Woeisme!Iamamanofuncleanlips."May one of the seraphs come and touchmy lips,with a live coalfromhisaltar!

There is an incomparable and transcendent excellency in the person ofChrist, in every respect. He is fairer than the children of men; he isaltogetherlovely.Theexcellencieswhicharefoundinanyofhiscreaturesareasnothing,whencomparedwithhisexcellency.Wisdom in them isbut a beam; but he is the glorious Sun of Righteousness.Goodness inthemisbutasthedropofabucket;butheisthefountain,theoceanofgoodness.Holiness in them is but a glimmering spark—but he is thebrightnessofhisFather'sglory,andtheexpressimageofhisperson.HeisequalinallgloriousexcellencieswiththeFather.Hisdivinenatureputsinfinite dignity on his amazing condescension, gives eternal efficacy tothe sacrifice which he offered up to expiate our sins, and to therighteousnesswhichhewroughtouttojustifyourpersons.

Therighteousnessofamerecreature,howeverhighlyexalted,couldnothave been accepted by the Sovereign of the universe, as anycompensationforourdisobedience.Forwhoeverundertakestobearthepenaltyofthelaw,andfulfillitspreceptsintheplaceofothers,mustbeonewho isnotobliged toobedienceonhisownaccount.Consequently,our surety must be a divine person; for every mere creature is underindispensableobligationstoperfectandperpetualobedience.And,asoursituationrequired,sothegospelreveals—aMediatorandsubstitutethusexalted and glorious. For he is described as one who could, withoutarrogance,ortheleastdisloyalty,claimsovereignty,andfullequalitywith

the Father. Hence it was by his own voluntary condescension that hebecameincarnate,andtookuponhimtheformofaservant.And,bythesame free act of his will, he wasmade under the law, to perform thatobedienceinourstead,towhich,asadivineperson,hewasinnosenseobliged.

ThenatureofourRedeemer'swork,asMediator,madeitnecessarythatheshouldbebothGodandmaninoneperson.Deityalonewastoohighto treat withman; humanity alonewas too low to treat withGod. Theeternal Son, therefore, assumed our nature, that he might become amiddleperson—aMediatorbetweenGodandmen,capableof"layinghishands upon both," and of bringing sinfulman and his offendedMakerinto a state of perfect friendship. He could not, in office, have been aMediator,ifhehadnot,inhisnatures,beenamiddle-person.

The constitution of the Redeemer's person is the effect ofinfinitewisdom,almightypower,andunboundedlove.Itisherethatthefoundationislaidforourhopeofeverlastinghappiness.Thereisenoughinthissubject toexciteastonishment,gratitudeandjoythrougheternalages.Itisnotsufficienttosaythatitismysterious;itismysteryitself;themysteryofgodliness;thewisdomofGodinamystery.Yetthetruthandcertaintyofitareclearlyrevealed;andthoughitisastoneofstumbling,and a rock of offence to those who stumble at the Word, beingdisobedient;yettothosewhobelieve,itis,andforeverwillbe,precious!

Section 3. The NAMES of Christ are precious to those whobelieve.

Theverysoundofhisnamegladdenstheheartsofthosewhobelieve.Heis called by a variety of names, to set forth that variety of excellencieswhichmeetinhim.Theprophetgivesusapleasingcatalogueofsomeofthose inoneverse:"Foruntousachild isborn,untousaSon isgiven,and the government shall be uponhis shoulder; andhis name shall becalled,Wonderful,Counselor,themightyGod,theeverlastingFather,thePrinceofPeace."Everyoneofthesenamesisinstructive,significant,andexpressive of what he is in himself, and what he is to us, wretchedsinners, who are enriched by his benefits. They may well therefore be

precioustous.Theyadministerpeacetothetroubledconscience,healingtothebrokenheart,andconsolationtothedespondingmind.

Some have counted up over one hundred and fifty different names, bywhichthedivineSavioriscalledintheOldandNewTestaments.Itmaysufficeustosingleoutafewofthese.Inthatdivinecanticle,theSongofSolomon, where many of the amiable appearances in nature areemployed to set forth his love, the excellency of his person, and thehappiness of those who have communion with him—we have thefollowing beautiful passage, "Your name is as ointment poured forth,thereforedothevirgins loveyou."Asointmentandperfumerejoice theheart, so those titles given to our Redeemer, which are peculiarlyexpressive of his work, his grace, or his glory, afford pleasure andedificationtothosewhoaredesirousofgivingtheirchoicestaffectionstohim.

Ihopethereaderwillexcuseme,ifIaddashortnotefromJohnOwen;speakingofcommunionwithChrist,hesays,'Asthisisintimatedinmanyplaces of Scripture, so there is one entire bookdesigned to set it forth.This is thedivineSongofSolomon.It isagraciousrecordof thedivinecommunications of Christ in love and grace unto his church, with herreturnsof love tohim,anddelight inhim.Amanmay judgehimself tohave somewhat profited, in the experience of themystery of a blessedfellowshipandcommunionwithChrist,whentheexpressionsinthatholydialogue, give lightand life tohismind, andefficaciously communicateuntohimanexperienceoftheirpower.Butbecausethesethingsarelittleunderstoodbymany, thebook itself ismuchneglected, ifnotdespised.Yes, to such impudence have some arrived, in foaming out their ownshame, as that they have ridiculed the expressions of it; but we areforetoldofsuchmockersinthelastdays,whoshouldwalkaftertheirownungodlylusts.'

1. The name JESUS signifies a Savior. This name was given to him,becausehesaveshispeoplefromtheirsins;thereforeisanameverydeartothosewhobelieve.Theyhaveseentheexceedingsinfulnessofsin,andbeheldthemselvesinaperishingconditionbecauseofit;assuchthenewsofaSavioris tothemas life fromthedead.Thatnewsofhisnameandsalvation,which thegospelbrings to theirears, is like thebreakingand

pouringforthofaboxofpreciousointment,removingthatsadnessandsorrowofheart,whichareoccasionedbyasightandsenseoftheirownsinandmisery.

PearsonseemstohavesettheetymologyofthenameJesusintheclearestlight,byobserving thatJah,oneof the incommunicablenamesofGod,enters into the composition of the Hebrew name Jehoshuah, to whichJesus answers. This derivationmost plainly shows, how Christ's beingcalled Jesus was, as the sacred historian suggests, in effect, anaccomplishment of the prophecy, that he should be called Immanuel."YoushallcallhisnameJesus."Thiswasdonethat itmightbe fulfilledwhichwasspokenoftheLordbytheprophet,saying,"Theyshallcallhisname Immanuel, which being interpreted, is, God with us." It isintimatedhere,thatthenameJesusis,insignification,equivalenttothatof Immanuel, orGod inournature.Hemust bemanaswell asGod—andGodaswellasman;otherwisehecouldnotbetheSaviorofruinedsinners.Butbeingbothinoneperson,hewascapableofsufferingwhatwasnecessarytobesuffered,andofperformingwhatwasneedful tobeperformed,inordertoaccomplishthegreatdesign.

The reason given by the heavenly messenger, why he must be calledJesus,servestosetforththesignificationofthename,"Forheshallsavehispeople fromtheirsins."Tosavethemis,ontheonehand, torescuethemfromevilswhichitisnotinthepoweroflanguagetodescribe;and,ontheother,toconferuponthemaninfinitegood.

Some of the grandest titles of the Almighty are joined in the OldTestament,withthistermSavior."I,evenI,amJehovah,andbesidesmethereisnoSavior.IamJehovah,thereisnoGodelsebesidesme;ajustGod,andaSavior;thereisnonebesidesme.IamtheLordyourGod,theholy one of Israel, your Savior.All flesh shall know that I theLord amyourSavior,andyourRedeemer,theMightyOneofJacob.OtheHopeofIsrael,theSaviorthereof!"OfsuchaSaviorwewretchedsinnersstoodinneed,andsuchaSaviorJesusis,asappearsfromtheunitedtestimonyoftheinspiredwriters.

Howfullofcomfortthenmustthispreciousnamebe,toeverybelievingsoul!Jesus,theSavior,Godwithus,theSonofGodinournature,fullof

tenderness, unbounded love, almighty in power, able to offer up asacrifice for our sins of infinite value, able to conquer all enemies, toovercomeallopposition,tobestoweverysavingblessinguponus,andtofulfill inusall thegoodpleasureofhisgoodness, and theworkof faithwith power. The blessedness derived from him is immense andeverlasting.All that isexperiencedof it in thisworld, isbutapledgeofwhatisreservedforthatwhichistocome.WellmayeveryChristiansay,"MysoulmagnifiestheLord,andmyspiritrejoicesinGodmySavior!Hehasanameaboveeveryname—atthenameofJesuseverykneewillbow,and every tonguewill confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory ofGodtheFather."

Jesus!Iloveyourcharmingname,'Tismusictomyear;FainwouldIsounditoutsoloudThatearthandheavenshouldhear.

Yes,youareprecioustomysoul,Mytransportandmytrust:Jewelstomearegaudytoys,Andgoldissordiddust.

Allmycapaciouspowerscanwish,Inyoudoesrichlymeet;Nottomineeyesislightsodear,Norfriendshiphalfsosweet.

Yournamestilldwellsuponmyheart,Andshedsitsfragrancethere;Thenoblestbalmofallitswounds,Thecordialofitscare.

I'llspeakthehonorsofyournameWithmyexpiringbreath;Thenspeechlessclaspyouinmyarms,Andthusbeblessedindeath!

2. He is calledMESSIAH, and in that character is also precious to

believers. With a lively faith they behold in him—the exactaccomplishment of the various prophecies of the Old Testamentconcerning the Redeemer of mankind. The seed of Abraham, and ofDavid;bornofavirgin,poorandobscure,andyetonewhomDavidcalledhis Lord; a great king, an everlasting priest, though not of the tribe ofLevi;bornatBethlehem;aprophetlikeuntoMoses—butgreaterthanhe.Theybeholdhimasonewhowouldpreachgoodtidingstothemeekandthepoor;asonewhowouldproclaimlibertytothecaptives,asonewouldcomfort themourners,andheal thebroken inheart;asonewhowouldpublishhisgospelfirstinGalileeoftheGentiles,andthenthroughoutthecoasts of Israel; as onewhowould have a forerunner in the spirit andwiththepowerofElijah,cryinginthewilderness,'PreparethewayoftheLord,makehispathsstraight.'

Theysee fromtheprophets, that theMessiahwas tobeonewhowouldcomeuntothedaughterofZion—meek,lowly,andridinguponadonkey;as onewhowouldworkmiraclesmore thanMoses and all the ancientprophets,miraclesofamild,merciful,andbeneficentkind;asonewhowouldopentheeyesof theblind,unstop theearsof thedeaf,make thetongueofthedumbtosing,thelamemantojumpasandeer.

Theyperceive that theMessiahwas tobeone,whonotwithstandingallthedisplaysofhispowerandgoodness,wouldberejectedbythegreaterpartoftheJews,towhomhewouldbeastumblingblock,andarockofoffence. They see that he was to be one who would be despised andafflicted,aManofsorrows,andcutoff fromthe landof the living;whowould have numerous enemies, that would hate him without a cause.They see that he was to be accused by false witnesses, betrayed by apretendedfriend,sold for thirtypiecesofsilver,whichmoneywouldbegivenforapotter'sfield,afterithadbeenthrownawaybythetreacheroustraitor,whowouldcometoamiserableend.

They see that the enemies of the Messiah would use him in a verybarbarousandshamefulmanner;thattheywouldbuffethim,andspitinhisface;thathewouldbeledlikealambtotheslaughter,notopeninghismouth,butonlytointercedeforthesetransgressors;theywouldstriphimofhisclothing,dividingitamongthemselvesbylot;theywouldsurroundhim like furious bulls, pierce his hands and his feet, mock him in the

midstofhisagonies,shakingtheirheadsathim,andgivinghimgallandvinegar to drink; that he would be reduced to such a state by hissufferings, that his heartwouldmeltwithinhim likewax, his bones bedislocated,andhistonguecleavetotheroofofhismouth;thathishandsandhisfeetwouldbepierced,andyetnotoneofhisbonesbroken;thatinhis expiring agonies he would cry, "My God, my God—why have youforsakenme!"

Theyseethathewouldbenumberedwithtransgressors,andafterhehadbeen put to a shameful death, be laid in the sepulcher of a rich man,whencehewouldriseagainthethirdday,beforehehadseencorruption;thathewouldascenduptoheaven,sitattherighthandoftheFather,becrownedwithgloryandhonor,seehisseed,thehappyfruitsofthetravailofhissoul,andbesatisfied.

Whileallthese,andmanyotherpropheciesarefoundtohavetheirexactaccomplishment in Jesus Christ, even as face answers to face in alooking-glass,hecertainlyoughttobeendearedtoourhearts.WewouldsaywiththeenrapturedNathaniel,thatIsraeliteindeed,"WehavefoundtheMessiah, of whomMoses in the law, and the prophetswrote, evenJesusofNazareth!HeisindeedtheveryChrist,theanointedofGod,andtheAuthorofeternalsalvation!"

3. He is called, The PRINCE of PEACE. Sin had put an end to allfriendlyfellowshipbetweenmanandhisMaker—butJesusundertooktomakeupthebreach.LetothersdreamofreconciliationwithGod,onthegroundofabsolutemercy,withoutsatisfactionforsin;Icanformnoideaof such a reconciliation, as there is a total silence about it in theScripturesoftruth.

"Yourmercy,OmyGod, isneverexercised to theharmofyoursolemnjustice. The severity of your justice is not lost in the freeness of yourmercy—northefreenessofyourmercyinthestrictnessofyourjustice.Itisdaring insolence inanysinfulcreature, to imaginehecanhavepeacewithyou,inawaydishonorabletotruthandrighteousness.

"We have violated that holy law, by which you govern the world. Thepenaltymustfallonthedelinquent, ifaninterposingMediatordoesnot

makeupthebreach.ButyourowneternalSon, inordertomakepeace,hasbroughtaprice inhishand, apriceadequate to thewrongdone toyou,OmyGod,andtotheoffencecommittedagainstyou.Aprice,whichwas sufficient to stop the course of your solemn justice, sufficient toaccomplishthewonderfuldesign,thatyoumightbeabundantlysatisfied,andwellpleasedwith thosewhooncewereenemies.Yourwrath is laidaside—hewhowasarebelandatraitor,beingoncesubdued,isreceivedintothebosomofyourfavor,andenjoysthatfriendshipwithGod,whichshallabideforever.ThevirtueofmyRedeemer'ssacrifice issuchthat itreachesbacktothefirstAdam,andforwardtotheendoftheworld,andwillbeasefficaciousthenasitwasthefirstmomentitwasoffered.

"BlessedJesus,PrinceofPeace, there isnonebutyourself toscreenmyguilty soul from Divine wrath. How precious are you to me, when IconsiderwhatafearfulthingitistofallintothehandsofthelivingGod!Who can dwell with devouring fire? Who can endure everlastingburnings?Yetthesemusthavebeenmyportion,ifyouhadnotespousedmy cause. And these will be the portion of all those who reject yourmediation.Were thereanyotherexpedient,somethingmightbesaid toexcusetheirfolly.Butthisistheonlysovereignremedy.

"Andmay this remedy be ever dear tomy heart!Dearer than the lightwhichsalutesmyeyes;dearerthanthefoodwhichsupportsmylife;yes,dearerthanlife itself!Toyou,blessedSavior,myeverlastingthanksaredue,foryourkindinterpositioninmyfavor,tomakepeacebythebloodofthecross.Withoutthis,IcouldneverhavehadaccesstotheFather;Icould never have enjoyed communionwith God here, nor the pleasinghopeofbeingadmittedintohispresencehereafter.Butanewandlivingway is now opened. Through the Prince of Peace, I have boldness andaccess with confidence. And the blessing of reconciliationispermanentaswell asgreat. Jesus everlastinglymaintains that peacewhichhehasonceprocured.Itisalastingblessing,sincehehasobtainedeternalredemptionforus."

4.He is called the "Lordofglory."So theapostlePaul, inhis formerepistletotheCorinthians,speaksofhim:"Whichnoneoftheprincesofthisworldknew;forhadtheyknownhim,theywouldnothavecrucifiedthe Lord of glory." His person is glorious. His works are glorious.

ThelibertyhegrantstothosewhohadbeenthecaptivesofsinandSatan,isaglorious liberty.Thegospelwhichrevealshim, isagloriousgospel.Thechurch,whichishismysticalbody,isagloriouschurch;suchindeeditwillbe,whenhepresentsittohimself,withoutspotorwrinkle,oranysuch thing. His kingdom is a glorious kingdom, and his throne is thethroneofglory.

His essential glory, as God, and one with the Father, is not onlyunspeakable—but inconceivable. His honor, his name, his essentialproperties and perfections, his nature, and his will are the same withthoseoftheFather.Ofthisheassuresus,whenhesays,"AllthingsthattheFatherhas,aremine."

TheglorywhichbelongstohimasMediator,andheadof thechurch, isexceedinglygreat.Ofthistheapostlespeaks,whenhetellsus,that"Godhashighlyexaltedhim,andgivenhimanamewhichisaboveeveryname;thatatthenameofJesuseverykneewouldbow,ofthingsinheaven,andthingsinearth,andthingsundertheearth;andthateverytonguewouldconfessthatJesusChristisLord,tothegloryofGodtheFather."

AsheistheLordofglory,hehasthatathisdisposal,andwillbestowitonhisfollowers.ThuswhenaddressinghisdivineFather,hesaid,"Theglorywhichyougaveme, Ihavegiven them."Hewill thereforeappointuntothemakingdom,astheFatherhasappointeduntohim.Theyknowthatwhen he shall appear, they must also appear with him in glory. Theirsouls shall be filled and adornedwith glory, and even their vile bodiesshallbe fashioned likeuntohisgloriousbody,accordingto theworkingwherebyheisabletosubdueallthingsuntohimself.

His name, as the Lord of glory, is precious to thosewho believe. Theydesiretohavedailymoreandmoreacquaintancewithhim,andtogrowinthesweetandpowerfulexperienceofthatfellowshipwhichiscarriedonbetweenagloriousRedeemer inheaven,andhissaintsonearth.LetussupposethetrueChristian,inhisretiredmoments,addressingGodinsuchmannerasthefollowing:

'YouOGodareunchangeable inYournature, glorious inYouressence,wonderfulinYourperfections,wiseinYourcounsels,andholyinallYour

works.Itismygreatestgoodandhighesthappiness--toenjoyYourfavor,andtobeholdYourglory.Permitmetosay,withYourservantMoses,IbeseechYou, showmeYour glory! Showme the gloryofYourwisdom,Yourholiness,Yourpower,Yourgrace,andYourmercyinChristJesus.Thiswillgivemeadistasteforthegaudyvanitiesofthepresentworld.Ishallthenlookwithindifferenceonallthat,afterwhichthecovetousareeagerlypanting.Ishallthenpitytheambitious,intheirrestlesssolicitudetomake themselves great, and to obtain the veneration of their fellowworms. Your Divine beauty and infinite loveliness, as displayed in thegloriousMediator,willcaptivatemydesires,inflamemylove,andexcitemyjoyanddelight!

"AmoreintimateviewofYourholinesswillembittereverysin,andleadme, indeepest humiliation, to abhormyself, and repent as indust andashes.GivemesuchasenseofYourmajesty--asmaydisposemyhearttoreverence You supremely. Afford me such discoveries of Youromnipotence,Yourlove,andYourgoodness--asmaysupportmyfaintingheartunderthetoilsofthiswarfare,andalltheafflictionsattendingthisstate ofmortality.Let the impressionswhichYour adorableperfectionsmakeuponme, bedeep andpowerful, so as to transformmy soul intoYourownamiableandholylikeness.ThusbybeholdingYourglory--mayIbechangedintoYourimage.

"It is habitual, and not transient communion with Jesus, the Lord ofglory, which will satisfy my desires, and produce those happy effectswhich I seek--ofnearer conformity toHim inknowledge, righteousnessandtrueholiness.HowmuchwillcommunionwithChrist--tendtorefinemy understanding, rectify my soul, and purify my heart! Grant me, OAuthorofallgood,byfrequentconversewithYou,tohavemyaffectionsspiritualized, that Imay lookwith indifferenceonallotherobjects,andhavemymindinheaven.InfellowshipwithYou,Ishallfindasourceofdelights, infinitely superior to anything that this world can afford. ForYour loving-kindness isbetter than life itself.Youare the inexhaustibletreasury of blessedness.OLordGodAlmighty, blessed is themanwhotrustsinYou!"

5.HeiscalledSTRENGTH."TheLordJehovahismyStrength,andmySong;healsohasbecomemySalvation."Itishewhogivesstrengthand

power to his people. In him they have not only righteousness, butstrength.Heisprecioustothebelieverunderthisconsideration,whoisemboldened to say, with the apostle Paul, "I can do all things throughChrist,whostrengthensme."

Godhasformedallhisworks,bothinnatureandgrace,soasperpetuallytoneedhissupportinghand.Bysodoing,hehas laidusunderahappynecessityofbeingdependentonhim.Iamaweak—and thereforemustbe a dependent creature. I have to strive against numerous enemies,strongerthanmyself,andcannotstandmygroundwithoutstrengthfromabove.Thereisanecessityforthesamepowertokeepit,aswasatfirstexertedinsubduingit.Suchisthestateofmysoul.Itrelievesmetothinkthat my precious Savior knows my need, and has promised to givestrengthaccording to theday.Strengthen,OLord, thatwhichyouhavewrought!

'Iwould humblemyself under a consciousness ofmy own unspeakableweakness,andwouldeverbesensible,thatdangerisnear;butIwouldatthe same time, rejoice in the happy necessity I am under of beingconstantlydependentonhim,whoismightytosave.

'Lord, youhave taughtme, by daily experience, that I stand in need ofyour supporting power on all occasions. May your everlasting arm beunderneath me, and your strength be made perfect in my weakness.Renouncingallconfidenceintheflesh,mayI,byalivelyfaith—bestronginthegracewhichisinyou.

'I am not sufficient of myself even to think anything properly andspiritually,much lessamIable toperformanyholypurpose, inarightandacceptablemanner.ItistheLordwhogivesstrengthbothtowillandtodoofhisgoodpleasure.Havingformedthesoulforheavenlymotion,and regulated the springs of action, his presence and agency are stillcontinually necessary to bring it forward in the way of holiness. He istheauthor, the sustainer, and the finisherof all good.When to will ispresentwithme—yethowtoperformthatwhichisgoodIfindnot—butonly as Christ strengthens me. If I attempt to engage in any spiritualexercise,InolongerkeepclosetoitthanhisAlmightyhandupholdsme,andleadsmeon.IfIpray,IknownotwhattoprayforasIought,unless

hisSpirithelpsmyinfirmity.IfIwouldheartheWord,Ineedthesamedivinehand to openmyheart, that Imayprofit bywhat I hear. In thewholeofmyChristiancourse,IfindthewordsofmypreciousRedeemerverified,"Withoutme—youcandonothing."

6.Heiscalled,the"ConsolationofIsrael."Heisnotonlyacomforter—butcomfort itself.Othercomforts,whencomparedwithhim,scarcelydeserve the name. True believers rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have noconfidence in the flesh. A command is given them to rejoice in himalways. The gospel which reveals him is a joyful sound, the tidings itbringsaregladtidings.

JesusmaywellbecalledtheConsolationofhispeople,ashesavedthemfrom everlasting misery, relieves them under present troubles, andadvances them to the regions of eternal joy and felicity. All theconsolationtheyhaveinthisworld,isderivedfromhim.Iftheyhavejoyin God—it is through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom they have nowreceivedtheatonement.Iftheyglory—itisinhiscross.Iftheyareofgoodcheer—it isbecausehehas forgiventheirsins. If theyrejoice inhopeofthegloryofGod—itisbecauseChristisinthem,thehopeofglory.

Hence we hear those who believe, expressing themselves in suchlanguageas this, "Mysoulmagnifies theLord,andmyspirit rejoices inGodmySavior.IwillgreatlyrejoiceintheLord,mysoulshallbejoyfulinmyGod; for he has clothedmewith the garments of salvation, he hascoveredmewiththerobeofrighteousness,asabridegroomdeckshimselfwithornaments,andasabrideadornsherselfwithjewels."

Christistohispeople—everythingtheycanneed,andeverythingtheycanenjoy.Happyarethosewhocanclaiminterestwithhim—whoisallandinall to thosewho lovehim.If theyrenouncethepleasuresofsin, theyhavejoysinfinitelybeyondthem.

Reader, you, like the rest of your fellow-creatures, are in quest ofhappiness;but,permitmetoask,Wheredoyouseekit?Doyouseekitinthewealthof thisworld? That is but a splendid encumbrance.Do youseek it inthehonorwhichcomesfrommen?That isbutapuffofnoisybreath,aglitteringbubble,whichbreaksalmostassoonas it is formed.

Doyouseekhappinessinthepleasuresofsin?Theyarebutforaseason;they leave a sting behind, and end in misery and torment! Nay, evenwhileyouareinpursuitofthem,youwillfind,that,likethebrinywatersof theocean toa thirstypalate, they irritate rather thansatisfy.Doyouseek toget ridofdisquieting thoughts, inmirthfuland jovial company?Alas!thisisonlyatemporaryopiate—notalastingcure.Anditiswell,if,like an opiate when its power is spent, it does not leave the spiritsdisordered,flattenedandsunk.LearntolookforpeaceandhappinessinhimwhoistheConsolationofIsrael;inthediscoveriesofhisboundlesslove, the precious promises of his gospel, and the hope of completesalvationandeverlastingglory throughhim.Here the truehealth,ease,andfelicityofournature,aretobefound.

Section 4. The OFFICES and CHARACTERS of Christ, areprecioustothosewhobelieve.

The evangelist John tells us, that when Christ was upon earth, he andothers"sawhisglory,thegloryasoftheonly-begottenoftheFather,fullofgraceandtruth."Hecannotbeunderstoodtospeakhereofthegloryofhis outward condition; for Christ made himself, in this respect, of noreputation, taking on him the form of a servant. Nor is this to beinterpreted directly and absolutely of the eternal, essential glory of hisdivine nature; for this cannot be seen in the present state. But theevangelist rather speaks of his glory as Mediator; for it is in theadministration of that office that he is "full of grace and truth." Thisindeed implies his divine nature, as "the only-begotten of the Father."ThisgloryoftheRedeemerwasseen,notwithbodilyeyes—butbyfaith;forJohnimmediatelyafterwardstellsus,thatwhathespeaksofwastheprivilegeonlyofthosewhoreceivedhim,andbelievedonhisname.

God gave to his church, under the Old Testament, kings, priests,and prophets. He anointed them to their several offices, gave themdirectionsas to thedischargeof thoseoffices,waspresentwiththemintheirwork,andacceptedtheirservices.TheseofficesareallunitedinthepersonofourLordJesusChrist.

1.HeisaPRIESTforeveraftertheorderofMelchizedek.Hispriesthoodwasforetoldinthewritingsoftheprophets,anditisparticularlyinsisted

on by the apostles. The priestly office consists of two branches,theofferingofsacrifice,andmakingintercession.ThesacrificewhichJesushadtoofferwashislife,whichhegaveasaransomformany.HeofferedhimselfwithoutspottoGod;andonthisaccount,heiscalledtheLambofGod,whotakesawaythesinoftheworld.Forthesamereasonhe is said to be set forth as an atoning sacrifice. Both the parts of hispriestly office are mentioned by the apostle John, and their mutualrelation to each other is hinted at, in the following words, "We havean Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and he istheatoning sacrifice for our sins."His intercessionwith the Father, asourAdvocate,isgroundedonhisbeinganatoningsacrificeforoursins.Butwe are indebted to the apostle to theHebrews, for the largest andclearestaccountofChrist'spriesthood.

Jesusmaywellbepreciousinthiscapacitytothosewhobelieve, forhispriesthood is the principal foundation of the faith and comfort of thechurch. The subject is interesting and important in the highest degree;butinsteadofafartherdiscussionofitinthisplace,Ishallonlyaddthefollowingaspiration:

'O great and gloriousHighPriest,who is higher than the heavens; youcondescendedtodwellwithmenuponearth,andofferupyourselfasanofferingandasacrificeofasweet-smellingsavor.Bythatoneofferingyouhaveperfectedforeverthosewhoaresanctified.OursinsstoodbetweenGodandus,likeadreadfulwallofseparation—butbyyourgloriousandall-sufficient atonement, you have effectually removed the obstruction,andmadethewayofaccesstoGodandhappinessfreeandopen,thattheoffended Majesty of heaven, and offending mortals when brought torepentance,mightbeunitedinthebondofperpetuallove.

'Whensojourninghereuponearth,youcalledsinners,byyourownvoice,to partake of this privilege: and you call them still by theministers ofreconciliation, and by your blessed Word and gospel. You said to thetremblingsinner,"Beofgoodcheer,yoursinsareforgiven!"Letmealsohearyourpardoningvoice;letmeknow,byhappyexperience,thatIhaveredemptionthroughyourblood,theforgivenessofmysins,accordingtotherichesofyourgrace.Letmyconsciencebepurgedfromdeadworks,thatImayservethelivingGod.SoshallIrejoicewiththefelicityofyour

chosenpeople,andthegladnessofyourheritage!

'You bled and died for sinners upon earth—and ever live to makeintercession for them in heaven. You are therefore able to save to theuttermost! O letme experience the benefit of your intercession. Surelyyouareprecioustomysoulinyourpriestlyattire.Nohope,nopeace,nojoy springs up inmy bosom—but what is connected with your atoningsacrifice,andpowerful intercession.SenddownyourblessedSpirit intomyheart,tosealmeforyourown!Saytomysoul,"Iamyoursalvation;"thenshallIjoyinGodthroughJesusChristtheLord,theunchangeableand everlasting High Priest of the church, by whom I now receive theatonement.'

2.AsKINGinZion,allpowerisgiventoJesus inheavenandinearth.He has all the dignity, and all the authority of a king. He istheLawgiverofthechurch,whoisabletosave,andtodestroy.Allactsofworshiparetobeperformedinhisname.Ministerspreachinhisname.Christians pray in his name. Believers are baptized in his name.Christianspartakeof theholysupper inremembranceofhim.Censuresondisorderlypeoplearegiventohisname.Alltheofficersinhischurchhavetheircommissionfromhim.Andthejudgmentoftheworld,atthegreatday,willbeadministeredbyhim,when"heshallsituponthethroneofhisglory!"

But theRedeemercouldnotbeprecious tous inhiskinglyoffice—ifhewerenotreallyandproperlyGod,equalandonewiththeFather.For,asalearnedDivinejustlyobserves,sincewhatevertheFatherdoesinrespecttothechurch,isdoneinandbyhisSon;iftheSonisnotpossessedofthesameproperties andperfectionswith theFather, the foundation of ourfaith is castdown, and the springof our consolationutterly stopped. IfChrist is no more than man, or a created being, however dignified orexalted,thecommittingofallrule,authority,andjudgmenttohim,issofarfrombeingasourceofencouragementandcomfort—thatitmayjustlybe consideredas the greatestdisadvantage to the church,which canbeimagined.

HewhoisKinginZion,wouldbealwayspresentwitheverymemberofhis church; hewould knowall their hearts, and all their needs; andhe

wouldbeabletogivethemimmediatereliefandprotectionineverytimeof danger. This is only possible to one who is possessed of infinitewisdom, of almighty power, and who is omnipresent, or present in allplaces at one and the samemoment. If Christ be able, at all times, torelieveus,tosupportus,todeliverus,andtosaveusfromthepowerofourspiritualenemies—heisprecioustous,whilewebeholdthescepterofgovernment in his hands. We may then say, "The Lord reigns, let theearth rejoice!"But ifweonce suppose thathe,ofwhom it is said, "Thegovernmentshallbeuponhisshoulders," isnot theMightyGod,or theLordJehovah,ourfaith,ourhope,andourjoyinhimwillbeeffectuallyoverthrown.Wemust then hang our harps upon thewillows, and givewaytoallthehorrorsofdespondencyanddespair.

TheruleofhimwhoisKinginZion,isinternalandspiritual. Itrelatestotheminds,thesouls,andtheconsciencesofallhissubjects.Whatevertheydo,inagraciousway,eitherinoppositiontosin,orinthedischargeofpiousduty,isdoneundertheinfluence,theguidance,andthesupportwhichtheyreceivefromhim,intheexerciseofhiskinglypower.Hisownwordscorrespondingwiththeconstantexperienceofhispeople,areafullconfirmation of this truth; "Without me you can do nothing; that is,nothingsuccessfully, intheChristianwarfare.Inall the internalactingsoftheirminds,theylookuntoJesus,astoonewhoismorepresentwiththeirsouls,thantheyarewiththemselves.Andunderthisconsiderationheiseverprecioustothem.

But no man can depend on Christ's sovereign power, who is notpersuadedthatallhissecretgroansandsighs,alltheinwardlaboringsofhissoulagainstsin,andafteraconformitytohisimage,areimmediatelyandcontinuallyundertheRedeemer'seyeandnotice.Somedaretodenythisgreattruth—butJesusChristhasdeclaredthatallhischurchesshallbeconvincedof it."ForIwillmakeallthechurchesknow,thatIsearchtheheart,andtrythethoughtsofmen."Andtheapostlehasassuredusthat"allthingsarenakedandopentotheeyesofhimwithwhomwehavetodo."Withoutafullpersuasionofthis,therecanbeneitherfaithinhisname,lovetohisperson,dependenceonhispower,norobediencetohisauthority. But to you who believe the truth concerning him—he isprecious.

Theday is approaching,when theLordJesusChristwill openly, in theface of the whole assembled world, vindicate the honor of his kinglygovernment.Godhasappointedadayinwhichhewilljudgetheworldinrighteousness,bythatmanwhomhehasordained.FortheFatherjudgesnoman—buthascommittedalljudgmenttotheSon;thatallmenwouldhonortheSon,evenastheyhonortheFather.Anditishighlyproper,asDr.Smithobserves, that thisholyandDivinePerson,whowasbuffetedandaffronted,condemnedandcrucified,byanungratefulandinjuriousworld, would then judge his judges, and be as far advanced above thehighestpinnacleofhumangreatness,ashewasoncebelowit.ItisfitthatHerodmayseethathepersecuted,nottheinfantkingofapettyprovince—buttheSovereignofangelsandmen;andthatPilateandtheJewsmaybe convinced, that he whom they called a king in scorn—is really anEmperor, infinitelygreater thanCaesar; thatJesus is theKingofkings,andtheLordoflordsforeverandever!

3.HeispreciousasthegreatPROPHETofhischurch.Inconsequenceof man's apostasy from his Maker, the world is enveloped inspiritualdarkness.Untilweareenlightenedbythewisdomwhichcomesfromabove,wesit intheregionandshadowofdeath.WearealienatedfromthelifeofGod,throughtheignorancewhichisinus,andbecauseofthe blindness of our hearts. That men are insensible of their nativeblindness, isbuta fartherproofof therealityof it.Forthenaturalmandoes not receive the things of the Spirit of God, neither can he knowthem,becausetheyarespirituallydiscerned.AllwhoaretaughtofGod,learntoknowtheirownignorance,andconsequentlytheyareledtoputajustvalueontheteachingsandguidanceofJesusChrist,inhispropheticoffice.

Thegladtidingsofpardon,ofpeace,andreconciliationwithGod,comebyhim.ThegospelofsalvationisthegospelofChrist.Hepreachedthisgospel himself when on earth. "He has anointed me," said Jesus, "topreach good tidings to themeek." Theministrations of his servants ineveryage,wherebytheyinstrumentallyturnmenfromdarknesstolight,are all by the appointment ofChrist, in the fulfillment of his propheticoffice.

Nay, the samemaybe saidofall theprecious instructionscontained in

the Scriptures of truth; and therefore the sacred writings areemphaticallycalled"TheWordofChrist,whichshoulddwellrichlyinus."Whateverhasbeenrevealeduntomen,ofthemindandwillofGod,fromthebeginningoftime,hasbeenrevealedbyhimintheexecutionofthatoffice, concerningwhichwenowspeak.Hencehehimselfhas said, "AllthingsaredelivereduntomebymyFather;andnomanknowswhotheFather is—but theSon,andhe towhomtheSonwill revealhim."He istheLightof theworld, thegloriousSun, inwhomall the raysofdivineandintellectuallightareconcentrated."Allthetreasuresofwisdomandknowledge are hid in him." How precious then must he be in hispropheticoffice!Itisonthisaccount,Ipresume,amongothers,thatheisso often called by that name, which no one but himself can bear, theWORDOFGOD.

TheFathersolemnlypointedhimouttomen,astheirprophet,whenhesojourneduponearth,byanaudiblevoice fromheaven,saying,"This ismybelovedSon—hearhim."Withconvincingevidenceandauthority,hehas revealed to the world—the secrets which lay hidden in the Divinemind.HebroughthisdoctrinefromthebosomoftheFather,accordingtothedeclarationoftheevangelistJohn,"Theonly-begottenSon,whoisinthebosomof theFather—hehasdeclaredhim." Jesus tells us, that thewordswhichtheFathergavehim—hegaveuntous,andthathespoketousthatwhichhehadbeenwiththeFather.Nowonderthereforeisit,thatthefollowingsolemndeclarationismadeconcerninghim,"Itshallcometo pass, that every soul which will not hear this prophet, shall bedestroyed,fromamongthepeople."

That spiritual illumination, by which sinners are brought the savingknowledge of God, and of the way of peace—is granted unto them byJesusChristastheprophetofhischurch.HegivesuntothemtheSpiritoftruth—toconvincethemofsin,ofrighteousness,andofjudgment,andtoguidethemintoalltruth.AsmanyasareledbytheSpiritofGod,arethesonsofGod;butifanyman,inthissense,hasnottheSpiritofChrist—heis none of his. How necessary, how important, and consequently, howpreciousarehisdivine illuminations!By themweare favoredwith thatknowledgeofGod,andoftheMediator,whoislifeeternal.

How greatly endeared then, should Jesus Christ be unto us, as our

prophet!Hewho lay in thebosomof theFather,hasmadea fullerandbrighter discovery to us what he is, in his admirable and gloriousperfections,thanwecanlearnfromanyother.Thelightofnaturedictatesmanythingstousconcerninghim,andtheancientprophetshavegivenusfartherinformation.ButnoneknowstheFatherastheSondoes,andthosetowhomtheSonrevealshim.TheknowledgehehasoftheFather,far transcends the ideas and conceptions of the wisest man who everexisted in the world. He was sent down from heaven to bring life andimmortality to light, to reveal thewill and the glories of the Father, tomakehimappearinfinitelylovelyanddesirableintheeyesofsinners—byrepresenting him in all the wonders of his compassion, and forgivingmercy.Thatgreat,thatjust,andholyBeing—islovelyandamiableinthesightofguiltycreatures,whenheappearsasreconcilingtheworlduntohimself,byhisSonJesusChrist,notimputingtheirtrespassesuntothem.

ThegreatProphethasinformedus,whatweretheeternalcounselsofhisFather'slove,andwhatkinddesignsheformedforourrecoveryfromsinandruin,when, inhisown foreknowledge,hebeheldus ina fallenandmiserablecondition.Hehastoldus,whatprovisiontheFathermadeforus,bycommittingustothehandsofhisSon—toberedeemedandsavedbyhim.Itishewhohasinformedus,that"Godsolovedtheworld,astogive his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should notperish—but have eternal life."Whatever was spoken to men in formerages,byangelsandbyprophets,concerningthegreatsalvation,Jesushasconfirmed; and he has added many rich and precious promises of aglorious resurrection, and a future state, and set them before us in adivinelight,beyondwhateitherprophetsorangelseverrevealed!(IsaacWatts.)

Howhappyarethosewhomhecallsoutofdarkness intohismarvelouslight!Headoptsthemintohisfamily—andconformsthemtohisblessedimage.Hecontinues tosupply themwith lightand life;heguides themwithhiscounsel,andafterwardsreceivesthemtoglory.

4. He is the SHEPHERD of his flock, to conduct, guard and defendthem, to feed them in the greenpasturesofhis grace, to cure andhealtheirspiritualdiseases,torestorethemwhentheywander,togatherthelambswithhisarm,tocarrytheminhisbosom,andgentlytoleadthose

whicharewithyoung.Hispower,his careandcompassionare infinite.His followersareassheep in themidstofwolves.Wehearoneof themsaying, "My soul is among lions!" These lionsmay gape and roar, theymay seek todevour—but the sheepare safe in theAlmightyShepherd'shands!Forhehassaid,"MysheephearMyvoice,Iknowthem,andtheyfollowMe.Igivethemeternal life,andtheywillneverperish—ever!Noone will snatch them out of My hand!" Such a Shepherd must beprecious!

5.JesusistheREDEEMERofHispeople,andunderthatconsideration,He isunspeakablyprecious.ThepricewhichHepaid for their ransom,was a price of infinite value! "For you know that it was not withperishablethingssuchassilverorgoldthatyouwereredeemedfromtheemptywayoflifehandeddowntoyoufromyourforefathers,butwiththepreciousbloodofChrist,alambwithoutblemishordefect!"1Peter1:18-19.TheredemptionwhichHehaswroughtout--isthefruitofhisamazinglove!Itisfree,itiseverywaycomplete,anditiseverlasting;forHehasobtainedeternalredemptionforus!"Heenteredtheholyofholiesonceforall,notbythebloodofgoatsandcalves,butbyHisownblood,havingobtainedeternalredemption!"Hebrews9:12

When Titus, the Roman emperor, delivered the enslaved Greeks fromtheir bondage, hewas endeared to them in such amanner, that all thenight long they celebrated the honor of their deliverer withmusic anddancing,cryingoutinrapturesofdelight,astheysurroundedhistent,'ASavior!aSavior!'ButastheredemptionobtainedbyChrist is infinitelymoreimportantthanthedeliverancegrantedbythatnobleandvictoriousprince, it demands still more elevated returns of gratitude, love andpraise.

"Christhasredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw."Thiscouldbedonenoother way—but by his standing in our place, and enduring what wedeserved; or, as it is more emphatically expressed by the apostle, by"beingmade a curse for us."Hewhowas innocent, suffered that verycursewhichwe deserved in our place--thatwe,who are guilty,mightescape our just condemnation! He subjected himself to that verysentencewhichthelawdenounceduponus.Forit iswritten,"Cursediseveryone that continues not in all things." Now if Christ endured that

very curse which we deserved, that by this means hemight deliver usfromcondemnation,itisevidentthathesufferedinourstead.

This was absolutely necessary, according to the tenor of the firstcovenant.For,asGodhadabsolutelydeclared, "In theday thatyoueat(of the forbidden fruit) you shall surely die." No second Adam couldrestoretheruinsofthefirst—butbytakingthiscurseuponhimself.Thetruthand justiceof theMostHigh, stoodabsolutelyengaged toexecutethethreatening.

Dieman—orjusticemust;unlessforhimSomeotherable,andaswilling,payTherigidsatisfaction—deathfordeath.

6.Heis,theEverlastingFATHER."Fortousachildisborn,tousasonis given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will becalledWonderful Counselor,MightyGod,EverlastingFather, PrinceofPeace." Isaiah9:6.Howvenerableandamiable,howsolemn,andyethowendearingisthecharacterofaFather!Itcommandsreverence,andsoftens that reverence into endearment. It awes—and yet it cheers themind.Itinspirestheheartwithholyboldness,andfillsitwithdelightandjoy.Amongmen—awise,aprudent,atender,andanaffectionatefather—istrulyanexaltedcharacter.Whatwillnotsuchafatherdoforhisdearchildren—wholookuptohimforsupport,forprotection,forinstruction,andforcomfort?

With what pleasing sensations, may we contemplate our Lord JesusChrist—as a Father! When among his disciples on earth, He oftenaddressed themnotonlyaschildren—butendearingly called them littlechildren. As a father pities his children, so the Lord Jesus pities thosewho fear him; for he knows our frame, he remembers that we are butdust. We see all, and more than all the tenderness of a Father in thefollowingwords,"Isn'tEphraimaprecioussontoMe,adelightfulchild?"askstheLord."Ihadtopunishhim,butIstilllovehim.Myheartyearnsforhim—Ihavegreatcompassionforhim."Jeremiah31:20.

7.HeistheBRIDEGROOMofhischurch,andsounspeakablyexcellentin that view, that none in heaven or earth can rival him. We

weredeformed,polluted,and ineveryrespect,unworthyofstandinginsonearandintimatearelationtohim.Therewasnoexcellencyinus,torender us desirable in his eyes—but everything to provoke hisresentment.Andyethewasresolvedtobetrothustohimselfforever,inloving-kindness,infaithfulness,andinmercy!

Sin had reduced us to a state of absolute beggary, poverty, andwretchedness; yet it was his good pleasure to take us into union withhimself—thatwemightshareinhisunsearchableriches.Nay,thoughhewas rich, for our sakes he became poor—that we through his poverty,mightbemaderich!

Dowespeakof theBridegroom's love? It is absolutelywithoutparallel.Thereisnothingofthekindamongmen,whichwillbearanycomparisonwith it. Though it is immutable in itself—yet in the progressivediscoveries of it, it is like thewaters inEzekiel's vision, increasing andrisingfromtheanklestotheknees, fromthekneestothe loins,untilatlengthitbecomesaswaterstoswimin;ariver,aboundlessoceanoflove.Itsheightanddepth,itslengthandbreadthareimmeasurable!Itpassesthe knowledge of men or angels. It is stronger than death—for Christloveshischurch,andgavehimselfforit.Initscommencement,itisfromeverlasting:initscontinuance,itenduresforever.Thepatternofit,istheFather'slovetohisdearSon.Jesushimselfsaystothosewho,accordingtothelanguageofinspiration,aremarrieduntohim,"AstheFatherhaslovedme,sohaveI lovedyou."The loveof thenearestrelationsamongmen, falls inconceivably short of setting forth the nature, ortheardencyof this love. No husband loves the dearest wife—as Christloveshischurch.

Believers, by their union with him, are advanced to great riches andhonors.God is theirFather.TheyareheirsofGod,and joint-heirswithChrist.Therichesofeternityaretheirown!Theyaretakenfromthedustandthedunghill—andsetamonggloriousprinces!Theangelsinheaventhink it no dishonor to be their servants; for they are all ministeringspirits, sent forth tominister to the heirs of salvation. "YourMaker isyourHusband,theLordAlmightyishisname."Isaiah54:5.Thecontractismade,anditwillbeconsummatedatthegreatday,whenthemarriagesupperwill be celebratedwith solemnity, triumph, andglory—suited to

the dignity of the heavenly Bridegroom. "Blessed are those who areinvitedtotheweddingfeastoftheLamb!"Revelation19:9

Withoutenlargingonotherparticulars,Imayobserveingeneral,thattothose who believe in Jesus to the saving of the soul—he is preciousundereveryconsideration.HeisthebreadofGodcomingdownfromheaven,andgivingeverlastinglifetotheirsouls.Byhimtheyarereally,constantly, daily supported, fed and sustained. As bread is sweet andprecioustoahungryman—soisChristsweetandprecioustothosewholive byhim.The entertainmenthe gives to them is a divine, a spiritualfeast."Christ,ourPassover,issacrificedforus,thereforeletuskeepthefeast."

He is to them theSunofRighteousness; thebeamsofhis grace arehealing,enlightening,cheering,andfullofconsolation.Ifnaturallightissweet, if it is a pleasant thing to behold the sun—how much morepleasanttoexperiencetheirradiatinginfluencesoftheLightoflife!"Onyouwhofearmyname,shalltheSunofRighteousnessarise,withhealinginhiswings."

Heisthefountainwheretheybathetheirwearysouls,andinwhichtheyarecleansedfromallsinandimpurity.Heisthetreeoflife,undertheshadowofwhichtheysitwithgreatdelight,andhisfruitissweettotheirtaste.He isarock, astrongtower, ahiding-place,where they findprotection from every storm, and security from every foe. He wasprecious to thePsalmistunderall theseviews, "Iwill loveyou,OLord,mystrength.TheLordismyrock,andmyfortress,andmydeliverer,myGod, my strength in whom I trust; my shield, and the horn of mysalvation,andmyhightower."

All the strength of believers, all their light, all their life, all theirconsolation,andalltheirjoy—areinhim,fromhim,andbyhim.Throughhimtheyarebrought intothenearestallianceandfriendshipwithGod,the firmestunion,andthesweetestcommunionwithhim, that theyarecapableofenjoyinginthepresentstate,andtheyshallbeintroducedintothepresenceofhisgloryintheworldtocome!

It isthereforethedelightoftheir lives—toknowhim,toloveandhonor

himwiththeirwholehearts,andtoaspireafterconformitytohisblessedimage, and his holy will. They are the true circumcision, who worshipGod in thespirit, rejoice inChristJesus,andhavenoconfidence in theflesh.

'OblessedRedeemer,Ifindinyouallthatmypoorhelplesssoulstandsinneed.ThoughIhave thegreatest reason for shameandhumiliation,onaccountofwhatIaminmyself—yetinyouIbeholdeverythingtoelevatemy hopes, and to afford me relief and encouragement! May my soulmagnifytheLord,andmyspiritrejoiceinGodmySavior!Thecharactersand relations inwhich youhave revealed yourself tome in yourWord,exhibitabalmforeverywound,acordialforeveryfear.IfIamnaked—youaretheLordmyrighteousness;ifIamsick—youaremyphysician;ifI am weak and helpless—you are my strength; if I am neglected anddespised—youaremycompassionateandfaithfulfriend;ifIamignorant—youaremadeuntomewisdom;ifIampollutedandenslaved—youaremade unto me sanctification and redemption; if I am nothing butemptinessandvanity—youarefullofgraceandtruth.'

OifIhadathousandtongues,Andcouldbeheardfrompoletopole,IwouldtoallthelisteningworldDeclareyourgoodnesstomysoul!

Section 5. The BLOOD and RIGHTEOUSNESS of Christ, areprecioustothosewhobelieve.

ThecompleteatonementwhichJesusChristhasmadeforoursins,bythesacrificeofhimself, is the lifeandcenterof theevangelical system,andthatwhichendearsitsomuchtotheheartsofthosewhobelieve.Hereweseepardonprocured,andthesinnersaved—whilesiniscondemnedandpunished.Hereweseethemostsolemndisplayofjusticeandholiness,inconjunctionwith the freest exerciseofmercy.Herewe see sinful rebelsdeliveredfromdeservedpunishment,andadvancedtoastateofdignityand honor; and at the same time, the rights of that divine governmentagainst which they had rebelled, inviolably preserved and maintained.ThroughwhatJesusChristhasdoneandsuffered forus,webehold the

righteous lawofGodmagnified, in justifying thosewhohadviolated itsprecepts, and brought themselves under its curse. In the death of thatLambofGod,weperceiveatonce, theAlmighty'seternalabhorrenceofthatwhichisevil,andhisinfinitelovetohisoffendingcreatures.

WeseehowpreciousthissubjectwastotheapostlePaul,"Butwhateverwastomyprofit,InowconsiderlossforthesakeofChrist.Whatismore,I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness ofknowing Christ Jesusmy Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. Iconsiderthemrubbish,thatImaygainChristandbefoundinhim,nothaving a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but thatwhichisthroughfaithinChrist--therighteousnessthatcomesfromGodand is by faith."Hewas struckwith a kind of horror at the thought ofmaking anything the ground of his joy or triumph—but the completeworkofJesus,whichhefinishedonthecross:"GodforbidthatIshouldglory,saveinthecrossofourLordJesusChrist."WhileothersconsiderChristianity only as an improvement of natural religion, containing amorerefinedsystemofmorality,herepresentsitasthereligionsuitablefor sinners, revealing amethodof salvation for the guilty, thehelpless,andthemiserable."Thisisafaithfulsaying,andworthyofallacceptance,that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners." His fellow-laborers heartily concurred with him in this for, says he, "We preachChristcrucified!"

Toacondemnedmalefactor—apardonsentfromhisoffendedsovereignmustbeprecious.Justso,nothingcanbematterofgreatercomfort—thanto know that we have redemption though the blood of Jesus, theforgivenessofoursins,accordingtotherichesofhisgrace.Assoonmaylight and heat be separated from the beams of the sun, as peace andconsolationfromthevoiceofpardon.HencewhenourLordsojournedonearth, the relief which he administered to the distressed was generallycomprehended in these words, "Son, daughter, be of good cheer—yoursinsareforgiven."

"Foryouknowthatitwasnotwithperishablethingssuchassilverorgoldthatyouwereredeemedfromtheemptywayoflifehandeddowntoyoufrom your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lambwithout blemish or defect." 1 Peter 1:18-19. The blood of our Divine

Savior is emphatically calledpreciousblood. The shedding of his bloodwas the finishing act of his obedience to the law, as our surety, in ourroom and stead. It procures our pardon, our peace with God, and oureverlastingsalvation."Sincewehavenowbeenjustifiedbyhisblood,howmuchmoreshallwebesaved fromGod'swrath throughhim!"Romans5:9

Whathedidandsufferedwasnotonhisownaccount—butonaccountofthosewhomhecametosave.Toconsiderhimsimplyasanindividual,ishighly injurious to his character, as Mediator. The ideasofsubstitutionandimputationarenecessarilyincludedinthatcharacter;theimputationofoursinstohim,andofhisrighteousnesstous.Withoutadmitting these considerations, the sufferings which Christ underwent,had they been greater than they were, could avail us nothing. But thedivine word assures us, that "through the obedience of the one man(Jesus Christ) the many will be made righteous." We are made therighteousness of God in him, as he wrought out that righteousness bywhich we are justified, not only in our nature—but in our name,consideredasourHeadandRepresentative.Withoutadmittingtheideaofsubstitution,thereisnogroundforrelianceontheobedienceofChrist.

Thistruth,beingofthegreatestimportancetoourreliefandcomfort—issetforthintheclearestlightbythesacredwriters.Theyassureus,thatinourRedeemer,personallyconsidered,therewasnosin,neitherwasanydeceit found in his mouth; he was holy, harmless, undefiled, separatefromsinners. "Yet itpleased theLord tobruisehim;hewas smittenofGod and afflicted," but on what account? "He was pierced for ourtransgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment thatbroughtuspeacewasuponhim,andbyhiswoundswearehealed.Weall,likesheep,havegoneastray,eachofushasturnedtohisownway;andtheLordhaslaidonhimtheiniquityofusall."Isaiah53:5-6.Hencehisobedienceuntodeathistheonlygroundofourhopeandjoy."WerejoiceinGodthroughJesusChristourLord,bywhomwehavenowreceivedtheatonement." We look to Calvary, and view the suffering Savior—asbearingoursinsinhisownbodyonthetree,andputtingthemawaybythesacrificeofhimself.Believing thebeneficial truth,anacquittal fromguilt and condemnation is announced to our consciences, and we are

filledwiththepeaceofGod.

We see that, through what Jesus Christ has done and suffered, as oursubstitute, that holy lawwhichwe have broken is highly honored; andthat holy justice which we have provoked is completely satisfied. Hisobedienceinlife,hisobedienceuntodeath,andhisobedienceindeath,issometimes in Scripture, by an usual figure, called his blood,hispreciousblood,andthebloodofGod.Atothertimesitisexpressedbythe termrighteousness; therighteousnessofGod,which isuntoallanduponallthosewhobelieve.Itisevidentthatthedifferenttermsmeanoneand the same thing—the complete work of the great Surety on ouraccount,andinourstead.

Thatobedience,whichJesusthusperformed,iseverywayasexcellentaseternal wisdom itself could devise—and as perfect as divine rectitudecould require. The Father declares himself well-pleasedwith it. All thedivine attributes are glorified by it, while it fully answers every savingpurpose to those who believe, and ensures the richest blessings untothem,bothinthisworld,andthatwhichistocome.Onalltheseaccounts—it is unspeakably precious. The evangelical prophet, personating thewhole church, triumphs in it in the following manner: "I will greatlyrejoiceintheLord,mysoulshallbejoyfulinmyGod—forhehasclothedmewith the garments of salvation,hehas coveredmewith the robeofrighteousness,asabridegroomdeckshimselfwithornaments,andasabrideadornsherselfwithjewels."

Section6.TheLOVEofChristisprecioustothosewhobelieve.

This is themostpowerful inducementwhich canbeproposed tous—toexciteourardentaffectionstowardsthegraciousRedeemer.Neitherthereasonings of philosophers, the persuasions of orators, nor even thedisplaysofdivinegoodnessintheworksofcreationandprovidence,willanswer this end—if ourhearts are armoredagainst theattractionsofaSavior's love. Can we contemplate the agonies he endured for us, andthus place ourselves under the beams of his unparalleled love, andnotfeelinourmeltingheartssomereturnsofaffectionandregardforhim!

The apostle John speaks very justly, when he says, "We loved him—becausehefirstlovedus."Andanotherapostlemakesuseofverystrongtermswhen treatingon the same subject, "The loveofChrist," sayshe,"constrains us." The love of Jesuswasmost stronglymanifested in hisdyingforus.Whatcanbeexpectedtoattractourlove—ifthisdoesnot?Hehimselfspeaksofitasthatwhichshouldbeefficaciousinwinningtheheartsofmen;"AndI, ifIbe liftedupfromtheearthwilldrawallmenuntome."

ThosewhoareindifferenttothecompassionofthedyingRedeemer,losethe strongestmotive to love andobedience.They are acting thepart ofthe foolishGalatians,whowerecarriedaway fromthisglorioussubject,byakindofinfatuation."OfoolishGalatians,whohasbewitchedyouthatyoushouldnotobey the truth,beforewhoseeyesJesusChristhasbeenevidently set forth, crucified among you." O how desirable is it to beenabledconstantlytobeholdhimbyfaith—ascrucifiedforus!Surelyweshouldneverforget,that,whenhemighthaveleftustoperish—suchwashis love,hedied—thatwemight live,heendured thegreatestagonies—thathemightsnatchusfromthejawsofeternaldestruction,andopentousthegatesofeverlastingpeaceandfelicity!WellmaysuchaSaviorbeprecious tous!Surely thosewho lovehimmost,have reason still tobegrieved—thattheydonotlovehimmore.

Hehaslovedus—soastoransomuswithhisblood!Heransomsusfroma voluntary bondage; from the most vile and miserable captivity; acaptivity fromwhichnothingbutAlmightygracecouldhavesetusfree!Could we havemade any pretense tomerit, the case would have beendifferent.Butsinceweweretotallyunworthy,entirelyhelpless,wretchedandundone—humanvanityisforeversilenced,andallboastingeternallyexcluded.Itwasthegoodpleasureofhimwhosavesus—toloveusfreely.

ItisthisloveofChristforHispeople—whichtunestheharpsofheaven,and affords the glorified saints, a never-failing subject of harmony andpraise! On this theme, they fix their meditations. They admire theglorious mystery of the victorious cross—and sing the wonders ofredeeminglove.

This love is celebratedby themwithpeculiarpraises; "And they sanga

newsong:'Youareworthytotakethescrollandtoopenitsseals,becauseyouwere slain, andwith your blood you purchasedmen for God fromeverytribeandlanguageandpeopleandnation.YouhavemadethemtobeakingdomandprieststoserveourGod.'ThenIlookedandheardthevoice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and tenthousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the livingcreaturesandtheelders.Inaloudvoicetheysang:'WorthyistheLamb,whowasslain,toreceivepowerandwealthandwisdomandstrengthandhonorandgloryandpraise!'ThenIheardeverycreature inheavenandon earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them,singing: 'Tohimwhositson the throneand to theLambbepraiseandhonorandgloryandpower,foreverandever!'"Revelation5:9-13

Whatismostwonderfulofall,isthatJesusshouldshowsuchloveasthisforsinfulmen—menwhowere theenemiesofGod. "God demonstrateshisownloveforusinthis:Whilewewerestillsinners,Christdiedforus.When we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through thedeath of his Son. You see, at just the right time, when we werestillpowerless,Christdiedfortheungodly."

Hislovetothemwasdyinglove—andinthis,thegreatnessofitmostofallappears.Wheninhisagonyhesweatgreatdropsofbloodfallingdownto theground—itwas for enemies!The shameand spitting towhichhemeekly submitted, the torments inflicted on his body, and theinexpressiblesorrowswhichoverwhelmedhissoul—wereallenduredforenemies—tosavethemfromruin,andtoexaltthemtoeternalgloryandfelicity!Itwas for them,thathesubmittedtohavethearrowsofDivinevengeancespentuponhim—whichoccasionedhisbloodysweat,andhissolemnoutcryuponthecross,"MyGod,myGod—whyhaveyouforsakenme!"Hisbodywastorn—andhisheartwasbroken—forhisenemies!

Probably, through violent fermentation, the crimson fluid became amixtureofbloodandwater,partlyissuingfromtheporesofhisbodyinthegarden,andpartlyflowingfromhisside,whenpiercedbythespear;"Forthwiththerecameoutbloodandwater."Heenduredallthisforthehonor of Divine justice, and to take away the dishonor which we havedonetoGodbyoursins,andsotocommendorsetforthhislovetous,inthemoststrikingmannerpossible.

Oh!forthislove,letrocksandhillsTheirlastingsilencebreak,AndallharmonioushumantonguesTheSavior'spraisesspeak!

He suffered from the hand of Divine justice—as if his sins had beeninfinite, though hewas holy, harmless, and undefiled. The reasonwas,"The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Therefore he wasstricken,smittenandafflictedbyGod."Itwasforourtransgressions,thathe was wounded; it was for our iniquities, that he was bruised.Our peace is procured by his chastisement; and our healing by hisstripes. If such a Savior is not precious to us—nothing can equal ouringratitude.Hediedforthosewhospilthisblood,andwhomockedhiminthemidstofhisseverestagonies,asisevidentfromhisintercessionforthem;"Father, forgive them, for theyknownotwhat theydo."O lovingSavior!itisfitandrightthateverykneeinheavenandearthshouldbowtoyou,andthateveryangel,andeverysaintshouldloveyou,andadoreyouforever!—Omysoul,

Surveythewondrouscure,Andateachsteplethigherwondersrise.Pardonforinfiniteoffence!AndpardonThroughmeanswhichspeakitsvalueinfinite!Apardonboughtwithblood!Withblooddivine!WithblooddivineofHimImademyfoe!Persistedtoprovoke!Thoughwooedandawed,Blessedandchastised,aflagrantrebelstill!NorIalone!Arebeluniverse!Myspeciesupinarms!—Notoneexempt!Yetforthefoulestofthefoul—hedies!

The gracious manifestations of his love to our souls are exceedinglyprecious."Therearemanythatsay,Whowillshowusanygood?Lord,liftyouupthelightofyourcountenanceuponus!Thiswillputgladnessintoourhearts—morethantheincreaseofcorn,orwine,oroil.Yourfavorislife,yes,yourloving-kindnessisbetterthanlifeitself!"

"OblessedJesus,your love iswonderful! It is theadmirationofangels,thejoyandsongofglorifiedsaints.Theexperimentalsenseofitonearth,sweetensthebitternessoflife,anddisarmsdeathofallitsterrors!Itwaslovewhichmovedyoutobowtheheavens,tocomedownandsojournonearth, to humble yourself, to take on you the form of a servant, andbecomeobedientontodeath,eventhedeathofthecross.Youpitiedmeinmy lost estate. You sought and foundme—when I sought younot. Youspokepeacetomeinthedayofmydistress,whenthecloudsofguiltanddarkness hung heavy onmy soul—and Iwas brought to the borders ofdespair. You have bornewith allmyweakness, correctedmymistakes,restoredmefrommywanderings,andhealedmybackslidings.Mayyourloving-kindness be ever before my eyes, to induceme to walk in yourtruth.Mayitbethedailythemeofmymeditations,andtheconstantjoyofmyheart!"

"When I am favored with the light of your countenance, and thecomfortable sense of your love—my soul is filled and satisfied. All theglittering glories of this world are then darkened, and turned intodeformity. They are but broken cisterns—but you are the fountain ofliving waters. The streams of creature enjoyments, are shallow anddeceitful as a brook—but you are the full ocean of never-failing delightandsatisfaction!

"ToyourloveImustascribemywholesalvation;andthroughalltheagesofablissfuleternity—Ishallproclaimthewondersofredeeminglove,andtell to listening angelswhat your love has done formy soul.Unto himwholovedus,andwashedusfromoursinsinhisownblood,andmadeuskingsandprieststoGod—tohimbegloryanddominionforeverandever!Amen."

Section7.Christ'sTHRONEofGRACEisprecious,tothosewhobelieve.

"Let us then approach the throne of gracewith confidence, so that wemay receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time ofneed."Hebrews4:16.

Themen of theworld are totally ignorant of thatdelightful fellowship,

whichiscarriedonbetweenChristiansandtheirexaltedandintercedingSavior—what petitions they daily present before his throne, and whatgraciousanswerstheyreceivefromhim.Theeyesof theLordareupontherighteous,andhisearsareeveropentotheircries.Whoeverelsemayoverlook or disappoint them—he will not. When their spirits areoverwhelmed within them—he knows their path. When human meansandeffortsfail,wheneverythinglooksdarkbeforethem,whentheirwayseemstobeshutuponeveryside,andtheyarebroughttothelowestebb—stilltheyhavewelcomeaccesstotheDivinethrone,wheretheymaytellalltheirneeds,andunbosomalltheircaresandsorrows,withthecertainhopeofobtainingmercy,andfindinggracetohelpinthetimeofneed.

Prayer is not only a duty—but an inestimable privilege! ThecondescensionofGodiswonderful,inbendinghisgraciouseartosinfulworms.When the heart of a Christian is under a proper influence—hefinds a greater pleasure in approaching the Divine throne, than inanythingthisworldcanafford.Heobtainsmorelight,strength,comfortandrefreshment,byonehour'sconversewithGod—thanhecoulddobyanyothermeans!

TheprophetDanielfullyshowedhowpreciousthethroneofgracewastohim,sinceneithertheprohibitionoftheking,northethreatenedhorrorsof the den of lions—could prevail with him to omit one opportunity ofapproachingit.

Whatanunspeakableprivilegeitis—tohavelibertyofaccesstoGod!Tohavehispermission,nay,hisinvitationandcommand—tocomeboldlytohis throne of grace, and to call him our Father in Christ! Amidstsurroundingdangers,snaresandtemptations,wemayfly tohimasourrefuge,andliftupourheartstohiminferventandearnestprayer.Tohimwemay tell all our inmost cares—and open all our griefs.His ears arealwaysattentive toour requests, and thegalesofhisblessedSpiritwilldispel the gloom inwhichwe are involved, and breathe internal peaceandfragranceonoursouls.

Intheexercisesofprivatedevotion,wemaynourishandexpressalltheholy affections of our souls, with the greatest freedom.We may say athousand things to our heavenly Father in secret—which would not be

properinpublicdevotion.Wemaypouroutoursoulsbeforehim,inthestrongestandmostpatheticsentimentsofholydesire,anddivinedelight.We may tell him all the disquietudes of our consciences, the secretanguish and shame of our hearts—because of those offences which areknown to him alone. We may sigh deeply, and pour out the tear ofpenitenceintohisbosom.Wemaytellhimhowintenseourdesiresare—toexperiencemoreofhislove,andtobeconformedtohisimage.Wemayrejoice in his sight with divine exultation and holy triumph, in theprospectofbeingshortlywithhimintheheavenlyworld.

Letthefavoritesofanearthlyprincevaluethemselvesonbeingpermittedtoholdconversewiththeirsovereign;Iwouldeveresteemitaprivilegeinfinitelysuperior,tohavefreeandwelcomeaccesstotheKingofkings!

Section8.TheDOCTRINEofChrist isprecious, to thosewhobelieve.

Thetruthsofthegospelrevealamethodofsalvationeverywayhonorableto God and his righteous government; and every way suitable to ournecessities.Theground,thesubstance,andthespiritofthegladtidingssentfromheaventoalostworldare,thatJesusChristdiedforoursins,according to the Scriptures. The apostle Paul was determined, as aminister, to know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Thistheme,and the truths connectedwith it, engrossedallhis thoughts.Hedwelt somuch upon these subjects, that itmight appear as if he knewnothingelse;andasifnothingelsewere,comparativelyspeaking,worthyofhisattention.

When our Lord, after his resurrection, honored his disciples with hiscompany in their journey to Emmaus, he began at Moses and all theprophets, and expounded to them in all the Scriptures—the thingsconcerning himself. Did they hear the Divine truths he advanced withindifference? Far from it! These truthswere precious to their souls, asappearsfromtheirownanimatedexpressions;"Didnotourheartsburnwithin us, while he talked with us by the way, and opened to us theScriptures?"

TheWordofChrist ingeneral, isprecious to thosewhobelieve.As thecoin of Caesar bore his image and superscription, so the DivineWordbears the imageofChrist,andconsequentlymustbedear to thosewholove him. They revere that sacred injunction, "Let the Word of Christdwellinyourichly,inallwisdom,thatyoumaybeablealsotoadmonishoneanother."

David, thekingof Israelmadewhile living, thispublicdeclaration,andleft it,whenhedied, tobeobservedbyallsucceedinggenerations—thattheWordofGodwasbettertohimthanthousandsofgoldandsilver;thatitwassweetertohimthanhoney,andthehoneycomb;andthatitwashismeditation all the day. If he tasted so much sweetness intheleastvaluablepartoftheDivineWord,howmuchricheristhefeasttousintheselatterdays!Sincethegospelisnowaddedtothelaw;theLordhasputhisfinalhandtothework,has"sealedupthesum—andrendereditfullofwisdomandperfectinbeauty."

ThedivineRedeemercannot, in thisworld,beseen face to face.This isthe felicityof theheavenlystate.But inhisholyWord,as ina looking-glass,webeholdhisglory.The lineamentsofhisbeautyareheredrawnbyadivinepencil.TheBiblemustconsequentlybeapreciousbook,intheestimationofeveryChristian.

Thisinestimablebookunfoldstousthepathofpeace,thewayofeternalsalvation. We here learn, how the guilty may be pardoned, in perfectconsistencywiththehonorof infiniteholiness.Weherelearn,howGodcanbe just,andthe justifierof theungodly,who, inthemselvesdeserveeverlastingcondemnation.Weareindebtedtothissacredvolumeforallthelightthateverchasedthegloomsofdoubts,orcheeredthebosomofdespondency; for all that gives confidence to faith, energy to hope,ardency to love, or fervor to devotion; forwhatever can tranquilize themindinlife,oradministerconsolationatthelasthour.Wehaveherethedoctrine which is according to godliness; we have here the words ofeverlastinglife!

ThevolumeofmyFather'sgraceDoesallmygriefassuage;HereIbeholdmySavior'sface,

Almostineverypage!

Thegeneraldesignofthisdivinebookis,toestablishthesoulinbelievingthe testimony,whichGodhasgivenconcerninghissonJesusChrist; todirect it in doing his will, and to comfort it in all the sufferings andafflictions attendant on the present state. The sacred volume thereforeinsists much on faith, obedience, and patience. The first, faith—iscertainlytheground-workoftheothertwo.

HolymenofGod,whosesentimentsandexperiencesarehere leftuponrecord,havegivenus themostmagnificenteulogiesof thisWord.Theyrepresent it as a source of felicity. They tell us—thatitconvertsandrestoresthesoul;thatitgiveswisdomtothesimple;thatit is more to be desired than the richest treasures, or the sweetestenjoymentswhichthisworldcanafford;thatitisadaptedtoinstruct,tocorrect,tocomfort,andtorenderthemanofGodperfect.Theyassureus,thatthesearenotmerefancies,destituteofsenseandtruth;theinspiredwitnessesunitedlytestify,thattheythemselveshaveknownthepowerofthedivineWordbytheirownexperience;thatwhentheyhavemadeitthesubject of their attentive meditation, they have been "satisfied as withmarrow and fatness, and have rejoiced in itmore than thosewho findgreatspoil."

ToexpatiateontheseveraldoctrinescontainedintheBible,andtopointoutthepreciousnessofeach, isnotmypresentdesign.Itmaysufficetosay, that they all center in Christ Jesus—and are all valuable in theestimationofhispeople,onthataccount.Doesthispreciousbookspeakofthe loveofGod—thesourceofallgood toman?It is inChristJesus.Does itunfold theancientcounselsof infinitewisdomandgrace?Theyare theeternalpurposesof theFather inChristJesusourLord.Does itspeakofredemption?Itisbyhisblood.Doesitspeakofjustification?Itisthroughhisrighteousness.Doesitspeakofconversion?Wearecalledbyhisgrace.Does itspeakofregeneration?Wearequickened togetherwithChrist.Does itspeakofadoption?Weare thechildrenofGod—byfaithinJesusChrist.Doesitspeakofperseverance?Becausehelives—weshall live also. Does it speak of eternal glory? It is the gift of God—throughourLordJesusChrist.

How divinely excellent are these sacred truths! With what sovereignefficacydotheyoperateuponthemindandheart,whenaccompaniedbythe agency of the blessed Spirit! How powerfully do they awakenrepentance, andmelt the soul into holy sorrow! In what an illustriouslightdotheyrepresentthemajestyandthegraceoftheblessedGod;andhowdo theycommandourhumbleadoration!Howdo theydisplay thewondersofhiswisdom, and the richesofhismercy inChrist Jesus—toproducefaith,andattractdesireandlove!Whatablessedfoundationdothey lay for an infinite eternity of devout meditations, suited to everycase!

These divine truths relieve the soul, under every distress; that by thepatienceandcomfortoftheScriptures,wemayhavehopetowardsGod.The believer lives on the divine variety of beneficial and transportingobjectssetbeforehiminthesacredpages.Herehefindsthefountainsoflifesetopen—everystreamflowingwithholinessandconsolation.Itishisprevailingdesire,thatallhisaffectionsmaybeunderthecommandandinfluenceofthedivineWord—thatwhileitaffordshimintensedelight,itmay animate him to active zeal in the practice of everything which itenjoins—teachinghimtodenyungodlinessandworldlylusts,andtolivesoberly, righteously, andgodly in thispresentworld,whilehe looks fortheblessedhope,inthatworldwhichistocome.

Acertainmartyr,whowascondemnedtodieforhisinviolableadherenceto the doctrines of Scripture, gave this expressive testimony, in his lastmoments,ofhis regard for thatdivinebook.Beingarrivedat thestake,andhavingcomposedhimself forsuffering,hetookhis final leaveofallbelow,intheseaffectingwords,'Farewellsunandmoon!Farewellallthebeauties of creation, and all the comforts of life! Farewellmy honoredfriends!Farewellmybelovedrelations!Andfarewellyou—preciousbookofGod!'

Section9.ThePROMISESofChristareprecious,tothosewhobelieve.

These shall stand in force, though heaven and earth shall pass away.Lengthoftimecannotdiminishtheirefficacy,noralterwhatthemouthofthe Lord has spoken. The sun may fail to rise, and men expect its

returning light in vain—but thepromisesof everlasting truth cannotbebroken. "Themountains shalldepart, and thehillsbe removed;butmykindness shall not depart from you, neither shall the covenant of mypeaceberemoved,saystheLordwhohasmercyonyou."Thecourseofnaturemaybereversed,andallbechaosagain;butthepromisesofGodcannot fail for evermore, since he who made them is immutable, andcannotbyanychangedeceivethehopesof thosewhotrust inhim.It isimpossiblethatheshouldpromiseanythingthatitisbeyondhisabilitytoperform.Heisnotasaman,thatheshouldlie,norasthesonofmanthatheshouldrepent.Hashesaid,Iwillsurelydoyougood—andshallhenotdo it?Hashe spoken, and shallhenot accomplish the thingwhichhasgoneoutofhislips!

Ourfatherstrustedinhim—andwerenotconfounded;theyreliedonhisfaithfulWord—andweredelivered.Allthesucceedinggenerationsofhispeople,fromthebeginningoftime,haveplacedtheirconfidenceinwhathe has spoken, and none could ever charge him, either with lack ofcompassion,orbreachoftruth.

"Hehas givenuntousexceeding great and precious promises; that bythese you may be partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped thecorruption that is in the world through lust." They are great, as beingmadeby theMostHighGod, thePossessor of heaven and earth.God'spromises treat of the greatest things that language can express, orthought conceive; deliverance from sin, all its consequences; thebestowmentofallgrace,andofeverlastinggloryhereafter."Eyehasnotseen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man—thethingswhichGodhaspreparedforthosewholovehim."

Thepromisesarepreciousintheirorigin—thefreeandsovereigngraceofGod.Thepromisesarepreciousintheirnature—astheycontainthemostprecious things. The promises are precious in their suitableness to ourcase, and to all our needs. The promises are precious intheirefficacyuponoursouls—tosubdueourfears,tosupportourfaith,tocalmourdisquietudes, to elevate ourhopes, to affordus comfort in allour sorrows, and to transformus into theDivine likeness; for by thesepromiseswearemadepartakersoftheDivinenature.

Section 10. The LAWS of Christ are precious to those whobelieve.

Thelawsofhismoutharebetterthanthousandsofgoldandsilver.Tobeunderthesedivinerestraints,isthesweetestliberty.

ApracticalregardtothecommandsofChrististhebestevidencethatheis precious to us. It is very remarkablewithwhat emphasis he himselfspeaksonthishead,howmuchheinsistsuponthisonearticle,andhowoftenherepeats it. "Ifyou loveme—keepmycommandments. Ifamanlovesme—hewill keepmywords.Hewho lovesme not, keeps notmysayings.HereinismyFatherglorified,thatyoubearmuchfruit—soshallyoubemydisciples.Youaremyfriends—ifyoudowhateverIcommandyou."

Aholyconformity to theDivinewill, isasmuchtheendofall thatGoddoesforhispeople—asfruit istheendofall thatthefarmerdoesabouthis field or his vineyard. Regard for Christ then is best shown—byobediencetohiswill."Hewhohasmycommandments,andkeepsthem—heitisthatlovesme."WehavethecommandsofourdivineMaster—butdo we keep them? If you know these things—happy are you ifyoudothem.HewhoisourRedeemer,isalsoourLordandGovernor.Ifwehaveasincereattachmenttohim—weshallbesubjecttohisauthority,andtakecaretopleasehim.Aboveallotherthings—weshallbeafraidofdispleasing and offending him. Our obedience to him willbeheartyandsincere,constantand impartial.Ourmiscarriageswill filluswithdisquietudeandsorrow.Thegenuinelanguageofourheartswillbe,"Othatmywaysweredirectedtokeepyourstatutes!ThenshallInotbeashamed,whenIhaverespectuntoallyourcommandments."Oneofthe disciples of Jesus says, "His commandments are not grievous;"another,"IdelightinthelawofGodaftertheinwardman."

Our regard for his laws is shown, not only in the sincerity—but inthe willingness and cheerfulness of our obedience. Reluctance to hisserviceisinexcusable;wearinessanddullnessinhisserviceisshameful.Ourobedienceshouldbeuniversalandconstant.Weshouldbesteadfastandunmoveable,alwaysaboundingintheworkoftheLord,forasmuchas

weknowthatourlaborisnotinvainintheLord.

We are commanded to love theAuthor of our beingwith all ourmind,withalloursoul,andwithallourstrength.Tolovehimwithallourmind—is to have the highest esteem of him, in our judgment, as the mostexcellent and thebest of beings, andas ouronly all-sufficient good.Tolovehimwith all our soul—is to choosehim for our eternal portion, togiveupourselvestohimasourLordandRuler,andtoreceivehimasourGod,andourreconciledFather,accordingtothediscoveriesofhisgraceinChristJesus.Andtolovehimwithallourstrength—istoworshiphimwith holy diligence, and, according to the utmost of our capacity andpowertodohiswill,andpromotehishonorintheworld.

The mere flashes of sudden passion, in a devout moment, without asupremeandsettledesteemofGodinthemind,andacarefulandactiveobedience tohis commands, areof little consequence.Thehearerswhoreceived the Word, like seed which fell on stony ground, are said toreceive it with joy; but their devotion and religionwere only a suddenblaze,whichquicklyexpired.Theyenduredbutforawhile.Ontheotherhand,thosewhoreceivetheseedintogoodground,arethey,whohavingheardtheWord,keepit,andbringforthfruitwithpatience.

"Lord,letmyobediencetoyourcommandsbeuniversal;mywholebeingsubjecttoyourwholewill,andthatcontinuallyandperseveringly,eventotheendof life.Letobediencehave its root inmyheart, that itmaynotwither like grass which has no deepness of earth—but be like a treeplantedbytheriversofwater,bringingforthfruitindueseason.Letmyobedience arise from a holy reverence of you, the great Lawgiver; areverencetemperedwithloveandgratitude.Ishallthenaccountnoneofyourcommandseithergrievousorunimportant—butesteemthemalltoberightandprecious.UndertheinfluenceofthegreattruthsIprofesstobelieve, may the vices of my mind, and the disorders of my life beeffectually subdued and corrected, that in righteousness and holiness Imaywalkbeforeyou, in the landof the living.Engraveyour lawonthefleshlytabletofmyheart,thatImayloveitexceedingly;thenmyconstantstudyandendeavorwillbetoexhibitacopyofitinthevariousactionsofmy life.Thenshall Inotbeashamedwhen Ihave respectuntoall yourcommandments;inkeepingofthemthereisgreatreward."

Section 11. The WAYS of Christ are precious to those whobelieve.

When we are enabled, in sincerity, to make choice of our Lord JesusChrist,asourprophet,ourpriest,andourking—wefeeltheforceofourobligations tohim,we see thebeauty andhonorofhis service, andareconvinced thatnothing isworthy, inany sense, to stand in competitionwithit.Andinproportionasheisprecioustous—hiswaysandhisservicewillbepleasant;sothatweshalldothewillofGodfromtheheart.

ThosewhomourLordJesusChristhaspurifieduntohimself,asapeoplefor his very own possession—are zealous for goodworks. They give upthemselves tohisservice,andmake it theirprincipalbusiness topleasehim, and to live to him. Their Christian course is compared to thoseexercises inwhichmen exert their strength, and thatwith the greatestearnestnessandeagerness;particularlyrunning,wrestling,andfighting.

WherelovetoJesusreignsintheheart—itwill induceamantoactinamannersuitabletoit.Supremelove,asanexcellentwriterhasobserved,governsalltheactivetrainofhumanpassions,andleadsthem,insweetcaptivity,tocheerfulobedience.AndastheinwardaffectionswillbethusengagedtowardstheRedeemer,theoutwardpowerswillbeemployedincorrespondingexercises.Theway inwhichweare toshowthatJesus isprecioustous,isbywalkinginhistruth,andfulfillingeverypresentdutywith delight. It is then thatwe find theways ofwisdom, to beways ofpleasantness,andallherpathstobepathsofpeace.LovetoJesusChristinducesustoaccounteverydutyaprivilege,andtoesteemtheserviceofourDivineMasterperfectfreedom.

There is nothing in the ways of religion which ought to be deemedburdensome.Towalk in themwith fervorand spiritualityofmind, andwithregularity,integrity,andcircumspection,hasatendencytomakeuscalm,easy,andhappy.TheyokeofChrist isaneasyyoke—notagallingyoke.Themorewewearit,theeasierandthepleasanteritis.WeshouldesteemtheworshipofGodasthemostneedfulpartofourdailybusiness,and the most delightful part of our daily comforts. His laws are the

dictatesof thehighestwisdomandgoodness. Itbefitsus to rejoice thatwe are under his government, and to serve him with the greatestcheerfulness.

Theconsolationswhichcome fromJesus,areonly tobeexperienced inthewaysofpiety, and thepathsofholiness.And these areno fantasticdelusions—butsubstantialanddivinedelights;joyswithwhichastrangercannotunderstand.They serve to enlarge themind, and give it amoreelevatedturn,whileitderivesitssovereignsupportsfromthesourceofallexcellencyandperfection,andrestsonnothingunworthy thedignityofan immortal soul, on nothing beneath him who is the Fountain ofboundlessandimmortalfelicity.

ThelifeofthenegligentandlooseprofessorofChristianity,seemstobeaperpetualstruggletoreconcile impossibilities; it isanendeavortounitewhatGodhasforeverseparated:peace—andsin;unchristianpractices—andChristiancomforts;aquietconscience—andadisorderlylife;aheartfullofthecaresandconcernsofthepresentworld—andawell-groundedandcheerfulexpectationofthehappinessofthenext.Anattempttounitethese is as vain, as an endeavor to put asunder what God has joinedtogether.

IfChristisprecioustous,weshallhaveahighvalue,asincereregardforthoseways inwhichhehaspromisedhispresencewithhispeople.Weshallbereadytosaywiththoseofancienttimes,"OLord,welovetoobeyyourlaws;ourheart'sdesireistoglorifyyourname."

Section 12. The PEOPLE of Christ are precious, to thosewhobelieve.

So dear are the followers of Christ to those who believe—that they arereadyandwillingtotreatsuchasbrethren;toshowkindnessandgood-will tothemonalloccasions;andthoughtheyarepooranddespisedintheworld—toesteemthemastheexcellentintheearth,becauseoftheirconformity and relation to Christ.Wemake itmanifest thatwe have asincere affection to such, when we reveal a pitiful and tender spirittowardsthemincalamity,whenwearereadytobeartheirburdens,and

willingtospendpartofoursubstance,andtosuffermanyinconveniencesin our worldly interests, in order to promote their welfare in soul andbody.

Consider the example of the apostle Paul. All his epistles abound withexpressions of a pledge and overflowing affection to the followers ofChrist. He expresses his ardent love to them, by calling them dearlybelovedandlongedfor.Hewouldhavethemtoknowtheabundantlovewhichhehadtowardsthem.Hesays,"Wewereasgentleamongyouasamother feedingandcaring forherownchildren.Wecared somuch foryouthatwewerepleasedtosharewithyounotonlythegospelofGodbutalsoourownlives,becauseyouhadbecomedeartous."

TheapostleJohn,thedisciplewhomJesusloved,whowasindulgedwiththe sweetest familiarity with him, and even permitted to lean on hisbosom,saysmoreconcerninglovetothebrethrenthananyotherapostle.To collect all that he writes on this subject, would be to transcribe aconsiderablepartofhisepistles.HisaddressestothechildrenofGodareexceedingly tender and endearing, breathing out nothing but themostfervent love. This sweet and holy affection had full possession of hisheart,andtheexpressionsofitflowedfreelyandabundantlyfromhislipsandhispen.Heproposestheseriousinquiry,"JesusChristlaiddownhislifeforus.Andweoughttolaydownourlivesforourbrothers.Ifanyonehasmaterialpossessionsandseeshisbrotherinneedbuthasnopityonhim—how can the love of God be in him?" He considers love to thebrethrenas thatbywhichwemayknowthatwearepassed fromdeathuntolife.

Ifwedonotloveourbrethrenwhomwehaveseen—howcanweloveGodwhom we have not seen? All Christ's disciples bear his image; iftheoriginalisprecioustous,weshallhavesomeregardforthepicture,howeverimperfectitmaybeinthepresentstate.

The lovewearetomanifest tothebrethrenisdifferent,asawriterwellobserves, from that universal benevolence which we owe to men ingeneral,andtotheregardwehaveforournaturalrelationsinparticular.It is an injunction given by our Lord Jesus to his disciples in a specialmanner, "A new commandment I give unto you—that you love one

another." Sometimes it is connected with the command to believe inJesus; to signify unto us, thatwithout faith in himwe are incapable oflovinghisfollowersinapropermanner."Thisishiscommandment,Thatwe should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love oneanother, as he gave us commandment." The love intended, is a love tothosewhoknowthetruth—forthetruth'ssake,whichdwellsinthem.Itisfar from being confined to any particular party or denomination ofChristians,theobjectsofitare—allofeveryname,place,ornation,whogiveevidenceoftheirbeingsaints,andfaithfulbrethreninChristJesus.

The motive or reason enforcing this love is, the regard which theRedeemerhastohisfollowers,"AsIhavelovedyou,seethatyoualsoloveoneanother."Toimpressthisinjunctionthemore,herepeatsit,"Thisismycommandment,thatyouloveoneanother,asIhavelovedyou."Andheshowsinwhatmannerhehadlovedthem,inthewordsimmediatelyfollowing: "Greater lovehasnoman than this, thataman laydownhislife for his friends." Jesus did more than this, he laid down his lifeforenemies.Butasheisherespeakingoflovetooneanother,asfriendsand brethren, he enforces his injunction by this instance of his lovetowardsthem,consideredashisfriends.

TheapostleJohn,takinguptheideasuggestedbyhisdivineMaster,says,"HerebyweperceivetheloveofChrist,becausehelaiddownhislifeforus."HealsodrawsthesameinferencefromitwhichhisMasterdid,withparticular application to himself, and to those whom he addresses:"Beloved,ifGodsolovedus,weoughtalsotoloveoneanother—weought(if called to it) to lay down our lives for the brethren." This is a newmotivetobrotherlylove.Amotivepeculiartothegospel;amotivewhich,ina specialmanner, respects the friendsofChrist, forwhomhehadsohigh a degree of regard as to lay down his life in their stead. In thepassagecitedabove,itissupposed,thatthesefriendsofChristbelievethegreat doctrine of atonement, and that, as such—they shouldbeinfluencedbyittothatmutualaffectionwhichisrequiredofthem,byhimwhoransomedthemwithhisblood.

ObediencetothiscommandofouradorableSavior,isthegrandevidenceofourbeinghistruefollowers;"Bythisshallallmenknowthatyouaremydisciples—ifyouhave love tooneanother."Hence it isevident, that

the love intended isnotahiddenprinciple inthemind,whichdoesnotrevealitselfinoutwardactsofkindness.Itmustmeananattachmentsosincere,sofervent,astobeattendedwitheffectswhichallmencansee;alove which is operative and beneficial; a love in deed and in truth,producing such fruits in all the behavior of Christians towards oneanother, aswill, in a striking and convincingmanner, distinguish themfrom all theworld besides, andmark them out to all observers, as thedisciplesofalivingSavior.

Noristhisloveintendedonlytoproduceaconvictioninothers,thatthesubjects of it belong toChrist; it is also to be the evidence of the samething in their own consciences. "We know that we have passed fromdeathuntolife—becausewelovethebrethren.Hewhodoesnotlovehisbrother,abidesindeath.Mylittlechildren(forsuchyouaretoresembleintruesimplicityofheart)letusnotloveinword,neitherintongueonly—butindeedandtruth.Andherebyweknowthatweareofthetruth,andshallassureourheartsbeforehim.Forifourheartscondemnus(ofbeingdestituteofthislove)Godisgreaterthanourheart,andknowsallthings.Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us—then have we confidencetowardsGod."

Obedience to this new commandment of brotherly love, is of suchimportance in the religion of Jesus, that it is evident from the divineWord, there is no real Christianity without it; since it is not onlyrepresentedas the visibledistinctionbetweenChrist's disciples and themenof theworld—as thegreat evidenceof ourbeingbornofGod, andhaving a right knowledge of him; of his dwelling in us, and of ourdwellinginhim,astheapostleJohnshows.Butitisoneoftheprincipalevidencesofwhatisnowunderourimmediateconsideration;namely,ofour regard to Christ himself, or of his being precious to us. "EveryonewhobelievesthatJesusistheChristisachildofGod.AndeveryonewholovestheFatherloveshischildren,too.Ifweloveoneanother,hisloveisperfectedinus."Asifithadbeensaid,'Theobjectsofhislove,whobearhis holy image, are daily before our eyes, that we may have anopportunityoftestifyingourlovetohim,byshowingkindnesstothemforhis sake. If therefore we love one another, our love to the unseenRedeemer produces its proper effect, and is proved to be true and

sincere.'Without this operativeprinciple ofbrotherly affection, in vaindowepretend,eitherthatChristhasthechiefplaceinourhearts,orthatwearesavinglyinterestedinhislovetous.

ThisisthatloveconcerningwhichtheapostlePaulwritessolargelytotheCorinthian church. He shows its excellence above themost useful andextraordinarygiftsoftheSpirit,anddeclares,thatthoughaman,whoisdestituteofit,shouldgiveallhisgoodstofeedthepoor,andhisbodytobe burned—that itwould profit himnothing.He describes this love, asbeing directly opposite to every malignant passion and disposition; topride, selfishness, evil-surmising, and envy. He shows that it is kind,bountiful, and beneficent; engaging the followers of Christ, in everyprudentandpossibleway,toserveoneanother.Heintimates,thatinthepresent, imperfect state, it is requisite to use much self-denial inmaintainingandmanifestingthislove,andthatitrequirestheexerciseofhumility, patience,meekness, and long-suffering, in enduring all tryingthings,andbearingoneanother'sburdens.Butasontheonehand—lovedoes not rejoice in iniquity, so as to bear with a brother in any grosserror,orinanypracticecontrarytothegospel—butissolicitoustorestoresuchaone,inthespiritofmeekness.So,ontheotherhand,it,rejoicesinthesavingtruthofChrist,whichsogloriouslymanifestshislovetomen.The truthof thegospel isoneof the firstobjectsofabeliever'sdelight,andhislovetothebrethrenisjustinproportionasheperceivesthetruthto dwell in them, in its power and efficacy; for he loves them "for thetruth'ssake,whichdwellsinthem."

Thislove,whencomparedwithfaithandhope,issaidtobegreaterthaneitherofthem,andthatontwoaccounts.Inthefirstplaceitexcelstheminduration—forwhen faithandhopeshallhave issued in thesightandenjoymentoftheirrespectiveobjects,thenlovewillbemadeperfect,anditwillprevailandreignforeverintheregionsofunfadingfelicity.Andinthesecondplace, lovemaybeconsideredassuperior to faithandhope,even in the present state, because, in its nature, it is the very image ofGod.ItisoneoftheprincipalthingswhereinthechildofgraceresembleshisheavenlyFather,andisconformedtohislikeness;for"Godislove."Itis that inwhichthebelievermost imitates theLordJesusChrist, in thepeculiarlyendearingpartofhischaracter,hislovetomen."Befollowers

ofGodasdearaschildren.Andwalkinlove,justasChristhaslovedus,andgivenhimselfforus."

To set thisarticle in themost strikingpointof light imaginable,weareexpressly taught, that by this love to the saints, Christ will, when hecomestojudgetheworldatthelastday,distinguishhisownpeoplefromall others. Let the reader attentively consider the account given by thesupremeJudgehimself,ofwhatwillbetheprocessofthatsolemnday,inthetwenty-fifthchapteroftheevangelistMatthew.Theyonthelefthandwillbecondemned,ashavinggivennoproofofattachmenttoChrist,byshowingregardtohisfollowers."ThentheKingwillsaytothoseontheright, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdompreparedforyoufromthefoundationoftheworld.ForIwashungry,andyoufedme.Iwasthirsty,andyougavemeadrink.Iwasastranger,andyouinvitedmeintoyourhome.Iwasnaked,andyougavemeclothing.Iwas sick, and you cared forme. I was in prison, and you visitedme. Iassureyou,whenyoudidittooneoftheleastofthesemybrothersandsisters—youweredoingittome!"

HowimportantthenisthisevidenceofthepreciousnessofChristtooursouls! How careful should we be to cultivate brotherly love both inourselvesandothers!"Aboveallthingsputonlove,whichisthebondofperfectness." Love is the sweetest, themost effectual, themost perfect,andthemostlastingbond,thateverunitedtheheartsofmentogether.

Section 13. The INTERESTS of Christ are precious, to thosewhobelieve.

It is not enough for a man to talk in high strains of the melting andmoving of his affections to the Redeemer, to tell of the inwardexperienceshehashad,atcertainperiods,oflovetohim,howhisheartwas drawn out to him at this or the other time—when, in the generalcourseofhislife,heisindifferenttothecauseofChrist,andunwillingtolayouthimselfforthepromotingofhiskingdomamongmen.WearetomakeitmanifestthatChrist isprecioustous—byconstantendeavorstoadvancehiscauseandinterestintheworld.

Transientelevationsofmindmayeasilyproducewordsofaffectionandkindness;butwordsarecheap,andreligion ismoreeasilyexpressed inlofty professions than in actions. A practical, steady, and perseveringregardforJesusChrist,isacostlyandlaboriousthing.Itrequiresmuchself-denialandvigorousexertionsinourdailywalk.MenaremuchmoreeasilybroughttotalkabouttheSaviorofsinners,thantolivetohim.

WefindthetruespiritofChristianity,ashasbeenobservedontheotheroccasion,fullyexemplifiedintheapostlePaul.HedidnotsatisfyhimselfwiththosestrongandardentexpressionsoflovetoChrist,withwhichhisepistles everywhere abound; he exerted himself to the utmost of hispowerinpromotingtheinterestoftheRedeemer.

He expectednothing in sodoing—butpoverty, contempt andhardship.Hewas so poor, that hewas frequently under the necessity ofworkingwith his own hands for a morsel of bread. He cheerfully submitted tohungerandnakedness,stripesand imprisonment;hewascontent tobecountedthefilthoftheworld,andtheoffscouringofallthings,amidsthisunwearied attempts to glorify his divine Master, in the conversion ofsinners,andtheedificationofthosewhohadbelievedthroughgrace.Hehadestablished thekingdomofChrist inAsia;hehadbroughtmanyoftheinhabitantsofMacedoniaandAchaiatosubjectiontothegospel;hehaderectedthestandardofdivinetruthinArabia;yethepurposedintheSpirit togo toSpain,and then toJerusalem, saying, "After Ihavebeenthere,ImustalsoseeRome."Theuniverseatlargeisbutjustsufficienttobethefieldofhisvigorousexertionsinthegoodcause.Heincludedintheplan of his apostolic labors, the metropolis and the boundaries of theknownworld.(Hervey.)

In this way did this exalted and heavenly man make it manifest thatChristwasprecious tohim.Andare there left tousnoopportunitiesofproving the sincerity of our attachment to him? The same spiritwhichactuated this noble champion, should actuate us, according to ourcapacity and ability, in the more contracted sphere in which God'sprovidencehasfixedus.

A period will certainly commence, when the kingdom of Christ shallprevailfarandwide;theearthshallbefulloftheknowledgeoftheLord,

as the waters cover the seas. All the ends of the earth shall see hissalvation. Princes shall be subject to the Redeemer's scepter, andEthiopia shall stretch forth her hands unto God. The fullness of theGentilesshallcomein,andallIsraelbesaved.OurLordhastaughtustopraythathiskingdommaycome;andthosewhoknowtheLordshouldnotkeepsilence;theyshouldcontinuetopresenttheirardentpetitionstohim, and give him no rest, until he establishes his church through thenations,andmakeherapraiseintheearth.

Iffourhundredmillionofourfellow-menareyetinvolvedinheathenishdarkness,worshipingandbowingtostocksandstones,theworksoftheirownhands,theloveofChristshouldconstrainustoexertourselvesinthepromotion of such means as are most likely to bring them to theknowledgeof the trueGod,andofhisSonJesusChrist.Weshouldnotsatisfy ourselves barely with praying for this event. The appointedmethodsaretobetried,fortheaccomplishmentofit,inadependenceonGod, and under the guidance of hismerciful providence. The gospel isordained to be preached to every creature, that its sound may go outthroughalltheearth,anditswordstotheendsoftheworld.

Many awful events have takenplace inEurope, of late years, andwhatwill be the outcome of present commotions, it is impossible for suchshort-sightedcreaturesaswearetodetermine.OurLordhasputacheckonourtoocuriousinquiriesintofuturity,bysaying,"Itisnotforyoutoknow the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in his ownpower."Amidstthedesolationsofwar,andthedaringeffortsofinfidelityandirreligion,wehaveseenthezealofprofessingChristians,ofvariousdenominations,revived,respectingtheadvancementofChrist'skingdom,both at home and abroad. It is pleasing to hear of the effortsmade indifferent parts of this nation, to turnmen from darkness to light, andfromthepowerofSatanuntoGod,bypublishingthegospel,andcausingittobepublishedintowns,villages,andneighborhoods,whereitwasnotknown.Societiesareformedforthesupportof itinerantpreachers.MaytheLord of theharvest send forth laborers, and graciously succeed thepiousendeavorsofallthosewhoareengagedinthisgoodwork.

Multitudesamongusarelikewisedeeplyandearnestlyconcernedfortheheathennations,thattheymightbebroughttoseethelightoflife.Liberal

contributions are made in different places, for the support ofmissionaries. Many individuals have been made willing to leave theirdearest relations, to give up all worldly prospects, to put their lives intheirhands,andtoencounterallthehazardsanddangerstowhichtheymaybeexposed, intransportingthemselvestothemostdistantpartsoftheearth,inordertospreadabroadthesavoroftheknowledgeofChristamongthebenightednations.Theexpenseattendingtheseundertakingsmustofcoursebeconsiderable;he, therefore, towhomthecauseof theRedeemerisprecious,hasafairopportunityofmanifestinghisregardforit,bycontributingaccordingtohisability,forthepromotionofit.

Itiswellknownthattheeffortsofmenwillnotbesuccessful,withoutthedisplaysofAlmightyPower;but this isnoreasonwhythemeanswhichinfinitewisdomhasordained,shouldnotbetried;andsincetheheartsofsomanypiouspeopleofdifferentpersuasions,and inplaces fardistantfromoneanother,are,at thisperiod,affected in thesameway, there isreasontohopethataDivinehandisinthework,andconsequently,thattheoutcomewill,induetime,befavorable.

Reader, istheinterestofChristprecioustoyou?Letmethenask,Whathave you contributed, in the way above-mentioned, towards thepromoting of it? Poverty is commonly pleaded in such cases, as anexcuse.ButitisofnoavailinthesightofGod,since,ifhisWordbetrue—to give is theway to get—and to scatter, theway to increase. The poorwidow,whocasthertwomites intothetreasury, intheaccountofGod,cast inmore thanall therest.ThatJesuswhomweprofess to love,hassaid, "Give,and itwillbegiven toyou;agoodmeasure—presseddown,shakentogether,andrunningover—willbepouredintoyourlap.Forwiththemeasureyouuse,itwillbemeasuredbacktoyou.""Iftherebefirstawilling mind, it is accepted, according to that a man has, and notaccordingtothathehasnot."

Section14.TheDAYandHOUSEofChristareprecioustothosewhobelieve.

Fortheillustrationofthis,letthereaderattentivelyobservethespiritandimportofthefollowingpassages:"OnethinghaveIdesiredoftheLord,

andthatwillIseekafter—thatImaydwellinthehouseoftheLordallthedays ofmy life, to behold the beauty of theLord, and to inquire inhistemple.Asthedeerpantsafterthewater-brooks—sopantsmysoulafteryou,OGod;mysoulthirstsforGod,forthelivingGod:whenshallIcomeandappearbeforeGod!Mysoulthirstsforyou,myfleshlongsforyou,inadry and thirsty land,where there isnowater—to see yourpower andyour glory, as I have seen you in the sanctuary.How amiable are yourtabernacles, O Lord Almighty! my soul longs, yes, even faints for thecourtsoftheLord;myheartandmyfleshcryoutforthelivingGod."Thepiousman,sensibleofthediseasesofhissoul,waitswitheagernessandconstancy at the pool of divine ordinances for relief, in humbleexpectationthathewhohealstheneedyandthehelplesswithhismercy,willlookuponhim,andhealhim.

ThedaywhichistobespentinconverseandcommunionwithGod,inthepublicandprivateexercisesofdevotion,mustneedsbeprecioustothosewholoveJesus.ItistheLord'sday.Thehoursofitareallhisown,tobeemployed inhis immediate service.On thisdayweattenduponhim inhisordinances,wesinghispraise,wehearthewordsofeverlasting life,andwepayourvowstoGodinthepresenceofhispeople.Surely,adayinhis courts—is better than a thousand spent elsewhere; and we shouldratherchoosetobedoorkeepersinthehouseofGod—thantodwellinthetentsofwickedness.Hearwhathesaystousbyhisholyprophet."Ifyouturn away your foot from (profaning) the Sabbath, from doing yourpleasureonmyholyday;andshallcalltheSabbathaDELIGHT;theHolyof theLord,honorable;andshallhonorhim,notdoingyourownways,norfindingyourownpleasure,norspeakingyourownwords—thenshallyou delight yourself in the Lord; and Iwill cause you to ride upon thehigh places of the earth (to rise above this transitoryworld, and live aheavenlylife)andfeedyouwiththeheritageofJacobyourfather;forthemouthoftheLordhasspokenit."

The severalpartsofpublicworship tobeobservedonhisholyday, aresuited to work upon our senses, and, by that means, to awaken piousaffectionswithinus.InsingingthepraisesofGod,solemnlycallinguponhis name, and hearing the blessed gospel—we find a variety of holydesires, hopes and joys excited, and our spiritual interests greatly

promoted.

OnthisdaywesometimesapproachtotheLord'stable,andenjoythatpreciousordinancewhich iswiselyandgraciouslydesigned to revive inourminds the remembranceofhimwhogavehis life a ransom foroursouls. This institution is happily contrived to represent, in a lively andstrikingmanner, the love, the sufferings, and the death of our blessedRedeemer,togetherwiththebenefitswhichwederivefromthem.Whenweuniteinthissolemnity,allthespringsofpiousaffectionshouldbeletloose,whilewecontemplatethedyingagoniesofthePrinceofPeace.Weshouldfeelthesweetmeltingsofgodlysorrow,andthewarmestexertionsofgratitude,loveandjoy.

The Lord's day, and theworship of his house are precious, as they areemblematical of that happy state andworld,where congregations ne'erbreakup,andsabbathshavenoend.

ItisintheworshipandserviceofGod,thatweare,bydegrees,preparedfor theenjoymentsandemploymentsofheaven.Howgloriouswill thatchange be—when we are called from these earthly courts, to join thegeneralassemblyandchurchofthefirst-born!Hereweareattendedwithmuch frailty, infirmity and sin; we are sometimes so oppressed with aconsciousness of our own vileness, that we are ashamed to lift up ourfacestowardsheaven.Butthere,thepureinheartshallseeGodwithoutconfusion.Herewe abide not in his tabernacles—but go and come, asvisitants. There we will dwell as inhabitants forever. And if theordinancesofGod'shousearethejoyofourheartsinthisworld,ifadayinhis courtsbepreferable toa thousandspentelsewhere—whatwillbetheworshipandtheenjoymentsofheaven!

Section15.TheBENEFITSofChristareprecioustothosewhobelieve.

Toberaisedfromastateofdeathinsin—toadivineandspirituallife;tobe brought out of darkness—intomarvelous light; to be delivered fromguilt and condemnation; to be justified freely by the riches of grace,displayed in the redemptionwhich is by JesusChrist; tohavewelcome

access toGod; to be treated by him as his adopted children; and to bemadeheirs according to thehopeof eternal life—these are someof thebenefitswhichwereceivebyJesusChrist!Thesebenefitsresultfromhismediation,andhangclusteringonhiscross!Andas theyareof infinitevalue in themselves, theymustbeprecious to thosewhobelieve.WhiletheChristiancontemplatesthesefavors,heisoftenreadytosaywiththePsalmist, "What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towardsme!"

These are benefits which will extend their duration and happy effectsthrougheternity.Inthebestowmentofthem,theGodofallgraceraisesusfromthedustandthedunghill—tosetusamongprinces,evenamongtheprincesofhispeople.Theyareblessingsworthyofhimwhobestowsthem, and sufficient to exalt the riches of his abounding grace, to theadmiration of all the multitudes of heaven, and of redeemed men onearth.Thesearethethingsintowhichtheangelsdesiretolook.Theywillfurnish matter of admiration, joy, gratitude and delight—to theredeemed,foreverandever.

How they are affected with them, and how precious they are in theirestimationinthisworld,maybelearnedfromtheirownlanguage:"BlesstheLord,Omysoul,andforgetnotallhisbenefits.Letallthatiswithinme bless his holy name.Who forgives all your sins, and heals all yourdiseases.Whoredeemsyour life fromdestruction,andcrownsyouwithlovingkindnessandtendermercies.BlessedbetheGodandFatherofourLord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings inheavenlyplacesinChrist;accordingashehaschosenusinhimbeforethefoundationoftheworld,thatweshouldbeholyandwithoutblamebeforehiminlove.Behold,whatmanneroflovetheFatherhasbestowedonus—thatweshouldbecalledthesonsofGod!Itdoesnotyetappearwhatweshallbe;butweknowthat,whenheshallappear,weshallbelikehim;forweshallseehimasheis.

Inthedayofhisgloriousappearance,hewillreceiveuswithacclamationofjoyandtriumph,intohisownpalaceinthenewJerusalem,whereweshall have the bright vision of his face, and bemade partakers of suchexaltedfelicityasitcannotnowenterintoourheartstoconceive.TherearenobenefitslikethosewhichourdivineRedeemerbestows;thereare

none tobe comparedwith them!Howpreciousareyour thoughtsanddesignsofloveuntome,OGod,howgreatisthesumofthem!

Section 16. The CHASTISEMENTS of Christ are precious tothosewhobelieve.

Thebeliever's love toJesusChrist,notonly continuesunder therodofcorrection—butisquickenedandincreasedbyit.Thusitisdistinguishedfrom that pretended love,which exists only in times of prosperity. TheafflictedChristian isenabledtoconsider, thatwhomtheLord loves—hechastens,andscourgeseverysonwhomhereceives;andthatheafflictsusnotforhisownpleasure—butforourprofit—tomakeuspartakersofhisholiness.

TheLord can somanifest himself to his afflicted people, and causehisgoodness to pass before them in such a manner, that the season ofafflictionshallbetothemaseasonofgreatconsolation.Heistothem—afountainof life, of strength, of grace and comfort in the afflictivehour,andofhis fullness theyreceive,as theirnecessitiesrequire.Themenoftheworldare totally ignorantof theseDivinesupports.Astheyhavenoguide in the time of prosperity—but are carried along with the streamtowardsthegulfofperdition;andinadversitytheyhavenoresource—butmust feel all the bitterness of affliction,without findingDivine supportunderit,orderivingspiritualadvantagefromit.

The Lord Jesus Christ is a sun to enlighten and cheer his afflictedfollowers, and a shield to defend them. He is a hiding-place from thestorm,acovertfromthetempest,andastheshadowofagreatrockinawearyland.

All the afflictions of God's people are designed, under his graciousmanagement—totest,tomakemanifest,andtoexercisethosegracesandvirtueswhichhehasimplantedinthem.Thoughafflictionsinthemselvesarenotjoyousbutgrievous,neverthelesstheyyieldthepeaceablefruitsofrighteousness in those who are exercised thereby. Afflictions serve toquickenthespiritofdevotioninus;andtorouseusfromthatformalityand indifference which frequently attend a long course of ease and

prosperity. We are constrained to seek God with sincerity and fervor,when his chastening hand is upon us, since we then feel our absoluteneedofthathelpanddeliverancewhichhealonecangiveus.

When the loss of a temporal enjoyment casts us into excessivedespondencyanddejection—itisevidentthatwhatwehavelostwastheobjectofourinordinatelove.Themostinnocentattachmentsceasetobeinnocent,whentheypresstoostronglyuponus.Tocleavetoanycreatedobject,andtolookforhappinessfromit—istomakeanidolofit—andsetitupinGod'sthrone.Shouldthisobjectbeafriend,abrother,awife,orachild—theidolatryisstillodiousintheeyesofthatGod,towhomweoweourchiefaffection.Ourwarmestpassions,ourmostferventlove,desires,hopes, and confidences—should always have God for their object. Theperfect felicity of the saints, in the life to come, will consist in theenjoyment of God! and it is his pleasure that their present happinessshould not center in any of the good things of this life. Losses anddisappointments, are the trials of our faith, our patience, and ourobedience.Whenweareinthemidstofprosperity,itisdifficulttoknowwhether it is a love for theBenefactor, or only for the benefitswhichattachesus to religion. It is in themidstofadversity—that ourpiety isputtothetrial.Afflictionisthegodlyman'sshiningmoment.

Afflictionsservemosteffectually—toconvinceusofthevanityofallthatthisworldcanafford;toremindusthatthisisnotourrest;andtostirupourdesiresandhopesrespectingoureverlastinghome.Theyproduceinusaspiritofsympathytowardsourcompanionsintribulation.Theygiveoccasion for the exercise of patience, meekness, submission, andresignation.Were it not for thewholesome and necessarydiscipline ofaffliction—these excellent virtues would lie dormant. They serve toconvinceusmoredeeplyofourownweaknessand insufficiency,andtoendear the person, the grace, the promises, and the salvation of ourRedeemer,moreandmore toourhearts.Thusweare taught toesteemhisverychastisementsasprecious,onaccountof thebenefitswederivefromthem;evenasMosesesteemedthereproachofChristgreaterrichesthan the treasures of Egypt; and the apostles rejoiced that they werecountedworthytosuffershameforthenameofJesus."Wealsorejoiceinour afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance,

endurance produces proven character, and proven character produceshope."Romans5:3-4

Aneminentwritersays,'LovetoGodisnotonlycontinuedinaChristian,undertherodofcorrection—butitisinflamed,orincreased;contrarytothat false love which exists only in prosperity, and is quite extinctinadversity.Forfalseloveinreligionflowsonlyfromtemporalinterest,and is dependent on sinful self-love. But true love to God regards hisglory and our salvation—two things which can never be separated;becauseGodhasunitedthemso,thattheyconstitutetheveryessenceofreligion.Whenever, then, itpleasesGod to chastiseus—these twogreatinterests,hisgloryandoursalvation,presentthemselvesbeforeoureyes.Andwhether we consider chastisements as the fruits of our own sins,which have offended God; or as paternal strokes, to establish us inholiness,theyalwaysservetopromoteourlovetoGod.Addtothese,that,whenabelieverseeshisGodfrown—hecannotbut fear, insomesense,that hiswrathwill go farther.Hence these expressions of thePsalmist,"Forsakemenot,OLord;OmyGod,benot far fromme!"Whenhe isapprehensivethatGodwillforsakehim,hestretchesforththearmsofhislovetowardshim,heweepsonhisbosom,hefollowstheexampleofthetwodiscipleswithrespecttotheirDivineMaster—theyconstrainedhim,saying,Abidewithus!'

Afflictions arenot topunish—but topurify thebelieving soul. They arenotinwrath—butinmercy.Amidstthedistressesandmiseriesoflife,itisafelicitytobelongtoChrist,withoutwhosepermissionorappointment,noevilcanbefallus!Heonlypermitsafflictionsforourgood,andknowsbyexperience,whatitistosufferthem.Hiskindhandwillspeedilyputaend to all the pains we feel—when we have derived from them all thegoodwhichheintendstodoforus,bythem.

An ungodlyman, in affliction, is like a ship at sea in a storm—withoutpilot,withoutanchor,withoutcable,chart,orcompass,oreventhemostdistantviewof thehavenof restandsafety. It is farotherwisewith theafflictedbeliever.Thestormywindsandragingwavesoftheocean,inalltheir fury, beat upon his little bark, and he sometimes cries, "All yourwavesandyourbillowsaregoneoverme;mystrengthandmyhopefromtheLordhaveperished!"Butinthisdistressheisstillsupported,whenhe

is enabled to reflect, that hisGod andFather sits upon the floods, andrulestheragingofthesea;thatallthewavesthereofareathisdirection,and though they seem to threaten his ruin, they shall answer thepurposes of his final safety, by bringing him nearer and nearer to thehavenwherehewouldbe.Hehasmuchsatisfactionfromareviewofhischartandcompass;heperceives thathe is ina rightcourse, though forthepresent—theseaisroughandstormy.Hisanchorisgood,hispilotisable and skillful; he confides in him who sits at the helm, with thegreatestsecurity,and,atsomeseasons,thewished-forportofpeaceandrestappears inview.He thenrejoices inprospectof the triumphwhichwillattendhissafearrival,whenheshallrideintotheharbor,amidsttheacclamationsofthosewhoarewaitingtoreceivehim—topartakeoftheirunmingledjoy,andliveineternalrepose!

Howmany, how suitable, how sovereign are the supports our heavenlyFatheraffordstohisafflictedchildren!Theymaketheaffliction,whichinitself would seem heavy and tedious, appear to be light, and but foramoment. It is happier to be in the furnace of affliction with thesesupports—thantobeinthehighestprosperitywithoutthem.BlessedwiththehopesandcomfortsofChrist,thetrueChristianwouldpreferthelotofLazarus,withallthepovertyanddistresswhichheendured—tothatoftherichman,who,amidstallthesplendorandaffluencewhichthisworldcould afford, lived a life of alienation from God, and destitute of thesovereignsupportswhichcanbeonlyenjoyed,bythosewholoveandfearhim.

Section 17. TheEXAMPLEofChrist is precious, to thosewhobelieve.

Among all the advocates formoralitywhich ancient or modern timeshave furnished, we cannot find one complete pattern ofpurity. But inJesuswehaveaperfectexample;anexamplewhichhastheforceofalaw,andcontainsthestrongestinducementtoholiness.Wesee,inourDivineLeader, the several precepts of God's Word drawn out in livingcharacters.Webeholdthemreducedtopractice,andrepresentedtothelife,inthewholeofhisconducttowardsGodandman.Weseeoneinournature, amidst all the assaults of temptation, amidst all

theoppositionwhichmalignity could invent, andall theallurementsofthisguiltyworld,behavinginamannerexactlyagreeabletothedictatesof theDivine law,and leavingusanexample, thatweshould followhissteps. And surely it must be delightful, not only to contemplate hischaracter—but, to the utmost of our power, to imitate themost perfectpatternwhicheverwasexhibited. Itmustbedesirable,byconstantandstrenuousexertions,according toourmeasure, toendeavor to trace thestepsofhislovelyfeet."Hewhosaysheabidesinhim,oughthimselfalsotowalkevenashewalked."

It is impossible tocontemplate thecharacterofJesus,withseriousanddevout attention—and not be charmed with it. We see in him all thehuman passions in the highest perfection. His joys were grave,hisgriefswerejust;hisgentlenessandhisseverity,hisholinessandhishumanity,wereinperfectharmonywitheachother.Hemanifestedgreattenderness,andgenuineaffection,andsensibilitytohumanwoe—onalloccasions.

As he did no sin—so, on the other hand, every shining virtue wasexemplified in him to highest degree. His lowliness andmeekness; hiscontemptof theworld;hisheavenly temper;his love to theFather,andzeal for his honor; his activity and diligence in doing good; hissubmission to the Father's will; his patience amidst the heaviest andseverestsufferings;hisconstancyintheexercisesofretireddevotion;andhisprayingforhisenemieswhospilthisblood—canneverbesufficientlyadmired.

ThecommandofChristisourrule—buthislifeisthecopywhichhehassetus.Ifyouwouldwalkholily,youmustnotonlyendeavortodowhatChristcommands—butlabortodotheworkashedidit.Letthevariousactionsofyour livesbeperformed inaholy imitationofhim.ThusyouwillrepresentChristonearth,andholdhimforthtoallthatseeyou.

SetChristinhisholyexamplebeforeyou,asthepainterwouldthepersonwhosepictureheintendstodraw.Thisisapleasantandefficaciouswayofmaintainingthepowerofholiness.

When you are tempted to any vanity, set the blessed Redeemer before

you,considerhisexample,andaskyourself,"HowwouldJesus—myLordandMasterhaveactedinsuchacase?Wouldhehavespenthistimeuponsuch trifles?Wouldhehave spokensuch and such; ordone this or theotherthing,whichIamsolicitedtodo?AndshallIgivewaytothatwhichwouldbeamanifestdeviationfromhisexample?Godforbid!"

Letmeimitatehisexampleandgoodness,nowheisseatedonhisthroneofglory.Hashepardonedmysins?Letmelearntoforgivemyoffendingfellow-creatures. Has he had patience with me, and borne with mymanners from year to year? Letme strive to exercisepatience towardsungrateful men. Does he scatter his favors abroad and communicatefelicitytohiscreatures?Letmeimitatehiminbeingreadytodistribute.Is he continually mindful of me—are his cares for my welfare andsalvationincessant?Letmebeconcernedforthepresentandeverlastingwell-beingofothers,whoareunitedtomebythetiesofnature,ofsociety,andofreligion.

Markhisunweariedactivitythroughthewholeofhis life inthisworld.Hewho laid the foundations of the earth, and by his excellentwisdommade theheavens,whoshakes the systemhehasmade,and thepillarsthereof tremble; who seals up the stars, and speaks to the sun, and itshinesnot!Hehas fixed amarkof honorupon industryand diligence,being employed in the humble occupation of a carpenter, before heentered on his public ministry. The Jews said of him, "Is not this thecarpenter?"

OChristians,fixyoureyesintenselyonthegreatexemplar!Thusyouwill,through Divine grace, daily grow in love withmeekness, patience, andlowlinessofheart.Canyougrowangryandimpatientattrifles,whenyouview the Son of God enduring such vile treatment against himself,withouttheleastcomplaint?Canyourepineunderanyaffliction,thougheversosevere,whenyouconsider,howitpleasedtheFathertobruisetheSonofhis love,whilehe,withdivine submission said, "OmyFather, ifthiscupmaynotpassfromme,exceptIdrinkit—mayyourwillbedone!"

The more I contemplate His lovely character, while He sojourned onearth--themore I am delighted with it. To have the samemind inmewhich was in Christ Jesus, and to tread in His steps--should be my

constant aim. Those who are received by Him to the possession ofeverlasting felicity in heaven—have humbly traced His footsteps uponearth. Of them it is said, "These are the ones who follow the Lambwherever He goes!" They are forevermore led by Him, even in thecelestialworld--totheenjoymentofever-newdelightsandpleasures!

"Blessed Savior,may your holy example be ever beforemy eyes, in itsmost illustriousand transforming light!O thatall thedevoutaffectionswhichreignedinyourheartwhenyousojournedwithmenuponearth—mightalso,insomemeasure,reigninmyheart.OthatIcouldcopyoutthe wonders of your zeal for the honor of your Father, and ofyourloveandcompassionforthesinfulandmiserablesonsofmen.Yourholyaffectionswereengaged ineveryactofworship,withdivine ardorand fervency. I amashamed to thinkof the coldness, thedullness, andthe formality of my prayers and praises. O let the sacred fire of truedevotion be kindled in my bosom. Melt down my hard and unfeelingheart,andmoldmyspiritafteryourlikeness.Inflamemywholesoulwithlovetoyou—asahappypreparativefortheenjoymentofyourpresenceinglory!"

Chapter 5. Practical Improvement of theSubject.

1.Whathasbeensaidonthissubjectmayservetoconvinceus—that the evangelical system is a righteous and an equitableone.Ithasbeenobjectedagainstit,thatwhilefaithinJesusChristissomuch insisted on as a point of distinction between the godly and thewicked,andthegrandcriterionbywhichthestatesofmenwillbefinallydetermined; thatwedenigrate theholiness and justiceofGod—as if hepaidnoregardtotheirmoralcharacters.

Itwill be found at last, that the real cause ofmen's rejection of gospeltruth,is,arootedaversiontothatpurityofheartandconductwhichthegospel requires. "This is the condemnation, that light is come into the

world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deedswereevil.Foreveryonethatdoesevilhatesthelight,lesthisdeedsshouldbereproved."Thisisaplainaccountwhysomanycontinueinunbelief—an account which cannot be controverted. Sinners are obstinatelyattachedtowickedhabits;theystumbleattheWord,beingdisobedient;this is the grand reason assigned for their infidelity.On this ground, ifthey are not happily brought to repentance, the sentence ofcondemnationwillbepronouncedagainstthematlast;andtheequityofitwillbeacknowledgedbyangels,andthewholeassembledworld.

On theotherhand,while the trueChristian is justified freelybyDivinegrace, he is, at the same time, renewed in the spirit of his mind. Inconsequenceofthis,atotalchangeofconducttakesplace;oldthingspassaway, behold, all things become new. To him who believes, Jesus isprecious; this is evidently proved by the whole of his behavior, bothtowardsGod andman.And at the last day, though hewill be far fromoffering any claim of merit—yet his works will be taken notice of, asthe fruitsof his faith, and as evidencesof the sincerity of his love.Hisholy practicewill then be a public and undeniable testimony, thatGodhas saved him in a way perfectly consistent with that love ofrighteousness,whichisessentialtohisnature.

2. We hence see how necessary it is, that men should bethoroughlyconvincedoftheirabsoluteneedofsuchaSaviorasJesus is. He is precious to none but those who know that they areabsolutelyundonewithouthim.Toyouwhobelieve,he isprecious;butnomanbelieves inhimwithoutasenseofneed.Sufficientproofof thishasalreadybeenoffered.

Sinner,youhaveviolatedtheholy, just,andrighteouslawofGod—yourMaker and Sovereign. That law condemns you for ten thousandtransgressions committed against it. Look into the records of your ownconscience. Consider what you have done from your infancy to thepresentmoment.RememberthatyoursinsexposeyoutothewrathoftheAlmighty, and render you deserving of everlasting punishment: for thewages of sin is death. You are every moment in danger of eternaldestruction. Your condition is miserable. God is strictly just; and toimpenitent sinners, he is a consuming fire. In yourself, you are utterly

helpless.Nothingyoucandowillbeofanyavailforyourrelief.Bedeeplysensibleofyourundonecondition,yourabsolutemisery—andknowthatthere is no help, no salvation for you—but in Christ. Without thisconviction, youwill remain in a state of indifference towards him. Youwillneverflytohimforrefuge,astheonlyhopesetbeforeyou;youwillneversincerelybelieveinhim,norlovehim.Youwillneverputapropervalueonhisatoningsacrifice,asthatwhichalonedeliversfromthewrathtocome,procurespardon,peacewithGod,andeverlastingsalvation.

Considerthesethingswithallseriousness,andwithoutamoment'sdelay.Life and death are set before you—life, if you sincerely believe in theSavior; death, if you disregard him. Consider the case of amalefactor,condemned to die for the violation of the laws of his country. Thesentenceispasseduponhim,andthedayapproachesfortheexecutionofit.Hisstateisdreadful,hisdangerisgreat—butnottobecomparedwithyours.Othatyoumaybedeeplyandabidinglyconvincedofyourperiloussituation!Onthisconvictionyoursafetydepends!

3. It will appear, from what has been advanced, thatthe number of those to whom Christ is precious—is butsmall.Thegrosslyignoranthavenoregardforhim,becausetheyknownothisworth.Thosewhoarenotoriouslyerroneousdonotlovehim;forthosewhodonotbelieveandreceivethetruthofChrist,donotlovehim."If anyman lovesme, hewill keepmywords;" by hiswordswe are tounderstand the doctrines which he taught, as well as his precepts andcommands. The openly wicked and profane can surely pretend to noregard for Christ. They are justly characterized as haters of God. "Hiscitizenshatedhim,andsaid—Wewillnothavethismantoreignoverus."Allthosewhopersecutethegodlyareconfessedlyexcluded;forhowcanthey love the Head—who persecute the members of the body? Tothe covetousandworldly-minded,Christ is not precious; for they lovetheworld,and"ifanymanlovestheworld—theloveoftheFatherisnotinhim."Thosewhoareunderthedominionofsindonotsincerely loveJesus;forthedominionofsinconsistsprincipallyintheloveofit,and,byconsequence,inawillingsubjectiontoit.Therefore,theprevailingloveofsinisinconsistentwiththeloveofChrist.Allmereformalprofessorsofreligion,andallself-righteouspeoplestandexcludedinthisinquiry.They

haveconfidenceintheflesh,andthereforerejectthesurefoundationlaidinZion.

When all these different classes ofmankind are set aside—the numberleftwillbebutsmall.Multitudesareeithergrossly ignorant,enemiestothe truth, openlyprofane,persecutorsof the godly, loversof theworld,under the dominion of sin, or such as make an empty profession ofreligion,andgoabouttoestablishtheirownrighteousness.Hence,thosetowhomChristisprecious,arebutfew."Enterthroughthenarrowgate.Forwideisthegateandbroadistheroadthatleadstodestruction,andmany enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road thatleadstolife,andonlyafewfindit."

4. Let everyman beware of concluding himself a believer inChrist, upon slight and insufficient grounds. The primitivesocieties of God's people, in all probability, had fewermerenominalChristiansamongthem,thanthechurchesofJesusChristgenerallyhaveatthepresentday.Therewerenotmany,who,fromtheirinfancy,weretrainedupinthewaysofreligionandgodliness.Sothatthedangerofdeception is, insomerespectsgreaternow, than itwas inthedaysoftheapostles;sinceitisthecommoncustomamongus,tomakeasortofexternalprofessionofChristianity.

Butletusremember,thatthetruebelieverembracesthetruthsofGodinhis understanding, and acquiesces in them with his whole heart; hismeditation is fixed on the attributes of God, and the loveliness, worth,andexcellencyofhisSonJesusChrist;hesetstheLordbeforehim,andsteadilyaimsataconformitytohiswill,tohisimage,andtohisexample;andheexperiencesthepowerfulefficacyofthedivineWord—toestablishhiminvirtueandholiness.IcannotbeatruediscipleofJesus,unlessheteachesmebyhisgrace,renewsmebyhisSpirit,washesmebyhisblood,and formsmy heart to obey his commands, and imitate hismeekness,humility,zealandlove.Imustsubmittohisauthoritywithouthesitation,andbereadytoreducetopractice,theknowledgeIhaveofhistruthsandways. True faith transforms thewholeman. It delivers the sinner fromthetyrannyofhispassions—andpurifiesboththeheartandlife.

5. As it is life eternal to know Jesus Christ—so it is death

eternal to be ignorant of him. The knowledge of him is not onlynecessary to all the graces, to all the duties, and to all the comforts ofChristianity—but it is necessary to the very existence of Christianity.Those who know not Jesus Christ—know not the way of peace—and iftheydieinthatstate,theirendwillbeeternallymiserable.

If you have not that knowledge of Jesus Christ which is attendedwithsincere love to him—you lie under the most dreadful sentence ofcondemnation. "If anyman lovesnot theLordJesusChrist—lethimbeanathema,maranatha;"that is, lethimbeaccursedwhentheLordshallcome.Willhe, athis coming, annul thisdreadfuldenunciation?No!hewilldescendfromheaven,inflamingfire,totakevengeanceonthosewhodon'tknowGod,andwhodon'tobeythegospelofourLordJesusChrist.Consider this, O you who have no sincere regard for the preciousRedeemer.Wherewillyouhideyourguilty,yourdefenselesshead,whenhe appears? Itwill, by and bye, be said, "The great day of hiswrath iscome—andwhoshallbeabletostand!"

6.Consider,mydearfellow-sinner,thatasJesusChrist istheFormer of all things, you were made by him, and thereforeyououghtto lovehim.Hehas endowed youwith a rational and animmortalsoul,asoulcapableofknowingandoflovinghim—andwillyouwithhold that love fromhimwhich he so justly demands?Perhaps youare a professor of religion—yet if Christ is not precious to you, yourprofessionisunprofitable.InthatdivinebookcalledtheBible,youhavethe history of his life, his sufferings, and his death; you have a cleardisplay of his dignify, his glory, his power to save, and his infinite andunboundedlovetosinners.Canyoureadallthis—andnotlovehim?

Canyou love those inferiorobjects, inwhich thereare slightdegreesofexcellence—andcanyounot loveJesusChrist,who is altogether lovely,and the sum of all excellence and perfection?Do you respect those onwhomGodhasconferredsomemeasureofhonor,authorityandpower—anddoyounotloveJesusChrist,whoistheLordofGlory,andtowhomall power and authority in both heaven and earth are given? Do yourespectafellow-creaturepossessedofwisdomandlearning—anddoyounotloveJesusChrist,inwhomarehiddenallthetreasuresofwisdomandknowledge?Doyouesteemamanwhoisliberal,generous,orbountiful—

andhaveyounoloveforhim,whogivesusallthingsrichlytoenjoy,andwhobygivinghis lifearansomforoursouls,hasbecometheAuthorofeternal salvation, with all its glorious blessings and privileges? Youprofess to have a sincere value for your friends, who have shown youmany acts of kindness—and will you not love the Friend of sinners?Rememberhiswords;"Greaterlovehasnomanthanthis,thatamanlaydown his life for his friends." He alone can rescue you from eternaldestruction;healonecanbestowuponyoupardon,righteousness,peaceandeverlastingfelicity.Shallsuchafriendhavenoplaceinyourheart?

Doyouloveliberty?andcanyoubeindifferenttowardshim,whoseofficeis to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison tothosewhoarebound?Thereisnodeliverancefromthecondemnationofthe hand of justice, the tyranny of Satan, the dominion of sin, and thepower of death and the grave—but by him. Do you love peace andpleasure; and can you disregard the Prince of peace, who reconcilessinners to God, by the blood of his cross, and gives true peace ofconscience,togetherwithjoyunspeakableandfullofglory?

ThereiseverythinginChristtoencouragepoorsinnerstoapplytohim,tolookforsalvationinhisname,andtoinspiretheirheartswithlovetohisperson.Therearemotivesandargumentsofeverykindtoexciteyouto choose him for your Savior, your friend, and your portion. You areguilty—hisblood cleanses fromall sin.Youaremiserable—he is rich inmercy.Youarehelpless—heismightytosave.Youareimpoverished—hisriches are unsearchable. His treasures of grace are inexhaustible.Approach unto him, be not afraid of a disappointment; he has assuredyouhewillinnowisecastyouout.

There is an inexhaustible fullness in Him, answerable to all yournecessities,betheyeversomany,oreversogreat.Heistheever-flowing,the over-flowing fountain of livingwaters.He is able to do exceedinglyabundantlyaboveallthatwecanaskorthink.IthaspleasedtheFather,thatinHimallfullnessshoulddwell.Indeed,wehaveallreceivedgraceaftergracefromHisfullness.Hiskindnessandmercyareunbounded.Ifthekindnessofmenhasatendencytowinyourhearts--howmuchmoreshould the infinite love of Jesus constrain you to love Him?He is theonly-begottenSon,themostdearly-belovedoftheFather.Heisworthyof

theFather'slove,whosaysofhim,"ThisismybelovedSon,inwhomIamwell pleased." Surely then, it is reasonable, it is highly proper that heshouldbetheobjectofyourlove.

7. Let those who regard the comfort, the peace and theprosperityoftheirownsouls,applythemselvestothestudyofJesusChrist,anddailyaspireaftermoreknowledgeofhim.Allthat is excellent, all that is desirable, all that is comforting isconcentrated in him. He is fairer than the children of men, the chiefamong ten thousands, and altogether lovely! O how unspeakably, howinfinitely precious! It is eternal life to know him. No knowledge soenlivening,socheering,socomforting—astheknowledgeofChrist. It isevernew,everfreshinexcellency,tothosewhoaspireafterit.

If we desire to be conformed to his blessed image, we should labor tohave our thoughts asmuch as possible, employed in contemplating hisexcellency;thatwemaybeabletocomprehendwithallsaints,whatisthelength and breadth, the depth and height of the love of Christ, whichpasses knowledge. This is the way to increase in holiness and inhappiness;or, touse themoreemphatic languageof theapostle, to "befilledwithallthefullnessofGod."For"whilewewithopenfacebehold,asinalooking-glass,thegloryoftheLord,wearechangedintothesameimagefromglorytoglory,evenasbytheSpiritoftheLord."

ItisnotprobablethatJesusChristshouldbeveryprecioustothosewhoare not acquainted with the glorious perfections of his person, histranscendent worth, and surpassing excellency. Love is founded inknowledge.Whenwehavesuitablediscoveriesofhisglory,ourwillsareinclinedanddetermined tomake choiceofhim, asourSavior, andourall-sufficient portion. Love to Jesus ismaintained and continued in itswarmthandfervor—byfrequentmeditationonHisadorableperson,Hisdyinglove,andHisinfiniteexcellenceandpreciousness.Ifwelosesightof His ineffable glories—our attachment to Him, as the spring of ourhappiness--willbeweakened,andthefervencyofourloveforHimwillbeabated.

Nomotionsof the soul are so sweet anddelightful—as thosewhicharedirected to the Fountain of happiness. The outgoings of the heart after

Christ are pleasant, especially when he is pleased to manifest himselfunto us, as he does not to the world. There is a mixture of heavenlycomfortinthelovewefeeltosoworthyanobject;"Thoughyouhavenotseenhim,you lovehim;andeven thoughyoudonot seehimnow,youbelieveinhimandarefilledwithaninexpressibleandgloriousjoy!"

8. If Jesus Christ is so superlatively precious in himself, wehavereasontobeashamedthatwelovehimnomore.Alas!howlanguidareouraffectionstowardshimwhoisaltogetherlovely,andhoweasilyareourheartscaptivatedwithvanityandtrifles!This ismatterofhumiliation,grief,andsorrow.ItisremarkedinthelifeofJohnMollius,an eminent disciple of Jesus, that hewas sometimes observed to be inheaviness,andtoweepbitterly;whenhisfriendsinquiredintothecauseofhistrouble,hisusualanswerwas,'O!itgrievesme,thatIcannotbringthisheartofminetoloveJesusChristmorefervently.'

Isnotour love to theRedeemer very small, in comparisonwith that towhich some of his followers have attained? Have not thousands ofmartyrsjoyfullyenduredthemostcruelpainsandtortures—forthelovewhichtheyboretohim?Owhatblessedlivesdidtheprimitivedisciplesof Christ live! What divine satisfaction, what heavenly splendor, whatconvincingpowerattendedtheirpractice,whiletheirwholesouls,withalltheir affections, were devoted to their Redeemer, and engaged in theaffairsofhiskingdom!Theylivedonearth—astheheirsofheavenoughttodo.

MaywenotjustlybeashamedthatwehavethispreciousSaviorsolittlein our thoughts? Forgetful of him, our thoughts range abroad on athousandsubjectstolittleprofit,nay,oftentoourhurt!Ifweexamineourthoughts for one day, how few of them have been employed upon himwho should be our highest love, and nearest to our hearts! Is not thismatteroflamentation?Isitnotasadindicationoftheindifferenceofourmindstowardshim?Awarmandfervent lovewouldbringhimoftentoourremembrance.WeshouldsaywiththePsalmist,"Inthemultitudeofmythoughtswithinme,yourcomfortsdelightmysoul."Or,ashesaysinanotherplace,"Mymeditationofhimshallbesweet;IwillbegladintheLord."CantheyrejoiceintheLordalways—whoveryrarelythinkofhim?"Whereyourtreasureis,therewillyourheartsbealso."Everymanthinks

muchonthatwhichishighestinhisesteem,anddearesttohisaffections.Thisisafact,thetruthofwhich,cannotbecalledinquestion.ButifwejudgeofourregardforChristbythisrule,whatreasonhavewefordeephumiliationbeforehim!Whatslenderproofdowegivethatheisprecioustous!Howlow,howfaintandfeebleisourloveforhim!

Thoughtbeingtheimmediateattendantoflove,whereloveisstrongandfervent—it powerfully engages the mind to habitual musing on thebelovedobject.AndthereforewhenthePsalmistsays,"OhowloveIyourlaw,"headds,"itismymeditationalltheday."

IsitpossiblethatweshouldspendanydayofourliveswithoutthinkingonwhatJesusChristhasdoneforus?Hisastonishinglove,inbecomingincarnate, sojourning more than thirty years in this wretched andmiserable world, as a man of sorrows, for our sakes; his fulfilling allrighteousness for us; his enduring the contradiction of sinners againsthimself; and his laying down his life in our stead—are subjects ofcontemplationuponwhichourmindsshouldperpetuallyrevolve.

Weshouldthinkonwhatheisnowdoingforusinheaven;forheisgonethere to prepare a place for our accommodation, and he ever lives tomakeintercessionforus.Hetellsushewillneverforgetus—andshallweperpetuallyforgethim?Hearwhathesays,"Canamotherforgetthebabyatherbreastandhavenocompassiononthechildshehasborne?Thoughshemay forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on thepalmsofmyhands!"

ItisaproofthatourlovetotheRedeemerisbutsmall,whenourtonguesarerarelyemployed inspeakingofhim.Weallknow, that the subjectwhichliesnearestourhearts,willfrequentlyslideuponourtongues,andemploy our discourse. The man of pleasure talks much of his carnaldelights;andthemanofbusiness,oftheaffairsofcommerce."Hewhoisoftheearth,speaksoftheearth;foroutoftheabundanceoftheheartthemouthspeaks."Themanofnewstalksperpetuallyaboutthatinwhichhemost delights. And havewe nothing to say about himwho rescues oursouls from everlasting destruction, and gives us a lively hope of fullfelicityinheaven!

Havewenotreasontobeashamedofournegligence,astotheprivateexercisesofdevotion?Howlittletimedowespendinthoseexercises,andhowlittlepleasuredoweoftentakeinthem!Alas!Ifearourclosetsbear witness against us, concerning the deficiency of our love to JesusChrist.Didwe lovehimwith a fervent affection—wewould often retirefromtheworld,thatwemightconversewithhim,andpouroutourheartsbeforehim.Aslightperformanceof thedutiesof thecloset, isacertainindication that our love to the Redeemer is but small. Conscience!discharge your office; testify against the negligent reader—how greatlydeficientheisinhislove,inthisoneinstance.TellhimofthegreatnessoftheSavior'slove,whathehasdone,whathehassufferedonhisaccount—andwhat poor returns of affection aremade to him. Tell the negligentprofessor how inattentive he is to the Redeemer's example in thisparticular. Tell him what poor, what lifeless, what slight devotions hepays to that lovingSavior,whohaspromisedsuchgreat things to thosewhoseekhimwiththeirwholehearts!

Havewenotreasontobeashamed, thatwearesoproneto faint inthedayofadversity,andtoshrinkbackwhenwearecalledupontotakeupourcrossinfollowingChrist?Hadweferventlovetohim,wewould,withcourageandfortitude,enduregreatafflictionsandtrials,whichlieinourwaytotheeverlastingenjoymentofhim.Ithasinducedmanytogloryintribulation,torejoicethattheywerecountedworthytosuffershameforthenameofJesus,totakejoyfullytheconfiscationoftheirgoods,andtoesteemthereproachofChristgreaterrichesthanallthetreasureswhichthisworld canafford.Under the influenceof this—adungeonhasbeenaccountedaparadise;aprisonapalace;anddeaththegateoflife!Somehave embraced the stake towhich theywere bound, andwelcomed theflames by which were to be consumed to ashes. If we therefore faintin our day of adversity, which scarcely deserves to be mentioned, incomparisonwithwhatmanyhave endured—it is an indication that ourstrengthissmall.

9. Let your knowledge, your faith, and your love—influenceyour practice. Show to the world around you, that Jesus is indeedprecious to you, in a constant endeavor to glorify him, by a life ofmeekness and holiness, a life unspotted and divine.Nothing convinces

like facts.Let thepowerfuloperationof theRedeemer's loveuponyourhearts, be seen in all your interaction with others; and upon everyoccasion,letitbemademanifest,thatyouneitherhavebelievednorruninvain.Thepure faithof aChristian, illustratedbyworksof grace andrighteousness, supported under innumerable difficulties andtemptations,andcarriedontoadeathoftriumphandjoy—isaproofofthetruthandrealityofthereligionofJesus,whichmosteffectuallyputstosilencetheignoranceoffoolishmen.

Christ has in some sense, entrusted his honor to his followers. Theyprofesstobehisfriends,andhisadvocatesonearth.Hencetheyshouldbe particularly cautious and watchful, lest his worthy name beblasphemedthroughtheirmisconduct.Youwillbestvindicatehishonor,andsetforthhispreciousness—byaholy,humble,andheavenlylife.Seethatyouwalkworthyofhim,untoallwell-pleasing.Thusyouwilladornthe doctrine of God your Savior in all things, and make manifest thevirtuesofhimwhohascalledyoutohiseternalkingdomandglory.Letthosewhohave their eyesuponyou, see thatChrist isprecious to yoursoul—byyourzeal forhishonor,youractivity inpromotinghis interest,your readiness to deny yourselves on all occasions for his sake, yoursteadyadherencetohiminallconditions,andyourconstancyintheuseof all those means wherein you may expect to enjoy communion withhim.

10.ThosetowhomJesusisprecioushaveahappylot,whatevertheir circumstancesmay be, as to the present life.God, in hisProvidence,hasputavastvarietyintotheconditionsofmen.Somearerich,andsomearepoor—whileothersenjoyadesirablemediumbetweenthetwoextremes.Someareplacedinthemosteminentstations;otherslive inobscurity,andare, comparatively,of littleuse tosociety. It isnodishonorforthefollowersofChristtobepoorinthisworld.TheirDivineMaster had nowhere to lay his head. But a sincere attachment to theRedeemer, ennobles and dignifies the soul. None in this world are sogreat,andsohonorable,asthosewholovehim.Theycleavetohimwhoisinfinitelyworthyof theirwarmestaffection,andwhocanandwillmakethemcompletelyhappy!"DelightyourselfintheLord—andheshallgiveyouthedesireofyourheart."Otherscleavetoobjectswhichareunworthy

oftheardoursofanimmortalsoul.Theydebasethemselves,andwillonedaybeashamedof theirpursuits.Butneither thehope,nor the loveoftrueChristians,shallevermake themashamed.Amidstpoverty,amidstafflictions, troublesandoutwarddistresses—theyhavearefugeathand,sufficienttosupportthem,todefendthem,andtoaffordthemeverlastingconsolation!

TheynowdelighttocontemplatetheRedeemer'sexcellency,andtheywillconfesshereafter,whentheyseehimfacetoface,andarepartakersofhisglory—that, while on earth, they knew nothing comparatively of hispreciousnessandworth.Theywillthenalluniteinthateverlastingsong,"Salvation toOURGOD,who sits upon the throne, and to THELAMBforeverandever!"Amen.

MONERGISMBOOKS

ChristPrecioustoThoseWhoBelievebyJohnFawcett,Copyright©2019

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