OfCommunionwithGodByJohnOwen

Modernized,formatted,andannotatedWilliamH.Grosswww.onthewing.org

©May2003

Lastupdated4/20/2012

Contents

EDITOR’SPREFACE

PART1.COMMUNIONWITHTHEFATHER

CHAPTER1.THESAINTSHAVECOMMUNIONWITHGOD–CHAPTER2.THESAINTSHAVEDISTINCTCOMMUNIONWITHTHEFATHER,SON,ANDSPIRITCHAPTER3.THEDISTINCTCOMMUNIONWHICHTHESAINTSHAVEWITHTHEFATHER–CHAPTER4.INFERENCESCONCERNINGCOMMUNIONWITHTHEFATHERINLOVE.

PART2.COMMUNIONWITHTHESONJESUSCHRIST

CHAPTER1.THEFELLOWSHIPWHICHTHESAINTSHAVEWITHTHESONOFGOD–CHAPTER2.WHATWEHAVEINUNIQUEFELLOWSHIPWITHTHELORDCHRIST–CHAPTER3.PERSONALGRACEINCOMMUNIONWITHTHELORDCHRIST–CHAPTER4.CONSEQUENTIALAFFECTIONSFROMCOMMUNIONWITHCHRISTCHAPTER5.OTHERCONSEQUENTIALAFFECTIONSCHAPTER6.COMMUNIONWITHCHRISTINPURCHASEDGRACE–CHAPTER7.THENATUREOFPURCHASEDGRACECHAPTER8.ACCEPTANCEBYGODTHROUGHCOMMUNIONWITHCHRIST–CHAPTER9.COMMUNIONWITHCHRISTINHOLINESS–CHAPTER10.COMMUNIONWITHCHRISTINPRIVILEGES–

PART3.COMMUNIONWITHTHEHOLYSPIRIT.

CHAPTER1.THEFOUNDATIONOFOURCOMMUNIONWITHTHEHOLYSPIRIT–CHAPTER2.WHATTHEHOLYSPIRITDOESINANDTOWARDSUS–CHAPTER3.THINGSINWHICHWEHAVECOMMUNIONWITHTHEHOLYSPIRIT–CHAPTER4.CONSEQUENCESONOURHEARTSOFTHEEFFECTSOFTHEHOLYSPIRIT–CHAPTER5.OBSERVATIONSANDINFERENCESCONCERNINGTHESPIRIT–CHAPTER6.PARTICULARCOMMUNIONWITHTHEHOLYSPIRIT–CHAPTER7.GENERALWAYSTHESAINTSACTINCOMMUNIONWITHTHEHOLYSPIRIT–CHAPTER8.PARTICULARDIRECTIONSFORCOMMUNIONWITHTHEHOLYSPIRIT.

EDITOR’SPREFACEThis isarestatementandsimplificationofOwen’soriginalwork.Itshouldbeusedforpurposesofteachingonly.Youmayreproducethetextsolongasyoudonotchangeitandyoudonotsellittoanyone.Thisrestrictionissothatifthereareerrorsintheupdatedlanguage,theirpropagationislimited.Ifsomeonerephrasesmyupdatedlanguage,thetreatisewillquicklydegenerateintoamisstatementratherthanarestatementofOwen’s work. That would belamentable.Sowhatchangeshavebeenmade?TheoldEnglishterminologyhasbeenupdatedsothat“thee”and“thou”arenow“you”and“yours.”Thedifficultstructureandsyntaxhavebeensimplified.ThetexthasbeenmodifiedtobetterleadthereaderthroughOwen’strainofthought.Whatexactlyhasbeendonetoit?Sentenceshavebeenshortenedandinmanycasessplitintoseveralsentencesforclarity.Parallelismhasbeenemployedtomaintainrhythm.Hisunreferencedpronounshavebeenmadeexplicit.Thepassivevoicehasbeenchangedtoactiveinmostplaces.Duplicatedtexts,digressionsthatdonotaffectthecontent,andalternatephrasingswithinthesamesentence,havebeenremovedforeasiercomprehension.BecauseLatinisnolongerarequiredcourseinpubliceducation,Latinpassageshavebeenexcisedexceptwheretheyarecoretohisargument;thoseremaininghavebeencrudelytranslatedtohelpthereader.Hence,thismustbecalledanabridgment.However,thefullargumentandsupportingtextaremaintained.Thisisnotasynopsis,buttheentiretreatisepresentedintheoriginalwork.Asaresult,theexpositorystyleremains.Ifitseemsstilted,itisbecauseitisstiltedintheoriginal.TheoldKingJamespassagesofScripture,andOwen’sdirecttranslations,havebeenrestatedinmanycasesforreadabilityaswell.Wherethiswasdone,theoriginalHebrewandGreekmeaningswereusedtopreservehisintent.TheScripturalreferencesmaybeusedtoobtainacurrenttranslationinyourfavoritecopyrightedversion.PassagesinOwen’soriginalworkthathadnoreferencearenowmarkedtohelpthereaderfindthemmoreeasily.ReferencesandtypographicalerrorspointingtothewrongpassageofScripturehavebeencorrected.WhereOwencitestheoriginalGreekorHebrew,abracketcontaining[NT:xxxx] or [OT:xxxx] has been insertedwith theAnglicizedGreek/HebrewwordandStrong’snumbers.Wherethebiblicalreferenceis“Cant.”itreferstotheSongofSolomon,acanticle(song).

A table of contents has been created to make it easier to locate particularpassagesandtoserveasageneraloutlineoftheargument.Imakenoapologiesforalteringthetext.MypurposeisnottopreserveOwen’soriginaltextasifitwereScripture,buttopreservehisteachingandwisdom.Itwouldbeashameifthemodernaudiencedidnotbenefit fromhis laborsbecause the languagewastoocomplexorarcane tocomprehend. JohnPiperwrites inhis introduction toFutureGrace(MultnomahPub.Inc.,1995),

VirtuallyeveryoneIknowwhohasreadJohnOwencomplainsthathewritesinacumbersomeand unhelpful way, and that his thoughts are difficult to grasp. But he does have oneformidable defense: twenty-four volumes of his books are still in print three hundred yearsafterhisdeath.Peopleare still struggling throughhisdifficultdiction in searchof treasure.What’sthelessonhere?Thelessonisthatbiblicalsubstancefeedsthechurch,notsimplicity.

AndsoIhopetherestatementofthisimportantworkmakesitmoreaccessibletoyou, and that it freshens the food that feeds the church. May it help youappreciate the privileges you have received from the God of the universe bygracethroughChristalone.

WilliamH.Grosswww.onthewing.org

©May2003

OfDistinctCommunionwitheachPersonoftheGodhead

PART1.COMMUNIONWITHTHEFATHER

Chapter1.ThesaintshavecommunionwithGod–In1John1:3,theapostleassuresthosetowhomhewrotethatthefellowshipofbelievers“iswiththeFather,andwithhisSonJesusChrist.”Theexpressionheuses speakswith such force thatwehave rendered it, “Trulyour fellowship iswiththeFather,andwithhisSonJesusChrist.”Theoutwardappearanceandconditionofthesaintsinthosedayswaspaltryandcontemptible. Their leaders were considered the scum of the earth, theoffscouring of all things. Inviting others to fellowship with them, and toparticipate in the precious things that they enjoyed, evoked a number ofawkwardencountersandobjections:“Whatbenefitisthereincommunionwiththem?Allitbringsissharingtheirtroubles,reproaches,scorns,andallkindsofevils.” To prevent or remove these and similar objections, the apostle lets thebelieversknowinearnest,thatdespiteallthedisadvantagesoftheirfellowship,atleasttoacarnalview,intruthwhattheyhadwasveryhonorable,glorious,anddesirable.For“truly,”hesays,“our fellowship iswith theFather,andwithhisSonJesusChrist.”This is so earnestly and directly asserted by the apostle, that we may boldlyfollowhimwithouraffirmation,“ThatthesaintsofGodhavecommunionwithhim.”Andaholyandspiritualcommunionitis,asIwilldemonstrate.Whythisreference to the Father and the Son is distinct between them, must be fullyexaminedlater.Sincesinentered theworld,nomanhashadcommunionwithGodbecauseofhis sinful nature.He is light;we aredarkness; andwhat communionhas lightwithdarkness?(2Cor.6:14).Heis life;wearedead.Heis love;weareenmity.Whatagreementcantherebebetweenus?MeninsuchaconditionhaveneitherChrist,norhope,norGodintheworld,Eph.2:12.“Beingalienatedfromthelifeof God through their ignorance,” chap. 4:18. Now, two cannot walk togetherunlesstheyareagreed,Amos3:3.So,whilethisdistancebetweenGodandmanexists,theycannotwalktogetherinfellowshiporcommunion.OurfirstinterestinGodwassolostbysin,thatnorecoveryremainedinourselves.Wedeprivedourselvesofallpowertoreturntohim.AndGodhadnotrevealedthattherewasanywaytoregainaccesstohim.Nordidherevealthatsinnerscouldapproachhim inpeace for any reason.Nothing thatGodmade, andno attribute that herevealed,providedtheleasthintofsuchapossibility.

ThemanifestationofGod’sgraceandpardoningmercyistheonlydoorwehavetosuchcommunion.Itiscommittedonlytotheonewhoatoned.Heistheoneinwhomitisevidenced.Heistheonebywhomgraceandmercywaspurchased.Heistheonethroughwhomitisdispensed,andfromwhomitisrevealedfromtheheartoftheFather.Hence,thiscommunionandfellowshipwithGodisnotexpresslymentioned in theOldTestament. It is found there,but itsclear light,andtheboldnessoffaithcontainedinit,isdiscoveredonlyinthegospeloftheNewTestament.TheretheSpiritadministersit.BytheSpiritwehavethislibertyof communion, 2 Cor. 3:17, 18. Abraham was the friend, of God, Isa. 41:8.Davidwasamanafterhisownheart.Enochwalkedwithhim,Gen.5:22.Allofthemenjoyedthesubstanceofthiscommunionandfellowship.Butthewayintotheholiestofholieswasnotevidentwhilethefirsttabernaclewasstillstanding,Heb.9:8.AlthoughtheyhadcommunionwithGod,theydidnothaveparresian[NT:3954],Eph.3:12,whichisaboldnessandconfidenceinthatcommunion.Itcame only after our High Priest entered into themost holy place, Heb. 4:16,10:19.Andso, theveil remainedon those in theOldTestament.Theydidnothaveeleuterian[NT:1657],orfreedomandlibertyintheiraccesstoGod,2Cor.3:15,16,etc.ButinChristwenowhaveboldnessandconfidentaccesstoGod,Eph.3:12.Thesaintsofoldwerenotfamiliarwiththis.ThisdistancefromGodisremovedbyJesusChristalone.Hehasconsecratedanewandlivingwayforus“throughtheveil, that is, his flesh,”Heb. 10:20. The oldway is sealed. “Through himwehaveaccessbyoneSpirittotheFather,”Eph.2:18.“Youwhosometimeswerefaroff,aremadeclosebythebloodofChrist,forheisourpeace...,”verses13,14.MoreofthisfoundationofourcommunionwithGodwillfollowafterward.On thisnew foundation,by thisnewand livingway, sinnersareadmitted intocommunionwithGod.Theyhavefellowshipwithhim.It isatrulyastonishingprovisionforsinnerstohavefellowshipwithGod,theinfinitelyholyGod.Communion relates to things and persons. It means jointly participating insomething,whethergoodorevil,dutyorenjoyment,natureoractions.Sharingacommonnaturemeansallmenhavefellowshiporcommunioninthatnature.Itis said of the elect, inHeb. 2:14, “Those children partook of” (shared or hadfellowshipwith)“fleshandblood”(theircommonnaturewithmankind);“and,therefore,Christlikewisesharedinthesamefellowship.”There isalsocommunionas toourstateorcondition,whethergoodorevil,orthingsinternalandspiritual.Suchisthecommunionofsaintsamongthemselves,

orwith regard to theirexperienceofoutward things.Christ sharedaconditionwith the two thieves.Theywere all sentenced to the cross,Luke 23:40.Theyshared the evil condition they were judged to suffer under. And one of themrequested,andobtained,ashareinthatblessedconditionourSaviorwouldentershortly.There is alsoacommunionor fellowship inactions,whether thoseactionsaregood or evil. Among good actions is the communion and fellowship that thesaintsenjoyinthegospel,orinperformingandcelebratingtheworshipofGodthatisinstitutedinthegospel,Phil.1:5.Davidrejoicesinthesamegeneralkindofactions,Ps.42:4.Amongevilactions,therewascommunioninthatcruelactof revenge and murder shared between the brothers Simon and Levi in Gen.49:5.OurcommunionwithGodisnosingleoneofthese;indeeditexcludessomeofthem.Itcannotbenaturalcommunion. Itmustbevoluntaryandbyconsent. Itcannotbecommunioninasharedstateorcondition,butinactions.Itcannotbecommunioninsharedactionsonathirdparty.ItmustbesharedactionsbetweenGod and us. The infinite disparity between God and man made the greatphilosopherconcludethattherecouldbenofriendshipbetweenthem.1Hecouldallow someundetermined closenessbetween friends; but inhis understanding,therewasnoplaceforclosenessbetweenGodandman.Anothersaysthatwhilethere is a certain fellowship between God and man, it is only the generalinteraction of providence. Some expressed higher regard for this communion,buttheyunderstoodnothingofwhichtheyspoke.ThisknowledgeishiddeninChrist, as will be made apparent later. It is too wonderful for our sinful andcorruptednaturetocomprehend.Guessingonlyleadstoterrorandfearofdeathifwewere tocomeinto thepresenceofGod.Butaswassaid,wehaveanewfoundation,andanewrevelationofthisprivilege.Communion is the mutual communication of the good things that those whocommunedelightin,basedontheunionthatexistsbetweenthem.ThisishowitwaswithJonathanandDavid.Theirsoulsclungtooneanotherinlove(1Sam.20:17). There was a union between them based on love. And they mutuallycommunicatedalltheoutpouringsofthatlove.Inspiritualthingsthisexchangeismoreeminent.Theoutpouringsorissuesofthatunionarethemostpreciousandeminentpossible.OurcommunionwithGodconsistsinhimcommunicatinghimselftous,andus

returningtohimthethingsherequiresandaccepts.ThesethingsflowfromtheunionthatwehavewithhiminJesusChrist.Thiscommunionistwofold:

1. Aperfectandcompletecommunion.Thisisthefullfruitionofallhisglory andour total surrender to him, resting in him as our ultimateend.Wewillenjoythiskindofcommunionwhenweseehimasheisineternity.

2. Aninitialandincompletecommunion.Thisconsistsinthefirstfruitsand thedawningofperfection thatwehavehereandnow, ingrace.ThiskindisallthatIwillhandleinthisdiscourse.

IwilladdressthemutualcommunicationthatexistsbetweenGodandthesaintswhiletheywalktogether inacovenantofpeace,ratifiedinthebloodofJesus.By the riches of his grace, theGod and Father of our Lord and Savior JesusChristhasrestoredusfromastateofenmitytoaconditionofcommunionandfellowshipwithhimself.Ipraythatanyonewhoreadsthesewordsofhismercymaytastehissweetnessandexcellenceindoingthis,sothathewillbestirredtoa greater longing for the fullness of his salvation, and his eternal fruition inglory.

Chapter2.ThesaintshavedistinctcommunionwiththeFather,Son,andSpirit

The saints have communion with God. What this communion consists of ingeneralwasdeclaredinthefirstchapter.Howthiscommunioniscarriedon,andwhatitconsistsofspecifically,comesnext.InrespecttothedistinctpersonsoftheGodheadwithwhomthesaintshavethisfellowship,itiseitheradistinctandunique relationship with each, or it is obtained and exercised jointly and incommon. It must be made clear that the saints have distinct and separatecommunionseachwiththeFather,andtheSon,andtheHolySpirit.Itmustbemadeclearhowdistinctcommunionwiththeseveralpersonsofthegodheadisuniquelyappropriatedforeach.In1John5:7,theapostletellsus,“Therearethreethatbearrecordinheaven:theFather,theWord,andtheHolySpirit.”Theyareinheavenandbearwitnesstous. What is it that they bear witness to? To the sonship of Christ, and thesalvationofbelieversinhisblood.Hediscusseshowthatiscarriedon,bothbybloodandwater,whichisourjustificationandsanctification.Andhowdotheydistinctly bearwitness to this?WhenGodwitnesses concerning our salvation,surelyitisincumbentonustoaccepthistestimony.Ashebearswitness,soweare to receive it. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit each bear witnessdistinctly,becausetheyarethreedistinctwitnesses.That,then,ishowwearetoreceive their several testimonies: distinctly. In doing so, we have communionwiththemseverally,becausethisgivingandreceivingoftestimonyisnosmallpartofourfellowshipwithGod.Whattheirdistinctwitnessingconsistsofwillbedeclaredlater.In 1 Cor. 12:4-6, the apostle distinctly ascribes to the several persons of thegodheadthedistributionofgiftsandgracestothesaints.“Therearediversitiesofgifts,butthesameSpirit,”“thatoneandtheselfsameSpirit;”thatis,theHolySpirit in verse 11. “And there are differences of administrations, but the sameLord,” that is, the same Lord Jesus in verse 5. “And there are diversities ofoperations,but it is the sameGod...,”which is theFather,Eph.4:6.Sogracesandgiftsarebestoweddistinctly,andthatishowtheyarereceived.ThesamedistinctionappliesnotonlyintheemanationofgracefromGod,andthepassingoftheSpirittous,butalsoinouraccesstoGod.“ForthroughChristwehaveaccessbyoneSpirit to theFather,”Eph.2:18.Ouraccess toGod (in

whichwehavecommunionwithhim) is “diaChristou,”“throughChrist,” “enPneumati,”“intheSpirit,”and“prostonPatera,”“totheFather.”Thepersonsofthe godhead are distinctively engaged in accomplishing the will of God asrevealedinthegospel.SometimesexpressmentionismadeonlyoftheFatherandtheSon,asinJohn1:3, “Our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” Theparticle“and”isbothdistinguishinganduniting.AlsoinJohn14:23,“Ifamanlovesme, hewill keepmywords: andmy Fatherwill love him, andwewillcome to him, and make our abode with him.” It is in this fellowship, orcommunion,thattheFatherandSonmaketheirabodewiththesoul.Sometimesonly theSon ismentioned in this communion.1Cor. 1:9, “God isfaithful,bywhomyouwerecalledtothefellowshipofhisSonJesusChristourLord.”AndinRev.3:20,“Ifanymanhearsmyvoice,andopensthedoor,Iwillcomeintohim,andwillsupwithhim,andhewithme.”Sometimes theSpirit alone ismentioned.“Thegraceof theLord JesusChrist,andtheloveofGod,andthecommunionoftheHolySpiritbewithyouall,”2Cor.13:14.Thisdistinctcommunion,then,ofthesaintswiththeFather,theSon,and the Spirit, is very plain in the Scripture. Even so, it can be demonstratedfurther. Imustgive thiscautionbeforehand:whatever isaffirmed inpursuitofthistruth,isdoneinrelationtotheexplanationgiveninthebeginningofthenextchapter.Their spiritual and holy activities are the means by which the saints enjoycommunionwithGodinChrist. It is foundin theexerciseof thosegraces thatcomprisethemoralandinstitutedworshipofGod.Faith,love,trust,joy,etc.,arewhat comprise the natural ormoral worship of God. These are themeans bywhich the saints have communion with him. These either act on Godimmediately,untiedtoanyoutwarddisplay,orelsetheyarevisiblydisplayedinsolemnprayerandpraise,accordingtowhatGodhasappointed.Inallofthesegraces, the Scripture distinctly assigns the saints’ acts to each personrespectively:theFather,theSon,andtheSpirit.Thisistruewhethertheactsarepurelymoral,or theyarepartof institutedworship. Iwillgive further light tothisassertionusingparticularexamples:1. For the Father. The saints uniquely and distinctly yield their faith, love,obedience,etc.,totheFather.Heuniquelymanifestshimselfandrespondstothesaints through thesegraces,which should stimulate the saints topractice them

more.HebearswitnessofhisSon,1John5:9,“ThisisthewitnessofGodwhichhehastestifiedofhisSon.”Inbearingwitness,Godbecomestheobjectofourbelief. Andwhen he gives such testimony, his testimony is received by faith.This is affirmed in verse 10, “He that believes on the Son of God, has thewitnessinhimself.”TobelieveontheSonofGodinthispassage,istoreceivetheLordChristastheSon.Hehasbeengiventousforall thepurposesoftheFather’s love, based on the credibility of the Father’s testimony.Therefore, indoingthis,ourfaithimmediatelymakestheFathertheobjectofourbelief.Soitfollows in the nextwords, “he that does not believeGod” (that is, theFather,whobearswitnesstotheSon)“hasmadehimaliar.”“YoubelieveinGod,”saysourSavior,John14:1–thatis,theFather,becauseheadds,“Believealsoinme;”or, “Believe you in God; believe also inme.” God, as the primaVeritas [theprimarytruth],istheprimaryobjectofthisbelief.Itisfoundedonhisauthority,inwhichalldivinefaithisultimatelyresolved.Normally,faithisnotconsidered“hupostatikos,”distinctlyexpressingaspecificpersoninthegodhead.Instead,itis“ousiodos,”comprehendingthewholeDeityundividedly.Butinthisparticularcase,itisthetestimonyandauthorityoftheFatherthatwespeakof,anditistheFatheronwhomourfaithisdistinctlyfixed.If thiswerenotso, theSoncouldnotadd,“Believealsoinme.”Thesameisalsosaidof lovein1John2:15,“Ifanymanlovestheworld, theloveoftheFatherisnotinhim.”ThisisspeakingofthelovewegivetoGod,notthe love we receive from him. The Father is the object of our love here, inopposition to the world that consumes our affections. The Father denotes thesubjectandobjectofourlove,nottheefficientcauseofourlove.AndthisloveofhimasaFatheriswhathecallshis“honor,”Mal.1:6.Furthermore, thesegraces thatareactedout inourprayersandpraises,or thatarepartofourinstitutedworship,areuniquelydirectedtowardtheFather.“YoucallontheFather,”1Pet.1:17.Eph.3:14-15,“ForthiscauseIbowmykneestotheFatherofourLord JesusChrist, ofwhom thewhole family inheavenandearthisnamed.”BowingthekneeisthewholeworshipofGod,whetherintheuniversalmoralobediencethatherequires,orinotherwaysthatheappoints.Isa.45:23,“Tome,”saystheLord,“everykneewillbow,everytonguewillswear.”Inverses24and25,hedeclaresthatthissubmissionconsistsinacknowledginghimas thesourceofrighteousnessandstrength.Infact, itsometimesseemstoinclude the orderly subjection of thewhole creation to his sovereignty. In theEphesianpassage,theapostlehasafarmorerestraineduse.Itisonlyafigurativephrase,using themostexpressivebodilyposture takenduringprayer,which is

kneeling.HefurtherexplainsthisinEph.3:16,17.Thereheexpandsonwhathisaimwas,andwhathehadinmindinbowinghisknees.Thus,theactionsoftheSpiritinprayeraredistinctlydirectedtotheFatherasthefountainoftheDeity.TheFatheristhesourceofallgoodthingsthatwehaveinChrist,becauseheisthe “Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In another place, the apostle expresslyjoins,andthendistinguishes,theFatherandtheSoninhissupplications.1Thess.3:11,“GodhimselfevenourFather,andourLordJesusChrist,directourwaytoyou.” The same precedent is given in regard to thanksgiving. Eph. 1:3, 4,“BlessedbetheGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist...”Iwillnotaddalltheotherplaceswhichagreewiththeparticularsofthisdivineworship,inwhichthesaintsholdcommunionwithGod,anddistinctlydirectittotheFather.2.ThisisalsotrueinreferencetotheSonJohn14:1,“YoubelieveinGod,”saysChrist, “believe also in me.” “Believe also,” means letting our divine andsupernaturalfaithactdistinctlyontheSon.ItisthatfaithwherebyyoubelieveinGod, that is, in the Father. There is also a believing of Christ. This belief isaccepting that he is the Son ofGod, the Savior of theworld.Neglecting thatbeliefincurswhatourSaviorthreatenedthePhariseeswithinJohn8:24.“IfyoudonotbelievethatIamhe,youwilldieinyoursins.”Inthissense,faithisnotimmediatelyfixedontheSon.ItonlyacceptsChristastheSonbybelievingthetestimony of theFather concerning him.But there is also a believingon him.Thisiscalled“BelievingonthenameoftheSonofGod,”1John5:13;alsoJohn9:36. Indeed, distinctly affixing our faith, commitment, and confidence on theLord JesusChrist, as theSonofGod, is frequentlypressed. John3:16, “God”(thatis,theFather)“solovedtheworld,thatwhoeverbelievesinhim”(thatis,theSon)“shouldnotperish.”TheSonthattheFathergivesmustbebelievedon.“Hethatbelievesonhimisnotcondemned,”verse18.“HethatbelievesontheSonhaseverlastinglife,”verse36.“ThisistheworkofGod,thatyoubelieveontheonewhomhehassent,”John6:29,40;1John5:10.Thefoundationof thewholetruthislaiddowninJohn5:23,“ThatallmenshouldhonortheSon,evenas they honor the Father.Hewho does not honor the Son does not honor theFatherwhohassenthim.”AsfortheloveoftheSon,Iwillonlyaddthatsolemnapostolic benediction from Eph. 6:24, “Grace be with all those who love ourLordJesusChristinsincerity,”thatis,withdivinelove,ortheloveofreligiousworship.ThisistheonlyproperloveoftheLordJesus.ThesolemndoxologygiveninRev.1:5,6,makesitabundantlyclearthatfaith,hope,and love,actedout inobedienceandappointedworship,are specificallyduefromthesaints,anddistinctlydirectedtotheSon.“Tohimthatlovedus,and

washedusfromoursinsinhisownblood,andhasmadeuskingsandprieststoGodandhisFather;tohimbegloryanddominionforeverandever.Amen.”Thisisstatedwithevenmoregloryinchap.5:8,“Thefourlivingcreatures,andthefour and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, every one of them havingharps,andgoldenvialsfulloffragrantaromas,whicharetheprayersofsaints.”Andinverses13and14,“Everycreaturethatisinheaven,andontheearth,andunder the earth, and those in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying,‘blessing,andhonor,andglory,andpower,betohimthatsitsuponthethrone,andtotheLambforeverandever.’”TheFatherandtheSon(hethatsitsuponthethrone,andtheLamb)areheldoutjointly,yetdistinctly,astheadequateobjectof all divine worship and honor, forever and ever. Therefore, in his solemn,dyinginvocation,StephenfixeshisfaithandhopedistinctlyonJesus,Acts7:59,60,“LordJesus,receivemyspirit;”and,“Lord,laynotthissintotheircharge.”Heknewthatthesonofmanhadthepowertoforgivesins.TheapostlemakesthisworshipoftheLordJesusthediscriminatingcharacterofthesaintsin1Cor.1:2,“Withall that ineveryplacecallupon thenameofJesusChristourLord,both theirs and ours,” that is,with all the saints ofGod. Invocation generallycomprises thewholeworship ofGod.This, then, iswhat is dueChrist as ourGodandastheSon,thoughnotasMediator.3. This is also true in reference to the Holy Spirit of grace. The great sin ofunbeliefisstilldescribedasopposingandresistingtheHolySpirit.Youhavetheloveof theSpirit distinctlymentioned inRom.15:30.Theapostle specificallydirectshissupplicationtohiminthatsolemnbenedictionfoundin2Cor.13:14,“ThegraceoftheLordJesusChrist,andtheloveofGod,andthecommunionofthe Holy Spirit, be with you all.” Such benedictions were originallysupplications.TheHolySpirit is also entitled to all institutedworship.This isunderstoodfromtheadministrationofbaptism inhisname,Matt.28:19.Morewillbesaidaboutthislater.Now,tosumupwhathasbeensaid:ThereisnogracebywhichoursoulsreachouttoGod,noactofdivineworshipthatisyieldedtohim,nodutyorobediencethatisperformed,thatisnotdistinctlydirectedtotheFather,Son,andSpirit.Bythesegracesandsimilarmeans,weholdcommunionwithGod,andwehavethatcommuniondistinctlywitheachpersonofthegodhead,asdescribed.This may be clearer if we consider how the persons of the Deity act incommunicating those good things in which the saints have communion withGod. In the same way that all their spiritual ascensions are assigned to the

distinctpersonsoftheDeity,allofGod’scommunicationstothemaredistinctastotheirfountain[source]anddispensations.Thisisdeclaredintwoways:(1.) It is declared when the same thing, at the same time, is ascribed jointly,distinctly,andrespectively toall thepersons in theDeity.GraceandpeacearejointlyandseverallyascribedinRev.1:4,5,“Gracebetoyou,andpeace,fromhimwhichis,andwhichwas,andwhichistocome;andfromthesevenSpiritswhicharebeforehisthrone;andfromJesusChrist,whoisthefaithfulwitness...”ThesevenSpiritsbeforethethronearetheHolySpiritofGod.Heisconsideredthe perfect fountain of every perfect gift and dispensation. All are joinedtogetherhere,andyetallarementionedasdistinguishedintheircommunicationofgraceandpeace to thesaints.“Graceandpeacebe toyou, fromtheFather,andfrom...”(2.)Itisdeclaredwhenthesamethingisattributedseverallyandsinglytoeachpersonofthegodhead.Thereisnograciousinfluencefromabove,nopassingoflight, life, love, or grace upon us, that does not proceed in this distinctivedispensation. Iwill give only one example,which is very comprehensive, andmay include all the others. This is teaching. The teaching of God is the realcommunication of every particular emanation from himself to the saints. Thepromisethat,“TheywillallbetaughtofGod,”wrapsinitselfthewholemysteryof grace as to its actual dispensation to us, to the extent that we may reallypossessit.Thisisassigned,

[1.]TotheFather.TheaccomplishmentofthatpromiseisspecificallyreferredtotheFatherinJohn6:45,“Itiswrittenintheprophets,‘Andtheywillbealltaught ofGod.’Everyman therefore that has heard, and has learned of theFather,comestome.”Thisteaching,bywhichwearetranslatedfromdeathtolife,andbroughttoChristtoparticipateinlifeandloveinhim,isofandfromtheFather.Fromhimwehear;ofhimwelearn;byhimwearebroughtintounion and communion with the Lord Jesus. This is him drawing us, andreproducing us of his own will, by his Spirit. It is what he employs theministersofthegospeltodo,Acts26:17,18.[2.] To the Son. The Father proclaims from heaven that Christ is the greatteacher.Thisproclamation is in thesolemncharge tohearhim,whichonceagain came from heaven: “This is my beloved Son; hear him.” The Son’sentirepropheticaloffice,andasubstantialpartofhiskinglyoffice,consistofthisteaching.Inthisheissaidtodrawmentohimself,astheFatherissaidtodoinhisteaching,John12:32.Hedoesthiswithsuchefficacythat“thedead

hear his voice and live.” The teaching of the Son is a life-giving, spirit-breathingteaching.Itisaneffectualinfluenceoflightbywhichheshinesintodarkness.Itisacommunicationoflifethatquickensthedead.Itisanopeningofblindeyes,andachangingofhardhearts.ItisapouringoutoftheSpirit,withallitsfruits.Hence,heclaimsitashisprivilegetobethesolemasterinMatt.23:10,“OneisyourMaster,evenChrist.”[3.]TotheSpirit–InJohn14:26itsays,“TheComforterwill teachyouallthings.” “But the anointing which you have received,” says the apostle,“abidesinyou,andyoudonotneedanymantoteachyou:butas thesameanointingteachesyouallthings,andistruth,andisnolie,andevenasithastaughtyou,youwillabideinhim,”1John2:27.Thatteachingunctionisnotonly true,but it is truth itself. Itcanonlybe theHolySpiritofGod.Beinggiventous,heteachesusso“thatwemightknowthethingsthatarefreelygiventousofGod,”1Cor.2:12.

Ihavechosenthisspecialexamplebecause,asI toldyou, it iscomprehensive,and includes most of the particulars that might be enumerated (such asquickening, preserving, etc.). This further drives home the truth that is beingdemonstrated.Becausethereissuchadistinctcommunicationofgracefromtheseveral persons of the Deity to the saints, the saints must have distinctcommunionwitheachof them.All that remains is to intimate thebasisof thisdistinction.ItisthattheFathercommunicatesallgracebyoriginalauthority;theSondoes it by communicating fromapurchased treasury; and theHolySpiritdoesitbyimmediateefficacy.1st.TheFathercommunicatesallgracebyoriginalauthority:Hequickenswhomhewill, John5:21. “Ofhisownwill he producedus,” James1:18.Life-givingpowerisinvestedintheFatherbecauseofhiseminence;itrespectshisoriginalauthority.Therefore,insendingthequickeningSpirit,ChristissaidtodoitfromtheFather,orelse theFatherdoes ithimself.“But theComforter,which is theHolySpirit,whomtheFatherwillsend…”John14:26.“ButwhentheComfortercomes,whomIwillsendtoyoufromtheFather…”John15:26.HeisalsosaidtosendtheSpirithimself,inJohn16:7.2dly.TheSoncommunicatesbygivingfromapurchasedtreasury:“Wehaveallreceivedofhis fullness, andgrace forgrace,” John1:16.Andwheredoes thisfullnesscomefrom?“ItpleasedtheFatherthatinhimallfullnessshoulddwell,”Col.1:19.Thereason that this fullnesshasbeencommitted tohim is found inPhil.2:8-11.“Whenyoushallmakehissoulanofferingforsin,hewillprolong

hisdays,andthepleasureoftheLORDwillprosperinhishand.Hewillseethetravail of his soul, andwill be satisfied: by his knowledgewill my righteousservant justifymany;forhewillbear their iniquities,”Isa.53:10-11.Andwiththis fullness he also has the authority to communicate it, John 5:25-27;Matt.28:18.3dly. The Spirit communicates by immediate efficacy Rom. 8:11, “But if theSpirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he that raised upChrist from the dead will also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit thatdwells in you.” Here all three persons are included, with their distinctcontribution to our quickening. Here is the Father’s authoritative quickening,“He raised Christ from the dead, and he will quicken you;” and the Son’smediatory quickening that is done in “the death of Christ;” and we have theSpirit’s immediateefficacy, “Hewilldo itby theSpirit thatdwells inyou.” Ifyou want this whole matter further explained, you may consult what I havewrittenelsewhereonthissubject.Thuswehavebothprovenanddemonstratedthisdistinctcommunion.

Chapter3.ThedistinctcommunionwhichthesaintshavewiththeFather–

What remains to further clearup thisdistinctivecommunion, is to introduceanumber of examples showing what the saints specifically hold in thiscommunion.Iwillpremisethatwithsomeobservations:1.WhenIassignanythingasuniqueinwhichwedistinctlyholdcommunionwithanyindividualpersonofthegodhead,Idonotexcludetheotherpersonsfromcommunionintheverysamething.Iamonlysayingthatitisheldprincipally,immediately,andeminentlywiththatoneperson.Itisheldwiththeotherssecondarily,andasaconsequenceofthatfoundation.Thisisbecauseanyoneofthepersons,astheperson,isnottheprimeobjectofdivineworship,exceptasidentifiedwiththenatureoressenceofGod.TheoutwardworksofGod(called“ Trinitatis ad extra”),whichareusuallysaidtobecommonandundivided,areeithercompletelyworksofcommonprovidence,orelsetheyaredistinguishedinrespecttotheirmannerofoperation.SocreationisappropriatedtotheFather,andredemptiontotheSon.2.There is a concurrence in theacts andoperationsof thewholeDeity in thedispensationof theworkofour salvation, and in every actofour communionwitheachsingularperson.Lookatwhateveractweholdincommunionwithanyperson,andthereisaninfluencefromeverypersoninthatact.Taketheactoffaith.TheFatherbestowsitonus.“Itisnotofyourselves:itisthegiftofGod,”Eph.2:8. It is theFather that reveals thegospel, andChrist in it,Matt. 11:25.AnditispurchasedforusbytheSon:“ToyouitisgivenonbehalfofChrist,tobelieve on him,” Phil. 1:29. In himwe are “blessedwith spiritual blessings,”Eph.1:3.Hebestowsfaithonus,andincreasesfaithinus,Luke17:5.AndtheSpiritworks it in us.He administers that “exceeding greatness of his power,”whichheexercisestowardsthosewhobelieve,“accordingtotheworkingofhismightypower,whichheworkedinChrist,whenheraisedhimfromthedead,”Eph.1:19,20;Rom.8:11.3.WhenIassignanyparticularthingthatweholdincommunionwithanysinglepersonofthegodhead,Idonotexcludeothermediumsofcommunion.Iamonlyurging a special and eminent example to prove and manifest the generalassertion. Otherwise there is no grace or duty in which we do not havecommunionwithGodinthatway.Ineverythinginwhichwearemadepartakers

of thedivinenature, there isacommunicationandreceivingbetweenGodandus,becausewearesoneartohiminChrist.4.Byassertingthisdistinctcommunion,IdonotintendintheleasttorestrictallcommunionwithGodtotheseprecincts,nortoprejudicethatholyfellowshipwehavewiththewholeDeity.These fewobservationsbeingmade, Iwillnowdeclarewhat it is, specificallyandeminently, inwhichthesaintshavecommunionwith theFather.It is love:free,undeserved,andeternallove.TheFatherspecificallyfixesthisloveonthesaints.Theyare to see this immediately inhim, to receive it fromhim,and toreturnittohiminanywaythatdelightshim.Thisisthegreatdiscoveryofthegospel.TheFather,asthefountainoftheDeity,isonlyknownasfullofwrath,anger, and indignation against sin. Nor can the sons of men have any otherthoughtsofhim(Rom.1:18;Isa.33:13-14;Hab.1:13;Ps.5:4-6;Eph.2:3).Yethere in the gospel he is now revealed specifically as love, and as full of lovetowardsus.Themanifestationofthistruthistheuniqueworkofthegospel,Tit.3:4-7.21.In1John4:8weread,“Godislove.”Itisevidentfromverse9thatthenameofGodistakenpersonallyhere.ItreferstothepersonoftheFather,andnotjusthisessence.HeisdistinguishedfromhisonlybegottenSonwhomhesendsintotheworld.Hesays,“TheFather is love.”That is,henotonlyhasan infinitelygracious, tender, compassionate, and loving nature, as he proclaimed inExod.34:6,7.3Heisalsotheonewhoeminentlyandspecificallygiveshimselftousinfreelove.Theapostlepresentsthisfactinsubsequentverses.“Thisislove,”hesays.“This iswhatIwouldhaveyoutakenoticeof inhim, thatheshowsyoulovein‘sendinghisonlybegottenSonintotheworld,thatwemightlivethroughhim,’”1John4:9.Thesameideaisfoundin1John4:10,“Helovedus,andsenthisSontobethepropitiationforoursins.”TheHolySpiritplainlydeclaresthatthisloveisspecificallyseeninhim.ItisdisplayedpriortosendingChrist,andprior to all the mercies and benefits that we receive through him. This loveprecedesthepurchaseofChrist,althoughitsentirefruitisrevealedinthatalone,Eph.1:4-6.2.Theapostlemakessuchadistributionofgracesinhissolemnbenediction,2Cor. 13:14, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and thefellowshipoftheHolySpirit,bewithyouall.”Inascribinganumberofthingstothe distinct persons, it is love that he specifically assigns to the Father. The

fellowship of the Spirit ismentionedwith the grace ofChrist and the love ofGod, because it is by the Spirit alone that we have fellowship with Christ ingrace, and fellowship with the Father in love. We also have also uniquefellowshipwiththeSpirit,aswillbedeclaredlater.3.InJohn16:26,27,ourSaviorsays,“Idonotsaytoyou,thatIwillpraytheFatherforyou;fortheFatherhimselflovesyou.”Whydoeshesay,“IdonotsaythatIwillpraytheFatherforyou,”whenhesaidplainlyinchap.14:16,“IwillpraytheFatherforyou?”ThediscipleswerefullyconvincedofChrist’sdearandtenderaffectionstowardsthem,andofhiscontinuedcareandkindness.Withallthegraciouswords,thecomfortingandfaithfulpromisesoftheirMaster,andtheopeningofhishearttothem,theyknewthathewouldnotforgetthemwhenhewas gone from them bodily. But now all their thoughts concerned the Father.How would they be accepted by him, and what regard did he have towardsthem?OurSaviorsaysinessence,“Donotworryaboutthat.YoudonotneedtohavemeprocuretheFather’sloveforyou.Instead,knowthatthisishisuniqueregardforyouandwhatyouareinhim:‘Hehimselflovesyou.’Itistrue,indeed(as I told you), that I will pray that the Father sends you the Spirit, theComforter, andwithhimall thegracious fruitsofhis love.Butas to this loveitself,hisfreeandeternalloveforyou,thereisnoneedtointercedeforthat.Forthe Father himself eminently loves you. Be resolved in that, so that youmayholdcommunionwithhiminthatlove,andnotbetroubledaboutitanymore.Infact,ifyouaretroubledabouttheFather’slove,understandthatyoucannomoretroubleandburdenhimthanbyyourunkindnessinnotbelievingit.”Thismustbesowhensincereloveisquestioned.4.The apostle teaches the same thing inRom. 5:5. “The love ofGod is shedabroadinourheartsbytheHolySpirit,whichisgiventous.”God,whoselovethisis,isplainlydistinguishedfromtheHolySpirit,whoshedsthatloveabroad.Andinverse8,heisalsodistinguishedfromtheSon,becauseitisfromhislovethattheSonissent.Therefore,itistheFatherofwhomtheapostlespeaks.Andwhatisitthatheascribestohim?Love,whichhealsocommendstousinverse8.Tocarrythistoitsclimax,notonlyistherefrequentandspecificmentionofthe loveofGod theFather, but he is also called “TheGodof love” in 2Cor.13:11.Andheissaidtobe“love,”sothatwhoeverwantstoknowhim,1John4:8, or dwell in him by fellowship or communion, 1 John 4:16, must do itbecauseheislove.”5.Thereisatwofolddivinelove.Thereisbeneplaciti,a loveofgoodpleasure

and purpose, andamicitiae, a love of friendship and approval. They are bothspecificallyandeminentlyassignedtotheFather:(1.)John3:16,“Godsolovedtheworld,thathegave...”Thisistheloveofhispurpose and good pleasure. It is his determinate will to do good. This isdistinctlyascribed tohim,and laiddownas thecauseof sendinghisSon.SeealsoRom.9:11,12;Eph.1:4,5;2Thess.2:13,14;1John4:8,9.(2.) InJohn14:23, there ismentionof thatotherkindof love.“Ifamanlovesme,”saysChrist,“hewillkeepmywords:andmyFatherwilllovehim,andwewill come tohim, andmakeour abodewithhim.”The loveof friendship andapproval is eminentlyascribed tohimhere.Christ says, “Wewill come,”bothFatherandSon,“tosuchaone,anddwellwithhim”bytheSpirit.Yethehasusnoticethat,astolove,theFatherhasauniqueprerogative:“MyFatherwilllovehim.”6. As this love is uniquely seen in the Father, it should be understood as thefountain of all subsequent gracious dispensations. Christians are often verytroubledconcerninghowtheFatherthinksofthem.Theyarewellpersuadedofthe good will of the Lord Christ. The difficulty lies in how well they areacceptedby theFather.What ishisheart towards them?“Showus theFather,andthatwillbeenoughforus,”John14:8.Now,hisloveoughttobelookedonas the fountain fromwhich all other sweetness flows.This is how the apostlesetsitoutinTit.3:4.“Afterthat,thekindnessandloveofGodourSaviortowardmanappeared.”ItistheFatherofwhomhespeaks,forinverse6,hetellsusthat“he sheds that love upon us abundantly, through JesusChrist our Savior.”Hemakesthislovethelinchpinonwhichthegreatalterationandtranslationofthesaints turns.Hesays inverse3,“We tooweresometimes foolish,disobedient,deceived,servingdiverselustsandpleasures,livinginmaliceandenvy,hateful,andhatingoneanother.”Where,then,doesourrecoverycomefrom?ItallarisesfromthisloveofGod,flowingoutasdescribed.ForwhenthekindnessandloveofGodappeared,thenthisalterationensued.Tomakeussecureinthis,thereisnothing in theworldofa lovingand tendernature thatGodhasnotcomparedhimself to. If we remove all their weaknesses and imperfections, greatimpressionsoflovemustremain.Heislikeafather,amother,ashepherd,ahenoverherchickens,andthelike,Ps.103:13;Isa.63:16;Matt.6:6;Isa.66:13;Ps.23:1;Isa.40:11;Matt.23:37.Iwillnotneedtoaddanymoreproofs.Ihavedemonstratedthatthereisloveinthe personof theFather, specifically held out to the saints, inwhich he holds

communionwiththem.Now,tocompletecommunionwiththeFatherinlove,twothingsarerequiredofbelievers:(1.)thattheyreceiveitfromhimand(2.)thattheysuitablyreturnittohim.(1.)ThattheyreceiveitCommunionconsistsingivingandreceiving.Untilthelove of the Father is received,we have no communionwith him in that love.How,then,isthisloveoftheFatherreceivedsoastoholdfellowshipwithhim?By faith. We receive it by believing it. God has so fully, and so eminentlyrevealedhis love, that itmaybereceivedbyfaith.“YoubelieveinGod,”John14:1,thatis,intheFather.Andwhatisittobelieveinhim?Itistobelieveinhislove,forheis“love,”1John4:8.ItistruethatourfaithdoesnotactimmediatelyupontheFather,butbytheSon.“Heistheway,thetruth,andthelife.NomancomestotheFatherbutbyhim,”John14:6.ChrististhemercifulhighpriestoverthehouseofGod.Byhimwehaveaccesstothethroneofgrace.ByhimweareintroducedtotheFather.ByhimwebelieveinGod,lPet.1:21.WhenwehaveaccesstotheFatherbyandthrough Christ, then we behold the Father’s glory. We see his love that heuniquely bears towards us, and our faith acts on that love. We are to see it,believeit,andreceiveit,asitexistsinhim.Theissuesandfruitsofthislovearebestowed on us through Christ alone. Though there is no light for us to seeexceptinthebeams,yetbyitsbeamswemayseethesun,whichis itssource.Thoughallofourrefreshmentactuallyliesinthestreams,yetthosestreamsleadus up to the fountain. JesusChrist, in respect to the love of the Father, is thebeamorthestreaminwhichallofourlightandrefreshmentisactuallyfound.Yet,heleadsustothefountain,thesunofeternalloveitself.Ifbelieverswouldexercise themselves in this truth, they would discover a substantial spiritualimprovementintheirwalkwithGod.Thisiswhat isaimedat.Manydarkanddisturbingthoughtsareapt toariseinthisthing.Fewbelieverscancarrytheirheartsandmindstothisheightbyfaith,to rest their souls in the love of the Father. They live below this peak, in thetroublesome region of hopes and fears, storms and clouds. Everything at thepeakissereneandquiet,buttheydonotknowhowtoreachit.ItisthewillofGod that he may always be seen as benign, kind, tender, loving, andunchangeableinthisattribute.SpecificallyastheFather,heisthegreatfountainandspringofallgraciouscommunicationsandfruitsoflove.ThisiswhatChristcametoreveal:GodasaFather,John1:18.ThisisthenamethatChristdeclares

tothosewhoaregiventohimoutoftheworld,John17:6.AndthisloveoftheFatheriswhatheeffectuallyleadsustobyhimself,becauseheistheonlywayofgoingtoGodasaFather,John14:5,6.Bydoingso,hegivesus therestofwhathepromises;fortheloveoftheFatheristheonlyrestforthesoul.Itistrue,aswassaid,thatwedonotformallyunderstandthisinthefirstinstantofbelieving.WebelieveinGodthroughChrist,1Pet.1:21.Faithseeksoutrestfor the soul.This is presented to the soul byChrist, themediator, as the onlyprocuringcause.Thesouldoesnot remainhere.ByChrist ithasaccess to theFather,Eph.2:18,andaccessintohislove.Itfindsoutthatheislove,andthathehasadesign,apurposeof love,andagoodpleasure towardsus frometernity.Thesoulfindsdelight,contentment,andgoodwillinChrist,becauseallcauseofangerandaversionhasbeentakenaway.Thesoulreposesandrestsitselfthere.ByfaiththroughChristandbyChrist,thesoulhasbeenbroughtintotheheartofGod,intoacomfortingpersuasionandspiritualperceptionandsenseofhislove.ThisisthefirstthingthatthesaintsdointheircommunionwiththeFather.Morewillbesaidofhowtoproperlyimprovethiscommunionlater.(2.)ThatthesaintssuitablyreturnthislovetohimGodlovessothathemaybebeloved. When he commands the return of his received love to completecommunionwithhim,hesays,“Myson,givemeyourheart,”Prov.23:26,youraffections,yourlove.“YoushalllovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheart,andwith all your soul, andwith all your strength, andwith all yourmind,” Luke10:27. This is the return that he demands. When the soul sees God in hisdispensationof love,and it sees thathe is love, infinitely lovelyand loving, itrestsuponanddelightsinhimassuch.Thenhasitcommunionwithhiminlove.Thisis love: thatGodlovesusfirst,andthenwelovehimagain.Iwillnotgointoadescriptionofdivinelovenow.Generally,loveisanaffectionofunionandnearness,withcontentmentinit.WhenevertheFatherislookeduponasactinginanyotherwaythanwithloveuponoursoul, itbreedsdreadandaversioninus. Hence the fleeing and hiding of sinners in the Scriptures. But when theFatherisconsideredasafather,actinginloveonthesoul,itstimulatesthesoulto love him again. In faith, this is the foundation of all acceptable obedience,Deut.5:10;Exod.20:6;Deut.10:12,11:1,13,13:3.ThisisthiswholeofwhatisstatedbytheapostleinEph.1:4,“Accordingashehaschosenusinhimbeforethefoundationoftheworld,thatweshouldbeholyandwithoutblamebeforehiminlove.”ItbeginsinGod’sloveforus,andendsinourloveforhim.ThatiswhattheeternalloveofGodaimsatinus,andworks

usuptodo.Itistruethatouruniversalobediencefallswithinthecompassofourcommunion with God. But that communion is with him as God. He is ourblessed, sovereign, lawgiver and rewarder. We have communion with GodbecauseheistheFather,ourFatherinChrist,revealedtousasbeinglove,aboveandcontrarytoall theexpectationsof thenaturalman.Soit is in lovethatwehavethisintercoursewithhim.Iamnotjustreferringtothatlovewhichisattheheartofallmoralobedience,buttoauniquedelightintheFather,acquiescinginhim,whichiseffectuallyrevealedtothesoulaslove.Tomake this love ofGod to us and our love to him clearer, Iwill show twothings: [1.] Inwhat they agree, and [2.] Inwhat they differ. Thiswill furtheruncoverthenatureofeach.[1.]Theyagreeintwothings:

1st.Theyareeachaloveofrestandcontentment.2nd.TheissuesandfruitsoftheselovesarecommunicatedonlyinChrist.

[2.]Thereareanumberofthingsinwhichtheydiffer:

1st.TheloveofGodisaloveofbounty;ourlovetohimisaloveofduty.2nd. The love of the Father to us is a prior love; our love to him is aconsequentiallove.3rd.TheloveofGodisequal,constant,andincapableofaugmentationordiminution;ourloveisunequal,increasing,waning,growing,anddeclining.

[1.]Thingsinwhichtheyagree:1st.Theyareeachaloveofrestandcontentment.

(1)TheloveofGodissuchalove.Zeph.3:17,“TheLORDyourGodinthemidstofyouismighty;hewillsave,hewillrejoiceoveryouwithjoy,hewillrest in his love; he will joy over youwith singing.” Both these things areassignedheretoGodinhislove.RESTandDELIGHT.Thewordsare,“yacharishbe’ahavato”[OT:2790,160]“Hewillbesilentbecauseofhislove.”Torestwithcontentmentisexpressedbybeing silent.That is, it isdonewithoutwhining, andwithout complaint.

Goddoesthisbecauseofhisownlove.It issofull,complete,andabsolute,that itwillnot allowhim tocomplainof anything in thosewhomhe loves.Instead, he is silent because of it. “Rest in his love.” That is, he will notremovehisloveandhewillnotseekanotherobjectforit.Hislovewillmakeitsabodeforeverwiththeoneonwhomithasbecomefixed.CONTENTMENTorDELIGHT: “He rejoiceswith singing” as onewho isfullysatisfiedinthatobjecthehasfixedhisloveon.Herearetwowordsusedto express the delight and joy that God has in his love: yasis and yagil[OT:7797,1523]Thefirstdenotestheinwardaffectionofthemind,andthejoy of heart. To indicate the intensity of it, it is said that he will do itbesimchah [OT:8057], in gladness, or with joy. To have joy of heart ingladness,isthehighestexpressionofdelightinlove.Thelatterworddenotesnottheinwardaffection,buttheoutwarddemonstrationofit.Itistoexultinan outward demonstration of internal delight and joy. It is to leap as ifovercome with some joyful surprise. Therefore, God is said to do thisberinnah[OT:7440],withajoyfulsound,orsinging.Torejoicewithgladnessof heart, to exult with singing and praise, argues that this is the greatestdelightandcontentmentpossible.When he expresses the contrary of this love, he says “ouk eudokese”[NT:2106],“hewasnotwellpleased,”1Cor.10:5.Hedidnotfixhisdelightorhisrestonthem.“Ifanymandrawsback,theLord’ssoulhasnopleasurein him,”Heb. 10:38; Jer. 22:28;Hos. 8:8;Mal. 1:10. He takes pleasure inthosewhoabidewithhim.Hesingstohischurch,“Avineyardofredwine:Ithe LORD keep it,” Isa. 27:2, 3; Ps. 147:11, 149:4. There is rest andcontentmentinhislove.IntheHebrewthereisonlyatranspositionofaletterbetweenthewordthatsignifiesaloveofwillanddesire(“‘ahav”[OT:157]istolovethisway),andwhatdenotesaloveofrestandacquiescence(whichis‘avah[OT:160]).BothareappliedtoGod.Hewillsgoodtous,sothathemayrest in that will. Some say that agapain [NT;25], “to love,” is from aganpotestai,which is toperfectly acquiesce in the thing loved.AndwhenGodcallshisSon“agapeton,”“beloved,”Matt.3:17,headds,asanexpositionofit,“enhoieudokesa,”“inwhomIrestwellpleased.”(2)ThereturnoflovethatthesaintsmaketoGod–Itisreturnedtocompletetheir communion with him. It holds some analogy to God’s love in thismatter,foritisalsoaloveofrestanddelight.“Returntoyourrest,mysoul,”saysDavid,Ps.116:7.HemakesGodhisrest.Thatis,hissoulrestsinGod

withoutseekingamoresuitableanddesirableobject.Hesays,“WhomhaveIinheavenbutyou,andthereisnooneuponearththatIdesirebesidesyou,”Ps. 73:25. Thus the soul gathers itself from all itswanderings, from all itsotherloves,torestinGodalone,tosatiateandcontentitselfinhim,choosingtheFatherforitspresentandeternalrest.Andthisisalsodonewithdelight.“Yourloving-kindness,”saysthepsalmist,“isbetterthanlife;thereforeIwillpraise you,” Ps. 63:3. “Than life,” “michayim” [OT:2416], literally means“beforelives.”Whatismeantisthewholeoflife,withallitsconcerns,whichmakesitconsiderable.Writingonthispassage,Austin[Augustine]readsit“supervitas,”extendingittotheseveralseasonsoflifethatmenengagein.Itatleastmeanslifeinitsentirety,withall itsadvantages.Seeinghimself in the jawsofdeath, rollingintothegravethroughinnumerabletroubles,DavidfoundmoresweetnessinGod than in a long life. He preferred God to a life with all the best andnoblestpossibilities, includingwithall theenjoyments thatmake itpleasantand comfortable. The church returns this same kind of love in both theseaspectsinHos.14:3,“Asshurwillnotsaveus;wewillnotrideuponhorses:nolongerwillwesaytotheworkofourhands,‘Youareourgods:’forinyouthefatherlessfindsmercy.”TheyrejectthebestrestandcontentmentinfavorofGod.Theythrowthemselvesonhimasotherwisehelplessorphans.

2dly.TheloveoftheFathertousandtheloveofthesaintsreturnedtoGodarethesame in this: the issuesandfruitsof these lovesarecommunicatedonly inChrist. The Father communicates no issue of his love to us except throughChrist; andwe returnno love tohimbut throughChrist.He is the treasury inwhich the Father disposes all the riches of his grace, riches taken from thebottomlessmineofhiseternallove.ChrististhepriestintowhosehandweputalltheofferingsthatwereturntotheFather.Consequently,theFatherissaidtolovetheSonfirstandeminently.HeloveshimnotonlyashiseternalSon, thedelightofhissoulbeforethefoundationoftheworld,Prov.8:30,butalsoasourmediator,andasthemeansofconveyinghis lovetous,Matt.3:17;John3:35,5:20,10:17,15:9,17:24.AndwearesaidtobelieveinandtohaveaccesstoGodthroughhim.

(1.)TheFatherlovesus,and“choseusbeforethefoundationoftheworld.”But in thepursuit of that love,he “blessesuswith all spiritualblessings inheavenlyplacesinChrist,”Eph.1:3,4.Fromhislove,heshedsorpoursouttheHolySpiritrichlyuponus,throughJesusChristourSavior,Tit.3:6.Inthe

pouringout of his love, not one drop falls apart from theLordChrist.Theholy anointing oilwas poured all over the head ofAaron, Ps. 133:2; fromthereitdrippeddowntotheskirtsofhisclothing.LoveisfirstpouredoutonChrist,andfromhimitdripslikethedewofMt.Hermanuponthesoulsofhis saints.TheFatherwantshim tohave “pre-eminence in all things,”Col.1:18;“itpleased[theFather]thatallfullnessshoulddwellin[theSon],”verse19;that“wemightreceivefromhisfullness,graceforgrace,”John1:16.Thelove of the Father’s purpose and good pleasure arise from and have theirfoundation in his mere grace and will. Yet its accomplishment is only inChrist. All its fruits are first given to him, and only in him that they aredispensedtous.Althoughthesaintsseeaninfiniteoceanofloveintheheartof the Father, they are not to look for one drop from him apart fromwhatcomes throughChrist.He is theonlymeansofcommunication.Love in theFatherislikehoneyintheflower.Itmustbeinthecombbeforewecanuseit.Christmustextractandpreparethishoneyforus.Hedrawsthiswaterfromthe fountain throughunion, and thenhedispenses its fullness.By faith,wedrawfromthewellsofsalvationthatareinhim.Thiswasdiscussedinpartbefore.(2.)OurreturnoflovetotheFatheriscompletelyinChristandbyhim.Itisgood for us that it is.Otherwise,what lame and blind sacrificeswewouldpresenttoGod!Christbearstheiniquityofourofferings,andheaddsincenseto our prayers. Our love is fixed on the Father, but it is conveyed to himthroughtheSonofhislove.Heistheonlywayforourgraces,aswellasforus, to go to God. Through Christ passes all of our desire, delight,contentment,andobedience.Moreofthisafterward.

[2.]Thingsinwhichthesetwolovesdiffer1st.TheloveofGodisaloveofbounty;ourlovetohimisaloveofduty.

(1.)The loveof theFather isa loveofbounty,adescending love.His lovemoveshimtodogoodthingstous,andgreatthingsforus.Hisloveliesatthebottomofallhisdispensationstowardsus.Wehardlyfindanymentionofit,butitisthecauseandfountainofthefreegiftsthatflowfromit.Helovesus,andhe sendshisSon todie for us.He lovesus, andheblessesuswith allspiritual blessings. Loving is choosing,Rom. 9:11, 12.He loves us and hechastisesus.Itisaloveliketheheavenshavefortheearth,when,beingfullofrain,theypourforthshowerstomaketheearthfruitful.Itisalovelikethesea,whichcommunicatesitswaterstotheriversoutofitsownfullness;they

returntotheseaonlywhattheyreceivefromit.Itistheloveofaspringorafountain that always communicates. It is a love from which proceedseverythingthatislovely.Itinfusesintoandcreatesgoodnessinthosewhoareloved.Onewholoveswilldogoodtothosehelovesasheisable.God’swillandhispowerarecommensurate;whathewills,sheworks.(2.)OurlovetoGodisaloveofduty,theloveofachild.Hislovedescendsupon us in bounty and fruitfulness; our love ascends to him in duty andthankfulness.Headdstousbyhislove;weaddnothingtohimbyours.Ourgoodnessdoesnotextend tohim.Thoughour love is immediately fixedonhim,no fruit ofour love immediately reacheshim.Thoughhe requiresourlove,itdoesnotbenefithim,Job35:5-8,Rom.11:35,Job22:2,3.Ourloveincludes four things: rest, delight, reverence, and obedience. By these fourthingsweholdcommunionwiththeFatherinhislove.HenceGodcallsthelovethatisduetohimasafather“honor.”Mal.1:6,“IfIbeafather,whereismyhonor?”Itisadeservedactofduty.

2dly. The love of the Father to us is a prior love; our love to him is aconsequentiallove.

(1.)TheloveoftheFatherispriorintworespects:

[1.]Itispriorinrespecttoourlove.1John4:10,“Thisislove,notthatwe lovedGod, but that he first lovedus.”His love goes before ours.Thefatherlovesthechildevenwhenthechilddoesnotknowthefather,muchlesslovehim.Bynature,weare“Teostugeis,”Rom.1:30,hatersof God. In his own nature, God is “philanthropos,” a lover of men.SurelyallmutuallovebetweenGodandusmustbegininhishand.

[2.]Itispriorinrespecttoallothercausesoflove.Itnotonlyprecedesour love, but it also precedes anything in us that is lovely.Rom.5:8,“Godcommendshislovetowardsus,inthatwhilewewereyetsinnersChristdiedforus.”Hisloveanditseminentfruitsareshoweredonusassinners.Oursindisplaysalltheunlovelinessandundesirabilitythatcan exist in a creature. The very mention of that sin removes everycauseandmotivationforlove.YettheFather’sloveiscommendedtousby this most signal testimony. It is not only when we have done nogood, but while we are still in our blood, that he loves us. It is notbecausewearebetter thanothers,butbecausehe is infinitelygoodinhimself. His kindness appears when we are foolish and disobedient.

Henceheissaidto“lovetheworld.”Thatis,helovesthosewhohaveonlywhatisinandoftheworld,whosewholebeingliesinevil.

(2.)Ourloveisaconsequenceofhisinboththeseregards:

[1.] In respect to the love of God No creature would ever turn hisaffectionstowardGodiftheheartofGodwerenotfirstsetonhim.[2.]InrespecttothesufficientcausesofloveGodmustberevealedtousaslovelyanddesirable,asasuitableobjectforoursoultorestupon,beforewecanbearanylovetohim.Inthissense,thesaintsdonotloveGodfornothing,butforhisexcellence,loveliness,anddesirability.Asthe psalmist says in Ps. 116:1, “I love the LORD, because!” Or, asDavid says in another case, “What have I done now? Is there not acause?” (1Sam.17:29). If anyone inquires aboutour love forGod,wemaylikewiseask,“Whathavewedonenow?Istherenotacause?”

3dly. They differ in this also: the love of God is like himself. It is equal,constant, and incapable of augmentation or diminution. Our love is likeourselves.Itisunequal,increasing,waning,growing,anddeclining.Hisloveislike the sun. It is always the same in its light, thougha cloudmay sometimesinterpose. Our love is like the moon. It is sometimes enlarged, sometimesreduced.

(1.)TheloveoftheFatherisequal.Theoneheloves,helovestotheend,andalwaysthesame.“TheStrengthofIsraelisnotaman,thatheshouldrepent,”1Sam15:29.His love is immutably fixedon the onehe loves; it does notgrowordiminishatany time. It isaneternal love thathadnobeginningorend.Itcannotbeheightenedbyanyactofours,norlessenedbyanythinginus.However,therearetworegardsinwhichchangesmaybeseen:

[1.]Inrespecttoitsfruits.AsIsaid,itisafruitfullove,aloveofbounty.Thosefruitsmaysometimesbegreater,sometimesless;itscommunicationvaries.Whoamong the saints finds this isnot so?What life,what light,whatstrength,wesometimeshave!Andagain,howdead,howdark,howweakwesometimesare!Godispleasedtoreleaseorrestrainthefruitsofhislove.All thegracesoftheSpirit inus,all thesanctifiedpleasureswehave,are fruitsofhis love.Personalexperienceabundantly testifieshowthese are variously dispensed, and how differently and seasonally they

maybedispensedtothesameperson.[2.]InrespecttoitsmanifestationsHe“shedsabroadhisloveinourheartsbytheHolySpirit,”Rom.5:5.Hegivesusasenseofhislove,manifestingittous.Thisvariesandchanges,sometimesmore,sometimesless.Nowheshines his face upon us, another time he hides it, as necessary for ourprofit.OurFatherwillnotalwayschideus,orwemaybecastdown.Hedoesnotalwayssmile,orwemaybefullandneglecthim.Yet,hisloveinitselfremainsthesame.Eventhoughhemayhidehisfaceforamoment,hegathersuswitheverlastingkindness.

Objection. You may say, “This comes close to blasphemy. You say that Godloveshispeopleintheirsinningaswellasintheirstrictestobedience.Ifso,thenwhowillservehimmore,orwalkwithhimtobewell-pleasing?”Answer.TherearefewtruthsofChristthatsomeonehasnotattackedwiththis.Theydonotvaryintheircontent.TheloveofGodinitselfistheeternalpurposeandact of hiswill.This is no love less changeable thanGod’s.Otherwise, nofleshcouldbesaved.ButGod’slovedoesnotchange,andwearenotconsumed.Whatthen?Doeshelovehispeopleintheirsinning?Yes.Heloveshispeople,butnottheirsinning.Doeshenotalterhislovetowardsthem?Hedoesnotalterthe purpose of his will, but he does alter the dispensations of his grace. Herebukesthem;hechastensthem;hehideshisfacefromthem;hestrikesthem;hefillsthemwithasenseofhisindignation.Butwoetousifhechangesinhislove,orremoveshiskindnessfromus!Thosethingsthatseemtoindicateachangeinhis affections towards us, are as much a demonstration of his love as thosekindnessesweprefer.“Butwillthisnotencouragepeopletosin?”NoonewhoevertastedoftheloveofGodcanseriouslymakethisobjection.Thedoctrineofgracemaybeturnedintowantonness,buttheprinciplecannot.Iwillnotwrongthesaintsbygivingadifferentanswer to thisobjection.Detestingpeople’ssinmaywellbeseparatefromGod’sacceptingthemanddesignatingthemtoeternallife.AndsoourlovetoGodebbsandflows,wanesandwaxes.Weloseourfirstlove,andwegrowagaininlove,scarcelyadaystandsstill.Whatpoorcreaturesweare!Howunlike theLord and his love! “Unstable aswater,we cannot excel”(Gen.49:4).Nowitis,“Thoughallmenforsakeyou,Iwillnot”(Mk.14:29),butinanotherplace,“Idonotknowtheman”(Mt.26:74).Onedaywesay,“Iwillneverbemoved,myhill is so strong” (Ps.30:6-7), and thenext, “Allmenareliars,Iwillperish”(Ps.116:10-11).Wasthereeveratimeandplacethatourlove

wasequaltowardsGod?Thus, theseagreementsanddifferences furtherdescribe themutual loveof theFather and the saints, in which they hold communion. I will not give otherexamplesoftheFather’slove,butIwilltrytoimproveonthisdescriptioninthenextchapter.

Chapter4.InferencesconcerningcommunionwiththeFatherinlove.

Having discovered the nature of the distinct communion we have with theFather,whatremainsistogivesomeexhortations,directions,andobservations:1. First is a duty seldom exercised byChristians,which is to hold immediatecommunion with the Father in love. Our problem and our sin is that we areunacquaintedwithourmerciesandprivileges.Wedonotrespondtothevoiceofthe Spirit that is given to us, “that we may know the things that are freelybestowed on us of God” (1Cor.2:12). This burdens us when we might haverejoiced,andweakensuswhenwemighthavebeenstrongintheLord.HowfewofthesaintsexperiencethisprivilegeofholdingimmediatecommunionwiththeFatherinlove!Manylookuponhimwithanxious,doubtfulthoughts!Theyfearandquestionhisgoodwillandkindness!Atbest,theythinkhehasnosweetnesstowardsus,exceptwhatwaspurchasedatthehighpriceofJesus’blood.ItistruethatChrist’sbloodalone is themeansofcommunication;but the free fountainandspringofeverygoodthingcomesfromtheheartoftheFather.“EternallifewaswiththeFather,andismanifestedtous”(1Jn.1:2).

(1.)LetusseetheFatheraslove.Dolooknotathimasafatherwhoisalwayscritical,butasonewhoismostkindandtender.Byfaithletuslookathimassomeonewhohashadthoughtsofkindnesstowardsusfromeverlasting.OnlyamisapprehensionofGodwouldmakesomeonerunfromtheonewhoknowshimintheleast.“Thosewhoknowyouwillputtheirtrustinyou”(Ps.9:10).MencannotabidewithGodinspiritualmeditations.Theylosehiscompanybylackingthisinsightintohislove.Theyfixtheirthoughtsonlyonhisterriblemajesty,severity,andgreatness,andsotheirspiritsarenotendeared to him. If they would focus on his everlasting tenderness andcompassion, his thoughts of kindness towards them from eternity, and hispresent gracious acceptance of them, then they could not bear an hour’sabsence fromhim.Now,perhaps, theycannotwatchwithhimforevenonehour (Mt.16:40).Let thisbe the saints’ firstnotionof theFather.He isonewho is fullofeternal, free love towards them.Let theirheartsand thoughtsbreakthroughanydiscouragementthatliesinthewayofthisidea.Toraiseustothatlevel,letusconsider,

[1.]Whoseloveitis.ItistheloveofGod.Heisself-sufficient,infinitely

satiatedwithhimselfandwithhisowngloriousexcellenceandperfection.Hehasnoneedtopursueotherswithhislove,nortoseekanobjectforhisloveoutsidehimself.Hecouldresttherewithdelightandcontentmentforall eternity. He is sufficient in his own love. He also has his Son, hiseternal Wisdom, in whom he can rejoice and delight from all eternity,Prov.8:30.ThismightconsumeandsatiatethewholedelightoftheFather;butheloveshissaintsalso.Itissuchalove,thathedoesnotseekjusthisownsatisfactioninit,butourgoodaswell.ItistheloveofaGod,andtheloveofaFather.Itspropereffectsarekindnessandbounty.[2.]Letusalsoconsiderwhatkindofloveitis–

1.Eternal. Itwas fixed on us before the foundation of theworld.Beforewehaddone the leastgood,his thoughtswereuponus,hisdelightwas inus,and theSonrejoiced in the thoughtsoffulfillinghisFather’sdelight inhim,Prov.8:30.Thedelightof theFather inthe Son is not somuch his absolute delight in him as the expressimageofhimselfandthebrightnessofhisglory.IntheSonhemightbeholdallhisownexcellenceandperfection.ButitiswithregardtotheSon’sloveandhisdelightinthesonsofmen.Sotheorderofthewords requires us to understand it: “I was his delight daily,” and,“Mydelightswerewiththesonsofmen”(Prov.8:30-31).Thatis,hisdelightwasinthoughtsofkindnessandredemptionforthem,andinthat hewas his Father’s delight. From eternity he laid in his ownheartadesignforourhappiness.Theverythoughtofthisisenoughtomakeallthatiswithinusleapforjoy,likethebabeinthewombof Elizabeth.A sense of itwill prostrate our soul in humble, holyreverence,andmakeusrejoicebeforehimwithtrembling.2.FreeHelovesusbecausehewantsto.Itishiswill.Therewasandisnothinginusforwhichweshouldbeloved.Ifwediddeservehislove,itwouldloweritsvaluation.Thingsofdebtareseldomamatterfor thankfulness. But what exists eternally, prior to our being, isnecessarilyfreeastheyrelatetoourwell-being.Thisgiveshislovelifeandbeing.It is thereasonforit,anditsetsapriceonit,Rom.9:11;Eph.1:3,4;Titus3:5;James1:18.3.Unchangeable Thoughwe change every day, his love does notchange. If any kind of provocation could turn it away, it has longsince ceased to do so. Its unchangeableness is what prompts the

Father to that infinite patience and forbearance without which wewoulddieorperish,2Pet.3:9,andwhichheexercisestowardsus.4.DistinguishingHehasnotlovedthewholeworld:“JacobhaveIloved, but Esau have I hated” (Rom.9:13).Why should he fix hisloveonus,andpassbymillionswhosenatureis thesameasours?Whyshouldheletusshareinthatlove,andallitsfruits,whichmostofthegreatandwisemenoftheworldareexcludedfrom?

Let the soul frequently focus on the love of the Father and theseconsiderations.Allofthemaresoul-conqueringandendearing.

(2.)Eyehislovewiththeintenttoreceiveit.Unlessthisisadded,everythingelsewill fail togainus communionwithGod.Wedonothold communionwithhiminanything,untilhisloveisreceivedbyfaith.ThisiswhatIwouldprovoke the saints of God to. They need to believe this love of God forthemselves. Theymust believe that such is the heart of the Father towardsthem,andaccepthiswitnesstothatfact.Thesweetnessofhisloveisnotoursuntilwereceiveitthisway.ContinuallyandactivelythinkofGodwithfaithaslovingyou,asembracingyouwiththeeternalfreelovedescribedbefore.WhentheLordispresentedassuchtoyoubyhisword,letyourmindknowit, and assent to it. Let yourwill embrace it as being true, and let all youremotionsbefilledwithit.Setyourwholehearttoit.Binditwiththecordsofthislove.IftheKingisboundinthegallerieswithyourlove,willyounotbeboundinheavenwithhis?

(3.) Let the Father’s love have its proper fruit and effect on your heart byreturning that love to him. That is howwewillwalk in the light ofGod’scountenance,andholdholycommunionwithhimalldaylong.Letusnotdealunkindlywithhim,andreturndisrespectforhisgoodwill.LetnoheartdealsothanklesslywithourGod.

2. Now, to help us in the daily practice of this duty, I will add one or twoconsiderationsthatmaybeofimportance.

(1.)It isveryacceptabletoGodourFathertoholdcommunionwithhiminhislove.Throughthiscommunionwereceivehimasonewhoisfulloflove,tenderness,andkindnesstowardsus.Inourflesh,weareapttothinkthatheisalwaysangry,evenimplacable.Wemayfeelthatpoorcreatureslikeusare

nottodrawclosetohim.Wemayeventhinkthatitismoredesirabletonevercomeintohispresence.“Whoamonguswilldwellwiththedevouringfire?Whoamonguswilldwellwitheverlastingburnings?”askthesinnersinZion(Isa.33:14). “I knew you were a harsh man,” says the evil servant in thegospels (Mt.25:24). There is nothingmore grievous to the Lord, normorehelpfultoSatan’sdesign,thanthoughtslikethese.SatanapplaudswhenheisabletofilloursoulwithsuchthoughtsofGod.Itsatisfiesallhisdesires.Thishas been his design and his way from the beginning. The first blood thatmurderershedwasby thismeans.He ledour firstparents into theseseverethoughtsofGod:“HasGodsaidso?Hashe threatenedyouwithdeath?Heknows well enough it will be better with you;” (Gen.3:1). With this warenginehebatteredandoverthrewallmankindinonestep.Rememberinghisancient conquest, he readily uses the same weapons today that he sosuccessfullyusedthen.

It grieves the Spirit ofGod to be slandered thisway in the hearts of thosewhomhedearlyloves.HowheremonstratesZion!“Whatiniquityhaveyouseen inme?” he demands. “Have I been awilderness to you, or a land ofdarkness?” “Zion said, The LORD has forsaken me, and my Lord hasforgottenme.Canawoman...”TheLordtakesnothingworseatthehandsofhisownpeoplethansuchhardthoughtsofhim.Heknowsfullwellwhatitisliketobear thefruitof thisbitterroot.Heknowsthealienationof theheartthatitproduces,thedrawingback,andtheunbeliefandapostasyinourwalkwith him. A child is so unwilling to come into the presence of an angryfather!ConsiderreceivingtheFatherasheholdsouthislove,givinghimthehonorheaimsfor,whichisexceedinglyacceptabletohim.Heoftensetsouthis love in an eminentmanner, that itmaybe received in an eminentway:“Hecommendshislovetowardus,”Rom.5:8.“Behold,whatmanneroflovetheFatherhasbestoweduponus!”1John3:1.Where,then,doesthisfollyofourscomefrom?Whyaremenafraid tohavegood thoughtsofGod?Theythinkit isaudacity toseeGodasgood,gracious, tender,kind,andloving.Iamspeakingofthesaints.Fortheotherside,theytoocanjudgeGodashard,austere, severe, almost implacable, and fierce.But these are the veryworstemotionsoftheveryworstmen,whomosthateGod,Rom.1:31;2Tim.3:3.Theythinktheydowell.Doesthissoul-deceitnotcomefromSatan?Wasitnothisdesignfromthebeginning to injectsuch thoughtsofGodintomen?Assureyourself,then,thatthereisnothingmoreacceptabletotheFather,thanto lift our hearts to him as the eternal fountain of all that rich gracewhichflowsouttosinnersinthebloodofJesus.

(2.)ThiswillveryeffectivelyendearyoursoultoGod,causingyoutodelightinhimandtomakeyourabodewithhim.Manysaintshavenogreaterburdenintheirlivesthanrecognizingthattheirheartsdonotconstantlydelightandrejoice inGod. Their spirit is still indisposed towalking closelywith him.Whatisatthebottomofthis?Isitnottheirlackofskill,orneglectofduty,inholdingcommunionwith theFather in love?Wewilldelight inhimonlytotheextentthatweseeGod’slove.Withoutthis,everyotherrevelationofGodwillonlymakeusflyfromHim.ButoncetheheartrealizestheeminenceoftheFather’slove,itcannothelpbeingoverpowered,conquered,andendearedtohim.Ifnothingelse,thiswillworkonustomakeourabodewithhim.Iftheloveofafatherwillnotmakeachilddelightinhim,whatwill?Putthistothe test. Ponder the eternal, free, and fruitful love of the Father, and see ifyourheartisn’tstimulatedtodelightinhim.Idaresaybelieverswillfinditasthrivingacourseas theyeverpitchedon in their lives.Sitdownfora littlewhile at the fountain, and you will quickly discover the sweetness of thestreams. Ifyouhave runfromhimin thepast,youwillnotbeable tokeepyourdistanceforamoment.

Objection 1. Somemay ask, “Howwill I hold communionwith the Father inlove? Idonotknowwhetherhe lovesmeornot.Should I riskcastingmyselfupon his love? What if I am not accepted? Would I not perish for mypresumption, rather than find sweetness in his heart? I see God only as aconsumingfirewitheverlastingburning.Idreadtolookuptohim.”Answer1.Idonotknowwhatothersunderstandby“knowingtheloveofGod.”It is exercised by spiritual sense and experience, and received purely bybelieving.Knowingitmeansbelievingit,asitisrevealed.“Wehaveknownandbelieved the love thatGod has for us.God is love,” 1 John 4:16. This is theassuranceyoumayhaveofthisloveattheverystartofyourwalkwithGod.Theonewho is truth itself has said it. Ignorewhat your heart says, orSatan says.UnlessyouacceptthisasGod’spromise,youarecallingGodaliar,1John5:10.Objection2.“IcanbelievethatGodislovetoothers,becausehehassaidheislove.ButIseenoreasonforhimtoloveme.Thereisnocause,andnoreasoninthe world, why he should turn one thought of love or kindness towards me.Therefore,Idarenotdependonthattoholdcommunionwithhiminhisspeciallove.”Answer2.Hehasspokenofhisloveasparticularlytoyouashehastoanyone

elseintheworld.Asforthecauseofhislove,hehasasmuchreasontofixitonyouashedoesonanyof theother childrenofmen. Iwillmake speedyworkwiththisobjection.Noonefromthefoundationoftheworld,whobelievedsuchloveexistedintheFather,andreturnedthatlovetohim,waseverdeceived.Norwill anyonebe deceived to theworld’s end. In this, you are on amost securefoundation. Ifyoubelieveandreceive theFather’s love,hewill infallibly loveyou,thoughothersmayfallunderhisseverity.Objection3.“IcannotfindmyheartreturningGod’slovetohim.IfIwerefixeduponhim,thenIcouldbelievethathedelightsinme.”Answer3.Thisisthemostpreposterouscoursethatyourthoughtscantake.ItisagoodwaytorobGodofhisglory.“Thisislove,”saystheHolySpirit,“notthatwelovedGod,butthathefirstlovedus,”1John4:10,11.Youwouldinvertthisorder,andsay,“Thisislove,notthatGodlovedme,butthatIlovedhimfirst.”ThistakesGod’sgloryfromhim.Helovesuswithoutacauseinourselves,andwehaveallthecauseintheworldtolovehim.Yet,youwouldhavethecontrarybetrue.SomethingneedstobeinyouforGodtoloveyou,evenifitisyourloveforhim.YouthinkthatyoushouldloveGodbeforeyouknowwhetherhelovesyouornot.Thisisthefleshspeaking.ItwillneverbringglorytoGod,orpeacetoyoursoul.Laydownyourreasoning.TakeuptheloveoftheFatherasapureact of believing.Thatwill release your soul to theLord in the communionoflove.To further reveal this truth, let us discover the eminence and privilege of thesaints of God. Whatever low opinion the sons of men may have of them, itappears that the saints have meat to eat that the world does not know of(Jn.4:32). They have close communion and fellowship with the Father,interchangingtheirlovewithhim.Menaregenerallyrespectedaccordingtothecompany theykeep. It isanhonor tostand in thepresenceofprinces,evenasservants. What an honor it is, then, for all the saints to boldly stand in thepresence of the Father, and there enjoy his heart’s love!What a blessing thequeenofShebapronouncedon theservantsofSolomonwhostoodbeforehimand heard his wisdom! How much more blessed, then, are those who standcontinually before theGod of Solomon, hearing hiswisdom and enjoying hislove!OthershavefellowshipwithSatanandtheirownlusts,makingprovisionfor them and receiving perishing refreshments from them. They are the ones“whoseendisdestruction,whosegodistheirbelly,andwhosegloryisintheirshame, whomind earthly things.” But the saints have this sweet communion

withtheFather.Moreover, what a safe and sweet retreat the saints have from all the scorns,reproaches, scandals, and misrepresentations that they undergo in the world.Whenstrangersabuseachildinthestreets,herunswithspeedtotheheartofhisfather.Therehemakeshiscomplaintandiscomforted.Inallthehardycensuresandtongue-persecutionswhich thesaintsmeetwith in thestreetsof theworld,they may run to their Father, and be comforted. “As one whom his mothercomforts,sowillIcomfortyou,”saystheLord,Isa.66:13.Thesoulmaysay,“IfIhavehatredintheworld,IwillgowhereIamsureoflove.Thoughallothersareharshtome,myFatheristenderandfullofcompassion.Iwillgotohimandsatisfymyselfinhim.HereintheworldIamconsideredvile,frownedon,andrejected. But I have honor and lovewith the Father,whose kindness is betterthan life itself.TherewithhimIhaveall the things in the fountain thatothershave only in the drops. Inmy Father’s love there is everything desirable, thesweetnessofallmercies,andIhavethemfullyanddurably.”Evidently,then,thesaintsarethemostmisunderstoodmenintheworld.Iftheysay,“Comeandhavefellowshipwithus”menarereadytosay,“Why?Whatareyou but a sorry company of seditious, factious people. We despise yourfellowship. When we leave our fellowship with all honest men, and men ofworth,thenwillwecometoyou.”But,howmistakenthesemenare!Truly, thefellowshipof thesaints iswith theFather.Letmenthinkwhat theyplease; thesaintshaveclose, spiritual,heavenly refreshing in theirmutualcommunicationoflovewiththeFatherhimself.Theapostledeclareshowthesaintsaregenerallymisperceived“asdeceivers, andyet true; asunknown,andyetwellknown;asdying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yetalways rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yetpossessing all things,” 2Cor.6:8-10. The saints are looked on as poor, low,despicablepersons,whenindeedtheyaretheonlygreatandnoblepeopleintheworld. Consider the company they keep: it is with the Father; who else is soglorious? The merchandise they trade in is love; what is more precious?Doubtless“theyaretheexcellentontheearth,”Ps.16:3.Tofurtherillustrateamajordifferencebetweenthesaintsandemptyprofessorsof the faith, consider this: In performing their duties, and enjoying outwardprivileges,fruitlessprofessorsoftenwalkhandinhandwiththesaints.Butwhenwe lookatwhat theydo inprivate,whatadifference there is!Thesaintsholdcommunion with God, while hypocrites hold communion with the world and

their own lusts, conversing and communicating with them. They listenattentively to what they hear and accommodate it. Meanwhile, the saints aresweetlywrapped in theheartof theirFather’s love. It isalmost impossible forbelievers, in outward appearance, to go beyond those who have very rottenhearts.Buttheyhavethismeatthatthoseothersdonotknowof.Theyhavethisrefreshmentinthebanquethousethatothershavenosharein.ThecomforttheyreceivefromGodtheirFatherrefreshestheirsoulsandfillstheirminds.Now,ifthesethingsaretrue,“whatmannerofmenoughtwetobe,inallmannerofholyliving?”2Pet.3:11.Especiallywhen“ourGodisaconsumingfire.”Whatcommunionistherebetweenlightanddarkness?Willsinandlustdwellinthosethoughts that receive love from the Father and return it to him? Holiness isforeverappropriateinhispresence.Anuncleanspiritcannotdrawclosetohim;anunholyheartcannotmakeanabodewithhim.Awickedpersonwillnotdesireto hold fellowship with a self-controlled man. Will a man with a proud andfoolishminddwellwiththemostholyGodandholdcommunionwithhim?Anyconsiderationofthislovewillbeapowerfulincentivetoholiness;itwillleadusthere.Whenhe finds salvation inGod,Ephraimsays, “Whathave I todoanymorewith idols?”Communionwith theFather iscompletely inconsistentwithan immoral walk. “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk indarkness, we lie, and do not exercise the truth,” 1 John 1:6. “He that says, Iknow him” (i.e. I have communion with him), “and does not keep hiscommandments,isaliar,andthetruthisnotinhim,”chap.2:4.Pretendingtobeacquainted with the Father, without holiness and obedience to hiscommandments,onlyprovesthatpretendersareliars.Theloveoftheworld,andtheloveoftheFather,donotdwelltogether.Ifthisisso,somanywhocallthemselvesChristianscomeshortofthetruthofit! Most professors of Christ are unacquainted with the mystery of thiscommunionanditsfruits!Manyobviouslyholdcommunionwiththeirlustsandwith theworld insteadofGod;andyet theywant tobe thoughtofashavingaportion and inheritance among those who are sanctified! They have neither anewnamenorawhitestone(Rev.2:17),andyettheywanttobecalledthepeopleoftheMostHigh.ItwouldmorecorrecttosaythatGodisnotintheirthoughtsatall, thantosaythattheyhavecommunionwithhim.MaytheLordopentheeyesofmen so theymay see thatwalkingwithGod is amatterofpower,notform!

ThisconcludesthispartofuniquecommunionwiththeFatherinlove.“He

isalsofaithfulwhohascalledus to thefellowshipofhisSonJesusChristourLord,”whichisthenexttopic.

PART2.COMMUNIONWITHTHESONJESUSCHRIST

Chapter1.ThefellowshipwhichthesaintshavewiththeSonofGod–

Iwilldotwothingshere:I.DeclarethatwehavesuchfellowshipwiththeSonofGod.II.Showwhatthatfellowshiporcommunionconsistsof:I.Forthefirstpart,IwillonlyproduceafewpassagesofScripturetoconfirmit:1Cor.1:9,“Godis faithful,bywhomyouwerecalled to thefellowshipofhisSonJesusChristourLord.”Thisfellowshipiswhatallthesaintsarecalledto,andtheywillbepreservedinitbythefaithfulnessofGod.WearecalledofGodtheFather,astheFather,inpursuitofhislove,tocommunewiththeSonasourLord.Rev.3:20,“Behold,Istandatthedoor,andknock:ifanymanhearsmyvoice,andopens thedoor, Iwillcomein tohim,andwillsupwithhim,andhewithme.”Certainlythisisfellowship,orelseIdonotknownotwhatfellowshipis.Christ will sup with believers: he refreshes himself with his own graces inbelievers, by his Spirit who is bestowed on them. The Lord Christ is greatlydelightedintastingthesweetfruitsoftheSpiritinthesaints.Thisisreflectedinthat prayer of the spouse that she may have something for his entertainmentwhenhecomestoher,Cant.4:16,“Awake,Onorthwind,andcome,yousouthwind.Blowuponmygarden,thatitsspicesmayflowout.LetmyBelovedcomeintohisgarden,andeathispleasantfruits.”Thesoulsofthesaintsarethegardenof JesusChrist, the good ground,Heb. 6:7; they are a garden for delight.Herejoicesinthemfor,“hisdelightsarewiththesonsofmen,”Prov.8:31;andhe“rejoicesover them,”Zeph.3:17.Thebelieversareagardenforpleasantfruit.Cant.4:12-14,“Anenclosedgardenismysister,myspouse;aspringshutup,afountainsealed.Yourplantsareanorchardofpomegranates,withpleasantfruits,camphirewithspikenard,spikenardandsaffron,calamusandcinnamon,withalltreesoffrankincense,myrrh,andaloes,andallthechiefspices.”Whatever is sweet and delicious to the taste,whatever is savory and fragrant,whatever is useful and medicinal, is in this garden. There are all kinds ofspiritual refreshments in the souls of the saints for the Lord Jesus. For thisreason,thespouseisearnestinherprayerforanincreaseofthesethings,thatherBelovedmaysupwithherashehaspromised.“Awake,Onorthwind...”Itisasif to pray, “O that the breathing andworkings of theSpirit of all gracemight

arouseallhisgiftsandgracesinme,thattheLordJesus,thebelovedofmysoul,mayhavefitandacceptableentertainmentfromme.”Godcomplainsofalackoffruit inhisvineyard in Isa.5:2;Hos.10:1.The lackofgood food forChrist’sentertainmentiswhatthespousefears,andwhatshelaborstoprevent.Abarrenheartisnotfittoreceivehim.ThedelightthathetakesinthefruitoftheSpiritisunspeakable.Heexpresses this at large inCant.5:1, “I amcome,” sayshe; “Ihaveeaten,Iamrefreshed.”Hecalls it“periymegadim”[OT:6529,4022],“thefruit ofhis sweetnesses”orwhat ismostpleasant tohim.Moreover, asChristsupswith his saints, theywill supwith him to complete their fellowshipwithhim.Christprovides for theirentertainment inamosteminentway.Beastsarekilled,wineismingled,andatableisfurnished,Prov.9:2.Hecallsthespiritualdelicacies that he has for them a “feast,” a “wedding,” “a feast of sumptuousthings,wineonthelees”[finishingit toitsdregs],etc.Thefattedcalf iskilledfortheirentertainment.ThisisthemutualentertainmentofChristandhissaintsinthatcommunion.Cant. 2:1-7, “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.As the lilyamongthorns,soismyloveamongthedaughters.Astheapple-treeamongthetrees of the wood, so is my Beloved among the sons. I sat down under hisshadowwithgreatdelight,andhisfruitwassweettomytaste...”InthetwofirstversesyouhavethedescriptionthatChristgives,firstofhimself,andthenofhischurch.Inverse1hedescribeswhatheistohisspouse:“IamtheroseofSharon,andthelilyofthevalleys.”TheLordsChristiscomparedtoallthingsofeminenceinthewholecreation.Intheheavens,heis thesunandthebright morning star. Among the beasts, he is the lion of Judah. Among theflowersof the field,he is the roseand the lily.These twoareeminent in theirsavorysweetnessandcolorfulbeauty,theroseinitssweetness,andthelilyinitsbeauty.“Solomoninallhisglorywasnotarrayedlikeoneofthese.”Further,heis“the roseofSharon.”This is a fruitfulplain,where thechoicestherdswerefed,1Chron.27:29. It issoeminent, that it ispromised to thechurch thatshewillbegiventheexcellenceofSharon,Isa.35:2.Thisfruitfulplaceundoubtedlyproduced themost precious roses. Christ, in the savor of his love, and in hisrighteousness, is likethisexcellentrose.Hedrawsandallurestheheartsofhissaintstohim.TheroseislikethegarmentinwhichJacobreceivedhisblessing,givingforthanaromalikethesmellofapleasantfield,Gen.27:27.GodsmelledasweetsavorfromthebloodofChrist’satonement,Eph.5:2.Fromthegraceswithwhich he is anointed for them, his saints receive a refreshing, cherishingsavor,Cant.1:3.Asweetsavorexpresseswhatisacceptableanddelightful,Gen.

8:21.Christ is also “the lily of the valleys,” which of all the flowers is the mostbeautiful,Matt. 6:29. He ismost desirable for his personal attractiveness andperfection. He is incomparably fairer than the children of men (more of thislater).Heabundantly satiatesall their spiritual senses.He is their refreshment,theiradornment,theirdelight,andtheirglory.Inthenextversehetellsuswhatthey are to him: “As the lily among thorns, so is my beloved among thedaughters.”Christandhischurcharedescribedthesameway(asthelily).Thisis because of their union by the indwelling of the same Spirit. It is from theconformity and likeness that exists between them, and towhich the saints areappointed.The church is a lily, and she is verybeautiful toChrist “as the lilyamongthorns.”Asthelilyexcelsthethorns,sothesaintsexcelallothersintheeyeofChrist.Theremainderoftheworldis“prickingbriersandgrievingthornstothehouseofIsrael,”Ezek.28:94.“Thebestofthemislikeabrier,themostupright issharper thana thornhedge,”Mic.7:4.This ishowthesaintsappearamongthedaughters.Therecannotbeanygreaterexaltationofexcellence.So,then,thisishowChrististotheminverse1.Andthatishowthesaintsareinhisesteeminverse2.That isalsohowhe is in theiresteeminverse3.“As theapple-treeamong thetrees of the wood, so is my Beloved among the sons. I sat down under hisshadowwithgreatdelight,andhisfruitwassweettomytaste.”Tocarryonthisintercourse, the spouse begins to reveal her thoughts of him, and to show herdelightintheLordChrist.Ashecompareshertothelilyamongthethorns,soshecompareshimtotheapple-treeamongthetreesofthewood.Andsheaddsthisreasonforit.Hehasthetwothingsthattheothersdonot:fruitforfoodandshadeforrefreshment.Sheeatsoftheone,andrestsundertheother,bothwithgreatdelight.Allothersonsare thefruitless, leafless treesof theforest,whichwillyieldneitherfoodnorrefreshment toahungry,wearysoul.This is trueoftheangels,whoarethesonsofGodbycreation,Job1:6,38:7,andofthebestofthe sonsofAdam, calleddaughters inverse2. “InChrist,” she says, “there isfruit,fruitsweettothetaste.”“Hisfleshismeatindeed,andhisbloodisdrinkindeed,” John 6:55.Moreover, he has produced that everlasting righteousnesswhichwill abundantly satisfy any hungry soul, especially after it has gone tomanyabarrentreeforfoodandhasfoundnone.Besides,heaboundsinpreciousandpleasantgracesofwhichImayeat.Infact,hecallsmetoeatofthemandtodo so abundantly (Mt.26:26; Lk.9:17; Jn.6:53-58). These are the fruits thatChristbears.

Theyspeakofatreethatbringsforthallthingsthatarenecessaryforlife,infoodand raiment.Christ is that treeof life thathasbrought forthall things thatarenecessaryforeternallife.Inhimistherighteousnessthatwehungerfor.Inhimisthewateroflife.Whoeverdrinksofitwillthirstnomore.Oh,howsweetarethefruitsofChrist’smediationtothefaithofhissaints!Someonewhocanfindno relief inmercy, pardon, grace, acceptance byGod, holiness, sanctification,etc.,isanutterstrangertothesethingsthatarepreparedforbelievers.Also,thebeliever has shades for refreshment and shelter. He has shelter from wrathwithout,andrefreshmentfromwearinesswithin.Thefirstbenefitoftheshadeistokeepusfromtheheatofthesun,asJonah’sgourddidforhim.Whentheheatofwrath is ready to scorch the soul,Christ interposeshimself andbears it all.Under theshadowofhiswingswesitdownsteadfastly,quietly,safely,puttingourtrustinhim,andwedothiswithgreatdelight.Whocanexpressthejoyofasoul that issafe,shadowedfromwrathunder thecoverof therighteousnessoftheLordJesus!Thereisalsorefreshmentinbeingshadedfromweariness.Heis“astheshadowofagreatrockinawearyland,”Isa.32:2.Inhimthereisquiet,rest,andreposefromthepowerofcorruptions, the troubleof temptations,andthedistressofpersecutions,Matt.11:27,28.ItisapparentthatChristandbelieverscannotbeanythingbutdelightedintheirmutual fellowship and communion. In the next verses that describe theircommunion,Iwillbrieflyobservefourthingsinit:(1.)Sweetness.(2.)Delight.(3.)Safety.(4.)Comfort.(1.)Sweetness:“Hebroughtmetothebanquet-house,”or“houseofwine.”Thisexpressesthegreatestsweetnessandmostdeliciousrefreshment,flagons,apples,wine,etc.“Heentertainsme,”saysthespouse,“assomegreatpersonage.”Greatpersonages and great entertainment are had in the banquet-house the house ofwine and delicacies. These are types of the preparationswe find in grace andmercy. They are love, kindness, resources that are revealed in the gospel,declaredintheassembliesofthesaints,andexhibitedbytheSpirit.This“loveisbetter thanwine,”Cant. 1:2; it is “notmeat and drink, but righteousness, andpeace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom.14:17). Gospel delicacies are sweetrefreshments,whetherthese“housesofwine”aretheScriptures,thegospel,theordinances dispensed in the assemblies of the saints, or the exquisitemanifestationsofhisspeciallove.Banquetingisnotaneverydayaffair,norarethese preparations used in ordinary entertainment. What is promised at thisbanquetiswinethatcheerstheheartofman,thatmakeshimforgethismisery,

Prov.31:6-7, thatgiveshimacheerful lookandcountenance,Gen.49:12.Thegrace exhibited by Christ in his ordinances is refreshing, strengthening,comforting,andfullofsweetnesstothesoulsofthesaints.Pitythosefoulsoulswholoathethesehoney-combs!Butinthewaysdescribed,Christmakesalltheassemblies of his saints love banquet-houses, and there he gives thementertainment.(2.) Delight: The spouse is quite ravished with the sweetness of thisentertainment.Shefindstherethelove,care,andkindnessthatarebestowedbyChristintheassembliesofthesaints.Henceshecriesout,Cant.2:5,“Keepmewithflagons,comfortmewithapples,forIamsickwithlove.”OndiscoveringtheexcellenceandsweetnessofChristinthebanquet-house,thesoulisinstantlyoverpowered,andcriesouttopartakeofitsfullness.Sheis“sickwithlove.”Sheisnot(assomeassume)faintingforlackofloveandfearingwrath.Aftershehasonce tastedof thesweetnessofChrist in thebanquet-house,shebecomessick,faint, overcome, with the mighty impact of that divine affection. Her desirebeingdeferredmakesherheartsick.Thereforeshecries,“Keepme...”Herpleaisthis:“Ihaveseenaglimpseofthe‘Kinginhisbeauty,’tastedofthefruitofhisrighteousness;mysoulmeltsinlongingforhim.Oh!Keepandsustainmyspiritwith his presence in his ordinances, those ‘flagons and apples of his banquet-house,’orIwillsinkandfaint!Oh,whatyouhavedone,blessedJesus!Ihaveseenyou,andmysoulhasbecomelikethechariotsofAmminadib.Letmehavesomethingfromyoutosupportme,orIwilldie.”Whenapersonusfainting,twothingsaretobedone:strengthisusedtosupporthimsothathewillnotsinktotheground;andcomforting thingsareapplied to refreshhis spirits.These twothingsarewhatthesoulpraysforwhenitisoverpoweredandfaintingwiththeforceof its own love,which is increasedby a senseofChrist’s love. Itwantsstrengtheninggracetosupportitinthiscondition,sothatitmaybeabletoattendtoitsduty.AnditwantstheconsolationoftheHolySpirittocontent,revive,andsatiate it, until it can fully enjoy Christ. Thus sweetly, and with delight, thiscommunioniscarriedon.(3.)Safety:“Hisbannerovermewaslove,”Cant.2:4.Thebannerisanemblemofsafetyandprotection.Itisasignofthepresenceofahost.Soldiersinanarmyencamp under their banner in security. So did the children of Israel in thewilderness.Every tribekept their campsunder their own standard. It is also atokenofsuccessandvictory,Ps.20:5.Christhasabannerforhissaints,andthatbanner is love.All theirprotectioncomes fromhis love,and theywantall theprotectionhislovecangivethem.Thissafeguardsthemfromhell,death,andall

their enemies.Whatever presses on themmust pass through the banner of thelove of theLord Jesus.They have, then, great spiritual safety.This is anotheradornmentoftheircommunionwithhim.(4.)Comfort–Supportandconsolation:Cant.2:6,“His lefthand isundermyhead,andhis righthandembracesme.”Here,Christhas thepostureofamosttender friend towards one in sickness and sadness. The soul faints with love.Therearespirituallongingsfortheenjoymentofhispresence.AndChristcomesin with his embraces. He nourishes and cherishes his church, Eph. 5:29; Isa.63:9.The “handunder thehead,” is support, sustaininggrace, in pressure anddifficulties. The “hand that embraces,” or the hand upon the heart, is joy andconsolation. In both, Christ is rejoicing, as the “bridegroom rejoices over thebride,”Isa.62:5.TolieinthearmsofChrist’slovethisway,underaperpetualinfluenceofsupportandrefreshment,iscertainlytoholdcommunionwithhim.And so, in verse 7, the spouse is most earnest to continue his fellowship,chargingalltobestillsothatherBelovedwillnotbedisturbed,orprovokedtodepart.In brief, thiswhole book is filledwith the description of the communion thatexistsbetweentheLordChristandhissaints.Therefore,itisunnecessarytotakeanymoreexamplesfromit.IwillonlyaddonefromProv.9:1-5,“Wisdomhasbuiltherhouse,shehashewnouthersevenpillars;shehaskilledherbeasts;shehas mixed her wine; she has also furnished her table. She has sent forth hermaidens:shecriesoutonthehighestplacesofthecity,‘Whoeverissimple,lethimturninhere.’Asfortheonewhowantsunderstanding,shesays,‘Come,eatofmybread,anddrinkofthewinethatIhavemixed.’”TheLordChrist,theeternalWisdomoftheFather,whomGodmakeswisdomtous, erects a spiritual house. In this house he makes provision for theentertainmentofthoseguestswhomhesofreelyinvites.Hischurchisthehousethat he has built on a perfect number of pillars, so that itmight have a stablefoundation.Hisslainbeastsandmixedwine,withwhichhistableisfurnished,are those spiritually sumptuous things of the gospel that he has prepared forthosewhocomebyhisinvitation.Surely,toeatofthisbread,anddrinkofthiswine,whichhe has so graciously prepared, is to hold fellowshipwith him. Inwhatotherthingsistherenearercommunionthaninthese?ImightfurtherevincethistruthbyconsideringalltherelationshipswhichChristandhissaintshave.Thesenecessarilyrequireacommunionbetweenthem,ifweassumetheyarefaithfulinthoserelationships.Butthisissomethingthatwillbe

spokenofinonesignalinstancelater.

Chapter2.WhatwehaveinuniquefellowshipwiththeLordChrist–

II.HavingshownthatthesaintsholdauniquefellowshipwiththeLordJesus,itneatlyfollowsthatweshowwhatitistheyhaveinthisuniquecommunionwithhim.Whattheyhaveisgrace.Thisiseminentlyascribedtohimeverywhere.John1:14,“Hedweltamongus,full of grace and truth;” there is grace in the truth and substance of thiscommunion.Allthatwentbeforewasonlytypicalandrepresentative.Andinitstruthandsubstance,gracecomesonlybyChrist.“GraceandtruthcamebyJesusChrist,”verse17;“andofhisfullnesshaveallwereceived,andgraceforgrace,”versel6.Thatis,wehavecommunionwithhimingrace.Wereceivefromhimallkindsofgrace,andinthathavewefellowshipwithhim.It is likewise in the apostolic benediction, in which the communication ofspiritual blessings from the several persons of the godhead to the saints is soexactlydistinguished.ItisgracethatisascribedtoourLordJesusChrist,2Cor.13:14, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and thecommunionoftheHolySpirit,bewithyouall.”Infact,Paulissodelightedwiththisthathemakesithismotto,andthetokenbywhichhemakeshisepistlesknown,2Thess.3:17,18,“ThesalutationofPaulwithmyownhand,whichisthetokenineveryepistle:soIwrite.Thegraceofour Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” He makes these two expressionsequivalent:“Gracebewithyou,”and,“TheLordJesusbewithyou.”Sometimeshemakestheonethetokeninhisepistles,sometimestheother,andsometimesheputs themboth together.This iswhatwearespecifically tosee in theLordJesus.Graceiswhatwearetoreceivefromhim,gospel-grace,asrevealedinthegospel.ChrististheheadstoneinthetempleofGod,towhom“Grace,grace,”istobecried,Zech.4:7.Grace is awordwith variousmeanings. Its primaryonesmaybedivided intothreecategories:1.Graceofpersonalpresenceandattractiveness.Sowesayapersonis“gracefulandattractive”eitherforhimselforbecauseofhisadornments.InChrist,thisisthesubjectofnearlyhalfthebookofCanticles.ItisalsomentionedinPs.45:2,“Youarefairerthanthechildrenofmen;graceispouredintoyourlips.”Under

thiscategoryIalsoplacethatacceptanceofgracewhich,inrespecttous,Iplaceinthethirdcategory.ThoseinconceivablegiftsandfruitsoftheSpiritthatwerebestowedonhim,andproduced inhim,matchhispersonalexcellence,aswillappearlater.2.Graceoffreefavorandacceptance.“Bythisgracewearesaved.”GraceisthefreefavorandgraciousacceptanceofGodinChrist.Itisusedinthissenseintheexpression, “If I have found grace in your sight.” It means being freely andfavorablyaccepted.Sohe“givesgrace”(thatis,favor)“tothehumble,”James4:6;Gen.39:21,41:37;Acts7:10;1Sam.2:26;2Kings25:27,etc.3.GraceinthefruitsoftheSpirit.Thesesanctifyandrenewournature,enablingustodogood,andpreventingusfromdoingevil.Thus,theLordtellsPaul,“hisgracewas sufficient for him;” It refers to the assistance that he afforded himagainsttemptation,Col.3:16;2Cor.8:6,7;Heb.12:28.Thesetwolattercategories, inrespect toourreceivingthemfromChrist,Icallpurchasedgrace,becausehepurchasedthemforus.Ourcommunionwithhiminthat purchase is termed a “fellowship in his sufferings, and the power of hisresurrection,”Phil.3:10.1.Letusbeginwiththefirstcategory,whichIcallpersonalgrace.Iwilldotwothings:(1)ShowwhatthepersonalgraceofChristisandwhatitconsistsof.And(2) Declare how the saints hold immediate communion with Christ in thatpersonalgrace.

(1.) In handling the first category, we are speaking of Christ as mediator.Therefore,bythe“graceofhisperson,”IdonotmeanhisDeityapartfromthe office that he undertook for us as God and man. Nor do I mean theoutwardappearanceofhishumannature.Iamnotreferringtohimasexaltedinglory,norinhisroleonearthbearingourinfirmities.Histimeonearthisonly“toknowChristaftertheflesh,”2Cor.5:16.Instead,ImeanthegracesofthepersonofChristasheisvestedwiththeofficeofmediator.Imeanhisspiritual eminence, attractiveness, and beauty, as he was appointed andanointedbytheFathertothegreatworkofbringinghomeallhiselecttohisheart. In this respect, the Scripture describes him as exceedingly excellent,attractive, and desirable. He is far above comparisonwith the best createdgood,oranyotherendearmentthatwecanimagine.Ps.45:2,“Youarefairerthanthechildrenofmen:graceispouredintoyour

lips”He is beyond comparison,more beautiful and gracious than any herebelow.Thewordyafyafita[OT:3302]isrepeatedtoincreaseitssignificance,andtoexaltitssubjectbeyondallcomparison.TheChaldeeparaphraseofthispassage is “shofaracha malka Meshicha ‘adif nivney nasha” or “Yourfairness,OkingMessiah,ismoreexcellentthanthesonsofmen.”“Pulcheradmodum prae filiis hominum;” He is exceedingly desirable. His inwardbeauty and glory are expressed here by his outward shape, form, andappearance.Thatisbecauseoutwardbeautywassohighlyesteemedinthosewhoruledorgoverned.InIsa.4:2,theprophetcallshim“ThebranchoftheLord,”and“Thefruitof theearth,”affirming thathewillbe“beautifulandglorious, excellent andattractive;”“for inhimdwellsall the fullnessof theGodheadbodily,”Col.2:9.In Cant. 5:9, the spouse is asked about this very thing. Concerning thepersonal excellence of the Lord Christ, her beloved, she is asked by thedaughtersofJerusalem:“WhathasyourBelovedmorethananotherbeloved,O you fairest among women?” She returns this answer in verse 10: “MyBelovediswhiteandruddy,thebestamongtenthousand.”Shedescribeshisexcellence to the end of the chapter, and there she concludes that “he isaltogetherlovely,”verse16.Particularly,heisaffirmedheretobe“whiteandruddy,”amixtureofcolorsthatproducesthemostbeautifulcomplexion.

[1.]HeiswhiteinthegloryofhisDeity,andruddyinthepreciousnessofhis humanity. “His teeth arewhitewithmilk, and his eyes are redwithwine,”Gen.49:12.Whiteness(ifImaysayso)isthecomplexionofglory.IntheappearanceoftheMostHigh,the“Ancientofdays,”inDan.7:9,itissaidthat,“Hisgarmentwaswhiteassnow,andthehairofhisheadwaslikepurewool.”ItissaidofChristinhistransfiguration,whenhehadamightylusteroftheDeityonhim,“His face shined like the sun, and hisraimentwaswhite as the light,”Matt. 17:2.The other evangelist says itwas,“Whiteassnow,sothatnocleaneronearthcanwhitenthemmore,”Mark9:3;Rev.1:14.Itwasadivine,heavenly,surpassingglorythatwasuponhim.Hence theangels andglorified saintswhoalwaysbeholdhimaresaidtobeinwhiterobes.Theyarefullytranslatedintotheimageofhisglory.HiswhitenessisthegloryofhisDeity.Forthisreason,theChaldeeparaphraseascribesthiswholepassagetoGod.“TheysaytothehouseofIsrael,‘WhoistheGodwhomyouwillserve?’ThenthecongregationofIsraelbegan todeclare thepraisesof theRulerof theworld,andsaid, ‘Iwill serve that God who is clothed in a garment white as snow, the

splendor of the glory ofwhose countenance is like fire.’” Christ is alsoruddyinthebeautyofhishumanity.ManwascalledAdam,fromtheredearthofwhichhewasmade.ThewordusedhereindicatesheisthesecondAdam, partaker of flesh and blood, because the children also partook offleshandblood,Heb.2:14.ThebeautyandattractivenessoftheLordJesusisintheunionofboththeseinoneperson.[2.]Heiswhiteinthebeautyofhisinnocenceandholiness,andruddyinthe blood of his sacrifice. Whiteness is the badge of innocence andholiness. It is saidof theNazarites, typicalof theirholiness,“Theywerepurer than snow, they were whiter than milk,” Lam. 4:7. The prophetshows us that scarlet, red, and crimson are the colors of sin and guilt;whitenessisthecolorofinnocence,Isa.1:18.OurBelovedwas“aLambwithoutblemishandwithoutspot,”1Pet.1:19.“Hedidnosin,neitherwasguilefoundinhismouth,”1Pet.2:22.Hewas“holy,harmless,undefiled,separate fromsinners,”Heb.7:26.Andyet theonewhowassowhite inhis innocence,wasmade ruddy inhisownblood.Thathappened in twoways.Naturally,inthepouringoutofhispreciousbloodinthatagonyofhissoulwhenthickdropsofbloodtrickledtotheground,Luke22:44.Andit was done when the whips and thorns, nails and spears, poured it outabundantly: “There came forth blood and water,” John 19:34. He wasruddybybeingdrenchedinhisownblood.Hewasruddymorally,bytheimputationofsin,whosecolorisredandcrimson.“Godmadehimtobesin for us, who knew no sin,” 2 Cor. 5:21. He who was white becameruddyforoursakes,pouringouthisbloodasasacrificeforsin.Thisalsorendershimgraceful.Byhiswhitenesshefulfilledthelaw.Byhisrednesshesatisfiedjustice.“ThisisourBeloved,OyoudaughtersofJerusalem,”Cant.5:16.[3.]Heiswhiteinloveandmercytohisown.Heisredwithjusticeandrevenge towards his enemies, Isa. 63:3; Rev. 19:13. This expresses hisendearingexcellenceintheadministrationofhiskingdom.

Thereare three things ingeneral that thispersonalexcellenceandgraceof theLordChristconsistsof:(1st.)Hisfitnesstosave,fromthegraceofhishypostaticunion and its necessary effects. (2nd.) His fullness to save, from the grace ofcommunionanditsfreeconsequences.(3rd.)Hisexcellencetoendear,fromhiscompletesuitabilitytoallthewantsofmen’ssouls:

(1st.)Hisfitnesstosave.Christis“hikanos,”afitSavior,suitedtotheworkfromhis grace of union. The uniting of the natures ofGod andman in one personmadehimfittobeanultimateSavior.HelayshishanduponGodbypartakingofGod’snature,Zech.13:7,andhelayshishanduponus,bypartakingofournature, Heb. 2:14, 16. And so he becomes an umpire between both. By thismeans,heclosesthedistancethatsincreatedbetweenGodandus.Wewhowerefaroffaremadecloseinhim(Eph.2:13).Onthisaccounthehadroomenoughinhisbreast to receive,andpowerenough inhis spirit tobear, all thewrath thatwas prepared for us. Sin was infinite only in respect to the object, andpunishment was infinite only in respect to the subject. This arises from hishypostaticunion.UnionistheconjunctionofthetwonaturesofGodandmaninone person, John 1:14; Isa. 9:6;Rom.1:3, 9:5.The necessary consequences ofthisunionare,

[1.]Thehumannature in theSonofGodhasno subsistenceof itsown,Luke1:35;1Tim.3:16.[2.]“Koinoniaidiomaton,”bywhichthepropertiesandattributesofeithernature, God or man, are interchangably spoken of using the name ofChrist,Acts20:28,3:21.[3.]Hisofficeasmediatorisexecutedinhissingleperson,butinrespecttobothhisnatures.Christhimselfis“hoenergon,”theagent,asbothGodandman.He is theprincipiumquo,or“energetikon.”He is theprinciplethat gives life and effectiveness to the whole work. Second, he is theprincipiumquod.He is theoperator, inwhichbothnaturesaredistinctlyconsidered. Third, he is the “energeia,” or “draskike tes fuseos kinesis.”He is theeffectualworkingof eachnature in itself.And lastly,he is the“energema,” or “apotelesma.”He is the effect that is produced by all ofthese,andisrelatedtoallofthem.ThisistheexcellenceIspeakofinhispersonalunion.

(2nd.)His fullness to save, from the grace of communion or the effects of hishypostaticunion.Theseeffectsandconsequencesofhis fullnessare free.Thisfullness refers to all the equipping that he received from the Father, by theanointing of the Spirit, for the work of our salvation: “He is also able tocompletelysavethosewhocometoGodbyhim,”Heb.7:25.AllthefullnessoftheSpiritthatwasnecessaryforthispurposewascommunicatedtohim:“foritpleasedtheFatherthat inhimallfullnessshoulddwell,”Col.1:19.Hedidnot

receive “the Spirit by measure,” John 3:34. From this fullness, he suitablysuppliesallthosewhoarehis,“graceforgrace,”John1:16.Haditbeengiventohimbymeasure,wewouldhaveexhaustedit.

(3rd.)Hisexcellencetoendear,fromhiscompletesuitabilitytoallthewantsofthe souls of men. There is no one who wants the things of God, that Christcannotsatisfythosewants.IamspeakingofthosewhoaregiventohimbyhisFather.Ishedead?No!Christ is life.Isheweak?No!Christ is thepowerandwisdomofGod.Hasheasenseofguilt?No!Christiscompleterighteousness.Heis“TheLordourRighteousness.”Manypoorcreaturesknowtheirwants,buttheydonotknowwheretofindtheirremedy.Indeed,whetheritislifeorlight,powerorjoy,itisallwrappedupinhim.ThiswillsufficeforthepresentofthepersonalgraceoftheLordChrist.Heisfittosave,havingpityandability, tendernessandpower, tocarryonthatworktocompletion.Hehasafullnesstosave,speakingofredemptionandsanctification,righteousness and the Spirit. And he is suitable to fulfill thewants of all oursouls.Bythishebecomesexceedinglydesirableandaltogetherlovely.Andastothis,thesaintshavedistinctfellowshipwiththeLordChrist.Themannerofthisfellowshipwillbedeclaredintheensuingchapter.Fromthisintroductiontothedescriptionoftheonewithwhomthesaintshavecommunion, some incentives may be proposed, and also some considerationsthat reveal the insufficiency of all other ways in which men engage theirthoughtsanddesires.ThedaughtersofJerusalem,thatis,ordinaryprofessorsofChrist, having heard the spouse describing her Beloved in Cant. 5:10-16, areinstantlyrousedtoseekhimwithher:“WherehasyourBelovedgone, thatwemayseekhimwithyou?”Cant.6:1.WhatPaulsaysofthosewhocrucifiedhimmaybesaidofall thosewhorejecthim,orrefusecommunionwithhim:“Hadtheyknownhim,theywouldnothavecrucifiedtheLordofglory.”Ifmenknewhim,iftheywereacquaintedwithhiminanyway,theywouldnotrejecttheLordofglory.Christ calls them“simpleones,”“fools,”and“scorners”whodespisehisgraciousinvitation,Prov.1:22.NoonedespisesChristexceptthosewhodonotknowhim,whomthegodofthisworldhasblindedsotheywillnotbeholdhisglory.Mennaturally seek something to rest on, somethingwithwhich to satiate anddelight themselves, to hold communionwith.There are twoways theypursuethesethings.Somesetbeforethemselvesagoal.Perhapsitispleasure,profit,or,in religion, acceptance by God. Others seek a casual distraction, pleasing

themselves now with one thing, now with another, like those in Isa. 57:10.Because something comes in by the strength of their own hand, theywill notgive it up, even though they are weary of it. Perhaps you have been greedypursuing some secular or religious goal. Or maybe you have been chasingmeaningless distractions, wearying yourself on a long road to nowhere.Whateverconditionyoumaybein,comparewhatyouareaimingat,orwhatyouare doing,withwhat you have already heard of JesusChrist. If anything youhave inmind is likehim,or ifanythingyoudesire isequal tohim, thenrejecthimasunattractive.Butif,indeed,allyourwaysarejustvanityandfrustrationbycomparisontohim,thenwhyyouspendyour“moneyforwhatisnotbread,andyourlaborforwhatdoesnotsatisfy?”(Isa.55:2).Use1.Ifyouarestillintheflowerofyourdays,fullofhealthandstrength,andwith all your vigor you pursue first one thing and then another, consider this:what are all your beloveds to this Beloved?What have you gotten by them?Showusthepeace,quiet,andassuranceofeverlastingblessednessthattheyhavegivenyou.Theirpathsarecrookedpaths.Whoeverwalksinthemwillnotknowpeace.Look,hereisanobjectfitforyourfinestaffections,oneinwhomyouwillfindrestforyoursoul,oneinwhomthereisnothingtogrieveandtroubleyoutoeternity.Behold,he standsat thedoorofyour soul, andknocks.Donot rejecthim,forfearyoumayseekhimandnotfindhim!Ibegyou,studyhimalittle.Youdonotlovehimbecauseyoudonotknowhim.Whydoesonemanspendhis time in idleness and folly, wasting precious time, perhaps in debauchery?Why does another associate himself with those who scoff at religion and thethingsofGod?TheydosoonlybecausetheydonotknowourdearLordJesus.When he reveals himself to you, and tells you he is Jesus whom you haveslightedandrefused,itwillbreakyourheart,andmakeyoumournlikeadove,thatyouneglectedhim!Andifyounevercometoknowhim,itwouldbebetterifyouhadneverbeenborn.WhileitiscalledToday,donothardenyourheart.Use2.Perhapsyouareearnestlyseekingrighteousness,andyouareareligiousperson. Consider this: Does Christ have his proper place in your heart? Is heyourall?Doeshedwell inyour thoughts?Doyouknowhiminhisexcellenceand desirability? Do you count all things “loss and dung” compared to hisexceedingexcellence?Ordoyoupreferalmostanythingintheworldtohim?

Chapter3.PersonalgraceincommunionwiththeLordChrist–

(2.)The next thing to consider is thewaywe hold communionwith theLordChrist, inregardtothatpersonalgracewespokeof.This iswhat theScripturerevealstobeaconjugalrelationship.Heismarriedtous,andwearemarriedtohim.Thisspiritualrelationshipisattendedbysuitableconjugalaffections.Andthisiswhatgivesusfellowshipwithhiminhispersonalexcellence.Thespouseexpresses this inCant.2:16,“MyBeloved ismine,and Iamhis.”Sheissaying,“Heismine.Ipossesshim.Ihaveinterestinhimasmyheadandmyhusband; and I amhis,possessedbyhim,ownedbyhim, andgivenup tohim.Weareinaconjugalrelationship.”InIsa.54:5,“YourMakerisyourhusband;theLORDofhostsishisname;andyourRedeemertheHolyOneofIsrael;hewillbecalledtheGodof thewholeearth.”Thisisthereasonwhythechurchwillnotbeashamedorconfoundedinthe midst of her troubles and trials. She is married to her Maker, and herRedeemerisherhusband.InIsaiah61:10,theprophetsetsoutthemutualgloryofChristandhischurch in theirwalk together.Hesays it is“asabridegroomdresseshimselfwithornaments,andasabrideadornsherselfwithjewels.”Suchistheircondition,becausesuchistheirrelationship.Hefurtherexpressesthisinchap.62:5,“Asthebridegroomrejoicesoverthebride,sowillyourGodrejoiceoveryou.”Asitiswithacoupleonthedayoftheirespousals,inthegladnessoftheirhearts,soitiswithChristandhissaintsinthisrelationship.Heisahusbandtothem,providingforthemaccordingtotheestateintowhichhehastakenthem.To this endwehavehis faithful engagementpromise inHos.2:19,20. “Iwillbetrothyoutomeforever;yea,Iwillbetrothyoutomeinrighteousness,andinjudgment,andinloving-kindness,andinmercies.Iwillevenbetrothyoutomein faithfulness.”This is themain design of theministry of the gospel. It is toprevail with men to give themselves up to the Lord Christ as he reveals hiskindnessinthisengagement.Hence,PaultellstheCorinthiansthathe“espousedthemtoonehusband, thathemightpresent themasachastevirgin toChrist,”2Cor.11:2.Heprevailedwiththemforthispurposebypreachingthegospel,sothattheywouldgiveupthemselvesasavirgintotheonewhobetrothedthemtohimselfasahusband.

This isa relationship inwhich theLordJesusexceedinglydelights.He invitesothers to behold him in his glory. Cant. 3:14, “Go forth, O you daughters ofJerusalem,andbeholdKingSolomonwith thecrown thathismothercrownedhimwithonthedayofhisespousals,andinthedayofthegladnessofhisheart.”He calls the daughters of Jerusalem (i.e. all sorts of professors of Christ) toconsiderhimashebetrothshis church.When theydo, he tells them that theywilldiscovertwothingsabouthim:

1. Honor.Itisthedayofhiscoronation,andhisspouseisthecrownwithwhichhe iscrowned.AsChrist isadiademofbeauty,andacrownofglorytoZion,Isa.28:5,soZionisalsoadiademandacrowntohim,Isa.62:3. Christ makes this relationship with his saints his glory and hishonor.

2. Delight. The day of his espousals, of taking poor sinful souls into his

heart, isadayofgladnessinhisheart.Johnwasonlythefriendof theBridegroom.HestoodandheardChrist’svoicewhenhewastakinghisbridetohimself;andyetherejoicedgreatly,John3:29.Howmuchmore,then,isthejoyandgladnessoftheBridegroomhimself!Zeph.3:17,“Herejoiceswithjoy,hejoyswithsinging.”

ThegladnessofChrist’sheart,thejoyofhissoul,istotakepoorsinnersintothisrelationshipwithhim.Herejoicedinthoughtsofitfrometernity,Prov.8:31,andhealwaysexpressesthegreatestwillingnesstoundergothehardtaskrequiredtodothat,Ps.40:7,8;Heb.10:7.Hewaspainedlikeawomaninchildbirthuntilheaccomplishedit,Luke12:50.Becausehelovedhischurch,hegavehimselfforit,Eph.5:25.Hedespisedtheshame,andenduredthecross,Heb.12:2.Hedidthissothathemightenjoyhisbride,thathemightbeforher,andsheforhim,and not for another, Hos. 3:3. This is joy: when his mother crowns him.Believers are the mother and brother of this Solomon, Matt. 12:49-50. Theycrownhimonthedayofhisespousals,givingthemselvestohim,andbecominghisglory,2Cor.8:23.Hesetsouthiswholecommunionwithhischurchunderthisfrequentallusiontomarriage.Hetakesthechurchtohimselfonthedayofhismarriage;thechurchishisbride,hiswife,Rev.19:7,8.Theentertainmentheprovidesforhissaintsisaweddingsupper,Matt.22:3.Thegracesofhischurcharetheadornmentsofhisqueen,Ps.45:9-14.Andthefellowshiphehaswithhissaintsisthesameasthatbetween mutually beloved spouses in a conjugal relationship, Cant. 1. HencePaul,indescribingthesetwocommunalrelationships,makessuddenandsubtle

transitionsfromtheearthlytothespiritualinEph.5,fromverse22toverse32.HeconcludesbyapplyingthisrelationshiptoChristandthechurch.Thenextinquiryishowweholdcommunionintheseconjugalrelationshipsandaffections, andwhat theyconsistof. In this, thereare some thingscommon toChrist and the saints, and some things unique to each, as the nature of thisrelationship requires. These fall into two parts: committing themselves to oneanother,andtheirconsequential,conjugalaffectionsforoneanother.[1.]Thereisamutualcommitmenttooneanother.This is the first act of communion under the personal grace of Christ. Christmakesthesoulhis,withallthelove,care,andtendernessofahusband;andthesoulgivesitselfwhollytotheLordChrist, tobehiswithall theloving, tenderobediencerequired.InthisweseethemainpartoftheespousalsbetweenChristandthesaints.ThisispresentedinaparableofhimselfandaharlotinHos.3:3.“Youshallabideforme;”hesaystoher.“Youshallnotbeforanother,andIwillbeforyou.”“Poorharlot.”TheLordChristsays ineffect,“Ihaveboughtyouformyselfwiththepriceofmyownblood;andnow,thisiswhatwewillconsentto:Iwillbeforyou,andyoushallbeforme,andnotforanother.[2]Thereisconsequentialaffectionforoneanother.(1st). Christ gives himself to the soul, with all his excellence, righteousness,preciousness, graces, and eminence. He does so to be its Savior, head, andhusband,andtodwellwithitforeverinthisholyrelationship.Helooksuponthesouls of his saints, likes them well, and considers them fair and beautiful,becausehehasmadethemso.Cant.1:15,“Behold,youarefair,mycompanion;behold,youarefair;youhavedoves’eyes.”Letothers thinkwhat theyplease,Christrepeatsthatthesoulsofhissaintsareverybeautiful,evenperfect,throughhis own attractiveness that he puts upon them.Ezek. 16:14, “Behold, you arefair,youarefair.”Heremarksinparticular that theirspiritual light isexcellentandglorious,liketheeyesofadove.Itistender,discerning,clear,andshining.Therefore, he adds a touching wish to enjoy his spouse. Cant. 2:14, “O mydove,” he pleads, “that is in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of thestairs,letmeseeyourcountenance,andletmehearyourvoice.Foryourvoiceissweet, and your countenance is attractive;” He is telling her, “Do not hideyourselflikeonethatfliestothecleftsoftherocks.Donotbedejected,likeonethathidesbehindthestairs,andisafraidtoenterthecompanyofsomeonewhoasks for her. Do not let your spirit be cast down at the weakness of your

supplications.Letmehearyoursighsandgroans,yourbreathingandpantingstome. They are very sweet, very delightful. Your spiritual countenance, yourappearance inheavenly things, isattractiveanddelightful tome.”Nordoesheleaveherthisway.Inchap.4:8hepressesherhardtocomeclosertohiminthisconjugalbond:“ComewithmefromLebanon,myspouse…LookfromthetopofAmana, from the topofShenir andHerman, from the lions’dens, from themountainsoftheleopards.”Heistellingher,“LiketheIsraelitesofold,youarewanderingamonglionsandleopards,sinsandtroubles;comeawayfromtheretome,andIwillgiveyourefreshment,”Matt.11:28.

At this invitation, the spouse boldly concludes inCant. 7:10, thatChristdesiresher, thathedoes indeed loveher,and thatheaims to takeher into thisfellowshipwith him.So, in pursuing this union,Christ freely bestowshimselfupon the soul. Precious and excellent as he is, he becomes ours. He makeshimselfours,alongwithallhisgraces.Hence,thespousesays,“‘MyBelovedismine; in all that he is, he is mine.” Because he is righteousness, he is “TheLORDourRighteousness,”Jer.23:6.BecauseheisthewisdomofGod,andthepowerofGod,heis“madewisdomtous...,”1Cor.1:30.Thus,“thebranchoftheLORD isbeautiful andglorious, and the fruit of the earth is excellent andattractiveforthoseofIsraelwhoescape,”Isa.4:2.ThisisthefirstthingdoneonthepartofChrist.HefreelydonateshimselftobeourChrist,ourBeloved,forallthe purposes of love, mercy, grace, and glory. To this end, his mediation isdesignedforamarriagecovenantthatisnevertobebroken.Insummation,theLordJesusChristisfittedandpreparedtobeahusbandtohissaints,hischurch.This is accomplished by his being equipped as mediator, and by his largepurchaseofgraceandglory.Hetendershimselftothesaintsinthepromisesofthe gospel, and in all of his desirability. He convinces them of his good willtowardsthem,andhisall-sufficiencytosupplytheirwants.Uponconsentingtoaccepthim,whichisallherequiresorexpectsfromthem,heengageshimselftobetheirsforeverinamarriagecovenant.(2ndly)Whatisrequiredonthepartofthesaintsistheirfree,willingconsenttoreceive, embrace, and submit to the Lord Jesus as their husband, Lord, andSavior.Theyare toabidewithhim,subject theirsouls tohim,andberuledbyhim forever. This commitment is either initial, solemn consentwhen they arefirstunitedtoChrist,oritisconsequentialconsent,reflectedinrenewedactsofconsent all of their days. I speak of it especially in this ongoing sense thatapplies to communion, rather than a single event which primarily applies tounion.

Therearetwothingsthatcompletethiscommitmentofthesoul:(1.)Commitmentmeans likingChrist for his excellence, grace, and suitabilityfaraboveallotherbeloveds.Itmeanspreferringhiminourjudgmentaboveallof them. In Cant. 5:9, the spouse is earnestly pressed by other professors ofChrist,togiveherthoughtsconcerningtheexcellenceofherBelovedcomparedtootherloves.Sheexpresslyanswersthatheis“thechiefoftenthousand,”5:10,“altogether lovely,”5:16.He is infinitelybeyondcomparisonwith thechoicestcreatedgoodoraffectionimaginable.Thesoulviewsallthatisinthisworld“thelustoftheflesh,thelustoftheeyes,andtheprideoflife”andseesthatitisallvanity.“Theworldpassesaway,andthelustofit,”1John2:16,17.Theseotherloves are not to be compared toChrist in anyway.The soul also views legalrighteousness, blamelessness before men, living uprightly, and duties ofconviction;itdrawsthesameconclusionthatPauldidinPhil.3:8,“Doubtless,IcountallthesethingslossfortheexcellenceoftheknowledgeofChristJesusmyLord.”ThechurchdoesthesameinHos.14:3.Itrejectsallappearingassistance,whetherasgoodasAsshuroraspromisingasidols,sothatGodalonemaybepreferred.This isour introduction toconjugalcommunionwithJesusChrist inpersonal grace. Itmeans constantly preferring him above all pretenders to ouraffections. It is counting everything loss and dung in comparison to him.Beloved peace, beloved natural relationships, beloved wisdom and learning,beloved righteousness, and beloved duties are all considered loss whencomparedwithChrist.(2.) Commitment means accepting Christ, by an act of the will, as our onlyhusband,Lord,andSavior.Thisiscalled“receiving”Christ,John1:12.Itisnotonlythesolemnactbywhichwefirstclosewithhim,buttheconstantframeofmind to abide with him, and own him as our husband, Lord and Savior.WeconsenttotakeChristonhisownterms,andtobesavedbyhiminhisownway.Wesay,“Lord,Iwouldhavetakenyouandsalvationinmyownway,sothatImighthaveattaineditinpartbymyownendeavorsandworksofthelaw.Iamnowwillingtoreceiveyouandbesavedbyyouinyourway,whichismerelybygrace. Though I would have walked according to my own mind, I now givemyself up tobe entirely ruledbyyourSpirit. Inyouhave I righteousness andstrength. Inyou Iam justified.And inyou Iglory.”ThenwearecarryingoncommunionwithChristinthegraceofhisperson.ThisisreceivingtheLordJesusinhisattractivenessandeminence.Believersshouldexercisetheirheartsinthiscommitmentabundantly.ThisishavingchoicecommunionwiththeSon

JesusChrist.Letusreceivehiminallhisexcellenceashebestowshimselfonus.Weshouldbefrequentinourthoughtsoffaith,comparinghimwithourotherbeloveds,withsin,theworld,andlegalrighteousness.Weshouldpreferhimaboveallofthosethings,countingthemlossanddungbycomparison.Weshouldbepersuadedofhissincerity,ofhiswillingnesstogivehimselfupforus,andofallthatheisasourmediator.Letusgiveourheartstohim.Letustellhimthatwewillbeforhim,andnotforanother.Lethimknowitfromus.Hedelightstohearit.Infact,hesays,“Sweet is our voice, and our countenance isattractive”(Cant.2:14).Wewillnotfailtoreceivesweetrefreshmentfromhim.IwillnowturnasidetoafullerdescriptionofsomeofthepersonalexcellencesoftheLordChrist,whichendeartheheartsofhissaintstohim.ThesestrengthenourheartsincommittingourselvestotheLordChristasourhusband,andtheymake way for stirring up those consequential conjugal affections that werementionedearlier.1. He is exceedingly excellent and desirable in his Deity and glory. He is“JehovahourRighteousness,”Jer.23:6.ItisthereasonforZion’srejoicingathiscomingtoher,“BeholdyourGod!”Isa.40:9.“Wehaveseenhisglory,”saystheapostle.Whatgloryisthat?“Thegloryoftheonly-begottenSonofGod,”John1:14. The best of the saints have been afraid and amazed at the beauty of anangel.Thestoutestsinnershavetrembledatthegloryofoneofthesecreaturesthatpresentonlythebackpartsoftheirglory.YetangelsthemselvescovertheirfacesatthepresenceofourBeloved.Theyareconsciousoftheirutterdisabilitytobear the raysof his glory, Isa. 6:2; John12:39-41.He is “the fellowof theLordofhosts,”Zech.13:7.Thoughheonceappearedintheformofaservant,yet“hethoughtitnotrobberytobeequalwithGod,”Phil.2:6.Inthegloryofthismajesty,hedwellsininaccessiblelight.We“cannotfindouttheextentoftheAlmightybysearching:itisashighasheaven;whatcanwedo?Itisdeeperthanhell;whatcanweknow?Themeasureofitislongerthantheearth,andbroaderthan the sea,” Job11:79.Wemayall say tooneanother, “Surelywearemorebrutishthananyman,anddonothavetheunderstandingofaman.Weneitherlearnedwisdom,nordidwehavetheknowledgeoftheholy.Whohasascendedupintoheaven,ordescended?Whohasgatheredthewindinhisfists?Whohasbound thewaters inagarment?Whohasestablishedall theendsof theearth?Whatishisname,andwhatishisSon’sname,ifyoucantell,”Prov.30:2-4.Ifanyoneshouldask,asdidthoseintheCanticles,whatisintheLordJesus,ourbeloved,morethaninotherbeloveds,thatmakeshimsodesirable,andamiable,

and worthy of acceptance?What is he more than others? Then I will ask inreturn,“Whatisakingmorethanabeggar?”Heismuchmoreineveryway;andyet there isnothingmore.Thekingandbeggarwerebornalike, andmustdiealike;afterthatisthejudgment.“Whatisanangelmorethanaworm?”Awormisacreature,andanangel isacreature;Godhasmade theone tocreep in theearth, and the other to dwell in heaven. There is still a difference in extentbetweenthem.Theymayagreeinsomethings,butcomparedtotheinfinitetheyare nothing. And what are all the nothings of the world to the God who isinfinitelyblessed forevermore?Will thedust in thebalance,or thedrop in thebucket,beplacedinthescaleagainstChrist?ThisistheonewhomthesinnersinZionareafraidof,andwhocry,“Whoamonguswilldwellwiththedevouringfire,who amonguswill dwellwith everlastingburnings?” Imight giveyou aglimpseofhisexcellenceinmanyofthosepropertiesandattributesbywhichherevealshimself to thefaithofpoorsinners.But itwouldbe likesomeonewhogoes into a garden where there are innumerable flowers in great variety. Hecannot take inallhesees,exceptonecrophereandanother there. Iwill try toopenadoorandgiveaninlettotheinfiniteexcellenceofthegracesoftheLordJesusasheis,“Godblessedforevermore.”Iwillpresentthereaderwithoneortwoexamples,leavinghimtogatherwhateverelsehepleasesforhisownuse.Sothen,observetheendless,bottomless,boundlessgraceandcompassionthatisintheonewhoisourhusband,asheistheGodofZion.Allthegracethatcanpossibly dwell at once in a created nature cannot serve our need.We are tooindigent to be suitedwith such a supply.Therewas a fullness of grace in thehumannatureofChrist.Hedidnotreceive“theSpiritbymeasure,”John3:34.Itwasafullnesslikethatofthelightinthesun,orofthewaterintheseaasfarasitssufficiency.Itwasafullnessincomparablyabovethemeasureofangels.Yetitwas not properly an infinite fullness. Itwas a created, and therefore a limitedfullness. If this grace could be separated from theDeity, then surely somanythirsty,guiltysoulswhodrinkdeepandlargedraughtsofgraceandmercyfromhimeveryday,woulddrainhimtotheverybottom.Itwouldbenosupplyatall,except in a moral way. But when the conduit of his humanity is inseparablyunitedtotheinfinite, inexhaustiblefountainoftheDeity,whocanlookintoitsdepths?Ifthereisgraceenoughforsinnersinanall-sufficientGod,thenitisinChrist. Indeed, there cannot be enough in anyone else. The Lord gives thisreasonforthepeaceandconfidenceofsinnersinIsa.54:4-5,“Youshallnotbeashamed, neither be you confounded; for you shall not be put to shame.”Buthow will this be? So much sin, and not ashamed! So much guilt, and notconfounded!“YourMaker,”hesays,“isyourhusband;theLORDofhostsishis

name;andyourRedeemertheHolyOneofIsrael;hewillbecalledtheGodofthewholeearth.”Thisisthebasisofallpeace,confidence,andconsolation.ThisisthegraceandmercyofourMaker,theGodofthewholeearth.Kindnessandpoweraresotemperedinhimthathemakesus,andhemarsusheisourGodandourGoel[OT:1350],ourRedeemer.“Looktome,”hesays,“andyouwillbesaved; for I amGod, andnoneelse,” Isa.45:22, “Surely,onewill say, ‘In theLORDIhaverighteousness’”verse24.Itisonthisgroundthatalltheworldshouldpreparetodrinkfreegrace,mercy,andpardon,drawingwatercontinuallyfromthewellsofsalvation.Theyshouldbe prepared to draw from one single promise, which is an angel standing bycrying,“Drink,Omyfriends.Drinkabundantly.Takeenoughgraceandpardontosufficefortheworldofsinwhichisineveryoneofyou.”Theywouldnotbeabletodepletethegraceofthepromiseonehair’sbreadth.Thereisenoughformillionsofworlds,iftheyexisted,becauseitflowsfromaninfinite,bottomlessfountain.“Fearnot,OwormJacob:IamGod,andnotman.”Thisisthebasisofsinners’ consolation.This is that “head of gold”mentioned inCant. 5:11, thatmostpreciousfountainofgraceandmercy.This infinitegrace,as to itsspringandfountain,willanswerallobjectionsthatmighthinderusfromdrawingclosetocommunionwithhim,andfromfreelyembracinghim.Willitnotsuitusinallour distress?What is our finite guilt before it? Showme the sinner that canspreadhisiniquitiestothesamedimensionsofthisgrace.Hereismercyenoughforthegreatest,theoldest,andthestubbornesttransgressor.“Whywillyoudie,OhouseofIsrael?”BewarethosewhowouldrobyouoftheDeityofChrist.Ifgrace formewas limited towhat can be stored in amereman, then Iwouldrejoicetobeunderrocksandmountains(Rev.6:16).Hence,considerhiseternal,free,unchangeablelove.IftheloveofChristforusweretheloveofamereman,howeverexcellent,innocent,andglorious,thenitmusthaveabeginningandanending,andperhapsitwouldbefruitless.Theloveof Christ in his human nature towards his own is exceeding, intense, tender,precious,compassionate,abundantlyheightenedbyasenseofourmiseries,thefeelingofourwants,andtheexperienceofourtemptations.Itallflowsfromthatrich stock of grace, pity, and compassion, which was bestowed on him onpurpose,forourgoodandoursupply.Yetthislove,assuch,cannotbeinfiniteoreternal,norfromitselfcanitbeabsolutelyunchangeable.If itwereitnomorethanthis,thoughitisnottobeparalleledorfathomed,ourSaviorcouldnotsay,“AstheFatherhaslovedme,sohaveIlovedyou,”John15:9.Hislovecouldnotbe comparedwith thedivine loveof theFather in thosepropertiesof eternity,

fruitfulness, and unchangeableness, which are the chief anchors of the soul.Instead,hisloveis:

(1.)Eternal:“Comeneartomeandhearthis.Ihavenotspokeninsecretfromthebeginning; from that time, there am I: andnow theLordGOD,andhisSpirit,hassentme,”Isa.48:16.Heishimself“yesterday,today,andforever,”Heb. 13:8; and so is his love. It is the love of the onewho is “Alpha andOmega,thefirstandthelast,thebeginningandtheending,whichis,was,andistocome,”Rev.1:11.(2.)Unchangeable.Ourloveisareflectionofourselvesasweare,andsoareallouraffections.TheloveofChristisalsoareflectionofhimself.Welovesomeoneoneday, andhatehim thenext.He changes, andwe also change.Todayheisourrighthand,ourrighteye;thenextdaywesay,“Cuthimoff,pluckhimout.”ButJesusChristisstillthesame,andsoishislove.“Inthebeginninghelaidthefoundationoftheearth,andtheheavensaretheworksof his hands; theywill perish, but he remains, they allwillwax old like agarment;andhewillfoldthemuplikeagarment.Theywillbechanged,butheisthesame,andhisyearsdonotfail,”Heb.1:10-12.HeistheLORD,andhechangesnot.Thereforewearenotconsumed.Whomheloves,helovestotheend.Hisloveneverhadabeginning,anditwillneverhaveanending.(3.)Fruitful.Itisfruitfulinallitsgraciousissuesandeffects.Amanmayloveanotherlikeheloveshisownsoul,yetperhapsthatlovecannothelptheother.He may pity him in prison, but not relieve him; he may bemoan him inmisery,butnothelphim;hemaysufferwithhimintrouble,butnoteasehim.Wecannot lovegraceintoachild,norcanwelovemercyintoafriend.Wecannotlovethemintoheaven,eventhoughitmaybethegreatdesireofoursoul.ItwaslovethatmadeAbrahamcry,“OthatIshmaelmightlivebeforeyou!” but itmay not be. But the love of Christ, being the love ofGod, iseffectual and fruitful in producing all the good things that hewills for hisbeloved.Heloveslife,grace,andholinessintous;helovesusintocovenant,andhe lovesus intoheaven.Love inhim iswillinggood to someone.AndwhatevergoodChristwills for someonebyhis love,hiswillingnesseffectsthatgood.ThesethreequalificationsmaketheloveofChristexceedinglyeminent,andtheymake him exceedingly desirable. Howmanymillions of sins has thisloveovercomeineveryoneoftheelect,eachoneenoughtocondemnthemall!Whatmountainsofunbeliefhasitremoved!Lookatthelifeofanyone

saint, consider the frame of his heart, see the many stains and spots, thedefilementsandinfirmitiesthatcontaminateit,andtellmewhetherthelovethat bearswith all this is not to be admired.And is his love not the sametowards thousands every day?What streams of grace, purging, pardoning,quickening, assisting, flow from it every day! This is our Beloved, O youdaughtersofJerusalem.

2.Heisdesirableandworthyofouracceptanceasconsideredinhishumanity.Iwillonlynotetwothingsinthis:(1.)Hisfreedomfromsin;(2.)Hisfullnessofgrace; inbothof these, theScriptureportraysChristasexceedingly lovelyandamiable.

(1.) Christ was free from sin. He is the Lamb of God, without spot, andwithoutblemish,themaleoftheflocktobeofferedtoGod.God’scursefallsonallotherofferings,andonthosewhoofferthem,Mal.1:14.Thepurityofthesnowisnottobecomparedwiththewhitenessofthislily,ofthisroseofSharon,evenfromthewomb:“Forsuchahighpriestwasfitforus,whoisholy,harmless,undefiled, and separate fromsinners,”Heb.7:26.Sanctifiedpeople,whosestainsarewashedawayinanymeasure,areexceedinglyfairintheeyeofChristhimself.“Youareallfairmylove,”hesays,“youhavenospotinyou”Cant.4:7.Howfair,then,istheonewhoneverhadtheleastspotorstain!ItistruethatAdamhadthisspotlesspurityathiscreation;sohadtheangels.But theycame immediately from thehandofGod,without any interveningcause of sin. JesusChrist is a plant and root out of dry ground, a blossomfromthestemofJesse,abudfromtheloinsofsinfulman.Hewasbornofasinnerafter therehadbeenno innocentflesh in theworldforfour thousandyears.Everyoneontherollofhisgenealogywasinfectedwithit.Tohaveaflower of wonderful rarity grow in paradise, in a garden of God’s ownplanting,andnotbesulliedintheleast,isnotsostrange.But,asthepsalmistsays,tohearofsuchaflowergrowinginawood,tofinditinaforest,tohaveaspotlessbudbloominthewildernessofcorruptednature,isathingwhichevenangelsdesire to look into (1Pet.1:12).Thiswholenaturewasnotonlydefiled, but accursed; itwas not only unclean, but guilty, guilty ofAdam’stransgression inwhomwehaveall sinned.That thehumannatureofChristshould be derived from this heritage and yet be free from guilt, free frompollution,istobeadored.

Objection. But youwill say, “How can this be?Who can bring a clean thing

from an unclean thing? How could Christ take our nature, and yet not itsdefilementsandguilt?IfLevipaidtithesintheloinsofAbraham,howisitthatChristdidnotsinintheloinsofAdam?”Answer.Therearetwothingsinoriginalsin:

[1.]Thereistheguiltofthefirstsin,whichisimputedtous.Weallsinnedin him. “‘Eph hoi pantes hemarton,” Rom. 5:12, whether we render itrelatively “inwhom,”or illatively, “being all have sinned.” It is all one.Thatonesinisthesinofusall.Wewereallincovenantwithhim.Hewasnot only a natural head to us, but also a federal head. As Christ is tobelievers, Rom. 5:17; 1 Cor. 15:22, so Adam was to all of us; histransgressionofthatcovenantisreckonedtous.[2.]There is thederivationofapollutedandcorruptednature fromhim:“Whocanbringacleanthingoutofanuncleanthing?”“Whatisbornofthe flesh is flesh” and nothing else.Ourwisdom and ourmind are alsocorrupted,becauseapollutedfountainwillhavepollutedstreams.Thefirstperson had a corrupted nature, and that nature corrupts all succeedinggenerations.

Christwasfreefrombothofthesemarksoforiginalsin:1st. Hewas never federally inAdam, and thus hewas not liable to theimputationofAdam’ssin.Itistruethatsinwasimputedtohimwhenhewasmadesin.Therebyhetookawaythesinoftheworld,John1:29.ButitwasimputedtohiminthecovenantoftheMediator,throughhisvoluntaryacceptance,notinthecovenantofAdambylegalimputation.HadsinbeenreckonedtohimasadescendantfromAdam,hewouldnothavebeenafithigh priest to offer sacrifices for us. He would not be “separate fromsinners,”Heb.7:26.IfAdamhadstoodinhisinnocence,Christwouldnothavebeenincarnatetobeamediatorforsinners.Therefore,theneedforhisincarnation,morally,didnottakeplaceuntilafterthefall.ThoughChristwasinAdaminanaturalsensefromhisfirstcreation,inrespecttothepurposeofGod(Luke3:23,38),hewasnotinAdaminalegalsenseuntilafterthefall.So,astohimself,ChristhadnomoretodowiththefirstsinofAdam,thanhedidwiththepersonalsinofanyoneelsewhosepunishmenthevoluntarilytookuponhimself.Inthesameway,wearenotliablefortheguiltofthosewhofollowedAdam,eventhoughnaturallywewerenolessinthemthanwewereinhim.Therefore,allthedaysofhis

flesh,ChristservedtheFatherinacovenantofworks.AndintheseworkshewasacceptedbyGod,havingdonenothingtoannulthatcovenant.Thisdoesnotintheleasttakeawayfromhisperfection.2nd.ThepollutionofournaturewaspreventedinChristfromtheinstantofconception.“TheHolySpiritwillcomeuponyou,andthepoweroftheHighestwill overshadow you, therefore also that holy thing thatwill bebornofyouwillbecalledtheSonofGod,”Luke1:35.Hewas“madeofawoman,”Gal.4:4.ButthatportionofwhichwasmadewassanctifiedbytheHolySpirit,sothatwhatwasbornwouldbeaholything.Theunionofsoulandbodyishowamanassumeshiswholenature.Inthatunionheispollutedbysin,beingasonofAdam.Notonlywasthispreventedbythesanctification of the Holy Spirit, but the Spirit accompanied the veryseparationofhisbodilysubstanceinthewombtothatsacredpurposeforwhich it was set apart. Thus, on all accounts, he is “holy, harmless,undefiled.”Addtothisthathe“didnosin,neitherwasguilefoundinhismouth,”1Pet.2:22;he“fulfilledallrighteousness,”Matt.3:15;becauseofhis perfect obedience, his Father was always “well pleased” with him,verse17;hechargeshisangelswithfolly,andbeinguncleaninhissight.Take all of this into account; and his excellence and desirability in thisregardliesbeforeus.Suchhewas,andsuchheis.Andyet,foroursakes,hewas content not only to be considered a transgressor by the vilest ofmen,buttoundergofromGodthepunishmentthatwasduetothevilestofsinners.

(2.)ThefullnessofgraceinChrist’shumannaturepresentstheamiablenessanddesirability of it. If Iwere to consider his perfection in this part of hisexcellence,itwouldallfitthepurposeathand.Whathehadfromthewomb,Luke1:35,whatgrewandimprovedintheirexerciseinthedaysofhisflesh,Luke2:52,andthecomplementofthemallinglory,affirmhisdesirability.Iamonlytakingaviewofthesethingsintransit.Twothingslieinopensighttoallthatconsiderthem:allkindsofgrace,andalldegreesofgrace,wereinChrist.Bothmakeupthatfullnessthatwasinhim.It iscreatedgracethatImeanhere,andthereforeIspeakofitskinds.Itisgracethatisinherentinacreatednature,notaninfinitenature;andthereforeIspeakofitsdegrees.

Hedid not receive theHolySpirit, the fountain of grace, “bymeasure,” John3:34.AndastothecommunicationsoftheSpirit,“itpleasedtheFatherthatinhimall fullness should dwell,”Col. 1:19, “so that in all things hemight have

pre-eminence.”Butthesethingsarecommonlyknown.ThisistheBelovedofoursouls:“holy,harmless,undefiled,”and“fullofgraceandtruth.”Heisfullto,

•besufficientforeverypurposeofgrace;•emulate,asanexampleofobediencetomenandangels;•providecertaintyofuninterruptedcommunionwithGod;•affordreadinessingivingsupplytoothers;•suithimtoalltheoccasionsandnecessitiesofthesoulsofmen;•obtain a glory not unbecoming a subsistence in the person of the Son ofGod;

•promiseaperfectvictoryoveralltemptationsintrials;•renderanexactcorrespondencetothewholelaw,everyrighteousandholylawofGod;

•exhausttheutmostcapacityofalimited,created,finitenature;•revealthegreatestbeautyandgloryofalivingtempleofGod;•warrantthefullpleasureanddelightofhisFather;•establishaneverlastingmonumenttothegloryofGod,whohasgivensuchinconceivableexcellencetotheSonofman.

AndthisisthesecondthingtoconsiderinendearingoursoulstoourBeloved.3.Considerthatheisallthisinoneperson.Wehavenotbeenspeakingoftwopersons,Godandman,butonepersonwhoisbothGodandman.TheWordthatwaswithGodinthebeginning,andwasGod,John1:1,isalsomadeflesh,verse14.Thiswasnotdonebyconvertinghimself intoflesh,orbyappearing in theoutwardshapeandlikenessofflesh.Itwasdonebytakingthatholy thingthatwas born of the virgin,Luke 1:35, into a personal unionwith himself. So the“mightyGod”isa“childgiventous,”Isa.9:6.Thatholythingbornofthevirginiscalled“TheSonofGod,”Luke1:35.WhatmadeChristJesusamanwastheunionofsoulandbody,thesubsistenceofbothunitedinthepersonoftheSonofGod.Astotheproofforthis,Ihavespokenofitelsewhereatlarge.IproposeitonlyingeneralnowtoshowtheamiablenessofChristonitsaccount.Fromthisunionarisethegrace,peace,life,andsecurityofthechurch,andofallbelievers.Thismaybeclearlyevincedbyafewconsiderations:

(1.)Bythisunionhewasfit tosuffer,andabletobearwhatwasduetous.Andhedid so in thatveryact inwhich the“Sonofmangavehis life asaransom for many,” Matt. 20:28. “God redeemed his church with his ownblood,”Acts20:28.Inthiswasthe“loveofGodseen,thathegavehislifefor

us,” 1John 3:16. On this account, there was room enough in his breast toreceivethepointsofalltheswordsthatweresharpenedbythelawagainstus.And there was strength enough in his shoulders to bear the burden of thecursethatwasduetous.Fromthishewassowillingtoundertaketheworkofourredemption,Heb.10:7,8,“Lo,Icometodoyourwill,OGod,”becauseheknewhisabilitytogothroughwithit.Hadhenotbeenman,hecouldnothavesuffered.HadhenotbeenGod,hissufferingcouldnothavebenefitedeitherhimselforus,becausehecouldnothavesatisfiedtheinfiniteneed.Thesufferingofameremancouldnotbearanyportionofwhatwasinfinite.Thegreat and righteous God gathered together all the sins that had beencommittedbyhiselectfromthefoundationoftheworld,andhesearchedtheheartsofallthatweretocometotheendoftheworld.Hetookthemall,fromthesinoftheirnaturetotheleastdeviationfromtherectitudeofhismostholylaw,thehighestprovocationoftheirregenerateandunregenerateconditions.Whatifhehadlaidalloftheseonamereholy, innocentcreature?Oh,howwould they have overwhelmed him, and buried him, forever out of thepresenceofGod’slove!Therefore,theapostlepremisesthepurgingofoursinwiththisgloriousdescriptionofhim:“HehasspokentousbyhisSon,whomhehasappointedheirofall things,bywhomhealsomadetheworlds;whobeing the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, andupholdingallthingsbythewordofhispower,”has“purgedoursins,”Heb.1:2,3.Itwashimthatpurgedoursins,whoistheSonandheirofallthings,and by whom the world was made. He was the brightness of his Father’sglory,andtheexpressimageofhisperson.Hedidit,andhealonewasabletodo it. For thiswork, “Godwasmanifested in the flesh,” 1 Tim. 3:16. TheswordawokeagainstthecompanionoftheLordofhosts,Zech.13:7.Bythewoundsofthatgreatshepherd,thesheeparehealed,1Pet.2:24,25.(2.) Hence, Christ becomes an endless, bottomless fountain of grace to allthosewhobelieve.ThefullnessthatitpleasedtheFathertocommittoChrist,tobethegreattreasuryandstorehouseofthechurch,didnot,anddoesnot,lieinhishumannatureitself.Itliesinthepersonofthemediator,Godandman.Consider what his communication of grace consists of, and this will beevident.Thefoundationislaidinhissatisfaction,merit,andpurchase;thesearethemorallyprocuringcauseofallthegracethatwereceivefromChrist.Hence,allgracebecomeshis;allthethingsofthenewcovenant,thepromisesofGod,allthemercy,love,grace,andglorythatwaspromised,becamehis.Itis not as though theywere all actually invested in or resided in his humannature,andwerecommunicatedtousbysomeportionofwhatinheredinthat

nature.Buttheyaremorallyhis,byacompact,tobebestowedbyhimashethinksgood,andasheismediator,bothGodandman.HeistheonlybegottenSon made flesh, John 1:14, “from whose fullness we receive, grace forgrace.”TherealcommunicationofgracehappenswhenChristsendstheHolySpirittoregenerateus.TheSpiritcreatesdailysuppliesinourheartsofallthehabitualgracethatwepartakeof.BeingbothGodandman,ChristinhisroleasmediatorsendstheHolySpirit,asdeclaredatlargeinJohnchapters14-16.This,then,iswhatImeanbythefullnessofgracethatisinChrist,andfromwhichwehavebothourbeginningandalloursupplies.ThismakesChrist,astheAlphaandOmegaofhischurch,thebeginnerandfinisherofourfaith.Heis excellent and desirable to our souls. Upon paying the great price of hisblood, and gaining our full acquittal based on his satisfaction, all gracebecomeshis,inamoralsense.Itisathisdisposal.Hebestowsiton,orworksitin,theheartsofhispeoplebytheHolySpirit.Andhedoessoaccordingtohisinfinitewisdomandourneed.Consideringthis,howgloriousheis!Whatwe deemmost excellent iswhat best suits our needswhenwe are lacking.Whatisexcellentiswhatgivesbreadtothehungry,watertothethirsty,andmercytotheperishing.AllourreliefisthusfoundinourBeloved.Inhimisthe life of our souls, the joy of our hearts, our relief against sin, and ourdeliverancefromthewrathtocome.(3.) ThusChrist is fitted to be amediator, a days-man, an umpire betweenGodandus.HeisonewithGod,onewithus,andoneinhimself,intheunityofoneperson.Hisabilityanduniversalfitnessforhisofficeofmediatorareregularlydemonstrated.Inthisofficeheis“Christ,thepowerofGod,andthewisdomofGod.”InthisofficeshinestheinfinitelygloriouswisdomofGod,whichwemaybetteradmirethanexpress.Whatpersonwhoisacquaintedatall with these things does not fall downwith reverence and astonishment?How glorious is the Beloved of our souls! What is there that does notencourage us to take up our rest and peace in his heart?Unlesswe are soobstructedbyunbeliefthatnoconsiderationcanrelieveorrefreshtheheart,itis impossible not to be endeared to Christ by this. We should dwell onthoughtsofit.Thisisthehiddenmystery.Itisgreatwithoutcontroversy,andadmirabletoeternity.Whatpoor,low,perishingthingswecontemplate!Ifwegained no advantage by this astonishing dispensation, its excellence, glory,beauty,anddepthswouldstilldeservetheflowerofourinquiries,thevigorofour spirits, and the substance of our time. But when our life, peace, joy,inheritance,eternity-whenourall-liesinthisverything,willnotthoughtsofit always dwell in our hearts?Will they not always refresh and delight our

souls?(4.)Christisexcellentandgloriousinthefactthatheisexalted,andinvestedwith all authority.When Jacob heard of the exaltation of his son Joseph inEgypt, and saw the chariots that Joseph sent for him, his spirit fainted andrecovered again. This was because of his abundant joy and otheroverwhelming affections. Is our Beloved lost, who came to earth for oursakes,whowaspoorandpersecuted, reviled,andkilled?No!Hewasdead,butheisnowalive,andhelivesforever.Hehasthekeysofhellanddeath.OurBelovedhasbeenmadealordandruler,Acts2:36.Heismadeaking.GodsetshiskingonhisholyhillofZion,Ps.2:6.Heiscrownedwithhonorand dignity after he has been “made a little lower than the angels for thesufferingofdeath,”Heb.2:7-9.Andwhatishemadekingof?“Allthingsareputinsubjectionunderhisfeet,”verse8.AndwhatpowerdoesourBelovedhaveoverthem?“Allpowerinheavenandearth,”Matt.28:18.Asformen,hehasbeengivenpower“overallflesh,”John17:2.Andinwhatglorydoesheexercise thispower?Hegiveseternal life tohiselect; ruling themin thepowerofGod,Micah5:4,untilhebrings themtohimself.Forhisenemies,his arrows are sharp in their hearts, Ps. 45:5. He dips his vesture in theirblood.Oh,howgloriousheisinhisauthorityoverhisenemies!Inthisworldhe terrifies, frightens, awes, convinces, and bruises their hearts andconsciences.Hefillsthemwithfear,terror,anddisquiet,untiltheyyieldhimfeignedobedience.Sometimes,withoutward judgments, hebruises, breaks,andturnsthewheeluponthem.Hestainsallhisvesturewiththeirblood,andfillstheearthwiththeircaresses.Atthelast,hewillgatherthemalltogether–beast,falseprophet,nations,etc.–andcastthemintothelakethatburnswithfireandbrimstone.

Inhisauthority,heisgloriouslyexaltedaboveangels,goodandbad,Eph.1:20-22,“faraboveallprincipality,andpower,andmight,anddominion,andeverynamethat isnamed,notonlyinthisworld,butalsoinwhatis tocome.”Theyareallunderhisfeet;theyareathiscommandandabsolutedisposal.Heisattheright hand of God, the highest exaltation possible. Having received a “nameabove every name...” he is in full possession of a kingdom over the wholecreation,Phil.2:9.Thusheisgloriousinhis

•histhronewhichisat“therighthandofthemajestyonhigh;”•hiscommission,whichisbeinggranted“allpowerinheavenandearth;”•hisname,whichisanameaboveeveryname,“Lord of lords, and Kingofkings;”

•hisscepter,“ascepterofrighteousnessisthescepterofhiskingdom;”•his attendants, “his chariots are twenty thousand, even thousands ofangels,”amongthemheridesontheheavens,andsendsoutthevoiceofhis strength, attendedwith ten thousand times ten thousand of his holyones;

•hissubjects,allcreaturesinheavenandinearth,nothingisleftthatisnotputinsubjectiontohim;

•hiswayofrule,andtheadministrationofhiskingdom,fullofsweetness,efficacy, power, serenity, holiness, righteousness, and grace, in andtowards his elect, full of terror, vengeance, and certain destructiontowardstherebelliousangelsandmen;

•theissueofhiskingdom,wheneverykneewillbowbeforehim,andallwillstandbeforehisjudgment-seat.

Andwhatasmallportionofhisglorywehavepointedto!Thisisthebelovedofthechurch.Heisitshead,anditshusband.Thisistheonewithwhomwehavecommunion. But I will treat the whole exaltation of Jesus Christ at largeelsewhere.HavingspecifiedthesegeneralmotivesforcommunionwithChrist,takenfromhis excellence and perfection, I will reflect on the description of him that isgivenbythespouseinCant.5:10-16,

“My Beloved is white and ruddy, the best among ten thousand. Hisheadis likemost finegold,his locksarebushy,andblackasaraven.Hiseyesareliketheeyesofdovesbyriversofwater,washedwithmilk,andfitlyset.Hischeeksarelikeabedofspices,likesweetflowers.Hislips are like lilies, dripping sweet-smellingmyrrh.His hands are likegold rings, setwith beryl.His belly is like bright ivory overlaidwithsapphires.His legsare likepillarsofmarble, setuponsocketsof finegold.HiscountenanceislikeLebanon,asexcellentasthecedars.Hismouth ismost sweet.He isaltogether lovely.This ismyBeloved,andthisismyfriend,OdaughtersofJerusalem.”

The general description given of him in verse 10 has been considered before.Theensuingparticularsareexamplestoprovetheassertionthatheis“thebestamongtenthousand.”Thespousebeginswithhisheadandface,verses11-13.Shespeaksingeneraltoitssubstance.It is“finegold.”Thenshespeaksinparticulartoitsadornments,

“hislocksarebushy,andblackasaraven.”1. “His head is as themost one gold,” or, “His head gold, solid gold;” sometranslate it, “madeofpuregold;”others say, “chrusionkefale” [NT:5553,2776topgold]; theLXX retain part of bothHebrewwords, “ketempaz,” renderingthem“massaauri”[OT:3800,6337heavygold].Twothingsareeminentingold:splendor(glory),andduration.ThisishowthespousespeaksoftheheadofChrist.Hisheadishisgovernment,authority,andkingdom.Henceitissaid,“Acrownofpuregoldwasonhishead,”Ps.21:3.Hishead is said to be gold because of the crown of gold that adorns it. Themonarchy inDanielwasmost eminent for its glory and duration, and so it istermed a “head of gold,”Dan. 2:38.And these two things are eminent in thekingdomandauthorityofChrist:

(1.) It is agloriouskingdom.Christ is full ofgloryandmajesty, and inhismajesty he rides “prosperously,” Ps. 45:3, 4. “His glory is great in thesalvationofGod:honorandmajestyare laiduponhim:he ismadeblessedforeverandever,”Ps.21:5,6.Imightinsistthatnothingrendersakingdomorgovernment glorious except that it is of Christ in all its excellence. It is aheavenly, spiritual, universal, and shaken kingdom; all of which render itglorious.(2.)Itisdurable,firmsolidgold.“Histhroneisforeverandever,”Ps.45:6;“of the increaseofhisgovernment therewillbenoend,upon the throneofDavid,anduponhiskingdom, toorder it, and toestablish itwith judgmentandwithjusticefromhenceforthevenforever,”Isa.9:7.“Hiskingdomisaneverlastingkingdom,”Dan.7:27,“akingdomthatwillneverbedestroyed,”chap. 2:44; for hemust reignuntil all his enemies are subdued.This is theheadofgold:thesplendorandeternityofhisgovernment.

And ifyou take thehead in anatural sense, either it refers to thegloryofhisDeity,or thefullnessandexcellenceofhiswisdom(whichtheheadis theseatof).Theallegoryisnottobelimitedaslongaswekeeptotheanalogyoffaith.2.For theadornmentsofhishead,his locksare said tobe“bushy,”orcurled.Theyare“blackasaraven.”Thisisaddedtoillustratetheblacknesswithoutanyallusiontothenatureoftheraven.Taketheheadspokenofinapoliticalsense:hislocksofhairaresaidtobecurled,asifentangled,butreallyfallinginperfectorderandbeauty,likebushylocks.Thesearehisthoughts,counsels,andwaysin

administeringhiskingdom.Theyareblackordarkbecauseof their depth andunsearchableness,justasGodissaidtodwellinthickdarkness.Theyarecurledorbushybecauseoftheirexactinterweavings,speakingofhisinfinitewisdom.His thoughts are many as the hairs of the head, seemingly perplexed andentangled,but really set inanattractiveorder, just likecurledbushyhair. It isdeep and unsearchable, dreadful to his enemies, but full of beauty andattractivenesstohisbeloved.Sucharethethoughtsofhisheart,andthecounselsofhiswisdom,inreferencetotheadministrationsofhiskingdom.Theyaredark,perplexed, and involved to a carnal eye. They are deep, manifold, ordered,attractive,anddesirableinthemselves,andtohissaints.In a natural sense, black and curled locks denote attractiveness, and vigor ofyouth. In the execution of his counsels, and in all his ways, the strength andpowerofChristappearsgloriousandlovely.Thenextthingdescribedishiseyes.Verse12,“Hiseyesareastheeyesofdovesbyriversofwater,washedwithmilk,andfitlyset.”Thereasonforthisallusionisobvious:dovesaretenderbirds,notbirdsofprey.Ofallotherbirds,theyhavethe brightest, shining, and piercing eye. Their delight in streams of water isknown.Beingwashedinmilk,orclear,white,crystalwater,addstotheirbeauty.Andtheireyesherearesaidtobe“fitlyset.”Thatis,theyareindueproportionof beauty and luster, as a precious stone in the fullness of a ring, as thewordsignifies.Eyesareforsight,discerning,knowledge,andacquaintancewiththethingsthatareseen;theknowledge,understanding,anddiscerningSpiritofChristJesusareintendedhere.Intheallusion,fourthingsareascribedtotheeyes:1.Tenderness;2.Purity;3.Discerning;and,4.Glory.1. Tenderness the tenderness and compassion of Christ towards his church isintended here. He looks on it with the eyes of galley doves; he looks withtendernessandcarefulcompassion;helookswithoutanger,fury,orthoughtsofrevenge.ThisishowtheeyeinterpretedinDeut.11:12,“TheeyesoftheLORDyourGodareuponthatland.”Why?“ItisalandthattheLORDyourGodcaresfor.”Andhecaresforitinmercy.SoaretheeyesofChristonus,theeyesofonewho cares for us in tenderness, who lays out his wisdom, knowledge, andunderstandingwithtenderlove,onourbehalf.Heisthefoundation-stoneofthechurch onwhich “are seven eyes,” Zech. 3:9. In these eyes are perfection ofwisdom,knowledge,care,andkindnesstoguidehim.

2.Purityaspureaswasheddoves’eyes.Thismaybetakeneithersubjectively,fortheexcellenceandimmixedcleannessandpurityofhissightandknowledgein himself, or it can be taken objectively, for delighting to behold purity inothers. “He is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity,” Hab. 1:13. “He has nopleasure inwickedness; the foolishwillnotstand inhissight,”Ps.5:4,5.TherighteoussoulofLotwasdistressedbyseeingthefilthydeedsofwickedmen(2Pet. 2:8).Andhehad eyes of flesh inwhich therewas amixture of impurity.How much more do the pure eyes of our dear Lord Jesus abominate all thefilthiness of sinners! But in this lies the excellence of his love for us. Hecarefullytakesawayourfilthandstainssothathemaydelightinus.Seeingthatwearesodefiled,andthatitcouldnotbedoneanotherway,heremovesitbyhisownblood.“EvenasChristalsolovedthechurch,andgavehimselfforit, thathemightsanctifyandcleanseit,withthewashingofwaterbytheword,thathemightpresentittohimselfagloriouschurch,nothavingspot,orwrinkle,oranysuch thing;but that it shouldbeholy,andwithoutblemish”Eph.5:25-27.Thepurposeofthisundertakingissothatthechurchmaybegloriouslypresentedtohimself,becauseheisofpurereyesthantobeholditwithjoyanddelightinanyothercondition.Hedoesnotleavehisspouseuntilhecansayofher,“Youareallfair,mylove;thereisnospotinyou,”Cant.4:7.Partly,hetakesawayourspotsandstainsbythe“renewingoftheHolySpirit.”Andwholly,headornsuswithhisownrighteousness.3. Discerning. He sees as doves see: quickly, clearly, thoroughly, and to thebottomofwhathelooksupon.Hence, inanotherplaceit issaidthathis“eyesarelikeaflameoffire,”Rev.1:14.Why?Sothatthechurchesmightknowthatheistheonewho“searchesthereinsandhearts,”Rev.2:23.Hehasdiscerningeyes.Nothingishiddenfromhim.Allthingsareopenandnakedbeforetheonewithwhomwehave todeal. It issaidofhim,whilehewas in thisworld, that“Jesusknewallmen,anddidnotneedthetestimonyofmen,forheknewwhatwas in a man,” John 2:24, 25. His piercing eyes look through all the thickcoveringsofhypocrites,andtheirshowofpretence.Heseestheinsideofall;andwhatmenareinside,theyarethattohim.Hedoesnotseeaswesee.Instead,hepondersthehiddenmanoftheheart.Nohumble,broken,andcontritesoulwillloseonesighorgroaninpursuitofhim,orincommunionwithhim.Nopantofloveordesireishiddenfromhim.Heseeswhatiskeptinsecret.Noperformanceofthemostglorioushypocritewillprevailwithhim.Hiseyeslookthroughall,andthefilthoftheirheartsliesnakedbeforehim.4.Beautyaswellasgloryisintendedhere.EverythingofChristisbeautiful,for

he is “altogether lovely,” verse 16. But he is most glorious in his sight andwisdom.HeisthewisdomofGod’seternalwisdomitself;hisunderstandingisinfinite.Ourknowledge is spottedandstained!Evenwhen it isperfect, itwillstillbefiniteandlimited.Hisiswithoutaspotofdarkness,andwithoutthefoiloflimitation.Thus,heisbeautifulandglorious.His“headisofgold,hiseyesaredoves’eyes,washedinmilk,andfitlyset.”Thenextthinginsistedonishischeeks.Verse13,“Hischeeksarelikeabedofspices;likesweetflowers,”or“towersofperfumes”[marginalreading],orwell-grownflowers.Therearethreethingsevidentlypointedatinthesewords:

1. Asweetsavor,asfromspices,flowers,ortowersofperfume;2. Beautyandorder,likespicessetinrowsorbeds,asthewordsimply;3. Eminence in that characteristic, such as sweet, well grown, or great

flowers.ThesethingsareinthecheeksofChrist.TheChaldeeparaphrase,whichappliesthis whole song to God’s dealings with the people of the Jews, makes thesecheekswiththelinesthataredrawninthemtobethetwotabletsofstone.Butthatallusionisstrained,asaremostconjecturesofthatscholiast.Thecheeksofamanaretheseatofhisattractivenessandmanlikecourage.TheattractivenessofChristisfromhisfullnessofgraceinhimselfforus.Hismanlycouragerespectstheadministrationofhisruleandgovernmentfromhisfullnessofauthority.Thisattractivenessandcouragearecalledthehusband’scheeksbyhis spouse. She describes him as a beautiful, desirable person, to show thatspirituallyheisso.Andtohischeekssheascribes,1.Asweetsavor,order,andeminence.Godissaidtosmellasweetsavorfromthegraceandobedienceofhisservants.InGen.8:21,theLORDsmelledasavorof rest from the sacrifice ofNoah. In the sameway, the saints smell a sweetsavorfromGod’sgracelaidupinChrist,Cant.1:3.Itiswhattheyrestin,delightin,andarerefreshedwith.Thesmellofaromaticspicesandflowerspleasesthenaturalsense,refreshesthespirits,anddelightstheperson.Likewise,thegracesofChristpleasethesaints’spiritualsense,refreshtheirdroopingspirits,andgivedelighttotheirsouls.IfChristisclosetothem,theysmellhisraiment,asIsaacsmelled the raimentof Jacob.Theysay,“It is like the smellofa field that theLORDhasblessed,”Gen.27:27;andtheirsoulsarerefreshedwithit.

2. Order and beauty are like spices set in a garden bed. So are the graces ofChrist.Whenspicesaresetinorder,anyonemayrecognizewhatisuseful,andgatheritaccordingly.Complementingoneanothermakesthembeautiful.SotooarethegracesofChrist.Inthegospeltheyarepresenteddistinctlyandinorder,so that sinnersmay view themby faith, and take fromhim according to theirneed.Theyareorderedfortheuseofsaintsinthepromisesofthegospel.Thereis light, and life, and power in him, and there is all consolation in him aconstellationofgraces,shiningwithgloryandbeauty.Believerstakeaviewofthemall,seetheirgloryandexcellence,butfixespeciallyonwhatismostusefulto them in their present condition.Onemay take light and joy,while anothertakes life andpower.By faith andprayer, they takeandgather these things inthisbedof spices.Noonewhocomes toChrist goes awayunrefreshed.Whatmaytheynottake,andwhatmaytheynotgather?Whatisitthatthepoorsoulwants?Behold, it isprovidedhere,andlaidoutinorderinthepromisesofthegospel.Thesepromises are like thebeds inwhich these spices areplanted forouruse.Thus,thecovenantissaidtobe“orderedinallthings,”2Sam.23:5.3.Eminence.Hischeeksare“atowerofperfumes”heldup,madeconspicuous,visible,andeminent.SoitiswiththegracesofChristwhentheyareheldoutandliftedupinthepreachingofthegospel.Theyareatowerofperfumes,asweetsavortoGodandman.Thenextclauseofthatverseis,“Hislipsarelikelilies,droppingsweet-smellingmyrrh.”Twonaturalperfectionsarealludedtohere:First, thegloryofcolorinthelilies,andsecond,thesweetnessofsavorinthemyrrh.ThegloryandbeautyoftheliliesinthosecountrieswassuchthatourSaviortellsus,“Solomon,inallhisglory,wasnotarrayedlikeoneofthem,”Matt.6:29.Thesavorofmyrrhwassuch thatwhen theScripturepresents thingsofanexcellentsavor, itcomparesthem to the sweetness ofmyrrh (Ps. 45:8). The sweet and holy ointmentwaschieflymadefromit,Exod.30:23-25.Mentionisfrequentlymadeofitinotherplacesforthesamepurpose.ItissaidofChristthat“gracewaspouredintohislips,” Ps. 45:2. Men wondered or were amazed by the words of grace thatproceededout of hismouth “tois logois tes charitos,” [Luke4:22].Sowhat ismeant by the lips of Christ dropping sweet-smelling myrrh, is the savor,excellence, and usefulness of the word of Christ. In this he is excellent andglorious indeed. The glory, beauty, and usefulness of his word surpasses theexcellence of those natural things that are most precious in their own way.Hence, thosewho preach hisword to save the souls ofmen, are said to be a“sweetsavortoGod,”2Cor.2:15,andthesavoroftheknowledgeofGodissaid

tobemanifestedbythem,verse14.Icouldinsistonseveralpropertiesofmyrrh,towhichthewordofChristiscomparedhere:itsbitternessintaste,itsabilitytopreserve from spoiling, its use in perfumes and unctions; but I only insist ongeneralities.What the Holy Spirit means is that the word of Christ is sweet,savory, and precious to believers. They see him as excellent, desirable, andbeautifulintheprecepts,promises,exhortations,andbitterthreatsofhisword.Thespouseaddsthat,“Hishandsareasgoldringssetwithberyl,”verse14.Theword“beryl,”intheoriginal,is“Tarshish,”whichtheSeptuaginthasretained.Itdoesnot restrict it toanyparticularprecious stone; somesayonyx;others saychrysolite.It isanypreciousstoneshiningwithasea-greencolor,forthewordalso signifies the sea.Gold rings setwith precious, glittering stones, are bothvaluableanddesirableforprofitandadornment.SoarethehandsofChrist.Thatis, all the works of his hands the effects, by the cause. All of his works areglorious.Theyareallfruitsofhiswisdom,love,andbounty.“Andhisbellyisasbrightivory,overlaidwithsapphires.”Thesmoothnessandbrightnessof ivory, thepreciousnessandheavenlycolorof the sapphires,givelustertotheexcellenceofChrist.Thisiswhatiscomparedtohisbelly,orratherhis bowels (which includes the heart). It is the inward bowels, and not theoutwardbulkthatissignified.Itisunnecessarytoshowthataffectionsarewhatismeant by “bowels” in the Scripture, whether ascribed to God orman. Thetenderlove,andtheunspeakableaffectionsandkindnessofChristtohischurchandhispeople,isthusrepresented.Whatabeautifulsightitistotheeye,toseepure polished ivory set up and down with heaps of precious sapphires! Howmuchmore glorious are the tender affections,mercies, and compassion of theLordJesustobelievers!Verse 15. The strength of his kingdom, the faithfulness and stability of hispromises,hisheightandgloryinhisdominion,thesweetnessandexcellenceofcommunionwithhim,isrepresentedinthesewords:“Hislegsarelikepillarsofmarble set upon sockets of fine gold; his countenance is like Lebanon, asexcellentasitscedars:hismouthismostsweet.”When the spouse has gone this far in describing him, she concludeswith thisgeneralassertion:“Heiswhollydesirable,altogethertobedesiredorbeloved.”She could have said, “I have considered some things of greatest value, price,usefulness,beauty,andgloryherebelow,andcomparedsomeoftheexcellencesof my Beloved to them. I can go no higher. I find nothing better or moredesirabletocomparewithhim,ortorepresenthislovelinessanddesirability.All

ofthiscomesshortofhisperfection,beauty,andattractiveness.‘Heisallwhollytobedesired,tobebeloved.’”

Heislovelyinhisperson,inthegloriousall-sufficiencyofhisDeity,inthe gracious purity and holiness of his humanity, in his authority andmajesty,andinhisloveandpower.

Heislovelyinhisbirthandincarnation.Whenhewasrich,hebecamepoorforoursakes,takingonfleshandbloodbecausewepartookofthesame.Hewasmadeofawoman,sothathemightbemadeunderthelawforus,andforoursakes.

He is lovely in the whole course of his life. He exercised more thanangelicholinessandobedienceinthedepthofpovertyandpersecution.Fordoinggood,he receivedevil.Forgivingblessings,hewas cursed,reviled,andreproachedallhisdays.

Heislovelyinhisdeath,andinthathewasmostlovelytosinners.Hewasnevermoregloriousanddesirable thanwhenhecamebrokenanddeadfromthecross.For thenhehadcarriedalloursins intoa landofforgetfulness;thenhehadrestoredpeaceandreconciledus;thenhehadprocuredlifeandimmortalityforus.

Heislovelyinhiswholeundertaking,inhislife,death,resurrection,andascension.HewasamediatorbetweenGodandustorecoverthegloryof God’s justice, and to save our souls.We, whowere set at such aninfinite distance fromGod by sin,were brought near toGod to enjoyhim.

Heislovelyinthegloryandmajestywithwhichheiscrowned.NowhehassatdownattherighthandoftheMajestyonhigh.There,althoughheis terrible to his enemies, he is full of mercy, love, and compassiontowardshisbelovedones.

He is lovely in all those supplies of grace and consolation, in all thedispensationsofhisHolySpirit,ofwhichhissaintspartake.

Heislovelyinallthetendercare,power,andwisdomthatheexercisestoprotect,safe-guard,anddeliverhischurchandhispeopleinthemidstofalltheoppositionandpersecutiontowhichtheyareexposed.

He is lovely in all his ordinances, and the whole of that spirituallygloriousworshipwhich he has appointed to his people, and bywhichtheydrawcloseandhavecommunionwithhimandhisFather.

He is lovely and glorious in the vengeance he takes, and will finallyexecute,uponthestubbornenemiesofhimselfandhispeople.

He is lovely in thepardon thathehaspurchasedanddispenses, in thereconciliationthathehasestablished, inthegracehecommunicates, intheconsolationheadministers,inthepeaceandjoyhegiveshissaints,andinhisassuredpreservationofthemtoglory.

What will I say? There is no end of his excellence and desirability. “He isaltogether lovely. This is our beloved, and this is our friend, O daughters ofJerusalem.”AsecondconsiderationoftheexcellenceofChristwillendeartheheartsofthosewhostandwithhiminthisconjugalrelationship.Itarisesfromwhatisthegreatdarlingofmenwhomisapprehendit.Initstrueconception,itisthegreataimofthesaints.Andthisiswisdomandknowledge.Letitbemadeclearthatalltrueandsolidknowledgeisonlyfoundin,andattainedfrom,theLordJesusChrist.Theheartsofmenmustbeengagedtohimif theyaretobetruetothemselvesandtheirmostpredominateprinciples.Thisisthegreatdesignofallmen,oncethey are freed from their professed slavery to the world, and the pursuit ofsensual, licentious courses. It is so that theymaybewise.Theways thatmengenerally use to pursue that endwill be considered later. The purpose of thisdigression is to show that allwisdom is laid up inChrist, and that it is to beobtainedfromhimalone.ThisistothegloryandhonorofourdearLordJesusChrist,andtoestablishourheartsincommunionwithhim.In1Cor.1:24, theHolySpirit tellsus that“Christ is thepowerofGod,and thewisdom of God.” This is not referring to the essential Wisdom of God thatresults from being the eternal Son of the Father. For that reason he is called“Wisdom” in theProverbs, chap. 8:22-23.Instead, it refers to the wisdom ofGodthatresultsfromhisbeingcrucified,verse23.Ashe iscrucified,sohe isthewisdomofGod.Thatis,allthewisdomthatGodhaspresentedtodiscoverandmanifesthimself,andtosavesinners,thewisdomthatmakesfoolishallthewisdomoftheworld,isinChristcrucified.Itisheldoutinhim,andbyhim;anditcanbeobtainedonlyfromhim.AndtherebyweseethegloryofGodinhim,2

Cor. 3:18. For he is not only said to be “thewisdom ofGod,” but he is also“madewisdomtous,”1Cor.1:30.Heismadewisdomtousnotbycreation,butby ordination and appointment. He not only teaches us wisdom as the greatprophet of his church, butwebecomeacquaintedwith thewisdomofGodbyknowingChrist. This is ourwisdom.However promised,wisdomcan only beobtainedthisway.ThesumofwhatiscontendedforisassertedinCol.2:3,“Inhimarehiddenallthetreasuresofwisdomandknowledge.”Therearetwothingsthatmightseemtobecoloredwithwisdom:civilwisdomorprudence inmanagingour affairs, andour ability in learning and literature.ButGodrejectsbothoftheseashavingnouseatalltotheendoftruewisdom.In theworld, there iswhat is called “understanding,” but it comes to nothing.Thereiswhatiscalled“wisdom,”butitbecomesfolly.“Godbringstonothingtheunderstandingoftheprudent,andmakesfoolishthiswisdomoftheworld,”1Cor.1:19-20.IfthereisneitherwisdomnorknowledgewithouttheknowledgeofGod(Jer.8:9),thenitisallcontainedintheLordJesusChrist:“NomanhasseenGodatanytime;theonlybegottenSon,whoisintheheartoftheFather,hasrevealedhim.”Godisnotseenatanyothertime,John1:18,norisheknownbyanyothermeans,thanbytherevelationoftheSon.TheSonmanifestsGodfromhisownheart,andthereforeitissaidthatheis“thetrueLight,whichlightseverymanthatcomesintotheworld,”verse9.HeisthetrueLight,whichhehasinhimself.Noonehasanylightexceptfromhim.Allwhocometohimhaveit.Allwhodonotcometohimremainindarkness.Morewillbesaidofthishumanwisdomlater.FIRST,alltruewisdomandknowledgearesummedupinthesethreeareas:

I.TheknowledgeofGod,hisnature,andhisproperties;II.TheknowledgeofourselvesinreferencetoGod’swillconcerningus;andIII.TheskilltowalkincommunionwithGod:

I.TheknowledgeoftheworksofGod,andthechiefendofall,necessarilyaccompanyallthree.1.Inthesethreeissummedupalltruewisdomandknowledge;and,2.Noneofthemhasanypurpose,isobtainedormanifested,exceptinandbytheLordChrist.1. By the work of creation, and by creation itself, God revealedmany of his

properties to his creatures who are capable of his knowledge. His power,goodness, wisdom, and all-sufficiency are thereby known. The apostle assertsthisinRom.1:19-21.Hecallsit“tognostontouTheou,”thatis,hiseternalpowerandGodhead(verse20).Inverse21,heassertsthatknowingGodcomesbythecreation. Yet, there are some properties of God that all theworks of creationcannot reveal or make known, such as his patience, long-suffering, andforbearance. All things being made good, there was no place to exercise ormanifestanyoftheseproperties.Thewholefabricofheavenandearthalone,asfirstcreated,willnotrevealsuchthingsaspatienceandforbearanceinGod.Yet,they are eminent properties of his nature. God himself proclaims this inExod.34:6-7:“TheLORD,theLORDGod,mercifulandgracious,longsuffering,and abounding in goodness and truth, keepingmercy for thousands, forgivinginiquityandtransgressionandsin,bynomeansclearingtheguilty,visitingtheiniquityofthefathersuponthechildrenandthechildren’schildrentothethirdandthefourthgeneration.”Therefore, theLordgoesfurther.Healsorevealsthesepropertiesbytheworksofhisprovidence, inpreservingandrulingtheworldthathemade.Bycursingtheearth,andfillingalltheelementswithsignsofhisangerandindignation,hehas“revealedfromheavenhiswrathagainstallungodlinessandunrighteousnessofmen,”Rom.1:18.Bynotimmediatelydestroyingallthings,hehasmanifestedhis patience and forbearance to all. Paul tells us in Acts 14:16-17 that, “Hesufferedallnationstowalkintheirownways;yethesentawitnesstohisdoinggood; he gave rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling their hearts withfoodandgladness.”InPsalm104,thepsalmistgivesusalargeaccountofGod’sgoodnessandwisdom.Bythesewayshegavewitnesstohisowngoodnessandpatience.Andsoitissaid,“Heendureswithmuchlong-suffering...”Rom.9:22.Butnowweareatastandstill.Byallthis,wehaveonlyanobscureglimpseofGod,seeingnotsomuchashisbackparts.Mosesdidnotseethatuntilhewasputintotherock;andthatrockwasChrist.WecannotevenglimpsesomeofthemosteminentandgloriouspropertiesofGodapartfromtheLordChrist.Weseethemonlybyandinhim.Somewehavenolightofexcept inhim,andall therestwehavenotruelightexceptbyhim:

(1.)Ofthefirstsortareloveandpardoningmercy.WecannotevenimaginetheseinourheartexceptbyChrist:

[1.]Love;Imeanlovetosinners.Withoutthis,manisthemostmiserableofallcreatures.WecannothavetheleastglimpseofitbutinChrist.The

HolySpiritsaysin1Jn.4:8,16that“Godislove.”Thatis,heisnotonlyofa loving and tender nature, but he is onewhowill exercise himself in adispensationofhiseternallovetowardsus.Heisonewhohaspurposesofloveforusfromofold,andwillfulfillthemalltowardsusindueseason.Buthow is thisdemonstrated?Howmaywebecomeacquaintedwith it?He tellsus inverse9, “In thiswasmanifested the loveofGod,becauseGodsenthisonlybegottenSonintotheworld,thatwemightlivethroughhim.”ThisistheonlyrevelationthatGodhasmadeofanysuchapropertyinhisnature,orofanythoughtthathewouldexerciseittowardssinners.ItisrevealedinthefactthathehassentJesusChristintotheworldthatwemightlivebyhim.Wherenowisthewise,thescribe,thedisputerofthisworld,withalltheirwisdom?TheirvoicemustbethatofthehypocritesinZion, Isa.33:14-15.Wisdom that cannot teach me that God is love willalways pass for folly. Let men point to the sun, moon, and stars, or toshowersofrainandfruitfulseasons,andtellwhat theylearnof this lovebythem.Menshouldnotthinkthemselveswiserorbetterthanthosewhowentbeforethem,who,toaman,gotnothingbythesethings,butwereleftwithoutexcuse.[2.] Pardoningmercy, or grace.Without this, evenGod’s lovewould befruitless.Theonlydiscoveryofthisgracethatasinfulmancanmakemaybeseeninthefatherofusall.WhenAdamsinned,hehadnoreserveformercy, but hid himself instead, Gen. 3:8. He did it “leruach hayom,”[OT:7307,3117]when thewindblewa littleat thepresenceofGod.Hediditfoolishly,thinkingto“hidehimselfamongtrees!”Ps.139:7,8.“ThelawwasgivenbyMoses,butgraceandtruthcamebyJesusChrist,”John1:17.PardoningmercycomesbyChristalone.It is thatpardoningmercywhichismanifestedinthegospel,andinwhichGodwillbeglorifiedtoalleternity, Eph. 1:6. I do not mean general mercy, which is that wish foracceptanceor“pathos”thatsomeputtheirhopesin.IfweascribesuchafeelingtoGod,itwouldbethegreatestdishonorthatcanbedonetohim.NotonerayofpardoningmercyshinesoutsideofChrist.Itiscompletelytreasured in him, and revealed by him. Pardoning mercy is God’s free,gracious acceptance of a sinner upon satisfaction ofGod’s justice in thebloodof Jesus.Wecannotdiscover itwithout this satisfactionof justice,consistent with the glory of God. It is a mercy of inconceivablecondescensioninforgiveness,temperedwithexactjusticeandseverity.InRom. 3:25,God is said “to set forth Christ to be a propitiation throughfaith in his blood, to declare his righteousness in the remission of sins.”

Hisrighteousnessisalsomanifestedinthebusinessofforgivenessofsins.Therefore, it is said tobewholly inChrist,Eph1:7.Healonepurchasesthisgospelgraceandpardoningmercy,anditisrevealedinhimalone.ThemainpurposeofalltypicalinstitutionswastomanifestthatremissionandforgivenessiswhollywrappedupintheLordChrist.Apartfromhimthereisnottheleastconjecturethatwecanmakeofit,norcanwetastetheleastmorselofit.IfGodhadnotsenttheLordChrist,alltheangelsinheavenandallthemenonearthcouldnothaveimaginedanythinglikethisgraceofpardoningmercyinthenatureofGod.TheapostleassertsthatthefullmanifestationandexerciseofthismercyisinChristalone.“Afterthat,thekindness and love ofGod our Savior towardsman appeared,” Tit.3:4-5.Thatis,itappearedinsendingChrist,andinthedeclarationofhiminthegospel. Then this pardoning mercy and our salvation apart from workswerediscovered.

TheseareofthepropertiesofGodbywhichhewillbeknown.Theycannotbe glimpsed except by and in Christ. Whoever knows him without theseproperties does not know him at all. They know an idol, not the only trueGod.“HethathasnottheSon,hasnottheFather,”1John2:23.NottohaveGodasaFatherisnottohavehimatall.AndheisknownasaFatheronlyasheislove,andfullofpardoningmercyinChrist.TheHolySpirittellsushowthisknowledgeistobehadin1John5:20.“TheSonofGodhascomeandhasgivenusanunderstanding, thatwemayknowtheonewho is true.”Byhimalonewegaintheunderstandingnecessarytoknowtheonewhoistrue.Now,ChristrevealsthesepropertiesofGodinhisdoctrine,intherevelationthathemakesofGodandhiswill as thegreat prophetof the church, John17:6.Throughthisdoctrine,theknowledgeofthesepropertiesisexposedtoall.Itisdonewithevidencefarsurpassingwhatthecreationcanrevealofhiseternal power and Godhead. But the life of this knowledge lies in beingacquaintedwith thepersonof JesusChrist inwhom the express image andbeamsofhisFather’sgloryshineforth,Heb.1:3.

(2.) There are other properties of God that can be discovered apart fromChrist,buttheyareclearly,eminently,andsavinglydiscoveredonlyinJesusChrist.Forexample,

[1.]Hisvindictivejusticeinpunishingsin;[2.]Hispatience,forbearance,andlong-sufferingtowardssinners;[3.]Hiswisdominmanagingthingsforhisownglory;

[4.]Hisall-sufficiencyinhimselfandtoothers.All of these, though they may have inferior manifestations outside ofChrist, clearly shine only in him. Thus itmay bewise to be acquaintedwiththem.

[1.]Hisvindictivejustice-Godhasmanifestedhisindignationandangeragainst sin in many ways. Men cannot help but know that it is “thejudgmentofGod,thatthosewhocommitsuchthingsareworthyofdeath,”Rom.1:32.In the lawhehas threatenedtokindleafire inhisanger thatwill burn to the very heart of hell. And even in many providentialdispensations, “his wrath is revealed from heaven against all theungodliness ofmen,”Rom. 1:18.Menmust confess that he is aGodofjudgment.Theangelswerecast fromheaven for their sin, shutupunderchains of everlasting darkness to the great judgment day. Sodom andGomorrah were overthrown and burned to ashes so they might be“examples to thosewhowould thereafter live in ungodliness,” 2Pet.2:6.Someone who only considers these things will discover much of God’svindictive justice, and his anger against sin. But this shines far moreclearlyintousintheLordChrist:

1st.InChrist,Godhasmanifestedthenaturalnessofthisrighteousnessto him. Itwas impossible to divert his vindictive justice from sinnerswithout interposingapropitiation.Thosewhoclaim that thenecessityofsatisfactionrestsmerelyonthefreeactandwillofGod,leavenojustand indispensable foundation for the death of Christ. They assume itmighthavebeenotherwise.GoddidnotsparehisonlySon,butmadehimanoffering forsin.Hewouldacceptnoatonementother thanhisSon’s blood. Plainly, he has manifested that his holiness andrighteousnessrequirehimtorenderindignation,wrath,tribulation,andanguishinreturnforsin.Knowinghownaturalthisvindictivejusticeis,andhownecessaryitistoexecuteitinresponsetosin,istheonlytrueandusefulknowledgeofit.LookingatitassomethingthatGodmayormaynotdo,doesnotmakehisjusticeapropertyofhisnature,butafreeact of his will. And a will to punish where one may do otherwisewithoutinjustice,isillwillratherthanJustice.2dly. ThisjusticeisfarmoregloriouslymanifestedinthepenaltyinflictedonChristforsinthanitwouldbeotherwise.Thefollowingwillgivesomeinsightintothisthing.Seeaworldthatwasmadegood

andbeautiful,wrappedinwrathandcurses,andclothedwiththornsandbriers.Seethewholebeautifulcreationmadesubjecttovanity,andgivenuptothebondageofcorruption.Hearitgroaninpainunderthatburden.Considerlegionsofangels,mostgloriousandimmortalcreatures,castdownintohell,boundwithchainsofdarkness,andreservedforamoredreadfuljudgment for one sin. View the ocean ofblood spilt to eternity on this account.Butwhat is all thiswhen it iscomparedtothatviewofitseenwithaspiritualeyeintheLordChrist?Allthesethingsareworms,andofnovalueincomparisontohim.Seethe one who is the wisdom of God, and the power of God, alwaysbeloved of the Father. See him, then fear, and tremble, and bow, andsweat, and pray, and die. See him lifted up on the cross, the earthtremblingunderhim,as ifunable tobearhisweight.See theheavensdarkenedoverhim,asifshutagainsthiscry,withhimhangingbetweenbothasifrefusedbyboth.Andallofthisisbecauseoursinswerelaidon him.Of all things, thismost abundantlymanifests the severity ofGod’svindictivejustice.Itistobelearnedhere,ornowhere.

[2.]Hispatience,forbearance,andlong-sufferingtowardssinners-TherearemanyglimpsesofthepatienceofGodshiningoutintheworksofhisprovidence.ButallofthemarefarbeneaththediscoveryofitthatwehaveinChrist,especiallyinthesethreethings:

1st.Themannerofitsdiscovery.ItisevidenttoallthatordinarilyGoddoesnotimmediatelypunishmenupontheiroffenses.Itmaybelearnedfromhisconstantwayingoverningtheworld.Despiteallprovocations,he still does good to men. He causes his sun to shine upon them,sendingthemrainandfruitfulseasons,fillingtheirheartswithfoodandgladness.Hence,itwaseasytoconcludethatthereisanabundanceofgoodness and forbearance in him. But all this is still very much indarkness,because it isonly theoutworkingofmen’sexperience fromtheir observations. The management of God’s patience has proved asnarealmostuniversallytothosetowardswhomithasbeenexercised,Eccles.8:11.Ithasalsobeenatemptationtothosewhohaveobservedit, Job 21:7; Ps. 73:2-4, etc.; Jer. 12:1; Hab. 1:13. The discovery ofGod’s patience in Christ is of another nature completely. In him thevery nature of God is discovered to be love and kindness. He haspromised, sworn, and solemnly engaged himself by covenant, toexercisethispatiencetowardssinners.Sothatwewillnothesitateabout

what God’s purpose is in this, there is a stable foundation in thereconciliationandatonementthatismadeinthebloodofChrist.

Whateverdiscoverycouldbemadeof thepatienceandforbearanceofGod, if itwasnotalso revealed that theotherpropertiesofGod fullyappliedtous,suchashisjusticeandrevengeforsin,thentherecouldbelittle consolation from the former. Though God may teach men hisgoodness and forbearance by sending rain and fruitful seasons, yet atthe same time he reveals “his wrath from heaven against theungodliness of men,” Rom. 1:18. They can only tremble at thesedispensations, not knowing which to expect. Yet this is the best thatmencanhaveorattainapartfromChrist.Menmightsatiatethemselveswith thegood things thatwereadministered in thispatience.Yet theywerenotdelivered fromtheirbondage todeath,and thedarkness thatattendsit.ThelawrevealsnopatienceorforbearanceinGod.Instead,astotheissueoftransgressions,itspeaksofnothingbutswordandfire.ButnowwiththerevelationthatwehaveinChrist,wealsodiscoverthesatisfactionofGod’sjusticeandwrathagainstsin.Weneednotfearhisjusticeinterferingwiththeworksofhispatience,whicharesosweettous.Hence,“Godisreconciling theworld tohimself inChrist,”2Cor.5:19.HeismanifestinghimselfinChristasonewhohasnomoretodotoglorifyhimselfthantoforbear,reconcile,andpardonsininhim.

2dly. In the nature of it. Without Christ, what is revealed of thatforbearance? Merely delaying the punishment for the offense, andcontinuingwithtemporalmercies.Menarepronetoabusesuchthings.Theymay perishwith their hearts full of them to eternity.What lieshidden in Christ, and what he reveals, is full of love, sweetness,tenderness,kindness,andgrace.ItistheLord’swaitingtobegracioustosinners,waitingforanadvantagetoshowloveandkindness,andtoendear us to him. “Therefore the LORD will wait, that he may begracious to you; and therefore he will be exalted, that he may havemercyuponyou,”Isa.30:18.NorevelationofGodissweeterthanthis.WhenweareexperientiallyconvincedthatGodhasfromtimetotimeoverlookedmany iniquities,weareastonished.Weadmire thathedidnottakeadvantageoftheseprovocationstocastusoutofhispresence.We find that, with infinite wisdom and long-suffering, God hasarrangedallhisdispensationstorecoverusfromthepowerofthedevil,to rebukeandchastenourspirit foroursins,and toendearus tohim.

There is nothing sweeter to the soul than this. Therefore, the apostlesays in Rom.3:25 that everything comes “through the forbearance ofGod.” God makes way for complete forgiveness of sins through hisforbearance,whichthelawdoesnot.3dly.Theydifferintheirendsandaims.WhatistheaimanddesignofGod in his forbearance that is manifested and discovered outside ofChrist? The apostle tells us in Rom. 9:22, “What if God, willing toshow his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with muchlong-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted for destruction?” It was toleave them without excuse, so that his power and wrath against sinmightbemanifestedintheirdestruction.Thereforehecallsit“sufferingthem to walk in their own ways,” Acts 14:16. Elsewhere, as in Ps.81:12,hepresentsthisasamostdreadfuljudgment,“Igavethemuptotheirownhearts’lusts,andtheywalkedintheirowncounsels.”Thisisasdreadfulaconditionasacreaturecanfallintointhisworld.InActs17:30,hecallsita“winkingatthesinsoftheirignorance,”asiftakingno care nor thought of them in their dark condition. This is how itappearsinitsantithesis.“Butnowhecommandsallmeneverywheretorepent.” Before Christ, he did not notice them enough to commandthemtorepent,atleastnotbyanyclearrevelationofhismindandwill.And therefore theapostleexhorts them inRom.2:4,“Doyoudespisetherichesofhisgoodness,forbearance,andlongsuffering,notknowingthatGod’s goodness leads you to repentance?” This is spoken to theJews,whohadadvantagesoverotherstounderstandthesethings.TheycouldlearnthenaturaltendencyofGod’sgoodnessandforbearanceinChristtoleadustorepentance.Otherwise,ingeneralheintimatesthatbysheerreason,menoughttomakeanotheruseofhisforbearancethantheyusuallydo.Inverse5,hechargesthemwithignoringit:“Butafteryourhardnessandimpenitentheart...”Atbest,then,byreasonoftheirown incorrigible stubbornness, God’s patience with men who areoutsideofChristprovestobelikethewatersoftheriverPhasis.Theyaresweetatthetopandbitteratthebottom.Menswimforawhileinthe sweet andgood thingsof this life,Luke16:20.Then,being filledwiththem,theysinktothedepthsofallbitterness.

But now, evidently and directly, the purpose of that patience andforbearanceofGod isexercised inChristanddiscovered inhim. It issaving and bringing into God those towards whom he is pleased to

exercisethem.Therefore,Petertellsusin2Pet.3:9,thatGodis“long-suffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that allshouldcome to repentance.”For itspurpose is to accomplishhiswillconcerning our repentance and salvation. Its nature and purpose arewellexpressedinIsa.54:9.“ThisislikethewatersofNoahtome:foras I have sworn that thewaters ofNoah should nomore go over theearth,sohaveIswornthatIwouldnotbewrath.”ItisGod’stakingacourse,inhisinfinitewisdomandgoodness,toensurethatwewillnotbedestroyeddespiteour sins.And therefore, inRom.15:5, these twothingsarelaidtogetherinGod,andcometogetherfromhim.Heis“theGod of patience and consolation.” His patience is a matter of thegreatestconsolation.ThisisanotherpropertyofGodthatmayappearinother things, yet its treasures are hidden inChrist.Noone learns anyspiritualadvantagefromitthatdoesnotlearnitinChrist.

[3.] His infinite wisdom in managing things for his own glory, and thegoodof those towardswhomhehas thoughtsof love.TheLordhas laidout and manifested infinite wisdom in his works of creation, hisprovidence,andthegoverningofhisworld.Inwisdomhehasmadeallhiscreatures.“Howmanifoldarehisworks!Inwisdomhehasmadethemall;the earth is full of his riches,” Ps. 104:24. So in his providence, in hissupportandguidanceofallthings,hehasarrangedthemforhisowngloryandtheirappointedends.Allthesethings“comeforthfromtheLORDofhosts,whoiswonderfulincounsel,andexcellentinworking,”Isa.28:29.Hislawisalsotobeforeveradmiredfortheexcellenceofthewisdomitcontains,Deut.4:7,8.YetthereissomethingthatPaulisastonishedat,andinwhichGodwillforeverbeexalted.Hecallsit“ThedepthoftherichesofthewisdomandknowledgeofGod,”Rom.11:33.AndthisishiddeninandrevealedonlybyChrist.Christissaidtobe“thewisdomofGod,”andheis“madewisdomtous.”SothedesignofGod,whichiscarriedalonginChristandrevealedinthegospel, iscalled“thewisdomofGod.” It isa“mystery;even thehiddenwisdomwhichGodordainedbeforetheworld;whichnoneoftheprincesofthisworldknew,”1Cor.2:7,8.InEph.3:10,itiscalled,“ThemanifoldwisdomofGod.” Paul tells us that principalities and powers, the angelsthemselves, could not discover the depth and riches of this wisdom, orbecomeacquaintedwithitintheleast,untilGodactuallyuncovereditbygatheringachurchofsinners.Hence,Peterinformsusthatthosewhoare

sowellacquaintedwithalltheworksofGod,stillbowdownandearnestlydesiretolookintothesethings,1Pet.1:12.Ittakesmuchwisdomtocreatean extraordinarywork, fabric, or building. But if someone defaces it togiveitmorebeautyandglorythanever,thisisexcellentwisdomindeed.Inthe beginning,Godmade all things good, glorious, and beautiful.Whenthese things were innocent and beautiful, clearly marked with God’swisdomandgoodness,theywereveryglorious.Thiswasespeciallytrueofman,whowasmadeforhisspecialglory.Allthisbeautywasdefacedbysin. The whole creation was rolled up in darkness, wrath, curses, andconfusion. The great praise of God was buried in heaps of it. Man,especially,waslost.HecameshortofthegloryofGodforwhichhewascreated,Rom.3:23.

Here,thedepthoftherichesofthewisdomandknowledgeofGodopensitself.Adesign inChrist shinesout fromGod’sheart, lodged there frometernity. It is to restore things toa stateexceedinglyadvantageous tohisglory. It is infinitelyabovewhatappearedat first, and itwillput sinnersinto an inconceivably better condition than they were in before theentranceofsin.Godnowappearsglorious.HeisknowntobeaGodwhopardonsiniquityandsin,andadvancestherichesofhisgrace.Thiswashisdesign, Eph. 1:6. In setting forth his Son for a propitiation, he hasinfinitelyvindicatedhisjusticeintheeyesofmen,angels,anddevils.Itisalsotoouradvantage.Wearemorefullyestablishedinhisfavor,andwearecarriedon towardsagreaterglory than formerly revealed.ThusPaultells us, “Without controversy, great is themystery of godliness,” 1Tim.3:16.Wereceive“graceforgrace,”forthegracelostinAdam,wereceivebettergraceinChrist.Confessedly,thisisadepthofwisdomindeed.TheloveofChristtohischurch,andhisunionwithittocarryonthisbusiness,“isagreatmystery,”Eph.5:32.So, then, the great and unspeakable riches of the wisdom of God arehiddeninChrist:

•inpardoningsin,•savingsinners,•satisfyingjustice,•fulfillingthelaw,•repairinghisownhonor,and•providingusagreaterweightofglory;

Allofthiswasdesignedwhileitwasstillimpossibleforangelsormentoimagine how to repair the glory ofGod, or deliver one sinning creaturefrom everlasting ruin.Hence it is said that at the last dayGod “will beglorified in his saints, and admired in all those who believe,” 2 Thess.1:10. Itwill be an admirable thing, andGodwill be forever glorious inbringing believers to himself. Saving sinners through believing will befoundafarmoreadmirableworkthancreatingtheworldoutofnothing.[4.]Hisall-sufficiencyinhimselfandforothersisthelastcategorythatIwillname.God’s all-sufficiency in himself is his absolute and universal perfection.This means nothing is wanting in him, and he wants nothing outsidehimself. His fullness cannot be increased or decreased. He is also all-sufficient for others. This is his power to communicate himself and hisgoodnesstotheminawaythatsatisfiesandfulfillswhateverisgoodanddesirable to them. To communicate his goodness, God abundantlymanifesteditsoutwardeffectinthecreation.Hemadeallthingsgoodandperfect.Butgivinghimselfasanall-sufficientGodwho is tobeenjoyedbyhiscreatures,andtoofferallthatisinhimtosatiateandblessthem,arethingsdiscoveredbyandinChristalone.InChristheisaFather.InChristheisaGodincovenant. In thiscovenanthehaspromisedto layhimselfoutforthem.InChristhehaspromisedtogivehimselftotheireverlastingfruitfulness.Heistheirexceedinglygreatreward.

And so I have insisted on the second sort of properties inGod.Althoughwehave an obscure glimpse of them in other things, clear knowledge andacquaintancewiththemcanonlybehadintheLordChrist.Whatremainsistobriefly declare that none of the properties ofGod can be known savingly andconsolinglyexceptinChrist.Consequently,allthewisdomoftheknowledgeofGodishiddeninChristalone,anditistobeobtainedfromhimalone.2.There is no saving or consoling knowledge of any property ofGod, exceptwhatisfoundinChristJesusalone.Itislaidupinhimandmanifestedbyhim.SomeobservethejusticeofGod,andknowthatthisishisrighteousness.Theyknowthatthosewhosin“areworthyofdeath,”Rom.1:32.Buttheonlypurposeofhisjusticeistomakethemcry,“Whoamonguswilldwellwiththedevouringfire?”Isa.33:14.Othersfixtheireyesuponhispatience,goodness,mercy,andforbearance.Yetitdoesnotleadthemtorepentanceatall.Instead,“theydespisethe richesofhisgoodness, and after their hardness and impenitent hearts they

storeupwrathforthemselvesagainstthedayofwrath,”Rom.2:4,5.Others,byGod’sworksofcreationandprovidence,cometoknow“hiseternalpowerandGodhead; but they do not glorify him as God, nor are they thankful. Theybecomevain in their imagination,and their foolishheartsaredarkened,”Rom.1:20.Whatevermen discover of truth outside of Christ, they “hold it captiveunderunrighteousness,”Rom.1:18.Hence,Judetellsusinverse10that“whattheyknownaturallycorruptsthemlikebrutebeasts.”To have a saving knowledge of the properties of God that consoles us, threethingsarerequired:(1.)ThatGodhasmanifestedthegloryofthemallinawaythatdoesusgood.(2.)Thatheyetexercisesanddisplaysthemtotheutmostinourbehalf.(3.)Thatbeingmanifestedandexercisedthisway, theyarefitandpowerful tobringustoenjoyhimforever.Thatisourblessedness.Now, all three of these lie hidden in Christ. We cannot glimpse them at alloutsideofhim.(1.) We are to accept that God has actually manifested the glory of all hisattributesinawaythatdoesusgood.Godisinfinitelyrighteous,just,andholy.He is unchangeably true and faithful.What goodwill it doour souls to knowthese things ifwe do not know how he preserves the glory of his justice andfaithfulnessapartfromthreatsofourruinanddestruction?Whatcomfortwillitbringus?Howwill itendearourhearts toGod?Isitonlyrighteousforhimtorepay our iniquities with tribulation? What benefit of this consideration didAdamhaveinthegarden?(Gen.3).WhatsweetnessandencouragementisthereinknowingthatGodispatientandfullofforbearanceifthegloryofthesethingsisexaltedonlybyhistoleratingvesselsofwraththatarefittedfordestruction?What will it avail us to hear God proclaim “The LORD, The LORD God,mercifulandgracious,abundantingoodnessandtruth,”ifweonlyconsiderthathewill“bynomeanscleartheguilty.”Doesouriniquityprecludetheexerciseofall his other properties towards us? Under such a naked consideration of theproperties of God, his justice will makemen fly and hide, Gen. 3; Isa. 2:21,33:15-16.Hispatiencewillrenderthemobdurate,Eccles.8:11.Hisholinesswillcompletely deter them from thoughts of approaching him, John 24:19. Whatrelief dowe have from thoughts of his immensity and omnipresence if allwewanttodoisflyfromhim?(Ps.139:11,12).Whatreliefisthereifwehavenopledgeofhisgraciouspresencewithus?

What brings salvation is when we see that God has glorified all hispropertiesinawaythatdoesusgood.HehasdonethisinJesusChrist.InChrist,Godmadehisjusticeglorious.HedidsobylayingallouriniquitiesonChrist,causinghimtobearthemallasthescapegoatinthewilderness.Hedidnotsparehim but gave him up to death for us all. Thus he exalted his justice andindignationagainstsininawaythatfreesusfromitscondemnation,Rom.3:25,8:33,34.InChrist,Godhasmadehistruthandhisandhisfaithfulnessgloriousby exactly accomplishing all of his absolute threats andpromises. “In thedayyoueatof ityoushalldie thedeath”Gen.2:17.This isfollowedwithacurse.“Cursed is every one that does not continue...” Deut. 27:26, Gal. 3:10. Thatfountain-headandcombinationfromwhichallothersflowisaccomplishedandfulfilledinChrist.ThetruthofGodcontainedinthemislaiddowninawaythatdoes us good. Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for us, Heb. 2:9. Hedelivereduswhenweweresubjecttodeath,verse15.Hefulfilledthecursebybeingmadeacurseforus,Gal.3:13.Sothat inhisverythreats,God’struthismadegloriousinawaythatisforourgood.Andasforhispromises,“Theyareall‘yes’,andinhimtheyare‘Amen’,tothegloryofGodbyus,”2Cor.1:20.Hismercy,hisgoodness,andtherichesofhisgracearemadeeminentlygloriousinChrist,andtheyareadvancedforourgood!Godhassethimforthtodeclarehisownrighteousnessfortheforgivenessofsin.InChrist,hehasmadewaytoexaltthegloryofhispardoningmercytowardssinnersforever.Thegreatdesignofthegospelis tomanifest this,asPauladmirablysetsitout inEph.1:5-8.Inthegospel,oursoulsmusteitherbecomeacquaintedwiththeseattributesofGod,orforeverliveindarkness.Thisisasavingknowledge.AnditisfullofconsolationwhenwecanseeallthepropertiesofGodmadegloriousandexalted inaway thatdoesusgood.Thiswisdom is hidden only in Jesus Christ. Hence, when he desired his Father toglorifyhisname(Jn.12:28),thatis,toglorifyGod’snature,properties,andwillin thework of redemption that he had in hand,Christwas instantly answeredfromheaven:“Ihavebothglorifiedit,andwillglorifyitagain.”GodgiveshisnameitsutmostgloryinChrist.(2.)Thesecondrequirement isknowingthatGodwillyetexerciseand layoutthosepropertiesofhistotheutmostinourbehalf.Hehasmadethemallgloriousinawaythatmaytendtoourgood,yetitdoesnotabsolutelyfollowthathewillusethemforourgood;forweseeinnumerablepersonsperishingforeverdespitemanifesting himself in Christ. For that reason, God has committed all hispropertiesintothehandofChristtobemanagedinourbehalfandforourgood.

Heis“thepowerofGod,andthewisdomofGod”(1Cor.1:24).Heis“theLORDour Righteousness” (Jer.23:6). And he is “made wisdom to us of God, andrighteousness,sanctification,andredemption”(1Cor.1:30).HavingglorifiedhisFather in all his attributes, Christ now has the exercise of these attributescommitted to him, so that he might be the captain of salvation to those whobelieve.Ifthereisanythingthatwilldousgoodintherighteousness,goodness,love,mercy,andall-sufficiencyofGod,thentheLordJesusisfullyinterestedindispensing it in our behalf.HenceGod is said to be “reconciling theworld tohimself”inChrist,2Cor.5:18.WhateverisinGod,helaysitouttoreconciletheworld in and by the Lord Christ. And thus Christ becomes “the LORD ourRighteousness,”Jer.23:5-6;Isa.45:24,25.(3.) The only requirement remaining is that these attributes of God, somanifested and exercised, are powerful and able to bringus to the everlastingenjoymentofGod.Toshowthis,theLordwrapsupthewholecovenantofgraceinonepromise:“IwillbeyourGod.” In thecovenant,GodbecomesourGodandwearehispeople.Therebyallhisattributesarealsoours.Wearetemptedtodoubtwhenwesee the inconceivabledifficulty in this,andwhatunimaginableobstacleslieagainstus.Wefearthattheremaynotbeenoughtodeliverandsaveus.ButGodsaysinGen.17:1,“Iam.”Heissaying,“IamGodAlmighty”(all-sufficient). “I amwholly able to perform allmy undertakings and to be yourexceedingly great reward. I can remove all difficulties, answer all objections,pardonallsins,andconquerallopposition.IamGodall-sufficient.”Now,youknowinwhomthiscovenantandallitspromisesareratified,andinwhosebloodit is confirmed. It is in the Lord Christ alone. Only in Christ is God an all-sufficient God to anyone, and an exceedingly great reward. Hence, Christhimselfissaidto“savetotheuttermostthosewhocometoGodbyhim,”Heb.7.Isaythatthesethreethingsarerequiredtobeknownifwearetohaveasavingacquaintance with any of the properties of God, and to have any consolationfrom such knowledge. All of these are hidden only in Christ, and suchknowledgeistobeobtainedfromhimalone.This,then,isthefirstpartofourfirstdemonstration.Alltrueandsoundwisdomand knowledge is laid up in the Lord Christ, and is to be obtained from himalone.BecauseourwisdomconsistsmainlyintheknowledgeofGod,hisnature,and his properties, it lies wholly hidden in Christ and cannot possibly beobtainedexceptbyhim.

II.TheknowledgeofourselvesinreferencetoGod’swillconcerningus.ThisSECONDpartofourwisdomconsistsinthreethingsthatourSaviorsendshis Spirit to convince the world of: “sin, righteousness, and judgment,” John16:8.Toknowourselvesinreferencetothesethreethingsisamainpartoftrueandsoundwisdom.Theyallconcernthesupernaturalandimmortalendtowhichweareappointed.NoneofthesecanbeattainedexceptinChrist.1.Concerningsin.Thereisasenseandknowledgeofsinleftintheconsciencesofallmenbynature.Theyknowin themselveswhat isgoodandevil inmanythings,andwhethertoapproveordisapproveofwhattheydoinreferencetoajudgment to come, Rom. 2:14, 15. But this knowledge is obscure. It relatesmostly to greater sins. In sum, it is what the apostle gives us in Rom. 1:32.“TheyknowthejudgmentofGod,thatthosewhodosuchthingsareworthyofdeath.” This is one of the common presumptions and notions received bymankind.Itis“righteouswithGod,thatthosewhodosuchthingsareworthyofdeath.”And if it is true thatnonation is sobarbarousor rudeasnot to retainsomesenseofaDeity,thenitisalsotruethatnonationiswithoutasenseofsin,and God’s displeasure for it. For this is the very first concept of God in theworld:thatheistherewarderofgoodandevil.Fromthisaroseallthesacrifices,purgings, and expiations thatweregenerally spreadover the faceof the earth.Butthisknowledgeofsinanditseffectswasverydark.The law gives a further knowledge of sin. It is the law which was “addedbecauseof transgressions.”Doctrinally, this revives all that senseof good andevilthatwasfirstimplantedinman.Itisaglassintowhichwhoeverisabletolookspirituallymayseesininallitsuglinessanddeformity.Thetruthis,thelawwonderfully uncovers sin on every account. Look at the law in its purity,holiness,compass,andperfection.Lookatitsmannerofdeliverywithitsdread,terror, thunder,earthquakes,andfire.Lookat itssanctions indeath,curse,andwrath.Thelawseesourpollution,guilt,andexceedingsinfulness.Yetallthisisinsufficienttogiveusatrueandthoroughconvictionofsin.Theglassisclear,butwedonothave theeyes to look into it.The rule is straightbutwecannotapplyit.AndthereforeChristsendshisSpirittoconvincetheworldofsin,John16:8.ThoughforsomepurposestheSpiritmakesuseofthelaw,hisuniqueworkisconviction.Convictionalonegivesausefulknowledgeofsin.Thediscoveryof sinmay also be said to be byChrist, and to be part of thewisdom that ishidden in him. But there is a twofold regard (besides this one) in which this

wisdom appears to be hidden in him. First, some concerns of sin are moreclearlydemonstratedintheLordChrist’sbeingmadesinforusthaninanyotherway. Secondly, there is no knowledge of sin that gives a spiritual and savingimprovementexceptinhim.For the first, there are four things in sin that clearly shine out in the cross ofChrist: (1.) The desert of sin. (2.) Man’s impotency because of sin. (3.) Thedeathofsin.(4.)Anewoutcomeforsin.(1.)Thedesertofsinclearlyshines in thecrossofChrist for tworeasons: [1.]Because of the person suffering for it, and [2.] Because of the penalty heunderwent.

[1.] The person suffering for it. The Scripture often presents this veryemphatically,andplacesgreatweightonit:“ForGodsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon,”John3:16.ItwashisonlySonthatGodsentintotheworldtosufferforsin.“HesparednothisownSon,butdeliveredhimupforusall,”Rom.8:32.Toseeaslavebeatenandcorrectedargues thatafaultwascommitted,butperhapsnotaverygreatone.Thecorrectionofasonargues a great provocation. That of an only son implies the greatestimaginableprovocation.Sinwasneverseenmoreabominablysinfulandfullof provocation thanwhen its burdenwas upon the shoulders of the Son ofGod.GodmadehisSonsinforus.HeistheSonofhislove,hisonlybegottensonwhowasfullofgraceandtruth.Hedid this tomanifesthis indignationagainstit,andtoshowhowutterlyimpossibleitisforhimtolettheleastsingounpunished.Helayshandonhisson,anddoesnotsparehim.Thefatherimputed our sin to the dear Son of his heart upon his own voluntaryassumptionof it.Hesaid tohisFather,“Lo, Icometodoyourwill,” (Heb.10:9)andallouriniquitieswerelaidonhim(Isa.53:6).Hewillnotsparehimanyofsin’sdesertsthataredue.ItismostclearfromthebloodofthecrossofChristthatthedemeritofsinmakesitaltogetherimpossibleforGodtopassbyanyonetoletitgounpunished.Ifhediditforanyone,hewouldhavedoneitforhisonlySon.Buthedidnotsparehim.Moreover, God does not delight in or desire the blood, tears, cries, andinexpressible torments and sufferings of the Son of his love. He does notdelightintheanguishofanyone.“Hedoesnotwillinglyafflictnorgrievethechildren of men,” (Lam.3:33) much less the Son of his heart. He onlyrequired that his law be fulfilled, his justice be satisfied, and his wrath beatonedfor.Nothinglessthanall thiswouldbringitabout.If thedebtofsin

mighthavebeencompoundedatacheaperrate,itwouldneverhaverequiredthepriceofthebloodofChrist.Herethen,takeaviewofthedesertofsin.Itis farmoreevident in this than inall the threatsandcursesof the law.Youmayrespond,“Whenfoundinapoorwormlikeme,Ithoughtsinwasworthyofdeath;butIneverimagineditwouldhavethiseffectwhenchargedontheSonofGod.”[2.]Further,considerwhathesuffered.Beingsoexcellentashewas,perhapsit was only a light affliction and trial that he underwent, especiallyconsideringthestrengththathehadtobearit.Yet,itmadethis“fellowoftheLORD of hosts,” this “lion of the tribe of Judah,” this “mighty one,” “thewisdomandpowerofGod,”tremble,sweat,cry,pray,andwrestlewithstrongsupplications.Someof theCatholicdevotionists tellus thatonedropof thebloodofChristwasenoughtoredeemtheentireworld,buttheyerr.Theydonotknowthedesertofsin,ortheseverityofthejusticeofGod.Ifonedroplessthanwasshed,oronepanglessthanwaslaidonwouldhavedoneit,thenthoseotherdropswouldnothavebeenshed,northoseotherpangsbeenlaidon.Goddidnotcruciatethedearlybelovedofhissoulfornothing.Butthereismorethanallthis:ItpleasedGodtobruisehim,toputhimtogrief,tomakehissoulanofferingforsin,andtopourouthislifetothepointofdeath.Hehidhimselffromhim.HewasfarfromthevoiceofhiscryuntilChristcriedout,“MyGod,myGod,why have you forsaken me?” God made him sin and a curse for us. Heexecutedthesentenceofthelawonhim.HebroughthimintosuchanagonythatChristsweatedthickdropsofblood.Hewasgrievouslytroubledandhissoul was heavy unto death. The one who was the power of God and thewisdomofGodstoopedundertheburdenofoursinuntilthewholeframeofnatureseemedastonishedatit.Nowthisclearlypresentsthedesertofsin,andrevealsGod’sindignationagainstit.Wouldyou,then,seethetruedemeritofsin?TakethemeasureofitfromthemediationofChrist,especiallyhiscross.ItbroughttheonewhowastheSonofGod,equaltoGod,whomGodblessedforever,intotheformofaservantwhohadnowheretolayhishead.Allhislife it pursued himwith afflictions and persecutions. And lastly, it broughthimundertherodofGodthatbruisedhim,brokehim,andslewtheLordoflife.Hencethereisdeephumiliationforit,becauseoftheonewhomwehavepierced.AndthisisthefirstspiritualviewofsinthatwehaveinChrist.

(2.)Thewisdomofunderstandingourimpotencyiswrappedupinhimbecause

of sin.Byour impotency, Iunderstand two things: [1.]Ourdisability tomakeanyatonementforsinwithGod.[2.]Ourdisabilitytoanswerhismindandwillwiththeobediencethatherequires.

[1.] For the first, atonement is only discovered inChrist. The sons ofmenhave made many inquiries into an alternative atonement. They have triedmanywaystoaccomplishitwithouthim.Afterthisfruitlesssearchtheyask,“Willanytypeofsacrificesatoneformysin?EventhoughappointedbyGod,suchasburntofferingsandyear-oldcalves?Eventhoughverycostly,suchasthousandsoframsandtenthousandriversofoil?Eventhoughdreadfulandtremendous,thosedoingviolencetonature,suchasgivingmychildrentothefire?” (Mic. 6:6-7). Will any of these things make an atonement? Davidemphaticallydetermines thisbusiness inPs.49:7-8.“Noneof them”(of thebest or richest ofmen) “can by anymeans redeemhis brother, nor give toGod a ransom for him; for the redemption of their soul is precious, and itceasesforever.”Itcannotbedone.Noatonementcanbemade.Yetmenstillattempt it. For that reason they heaped up sacrifices, some costly, somebloodyandinhuman.TheJews,tothisday,thinkthatGodwasatonedforsinbythesacrificesofbulls,goats,andthelike.AndtheSociniansacknowledgenoatonementotherthanmen’srepentanceandnewobedience.InthecrossofChrist,themouthsofallarestoppedastothisthing.For,

1st. God has revealed there that no sacrifices for sin, even thoughappointedbyhim,couldevermakethosewhoofferedthemperfect,Heb.10:11.Thosesacrificescouldnevertakeawaysin.Thoseservicesthattheyperformedcouldnevermakethemperfectintheirconscience,Heb.9:9,asthe apostle proves in chap. 10:1. And therefore, the Lord rejects allsacrifices and offerings whatever that are made for any such purpose,verses 6-8. In their stead, Christ says, “Lo, I come.” By him we are“justifiedfromallthingsfromwhichwecouldnotbejustifiedbythelaw,”Acts 13:39. God, in Christ, has condemned all sacrifices as whollyinsufficient to make an atonement for sin. The event of the cross hasmanifested how great a thing it was to instruct the sons of men in thiswisdom.

2dly.Hehas alsowritten“vanity”onallother endeavors thathavebeenundertaken for that purpose. By setting forth his only Son “to be apropitiation,” he leaves no doubt on the spirits of men that they couldmake no atonement by themselves, Rom. 3:24-26. For “if righteousness

werebythelaw,thenChristdiedinvain.”Towhatpurposewouldhebemade a propitiation if we were not weak and without strength toaccomplish it ourselves? This is what the apostle argues in Rom. 5:6.Whenwehadnopower,thenbyhisdeathChristmadeanatonementforus(5:8-9).

ThiswisdomisalsohiddeninChrist.Menmayseeconsequencesfortheirsinthat fill themwithdreadandastonishment, suchas those in Isa.33:14.Butsuch a sight and view of sin that might lead them to any comfortablesettlement about it, will only be discovered in this treasury of heaven: theLordJesus.[2.]OurdisabilitytoanswerthemindandwillofGodwithalloranyoftheobediencethatherequires,isonlytobediscoveredinChrist.This,indeed,isathingthatmanywillnotbeacquaintedwithtothisday.Itisnoeasytasktoteach a man that he cannot do what he ought to do, and for which hecondemns himself if he does not do it.Man rises upwith all his power toplead against a conviction of impotency, not tomention the proud conceitsand expressions of the philosophers. How many who would be calledChristiansstillcreepbydegreesintheirpersuasionthattheyhavethepowertofulfill the law!Andwherewouldmenget thisknowledge thatwedonothavethispower?Naturewillnotteachthat.Itisproudandconceited.Anditisonepartof itspride,weakness,andcorruption,not toknowitatall.Thelawwillnotteachit.Forthoughitwillshowuswhatwehavedoneamiss,itwill not reveal to us that we cannot do better. In fact, by requiring exactobedienceofus,ittakesforgrantedthatsuchpowerexistsinus.Ittakesnonoticethatwehavelostit,anditisunconcernedtosayotherwise.This,then,alsolieshiddenintheLordJesus.Rom.8:2-4,“ThelawoftheSpiritoflifeinChristJesushasmademefreefromthelawofsinanddeath.Forwhatthelawcouldnotdo,inthatitwasweakthroughtheflesh,GodsendinghisownSoninthelikenessofsinfulflesh,andforsin,condemnedsinintheflesh;thattherighteousness of the lawmight be fulfilled in us.”The law cannot producerighteousness,norobedience.Itisweaktoanysuchpurpose,becauseofthefleshandthecorruptionthathascomeuponus.

ThesetwothingsaredoneinandbyChrist:First,siniscondemnedastoitsguilt,andwearesetfreefromthatguilt.Therighteousnessofthelaw,byChrist’sobedience, is fulfilled inuswhocouldneverdo itourselves.And,secondly,theobediencethatisrequiredofusisworkedinusbyhis

Spirit.TheperfectobediencethatwehaveinChristisimputedtous,andthesincereobediencethatwehavefromhisSpiritisbestowedonus.Thisisthemostexcellentglassinwhichweseeourimpotency.Forwhydoweneed his perfect obedience to bemade ours, unlesswe do not have andcannotattainperfectobedienceourselves?WhydoweneedhisSpiritoflifetoquickenus,unlesswearedeadintrespassesandsins?

(3.)Thedeathof sin isdiscovered in thecrossofChrist.Sin isdying inus tosomeextentwhilewearestillalive.This isa thirdconcernaboutsin that it iswise to be acquainted with, and this wisdom is hidden only in Christ. Sin isdying in twoways: it isdying in its exercise inourmortalmembers, and it isdyinginitsroot,principle,andpowerinoursouls.Thefirstwaymaybeseeninpart outside of Christ. Christless men may have the outward exercise of sindyinginthemjustlikethosewhoareinChrist.Men’sbodiesmaybeunabletoserve their lusts, or practicing such lusts may no longer interest them. Sin isnevermorealivethanwhenitisdyinginthisway.Butthereisanotherwayofdying.And this is in the rootandprincipleof it. It is thedailydecayingof itsstrength,power,andlife;andthisistobehadinChristalone.Sinisnotapttodieordecayonitsown.Instead,itisapttogainground,strength,andlifeinustoeternity.Wemaypreventall itsactualeruptions,andyet itsoriginalenmityagainstGodwillstillgrow.Inbelievers,itisdyinganddecayinguntilitisutterlyabolished.Theopeningofthis treasuryofwisdomisfoundinRom.6:3-6,etc.“Doyounotknowthatasmanyofusaswerebaptized intoJesusChristwerebaptizedintohisdeath?Thereforeweareburiedwithhimbybaptismintodeath.JustasChristwasraisedfromthedeadby thegloryof theFather,evensowealsoshouldwalkinnewnessoflife.Forifwehavebeenplantedtogetherinthelikenessofhisdeath,wewillalsobeinthelikenessofhisresurrection,knowingthis: that our oldman is crucifiedwith him so that the body of sinmight bedestroyed,andsothatweshouldnotservesinanylonger.”Thisisthedesignofthe apostle in the beginning of that chapter. He not onlymanifestswhere theprincipleandmotivationofourmortificationandthedeathofsincomefrom(thedeathandbloodofChrist),butalsothewaysincontinuesanddiesinus(thewaythatChristdiedforsin).Hewascrucifiedforus,andtherebysinwascrucifiedinus.Hediedforus,andthebodyofsinisdestroyedsothatweshouldnotservesin.Ashewasraisedfromthedeadsothatdeathwouldnothavedominionoverhim,sowearealsoraisedfromsinsothatitshouldnothavedominionoverus.ThiswisdomishiddenonlyinChrist.Mosesathisdyingdayhadallhisstrengthandvigor.SodosinandthelawtoallthosewhoareoutofJesus:attheirdyingday,sinhasnotdecayedinanyway.Now,knowingthis is thebestpartofour

wisdom, next to receiving the righteousness that was prepared for us. This iswisdomindeed:tobetrulyacquaintedwiththeprincipleofthedyingofsin,tofeelvirtueandpowerflowingfromthecrossofChristfor thatpurpose,andtofindsincrucifiedinusasChristwascrucifiedforus.ThiswisdomisfoundinChristalone.(4.) Sin is appointed and ordained for a glorious purpose that others areunacquaintedwith,anditisdiscoveredinChrist.Sininitsownnaturetendstodishonor God, to debase his majesty, and to ruin the creature in whom it isfound.Hell itself is only fillingwretched creatureswith the fruit of their owndevices. The combinations and threats of God in the law manifest one otherpurpose for sin, which is to demonstrate the vindictive justice of God bymeasuringoutafitrecompense.Butherethelawandthelightstop,revealingnootheruseorpurposeforsinatall. In theLordJesus there isanotherandmoreglorious end that ismanifested. It is the praise ofGod’s glorious grace in thepardon and forgiveness of sin. God provided in Christ that the thing whichtended towardhis dishonorwould bemanaged to his infinite glory.Of all thethingsthathedesires toexalt, it is thathemaybeknownandbelievedtobea“Godpardoninginiquity,transgressionandsin”(Ex.34:7;Mic.7:18).Toreturn,then,tothispartofourdemonstration:Muchofourwisdomconsistsintheknowledgeofourselves,inreferencetooureternal condition. In thisdepravedconditionofnature, there isnothingwearemore concerned with than sin. Without knowledge of that, we do not knowourselves.“Foolsmockatsin.”(Prov.14:9).Atruesavingknowledgeofsincanbe obtained only in the Lord Christ. In him we may see the desert of ouriniquities,andtheirpollution.Thesecouldnotbeborneorexpiatedexceptbyhisblood.ThereisnowholesomeviewofthesethingsexceptinChrist.InhimandinhiscrosswediscoverouruniversalimpotencytoeitheratoneGod’sjustice,orto live up to hiswill. The death of sin is procured by, and discovered in, thedeathofChrist.SoisthemanifestationoftherichesofGod’sgraceinpardoningit.Arealandexperimentalacquaintancewithallofthisisourwisdom;anditismorevaluablethanallthewisdomoftheworld.2.Concerningrighteousness.Righteousness is the second thingofwhich theSpiritofChristconvincestheworld.Itisthemainthingthatitisourwisdomtobe acquaintedwith.Allmen are persuaded thatGod is amost righteousGod.ThatisthenaturalconceptofGodthatAbrahaminsistedoninGen.18:25,“WillnottheJudgeofalltheearthdoright?”They“knowthatthisisthejudgmentof

God,thatthosewhocommitsuchthingsareworthyofdeath,”Rom.1:32.Theyknow that “it is a righteous thing with him to recompense tribulation tooffenders,”2Thess.1:6.Heis“aGodofpurereyesthantobeholdevil,”Hab.1:13.Andtherefore,“theungodlycannotstandinjudgment,”Ps.1:5.Hence,thegreat inquiry of everyone who is the least convinced of immortality and thejudgment to come, concerns the righteousness with which to appear in thepresenceof this righteousGod.They aremoreor less solicitous about this alltheirdays.Andso,astheapostlesaysinHeb.2:15,“throughthefearofdeaththeyaresubjecttobondagealltheirlife.”Theyareperplexedabouttheissueoftheirrighteousnessforfearitwillendintheirdeathanddestruction.

(1.)Naturally,whatfirstpresentsitselftomeninvolvedinthisinquiryisthelaw. Itprovides themdirectionandassistance. Itassuredlypromises themarighteousness that will withstand the trial of God, provided they follow itsdirection.ThelawhasmanyreasonablepleastopersuadepeopletoembraceitfortheirrighteousnessbeforeGod.ItwasgivenoutfromGodhimselfforthatpurpose.ItcontainsthewholeobediencethatGodrequiresofanyofthesonsofmen.Ithasthepromiseoflifeannexedtoit:“Dothis,andlive.”“Thedoers of the law are justified;” and, “If you will enter into life, keep thecommandments.”Most certainly it must be wholly fulfilled if we think tostandwithboldnessbeforeGod.Thisbeingsomepartof the law’splea,nomanseeksafterrighteousnessthatdoesnotatonetimeoranotherattendtoit,andattempttofollowitsdirection.Manywhowillnotadmittoitdosoeveryday.They labor to correct their lives, amend theirways,perform thedutiesrequired, and pursue a righteousness according to the prescript of the law.Many men continue for a long time in this course of action with muchperplexity.They sometimes hope, butmore often fear. They are sometimesready to quit, other times vowing to continue. Their consciences are in nowaysatisfied,nordotheyattainanymeasureofrighteousnessalltheirdays.Aftertheyhavestrainedandweariedthemselves,perhapsforalongseason,theycomewithfear,trembling,anddisappointmenttothesameconclusionastheapostle.“By theworksof the lawnoflesh is justified.”Andwithdreadtheycry that ifGodwere tomarkwhat is done amiss, there is no standingbeforehim.TheapostletestifiestothefactthattheyhavethisissueinRom.9:31,32.“Israel,whofollowedafterthelawofrighteousness,hasnotattainedtothelawofrighteousness.Whyisthis?Becausetheydidnotseekitbyfaith,but by theworksof the law.” Itwasnot solely forwant of effort that theyweredisappointed,fortheyearnestlyfollowedafterthelawofrighteousness.Itwasfromthenatureofthethingitself.Itwouldnotbearit.Righteousness

wasnottobeobtainedthatway.“For,”saystheapostle,“ifthosewhoareofthe law are heirs, then faith is made void, and the promise is made of noeffect;because the lawworkswrath,”Rom.4:14,15.The law itself cannotgive life,Gal.3:21.“If therehadbeena lawgivenwhichcouldhavegivenlife,thentrulyrighteousnesswouldhavebeenbythelaw.”Inthenextverse,he gives the reasonwhy it could not give life. It is because “the Scriptureconcludesallundersin.”Thatis,itisverytrue,andtheScriptureaffirmsit,thatallmenaresinners;andthelawspeaksnotonewordtosinnersotherthandeathanddestruction.Therefore,theapostletellsusplainlythatGodhimselffound fault with this way of attaining righteousness, Heb. 8:7, 8. Hecomplainsofit;thatis,hedeclaresitinsufficientforthatendandpurpose.Now, there are two considerations that reveal to men the vanity andhopelessnessofseekingrighteousnessbythelaw:

[1.]Theyhavealreadysinned:“Forallhavesinned,andcomeshortofthegloryofGod,”Rom.3:23.Theyunderstandthatalthoughtheycouldfulfillthewholelawforthetimetocome,thereisascore,areckoning,alreadyupon them, that theydonotknowhow toanswer for.Theymayconsulttheirguide,thelawitself,astohowtobeeasedoftheaccountthatispast.Butithasnowordofdirectionorconsolation.Instead,itbidsthempreparetodie.Thesentencehasbeenissued,andthereisnoescapingit.[2.]Ifallformerdebtswereblottedout,theyarestillunabletofulfillthelaw for the future. They can as well move the earth with a finger, asanswerthelaw’srequirementofperfection.Therefore, theyconcludethat this labor is lost.“Bytheworksof the lawnofleshwillbejustified.”

(2.) Secondly, being disappointed by the severity and inexorableness of thelaw, men generally resort to some other way to satisfy the necessaryrighteousness. For the most part, this is done by fixing on some way ofatonement to satisfyGod, and thenmakingup thedifferencewithhopesofmercy. Set aside the ways of atonement and expiation which the Gentilesdependedon,andthemanyinventionsofthePapists,suchasindulgencesandpurgatory.Itisnormalforallpersonsconvincedoftheirsintosearchforthisrighteousness, partly by trying to make satisfaction for what is past, andpartly by hoping for general mercy. This is what the apostle calls seekingrighteousness“asitwere,bytheworksofthelaw,”Rom.9:32.Itisnotdone

directly,“butas itwere”by theworksof the law,substitutingone thingforanother. And he tells us the result of this business in chap. 10:3. “Beingignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their ownrighteousness, they have not submitted themselves to the righteousness ofGod.”BythispersonalrighteousnesstheywereenemiestotherighteousnessofGod. The ground for establishing their own righteousnesswas that theywereignorantoftherighteousnessofGod.HadtheyknowntherighteousnessofGod,andwhatexactconformitytohiswillherequires,theywouldneverhave undertaken such a fruitless enterprise “as itwere by theworks of thelaw.”Yetmanywillsticktothisapproachforalongtime.Somethingtheydo,something they hope for; some old faults they will buy off with newobedience. And this pacifies their consciences for a season. But when theSpiritcomestoconvincethemofrighteousness,thiswillnothold.Therefore,(3.)Theyseethemselvesasneedingtwoqualifications-

[1.]As sinners, theyare liable to the lawofGod,and theyareunder itscurse.Seeking toappear in thepresenceofGodwouldbe invainunlessthe lawcanbesatisfied.Thennothingfromtheirsinwilleverbe laid totheircharge.[2.] As creatures, they were made for a supernatural and eternal end.Therefore,theyareboundtoanswerthewholemindandwillofGodintheobediencerequiredattheirhands.Ithasbeenrevealedtothemthatboththesequalificationsarebeyondthescopeoftheirownendeavorsandtheassistancethattheyformerlyrestedon. If their eternal condition is of any concern to them, then it is theirwisdom to discover a righteousness that may completely fulfill both ofthesequalifications.

Now, both of these are to be had only in the Lord Christ, who is ourrighteousness.Thiswisdomandallitstreasuresarehiddeninhim.

1st.He expiates former iniquities.Hemakes satisfaction for sin, and heprocuresitsremission.Rom.3:24,25,“Beingjustifiedfreelybyhisgrace,throughtheredemptionthatisinChristJesus:whomGodhassetforthtobeapropitiationthroughfaithinhisblood,todeclarehisrighteousnessfortheremissionofsinsthatarepast, throughtheforbearanceofGod.”“Allwe like sheephavegone astray,” Isa. 53:6. “Throughhisbloodwehave

redemption, the forgivenessof sins,”Eph.1:7. “God sparednothisownSon, but delivered him up for us all,” Rom. 8:32. This alone is ourrighteousness.ItremovesthewholeguiltofsinbywhichwecomeshortofthegloryofGod. It ison thisaccount thatweareassured thatnonewillever layanything toour chargeor condemnus,Rom.8:33,34.There is“nocondemnationtothosewhoareinChristJesus,”8:1.Wearepurgedbythe sacrifice of Christ so as to have “nomore conscience of sin,” Heb.10:2. That is, nothing troubles the conscience about it. This wisdom ishiddenonlyintheLordJesus.Atonementisdiscoveredinhimalone.Giveme thewisdom thatwill cut all scores concerning sin, and let theworldtakewhatremains.But,2nd.Somethingmorerequired.Itisnotenoughthatwearenotguilty;wemustalsobeactuallyrighteous.Notonlyisallsintobeansweredfor,butallrighteousnessistobefulfilled.Bytakingawaytheguiltofsinweareconsidered innocent, but something more is required to consider usobedient.Nothing teachesme that an innocent personwill go to heaven(be rewarded), if he is not obedient. Adam was innocent at his firstcreation,buthewasto“dothis,”to“keepthecommandments,”beforeheentered into“life.”Hehadno title to lifemerelybyhis innocence.This,moreover, is required: that the whole law be fulfilled and all of theobediencebeperformed thatGodrequiresatourhand.This is thesoul’ssecond inquiry,and it findsa resolutiononly in theLordChrist:“For if,whenwewere enemies,wewere reconciled toGod by the death of hisSon, muchmore, being reconciled, we will be saved by his life,” Rom5:10.Hisdeathreconciledus,andthenwearesavedbyhislife.Theactualobedience,whichheyieldedtothewholelawofGod,isthatrighteousnessbywhichwearesaved.Ifthatisso,thenwearefoundinhim,notholdingourownrighteousnesswhichisofthelaw,buttherighteousnesswhichisofGodbyfaith,Phil.3:9.Iwillhandlethisatlargelater.

I suppose it is not a difficult task to persuade men who are convinced ofimmortalityandthejudgmenttocome,thatthemainpartoftheirwisdomliesinthis:tofindarighteousnessthatwillaccompanythemforever,andwithstandthesevere trial of God himself. Now, all the wisdom of the world is folly indiscoveringthisthing.Theutmostthatman’swisdomcandoistofindthemostwretched,burdensome,andvexingwaysofperishingeternally.Allthetreasuresof this wisdom are hidden in Christ. He “of God is made to us wisdom andrighteousness,”1Cor.1:30.

3.ConcerningJudgment.Wecome to the last thing,which Iwillonly touchon, and that is judgment. The truewisdom of this is also hidden in the LordChrist.Inparticular,Imeanthejudgmentthatistocome.SoatpresentItakethewordinthatcontext(John16:8).Iwillnotspeakaboutwhatconcernthisistousto know. It is about that principle which influences the sons of men anddistinguishes them from thebeasts that perish. Iwill not insist on theobscureintimations it has through the present proceedings of Providence in governingthe world. Nor will I speak of that greater light it shines in the threats andpromisesofthelaw.ThewisdomofjudgmentishiddenintheLordJesusintworegards:(1.)Astothetruthofit.(2.)Astothemannerofit:

(1.)Thetruthofthisjudgmentisconfirmedinandbyhimintwoways:[1.]Byhisdeath.[2.]Byhisresurrection:

[1.] By his death. In the death of Christ, God has given an abundantassuranceofarighteousanduniversaljudgmenttocome.HehasdonesobypunishingandcondemningsininthefleshofhisownSon,inthesightof men, angels, and devils. On what conceivable grounds could he beinducedtolaysuchaloadonhisSon,exceptthathewillcertainlyreckononedaywiththesonsofmenforalltheirworksandwaysbeforehim?ThedeathofChristisamostsolemnexemplarofthelastjudgment.ThosewhobelievehimtobetheSonofGodwillnotdenyajudgmenttocome.[2.]Byhisresurrection.Acts17:31:GodhasgivenfaithandassuranceofthisthingtoallbyraisingChristfromthedead.Hehasappointedhimtobe the judge of all, in whom and by whom he will judge the world inrighteousness.

(2.)And,astothemannerofjudgment,itwillbebytheonewhohaslovedusandgivenhimselfforus.Heishimselftherighteousnessthatherequiresofourhands.Andontheotherside,itwillbebytheonewhohasbeenreviled,despised,andcondemnedbythemenoftheworldinhisperson,grace,ways,worship, and servants. This holds out unspeakable consolation on the onehand, and terror on the other, so that thewisdom of this is also hidden inChrist.

And this concludes the second part of our first demonstration. Thus, theknowledgeofourselves,inreferencetooursupernaturalend,isnosmallportion

ofourwisdom.Thethingsofthegreatestconcerninthisaresin,righteousness,andjudgment.Whatwasprovedis that thewisdomofallof theseishiddenintheLordJesusalone.III.TheTHIRDpartofourwisdomistowalkwithGod.Sixthingsarerequiredtowalkwithanother:1. Agreement. 2. Acquaintance. 3. A way. 4. Strength. 5. Confidence. 6. Amutualend.AlloftheseandtheirwisdomarehiddenintheLordJesus.1.Agreement.Theprophettellsusthattwocannotwalktogetherunlesstheyareagreed,Amos3:3.Untilagreementismade,thereisnocommunion,nowalkingtogether.Godandmanbynature(orwhilemanis inthestateofnature)areatthegreatestenmity.Hedeclaresnothingtousbutwrath,Rom.1:18.Wearesaidtobechildrenofwrath.That is,wearebornunattracted towalkingwithGod,Eph.2:3.Whileweremaininthatcondition,“thewrathofGodabidesonus,”John 3:36. The only revelation that Godmakes of himself to us is that he isinexpressiblyprovoked,andthereforeheispreparingagainst thedayofwrath,andtherevelationofhis righteous judgment.Thedayofmeetingbetweenhimandsinnersiscalled“Thedayofwrath,”Rom.2:5,6.Wedonotcomeshortinourenmityagainsthim.Infact,webeganitfirstandwecontinueinitlongest.Toexpressthisenmity,theapostletellsusthatourveryminds,thebestpartofus,are“enmityagainstGod,”Rom.8:7,8.Wearenot,willnot,andcannotbesubjecttohimbecauseourenmitymanifestsitselfbyuniversalrebellionagainsthim.Whateverwedothatseemsotherwiseiseitherhypocrisyorflattery.Indeed,itisapartofthisenmitytolessenit.Inthisstate,thewisdomofwalkingwithGodmustbemostremotefromthesoul.Heisa“light,andinhimisnodarknessat all.”Wearedarkness, and inus there isno light at all.He is life, a “livingGod.”We are dead, dead sinners, dead in trespasses and sin.He is “holiness”andgloriousinit.Wearewhollydefiled,anabominablething.Heis“love.”Wearefullofhatred,bothhatingandbeinghated.Surelythisisnofoundationforagreement,orupon that foundation,ofwalking together.Nothingcanbemoreremote than this frame from such a condition.The foundationof this, then, islaid in Christ, hidden in Christ. “He,” says the apostle, “is our peace; he hasmadepeace”forus,Eph.2:14-15.Heslewtheenmity inhisownbodyon thecross,verse16.

(1.)HetakesthecauseoftheenmitythatwasbetweenGodandusoutoftheway.Thatcause issinand thecurseof the law.Hemakesanendofsinby

makingatonementforiniquity,Dan.9:24.Andheblotsoutthehand-writingof ordinances, Col. 2:14.He redeems us from the curse by “beingmade acurseforus,”Gal.3:13.(2.)Hedestroystheonewhowouldcontinuetheenmity,andmakethebreachwider,Heb.2:14.“Throughdeathhedestroyedtheonewhohadthepowerofdeath, that is, the devil;” and Col. 2:15, he “spoiled principalities andpowers.”(3.)Hemade “reconciliation for the sins of the people,”Heb. 2:17.ByhisbloodhemadeanatonementwithGod,toturnawaythewrathwhichwasduetous,thusmakingpeace.HereuponGodissaidtobe“inChrist,reconcilingtheworldtohimself,”2Cor.5:19.Andbeingreconciledhimself,verse18,helaysdown theenmityonhispartandproceeds towhat remains, to slay theenmityonourpart,sothatwemayalsobereconciled.(4.) And also, Rom. 5:11, “By our Lord Jesus Christ we receive theatonement.”Weacceptthepeacemadeandtendered,layingdownourenmitytoGod.Andthusweconfirmanagreementbetweenusinhisblood,sothat“throughhimwehaveaccesstotheFather,”Eph.2:18.

Now, thewholewisdomof this agreement,withoutwhich there is nowalkingwithGod,ishiddeninChrist.Outsideofhim,Godisaconsumingfireandwearelikedrystubble.Yetwesetourselvesinbattlearrayagainst thatfire.Ifweare brought together, we will be consumed. So approaching God outside ofChrististoourdetriment.InChrist’sbloodalonewehavethisagreement.AndletusnotthinkthatwehavetakenanystepinthepathsofGodwithhim,orthatanydutyisaccepted,orthatallisnoteternallylost,ifwehavenotdoneitontheaccountofChrist.2.Acquaintance.Twomaymeettogetherinthesamepathandhavenoquarrelbetween them, no enmity. If they are strangers, theymay pass bywithout theleastcommuniontogether.ItdoesnotsufficethattheenmitybetweenGodandusistakenaway.Wemustalsohaveanacquaintancewithhim.Ournotknowinghim is a great cause and a great part of our enmity. Our understanding is“darkened,” and we are “alienated from the life of God...,” Eph. 4:18. Thisacquaintance,then,mustalsobeaddedifweareevertowalkwithGod,whichisourwisdom.AndthiswisdomisalsohiddenintheLordChrist,andcomesfromhim.Itistruethatthereareanumberofothermeans,suchashiswordandhisworks, that God has given to men to disclose himself and give them some

acquaintance.AstheapostlesaysinActs17:27,hedidthissothat“theyshouldseektheLord,ifhaplytheymightfindhim.”Yet,theknowledgeofGodthatwehavebyhisworksisweakandimperfect.Andwhatwehavebytheletteroftheword does not save us without additional help, because of our blindness. Foreveniftheywereasbrightasthesuninthefirmament,ifwehavenoeyesinourheads,whatcanitavailus?NosavingacquaintancewithGodthatmightdirectus towalkwithhimcanbeobtained thisway.Thisalso ishidden in theLordJesus, and comes forth fromhim. “Hehasgivenus anunderstanding, thatweshouldknowhimthatistrue,”1John5:20.Nootherlightthatwemayhavewilldoitwithouthisgivingusunderstanding.HeisthetrueLightwhichlightseveryone that is enlightened, John 1:9. He opens our understanding that we mayunderstand the Scriptures, Luke 24:45. None has known God at any time,“exceptthathehasrevealedhim,”John1:18.Goddwellsinthat“lightwhichnomancanapproach,”1Tim.6:16.Nonehaseverhadanysuchacquaintancewithhimsoas tohaveseenhimexceptby therevelationofJesusChrist.Hencehetells the Pharisees that, notwithstanding all their great knowledge which theypretend, they had “neither heard the voice of God at any time, nor seen hisshape,” John 5:37. They had no manner of spiritual acquaintance with God.Instead, to them he was like a man whom they had never heard nor seen.AcquaintancewithGodmeansknowinghislove,andthatheisfullofkindness,patience,grace,andpardoningmercy.Onthatknowledgeofhimalonecanwewalkwithhim.Suchknowledge canonlybehad inChrist.This, then, is alsohiddeninhim.3.AwayinwhichwemustwalkwithGod.Atthebeginning,Godassignedusa path to walk in with him in a covenant of works, which was the path ofinnocenceandexactholiness.Becauseof sin, thispath is so filledwith thornsandbriers,sostoppedupbycursesandwrath,thatnofleshlivingcantakeonestepinthatpath.IfweeverthinktoholdcommunionwithGod,anewwayforustowalkinmustbefound.Andthisalsodependsontheformeraccount:itishidden inChrist.Exceptbyand inChrist, theworldcannotdiscoverapath inwhich amanmaywalkone stepwithGod.Therefore, theHolySpirit tells usthat,forthatpurpose,Christhasconsecrated,dedicated,andsetapart“anewandlivingway”intotheholiestofall,Heb.10:20.Itisanewone,forthefirst,oldonewasuseless. It isa livingone, for theother isdead.Therefore,he says inverse22,“Letusdrawnear.”Havingawaytowalkin,letusdrawnear.Andthiswaythathehaspreparedforusisnoneotherthanhimself,John14:6.Inanswerto thosewhowould go to the Father and hold communionwith him, he tellsthem, “I am theway; and noman comes to the Father but byme.”He is the

mediumofallcommunicationbetweenGodandus.Inhimwemeet;inhimwewalk.All influencesof love,kindness, andmercy fromGod tous are throughhim.Allourreturnsoflove,delight,faith,andobediencetoGodareallthroughhim.He is that “oneway” thatGod so often promises his people.And it is agloriousway,Isa.35:8,ahighway,awayofholiness,awayinwhichnonecanerroncetheyenterit,asfurtherpresentedinIsa.42:16.Allotherways,allotherpathsbutthis,godowntothechambersofdeath.TheyallleadtoawalkthatiscontrarytoGod.4. Strength. But suppose all this is done, that an agreement is made, anacquaintancegiven,andawayprovided.Yetifwehavenostrengthtowalkinthatway,whatwillallthisavailus?This,then,mustalsobeadded.Ofourselveswehavenostrength,Rom.5:6.Wearepoorweaklings,notabletogoastepinthewaysofGod.Whenwearesetintheway,weeitherthrowourselvesdown,ortemptationscastusdown,andwemakenoprogress.TheLordJesustellsusplainly that,“withouthimwecandonothing,” John15:5,nothing thatwillbetheleastacceptabletoGod.Norcanallthecreaturesinheavenandearthgiveusthe least assistance. Contending to do it in our own power comes to nothing.ThispartofthewisdomisalsohiddeninChrist.AllstrengthtowalkwithGodcomesfromhim.“IcandoallthingsthroughChrist,whostrengthensme,”saysSt.Paul,Phil.4:13.Hedeniesthatofourselveswehaveanysufficiency,2Cor.3:5.Wecandonothing inourselves, being suchweaklings, butwe cando allthings in Jesus Christ as giants. And therefore, in him we are “more thanconquerors”againstalloppositioninourway,Rom.8:37.Thatisbecause“fromhisfullnesswereceivegraceforgrace,”John1:16.FromhimhavewetheSpiritoflifeandpowerwherebyhebearsusoneagles’wings,swiftlyandsafelyinthepathsofwalkingwithGod.Anystepwetake,thatisinanywaybystrengththatisnotimmediatelyfromChrist,isonesteptowardshell.Hetakesusbythearmfirst and teachesus to go, until he leadsus on to perfection.Hehasmilk andstrongmeat to feedus.He strengthensuswith allmight, andhe iswithus inrunningtheracethatissetbeforeus.5.Confidence.WherewillwetakethisconfidencefromtowalkwithourGodwho is “a consuming fire?”Heb. 12:29.Was there not such a dread upon hispeopleofoldthatitwastakenforgrantedamongthemthat,iftheysawGodatanytime,itwasnottobeenduredandtheymustdie?Canany,withoutextremehorror,thinkofthatdreadfulappearancethathemadetothemonMountSinai?Moses himself,whowas theirmediator, said, “I exceedingly fear and quake,”Heb. 12:21.All the people said, “Do not letGod speakwith us lestwe die!”

Exod.20:19.ThoughmenunderstandthegoodnessandkindnessofGod,upondiscovering any part of his glory, they tremble and are filled with dread andastonishment!Has it not been sowith the “choicest of his saints?”Hab. 3:16;Isa.6:5;Job42:5-6.Fromwhere,then,shouldweassumethisboldnesstowalkwithGod?TheapostleinformsusofitssourceinHeb.10:19.Itis“bythebloodof Jesus.” And so, in Eph. 3:12, “In him we have boldness, and access withconfidence.”Wearenotstandingfaroff,likethepeopleatthegivingofthelaw,butdrawingclosetoGodwithboldness.Wecandosoonthisaccount:thedreadandterrorofGodenteredbysin.Adamdidnothavetheleastthoughtofhidinghimselfuntilhehadsinned.Theguiltofsinisontheconscience;anditisleftintheheartsofallthatGodisamostrighteousrevengerofsin.Thisfillsmenwithdreadandhorroratanapprehensionofhispresence,fearingthathehascometorecall their sins. But now this conscience of sin has been taken away by thesacrifice and atonement that the Lord Jesus has made. That is, the dread ofrevenge from God because of the guilt of sin has been taken away. He hasremovedtheslayingswordofthelaw,andthatgivesusgreatboldnesswithGod.He is now no longer revealed to us as a revenging Judge, but as a tender,merciful,andreconciledFather.Moreover,althoughbynaturethereisaspiritofbondageonusthatfillsuswithinnumerabletormentingfears,hetakesitaway.Hegivesus“theSpiritofadoption,wherebywecryAbba,Father,”andbehaveourselveswithconfidenceandgraciousboldness, likechildren.For“where theSpiritoftheLordis,thereisliberty,”2Cor.3:17.Thereisfreedomfromallthatdreadandterrorwhichtheadministrationofthelawbroughtwithit.JustasthereisnosinthatGodwillmoreseverelyrevengethananyboldnessthatamantakeswithhimoutsideofChrist;sothereisnogracemoreacceptabletohimthanthatboldnesswhichheispleasedtoaffordusinthebloodofJesus.6.Mutualend.There isonlyonemore thing toadd,and it is that twocannotwalktogetherunlesstheyhavethesamedesigninhand,aimingatthesameend.In a word, this is also given to us in the Lord Jesus. The end of God is theadvancementofhisownglory.Noonecanaimat this endexcept in theLordJesus.ThesumofallthisisthatthewholewisdomofourwalkingwithGodishiddeninChrist,anditistobeobtainedfromhimalone.Andsohave Ibroughtmy firstdemonstrationofwhat I intended to a close. Ihavemanifestedthatall truewisdomandknowledgeis laidupin,andlaidoutby, theLord Jesus.And this is doneby an inductionof theparticular areas inwhichourwisdomconsists.Ihaveonemoredemonstrationtoadd,andIwillbebrief.

SECONDLY, the truth that all truewisdom is hidden inChristwill be furthermanifestedbyconsideringtheinsufficiencyandvanityofanythingelsethatmaylayclaimorpretendtoatitleofwisdom.Therearetwothingsintheworldthatpassforwisdom:1.Learningorliterature,which is skill andknowledge in the arts, sciences, tongues, andknowledgeofthingsthatarepast.2.Prudenceandskillinmanagingourselvesinreferencetoothers, that is, in civil affairs for thepublic good.This is primarily the fairestflower within the border of nature’s garden. Concerning both of these, I willbrieflyshow,(1.)Thattheyareutterlyinsufficienttoencompassandobtaintheends to which they are designed. (2.) That both of them in conjunction, withtheirutmostimprovement,cannotobtainthetruegeneralendofwisdom.BothoftheseconsiderationswillsetthecrowninthisissueontheheadofJesusChrist:(1)FIRST,astotheirutterinsufficiency.1. Learning itself, if it were all in one man, is not able to encompass theparticularendtowhichitisdesigned.“Vanityandvexation”arewrittenuponitsforehead(Ecc.1:14;2:26).The particular end of literature is none other than to remove somepart of thecurse that has come upon us by sin. Learning is the product of the soul’sstruggling with the curse of sin. Adam, at his first creation, was completelyfurnishedwith all that knowledge, apart from things not yet existing, such aswhatwenowcall tongues.Therewasno restraint,much lessdarkness, onhisunderstanding that would make him sweat for a way to improve it. Take hisknowledgeofnature. It ismanifest fromhis suitablynamingall the creatures,and the approval given in Scripture of his nomination of things, that he wasclearly acquainted with their natures. Hence Plato could observe that the onewho first imposed names on thingswasmostwise; in fact, he hadmore thanhumanwisdom.Letthewisestmanliving,orevenacollectionofthewisestmenin theworld,demonstrate theirskilland learningbygivingnames toall livingcreaturessuitable to theirnaturesandexpressiveof theirqualities.Theywouldquicklyrealizethelosstheyhaveincurredbysin.Adamwasmadeperfect.Thewholepurposeof ruling thecreaturesand living toGod, forwhichAdamwasmade,requiredknowledgeofthenatureoftheoneandthewilloftheother.Allofthiswaslostbysin.Themultiplicationoftongueswasimposedasacursefora later rebellion.Thewhole designof learning is to disentangle the soul fromthis issue of sin. Ignorance, darkness, and blindness have come upon the

understanding.Acquaintancewith theworksofGod, spiritual andnatural, hasbeen lost.Alienationofcommunicationhas resultedfromthemultiplicationoftongues.Unrulypassionsandaffections,andinnumerabledarkeningprejudices,have also comeuponus.The aimand tendencyof literature is to remove thisconfusion and corruption. It is to disentangle the mind in its competence, torecoveranacquaintancewiththeworksofGod,andtoreducetheeffectsofthecurseofthedivisionoftonguesonthesoul.Ignoringthe“vanityandvexationofspirit,” and the innumerable evils that attend this, in itself it is insufficient toattainitsend.TothispurposeIdesiretoobservetwothings:(1.)Theknowledge tobe recoveredwasgiven toman forhiswalkwithGod,and that was the supernatural end to which he was appointed. After he wasfurnishedwithallhisendowments,thelawoflifeanddeathwasgiventomansothathemightknowwhyhereceivedthem.Therefore,allknowledgeinhimwasspiritualized and sanctified. In respect to its principle and end, even theknowledgethathehadbynaturewasspiritual.(2.)Thelossofthatknowledgeispartofthecursethatwasinflictedonusforsin.Whateverwe come short in from the state of the firstman in innocence,whetheritisinthelossofgoodortheadditionofevil,itisallfromthecurseforsin.Theblindness,ignorance,darkness,anddeadnessthatareascribedtousinthestateofnature,arealsopartofthecurse.On these two considerations, it ismost apparent that learning in itself cannotattaintheenditaimsat.For,

[1.] The light by which it is discovered is little, weak, obscure, imperfect,uncertain,andconjectural.Knowledgeisnotintheleastmeasurespiritualizedby this light, or brought into that order of living toGod, andwithGod, inwhichitfirstlay.Thisiswhollybeyonditsreach.Astothisend,theapostleassuresus that themostmencome to isdarknessand folly,Rom.1:21,22.Who is not familiar with the profound inquiries, subtle arguments, acuteinsights,andadmirablediscoveriesofSocrates,Plato,Aristotle,andothers?WhatdidtheyattainbyalltheirstudiesandendeavorstohelpthemwalkwithGod?“Emorantesan,”[NT:3471]saystheapostle,“Theybecamefools.”Theonewho,bygeneralconsent,bearsthecrownofwisdomfromthemall,andwithwhomtohave livedwascountedan inestimablehappiness,died likeafool, sacrificing a cock to AEsculapius. Another tells us that Jesus Christaloneis“thetrueLight”thatlightsus,John1:9.Nonehasanytruelightthatis not immediately from him. After all the learning of men, if they have

nothing else, they are still naturalmen.They do not perceive the things ofGod.Theirlightisstillonlydarkness,andhowgreatisthatdarkness!ItistheLordJesusalonewhoisanointedtoopentheeyesoftheblind.Mencannotspiritualizeanotion,ormakeitglorifyingtoGod.Afterall theirendeavors,they are still blind and dark. They are darkness itself, knowing nothing astheyshould.Iknowhowmenofsuchloftyattainmentsareapt tosay,“Areweblindalso?”withgreatcontemptforothers.ButGodhasblastedalltheirpride: “Where,” he asks, “is thewise?Where is the scribe...,” 1Cor.1:20. Iwill not add what Paul has cautioned, seeming to condemn philosophy asfittedtospoilsouls,orwhatTertullianandotherancientshavespokenofit.Iamveryconfidentthatitwastheabuse,andnotthetrueuseandadvantageofit,thattheyopposed.But,[2.]Because thedarknessand ignorance that learningstrives to removehascomeuponusasacurse,learningisunabletoremoveit.Someonewhohasattainedthegreatestheightofliterature,ifhedoesnothaveChrist,isasmuchunder the curse of blindness, ignorance, stupidity, and dullness, as thepoorest, silliest soul in theworld.Thecurse isonly removed inChristwhowasmadeacurseforus.Everythingthatispenalistakenawayonlybytheoneonwhomalloursinswereplacedforpunishment.Themoreabilitiesthemind is furnished with, the more it embraces the curse, and the more itstrengthens itself toactout itsenmityagainstGod.All that it receivesonlyhelpsittosetuphighthoughtsandimaginationsagainsttheLordChrist.Sothisknowledgecomesshortofwhat it isdesigned toattain,and therefore itcannotbethesolidwisdomweareinquiringafter.

Thereareanumberofotherthingsbywhichitwouldbeeasytoblurthefaceofthiswisdom,suchasitsintricacy,difficulty,uncertainty,andunsatisfactoriness.Itbetraysitsfollowersintoacceptingwhattheymostprofesstoavoid,whichisblindnessandfolly.IhopeIwillnotneedtoaddanythingtoclearmyselffornotgivingdueesteemandrespecttoliterature.MyintentisonlytocastitdownatthefeetofJesusChrist,andtosetthecrownuponhishead.2.Nor can the secondpartof the choicestwisdomoutsideofChrist attain theuniqueendtowhichitisappointed;andthatisprudenceinthemanagementofcivilaffairs.Noperishingthingismoregloriousorusefulforthecommongoodofhumankind.Now,theimmediateendofthisprudenceistokeeptherationalworldinboundsandorder,todrawcirclesaroundthesonsofmen,andtokeepthem from passing their allotted bounds and limits which might lead to their

mutual disturbance and destruction.All kinds of trouble and disturbance arisefrom lack of regulation: oneman breaks in on the rights, uses, interests, andrelationsofanother,thussettingtheworldatvariance.Thepurposeofallearthlywisdomistocauseallthingstomoveintheirpropersphere,justasthecelestialorbs,despitetheirdiverseandvariousmotions,keeptheirownallotmentswithinthecompassoftheirassignedlines.Now,itwillbeaveryeasytasktodemonstratethatcivilprudenceisunabletoattainthisend.Thepresentconditionofaffairsthroughouttheworld,andthoseofformerages,willabundantlytestifytothis.ButIwillfurtherrevealthevanityofitforthisendinafewobservations.

(1.)ThroughtherighteousjudgmentofGodloppingoffthetopflowersoftheprideofmen, it frequentlycomes topass that thosewhoare furnishedwiththe greatest abilities of civil administration use it for purposes directlycontraryendtotheirnaturalaim.Fromwhomdoweget,forthemostpart,allthe commotions in the world, the breaking up of bounds, and setting thewholeframeofnatureonfire?Is itnotfrommensuchas these?Weremennotsowise,perhapstheworldwouldbequieter;theendofwisdomistokeepitquiet.ThisseemstobeacursethatGodhasspreadonthewisdomoftheworld.(2.)Godhas leavened thewisdomandcounselof thewisestof the sonsofmen with folly and madness. This makes a constant path towards theadvancementofhisownglory.Inthedepthoftheirpolicy,menadvisethingsas unsuitable to attain their ends as anything thatmight proceed out of themouthof a child or a fool.They ensure their owndisappointment and ruinbetter than anything that could be invented against them. “He destroys thewisdomofthewise,andbringstonothingtheunderstandingoftheprudent,”1 Cor. 1:19. He largely describes this in Isa. 19:11-14. Drunkenness andstaggeringistheoutcomeofalltheirwisdom;andsotheLordgivesthemthespiritofgiddiness.SeealsoJob5:12-14.Theymeetintheday-timewhenallthingsseemclearabout them.Onewondershowtheycouldmiss theirway.ThenGodmakes it darkness to such as these, Ps. 33:10.HenceGod, as itwere, sets thematwork,and thenundertakes theirdisappointment. Isa.8:9,10:“Goaboutyourcounsels,”saystheLord,“andIwillensurethatitcomestonothing.”AndPs.2:1-4,whenmenaredeepattheirplotsandcontrivances,God is said to hold them in derision, to laugh at them in scorn, seeing thepoorworms industriouslyworking out their own ruin.Never has this been

clearerthaninthedaysinwhichwelive.Scarcelyanywisemenhavebeenbrought todestructionexceptby theirownevidentfolly.Norhas thewisestcounselofmostofthembeenonejotbetterthanmadness.(3.)Thiswisdom,whichshould tendtowarduniversalquietness,hasalmostconstantly given universal disquiet to those in whom it has been mosteminent.“Inmuchwisdomismuchgrief,”Eccles.1:18.Andintheissueofit, some have done away with themselves, such as Ahithophel; and manyhavebeenviolentlydispatchedbyothers.Thereisindeednoendtothefollyofthiswisdom.Thegreatmenoftheworlddestroyitsreputation;reallyitisfound in fewof them.Events that are ascribed to their care, vigilance, andforesightareordinaryforthemostpart.Thesemendonotcontributetheleastmitetotheiroutcome.Inferiormen,whohavelearnedtoadorewhatisabovethem, reverence the meetings and conferences of those in greatness andesteem. The weakness and folly of those who are revered is little known.Where this wisdom has been most eminent, it has dwelt so close to thebordersofatheism,andbeenattendedwithsuchfalsenessandinjustice,thatithasmadeitspossessorswickedandinfamous.

Iwillnotneed togiveanymore instances tomanifest the insufficiencyof thiswisdomtoattainitsuniqueandimmediateend.Thevanityofanythingisthatitcomesshortofthemarkitaimsat.Itisfarfrombeingtrueandsolidwisdom.Onitsforeheadyoumayread“Disappointment.”Thisisthefirstreasonwhytruewisdomcannotconsistineitherofthesethings,becausetheycomeshortevenoftheparticularandimmediateendstheyaimat.(2) SECONDLY, both of these in conjunction, even with their utmostimprovement, are not able to reach the true general end of wisdom. Thisassertion is also easy todemonstrate.But it is soprofessedlydoneby theonewhohadthelargestportionofbothofthemofanyofthesonsofmen(SolomoninhisPreacher),thatIwillnotinsistonitanyfurther.Letmedrawtoaclose.Iftrueandsolidwisdomisnottobefoundinthese,ifthe pearl is not hidden in this field, and if these two are but vanity anddisappointment,thenitservesnopurposetoseektruewisdominanythingelseonearth.Therefore,withoneaccord,letussetthecrownofthiswisdomontheheadoftheLordJesus.Let thereaderreviewthe tendencyof thiswholedigression. Itsaimis todraw

ourheartstothemorecheerfulentertainmentof,anddelightin,theLordJesus.Ifallwisdomislaidupinhim,andcanonlytobeattainedbyhavinganinterestin him, and if all things beside him and without him that lay claim to beingwisdomare follyandvanity, then let thosewhowouldbewise learnwhere toresttheirsouls.

Chapter4.ConsequentialaffectionsfromcommunionwithChrist

ThecommunionhavingbegunbetweenChristand thesoul, it iscarriedonbyconsequential affections, affections suiting such a relationship. Christ, havinggiven himself to the soul, loves the soul; and the soul, having given itself toChrist, loveshimalso.Christ loveshisown.He“loves themto theend,”John13:1;andthesaintsloveChrist.They“lovetheLordJesusChristinsincerity,”Eph.6:24.NowtheloveofChrist,withwhichhefollowshissaints,consistsinthesefourthings:I.Delight.II.Valuation.III.Pityorcompassion.IV.Bounty.TheloveofthesaintstoChristcomesunderthesefourthings:Delight;Valuation;Chastity;andDuty.Twooftheseareofthesamekind,andtwoofthemaredistinct.Thatiswhatisrequiredinthisrelationshipinwhichallthingsdonotstandonequalterms.I.ThefirstthingonthepartofChristisDelight.Delightistheflowingofloveandjoy,therestandcomplacenceofthemindinasuitable,desirablegoodthatisenjoyed.Christdelightsexceedinglyinhissaints:“Asthebridegroomrejoicesoverthebride,sowillyourGodrejoiceoveryou,”Isa.62:5.Hence,hecallsthedayofhisespousals,thedayofthe“gladnessofhisheart,”Cant.3:11.Itisknownthatusuallythisisthemostunmixeddelightthatthe sons ofmen aremade partakers of in their pilgrimage. The delight of thebridegroominthedayofhisespousalsisthegreatestheightthatanexpressionofdelightcanbecarried to. InChrist, thiscorresponds to the relationship thathetakesus into.Hisheart isglad inus,withoutsorrow.Andeverydaywhileweliveishiswedding-day.Itissaidofhim,Zeph.3:17,“TheLordyourGodinthemidstofyou”(thatis,dwellingamongusandtakingournature,John1:14)“ismighty.Hewillsave.Hewillrejoiceoveryouwithjoy.Hewillrestinhislove.Hewilljoyoveryouwithsinging.”Thisisafulldescriptionofdelightinallitsparts, joy and exultation, rest and complacence. “I rejoiced,” says he, “in thehabitablepartsoftheearth,andmydelightswerewiththesonsofmen,”Prov.8:31.Thethoughtsofcommunionwiththesaintswerethejoyofhisheartfrometernity.A compact and agreement existed between his Father and him to have him

divideaportionwiththestrongandsavearemnantforhisinheritance.Hissoulrejoicedinthoughtsofthepleasureanddelighthewouldtakeinthem,whenhewould actually bring them into communion with himself. Therefore, in theprecedingverse(8:30)itissaidhewasas“‘amon.”Wesay,“Asonebroughtupwithhim,” “alumnus;” theLXX render it “harmodzousa,” and theLatin,withmostother translations, “cunctacomponens,” or “disponens.”Theword, takenactively, signifies one whom another takes into his care to bring up, and hasthings disposed of for his advantage.This is howChrist took us then into hiscare,andrejoicedinthoughtsoftheexecutionofhistrust.Concerningthemhesays, “Herewill I dwell, andherewill Imakemyhabitation forever.”Hehaschosenthemforhistempleandhisdwelling-place,becausehedelightsinthem.Thismakes him take them so close to himself in every relationship.As he isGod,theyarehistemple.Asheisaking,theyarehissubjects;heisthekingofsaints.Asheisahead,theyarehisbody;heistheheadofthechurch.Asheisafirst-born, he makes them his brethren; “he is not ashamed to call thembrethren,”Heb.2:11.Ichoosethisoneinstancetoprovethis:Christrevealshissecrets,hismind, tohissaints,andheenablesthemtorevealthesecretsoftheirheartstohim.Thisisan evident demonstration of great delight. It was Samson’s carnal delight inDelilahthatprevailedwithhimtorevealtoherwhatwasofgreatestconcerntohim.Hewouldnothidehismindfromher,eventhoughitcosthimhislife.Itisonly a heart friend to whom we will open our heart. Nor is there, possibly,greater evidence of delight in close communion than this: we will reveal ourhearttotheonewetakeintosociety;wewillnotentertainhimwiththingsthatare common and vulgarly known. And therefore have I chosen this instance,from among a thousand that might be given, of this delight of Christ in hissaints.Hecommunicateshismindtohissaints,andtothemonly.Hecommunicatesthecounselofhislove,thethoughtsandpurposesofhisheartforoureternalgood.Hecommunicates thewaysofhisgrace, theworkingsofhisSpirit, theruleofhisscepter,andtheobedienceofhisgospel.AllspiritualrevelationisbyChrist.Heis“thetrueLightthatlightseverymanthatcomesintotheworld,”John1:9.Heis the“Day-spring,” the“Day-star,”and the“Sun”; it is impossibleforanylighttoexistbutbyhim.Itisfromhimthat“thesecretoftheLordiswiththosewhofearhim,andheshowsthemhiscovenant,”Ps.25:14.Asheexpressesitatlarge in John15:14-15, “You aremy friends, if youdowhat I commandyou.Henceforth Idonot call you servants; for the servantdoesnotknowwhathis

lorddoes:butIhavecalledyoufriends;forallthingsthatIhaveheardfrommyFatherIhavemadeknowntoyou.”Hemakesthemhisfriends,andusesthemasfriends, as heart friends, inwhomhe is delighted.Hemakesknownhis entiremind to them, everything that his Father has committed to him to reveal asMediator,Acts20:24.Andtheapostledeclareshowthisisdone,1Cor.2:10,11,“GodhasrevealedthesethingstousbyhisSpirit;forwehavereceivedhim,thatwemightknowthethingsthatarefreelygivenusofGod.”HesendsushisSpiritashepromised,tomakeknownhismindtohissaints,andtoleadthemintoalltruth.Andfromthistheapostleconcludes,“WehaveknownthemindofChrist,”verse l6;“forheusesusas friends,anddeclares it tous,” John1:18.There isnothingintheheartofChristthatconcernshisfriends,thathedoesnotrevealtothem. All his love, his good-will, the secrets of his covenant, the paths ofobedience,andthemysteryoffaith,istoldtothem.And all this is spoken in opposition to unbelievers, with whom he has nocommunion.TheseknownothingofthemindofChristthattheyoughttoknow:“ThenaturalmandoesnotreceivethethingsthatareofGod,”1Cor.2:14.Thereisawidedifferencebetweenunderstanding thedoctrineof theScripture in theletterofit,andtrulyknowingthemindofChrist.Wehavethisunderstandingbyspecial unction fromChrist, 1 John2:27, “Wehave anunction from theHolyOne,andweknowallthings,”1John2:20.In thiscommunion, the thingsthatChrist reveals to thoseinwhomhedelightsareundertwoheadings:1.Himself2.Hiskingdom.1.Himself.John14:21,“HethatlovesmewillbelovedofmyFather;andIwilllovehim,andwillmanifestmyselftohim.”Heissaying,“Iwillmanifestmyselfinallmygraces,desirability,andloveliness;hewillknowmeasIam,andsuchIwill be to him: a Savior, Redeemer, the chief of ten thousand.” He will beacquaintedwith the trueworth and value of the pearl of price. Should otherslook at him as having neither form nor attractiveness, and being in no waydesirable, hewillmanifest himself and his excellence to those inwhom he isdelighted.Theywillseehimasaltogetherlovely.Hewillveilhimselftoalltheworld,butthesaintswillbeholdhisbeautyandhisglorywithopenface.Theywillbetranslatedintotheimageofthatsameglory,asbytheSpiritoftheLord,2Cor.3:18.2.His kingdom.Theywill be acquaintedwith the government of hisSpirit intheirhearts.Theywillalsobeacquaintedwithhisruleandtheadministrationofauthorityinhiswordandamonghischurches.

(1.)Thus,hemanifestshisdelightinhissaints.Hecommunicateshissecretstothem.Heletsthemknowhisperson,hisexcellence,hisgrace,hislove,hiskingdom,hiswill,therichesofhisgoodness,andthebowelsofhismercy.Hedoessomoreandmore,whiletheworldwillnotseeorknowanysuchthing.(2.)Heenableshissaintstocommunicatetheirmindandrevealtheirsoulstohim, so that theymay walk together as intimate friends. Christ knows themindsofall.Heknowswhatisinman,anddoesnotneedanymantotestifyofhim,John2:25.Hesearchestheheartsandtriesthereinsofall,Rev.2:23.But all do not know how to communicate theirmind to Christ. It will notcomfort aman thatChrist knowshismind; for he knows everyone’smind,whethertheywanthimtoornot.ButitisconsolingthatamancanmakehisheartknowntoChrist.Hencetheprayersofthesaintsareincense,aromatic.While thoseofothersare likehowling,cuttingoffadog’sneck,orofferingswine’s blood.They are an abomination to theLord.Now, three things arerequiredtoenableamantocommunicatehishearttotheLordJesus:

[1.]Assistanceforthework,forwecannotdoitourselves.AndthesaintshavethisassistancebytheSpiritofJesus.“LikewisetheSpiritalsohelpsourinfirmities:forweknownotwhatweshouldprayforasweought;butthe Spirit itselfmakes intercession for uswith groanings that cannot beuttered. And he that searches the heart knows the mind of the Spirit,becausehemakesintercessionforthesaintsaccordingtothewillofGod,”Rom. 8:26, 27. All attempts to have communion with God without thesuppliesoftheSpirit,withouthiseffectualworkinginourhearts,areofnovalueorpurpose.ThisopeningofourheartstotheLordJesusiswhatheexceedinglydelightsin.Andfromthiscomesthataffectionatecallofhistous, toencounterhim in thisway.Cant.2:14,“Omydove,who is in thesecretplacesof thestairs, letmeseeyourcountenance, letmehearyourvoice;forsweetisyourvoice,andyourcountenanceisattractive.”Whenthe soul for some reason is driven to hide itself, neglected, in themostunlikelyplace,thenhecallsforthiscommunicationofthesoulbyprayertohim.Inreturn,hegivestheassistanceoftheSpiritofsupplication.[2.] A way by which to approach God with our desires. He has alsoprovidedthisforus.John14:5,6,“ThomassaystoJesus,Lord,weknownotwhereyougo;andhowcanweknowtheway?Jesussaystohim,Iamtheway;nomancomestotheFather,butbyme.”ThewaywehadtogotoGodatourcreationisquiteclosedbysin.Theswordofthelaw,enflamed

by sin, turns every way to block all passages to communion with God(Gen.3:24).JesusChristhas“consecratedanewandlivingway”(forthesaints) “through the veil, that is to say, his flesh,” Heb. 10:20. He hasconsecrated and set it apart for believers, and for them alone. OtherspretendtogotoGodwiththeirprayers,buttheydonotcomeclosetohim.Howcantheypossiblycometotheendwhentheydonotgointheway?Christ is theonlywayto the throneofgrace;nonecomes toGodbutbyhim.“Byhimwehaveanaccess inoneSpirit to theFather,”Eph.2:18.Thesaintshavethesetwothings,then,toopentheirheartsatthethroneofgrace. They have assistance and a way. The assistance of the Spirit(without which they are nothing), and the way of Christ’s mediation(withoutwhichGodisnottobeapproached).[3.] Boldness to go to God. The voice of sinners in themselves, ifacquaintedwith the terror of theLord, asks, “Who amonguswill dwellwith the devouring fire? Who among us will dwell with everlastingburnings?”Isa.33:14.Andnowonder!ShameandtremblingbeforeGodaretheproperconsequencesofsin.Godwillrevengethatcarnal,atheisticboldness which sinners outside of Christ use towards him. But nowwehave“boldnesstoenterintotheholiestbythebloodofJesus,byanewandlivingwaythathehasconsecratedforusthroughtheveil,thatistosay,hisflesh:andhavingahighpriestoverthehouseofGod,wemaydrawnearwithatrueheart,infullassuranceoffaith,”Heb.10:19,20.Thetruthis,suchisthegloryandterroroftheLord,andsuchistheinfiniteperfectionofhisholiness,thatuponclearlyseeingit,thesoulconcludesthatitcannotservehimitself.Thereisnoadvantageindrawingclosetohim,excepttoaddtothefiercenessofourdestruction.ItisinChristalone,becauseofhisofferingandintercession,thatwehaveanyboldnesstoapproachtohim.

TheLordChristhasprovidedthesethreeadvantagestothesaints,incommunicatingtheirmindstohim,becausehedelightsinthem.Andbecausethisisofgreatimportance,IwillgiveanexamplesothatyoumayseethedifferencebetweenspirituallyrevealingourmindstoChristinthisacceptablemanner,andprayingonlywhenconvictedofsin,whichotherspractice.TheexampleIwillgiveisfromtheassistancewehavebytheSpirit.

1st.TheSpiritofChristrevealsourownwantstous,sothatwemayrevealthemtohim:“Wedonotknowwhatweshouldprayforasweought,”Rom.8:26.NoteachingsinferiortothoseoftheSpiritofGodareabletoacquaint

the soul with its own wants, burdens, and temptations. It is a heavenlydiscovery to know them.Theprayer of someonewhohas this assistance ismorethanhalfmadebeforehebeginstopray.Hisconscienceisaffectedbywhathehastodo.Hismindandspiritcontendwithinhim,especiallywherehefindshimselfmoststraitened.Hebringshisburdenonhisshoulders,andunloads it on the Lord Christ. He finds where he is dead, dull, cold,unbelieving, and tempted beyond his strength, where the light of God’scountenance is wanting. He does not do this because of some troublingconviction,butbecauseofaholysenseandwearinessofsin.Andthesoulhasa sense of all these by the Spirit, an inexpressible sense and experience.Withoutthis,prayerisnotprayer.Men’svoicesmaybeheard,buttheydonotspeakfromtheirhearts.Thesenseofwantisthespringofdesire.Withoutthissense,givenbytheHolySpirit,thereisneitherdesirenorprayer.2dly.Theexpressionsandwordsofsuchwantingpeoplemaycomefarshortofthelaboringoftheirhearts.Therefore,inandaftertheirsupplications“theSpirit makes intercession with sighs and groans that cannot be uttered.”Other’swordsmaygofarbeyondtheirhearts.Itwouldbewelliftheirspiritsmatchedtheirexpressions.SomeonewhohasthisassistanceoftheSpiritcanprovidenoclothingbroadenoughtocoverthedesiresofhisheart.Andso,inhisbestandmostferventsupplications,heisdoublydissatisfiedwiththem:1.Theyarenotarighteousnesshecanreston;ifGodmarkedwhatwasamissinthem, they could not withstand the trial. 2. His heart is not poured out inthem; theywere not delivered in proportion to the holy desires and laborstheyexpressed,even thoughinChristhemaybegreatlyrefreshedby them.Themorehespeaks,themorehefindshehasleftunspoken.3dly.Theintercessionofthesaints,thusassisted,isaccordingtothemindofGod.That is, the saints areguidedby theSpirit tomake requests for thosethingswhichitisGod’swillforthemtodesire,whichheknowsaregoodforthem, and which are useful and suited to them in their current condition.There are many ways by which we may know when we make oursupplicationsaccordingtothewillofGod.Iwillgiveanexampleofone.Itiswhenweaskaccordingtothepromise.Whenourprayersareregulatedbythepromise,wemakethemaccordingtothewillofGod.SoDavidprayedinPs.119:49, “Remember theword onwhich you have causedme to hope.”Heprays, and regulateshisdesireby thewordofpromise inwhichhe trusted.Butmenmayaskforwhat is in thepromise,andyetnothave theirprayersregulatedbyit.Theymayprayforwhatisinthepromise,butnotasitisin

the promise. So James says, some “ask and receive not, because they askamiss,sothattheymayspenditontheirlusts,”chap.4:3.AlthoughwemayrequestthethingsthatGodwouldhaveusrequest,ifwedonotrequesttheminthewayandforthepurposehedesires,thenweaskamiss.

Twothingsarerequiredtoprayforthethingsinthepromise,astheyareinthepromise:

(1st.)WemustlookatthemaspromisedinChrist.Thatis,theonlyreasonwehavetohopeforattainingthethingsweaskfor,isthemediationandpurchaseofChristinwhomallthepromisesarefound.ThisiswhatitmeanstoasktheFather inChrist’sname.God is the father, the fountainofwhatweask for,andChrististheprocurer.(2dly.)Wemustaskforthemforthepurposeofthepromise,nottospendonourlusts.Whenweaskpardonforsin,whilesecretlyintendinginourheartstocontinueinsin,weareaskingforthechoicestmercyofthecovenantonlyto spend it on our lusts. The apostle tells us the purpose of the promise in2Cor.7:1,“Havingthesepromises,letuscleanseourselvesfromallpollutionofthefleshandspirit,perfectingholinessinthefearofGod.”Whenweaskwhatisinthepromise,asitisinthepromise,forthispurposeofthepromise,thenoursupplicationsareaccordingtothewillofGod.

This is the first conjugal affection that Christ exercises towards believers. Hedelightsinthem,whichisevidentfromtheexamplegiven.Inreturn,tocarryonthecommunionbetweenthem,thesaintsdelightinChrist.Heistheirjoy,theircrown, their rejoicing, their life, food, health, strength, desire, righteousness,salvation,andblessedness.Withouthimtheyhavenothing;inhimtheywillfindall things.Gal. 6:14, “God forbid that I shouldglory, save in the cross of ourLord Jesus Christ.” From the foundation of the world, he has been the hope,expectation, desire, anddelightof all believers.ThepromiseofChristwas allthatGodneeded togiveAdamto relieveandcomforthim inhis inexpressibledistress,Gen. 3:15.Eve perhaps thought that the promised seedwas her first-bornwhen she said, “I have gotten aman from the LORD” and thiswas thebasisofher joy,Gen.4:1.Noahwasgiven toLamechasa typeofChrist andmeansofsalvation,forwhichLamechcriesout,“Thissameonewillcomfortusconcerningourworkand the toil ofourhands,becauseof theground that theLORDcursed,”Gen.5:29.Hewasrejoicingintheonewhowouldtakeawaythecurse by beingmade a curse for us.WhenAbrahamwas in the height of hisglory,returningfromtheconquestofthekingsoftheeast,Godappearstohim

with a glorious promise. Gen. 15:1, “Fear not, Abram: I am your shield, andyourexceedinggreatreward.”Whatcouldhissouldesiremorethanthat?Alas!HecrieswhatReubenlatercriesuponthelossofJoseph,“Thechildisnot,andwhere will I go?” Verse 2, “Lord God, what will you give me, seeing I gochildless?”“Youhavepromisedthatinmyseedalltheearthwillbeblessed.IfIdo not have that seed, Ah!What goodwill all other things dome?” For thisreason it is said that he “rejoiced to see thedayofChrist; he saw it, andwasglad,”John8:56.ThethoughtofthecomingofChrist,whichhelookedonatthedistanceoftwothousandyears,wasthejoyanddelightofhisheart.Inblessinghissons,JacoblifteduphisspiritwhenhecametoJudahinwhomheconsideredtheShilohtocome,Gen.49:8,9.Alittleafterward,weariedbytheforethoughtandconsiderationofhisposterity’sdistress,he turns to thegreatdelightofhissoulforrelief:“IhavewaitedforyourSalvation,OGod.”Hewaitedfortheonewho was to be the salvation of his people. Such examples are endless. OldSimeon sums up thewhole of it:Christ isGod’s salvation, and Israel’s glory,Luke2:30,31.Whateverwascalledthegloryofold,waseitherChristhimselfora type of him. The glory ofman is their delight. Hence, in Haggai 2:7 he iscalled“TheDesireofallnations.”Theydesireandlongaftertheonewhomtheirsoul loves and delights in. The saints’ delight in him is made his eminentdescription. Mal. 3:1: “The Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to histemple, themessenger of the covenant inwhomyoudelight.” “Hewhomyouseek,inwhomyoudelight,”isthedescriptionofChrist.Heistheirdelightandthepersontheydesire.

In thepatternof communionwith JesusChrist described in theCanticles, thisdelightisinsistedonabundantly.Thespousetellsusthatshesitsdownunderhisshadow with great delight, Cant. 2:3. And she manifests that this delight isvigorousandactiveinseveralways.Weshouldlabortofindourheartslikewisedelightedinhim:1. She took great care to keep his company and society once she obtained it.Cant.2:7,“Ichargeyou,OyoudaughtersofJerusalem,bytheroesandbythehinds of the field, do not stir nor awake my love till he pleases.” Havingobtained sweet communion with Christ, as described in the preceding verses,heresheexpressesherdelightinthatcommunionandherdesiretocontinueit.Therefore, following on the former allusion, she speaks as one would to hercompanion,someoneatrestwiththeonesheloved.“Ichargeyoubyallthatisdeartoyou,bythethingsyoumostdelightin,thingsthataremostlovelyamongthecreatures,allthepleasantanddesirablethingsthatyoucanthinkof,thatyou

do not disturb him.” Her entire aim and desire is that nothing of sin orprovocationmayhappentocauseChristtodepartfromher.Shewantsnothingtoremovehimfromthatarrangementinwhichheseemedtotakerestinher:“Odonot stirmy loveuntilhepleases!” that is,never.Love itself, in theabstract, isrepresentedhereby“ha’ahavah,”[OT:160].Thatwordisoftenusedtoexpressa“pathos,”orearnestaffection.Onceabeliever’ssoulhasobtainedsweetandrealcommunionwithChrist, it looksaround,watchingout forany temptation,anywaybywhichsinmightapproachtodisturbhisenjoymentofhisdearLordandSavior, his rest and his desire. It charges itself not to omit anything, or doanything,thatmayinterruptthecommunionthathasbeenobtained!Temptationscommonly enter through delightful diversions from actual communion withChrist.TheytendtodisturbthatrestandcontentmentwhichChristtakesinus.Therefore,ourstrongandactivedesireis thatourcompanionsdonotdivertusbytheirproposalsorallurementsintoanyframethatChristcannotdelightorrestin.AbelieverwhohasChrist inhisarmsislikesomeonewhohasfoundgreatspoils, or a pearl of great price. He looks around in every direction, fearinganything thatmay deprive him of it. Richesmakemenwatchful. Sensing theactual possession of Christ, in whom all the riches and treasure of God arefound,willmakemenlookaroundtoensurekeepinghim.Thelineofchoicestcommunionisthelineofgreatestspiritualdesire:carelessnessinthepretendedenjoymentofChrist,ismanifestevidenceofafalseheart.2. The spouse manifests her delight in him by her utmost impatience at hisabsence.Shedesiresstillnearercommunionwithhim.Chap.8:6,“Setmeasaseal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm: for love is as strong as death;jealousyisascruelasthegrave,itscoalsarecoalsoffirewithamostvehementflame.”TheallusionisdoubtlessfromthehighpriestoftheJews,inhisspiritualrepresentationofthechurchbeforeGod.Hehadabreastplatewhichheissaidtowear on his heart, Ex.28:29. In it, the names of the children of Israel wereengravedinthemannerofsealsorsignets.Heworethemforamemorialbeforethe Lord. He had the same on his shoulders or arms, Ex. 28:11-12. Bothrepresented thepriesthoodofChristwhobears thenamesofallwhobelong tohimbeforehisFatherinthe“holyofholies,”Heb.9:24.Thesealontheheartisnear.Itisinward,tenderloveandcare,whichmakesanimpressionandanimageontheheartofthethingthatissoloved.Thespouseissaying“Setmeasasealuponyourheart.Letmebeconstantlyfixedinyourmosttenderandaffectionatelove.Letme always have a place in your heart. Letme have an engraving, amighty impressionof loveuponyourheart thatwillneverbeobliterated.”Thesoul isnever satisfiedwith thoughtsofChrist’s love for it. Its language is, “O

thatitweremore,thatitweremore!ThatIwereasasealonhisheart!”ThesoulknowsonseriousthoughtsthattheloveofChristisinconceivable,andcannotbeincreased.Butitwoulddeviseawaytoworkupitselftounderstandingit.Andtherefore she adds here, “Set me as a seal upon your arm.” The heart is thefountain,butitisclosedandhidden.Thearmisformanifestingandexercisingpower.Saysthespouse,“Letyourlovebemanifestedtomeinyourtenderandpowerful persuasion of me.” Two things are evident in this request. First,Christ’scontinuingmindfulnessofthesoul:itsconditionisstillinhiseye,andengravedonhisarm,Isa.49:15,16.Heexaltshispowertopreserveit,whichissuitable to the love his heart has for it. Second, Christ’s manifestation of hishidden love and care for the soul: it is being made visible on his arm, orbecomingevidentbyitsfruit.Thisiswhatshewantstobeassuredof.Withoutthissenseofassurance,norestcanbeobtained.Thereasonshegivesforherearnestsupplication,iswhatprincipallyevincesherdelightinhim:“Loveisstrongasdeath,jealousyiscruelasthegrave,”or“hardas hell”Cant.8:6; [OT:7186hard; 7585 sheol].This is the intent of the loftilypresentedmetaphorsinthisandthefollowingverses:“Iamnotabletobeartheexpressionsofmylovetoyou,unlessImayalwayshavesocietyandfellowshipwithyou.Thereisnosatisfyingmylovewithoutit.Itislikethegravethatstillsays give, give. Death is not satisfiedwithout its prey. If it does not have itswhole desire, it has nothing at all. Nor can it be withstood in its appointedseason;noransomwillbeaccepted.Thatishowmyloveis.IfIdonothaveyouwholly,thenIhavenothing.Norcantheentireworldbribeordivertmylove.Itcannomorebe turnedaside thandeathcan in its time.Also, Iamnotable tobearmyjealousthoughts:Ifearyoudonotloveme,thatyouhaveforsakenme,because IknowIdonotdeserve tobe loved.These thoughtsarehardashell;theygivemysoulnorest.IfIdonotfindmyselfonyourheartandarm,thenIamlikesomeonewholiesdownonabedofcoals”[OT:7565“alivecoal”].Thisarguesaholygreedinessofdelight.3.Shefurthermanifeststhisdelightbyheranxiety,concern,andagitationathisloss andwithdrawal.We bewail the loss of someonewe delight in, but easilybear the absence of someone whose presence does not delight. Her state isrevealedinCant.3:1-3,“Twistingonmybed,Isought theonewhommysoulloves.Isoughthim,butdidnotfindhim.Iwillrisenow,andgoaboutthecity.In the streets and the broadways I will seek the one whommy soul loves. Isoughthim,butdidnotfindhim.Thewatchmenthatgoaboutthecityfoundme.Isaidtothem,‘Haveyouseentheonemysoulloves?’”Withthesoul,itisnight

duringtimesofdarkness, trouble,oraffliction.WheneverChrist isabsent, it isnight for a believer. Christ is the sun. If his light goes down for them, if hisbeams are eclipsed, if in his light they see no light, then it is all darkness forthem.WhetherthecomingnightoftroublemadeherdiscoverChrist’sabsence,ortheabsenceofChristmadeitnightforher,isnotexpressedhere.Iratherthinkthe latter, because, setting that aside, all things seem to bewellwith her.TheabsenceofChristwillindeedmakeitnight,darkasdarknessitself,eveninthemidst of all other glowing consolations. But is the spouse content with thisdispensation?Sheisuponherbed, that is,abedofease(as thisbookuses thephrase).ButintheabsenceofChrist,abelieverfindsnopeace,noopportunityforeaseand rest.Thoughhe isonhisbed,havingnothing todisquiethim,hedoesnotrest ifChrist,whoishisrest, isnot there.She“soughthim.”SeekingChristbynightonthebedmeansalone, inimmediateinquest,andinthedark.Thishas twoparts: searchingourown souls for the causeofhis absence; andsecondly,searchingthepromisesforhispresence.

(1.)ThesoullongstohaveChristwarming,cherishing,andrevivingitwithlove, being close to it, supping with it, always filling its thoughts withhimself, dropping myrrh and sweet tastes of love into it. When, on thecontrary,otherthoughtscrowdinandtroubletheheart,andChristisnotclosewhenthesoulseekshim,itquicklyinquiresintothecauseofallthis.Itcallsitselftoaccountforwhatithasdone,andhowithasbehaved,tocauseChristtowithdrawhimself.Hereitaccomplishesadiligentsearch.Itconsidersthelove,tenderness,andkindnessoftheLordJesus,andwhatdelighthetakesinabiding with his saints. And so his departure is not without cause andprovocation. “How,” it asks, “have I demeanedmyself, that I have lostmyBeloved?Where have I beenwandering after other lovers?”Andwhen themiscarriageisfoundout,thesoulaboundsinrevengeandindignation.(2.) Having driven this to some point, the soul then applies itself to thepromises of the covenant in which Christ is most graciously exhibited. Itconsiders one and then ponders another to find a taste of him. It considersdiligentlywhetheritcanseethedelightfulcountenanceandfavorofChristinthemornot.Butnow,asitoftenhappens,thesoulmayfindnothingbutthecarcass,thebareletterinthepromise.Ifthesoulcomestothisdiscovery,asitmightcometotheemptygraveofChrist,itmaybesaid“Heisrisen,heisnothere.”Thesoulisamazedanddoesnotknowwhattodo.Itislikeamanwhohasajewelofgreatpricewithnooccasiontouseit.Helaysitasideinwhathesupposesisasafeplace.Inagonyandextremewanthemayseekhisjewel.

If he does not find it in the place he expected, he will be filled withamazement. He does not know what to do. So it is with this pearl of thegospel.Afteramanhassoldallthathehasforit,andenjoyeditforaseason,tohaveitmissinginatimeofneedmustnecessarilyperplexhim.Soitwaswiththespousehere.“Isoughthim,”shesays,“butIdidnotfindhim.”ThisisathingthatsometimeshappenstousinourcommunionwithChrist.

Butwhatdoesshenowdo?Doesshegiveupandsearchnomore?No!Shesays,verse2,“‘Iwillarise;’Iwillnotgiveover.ImusthaveChristordie.Iwillnowarise,”(or,‘letmearise,’)“andgoaboutthisbusiness.”

[1.] She resolves to pursue another course than her previous one, a morevigorous inquest: “I will arise andmake use ofmeans other than those ofprivate prayer,meditation, self-searching, and inquiring into the promises,”Thiscoursecarriestwothingswithit,

1st.Resolution,andazealous,violentthrowingoffoftheframeinwhichshelostherlove.“‘Iwillarise;’Iwillnotrestinthisframe.IamlostifIdo.”So,sometimesGodcallshischurchtoariseandshakeitselfoutofthedust.Donotabideinthatcondition.2dly.Diligence. “I will now take another course; I will leave no wayunattempted, no means untried, by which I may possibly recovercommunionwithmyBeloved.”

ThisistheconditionofasoulthatdoesnotfindthewantedpresenceofChristin its private and more retired inquiries. It is dull in prayer, wandering inmeditations,rareinthoughtsofhim.“Iwillnotbearthisframe:Iwill,inhisstrength,vigorouslypursuewhateverwayGodhasappointeduntilthisframeisalteredandIfindmyBeloved.”[2.]Thenthereisthepathsheputsherselfonasshegoesaboutthecity.Notto strain the allegory too far, the city intended here is the city ofGod, thechurch.Passing through thebroadandnarrowstreets is thediligent inquirythat the spousemakes in all the paths and ordinances that are given to thechurch.This is the next thing the soul addresses itself to in the absence ofChrist: when it does not find him in any private endeavors, it vigorouslyapplies to the ordinances of publicworship. It looks afterChrist in prayer,preaching,andadministrationoftheseals.Indeed,thegreatinquirybelieversmakeineveryordinance is inpursuitofChrist.Themore theyfindofhim,

themoresweetnessandrefreshmenttheyhave,andnomore.Especiallywhendeserted,theyaremotivatedtoinquireafterhim.Theylistentoeveryword,everyprayer,tofindifanythingofChristappearsinthem:anylight,life,orlove from him. “Oh, that Christ would meet me at length in this or thatsermon,andrestoremypoorhearttosomesightofhislove,tosometasteofhis kindness!” The anxiety of a believer is inexpressiblewhen he does notfindChrist’sformerpresence,whetherforgraceorconsolation.Theframeofsuchaheartiscouchedintheredoublingoftheexpression,“Isoughthim,Isoughthim” (Cant.3:1). Itpresentsan inconceivablepassion,anda suitablyindustrious desire. Being disappointed at home in her search, the spouseproceedsintothecity.

Yet notice this also: “She sought him, but did not find him.” It sometimeshappens that nothing will help. “They will seek him, and not find him”(Prov.1:28).Theywillnotcomeclosetohim.Thosewhoenjoyanythingofthepresence of Christ should take heed what they do. If they provoke Christ todepart,iftheylosehim,itmaycostthemmanyabitterinquirybeforetheyfindhimagain.Theymayprayandmeditateandsearchthepromisesinprivate.Theymay heed all ordinances in public with earnestness and diligence. It is a sadconditionwhenasouldoesall this just togetoneglimpseof thefaceofJesusChrist,anditisallinvain.What now follows this set of affairs? Verse 3, “The watchmen found me...”ThesewatchmenofthecityofGodarethewatchmenandofficersofthechurch.It is a sad commentary that theHoly Spirit sometimes takes unkind notice oftheminthisbook.Plainly, in5:7theyturnpersecutors.ItwasLuther’ssaying,“Nunquam periclitatur religio nisi inter reverendissimos.” “Never risk thingsreligiousunlessyouareamongthereverent.”Heretheyhaveagentler temper.Seeingthepoordisconsolatesoul,theyseemtotakenoticeofhercondition.Itisthedutyoffaithfulwatchmentotakenoticeofpoor,troubled,anddesertedsouls.Theyarenottokeepatadistance,butbewillingtoassist.Someonewhois truly pressed because of Christ’s absence cannot cover her love. She mustinquireafterhim:“Haveyouseen theonewhommysoul loves?”“This ismycondition: I have had sweet enjoyment of my blessed Jesus, but he is nowwithdrawnfromme.Canyouhelpme?Canyouguideme tomyconsolation?Are you acquainted with him?When did you see him? How did he seem toyou?”Alltheseexertionsinhisabsencearesufficienttorevealthesoul’sdelightinthepresenceofChrist.Goonestepfurther,toherrediscoveryofhim,andthis

delightwillbeevenmoreevident.Verses4,5,“ItwasbutalittlewhileafterIpassedthem,thatIfoundtheonewhommysoulloves:IheldhimandwouldnotlethimgountilIhadbroughthimintomymother’shouse,andintothechamberoftheonewhoconceivedme.Ichargeyou,OyoudaughtersofJerusalem...”First,shetellsus“Shefoundhim.”Bywhatwaysandmeansisnotexpressed.This often happens in our communion with Christ. When private and publicmeansfail,andthesoulcandonothingbutwaitsilentlyandwalkhumbly,Christappears,toevidencehisgrace.Letusnotgiveupwhenweareinthiscondition.When allways are past, and the summer and harvest are gonewithout relief,whenneitherbednorwatchmencanassist,letuswaitalittle,andwewillseetheSalvationofGod.SometimesChristhonorshisimmediateandabsoluteactingswith his presence. Though ordinarily he crowns his ordinances, Christ oftenmanifestshimselfimmediately,apartfromhisordinances,tothosewhowaitforhim in them. Whether he will manifest himself to those who despise thoseordinances, Idonotknow.Thoughhewillmeetmenunexpectedly inhisway,yethewillnotmeetthematalloutsideofit.Letuswaitashehasappointed.Lethim appear as he pleases. How she deals with him when found is neatlydeclared:“Sheheldhim,andwouldnotlethimgo...”Theseareallexpressionsofthegreatestjoyanddelightimaginable.The sum is this:havingat lengthcomeoncemore toenjoy sweet communionwith Christ, the soul lays fast hold on him by faith. “Kratein,” [OT:270,NT:2722]“toholdfast,”isanactoffaith.Itrefusestopartwithhimanymore.Invehement love, it tries tokeephim inordinances in itsmother’shouse, thechurch ofGod.And so it uses allmeans to confirm themutual love betweenChristandher.All theexpressionsandall theallusionsthatareused,evidencetheutmostcapacityofthesoultodelightinhim.Whatisitthatthesaintslongfor,andthat theyrejoicein?Whatis it thatcompletelysatisfiesthem,andthatgivessweetcontentmenttotheirspirits,ineverycondition?Whoselossdotheyfear,andwhoseabsencecantheynotbear?IsitnottheirBeloved,andhealone?TheyfurthermanifestthisbytheirdelightineverythingthatuniquelybelongstoChrist in this world. For his sake, in whom we delight, we also delight ineverything that belongs to him.Christ’s great interest in thisworld lies in hispeople and his ordinances, his household and their provision. Now the saintsexceedinglydelightinbothoftheseforhissake.Takeanexampleinboththesekindsofdelightinoneman,namely,David.“Inthesaintsandtheexcellent”(ornoble) “of the earth is allmydelight;mydelight is in them,”Ps. 16:3.Christ

says of his church that she is “Hephzibah,” Isa. 62:4, “My delight is in her.”Here, David says the same, “Hephzibah, “My delight is in them.” As Christdelightsinhissaints,sodotheydelightinoneanother,onhisaccount.“Here,”saysDavid,“isallmydelight.”Whatevercontentmenthetookinanyoneelse,itwasnothingincomparisontothedelighthetookinthepeopleofGod.Hence,mentionismadeof“layingdownourlivesforthebrethren”(1Jn.3:16),ordoingsoforanycommoncauseinwhichtheinterestofthecommunityofthebrethrenlies. As for the ordinances, consider David again. Psalms 42, 48, and 84 arerepletewithtestimoniesofhisdelightinthem.This is the first consequential act of conjugal affection in this communionbetweenChristandbelievers.Hedelightsinthem,andtheydelightinhim.Hedelightsintheirprosperity;hetakespleasureinit.Theydelightinhishonorandglory,and inhispresencewith them.Forhissake, theydelight inhisservants(eventhoughtheyarecondemnedbytheworld)asthemostexcellentandnoblein theworld.And they delight in his ordinances,which are foolishness to theworld,asthewisdomofGod.

Chapter5.OtherconsequentialaffectionsII.TheloveofChristconsistsinValuation.

Christ values his saints; he values believers. Having taken them intocommunionwithhimself,heshowsthissecondconjugalaffectiontowardsthem.I will not need to demonstrate this at length; heaven and earth are full of itsevidences.A fewconsiderationswillgive life to the assertion. Ifyouconsiderthemabsolutely,andincomparisontoothers, thenyouwillseewhatvaluationheputsonthem:1.Absolutely-Allthatheeverdidordoes,allthatheeverunderwentorsufferedas mediator, was for the sake of believers. These things were so great andgrievous that, if he not valued them beyond expression, hewould never haveundertakentheirperformance.Takeafewinstances:

(1.)Fortheirsakeshewas“madeflesh,”Jn.1:14,or“manifestedintheflesh”1Tim.3:16.“Forasmuchthenasthechildrenarepartakersoffleshandblood,he also himself likewise took part of the same,” Heb. 2:14. The apostleaggravatestheheightofthisvaluationinverse16.“Verilyhedidnottakeonthenatureof angels,buthe tookonhim the seedofAbraham.”Hehadnosuch esteemof angels.Youmay take “epilamtanestai,” [NT:1949] tomean“take,” or “take hold of,” as our translators did. They supplied the word“nature,”and referred thewhole toChrist’s incarnation.He tookournatureonhim,andnotthenatureofangels.Oryoumaytakeitas“analamtanestai,”to“help.”Hedidnothelporsuccorfallenangels,buthedidhelpandsuccortheseedofAbraham.AndsoconsiderthisasthefruitofChrist’sincarnation.Itisallthesameasitappliestoourpresentbusiness.HepreferstheseedofAbrahambefore thatofangels. Itplainlyexpresseshisvaluingsaintsaboveangels.ObservethathecametohelptheseedofAbraham,thatis,believers.Hisesteemandvaluationisforthemonly.(2.) For their sakes he was made flesh in such a way that there was anemptying,anexinanitionofhimself,andaneclipsingofhisglory.Hebecamepoorforthem,2Cor.8:9,“YouknowthegraceofourLordJesusChrist,that,thoughhewasrich,yetforoursakeshebecamepoor.”Beingrichineternalglory with his Father, John 17:5, he became poor for believers. The sameperson that was rich was also poor. By contrasting it to the poverty he

undertookasaman,itisevidentthattherichesmeantherecanonlybethoseof theDeity.This ismorefullyexpressed inPhil.2:6-7.“Whobeing in theform of God, counted it no robbery to be equal to God, but he emptiedhimself,takingtheformofaservant,andbeingmadeinthefashionofaman,andfoundinformasaman.”The“formofGod”hereis theessenceof theDeity.Anumberofthingsinevitablyevincethemselvesfromthis,suchas,

[1.]Inthatform,hewasequaltoGod,thatis,hisFather.Now,nothingbutGod is equal to God, not even Christ as mediator in his greatest glory.Nothingbutwhatisinfiniteisequaltowhatisinfinite.[2.]TheformofGodisopposedto theformofaservant.Theformofaservantiscalledthe“fashionofaman”inverse8.Thatfashionistheoneinwhichhewasfoundwhenhegavehimselftodeath,inwhichasamanhepoured out his blood anddied. “Morfendoulou laton,” (he “took theform of a servant”), is expounded in the next words, “en homoiomatiantropon genomenos,” an expression used to represent his incarnation,Rom.8:3.Godsenthim“enhomoiomatisarkoshamartias.”Intakingontrueflesh,hewasinthe“likenessofsinfulflesh.”Now,inthusdoing,itissaid “heautou ekenose,” “he humbled himself, emptied himself, madehimself of no reputation.” In the very taking on of flesh there was acondescension,adebasingofthepersonoftheSonofGod.Itcouldnotbeanyotherway. IfGodhumbledhimself to “behold the things that are inheaven,andintheearth,”Ps.113:6,thencertainlyitwasaninconceivablecondescensionandabasement,notonlytobehold,buttotakeuponhimselfournatureinpersonalunion.ThoughnothingcouldpossiblydiminishtheessentialgloryoftheDeity,yetbythispersonappearinginthefashionofaman, and in the form of a servant, themanifestation of the glory of theDeitywaseclipsed.Heappearedasquiteanother thing thanwhat indeedhewas,andhadbeenfrometernity.Hence,hepraysthathisFatherwould“glorifyhimwiththegloryhehadwithhimbeforetheworldwas,”John17:5, to manifest that glory. And so, though the divine nature was notabased,thepersonwas.

(3.) For the sakes of the believers, he so humbled and emptied himself bytakingonfleshastobecomeaservant.Intheeyesoftheworldhewasofnoesteemoraccount,buthewasatrueandrealservanttotheFather.Fortheirsakes,hehumbledhimselfandbecameobedient.Allthathedidandsufferedinhislifecomesunderthisconsiderationandmaybedividedintothesethree

areas: [1.] Fulfilling all righteousness. [2.] Enduring all manner ofpersecutions and hardships. [3.] Doing all manner of good to the point ofexhaustion.Fortheirsakes,hetookonalifeandcoursethatispointedtoinHeb.5:7,8.Itwasalifeofprayers,tears,fears,obedience,andsuffering;andallofthiswasdonewithcheerfulnessanddelight.Hecalledhisemploymenthis“meatanddrink,”andstillprofessedthatthelawofthisobediencewasinhisheart,thathewascontenttodothiswillofGod.Theonewhowillsorelyrevenge the least opposition to him by others, was content to undergoanything,allthings,forbelievers.(4.)Hedoesnotlimithimselftothis,butfortheirsakeshebecomesobedienttodeath,thedeathofthecross.SoheprofessestohisFatherinJohn17:19,“For their sakes I sanctifymyself.”He is saying, “I dedicatemyself as anoffering, as a sacrifice, to be killed and slain.” Thiswas his aim in all theformerobedience:thathemightdie.Hewasborn,andlived,sothathemightdie.Hevaluedbelieversabovehis life.Ifwepausetoconsidera littlewhatwasinthisdeaththatheunderwentforthem,wewouldperceivewhatapriceindeedheputuponthem.Thecurseof thelawwasinit.ThewrathofGodwas in it.The lossofGod’spresencewas in it. Itwasa fearfulcup thathetastedanddrankof, that theymightnever taste it.Amanwouldnot for tenthousandworldsbewilling toundergowhatChristunderwent forus in thatone event of desertion fromGod, even if it were nomore distressing thanwhat amere creaturemight possibly endure.What our thoughts should beabout this,Christ himself tells us in John 15:13. “Greater love has nomanthanthis,thatamanlaydownhislifeforhisfriends.”Itisimpossibletohaveany greater demonstration or evidence of love than this. What more cananyonedo?AndyethetellsusinRom.5:8thatthisactofloveisevenfurtherheightened.“Godcommendshis love towardus, in that,whilewewereyetsinners, Christ died for us.”When he did this for uswewere sinners, andenemies,whomhemightjustlyhavedestroyed.Whatmorecanbedone?Todie foruswhenwewere sinners!Suchadeath, in suchamanner, attendedwithsuchwrathandcurses,adeathaccompaniedbytheworstthatGodeverthreatenedsinnerswith,arguesashighavaluationofusastheheartofChristhimselfwascapableof.

Foronetopartwithhisglory,hisriches,hisease,hislife,hislovefromGod,toundergo loss,shame,wrath,curse,anddeathforanother, isevidenceofadearvaluation.Anditwasallonouraccount,weareinformed,Heb.12:2.CertainlyChristhadsuchadearesteemofbelieversthatratherthanlet themperish,and

notbehis,andnotpartakeofhisglory,hewouldpartwithallhehadfortheirsakes,Eph.5:25,26.Therewill be no end if I go through all the instances ofChrist’s valuation ofbelievers,whathehasdone,whathedoes inhis intercession,whathedeliversthem from, and what he procures for them. They all point out one thing:believersaretheappleofhiseye,hisjewel,hisdiadem,hiscrown.2.Incomparisontoothers.AlltheworldisnothingtoChrist incomparisontothesaints.Theyarehisgardenwhiletherestoftheworldisawilderness.Cant.4:12,“Agardenenclosed ismysister,myspouse;aspringshutup,a fountainsealed.”Theyarehisinheritancewhiletherestarehisenemies,andofnoregardwithhim.SoitsaysinIsa.43:3,4.“IamtheLORDyourGod,theHolyOneofIsrael, yourSavior: I gaveEgypt foryour ransom,Ethiopia andSeba foryou.Sinceyouwerepreciousinmysight,youhavebeenhonorable,andIhavelovedyou, therefore Iwill givemen for you, and people for your life.” The reasonChrist deals with his church this way, in parting with all others for her, isbecausehelovesher.Sheispreciousandhonorableinhissight;thusheputsthisgreat esteem upon her. Indeed, he disposes of all nations and their interestsaccordingtothegoodofbelievers.Amos9:9saysthatinsiftingthenations,theeyeofGodisuponthehouseofIsrael;notagrainofthemwillperish.Looktoheaven;angelsareappointedtoministerforthem,Heb.1:14.Looktotheworld;thenationsingeneralareeitherblessedforthesakeofbelievers,ordestroyedontheir account. They are preserved to test them, or rejected for their crueltytowards believers. The nations will receive from Christ their final doomaccordingtotheirdeportmenttowardsthesedespisedonesofhis.Forthesakeofbelievers,thepillarsoftheearthareborneup,andpatienceisexercisedtowardsthe perishing world. In a word, there is not the meanest, weakest, poorestbelieveronearth,thatChristdoesnotprizemorethanalltheworld.Ifourheartswerefilledwiththoughtsofthis,itwouldgofartowardconsolingus.Inresponsetothis,believersalsovalueJesusChrist.Theyesteemhimaboveallthe world, and all things in the world. You have been acquainted with thisbefore, in the account thatwas given of their delight in him and their inquiryafterhim.Intheirhearts,theycontinuallysayofhim,asDaviddid,“WhomdoIhave inheavenbutyou?AndIdesirenoneuponearthbesideyou.”Ps.73:25.Neitherheavennorearthwillprovidethemanobjecttodelightinthatcompareswithhim.1.Theyvaluehimaboveallother thingsandpersons.Saidone, “Christ anda

dungeon,Christandacross,isinfinitelysweetertotheirsoulsthanacrownorascepter without him.” So it was with Moses, Heb. 11:26, “He esteemed thereproachofChristgreater riches than the treasures inEgypt.”The reproachofChrististheworstconsequencethatthewickednessoftheworldorthemaliceofSatancanbringuponhis followers. In thosedays, the treasuresofEgyptwerethe greatest in the world.Moses despised the very best of the world, for theworstof the crossofChrist. Indeed,Christhas toldbelievers that if they loveanything better than him, father or mother, they are not worthy of him(Matt.10:37).DespisingallthingsforChrististheveryfirstlessonofthegospel.“Giveawayall,takeupthecrossandfollowme,”wasthewaybywhichhetriedhisdisciplesofold.Ifthereisnotthesamemindandheartinus,wearenoneofhis.2.Theyvaluehimabovetheirlives.Acts20:24,“Mylifeisnotdear,thatImayperfectmycoursewithjoy,andtheministryIhavereceivedoftheLordJesus.”Paulsaysineffect,“Letlifeandallgo,sothatImayservehim,andwhenallisdone,enjoyhim,andbemadelikehim.”ItisknownwhatisreportedofIgnatiuswhenhewas led tomartyrdom:“Letwhatwill comeuponme,only so ImayobtainJesusChrist.”Hence,thoseofoldrejoicedwhenwhipped,scourged,andputtoshameforhissake,Acts5:41;Heb.11.Alliswelcomethatcomesfromhim, or for him.The life they have to live, and the death they have to die, islittle, is light, upon thinking of the one who is the stay of their life and thepurpose of their death.Were it not for the refreshment they receive daily bythoughts of him, they could not live. Their liveswould be a burden to them.Their thoughtsofenjoyingChristmade themcrywithPaul,“Oh thatweweredissolved!”(2Cor.5:1).Anumberofthingshaverenderedthistruthcleartomenandangels.Therearethestoriesofthemartyrsbotholdandrecent,thesuffererswitnessing tohimunder thedragonandunder thefalseprophet, theneglectoflifeinwomenandchildrenonhisaccount,andtheircontemptoftormentswhilehisnamesweetenedall.3. They value him above all spiritual excellence, and all other righteousness.Phil.3:7,8,“Thosethingswhichwereadvantagetome,IesteemedlossfortheexcellenceoftheknowledgeofChristJesusmyLord;forwhosesakeIhavelostallthings,anddoesteemthemcommon,thatImaygainChrist,andbefoundinhim.”Paul recountedhis excellence, and the spiritual privilegeshe enjoyed inhisJudaism,participationinwhichmadetherestofhiscountrymendespisetheworldand lookupon themselvesasGod’sonlyacceptablepeople.Theyrestedon these things for their righteousness. The apostle tells us of his esteem for

these thingscompared to theLord Jesus.Theyare“lossanddung.”Formanyyears he had been a zealot of the law, seeking righteousness byworks, Rom.9:32.HeinstantlyservedGoddayandnighttoobtainthepromise,Acts26:7,Helivedinallgoodconsciencefromhisyouth,Acts23.Allthewhile,hewasveryzealousforGodandhis institutions.Butnowhewillinglycastsawayall thesethings, and looks upon themas loss anddung.Hewasnot only content to bewithoutthem,butforthepurposeforwhichhesoughtthem,heabhorredthemall.Whenmenarestronglyconvincedoftheirduty,theywilllabormanyyearsto keep a good conscience. Theywill pray, and hear, and do good, and denythemselves, and be zealous for God. They will labor with all their might topleasehim,andsoatlengthcometoenjoyhim.Menwouldratherpartwithalltheworld,lifeandall,thanwithwhattheyhavewroughtinthisway.Youknowhow unwilling we are to part with anything we have labored and beaten ourheadsabout?Howmuchmoreisthistruewhenthethingsaresoexcellent,suchasourdutytoGod,blamelessnessinourlife,hopeofheavenandthelike,whichwehavebeatenourheartsabout.Butnow,whenChristappearstothesoul,andwhenheisknowninhisexcellence,allthesethingsthatmayhavebeengainedwithouthimhave theirpaintwashedoff.Theirbeauty fades.Theirdesirabilityvanishes. The soul is not only content to part with them all, but it puts themawayasadefiledthing.Itcries,“IntheLordJesusonlyismyrighteousnessandglory.”Among innumerable testimonies to this isProv.3:13-15.“Happy is theman that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding. For themerchandiseofitisbetterthanthemerchandiseofsilver,andthegainofitthanfinegold.Sheismorepreciousthanrubies.Allthethingsthatyoucandesirearenot to be compared to her.” The Holy Spirit is speaking of Jesus Christ, theWisdom of God, the eternal Wisdom of the Father; this is evident from thedescription that isgiven inProv.8.Heandhiswaysarebetter thansilverandgold,rubies,andalldesirablethings.Asinthegospel,helikenshimselftothe“pearlinthefield”that,whenthemerchantmanfindsit,hesellsallthathehastopurchase it. All goes for Christ; all righteousness without him, all ways ofreligion;allgoesforthatonepearl.ThegloryofhisDeity,theexcellenceofhisperson, his all-conquering desirability, ineffable love, wonderful undertaking,unspeakablecondescensions,effectualmediation,completerighteousness,alloftheselie in theireyes,ravishtheirhearts, fill theiraffections,andpossess theirsouls.This,then,isthesecondmutualconjugalaffectionbetweenChristandbelievers.OnthepartofChrist,itmaybeseparatedintotwocategories:

1.Allthathepartedwith,allthathedid,allthathesuffered,andallthathedoesasmediatorisbecauseofhisloveforandhisesteemofbelievers.Hepartedwiththe greatest glory, underwent the greatestmisery, and does the greatestworksthateverwere,becauseheloveshisspouse,becausehevaluesbelievers.Whatmorecanbesaid?Howlittlewefathomthedepthofwhathasbeensaid!Howunablewearetolookintoitsmysteriousrecesses!Hesolovesandsovalueshissaintsthat,havingfrometernityundertakentobringthemtoGod,herejoiceshissoulinthethoughtsofit.Hepursueshisdesignthroughheavenandhell,lifeanddeath,bysufferinganddoing,inmercyandwithpower;anddoesnotceaseuntilhebringsittoperfection.2.Hesovaluesthemthathewillnotloseanyofthemtoeternity,thoughalltheworld should combine to take them out of his hand.When in the days of hisflesh he foresaw what opposition, what danger, what rocks they would meetwith, he cried out, “Holy Father, keep them,” John 17:11. “Do not let one ofthembe lost;” andhe tellsusplainly in John10:28, thatnomanwill takehissheepoutofhishand.Becausehewasthenintheformofaservant,itcouldbesupposedthathemightnotbeabletoholdthem.Andsohetellsthemtrue,astohis present condition of carrying on the work of mediation, his “Father wasgreaterthanhe.”Thereforehecommittedthemtohim,andnonecouldtakethemoutofhisFather’shand,John10:29.Althoughtheworldwithitsafflictionsandpersecutionsmaybeconquered,thesearefromwithout.Thereremainstheissueof security against sin fromwithin.By the assistance of Satan, itmay prevailagainst them to their ruin.AndsoChristhas takencare that sin itselfwillnotdestroythem.HehasprovidedagainstSataninhispromisethatthegatesofhellwillnotprevailagainstthem.Inthis,thedepthofhisloveistobecontemplated.Despitethefactthathisholysoulhateseverysin(itisaburden,anabomination,andanewwound tohim),hispoorspouse is sinful.Believersare fullof sins,failings,andinfirmities.Christhidesthemall,coversthemall,bearswiththemall,ratherthanloseanyofthebelievers.Hispowertopreservethemfromsuchsins is a remedy not provided for in the covenant of grace. Oh, theworld ofsinful follies that ourdearLord Jesusbearswithon this account!Arenot ourown souls astonished with the thought of it? Infinite patience, infiniteforbearance, infinitelove, infinitegrace, infinitemercy,areallset inmotiontothisend,torespondtohisvaluationofus.Onourpart,thisconjugalaffectionmayalsobedividedintotwocategories:1.ThatupondiscoveringChrist,werejoicetopartwithallthingsthatwehave

delightedinorrestedourconfidenceupon.Weexchangethemforhimandforhis sake so that we may enjoy him. Sin and lust, pleasure and profit,righteousnessanddutywillallgo,sothatwemayhaveChrist.2.Thatwhenwedoenjoyhim,wearewillingtopartwithallthingsratherthanpartwithhim.To thinkof partingwithpeace, health, liberty, relations,wives,andchildrenisoffensive.Itisheavy,anditgrievesthebestofthesaints.ButoursoulscannotbearthethoughtofpartingwithJesusChrist;suchathoughtisascruel as the grave.Theworst fearwehave of sin andhell is thatwewill notenjoyJesusChrist.Wecanpartwithall thingsfreelyandcheerfully,nomatterhowbeautiful,sothatwemayenjoyhimhere,andhereafterbelikehim,beeverwithhim,andstandinhispresence.III.TheloveofChristconsistsinPityorCompassion.This is the thirdconjugal affectionon thepartofChrist.Asaman“nourishesandcherisheshisownflesh,sodoestheLordhischurch,”Eph.5:29.Christhasa fellowfeelingwithhis saints inall their troubles, justasamanhaswithhisown flesh.This act of conjugal love on the part ofChrist relates to themanytrialsandpressuresofafflictions thathissaintsmeetwithherebelow.Hedoesnotdealwithbelieversas theSamaritansdealtwith theJews.Theyfawnedonthemin theirprosperity,butdespised themin their trouble.He is likea tenderfatherwho,thoughperhapslovingallhischildrenalike,willtakethemostpainswithandgivemostofhispresencetotheonesthataresickandweak.Hedoessoeven though such children may be the most froward and, it would seem, thehardesttobearwith.Hehimselfsufferswiththem,andtakesashareinalltheirtroubles.All the sufferingsof the saints in thisworld, inwhich theirheadandhusbandexercisespity,tenderness,care,andcompassiontowardsthem,areoftwosorts:1.Temptations.2.Afflictions.1.Temptations (which includes their tendency to sin),whether from theirowninfirmitieswithin,ortheiradversarieswithout.TheframeofChrist’sheart,andhis attitude towards them in this condition, is given inHeb. 4:15. “Wedonothaveahighpriestwhocannotbetouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities.”Wedonothaveonewhocannot.Thetwonegationsvehementlyaffirmthatwehavesuchahighpriestwhocanandistouched.Theword“touched”comesfarshortof expressing the original word. It is “sumpatesai,” [NT:4834] to “suffer

together.” “We have,” says the apostle, “such a high priest as can, andconsequentlydoes,sufferwithusandendureourinfirmities.”Inwhatrespecthesufferswith us in regard to our infirmities, or has a fellow feelingwith us inthem,isdeclaredinthenextwords.“Hewastemptedasweare,”verse15.Itisin respect toour infirmities, our temptations, our spiritualweakness.Hehas acompassionate sympathy and fellow feeling with us particularly in that.Whatever our infirmitiesmay be so far as temptations go, he suffers with usunderthem,andhetreatsuswithcompassion.Hence,atthelastdayhesays,“Iwashungry...”(Matt.25:35).Therearetwowaysofexpressingafellowfeelingand suffering with another: (1.) Per benevolam condolentiam, a “friendlygrieving.”(2.)Pergratiosamopitulationem,a“gracioussupply.”Bothof theseareeminentinChrist:

(1.) He grieves and labors with us. Zech. 1:12, “The angel of the LORDansweredandsaid,OLORDofhosts,howlongwillyounothavemercyonJerusalem?”HespeaksasoneintimatelyaffectedbythestateandconditionofpoorJerusalem.Therefore,hebidalltheworldtotakenoticethatwhatisdonetothemisdonetohim,chap.2:8,9;“theappleofhiseye.”(2.) He abounds in the second. Isa. 40:11, “He will feed his flock like ashepherd;hewillgatherthelambswithhisarm,andcarrytheminhisheart,and gently lead those who are with young.” Here, we have both together:tendercompassionandassistance.Thewholeframeinwhichheisdescribedhereisaframeofthegreatesttenderness,compassion,andcondescensionthatcanbe imagined.Hispeople areburdenedwithmany infirmities.Somearelambs,somepregnantwithyoung,someverytender,andsomeburdenedwithtemptations.Nothinginanyofthemiscompletelystrongorattractive.Christis a shepherd to them all. He feeds his own sheep and drives them out topleasantpasture.Ifheseesapoorweaklamb,hedoesnotshovehimon,buttakeshimintohisheart,wherehebotheasesandrefresheshim.Heleadshimgentlyandtenderly.AsJacobdidforthosewhowereburdenedwithyoung,sodoesourdearLordJesuswithhisflock,inthevariouswaysandpathsinwhichheleadsthem.Whenheseesapoorsoulwhoisweak,tender,halting,andready tosinkandperish,he takeshimintohisarms.Bysomegraciouspromiseadministeredtohim,hecarrieshimandbearshimupwhenheisnotabletogoonestepforward.ThisisthecauseofhisgreatquarrelwiththoseshepherdsinEzek.34:4,“Woetoyoushepherds!Youhavenotstrengthenedthediseased,norhealedwhatwassick,norboundupwhatwasbroken,norbroughtbackwhatwasdrivenaway,norsoughtwhatwaslost.”Thisiswhat

ourcareful,tenderhusbandwouldhavedone.

MentionismadeofhiscompassionandfellowsufferingwithusinHeb.4:15.In verse 16, it is added that he administers “charin eis eukairon boeteian,”seasonable grace, grace for help in a time of need. This is evidence ofcompassionwhen, like theSamaritan,weaffordseasonablehelp.Tolamentour troubles or miseries without affording help serves no purpose. Now,Christ does this; he gives “eukairon boeteian,” seasonable help. Help thatmeetsaneedisalwaysexcellent,butcominginseasonputsacrownonit.Apardontoamalefactorwhenheisreadytobeexecutedissweetandwelcome.SuchistheassistancegivenbyChrist.Allhissaintsmaytakethisasasureruleinboththeirtemptationsandtheirafflictions:whentheywantthese,theywill not want relief; andwhen they can bear them no longer, theywill berelieved,1Cor.10:13.It issaidemphaticallyofChrist inHeb.2:18that,“Becausehehassufferedbeingtemptedhimself,heisabletosuccorthosewhoaretempted.”Itistrue.But there is something more in all our temptations than there was in thetemptation of Christ. There is something in us that takes part in everytemptation. And there is enough in us to tempt us, even if nothing elseappearedagainstus.WithChristitwasnotso,John14:30.Butthisdoesnotlimithiscompassiontowardsus.Byallaccounts,itincreasesit.Forifhewillsuccor us becausewe are tempted, the sorer our temptations are, themoreready he will be to succor us. Take some examples of Christ’s giving“eukaironboeteian,” seasonablehelp,whenweare tempted tosin.Hedoesthisinseveralways:[1.] By keeping the person who is liable to a particular temptation, andexposedtoit,inastronghabitualbentagainstthatsin.SoitwasinthecaseofJoseph:ChristknewthatJoseph’sgreat trialwouldbefound inhismistresstempting him to lewdness. If he had been conquered in this sin, hewouldhavebeenundone.AndsoChristkepthisheartinasteadyframeagainstthatsin,ashisundeliberatedanswerargues,Gen.39:9.Inotherthings,inwhichhe was not so deeply concerned, Joseph’s heart was not so fortified byhabitualgrace.ThiswouldappeartobethecasewhenhesworebythelifeofPharaoh.ThisisonewaybywhichChristgivessuitablehelptohisown,intenderness and compassion. The saints, in the course of their lives, by thecompany, society, andbusiness they find themselves in, are exposed to andbecomeliabletotemptationsbothgreatandviolent,someofonekind,some

ofanother.Christ is exceedinglykindand tender to them in fortifying theirheartswithanabundanceofgraceregardingthosetemptationstosintowhichtheyaremostexposed.Perhapsinotherthingstheyareveryweak,andoftensurprised.[2.]Bysomestrong impulseofactualgrace,Christ sometimes recovers thesoulfromtheverybordersofsin.SoitwasinthecaseofDavid,1Sam.24:4-6.“Hewasalmostgone,”ashesayshimself;“his feethadnearlyslipped.”The temptation was at the point of prevailing, when a mighty impulse ofgrace recoveredhim.Toshowhissaintswhat theyare, theirownweaknessandinfirmity,Christsometimesallowsthemtogototheveryedgeofthehill.Andthenhecausesthemtohearawordbehindthem,sayingwithpowerandefficacy, “This is the right way, walk in it,” and so he recovers them tohimself.[3.]Bytakingawaythetemptationitselfwhenitgrowssostrongandviolentthat thepoor souldoesnotknowwhat todo.This is called “delivering thegodlyoutoftemptation,”2Pet.2:9.Amanispluckedoutofthesnare,andthesnareisleftbehindtoholdanother.Ihaveknownthistobethecaseformany in a number of perplexing temptations. They have been quiteweary,andtriedallmeansofhelpandassistance,andyettheyhavebeenunabletocome to a comfortable resolution. Suddenly and unexpectedly, the LordChrist, inhis tendernessandcompassion, rebukesSatanso that theydonothear one wordmore from him about their temptation. Christ comes in thestorm,andsays,“Peace,bestill.”[4.]Bygivingfreshsuppliesofgraceastemptationsgroworincrease.Soitwas in the caseofPaul, 2Cor. 12:9. “Mygrace is sufficient for you.”Thetemptation, whatever it was, grew high. Paul was earnest for its removal.Despite the growth of the temptation, he receives only this answer that thegraceofGodissufficientforhissupport.[5.]Bygivingthemwisdomtomakearight,holy,andspiritualimprovementtoall temptations. Jamesbidsus“count it all joywhenwe fall intodiversetemptations,”James1:2.Thiscouldnotbedoneiftherewerenotaholyandspiritualusetobemadeofthem,whichheindicatesinthewordsthatfollow.There are various uses of temptations that experienced Christians, withsuitable assistance fromChrist,maymakeof them.Not the least is that bythemwearebroughttoknowourselves.Hezekiahwaslefttobetriedtoknowwhatwas inhim(2Kgs.20).By temptation,someheart-hiddencorruption is

oftendiscoveredthatthesoulknewnothingofbefore.AsitwaswithHazaelinrespecttoenormouscrimes(2Kgs.8:13-15),soitisinlesserthingswiththesaints. Theywould never have believed such lusts and corruptionswere inthemuntil theydiscovered themupon their temptations.Manyhavingbeentemptedtoonesin,havediscoveredanotherthattheydidnotthinkof.Some,beingtemptedtopride,worldliness,orloosenessoflife,havebeenstartledbyit. This led to a discovery of their neglect of their many duties andcommunionwithGod,which theydidnot thinkofbefore.This is from thetender care of JesusChrist in giving them suitable help,withoutwhich nomancanpossiblymakeuseofor improvea temptation.Andthis issuitablehelpindeed.Atemptationmightotherwisebeadeadlywound,butinsteaditonly lances a festered sore. It lets out the corruption that might otherwisehave endangered life itself. Sowe read in 1Pet.1:6, “If needbe, you are inheavinessthroughvarioustemptations.”[6.] When a believer is being overcome by temptations, Christ in histendernessrelieveshimwithmercyandpardon,sothathewillnotcompletelysinkundertheburden,1John2:1-2.

Byoneoralloftheseways,theLordJesusmanifestshisconjugaltendernessandcompassiontowardsthesaintsinandundertheirtemptations.

2. Christ is compassionate towards them in their afflictions: “In all theirafflictionhe is afflicted,” Isa. 63:9. It seems that all our afflictions (at least inpersecutions)arehisinthefirstplace,andoursonlybyparticipation.We“fillupthe measure of the afflictions of Christ,” Col. 1:24. Two things evidentlymanifestthiscompassioninChrist:

(1.) His interceding with his Father for their relief, Zech. 1:12. Christintercedes on our behalf, not only in respect to our sins, but also oursufferings.When theworkof our afflictions is accomplished,wewill havethe relief he intercedes for. The Father always hears him.We do not haverelieffromtrouble,recoveryofhealth,easeofpain,orfreedomfromanyevilwithouttheintercessionofJesusChrist.Ifbelieverslookat theirmerciesasthedispensingofcommonprovidence,thentheyareunacquaintedwiththeirowncondition.Thismay,indeed,bethereasonwedonotesteemthemmore,we are not more thankful for them, nor more fruitful in the enjoyment ofthem. We do not see how, by what means, or on what account, they aredispensed to us. The people of God in the world today are alive andundevoured only because of the intercession of the Lord Jesus. His

compassion has been the fountain of their deliverance. Hence, he oftenrebukes theirsufferingsandafflictionsso theireffectonbelievers is limitedwhiletheyareunderthem.Heiswiththemwhentheypassthroughfireandwater,Isa.43:2,3.(2.) In resolving the matter, he sorely revenges the complaint of theirsufferingsupon theirenemies.Heavengeshiselectwhocry tohim,andhedoesitspeedily.ThecauseofZionwillleadonthedayofhisvengeance,Isa.34:8.Helooksuponthemsometimesindistress,andconsidersthestateoftheworld in reference to them. “Wehavewalked to and fro through the earth,and,behold,alltheearthsitsstill,andisatrest,”sayhismessengerstohim(Zech.1:11).Hesendsthemtoconsidertheworldanditsconditionduringtheafflictionofhispeople.This is the commonconditionof theworld in suchseasons:“Theyareatrestandquiet,theirheartsaresatiated;theydrinkwinefrombowls,andsendgifts tooneanother,”Rev.11:10.ThenChrist lookstoseewhowillcome tosuccor them,Isa.59:16-17.Findingnone,heengageshimselffortheirreliefbydestroyingtheiradversaries.Now,heaccomplishesthisvengeancetwoways:

[1.]Temporally,uponpersons,kingdoms,nations,andcountriesashedidupontheoldRomanworld,Rev.6:15,16.YouhaveatypeofthisinIsa.63:1-6.Andthishealsodoestwoways:

1st.Byraisingupaneminentopposer,andmakinghimanexampletotheworld.SohedealtwithPharaoh:“ForthiscausehaveIraisedyouup,”Exod.9:16.Sohedoestothisday.Helayshishanduponeminentadversaries, fills onewith fury, anotherwith folly, blasts a third, andmakesanotherwither;orhedestroys themutterlyand terribly.Likeaprovokedlion,hedoesnotliedownwithouthisprey.2dly.Ingeneral,inthevialsofhiswraththatintheselatterdayshewillpouroutupon theanti-Christianworld,anduponall that join themintheirthoughtsofvengeanceandpersecution.Hewillmiserablydestroythem, andmake suchwork of them in the course of it, thatwhoeverhearsofitwillhavebothearstingle.

[2.]Eternally; ineternalvengeancehewillanswer theadversariesofhisbeloved,Matt.25:41-46;2Thess.1:6;Jude15.ItisevidentfromthisthatChrist abounds in pity and compassion towards his beloved. Moreexamples might be given, but these things are obvious, and occur to

everyone.Inresponsetothispityandcompassion,Iplaceinthesaints,chastitytoChristineverystateandcondition.TheapostleendeavoredthatthismightbethestateofthechurchofCorinth,2Cor.11:2-3.“Ihaveespousedyoutoonehusband,thatImaypresentyouasachastevirgintoChrist.ButIfear,lestbyanymeans,astheserpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so yourminds should be corruptedfrom the simplicity that is inChrist.”And so it is saidof the followersof theLambonmountZioninRev.14:4.“Thesearethosewhowerenotdefiledwithwomen, for they are virgins.” What defilement they were free from will bedeclaredlater.Now,therearethreethingsinwhichthischastityconsists:1. Not taking anything into their affections and esteem for those ends andpurposesforwhichtheyhavereceivedJesusChrist.HeretheGalatiansfailedintheir conjugal affection to Christ. They did not preserve themselves chaste tohim. They receivedChrist for life and justification, and him only. But after awhile they were overcome with charms, or bewitched. They put therighteousnessofthelawinthesameplaceashim.HowPauldealswiththeminthismatter is known.How sorely, howpathetically he admonishes them, howseverelyhereprovesthem,andhowclearlyheconvincesthemoftheirmadnessand folly! This, then, is the first chaste affection believers must bear in theirhearttoChrist.HavingreceivedhimfortheirrighteousnessandsalvationbeforeGod,forthefountain,spring,andwell-headofalltheirsupplies,theymustnotreceiveanythingelseintohisroomandinhisstead.Foroneparticular example:We receiveChrist forour acceptancebyGod.Allthat can compete with him for our affections is our own striving for arighteousnesstocommendustoGod.Now,thismustbeeitherbeforewereceivehim, or after.As for all the duties and endeavorswedo to pleaseGodbeforereceivingChrist,youknowtheapostle’sattitudefromPhil.3:8-10.Herejectsallendeavors,alladvantages,andallprivilegeswithindignation.Heseesthemwithabomination,asloss,andasdung.HewrapsupallhisaimsanddesiresinChristaloneandhisrighteousnessforthatpurpose.Buttheworksthatwedoafterwehave receivedChrist are another consideration. Indeed, they areacceptable toGod; itpleaseshim thatwewalk in them.Butas to thepurpose forwhichwereceiveChrist,theyhavenomorevaluethanourpriorworks,Eph.2:8-10.Eventheworkswedoafterbelieving,thosewearecreatedtodoinChristJesus,thosethat God has ordained believers “should walk in,” are excluded from our

justificationandacceptancebyGod(i.e.salvation).OnedayitwillappearthatChrist abhors the wranglings ofmen about the place of their ownworks andobedience in thebusinessof their acceptancebyGod.The saintswillnot findany peace in adulterous thoughts of that kind. The chastity we owe to Christrequires another attitude. The necessity, usefulness, and excellence of gospelobediencewill be declared later. Imarvel to see how hard it is to keep someprofessors of Christ faithful in this thing. How many disputes have beencontrived, distinctions invented, and evasions studied, just so they may dallywiththat?Thosewhotrulylovehimhavetheirmindsonotherthings.Ofallthings,then,thesaintsendeavortokeeptheiraffectionschasteandloyalto Jesus Christ in this area of trusting in his obedience alone. He is made“righteousness”tothembyGod(1Cor.1:30),andtheywillacceptnothingelseforthatpurpose.Infact,sometimestheydonotknowwhethertheyhaveanyinterestinhimornotbecausehewithdrawshimself.Andyet,theystillcontinueinsolitude,inastateofwidowhood,refusingtobecomforted,eventhoughmanythingsoffertoreplacehiminhisabsence.WhenChristisabsentfromoursoulatanytime,whenwecannotseethatwehaveanyinterestinhim,manyloverswillofferthemselvestous.Manywillwooouraffectionstogetustorestonthisorthatthingforreliefandsuccor.Buteventhoughoursoulmournseversolong,itwillleanuponnothingbutChrist.Wheneverthesoulisinthewilderness,inthesaddestcondition,itwillstaythereuntilChristcomestogatheritup,untilitcanbebroughtforthfromthewildernessleaninguponhim,Cant.8:5.TheonewhohascommunionwithChristwatchesdiligentlyoverhisownheartso that nothing creeps into its affections, and nothing gives it any peace orsecuritybeforeGod,exceptChristalone.Wheneverheaskshimself,“Withwhatshall Icomebefore theLORD,andappearbefore thehighGod?”hedoesnotthink, “Iwilldo thisor that;”or, “Iwillwatchhereand there, andamendmyways.” Instead,he instantlycries,“Ihave righteousness in theLordJesus.Myonly desire is to be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own,”(Phil.3:9).2.The second thing this chastity consists of is cherishing the Spirit, that holyComforterwhomChristsendstoabidewithusinhisroomandinhisstead.Hetells us that he sends him for that purpose in John 16:7. He gives him to us,“vicariam navare operam,” “a substitute to render energetic assistance,” saysTertullian.Hegiveshimtoabidewithusforever,forallthoseendsandpurposes

whichhehastofulfilltowardanduponus.Hegiveshimtodwellinus,tokeepus,andtopreserveusblamelessforhim.Christ’snameisinhim,andwithhim.Whatever is done to anywhobelong toChrist is done toChrist, because it isdoneto those inwhomhedwellsbyhisSpirit.This iswhythesaintspreservetheir conjugal affections entirely for Christ. They labor by all means not togrieve hisHolySpiritwhomhe has sent in his stead to abidewith them.TheapostleputstheminmindofthisinEph.4:30,“DonotgrievetheHolySpirit.”TherearetwomainpurposesforwhichChristsendshisSpirittobelievers:

(1.)Fortheirsanctification;(2.)Fortheirconsolation.

All the particular acts of purging, teaching, anointing, and the rest that areascribedtohim,comeunderthesetwoheadings.Sotherearetwowaysbywhichwemaygrievehim:

[1.]Inrespecttosanctification;[2.]Inrespecttoconsolation:

(1.)Inrespecttosanctification.HeistheSpiritofholiness,holyinhimself,and the author of holiness in us.Heworks holiness in us, Tit. 3:5, and hepersuadesustobeholybythoseimpulsesofhisthatarenottobequenched.Heiscarryingonaworkinandforusthatissoinfinitelytoouradvantage;withoutitwecannotseeGod.WhatprimarilygrievestheSpirit iswhenwerun at cross-purposes to him, in ways of unholiness, pollution, anddefilement.So thewords “Grievenot theHolySpirit” are connected to theobedienceofEph.4:28-31.ThusPaulbaseshispowerfulandmosteffectualargumenttobeholyontheabidingandindwellingofthisHolySpirit,1Cor.3:16-17. Indeed, what can grieve a loving and tender friend more than toopposehimandslighthimwhenheismostintentonourgood,andagoodofthegreatestconsequencetous.Inthis,then,believersmakeittheirbusinessto keep their hearts loyal and their affections chaste to Jesus Christ. TheyinstantlylabornottogrievetheHolySpiritbylooseandfoolishbehavior,bycarelessandnegligentwalking.Thereforeanger,wrath,malice,andenvywillno longerdwell in theirhearts,because theyarecontrary to theholy,meekSpiritofChrist,whomhehasgiven todwellwith them.Theyattend tohisimpulses,makeuseofhisassistance,andimprovehisgifts.NothingliesmoreupontheirspiritsthantobeworthyofthepresenceofthisholysubstituteoftheLordJesusChrist.(2.)Astoconsolation.ThisisthesecondgreatendforwhichChristgivesand

sendshisSpirittous,andforwhichheiseminentlycalled“TheComforter.”Tothisendhesealsus,anointsus,establishesus,andgivesuspeaceandjoy.Iwillspeakatlargeofallthislater.Fornow,therearetwowaysbywhichhemaybegrievedinthisendofhismission,andbywhichwemayviolateourchastitytoJesusChrist:

[1.]Byplacingourcomfortsandjoysinotherthings,andnotbeingfilledwithjoyintheHolySpirit.Whenwemakecreaturesorcreaturecomfortsourjoyandourdelight,whenwedosowithanythingotherthanwhatwereceiveby theSpiritofChrist,wearebeing falsewithChrist.So itwaswithDemaswholovedthepresentworld(2Tim.4:10).Whenthewaysofthe Spirit of God grieve and burden us, when we say, “When will theSabbath be past so that we may do our work?” when our delight andrefreshmentliesinearthlythings,thatiswhenweareunsuitabletoChrist.May not his Spirit say, “Why do I still abide with these poor souls? Iprovide themjoysunspeakableandglorious,but theyexchange themforperishing things. I provide them spiritual, eternal, abiding consolations,and it is all rejected for nothing.” Christ cannot bear this. Therefore,believers are exceeding careful not to place their joy and consolation inanythingbutwhatisadministeredbytheSpirit.Theirdailyworkistogettheirheartscrucifiedtotheworldanditsthings.Sothattheymaynothavelivingaffectionsfordyingthings,theyfabricatelookingattheworldasacrucified,deadthingthathasneitherformnorbeauty.Ifatanytimetheybecome enamored of creatures and inferior contentments, and lose theirbetterjoys,theycryouttoChrist,“OrestoretousthejoysofyourSpirit!”[2.]TheSpiritisgrievedwhen,throughdarknessandunbelief,wewillnotreceivethoseconsolationsthathetenderstous,andwhichhedeeplywantsus to receive. But I will speak of this later in handling our communionwiththeHolySpirit.

3. The third thing this chastity consists of is the matter and manner of hisworship. Christ has married his church to himself, taking us into a marriagerelationship. He expresses that, in the main, the church’s chaste and choiceaffectionstowardhimlieinkeepinghisinstitutionsandhisworshipaccordingtohis appointment. When we breach this fidelity, he calls it “adultery” and“whoredom.” He is a “jealous God,” and he gives himself that title only inrespect tohis institutions.Thewhole apostasyof theChristian church to falseworshipiscalled“fornication”;andthechurchthatleadsotherstofalseworship

is called the “mother of harlots.” On this account, those believers who reallyattendtocommunionwithJesusChrist,labortokeeptheirheartschastetohiminhisordinances,institutions,andworship;andthatisdoneintwoways:

(1.) They will receive nothing, practice nothing, and accept nothing in hisworshipthatisnotappointedbyhim.Theyknowthatfromthefoundationoftheworldheneverallowedthewillofthecreaturestobethemeasureofhishonor or the principle of his worship, either as to matter or manner. Thesecondcommandment forbids theuseof images and likenesses.What is soseverely forbidden is inventing or finding ways of worship, or ways ofhonoring God, which are not appointed by him. Believers know howGodreacts to all will-worship: “Who has required these things at your hand?”(Isa.1:12), and, “Youworshipme invain, teaching the traditionsofmenasdoctrines,”(Matt.15:9;Isa.29:13).Iwill take leave to say that, when the church believes it has the power toinstitute anything in the worship of God that goes beyond the orderlycircumstances attending the ordinances that Christ himself instituted, itbecomes the basis for all the horrible superstition and idolatry, all theconfusion, blood, persecution, and wars, that have for so long spreadthemselvesoverthefaceoftheChristianworld.IdonotdoubtthatthegreatcontroversywhichGodhashadwiththisnationforsomanyyears,andwhichhehaspursuedwithsomuchangerandindignation,wasuponthisaccount.Contrarytothegloriouslightofthegospelthatshoneamongus,thewillsandfancies ofmen concerning theways andworship ofGodwere imposed onmen in thenameoforder,decency,and theauthorityof thechurch.All thepretence of glory, beauty, attractiveness, and conformity that was pleadedthen,was nothingmore thanwhatGoddescribes in the church of Israel asharlotry,Ezek.16:25.ThiswashowtheSpiritofGodinprayerwasderided,thepowerfulpreachingofthegospelwasdespised,theSabbathwasdecried,andholinessstigmatizedandpersecuted.Andtowhatend?

•TodeposeJesusChristfromthesoleprivilegeandpoweroflaw-makinginhischurch;

•To shove aside the true husband, and embrace the adulterers of hisspouse;

•To appoint taskmasters that he never authorized over his house, Eph.4:11;

•Tointroduceaceremonious,pompous,outwardshowofworship,drawn

fromPagan,Judaical,andAnti-Christianobservations,ofwhichthereisnotonelittlewordoriotainthewholebookofGod.

Those who hold communion with Christ are therefore careful to admitnothing and practice nothing in the worship of God, whether private orpublic,unlesstheyhavehiswarrantforit.Unlessitcomesinhisname,with“Thus says the Lord Jesus,” they will not hear an “angel from heaven.”(Gal.1:8). They know that the apostles themselveswere to teach the saintsonly what Christ commanded them, Matt. 28:20. Not long ago, manythousands in this very nation left their native soil and went to a vast andhowlingwildernessinthefarthestreachesoftheworld[America].Theydidso to keep their souls undefiled and chaste to their dear Lord Jesus in thismatterofhisworshipandinstitutions.(2.) Positively, to keep their hearts chaste to him in his ordinances,institutions, and worship, they readily embrace, receive, and practiceeverythingthattheLordChristdoesappoint.Theydiligentlyinquireintohismindandwillsothattheymayknowwhatthosethingsare.Theygotohimfordirections,andbeghimtoleadtheminthewaythattheyhavenotknown(Jn.14:5).The119thPsalmmaybeapatternforthis.Howthegood,holysoulbreathes after instruction in the ways and ordinances, the statutes andjudgments, of God! They are sensitive to whatever is of Christ. Theywillingly submit to it, accept it, and give themselves up to its constantpractice.Theyrefusewhatevercomesfromanythingelse.

IV.Finally,theloveofChristconsistsinBounty.Christmanifestsandevidenceshislovetohissaintsthroughbounty,therichandplentifulprovisionthathemakesforthem.Ithas“pleasedtheFatherthatinhimall fullness should dwell,” Col. 1:19. That is done for this purpose, that “wemightall receiveofhis fullness,andgraceforgrace,”John1:16. IwillnotgointotheparticularsoftheprovisionthatChristmakesforhissaints,andallthoseinfluencesof theSpirit,of lifeandgrace, that theyreceivefromhimdaily, thebreadandrefreshmenttheyhavefromhimtothefull.IwillonlyobservethattheScripture affirms that he does all things for them abundantly, richly, andbountifully.Whateverhegivesus,hisgracetoassistus,hispresencetocomfortus, he does it abundantly. You have the general assertion of it in Rom. 5:20,“Where sin abounded, grace didmuchmore abound.” If grace aboundsmuchmore in comparison to sin, it is abundant grace indeed. This will easily be

grantedbyanyonewhoconsidershow flirtingwith sin abounds in every soul.Hence,he isable todo forus“exceedingabundantlyaboveall thatweaskorthink,”Eph.3:20,andwearebidtoexpectthat.Is it pardoning mercy that we receive from him? Well, he does “abundantlypardon,” Isa. 55:7;Hewillmultiply or add to pardon.Hewill add pardon topardon.Graceandmercywillaboundabovealloursinsandiniquities.IsittheSpiritthathegivesus?Heshedshimuponusrichlyor“abundantly,”Tit.3:6.Henotonlybidsustodrinkofthewateroflifefreely,buthealsobestowshiminsuchaplentifulmeasurethatriversofwaterflowfromthosewhoreceivehim, John7:38, 39.Theywill never thirst anymorewhen theyhavedrunkofhim.Is it grace that we receive of him? He gives that in bounty also.We receive“abundance of grace,” Rom. 5:17. He “abounds toward us in all wisdom andprudence,”Eph.1:8.HencewefindthatinvitationinCant.5:1,“Eat,Ofriends!Drink,yes,drinkdeeply,Obelovedones!”Ifwearerestrictedinanything,itisinourselves.Christdealsbountifullywithus.Indeed,thegreatsinofbelieversisthatwedonotmakeuseofChrist’sbountyasweoughttodo.Wedonottakemercy fromhim in abundance every day. The oil never ceases till the vesselscease.SuppliesfromChristfailonlywhenourfaithfailsinreceivingthem.ThenourresponsetoChristisaduty.Tothisend,twothingsarerequired:1.Thatwepursueandpracticeholinessinallitspower,becauseitisobedienceto Jesus Christ. Under this formal duty, gospel obedience means, “WhateverChristcommandsus,”Matt.28:20.HesaysinJohn15:14,“Youaremyfriends,ifyoudowhateverIcommandyou.”Wearerequiredtolivetotheonewhodiedforus,2Cor.5:15.Welivetohiminallholyobedience.WelivetohimasourLord andKing. I am not suggesting that there are specific precepts and lawsfromJesusChristthatjustifyusbyobservingthem,astheSociniansfancy.Thegospelrequiresnomoreofusthan“tolovetheLordourGodwithallourhearts,andalloursouls,”whichthelawalsorequired.TheLordJesusbroughtusintoacceptancebyGod.Inthatcondition,ourobedienceiswell-pleasingtohim.AndwebringhonortoChristaswehonortheFather.So,wehaveauniqueregardtohiminallourobedience.Hehaspurchasedusforhimself,Tit.2:14.Andthus,intheirobedience,believersconsiderJesusChrist,

(1.) As the author of their faith and obedience. It is for his sake that it is“giventothemtobelieve,”Phil.1:29.ItisChristwhoworksthatobedienceinthembyhisSpirit.SotheapostlesaysinHeb.12:1-2.Inthecourseofour

obedience,westilllooktoJesus,“theauthorofourfaith.”Faithishereboththegraceoffaith,andthefruitoffaithinobedience.(2.)As theone inwhom, forwhom, andbywhomwehave acceptancebyGod in our obedience. Believers know that all their duties are weak,imperfect,andunable toabide thepresenceofGod.Therefore, they looktoChrist as the one who bears any iniquity in their holy things, who addsincensetotheirprayers,pullsoutalltheweedsfromtheirduties,andmakesthemacceptabletoGod.(3.) As the onewho renewed the commands ofGod to them,withmightyobligationstoobedience.Andsotheapostlesaysin2Cor.5:14-15,“TheloveofChristconstrainsus.”(4.)AndtheyconsiderhimasGod,equalwithhisFather,towhomallhonorandobedienceisdue.SoitsaysinRev.5:13.ButIhaveopenedthesethingsin another treatise, not long ago, dealing with the worship of Christ asmediator.

Inall theirobedience,then,thesaintshaveaspecialregardfortheirdearLordJesus.Forthesereasonsandmanyothers,heiscontinuallyintheirthoughts.Hisloveforthem,hislifeforthem,hisdeathforthem,allhiskindnessandmercy,constrainsthemtoliveforhim.2.OurresponsetoChristrequireslaboringtoaboundinfruitsofholiness.Justashedealswithusbountifullyandabundantly,soherequiresthatweaboundinallgrateful,obedientreturnstohim.Weareexhortedto“alwaysaboundintheworkoftheLord,”1Cor.15:58.ThisiswhatImean:thesaintsareneversatisfiedwiththemeasuretheyhaveattained;instead,theycontinuetopresssothattheymaybemoredutifulandmorefruitfultoChrist.ThisisalittleglimpseofsomeofthatcommunionwhichweenjoywithChrist.ItisonlyalittlefromsomeonewhohastheleastexperienceofitofallthesaintsofGod.AndyetIhavefoundinthiscommunionwhatisbetterthantenthousandworlds.Idesiretospendtheresidueofthefewandevildaysofmypilgrimageinpursuitofit,inthecontemplationoftheexcellence,desirability,love,andgraceofourdearLordJesus,andinreturningobedienceaccordingtohiswill.Thisisthegreatrelieftomysoul,thatinthemidstoftheperplexitiesofthiswretchedworld,andcursedrebellionsofmyownheart,“Hethatwillcomewillcome,andwill not tarry,” (Heb.10:37). “TheSpirit and the bride say,Come; and let him

thatreadssay,Come.Evenso,come,LordJesus,”(Rev.22:17,20).

Chapter6.CommunionwithChristinpurchasedgrace–

OurprocessisnowtocommunionwithChristinpurchasedgrace,“Thatwemayknow him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of hissufferings,andbemadeconformabletohisdeath,”Phil3:10.I understand “purchased grace” to be all that righteousness and grace whichChristhasprocuredorworkedforus.Itiswhathehasmadeuspartakersofbyanymeansorwhathebestowsonusforourbenefit.Itispurchasedbyanythingthathehasdoneorsufferedforus,orbyanythingthathecontinuestodoasourmediator. First, I will considerwhat this purchased grace is, and thenwhat itconsists of. Secondly, Iwill describe howwe hold communionwithChrist inthispurchasedgrace.1.Purchasedgracespringsfromthreefountainsorcauses:(1.)Theobedienceofhis life. (2.)Thesufferingofhisdeath. (3.)Hiscontinued intercession.All theactionsofChrist asmediatorwhich lead to thecommunicationofgrace tous,mayeitherbecategorizedunderoneof these three,orunder something that isdependentonthem.2.Thenatureof thisgrace, inwhichwehavecommunionwithChrist,maybedivided into: (1.)Graceof justification, or acceptancebyGod,whichmakesarelative change in our state and condition. (2.) Grace of sanctification, orholinessbeforeGod,whichmakesa realchange inourprincipleof livingandwayofoperating.(3.)Graceofprivilege,whichismixed,asIwillshowwhenIhandleit.ItisevidentthatwehavecommunionwithChristinthispurchasedgrace,basedonthissingleconsideration:thereisalmostnothingthatChristhasdone,whichisaspringofthatgrace,thatwearenotsaidtodowithhim.Weare“crucified”withhim,Gal.2:20;weare“dead”withhim,2Tim.2:11;Col.3:3;and“buried”withhim,Rom.6:4;Col.2:12;weare“quickenedtogetherwithhim,”Col.2:13;“risen”withhim,Col.3:1.“HehasquickenedustogetherwithChrist,andhasraisedusuptogether,andmadeussittogetherinheavenlyplaces,”Eph.2:5,6.InChrist’s actions asmediator, byvirtueof the compactbetweenhimand theFather,thereisanassuredfoundationlaidforcommunicatingthefruitsofthoseactions to those in whose stead he performed them. Believers are said to

participateinthosefruits,tohavedonethesamethingswithhim.Wemayhaveoccasionlatertoinquireintothelifeandpowerofthistruth:

(1.) The first fountain and spring of this grace is the obedience of his life:concerning this, it must be declared, [1.] What it means, and of what itconsists.[2.]Whatinfluenceithasonthegraceofwhichwespeak.Inhandlingthis,Iwillonlyobservethat,intheorderofprocurement,thelifeofChristnecessarilyprecedeshisdeath.Therefore,wewillhandle it in thefirst place. But in the order of application, the benefits of his death arebestowedonuspriortothoseofhislife;andthisnecessarilyfollowsfromourstateandcondition.

[1.]BytheobedienceofthelifeofChrist,Imeantheuniversalconformityof theLord JesusChrist, asmediator, to thewholewill ofGod; andhiscompleteactualfulfillingofthewholeofeverylawofGod,doingallthatGodrequiredinthem.Hemighthavebeenperfectlyholybyobediencetothelawofcreation,themorallaw,astheangelswere.Norcouldanymorebe required of him as a man walking with God. But he also submittedhimself to every laworordinance thatwas introducedas a result of sin,which he could not be subject to on his own account. It became him to“fulfillallrighteousness,”Matt.3:15,ashespokeinreferencetoanewlyinstitutedceremony.That obedience is properly ascribed to Jesus Christ as mediator. TheScriptureiswitness,bothastothetitleandtheperformance,inHeb.5:8,“Though he was a Son, yet he learned obedience...” In fact, he wasobedientinhissufferings.Itwaswhatgavelifetohisdeath,Phil.2:8.Hewasobedient todeath, for in that“hemadehissoulanofferingforsin,”Isa. 53:10, or “his soulmade an offering for sin,” as it is interpreted inverse12.“Hepouredouthissoultodeath,”or,“hissoulpouredoutitselftodeath.”Andhenotonlysanctifiedhimselftobeanoffering,John17:10,buthealso“offeredhimselfup,”Heb.9:14,an“offeringofasweetsavortoGod,” Eph. 5:2.Hence, as to thewhole of hiswork, he is called theFather’s“servant,”Isa.42:1,19.Andheprofessesthathe“cameintotheworldtodothewillofGod,thewillofhimthatsenthim,”forwhichhemanifests “his great readiness,” Heb. 10:7. All of this evinces hisobedience. I suppose I do not need to prove that Christ, in hiswork ofmediation,wasobedientanddidwhathedidwillinglyandcheerfully, inobediencetoGod.

Now,thisobedienceofChristmaybeconsideredtwoways:1st.Astoitshabitualrootandsource.2dly.Astoitsactualpartsorduties:

1st. The habitual righteousness of Christ, as mediator in his humannature,wastheabsolute,complete,andexactconformityofthesoulofChrist to thewill,mind, or law ofGod. Itwas his perfect habituallyinherent righteousness. He necessarily had this from the grace of hisunionofGodandman;anditiswhywhatwasbornofthevirginwasa“holy thing,”Luke 1:35. Itwas consequentially necessary to be holy,althougheffectingitwasbythefreeoperationsoftheSpirit,Luke2:52.Hehadanall-fullnessofgraceonall accounts.TheapostledescribesthisinHeb.7:26,“Suchahighpriestbecameholy,harmless,undefiled,and separate from sinners.”Hewas to be in everyway separate anddistant fromsinandsinners,which iswhyhe iscalled“TheLambofGod,without spot or blemish,” 1 Pet. 1:19. This habitual holiness ofChristwasinconceivablyabovethatoftheangels.“Hewhochargeshisangelswith folly,” Job 4:18; “who puts no trust in his saints; and inwhose sight the heavens” (or their inhabitants) “are not clean,” chap.15:15. The Father always embraces him in his heart, and is always“wellpleasedwithhim,”Matt.3:17.The reason for this is that everyothercreatureisneversoholy,havingtheSpiritofGodgiventothembymeasure.ButtheSpiritwasnotgiventoChrist“bymeasure,”John3:34. It pleased the Spirit that in him “all fullness should dwell,”Col.1:19.ThishabitualgraceofChristisnotabsolutelyinfinite,butbycomparison toanyothercreature, it is like thewaterof thesea to thewaterofapool.Allothercreaturesarelimitedfromperfectionbythis.Theysubsistasacreated,dependentbeing.Andsothefountainofwhatis communicated to them is outside of themselves. But the humannatureofChrist subsists in thepersonof theSonofGod.And sohisnaturehasthefountainofitsholinessstrictlyunitedwithitself.

2dly. The actual obedience of Christ, as was said, was his willing,cheerful, obedient performance of everything, duty or command, thatGodrequiredbyvirtueofanylawthatwewereliableto;andmoreover,tothespecificlawofthemediator.This,then,hastwoparts:

(1st.)Hedidandfulfilledwhateverwasrequiredofusbyvirtueofany law. This includeswhateverwas required of us by the law of

natureinourstateofinnocence;whateverkindofdutywasaddedbymorallypositiveorceremonialinstitutions;andwhateverisrequiredofusbyrighteousjudiciallaws.Hediditall.Henceheissaidtobe“madeunderthelaw,”Gal.4:4.Hewassubjecttoallitspreceptsorcommands. So inMatt. 3:15, he said it became him to “fulfill allrighteousness,”“pasandikaiosunen,”[NT:3956,1343]allmannerofrighteousness whatever; that is, everything that God required asevidentfromtheapplicationofthatgeneralaxiomtothebaptismbyJohn. I will not need to go to particular instances for this in thedutiesofthelawofnaturetoGodandhisparents,morallypositivedutiesintheSabbathandotheractsofworship,theceremoniallaw,circumcision, observation of all the rites of the Judaic church,judicial duties in paying tribute to governors, etc. Itwill suffice, Ipresume, that on the one hand he “did no sin, neither was guilefoundinhismouth,”(1Pet.2:22),andontheother,thathe“fulfilledall righteousness.”Basedonthis,theFatherwasalwayswellpleasedwithhim.Thiswaswhatheengagedhimselftodo.HecametodothewillofGod;andhedidit.

(2dly.)TherewasaspecificlawoftheMediatorthatappliedonlytohim.Itcontainedallthoseactsanddutiesofhisthatarenotforourimitation.So theobedience thatheshowed indyingwasunique tothis law. John 10:18, “I have power to lay down my life, thiscommandment have I received of my Father.” As mediator, hereceivedthisuniquecommandfromhisFather to laydownhis lifeand take itupagain;andhewasobedient to thiscommand.Hencewe say that, as mediator, he did some things merely as a man,subject to the law of God in general. And so he prayed for hispersecutors, thosewhoputhimtodeath,Luke23:34;Hedidsomethingsasmediator.Andsoheprayed forhiselectonly, John17:9.There were none worse in the world than many of those whocrucifiedhim,andyet,asaman,andsubjecttothelaw,heforgavethem, and he prayed for them. When he prayed as mediator, hisFatheralwaysheardhimandansweredhim,John11:41;andinhisother prayers, he was accepted as someone performing his dutyexactly.

This, then, is the obedience of Christ; which was the first thingconsideredintheobedienceofhislife.Thenextthingis,

[2.]Thatithasaninfluenceonthegraceofwhichwespeak,andinwhichweholdcommunionwithhim,namely,ourfreeacceptancebyGod.Whatthatinfluenceismustalsofollowinitsorder.

1st.Forhishabitualandinherentrighteousness,Iwillonlyproposetwoconsiderations:

(1st.) That itwas necessary to have amediatorwhowasGod andman in one person. Because it could not be otherwise, it wasnecessary that he be holy. Although there is one primary andnecessaryeffectof thehypostaticalunion(which is thesubsistenceof thehumannature in thepersonof theSonofGod), itwas alsonecessarythathebea“holything,”completelyholy.(2dly.)ThattherelationwhichthisrighteousnessofChristhastothegracewereceivefromhimisonlythatbyhisrighteousnesshewas“hikanos,”orfittodoallthathehadtodoforus.Thisistheintentof the apostle in Heb. 7:26. Such a one “became us.” It wasnecessarythathebesuchaone,sothathemightdowhathehadtodo.Andtherearetworeasonsforthis:

[1st.]Hadhenotbeencompletelyfurnishedwithhabitualgrace,he could never have actually fulfilled the righteousness whichwas required at his hands. It was because he was completelyfurnishedthathewasabletodoallthathedid.SohelaysdownthepresenceoftheSpiritwithhimasthefoundationofhiswork,Isa.61:1.“TheSpiritoftheLordisuponme...”[2dly.] Without such righteousness, he could not have been acompleteandperfectsacrifice,norcouldhehaveresolvedallthetypes and figures of him, completely andwithout blemish. Buthaving this habitual righteousness, he would have been a fitsacrificeandofferingevenifhehadneveractivelycontinuedinobedience to the law. Therefore his subsequent obedience hasanotherusebesidesfittinghimforanoffering,forwhichhewasfitwithoutit.

2dly.ThenextinfluenceonourgracecomesfromChrist’sobediencetothelawofmediation,whichisnottiedtohisinherentobedience.Itwas

requisitetodischargehisofficeasmediator.Hisobedienceasmediatoris not imputed to us as though we had done it, even though the“apotelesmata” (theofficialacts)and its fruitsare. Instead, thenatureof his intercession provides the good things we need, at leastsubservientlytohisofferingandintercession.Morewillbesaidofthisafterward.3dly.Thereissomedoubtabouthisactualfulfillingofthelaw,ordoingallthethingsrequiredofus.Therearethreeopinions:

(1st.)ThisactiveobedienceofChristhasnootherinfluenceonourjustification and acceptance by God than as preparation for hisblood-sheddingandoffering.Itisthesolecauseofourjustification.The whole righteousness that is imputed to us arises from thatobedience.(2dly.) That his fulfilling of the law may be considered as pureobedience in preparation for his offering asmentioned.But itmayalso be considered as to its punishment for sin. Because it wasaccomplishedwithsufferingaspartofhishumiliation,thatsufferingis imputed to us, and becomes part of the basis on which we arejustified.(3dly.)ThatthisobedienceofChrist,beingdoneforus,isreckonedtousgraciouslybyGod.Becauseofit,weareacceptedasrighteousbeforehim.

My intent is not to treat this difference as a controversy, but to givesuch an understanding of the whole as to lead to the practice ofgodlinessandconsolation.Iwilldothisintheensuingobservations:

[1st.]TheobediencethatChristyieldedtothelawingeneralisnotonlytothespecificlawofthemediator,eventhoughheyieldeditasmediator.Hewasincarnateasmediator,Heb.2:14;Gal.4:4.Allthathedidafterwardwasasourmediator.Thatwasthereason“hecameintotheworld”(1Tim.1:15;Heb.10:5).Sothereisatwofoldsenseofmediatorhere.Itmayreferstrictlytohisobedienceinassumingtheofficeofthemediator;anditmayrefertohisobedienceasamanwhowassubjecttoallthelaws.Hewasobedienttothoselawsbecausehewasthemediator.

[2dly.]WhateverChristdidasmediator,hedidforthosehemediatedfor, inwhosesteadandforwhosegoodheexecutedtheofficeofamediatorbeforeGod.TheHolySpiritwitnessestothisinRom.8:3,4.“Whatthelawcouldnotdo,inthatitwasweakthroughtheflesh,GodsendinghisownSoninthelikenessofsinfulflesh,andforsin,condemnedsinintheflesh,that therighteousnessofthelawmightbefulfilledinus.”WecouldnotcometoGodandbefreedfromthecondemnationofthelaw,becauseofourweakenedconditioncausedby sin. Therefore,God sentChrist as amediator, to do and sufferwhateverthelawrequiredatourhandsforthatpurpose.Thiswassothatwemightnotbecondemned,butbeacceptedbyGod.Itwasalltothisend,“Thattherighteousnessofthelawmightbefulfilledinus,”meaning, fulfillingwhat the law required of us, consisting induties of obedience. Christ performed these duties for us. Theapostle says, “God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinfulflesh,andforsin,condemnedsinintheflesh,”Rom.8:3.IfyouaddGal.4:4tothis,thenhewassent“huponomougenomenos,”“madeunderthelaw.”Thatis,hewasliabletothelaw,andhewastoyieldalltheobediencethatthelawrequired.ThiscomprisesthewholeofwhatChrist did or suffered; and theHolySpirit tells us that all ofthiswasforus,Rom.8:4.

[3dly.]Thepurposeof thisactiveobedienceofChristcannotbe topreparehimforhisdeathandoffering.Forbyhisunionandhabitualgrace hewas already in everyway “hikanos” [NT:2425] (fit to bemade an offering for sin). So, if the obedience of Christ was notdoneonouraccount,andreckonedtous,thenthereisnojustreasonwhyheshouldhave lived in theworldas longashedid inperfectobediencetoallthelawsofGod.Hewasalreadyperfectlyinnocentand holy because of his habitual grace, infinite virtue, and worthfrom the dignity of his person. Surely he did not yield that longcourseofobedienceunlessitwasforsomegreatandspecialpurposerelatingtooursalvation.

[4thly.]IftheobedienceofChristhadnotbeenforus,hemighthavebeen required toyieldobedience to the lawofnature, the sole lawwhich he would be liable to as a man. For an innocent man in acovenantofworks,ashewas,needsnootherlaw.NordidGodever

giveanyotherlawtosuchaperson.Thelawofcreationisallthataninnocentcreatureisliableto.Andyethissubjectiontothislawwasalsovoluntary.Thiswasnotonlytheresultofbeingbornofhisownchoice, but also because as mediator, God and man, he was notobliged to that law.Hewasexemptedand liftedabove that lawbythehypostaticalunion.Yet,whenIsaythathissubjectiontothelawwasvoluntary,Idonotmeanthatitwasoptional,andthathehadachoicewhethertoyieldobediencetoitornot.Onceheundertooktobeamediator,itwasnecessarytosubmittothelawvoluntarilyandwillingly,andsohereallybecamesubjecttoitscommands.ButthenJesus Christ yielded perfect obedience to all those other laws thatcame upon us by the occasion of sin, such as the ceremonial law.Theseweretheveryinstitutionsthatsignifiedthewashingawayofsin,andrepentancefromsin,suchasthebaptismofJohnwhichhehadnoneedofhimself.Therefore,itmusthavebeendoneforus.

[5thly.] The obedience of Christ cannot be part of his sufferings.Instead,itisclearlydistinctfromitinallitsformalities.Doingisonething, and suffering is another. They take place in differentcircumstancesandcannotbecoincident.

Letusbrieflyseewhatwehavelearnedfromtheseconsiderations.ThenIwillintimatewhat results fromthis first springor fountainofpurchasedgrace,andwhatinfluenceithasonit:First,bytheobedienceofthelifeofChristyouseewhatisintended.YouseehiswillingsubmissiontoeverylawofGod,andhisperfectandcompletefulfillingofwhatthesaintsofGodwereobligedtofulfill.Itistruethatalmosteveryactof Christ’s obedience, from the blood of his circumcision to the blood of hiscross,wasaccompaniedbysuffering.Hiswholelifemightbecalledadeathinthat regard. Yet, looking at his willingness and obedience, his obedience isdistinguished from his specific sufferings, and it is called his activerighteousness.This active righteousness is the complete andabsolutelyperfectaccomplishmentof thewhole lawofGodbyChrist,ourmediator.Henotonly“did no sin, neither was there guile found in his mouth,” but he also mostperfectlyfulfilledallrighteousness,asitbecamehimtodo(Matt.3:15).Secondly,thisobediencewasperformedbyChristnotforhimself,butforus,andinourstead.Itisnecessarilytruethatwhilehelivedinthefleshhemustbemostperfectly and absolutely holy. Yet the prime intent of his accomplishing this

holinesswasnolessforusthanhissufferingdeathwasforus.Theapostletellsus this is so inGal. 4:4, 5. “God sent forthhisSon,madeof awoman,madeunderthelaw,toredeemthosewhowereunderthelaw.”ThisScripturemustbeexaminedalittlefurther.Hewasmadeofawoman,andhewasmadeunderthelaw.Thatis,hewasobedienttothelawforus.Thatiswhatmustbeunderstoodhere by the phrase “made under the law”, “huponomougenomenos.”Hewasmadeinsuchaconditionthathemustyieldsubjectionandobediencetothelaw.Theendhere,ofboththeincarnationandChrist’sobediencetothelaw,wastoredeemus.Inthesetwoexpressions,“madeofawoman”and“madeunderthelaw,”theapostledoesnotknittogetherhisincarnationanddeathwhileexcludingtheobedienceofhislife.Hewasmadeunderthelawjustasthosewhomhewasto redeem were made under the law. Now, we were not only liable to itspenalties,butboundtoallitsduties.Thisisourexistence“underthelaw,”astheapostleinformsusinGal.4:21.“Tellme,youthatdesiretobeunderthelaw.”Itwas not thepenalty of the law that they desired to be under, but its duties ofobedience. Ifyou takeaway theend,youdestroy themeans. IfChristwasnotmadeincarnateforhimself,andhewasnotmadeunderthelawforhimself,thenhedidnotyieldobedienceforhimself.Itwasallforus,andforourgood.Letusnowlookforward,andseewhatinfluencethishasonouracceptance.Thirdly, then, this perfect and complete obedience of Christ to the law isreckoned to us.There is truth in the promise that, “Thedayyou eat of it youshalldie.”Deathistherewardofsin,andsowecannotbefreedfromdeathbutbythedeathofChrist,Heb.2:14,15.Itisnolesstruethatwemay,“Dothis,andlive,”(Lk.10:28).Lifecannotbeobtainedunlesseverythingthatthelawrequiresis done. And that is still true. “If you will enter into life, keep thecommandments,”Matt.19:17.Theymust, then,bekepteitherbyusorbyoursurety.It isuseless toobject that ifChristyieldedperfectobediencetothelawfor us, then arewe no longer bound to yield obedience ourselves. For by hisdeath,whichwasthepenaltyofthelaw,wearesupposedlyfreedfromtheduty.Ianswer by asking, “How did Christ undergo death?”Merely as it was penal.How,then,arewedeliveredfromdeath?Merelyasitispenal.Westillmustdie.Wemustdieasthelastconflictwiththeeffectsofsin,andasthepassagetoourFather.Well, then,Christyieldedperfectobediencetothelaw.Buthowdidhedoit?Purelyasitstoodinthatconditionto,“Dothis,andlive.”Hediditinthestrengthofthegracethathereceived.Hediditasameanstoprocurelife,asthetenorofacovenant.Arewe,then,freedfromthisobedience?Yes,buthowfar?Fromdoingitinourownstrength;fromdoingittoobtaineverlastinglife.Itisfoolishtosayconfidentlythatwemuststillworkforlife.Itisthesameassaying

wearestillundertheoldcovenant.WearenotfreedfromobedienceasawayofwalkingwithGod,butwearefreedfromitasawayofworkingtocometohim.Rom.5:18,19,“Bytherighteousnessofone,thefreegiftcameuponallmentojustificationoflife:bytheobedienceofonemanywillbemaderighteous,”saysthe Holy Spirit. By his obedience to the law we are made righteous; it isreckonedtousforrighteousness.ItisfalsethatthepassiveobedienceofChristisallthatisintendedhere:First, it is opposed to the disobedience of Adam, which was active. The“dikaioma” (righteousness) is opposed to “paraptomati” (the fault)[NT:1345,3900].Thefaultwasanactivetransgressionofthelaw.Theobedienceopposed to ithad tobeanactive fulfillmentof the law.Besides, thenatureofobediencedenotes actions that conform to the law.Christ camenot to destroybuttofulfillthelaw,Matt.5:17.Thatwasthedesignofhiscoming,andsohisobediencewasforus.Hecametofulfillthelawforus,Isa.9:6,andhewasbornto us, Luke 2:11. This was also the will of the Father, which he came toaccomplishoutofhisinfinitelove.Secondly, properly speaking, there is no such thing as passive obedience.Obeying is doing, towhich passion and suffering cannot belong. I know it iscommonlycalledpassiveobediencewhenmenobeyuntil they suffer,but it isnotproperlyso.ThesamedistinctionisfoundinPhil.3:9.“Andbefoundinhim,nothavingmyownrighteousness,whichisofthelaw,butwhatisthroughthefaithofChrist,the righteousness which is of God by faith.” The righteousness we receive isopposedtoourownobediencetothelaw.Itisopposedtoit,notassomethingofanotherkind,butassomethingof thesamekind.Itexcludesourrighteousnessfrom the result that the obedience of Christ obtains. He is thereby “maderighteousnesstous,”1Cor.1:30.InRom.5:10,theissueinthedeathofChristisreconciliation.“Forif,whenwewereenemies,wewerereconciledtoGodbythedeathofhisSon,muchmore,beingreconciled,wewillbesavedbyhislife.”Thatis,heremovestheenmityandrestoresus to thatconditionofpeaceandfriendshipthatAdamhadbeforehisfall.Butistherenomoretobedone?DespiteAdam’sfreedomfromwrath,hehadtoobeyifhewastoenjoyeternallife.Likewise,thereissomethingmoreto be done in respect to us ifwe are to enjoy life after reconciliation. “Beingreconciled by his death,” we are saved by that perfect obedience which he

yielded to the law of God in his life. Distinct mention is made of beingreconciled through a non-imputation of sin, as found in Ps.32:1, Luke 1:77,Rom. 3:25, 2 Cor. 5:19; and we are justified through an imputation ofrighteousness,asfoundinJer.23:6,Rom.4:5,1Cor.1:30.Thesetwothingsarefar frombeing separate.They reciprocally affirmone another. If not identical,theyareeminently joined.Andthis justificationiswhatwehavebythe lifeofChrist.ThisisfullyexpressedinthetypicalrepresentationofourjustificationbeforetheLordinZech.3:3-5.ItindicatestwothingsbelongtoourfreeacceptancebeforeGod:takingawaytheguiltofoursin,representedbyremovingourfilthyrobes;thisisdonebythedeathofChrist.Remissionofsinisitsproperfruit;butsomethingmoreisrequiredforouracceptance.Thatsomethingmoreisrighteousness,whichgivesusarighttoeternallife.Thisisrepresentedbythe“Changeofraiment.”TheHolySpiritexpressesitagaininIsa.61:10,wherehecalls it plainly “The garments of salvation,” and “The robe of righteousness.”ThisismadeoursonlybytheobedienceofChrist,justastheotherismadeoursonlybyhisdeath.Objection: “If we have his righteousness, then we are as righteous as Christhimself.”Answer:There is agreatdifferencebetweenwhat is his andwhatwe receive.First,thisrighteousnesswasinherentinChrist,anditwasproperlyhisown.Itisonly reckoned or imputed to us; it is freely bestowed on us. We are maderighteous with what is not our own. Secondly, Christ was not righteous forhimself,butforus.Sotherecanbenocomparison.Wemayonlysaythatwearemaderighteouswithhisrighteousness,whichhecompletelyworkedforus.ThisobedienceofChrististheoriginofthepurchasedgraceofwhichwespeak;andthisisitsinfluenceonouracceptancebyGod.Theguiltofoursin,andourliabilitytobepunishedforit,isremovedandtakenawaybythedeathofChrist.Butbesidestakingawaytheguiltofoursin,weneedcompleterighteousnessifwearetobeacceptedbyGod.ThisobedienceofChrist,throughthefreegraceofGod,isimputedtousforthatpurpose.AllIwillinsistonforthepresentisthatthepassiverighteousnessofChristisonlyimputedtousinthenon-imputationofsin.AsforexaltingtheconditionofourfaithandnewobedienceintotheplaceoftherighteousnessofChrist,thatissomethingIamunfamiliarwithincommunionwithChrist.

(2.) The second cause or spring of our communion with Christ in purchasedgraceishisdeathandoffering.Helivedforus.Hediedforus.Hewasoursinallhedidandsuffered.Iwillbebriefinhandlingthis,becauseIhaveaddressedallitsconcernselsewhere.The death of Christ is a spring of that purchased grace in which we havecommunionwithhim.ItispresentedintheScriptureunderthreeconsiderations:[1.]price[2.]sacrifice,and[3.]penalty.In regard to price, the proper effect of his death is full payment for ourredemption; in regard to the sacrifice he offered up, his death producesreconciliation or atonement; and in regard to the penalty required for sin, ityields satisfaction. These are the great ingredients of that purchased grace bywhichwehavecommunionwithChristinthefirstplace.

[1.] It is a price. “We are boughtwith a price,” 1 Cor. 6:20.We are “notredeemedwithsilverandgold,andcorruptible things,butwiththepreciousbloodofChrist,”1Pet.1:18-19.Inthatsense,itmirrorsthosethingsfoundinothercontracts.Hecameto“givehislifearansomformany,”Matt.20:28.Itwasthepriceofredemption,1Tim.2:6.Theproper effect and resultof thedeathofChrist, as apriceor ransom, isredemption, as I said. Redemption is delivering anyone from bondage orcaptivity, and from the miseries that attend it. It is accomplished byinterveningwithorinterposingapriceoraransom.Itispaidbytheredeemertotheonewiththeauthoritytodetainthecaptive:

1st.Ingeneral,itisadeliverance.HenceChristiscalled“TheDeliverer,”Rom.11:26.Hegiveshimselfto“deliverus,”Gal.1:4.Heis“Jesus,whodeliversusfromthewrathtocome,”1Thess.1:10.2dly. It is the delivery of someone from bondage or captivity. WithoutChrist we are all prisoners and captives, “bound in prison,” Isa. 61:1,“sittingindarkness,intheprisonhouse,”Isa.42:7,49:9.Weare“prisonersin the pit in which there is no water,” Zech. 9:11, “the captives of themighty,andthepreyoftheterrible,”Isa.49:25.Weareundera“captivitythatmustbeledcaptive,”Ps.68:18,in“bondage,”Heb.2:15.3dly.Thepersonwhocommitsus toprisonandbondageisGodhimself.Weowe“ourdebts”tohimMatt.6:12,18:23-27.Ouroffensesareagainst

him,Ps.51:4.Heisthejudgeandlawgiver,James4:12.Tosinistorebelagainsthim.Heimprisonsmenwhocontinueindisobedience,Rom.11:32;andhewillcastboththebodyandsouloftheimpenitentintohell-fire,Matt.10:28.Menareliabletohiswrath,John3:36.Theylieunderitbythesentenceofthelaw,whichistheirprison.4thly. Themiseries that attend this condition are innumerable. They aresummedupinbondagetoSatan,sin,andtheworld.Wearedeliveredfromall this by the death of Christ, paid as a price or ransom. “God hasdelivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into thekingdom of his dear Son; in whom we have redemption through hisblood,” Col. 1:13-14. And he “redeems us from all iniquity,” Tit. 2:14;“fromourvainlife,”1Pet.1:18-19;evenfromtheguiltandpowerofoursin. He purchased us for himself “a peculiar people, zealous of goodworks,”Tit2:14.Andsohedied for the“redemptionof transgressions,”Heb.9:15,redeemingusfromtheworld,Gal.4:5.5thly.AllofthiscomesbythepaymentofapriceintothehandofGod,bywhosesupremeauthoritywearedetainedascaptivesunderthesentenceofthelaw.Thedebtisowedtothegreathouseholder,Matt.18:23-24;andthepenalty is his curse andwrath, fromwhichwe are delivered byChrist’sdeath,Rev.1:5.

The Holy Spirit frequently emphasizes all of this. Rom. 3:24-25, “Beingjustified freelybyhisgrace, through the redemption that is inChrist Jesus;whomGod has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, todeclarehisrighteousnessfortheremissionofsins.”Seealso1Cor.6:20,1Pet.1:18;Matt.20:28;1Tim.2:6;Eph.1:7;Col.1:13;andGal.3:13.Thisisthefirst consideration of the death of Christ. The price paid influences theprocurementofthatgraceinwhichweholdcommunionwithhim.[2.]Hisdeathwasalsoasacrifice,anoffering.Hehadabodypreparedforhim (Heb. 10:5), one in which he was to accomplish what the typicalsacrificial offerings of the law prefigured. And he offered that body, Heb.10:10. Indeed, he offered hiswhole human nature, for “his soul”was alsomade “an offering for sin,” Isa. 53:10. For that reason, he is said to offerhimself,Eph. 5:2;Heb. 1:3, 9:26.Hegavehimself as a sacrifice toGod, asweet-smellingsavor.Hedidthiswillingly,asbecametheonewhowastobeasacrifice.Thelawofthisobediencewaswritteninhisheart,Ps.40:8.Thatis,hewasready,willing,anddesiroustoperformit.

Now, the purpose of sacrifices such as his, being bloody and for sin, wasatonement and reconciliation (Rom. 5:10; Heb. 2:17). This purpose isascribed to them throughout the Scripture. Theymade atonement in awaythat was suitable to their nature. And this is the tendency of the death ofChrist. It was a sacrifice, atonement, and reconciliationwithGod. Sin hadbrokenfriendshipbetweenGodandus,Isa.63:10,forwhichhiswrathwasonus,John3:36.Weareliabletoitbynature,Eph.2:3.ThiswrathistakenawaybythedeathofChrist,becauseitwasasacrifice,Dan.9:24.“Whenwewereenemies,wewere reconciled toGod by the death of his Son,”Rom. 5:10.And therebywe“receive theatonement,”verse11.For“Godwas inChristreconciling theworld to himself, not imputing to them their sins and theiriniquities,” 2 Cor. 5:19-21; Eph. 2:12-16. And this sacrificial aspect is thesecond consideration of the death of Christ. I merely name it, havingdiscusseditatlargeelsewhere.[3.]Itwasalsoapunishment-apunishmentinourstead.“Hewaswoundedforour transgressions,hewasbruisedforour iniquities, thechastisementofourpeacewasuponhim,”Isa.53:5.Godmadeallofour iniquities (that is,their punishment) “to lay upon him,” verse 6. “He bore the sins ofmany,”verse12.“Heboreoursinsinhisownbodyonthetree,”1Pet.2:24;andindoing so, he “who knew no sin,wasmade sin for us,” 2Cor. 5:21. In theScripture, what it means to bear sin may be found in Deut. 19:15, 20:17;Numb.14:33;andEzek.18:20.Ihavediscussedthenature,kind,matter,andmannerofthispunishmentelsewhere.Now, being punished tends to satisfy the one whowas offended, and whoinflicted the punishment because of it. Justice can desire no more than apunishmentproportionaltotheoffense.AndthisiswhatwasinflictedonourdearLordJesus.Hevoluntarilyundertooktobeourmediator.TherighteousJudge,allowingChristtosubstitutehimselfinourplace,isproperlysatisfiedbythat.This is the threefold consideration of the death of Christ as a principalfountainofthatgraceinwhichwehavecommunionwithhim.Asitwillsoonappear,thesinglemosteminentpartofpurchasedgraceisnothingmorethanthenaturaloutworkingofthethreefoldeffectofthedeathofChrist.This,then,hasbeenthesecondcauseofpurchasedgrace,whichwewillseeifweholdcommunionwithChrist.Itishisdeathandblood-sheddingunderthisthreefoldnotionofprice,offering,andpunishment.

(3.)Thisisnotall.TheLordChristgoesfurtherstill.Hedoesnotleaveusinthisstate,butcarriesontheworktocompletion.“Hediedforoursins,androseagainforourjustification.”Heroseagaintocarryonthecompleteworkofpurchasedgracebyhisintercession.Thisisthethirdeffectofit.Heissaidtobe“abletocompletelysavethosewhocometoGodbyhim,seeingheforeverlivestomakeintercessionforthem,”Heb.7:25.Now,theintercessionofChrist,inrespecttoitsinfluenceonpurchasedgrace,isconsideredtwoways:

[1.]Asacontinuanceofhisofferingtoconveyallitsfruitsandeffectstous.Thisiscalledhis“appearinginthepresenceofGodforus,”Heb.9:24.Thatis, the high priest, having offered the great offering for expiation of sin,carriesitsbloodintothemostholyplace,whichwastherepresentationofthepresenceofGod.Thisistoperfecttheatonementhemadeforhimselfandthepeople.Inthesameway,theLordChrist,havingofferedhimselfasasweet-smellingsacrificetoGod,andbeingsprinkledwithhisownblood,appearsinthe presence ofGod. It is as if to remind the Father of his engagement toredeemsinnersbyhisblood,andtoconveythegoodthingstothemthathissacrifice procured. And so his appearance has an influence on purchasedgraceinthatheputsinhisclaimforitinourbehalf.[2.]Heprocures theHolySpirit forus to effectively collate andbestowallthis purchasedgraceuponus.Wehavehis engagement to do this for us inJohn14:16.“AndIwillpraytheFather,andHewillgiveyouanotherHelper,thatHemayabidewithyouforever.”Thisispurchasedgrace,inrespecttoitssource,whichIwillnothandlenow,becauseIwillhandle itat large in thecommunionwehavewiththeHolySpirit.

Chapter7.ThenatureofpurchasedgraceThefountainofthatpurchasedgraceinwhichthesaintshavecommunionwithChristhasbeenrevealed.Nextwemayconsiderthenatureofthisgrace.Assaidearlier, it has three parts: 1. Grace of acceptance by God. 2. Grace ofsanctificationfromGod.3.GraceofprivilegeswithandbeforeGod.1. The first part is acceptance byGod. OutsideChrist, we are alienated fromGod, accepted neither personally nor in our services. Sin makes a separationbetweenGodandus.Itisnotmybusinessheretounfoldthatstateofseparationwithallitsconsequences.Thefirstissueofpurchasedgraceistorestoreustoastate of acceptance. This is done two ways: (1.) By removing what we arerefusedfor,thecauseoftheenmity.(2.)Bybestowingwhatweareacceptedfor.All the causes of the quarrelwere to be taken away, so thatwewould not beunderGod’sdispleasure.Andwhatmakesus theobjectsofGod’sdelight andpleasurewastobegiventous,thelackofwhichdistancedusfromGod:

(1.) It removeswhatweare refusedfor,which is theguiltofsinandall itscircumstances.Thefirsteffectofpurchasedgraceistotakeawaytheguiltofsin,sothatitwillnotbindthesoultoitswages,whichisdeath.How this is accomplished by Christ, was evidenced in the close of theforegoingchapter.Itisthefruitandeffectofhisdeathforus.TheguiltofsinwastheonlycauseofourseparationanddistancefromGod,ashasbeensaid.Thismadeusliabletowrath,punishment,andthewholedispleasureofGod.Becauseofit,wewereimprisonedunderthecurseofthelaw,andgivenoverto the power of Satan. This is the state of our unacceptance.By his death,Christ delivers us from this condition. He bore the curse, underwent thepunishment thatwas ours, and paid the ransom thatwas due. Thus far thedeathofChrististhesolecauseofouracceptancebyGod;allcauseforthequarrel and our rejection is taken away. To that end, his sufferings arereckoned to us. Being “made sin for us,” 2 Cor. 5:21, he is made“righteousnesstous,”1Cor.1:30.But thiswill not complete our acceptance byGod.Theold quarrelmaybelaidaside,butnonewfriendshiphasbegun.Wemaynotbesinners,butwearenotso far righteousas tohavea right to thekingdomofheaven.Adamhadnorighttolifebecausehewasinnocent.Hemust“dothis,”andthenhe

will “live.” Hemust not only have a negative righteousness (not guilty ofanything), but he must also have a positive righteousness (he must do allthings).(2.)Inthesecondplacethen, toourcompleteacceptance,wemustnotonlyescape the imputation of sin, but also be reckoned righteous. Now, this iswhatwehaveintheobedienceofthelifeofChrist.Thiswasalsorevealedinthe last chapter. The obedience of the life of Christ was done for us; it isimputed tous;and it isour righteousnessbeforeGod.Byhisobedienceweare“maderighteous,”Rom.5:19.Therolethatourobedienceoffaithplayswillbedeclaredlater.

These two things, then, completeourgraceof acceptance.Because sin isnowremoved, and righteousness bestowed, we have peace with God. We arecontinuallyacceptedbeforehim.Thereisnothingtochargeuswith.ItistakenoutofthewaybyChristandnailedtohiscross.Itisfastenedthere.Itispubliclyand legallycancelledso that itcanneverbeadmittedasevidenceagain.Whatcourtofmenwouldadmitevidencethathasbeenpubliclycancelledandnailedupforalltosee?ThisishowChristhasdealtwithwhatwasagainstus.Notonlyhas he done this, but he also puts the very thing upon us for which we arereceivedintoGod’sfavor.Hemakesusattractivethroughhisbeauty.Hegivesushiswhite raiment to stand before theLord. This is the first part of purchasedgrace inwhich thesaintshavecommunionwithJesusChrist. Itconsists in theremissionofsinandtheimputationofrighteousness.ItarisesfromthedeathofChrist,asaprice,sacrifice,andapunishment,andfromthelifeofChristspentin obedience to the law. It is the great product of the Father’s righteousness,wisdom, love, and grace. It is the great and astonishing fruit of the love andcondescension of the Son. It is the great discovery of the Holy Spirit in therevelationofthemysteryofthegospel.2.Thesecondpartofthenatureofgraceisgraceofsanctification.Henotonlymakes us accepted, but also acceptable. He not only purchases love for hissaints,buthealsomakesthemlovely.Hedidnotcomebybloodalone,butbywaterandblood.Henotonlyjustifieshissaintsfromtheguiltofsin,buthealsosanctifies andwashes the filth of sin from them.The first is fromhis life anddeathasasacrificeofpropitiation.Itisfromhisdeathasapurchase,andhislifeasanexample.SosaystheapostleinHeb.9:14andEph.5:26,27.Two things are eminent in this issue of purchased grace: (1.) The removal ofdefilement;(2.)Thebestowingofcleannessinactualgrace.

(1.)Thefirstissue,removalofdefilement,hasthreecomponents:

[1.]Thehabitualcleansingofournature.Wearenaturallyunclean,defiled,andhabituallyso.“Whocanbringacleanthingoutofanuncleanthing?”Job 14:4; “What is born of the flesh is flesh,” John 3:6. We are bornpolluted in our blood, Ezek. 16, completely defiled. The grace ofsanctification,purchasedby thebloodofChrist, removes thisdefilementof our nature. “Such were some of you; but you are washed, you aresanctified,”1Cor.6:11.“Hehassavedusbythewashingofregeneration,andtherenewingoftheHolySpirit.”Tit.3:3-5.Wedonotneedtodisputehow far this original, habitual pollution is removed. It is certain that thesoul ismadefairandbeautiful in thesightofGod.Althoughthesin thatdefiles remains inus, itshabitualdefilement is takenaway.Buthandlingthisisnotmyaim.[2.] Removal means taking away the pollution of all our actualtransgressions. There is a defilement that accompanies every actual sin.Our own clothes make us abhorrent, Job 9:31. A spot, a stain, rust,wrinkle, filth, blood, attends every sin. In 1John 1:7we read that, “Theblood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.” Besides purging thedefilementofournature(Tit.3:5),hetakesawaythedefilementcreatedbyour actual follies. “By one offering he perfected forever those who aresanctified.”He“purgedoursins”beforehesatdownattherighthandoftheMajestyonhigh,Heb.1:3.[3.] In thebestperformancesofourduties,westillhavedefilement, Isa.64:6.Self,unbelief,andformality,dropthemselvesintoallthatwedo.Wemayrightlybeashamedofourbestperformances.Godhaspromisedthatthesaints’goodworkswillfollowthem.Truly,iftheyweremeasuredbytheruleastheycomefromus,andweighedinthebalanceofthesanctuary,itmightbebetterforusiftheywereburiedforever.Butasourhighpriest,theLordChristfirstbearstheiniquity,guilt,andprovocationthatattendstheminseverejustice.”SoitshallbeonAaron’sforehead,thatAaronmaybeartheiniquityoftheholythingswhichthechildrenofIsraelhallowinalltheirholygifts;anditshallalwaysbeonhisforehead,sothattheymaybeacceptedbeforetheLORD.”Ex28:38.Notonlythat,hewashesawayalltheirfilthanddefilements.Heislikearefiner’sfire,purgingboththesonsofLeviandtheirofferings.Moreover,headdssweetincensetothemsothattheymaybeaccepted.

Whatever isof theSpirit,ofChrist,orofgraceremains.Whatever isof theself, the flesh, or unbelief, he consumes,wastes, and takes away.Thus, thesaints’goodworkswillmeetthemonedaywithsuchachangedappearancethattheywillscarcelyknowwhattheyhavedone.Whatseemedtothemtobeblack, deformed, and defiled,will appear beautiful and glorious. Theywillnotbeafraidtoacknowledgethem,butwillrejoicetoseeandtracethem.Thiscleansingofournature,person,andduty,hasitswholefoundationinthedeathofChrist.Hence,ourwashingandpurifying,ourcleansingandpurging,isascribedtohisbloodanditsmeritorioussprinkling.SprinklingthebloodofChrist proceeds from the communication of the Holy Spirit, which hepurchasedforusandpromisestous.TheSpiritisthepurewaterwithwhichwearesprinkledfromalloursins.HeisthatspiritofjudgmentandburningthattakesawaythefilthandbloodofthedaughtersofZion.This cleansing of our defilement is the first thing in the grace ofsanctification.Therewillbemoreaboutthisissuelater.(2.) The second issue in this purchased grace is bestowing cleanness as toactualgrace.ThebloodofChristnotonlytakesawaydefilement,italsogivespurity.Andthatalsotakesplaceinathreefoldgradation:

[1.]HisbloodgivesustheSpiritofholinesstodwellinus.ByprocuringtheSpiritofsanctificationforus,“Heismadesanctificationtous,”1Cor.1:30.OurrenewingisdonebytheHolySpirit,whoisshedonusthroughChristalone,Tit.3:6.TheapostleinsistsinRom.8thattheprimarygiftofsanctification thatwereceivefromChrist, is the indwellingof theSpirit,and our following his guidance. But what concerns the Spirit must bedeferreduntilIdiscussourcommunionwithhim.[2.]Christgivesushabitualgrace.Thatisaprincipleofgracebywhichwechoosetolive,asopposedtotheprincipleoflustthatisinusbynature.Thisisthegracethatdwellsinus,andmakesitsabodewithus.Itiscalledvariousthingsaccordingtothedistinctfacultiesofoursoulsthroughwhichitoperates,oraccordingtothedistinctobjectsofitsexercise.Itisawholenewprincipleoflife.Inourunderstanding,itislight.Inourwill,itisobedience.Inouraffections,itislove.Inall,itisfaith.WhenitleadsthesoultorestonChrist,itisfaith.Whenittransportsustodelightinhim,itislove.Butitisstilloneandthesamehabitofgrace.

[3.]Christgivesustheactualinfluenceweneedtoperformeveryspiritualduty.After thesaintshavebeengivenboth theSpiritandhabitualgrace,Christstilltellsthemthat,“theycandonothing”withouthim,John15:5.Theyarestilldependentonhimfornewinfluencesofgrace,orsuppliesoftheSpirit.Theycannotliveonandspendtheoldstock.Foreverynewact,theymusthavenewgrace.Hemust“work inus towilland todoofhisgoodpleasure,”Phil.2:13.Itisinthesethreebrieflydescribedaspectsofsanctificationinpurchasedgrace, looking at purity and cleanness, that we have communion withChrist.

3.ThethirdpartofthenatureofgraceconsistsinourprivilegestostandbeforeGod.Theseprivilegesareoftwosorts,primaryandconsequential.Theprimaryprivilege isadoption,receivingtheSpiritofadoption.Consequentialprivilegesareallthefavorsofthegospel,whichonlythesaintshavearightto.ButIwillspeakofthiswhenIcometocommunionwiththeHolySpirit.ThesearethethingsinwhichwehavecommunionwithChristastopurchasedgraceinthislife.Takethemtoperfection,andyouhavewhatwecalleverlastingglory.Perfectacceptance,perfectholiness,perfectadoption,thefullinheritanceofsons:thatisglory.

Chapter8.AcceptancebyGodthroughcommunionwithChrist–

Next is to look at how we hold communion with Christ in these things ofpurchasedgrace.I.Howweholdcommunionwithhimin theobedienceofhis lifeandmeritofhisdeath,astoouracceptancebyGodtheFather.II.HowweholdcommunionwithChristinhisblood,inthehabitsandactsofgrace,astotheSpiritofsanctification.III.Howweholdcommunionwithhimastotheprivilegesweenjoy.Thesewillbetreatedintheensuingchapters.I.CommunionwithChristfromtheobedienceofhislifeandtheefficacyofhisdeath,astoouracceptancebyGod.Thisinvolvesdiscoveringwhatisrequiredon Christ’s part and what is required on our part to have fellowship andcommuniontogether.First,onthepartofChristonlytwothingsarerequired:(1.)Thatwhathedid,hedidnotdoforhimself,butforus.(2.)Thatwhathesuffered,hedidnotsufferforhimself,butforus.That is,his intentionfrometernity,andwhenhewasintheworld,wasthatallthathedidandsufferedwasandshouldbeforusandforouradvantagetoensureour acceptance byGod.He still continues tomake use ofwhat he so did andsufferedforthatendandpurpose.Thisismostevident:

(1.)Whathedid,hedidforus,andnotforhimself:“Hewasmadeunderthelaw, thatwemight receive theadoptionofsons,”Gal.4:4,5.Hewasmadeunder the law.That is,hewasmadeliable to thewillandcommandsof thelaw. And why was this? To what end?Was it for himself? No. It was toredeem us. That was the aim of all that he did, the purpose of all hisobedience. And he accomplished that. He acquaints us with this in John17:19,“FortheirsakesIsanctifymyself,thattheymaybesanctifiedthroughthe truth.”He is saying,“I sanctifymyself,dedicatemyself, andsetmyselfapart, todoall thatworkIhavetodo.Ididnotcometodomyownwill. Icametosavewhatwaslost;toministerandnotbeministeredto;andtogive

mylifeasaransom.”Thiswasthetestimonyhegaveaboutallhedidintheworld.Thisintentofhisshouldespeciallybeseen.Frometernityhethoughtofwhathewoulddo forus,anddelighted in that.Andwhenhewas in theworld, in all he did, he still thought, “This is for them, for my beloved.”Whenhewenttobebaptized,Johnsaid,“Ineedtobebaptizedbyyou,andyoucometome?”Matt.3:14,15.Itwasasifhesaid,“Youhavenoneedtobebaptizedatall.”ButChristreplies,“Letittobeso,now;foritbecomesusto fulfill all righteousness.” He is saying, “I do it for those who have norighteousnessatall,andIamobligedtoallofit.”(2.)Inwhathesuffered.Thisismoreclear,InDan.9:26weread,“Messiahwillbecutoff,butnotforhimself.”TheapostlelaysthefollowingdownasthemaindifferencebetweenChristandthehighpriestsoftheJews:whenthepriests made their solemn offerings, they offered for themselves first, andthenforthepeople.ButJesusChristonlymadeanofferingforothers.Hehadnosin,andthereforehecouldnotmakeasacrificeforhisownsin.Hecouldonlydoitforothers.He“tasteddeathforeveryman,”Heb.2:9,“gavehislifeas a ransom formany,”Matt. 20:28.The “iniquity of us allwas placed onhim,”Isa.53:6;“Heboreoursinsinhisownbodyonthetree,”1Pet.2:24;he “loved the church, and gave himself for it,” Eph. 5:25;Gal 2:20; Rom.4:25; Rev. 1:5, 6; Tit. 2:14; 1 Tim. 2:6; Isa. 53:12; John 17:19. It isexceedinglyclearandadmitted thatChrist’sonly intent inhis sufferingandoblation was for the good of his elect, and their acceptance by God. Hesufferedforus,“thejustfortheunjust,thathemightbringustoGod.”

Secondly,tocompletethiscommuniononthepartofChrist,itisrequired,

(1.)Thattherebeaddedtowhathehasdone,thecompleterighteousnessandacceptance by God which arise from his perfect obedience and sufferings.Thetenderingofthisacceptanceistwofold:

[1.]Itisdeclaratoryratherthanmeritoriousintheconditionalpromisesofthe gospel. Mark 16:15; Matt. 11:28, “He that believes will be saved;”“Come to me, and I will give you rest;” “As Moses lifted up theserpent...;”“Christistheendofthelawforrighteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieves,”Rom.10:4;andmanyotherplaces.Now,declaratorytendersareveryprecious.Theyarefilledwithkindness.Iftheyarerejected,theywillbe the “savor of death to death.” But the Lord Christ knows that theoutward letterof the lawwillnotenableanyofhispeople toreceivehisrighteousness. And his righteousness is necessary to gain them that

acceptance.Therefore,[2.]InthistenderofacceptancebyGod,becauseofwhathehasdoneandsuffered,alawisestablished,thatwhoeverreceiveshisrighteousnesswillbeaccepted.ButChristknowstheconditionandstateofthosewhobelongtohiminthisworld.Thiswillnotdo.Ifhedoesnoteffectivelyinvestthemwithhisrighteousness,thenallislost.Therefore,

(2.)HesendsthemhisHolySpirittoquickenthem,John6:63,tocausethosewhoare“deadtohearhisvoice,”John5:25,andtoworkinthemwhateverisrequired of them to make them partakers of his righteousness, and to beacceptedbyGod.

ThisishowChristdealswithhispeople:helivesanddieswithanintentiontoworkoutandcompletethenecessaryrighteousnessforthem,fortheirenjoymentofit,whichleadstoaperfectacceptancebeforeGod.Thenhetendersittothem.Hedeclarestheusefulnessandpreciousnessofittotheirsouls.Hestirsthemuptodesireandvalueit.Andlastly,heeffectivelybestowsitonthem.Hereckonsitto them as if it was their own, so that by it, for it, and with it, they will beperfectlyacceptedbyhisFather.Thus,forouracceptancebyGod,twothingsarerequired:First, that satisfactionbemade forourdisobedience, forwhateverwedid thatmightdamagethejusticeandhonorofGod.AndthatGodbereconciledtowardsus.Thiscouldonlyresultfromsomeoneundergoingthepenaltyofthelaw.ThisisdonebythedeathofChrist,asIhaveclearlyshown.God“madehimtobesinfor us,” 2 Cor. 5:21, a “curse,” Gal. 3:13. On this account, we have ourabsolution.Wehaveouracquittalfromtheguiltofsin,thesentenceofthelaw,and thewrath of God, Rom. 8:33, 34.We are justified, acquitted, freed fromcondemnation, because it wasChristwho died. “He bore our sins in his ownbodyonthetree,”1Pet.2:24.Second, that the righteousness of the law be fulfilled, and the obedience beperformed that is required of us.And this is done by the life ofChrist,Rom.5:18,19.So, in answer toour fallen state, and the conditionofour acceptancebyGod,there are two parts: one is our absolution from the guilt of sin, so that ourdisobedienceisnotchargedagainstus.WehavethisbythedeathofChrist.Our

sinsareimputedtohimandwillnotbeimputedtous,2Cor.5:21;Rom.4:25;Isa. 53:12. The other is the imputation of righteousness, so that we may beconsideredperfectlyrighteousbeforeGod.WehavethisbythelifeofChrist.Hisrighteousnessinyieldingobediencetothelawisimputedtous.AndthusouracceptancebyGodiscomplete.BeingdischargedfromtheguiltofourdisobediencebythedeathofChrist,andhavingtherighteousnessofthelifeofChristimputedtous,wehavefriendshipandpeacewithGod.ThisiswhatIcallourgraceofacceptancebyGod,inwhichwehavecommunionwithJesusChrist.WhatremainsistoshowhowbelieversholddistinctcommunionwithChristinthisgraceofacceptance.Iwillshowhowtheycankeepasenseofitalive,andrenewthecomfortofiteveryday.Withoutthis,lifeisahell.Wecannotpartakeofanypeaceor joy thatdoesnot arise from thisgraceofacceptance.LookatwhatgroundswehavetobepersuadedofouracceptancebyGod,andthatheisat peacewith us. This is the revenue of our peace, comfort, joy, and holinessitself,proportionedtoourconfidenceinthetruthofit.ButbeforeIhandleourpracticalcommunionwiththeLordJesusinthisthing,Imust remove two considerable objections. One of them speaks against thedischarge of our guilt by Christ’s death, the other against the imputation ofChrist’srighteousnessbyhislife.Objection 1. It may be said, that “if the elect were absolved, reconciled, andfreed by the death, blood, and cross of Christ, then fromwhat were they notactuallyabsolved?Becausefromthetimetheywereborn,andforalongwhileafterward, many of them lived under the wrath of God in this world asunbelievers. Theywere under the sentence and condemning power of the law(John3:36).Whyweretheynotimmediatelyfreedwhenthepricewaspaidandreconciliationwasmadeforthem?”Obj.2. “If theobedienceof the lifeofChrist is imputed tous, and that isourrighteousness before God, then why do we need to yield any obedienceourselves?Isallofourpraying,laboring,watching,fasting,andgivingtocharitydone in vain? Are all the fruits of holiness, done in purity of heart andcontributingtoausefullife,donewithoutpurpose?Who,then,willcareorneedto be holy, humble, righteous,meek, temperate, patient, good, and peaceable?Whowillaboundingoodworksintheworld?”

1.Ishall,Godassisting,brieflyremovethesetwoobjections,andthenproceedtothetopicofourcommunionwithChrist:

(1.) Jesus Christ undertook the work of our reconciliation with God bycoming into theworld, andhe accomplished thisworkbyhis death.Todothat,hewasconstitutedandconsideredacommon,publicpersonwhostoodin the place of those for whom he suffered. Hence he is the “mediatorbetweenGod andman,” 1 Tim. 2:5. That is, he is onewho undertook ourresponsibilities toGod.This iswhat thenextwordsshowinverse6,“Whogavehimselfaransomforall,”andthe“suretyofthebettercovenant,”Heb.7:22.Heundertookonbehalfof thosewithwhomthatcovenantwasmade.Hence,heissaidtobegiven“foracovenantofthepeople,”Isa.42:6;anda“leader,” 55:4. For all the ends and purposes of righteousness, he was thesecondAdamtohisspiritualseed,1Cor.15:45,47,justasthefirstAdamwasthecauseandsourceofsintohisnaturalseed,Rom.5:15-19.“Forasbyoneman’sdisobediencemanyweremadesinners,soalsobyoneMan’sobediencemanywillbemaderighteous,”(verse19).(2.)Beingacommonpersonchieflyresultedfromthesethings:

[1.]Ingeneral,itresultsfromthecovenantheenteredintowithhisFatherforthispurpose.ThetermsofthiscovenantareextensivelylistedinIsa.53,andsummedupinPs.40:7,8;Heb.10:8-10.TheFathercametobehisGod,whichisacovenantexpression,Ps.89:26;Heb.1:5;Ps.22:1,40:8,45:7;Rev.3:12;Mic.5:4.HewasassignedtothisworkbyhisFather,Isa.42:1,6,49:9;Mal.3:1;Zech.13:7;John3:16;1Tim.1:15.Thusthe“counselofpeace”cametobe“betweenthemboth,”Zech.6:13,that is, the Father and the Son. The Son rejoices from eternity in thethoughtofthisundertaking,Prov.8:22-30.Thecommandgivenhimtothispurpose, thepromisesmadetohim,andtheassistanceaffordedtohim,Ihavehandledelsewhere.[2.] It results from the sovereign grant, appointment, and design of theFather,ingivinganddeliveringtheelecttoJesusChristinthiscovenant.HewastoredeemandreconcilethemtotheFather.“Yourstheywere,andyougave themme,” John17:6.TheywereGod’s by eternal designationandelection.HegavethemtoChristtoberedeemed.Hence,beforetheywerecalledortheybelieved,hecalledthemhis“sheep,”John10:15,16.He laid down his life for them as his sheep. And so we are said to be“choseninChrist,”Eph.1:4.Wearedesignedtoobtainallthefruitsofthe

loveofGodbyChrist,andwearecommittedintohishandforthatendandpurpose.[3.] His being a common person results from undertaking to suffer thepenaltythatwasduetheelect,andtodowhatwasrequiredofthem,sothattheymightbedelivered,reconciled,andacceptedbyGod.Heundertooktogive in to theFather,without loss ormiscarriage, to fulfillwhat hewasassigned to do by the Father, John 17:2, 12, 6:37, 39.He did so just asJacobdidwith thecattlehereceivedfromLaban,Gen.31:39,40.Ihavetreatedbothof thesethingssomewhatat largeelsewhere, inhandlingthecovenantbetweentheFatherandtheSon.Iwillnotrepeatithere.[4.]Theelectbeinggiventohim,Christundertooktodoandsufferwhatwasrequiredontheirpart.Hereceivedontheirbehalfallthepromisesofmercies, grace, good things, and privileges that theywould receive as aresult of his undertaking. Because of this, eternal life is said to bepromised by God “before the world began,” Tit. 1:2. That is, it waspromisedtotheSonofGodforuswhenheundertookthesethingsonourbehalf.Grace, too, is said tobegiven tous “before theworldbegan,”2Tim.1:9.Thatis,graceisgiventousinChrist,whoisourappointedhead,mediator,andrepresentative.[5.] Christ thus was a common person, a mediator, surety, andrepresentative of his church. Upon undertaking this office, his actualperformance of his responsibilities on our behalf was efficacious andmeritorious, and solemnly declared so. He was acquitted, absolved,justified,andfreedfromallandeverything thatwasorcouldbechargedagainsthimonbehalfoftheelect.Isay,astotheefficacyandmeritofhisundertakings, hewas immediately absolveduponhis faithfulness in firsttaking theengagement.Therebyall thesaintsof theOldTestamentweresavedbyhisbloodnolessthanwearesavedbyit.Astothesolemndeclarationofhisabsolution,hewasabsolvedwhenthe“painsofdeathbeingloosed,”hewas“declaredtobetheSonofGodwithpower, by the resurrection from the dead,” Rom. 1:4. God says to him,“You are my Son; this day have I begotten you,” Ps. 2:7. And ChristexpresseshisconfidenceinhisabsolutioninIsa.1:5-9.Hewas“justified,”1Tim.3:16.WhatImeanbythisabsolutionofChristasapublicpersonisthis:Godmadehimunderthelawforthosewhowerealsomadeunderthelaw,Gal.4:4.Intheirstead,hewasmadeliabletothepunishmentthatwas

dueto themfor theirsin.Hewasmadesinfor them,2Cor.5:21.AndsoGodgavejustice,andlaw,andalltheconsequencesofthecurseofthelaw,poweragainsthim,Isa.53:6.Uponundergoingwhatwasrequiredofhim,Isa.53:12,Godreleasesthepainsandthepowerofdeath,acceptshim,andiswellpleasedwithhimastotheperformanceanddischargeofhiswork,John17:3-6.HepronouncesChristfreefromhisobligation,andgiveshimapromiseofall thegoodthingsheaimedat,andwhichhissouldesired,Acts13.All the promises God made to Christ, and their accomplishment, arefoundedandbuiltuponexecutinghisofficeassuretyandmediator.AlltheencouragementsgiventoChristtoasktheFatherforthethingsthathewasoriginallyengagedfor,Ps.2:8,(andwhichheaccordinglyaskedfor,John17), were based on that. This is the certain, stable foundation of ourabsolution,andofouracceptancebyGod.Christinourstead,actingforusasoursurety, isacquittedandabsolved.Heissolemnlydeclared tohaveanswered thewholedebt thatwas incumbentonhim topay.Andhavingmadesatisfactionforalltheinjurywehaddone,ageneralpardonissealedforusall,tobesuedoutparticularlyinGod’sappointedway.[6.]Christ thusbeingabsolvedasapublicperson, itbecamea righteousthingforGodtobestowonthosewhomChristrepresentedallthefruitsofhis death, and to be reconciled to them, Rom. 5:8-11. According to thecovenant between God and themediator, as Christ received the generalacquittal for them all, so they would enjoy it, every one of themrespectively.ThisisevidenteverywhereinthosepassageswhichexpressacommutationdesignedbyGodinthismatter;as2Cor.5:21;Gal.3:13;1Pet.2:21,24.Morewillbesaidofthisafterward.[7.] In thecovenantof theMediator, theelectaresaid tobecircumcisedwithhim,todiewithhim,tobeburiedwithhim,torisewithhim,andtositwith him in heavenly places.Christ being acquitted in this covenant,and the elect beingpersonally acquitted in the covenant of grace, itwasdeterminedbytheFather,Son,andHolySpirit, that theiractualpersonaldeliverance from the sentence and curse of the law should be done in awaythatmightleadtothepraiseofthegloriousgraceofGod,Eph1:5-7.God’sdesignisthattheybeadoptedashischildren.ThemeansofdoingsoisbyJesusChrist.Theuniquewayofbringingitabout is throughtheredemptionthatisinChrist’sblood.ThepurposeisforthepraiseofGod’s

gloriousgrace.[8.] Until their actual deliverance is accomplished, God determined andappointed for them, in their several generations, that they be under thecurseofthelawpersonally.Becauseofthat, theyarelegallyliabletothewrathofGod,fromwhichtheywillcertainlybedelivered.Isaytheyarepersonally liable to the lawanditscurse,butnotatallwith itsprimitiveintention of being executed. Instead, it is a means appointed to helpforwardtheiracquaintancewithChrist,andtheiracceptancebyGodonhisaccount.Whenthisisaccomplished,thatwholetypeofobligationceases.It is continued in a design of love. Their final condition is such that,withoutlove,theycannotparticipateinChristtothepraiseofthegloriousgraceofGod.[9.]Thepurposeof thedispensationof gracebeing to glorify thewholeTrinity,theappointedorderinwhichthisistobedoneisbyascendingtotheFather’slovethroughtheworkoftheSpiritandthebloodoftheSon.TheemanationofdivinelovetousbeginswiththeFather.ItiscarriedonbytheSon.AndthenitiscommunicatedbytheSpirit.TheFatherdesigns,the Son purchases, and the Spirit effectually works. Our participationcomesfirstbytheworkoftheSpirit,whichgainsusanactualinterestinthebloodoftheSon,forwhichwehaveacceptancebytheFather.This, then, is the order by which we are brought to acceptance by theFather,forthegloryofGodthroughChrist:

1st.SothattheSpiritmaybeglorified,heisgiventoustoenlivenus,convertus,andworkfaithinus,Rom.8:11;Eph.1:19,20.Thisisdoneaccordingtoallthepromisesofthecovenant,Isa.4:4,5;Ezek.11:19,36:26.2dly.Thisbeingdone,andforthegloryoftheSon,wetherebyactuallygainaninterestunderthecovenantinthebloodofChrist.Wegainaninterestinthebenefitsthathehasprocuredforusbyhisblood.ThisveryworkoftheSpiritisitselfafruitandapartofthepurchaseofChrist.ButoursenseofitisthatthecommunicationoftheSpiritcomespriortothat.3dly. To the glory of the Father, we are accepted by him. We arejustified, freed fromguilt, and pardoned;we have “peacewithGod,”

Rom. 5:1. Thus, “throughChristwe have access by one Spirit to theFather,” Eph. 2:17. And thus the Father, Son and Holy Spirit areglorified in our justification and acceptance by God. The Father isglorified in his free love, the Son in his full purchase, and the HolySpiritinhiseffectualworking.

[10.]Allof this, inall itsparts, isas fullyprocuredforus,andas freelybestowedonus,asifwehadallbeenimmediatelytranslatedintoheavenuponChrist’sdeath.ItisalldoneforChrist’ssake,onhisaccount,aspartofhispurchaseandmerits.ThiswayofdeliveranceandfreedomisfixedonglorifyingthewholeTrinity.

Thismaysufficeinanswertothefirstobjection.ThoughourreconciliationwithGodisfullyandcompletelyprocuredandaccomplishedbythedeathofChrist,weactuallyenjoyitbythemeansandintheordermentioned,forthepraiseofthegloriousgraceofGod.2.Thesecondobjectionis,“IftherighteousnessandobedienceofChristtothelaw is imputed tous, thenwhydoweneed toyieldobedienceourselves?”Tothis,also,IwillreturnananswerasbrieflyasIcanintheensuingobservations:

(1.)Weneed toplaceourgospelobedienceon theright foot. Itmaynotbeexaltedintoastate,condition,use,orend,thatisnotgiventoitbyGod.Normayanyreason,cause,motive,end,orneedforitbetakenaway,weakened,orimpaired.Thisisamatterofgreatimportance.Somemakeourobedience(theworksofourfaith)thebasisorcauseofourjustification.SomemakeittheconditionforimputingtherighteousnessofChristtous.Somemakeitthequalificationforbeingjustified.Othersexcludetheneedforworksaltogether,andturnthegraceofGodintolasciviousness.Itisnotmypresentbusinesstodebate these differences. I will only say that our obedience is of greatimportanceinwalkingwithGod.(2.)Bynomeansdowegivethesameplace,condition,state,andusetoourpersonalobedienceaswedototheobedienceofChristthatisimputedtous.They are inconsistent with one another. Therefore, those who say that ourobedienceistheconditionorcauseofourjustification,willatthesametimedeny the imputation of the obedience ofChrist to us. The righteousness ofChrist is imputed to us so that we are accepted and esteemed as righteousbeforeGod.Wearereallyconsideredsuch,thoughnotforanythinginherentinus.WeareastrulyrighteouswiththeobedienceofChristimputedtousas

Adam was, or could have been, by a complete righteousness of his ownperformance.SoaccordingtoRom.5:18,byChrist’sobediencewearemaderighteous;trulyso,andacceptedso.AndbythedisobedienceofAdamwearemade trespassers; truly so and considered so. This is the condition that theapostle desires to be found in, in opposition to his own righteousness, Phil3:9.ButourownobedienceisnottherighteousnessbywhichweareacceptedandjustifiedbeforeGod.Nonetheless,Godwantsustoaboundinobedienceandpersonalrighteousness.

Theapostleevidentlydeliversandconfirmsthisdistinction,sothatnothingcanbe more clearly revealed: Eph. 2:8-10, “For by grace are you saved throughfaith:andthatnotofyourselves:ItisthegiftofGod:notofworks,lestanymanshould boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for goodworks,whichGodhas ordained before thatwe shouldwalk in them.”We aresaved(orjustified)“bygracethroughfaith,”whichreceivesJesusChristandhisobedience;“notofworks,lestanymanshouldboast.”“Butwhatworksdoestheapostlemean?”Hemeans theworksofbelievers, as indicated in thenext fewwords: “Forwe are…” It is we believers, our obedience, and our works, ofwhichhespeaks.“Whatneed,then,isthereofworks?”Thereisstillaneed,for“Wearehisworkmanship...”Theapostleintimatestwothingsinthesewords:

[1.]Thereisareasonwhywecannotbesavedbyworks.Itisbecausewedonotdotheminourownstrength.Theymustbedoneinourownstrengthifwearetobesavedorjustifiedbythem.“Butthisisnotso,”saystheapostle;“forwearetheworkmanshipofGod...”Allourworksarewroughtinusbyfull,effectual,undeservedgrace.[2.] Good works are necessary, notwithstanding that we are not saved bythem.Godhasordainedthatwewillwalkinthem.Thisissufficientgroundforourobedience,whateveritsuse.

If you ask, “What are the proper grounds, reasons, uses, andmotives for ourgospelobediencetoencourageustoaboundandbefruitfulinthat?”Isay,thereare so many, and they lie so deep in the mystery of the gospel and thedispensationofgrace,andtheyaresospreadthroughoutthewholerevelationofthewillofGodtous, that tohandle themfullyanddistinctly, Iwouldhave toturnasidefrommytopic.Iwillonlygiveyousomebriefsummaries:

1st. Our universal obedience and good works are indispensably necessarybecausetheyarethesovereignappointmentandwillofGodtheFather,Son,andHolySpirit.In general “This is thewill ofGod, even your sanctification” (or holiness), 1Thess. 4:3. This is what God wills. He requires that we be holy, that we beobedient, that we do his will just as the angels do in heaven. The equity,necessity, profit, and advantage of this reason for our obedience might beexaminedextensively.Iftherewasnootherreason,thisonemightsufficealone.ItisthewillofGod;itisourduty:

(1.)TheFatherhasordainedorappointedit.ItisthewilloftheFather,Eph2:10.TheFatherisspokenofpersonally,andChristismentionedasmediator.(2.)TheSonhasordainedandappointeditasmediator.John15:16,“‘Ihaveordainedthatyoushouldbringforththefruit’ofobedience,andthatitshouldremain.”(3.)TheHolySpiritappointsandordainsbelieverstoworksofobedienceandholiness, and towork holiness in others. So, in particular, inActs 13:2 heappointsmentothegreatworkofobedienceinpreachingthegospel.Andinsinning,mensinagainsthim.

2dly.Our holiness, obedience, andworkof righteousness, is an important andspecialendoftheuniquedispensationoftheFather,Son,andSpirit.ItexaltsthegloryofGodinoursalvation.ItisanintendedresultoftheelectingloveoftheFather,thepurchasingloveoftheSon,andtheoperativeloveoftheSpirit:

(1.) It is a special end of the electing love of theFather,Eph 1:4, “He haschosenus,thatweshouldbeholyandwithoutblame.”SotooinIsa.4:3,4.Hisaimanddesigninchoosinguswasthatweshouldbeholyandblamelessbeforehiminlove.Thishewillaccomplishinthosewhoarehis.“Hechoosesustosalvation,throughsanctificationoftheSpirit,andbeliefofthetruth,”2Thess.2:13.ThisiswhattheFatherdesignedasthefirstandimmediateendof his electing love.Heproposes thatwe consider his love as amotive forholiness,1John4:8-10.(2.) This is also true of the exceeding love of the Son. The Scripturaltestimoniesofitareinnumerable.Iwillonlygiveoneortwo:Tit.2:14,“Whogavehimselfforus,thathemightredeemusfromalliniquity,andpurifyfor

himselfaspecialpeople,zealousofgoodworks.”Thiswashisaimandhisdesigningivinghimselfforus.Eph.5:25-27,“Christ lovedthechurch,andgavehimselfforit;thathemightsanctifyandcleanseitwiththewashingofwaterbytheword;thathemightpresentittohimselfagloriouschurch,nothaving spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy, andwithoutblemish”2Cor.5:15;Rom.6:11.(3.)ItistheproductoftheloveoftheHolySpirit.Hiswholeworkonus,inus,andforus,consistsinpreparingusforobedience.Heenablesustoobey,and brings forth its fruits in us. He does this in opposition to anyrighteousnessofourown,Tit.3:5.Ineednotinsistonthis.ThefruitsoftheSpiritinusareknown,Gal.5:22,23.

And thus have we a twofold basis for the necessity of our obedience andpersonalholiness:Godrequiresit,anditisanimmediateandimportantresultofthedispensationofGodintheworkofoursalvation.IfGod’ssovereigntyoverusistobeaccepted,andifhislovetowardsusistoberegarded,andifthewholeworkoftheTrinityinushasanyimportance,thenourobedienceisnecessary.3dly. It is necessary in respect to its purpose; and that is true whether youconsiderGod,ourselves,ortheworld:

(1.)Thepurposeofourobedience in respect toGod ishisgloryandhonor,Mal.1:6.AndGod’shonorisallthatwecangivehim.ItistruethatGodwilltakehishonorfromthestoutestandproudestrebelintheworld.Butallthatwecangivehimisourobedience.GlorifyingGodbyourobedienceisallthatweare,orcanbe.Particularly,

[1st.]OurobedienceisthegloryoftheFather.Matt.5:16,“Letyourlightsoshinebeforemen,thattheymayseeyourgoodworks,andglorifyyourFather in heaven.” By walking in the light of faith glory arises to theFather.Thefruitsofhislove,grace,andkindnessareseeninus;andGodisglorifiedonourbehalf.[2dly.]TheSonisglorifiedbyourobedience.ItisthewillofGodthatjustasallmenhonortheFather,theyshouldhonortheSon,John5:23.Howisthisdone?Bybelievinginhim,John14:1;andobeyinghim,John15:10;hesaysheisglorifiedinbelievers,John17:10;Hepraysforanincreaseofgraceandunityforthemsothathemaybemoreglorified,andsothatallmightknowthathewassentbyGodasmediator.

[3dly.]TheSpiritisalsoglorifiedbyit.Heisgrievedbyourdisobedience,Eph. 4:30; and therefore his glory is in our bringing forth the fruit ofobedience.He dwells in us as in his temple,which is not to be defiled.Holinessbecomeshishabitationforever.

Now, if what has been said is insufficient to evince the necessity for ourobedience,thenwemustbespeakingwiththesortofmenwhodisregardthesovereignty, love, and glory of God. Even if God completely ignored ourobedience, his glory would still be a sufficient ground for yielding ourobediencetohim.Ispeakonlyofthegospelgroundsforobedience,not thenaturalandlegalgrounds,whichareindispensableforallofmankind.(2.)Forourselves,thepurposeforourobedienceisthreefold.Itisforourownhonor,peace,andusefulness.

[1st.]Honor.ItisbyholinessthatwearemadelikeGod,andbywhichhisimageisrenewedinus.Thiswasourhonoratourcreation.Thisiswhatexalted us above all our fellow-creatures below. We were made in theimageofGod.We lost this imagebysin,andwebecame like thebeaststhatperish.Weareexaltedtothishonoragain,ofconformingtoGodandbearinghisimage,byholinessalone.“Beholy,”saysGod,“forIamholy,”1Pet.1:16.“Beperfect” (that is, indoinggood),“justasyourFather inheavenisperfect,”Matt.5:48.ThisishowtheimageofGodisrenewed.We“putonthenewman,whichiscreatedafterGodinrighteousnessandholinessoftruth,”Eph.4:23,24.Whatwasoriginallyattendedwithpoweranddominion,isstillallthatisbeautifulorattractiveintheworld.ItmighteasilybeprovedhowitmakesmenhonorableandpreciousinthesightofGod, angels, andmen. It is the only thing that is not despised, and hasvaluebeforetheLord.Whatcontemptandscornhehasforthoseinwhomitisnotfound.Theyandalltheirwaysareanabominationtohim.[2dly.]Peace.ByholinesswehavecommunionwithGod,anditissolelyby holiness thatwe enjoy peace. “Thewicked are like the troubled sea,thatcannotrest.‘Thereisnopeaceforthem’saysmyGod,”Isa.57:20;21.There is no peace, rest, or quietness, in being distanced, separated, oralienated from God. He is the rest of our souls. In the light of hiscountenancewehavelifeandpeace.“Ifwewalkinthelight,asheisinthelight, we have fellowship one with another,” 1 John 1:7. “Truly ourfellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ,” verse 3.

Someonewhowalks in the lightofnewobediencehas communionwithGod;inhispresenceisfullnessofjoyforever.Withoutobedience,thereisnothingbutdarkness,wandering,andconfusion.[3dly.] Usefulness. A man without holiness is good for nothing.“Ephraim,”says theprophet,“isanemptyvine, thatbrings forth fruit toitself”Andwhatissuchavinegoodfor?Nothing.Saysanotherprophet,“Amancannotmakesomuchasapinofit,tohangavesselon.”Abarrentreeisgoodfornothingbuttobecutdownforthefire.MenwhoservetheprovidenceofGodintheirgenerationsareseeminglyuseful.Icouldeasilyshow that, although the world and the church might want them, inthemselves they are good for nothing. Only the holy man serves thecommongood.

(3.)Itspurposeinrespecttoothersintheworldisvarious:

[1st.] It serves to convict and silence someof the enemies ofGod, bothhereinthisworld,andhereafterattheJudgment:

1.Here.1Pet.3:16,“Havingagoodconscience;whentheyspeakevilof you, as evil-doers, theymay be ashamedwho falsely accuse yourgoodlifeinChrist.”Bykeepingagoodconscience,menwillbemadeashamed of their false accusations. Theirmalice and hatred ofGod’sways has provoked them to speak all manner of evil of the saints’profession;buttheholinessandrighteousnessofthesaintsconvictsandshames them. It is like a thief when he is taken, and driven toacknowledge that God is among them, and that they are wickedthemselves,John18:23.2.Hereafter. It issaidthat thesaintswill judgetheworld.Theirgoodworks,righteousness,andholinesswillbemanifestedtoalltheworld,andtherighteousnessofGod’s judgmentsagainstwickedmenwillbeproven by them. “See,” Christ will say, “these are the ones whom Iown, whom you so despised and abhorred; and see their worksfollowing them.Theyhavedone this and thatwhenyouwallowed inyourabominations,”Matt.25:42,43.

[2dly.]Theconversionofothers.1Pet.2:12,“KeepyourbehaviorhonestamongtheGentiles;sothatinwhattheysayagainstyouasevil-doers,theymay,byyourgoodworks,whichtheywillwatch,glorifyGodontheday

of visitation,” Matt. 5:16. Even revilers, persecutors, and evil-speakershavebeenovercomebytheconstantholywalkingofprofessorsofChrist.And when their day of visitation has come, they have glorified Godbecauseofit,1Pet.3:1,2.[3dly.] The benefit of all. The benefit comes partly from keepingjudgmentsofftheremainderofmen,justastengoodmenwouldhavepreservedSodom[Gen.18:32].Itcomespartlybytheirrealcommunicationofgoodtothosewithwhomtheydealintheirgeneration.Holinessmakesamanagoodman,andusefultoall;otherseatofthefruitsoftheSpiritthathecontinuallybringsforth.[4thly.] It is necessary in respect to the condition of those who arejustified,whetheryouconsidertheiracceptanceortheirsanctification:

First.TheyareacceptedandreceivedintofriendshipwithaholyGod,aGodofpurereyesthantobeholdiniquity,andaGodwhohateseveryunclean thing. Is itnotnecessary that thosewhoareadmitted intohispresence,whowalk in his sight,and who lie in his heart, should beholythemselves?Shouldtheynotcleansethemselvesfromallpollutionoffleshandspiritwithalldiligence,andmatureinholinessinthefearoftheLord?Secondly. In respect to sanctification.We have a new creature in us,2Cor. 5:17. This new creature is fed, cherished, nourished, and keptalive by the fruits of holiness. To what end has God given us newhearts,andnewnatures?Isitthatweshouldkillthem?Arewetostiflethecreaturethatisfoundinusinthewomb?Shouldwegivehimtotheoldmantobedevoured?

[5thly.]Itisnecessaryinrespecttotheproperplaceofholinessinthenewcovenant.Thatisthreefold:

First.Itisameanstoanend.Godhasappointedholinessasthemeans,thewaytothateternallifewhich,initselfishisgiftbyJesusChrist.Butwithregardtohisconstitutingourobedienceasthemeansofattainingeternallife,eternallifeisareward,andGodisbestowingitasareward.Eventhoughholinessisnotthecause,thematter,northeconditionofour justification, it is the way God has appointed for us to obtainsalvation.Andtherefore,someonewhohashopeofeternallifepurifies

himself,justasGodispure.Noonewillevercometoeternallifewhodoesnotwalkthatway;forwithoutholinessitisimpossibletoseeGod.Secondly.Itisatestimonyandpledgeofadoption,asignandevidenceofgrace,thatis,ofacceptancebyGod.Thirdly.Itisthewholeexpressionofourthankfulness.

Now,eachofthesereasonsforthenecessityofourobedience,goodworks,andpersonalrighteousnesswouldrequirea larger toexplain thanIhaveallotted toproposing them. And there are innumerable others of the same import that Icannot take time toname. If someone thinksuniversal holiness andobediencearenotindispensablynecessaryforthesereasons,orifhewantsthemtoreplacetheobedienceandrighteousnessofChrist,thenlethimremainfilthy.ItnowremainstoshowwhatisrequiredonourparttocompleteourfellowshipwithChristinthispurchasedgrace,astoouracceptancebyGod.Itconsistsoftheensuingparticulars:1.ThesaintscordiallyapproveofthisrighteousnessofChristastheonlythingthatisabsolutelycompleteandabletomakethemacceptablebeforeGod.Thissupposessixthings:

(1.)Their clear and full convictionof thenecessity of a righteousnesswithwhich to appear beforeGod. This is always in their thoughts; this in theirwhole lives they take for granted.Manymen spend their days in obstinacyandhardness, addingdrunkenness to thirst [Dt.29:19],neveronce inquiringwhattheirconditionwillbewhentheyenterintoeternity.Otherstrifleawaytheirtimeandtheirsouls,sowingthewindofemptyhopes,andpreparingtoreapawhirlwindofwrath[Hos.8:7].Butforthesaints,thisconvictionoftheneedforChrist’srighteousnessliesatthebottomofalltheircommunionwithhim. It is adeep, fixed, resolvedpersuasionof the absolutely indispensableneed for a righteousnesswithwhich to appear beforeGod.Theholiness ofGod’snature,therighteousnessofhisgovernment,theseverityofhislaw,andtheterrorofhiswratharealwaysbeforethem.Theyhaveallbeenconvincedof sin, and they lookat themselves as ready to sinkunder thevengeance itprovokes.Theyhaveallcried,“Whatshallwedotobesaved?”“WithwhatshallwecomebeforeGod?”Andtheyhaveallconcludedthatitisuselesstoflatter themselves with hopes of escaping their nature. If God is holy and

righteous,andhaspurereyesthantobeholdiniquity, thentheymusthavearighteousnesswithwhich to standbefore him.Theyknow that oneday thecryofthosewhonowdependonthemselveswillbefardifferent,Isa.53:1-5;Mic.6:6,7.(2.)Theyweightheirownrighteousnessinthebalance,andfinditwanting.Itiswantingintwoways:

[1.] In general - When men are convinced of the necessity of arighteousness with which to stand before God, they catch at everythingthatpresentsitselfforrelief.Likedrowningmen,theygrabatanythingtosave themselves.Sometimes itproves tobea rottenstick that sinkswiththem.ThatiswhattheJewsdid.Theycaughtholdofthelaw,butitwouldnot relieve them,Rom. 9:31-32.They perishedwith it, the apostle says,Rom.10:1-4.Thelawledthemtosetuparighteousnessoftheirown.Thiskept them doing, and in hope, but it kept them from submitting to therighteousnessofGod.Hereiswheremanyperish,andnevergetanynearerto God all their days. The saints renounce this self-righteousness. Theyhavenoconfidenceintheflesh.Theyknowthereisnothingtheycando,or the law can do, to avail them. They are both weakened through theflesh. See what judgment Paul makes of man’s own righteousness, Phil3:8-10.Thesaintsbearthisinminddaily.Theyfilltheirthoughtswiththefact that nothing they have personally done will ever make themacceptabletoGod,orjustifiedthereby.Thiskeepstheirsoulshumbleandfullofasenseoftheirownvilenessalltheirdays.[2.]Inparticular–Thesaintsweightheirparticularactionsinthebalancedaily, and find them wanting. They are incomplete on their own to beacceptedbyGod.“Oh!”saysasaint,“ifIhadnothingtocommendmetoGod but this prayer, this duty, this conquest of a temptation, inwhich Imyselfseesomanyfailingsandsomuchimperfection,howcouldIappearwith any confidence before him? Will I piece together a garment ofrighteousness from my best duties? It is all a defiled cloth,” Isa. 64:6.These thoughtsaccompanyall theirduties,even theirbestperformances.“Lord,whatamIwhenIamdoingmybest?Mybestdutiesarelittlesuitedtoyourholiness!SparemewhenconsideringthebestthingthatIeverdidinmylife!”Neh.13:22.Whenamanwho livesonsuchconvictionshassomeimprovementinhisduties,someconquestoverasinortemptation,he hugs himself, likeMicah did when he got a Levite to be his priest.

Surelyitwillbewellwithhimnow;surelyGodwillblesshim.Hisheartiseased;hehaspeaceinwhathehasdone,Judg.17:13.ButtheonewhohascommunionwithChrist, despite achievinggreat success in sanctificationandholiness,clearlyunderstandsthathehasgainedlittletocommendhimtoGod.Herejectseverythoughtinhisheartthatissatisfiedinlettinghispeacedependontheseacts.Hesaystohissoul,“Dothesethingsseemlikesomething toyou?No!Youaredealingwithan infinitely righteousGodwhoseesthroughallthatvanity,whichyouaresolittleacquaintedwith.Ifhedealtwithyouaccordingtoyourbestworks,youwouldperish.”

(3.) The saints approve of, value, and rejoice in Christ’s righteousness fortheiracceptance.TheLordJesushasworkeditoutandprovideditforthem.Thisbeingrevealedtothem,theyapproveofitwithalltheirhearts,andtheyrest in it. “Surely, one will say, in the LORD I have righteousness andstrength,”Isa.45:24.OncetherighteousnessofGodinChristismadeknowntothem,theysay“Hereisrighteousnessindeed;hereIhaverestformysoul.Likethemerchantinthegospel(Matt.13:45,46)whofindsthepearlofgreatprice,Ihadbeensearchingupanddown.Ilookedthiswayandthatforhelp,butitwasfaraway.Ispentmystrengthforwhatwasnotbread.Hereisthatpearl,indeed,whichmakesmerichforever!”Whenapoorlaboringsoul,whohasfoughtforrestandfoundnone,firstdiscoverstherighteousnessofChristfor acceptance by God, he is surprised and amazed. He cannot containhimself.Inhisheartheapprovesofthisrighteousnessfortworeasons:

[1.]Becauseitisfullofinfinitewisdom.“Tothosewhobelieve,”saystheapostle, “Christ crucified is ‘thewisdomofGod,’” 1Cor. 1:24.He seesinfinite wisdom in this way of being accepted by God. “I was in suchdarkness,”hesays,“suchstraits,andsuchentanglements!Icouldnotseethrough thefogandperplexities thatenclosedme!I looked inwards,andsawnothingbut sin, horror, fear, and tremblings; I lookedupwards, andsawnothingbutwrath,curses,andvengeance.IknewthatGodwasaholyand righteousGod, and that no unclean thing could abide before him. IknewthatIwasapoor,vile,unclean,andsinfulcreature.WhatIdidnotknow, was how to bring these two together in peace. But, in therighteousness of Christ, a world of wisdom opens itself, dispelling alldifficultiesanddarkness,andreconcilingallofthis.”“OthedepthoftherichesbothofthewisdomandknowledgeofGod!”Rom.11:33;Col.2:3.[2.]Becauseitisfullofgrace.Heknowsthatsinbarredthewayofgrace

towards him. God wants nothing more than to manifest his grace, butbecauseofsin, thismanwascompletelycutoff fromit.Now, itdelightsthe soul to have complete righteousness provided, and abundant gracemanifested.HisthoughtsareconsumedbyGod’sdealingwithhimentirelyby grace, and dealing with his righteousness entirely by justice. Godassuresuseverywhere that this righteousness isofgrace. It is“bygrace,andnomoreofworks,”Rom11:6, justas theapostle lays itout inEph.2:7-9.Itisfromhisrichesofgraceandkindnessthattheprovisionofthisrighteousnessismade.Itisofmeregracethatitisbestowedonus.Itisnotatallofworks.Althoughinitselfitisarighteousnessofworks,tousitisofmere grace. So it says inTit. 3:4-7. “But after that, the kindness andlove of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works ofrighteousnesswhichwehavedone,but according tohismercyhe savedus,by thewashingof regeneration, and the renewingof theHolySpirit,whichheshedonusabundantlythroughJesusChristourSavior,thatbeingjustifiedbyhisgrace,weshouldbemadeheirsaccording to thehopeofeternallife.”Thesourceofallthisdispensationiskindnessandlove,whichisgrace,asverse4indicates.Thewayitiscommunicated,negativelyspeaking,isnotbyworksofrighteousness thatwehavedone. Instead,positively, it isbythe communication of the Holy Spirit to us, verse 5. Themeans of theSpirit’s procurement is Jesus Christ, verse 6. And the work itself is bygrace, verse 7. Here use is made of almost every word by which theexceedingly rich grace, kindness, mercy, and goodness of God may beexpressed. They all join together in describing this work. For example,thesewords:1. “Chrestotes,” meaning his goodness, benignity, readiness tocommunicateofhimselfandhisgoodthingsthatmayprofitus.2.“Philanthropia,”meaninghismercy,love,andpropensitytohelp,assist,andrelievethoseofwhomhespeaks,andtowardswhomheissoaffected.3. “‘Eleos,” meaning mercy forgiveness, compassion, and tendernesstowardthosewhosuffer;and4.“Charis,”whichisfreepardoningbounty,andundeservedlove.All of this is said to be “tou Theou soteros” [to God our Savior]. He

exercisesallthesepropertiesandattributesofhisnaturetowardsussothathemaysaveus.Andinbestowingit,ingivingustheHolySpirit,itissaid,“exeche-en,”hepouredhimoutaswateroutofavessel,withoutstoporhesitation. And that was done not in a small measure, but “plousios,”richly and in abundance. As to the work itself, it is emphatically said,“dikaiotentesteekeinouchariti,”wearejustifiedbythegraceof theonewhoisgracious,kind,andmerciful.AndintheircommunionwithChrist,the saints ofGodgreatly rejoice that thewayof acceptance is awayofgrace, kindness, and mercy. They rejoice that they might not boast inthemselves, but in the Lord and his goodness. They cry, “How great isyourgoodness!Howgreatisyourbounty!”

(4.)Theyapproveofthisrighteousness,andrejoiceinit,asahavenofgreatpeaceandsecurity to themselvesand theirownsouls.They remember theirconditionwhiletheytriedtosetuparighteousnessoftheirown,andwerenotsubject to the righteousness ofChrist. They remember howmiserably theirthoughtsandemotionsweretossedupanddown.Sometimestheyhadhope,andsometimestheywerefulloffear.Sometimestheythoughtthemselvesinagood condition, and laterwere at the very brink of hell. Their conscienceswere racked and tornwith sin and fear.But now, “being justified by faith,theyhavepeacewithGod,”Rom.5:1.Allisquietandserene.Notonlyisthatstorm over, but they are in the haven where they want to be. They haveabidingpeacewithGod.HencethatdescriptionofChristgiventoapoorsoulinIsa.32:2,“Andamanwillbeasahiding-placefromthewind,andacovertfromthetempest;asriversofwaterinadryplace,astheshadowofagreatrock in a weary land.”Wind and tempest, drought and weariness, nothingnowtroublestheonewhoisinChrist.Hehasahiding-place,acovert,riversofwater, and the shadow of a great rock for his security. This is the greatmystery of faith, in our acceptance by God through Christ. Although thebelieverfindsenoughinhimselftoteartheverymembraneofhisheart,tofillhimwith fears, terror, and disquiet all his days, yet throughChrist he is atperfectpeacewithGod, Isa.26:3;Ps.4:6-8.HencebelieversmagnifyJesusChrist,because theycanbehold the faceofGodwithboldness, confidence,peace, joy, and assurance.Theycan call himFather, rest themselvesonhislove,walkupanddowninquietness,andwithoutfear.HowglorioustheSonofGod is in this grace! They remember thewormwood and bitterness thatthey have eaten, Deut. 29:18; the vinegar and tears they have drunk, Ps.69:21;thetremblingoftheirsouls,likeanaspenleafthatisshakenwiththewind.WhenevertheythoughtofGod,theycontrivedtohide,fly,andescape!

Tobebroughttoasettlementnow,andsecurity,mustgreatlyaffectthem.

(5.)Theycordiallyapproveofthisrighteousnessbecauseitisawaytoexaltand honor the Lord Jesus, whom they love. Once acquainted with JesusChrist,theirheartsdesirenothingmorethantohonorandglorifyhimtotheutmost,and togivehimpre-eminence inall things.Now,whatcanadvanceandhonorhimmoreinourhearts,thantoknowthatheis“madewisdomandrighteousnesstousbyGod?”1Cor.1:30.HeisnotpartofouracceptancebyGod;heisthewholeofit.Thesaintsknowthat,becauseheworkedouttheiracceptancebyGod,

[1.]HeishonoredbyGodhisFather.Phil.2:7-11,“Hemadehimselfofnoreputation,andtookuponhimtheformofaservant,andwasmadeinthelikenessofmen:andbeingfashionedasaman,hehumbledhimself,andbecameobedienttodeath,eventhedeathofthecross.WhereforeGodalsohashighlyexaltedhim,andgivenhimanamewhichisaboveeveryname,thatatthenameofJesuseverykneeshouldbow,ofthingsinheaven,andthings in earth, and thingsunder theearth; and that every tongue shouldconfessthatJesusChristisLord,tothegloryofGodtheFather.”Itdoesnot matter whether that word “wherefore” denotes a cause or only aconsequence.Itisevidentthatbecauseofhissuffering,andasitspurpose,he was honored and exalted by God to an inexpressible pre-eminence,dignity, and authority.Thiswas according toGod’s promise to him, Isa.53:11,12;Acts2:36,5:30,31.Andthereforeitissaid,thatwhen“hehadpurged our sins, he sat down at the right hand of theMajesty on high,”Heb.1:3.[2.]ForthisgreatworkofbringingsinnerstoGod,heishonoredabovealltheangelsinheaven;fortheynotonlybowdownanddesiretolookintothemysteryof thecross,1Pet. 1:12,but theyalwaysworshipandpraisehimonthisaccount,Rev.5:11-14.“Iheardthevoiceofmanyangelsroundaboutthethrone,andthelivingcreaturesandtheelders:andtheirnumberwastenthousandtimestenthousand,andthousandsofthousands;sayingwith a loudvoice, ‘Worthy is theLamb thatwas slain to receivepower,andriches,andwisdom,andstrength,andhonor,andglory,andblessing.’Andeverycreaturewhichisinheavenandearth,andundertheearth,andthosethatareinthesea,andallthatareinthem,Iheardsaying,‘Blessing,andhonor,andglory,andpower,betohimthatsitsuponthethrone,andtotheLambforeverandever.’Andthelivingcreaturessaid,Amen.Andthe

twenty-four elders fell down andworshipped him that lives forever andever.” The reason given for this glorious and wonderful doxology, thisattributionofhonorandglorytoJesusChristbythewholehostofheaven,is because hewas theLamb thatwas slain. That is, it is because of theworkofourredemptionandourbeingbroughttoGod.AnditisrefreshingandjoyoustothesaintstoknowthatalltheangelsofGod,thewholehostof heaven,who never sinned, still continually rejoice and ascribe praiseandhonortotheLordJesusforbringingthesaintstopeaceandfavorwithGod.[3.]Heishonoredbyhissaintsallovertheworld.Indeed,iftheydonothonorhim,whoshould? If theydonothonorhim justas theyhonor theFather, thentheyarethemostunworthyofmen.ButseewhattheydoinRev.1:5-6.“Tohimthatlovedus,andwashedusfromoursinsinhisownblood,andwhohasmadeuskingsandpriests toGodandhisFather; tohimbeglory anddominion forever and ever.Amen.”Rev. 5:8-10, “Thefourlivingcreaturesandthetwenty-foureldersfelldownbeforetheLamb,everyoneof themhavingharpsandgoldenvialsfulloffragrantaromas,which are the prayers of the saints. And they sung a new song, saying,‘Youareworthytotakethebook,andtoopenitsseals:foryouwereslain,and have redeemed us toGod by your blood, out of every kindred, andtongue,andpeople,andnation;andhavemadeuskingsandprieststoourGod:andwewill reignon theearth.’”Thegreat, solemnworshipof theChristianchurchconsistsinthisassignationofhonorandglorytotheLordJesus.Therebytheylovehim,honorhim,anddelightinhim,asPauldoesinPhil.3:8;andsotoothespouseinCant.5:9-16.

(6.)Theycordiallyapproveofthisrighteousness,thiswayofacceptance,assomethingthatbringsglorytoGod.Whentheylaboredundertheguiltofsin,what most perplexed them was that their safety was inconsistent with thegloryandhonorofthegreatGod.Hisjustice,faithfulness,andtruthwereallengagedtodestroysin.Theycouldnotseehowtoavoidthisjeopardywithoutthe lossof theirhonor.Butnow,having the revelationof this righteousnessfrom faith to faith, they plainly see that all the properties of God aremagnificentlyglorifiedinthepardon,justification,andacceptanceofsinners,asshownbefore.

This is the firstwaybywhich the saintsholddailycommunionwith theLordJesusinthispurchasedgraceofacceptancebyGod.Theyconsider,approveof,

and rejoice in the way of gaining acceptance, its means, and the acceptanceitself.2.TheyactuallyexchangetheirsinsforChrist’srighteousness.

(1.)Theycontinuallykeepaliveintheirheartsasenseoftheguiltandevilofsin.TheydothisevenwhentheyarecomfortablypersuadedoftheirpersonalacceptancebyGod.The sense of pardon takes away the horror and fear ofsin,butnotaduesenseoftheguiltof it.ThedailyexerciseofthesaintsofGod is to consider the great provocation that is in their sins, both of theirnatureandoftheirlives.Theyrenderthemselvesvileintheirownheartsandthoughtsbecauseofit.TheycompareitwiththeterroroftheLord,andjudgethemselvescontinually.“Mysiniseverbeforeme,”saysDavid.Likewise,thesaintsset theirsinbeforethem,not toterrifyandfrightentheirsouls,but tokeepaliveintheirheartsaduesenseoftheevilofit.(2.)Theyclearlyandspecificallygatherup in theirmindthesinsforwhichthey have not made a particular reckoning with God in Christ. There isnothingmoredreadfulforamanthantodigesthisconvictionsofsin,tohavesinlookhiminthefaceandperhapsterrifyhim,andthenputoffcomingtoafulltrialofhissinthroughdistractionsordelays.Thisiswhatthesaintsdo:theygather up their sins, place themon the scales of the law, see them forwhattheyare,considertheirweightandconsequences,andthen,(3.)TheymakethisexchangeIspeakofwithJesusChrist.

[1.]Theyseriouslyconsider,andthenbyfaithconqueralldoubt,thatJesusChrist,bythewillandappointmentoftheFather,hasreallyundergonethepunishment thatwas due for those sinswhichnow lie under his eye forconsideration,Isa.53:6;2Cor.5:21.Hehascertainly,andreally,satisfiedthejusticeofGodforthesesins,justasifthesinnerhadbeencastintohellforthematthatinstant.[2.]ThesaintsrespondtothevoiceofChristcallingthemtocometohimwiththeirburden,“Cometome,allyouthatarewearyandheavyladen,”Matt.11:28.“Comewithyourburdens;cometome,youpoorsoul,withyour guilt of sin.”Why?To dowhat? “Why, this burden ismine.” saysChrist; “I made this agreement with my Father to come and take awayyoursins;theyweremyresponsibility.Givemeyourburden,givemeall

yoursins.Youdonotknowwhattodowiththem.IknowhowtodisposeoftheminawaythatglorifiesGod,anddeliversyoursoul.”Andso,[3.]TheylaydowntheirsinsatthecrossofChrist.Theyplacethemonhisshoulders. This is faith’s great and bold venture, founded on the grace,faithfulness, and truthofGod, to standby thecrossandsay,“Ah!He isbruised for my sins, and wounded for my transgressions, and thechastisementformypeaceisuponhim.Heisthusmadesinforme.Here,Igiveupmysinstotheonewhoisabletobearthem.Herequiresitofme,soIwillbecontenttohavehimtakethemfromme.Iheartilyconsenttothat.”Isa.53:5;2Cor.5:21.Thisiseveryday’swork.IdonotknowhowanypeacecanbemaintainedwithGodwithoutdoingthis.IfitisourworktoreceiveChristasonewhoismadesinforus,thenwemustreceivehimasonewhotakesoursinsuponhim.It isnotasthoughhecoulddieanymore,orsufferanymorethanhedid.Thefaithofthesaintsofoldmadepresentwhathadnotyetcometopass,asifdonebeforetheireyes,Heb.11:1. So faith nowmakes presentwhatwas already accomplishedmanygenerationsago.ThisiswhatitmeanstoknowChristcrucified.[4.]Having thus,by faith,givenup their sins toChrist, andhavingseenGodlayalltheirsinsonhim,thesaintsdrawclose,andtakefromChristthat righteousnesswhichhehasworkedout for them.Theyare fulfillingthewholeofwhattheapostlesaysin2Cor.5:21,“Hewasmadesinforus,thatwemightbemade the righteousnessofGod inhim.”Theyconsiderhim offering himself and his righteousness as their righteousness beforeGod.Theytakeit,andacceptit.Theycompletethisblessedbarteringandexchangeoffaith.Anger,curse,wrath,death,theguiltofsin-hetakesitall away.We leavewithhimeverythingof thisnature, and receive fromhimrighteousness,love,life,andpeace.

Objection.Itmaybesaid,“SurelythiscannotbeacceptabletoJesusChrist.Willwecometohimeverydaywithourfilth,ourguilt,andoursins?Willhenottellustokeepthemtoourselves?Theyareourown.Willwealwaysgivehimoursinsandtakehisrighteousness?”Answer.ThereisnothingthatJesusChristmoredelightsin,thanhavinghissaintsholdcommunionwithhiminthisbusinessofgivingandreceiving.1.Thisgreatlyhonorshim,andgiveshimtheglorythatishisdue.Many,indeed,cry“Lord,Lord,”andmentionhim,butdonothonorhim.How?Theytakehis

workoutofhishands,andascribeittootherthings.Theythinktheirrepentance,theirduties,willbeartheburdenoftheiriniquities.Theydonotsayso,butthatiswhat theydo.Theexchange theymake, ifany, iswith themselves.All theirbarteringaboutsiniswiththeirownsouls.TheworkthatChristcametodointheworldwasto“bearouriniquities,”andtolaydownhislifeasaransomforoursins.Thecuphehadtodrinkwasfilledwithoursinsandtheirpunishment.WhatgreaterdishonorcanbedonetotheLordJesus,thantoascribethisworktoanythingelse,tothinkwecangetridofoursinsbyanyothermeans?Christishonoredindeedwhenwegotohimwithoursinsbyfaith,andsaytohim,“Lord,thisisyourwork.Thisiswhyyoucameintotheworld.Thisiswhatyouhaveundertaken to do.You call formy burdenwhich is too heavy forme to bear.Take it, blessed Redeemer. You offer your righteousness; that ismy portion.”Christishonored,andthegloryofmediationisascribedtohim,whenwewalkwithhiminthiskindofcommunion.2.Thisgreatlyendearsthesaintstohim.Itconstrainsthemtoputaduevalueonhim,hislove,hisrighteousness,andgrace.Whentheymakethisexchangedaily,then they rightly value him.Whowould not love him? “I have beenwith theLordJesus,”maythepoorsoulsay.“Ihaveleftmysins,myburden,withhim;andhehasgivenmehisrighteousness,withwhichIamgoingwithboldnesstoGod.Iwasdead,andnowIamalive;forhediedforme.Iwascursed,andnowIam blessed; for hewasmade a curse forme. Iwas troubled, but now I havepeace;thechastisementformypeacewasonhim.Ididnotknowwhattodo,norhowtorelievemysorrow;byhimIhavereceivedunspeakableandgloriousjoy.If I donot lovehim, delight in him, obeyhim, live to him, die for him, I amworsethanthedevilsinhell.”ThegreataimofChristintheworldistohaveahighplaceandesteemintheheartsofhispeople.Itistohavethepre-eminenceinall things,not tobeshuffledamongother things.He is tobeall,and inall.The saints ofGod esteem him thisway by engaging in this communionwithhim.Objection.Youmaysay,“Ifthisisso,thenwhydoweneedtorepentoramendourways?Makingthisexchangewithhimmeansoursinwill justgotoChristbyfaithanyway.Andsowemaysinmoresothatgracemaygrowmore.”Answer.Ijudgenoone,butImustsaythatIdonotunderstandhowanyonetrulyacquaintedwithChristcouldacceptthisobjectionincoldblood,unlesshewasunder a temptation or accidental darkness. However, I am certain that thiscommunioninitselfproducesquitedifferenteffectsthanthosesupposed.

1.Iassumeitisgospelrepentancethatisintended.Asforlegalrepentance,itisborn of bondage. It is full of dread, awe, terror, self-love, and shock at thepresence ofGod. I admit that this communion takes such repentance away. Itprecludesit,andcastsitoutalongwithitsbondageandfear.Butasforgospelrepentance,itsnatureconsistsinhavingagodlysorrowforsin,andrelinquishingit. It proceeds from faith, love, and abhorrence of sin, on the account of theFather,Son,andSpirit,becauseofboththelawandtheirlove.It is impossiblefor such repentance to be hindered by this communion. I told you that thefoundationofthiscommunionislaidinadeep,serious,anddailyconsiderationoftheguiltofsin,itsvilenessandabomination.AsenseofitistobekeptaliveintheheartofeveryonewhowouldenjoythiscommunionwithChrist.Withoutasenseoftheguiltofoursin,wewouldhavenovalueoresteemforChrist.Isitpossibleforsomeonetobeastrangertogodlysorrowifhefillshisheartdailywiththoughtsofhowvilehissinis?Itdoesnotmatterwhetherheconsidersitvilebecauseofthelaw,love,grace,thegospel,loveoflife,orfearofdeath.Hewillbefilledwithself-abhorrencebecauseofit.Hereisthemistakemadeinthisobjection: the foundation of this communion is laid in the very thing that thisobjectionsupposesitoverthrows.Communiondrivesustorepentance.2.Butwhatwillwesayforobedience?“IfChristissoglorifiedandhonoredbytakingoursins,themorewebringtohim,themorehewillbeglorified.”WecanonlysupposethatthisobjectionwouldnotbemadeunlesstheHolySpirit,whoknowswhatisinaman’sheart,hasmadeitforthem,asinRom.6:1-3.Andthevery samedoctrine that I have delivered is found inRom. 5:18-20,where thesameobjectionismadetoit.Forthosewhothinktheobjectionhasanyweight,Ireferthemtotheanswergiventherebytheapostle.Ourobedienceisnecessary,notwithstandingtheimputationoftherighteousnessofChrist.But you will ask, “How should we perform this duty? What path are we totake?”Faithexercisesitselfinobedience,threewaysespecially:(1.)Inmeditations.Theheartgoesoveritsthoughtsconcerningsinseverallyandjointly. Sometimes it fixes primarily on one thing, sometimes on another, andsometimes going over the whole. Perhaps the soul mostly considers its ownsinfulness,andsoitfillsitselfwithshameandself-abhorrenceforit.SometimesitisfilledwiththoughtsoftherighteousnessofChrist,andwithunspeakableandglorious joy on that account. Especially when grieved and burdened bynegligence,oraburstofcorruption,thesoulgoesoverthewholework.Itdrives

thingstoanissuewithGod,andthenittakesupthepeacethatChristhasworkedoutforit.(2.)Inconsideringthepromisesofthegospel.Thesoulconsiderstheexcellence,fullness,andsuitabilityof therighteousnessofChrist, the rejectionofall falserighteousness,andtheexchangethatwasmadeintheloveofGod.(3.) In prayer. The saints go through this work of prayer day by day. All thesaintshavethiscommunionwiththeLordJesus,astotheiracceptancebyGod.This was the first thing proposed for consideration under the graces ofcommunion.

Chapter9.CommunionwithChristinholiness–II. Our communionwith the Lord Jesus as to that grace of sanctification andpurificationmaybeneatly considered in twoparts.Wehavemadementionofthis earlier in its several distinctions and degrees.Wemust show 1.What thespecificactsoftheLordChristareastothiscommunion,and2.Whatthedutiesofthesaintsareinthiscommunion.ThesumwillbehowweholdcommunionwithChristinholinessaswellasinrighteousness.1.ThereareseveralactsascribedtotheLordJesusinreferencetothis.Briefly,

(1.)He intercedeswith theFatherbyvirtueofhisofferingonbehalfofhissaints;andthisistobestowtheHolySpiritonthem.Ichoosetoenterhere,becauseIhavespokenbeforeoftheofferingofChristitself.Everythingelseflowsfromthatspring. It is thefoundationofallspiritualmercies,asIwillshow later.Now, theSpirit is part of the purchase ofChrist.Tous, he is aSpiritofgrace,holiness,andconsolation.Receivinghimisthegreatpromiseof thenewcovenant,Ezek.11:19,“Iwillputanewspiritwithinyou;”alsoEz.36:27;Jer.32:39,40;andanumberofotherplaces.Christisthemediatorand“suretyof thisnewcovenant.”Heb.7:22, “Jesuswasmade suretyof abetter testament,”orcovenant(atestamentneedsnosurety).HeundertakeswhathedoesonthepartofbothGodandman.Onthepartofman,hegivessatisfactionforsin.OnthepartofGod,hebestowsthewholegraceofthepromise,asinHeb.9:15,“For this cause he is the mediator of the newcovenant,sothatbymeansofdeath,fortheredemptionoftransgressionsthatwereunderthefirstcovenant,thosewhoarecalledmightreceivethepromiseofeternalinheritance.”Hesatisfiedforsin,andheprocuredthepromise.Heprocuresalltheloveandkindness that are the fruits of the covenant. He is, himself, the originalpromiseof thecovenant,Gen.3:15.Thewholeof this is so“ordered inallthings, and made sure,” 2 Sam. 23:5, that the remainder of its effects allderivefromhim,dependonhim,andareprocuredbyhim.Itisdone“sothathe,inallthings,mighthavethepre-eminence,”Col.1:18.Thisisaccordingtotheagreementmadewithhim,Isa.53:12.Thesefruitsareallpurchasedbyhisblood,andthereforetheSpiritistoo,aspromisedinthatcovenant,1Cor.1:30.Now,thewholefruitandpurchaseofhisdeathderivesfromtheFatheruponChrist’s intercession. John14:16-18, “AndIwillpraytheFather,andHewillgiveyouanotherHelper,thatHemayabidewithyouforever—the

Spiritoftruth,whomtheworldcannotreceive,becauseitneitherseesHimnorknowsHim;butyouknowHim,forHedwellswithyouandwillbeinyou.Iwillnotleaveyouorphans;Iwillcometoyou.” He promises hisdisciples thathewillpursuetheworkwhichhehas inhandontheirbehalf.He will intercede with the Father for the Spirit as a fruit of his purchase.ThereforehetellsthemthathewillnotpraytheFatherforhisloveforthem,becausetheeternal loveof theFather isnot thefruitbut thefountainofhispurchase.InsteadhewillprayfortheSpirit,whichisafruit.Andasmediator,what Christ asks the Father to bestow on us is part of his purchase. It ispromisedtohimuponhisundertakingtodothewillofGod.ThisisthefirstthingtobeconsideredincommunionwiththeLordJesus.HeintercedeswithhisFather,sothattheSpiritmaybebestowedonusasafruitofhisdeath,ofhisbloodshedonourbehalf.ThisistherelationoftheSpiritofholiness,asbestowedonus, to themediationofChrist.TheSpirit is thegreat foundation of the covenant of grace.He is everlastingly destined andfreelygiven topurchaseall thegood thingsof thatcovenant.Receiving theHolySpiritaccordingtothepromise,Acts2:33,heshedshimabroadonhisown,Rom.5:5.Faithconsidersthis.Itfixesonitanddwellsuponit.For,(2.) His prayer being granted (because the Father “always hears him”) heactuallysendshisSpiritintotheheartsofhissaintstodwellinhisstead.TheSpiritdoesallthingsforthemandinthemthatChristhimselfdoes.Secondly,theLordChrististobeseeninthisbyfaith.ThatisnotonlyinrespecttothefirstprovisionofhisHolySpirit,butalsothecontinuingsuppliesoftheSpirit.Christ draws out and stimulates more effective operations and acts of thatindwellingSpirit.Hence,althoughJohn14:16saystheFatherwillgivethemtheComforter, Christ affirms that he sends the Spirit himself. The originalandsovereigndispensationisintheFather’shand.Itisexecutedbyhimuponthe intercessionofChrist.Yet, theSpirit isnotbestowed immediatelyuponus.HeisgivenintothehandofChristforus.Christactuallybestowshim.Jn.15:26,“IwillsendtheComfortertoyou,fromtheFather.”HereceiveshimfromhisFather,andactuallysendshimtohissaints.So to inJohn16:7,“Iwillsendhim.”Andinverses14-15heshowshowhewillsendhim.HewillequiphimwithwhatisChrist’stobestowuponthem:“Hewilltakeofmine[ofwhatisproperlyanduniquelymineasmediator,theholyfruitofmylifeanddeath],andgiveittoyou.”Butmoreofthesethingsafterward.This, then, is thesecondthingthat theLordChristdoes,andwhichis tobe

seeninhim:HesendshisHolySpiritintoourheartstoabidewithus,andtodwellinus.Thisistheefficientcauseofallholinessandsanctification.TheSpiritquickens,enlightens,andpurifiesthesoulsofhissaints.HowourunionwithChrist flows from this communication of the Spirit to us,with all thebenefits that depend on it, I have declared elsewhere at some length. ThisreferencetotheSpiritistobeconsideredinChristbyfaith.(3.)Thereiswhatwecallhabitualgrace.ThismeansthefruitsoftheSpirit,thespiritwhichisbornoftheSpirit,John3:6.Whatisbornof,orproducedby,theHolySpirit, intheheartorsoulofamanwhenheisregenerate,andwhatmakeshimregenerate, is spirit. It is inopposition to the flesh,or thatenmityagainstGodwhichisinusbynature.It isfaith,love,joy,hope,andthe rest of the graces of the gospel, in their root or common principle.Concerninghabitualgrace,twothingsaretobeobserved:

[1.] Although many particular graces are mentioned, we do not havedifferent habits or qualities inus.Several distinct principlesdonot existforeach.Thereisonlythesamehabitorspiritualprinciplethatexpressesitselfinvariousoperationsorwaysofworking.Anditdoessoaccordingtothevarietyofobjectswhichitaddresses.Soitisdistinguishedinrespectto its actual exercise in relation to its objects, rather than those objectsbeinginherentinit.Itisonerootwhichhasmanybranches.[2.]WhatImeanbythishabitofgraceisanew,gracious,spirituallife,orprinciple, that iscreatedandbestowedon thesoul.By thisprinciple, thesoulischangedinallitsfacultiesandaffections.Itisfittedandenabledtoprogressinthewayofobediencetoeverydivineobjectthatisproposedtoit according to the mind of God. For instance, the mind can discernspiritualthingsinaspiritualmanner;andinthatability,thisprincipleactsas a light, or illumination. The whole soul joins with Christ forrighteousness and salvation, as promised of the gospel. Faith, being theprincipalworkofgrace,isoftengivenasthetitleforthewhole.Sowhenfaith rests in God, in Christ, with delight, desire, and contentment, it iscalled love. It is the principle that suits all the faculties of our souls forspiritual and living operations, according to their natural use. Now,habitualgracediffersfromseveralotherthings.

1st. It differs from the Spirit dwelling in the saints, because it is acreated quality. The Spirit dwells in us as a free agent in holyhabitation.Thisgrace,asaquality,remainsinusassomethingthatdoes

nothaveanysubsistence,butiscapableofbeingrousedorrestrainedingreatdegree.2dly. It differs from actual grace, which is transient. Habitual gracemakes its residence in the soul. Actual grace is a passing of divineinfluenceandassistancetoworkanyspiritualactordutyinthesoul.Itdoes not pre-exist the act, nor continue after it. “Godworking in us,both towilland todo.”Buthabitualgrace isalwaysresident inus. Itcauses the soul to be a fit vehicle for all those holy and spiritualoperationswhicharetobeperformedbyactualgrace.3dly.Itiscapableofgrowingandshrinkingbydegree,aswassaid.Insomepeople,itislargerandmoreeffectualthaninothers.Inthesameperson,itmaybemoreeffectualatonetimethanitisatanother.Hence,the Scripture frequently mentions how we die, decay, spoil, recover,complain,andrejoicedependingonthevigorofthishabitualgrace.

Thesethingsbeingsaidastoitsnature,letusnowconsiderwhatwearetoseeintheLordJesusinreferencetohabitualgrace.Thiswillbeanintroductiontoourcommunionwithhiminthis,asthingsperformedbyhimoronhispart:First,asIsaidoftheSpirit,Isayofthisgrace.ItisapurchaseofChrist,anditistobeseenassuch.“Itisgiventousforhissaketobelieveonhim,”Phil.1:29.Becauseitispurchasedandprocuredbyhimforus,theLordbestowsfaith,and(bysamerule)allgraceuponus.“Weareblessedwithallspiritualblessingsinheavenly places in him,” Eph. 1:3. “In him” means it is the result of hismediation for us. His offering and intercession lie at the bottom of thisdispensation.Ifgracewerenotprocuredbythem,itwouldneverbeenjoyedbyanyone.Allgraceisfromthisfountain.InreceivingitfromChrist,wemuststillconsiderwhatitcosthim.Thelackofthisweakensfaith.Hiswholeintercessionisfoundedonhisoffering,1John2:1-2.Whathepurchasedbyhisdeathmaybebestowed,neithermorenorless.Andhepraysthatallhissaintsmayhavethisgracewearespeakingof,John17:17.Ifwecontinuallyconsiderallgraceasthefruitof thepurchaseofChrist, itwouldgreatlyendearourspirits.Without thisconsideration,accordingtothetenorofthegospel,wecannotaskfororexpectanygrace.ItdoesnotprejudicethefreegraceoftheFathertolookatanythingasthepurchaseoftheSon.ItwasfromtheFather’sfreegracethatChristmadethatpurchase.InreceivinggracefromGod,wedonothavecommunionwithChrist,the treasury of the God’s grace, unless we look upon it as his purchase. Heobtained it so thatwewould be sanctified throughout, so thatwewould have

life,behumble,holy,believing,andsothatwewoulddividethespoilwiththemighty,bydestroyingtheworksofthedevilinus(Isa.53:12;1Jn.3:8).Secondly. The Lord Christ actually communicates this grace to his saints. Hebestowsitonthem:“Ofhisfullnesshaveallwereceived,andgraceforgrace,”John1:16.For,

(1st.)TheFather,bycompactandagreement,actuallyinvestshimwithallthegracehehaspurchased(justashereceivedthepromiseoftheSpirit).Thisiseverything that is useful to bring his many sons to glory. “It pleased theFather that all fullness shoulddwell inhim,”Col. 1:19. It pleasedhim thatChrist should be invested with the fullness of grace that is needed for hispeople.Christcalls this the“powerofgivingeternal life tohiselect,” John17:2.This power is not only his ability to do it, but also his right to do it.Hence, all things are delivered to him by his Father. This is the basis forinvitingsinnerstocometohimforrefreshment:“Allthingsaredeliveredtome ofmyFather,”Matt. 11:27. “Come tome, all that labor and are heavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest,”Matt.11:28.The covenant of theFatherwith him, and his promise to him, is that uponmaking“hissoulanofferingforsin,hewouldseehisseed,andthepleasureoftheLORDwouldprosperinhishand,”Isa.53:10.“Pouringouthissoultodeath, and bearing the sins of many,” Isa. 53:12, is the foundation andprocuringcauseofourjustificationandsanctification:

1.Ofjustification:“Byhisknowledgehewilljustifymany,”Isa.53:11.2.Ofsanctification;in“destroyingtheworksofthedevil,”1Jn.3:8.

Thusourmercifulhighpriestcomestobethegreatpossessorofallgrace,sothathemaygive tousaccording tohisownpleasure,quickeningwhomhewill.Hehasthisgraceinhimreally,asourhead,innotreceivingthatSpiritbymeasure(John3:34).TheSpiritisthebondofunionbetweenhimandus,1Cor.6:17.Byholdingthehead,wearefilledwithhisfullness,Eph.1:22,23;Col.1:19.Hehasthisgraceasacommonperson.Heisentrustedwithitonourbehalf,Rom.5:14-17.“ThelastAdamismadeaquickeningSpirit”tous,1Cor.15:45.Heisalsoatreasuryofthisgraceinamoralandlegalsense.Thisisnotonlybecause“itpleasedtheFatherthatallfullnessshoulddwellinhim,”Col.1:19,butalsobecausethewholedispensationofgraceisfoundedonhismediation.

(2dly.) Being actually vested with this power, privilege, and fullness, heintendstheSpirittotakefromthisfullnessandgiveittous:“Hewilltakeofmine,andwill show it toyou,”John16:15.TheSpirit takesof the fullnessthat is inChrist,and inChrist’sname,heactuallybestows iton thosehe issenttosanctify.MorewillbesaidlaterconcerningthemannerandefficacyoftheSpiritindoingthis.(3dly.) As for actual grace, which is that influence or power bywhich thesaintsareenabledtoperformparticulardutiesaccordingtothemindofGod,thereisnoneedtofurtherdiscussit.WhatconcernsourcommunionwiththeLordChristwassaidbefore.

InowproceedtothewaybywhichwecarryoncommunionwiththeLordJesusinallofthesethings.Theymaybeconsideredfirstinrespecttotheirbestowal,andsecondlyinrespecttotheirdegreesofcontinuanceandincrease.IntheSpirit’scommunicationofgracetothesoul,raisingitfromdeathtolife,the saints have no communionwithChrist beyond a passive reception of thatlife-giving,quickeningSpiritandpower.Theyarelikethedeadbonesmentionedintheprophet;thewindblowsonthemandtheylive.TheyarelikeLazarusinthe grave; Christ calls, and they come forth, because the call is accompaniedwith life and power. It is in the second respect, the efficacy of the Spirit incontinuingand increasingourhabitual andactualgrace, thatwebecomemoreholy and more powerful in walking with God. We have more fruit in ourobedienceandmoresuccessagainsttemptations.ThisbringsustoourdutiesincommunionwithChrist.2.ThedutiesofthesaintsinthiscommunionwithChrist.ThesaintscontinuallyeyetheLordJesusasthegreatJoseph,whohaschargeofall thegranariesof thekingdomofheavencommitted tohim.Heis theone inwhomitpleasedtheFathertogatherallthingsunderonehead,Eph.1:10,sothatfromhimall thingsmightbedispensedtothesaints.Alltreasures,allfullness,and the Spirit without measure are in him. And they eye this fullness, inreferencetotheircondition,inthesethreeparticulars:

(1.) In the preparation of the dispensation mentioned – in the expiating,purging,andpurifyingefficacyofhisblooditself.Itwasasacrificenotonlyof atonement asoffered,but alsoofpurificationaspouredout.Theapostlepresents this eminently inHeb. 9:13, 14. “For if the blood of bulls and of

goats,andtheashesofaheifer,sprinkledontheuncleanwillpurifytheflesh,thenhowmuchmorewillthebloodofChrist,whothroughtheeternalSpiritofferedhimselfwithoutspottoGod,purgeyourconsciencefromdeadworkstoserve the livingGod?”Thisbloodofhis iswhatsatisfiesall the typesofsacrifices instituted forcarnalpurification.And therefore ithasaspirituallypurifying, cleansing, and sanctifying virtue in itself, as offered and pouredout.Hence,itiscalled,“Afountainforsinandforuncleanness,”Zech.13:1;that is, itwashes themand takes themaway. It is“a fountainopened;” It isalready prepared, virtuous, and efficacious in itself, before anything is putintoit.Itispouredout,instituted,andappointedforthatpurpose.Thesaintsseethattheyarestillgreatlydefiled.Indeed,tobeabletoseethedefilementsofsin isamorespiritualdiscoverythantohaveonlyasenseoftheguiltofsin.Thisfollowseveryconviction,anditiscommensuratetotherevelation of the purity and holiness of God and all his ways. Upon thisdiscovery, they cry with shame, within themselves, “Unclean, unclean,”uncleanintheirnatures,uncleanintheirpersons,uncleanintheirlives;theyare completely soaked in the blood of their defilements. Their hearts bynature are a cesspool, and their lives a dung hill. They know, also, that nounclean thing will enter the kingdom of God, or have a place in the NewJerusalem.TheyknowthatGodisofpurereyesthantobeholdiniquity.Theycannot endure to look at themselves. How will they dare to appear in hispresence?Whatremedieswilltheynowuse?“Thoughtheywashthemselveswith lye, and usemuch soap, yet their iniquitywill continuemarked,” Jer.2:22.Withwhat,then,willtheycomebeforetheLord?Toremovethisdefilement,Isay,theylookfirsttothepurifyingvirtueofthebloodofChrist,whichisabletocleansethemfromalltheirsins,1John1:7.Itisthespringfromwhichflowsallthepurifyingvirtuethatwilltakeawayalltheirspotsandstains,“makethemholyandwithoutblemish,andintheendpresent them glorious to himself,” Eph. 5:26, 27. They dwell on this withthoughts of faith. They roll it around in theirminds and spirits. Here faithobtainsnewlife,newvigor,whenthissenseofvilenesshasoverwhelmedit.Hereisafountainopened:drawcloseandseeitsbeauty,purity,andefficacy.Thisiswhereafoundationislaidforthatworkwelongtobeaccomplished.Onemoment’s communionwithChrist by faith in this ismore effective topurge thesoul,and to increasegrace, than theself-endeavorsofa thousandages.

(2.)TheyeyethebloodofChristasthebloodofsprinkling.Whentheycometo “Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant,” they come to the “blood ofsprinkling,”Heb.12:24.ThestainofChrist’sshedbloodwillnottakeawaypollutioninitself.Notonlyisthere“haimatekchusia,”a“sheddingofblood”fortheremissionofsin,Heb.9:22,butthereisalso“haimatosrantismos,”a“sprinkling of blood,” for the actual purification. The apostle largelydescribes this in Heb. 9:19, “When Moses,” he says, “had spoken everyprecepttoallthepeopleaccordingtothelaw,hetookthebloodofcalvesandof goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both thebookandallthepeople,saying,‘ThisisthebloodofthetestamentwhichGodhas enjoined to you.’Moreover, he likewise sprinkledwith blood both thetabernacle,andallthevesselsoftheministry.Almostallthingsarebythelawpurgedwithblood.Itwasthereforenecessarythatthepatternsofthingsintheheavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselveswithbettersacrificesthanthese,”verses19-23.The apostle had previously compared the blood of Christ to the blood ofsacrifices,inrespecttothepetitionandthepurchaseitmade.Nowhedoesitto the blood as sprinkled, in respect to its application for purification andholiness.He tells us how this sprinklingwas performed. Itwas by dippinghyssopinthebloodofthesacrifice,anddashingitonthethingsandpeopletobe purified, just as instituted with the Paschal lamb, Exod. 12:7. Hence,David,inasenseofthepollutionofsin,praysthathemaybe“purgedwithhyssop,” Ps. 51:7. It is evident that this specifically referred to theuncleannessanddefilementofsin.Thatisbecausethereisnomentionmadeof sprinkling blood with hyssop in any sacrifice other than those forpurificationofuncleanness.Thiswas true in thecaseof leprosy,Lev.14:6,andanyotherdefilements,Numb.19:18.Forthelatter,itisnotasacrificeofblood,butthewaterofseparation.ThisisalsotypicalofthebloodofChrist,whichisthefountainforseparationforuncleanness,Zech.13:1.

Now,thisbunchofhyssop,bywhichthebloodofpurificationwaspreparedtosprinkle theunclean, is(tous) thefreepromisesofChrist.Thecleansingvirtue of the blood of Christ lies in the promises, just as the blood ofsacrificesliesinthehyssop.Itisreadytopassouttothosewhodrawclosetoit.Thus,theapostletakesusfromreceivingthepromise,touniversalholinessandpurity:“Therefore,havingthesepromises,dearlybeloved,letuscleanseourselvesfromallfilthinessofthefleshandspirit,perfectingholinessinthefearofGod,”2Cor.7:1.This,then,iswhatthesaintsdo:theyeyetheblood

ofChrist as it is found in the promise, ready to spray out upon the soul topurify it. This is how its purging and cleansing virtue is communicated tothem.BythebloodofChrist, theyarepurgedfromalltheirsins,1John1:7.Thus far, this purifying blood is only prepared and made ready for itspurpose.Although thebunchofhyssop isdrenchedwith it in thepromises,thesoulmaynotyetpartakeofit.Andso,(3.)Thesaints lookuponChristas theonlydispenserof theSpirit, and thesourceofallgraceofsanctificationandholiness.Theyconsider that,byhisintercession, it is granted to him to make all the fruits of his purchaseeffective,tosanctify,purify,andmakegloriousinholiness,hiswholepeople.TheyknowthatthisisactuallytobeaccomplishedbytheSpirit,accordingtotheinnumerablepromisesgiventothatend.Heistosprinklethatbloodupontheirsouls.Heistocreatetheholinessinthemthattheylongfor.Heistobeawellofwaterinthem,springinguptoeverlastinglife.Inthisstate,theylookto Jesus. Faith fixes itself here, expecting him to give out theSpirit for allthese ends and purposes. They mix the promises with faith, and so theybecome actual partakers of all this grace. This is their way. This is theircommunion with Christ. This is the life of faith, as to grace and holiness.Blessed is the soulwho exercises it: “Hewill be like a tree planted by thewaters,thatspreadsoutherrootsbytheriver,andwillnotnoticewhenheatcomes, but her leaf will be green; and will not be afraid in the year ofdrought,neitherwillsheceasefromyieldingfruit,”Jer.17:8.

Peopleconvictedoftheirsin,whodonotknowChristnorthefellowshipofhis sufferings, would create holiness out of their own depths; they wouldworkitoutintheirownstrength.Theystartwithdifficultstriving,andthenfollowitwithvows,duties,resolutions,andcommitments,sweatingat italldaylong.Theycontinuethiswayforaseason,untiltheirhypocrisyendsforthemostpart inapostasy.The saintsofGod,at the startof theirwalkwithhim,desirethreethings:

[1.]theSpiritofholinesstodwellinthem.[2.]ahabitofholinesstobeinfusedinthem.[3.]actualassistancetoworkoutalltheirduties;

If thesecontinue tobe lacking, theycannever,withall theirmight,power,andendeavors,performasingleactofholinessbeforetheLord.Theyknowthattheyareinsufficientinthemselves.WithoutChrist,theycandonothing.Therefore, they look tohim, theonewho is entrustedwith a fullnessof allthese thingson their behalf. Indoing so, by faith, theyderive fromhiman

increaseofwhattheyneed.In this, I say, the saints have communionwithChrist as to their sanctificationandholiness.FromhimtheyreceivetheSpirittodwellinthem.Fromhimtheyhavethenewprincipleoflifewhichistherootofalltheirobedience.Fromhimtheyhaveactualassistanceforeverydutytheyarecalledtoperform.Theyspendtheir lives and time with him in waiting for, expecting, and receiving theseblessings. Looking for help from other mountains is pointless. Spending ourstrengthinpursuingrighteousnessisalsopointlessifthiscommunioniswanting.Fixyoursoulhere;youwillnotbeashamed.This is theway, theonlyway, toobtain full and effectual manifestations of the Spirit’s indwelling. This is theonlywaytohaveourheartspurified,ourconsciencespurged,oursinsmortified,and our graces increased. This is the way our souls are made humble, holy,zealous, believing, and Christ-like. This is the only way to make our livesfruitful,andourdeathscomfortable.Letusabideinthis,absorbingthestainofChristbyfaith,beingconformedtohimtotheextentallottedtousinthisworld,sothatwhenweseehimasheis,wemaybelikehim.

Chapter10.CommunionwithChristinprivileges–III.ThethirdthinginwhichwehavecommunionwithChrist,asthethirdpartofpurchasedgrace, is thegraceofprivilegebeforeGod.Theprivilegesweenjoyby Christ are great and innumerable. Specifying each of them would take alifetime ofwork, not a few sheets. Iwill present them only in summary. Thespring and fountain from which they all arise and flow is our adoption:“Beloved,nowwearethesonsofGod,”1John3:2.Thisisthegreatfountainofour privilege.What is the source of our adoption? It is from the love of theFather.1John3:1,“Behold,whatmanneroflovetheFatherhasbestoweduponus, that we should be called the sons of God!” But from whom do weimmediately receive this honor?Asmany as believe onChrist, he gives themthispowertobecomethesonsofGod,John1:12.Christwasappointedtobethefirst-born among many brothers, Rom. 8:29. Taking us as his brothers, Heb.2:11, makes us become the children of God. God is our Father by being theFatherofChrist, andwearehis childrenbybeing thebrothersofChrist.Thisbeing the sum of all the honor, privilege, right, and title that we have, let usconsideralittlethenatureofouradoption.Itistheactbywhichweareinvestedwiththisstateandtitle.Adoptionistheauthoritativetranslationofabeliever,byJesusChrist,fromthefamilyoftheworldandSatan,intothefamilyofGod.Itinvestshimwithalltheprivilegesandadvantagesofthatfamily.Tocompletetheadoptionofanyperson,fivethingsarerequired:1.Thatheactually,inhisownright,belongstoafamilyotherthantheoneintowhichheisadopted.[Orphansaretherightful,ifsolitary,membersoftheirownfamily].2.Thatthereisafamilytowhichhehasnoinherentrighttobelong,intowhichhe must be grafted. If he has an inherent personal right, he does not needadopting.Ifamanwhoisadistantcousincomesintothefamilyinheritancebythedeathofthenearerheirs,eventhoughhispreviousrightwaslittlebetterthannothing,heisstillasonbornofthatfamily.Apersondoesnotneedadoptingifhehasanyrightofsuccession.3.That there is an authoritative, legal translationof him fromone family intoanother,bysomeonewith thepower todoit.Under the lawofold,peopledid

nothavethepowertoadoptwhenandwhomtheywould.Ithadtobedonebytheauthorityofthesovereignpower.4.Thattheadoptedpersonbefreedfromalltheobligationshehastothefamilyfromwhichheistranslated.Otherwisehecannotbeusefulorserviceabletothefamily intowhich he is grafted.He cannot serve twomasters,much less twofathers.5.That,byvirtueofhisadoption,he is investedwithall the rights,privileges,advantages, and title to the whole inheritance of the family into which he isadopted,asfullyasifhehadbeenbornasoninthatfamily.Allthesethingsagreeandarefoundintheadoptionofbelievers:1.Believers,bytheirownoriginalright,belongtoafamilyotherthanthatintowhich theyareadopted.Theyare“bynature thechildrenofwrath,”Eph.2:3,sonsofwrath.Theybelong to that familywhose inheritance is“wrath,”called“thepowerofdarkness,”Col.1:13.Fromthisfamily,God“translatedthemintothekingdomofhisdearSon.”Bynature,believersareoftheworldandofSatan.Whateveristobeinheritedinthatfamily,suchaswrath,curse,death,andhell,iswhattheyhavearightto.Theycannotofthemselves,orbythemselves,getfreeofthisfamily:anarmedstrongmankeepstheminsubjection(Lk.11:21).Theirnaturalestateisafamilycondition.Itisattendedwithallthecircumstancesofafamily, family duties and services, rights and titles, relations and observances.TheybelongtotheblackfamilyofsinandSatan.2.Thereisanotherfamilyintowhichtheyaretobetranslated,andtowhichtheyhave neither right nor title. This is the family in heaven and earth, the greatfamily ofGod,which is named after Christ, Eph. 3:15.God has a house andfamilyforhischildren.Somehemaintainsontherichesofhisgrace,andsomeheentertainswiththefullnessofhisglory.ThisisthehouseofwhichtheLordChrist is the great dispenser. The Father was pleased to “gather together allthingsinhim,boththoseinheaven,andthoseonearth,”Eph.1:10.Inthishouselive all the sons and daughters of God, spending largely on the riches of hisgrace.Theyhavenorightnortitletothisfamilyinthemselves;theyarewhollyalienated from it,Eph. 2:12, and they can layno claim to anything in it.Goddrove fallenAdamout of the garden, and closedoff all thewaysbackwith aflaming sword, ready to cut him off if he should attempt it. God abundantlydeclares thatAdam,andallhisoffspring,hadlostall right toapproachGodinanyfamilyrelationship.Ourcorruptedandcursednatureisnotvestedwithany

righttoanythingofGod.Therefore,3.Believershaveanauthoritativetranslationfromtheonefamilytotheother.Itis not done in a private, underhandedway, but byway of power or authority.John1:12,“Asmanyasreceivedhim,tothemhegavepowertobecomethesonsof God.” Investing themwith the power, excellence, and light of the sons ofGod,isaforensicact.Itisalegalproceeding.Itis“makingusfittopartakeofthe inheritance of the saints in light,” Col. 1:12; It judicially exalts us intomembership in that family, where God is the Father, and Christ is the elderbrother. All the saints and angels are brothers and fellow-children. And theinheritanceisacrownthatisimmortalandincorruptible;itdoesnotfadeaway,1Pet.1:4;5:4.Thisauthoritativetranslationofbelieversfromonefamilyintoanotherhastwoparts:

(1.)Aneffectualdeclarationandproclamationofabeliever’simmunityfromall his obligations to the former family towhich hewas related by nature.Thisdeclarationhasathreefoldobject:

[1.]Angels. It isdeclared to the angelsbecause they tooare the sonsofGod, andmembers of the family intowhich the adoptedperson is to beadmitted. Therefore it concerns them to knowwho is invested with therightsofthatfamily,sothattheymaydischargetheirdutytowardsthem.Itisdeclaredtothemthatbelieversarefreedfromthefamilyofsinandhell,tobecomefellow-sonsandservantswiththem.Andthisisdonetwoways:

1st.Generally,bythedoctrineofthegospel.Eph.3:10,“Themanifoldwisdom of God is made known to the principalities and powers inheavenly places by the church.” This wisdom is made known to theangelsbythechurch,eitherasthedoctrineofthegospelisdeliveredtoit,orasthedoctrinegathersit.WhatisthiswisdomofGodthatisthusmade known to principalities and powers? It is that, “the Gentilesshouldbe fellow-heirsandof the samebodywithus,”Eph.3:6.Thiswisdom is the mystery of adopting sinners from the Gentiles. It istakingthemfromtheirslaveryinthefamilyoftheworld,sothattheymighthavearightofheirship,andbecomesonsinthefamilyofGod.Howwasitmadeknown?Itwas“revealedbytheSpirittotheprophetsandapostles,”Eph.3:5.

2dly.Itisdeclaredparticularly,byimmediaterevelation.Whenanyoneis freed from the family of this world, it is revealed to the angels.“ThereisjoyinthepresenceoftheangelsofGod”(thatis,amongtheangels,andbythem)“overonesinnerthatrepents,”Luke15:10.Now,the angels cannot absolutely know the true repentance of a sinnerthemselves; it isaworkdone in thatcabinet towhichnonehasakeybutJesusChrist. It is revealedbyhimto theangelswhen thespecificcare and charge of a believer is committed to them.These things aretransactedbeforetheangels,Luke12:8,9.Christconfessesthenamesofhisbrothersbefore theangels,Rev.3:5.Whenheadmits themintothefamily,Heb.12:22-24,hedeclarestotheangelsthatthosehenamesaresons,sothattheangelsmaydischargetheirdutytowardsthem,Heb.1:14.

[2.] It is denounced in a judicial way to Satan, the great master of thefamily towhich theywere formerly in subjection.When theLordChristdeliversasoul fromthepowerof thatstrongarmedone,hebindsSatan.Hepreventshimfromexercisingthatpoweranddominionwhichheheldover the person before.By thismeans, Satan knows that the person hasbeen delivered from his family. Any future attempts to dominate thebeliever will encroach on the possession and inheritance of the LordChrist.[3.]Itisannouncedtotheconscienceofthepersonadopted.TheSpiritofChrist testifies to the heart and conscience of a believer that he is freedfromallobligationstothefamilyofSatan,andthathehasbecomethesonofGod,Rom.8:14,15.Thisenableshimtocry,“Abba,Father,”Gal.4:6.IwillspeaklateroftheparticularsofthistestimonyoftheSpirit,andofitsabsolvingthesoulfromitsoldalliance.

(2.)ThereisanauthoritativeandactualgraftingofabelieverintothefamilyofGod,investinghimwiththewholerightofsonship.Thishasanumberofacts:

[1.]Givingabelieveranewnameonawhitestone,Rev.2:17.Thosewhoareadoptedtakenewnames.Theychangethenametheyhadintheiroldfamilytothenameofthefamilyintowhichtheyaretranslated.Thisnewname is, “AchildofGod.”That is thenewnamegiven inadoption.Nooneknowswhatisinthatnameexcepttheonewhoreceivesit.Thisnew

name is given andwritten on awhite stone.That is the tessera 4 of ouradmission into the house ofGod. It is a stone of judicial acquittal. Ouradoption by the Spirit is based on our absolution in the blood of Jesus.Therefore the new name on the white stone is a privilege based ondischarge.Thewhitestonequitstheclaimoftheoldfamily;thenewnamegivesentrancetotheother.[2.] Enrolling the believer’s name in the catalogue of the household ofGod. This admits him to fellowship in that household. It is called the“writingofthehouseofIsrael,”Ezek.13:9.Thatis,itistherollinwhichallthenamesofIsrael,thefamilyofGod,arewritten.Godhasacatalogueofhishousehold.Christknowshissheepbyname.WhenGodwritesupthepeople,hecountsthat“thismanwasborninZion,”Ps.87:6.ThisisanextractoftheLamb’sbookoflife.[3.]Testifyingtothebeliever’sconsciencethatheisacceptedbyGod,thusenablinghimtobehavehimselfasachild,Rom.8:15;Gal.4:5,6.

4.Thetwolastthingsrequiredforadoptionarethattheadoptedpersonbefreedfrom all his obligations to the family from which he is translated, and beinvestedwiththerightsandprivilegesofthefamilyintowhichheistranslated.Now,becausethesetwocomprisethewholeissueofadoptioninwhichthesaintshavecommunionwithChrist,Iwillhandlethemtogether.Iamaddressingtheirconcerns under four categories: (1.) Liberty. (2.) Title, or right. (3.)Boldness.(4.)Correction.Thesearethefourthingsthathereceivesbyhisadoption,andinwhichheholdscommunionwiththeLordJesus:

(1.)Liberty.TheSpiritoftheLordthatwasontheLordJesusanointedhimtoproclaimlibertytothecaptives,Isa.61:1;and“wheretheSpiritoftheLordis”(that is, theSpiritofChrist,given tousbyChristbecausewearesons),“there is liberty,” 2 Cor. 3:17. All spiritual liberty is from the Spirit ofadoption.Whatever else is pretended, is licentiousness. The apostle arguesthis in Gal. 4:6, 7, “He has sent forth his Spirit into their hearts, crying,‘Abba, Father.’ Hence, you are no longer servants;” Bondage is ended.Believershavethelibertyofsonsinrespectto,

[1.]Thefamilyfromwhichheistranslated.Libertyisbeingsetfreefromalltheobligationsofthatfamily.Inthissense,thelibertywhichthesaintshavebyadoptioniseitherfromwhatisreal,orfromwhatispretended:

1st. What is real involves a twofold issue of law and sin. Theunchangeable moral law of God, and sin, are in conjunction with eachother.Thereisatwofoldissuehere:

(1st.)The instituted lawofordinances,whichkeeps those towhom itwasgiveninbondage,Col.2:14.(2dly.)The “natural” pressure of the law,with its power and efficacyagainstsin.Thesearethreecomponentsofthatpressure:

[1st.]Itisrigorousandterrifyinginitscommands.[2dly.]Itisimpossibletoaccomplish,andinsufficienttoachieveitsprimitivelyappointedend.[3dly.]ThepenaltiesfortransgressingitaretheCurse,andDeath.Iwillspeakverybrieflyofthese,becausetheyarecommonlyhandledandgrantedbyall.

2dly.WhatispretendedisthatthereisanythingwhichhaspowerovertheconscienceoncewearemadefreebyChrist:

(1st.) Believers are freed from the instituted law of ordinances. Theapostlestestifythatthelawwasayokewhichneitherwenorourfathers(inthefaith)couldbear,Acts15:10.Therefore,Christ“blottedoutthishandwritingofordinancesthatwasagainstthem,whichwascontrarytothem,andtookitoutoftheway,nailingittohiscross,”Col.2:14.Aftera long dispute concerning the liberty thatwe have from that law, theapostle concludeswith this instruction, “Stand fast in the libertywithwhichChristhasmadeusfree,”Gal.5:1.(2dly.)Inreferencetothemorallaw:

[1st.] The first thing we have liberty from is the law’s rigor andterrorincommandingus.Heb.12:18-22,“Wehavenotcometothemount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, to thewhirlwind,darkness,and tempest, to thesoundof the trumpet,andthevoiceofwords,which thosewhoheardbegged that theymighthear itnomore;butwehavecome tomountZion...”Weare freedfromtheadministrationofthelaw,givenoutwithdreadandterror,thatexactsitsobediencewithrigor.Wearenotcalledtothatestate.

[2dly.] We are freed from the moral law as the instrument ofrighteousness. It is impossible to accomplish and insufficient toachieveitsprimitiveendbecauseofsin,Rom.8:2,3;Gal.3:21-23.

And it being impossible to obtain life by the law, we are exemptfrom the law for that purpose. This exemption comes through therighteousnessofChrist,Rom.8:3.[3dly.]We have liberty from the consequence of its transgression.ThefirstconsequenceisCurse.ThereisasolemncurseinthewrathofGodthatthelawcontainsforitstransgression.Wearecompletelyfreedfromthis,Gal.3:13,“Christhasredeemedusfromthecurseofthelawbybeingmadeacurseforus.”

The second consequencewe are delivered from isDeath, Heb. 2:15,and the power ofSatan,Heb. 2:14,Col. 1:13.We are delivered fromsin,Rom.6:14,1Pet.1:18,andfromourrelationshipwith theworld,Gal.1:4.Wearedeliveredfromallthecircumstances,advantages,andclaimsthesehaveonus,Gal.4:3-5,Col.2:20.Withoutthisdeliverance,wecouldnotliveoneday.Whatisclaimedbysomeisthatwearefreedfromthepowerofhavingourconscienceboundbyany lawsandconstitutions thatarenot fromGod,Col.2:20-22.Intruth,wewereneverinbondagetothesethings,butweareindeedherebysetfreefromthem.

[2.]BelievershavelibertyassonsinthefamilyofGod,aswellaslibertyfrom the family of Satan. Sons are free. Their obedience is a freeobedience. They have the Spirit of the Lord, and where he is, there isliberty,2Cor.3:17.AsaSpiritofadoption,heisopposedtothespiritofbondage,Rom.8:15.ThislibertythatwehaveaschildreninourFather’sfamily, is a spiritual largeness of heart. In this open atmosphere, thechildrenofGodpursueallholyobedience inChrist freely,willingly,andgenuinely,withoutfear,terror,bondage,orconstraint.

ThereareGibeoniteswhooutwardlyattendthefamilyofGod,whoservehishouse as if it is the drudgery of their lives (Josh. 9:21). The principle bywhichtheyyieldobedienceisaspiritofbondagetofear,Rom.8:15.Therulethat governs them is the law in all its dread and rigor. It exacts the utmostobediencefromthem,withoutmercyormitigation.Thereasontheyobeyistofly from the wrath to come and to pacify their consciences. They seekrighteousnessasifitcouldbeobtainedbytheworksofthelaw.Thus,alltheirdaystheyservilely,painfully,andfruitlessly,servetheirconvictionofsin.

Thesaints,byadoptionandincontrast,havealargenessofheartinallholyobedience.SaysDavid,“Iwillwalkatliberty,forIseekyourprecepts,”Ps.119:45.SeealsoIsa.61:1;Luke4:18;Rom.8:2,21;Gal.4:7,5:1,13;James1:25;John8:32,33,36;Rom.6:18;1Pet.2:16.Now,thisson-likefreedomoftheSpiritinobedience,consistsinanumberofthings:1st.Freedomconsistsintheprinciplesbehindallspiritualservice,whicharelife and love. The one regards thematter of their obedience, giving thempower.Theotherregardsthemanneroftheirobedience,givingthemjoyandsweetnessinit:

(1st.)Lifeiswhatgivesthempowerinthematterofobedience.Rom.8:2,“ThelawoftheSpiritoflifeinChristJesussetsthemfreefromthelawofsinanddeath.”Lifefreesthem.Itenablesthemtofreelyobeysothat“theywalkaftertheSpirit,”Rom.8:1.“Christlivesinme;andthelifewhichInowliveintheflesh,IlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod,”Gal.2:20.Itissaying that the lifewhich I now live in the flesh, that is, the obediencewhich Iyield toGodwhile I am in the flesh, comes fromaprincipleoflife.And that principle is Christ living inme. There is power, then, foreveryonewho lives toGod; and that power comes fromChrist living inthem.TheSpiritoflifefromChristcarriesthemouttothatlife.Thefruitsofadeadrootareonlydeadexcrescences.Thefruitsofaprincipleoflifearelivingacts.Hence,thereisadifferencebetweenthelibertythatslavesreceive,andthelibertythatchildrenhaveasaright:

[1st.]Slavestakelibertyfromduty;childrenhavelibertyinduty.Thereisnogreatermistakein theworld, thanto thinkthat the libertyof thesonsofGodmeanstheycaneitherperformduties,oromit them;theycanserveinthefamilyofGod,orchoosenotto.Thatwouldbealibertystolenbyslaves,notalibertygivenbytheSpirittosons.The liberty of sons is found in the inward spiritual freedom of theirhearts tonaturallyandkindlyfulfillall thewaysandworshipofGod.When they find themselves restricted and enclosed in them, theywrestlewithGodforenlargement.Theyarenevercontentwithdoingaduty unless it is done as in Christ, with free, genuine, and enlargedhearts.Torepeat,thelibertythatservantshaveisfromduty;thelibertygiventosonsisinduty.

[2dly.]Thelibertyofslavesorservantsisfrommistakenanddeceptiveconclusions; the liberty of sons is from the power of the indwellingSpirit of grace. The liberty of servants is from outward, deadconclusions;thelibertyofsonsisfromaninward,livingprinciple.

(2dly.)Love,inthemanneroftheirobedience,givesthemdelightandjoy.John 14:15, “If you love me,” says Christ, “keep my commandments.”Loveisthebasisofalltheirduties.Hence,ourSaviordistillsallobedienceintotheloveofGodandourneighbor.Onthesamegrounds,Paultellsus“that love is the fulfilling of the law,” Rom. 13:10. Where love iscontained in any duty, it ismade complete in Christ. How oftenDavid,with admiration, expresses this principle of hiswalkwithGod! “O,” hesays, “how I love your commandments!” The saints delight that thecommandments ofChrist are not a burden to them. Jacob’s hard servicewasnotaburdenbecauseofhisloveforRachel.Andnodutyofasaintisaburden tohimbecauseofhis love forChrist.Saintsdoall thingswithdelightandcontentment.HencetheylongtowalkwithGod,andpantaftermoreability.Thisisagreatpartoftheirson-likefreedominobedience.Itgives them joy. 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but perfect lovecasts out fear.” When their soul is motivated by love to obedience, itexpelsthefearthatresultsfrombondageofthespirit.Now,whenlifeandloveacttogether,thereisfreedom,liberty,andlargenessofheart.Thisisfarfromthatnarrowandbandagedframethatotherswalkinalltheirdayswhodonotknowadoptionassons.

2dly.Theobjectofbelievers’obedienceisseenasdesirable,whiletoothersitis terrible. Indrawingnear toGod, theyseehimasaFather.TheycallhimFather,Gal.4:6,not in the formofwords,but in the spiritof sons.God inChristiscontinuallybeforethemnotonlyasonewhodeservesallthehonorsandobedienceherequires,butalsoasonewhoistobedelightedingreatly.He is all-sufficient to satisfy and satiate all the desires of the soul.Whileothersnapkintheirtalentsbecausetheydealwithanausteremaster,believersexercise their strength to its fullest because they draw close to a graciousrewarder.Fromtheprincipleoflifeandlove,theygototheheartofalivingand loving Father. They are only returning the strength they receive to itsfountain,totheocean.3dly.Theirmotivetoobeyislove,2Cor.5:14.Fromanapprehensionoflove,theyareledtosurrenderthemselvestotheonewhoislove.Whatafreedom

thisis!Whatalargenessofspiritexistsinthosewhowalkaccordingtothisrule!Darkness, fear, bondage, conviction, andmere hopes of righteousnessaccompany others in their ways. But the sons of God, by the Spirit ofadoption,havelight,love,andcontentmentintheirwalkwithGod.Theframeof the children ofGod in their Father’s house is completely foreign to theworld.4thly.Themanneroftheirobedienceiswillingness.“Theyyieldthemselvesto God, as those who are alive from the dead,” Rom. 6:13. They yieldthemselves,surrenderthemselves,willingly,cheerfully,andfreely.“Withmywhole heart,” says David (Ps.119:10). “They present themselves a livingsacrifice,”Rom.12:1,andawillingsacrifice.5thly.TherulethatguidestheirwalkwithGodisthelawofliberty,divestedof all its terrifying, threatening, killing, condemning, and cursingpower. InthebloodofJesus,itisrenderedsweet,tender,useful,instructive,andhelpfulasaruleofwalkinginthelifetheyhavereceived,notthewayofworkingforthelifetheydonothave.Thesemaybesufficientexamplesofthelibertyofobedience that sons and daughters have in the family of God, whichGibeonitesarenotacquaintedwith.

(2.)The second thingwhich the childrenofGodhavebyadoption is title.Theyhavetitleandrighttoalltheprivilegesandadvantagesofthefamilyintowhich they are translated. This is the pre-eminence of the true sons of anyfamily.ThegroundonwhichSarahpleadsfortheejectionofIshmaelwasthathewasthesonofthebondwoman,Gen.21:10.Hewasnotagenuinechildofthefamily,andthereforehecouldhavenorightofheirshipwithIsaac.Theapostle’sargumentis,“Wearenolongerservants,butsons;andifsons,thenheirs,”Rom.8:14-17;“thenwehaverightandtitle:notbeingborntothis(forbynaturewearethechildrenofwrath),wehavethisrightbyouradoption.”Thesaintshaveadoublerightandtitle:1st.Theyhaveproperanddirecttitleinrespect to spiritual things. 2dly. They have consequential title in respect totemporalthings:

[1.]Inrespecttospiritualthings,theirtitleisto:1st.Apresent place, name, and room, in the house ofGod,with all itsprivilegesandadministrations.2dly. A future abundance of the great inheritance of glory, a kingdompurchasedfortheirwholefamily:

1st.Theyhavetitleto,andaninterestin,thewholeadministrationofthefamily of God here in this world. The main idea of the supremeadministration of the house of God by the Lord Christ, in institutingordinancesanddispensingtheSpirit,istoactivatethoseordinancesinthelives of believers, and to make them effective in obtaining the end forwhich they were instituted. Believers are the prime objects of thisadministration.Allofthisisdoneforthem.Itisexercisedtowardsthem.GodhasmadeJesusChristthe“headoverallthingstothechurch,whichis his body,” Eph. 1:22, 23. He has made him the head over all thesespiritual things, and committed their authoritative administration to him,fortheuseandbenefitofthechurch,thefamilyofGod.Hedoesall thisforthebenefitandadvantageofthemanysonshewillbringtoglory,Heb.2:10.The aim of the Lord Jesus in establishing gospel administrations, andadministrators, is “for the perfecting of the saints, the work of theministry...”Eph.4:8-13.AllofthisisdoneforthefamilyofGod.Christisfaithful toall thehouseofGodin this,Heb.3:2.Hence, theapostle tellstheCorinthians,1Cor.3:22,23, thatall thesegospeladministrationsandordinancesaretheirs,andforthem.Eventhoughtheworldbenefitsbythethings of the gospel, it is designed for the children of this family. This,then,istheaimandintentoftheLordChristintheinstitutionofallgospelordinancesandadministrations.Theyareusedfor thehouseofGod,andallhischildrenandservantsinthathouse.ItistruethatthewordispreachedtoalltheworldtogatherthechildrenofGod’spurposewhoare scattered around theworld, and to leave the restwithoutexcuse.ButtheprimarypurposeistogathertheheirsofsalvationtoenjoyafeastofthesumptuousthingsthattheLordChristhaspreparedfortheminhishouse.Again,onlybelievershavearightandtitletogospeladministrationsandtotheprivilegesofthefamilyofGod.Thisisbecausetheseareofferedtohischurchaccording tohismind.Thechurch is the “houseofGod,” lTim.3:15;Heb. 3:6. This iswhere he keeps andmaintains hiswhole family,ordering themaccording tohismindandwill.WhoelsewouldhaveanyrightsinthehouseofGodbesideshischildren?Ifweallowrightsonlytoourownchildreninourhouses,whywouldwethinkGodallowsrightstoanybuthisownchildren inhishouse? Is it good to “take the children’s

breadandcastittothedogs?”Matt.15:26.WewillseethatonlychildrenhavearightortitletotheprivilegesandadvantagesofthehouseofGodifweconsider,

(1st.)Thenatureofthathouse.Itissuchthatitisimpossibleforanybutadopted children to have a right to a place in it. It is composed of“livingstones,”1Pet.2:5,a“chosengeneration,aroyalpriesthood,aholy nation, a unique people,” verse 9; “saints and faithful in ChristJesus,”Eph.1:1;“saintsandfaithfulbrothers,”Col.1:2;apeoplethatare“allrighteous,”Isa.60:21.Itswholefabricisglorious,chap.54:11-14.Thewayofthehouseis“awayofholiness,”whichtheuncleanwillnotpass through, chap.35:8.Expressly stated, theyare the“sonsanddaughters of theLordAlmighty,” and they alone, 2Cor. 6:17-18.Allothersareexcluded,Rev.21:27.Itistruethatothersmaysneakintothegreat house of God; and so there are “not only vessels of gold andsilver, but also of wood and of earth...,” 2 Tim. 2:20. But they onlysneakin,Judesaysinverse4.Theyhavenorightortitletoit.(2dly.) The privileges of the house will not suit or profit any other.What good will it do to give food to a dead man?Will he grow orbecomestrongerbyit?ThethingsofthefamilyandhouseofGodarefoodforlivingsouls.OnlyGod’schildrenarealive;allothersaredeadintrespassesandsins.Whatwilloutwardsignsavail,iflifeandpoweraremissing?Thesaints’enjoymentsinthefamilyofGodareallsuitedtobelievers.Ifbestowedontheworld,theywouldbepearlsinthesnoutofaswine.

Onlythesonsofthefamilyhavethisright.Theyhavefellowshipwithoneanother,withtheFather,andwiththeSonJesusChrist.TheyproclaimtheLord’sdeathuntilhecomes,1Cor.11:26.Theyareentrustedwithall theordinancesofthehouse,andtheiradministration.Whowilldenythemtheenjoymentofthisright,orkeepthemfromwhatChristhaspurchasedforthem?Intheend,theLordwillgivethemheartseverywheretomakeuseof this title accordingly, and not towander on themountains, forgettingtheirresting-place.2dly.They have a title to the future fullness of the inheritance that ispurchasedforthiswholefamilybyJesusChrist.Thisiswhattheapostleargues in Rom. 8:17. “If children, then heirs...” All God’s children are“first-born,”Heb. 12:23, and therefore they are heirs. Hence, thewhole

weight of glory that is prepared for them is called the inheritance. “Theinheritanceofthesaintsinlight.”Col.1:12.“IfyouareChrist’s,thenyouareAbraham’sseed,andheirsaccordingtothepromise,”Gal3:29.Weareheirsofthepromise,meaningheirsofeverythingpromisedtoAbrahaminandwithChrist.TherearethreethingsthatthechildrenofGodaresaidtobeheirsto:

(1st.)Theyareheirstothepromise,asinGal.3:29andHeb.6:17.Godshows “the heirs of the promise, the immutability of his counsel;”Abraham,Isaac,andJacobaresaidtobe“heirsofthesamepromise,”Heb. 11:9. From the foundation of the world, God made a mostexcellentpromiseinChrist,containingadeliverancefromallevil,andan engagement to bestow all good things upon them. It contains adeliverance fromall theevil that theguiltof sinand thedominionofSatan had brought upon them. It invested them with all spiritualblessings inheavenly things inChrist Jesus.Hence, inHeb.9:15, theHolySpiritcallsita“promiseoftheeternalinheritance.”ThisiswhattheadoptedchildrenofGodareprimarilyheirsto.TheyareheirstothepromisethatGodmadeatthebeginningtofallenman,andthathehassolemnly renewed and confirmed by his oath. Their claim for theirinheritanceisacceptedinthecourtsofheaven.(2dly.)Theyareheirsofrighteousness,Heb.11:7.Noahwasanheiroftherighteousnesswhichcomesbyfaith.Petercallsitbeing“heirofthegraceof life,” lPet.3:7. Jamesputsbothof these together,chap.2:5,“HeirsofthekingdomwhichGodhaspromised.”Thatis,theyareheirsof the kingdom of grace and its righteousness. In this respect, theapostle tells us that “we have obtained an inheritance,”Eph.1:11,whichhealsoplaceswiththerighteousnessoffaith,Acts26:18.Now,thisrighteousness,grace,andinheritance,notonlymeansthatrighteousnesswhichweactuallypartakeofhere,butthepurposeandaccomplishmentofthatrighteousnessinglory.Andso,(3dly.)Theyare“heirsofsalvation,”Heb.1:14,and“heirsaccordingtothe hope of eternal life,” Tit. 3:7. Peter calls this an “incorruptibleinheritance,” 1 Pet. 1:4. Paul calls it the “reward of the inheritance,”Col.3:24.Thatis,salvationistheresultoftheinheritanceoflightandholiness which they already enjoy. Thus, full salvation by Christ isfoundedon thepromises; themeansof salvation is righteousness and

holiness;andthepurposeofsalvationiseternalglory.ThesonsofGodhave a right and title to all of this because they aremade heirswithChrist.

Insum,thesaints’maintitleandrightbyadoption,isthattheLordistheirportion and inheritance, and they are the inheritance of the Lord.Whattheyhaveisalargeportion,andnicelydivided.

[2.] Besides this principal right, the adopted sons of God have a secondconsequential right to the things of thisworld.Theyhave a right to all theportionsofthisworldthatGodispleasedtoentrustthemwith.Christisthe“heirofallthings,”Heb.1:2.TheLord,byhissovereignty,originallygrantedallthingsherebelowforman’suse.Heappointedtheworksofhishandstobeused forman’sbenefit.Sin reversed thiswholegrantand institution.Allrightandtitletothethingsofcreationwaslostandforfeitedbysin.Allthingswerefreedfromtheirsubjectiontoman.Yetthatfreedom,whichremovesthepurposesforwhichtheywereoriginallyappointed,ispartoftheirvanityandcurse. It is evil for anything tobe separated from thepurposes forwhich itwascreated.Andsothewholecreationisreleasedfromanysubordinateruler.Man,havinglostthetitlebywhichheheldhisdominionoverthecreatures,hasnointerestinanyofthem,norcanhelayanyclaimtothem.But now the Lord, taking a portion for himself from fallen mankind, andappointingthemheirsofsalvation,reservestheworksofcreationfortheirusein their pilgrimage.To this end, he invests the secondAdamwith the rightandtitletowhatthefirstAdamhadlost.Heappointshim“heirofallthings.”Thereupon, his adopted ones, being “fellow-heirswithChrist,” also have arightand title to the thingsof thiscreation.Toclearupwhat this right is, Imustmakeafewobservations:

1st.The right that theadopted sonshave isnot the right thatChristhas.What Christ has is sovereign and supreme, to dowhat he will with hisown.Butwhattheadoptedsonshaveissubordinate.Theyareaccountablefor theuseof those things towhich theynowhavea rightand title.TherightofChrististherightoftheLordofthehouse;therightofthesaintsistherightofservants.2dly.AllthechildrenofGodhavearighttothewholeearth,whichistheLord’s,andthefullnessofit,1Cor.10:26.Thisisintworegards:

(1st.)ThesovereignLordoftheearthpreservesitmerelyfortheiruse,andfortheiraccount.Allothersaremaalaefideipossessores[wrongfuloccupants], invading a portion of the Lord’s territories without hispermission.(2dly.) Christ has promised to give them the kingdom and dominionover it in suchaway that thegovernmentof theearth isexercised totheiradvantage.

3dly.Thisrighttothewholeearthisaspiritualright,notacivilinterest.Itonly sanctifies the right and interest that is bestowed. God hasprovidentiallyset thecivilboundsof the inheritanceofmen,Acts17:26,allowingthemenoftheworldtoenjoyaportionhere.Oftenthatportionisvery large. Yet, for his children’s sake, the beasts of the forest that aremadetobedestroyed,maynottakeoverthewholepossession.Hence,4thly.Noadoptedpersonhasanyright,byvirtueofhisadoption, toanyportionofearthlythingstowhichhedoesnothavearightandtitlebaseduponacivilinterestthathasbeengiventohimbytheprovidenceofGod.But,5thly.Whattheydohavebytheiradoptionarethese:

(1st.)ArighttowhateverportionGodispleasedtogivethem,asit isreinvestedinChristandnotasitliesunderthecurseandvanityofsin.Therefore,thesonsofGodcanneverbecalledtoaccountforusurpingwhattheyhavenorightto.Butallthesonsofmenwhoviolentlygraspthose thingswhichGodhas liberated from theirdominionbecauseofsinwillindeedbecalledtoaccount.(2dly.)By this right, they are led to a sanctified use ofwhat they doenjoy. These things are pledges of the Father’s love, washed in thebloodofChrist,andinspirationstolivetohispraise,whogivesthemallthingstorichlyenjoy.

Hence, Idare say thatunbelievershaveno true,unquestionable right to thetemporalthingstheypossess.Itistruethattheyhaveacivilrightinrespecttoothers,but theydonothaveasanctified right in respect to theirownsouls.Theyhavearightandtitlethatwillbeupheldinthecourtsofmen,butnotarightthatwillholdupinthecourtofGod,norintheirownconscience.One

day itwillbe sad for themwhen theygiveanaccountof their enjoyments.They will be reckoned with for abusing what they have possessed by notusing it for thegloryof theonewho is the trueowner, but for laying theirhands on the creatures ofGod, and keeping these things from the ones forwhosesakesalonetheseunbelieversarepreservedfromdestruction.TheGodofglorywillcometothem,eitherintheirconscienceshere,orinthejudgmentthatistocome.Hewillsaywiththeterrorofavengefuljudge,“Ihave allowed you to enjoy corn, wine, and oil, and a great portion of mycreatures. You have rolled yourselves in wealth and prosperity, when therightfulheirsofthesethingslivedpoor,low,andmeannextdoor.Givenowananswerforwhatandhowyouhaveusedthesethings.Whathaveyouusedfortheserviceandadvancementofthegospel?Whathaveyougiventothoseforwhomnothingwasprovided?Whatcontributionhaveyoumade for thepoor saints? Have you had a ready hand and willing mind to lay downeverythingformysake?”Theywill be compelled to answer truthfully, “Lord,we indeed had a largeportion in theworld.Butwe thought itwasourown,and thatwecoulddowhatwewantedwithourown.Weatethefatanddrankthesweet,andlefttherestofoursubstanceforourchildren.Wespentsomeonourlusts,andsomeonourfriends.Butthetruthis,wecannotsaythatweusedthisunrighteousmammontoadvancethegospel,ortoministertoyourpoorsaints.Andnow,look,wemustdie...”TheLordwillproceedfurther,andquestionnotonlytheuseofthesethings,butalsotheirtitletothem.Hewilltellthem,“Theearthismine, and the fullness of it. I did, indeed,make an original grant of thesethingstoman,butthatwaslostbysin.Ihaverestoredthatgrantonlyformysaints.Why,then,haveyoulaidyourfingersofpreyonwhatwasnotyours?Whydidyoucompelmycreaturestoserveyouandyourlusts,whenIfreedthemfromyourdominion?Givememyflax,mywine,andwool.Iwillmakeyouasnakedasthedayofyourbirth,andrevengeuponyouyourrapine,andunjust possession of what was not yours.” What will men do when thathappens?

(3)ThethirdthingwhichthechildrenofGodhavebyadoptionisboldness.ButIhavespokenofthisatlargebefore,intreatingtheexcellenceofChristinrespecttoourapproachtoGodthroughhim.SoIwillnotreconsiderithere.(4.) The fourth thing which the children of God have by adoption isaffliction.Afflictionistheprivilegeofchildren,becauseitproceedsfromlove.

It leads to spiritual advantages, such as being conformed toChrist, and beingsweetenedwithhispresence,Heb.12:3-6.ButIwillnotelaborateonthis.Adoption is thesourceofall theprivilegeswhichChristhaspurchased forus,andinwhichwehavefellowshipwithhim:

•fellowshipinname;wearesonsofGod(asheis).•fellowshipintitleandright;weareheirs,andco-heirswithChrist.•fellowship in likeness and conformity; we are predestined to be like thefirstborn.

•fellowshipinhonor;heisnotashamedtocallusbrothers.•fellowship in sufferings; he learned obedience by what he suffered, andeverysonthatisreceivedistobescourged.

•fellowshipinhiskingdom;wewillreignwithhim.Imustspeakofallthesethingsspecificallyinanotherplace,soIwillnotdrawoutthediscourseconcerningthemanyfurtherhere.

PART3.COMMUNIONWITHTHEHOLYSPIRIT.

Chapter1.ThefoundationofourcommunionwiththeHolySpirit–

The foundation of all of our communion with the Holy Spirit consists in hismission as our comforter, being sent for that purpose by Jesus Christ. Thisdispensation will be the first thing considered, so that we have a correctunderstandingofitstruth.Themainpromiseandchiefconsiderations,includingthegoodreceivedandtheevilpreventedbyit,aregiveninthebeginningofthe16thchapterofJohn.Iwillviewitsstateasproposedthere.OurblessedSavior,beingreadytoleavetheworld,acquaintedhisdiscipleswithwhattheywerelikelytoencounter.Heexplainsthereasonwhyhegavethemthedoleful tidingsofhisdeparture.Hedoessoconsideringhowsadanddispiritedtheywerewhenhementionedit.Verse1,“Ihavespokenthesethingstoyou,sothat youwouldnot stumble.”He is saying, “I have acquaintedyouwith thesethingsbeforehand(thatis,thethingswhichwillcomeuponyou,whichyouaretosuffer), so thatyoupoorsouls,whoexpectedanotherstateofaffairs,wouldnotbesurprisedbyit,orbeoffendedatmeandmydoctrine,andthusfallawayfromme.Youarenowforewarned,andknowwhattolookfor.”Hesaysinverse2,“havingsaidingeneralthatyouwillbepersecuted,Itellyouplainlythattherewillbeacombinationofallmenagainstyou,andallsortsofmenwillusetheirpowerforyourruin.”“Theywillcastyououtofthesynagogues;infact,thetimecomesthatwhoeverkillsyouwill thinkthathedoesservicetoGod.”Hesays,“The ecclesiastical power will excommunicate you. They will put you out oftheir synagogues;andso thatyoumaynotexpect relief fromthepowerof themagistrateagainsttheirperversity,theywillkillyou;andsothatyoumayknowthattheywilldoitforthatpurpose,withoutcheckorcontrol,theywillthinkthatin killing you they are doing God good service; this will cause them to actrigorously,andextremely.”“But this is a shaking trial,” theymight reply (Heb. 12:26). “Is our conditionsuch thatmen, in killing us,will think to approve their consciences toGod?”“Yes, they will,” says our Savior; “Yet, so that you will not be mistaken, ortrouble your consciences about their confidence, know that their blind anddesperate ignoranceis thecauseof theirfuryandpersuasion.”Verse3,“Thesethingstheywilldotoyou,becausetheyhavenotknowntheFather,norme.”This,then,wasthestateofthedisciples.ButwhydidourSaviortellthematthis

point?Toaddfearandanxietytotheirgriefandsorrow?Whatadvantagewouldtheygainby that?TheirblessedMasteressentially says inverse4,“ThereareweightyreasonswhyItellyouthesethings.Chiefly,Iprovidedthemtoyousothat when they happen, you may be supported with the consideration of myDeityandomniscience,becauseItoldyouall thesethingsbeforetheycametopass.”Verse4:“ButthesethingsIhavetoldyou,sothatwhenthetimecomes,youmayrememberthatItoldyouofthem.”“Butiftheyaresonecessary,whyisit that you have not told us before? Why not in the beginning, at our firstcalling?” “Because,” says our Savior, “therewas no need for that; forwhile Iwaswith you, youhadprotection anddirection at hand.” “‘And I did not saythesethingsatthebeginning,becauseIwaspresentwithyou:’butnowthestateof things isaltered;Imust leaveyou,”verse4.“Andforyourpart,youaresostunnedwithsorrow,thatyoudonotaskme‘whereIgo;’whichwouldcertainlyrelieve you, because I go to take possession ofmy glory, and to carry on theworkofyoursalvation:butyourheartsarefilledwithsorrowandfears,andyoudonot somuchas inquireafter relief,”verses5,6.At thispoint,headds thatwonderfulassertioninverse7,“NeverthelessItellyouthetruth;ItisexpedientforyouthatIgoaway:forifIdonotgoaway,theComforterwillnotcometoyou;butifIdepart,Iwillsendhimtoyou.”This verse, then, is the foundation of what will be declared later. It must beconsideredastoitswordsandtheirinterpretation.1.Intheprefacetohisstatement:

(1.)Thefirstword,“alla,”isadversative.Itdoesnotnegatewhatgoesbefore,butcreatesa transition:“Iknowyouhave sad thoughtsof these things;butnevertheless…”(2.)“Egotenaleteianlegohumin,”“Itellyouthetruth.”Thewordsareveryemphatic.Theydenotesomegreatthingtofollow.First,“Ego,”“Itellityou,whatwillnowbespoken;Iwholoveyou,whotakecareofyou,whoamnowabouttolaydownmylifeforyou;thesearemydyingwords,sothatyoumaybelieveme;Iwhoamtruthitself,Itellyou.”And,“Ego ten aleteian lego,” “I tell you the truth.” “You have in your sad,misgiving hearts many misapprehensions of things. You think if I wouldabidewithyou,thenalltheseevilsmightbeprevented.Butyoudonotknowwhatisgoodforyou,norwhatisexpedient.‘Itellyouthetruth;’thisistruthitself;quietyourheartsinit.”Agreatdealofevidenceisneededtocomfort

their souls.Theyaredejectedanddisconsolate, apprehensiveaboutChrist’sabsencefromthem,whetherwhattheyperceiveistrueorfalse.ThisistheprefacetowhatourSaviorwasabouttodelivertohisdisciples.Itwill be a weighty, convincing affirmation, to separate their thoughts fromprejudice,andtopreparethemtoreceivethatgreattruth.

2. In the assertion that follows: “Sumferei humin, hina ego apelto.” It isexpedientforyouthatIgoaway.”Therearetwothingsinthesewords:Christ’sdeparture;anditsusefulnesstohisdisciples:Itisknownwhathisdeparturewillmean;hisbodilypresencewillbewithdrawnfromtheearthafterhisresurrection.The“heavensreceivehim,untilthetimesoftherestitutionofallthings,”Acts3:21.InrespecttohisDeity,andtheexerciseofhisloveandcaretowardsthem,hepromisestobewiththemtotheendoftheworld,Matt.28:20.Ofthishesays,“Sumfereihumin,”“Itisconducivetoyourgood;itisprofitableforyou;itisforyouradvantage;itwillprovidetheendyouaimfor.”Thatisthesenseofthewordthatwehavetranslated“expedient.”“Itisforyourprofitandadvantage.”This,then,iswhatourSaviorearnestlyasserts,desiring to convince his sorrowful followers of its truth.His departure,whichtheysomuchfearedandweretroubledtothinkof,wouldturntotheirprofitandadvantage.3. It might be expected that they would accept this affirmation of truth. Butbecausetheywanttoknowthebasisforit,hegivesthemcertaintyandevidencefor the proposition.He expresses it negatively and positively: “If I do not goaway,hewillnotcome;butifIdepart,Iwillsendhim.”IhavespokenbeforeconcerningChrist’sgoingaway.IwillnowaddressthesendingandthecomingoftheComforter.“Ho parakletos”: Because the word has a number of meanings, manytranslations have retained the original word “paracletus,” as the Syrian does.SomethinkitwasawordusedamongtheJews(theChaldeeparaphrasemakesuseofitinJob16:20).AndamongtheJewsitsignifiesonewhotaughtothersinawaythatdelightedtheminhisteaching,thatis,inawaythatmakeshimtheircomforter. In Scripture it has two eminent meanings. It may either be an“advocate” or a “comforter.” Our Savior is called “parakletos,” meaningadvocate,in1John2:1.WhetheritisbetterrenderedanadvocateoracomforterhereinJohn16islessclear.

Looking at the disciples’ sorrow and trouble, and it seems to require theComforter:“Sorrowhasfilledyourhearts;but Iwillsendyou theComforter.”Butlookingatthewordsthatfollow,whichmentiontheuniqueworkforwhichhe is sent, they seem to require that hebe anAdvocate, to plead the causeofChrist against the world, verse 8. I choose to interpret the promise by itsoccasion,whichwasthesorrowofhisdisciples.IpreferComforterhere.OurblessedSaviordeclaredwhothisComforterisinJohn15:26.Heis“Pneumatesaleteias,”“theSpiritoftruth.”Thatis,heistheHolySpiritwhorevealsalltruthtothesonsofmen.TwothingsareaffirmedaboutthisComforter:(1.)Hewillcome.(2.)Christwillsendhim.

(1.)Thathewillcome.HiscomingisconditionedonChristgoingaway:“IfIdonotgoaway,hewillnotcome;”“IfIdogo(eleusetai[NT:2064]),hewillcome.”SothereisnotonlythemissionofChrist,butthewilloftheSpiritinhiscoming:“Hewillcome,”hisownwillisinhiswork.(2.)ThatChristwillsendhim.“Pempsoauton,”[NT:3992;846]“Iwillsendhim.”OurSaviorinstructshisdisciplesbydegreesinthemysteryofhissendingtheSpirit.Inchap.14:16,hesays,“IwillpraytheFather,andhewillgive you anotherComforter.”Hegoes one stepmore in verse 26, “But theComforter,whichistheHolySpirit,whomtheFatherwillsendinmyname.”In 15:26, he says, “I will send him from the Father.” And then here,absolutely,“Iwillsendhim.”ThisbusinessofsendingtheHolySpiritbytheSonwasadeepmystery,whichtheycouldnothandleallatonce.Thereforeheinstructstheminitbydegrees.SendinghimarguesfortheSpirit’spersonalprocessionfromtheSon.

This is the summary: the presence of the Holy Spirit with believers, as theircomforter,isbetterandmoreprofitableforthemthanthecorporealpresenceofChrist,nowthatChristhasfulfilledtheonesacrificeforsinthathewastooffer.TheHolySpiritispromisedfortwopurposes:[1.]AsaSpirit of sanctification for the elect, to convert themandmake thembelievers.[2.]As a Spirit of consolation to believers, to give them the privileges of thedeathandpurchaseofChrist.Itisonlyinthelattersensethatheisspokenofhere.Astohispresencewithusinthisregard,andthepurposesforwhichheissent,wewillobserve

1.Thesourceofhiscoming;2.Howheisgiven;3.Ourmannerofreceivinghim;4.Hisabidingwithus;5.Hisactinginus;and6.Theeffectsofhisworkinginus.Howweholdcommunionwithhimwillappearfromallofthese.

1st. The source of his coming is mentioned in John 15:26, “Para tou Patrosekporeuetai,” “He proceeds from the Father.” This is the fountain of hisdispensation.Thereisatwofold“ekporeusis”[NT:1607],or“procession”oftheSpirit:

(1st.)“Fusike,”or“hupostatike,”inrespecttosubstanceandpersonality.(2dly.)“Oikonomike,”ordispensational,inrespecttotheworkofgrace.

Inthefirstrespect,heistheSpiritoftheFatherandtheSon,proceedingfromboth eternally, and so he receives his substance andpersonality from them.This is not the business at hand. I will only say that, here lies the firstfoundationofallourdistinctcommunionwithhimandourworshipofhim.Butwecannotprogressbeyondthebareacquiescenceoffaithinthisrevealedmystery,performingwhatisduehimsolelyontheaccountofhisparticipationintheessenceofGod.AndsoIwillnotdwelluponit.His “ekporeusis” or proceeding, mentioned here, is his dispensationalproceeding to carry on the work of grace. It is spoken in reference to hisbeingsentbyChristafterhisascension:“thenIwillsendhimwhoproceedsfromtheFather,”Jn.15:26.WhenGodwassaidto“comeoutofhisplacetopunishtheinhabitantsoftheearth,”Isa.26:21,itdidnotrefertoanymutationinGod,buttotheworkofpunishmenthewouldeffect.TheSpiritislikewisesaidtoproceedinreferencetoaspecificwork,whichistotestifyofChrist.Thiscannotbeassignedtohiminrespect tohiseternalprocessionfromtheFather and theSon,butonly in respect tohis actualdispensation. It is alsosaid of Christ, “He came forth from God,” Jn. 16:30. The mention of theFatherin15:26,andnottheSon,onlyreflectsthegradualwaybywhichourSavior reveals this mystery to his disciples, as mentioned earlier. He doesrefer tohimselfas sending theSpirit in John16:7.Thisexternal relationofthe Spirit to the Father and the Son in respect to his operation, proves hisinternalrelationtotheminrespecttohispersonalprocession.

Threethingsmaybeconsideredinthefoundationofthisdispensation,andinreferencetoourcommunionwiththeHolySpirit:

[1st.]ThewilloftheSpiritisinthework:“Ekporeuetai,”“Hecomesforthhimself.”Frequentmention ismadeofhisbeingsent,given,andpouredout. It should not be understood to mean that this Spirit is an inferior,created spirit, a mere servant, as some have blasphemed. Nor does hispersonalityprincipallyrepresentthevirtueofGod,assomehavefancied.Hehas“idiomatahupostatika,”personalproperties,appliedtohiminthiswork.This argues for his personality and liberty. “Ekporeuetai,” “He, ofhimselfandofhisownaccord,proceeds.”[2dly.] The condescension of the Holy Spirit in this dispensation, toproceedfromtheFatherandtheSoninthiswork.TakingonthisworkofaComforter,astheSontookontheworkofaRedeemer,willbediscussedlater.[3dly.]ThefountainofallthisisdiscoveredtobetheFather.Itisdonesothatwemayknowhisworksinpursuitofelectinglove,whichisalwaysascribedtotheFather.Thisistheorderthatisintimatedhere:First,thereisthe“protesis”oftheFather,orthepurposeofhislove.Thisisthefountainof all. Then there is the “erotesis,” the asking of the Son, John 14:16,whichincludeshismeritandpurchase.Fromthisfollowsthe“ekporeusis,”or willing proceeding of the Holy Spirit. And this also testifies to thefoundationof thiswholediscourse,namely,ouruniquecommunionwiththe Father in love, the Son in grace, and theHoly Spirit in consolation.This iswhere that fellowship of theHolySpirit begins towhichwe arecalled. His gracious and blessed will, his infinite and ineffablecondescension,isseenbyfaithasthefoundationofallthoseeffectsthatheworks inus, and theprivileges thatwepartakeofbyhim.Our soulsareuniquely conversant with him. Our desires, affections, and thankfulnessarefocusedonhim:moreaboutthislater.ThisisthefirstthingtoconsiderinourcommunionwiththeHolySpirit.

2dly.Themannerofhisbestowingorcommunicating tous fromthis fountain,thatis,howheisgiven,shouldalsobeconsidered.Itdenotesthreethings:

(1st.)Thefreenessofit.Thusheissaidtobegiven,John14:16;“Hewillgiveyouanothercomforter.”ThemostfrequentadjunctofthecommunicationoftheSpirit is that he is given and received as a gift: “Hewill givehisHoly

Spirit to thosewhoaskhim.”Agift is free.TheSpiritofgrace isgivenofgrace.TheSpiritofsanctification,ortheSpirittosanctifyandconvertus,isagiftoffreegrace.Inrespecttoconsolation, theSpirit isagiftaswell;heispromisedtobegiventobelievers.Hence,theSpiritissaidtobereceivedbythegospel,notbythelaw,Gal.3:2.Heisreceivedofmeregrace,andnotofour own procuring. All his works are called “charismata,” [NT:5486]meaning “freedonations.”He is freelybestowed, andhe freelyworks.Thedifferentmeasures inwhichhe is receivedarise from the fact thatwehavehimbydonation,orfreegift.Thisisthetenurebywhichweholdandenjoyhim,atenureoffreedonation.Thatishowheistobeseen,tobeasked,andto be received. In our communion with the Comforter, faith also drawstogether hiswillwith the gift of the Father and Son. The one respects thedistinctoperationoftheDeityinthepersonoftheHolySpirit,whiletheotherrespects the economy of thewhole Trinity in thework of our salvation byJesusChrist.ThesoulrejoicesthattheComforteriswillingtocometohim,andiswillingtobegiventohim.AndseeingthatallofthisisthewilloftheSpiritandthegiftofGod,graceismagnified.(2dly.)Theauthorityofit.Thusheissaidtobesent.Jn.14:26,“TheFatherwill send him inmy name;” and 15:26, “I will send him to you from theFather;”and,“Iwillsendhimtoyou,”16:7.ThismissionoftheHolySpiritbytheFatherandtheSon,revealstheorderofthesubsistenceofthepersonsintheblessedTrinity,andtheSpirit’sprocessionfromtheFatherandSon.Italsorevealstheorderthatisvoluntarilyengagedinbythemtoaccomplishthework of our salvation. In his love for us, there is a very special way ofcondescendingbytheHolySpirittotheauthoritativedelegationofFatherandSon in this business. This speaks not of a disparity, dissimilitude, orinequality of essence, but of oneness in this work. The office of the HolySpirit is to be an advocate for us, and a comforter to us. In respect to thisoffice, he is sent authoritatively by Father and Son. This subjection orinequalityinrespecttohisoffice,doesnotinanywayprejudicetheequalityofnaturethattheSpirithaswithFatherandSon;nomorethanthemissionoftheSongivenbytheFatherwouldprejudicehisownequalityofnature.Therightunderstandingofmanymysteriesinthegospel,andtheorderingofourheartsincommunionwiththeSpirit,dependonthisauthoritativemission.

[1st.]Hence, the sin against theHoly Spirit is unpardonable. It has thatcolorofrebellionputuponitthatnoothersinhas.Thisisbecausehedoesnotcomeoract inhisownnamealone,butinthenameandauthorityof

theFatherandSon,fromandbywhomheissent.Therefore,tosinagainsthimistosinagainstalltheauthorityofGod,alltheloveoftheTrinity,andthecondescensionofeachpersontotheworkofoursalvation.It isfromtheauthoritativemissionoftheSpirit thatthesinagainsthimisuniquelyunpardonable. It is a sin against the united love of the Father, Son, andSpirit.Fromthisconsideration,thetruenatureofthesinagainsttheHolySpiritmightbeinvestigated.Certainlyitmustconsistincontemptforsomeoperationofhis,actinginthenameandauthorityofthewholeTrinity,andtheir ineffable condescension to the work of grace. But this is anotherconsideration.[2dly.]Becauseof thismission,weare to ask theFather and theSon togivetheSpirittous.Luke11:13,“YourheavenlyFatherwillgivetheHolySpirittothosewhoaskhim.”NowtheHolySpirit,beingGod,isnolesstobe invoked, prayed to, and called upon, than the Father and Son, as Iprovedelsewhere.How,then,doweasktheFatherforhim,aswedoinallour supplications, ifwealsopray that theFatherhimselfwouldcome tous,visitus,andabidewithus?InourprayersthataredirectedtotheSpirit,weconsiderhimasessentiallyGodoverall,blessedforevermore.Weprayfor him from the Father and Son, as being under this mission anddelegation from them.And, indeed,God has clearly revealed himself inthe order of this dispensation to us. Thus, in our communion with theSpirit,wearetoaddresshimaccordingly.Thatis,wenotonlyaddressthepersonoftheHolySpirithimself,butproperlyweaddressourselvestotheFatherandSonforhim,whichreferstothisdispensation.[3dly.] That iswhy such a greatweight is placed upon not grieving theSpirit,Eph.4:30.Hecomestousinthename,withthelove,anduponthecondescensionofthewholeblessedTrinity.Togrievehimforthepurposewhichwillafterwardbementioned,isagreataggravationofsin.Hejustlyexpectscheerfulentertainmentwithus,becauseofwhoheisandtheworkhecomes todo.Butwhenwealsoconsider thathe is sentby theFatherand the Son, commissioned with their love and grace, to communicatethemtooursouls,thisoughttoinstillunspeakableesteemwithbelievers.And so the manner of his communication indicates that he is sent byauthority.

(3dly.)Heissaidtobepouredoutorshedonusabundantly,Tit.3:6,“Houekseche-en [NT:1632] ef’ hemas plousios.” This was the primary way in

which hewas communicated under theOldTestament. Themystery of theFatherandtheSon,andthematterofcommissionanddelegationwasnotsoclearlyrevealedthen.“UntiltheSpiritbepoureduponusfromonhigh,andthe wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for aforest;” Isa. 32:15. That is, until the Gentiles are called, and the Jews arerejected.InIsa.44:3,“IwillpourmySpirituponyourseed,andmyblessinguponyouroffspring.”Zech.12:10isaneminentexampleandalwayscomestomind. “And Iwill pouron thehouseofDavid andon the inhabitants ofJerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look onMewhomtheypierced.Yes,theywillmournforHimasonemournsforhisonlyson, and grieve forHim as one grieves for a firstborn.”This expression ofbeingpouredout or shed is an allusion towater. It refers to all theusesofwater, both natural and typical. Iwill not go into the particular associationbetweenthem,butperhapsefficacyandplentyaretheprimarymeanings.

Thisthreefoldexpressionofgiving,sending,andpouringouttheSpirit,givesus the threegreatpropertiesof thecovenantofgrace:First, it is free;he isgiven.Secondly,itisorderlyandsure.ItcomesfromtheloveoftheFather,bytheprocurementoftheSon.ThisiswherewegettheFathersendinghim,andtheSonsendinghimfromtheFather.HeisthegiftoftheFather’slove,andthepurchaseoftheSon’sblood.Thirdly,itisefficaciousandplentiful.

3dly. The third thing to consider in the Spirit’s purpose, is our receivinghim.MindwhatIfirstproposedoftheSpirit:considerhimasaSpiritofsanctificationandaSpiritofconsolation.ReceivinghimasaSpiritofsanctificationisamerepassive reception, just as a vessel receives water. He comes as the wind onEzekiel’s dead bones and makes them live (Ezek. 37). He comes into deadhearts,andquickensthembyanactofhisalmightypower.Butnow,astheSpiritofconsolation, it isotherwise.Inthissense,ourSaviortellsusthat the“worldcannotreceivehim,”John14:17,“Theworlddoesnotreceive,because itdoesnot seehim,neither does it knowhim:but youknowhim, for hedwellswithyou, and will be in you.” It is the Spirit of consolation, or the Spirit forconsolation, that ispromisedhere.This is evident from thecloseof theverse,whereheissaidtobeinthemwhenheispromisedtothem.HewasinthemasaSpiritofquickeningandsanctificationwhenhewaspromisedtothemasaSpiritofcomfortandconsolation.Heabideswiththemforthatpurpose.Thepowertoreceive the Spirit is denied to be in the world. It is ascribed to believers.UnbelieverscannotreceivetheSpiritbecausetheydonotknowhim.Believerscanreceivehim,because theydoknowhim.So there isanactivepower tobe

exercised in receiving him for consolation, but not in receiving him forregenerationandsanctification.Thisactivepoweristhepoweroffaith.InGal.3:2,theyreceivedtheSpiritbythehearingoffaith.Inotherwords,thepreachingofthegospelinstilledfaithinthem,enablingthemtoreceivetheSpirit.Hence,believingisthequalificationofreceivingtheHolySpirit.“ThishespokeoftheSpirit,whichthosewhobelieveonhimshouldreceive,”John7:39.ItisbelieverswhoreceivetheSpirit,andtheyreceivehimbyfaith.TherearethreespecialactsoffaithinreceivingtheSpirit:

(1st.)ItconsiderstheSpiritaspromised.Itisfaithalonethatprofitsfromthebenefitofthepromises,“Forindeedthegospelwaspreachedtousaswellastothem;butthewordwhichtheyhearddidnotprofitthem,notbeingmixedwith faith in those who heard it,” Heb. 4:2. He is called the Spirit of thatpromise, “Inwhomyou also trusted, after you heard theword of truth, thegospelofyour salvation: inwhomalsoafteryoubelieved,youweresealedwiththatholySpiritofpromise,”Eph.1:13.HeistheSpiritpromisedinthecovenant.AndwereceivethepromiseoftheSpirit throughfaith,Gal.3:14.SoreceivingtheSpiritthroughfaithisreceivinghimaspromised.FaithlooksatthepromiseofGodandofJesusChrist,ofsendingtheSpiritforallthoseendsthatheisdesired.Thusfaithdependsonthispromise,waitsforit,andmixesthepromisewithitselfuntilitreceiveshim.(2dly.)Faithactsbyprayer.He isgivenasaSpiritof supplication, thatwemayaskhimasaSpiritofconsolation,Luke11:13.Indeed,thisaskingoftheSpiritofGod,inthenameofChrist,istheprimaryworkoffaithinthisworld.(3dly.)FaithcherishestheSpiritbybeingattentivetohisimpulses,improvinghisactingaccordingtohismindandwill.

ThisisallIwillsayaboutourreceivingtheSpirit,sentofJesusChrist.Wedoitby faith, looking at him as purchased by Jesus Christ, and promised of theFather.WeseekhimatthehandsofGod,andwereceivehim.4thly.Thenext thing toconsider in theSpirit’spurpose ishisabidingwithus.ThisisexpressedtwowaysintheScripture:

(1st.)Ingeneral,itissaidhewillabidewithus.(2dly.)Inparticular,astohowheabides,itisbyinhabitationorindwelling.Ihave spoken fully of the inhabitation of the Spirit elsewhere.He is said to

dwell in us primarily, or perhaps solely, as a Spirit of sanctification orconsolation.Thisisevidentfromtheworkhedoes.Becauseheisindwelling,hequickensandsanctifiesus,Rom.8:11.Hedwells inusas if ina temple,whichhemakesholybydwellingthere,1Cor.6:19.“Hewillabidewithyouforever,”John14:16,Thereisadifficultyinthispromise.Hispermanenceinabidingrelatesonlytosanctification,nottohisroleasComforter.Howisitthat theSpiritofsanctificationdwells inusforever,makingit impossible tocompletelyloseourholiness,andyetwemaycompletelyloseourcomfort?Alittletoclearthisupinourpassage:

[1st.]He ispromisedtoabidewith thedisciplesforever, inopposition tothe abode ofChrist. Christ, in the flesh, had beenwith them for a littlewhile.NowhewasleavingthemandgoingtohisFather.Hehadbeenthecomforterforaseason,butheisnowdeparting.Inpromisingthemanothercomforter,theymightfearthathewouldonlyvisitthemforalittlewhiletoo, and then their conditionwould beworse than ever. But our Saviorsays, “Do not fear that. This is the last dispensation. There will be noalteration.WhenIamgone,theComforterwilldoalltheremainingwork.Thereisnoothertolookfor.Ipromisehimtoyou.Hewillnotdepartfromyou.Hewillalwaysabidewithyou.”[2dly.]TheComfortermayalwaysabidewithus,buthewillnotalwayscomfortus.Heisalwayswithusforotherendsandpurposes,suchastosanctify andmake us holy. Thiswas the casewithDavid, Ps. 51:11-12,“Take not your Holy Spirit fromme.” The Holy Spirit of sanctificationwas still with David; but he says, “Restore to me the joy of yoursalvation.”Thatis,restoretheSpiritofconsolationthatwaslostwhenthepromisewasmadegoodintheabidingoftheSpiritofsanctification.[3dly.]TheComfortermayabideasacomforter, evenwhenhedoesnotactually comfort us. In truth, the essence of holiness requires that hecannotdwellinuswithoutmakingusholy,forthetempleofGodisholy.Buthiscomforting isanactofhissovereignwill.Andsohemayabide,andyetnotactuallycomfortus.[4thly.]TheSpiritoftenworkstoconsoleus,evenwhenwedonotreceiveit.Thewellisclose,butwedonotseeit.Werefusetobecomforted.Itoldyou that the Spirit as a sanctifier comes with power to conquer anunbelievingheart.TheSpiritasacomfortercomeswithsweetness, tobereceivedinabelievingheart.Hemayspeak,butwedonotbelieveitishis

voice.Hemayofferconsolation,butwewillnotreceiveit.“Mysoreran,”saysDavid,“andmysoulrefusedtobecomforted.”[5thly.]IdenythattheHolySpiriteverleavesabelievingsoulwithoutanyconsolation.Amanmaybedarkenedandclouded;hemayrefusecomfort;hemayactuallyfindnone,andfeelnone.Buthehasaradicalfoundationofconsolation,which indue timewillbe realized.Therefore,whenGodpromisesthathewillhealsinners,andrestorecomforttothem,asinIsa.57:18, it isnot that theywerewithoutanycomfort,but that theydidnothaveasmuchas theyneeded. It isnotmypresentpurpose to list all thewaysbywhichmenrefusecomfort,andcomeshortoftheconsolationthatGodwantsthemtohave.

Beingsentandgiven,theSpiritabideswithbelievers,anddoesnotleavethem;butheshowshimselfinvariouswaysinhisoperations.

Chapter2.WhattheHolySpiritdoesinandtowardsus–

Having declared why and how the Holy Spirit is given to us as a Spirit ofconsolation,Icomenexttothefollowing:5thly.Todeclarewhathisactsareinusandtowardsus.Therearetwogeneralareastoconsider:

(1st.)Hisvariousmannersandkindsofacting,and(2dly.) The particular products of his acting in us, in which we havecommunionwithhim.(1st.)Hisvariousmannersandkindsofacting.

[1st.]He is said “towork effectually,” [NT:1754energein]. 1Cor. 12:11,“All thesework” (or effect) “that one and the self-same Spirit.” This issaid in respect to his distribution of gifts, but the same can be said forcommunicating graces and privileges. He does it by working. This isevidence of his personality, especially when we consider the wordsfollowing, “Dividing to every man according to his will.” To workaccordingtowillistheinseparablepropertyofaperson,anditisspokenexpressly of God, Eph. 1:11. So in relation to 1Cor. 12:6, it makes hisDeitynolessevident.WhatheissaidtodothereissaidofGodhimself:“Therearevariousoperations,but it is thesameGodwhichworksall inall.” In other words, “All these works are of one and the same Spirit,dividingtoeverymanseverallyashewill.”Whatwehavefromhim,wehavebyhisenergeticworking.Itisnotbyproposingthisorthatargumentto us. It is not by persuading us with this or that moral motive orinducement,leavingustomakeuseofthemaswecan.Instead,heworkseffectuallytocommunicategraceorconsolationtous.[2dly.] In the sameverse, it speaks of themanner of hisworking.He issaidtodivideordistributetoeveryoneashewill,diairein[NT:1243].Thisactofdistributioninvolvesoperation,choice,judgment,andfreedom.Onewhodistributesvariously,doessowithchoice,judgment,andfreedomofwill.SucharetheproceedingsoftheSpiritinhisdispensations.Toone,hegivesone thing abundantly, to another, something else.Toone, hegivesone thing inonedegree, toanother, thesame thing inadifferentdegree.

Thus, in his sovereignty, the saints are kept in constant dependence onhim.Hedistributesashewill.Whoshouldnotbecontentwithhisportion?Whatclaimcananymaketowhathedistributesashewill?

[3dly.]Thisisfurthermanifestedbyhisgivingwhatandwhenhechooses.They“spokewithothertongues,astheSpiritgavethemutterance,”Acts2:4.Hegavethesetonguestothem,freely.Whateverhebestowsuponusis his gift. Hence, in the economy of our salvation, no one personprejudicesthefreedomandlibertyofanyother.SotheloveoftheFatherin sending theSon is free.Sendinghim innowayprejudices the libertyand love of the Son. He lays down his life freely. The satisfaction andpurchase made by the Son in no way prejudices the freedom of theFather’sgraceinpardoningandacceptingus.TheFatherandSonsendingtheSpirit does not derogate fromhis freedom in hisworkings.What hegives, he gives freely.And the reason for this is because thewill of theFather,Son,andHolySpiritisessentiallythesame.Intheactofoneisthecounselofall,andeachfreelyparticipatesinthat.

Thisdescribesthegeneralmannerandkindofhisworkinginusandtowardsus.Power,choice,andfreedomareevidentlydenotedinthepassagescited.Itisnotauniqueworkofhistowardsusthatisdeclaredhere,butthemannerinwhichheproducestheeffects.

(2dly.)WhatremainsistoexplainthefoundationofthecommunionwhichwehavewiththeHolySpirit.

The Spirit being sent to us, and working in us, I will now take up theeffects that he produces. I will not put them into any artificial order.InsteadIwilltreatthemasIfindthemlyingscatteredupanddownintheScripture.Iwillmovefromthosewhicharemoregeneral,tothosewhicharemorespecific.Myaimanddesireisnottobeexhaustive,buttoaddressonlythemostobviousones.

IwillspeakoftheSpiritprincipally(ifnotexclusively)asacomforter,andnotasasanctifier.Therefore,ImustomitthegreatsanctifyingworkoftheSpirittowardsusallourdays,hisconstantsupplyingofnewlight,power,andvigorinthegracethatwereceivefromhim.NorwillIspeakof thosethingswhichtheComfortereffects inbelieverstowardsothers, in testifying to themandconvicting theworld.Theseare

promised in John15:26,16:8,where theSpirit isproperly thebeliever’sadvocate.Iwillonlyspeakof thoseeffects thatheworksinandtowardsbelieversastheircomforter.

Chapter3.ThingsinwhichwehavecommunionwiththeHolySpirit–

TheeffectsoftheHolySpiritinus,ortowardsus,arethesubject-matterofourcommunionwithhim.Theyare the thingsinwhichweholduniquefellowshipwithhimasourcomforter.Thefollowingeffectsareproposed:1.ThefirstandmostgeneralisthatofJohn14:26,“Hewillteachyouallthings,andbringall thingstoyourremembrance,whateverIhavesaidtoyou.”Therearetwopartstothispromise:(1.)Teaching.(2.)Reminding.Iwillspeaklaterofthefirstpart,histeaching,whenIaddressouranointingbyhim.

(2.) The first general promise of the Spirit as a comforter is that he willremind us of all the things that Christ spoke: “Hupomnesei humas panta,”[NT:5279,5209,3956]“Hewillmakeyoumindallthesethings.”Thismaybeconsideredtwoways:

[1.] In respect to the words he actually said. Our Savior promises hisapostles that the Holy Spirit will directly remind them of the things hesaid,sothatbyhisinspirationtheymightbeenabledtowriteandpreachthemfor thegoodandbenefitofhischurch.Peter tellsus in2Pet.1:21,“HolymenofGodspokeastheyweremovedbytheHolySpirit”(thatis,in writing the Scripture); “hupo Pneumatos Hagiou feromenoi.”[NT:5259,4151,40,5342]Theywereborneupbyhim,andcarriedbeyondthemselves to speak his words, and to write down what he dictated tothem.TheapostlesmightforgetmuchofwhatChristsaidto them.Whattheydidretainbynaturalremembrance,wasnotasufficientfoundationforaruleoffaithtothechurch.Thewordofprophecyisnot“idiasepiluseos,”[NT:2398,1955]1Pet.1:20,fromanyman’sprivatemotivation.Itdoesnotcomefromanyprivateconception,understanding,or remembrance.Thatiswhy,ChristpromisesthattheHolySpiritwilldothiswork,sothattheymight infallibly repeat what he delivered to them. Hence, the phrase inLuke 1:3, “Purekoloutekoti anoten,” [NT:3877,509] is better rendered,“Having obtained perfect knowledge of things from above” rather than“Having obtained perfect knowledge of things from the beginning.”Itdenotesthatthesourceofhisunderstandingissuchthatheisabletogiveaninfallibleruleoffaithtothechurch.

[2.] Remindingmay be in respect to the comfort of what he said. Thisseems to be largely the intent of this promise.He had been speaking tothem of things suited for their consolation. He gave them preciouspromisesofthesuppliestheywouldhavefromhiminthislife,theloveoftheFather,andthegloryhewasprovidingthem.Thesenseandcomfortofthesethingsisinexpressible,andthejoyarisingfromthemisfullofglory.He says, “I know how unable you are to make use of these things toconsoleyourselves.Therefore,theSpiritwillrestorethemtoyourminds,intheirfullstrengthandvigor,forthatpurposeforwhichIspeakthem.”Thisisonereasonwhyitwasexpedientforbelieverstohavethepresenceof the Spirit in place of Christ’s body. While he was with them, theheavenlypromisesChristgavethemhadlittleeffectontheirhearts!WhentheSpiritcame,hemadeallthingsfullofjoyforthem!Thisuniquework,whichbelongedtotheSpiritbyvirtueofhisoffice,wasreservedforhimso thathe toomightbeglorified.Hiswork to theendof theworld is tobring the promises of Christ to ourminds and hearts. He gives us theircomfort, joy, and sweetness, far beyond what the disciples experiencedwhen Christ spoke the promises to them in person. Their graciousinfluencewasbeingrestrained,sothatthedispensationoftheSpiritmightbeglorified.Thisistrueofthenextwordsinthispromise,Jn.14:27,“PeaceIleavewithyou.Mypeace I give to you.”The consequence of theComforter beingsent, to bring to mind what Christ said, is peace and freedom from atroubledheart.Whatever peace, relief, comfort, joy, and support thatwereceive from anywork, promise, or thing done byChrist, all belongs tothisdispensationoftheComforter.Itwouldbeuselesstoapplyournaturalabilitiestoremember,calltomind,orconsiderthepromisesofChrist.ButwhentheComforterundertakesthework,itisdonetofitthepurpose.

Afterward,IwilldiscusshowwehaveuniquecommunionwiththeSpiritinfaith and obedience, and in the consolation that we receive from Christ’spromisesthattheSpiritbringstomind.Ingeneral,whatweobtainisthis:ourSavior Jesus Christ leaves the efficacy of those promises of consolation,whichhegaveinpersontohisapostles,totheHolySpirit.Inthisweseetheimmediatesourceofall thespiritualcomfortwehavein thisworld,andthefellowshipwhichwehavewiththeHolyGhostinthatcomfort.Onlyhere,asinthefollowingparticulars,whatshouldbeborneinmindisthe

manner of the Spirit’sworking this comfort, and the interest of his power,will,andgoodness inhisworking.Hecomfortspowerfully,voluntarily,andfreely.

1st. Powerfully. Therefore, comfort from the words and promises ofChrist sometimes breaks in through all opposition into the saddest anddarkestconditionimaginable.Itcomesandmakesmensinginadungeon,rejoiceinflames,andgloryintribulation.Itwillpassintoprisons,racks,through temptations, and thegreatestdistresses imaginable.Why is this?“ToPneumaenergei,” theSpiritworkseffectually.Hispower is in it.Hewillwork,andnonewillstophim.IfhewillbringtoourremembrancethepromisesofChristforourconsolation,thenneitherSatannorman,sinnorworld, not even death, will interrupt our comfort. The saints, who havecommunionwiththeHolySpirit,knowthistotheiradvantage.Sometimesthe heavens are black over them, and the earth trembles under them.Public, personal calamities and distresses appear so full of horror anddarkness,thattheyarereadytofaintwiththeapprehensionsofthem.Thisiswheretheirgreatreliefcomesfrom,andtherevivaloftheirspirits.Theirconsolation or trouble does not depend on any outward condition orinwardframeoftheirownhearts.ItdependsonthepowerfulandeffectualworkingsoftheHolySpirit,towhichtheysurrenderbyfaith.

2dly.Voluntarily. He distributes to everyone as hewill. Therefore, thiswork is done in great variety, both to the same person and to variouspeople. For the same person, every promise brings sweetness when hispressures are great and heavy. Sometimes he may be full of joy orconsolationingreatdistress.Othertimes,intheleasttrial,hemaysearchthepromise seeking comfort, but it is far away.The reason is, “Pneumadiairei katos bouletai,” the Spirit distributes as he will. And so withvariouspeople,underthesamecircumstances,somefindeachpromiseisfulloflifeandcomfortwhileotherstastelittleofitalltheirdays.Andfaithaffectsthiswholebusinessofconsolation.Itdependsonthesovereignwillof the Holy Spirit. It is not tied to any rules or course of procedure.Therefore faith is exercised waiting upon the Spirit for the seasonableaccomplishmentofthegoodpleasureofhiswill.

3dly.Freely. The variety in dispensing consolation by promises resultsfrom the freedom of the Spirit’s operation. Hence, comfort is givenunexpectedly, when the heart has every reason in the world to expect

distress and sorrow. Thus, sometimes it is the first means to recover abackslider, who might justly expect to be cut off. These considerationsapplytoalltheothereffectsandfruitsoftheComforter.

In this first general effect or work of the Holy Spirit towards us, we havecommunion and fellowshipwith him. The life and soul of all our comforts isfoundinthepromisesofChrist.Theyarethebreastsofallourconsolation.Whoknowshowpowerfultheyareintheirbareletter,orwhentheyareenhancedbyconsideringandmeditatingonthem?Theysometimesbreakunexpectedlyuponthe soulwith a conquering, endearing life andvigor.This iswhere faithdealsuniquelywiththeHolySpirit.Itconsidersthepromisesthemselves.Itlooksuptohim,waitsforhim,considershisappearances in theword,andownshiminhiswork and efficacy.No sooner does the believer begin to feel the life of apromise warming his heart, than he knows the Holy Spirit is there relieving,cherishing, supporting, and delivering him from fear, entanglements, andtroubles.Thiswilladdtohisjoy,andleadhimintofellowshipwiththeSpirit.2. The next general work of the Spirit seems to be that in John 16:14, “TheComforterwillglorifyme;forhewillreceiveofmine,andwillshowittoyou.”TheworkoftheSpirit istoglorifyChrist.FromthiswecanseethattheSpiritdoes not substitute himself forChrist, or say that he is everything in himself.That would not be the Comforter. His work is to glorify Christ, the one thatsendshim.ItwouldbeanevidentsignofafalsespiritifitdidnotglorifyChrist;and sucharemany spirits thathavegoneabroad into theworld.Butwhat thisSpirit will do to glorify Christ is to, “take of mine,” “ek tou emou lepsetai.”What these thingsare isdeclared in thenextverse:“All things that theFatherhasaremine;thereforeIsaidhewilltakeofmine.”OurSaviorisnotspeakingof the essenceandessentialpropertiesof theFather andSon,butof thegracethatiscommunicatedtousbythem.By,“mythings,”Christmeansthefruitofhispurchaseandmediation,thebasisonwhichhesaysallhisFather’sthingsarehis.Thatis,hemeansallthefruitsofelection,thethingsthattheFather,inhiseternallove,hasprovidedtobedispensedinthebloodofhisSon.Heissaying,“TheComforterwill receive these.Theywillbecommitted tohimtodispensefor your good and advantage, and for their appointed purpose.” So it follows,“anangelei,”[NT:312]hewillshowthem,ordeclareandmakethemknowntoyou.”This,then,ishowhecomforts.Herevealstothesoulsofsinnersthegoodthingsof the covenant of grace which the Father has provided, and the Son has

purchased. He shows to us mercy, grace, forgiveness, righteousness, andacceptancebyGod.He letsusknowthat theseare the thingsofChrist thathehas procured for us. He shows them to us for our comfort and security. Heeffectually declares these things to believers, andmakes them know them fortheir own good, and know them as the things that come originally from theFather.Theywerepreparedfrometernityinhisloveandgoodwill,purchasedforthembyChrist,andstoredinthecovenantofgracefortheiruse.ThenChristismagnified and glorified in their hearts. Then they know what a Savior andRedeemerhe is.AbelieverdoesnotglorifyorhonorChristwhenhe learnsoftheeternalredemptionhehaspurchasedforhim.ItisauniqueeffectoftheHolySpiritasourcomforter.“NomancansaythatJesusistheLord,butbytheHolySpirit,”1Cor.12:3.3.He“sheds the loveofGodabroad inourhearts,”Rom.5:5.What ismeanthereis theloveofGodtous,notourlovetoGod.Thecontext issoclearthatnothingcanbeaddedtoit.TheloveofGodiseitherofordinationoracceptance;it is either the love of his intent to do us good, or the love that gains usacceptanceandapprovalbyhim.BothofthesearefrequentlycalledtheloveofGod in Scripture, as I have said. Now, how can these be shed abroad in ourhearts?Theycannotbeinthemselves,butonlythesenseofthem.Itisaspiritualapprehensionofthem.“Ekkechutai”[NT:1632]is“shedabroad.”ItisthesamewordthatisusedconcerningtheComforterbeinggivenus,Tit.3:6.Godshedshimabundantly,orpourshimonus;soheshedsabroad,orpoursouttheloveofGodinourhearts.Theexpressionismetaphorical.Whatit indicatesis that theComforter gives a sweet and plentiful evidence and persuasion of the love ofGodtous.Itissuchthatthesoulistaken,delighted,andsatiatedwithit.Thisishiswork,andhedoesiteffectually.It isaninexpressiblemercytogiveapoorsinful soul a comforting persuasion, an overflowing sense that God in JesusChristloveshim,anddelightsinhim,thatheiswellpleasedwithhim,andthathehasthoughtsoftendernessandkindnesstowardshim.WehavethisinauniquemannerbytheHolySpirit;itishisuniquework.Justasall his works are mixed with love and kindness, they are mixed with thiscommunication of a sense of the love of the Father. In this, we have uniquecommunionwiththeSpirit,andbyhimwehavecommunionwiththeFatherinhislove,shedabroadinourhearts.Sonotonlydowerejoicein,andglorifytheHoly Spirit who does this work, but in the Father whose love it is.We alsorejoiceintheSon,intakinghisthingsandshowingthemtous.Whatwehaveofheaveninthisworldisfoundinthis.Itisthebasisandmannerofourfellowship

withtheHolySpirit.4.Anothereffectofhisworkinandtowardsusis this:Rom.8:16,“TheSpirititselfbearswitnesswithourspirit,thatwearethechildrenofGod.”Bynature,wearechildrenofSatan,of thecurseandwrath.BytheSpiritweareput intoanothercapacity.WeareadoptedaschildrenofGod.ByreceivingtheSpiritofourFatherwebecomethechildrenofourFather.Thisiswhyheiscalled,“TheSpiritofadoption,”Rom.8:15.SometimesthesoulquestionswhetheritisachildofGod, because some its old condition remains.When that happens, the soulgravelyputsinitsclaimofadoption,withalltheevidenceithastomakegoodits title.TheSpiritcomesandbearswitness in thiscase.This isanallusion tojudicialproceedingsabout titlesandevidence.The judgebeing set, thepersonputs in his claim, produces his evidence, and pleads his case.His adversariesendeavortouncoveranythingthatmightinvalidatehisclaimandannulhisplea.Inthemidstofthetrial,apersonofknownandapprovedintegritycomesintothecourt, and gives testimony fully and directly on behalf of the claimant. Thissilencesallhisadversaries,andfillstheclaimantwithjoyandsatisfaction.So it is in this case.The soul, by thepowerof itsownconscience, isbroughtbeforethelawofGod.ThereamanputsinhispleathatheisachildofGod,thathebelongstoGod’sfamily.Tothisend,heproducesallhisevidence,everythingbywhich faith gives him an interest inGod. Satan, in themeantime, opposeswith all his might. Sin and the law assist him. Many flaws are found in theevidence.Thetruthofthemisquestioned,andthesoulhangsinsuspenseastotheoutcome. In themidst of this contest, theComforter comes.By awordofpromise or other testimony, he overpowers the heart with a comfortingpersuasion,suppressingallobjectionsthathispleaisgood.HeisachildofGod.ThereforeitissaidoftheSpirit,“SummartureitoiPneumatihemon,”he“bearswitnesswith our spirit.”Whenour spirits are pleading their right and title, hecomes in and bearswitness on our side.This enables us, at the same time, todemonstrate our filial obedience, kind and childlike. This is called “crying,Abba,Father,”Gal.4:6.

Remember the manner of the Spirit’s working, mentioned before. He does iteffectually, voluntarily, and freely. Sometimes the dispute is a long one. Thecause ispleadedformanyyears.The lawsometimesseems toprevail, sinandSatan seem to rejoice, and the soul is filled with dread about its inheritance.Perhaps the soul’s own witness, from its faith, sanctification, and formerexperience,maintainsthepleawithsomesenseofcomfort.Buttheworkisnot

done. The conquest is not complete until the Spirit, who works freely andeffectually, when and how he will, comes in with his testimony as well. Heclotheshispowerwithawordofpromise.Hemakesallpartiesconcernedpayattentiontohim.Andheputsanendtothecontroversy.In this, he gives us holy communionwith himself. The soul knows his voicewhenhespeaks,nechominemsonat,notwithaman’svoice.Thereissomethingtoogreatinittobetheeffectofacreatedpower.WhentheLordJesusChristatoneword stilled the raging of the sea andwind, all thatwerewith him knewtherewasdivinepowerathand,Matt.8:25-27.AndwhentheHolySpiritbyonewordstills thetumultsandstormsthatareraisedinthesoul,givingimmediatecalmandsecurity,thesoulknowshisdivinepower,andrejoicesinhispresence.5.Hesealsus.“WearesealedbytheHolySpiritofpromise,”Eph.1:13.“DonotgrievetheHolySpirit,bywhichyouaresealedtothedayofredemption,”Eph.4:30. I amnot very clear in the certain specific intent of thismetaphor. IwillgivewhatIampersuadedofbriefly.Inaseal,twothingsareconsidered:(1.)itsnature,and(2.)itsuse.

(1.)Thenatureofsealingconsistsinimpartingtheimageorcharacterofthesealtothethingthatissealed.Tosealsomethingistostampthecharacterofthesealonit.Inthissense,theeffectualcommunicationoftheimageofGodtous shouldbeour sealing.TheSpirit actually communicates the imageofGodinrighteousnessandtrueholinesstobelievers,andsealsthemwithit.TohavethisstampoftheHolySpiritistobesealedbytheSpirit.Itisevidencetothesoul that it isacceptedbyGod.In thissense,ourSavior issaidtobesealedofGod,John6:27.Hecarriedtheimpressofthepower,wisdom,andmajestyofGodinthedischargeofhisoffice.(2.)Thepurposeoruseofsealingistwofold:

[1.] It confirms or ratifies any grant or conveyancemade in writing. Insuch cases, men set their seals on their grants to make them good andconfirmthem.Whenthisisdone,theyareirrevocable.Theyalsoconfirmthe truth of the testimony given by someone by sealing it. Thiswas thepractice of the Jews.When someone gave true witness to a matter, thejudgesimmediatelyplacedtheirsealsonit,toconfirmitinjudgment.ThusitissaidthatonewhoreceivesthetestimonyofChrist“hassethissealtoit that God is true,” John 3:33. The promise is the great grant andconveyanceoflifeandsalvationinChristthatisgiventobelievers.Sowe

mayhave full assuranceof the truth and irrevocablenessof thepromise,GodgivesustheSpirittosatisfyourheartsofit.Heissaidtosealusbyassuring our hearts of those promises and their stability.Althoughmanyexpositors go thisway, I do not see how this can be consistentwith themeaningoftheword.Itisnotsaidthatthepromise issealed,butthatwearesealed.Whenwesealadeedorgrant,wedonotsaythemanissealed,butthedeedorgrant.[2.]Sealingisalsousedtoappropriate,distinguish,orkeepsafe.Mensettheirsealsonwhattheyappropriatetoidentifyitastheirown.Theyplaceasealonwhat theydesire tokeepsafefor themselves.Evidently, it is inthis sense that the servantsofGodare said tobe sealed,Rev.7:4,Ezek.9:4.TheyaremarkedwithGod’smarkashisspecialones.Believersaresealed when they are marked for God to be heirs of the purchasedinheritance,andtobepreserveduntilthedayofredemption.Now,ifthisisthesealingintended,itdoesnotdenoteasenseintheheart,buttheactualsecurityoftheperson.TheFathergivestheelectintothehandsofChristtoberedeemed.Havingredeemedthem,induetimetheyarecalledbytheSpirit,andmarkedforGod.AndsotheysurrenderthemselvestothehandsoftheFather.Ifyouask,“WhichofthesetwoismeantbyourbeingsealedbytheHolySpirit?”thenIanswer,both.Wearesealeduntilthedayofredemptionwhenthestamp,image,andcharacteroftheSpirit,placeduponoursouls,givesusafreshsenseoftheloveofGod,andacomfortingpersuasionofouracceptancebyhim.

Thus, theHoly Spirit communicates his own likeness to us,which is also theimageoftheFatherandtheSon.“WearechangedintothisimagebytheLordthe Spirit,” 2 Cor. 3:18. Here, he brings us into fellowshipwith himself. Ourlikenesstohimgivesusboldnesswithhim.Welookforhiswork.Weprayforhis fruits.Andwhenanyeffectofgrace,anydiscoveryof the imageofChristthatisimplantedinus,persuadesusthatwearesetapartforGod,thenwehavecommunionwithhiminthat.6.Heisanearnestordeposittous.2Cor.1:22,Hehas“giventheearnestoftheSpirit in our hearts;” chap. 5:5, “Who also has given to us the earnest of theSpirit;”Eph.1:13,14,“YouaresealedwiththatHolySpiritofpromise,whichistheearnestofourinheritance.”InthetwoformerpassageswearesaidtohavetheearnestoftheSpirit.Inthelatter,theSpiritissaidtobeourearnest.“Ofthe

Spirit,”then,isthegenitivusmateriaeormaterialsource.Itdoesnotdenotethecauseof it, but the subject.TheSpirit is not the authorof the earnest, but theearnestitself,asinthelatterpassage.Consideringwhatismeantbythe“Spirit”here, and what is meant by an “earnest,” will give some insight into thisprivilegethatwereceivebytheComforter.

(1.)Tryingtodeterminewhatgrace,whatgiftoftheSpirit, ismeantbythisearnest,servesnopurpose.ItistheSpirithimself,personallyconsidered,thatissaidtobethisearnest,2Cor.1:22.ItisGodwhohasgiventheearnestoftheSpiritinourhearts.ItisanexpressiondirectlycorrespondingtoGal.4:6,“GodhassentforththeSpiritofhisSonintoyourhearts.”Thatis,onlythepersonoftheSpiritcanbecalledtheSpiritofhisSon.AndinEph.1:14,hehasgiventheSpiritasthatearnest,theSpiritofpromise.GivingusthisSpiritgivesusthisearnest.(2.)Theword for earnest is “arraton” [NT:728].Neither theGreeknor theLatinhasanyword todirectlyexpresswhat ismeanthere.TheLatinshavemade words for it from what is expressed here in the Greek, arrha andarrabo.TheGreekwordisonlytheHebrewherabon[‘eravon],whichsomebelievecamefromtheSyrianmerchantsasawordoftrade.Itisrenderedbysome,inLatin,pignus,a“pledge.”Butthiscannotbewhatismeanthere.Apledgeispropertythatsomeonegivesorleavesinthecustodyofanother,toassurehimthathewillgiveorpayhimsomeotherthing.Itisinthenatureofwhatwecalla“pawn.”Whatismeanthereisapartofwhatistocome,andonly a part of it, according to the trade use of the word from which themetaphoristaken.Itisexcellentlyrenderedinourlanguagean“earnest.”Anearnest is part of the whole price, or part of a grant given beforehand, toassure the person to whom it is given that at the appointed time he willreceivethewholeofwhatispromisedtohim.Tobeanearnest,itisrequired,

[1.]Thatitispartofthewhole,ofthesamekindandnature.Wegivesomuchmoneyinearnestasapromisetopaytheremainingmoneylater.[2.]Thatitisaconfirmationofapromise.Firstthewholeispromised,andthentheearnestisgivenuntilthecompletionofthatpromise.

TheSpiritisthisearnest.Godgivesusthepromiseofeternallife.Toconfirmthistous,hegivesushisSpirit.Heisthefirstpartofthepromise,toassure

usofthefulfillmentofthewhole.Andsoheissaidtobetheearnestoftheinheritancethatispromisedandpurchased.ConsiderthathemaybesaidtobeanearnestonthepartofGodwhogiveshim,andonthepartofbelieverswhoreceivehim:1st.HeisanearnestonthepartofGod,inthatGodgiveshimasachoicepartoftheinheritanceitself,ofthesamekindasthewhole,asanearnestoughttobe. The full inheritance that is promised is the fullness of the Spirit in theenjoymentofGod.When thatSpirit given tous in thisworldhasperfectlytakenawayallsinandsorrow,andenabledustoenjoythegloryofGodinhispresence,thatisthefullinheritancepromised.TheSpiritgiventoustomakeusfittoenjoyGodinsomemeasurewhilewearehere,istheearnestofthewholepromise.Goddoes it to assureusof the inheritance.Havinggiven somanyexternalassurances,suchashisword,promises,covenant,oath,andtherevelationofhis faithfulness and immutability in all of them, he is also pleased tograciously give us one within us, Isa. 59:21, so that we may have all thesecuritywearecapableof.Whatcanmorebedone?HehasgivenustheHolySpirit,thefirst-fruitsofglory,thegreatestpledgeofhislove,andtheearnestofitall.2dly.Heisanearnestonthepartofbelievers,acquaintingthemwiththeloveofGod,andwiththeirinheritance.

(1st.)TheloveofGod.BeingacceptedbyGodletsthemknowtheirfavorinhissight,thatheistheirFather,andthathewilldealwiththemaswithchildren.Because theyarehischildren, the inheritancewillbe theirs.HesendshisSpiritintoourhearts,“crying,Abba,Father,”Gal.4:6.Andwhatis the inference for believers? Gal. 4:7, “Then we are not servants, butsons; and if sons, then heirs ofGod.”The same apostle argues inRom.8:17, “If children, then heirs; heirs ofGod, and joint heirswithChrist.”BeingpersuadedbytheSpiritthatwearechildren,theinferenceis,“Thenheirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ.”We have a right to aninheritance,andasuperiorclaimtoit.This,then,istheusewehaveoftheSpirit,persuadingusofoursonshipandacceptancebyGodourFather.Andwhatisthisinheritanceofglory?“Ifwesufferwithhim,wewillbeglorified together.” The Spirit is given to us for this purpose. 1Jn. 3:24,

“Herebyweknow thatheabides inus,by theSpiritwhichhehasgivenus.”TheapostlespeaksofourunionwithGod,expressedintheprecedingwords:“Hethatkeepshiscommandmentsdwellsinhim,andheinhim.”Weknow this by the Spirit that he has given us; the Spirit acquaints uswith it. It is not thatwe have such an acquaintance, because he gives asense of this as he pleases. But the argument is good and conclusive initself. “We have the Spirit; therefore he dwells in us, and we in him.”BecauseGoddwellsinusbyhisSpirit,ourinterestinhim,ourknowledgeofhislove,comesfromthat.

(2dly.)TheSpiritacquaintsbelieverswiththeirinheritance,1Cor.2:9,10.Asanearnest,andbeingpartofthewholeinheritance,theSpiritgivesusknowledgeofthatinheritance.

Inallrespects,theSpiritissocompletelyanearnest,givenbyGod,receivedbyus,thatheisthebeginningofourinheritance,andtheassuranceofit.Tothe extent we have the Spirit, we have perfect enjoyment of heaven, andevidenceofitsfuturefullness.Believersreceivehimandrejoiceinhimunderthis perception of him in the dispensation of grace. They rejoice in everygracious, self-evidencing act of his in their hearts. It is like a drop fromheaven,and they long for theoceanof it.Not to treateveryeffectofgracethisway,istoneglecttheworkoftheHolySpiritinusandtowardsus.

What remains is to differentiate between believers receiving the Spirit as anearnest of thewhole inheritance, and hypocrites “tasting of the powers of theworldtocome,”Heb.6:5.Atasteofthepowersoftheworldtocomeseemstobethesamethingasreceivingtheearnestoftheinheritance,butitisnot.

[1st.]Therearenogroundstothinkthat“thepowersof theworldtocome”means the joys of heaven. They are not called that anywhere. Nor does itsuitablyexpresstheglorythatwillberevealedandthatwewillpartakeof.Itdoubtlessmeansthepowerfulministryoftheordinancesanddispensationsofthetimesofthegospel.[2dly.]Supposethat“thepowersoftheworldtocome”didmeanthegloryofheaven.Thereisstillawidedifferencebetweentakingavanishingtasteofit,and receiving an abiding earnest fromGod.Taking a taste of the things ofheaven,andhaving themassuredofGodas fromhis love,differgreatly.Ahypocritemay have a great deal of joy and contentment in considering thegoodthingsofthekingdomofGodforaseason.ButtheSpirit,asanearnest,

pledgesthemtobeprovidedtousintheloveofGodandthepurchaseofhisSonJesusChrist.

7.TheSpiritanointsbelievers.Weare“anointed”bytheSpirit,2Cor.1:21.Wehave“anunctionfromtheHolyOne,andweknowallthings,”1John2:20,27.Icannot fully examine this expression here. I have done it elsewhere. At thebottom of it are the use of unctions in the Judaic church, the meanings andpurposesassociatedwithit,andtheofficestowhichmenwereconsecratedtobyit.ItreferstotheanointingofJesusChrist,fromwhichheiscalledMessiah(theanointedone),andtheChrist.Thewholeperformanceofhisofficeofmediatorisalsocalledhisanointing,Dan.9:24.Christissaidtobe“anointedwiththeoilofgladness above his fellows,”Heb. 1:9;which is the same as John 3:34, “GodgivesnottheSpiritbymeasuretohim.”We,whohavetheSpiritbymeasure,areanointedwith the “oil of gladness.”Christ has the fullness of the Spirit, fromwhich ourmeasure is communicated. So he is anointed above us, “that in allthingshemayhavethepre-eminence.”ChristwasanointedwiththeSpirittohisthreefoldofficeofking,priest,andprophet.Byvirtueofanunction,havingthesameSpiritdwellinginusasinhim,wegainaninterestintheseofficesofhis.We too are made kings, priests, and prophets to God. It would take a longdiscoursetohandlethistopic,andmydesignisonlytooutlinethesethings.IwillthereforefixononlyonepassagewherethecommunicationsoftheSpiritinthisunctionofChristareenumerated,andbywhichwereceiveourmeasurefromhimandwithhim.By thisunction,wearemadepartakerswithhim. Isa.11:2,3,“TheSpiritoftheLORDwillrestuponhim,theSpiritofwisdomandunderstanding,theSpiritofcounselandmight,theSpiritofknowledge,andofthefearoftheLORD...”HerearelistedmanyoftheendowmentsofChristfromtheSpiritwithwhichhewasabundantly anointed.Primarily theyarewisdom,counsel, andunderstanding.Because of these, all the treasures ofwisdomandknowledgearesaidtobeinhim,Col.2:3.ThisisonlypartoftheequippingofJesus Christ for the discharge of his office. Yet, it is such that, where ouranointing for the same purpose is mentioned, it specifically effects suchqualificationsinus.In1John2:20,27,theworkoftheanointingistoteachus.The Spirit in that work is a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel,knowledge,andquickunderstandinginthefearoftheLord.Thegreatpromiseof theComforter is thathewill “teachus,” John14:26, and“guideus intoalltruth,” John 16:13.Teaching us themind andwill ofGod, in thewaywe aretaughtitbytheSpirit,ourcomforter,isaneminentpartofouranointingbyhim.ThereisathreefoldteachingbytheSpirit:

(1.)TheSpirit teachesusconvictionand illumination.So theSpirit teachestheworldbythepreachingoftheword;asheispromisedtodo,John16:8.(2.) The Spirit teaches us sanctification. He opens blind eyes, gives newunderstanding,andshinesintoourheartstogiveusaknowledgeofthegloryofGodinthefaceofJesusChrist.Heenablesustoreceivespiritualthingsinaspirituallight,1Cor.2:13.Hegivesasavingknowledgeofthemysteryofthegospel,andthisinsomedegreeiscommontobelievers.(3.)TheSpiritteachesusconsolation.HemakesthediscoveriesofthemindandwillofGod,inthelightoftheSpiritofsanctification,sweet,useful,andjoyfultothesoul.HeretheoiloftheSpiritiscalledthe“oilofgladness;”itbrings joyandgladnesswith it.ThenameofChristdiscovered through theSpirit isasweet“ointmentpouredforth.” Itcausesus to runafterhimwithjoyanddelight,Cant.1:3.Byourdailyexperience,we see thatmanyhavelittletaste,sweetness,orrelishintheirsoulsforthetruthstheysavinglyknowand believe. But when we are taught by this unction, oh, how sweeteverything is thatweknowofGod!Aswemaysee in thepassageof Johnwherementionismadeoftheteachingofthisunction(1Jn.2:20,27),itrefersspecificallytotheSpiritteachingustheloveofGodinChrist,theshiningofhiscountenancewhich,asDavidsays,putsgladnessintoourhearts,Ps.4:6,7.

TheSpirit teachesus about the loveofGod inChrist.Hemakes everygospeltruthlikewinewellrefinedtooursouls,andhemakesthegoodthingsofGod’slove a feast of sumptuous things.He gives us joy and gladness in all thatweknowofGod.Thisisthegreatpreservativeofthesoultokeepitclosetotruth.Theapostlespeaksoftheteachingwereceivebythisunction.Itisthemeansbywhichwearepreservedfromseduction.Indeed,toknowthepower,sweetness,joy, andgladnessof any truth, is thebest insuranceof the soul’s constancy inpreservingandretainingit.Thosewhofindnomoresweetnessintheonethanintheotherwillreadilyexchangetruthforerror.Alltheprivilegesweenjoy,allthedignity and honor we are invested with, our whole dedication to God, ournobility and royalty, our interest in all the advantages of the church and ourapproaches to God in worship, our separation from the world, the name bywhichwearecalled,thelibertyweenjoy,areallbranchesofthisanointingoftheHolySpirit;theyallflowfromitseffect.Ihavementionedonlyourteachingbythisunction,ateachingthatbringsjoyandgladnesswithitbygivingusasenseofthetruthinwhichweareinstructed.Whenwefindanyofthegoodtruthsof

the gospel coming home to our souls with life, vigor, and power, giving usgladnessofheart,andtransformingusintoitsimageandlikeness,thentheHolySpiritisatworkpouringouthisoil.8. We also have adoption by the Spirit. Hence, he is called the “Spirit ofadoption.” That is, either he is given to adopted ones to assure them of theiradoption, and topersuade themof theFather’s adopting love,or elsehegivesthem theprivilegeof adoption itself, as intimated in John1:12.Nor is there aconflictwithGal.4:6;forGodmaysendtheSpiritofsupplicationintoourheartsbecausewearesons,andyetwemaystillbeadoptedbyhisSpirit.9. He is also called the “Spirit of supplication;” for which he is promised inZech.12:10.HowheeffectsthatinusisdeclaredinRom.8:26,27;Gal.4:6.Forthisreasonwearesaidto“prayintheHolySpirit,”Jude20.Ourprayersmaybeconsideredtwoways:

(1.)First,asaspiritualdutyrequiredbyGod.Assuch,theyarewroughtinusby the Spirit of sanctification, who helps us to perform all our duties byexalting all the faculties of the soul to spiritually discharge our respectiveofficesintheseduties.(2.)AsameansofretainingcommunionwithGod.Prayersarethemeansbywhich we sweetly ease our hearts in the heart of the Father, and receiverefreshing tastesofhis love.Thesoul isnevermore raisedwith the loveofGodthanwhenitistakenbytheSpiritintointimatecommunionwithhiminthe discharge of this duty. In this role, prayer belongs to the Spirit ofconsolation,totheSpiritpromisedasacomforter.

Letme summarize the specific effects which heworks in us and towards us.TheseeffectsarehisbringingthepromisesofChristtomind,glorifyinghiminourhearts,sheddingabroadtheloveofGodinus,witnessingwithusastoourspiritualcondition,sealingusuntilthedayofredemption(astheearnestofourinheritance), anointing us with the privilege of consolation, confirming ouradoption,andbeingpresentwithusinoursupplications.Thewisdomoffaithisto seek out and meet with the Comforter in all these things, not losing theirsweetnessbybeing ignorantof theirauthor,norcomingshortof the responsesrequiredofus.

Chapter4.ConsequencesonourheartsoftheeffectsoftheHolySpirit–

Having discovered the way of our communion with the Holy Spirit, andexamined the most noble and known effects that he produces, it remains todeclarethegeneralconsequencesoftheseeffectsintheheartsofbelievers.Now,aswith the former, Iwilldo littlemore thanname them. It isnotat all inmydesign to handle their natures, but only to showwhat regard they have to thebusinessinhand:1.Consolation is the firstof theseconsequences: “Thediscipleswalked in thefear of the Lord, and in the consolation of the Holy Spirit,” Acts 9:31, “Teiparaklesei tou Hagiou Pneumatos,” He is “ho parakletos” [NT:3875], theComforter, and he gives “paraklesin”, [NT:3874] comfort. From his worktowardsus,andinus,wehavecomfortandconsolation.Thisisthefirstgeneralconsequence of his dispensation and work. Whenever mention is made ofcomfortandconsolationgiventothesaintsintheScripture,itistheconsequenceoftheworkoftheHolySpirittowardsthem.Comfortorconsolationgenerallyissettingandcomposingthesoulinrestandcontentednessinthemidstoftroubles.It results when the consideration or presence of some good in which it isinterested,outweighs theevil, trouble,orperplexity that ithas towrestlewith.Wherementionismadeofcomfortandconsolation,itisinrelationtotroubleorperplexity. 2Cor.1:5-6, “As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so ourconsolation also abounds by Christ.” Suffering and consolation are opposed.Consolation is a relief against suffering. All the promises and expressions ofcomfortintheOldandNewTestamentareproposedasreliefsagainsttrouble.As I said, consolation arises from the presence or consideration of a greatergood,thatoutbalancestheevilorperplexitywithwhichwearetocontend.Now,all the sources of our consolation lie in the effects or acts of the Holy Spiritmentionedbefore.Thereisnocomfortapartfromthem,andthereisnotroublefromwhichwemaynothavecomfortbythem.Theonlythingrequiredtogiveamanconsolation in any condition, is thepresenceof agood to render the evilwith which he is pressed inconsiderable to him. Suppose a man is under thegreatest calamity that can possibly befall a child of God, or a junction of allthoseevilsenumeratedbyPaulinRom.8:35.LetthismanhavetheHolySpiritperforming the works mentioned before, and despite all his evils, hisconsolationswillabound.IfhehasasenseoftheloveofGodallthewhileshed

abroadinhisheart,aclearwitnesswithinthatheisachildofGodandacceptedbyhim,thatheissealedandmarkedasGod’sown,thatheisanheirofallthepromisesofGod,andthelike,thenitisimpossibleforhimnottotriumphinallhistribulations.FromthissourceofallourconsolationcomethosedescriptionswehaveintheScriptureofitspropertiesandassociations,suchas,

(1.) It isabiding. It iscalled“Everlastingconsolation,”2Thess.2:16,“God,evenourFather,whichhas lovedus,andgivenuseverlastingconsolation;”thatis,comfortthatdoesnotvanishbecauseitarisesfromeverlastingthings.Theremaybesomeperishingcomfortgivenforashortseasonbyperishingthings,butabidingconsolationfromtheHolySpiritcomesfromeverlastingthings:everlastinglove,eternalredemption,andaneverlastinginheritance.(2.) It is strong. Heb. 6:18, “That the heirs of the promise should receivestrong consolation.” Just as strong opposition sometimes comes against us,andourtroublehasstrongbands,ourconsolationisstrong.Itaboundsanditis unconquerable, “ischura paraklesis.” It is will make its way through allopposition. It confirms, corroborates, and strengthens the heart against anyevil.Itfortifiesthesoul,andmakesitablecheerfullytoundergoanythingthatitiscalledto.Andthatisbecauseitcomesfromtheonewhoisstrong.(3.) It isprecious.Theapostlemakes thisamotiveforobedience,whichheexhorts the Philippians to do in chap. 2:1, “If there is any consolation inChrist; if you set any esteem and value upon this precious mercy ofconsolationinChristbythosecomforts,letitbesowithyou.”

This is the first general consequence in the hearts of believers of those greateffectsoftheHolySpiritmentionedbefore.Thisissolargeandcomprehensive,comprisingsomanyofourconcerns inwalkingwithGod, that theHolySpiritreceives his name from thewholework he performs for us. Hence, he is theComforter; just as JesusChrist, from theworkof redemptionand salvation, iscalledtheRedeemerandSaviorofhischurch.Now,aswehavenoconsolationapart from the Holy Spirit, all his effects certainly have this consequence ofcomfortinus,moreorless.Idaresaythatwhateverwehavethatdoesnotbringconsolation,atleastinitsrootifnotinitsripenedfruit,isnotoftheHolySpirit.Howcomfortensuesfromhisworksvarieswithparticularcases.Thefellowshipwehavewithhimconsists, innosmallpart, intheconsolationthatwereceivefrom him. This makes us value his love; it teaches us where to apply in our

distress,whomtoprayforandto,andwhomtowaituponinourdifficulties.2.Peaceisalsoaconsequenceofhiswork.Rom.15:13,“TheGodofhopefillyouwithallpeaceinbelieving,thatyoumayaboundinhopethroughthepoweroftheHolySpirit.”ThepoweroftheHolySpiritisnotonlyextendedtohope,buttoourpeaceinbelieving.ItisconnectedtothepromisesinJohn14:26,27,“I will give you the Comforter.” And then what? What follows that grant?“Peace,”hesays.“I leavemypeacewithyou;mypeaceIgivetoyou.”Christleaves or gives his peace by bestowing the comforter on them. The peace ofChristconsistsinthesoul’ssenseofitsacceptancebyGodinfriendship.Christissaidtobe“ourpeace,”Eph.2:14,byslayingtheenmitybetweenGodandus,and by taking away the handwriting that was against us. Rom. 5:1, “Beingjustified by faith, we have peace with God.” A comforting persuasion of ouracceptance by God in Christ is the basis of this peace. It wraps together ourdeliverance from eternal wrath, hatred, curse, and condemnation, all sweetlyaffectingthesoulandconscience.Andthisisabranchfromthesamerootasconsolation.ItisaconsequenceoftheeffectsoftheHolySpirit.SupposethereisamanchosenintheeternalloveoftheFather,redeemedbythebloodoftheSon,andjustifiedfreelybythegraceofGod.Hehasarighttoallthepromisesofthegospel.Yetthispersoncannotbyhisownskill,orargumentsofhisownheart,orbyconsideringthepromises,orconsidering the love ofGod or the grace of Christ in them, be established inpeaceuntil it isproducedinhimasafruitandconsequenceoftheworkoftheHolySpirit.“Peace”isafruitoftheSpirit,Gal.5:22.ThesavoroftheSpiritis“lifeandpeace,”Rom.8:6.Allwehavecomesfromhimandbyhim.3.Joyisalsonumberedamongtheconsequences.TheSpiritiscalled“Theoilofgladness,”Heb.1:9.Hisanointingbringsgladnesswithit.Isa.61:3,Heis“theoilofjoyformourning.”“ThekingdomofGodisrighteousness,andpeace,andjoy in theHolySpirit,”Rom. 14:17.They “received thewordwith joy in theHoly Spirit,” 1Thess. 1:6. As Peter tells believers, “you rejoice with joyunspeakableandfullofglory,”1Pet.1:8.Givingjoytobelieversiseminentlytheworkofthecomforter.Andhedoesthisbytheeffectslistedearlier.“Rejoicinginhopeof thegloryofGod,”mentioned inRom.5:2,carries thesoul throughany tribulationwithglorying. Ithas its source in theSpirit’s“sheddingabroadtheloveofGodinourhearts,”verse5.TherearetwowaysbywhichtheSpiritworksthisjoyintheheartsofbelievers:

(1.)Hedoes itdirectly,withoutanyotheractsorworksofhis,andwithout

interposing anymotivations, deductions, or conclusions on our part. As insanctification, he is a well of water springing up in the soul, immediatelyexertinghisefficacyandrefreshment.Inconsolation,heimmediatelybringsustoajoyfulandspiritualframe,fillinguswithexultationandgladness.ThisisnottheresultofourreflexiveconsiderationoftheloveofGod,butbecausetheSpiritgivesoccasionforit.WhenheshedsabroadtheloveofGodinourhearts,anddirectlyfillsuswithgladness(ashecausedJohnBaptist to leapforjoyinthewomb),thenthesoulraisesitselftoconsidertheloveofGod,fromwhichjoyandrejoicingalsoflows.Thereisnoreasongivenforthisjoy,exceptthattheSpiritworksitwhenandhowhewill.Hesecretlyinfusesanddistills it inour soul,prevailingagainst allour fearsandsorrows, fillinguswithgladness,exultation,andsometimesunspeakablerapturesofmind.(2.)Hedoesitbyintermediatemeans.Byhisotherworks,hegivesusasenseof the love of God, and of our adoption and acceptance by him. Theconsideration of these things enables us to receive this joy. Consider hisoperations,theassurancehegivesusoftheloveofGod,thelife,power,andsecurity we have, the pledge of our eternal welfare, and it will be easilyperceivedthathelaysasufficientfoundationforourjoyandgladness.Weareunable by any rational consideration, deduction, or conclusion that we canmake from the things mentioned, to affect our hearts with the joy andgladnessintended.Yet, it isnolesstheproperworkoftheSpirit todoitbythosethings,ortodoitdirectlywithoutthem.Thisprocessofproducingjoyin theheartcanbeseen inPs.23:5-6.“Youanointmyheadwithoil.”Andfrom this flows the conclusion that exultationwill result, “Surely goodnessand mercy will follow me.” This effect of the Comforter can be foundthroughoutIsa.35.

4.Hope,also, isaneffectof theworkof theHolySpirit inusandtowardsus,Rom. 15:13. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace inbelieving,sothatyoumayaboundinhopebythepoweroftheHolySpirit.“

These,Isay,arethegeneralconsequencesoftheeffectsoftheHolySpiritupontheheartsofbelievers.Ifweconsideralltheiroffspringinexultation,assurance,boldness,confidence,expectation,glorying,andthelike,itwillbecomeapparenthowfarourwholecommunionwithGodisinfluencedbythem.

Chapter5.ObservationsandinferencesconcerningtheSpirit–

This process being done, Iwould like to have gone on to showhowwe holdcommunionwith theHolySpirit, but there are somemisrepresentations in theworldinreferencetothisdispensationoftheHolySpirit,andincontemptofhistruework.Icannothelpbutremarkontheminthischapter.TakeaviewofthosewhoprofesstobelievethegospelofJesusChrist,andyetcondemn and despise the operations, gifts, and graces his Spirit, and hisdispensationstohischurchesandsaints.WhileChristwasintheworldwithhisdisciples, he made no greater promise to them than of giving them the HolySpirit, neither in respect to their own good nor in carrying on the work hecommitted to them. He instructs them to pray for the Spirit from the Father,beingasnecessaryforthemasbreadforchildren,Luke11:13.Hepromisesthemthe Spirit as a well of water springing up in them for their refreshment,strengthening,andconsolationtoeverlastinglife,John7:37-39.TheSpiritistocarry on and accomplish the whole work of the ministry that Christ hascommittedtothem,John16:8-11.Anduponhisascension,thisgiftoftheHolySpiritformsthefoundationofthatgloriousandplentifulcommunicationofgiftsand gracesmentioned in Eph. 4:8, 11-12. Christ received from the Father thepromise of the Holy Spirit, Act 2:33, and that made the greatest and mostgloriousdifferencebetweentheadministrationofthenewcovenantandold.ThewholeworkoftheministryrelatesspecificallytotheHolySpirit;thoughthatisnotmypresentbusinesstoprove.TheSpiritcallsmentothatwork;theyaresetapart for him, Acts 13:2. He furnishes them with gifts and abilities for it,1Cor.12:7-10.SowithoutthisadministrationoftheSpirit,thewholereligionthatweprofessisnothing,andthereisnofruitoftheresurrectionofChristfromthedead.Thisbeing the stateof things, inourworshipofandobedience toGod, inourown consolation, sanctification, and ministerial employment, the Spirit is theprinciple,life,andsoulofitall.YetthemaliceofSatanissodesperate,andthewickednessofmensogreat,thattheirendeavorhasbeentoshuttheSpiritoutofallgospeladministrations.First,hisgiftsandgraceswerenotonlydecried,butalmostexcludedfromthepublicworshipofthechurchinthepast.Thiswasdonebyimposingalaborious

formofservice, tobe readby theminister.This isneitherauniquegiftof theHolySpirittoanyone,norpartoftheministryatall.Itismarveloustoconsiderwhatargumentsandpretenceswereinventedandusedbylearnedmen,todefendand maintain it. They argued from the antiquity of such a service, itscomposition and approval by the martyrs, the beauty of its uniformity in theworshipofGod,etc.Butthemainargumenttheyinsistedon,andusedalltheireloquence to condemn, was the vain babbling repetitions and folly of menpraying by the Spirit. Once this was pounced on, everything else fell beforethem, and their adversaries were rendered ridiculous. Such is the cunning ofSatan, and so unsearchable are the follies ofmen. The sum of it allmight bestatedthisway:“ThoughtheLordJesusChristhaspromisedthattheHolySpiritwillbewithhischurchtotheendoftheworld,tofitandfurnishmenwithgiftsandabilitiestocarryontheworshipwhichherequiresandacceptsatourhands,yet the work is not to be done for that purpose; the gifts he bestows are notsufficientforthatend,eitherastoinvocationordoctrine.Andtherefore,wewillnotonlyhelpmentoavoiditbyourhumandirections,butwewillexcludethemfromexercisingthosegiftsoftheSpirit.”Innumerableevilsensueinformallysettingapartmentotheministrywhonever“tastedofthepowersoftheworldtocome,”orreceivedanygiftsfromtheHolySpirit for that purpose. If ensues from an external pompous worship, whollyforeigntothepowerandsimplicityofthegospel;fromsilencing,destroying,andbanishing men whose ministry was accompanied with the evidence anddemonstrationoftheSpirit.WhatIaimtodoispointoutthepubliccontemptoftheHolySpirit,ofhisgiftsandgraces,bysuchanadministrationofthechurchofGod,whichhasbeenfoundevenwherethegospelhasbeenprofessed.Again,itisasadthingtoconsider,andtorecall,thegrowthofthatcontemptoftheSpirit inprivatemenand theirways.Thenameof theSpirithadbecomeatermofreproach.Topleadfor,orpretendtopraybytheSpirit,wasenoughtorenderaman theobjectof scornand reproach fromall sortsofmen, from thepulpittothestage.“What!YouarefulloftheSpirit?ThenyouwillpraybytheSpirit.Ifyouhavethegift,letushearyournonsense.”Perhapsthesedetractorswould think themselves wronged not to be considered Christians. Christians!Somehavepretendedtobeleadersoftheflock,mountedthemselvesastoryortwoabovetheirbrothers,claimedtohavearuleandgovernmentoverthem,andmadeit theirbusinesstoscoffatandreproachthegiftsoftheSpiritofGod.Ifthis is the frame of their spirit, what can be expected of non-believers? It isunimaginablewhatheightofblasphemyaprocessofthiskindroseto.Maythe

Lordgrantthereisnothingofthiscursedleavenstillremainingamongus!Isthisthe fellowship of the Holy Spirit that believers are called to? Is this theappropriate entertainment of the one whom our Savior promised to send tosupplyusinhisbodilyabsence,sothatwemightnotloseanythingbyit?OneinfinitelyholyandblessedpersonoftheTrinityhastakenuponhimselftobeourcomforter.Itwouldbebadenoughthatmenwithsuchastupidblindness,beingcalledChristians,canlooknofurtherfortheircomfortandconsolationthantobeled by moral considerations that are common to heathens. But they are notcontent with this. They feel compelled to oppose and despise him as well!Nothingmorerevealshowfewthereareintheworldthathaveatrueinterestinthatblessednamebywhichweareallcalled.Butthisisnoplacetopursuethis.Theaimhereistoprovethefollyandmadnessofmeningeneral,whoprofesstoownthegospelofChrist,andyetcondemnanddespisehisSpiritinwhomeverhe ismanifested. Let us be zealous for the gifts of the Spirit, not envious ofthem.Fromwhathasbeensaid,wemayalso try thespirits thathavegoneabroad intheworld,andwhichhavebeenexercisingthemselveseversincetheascensionofChrist. The iniquity of the generation that is past and passing awaywas inopen, cursed opposition to the Holy Spirit. God has been above those whobehavedpresumptuously.Satan,whoseplanistobeexaltedasgodofthisworld,andnottobecastdownbytheprovidenceofGod,hasnowtransformedhimselfintoanangeloflight.HecanonlypretendtobetheSpirit.Thereare“seducingspirits,”1Tim.4:1.Wehavea“commandnottobelieveeveryspirit,buttrythespirits,” 1 John 4:1. The reason given is, “Becausemany false prophets havegoneoutintotheworld,”thatis,menpretendingtohavetherevelationofnewdoctrinesby theSpirit.Paul intimates thatmenwithsuchdeceitswerepresenteveninthefirstchurch.Hecalledonmennottobe“shakeninmindbyspirit.”2Thess.2:2.Thetruthis, thespiritsofthesedaysaresogross,thatanyonewiththeleastdiscernmentmayfindthemout.Andyettheirdelusionissostrong,thatnotafewarestilldeceived.Onethingisevidenttoeveryeye:inpursuitofhisplan, and compared to his formerways of acting, Satan has gone to extremeswithhisdelusions.Not long ago, his great design was to cry for ordinances without the Spirit,castingall thereproachthathecouldupontheSpirit.Nowhisdesignis tocryfor a spirit without ordinances, casting as much reproach and contempt aspossible upon them.Before, hewanted aministrywithout the Spirit; now, hewants a Spirit without a ministry. Before, reading the word might suffice,

without either preaching or praying by the Spirit; now, the Spirit is enoughwithout reading or studying the word at all. Before, he allowed a literalembracingofwhatChristhaddoneintheflesh;now,hetalksaboutChristintheSpiritonly,anddeniesthathecameintheflesh.Thisisthecharacterofthefalsespiritthatwearewarnedofin1John4:1.TheSpiritwearetohearandembraceis the Spirit promised by Christ, not the Montanists’ paraclete, or the oneMohammedpretendedtobe,ortheonesfeignedbythoseinourday.SoletusbrieflytrythesespiritsbysomeoftheeffectsforwhichChristpromisedtogiveustheHolySpirit:Thefirstgeneraleffect,asobserved,wastobringtoremembrancethethingsthatChristspokeforourguidanceandconsolation.ThiswastotheworkoftheHolySpirit towardstheapostles,whowerethepenmenof theScriptures,andthis ishiswork towardsbelievers to the endof theworld.The things thatChristhasspoken and done are “written that wemight believe, and believing, have lifethroughhisname,”John20:31.TheyarewrittenintheScripture.This,then,isthe work of the Spirit which Christ has promised. He will bring to ourremembranceandgiveusunderstandingofthewordsofChristthatarewrittenin the Scripture, and hewill do so for our guidance and consolation. But theworkof thespiritwhichisabroadin theworld,andpervertsmany, is todecrythethingsthatChristhasspokenandwhicharewrittenintheword.Hisbusinessis to pretend new revelations of his own, to leadmen away from the writtenword in which the whole work of God and all the promises of Christ arerecorded.Again, the work of the Spirit promised by Christ is to glorify him: “He willglorifyme;forhewillreceiveofmine,andwillshowittoyou,”John16:14.ItistomaketheonewhosufferedatJerusalem,andwhothenspoketohisdisciples,glorious,honorable,andhighlyesteemedintheheartsofbelievers.Hewastodothat by showing the things of Christ to them (his love, kindness, grace, andpurchase). This is the work of the Spirit. The work of the spirit that is goneabroadistoglorifyitself,todecryChristandrenderhimcontemptible,underthenameof aChrist outsideus,which it slights anddespises.All it aimsat is itsownglory,itsownhonor,whollyinvertingtheorderofthedivinedispensations.Because the fountain of all being lies in the Father’s love, the Son came toglorifytheFather.Hesays,“Iseeknotmyownglory,butthegloryofhimthatsentme.”TheSon,having carriedon theworkof redemption,wasnow tobeglorifiedwiththeFather.Hepraysthat itmightbeso,John17:1,“Thehouriscome,glorifyyourSon.”Andthegloryheasksforisthegloryhehadbeforethe

worldbegan,whenhisjointcounselwasincarryingontheFather’slove.ThatiswhytheHolySpiritissent.HisworkistoglorifytheSon.Butnow,asIsaid,wehaveaspiritintheworldwhosewholebusinessistoglorifyhimself.Thatishowwemayeasilyknowwherehecomesfrom.Furthermore,theHolySpiritshedsabroadtheloveofGodinourhearts,aswasdeclared.Hefillsuswithjoy,peace,andhope.Hequietsandrefreshestheheartsof those in whom he dwells. He gives them liberty, rest, confidence, and theboldnessofchildren.Thespiritofwhichmennowboastisaspiritofbondage,whoseworkis tomakemenquakeandtremble.Hecasts themintoanun-son-likeframeofspirit,drivingthemwithhorrorandbondage,drainingtheirnaturalspirits, and making them wither away. There is hardly anything that moreevidentlyrevealsthisspiritisnottheComforterpromisedbyChristthanthis:heisaspiritofbondageandslavery,aspiritofcrueltyandreproachtowardsothers.HeactsindirectoppositiontotheHolySpiritinbelievers,andalltheendsandpurposes for which he is bestowed on them as a spirit of adoption andconsolation.Togiveoneinstancemore,theHolySpiritbestowedonbelieversisaSpiritofprayer and supplication. The spirit we are dealing with pretends to take menbeyondsuchlowandcontemptiblemeansofcommunionwithGod.Inaword,itisaveryeasyandfaciletask,totakealloftheeminenteffectsoftheHolySpirit in and towardsbelievers, and to show that thepretending spirit ofourdayscomesindirectoppositiontoeveryoneofthem.Thus,Satanhaspassedfromoneextremetoanother,frombitterandwretchedoppositiontotheSpiritofChrist,topretendingtobetheSpirit;butitisstillforthesamepurpose.I might give a number of other instances of the contempt or abuse of thedispensationoftheSpirit.Thosementionedaretheextremestowhichallothersmaybereduced.Iwillnotdigressanyfurtherfromwhatliesdirectlyinmyaim.

Chapter6.ParticularcommunionwiththeHolySpirit–

Thewaybeingplainforus,Iwillnowshowhowweholdparticularcommunionwith the Holy Spirit as our comforter, whoworks out our consolation by themeansmentioned.ThefirstthingIwilldoisprepareforthisbyleadingbelieversto a proper valuation of his work towards us, for which he is called ourComforter.Toelevateourheartsandfitusforthisduty,letusconsiderthreethings:FIRST,whathecomfortsusagainst.SECONDLY,whathecomfortsuswith.THIRDLY,theprincipleunderlyingallofhisconsolingactsandoperationsinus.FIRST. There are only three things in thewhole course of our pilgrimage inwhichtheconsolationsoftheHolySpiritareusefulandnecessary:1.Inourafflictions.AfflictionispartoftheprovisionthatGodhasmadeforhischildren,Heb.12:5,6.Thegreatvarietyofitscauses,means,uses,andeffects,isgenerallyknown.Thereisameasureofafflictionappointedforeveryone.Itisatemptation to bewhollywithout them, and so in somemeasure their absencewouldbeanaffliction.WhatIamsayingisthatweneedtheconsolationsoftheHolySpirit inallourafflictions. It is thenatureofman to try to findhisownrelieffromhisentanglements,byanyandallmeans.Man’snaturalinclinationistomanagehimselfunderpressure.“Thespiritofamanwillbearhisinfirmity”Prov.18:14;atleast,hewillstrugglewithit.Therearetwogreatevils,eitherofwhich generally takes hold of a man under affliction, and keeps him fromproperlymanagingthem.TheapostlementionsthembothinHeb.12:5,“DonotdespisethechastisementoftheLord;neitherfaintwhenyouarereproved.”Menusuallyfallintooneoftheseextremes;eithertheydespisetheLord’scorrection,ortheysinkunderit.

(1.)Mendespiseit.Theyconsiderwhatbefallsthemtobealightorcommonthing.They takenonoticeofGod in it.Theycandealwith itwellenough,looking at its instrumentalities and its incidental causes. They provide fortheirowndefenseandvindicationwithlittleregardtoGodorhishandinit.And the ground of this despising is because they accept assistance in theirtrouble thatGodwillnotmixhisgracewith.Theyfocuson remediesotherthanwhatGodhasappointed.Andthentheycompletelyloseallthebenefits

andadvantageof their affliction.Sowill everymanwhoseekshis relief inanythingbuttheconsolationsoftheHolySpirit.(2.)Men faint and sink under their trials and afflictions,which the apostlefurtherreproves,Heb.12:12.ThefirstonesdespisetheassistanceoftheHolySpiritthroughprideofheart;thelatteronesrefuseitbecausetheyaredejectedin spirit, and sink under theweight of their troubles.Who does not offendGod by doing one or the other at some point?Hadwe not learned to takelightlythechastisementsoftheLord,andtotakelittlenoticeofhisdealingswithus,wewouldfindthatourtimesofafflictioncomprisenosmallportionofourpilgrimage.

Theonlyway toproperlymanageourselvesunder affliction, so thatGodmayhave the glory and we may derive the spiritual benefit of it, is by theconsolationsof theHolySpirit.TheonlypromisethatourSaviormakestohisdiscipleswhenhetellsthemofthegreattrialsandtribulationstocomeisthis,“IwillsendyoutheSpirit, theComforter;hewillgiveyoupeaceinme,whenintheworldyouwillhave trouble.Hewillguideanddirect, andkeepyou inallyour trials.”And the apostle tells us it came to pass, 2Cor. 1:4-6.Under thegreatestafflictions, theSpiritwillcarry thesoul to thehighest joy,peace, rest,and contentment. “We glory in tribulations,” Rom. 5:3. This is a greatexpression.Hesaidbefore,“WerejoiceinhopeofthegloryofGod,”Rom.5:2.Butwhatifvariousafflictionsandtribulationsbefallus?“Why,eveninthosewewillglory,”hesays.Butwhywouldourspiritsbesoborneupunderafflictions,as to glory in them in the Lord? He tells us in verse 5, that it is from the“sheddingabroadof the loveofGod inourheartsby theHolySpirit.”This iswhybelieversaresaid to“receive theword inmuchaffliction,with joyof theHolySpirit,”lThess.1:6,andto“takejoyfullythespoilingoftheirgoods.”Thisismypoint:thereisnomanagementorimprovementofanyaffliction,exceptbytheconsolationsoftheHolySpirit.Whatisitworthtoyoutoderivethebenefitofallyourtrials,temptations,andafflictions?Learntovaluetheonlythingthatrendersthemuseful.2.Consolationisuniquelysuitedfordealingwithsin,thesecondburdenofourlives, and the greatest. InHeb. 6:17-18, an allusion ismade to themanslayerunderthelaw.Havingkilledamanunawares,andhavingbroughttheguiltofhisblooduponhimself,hequicklyfleestothecityofrefugeforhisdeliverance.OurgreatandonlyrefugefromtheguiltofsinistheLordJesusChrist.Infleeingtohim, the Spirit consoles us. A sense of sin fills the heart with trouble and

disquiet, but theHolySpirit gives us peace inChrist.A sense of sin gives ananticipationofwrath,but theHolySpirit shedsabroad the loveofGod inourhearts.ItissinthatSatanandthelawusetoaccuseusofbeingobjectsofGod’shatred.ItistheSpiritwhobearswitnesswithourspiritsthatwearethechildrenofGod. There is no singleweapon or instrument that sin can use against ourpeace,thatoneeffectoranotheroftheHolySpiritcannotdefeat.3.Theconsolationsof theSpiritarealsonecessaryduringthewholecourseofour obedience, so that we may go through with it cheerfully, willingly, andpatientlytotheend.ThiswillbemorefullyexaminedasIgivedirectionsforourcommunionwiththisblessedComforter.Tosummarize,inallourconcernsofthislife,andinourexpectationofanother,westandinneedoftheconsolationsoftheHolySpirit.

Withoutthem,wewilleitherdespiseafflictionsorfaintunderthem,andGodwillbeignoredinhisintentforthem.

Withoutthem,sinwilleitherhardenussoastodisdainit,oritwilldriveustoneglecttheremediesgraciouslyprovidedagainstit.

Withoutthem,ourdutieswilleitherpuffusupwithpride,ordenyusthesweetnessthatcomeswithnewobedience.

Withoutthem,prosperitywillmakeuscarnal,sensual,andcontentwiththesethings.Itwillutterlyweakenusforthetrialsofadversity.

Without them, the comforts of our relationships will separate us fromGod,andthelossofthemwillmakeourheartsaswickedasNabal’s.

Without them, the trials of the church will overwhelm us, and theprosperityofthechurchwillnotconcernus.

Withoutthem,wewillhavewisdomfornowork,peaceinnocondition,strength for no duty, success in no trial, joy in no state, life with nocomfort,anddeathwithnolight.

Ourafflictions,oursins,andourobedience,withtheirrespectivecircumstances,arethefocusofourlives.WhatweareinrelationtoGodisfoundinthem,andthe due management of them. Through all of these there runs a line ofconsolationfromtheHolySpirit,thatgivesusajoyfulresponsethroughout.Itis

asadconditionforthosewhohavenosuchconsolations.Whatpooralternativesthey are forced to resort to!What giants they have to encounter in their ownstrength!Whethertheyareconquered,orseemtoconquer,theyhavenothingbutthemiseryoftheirtrials!The SECOND thing to consider, is putting a proper valuation on theconsolationsoftheHolySpirit.ThismaybedividedintotheloveoftheFather,andthegraceoftheSon.AlloftheconsolationsoftheHolySpiritconsistinhisacquainting uswith, and communicating to us, the love of the Father and thegraceof theSon.There isnothing inoneor theother thathedoesnotmakeamatterofconsolationtous.Indeed,wehaveourcommunionwiththeFatherinhislove,andwiththeSoninhisgrace,bytheoperationoftheHolySpirit.1.TheSpiritcommunicatestous,andacquaintsuswith,theloveoftheFather.Having informed his disciples that theywould receive the foundation of theirconsolation by the Comforter, our blessed Savior encloses everything in this,“The father himself loves you,” (John 16:27). This is what the Comforter isgiven to acquaint us with: that God is the Father, and that he loves us. Inparticular,theFather,asthefirstpersonintheTrinity,lovesus.Forthisreason,theSpirit isoftensaidtocomefromtheFatherbecausehecomesinpursuitoftheFather’s love.Hecomes to acquaint theheartsofbelieverswith it, so thatthey may be comforted and established. By persuading us of the eternal andunchangeable love of the Father, he fills us with consolation. Indeed, all theeffectsoftheHolySpiritmentionedbeforetendtodothis.Youheardearlierofthis love and its transcendent excellence.TheHolySpirit communicates to useverythingthatisdesirableinit.Asenseofthislovenotonlyrelievesus,butitmakesusrejoicewithjoyunspeakableandgloriousineverycondition.Hedoesnotcomfortoursoulswithmorecorn,wine,andoil,butbyshiningthecountenance of God upon us, Ps. 4:6-7. A soul that has the Spiritmight say;“Theworldhatesme,butmyFatherlovesme.Mendespisemeasahypocrite;butmyFather lovesme as a child. I ampoor in thisworld; but I have a richinheritanceintheloveofmyFather.Iamlimitedinallthings;butthereisbreadenoughinmyFather’shouse.Imourninsecretunderthepowerofmylustsandsin,whereno eyes seeme; but theFather seesme, and is full of compassion.With a senseof his kindness,which is better than life, I rejoice in tribulation,gloryinaffliction,andtriumphasaconqueror.ThoughIamkilledalldaylong,allmysorrowshaveabottomthatmaybefathomed,mytrialshaveboundsthatmay be compassed; but the breadth, and depth, and height of the love of the

Fathercannotbeexpressed.”IfIcomparedallothercausesandmeansofjoyandconsolation tohow theSpirit comfortsuswith the loveof theFather, Iwoulddiscovertheiremptiness,anditsfullness,theirnothingness,anditsbeingallinall.IwouldrendertheconsolationoftheSpiritgloriousbysuchacomparison.2.Again:theSpiritdoesthisbycommunicatingtous,andacquaintinguswith,thegraceofChrist,all the fruitsofhispurchase,andall thedesirabilityofhisperson, becausewe are in him. The grace of Christ refers to the grace of hisperson,andtheworkofhisoffice.TheHolySpiritadministersconsolationtousby both of these things, John 16:14. He glorifies Christ by revealing hisexcellenceanddesirabilitytobelievers,asthe“chiefoftenthousand,altogetherlovely,”Cant.5:10,16.ThenheshowsthemthethingsofChrist:hislove,grace,and all the fruits of his death, suffering, resurrection, and intercession. Hesupports theirheartsandsoulswith these.Asa result,hegives themwhateverrefreshestheminthepardonoftheirsin,deliversthemfromthecurseandwrathtocome,andconveysthehopeofgloryintheirjustificationandadoption,alongwiththeinnumerableprivilegesthataccompanythesethings.TheTHIRD thing to consider is the principle underlying all of his consolingactsandoperations.ThisleadsusalittlenearertothecommunionIintendedtodirectusin.Theprinciplewhichgovernsthemishisowngreatloveandinfinitecondescension. He willingly proceeds or comes from the Father to be ourcomforter.Heknewwhatwewere,andwhatwecoulddo,andhowwewoulddeal with him. He knew we would grieve him, provoke him, quench hisimpulses, and defile his dwelling-place. And yet he would come to be ourcomforter.FailuretodulyconsiderthisgreatloveoftheHolySpiritwillweakenalltheprinciplesofourownobedience.Ifthistruthabidedinourhearts,whatapreciousvaluewewouldneedtoputuponallhisoperationsandactionstowardsus!Indeed,nothingisvaluablethatdoesnotcomefromloveandgood-will.Thisis the way the Scripture motivates us to a right and due estimation of ourredemptionbyJesusChrist.Ittellsusthathediditfreely.Helaiddownhislifeofhisownwill.Andhedid itoutof love.“In thiswasmanifested the loveofGod,thathelaiddownhislifeforus,”1Jn.3:16.“Helovedus,andgavehimselfforus,”Gal.2:20.“Helovedus,andwashedusfromoursinsinhisownblood,”Rev.1:5.Here theScripture reveals our state and condition.Wemust considerthat he undertook to do this while we were still sinners, enemies, dead, andalienated.Thenhelovedus,anddiedforus,andwasheduswithhisblood.MaywenotalsovaluethedispensationoftheSpiritforourconsolationfromthis?Heproceeds from theFather for that samepurpose.Hedistributesashewill, and

worksashepleases.Andhowdowerespondtohim?Wearefroward,perverse,andunthankful.Wegrieve,vex,andprovokehim.Yetinhisloveandtendernesshecontinuestodousgood.LetusbyfaithconsiderthisloveoftheHolySpirit.Itisthesourceofallthecommunionwehavewithhiminthislife.Thisis,asIsaid,spokenonlytoprepareourheartsforthiscommunion;anditissuchalittleportionofwhatmightbesaid!Itsufficestosaythattheworkinhandisamongthegreatestduties,andmostexcellentprivileges,ofthegospel.

Chapter7.GeneralwaysthesaintsactincommunionwiththeHolySpirit–

AsIdidinshowinghowtheHolySpiritactsinus,Iwillnowdescribehowwerespond to him inour acts of faith generally, and then in particular.There arethree general ways the soul deports itself in this communion, all expressednegativelyintheScripture,butallincludingpositiveduties.Wearenottogrievehim, not to quench his impulses, and not to resist him. Then there are threethingstoconsiderabouttheHolySpirit:hisdwellinginus,hisactinginusbygraceorimpetus,andhisworkinginusthroughtheordinancesofthewordandthesacraments.Alloftheseareforthesamepurpose.Linking the cautions to the considerations, we are: 1. Not to grieve him, inrespect to his person dwelling in us. 2. Not to quench him, in respect to theactingandimpetusofhisgrace.3.Nottoresisthim,inrespecttotheordinancesofChrist,andhisgiftsfortheiradministration.Now,becausethewholegeneraldutyofbelieversintheircommunionwiththeHolySpiritiscomprisedinthesethreethings,Iwillhandlethemseparately:1. The first caution directly concerns his person dwelling in us. It is given inEph.4:30,“DonotgrievetheHolySpiritofGodbywhomyouaresealeduntilthedayofredemption.”ThereisalsoacomplaintgivenofthosewhogrievedtheSpirit in Isa. 63:10. This is where this caution seems to be taken from. It isevidentfromthefollowingindications,thatthesepassagesrefertothepersonoftheHolySpirit:

(1.)Itsphrasingorexpressionusesadoublearticle,“ToPneumatoHagion,”whichindicatesitis“thatHolySpirit”ratherthan“aholyspirit,”andalso,(2.)Theworkassignedtohimis,“sealingtothedayofredemption,”whichistheworkoftheHolySpirit.WhiletheSpiritmayworkinnon-believers,itisevidentthattheapostlemeansbelievers.Headdsthatuniqueprivilegewhichonlybelievers enjoyby theSpirit: he is theonewho sealsus to thedayofredemption.

This caution, “Grieve not the Holy Spirit,” is the first general rule of ourcommunionwiththeHolySpirit.Theterm“grieving,”oraffectingwithsorrow,may be considered either actively, in respect to the persons grieving, or

passively,inrespecttothepersonsgrieved.Inthelattersensetheexpressionismetaphorical. The Spirit cannot be passively grieved or affected with sorrow.That would imply alteration, disappointment, or weakness, which are allincompatible with his infinite perfection. Yet men may actively do what iscapableofgrievingsomeonewhohasaffectionforthem,astheHolySpiritdoes.Ifheisnotgrieved,itisnothankstous,buttohisownunchangeablenature.Sotherearetwothingsdenotedinthisexpression:First,thattheHolySpirithasaffectionforus.Heisloving,careful,tender,andconcernedforourgoodandwell-doing.Thereforeourmiscarriagesaresaid togrievehim, just as agood, kind, and loving friend is apt tobegrievedby themiscarriageof theonehecares for.This love,kindness, and tendernessof theHolySpirittowardsusisourprimaryregardinthiscaution;itisitsfoundation.“Grievehimnot.”Secondly, that we do things that grieve him, even though he is not passivelygrieved.Oursinisnolessindoingthem,than ifheweregrieved in the samewayweare.Now,howthisisdone,howtheSpiritisgrieved,isdeclaredinthecontextofEph.4:21-24.TheApostlepresses theprogress insanctification,andallthefruitsofregenerationinverses25-29.Helistsanumberofevilsthatarecontrary tosanctificationand regeneration.Hegives thepositiveduty requiredofthem.Andthenhefollowswith,“AnddonotgrievetheHolySpiritofGod.”That is, donotgrievehimbycoming short of theuniversal sanctification thatourplantingintoChristrequires.ThepositivedutyincludedinthiscautionnottogrievetheHolySpirit,isthatwepursueuniversalholinesswithregardto,andbecauseof,thelove,kindness,andtendernessoftheHolySpirit.Thisisthegeneralfoundationofourcommunionwith him. We consider the love, kindness, and tenderness of the Holy Spirittowardsus.Weconsiderallthefruitsandactsofhisloveandgood-willtowardsus. And then, because of these considerations, and because the Spirit is soconcernedwithourwaysandourwalk,wechoosetoabstainfromevils,andtowalkinallourdutiesofholiness.Thisiswhatitmeanstohavecommunionwithhim.Thisconsiderationthat theHolySpirit,whoisourcomforter, isdelightedwith our obedience, and grievedby our evils and follies, becomes a continualmotiveandreasontowalkcloselywithGodinallholiness.Itisthefirstgeneralwaythatwecommunewithhim.Let us focus on this a little.We lose both the power and the pleasure of ourobedience for lack of this consideration. We see the reason the Holy Spirit

undertakestobeourcomforter,andthewaysandmeansbywhichheperformshisofficetowardsus.Whatanunworthythingitistogrievetheonewhocomestousonpurposetoconsoleus!Letthesoul,inthewholecourseofitsobedience,exerciseitselfbyfaithtothinkofthis,andgiveititsdueweight.Letitsay,“TheHolySpirit, inhis infinite loveandkindness towardsme,hascondescendedtobemy comforter.He does itwillingly, freely, and powerfully. Look atwhat Ihavereceivedfromhim!Inallmytroubles,hehasrefreshedmysoul!CanIliveonedaywithouthisconsolation?Will Idisregardhiminwhathe isconcernedwith?WillIgrievehimbymynegligence,sin,andfolly?Lethisloveconstrainme to walk before him, well-pleasing in all I do.” This is what we have ingeneralfellowshipwithhim.2.Thesecondcautionisfoundin1Thess.5:19,“QuenchnottheSpirit.”Therearevariousthoughtsabout themeaningof thesewords.SomesayitmeanstheSpiritinothers,ortheirspiritualgifts,”whichfallsinwithwhatfollowsinverse20,“Despisenotprophesying.”OtherssayitmeansthelightthatGodhasputinourhearts.”Butwhereisthatspecificallycalled“ToPneuma,”“TheSpirit?”Itisthe Holy Spirit himself that is meant here. It is not referring to his persondirectly,buthisimpetus,acting,andoperations.TheHolySpiritwastypifiedbythe fire thatwas always kept alive on the altar. He is also called a “Spirit ofburning,”Isa.4:4;Matt.3:11;Lk.3:16.Thereasonsforthatallusionarevarious,but Iwill not examine themnow.Opposition to the activityof a fire is calledquenching,likecastingwetwoodintoafire.Hence,oppositiontotheactsoftheHolySpiritiscalled“quenchingoftheSpirit.”Thus,usingthesamemetaphor,wearetoldto“anadzoturein”[NT:329],to“stirupwithnewfire,”or“rekindle”thegiftsthatareinus,2Tim.1:6.TheHolySpiritisstrivingwithus,actinginus,movingvariouslyforourgrowthingrace,andbringingforthfruitthatisfittingfortheprinciplehehasendueduswith.“Takeheed,”theapostleissaying,“lest,bythepowerofyourlustsandtemptations,youdonotattendtohisworkings,buthinderhiminhisgood-willtowardsyou;thatis,hinderwhatliesinyou.”This,then,isthesecondgeneralruleforourcommunionwiththeHolySpirit.Itrespects his gracious operations in us and by us. There are several ways bywhich the Holy Spirit is said to exercise his power in us. It is partly bystimulating the grace we have received, partly by giving us new supplies ofgracefromJesusChrist,providingoccasionsfor theirexercise,andmotivatingus directly or indirectly by circumstance. All of these tend to further ourobedienceandourwalkwithGod.Allofthesearetobecarefullyobservedandnoticed,considering thefountainfromwhich theycome,and theend towhich

they lead us. Hence, we have communion with the Holy Spirit when we canconsiderhimbyfaithastheimmediateauthorofalloursuppliesandassistance,all thereliefwehavebygrace,all thegoodacts,motivations,and impulsesofourhearts, andall the strivingandcontendingwemakeagainst sin.Whenweconsider all his works in their tendency to console us, and we are careful tocooperate in themfor theendaimedat,andwetreat themascomingfromtheonewhoissoloving,kind,andtendertous,thenwehavecommunionwithhim.WhatisintendedisthateverygraciousactoftheblessedSpiritinandtowardsus,istoconstantlybeconsideredbyfaithascomingfromhiminauniqueway.Hismindandhisgoodwillare tobeobservedin thatconsideration.Fromthiswillarisecareanddiligencein improvingeverymotionofhis.Thenreverencefor his presencewill ensue, with due spiritual regard to his holiness; and oursoulswillwanttocommunewithhim.3.Thethirdcautionconcernshisworkinthedispensationoftheordinanceoftheword.StephentellstheJewsthatthey“resistedtheHolySpirit,”Acts7:51.Howdidtheydoit?Justastheirfathersdidit:“Asyourfathersdid,sodoyou.”AndhowdidtheirfathersresisttheHolySpirit?“Theypersecutedtheprophets,andslewthem,”verse52.Thatis,theyopposedtheprophetsinpreachingthegospel,orinshowingthecomingoftheJustOne.TheHolySpiritissaidtoberesistedbycontemptforpreachingtheword,becausethegiftofpreachingcomesfromhim.“ThemanifestationoftheSpiritisgiventoprofit.”1Cor.12:7.Hence,whenour Savior promises his disciples that the Spirit will be present with them toconvicttheworld,hetellsthemhewillgivethemamouthandwisdomthattheiradversariescannotresist,Luke21:15.WhenthiswasaccomplishedinStephen,it issaid that they“werenotable toresist theSpiritbywhichhespoke,”Acts6:10.TheHolySpiritsetsupaministryinthechurch,drawsmenaparttoit,andfurnishes themwith gifts and abilities to dispense theword.Not obeying thatword, opposing it, and not falling down before it, is called resisting theHolySpirit.Wearecautionedagainstthisresistancethroughtheexamplesgivenofthewickednessofothers.Thisencloses the thirdgeneral ruleofourcommunionwith theHolySpirit: indispensing the word of the gospel, we are to see the authority, wisdom, andgoodnessoftheHolySpiritinfurnishingmenwithgiftsforthatpurpose,andthevirtue of his presence with them. Obedience is yielded to the word in itsministerialdispensationbecausetheHolySpirit,andhealone,furnishesgiftsforthatpurpose.Whenthisconsiderationcausesustobowbeforetheword,we

havecommunionwiththeHolySpiritintheordinanceoftheword.

Chapter8.ParticulardirectionsforcommunionwiththeHolySpirit.

Before Inameparticulardirections forour communionwith theHolySpirit, Imustgivesomecautionsconcerninghisworship.First.Thedivinenatureisthereasonandcauseforallworship.Itisimpossibletoworshipanyoneperson in thegodhead, andnotworship thewholeTrinity.The schoolmen denied, on good grounds, that the object of divineworship isfound separately in the persons of the godhead.That is, theydenied that theirrelationship means each is a distinct object of our worship. This relationshipbelongstotheindivisibledivinenatureandessenceofGod.Therefore,prayingtotheTrinity,byrepeatingthesamepetitiontoeachoftheseveralpersons(asintheLitany), isgroundless, ifnot impious. Itsupposes thatwecanworshiponepersonandnotanother,wheninfacteachpersonisworshippedasGod,andeachpersonisGod.It isas thoughwecoulddesiresomethingof theFather,haveitheardandgrantedbyhim,andthenweturntotheSontoaskthesamething,andoncemoreweaskitoftheHolySpirit.Wewouldbedoingthisasthreedistinctactsofworship,expectingtobeseparatelyheardbyeach,andseparatelygrantedbyeach.Thatismisguided.AlltheworksoftheTrinityareindivisible.TheproperandspecificobjectofdivineworshipandinvocationistheessenceofGod, in its infinite excellence, dignity, andmajesty, and as the first sovereigncauseofallthings.Now,thisiscommontoallthreepersons,anditispropertoeachof them. It isnotgiven toGod formally as aperson,but asGodblessedforever. All adoration regards what is common to all, so that, in each act ofadoration andworship, all are adored andworshipped. The creatures worshiptheir Creator, and aman, the one in whose image theywere created, the one“fromwhomdescendseverygoodandperfectgift”Jas.1:17,alldescribingGodasGod.Secondly.Whenwebeginourprayers toGod theFather, and end them in thename of Jesus Christ, the Son is no less invoked and worshipped in thebeginningthantheFather.Heisspecificallymentionedinthecloseoftheprayer,notastheSonhimself,butasMediatortothewholeTrinity,ortoGodinTrinity.IntheinvocationofGodtheFather,weinvokeeverypersonofthegodhead.AndbecauseweinvoketheFatherasGod,everypersonisinvoked.

Thirdly. Thiswhole business is declared in the heavenly directorywe have inEph.2:18.Our access inourworship is said tobe “to theFather,” and this is“throughChrist,”orhismediation,“bytheSpirit,”orwithhisassistance.Hereisthedistinctionofthethreepersonsastotheiroperations,butnotatallastotheirbeing the object of our worship. For the Son and the Holy Spirit are no lessworshippedinouraccesstoGodthantheFatherhimself.WhatwedrawclosetoGodforisthegraceoftheFather,whichweobtainbythemediationoftheSon,andtheassistanceoftheSpirit.SowhenweareledbythedistinctdispensationoftheTrinity,andeverypersoninthatTrinity,toworshipanyperson(thatis,toexerciseourfaithonhim,orinvokehim),weworshipthewholeTrinity;andweinvoke every person bywhatever namewe use,whether Father, Son, orHolySpirit. So this iswhat is to be observed in thismatter:when anywork of theHolySpiritoranyotherperson,whichisappropriatetohim,drawsustoworshiphim, he is notworshipped exclusively; thewholeGodhead isworshipped.Weneverexcludetheconcurrenceoftheotherpersons.Fourthly.Thisbeingsaid,wearetodistinctlyworshiptheHolySpirit.Asinthecase of faith in theFather and theSon, “Believe inGod, believe also inme,”John14:1, thisextendsnolesstotheHolySpirit.Christcalledthedisciplestohavefaithinhimashewasaccomplishingthegreatworkofhismediation.TheHolySpirit,nowcarryingontheworkdelegatedtohim,requiresthesame.Andtheir distinct operations are to the same purpose: “MyFatherworks until thistime,andIwork,”Jn.5:17.TheformalreasonforworshippingtheSonisnothismediation,buthisbeingGod,yethismediationisapowerfulmotive.Sotoo,theformalreasonforworshippingtheHolySpiritisnothisbeingourcomforter,buthisbeingGod;yethisbeingourcomforterisapowerfulmotive.Thisisthesumofthefirstdirection:thegrace,activity,love,andeffectsoftheHolySpiritasourcomforter,oughttomotivateandprovokeustolove,worship,believein,andinvokehim.Allofthis,beingdirectedtohimasGod,isnolessdirected to the other persons. Andwe aremoved to these things only by thefruitsofhislovetowardsus.Presumingallofthesethings,letthesaintslearntoactouttheirfaithdistinctlyon theHolySpirit, as the immediateandefficientcauseofall thegood thingsmentioned.Thismeans faith to believe in him; and faith to believe him in allthings,and toyieldobedience tohim. Iamspeakingof faith,not imagination.Thedistinctionof thepersons in theTrinity isnot tobe fancied,butbelieved.TheScripturefully,frequently,clearly,anddistinctlyascribesthethingswehave

been speaking of to the immediate efficiency of theHoly Spirit.And so faithembraceshiminthetruthrevealedthere.Ituniquelyregardshim,worshipshim,serveshim,waitsforhim,praystohim,andpraiseshim.Thesaintsdoallthesethingsinfaith.ThepersonoftheHolySpirit,revealingitselfintheseoperationsandeffects,istheuniqueobjectofourworship.Therefore,whenheoughttobeuniquelyhonored,andheisnot,thenheisuniquelysinnedagainst.InActs5:3,Ananias is said to lie to theHolySpirit, not toGod. In its essence thiswoulddenote thewhole Trinity, but it specifically refers to theHoly Spirit.Ananiaswas to have honored Him specifically in that special gift of his which hepromised; innotgiving it,hesinneduniquelyagainst theHolySpirit.But thismustbealittlefurtherdividedintoitsparticulars:LetusemphasizeeveryeffectoftheHolySpiritasanactofhisloveandpowertowardsus.Faiththatnoticeshiskindnessinallthingswilldothis.Frequentlyhe performs the office of a comforter towards us. If we are not thoroughlycomforted,wetakenonoticeatallofwhathedoes.Thenishegrieved.Ofthosewhoactuallyreceiveandaccepttheconsolationhetendersandadministers,therearefewwhorecognizehimasthecomforter,andrejoiceinhimastheyoughtto!Foreachworkofconsolationthatthebelieverreceives,hisfaithoughttoresolvethat, “This is from the Holy Spirit. He is the Comforter, the God of allconsolation. I know there is no joy, peace, hope, or comfort except what heworks,gives,andbestows.Andsothathemightgivemethisconsolation,hehaswillingly condescended to this office of a comforter. His love was in it. Andbecauseofhislove,hecontinuesit.HeissentbytheFatherandSonforthatendandpurpose.BythismeansIpartakeofmyjoy,whichisintheHolySpirit.HeistheComforter.Whatprice,now,willIsetuponhislove?HowwillIvaluethemercythatIhavereceived?”Thisapplies toeveryeffectof theHolySpirit towardsus,and in thiswehavecommunionand fellowshipwithhim.Doesheshedabroad the loveofGod inourhearts?Doeshewitness toouradoption?The soulconsidershispresence,ponders his love, condescension, goodness, and kindness, and it is filledwithreverenceforhim.It takescarenot togrievehim,andit labors topreservehistemple,hishabitation,aspureandholy.Again:ourcommunionwithhimcausesustoreturnpraise,thanks,honor,glory,and blessing to him.This is because of themercies and privilegeswe receivefromhim,whicharemany.WedothesamewiththeSonofGodbecauseofourredemption: “To him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own

blood,tohimbegloryanddominionforeverandever,”Rev.1:5-6.Arenotthesamepraisesandblessingsdue to theonewhomakes theworkof redemptioneffective inus?TheSpiritundertookourconsolationwithno less infinite lovethantheSonhadwhenheundertookourredemption.Whenwefeelourheartswarmedwith joy, supported inpeace,established inourobedience, then letusascribetotheSpiritthepraisethatisduehim,blesshisname,andrejoiceinhim.Thisbeginsournextdirection.GlorifyingtheHolySpiritinthanksgiving,inresponsetoaspiritualsenseofhisconsolations, is no small part of our communion with him. Consider his freeengagement in this work, his coming from the Father for this purpose, hismissionbytheSon,hiscondescensioninacceptingit,andhisloveandkindnesstous.Thesoulofabeliever ispouredout in thankfulpraises tohimfor thesethings,andit issweetlyaffectedwiththedutytoglorifyhim.Thereisnodutythatleavesamoreheavenlysavorinthesoulthanthisdoes.Also,ourcommunionwithhimliesinourprayerstohimtocarryontheworkofourconsolationthathehasundertaken.JohnpraysforgraceandpeacefromthesevenSpiritsthatarebeforethethrone(Rev.1:4,theHolySpirit)whoseoperationsareperfectandcomplete.ThisprayerfulpartofhisworshipisexpresslyandfrequentlymentionedinScripture,andallotherpartsofworshipnecessarilyattendit.ThesaintswillbepreparedforthisdutyiftheyconsiderwhicheffectsoftheHolySpirittheyneed,weighalltheprivilegestheyenjoy,rememberthathedistributesthemashewill,andthathesovereignlydisposesofthem.How and in what sense this worship is to be performed has already beendiscussed.Ihavealsoshowntheformalreasonforthisworship,anditsintimateobject.Nosmallpartofthelife,efficacy,andvigoroffaithisputintothisduty.If we do not learn to worship him in every way that he is pleased tocommunicate himself to us, then we will come short of what we have beencalledto:confidenceofspiritindealingwithGod,andwalkinginthebreadthofhisways.Inthesethings,Goddealswithus,andwalkswithus,inthepersonofthe Holy Spirit. And we meet him in that person, in his love, grace, andauthority,byourprayersandsupplications.Again: consider the Spirit condescending to undertake this delegation ordispensationoftheFatherandSontobeourcomforter.AsktheSpiritdailyfortheblessingsoftheFatherinthenameofJesusChrist.Thisisthedailyworkofbelievers.TheylookattheHolySpiritastheonewhowaspromisedtobesent,

andbyfaith theyconsiderhimso.Theyknowthat in thispromise is foundalltheirgrace,peace,mercy, joy,andhope.For these thingsarecommunicated tothem by this promised Spirit, and by him alone. Therefore, if the joy of ourliving toGod is considered,wewill abound inasking theSpiritof theFather,justaschildrenaskfordailybreadfromtheirparents.InaskingforandreceivingtheHolySpirit,andforwhichheissent,wehavecommunionwiththeFatherinhislove.Inhisgrace,bywhichtheSpiritisobtainedforus,wehavecommunionwiththeSon.Andbecauseofhisvoluntarycondescensiontothisdispensation,wehavecommunionwith theSpirit.Every request for theHolySpirit impliesourembracingthesethings.OtherichesofthegraceofGod!HumblingourselvesforoursininreferencetohimisanotherpartofourcommunionwiththeSpirit.Wemournthatwehavegrievedhiminhisperson,quenchedhimintheimpulsesofhisgrace,orresistedhiminhisordinances.Letoursoulsbehumbledbeforehimonthisaccount.Thisisamainingredientofgodlysorrow.Thinkingofitisassuitedtoaffectourheartswithhumiliationandindignationagainstsinasanyothermeans.IwillclosethiswholediscoursewithsomeconsiderationsofthesadestateandconditionofmenwhoarenotinterestedinthispromiseoftheSpirit,anddonothavehisconsolation:1.Theyhavenotrueconsolationorcomfortwithouthim.Iftheyhaveafflictionortrouble,theymustbeartheirownburden.Buttheyaremuchtooweakforit,especially ifGod lays on his handwithmoreweight than ordinary.Menmayhave stout spirits, andgreat resolve towrestlewith their troubles, but becausethisproceedsfromtheirnaturalspirit,

(1.)Forthemostpartitisonlyanexternalsolution.Itisdonewithrespecttoothers,sothattheymaynotappeartobelow-spiritedordejected.Theirheartsaredevouredwithtroublesandanxieties.Theirthoughtsareperplexed.Theystill strive, but never conquer. Every new trouble, every little alteration intheirtrials,putsthemingreaterdistress.Theresolvethatbearsthemuphasnofoundation,andsotheyareeasilyshaken.(2.) What is the best we can say of their resolve and endurance? It iscontendingwithGod,theonewhohasentangledthem.Itisafleastrugglingunder a mountain. Though on outward considerations and principles, theyendeavor to have patience and tolerance, it is only contending with God,strivingtobequietunderwhatGodhassentonpurposetodisturbthem.God

doesnotafflictmenwithouttheSpirittoexercisetheirpatience,buttodisturbtheirpeaceandsecurity.Arming themselveswithpatienceand resolveonlymaintainstheholdthatGodwantstoreleasethemfrom,orelseitmakesthemnearer to ruin. This is the best consolation they have in the time of theirtrouble.(3.)Theymaypromise themselves tohaveGod’scare,andgain relief fromthat.This iswhat they often do for one reason or another, especiallywhentheyaredriven fromotherholds.But their relief is likeahungrymanwhodreams thatheeatsanddrinks,and is refreshed;butwhenheawakes,he isemptyanddisappointed.Itisthesamewiththerelieftheypromisetoreceivefrom God, and the support they think to have from him. When they areawakenedat the lastday, and see all things clearly, theywill find thatGodwas their enemy, laughing at their calamity, andmocking themwhen theywereafraid.

This iswhat it is likewhen they are in trouble. Is it any better in prosperity?Their prosperity in life is often great, andmarvelously described in Scripture.Theyoftenhaveaquiet,peaceableend.Butdidtheyhaveanytrueconsolationall their days? They eat, drink, sleep, and make merry, and perhaps heap upwealth.But these thingsmake them littledifferent from thebeasts thatperish!Solomon’smaterialwealth iswellknown.Hehadthemostof thesethings,farbeyond what anyone in our generation experiences. The account he gives ofthem is also known: “They are all vanity and grasping air,” Ecc. 1:14. Theirconsolationisacracklingofthornsunderthepot,asuddenflashandblazethatbeginstoperish.SobothadversityandprosperityslaysmenwithouttheSpirit.Whethertheyarecryingorlaughing,theyarestilldying.2. They have no peace. They have no peacewithGod, or peace in their ownsouls.Iknowthatmanyofthem,onfalsegroundsandexpectations,makeashiftto quiet their soul. It is not my business here to show the falseness andunsoundnessofit,butthisistheirstate.Becausetrueandsolidpeaceisaneffectof theHoly Spirit in the hearts of believers, thosewithout him have no suchpeace.Theymaycry, “Peace,peace,”when suddendestruction is athand,butthe basis of their peace is darkness, ignorance, treachery of conscience, self-righteousness, andvain hope.Whatwill these avail themon the day theLorddealswiththem?3.Imightsaythesamethingconcerningtheirjoyandhope.Theyarefalseandperishing. Those who think they have an interest in the good things of the

gospel,andyethavedespisedtheSpiritofChrist,shouldconsiderthat.Iknowtherearemanywhopretend tohavehim,but are strangers tohisgrace.Somewillperishwho,despitetheirfalseprofession,treattheSpiritkindly,andhonorhim,even thoughhedoesnotdwell in themwithpower.Whatwillhappen tothosewhoopposeandaffronthim?TheScripturetellsusthatunlesstheSpiritofChristisinus,wearedead,Jas.2:26;wearereprobates,2Cor.13:5;wedonotbelongtoChrist,Rom.8:9.Withouthim,youhavenoneofthosegloriouseffectsoftheSpiritmentionedbefore.Andyou,whodonotcarewhetherheisinyouornot,are ready toderide theseeffects in thosewhodohavehim.Are thereanywhoprofess the gospel,who have never once seriously inquiredwhether theyhavetheHolySpirit?Therearethosewhoconsideritridiculoustobeaskedsuchaquestion,wholookatanyonewhotalksoftheSpiritasfalsebelievers.MaytheLordawakesuchmentoseetheirconditionbeforeitistoolate!IftheSpiritdoesnotdwell inyou, ifhe isnotyourComforter, thenneither isGodyourFather,nor theSonyourAdvocate,nordoyouhaveanyportion in thegospel.O thatGodwouldawakementoconsiderthis,beforetheirneglectandcontemptoftheHolySpiritreachesapointofdespisinghimfromwhichthereisnorecovery!OthattheLordwouldspreadbeforethemallthefollyoftheirhearts,sothattheymaybeashamedandconfounded,andstoptheirpresumption!

End

Notes

[←1]Aristotle,Ethics,viii.2;Friendshiprequiresequality.

[←2]Titus3:4-7 -Butafter that thekindnessand loveofGodourSavior towardmanappeared,notbyworksofrighteousnesswhichwehavedone,butaccordingtohismercyhesavedus,bythewashingof regeneration, and renewing of theHolyGhost,which he shed on us abundantly through JesusChristourSavior,thatbeingjustifiedbyhisgrace,weshouldbemadeheirsaccordingtothehopeofeternallife.

[←3]Ex34:6-7 -And theLORDpassedbybeforehim, andproclaimed,TheLORD,TheLORDGod,merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy forthousands,forgivinginiquityandtransgressionandsin;andwhowillbynomeanscleartheguilty,visitingtheiniquityofthefathersuponthechildren,andthechildren’schildren,tothethirdandtothefourthgeneration.

[←4]Anenrollmentormembershipcard;alsoasmalltileusedinmosaics,asOwen’sreferenceto“whitestone”indicates.