JOHANNGERHARD’S

SACREDMEDITATIONS.

TranslatedfromtheLatin

BY

REV.C.W.HEISLER,A.M.

PHILADELPHIA,PA.:LUTHERANPUBLICATIONSOCIETY.

Copyright,1896,Bythe

LUTHERANPUBLICATIONSOCIETY.

INTRODUCTION.

ANewtranslationoftheadmirabledevotionalmanualofJohnGerhardneedsnoapology.TheMeditationesSacræwasfirstpublishedinLatinintheyear1606,whentheauthorwasbuttwenty-twoyearsold.ItenjoysthesingulardistinctionofbeingtheonlyworkwrittenbyayoungmanthatgainedandmaintainedadeepandlastingholdupontheChurch,assoexpressingtheloftiestdevotion,withspiritualinsightsojust,thatall,eventhoseoldinthefaith,mightbeguidedandupliftedbythemeditationsofsoyoungadiscipleofChrist.IthasbeenfrequentlyreprintedinLatin;itwasspeedilytranslatedintoGerman,andlaterintomostoftheEuropeanlanguages,includingtheGreek.IthasalsobeenhonoredwithanArabicversion.TheEnglishtranslationbyR.Winterton(1631),passedthroughatleastnineteeneditions.ItranksinitsfinedevotionalspiritwithThomasàKempis’ImitationofChrist,Arndt’sDasWahresChristenthum,andTaylor’sHolyLivingandDying.Itisnotalargebook,butagoldenone.

JohnGerhardwasbornofagoodfamilyinQuedlinburg,17thofOctober,1582.Inhisfifteenthyear,duringadangerousillnesswhichcontinuedaboutayear,hecameunderthepersonalinfluenceofJohnArndt,andresolvedtostudyfortheministry.In1599,heenteredtheUniversityofWittenberg.Duringhisstudies,herelinquishedhispurposeandgavehimselffortwoyearstothestudyofmedicine.But,in1603,heresumedhisreadingoftheologyatJena.Onthecompletionofhiscourse,hebegantogivelecturesatJenain1605.In1606,thesameyearinwhichtheMeditationesSacræappeared,heacceptedthedukeofCoburg’sinvitationtoaprofessorshipintheCoburgGymnasiumandtothesuperintendencyofHeldburg.

In1616,hebecameprofessorattheUniversityofJena,whichposition

heretaineduntilhisdeath.Thoughstillcomparativelyyoung,GerhardhadalreadycometoberegardedasthegreatestlivingtheologianofProtestantGermany;inthenumerousdisputationswhichcharacterizedthatperiod,hewasalwaysprotagonist,whileonallpublicanddomesticquestionstouchingonreligionormorals,hisadvicewaseagerlysoughtonallhandsandbyeveryclass.AlmosteveryuniversityinGermanycalledhim,aswellastheUniversityofUpsalainSweden,butinvain.Hiswritingsindicateenormouslabor,beingbothvoluminousandvaried,dealingalikeinexegetical,polemical,dogmaticandpracticaltheology.Allexhibitpatientstudy,greatgraspofintellect,copiousknowledgeandreligiousexperience.Luthardtsays,asatheologian“hecombinedrarelearning,greatacuteness,wonderfulindustry,soundjudgmentandpracticalability,withardentpiety.”

Hisgreatwork,theLociTheologici,begunin1610andcompletedin1621,inwhichthetheologyoftheLutheranChurchissetforth,ishistheologicalmasterpiece,andismarkedbyfulnessoflearning,logicalforce,clearness,thoroughelaborationofeveryquestion,andbyapracticalandspiritualuseofdogma.“BossuetissaidtobetheauthoroftheoftenquotedremarkthatGerhardisthethird(Luther,Chemnitz,Gerhard)inthatseriesofLutherantheologiansinwhichthereisnofourth.”

Gerharddiedonthe20thofAugust,1637.OfhimitisrecordedthatpersonallyhecombinedalltheexcellenciesoftheChristiancharacter,hisonlyfailing,ifitbeafailing,beinganexcessiveloveofpeace.TheMeditationsamplysubstantiatehisferventpiety,hisdeepspiritualinsight,whichcouldonlybeacquiredbylivingcommunionwiththeLord.

TheworkoftranslationofthisvolumewasentrustedtoRev.CharlesW.Heisler,A.M.,whohaslovinglyandfaithfullyperformedhistask,whichtohimwasacongenialandpleasantlabor.

Theageinwhichweliveispracticalandenergetic,moregiventoworkthanmeditation.Itneedsthecorrectivewhichsuchbookssupply,teachingthatthereisaspiritualgreatnesswhichcanonlybeattainedbymeditationandprayer.Itiswelltowork,butthehighestworkcanonlycomefromthegreatestsoulswhoarenurturedbyfellowshipwithGod.ItisthereforesentforthwiththehopethatitspageswillfurnishtomanyahelptohigheranddeeperfellowshipwiththeMaster,totheirunspeakablecomfortandlargerefficiencyaslaborerswithHiminHiskingdom.

Chas.S.Albert.

MEDITATIONI.TRUECONFESSIONOFSIN.

AnAcknowledgmentofaFaultHealsIt.

OHolyGod(Lev.xi.45),ThoujustJudge(Ps.vii.12),mysinsareeverbeforeThineeyes,andpresenttoThythought.EveryhourdoIthinkofdeath,foreveryhourdeaththreatensme.EverydaydoIthinkofthejudgment(2Cor.v.10),becauseforeverydayImustgiveanaccountattheDayofJudgment.Iexaminemylife,andlo!itisaltogethervainandwicked.Vainandunprofitablearemanyofmyactions;vainerstillareverymanyofmywords;whilstfullofvanityarethemostofmythoughts.Norismylifeonlyvanity;itisalsounholyandwicked;nothinggooddoIfindinit.EvenifIshouldfindinitanythingapparentlygood,yetitisnotreallygoodandperfect,becausetaintedwithoriginalsinandacorruptnature.ThegodlyJobsaid(Jobix.28):“Iamafraidofallmyworks;”andifsopiousasaintthuscomplains,whatmustI,amiserablesinner,sayofmyself?“Allourrighteousnessesareasfilthyrags”(Is.lxiv.6).Ifsuchbeourrighteousness,whatthenwillbeourunrighteousness?“Whenyeshallhavedone,”saidtheSaviour(Lukexvii.10),“allthosethingswhicharecommandedyou,say,Weareunprofitableservants.”Ifweareunprofitablewhenweobey,surelyweshallbeabominablewhenwetransgress,Hiscommands.IfIoweThee,OholyGod,myselfandallIcando,whenIcommitnosin,whatcanIpossiblyrenderTheewhenIsin?Ourrighteousness,howeverexcellentitseemstous,comparedwithThine,isnaughtbutunrighteousness.Alampthatgleamsinthedarknessisobscuredinthelightofthesun.Oftenastickissupposedtobestraight,untilcomparedwitharule,itscrookednessappears.Frequentlytheimpressionofasealappearsperfecttotheordinarybeholder,whilsttheeyesoftheartificerwilldiscovermanydefects.Andthusoftenadeedthatglowsintheopinionofthedoer,appearsmeaninthethoughtofthe

Judge;forthejudgmentsofmenareonething,thejudgmentsofGodanother.Theremembranceofmymanysinsterrifiesme;butoh!howmanymoreescapemymemory!“Whocanunderstandhiserrors?CleanseThoumefromsecretfaults”(Ps.xix.12),OLord.ToheavenIdarenotliftupmyeyes(Lukeviii.13),becauseIhaveoffendedHimwhodwellethintheheavens.NorcanIfindanyrefugeuponearth.ForhowdareIhopeforanyfavorfromthecreature,sinceIhaveoffendedtheLordofallcreatures?Myadversary,thedevil,accusesme(Rev.xii.10):“ThourighteousJudge,”sayshetoGod,“adjudgehimmineonaccountofhissin,whowouldnotbeThinethroughtheofferofThygrace;Thineheisbynature,minebyhiswilfuldelightinsin;ThineheisthroughThypassion,minethroughmypersuasion;disobedienttoThee,hehasbeenobedienttome;fromTheehereceivedtherobeofimmortalityandinnocence,frommehehasreceivedthesetatteredgarmentsofunrighteousness;Thyrobehehaslost,inminehecomestoThee.Adjudgehimthentobemine,andcondemnhimtosharemyeternaldamnation.”

Alltheelementsriseinjudgmentagainstme.Theheavenscryout,“Ihavecomfortedtheewithlight.”Theairexclaims,“Ihavegiventheeeveryvarietyofbirdsforthypleasure.”Thewatersays,“Ihavegiventheeeverykindoffishforthysustenance.”Theearthdeclares,“Ihavesuppliedtheewithbreadandwineforthynourishment.Yethastthouabusedallthesethings,andhastbroughtourcommonCreatorintocontempt;letallourblessingsthereforebeturnedintoinstrumentstotorturethee!”Thefirecriesout,“Lethimbeburntinme!”Thewatersays,“Lethimbedrownedinme.”Theaircallsout,“Lethimbetossedanddrivenbymytempests.”Theearthexclaims,“Lethimbeswallowedupbyme.”Thefireagainsays,“Letmyflamesdevourhim.”

Theholyangels,whomGodhathgiventobemyministeringspiritsandmycompanionsinthefuturelife,accusemealso;and,alas!bymysinsIhavedeprivedmyselfoftheirholyministryinthislifeandoftheblessedhopeoftheirfellowshipinthelifethatistocome.TheveryvoiceofGod,thedivinelaw,isalsomyaccuser:thatlawImusteitherkeep,or

perish;butformetofulfillthatlawisplainlyimpossible,andthethoughtofperishingisabsolutelyintolerable.AndGod,theinflexibleJudge,thealmightyexecutorofHisownexternallaw,accusesme;HimIcannotdeceive,forHeiswisdomitself;fromHimIcannotflee,foreverywhereHispowerreigneth.Whither,then,shallIflee(Ps.cxxxix.7)?ToThee,OblessedChrist,myonlyRedeemerandSaviour,doIflyforrefuge.Greatindeedaremysins;butgreaterfaristhesatisfactionThouhastmadeforthem;greatismyunrighteousness,butgreaterfarisThyrighteousness.Iadmitmysin,oh,doThougraciouslyremititspenalty.Irevealit,doThoumercifullyconcealit.Ipenitentlyuncoverit,doThougraciouslyhideit.InmethereisnothingbutsinthatdeservesThycondemnation;inTheethereisnothingbutgrace,thataffordsmeablessedhopeofsalvation.IhavecommittedmanysinsforwhichIcouldbemostjustlycondemned;butThouhastomittednothing,thatThoumightestmostgraciouslysaveme.IhearavoiceinCanticles([[ii.14>>Song2.14]]),whichbidsme,hideinthecleftsoftherock.Thouarttheimmovablerock(1Cor.x.4),andThywoundsitsclefts;inthemIwillhidemeagainsttheaccusationsofthewholeworld.Mysinscryaloudtoheavenforvengeance;butstillmorestronglycriesoutThybloodshedformysins(Heb.xii.24).MysinsmightilyaccusemebeforeGod;butThypassionismightierformydefense.Mydreadfullywickedlifeclamorsformycondemnation;butThyholyandrighteouslifepleadsmorepowerfullystillformysalvation.IappealfromthethroneofThyjusticetothethroneofThymercy;nordoIdesiretocomebeforeThyjudgmentbar,unlessThymostholymeritinterposebetweenmeandThyjudgment.

MEDITATIONII.ANEXERCISEOFREPENTANCEFROMOURLORD’SPASSION.

BeholdtheSufferingChrist!

Behold,Ofaithfulsoul,thegriefofthyLorduponthecross,HisgapingwoundsasHehangsthere,andtheawfulagonyofHisdeath.Thathead,beforewhichtheangelicspiritsbowinreverentialfear,ispiercedwithcrowdedthorns;thatface,beautifulabovethesonsofmen,isdefiledbythespitoftheungodly;thoseeyes,moreluminousthanthesun,darkenindeath;thoseears,accustomedtothepraisesoftheangelichosts,aregreetedwiththeinsultsandtauntsofsinners;thatmouth,whichspakeasnevermanspake,andteachestheangels,ismadetodrinkthevinegarandthegall;thosefeet,atwhosefootstool(Is.lxvi.1)theprofoundestadorationispaid,arepiercedwithnails;thosehands,whichhavestretchedouttheheavens(Is.xlv.12),areextendeduponthecrossandfastenedwithspikes;thatbody,themostsacredabodeandthepuresthabitationoftheGodhead,isscourgedandpiercedwithaspear;nordidaughtinitremainuninjuredbutHistongue,thatHemightprayforthosewhocrucifiedHim(Lukexxiii.34).HewhorulesinheavenwiththeFatherismostshamefullyabuseduponthecrossbysinners.Godsuffers;GodshedsHisblood(Actsxx.28).Fromthegreatnessofthepricepaid,judgeofthegreatnessofthyperil;andfromthecostoftheremedy,judgethedreadfulnessofthydisease.Greatindeedwerethywoundsofsin,whichcouldbehealedonlybythewoundsofthelivingandlife-givingfleshoftheSonofGod;desperateindeedwasthatdiseasewhichcouldbecuredonlybythedeathofthePhysicianHimself.

Consider,Ofaithfulsoul,theblazingwrathofGod.Afterthefallofourfirstparent,theeternal,only-begotten,andwell-belovedSonofGodHimselfbecameourintercessor;andyetGod’swrathwasnotturnedawayfromus.He,bywhomGodmadetheworlds(Heb.i.2),wasintercedingforus,andforthesakeofusmiserablesinners,He,theMostHigh,becametheAdvocateofoursalvation(1Johnii.1);andyetforallthiswasGod’swrathnotturnedawayfromus.TheSaviourclothesHimselfinourflesh,thatthedivineglorybeingcommunicatedtoourflesh,Hemightmakeanatonementforsinfulflesh,andthatthehealingpowerofperfectrighteousnessbeingcommunicatedtoourflesh,Hemightthuspurgeoutthepoisonofsininheringinourflesh;andyet,despiteallthis,God’swrathwasnotturnedawayfromus.HetakesuponHimselfoursinsandtheirjustdeserts;Hispreciousbodyisbound,scourged,wounded,pierced,crucified,andlaidinthesepulchre;Hisbloodstartsforthprofusely,likethedew,fromallpartsofHissufferingbody;Hismostholysoulissaddenedbeyondmeasure,andbecamesorrowfulevenuntodeath(Matt.xxvi.38);Heissubjectedtotheverypainsofhell,andtheEternalSonofGodcriesoutinhorrorthatHeisforsakenofGod(Matt.xxvii.46).Hesweatssuchgreatdropsasofblood,andsuchanguishdoesHesufferastoneedthecomfortofanangel(Lukexxii.43),whoHimselfcomfortsallangels.Hedies,whoisthegiveroflifetoall.Ifthisbedoneinagreentree,whatshallbedoneinadry(Lukexxiii.31)?IfthisbedonetotheJustandHolyOne,whatshallbedonetosinners?IfGodsopunishoursinsinthepersonofHisHolySon,howshallHepunishtheminus?HowshallGodcontinuallytolerateinaservant,thatwhichHepunishedsoseverelyinHisownSon?WhatshallthosewhomHecondemnssuffer,ifHisonlySon,whomHesodearlyloves,sufferedsomuch?IfChrist,whocameintotheworldwithoutsin,couldnotdepartfromitwithoutthebitterscourging,ofhowmuchsorerpunishmentshalltheybedeemedworthy,whoareborninsin,wholiveinsin,andwhodieinsin?Theservantrejoices,whileforhissinthewellbelovedSonisgrievouslyafflicted.TheservanttreasuresupagainsthimselfthewrathoftheLord,whiletheSonstrenuouslylaborstosoftenandappeasetheFather’sanger.O,theinfinitewrathofGod!O,Hisunutterableindignation!O,theinconceivablerigorofdivinejustice!IfGodvisitsHisholyindignationuponHisonly-begottenandwell-belovedSon,thepartakerofHisowndivinenature,notbecauseofanysinofHis

own,butbecauseHehadtakenthemiserableservant’splace,what,thinkyou,willHedototheservant,whosoconfidentlypersistsinhissinsandoffenses?Lettheservantfearandtrembleanddeeplysorrowatthethoughtofhisownjustdeserts,sincetheblessedSonissopunishedfornofaultofHisown;lettheservantfear,whoceasesnottosin,whiletheSonsoagonizesforsin;letthecreaturefear,whohascrucifiedhisCreator;lettheservantfear,whohasslainhisLord;lettheungodlyandthesinnerbeafraid,whohassoafflictedtheHolyandRighteousOne.LetushearourSaviour,Omybeloved,cryingaloudtous;letusgiveheedtoHimasHeshedsbittertearsforoursakes.FromthecrossHecries:“Behold,Osinfulman,whatIamsufferingforthee;totheeIcry,becausefortheeIamdying.BeholdthepunishmentinflicteduponMe!BeholdthenailswhichpierceMe;thereisnogrieflikeuntoMygrief,andyetthoughMyoutwardsufferingsaresogreat,fargreateristheagonyofMyheart,becauseIamfindingtheesoungrateful.”Havemercyuponus,havemercyuponus,OThouonlyGodofmercy,andturnourstonyheartstoThee!

MEDITATIONIII.THEBENEFITSOFTRUEREPENTANCE.

“Repent:fortheKingdomofHeavenisathand,”saysChrist.

Theveryfoundationandprincipleofaholylifeisgodlysorrowforsin.Forwherethereistruepenitencethereisforgivenessofsin;wherethereisforgivenessofsinthereisthegraceofGod;wherethegraceofGodisthereisChrist;whereChrististhereisChrist’smerit;whereChrist’smeritisthereissatisfactionforsin;wherethereissatisfactionthereisjustification;wherethereisjustificationthereisagladandquietconscience;wherethereispeaceofconsciencethereistheHolySpirit;wheretheHolySpiritispresentthereistheeverblessedTrinity;andwheretheHolyTrinityisthereislifeeternal..Thereforewherethereistruepenitencethereislifeeternal.Andhencewherethereisnotruepenitencethereisneitherforgivenessofsins,northegraceofGod,norChrist,norHismerit,norsatisfactionforsin,norjustification,norpeaceofconscience,northeHolySpirit,northeblessedTrinity,noreternallife.Whythereforedowedelayrepentance?Whyputitoffuntilto-morrow?Neitherto-morrownortruerepentanceisinourownpower.Forwemustrenderanaccountatthefinaljudgmentnotonlyforto-morrow,butfortodayaswell.Thatto-morrowshallcome’isnotcertain,butthateverlastingdestructionshallovertaketheimpenitentiscertain.Godhaspromisedgracetothepenitentsoul,butHedoesnotpromiseato-morrow.

Christ’ssatisfactionisofnoeffectbutintheheartofthetrulycontrite.OuriniquitiesseparatebetweenGodandus,writestheprophetIsaiah

([[lix.2>>Is59.2]]);butthroughrepentanceweareagainrestoredtoHisfavor.Confessandbewailtheguiltofthysin;soshaltthourealizethatGodisreconciledtotheeinChrist.“Ihaveblottedoutasathickcloudthytransgressions”(Is.xliv.22),saystheLord.Oursinswerethereforerecordedinthecourtofheaven.“HideThyfacefrommysins”(Ps.li.9),praystheprophet.TheLordhathsetouriniquitiesbeforeHim(Ps.xc.8).“Returnuntous,OLord”(Ps.xc.13),wastheprayerofMoses.ThusoursinsseparateusfromGod.“Oursinstestifyagainstus”(Is.lix.12),complainstheprophetIsaiah.Theyaccuseusthereforeatthebarofdivinejustice.“Cleansemefrommysin”(Ps.li.12),pleadsDavid;andthussinisrevealedasafouldefilementinthesightofGod.“Healmysoul,forIhavesinnedagainstThee,”againheprays.Andthussinisadiseaseofthesoul.“Whosoeverhathsinnedagainstme,himwillIblotoutofmybook”(Ex.xxxii.33),saiththeLord.Thereforeonaccountofoursinsweshallbeblottedoutofthebookoflife.“CastmenotawayfromThypresence”(Ps.li.11),wasthePsalmist’searnestprayer.ThusforoursinsGodcastsusoff.“TakenotThyHolySpiritfromme”(Ps.li.11).ThereforebysinwedrivetheHolySpiritofGodfromthetempleofourhearts,justasbeesaredrivenawaybysmoke,anddovesbyafoulodor.“RestoreuntomethejoyofThysalvation”(Ps.li.12).Thereforesinbringsanguishofsoul,andwastestheverypowersofourhearts.“Theearthalsoisdefiledundertheinhabitantsthereof,becausetheyhavetransgressedthelaws,”exclaimstheprophetIsaiah([[xxiv.5>>Is.24.5]]).Thereforesinisasortofinfectiouspoison.“OutofthedepthshaveIcrieduntoThee,OLord”(Ps.cxxx.1),saysthePsalmist.Hencebyoursinswearecastdowneventohell.Formerlywe“weredeadintrespassesandsins”(Eph.ii.1),accordingtotheApostle.Thereforesinisspiritualdeathtothesoul.ThroughmortalsinmanlosesGod.GodistheinfiniteandincomprehensibleGood;toloseGodisthereforeaninfiniteandinconceivablecalamity.AsGodisthegreatestGood,sosinisthegreatestevil.Punishmentsandafflictionsarenotrealevils,becausemuchgoodmaycomeoutofthem.OntheotherhandweshouldesteemthemgoodbecausetheycomefromGod,thehighestGood,fromwhomnaughtbutgoodcancome.ChristHimself,thehighestGood,sufferssuchafflictions,andHecouldnotbeapartakerofwhatwasreallyevil.TheyleadalsotothehighestGood,thatis,eternallife.ThroughsufferingChristenteredintoHisglory(Lukexxiv.26);andthroughmuch

tribulationmustweChristiansenterintoeternallife(Actsxiv.22).Sinisthegreatestevil,becauseitdrawsusawayfromthehighestGood;thenearerweapproachGod,thefartherwegetawayfromsin;thenearerwecometosin,thefartherdowewithdrawfromGod.Howsalutarythenistruerepentance,whichreleasesusfromsinandleadsusbacktoGod.Sinissoexceedingsinful,becauseofthegreatnessofGod,whomweoffendbyoursin;andsogreatisHe,thattheheavensandtheearthcannotcontainHim.AndontheotherhandourrepentanceissogreatbecauseofthegreatnessofHimtowhomthroughourrepentancewereturn.Thesinner’sconscience,whichhehasdefiledthroughsin,theCreatorwhomhehasoffended,theveryfaultbywhichhetransgressed,theblessingswhichhehasthusabused,andthedevilatwhoseimpulseitwascommitted,alluniteinaccusationsagainsthim.Howblessedisrepentancewhichfreeshimfromsuchanaccusation!

Letusmakehaste,then,letusmakehastetoemploythissovereignremedyforoursinfulmalady.Ifthoushouldstrepenteveninthehourofdeath,thouwouldstnotsomuchforsakethysins,asthysinswouldforsakethee.Thouwiltscarcelyfindonewhohastrulyrepentedinthehourofdeath,exceptindeedthethiefuponthecross.“FourteenyearshaveIservedthee”([[Gen.xxi.41>>Gen31.41]]),saidJacobtoLaban;“itistimenowthatIprovideformineownhouse,”andthou—ifthouhastbeensocarefulforthylifeinthisworldforsomanyyears—isitnotreasonableandproperthatthoushouldstnowbegintoprovideforthineimmortalsoul?Daybydayourfleshlynatureleadsusintonewsins;lettheHolySpiritthenwashthemawaybyourdailysorrowandrepentance.Christdiedthatsinmightdieinus;andcanwewillinglyletitliveandreigninourhearts,sincetheSonofGodHimselfgaveupHislifetodestroyitspowerinus?

ChristdoesnotentertheheartofamanunlessaJohntheBaptistfirstpreparethewayforHimbyrepentance.GoddoesnotpourtheoilofHismercyexceptintothevesselofatrulycontriteheart.Godfirstputsthesoultodeath,asitwere,throughcontrition,thatHemayafterwardsquickenitthroughtheconsolationoftheHolySpirit(1Sam.ii.6).He

castsitdowntohellingodlysorrowforsin,thatHemaybringitupagainbytheblessedpowerofHisgrace.Elijahfirstheardthegreatandstrongwindrendingthemountainsandbreakinginpiecestherocks,andafterthewindanearthquake,andaftertheearthquakeafire;andatlengththestillsmallvoice([[1Kingsxix.22>>1Kings19.12]]);thustheterrorofthelawprecedesthesweetnessofdivinelove,andsorrowforsintheconsolationoftheSpirit.Goddoesnotbindupthywounds,untilthouacknowledgeanddeplorethysin.Goddoesnotcoverthineiniquities,untilthoufirstuncovertheminhumblepenitence;Heforgivesthemnotuntilthouhastconfessedthem;Hedoesnotjustifytheeuntilthouhastfirstcondemnedthyself;andHedoesnotaffordHisrichconsolationsuntilthouhastfirstdespairedofhelpinthyself.MayGodworktruerepentanceinusthroughHisHolySpirit!

MEDITATIONIV.THENAMEOFJESUS.

WhatcanbesweeterthantheNameofJesus!

OBlessedJesus,beThouindeedaJesustome;forThyholyname’ssakehavecompassionuponme!Mylifecondemnsme,butthenameofJesuswillsaveme.ForThyname’ssakedealwithmeaccordingtoThyname;andsinceThouartatrueandgreatSaviour,Thouwiltsurelyregardwithmercythosewhoarerealandgreatsinners.Havemercyuponme,OblessedJesus,inthedayofmercy,soasnottocondemnmeinthedayofjudgment.IfThouwiltreceivemewithinthebosomofThycompassionThouwiltnotonmyaccountbethemorestraitened;ifThouwiltbestowuponmesomecrumbsofThygoodnessThouwiltnot,onthataccount,bethepoorer.FormeThouartborn(Is.ix.6),formeThouartcircumcised,tomealsoThouartJesus.HowsweetanddelightfulisthenameofJesus!ForwhatisJesusbutSaviour?Andwhatrealharmcanbefallthesaved?Whatbeyondsalvationcanweeitherseekorexpect?Receiveme,OLordJesus,intothenumberofThychildren,sothatwiththemImaypraiseThyholyandsavingname.IfthroughmysinIhavelostmyoriginalinnocence,haveIdeprivedTheeofThymercy?IfIhavemiserablydestroyedandcondemnedmyself,yetcanstThounotcompassionatelysaveme?

Donotsoregardmysins,OLord,astoforgetThineownmercy.Donotsoweighandmeasuremyoffencesthattheymayout-weighThymerit.DonotsoconsidermyevilastooverlookThineowngood.Remembernotwrathagainstaculprit,butbemindfulofThymercytowardsamiserablesinner.Wilt.notThou,OChrist,whohastgivenmeadesireforThee,fulfillmylongingdesire?WiltThou,whohastshownme

myunworthinessandjustcondemnation,concealfrommeThymeritandthepromiseofeternallife?Beforeaheavenlytribunalmycausemustbetried,butitcomfortsmethatintheheavenlycourtthenameofSaviourhasbeengivenThee;forthatblessednamewasbroughtfromheavenbytheangel(Lukeii.21).OmostmercifulJesus,towhomwiltThoubeaJesus,ifnottowretchedsinnersseekinggraceandsalvation?

Thosewhotrustintheirownrighteousnessandholinessseeksalvationinthemselves,butI,whofindinmenothingworthyofeternallife,fleetoTheeasmySaviour.Saveme,forIamcondemned;havemercyuponme,forIamasinner;justifyme,forIamunrighteous;acquitme,forIamunderaccusationofsin.Thou,0Lord,arttheTruth(Johnxiv.6);Thynameisholyandtrue;thereforeletThynamebetrueinrespecttome;beThoumyJesusandmySaviour!BeThoumyJesusinthepresentlife;beThoumyJesusindeath;beThoumyJesusinthelastjudgment;beThoumyJesusineternallife.AndassuredlyThouwiltbe,0blessedJesus;becauseasThouartunchangeableinessencesowiltThoubeinmercy.Thynamewillnotbechanged,OLordJesus,onaccountofonemiserablesinnerlikeme.Nay,butThouwiltbeaSavioureventome,forThouwiltnotcastoutanyonethatcomethuntoThee.ThouhastgivenmethedesiretocometoThee,andsurelyThouwiltreceivemewhenIdocome,forThywordsaretruthandlife(Johnvi.63).

Whatifthepropagationoforiginalsininmecondemnsme,yetThouartmyJesus.Whatifmyconceptioninsincondemnsme,stillThouartmyJesus.Whatifmycreationinsinandunderthecursecondemnsme,neverthelessThouartmySaviour.Whatifmycorruptedbirthcondemnsme,yetartThoumySalvation.Whatifthesinsofmyyouthcondemnme,stillartThoumyJesus.Whatifthecourseofmywholelife,defiledwithmostgrevioussin,condemnsme,yetThouremaineststillmyJesus!Whatifthepenaltyofdeathtobeinflicteduponmeformysinsandvarioustransgressionscondemnsme,yetartThoustillmySaviour!Whatiftheawfulsentenceofthelastjudgmentriseupagainstme,yetwillItrustThee,andflytoTheeasmyJesus,mySaviour!

Iamsinful,reprobate,condemned;butinThyholynamethereisrighteousness,election,salvation;butinThynamewasIbaptized;inThynamedoIbelieve;inThynamewillIdie;inThynamewillIriseagain,andinThyblessednamewillIappearatthejudgment.InThynameeveryconceivablegoodisprovidedformysoul,andstoredupinreserveasasacredtreasury.Alas!howmuchofthisgoodhaveIlostbymyowndistrust;andblessedJesus,IferventlypraythatThouwiltgraciouslyremovethisdistrustfarfromme,sothatI,whomThoudostsomercifullydesiretosavebyThypreciousmeritandlife-givingname,maynotcondemnmyselfthroughmineownfaultandunbelief.

MEDITATIONV.ANEXERCISEOFFAITHFROMTHELOVEOFCHRISTINTHEAGONYOFDEATH.

TometheGraceofJesusisofInfiniteValue.

BEHOLD,OLordJesus,howbaselyIhavetreatedThypassion;myheartisdeeplypainedandmysoulgreatlysaddened,becauseIhavenoworksormeritsofmyowntoofferformysalvation;yetsinceThypassion,OJesus,maybemywork,letThyworksalsobemymerit.SurelyIdonotrightlytreatThypassion,because,whenthatisamplysufficientformysalvation,Iamseekingtosupplementitbymyowngoodworks.AndifIshoulddiscoveranyrighteousnessinmyself,Thyrighteousnesswouldbeofnoavailtome,orcertainlyIshouldnotsoardentlydesireit.IfIseektojustifymyselfbythedeedsofthelaw,Ishallbecondemnedbythelaw.ButIknowthatIamnolongerunderthelaw,butundergrace(Rom.vi.14).ShamefullyhaveIlived;“OHolyFather,Ihavesinnedagainstheaven,andamnomoreworthytobecalledThyson”(Lukexv.31);butrefusenottocallmeThyservant.Letnot,IbeseechThee,theblessedbenefitsofThypassionbedeniedme.LetnotThypreciousbloodbecomeofnoavailinfreeingmysoulfromsin.Sinhathalwaysdweltinme;IbeseechThee,now,letitdiewithme.Hithertothefleshhathhaddominionoverme,nowlettheSpirittriumphinme.Lettheoutwardmanperish,thattheinwardmanmayriseintonewglory.HithertoIhavealwaysfollowedthetemptationsofthedevil;lethimnow,IprayThee,betrampledundermyfeet(Rom.xvi.20).Satanisathandtoaccuseme,buthehasnothinginme.Theveryideaofdeathterrifiesme;andyetdeathwillmarktheendofmysinsandthebeginningofaperfectlyholylife.

ThenatlastshallIbeabletopleaseTheeperfectly,OmyGod;thenatlastshallIbeestablishedingoodnessandvirtue.Satanholdsupmysinsbeforemetoterrifyme;butlethimaccuseHim,whohathtakenuponHimmyinfirmities,andwhomtheLordhathsmittenformysins(Is.liii.4).Mydebtisexceedinggreat,norcanIpaytheleastpartofit;butItrustintherichesandkindnessofmySurety;letHimfreeme,whohathbecomesuretyforme;lethimpayit,whohathtakenmydebtuponHimself.Ihavesinned,OLord,andmysinsaremanyandgreatbeyondmeasure;andyetmayInevervoluntarilycommitthatmostheinoussinofchargingTheewithalie,whenThoudostdeclarebywordsandbyworksandbyanoath,thatperfectsatisfactionhathbeenrenderedformineiniquities.Ifearnotmysins,forThouartmyrighteousness;Ifearnotmyignorance,forThouartmywisdom(1Cor.i.30);Ifearnotdeath,forThouartmylife(Johnxiv.6);Ifearnotmyerrors,forThouartmytruth;Ifearnotmycorruption,forThouartmyresurrection(Johnxi.25);Ifearnotthepainsofdeath,forThouartmyjoy;Ifearnoteventheterrorsofjudgment,forThouartmyrighteousness.

LetthedewofThydivinegraceandofThyquickeningconsolationbeinstilledintomylanguishingsoul.Myspiritisdryingupwithinme,yetsoonitshallexultinThee;myfleshdroopsandlanguishes,butshortlyitshallspringupagainintonewlife;thenatureofmybodyissuchthatImustundergocorruption,butfromcorruptionThoushaltfreeme,asThouhastdeliveredmefromeveryotherevil.Thou,OGod,hastcreatedme;andhowcantheworkofThyhandsperish?Thouhastdeliveredmefromallmyenemies,howthencoulddeathaloneprevailagainstme?Thybody,Thyblood,andallthatThouhadst,evenThineownself,Thoudidstgiveformysalvation,andshalldeaththendeprivemeofthatwhichwaspurchasedwithsocostlyaransom?Thouartmyrighteousness,OLordJesus;mysinsshallnotprevailagainstThee.ThouarttheResurrectionandtheLife,deathshallnotprevailagainstThee;ThouartGod,SatanshallnotprevailagainstThee.ThouhastgivenmetheearnestofThySpirit(1Cor.i.22);inthisdoIglory,inthisdoItriumph;andmostfirmlydoIbelieve,doubtingnothing,thatIshallbyandbybeadmittedtothemarriagesupperoftheLamb(Rev.xix.7).Thou,Omydearestspouse,Thouartmyweddinggarment,whichIputoninmybaptism

(Gal.iii.27);Thouwiltcoverallmynakedness;norshallIattempttosewontothismostpreciousandbeautifulgarmenttheviletattersofmineownrighteousness;forwhatisourrighteousnessinThysightbutfilthyrags(Is.lxiv.6)?HowcouldIdarethentopatchtherobeofThygloriousrighteousnesswithmineownabominablerags?InthisrobewillIappearbeforeThyjudgment-seat,whenThoushaltjudgetheworldinrighteousnessandequity(Actsxvii.31).InthisgarmentshallIappearbeforeTheeinThyheavenlykingdom;thisrobeshallsocovermyconfusionandshamethattheywillberememberednomoreforever.ThenshallIappearbeforeThyfacegloriousandholy,andthisfleshofmine,thisbodyofmine,shallbeclothedinThineeffulgentglory,evenaglorythatshallcontinueforeverandever.Come,LordJesus,come;andlethimthatlovethTheesay,come(Rev.xxii.20)!

MEDITATIONVI.CONSOLATIONFORTHEPENITENTSOULFROMTHEPASSIONOFCHRIST.

TheCrossofChristisourCrown.

(Writtenduringaverysevereillness,January1,1604.)ALLthegloryofthegodlyisintheshameofourLord’spassion.All

theirrestisinthewoundsofourcrucifiedSaviour.Hisdeathisourlife;Hisexaltationisourglory.HowgreatisThymercy,OheavenlyFather,OAlmightyGod!BymineownpowerhaveIoffendedThee;butbymineownpowerhasitbeenimpossibletopleaseThee!Thou,therefore,inChristartreconcilingmetoThyself.Behold,OholyGod,thesacredmysteryofThyflesh,andremittheguiltofmyflesh.GraciouslyregardwhatThyblessedSonhathpatientlysuffered,andoverlookwhatThysinfulservanthathdone.MyfleshhathprovokedTheetoanger;letthefleshofThySon,IprayThee,inclineTheetomercy.MysinsdeservetheseverestpunishmentatThyhands,butfarmorehaththedevotionofmyRedeemermeritedThymercy.Greatismyunrighteousness,butgreaterfaristherighteousnessofmyRedeemer.AsfarasthemightyGodisabovepunyman,sofarismywickednessbeneathHisgoodness,inqualityaswellasinquantity.AllthatIamisThine,becauseThouhastcreatedme;grant,OLord,thatitmaybewhollyThinealsobyfreeandhappychoice.Thoudostleadmetoask(Matt.vii.7),grantthatImayalsoreceive!Thoudostgivemethedispositiontoseek,grantthatImayfind.Thoudostteachmetoknock,openuntome,IbeseechThee,whenIdoknock.FromTheecomeththedesire,maythepowertoobtaincomealsofromThee.FromTheeIhavethepowertowill,grantmealsothe

powertodo(Phil.ii.13).

HolyGod,justJudge,ifmysinsareconcealed(Ps.xxxii.3),theyareincurable;ifseen,theyaredetestable;theygrievouslydistressme;butmorethanall,theyoppressmewithahorriblefear.Withholdnot,IbeseechThee,OGod,Thyrealandtendercompassion,whereThouseestsuchrealandawfulmisery!Wheresinabounds,maygracemuchmoreabound.HolyFather,donot,IprayThee,pouroutuponmeThywrath,sinceformysinsThouhastsmittenThyblessedSon!HolyJesus,deliverme,IbeseechThee,fromdivinewrath,forthatThouhastborneuponthecrossformysake!HolySpirit,protectme,IimploreThee,withThyblessedconsolationfromthewrathofGod,whointhegospelhathannouncedmercytothepenitentandcontritesoul.OholyGod,OrighteousJudge,nowhithercanIfleefromthefaceofThywrath.“IfIascendupintoheaven,Thouartthere;ifIdescendintohell,beholdThouartthere;ifItakethewingsofthemorning,anddwellintheuttermostpartsofthesea,eventhereshallThyhandleadme,andThyrighthandshallholdme.”(Ps.cxxxix.7-10.)ToChrist,therefore,willIflee,andinHiswoundswillIhideme.OmercifulGod,beholdthebodyofThySonsosorelywoundedineverypart,andregardnotthewoundsofmysins.L,etthebloodofThySoncleansemefromeverysinfulstain(1Johni.7).HearThouHismostearnestprayer,offeredforthesalvationofHischosenones(Johnxvii.9).

OholyGod,ThourighteousJudge,mylifeterrifiesme;foradiligent.examinationofitdisclosesonlysinandunfruitfulness,andwhatfruitdoesappearthereiniseithersofalse,orimperfect,orinsomewaysocorrupted,thatiteithercannotpleaseThee,orisabsolutelydispleasingtoThineeyes.Truly,mywholelifeis,ontheonehand,sinfulandworthyofThycondemnation,andontheotherunfruitfulandwretched.ButwhydoIdistinguishbetweenunfruitfulandworthyofcondemnation?Forcertainlyifitisunfruitfulitistobecondemned;foreverytreethatbringethnotforthgoodfruitshallbecastintothefire(Matt.iii.10).Andnotonlyshallthattreebeburnedwhichbearsevilfruit,butthatalsowhichbearsnofruit.WhenIthinkofthoseonThylefthandinthe

judgment,Iamsoreafraid,sincetheyaretherenotbecausetheyhavedoneanythingbad,butbecausetheyhavedonenothinggood(Matt.xxv.32):tothehungrytheygavenofood;tothethirsty,nodrink.

Ofruitlesstree,thouartdryanduseless,andfitonlyfortheeternalflames.Whatanswerwiltthoumakeinthatdreaddaywhen,inthetwinklingofaneye,thywholelifeshalllieopenbeforethee,andtherighteousJudgeshallsternlydemandhowthouhastspentit?Notahairofthyheadshallperishunnoticed,noramomentofthylifepassunjudged!Oh,whatastraittobein!Ontheonehandwillbethysinsaccusingthee,ontheotherGod’srighteousnessstrikingterrorintothysoul!Beneaththee,thehorriblepitofhellshallgapewithwide-openmouth,andabovetheeshallsittherighteouslyangryJudge!Withinthee,aburningconscience;withoutthee,aburningworld!Therighteousshallscarcelybesaved;whitherthenshallaguiltysinnerturn(1Pet.iv.18)?Tohidewillbeimpossible,andyettoappearbeforeGodintolerable.HowthencanIpossiblybesaved?WithwhomshallItakecounsel?WhoisHethatiscalledtheWonderful,theCounsellor(Is.ix.6)?ItisJesusHimself,theverysamewhoismyJudge,andinwhosehandsIamtremblingwithfear.Takecouragethen,Omysoul,anddespairnot.HopethouinHimwhomthoudostfear;fleethoutoHimforrefuge,fromwhomthouhastfledinfear.OJesusChrist,forThyname’ssake,dealwithmeaccordingtoThyname.Mercifullyregardme,amiserablesinner,asIcalluponThyname.IfThoushouldstadmitmewithinthecapaciousbosomofThycompassion,itwillnotbethemorestraitenedonmyaccount.Trueisit,OLord,thatmyparticipationinsinmeritscondemnation,andmypenitencecanneversatisfyThee;butcertainisitalsothatThymercyexceedsallmyoffense.InThee,OLord,doIputmytrust,letmenotbeconfoundedforever.

MEDITATIONVII.THEFRUITOFOURLORD’SPASSION.

ThePassionofChristismyhope.

WheneverImeditateuponthesufferingofmyLord,IcannotbutventureagreatdealinrespecttotheloveofGodandHisforbearancetowardmysins.HebendsHisheadtokissme;HeextendsHisarmstoembraceme;HeopensHishandstobestowgiftsuponme;HeopensHissidethatImaybeholdHisheartglowingwithloveforme;HeisliftedupfromtheearththatHemaydrawallmenuntoHimself(Johnxii.32);Hiswoundsarelividwithgrief,yetgleamingwithlove;andinthoseopenwoundswemustseekforthesecretofHisheart.TrulywithHimisplenteousredemption(Ps.cxxx.7);fornotadroponly,butstreamsofbloodflowedfromfivepartsofHisbody.Asabunchofgrapes,castintoapress,iscrushedbytheweightplaceduponit,andonallsidespoursforthitsjuice,sothefleshofChrist,crushedbytheweightofdivinewrathandtheseverityofoursins,poursoutonallsidesitspreciouslife-blood.WhenAbrahamshowedhiswillingnesstoofferhissoninsacrifice,theLordsaidtohim,“NowtrulyIknowthatthoulovestMe”(Gen.xxii.12).Acknowledge,also,thewonderfulloveoftheEternalFather,inthatHewaswillingtodeliveruptodeathHisonly-begottenSonforus(Johniii.16)!Heloveduswhilewewereyetenemies(Rom.v.10),willHeforgetusnowthatwearereconciledbythedeathofHisSon?CanHebeunmindfulofthepreciousbloodofHisownSon,whenHenumberseventhetearsandthestepsofHisgodlychildren(Ps.lvi.8)?CanChristpossiblyforgetinHislife,thoseforwhomHewaswillingtosufferdeath?CanHe,enthronedinglory,forgetthoseforwhomHeboresuchawfulanguishuponearth?

Consider,Ofaithfulsoul,themanifoldfruitofthyLord’spassion!Christforusenduredthebloodysweat,thattheicysweatofdeath’sagonymightnotdisturbus.Hewillinglywrestledwithdeath,thatwemightnotfailinthelasttryinghour,andenduredtheseverestanguishandsorrow,thatwemightbecomepartakersoftheeternaljoysofheaven.HesufferedHimselftobebetrayedbyakiss,thetokenoffriendshipandgood-will,thatHemightforeverdestroysin,bywhichSatanhadbetrayedourfirstparentsundertheguiseofatenderfriendship.HesufferedHimselftobetakenandboundbytheJews,inordertodeliverus,wholayboundinthefettersofsinandundereternalcondemnation.HewaswillingthatHispassionshouldbeginintheGarden,inmakinganatonementforsin,becauseinthegardenofParadisesinhadhaditsbeginning.Hesubmittedtobestrengthenedbyanangel,thatHemightmakeusthecompanionsoftheholyangelsinheaven.HeisdesertedbyHisowndisciples,sothatHemightuniteustoHimselfthemoreclosely,whoforourbasedefectionhadbeencastoffbyGod.HewasaccusedbyfalsewitnessesbeforetheCouncil,thatwemightnotbeaccusedbySatanatthelastday,throughthatbrokenlawofGod.Hewascondemnedonearth,thatwemightbeacquittedinheaven.He,whodidnosin,keptsilencebeforesinners,thatwemightnotbestruckdumbforoursins,whenbroughtbeforethejudgmentbarofGodonaccountofoursins.HesufferedHimselftobesmittenonthecheek,tofreeusfromthestingsofconscienceandthebufferingsofSatan;andtobemockedandinsulted,thatwemightsetatnaughtthejibesandjeersofSatan.Hisfaceiscovered,thatHemightremovefromourfacestheveilofsin,whichhidesGodfromoureyes,andleadsusintoculpableignorance.HewillinglysubmittedtobestrippedofHisgarments,thatHemightrestoretoustherobeofinnocence,lostthroughourtransgressions.Hewaspiercedwiththorns,thatHemighthealoursin-piercedhearts.Heboretheburdenofthecross,sothatHemightremovefromustheawfulburdenofeternalpunishment.HeexclaimedthatHewasforsakenbyGod,thatHemightprepareforusaneverlastinghabitationwithGod.Hethirsteduponthecross,thatHemightmeritoriouslyearnforusthedewsofdivinegrace,andpreventourdyingofaneternalsoul-thirst.Hewaswillingtobescorchedbytheflamesofdivinewrath,thatHemightdeliverusfromthe

flamesofhell.Hewasjudged,thatHemightfreeusfromGod’sjudgment;condemnedasacriminal,thatwetherealcriminalsmightbeacquitted;wassmittenbyimpioushands,thatHemightdeliverusfromthedevil’slash;criedoutwithbitterpain,tosaveusfrometernalwailings;Heshedtearsupontheearth,thatHemightwipeawayalltearsfromoureyesinheaven;Hedied,thatwemightlive;Hesufferedthepainsofhell,thatwemightneverexperiencethem;Hewashumbledbeforemen,thatHemighthealoursinfulpride;Heworethecrownofthorns,thatHemightwinforusaheavenlycrown.Hesufferedforall,thatHemightoffersalvationtoall.Hiseyesweredarkenedindeath,thatwemightliveforeverinthelightoftheheavenlyglory;Heheardthemostbitterscoffsandtauntsofwickedmen,thatwemighthearthejubilantshoutsoftheangelsinheaven.

Despairnot,then,Ofaithfulsoul!InfiniteGoodhastthouoffendedbythysins,butaninfinitepricehasbeenpaidforthysalvation.Thoumustbejudgedforthysins;buttheSonofGodhathalreadybeenjudgedforthesinsofthewholeworld,whichHetookuponHimself.Thysinsmustbepunished,butGodhasalreadypunishedtheminthepersonofHisownSon.Greatarethewoundsofthysins,butpreciousisthebalmofChrist’sblood.Moses,inthelaw,pronouncesacurseuponthee(Deut.xxvii.26)becausethouhastnotobservedallthingswritteninthebookofthelaw,todothem;butChristwasmadeacursefortheewhenHehunguponthetree(Gal.iii.13).Thehandwritingwaswrittenagainsttheeintheheavenlycourt;butthathasbeenerasedbythebloodofChrist(Col.ii.14).

Thypassion,then,OholyandgraciousChrist,ismylastandonlyrefuge!

MEDITATIONVIII.THECERTAINTYOFOURSALVATION.

AGoodHopecannotbeConfounded.

WHYartthoucastdown,Omysoul,andwhyartthoustilldoubtingthemercyofGod?RememberthyCreator.Whohathcreatedtheewithoutanyconcurrenceofthineownwill?WhowasHethatformedthybodyinsecret,whenthysubstancewascuriouslywroughtinthelowerpartsoftheearth(Ps.cxxxix.15)?WillnotHewhocaredfortheebeforethouhadstanybeingcarefortheenow,afterHehathformedtheeinHisownimage?IamacreatureofGod;tomyCreatorthendoIbetakemyself.Whatifmynatureiscorruptedbythedevil;andpiercedandwoundedbymysins,asbymurderousrobbers(Lukex.30),yetmyCreatorstilllives.Hewhocouldcreatemeatfirstcannowrestoreme.Hewhocreatedmewithoutsin,cannowremovefrommeallthesinwhichhasenteredintomeandhaspermeatedmywholebeing,eitherthroughthetemptationofthedevil,throughAdam’sfault,orthroughmyownactualtransgression.MyCreatorcanrestoremysoul,ifonlyHeiswillingsotodo;andcertainlyHeiswilling,forwhocanhatetheworkofhisownhands?ArewenotbeforeHimasclayinthehandsofthepotter(Jer.xviii.6)?ButifHehadhatedme,certainlyHewouldnothavecreatedmefromnothing.HeistheSaviourofallmen,especiallyofthosethatbelieve(1Tim.iv.10).ItiswonderfulthatHecreatedme,andstillmorewonderfulthatHeredeemedme.NeverdidourLordgiveaclearerproofofHisgreatloveforusthaninHisbitterpassionandbleedingwoundsonCalvaryinourbehalf.Trulyareweloved,sinceforusandoursalvationtheonlybegottenSonissentfromthebosomoftheFather.AndifThoudidstnotdesiretosaveme,OLordJesus,whydidstThoudescendfromheaven?

ButThoudidstdescendtotheearthanddidstbecomeobedientuntodeath,eventhedeathofthecross(Phil.ii.8).Toredeemaservant,GodsparednotHisownSon(Rom.viii.32).TrulyhathGodlovedtheworldwithanunspeakablelove,sinceforitsredemptionHedeliveredupHisownSontobesmitten,tobecrucified,tobeputtodeath.

Inexpressiblygreatwasthepriceofourredemption(1Peteri.18);greatandmarvelous,then,isthemercyofGodinourredemption.ItwouldalmostseemtooneasifGodlovesHiselectchildrenasdearlyasHelovesHisonly-begottenSon;forwhatweobtainbypurchasewecertainlyesteemofgreatervaluethanthatwhichwegiveinexchangeforit.AndthatHemighthaveadoptedsons,GoddidnotspareHisownco-essentialSon.Whatmarvelthen,thatHeshouldhavepreparedmansions(Johnxiv.2)inHisheavenlyhomeforus,sinceHehasgivenHisownSon,inwhomisallthefulnessoftheGodhead(Col.ii.9).CertainlywherethefulnessoftheGodheadis,thereislikewisethefulnessofeternallifeandglory.AndifinChristHehathgiventhefulnessofeternallife,howwillHedenyusalittleparticleofit?TrulyGodhasgreatlylovedus,Hisadoptedsons,sinceforusHegaveHisonly-begottenSon.TrulytheSonhasgreatlylovedus,sinceforusHegaveHimself.Tomakeusrich,HetookuponHimselfthedirestpoverty;forHehadnotwheretolayHishead(Matt.viii.20).ThatHemightmakeusthesonsofGod,Hebecameaman;andtheworkofredemptionbeingfinished,Hedoesnotnowneglectus,butsittingattherighthandoftheDivineMajesty,Hetheremakethintercessionforus(Rom.viii.34).WhatthatisnecessarytomysalvationwillHenotaccomplishforme,sinceHehathdevotedHimselftotheworkofmyeternalsalvation?WhatwilltheFatherdenytheSon,whobecameobedienttoHimuntodeath,eventhedeathofthecross(Phil.ii.8)?WhatwilltheFatherdenytheSon,sinceHehathalreadyacceptedtheransomofferedbytheSon?

Whatifmysinsaccuseme;inthisIntercessordoItrust;greaterisHewhoisformethanmysinsthatareagainstme.Whatifmyveryweaknessterrifiesme;inHisstrengthdoIglory.WhatifSatanaccusesme,ifonlythisMediatorshallpardonme.Whatiftheheavensandtheearthaccuse

me,andmineiniquitiesdeclaremyguilt;yetitisenoughformethattheCreatoroftheheavensandoftheearthandHewhoisrighteousnessitselfpleadsmycauseforme.ItsufficesformetoacknowledgeHismerit,becauseminewillnotsuffice;anditisenoughformetohaveHimpropitioustome,againstwhomaloneIhavesinned;whateverHeshallnotimputetomeshallbeasthoughithadneverbeen.Nordoesthefactthatmysinsaresogrievousandsovariedandsooft-repeatedmovemeinthistrust;forifIhadnotbeenburdenedwithsin,IshouldnotsoardentlydesireHisrighteousness;ifIwerenotsick,Iwouldnotcallintheaidofthephysician.HeHimselfismyPhysician(Matt.ix.12),HeHimselfismySaviour(Matt.i.21),HeHimselfismyRighteousness(1Cor.i.30);HecannotdenyHimself(2Tim.ii.13).Iamspirituallysick,Iamcondemned,Iamasinner,Icannotdenymyself.Havemercyuponme,OThoumyblessedPhysician,mySaviour,myRighteousness.Amen!

MEDITATIONIX.LOVINGGODALONE.

MayLoveBindTheeFasttotheLord.

ROUSEthyself,Ofaithfulsoul,andlovethouHimwhoistheHighestGood,inwhomiseverygoodthing,andwithoutwhomthereisnothingtrulygood.Nocreatedthingcanreallysatisfyoursouls’desires,fornocreaturepossessesallofperfectgoodinitself,butonlythatgoodinwhichitparticipates.Arivuletofgoodnessfromthedivinefountainmayflowdowntoitfromabove,butthefountainitselfalwaysremainsinGod.Whythenshouldwedesiretoleavethefountainandfollowtherivulet?EverymanifestationofgoodinthecreatureisbutanimageoftheperfectgoodnesswhichisinGod,nay,whichisGodHimself.Whythenshouldwedesiretoleavetherealitytograsptheimage?ThedovesentoutfromNoah’sarkcouldnotfind,amidtheragingwaters,aplaceofrestforherfeet(Gen.viii.8).Thusoursouls,amidthevastmultitudeofearthlycomforts,canfindnothingtosatisfyfullytheirimmortaldesires,becausethesethingsaresoveryfrailandfleetingincharacter.Doesnotthatmandohimselfinjurywholovesanythingbeneaththedignityofhisnature?OursoulsarefarmorenoblethananycreatedthingbecauseredeemedbythepassionanddeathofGod.Whythenshouldwestooptolovethecreature?WouldnotthatbeinconsistentwiththedignitytowhichGodhasexaltedthehumansoul?Whateverwelove,welovebecauseofitspower,itswisdom,oritsbeauty.Nowwhatismorepowerful,whatiswiser,whatismorebeautiful,thanGod?AllthepowerofearthlymonarchsisfromHimandissubjecttoHim;allhumanwisdom,comparedwiththedivine,isfoolishness;allcreaturebeautyincomparisonwithGod’sisabsolutedeformity.

Ifaverypowerfulearthlysovereignweretosendhismessengerstoseekinmarriageamaidenofhumblebirthandfortune,wouldnotthatmaidenactveryfoolishlytorejectthehandoftheking,andtakeupwithhispoormessengersandservantsinstead?AndGod,throughthebeautyoftheworksofHisownhands,desirestocallmetoHimselfandtoincitemetoloveHimalone;whythenshouldmysoul,whichChristtheheavenlyBridegroomseekstounitetoHimself,clingtoamerecreature,asthemessengerofthisspiritualunionwhichHedesirestomakewithme?Thesecreaturesthemselvesexclaim,“Whydostthouclingsofondlytous?Whydostthouseekthyhighestgoodinus?Wecannotsatisfythylongings.HastetheetoourcommonCreator.”Wedarenothopethatthethingsofearthwillreciprocateourlove;nordotheyfirstloveus;butGod,whoislove(1Johniv.16),cannotbutlovethosewholoveHim;naymore,HeevenanticipatesallourdesiresandallourlovewithHisownlove.Ah!howmuchthenoughtweloveHimwhofirstsodearlylovedus.Helovedusbeforewehadanybeing,foritisbecauseofHisdivinelovethatwewerebornintotheworld.Heloveduswhenwewereyetenemies(Rom.v.10);foritisbecauseofHisdivineloveandcompassionthatHesentHisSontoredeemus.Heloveduswhenwehadfallenintosin;foritisbecauseofHisdivinelove,thatHedoesnotinstantlydeliverusovertodeath,whenwetransgressagainstHim,butpatientlyawaitsourconversion.It’isbecauseofHisdivinelovethatabovewhatwedeserve,aye,eveninveryoppositiontoourjustdeserts,HeisleadingustoHisheavenlymansions.WithouttheloveofGodnevercouldstthoucometoasavingknowledgeofGod.Withoutthatloveallknowledgewouldbeworthless;naymore,itwouldbeharmfultothee.Whydoesloveexceedtheknowledgeofallmysteries(1Cor.xiii.2)?Becausethelattermaybefoundeveninthedevil,buttheformeronlyinthegodly.Whyisthedevilthemostunhappybeing?BecausehecannotlovetheHighestGood.WhyisGod,ontheotherhand,themosthappyandblessedofallbeings?BecauseHelovesallthings,andtakesdelightinalltheworksofHisownhands.WhyistheloveofGodnotperfectedinusinthislife?Simplybecauseweloveonlyasweknow;andinthislifeweknowonlyinpart,andasinariddle(1Cor.xiii.12).Inheavenweshallbeperfectlyhappy,becauseweshallloveGodperfectly,andweshallloveHimperfectlybecauseweshallknowHimperfectly.ButnoonemaycherishahopeoflovingGodperfectlyinthefuturelife,whodoesnotbegintoloveHimin

thislife.TheKingdomofGodmustbeginintheheartofmaninthislife,oritwillneverbeconsummatedinthelifethatistocome.WithouttheloveofGodwehavenodesireforeternallife;andhowthencanwebecomesharersofthathighestGood,ifwedonotloveit,ifwedonotdesireit,ifwedonotseekit?

Whatthyloveis,thatthouart;becausethylovechangestheeintoitself;loveistheverystrongestbond,becausetheloverandtheobjectlovedbecomeone.WhatisitthathasjoinedtogetherarighteousGodandlostsinners,soinfinitelyremovedfromeachother?Infinitelove.AndthattherighteousnessofGodmightnotberenderedofnoeffectChristinterposedHisinfiniteransom.Whatisit,moreover,thatunitesthosesofarseparatedfromeachother,asGodtheAlmightyCreatorandabelievingsoul,theworkofHishands?Love.InHeavenweshallbeunitedtoGodintheveryhighestdegree.Why?BecauseweshallloveHimintheveryhighestdegree.Loveunitesandtransforms;ifthoulovestcarnalthings,thouartcarnal;ifthoulovestearthlythings,thoushaltbecomeearthly.ButfleshandbloodcannotinherittheKingdomofGod(1Cor.xv.50).IfthoulovestGodanddivinethings,thoushaltbecomedivine.TheloveofGodisthechariotofElijahascendingtoheaven.TheloveofGodisthedelightofthemind,theparadiseofthesoul;itdestroysthepoweroftheworld,conquersthedevil,shutsthemouthofhell,andopenswidethegateofheaven.TheloveofGodisthesealofGoduponHiselectandbelievingchildren(Rev.vii.3).GodwillnotacknowledgeasHisowninthelastjudgment,thosewhoarenotsealedwiththisseal.Forfaithitself,whichisthesolemeansofourjustificationandsalvation,isnotgenuineunlessitshowsitselfbylove(Gal.v.6);itisnottruefaithunlessitbealsoanunwaveringtrust,andsuchatrustisimpossiblewithouttheloveofGod.Abenefitisnotrecognizedforwhichthanksarenotrendered;wearenottrulythankfultoHimwhomwedonotlove.IfthyfaithisgenuineitwillrecognizethegreatbenefitsconferredbyChrist,thyRedeemer;aye,itwillrecognizeandrenderthanks;itwillrenderthanksanditwillloveHim.

TheloveofGodislifeandresttooursouls;whenthesouldeparts

throughdeaththebodydies;butwhenGoddepartsfromthesoulthroughsin,thesouldies.Ontheotherhand,“Goddwellsinourheartsbyfaith”(Eph.iii.17);Hedwellsinoursoulsbylove,becausetheloveofGodisshedabroadintheheartsoftheelectbytheHolySpirit(Rom.v.5).ThereisnopeaceofmindwithouttheloveofGod.Theworldandthedevilareitsgreatestsourcesoftrouble,butGodisitstrueandhighestrest.Thereisnopeaceofconscienceexcepttothosewhoarejustifiedbyfaith;thereisnotrueloveofGodexceptinthosewhohaveachildliketrustinGod.Thereforelettheloveofourselves,theloveoftheworld,theloveofthecreature,dieinus,thattheloveofGodmaydwellinus;andmayGodbeginthatloveinusinthislife,thatHemayperfectitinlifeeternal.

MEDITATIONX.OURRECONCILIATIONWITHGOD.

ChristHathPaidmyDebtofSin.

TRULY,Christhathborneourgriefsandcarriedoursorrows(Is.liii.4).OLordJesus,theeternalpunishmentwhichwedeserveforoursinsThouhasttransferredtoThyself;theweightofiniquitywhichwouldhavesunkusdowntohellThouhasttakenuponThyself.Thouwastwoundedforourtransgressions;Thouwastbruisedforouriniquities;withThystripeswearehealed;andtheLordhathlaiduponTheetheiniquitiesofusall(Is.liii.5,6).Wonderful,indeed,istheexchangeThoudostmake;oursinsThoutakestuponThyself,andThyrighteousnessThoudostimputetous;thedeathdueusforourtransgressionsThoudostThyselfsuffer,andinturndostbestoweternallifeuponus.ThereforeIcannolongerdoubtThygraceordespaironaccountofmysins.TheveryworstthatwasinusThouhasttakenuponThyself,howthenwiltThoudespiseourbodyandsoul,theverybestthatisinusandtheworkofThineownhands?“Thouwiltnotleavemysoulinhell,neitherwiltThousufferThineholyonetoseecorruption”(Ps.xvi.10).Holyindeedmusthebewhosesinshavebeenblottedoutandtakenaway.“Blessedisthemanwhosetransgressionisforgiven;blessedisthemanuntowhomtheLordimputethnotiniquity”(Ps.xxxii.1,2).HowcantheLordimputeouriniquitiestousafterHehathonceimputedthemtoanother?ForthesinsofthepeopleHehathsmittenHisdearly-belovedSon;thereforebyHisknowledgeshallhejustifymany,andHeshallbeartheiriniquities(Is.liii.12).HowshallHejustifyHispeople?Giveear,Omysoul,andlisten!HewilljustifythembyHisknowledge,thatisbyasavingacknowledgmentofthedivinemercyandgraceinChrist,andafirmapprehensionthereof

throughfaith.“Thisislifeeternal,thattheymightknowThee,theonlytrueGod,andThySon,JesusChrist,whomThouhastsent”(Johnxvii.3).Andagain,“IfthoushaltconfesswiththymouththeLordJesus,andbelieveinthineheartthatGodhathraisedHimfromthedead,thoushaltbesaved”(Rom.x.9).FaithmoreoverlaysholdofthesatisfactionofChrist;forHehathbornetheiriniquities,andHebarethesinofmany,andmadeintercessionforthetransgressors(Is.liii.11,12).FewrighteoussoulsindeedwouldHehavehad,hadHenotsomercifullyreceivedsinners.FewrighteoussoulswouldstThounowhave,OJesus,ifThoudidstnotsograciouslyforgivethesinsoftheunrighteous.How,therefore,willChrist,inthedreadfuldayofjudgment,passsentenceuponthepenitentfortheirsins,whenHehathalreadytakenthemuponHimself?HowwillHecondemntheguiltysinnerwhenHeHimselfhathbeenmadesinforhim(2Cor.v.21)?WillHejudgethosewhomHecallsHisownfriends?WillHejudgethoseforwhomHehathinterceded?WillHejudgethoseforwhomHehathdied?

Takecourage,Omysoul,andforgetthysins,becausethyLordhathforgottenthem(Is.xliii.25).WhomdostthoufearastheavengerofthysinsbuttheLord?AndyetHeHimselfhathrenderedsatisfactionforthysins.Nowifanyoneelsehadofferedaransomformysins,IcouldnotbutbeindoubtastowhethermyrighteousJudgewouldbewillingtoacceptsuchasatisfaction.Ifameremanoranangelhadmadeanatonementforme,itwouldstillbedoubtfulwhethertheransomofferedformyredemptionweresufficient.Butnowthereisabsolutelynoroomfordoubt.HowcouldHerefusetheransomwhichHimselfhathoffered?Howcouldthesatisfactionpossiblybeinsufficient,whenmadebyGodHimself?

Whyartthoustilldisquieted,Omysoul?“AllthepathsoftheLordaremercyandtruth”(Ps.xxv.10).“RighteousartThou,OLord,anduprightareThyjudgments”(Ps.cxix.137).Whythenartthoudisquieted,Omysoul?LetthemercyoftheLordcheerthee;letthedivinejusticeencouragethee.ForwhatifGodisjust?YetHecertainlywillnotdemandadoublesatisfactionforthesinsofasingleperson.Hehathalready

smittenHisSonforoursins,howcanHethensmiteusHisservantsforthesamesins?HowcanHeinflictuponusthepunishmentwhichHehathalreadyvisiteduponHisSonforoursins?ThetruthoftheLordendurethforever(Ps.cxvii.2).“Ihavenopleasureinthedeathofthewicked,butthathemayturnfromhiswayandlive”([[Ez.xxxiii.11>>Ezek33.11]]),saysourGod.“ComeuntoMe,allyethatlaborandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest”(Matt.xi.28),isourSaviour’sgraciousword.ShallwechargetheLordwithalie,ortrytorenderHismercyofnoeffectbytheweightofoursins?TochargeGodwithalieandtodenyHismercyisoneofthegreatestsinswecancommit;fromwhichitappearsthatJudascommittedagreatersinindespairingofGod’smercy,thandidtheJewsincrucifyingChrist.

Yea,rather,wheresinabounded,gracehathmuchmoreabounded(Rom.v.20).AndHisgraceinfinitelyoutweighsmysins;forsinisman’sact,graceisGod’s;sinistemporal,butthegraceofourGodisfromeverlastingtoeverlasting.Formysinscompletesatisfactionhathbeenrendered;byChrist’sdeaththegraceofGodhathbeenrestoredtomeandestablishedeternally;andtoitIfleeforrefuge,withdevoutandearnestsupplication.

MEDITATIONXI.THESATISFACTIONFOROURSINS.

TheDeathofChrististheLifeoftheGodly.

“COMEuntome,allyethatlaborandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest”(Matt.xi.28),arethepreciouswordsofourSaviour.Truly,mydearLordJesus,Iamburdenedbeyondmeasure,andIgroanundertheawfulweightofmysins;butIhastentoThee,thefountainoflivingwaters.Comeuntome,OLordJesus,sothatImaybeabletocomeuntoThee.IamcomingtoTheebecauseThouhastfirstcometome.IamcomingtoThee,mydearLordJesus,andmostardentlydoIdesireThee,forIcanfindnogoodinmyselfatall.AndifIcouldfindanythinggoodinme,IshouldnotsoanxiouslylongforThee.Truly,OLordJesus,I“laborandamheavyladen.”IdarenotcomparemyselftoanyofThysaints,noreventoanyrepentantsinner,unlessperchancetothepenitentthiefuponthecross.Havemercyuponme,OLord,ThouwhodidstshowThyselfsomercifultothatpenitentmalefactor!Wretchedly,wretchedly,haveIlived;mylifehathbeenoneofsin;but,oh!Idodesiretodiethedeathofthegodlyandoftherighteous.Butgodlinessandrighteousnessarefarfrommyheart,andsoinThygodlinessandinThyrighteousnessItakerefuge.ThoudidstgiveThylife,OLordJesus,asaransomformany(Matt.xx.28);letthatcometomysuccorinmydistress.ThymostholybodyThoudidstgivetobescourged,tobespitupon,tobebuffeted,tobelaceratedwiththorns,andtobecrucified,andallforme;Oletthatcometomyhelpinmydistress.LetThymostpreciousblood,whichThoudidstsofreelyshedinThybittersufferingsandcrueldeathuponthecross,andwhichcleansethusfromallsin(1Johni.7),bemyhelp.LetThymostsacreddivinity,whichsustainedThyhumannatureinThypassion,which

refrainedfromtheexerciseofitsgloriouspowerwhiletheadorablemysteryofmyredemptionwasbeingwroughtout,andwhichgaveinfinitevalueandmerittoThysufferingforsin,sothatGodmightransomme—me,amiserablesinner—withHisownblood(Actsxx.28),cometomyassistanceinmydistress.InThybleedingwoundsismyonlyremedy;letthemsuccorme.LetThymostholypassionbemydefence.LetThymerit,mylastrefugeandtheonlyremedyformysins,bemycomfortandmysupport.WhatThouhastsuffered,OChrist,Thouhastsufferedforme.WhatThysufferingshavemerited,theyhavemeritedforme,andaresetoveragainstmyunworthiness.Godtherefore“commendethHislovetowardus,”andbythetestimonyofallmen,yea,byitssurpassingthecomprehensionevenoftheangels,confirmsit,“inthatwhilewewereyetsinnersandenemiesChristdiedforus”(Rom.v.8).Whoistherewhodoesnotwonderatthis;whoisnotstruckwithdeepamazement,thatunaskedbyanyone,nayevenhatedbymen,themostmercifulSonofGodintercedesforsinnersandforHisenemies?Andnotonlythat,butrendersaperfectsatisfactiontodivinejusticefortheirsins,byHispoorandhumblebirth,byHisholylife,byHismostbittersufferingsandcrueldeath.

OblessedLordJesus,Thouwhodidstintercedeforme,whodidstsufferforme,whodidstdieforme,beforeeverIshowedanydesireforThymeritandpassion,andbeforeeverIbesoughtTheetopaytheransomformyredemption,howcouldstThounowcastmeawayfromThyface?HowwiltThoudenymetheblessedfruitsofThyholypassion,whenIcrytoTheeoutofthedepthsofmysin(Ps.cxxx.1),andwithtearsandgroanssupplicateTheeformercy?IwasThineenemybynature;butsinceThouhastdiedforme,IambecomeThyfriend,Thybrother,Thychild,throughgrace.ThoudidsthaveregardtomewhileyetanenemyandbeforeeverIutteredaprayertoThee;wiltThoudisregardmewhenwithtearsandprayersIcometoTheeasThyfriend?IfIcomeuntoTheeThouwiltnotcastmeout(Johnvi.37),becauseThywordistruthitself.Thouhastspokentousinspiritandtruth,andwehavereceivedfromTheethewordsofeternallife(Johnvi.68).

Giveear,Omysoul,andtakecourage.Formerlyweweresinnersbynature;butnowarewejustifiedbygrace.Before,wewereHisenemies,nowareweHisfriendsandkindred.Before,ourhelpwasinthedeathofChrist,nowitisinHislife;onceweweredeadinoursins,nowarewequickenedwithChrist(Eph.ii.5).OtheimmeasurableloveofGod!OtheexceedingrichesofHisgrace,bywhichHemakesustosittogetherinheavenlyplacesinChristJesus!“OthetendermercyofourGod,wherebytheDay-springfromonhighhathvisitedus”(Lukei.78)!NowifthedeathofChristhathbroughtjustificationandlifetous,whatshallHislifesecureforus?IftheSaviourbyHisdeathpaidsuchapreciousransomforus,whatwillHeaccomplishforusbyHislifeandactiveintercession?ForChristlivesanddwellsinourheartsbyfaith(Eph.iii.17);ifonlywecherishinusalivelyremembranceofHismostholymerit.

Drawme,OLordJesus,thatImaypossessindeedandintruththatwhichIlookforwithanunwaveringhope.LetmebewithThee,asThy[[@Page:64]]servant,IprayThee,andletmebeholdThyglory,whichtheFatherhathgivenThee(Johnxvii.24).LetmebyandbydwellinthatmansionwhichThouhastgonetoprepareformeinThyFather’shouse(Johnxiv.2).BlessedaretheythatdwellinThyhouse,OLord;theyshallpraiseTheeforeverandforever(Ps.lxxxiv.4).

MEDITATIONXII.TRUEFAITH—ITSNATUREANDPROPERTIES.

TrueFaithisLivingandVictorious.

CONSIDER,Omybelovedsoul,theexcellencyofFaith,andthengivethankstoGod,fromwhomaloneitcomes.FaithaloneunitesustoourSaviour,sothatwederiveourspirituallife,ourjustification,andoursalvation,fromHim,asthebranchesdrawalltheirsustenancefromthevine(Johnxv.4).AdamfellfromGod’sgrace,andlost,byhisunbelief,theDivineimage;butwearereceivedintoastateofgrace,andareformedanewintheDivineimagebyfaith.ThroughfaithChristbecomesoursanddwellsinus(Eph.iii.17);butwhereChrististhereisthegraceofGod;andwherethegraceofGodis,thereistheheritageoflifeeternal.“ByfaithAbeloffereduntoGodamoreexcellentsacrificethanCain”(Heb.xi.4);sobyfaithweofferspiritualsacrificestoGod,thatis,thefruitofourlips(Heb.xiii.15).ByfaithEnochwastranslated(Heb.xi.5);sofaith,evenwhilewetarryinthislife,exaltsusabovethemerecompanionshipofmenintoblessedfellowshipwithGod.ForevennowChristdwellsinus;wehavealreadyeternallife,althoughhidden(Col.iii.3).“ByfaithNoahpreparedanark”(Heb.xi.7);thusbyfaithweentertheChurchofChristandoursoulsaresaved,whilethosewhoremaininthevastoceanoftheworldmiserablyperish.ByfaithAbrahamlefthisownidolatrouscountry(Heb.xi.8);sobyfaithwecomeoutfromtheworld,forsakingparents,brothers,kindred,andclingingtothewordofChrist,whocallsustoHimself.Byfaithhesojournedinastrangecountry,lookingforthelandofpromise;sobyfaithwelookforwardtoJerusalemthatisabove(Rev.xxi.2),whichGodhathpreparedforusinheaven.Wearestrangersandsojournersuponearth(Ps.xxxix.12),andbyfaithwe

desireandhopetocomebyandbytoourheavenlyinheritance.ByfaithSarahinheroldagereceivedstrengthtobearIsaac,herson(Heb.xi.11);sobyfaith,thoughspirituallydead,wereceivestrengthtobringforthChristinourlives.ForasChristwasonceconceivedinthewomboftheVirginMary,soisHedailyborninthefaithfulsoulthatkeepsitselfpureandfreefromworldlydefilement.ByfaithAbrahamofferedupIsaac(Heb.xi.17);soalsodowebyfaithofferupinsacrificeourownwill,thatbelovedsonofoursoul;forhewhodesirestofollowChristmustdenyhimself(Matt.xvi.24),thatis,hemustrenouncehisownwill,hisownhonor,hisownaffections.ByfaithIsaacblessedJacob(Heb.xi.20);sobyfaithwearemadepartakersofallGod’sblessings;forinAbraham’sseed,thatisinChrist,allnationsoftheearthareblessed.ByfaithJosephprophesiedconcerningthedepartureofthechildrenofIsraelfromEgypt,andgavecommandmentconcerninghisbones(Heb.xi.22);sobyfaithwelookforwardwithgladheartstoourdeparturefromthisworld,ourspiritualEgypt,andtothegloriousresurrectionofourbodies.ByfaithMoseswashidthreemonthsofhisparents(Heb.xi.23);sofaithhidesusfromthedreadfultyrannyofSatan,untilatlengthweshallbeledintotheroyalpalaceofourGod,andadoptedasachildbytheKingofglory.ByfaithMoseschoserathertosufferafflictionwiththepeopleofGod(Heb.xi.25),thantoliveinthegloryofEgypt;sobyfaithwemaydespisethegloryandhonorandrichesofthisworld,whileourheartsarestirredbylongingdesiresfortheheavenlykingdom.ByfaithwechooserathertosuffershamewithChristthanallthetreasuresofthisworld.ByfaithMosesforsookEgypt,notfearingthewrathoftheKing(Heb.xi.27);thusfaithinspiresandconfirmsussothatwedonotfearthethreatsofanyofearth’styrants,butwithacourageousandresolutespiritobeythevoiceofourGod.ByfaithIsraelkeptthePassover(Heb.xi.28);soalsodowecelebrateourpaschalsupperbyfaith.ChristourPassoverissacrificedforus(1Cor.v.7);whosefleshismeatindeed,andwhosebloodisdrinkindeed(Johnvi.65).ByfaiththeIsraelitespassedthroughtheRedSea(Heb.xi.29);sobyfaithdowepassthroughthetroublouswavesofthisworld.ByfaiththewallsofJerichofelldown(Heb.xi.30);sobyfaithmaywelaylowallthestrongholdsofSatan(2Cor.x.5).ByfaithRahabwaspreservedalive(Heb.xi.31);sointheuniversalruinthatshallovertakethisworldweshallbyfaithbesavedfromdestruction.Byfaiththefatherssubduedkingdoms,stoppedthemouthsoflions,quenched

theviolenceoffire(Heb.xi.33,34);sobyfaithwemaydestroySatan’skingdom,escapethesnaresandfuryofthatinfernallion,andbedeliveredfromtheawfulfiresofhell.

Butfaithisnotamereopinionoremptyprofession;itisalivingandefficaciousapprehensionofChristasHeissetforthinthegospel.ItisamostheartyconvictionofGod’sgracetous,aconfidenttranquillityofheart,andanundisturbedpeaceofconsciencerelyinguponthemeritofChrist.Suchafaithspringsfromtheseedofthedivineword;forfaithandtheSpiritareone,butthewordisthatbymeansofwhichtheHolySpiritisconveyedintooursouls.Thefruitisofthesamenatureastheseed.Faithisadivinefruit;thereforethedivineseed,thatis,God’sword,mustalwaysbepresent.Justasatthecreation,lightappearedatthewordofGod,forGodsaid,“Lettherebelight,”andtherewaslight(Gen.i.3);sothelightoffaitharisesfromthelightofthedivineword.“InThylightshallweseelight,”saysthePsalmist(Ps.xxxvi.9).

SincefaithunitesussocloselytoChrist,itisreallythemotherofallvirtuesinus.Wherefaithis,thereChristis;whereChristis,thereisaholylife,namelytruehumility,truegentleness,truelove.ChristandtheHolySpiritareneverseparated;andwhentheHolySpiritispresentinasoulthereistrueholiness.Therefore,wherethelifeisnotholy,thesanctifyingSpiritmustbeabsent;andiftheHolySpiritbeabsent,Christcannotbethere;andifChristisnotthere,thenneitheristruefaiththere.Anybranchthatdrawsnotitslifeandsuccorfromthevinecannotbeconsideredasunitedwiththevine(Johnxv.4);sowearenotunitedtoChristbyfaithunlesswederiveallourspirituallifeandstrengthfromHim.

Faithisourspirituallight;itilluminesourhearts;itshedsabroadthegenialinfluenceofitsraysinourgoodworks;andwheregoodworks,thosebrightbeamsofthespirituallife,arewanting,therethelightoftruefaithhathnotyetarisen.Evildeedsaretheworksofdarkness(Rom.xiii.12);butfaithislight;andwhatcommunionhathlightwithdarkness(2

Cor.vi.14)?Evil[[@Page:70]]worksareSatan’sseed(Matt.xiii.25).FaithisChrist’sseed.AndwhatconcordhathChristwithSatan(2Cor.vi.15)?Faithpurifiesourhearts(Actsxv.9);buthowcantherebeinwardpurityofheartwhereimpurewordsandimpuredeedsappearoutwardly?Faithisourvictory(1Johnv.4);howthencantherebetruefaith,wherethefleshrulesthespiritandleadsitcaptiveatitswill?ThroughfaithwehaveChristdwellinginus,andinChristwehavelifeeternal;butnoimpenitentsinner,continuinginhissin,hasanypartorlotineternallife;howthencanhehaveChristinhim?Howcanhelayanyclaimtotruefaith?Enkindleinus,OblessedChrist,thelightoftruefaith,thatthroughfaithwemayobtaineternalsalvation!

MEDITATIONXIII.THESPIRITUALMARRIAGEOFTHESOULWITHCHRIST.

ChrististheSpouseoftheSoul.

“IWILLbetroththeeuntoMeforever”(Hos.ii.19),saysChristtothefaithfulsoul.ChristdesiredtobepresentatthemarriageinCanaofGalilee(Johnii.2),soastoshowusthatHehadcometotheearthtocelebrateHisspiritualnuptialswithbelievingsouls.RejoicegreatlyintheLordandbejoyfulinthyGod,Ofaithfulsoul,forHehathclothedtheewiththegarmentsofsalvation,Hehathcoveredtheewiththerobeofrighteousness,asabrideadornethherselfwithjewels(Is.lxi.2).RejoicebecauseofthedistinguishedhonorofthySpouse;rejoicebecauseofthesurpassingbeautyofthySpouse;rejoicebecauseofHismarvelouslovetowardthee.Hishonoristheverygreatest,forHeistrueGod,blessedforever(Rom.ix.5).Howgreatthenisthedignityandworthofthesoul,sincetheCreatorHimselfwishestoespouseittoHimself!Hisbeautyistheverygreatest;forHisformisfairerthanthechildrenofmen(Ps.xlv.2);sincethey“beheldHisglory,thegloryasoftheonly-begottenoftheFather”(Johni.14);“Hisfacedidshineasthesun”(Matt.xvii.2);“andHisraimentwaswhiteassnow”(Markix.3);“graceispouredintoHislips”(Ps.xlv.3);“Heiscrownedwithgloryandhonor”(Ps.viii.6).HowwonderfulthenHismercy,that,thoughHeistheperfectionofbeauty,HedoesnotdisdaintochooseforHisspiritualbridethesoulofthesinner,allstainedanddefiledwithsinthoughitbe.HereistheheightofmajestyintheBridegroomandthedepthoflowlinessinthebride;surpassingbeautyintheBridegroom,forbiddingdeformityinthebride;andyetgreateristheBridegroom’slovetowardsHisbridethanherstowardshermostmajesticandmostbeautifulSpouse.

Consider,Ofaithfulsoul,Hisimmeasurablelovetowardsthee!AlovethatbroughtHimfromheaventoearth;alovethatboundHimtotheposttobescourged;alovethatnailedHimtothecross;alovethatenclosedHiminthesepulchre;alovethatdraggedHimdowntohell!WhatledHimtosufferallthis,butatenderloveforHisspouse?AndourheartsmustbeharderthanstoneandleadifsuchmightyloveasthisdoesnotdrawthemupwardstoGod,fromwhomitfirstdrewGodHimselfdowntomen.Thebridewasnakedandbare(Ez.xvi.22);norcouldshethusappearintheroyalpalaceoftheheavenlyKing;butHeclothedherwiththegarmentsofsalvation,andcoveredherwiththerobeofrighteousness(Is.lxi.10).Whenshelaywrappedinthefilthygarmentsofhersinsandintheshamefulragsofheriniquities,Hegavefinelinen,cleanandwhite,inwhichshemightclotheherself;forthefinelinenistherighteousnessofthesaints(Rev.xix.8).ThisgarmentistherighteousnessofherSpouse,procuredbyHisdeathandpassion.

JacobservedfourteenyearstowinRachelforhiswife;butChristfornearlythirtyyearsenduredhunger,thirst,cold,poverty,ignominy,reproaches,bonds,thescourge,thevinegarandgall,andtheawfuldeathofthecross,thatHemightprepareforHimselfandwinasHisbridethebelievingsoul.SamsonwentdownandsoughtawifefromamongthePhilistines,apeopledevotedtodestruction(Judgesxiv.3),buttheSonofGodcamedownfromheaventochooseHisbridefromamongmencondemnedanddevotedtoeternaldeath.ThewholeracetowhichthebridebelongedwashostiletotheheavenlyFather,butHereconciledittoHisFatherbyHismostbitterpassion.Thebridewaspollutedinherownblood(Ez.xvi.22),andwascastoutuponthefaceoftheearth;butHewashedherinthewaterofbaptism,andcleansedherinthemostholylaverofregeneration(Eph.v.26);herbloodystainsHecleansedwithHisownblood,forthebloodofJesusChrist,theSonofGod,cleansethusfromallsin(1Johni.7).FoulanddeniedwasHisbride,butHeanointedherwiththeoilofHismercyandgrace(Ez.xvi.9).ShewasnothonorablyattiredasHisspouse,butHedeckedherwithornaments(Ez.xvi.11),andadornedherwiththevariedvirtuesandgiftsoftheHoly

Spirit.Shewaswretchedlypoor,sothatshecouldbringHimnodower,soHemercifullygavehertheearnestofHisSpirit(Eph.i.14),andacceptedfromhertheearnestofherflesh,andcarrieditwithHimintoheaven.HefoundHisbridefamishingwithhunger,andHegavehertoeatfinewheatandhoneyandoil(Ez.xvi.19),andwithHisownbodyandbloodHecontinuestofeedheruntoeternallife.SheisoftendisobedientandunfaithfultohermarriagevowtoChrist,herheavenlyBridegroom,inherunholyalliancewiththeworldandthedevil,butHe,outofHisabundantlove,receivesheragainwhenevershereturnstoHimintruepenitence.

Acknowledge,Ofaithfulsoul,thesemanymarvelousinstancesofChrist’slovetothee;cherishthoutheloveofHim,whoforloveoftheeenteredthevirgin’swomb.WeoughttoloveHimasmuchmorethanweloveourselves,asHewhogaveHimselfforusisgreaterthanwe.WeoughttoyieldourwholelifeuntoHim,whoforloveofusyieldedHimselfupwhollyuntous.HewhodoesnotlovetheChristwhofirstlovedhim,mustbedeservedlyheldasbaselyungrateful.OhowmuchweoughttoloveHimwhoforpureloveofuslaidaside,asitwere,Hisdivinemajesty!Ohappysoul,thatisunitedtoChristbythebondsofthisspiritualmarriage!ThoumaystsecurelyandconfidentlyappropriatetothyselfallthebenefitsofChrist’sredemption,justasawifeshinesresplendeutlyintheglorythatbelongstoherhusband.

Itisbyfaithalonethatwearemadepartakersofthisblessedspiritualunion,asitiswritten,“Iwillbetroththeeuntomeinfaithfulness”(Hos.ii.19).ByfaithweareengraftedasbranchesintoChrist,thespiritualvine(Johnxv.2),sothatwederiveallourlifeandstrengthfromHim;andasthoseunitedinmarriagearenolongertwainbutoneflesh(Matt.xix.6),so“hethatisjoineduntotheLordisonespirit”(1Cor.vi.17),becauseChristdwellsinourheartsbyfaith(Eph.iii.17).Faith,ifitisgenuine,workethbylove(Gal.v.6).Justasthehighpriests,intheoldeconomy,wereobligedtomarryvirgins,sothisheavenlyHighPriestunitestoHimselfinspiritualunionsuchsoulsaskeepthemselvespureandunspottedfromtheembracesoftheworldandthefleshandthedevil.OChrist,doThougraciouslymakeusworthytobeadmittedfinallytothe

marriageoftheLamb(Rev.xix.7).Amen.

MEDITATIONXIV.THEMYSTERYOFTHEINCARNATION.

Christ’sCradleglowswithaHeavenlyLight.

LETusforalittlewhilewithdrawourmindsfromtemporalthings,andcontemplatethemysteryofourLord’sbirth.TheSonofGodcamedownfromheaven,thatwemightreceivetheadoptionofsons(Gal.iv.5).Godbecameman,thatmanmightbecomeapartakerofdivinegraceandofthedivinenature(2Pet.i.4).Christchosetobebornintotheworldintheeveningoftheworld’slife,tosignifythatthebenefitsofHisincarnationpertainnottothispresentlife,buttoeternallife.HechosetobeborninthetimeofthepeacefulAugustus,becauseHewastheblessedpeacemakerbetweenmanandGod.HechosetobeborninthetimeofIsrael’sservitude,becauseHeisthetrueliberatoranddefenderofHispeople.Hechosetobebornunderthereignofaforeignprince,seeingthatHiskingdomisnotofthisworld(Johnxviii.36).HeisbornofavirgintosignifythatHeisbornintheheartsofspiritualvirginsonly(2Cor.xi.2),thatis,inthosewhoarenotjoinedtotheworldortothedevil,buttoGodbyoneSpirit.Heisbornpureandholy,thatHemightsanctifyourimpureanddeniedbirth.Heisbornofavirginespousedtoaman,thatHemightsetforththehonorofmarriageasadivineinstitution.Hewasborninthedarknessofthenight,whocameasthetruelighttoilluminethedarknessoftheworld.Hewhoisthetruefoodofoursoulsislaidinamanger.Heisbornamongthebeastsofthestall,thatHemightrestoretotheirformerdignityandhonorsinfulmen,whothroughtheirsinshadmadethemselveslittlebetterthanthebeasts.HeisborninBethlehem,thehouseofbread,whobroughtwithHimselffromheaventhebreadoflifeforoursouls.Heisthefirstandonly-begottenofHis

motherhereonearth,whoaccordingtoHisdivinenatureisthefirstandonly-begottenofHisFatherinheaven.Heisbornpoorandneedy(2Cor.viii.9),thatHemightpreparetherichesofheavenforus.Heisborninameanstable,thatHemightleadusbacktotheroyalpalaceofHisFatherinheaven.Heissentfromheavenasthemessengerofredemptivegrace,becausenooneonearthknewitsexceedinggreatness.ItiswithgoodreasonthatHe,aheavenlymessenger,shouldbringusthetidingsofthoseheavenlyblessingsthatarereservedforusatHisrighthandabove.TheangelichostsrejoiceatthebirthofChristbecause,throughtheincarnationoftheSonofGod,theycanhaveuspoormortalsasthecompanionsoftheirblessedness.Thisgreatwonderisfirstannouncedtoshepherds,becauseasthetrueShepherdofsoulsHehadcomeatthattimetobringbackHislostsheepintoHisfold.Thegladtidingsofgreatjoyareproclaimedtothedespisedandlowly,becausenoonecanbecomeasharerofthatjoy,whoisnotlightlyesteemedinhisowneyes.Thenativityisannouncedtothosewatchingtheirflocksbynight,becauseonlythosecanbecomepartakersofthisgreatgifttomanwhoseheartsarewatchfultowardGod,andnotthosewhoarefastasleepinsin.Andnowthemultitudeoftheheavenlyhost,whohadsosorelygrievedoverthesinofourfirstparent,shoutaloudforjoy.ThesplendorofourLordandKingappearsintheheavens,whoselowlinessupontheearthlookedsomeanintheeyesofmen.Theangelbidstheshepherds“Fearnot,”becauseofthebirthofHimwhoshouldremovefromuseverycauseoffear.Goodtidingsofgreatjoyareannounced,becausetheauthorandgiverofalljoywasbornintotheworld.Theyarebiddenrejoice,becausetheenmitybetweenGodandman,therealcauseofalloursorrow,wasremoved.“GlorytoGodinthehighest,”theysang,becausebythewilfultransgressionofHiscommandourfirstparentsoughttorobGodofHisglory.ThebirthofChristbroughttruepeacetomen,whobeforethisweretheenemiesofGod,wereatwarwiththeirownconsciences,andatvarianceamongthemselves.Truepeacewasthusrestoredtoearth,becausehewasovercomewhohadleduscaptiveathiswill.

LetusnowgowiththeshepherdstothemangerofChrist,thatis,Hischurch,andasHelayinthatmangerinswaddlingclothes,sointhesacredscriptures,weshallfindourSaviour.Letusalsowithalively

recollectionofthewordsofthismystery,likeMary,theblessedmotherofourLord,keepponderingthemcontinuallyinourhearts(Lukeii.19).Letuswithgladvoicesjoinintheangels’song,andrenderuntotheLordthethanksdueuntoHisnameforHismarvelousbenefitstous.Letusrejoiceandshoutforjoywiththewholemultitudeoftheheavenlyhost.Foriftheangelsrejoicedsogreatlyonouraccount,howmuchmoreoughtwerejoice,towhomthisChildisborn,towhomthisSonisgiven(Is.ix.6).IftheIsraeliteslifteduptheirvoicesinjubilantshoutswhentheArkoftheCovenantwasbroughtbacktothem(2Sam.vi.16),whichwasatypeandashadowoftheincarnationofourdearLord,howmuchmoreoughtwerejoice,sinceourLordHimselfhathcomedowntous,intheassumptionofourhumannature.IfAbrahamrejoicedtoseethedayoftheLord(Johnviii.56),whentheLordassumingatthattimebodilyshape,appearedtohim,whatoughtwetodo,seeingthatourLordhathtakenournatureintoaperpetualandindissolubleunionwithHimself?OletusadmirethemarvelousgoodnessofourGod,who,whenwecouldnotascendtoHim,hesitatednottodescendtous.LetusstandinwonderatthemarvelouspowerofourGod,whowasabletouniteinonetwonaturessodiverseasthedivineandhuman,sothatoneandthesamePersonisnowbothGodandman.LetusadmirethemarvelouswisdomofourGod,whocoulddeviseaschemeforourredemption,whichneitherangelsnormencouldhavedevised.Infinitegoodwasoffended;aninfinitesatisfactionwasrequired.ManhadoffendedGod,frommanthesatisfactionforsinmustberequired.Butfinitemancouldnotpossiblyrenderaninfinitesatisfaction,norcoulddivinejusticebesatisfiedbutonthepaymentofaninfiniteransom.ForthisreasonGodbecamemanthat,formanwhohadsinned,Hemightrenderaperfectsatisfactionforsin,andasGodwhowasinfiniteHemightpayaninfinitepriceforourredemption.Wellmaywewonderatthisstupendousreconciliationofdivinejusticeandmercy,whichnoone,beforeGodwasmanifestintheflesh,couldhavedevised,norafterHewassomanifested,couldfullycomprehend.Letusstandinwonderatthismystery,butletusnottoocuriouslypryintoit.Letusdesirereverentlytostudyit,althoughwecannotfullyunderstandit.RatherletusconfessourignorancethandenythepowerofGod.

MEDITATIONXV.THESAVINGBENEFITSOFCHRIST’SINCARNATION.

LetusbedeeplygratefulfortheRedemptionthatisinChristJesus.

“BEHOLD,Ibringyougoodtidingsofgreatjoy”(Lukeii.10),saidtheangelatthebirthofourSaviour.Greatindeedisthejoythusannounced,aye,greaterthanthehumanmindcanconceive.ItwasadreadfulthingforustolieundertheholywrathofGod,tobeledcaptivebythedevilathiswill,andtobeundersentenceofeternalcondemnation;butitwasstillmoredreadfulthatmenwereignorantoftheirawfulcondition,orutterlyindifferenttoit.AndnowtheangelbringsthegoodtidingsthatHehathcomeintotheworldwhowillfreeusfromalltheseevils.HecameasthePhysiciantothespirituallysick,astheRedeemertothecaptivesofsin,astheWaytothosewhohadwanderedafaroff,astheLifetothedeadintrespassesandsins,andasaSaviourtothelost.AsMoses(Ex.iii.10)wassentbytheLordtodelivertheIsraelitesfromthebondageofEgypt,sowasChristsentbytheFathertoredeemmankindfromthebondageofthedevil.Asthedove,afterthewatersofthefloodhadabatedfromthefaceoftheearth,broughtbackanoliveleaftoNoahintheark(Gen.viii.11),soChristcametoearthtopreachpeaceandreconciliationbetweenmanandGod.Wellmaywerejoice,then,andmagnifythemercyofourGod.WhatgoodthingwillHe,wholoveduswhilewewereyetHisenemies(Rom.v.8),disdainingnottotakeourhumannatureintotheveryclosestunionwithHisdivinity,withholdfromthosewhoarepartakerswithHimofthesameflesh?WhohaseverhatedHisownflesh(Eph.v.29)?HowcanHepossiblycastusoff,whenbyanexerciseofsuchexaltedandinfinitemercy,HehathmadeuspartakersofHisownnature?

Whoinmostexaltedthoughtcanreachthisstupendousmystery,muchlessexpressitinwords?Herewehavethemostexaltedsublimityandthebasestvileness;thegreatestpowerandthemostabjecthelplessness;themostgloriousmajestyandthemostingloriousweakness.WhatcanbemoresublimethanGod,orvilerthanman?WhohathmorepowerthanGod,orgreatermoralhelplessnessthanman?WhocanbesogloriousasGod,andsoweakasman?Butthatsublimepowerdevisesaplanofredemption,whichunitesalltheseelements,wheninfinitejusticerequiredsuchaunion.Whatfinitemindcangraspthegreatnessofthismystery?Anadequateransom,infiniteinvalue,wasdemandedforman’soffense,becausemanhadturnedhimselfawayfromGod,theinfiniteGood.ButwhatcouldbeanadequatesatisfactiontoaninfiniteGod?Thereforeinfinitejusticetakesfromitself,asitwere,anadequatesatisfactionofferedbyitself,andGodtheCreatorsuffersinhumanflesh,lestmantheworkofHishandsshouldsuffereternally.InfiniteGoodwasoffended,andnoonebutaMediatorofinfinitepowercouldintercedeforus.AndwhoisinfinitebutGodonly?HenceGodreconciledtheworlduntoHimself(2Cor.v.19).GodHimselfbecametheMediator.GodHimselfredeemedmankindwithHisownblood(Actsxx.28).

Whocanunderstandthismarvelousmystery?ThealmightyCreatorhadbeenoffended,andyetthecreaturewhohadcommittedtheoffensemanifestednoanxietyforapropitiationorreconciliation,butHewhohadbeenoffendedassumedourfleshtomakereconciliationforus.ManhadforsakenGod,andalliedhimselftothedevil,God’sbitterenemy;andyetHe,whohadbeenthusdeserted,withtenderconcernseeksthedeserter,andmostgraciouslybegshimtoreturntoHimagain.ManhadgoneawayfrominfiniteGoodnessitself,andhadfallenintoinfinitedepthsofevil;butthatveryinfiniteGoodness,havingpaidaninfinitepricefor[[@Page:85]]hisredemption,rescueshimfromthoseinfinitedepthsofevil.Odoesnotthisinfinitemercyexceedthehighestthoughtofthefinitehumanmind?ChristhathbroughttoourpoorhumannatureagreaterglorythanitlostbyAdam’ssin.InChristwereceivemorethanwelostinAdam.Wheresinhadabounded,divinegracehathmuchmore

abounded.InAdamwelostourprimalinnocence,inChristwereceiveafullandcompletedrighteousness(Rom.v.18).SomemayjustlyregardthepowerofGodaswonderful,butstillmorewonderfulisHisgrace;althoughsofarasGodisconcernedtheyareequallywonderful,becausebothareinfinite.OthersmayadmirethewondrouspowerofGodincreation;butstillmoremayweadmirethemarvelsofHisgraceinredemption,althoughbothcreationandredemptionalikemanifestHisinfinitepower.Itwasagreatthingtocreatemaninthefirstplace,when,asyetnotexisting,hecoulddeserveneithergoodnorillatGod’shands;buttoredeemman,whenhejustlymeritedcondemnation,andtotakeuponHimselfthepunishmentdueforman’stransgression,thatseemstomeastillgreaterthing.ItistrulywonderfulwhenweconsiderhowGodhathformedinUsourfleshandourbones;butitisstillmorewonderfultothinkhowHewaswillingtobecomefleshofourfleshandboneofourbone(Eph.v.30).

Omysoul,giveunceasingthankstoGodwhocreatedthee,whenasyetthouhadstnobeing;whoredeemedthee,whenthroughsinthouwastundereternalcondemnation;andwhohathpreparedfortheejoysunspeakableandfullofglory,ifthoubyfaithdostclingtoChristthySaviour.

MEDITATIONXVI.THESPIRITUALREFRESHMENTOFTHEGODLY.

WhatisGodtothesoul?HeisitsLight,itsHealingBalm,itsBreadofLife.

GODhathmostgraciouslypreparedagreatsupper,butthosewhowouldenjoyitmustcomewithheartshungeringandthirstingafterrighteousness.

Hewhotastesnot,perceivesnotthesweetnessofthisheavenlyfeast;andhewhodoesnothungerforit,doesnottasteit.TobelieveinChrististocometothisheavenlybanquet.ButnoonecanbelieveinChristwhodoesnotacknowledgehissinsintruecontritionandpenitence.Contritionisthespiritualhungerofoursouls;andbyfaithoursoulsarespirituallyfed.

TheLordGodfedtheIsraelitesinthewildernesswithmanna,angels’food(Ex.xvi.4,Ps.lxxviii.25);butinthisblessedfeastofthenewcovenant,Godfeedsoursoulswithheavenlymanna,thatis,thepardonofoursins;naymore,withtheBodyandBloodofHisownSon,whoistheLordoftheangels.ChrististhelivingBread,whocamedownfromheaven(Johnvi.51),thatHemightgivelifetotheworld.Onewhofillshimselfwiththehusksthattheswineeat,thatis,withthecarnaldelightsofthisworld,caresnaughtfortheblessednessofthisspiritualfeast.Thecarnalmindhasnoconceptionofthatwhichistrueblessednesstothesoul;inthiswildernessworldGodfeedsoursoulswithHisownmanna,

whenearthlysustenancefailsus,andwheneveryearthlycomfortdeparts.Thosewhohadjustmarriedwives,intheparable(Lukexiv.20),werebackwardincomingtothesupper;butsoulsthatarenotjoinedtothedevilthroughsin,noralliedtotheworldthroughitspleasures,hastentothisgospelfeast.“Ihaveespousedyoutoonehusband,thatImaypresentyouasachastevirgintoChrist,”saystheapostle(2Cor.xi.2).Wemustkeepoursoulsfromallunholyalliancewiththeworld,ifGodistoespouseustoHimselfinthisspiritualunion.Thosewhointheparableofthesupperwereoccupiedwithlookingaftertheirnewlypurchasedlandsalsorefusedthekindinvitation(Lukexiv.18);andthoseengrossedinthepleasuresofthisworld,havenolongingsaftertheblessednessoftheheavenlybanquet.Desireisthefoodofthesoul;oursoulsdonotcometothismysticalfeastiftheyhavenodesireforit;andasoulthatplacesitshappinessinthecomfortsofthisworldcannotdesiretheheavenlydelightsofthegospel.Whentherichyoungmanheardthathemustgiveuptheearthlyrichesinwhichhissouldelighted,ifhewouldfollowChrist,hewentawaysorrowful(Matt.xix.22).Christ,ourheavenlyElijah(2Kingsiv.3,4),doesnotpourtheoilofheavenlygraceintoanyvesselthatisnotfirstentirelyemptied;andtheloveofGoddoesnottakepossessionofanysoul,fromwhichtheloveofselfandtheloveoftheworldhavenotfirstbeenexcluded.Whereourtreasureis,therewillourheartbealso(Matt.vi.21);iftheworldisthytreasure,thyheartisintheworld.Lovehasaunitingpower;ifthoulovestearthlythings,thouwiltbejoinedtoearthlythings.Lovehasanassimilatingpower;ifthoulovesttheworld,thouwiltbecomeworldly;ifthoulovestheavenlythings,thouwiltbecomeheavenly-minded.

Intheparable,thosewhotradedinoxenandmerchandise(Lukexiv.19)didnotcometoChrist.Thosewhosettheirheartsuponearthlyriches(Ps.lxii.10)donotseektheheavenly;earthlyrichesseemforatimetosatisfythedesiresofthesoul,sothatitdoesnotseekinGodthatwhichalonewouldafforditfullandperfectsatisfaction.Therichesoftheworldconsistinmaterialthings,assilverandgold,housesandlands,flocksandherds.Butnomaterialthingcanpossiblysatisfythelongingsofthesoul,whichisfarmoreexcellentthananymaterialobject,forallthesehavebeencreatedfortheuseandbenefitofthesoul.Howutterlymaterial

thingsfailtomeetandsatisfytheneedsofthesoul,appearsindeath,whenwemustgivethemallup.Itispassingstrangethatweshouldsosetourheartsupontheseearthlypossessions,whenourholduponthemissofrailandshort-lived.WhenAdamforsookthecomfortsaffordedhiminGod,andsoughtdelightthroughthetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevil,hewasdrivenoutofparadise(Gen.iii.24);sooursouls,iftheyturnfromGodtheCreatortothecreature,aredeprivedofheavenlycomforts,andshallbeforeverdrivenawayfromthetreeoflife.

Butwhatremainstothosewhoneglectthisheavenlyfeast?Theworldpassethawayandthelustthereof(1Johnii.17,1Cor.vii.31);andsoshallalltheywhosettheirheartsuponit;allcreatedthingsshallperish,andsoshalltheywhoresttheirhopesinthem.GoddeclaresthatthosewhopreferthepossessionsandpleasuresofthislifetotheblessingsandcomfortsofHisheavenlyfeast,shallnottasteofHissupper(Lukexiv.24).Ifthesupperbeneglected,thehungrymustgounfed;andifChristberejected,thereremainethnomoreremedyforsin.Thosewhodespisedtheinvitationshallsufferthepangsofeternalhunger,andshalldwellforeverintheouterdarkness;thosewhorefusedtoheedthewordofChrist:“Comeuntome,allyethatlaborandareheavyladen”(Matt.xi.28),shallonedayhearthatdreadfulword:“Departfromme,yecursed,intoeverlastingfire”(Matt.xxv.41).TheSodomiteswereconsumedbyfiresentdownfromheaven,when,graciouslyinvitedtothisheavenlyfeastofgoodthings,throughthepreachingofLot,theywilfullyrefusedtocome;andsothosewhohaveinsolentlyspurnedthegospelinvitationshallbeconsumedbythefiresofdivinewrath,thatshallburnforeverandever.Thefivefoolishvirginswhowentouttomeetthebridegroom,withouttakingoilintheirvesselswiththem,framedvariousexcusesfortheirdelay;butmeanwhilethedoorwasshut(Matt.xxv.10);andsothosewhoseheartsarenotfilledwiththeoiloftheHolySpiritinthisworld,willnotbeadmittedbyChristintoaparticipationofHisheavenlyjoy;butwillfindthatthedooroflong-suffering,thedoorofmercy,thedoorofeverlastingconsolation,thedoorofhope,thedoorofgrace,thedoorofgoodworks,shallbefastshutagainstthem.

BesidesthisthereisaninwardcallofChristtooursouls,andblessedishewhoheedsit.Christ;oftenknocksatthedoorofourheartswithholylongings,devoutaspirations,piousmeditations,andblessedishewhothrowswideopenhisheart’sdoortotheChrist(Rev.iii.20).AssoonasthoudostexperienceinthyheartsomelongingafterthegraceofGod,thoumaystcertainlyconcludethatitisChristknockingatthedoorofthyheart.Oh,admitHim,lestHepassby,andafterwardscloseagainsttheethedoorofHismercy.Assoonasthouperceivestinthyheartthefaintestsparkofpiousthoughts,concludeatoncethatitwasenkindledbythefervorofGod’slove,throughtheHolySpirit.Oh,feedandkeepalivethatholyflamethatitmaykindleintoaglowingfireofloveforGod.Oh,beware,lestthouquenchtheHolySpiritandhindertheLord’sworkinthysoul(1Thess.v.19).HewhodestroysthetempleofGodshallsuffertheseverestjudgmentofGod(1Cor.iii.17).OurheartisthetempleofGod;andthatwedestroywhenwerefusetoheedtheinwardcalloftheHolySpiritthroughGod’sword.TheprophetsofoldspakeastheyweremovedbytheHolyGhost(2Pet.i.21),butnowunderthegospelallthetrulypiousfeeltheinwardmotionsanddrawingsoftheHolySpirit.BlessedindeedarealltheywhohearandfollowHim.

MEDITATIONXVII.THEBENEFITSOFBAPTISM.

BaptismisaHolyWashing.

CALLtomind,Ofaithfulsoul,thewonderfulgraceofGodbestowedupontheeinholybaptism.Baptismisthewashingofregeneration(Titusiii.5);thereforehewhohathbeenspirituallywashedinthelaverofbaptismisnolongerheld,bodyandsoul,underthepowerofacarnalnature,butbecausehehathbeenbornagainofGod,throughwaterandtheSpirit(Johniii.5)heisasonofGod,andifasonthenanheirofeternalblessedness(Rom.viii.17).AstheEternalFather,atthebaptismofChrist,declared,“ThisismybelovedSon”(Matt.iii.17),soallwhobelieveandarebaptizedreceivetheadoptionofsons.AstheHolySpiritdescendedintheformofadove,atChrist’sbaptism,soHeisalsopresentatourbaptismandgivesitallitsefficacy;nay,more,communicatesHimselftobelievingsoulsinthisholyordinance,andsoworkethinthemthat“theybecomewiseasserpentsandharmlessasdoves”(Matt.x.16).Asitwasatthecreation,soisitatourregeneration.Forasatthecreationoftheworld,theSpiritoftheLordmoveduponthefaceofthewaters(Gen.i.2),andimpartedtothemavitalenergy,sointhewaterofbaptismthesameHolySpiritispresenttorenderitefficaciousforourregeneration.OurbelovedSaviour,ChristHimself,submittedtobaptismthatHemightmakeitplainthatthroughbaptismwearetobemademembersofHisbody.Oftenaremedyisappliedtotheheadthatotherpartsofthebodymaybehealed;ourspiritualheadisChrist,andHesubmittedtoholybaptismthatthemembersofHismysticalbodymightenjoyitssavingbenefits.UndertheoldeconomyGodenteredintocovenantwithHispeoplebycircumcision(Gen.xvii.11);sointheneweconomywearereceivedintocovenantrelationswithGodbybaptism(Col.ii.11,12),becausebaptismhassupersededcircumcision.Letnot

himwhoisincovenantwithGodfearthedevil.ThosewhoarebaptizedintoChristputonChrist(Gal.iii.27),andthusthesaintsaresaidtohavewashedtheirrobesandmadethemwhiteinthebloodoftheLamb(Rev.vii.14).TheperfectrighteousnessofChrististhegloriousrobeofHissaints;letnothimthereforewhoisclothedinthisrobefeartheleastspotofsin.

TherewasatJerusalem,bythesheepmarket,apool(Johnv.2)intowhichatcertaintimesanangelwentdownandtroubledthewater;whosoeverthenfirstafterthetroublingofthewatersteppedin,wasmadewholeofwhateverdiseasehehad(Johnv.4).Thewaterofbaptismisthatpool,whichhealsusofthemaladyofsin,whentheHolySpiritdescendsintoitandtroublesit,asitwere,withthebloodofChrist,whogaveHimselfasasacrificeforus,justasthesacrificiallambswerewashedinthatpoolatJerusalem.AtChrist’sbaptismtheheavenswereopened(Matt.iii.16);soatourbaptismthegatesofheavenareopenedtooursouls.AtthebaptismofChristallthreepersonsoftheadorableTrinitywerepresent;sotheyareatourbaptism.Andsointhatwordofpromise,whichisunitedtotheelementofwater,faithreceivesthegraceoftheheavenlyFatherwhoadoptsus,themeritoftheblessedSonwhocleansesusfromsin,andtheefficaciousworkingoftheHolySpiritwhoregeneratesus.

PharaohandallhishostperishedintheRedSea,whiletheIsraelitespassedoversafely(Ex.xiv.28);thusinbaptismalloursinsaredestroyed,andthebelievingsoulpassessafelyovertothepromisedinheritanceoftheheavenlykingdom.BaptismmaybelikenedtothatseaofglasslikeuntocrystalwhichSt.Johnsawinhiswonderfulvision(Rev.iv.6);throughitasthroughaglassthegloryoftheSonofRighteousnessshinesintooursouls;butthatseawasbeforethethroneoftheLamb.ThatthroneoftheLambistheChurch,inwhichalonethegraceofbaptismisdeposited.TheprophetEzekielinhisvisionsawwatersissuingfromunderthetemple(Ezek.xlvii.1)whichcarriedlifeandhealingtoallthings(Ezek.xlvii.9);soinGod’sspiritualtemple,theChurch,thesavingwatersofbaptismarestillstreamingforth,intowhosedepthsoursinsare

cast(Micahvii.19),andwhosestreamsbringspiritualhealingandlifeuntoalltowhomtheycome.Baptismisthatspiritualfloodinwhichoursinfulfleshisdrowned:thefoulraven,thedevildeparts,nottoreturn,butthedove,theHolySpirit,returnswiththeoliveleaf,thatis,withpeaceandquietness,tothewearysoul.Calltomind,therefore,Ofaithfulsoul,thiswonderfulpeaceofferedtotheeinbaptism,andforitgiveduethankstoGod.

Moreover,themorerichlyblessedthebaptismalgracebestoweduponthee,themorecarefullythoushouldestguardit.“WeareburiedwithChristbybaptismuntodeath;thatlikeasChristwasraisedupfromthedeadbythegloryoftheFather,evensowealsoshouldwalkinnewnessoflife”(Rom.v.4).Wehavebeenmadewhole,thereforeletussinnomore,lestaworsethingcomeuntous(Johnvi.14).WehaveputontherighteousnessofChrist,agarmentofinexpressiblepreciousness;thereforeletusnotdefileitwithsin.Ouroldmanwascrucifiedandputtodeathinbaptism;letthenewmannowlive.Wehavebeenregeneratedandrenewedinthespiritofourmindinbaptism(Eph.iv.23);letnotthefleshthenrulethespirit!”Oldthingsarepassedaway;behold,allthingsarebecomenew”(2Cor.v.17),letnotthentheoldnessofthefleshprevailoverthenewnessoftheSpirit.WehavebecomethesonsofGodbyournewspiritualbirth;letusliveworthily,therefore,ofourHeavenlyFather.WehavebecometemplesoftheHolySpirit;letusthereforeprepareanabodethatwillbepleasingtosuchanhonoredGuest.WehavebeentakenintocovenantrelationwithGod;letustakeheedthereforethatwedonotservethedevil,andsodepriveourselvesofthegraceofthiscovenant.

OThoumostblessedTrinity,accomplishallthisinoursouls,wehumblyprayThee!OThouOneonlyGod,whohastbestowedThygraceuponusinbaptism,helpus,webeseechThee,topersevereinthatgraceuntotheend.

MEDITATIONXVIII.THESAVINGCOMMUNIONOFTHEBODYANDBLOODOFCHRIST.

TheFleshofChristisLifetotheSoul.

“WHOSOeatethMyfleshanddrinkethMybloodhatheternallife”(Johnvi.54),saysourLordJesusChrist.MarvelousisthegoodnessofourSaviour,thatHenotonlyassumedourhumannatureinHisincarnation,andcarrieditwithHimtoHisthroneofheavenlyglory,butthatHealsogivesusHisownbodyandbloodtonourishoursoulsuntoeternallife.OthedelightfulblessingswhichHehereofferstomysoul!OthegloriousrepastforwhichIsoardentlylong!OtheheavenlyandangelicfoodofthisholysupperofourLord!Thoughtheangelsdesiredtolookintothisgreatmystery(1Pet.i.12),yetChristtooknotonHimthenatureofangels,buttheseedofAbraham(Heb.ii.16).OurSaviourismorenearlyalliedtousthantotheangelsthemselves;andbythisweknowthatHelovethus,becauseHehathgivenusofHisSpirit(1Johniv.13),andnotofHisSpiritonly,butofHisownbodyandbloodaswell.ForsoChrist,HimselftheTruth,speaksoftheEucharisticbreadandwine,“Thisismybody:thisismyblood”(Matt.xxvi.26-28).HowcantheLordeverforgetthosewhomHehathredeemed,thosewhomHehathnourished,withHisownbodyandblood?HethateatethMyfleshanddrinkethMyblood,dwellethinmeandIinhim(Johnvi.56).

Idonotgreatlywonder,inviewofallthis,thattheveryhairsofourheadsareallnumbered(Matt.x.30);thatournamesarewrittenin

heaven(Lukex.20);thatwearegravenuponthepalmsoftheLord’shands(Is.xlix.16);thatwearecarriedinHisbosom(Is.xlvi.3),sincewearefedwithChrist’spreciousbodyandblood.Inexpressiblygreatmustbethevalueofoursouls,sincetheyarefedwiththepreciousransomoftheirownredemption.Greatindeedisthehonorputuponourbodies,inasmuchastheyarethedwelling-placesofoursoulsredeemedandfedbythebodyofChrist,andarethetemplesoftheHolyGhostandtheabodesoftheadorableTrinity.Itcannotbethattheyshouldeverremaininthegrave,sincetheyarethusnourishedwiththebodyandbloodofourLord.Heisthewonderfulbreadoflife.WepartakeofitandbecomeonebodywithChrist.WearemembersofChrist;weareanimatedbyHisSpirit;wearenourishedwithHisbodyandblood.HeisthebreadofGodwhichcomethdownfromheavenandgivethlifeuntotheworld(Johnvi.33),ofwhichifanymaneatheshallneverhunger.Heisthebreadofgraceandmercy,ofwhich,ifanymaneat,hetastesandseesthattheLordisgood(Ps.xxxiv.8),andofHisfulnessreceivesgraceforgrace(Johni.16).Heisthebreadoflife,notonlyliving,butlife-giving(Johnvi.58);sothathethateatethofHimshallliveforever.Thisisthebreadthatcamedownfromheaven,norisitonlyheavenlyinitsownnature,buttoallthosewhopartakeofit,inthespiritandwithsavingfaith,itwillgiveaplaceamongtheheavenlyguestsatthemarriagesupperoftheLamb;aye,heavenlygueststheyshallbe,becausetheyshallneverdie,butberaisedupatthelastday.Andyettheyshallnotberaisedtojudgment,becausetheywhoeatofthisbreadshallnotcometojudgmentnortocondemnation,forthereisnocondemnationtothosewhoareinChristJesus(Rom.viii.1);buttheyshallarisetolifeandeternalsalvation.ForwhosoevereateththefleshoftheSonofMan,anddrinkethHisblood,hathlifeinhimselfandshalllivebyChrist(Johnvi.53,57).Hisfleshismeatindeed,andHisbloodisdrinkindeed(Johnvi.55).Letusnotseekthentofeastoursoulsonourowndeadworks,butwiththeblessedfoodoftheLord’sownproviding;letusnottrytosatisfythemwiththeperishingthingsofearth,butwiththefatnessofthehouseoftheLord(Ps.xxxvi.8).

Heisthetruefountainoflife:whosoeverdrinkethofthewaterthatJesuswillgivehim,itshallbeinhimawellofwaterspringingupinto

eternallife(Johniv.14).“Ho,everyonethatthirsteth,comeyetothewaters;andhethathathnomoney,comeye,buyandeat”(Is.lv.1).Letallthosethatareathirstcome,andcomethou,Omythirstysoul,whoarttormentedwiththescorchingheatofthysins.Whatifthouhastnomoney,nomeritofthineown,tooffer;thenhastenallthemoretothisrefreshingfountain.Ifthouhastnomeritofthineown,thenhastenallthemoreeagerlytothesavingmeritofChristthySaviour.Flyhither,then,andbuywithoutmoneyandwithoutprice.HereistheplaceofrestforChristandthesoul,fromwhichoursinsmaynotdeterus,norwillourmeritshelpustoattainit.Butwhatcanourownmeritsdoforus?“Whereforedoyespendmoneyforthatwhichisnotbread,andyourlaborforthatwhichsatisfiethnot?”saystheprophet(Isaiahlv.2).Wecannotsatisfyoursoulsbyourgoodworks,norpurchasedivinegracebyourownmerits.

Thenhearkendiligently,Omysoul,andeatthatwhichisgoodanddelightthyselfinfatness(Is.lv.2).“ThewordsthatIspeakuntoyou,theyarespirit,andtheyarelife”(Johnvi.63);andthesearewordsofeternallife:“Thecupofblessingwhichwebless,isitnotthecommunicnofthebloodofChrist?thebreadwhichwebreak,isitnotthecommunionofthebodyofChrist”(1Cor.x.16)?WeclinguntotheLord;thusweareonespiritwithHim(1Cor.vi.17).WeareunitedtoHim,notonlybecauseHehathassumedournature,butalsobecauseHisbodyandbloodarecommunicatedtousintheHolySupper.IdonotthereforeaskwiththeunbelievingJews—”HowcanthismangiveusHisfleshtoeat?”(Johnvi.53),butIratherexclaim,“HowmarvelousitisthattheLordhathgivenusHisbodytoeatandHisbloodtodrink!”IdonotpryintothemysteriesofHispower,butIdowonderatthemarvelsofHismercy.IdonotcuriouslyinquireintoHisgloriousmajesty,butIdohumblyadoreHisboundlessgoodness.InHisactualpresenceintheHolySupperIprofoundlybelieve,thoughofthemodeofthatpresenceIamignorant,andyetIdocertainlyknowthatitisoftheclosestandmostintimatecharacter.WearemembersofHisbody,fleshofHisflesh,boneofHisbone(Eph.v.30).

Mysouldesirestobeswallowedupinthecontemplationofthisprofoundestmystery;wordsfailmetosetforthorproperlyexpressthisgreatgoodnessoftheLord;IamutterlydumbfoundedatthethoughtofthemarvelousgraceoftheLordandtheglorythatawaitsHissaints!

MEDITATIONXIX.THEMYSTERYOFTHELORD’SSUPPER.

ToStandinWonderBeforeit,nottoPryintoit,isTruestWisdom.

IntheHolySupperofourLordwehaveamysteryplacedbeforeusthatshouldcausethedeepestaweandexciteourprofoundestadoration.Thereisthetreasuryandstore-houseofGod’sgrace.Weknow(Gen.ii.9)thatthetreeoflifewasplantedbyGodinParadise,thatitsfruitmightpreserveourfirstparentsandtheirposterityintheblessednessofanimmortalitywhichHehadbestoweduponthemattheircreation.ThetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevilwasalsoplacedinParadise;butthatwhichGodgavethemfortheirsalvationandeterrt&llife,andtoserveasatestoftheirobedience,becametheoccasionoftheirdeathandeternalcondemnation,whentheymiserablyyieldedtoSatan’senticementsandfollowedtheirownsinfuldesires.SointhisHolySupperwehavethetruetreeoflifeagainsetbeforeus,thatsweettree(Ez.xlvii.12),whoseleavesareformedicineandwhosefruitisforsalvation;aye,itssweetnessissuchastodestroythebitternessofallafflictions,andevenofdeathitself.TheIsraeliteswerefedwithmannainthewildernessaswithbreadfromheaven(Ex.xvi.15);inthisHolySupperwehavethetruemannawhichcamedownfromheaventogivelifeuntotheworld;hereisthatbreadofheaven,thatangels’food,ofwhichifanymaneatheshallneverhunger(Johnvi.35,51).ThechildrenofIsraelhadthearkofthecovenantandthemercyseat,wheretheycouldheartheLordspeakingwiththemfacetoface(Ex.xxv.21,22);butherewehavethetruearkofthecovenant,themostholybodyofChrist,inwhomarehidallthetreasuresofwisdomandknowledge(Col.ii.3);herewehavethetruemercyseatinthepreciousbloodofChrist(Rom.iii.25),throughwhichGodhathmadeusaccepted

intheBeloved(Eph.i.6).NordoesChristsimplyspeakthewordofcomforttooursouls,HealsotakesupHisabodeinus;Hefeedsoursoulsnotwithheavenlymanna,but,whatisfarbetter,withHisownblessedself.Hereisthetruegateofheaventooursouls,andtheladderreachingfromearthtoheavenonwhichtheangelsofGodascendanddescend(Gen.xxviii.12);forisnotHewhoisinheavengreaterthantheheavens?CanheavenbeasclosetoGodasthefleshandthehumannaturewhichHeassumedintheincarnation?Heavenisindeedthedwelling-placeofGod(Is.lxvi.1),andyettheHolySpiritrestsuponthehumannatureassumedbyChrist(Is.xi.2).Godisinheaven,andyetinChristdwellethallthefulnessoftheGodheadbodily(Col.ii.9).Trulythisisagreatandinfalliblepledgeofoursalvation;Hecouldnotpossiblyhavegivenusagreater,forwhatisgreaterthanHimself?WhatcanbemoreintimatelyunitedtotheLordthanHisownhumannature,whichHehathtaken,inHisincarnation,intofellowshipwiththeadorableTrinity,andthusmadethetreasuryofalltheblessingsthatheavenhastobestow?WhatissointimatelyjoinedtoHimasHisownbodyandblood?WiththistrulyheavenlyfoodHerefreshesoursouls,whoareasmiserablewormsofthedustbeforeHim,andmakesuspartakersofHisownnature;whythenshallwenotenjoyHisgraciousfavor?Whoeveryethatedhisownflesh(Eph.v.29)?HowthencantheLordhateus,towhomHegivethHisbodytoeatandHisbloodtodrink?HowcanHepossiblyforgetthosetowhomHehathgiventhepledgeofHisownbody?HowcanSatangainthevictoryoveruswhenwearestrengthenedandmademeetforourspiritualconflictswiththisbreadofheaven?

ChristholdsusdearbecauseHehathboughtusatsodearaprice;HeholdsusdearbecauseHefeedsoursoulswithsodearandpreciousfood;HeholdsusdearbecausewearemembersofHisbody,ofHisflesh(Eph.v.30).Thisistheonlysovereignremedyforallthediseasesofoursouls;hereistheonlyefficaciousremedyformortality;forwhatsinissoheinousbutthesacredfleshofGodmayexpiateit?Whatsinissogreatbutitmaybehealedbythelife-givingfleshoftheChrist?WhatsinsodeadlyinitseffectsbutitmaybeatonedforbythedeathoftheSonofGod?What’dartsofthedevilsofierybuttheymaybequenchedinthisfountainofdivinegrace?Whatconscienceissostainedwithsinbutit

maybecleansedbythebloodofJesus?TheLordjourneyedwiththeIsraelitesofoldinapillarofcloudandfire(Ex.xiii.21);butherewehavepresentwithusnotacloud,buttheSunofRighteousnessHimself(Mal.iv.2),theblessedLightofoursouls.Herewearesensiblenotofthefireofthedivinewrath,butoftheglowingflameofdivinelove,whichdoesnotwithdrawafarofffromus,butcomesandmakesitsabodewithus(Johnxiv.23).

OurfirstparentswereplacedinParadise,thatmostcharminganddelightfulgarden,thetypeoftheeternalblessednessoftheheavenlyparadise,thatbeingmindfulofGod’sgoodnesstothem,theymightrenderdueobediencetotheirCreator.

Butbehold,inthisholysupper,morethanaparadise;forherethesoulofthecreatureisspirituallyfedwiththefleshofhisalmightyCreator.TheconscienceiscleansedfromallitsguiltystainsinthebloodoftheSonofGod.ThemembersofChrist,theirspiritualhead,arenourishedwithHisownbody;thebelievingsoulfeastsitselfatadivineandheavenlybanquet.TheholyfleshofGod,whichtheangelichostsadoreintheunityofthedivinenature,beforewhicharchangelsbowinlowlyreverence,andbeforewhichtheprincipalitiesandpowersofheaventrembleandstandinawe,isbecomethespiritualnourishmentofoursouls.Lettheheavensrejoiceandlettheearthbeglad(Ps.xcvi.11),butstillmoreletthebelievingsoulexultandsingforjoy,towhomGodgivethsuchanunspeakablegift!

MEDITATIONXX.ASERIOUSPREPARATIONFORTHEHOLYSUPPER.

BethouaworthyguestofChristinHisHolySupper.

THISHolySupperisnocommonmeal,norisitthebanquetofanearthlyking;butherewehaveplacedbeforeustheholymysteryofthebodyandbloodofChrist,inwhichwearetoparticipate.Certainlythenaworthypreparationisneedful,thatwemaynot,unworthilyeatingofit,finddeathinsteadoflife,andreceivejudgmentinsteadofmercy.

HowtheholyPatriarchtrembles,howhefears,althoughsoremarkableforthestrengthofhisfaith,whentheSonofGodinhumanformappearstohim,andannouncestheimpendingdestructionofSodom(Gen.xviii.2).ButheretheLambofGodissetforthbeforeus,andthatnottobecuriouslygazedupon,buttobetastedandeaten.WhenUzziahrashlyandinconsideratelydrewneartotheArkoftheCovenant,theLordimmediatelysmotehimwithleprosy(2Chron.xxvi.16);whatwonderthathewhoeatethofthisbreadanddrinkethofthiswineunworthily,shouldeatanddrinktohiscondemnation?Forhereisthetruearkofthecovenant,ofwhichtheoldwasonlyatype.

Theapostletellsusinonewordwhatconstitutestruepreparation;“Letamanexaminehimself,”hesays,“andsolethimeatofthatbread”(1Cor.xi.28).ButaseveryholyexaminationmustbemadeaccordingtotheruleofHolyScripture,soitisinthecaseofthiswhichPaulrequires.Letusconsiderthen,firstofall,ourhumanweaknessandimperfection.

Whatisman?Naughtbutdustandashes(Gen.xviii.27);oftheearthweareborn,fromtheearthwederiveoursustenance,totheearthweshallreturnagain.Whatisman?Afoulseed,amassofcorruption,andbyandbytobethefoodofworms.Manisborntolabor,nottohonor;“manthatisbornofawoman,”andonthataccountwithguilt,“isoffewdays”(Jobxiv.1);hislifeispassedinfear,filledasitiswithmanymiseries,andhencewithweeping;trulywithmanymiseries,becausebothhisbodyandhissoularesosorelyafflicted.Manisignorantalikeofhisoriginandofhisend.Ourlifeislikeasummerplant,soonwithered,andyetthisbrieflifeisfilledwithlaborsandpainsthatarebynomeansbrief.

Letusconsider,inthesecondplace,ourunworthiness.Everycreature,indeed,comparedwiththeCreatorisashadow,asleep,anothing(Ps.xxxix.7),andnolesssoisman.Butmanisunworthyinverymanyandmoregrievousways,forbyhissinshehasoffendedhisCreator.Godisbynatureandessencejust;henceinHisnatureandessenceHeisrighteouslyoffendedatsin.Andwhatarewebutasstubbleforthisconsumingfire?HowcanourabominablewickednessstandinHissight?Howcanouriniquities,whichThouhastsetbeforeThee(Ps.xc.8),andourerrors,whichThouhastsetinthelightofThycountenance,enduretheblazeofThyholiness?GodisinfiniteandalwaysactsconsistentlywithHisowncharacter;HisjusticeandHisholywrathagainstsinarealikeinfinite;andifHeisgreatandtrulymarvelousinallHisworks,certainlyisHealsoinwrath,injustice,invengeance.WillHewhosparednotHisownSon,sparetheworkofHishands?WillHewhosparednotHismostholySon,spareaworthlessandinsignificantservant?SoutterlyhatefulissintoGodthatHepunishesiteveninthosemostdeartoHim,asismanifestinthecaseofLucifer,thechiefofthefallenangels.

AndinourpreparationforthisHolySupper,letusnotsimplyexamineourselves,butletusalsoconsiderthisblessedbread,whichisthecommunionofthebodyofChrist,andthenwillitappeartousasatruefountainofGod’sgrace,andaninexhaustiblespringofdivinemercy.TrulytheLordcouldnotturnawayHisfacefromus,whomHehath

graciouslymadepartakersofHisownflesh,forwhoeveryethatedhisownflesh(Eph.v.29)?ThusthisHolySupperwilltransformoursouls;thismostdivinesacramentwillmakeusdivinemen,untilfinallyweshallenteruponthefulnessoftheblessednessthatistocome,filledwithallthefulnessofGod,andwhollylikeHim.Whatwehavehereonlybyfaithandinamystery,thereweshallenjoyinrealityandopenly.ThesebodiesofourswhicharenowthetemplesoftheHolySpirit,andaresanctifiedandquickenedbythebodyandbloodofChristdwellinginthem,shallbecrownedwiththisglorythatinthemweshallseeGodfacetoface(1Corxiii.12).Thisholyremedyhealsallthegapingwoundsthatsinhathmade;thislife-givingbodyoftheSonofGodovercomeseverydeadlysin;thisisthesacredsealofthedivinepromises,whichbyGod’sgracewemayexhibitatthegreatjudgment;inthesureandsufficientpledgeofeternallifethusgiventousdoweglory.IfthebodyandbloodofChristarethuscommunicatedtous,certainlyweshallenjoyalltheblessingsacquiredthroughthatmostholybodyandthatblessedblood.HowwillHewhohathgivenusthegreaterblessingsdenyusthelesser?HethatsparednotHisownSon,howshallHenotwithHimalsofreelygiveusallthings(Rom.viii.32)?

Rejoicethou,Omysoul,thouespousedbrideofChrist,forthetimeisfastdrawingnearthatthoushaltbecalledtothemarriagesupperoftheLamb(Rev.xix.7);putonthypreciousrobes;takethoutheweddinggarmentprovidedforthee,lestwhenHecomeinHefindtheeunpreparedtoreceiveHim.Thatrobeistherighteousnessofthyspouse,JesusChrist,whichweputoninholybaptism;ourownrighteousnessissofarfrombeingtheweddinggarmentthatitisnothinglessthanfilthyragsbeforeGod(Is.lxiv.6).OletusgreatlyfeartocometothatsolemnmarriagesupperoftheLambcladinthemiserableandfilthygarmentsofourownworks;butclotheThouus,OLord,lestinthatdaywebefoundnaked(2Cor.v.3).

MEDITATIONXXI.THEASCENSIONOFCHRIST.

ToAscendwithChristisourBlessedPrivilege.

MEDITATE,Ofaithfulsoul,upontheascensionofthyLord.ChristwithdrewHisvisiblebodilypresencefromusthatfaithinHimmighthavemoreabundantexercise;forblessedaretheythathavenotseenandyethavebelieved(Johnxx.29).Whereourtreasureistherewillourheartbealso(Lukexii.34).Christ,ourtreasure,isinheaven;letusthensetouraffectionsuponheavenlythings,ormeditateuponthosethingsthatareabove(Col.iii.2).Theexpectantbrideawaitsthecomingofherspousewiththemostardentlongings;soletthedevoutsouleverlonginglyawaitthecomingofthatdaywhensheshallbeadmittedtothemarriage-supperoftheLamb(Rev.xix.7).LetherconfidinglyrestinthepledgeoftheHolySpirit,whomtheLord,whenHeascendedtoheaven,sentastheComforter;lethertrustinthemeritsofthebodyandbloodofherLord,whichshereceivesintheHolySupper,andletherfirmlybelievethatourbodies,nourishedwiththisheavenlyfood,shallsomedayriseagainfromthedead.Whatwenowbelievewethenshallsee;whatwenowhopeforwethenshallenjoyingladreality.Aswejourneyhere,aspilgrims,theLordispresentwithus,butinanotherandinvisibleform(Lukexxiv.15);inourhomeintheheavenlyfatherlandaboveweshallknowHim,forweshallseeHimasHeis.OurSaviourchosetoascendtoheavenfromtheMountofOlives(Actsi.12);theolivebranchistheemblemofpeaceandjoy;itwasfitting,therefore,thatHewhothroughHisbitter’passionbringspeacetoterrifiedandtroubledconsciences,andisreceivedintotheskieswithmostjubilantjoybytheheavenlyhosts,shouldascendfromthemountcalledtheMountofOlives.Thatsacredmountimpressivelycallsustoheavenlythings;letusheedthecallandfollowonwithholydesires,sincewemaynotfollowwithbodilyfeet.Mosesinlike

mannerwentupintoamountaintospeakwiththeLord(Ex.xix.3);inamountaintheholypatriarchsofoldworshippedtheLord(Johniv.20);Abrahamchosethemountainousdistrict,whileLotchosetheplainofJordan(Gen.xiii.11).Letthefaithfulsoulforsakethelow-lyingplainsofthisworld,andseekwithholydevotionthoseheavenlyheights;thusshallsheenjoythemostblessedcommunionwithGod;thusshallshebeabletoworshipGodinspiritandintruth(Johniv.24),thusshallshewithfaithfulAbrahamescapetheeternalburningsthatshallovertaketheplainsofworldliness.

Bethanysignifiesthevillageofhumilityandaffliction,throughwhichthewaytotheheavenlykingdomliesopentous,justasChristthroughtheseverestsufferingsenteredintoHisglory(Lukexxiv.56).Hithertoheavenseemedtobeclosedtooursouls,andtheParadiseaboveguardedwithaflamingsword(Gen.iii.24);butnowourtriumphantLordthrowswideopenthegatesofheaventous,thatHemayleadusbackintoourheavenlyfatherland,fromwhichbyoursinswewereexcluded.Theenraptureddisciplesstandgazingupintoheaven(Actsi.11);soletalltruedisciplesoftheChristliftuptheirsoulstothecontemplationofthingsheavenlyanddivine.

OblessedLordJesus,howgloriouslyThypassionhathended!Whatablessedandsuddentransformationishere!Ah,inwhatawfulanguishIsawTheeuponMountCalvary,andnowinwhatgloryIbeholdTheeuponMountOlivet!ThereThoudidstsufferalone;hereThouartattendedbyavastmultitudeoftheangelichosts;thereThoudidstascendtothecross,hereThoudostascendinacloudtoheaven;thereThouwastcrucifiedbetweentwothieves,hereThoudostexultamongangelicchoirs;thereThouwastnailedtothecrossasacondemnedcriminal,here,freefromallcondemnation,Thouartthedelivererofthosecondemnedtoeternaldeath;thereThoudidstbleedanddie,hereThoudostrejoiceandtriumph.

Christisourglorioushead;wearethemembersofHisbody;rejoice

thouandshoutforjoy,Ofaithfulsoul,intheascensiontoheavenofthyHead.Thegloryoftheheadisthegloryalsoofthemembers.Whereourfleshreignsthereletusbelievethatwetooshallreign.Whereourbloodrulesthereletushopethatwetooshallbeglorious;thoughoursinswouldforbidthis,yetourparticipationinHisholynaturemakesitpossible.Wheretheheadisthereshallalsotheothermembersofthebodybe;Christ,ourHead,hathgoneintotheheavens,hencetheothermembersofthebodywithgoodreasonhopetoenterheaven,andnotonlyso,butevennowalreadyhaveapossessioninheaven.Christcamefromheavenforourredemption;Hereturnsthitherforourglorification.Hewasborninthefleshforus,Hesufferedforus,andthereforeHeascendedforus.ThepassionofChristwinsourlove;theresurrectionofChriststrengthensourfaith;theascensionofChristconfirmsourhope.

Weought,however,tofollowourheavenlyBridegroomnotonlyinardentdesires,butalsoingoodworks.Intothecelestialcityshallenternothingthatdefileth(Rev.xxi.27),intokenofwhichangelsappearedatChrist’sascension(Actsi.10)ascomingfromtheheavenlyJerusalem,andclothedinwhiteapparel,astokensofinnocenceandpurity.PridecannotascendtoheavenwiththegreatMasterofhumility;norevilwiththeAuthorofallgoodness;nordiscordwiththePrinceofpeace;norlustandwantonnesswiththeSonoftheVirgin;norvicewiththeParentofallvirtue;norsinwiththeHolyOne,noroursinfulinfirmitieswiththeGreatPhysician.DoesanyonedesiretobeholdGodinthefuturelife;lethimliveworthilyinthesightofGodinthislife.Doesanyonehopefortheblessednessofheavenbyandby;lethimlovenottheworldnow.OblessedLordJesus,drawourheartsafterThee,webeseechThee.

MEDITATIONXXII.THEHOLYSPIRIT.

GodsealsHiselectwithHisHolySpirit.

AFTERourLordhadascendedtoheaven,andenteredintoHisglory,HesenttheHolySpirituponHisdisciplesonthedayofPentecost(Actsii.1).Undertheoldeconomy,whenGoddeliveredthelawonMountSinai,HedescendedfromheavenandappearedtoHisservantMoses;sowhenthegospelwastobepreachedinalltheworldbytheapostles,theHolySpiritdescendeduponthewaitingapostles.ThereonSinaitherewere“thundersandlightnings,andthevoiceofthetrumpetexceedingloud”(Ex.xix.16),becausethelawthundersagainstourdisobedience,andconvictsusofsinandasundertheblazingwrathofGod;buthereonPentecostisasoundasofagentlymurmuringwind,forthereasonthattheproclamationofthegospelbringsgoodcheertoourterrifiedminds.Therealarmandterrorseizedallthepeople,becausethelawworkethwrath(Rom.iv.15);butherethewholemultitudecametogethertohearthewonderfulthingsofGod,becausethegospelrevealstomenthewayofapproachtoGod.OnSinaiJehovahdescendedinfire,butinthefireofholywrathandindignationagainstsin,andthewholemountainquakedgreatly,andthesmokethereofascendedasthesmokeofafurnace(Ex.xix.18);buthereontheDayofPentecostJehovah,theHolySpirit,alsodescendsinfire,butinthefireofloveandholyaffection,sothatthehousewherethedisciplesweresitting(Actsii.2)isnotshakenwithanymanifestationofthedivinewrath,butthewholehouseisfilledwiththemanifestedgloryoftheHolySpirit.WhatwonderisitthattheHolySpiritissentfromheaventosanctifyus,whentheSonofGodhadalreadybeensenttoredeemus?AllthebittersufferingofChristwouldhavebeenofnoavail,ifthegladtidingsofthegospelwerenotmadeknowntotheworld;forofwhatadvantageisahiddentreasure?Thusourmostmerciful

heavenlyFatherhasnotonlypreparedagreatbenefitinthepassionofHisSon,JesusChrist,butalsodesiredtooffertothewholeworld,andmakeeffective,thatgracebythegiftoftheHolySpirit.OurfaithfulGodwithholdsnothingfromus,butsendsbothHisSonandHisSpirittoprovideforthesalvationofusmiserablesinners.

TheHolySpirit,moreover,descendedupontheapostleswhiletheywerecontinuingwithoneaccordinprayer(Actsi.14);fortheSpiritofprayerisprevaileduponbyprayer,andHeitiswholeadsustopray.Andwherefore?BecauseHeisthebondthatunitesourheartstoGod,justasHeunitestheSonwiththeFather,andtheFatherwiththeSon;forHeisthemutualessentiallovebetweentheFatherandtheSon.ThisspiritualunionbetweenGodandoursoulsfollowsuponfaith;butfaith,thegiftoftheSpirit,isobtainedbyprayer,andtrueprayerispromptedbytheHolySpirit.WhenincensewasofferedtotheLord,atthededicationofSolomon’stemple,thegloryoftheLordfilledthetemple(1Kingsviii.11);thusifthoudostofferuntoGodtheincenseofprayerandsupplication,theHolySpiritwillfillwithHisglorythetempleofthyheart.Oh,letusadmirethemercyandthegraceofourGod!GodtheFatherpromisestohearuswhenwepray(Ps.1.15);GodtheSonHimselfmakethintercessionforus(Rom.viii.34);andGodtheHolySpiritinditesourprayers,andpraysinus(Gal.iv.6).HolyangelscarryourprayerstoGod;andthuseveryavenuetothethroneofheavenlygraceisopentoourprayers.ThemercifulGodgivesusthedispositiontopray,becauseHebestowsuponusthespiritofgraceandofprayer;Healsomakesourprayerseffectual,becauseHealwayshearsthem,andanswersthem;ifnotaccordingtoourdesire,yetaccordingtoourneed.

TheHolySpiritdescendeduponthedisciples,whentheywereallgatheredtogetherwithoneaccordinoneplace;withoutdoubtthenHeistheSpiritofloveandofconcord.HeunitesustoChristthroughfaith;HemakesGodonewithusthroughlove;HejoinsustoourneighborinChristianaffection.Thedevilistheauthorofdiscord;hemakesagulfbetweenusandGodbysin,andbyhatred,contentionandstrifecausesunhappydivisionsamongmen.ButastheHolySpiritunitedthedivine

andhumannaturesinChristbyHisownovershadowingpower(Lukei.35),soalsobytheoutpouringofHisgraciousgiftsuponusHeunitesustoGodandGodtous.AslongastheHolySpiritabidesinaman,fillinghimwithHisgraciousgifts,solongdoesthatmanabideinaholyunionwithGod.Andjustassoonasamanthroughsinfallsawayfromfaithandlove,andbanishestheHolySpiritfromhisheart,heisalienatedfromGod,andtheblessedunionbetweenGodandhissoulisdestroyed.HewhohaththeHolySpirithatethnothisbrother,andwhy”?BecausebytheHolySpiritheismadeapartakerofthemysticalbodyofChrist,whosemembersincludeallgodlysouls;butwhoeveryethatedthemembersofhisownbody(Eph.v.29)?Naymore,hewhoisruledbytheSpiritofGodwillevenlovehisenemies;becausehe“whoisjoineduntotheLordismadeonespirit”withHim(1Cor.vi.17).GodmakethHissuntoriseontheevilandthegood(Matt.v.45),andhatethnothingthatHehathmade.HewhohastheSpiritofGodisreadytoserveallwhoneedhishelp;hedoesgoodtoallmen,asfarasinhimlies;hespendshimselfforthegoodofothers,andallthisbecauseGodisthefountainofallcompassionandgracetowardsallmen.NowtheHolySpiritexcitesHisownpeculiarimpulsesandemotionsinmen;justasthesoulmakesthebodyliving,sentient,active,sotheSpiritmakesamanspiritual.Hefillsourmindswithheavenlydelights,anddirectsthewholemaninrenderingobediencetoGod,andinhisdutytohisfellow-man.

Thatsound,thesymboloftheHolySpirit,camefromheaven,becausetheHolySpiritisheavenlyinHisnature,beingofthesameessencewiththeFatherandtheSon,andproceeding,fromalleternity,fromtheFatherandtheSon.Heitiswholeadsustothinkuponheavenlythingsandtoseekthosethingsthatareabove;hewhosetshisaffectionsupontheworldandworldlythingshasnotyetbeenmadeapartakeroftheheavenlySpirit.TheHolySpiritcameundertheemblemofabreathofair,becauseHeimpartslivingconsolationtoafflictedsouls,andbecausebyanalternateinspirationandexpiration,orabreathofair,wesustainthispresentbodilylife.SoHecameundertheemblemofabreath,andofabreathing,whoalonegivesusthepowertolivethespirituallife.“Thewindblowethwhereitlisteth,andthouhearestthesoundthereof,butcanstnottellwhenceitcomethandwhitheritgoeth;soiseveryonethat

isbornoftheSpirit”(Johniii.8).ItwasappropriatethatHeshouldcomelikeuntowind,sinceHeproceedsfromtheFatherandtheSonbyaneternalbreath.Thesoundcameasofarushingmightywind,figuringthusthepoweroftheHolySpirit’sgraciousworkinourhearts.ThisHolySpiritimpelsthegodlytoeverygoodwork(Rom.viii.14),andsoinfluencesandcontrolsthemthattheyregardnotthetyrant’sthreats,norSatan’ssnares,northeworld’shatred.Heconfersupontheapostlesthegiftoftongues,becausetheirsoundistogooutintoalltheearth(Ps.xix.4),andthustheconfusionoftongues(Gen.xi.7),inflictedasapunishmentupontheproudandrashbuildersofthetowerofBabel,wasremoved,andthenativesoftheearth,scatteredandseparatedthroughdiversityoflanguage,arebroughttogetherintheunityofthefaiththroughthegiftoftheHolySpirit.FitlydidHecomeunderthefigureoftongues,movedbywhomholymenofGodspakeinoldtime(2Peteri.21),whospakethroughtheholyapostles,andwhonowputsthewordofGodintothemouthoftheministersoftheChurch.

Forsomanyandsogreatgifts,lettheHolySpiritwiththeFatherandtheSonbepraisedandmagnifiedforeverandever.

MEDITATIONXXIII.THEDIGNITYOFTHECHURCH.

TheChurchisChrist’sBride.

CONSIDER,Odevoutsoul,howgreatlyGodhathlovedtheeincallingtheeintothefellowshipofHisChurch.“Mybelovedisone”saystheBridegroominCanticlesvi.1;trulyone,seeingthatthereisbutonetrueandorthodoxChurch,thebelovedbrideofChrist.OutofthebodyofChrist,ortheChurch,wemaynotlookfortheSpiritofChrist.“NowifanymanhavenottheSpiritofChrist,heisnoneofHis”(Rom.viii.9),andhewhoisnotChrist’scannotbeapartakerofeternallife.AllthosewhowerenotadmittedintoNoah’sarkperishedmiserablyintheflood(Gen.vii.21);andsoalloutsidethespiritualarkoftheChurchareinvolvedineternaldestruction.NomanwillhaveGodforhisfatherinheavenwhorefusestohavetheChurchforhismotherupontheearth.Justthink,Odevoutsoul,ofthemanythousandswhogodowntohelleveryday,forthereasonthattheyareoutsidethebosomoftheChurch;anditisnotthynature,butonlythegraceofamercifulGod,thatmakestheedifferentfromthem.WhenEgyptlayinthickdarkness,therewaslightonlyamongtheIsraelites(Ex.x.23);soitisthatonlyintheChurchdowehavethelightoftheknowledgeofGod.ThosewholivewithouttheChurchpass,fromthedenseshadesofignoranceinthepresentlife,intothedarknessofeternalcondemnationinthelifethatistocome.HewhohasnoportionintheChurchmilitantuponearthshallnevershareinthegloriesoftheChurchtriumphantabove;forthereistheclosestunionbetweenthese:God,theWord,faith,Christ,theChurch,andlifeeternal.

TheholyChurchofGodsustainstherelationsofmother,virgin,bride.SheisasamotherbecauseshedailybearsspiritualsonstoGod.Sheisas

achastevirgin,becauseshekeepsherselfpurefromallunholyallianceswiththedevilandtheworld.Sheisabride,becauseChristhathbetrothedhertoHimselfbyaneternalcovenant,andhathgiventoherthepledgeoftheSpirit.TheChurchisthatshipwhichcarriesChristandHisdisciples(Matt.viii.23),andwhichwillbearusfinallyintothehavenofeternalblessedness;theChurchthussailsinablessedcourseovertheseaofthisworld,furnishedwithfaithasarudder,having-Godforherpilot,angelsforheroarsmen,andallthecompanyofthegodlyforherpassengers;onherdeckiserectedthe‘crossofoursalvationashermast,uponwhicharesuspendedthesailsofevangelicalfaith,andwiththesefilledwiththebreezesoftheHolySpiritsheisconductedtothehavenofeternalrest.TheChurchisthatvinewhichGodhathplantedinthefieldofthisworld,(Matt.xxi.33;Is.v.2);whichHehathwateredwithHisownblood,whichhehathhedgedroundaboutwiththeprotectinginfluencesofholyangels,inwhichHehathdiggedthewine-pressofHisownbitterpassion,fromwhichHehathremovedthestones(Is.v.2)andwhatsoevermightoffend.TheChurchisthatwomanclothedwiththesun(Rev.xii.1),becausesheisarrayedintherighteousnessofChrist;shetreadsthemoonunderherfeet,becauseshelooksdownuponearthlythingsassubjecttovariouschangeanddecay.

Contemplate,Odevoutsoul,theexalteddignityoftheChurch,andrenderduethankstherefortoAlmightyGod.GreatindeedarethebenefitswhichGodbestowsuponusinandthroughtheChurch,butthesearenotopentousall;inasenseitisasagardenenclosed,asafountainsealed(Canticlesiv.12);noonemaybeholdthebeautyofsuchanenclosedgardenwithoutenteringit,sonoonecanknowoftheblessingsthatGodgivesthroughHisChurch,exceptthosewhoareactuallyinit.ThisbrideofChristisblackwithoutbutcomelywithin(Cant.i.5);fortheKing’sdaughterisallgloriouswithin(Ps.xlv.13).Thisshipistossedaboutwithvarioustempestsofpersecution(Matt.viii.24);thisvineissustainedinanuprightpositionbybeingboundtosupports,anditisprunedthatitmaybringforthmorefruit(Johnxv.2);andforthiswomantheinfernaldragonhimselfliesinwaitwithhellishsnares(Rev.xii.3).BeautifulasalilyistheChurch,butitisasalilyamongthorns(Cant.ii.12).AmostbeautifulgardenistheChurch,butwhenthe

keenblastsoftribulationblowthroughit,thenonlydoitspreciousspicesflowout.TheChurchisthedaughterofGod,butsheisgreatlydespisedbytheworld;shelooksforwardexpectantlytoaheavenlyinheritance,andforthisreasonshewandersasastrangerandpilgrimupontheearth;inherwanderingssheisoppressed,andyetinheroppressionsheissilent,andinhersilenceisbrave,andbyherbraverysheovercomesallherenemies.TheChurchisourspiritualmother,andyetlikeMary,themotherofChrist,shemuststandweepingatthecrossoftheSaviour(Johnxix.25).TheChurchislikeapalmtree,inthattheheavierherburdenoftribulationsandtemptationsthemoreshegrows.

Meditate,Odevoutsoul,upontheworthinessoftheChurch,andtakeheedlestthoudoanythingunworthyofher.TheChurchisthyspiritualmother;takecarethatthoudespisenothervoiceasshespeakstothee.Sheisthymother,andthroughwordandsacramentsthououghtestdrawallthyspiritualnourishmentfromher.Thechurchisasachastevirgin;ifthouthenwouldstbetruetoher,abstainfromtheembracesoftheworld;thoubelongesttoher,seethenthatthoudishonornotthyselfnorherbyanyunholyallianceswiththedevil.TheChurchisthebrideofChrist,andsoiseverygodlysoul;letittakeheedthennottoclingtoSataninanunholyunion.Thou,Omysoul,artthebrideofChrist;seetoitthatthoulosenottheearnestoftheHolySpiritwhichhathbeengivenuntothee;thouartthebrideofChrist,prayunceasingly,thatthyheavenlyBridegroommayhastentoleadtheeuntothemarriagefeastabove.ThyBridegroommaycomeinthequietandsecurityofthemidnighthour(Matt.xxv.6);watchtherefore,thatwhenHecomethHemaynotfindtheesleeping,andshutthedoorofeternalsalvationuponthee.Letthylampbefilledwiththeoiloffaithandbebrightlyburning,lestatthecomingofthyheavenlySpousethoushouldstseekinvainforoilforthylamp(Matt.xxv.10).

ThouartborneintheChurchasinaship;O,takeheedlestthoucastthyselfintotheragingseaoftheworld,beforeeverthoucomestintotheheavenlyport.Oprayearnestlythatthoumaystnotbeengulfedbystormsofafflictionandwavesoftemptation.

ThouartcalledintothevineyardofthyLord(Matt.xx.1),O,laborearnestly,faithfully;letthethoughtoftherewardatthecloseofthedaylightenallthytoil.Thou,Omysoul,artavineofthyLord’sownplanting;castawayfromtheethenalluselessbranches,allthefruitlessworksoftheflesh,andlookuponthewholecourseofthylifehereuponearthasatimeforpruningtomaketheemorefruitful.Thouartabranchinthetruevine,ChristJesus(Johnxv.1);O,seetoit,thatthouabidestinChristandbearestmuchfruit,fortheheavenlyhusbandmantakethawaythebranchthatbearethnotfruit,andpurgeththebranchthatbearethfruit,thatitmaybringforthmorefruit(Johnxv.2).ThouhastputonChristthroughfaith(Gal.iii.27),andartclothedwiththisSunofrighteousness(Mal.iv.2);seetoit,then,thatthoutrampleunderthyfeetthemoon(Rev.xii.1),thatis,allthingsthatareearthlyintheirnature,andthatthouesteemesttheseoflittlevalueincomparisonwiththeeternalcomfortsofheaven.

OblessedJesus,whohastledusintoThychurchmilitantuponearth,bringus,atlast,inThymercy,intoThychurchtriumphantinheaven!

MEDITATIONXXIV.PREDESTINATION.

WeareChoseninChrist.

ODEVOUTsoul,asoftenasthouwouldstmeditateuponthypredestination,lookuptoChristhanginguponthecross,dyingthereforthesinsofthewholeworld,andrisingagainforourjustification(Rom.iv.25).LetthymeditationbeginwiththeinfantRedeemerasHelayinthemanger,andsoletitproceedinregularordertotheend.

Godhathchosenusbeforethefoundationoftheworld(Eph.i.4),butthatchoicewasmadeinChrist;ifthereforethouartinChristbyfaith,doubtnotthatthiselectionofgracepertainstotheealso;ifthouartclingingtoChristwithfirmandassuredconfidenceofheart,letnodoubtsdistresstheeastothybeingincludedinthenumberoftheelect.ButifpassingbeyondthelimitsofthewordofGod,thoudesiresttopryintotheprofoundmysteryofpredestinationapriori,orbythelightofreasonalone,itistobegreatlyfearedthatthouwiltfallintothedepthsofdespair.OutofChristGodisaconsumingfire(Deut.iv.24;Heb.xii.29);takeheed,therefore,lestthoupresumptuouslyapproachtoonearthisfireandbeconsumed.WithoutthesatisfactionrenderedbyChristasourSaviour,Godaccusesusallbythewordsofthelaw,aye,condemnsusall;takegoodheedthenthatthouseekestnottosolvethemysteryofthypredestinationfromthelaw.Seeknottofathomallthereasonsofthedivinecounsels,nortopenetrateallthesecretcounselsoftheMostHigh,lestthythoughtsleadtheefarawayfromGod.“Goddwellethinthelightwhichnomancanapproachunto”(1Tim.vi.16);presumenotthentoapproachHimrashlyandwithoutduehumility.

AndyetGodhathrevealedHimselfmostgraciouslytousinthelightofthegospel;inthislightthoumaystsafelyinquireconcerningthemysteryofthyelection,andinthislightthouwiltseethetruelight(Ps.xxxvi.9).

Leavethentheconsiderationoftheprofoundmysteriesofthateternaldecree,madefromalleternity,andturnthythoughttotheclearmanifestationsofGod’swillandpurposeconcerningthee,madeintimethroughChrist;ourjustificationinChrist,madeintime,isamirror,orclearexhibitiontous,ofGod’spurposeofelectionmadewithouttime.SeefromthelawhowjustlyGod’swrathisexpressedagainstthysins,andrepentthereof;seefromthegospelhowgraciouslyGod’smercyisextendedtotheebecauseofChrist’smerit,andbyfaithmakeitthineown;comprehendthetruenatureoffaithandexhibititinthygodlyconversation;recognizeinthycrossthefatherlychastisementsofGod,andbearitwithpatience;andthen,atlength,thoumaystbegintodiscussthedoctrineofpredestination.Theapostlepursuesthismethod;letthetruediscipleoftheapostlefollowitalso.

Inrespectofthismysterythreethingsarealwaystobeobserved:themercyofGodwholovesus,themeritofChristwhosuffersforus,andthegraceoftheHolySpiritwhocallsusthroughthegospel.ThemercyofGodisall-embracing,becauseHelovedthewholeworld;“theearthisfullofthegoodnessoftheLord”(Ps.xxxiii.5),aye,itisgreaterthanheavenandearth,itisinfiniteasGodis,becauseGodislove(1Johniv.16).HesolemnlydeclaresinHisownwordthatHehasnopleasureinthedeathofanyone([[Ez.xxxiii.11>>Ezek33.11]]);asifthiswerenotenough,Heconfirmeditwithanoath;ifthoucanstnotbelievewhenGodpromises,atleastbelieveHimwhenHemakesasolemnoathconcerningthysalvation.Godiscalled“theFatherofmercies”(2Cor.i.3)becauseitisofHisverynaturetobemercifulandtopardon—HispropertyofshowingmercyHederivesfromHimself—itisHisownnature;butHispropertyofjudgingandtakingvengeanceHeseemstoderivefromanother—itseemstobeforeigntoHisnature,somuchmoredisposeddoesHeseemtobeto

showmercythanvengeance.

ThemeritofChristisalsouniversal,becauseHesufferedforthesinsofthewholeworld(1Johnii.2).WhatcandemonstratemoreclearlythemercyofGodtowardsusthanthatHelovedusbeforewehadanybeing,becauseitwassolelyofHislovethatwewerecreated?HelovedusevenwhenwewereHisenemies,sinceitwassimplybecauseofHislovethatHegaveHisSontoredeemus.Tothesinnercondemnedtoeternaltorment,andutterlyunabletoredeemhimself,Godsays,“Hereismyonly-begottenSon;takeHimandofferHimforthyransom.”TheSonHimselfsays,“HereamI;takeme,crucifyme,andredeemthyself.”Christisthefloweroftheopenplain,notoftheenclosedgarden,becausetheodorofHisgraceisnotlimitedtoafewbutfreelybelongstoall;andthatthoumightesthavenodoubtthatHismeritisforall,Christmercifullyprayed,inthehourofHisdeath,fortheverymenwhowerecrucifyingHim(Lukexxiii.34),andshedHisownbloodforthosewhowerethenreallysheddingHisblood.Thepromisesofthegospelarealsouniversal,forChristsaystoall,“Comeuntomeallyethatlabor”(Matt.xi.28).Whatwasperformedandprovidedforallisfreelyofferedtoall;andofallthosethingswhichthySaviourhathaccomplishedfortheebyHisredemption,andnowoffersthee,thoumayestenjoyjustasmuchasthyfaithwillaccept.GoddeniestheblessingofHisgracetononebutthosewhodeemthemselvesunworthyofit,andthusrefuseit.

Considerthen,Ofaithfulsoul,thesethreesupportsofthefactofthineelection,anduponthemrestwithafirmandheartyconfidence;considerthetendermercyofthyGodexhibitedtotheeinthepast,anddoubtnotconcerningitscontinuancetotheend.

Whenasyetthouhadstnobeing,Godcreatedthee;whenthroughAdam’sfallthouwastcondemnedtoeternaldeath,Heredeemedthee;whenoutoftheChurchthoudidstliveintheworld,Hecalledthee;whenthouwastignorant,Heinstructedthee;whenthoudidstwanderaway,Heledtheebackagain;whenthoudidstsin,Hecorrectedthee;when

thoustoodest,Heheldtheefast;whenthoudidstfalldown,Heraisedtheeupagain;whenthoudidstgoforward,Heledthee;whenthoucarnesttoHim,Hereceivedthee;inallthisHeshowedHislong-sufferinginwaitingfortheeandHisreadinesstopardonthee.ThemercyofGodgoethbeforethee;hopefirmlythatitwillalsofollowthee(Ps.xxiii.6);themercyofGodanticipatestheetohealtheeofthemaladyofsin,itwillfollowtheealsotoglorifythee;itanticipatestheethatthoumaystbeenabledtoliveagodlylife,itwillfollowtheethatthoumayestlivewithHimforever.Whyartthounotcrushedwhenthoufallest?WhoputsHishandundertheetostaythee?Who,buttheLord?TrusttheninthemercyofthyGodinthefuture,andfirmlyhopefortheendofthyfaith,eventhesalvationofthysoul(1Pet.i.9).Inwhosehandscanstthoumoresecurelyandconfidentlyrestthematterofthysalvation,thaninthosewhichformedtheheavensandtheearth(Is.lxvi.2),inthosewhicharenevershortenedthattheycannotsave(Is.lix.1),inthosefromwhichflowforthstreamsofcompassion,norareeverwantingincoursesthroughwhichtoflow?

Considerthen,Odevoutsoul,thatwearechosenofGod,thatweshouldbeholyandwithoutblamebeforeHiminlove(Eph.i.4);theblessingsofelectionbelongnottothose,therefore,whodesirenot,andstrivenotfor,aholylife.WearechoseninChrist(Eph.i.4).WeareinChristbyfaith,andfaithworkethbylove(Gal.v.6);wherethereforeloveisabsentfaithcannotbepresent;andwherefaithisabsentChristcannotbe;whereChristisabsentthereisnoelection.“ThefoundationofGodstandethsure,havingthisseal,theLordknoweththemthat,arehis;andleteveryonethatnameththenameofChristdepartfrominiquity”(2Tim.ii.19).NooneshalleverpluckChrist’ssheepoutofHishands(Johnx.28),butthenChrist’ssheephearHisvoice(Johnx.27).WearethehouseofGod(Heb.iii.6),butletus“holdfasttheconfidenceandrejoicingofthehopefirmuntotheend.”OLord,doThou,whohastgivenmetowill,givemepoweralsotoperform.(Phil.ii.13).

MEDITATIONXXV.THESAVINGEFFICACYOFPRAYER.

OurSighsPiercetheHeavens.

ITisamarkofgreatfavoronthepartofGodthatHedesiresthegodlytoapproachHiminprayerinthespiritoffamiliarfriendship.Hegivesusthedispositiontopray,andlikewisemakesourprayerseffectual.Greatindeedisthepowerofprayer,whichthoughitbeofferedupontheearthiseffectualinheaven.Theprayerofarighteousmanisthekeytothetreasuryofheaven;therequestascendstoheaven,andtheanswerofpardonandpeacedescendsfromGod.Prayerisasashieldofsafetytothebeliever,quenchingallthedartsoftheadversary(Eph.vi.16).WhenMoseshelduphishandsIsraelprevailedagainsttheAmalekites(Ex.xvii.11);andifthouholdupthyhandstowardheaveninprayer,Satanshallnotprevailagainstthee.Asamassivewallresistsandopposestheadvanceofanenemy,soistheholywrathofGodavertedbytheprayersofHissaints.OurSaviourHimselfprayed,notforthesupplyofHisownnecessities,buttoteachustheworthanddignityofprayer.Prayerisamarkofoursubjection,becauseGodbidsusofferprayerstoHimdailyasasortofspiritualtributetoHim.Itisaladderbywhichweascendtoheaven,forprayerisnothingelsethanadrawingnearofthemindtoGod.Itisashieldofdefence,becausethesoulthatlivethdailyinaspiritofprayerissecurefromtheinsultsofdevils.PrayerisafaithfulmessengerwesendtothethroneofGod,tocallHimtoouraidinthetimeofneed.ThismessengerisneverfrustratedinHisembassy,forGodalwayshearsuswhenwepray,ifnotaccordingtoourdesires,yetaccordingtoourprofitandsalvation.Wemaywithoutdoubtorperadventurehopeforoneoftwothings;eitherthatGodwillgiveusjust

whatweaskfor,orthatHewillgrantusthatwhichHeknowsismoreprofitableforus.God,unasked,hathgivenusthemostexcellentgiftHehadtobestow,evenHisownSon;whatthenwillHenotgiveuswhenwesupplicateHisthrone?WemustnotdoubteitherGod’sreadinesstohearourprayers,norourSaviour’sactiveintercessioninourbehalf.Underanycircumstanceswhatever,thoumayest,withMoses,enterthetabernacletotakecounselwiththeLordinprayer,andquicklywiltthouhearthedivineresponse.WhenChristprayedHewastransfigured;andsoprayertransformsandtransfiguresoursouls;forprayerisasalighttothesoul,whichveryfrequentlyleaveshimexultingwithjoy,whomitfoundcastdownwithdespondency.

HowcanstthoulookuponthesununlessthouhastfirstadoredHimwhogivestheeitsbeneficentlight?HowcanstthouenjoythebountiesofthytableunlessthouhastfirstgiventhankstoHimwhosoabundantlysuppliesthegoodthingsoflife?Withwhathopecanstthouresignthyselftotheslumbersofthenightifthouhastnotfirstfortifiedthyselfwithprayer?WhatfruitcanstthouexpectfromthylaborsifthoudostnotfirstinvoketheblessingofGoduponthem,withoutwhomalllabormustbefruitless?If,therefore,thoudesirestspiritualortemporalgifts,ask,andthoushaltreceive(Matt.vii.7).IfthoudesirestChrist,seekHiminprayerandthoushaltfindHim.Ifthoudesirestthedoorofdivinegraceandeternalsalvationopened,knockthroughprayer,anditshallbeopenedtothee.Ifinthypilgrimagethroughthiswildernessworldthouartafflictedwithspiritualthirstthroughtemptationandalackofspiritualblessings,comethouinthydevotionstothespiritualrock,thatis,Christ,andstrikeitwiththerodofprayer,andstreamsofdivinegraceshallflowforthtoquenchthythirstandsupplythyneed.DostthouwishtoofferapleasingsacrificetoGod?Offerprayer.TheLordwillperceivethesweetodorofthysacrificeandHiswrathshallabate.WouldstthouholdconstantintercoursewithGod?Takedelightinprayer,forthisisspiritualconversationbetweenGodandthedevoutsoul.WouldstthoutasteandseethattheLordisgood(Ps.xxxiv.9)?ThenconstraintheLordbyprayertotakeupHisabodeinthyheart.

PrayerispleasingtoGqd,butonlywhenofferedinHisappointedway.If,therefore,thouwouldstbeheardinprayer,praywisely,ardently,humbly,faithfully,perseveringlyandconfidently.Praywisely,thatis,forthosethingsthatmaybeforthegloryofGodandthesalvationofthyfellow-men.Godisalmighty,donotstrivethereforeinthyprayertolimitorrestrictHispower;Heisall-wise,donotthenprescribeanysetorderinwhichthyprayershouldbeanswered.Benotrashorpresumptuousinthyprayers,butletthemissuefromaheartfulloffaith.Faith,however,hathdueregardtotheDivineWord.WhatGodpromisesabsolutelyinHisWord,thatthoumayestprayforabsolutely;whatHepromisesconditionally,as,forexample,temporalblessings,thoselikewisethoushouldstaskforconditionally;whatHehasinnowaypromisedthoushouldstinnowayprayfor.OftenGodgivesusinholywrathwhatHedeniesusinmercy.ThereforefollowtheexampleofChrist,whofullyyieldsHisownwilltoGod(Matt.xxvi.39).Prayardently;forhowcanstthouaskGodtohearthee,whenthoudostnothearthyself?WouldstthouhaveGodmindfuloftheewhenthouartnotmindfulofthyself?Whenthouwouldstpray,enterthyclosetandclosethedoor(Matt.vi.6).Thyheartisthatcloset,intowhichthoushouldstenterifthouwouldstrightlypray.Thoumustclosethedoorthatthedistractingthoughtsofworldlyaffairsenternotintodisturbthee.TherearenovoicesthatwillreachtheearsofGodbutthedeepemotionsofthesoul;themindoughttobesostirredbytheardorofourmeditations,thatitwillfarexceedwhatthetongueexpresses;thisistoprayinspiritandintruth(Johniv.23)asourLordrequires.Christprayedonamountain(Lukevi.12),andliftedupHiseyestoheaven(Johnxvii.1),andsooughtwetoturnourmindsawayfromallcreaturesanddirectthemtoGod.ThoudoestGodaninjuryifthouprayestHimtohaveregardtotheewhenthouhastnonetothyself.Wecanpraywithoutceasing(1Thess.v.17)ifweprayinthespirit,sothatatleastourmindisalwayswatchfultowardsGodinholydesires.ItisnotneedfulthatweshouldsupplicateGodwithloudcries,becauseasHedwellsintheheartsofthegodlyHehearstheverysighsofourhearts.Norneedwemultiplywordsinourprayers,forHeknowethourthoughts.SometimesasinglegroanundertheimpulseoftheSpiritofGodandofferedupinthepowerofthatSpiritismorepleasingtoGodthanalongandtediousrepetitionofprayers,wherethetonguespeaksbuttheheartisaltogethersilent.

Prayhumbly,trustingnotinthineownmerit,butonlyinthegraceofGod.Ifourprayersareofferedinrelianceuponourownworthiness,theyarecondemnedinGod’ssight,althoughintheardorofdevotionourheartsmightsweatblood.NoonecandothatwhichispleasingtoGodexceptinChrist;andnoonecanprayacceptablybutinthenameofChristandrelyinguponHismerit.NosacrificeswereacceptabletoGodbutthoseofferedonthealtarofGod’sappointedtabernaclealone(Deut.xii.5);andnoprayercanbeofferedacceptablytoGodbutonthataltarofHisappointment,ChristJesus.TheLordpromisedtoheartheprayersofIsraeliftheyprayedwiththeirfacesturnedtowardJerusalem(1Kingsviii.44).SoinourprayersletusturnourselvestowardsChrist,whoisindeedthetempleoftheGodhead(Johnii.19,21).WhenChristprayedinGethsemaneHecastHimselfdownupontheground(Markxiv.35);beholdhowthatmostholysoulhumblesHimselfinthepresenceofthedivinemajesty!

Prayfaithfully,sothatthoumayestrightlybearthedeprivationofeveryjoy,andpatientlyendureeverychastisement;thesoonerwepraythebetterforus;themorefrequentlyweofferupourdevotionsthemoreprofitablewillitbe;themoreferventlyweapproachGodthemoreacceptableshallourprayersbetoHim.

Prayperseveringly;becausewhenGoddelaystheanswerHeisnotalwaysdenyingus,butsimplycommendingHisgifts;andthosegiftsthatwehavedesiredforalongtimewerelishmorekeenlywhenweobtainthem.Prayconfidently;askingtrulyinfaith,nothingwavering.

Omostmerciful,indulgentGod,whohastbiddenuscometoTheeinprayer,helpustoprayacceptablyuntoThee.

MEDITATIONXXVI.THEGUARDIANSHIPOFANGELS.

Saintshavetheirguardianangels.

CONSIDER,Odevoutsoul,thegraceofthyGodingivingHisangelschargeconcerningthee!OurheavenlyFathersentHisSonintotheworldtodeliverusfromoursins;theSonofGodHimselfbecameincarnateforoursalvation;theHolySpiritissenttosanctifyus;angelsaredespatchedfromheaventoprotectus;thusthewholeassemblyofheavenisemployedtoserveus,andtomaketheirblessingsours.Inolongerwonderthatalltheinferiorcreaturesofearthareformedforman,sinceeventheangelsofheaven,somuchmoreexaltedthanwe,denyusnottheirgentleministries.Whatwonderthattheheavensgiveuslightbydaythatwemaylabor,anddarknessbynightthatwemayrest,sincethedwellersinthatheavenlykingdomarebusyinholyservicestous?Whatwonderisitthattheairfurnishesuswiththebreathoflife,andallsortsoffowlsforourindulgence,whenthoseheavenlyspiritswatchoverustopreserveourlivesfromharm?Whatwonderthatthewatershouldquenchourthirst,cleanseawayfilth,refreshthearidland,andteemwithvariouskindsoffishforus,whentheholyangelsthemselvesstandbyustorefreshandcomfortuswhenweareweariedwiththehotbreathoftroublesandtemptation?Whatwonderthattheearthgivestheeanabode,andforthynourishmentfurnishesthytablewithallkindsofcreaturecomforts,whenHegivethHisangelschargeoverthee“tokeeptheeinallthyways,tobeartheeupintheirhands,lestthoudashthyfootagainstastone”(Psalmxci.11,12)?

TheangelsweredeeplyinterestedintheearlylifeofChrist;anangelannouncedHisconception(Lukei.31);anangeljoyfullyheraldsHisbirth

(Lukeii.9-11);anangelgivescommandfortheflightintoEgypt(Matt.ii.13);angelsministertoHiminthewilderness(Matt.iv.11);angelswaituponHimduringallHisearthlyministry;anangelispresentwithHimintheawfulagonyofdeath(Lukexxii.46);anangelappearsatHisresurrection([[Matt.xxviii.25>>Mt28.5]]);angelswerepresentatHisgloriousascension(Actsi.10),andangelswillaccompanyHimwhenHereturnstojudgment(Matt.xxv.31).AsthereforeangelsministeredtoChristinthedaysofHisflesh,solikewisearetheydeeplyinterestedinallthosewhothroughfaithareincorporatedintoChrist;astheyministeredtothegloriousHead,inthesamemannershalltheyministertothemembersofthebodyofChrist.Theyjoyfullyserveupontheearththosewhomtheyshallhavebyandbyascompanionsinheaven;norrefusetheirholyministriestothosewhosedelightfulfellowshiptheyhopetoenjoyafterawhile.

AsJacobwentonhiswaytohisnativeland,theangelsofGodmethim(Gen.xxxii.1);soangelicguardsattendtherighteousinthislife,whichisthepathwaytotheirheavenlyfatherland.AngelsappeartoprotectDanielamongthelions(Dan.vi.22);sotheyeverstandreadytoprotectthegodlyfromthesnaresofthelionofhell.AngelshastenthepatriarchLotfromthedestructionthatwastoovertakeSodom(Gen.xix.15,16);sobytheirholyinspirations,andtheirprotectinginfluencesagainstthetemptationsofthedevil,theyfrequentlysnatchus,asfromtheveryflamesofthepit.AngelscarryLazarusintothebosomofAbraham(Lukexvi.22);sodotheybearthesoulsofallGod’schosenonestothegloriouspalaceoftheheavenlyKing.ItwasanangelthatledtheapostlePeteroutofprison;andsoourangeloftendeliversusfrommostdistressingperils.Greatindeedisthepowerofouradversary,thedevil,butitcheersustoreflectthatangel-guardsattendus.Doubtnotthatinallthydangerstheseheavenlyhelpersarenearthee;fortheScriptures,underthefigureofCherubimandSeraphim,representthemaswinged,toassureusthatineverytimeofperiltheywillwithincredibleswiftnessbringustheneededaid.Doubtnotthattheguardianangelsarepresentwiththeeinallplaces,fortheyarethepurestspirits,unencumberedwithmaterialbodies;allvisiblethingsyieldtothem,andhitherandthitheratwilltheygounhindered.Norneedestthoudoubt

thatthesespiritsknowthyperilsandafflictions,fortheyalwaysbeholdthefaceoftheheavenlyFather(Matt.xviii.10),andstandalwaysreadymostpromptlytodoHiswill.

Consider,Odevoutsoul,thattheseangelsareholy;strivethenafterholinessifthouwouldestenjoytheirblessedfellowship.Similarityofcharacterisespeciallyfavorabletofriendship;accustomthyselftoholydeedsifthouwouldsthavetheirguardianship.Everywhereshowduereverencetothineangel,andneverdoanythinginhispresencethouwouldstblushtodointhesightofmen.Theseangelicspiritsarechasteandpure,andthereforearedrivenawaybyimpurityinthoughtanddeed.Asfoulsmokedrivesawaybees,sotheseangelicguardiansofourlivesareputtoflightbyfoulandgrievoussin;andhavingoncelosttheirprotectingpower,howwiltthoubesafefromthesnaresofthedevil,orthevariousperilsthatmay.besetthee?Ifthysoulisleftwithoutthisstrongwallofangelicdefence,thenthedevilwilleasilystormitbyhisartfuldevices.TheseholyangelsaresentforthasministeringspiritsbyGodHimself(Heb.i.14);hencethoumustbereconciledtoGodthroughfaithinChrist,ifthouwouldstenjoytheirguardianship.IfthouhastnotthegraceofGodinthineheart,thouneedestnotexpectangelstoguardthee.Letuslookupontheseangelsas,inasense,theserviceablehandsofGod,whichmovethemselvestonopurposeunlessHedirectthem.“ThereisjoyinthepresenceoftheangelsofGodoveronesinnerthatrepenteth”(Lukexv.10);thetearsoftrulypenitentsinnersareaswinetotheangels,whilethehardandimpenitentheartdrivesawaytheseheavenlyguardians.Letusthenmanifestpenitenceforoursins,thatwemayexcitejoyamongtheangelsofGod.Angelsareofaheavenlyandspiritualnature;thereforeletusfixourthoughtsuponthosethingsthatareheavenlyandspiritual,thattheymaydelighttodwellwithus.Theangelsaremarkedbytheirhumility,andprideisexceedinglyhatefultothosewhodisdainnottoservelittlechildren(Matt.xviii.10);whythenshouldwe,whoarebutasdustandashes,exhibitsuchpride,whenaheavenlyspirithumblesitselfsogreatly?

Thecunningoftheeviloneismosttobefearedinthehourofdeath,

foritiswrittenthattheserpentshallbruisetheheel(Gen.iii.15);thelastpartofthebodyistheheel,thelastpartoflifeisdeath.Inthelastagonyofdeathwillwestandmostinneedoftheguardianshipofangels,whoshalldeliverusfromthefierydartsofthedevil,andshalltransportoursouls,astheydepartfromthehomeofthebody,totheheavenlyparadise.WhenZachariaswasexecutingthepriest’sofficeinthesacredcourtsofthetemple,theangeloftheLordcametohim(Lukei.11);soifthoudostrejoiceintheuseofGod’sword,andintheexerciseofthydevotions,thou,too,shaltrejoiceintheblessedministryofangels.

OmostmercifulGod,whobytheholyangelshastledusthroughthiswilderness,grantthatthroughthemalsowemaybeledintothegloryofThyheavenlykingdom.

MEDITATIONXXVII.THEWILESOFTHEDEVIL.

Whoknoweththecunningofademon?

CONSIDER,Odevoutsoul,towhatperilthouartconstantlyexposedfromthedevil,thineadversary.Heisanenemyextremelyreadyinaudacity,stronginresources,subtleinartsanddevices,boundlessinstratagem,unweariedlyzealousinhisassaultsuponthesoul,andcapableofassuminganyformatpleasure.Hehimselfenticesustothecommissionofsin,andthentakesdelightinaccusingusbeforeGod’stribunal.ByturnsheheapsupaccusationsagainstGodamongmen,andagainstmentoGod,andagainstmenamongmen.Hefirstobservesaccuratelytheweaknessesandpropensitiesofeachindividual,andthenproposeshistemptationsinthemannerthatwillmostsurelyensnarethatsoul.Whenbesiegersstormacity,theydonotdirecttheirattackuponthestronglyfortifiedparts,butwheretheythinkthewallsaredefective,theditchesmoreshallowandthetowersunguarded;andsothedevil,wagingaceaselesswarfareagainstoursouls,alwaysassailsusatourweakestandmostunguardedpoints.Conqueredoncehedoesnotceasehisefforts,butbestirshimselftotemptusanew,thathemayovercome,inamomentofwearinessornegligence,thosewhomhecouldnotconquerbytheviolenceofhistemptations.Whomwillhenotassail,sincehedaredtoapproachtheLordofGloryHimselfwithhiscunningmalignity(Matt.iv.3)?IfhesoughttosifttheveryapostlesofChristaswheat(Lukexxii.31),thinkyouhewillfailtotestanyChristianwithtemptation?HedeceivedAdam(Gen.iii.1-5)whohadanatureholyandinnocent;whomcanhenotthendeceivewithnaturesfallenandsinful?HeledastrayJudasalthoughintheschooloftheSaviour;whomcanhenotthenleadastrayintheworld,theschooloferror?

Inallcircumstancesandconditionsoflifeweneedtofearthewilesofthedevil.Inprosperityhepuffsusupwithpride;inadversityhesinksusintodespair.Ifheseesanyonegiventoparsimoniousnesshetakesdelightinforginguponhimthefettersofinsatiabledesire.Ifanheroicspiritanimatesanyone,heinflameshimwiththesharpstingsofpassion.Ifheseesanyonealittletoojoyous,heurgeshimontoanexcessivedesireforpleasure.Thosewhomheseesanimatedwithfervidreligiouszeal,heendeavorstoentangleinthesnaresofvainsuperstition.Menweightedwithworldlyhonors,heinflameswithunholyambition.WhenhewouldleadusintosinhemagnifiesthegreatmercyofGod.Whenhehassucceededinleadingusastray,heenlargesupontherigorousjusticeofGod.Firsthewouldleadusintopresumptuoussin,andthenattempttodragusdownintothedepthsofdespair.Nowheassailsusexternallybypersecutions,andanoninternallywithfierytemptations.Attimesheattacksusopenlyandviolently,andagainsecretlyandcunningly.Hetemptsustogluttonyineating,todeedsofshameandlicentiousness,tolazinessinourdailyavocations,toenvyinconversation,toavariceinoffice,topassionintheexerciseofauthority,toprideinwearingourhonors.Hefillsourheartswithevilthoughts,ourmouthswithfalsewords;andleadsourmemberstothecommissionofiniquitousdeeds.Intheday-timeheimpelsustoevilworks,andatnighthesuggestsshamefuldreams.Soinallthesituationsandcircumstancesoflifewemustguardagainstthewilesofthedevil.Wesleepandhewatches;weareapparentlysecure,andhegoethaboutasaroaringlion(1Pet.v.8).Ifthoushouldstbeholdanenragedlionrushingupontheehowthouwouldstshudderwithhorriblefear;andwhenthouhearestthatthislionofhellisplottingagainstthee,thoudostslumberoninimaginedsecurity.

Consider,then,Ofaithfulsoul,thewilesofthispowerfuladversary,andseektoovercomehimonlybytheemploymentofspiritualweapons.Letyourloinsbegirtaboutwithtruth,andputonthebreastplateofrighteousness(Eph.vi.14).PutonasagarmenttheperfectrighteousnessofChrist,andthouwiltbesafefromthedevil’stemptations.Hidetheeinthecleft(Cant.ii.14)ofChrist’swounds,wheneverthouartterrifiedbythefierydartsofthatmalignantpower.ThetruebelieverabidesinChrist;

andasSatanhasnopoweragainstChrist(Johnxiv.30),sohashenoneagainstthetruebeliever.Letthyfeetbeshodwiththepreparationofthegospelofpeace(Eph.vi.15).LetusbeeverconfessingChrist,ourSaviour,andthennotemptationofSatanshallharmus.Anenchanter’swordsdonotsoquicklydriveawayaserpent,asaheartyandunceasingconfessionofChristputstoflightthedevil,thatoldserpentofhell.Letusalsotaketheshieldoffaith(Eph.vi.16)thatwemaytherewithquenchthefierydartsofthiswickedenemy.Itisfaithwhichremovesmountains,mountainsnamelyofdoubt,ofpersecution,oftemptation.TheIsraelites,whosedoorpostsweresprinkledwiththebloodofthepaschallamb,werenotsmittenbythedestroyingangel(Ex.xii.13),andsothosewhoseheartsaresprinkled,throughfaith,withthebloodofChristshallnotbeharmedbythisfelldestroyer.FaithrestsinthepromisesofGod,andthesepromisesSatancanneveroverthrow;neitherthencanheprevailagainstourfaith.Faithisthelightofthesoul;andinthatlightthetemptationsoftheevilspiritareeasilyapparent.ThroughfaithoursinswillbecastintothedepthsoftheseaofDivinemercy(Micahvii.19),andinthatseathefierydartsofthedevilwillbeeasilyquenched.Letusalsotakethehelmetofsalvation,ihatis,weoughttobeanimatedbyablessedhope.Enduretemptations,consideringtheendthatGodhasinviewinourtemptation;forGoddirectsusinourconflicts,andshallbyandbycrownthevictor.Iftherebenoenemytherewillbenoconflict;ifnoconflict,novictory;ifnovictory,nocrown.BetterfarasternconflictwhichbringsusveryneartoGod,thansuchapeaceaswillalienateusfromGod.WemusttakealsotheswordoftheSpirit(Eph.vi.17),whichisthewordofGod.LettheconsolationsofGod’swordhavemoreweightwiththeethanthecontradictionsofthedevil;ChristovercameallthetemptationsofSatanwiththewordofGod(Matt.iv.4);andbythatsamedivinewordChristiansmayyetovercomeallthetemptationsofthedevil.

Finally,inprayerthouhastthegreatestsourceofhelpagainstthytemptations.Asthelittlevesselofthysoulisbeingoverwhelmedwiththewavesoftemptation(Matt.viii.24),arouseChristwiththyprayers.Ourvisiblefoeswesubduebystrikingandslayingthem;butthisinvisibleenemyofoursoulsweconquerbypouringoutourprayerstoGod.

OblessedChrist,doThoufightforusandinus,thatinTheewemayhavethevictory!

MEDITATIONXXVIII.GENERALRULESFORAGODLYLIFE.

AGodlyLifeistheWisestLife.

EVERYdaythoulivestthouartapproachingnearerandnearertodeath,tothejudgment,andtoeternity.Consider,therefore,daybyday,howthoushaltmeetthehourofdeath,standtheseveretestofthejudgment,andliveduringalleternity.Wemustexercisediligentcarerespectingallourthoughts,ourwords,ourdeeds;forwemustrenderastrictaccountforalltheseinthedayofjudgment(Matt.xii.36).Considereveryeveningthatdeathmayovertaketheethisnight;andletthythoughtbeeverymorningthatdeathmaycometotheethisday.Putnotoffconversionandtheexerciseofgoodworksuntilto-morrow,foritisnotcertainthatthoushaltseeto-morrow,butdeathiscertain,anditisalwaysthreateningthee.Nothingismorefataltogodlinessthanprocrastination.IfthoucontinuesttodespisetheinwardcalloftheHolySpirit,thouwiltneverbetrulyconverted:Delaynotconversionandgoodworksuntiloldage;butoffertoGodthepowerandthebloomofthyyouth.Itisnotatallcertainthattheyoungshallattaintooldage,butitiscertainthatdestructionispreparedfortheyoungwhodieinimpenitency.NotimeoflifeismoresuitablefortheserviceofGodthanyouth,withitsflourishingactivitiesofbodyandmind.Thoushouldestnevercommitanevildeedtowinthefavorofanyman,fornotthatmanbutGodHimselfshallonedayjudgethylife;neverdeem,therefore,thefavorofanymanpreferabletothegraceofthyGod.WeareeithermakingprogressorlosinggroundinthewayoftheLord;examinethylifedaily,therefore,toseewhetherthouartadvancinginthepursuitofgodlinesorretrograding.TostandstillinthewayoftheLordisreallytoretrograde;congratulatethyself,therefore,if

thouartnotstandingstillinthecourseofagodlylife,butstriveearnestlyalwaystowalkforwardinthewayoftheLord.Inthyconversationbepleasanttoall,beharshtonone,andfamiliarwithfew.LivepiouslytowardsGod,chastelywiththyself,justlytowardsthyneighbor.Treatthyfriendskindly,thineenemiespatiently,andallbenevolently,andasfaraspossiblealsobeneficently.Whilstthoulivestdiedailytothyselfandtothyvices,thatwhenthoudiestthoumayestliveuntoGod.

Letmercyalwaysbemanifestinthydispositionofmind;kindnessinthycountenance,humilityinthymanner,modestyinthyintercoursewithothers,andpatienceinthytribulations.Alwaysconsiderthepastwithrespecttothesethreethings:theevilIhavecommitted,thegoodIhaveomitted,andthetimeIhavelost.Alwaysconsiderthepresentwithrespecttothesethreethings:thebrevityofmypresentlife,thedifficultyofsalvation,andthefewnessofthesaved.Alwaysconsiderthefuturewithrespecttothesethree:death,thanwhichnothingismorehorrible;thejudgment,thanwhichnothingismoreterrible;andthefiresofhell,thanwhichnothingcanbemoreintolerable.Letthineeveningprayerscorrectthesinsofthedayjustpast;andletthelastdayoftheweekcorrectthefaultsoftheprecedingdays.Thinkeveryevening,howmanyhavegoneheadlongintohellthisday,andgivethankstoGodthatHehathgrantedtheelongertimeforrepentance.Therearethreethingsabovethee,ofwhichthoushouldstneverlosesight:theallseeingeyeofGod,Hisall-hearingear,andHisbooksinwhichallthingsarerecorded.GodhathgivenHimselfwhollytothee;dothougivethyselfwhollytothyneighbor.Thebestlifeonearthisthatwhichiswhollyspentinservingothers.Reverenceandobeythysuperiors;counselandaidthineequals;watchoverandteachthineinferiors.Keepthybodyinsubjectiontothymind,andthymindtoGod.Lamentthypastmisdeeds;donotovervaluethypresentgood,andwiththywholeheartstriveafterthosefutureblessingswhichGodhathsetbeforethee.Rememberthysins,thatthoumaystbewailthem;bemindfulofdeath,thatthoumaystavoidsin;keepinmindthedivinejustice,thatthoumaystfeartosin;andaboveallrememberthemercyofthyGod,lestthouyieldtodespair.

Asfaraspossiblewithdrawfromtheworld,andgivethyselfwhollytotheserviceoftheLord.Alwaysbearinmindthatthypurityisimperiledbythepleasuresoftheworld,thyhumilitybyitsriches,andthygodlinessbyitsbusinesscares.SeektopleasenoonebutChrist,andfeartodispleasenoonebutChrist.AlwaysprayGodthatHemaycommandthatwhichispleasingtoHim,andmaygivetheewhatHethuscommands;thatHemaycoverwhatthouhastdoneamiss,andmaycontrolallthyfuturecourse.Beinrealitywhatthoudesiresttoappeartobe,forGodjudgethnotaccordingtotheappearancebutaccordingtotruth.Inspeech,letthywordsbefew,foreveryidlewordmustbeaccountedforatthejudgment.Thyworks,whatevertheyare,donotpassaway,butarescatteredabroad,asitwere,asseedsthatshallspringupineternity.“Forhethatsowethtohisflesh,shallofthefleshreapcorruption;buthethatsowethtotheSpirit,shalloftheSpiritreaplifeeverlasting”(Gal.vi.8).Thehonorsofthisworldshallnotfollowtheeafterdeath,norallthygatheredriches,norworldlypleasuresorvanities;butthedeedswhichthouhastdoneshallfollowtheebeyondtheboundsofthislife(Rev.xiv.13).AsthereforethouwouldststandbeforeGodinthejudgment,thoushouldstappearinHissightto-day.Considernotsomuchwhatthouhast,aswhatislackinginthee;insteadofpridingthyselfuponwhathasbeengiventhee,ratherhumblethyselfbecauseofwhathasbeendeniedthee.Learntoliverightly,whilstthouartpermittedtolive.Inthislifeeternallifeiseitherwonorlost;afterdeaththetimeforworkshaspast,andthetimeforreceivingtherewardofourpresentworksbegins.

Letholymeditationproduceintheeaknowledgeofthytruecondition,andthisleadtheetoconvictionofsin,andconvictionbegetintheeaspiritofdevotion,andthisinditethyprayer.Silenceofthemouthisanexcellentthingforpeaceofheart.

Themorethouartseparatedfromtheworld,themorepleasingthouwiltbetoGod.Whateverthouwouldsthave,askGodforit;whateverthouhastalready,ascribeittoGod.Heisnotworthyofnewblessingswhoisnotgratefulforthosealreadygiven.Thestreamsofheavenlyblessingceasetoflowdowntous,whentherearenoreturnstreamsof

gratitudeandpraisetoGod.Turntogoodaccountwhateverbefallsthee;ifprosperityattendsthysteps,thinkwhatanopportunitythisaffordstheeofblessingandpraisingGod;ifadversityovertakesthee,thinkwhatanadmonitionitistopenitenceandconversion.Employthypowerinaidingtheweak,thywisdomininstructingtheignorant,andthyrichesinbenefactionstothepoor.Letnotadversitycrushthee,norprosperityundulyexaltthee.LetChristbetheaimofthylife;followHiminthisworld,thatthoumaystcomeatlastintoHisfellowshipintheheavenlyfatherland.Inallthingsletthygreatestcarebetomanifestdeephumilityandglowinglove.LovinglyliftupthyhearttoGodandclingtoHim;lethumilitysoaffectthyheartastosavetheefrompride.LookuponGodasthyFatherinHisclemencytowardthee,andasthyLordinHisdisciplineofthee;asthyFatherinthegentlerexerciseofHispower,asthyLordinitsseverer;loveHimaffectionatelyasthyHeavenlyFather;fearHim,ofnecessity,asthyLordandMaster.LoveHimbecauseHedelightsinmercy;fearHimbecauseHedelightsnotinsin.FeartheLord,andhopethouinHim(Ps.xxxvii.5);acknowledgethineownunworthiness,andtellforththewondersofHisgrace.

OGod,ThouwhohastgivenusthedesiretopleaseThee,giveusalsothegracetodothatwhichiswell-pleasinginThysight!

MEDITATIONXXIX.FALSESECURITY.

Falsesecurityisdeath.

CONSIDER,Odevoutsoul,thedifficultyofbeingsaved,andthouwilteasilycastasideallsenseofabsolutesecurity.Neverandnowhereissuchsecuritypossible;neitherinheaven,norinparadise,muchlessinthisworld.AnangelfelleveninthepresenceofGod.AdamfellintosininthatdelightfulabodeinwhichGodplacedhim.AdamwascreatedintheimageofGod(Gen.i.27),andyethewasdeceivedbythewilesofthedevil.Solomonwasthewisestofmen(1Kingsiii.12),yethewasledawayfromtheLordthroughtheenticementsoftheflesh(1Kingsxi.3).JudasbelongedtotheverycircleofChrist’sdisciples(Lukexxii.3),andwasunderthedailyinstructionofthatgreatestofallteachers,andyethewasnotsafefromthesnaresofthegreatseducer;hecasthimselfheadlongintothepitofavarice,andfromthatintothedarkabyssofeternalwoe.DavidwasamanafterGod’sownheart(1Sam.xiii.14),andwasasamostprecioussontoJehovah,butthroughtheawfulsinsofadulteryandhomicidehemadehimselfasonofdeath(2Sam.xii.5).Wheretheninthislifeisthererealsecurityagainstfallingintosin?ClingwithafirmconfidenceofhearttothepromisesofGod,andthoushaltbesafefromtheassaultsofthedevil.Therecanbenosecurityinthislife,exceptthataffordedbythesurepromisesofGod’swordtothosewhobelieveandwalkinthewayoftheLord.Whenwefinallyattaintheblessednessofheaven,thenweshallenjoyperfectsecurity.Inthislifefearandreligionhaveacloseconnection,noroughttheretobetheonewithouttheother.Cherishnotasenseofsecuritysimplybecausethouartsufferingadversity;butratherregardthineadversitiesasscourgingsforthysins.Godoftenchastisesusopenlyforoursecretfaults.Reflectupontheexceedingsinfulnessofsin,andthenfeartherighteousavengerofsin.

Neitherfeelsecurebecausethouartenjoyingprosperity;fortobewhollyunreprovedinthislifeisratheramarkofGod’swrath.Whataretheafflictionsofthegodly?Theyareasbitterarrowstothesoul,andyetsentfromthemercifulhandofGod.Godapparentlydoesnotchastiseinthisworld,whomHewillneverthelesspunisheternally.Uninterruptedhumanhappinesshereisfrequentlyasadtokenofeternalcondemnationintheotherworld.Nothingismoreunhappythanthehappinessofthoselivinginsin,andnothingismoremiserablethanthemanwhoisignorantofhismiserableconditioninsin.Whithersoeverthouturnestthineeyesthoufindestcauseforgrief,andbeholdestmuchtoforbidanysenseofsecurity.TurnthythoughtsupwardstothyGodwhomwehaveoffended;downwardstothehellwhichwehavemerited;backwardstothesinswehavecommitted;forwardtothejudgmentwhichwefear;inwardlytoconsciencewhichwehavebefouledwithsin;outwardlytotheworldwhichwehaveloved.Behold,whencethoucarnest,andblush;wherethounowart,andgrieve;whitherthouartgoing,andtremble.Narrowindeedisthedoorofsalvation,butthewaythatleadstoitisstillnarrower(Matt.vii.14).

Godhathgiventheethetreasureoffaith,butthoucarriestthattreasureinanearthenvessel(2Cor.iv.7).Godhathgivenholyangelstoguardthee(Ps.xci.11),butthedevilwaitsnotfarofftoleadtheeastray.Hehathrenewedtheeinthespiritofthymind(Eph.iv.23),butstillthouhasttheoldnessofthefleshtostrugglewith.ThouhastbeenestablishedinthegraceofGod,butartnotyetconfirmedineternalglory.Aheavenlymansionispreparedforthee,butfirstthoumuststrugglewithawickedworld.Godhathpromisedpardontothepenitent,butHehathnotpromisedtogivetheinclinationtorepenttoanyonewhilewilfullypersistinginsin.Theconsolationsofeternallifeawaitthee,butyetthoumustthroughmuchtribulationenterintothekingdomofGod(Actsxiv.22).Acrownofeternalgloryhathbeenpromisedthee,butthoumustpassthroughasevereconflictbeforethoucanstwearthatcrown.God’spromisesareunchangeable;butthenthoumustnotrelaxforamomentthyzealinaholylife.Iftheservantfailtodowhatiscommanded,theLordwilldowhatHethreatens.Thereforelayingasideallfalsesecuritywemustcontinuallymournandlamentonaccountofoursins,lestGod

desertusinanactofjustandsecretjudgment,andweareleftinthehandsofdevilstobedestroyed.

WhileGod’sgraceisthine,rejoiceinit,andyetthinknotthatthoupossessestthisgiftofGodbyhereditaryright,andthatthouartsosecurelyinpossessionofit,thatthoucanstneverloseit,lestifGodshouldsuddenlytakeawayHisgiftandwithdrawHishand,thoushouldstbecomedisheartenedandfallintodespair.

Happyartthou,indeed,ifthoutakestallcaretoavoidacarelessindifference,thatfruitfulcauseofsomanyevils.Godwillnotforsakethee,buttakegoodheedlestthouforsakeGod.GodhathbestowedHisgraceuponthee,praythatHemaygivetheealsoperseveranceuntotheend.Godsoorderstheeconomyofgracethatwemayhaveassuranceofoursalvation,andyetnotinsuchawaythatonemayindulgeinself-security.Thoumustfightthegoodfightoffaith(2Tim.iv.7)bravely,thatatlengththoumayesttriumphgloriously.Thyfleshwithintheefightethagainstthee;amoreformidableenemytotheebecausesomuchnearertheethananyothers.Theworldwithouttheefightethagainstthee;amoreformidableenemytotheethananyotherbecausesomuchmoreabundantinitsallurements.Thedevilabovetheefightethagainstthee;amoreformidableenemytotheethananyotherbecausesomuchmorepowerful.InthestrengthofGodthouneedestnotfeartoengagewithalltheseenemies,andbythatstrengththoushaltgainthevictory.Butsuchenemiesasthesethouwiltneverconquerbyameresenseofsecurity,butbywaginganincessantwarfareagainstthem.Lifeisthetimetofightthisfightoffaith;andwhenthouartapparentlyunconsciousoftheconflict,thouartinmoreperilfromtheassaultsofthesefoes;forwhentheyseemtobeobservingatruce,thenaretheyreallymassingtheirforcesforamorepowerfulattackuponthysoul.Theyarevigilant,andartthousleeping?Theyarepreparingthemselvestoinjurethee,andwiltnotthoupreparethyselftoresistthem?Manyfallbythewaybeforereachingtheheavenlyfatherland.Alas!howmanyoftheChildrenofIsraelperishedinthewilderness,notoneofwhomobtainedthepromise(Deut.i.35).AndhowmanyofthespiritualchildrenofAbrahammiserablyperishinthe

wildernessofthislife,beforeobtainingthepromisedinheritanceoftheheavenlykingdom!Nothingshouldmoreeffectivelyleadustocastawayfalsesecuritythanthethoughtofthecomparativelysmallnumberofthosewhoperseveretotheend.Thereforeletuscherishsuchadesirefortheheavenlyglory,andwithitsuchapassionatelongingtoattainit,suchasenseofsorrowthatwehavenotasyetgainedit,andsuchafearthatafterallwemaynot,thatweshalltakejoyinnothingthatdoesnotaffordusaidin,orconfirmourhopeof,comingintopossessionofitatlast.Whatprofitisthereinenjoyingthepleasuresofsinforaseason,ifwemustspendeternityinwoe?Whatjoycantherebeinthislifeifwhatdelightsushereisonlytemporary,butwhattormentsusiseternal?

Weliveoninfalsesecurity,justasthoughwehadalreadypassedthehourofdeathandthejudgment.Christsaysthatinsuchanhouraswethinknot(Matt.xxiv.44,50),Hewillcometojudgeus.ThustheTruthspeaks,andinonewayandanothersolemnlyrepeatsit;giveearthenandtakeheed!IfourLordshallcomeinanhourwhenwearenotlookingforHim,thenweoughttofeargreatlylestwebeunpreparedtoappearbeforeHimatthejudgment.Andifwegothitherunpreparedhowshallweeverenduretheawfultestofthatjudgment?Whatweshallloseinthatonemoment,thatsentenceispronounceduponus,wecannotregainforever.Inthebriefspaceofamomentitshallbedeterminedwhatweshallbethroughalleternity;inthatsinglemoment,lifeanddeath,condemnationandsalvation,eternalpunishmentandeternalgloryshallbeawardedtoeachsoulaccordingtoitsdeserts.

OLord,doThou,whohastgivenmegracetoliveaholylife,givemealsograce,topersevereinthatlifetotheend!

MEDITATIONXXX.THEIMITATIONOFCHRIST.

LetChristbetheRuleofthyLife.

TheholylifeofChrististhemostperfectmodelofvirtuewecanhave;everyactionofHisisrichininstructionforus.ManywishtoattaintoChrist,butrefusetofollowHim;manywishtoenjoyChrist,butnottoimitateHim.“LearnofMe,forIammeekandlowlyinheart”(Matt.xi.29),saysourSaviour.UnlessthouartwillingtobeadiscipleofChrist,thouwiltneverbeatrueChristian.LetthepassionofChristbethymerit,butatthesametimeletHisholylifebethemodelforthine.ThyBelovediswhiteandruddy(Cant.v.10);andsomayestthouberuddybythesprinklingofthebloodofChrist,andwhitebytheimitationofHislife.HowdostthoutrulyloveChrist,ifthoudostnotloveHisholylife?”IfyeloveMe,keepMycommandments,”saystheSaviour(Johnxiv.15,23).HencehewhokeepethnotHiscommandmentslovethHimnot.

TheholylifeofChristisaperfectruleofconductforourlives,andarulethatistobepreferredtoalltherulesofsuchsaintsasFrancisandBenedict.IfthouwouldstbeanadoptedsonofGod,beholdhowthySaviour,theonly-begottenSonofGod,livedinthisworld.IfthouwouldstbeajointheirwithChrist,thoushouldstalsobeanimitatorofChrist.Hewhovoluntarilylivesinopenvicehasgivenhimselftotheserviceofthedevil.ButhowcansuchanonelivethelifeofChrist?Toloveviceistolovethedevil;becauseallsinisofthedevil(1Johniii.8).AndhowcanamanbeatrueloverofChristwhoisaloverofthedevil?ToloveGodistoloveaholylife,becauseeveryholylifeisofGod;howcanonethenbealoverofGodwhoisnotaloverofaholylife?Theproofofloveisinourworks;itischaracteristicoflovetoobeythelovedone,tobeinperfect

accordinmindandheartwiththelovedone.IfthenthoutrulylovestChrist,thouwiltobeyHiscommands,thouwiltloveaholylifewithHim,andbeingrenewedinthespiritofthymind,thouwiltmeditateuponheavenlythings(Eph.iv.23).LifeeternalisaknowledgeofChrist(Johnxvii.3):buthewholovesnotChristdoesnotevenknowHim;hewholovesnothumility,purity,gentleness,temperance,charity,doesnotloveChrist,forthelifeofChristisnothingelsethantheembodimentoftheseseveralvirtues.ChristsaysthatHeknowsnotthosewhodonotthewillofHisFather(Matt.vii.21);hencethosewhodisobeythewilloftheheavenlyFatherdonotknowChrist.ButwhatisthewilloftheFather?“Oursanctification”(1Thess.iv.3)saystheapostle.HethathathnottheSpiritofChristisnoneofHis(Rom.viii.9);butwheretheSpiritisthereHisgiftsandfruitswillmanifestthemselves.ButwhatarefruitsoftheSpirit?”Love,joy,peace,long-suffering,gentleness,goodness,faith,meekness,temperance”(Gal.v.22).AstheSpiritresteduponChrist(Is.xi.2),soHerestsalsouponallthoseunitedtoChristbytruefaith,forthebelovedofChristrejoicesinthesavorofHisgoodointments(Cant.i.3).HethatisjoinedtotheLordisonespiritwithHim(1Cor.vi.17).Justasamanandawomanjoinedtogetherinholymatrimonyarenomoretwainbutoneflesh(Matt.xix.6)sothespiritualunionofChristandthebelievingsoulmakesofthemonespirit.Butwherethereisonespirit,thereisthesamewill;andwherethereisthesamewill,therewillbethesameactionsalso.Andthusifone’slifeconformnottothelifeofChrist,itisclearlyevidentthatheisneitherclingingtoChristnorhastheSpiritofChrist.IsitnotproperthatourwholelifeshouldbeconformedtoChrist’s,sinceHehasconformedHimselftoourlowestateoutofpureloveforus?GodmanifestingHimselfintheflesh(1Tim.iii.16)hasaffordedusaperfectexampleofaholylife,sothatnoonemightexcusehisfailuretolivesuchalifebyappealingtotheweaknessoftheflesh.NolifecanbemorejoyfulandtranquilthanChrist’s,becauseChristwastrueGod;andwhatcanbemorejoyfulandtranquilthanthetrueGodHimself,thehighestgood?Lifeinthisworldaffordsbutshort-livedjoy,buteventhatisfollowedbyeternalsorrow.Towhomthoudostconformthyselfinthislife,tohimthoushaltbeconformedintheresurrection.IfthoudostbegintoconformthyselftothelifeofChristhere,thenintheresurrectionthouwiltbemorefullyconformedtoHim;butifthouartlikethedevilhereinsin,thenintheresurrectionthouwiltbelikehimin

torment.

“IfanymanwillcomeafterMe,lethimdenyhimselfandtakeuphiscrossdaily,”saysourSaviour(Mt.xvi.24).Ifinthislifethoudostdenythyself,theninthejudgmentChristwillacknowledgetheeasHisown.IfforChrist’ssakethoudostrenounceinthislifethineownhonor,thineownlove,thineownwill,theninthefuturelifeChristwillgraciouslymaketheeasharerofHisownhonor,Hisownlove,Hisownwill.IfthoubearestthecrossafterHimhere,thoushaltshareinHiseternalgloryoverthere.IfthouartapartakeroftribulationwithHimhere,thouwiltbeapartakerofHisheavenlyconsolationoverthere.IfthousufferestpersecutionwithHiminthisworld,thoushaltparticipateinthegloriousrecompenseofrewardintheworldtocome.“WhosoevershallconfessMebeforemen,”saysChrist,“himwillIalsoconfessbeforeMyfatherwhichisinheaven”(Matt.x.32).AndindeedweoughttoconfessChristnotonlybyaprofessionofthetruthHetaught,butalsobyconformingourlivestoHis;andsoatlast,inthedayofjudgment,willHeacknowledgeusasHisbeforeHisFatherinheaven.“WhosoevershalldenyMebeforemen,himwillIalsodenybeforeMyFatherwhichisinheaven”(Matt.x.33).NowwemaydenyChristnotonlyinsomanywords,butbyanungodlylife.IfanymandeniesChristbyhisdeedsinthisworld,ChristwillalsodenyhimbyHisactionsatthejudgment.HeisnotaChristianwhohasnotatruefaithinChrist;butatruefaithinChristengraftsusasbranchesintoHim(Johnxv.4).EverybranchinChristthatbearethnotfruittheheavenlyhusbandmantakethaway.ButhewhoabidesinChristandinwhomChristdwellsbyfaith(Eph.iii.17),bearsmuchfruit.Thebranchthatdrawsnotitslife-forcefromthevineisnotreallyinthevine.Andthesoulthatdoesnotdrawlove,itsspiritualnourishmentfromChristbyfaith,isreallynotunitedtoChristbyfaith.

MakeusmoreandmorelikeThee,OblessedJesus,thatintheworldtocomewemaybeperfectlyconformedtoThee!

MEDITATIONXXXI.SELF-DENIAL.

Self-indulgenceisDenialofChrist.

“IfanymanwillcomeafterMelethimdenyhimself”(Matt.xvi.24),saysourSaviour.Todenyoneselfistorenounceself-love;self-lovehinderstheloveofGodinthesoul.IfthouwouldstbeadiscipleofChristitisnecessarythattherootofself-loveshouldwhollydieinthee.“Exceptacornofwheatfallintothegroundanddie”itbearethnofruit(Johnxii.24);andsolikewisethefruitoftheHolySpiritcannotappearinthylifeunlessself-lovedieinthyheart.TheEordsaiduntoAbraham(Gen.xii.1)“Gettheeoutofthycountry,andfromthykindred,andfromthyfather’shouse,untoalandthatIwillshewthee.”Abrahamcouldneverhavebecomesogreataprophet,ifhehadnotfirstforsakenhisownland;andsothouwiltneverbecomeatruediscipleofChristnoratrulyspiritualman,unlessthoudostfirstwithdrawthyselffromtheloveofthyself.Jacobbecamelameofonefootinhisstrugglewiththeangel,whilsttheotherremainedwellandsound.Bythesetwofeetwemayfigurativelyunderstandatwo-foldlove,theloveofselfandtheloveofGod;amanbecomesapartakerofthedivineblessing,whenhebecomesdisabledinthatonefoot,thatis,whentheloveofselfisdestroyed;whiletheotherfootremainssoundandwhole,thatis,whiletheloveofGodabidesinhisheart.Itisimpossiblefortheetolookuptotheskyanddowntothegroundwiththesameeyeatthesametime;sonoonecanwiththesamewilllovehimselfinordinatelyandGodatthesametime.Loveisthehighestgoodofthesoul;itmustthereforeberenderedasagratefultributetotheHighestGood,thatis,toGod.

ThyloveisthyGod;thatis,whateverthoulovestmostdeeplythou

puttestintheplaceofGod.Whateverthoulovestbest,thoujudgesttobethebestandmostworthyoflove.ButGodisreallythehighestBeing.Hewholoveshimselfthereforemakesagodofhimself,putsselfintheplaceofGod,whichistheworstformofidolatry.Whatthoulovestmostistotheeanendofallthings,andtheultimatefruitionofalldesires.ButGodaloneisthebeginningandtheendtoallcreatedthings.HeHimselfisthefirstandthelast(Is.xliv.6).Healonesatisfiesthedesiresofourhearts,andnomerecreaturewhatsoevercanfullysatisfythem.ThououghtestthereforetoprefertheloveofGodtotheloveofself.“GodistheBeginningandtheEnding”(Rev.i.8);henceourloveoughttobeginandendinHim.TheessenceofGodisapartfromandbeyondallcreatures;asfromalleternityHehasbeenGodinHimselfalone;withdrawthylovethenfromallcreaturesandfixituponGod.Asthyloveis,sowillthydeedsbe.IfthydeedsareinspiredbyatruefaithinGodandloveforHim,theyarepleasingtoGodandofgreataccountinHiseyes,howeverinsignificanttheymaybeintheeyesofmen.Ifontheotherhandtheyareinspiredbyself-love,theynevercanbepleasingtoGod.Loveofselfwillmarthemostexcellentworksthoucanstperform.WhenChristwasinthehouseofSimon(Matt.xxvi.6),acertainwomanbrokeaboxofpreciousointmentandanointedtheheadofChrist.Theactseemedsmallandinsignificant,andyetitwaspleasingtoChrist,becauseitproceededfromtruefaith,purelove,andsincerecontrition.SacrificeswerepleasingtoGodundertheOldTestamentdispensation;andyetGodwasgreatlydispleasedthatSaul(1Sam.xv.19)setapartthespoiltakenfromtheAmalekitestobeofferedinsacrifice,becausehedidnotdothisoutofpureloveforGod.IfhehadreallylovedGodhewouldnotdisobedientlyhavedespisedthecommandofGodtodevoteallthisspoiltodestruction.Helovedhimself,andthoughtmoreofhisdevotionsthanofhisGod.Loveisasortoffire;forthustheChurchprays,“Come,HolySpirit,kindletheflameofThyloveintheheartsofThyfaithfulpeople.”Akindledfireisnotcontenttolieupontheground,butthesparksalwaysflyupwards.Sothyloveoughtnottorestinthyselfandterminatethere,butitoughttowingitselfupwardtoGod.

Todenyone’sselfis,moreover,torenounceone’sownhonor.Butourhighesthonoroughttobeconnectedwiththehighestgoodalone,and

Godisthathighestgood.IfweseekourownglorywecannotseekGod’sglory,astheSavioursaidtothePharisees,“Howcanyebelieve,whichreceivehonoroneofanother”(Johnv.44)?BeholdtheexampleofChrist,andfollowthat;HefrequentlydeclaresofHimselfthatHeseeksnotHisownglory(Johnviii.50),thatHereceivesnothonorofmen(Johnv.41),thatHeislowlyinheart(Matt.xi.29).ThoureceivestallfromGod,renderinreturnalltoHim.Allthestreamsofblessingweenjoyflowfromthefountainofdivinegoodness;henceallthegoodwehaveoughttobebornebackagainintothatoceanofdivinelove.Thesunflowerissaidtobealwaysturningitselftowardthesunfromwhichitdrawsitslifeandnourishment.Sodothou,withallthygiftsandallthyhonor,keepalwaysturningthyselftoGod,andgivenohonortothyself.Ifthouhadstanythingofthyselfthenthoumightestseekthineownhonor,andbestowthygiftsuponthyself;butsinceallthouhastcomethfromGod,thoushouldstseeknotthineownhonor,butHis.TohonorthyselfturnstheeawayfromGod.Nebuchadnezzerisanexampleofthiswhenhesaid,“IsnotthisgreatBabylon,thatIhavebuiltforthehouseofthekingdombythemightofmypower,andforthehonorofmymajesty”(Dan.iv.30)?Butwhatfollows?“WhilethewordwasintheKing’smouth,therefellavoicefromheavensaying,OkingNebuchadnezzar,totheeitisspoken;thekingdomisdepartedfromthee.Andtheyshalldrivetheefrommen,andthydwellingshallbewiththebeastsofthefield”(Dan.iv.31,32).Soifthougloriestinthygoodworksastheproductofthineownhonorandpride,andgivestnotthegloryofthemtoGodalone,HewillcasttheeawayfromHispresenceforever.

Finallytodenyone’sselfistorenounceone’sownwill.Weoughtalwaysobeythatwillwhichissupremestandbest,andthatisGod’s.WeoughttoobeyHiswillfromwhomwereceiveallthings(1Cor.iv.7);butallthingscomedowntousfromGod.Weoughttoobeyhiswillwhoalwaysleadsusinthewayoflifeandgoodness;butitisGod’swillthatalwayssoleadsus.“DelightthyselfalsointheLord,andHeshallgivetheethedesiresofthineheart”(Ps.xxxvii.4).Ourownwillleadsustodeathandcondemnation.HowdidourfirstparentsfallfromthegraceofGodandtheirholyestateintoeternalcondemnation?DisregardingGod’swilltheyfollowedtheirown,disobeyedGod’scommand,andgaveheedto

thedevil’scounsel.HencethetruediscipleofChrist,renouncinghisownwill,desirestofollowthatofGod.BeholdChrist,thySaviour;intheagonyofHisawfulpassionHelaysHisownwillonthealtarasamostpleasingsacrificeuntoGod;andsodothouofferupthineownwilluntoGod,andthoushaltindeedaccomplishthatwhichChristrequiresoftheeasadisciple,thedenialofthineownself.

MayThyholywill,OLord,bedoneonearthasitisinheaven.

MEDITATIONXXXII.TRUEPEACEOFSOUL.

TheMindthatRestsintheLordisatPeace.

THEsouloftenseeksrestandpeaceintransitoryandworldlythings,butfindsthemnot.Andwhy?Becausethesoulisoffarmoreworththanallcreatedthings;itcannotthereforefindtherestandpeaceitseeksinthesemeanerobjects.Allthingsofeartharefleetingandtransitory;butthesoulisimmortal;howthencanitfindpeaceinthese?Alltheseareoftheearthearthy,butoursoulsareofheavenlyorigin,howthencouldthesesatisfyitsholydesires?InChristaloneitfindsthepeaceitseeks(Matt.xi.29);Heonlycansatisfyandfullymeetitsimmortaldesires.AgainsttheholywrathofGod,itquietlyrestsinthewoundsofChristtheSaviour;againsttheaccusationsofSataninthealmightypowerofChrist;againsttheterrorsofthelawinthegospelofChrist;againstheraccusingsinsinthepreciousbloodofChrist,thatspeakethbetterthingsinthepresenceofGodthanthebloodofAbel(Heb.xii.24);againstthefearofdeathitreposesinjoyfulconfidenceintheintercessionofChristattherighthandoftheFatherabove.AndsofaithfindsrestinChrist;butourlovealsofindsthereitsmostblessedrepose.Ifwesetourheartsuponearthlythings,weshallnothavethistruepeace,becausetheseearthlythingsthemselvesdonothaveit,norcantheypossiblysatisfythelongingsofthesoul,becausetheyarefinite,whilstoursouls,madeintheimageofGod,ardentlylongforthatInfiniteGood,inwhomallgoodthingsare.AsthenourfaithoughttorelyuponnothingiualltheworldbutthemeritofChristalone,soalsoourloveshouldbesetuponnoearthlyobject,notevenuponourselves.TheloveofselfhinderstheloveofGod,andweoughttopreferthatlovetoallthingselse.OursoulisthebrideofChrist(2Cor.xi.2);itoughtthentoclingtoHimalone.OursoulisthetempleofGod(1Cor.iii.16),andhenceitoughttobethedwelling-

placeofGodalone.

Manyseekforrestofsoulinearthlyriches,butoutofChristitcannotbefound;whereChristis,thereispovertyifnotinoutwardreality,atleastinspiritandfeeling.Whenonearth,theLordofheavenandearthdidnothavewheretolayHishead(Matt.viii.20);andthusHewouldcommendandconsecratethelifeofpovertywemaybecalledupontolead.Richesaresomethingexternaltous;butthesoulcanlookfortruepeaceonlywithinitself.Andinthehourofdeathwhenallearthlythingsmustbegivenup,towhomwillthysoulthencling?Eitherrichesdesertusorwethem;frequentlythisoccursinlife,andalwaysatdeath.Wherethenwillthysoulfiudthepeaceandrestforwhichitlongs?

Manyhopetofindrestinpleasure.Nowpleasuremayaffordacertainrestandjoytothebodyforawhile,butnottothesoul,andatthelastitisalwaysattendedbypainandgrief.Pleasurehasrespecttothislife;butthesoulisnotcreatedforthislifealone,sinceatdeathitisobligedtoleaveitforanotherlife;howthencanitfindtruerestinpleasure?OutofChristthoucanstfindnotruepeaceforthysoul.ButwhatwasthelifeofChristinthisrespect?AllHislifefromHisbirthtoHisdeathwasoneofdeepestsorrow.SoHe,whocouldrightlyestimatethevalueofallearthlythings,wouldteachushowtoregardpleasure.

Manyseekrestinworldlyhonors.Butmiserableindeedaretheywhoaredependentforhonorupontheficklewindsofpopularfavor.Honorisanexternalandshort-livedgood.Butagainthatwhichoughttoaffordrestofsoulmustbewithin-us.Whatmorecanstthousayofhumanpraiseandhonor,thanhasbeensaidofthatfamouspictureofApelles,theGrecianpainter?Considerthelittlecorneroftheworldinwhichthouarthid;whatproportionitbearstothewholeprovinceinwhichthoudwellest,tothewholeofEurope,tothewholeroundworld.Thatonlyistruehonor,whichGodwillbyandbybestowuponHiselectchildren.Therestofanynaturalobjectisinitsend;nordoesitrestnaturallyuntilithasattaineditstrueendandplace.TheendofahumansoulisGod

Himself,sinceitiscreatedindeedinHisimage.Itcanneverthenbeatrestandpeace,exceptasitattainstheendofitsbeing,thatisGod.Asthelifeofthebodyisthesoul,sothelifeofthesoulisGod;asthereforethatsoultrulylivesinwhichGodgraciouslydwells,sothatsoulisspirituallydeadinwhichGoddwellsnot.Buthowcanthereberesttoadeadsoul?Thisfirstdeathinsinnecessarilyinvolvesthatseconddeathuntoeternaldamnation(Rev.xx.6).

Andsoitisthattheseevilswithouthimcannotpossiblydisturbtherestofsoulwhichhepossesses,whoseheartisfirmlyfixeduponGod,andwhoenjoysHisblesseddivineconsolations.Insorrowheisjoyful;inpovertyheisrich;inthetribulationsofthisworldheissecure;inallthestormsandcommotionsofthislifeheistranquil;amidsttheabusesandinsultsofwickedmenheispeaceful;andinthehourofdeathitselfhelives.Heregardsnotthethreatsoftyrants,becauseinhisheartheexperiencestherichconsolationsofAlmightyGod.Inadversityheisnotcastdownwithsorrow,becausetheHolySpiritinwardlysupportsandcomfortshim.Heisnotdistressedbecausepoorinthisworld’sgoods,forheisrichinthegoodnessofGod.Heisnotdisturbedbytheinsultsofmen,becausehisheartrejoicesinthehonorsGodheapsuponhim.Hecaresnotforthepleasuresofsense,becausehehasfargreaterjoyintheministriesoftheblessedSpirit.Heseeksnotworldlyfriendships,becauseherejoicesinthefriendshipofGodreconciledtohimthroughthebloodofHisSon.Hecovetsnotthetreasuresofearth,becausehehasatreasurelaidupinheavenofpricelessvalue.Hefearsnotdeath,becauseheeverlivesinGod.Hedoesnotgreatlydesireworldlywisdom,becausehehastheHolySpirit(1Johnii.20)dwellingwithinhim,teachinghim,whoseperfectteachingdoesawaywiththemoreimperfect(1Cor.xiii.10).Hehasnofearoflightningsandtempests,offireandflood,ofdirefulconfigurationsoftheplanets,andeclipsesoftheheavenlyluminaries,becauseexaltedaboveallthepowersandforcesofnaturehereposescalmlyinChristbyfaith,andlivesinholyunionwithHim.Heisnotledastraybytheallurementsoftheworld,becausedeepinhissoulhehearsthefarsweetervoiceofChrist.Hefearsnotthepowerofthedevil,becauseheissensibleofGod’sforbearancetowardhim.Christwholivesinhimandistheall-powerfulconquerorisstrongerfarthanthedevil,

whobusieshimselfinvaintoconquerhim.Heyieldsnottotheenticementsoftheflesh,becauselivingintheSpiritofGodheexperiencestherichesofHisgrace,whosequickeningpowercrucifiesandputstodeaththesinfulflesh(Gal.v.24).HefeelsnodreadoftheaccusationsofSatanatthelastday,becauseheisassuredoftheintercessionsofChristinhisbehalf.

AndnowmayHe,whoistheonlyauthorandgiverofthistruerest,ourLordJesusChrist,Godoverall,blessedforevermore,grantituntooursouls!

MEDITATIONXXXIII.PURITYOFCONSCIENCE.

AConsciencevoidofoffenceislighttotheSoul.

Inallthoudoest,guardcarefullythyconscience.Ifthedevilincitestheetothecommissionofanysin,honoritsjudgment.Ifthoufearesttosininthepresenceofthyfellow-men,muchmoreshouldthineownconsciencerestraintheefromsinning.Thisinwardwitnessagainsttheeisofmoreforcethananyoutwardtestimony.Althoughthysinsmayescapethenotice.andcondemnationofmen,yetthounevercanstescapetheinwardtestimonyofthyconscience.Thyconsciencewillbeoneofthosebooks,ofwhichRevelationspeaks,thataretobeopenedatthegreatjudgmentday(Rev.x.12,15).ThefirstbookisthatofDivineOmniscience,inwhichshallplainlyappearthedeeds,thewords,thethoughtsofallmenofalltimesandallclimes.ThesecondbookisChristHimself,theBookofLife;andwhosoever,bytruefaith,isfoundwritteninthisbookshallbeconductedbytheholyangelsintotheheavenlyassembly.TheHolyScripturesarethethirdbook,accordingtowhichourfaithandworksshallbejudged.“ThewordthatIhavespoken,thesameshalljudgehiminthelastday”(Johnxii.48),saysourSaviour.Thefourthbookcontainstheexternaltestimonyofthepoorwhomwemayhaveaided,whointhedayofjudgmentshallreceiveusintoeverlastinghabitations(Lukexvi.9).Thefifthbookcontainstheinternaltestimonyofconscience,inwhicharewrittenalloursins.Alargevolumeisconscience,andinitallourdeedshavebeeninscribedwiththepenoftruth.Thewickedcannotdenytheirsinsinthejudgment,becausetheywillbeconvictedbythetestimonyoftheirownconsciences.Norwilltheybeabletoescapetheaccusationoftheirownsins,becausethejudgment-seatofconscienceiswithinthem,intheprivacyoftheirownbeing,whichtheycannotevade.

Apureconscienceisasashiningmirror,inwhichonebeholdshimselfandGod.ButifthesightbedimmeditcannotseethesplendoroftheTrueLight.HenceourSavioursays,“Blessedarethepureinheart,fortheyshallseeGod”(Matt.v.8).Wetakedelightinapureandbeautifulface,andsoapureandguiltlessconscienceispleasingintheeyesofGod;butacorruptedconsciencebringsforth“thewormthatdiethnot.”This“wormofconscience”weoughttoperceiveanddestroyinthislife,andnotnourishit,throughoursins,intoimmortality.

Tocorrectthisbookofconsciencealltheothershavebeendevised.Ofwhatavailwillsuperiorknowledgebetous,ifourconscienceisimpure?Notoutofthebookofknowledge,butoutofthatofconscience,thouwiltonedaybejudgedbeforeGod’sthrone.Ifthouwouldstwritethisbookcorrectly,writeitafterthepatternoftheBookofLife,andthatisChristJesusHimself.LetthyprofessionoffaithbeconformedtoChrist’sruleofdoctrine,andthewholecourseofthylifetoHisruleoflife.Thouwilthaveagoodconscience,ifthouartpureinheart,trueinword,honestindeed.Usethyconscienceasalighttodirecttheeinallthydeeds;foritwilltrulyshowtheewhatthououghtesttodoandwhatthououghtestnottodo.Avoidatrialatthebarofthineownconscience;forherethoumustappearatthesametimeasdefendantandplaintiff,aswitnessandjudge,asthetorturer,astheprison,asthescourge,astheexecutor,asthehangman.Prayhowcanstthouescape,whenthineownconscienceistheaccusingwitnessagainstthee,andnothingcanbeconcealedfromHimwhojudgesthee?Whatprofitsitthoughallmenpraisethee,ifthyconscienceaccusesthee?And,ontheotherhand,whatcanpossiblyprejudicethycaseifthouhastthetestimonyofagoodconscience?Thisonejudgealoneissufficienttoaccuse,tojudge,tocondemneverysingleindividual.Thisjudgeisimpartial,andcannotbeturnedasidebyentreatiesnorbribedwithgifts.Whithersoeverthougoest,whereverthouart,thoubearestthyconsciencewiththee,anditcarefullyguardswhateverthoucommittesttoitskeeping,whetheritbegoodorbad.Whatitthusreceivesitpreservesfortheewhileliving,andfaithfullyrestorestotheewhenthouartdead.Trulyaman’sfoesarethoseofhisown

household(Matt.x.36);sointhineownpersonalhouse,andfromthineownpersonalfamily,thouhastthineownaccusers,thineownspiesuponthyconduct,thineowntorturersforthineevildeeds.Whatcanitprofittheetoliveinplentyandaffluence,ifthouarttorturedwiththescourgeofthineownevilconscience?Thespringsofhumanhappinessandmiseryareinthesoulitself.Whatgooddoesitdooneburningwithfevertolieonagoldenbed?Whatjoycantreasuresofexternalhappinessaffordtoonewhoistormentedbytheflamesofaguiltyconscience?

Asthoucarestforthineeternalsalvation,soguardthyconscience;forifagoodconscienceislost,faithisalsolost;andfaithlostmeansthegraceofGodlost;andthegraceofGodlost,howcanstthouhopeforeternallife?AccordingtothetestimonyofthyconsciencethoumaystlookforthejudgmentofChrist.Sinnersshallbecometheirownaccusers;nooneneedbringachargeagainstthem.Justasadrunkardwhilefillinghimselfwithwineisnotsensibleofitsevileffects,butwhenheawakesfromhisdrunkenstuporsuffersthemiseriesofhisdebauch;sowhilesinisbeingcommitteditdarkensthemindandcloudsthebetterjudgment;butwhenconscienceisatlastarousedittormentsusmoreseverelythananyotheraccuserpossiblycould.Therearethreejudgments;theworld’s,thineown,andGod’sjudgment.ButasthoucanstnotescapethineownjudgmentsothoucanstnotthatofGod,althoughthoumaystattimesavoidtheworld’sjudgment.Themostmassivewallscannothinderthiswitnessbeholdingallthydeeds.Whatexcusecanstthouofferinthydefense,whenthyconsciencewithintheecondemnsthee?

Aquietconscienceistheverybeginningofeternallife;thouwiltmoretrulyrejoiceinthehardshipsoflifewithagoodconsciencethanamidstallitspleasureswithaguiltyone.Againstallthemaliceofwickedmenthoucanstappealtoaconsciencevoidofoffense.Questionthyselfcloselyconcerningthyself,becausethouknowestthyselffarbetterthananyoneelseknowsthee.Atthelastjudgmentwhatwillalltheinsincerepraisesofothersprofitthee,orhowwillalltheirfalsedetractionsharmthee?ThouwiltthenstandorfallbythejudgmentofGodandofthyself,andnotonthetestimonyofothers.Conscienceneverdies,asthesoulneverdies.So

longasthelostsufferthetormentsofhell,solongshalltheaccusationsofaguiltyconsciencecontinue.Materialfirecannotsoseverelyafflictthebodyastheflamesofaguiltyconsciencecantorturethesoul.Eternalisthesoulwhichburnsinthefiresofhell,andeternalisthefireofconsciencewhichburnsinthesoul.Noscourgecanfalluponthebodywithsuchawfulseverityasthelashesofaguiltyconscienceuponalostsoul.Thereforefleetheguiltofsin,thatthoumaystescapethetormentsofconscience.Erase,bysincererepentance,thysinsfromthebookofconscience,lesttheybereadagainsttheeinthedreadfuldayofjudgment,andinhorrorthouhearestthevoiceofGodpronouncethydoom.Bythefervorofthydevotiondestroythewormofconscience,lestitshorriblestingtormenttheeforeverandever.Bythypenitentialtearsextinguishtheflamesofaguiltyconscience,thatthoumaystenjoythedelightsofheavenlyconsolation.

OLordJesus,grantthatwemayfightthegoodfight(2Tim.iv.7),holdingfaithandagoodconscience,sothatatlastwemayreachourheavenlyfatherlandinsafetyandinpeace!

MEDITATIONXXXIV.THECULTIVATIONOFTRUEHUMILITY.

WhatisMan?WhatisaBubble?TheyarealikeNothing.

CONSIDER,Ofaithfulsoul,thelowlyconditionofman,andthouwiltthemoreeasilyavoidalltemptationtopride.Heenterstheworldasahelplessinfant;hispassagethroughitisattendedwithconstantmiseries,andheleavesitintears.Allhislifelong,heisassaultedbyevilspirits,assailedbytemptations,alluredbyworldlypleasures,castdownbytribulations,robbedofhisvirtues,andentangledinthemeshesofevilhabits.Whythenshouldhebeproud,sinceheisbutdustandashes?Whatwasthybodybeforethybirth?Merelyacorruptseed.Whatisitinlife?Alivingmassofcorruption.Andwhatwillitbeafterdeath?It.willsimplyserveasarepastforworms.Ifthereisanythinggoodinthee,itisnotthineown,butofGod.Nothingisthineownbutthysins;ofallthatisinthee,then,theseareallthoucanstclaim.Foolishandfaithlessisthatservantwhowouldpersonallypridehimselfuponwhatbelongstohismaster.

Consider,Oman,theexampleofChrist.AllthegloryofheavenwasatHiscommand,naymore,HeHimselfaloneistrueGlory,andyetHecastsawayfromHimselfallworldlygloryasworthless.AndthenHesays:“LearnofMe,forIammeekandlowlyinheart”(Matt.xi.29).HewhotrulylovesChristwillimitateHim;andifChristbeprecioustoHim,sowillHishumilityalso.LettheproudandhaughtyservantblushinconfusionwhenheconsidersthattheLordofgloryissohumble.OurSaviourcallsHimself“TheLilyoftheValley”(Cant.ii.1);andHeseems

tousethisfigurebecauseHe,thenoblestofflowers,growsandflourishes,notontheloftymountain-tops,thatis,inheartsliftedupwithpride,butinthehumblervales,thatis,inthelowlyandcontritemindsofthegodly.FortrulythehumblesoulistheseatandcouchofChrist,whereHedelightstomakeHisabode,asSt.Augustineputsit.Truegracedoesnotmakeoneproud,buthumble.ThouartnotyetapartakerofthetruegraceofGod,ifthouwalkestnotinhumilityofheart.Thestreamsofdivinegraceflowdownwards,notupwards.Asnature’sstreamsseekthelowlands,sothoseofdivinegraceflowdownintolowlyhearts.ThePsalmistsays:TheLordourGoddwellethonhigh,andbeholdeththehumblethingsinheavenandonearth(Ps.cxiii.5,6).ItisindeedwonderfulthatwecanapproachGod,thehighestandgreatestofallbeings,onlyinanhumblespirit.Hewhoislowlyinhisowneyes,isgreatinGod’ssight;hewhoisdispleasingtohimself,ispleasingtoGod.OutofnothingGodcreatedtheheavensandtheearth.Asitwasinman’screation,soitisinhisregeneration;Hecreateshimoutofnothing(Heb.xi.3);Here-createshimoutofnothing.ThatthoumayestthereforebecomeapartakerofGod’sgraceinregenerationandrenewal,benothinginthineowneyes,givenohonortothyself,claimnothingforthyself.Weareallweakandfrail,butjudgenoonemoresothanthyself.Itwilldotheenoharm,inextremehumility,tojudgethyselfweakerandmoreinsignificantthanallothers;butitwillharmthee,toregardthyselfinself-sufficientprideassuperiortoanyoneelse.Thefourandtwentyelders,thatis,thewholetriumphantChurchofGod,casttheircrownsbeforethethrone(Rev.iv.4,10),andascriberighteousnessandglorytoGod.Whatthenshallapoorunworthysinnerdo?Theseraphimandholyangelsveiltheirfacesinthepresenceofthedivinemajesty(Is.vi.2);whatthenshallwedo,creaturessosinful,sounworthy,andsodispleasinginamultitudeofwaystoourCreator?ChristthetrueandonlybegottenSonofGod,inamarvelousdisplayofhumility,descendedfromheavenandtookuponHimselfourfrailhumannature,“andbeingfoundinfashionasaman,HehumbledHimself,andbecameobedientuntodeath,eventhedeathofthecross”(Phil.ii.8).Oh,whatthenshallwedotoexhibitourhumility,whohavegonesofarastrayfromGodthroughoursinsandiniquities?

Behold,Ofaithfulsoul,howthySaviourhathrebukedthypride,bythatstupendousexhibitionofhumility!Andinthefaceofthiswouldstthoustillliftupthysoulwithpride?ChristenteredintoHisglorybythelowlypathofHisbitterpassion(Lukexxiv.26),anddostthouthinkthatthoucanstenterintothatheavenlyglorybythehighwayofpride?Thedevilwascastoutofthekingdomofheavenforhispride,anddostthou,whenthouartnotyetinthatworldofglory,striveafteritinprideandhaughtinessofspirit?Adamforhispridewasdrivenoutofparadise(Gen.iii.24);anddostthouthinktoentertheheavenlyparadisebywayofthesamepride?Letusratherdesiretotaketheservant’splacewithChrist,andevenwashthefeetofothers,asHedid,thantolivealifeofworldlyhonorincompanywithSatan.Letus;humbleourselvesinthislifethatwemaybeexaltedinthelifethatistocome.Everconsider,Ofaithfulsoul,notwhatthouhast,butwhatthoulackest.Farrathergrieveforthevirtueswhichthouhastnot,thangloryoverthosewhichthouhast.Ratherconcealthyvirtues,andmakeknownthysins,forindeeditistobefearedthatifthoudostopenlyboastofthytreasureofgoodworks,thedevilmayrobtheeofitthroughthypride.Thoucanstpreserveburningcoalsbycoveringthemoverwithashes.AndsothefireofourlovetoGodisnevermoresecurelyguardedthanwhenitisburiedundertheashesoftruehumility.Prideistheseedofallsin.Takegoodheedthenthatthouexaltnotthyself,lestthoufallheadlongintoadarkabyssofsin.Aproudheartisamostdelightfulretreatforthedevil;bewarethenofpridelestthroughitthoushouldstputthypoorsoulunderbondagetohim.Prideisascorchingwinddryingupthefountainsofdivinegraceintheheart;bewarethenofliftingupthyselfwithpride,lestthoudeprivethyselfoftheinfluencesofGod’sgrace.

OblessedChrist,doThougraciouslyhealtheswellingprideofourhearts.MaywerestourhopesofeternallifeonthemeritofThyholyhumility!Maythathumilitybethepatternofourlives!MayourfaithmorefirmlylayholdofThyhumility,andourlivesbeeverfashionedafterThylowlylife!

MEDITATIONXXXV.AVOIDINGAVARICE.

WhoisaReallyPoorMan?TheAvariciousMan.

Aswelovethesalvationofoursouls,weoughttohatethesinofavarice.Theavariciousmanisthepoorestofallmen,becausewhathehasfailshimasmuchaswhathehasnot.Heisthemostdistressedofall,becauseheisgoodtonoone,andworsttowardshimself.Thebeginningofallsinispride;therootofallevilisavarice(1Tim.vi.10).PridedrawsthesoulawayfromGod;avariceturnsittocreatedthings.Richesareacquiredbythesweatofthebrow;theyareheldinpossessioninconstantfear;causebitterpainiflost;andwhatisworsethanall,thelaborsofavariciousmenwillnotonlyperish,buttheyaredeadlyintheireffectsupontheirsouls.Richeswilleitherdeserttheeorthouthem.If,therefore,thyhopeisplacedinriches,whatwillbecomeofthathopeinthehourofdeath?HowwiltthoutrustthineimmortalsoultoGod,ifthoudostnottrustthecareofthybodytoHimnow?ThouartanobjectofcaretoAlmightyGod,whydostthoudoubtHispowertosustainthee?ThouartanobjectofcaretotheAll-wiseGod;whydostthoudoubtHiswillingnesstosustainthee?ThouartanobjectofcaretothemostbountifulGod;whyagaindostthoudoubtwhetherHeiswillingtosustainthee?ThouhastthesolemnpledgeofChrist,theLordofallthingsinheavenandonearth,thatifwe“seekfirstthekingdomofGodandHisrighteousness,allthesethingsshallbeaddeduntous”(Matt.vi.33).TrustthispromiseofChrist,itwillnotfail;forHeis“theTruth”(Johnxiv.6).Avariceistheheightofidolatry(Col.iii.5),becauseitputsthecreatureintheplaceofGodtheCreator.TheavariciousmantransferstheconfidencethatheoughttoreposeinGodtothethingsofearth,theworkofHishands.WhateverislovedmorethanGodispreferredtoGod,andishenceputintheplaceofGod.Esausoldhisbirthrightforamessofpottage(Gen.xxv.33).And

thusmany,forthesakeofmeretemporalgood,willpartwiththeirheavenlyinheritancebestoweduponthembyChristHimself.JudassoldhisLordforthirtypiecesofsilver(Matt.xxvi.15);andtheavariciouslikewisesellthegraceofChristforearthlyriches.Howcanonefillinghimselfdailywithswine’shusksaspiretothekingdomofheaven?HowcanoneliftuphishearttoGod,whoseekspeaceofsoulintherichesofthisworld?

Christ,theTruth,saysthatrichesareasthorns(Matt.xiii.22),andhencehewholovesricheslovesthorns.Othesethorns,inhowmanysoulsdotheychokethegoodseed!Asthethornsspringupandhinderthegrowthofthegoodseedsown,sodoestheanxietyforricheshinderthespiritualfruitoftheWord.Asthornspiercethebody,sorichesdistractthemindwithcares.Thoutoowiltperish,ifthougatheresttogetheronlysuchtreasuresaswillperish.Thosewholayuptreasuresupontheeartharelikepeoplewhostoretheirfruitsiudampplacesunderground,forgettingthattheretheywillmostquicklydecay.Howfoolisharetheywhoseonlydesiresareforworldlyriches!Howcananymaterialobjectsatisfythesoul,whichisspiritualinitsnature,sinceratherthespiritualnature,bytheverylawofitsownbeing,bearssucharelationtomaterialobjectsthatitnevercouldbesatisfiedwithanyquantityofthem?Thysoulwascreatedforeternity;thouwouldstdoitaninjurythen,ifthoushouldstconfineitsdesirestoobjectsthataretemporalandtransientincharacter.ThemorethysoulrisesinitslovetoGod,thelesswillitloveriches.

“Thefowlsoftheairsownot,neitherdotheyreap”(Matt.vi.26);inthecaseoftheselowercreaturesofGod’shands,italmostseemsasifthenearertheskytheydwell,thelessdotheydesire,andthelessdotheylayup.Itisagoodindicationthatoursoulsarefixingtheiraffectionsonthingsabove,whenwelightlyvalueanddespisetheperishingthingsofearth.Miceandreptilesgatherinholesandcavesoftheearth,becausetheyareofalowerorderofnaturethanthebirdsoftheair.AnditisacertainsignthatoursoulshaveforsakenGodandarefixeduponearthlythings,ifweloverichesinordinately.Godhathgiventheethysoul,and

canstthounotcommitthecareofthybodytoHim?Godfeedsthefowlsoftheair,anddostthoudoubtHiswillingnesstosustaintheewhoartmadeinHisownimage?Godclothestheliliesofthefield,anddostthoudoubtthatHewillalsoclothethee?Weoughttobeashamedthat,withfaithandreason,wecannotexercisethesametrustfuldependenceuponGodthatthebirdsdo,withonlynaturalinstinct.Theysownot,neitherdotheyreap,butwithaninstinctivetrustcommitthecareoftheirlittlebodiestoGod.

ButanavariciousmanwillnottrustthewordoftheMostHighGod,tillhehimselfseeswhencehisdailybreadiscoming.Thisisveryunreasonableinhim,becausehebroughtnothingwithhimintotheworld;andyetheisbentupontheacquisitionofworldlyriches,asthoughhewouldcarrywithhimoutofthisworldasmuchashepossiblycouldlayholdof.Theavariciousmanismostungrateful,becauseheenjoyssomanyofGod’sblessedgifts,andyetnevergratefullyandtrustfullyturnshishearttotheGiverofallthese.Heisamoststupidlyfoolishman,becauseheforsakesGod,theonlytrueGood,andsetshisheartuponthosethingswhich,withoutthegraceofGod,cannotpossiblybegood.Hewhoseheartisboundupintheseearthlythingsdoesnotreallypossessthem,butispossessedbythem.

Thespiritofavariceisnotdestroyedeitherbyplentyorwant.Direwantdiminishesitnot,fortheinabilitytoobtainwhathewantsmerelywhetsthedesireoftheavariciousman.Neitherdoesanabundanceofthisworld’sgoodsdiminishit;forthemoretheavariciousmanobtainsthemorehewants.Assoonasonedesireisgratifiedothersimmediatelyspringup,justasthemorewoodyouheaponafirethemorefiercelyitburns.Avariciousnessislikeamountaintorrent,verysmallinitsbeginning,butenlargingandgatheringnewforceasitrollsdownthemountainside.Setduebounds,therefore,tothydesireforwealth,lestitdragtheedownintoeternalperdition.Manygreedilydevourinthislifewhattheymustafterwardsdigestinhell.Andmanyothers,whiletheyarestillthirstingforfilthylucre,runheadlongintoinstantdestruction.

Asthouconsiderestthesethings,Odevoutsoul,avoid,asmuchasthoupossiblycanst,anavariciousspirit.Nothingofallthyworldlystorecanstthoucarrywiththeetothejudgment-barofGod,exceptwhatthouhastgivenawaytothepoor.Withholdnotthyfrailandperishinggoodsfromthepoor,forwhomtheblessedChristrefusednottogiveHislife.Givetothepoor,thatthoumayestgivetothyself;forwhatthouhastnotthusgiveninChristiancharityanotherwillhave.FartooavariciousisthatmanforwhomtheLordHimselfsufficesnot;norhasheasurehopeofheaven,whosohighlyvaluestheperishingthingsofearth.Howcanhelaydownhislifeforhisbrother(1Johniii.16),whodenieshisbrotherthelittletemporalgiftshebegsofhim?Whatweplaceinthehandsofapoormanwereallylayupasatreasureinheaven,thatitperishnotontheearth.WouldstthouofferapleasingservicetoChristthySaviour?Showkindnesstothepoor.WhatwedotothemembersofHismysticalbody,ChristreceivesasdonetoHimself(Matt.xxv.40).Christissayingtothee:“GivetoMeofthatwhichIhavegivenofMyselftothee;dogoodwiththegoodthouhast,thatthoumayestbringmoregoodtothyself.Givebountifullyofthineearthlypossessionsthatthoumayestmoretrulypreservethem;forbyhoardingthemasamiserthouwiltreallylosethem.”HeednowthewarningofChrist,thatthoumayestnotbeobligedtohearHimsayingtotheeatthejudgment:“DepartfromMe,yecursed,intoeverlastingfire;***forIwasanhungered,andyegaveMenomeat”(Mattxxv.41,42).Thegivingofalmsislikesowinggoodseed;andifthousowestsparingly,thoushaltreapalsosparingly;ifthousowestbountifully,thoushaltreapalsobountifully(1Cor.ix.6;Gal.vi.8).IfthouwouldstbeamongthoseontherighthandofthyLordonthatgreatday,showthekindlyspiritHecommendsinthem.LetthesadfateofthoseonHislefthandstrikefearintothyheart,becausetheyaretherenotfordoingevilsomuchasfornotdoinggood.

OGod,“inclinemyheartuntoThytestimonies,andnottocovetousness”(Ps.cxix.36)!

MEDITATIONXXXVI.TRUECHARITY.

LoveistheSealoftheSaint!

TRUEandsincereloveisanunfailingcharacteristicofthegodlysoul.ThereisnoChristianwithoutfaith,andnofaithwithoutlove.Whentheheartglowsnotwithlove,therecanbenotrueandferventfaith.Thoucanstjustaseasilyrobthesunofitslightasseparatelovefromfaith.LoveisanexternalexhibitionoftherealinwardlifeoftheChristian.Thebodywithoutbreathisdead,andsofaithwithoutloveisdead(Jamesii.26).“NowifanymanhavenotthespiritofChrist,heisnoneofHis”(Rom.viii.9).Andthemanwhoexercisesnotthegiftoflove,hasnotthespiritofChrist,forthefruitofthespiritislove(Gal.v.22).Agoodtreeisknownbyitsfruits(Matt.vii.16).LoveisthebondofChristianperfectness(Col.iii.14).Asthemembersofthehumanbodyarejoinedtogetherinalivingorganismthroughthespirit,thatis,thesoul,soallthemembersofthemysticalbodyofChristareunitedbythebondoflovethroughtheHolySpirit.InSolomon’stempleallthingswithinandwithoutwereoverlaidwithpuregold;sointhespiritualtempleofGodallshouldbeadornedwithtruelove(1Kingsvi.21).Letlovemovethyhearttocompassionandthyhandstobountifulgifts;compassionaloneisnotenough,ifitbeunaccompaniedwiththegifts;norwillthegiftsalonedo,ifthyheartgonotwiththem.FaithreceivesallthingsfromGod;love,ontheotherhand,givesallitsowntoitsneighbor.Byfaithwearemadepartakersofthedivinenature(2Peteri.4),butGodislove(1Johniv.16).Letnoonethinkthenthattruefaithdwellsintheheart,whoselovedoesnotshowitselfinoutwardact.OnewhotrulybelievesinChristlovesHimalso,andthuslovingHim,hewilllovehisneighboraswell.Andifamanrefusetorenderdueandlovingservicetohisneighbor,heevidentlyhasnotyetlaidholdofChristintrueandheartyconfidence.Nodeedis

trulygoodthatdoesnotproceedfromfaith(Rom.xiv.23);norisittrulygoodifitdoesnotalsoproceedfromlove,forloveistherootofallvirtues,andthereisnogoodspiritualfruitbutthatwhichspringsfromthisrootoflove.Loveisthesoul’sspiritualrelish;italoneextractssweetnessoutofallthegood,allthearduous,alltheadverse,allthewearisomethingsofthislife.Itmakesdeathevenmostblessedlysweettothegodlysoul,“forloveisstrongasdeath”(Cant.viii.6),nay,evenstrongerthandeath,forloveledourLordJesusChristtodieforus.Aye,lovesoinspiresthesoulsofthepiousthattheydonothesitatetoyielduptheirlivesfortheloveofChrist.AllthatGoddoesHedoesoutoflove,evenwhenHepunishesHischildren,andsoallthattheChristiandoesheshoulddooutofaheartfilledwithlove.InalltheworksofHishandsGoddisplaystousHislove.Thesunandthestarsshinenotforthemselves,butforus;andtheherbsofthefielddonotpossessmedicinalpropertiesfortheirownsakes,butforus;theair,water,andallthebrutecreation,aresubservienttoman’shighestinterests.Gothouthenanddolikewiseinministeringtothyneighbor.

Thoughthouhastthegiftoftonguesyetwithoutloveitprofitstheenothing(1Cor.xiii.1),forthisgiftwithoutlovewillsimplypufftheeupwithpride,butloveedifies(1Cor.viii.1).Thegifttounderstandallmysterieswithoutloveprofitstheenothing(1Cor.xiii.2),forthesemysteriesareknowneventoSatan,butlovebelongsonlytothetrulypioussoul.Thoughthouhastallfaithtoremovemountains,yetwithoutlovethouartnothing(1Cor.xiii.2),forsuchfaithworksmiraclesbutisnotsaving.Loveissuperiortothegiftofworkingmiracles;fortheformeristheindubitablemarkofatrueChristian,whilethelatterisimpartedeventotheungodly.Andthoughthoubestowestallthygoodstofeedthepoor,yetwithoutloveitwillprofittheenothing(1Cor.xiii.3);fortheexternalactofcharityishypocriticaliftherebenottrueloveintheheart.Riversofbenevolenceprofitnothingiftneydonothavetheirriseinthefountainoflove.“Lovesufferethlong”(1Cor.xiii.4),forwearenoteasilyangeredwiththosewhomwetrulylove.“Loveiskind”(1Cor.xiii.4),forifonehasalreadygivenhisownheart,theverybestgiftofhissoul,howcanherefusetheselesserexternalgifts?“Loveenviethnot”(1Cor.xiii.4),becauseitlooksuponanother’sgoodasitsown.“Lovevauntethnot

itself”(1Cor.xiii.4),fornooneeasilyinjuresonewhomhetrulyandheartilyloves.“Loveisnotpuffedup”(1Cor.xiii.4),becausebyloveweareallmademembersofonebody,butonememberdoesnotpreferitselftoanother.“Lovedothnotbehaveitselfunseemly”(1Cor.xiii.5),foronlyawrathfulmansoacts,whiletruelovecurbsourwrath.“Loveseekethnotherown”(1Cor.xiii.5),becauselovepreferstheobjectofitslovetoitself,andseeksitsadvantageratherthanitsown.“Loveisnoteasilyprovoked”(1Cor.xiii.5),forallangerspringsfrompride,whileloveinself-abasementcastsitselfdownbelowothers.“Lovethinkethnoevil”(1Cor.xiii.5),forifweareknowntohaveevildesignsagainstanyonewegivesureproofthatwedonotyetlovehim.“Loverejoicethnotininiquity”(1Cor.xiii.6),becauselovemakesthe[[@Page:208]]miseryofothersitsown.“Lovebearethallthings,believethallthings,hopethallthings,endurethallthings”(1Cor.xiii.7),forwhatlovedesiresforitselfitdoesnotrefusetoothers.“Loveneverfaileth;butwhethertherebeprophecies,theyshallfail;whethertherebetongues,theyshallcease;whethertherebeknowledge,itshallvanishaway”(1Cor.xiii.8),butanyimperfectionsthatinhereinitinthislifeshallallberemovedinthefuturelife,andthenitsveryperfectionsshallbeaugmented.Goddirectedthattwoaltarsshouldbeerectedintheancienttabernacle,andfirewascarriedfromtheouteraltartotheonewithin.Godhasalsoatwo-foldChurch,theChurchmilitantuponearth,andtheChurchtriumphantinheaven;andthefireoflovethatburnsonthealtaroftheChurchmilitantshallbyandbybetransferredtothealtaroftheChurchtriumphantabove.

Inviewofallthis,Odevoutsoul,striveafteraholylove;rememberthatwhoeverthyneighbormaybe,Christwaswillingtodieforhim(Rom.xiv.15).WhythenshouldstthourefusethylovetohimforwhomChristHimselfhesitatednottodie?IfthoutrulylovestGodthououghtestalsotoloveoneformedinHisimage.Weareallonespiritualbody(Eph.iv.4);letusthereforebeofonespiritualmind.Itisnotrightthatwewhoshallonedaylivetogetherinheaven,shouldliveatvariancewitheachotherhere.BeingofthesamemindinChrist,letusalsohavethesamewillinHim.WeareallservantsofthesameLord(Eph.iv.5);itisnotrightthenforustobeatvarianceamongourselves.Amemberofthebodywhichdoesnotparticipateinthesufferingofitsfellowmembermust

bedead;norletthatmanregardhimselfasatruememberofthemysticalbodyofChrist,whodoesnotsympathizewithanothersufferingmember.Thereis“oneGodandFatherofall”(Eph.iv.6),whomthoudostdailyaddressas“OurFather,”asChristhastaughtus(Matt.vi.9);nowhowwillHerecognizetheeasHisson,unlessthou,onthypart,dostrecognizeHissonsasthybrethren?LoveamancommendedtotheebyGodifheisworthy,onaccountofhisworth;butifheisunworthy,lovehimatanyrate,fortheveryreasonthatGodwhoclaimsthyobedienceisworthy.BylovingthineenemythouwiltshowthyselfafriendofGod.Regardnotwhatthemanmaydotothee,butwhatthouhastthusdonetoGod.Regardnottheinjuriesthatthineenemyinflictsuponthee,butratherkeepinmindtheblessingswhichHeconfersupontheewhobidstheelovethineenemy(Matt.v.44).Weareneighborshereonearthbyvirtueofourcommonhumanbirth;wearebrothersinthecommonpossessionofahopeoftheheavenlyinheritance.Letusthenloveoneanother.

Enkindleinourhearts,OGod,theflameoflove,bythyHolySpirit!

MEDITATIONXXXVII.CHASTITY.

Christ’sMindistheAbodeofPurity.

IFthouwouldstbeatruediscipleofChrist,thoushouldstcultivateaholychastity.God,thymostindulgentheavenlyFather,isofapureandholymind,andthououghtesttocalluponHimwithprayersthatcomefromapureheart.Acertainwiseman1saidthatchastityofbodyandpurityofspiritarethetwokeysofreligionandhappiness.Ifthebodyisnotkeptpureandchaste,itwillscarcelybepossibleforthesoultoglowwithaholyfervorinprayer.“OurbodyisthetempleoftheHolySpirit”(1Cor.vi.19).Wemustguarditthenwiththegreatestcare,sothatwedefilenotthisdwelling-placeoftheHolySpirit.“OurmembersarethemembersofChrist”(1Cor.vi.15);wemusttakegoodheed,then,thatwepollutenotthesemembersofChrist.LetusclinguntotheLordinfaithandpurity,thatwemaybeonespiritwithHim(1Cor.vi.17).TheSodomitesburningwithlustwerestruckbytheLordwithblindness(Gen.xix.11),apunishmentthatevidentlyaffectedbothbodyandsoul;andthesamepunishmentisstillmetedouttotheimpure.TheLordrainedbrimstoneandfireoutofheavenanddestroyedthoselustfulSodomites(Gen.xix.24);soshallGodenkindlethelustthatnowburnsintheheartofthelecherintoaneternalflame;norshallthisfireeverbeextinguished,but“thesmokeoftheirtormentascendethupforeverandever”(Rev.xiv.11).“Withoutaredogs”(Rev.xxii.15);thatis,outsidetheheavenlyJerusalem,andexcludedfromitaretheimpureandthelustful.ChristhathwashedusinHisownpreciousbloodintheholySacramentofBaptism;and,oh,wemusttaketheutmostcarethatwepollutenotourselveswithunholylusts.Asenseofnaturalshamemakesungodlymenblushtocommittheselustfulsinsinthesightoftheirfellowmen;but,alas!theyblushnottocommittheminthesightofGodandofholy

angels.NowallscanconcealourdeedsfromtheeyesofGod,whichglowwithalightabovethatofthesun.Nocornersorrecessesaresosmallastoexcludethepresenceoftheholyangels.Noretreatcansecureusfromtheaccusationsofaguiltyconscience.Itisstrangethattheflamesofwantonnessshouldascend,asitwere,totheveryheavens,whilstthestenchofitsfoulnesssinkstotheverydepthsofhell.Suchbriefandfleetingpleasurewillbefollowedbyeternaltorment.Thepleasureoflustismomentary,itstortureiseverlasting.Oh,letthememoryofHimwhowascrucifiedfortheecrucifythysinfulfleshwithinthee.Letthethoughtofthefiresofhellextinguishthefiresofunholypassion,andthytearsofpenitencequenchtheflamesoflustinthee.Letdivinefearsocontrolthyfleshthatcarnallovemaynotleadtheeastray.Bearinmindthatthedesireoflustisfulloftroubleandmadness,thattheactitselfisabominablydisgraceful;andthatitsconsequencesareshameandremorse.Looknotuponthedeceitfulfaceofthedevilincitingtheetolust,butthinkratherofthestingsofconsciencethatwilltormentthosewhoyieldtohim.Thinknotofthepassingpleasurethoumayestenjoy,butratherofthelastingcondemnationthoushaltsufferforsin.CultivatealovefortheknowledgefoundintheHolyScriptures,andthouwiltnotlovethevicesoftheflesh.Alwaysbebusiedwithsomework,thatwhenthetempterapproachestheehemayfindtheefullyoccupied.Davidwasledastraybyhimatatimewhenhewasunoccupied(2Sam.xi.2);andJosephonthecontrarycouldnotbeledastray,becausehewasbusilyemployedwhenthetemptercametohim(Gen.xxxix.9).

Rememberthatdeathisthreateningtheeeveryhourofthylife,andthenthouwilteasilyspurnallcarnaldesires.Lovetemperance,andthouwilteasilyovercomebasepassions.Astomachinflamedwithwinespeedilyarouseslustfuldesires.Chastityisimperiledbyluxuriousliving.Ifthenthoupamperestthybodywithluxuries,thouartnourishingwithinthyselfanenemythatmaydestroythysoul.Ourfleshistobesocaredforthatitmayserveourhighestwelfare;itmustbesosubduedasnottobecomeproud.Keepinmindtheterrorsofthejudgment,andthouwilteasilyquenchthefervoroflust.Ifthehiddenthingsofourheartsshallbebroughttolightatthejudgment(1Cor.iv.5),howmuchmorethenthosethingsdoneinsecret!Everyidlewordthatmenshallspeak,theyshall

giveaccountthereofinthedayofjudgment(Matt.xii.36);howmuchmorethenforourfoulandunchastewords!Andifwemustgiveaccountforthese,howmuchmoreforourfoulandunchastedeeds!Theaccusationagainsttheetherewillbejustaslongasthylifehasbeenhere.Thineaccuserstherewillbejustasmanyasthysinshavebeenhere.Thosethoughtswhichhavebecomebadbyourfamiliaruseofthemwillnotgounexaminedatthejudgment.Whatadvantageistheretheninconcealingthysinsoflustforawhilefromtheeyesofmen,whenafterawhileatthejudgmenttheymustbebroughttolightbeforetheassembleduniverse?Whatadvantageafterallinescapingthetribunaloftheearthlyjudge,sincebynopossibilitycanstthouescapethatoftheJudgeabove?ThoucanstnotbribethatJudge,forHeismostjust;thoucanstnotthenmoveHimbythyprayers,forHeisverystrict;thoucanstnotthenescapeHisprovinceorjurisdiction,forHeisall-powerful;norcanstthoudeceiveHimwithvainexcuses,forHeisall-wise;norcanstthouappealfromthesentenceHepronouncesuponthee,forHeistheSupremeJudge.Hisjudgmentwillbeaccordingtothetruth;itwillbepubliclyproclaimed;itwillbeexecutedwiththestrictestseverity.

Therefore,Omysoul,devotedtoGod,lettheterrorsofthisawfulJudgebecontinuallybeforethineeyes,sothoushaltnotbeledastraybythefireoflust.Beasthefragrantroseinthylove,asthelowlyvioletinthyhumility,asthespotlesslilyinthychastity.LearnofChrist(Matt.xi.29),thyspiritualSpouse,humilityandpurityoflife.Greatisthedignityofchastity,becauseitwasconsecratedinthebodyofChrist;greatisitsdignityalso,becauseithelpsuswhilelivinginthefleshtoliveabovetheflesh.Asthereisnothingbaserthantoliveunderthedominionoftheflesh,sothereisnothingmoregloriousthantolivewiththefleshinentiresubjectiontous.Notonlymustweavoidexternalactsoflust,butimpurethoughtsaswell,becauseGodjudgethnotonlyourexternalacts,butalsothesecretthoughtsofourhearts.Wemayoftendoviolencetoourpietybyasinfullooksimply,andtoourchastitybythelustoftheeye.“Whosoeverlookethonawomantolustafterherhathcommittedadulterywithheralreadyinhisheart”(Matt.v.28).Howdifficultmaybethestruggleinthisrespect,but,oh,howgloriouswillbethevictory!Itisdifficulttorestrainthefiresoflust;itexcitestheyoung,itinflamesthe

youth,itweariestheoldanddecrepit,itspurnsnotthehutofthepoor,itrespectsnotthepalaceoftherich.Butthemoredifficultthestruggle,themoregloriouswillbethefinalvictory!Theveryfirstimpulsestoimpuritymustbeatoncechecked,normustweaddfueltotheflamebyindulginginevilthoughts.AlthoughtheApostlebidsusstruggleagainstallothervices,yetinrespectofthissinheenjoinsuponusnottofightit,buttofleefromit.“Fleefornication”(1Cor.vi.18),hesays.Ifastrangebeggarcomestoourdoors,withfeignedsimplicityofmannerforthesakeofimposinguponus,andwerefusehimadmittance,hegoesaway;butifweadmithimtoourhome,hebecomesourguest,hegraduallygrowsbolderandmorepresumptuous,untilatlength,ifweallowhim,hebecomesourmaster;andsounholypassionassailsus;ifwegiveitnoencouragementitspeedilywithdraws.Ifthouwouldstnothavethishatedenemyrulethee,receiveitnotintothehomeofthyheart.

Preserveus,OGod,inholinessofmindandinpurityofbody!

MEDITATIONXXXVIII.THETRANSITORINESSOFLIFE.

WhatisHumanLife?

CONSIDER,Odevoutsoul,themiseryandthetransitorinessofthispresentlife,thatthoumaystliftupthyheartmorelonginglytowardsthyheavenlyinheritance.Whilstthepastofourlifehereincreases,itsfuturedecreases;whileitisgrowinginlengthofyears,itisatthesametimebecomingshorter;whateverisaddedtoit,isatthesametimesubtractedfromit.Thelifeweliveisamerepointoftime,aye,itisevenlessthanthat.Whileweturnusaround,ourimmortalityisuponus.Inthislifewedwellasinastrangehome.AbrahamhadnospotinthelandofCanaanforadwelling-place,onlyasepulchre,wherehemightburyhisdead(Gen.xxiii.4);sothispresentlifeaffordsusasitwerealodgingwherewemaysojournforatime,andthenaplaceofburial.Assoonaslifebegins,webegintodie.Likeoneonboardavessel,who,whetherhesits,orstands,orliesdown,isalwaysdrawingnearerhisport,carriedthitherwiththesameforcewithwhichhisshipisdriven;sowe,sleepingorwaking,lyingdownorwalkingalong,willinglyorunwillingly,momentbymomentarealwaysbeingbornealongirresistiblytowardsourend.Thislifeisindeedmorelikedeath,fordaybydaywearedying,sinceeverydayweliveisforusonedaylessoflife.Itisfilledwithpainfulregretsforthepast,withtryinglaborsinthepresent,andwithdismalfearsforthefuture.Weenteruponlife’sjourneyweeping,usheredintotheworldasaninfantintears,asthoughforeseeingtheillsthatshallbefallushere.Everysteponwardisoneofweakness,afflictedaswearewithmanydiseases,anddistressedwithmanycares.Ourdeparturehenceisfraughtwithgloomyfears,forwegonotalone,butcarrywithustheburdenofallthedeeds(Rev.xiv.13)doneinthebody,andthroughdeathweapproachtheawfuljudgment-seatofGod(Heb.ix.27).Weareconceivedinsin,in

miseryareweborn,ourlifeisaconstantpain,anddeathisasourceofdistress.Wearebegotteninuncleanness,wearecherishedindarkness,wearebroughtforthinpain.Beforeourbirthweburdenourwretchedmothers,andatourbirthwelaceratethemaswithaviper’sfang;wearestrangersatourbirth,andmerepilgrimsandsojournerswhilstwelive,becauseindeathweareobligedtomoveon.Inthefirstportionofourlifeweknownotourselves;inthemidstofitweareoverwhelmedwithcares,anditsclosingperiodisoppressedwiththeburdensofoldage.Thewholeoflifeisdividedintothepresent,thepastandthefuture.Ifweconsiderthepresent,itisunstable;ifthepast,itisalreadybecomeasnothing;ifthefuture,itisuncertain.Atourbirthweareasamassofuncleanness;ourwholelifeisbutabubble;andatourdeathwefurnisharepasttoworms.Wecarryearthaboutwithus,wetreadupontheearthaswewalk,andbyandbyourbodieswillbecomeearthagain.Thenecessityofbeingbornwaslaiduponus;andsoalsothemiseryofliving,andthehardshipofdying.Ourbodyisanearthlyhabitationfordeathandsin,whichdaybydayconsumeit.

Ourwholelifeisaspiritualwarfare(Jobvii.1);aboveusaredemonswatchingforourdestruction;onourrighthandandonourlefttheworldisassailingus;andbelowusandwithinusthefleshliesinwaittodestroyus.Man’slifeisawarfare,because“thefleshlustethagainstthespiritandthespiritagainsttheflesh”(Gal.v.17).Whatjoycanwethereforefindinthislife,sincethereisnocertainandsecurehappinessinit?Whatdelightcanwetakeinthethingsofthepresent,when,whilstallelseispassingaway,thatwhichconstantlythreatensusdoesnotpassaway;whentheobjectsofourloveherearesosoonended,andweareconstantlyapproachingnearerthatplacewherepainisneverended?Aboutallwegainfromalongerlifeisthatwedomoreevil,weseemoreevil,wesuffermoreevil,andatthelastjudgmentalongerlistofaccusingsinsrisesuptocondemnus.Whatisman?Well,heisdeath’spurchasedpossession,atransienttraveler;hislifeislighterthanabubble,brieferthanamoment,moreworthlessthananimage,moreemptythanasound,morefragilethanglass,morechangeablethanthewind,morefleetingthanashadow,moredeceptivethanadream.Whatisthislife?Why,itisaconstantlookingforwardtodeath,astageuponwhichafarceisenacted;avastsea

ofmiseries,asinglelittlemeasureofblood,whichaslightaccidentmayspill,oralittlefevercorrupt.Thecourseoflifeisalabyrinthwhichweenteratbirth,andfromwhichwewithdrawbytheportalsofdeath.Wearebutasdust,anddustisnothingbutsmoke,andsmokeisnothingatall,andsowearenothing.Thislife,likeglass,iseasilybroken;likeariver,itflowsswiftlyalonginitscourse;likeawarfare,itisattendedwithconstantmisery,andyettomanyitappearssoverydesirable.Anutmayoutwardlyappeargoodandsound,butopenitwithaknifeandyoumayfindnothingbutwormsandputriditywithin.ApplesofSodommaydelightuswiththeirexteriorbeauty,buttouchthemandtheyfallintoashes.Andsoitiswithlife.Itsexternalpromisesofhappinessenchantus,butcomecloser,andthesepromiseswillprovetobebutassmokeandashes.

Donot,therefore,Obelovedsoul,devotethyhighestthoughtstothislife,butrather,inmind,aspiretothejoysofthatlifewhichistocome.Contrasttheverybriefspaceoftimeallottedusinthislifewiththeinfiniteandnever-endingagesofeternity,anditwillsufficientlyappearhowfoolishitisforustoclingtothisfleetinglifetotheneglectofthateternallife.Ourlifehereistransitory,andyetinthisbrieflifeweeitherwinorloseeternallife;itisfilledwithpainandmisery,andyetinitweeitherwinorlosetheeternalhappinessofheaven;itisfullofdirecalamities,andyetinitweeitherwinorloseeternaljoys.Ifthenthoudostaspiretoeternallife,desireitwiththywholeheartinthisfleetinglife.Usethisworldwisely,but,oh,setnotthyheartuponit!Carryonthytemporalbusinessinthislife,but,oh,letnotthymindbefixeduponthislife.Usingthethingsofthisworldwillnotharmus,ifwesetnotourheartsuponthem.Thisworldissimplythylodging-place,butheavenisthyfatherland;donotthentakesuchdelightinthydailysojourninthisearthlylodging-place,thatthouwiltabateforamomentthylongingdesiresfortheheavenlyfatherland.Inthislifewearesailingontheseaoftimetoeternity,ourport;donotbesocharmedwithamomentarytranquillityonthissea,thatthouwiltnotardentlylongforthathavenofrestthatistranquilforeverandever.Thislifeislikeaninconstantlover,anddoesnotkeepfaithwiththosethatloveit,butcontrarytotheirexpectationitfrequentlyfleesfromthem;why,then,wouldstthouputthy

trustinit?Itisverydangeroustopromiseourselvesthesecurityofevenonehour,forveryfrequentlyinthatonebriefhourthisfleetinglifecomestoasuddenend.Itisthesafestplantobeonthelookoutfordeatheveryhour,andtoprepareforitbyseriousrepentanceofoursins.InthegourdwhoseshadesodelightedJonah,Godpreparedawormwhenthemorningrose,anditsmotethegourdthatitwithered(Jonahiv.7);sointheseworldlyobjects,uponwhichsomanysettheirhearts,thereisnostability,butwormsofcorruptionarebredinthemtodestroythem.Theworldhasalreadybeenwastedanddefacedbysomanycalamities,thatithasevenlostsomeofitsseductivecharms;andasweshouldheartilypraiseandcommendthosewhodeignnottodelightthemselveswithadelightsomeworld,soweshouldstronglyreproveandcondemnthosewhotakepleasureinperishingwithaperishingworld.

OblessedChrist,withdrawThouourheartsfromtheloveofthisworld,andenkindleinusholydesiresfortheheavenlykingdom!

MEDITATIONXXXIX.THEVANITYOFTHEWORLD.

TheEternalTranscendstheTemporal.

Donot,Omysoul,setthineaffectionsuponthingsthatareupontheearth.For“theworldpassethaway”(1Johnii.17;1Cor.vii.31);“andalltheworksthatarethereinshallbeburnedup”(2Pet.iii.10);wherethenwillbethylove?Lovethegoodthatiseternal,thatthoumayestlivethelifethatiseternal!Everycreaturewasmadesubjecttovanity(Rom.viii.20);ifthereforethoulovestthecreature,thouthyselfshaltbemadesubjecttovanity.Lovethatwhichistrulyandlastinglygood,thatthyheartmayenjoylastingpeaceandrest.

Whydothehonorsofthisworlddelightthee?Ifweseekhonorofmen,wecannotreceivehonorofGod(Johnv.44);andinseekingworldlyhonorwemustconformourselvestothisworld,butifweseektopleasemenwecannotpleaseGod(Gal.i.10).Thatwhichisproducedbythetransitoryandunstableisitselftransitoryandunstable,andhenceworldlyhonorcannotbestable.Onemaybeexaltedtotheheightofworldlygloryto-day,andsunktothelowestdepthsofignominyto-morrow.SeektopleaseGod,thatHemayconferupontheeHistrueandlastinghonor.Afterall,whatrealadvantageisthereinbeingesteemedgreatandhonorableamongmen?AmanisreallygreatandhonorableonlyasheissoesteemedbythegreatGodHimself.WhenthepeoplewouldhavemadeChristakingHefledfromthem(Johnvi.15);butwhentheysoughtHimtoputHimtoashamefulandignominiousdeathuponthecross,HefreelyandvoluntarilyofferedHimself.IfthouwouldstthenbecomemoreandmoreconformedtoChrist,takemoresatisfactionintheshametheworldheapsuponthee,thanintheemptygloriesitoffers

thee.IfthoucanstnotlightlyesteemthehonorsofthisworldforthesakeofChrist,thySaviour,howcouldstthourisetothatpointoflovethatthouwouldstpouroutthylifeforHim?ThereisnootherpathtotheattainmentoftrueglorywithChristthanthroughaholycontemptforworldlyglory,justasChristHimselfthroughtheignominyofthecrossenteredintoHisglory(Lukexxiv.26).Thereforechooserathertobedespised,tobelightlyesteemed,tobescornedinthisworld,thatthoumaystbehonoredofGodintheworldthatistocome.Christhasplainlytaughtuswhatestimateweoughttoplaceuponthegloryofthisworld;allthegloryoftheheavenlyworldwasHisownandwaiteduponHim;aye,HeHimselfistrueglory,andyetHeemptiedHimselfofallHisgloryandforatimevoluntarilycastitfromHim.Themoreworldlyhonoroneenjoys,themoreabundantlyheissuppliedwiththematerialcomfortsofthisworld,themoreprofoundlyandheartilyoughthetobesaddenedbyit,seeingthatinallthisheisjustsomuchfartherfromconformitytoChrist.Howvainaretheworld’splaudits,ifwecarryaboutwithinusaguiltyandaccusingconscience!Whatadvantageisittoamanintenselysufferingfromaburningfeverthatheliesuponanivorycouch?Thetestimonyofagoodconscience—thatistruehonor,thatistruepraise.ThoucansthavenojusterormoreimpartialjudgeofthydeedsthanthyGodandthyconscience.Letitbethineaimanddesiretobringallthydeedstothetestofthisholyjudgment.Isitnotsatisfactionenoughfortheethatthouartknowntothyself,andwhatisbestofall,toGod?

Butcomingnowtoriches,whydostthousogreatlydesirethem?FartooavariciousisheforwhomtheLordsufficesnot!Thislifeisthepathwaytoourheavenlyfatherland;ofwhatadvantagethenisgreatwealth?ItsimplyburdenstheChristianpilgrimasavastcargodoesaship.Christ,theKingofheaven,isrichesenoughforthetrueservantsofGod.Arealtreasureoughttobesomethingwithinaman,notwithouthim,andasomethingthatthoucanstcarrywiththeetotheuniversaljudgment;butalltheseexternal,materialpossessionsmustbelaidasidebytheeatdeath.Alltheseheapsofrichesshallonedayperish;buthewhohasheapedthemupshallperishinastillworsemanner,ifhehasnotbeenrichtowardGod.Nakedandpoorthoucarnestintotheworld;andnakedandpoorshaltthougooutofit(Jobi.21);whythenshould

themiddleportionofthylifebesodifferentfromitsbeginninganditsend?Weoughttovaluerichesfortheusewecanmakeofthem,andhowlittlewilltheythensufficeus?Themostinsignificantgiftsofgraceandvirtuearefarmorevaluablethanallearthlyriches,andwhy?SimplybecausewithgraceandvirtuewemaypleaseGod,whilstwithrichesalone,apartfromthese,wecannotpleaseHim.WeoughttobemorepleasedwiththefactsofChrist’spovertythanwiththerichesofalltheworld,becauseChristhasthussanctifiedpovertyforus.Hewaspoorathisbirth,poorerduringHislife,andpoorestofallatHisdeath.Whyshouldstthouhesitatetopreferthisworld’spovertytoitsriches,sinceChristpreferredittotherichesofHisheavenlykingdom?HowwiltthoutrustthysoultoGod,ifthoudostnotcommitthecareofthybodytoHim?Howwiltthoulaydownthylifeforthybrother,ifthouartnotwillingtolayoutthyrichesforhim?Richesareacquiredwithgreatdifficultyandlabor;theyareheldinpossessioninconstantfear,andtheirlossoccasionsgreatpain,andwhatisstillmoretobedeplored,allthelaboroftheavariciousmaninacquiringhiswealthwillnotonlycometonaught,butwillbedeadlyinitseffectsuponhissoul,accordingtotheteachingofSt.Bernard.ThyloveisthyGod;“Whereyourtreasureis,therewillyourheartbealso”(Matt.vi.21);ifthoulovcstthesematerial,earthly,perishingriches,thoucanstnotlovethosehigherspiritual,heavenly,eternalriches.Why?Becausethoseweighuponaman’sheartasaheavyburden,anddragitdowntotheearth,whilsttheseliftituptowardsheaven.Theloveofearthlythingsisasortofweightuponthewingsofoursouls,saidacertainancientloverofChrist.2ThesolemnexampleofLot’swifeturnedintoapillarofsalt(Gen.xix.26),warnsusnottolookbacktoourworldlypossessions,buttodirectourwaytowardsourheavenlyhome.TheapostlesleftallandfollowedChrist(Matt.iv.22);becausetheirknowledgeofthetruericheswhichChristcouldgive,tookawaytheirdesireforrichesfalselyso-called.Ifweoncetasteofspiritualthings,carnalthingsbecometastelesstooursouls;hewhotrulylovesChristcareslittlefortheworld.

Butwhydostthousogreatlydesireworldlypleasure?Oh,letthememoryofHimwhowascrucifiedfortheecrucifyintheealldesireformerepleasure.Letthethoughtofthefiresofhellquenchintheeallthe

ardoroflust.Contrastthesepleasures,whicharebutforabriefmoment,witheternaltorments.Fleshlypleasureisbeastly,andrendersallwhoindulgeinitbeastly.Hehasnotasteforthedelightsomerepastsoftheheavenlykingdomwhofillshimselfdailywithswine’shusks.Letusthenmortifyoursensualpleasures,andwithAbraham(Gen.xxii.10),offerupinspiritualsacrificeourbelovedson,thatis,figuratively,thosedelightsofoursoulsespeciallydeartous,byrenouncingvoluntarilyallworldlypleasure,andcheerfullyacceptingthehardshipsoftheholycross.Oh!thewaytotheheavenlykingdomisnotsmoothandlevelandstrewnwithroses,butitisroughandruggedandbesetwiththorns.Theoutwardmanmayflourishinworldlypleasures,buttheinwardmangrowsspirituallybybearinghiscrossandinsufferingtribulations;andinproportionastheoutwardmanflourishestheinwardmandroops.Pleasuresministertoourbodies,buttothegodlymanthecareofhisbodyishisleastconcern,whilethecareofhissoulishisgreatest.PleasuresleadcaptiveourheartssothattheycannotfreelyloveGod.Itisnotthesepleasures,butacertainloathingofthem,thatthouwiltcarryawaywiththeeatdeath,andbearwiththeetotheawfuljudgmentbarofGod.LetthefearofGodsopiercethyfleshthatcarnallovemaynotleadtheeastray.Oh,letthethoughtofGod’sjudgmentbesocontinuallyinthymind,thatthineownperversewillmaynotbringtheeintocaptivitytothysensualappetites.Looknotuponthefaceofthetempteralluringtheetosin,butthinkratherofthebitterstingsofanaccusingconsciencethatshallfollowthatsin.OvercomesinandtemptationbythegraceofChrist,andfinallythoushaltbecrownedavictorbyChristJesusHimself.

MEDITATIONXL.THEADVANTAGESOFTEMPTATIONS.

ThePalmTreeGrowsUpwardinSpiteofWeightsandHindrances.

ITisveryprofitabletothefaithfulsoultobetestedandconfirmedinthefaithbytemptations,whilsttarryinginthisworld.OurSaviourHimselfwaswillingtowrestlewiththedevilinHistemptationinthewilderness,inorderthatHemightovercomehimforusandforoursalvation,andthusbeourfaithfulChampioninallourconflictswiththetempter.BeforeHeascendedtoheavenHedescendedintohellasitsConqueror,andsothefaithfulsoulmustfirstdescendintotheverylowestdepthsoftemptation,beforeeveritcanascendtothegloriesofheaven.ThechildrenofIsraelcouldnotfullyoccupythepromisedlandofCanaan,untiltheirvariousenemieswerefirstconquered;andthusthefaithfulsoulmaynotcomfortitselfwiththepromiseofenteringintothegloriesoftheheavenlykingdom,untilithasfirstgainedthevictoryoveritsenemies—theworld,theflesh,andthedevil.Temptationtests,purifiesandilluminatesthesoul.

Temptationteststhesoul,becauseourfaithassailedbystormsofadversitystrikesitsrootsmorefirmlydownintotheverybed-rockofoursalvation;itspreadsoutitsbranchesmorewidelyingoodworks,andshootsuphigherandhigherinitshopeofthegloriouslibertyofthechildrenofGod.WhenAbraham,biddenbyGodHimselftoofferuphissoninsacrifice,hadgivenfullproofofhispromptandcheerfulobedience,theangeloftheLordappearstohimsaying,“NowIknowthatthoufearestGod,seeingthouhastnotwithheldthyson,thineonlyson,

fromme”(Gen.xxii.12).Andsoifthou,inthytemptations,offerestuptoGodinsacrificethineownwillanddesires,thoutoowiltbecountedasonethatfearethGod,andinthineinmostheartthouwilthearthedivinewordofapproval.Asfireteststhegold,sotemptationteststhyfaith.Thebattleshowsthetemperofthesoldier,sotemptationshowsthestrengthofthyfaith.WhentheboisterouswindsbeatagainsttheboatthatcarriedChrist,andthefoamingbillowsdashedintoit,thenappearedthelittlefaithofHisdisciples.WhentheLorddirectedthattheIsraelitesshouldbeledouttoovercometheMidianites,theywerefirsttakendowntothewaterandtestedthere(Judgesvii.4);andsoarewetobetestedinthewateroftribulationandtemptation,erewe,withallourenemieslaidlowbeforeus,shallbeledtriumphantlyintoourheavenlyfatherland.Whateveradversitiesthen,whatevertemptations,thefaithfulsoulheresuffers,letthemberegardednotasamarkthatGodisreprovingusforoursins,butratherthatHeisprovingourfaith.

Temptationalsopurinesoursouls.OurgreatPhysician,Christ,employsmanybitterremediestoexpelthemalignantspiritualdiseasesofloveofselfandloveoftheworld.Tribulationexcitesustoacarefulexaminationofourconsciences,andoftenvividlyrecallsthesinsofourpastlives;naymore,itfrequentlypreservesusfromthecommissionofsin,ascertainmedicinesactasapreventativeofcontagiousbodilydiseases.Wearepronetofallintosinatalltimes,andyetmoresointimesofprosperitythanofadversity.Tomanyrichesareasthorns(Matt.xiii.22)thatspringupandchokethegoodseedsownintheirhearts.God,therefore,takesthemaway,lesttheymaydestroythesoul.AmultitudeofworldlybusinesscareshindermanyfromrenderingdueobediencetoGod;andsoHeoftenlaysthemuponasickbed,thattheymayhavetimetoturntheirthoughtsinuponthemselves,andthusbegintodietotheworld,thattheymayliveuntoHim.Toverymanyithasbeenagreatblessingtohavefallenfromanexaltedstationofwealthorofhonortothecomparativequietofamoreobscurelotinlife.Worldlyhonorpuffsupmanywithpride;andsoGodoftensendsreproach,andremovesthatwhichfeedsthisworldlypride.

Finally,temptationilluminatesthesoul.Howimperfectandworthlessisallworldlyconsolation,wecometorecognizeonlyintimeoftemptation.WhileStephenwasbeingstonedtodeathhesawthegloryofChrist(Actsvii.55),andsoChristshowshimselftothetrulycontritesoulinthehourofitssoresttrouble.ItisonlyasGodHimselfdwellsinusthatwemayhavetrueandlastingjoy,andGoddwellswithhimthatisofacontrite,humblespirit(Is.lvii.15).Afflictionasaseveretestofourfaithservestomakeourspiritshumbleandcontrite,sothatthesoulsoftheafflictedmaygreatlyrejoiceinalltheirafflictions.ThroughtemptationwecometoknowGodmoretrulyandintimately,fortheLordHimselfsays,“Iwillbewithhimintrouble;Iwilldeliverhiinandhonorhim”(Ps.xci.15).BlindTobiassawnothingabovehim,belowhim,infrontofhim,notevenhimself;butilluminatedbyGodthroughtheAngelRaphael,heclearlysawallthosethingsthathecouldnotseebefore,usingnootherremedythanthegallofafish,thusteachingusthatoureyesaretobeanointedandilluminatedbythegallofbitternessbeforeweshallattaintoatrueknowledgeofourselvesandoftheworld.WhydoestheApostlesay—”Fornowweseethroughaglassdarkly”(1Cor.xiii.12)?BecauseintemptationandtrialwelearntoknowthatGodbringsjoytotheheartsofHiselectchildreninawaythatseemstobetokenonlysadness;thatHemakesthemspirituallyalivebyapparentlyputtingthemtodeath;thatHehealsthemspirituallybyallowingthemtobesubjectedtovariousdiseases,andmakesthemrichinspiritbykeepingthempoorinthisworld’sgoods.Hence,weoughtcheerfullyacceptthecrossandtemptationingratefulappreciationoftheloveofChrist,whowastempted,andtried,andsufferedonthecrossforus.

OblessedJesus,letmepassthroughfierytrialshere;letmebebitterlypersecuted,even,inthisworld,ifThouwiltonlysparemeintheworldthatistocome.OblessedJesus,whodostoftenspareusbyapparentlycastingusawayfromThee,grantthatbyThymercifulstripesuponuswemaybebroughtbackagaintoThee.Afflictandchastisetheoutwardman,ifThouwilt,ifonlytheinwardmanmaythusgrowinstrengthandpower.OmercifulJesus,beThouwithmetohelpmeinallmyconflictswithmyself;directmeinmystruggles,andcrownmewithgloriousvictory.WhateveradversitiesImaysufferinthislife,letthem

servetoquickenandincreasemyfaith.Strengthenmyfeeblefaith,OblessedJesus,forsohastThoupromisedtodobyThyholyprophet,“Asamothercomfortethherchildren,sowillIcomfortyou”(Is.lxvi13).Asamothercherishesandnourisheswithmoretenderandanxiouscarehernew-borninfantbecauseofitsveryhelplessness,so,OmercifulJesus,encourageandstrengthenmysoulbecauseoftheveryweaknessandfeeblenessofmyfaith.GrantthattheinwardconsolationsofThygracemayhavemoreinfluenceandpoweruponmethanallthecontradictionsofungodlymenandofthedevilhimself.OJesus,doThou,whoartindeedtheGoodSamaritan,pourintothegapingwoundsofmysinsthestingingwineofThyjustjudgments,butatthesametime,also,addthesoothingoilofThydivineconsolations.IncreasetheburdenofthecrossIalreadybear,ifThouwilt,butgrantmealsothestrengthtobearit.

MEDITATIONXLI.THEPRINCIPLESOFCHRISTIANPATIENCE.

Patiencewilltriumphatlast.

RESTintheLord,Odevoutsoul,andbearpatientlythecrossimposedupontheebyGod.MeditateupontheawfulpassionofChrist,thyspiritualSpouse.Hesufferedinbehalfofall,Hesufferedatthehandsofall,Hesufferedinallthings.Hesufferedforall,evenforthosewhodespisedHisHolypassionandtrampledunderfootthebloodofthecovenant,countingitanunholything(Heb.x.29).Hesufferedatthehandsofall.Heisdeliveredup(Rom.viii.32),Heisstricken(Is.liii.4,5),Heisforsaken(Matt.xxvii.46)byHisheavenlyFather,HeisdesertedbythediscipleswhomHeloved(Matt.xxvi.56),HeisrejectedbytheJews,Hisownpeculiarpeople(Matt.xxvii.21,22),whochosetherobberBarabbasinsteadofHimself.HeiscrucifiedbytheGentiles,Heborethesinsofallmankind,andsothewholeracewasconcernedintheguiltofHisdeath.Hesuffered,also,ineveryconceivableway.Hissoulwasexceedingsorrowfulevenuntodeath(Matt.xxvi.38);and,overwhelmedwithasenseofthedivinejudgment,HecriedoutonthecrossthatHewasforsakenofGod(Matt.xxvii.46).Hisbodysweat,asitwere,dropsofblood(Lukexxii.44);Hisheadiscrownedwiththorns;Hislipstastethebittermyrrh;HishandsandHisfeetarepiercedwithnails(Ps.xxii.17);Hissideislaceratedwiththespear;Hiswholebodyisscourgedandstretcheduponthecross.Ah!Hesufferedhunger,thirst,cold,contempt,poverty,insult,wounds,andtheawfuldeathofthecross.Butoh,howunseemlyitwouldbethattheLordshouldsufferthus,whiletheservantlivesinundisturbedjoy!Oh,howunseemlyitwouldbethatourSaviourshouldbeseverelypunishedforoursins,andweshouldcontinuetotake

delightinthem!Howunjustitwouldbethattheheadofthebodyshouldbeafflicted,andtherestofthemembersshouldnotsufferwithit!Nay,rather,asitbehoovedChristtosuffer,andthustoenterintoHisheavenlyglory(Luke.xxiv.26),soalsowemustthroughmuchtribulationenterintothekingdomofGod(Actsxiv.22).

Thinkoftheinconceivablerewardheldouttothee.“ForIreckonthatthesufferingsofthispresenttimearenotworthytobecomparedwiththeglorywhichshallberevealedinus”(Rom.viii.18).Whateveroursufferingmaybehere,itisonlyforatime—nay,itissometimesbutforaday—buttheglorythatawaitsusisforeverandever.Godknowsperfectlyallouradversities,andsomedayHewillbringthemallintojudgment(Ecc.xii.14).Oh,howdistressingitwillbeforustoappearinthataugustgatheringofalltheuniversewithouttheornamentsofthecrossandofoursufferingsforChristuponus.“AndGodHimselfshallwipeawayalltearsfromtheireyes”(Is.xxv.8;Rev.vii.17;xxi.4).Ohappytears,whichsuchahandofsuchaLordshallwipeaway!Oblessedcross,thatshallinheavenbeexchangedforsuchareward!ScarcetenyearsdidKingDavidspendinexile,butforfortyheruledinhiskingdom(2Sam.v.5).Herewemayseeprefiguredthebrevityofourlifeofsuffering,andtheunendingglorywhichistofollow.‘TisbutamerepointoftimeafterallinwhichthesaintsofGod,oftenobjectsoftheworld’spity,sufferthehardshipsofthecross;for“weepingmayendureforanight,butjoycomethinthemorning”(Ps.xxx.5).

Consider,moreover,thetribulationwhichthesaintsofthepasthaveendured.BeholdthepatriarchJob,“ashesatdownamongtheashes”toweep(Jobii.8);JohntheBaptistfastinginthewilderness(Lukeiii.2);Peterextendeduponacross,andJamesbeheadedbytheswordofHerod(Actsxii.2).ThinkofMary,theblessedmotherofourSaviour,standingwithpiercedheartunderthecross(Johnxix.25),whoinsomesensebecomesatypeofChrist’sChurch,thespiritualmotherofourLord.“Blessedareye,”saysChrist,“whenmenshallpersecuteyou,andshallsayallmannerofevilagainstyoufalsely,forMysake,**forsopersecutedtheytheprophetswhichwerebeforeyou”(Matt.v.11,12).O

gloriouspersecutions,whichlinkustotheapostlesandprophets,andtoallthesaints,ayetoourblessedChristHimself.LetuspatientlysufferthenwiththesaintsofGod,whohavesufferedinHiscause;letusevenrejoicetobecrucifiedwiththosewhohavebeencrucified,thatwemayatlastbeglorifiedwiththosewhohavebeenglorified.IfweareindeedsonsofGod,letusnotrefusetosharetheportionoftherestofHischildren.IfwetrulydesiretobeheirsofGod,letusjoyfullyacceptallthatheirshipinvolves.ButletusrememberthatassonsofGodweareheirsnotonlyofthejoyandgloryofthefuturelife,butalsoofthesorrowandofthesufferingofthispresentlife,for“GodscourgetheverysonwhomHereceiveth”(Heb.xii.6).HepunishesoursinsherethatHemayspareuspunishmentinthedayofjudgment;Helaystribulationaftertribulationuponushere,thatthereHemaybestowuponusanexceedingweightofglory;and,indeed,therewardfarexceeds,inproportion,thepersecutionswesufferhere.

Butconsidertheblessedadvantagesofthecross.Itdestroystherootsofworldlyloveinus,andimplantstheloveofGodinourheart.Thecrossbegetswithinusahatredoftheworld,andliftsupourmindstothecontemplationofthingsheavenlyanddivine.Ifwemortifythedeedsoftheflesh,theHolySpiritliveswithinus;andastheworldbecomesbittertooursouls,Christbecomessweeterandsweeter.Greater,indeed,arethemysteriousinfluencesandblessingofthecross,sincebyitGodcallsustocontritionforoursins,toatrueandholyfearofHimself,andtotheexerciseofpatience.WhentheLordstandsatourheart’sdoorandknocks,letusopentoHim,andhearwhatHeshallspeakinoursouls.Oh,theworldandthecarnaloutwardmanmaylookwithcontemptuponthecross,buttoGodandintheeyesoftheinwardspiritualmanitisglorious.WhatcouldbemoreabjectanddespicablethanthepassionofChrist,ourSaviour,intheeyesoftheJews;andyetwhatcouldbemoregloriousandpreciousthanthatsamepassionofChristintheeyesofGod;sincethisisthepriceHepaidfortheatonementofthesinsofthewholeworld(1Johnii.2)?Andsotherighteousmanisafflicted:“Therighteousmanperisheth,andnomanlayethittoheart”(Is.lvii.1);buthowpreciousisthecross,—”preciousinthesightoftheLordisthedeathofHissaints”(Ps.cxvi.15).TheChurch,thebrideofChrist,isblackwithout

(Cant.i.5),becauseofherafflictionsandpersecutions;butwithinsheiscomelyandbeautiful,becausesheenjoystheconsolationsofthedivineSpirit.TheChurchisasagardenenclosed(Cant.iv.12),andsoiseveryfaithfulsoul,sincenooneknowsitsbeautyunlessheiswithinit.AndnevershallweknowfullyandperfectlytheconsolationsoftheSpiritofGod,unlessthepowerofthefleshoverusisdestroyedbyaffliction.Iftheloveoftheworldfillsourhearts,thentheloveofGodcanfindnoentrancetherein.Avesselalreadyfullcannotbefilledwithsomenewliquidunlessitbefirstemptied.Letusthereforeemptyourheartsoftheloveoftheworld,thatwemayfilltheinwiththeloveofGod.SoGod,insendingthecross,seekstodestroytheloveoftheworldinus,thatthedivinelovemayfindplaceinourheart.Thecross,moreover,leadsustoprayer,andbecomestheoccasionfortheexerciseinusofChristianvirtues.Whenthenorthwindblowsuponthegarden,itsspicesflowout(Cant.iv.16),andwhenpersecutionssweepovertheChurchthenaredevelopedthosepeculiargracesandvirtueswhicharesopleasingtoGod.ThebelovedBridegroomofthesouliswhiteandruddy(Cant.v.10);whiteinHisholyinnocence,ruddyintheblood-marksofHispassion;andthatthebelovedbrideofChristmaybemadepureandwhiteinhervirtues,sheismaderuddybyhersufferingsforHisname’ssake.Fromthehardeststoneofourafflictionsdivinegracecanbringforthoilandhoney,andfromthebitterrootofpresentsufferingthesweetestfruitofeternalglory.

Andtothiseternalglory,OLordJesus,leadusonandon,andtoitsblissfulenjoymentfinallybringus!Amen.

MEDITATIONXLII.PERSEVERANCEINOVERCOMINGTEMPTATION.

AhopefixedinGodwillneverfailus.

OHOLYLordJesus,ThoublessedBridegroomofmysoul,whenwiltThouleadmeintothesolemnitiesofThynuptials,themarriage-supperoftheLamb(Rev.xix.7)?AsojourneramIupontheearth,andexiledfromThee,yetmostfirmlydoIbelieve,doubtingnothing,thaterelong,releasedfromthefettersofthebody,IshallappearbeforeThyface(Ps.xvii.15).“Fearandtremblingarecomeuponme”(Ps.lv.6),becauseIcarrymytreasureinearthenvessels(2Cor.iv.7).Proneismymindtoerror,proneismywilltosin,sothatIcannotevensaythatthespiritisalwayswilling(Matt.xxvi.41),thoughthefleshisalwaysweak;sinhathtakenmecaptive,andthelawofmymemberswarsagainstthelawofmymind(Rom.vi.23).FearandtremblingarecomeuponmebecauseSataniscontinuallyplottingagainstmytreasure;toextremecunningheaddsanintensedesiretoworkmyruin,andthegreatestpower.Adamhedeceivedinparadise([[Gen.iii.>>Gen3]]);Judas,undertheinstructionofourSaviourHimself(Johnxiii.27);howcanI,apoormiserablesinner,hopetobesecurefromhisinsidiousarts?FearandtremblingarecomeuponmebecauseIamstillinthisworld,andthis“wholeworldliethinwickedness”(1Johnv.19).Thedelightsoftheworldtemptme,difficultiesinthewayoftheLordterrifyme,theallurementsoftheworldcharmme,thewholeworldisfullofsnarestoentanglemyunwaryfeet;unhappymanthatIam,howcanIescape?EvenmyjoysdisputemyadvanceintheChristianlife;sorrowopposesmyway;O,wretchedmanthatIam,howshallIbeabletostand?FearandtremblingarecomeuponmebecauseitisGodwhoworkethinmebothtowillandtodo(Phil.ii.

13).IfearlestmysinfulnegligenceandcarelessnessshouldleadGodinholyindignationtotakeHisgood-willfrommewhichHehathgivenme.SounworthilydoIusetheremissionofsinsHehasgrantedme,andsodisdainfullydoItreatHisfirstproffersofgracetome,thatIgreatlyfearlestbyasecretandrighteousjudgmentofGodIshallbedeservedlydeprivedofthatwhichIhavesounworthilyused.ItremblelestImaybedesertedbyHim,whomItimeandagainsincemyconversionhavesoshamefullydeserted.WhatanguishdoesthethoughtgivemethataheavierandsevererjudgmentmayfollowthesegreatbenefitstheLordhasconferreduponme,ifitshallappearthatIhaveabusedthem.AndyetIamcomfortedbythethoughtoftheinfinitemercyofGod,who,asHehasgivenmethepowertowill,willgiveme,also,thepowertodo,forHeisaGodthatchangethnot(Mal.iii.6);“Hismercifulkindnessisgreattowardus,andthetruthoftheLordendurethforever”(Ps.cxvii.2).“ThefoundationoftheLordstandethsure”(2Tim.ii.19).Certainlyitstandethsure,becauseitisinGodHimself,withwhomisnovariableness;andbecauseitisconfirmedbythebloodofChrist,whicheverspeakswitheloquentvoicebeforethethroneofGod(Heb.xii.24),andbecauseitissecurelysealedtousintheholysacramentswhichHehasinstituted.

IfIshouldseekforsomegroundsofsalvation,howeversmall,inmyself,Iwouldcertainlybeobligedtodoubtofmysalvation;butasIamjustifiedsolelyforChrist’ssake,somyhopesofsalvationaregroundedonlyinHim.IfIhadlaidholdonChristasmySaviourbyafreeexerciseofmyownwill,unassistedbydivinegrace,thenwouldIhavecausetofeargreatly,thatbyachangeofmyficklewillImightalsoloseChrist;butsinceChristhasbeenfoundbymewhosoughtnotforHim,surelyafterHehasthusbeenfound,HewillnotwithdrawHimselffromme.Surely,Hewhohathledmeoutoftheveryshadowofdeath(Lukei.79)intoHismarvelouslightandliberty,willnotallowmetobeforcedbackintotheawfuldarknessthatformerlyenvelopedmysoul.“ForthegiftsandcallingofGodarewithoutrepentance”(Romxi.29),sofarasGod’swillisconcerned;andoh,thatImightbejustasunchangeableinmyholydesiresandpurposes!Thetreasuryofdivinegraceandblessingisalwaysathand,butoh,howlanguidandweakofttimesbecomesthehandoffaithtolayholdofitsgifts!ButIshallbeablefullytoapprehendChrist,

forIknowthat,inasmuchasHehasrevealedHimselftomeinHiswordandpromises,HewillmostmercifullygrantmegracetorestconfidentlyinHiswordandpromises.Iwillguardmyfaithbyauseofallthesupportsandcomfortsanddefencesofearnestprayer,andlikeJacobofold(Gen.xxxii.26),IwillnotlettheLordgountilHeblessmewithHissalvation.BythepowerofGoditispossibleformetobekeptuntoeternalsalvation(1Pet.i.5);thispowerofGodcheersandcomfortsmysoul,whilstthethoughtofmyownweaknessoppressesandsaddensme.AndtheLord’s“strengthshallbemadeperfectinmyweakness”(2Cor.xii.9);ah!Hewillstrengthenme,fromwhomalonecomethallstrengthoffaith.ThegraceofGodcheersmyheart,whilstmyownunworthinessinHissightterrifiesme.Andyet,ifIwereworthyinmyself,mysalvationwouldnotbeofgracebutofmerit(Rom.i.6);andifitbeofworks,itsurelycannotbeofgrace.Forgraceisnotgraceatall,unlessitisaltogetherandentirelygratuitous.AndsoIlooknotuponmyworksforanygroundofsalvation;whatiswronginthemGodwillcorrect;whatislackingHewillgraciouslysupply;whatissinfulHewillmercifullyblotout.WhatHewillnotimputetomeisjustasifithadneverbeen.AndhenceonlyasmysalvationisofGodisitsureandunchangeable.

MEDITATIONXLIII.THEDAILYCONSIDERATIONOFDEATH

ToMeditateuponDeathisLife.

OFAITHFULsoul,bethoureadyfortheapproachofdeathatanyhour,foreveryhourdeathislyinginwaitforthee.Inthemorningwhenthouarisestfromthycouch,thinkthatthisperchancemaybethelastdayoflifeforthee;andintheeveninghourwhenthouliestdowntosleep,thinkthatthisnightmaybethylastupontheearth.Whateverthoudoest,orwhateverthoudostcontemplatedoing,alwaysconsiderbeforehandwhetherthouwouldstdoitifthouknewestthatthisveryhourthoushouldstdie,andbesummonedtothejudgmentbarofGod.Dostthousuppose,thatsimplybecausethouartnotalwaysmindfulofdeath,itisnotallthetimecomingnearerandnearertothee?Ordostthousupposethatthouwiltsummonitthesoonerbythinkingofit?Whetherthouthinkestofitornot,whetherthouspeakestofitornot,deathisalwaysthreateningthee.Lifehasbeengivennotasanabsolutepossession,butasaloanintrust;asthouhastcomeintotheworld,soshaltthouleaveit;nakedcarnestthouhither,nakedshaltdeparthence(Jobi.21).Lifeisapilgrimage,andafterthouhastwalkedabouthereandthereinthisworldforatime,thoumustatlengthreturntoGod.Thoudwellestinthisworldmerelyasatenant,asojourner,notasamasterinperpetualpossession.Everyhourconsiderwhitherthouartmomentbymomentsorapidlyhastening.

Wedeceiveourselvessadlyifwethinkofdeathonlyastakingplacewiththelastbreathoflifehere;onthecontrary,daybyday,hourbyhour,

momentbymoment,wearedying.Stepbystepthefutureoflifeapproachesus,andatthesametime,stepbystepdeathadvancestowardsus.Andeverymomentaddedtolifeisatthesametimeamomentsubtractedfromit.Deathreallynevercomessuddenly,butwealwaysapproachitgradually,stepbystep.Thislifeofoursisapathuponwhichwejourney;everydaywecompleteapartofit;lifeanddeathseemtobefardistantfromeachother,wheninfacttheyareasnearaspossibletoeachother.Lifeisalwaysglidingalongasifonswiftwing,whiledeathiseverhoveringneartostrikeusdown.Likevoyagersontheocean,whoarecomingnearerandnearertoport,althoughastheyarebeingbornealongswiftlybythevessel,theyoftenfeelitnotorthinknotofit,soonthevoyageoflife,whateverwedo,whetherweeat,ordrink,orsleep,wearealwayscomingnearerandnearertodeath.Manyhavepassedthroughlifeseekingonlythemeansandthesuppliestosupportit.

Noonecancheerfullymeetdeathunlesshehasforalongtimebeenlookingforwardtoitwithcalmcomposure.Diedailytothyselfwhilstthouartliving,sothatwhenthoudiestthoumayestlivewithGod.Beforethoudiest,letthysinsdieinthee;inthylifelettheoldAdamdieinthee,sointhydeathChristshallliveinthee;inthylifeletthineoutwardmanperishdaybyday,sointhydeaththeinwardmanshallberenewedinthee.Deathsimplytransfersusfromtimetoeternityasweare,for“wherethetreefalleth,thereitshallbe”(Ecc.xi.3).Howanxiouslythenoughtwetoconsiderthehourofdeath!Timeisquicklypassing,andtheinfinitereachesofeternalagesstretchoutbeforeus;intimethenpreparethyselfforeternity!Whatshallbeourportionineternity,whethertheblessednessoftheredeemedorthetormentsofthelost,isdeterminedinthatonehourofdeath;aye,inthatsinglemoment,eternalhappinessiseitherwonorlost.Whatcarefulandanxiouspreparation,Ofaithfulsoul,oughtestthoumakeforthehourofthydeath!Itwillnotbehardtothinklightlyofalltheseperishingearthlythings,ifthouartconstantlymindfulofthymortality.Justthinkofthineeyesbecomingobscuredinthedarknessofdeath,andthouwilteasily“turnthemawayfrombeholdingvanity”(Ps.cxix.37);thinkhowthineearswillbecomedeafindeath,andeasywillitthenbefortheetoclosethemtoallungodlyandimpurewords;thinkofthytonguestiffeningindeath,andsurelythouwiltbe

morecarefulofthyvainprattle.Considerthestrugglesandagoniesofthedeathhour,sowiltthoueasilydespiseworldlydelights;considerhowallwhodeparthencemustlayasidealltheirpossessions,andthenpovertyherewillnotseemsogrievoustothee.Thinkofhowghastlythewholebodybecomesintheembraceofdeath,andthenthesplendorsandgloriesofthisworldwillnotsoattractthee.Beholdwithwhatgriefandwailingthesoulisdrivenfromitshomeinthebody,andthouwiltthemoreeasilyavoidtheguiltofsin.Thinkhowthypoorbodywillyieldtocorruptioninthegrave,andlittledifficultywiltthouhaveinhumblingthedispositiontopride,somanifestinthyflesh.Indeaththoushaltbeleftalone,bereftofallcreaturecomfortsandcompanionships;considerthis,andthenthoucansteasilyturnthylovefromthemtothyCreator.Justthinkhowanxiouslydeathwillwatchandsearchthee,lestthoucarryanythingoutofthislifewiththee,andthenthouwilteasilydespisetherichesofthisworld.Hewhointhislifeisdailydyinginsin,willpassthroughdeathtotheawfulpunishmentofeternaldeath;andnoonewillenterintoeternallifewhobeginsnotheretoliveinChristJesus.Thatwhenthoucomesttodiethoumayestlive,implantthyselfnowinChristbyalivingfaith.

Asthenthouartsensiblethatdeathistobeexpectedatanytime,letitcontinuallybeinthymind.Wealwayscarryaboutwithusoursins,whynotthencarryaboutwithusconstantlythethoughtofdeath,for“thewagesofsinisdeath”(Rom.vi.23)?Ifthouwouldstescapethebitternessofdeath,thenobserveChrist’ssaying(Johnviii.51).FaithunitesustoChrist,andifweareinChristweshallnotdie,forChristHimselfisourlife.“HethatisjoineduntotheLordisonespirit”withHim(1Cor.vi.17),andthusthefaithfulsoulshallnotdieeternally,becausetheeternalGodHimselfisitslife.ThechildrenofIsraelpassedsafelythroughtheRedSeatothePromisedLand,whilePharaohandhishostweredrownedinitsdepths([[Ex.xiv>>Ex14]]).AndsodeathtothegodlyisreallythebeginningoftheirtruelifeandtheopendoorintothegloriesofParadise.Butdeathtothewickedisnottheendoftheirills;itissimplyatransitionfrom,theillstheysufferedheretothegreateronesthatshallfollowdeath;apassagefromthefirstdeathtothegreaterhorroroftheseconddeath(Rev.xx.14).SointimateandcloseisthisunionbetweenChrist

andbelieversthatdeathcannotdissolveit(Rom.viii.38,39);butintheawfulshadesofdeathdivinegraceattendsthem,lightingupthewaytoglory;andforthattryinghourChristHimselfprovidesconvoysofangelstoattendandprotectHislovedones.ThebodiesofsaintsaretemplesoftheHolyGhost(1Cor.vi.19);andtheHolySpiritwillneverpermitthesetemplesofHistobeentirelydestroyedbydeath.TheWordofGodisanincorruptibleseed(1Pet.i.23);deathdoesnotdestroythatseed,butitishiddenintheheartsofGod’speople,andinHisowngoodtimeHewillquickenitintonewlife.

MEDITATIONXLIV.CONSOLATIONINTHEDEATHOFFRIENDS.

ToDieisGain.

ODEVOUTsoul,keepChrist,thyblessedSaviour,alwaysinmind,andthouwilthavenodreadofdeath.Ifthouartdistressedatthethoughtoftheagoniesofdeath,becomfortedinviewofthemightypowerofChristthyLord.TheIsraelitescouldnotdrinkthewatersofMarah,becauseoftheirbitterness,untiltheLordshowedMosesatree“whichwhenhehadcastintothewaters,thewatersweremadesweet”(Ex.xv.25).Andifthoudreadestthebitternessofdeath,fearnot,forGodshowstheeatree,whichwillchangeitsbitternessintosweetness,thatistheBranchsprungfromtherootofJesse(Is.xi.1).ThatBranchisChrist,whosaid,“Ifamankeepmysayingheshallneverseedeath”(Johnviii.51).Ourlifehereisfullofburdens;itisablessedthingthentofindanycomfortandalleviationofitsmiseries.AfterallitisnottheChristianhimself,butonlyhistroublethatdies.Thisdepartureofthesoul,whichwethinkofasdeath,isnotanexit,butatransition.Wedonotloseourdepartedlovedones,wesimplysendthemonbeforeus;theydonotdie,theyriseintoahigherlife;theydonotforsakeus,theyarenotforeverpartedfromus,theyhavejustprecededustotheglory-world;theyarenotlosttous,ratheronlyseparatedfromusforatime.Whenthegoodmandiesitistoliveanewlife;andwhilstweintearslayawayhisbody,herejoicesintheunspeakablegainsoftheworldofglory.Ourfriendsdie;butintruththatmeansthattheyceasetosin,andalltheirdisquietudes,theirstruggles,theirmiseriesalsocease.Theydieinfaith;andthatmeansthatfromwhatisonly,asitwere,theshadowofalifehere,theypassoverintothetruelifebeyond;outofthedarknessandmysteryofthisworldtheyare

transferredtothegloriouslightofheaven;andfromsojourningamongmentheydeparthencetodwellforeverwithGod.

Lifeisavoyageo’eratroubledsea;deathistheportofsafetytowhichwearebound.Weoughtnotgrievethenthatourdearoneshavedied,butweoughttorejoicethatfromthestormyseaoflifetheyhavesafelypassedintothehavenofeternalrest.Thislifeisalongandwearyimprisonment,anddeathisgloriousliberty;forthisreasonoldSimeononthevergeofdeathexclaimed,“Lord,nowlettestThouThyservantdepartinpeace”(Lukeii.39).Hedesiredtobepermittedtodepart,asthoughhewerehereconfinedinaprison-house.Letusratherrejoicethatourdepartedlovedoneshavebeenreleasedfromthisprison,andhavenowattaineduntoperfectliberty.AndsotheApostlehadadesiretodepartandbewithChrist(Phil.i.23),asifsensiblethatwhilehedweltinthebodyhewasmiserablyfettered.Shallwerepineandgrieve,then,thatourfriendshavestruggledoutofthesecorporealfetters,andareevennowrejoicingintrueliberty?Shallwearrayourselvesinsablegarmentsofmourningforthem,whentheyhaveputonthewhiterobesoftheredeemed?Foritiswrittenthattotheelecthavebeengivenwhiterobesintokenoftheirinnocence,andpalmsintheirhandsasemblemsofvictory(Rev.vii.9).Shallwetormentourselveswithtearsandgroans,when“Godshallwipeawayalltearsfromtheireyes”(Rev.vii.17;Is.xxv.8)?Shallwegrieveforourlovedones,thusaddingfreshburdenstoourlives,whentheyareinthatplaceofblessednesswherethereisneithersorrow,norcrying,norpain(Rev.xxi.4),andwheretheyrestfromtheirlabors(Rev.xiv.13)?Shalltheirdeparturefromusplungeusintoexcessivesadness,whenthey,inthecompanyoftheangelsofGod,areexultingintrueandlastingjoy?Shallweindulgeincriesoflamentationforthem,whilethey,beforetheLamb,aresingingthatnewsong,havingharpsandgoldenvialsfullofodors,whicharetheprayersofsaints(Rev.v.8,9)?Shallwegrievefortheirdeparturefromthisworld,whentheirdepartureisamatterofsomuchjoyandblessednesstothem?

Howblesseditistodepartfromthisworld,ChristplainlyindicatedwhenHerepliedtoHisdisciples,whoseheartswerefilledwithsadness

becauseHehadtoldthemthatHewasabouttogoawayfromthem,“IfyelovedMe,yewouldrejoice,becauseIsaid,IgountotheFather:forMyFatherisgreaterthanI”(Johnxiv.28).Supposethouwertinaragingstormatsea,andthewavesviolentlyagitatedbythewindsweredashingoverthyship,everymomentthreateningtoengulfit,wouldstthounotseekthenearestharborwithallpossiblehaste?Behold,theworldistotteringandlaboringtoitsfall;ittestifiestoitsimpendingruin,notonlybyitsoldage,butalsobythesignsthat“theendofallthingsisathand;”andwiltthounotgivethankstoGod,wiltthounotcongratulatethydepartedlovedones,thatthey,nowsafewithGod,haveescapedtheawfulruin,theterribleshipwreck,andthehorribleplaguesthatthreatenthisworldwithdestruction?InwhosehandscanthesalvationofthydepartedbesaferthaninthehandsofChrist?Wherecantheirsoulsdwellmoresecurelythanintheheavenlykingdom?HearthewordsoftheholyApostle—“Deathisgain.”Ah!itisagreatgaintohaveescapedfromtheincreasingburdenofsinhere;itisagaintohavefledfromthedistressingevilsthathereafflictus;itisagaintohavepassedoverintothepossessionofthebetterthingsthatGodhaslaidupforthosewholoveHim.Ifthosewhomthouhastlostbydeathwereverydeartothee,letGodnowbeallthedearertothee,becauseHewaspleasedtotakethemtoHimselfinglory.DonotchidetheLord,forHehathtakenawaynothingbutwhatHegave;HehathsimplytakenHisown,notthine(Jobi.21).DonotbeangrythattheLordhasbeenpleasedtotakebackagaintoHimselfwhatHehadsimplyentrustedtotheeasaloan.TheLordonlyseestheevilsthataretocome,andHelovinglytookawaythydearonesfromthecalamitiesthatHesawimpending.

ThosethatdieintheLordrestfromtheirlabors,whilethosewhomtheyleftbehindinthisworldsuffergrievousafflictionsandtorments,andthatevenincircumstancesofmaterialcomfortandgreatness,asinthepalacesofkings.Ifthouhastlostdearonesbydeath,bepersuadedthatbyandbythouwiltbewiththemagain,andthentheywillbedearertotheethanever;forabrieftimetheyareseparatedfromthee;butthroughablissfulandunendingeternitythouwiltbere-unitedtothem.Forwecherishthesureandblessedhopethatweshallsoondeparthence,assomeofourdearoneshave,whomwehavesentonbeforeus,andthatwe

shallcometothatlife,whereasweknowourlovedonesbetterweshalllovethembetterthanweeverlovedthemhere,andthat,too,withouttheleastfearofanythingtomarourperfectlove.Nomatterhowmanytherewillbe,norhowmanytherehavebeen,yetthatgreatassemblyintheheavenlyworldwillreceiveoursoulsinitsgladembrace.There,withjoyunspeakable,shallwebepermittedtorecognizethefacesofourlovedandlost,andholdsweetconversewiththemthrougheternalages.Therethesistershallwalkhandinhandwithherbrother,andchildrenwiththeirparents;andnonightshalleverinterruptthegladfestivitiesofthateternalday.Dwellnot,then,somuchuponthatsadhourwhenthyfriendsleftthee,asuponthatgladtimewhentheyshallberestoredtotheeonthemorningoftheresurrection.Whenourfaithintheresurrectionisstrongandfirm,deathlosesmuchofitsterror;welookuponitratherasaquietsleep.Wemayfindhintsoftheresurrectioninallnatureaboutus.Thesundailysetstousherinthesplendorofanewday.Theplantthatliesdeadthroughthelongwinterspringsintonewlifeattheapproachofspring.Thefabledphcenixevenindeathre-producesitself.Astheseasonsendtheybeginagain,keepingoninconstantsuccession.Thefruitcomestomaturityanddiestoreproduceotherfruitfromitsseed.Unlesstheseeddecayanddieitwillnotspringupintofruitfulness.Thusinnatureallthingsperpetuatethemselvesbydying;andoutofdeathevermorecomesanewlife.ShallwesupposethatGodhastonopurposeplacedsuchtypesasthesebeforeusinnature?ShallweascribemorepowertonatureinthesenaturalresurrectionsthantoGod,whopromisestoraiseourbodiesatthelastday?Hewhogiveslifetodeadandputridseeds(1Cor.xv.37),sothattheyfurnishsustenanceforthylifehere,willmuchratherraisefromthedeadthineownbodyandthebodiesofthyfriends,andwiththemthoushaltliveeternally.Godhathcalledthybelovedtotheirownbeds(Is.lvii.2);donot,Ibeseechthee,begrudgethemtheholyresttheythereenjoy;itwillbebutalittlewhile,andtheyshallriseagain.

PerchanceitwasthyhopethatthylovedoneswouldbeusefulmembersoftheChurchmilitanthereonearth;butithaspleasedGodtotransferthemtotheChurchtriumphantabove,andasithaspleasedGod,letitpleasetheeaswell.Perhapsitwasthyhopethattheywouldacquire

vaststoresofworldlywisdom.ButitpleasedGodthattheyshouldratherintheheavenlyschoollearntruewisdom;andasitpleasedGod,letitpleasetheealso.Perhapsitwasafondhopeofthyheartthatthydepartedlovedoneswould“beraisedoutofthedustandbesetwithprinces”(Ps.cxiii.8);butitpleasedGodtoexaltthemtocompanionshipwiththeprincesofheaven,eventheholyangels;andasitpleasedGod,oh,letitpleasetheealso.Perhapsitwasthyhopethattheywouldlayupgreatrichesupon,earth.ButitpleasedGodthatinsteadofthistheyshouldcomeintopossessionoftheinconceivabledelightsoftheheavenlykingdom;andasitpleasedGod,letitpleasetheealso.

OrighteousGod,Thougavest;Thouhasttakenaway;blessedbeThyholynameforeverandever(Jobi.21).

MEDITATIONXLV.THELASTJUDGMENT.

RegardwithwholesomefearthetribunalofChrist.

“THEFatherjudgethnoman,buthathcommittedalljudgmentuntotheSon”(Johnv.22).Iknow,OLordJesus,thatwhenThoucomestastherighteousJudgeofalltheearth,Thouwiltbringtolightthesecretdeedsandwordsandthoughtsofallmen(1Cor.iv.5).AboveusinthatdreaddaywillstandourawfulJudge;beneathuswillbeayawninghell;withinusweshallcarryastingingconscience,andwithoutusathreateningfire;onmyrighthandmysinsshallriseuptoaccuseme,onmyleftthefiendsofhelltoterrifyme.Goodangelsshallbetheretobarthewaytoheaven,andevilangelstohastenmyfallintothelowesthell.OblessedLordJesus,towhomshall.Ifleeinsuchawretchedplightasthis?AsJob([[ix.28>>Job9.28]])said,“Iamafraidofallmysorrows,”knowingthatThoucanstnotjustlyspareanysinfuloffender.ThereshallIstandbetweentimeandeternity;timeisrapidlypassing,theinfiniteagesofeternityyetawaitme.Thereinthatawfuljudgmenttheevilspiritsshallrequirealltheirworks,andallthoseevildeedswhichtheyherepersuadedmetodoshalltheythereproducetomycondemnation,thattheymaydragmywretchedsoulwiththemdowntohell.“Andallthehostofheavenshallbedissolved,andtheheavensshallberolledtogetherasascroll;andalltheirhostshallfalldown,astheleaffallethofffromthevine,andasafallingfigfromafig-tree”(Is.xxxiv.4).“Thenthemoonshallbeconfoundedandthesunashamed”(Is.xxiv.23).AndiftheseworksofThyhands,OGod,whichhaveneverdoneanyevil,shallfleeawayfromThypresence,howcanI,amiserablesinner,hopetoappearbeforeThyface?“Yea,theheavensarenotcleaninHissight.Howmuchmoreabominableandfilthyisman,whichdrinkethiniquitylikewater”(Jobxv.15,16)?“Andiftherighteousscarcelybesaved,whereshallthe

ungodlyandthesinnerappear”(1Pet.iv.18)?WhitherthenshallIflee,towhomshallIturn,buttoThee,OLord?ThouwiltbetheJudgeofmysins,andyetThouhastdiedformysins!“FortheFatherjudgethnoman,buthathcommittedalljudgmentuntotheSon”(Johnv.22).Yes,theFatherhathcommittedalljudgmentuntotheSon,butontheotherhandtheSonhathbeendeliveredupforoursins(Rom.iv.25).“ForGodsolovedtheworldthatHegaveHisonlybegottenSon”(Johniii.16),nottojudgetheworld,buttosavetheworldthroughHim.Howthenwiltthoujudgeme,OLordJesus,whentheFatherhathsentThee,thatthroughTheeImightbesaved?ThoudidstperfectlydothewillofThyFatherinallthings;howthenwiltthoufailtodoitinthematterofsavingsuchamiserablesinnerasI?“ItisnotthewillofyourFatherwhichisinheaventhatoneoftheselittleonesshouldperish”(Matt.xviii.14).TrulyIamoneofthoselittleonesinThysight,aswellasinmyown;forwhatamI,butdustandashes(Gen.xviii.27)?NoramIbutdustandashesinThysight,butinrespectofgrowthingodlinessIamverylittleandveryinsignificant.Therefore,OLordJesus,doThoufinishinme,oneofThylittleones,thewillofThyFatherinheaven.

Thouhastcomeintotheworld,OLordJesus,“tosavethatwhichwaslost”(Matt.xviii.11);howcanstThouthenjudgehimwhoardentlydesirestobesavedbyThee?Iknowthatmysinswillriseinjudgmentagainstme,andthattheywillcryaloudforvengeanceuponme,butthen,OblessedJesus,ThouhasttransferredmysinstoThyself,Thouart“theLambofGod,thattakestawaythesinsoftheworld”(Johni.29),andwhynotminealso?HowwiltThoucondemnmeformysins,whenThouhastdiedforthem?Thouhastdiedforthesinsofthewholeworld(1Johnii.2),whynotthenforminealso?OblessedLordJesus,ifThouhadstwishedtojudgesostrictly,whywertThouconstrainedtoleaveThyheavenlyhomeandbecomeaman,andbecomeobedientuntodeath,eventhedeathofthecross?Devilswillaccuseme,andwillrequirefrommysoultheevildeedswhichtheypersuadedmetodo.“Buttheprinceofthisworldisjudged”(Johnxvi.11),andthe“princeofthisworldCometh,andhathnothinginThee”(Johnxiv.30).AndifhehasnothinginThee,surelyhewillnothaveinme;forIbelieveinThee,OLordJesus,andforthatreasonThouabidestinmeandIinThee(Johnxiv.23).IfthenSatan

accuseme,hewillaccuseThyfriend;ifheaccuseme,hewillaccuseThybrother;ifheaccuseme,hewillaccusethewell-belovedSonoftheeternalFather.AndhowwiltThouseverelyjudgeThyfriend,ThybrotherandThyson?ThelawofMoseswilljudgemeinthatday,andwillpronounceacurseuponme.“Cursedbehethatconfirmethnotallthewordsofthislawtodothem”(Deut.xxvii.26).ButThou,OChrist,“hastredeemedmefromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforme”(Gal.iii.13).ThelawofMosesmaypronounceacurseuponmeformysin,butThouwiltpronounceablessinguponme,foroh,howIlongtohearThyvoicesayinguntome,“Come,yeblessedofMyFather,inheritthekingdompreparedforyoufromthefoundationoftheworld”(Matt.xxv.34)!Thelawmayaccuseme,butThouneverwilt,butwiltratherintercedeforme(Rom.viii.34).Ifearnotthecurseofthelaw,for“Thouhastblottedoutthehandwritingofordinancesthatwasagainstus”(Col.ii.14).Lostsoulswillriseupandcondemnmeinthatday,anddeclarethatImeritthesamecondemnationwiththemselves.Ifreelyconfess,OLordJesus,thatformysinandguiltIdeservenobetterthanthey,andyetmyhumbleconfessionofmyguilt,andmysavingknowledgeofThee,afterall,doesmakemedifferentfromthem.“HethathearethMyword,andbelievethonHimthatsentMe,hatheverlastinglife,andshallnotcomeintocondemnation”(Johnv.24).IhearThyword,OLordJesus,andIdobelieveonThee,andthoughmyfaithbesoweak,yetIdobelieve.“Lord,Ibelieve,helpThoumineunbelief”(Mk.ix.24).“Lord,Ibelieve,butincreasemyfaith”(Lukexvii.5).ThoughImaynotbefreefromthesinsofthedamned,yetfromthatofunbeliefThouwiltdeliverme,OLord.

Allthese,mineaccusers,striketerrortomyheart,butthethoughtofThee,OmyrighteousJudge,givesnewcouragetomysoul.TheFatherhathdeliveredtoTheealljudgment(Johnv.22);HehathdeliveredallthingsintoThyhands(Matt.xi.27);andyetHehathalsodeliveredTheeupforusall(Rom.viii.32);andmoreoverThouThyselfhastdeliveredupThyselffortheChurch,thatThoumightestsanctifyit,andcleanseitwiththewashingofwaterbytheword(Eph.v.26).HowwiltThouthenseverelyjudgethoseforwhomThoudidstdeliverupThyselftodeath,eventhedeathofthecross(Phil.ii.8)?“Nomaneveryethatedhisown

flesh;butnourishethandcherishethit,evenastheLordtheChurch;forwearemembersofHisbody,ofHisflesh,ofHisbones”(Eph.v.29,30).

MEDITATIONXLVI.THEDESIREFORETERNALLIFE.

AlwaysLookUpward,OMySoul.

ODEVOUTsoul,thoushouldestnotsetthyheartuponthisfleetinglife,butratheruponthatlifethatshallendureforeverandever.Letthydesiresascendtothatblessedplacewherethereisperpetualyouthwithouttheinfirmitiesofoldage;wherelifeshallnevermorebefollowedbydeath;whereblissfuljoyisunalloyedwithsorrow,andwherethereisakingdomunchangeableandunending.Ifbeautyherehasanycharmsforthee,rememberthat“therighteousshallshineforthasthesuninthekingdomoftheirFather”(Matt.xiii.43).Ifactivityandstrengthdelightthee,bearinmindthattheelect“areastheangelsofGodinheaven”(Matt.xxii.30).Ifalongandhealthfullifeseemsespeciallydesirabletothee,therethoushaltrejoiceineternalhealth.Ifthoulongestforfullsatisfactionhere,thenrejoice,fortheelectshallbesatisfiedwhentheyawakewiththelikenessoftheLord(Ps.xvii.15).Ifmusiccharmsthee,theretheangelicchoirshallchantthepraisesofGodforeverandever.Ifthyheartturnstopureandholypleasures,thereGodshallmaketheedrinkoftheriverofHispleasures(Ps.xxxvi.8).Ifwisdomattractthee,theretheinfinitewisdomofGodwillberevealedtothee.Iffriendshipisdelightfultotheehere,therethouwiltloveGodfarmorethanthoulovestthyself,andGodwilllovetheemorethanthoulovestthyself.IfChristianfellowshipandconcordpleasethee,thereamongallthehostsofheaventherewillbebutoneheartandmind.Ifpower,thereallthingsshallbeeasytothee,asthoushaltshareintheverypowerofGod;desiringnothingthatshallbebeyondthypowerofattainment,butdesiringnothingthatisnotinperfectaccordwithGod’sholywill.Ifhonorandrichespossessattractionsforthee,thereGodshallmakeHisfaithfulservantsrulersovermanythings(Matt.xxv.23).Ifthoulongestfortrue

securitybecomforted;forinheavenitisjustascertainthateternalhappinesswillneverfailthee,asitisthatthouwouldstneverloseitofthineownwillandchoice,orthatGod,thylovingheavenlyFather,willeverdeprivetheeofit,orthatthereisanypowerintheuniversegreaterthanGodthatcanseparatetheefromGod,againstthineownwill.Whatevertheelectcanpossiblylongfor,theretheyshallfindtotheirinfinitesatisfaction,forthenshalltheyseeHimfacetoface(1Cor.xiii.12),whoisallandinall.Theblessingsthoushaltthereenjoyshallbeimmeasurable,withoutnumber,andinconceivablyprecious.Thereweshallrejoiceineternalhealthofbody,thegreatestpurityofsoul,therichesofdivinegloryandpleasure,theperpetualcompanionshipofangelsandsaints,whilstourbodiesshallshineinthesplendorofthegloryofGod.Oh!howtheredeemedshallrejoiceinthedelightsoftheirheavenlyhome,intheblessedsocietyofthatcelestialkingdom,intheglorificationoftheirbodies.Oh!howtheyshallexultastheythinkoftheworld,thatfortheirloveofChristtheydespised,andoftheawfultormentsofthehelltheyhaveescaped.Themostinsignificantcrownofeternallifeshallbefarpreferabletoathousandworlds,becausethatisinfinite,whilstthesearebutfinite.Norneedwefearthatdifferentdegreesofgloryinheavenwilleveroccasionenvyintheheartsoftheredeemed,forunityoflovewillreigninall.Andbecauseofthissupremelovethejoyofonewillbethejoyofall.ThereisnogreatergoodinheavenorinearththanGod.Andsotherecanbenogreater,nomoreperfectjoyconceivedofthantoseeGod,andtopossessHim;andtofeasttheeyesuponGod,evenforasinglemomentonly,willfarsurpassallthejoysofearth;forweshallseeHimasHeis,andGodshallbeinusandweinGod.

Onthislife’sjourneywehaveChristwithusconstantly;butveiledtooursightundertheWordandSacraments.WecannothereknowHimbyactualsightandtouchofHisblessedbody;butinthatfuturelifeweshallseeHimfacetoface,whenatHisowntableintheheavenlykingdomHedistributestousthatbreadoflifethatshallperfectlysatisfyourhungrysouls—justasthetwodisciplesknewHim,notbytheway,butrecognizedHiinasHesatatmeatandbrakebreadwiththem(Lukexxiv.31).Theheavenlycity,theholyJerusalem,haswithinitnotemplemadewith

hands,norhasitneedofthesunorofthemoon,“fortheLordGodAlmightyandtheLambarethetempleofit”(Rev.xxi.22),“andthegloryoftheLorddidlightenit,andtheLambisthelightthereof”(Rev.xxi.23).Theregloriousvisionshallsucceedfaith,actualenjoymentshallsucceedhope,andperfectfruitionshallsucceedlove.InthebuildingofSolomon’stemple“therewasneitherhammernoraxe,noranytoolofironheard”(1Kingsvi,7);sointheheavenlyJerusalem,neitherpainnortribulationshallbeexperienced,becausethematerialsforthistemple,thatis,itsspiritualstones(1Pet.ii.5),haveallbeenpreparedbeforehandintheworldthroughsorrowandtribulation.ThevisitoftheQueenofShebatoSolomon(1Kingsx.1,2)maysetfortharedeemedsoul’shasteningtowardsChristintheheavenlyJerusalem;itcomeswithagreattrainofholyangels,withdiversevirtuesasitsgiftsofgoldandpreciousstones.ItwondersatthewisdomofChristtheKing;attheranksofHisservants,thatis,theangelsandredeemedsaints;atthefoodofHistable,thatis,theabundanceofthateternalrepastHespreadsbeforethem;attheirgloriousapparel,thatis,thebeautyandgraceoftheirglorifiedbodies;atthesplendorofHishouse,thatis,themagnitudeandmagnificenceoftheheavenlypalace;atthesacrificesofferedup,thatis,theunceasingascriptionsofpraisethatrisetoHim;andinamazementthesoulwillconfessthatitcouldnothavebelievedaspossiblewhatitseyesnowbehold.

Takecourage,then,Ofaithfulsoul,andturnthythoughttothosegoodthingsthatarelaidupinheavenforthee;thyspiritoughtevennowdirectitselfwhitherthouwiltbyandbygo.Intimewemuststrivetowardsthatplacewherewearetoabidethroughalleternity.BeassuredhewillnotenterintothegloryofhisLordwhohasnodesireforit.ThouhopestsometimetoappearinthepresenceofGod;striveafterholiness,then,forHeHimselfisholy(Lev.xi.45).Thouartlookingforwardtothecompanionshipoftheangelsinheaven;seetoit,then,thatthourepelnottheirgentleministriesnowbythysin.Thouhopesttoenjoyeternalblessednessafterawhile,whythendesiresoardentlythegoodthingsofthislifenow?Thouartseekingcitizenshipinheaven;whythendesiresogreatly“acontinuingcityhere”(Heb.xiii.14)?ThouartlongingtoseethySaviourChrist,whythenfeardeath?Herightlyfearsdeathwhofearsto

gointothepresenceofChristThouartalsotoentertheheavenlyJerusalem;oh,whythendostthousodefilethyselfwithsinwhenitisplainlywritten,“thatthereshallinnowiseenterintoitanythingthatdefileth”(Rev.xxi.27)?Thoudesiresttoeatofthefruitofthetreeoflife(Rev.xxii.2);butthenthoumustfirstapprehendChrist,thetruetreeoflife,inthislife,foritiswritten:Blessedaretheywhichwashtheirrobesandmakethem“whiteinthebloodoftheLamb”(Rev.vii.14);“thattheymay“haverighttothetreeoflife,andmayenterinthroughthegatesintothecity”(Rev.xxii.14);“withoutaredogsandsorcerers”(Rev.xxii.15);bewarethenofimpurityandunchastity,withoutalsoare“murderers,”bewarethenofexcessiveanger;withoutare“idolaters,”bewarethenofavariceandofmakinganidolofanyworldlyobject-;“withoutareliars,”bewarethenofeverycunningartificeofsin,ofallthatsavorsoffalsehood.IfthouartlongingtobeadmittedtothemarriagesupperoftheLamb,longalsoforthecomingofChrist,thyBridegroom.“TheSpiritandtheBridesay,Come!”ButifthouhastnottheearnestoftheSpirit,throughwhichthoumaystcall,“TheLordcometh!”neverwillChrist,theBridegroom,admittheetoHisheavenlynuptials.ThouartnotatruebrideifthoudesirestnotthecomingofthyBridegroom.Wouldstthouhaveanameandaplaceinthenewheavenandthenewearth(Rev.xxi.1);whythensetthyheartsofondlyontheperishingthingsofthislife?Wouldstthoubemadeapartakerofthedivinenature;whythenclingsotenaciouslytotheseemptycreaturecomforts?Dostthoulookforwardtothat“buildingofGod,thathousenotmadewithhands,eternalintheheavens”(2Cor.v.1);whythenshouldstthounotdesirethisearthlyhouseofthyhabitationtobedissolved?Dostthou,indeed,“desiretobeclotheduponwiththyhousewhichisfromheaven”(2Cor.v.2);whynotthenprovideforit,sothatthoumaystnotbefoundnaked?

IftheadorableTrinitydwellnotinthyheartbyfaithinthislife,neverinthefuturelifewillthatTrinitydwellintheetothineunspeakableglory;ifthoudostnotenjoythebeginningsofeternallifeinthysoulhere,thouwiltneverrejoiceinitsfullfruitionthere.

MEDITATIONXLVII.THEBEATIFICVISIONOFGODINHEAVEN.

HeavenisourFatherland.

“INMyFather’shousearemanymansions,”areourSaviour’swords(Johnxiv.1).Oh!howIlongtoseethatplace,OLord,whereThouhastpreparedaneternalmansionforme?“ForIamastrangerwithThee.andasojourner,asallmyfatherswere”(Ps.xxxix.12).“Fewandevilhavetheyearsofmypilgrimagebeen”(Gen.xlvii.9);andinmylifeofexilehereIlongformyheavenlyhome;“forourcitizenshipisinheaven”(Phil.iii.20).Ilongtosee“thegoodnessoftheLordinthelandoftheliving”(Ps.xxvii.13).Ourlifehereisasavainshow,“mydaysareasanhandbreadth,andmineageisasnothingbeforeThee”(Ps.xxxix.5,6).“Andnow,Lord,whatwaitIfor”(Ps.xxxix.vii)?IsitnotforThee?OLordJesus,“whenshallIcomeandappearbeforeThee?”“Asthehartpantethafterthewater-brooks,sopantethmysoulafterThee,OGod”(Ps.xlii.1).Otrueandperfectandboundlessjoy!Ojoyuponjoy!Ojoysurpassingalljoy,withoutwhichthereisnojoy!Oh,whenshallIenterthatblessedplaceofjoy,andtherebeholdmyGod!“Asforme,IwillbeholdThyfaceinrighteousness”(Ps.xvii.15);“atThyrighthandtherearepleasuresforevermore”(Ps.xvi.11);“IshallbesatisfiedwiththefatnessofThyhouse;andThoushaltmakemedrinkoftheriverofThypleasures;withTheeisthefountainoflife”(Ps.xxxvi.8,9).

Olonged-forlife!Otheunspeakableblessednessofthattime,whentheAdorableTrinityshallbethecompletionofallourdesires,whomweshallforevermorebehold,whomweshallneverceasetolove,andwhom

weshallunweariedlypraisethroughendlessages.ToseeGod—ah!thatwillsurpassallthejoysofearth.TogazeonthefaceofChrist,tolivewithChrist,tohearthevoiceofChrist,willfarexceedthemostardentdesiresofourhearts.OLordJesus,ThoumostblessedSpouseofmysoul,whenwiltThoubringmysoulintoThyroyalpalaceasThinehonoredbride?WhatcanIwanttherethatThouwiltnotsupply?WhatmorecanwedesireorlookforwhenGodHimselfshallbeallinall(1Cor.xv.28)?Oh,thatwillbeasbeautytomysight,honeytomytaste,musictomyear,balmtomynostrils,andaflowertomytouch.Godwillthenbeallinall,andwilldistributetheblessingsofHiskingdomtoeachoneaccordingtohisheart’sdesire.Ifthoudesirestlife,health,peace,honor,thereGodwillbeallandinalltothysoul!Whatisheredarkandmysterious,eventothemostlearnedintheChurch,willthenbeplainandclear,eventothesmallestchildren.ChristinHisblessedandglorifiedhumanityshalltherebepresentwithus,andwithsweetestvoiceshalldisclosethehiddenmysteriesofoursalvation.SweetshallbeHisvoice,andcomelyHiscountenance(Songii.14);graceispouredintoHislips(Ps.xlv.2);andHeiscrownedwithgloryandhonor(Ps.viii.5).

AndifGodshallbeallinall,thensurelyHewillgrantusfulnessofknowledge,theperfectionofpeace,andthecontinuingpowersofmemorythroughalleternity.GodtheSonwillsatisfyourintellectswiththefullestknowledge;GodtheHolyGhostwillsatisfyourwillswiththeholiestlove;andGodtheFatherwillchargeourmemorieswiththeunfailingremembranceofboth.Thou,OGod,arttheLight;“inThylightshallweseelight”(Ps.xxxvi.10),seeThee,thatis,inThyself,inthegloryofThycountenance,whenweseeTheefacetoface.Norshallweseetheeonly,butweshallalsolivewithThee;andnotonlythat,butweshallpraiseThee;andnotonlyso,butweshallbepartakersofThyjoy;andmorethanthat,weshallbeastheangelsofGod(Matt.xxii.30),aye,likeGodHimself,whoisblessedforevermore(1Johniii.2).

Ofaithfulsoul,inwonderandamazementadorethemarvelouscompassionofthySaviour.NotonlydoesHereceiveuswhowereHisenemiesintoHisgrace,butHealsoforgivesoursins,freelyjustifiesus,

bringsusintopossessionofourheavenlyinheritance,makesusliketheholyangels,yes,evenlikeuntoHimself.Otheblessedcitizenshipofthesaints!OthouheavenlyJerusalem!OthouholyabodeofthemostholyTrinity,whenshallIenterthesacredcourtsofThytemple?ThetempleofthatheavenlyJerusalemistheLamb(Rev.xxi.22),ayethe“LambofGodthattakethawaythesinsoftheworld”(Johni.29),theLambslainforthemfromthefoundationoftheworld(Rev.xiii.8).Oh,whenshallIworshipmyGodinthatholytemple,thatis,GodinGod?Whenshallthatheavenlysun(Rev.xxi.23)ariseformewhichilluminesallthoseholycourts?AnexilestillIamfrommyheavenlyfatherland,butagoodlyheritageislaidupforme(Ps.xvi.6).TothemthatbelieveonHisnamepowerisgiventobecomethesonsofGod(Johni.12).Andifsons“thenheirs;heirsofGod,andjoint-heirswithChrist”(Rom.viii.17).

Becomforted,then,Omysoul,andletthineaspirationsgoupmoreandmoreafterthyheavenlyinheritance!“TheLordistheportionofmineinheritance”(Ps.xvi.5),“andmyexceedinggreatreward”(Gen.xv.1).WhatmorethanthiscanthecompassionateloveofGodbestow?Hegivesuslife;HegivesusHisonlySon;HegivesusHisveryself.AndhadHeknownofanythinggreaterinheaven,orinearth,Hewouldhavegiventhattoo.InGodwelive(Actsxvii.28),wearethetempleofGod(1Cor.iii.16),wepossessGodhereindeedinspiritandinmystery,butthereindeedandintruth.Thereourhopeswillbecomeblissfulreality.Thereweshallnotsimplysojourn,butweshalldwellinasecureabodeforeverandever!

MEDITATIONXLVIII.THEBLESSEDCOMPANIONSHIPOFANGELSINHEAVEN.

HeavenisourHome!

“INtheresurrectiontheyneithermarry,noraregiveninmarriage,butareastheangelsofGodinheaven”(Matt.xxii.30).Whereisthemanwhocanfittinglysetforththisblessedstateoftheredeemedinheaven?WhathumanhearthatheverconceivedofthethingsthatGodhathpreparedforthemthatloveHim(1Cor.ii.9)?TheelectofGod,withbodiesglorifiedattheresurrection,andwithnomorefearofdeath,andwithoutasinglestainorspotofcorruptionclingingtothem,enjoythebeatificvisionofGodinheaven.“IhaveseenGodfacetoface,andmylifeispreserved”(Gen.xxxii.30),exclaimedthegodlypatriarchJacob.AndifonlyamomentaryvisionofGodcouldproducesuchtransportsofjoy,oh,whatwillbetheeternalvisionofGod?IfonlyabriefglimpseofGod,asHeappearedinhumanform,broughtlifeandsalvationtoJacob’ssoul,surelywhenweseeGodfacetofaceinheavenitwillbringeternallifeandunendingblessednesstooursouls.Whatmorecouldbeaddedtofillupthecupofblessednessinheaven?WhatmorethanthisbeatificvisionofGodcouldtheredeemedaskordesire?Andyet,inadditiontoallthis,

theywillenjoythesweetandblessedcompanionshipoftheangelsofGod;andmorethanthis,theythemselvesshallbeliketheangels,intheactivityoftheircelestialbodies,intheirsplendor,andintheirimmortality.Weshallputonwiththemthesamegarmentsofholiness,andstandingbeforethethroneoftheLambclothedinwhiterobes,weshallsingeternalanthemsofpraisetotheLordourGod(Rev.vii.9).Crownsofgloryliketheirsshalladornourbrows,andinthesameblessingsofthatimmortalstatewetooshallrejoice.“Weshallsurelydie,becausewehaveseenGod,”exclaimedManoah(Judgesxiii.22).Butthereweshallsee“thousandthousands,andtenthousandtimestenthousand”(Dan.vii.10)angels,andweshallliveforeverandever.

Andifwearetobeliketheangelsinheaven,thenweneednolongerfearthatinthatholyplaceweshalleverbysinmakeourselvesunlikethem.Weshallputoffthefilthyragsofoursinfulnatures,andbeclothedwiththegarmentsofsalvation,withthewhiterobeofholyinnocence(Is.lxi.10).Inthatblestabodetroublesshallnolongeroppressus,angrypassionsnomoredistressus,envyandhatenomoredistractus,foolishdesiresnomoredisturbus,andhurtfulambitionnomoreinflameus.Thisloadofsinshallthereburdenusnomore,norshallwebeobligedtheretolamentthestainsofsinwithpenitentialtears,norliveinconstantfearofitsdeadlywoundstooursouls.For“theLionofthetribeofJudah”(Rev.v.5)hathconqueredsinandSatan,andinHismightshallweallprevail.

Andifweshallbeliketheangels,thenindeedshallweneitherhungernorthirstanymore.Godshallbethefoodofoursouls,andinHimweshallbeabundantlysatisfied,norshallHeeverfailtorefreshuswithsuppliesofloveandgrace.Oftheredeemeditiswritten:“Theyshallhungernomore,neitherthirstanymore;neithershallthesunlightonthemnoranyheat.FortheLambwhichisinthemidstofthethroneshallfeedthem,andshallleadthemuntolivingfountainsofwaters(Rev.vii.16,17),andfromthemshallflowriversoflivingwater(Johnvii.38);andthereshallbepreparedafeastoffatthings,afeastofwineonthelees(Is.xxv.6).Asweshallpartakeofthatheavenlyrepastweshallshoutaloud

forveryjoyofheart.OblessedLordJesus,mayallthesejoysthatThouhastpromisedusbefulfilledinusinspiritandintruth.OfthefruitofthevineshallwedrinkinThyFather’skingdom(Matt.xxvi.29,)butinspiritandintruth.ThewordswhichThouhastspokenuntoustheyarespiritandtheyarelife(Johnvi.63),andsointhelanguageofthisworldThoudostsetforththejoysthatawaitusinthefutureworld.

Andifwearetobeliketheangels,thensurelyweshallnolongerfeardeath;“deathwillbeswallowedupinvictory”(1Cor.xv.54);deathshallbeforeverdestroyed,and“theLordGodwillwipeawaytearsfromoffallfaces”(Is.xxv.8).There,there,willbejoywithoutsorrow,healthwithoutpain,lifewithouttoil,lightwithoutdarkness;thereourlovewillnevergrowcold,ourjoyneverdiminish,agroanofpainneverbeheard,griefneverbeexperienced,nosadnesseverbeseen,andeternalgladnessshallbeourunfailingpossession;thereweshallhavecertainsecurity,securetranquillity,tranquildelight,delightfulhappiness,ahappyeternity,aneternalblessedness,theblessedTrinity,theTriuneunity,theunityofDeity,andthebeatificvisionofGod.Beofgoodcomfort,Omysoul,andrisetoahigherandhigherappreciationofthehonorthatChristhathconferreduponthee!Weshalljointhegloriouscompanyofangelsandarchangels,andbeassociatedwithrankonrankofheavenlyintelligences,thronesanddominions,principalitiesandpowers(Col.i.16),andnotonlyso,butweshallbelikethemalso.Thereweshallcometoknowourguardianangelofthislife,norshallwebewithoutitsholyministrythere,butweshallbemadegladbyitsblessedcompanionship;weshallnolongerneeditsprotectingcare,butitssocietyshallbeasourceofconstantjoy,anduponitsheavenlysplendorweshallgazewithclarifiedvision.

Andifweshallbeliketheangels,thenthesefrail,feebleandmortalbodiesofoursshallbechanged,andbecomespiritualbodies,activeastheangels,andimmortal.Theyshallshinewiththeveryeffulgenceofthedivineglory,becauseoftheirnearnesstoGod,whodwellsina“lightwhichnomancanapproachunto”(1Tim.vi.16),and“whocoverethHimselfwithlightasagarment”(Ps.civ.2);andtheyshallbe

incorruptible,becausetheyareliketheangels,nayrather,becausetheyshallbechangedintothelikenessoftheglorifiedbodyofChrist(Phil.iii.21);theyaresownhereincorruption,theyshallberaisedinincorruption;theyaresownindishonor,theyshallberaisedinglory;theyaresowninweakness,theyshallberaisedinpower;itissownanaturalbody,itshallheraisedaspiritualbody(1Cor.xv.42-44);itshallshineasthebrightnessofthefirmamentforever(Dan.xii.3).Come,OblessedLordJesus,OcomeandmakeuspartakersofThyheavenlyglory.

MEDITATIONXLIX.THESEVERITYOFFUTUREPUNISHMENT.

Everkeepinmindthetormentsofhell!

MEDITATE,Odevoutsoul,upontheawfulnessoffuturepunishment,andthouwilteasilyovercomeeverybaseandsinfuldesire.Futuretormentwillmeanthepresenceofallthatisbaseandsinful,andtheentireabsenceofallthatisgood.Whatimaginableevilcanbewantingtothosewhoarebeingpunishedforsin,thegreatestofallevils?AndwhatpossiblegoodcantheyenjoywhoarebanishedfromthepresenceofGod,theveryhighestgood?There,inthatworldofwoe,shallbetheheatoffireandtherigorofcold;perpetualdarkness,andthesmokeoftheirtormentarisingforever;therescaldingtearsofsorrowshallunceasinglyflow;theretheawfulsightofthedemonsofhellshallstriketerrorintothesoulsofthelost;thereshallbeweepingandwailingforeverandever;thetormentofaperpetualandunquenchablethirst,sulphurousvapors,thewormthatdiethnot,ahorriblefear,painsunspeakable,andshameandconfusionoffaceastheystandwiththeblackrecordoftheirsinsunfoldedbeforethem;envy,hatred,sorrow,eternalexclusionfromthebeatificvisionofGod,withnorayofhopetocheertheawfulgloomofthatplaceofunendingtorment.ThelightofthatfireshallbythepowerofGodbeseparatedfromitsburningpower;itslightshallbethesourceofendlessjoytothesaintsofGod,butitsburningpowershallcontributetotheendlesstormentofthedamned;itslightwillnevergiveconsolationtothelost,norpresenttotheirvisionanyobjectofdelight,butshallserverathertoaugmenttheirmisery,asitwilldiscloseevernewhorrorstotormentthem.Theireyesshallnevergazeuponthelightofthesunorthemoonorthestars,noruponredeemedsaintsortheirglorifiedSaviour,

butratheruponthefiendsofhellandallthehostofthedamned,whiletheirwailsofdespairshallunceasinglyresound,and“thesmokeoftheirtormentascendforeverandever.”Theirearsshallbecontinuallysalutedwiththedespairingshrieksandincessantblasphemiesandhorriblecriesofdemons.Theirpalatesshallbeconstantlyafflictedwithanunquenchablethirstandaninsatiablehunger,andyetrobbedofallcapacityfortheenjoymentoffoodanddrink.Theirsenseofsmellshallbetorturedwiththehorribleodorsofsulphurousflame.Thesenseoftouchshallexperiencewithinandwithouttheutmostagonyfromtheragingflamesofthatinfernalfire,thatshallpierceeventotheverymarrowoftheirbones!

Thebodiesofthedamnedshallbehideouslydeformed,sluggishandunwieldly.Memoryshalltorturethemwiththerecordoftheirsins;andtheburdenoftheirgriefshallbenottheirawfulsins,butthelossoftheirformerpleasuresofthislife.Onesparkofhellfireshallcausemorehorribleanguishtolostsinnersthanifthepangsoftravailwereprolongedathousandyears;“thereshallbeweepingandgnashingofteeth”(Matt.xxii.13),“fortheirwormshallnotdieneithershalltheirfirebequenched”(Is.lxvi.24).Everyseveralsincommittedhereinthebodyshalltherehaveitsownpeculiarpunishment.AstheredeemedsoulshallhavenodesireinthekingdomofGodungratified,sothelostsoulintherealmsofdespairshallnothaveonedesiregratified.Itwillprofitthelostnothingthatinthislifetheyenjoyedthegoodthingsoftheworldingreatestprofusion,nayrathertheveryrecollectionofthemthenwilladdtotheirawfultorment.Itwillprofitthemnothingthatinthislifetheylivedinriotinganddrunkenness,sincetheretheycannotobtainevenadropofwatertocooltheirparchedtongues.Itwillavailthemnothingthatinthislifetheyarrayedthemselvesingorgeousapparel,fortheretheywillbeclothedinshameandconfusion,andtheirpoorbodieswillbearrayedinignominy.Whatavailwillalltheirearthlyhonorsbetothemthen,forillhelltherewillbenohonor,butcontinualpainandgroansofdespair?Whatwilltheheapsofrichestheyhavegatheredinthislifeavailthemthere,sincethereallwillbeequallypoor?FarremovedwilltheybefromthebeatificvisionofGod!AndnottoseeGodwillexceedalltheotherpunishmentsofhell.Ah,ifthoselostsoulsshutupintheawful

prisonofhellcouldlookuponthefaceoftheirGod,itwoulddispelallsenseofpunishment,ofpain,ofsorrow.TheawfulwrathofGodtheyshallsuffer,butnever,never,shalltheybeholdHisblessedface!BanishmentfromHisfaceshalltheyexperience,andyetneverlookuponthatholyface.TheholywrathofGodshalleverkeepkindlingthefiresofeternaldamnation.AndtheirpunishmentwillbenotonlyaremovalfromablessedcontemplationofGod,buttheyshallbetormentedbytheperpetualsightofdevils,whosewillingslavestheywereinthislife.Ifthesightofasupposedspectreherestrikessuchterrorintothesoulasalmosttodepriveitoflife,howwilliteverendurethehorriblesightofthedevilsforeverandever?Notonlywillthelostbeobligedtocompanyeternallywiththesedemonsofhell,butitwilladdtotheirawfulwretchednesstorealizethatthroughalleternitytheywillbetormentedandtorturedbythesesameevilspirits.

Ifthedevilafflictstherighteoussoseverelyinthislife,bypermissionofGod,fortheirprofit,oh,howdreadfullywillhetorturethelostwhoaregivenoverintohispowerforever?AndnotonlyshalltheybethustormentedbySatanoutwardly,butalsobyanaccusingconsciencewithin,asawormthatdiethnot;conscienceshallmarshalindarkarraybeforetheireyesallthesinstheyhaveevercommitted.Andtheirtormentwillbeallthesevererbecausethereremainethnomoreroomforrepentance.WhenthewisevirginsenteredwiththeBridegroom,immediatelythedoorwasshut;thatis,thedoorofdivinefavor,thedoorofmercy,thedoorofconsolation,thedoorofhope,thedoorofholyconversion.Thenshallthelostcryoutandsaytothemountainsandtotherocks,“Fallonus,andhideusfromthefaceofHimthatsittethonthethroneandfromthewrathoftheEamb”(Rev.vi.16);buthowvainthatcry,fortheheavensandtheearthshallfleeawayfromHiswrath,asitiswritten,“Everyislandfledaway,andthemountainswerenotfound”(Rev.xvi.20).Everycircumstanceorgiftthataddstotheblessednessandgloryoftheredeemed,shallbutaddtothemiseryandtormentofthelost.Therewillbeindeeddegreesofpunishment,andyetthiswillaffordnoconsolation,noteventoonewhosufferstheleastofthoseeternaltorments;whilehewhosuffersthegreatertortureswillenvyhimwhosufferstheless.Itwillbenomitigationoftheirawfulmiseriesforthelost

toknowthatsomeoftheirrelativesandfriendshavebeenadmittedintotheheavenlyhome,asalsotheredeemedwillbecapableoffeelingnosorrowthatsomeoftheirfriendshavepassedintotheplaceofeternaltorment.Soawfulwillbetheirpainandtormentthateverythingelsewillbeexcludedfromtheirminds.

ThedamnedshallbearabitterhatredagainstallGod’screatures;theyshallhatethemselves,theholyangels,theelectsaintsofGod,aye,evenGodHimself,notbecauseofanythinginHisholynature,butbecauseofHisrighteouspunishmentoftheirsins.Theevilsofthislifecome,toalargeextent,singly.Oneisstraitenedbypoverty;anothersuffersbyseveresickness;anotherisoppressedbyahardservitude,andanotherisburdenedwithaloadofinsultandcontumely.Butinthatworldofwoeahostofevilswilltortureeverylostsoul;everyfaculty,everymemberofthebody,willsufferthedreadfulpenaltyofsin.Inthislifehopeservestolighteneveryburden,buttherehopewillforeverhavevanishedfromtheirbreasts;thepunishmentsofhellwillnotonlylastforever,buttheywilllastforeverwithoutonesinglemoment’sinterruptionorrelief.AndsoitisthatifitwerepossibleforallthemenbornfromAdamtothepresentday,andwhoshallyetbeborn,toshareequallythepunishmentthatshallbejustlyinflicteduponthelostsoulinhellforonlyonesin,thenthetorturethateachonewouldsufferwouldexceedallthetormentseversufferedbyevildoersinthisworld.

OdearLord,helpussotokeepthiseternalpunishmentinmindthatbyThygracewemaybepreservedfromeversufferingitsawfultorments!

MEDITATIONL.THEETERNITYOFFUTUREPUNISHMENT.

ThePunishmentofSinisEternal.

MEDITATEforawhile,Odevoutsoul,ontheeternityoffuturepunishment,andthouwiltperceivemoreclearlyitsawfulseverity.Theflamesofhellrageandburnwithoutend,foreverandever.Thelifeofthelostistodieeternally;theirdeathistoliveineverlastingtorment.Thedevilneverweariesintormentingthelost,norwilldeathevercometotheirrelief.Thatfireisalwaysconsumingthatitmayalwayskeepalive;thosetormentsareeverincreasingthattheymayalwaysberenewed;thelostareeverdyingthattheymayalwayslive;andtheyeverlivethattheymayalwayskeepondying!Thatoneistobetormentedforeverandever,withoutanycessationwhatever,willsinkthesoulinthedeepestdespair.Whatcanbemoreintolerablethantobealwayslongingforthatwhichcanneverberealized,andtobelongingforthattoendwhichnevercanend?Inthateternalworldthelostwillneverobtainthatwhichtheysoardentlydesire,andyetwhattheymostabhor,thatwilltheybecompelledtosufferforeverandever.WhentheholywrathofGodagainstsinshallcease,thenshallceasethepunishmentofthedamned;butthatwrathiseternal,andsowilltheirpunishmentbe.Whenthelostexercisetruerepentance,thencantheybedeliveredfromtheirsins;butthetimeforrepentancehaspassed,andnohopeofdivinepardonremains.Whendevilsceasetotorment,thelostwillceasetobetormented;butthehellishrageofthedevilneverwillcease,andneitherthenwillthetormentsofthelost.WhenGod’seternaljusticechanges,thepunishmentofthedamnedwillcease;butGodnevercanceasetobejust,andsotheirtormentsshallcontinueforeverandever.Itisbutstrictjusticethatthosewhowouldneverleaveoffsinninginthislifeshallneverleaveoff

sufferingforitthere.Itisbutrightthatvengeanceshallneverterminateuponthatsoulwhich,whileitcould,neverdesiredtoterminateitscareerofsin.Thedamnedspenttheirowneternity,thatis,thisearthlylife,inpersistentsin;anditisjustandrightthattheyshouldspendGod’seternityinsufferingfortheirsin.Theyceasedtosinbecausetheyceasedtolive;norwouldtheyhaveshownanydesiretoceasesinningcouldtheyhaveprolongedtheirliveseternally,thattheymightsineternally.

Thefuelofthefiresofhell,thatis,thespotsandstainsofsin,iseternal;andsoshallitspunishmentdeservedlybe.God’seyeswillneverbeclosedtotheawfulheinousnessofsininthecondemnedsoul;howthencanthedreadpenaltypronouncedagainstsineverberelaxed?Sinisaninfiniteoffence,becausecommittedagainstaninfiniteGod;andChristhaspaidforitssatisfactionaninfiniteprice,anditisbutrightthereforethatthosewhowilfullydieinsinshouldsufferaninfinitepenaltyforit.Manbyhissinhasdestroyedtheeternalgoodthatwasinhim;andsobythejustandimpartialjudgmentofGodhesufferseternalevil.GodinthebeginningcreatedmaninHisownimagethathemightliveinblessednesswithHimforever;andhasrenewedhimafterhisfallintosinintheimageofChrist.Hehaspreparedforallthemeansofeternalsalvation,andofferedtoallitsgreatrewards;itisnomorethanjustthatthosewhohavedespisedtheserewardssoofferedshouldbesubjectedtoeternalpunishment.Thewilltodoevilshallneverbetakenfiomthelost,northepunishmentofthatwillevercease.Theyfoolishlypreferredthefleetingpleasuresandshort-livedgoodofthisworldtoGod,theinfiniteGood;theiraspirationswereallforthedelightsofthisbriefandtransitoryliferatherthanfortheunspeakabletreasuresofeternallife;anditisbutjustthattheyshallsufferthepunishmentsofdoometernal.

Oboundlesseternity!Oimmeasurableeternity!Oeternitythatbafflesthegraspoffinitemind;howthineillimitableageswilladdtothetormentsofthedamned!Afterthelapseofunnumberedagesthethoughtwillstillcomewithcrushingforcethatthisisbutthebeginningoftheirendlesstorment.Whatasevereafflictionweesteemithereforaninvalidtolie,unabletomove,evenuponthesoftestcouch,forsobriefatimeas

thirtyyears;but,oh,whatwillitbetolieburninginthat“lakethatburnethwithfireandbrimstone”forthirtythousandsofthousandsofyears!Oeternity,eternity,howthoualonedostimmeasurablyheightenthetormentsofthedamned!Severeindeedistheirpunishmentonaccountofthebitterpainofthetormentstheyshallsuffer;severerstillbecauseofthediversityofthesetorments;butthethoughtthattheyshalllastforeverandeverwithnodiminution,nocessation,istheworstofall.Thatwillbedeathwithoutdeath,endwithoutend,perishingwithoutperishing;becausethatdeathisaneverlivingdeath;thatendisaceaselessbeginning;andthatperishingknowsnoperishing.Thosepoorlostsoulsshallseekforlifeandfinditnot;they“shalldesiretodie,anddeathshallfleefromthem”(Rev.ix.6);andafterahundredthousand,thousand,thousandyearstheyshallsimplysufferrenewedtormentswithoutend!Theverythoughtoftheendlessnessoftheirpainwilltormentthemmorethanthesenseofeternalpainitself.Whatcanbeconceivedofasmoreintolerablethanthustodiethatyouarealwaysliving,andthustolivethatyouarealwaysdying?Thatlifewillbelifeless,andthatdeathwillbedeathless!Ifthouartlife,whydostthoudie,andifdeath,howdostthoualwaysendure?

Ourmindscannotgrasptheideaofeternity;asitcanbecircumscribedbynomeasureoftime,soitcanbecomprehendedbynofinitemind.Ifthouwouldstgetsomeconceptionofeternalduration,thinkoftimebeforethecreationoftheworld.IfthoucanstrindapointoftimewhenGodhadabeginning,thoucanstdeterminealsowhenthesufferingsofthelostwillend.Imagineamountainwhoseloftyheightexceedsthedistancefromearthtothesky;supposeaneagleshouldcarryawayfromthismountainasinglegrainofthefinestsandonceinathousandyears,nowwemightconceivethatafteranincomprehensiblylongperiodofagesthetaskmightbefinishedandthemountainentirelyremoved;andyetwecannothopethatthefiresofhellwilleverbeextinguished.Therewardsofthesavedwillnevercometoanend,and’neitherwillthepunishmentsofthelost;forasGod’smercytowardtheelectisinfinite,sowillbe.Hisjusticetowardsthereprobate.Supposethatthetormentsofthelostinkindareasnumerousasthedropsoftheocean.Nowsupposethatattheendofeverythousandyearsalittlebird

shouldflydownanddrinkatinydropofwaterfromthatvastocean.Wemighthopethatbyandbythewatersofthatoceanwouldbeexhausted;butwecannothopethatthetormentsofthedamnedwillever,evercometoanend.

Odevoutsoul,lettheeternityoffuturepunishmentbeeverbeforethymind;torememberhellthusmaypreventthyfallingintoitatlast.Takeheedthatthourepent,whileyetthetimeofpardonlingers!Whatshallthatfireconsumebutthysins?Andthemorethouheapestupiniquities,themorefuelartthoulayingupforthoseeternalburnings.

OblessedLordJesus,whohastofferedcompletesatisfactionforoursinsbyThybitterpassion,guardusfrometernalcondemnationatthelast!Amen.

MEDITATIONLI.THESPIRITUALRESURRECTIONOFTHEGODLY.

ToarisewithChristisLife.

THEresurrectionofChristisofnoavailtotheeunlessChristalsorisesinthysoul.AsChristshouldbeconceivedinthee,borninthee,andliveinthee,solikewiseoughtHetoariseinthee.Deathprecedeseveryresurrection,forhecannotariseagain,whohasnotfirstdied;soitiswithrespecttoourspiritualresurrection.ChristwillnotariseintheeunlesstheoldAdamfirstdieinthee;theinnermanoftheSpiritarisesnotuntilaftertheoutermanofthefleshisdeadandburied;thenewnessoftheSpiritwillnotappearuntiltheoldnessofthefleshdisappears.NorisitenoughthatChristshouldariseinthysoulbutonce,fortheoldAdamcannotbedestroyedinasinglemoment.Theoldsinfulnaturestrivesdailytoliveanewinthee;anddailymustthoudestroyitthatChristmaydailybegintoliveinthee.Christascendednottoheaven,norenteredintoHisglory,untilafterHisresurrectionfromdeath(Lukexxiv.26);andsothouwiltnotenterintotheheavenlygloryuntilChristfirstrisesandlivesinthee.IfChristlivenotinthee,thouartnopartofHismysticalbody;andifthouartnotapartofHisbodyintheChurchmilitantuponearth,HewillnotleadtheevictoriouslyintoHisChurchtriumphantinheaven.Abetrothalalwaysprecedesmarriage,andifthysoulhasnotbeenbetrothedtoChristthroughfaith(Hos.ii.19),andsealedwiththepledgeoftheHolySpirit,itwillneverappearatthemarriageoftheLamb(Rev.xix.7).ThereforeletChristriseandliveinthee,thatthoumaystliveeternallywithHiminheaven.Thisisthefirstresurrection.“Blessedandholyishethathathpartinthefirstresurrection;onsuchtheseconddeathhathnopower”(Rev.xx.5,6).Ifthouwouldstthenappearinthat

resurrectionuntoeternallife,Christmustdailyriseinthysoulinthislife.

Christarosefromthedeadat“therisingofthesun”(Markxvi.2),andsoifChristariseinthee,thelightofthesavingknowledgeofGodwillariseinthysoul.Buthowcantherebesuchlightwherethegrossdarknessofsinstillreigns?“ThefearoftheLordisthebeginningofwisdom”(Ps.cxi.10);buthowcantherebeheavenlywisdomwherethefavoroftheLordhasnoplace?AndifonebeutterlydestituteofthelightoftheknowledgeofGodinthislife,howcanhebeapartakerofGod’seternallightinthelifethatistocome?Thechildrenoflightonlypassoverintothegloriesofeternallight,whilstthechildrenofdarknesspassintotheawfulgloomofeverlastingdarkness.ChristinHisresurrectiontriumphedoverdeath,andsothesoulinwhomChristspirituallyriseswillpassfromdeathtolife(Johnv.24);norcanhebeovercomebydeath,sinceChrist,theDeathofdeath,livesinhim.ChristbyHisresurrectionbroughtinperfectand“everlastingrighteousness”(Dan.ix.24);“Hewasdeliveredforouroffenses,andwasraisedagainforourjustification”(Rom.iv.25),andhelikewiseisjustifiedfromsininwhomChristspirituallyrises,forhowcansinfindplacewhereChrist’sperfectrighteousnessbloomsinthelife?Butthatrighteousnessbecomesoursthroughfaith.OurLordJesusChristbyHisgloriousresurrectionhasrobbedSatanofhisvictoryoverus,forbyHisdescentintohellChristdestroyedhiskingdom,spoiled‘thatstrongman’spalace,andshatteredinpiecesthearmorinwhichhetrusted(Lukexi.22),andsoSatancannevermoreprevailoverhiminwhomChristrisesspiritually,forhecannotbeconqueredbySataninwhomtheConquerorofSatanlives.

AttheresurrectionofChristtherewasagreatearthquake(Matt.xxviii.2),andsoitisthatwhenasoulariseswithChristintoanewlife,itisattendedwithseriouscommotionsandwithtruecontritionofheart.TheoldAdamwillnotdowninuswithoutseverestrugglesandagreatshowofresistance.AndsoChrist’sspiritualresurrectioninoursoulswillbeaccompaniedbyagreatinwardcommotion,byseriousandprofoundagitationofheart;sinmustfirstbedestroyed,andthiscannotoccurwithoutfirstapenitentacknowledgmentofsin,withaseriousandhearty

contritionforit.ThisinwardcontritionofheartprecedesanyspiritualresurrectionwithChrist.TheprophetIsaiahsaid,“AsalionHehathbrokenallmybones”(Is.xxxviii.13).Beholdhowgreatacommotionishere!Butheimmediatelyadds,“OLord,bythesethingsmenlive,andinallthesethingsisthelifeofmyspirit,sowiltThourecovermeandmakemetolive;ThouhastcastallmysinsbehindThyback”(Is.xxxviii.16,17).Beholdhereaspiritualresurrectionfromsin.

WhenChristarosefromthedeadanangeloftheLorddescendedfromheavenandsatuponthesepulchre(Matt.xxviii.2);soifChristisspirituallyriseninthee,thouwiltrejoiceinthecompanionshipofangels.WheretheoldAdamstilllivesandrulesthereSatandelightsto-dwell,butwhereChristlivesandreignsthereangelslovetoabide.Foritiswrittenthat“thereisjoyinthepresenceoftheangelsofGodoveronesinnerthatrepenteth”(Lukexv.10).Andinthe.soulofsuchanoneChristisspirituallyrisen.ThesoulthathasnotyetexperiencedthisspiritualresurrectionofChristiswithoutthegraceofGod,andhencedeprivedoftheguardianshipoftheholyangels;isstillunderthedominionoftheoldunrenewednatureofsinandofthedevil;andwhatpossiblefellowshipcantherebebetweentheholyangelsandthedevil?

AfterHisresurrectionChristappearedtoHisdisciplesandshowedHimselfaliveuntothem(Lukexxiv.15);andsoifthouhastbecomeapartakerofHisresurrectionthroughfaith,showthyselfalivingmemberofHisbodybythydeedsofloveandcharity.Amancannotbedeemedaliveifhefailstomanifestthesignsanddeedsoflife.WhenthesoulispossessedbyChrist,theHolySpiritwilltheretakeupHisabodeandleadthesoultoeverygood;forthose“whoareledbytheSpiritofGod,theyarethesonsofGod”(Rom.viii.14).“IfweliveintheSpirit,letusalsowalkintheSpirit”(Gal.v.25).Thesunscattersthesplendorofitsbeamsoneveryside,andthelightoffaithdiffusesitselfoneveryhandinglowingdeedsoflove.Takeawaylightfromthesun,andthencanstthouseparateworksoflovetoourfellowmenfromfaithinGod.Oursinsaredeadworks(Heb.ix.14);andifthouwalkestindeadworks,howcanstthoupossiblybelivinginChristandChristinthee?Sinbelongstoandis

amanifestationofthatoldunrenewednaturewithinus,andifthatoldAdamstillreignswithinthee,howcanChristhavespirituallyriseninthysoul?Sinbelongstotheoldnessoftheflesh,andifthouwalkestinthis,howcanthenewmanliveinthee?

Raiseusup,OblessedJesus,fromtheawfuldeathofsin,thatwemayhenceforthwalkinnewnessoflifewithThee.MayThydeath,OChrist,puttodeaththeoldAdaminus,andmayThyresurrectioncallintonewlifeourinwardman!MayThypreciousbloodcleanseusfromalloursins,andThyresurrectionclotheusasinarobeofrighteousness!ForThee,OThouTrueLife,dowewhohavebeendeadinsinmostardentlyyearn;toThee,OThouTrueandOnlyRighteousness,dowewhohavesofoolishlywanderedawayfromTheethroughoursins,turnwithlonginghearts;toThee,OThouTrueSalvation,dowe,condemnedtoeternaldeathforoursins,lookwithyearninghearts.O,quickenusbyThySpirit!JustifyusbyThygrace!AndsaveusforThymercy’ssake!Amen.