them her love to them and delight in them was as strong and fresh in her old age as in the day of her Espousals when she first set out and began to tast that the Lord was gracious It is not to be spoken how she hazarded her weak body to hear Sermons to attend upon the Lord in all opportunities enjoyable â—t was generally observed in Stratford that â—he was sick indeed if she was not at the word either on the Lords day or at Church meetings on the week day Nothing but a very afflictive hand of God kept her at home It was her daily study how to glorifie God in every condition and under every dispensation that was either prosperous or adverse that was principally her study how and in what way God might be most honoured and his name advanced by her She had a heart for Vniversal Obedience walking as Elizabeth in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord blameless She evidenced that she was a friend to Jesus Christ by doing whatever he commandded her and through that friendship between Christ and her she found she could do nothing so well as the will of Christ and found that obedience easie loved Jesus Christ with a superlative love and served him not with half an a heart but sincerely with the whole heart yea delighted in serving of him she had a Law within suitable to the Law without which rendred it natural to her to act graciously Jesus Christ was her Life his Grace and Image were implanted in her Soul that from a Spirit of love to him even in old age when weak and sickly she acted for Christ yea above her strength he was in her so much by his Spirit that she thought nothing too much to do for him and his She was full of good projects and designs for Jesus Christ loved to visit the sick and afflicted and those who walked in darkness as to their spiritual conditions loved to acquaint themselves with her who by a great treasure of experiences was able to afford Counsell and comfort to them A Christian able to speak a word in season to the relief of any soul under spiritual burdens and pressures And as ready to impart what Jesus Christ had Communicated unto her and the Lord Communicated the more to her because she was so free to Communicate to others laying up her experiences as for her own good so for others that they might be comforted with the same comforts that she was comforted with-all Her discourse never tended to self applause or commendation neither was it burthensome frothy or unsuitable but always savoury Christian and profitable commanding the ears of all about her In her Family she was frequently taking opportunities in the day time and evening and when ever she thought it seasonable to be speaking of the things of God of the excellency of Jesus Christ of the way of Life by him opening the miserable condition of a soul out of Jesus Christ setting forth the evil of sin the immortality of the Soul the sufferings and eternity of the punishment of Hell to her Children Servants and those that lived with her and was daily dropping in and working upon them to make them serious and considerate and as God had given her a choice gift that way so he made a great use thereof her counsels warnings threatnings invitations and holy instructions were made singularly advantagious and useful to the convincing quickning and edifying those committed to her charge so as they had cause for ever to bless God for the gracious words which proceeded out of her mouth She was always taking of opportunities to be calling upon those in a natural estate to mind the great concerns of their Souls and to be exciting provoking encouraging and strengthning those whose face was Zion ward her words were as choice Silver seasoned with Grace mostly Scriptural The Sermons that she heard on the Lords day or Week day were much the Subject matter of her discourse The Light of Gospel Grace and Truth did so shine in her as that her presence laid a restraint upon Sinners it was a curb unto vain Persons if they came into the Room where she was present She was exact and much in private Duties every day and yet so prudent in the singling out of the time as that the place in the Family wherein she stood never missed her She had at all times a due respect to the duties of both Tables and both in her Life and Discourses shewed how inseparable they were commending to all persons with whom she had to do the necessary and indispensible observation of both She looked upon time as a precious thing that was not to run waste and was diligent in the improvement of the Sands of every hour so as there was no part of her Life from Morning unto Evening that was an empty space but was laid out either in doing or recieving good Like the Summer she brought forth every thing in its season wisely forecasting and timeing whatsoever she had the ordering of She studied to excel in faithfulness and uprigh ness in all she undertook like Nathaniel she was without allowed guile had the Testimony of her Conscience that in simplicity and Godly sincerity she had her Conversation in the World very zealous for the truth of Jesus Christ following the Lamb whithersoever he went She had a very publick Spirit minding the good of others where she lived much taken up about the welfare of the Nation and was deeply concerned for the interest of Christ all the world over daily bore Zion and the work that God was doing in the world upon her heart and laid out her self much in Prayer for those things She had a large heart for Jesus Christ and for all that were his though of differing perswasions always putting the best construction upon every thing but sin was no way censorious or ready harshly to judge others but did most fairly coustrue their actions and carriaages speaking modestly and moderately of them Gospel Charity ruling her Spirit in all wonderful affable and courteous so as the Grace and sweetness in her words and carriage did win upon all that she conversed with that they loved her and said that she was made up of love She by Grace was enabled to Regulate her affections had a choice poise continually upon her Spirit that she seldom or never roiled or was disturbed but walked in an even and composed frame though none more sympathizing loving tender and affectionate than she yet were her affections always in order and under command free from excessive and disturbing passions that do often put the strings of the Spirits of most men and women out of tune and so render them unfit for what they are called too in the place wherein the Lord hath set them She had a fresh remembrance of the means and methods of the Lords dealing with her in bringing her Soul unto him and of her many experiences she had of
goat and confess over him all the Iniquities of the Children of Israel and all their transgressions in all their sins And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities into a Land not inhabited This did signifie Gods laying all our sins upon Christ Isa 53.6 And Christ making satisfaction for them all bearing them all away by his death 1 Pet. 2.24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body upon the tree The discharge that Christ by his death hath obtained for us is a full discharge VVhatever sin may be charged upon us by the Law by Conscience by Satan who is our accuser by the justice of God all is discharged and quitted and answered by the death of Christ Rom. 8.33 34. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect. It is God that justifieth It is Christ that dyed Out of respect to the Death of Christ God will forgive us all our trespasses how many or how great soever they have been Col. 2.13 Having forgiven you all trespasses Ps 103.3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities Ps 85.2 Thou hast forgiven all the iniquities of thy people thou hast covered all our sin And that we may be the more fully assured that the pardon which our Lord Jesus hath obtained for us is a full and general pardon of all offences the Lord hath obliged himself by many promises for Christs sake to pardon all and every one of our sins Jer. 33.8 I will cleanse them from all their Iniquity whereby they have sinned against me and I will pardon all their Iniquities whereby they have sinned and whereby they have transgressed against me Ezek. 36.25 From all your filthiness and all your Idols I will cleanse you 2. Our Lord Jesus hath obtained of God that this general pardon shall be for ever that all our sins should be forgiven for ever and never be remembred against us to Eternity Heb. 8.12 I will be merciful to their unrighteousness and their sins and their Iniquities will I remember no more And this is implyed in such promises as these Mich. 7.19 Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the Sea that is as Drusius observ's aeternâ oblivione delebit memoriam peccatorum nostrorum He will blot out the remembrance of our sins for ever Those things that are cast into the depths of the Sea are wholly and for ever taken out of our sight Psal 103.12 As far as the East is from the West so far hath he removed our transgressious from us That is so far as they shall never be laid to our charge any more For the East and VVest are at that great distance that they shall never come together Ezek. 33.16 None of the sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned to him 3. The Lord Jesus hath obtained a general and perpetual pardon of all offences upon terms of free grace without any respect to merit or worthiness in us that are partakers of it Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his Grace through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ Eph. 1.7 In whom we have Redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace It is from grace free-graces the riches of grace that we have pardon of our Sins through the blood of Christ It is not for our sakes but for his own sake and his Sons sake that the Lord pardons our sins Isa 43.25 I even I am he that blotteth out thy Transgressions for mine own sake and will not remember tâ—y sin Eph. 4.32 God for Christs sake hath forgiven you 4. This free this everlasting this general pardon of all offences our Lord Jesus Christ hath purchased for all that are his that is for all that do and all that shall believe in him in all places and all ages of the world Act. 13.39 By him all that believe are justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses Acts 10.43 To him gave all the Prophets witness that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins Now this free this everlasting this full and general pardon which our Lord Jesus Christ hath obtained for all that are his by shedding his blood for them is a ground of strong consolation under all the troubles of life and all fears and terrours of death Rom. 5.1 3. Being therefore justified by Faith We glory in Tribulations Justified persons whose sins are remitted through the blood of Christ may glory not only when they are got out of their troubles but when they are in the midst of all their tribulations Isa 33.24 The Inhabitant shall not say I am sick the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquities It is not said the Inhabitant shall be without sickness The greatest of Gods favourites are liable to sickness as well as other men Daniel was a man greatly beloved yet he was sick and faint many days Dan. 8.27 I Daniel fainted and was sick certain dayes And it is said of Lazarus John 11.3 Lord he whom thou lovest is sick Justified persons are oft times sick as well as other men but the pardon of sin doth so sweeten their affliction that they shall not say I am sick that is they shall not say by way of complaint and discontent Sin unpardoned makes afflictions like gall and wormwood that is exceeding bitter Lam. 3.5 15 42. He bath compassed me with gall He hath filled me with bitterness he hath made me drunken with worm wood We have transgressed and rebelled and thou hast not pardoned But pardon of sin doth so sweeten the bitterest afflictions that it takes away all causes of complaint under the rod of God The Inhabitant shall not say I am sick and why is it because there is no sickness No but because the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquitie VVhen a man is taken sick and his sickness for ought he knoweth may be his death sickness when he is so sick that he can't go or stand or set up but is confined to his Bed if his sins be forgiven him he may be of good cheer Math. 9.2 Son be of good cheer thy sins be forgiven thee Here is a sick man his sickness was very uncomfortable he was sick of the Palsie he was brought very low he kept his Bed there was no way for his recovery but a miracle yet before Christ gave him any intimation of his purpose to heal him he bid him be of good cheer and why because his sins were forgiven him This pardon of all our sins which is obtained for us by our Lord Jesus Christ may comfort us against all the fears and terrours of Death on several accounts 1. VVhen our sins are pardoned the sting of Death is taken away For the sting of Death is sin 1 Cor. 15.56 And when Sin is forgiven Death hath lost its sting and when the sting of Death is taken away we need not be afraid of Death
my house be not so with God yet he hath made with me an Everlasting Covenant ordered in all things and sure for this is all my desire and all my Salvation although he make it not to grow See what was Davids comfort when he was speaking his last words it was his interest in the Everlasting Covenant He hath made with me an Everlasting Covenant and the assurance he had of his Salvation by virtue of this Covenant This is all my Salvation 7. Interest in Christ is a ground of strong consolation under all sorts of troubles and against the terrours of Death because when Christ is ours all his saving benefits are ours As Ahab said to Benhadad 1 King 20.4 I am thine and all that I have So may I say If Christ be thine all that Christ hath is thine Hence such as are interested in Christ are said to be joynt heirs with Christ Rom. 8.17 When Christ is ours all things are ours things present and things to come life and death this world and the world to come adversitie and prosperitie all things are ours ordained and designed for our good 1 Cor. 3.21 22 23. All things are yours whether Paul or Apollo or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come all are yours and ye are Christs and Christ is Gods And if this will not comfort us to hear that life and death things present and things to come the Kingdom of Heaven and all things are ours what else will VVhen Christ is ours his Righteousness is ours Phil. 3.9 His blood and all that he hath purchased with his blood all his merits are ours and his intercession is ours God is our Father the Spirit is our comforter Heaven is our Inheritance yea all good things are ours Obs How is this true that they are Christs have all things when as many that are Christs are ful of wants they want Riches Friends c. and in great straits and have suffered the loss of all things for Christ and can these be consistent together that a man should have all things and yet want many things A. 1. They that are Christs have all things vertually in that contentment and satisfaction which they have in Christ and from Christ They are or may be as well contented as if they had all the world Thus it was with the Apostle in his wants and straits when he was as poor to outward appearance as a man that hath nothing he was as well contented as if he had possessed the whole world 2 Cor. 6.10 As having nothing and yet possessing all things A man that hath a contented mind is as well satisfied as if he had all the world Gen. 33.11 Take I pray thee my blessing that is brought unto thee because God hath dealt graciously with me and I have enough The Hebrew is li chol I have all things Hence note that they have enough that have contented and satisfied minds they have all things 2. They that are Christs have all things in the providential care of God though they be poor and in straits and have suffered the loss of all things the providence of God takes care of them to supply them with all things that are needful with all things that are good for them 1 Pet. 5.7 Casting all your care upon him for he careth for you The providence of God taketh such care for us in all things that we need not trouble our selves with anxious thoughts or cares about any thing but may cast all our care upon the Lord. The Providence of God doth and will take care of us to supply us with all needful things and all things that are good for us Phil 4.19 My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Jesus Christ 3. They have all things in the Covenant and Promise of God For in the Covenant there are all things promised that they do or can desire 2 Sam. 23.5 He hath made with me an Everlasting Covenant and this is all my Salvation and all my desire VVe can't desire more then Grace and Glory and all good things now these are all promised to us Ps 84.11 The Lord God is a Sun and a Shield the Lord will give grace and glory and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly And what things are ours by promise are ours by a better and a more sure tenure then what is ours by actual possession without a promise because what we have in our possession may be lost may be taken from us but the promises no creature can take from us 4. They have all things eminently and transcendently in God and Christ in having God for their portion and Christ for their Saviour What Solomon saith of mony Eccl. 10.19 Mony answereth all things The same may be said as truly of God and Christ God answereth all things and Christ answereth all things When we enjoy God who is the fountain of all good in the enjoyment of him for our God we do inherit all things Rev. 21.7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be my Son They have all things in Christ their head what the head hath the head hath it for the good of the Members Now Christ our head hath all things for the good of his church Eph. 1.22 And gave him to be the head over all things in the Church 5. They have the good of all things though not the actual possession of all things Rom. 8.28 VVe know that all things work together for good to them that love God Yea their very wants are for their good for they put them upon living by Faith and stir up in them a Spirit of Prayer and keep them humble c. 6. They are heirs of all things though they are not come to the full enjoyment of their inheritance for they are joynt heirs with Christ Rom. 8.17 If children then heirs heirs of God and joynt heirs with Christ And Christ is heir of all things Heb. 1.2 Hath in these last days spoken to us by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things The heir while a child is Lord of all though he hath not the actual possession of his inheritance Gal. 4.1 So it is with us we are heirs of all things by virtue of our Union with Christ though we have not the actual possession of our inheritance 8. Interest in Christ is a ground of strong consolation under all troubles of life and terrors of death because all that are Christs are blessed in and by Christ and are so blessed as no troubles nor death it self can make them miserable but after their Union with Christ they are blessed and shall continue blessed for ever I shall open the blessedness of such as are Christs in these particulars 1. All that are Christs are in a most blessed and happy condition Psal 2.12 Blessed are all they that put their trust
promised to comfort his afflicted people And ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem That is to be observed for this Prophet had foretold great judgments and desolations should come upon Jerasalem As Isa 3.8 Jerusalem is ruined and Judah is fallen Isa 24.3 11. The Land shall be utterly emptied and utterly spoyled All joy is darkned and the mirth of the Land is gone Isa 64.10 Thy Holy Cities are a Wilderness Zion is a Wilderness Jerusalem a desolation Yet though these Ruines and Desolations were coming upon Jerusalem that the Land should be utterly spoiled all joy be darkned and the mirth of the Land quite gone yet the Lord promiseth to comfort his people in Jerusalem We that have such promises may rest upon God that for Christs sake he will comfort us in all our tribulations Mich. 7.8 VVhen I sit in darkness the Lord shall be a light unto me Afflictions and troubles are set out by the name of darkness Isa 45.7 Joy and Comfort are expressed by the name of light Psal 97.11 So that the meaning is when I am in trouble and distress the Lord shall give me comfort Ps 38.7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble thou wilt revive me Obj. But do we not see that notwithstanding these promises and the confidences of the people of God that God will comfort them in their afflictions yet they are oft times under very great sorrows and heaviness A. 1. The people of God have Flesh as well as Spirit though the Spirit be willing to love the cross the Flesh is weak though the Spirit rejoyceth in God the Flesh feeling the smart of the Rod mourns 2. Their sorrows do not last alwayes but are soon turned into joy Joh. 16.20 Ye shall weep and lament but your sorrow shall be turned into joy Christ doth not promise his Disciples that they shall have no sorrows no cause of weeping but this he promiseth that they shall not be left comfortless under their sorrows for their sorrow shall be turned into joy Psal 30.5 11. VVeeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning 3. Even while the people of God are mourning they are sowing the seeds of joy and comfort and shall doubtless reap the fruit of their sorrows in more abundant consolations Ps 126.5 6. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed shall doubtless come again with rejoyceing bringing his sheaves with him There is much more reaped than was sown A little quantity of seed yields whole Cart-loads of Corn. To open this more fully of Christs promising not to leave his people comfortless in their troubles I will shew you several wayes whereby Christ comforts his Members and gives them peace under their greatest troubles 1. By shedding abroad the love of God in their hearts by the Holy Ghost which he gives unto them Rom. 5.3 5. VVe glory in tribulation because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us By shedding abroad the love of God in our hearts understand the manifesting of Gods love to our souls the giving us the knowledge and understanding of the love of God which doth wonderfully affect the heart with joy and gladness Psal 42.7 8. All thy waves and thy billows are gone over me yet the Lord will command his loving kindness in the day time and in the night his Song shall be with me Two things are here worthy of our observation 1. David did believe that in his greatest distresses when all Gods waves and billows went over him God would express and manifest his love to him yet the Lord will command his loving kindness The commanding his loving kindness implyeth the powerful expressions of his love VVhere the word of a King is there is power Eccl. 8.4 And the abiding impressions of his love Ps 33.9 He commanded and it stood fast And the speedy manifestation of his love For when God gives a command to things to be done it implyeth speed Ps 147.15 He sendeth forth his Commandment upon the Earth his word runneth very swiftly 2. David did believe that the manifestation of the love of God would be such a comfort to him that it would make his heart to sing for joy in his greatest distresses yet the Lord shall command his loving kindness and in the night his song shall be with me 2. Jesus Christ comforts and refresheth his Members in their troubles by those gracious visits which he gives them in their afflictions Job 10.12 Thy visitation hath preserved my Spirit John 16.22 And ye now have sorrow but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoyce and your joy no man taketh from you A visit from a good man is very comfortable in a day of trouble 2 Cor. 7.5 6. Our flesh had no rest we were troubled on every side without were fightings within were fears Nevertheless God that comforteth them that are cast down comforted us by the coming of Titus If a visit from a good man be so refreshing that it will comfort us when we are troubled on every side when we have fightings without and fears within then how comfortable is a visit from Christ in the day of trouble But how doth Christ visit his afflicted people what are those visits of Christ which he gives his people in their affliction A. 1. Christ visiteth his people with his word by bringing suitable and encouraging promises to them in a day of distress Lam. 3.54 57. Waters flowed over mine head then I said I am cut off Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee thou saidest fear not Thus the Lord visited Abraham with a suitable word of promise Gen. 15.1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abraham in a Vision saying Fear not Abraham I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward And these are sweet visits which do greatly rejoyce the heart Psal 119.162 I rejoyce at thy word as one that findeth great spoil 2. Jesus Christ visiteth his people in their afflictions by his Spirit the teachings the revivings the supports of his Spirit Cant. 2.6 His left hand is under my head his right hand doth embrace me Isa 41.10 Fear thou not for I am with thee I will strengthen thee I will uphold thee Isa 57.15 I dwell with him that is of a contrite and an humble Spirit to revive the Spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones 3. The Lord Jesus visits his afflicted people when he answers their Prayers and fulfils his own promises Gen. 21.1 And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken 4. The Lord visits his afflicted people when he raiseth up deliverance for them out of their troubles Psal 106.4 O visit me with thy Salvation And such visits when God saves his people out of their troubles cause great joy Psal 21.1 The King shall joy in
Upon hearing this Exhortation let not your hearts be troubled the Disciples might have replyed Lord hast thou not told us that in the world we shall have tribulation that we shall be hated of all men for thy names sake and that we shall be cast out of the Synagogue and that men shall lay hands on us and put us into Prisons and we shall be brought before Kings and Rulers and that men will think they do God good service when they kill us How shall we keep our hearts from being troubled when all these troubles come upon us As a remedy against their hearts being troubled he bids them believe on God and on himself Believe on God believe also on me V. In all your distresses give your selves to Prayer for that is the way to be filled with comforts and to have your sorrows turned into joy John 16.20 24. Verily Verily I say unto you that ye shall weep and lament but the world shall rejoyce and ye shall be sorrowful but your sorrow shall be turned into joy And what counsell and direction doth he give them that their sorrow may be turned into joy It is to give themselves unto Prayer Ask and ye shall recieve that your joy may be full The like direction the Apostle gives us for keeping our minds from all kind of troublesome cares and for the obtaining that peace which passeth all understanding and that is to give our selves to Prayer Phil. 4.6 7. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God And the peace of Goà which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus VI. Let the word of Christ dwell richly in your hearts that you may have some suitable promises to have recourse unto in all your troubles for that will give you abiding peace and strong Consolation in all your troubles Col. 3.15 16. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts But some may say how shall we attain to this to have the peace of God rule in our hearts the following words shew this Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all Wisdom By the peace of God we may understand not only that peace which God commands us to have one with another but that peace which God gives in our own hearts and Consciences as it is taken Phil. 4.7 Then the peace of God rules in our hearts when it keeps our hearts quiet under all troubles so as no troubles are able to disturb and break our peace Now the way to attain to this is to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly in all Wisdom Then the word of Christ dwells with us when it abides in our hearts we are acquainted with it and we converse daily with it as we do with those that dwell in the same house with us Then it dwels in us richly when we are well stored with the promises of the word when we have promises suitable to every condition and every trouble that we pass through Then it dwells with us in all Wisdom when we have the right understanding of the word and know how to make use of it upon all occasions as we stand in need of it It was by the word that David found comfort in all his afflictions Psal 119 49 50. Remember thy word unto thy Servant upon which thou hast caused me to hope It was also from the word of God that Jeremiah had his comforts under his greatest sorrows when he complained that his pain was perpetual and his wound incurable Jer. 15.16 Thy words were found and I did eat them and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoycing of mine heart And that it was a time of great distress with the Prophet when Gods word was the joy and rejoycing of his heart is evident from ver 18. Why is my pain perpetual and my wound incurable that refuseth to be healed VII Walk in the fear of God and hold fast your integrity in all your troubles and then you shall have the comforts of the Holy Ghost and the light of Consolation shall arise upon you in the darkest days Act. 9.31 Walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost Psal 112.4 Vnto the Vpright there ariseth Light in Darkness Though you suffer for Righteousness sake yet love Righteousnes and hate Iniquity and in so doing the Lord will anoint you with the Oyl of joy and gladness Psal 45 7. Thou lovest Righteousness and hatest Wickedness therefore God thy God hath anointed thee with the Oyl of gladness above thy fellows VIII When by your sins and backslidings you have lost your comforts humble your Souls for your sins and the Lord will restore your lost comforts Isa 57.18 I will restore comforts to him and to his Mourners Mat. 5.4 Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted IX Keep up the belief and perswasion of Gods Love to your Souls through Christ notwithstanding all the troubles that come upon your inward or outward man for the apprehension of Gods love will fill your hearts with joy and gladness and be a ground of everlasting Joy to your Souls Act 2.28 Thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance 2 Thes 2.16 God even our Father which hath loved us and given us everlasting Consolation Joh 13.1 Jesus loves his own and that to the end even whilst in a sinful and troublesome world The knowledge of the love of God in Christ causeth abiding joy and sulness of joy Joh. 15.9 11. As the Father hath loved me so have I loved you These things have I spoken unto you that my joy might remain in you and that your joy might be full Sect. 2. How may such as have gotten the knowledge of their interest in Christ retain the knowledge and perswasion of their interest in Christ It is of great use in the Life of Faith and the promoting our Spiritual comfort not only to get the knowledge of our interest in Christ and his saving benefits but also to retain this knowledge And because this is not easily done I shall lay down some helps thereto § What are good grounds to lay claim to an interest in Christ I. Understand and be clear in your grounds on which you lay claim to an interest in Christ and Salvation by Christ and see that they be solid consonant to the Scriptures and such as will hold and abide in an hour of temptation And if you ask what are good and sure grounds for claiming an interest in Christ I answer 1. The free and general offer of Christ and Salvation by Christ made in the Gospel to every one that is willing to recieve Rev. 22.17 And whosoever will let him take the water of life freely 2. The testimony of our own Consciences that we do willingly cordially and thankfully accept of Christ as God offers him to us in the Gospel Our Consciences
Christ for Sanctification as well as Salvation 1 Cor. 1.30 Of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us Sanctification Now if Christ be made of God unto us Sanctification then we may we ought to trust in Christ for Sanctification as well as other Blessings Vse last Learn hence that they which have gotten their interest in Christ cleared to their Souls need not to be afraid of death but may depart in peace A confirmation hereof we have in the example of this our deceased Sister Mrs. Ellen Asty who was a Mother in Israel who was so much above the fear of Death that when I was with her a few days before she dyed she used these expressions I can chearfully embrace death I should not be afraid of death if I should see him coming in at the Windows if I should see him come into my Chamber for my beloved is mine and I am his and therefore she knew he would not condemn her And having found abundance of comfort in her interest in Christ she was desirous that this Text might be Preached on at her Funeral My beloved is mine and I am his I suppose that others might be stirred up to get an interest in Christ and to get their interest made out Several things have been observed wherein she may be exemplary to others as may be seen in the account of her life which followeth THE LIFE OF Mrs. Ellen Asty THE Late Wife of Mr. Asty of Stratford in Suffolk Deceased Revel 14.13 Blessed are the Dead that dye in the Lord. Printed by J. R. 1681. THE LIFE OF Mrs. Ellen Asty THE Wife of Mr. Asty late Minister of the Gospel in Essex IT is exceedingly pleasant unto many to be beholding the Pictures of their dearest Friends when their persons are removed out of their sight and laid in the silent dust and it hath been found more than a little profitable unto surviving Friends to be reading over the lives of the most eminent Saints departed as hereby being dead they yet speak and become still as living patterns for their imitation It is said The memory of the just is Blessed Prov. 10.7 And it may be said of this pious Matron as of Demetrius 3 Joh. 1.12 She hath a good report of all men and of the truth it self As to her Birth and Education much might be spoken She was the Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bently her Father an eminent Godly Minister her Mother a very Gracious Holy Gentlewoman who lived at Plumsted in Norfolk who brought her up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord. She remembred her Creator in the days of her youth and chose him to be hers betimes The Lord was pleased to begin a work of Grace so early upon her heart and ripen it so fast that whilst she was young and Nature not grown to its perfection she was a well grown Christian in gracious experiences excelling many who set out for Jesus Christ long before her that she became a pattern of piety to others yea the whole Family where she lived before she entred into a married estate and many out of it even such as occasionally came into it were much the better for her and Blessed God that they had acquaintance with her valuing her Grace and Judgment in the deep matters of the Gospel She was the wife of Mr. Asty a laborious Minister of the Gospel whom God made much use of in the Conversion of many sinners and building up others in Grace and Holiness who were already brought home to Jesus Christ When she was first married several Gentlewomen sent their Daughters to be with her that they might live under her instructions and the Lord made her very useful to them She was eminent for her deportment and carriage in all Relations some who had intimate acquaintance with her do testify that she was dutiful to her Parents an obedient and loving Wife to her Husband a tender hearted Mother to her Children one said never did any bear the Souls of her Children and Childrens Children more upon their hearts than she did never was any more concerned for their Souls nor did more Travel in Birth than she till she could see that in Christ they were born again never any more concerned for the Souls of those committed to her charge though but servants than she was Some Ministers and others who knew her Conversation testifie of her gracious carriage and behaviour in her various conditions in the course of her Life as followeth She was very knowing in the things of Jesus Christ and her knowledge was experimental growing humbling and practical a well grounded Professor and an honour and glory to her Profession She had a sound Judgment a well enlightned understanding in the mystery of godliness She had the Scriptures the Fountain of saving knowledge in very high estimation and daily to the last diligently searched into them not one day passed but she read or had read to her some portions of them which she made matter of meditation and when her weaknesses were so great and her eyes so fail'd in the latter part of her life that she could not read her self she called one to read to her weighed all her actions by the Scriptures as her Rule considered her warrant call and command from God for all she did and acted in all in obedience thereunto She would often be telling others how in their way they might serve the Lord though the work of their place was never so mean and low if they did consider the precepts and rules which God had given referring to such a Relation place employ or condition wherein they stood and acted in obedience to his will therein She outwent most Christians in her strictness on the Lords day the whole time was spent in publick and private exercises and would allow nothing that was secular and aliene to Religion to be done in her Family that was not of indispensible necessity on that day and always had a more than ordinary preparation in her house the day before that those in her family might have no temptation in that respect to violate any part of the sacred time of that day She was very exact as to her words and discourses on that day not opening her Lips to speak any thing that wasnot suitable and agreeable to the holiness of that day and it was a great burthen and affliction to her Spirit which she could not bear but mourned under to hear others give their tongues a liberty to speak any thing unsuitable and heterogeneal to the day she did highly prize all the ordinances of Jesus Christ they were sweeter to her than the hony or the hony Comb more desirable than her appointed food never so much in her element as when waiting upon the Lord either in publick or private opportunities and to the last would venture through all difficulties and bear up under great weaknesses in duties of Christian Communion and could not live without
his grace and love towards her She lived much in Communion with God there was an unspeakable intercourse between God and her Soul every day She would do nothing till she had spread it before the Lord and knew his mind and in things not only small but weighty She had such intimations from the Lord of his will and his secret was so with her as she before hand knew the mind of God because God had told hereby his Spirit for she gave not over till he had signified by his â—pirit upon her Spirit what was his pleasure what he would do or what he would have done and God did marvelously herein condescend to her not once but frequently or from time to time she was far from Euthusiasme but had such intimacy with the Lord that she went daily to him for some word some manifestation of himself to bear up her Spirit that day and he gave in either a word of promise or let out something of his attributes to her discovered of his Wisdom Power Faithfulness Allsufficiency Unchangableness and the like wherewith her inward man was fed and strengthned and when her Family concerns were more she arose the earlier and though attended with the greatest weakness yet always began the day with God and would not omit the seasons for private Communion with the Lord neither indeed could she live without them they being the life of her Spirit She lived in an eminent exercise of many graces of the Spirit She was well instructed in the mystery of the life of Faith lived in a daily dependance upon God for all in her greatest fulness she lived not upon the creature but upon God and recieved all from him in the way of Faith and Prayer in every strait she had recourse to the Al-sufficiency of God and would often say the creature runs into emptiness and the streams they dried up but the Fountain was ever full and flowing and in all losses and changes blessed her self in God her portion who was a faithful Covenant keeping God for ever she went to the Wisdom of God to be directed and waited there for Counsel every day her faith advanced into assurance of the love of God which she enjoyed most part of her days and thence issued spiritual and unmixed comforts as she walked circumspectly being careful not to provoke the Lord so he witnessed his love to her and filled her Soul with strong Consolation that she had a Heaven out of it's place even hereupon Earth she was in the Banquetting house of Jesus Christ in his Wine Cellar where his Banner over her was Love In a Letter of her own she said I have not only heard that God is good but I have had many experiences of his Love and Faithfulness to me in all my streights and Widdow-hood condition I may say the Life of Faith is the sweetest Life in the World as it is a Life that bringeth much glory to God so much comfort to our selves How full of Love she was to Jesus Christ is already manifested in her carefulness to keep his Commandments and also in her love to the Members of Christ both that and also her Humility and self-denyal appeared in that in her highest actings and best frame she disowned her self and leaned only upon Jesus Christ trusted only in him gloried in nothing but in Christ in the Cross of Christ in the Righteousness of Christ in the Love of Christ not in what she did for Christ though she did much and delighted in so doing but she gloried in the Grace of Christ that did much for her he and his Righteousness were all her life and comfort she had an eye upon the Incense the merits and intercession of Jesus Christ in all her approaches to God being ashamed of the mixture of sin those weaknesses and imperfections that were in her best performances notwithstanding all her strictness and exactness she lay as low before the Lord in the sense of her own vileness emptiness nothingness as if there were nothing in her She was much in exalting of Jesus Christ his merits and grace admiring what he had done for sinners touching their reconciliation to God the remission of sin their standing and priviledges in grace here and the glory that is to be revealed relying on the freeness and fulness of his grace alone as if she had done or were able to do nothing she did set the Crown on his head in all always saw that in her self which kept her low and humble before the Lord and nothing in her own eyes She excelled in and was a pattern of Patience under all her troubles her afflictions were many and long often at the very mouth of the Grave in the latter part of her time seldom enjoyed a well day yet never murmured thought her afflictions small bore them with a chearful Spirit was always submissive to the will of God always thought and spoke well of God and justified him in all her Tryals She was wonderfully melted into the will of God and lived always out of her own will resigned up to God to be disposed of as he pleased and was greatly satisfied in what he chose for her she hath said the will of God is sweet to her in every condition and under much bodily weakness if the Lord would have her live to be sick she was content yet latter ward was mostly tryed in the Fire of affliction when her Husband laid down his living upon the accompt of Non-conformity in stead of repining she said she was glad they had such a house and accommodations to leave for Christ and with all freeness and readiness resigned up all to him She was sorely tryed in the loss of her dearest Relations and choicest comforts in this World but she was prepared to be any thing that God would have her be and that with all alacrity and cheerfulness of Spirit She had a lively hope of future mercy of the life to come shee said she scarce knew how to live out of Heaven from Jesus Christ always groaning in the body to be delivered from the body of sin and death and to be with Jesus As she set out at first so she continued in the vigorous and constant exercise of all grace not loosing the life nor abating or impairing the strength thereof in old age under the decays of nature but in the 73 of her age she slept or dyed in Jesus and her Soul was gathered to the Spirits of just men made perfect FINIS Books to be Sold by Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and three Crowns in Cheapside A Hundred select Sermons on several Texts by Tho. Horton D. D. Sermons on 4 select Psalms viz. 4th 42 51 63. by Tho. Horton D. D. Mr. Baxters Christian Directory Sermons on the whole Epistle of Saint Paul to the Collossians by Mr. J. Daille translated into English by F. S. with Dr. Tho. Goodwins and Dr. John Owens Epistles Recommendatory An Exposition of Christs Temptation on Matth.
who died for us that whether we wake or sleep we should live together with him 2. Our Lord Jesus Christ interceedeth with his Father on the behalf of all those that are given to him that they may be with him where he is that is in the Kingdom of Heaven Joh. 17 24. Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me And what Christ asked of his Father shall assuredly be granted Joh. 11.42 I know that thou hearest me always 3. God for Christs sake hath promised eternal life to all that are Christs that is to all persons that do or shall believe on Christ to the end of the World Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son this whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life 1 Joh. 2.25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us eternal life And the promise of God is a sure ground to hope for eternal life Tit. 1.2 In hope of eternal life which God that cannot lie promised before the World began 4. Our Lord Jesus Christ hath power over all flesh given to him by the Father that he may give eternal life to all that are given to him by the Father Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him And therefore they that are Christs may be assured that they shall have eternal life seeing Christ hath power to give eternal life to whom he will and this power over all flesh was given him purposely that he might give eternal life to all that were given him by the Father 5. God hath given us this record concerning his Son that eternal life is in his Son and that eternal life is his free gift and that he will give it to all that have his Son and if we do not believe this record that God hath given of his Son we should make God a Liar 1 Joh. 5.10 11 12. He that believeth not God hath made him a Liar because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son And this is the record that God hath given us eternal life and this life is in his Son he that hath the Son hath Life Eternal Life is in Christ and therefore if we believe the record that God hath given of his Son namely that God hath given us eternal life and that this life is in his Son we must then conclude it as a certain truth that he that hath the Son hath Life Now seeing such as have an interest in Christ have sure grounds to hope for eternal life it followeth hence that they have good grounds of strong consolation under all the troubles of this life and also against the fears and terrors of Death For hope of eternal life will help us to rejoyce greatly in the midst of all our troubles Rom. 5.2 3 VVe rejoyce in hope of the glory of God and not only so but we glory in tribulations When we have good hope of the glory of God that is of enjoying the Kingdom of Heaven which is a most glorious Kingdom we may rejoyce and glory in the midst of our greatest tribulations 1 Pet. 1.3 4 6. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again to a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance incorruptible and vndefiled that fadeth not away reserved in heaven for you wherein ye greatly rejoyce though now for a season if need be ye are in heariness through manifold temptations Here is joy great joy in the midst of manifold temptations that did cause heaviness and whence did this joy proceed from a lively hope of an heavenly inheritance VVherein ye greatly rejoyce That is in which hope or in hope of which inheritance So Heb. 10.34 Ye took joyfully the spoyling of your goods knowing in your selves that ye have in Heaven a better and more enduring substance The spoyling of our goods for which we have laboured many years is wont to cause sorrow and lamentation Jer. 9.19 A voice of wailing is heard out of Zion how are we spoyled yet the hope of a reward in Heaven will help us to take the spoiling of our goods joyfully The hope of eternal life will take away the fears and terrors of Death when a man hath good hope of his Salvation it will be no trouble no terror to such a man to dye but he may dye in peace Luk. 2.29 30. Lord now lettest thou thy Servant depart in peace for mine eyes have seen thy Salvation The hope of eternal life will so far take off the fear and terrors of death that it will make us desire and long for our dissolution that we may be with Christ in Heaven Phil. 1.23 Having a desire to depart and to be with Christ which is far better 2 Cor. 5.1 2. VVe know that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolved we have a building of God an house not made with hands eternal in the heavens For in this we groan earnestly desiring to be cloathed upon with our house which is from Heaven V. They that are Christs shall have the Lords presence with them under the troubles which they meet with while they live and also when they come to die Our sins made a separation between God and our Souls Isa 59.2 But the sufferings of Christ have made up this breach 1 Pet. 3.18 For Christ also suffered once for sins the just for the unjust that we might be brought unto God One of the names given to Christ was Emmanuel which being interpreted is God with us Math. 1.23 Whereas by the fall of Adam God was against us and was separated from us through Christ he is reconciled to us and is become with us a God that will afford us his presence That such as are Christs shall have the presence of God and Christ with them under all their troubles yea at all times both while they live and when they dye See Heb. 13.5 He hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee And what he hath said he will surely perform it If he will never leave nor forsake us then at no time of life nor at the hour of death Mat. 28.20 Lo I am with you always to the end of the world Here is a note of attention set before this promise that the Members of Christ may take notice of it for their comfort and encouragement Lo I am with you I that have all power in Heaven and in Earth given to me I am with you how long always to the end of the world not only with his Apostles and Disciples that lived in those days but with all his Ministers and Members to the end of the world and at all times And more especially in times
of trouble the Lord hath promised his presence to such as belong to Christ Ps 91.15 He shall call upon me and I will answer him I will be with him in trouble Isa 43.1 2. Fear not For I have redeemed thee I have called thee by thy name thou art mine When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee and through the Rivers they shall not overflow thee when thou walkest through the fire thou shall not be burnt neither shall the flame kindle upon thee Now the presence of God going along with us will comfort us living and dying it will be our refreshment under all manner of troubles Exod. 33.14 My presence shall go with thee and I will give thee rest Moses was forty years in the Wilderness with the Israelites who were a froward people and both the difficulties of the place in which he walked and the difficulties of the people among whom he walked created him much vexation and trouble but under his troubles he found ease and comfort from the presence of God going with him A man that hath the Almighty All-sufficient God with him need not fear any thing Isa 4.10 Fear thou not for I am with thee be thou not dismayed for I am thy God He need not fear any kind of Death or any kind of troubles he need not fear Men or Devils for God can do more for us then all Creatures can do against us This was Davids consolation against the fear of Death that he had God with him and did so raise his courage that he feared no evil when he was passing through the Valley of the shadow of Death Ps 23.4 Yea though I walk through the Valley of the shadow of Death I will fear no evil for thou art with me Obs It is true may some say If God were with us this would raise our Faith dispel our fears put joy and gladness into our hearts under all our troubles living and dying but we can't find God is with us Yea many that have an interest in Christ find God standing afar off and hideing himself in time of trouble as we see Ps 10.2 Isa 49.14 A. The Lord is alway's ready and truly though not always sensibly present with them Ps 125.2 As the Mountains are round about Jerusalem so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever The Lord is for ever with and round about his people although sometimes their eyes are held and they perceive it not And then their Faith is weak so that judging by Sence rather than by Faith they think God hath forsaken them when as he is graciously with them and they know it not What Jacob said of the place where he lodged Gen. 28.16 Surely the Lord was in this place and I knew it not The same may be said of some persons Surely the Lord is with them and they know it not Now the Lord is alwayes with his people these two wayes even when they are ready to say that he hath forsaken them 1. He is present with them in respect of his love and favour Isa 54.10 My kindness shall not depart from thee Ps 89.33 Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take away from him Joh. 13.1 Jesus having loved his own loved them to the end 2. The Lord is alwayes present with his people by inward supports and secret upholdings of them Deut. 33.27 The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting armes Isa 41.10 Fear thou not for I am with thee I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness Ps 73.23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee thou hast holden me by my right hand Though David was ready to say in his hast that he was cast out of Gods sight yet he found upon recollecting himself that he was continually with God and upheld by him 6. Interest in Christ is a ground of strong consolation under all sorts of troubles and also against the terrours of Death because they that are Christs are in covenant with God and are heirs of all the promises They are in Covenant with God Ezek. 16.8 I sware unto thee and entred into a Covenant with thee saith the Lord God and thou becamest mine They are Heirs of all the promises Gal. 3.29 And if you be Christs then are ye Abrahams seed and heirs according to the promise 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen to the glory of God by us If all the promises of God be upon and Amen in Christ then when Christ is ours all the promises of God are ours And this is a ground of strong consolation under all manner of troubles to be in covenant with God and to have an interest in all the promises of God For the Scripture is full of great and precious promises promises of all good things pertaining to this life and the life which is to come and to have an interest in all these promises is a matter of unspeakable joy By acquaintance with the covenant and promise of God our Souls may dwell at ease whatever troubles come upon our outward man Ps 25.13 14. His Soul shall dwell at ease and he will shew them his Covenant The Psalmist speaking of a man that feareth God saith his Soul shall dwell at ease and then sheweth how this is brought to pass and that is by acquaintance with the Covenant He will shew them his Covenant The dwelling of the Soul at ease implyeth the abundance and continuance of inward and Spiritual comforts which are enjoyed by our acquaintance with the Covenant The promises are sweet Cordials which refresh the Soul in times of greatest distress Ps 60.6 God hath spoken in his holiness I will rejoyce In the three first verses there are sad complaints of grievous afflictions O God thou hast cast us off thou hast scattered us thou hast been displeased Thou hast made the Earth tremble thou hast broken it Thou hast shewed thy people hard things thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment Now what will comfort a man at such a time as this What will make a man rejoyce under such amazing providences when God seems to cast off and be displeased when God scatters his people shewes them hard things makes them drink the Wine of astonishment when the very Earth trembles at Gods judgments The promises of God will comfort in such a dark day as this is God hath spoken in his holiness I will rejoyce When David was in a persecuted condition and they that persecuted him were no mean men but great Persons Princes Saul and his Courtiers he had exceeding great joy in the Promises of God Psal 119.161 162. Princes have persecuted me without a cause I rejoyce at thy word as one that findeth great spoil When David was in a dying condition he found strong consolation from his interest in Gods covenant 2 Sam. 23.1 5. Now these be the last words of David Although
days to shew our love in our diligence in Ministring to the Saints as we have ability and as their necessity requireth Heb. 6.10 11. Another Grace that will much further our Assurance as trusting in God in all distresses and dangers and living by Faith on Gods promises Psal 31.14 I trusted in thee I said thou art my God The more we accustom our selves to trust in God the more confidently we shall be enabled to call God our God Another grace that will further our assurance is Uprightness when we walk in our Integrity that will scatter and dispel fears and bring in comfort Psal 112.4 Vnto the Vpright there ariseth Light in Darkness But I shall add no more upon this question Sect. 3. What they should do that can't make out their interest in Christ in a time of trouble and at the hour of Death Obj. It may be some will say it is true they that have an interest in Christ and know it may be of good chear under all the troubles of this Life and when they are to pass through the Valley of the Shadow of Death but what shall I do in an evil day and at the hour of Death that cannot to this day nor ever could make it out that I have a saving interest in Christ § Prayer a means to clear interest Encouragements to pray for this mercy A. 1. Pray to God to make clear to your Souls your interest in himself and his Son Jesus Christ Psal 35.3 Say unto my Soul I am thy Salvation That which David asks is not be thou my Salvation but 't is the satisfying his Soul with the knowledge that God was his Saviour and would give him Salvation Say unto my Soul That is Lord perswade my Soul Lord give my Soul satisfaction in this great case that thou art my Saviour and wilt confer Salvation upon me And what David prayed for in this kind that may we pray for also And for our encouragement to pray for the knowledge of your interest in Christ consider these things 1. Prayer is a means of Gods own appointing not only for the obtaining of the favour of God but also for the obtaining of the comfortable apprehensions of Gods love in Christ Job 33.26 He shall pray unto God and he shall be favourable unto him and he shall see his face with joy Here is a double blessing promised unto the man that prayeth unto God he shall obtain the favour of God and he shall see his face with joy that is he shall obtain the knowledge of Gods love to his Soul which shall put great joy and gladness into his heart 2. The knowledge of our interest in God as our Father and in Christ as our Saviour and Redeemer is promised in the new Covenant and what the Lord hath promised we may pray in Faith and Hope that we shall attain it See promises to this purpose Isa 60.16 Thou shalt know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer That which is here promised is not I will be thy Saviour and thy Redeemer but the knowledge of our interest in Christ as our Saviour and our Redeemer It is not said thou shalt know that I am the Saviour of my people or the Saviour of those that trust in me Thon shalt know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer Another promise of clearing our interest in Christ we have Joh. 14.20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father and you in me and I in you At that day what day is here meant some understand it of the future life when we shall live with Christ in Glory spoken of in the foregoing verse because I live ye shall live also at that day ye shall know And doubtless the full accomplishment of this promise is the priviledge of the other life to have a perfect understanding of the mystical Union between the Father and the Son and between Christ and Believers But it hath also a respect to clearing our Union with Christ in this life at that day that is after I am risen from the dead and gone to the Father and at that day that you set your love upon me and keep my Commandments and I shall pray the Father and he shall send you another comforter even the Spirit of truth he shall make it known to you that I am in you and you in me It may also relate to ver 13 14. When you shall earnestly pray to the Father in my name to have your union cleared in that day you shall know that I am in you and you in me If any say I have prayed to God to clear my Union with and my Interest in Christ and still I am in the dark about this matter I answer You must continue to seek this mercy the knowledge of your interest in God and Christ and that is the way to obtain it Hos 6.3 Then shall we know if we follow on to know the Lord § Such as can't make out their Interest in Christ should close with Christ that they may have an Interest in him 2. If you cant nor ever could make out your Interest in Christ yea suppose it be so that you have no interest in him come in now and close with him The door of Hope still stands open to your Souls It is yet an accepted time and a day of Salvation God still continueth to offer Christ to your Souls and prays you to accept of him 2 Cor. 5.20 VVe pray you in Christs stead be you reconciled to God If at length after a long neglecting of Christ you will come in and close with him you shall be saved by him Heb. 4.7 To day after so long a time as it is said to day if you will bear his voice harden not your hearts Those that had stood all the day idle even to the last hour were invited to go into the Vineyard and going upon the invitation had their reward Matth. 20.6 7 9. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle and saith unto them why stand ye here all the day idle Go ye also into the Vineyard and whatever is right that shall ye receive And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour they received every man a penny This penny is by the generality of Interpreters agreed to be eternal life and this eternal life shall be given to those that come into Christ at the last hour of the day though the former part of their time hath been spent in ideleness But some may say if a man hath reflected and lived without God in the day of his prosperity is there hope if such a man turn to God in the day of trouble that God will be found of him and be gracious unto him I answer There is hope for such as have neglected God along time if they turn to him in the day of their tròuble that he will be gracious unto them 2 Chron. 15.3 4.
Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel he was found of them § Such as want Evidence of their interest in Christ ought to trust in him for Salvation What grounds have such to trust in Christ 3. Though you want evidence of your interest in Christ in a time of trouble and at the hour of Death yet if you be such as live in the fear of God such as desire to be saved by Christ in his own way and upon his own Terms you may yea you ought to trust in Christ for eternal Salvation Isa 50.10 VVho is among you that fears the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his Servants that walketh in darkness and hath no light let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon his God A man that truly feareth God may be in great darkness about his Spiritual State he may have no light that is no Evidence of his interest in God and the promises and so be in a very uncomfortable condition yet such ought to trust in Christ If any say what grounds hath a man that followeth after Righteousness and desireth to live in the fear of God and yet wanteth evidence of his Interest in Christ and the promises of God to trust in Christ for his Salvation § Grounds of trusting in Christ for Salvation for such as are in a dark condition as to their Interest in Christ A. 1. God sends his Son into the World to take our nature upon him and to die for our Sins for this very end and purpose to seek and to save Sinners who were in a lost and undone condition 1 Tim. 1.15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief Luk. 19.10 The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost 1 John 4.14 VVe have seen and do testifie that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the VVorld John 3.17 God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved These general expressions to save the World to save Sinners to save that which was lost opens a door of hope to such as can't see their interest in Christ but see themselves lost Sinners and hearing that the Father sent his Son to be the Saviour of the world to save lost sinners i◠shews them that there is hope for their Souls that they may obtain Salvation By Jesus Christ 2. The Lord Jesus Christ who is the Saviour of the world and who came into the world purposely to save sinners is an all-sufficient Saviour able to save unto the uttermost all that come unto God by him Heb. 7.25 He is able to save them unto the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them He is able to save to the uttermost that is to save perfectly to save eternally to give all things requisite to Salvation he is able to justifie sanctifie and bring unto glory all that come unto him For his blood is available to take away the greatest sins of the greatest sinners in the whole world John 1.29 Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world And his Spirit is able to sanctifie the worst and most polluted Sinners The Corinthians were the chief of Sinners Extortioners Drunkards Adulterors Abusers of themselves with mankind with other abominations yet they were sanctified by the Spirit of Christ of great sinners made eminent Saints 1 Cor. 62.10 11. 3. The Lord Jesus Christ inviteth and calleth all distressed Persons in all places that see themselves in a perishing undone condition to look to him and to come to him for Salvation Isa 45.22 Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of Earth That is let all Persons from one end of the Earth to the other that find a want of Salvation look unto me and I will save them Matth. 11.28 Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest 4. The Lord commandeth us to trust in his Son for the giving us eternall life 1 John 3.23 This is his Commandment that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another as he gave us Commandment And he is displeased with those that do not relie on him for their Salvation Ps 78.21 22. The Lord was wroth and anger came up against Israel because they believed not in God and trusted not in his Salvation 5. We have God promises yea many promises that he will give eternal life and blessedness to all whosoever they be that believe and trust in his Son Ps 2.12 Blessed are all they that put their trust in him Joh. 3.16 God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Joh. 6.47 Verily verily I say unto you He that believeth on me hath everlasting life § The plea of such as can't trust in Christ for Salvation for want of Sanctification Obj. 1. None shall be saved by Christ but such as are sanctified and in a state of Grace but I want evidences of my being sanctified and being in a state of Grace how then can I trust in Christ to save me A. 1. It is true that Christ sanctifieth all whom he saveth for without Holiness no man whatsoever shall see the Lord. Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. If a man live and dye in his sins without repentance and yet trust in Christ for Salvation he doth but delude himself for our Lord Jesus telleth us expresly that all that do not repent shall surely perish Luk. 13.3 I tell you nay but except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish 2. Though you want evidences of your Sanctification yet do you not find ardent desires of Sanctification do you not find hungrings and thirstings after Righteousness Such as hunger and thirst after Righteousness are in a blessed condition as well as they that have attained Righteousness Matth. 5.6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after Righteousness for they shall be filled Spiritual desires are an argument of the Grace of God bestowed upon us The gracious estate of the Servants of God is sometimes set out by their desires Isa 26.8 The desire of our Souls is to thee and to the remembrance of thy name Neh. 1.11 Thy Servants who desire to fear thy name Then our desires argue a gracious state when our desires of God and the things of God exceed our desires of other things Ps 73.25 Whom have I in Heaven but thee and there is none on Earth that I desire besides thee 3. If you find in your self a want of Sanctification know this that you are to trust in