Copyright©MonergismBooks

AWordinSeasontoSufferingSaints

byThomasBrooks

TableofContents

I.TheLordstoodatmysideandgavemestrength

II.ItisGod'sfavorable,special,andeminentpresencewithhispeople,whichmakesthempersevereinanevilday:

III.WhatarethereasonswhyGodwillbefavorablywithhispeopleintheirgreatesttroubles

APPLICATION

TenInferences

TenExhortations

WhatMeansShouldWeUsethatWemayEnjoytheGraciousPresenceoftheLord

ComfortandConsolation

The Lord stood at my side and gave mestrength

"Atmyfirstdefense,noonecametomysupport,buteveryonedesertedme.Mayitnotbeheldagainstthem.ButtheLordstoodatmysideandgavemestrength,sothatthroughmethemessagemightbefullyproclaimedandall theGentilesmighthear it.AndIwasdeliveredfrom

thelion'smouth."2Timothy4:16-17

Inmytextyouhavethreethingswhicharemostremarkable—

First,YouhavePaul's commemorationof that singularexperiencethathe had of the favorable presence of Christ with him, and of hisstrengthening of him, "But the Lord stood at my side and gave mestrength."Acts23:11;thoughIwasdesertedbymen—yetIwasaidedandassistedbyChrist,2Tim.4:16;thoughallmenleftmetoshiftformyself—yettheLordstoodbyme,andstrengthenedmewithwisdom,prudence,courage,andconstancy, in the lackofalloutwardencouragements,andinthefaceofalloutwarddiscouragements,2Tim.1:15.

Secondly, Here is the end for which the Lord stood by him, assisted,strengthened, and delivered him, namely—that he might preach thegospeltothenations,Romans11:13;Phil.4:22,thathemighthavemoretime, and further opportunity, to spread abroad the everlasting gospelamongtheGentiles.Rome,atthistime,wasthequeenoftheworld,andin its most flourishing condition; people from all parts of the worldflocked to Rome.Nowwhen theywould hear and see Paul's prudence,courage, constancy, and boldness, in professing of Christ, and inpreaching and professing the gospel—before that grand tyrant, thatmonsterofmankind,Nero—theycouldnotbutbewroughtupon,andthefameofthegloriousgospelcouldnotbutbythismeansbespreadalltheworldover.

Thirdly, Here is the greatness of the danger from which he wasdelivered,namely,"Iwasdeliveredfromthelion'smouth."Someauthorsconceive these words to be a proverbial speech, noting some eminent,present,devouringdanger;"Iwasdeliveredfromtheextremehazardofdeath," even as aman rescued out of a lion's mouth, and pulled frombetween his teeth. Others more genuinely and properly, by "the lion'smouth,"dounderstandNero's rageandcruelty,who, forhispotency inpreying on the flock of Christ, is here fitly compared to a lion, whichdevoured anddestroyed the flock of Christ. This cruel lionNero,put amultitudeofChristianstodeath,andmadeabloodydecree,thatwhoeverconfessedhimselfaChristian,hewould,withoutanydeliberation,beputtodeath as a convicted enemyofmankind.This bloodymonster,Nero,

raisedthefirstbloodypersecution.TopickaquarrelwiththeChristianshesetthecityofRomeonfire,andthenchargeditupontheChristians,under which pretense he exposed them to the fury of the people, whocruelly tormented them as if they had been common burners anddestroyers of cities, and the deadly enemies of mankind! Yes, Nerohimselfcausedthemtobeapprehendedandcladinwildbeasts'skinsandtorninpieceswithdogs;otherswerecrucified;somehemadebonfiresoftolighthisnight-sports.Tobeshort,suchhorridcrueltyheusedtowardsthemascausedmanyof theirenemies topity them.ButGod foundoutthisbloodypersecutoratlast,forbeingadjudgedbythesenateanenemyto mankind, he was condemned to be whipped to death, for thepreventionwhereofhecuthisownthroat.

Thewordsbeingthusbrieflyopened,themainpointIshallinsistuponisthis—namely, Thatwhen thepeopleofGodare in their greatesttroubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers—thenthe Lord will be most favorably, most specially, and mosteminentlypresentwiththem.

TheylearnedsaythatGodisfivewayspresent—

(1.)InthehumanityofChrist,byhypostaticalunion;

(2.)Inthesaints,byknowledgeandlove;

(3.)Inthechurch,byhisessenceanddirection;

(4.)Inheaven,byhismajestyandglory;

(5.)Inhell,byhisvindictivejustice.

Hemingiussays,ThereisafourfoldpresenceofGod—

(1.)Thereisapresenceofpowerinallmen,eveninthereprobates;

(2.)Apresenceofgrace,onlyintheelect;

(3.)Apresenceofglory,intheangels,andsaintsdeparted;

(4.)AhypostaticpresenceoftheFatherwiththeSon.

But,ifyouplease,youmaytakenoticethatthereisasixfoldpresenceoftheLord—

1. First, There is a GENERAL presence of God, and thus he ispresentwithallcreatures."WhereshallIfleefromyourpresence?"Psalm139:7.Empedocles,thephilosopher,saidwell,that"Godisacircle,whosecenter is everywhere, andwhose circumference isnowhere."God isnotboundbyanyplace,andnotexcludedfromanyplace.Saysanother:"Godisthesouloftheworld;hiseyeisineverycorner,etc."TowhichpurposetheysoportrayedtheirgoddessMinerva,thatwhicheverwayonecasthiseye,shealwaysbeheldhim.ThoughheavenisGod'spalace—yetitisnothis prison. Diana's temple was burned down when she was busy atAlexander's birth, and could not be at two places together—but God ispresentbothinparadiseandinthewildernessatthesametime."Godishigher than the heaven, deeper than hell, broader than the earth, andmorediffusethanthesea!"—Bernard.

1Kings8:27,"ButwillGodindeeddwellontheearth?behold,theheavenandheavenofheavenscannotcontainyou;howmuchlessthishousethatI have built?"By the heaven of heavens ismeant thatwhich calledtheempyreal heaven, where the angels and the departed saints enjoy thegloriousandbeatificvisionofGod;anditiscalledtheheavenofheavens,bothbecauseitisthehighestanddoescontaintheotherheavenswithinits orb; and also by way of excellency, as the "most holy place" in thetempleiscalledthe"holyofholies,"becauseitfarsurpassesalltherestinsplendorandglory,Isaiah66:1;Proverbs5:21;Heb.4:13;Job26:6.

Jer.23:24, "Cananyhidehimself in secretplaces that I shouldnot seehim? says the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? says the Lord."Proverbs15:3,"TheeyesoftheLordareineveryplace,beholdingtheevilandthegood."Godisalleye.Thepoorheathencouldsay,"Godisnearerto us than we are to ourselves." Repletively he is everywhere, thoughinclusivelynowhere.Job34:21,"Forhiseyesareuponthewaysofman,andheseesallhisgoings;"verse22,"Thereisnodarkness,norshadowofdeathwheretheworkersofiniquitymayhidethemselves."Sinnersshallnever be able to shroud themselves nor their actions, from God's all-

seeingeye.

TheRabbiscalledGodPlace,becauseheisineveryplace,thoughintheassemblies of his saintsmore eminently and gloriously. God is presentwithallhiscreatures—

(1.)Viaproductionis,byraisingthemup;

(2.)Viasustentationis,bysustainingandkeepingofthemup;theyarehisfamily, andhe feedsandclothes them,Mat.5:45;Acts 17:27-28;Psalm33:13-14;

(3.)Vidinclinationis,bygivingunto thempowerofmotion;man couldneitherlivenormoveunlesstheLordwerewithhim;

(4.)Vidobservationis,bytakingnoticeof them;heobservesandmarksboththeirpersonsandtheiractions—heseeswhotheyare,andhowtheyareemployed;

(5.) Vid ordinationis, by governing and ruling of them and all theiractions,totheserviceofhisgloryandthegoodofhispoorpeople,Acts4:25-29.

Butthisisnotthatpresencethatwearetodiscourseof.

2. Secondly, There is aMIRACULOUSpresence of Christ, andthissomeoftheprophetsofoldhad,andtheapostlesandothershadinChrist's time; and by virtue of thismiraculous presence of Christ withthem, they cast out devils, healed diseases, and did many wonderfulthings,Mat.7:22;Mark3:15.Butthisisnotthepresencethatfallswithinthecompassofthatmainpointwepurposetospeakto.

3.Thirdly,There isaRELATIVEpresenceofChrist,and that ishispresenceinhisordinances,andwithhischurches.[SeePsalm46:4-5;Cant. 7:5; Joel 3:21; Zech. 2:10-11, and 8:3; Psalm 135:21.] Of thispresence the Scripture speaks very largely. Exod. 20:24, "In all placeswhere I record my name, I will come unto you, and I will bless you."Exod.25:8,"Andletthemmakemeasanctuary,thatImaydwellamongthem."Exod.29:45,"AndIwilldwellamongthechildrenofIsrael,and

willbetheirGod."Lev.26:11,12"AndIwillsetmytabernacleamongyou.And Iwillwalkamongyou,andwillbeyourGod,andyoushallbemypeople." Psalm 76:1, 2 "In Judah is God known: his name is great inIsrael. In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling-place in Zion."Isaiah8:18,"FromtheLordAlmighty,whodwellsinmountZion."Psalm9:11,"SingpraisestotheLordwhodwellsinZion."

ThechurchesaresaidtobethetemplesinwhichtheLorddwells,andthehouse of the living God, and the golden candlesticks among which hewalks.[1Cor.3:16-17;2Cor.6:16;Heb.3:6;1Pet.2:5;Rev.2:1.]Oh,howmuchdoesitconcernallthechurchestoprizetheirchurchstate,andtokeepclosetogether,andtowalksuitabletothatgraciouspresenceofGod,whichshinesinthemidstofthem!Butthisisnotthatpresencethatfallsunderourpresentconsideration.But,

4. Fourthly, There is a majestic and GLORIOUS presence ofChrist,andthusheissaidtobeinheaven.Psalm2:4,"Hewhositsintheheavenswilllaugh."Heb.1:13,"Buttowhichoftheangelssaidheatanytime,SitonmyrighthanduntilImakeyourenemiesyourfootstool?"chapter9:24,"ForChristhasnotenteredintotheholyplacesmadewithhands, which are the figure of the true—but into heaven itself, now toappearinthepresenceofGodforus."NotthatheavenisaplacewhereinChristisshutup—butthecourt,asitwere,wherehismajesty,inactsofwisdom, and power, andmercy, and grace and glory, doesmost of allappear.[Job16:19;2Thes.1:9;Psalm16:11;1Tim.6:14-16;Rev.3:21.]

As the soul of man, though it be in every part of man—yet it doesprincipallyappearandmanifestitselfintheheartandmind;sohere,etc.Monica, Austin's mother, standing one day and seeing the sun shine,raised thismeditation, "Oh, if the sunbe sobright,what is the light ofChrist'spresenceinglory!"Butthisisnotthepresencewedesignnowtodiscourseof.

5.Fifthly,ThereisaJUDICIALorWRATHFULpresenceoftheLord;andthusheispresentwithwickedmen,sometimesblindingthem,sometimeshardeningthem,sometimesleavingthemtotheirownheart'slusts, sometimes giving them up to their own heart's lusts, sometimesfilling their faces with shame, and their consciences with terrors. [See

Exod.9:14;Isaiah6:9-10,and64:1-4;Psalm81:12;2Thes.2:11-12;Psalm68:2; Jer. 4:26; Ezek. 38:20; Hab. 1:12.] He is judicially present withwickedmenbyaparticularobservationoftheirpersonsandways,Psalm33:13-14;Job34:21-22.Heseeswhotheyare,andhowtheyareemployedagainst his honor, his interest, his saints, his ways. He is judiciallypresent with wickedmen by a special detestation of their persons andways, etc.But this isnot thatpresence that at this time fallsunderourconsideration;andtherefore,

6. Sixthly and lastly, There is a GRACIOUS, a favorable, aspecial,oreminentpresenceoftheLordwithhisfaithfulpeopleintheir greatest troubles, deepest distresses, andmost deadly dangers, asthe Scriptures do everywhere evidence. [The compassionate parent ismostwiththesickchild;sohere.]Takeatasteofsome:Gen.39:20,"AndJoseph'smastertookhim,andputhimintotheprison,aplacewheretheking'sprisonerswerebound,andhewas there in theprison;" verse21,"ButtheLordwaswith Joseph,and showed himmercy, and gave himfavorinthesightofthekeeperoftheprison."AprisoncannotkeepGodawayfromhispeople.Witnesstheapostlesandmartyrs,whoseprisons,byGod'spresence,becamepalaces;andtheirchains,byGod'spresence,becameamusic-school,Acts16:25.

Ifmen knew by experience the delightwhich is in suffering for Christ,theywoulddesirewithChrysostom,ifitwereputtotheirchoice,rathertobe Paul a prisoner of Jesus Christ, than Paul enrapt up in the thirdheaven.Basil, inhisorationforBarlaam,that famousmartyr,says,"Hedelightedinhisvileprison,asinapleasantgreenmeadow,andhetookpleasureintheseveralinventionsoftortures,asinseveralsweetflowers."Lutherreportsofthatmartyr,Agatha,thatasshewenttoherprisonsandtortures, she said she went to banquets and weddings. "The sunenlightens the world," says Cyprian, "but he who made the sun is agreater light to you in prison, etc." "Fire, sword, prisons, famines, arepleasure,theyarealldelightfultome,"saysBasil."Paulrattleshischainwhichhebearsforthegospel,andwasasproudofitasawomanofherjewelry,"saysChrysostom.[Eph.6:20;2Tim.1:16;Acts15:26,29;Phil.1:7,13-14,16;Col.4:3,18;2Tim.2:9,etc.]

PaulandSilasinaprisonfoundmorepleasurethanpain,morejoythan

sorrow;andwhentheywerewhipped,itwaswithrosemarybranches,asImaysay.Paulgreatlyrejoiced inhissufferings forChrist,andthereforeoftensingsout,"I,Paul,aprisonerofJesusChrist,"notI,Paul,enraptupinthethirdheaven.Christshowedhisgreatlovetohiminbringinghimup in the third heaven, and he showed his great love to Christ in acheerfulsufferingforhim.

Eusebius tells of onewhowrote tohis friend froma stinking dungeon,anddatedhisletter"Frommybeautifulorchard."Mr.Gloverthemartyr,rejoicedinhisimprisonment."Godforgiveme,"saidMr.Bradfordwhena prisoner, "ofmy unthankfulness for this exceeding greatmercy, thatamong so many thousands he chooses me to be one in whom he willsuffer." Philip, landgrave of Hesse, being a long time prisoner underCharlestheFifth,wasaskedwhatupheldhiminhislongimprisonment.Heansweredthathefeltthedivineconsolationsofthemartyrs.

Gen. 49:23, "The archers," or, as the Hebrew here has it, the arrow-masters, "have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him."Thesearrow-masterswereJoseph'sbarbarousbrethrenwhosoldhim,hisadulterousmistress that, harlot-like, "hunted for his precious life;" hisinjurious master who, without any desert of his, imprisoned him; thetumultuating Egyptians, who pined with hunger, perhaps spoke ofstoningofhim;andtheenviouscourtiersandenchanterswhospokeevilof him before Pharaoh, to bring him out of favor. But by divineassistance, andGod's favorable preference, 1 Sam. 30:6, he proved toostrong for them all. Verse 24, "But his bow abode in strength, and thearmsofhishandsweremadestrongbythehandsofthemightyGodofJacob,"etc.

Joseph is likened to a strongarcher,who, ashismany enemies shotathim—so his bow was steadfast, and his arms strong by the specialpresenceofGodwithhim.SuchaneminentpresenceofGodhadJosephwithhim,thatheneverlackedcourage,comfort,orcounselwhenhewasat hisworst. The divine presencewillmake aman stand fast and firmunder the greatest pressures. It made Joseph use his bow against hisadversaries,asDaviddidhisslingagainstGoliath.Heslung,saysone,asifhehadwrappedupGodinhissling.

Psalm 23:4, "Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow ofdeath, Iwill fearno evil; foryouarewithme; your rod and your stafftheycomfortme."ThepresenceoftheLordwithhispeople inthemostdeadlydangers fills theirsouls fullofcourage,confidence,andcomfort.Thatdarknesswhichcomesuponadyingman,alittlebeforehegivesupthelife,isthegreatestdarkness;andyetletaChristianthenhavebutGodby the hand, and he will not fear the most hideous and horridrepresentationsofdeath!

Dan.3:24,"ThenNebuchadnezzarthekingwasastonished,androseupinhaste,andspokeandsaiduntohiscounselors,Didnotwecast threemenboundintothemidstofthefire?Theyansweredandsaiduntotheking,True,Oking;"verse25,"Heansweredandsaid,Lo,Iseefourmenloose,walking in themidst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and theformofthefourthisliketheSonofGod."ThepresenceoftheSonofGodturned the fiery furnace intoa gardenofdelights, a galleryof pleasure.This divine presence in the midst of fire and flame kept them fromfainting, sinning, and shrinking, and filled their souls with comfort,peace,ease,andheavenlyrefreshing.Wemayverysafelyunderstandthisfourthperson tobe,as thewordsdo literallybear, thevery trueSonofGod, our Lord and Savior, who is specially present with his people intheirgreatestextremitiesandmostdeadlydangers.

Zech.1:8,"Inavisionduringthenight,Isawamansittingonaredhorsethatwasstandingamongsomemyrtletreesinasmallvalley.Behindhimwerered,speckled,andwhitehorses,eachwithitsownrider."ThemanridingupontheredhorseisthemanChristJesus;itisthecaptainoftheLord'sarmy,andthecaptainofoursalvation.[Tim.2:5;Josh.4:14;Heb.2:10.AmongtheRomansthecrownorgarlandofthosewhodidshoutforvictory, or ride in triumph, was made of myrtle, Plin., lib. xv. c. 29.]Christ is here represented in his kingly state, under the type of amanridingonaredhorse,andhavinghisroyalattendants;forunderthetypeof the other horses behind him, is represented his having angels forministers, and all creatures ready for every dispensation; whether sad,represented by red; or comfortable, represented bywhite; ormixed ofmercyandjudgment,representedbyspeckledhorses.

Christishererepresentedasamanonhorseback,readytosallyforthfor

thegoodofhispeoplewhentheyareatthelowest.Thelow,afflicted,andsufferingstateofthechurchisfitlycomparedtomyrtle-treeswhichgrowinashadygrove,invalleys,andbottoms,andbywater-sides.Now,whenhispeopleareinaverylowcondition,thenChristappearsonhorseback,forhispeople'sprotection,andtheirenemies'confusion.

Christwillbesuretolodgewithhispeoplewhentheyareatlowest.Whenthechurchisindanger,Christisnotasleep;heisalwaysreadyuponhisred horse, watching all opportunities and advantages, to show his zealand courage for his people, and his severity and fury against theirenemies.Themanwhostoodamongthemyrtle-trees,verse10,isChristJesus, whose special residence is with his people when they are in themost low, dangerous, and forlorn condition.No troubles, nodistresses,nodangers,canbanishChristfromhispeople,ormakehimseekanotherlodging.

"Butnow,OIsrael,theLordwhocreatedyousays—Donotbeafraid,forIhaveransomedyou.Ihavecalledyoubyname;youaremine.Whenyougothroughdeepwatersandgreattrouble,Iwillbewithyou.Whenyougo through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walkthroughthefireofoppression,youwillnotbeburnedup;theflameswillnotconsumeyou.ForIamtheLord,yourGod, theHolyOneof Israel,yourSavior."Isaiah43:1-3

TheIsraeliteswentthroughtheRedSea,andwerenotdrowned;andthethreeHebrewchildrenwalkedupanddowninthefieryfurnace,andwerenot so much as singed, Dan. 3:27. By "fire and water" we may wellunderstand the various troubles, distresses, and dangers which mayattendthepeopleofGod.Nowinallthesevarioustroubles,etc.,theLordwillbespeciallypresentwiththem,toprotectanddefend,tosecureanddeliverthemoutofalltheirvarioustroubles,theirdeepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers.

2Cor.4:9,"Persecuted—butnotforsaken;castdown—butnotdestroyed."Persecutedbymen—butnotforsakenbyGod.Thesaintsmaybeshaken—but not shattered; persecuted—but not conquered; cast down—but notcast off. Luther, speaking of his enemies, says, "They may show theirteeth—butnotdevourme;theymaykillme—butnothurtme,becauseof

thatfavorableandspecialpresenceofChristwhichiswithme."NowthisisthatpresenceoftheLordthatfallsunderourpresentconsideration.

Butforthefurtheropeningofthisimportantpoint,letusalittleinquire—HOW the Lord does manifest his favorable, his special, hiseminent presence to his people in their greatest troubles,deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers? Now to thisquestionIshallgivethesetwelveanswers—

(1.) First, The Lord does manifest his favorable, special, and eminentpresence with his people in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses,andmost deadly dangers—by raising their faith tomore than anordinarypitchatsuchatime.

Exodus 14:10-12 , "AsPharaohandhis armyapproached, thepeopleofIsraelcouldseetheminthedistance,marchingtowardthem.Thepeoplebegantopanic,andtheycriedouttotheLordforhelp.ThentheyturnedagainstMosesandcomplained,"Whydidyoubringusoutheretodie inthewilderness?Weren't there enough graves for us inEgypt?Whydidyoumakeusleave?Didn'twetellyoutoleaveusalonewhilewewerestillinEgypt?OurEgyptianslaverywasfarbetterthandyingouthereinthewilderness!"Thusyouseetheirgreattroubles,deepdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,theyhavingaRedSeabeforethem,andacruel,bloody,andenragedenemyjustattheheelsofthem.Nowinthisextremity,seetowhatahighpitchMoseshisfaithrises:verse13,"Donotbeafraid.StandfirmandyouwillseethedeliverancetheLordwillbringyoutoday.TheEgyptians you see today you will never see again." He says they shallneverseetheEgyptiansagain, that is, inthatmannerastheysawthosewho day insulting against them and pursuing after them—for they sawthem afterward—but drowned, and lying dead upon the shore, Exod.14:14, "The Lordwill fight for you; you need only to be still." A strongfaithwillhelpaChristian indifficult circumstances.ThoughMoseshadreceivednoparticular promise how the Israelites should be delivered—yet he rested upon God's general promise before, that he would gethimselfhonoruponPharaohandhisarmy:"TheLordshallfightforyou,andyoushallbestill."Asifhehadsaid,Youshallbemerelypassive,anddonothingatalltowardsthesubduingofyourenemies,neitherinwordsnor deeds; the Lord shall fight against your enemies, and defeat them

himselfbyastronghandandanoutstretchedarm;composeyourselves,act faith and hope in God, without doubting, murmuring, grudging,fainting, or fretting; for God defers his chief aid—until man's greatestneed.Whentheenemyishighest,salvationisnearest;whenthedangerisgreatest,thehelpofGodisreadiest,asatthistimetheyfoundit.

2 Chron. 13:3, "Abijah went into battle with a force of four hundredthousandablefightingmen,andJeroboamdrewupabattlelineagainsthim with eight hundred thousand able troops." Jeroboam wasoutnumbered,twotoone.Verse7,"SomeworthlessscoundrelsgatheredaroundhimandopposedRehoboamsonofSolomonwhenhewasyoungandindecisiveandnotstrongenoughtoresistthem."Rehoboamwasnowarrior,hewasnoexpertprinceintheuseofarms;hewasbutyoung,notinage—but inexperience,policy,andvalor;hewaschicken-hearted,hehadnocourage,nomettle. [2Chron. 12:13.Hewas forty-one years oldwhenhecame to thecrown.]Jeroboamtakesholdof theseadvantages,andgatherseighthundred thousandRacas—brainless fellows, lightandempty;menofnopiety,civility,ingenuity,orcommonhonesty.

NowseewhatamightyspiritoffaithGodraisedinthechildrenofJudah:verse17,"Abijahandhismeninflictedheavylossesonthem,sothattherewere five hundred thousand casualties among Israel's able men." Amonstrous and matchless slaughter, the greatest number that ever weread slain in any battle; far beyond that of Tamerlane when he tookBajazet,orAtiustheRomanprefect,whenhefoughtwithAttilaandhisHuns in the fields of Catalonia, where were slain on both sides onehundredsixty-fivethousand:verse18,"ThemenofIsraelweresubduedon that occasion, and the men of Judah were victorious because theyreliedontheLord,theGodoftheirfathers,"becausetheyreliedupontheLordGodoftheir fathers.Strong faithnevermiscarries.Godneverhas,nor neverwill, fail thosewho place their confidence upon him in theirgreatestdangers.

Esther4:14,"Forifyouremainsilentatthistime,reliefanddeliverancefor the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father'sfamily will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royalpositionforsuchatimeasthis?"Theirgreattrouble,theirdeepdistress,andtheirmostdeadlydangeryouhaveinEsther3:13,"Dispatcheswere

sentbycourierstoalltheking'sprovinceswiththeordertodestroy,killandannihilatealltheJews—youngandold,womenandlittlechildren—on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfthmonth, themonth ofAdar, and to plunder their goods." [Here are great aggravations of hiscruelty,inthatneithergendernoragearespared.Rageandmaliceknowsno bounds.]Haman, that grand informer,with hiswicked crew,wouldhaverobbedthemoftheirlivesandgoods—butthattheywerepreventedbyamiraculousprovidence,asyouknow.Nowinthisdeepdistressandmost deadly danger, at what rate does Mordecai believe? "For if youremain silent at this time, relief anddeliverance for the Jewswillarisefromanotherplace."ThisMordecaispeaksnotbyaspiritofprophecy—but by the power and force of his faith, grounded upon the preciouspromisesofGod'sdefendinghischurch,hearing thecriesofhispeople,arising for their relief and support, and groundedupon all the gloriousattributes of God, namely, his power, love, wisdom, goodness, and all-sufficiency,etc.,allwhichareengagedinthecovenantofgrace, tosave,protect,andsecurehispeopleintheirgreatesttroublesandmostdeadlydangers.

Mordecai's faith in this black, dark, dismal day, was a notable faithindeed,andworthyofhighestcommendation.Faithcanlookthroughtheperspective of the promises, and see deliverance at a great distance,salvation at the door. What though sense says, "Deliverance will notcome;" andwhat though reason says, "Deliverance cannot come;" yet araisedfaithgetsaboveallfears,anddisputes,andsays,"Deliverancewillcertainlycome,redemptionisathand."

Num.13:30,"ThenCalebsilencedthepeoplebeforeMosesandsaid—Weshouldgoupandtakepossessionoftheland,forwecancertainlydoit."chapter14:9,"OnlydonotrebelagainsttheLORD.Anddonotbeafraidof the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Theirprotection isgone,but theLORDiswithus.Donotbeafraidof them."Thespiesby their liesdidwhat theycould todauntanddiscourage thepeople,bycryingupthestrengthoftheAnakims,andtheimpossibilityofthe conquest, Num. 13:32-33. These hollow-hearted hypocritical spiesblowhotandcoldalmostinabreath,Num.13:23-28.First,theymakeanarrativeofthefruitfulnessoftheland,andpresentlytheyconcludethat

itwasalandthatwasnotsufficienttonourishtheinhabitants,yes,alandwhichdevouredtheinhabitants,verse32.Liarshavenoironmemories.

ButnowbeholdtowhatamightypitchCaleb'sfaithisraised."Letusgoupatonce,andpossessit,forweareabletoovercomeit."Or,nearertheHebrew, "Marching up, march up, subduing, subdue." Let us, saysbelievingCaleb,marchuptothelandofCanaancourageously,resolutely,undauntedly,forthedayisourown,thelandisourown,allisourown."Theyarebreadforus,"weshallmakebutabreakfastofthem,weshallaseasilyandassurelyrootthemout,andcutthemdownwithourswords—aswecutthebreadweeat."Theirdefenseisdepartedfromthem."IntheHebrewitis,"Theirshadowisdepartedfromthem."Theshadowyouknowguardsamanfromthescorchingheatofthesun,Psalm91:1,and121:5-6.Caleb,byfaith,sawGodwithdrawnfromthem;bytheeyeofhisfaithhelookeduponthemasapeoplewithoutafence,ashadow,aguard,a covert, a protection; and therefore, as a people that might easily besubdued and destroyed.His faith told him that it was not their strongcities,nor theirhighwalls, nor their sonsofAnak, that couldpreserve,shelter,secure,ordefendthem,seeingtheLordhadforsakenthem,andwouldbeno longerasa shadowor a shelter to them. "And theLord iswithus,"tomakeusvictorious,totreaddownourenemies,andtogiveusaquietpossessionofthegoodland.

"Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king—ONebuchadnezzar,wedonotneed todefendourselvesbeforeyou in thismatter.Ifwearethrownintotheblazingfurnace,theGodweserveisabletosaveusfromit,andhewillrescueusfromyourhand,Oking."Daniel3:16-17. In the fiery furnace they are protected by a divine providence,they escape death beyond all men's expectations, for the fire touchedthemnot,neithercoulditburnduringtheirabodeinthefurnace,forGodsofortified theirbodies that theycouldnotbeconsumedby fire,whichmiraclemadethemingreatestimationwiththeking,forthathesawthatthey were virtuous, and beloved of God, and for that cause they werehighlyhonoredbyhim.

Here is a fiery furnace before them, and a proud, boasting, tyrannical,enraged prince domineering over them, for not obeying his idolatrouswill.Nowtowhatamightypitchistheirfaithraised!"TheGodweserve

isabletosaveusfromit,andhewillrescueusfromyourhand,Oking!"Their faithwas bottomedupon their propriety inGod: "OurGod;" andupon thepower,providence,andall-sufficiencyofGod: "Isable tosaveus;"anduponthegraciousreadinessandwillingnessofGod:"Andhewillrescueusfromyourhand,Oking."Whendangersaregreatest,thenGodcommonlyraisesthefaithofhispeoplehighest;faithdoesmostandbestfor us, when we are in impossible circumstances. Faith quenches theviolenceoffire,Heb.11:34;astheapostlespeaks,pointingatthefaithofthesethreeHebrewchildren,orratherchampions.Thoughnowthefieryfurnacewasheatedseventimeshotterthanitusedtobeatothertimes—yetsuchwasthestrength,andmight,andpoweroftheirfaith,thatitsoquenchedtheflames,thattheyhadnotonehairoftheirheadssinged,northeircoatsburned,northesmelloffirefounduponthem,Dan.3:27.Andthus the blessed martyrs may be said by their faith, patience, andconstancy to quench the violence of the fire, though their bodies wereconsumedtoashesinthefire.

Justso,inDan.6:16.Danieliscastintothedenofhungry,enragedlions;innocentDaniel is exposed to the cruel paws andhungry jaws of lions.ThiskindofcapitalpunishmentwasnotunusualamongtheBabylonians,theMedesandPersians,andamongtheRomansalso,withwhomitwasacommon saying in Tertullian's time, "Let the Christians be cast to thelions!"Thefacesofthelionsarestern,andtheirvoicesareterrible,Amos3:8; theyareroaringandravenous, theyaregreedyfor theirprey.Theyare vigilant and subtle.Lying inwait to get theirprey, they sleep little,andwhen they sleep, it iswith open eyes. Theymind their preymuch,and are cunning to catch it, Psalm 17:12. The lion hides himself, andwhenthepreycomesnearhesuddenlysurprises it.Theyareproudandstately,theygoalone,theyeatnotwiththelioness,muchlesswithothercreatures,theywillnotstooptoany,orturnawayfromany,theydowhatthey will; they are most cruel, bloody, devouring creatures; they haveterribleclaws,sharpteeth,andarestrongandmightytocrushandbreakthebones;anditisverydangeroustomeddlewithlions.[Proverbs30:3;Neh.2:12;2Kings17:6;Proverbs28:15;1Pet.5:8.]

Num. 24:9, "Like a lion they crouch and lie down, like a lioness—whodares to rouse them?" Lions if offended and provoked are very

revengeful. In the hunting or taking of lions, the lion observes whowoundshim,andonhimifpossiblehewillberevenged.By thesehintswemayguessatthedeadlydangerthatDanielwasin.

Josephus, to illustrate the history, says, that these informers pleadedbeforetheking,sayingthatthelionswerefullandgorged,andthereforetheywould not touchDaniel; which the king hearing, being displeasedwiththeirinjuriousmalice,castthemintothelionsden,toseewhetherthey could likewise escape: but this being done, they were suddenlydestroyed,beforetheycametothebottomoftheden,Dan.6:24.Towhatafatalendcametheseinformers!Astotheirwivesandchildrenthatwerecastintothedenoflions,itismostprobablethattheywereaccessorytothatwickedconspiracyagainstDaniel,bystirringupandprovokingtheirhusbands and fathers, to engage all their power, interest, and policyagainsthim,andnever toallowapoorcaptive tobeadvanced inhonoranddignityabovethem.HowjustandrighteousathingwasitwithGod,thatthosewhohadplottedtogether,andcontrivedtogether,theruinanddestructionofaholy innocentperson,thattheseshouldsuffertogether,andgotothelion'sdentogether,andbetorninpiecestogether.Sinners,looktoyourselves; ifyouwillsinwithothers,youmustexpect tosufferwithothers!

GodsecuredDanielinthemidstofthesedreadfuldangersbytheministryofanangel."MyGodhassenthisangel,andhasshutthelions'mouths,that they have not hurt me," Dan. 6:22. Others say, that God securedDaniel,bytakingawaythelions'hungerfromthematthattime,andbycausing in them a satiety. And some tell us, that God secured him, byraisingsuchafantasyinthelionsthattheylookeduponDaniel,notasaprey—butasononewhowasafrienduntothem.Butnowinthemidstofthisdreadfuldanger,howdoesDaniel'sfaithsparkleandshine:verse23,"ThekingwasoverjoyedandgaveorderstoliftDanieloutoftheden.Andwhen Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him,becausehehadtrustedinhisGod."DanielinafieryfurnacelooksuponGodashisGod,inthemidstoftheflamesheactsfaithuponthepowerofGod,thepromisesofGod,etc.Ofalllivingcreatureslionsaremostfierce,cruel,andirresistible—andyetsuchwasthestrengthandforceofDaniel'sfaith, that it stopped theirmouths, seeHeb. 11:33; Judges 14:6; 1 Sam.

17:34.

ThoughDanielwasbutoneman—yetsuchwasthepowerofhisfaith,thatitstoppedthemouthsofmanylions.AsLuthersaysofprayer,somayIsayoffaith;ithasakindofomnipotencyinit;itisabletodoallthings.ThusyouseebythesefamousinstancestowhatamightypitchtheLordhas raised the faith of his people,when they have been in the greatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers;andthisisthefirstway wherein the Lord does manifest his favorable, his special, hiseminent presence with his people, in their greatest troubles, deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers.But,

(2.) Secondly, The Lord does manifest his favorable, his special, hiseminent presence with his people in their greatest troubles, deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers—byhisteachingandinstructingofthem.Psalm94:12,"Blessedisthemanwhomyouchasten,OLord,andteachhimoutofyourlaw."Thisdivinepresenceturnseverylashintoahappylesson.InthispsalmtheHolySpiritusessixargumentstoprovethatamanisblessedwhoischastened.

[1.]Becauseheisinstructedbybeingafflicted,ashere.

[2.]BecausetheendwhyGodlaysafflictiononhispeopleistogivethemrestfromthedaysofadversity,verse13.

[3.]Until thepit isdug for thewicked, inverse 13,until thecoldgraveholdshisbody,andhothellholdshissoul.

[4.]BecauseGodwillsupportthemunderalltheirafflictions.WhenGodcastshispeopleintothefurnaceofafflictions,hiseverlastingarmsshallbeunderneaththem.ThoughGodmaycastdownhispeople—yethewillnevercastoffhispeople.

[5.] Because there shall be a glorious restoration: verse 15, "Judgmentshallreturnuntorighteousness."

[6.]Becausealltheuprightinheartshallfollowit,inverse15,namely,intheiraffections theyarecarriedoutafter it,earnestlydesiringthatdear

daywhenGodwillunriddlehisprovidences,andclearuphisproceedingswiththesonsofmen.

Jerome,writingtoasickfriend,hasthisexpression:"Iaccountitapartofunhappinessnottoknowadversity;Ijudgeyoutobemiserable,becauseyou have not been miserable." Demetrius says, "Nothing seems moreunhappytomethanhetowhomnoadversityhashappened.""Freedomfrompunishmentisthemotherofsecurity,thestepmotherofvirtue,thepoisonofreligion,themothofholiness,"saysBernard.ItwasaspeechofGaspar Olevianus, in his sickness: "In this disease," says he, "I havelearnedhowgreatGodis,andwhattheevilofsin is. IneverknewwhoGodwas before, norwhat sinmeant before."God's corrections are ourinstructions,his lashesour lessons,his scourgesareour schoolmasters,his chastisements are our admonishments. [Isaiah26:9;Proverbs 3:12-13, and 6:23.] And to note this, theHebrews and Greeks both expresschasteningandteachingbyoneandthesameword;becausethelatteristhe true end of the former, according to that in the proverb, "Smartmakeswit,andvexationgivesunderstanding."

Job 36:8-10, "But if men are bound in chains, held fast by cords ofaffliction, he tells them what they have done—that they have sinnedarrogantly.Hemakes them listen to correctionandcommands them torepentof theirevil."Sanctifiedafflictionsopenmen'sears todiscipline,andturnthemfrominiquity,whichisapieceoflearningthataChristiancanneverpaytoodearlyfor.AfflictionisanexcellentcommentupontheScriptures.AfflictionsmakewayforthewordoftheLordtocometotheheart.Sanctifiedafflictionispracticalteaching.

Bernard had a brother of his, who was a riotous and profane soldier;Bernardgiveshimmanygoodinstructionsandadmonitions,etc.—buthisbrotherslightedthem,andmadenothingofthem.Bernardcomestohim,andsays,"Godwillmakewaytothathardheartofyoursbysomespearorlance."Andsoitfellout;for,goingintothewars,hewaswounded,andthenheremembershisbrother'sinstructionsandadmonitions,andthentheygottohisheart,andturnedhimfromhissinfulways.

Job33:16,"Thenheopenstheearsofmen,andsealstheir instruction.""The eye that sin shuts, afflictions open," says Gregory. Troubles open

men's eyes, as the tasting of honey did Jonathan's. By correction Godseals up instruction; God sets on the one by the other; as when aschoolmaster would have a lesson learned indeed, he sets it on with awhipping.AsGideontaughttheeldersofthecityandthemenofSuccothwiththethornsandbriarsofthewilderness,soGodteacheshispeoplebyafflictionmanyaholyandhappylesson,Judges8:16.

By afflictions, troubles, distresses, and dangers—the Lord teaches hispeopletolookuponsinasthemostloathsomethingintheworld,andtolookuponholinessasthemostlovelythingintheworld.Sinisneversobitter,andholiness isneversosweet,aswhenour troublesaregreatestandourdangershighest.ByafflictionstheLordteacheshispeopletositloose from this world, and tomake sure the great things of that otherworld.ByafflictionGodshowshispeoplethevanity,vexation,emptiness,weakness,andnothingnessofallcreated

things—and thechoiceness,preciousness, andsweetnessof communionwith himself, and of interest in himself. "Before I was afflicted I wentastray,butnowIobeyyourword."Psalms119:67."Iknow,OLORD,thatyour laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me."Psalms119:75

Christ,thoughheknew,"yetlearnedheobediencebythethingswhichhesuffered,"Heb.5:8;that is,heshowedobediencemorethanbefore;notasifChristweretogotoschooltolearn,orasifbycertainactsheweretofithimselfforobedience;hedidnotlearnthatwhichheknewnotbefore—butdidthatwhichhedidnotbefore.Hewhowasputuponthetrialofhisobedience,hecametoknowbyexperiencewhatahardmatteritwasthustoobeyGod.

ByGod'sfavorablepresenceamancomestolearnmanylessonsinatimeofadversitywhichheneverlearnedinadayofprosperity;forwearelikeidle boys and bad scholars—who learn best when the rod is over us.Hezekiahwasbetteruponhissick-bedthanwhenhewasshowingofhistreasures to theambassadorsof thekingofBabylon, Isaiah39:1-5; andDavidwas a bettermanwhen hewas in hiswilderness-condition thanwhenhesatuponhisroyalthrone,Psalm30:6-7.TheJewsareeverbestwhenintheworstcondition;theAthenianswouldnevermenduntilthey

wereinmourning.WhenMunsterlaysick,andhisfriendsaskedhimhowhedid, andhowhe felt; hepointed tohis sores andulcers,whereofhewasfull,andsaid,"TheseareGod'sgemsandjewelswithwhichhedeckshisbestfriends,andtometheyaremorepreciousthanallthegoldandsilver in the world." "Here," as that martyr phrased it, "we are butlearningourABCs,andourlessonisneverpastChrist'scross,andourwalkingisstillhomebyWeeping-Cross."

Usually men are worst in a prosperous condition. In a prosperousconditionGodspeakstous,andwemindhimnot:"Ispoketoyouinyourprosperity—butyouwouldnothear:andthishasbeenyourmannerfromyour youth upwards," Jer. 2:21. PopeMartin reported of himself that,whilehewasamonkandlivedinthecloister,hehadsomeevidencesforheaven;whenhewasacardinal,hebegantofearanddoubt;butafterhecametobepope,heutterlydespaired.TheLordnevershowsmoreofhisfavorable,special,andeminentpresence,thanbyteachingofhispeoplemanygraciousandgospellessonsbytheirgreattroubles,deepdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers.But

(3.) Thirdly, The Lord does manifest his favorable, his special, hiseminent presence with his people, in their greatest troubles, deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers—byraising,strengthening,andactuating their suffering graces—namely, their faith, hope,love, patience, prudence, courage, boldness, zeal, constancy.Thusinthetext,"TheLordstoodbyme,andstrengthenedme."Heputnewlife, and strength, andvigor intoallmygraces.Although therearehabits of grace always resident in the hearts of the saints—yet thosehabits are not always in exercise. The habits of grace cannot act ofthemselves, there must be renewed strength imparted to set them onwork."Makemetogointhepathofyourcommandments,forthereindoIdelight,"Psalm119:35.ThoughDavidhadaspiritofnewlifewithinhim—yethecouldnotactuallywalkinthepathofGod'sprecepts,untilbyanadditionalforcehewassetagoing.

Cant.4:16,"Awake,Onorthwind,andcomeyousouthwind,blowuponmygarden,thatthespicesthereofmayflowout."[Christisthedifferentwinds,bothcoldandhot,moistanddry,bindingandopening,northandsouth; and therefore whatever wind blows, it shall blow good to his

people.]Bythegardenwemaysafelyunderstandasanctifiedsoul,andbythespicesinthisgardenwemayunderstandtheseveralgracesplantedinthe soul. Now these spices can never flow out, and send forth theirfragrantsmell,untilthenorthandsouthwindblowsuponthem.Habitualgracecannotoperate,andfunction,andputforthitselfintoexercise,untilbytheconcurrentpresenceandassistanceofChristitisempoweredintoact.

Nosaintcanactthatgracehehasreceived,byhisownstrength,withoutthepresenceandassistanceofChrist: 1Cor. 15:10, "Butby thegraceofGod,IamwhatIam;andhisgrace,whichwasbestoweduponme,wasnotinvain—butIlabormoreabundantlythantheyall—yetnotI—butthegrace of God, which was withme." He does not say, the grace of Godwhichwas inme, thathabitualgracewhichIhad;but thegraceofGodwhichwaswithme.Sothenitisnotthestrengthofhabitualgrace,whichwillcarryamanthroughdoingorsufferingwork—buttheauxiliary, theassisting, the conquering grace of Jesus Christ. It is his gracewith us,morethanhisgraceinus.

Just so, John 15:5, "Withoutme you candonothing."Youwhoaremydisciples,youwhohavetheSpiritofJesusChrist, "Withoutmeyoucandonothing."Thehabitsofgrace,theactingsofgrace,andtheperfectingofgrace—areallfromJesusChrist.Itismoreemphaticintheoriginal,forthere you have two negatives, "cannot do nothing." He does not say,"Withoutmeyoucannotdomanythings,"but,"Withoutmeyoucandonothing."Norhedoesnotsay,"Withoutmeyoucandonogreatthing,"but,"Withoutmeyoucandonothing."Norhedoesnotsay,"Withoutmeyoucandonodifficultthing,"but,"Withoutmeyoucandonothing."Norhe does not say, "Without me you can do no spiritual thing," but,"Withoutmeyoucandonothing."

Whateverasaintmaydobythepowerofgifts,orhabitsofgracereceived—yethe candonothing in a lively spiritual acceptablewaywithout thepresenceofChrist,withoutaconstantdependenceuponChrist,withoutasweet and special communion and fellowshipwithChrist. Ifwe cannotput forth anaturalactionwithout him—for in himwe live,move, andhave our being, Acts 17:28—howmuch less canwe perform a spiritualaction,inaspiritualmanner—withouthispresenceandassistance?

"WhiletheKingwasatHistable,myperfumespreaditsfragrance."SongofSongs1:12.That is, letJesusChristbebutpresentwithus,and thenourgraces,whicharecomparedtoperfume,willsendforthitsfragrance.SittingatthetablewithKingJesusintimatesthesweetestfriendshipandfellowshipwithHim. Itwasheld a great honor andhappiness to standbefore Solomon, 1 Kings 10:8; what is it then to sit with Christ at histable?"Myspikenardsends forth thesmell thereof;" that is,My faith isactuated, and allmy other graces are exercised and increased. Christ'spresenceputslifeintoallourgraces:Isaiah41:10.

Luke21:14-15, "Fearnot, for I amwith you;benotdismayed, for I amyourGod;Iwillstrengthenyou,yes,Iwillupholdyouwiththerighthandofmyrighteousness."2Cor.12:10,"WhenIamweak,thenamIstrong."WhenIamweakinmyself,thenamIstronginChrist.Ifthesunshinesupontheflower,howsoondoesthefloweropen.Justso,whentheSunofrighteousnessdoesbutshineuponaChristian'sgraces,howdotheyopenandact!Mal.4:2.ToshowhowthepresenceofChristhasactedthefaith,love, courage, boldness, andpatience, etc., of the saints in theOld andNew Testament, the primitive Christians and themartyrs, in the latteragesoftheworld,whentheyhavebeenintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses, andmost deadly dangers, would take up more than a littletime;besides,inmyotherwritingsIhaveopenedthesethingsmorefullytoyou,andtothemImustreferyou.Andtherefore,

(4.)Fourthly,TheLorddoesmanifesthisfavorable,special,andeminentpresence with his people, in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses,andmostdeadlydangers—bylayinga lawofrestraintuponeverywicked man, and by bridling and checking their fury andinsolency,thattheyshallnotaddafflictionstotheafflicted,asotherwisetheywould;ashediduponLaban:Gen.31:24,"AndGodcametoLabantheSyrian inadreambynight,andsaiduntohim,Takeheedthatyouspeaknot toJacob,eithergoodorbad."Verse29, "It is in thepowerofmyhandtodoyouhurt;buttheGodofyourfathersspokeuntomelastnight,saying,TakeyouheedthatyouspeaknottoJacob,eithergoodorbad."SeewhatalawofrestraintGodlaiduponEsau,Gen.33:1-4;anduponAbimelech,Gen.20:6-8,17-18;anduponBenhadad,1Kings20:1,10,29-30;anduponHaman,asyoumayseebycomparingthe3rd

and6thchaptersofEsther together;anduponPharaoh,Exod. 15:9-10;anduponSennacherib,Isaiah37:28-29,33-36;anduponHerod,Acts12.

Maximinus set forth a proclamation engraved in brass for the utterabolishingofChristandhisreligion:buthewaseatenupbylice.Valens,about to sign an order for the banishment of godly Basil, was smittenwith a sudden trembling of his hand that he could not sign the order;afterwardshewasburnedtodeathbytheGoths.

Domitian, the author of the second persecution against the Christians,havingdrawnacatalogueofthenamesofsuchashewastokill,inwhichwasthenameofhisownwifeandotherfriends;uponwhichhewas,bytheconsentofhiswife,slainbyhisownhouseholdservantswithdaggersin his privy-chamber.His bodywas buriedwithout honor, hismemorycursed to posterity, and his ensigns were thrown down and defaced.Julianvowedtomakeasacrificeof theChristiansuponhisreturnfromthewars;but,inabattleagainstthePersians,hewasmortallywounded,andthrowinghisblood in theair, inahighcontemptofChrist,hediedwiththatdesperateblasphemousexpressioninhismouth,"Galilean,youhaveovercomeme!"

Felix,EarlofWurttemberg,wasagreatpersecutorofthesaints,anddidswearthatbeforehediedhewouldrideuptothespursinthebloodoftheLutherans; but the very same night, wherein he had thus sworn andvowed,hewaschokedinhisownblood.

ThejudgmentsofGodweresofamousandfrequentuponthepersecutorsof the saints in Bohemia, that it was used as a proverb among theadversariesthemselves,thatifanymanwerewearyofhislife,lethimbutattemptharmagainsttheChristians—andhewouldnotliveayeartoanend.

BytheseshorthintsyoumayseethatallalongGodhasmadegoodthatword that ismore worth than a world, "Surely the wrath ofman shallpraiseyou;andtheremainderofwrathshallyourestrain"Hebrew,"Shallyougird,"that is,curb,andkeepwithincompass,aswithagirdle."Theremainderofwrathshallyourestrain,"thatis,thosewhoareleftaliveofyourwrathfulenemies,thathavestillanymaliceagainstyourpeople,you

will curb and restrain, and not allow their wrath to be so great asformerly;oriftheygoabouttorecruittheirforces,andtosetagainuponyourpeople, youwill set suchbounds to theirwrath that they shallnotaccomplish their desires, nor shall they proceed one step further thanshall make specially for your glory and your people's good. The moreeagerandfurioustheenemiesareagainstGod'speople,themorehonorand glory will God get in protecting and securing his people, and ingirding, binding, and tying up their enemies. Were it not for thisfavorable,special,andeminentpresenceofGodwithhispeople intheirgreatest troubles, deepest distresses, andmost deadly dangers—wickedmen would still be a-multiplying of their sorrows, increasing theirtroubles,andaddingofburdentoburden.ItisthisfavorablepresenceofGod, which binds wicked men over to their good behavior, and thatchains them up from doing thatmischief that they design and intend.But,

(5.)Fifthly,TheLorddoesmanifesthis favorable, special, and eminentpresence with his people, in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses,andmostdeadlydangers—byguidingandleadingthemintothosepaths and waves which make most for their own peace andquiet, safety and security, contentment and satisfaction,happinesshere,andblessednesshereafter.Exod.12:21-22;Isaiah63:12-14;Psalm5:8.Deut.32:10,"Hefoundmeinadesertland,andinthewaste howlingwilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, hekepthimastheappleofhiseye."[Theappleoftheeye,orthepupil,isthetenderest piece of the tenderest part.God esteems his people above alltheworld,Heb.11:38.]Awilderness-conditionis,youknow,aconditionofstraits,needs,deepdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers.Nowwhenhispeople were in this condition, God instructs them by his words andworks,andhetakesthembythehand,asImaysay,andleadsthemwithallcare,tenderness,gentleness,andsweetness,asamanwoulddoapoorhelpless infant, which he should find in a desert, in a waste howlingwilderness. God never left leading of his people until he had broughtthematlastthroughthewildernesstothelandofCanaan.

Ah! this leadingpresence of God turns a wilderness into a paradise, adesertintoaCanaan.LetaChristian'stroubles,distresses,anddangers,

be ever so many and ever so great—yet as long as he has the guidingpresence of God with him, he is safe from dangers in the midst ofdangers. "The fire shall not burn him, nor the waters overflow him,"Isaiah43:2:Psalm107:4,"Theywanderedinthewildernessinasolitaryway; they foundnocity todwell in."verse5, "Hungryandthirsty, theirsoul fainted in them." verse 6, "Then they cried unto the Lord in theirtroubles, and he delivered them out of their distresses." Here you seetheirgreattroubles,deepdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers;andnowGod gives themhis hand, verse 7, "And he led them forth by the rightway, that they might go to a city of habitation;" that is, to a state ofsettlement,saysome,toJerusalem,sayothers,ortothat"citywhichhasfoundations,whosebuilderandmakerisGod,"saysanother,Heb.11:10.

Inthat32ndPsalmyoumayseeDavid'sgreattroubles,deepdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers:verse3,"WhenIkeptsilence,myboneswaxedold, throughmy roaring all the day long." verse 4, "For day and nightyourhandwasheavyuponme:mymoistureisturnedintothedroughtofsummer."ButwillGodbehisguidenow?Ohyes,verse8,"Iwillinstructyou,andteachyouinthewaywhichyoushallgo:Iwillguideyouwithmyeye."Let thehandof theLordbeever soheavyuponaperson—yet thepresenceofGodguidingandinstructingofhimwillkeephimfromutterfaintingandsinkingunder thathand, Isaiah30:21;Psalm73:24.WhenthepeopleofGodare in their greatest troubles,deepestdistresses, andmostdeadlydangers—heleadsandguidesthem,Psalm25:9,12,and5:8.

[1.] IntoSUPERNATURALways: Proverbs 15:24, "The way of life isabovetothewise."Hehashisfeetwhereothermen'sheadsare;and,likeaheavenlyeagle,delightshimselfinflyinghigh.

[2.]IntoGOODways,Jer.6:16.

[3.] IntoSTRAITandSTRICTways,Mat. 7:14.Hence they are calledright or straight pathswhich lie between two extremes; or, if you will,whichdirectly leadyou to theviewofheaven.Theyarepathswhich lielevelwiththeruleandwiththeend.Amanmayseesalvationandheavenattheendofthem.

[4.] Into PLEASANT ways: Proverbs 3:17, "Her ways are ways of

pleasantness,andallherpathsarepeace."Suchaswere thoseofAdambeforehisfall,strowedwithrosesandpavedwithpeace.Somedegreeofcomfort, pleasantness, and peace, follows every good action—as heataccompaniesfire,aswarmbeamsandinfluencesissuefromthesun.

[5.]IntoRIGHTpaths:Proverbs4:11,"Ihavetaughtyou in thewayofwisdom;Ihaveledyouinrightpaths."Hosea1:9,"ThewaysoftheLordareright,andtherighteousshallwalkinthem."Thewaysofhiswill,thewaysofhisword, and thewaysofhisworship—are all rightways, theycarryusoninastraightlineuntoarightend.

[6.] intoOLDandANCIENTways: Jer. 6:16, "Ask for the old paths,whereisthegoodway,andwalktherein,andyoushallfindresttoyoursouls."Jer.18:15,"Theyhavecausedthemtostumbleintheirwayfromtheancientpaths."Thewaysofholinessareofthegreatest,highest,andancientestantiquity.The firstwaysofAdamwerewaysofholiness.Thewaysofsinareofalatereditionthanthewaysofholiness.Godstampedhis image of holiness uponman before ever Satan tried to tempt him.Holinessisoftheancientesthouse,ofthegreatestantiquity.Sinisbutanupstart,holiness is the firstborn.Thewayofholiness is theoldestway,thewayofholinessisgray-headedandofancientestinstitution.Allotherwaysarebutofyesterday,theyarebutnewways,comparedtothewaysofholiness.Thestampofantiquityuponmanythingsisapraiseandanhonortothem,asoldgold,oldfriends,oldmanuscripts,oldmonuments,old scars, and old holiness. The stamp of antiquity upon the ways ofholinessisthepraiseandhonorofthewaysofholiness.

[7.] Into paths ofRIGHTEOUSNESS: Psalm 23:3, "He leads me inpaths of righteousness for his name's sake;" or in plain, smooth, easypaths, or in sheep-tracks, wherein I may walk unweariedly andunblamably.Hereinhealludestotheshepherd'scareinleadinghissheepgentlyinfairandplainways,andnotthroughdeepmire,brambles,andbriars, or over craggyways—whichwould be hard and troublesome forthemtogoin.Thewordhereusedismetaphorical;sometimesrespectingtheblind—who cannot walk without a guide; sometimes little orweakchildren—who cannot go without a leader; and here the weak andwanderingsheep—whichstandinneedoftheshepherdtogoinandoutbeforethem.

[8.]IntopathsofSALVATION:Acts16:17,"ThesemenaretheservantsofthemosthighGod,whichshowuntousthewayofsalvation."

[9.] Into ways of TRUTH: 2 Pet. 2:2, "And many shall follow theirperniciousways,byreasonofwhomthewayoftruthshallbeevilspokenof.""Thewayoftruth,"thatis,thetrueChristianreligionrevealedfromheaven,whichshowsthewaytotruehappiness,toeternalsalvation.

[10.]IntowaysofUPRIGHTNESS:Proverbs2:13,"Wholeavethepathsofuprightness,towalkinthewaysofdarkness."

Now when the people of God are in their greatest troubles, deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,theLordbyleadingthem

[1.]intosupernaturalways,

[2.]intogoodways,

[3.]intostrictandstraightways,

[4.]intopleasantways,

[5.]intorightways,

[6.]intooldandancientways,

[7.]intorighteousways,

[8.]intowaysofsalvation,

[9.]intowaysoftruth,and

[10.]intowaysofuprightness,

does gloriously manifest his favorable, his special, and his eminentpresencewiththem.

There is nothing below amighty presence of God, which can enable aChristian—especially when he is under great troubles, and in deep

distresses,andmostdeadlydangers—todothesefivethings:

[1.]ToapproveofthewaysofGod;

[2.]TochoosethewaysoftheLord;

[3.]Tohighlyprizethem;

[4.]Todelightandtakepleasureinthem;

[5.]Towalkinthemandtokeepclosetothem.

AndyetinallthesefivethingstheLorddoesgreatlyandgraciouslyhelphispoorpeople,whentheyare,asitwere,intheverymouthofthelion.But,

(6.) Sixthly, The Lord doesmanifest his favorable presence, his specialandeminentpresencewithhispeople,intheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers—byencouraging,emboldening,animatingandhearteninguphispeopleinthemidstofalltheirtroubles, distresses, and dangers, and by putting new life,spirit, andmettle into them, when they are even in the verymouthofthelion.Josh.1:6,"Bestrongandofagoodcourage."Verse7, "Only be strong and very courageous." Verse 9, "Be strong and of agoodcourage;benotafraid,neitherbedismayed:fortheLordyourGodiswithyouwhereveryougo."2Chron.13:12;Num.13:32-33,comparedwith 14:9. Joshuawas a sword-man aswell as a book-man; he had hisname changed fromOsheatoJoshua, fromLetGod save, toGod shallsave,Num.13:16.Christwillnever lackachampion tostandup forhischurch.IfMosesdies,Joshuashallstandup.Thereshallbeasuccessionofsword-menandbook-men,ofrulersandteachers—tocarryonChrist'sworkintheworlduntilthetop-stoneislaidwithgraceuntoit,Zech.4:7;Mal.2:15.

ThegivingoftheSpiritiswiththeLord,andthereforehecanandwillputsuchananointingofhisSpiritupononeandanotherasshallfitthemtocarryonhisworks in theworld.Joshuawasveryvaliant,andamanofsingular good mettle—yet because he was sure to meet with such

troubles, deep distresses, and deadly dangers, as would sink him,thereforeheispressedsofrequentlytobecourageous:verse6,"Bestrongand of good courage." Verse 7, "Only be strong and very courageous."Verse9,"Bestrongandofgoodcourage.Verse18,"Onlybestrongandofgoodcourage."Deut.31:7,"AndMosescalleduntoJoshua,andsaiduntohiminthesightofallIsrael,Bestrongandofgoodcourage,"etc.[Moseshad a special command from God to charge Joshua to be courageous,Deut.1:38,and3:28.Godhimselfalsolaysthesamecommanduponhim,Deut. 31:23.] And why all this? Not because Joshua had revealed anyfaintheartedness or cowardice—but because the work he was toundertake was so weighty and perilous, in regard of those many andmightynationswhomhewastodestroy,andplanttheIsraelitesintheirplace.TheworkthatJoshuawastoundertake,wasattendedwithmanygreat difficulties and dangers, in respect of the enemies he was toencounter,asbeingmenofgiant-likestaturesandstrength,anddwellingincitieswithhighwallsandstronglyfortified.

Now themainargument to raisehis courage andmettle isdrawn fromGod'sspecialpresenceandassistance:Josh.1:9,"FortheLordyourGodis with you wherever you go." We are not to understand it of God'sgeneralpresence inallplaces—butofhisspecial, favorable, special,andeminent presence—which God wouldmanifest in his preservation, andprotection, notwithstanding all the difficulties, schemes, dangers, andenemieswhichhewastoencounter.

Just so, 2 Chron. 32:7, "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nordismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all themultitude that is withhim:fortherearemorewithusthanwithhim."Verse8,"Withhimisanarmofflesh;butwithusistheLordourGodtohelpus,andtofightourbattles,"etc.AtthistimethekingofAssyriawasthegreatestmonarchintheworld,andthemost formidableenemyIsraelhad.Hehadamightyarmy,fortherewereahundredeighty-fivethousandofthemslaininonenight,verse21.Nowthegreat thing theywere tomindandattend,wasthe favorable, special, and eminent presence of God with them, whichraised all their hearts above all discouragements, fears, anddismayedness.What is thechaff, compared to thewhirlwind?Whatarethornsandbriars,comparedtoaconsumingfire?Whatisanarmofflesh,

comparedtothearm,strength,andpowerofaGod?What isweakness,compared to strength; and the nothing-creature, compared to the LordAlmighty

Now if the special special presence of God with his people in theirgreatest troubles andmost deadly dangers won't put singular courage,life,andmettleintothem—whatwill?Acts23:10-11,"ThedisputebecamesoviolentthatthecommanderwasafraidPaulwouldbetorntopiecesbythem.Heorderedthetroopstogodownandtakehimawayfromthembyforceandbringhimintothebarracks.ThefollowingnighttheLordstoodnear Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me inJerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." The favorable, specialpresenceoftheLordwithhimturnedhisprisonintoapalace.

Mr.Philpot,beingaprisonerforthetestimonyofJesus,writesthustohisfriends:"ThoughItellyouthatIaminhellinthejudgmentofthisworld—yetassuredlyIfeelinthesame,theconsolationofheaven.IpraiseGod;andthisloathsomeandhorribleprisonisaspleasanttomeasthewalksintheking'sgarden."WhenPaulwasingreatdangertheLordstoodbyhim,tocheer,comfort,andencouragehim,seeActs27:23-24.NowGodclapshimontheback,andputsnewlifeandmettleintohim.

When Dionysius was given up by the executioner to be beheaded, heremainedconstantandcourageous,saying,"Comelife,comedeath,IwillworshipnonebuttheGodofheavenandearth."

When Chrysostom had told Eudoxia the empress that for hercovetousness shewouldbe called a second Jezebel, she thereupon senthim a threatening message, to which he gave this stout and resoluteanswer,"Gotellher,Ifearnothingbutsin."

WhentheexecutionerhadkindledthefirebehindJeromeofPrague,hebadehimkindleitbeforehisface;"For,"saidhe,"ifIhadbeenafraidofit,Iwouldnothavecometothisplace,havinghadsomanyopportunitiesofferedmetoescapeit."Atthegivingupofthelife,hesaid,"Thissoulofmine,inflamesoffire,OChrist,Iofferyou!"

Theemperor,comingintoGermany,sentforLuthertocometothecityof

Worms; but many of his friends, from the danger they apprehendedhangingoverhishead,dissuadedhimfromgoing;towhomhegavethisprudent,courageous,andresoluteanswer,"That thesediscouragementswere cast in his way by Satan, who knew that by his profession of thetruth in so illustrious a place, his kingdomwould be shaken; and that,therefore, ifheknew that therewereasmanydevils inWormsas thereweretilesonthehouses—yethewouldgo."

TheGermanknight,inhisletterforLutheragainstthepontificalclergy,says,"IwillgothroughwithwhatIhaveundertakenagainstyou,andwillstirupmentoseektheirfreedom.Ineithercarenorfearwhatmaybefallme,beingpreparedforeitherevent,eithertoruinyoutothegreatbenefitofmycountry,ormyselftofallwithagoodconscience,"etc.

WilliamFlowerthemartyrsaid,"ThattheheavensshouldassoonfallasIwillforsakemyprofession,orbudgeintheleastdegreefromit."

Apolloniusbeingasked, ifhedidnot trembleat the sight of the tyrant,madethisanswer,"God,whogavehimadreadfulcountenance,hasgivenalsountomeanundauntedheart."

WhenGardiner askedRowland Taylor if he did not know him, etc., towhomheanswered,"Yes,Iknowyou,andallyourgreatness—yetyouarebutamortalman;andifIshouldbeafraidofyourlordlylooks,whydon'tyoufearGod,theLordofusall?"

Basilaffirmsof theprimitiveChristians, thattheyhadsomuchcourageandmagnanimityofspiritintheirsufferings,thatmanyheathens,seeingtheirheroiczeal,resoluteness,andundauntedness,turnedChristians.

Whenoneof the ancientmartyrswas terrifiedwith the threatenings ofhis persecutors, he replied, "There is nothing of visible things, noranythingof invisible things, that I fear; Iwill stand tomyprofessionofthenameofChrist,andcontendearnestlyforthefaithoncedeliveredtothesaints,comeofitwhatwill."

Bytheseinstances,whichmaybeofgreatuseinthistryingday,youmayclearly see how the Lord has manifested his favorable, special, and

eminent presence to his people in their greatest troubles, deepestdistresses, andmost deadly dangers—by raising up in them a spirit ofcourage,magnanimity,andholygallantry.But,

(7.) Seventhly, The Lord does manifest his favorable, special, andeminent presence to his people in their greatest troubles, deepestdistresses, and most deadly dangers—by preserving them fromtroublesinthemidstoftroubles;fromdangersinthemidstofdangers.Dan.3:25, "Heanswered,andsaid,Lo, Isee fourmen loose,walking inthemidstof thefire,andtheyhavenohurt,andtheformofthe fourth is like the Son of God." The presence of the Son of Godpreserves these three valiant champions from dangers in the midst ofdangers.Butgivemepermissiontosay, that thesewords,"One like theSon of God," does not argue that in this vision there was not arepresentation of the Son of God to come afterwards in the flesh—butratherthatthisgreatmysterywashereshowedforthegreatercomfortofthefaithful,thattheymightcourageouslybearalltheirsufferings,havingthePrinceandHeadbothofangelsandmenpresentwiththem,hereintomitigatetheirpains,andcarrythemthroughwithjoy;thisbeingagreaterwonder of grace and love than to have the protection of amere angel,concerningwhosepoweralso,whetherhecanchangethenatureof fire,that it shall not burn, is very doubtful and questionable, seeing thisarguesomnipotency,whichisinGodalone,andnotcommunicabletoanycreature.

Where,bytheway,youmayobserveastrongandsolidargumenttoprovethat Jesus is the Son of God against all gainsayers, thus: he whomNebuchadnezzarsawinthefieryfurnacewastheSonofGodinahumanshape; but hewas typically Jesus. Themajor is proved, becausehe didthatwhichnonebutGodcoulddo,namely,henullified themost fierceandraging fire,whichburnedup somecomingbutnear it, andhadnopower,atthesameinstantoftime,somuchastosingeahairoftheheadsofothers.Theminorisprovedalso,becauseGod,appearinginaglorioushuman shape at any time, was not God the Father orHoly Spirit—butGodtheSon; for"nomanhasseenGodatanytime,"John1:18;1Tim.6:16; 1 John 4:12; but the Son has revealed him, both when in himappearinginahumanshapeunderthelaw,andwhen,undertheGospel,

showing himself in the man Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, andhypostaticallyuniteduntohim:Exod.3:2, "And theangel of theLord,"thatis,Christ,theangelofthecovenant,"appeareduntohiminaflameoffire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and, behold, the bushburnedwithfire,andthebushwasnotconsumed;"verse3,"AndMosessaid,Iwillnowturnaside,andseethisgreatsight,whythebushisnotburned." [Christ iscalled theMessengerorAngelof theCovenant,Mal.3:1.]TheHebrewwordSenehwhich ishereusedsignifiesadrybush,abramblebush,whencethemountandwildernessiscalledSinai,becauseof the great storeofbrambleswhichgrew there.Now for abush, adrybush,abramblebush,tobeallonfireandyetnotconsumed,thismustbeawonderofwonders;butallthisisfromthegoodwill"ofhimwhodweltin the bush."Out of these two verseswemaybriefly observe these fewthings—

[1.]First,Thelow,andweak,andbrittleestateof thechurch,representedbyabush,adrybush,abramblebush.Whatmorebrittle,weak,base,low,anddespicablethanadrybush,abramblebush?Whatissuchabushgoodforbutthefire,ortostopagap,orsomesuchinferioruse?Abushisablack,deformed,andunlovelything.Corruptionand affliction, sin and suffering, renders the saints very unlovely. Thechurch isnot compared to a strong, sturdy oak—but to a weak, brittlebush;andelsewheretoavine,adove,alamb,asheep,etc.—allfrail,weakcreatures. It is good for all saints to have low and humble thoughts ofthemselves, forhere theyare resembled toadrybush,abramblebush.But,

[2.]Secondly,Adrybush,abramblebush,pricks,wounds,andvexes thosewhohandle it roughly. This bush is inHebrew calledSeneh,asIhavehintedbefore,whichtheHebrewsdescribetobeashrubfull ofprickles, andwithout fruit, and so thick that abird cannot enterwithouttherufflingandpullingoffherfeathers.Lettheproudenemiesofthe church look to themselves, for this bramble bush will vex, prick,wound, tear, and conquer,when they have done their worst. In all theages of the world this bramble bush, the church, has been a cup oftremblinguntoall thepeopleroundabout,andaburdensomestone;sothatallwhoburdenthemselveswith itshallbecut inpieces, thoughall

thepeopleoftheearthbegatheredtogetheragainstit,Zech.12:2-3.But,

[3.]Thirdly,Consider thecrueltiesof thechurch'senemies issignifiedandrepresentedbyafire.Thebushburnswithfire.Inthisresemblance is shadowed out the oppressed, afflicted, and persecutedestateoftheIsraelitesintheEgyptianfurnace;andbyfirehereismeantthe most painful, terrifying, and tormenting afflictions and miserieswhichattendedthem.GreatafflictionsandpersecutionsareinScripturecommonly set out by fire, as the fiery trial, the fire of affliction, 1 Pet.4:12;Lam.2:3-4;Hab.2:13.Fireisverypainfulandtormenting,inwhichrespects hell torments are compared to fire; so are great afflictions,miseries,andsufferings; theyareverypainfulandtormenting; theyputpeopleintosorepainandtravail.Nexttothepangsofconscience,andthepainsofhell, there arenone compared to thesepains andpangswhicharebredandfedbysoreafflictions,byterribletrials.

IthasbeenthelotandportionofGod'sdearestchildren,tobeexercisedwithverygreatandgrievousafflictions;andthatinordertothediscoveryof sin, to the embittering of sin, to the preventing of sin, and to thepurgingawayofsin;andinordertothetrialofgrace, thediscoveryofgrace,theexerciseofgrace,andtheincreaseofgrace;andinordertotheweaningofthemfromthisworld,andtothecompletingtheirconformitytoChrist, thecaptainof theirsalvation,"whowasmadeperfect throughsufferings,"Heb.2:10;andtoripenthemforheaven,andtoworkinthemmoreaffectionsofpityandcompassiontothosewhoare inmisery,andwhosighandgroanundertheirEgyptiantaskmasters.

[4.] Fourthly, Consider the eminence of their preservation,though in the fire—yetunconsumed.The church of Godwas hot,yes, all in flames—and yet not consumed. This fire was a supernaturalfire,

(1.)Itcontinuedwithoutfueltofeedupon.

(2.)Itkeptbelowandascendednot.

(3.)Itburnedandconsumednot.

Allwhichshowsittobeasupernaturalwork.Letthefirebeeversohot,sofierce,sofurious,sospreading—thechurchshallhaveabeing,andliveandbearupinthemidstoftheflames.Ifthechurchlikethesealosesinoneplace,itgainsgroundinanother.Whentheworstofmenanddevilshavedone theirworst, theLordwillhaveanameamonghispeople onearth.Thechurch,withthelampinthestory, laughsatall thosewinds,whichwouldblowitout.Wellmaywestandamazedandwonder,thatsoflamingand terrible a fire, fallingupon so contemptible abush, and sodryanddespicable a shrub, shouldnot presently turn it into ashes; forwhy,isthefiretooweak?Ohno!Isthebushsostrong,astodefendandsecure itselfagainstdevouringflames?Ohno!Or is thebushnotapttoburnandconsumebysofierceafire?Ohno.Itisnotfromtheimpotencyofthe fire, nor from the strength or constitution of the bush; for a drybramblebush, in thematterof it isascombustibleasanychaff,andaseasilydestroyedasanystubble;butbecausethenaturalforcethereofwasrestrainedbythegloriouspowerofGod!

Therearetwoinseparablequalitiesoffire:

(1.)Togivelight.

(2.)Toburn;andyetdivinepowerdividesandseparates these two: forthis fire gives light—but burns not. Oh, what a mighty, what anastonishing preservation is here! The afflictions and sufferings of thechurcharenotaconsumingfire—butatryingfire,asthefireinafurnaceconsumes the dross—but tries the gold, and puts a new luster, beauty,andgloryuponit.

Hesiodspeaksofthirtythousanddemigods,whichwerekeepersofmen;but what are so many thousand gods, compared to that one God whoneither slumbersnor sleeps—butday andnight keepshis people ashisjewels,astheappleofhiseye;whokeepstheminhispavilion,asaprincehis favorite? [Psalm 121:4; Isaiah 27:3; Mal. 3:17; Zech. 2:8; Psalm31:20.]

There was a dialogue between a heathen and a Jew; after the Jewsreturned from captivity—all nations round about them being enemiesunto them—the heathen asked the Jew, "how he and his countrymen

couldhopeforanysafety,because,"sayshe,"everyoneofyouisasasillysheepcompassedaboutwithfiftywolves!""Yes—but,"saystheJew,"wearekeptbysuchashepherd,ascankillallthesewolveswhenhepleases,andbythatmeanspreservehissheep."But,

[5.] Fifthly, Consider how this eminent preservation of hispeople from dangers in themidst of dangers is effected andbrought about, and that is by the presence of the Lord JesusChrist,thegreatangelofthecovenant;forMosessaysexpresslyofthisvision,that"TheLordappeareduntoMoses,andGodcalleduntohimoutof the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses," etc., verse 4. Thiscalling ofMoses by his name, and the doubling of his name, in such afamiliarandlovingmanner—wasasignofGod'ssingularfavortoMoses.ChoicefavoritesGodfrequentlycalledbyname,asyoumayseeinthoseinstances of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, etc., and so our Lord JesusChristcalledPeterbyhisname,andNathanaelbyhisname,andMarybyhername,etc.[Scipiobywayoffavorcalledhiscitizensbytheirnames;andsoCyrusuponthesamegroundcalledhissoldiersbytheirnames.]ThesamepresenceoftheSonofGod,whichpreservedthethreeHebrewchildren,orratherchampions,inthatfuriousfurnaceofNebuchadnezzarfromburningorsingeing,preservedthebush,thoughnotfromburning—yet from consuming, by restraining the natural force of the fire, andstrengtheningthebushagainstit.Thebush,thechurchinthefire,cameforth from the hottest furnace that ever was kindled, not blacker norworser—but brighter andbetter, andmore glorious than the sun inhisstrength;andallthisfromthepresenceoftheangelofthecovenantwhodwelt in the bush. Divine presence can preserve a flaming bush frombeingconsumed.

Witnessourpreservationtothisday,thoughwehavebeenasaburningbush."Godisinthemidstofher,sheshallnotbemoved,Godshallhelpher, and that right early," Psalm 46:5. Heb., "When the morningappears,"thatis,inthenickoftime,whenhelpshallbemostseasonableandbestwelcome.Thepresenceof theLord in themidstofhischurch,willsecureher frombeinggreatlymoved in themidstofall thosegreatdreadfulconfusionswhichareabroadintheworld.

Hencethechurchiscalled,Jehovahshammah,"TheLordisthere,"Ezek.

48:35.Hispresenceinheaven,makesitheaven;andhispresenceinthechurch, makes it happy and safe. Nothing shall disturb or harm thosewhohave thepresenceofGod in themidstof them. [Persecution is, asCalvinwrites, the blackangelwhichdogs thegospel at the heels.] Thechurchisbuiltuponarock,sheisinvincible,Mat.16:18.Jer.1:8,"Donotbeafraidoftheirfaces,forIamwithyou,todeliveryou,saystheLord."Verse 17-19, "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to themwhatever Icommand you.Donot be terrified by them, or Iwill terrify you beforethem.TodayIhavemadeyouafortifiedcity,anironpillarandabronzewall to stand against the whole land--against the kings of Judah, itsofficials,itspriestsandthepeopleoftheland.Theywillfightagainstyoubut will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you—declarestheLORD."God'spresencewithhismessengersisaguard,andasafeguard,all-sufficientagainstalloppositionwhatever.

Earthly princes and sovereigns are not accustomed to go with thosewhom they send on embassage—butGod always goes alongwith thosewhomhe sends, andwill, byhispowerfulpresence,protect anddefendthemagainstopposers,atalltimesandinallplaces,whenallothersfailandforsakeus.Christ'spresenceissecuritysufficient,for"ifheiswithus,whocanbeagainstus?"Theymustfirstprevailagainsthim,beforetheycan prevail against those who withstand and oppose those whom heprotects.

Howdoesthiscometopass—thatJeremiah,aman,amanalone,shouldbearupsostoutly,andstandsostrongagainstkings,princes,priests,andpeople?ItisfromthespecialpresenceofGodwithhim."Iamwithyou."Andwhatcanallthegreatonesoftheworld,andallthewickedonesoftheworld,doagainstonemessengeroftheLord,whoisarmedwithhisgloriouspower?TheambassadorsoftheKingofkings,andLordoflords,must not be terrified with the multitude of opposers, nor with thegrandeur or greatness of opposers; but set the presence of the Lordagainstthemall,andsay,"ThenumberofopposersmakestheChristianconqueststhemoreillustrious."ThemorethePhariseesofold,andtheirsuccessorsoflatetime,haveopposedthetruth,themoreithasprevailed;anditisobservablethatthereformationinGermanywasmuchfurtheredby the papists' opposition, yes, when two kings, among many others,

wrote against Luther, namely, Henry the Eighth of England, andLudovicus of Hungary; this kingly title being entered into thecontroversy,makingmenmorecurioustoexaminethematter,stirredupageneralinclinationtowardsLuther'sopinion.

Justso,Jer.15:20,"AndIwillmakeyouuntothispeopleafencedbrazenwall;andtheyshall fightagainstyou—buttheyshallnotprevail againstyou: for I amwith you to save you, and to deliver you, says the Lord."Whenthemessengersof theLordgoonconstantlyandcourageously inthe faithful discharge of their duties, not relenting, or yielding, orcomplying with their greatest opposers, then they shall have such aspecialpresenceoftheLordwiththem,asshallsufficientlyprotectthemagainst all their enemies' might andmalice, wrath and rage. Verse 21,"AndIwilldeliveryououtofthehandofthewicked,andIwillredeemyououtof thehandof the terribleorviolentones."Thoughyoushouldfallintothehandofthewicked'spower,andintothehandoftheterribleandviolent ones—yet they shall nothurt you,norharmyou; they shallnothavetheirwillsuponyou.Whenyouare in theirhands, Iwill layalaw of restraint upon their hearts, that they shall not harm you, nortriumph over you; I will be sure to secure you, and rescue you fromdangersinthemidstofdangers."AgraciousmessengeroftheLordinthemidstofalloppositions,"asChrysostomsaidofPeter,"isamanmadealloffirewalkinginstubble—heovercomesandconsumesallopposition;alldifficulties are butwhetstones to his fortitude." Themoonwill run hercoursethoughthedogsbarkatit.Justso,willthefaithfulmessengersoftheLordholdonintheirwayandwork,letmenanddevilsbarkanddotheirworst.

Moulin,speakingoftheFrenchProtestants,said,"WhenpapistshurtusforreadingtheScriptures,weburnwithzealtobereadingofthem."Heisafool,wesay,whowillbelaughedoutofhiscoat—butheisafoolinfolio,who will be laughed out of his skin, out of his profession, out of hisreligion,outofhisprinciples,outofthewaysofGod,nay,outofhissoul,outofhis salvation,becausehecan'tendure tobeopposed,derided,orlaughedatbylewdandwickedmen.Thedivinepresencewillmakeamansetlightbysuchpaper-shot.

A gracious spirit is raised by opposition. Themore opposition itmeets

withinawayofduty,themoreresoluteheisforit.Sofarishefrombeingafraidofthethreateningsofmen,ofthefrownsofmen,oroflosingthisman'sfavor,orofincurringsuchaman'sdispleasure—thathisspiritrisesfarmorebecauseofit.Itiswithsuchamanasitiswiththefireinwinter.Thefireburnsthehotterbecauseofthecoldnessoftheair;soitiswithallthemessengersof theLord,whoare inflamed in thewayof their duty.CometoDavid,andtellhim,Oh,thereisaGoliath,andhehascomeoutwithaspearlikeaweaver'sbeam,andthereisonewhobearshisshieldgoesbeforehim!"Whereishe?"saysDavid."Iwillfightwithhim,"sayshe,[1Sam.17:411,comparedwithverse26-27.]Difficultiesanddangersdo butwhet and raise his spirit; he is not afraid of any uncircumcisedPhilistine.

Ah,myfriends,thisisatruenoblespirit!Holygreatnessofmindliesinthis,whenaman'sspiritisborneupuponthegreatnessofhisGod,andthegoodnessofhiscause;"andifthatwillnotbearmeup,"sayssuchasoul,"letmesinkinit,Iamcontenttoperish."Thatisagoodword,moreworththanaworldinafaithfulminister'seye:Ezek.3:8-9,"Iwillmakeyou as unyielding andhardened as they are. Iwillmake your foreheadlike the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them orterrified by them, though they are a rebellious house." The flint is thehardestofstones;itpreservesitselfbyitshardnessfromall injuries;noweather,noviolenceofhammeror firewill break it or conquer it. Godengages himself to give the prophet such undaunted boldness, andinvincible courage and constancy, as neither shame nor fear shouldprevailagainst.

Divinepresence,divineassistance,doesalwaysaccompanyadivinecall.Such whom God sends he assists, such whom he calls he encouragesagainstalldifficultiesanddiscouragements;suchasarecalledbyChrist,and sent by Christ, shall never lack the strengthening, comforting,assisting, animating, andpreservingpresenceofChrist. It is thisdivinepresencewhichmakesthempersevere,andshowthemselveslikemen—like men of courage, like men of God, and which secures them fromdangers inthemidstofdangers.Inthegreateststormstheflintshrinksnot, it fears not, it changes not its hue, no, not in the least. Divinepresencewill keep graciousmen from shrinking, fearing, and changing

theirway,theirwork,theirLord,andMaster—intheworstofstormsthatcanbeatuponthem.Inallwindsandweathertheflint isstill thesame,andsowillallthefaithfulmessengersoftheLordbe,whateverwindmayblowuponthem.ThespecialpresenceofGodwiththemwillkeepthemfrom fearing, fainting, flying, and preserve them from dangers in themidstofdangers!But,

(8.)Eighthly,TheLorddoesmanifesthisfavorable,special,andeminentpresence with his people in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses,and most deadly dangers—by frustrating and disappointing theplots, designs, counsels, and contrivances of their powerful,subtle,secret,andmaliciousadversaries,whowouldgladlybemultiplyingoftheirtroubles,sorrows,sufferings,andmiseriesuponthem.Neh.4:8, "Theyall conspired together, to come and fightagainstJerusalem,andtohinderit."Verse11,"Andouradversariessaid,Theyshallnotknow,neithersee,untilwecomeinthemidstamongthem,andslay them,andcause thework tocease."Verse 15, "And it came topass,whenour enemiesknew that itwasknownuntous, andGodhadbroughttheircounselstonothing,"etc.Thecraftofthechurch'senemiesisalwaysaccompaniedwithcruelty;andtheircruelty isseldomwithoutcraft. Thedevil lends themhis sevenheads to plotwith, and his sevenhornstoharmwith.ButinthethingswhereintheyintendtoharmGod'speople,Godisabovethem,andbyhispresencewithhispeoplehebringsalltheirplots,counsels,andenterprisestonothing.

Theenemiesof theJews, inNehemiah's time,madegreatbragsat firstwhattheywoulddo;butwhentheysawtheirplotsdiscovered,andtheirpurposesdefeated, theyarepresentlycrestfallen,andhavenomindnorcourage to advance at all. So that to theseplottersmaybe fitly appliedthatwhichGuicciardinisaysofCharlestheEighth,kingofFrance,inhisexpeditionagainstNaples,"Thathecameintothefieldlikethunderandlightning—butwentout like a snuff;more thanamanat first, and lessthanawomanatlast."

Inalltheagesoftheworld—theheads,theminds,thehands,thehearts,andthetonguesofthewickedhavebeenengagedagainstthegodly;theyhave been still a-plotting and devisingmischief against the favorites ofheaven—and yet God's special presence with his people, in point of

affectionandprotection,hasblastedall theirdesigns,and frustratedalltheir counsels. As the rage ofwickedmen against the saints have beenendless, so it has been fruitless, because God has been in themidst ofthem.Hamanplots against the lives, liberties, and estates of the Jews,Esther 3:8, seq.—but his plot was timely discovered and seasonablyprevented, and the grand plotter and informer is detected, debased,condemned,andexecuted!Esther7:10, "So theyhangedHamanon thegallows that he had prepared forMordecai. Thenwas the king's wrathpacified."ThekingsofPersiahadabsoluteandunquestionablepowertodowhatevertheydesired."Whomtheywould,theyslew;andwhomtheywould, they kept alive;whom theywould, they set up; andwhom theywould, theyputdown,"Dan.5:19;Esther7:9.SoHaman ishere,at theking'scommand,adjudgedtobehanged.Thetruthis,itwasaclearcase,andthemalefactorwasself-condemned."Hanghim,therefore,"saystheking; a short and a just sentence, and soon executed. Ah, how soon isHamanfallenfromthepalace—tothegallows;fromthehigheststageofhonor—totheloweststairofdisgrace;fromfeastingwiththeking—tobemadeafeastforcrows;andsolieswrappedupinthesheetofperpetualinfamy."Soletallyourenemiesperish,OLord."

ItisagoodobservationofJosephusuponEsther7:10:"Icannot,"sayshe,"butadmire theLord'swisdom,andacknowledgehis justice, in thathenotonlypunishedhimforhismalice to thechurch—but,byturninghisownmischief upon himself, hasmade him an example to all posterity;hanginghimupingibbetsthatothersmaytakewarning."Letallplottersandharmersbewareofmakingamatchwithmischief—fortheywillhaveenoughofitintheend.Hamanwasanagentforthedevil,whopaidhimhiswagesatlast,ifyouwill,withahalter.Letalltheenemiesofthesaintstrembleatsuchends,andbecarefultoavoidthembyflyingsuchlikefoulandheinouspractices.

ThebloodyplotbeingthuslaidbyHaman,theking'sminion,beholdthefootstepsofGod'sfavorable,special,andeminentpresenceforhispeopleandwithhis people in their deadly dangers, and that in raising up inthemaverygreatspiritoffaith,prayer,andmourning;andbyraisinganundauntedcourageandresolutioninEsther:"AndsoIwillgoinuntotheking,andifIperish,Iperish,"Esther4:16.Thisshespeaksnotrashlyor

desperately,aswastefulofherlife—butasonewillingtosacrificeherlifefor thehonorofGod,his cause andpeople.Estherhad ratherdie thanshrinkfromherduty.Shethoughtitbettertodoworthilyandperishforakingdom,thanunworthilyandperishwithakingdom.HerewasamightypreferenceofGodinraisingEsther'sheroiccourageandresolutionaboveall those visible dangerswhich attended her attempt of going in to thekingagainsttheknownlawoftheland.AndthekingheldouttoEstherthegoldenscepter,chapter5:2.Hedidnotkickheroutofhispresence,assomeCambyses would have done; neither did he command her to theguillotine, as Henry the Eighth did his Anne Boleyne, upon a meremisapprehensionofdisloyalty;neitheryetdidhedismissher,ashehadVashti for a less offence—but by holding out his scepter, shows hisgracious respects unto her. This was the Lord's ownwork, and a greatdemonstrationofhisspecialpresencewithher,ingivingherfavorintheeyesofthegreatking."SoEstherdrewnear,andtouchedthetopofthescepter" with her hand, says the Chaldee, with her mouth, says thecommontranslation.Thisshedideither intokenofsubmission,orasasign of reverence and subjection, or for the avoiding of danger; for, asJosephussays,"Hewhotouchedtheking'sscepterwasoutofthereachofevil,"or,accordingtothecustomofthetimes.God'sfavorablepresenceistransparent,intheking'sextendedfavortoher."Onthatnightcouldnotthekingsleep,"Heb.,"theking'ssleepfledaway,"Esther6:1;andlikeashadowitfledawaysomuchthefaster,asitwasmorefollowed.Crownshavetheircares.Lo!hewhocommandedonehundredandtwenty-sevenprovincescannotcommandonehour'ssleep.HereinappearedthespecialpresenceofGodinkeepingthekingawake;forMordecaimighthavebeenhanged before Esther had known anything of it—Haman being comeearlythenextmorning,verse4,tobegthisoftheking—hadnotGodkepthimfromsleep,anddirectedhimtoreadinthatplaceof theChronicleswhere Mordecai's service was recorded, and so made way to hisadvancement andHaman's ruin.God's favorable presence shineduponhis people in keeping the king from sleep, for excellent ends, and inputtingsmallthoughtsintohisheartforgreatpurposes.

Godwillappearforhispoorpeople,inthenickandopportunityoftime,whenthereisbutastepbetweenthemanddeath.Andfurther,thepower,providence, presence, and goodness of God was made evident, in the

behalf of his people, in directing the king to that very place whereMordecai'ssingularservice,indiscoveringthebarbarousandmurderousplot which was laid against the king's life and crown, was recorded,Esther 6:2. That Mordecai should have no reward at the time of theoccurrence—butthatitshouldbedeferreduntilafitteropportunity,whenGodmightbemoreglorifiedinthespecialpreservationofhispeople,andinthefamousoverthrowoftheirenemies—wasfromthatmightyhandofGod,whichwasstretchedoutforthegoodofhispeople.

In this great story we may, as in a mirror, see how theLord, by hiswisdom,providence,presence,andgrace—bringsaboutandoverrulesthewillsofmen,theaffairsofmen,thecounselsofmen,thedesignsofmen,thewords and speeches of men—to the fulfilling of his own will anddecree,andthepromotingofhisownhonorandglory,and thegoodofhis people—when vainmen think least of doing hiswill, or serving hisprovidence.

Hereyoumayseethewisdom,prudence,andcourageofEsther,strikingwhile the ironwashot, charging the bloodydecreeuponHaman tohisface,andthatbeforetheking,thatthingsmightthebetterstickandwork,and painting him out in his own proper colors. "This adversary andenemy,"thatis,thecruelenemy,thebloodyenemy,theutterenemy,theworst enemy, this sworn swordman of Satan, from whom Haman hasdrawnhisancientenmity,Gen.3:15."IsthiswickedHaman,"thatis—aswickedawretchasgoesontwolegs,amanofblood,amanmadeupofmischief andmalice, a sinkofwickedness, a verymysteryof iniquity, abreathing devil. And now Queen Esther is plain with him, and calls aspade a spade. Though others styled him noble, great, serene,magnificent,etc.,Esthergiveshimhisownpicture."ThisadversaryandenemyisthiswickedHaman!"ButwhatamightycouragehadEsthertospeakatthisratebeforetheking,andofhisgrandfavorite,andbeforehisface.Surelyall thiswas fromthespecialpresenceofGodwithhersoul.Thiswasagreatworkoffaith,andasingularfruitofprayer.

"And now Haman stood up to make request for his life." Oh, what astrange turn of events, is here so suddenly!Hewho a little beforewasboweduntobyallmen—isnowuponhiskneesbeforeawoman!Hewhowas,theverydaybefore,aprofessedenemyoftheJews,isnowsuppliant

toaJewess!HewhoafewweeksbeforehadcontrivedthedeathandruinoftheJews,isnowbegginghardforhisownlife!Hewhohadprovidedagallows for Mordecai, fears nothing more now, than that he himselfshouldbehangedon it!Yesterday,oh thepraiseandbows thatHamanhad;andnowthesamemancovershisface,intokenofhisirrecoverableruin,Esther7:8.

The king's indignation being up, the courtiers point at the gallowsseventy-fivefeethigh,thatHamanhadsetupforMordecai.AllarenowforMordecai,thereisnotacourtierthathasonegoodwordforHaman.Ah,whatararehandofGodwasthereinallthesethings,forthegoodofhis people, and the utter overthrow of their grand enemy! "ThenHarbona,oneoftheeunuchsattendingtheking,said,'Agallowsseventy-five feet high stands byHaman's house.He had itmade forMordecai,whospokeuptohelptheking.'Thekingsaid, 'Hanghimonit!'SotheyhangedHamanon thegallowshehadprepared forMordecai.Then theking'sfurysubsided."Esther7:9-10

Tosumallup ina little room, thebreakingof theking's sleep,was thebreakingofoneofthemostbloodydesignsthateverwaslaidagainstthepeopleofGod.Well,whatthoughthekingcouldnotsleep,couldhenotliestill inhisbed?No,hemusthaveabook,andthatbookmustbetheBookofChronicles,andthatbookmustbeopenedwhereaccidentally—not by turning to that place purposely—yet surely by God's providencedirecting himwho read, to that very story concerningMordecai,wherewas registered his faithfulness, in discovering and baffling the murderintendedagainsttheking;whereuponGodsetsthisactoffaithfulnesssoclose upon the king's heart, that he could not rest until Mordecai wasnobly rewarded for it! And Mordecai's reward must be Haman's ruin!Mordecai'sadvancementmustbeHaman'spunishment!

Inthisfamousinstanceyoumayrunandreadthefavorable,special,andeminent presence of the Lord, in the miraculous preservation of hischurch from a total ruin and destruction, and in the disappointing theplots, designs, and counsels of their greatest enemies, and in taking ofthemintheverysnaresthattheyhadlaidforothers;suitabletothatofthe psalmist, "They dig a pit to trap others and then fall into itthemselves. They make trouble, but it backfires on them. They plan

violenceforothers,butitfallsontheirownheads,"Psalm7:16-17.

Henry theThirdofFrancewas stabbed in the same chamberwhere hehadhelpedtocontrivetheFrenchmassacre;andhisbrother,CharlestheNinth,hadbloodgivenhimtodrink,forhewasworthy.Therearenoendofstoriesofthisnature.Justso,Psalm9:15,"Thenationshavefallenintothepittheydugforothers.Theyhavebeencaughtintheirowntrap."Thewickedarecomparedtohuntersfortheircruelty,andtofowlersfortheircraft;butseetheirsuccess,theyaresunkdownintheirownpit,caughtintheir own net. Thus it befell Pharaoh, Jabin, and Sisera, Sennacherib,AntiochusEpiphanes,Maxentiusthetyrant,whofellintotheTiber,fromhisownfalsebridgelaidforConstantine;theSpanisharmada,etc.[Exod.9:15;Judges10:4;2Chron.32;Euseb.,lib.ix.c.9.]verse16,"Thewickedhavetrappedthemselvesintheirownsnares."Goliathwaskilledwithhisownsword.

Ihavebeenthelongera-glancingatthisfamousstoryofEsther,becauseofitsseasonablenessandsuitablenesstothedaysandtimeswhereinwelive. The like is not found in all the Scripture, as worthy of presentadmiration,andofdeepandperpetualmeditation.

A further proof of this eighth particular, that is under our presentconsideration, you have in Isaiah 8:9, "Raise the war cry, you nations,andbeshattered!Listen,allyoudistantlands.Prepareforbattle,andbeshattered! Prepare for battle, and be shattered!" Heb.— "And beshattered!Andbeshattered!Andbeshattered!"It is thricerepeated, toworkitthedeeperintothemindsandheartsofthose,whowouldeitherhearorreadit;andtogivethestrongerassuranceofthecertaintyoftheirbeinginevitablybrokeninpieces,whowereadversariesandconspiratorsagainstthepeopleofGod.ThisspeechisdirectedtothekingsofAssyria,andothernationswhichcombinedwithhimagainst thepeopleofGod;butespeciallyagainstthecityofJerusalem.Itisaholyirony,orlaughingto scorn the associating enemies of the church.Well says the prophet,Proceed as unanimously, as politically, and as powerfully in yourcombinations,consultations,andpreparationsasyoucan—yetbeassuredthatallyourassociationsshallbedissolved,andyourcounselsfrustrated,andyourattemptsreturnedbackuponyourselvestoyourownruinandconfusion: verse 10, "Take counsel together," (namely, about invading

Judah, and surprising Jerusalem,) "and it shall come tonothing; speaktheword,anditshallnotstand;forGodiswithus."Isaiah7:5-6.

"TheLORDfoilstheplansofthenations;hethwartsthepurposesofthepeoples.But theplansof theLORDstand firm forever, thepurposesofhisheartthroughallgenerations.BlessedisthenationwhoseGodistheLORD, the people he chose for his inheritance." Psalms 33:10-12.Consult, conclude, determine, resolve upon what you please, you shallneverbeable,byallyourpowerandpolicy,toprevailagainstthepeopleof God! For his favorable, special, and eminent presence is constantlywith them—to assist, counsel, and protect them against all oppositionsandassaults.Godbrings tonothing the counsel of thenations.Neitherthedevilnorhisimps,noranyoftheircounsels,orenchantments,shalleverbeabletostandbeforethepresenceoftheLordwithhispeople!Letmenanddevilsconspire,letthemplot,consult,anddetermine—allshallbe in vain, because there is no counsel against the Lord, there is nopossibilityofprevailingagainstthepresenceoftheLordwithhispeople.Hisspecialpresencewillbetheirgreatestsafetyandsecurityinthemidstof allplots, designs, dangers, etc. The special presence ofGodwith hispeople mars and frustrates all the plots, counsels, and intricatecontrivances of the world's wizards, as might be showed in thoseinstancesofBalaam,Pharaoh,Saul,Herod,withmanyothers.ButImusthasten,andtherefore,

(9.)Ninthly,TheLorddoesmanifesthisfavorable,special,andeminentpresence with his people in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses,and most deadly dangers—by his sympathizing with them in alltheirtroubles,trials,distresses,dangers,asyoumayclearlyseebyconsulting these choice scriptures. [Exod. 2:23-25, and 3:7-10; Isaiah37:28-29; Ezek. 35:7-10; Mat. 25:4, seq.; Deut. 32:9-11; John 14:9-10;Col.1:15;Heb.9:24;Romans8:34.]

Isaiah63:9,"Inalltheirafflictionshewasafflicted,andtheangelofhispresencesavedthem:inhisloveandinhispityheredeemedthem;andheborethem,andcarriedthemallthedaysofold."ChristishereintheHebrew called "the angel of his face," either because he does exactlyresembleGodhisFather,orbecauseheappearsbeforethefaceorinthepresenceofGodforus.Thisangeltooktohearttheirafflictions,hewas

himself grieved for them and with them. This angel secured andsafeguarded them all the way through the wilderness, from Egypt toCanaan. This angel did not only lead them—but he also lifted themupand took them in his arms, as parents or nurses are accustomed to dowithyoungandweaklychildrenwhoareindanger.Andthisangelcarriedthem,astheeagledoesheryoungones,thatareunableyettofly—onherwings. Oh the pity, the mercifulness, the sympathy, and admirablecompassionofChristtohispeopleintheirsufferingstate!

Zech.2:8,"Whoevertouchesyou,touchestheappleofhiseye."Theeyeisthetenderestpieceofthetenderestpart.Theeyeiskeptmostdiligently,andstronglyguardedbynature.Amancanbetterbeara thumpontheback,thebitingofhisfinger,thecuttingofhishand,theprickingofhisleg, or a blow upon his arm—than a touch on the eye. Oh, thatpersecutors would be quiet, and let God's people alone, and take heedhowtheymeddlewithGod'seyes. [It ishere called thedaughterof theeye,becauseitisasdeartoamanasanonlydaughter.Theeyeandthegoodnamewillendurenojests.]Thereisnotouchingofthem,towrongorinjurethem—butyouwrongandinjuretheHolyOneofIsrael,whowillcertainly revengehimselfuponyou.Thosewho strike atGod's eyes, dothroughthemstrikeatGodhimself,whichhewillneverputupwith.Itisadangerousthingtomolestandtrouble,toafflictorannoythepeopleofGod; for God himself is very sensible of it, and accordingly he willcertainly requite it. Acts 9:4, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecuteme?"Those who persecute the servants of Christ—they persecute Christhimself,wholivesinthem,andismysticallyunitedtothem.

Look! as there is by virtue of the natural union a mutual sympathybetween the head and themembers, the husband and thewife, so it ishere between Christ and his saints, for he is a most sympathizing,compassionate,tender-heartedSavior,Heb.4:15,and5:2;Col.1:24;Heb.13:13; Isaiah 53:4. Those who shoot at the saints, hit Christ; theirsufferingsareheldhis,andtheirreproachesarecountedhis.Hewhoborethe saints' griefs when he was on earth, really and properly, he bearsthem still now he is in heaven, in a way of sympathy. Christ in hisglorifiedstate,hasavery tender senseofall theevil that isdone tohischildren,hismembers,hisspouse,andlooksuponitasdonetohimself!

AgreatLordsaidtoanothergreatLordofthecouncil,inkingHenrytheEighth'sdays,concerningCranmer,"Lethimalone,forthekingwillnotallowhisfingertoache."SoIsaytothepersecutorsoftheday,"LetthepeopleofGodalone, for if youdobutmake their finger ache,Godwillmakeyourheadsandheartsacheforitbeforehehasdonewithyou!"But,

(10.)Tenthly,TheLorddoesmanifesthisfavorable,special,andeminentpresence with his people in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses,and most deadly dangers—by pouring out upon them a greaterspirit of prayer and supplication in their greatest troubles,deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers, than formerlythey have had. Isaiah 26:16, "Lord, in trouble have they visited you;theypouredoutaprayerwhenyourchasteningwasupon them.""Theypouredout theirstillprayer."Beforetheywouldsayaprayer—butnowtheypouredoutaprayer.TheHebrewwordsignifiesasoftorlowkindofmutteringwhichcanhardlybeheard.Theprophetherebywouldintimatetous, that intheirgreattroublesanddeepestdistresses—theysighedorgroaneduntoGod,andprayedinastillandsilentmanner.SaintsnevervisitGodmorewith theirprayers—thanwhenhe visits themmostwithhis rod.Saintsneverpraywith that seriousness, that spiritualness, thatheavenliness, that humbleness, that brokenness, that fervency, thatfrequency—astheydowhentheyareunder themightychasteninghandofGod;andall this is fromthat specialpresenceofGod, that it iswiththemintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,etc.

Whenitwasadayofgreattrouble,ofgreatdistress,ofgreatdangertothepeopleofGodinGermany,GodpouredoutaverygreatspiritofprayeruponLuther;atlengthhecomesoutofhisclosettriumphantly,sayingtohisfellow-laborersandfriends,"Wehaveovercome,wehaveovercome!"at which time it is observed that there came out a proclamation fromCharlestheFifththatnoneshouldbefurthermolestedfortheprofessionof the gospel. In days of troubles and distress Luther was so warm,zealous, and powerful in prayer, thatmade one of his best friends say,"Thatmancouldhave fromGodwhateverhepleased."Beingonceverywarminprayer,heletfallthistranscendentraptureofadaringfaith,"Letmywillbedone;"andthenfallsoffsweetly,"Mywill,Lord,becauseitisyourwill."ItisreportedinthelifeofLuther,thatwhenheprayeditwas

withsomuchreverenceasifhewereprayingtoGod,andwithsomuchboldnessasifhehadbeenspeakingtohisfriend.

Ihavereadofafountainthatatnoondayiscold,andatmidnightitgrowswarm;somanyChristiansarecoldinpraying,inhearing,etc.,inthedayofprosperity—butyetarewarmandlivelyinprayingandwrestlingwithGodinthedayofadversity.[2Chron.33:11-13,Jonah2;Dan.6;Psalm8:4; Luke 23:42; 2 Chron 20:1-13; Isaiah 37:14-22; Gen. 32:6-13, andverse24-31.Now,underaffliction,heoils thekeyofprayerswithtears,Hosea12:4.]Manassehgotmorebyprayer inhis ironchains, thaneverhe got by his golden crown. Afflictions are like the pick at thenightingale's bosom—which awakensher, andwhichputs her uponhersweetanddelightfulsinging.AsincereChristianneverprayssosweetly—aswhenunderGod'srod.

One reports of Joachim, the father of the Virgin Mary, that he wouldoften say,Prayer ismy food anddrink.WhenaChristian is in trouble,thenprayer ishis foodanddrink.Oh,whataspiritofprayerwasuponJonah—whenhewasinthewhale'sbelly;anduponDaniel—whenhewasamong the lions; and uponDavid--when fleeing in thewilderness; anduponthedyingthief—whenhewasonthecross;anduponJehoshaphat,whenMoabandAmmonandotherscameagainsthimtobattle;anduponHezekiah,whenSennacheribhadinvadedJudah;anduponJacob,whenhisbrotherEsaucametomeethimwithfourhundredbloodycut-throatsathisheels!Astherearetwokindsofantidotesagainstpoison—namely,hotandcold;sotherearetwokindsofantidotesagainstallthetroublesof this life—namely, fervent prayer and holy patience, the one hot, theother cold; the one quenching, the other quickening.When a Christianundergreat troubles,deepdistresses, andmost extremedangers, praysmore for the sanctification of affliction than the removal of affliction;whenhepraysmoretogetoffhissinsthantogetoffhischains;whenhepraysmoretogetgoodbytherodthantogetfreefromtherod;whenhepraysmore thathis afflictionsmaybe a refining fire thana consumingfire,and thathisheartmaybe lowandhisgraceshigh,and thatallhistroublesmayweanhimmorefromthisworld,andripenhimthemoreforthegloryof thatupperworld—it isagreatdemonstrationof thespecialpresenceofGodwithhiminallhistroublesanddeepdistresses.But,

(11.) Eleventhly, The Lord does manifest his favorable, special, andeminent presence with his people in their greatest troubles, deepestdistresses, andmost deadly dangers—bydrawing the hearts of hispeople nearer and closer to himself, by all the afflictions,troubles, distresses, and dangers which attend them in thisworld.Psalm 119:67, "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now Iobey your word." God brought David nearer to himself byWeeping-Cross, (Chrysostom.) Affliction is a fire to purge out our dross, and tomake our graces shine. Affliction is the remedy which cures all ourspiritualdiseases.

ByafflictionsGodhumblestheheartsofhispeople,andbetterstheheartsof his people, and draws the hearts of his people nearer and closer tohimselfverse71,"Itwasgoodformetobeafflicted."Thesaintsgainbytheircrosses,troubles,anddistresses.Theirgracesaremoreraised,theirexperiences are more multiplied, and their comforts are moreaugmented,andtheircommunionwithGodismoreheightened,Romans5:3-4;2Cor.1:3-5;Hosea2:14.ThewavesdidbutliftNoah'sarknearertoheaven,andthehigherthewatersgrewthemorethearkwaslifteduptoheaven.Thetroublesanddistresseswhichthesaintsmeetwithdobutraise them in their fellowship with the Father, Son, and Spirit, Psalm73:13-14,28.

WhenTiribazus, a noble Persian,was arrested, at first he drew out hisswordtodefendhimself;butwhentheychargedhimintheking'sname,andinformedhimthattheycamefromthekingtocarryhimtotheking,heyieldedwillingly.SowhenafflictionsarrestanobleChristian,hemaymurmurandstruggleat the first;butwhenheconsiders it issent fromGod,tobringhimtothesightofGod,theKingofglory,hewillinglyandreadily submits to the rod, andkisses the rod.All the stones thatcamethick about Stephen's ears did but knock him the closer to Christ thecorner-stone,Acts7:55,60.Tiburtiussawparadisewhenhewalkeduponburningcoals. "If therebeanyway toheavenonhorseback, it isby thecross,"saidBradford.

Hosea2:6,"ThereforeIwillblockherpathwiththornbushes;Iwillwallher in so that she cannot find herway." By afflictions, difficulties, anddistresses,Godhedgesuphispeople'sway.Well,whatthen?Mark,verse

7,"Thenshewillsay—Iwillgobacktomyhusbandasatfirst,forthenIwasbetteroffthannow."Thatis,IwillgobacktotoGod:Ihaverunawayfromhimbymysins,andnowIwillreturntohimagainbyrepentance.ThegranddesignofGodinalltheafflictionswhichbefallhispeople,istobringthemnearerandclosertohimself.Thechurchcouldhavenorestathome,nornocomfortabroad,untilbyafflictionshewasbroughtintothepresenceandcompanyofherfirsthusband:Hosea6:1,"ComeandletusreturnuntotheLord,forhehastorn,andhewillhealus;hehassmitten,andhewillbindusup."

ThegreatdesignofGodinplayingthelion'spartwithhispeople,Hosea5:14, is to bring them nearer and closer to himself. And, behold, howsweetlythisblesseddesignofGoddidtake:"ComeandletusreturnuntotheLord,"etc.ThepowerofGod,theloveofGod,andthegraceofGod,aremostgloriouslymanifestedbybringingtheheartsofhispeoplenearerand closer to himself by all the troubles, distresses, anddangerswhichattendthem.Inthewinterseasonallthesapofthetreerunsdowntotheroot, andwhen aman is sick all the blood goes to the heart; so in thewinterofaffliction,whenthesoulisrunningoutmoreandmoretoGod,anda-gettingcloserandnearertoGod,it isamostsureevidenceofthespecialpresenceofGodwiththatsoul.But,

(12.)Twelfthlyandlastly,TheLorddoesmanifesthisfavorable,special,andeminentpresencewithhispeopleintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses, andmostdeadlydangers—byrendering them invincibleand unconquerable under all their troubles, distresses, anddangers.Rev.12:11,"AndtheyovercamehimbythebloodoftheLamb,andbythewordoftheirtestimony,andtheylovednottheirlivesuntothedeath."Rev.14:1-4;2Chron.32:7,8,21-22.ByvirtueofChrist'sbloodthesaintsaremadevictoriousbothoverSatanandallhisinstruments;theylittle value their lives—in respect of Christ and his truth; yes, theydespised them incomparisonofGod'sgloryand thegreat thingsof thegospel.Theymadesolittleaccountofthem,thattheyexposedthemtoallhazards anddangers for the cause ofChrist. In thedays of that bloodypersecutor,Diocletian,theChristiansshowedgloriouspowerinthefaithofmartyrdom. [Rupertussays thatGoddidmoregloriously triumph inLawrence'spatienceandconstancy,whenhewasbroiledonthegridiron,

than ifhehadsavedhisbody fromburningbyamiracle.His faithandpatiencemadehiminvincible.]

Thevalorofthemartyrs,andthesavagenessofthepersecutors,strivingtogether, until both exceeding nature and belief, bred wonder andastonishmentinbeholdersandreaders.ItwasagoodsayingofCyprian,speakingofthesaintsandmartyrsinthosedays,Theymaykillthem—buttheycannotovercomethem.Rev.17:14,"TheseshallmakewarwiththeLamb,andtheLambshallovercomethem:forheistheLordoflords,andKingof kings; and thosewhoarewithhimare called, and chosen, andfaithful." The presence of the Lamb has and will make the saintsvictoriousinalltheagesoftheworld.Modestus,lieutenanttoJuliantheemperor,saidtoJulian,"Whiletheysuffertheyderideus,"sayshe;"andthe torments are more fearful to those who stand by, than to thetormented."Thereisnoendininstancesofthisnature.ThereisnothingmoreclearinScriptureandinhistorythanthis—thatthespecialpresenceof the Lordwith his people, in all their great troubles, deep distresses,andmostdeadlydangers,hasmadetheminvincibleandunconquerable.

But nowothers,whohave beendestitute of this favorable, special, andeminentpresenceoftheLord,intimesofgreattroubles,deepdistresses,andmost deadly dangers, howhave they fledwhennonehavepursuedthem! How faint-hearted, how greatly daunted, and how sadlydiscouragedhavetheybeen!Howhavetheyturnedtheirbacks,andleftthefield,andrunfromtheircolors,withoutstrikingonestroke!ManyinCyprian'stimewereovercomebeforetheencounter,fortheyrevoltedtoidolatry before any persecution once assailed them. In the Palatinate,whentherewasahotpersecution,scarcelyoneprofessoroftwentystoodout—butfelltopoperyasfastasleavesfallfromthetreesinautumn.Andso in thepersecutionunderDeciusmanyprofessors thatwere rich andgreatintheworld,theysoonshrunkfromChrist,andturnedtheirbacksuponhisways.

ItisGod'sfavorablepresencewithhispeople,whichmakesthempersevereinan

evilday

It is God's favorable, special, and eminent presence with his people,whichmakesthempersevereinanevilday:Romans8:31,"IfGodisforus—who can be against us?" that is, none; but this is a more forcibledenying, "Who can?"Do you Paul ask, "Who can?" I will tell you. Thedevilcan,andtyrantscan,andpersecutorscan,andthewholeworldcan;buttheyareasnothing,andcandonothingagainstus.Wickedmenmayset themselves against the saints—but they shallnotprevail against thesaints.Whatifalltheworldshouldstrivetohinderthesunfromrisingorshining,orthewindfromblowing,ortherainfromfalling;or,likethosepygmieswhowentwiththeirarrowsandbowstorepresstheflowing ofthesea.Ridiculousacts!Merefollies!AllthatwickedmencandoagainstthepeopleofGodwillbebutasthrowingstonesagainstthewind."IfGodis with us, who can be against us?"Methinks these are words of greatresolution; as if he should say, "Wehavemany enemies, andpowerfulenemies, and daring enemies, andmalicious enemies, and designingenemies,andenragedenemies—yet let theproudestof themshowtheirfaces,andliftuptheirbanners,Ifearthemnot,Iregardthemnot:Whocan?"whodarebeagainstus?Letmegivealittlelightintothispreciousscripture,"IfGodisforus—whocanbeagainstus?"Thatis,none!

[1.] First, None can be so against us—so as to HURT us orHARMus.ThereforeAquinaswellexpoundsthat"Whocanbeagainstus—soas tohurtus?"Dan.25,27,and6:22. [JustinMartyr said tohismurderersinthebehalfofhimselfandhisfellow-martyrs,"Youmaykillus—butyoucanneverhurtus!"]

Acts 18:9-10, "Onenight theLord spoke toPaul ina vision—Donotbeafraid;keeponspeaking,donotbesilent.ForIamwithyou,andnooneis going to attack and harm you, because I havemany people in thiscity."GodhadmanysoulsinthiscitytoconvertandtobringintoChrist,andthereforeheanimatesandencouragesPaultopreachboldly,andto

gooninhisworkundauntedly."Ay—but,Lord,therearemanyinthecity,whowillsetthemselvesagainstme!""Ay—butIamwithyou!""Ay—but,Lord,therearemanyinthecitywhohateme!""Ay—butthereisnomanwhoshallsetonyoutohurtyou!"

Though there were many in the city of Corinth that would be readyfuriouslytoharmPaul—yettherewouldnotbeamanwhowouldbeableto hurt Paul.Godwould be his lifeguard to protect him, and hewouldmakevoidall themischievousdesignsandendeavorsofhisadversariesagainst him. When in a city the Lord has those who are ordained tosalvation, he will bless the labors of his faithful servants with happysuccess;sothatfaithfulministersmaynot,yes,mustnot,forfearoftheinvinciblemaliceofsome,neglectthesalvationofothers.AllthearrowsthatmenofmightandmaliceshouldshootatPaulinthecityofCorinth,wouldneverreachhim,theywouldneverhurthim,norharmhim!

1Pet.3:13,"Andwhoishewhowillharmyou,ifyouarefollowersofthatwhichisgood?"Theymayopposeyou—but theycannotharmyou;theymay hate you—but they cannot harm you; they may plot and devisemischiefagainstyou—buttheycannotharmyou;theymaypersecuteyou—buttheycannotharmyou.CaesartoldMetellusthathecouldaseasilytake away his life; but this was only bravado, for death is a royalprerogativewhichbelongs toGodalone, "towhombelong the issuesofdeath,"Psalm68:20,or thegoingsout fromdeath; that is,deliverancesfrom death and deadly dangers. It is an allusion to one who keeps apassageoradoor;thatis,Godhasallthewayswhichleadoutfromdeathinhisownkeeping.Christhasthekeysofdeath, thesoledominionanddisposal of it,Rev. 1:18; 2Pet. 2:9. TheLord knowshow to deliver hispeoplefromthemostdesperateanddeadlydangers;hecandeliverthemoutof themouthof the lion,hecanpull themoutof the jawsofdeath,and so secure them from all harm or hurt.None can be so against thepeopleofGodastoharmtheirsouls,astohurttheirhappiness.But,"IfGodisforus—whocanbeagainstus?"Ianswer,

[2.] Secondly, None can be so against us—so as to PREVAILoverus. The gates of hell may fightagainst us—but the gates of hellcannotprevailagainstus.Christisthecaptainofyoursalvation,Godhasmadehimgeneralofthefield,andthereforeyoumaybesurethathewill

stand by you and bring you off with honor,Mat 16:18;Heb. 2:10; Jer.1:19,and20:11.Youneedneverfearwinningtheday,whohaveChristasyourcaptain.Thoughyourpersecutorsareassomanyroaringlions—yetChrist,whoisthelionofthetribeofJudah,willmakeyouvictoriousoverthemall,Rev.5:5.Inallstormsandtempeststhechurchwillstandfast,becauseitstandsuponarock,Psalm129:2.GodisonZion'sside,andtheenemies of Zionmust first prevail against Zion's God—before they canprevailoverZionherself.Zion'sGodwillbeawalloffireabouther,andtherefore Zion's enemies shall never prevail over her, Zech. 2:5; Deut.33:26-29.Were Zion's shelter stones, these might be battered; were itwalls of lead, thesemight bemelted;were it a defense ofwaters, thesemight be dried up; were it garrisons of mighty men, these might bescattered; were it engines of war, these might be defeated; were ittrenches, these might be stopped; were it bulwarks, these might beoverthrown;butZionisguardedwithawalloffireroundabouther,andthereforeallheropposerscanneverprevailoverher.

The enemiesofZionareweakenemies, they are smitten enemies, theyare conquered enemies, they are limited enemies, they are chainedenemies, they are cursed enemies, and they are naked enemies—andthereforetheyshallneverbeprevalentenemiesoverZion,2Chron.32:7-8;Romans8:37;Gen.3:12;Num.14:9.PharaohfollowedtheIsraelites—butheandhismightymenweredrowned,andIsraeldelivered—forGodwas with them, Exod. 14. Saul hunted David as a partridge in themountains, 1Sam.26:20—butSaulperishes, andDavidwas crowned—for God was with him. Haman hated Mordecai and plotted againstMordecai—butHaman ishangedandMordecai advanced—forGodwaswithhim,Esther6:7.TheBabylonianprincesinformagainstDanielandplot againstDaniel—but they themselves are torn and devoured by thelions,andDanielisdeliveredandexalted—forGodwaswithhim,Dan.6.Herod kills James with the sword and imprisons Peter—but Herod isdevouredbyworms,andPeterisdeliveredoutofprisonbyanangel—forGodwaswithhim,Acts12.

Let atheists, papists, and persecutors cease from plotting against Zion,from persecuting of Zion, for it is utterly impossible to prevail againstZion.LetallZion'sadversariesrememberonceforall,whatifanypolicy,

counsel, lying,cursing,strength,orcrueltycouldhaveprevailedagainstZion;Zionwouldhavebeenrootedoutoftheworldlongago.IfBalaamwasatourenemies'elbowshewouldtellthemroundlyandplainly,thatitis "invain tocurse thosewhomGodblesses,"Num.23:8. "It ishard tokickagainstthegoads,"Acts9:5.Itishighmadnessformentoruntheirnakedbodiesagainstasword'spoint.LetZion'senemiesrememberthatGod,whotakespleasureinZion,sitsuponthecircleoftheearth,andallthe inhabitants are as grasshoppers; yes, all the nations as a drop of abucket, and less than the dust of the balance, Isaiah 40:12, 15, 17, andthereforehecaneasilyrevengeallthewrongsandinjurieswhicharedonetoZionbythosewhowouldgladlyprevailoverher,and triumph inherruin. [Some observe that Paul's style is so beautified with wonderfuleloquenceandrhetoric,thatnotTullynorDemosthenescouldeverhavesospoken.SomereportofAugustinethathewishedforthreethings:(1.)ToseeChristintheflesh;(2.)ToseeRomeintheprideofit;(3.)TohaveheardPaulpreach.But,

[3.] Thirdly, "If God is for us—who can be against us?" I answer,Nonecanbesoagainstus—soastobeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGodandtheloveofChrist."WhoshallseparateusfromtheloveofChrist?Shalltroubleorhardshiporpersecutionorfamineornakednessordangerorsword?No,inallthesethingswearemorethanconquerors throughhimwho lovedus.For Iamconvincedthatneitherdeath nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor thefuture,noranypowers,neitherheightnordepth,noranythingelseinallcreation—willbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGodthatisinChristJesusourLord."Romans8:35-39.

Itisneitherthepleasuresoflife,northepainsofdeath;itisneitherevilsfelt,norevilsfeared;itisneithertheheightofprosperity,northedepthofadversity; it is neither bonds, nor banishment; it is neither power, norpolicy;itisneitherhonor,norbaseness;itisneitherviolentpersecutions,nor multiplied tribulations; it is neither the scorns of men, norreproaches of men, nor revilings of men, nor designs of men, noranythingelse—whichcanseparateus fromthe loveof theFatheror theloveoftheSon!

In the 35th verse Paul states that neither crosses nor creatures can

depriveusoftheloveofGod,whichissetdowninadoubleinterrogation,that hemight add themore force and life to it and ravish the readers:"Whoshallseparateus?"Thatis,nonecan.Buthespeakswithcontempt;"Whoshall?shalltribulation?"asifheshouldsay,Iscornit.AsGoliathdefied David, saying, "Do you come to me with a stick?" just so, Pauldefies all crosses, sufferings, trials, etc., as things not able to deprivesincereChristiansofChrist'slove!"Shalltribulation,"etc.Hehadbeforespokenofpeople, nowherehe speaksof things, because Satan and hissworn slaves think by such things to separate between God and hispeople.ChrysostomobservesPaul'swisdominthreethings.

(1.) That he says not, Shall the love of riches, pleasures, honors, etc.,whichhaveamighty force in themtobewitchus;but"shall tribulation,distress,"etc.

(2.) That he begins with the lighter, and so rises to greater troubles,placingtheminthisorder,notcasually—butbydesign.

(3.) That though these which he here rehearses consist of a certainnumber—yeteveryoneasageneralhasspecialtroopsunderit:aswhenhe says tribulation, he says imprisonments, bonds, slanders,banishments,etc."Shalltribulation,distress,persecution,"etc.?No!Theyare "blessed,who endure these things,"Mat. 5:10-11. Shall famine?Hewho feeds on Christ shall never perish for hunger. Shall nakedness?Christ's righteousness is my clothing; I shall willingly follow him evennaked;whowhen hewas clothedwith infinite glory aswith a garmentwascontenttobebornnakedandtobestrippedonthecrossformysake.Shallperil? Iknow thehardest. Shall the sword?Christ is tome in lifeanddeathadvantage.But,

[4.]Fourthly, "If God is for us—who can be against us?" I answer,Nonecanbeagainstusso—soastobringusundersubmissiontotheirbeck, theirwill, theirdesires, their lusts.1Kings 19:18,"YetIreserveseventhousandinIsrael--allwhosekneeshavenotboweddowntoBaalandallwhosemouthshavenotkissedhim."1Kings19:18.Thatis,IhavemanythousandswhohavenotworshipedBaal.Hereasetnumberisputforanindefinitenumber;hemeansaverygreatnumber.Idolatersusednotonly tobowandkneelbefore their idols—butalso to

kissthem,accordingtothatHosea13:2,"Letthemenwhosacrificekissthecalves."Kissingwasanoutwardtoken—

(1.)Ofgreatandentireaffection;

(2.)Ofsubmissivereverence;

(3.)Ofwillingandreadysubjection.Cicerosaysthatthechinofthestatueof Hercules wasmuch worn with the kisses of those who adored him.NowGodhadseveralthousandsoftrueIsraelitesindeedthathadnotintheleastkindpollutedthemselveswiththeidolatryofBaal.Thedenialofbowing the knee and kissing with themouth shows that God's faithfulservants were so far from setting their hearts upon Baal, as that theywould not make the least show of any affection or subjection to him.Thesegoodsoulshadtoogreatspiritstobeconformabletotheidolatryofthe times. Jeroboamwith his eight hundred thousand chosenmen, hispopish priests, and his golden calves, could not bring Judah to bow tohim, 2 Chron. 13:3, 20. Nebuchadnezzar, nor his fiery furnace, couldnever bring the three Hebrew children to bow to him; the threechampions would be Nonconformists, though court, city, and countrywereviolent for conformity,Dan.3.NeitherDarius,hispresidents,norprinces, could ever bringDaniel to bow,Dan. 6;Danielwouldkeepofffromidolatry,andkeepclosetohisGod,andclosetohisduty,letallhisenemiesdotheirworst.

TherulersandeldersofIsraelchargedtheapostles,andthreatenedtheapostles,andbeattheapostles, andcommandedthe apostles, that theyshouldnotspeakinthenameofJesus;buttheycouldneverbringthemtobowtothem,Acts3,4,5.For"theydepartedfromthepresenceofthecouncil,rejoicingthattheywerecountedworthy tosuffershameforhisname, and daily in the temple, and in every house they ceased not toteach and preach Jesus Christ," Acts 5:41-42. Pharaoh by all hisoppressions could never bring Israel to submit; nor Saul by all hispersecutionscouldneverbringDavidtobowtohim;norcouldHamanbyallhisplotsanddesignseverbringMordecaitobowtohim;andPaulwillratherdieuponthespotthanbebroughtbowtohisenemies',Acts20:21-24, and 21:13. The ten persecuting emperors could never bring theprimitive Christians to bow to them; nor could the bloody, fierce, and

fiery papists ever bring the martyrs to bow to them, as you may seethroughout the books of martyrs. Among the many hundred instancesthatarethere,Ishallonlyrefreshyourmemorywiththisone:TherewereendeavorstobringHawkestobowtothem—butallinvain.Atlastsomeof his Christian friends desired him, for their encouragement andconfirmation, to give some tokenwhenhewas in the flames; a strangetimeonewouldthinktoattenduponsignsbyfriends,whetherthepainsweretolerableornot.Hewasboundtothestake,fireputtothewood,itburns,itflames,itconsumeshisflesh,hiseyesstartoutofhishead,hisfingersareconsumedwiththefire;andwheneveryonethoughthimdead,expecting the fall of his body—lo, suddenly he lifts up his stumps, andthriceasafamousconquerorheclapsthemoverhishead.Inthishewasmorethanconqueror.

In former times the sense of the love ofGodmade themartyrs esteemtyrants as gnats and fleas; and torments as flea-bitings. Tertullian,speakingofhistimes,says,ThattobeaccusedwasthewishofChristians,and punishment for Christ they counted felicity. A certain woman,running in all hastewith her child in her arms, being asked the cause,"Oh," says she, "I hear a great sort of Christians are appointed to bemartyred, and I am afraid lest I andmy little one will come too late."WhentheEmperorValensbanishedBasil,andthetribunethreatenedhisdeath,"Iwish,"saidBasil,"Ihadanythingofworth,IwouldbestowitonhimwhoshouldcutBasil'swindpipe."Andwhenhehadthatnightgivenhim to deliberate, he answered, that "he would be the same mantomorrow,andwishedthatthepunishmentshouldnotbechanged."

Chrysostom,beinginbanishmentbythemeansofEudoxiatheempress,wroteandtellsofhisresolutionbeforehewasbanished:"Ithoughtwithmyself,"sayshe,"thatifshebanishesme—theearthistheLord's;ifshewillsawmeasunder—IrememberedtheprophetIsaiah;ifshedrownsme—Jonahcametomymind;ifshestonesme—IthoughtofStephen;ifshebeheadsme,JohnBaptistcametomymind;ifshetakesawaymygoods,"NakedcameIoutofmymother'swomb."Byallwhichyoumayclearlysee,thatletthewickeddotheirworst,theycanneverbringthesaintstobowtothem.But,

[5.] Fifthly, "If God is for us—who can be against us?" I answer—

None,soastohindertheoperationofallthingsforourgood.Whenmenanddevilshavedonetheirworst,allthegreattroubles,deepdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,whichattendthesaints,shallworkfortheirgood:Romans8:28,"AndweknowthatallthingsworktogetherforgoodtothosewholoveGod,tothosewhoarecalledaccordingtohispurpose."Inthisversetherearetwothingsobservable:

First,Aproposition,oragloriousprivilege."Allthingsworktogetherforgood." This word, "work together," is a physical expression. Severalpoisonful ingredients put together, being tempered by the skillfulapothecary,makeasovereignmedicine,andworktogetherforthe goodofthepatient.Theyworktogether,notbetweenthemselves—buttogetherwith God; not of their own nature, for so they do not co-operate—butcontra-operate.ButbeingsanctifiedbyGod, theywork together forourgood. Indeed, take awayGod, and afflictionswork for our hurt; but allGod's providences, being divinely tempered and sanctified, do worktogetherforthebest,tothepeopleofGod.Whentheworstofmenhavedone theirworst against the saints, all things shall sweetly concur, yes,conspirefortheirgood.

Second,Theproof,whichisdouble.

(1.) From the experience of all saints, "We know;" it is not adoubtfulmatter.Theapostledoesnot say, "We think,"but "Weknow."Nordoeshesay,"Wehope,"but"Weknow."Nordoeshesay,"Weguess,""we conjecture," but "We know." Nor does he say, "We desire that allthings may work together for good," but "We know all things worktogetherforgood."Nordoeshesay,"Wepray"thatallthingsmayworktogetherforgood—but"Weknowallthingsworktogetherforgood."Thewicked do not know this secret, as the Philistines did not understandSamson'sriddles,Judg.14:12-14;butweknowthatalltheworldshallnothinderthecrossfromworkingforourgood.

(2.) Froma description of thosewho loveGod, they are "calledaccording toGod'spurpose;" that is,Godhaspurposed thesalvation ofhispeople,hehas chosen them to salvation, and called them to it; andtherefore it must needs be, that all these afflictions which befall hispeople,mustworktogetherfortheirspiritualandeternalgood,otherwise

Godshoulddothatwhichshouldcrosshisownpurpose,whichwisemenwillnotdo;andoh,howmuch lesswill themostwiseGodactcounter-cross to his own purpose! So Jer. 24:5-6, "This is what the LORD, theGodofIsrael,says:'Likethesegoodfigs,IregardasgoodtheexilesfromJudah,whomIsentawayfromthisplacetothelandoftheBabylonians.Myeyeswillwatchoverthemfortheirgood,andIwillbringthembackto this land. Iwill build themup andnot tear themdown; Iwill plantthem and not uproot them." To be carried captive to Babylon wasdoubtless a very sore and matchless affliction: Dan. 9:12, "You havefulfilledthewordsspokenagainstusandagainstourrulersbybringinguponus great disaster.Under thewhole heaven nothing has ever beendonelikewhathasbeendonetoJerusalem."

ThismaybetheabridgmentofJeremiah'sLamentations:Lam.1:12,"Isitnothingtoyou,allyouwhopassby?Lookaroundandseeifthereisanysuffering likemine, which the LORD brought onme in the day of hisfierceanger."Chapter4:16,"Thepunishmentofmypeopleisgreaterthanthat of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment without a handturnedtohelpher."Sodomsustainednotanysiegefromforeignforces,theywerenotvexedandplaguedwiththearmiesoftheChaldeans;therewasnohandofmaninthedestructionofSodom—butahandofheavenonly.Sodomwasnotkept long inpainsandmiseryas Iandmypeoplehave been—but was suddenly overwhelmed, and in an instantdespatched; all which shows that their miseries and sufferings wereincomparableandmatchless;andthattheyweresoindeedwillevidentlyappear,ifyoupleasebutseriouslytoconsidereithertheantecedentsofit,ortheconsequencesofit.Theantecedentsofit—whatwentbeforetheircaptivity—namely,blood,andslaughter,anddreadfuldevastations.Orifyouconsidertheconsequencesofit—whatwentaftertheircaptivity—namely:

(1.)Theenslavingoftheirpersonsunderafierceandmostcruelenemy;

(2.)Thelossoftheirestates;

(3.)Theleavingoftheircountryandthelandoftheirnativity;

(4.)AdeprivationoftheordinancesandworshipofGod;

(5.) The scorns and reproaches, the exultations and triumphs of theiradversaries,whopleasedanddelightedthemselvesintheircaptivityandmisery. [See Psalm 137:7;Obad. 12:13-16; Ezek. 25:6; Psalm 44:13-14.]These were the woeful consequences of that captivity—and yet all thepower andmalice ofmen in theworld could not hinder these amazingand astonishing trials from working together for the spiritual andeverlastinggoodofhiscaptivepeople.ThatGodwilldohispeoplegoodbythemostterribledispensationsthattheyareunder,youmayseemoreandmoreevidentbycomparingthesescripturestogether.[Deut.8:15-16;Psalm119:71,75;Heb.12:10.]

Astheapothecarymakesonepoisontodriveoutanotherpoison,socanGodmakethepoisonofafflictions,whichinthemselvesarethecurseofthelaw,todriveoutthepoisonofsin.Alltheworldcanneverhindertheaffliction, troubles, and evils which befall the people of God, fromworkingfortheirgood;forGoddoesandwillbythesemeans,

(1.)Discoversin;

(2.)Preventsin;

(3.)Embittersin;

(4.)Mortifysin.

AndGodwillbyafflictions,troubles,etc.,

(1.)Revive,quicken,andrecoverhischildren'sdecayedgraces;

(2.)Exercisehischildren'sgraces;

(3.)Increasehischildren'sgraces;

(4.)Makeafurthertrialanddiscoveryofhischildren'sgraces.

LettheenemiesofZionstormandrage,plotandcombine,etc.—yettheyshallneverbeabletohinderthegreatesttroubles,thedeepestdistresses,and most deadly dangers—from working for the spiritual and eternalgoodofallthesincereloversofGod.IhavereadastoryofPereus,who,

attempting to kill another with a thrust of a sword; only pierced andopenedhis abscess; and so hewas instrumental to savehim,whomhedesignedtohavekilled!Justso,alltheafflictionsandtroubleswhichtherighteous meet with, they do but serve to cure them of the abscess ofpride,orof theabscessofearthly-mindedness,orof theabscessofself-love,oroftheabscessofhypocrisy.

Thepeople ofGodhavemany enemies in theworld,whose course andscope,whose aims and ends and actions are not the same, yes diverse,nay adverse, one thwarting and crossing the other—yet the overrulingprovidence so sways all subordinate and inferior instruments andenemies,thatinthemidstoftheirmutualjarstheyconspireinasacredharmony, as if they were entered into a holy league, or some sacredcombinationforthegoodofhischosenpeople.Whereverourenemiesbeinrespectoftheirplaces,whoevertheybeinregardoftheirpersons,andhowever they are disjoined in regard of their affections—yet all theirprojectsandpracticesshall tendandend in thegoodof thosewho loveGod.But,

[6]Sixthly,"IfGodisforus—whocanbeagainstus?"Ianswer,None—so as to hinder our communion and fellowship with theFather, Son, andSpirit. 1 John 1:3, "That which we have seen andheard,wedeclareunto you, that youmayhave fellowshipwith us: andtruly our fellowship iswith theFather, andwithhis Son JesusChrist."Man'ssummumbonumstandsinhiscommunionwithGod,asScriptureandexperiencebothevidence.AmanwhosesoulisconversantwithGod,shall findmore pleasure in a desert, in a den, in a dungeon, in a fieryfurnace,yes,andinthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath—thaninthepalaceofaprince![Neverlessalonethanwhenalone,saidtheheathen;andmaynotasaintsaysomuchmore,whohascommunionwithFather,Son,andSpirit?"MyGodandIaregoodcompany,"saidfamousDr.Sibbes.]

ThereisasweetandintimatecommunionwhichbelievershavewithGodtheFather;hencetheyaresaidto"walkwithGod,"Gen.5:24,and6:9;andto"talkwithGod,"asMosesfrequentlydid;andto"dwellinGod,"1John4:15; and to "supwithGod,"Rev. 3:20; and to "lodgewithGod,"Cant.7:11.ThenearnessofthisfellowshipwhichwehavewiththeFather,is represented by a gradation of allusions in Scripture, all which

excellentlyillustratethistruth.Thereissomekindofparticipationthataservanthaswithhismaster;yetgreateristhatwhichonefriendhaswithanother; but yet greater is that which a son has with the father; butgreatestofallisthatwhichthebridehaswiththebridegroom.NowinalltheserelationswestandtotheFather;wearehisservantsandheisourLord,Exod.12:7;wearehisfriends,John15:14-15;James2:23;andheisourfriend,Cant.5:1;anablefriend,asurefriend,afaithfulfriend,aclosefriend,aconstant friend.Plutarch'sreasoningisgood,"Friendshaveallthingsincommon."ButGodisourfriend:consequentlywecannotlack!HeisourFather,Isaiah63:16,and64:8;andwearehischildren, Isaiah63:8.He is our bridegroom, andwe are hisbride, Isaiah 61:10;Hosea2:19-20; Isaiah 62:5. And therefore it is no pride nor presumption forbelieverstosay,"OurfellowshipiswiththeFather."

Our fellowship with Jesus Christ is set forth by the parable of thewedding-feast,andbytheentertainmentoftheprodigalson;andbysuchrelationsorvarioussimilitudes,ascarrycommunionintheirbosoms,asof the head and the members, root and branches, foundation andbuilding, husband and wife, Mat. 22:1-3; Luke 15. The head hascommunion with the body by sense, influence, motion. The root hascommunionwith the branches, by leaf, sap, and juice. The foundationhascommunionwiththebuilding,bysupportandstrength.Thehusbandhas communionwith thewife, by love and consent. Thus it is betweenChrist and the believers: 1 Cor. 1:9, "God is faithful, by whom you arecalled to the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ." All believers havefellowshipwithChrist,whethertheyarestrong—orweak,rich—orpoor,high—orlow,ripeandwellgrown—ornew-bornbabes,andverytender,Gal.3:28;1Pet.2:2;John17:20-23.

Theheadhasconjunctionwithallthemembers,andaninfluenceintoallthemembers,eventhelittletoes,aswellasintothestrongestarms.Theroot,inthevirtueofit,extendstotheweakestbranches,aswellastothestrongest limbsof thetree.CommunionwithChrist isas largeasunionwith Christ. All believers are united to Christ, and all believers havecommunionwithChrist.Thoughonestarexceedsanotherinmagnitude—yet all are alike seated in theheavenlyorb; and thoughonemember islarger in thebodythananother—yeteachonehasanequalconjunction

withthehead.

And as believers have fellowship with the Father and the Son, so theyhave fellowship with the Spirit also. Every believer's communionextendstoall thepersons intheTrinity:2Cor.13:14,"ThegraceofourLordJesusChrist,andtheloveofGod,andthecommunionoftheHolySpiritbewithyouall.Amen."Nownomen,nodevils,nowrath,norage,nomalice,noenmity,noafflictions,nooppositions,nopersecutions,notroubles,no trials,nobonds,nobanishment—can interruptorhinderabeliever'scommunionwiththethreepersonsinTrinity.But,

[7.]Seventhly, "IfGod is forus—who canbe against us?" I answer,None—soastohinderourprivatetradetoheaven.Alltheworldcan never hinder a sincere Christian from driving a secret trade withheaven, as youmay seeby comparing these scriptures together. [Psalm3:2-4;Psalm6:8-10;Psalm138:3;Lam.3:55-59.]AChristiancanaswellhearwithout ears, and livewithout food, and fightwithout hands, andwalk without feet—as he is able to live without secret prayer. Secretprayer is the life of our lives, the soul, the sweet, the heaven of all ourearthly enjoyments.Of all the duties of piety, secret prayer is themostsoul-sweetening, soul-strengthening, soul-nourishing, soul-fattening,soul-refreshing, soul-satisfying, and soul-encouraging duty. In all theagesoftheworld,thesaintshavekeptthetrade.Inspiteofallopposersand persecutors, in prisons, in dungeons, in dens, in bonds, inbanishments,onracks,and in thevery flames, thesaintshavestillkeptup this secret trade; as you may see at large in my treatise on closetprayer,called"ThePrivyKeyofHeaven,"towhichIreferyou.But,

[8.]Eighthly, "If God is for us—who can be against us?" I answer,None—so as to deprive us of the sweet testimony of ourrenewed consciences. 2 Cor. 1:12, "Now this is our boast: Ourconscience testifies thatwehave conductedourselves in theworld, andespeciallyinourrelationswithyou,intheholinessandsinceritythatarefrom God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom butaccording toGod's grace." Theywere in great and pressing troubles inAsia,verse8—andyettheyboastedinthetestimonyoftheirconsciences;they were under a sentence of death in themselves, verse 9—and yetgloried in the testimony of their consciences. Joy of conscience is the

greatest joy, as trouble of conscience is the greatest trouble! Whenconsciencebears its testimonywithus,andforus,howfullof joy is thesoul,eveninthemidstofthedeepestsorrowsandgreatestsufferings!Agoodconsciencehassureconfidence,andhewhohasit,sitsNoah-like—quiet in the greatest upheavals; freed, if not from the commondestruction—yetfromthecommondistraction.

A good conscience is an impregnable fort. It fears no opponent; itwillenableamantostandagainstthefiercestbatteriesofmenanddevils.Agoodconsciencewillfillamanwithcourageandcomfortinthemidstofallhistroublesanddistresses.Paulhadenoughtosayforhimselfwhenstandingbeforethecouncil;hecouldsay,"Menandbrethren,IhavelivedinallgoodconsciencebeforeGoduntilthisday,"Acts23:1-2.Andthoughas soon as he had said so, Ananias commanded to smite him on themouth—yet he bears up bravely, because his conscience did not smitehim—butacquithim.Thatmancannever lackmusic,whoseconsciencespeaksinconsort,andisharmoniouswithhimself.Agoodconscienceisaparadise inawilderness, it is riches in poverty, andhealth in sickness,andstrengthinweakness,andlibertyinbonds,andlife indeath,Isaiah38:3.Agoodconsciencewillenableamantotriumphoverinnumerableevils, yes, over death itself. Death to such a person is not the king ofterrors—butthekingofdesires,Phil.1:23.

AgoodconsciencewillbeaChristian'sbestfriendintheworsttimes; itwillbea sword todefendhim,a staff to supporthim,apillarof fire toleadhim,aJosephtonourishhim,aDorcastoclothehim,aCanaantorefreshhim,andafeasttodelighthim:"Hewhoisofamerryhearthasacontinualfeast,"Proverbs15:15.Nowthereisnothingwhichcanmakeamandivinelymerry,belowagoodconscience."Agoodconscience,"saysone, "is thebedofGod, thepalaceofChrist, thehabitationof theHolySpirit,theparadiseofdelights,andwhereineverytreeyieldsafeast."

Thetranquilityofconscience,andthesecurityofinnocence,excelallthethings which the world counts good. He who has a good conscienceenjoys a continual serenity, and sits continually at that blessed feast,whereattheblessedangelsarecooksandbutlers,asLutherhasit,andthethreepersonsinTrinitygladguests.Allotherfeasts,comparedtothisofagoodconscience,arestarkhunger.Thefeastofagoodconscienceisafull

feast,anoblefeast,alastingfeast;notforaday,asthatofNabal's;norforseven days, as that of Samson's; nor of nine score days, as that ofAhasuerus;butadurable,continualfeast,withoutintermissionofsolace,orinterruptionofsociety.Thebestwayinthisworldforamantoturnhiswholelifeintoamerryfestival, istogetandkeepagoodconscience."Agodlymankeepsholidayall theyeararound."Itwasthetestimonyofagoodconsciencewhichmadetheapostlesrejoicewhentheywerebeatenand abused by the council. It was the testimony of a good consciencewhichmadePaulandSilastosingintheprison,Acts5:40-42,and16:25-26.ItwasthetestimonyofagoodconsciencewhichmadeMosespreferChrist's cross before Egypt's crown, and Christ's reproaches beforeEgypt'streasures.Itwasthetestimonyofagoodconsciencewhichmadethoseworthies in that 11th chapter of theHebrewsmorewilling to diethantolive,todiethantodine,Heb.11:35.Itwasthetestimonyofagoodconscience which made the martyrs to kiss the stake, to hug theirexecutioners,toclaptheirhandsintheflames,andtotreaduponburningcoalsasuponbedsofroses!Nowitisnotinthepowerorpolicyofmenordevils to deprive aChristian of the testimony of his conscience; and aslong as that bird in the bosom sings—no troubles, no trials, nooppositions,nopersecutions,nodangers,nodeathcanmakeaChristianmiserable.Thetestimonyofagoodconsciencewillmakeamantriumphovertheworstofmen,andtheworstofsufferings.But,

[9.] Ninthly, "If God is for us—who can be against us?" I answer,None—soastohinderthehelp,assistance,andsupportofGod.Heb. 13:5, "Let yourway of life bewithout covetousness,"—or "withouttheloveofsilver,"astheGreekwordsignifies—"andbecontentwithsuchthings as you have." So Beza, "Be content with present things." TheseHebrewChristianshadbeenplunderedofalltheyhad;thoughtheyhadnothing they must be content, Heb. 10:34. If men cannot bring theirmeanstotheirminds,letthembringtheirmindstotheirmeans;alittlewillserveourturnuntilwegettoheaven,untilwecometoourFather'shouse: "For he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsakeyou."TherearefivenegativesintheGreek;IreadnotthelikethroughouttheNewTestament. In that this promise is set downnegatively, "Iwillnever leaveyou," thismakes thepromise tobeof a largerextent; for itincludes all times, all places, all estates, all dangers, all needs, all

distresseswhatever;asifhehadmorelargelysaid,youshallneverstandinneedofanyofmyhelpandprotection—butyoushallbesuretofindit.Affirmativepromisesarenotofthatextentasnegativepromisesare;forifamanshouldpromisetoassist,help,support,orcounselme,ifhedoesitnowandthen,oruponsomespecialoccasions,hehaskepthispromise;butnegativelyforamantosay,"Iwillnotfailyou,Iwillneverleaveyou,"thoughheshouldhelp,assist,support,orstandbyme,ahundred,yes,athousand times—and yet failmebut once, thatnegative promise is notpunctuallykept,itisnotperfectlykept.

It is furtherconsiderablethatthere isagreatemphasis indoublingandtreblinganegativeparticle inGreek.Doublingandtreblingnegatives inGreek makes them much the stronger. The doubling of the negativeparticledoesinthisplacecarrythegreateremphasis,because,insettingdownthesamething,itisnotonlytwicedoubled—butinthelatterplaceitistrebled;soasthereareinallfivenegatives,asIhavealreadyhinted.These two phrases, "Never leave nor forsake," are so general as theyinclude all the needs, all dangers, all distresses, all necessities, allcalamities, all miseries, which can befall us in this world. [A generalpromisecomprisesallparticularsofthatkind.]

These two phrases, "God's not leaving, God's not forsaking," imply allneedful assistance. It ismore than if hehad said, Iwill supply all yourneeds, Iwillhealall yourdiseases, Iwill secureyouagainst all sorts ofdangers, I will ease you of all your pains, I will free you of all youroppressors, Iwillbreakall yourbonds, Iwillbringyououtofprison, Iwillvanquishallyourenemies,Iwillknockoffallyourchains,andIwillmakeyoutriumphoverallyoursufferings;forthesegeneralscompriseallmannerofparticularsunderthem.

Heb.13:6,"Sothatwemayboldlysay,TheLordismyhelper,andIwillnotfearwhatmanshalldountome."Inthisversethereisan inferencemade upon the former promise of God's not leaving nor forsaking hispeople; the conjunction, "so that," implies an inference, and such aninferenceinthisplaceasteachesustomakeagooduseoftheforenamedpromise. The use here set down is double: the first is confidence inGod,"TheLordismyhelper;"secondly,courageagainstman,"Iwillnotfearwhatmanshalldountome."AssuranceofGod'spresencetohelp

at all times and circumstances, should raise us up above all base andslavish fears of the power ofmen, of the harmings ofmen, of the evildesignsofmen,etc.Godbeingwithus,andforus,andonourside,wemay boldly, safely, and confidently, rest upon it, that he will freely,readily,graciously,affordallneedfulhelp,assistance,andsupport,whenwe are in the greatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadlydangers.

The Greek word "helper," according to the notation of it, signifies onewhoisreadytorunatthecryofanother.Thisnotationimpliesawillingreadiness,andareadywillingnessinGod,tohelpandsupporthispeoplewhentheyareindeepdistress.Youknowthetenderfather,theindulgentmother--they immediately runwhen they hear the child cry, or see thechildinanydangerordistress.Justso,whenGodseeshispoorchildreninanydangerordistress,whenhehears themcomplainandcryoutoftheir sufferings, their bonds, their burdens, their oppressions, theirdangers,etc.,heimmediatelyrunstotheirreliefandsupport,Exod.2:23-25,and3:7-10.Psalm33:20,"OursoulwaitsfortheLord:heisourhelpand our shield." Psalm 49:17, "You are my deliverer: God is the LordAlmighty,withhimaloneisstrengthandpowertodeliverIsraeloutofallhistroubles."Hemaydoit,hecandoit,hewilldoit—heiswiseinheartandmightyinstrength;besideshimthereisnoSavior,nodeliverer;heisashieldtotherighteous,strengthtotheweak,arefugetotheoppressed;he is Instaromnium, all in all. [Psalm9:7, 8; Isaiah43:11; Psalm5:12,and22:12;2Kings6:26-27.]

Who is like him in all theworld—to help his people in each and everydireful circumstance? When friends cannot help, when power cannothelp,whenhumanwisdomcannothelp,whenrichescannothelp,whenprinces cannothelp,whengovernments cannothelp—yet thenGod canand will help his people—when all human help fails. "The LORD willjudgehispeopleandhavecompassiononhisservantswhenheseestheirstrengthisgoneandnooneisleft,"Deut.32:36.WhenGod'speopleareattheverybrinkofruin,thenGodwillcomeinseasonablytotheirhelp;their extremity shall be his opportunity, to support his people, and tojudgetheirenemies.Nomen,nodevils,nopower,nopolicy,canhinderGodfromhelping,aiding,assisting,andsupportingofhispeople inany

needfulcircumstance.But,

[10.]Tenthly, "If God is for us—who can be against us?" I answer,None—so as to hinder the springs of joy and comfort fromrisingandflowingintheirsouls.Psalm71:20-21,"Thoughyouhavemademe see troubles,many and bitter, youwill restoremy life again;fromthedepthsoftheearthyouwillagainbringmeup.Youwillincreasemy honor and comfort me once again." The psalmist was in thosedesperate dangers, that he seemed to be as a man who was dead andburied—andyethehadfaithenoughtobelievethatGodwouldsurroundhimwithcordials,andsupplyhimwithcomfortsfromallsides.Thereisno true comfort to be drawn out of the stagnant pools of creaturesufficiencies—butonlyoutofthelivingfountainsoftheall-sufficienciesoftheLordAlmighty.

"Youshallcomfortmeoneveryside."Psalm94:19,"Inthemultitudeofmythoughtswithinme,"orofmycareful,troubled,perplexedthoughts,as theword properly signifies, "your comforts delightmy soul." As thepsalmist always found God a present help, so he always found him apresentcomfortinthedayoftroubles.Godneverdid,noreverwilllackacordial toreviveandkeepupthespiritsofhispeoplefromfaintingandsinkinginanevilday.Whenthepsalmistwasundermanygriefs,cares,fears,andperplexitiesofspirit,Godcameinwiththosecomfortswhichdelightedhissoul,andcheereduphisspirits,Psalm119:49-50.ThewordoftheLordisnevermoreawordofcomfort,northeSpiritoftheLordisnevermoreaSpiritofcomfort—thanwhenthesaintsareintheirdeepestdistressesandsorestperplexities.

John 14:16, "And I will ask the Father, and he shall give you anothercomforter, that he may abide with you forever;" verse 26, "But thecomforter, who is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in myname."Hudson, themartyr,beingat thestake,hewent fromunderhischain,andhavingprayedearnestly,hewassocomfortedandrefreshedbytheHolySpirit,thathesufferedvaliantlyandcheerfully.TheHolySpiritis called again and again the comforter, because his office is to workconsolation in the hearts of God's people in all their troubles anddistresses. Spiritual comfort is therefore called "joy in theHoly Spirit,"becausetheHolySpiritcreatesitinthesoul,Romans14:17.Whenaman

suffers for righteousness' sake,God comeswithhis cordials in the verynickof time,1Pet.4:13.Whenaman'ssuffering isupontheaccountofChrist, God seldom fails to send the Comforter for the refreshing andrelievingofhisheart.Whenaman isunderbodily confinement for thecause of Christ, God will never fail to be a spring of life, a well ofsalvation,andbreastofconsolationtohim,Isaiah12:3,and66:11.WhenaChristianisbroughtdowntohislast"pieceofbread,"thenistheseasonforGodtofeedhimwithheavenlymanna.

"Thoughthefigtreedoesnotbudandtherearenograpesonthevines,thoughtheolivecropfailsandthe fieldsproducenofood, thoughtherearenosheepinthepenandnocattleinthestalls,yetIwillrejoiceintheLORD, I will be joyful in Godmy Savior." Habakkuk 3:17-18. In thesewordsyouhavethesetwoparts:

(1.)Asadsupposition,"Thoughthefigtreedoesnotbud,"etc.;

(2.)Anobleandcomfortableresolution,"YetIwillbe joyful inGodmySavior."

Letme firsthint a little at thesadsupposition,"Though the fig treedoesnotbud,"etc.

[1.]First,Thoughthereshouldbeafamineinthatland,thatofalllandswasthemostplentifulandfruitfulland—yetHabakkuk"willbejoyfulinGodmySavior."ThelandofCanaan,ofalllands,wasthemostfruitful.Itwas as the garden of God. It was a land which "flowed with milk andhoney,"alandofvineyards,thebestofalllands,asMosesdescribesit;alandthatbroughtforthtoIsaacnolessthanahundredfold.Itwassorichalandthatitwasthegranaryofotherneighboringcitiesandcountries.Ithadnotonlyplentyforitself—butbountyforothers.Yetnow,whenGodshallturnaparadiseintoawilderness,HabakkukwillrejoiceintheGodofhissalvation,Deut.8:7-9,and32:13-14;Gen.26:12;1Kings5:11;Acts12:20.But,

[2.]Secondly,WhentheangerandwrathofGodshallcauseadearthinthose fruits which naturally are most yielding and pleasant—yet thenHabakkukwould rejoice in theGodof his salvation.The fig-tree, of all

trees,ismostfruitful,bringingforthofitsownaccord,withtheleastcareandculture,fructifyinginthemostbarrenandstonyplaces,bearingtwicea year, soonest ripening, and rarely failing. Just so, the vine, that is afruitfulplant,ismadetheemblemofplentyandfruitfulness.Nowwhenthere shall be a dearth upon these pleasant fruits—yet thenHabakkukwill"rejoiceintheGodofhissalvation."But,

[3.] Thirdly, Another print of divine displeasure in the scarcitythreatened is, that it is a national famine, a general famine, anoverspreading famine. Usually, if one part of the land suffers scarcity,otherpartsaboundwithplenty;butwhenGodcallsforafamine,heturnsawholelandintoadesert,intoabarrenwilderness."Bashanlanguishes,and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languishes," Psalm 107:33-34;Nah. 1:4. Thesewere the richest soil of all the country—yet thesewereparched up and fruitless by God's displeasure. And yet for all thisHabakkuk"willrejoiceintheGodofhissalvation."But,

[4.]Fourthly,Anotherprintofdivinedispleasure is this, thattheLordmakesitauniversalscarcityuponallkindoffoodsandsupportsof life.Here is the"staffofbread"broken,and"theherdsand flocks fail,"andtherefreshingofthewine-press,"theseedandthevine,andthefig-treeand theolive-tree,"allbecome fruitless.Suchadesolation ismore thanordinary.Usually,whenonecommodityfails,anotherabounds.Ifcornbecostly,cattlewillbecheap.Thatweatherwhichofttimeshindersonekindof grain, helps another; but here God blasts all the helps of nature.ThereforeGodcompareshisjudgmentstoafirewhichburnsallbeforeit:Joel 2:3, "The land is as the garden of Eden before it, and behind it adesolatewilderness," and this theLordpoints at as awonder: Joel 1:2,"Hearthis,youoldmen"—whocantalkofmanyyears—"hasthisbeeninyour days, or even in the days of your fathers? thatwhich the palmer-wormhasleft,hasthecaterpillarseaten."WhenGodbeginsinawayofjudgment,hemakesanend,hemakesthedecaysofnatureexcessiveandviolent;andyetHabakkukwill"rejoiceintheGodofhissalvation."

Inhisresolutionyouhavethefirstparticle,"although,"verse17.Nowthisparticleisanactofforecast;thesemiseriesmaybefallus;andinthe18thverseyouhavetheparticle"yet,"andthatisanactofpreparationagainstthese miseries. That particle "although" forecasts the misery, and that

particle"yet"foreseestheremedy.Heforeseessorrowsinthefirst,andheprovidesagainsttheminthesecond,"YetIwillrejoiceintheGodofmysalvation."

Justso,Paulcomeswithabenedictioninhismouth—andsurelyitwasinhisheartbeforeitwasinhismouth:"PraisebetotheGodandFatherofour Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of allcomfort,whocomfortsusinallourtroubles,sothatwecancomfortthoseinanytroublewiththecomfortweourselveshavereceivedfromGod.Forjust as the sufferings ofChrist flowover into our lives, so also throughChrist our comfort overflows." 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. The apostle beginsherewithpraiseandthanksgiving,accordingtohisaccustomedmannerin all his epistles; but contrary to his custom does he apply thisthanksgivingwhollytohimself."Thereasonwas,"saysBeza,"becausetheCorinthiansbegantodespisehimforhisafflictions—itbeingthecommoncourse of theworld to despise the people of Godwhen they are undersufferings;"thereforeheansweredconfidentlyforhimself,thatthoughhehadbeenmuchafflicted—yethehadbeenmuchcomforted;andrejoicedthemore inhiscomforts,becauseGodhadcomfortedhimfor thatverycause,thathemightbeableandwillingtocomfortothers.

GodistheGodofallsortsanddegreesofcomfort.Hehasallcomfortsathisdisposal.Thisphrase,"TheGodofallcomforts,"intimatestous;

(1.)Thatnocomfortcanbefoundanywhereelse;Godhasthesolegiftofcomfort.

(2.)Notonlysome—butallcomfort;noimaginablecomfortislackinginhim,nortobe foundoutsideofhim.Look!as theair lightsnotwithoutthe sun, and as fuel heats not without fire, so neither can anythingsoundlycomfortuswithoutGod.

(3.) All degrees of comfort are to be found in him, in our greatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers.Thelowertheebb—thehigher the tide; thedeeper thedistress—thegreater the comforts.Thoughtheapostlewasgreatlyafflicted—yethiscomfortsdidexceedhisafflictions: 2 Cor. 7:6, "God, who comforts the downcast." When theCorinthianswereinaverylowcondition,whentheywereevenspentwith

griefandswallowedupinsorrows,whentheyweredestituteofallreliefandcomfort,thentheGodofallcomfortsdidcomfortthem.Thecomfortof God is his most sweet attribute; it is a breast which we should bealways sucking at.No tribulations, no persecutions, no grievances, noprisondoors,nobolts,nobars,cankeepouttheconsolationsofGodfromflowinginuponhispeople.Godlovestocomforthispeoplewhenalltheiroutward comforts fail them. God's comforts are not only sweet—butseasonable;henevercomestoosoon,noreverstaystoolong.

"If onedrop of the joy of theHoly Spirit should fall into hell, itwouldswallow up all the torments of hell," says Austin. "The joy of theHolySpirit"will certainly swallow up all the troubles and sufferings thatwemeet with in a way of righteousness. None have been more divinelycheerful and merry than the saints have been under their greatestsufferings, 1 Pet. 4:12-14. John Noyes took up a faggot at the fire andkissedit,saying,"BlessedbethetimethateverIwasborntocometothispreferment."When they fastenedAliceDriver to the stake to be burnt,"Neverdidanynecklace,"saidshe,withacheerfulcountenance,"suitmesowell as this chain."Mr. Bradford took off his cap and thanked Godwhenhewasbroughtwordthathewastobeburntonthemorrow.Mr.Taylorbegantodancewhenhehadcomeneartheplacewherehewastosuffer.Thusyousee that it isnot thegreatest troubles,nor thedeepestdistresses, nor themost deadly dangers, that can hinder the joy of theLordfromoverflowingthesoul.But,

[11.]Eleventhly,""IfGodisforus—whocanbeagainstus?Ianswer,None—soas todepriveusofourgraces,whichnext toChristareourchoicestjewels.1John3:9,"NoonewhoisbornofGodwillcontinue to sin." That is, he does not give himself over to a voluntaryservingofsin;hedoesnotmakeatradeofsin;hesinsnottotally,finally,maliciously, habitually, studiously, resolutely, willfully, delightfully,deadly."Hedoesnotmakeithisworktosin,"hecannotfollowhislusts,asaworkmanfollowshistrade,"becauseGod'sseedremainsinhim;hecannot goon sinning,becausehehasbeenbornofGod." "God's seed,"the seed of grace, is an abiding seed. Grace in itself is certain andunchangeable, though the feeling of grace, is uncertain. Grace has anabidingexcellencyinit;gracehaseternitystampeduponit.Itisdurable

riches.Otherriches"makethemselveswings,andflyfromus,"Proverbs8:18,and27:24;butgracewillkeepuscompanyuntilwegettoheaven.Our last step in holiness,will be into happiness.Grace is a blossomofeternity.

Grace is an anointingwhich abides, 1 John 2:27; John 4:14, and 7:38.Thatis,theprincipleofgraceinfusedintoyou,whichwastypifiedbytheunctionsoranointingsintheceremoniallaw,whichwassignifiedbythepreciousointmentpouredupontheheadofAaron,thatrandowntotheskirts of his garments—this principle will prove durable and lasting.Grace is "awell ofwater, springing up into everlasting life."Grace is ariverof livingwater.Now this river canneverbedriedup,because theSpiritofGodistheconstantspringthatfeedsitandmaintainsit.Graceisnotastreamorapondwhichmayrundry—butawell,yes,aspringingwellofinexhaustiblefullness,sweetness,virtue,andrefreshment.

GracewillstillbespringingupandflowingoutinallthedeportmentsofaChristian. Grace will be flowing out in all a Christian's duties andservices, in his outward calling and employments, in his trials andsufferings.GracewillbreakoutataChristian'seyes,ears,tongue,hands,feet.Where grace is a well of water, a river of living water, there thatChristianwillseeforChrist,andhearforChrist,andtalkforChrist,anddoforChrist,andwalkwithChrist.Graceisawell,ariver,whichwillbespringinguptoeverlastinglife.

Graceand glory differ in degree, not in kind. Grace differs very littlefrom glory. The one is the seed, the other the flower. Grace is glorymilitant,andgloryisgracetriumphant.Graceisabeginningofglory.ItmaybecomparedtothegoldenchaininHomer,whosetopwasfastenedto the chair of Jupiter.Grace and glory are individual, yet inseparable.Thepsalmist joins them together, "TheLordwill give grace and glory,"Psalm84:11.Graceisalivingspringwhichneverfails,aseedwhichneverdies,ajewelwhichneverconsumes,asunwhichneversets.Allothergiftsofwhateverkind,worth,orexcellency,arebutlikeacloudsoondispelled,avesselofclaysoonbroken,asandyfoundationsoonsunk.Graceismoreexcellent than gold. Gold draws the heart from God, grace draws thehearttoGod;golddoesbutenrichthemortalpart,theignoblepart—butgraceenrichestheangelicalpart,thenoblepart;goldperishes—butgrace

perseveres, 1 Peter 1:7. If grace were not permanent, it could not beexcellent; ifgracewerenotdurable, itcouldnotbepleasurable; ifgracewerenotlasting,yeseverlasting,itcouldnotbeaChristian'scomfortinlife, his support in death, and his glorious crown in the great day ofaccount.Graceinitselfispermanent,incorruptible;itneverfadesaway;itisabirthwhichshallneverdie;itisaplantofrenownwhichshallneverwither—but grow up more and more until grace is turned into glory.Uponwhichaccount,JeromewouldratherhavePaul'spoorcoatwithhisheavenly graces—than the purple of kings with their kingdoms. Notroubles,nodistresses,nodangerscandepriveusofourgraces,canrobusofourspiritualtreasure.But,

[12.]Twelfthly,"IfGodis forus—whocanbeagainstus?"Ianswer,None,soastodepriveusofourinwardpeace,rest,andquiet.Thoughitthunders,andlightenings,andrains,andblowsabroad—yetamanmaybeatpeaceandrestandquietathome.Amanmayhavemuchtroubleintheworld—andyetrestandquietinhisownspirit:John14:27,"PeaceIleavewithyou,mypeaceIgiveuntoyou,notastheworldgivesgiveIuntoyou,""letnotyourheartbetroubled,neitherletitbeafraid."Nomennordevils,notroublesnordistresses,candepriveaChristianofthat inwardandblessedpeacewhichChrist has purchased andpaid sodearfor.PeacewithGod,andpeaceofconscience,arerarejewels,whichnonecanstripusof.

Theworldmaywishyoupeace—but it isonlyChrist,who cangiveyoupeace, Romans 5:1, and 2 Cor. 1:12. The world's peace is commonly adearly-bought peace; but Christ's peace is a cheap peace, a free peace."MypeaceIgiveuntoyou."Theworld'speaceiscommonlyasinfulpeace—butChrist'speaceisaholypeace.Theworld'speaceisacursedpeace—butChrist'speaceisablessedpeace.Theworld'speaceisbutanearthlypeace—butChrist'speaceisaheavenlypeace,Romans14:17;Heb.12:14,andPsalm29:11.ThekingdomofGodconsistsnotinfoodordrink—but"in righteousness, and peace, and joy of the Holy Spirit." The world'speaceisbutanimaginarypeace—butChrist'speaceisarealpeace.Theworld'speaceisbutasuperficialpeace—butChrist'speaceisasolidandsubstantial peace. The world's peace is but a transient peace—butChrist's peace is a permanent peace. The world's peace is but a

temporarypeace—but Christ's peace is an eternalpeace. It is a peacewhichalltheworldcan'tgivetoaChristian,anditisapeacewhichalltheworld can't take from aChristian, 1 Thes. 5:3; 1 Pet. 3:11; James 3:21;Isaiah9:6-7;Psalm37;Isaiah26:3,and27:5.

Whenthetyrantthreatenedoneoftheancientsthathewould"takeawayhis house," he answered, "But you cannot take awaymy peace." "Iwillbreak up your school;" "But I shall I keep whole my peace." "I willconfiscateallyourgoods;""Butyoucannottakeawaymypeace.""Iwillbanishyouyourcountry.""YetIshallcarrymypeacewithme."

Allaboveabelieverisatpeace;thecontroversybetweenGodandhimisended.ChristtakesupthequarrelbetweenGodandabeliever."WehavepeacewithGod,"Romans5:1.

Allwithina believer is at peace. A peaceable God makes all at peace.Whenourpeaceismadeinthecourtofheaven,whichisuponthefirstactofbelieving,thenfollowspeaceinthecourtofconscience,"peacewhichpassesallunderstanding,"Phil.4:7.

Andallbelowabeliever isatpeacewithhim.Hehaspeacewithall thecreatures.Whenweare friendswithGod, thenall thecreaturesareourfriends."Thestonesofthefieldshallbeatleaguewithyou,thebeastsofthefieldshallbeatpeacewithyou,"etc.,Job5:23.

ThepeacewhichChristgives is the inheritanceofsaintsonly. Itwasallthe legacywhichthePrinceofpeace left tohissubjects,and this legacynonecantakefromthem.Persecutorsmaytakeawaymygoods—buttheycannot take away my peace; they may take away my estate—but theycannot take awaymy peace; theymay take awaymy liberty—but theycannottakeawaymypeace;theymaytakeawaymygoodname—buttheycannot take away my peace; they may take away my family—but theycannottakeawaymypeace;theymaytakeawaymylife—buttheycannottakeawaymypeace.

IgrantthatthebestChristianshavenoperfectionofpeace,becausetheyhavenoperfectionofgrace.Iftherewereaperfectionofgrace,thentheremightbeaperfectionofpeace;buttheperfectionofbothisreservedfor

the eternal world; and it must be granted that though sometimes abelievermaylackthesenseofpeace,thesweetofpeace—yetthegroundsof his peace are still fixed, certain, and constant; they are "likemountZion,whichcannotbemoved."

Now the grounds of a Christian's peace are these—namely, a savinginterestinChrist,reconciliationwithGod,justification,remissionofsin,adoption,thecovenantofgraceandpeace,etc.Nowthesearealwayssureandeverlasting,thoughthesenseofpeacemayebbandflow,riseandfall,in a believer's bosom, especially when he is a-combating with strongcorruptions, or high temptations, or under sad desertions, or whenunbelief has got the throne, or when their hearts are quarrelsome—forcommonlyaquarrelsomeheartisatroublesomeheart,orwhentheyhaveblottedtheirevidencesforheaven,orwhentheyarefallenfromtheirfirstlove, or when they have contracted eminent guilt upon their souls, orwhentheyaredeclinedintheircommunionwithGod,etc.

Nowinthesecases,thoughabelievermaylosethesenseofpeace—yetthegroundsofhispeaceremainfirmandsure.Andthoughhemaylosethesenseofhispeace—yetinallthesesadanddarkconditions,hissoulisdayandnightinthepursuitofpeace,andhewillneverleavethechaseuntilhehasrecoveredhispeace,knowingthatGodwillsoonerorlaterspeakpeacetohissoul.Yes,thoughhehaslostthesenseofpeace—yethehasthatabidingseedofgraceinhissoul,whichwillintimerecoverhispeace,Psalm85:8.

Doyourenemies threaten to takeaway thisor that fromyou?Youmaybid them do their worst, for they can never take that peace from you,whichChristhasgivenasalegacytoyou,1John3:9.Whenthereareeversogreatstormswithinorwithout—yetthenabelievermayfindpeaceinthe prince of peace, Isaiah 9:6. When his imperfections are many, aperfect Savior can keep him in perfect peace in themidst of them all,Isaiah 26:3-4. Though his sacrifices are imperfect—yet Christ a perfectpriestcanspeakpeacetohissoul,Heb.7.

Peaceisthatnever-fadinggarlandwhichChristwillsosetandsettleupontheheadsoftheupright,thatnoneshallbeabletotakeitoff.AChristiancanneverlosehisinwardpeace—eithertotallyorfinally.Itistruebysin,

Satan,andtheworld—aChristian'speacemaybesomewhat interrupted—butitcanneverbefinallylost.Thegreateststormsinthisworldwhichbeatuponabelieverwillintimeblowover,andtheSunofrighteousness,theprinceofpeace,willshineasgloriouslyuponhimasever.

UnderthiswordShalom,theJewscomprehendallpeace,prosperity,andhappysuccess.Whentheworstofmenhavedonetheirworstagainstthepeople of God—yet the outcome shall be peace, prosperity, and happysuccess. "Mypeace I giveunto you;" that is, that "peacewithGod, andpeace with conscience, which I have purchased with my blood—I giveuntoyou."Andwhatpowerorpolicyisthere,whichcandepriveusofthislegacy? surely none! The peacewhich Christ gives is founded upon hisblood, upon his righteousness, upon his atoning sacrifice, upon hisintercession,anduponacovenantofpeace—andthereforeitmustneedsbealastingpeace,anabidingpeace.But,

[13.] Thirteenthly, "If God is for us—who can be against us?" Ianswer—None,soastohinderusfrombeinghidden,secured,guarded, and protected by God in an evil day, or in a day ofgreatesttrouble,distress,ordanger."NowNebuchadnezzarkingofBabylon had given these orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradancommander of the imperial guard—Takehim and look after him; don'tharmhimbutdoforhimwhateverheasks."Jeremiah39:11-12.Hereyoushallseetheadmirablepower,wisdom,andgoodnessofGod,inincliningthe heart of this great monarch and conqueror to provide for theprophet's safetyandsecurity.Hewhowasadreadful scourge topunishthewicked—ismadebyGodthedelivererandpreserveroftheprophet.Inthe12thverseyouhavetheking'sroyalcommissiontothecaptainofhisguardtobeaskindtohim,astenderofhim,andtobehaveascourteouslyto him even as the prophet himself should desire: "Take him and lookafterhim;don'tharmhimbutdoforhimwhateverheasks."Lethimhaveall the contentment, all the satisfaction, and all the accommodationswhichhehimselfshallrequire.

Jer.15:11,"TheLordsaid—Allwillbewellwithyou,Jeremiah."Aspeechinthenatureofanoath,asifGodhadsaid,"LetmenotbedeemedaGodofmyword,letmenotbeaccountedtrue,letnonereckonmefaithfulinmy promise—if I don't turn his sufferings into his advantage, and save

himfromdanger in themidstofdanger." If in the timeof theenemies'invasion, Ibenot"awallof fireabouthim,"Zech.2:5, if in the timeofpubliccalamityIdon'tsecurehim—nevermoretrustmeforaGod.Ifhedoesn'tfindmorefavoratthehandofhisenemiesthanhehasformerlyfoundamonghisownpeople,nevermoreownmeforaGod.Verse20,"Iamwith you to save you, and to deliver you—says the Lord;" verse 21."AndIwilldeliveryououtofthehandofthewicked,andIwillredeemyououtofthehandoftheterrible,"Jer.40:1-5,26:23-24,and45:4.Godengages himself to protect him against all themight andmalice of hismostterribleenemies;andthoughheshouldfallintotheirhands—yethewoulddeliverhimoutoftheirhands.

Psalm33:3,"Theyhaveconsultedagainstyourhiddenones."Thesaintsare:

(1.)hiddeninGod'sdecree,

(2.)hiddeninChrist'swounds,

(3.)hiddeninthechambersofdivineprovidence,

(4.)hiddenincommondangers,asNoahwashid inhisark,andasLotwashidinZoar,andasDanielwashidinthelions'den,andasthethreeHebrew children were hidden in the fiery furnace, and as Jonah washiddeninthewhale'sbelly,Isaiah26:20;

(5.)hidden"withChristinGod,"Col.3:3.

In times of greatest trouble the saints are hidden under the hollow ofGod'shand,undertheshadowofGod'swing,Psalm91:1,4.Psalm27:5,"For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion." A littlepavilion or cottage where God is—shall be sufficient to safeguard thesaintsinthedayofadversity."Heshallhidemeinhishut,asashepherddoeshissheepinastormyday."Inthesecretofhistabernacle,shallhehideme.IshallbeassafeasifIwereshutupinhisholyark,tabernacle,ortemple—wheretheyusetofleeforsheltertothehornsofthealtar,yes,asifamanwerehiddeninthemostholyplace,wherenonemightenterbut only the high-priest once a year, which is therefore called "God's

secretplace."Ashepherdcouldnotbemorecarefultoshelterhissheepina tent or tabernacle from the heat of the sun, nor could a king not bemore ready to protect a favorite in his pavilion, whence none daredventuretotakehim-thanGodwouldbecarefulandreadytoshroudandshelterhispeople fromtherage,madness,andmaliceof theirenemies,Ezek.7:22.

HowdidGodhidehischurchinEgypt?thebushwasstillburning—andyetwasnotconsumed,Exod.3:2-3.AndhowdidhehideseventhousandinElijah's time,whohadnotbowed theirknees toBaal? 1Kings 19:18.Though"thewoman,"thechurch,"isdriventofleeintothewilderness—yettheresheishidden,andthereshehadaplacepreparedofGod,thatthey give her care for 1,260 days," Rev. 12:6. Let our enemies do theirworst,theyshallnothinderusofdivineprotection.Nopowernorpolicycan hinder our being preserved and secured by God in the greatesttroubles,deepestdistresses, andmostdeadlydangerswhich canattendus.But,

[14.] Fourteenthly, "If God is for us—who can be against us?" Ianswer—None,soastodepriveusofourunionwithChrist,astodissolvethatblessedunionwhichisbetweenChristandoursouls, John 15:1-5. When men and devils have done their worst, ourmarriage-unionwithChristholdsgood.Thisunion is indissoluble.ThisunionbetweenChristandbelieversisnotcapableofanyseparation.Theyare so one, that all the violence of the world, nor all the power ofdarkness,canneverbeabletomakethemtwoagain.Hencetheapostle'striumphant challenge, "Who shall separateus from the love ofChrist?"Romans8:35.Ifthequestiondidnotimplyastrongnegation,theapostlehimselfdoesgiveusanegationinwordsatlength,"ForIamconvincedthatneitherdeathnorlife,neitherangelsnordemons,neitherthepresentnor the future, nor anypowers, neitherheightnor depth, nor anythingelseinallcreation,willbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGodthatisinChristJesusourLord."verse38-39.

Hereyouhavealongcatalogue,consistingofalargeinductionofvariousparticulars;butnoneofall these candissolve theunionbetweenChristand believers. None can untie that knot which is tied by the Spirit onChrist's part, and by faith on ours. Christ and believers are so firmly

joinedtogether,thatallthepowersonearth,andalltheunitedstrengthofhell—shallneverbeabletoputthemasunder,ortoseparatethemonefromanother!Look!asnodistanceofplacecanhinderthisunion,sonoforce or violence from devils ormen shall ever be able to dissolve thisunion;andhereinliesthepeculiartranscendentblessednessofthisunionabove all other unions. They all may cease, be broken, and come tonothing;everyoneofthemmustbebroken.Theheadmustbeseparatedfromthemembers,andthemembers fromthehead; thehusbandmustbeseparatedfromthewife,andthewife fromthehusband;theparentsmustbeseparatedfromthechildren,andthechildrenfromtheparents,andbosomfriendsmustbeseparatedonefromanother.Thefoundationand thehousemaybeseparated,and thebranchesmaybecutoff fromthe vine—yes, the soul and body must be disunited by death—but themysticalunionstands fast forever.Christandagracioussoulcanneverbeseparated;Godhasjoinedthemtogether,andnomortalshalleverbeabletoputthemasunder,Mat.19:6.

ThereisnotonlyacontinuationofourunionwithChristallourlife—butalsoindeathitself.Ourverybodiessleepinginthedustareeventheninunion with Christ. There are two abiding things in the saints, theirunctionandtheirunion.Theirunctionabides,"Buttheanointingwhichyou have received of him abides in you," 1 John 2:27; and their unionabides,foritfollows,"andyoushallabideinhim."Christearnestlypraysthatwemightbeone,asheandhisFatherareone,John17:20-23;notessentially, nor personally—but spiritually, so as no other creature isunited to Christ. There can be no divorce between Christ and thebelieving soul. Christ hates divorce, Mal. 2:16. Sin may for a timeseemingly separate between Christ and the believer—but it can neverfinallyseparatebetweenChristandthebeliever.Look!asitisimpossiblefortheleaventhatisinthedoughtobeseparatedfromthedoughafteritis oncemixed, for it turns the nature of the dough into itself; so it isimpossibleforthesaintsevertobeseparatedfromChrist:forChristisinthesaintsasnearlyandasreallyastheleavenisinthedough.Christandbelievers are so incorporated, as if Christ and they were one lump,Romans8:10;Col.1:27;1John3:21;John17:23.

OurnatureisnowjoinedtoGodbytheindissolubletieofthehypostatic

unioninthesecondperson;andweinourpersonsarejoinedtoGodbythemysticalindissolublebondoftheSpirit,thethirdperson.OurunionwiththeLordJesusissonear,soclose,andsoglorious—thatitmakesusonespiritwithhim.Inthisblessedunionthesaintsarenotonlyjoinedtothe graces and benefitswhich flow from Christ—but to the person ofChrist,toChristhimself!1Cor.6:17.Allthepowersonearth,andallthepowers in hell, can never separate Christ from the believer, nor thebeliever from Christ. When all other unions are dissolved, this unionholdsgood,John1:16;Romans8:32;1Cor.3:21-23.

Ireadilygrantthatthesenseandapprehensionofthisunionmayinthislife be much interrupted, and many times greatly darkened—but thesubstanceof theunionstill remains.AndI readilygrant thatabelievermaybemuchassaultedand tempted todoubtofhisunionwithChrist,and toquestionhisunionwithChrist—andyetneverthelessabeliever'sunionwithChristcontinuesandabidesforever.AndIreadilygrantthatthe influencesof it forsometimemaybesuspended—butyet theunionitselfisnot—nay,cannotbedissolved!Asitwasinthehypostaticunionofthe two natures of Christ; for a time there was a suspending of thecomfortinginfluencesofthedivinenature inthehuman, insomuchthatourSaviorcriedout,"MyGod,myGod,whyhaveyouforsakenme?"Mat.27:46;yet forall this theunionbetweenthe twonatureswasnot in theleast abolished. Just so, here in themystical union the sensible effects,comforts,andbenefitsofourunionwithChristmaysometimesbekepthiddenandnot appear—but yet theunion itself abides, and shall abidefirmandinviolableforever;itisaninseparableandinsuperableunion.

Look!asnopoweronearthissufficienttooverpowertheSpiritofChrist,which onChrist's partmakes the union, sonopower on earth shall beable to conquer faith, which on our part also makes the union, John10:27-31;1John4:4;1Pet.1:5;Luke22:31-32.Satanandtheworldmaymakeattemptsuponthisunion—buttheywillneverbeabletobreakthisunion,todissolvethisunion;yes,thoughdeathisthebaneofallnaturalunions—yetdeathcanneverbethebaneof thismysticalunion.Thoughdeathputsanendtoallotherunions—yetdeathcanneverputaperiodtothisunion.Whenthebelieverisinhisgrave,hisunionwithChristholdsgood.But,

[15.]Fifteenthly,"IfGodisforus—whocanbeagainstus?"Ianswer—None,soastodepriveusofourcrowns.There isnopowernorpolicy on earth or in hell, which can deprive a Christian of his eternalcrowns.

First,OfhiscrownofRIGHTEOUSNESS.2Tim.4:8,"Nowthereisinstoreformethecrownofrighteousness,whichtheLord,therighteousJudge,willawardtomeonthatday—andnotonlytome,butalsotoallwho have longed for his appearing." It is a metaphor, say severalcommentators, from the custom in war, that the conquerors werecrowned with honor, etc. It is a similitude taken from fighters orcombatants,whoforaprizereceivedacrownwhentheyhadconqueredtheir opponent. The reward of eternal life here is called "a crown ofrighteousness":

(1.) Because it is purchased for us by the righteousness ofChrist.Byhisperfectandcomplete righteousnessandobedience,dearJesushasmeritedthisforus;andsoinChrist—itisduetousbywayofmerit; though in respect of us—it is of mere grace, of rich grace, ofsovereigngrace,ofinfinitegrace,ofgloriousgrace!

(2.) Because he is righteous, who has promised this crown.ThougheverypromisethatGodmakesisoffreeandrichgrace—yetwhenoncetheyaremade,thetruthandjusticeofGodobligeshimtokeephispromise; for as he cannot deny himself, so he cannot do anythingunworthy of himself, Rev. 2:10, and 21; 1 John 2:25; 2 Thes. 1:5-7, 10.Men say and unsay, they promise one thing and mean another. Menmanytimeseattheirwordsassoonastheyhavespokenthem;butGodnevercan,andGodneverwillbreakanyofhispromises.Godcanneverrepentofhispromises;hecanneverwaver,hecannevergobackfromhisword:Godisnotaman,thatheshouldlie;neitherthesonofman,thatheshouldrepent:"hashesaid,andshallhenotdoit?orhashespoken,andshallhenotmakeitgood?"Num.23:19.

All the promises of God are sure, firm, faithful, unchangeable,immutable.All thepromisesarethewordofaGod,andgivenuponthehonor of a God, that they shall be made good. O my friends, the all-sufficiencyofGod,theomniscienceofGod,theomnipotenceofGod,the

loving-kindnessand faithfulnessofGod,yes,andtheoathofGod—mayfully,yes, abundantly, satisfy us, and secureus—thatGodwill certainlymakegoodallhispreciouspromises tous.Wecommonly say,whenanhonestmanpledgeshiswordtogiveussomemoney,"Oh,itisassureasif itwere inourpurse!"ButGod'swordofpromise isabundantlymoresure,forashisnatureiseternal,sohiswordofpromiseisunchangeable.The promises are a firm foundation to build our hopes and happinessupon; theyareananchorbothsureand steadfast,Hab.2:3;Jer.32:41;Psalm89:34.Memorable is thatsayingofDavid,Psalm138:2,"Foryouhave magnified your word above all your name;" which is to beunderstood—that you have by your word, that is, by performing yourwordandpromises,magnifiedyournameaboveallthings.

(3.)BecauseitisajustandrighteousthingwithGodtocrownthemwithgloryat last—whohavebeencrownedwith shame,reproach,anddishonorforhisnameandinterestinthisworld;so that eternal life is a crownof righteousness.Godhas promised it tosuch as overcome; and it is just with God to give unto his sufferingservantsrestandpeace.

(4.)Becauseit isgivenonlytorighteousmen.Allwhowear thiscrowncometoitinawayofrighteousness.Arighteouscrowncannotbehad but in the use of righteousmeans. The Chaldean, the Persian, theGrecian,andtheRomanprincescommonlygainedtheircrownsbyfraud,flattery,policy,blood,etc.;sothattheircrownswerebloodycrowns,andnotrighteouscrowns.

(5.)Andlastly, theapostlecalls it"acrownofrighteousness,whichtheLord, the righteous Judge, shall give him," themore fitly to follow themetaphor taken from runners and wrestlers for prizes at their solemnexercises or games in Greece, in which there were certain judgesappointed to observe the games, and gave just sentence on theconqueror'sside,ifhestrovelawfully,andfairlywontheprize.

Nowthiscrown is "laidup;"or "instore".TheGreekwordimportstwothings:

(1.)Adesignationofthatwhichislaidup,isforsomepeculiarperson;

(2.)Areservationandsafekeepingofit,totheuseofthoseitisdesignedfor.Earthlycrownshavebeenoftenpulledoff fromprinces'heads—butthis crownof righteousness is so safely laid up, that none can reach it,nonecantouchit,nonecanpullitfromabeliever'shead.Xerxescrownedhis steersman in themorning, andbeheadedhim in the eveningof thesameday.AndAndronicustheGreekemperorcrownedhisadmiralinthemorning, and then took off his head in the afternoon. Roffensis had acardinal'shatsenthim—buthisheadwascutoffbefore itcametohim."Doesthecrown,"saysSolomon,"enduretoeverygeneration?"Proverbs27:24. It isaquestionwhich impliesa strongnegation:oh,no! there isnothing more uncertain than earthly crowns. Henry the Sixth washonoredwiththecrownsoftwokingdoms,FranceandEngland;thefirstwaslostbythefactionofhisnobles,theotherwastwicepulledfromhishead.Princes'crownsarewitheringthings.Earthlycrownsmaybesoonputon,andassoonbepulledoff.Mostprinces'crownsdobuthangononesideoftheirheads.

But neither all the powers on earth, nor all the devils in hell, can everreachthiscrownofrighteousness.Thoughwickedmenhavelongreaches—yettheycanneverreachabeliever'scrown,whichishisjoyandcomfortinthemidstofallhissorrowsandsufferings.ThusBasilspeaksofsomemartyrswhowerecastoutallnightnakedinabittercoldfrostyseason,andwere tobeburned thenextday,how theycomforted themselves inthismanner:"Thewinterissharp—butparadiseissweet;hereweshiverforcold—butthebosomofAbrahamwillmakeamendsforall."Onesaidtothetyrant'sface:"Youmaykillme—butyoucannothurtme;youmaytakeawaymyhead—butyoucannottakeawaymycrown."OChristians!letthisbeyourjoyandtriumph—thatthecrownofrighteousnessislaidupsafeforyou;notyrant'sarmislongenoughtoreachthatcrown.But,

Secondly,There isnopowernorpolicyonearthor inhell,which candeprive aChristian of hiscrownofLIFE: James 1:12, "Blessed is themanwho endures temptation, forwhen he is tried he shall receive thecrownoflife,whichtheLordhaspromisedtothosewholovehim.""Thecrownoflife,"thatiseternallife,wherebyafterthefightandconquest,heshallbeglorifiedaswithacrown;justastherewasacrownforhimwhoovercame in theirgamesamong theGrecians, (Piscator.)Blessedness is

thegeneralreward, the crownof life is theparticularreward. In thesewords,asChrysostomobserves,thereisagreatemphasis, theyarebothemphatic;forlifeisthebestofallnaturalthings,andacrownisthebestof all civil things.Here is thebest and thebest.Wordsare tooweak toexpresswhatarareblessingacrownoflifeis."Thecrownoflifeisfortheeternalworld,"saysGregory.Thislifeisthelifeofconflict;eternityisforcrowns and wreaths. But you will say, What does this crown of lifesignify?Ianswer,

(1.)First,Thecrownoflifesignifiessolidandsubstantialhonorandglory;asacrownisasolidandsubstantialthing.Heavenadmitsofnohonorandglory,butwhatissolidandsubstantial.Thecrownoflifeisamassivecrown,aponderouscrown—toshowthat thegloryabove isamassive glory, substantial glory. That you may see it is massive andsubstantial, observe how the apostle describes: "For our light andmomentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that faroutweighsthemall!"2Cor.4:17.Suchaweightas infinitely over-poisesallafflictions.Theapostlealludestowords,whichsignifybothweightandglory.TheArabicversionrendersit,"Worksforusaweightofgloryinthemosteminentandlargestdegreeandmeasure."TheSyriacreadsit,"Aninfiniteglory."Haymoreadsit,"Agreatnessofglory,beyondallboundsandmeasure."Beza reads it, "Exceedingly excellent."Yetnone of thesereachtheheightoftheapostle'srhetoric,neitherisanytranslationabletoexpressit.Gloryissogreataweightthatifthesaintswerenotupheldbythe infinite power and strength of God—it would be impossible theyshouldbeabletobearit.

To gold andprecious things, theweight adds to the value; as themoremassiveandweightyacrownis,themoreitisworth.Thegloryofheavenis not only eternal glory—but it is "an eternal glory that far outweighsthemall."Yes,suchaweightasexceedsallexpressions,allcomparisons.The honor and glory of this present world is but like the crackling ofthornsunderapot;itisbutlikeablaze,ashadow,adream,avapor;itisbut like a fading flower, or the picture of a prince drawnupon the ice,withhispurple robesandhisgloriouscrown,etc.,whichmelts awayassoonasthesunrises!Theconsiderationofwhichmadeoneprincesayofhiscrown:"Ocrownmorenoblethanhappy!"

Acrownisthechoicestandchiefofallhumanrewards.Amongallearthlygifts,nonemorehonorableandgloriousthanacrown.Thisistheheightofhumanexcellencies,andfortheattainmentofwhichmanyhavemademost sad, desperate, and dangerous adventures. But, alas what are allearthlycrowns,forhonoranddignity,comparedtothecrownoflife?Nomorethanshadowscomparedtosubstances;pebblescomparedtopearls;ordrosscomparedtogold!But,

(2.)Secondly,Thecrownoflifesignifiesthegreatesthonorandglory.Thereisnothinghigherintheestimationandintheadmirationofmen,thanacrown.Acrownisthehighestemblemofmajesty,andsoitnotesthatimperialandkinglydignitytowhichbelieversareadvancedbyChrist,Psalm8:7.Thereisnothingthatmenesteemofaboveacrown,oradmire than a crown, or are ambitious of than a crown, Eph. 1:3. Thecrownisthetopofroyalty.Allearthlycrownshavecrosseshanginguponthem;allearthlycrownsarestuffedwith thorns.Whichmade thegreatXerxessay,"Youlookuponmycrownandmypurplerobes—butdidyoubut knowhow they are linedwith thorns, youwould not stoop to takethemup!"QueenElizabethissaidtoswimtohercrownthroughaseaofsorrow. And so many of the princes of this world have swam to theircrownsthroughaseaofsin,aseaoftrouble,aseaofsorrow,andaseaofblood.

Butthecrownof life isanhonorablecrown,andthat is thereasonwhythe heavenly glory is expressed by a crown, Rev. 3:21. The saints areheirs,notonlyofChrist'scrossinthislife—butalsoofhiseternalcrown;thatis,ofhishonorandglory.Thehonorandgloryofallearthlycrownsare greatly darkened and obscured by the cares and troubles, thetemptationsanddangerswhichareinseparablyannexedtothem;butnocares,notroubles,attendthecrownoflife,thecrownofglory!Eternallifeisacoronationday!But,

(3.)Thirdly,Thecrownof lifesignifiestherewardofvictory.Acrownisthehonorofthosewhostrive;crownswerealwaystherewardsofconquerors:Rev.2:10,"Befaithful tothedeath,andIwillgiveyouacrownoflife."Thatis,acrownwithoutcares,rivals,competition,envy,orend—a crown not of gold, silver, pearls, laurels, or such like fading,perishing, corruptible things—but a crown of life, an ever-living crown,

aneverlastingcrown,anever-fadingcrown.ItisanallusiontoacustomthatwasamongtheGrecians,forsuchasgotthemasteryintheirgamesofwrestling,orrunning,orthelike,werecrownedwithagarlandintokenofvictory.Itisnothewhofights—buthewhoconquers,whocarriesthecrown.Thecrownoflifeisforthatman,andthatmanisforthecrownoflife—who holds on conquering and to conquer, as Christ his head hasdonebeforehim.

TheheathensintheirOlympicshadtheircups,andgarments,andcrownswhichwere therewardsof theconquerors;yes, ifahorsedidbut runaraceandwon,hehadacuporacrown;andthereuponTheocritussays,"See what poor things the world glories in—when conquerors arecrowned—so are their horses!" Butwhatwere all their cups, garments,andcrownsofivyandlaurel,etc.,comparedtothiscrownoflifewhichispromised to the overcoming Christian? You must first be conqueringChristiansbeforeyoushallbecrownedChristians!

Says Ambrose, "Whywould you preposterously have the crown,beforeyou overcome?While we are in our warring state, fighting against theworld,thefleshandthedevil—acrowndoesnotbefitus."IhavereadhowthatuponatriumphofEmperorSeverus,allhissoldiers,forthegreaterpomp,weretoputoncrownsofivy.ButtherewasoneChristianamongthemwhoworeitonhisarm,andbeingaskedthereasonwhy,heboldlyanswered,"ItbefitsnotaChristian towearhiscrown in this life!"Thatcrownwhich ismade out of the tree of life is awreath of laurel whichneverwithers—acrownwhichneverfades—acrownwhichwillsitfastonnoheadbuttheconqueror's!But,

(4.)Fourthly,Thecrownoflifesignifiesalastingcrown,alivingcrown.To say the crown of life, is to say a living crown; and livingcrownsareonly tobe found inheaven,Proverbs27:24;Ezek.21:25-27.Thewordcrownnotestheperpetuityofglory.Acrownisround,andhasneither beginning nor ending; and therefore the glory of the saints inheaven is called an immortal, incorruptible, and never-fading crown, 2Pet.1:4;1Cor.9:24.Thecrownoflifesignifiesthelastinghonorandgloryofthesaintsinheaven.Ihavereadofanemperorwhohadthreecrowns—one on his sword; another on his head; and says he, "The third is inheaven.Myhopeshallbeintheeverlastingcrown."

The life to come is only the true life, the happy life, the safe life, thehonorable life, the lasting, yes, the everlasting life; and therefore thecrown of life is reserved for that life. KingWilliam the Conqueror wascrowneddifferent three times every year of his reign, at three differentplaces—namely, Gloucester, Winchester, and Westminster—but deathhas long since put an end to his crown. The crowns of the greatestmonarchsintheworld,thoughtheylastlong—yetarecorruptible,subjectto wearing, cracking, stealing. Their crowns will either be taken awayfrom them—or they will be taken away from their crowns, suddenly.Witnessthatpileofcrowns,asthehistorianspeaks,whichwaspiledup,asitwere,atAlexander'sgates,whenhesatdownandweptbecausetherewere no more worlds to conquer. All scripture and histories doabundantly tell us, that there is nothing more fading than princes'crowns!But,

(5.)Fifthly,Thecrownoflifenotesawell-entitledcrown;acrownwhich comes by a true and noble title. A Christian has the best titleimaginabletothecrownoflife.

(1.)HehasatitlebyChrist'sblood;

(2.)Hehasatitlebythenewbirth;

(3.)Hehasatitlebyfreeandpreciouspromises;

(4.)Hehasatitlebydonation;

(5.)HehasatitlebymarriageunionandcommunionwithChrist,whoisheir-apparenttoallthegloryofheaven;

(6.)Hehasatitlebyasureandeverlastingcovenant.[Eph.1:7;1Pet.1:3-4;2Pet. 1:4;Luke12:32;2Cor. 11:2;Heb.1:2;2Sam.23:5Jer.32:40,41.]

KingHenrytheSeventhofEnglandpretendedasixfoldtitletothecrown;

(1.)Byconquest;

(2.)Bytheelectionofthesoldiersinthefield;

(3.)Byparliament;

(4.)Bybirth;

(5.)Bydonation;

(6.)Bymarriage.Butwhatwashispretendedtitle,comparedtothatrealandfulltitlewhichabelieverhastothecrownoflife?But,

(6.) Sixthly, and lastly,The crownof lifenotes theperfectionofthegloryofthesaintsinheaven."Youhavemadeknowntomethepath of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternalpleasuresatyourrighthand."Psalm16:11."Noeyehasseen,noearhasheard,nomindhasconceivedwhatGodhaspreparedforthosewholovehim!1Corinthians2:9.As thecrowncompasses thehead,so inheaventhere is an aggregation of all spiritual and eternal good. One of theancients, speaking concerning what we can conceive of the glory ofheaven, says, "Our conceptionofheaven, is but a little dropof the sea,andalittlesparkofthegreatfurnace.Forthosegloriousthingsofheavenare so many that they exceed number, so great that they exceedmeasure, so precious that they are above all estimation!" NeitherChristnorheavencanbehyperbolised!

Saysoneof the fathers,"Whatwill that lifebe,orrather,whatwill thatlife not be, since all good is in such a life? Light which place cannotcomprehend, voices and music which time cannot ravish away, odorswhichareneverdissipated,a feastwhich isneverconsumed,ablessingwhicheternitybestows—buteternityshallneverseeatanend!"

Saysanother,"Doyouaskmewhatheavenis?WhenImeetyouthereIwilltellyou!""Theworldtocome,"saytheRabbis,"istheworldwherealliswell." I have read of onewhowouldwillingly swim through a sea ofbrimstone to get to heaven; for there, and only there, is perfection ofhappiness.Whatare the silksofPersia, the spicesofEgypt, thegoldofOphir, and the treasures of both Indies, compared to the glory of theeternalworld?

SaysJerome,"Areyouabletoputthewholeearth,andallthewatersofthesea--intoalittlepot?Canyouholdtheoceansinyourhand?Canyoumeasure the heavens with your fingers--or weight the hills andmountains with a scale? Just so, it is not possible that you cancomprehendtheleastofthejoysofheaven!Certainly,theleastofthejoysofheavenareinconceivableandinexpressible!"

Thirdly,Thereisnopowernorpolicyonearthorinhell,thatcan deprive a believer of an INCORRUPTIBLE crown: Psalm21:3;1Cor.9:25,"Everyonewhocompetes inthegamesgoes intostricttraining.Theydoittogetacrownthatwillnotlast;butwedoittogetacrownthatwilllastforever."HealludestotheOlympicgames—ofwhichrunningandwrestlingwere two of the games. Now in these Olympicgames the reward was only a corruptible crown, a crown made up oflaurels,orolive-branches,oroak-leaves,orofflowersandherbs,oratthehighest of silver and gold, which soon faded. But we run for anincorruptiblecrownofglory!"Aman,"saysChrysostom,"woulddwellincontemplationofheaven—andbereluctanttocomeoutof it."Nay,saysAugustine, a man might age himself in it, and sooner grow old thanweary! 1 Peter 1:4, "To an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance, andwhich does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you." Here aresuperexcellentpropertiesoftheheavenlyinheritance.

(1.) First, It is "an incorruptible inheritance." [Gen. 3:18; Isaiah23:9.] All earthly inheritances are liable to corruption; they are truegardens of Adonis, where we can gather nothing but trivial flowers,surrounded with many briars, thorns, and thistles. Oh, the hands, thehearts, the thoughts, the lives—which have been corrupted by earthlyinheritances! Oh, the impure love, the carnal confidence, the vainboastings, the sensual joys—which have been the products of earthlyinheritances.Ifaman'sestateliesinmoney,thatmayrust,orthethievesmaybreakthroughandstealit.Ifaman'sestateliescattle,theymaydie,orfallintothehandsoftheSabeansandChaldeans.Ifaman'sestateliesinhouses, theymaybeburnt.Witness the latedreadful fire that turnedLondon into a ruinous heap. If a man's estate lies in lands, a foreignenemymayinvadethemandconquerthem.[James5:2-5;Mat.6:19-20;Job 1:14-15, 17.] All earthly inheritances are no better than the cities

which Solomon gave to Hiram, which he called Cabul, that is—'worthless, good-for-nothing, displeasing or dirty.' "But when HiramwentfromTyretoseethetownsthatSolomonhadgivenhim,hewasnotpleasedwiththem.'Whatkindoftownsaretheseyouhavegivenme,mybrother?'heasked.Andhecalled themtheLandofCabul,anametheyhavetothisday."1Kings9:12-13.Earthlyinheritancesdobutdirt,daub,and dust people; it is only the heavenly inheritance which isincorruptible.

(2.)Secondly,Itis"anundefiledinheritance."Therearefewearthlyinheritances—but some defilement or other sticks close to them.Manytimestheyaregottenbyfraud,oppression,violence,injustice,etc.,andastheyareoftenwickedlygotten—so they are as oftenwickedlykept. Theheavenlyinheritanceistheonlyundefiledinheritance.Nosin,nosinner,no devil—can enter to defile or pollute the heavenly inheritance, theincorruptible crown. The Greek word signifies a precious stone, whichthoughitbeeversomuchsoiled—yetitcannotbeblemishednordefiled;yes the oftener you cast it into the fire and take it out, themore clear,bright,andshining it is!Theapostlemayprobablyallude to this stone:and it is as if he should say, The incorruptible crown that you shallreceive, shall be studded with these precious stones, which cannot bedefiled.Nouncleanthingshallenterintoheaventodefilethiscrown,thisinheritance!Theserpentgotintotheearthlyparadise,anddefiledAdam'scrown,yesherobbedhimofhiscrown!Butthesubtleserpentcanneverenterintotheheavenlyparadise!"Nothingimpurewilleverenterit,norwillanyonewhodoeswhatisshamefulordeceitful,butonlythosewhosenamesarewrittenintheLamb'sbookoflife."Revelation21:27.But,

(3.)Thirdly,Itisan"inheritancewhichdoesnotfadeaway."Thisisametaphortakenfromflowers.Thebeautyofflowers,andthesweetnessof flowers,withers inamoment,and isquicklygone,and then theyaregoodfornothingbuttobecastupontheash-heap.Soitiswithallearthlyinheritances,theysoonlosetheirgloryandfragrancy.Whereisthegloryof the Chaldean, Persian, Grecian, and Roman kingdoms? Dan. 7:3-8."Fading glory"has been long sincewritten upon them all! Yes, all thegloryof theworld is liketheflowerof thefield,whichsoonfadesaway!Isaiah40:6;1Pet.1:24.Howmanygreatmenandgreatkingdomshave

fora timeshined ingreatglory,even likesomanysuns in the sky—butarenowvanishedawaylikesomanyblazingcomets!Howhasthemoonof great men's honors been eclipsed; and the sun of their pomp gonedownatnoon!Howsoonisthecourtier'sgloryeclipsedifhisprincedoesbutfrownuponhim!Andhowsoondoestheprincebecomeapeasant—ifGoddoesbutfrownuponhim!

TheGreekwordamarantos, say some, is the proper name of a flowerwhichisstillfreshandgreenafterithashungupinthehousealongtime.It is as if the apostle had said, "Your incorruptible crown shall begarnished or adorned with the precious flower amarantos, which isalwaysfreshandgreenandflourishing.Andindeedthisistheexcellencyoftheheavenlyinheritance,thatitfadesnotaway,thatitisaflowerthatneverwithers. All the glory of heaven is likeGod himself—lasting, yes,everlasting!Thisnever-fadingcrownisalwaysfreshandresplendent.Thegloryofbelieversshallneverfadenorwither,itshallnevergrowoldnorrusty.Thricehappyarethosesoulsthathaveashareinthisincorruptiblecrown!WhenAlexanderheardthephilosopher'sdiscourseoftheeternalworldinwhichhehadnopart,hewept,tospeakwiththeapostle,as"onewithouthope,"1Thes.4:13.Noneonearthhavesuchcause toweep,asthosewhohavenointerestinthatinheritancethatfadesnotaway.But,

(4.)Fourthlyandlastly,Thereisnopowernorpolicyonearthorin hell, which can deprive a sincere Christian of a crown ofglory.1Pet.5:4, "Andwhen thechief shepherdshallappear,youshallreceiveacrownofglorywhich fadesnotaway,"—as thegarlands faded,withwhichtheconquerorsatgames,races,andcombatswerecrowned,which were made of herbs, leaves, and flowers. A crown importsperpetuity,plenty,dignity.Acrownistheheightofhumanambition.TheGreekwordcomes fromamarantos,which isa flower that fadesnot,ofwhichgarlandsweremadeinformertimes,andwithwhichtheycrownedthe imagesof theheathengods.Abeliever's crown,his inheritance, hisglory, his happiness, his blessedness—shall be as fresh and flourishingafterhehasbeenmanymillionsofyearsinheaven—asitwasathisfirstentrance into it.Earthlycrownsare like tennis-balls,whicharebandiedupanddownfromonetoanother,andintimewearout.Whentimeshallbenomore,whenearthly crowns and kingdoms shall be nomore, yes,

when theworld shall benomore—aChristian's crownof glory shall befresh, flourishing, and continuing. All the devils in hell shall neverwrangleabelieveroutofhisheavenlyinheritance,nordeprivehimofhiscrown of glory. The least thing in—heaven is better than the greatestthingsinthisworld.Allthingsoneartharefading—butthecrownofgloryneverfadesaway.

Thusyou seewhyheavenand thegloryabove is expressedbya crown.Sometimesitiscalledacrownofrighteousness,tonotethegroundsandriseof it; sometimes it is calleda crownof life,because it is only to beenjoyedineverlastinglife;sometimesitiscalledanincorruptiblecrown,tonote thedurationandcontinuanceof it;andsometimes it is calledacrownofglory, tonote thehonor, splendor, and eternity of it.Now letdevils,letoppressors,letpersecutorsdotheirworst—theyshallneverbeabletodeprivethesaintsoftheirblessedandgloriouscrowns.But,

[16.]Sixteenthly,"IfGodisforus—whocanbeagainstus?"Ianswer—None, so as to make void our covenant-relation, or ourcovenant-interest; as you may see by comparing these scripturestogether. [Psalm89:30,35;Jer.31:31,and31:38-41; Isaiah54:10;Heb.8:8,10.]

The covenant of grace is founded upon God's freeLOVE, upon God'severlasting love, upon God's special and peculiar love, upon God'sunchangeablelove—sothatGodcanassoonceasetobe,ashecanceasetolovethosewhomhehastakenintocovenantwithhimself,orceasetokeep covenant with them. Those whom free grace has brought intocovenant,shallcontinueincovenantforeverandever.Onceincovenant—foreverincovenant.

ThecovenantofgraceisalsofoundeduponGod'simmutablecounselandpurpose. "The foundationofGod stands sure,"Heb.6:17;2Tim.2:19, that is, the degree and purpose ofGod's election stands firm andsure. Now the purpose of God's election is compared to a foundation,because it is thatuponwhichallourhappinessandblessedness isbuiltandbottomed,andbecauseasafoundationitabidesfirmandsure,John10:28-32;1Pet.1:5;Jude1.

The covenant of grace is also founded upon God's glorious POWER,upon God's infinite power, upon God's supreme power, upon God'sinvincible power, upon God's independent power, upon God'sincomparablepower;anduntilyoucanfindapowerthatcanovermatchthisdivinepower,thesaints'covenant-relationholdsgood.

The covenant of grace is also founded upon the OATH of God; "Toperform themercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holycovenant,theoathwhichhesworetoourfathers,"Luke1:72-73.Nowtothink that God will break his oath, or be perjured, is an intolerableblasphemy.

ThecovenantofgraceisbottomeduponthepreciousbloodofChrist.The blood of Christ is called "The blood of the everlasting covenant.""NowtheGodofpeace,whobroughtagainfromthedeadourLordJesus,that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlastingcovenant,"Mat.26:28;Heb.9:15,and13:20.

Nowby thesehints it ismostevident that thesaints' covenant-relation,their covenant-interest, holds good at all times, in all cases, and in allconditions.Itisnottheindwellingpowerofsin,norspiritualdesertions,nor violent temptations, nor heavy afflictions, nor divine delays, whichcandissolveourcovenant-relation.Thoughsinmaywork,andSatanmaytempt,andfearsmaybehigh,andGodmayhidehisfacefromhispeople,andstophisearsattheprayersofhispeople,Isaiah8:17;Lam.3:44—yetGodwillstillmaintainhisinterestinhispeople,andhispeople'srelationto himself. "God has not cast away his people, whom he foreknew,"Romans11:2;"IamtheLord,Ichangenot,"Mal.3:6;"Iwillbetrothyouuntomeforever,"Hosea2:19;"Iwillneverleaveyou,norforsakeyou,"Heb.13:5.Itisnotallthepowersofhell,norallthepowersonearth,thatcanmakenullorvoidourcovenant-relation,ourcovenant-interest.But,

(17.)Seventeenthlyandlastly,"IfGodisforus—whocanbeagainstus?"Ianswer—None,soastohinderourgrowthingrace,orthethriving and flourishing estate of our precious and immortalsouls. The troubles, afflictions, persecutions, and sufferings that thesaintsmeetwith inawayofholiness,shallbut furtherthe increaseandgrowthoftheirgraces.Graceneverrisestosogreataheightasitdoesin

timesofpersecution.SufferingtimesareaChristian'sharvesttimes,Ps.60:7-9,12.

Letmeinstanceinthatgraceofzeal:IrememberMoulin,speakingoftheFrench Protestants, says, "When papists hurt us, and persecute us forreadingtheScripture,weburnwithzealtobereadingofthem.Butnowthat persecution is over, our Bibles are like old almanacs." Michal'sscoffingatDaviddidbutinflameandraisehiszeal;"Ifthisisvile—Iwillbe more vile," 2 Sam. 6:20-22. Look! as fire in the winter burns thehotter, because of the coldness of the air; just so, in the winter ofpersecution, thatdivine fire, the zeal of aChristian,burns somuch thehotter,andflamesforthsomuchthemorevehementlyandstrongly.

HotpersecutionswillbutsetChristiansallonfireforGod,asyoumayseeamongtheapostles,primitiveChristians,andthemartyrsofalaterdate.Grace usually is in the greatest flourish,when the saints are under thegreatest trials. The trimming of the candlemakes it burn the brighter.Godallowswickedmentobeatandbruisehispeople,tomakethemburnthebrighter;andtopoundandbruisehisspices,tomakethemsendforththegreateraromaticflavor.Fierytrialsareliketheteazle,whichthoughitbesharpandscratching,itistomaketheclothmorepureandfine.Starsshinebrightest inthedarkestnights; justso,dothegracesof thesaintsshine brightest in the darkest nights of affliction and tribulation. Goddoessometimesmorecarryonthegrowthofgracebyacrossthanbyanordinance. Yes, the Lord will sooner or later turn all fiery trials intoordinances,forthehelpingonthegrowthofgraceinhispeople'ssouls.

Commonly the saints' spiritual growth in grace, is carried on by suchdivinemethods, and in suchways asmight seem to deaden grace, andweaken it—rather than anyways to augment and increase it.We knowthatwinterisasnecessarytobringonharvestasthespring,andsofierytrials are asnecessary to bring on theharvest of grace as the spring ofmercyis.Thoughfierytrialsaregrievous—yettheyshallmakethesaintsmore gracious. God usually, by sharp sufferings, turns his people'ssparksofgraceintoamightyflame;theirmitesintomillions;theirdropsintoseas.Allthedevilsinhell,andallthesinnersonearth,cannothindertheLordfromcarryingonthegrowthofgraceinhispeople'ssouls.Whenmenanddevilshavedonetheirworst,Godwill,byallsortsofordinances,

andbyallsortsofprovidences,andallsortsofchanges—makehispeoplemoreandmoreholy, andmore andmorehumble, andmore andmoremeek and lowly, and more and more heavenly, wise, faithful, fruitful,sincere,courageous,etc.

ThoughthechurchofSmyrnawasoutwardlypoor—yetshewasinwardlyrich,richingrace,andrichtowardsGod,Rev.2:9.Ithinkhehitthemarkon the head, who said, "It is far better to be a poor man—and a richChristian; than to be a rich man—and a poor Christian." Though theCorinthianswereundergreattrialsandsufferings—yettheyaboundedineverything,infaith,andutterance,andknowledge,anddiligence,andintheir lovetogospelministers,2Cor.8:7.ThestormbeathardupontheRomans—andyetyouseewhatasingulartestimonytheapostlegivesofthem,"Imyselfalsoampersuadedofyou,mybrethren,thatyoualsoarefullofgoodness,filledwithallknowledge,abletoadmonishoneanother,"Romans 15:14. The Thessalonians were under great persecutions andtroubles—andyetwerestronginthegracethatwasinChristJesus;theywereverygrowingandflourishingChristians.

Singularpropheciesspeakoutthesaints'growthandflourishingingrace."The Lord is exalted; for he dwells on high: he has filled Zion withjudgmentandrighteousness.""TheSpiritshallbepoureduponus fromonhigh,andthewildernessshallbeafruitfulfield."[2Thes.1:3,8;Isaiah33:5, 32:15, 35:1.] "Thedesert shall rejoice, andblossomas the rose: itshallblossomabundantly.""ThegloryofLebanonshallbegivenunto it,the excellency of Carmel and Sharon." "They shall see the glory of theLord,andtheexcellencyofourGod."

Andassingularprophecies, sochoiceandpreciouspromises,speakoutthesaints'growthingrace.Takeatasteofsomeofthem."Butthepathofthejustisastheshininglight,thatshinesmoreandmoreuntotheperfectday.""Therighteousshallholdonhisway;andhewhohascleanhandsshallbestrongerandstronger.""Theyshallgofromstrengthtostrength;everyone of them in Zion appears before God." "The righteous shallflourishlikethepalm-tree;heshallgrowlikeacedarinLebanon.""ThosewhobeplantedinthehouseoftheLordshallflourishinthecourtsofourGod;inoldagetheyshallbefatandflourishing,"Proverbs4:18;Job17:9;Psalm84:7,and92:12-14.

Ihave readofanoldmanwho,beingaskedwhetherhegrew ingrace?answered, "I believe I do, for God has promised that in old age hischildren should be fat and flourishing." Just so, Isaiah 46:3, "Listen tome, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, youwhom I have upheld since youwere conceived, and have carried sinceyourbirth."verse4,"EventoyouroldageandgrayhairsIamhe,Iamhewhowillsustainyou.IhavemadeyouandIwillcarryyou;IwillsustainyouandIwillrescueyou."Zech.12:8,"AndhewhoisfeebleamongthematthatdayshallbeasDavid;andthehouseofDavidshallbeasGod,astheangeloftheLordbeforethem."Hosea14:5,"IwillbeasthedewuntoIsrael:heshallgrowasthelily,andcastforthhisrootsasLebanon."verse6, "Hisbranches shall spread, andhisbeauty shall be as theolive-tree,andhissmellasLebanon."verse7,"Thosewhodwellunderhisshadowshallreturn;theyshallreviveasthecorn,andgrowasthevine:thescentthereofshallbeasthewineofLebanon."Mal.4:2,"Butuntoyouwhofearmy name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing under hiswings; and you shall go forth, and grow up as the calves of the stall."Psalm1:3, "Heshallbe likea treeplantedby theriversofwater,whichbrings forth it's fruit in his season: his leaf also shall not wither; andwhateverhedoesshallprosper."John4:14,"WhoeverdrinksofthewaterthatIshallgivehimshallneverthirst;butthewaterthatIshallgivehimshallbeinhimawellofwaterspringinguptoeternallife."

Thelightandgloryofthechurchrisesbydegrees;

(1.)Lookingforthasthemorning;withalittlelight;

(2.)Fairasthemoon;morelight;

(3.)Clearasthesun;thatis,comeuptoahigherdegreeofspirituallight,life, and glory, Cant. 6:10. By all which it is most evident that all thepowersofhell,norallthepowersonearth—canhinderthesaints'growthin grace, nor the thriving and flourishing estate of their precious andimmortalsouls.

WhatarethereasonswhyGodwillbefavorablypresentwithhispeopleintheir

greatesttroubles

Butyouwillsay,WhatarethereasonswhyGodwillbefavorably,specially, and eminently present with his people in theirgreatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadlydangers?Ianswertherearethesetengreatreasonsforit—

[1.]First,Toawakenandconvince theenemiesofhispeople,and to renderhis suffering childrenglorious in theveryeyesand consciencesbothof sinners and saints. [Ponder upon thesescriptures,Micah7:8-10,16-17;Psalm126:1-2;Exod.8:19;Isaiah60:13-14;Rev.3:8-9;Acts4:13,and6:15;John7:44-46,etc.]Dan.3:24,"ThenNebuchadnezzarthekingwasastonished,androseupinhaste,andspokeand said unto his counselors, Didwe not cast threemen into the fire?They answered and said unto the king, True, O king." Verse 25, "Heansweredandsaid,Lo,Iseefourmenloose,walkinginthemidstofthefire,andtheyhavenohurt,andtheformofthefourthisliketheSonofGod."NowseewhatamajestythereisinthispresenceofChristwithhispeople in the fire, toconvinceNebuchadnezzar,andtorender the threechampions very glorious in his eyes. Verse 28, "Then Nebuchadnezzarspokeandsaid,BlessedbetheGodofShadrach,Meshach,andAbednego,who has sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him,and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that theymightnot servenorworshipanyGodexcept theirownGod."Verse29,"Therefore I make a decree, that every people, nation, and languagewhichspeakanythingamissagainsttheGodofShadrach,Meshach,andAbednego, shallbecut inpieces,and theirhousesshallbemadeaash-heap,becausethereisnootherGodthatcandeliverafterthissort."Verse30, "Then thekingpromotedShadrach,Meshach, andAbednego in theprovinceofBabylon."

The presence of the Lord with the three children commanded favor,respect,reverence,andhonorfromthisgreatmonarch,Nebuchadnezzar.The presence of God with his people is very majestic; the greatest

monarchshavefallendownbeforeit;notonlyNebuchadnezzar—butalsoDarius, fallsdownbeforethespecialpresenceofGodwithDanielwhenhewasinthelions'den,Dan.6:20seq.AndHerodfallsdownbeforethepresenceofGodwithJohn,Mark6:20.AndKingJoashfallsdownbeforethepresenceofGodwithJehoiada,2Kings11:1-2.AndSaul fallsdownbeforethepresenceofGodwithDavid:"YouaremorerighteousthanI,"1Sam.24:17,etc.

InthespecialpresenceofGodwithhispeopleintheirafflictionthere issuchasparklingluster,thatnonecanbeholditbutmustadmire it,andbowbeforethegracefulmajestyofit.Suchhasbeenthespecialpresenceof God with the martyrs in their fiery trials, that many have beenconvinced and converted. I have read of a martyr of Paris who wasburnedforhisfaith,howthepresenceofGoddidsoshineinhiscourageand constancy, that many did curiously inquire into that religion forwhich he so stoutly and resolutely suffered, so that the number ofsuffererswasmuch increasedthereby.IreadthatCecilia,apoorvirgin,byhergraciousbehaviorinhermartyrdom,wasthemeansofconvertingfourhundredtoChrist.ItwastheobservationofMr.JohnLindsay,thattheverysmokeofPatrickHamiltonconvertedasmanyas itblewupon.And the very Hittites could say of Abraham, who had a very specialpresence of God with him, "You are a prince of God among us!" Gen.23:6.Somesay,heiscalledPrinceofGod,becauseGodprosperedhim,and made him famous for his virtue and godliness. But the Hebrewscommonlyspeaksoofall things thatarenotableandexcellent,becauseallexcellencycomesfromGod;astheangelofGod,themountofGod,thecityofGod,thewrestlingsofGod,Exod.3:2,and4:37;Psalm26:4;Gen.30:8, etc. "You are a prince of God;" that is, You are a most excellentperson. Seneca saw somuch excellency thatmorality put upon aman,thathecouldsay,"Theverylooksofagodlymandelightsone."AndwhythenmaynotthesonsofHethcallhimaprinceofGod,fromthatmajestyand glory that they saw shine forth in his graces, and in his graciousbehavior and conversation, and because they did observe a specialpresence of Godwith him in all he did, it being no higher observationthanwhatAbimelechhadmadebeforethem?Gen.21:22.

In Queen Mary's days, not of blessed but of abhorred memory—the

people ofGodmet—sometimes forty, sometimes ahundred, sometimestwo hundred—together. The fiery persecutors of that day sent in oneamong them to spy out their practices and to give information of theirnames,thattheymightbebroughttoSmithfieldshambles;buttherewassuchapresenceofGodintheassemblyofhispeople,thatthisinformerwas convinced and converted, and begged mercy for them all. 1 Cor.14:24,"But ifallprophesy,andtherecomesinonewhobelievesnot,oroneunlearned,heisconvincedofall,heisjudgedofall;"verse25,"Andthusare thesecretsofhisheartmademanifest,andso fallingdownonhisface,hewillworshipGod,andreportthatGodisinyouofatruth."Itmay be before they came to the assembly of the saints, they had hardthoughtsofthepeopleofGod:theythoughtthatfollywasinthem,orthatdisloyaltywas in them, or thatmadness and rebellionwas in them, orthatplotsanddesignsagainst thegovernmentwas in them,or that thedevilwasinthem.Oh—butnowsuchamajesticpresenceofGodappearsinthemidstofhispeople,thattheunbelieverisconvinced,andconfesses"thatGodisinthemofatruth."

Blessed Bradford had such a special presence of God with him in hissufferings,asbegotgreatreverenceandadmiration,notonlyintheheartsofhisfriends—butintheveryheartsofverymanypapistsalso.HenrytheSecond,kingofFrance,beingpresentatthemartyrdomofapoortailor,whowasburntbyhimforhisreligion;thepoormanhadsuchaspecialpresenceofGodwithhiminhissufferings,thathiscourageandboldness,hisholyandgraciousbehavior,didsoamazeandterrifytheking,thatheswore,athisgoingaway,thathenevermorewouldbepresentatsuchasight.

As the presence of God is the greatest ornament of the churchtriumphant, so the presence of God is the greatest ornament of thechurchmilitant.Therednessoftherose,thewhitenessofthelily,andallthe beauties of sun,moon, and stars, are but deformities, compared tothatbeautyandglorywhichthepresenceofGodputsuponhispeople,inalltheirtroublesandtrials.Thereisnothingintheworldthatwillrenderthesaintssoamiableandlovely,soeminentandexcellentintheeyesoftheirenemies—asthespecialpresenceofGodwiththemintheirgreatesttrials. Demetrius was so handsome of face and countenance, that no

painterwas able to draw him. The presence of Godwith his people intheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers—putssorareabeautyandgloryuponthem,thatnopaintercaneverbeabletodrawthem.But,

[2.]AsecondreasonwhyGodwillbespeciallypresentwithhispeopleintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadly dangers—is drawn from the covenant of grace, andthosepreciouspromiseswhichGodhasmade—tobewithhispeople.God's covenant is, thathewill bewithhis people forever,andthathewillneverturnawayfromthemtodothemgood,Jer.32:40-41.Thatisabranchofthecovenant:"Iwillneverleaveyou,norforsakeyou,"Heb.13:5.Andthat isabranchof thecovenant: "Iamyourshield,andyourexceedinggreatreward,"Gen.15:1;seePsalm115:9-11.Theshieldisbetweenthebodyandthethrust.Justso,saysGod,Iwillputmyself inbetween you and harm. Though those kingswhom you have even nowvanquished,mayranthighandthreatenrevenge—yetIwillshieldoffalldangers that you may be incident to. Though God's people be in thewaters and in the fires—yet his promise is to be with them; so thepsalmist, "I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him, and honorhim,"Isaiah43:2;Psalm91:15,and50:15;Job5:19;Hosea2:14.

God will not fail to keep his people company in all their troubles.Nostorm,nodanger,nodistress,nofierytrial,cankeepGodandhispeopleasunder.Godisimmutableinhisnature,inhiscounsels,inhiscovenant,and in all his promises, Mal. 3:6. Though all creatures are subject tochange—yet God is unchangeable; though angels and men, and allinferior creatures are dependent—yetGod is independent. He is as theschoolmen say,altogether immutable, and therefore he will be sure tokeeptouchwithhispeople.ThepreciouspromisesofScripturearethefoodoffaith,andtheverysouloffaith.Theyareamineofrichtreasures, a garden full of choice flowers, able to enrich a sufferingChristian with all celestial contentments, and to sweeten the deepestdistresses. God has deeply engaged himself, both by covenant andpromises, that he will be with his people in their greatest troubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers;andthereforehewillnotfailthem:Deut.7:9,"KnowthereforethattheLordyourGod,heisGod,the

faithful God, who keeps covenant," etc. God will never allow hisfaithfulness to fail, nor alter the thing that is gone out of his mouth,Psalm89:33.Allhisprecepts,threatenings,predictions,andpromisesaretheissueofamostwise,holy,faithful,andrighteouswill—andthereforetheyshallcertainlybemadegoodtohispeople.But,

[3.]Thirdly,TheLordwillbespeciallypresentwithhispeopleintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers—because it makes most eminently for theadvancement of his own honor and glory in the world. Godnevergetsmorehonorthanbyhelpinghispeoplewhentheyareinseveredistress.God'sspecialpresencewithIsraelattheRedSea,makesMosessingasongofpraise,Exod.15.Agreatpartoftherevenueofdivinegloryarises fromthespecialpresenceofGodwithhispeople in theirdeepestdistressesandmostdeadlydangers,asyoumayseebycomparingthesescripturestogether.[Exod.15;Judges5;Psalm23:4,6;Isaiah43:2,5,7.]It is the honor of a husband to be most present with his wife in hergreatest troubles,and thehonorofa father tobemostpresentwithhischildrenintheirdeepestdistresses,andthehonorofcommanderstobepresentwiththeirsoldiersintheheatofbattle,whenmanyfallontheirrighthandandontheirleft.Exod.15:3,"TheLordisamanofwar,"thatis, an excellent warrior, "the Lord is his name;" according to theSeptuagint, "He breaks battles, and subdues war." God, like a bravecommander, stands upon his honor, and therefore hewill stand by hissoldiers in the greatest dangers. The word ish, here used for man,signifies an eminentman, a mightyman, a famous warrior, or, as theChaldeehas it,Anovercomerofbattles.Noweminentwarriors,mightywarriors, famouswarriors, they always stick closest to their soldiers intheir greatest dangers, as all know, who have read either Scripture orhistory.NowtheLordissuchamanofwars,suchafamouswarrior,asthathewillbesuretostickclosesttohispeopleinthegreatestdangers.Godisbothinthevanguardandintherearguard,Isaiah52:12.Andasthereisnothingwhichmoreraisesthehonor,fame,andrenownofgreatwarriors in theworld—than theirpresencewith their soldierswhen thebulletsflythickest;justso,thereisnothingbywhichGodgetshimselfagreatername,fame,andhonorintheworld—thanbyhisspecialpresencewith his people in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses, andmost

deadlydangers.But,

[4.]Fourthly,TheLordwillbespeciallypresentwithhispeopleintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers—because then his people stand in most need of hispresence.AbelieverneedsthepresenceofGodatalltimes—butneversomuchas ingreat troubles,deepdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers.FornowSatanwillbestirring—helovestofishintroubledwaters.Whenearthlyfriendsandearthlycomfortsandearthlysuccourswillcommonlyfailus;whencaresand fearswillbemultiplieduponus;whenunbelief,whichisvirtuallyallevil,willberaisingdoubtsandcavilsandobjectionsinthesoul, [Job2:9,and19:13-17;Pa88:18;Isaiah41:17-18.]so that ifGoddoesnotstandbyusnow,whatcouldwedo?howcanwebearup?howcanwestandfast?WhatwasSamson,thatmanofstrength,whenhishairwasgone—butasweakaswater?Judges16:19-20;andwhat is thestrongest Christian when his God is gone—but as weak as weaknessitself?

Allourdoingstrength,andalloursufferingstrength,andallourbearingstrength,andallourwitnessingstrength—liesinthespecialpresenceofGodwith our souls.All our comforts, and all our supports, and all ourease,andallourrefreshments—flowfromthepresenceofGodwithoursouls in our greatest troubles and deepest distresses; and therefore, ifGodshouldleaveusinadayoftrouble—whatwouldbecomeofus?andwhereshouldwego?andwhereshouldwefindrest?Whendoesamanneedabrotherorfriend—butinadayofadversity?"Abrotherisbornforadversity,"Proverbs 17:17.Thoughat other timesbrethrenmay jar andjangle and quarrel—yet in a day of adversity, in a strait, in a stress—brotherswillstandtogethertohelpeachother.Adversitybreedsloveandunity.RidleyandHooperdifferedverymuchaboutceremoniesinthedayof their liberty; but when they were both prisoners in the Tower, thenthey could agreewell enough, and then they could bemutual comfortsone to another. And when does a Christianmost need the strength ofGod, the consolations of God, the supports of God, the teachings andquickeningsofGod,andthespecialsingularpresenceofGod—butwhenthey are in the greatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadlydangers?When the people ofGod are in a low and afflicted condition,

then theLordknowsthat that is theseasonofseasons forhimtogracethemwith his gracious presence, Isaiah 33:9-10.When calamities anddangersbreakinuponus,andwhenallheadsandhandsandheartsandcounselsaresetagainstus—nowisthetimeforGodtohelpus,forGodtosupportus,forGodtostandbyus.But,

[5.]Fifthly,TheLordwillbespeciallypresentwithhispeopleintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers—because he dearly loves them. God entirely loves hispeople, and therefore he will not leave his people. People whom weentirely love we cannot leave, especially when they are in a distressedcondition."Afriendlovesatalltimes,"saysSolomon,andGodissuchafriend,Proverbs17:17.Godlovesnotbyfitsandstarts,asmanypeopledo—but his love is like himself, sincere and steadfast. Because he lovesthem,hewon't forsakethemwhentheyare in thegreatest troublesandmost terrible dangers, 1 Sam. 12:22, "For the Lordwill not forsake hispeopleforhisgreatname'ssake:becauseithaspleasedtheLordtomakeyouhispeople."Hechoseyouforhis love,andhestill lovesyouforhischoice, and thereforehewon't forsake you.Disciplineyou hemay—butforsakeyouhewon't;foritwillnotstandwiththegloryofGodtoleavehispeople,toforsakethepeopleofhislove.ShouldIcastyouoffwhomIlove—then the heathen nations would say that I was mutable in mypurposes,orunfaithfulinmypromises.ThoughDavid'sparentsforsookhim—yet God did not forsake him—but took him up into his care andkeeping,Psalm27:10.Itisthederidingquestionwhichtheenemiesofthesaintsputtotheminthetimeoftheirgreatesttroubles,deepdistresses,and most deadly dangers—Where is now your God? Psalm 79:10. Butthey may safely and groundedly return this answer when they are atlowest—ourGodishere;heisnearuntous,heisroundaboutus,andheisinthemidstofus,Isaiah52:12.

Witness that golden promise, that is more worth than a world, "I willnever leave you, nor forsake you," Heb. 13:5, 11. God is a God ofaffections,aGodofgreatpity,aGodoftendercompassion,andthereforehewillnotleavehispeopleinatimeofdistress,Hosea8:9;Mic.7:19;Jer.31:18-20.Parents'affectionsdomostyearntowardstheirchildrenwhentheyaresick,andweak,andmostindanger.Itgoestotheveryheartofa

man to leave a friend in misery. But what are the affections of men,comparedtotheaffectionsofGod!orthecompassionsofmen,comparedto the compassions of God! There is an ocean of love in the hearts ofparentstowardstheirchildrenwhentheyareindistress,2Sam.19:6;andthislovemakesthemsitbytheirchildren,andsitupwiththeirchildren,andnotstir fromtheirchildren.God's lovedoesso linkhisheart tohispeopleintheirdeepdistresses,thathecannotleavethem,hecannotstirfromthem,Psalm91:15.

Isaiah 43:4, "Since you were precious in my sight, you have beenhonorable, and I have loved you." Well, and what then? This love soendears and unites God to his people, that he cannot leave them, hecannot stir one foot from them: "But now, O Israel, the LORD whocreatedyousays—Donotbeafraid,forIhaveransomedyou.Ihavecalledyoubyname;youaremine.Whenyougothroughdeepwatersandgreattrouble,Iwillbewithyou.Whenyougothroughriversofdifficulty,youwillnotdrown!Whenyouwalk through the fireofoppression,youwillnotbeburnedup;theflameswillnotconsumeyou.ForIamtheLORD,yourGod,theHolyOneofIsrael,yourSavior."Isaiah43:1-3

TheLorddearlyloveshispeople,andhehighlyprizeshispeople,andhegreatlydelights inhispeople, and thereforehewillbe speciallypresentwith his people, both in the fire and in the water—both in the fire ofpersecution,andinthewatersofaffliction.Godlovesthepersonsofhispeople,andhelovesthepresenceofhispeople,andhelovesthegracesofhis people, and he loves the services of his people, and he loves thefellowshipofhispeople;andthereforehewillneverleavehispeople—butstand by them, and be specially present with them, in their greatesttroublesanddeepestdistresses.

Such isGod's singular love to his covenant-people, that hewill neitherforsake them nor forget them—in their greatest troubles, deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers.TheJewswerelow—yes,verylow,inBabylon;theirdistressesweregreat,andtheirdangersmany;theylookeduponthemselvesassomanydeadmen,"Ourbonesaredry,ourhopeislost, andweare cut off for ourparts,"Ezek. 37:1-15.They lookeduponthemselvesbothasforsakenandforgottenbyGod.Behold,captiveZionlamentinglysays,"TheLordhasforsakenme,andmyLordhasforgotten

me!"Isaiah49:13-18;Psalm84:7;Isaiah1:27;Heb.12:22.

ZionistakenseveralwaysinScripture:

(1.)Fortheplaceproperlysocalled,wheretheywereaccustomedtomeettoworshiptheLord;butthisplacewaslongagodestroyed.

(2.)Fortheblessedangels,"YouarecometomountZion,totheheavenlyJerusalem,toaninnumerablecompanyofangels.

(3.)Forthecongregationofsaints,ofbelievers,ofwhichit issaid,"TheLord loves the gates of Zion more than all the habitations of Jacob,"Psalm87:2.

The believing Jews being sorely oppressed and afflicted by a longcaptivity,Dan.9:22;Lam.4:6,andbymanygreatandmatchlessmiseriesthatdidbefallthemintheircaptivestate,theylookuponGodasonewhohadquiteforsakenthemandforgottenthem;buttheywereunderaveryhighmistake,andveryerroneousintheircomplaint,asappearsbyGod'sanswertoZion:verse15,"Canawomanforgethernursingchild,thatsheshould not have compassion on the son of her womb? yes, they mayforget—yetwillInotforgetyou."Verse16,"Behold,Ihaveengravedyouupon thepalmsofmyhands, yourwalls are continuallybeforeme." Inthesewords,as inacrystalglass,youmayseehowdearly,howsweetly,howgraciously,howreadily,howresolutelyGoddoesengagehimselfthathewillneitherforsakeZion,noryetforgetZioninhercaptivestate.Nowletusalittleobservehowthissingularpromiseisamplified,andthat,byanemphatic illustration;God's compassionate rememberingofZion fartranscends the most compassionate remembrance of the tenderestmothertoherdearnursingbabe.Nowthisislaiddown—

First, Interrogatively, "Can a woman," the most affectionate gender,"forgetanursingchild,forhavingcompassiononthesonofherwomb?"Can awoman, can amother so forget as not to compassionate a child,which she naturally inclines to pity?Anursing child thathangsonherbosom,suchasmothersareaccustomedtobemostwatchfulof,andtobemost tenderlyaffected towards?hernursingchild,which, togetherwiththemilkfromthebreast,drawslovefromherheart?hernursingchildof

her ownwomb, which her affections domore yearn over than they doover any other child in the world? And this is the "son of her womb,"whichthemotherusuallyembraceswithmorewarmaffectionsthanthedaughterofherwomb.Canawoman,yes,canamotherforgettoexerciselove,pity,andcompassiontosuchapoorbabe?Surely,veryrarely.

Second, Affirmatively, "Yes, they may forget." It is possible that awomanmaybesounwomanly,andthatamothermaybesounmotherlyinsomecases,andinsomeextremities,astoforgethernursingchild,yes,astoeatthefruitofherwomb,asthepitifulwomendidboilandeattheirown children in the siege of Samaria and Jerusalem, 2 Kings 6:24-30;Lam. 4:10. Extremity of hunger overmastered natural affections, andmade thepitifulmothersrequireof theirchildren those liveswhichnotlongbefore,theyhadgiventhem.

Thirdly, Negatively, "Yet will I not forget you." God will be moreconstantly,immovably,andunchangeablymindfulofZion,andtenderofZion, and compassionate of Zion, and watchful over Zion—than anymothercouldbeoverheryoungling;yes,hewouldbemoremotherlytohis poor captives inBabylon, than anymother could be to her suckingbabe.Thispreciouspromiseisamplifiedbyaconvincingargumentation,andthatpartlyfromhis"engravingofthemuponthepalmsofhishands."This is an allusion, say some, to those who carry about with them,engravedonsometablet,oronthestoneofsomeringwhichtheywearontheirfinger,themark,name,orpictureofsomepersontheyentirelylove.Their portraiture, their memorial, was like a signet engraved upon hishand.Godwillassoonblotoutofmind,andforgethisownhands,ashisZion;andpartlyfromhisplacingtheirwallsstillinhissight.Theruineddemolished walls of Jerusalem were still before him as to theircommiseration, and to their reparation,Godbeing fully resolved in thefittest season to raise and rebuild them.Look! as theworkmanhas hismodelorpatternconstantlyeitherbeforehiseye,orinhisthoughts,orinhisbrain,thatheistoworkby."Justso,"saysGod,"Zioniscontinuallyinmyeye,Zionisstillinmythoughts;Ishallneverforsakeher,Ishallneverforgether."But,

[6.]Sixthly,TheLordwillbespeciallypresentwithhispeopleintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadly

dangers—becauseofhisproprietyandinterestinthem,andhisnear anddear relation to them. "But now, this is what the LORDsays--hewhocreatedyou,OJacob,hewhoformedyou,OIsrael:"Fearnot, for I have redeemedyou; I have summonedyoubyname; you aremine.Isaiah43:1""Youaremine—forIhavemadeyou.Youaremine—for I have chosen you. You are mine—for I have bought you, I havepurchasedyou.Youaremine—forIhavecalledyou.Youaremine—forIhaveredeemedyou.Youaremine—forIhavestampedmyimageuponyou.Youaremine—forIhaveputmySpiritintoyou!"Isaiah15:16;1Cor.6:20;1Pet.1:18;Phil.4:23-24.

Nowmarkwhat follows:verse2, "Whenyoupass through thewaters,Iwill be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will notsweepoveryou.Whenyouwalkthroughthefire,youwillnotbeburned;the flames will not set you ablaze." God will certainly keep his ownpeople,hisownchildren,company,bothinthefireandinthewater;thatis, in those various trials and troubles that they are incident to in thisworld, Isaiah 55:5; Psalm 103:13-14; Exod. 15:3; Mal. 4:2; Mat. 9:12;Psalm23:1.Whenshouldahusbandbewithhiswife—butwhensheisingreatest troubles? and a fatherwith his child—but when he is in deepdistresses? andageneralwithhis army—butwhen they are in greatestdangers?Whenshouldthephysicianbemostwithhispatient—butwhenheismostdesperatelysick?andwhenshouldtheshepherdbenearesthissheep—butwhen they are sick, and thewolf is at hand?NowGod, youknow,standsinalltheserelationstohispeople,andthereforehewillnotfail tobenear themwhentroubles,distresses,anddangersaregrowinguponthem.But,

[7.] Seventhly, The Lord will be specially present with hispeopleintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadly dangers—because such times are commonly times ofgreatandsoretemptations.WhenGod'shandisheaviest,thenSatanwillbebusiest, Job2:7-8;Mat.9:4;Heb.2:18.Thedevil isnevermoreviolent in his temptations, than when the saints are under afflictions:James 1:2, "My brethren, count it all joy, when you fall into variousafflictions."verse12,"Blessedis themanwhoenduresaffliction."2Pet.2:9,"TheLordknowshowtodeliverthegodlyoutofaffliction."ThusGod

is said to temptAbraham,Gen. 22:1, that is, he did test and prove thefaith, the fear, the love, the obedience of Abraham. Afflictions aresometimescalledtemptations,partlybecauseasafflictionswill trywhatmettle we are made off, so will temptations; and partly because asafflictions are burdensome and grievous to us, so are temptations. Butmainly afflictions are called temptations, because in time of afflictionSatanwillbesiftingandwinnowingofthesaints.Nowhewillmakeuseofallhisdevices,methods,depths,darts—yes,fierydarts—thathemayvex,afflict,trouble,grieve,wound,torture,andtormentthosedearheartsthatGodwouldnothavegrievedandwounded.ThereforetheLordnowstepsinandstandsbyhispeople,andbyhisfavorable,special,andrefreshingpresence, he bears up their heads above water, and keeps their heartsfrom fainting and sinkingunder Satan'smost dangerous anddesperatetemptations, Luke22:31; 2Cor. 12:7; 2Cor. 2:11;Eph. 6:11;Rev. 2:24;Eph.6:16.

Whenacityisbesieged,andtheenemieshaveraisedtheirbatteries,andhavemadebreachesupontheirwalls,andtheirprovisionsgrowlow,oh,then,ifever,thereisneedofsupportandrelief!Sohere.But,

[8.]Eighthly,TheLordwillbespeciallypresentwithhispeopleintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers—becausehehighlyprizesthem,andsetsanhonorablevalueandesteemupon them. Isaiah 43:4, "Since you are preciousand honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men inexchangeforyou,andpeopleinexchangeforyourlife,"thatis,foryourpreservation and protection. God sets such a mighty price upon hispeople, that to preserve them from ruin and destruction, he makesnothingofgivinguptotheswordanddestruction,themostrich,strong,populous,andwarlikenationsintheworld.Nowthehighpriceandvaluethat he sets upon them, engageshim to bepresentwith them: verse 2,"When you pass through thewaters, I will bewith you; andwhen youpass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.When you walkthrough the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set youablaze." Thosewe highly prize—wewon't leave in a day of distress; nomorewillGod.Godprizeshispeopleashispeculiartreasure:Exod.19:5,ashis"portion;"Deut.32:9,ashis"pleasantportion;"Jer. 12:10,ashis

"jewels;" Mal. 3:17, as his "glory;" Isaiah 4:5, as his "crown and royaldiadem."Yes,heprizesthepoorest,thelowest,andtheweakestsaintintheworld,aboveamultitude,yes,aboveaworldofunforgivensinners.

Heb.11:37-38,"Ofwhomtheworldwasnotworthy."Thoughtheywerenotadornedinsilksandvelvets—butwereclad"insheep-skinsandgoat-skins;" yet they had that inward excellency, as that the world was notworthy of their company: and though they did not dwell in expensivehouses, nor in stately palaces—but "in deserts and mountains, and indensandcavesoftheearth;"yetthevilesinfulpersecutingworldwasnotworthy of their presence, or prayers, or of their prudent counsels, orpiousexamples,etc.GodsetsahighervalueuponaJob,thoughonaash-heap—thanuponanAhab,thoughonhisroyal throne,Job1:1,and2:3.Godvaluesmenby their inward excellencies, andnot by their outwarddignitiesandworldlyglories.HesetsahigherpriceuponaLazarusinhistattered rags—than upon a richDives in his purple robes. Such peoplehavemostofourcompanywhomweprizemost,Job2:11-13.Job'sthreefriendsdidhighlyvaluehim,andthereforeinhisdeepestdistresses,theyownhim, theypityhim, theyweepoverhim, theyaccompanyhim,andtheykeepcloseuntohim.BecauseGodhighlyprizeshispeople,hewillbespecially present with them in their greatest troubles and deepestdistresses.But,

[9.]Ninthly,TheLordwillbespeciallypresentwithhispeopleintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,becausetheywon'tleavehim—butstickclosetohim,andtohisinterest,gospel,andglory;andwillcleavefasttohisword, worship, and ways, in their greatest troubles, deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,comewhatwillof it,Josh.24;Jer.13:11;Acts11:23."Youmaytakeawaymylife,"saidBasil,"butyoucannottakeawaymycomfort.Youmay takemyhead—butnotmycrown;yes,hadIa thousand lives, Iwould lay themalldown formySavior's sake,whohasdoneabundantlymoreforme!"

JohnArdleyprofessedtoBonner,whenhetoldhimofhissoonburning,andhowbadlyhecouldendureit,that"ifhehadasmanylivesashehadhairsonhishead,hewouldlosethemallinthefirebeforehewouldlosehis Christ or part with his Christ." It was a common thing among the

martyrstomakeallhastetothefire, lesttheyshouldmissofthatnobletreatment. Gordius the martyr said, "It is to my loss if you abate meanythingofmysufferings.""ThesoonerIdie,"saidanother,"thesoonerIshallbehappy."

Psalm63:1,"OGod,youaremyGod,earlywillIseekyou;mysoulthirstsforyouinadryandthirstyland,wherethereisnowater;"verse8,"Mysoulfollowshardafteryou,"etc.Thisnotes,

(1.)Thestrengthofhisintention;

(2.)Thestrengthofhisaffection;

(3.)Theconstancyofhispursuit.

And all this in a dry and barren wilderness, and in the face of alldiscouragements, and in the lack of all outward encouragements, Dan.9:3; Psalm 119:20.Whatever the danger or distress is—the psalmist isperemptorilyresolvedtocleaveclosetotheLord,andtofollowhardaftertheLord. "All thishappened tous, thoughwehadnot forgottenyouorbeenfalsetoyourcovenant.Ourheartshadnotturnedback;ourfeethadnotstrayedfromyourpath.Butyoucrushedusandmadeusahauntforjackalsandcoveredusoverwithdeepdarkness."Psalms44:17-19.See2Tim.1:11-12,and2:8-10;Eph.6:19-20;Col.4:3,18,Romans8:36.Intheface of all dangers, deaths, distresses, miseries, etc., God's faithfulservantswillowntheLord,andcleavetohisways,andkeepclosetohisworshipandservice,letpersecutorsdotheirworst.

"Yetforyoursakewefacedeathalldaylong;weareconsideredassheepto be slaughtered." Psalms 44:22. It is probable that this psalm waspennedupontheoccasionofthehorriblepersecutionofthechurchunderAntiochusEpiphanes,untowhichIguessPaulhasreferencetowardsthelatterendofthat11thchaptertotheHebrews.Inthis22dverseyouhavethreethingsobservable,

(1.)The greatness of their sufferings: "theywere killed," amplifiedby asimilitude,assheeptotheslaughter."

(2.)Thecause:notfortheirsin—but"foryoursake."

(3.)Thecontinuance:howlong,even"allthedaylong."

Theirsufferingsaregreatandlong.ThattyrantAntiochusmadenomorethoughtof takingawayof their lives, thanabutcherdoesofcuttingthethroatsofthepoorsheep,Dan.11;andasbutcherskillthesheepwithoutmakingconscienceoftheeffusionoftheirblood,evensodidthattyrantAntiochusdestroythesaintsoftheMostHigh,withoutmakingtheleastconscience of shedding innocent blood. And as butchers think well oftheirwork,andaregladwhentheyhavebutcheredthepoorsheep,sodidthistyrantAntiochus;hethoughthedidGodgoodserviceinbutcheringof the holy people, and rejoiced in that bloody service; and yetnotwithstandingallthedreadfulthingsthattheseblessedsoulssuffered,they still kept close toGod, and close to his covenant, and close to hisways, and close to his worship. And Austin observes, "that though theheathen sought to suppress the growth of Christianity by binding—butchering, racking, stoning, burning, etc.—yet still they increased andmultiplied,Exod.1:12,andstilltheykeptclosetoGodandhisways."

Thechurchwasatfirstfoundedinblood,andithasthrivedbestwhenithas beenmoistenedwith blood. Itwas at first founded in the blood ofChrist,andeversinceithasbeenmoistenedorwatered,asitwere,withthebloodofthemartyrs.ThechurchofChristinallageshasbeenliketheoak,whichlivesbyit'sownwounds;andthemorelimbsarecutoff,themorenewsprouts.Oh,howclosetoGod,hiswaysandworship—didthesaints keep in the ten persecutions! "They have followed the Lambwherever he went," Rev. 14:4-5. If they would have complied with thewaysoftheworld,andtheworshipoftheworld,andthecustomsoftheworld—theymighthavehadease,honor, riches,preferments,etc.,Heb.11:35; but nothing could work them off from God or his ways; andtherefore he will certainly stand by them, and cleave to them, and bespeciallypresentwiththemintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers.But,

[10.]Tenthly,TheLordwillbespeciallypresentwithhispeopleintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers—that theymaybe joyful and cheerfulunderall their

troubles,andthattheymaygloryinalltheirtribulations.Mat.5:12;Luke6:23.Itisgoodtohaveapatientspirit—butitisbettertohaveajoyfulspiritinalloursufferings,troubles,distresses,etc.,thatwemeetwith inawayofwell-doing,2Cor. 12:10. "His speechpersuaded them.They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they orderedthemnottospeakinthenameofJesus,andletthemgo.Theapostlesleftthe Sanhedrin, rejoicing (Greek, "rejoice and leaping for joy,") becausetheyhadbeencountedworthyofsufferingdisgrace for theName."Acts5:40-41.TheylookeduponitasahighhonortobedishonoredforChrist;andasagracetobedisgracedforChrist.ItwasthedivinepresencethatmadePaul andSilas to singwhen theywere beatenwithmany stripes,andcastintoprison,intotheinnerprison."Aftertheyhadbeenseverelyflogged,theywerethrownintoprison,andthejailerwascommandedtoguard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in theinnercellandfastenedtheirfeetinthestocks.AboutmidnightPaulandSilaswereprayingandsinginghymnstoGod,"Acts16:23-25.Thedivinepresence made Paul and Silas to glory in all their stripes, sores, andwounds, as old soldiers glory in their scars and wounds which theyreceiveinbattlefortheirprinceandcountry,Eph.6:17;Romans5:3.ThedivinepresencemightwellmakePaulandSilastosayoftheirstripesandsores,asMunsteronce saidofhisulcers, "Theseare the jewelsand thepreciousornamentswithwhichGodadornshisdearestservants."

ItwasthedivinepresencethatmadeIgnatiussayinthemidstofallhissufferings,"Ibearmybondsassomanyspiritualpearls."Justso,2Cor.7:4, "I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all ourtribulations."Greek,"Idooveraboundwithjoy."Verse5,"For,whenwehadcomeintoMacedonia,ourfleshhadnorest—butweweretroubledonevery side: without were fightings, within were fears;" verse 6,"NeverthelessGod, who comforts those who are cast down, comfortedus." It was the divine presence which filled the Corinthians withexceedingcomfortand joywhen their fleshhadno rest, andwhen theyweretroubledoneveryside.ThisspecialpresenceofGodwiththeminalltheirtribulationsfilledtheirsoulswithsuchanexuberancyofjoy,thatnogoodcouldmatchitnornoevilovermatchit.Itwasthedivinepresencethat made the martyrs, both ancient and modern, so comfortable andcheerfulunderalltheirhideoussufferings.Itwasthedivinepresencethat

madeFranciscoSoyitsaytohisadversaries,"Youdeprivemeofthislife—andpromoteme toaheavenly life;which isas if youshould robmeofpenniesandfurnishmewithgold."

"Oh, how my heart leaps for joy," said one, "that I am so near theapprehension of eternal bliss! God forgive me my unthankfulness andunworthinessof sogreatglory. Inall thedaysofmy life IwasneversomerryasnowIaminthisdarkdungeon.""Believeme,thereisnosuchjoyintheworldasthepeopleofChristhaveunderthecross,"saidblessedPhilpot,whowenttoheaveninflamesoffire.LetGodbutwithdrawthisspecialpresencefromhispeopleintheirsufferings,andyouwillquicklyfindtheirheartstodroop,theirspiritstofail,andtheyoverwhelmedinasea of sorrows. It was this divine presence that made the primitiveChristians to rejoicemorewhen theywere condemned, and to kiss thestake, and to thank the executioner, and to sing in the flames, and todesire to be with Christ. Just so, Justin Martyr, "We thank you fordeliveringusfromhardtaskmasters,thatwemaymoresweetlyenjoythebosomofJesusChrist."

Thebeegathersthebesthoneyofthebitterestherbs,andChristmadethebestwine fromwater.Certainly the best, thepurest, the strongest, andthesweetestjoys,springfromthespecialpresenceofGodwithhispeoplein their greatest troubles and deepest distresses.Only remember this—thatthatjoythatflowsfromthedivinepresenceintimesoftroublesanddistress, isaninwardjoy,aspiritual joy,a joywhichliesremotefromacarnaleye."Theheartknowshisownbitterness;andastrangerdoesnotintermeddle with his joy," Proverbs 14:10. The joy of the saints insufferings is a jewel that falls not under a stranger's eye. The joy of aChristianliesdeep,itcannotbeexpressed,itcannotbepainted.Look!asnomancanpaintthesweetnessofthehoneycomb,northesweetnessofaclusterofgrapes,northefragrancyoftheroseofSharon;sonomancanpaint out the sweetness and spiritualness of that joy that the divinepresence raises in the soul—when a Christian is under the greatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers.

Holyjoyisatreasurewhichliesdeep;anditisnoteverymanwhohasagoldenkey tosearch into this treasury.Look!asamanstandingon thesea-shoreseesagreatheapofwaters,onewaveridinguponthebackof

another,andmakingadreadfulnoise—butallthiswhile,thoughheseesthe water rolling, and hears it raging and roaring—yet he sees not thewealth,thegold,thesilver,thejewels,andincredibletreasureswhichlieburiedthere;justso,wickedmentheyseetheneedsofthesaints—butnottheirwealth; they see theirpoverty—butnot their riches; they see theirmiseries—but not their mercies; they see their conflicts—but not theircomforts;theyseetheirsorrows—butnottheirjoys.Oh,thisblindworldcannot see the joys, the comforts, the consolations that the divinepresenceraisesinthesoulsofthesaints,whentheyareatworst!Holyjoyandcheerfulnessundergreattroublesanddeepdistresses,isanhonortoGod, a glory to Christ, and a credit to religion; it stops themouths ofsinners,anditencouragesandstrengthensweaksaints;andthereforetheLordwillbe speciallypresentwithhispeople in their greatest troubles,etc., that they may grace their suffering condition with joy andcheerfulness.Andletthusmuchsufficeforthereasonsofthepoint.

ButbeforeIcometotheusefulapplication,topreventtheobjections,andtoallaythefearsanddoubtsanddisputesthatmayariseintheheartsofweakChristiansconcerningthisspecialpresenceofGod,IshallbrieflylaydownthesefollowingPROPOSITIONS—

1.First,ThatChrist ismany timesreallypresent,whenhe isseeminglyabsent.Gen.28:16,"AndJacobsaid,SurelytheLordisinthisplace—andIknewitnot."ChoiceChristiansmayhavethepresenceof Christ really with them, when yet they may not be sensible of hispresence,noryetaffectedwithit,Psalm139.Godispresenteverywhere—butespeciallywithhissaints;andnotonlythenwhentheyareapprehendhim—but when they perceive no evidence of his presence. Beingawakened, he perceived that God had very graciously and gloriouslyappeared to him; and therefore he falls admiring and extolling thesingulargoodnessandthespecialkindnessofGodtowardshim:asifhehad said, I thought that such strange and blessed apparitions werepeculiartothefamilyofthefaithful;IthoughtthatGodhadonlyinthismannerrevealedhimselfinmyfather'shouse:Ididnotintheleastthinkor imagine that suchadivine revelationwouldhappen tome in such aplace;butnowI findthat thatGod,who iseverywhere inrespectofhisgeneral presence, he has, by the special testimonies of his presence,

manifestedhimselftomealsointhisplace.

Justso,Job,"Lo,hegoesbyme,andIseehimnot:hepassesonalso—but I perceive him not," [Consult these scriptures, Luke 24:32; John20:13-15;Psalm31:22;Cant.3:1-5,and5:6-8.]Job9:11.Justso,Jonah,chapter2:4,"ThenIsaid,Iamcastoutofyoursight;yetIwilllookagaintowardyourholytemple."IntimesofsoreafflictionsGod'schildrenarevery prone to have hard thoughts of God, and heavy thoughts ofthemselves. Unbelief raises fears, doubts, despondency, despair, andworksaChristianmanytimes,whenheisunderdeepdistresses,todrawverysadconclusionsagainsthisownsoul,"Iamcastoutofyoursight."Butthiswasbutanhouroftemptation,andthereforehesoonrecollectsand recovers himself again: "yet I will look again toward your holytemple."Herenowfaithhasgottheupperhandofunbelief.IntheformerpartoftheverseyouhaveJonahdoubtinganddespairing,"Iamcastoutof your sight;" but in the latter part of the verse you have Jonahconquering and triumphing, "yet I will look again toward your holytemple."

Whensensesaysathingwillneverbe,andwhenreasonsayssuchathingcan never be, faithgets above sense and reason, and says, "yes—but itshallbe!"Whatdoyoutellmeofaroaring,ragingsea,ofthebellyofhell,of theweedsaboutmyhead,of thebillows andwavespassingovermyhead; for yet as low as I am, and as forlorn as I am, "I will yet looktowards God's holy temple," I will eye God in the covenant of grace;thoughIaminthesea,thoughIaminthebellyofhell—yetbyfaith"Iwilllooktowardyourholytemple,"—towardwhichtheyweretopray,1Kings8—and triumphoverall thosedifficultieswhich formerly I lookeduponas insuperable; Iwill pray and look, and look andpray; allwhich doesclearlyevidenceasingularpresenceofGodwithhim,eventhenwhenheperemptorilyconcludesthathewascastoutofGod'spresence,outofhissight,outofhisfavor,outofhiscare,outofhisheart.

The Lord ismany times really present with his people when he is notsensiblypresentwithhispeople:Judges6:12,13"Whentheangelof theLord appeared to Gideon, he said—"The Lord is with you, mightywarrior.""Butsir,"Gideonreplied,"iftheLordiswithus,whyhasallthishappenedtous?Whereareallhiswondersthatourfatherstoldusabout

whentheysaid,'DidnottheLordbringusupoutofEgypt?'ButnowtheLordhasabandonedusandputus intothehandofMidian."[Godmaysometimes appear terribly to those whom he loves entirely, Job 9:34.]Godmaybereallypresentwithhispeople, theymayhavehis favorablepresencewiththeirinwardman,whenitgoesveryillwiththeiroutwardman.Certainlywemust frameanewBiblebeforewecanprove thathedoes not love us when he afflicts us, or that he has withdrawn hispresencefromus.

Christ hadnevermore of the real presence of hisFather thanwhen hehadleastofhissensiblepresence,ofhiscomfortablepresence:"MyGod,my God, why have you forsaken me?" Mat. 27:46. Here is first acompellation or invocation of God twice repeated: "MyGod,my God."Secondly,thecomplaintitself,ormattercomplainedof,concerningGod'sforsaking of him.Christwas forsakenofGod in some sort, andhewasverysensibleofhisFather'swithdrawing, though itwasbut inpartandfor a time, "Why have you forsaken me?" This forsaking is not to beunderstoodofhiswholeperson—butofhishumannatureonly,accordingto which and in the which he now suffered on the cross. Though thepersonofChristsuffered,andwasforsaken—yethewasnotforsakenin,or according to his whole person—but in respect of his human natureonly.ThegodheadofChristcouldnotbe forsaken, for thenGodshouldhave forsaken himself, which is impossible. The personal union of thegodheadwiththemanhoodofChristcontinuedallthetimeofhispassionanddeath,itwasneverdissolved,norevershallbe.Yes,thegodheaddidupholdthemanhoodallthetimeofChrist'ssufferings,sothathewasnotforsakenwhenhewasforsaken;hewasnotforsakenwhollywhenhewasforsaken in part. The love and favor of God the Father towards JesusChrist did not ebb and flow, rise and fall; for God never loved JesusChristmoreorbetterthanatthetimeofhissufferings,whenhewasmostobedienttohisFather'swill."ThereforedoesmyFatherloveme,becauseI laydownmy life formysheep,"John10:17.Christhadnevermoreofthe supporting presence of his Father than when he had least of hiscomfortable presence. When Christ was in his grievous agony anddistress of body and mind, the godhead did withdraw the comfortingpresence from the manhood; and so far, and so far only, was Christforsaken. Though the union was not dissolved—yet there was a

suspensionofvisionforthetime,soasthehumannaturedidneitherseenor feel anypresent comfort fromGod.Now so far as the godheaddidwithdrawitscomfortablepresence,sofarourSaviorwasforsaken,andnofurther;thatwasbutinpart,andthereforehewasbut inpart forsaken.Godwas really present with Christ when in respect of his comfortablepresencehewaswithdrawnfromhim.Justso,here.Thehusbandmaybeinthehouseandthewifenotknowit;thesunmayshineandInotseeit;theremay be fire in the room and I not feel it; so God may be reallypresentwithhispeoplewhenheisnotsensiblypresentwithhispeople.But,

2.Thesecondproposition is this—That the favorable, special,andeminentpresenceofGodwithhispeopleintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers—isonlyto be extended to his covenant-people, to those who are hispeoplebyspecialgrace. "Theywillbemypeople,andIwillbe theirGod. I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they willalways fearme... Iwillmake an everlasting covenantwith them: Iwillneverstopdoinggoodtothem,andIwillinspirethemtofearme,sothattheywillneverturnawayfromme."Jeremiah32:38-40.

There are many precious promises of the divine presence, as I havealreadyshowed;buttheyareallgiventoGod'scovenant-people.WeareallthepeopleofGodbycreation,bothgoodandbad,sinnersandsaints,bondandfree,richandpoor,highandlow;andweareallthepeopleofGodby outwardprofession.Allwhodomake anoutwardprofessionofGod,andperformexternalworshiptoGod,theyareallthepeopleofGodinthissense.AllthecarnalIsraelitesarefrequentlycalledthepeopleofGod—aswellasthespiritualseed.ThusCainwasoneofGod'speopleaswellasAbel,andEsauaswellasJacob.NowsuchasareonlythepeopleofGodbycreation,orbyprofession,thesearestrangerstoGod,theseareenemiestoGod,Eph.2:12;andwillhebefavorablypresentwiththese?SuchasareonlythepeopleofGodbycreationandoutwardprofession—they are dead in trespasses and sins—and can the living God takepleasureinbeingamongthedead?Eph.2:1;Col.2:13.Suchareunderallthethreateningsofthelaw,andunderallthecursesofthelaw,Gal.3:10,eventotheuttermostextentof them;sucharenotonemomentsecure;

thethreateningsofGodandthecursesof the lawmaylightuponthem,wheninthehouse,wheninthefield,whenwaking,whensleeping,whenalone, when in company, when rejoicing, when lamenting, when sick,whenwell,whenboasting,whendespairing,whenuponthethrone,whenupon a sick-bed; and will God grace these with his gracious presence?Lev.26;Deut.28.Surelynot!SuchsaytoGod,"Departfromus; forwedesire not the knowledge of your ways.What is the Almighty, thatweshouldservehim?andwhatprofitwouldwehave,ifweprayuntohim?"Job21:14-15.Suchqueryingsasthiscarrygreatestcontemptinthem,andwouldlaytheAlmightyquitebelowtherequireddutyasifAlmightywerebut an empty title; and will God ever honor such with his favorablepresence,whobidhimbepacking,whorejecthisacquaintance,andarewillingtoberidofhiscompany?Surelynot!Suchasareonlyhispeopleby creation, and an outward profession, such are under the wrath anddispleasureofGod."Godisangrywiththewickedeveryday,"Psalm7:11;notwithapaternalanger—butwitha judicialanger,eventohatredandabhorment. "The wicked is an abomination to him, and he hates allworkersof iniquity,"Proverbs3:32,and15:9.Andtherefore to thesehewillnevergivehis specialpresence.Suchmaywellexpect thatGodwillpouronthemthefiercenessofthatwrathandindignation,thattheycanneither decline nor withstand. Such wrath is like the tempest andwhirlwind which breaks down all before it. It is like burning fire, anddevouringflames,whichconsumesall.Thiswrathwillbreakdownallthesinner's arrogancies, and strangle all his vain hopes, and mar all hissensual joys, and fill him with amazing horrors, andmake him drunkwith thewine of astonishment. Andwill God dwell with these?will hekeephousewiththese?Surelynot!

BytheseshorthintsitismostevidentthatthespecialpresenceofGodisentailed upon none outside of covenant, John 14:21, 23. God loves tokeephousewithnonebuthiscovenant-people.Hewillgracenonewithhis gracious presence—but thosewho arehis people by special grace, 1Cor.16-18.Whenwickedmenareingreattroubles,deepdistresses,andmost deadly dangers—God either leaves them, as he did Saul, 1 Sam.28:15-16, etc.; or else pursues them to an utter overthrow, as he didPharaoh,Exod.14;orelsecuts themoffbyan invisiblehand,ashedidSennacherib's mighty army, Isaiah 37:36, and proud king Herod, Acts

12:23; or else he leaves them to be their own executioners, as he didAhithophelandJudas,etc.But,

3.The thirdproposition is this, That a sincereChristianmayenjoy the presence of the Lord in great troubles, deepdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,supportingandupholdingof him—when he has not the presence of God quickening,comforting,andjoyingofhim.Psalm119:117:Psalm37:24,"Thoughhefalls,heshallnotbeutterlycastdown;fortheLordupholdshimwithhishand,""upholdingwithhishand."ThereisnotonemomentwhereintheLorddoesnotupholdhispeoplebythehand.Therootwordsignifiesto sustain and bear up, as the tender mother does the little child, theweak child, the sick child. God's hand is still under his people, so thattheycanneverfallbelowsupportinggrace.Psalm63:8,"Yourrighthandupholdsme;"or, "Yourrighthandunderpropsme."Godneverdid,norneverwill,lackahandtouphold,ahandtounderprophispoorpeopleintheirgreatesttroublesanddeepestdistresses.ThoughthesaintshavenotalwaysthecomfortingpresenceofGodintheirafflictions—yettheyhavealwaysthesupportingpresenceofGodintheirafflictions.

Christ in his bitter and bloody agony had much of the supportingpresenceofhisFather,whenhehadnoneofthecomfortingpresenceofhis Father with him.Mat. 27:46, "My God, my God," etc. Just so, thesaints in theirdeepdistresseshavemany timesmuchof thesupportingpresenceofGod.His lefthand isunder theirheads,andhis righthanddoes embrace them, Cant. 2:6, when, in respect of his comfortingpresence, theymay saywith theweeping prophet, "The comforterwhoshouldrelievemysoul,isfarfromme,"Lam.1:16.

When the love-sick spouse was ready to faint, Christ circles her withamiable embracements; "His left hand is underherhead, andhis righthanddoesembraceher."This isapostureandsignof thegreatest love,which the sick fainting spouse here glories in. Christ's two hands aretestimonies andwitnessesofhis greatpowerandmight,who is able topreserve his people, though lame cripples, from falling, and also to liftthemupagainwhentheyarefalleneversolow,andlikewisetosupportandupholdthem,thattheyshallneverfinallyandutterlybecastdown.Whentheheartsofthesaintsarereadytofaintandsink,thentheLord

willemploy all his power for their support, bearing themup as itwerewithbothhands.Hehasputhislefthandundermyhead,asapillowtorest upon, and with his right hand he has embraced me, as a lovinghusband cherisheshis sickwife, anddoesher all thehelphe can,Eph.5:29.Thebestofsaintswouldfailandfaintinadayoftrouble,ifChristdid not put both his hands to keep them up. In days of sorrow, God'speoplestandinneedofawholeChristtosupportthemandupholdthem."Myheadsinks,Omybeloved,putyourlefthand,softerthanpillowsofroses,firmerthanpillarsofmarble,underit;myheartfailsanddies—ohletyourrighthandembraceme."But,

4.Thefourthpropositionisthis—Thatallsaintshavenotalikemeasure of the presence of the Lord in their troubles andtrials,intheirsorrowsandsufferings.Somehavemore,andothershavelessofthispresenceofGodinanevilday.

(1.)Allsaintshavenotalikeworktodoinanevilday.

(2.)Allsaintshavenotaliketemptationstowithstandinanevilday.

(3.)Allsaintshavenotaliketestimonytogiveonanevilday.

(4.)Allsaintshavenotalikeburdenstobearinanevilday.

(5.)Allsaintshavenotalikethingstosufferinanevilday.

Therearegreaterandtherearelessertroubles,distresses,anddangers;and there areordinarytroubles,distresses, anddangers; and there areextraordinary troubles, distresses, and dangers. [Lam. 1:12, and 4:6;Dan.9:12-13;2Cor.11:21totheend;Heb.11:25totheend.]Now,wherethe trouble, the distress, the danger, is ordinary—there an ordinarypresence of God may suffice. But where the trouble, the distress, thedanger, is extraordinary—there the people of God shall have anextraordinary presence of Godwith them, as youmay see in the threeHebrewchildren,Daniel, theapostles, theprimitiveChristians,and theBookofMartyrs.

Sometroubles,distresses,anddangers,arebutofashortcontinuance,as

Athanasius said of his banishment, "It is but a little cloud, and willquickly be gone." Others are of a longer continuance, and accordinglyGodsuitshispresence.

Allsaintshavenotalikesecondarysuccours,supplies, reliefs, comforts,etc., in their troubles, distresses, and dangers. Some have a shelter, afriend at hand—others have not. Some havemany friends—and othersmayhaveneverafriend.Somearesurroundedwithoutwardcomforts—and others have not one, not one penny, not one friend, not one day'swork,etc. Inastormsomehavegoodharborsathand—othersareneartherocks,andindangerofbeingswallowedupinthesands.Justsohere,and accordingly God lets out more or less of his presence among hispeople;someneedmoreofhispresencethanothersdo—andaccordinglyGoddispensesitamonghissaints.But,

5.Thefifthpropositionisthis—Thatnoneofthesaintshaveatall times, in all afflictions, distresses, and dangers, the samemeasure and degree of the presence of the Lord; but in oneafflictiontheyhavemore, inanotherless,ofthedivinepresence.[Somescores of Psalms do evidence the truth of this proposition.] In oneaffliction,aChristianmayhavemoreoftheenlighteningpresenceofGodthaninanother.Andinanotheraffliction,aChristianmayhavemoreofthe comforting presence of God than in another. In this trouble aChristian may have more of the awakening presence of God than inanother,andinthattroubleaChristianmayhavemoreofthesanctifyingpresence of God than in another; and in this distress a ChristianmayhavemoreofthesupportingpresenceofGodthaninthat.Noonesaintdoesat all times, nor in all troubles, need a likemeasure of the divinepresence.TheprimitiveChristiansandthemartyrshadsometimesmoreandsometimeslessof thedivinepresencewiththem,astheirconditiondid require.God,who is infinitely wise, does always suit themeasuresanddegreesofhisgracious,favorable,specialpresencetothenecessitiesof his saints. This is so clear and great a truth, that there are manythousandsthatcansealto it fromtheirownexperience;andthereforeIneednotenlargeuponit.But,

6. The sixth and the last proposition is this—That manyprecious Christians, in their great troubles, deep distresses,

andmostdeadlydangers,mayhavethisfavorable,special,andeminentpresenceofGodwith them—and yet fear anddoubt,yes,peremptorilyconcludethattheyhavenotthispresenceofGodwith them. [Jonah 2:4; Cant. 5:6-10; Psalm 88.] Psalm 77:7-10.These sad interrogatories argues much fear and doubt; but let meevidencethetruthofthisproposition,byaninductionofparticulars.

Thus, first: If Christ is not specially with you, why is it, that in yourtroubles,yousofearfulofoffendingofhim,andsocarefulandstudiousinpleasingofhim?Gen.39:9-10;Psalm17:3-5;Dan.3:16-17,and6:10-13.

Secondly,IfChristisnotspeciallywithyou,whyisit,thatunderallyourtroubles, deep distresses, and most deadly dangers—you are still a-justifying ofGod, a-clearing ofGod, a-speakingwell ofGod, a-giving agoodreportofGod?Psalm119:75;Ezra9:13;Neh.9:32-33;Dan.9:12,14.

Thirdly, IfGod is not speciallywith you,why is it, that youbearup sobelievingly, sweetly, stoutly, cheerfully, and patiently under yourtroubles, deep distresses, and greatest dangers? Gen. 49:23-24; 1 Sam.30:6;Hab.3:17-18;Acts5:40-42,16:25-26,and27:22-26;Heb.10:34.

Fourthly, IfChrist isnotspeciallypresentwithyou,why is it, thatyourthoughts,desires,hearts,thirstingsandlongingsofsoul,aresoearnestly,soseriously,sofrequently,andsoconstantlycarriedoutaftermoreandmoreofChrist,andaftermoreandmoreof thepresenceofChrist,andaftermoreandmorecommunionwithChrist?Psalm139:17-18,63:1,8,27:4,and42:1-3;Exod.33:13-16;Cant.1:2.

Fifthly,IfChristisnotspeciallypresentwithyou,whyisit,thatyouaresoaffectedandafflictedwiththedishonorsand indignities,wrongsandinjuries,whicharedonetotheLordbyothers?Psalm69:9,and119:53,136, 158;Jer.9:1-2;Ezek.9:4,6;2Pet.2:7-8.Nonebutsuch thathavethepresenceoftheLordspeciallywiththemcanseriouslyandsincerelylamentoverthehighdishonorsthataredonetotheLordbyothers.

Sixthly, If the Lord is not specially present with you under all yourtroublesanddeepdistresses,whydoyounotcastoffprayer,andneglecthearing,andforsaketheassemblingofyourselvestogether,andturnyour

backs upon the table of the Lord, and take leave of closet duties? Job15:4;Heb.10:25.

Seventhly,IftheLordisnotspeciallypresentwithyouunderyourgreattroubles anddeepdistresses,whydon't you saywithPharaoh, "Who isthe Lord, that I should obey his voice?" And with the king of Israel,"Behold, this evil is from theLord—whyshould Iwait for theLordanylonger?"Orwiththatpagan,"IftheLordwouldmakewindowsinheaven,mightthisthingbe?"OrlikeSaul—whydon'tyouruntoawitch?OrwithAhab,Whydon'tyousellyourselvestoworkevilinthesightoftheLord?OrlikeAhaz—trespassmostwhenyouaredistressedmost?[Exod.5:2;2Kings 6:32, and 7:2; 1 Sam. 28:15-16; 1 Kings 21:20; 2 Chron. 28:22;Isaiah51:20,and59:10-11.]

Whydon'tyoufret,andfaint,andact likeawildbull, fullof fury?Whydon'tyougropeforthewall,andstumbleatnoonday,androarlikebears?

Eighthly, If the Lord is not specially present with you in your greatesttroublesanddeepestdistresses,whydoyou,withMoses,prefersufferingbefore sinning, and Christ's reproaches before Egypt's treasures? Heb.11:25-26. Why do you scruple the sinning of yourselves out of yoursorrows?Psalm38:4;Gen. 39:9-10.Whydo you lookupon sin as yourgreatestburden?Whyareyousotenderinthepointoftransgression,andsostoutinresistanceofthemostpleasingtemptation?

Ninthly, If theLord isnotspeciallywithyou inyourgreattroublesanddeep distresses, why do you set so high a price upon those who havemuchofthepresenceofGodwiththemintheirtroublesandtrials?Psalm16:3-4;Proverbs12:26;Heb.11:38.Whydoyoulookuponthemasmoreexcellentthantheirneighbors?yes,assuchworthiesofwhomthisworldisnotworthy?

Tenthlyand lastly, If theLord isnot speciallypresentwith you in yourgreatesttroublesanddeepestdistresses,whyisit,thatyouaresomewhatbettered, somewhat amended, somewhat reformed by the rod—by theafflictions that have been, and still are, upon you? Psalm 119:67, 71;Hosea 5:14-15, and 6:1-2; Hosea 2:6-7. When the heart is moreawakened, humbled, and softened by the rod, when thewill is more

compliantwith thewill ofGod indoing or suffering,when themind ismore raised and spiritualized, when the conscience is more quick andtender, andwhen the life ismore strict and circumspect; thenwemaysafelyandroundlyconclude that suchpeopledoundoubtedlyenjoy thespecialandsingularpresenceofGodwiththemintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,Eph.5:15.

AndthusIhavelaiddownthesesixpropositions;which,ifwellweighedandimproved—maymanywaysbeofsingularusetosincereChristians.

Application

Weshallnowcometotheapplicationorusefulimprovementofthisgreatandseasonabletruth.Explanation is thedrawingof thebow—butapplicationisthehittingofthemark,thebulls-eye.Isitso,thatwhenthepeopleoftheLordareingreattroubles,deepdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers, that then the Lord will be favorably, specially, and eminentlypresent with them? Then let me briefly give these tenINFERENCES.

TenInferences

[1.]First,ThatthesaintsareapeopleofChrist'sspecialcare.2Chron.16:9,"FortheeyesoftheLordruntoandfrothroughthewholeearth,toshowhimselfstronginthebehalfofthosewhoseheartisperfecttowardshim."Thewordscontain,

(1.)TheUNIVERSALITYofGod'sprovidence.His eyeswalk therounds,theyruntoandfrothroughthewholeearth,todefendandsecurethesincereinheart.Diana'stemplewasburntdownwhenshewasbusiedatAlexander'sbirth,andcouldnotbeattwoplacestogether;butGodispresentatalltimes,inallplaces,andamongallpeople,andthereforehischurch,which is his temple, can never suffer because of his absence, 1Cor.3:16,and6:19.TheEgyptianshadanidolcalledBaal-Zephon,whichisbyinterpretation,Lordofthewatch-tower,Exod.14:2;hisofficewastofrightensuchfugitiveJewsasshouldoffertostealoutofthecountry;butwhenMoses and the people of Israel passed thatway, and pitchedtheir camp there, this drowsy god was surely fast asleep, for they allmarchedontheirwaywithouthindranceormolestation.WhereashewhokeepsIsrael"neitherslumbersnorsleeps;"hekepthisIsraelthen,andhehaskepthisIsraeleversince:hemadegoodhistitlethen,andwillmakegood his title still; he ever was, and he ever will be, watchful over hispeoplefortheirgood,Psalm121:3-5;Isaiah27:3-4.

(2.)TheEFFICACYofGod'sprovidence. To showhimself strong.

God fightswith his eyes aswell as his hands; he does not only see hispeople'sdangers—butsavesthemfromdangersinthemidstofdangers,Zech. 2:5. When the philosopher in a starry night was in danger ofdrowning,hecriedout,"SurelyIshallnotperish;therearesomanyeyesof providence overme!"KingPhilip saidhe could sleep safely, becausehis friend Antipater watched over him. Oh, how much more may thesaints sleep safely,who have always aGodwho keepswatch andwardabout themPsalm 3:5-6. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; therighteousruntoitandaresafe."Proverbs18:10.Godissostrongatowerthatnocannoncanpierceit,andheissohighatowerthatnoladdercanscaleit,andheissodeepatowerthatnosubvertercanundermineit;andthereforetheymustneedsbesafeandsecure—wholodgewithinatowersoimpregnable,soindomitable.Nowthisisthecaseofallthesaints.

The fatherly care andprovidence ofGod is still exercised for thegood of his people. "In a desert land he found him, in a barren andhowlingwaste.Heshieldedhimandcaredforhim;heguardedhimastheapple of his eye, like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over itsyoung, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on itspinions.TheLordaloneledhim."Deuteronomy32:10-12.[Isaiah49:16,31:5,and32:1-2.]Theeaglecarriesheryoungonesuponherwings,andnotbetweenhertalons,asotherbirdsdo,butsafelyandswiftly;andsodidGod his Israel, being protective and watchful of them all the way,securingthemalsofromtheirenemies,whocoulddothemaslittlehurtasanydotheeagle'syoung,whichcannotbeshotbutthroughthebodyofthemothereagle,Isaiah63:4-6,and59:15.

See atwhat a rateGod speaks in Isaiah 40:27-29, "Whydo you say,OJacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the Lord; mycause is disregarded by my God"? Do you not know? Have you notheard?The Lord is the everlastingGod, the Creator of the ends of theearth.Hewillnotgrowtiredorweary,andhisunderstandingnoonecanfathom.He gives strength to theweary and increases the power of theweak." Observe how God comes on with his piercing interrogatories,"Haveyounotknown?"Whatanignorantpeople!"Haveyounotheard?"Whatadeafpeople!

1Pet.5:7,"Castingallyourcareuponhim, forhecares foryou.""Iwill

nowwithyousingawaycare,"saidJohnCareless,martyr,inhislettertoMr. Philpot, "for nowmy soul is turned to her old rest again, and hastaken a sweet nap in Christ's lap. I have cast my care upon the Lord,whichcaresforme,andwillbecarelessaccordingtomyname."

God's providence extends to all his creatures; it is like the sun, ofuniversalinfluence—butinaspecialmanneritisoperativeforthesafetyofhis saints. In commondangersmen take special careof their jewels,andwillnotGod;willnotGodtakespecialcareofhisjewels?Mal.3:17;Heb.3:6;1Pet.2:5.Surely,yes!ThechurchofGodisthehouseofGod,andwillnotGodtakecareofhishouse?Surelythatshallbewellguarded,whateverbeneglected.Hishouseiseverymomentwithintheviewofhisfavorableeye,andundertheguardofhisalmightyarm;histhoughtsandheartismuchuponhishouse.Godhasapeculiarandpaternalcareoverhissaints.

AGodthereis,whoseprovidencedoestakeCareforhissaints,whomhewillnotforsake.

"His eyes run," implying the celerity and swiftness ofGod inhasteningrelieftohispeople;"Hiseyesrunthroughthewholeearth,"implyingtheuniversalityofhelp.Thereisnotasaintinanydarkcorneroftheworld,under any straits or troubles—butGod eyeshim, andwill take singularcare of him.Godwill always suit his care to his people's conditions, towhichhiseminentappearancesforthemindaysofdistressand troublegivespecialtestimony.Itisourworktocastcare;itisGod'sworktotakecare.Letnotus,then,taketheLord'sworkoutofhishand.But,

[2.]Secondly,WilltheLordbespeciallypresentwithhispeopleintheirgreatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers? Thenhere you may see the true reason why the saints are socomfortable, cheerful, and joyful in their greatest troubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers.ItisbecauseofthatspecialpresenceofGodwiththem.[Acts5:40-41,and16:25;Romans5:3;2Cor.7:4,and12:10;1Pet.4:12-14.Thesescripturesarealreadyopenedand improved.] It was this special presence of God with the martyrs,whichmade them rejoice in themidst of their greatest sufferings, andwhichmadethemenduregreatsufferingswithoutanysensiblefeelingof

theirsufferings:asthatyoungchildinJosephus,who,whenhisfleshwaspulledinpieceswithpincers,bythecommandofAntiochus,said,withasmiling countenance, "Tyrant, you are wasting your time. Where arethose sharp pains with which you threatened me? make me to shrinkbackandcryoutifyoucan!"AndBainham,anEnglishmartyr,whenthefirewas flaming about him, said, "You papists talk ofmiracles; beholdhereamiracle.IfeelnomorepainthanifIwereinabedofdown;itisassweettomeasabedofroses."Surelytheirstrengthwasnotthestrengthof stones, nor their flesh of brass, Job 6:12, that they should not besensible of so great sufferings; but this was only from that specialpresence of God, whomade them endure grievous pains without pain,and most exquisite torments without torment, and sore sufferingswithoutfeelingoftheirsufferings,Heb.11:33-39.Andotherchoicesoulstherewere,who,thoughtheyweresensibleoftheirsufferings—yetbythedivinepresence,theywerefilledwithunspeakablecourage,comfort,andalacrity.

Laurence,whenhisbodywasroasteduponaburninggridiron,criedout,"This side is roasted enough; turn the other!" Marcus of Arethusa, aworthy minister, when his body was cut and lanced and coated withhoney,andhungupaloft inabaskettobestungtodeathbywaspsandbees; he, looking down cheerfully upon the spectators, said, "I amadvanced, despising youwho are below." Andwhenwe shall see poor,weak, feeble creatures like ourselvesdefying their tormentors and theirtorments, conquering in the midst of their greatest sufferings, andrejoicing and triumphing in the midst of their fiery trials; singing inprison, as Paul and Silas did; kissing the stake, as Henry Voes did;clapping their hands when they were half consumed in the flames, asJohnNoyesdid;callingtheirexecution-daytheirwedding-day,asRidleydid; we cannot but conclude that they had a singular presence of Godwiththem,whichmadealltheirsufferingsseemsoeasyandsolightuntothem.

Caesarcheereduphisdroopingmarinersinastormbyremindingthemofhispresence;but,alas!alas!whatwasCaesar'spresence,comparedtothis divine, this special presence that the saints have enjoyed in theirgreatesttroublesanddeepestdistresses?But,

[3.]Thirdly,WilltheLordbespeciallypresentwithhispeopleintheirgreatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers? Thenfromhence youmay see theweakness,madness, sottishness,andfollyofallsuchasmakeoppositionagainstthesaints;whoaffront and injure those who have the presence of the greatGodinthemidstofthem.Isaiah8:9-10,and27:4;1Cor.1:25.Osirs!theweaknessofGodisstrongerthanmen.Whatthenis thestrengthofGod?1Cor.10:22,"DoweprovoketheLordtojealousy?Arewestrongerthanhe?"Ah,whoknowsthepowerofhisanger!Psalm90:11.Itissuchthatnoneofthepotentatesoftheworld,whosetthemselvesagainstthesaints,canavertoravoid,avoidorabide.ThatGodisamightyGod,theScripturesdoabundantlyevidence,anditappearsalsointheepithet,thatisaddeduntoEl-,whichimportsthatheisaGodofprevailingmight.ByDanielheiscalledEl-Elim,"themightyofmighties."Nowwhatfollyandmadnessisitfordustandashes,forcrawlingworms,tomakewaragainsta mighty God; yes, an Almighty God, who can curse them, and crushthemwithawordofhismouth!

2 Chron. 32:7,8 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid ordiscouragedbecauseof thekingofAssyriaand thevastarmywithhim,forthereisagreaterpowerwithusthanwithhim.Withhimisonlythearmofflesh,butwithusistheLordourGodtohelpusandtofightourbattles." Gen. 49:25;Num. 24:4, 16; Ruth 1:20-21. The king of Assyriawas at that time the greatest monarch in the world, and the mostformidable enemy the church had—yet the divine presence was asovereignantidotetoexpelallbaseslavishfears,whichmightariseinanyoftheirheartsconcerninghisgreatness,power,ormultitude.WhatwasthatgreatmultitudethatwaswiththekingofAssyria,comparedtothatinnumerablecompanyofangelswhichwaswithHezekiah?[2Kings6:17;Pa.34:7,etc.,and91:11;Heb.12:22,and1:14;Isaiah37:29,36-38.]

Andwhatwasanarmofflesh,comparedtoGod'ssupremesovereignty,thathadthisproudprinceinchains,andthatputahookinhisnose,andabridleinhislips,andcutoffhisgreatarmybythehandofanangelinonenight, and left him to fall by the swordofhis own sons?The LordAlmighty can crush the greatest armies in theworld into atoms, at hispleasure.Whenthedivinepresenceisarmedagainstthegreatonesofthe

world—theymustcertainlyfall.InDiocletian'stime,underwhomwasthelastandworstofthetenpersecutions,thoughthenChristianreligionwasmoredesperatelyopposed thanever—yet suchwas thepresenceofGodwithhispeopleinthosetimes,thatChristianityprosperedandprevailedmore thanever; so thatDioclesianhimself, observing that themorehesoughttoblotoutthenameofChrist—themorelegibleitbecame;andthemore he sought to block up the way of Christ—the more passable itbecame; and whatever of Christ he thought to root out—the deeper itrooted,and thehigher it rose; thereuponhe resolved to engagehimselfno further—but retired to a private life. This is a good copy for thepersecutorsofthedaytowriteafter.

O sirs! what folly and madness is it for weakness to engage againststrength, the creature against the Creator, an arm of flesh against theRockofAges!Whatisthechaff,comparedtothewhirlwind;stubbleandstraw,comparedtothedevouringflames?NomorearealltheenemiesofZion, compared to the great and gloriousGod,who is specially presentwithhispeopleintheirgreatesttroublesanddeepestdistresses,etc.,Acts5:38-40; Psalm 76:12, and 110:5-6; Rev. 6:14-16. Therewas not one ofthosepersecutingemperors that carriedon the tenbloodypersecutionsagainst the saints—but came tomiserable ends; yes, histories tell us offorty-three persecuting emperors who fell by the hand of revengingjustice;soonerorlater,thepresenceofGodwithhispeoplewillundoallthepersecutorsintheworld!But,

[4.]Fourthly,WilltheLordbespeciallypresentwithhispeopleintheirgreatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers? ThenfromhenceyoumayseetheLord'ssingularloveandadmirablekindness to his people in gracing them with his presence intheirgreatesttroubles."Butnow,OIsrael,theLordwhocreatedyousays—Donot be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you byname;youaremine.Whenyougothroughdeepwatersandgreattrouble,Iwillbewithyou.Whenyougothroughriversofdifficulty,youwillnotdrown!When youwalk through the fire of oppression, youwill not beburnedup;theflameswillnotconsumeyou.ForIamtheLord,yourGod,theHolyOneofIsrael,yourSavior!"Isaiah43:1-3.

That is a friend indeed,whowill stick close to aman in the day of his

troubles,asJob'sfriendstuckclosetohiminthedayofhistroubles,andas Jonathan stuck close to David in his greatest dangers, and as theprimitiveChristiansstuckcloseonetoanother,thoughwiththehazardoftheir lives, and to the amazementof their enemies, Job2:11-13; 1 Sam.20:30-33."Behold,"saidthey,"howtheChristiansloveoneanother,"andstandbyoneanother.

ThepeopleofGod,intheirgreatesttroubles,areapeopleofGod'sspeciallove.Whentheyareindistress,helaystheminhisverybosom,andhis"banner over them is love," Cant. 2:4. The love ofGod to his people isengraveduponthemostafflictivedispensationtheyareunder.Whenhesmartlyrebukesthem,eventhenhedearly lovesthem,Rev.3:19."Hearyoutherod,"Mic.6:9.Oh,God'srodspeakslove.ManyofthesaintshavereadmuchoftheLord'slove,writteninlettersoftheirownblood.Theyhavereadloveinprisons,andloveinflames,andloveinbanishment,andlove in the cruelest torments their enemies could invent! When aChristian's wounds are bleeding—then God comes in with a healingplaster,Mal. 4:2.WhenaChristian is in a storm—then thepresenceoftheLordmakesallcalmandquietwithin,Mat.8:26.ThepresenceoftheLord with his people in their troubles and distresses—speaks out therealityofhis love, thecordialnessofhis love, thegreatnessofhis love,andthetranscendencyofhislove.

Thetruthandstrengthofrelations'loveonetoanotherdoesbestappearby their presence one with another, when any of them are in the ironfurnace,orinbonds,oringreatstraitsorneeds,ordeepdistresses.Theparentsshowmostof their lovetotheirsickandweakchildrenbytheirdailypresencewith them;andthehusbandshowsmostofhisdearandtender lovebykeepinghiswife companywhenshe is ingreatest straitsanddangers.Justso,here.But,

[5.]Fifthly,Will theLordbespeciallypresentwithhispeople in theirgreatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers? Thenthismayservetojustifythesaints,andtoencouragethesaintstowriteafterthisfaircopy,whichChristhassetthem.Ohvisityourdistressedbrethren!ohstandbythem!ohstickclosetotheminalltheirtroubles,distresses,anddangers.Letthesamemindbeinyou,onetowardsanother,asisinChristtowardsyouall.ArethereanyJobsupon

theash-heap?Visitthem!ArethereanyPaulsinchains?Findthemout,andbenot ashamed of their chains! "May the Lord showmercy to thehousehold ofOnesiphorus, because he often refreshedme andwas notashamed of my chain. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, hesearchedhardformeuntilhefoundme.MaytheLordgrantthathewillfindmercyfromtheLordonthatday!YouknowverywellinhowmanywayshehelpedmeinEphesus."2Timothy1:16-18."Heoftenrefreshedme."Greek,"Pouredcoldwateruponme." It isametaphor taken fromthosewho, being almost overcomewith heat, are refreshed by cooling."Andwasnotashamedofmychains."Learnedantiquariesobserve thattheapostleatthistimewasnotinprisonwithfetters—butinthecustodyofasoldier,withwhomhemightgoabroad,havingachainonhisrightarm,whichwastiedtothesoldier'sleftarm.Paulatthistimewasnotinprison,forthenOnesiphorusneedednottohavemadeanygreatsearchto find him; but was a prisoner at large, going up and down with hiskeeper todespatchhis affairs; and thereforehe speaksnot of chains inthepluralnumber—butofachaininthesingular,withwhichhewastiedtothesoldierthatkepthim.ItnowaysbecomesthesaintstobeashamedofthechainswhichmaybefoundupontheambassadorsofChristinanevil day. The primitive Christians were not ashamed of the martyrs'chains—but owned them in their chains, and stood by them in theirchains,andfrequentlyvisitedthemintheirchains,andfreelyandnoblyrelievedthemandrefreshedthemintheirchains:andwillyou,willyoubeashamedtovisitthesaintsinbonds?"OhletnotthisbetoldinGath,norpublishedinthestreetsofAskelon,"2Sam.1:20,thatthehigh-flownprofessorsandChristiansofthesetimesareashamedtoown,relieve,andstandbythesaintsinchains.

Justso,Mat.25:36,"Iwassick,andyouvisitedme;Iwasinprison,andyoucameuntome."[SeeExod.2:11-12,comparedwithActs7:23-29,onlyrememberthecasewasextraordinary,andhiscallwasextraordinary.]Itisveryremarkablethatthelastdefinitivesentenceshallpassuponmen,according to thoseactsof favorandkindness thathavebeen showed tothe saints in their suffering state; and that the sentence of absolutionshall contain amanifestation of all their goodworks. In this great dayChristseesnoiniquityinhispeople,heobjectsnothingagainstthem,andhe only makes honorable mention of the good that has been done by

them.Osirs,allthevisitsyougivetosicksaints,andallthevisitsyougiveto imprisoned saints—Christ takes as visits given to himself! Sufferingsaints and you are brethren; andwill younot visit your ownbrethren?suffering saints and Christ are brethren; andwill you not visit Christ'sbrethren?sufferingsaintsandyouarecompanions;andwillyounotvisityour own companions? suffering saints and you are traveling heaven-wards;andwill younot visit your fellow-travelers? suffering saints andyou are fellow-citizens; and will you not visit your fellow-citizens?sufferingsaints and you are fellow-soldiers; andwill you not visit yourfellow-soldiers?sufferingsaintsandyouarefellow-heirs;andwillyounotvisit your fellow-heirs? [Mat. 25:40; John 20:17; Psalm 119:63; 2 Cor.8:19;Eph.2:19;Phil.2:25;Romans8:17.]Oh,neverbeashamedofthosewhomChristisnotashamedof!Oh,neverfailtovisitthosewhomChristdailyvisitsintheirsufferingstate!Oh,neverturnyourbacksuponthosetowhomChristhasgiventherighthandoffellowship!Oh,benotshyofthem,norstrange to themwhomChrist laysdaily inhisbosom!Oh,benotunkindtothose,withwhomonedayyoumustliveforever!But,

[6.]Sixthly,WilltheLordbespeciallypresentwithhispeopleintheirgreatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers? Thennever giveway to base slavish fears!Psalm 51:12-13, and 46:1-3;Mat. 10:28, etc. There are asmany fear nots in Scripture as there arefears.Takeatasteofsomeofthem—Heb.13:5,"Hehassaid,Iwillneverleaveyou,norforsakeyou."Verse6,"Sothatwemayboldlysay,TheLordismyhelper,andIwillnotfearwhatmanshalldountome."ThistextistakenoutofPsalm118:6, "TheLord is onmy side, Iwillnot fearwhatmancandountome."Someread itbywayof interrogation, "Whatcanmandountome?"[TheEarlofMurray,speakingofMr.JohnKnox,said,Hereliesthebodyofhimwhoinhislifetimeneverfearedthefaceofanyman.]Thereissomedifferenceintheapostle'squotingthetextbetweentheHebrewandtheGreek.TheHebrewthusreadsit,"TheLordiswithme,"or forme;orasourEnglishhas translated it, "TheLord is onmyside."TheGreekthus,"TheLordismyhelper."ButthesensebeingthesamewiththeHebrew,theapostlewouldnotalterthattranslation.ThealterationwhichisintheGreekservesforanexpositionofthemindandmeaningofthepsalmist;forGodbeingwithus,orforus,oronourside,presupposes that he is our helper. Just so, as there is no contradiction

between the psalmist and the apostle—but a clear interpretation of thepsalmist's mind; and a choice instruction thence arises —namely, thatGod's special presencewith us, for us, or on our side,may abundantlysatisfyus,andassureusthathewillaffordallneedfulhelpandsupporttous.Theconsiderationofwhichshouldabundantlyarmusagainstallbaseslavishfears.

God is not presentwith his saints in their troubles and distresses as astranger—butasa father;andthereforehecannotbut takesuchspecialcareofthem,astohelpthem,astosupportthem,andastosecurethemfromdangersinthemidstofdangers,andthereforewhyshouldtheybeafraid?Isaiah43:2.TheGreekwordthatistranslatedhelperinHeb.13:6,signifiesonewhoisreadytorunatthecryofanother.Nowthisnotationimplies awilling readiness and a readywillingness inGod to afford allsupport and relief to his people in their greatest troubles and deepestdistresses.HereinGodshowshimselflikeatenderfatherormother,whoimmediatelyrunwhentheyhearthechildcry,orseedangernear.

Isaiah8:10,"Godiswithus."Verse12,"Donotfearwhattheyfear,anddo not dread it." The divine presence should arm us against all baseslavish fears ofmen's power, policy,wrath, or rage.Kings and princes,comparedwithGod, orwith the special presence ofGod, are but assomany grasshoppers, skipping and hopping up and down the field; anddoes it befit Christians who enjoy this divine presence to be afraid ofgrasshoppers?Isaiah40:22.

Isaiah41:10,"Sodonotfear,forIamwithyou;donotbedismayed,forIamyourGod.Iwillstrengthenyouandhelpyou;Iwillupholdyouwithmyrighteousrighthand."Godexpects thathisspecialpresencewithusshouldarmusagainstallbasefearanddismayedness.Psalm23:4,"Yes,though Iwalk through the valley of the shadowof death, Iwill fearnoevil:foryouarewithme."ThedivinepresenceraisedDavidaboveallhisfears;Psalm27:1,"TheLordismylightandmysalvation;whomshallIfear?theLordisthestrengthofmylife,ofwhomshallIbeafraid?"WhoistheenemythatIshouldbeafraidof?whereistheenemythatIshouldbeafraidof?bywhatnameortitleistheenemydignifiedordistinguishedthatIshouldbeafraidof?Ilookbeforemeandbehindme,IlookroundaboutmeandIlookatadistancefromme,andIcannotseetheman,the

devil,thepersecutorthatIshouldfearorbeafraidof—forGodiswithme.

Wemaysafely,readily,andcheerfullysetthedivinepresenceagainstallourenemiesintheworld.Ah,Christians,Christians,lookaboutyou,lookaboutyou,andseewhoisspeciallypresentwithyou—andthenbeafraidifyoucan!But,

[7.] Seventhly,Will the Lord be specially present with his people intheir greatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers?Then certainly there is no such great evil in troubles,distresses, sufferings, etc., as many conceive, fear, dream,think,judge.Manymenlookupontroubles,afflictions,sufferings,inamagnifying glass, and then they cry out, "There is a lion in the way!There is a lion in the streets!"Proverbs 22:13, and26:13.But, sirs, thelionisnotalwayssofierceasheispainted,norareafflictionsalwayssogrievousasmenapprehend.Therearemanywhohavebeenveryfearfulofprisons,andhavelookeduponaprisonasahellonthissidehell,whowhentheyhavebeenthereforrighteousness'sake,andthegospel'ssake—theyhave foundprisons tobepalaces, and the imaginaryhell tobealittleheavenuntothem.

Many fear afflictions, and flee from afflictions as from toads andserpents,as fromenemiesanddevils;andyetcertainly there isnosuchgreatevilinafflictionastheyapprehend,fortheLordisspeciallypresentwith his people in their greatest troubles and deepest distresses. Nowwhatevilcantherebeinthatconditionwhereinamanenjoysthedivinepresence—whichmakes every bitter sweet, and every burden light, andwhich turnswinternights into summerdays, etc.?Yes,many times thesaintsenjoymoreof thesingularpresenceofGod intheirafflictions, intheirdayofadversity—thanevertheydid inthedayofprosperity,or inthe day of their worldly glory. What bride is afraid to meet herbridegroominadarkentry,orinadirtylane,orinanarrowpassage,orina secret forest?Andwhy then shouldaChristianbeafraidof thisorthatafflictedcondition,whoissuretomeethisblessedbridegroom,theLordJesusChrist,ineverystate,ineverycondition,whoissuretoenjoythe presence of Christwith him in every turn or change thatmay passuponhim?

How many martyrs have ventured into the very flames to meet withChrist,Heb. 11:34, andwho havemany otherwaysmade a sacrifice oftheirdearestlives,andalltomeetwithChrist!Ohthecruelmockings,thescourgings, the bonds, the imprisonments, the stoning, the sawingasunder—whichmanyoftheLord'sworthieshaveventuredupon,andalltomeetwiththepresenceoftheLord!Andwhythenshouldanyofyoubeafraidtoenterintoanafflictedcondition,whereyoushallbesuretomeetthesingularpresenceoftheLord,whichwillcertainlyturnyourafflictedconditionintoacomfortablecondition?Rev.12:11,andHeb.11:36-38.

The great design of the Lord in afflicting his people—is to meet withthem,andtodrawthemintoanearercommunionwithhimself.Itisthattheymayseemoreofhimthanever,andtastemoreofhimthanever,andenjoy more of him than ever; in order to which he subdues theircorruptions by afflictions, and strengthens their graces, and heightenstheir holiness by all their troubles and trials, Isaiah 1:25, 27:8-9;Heb.12:10-11;Hosea2:14.Wheneverheleadshisspouseintoawilderness,itisthathemayspeakfriendlyandcomfortablytoher,orthathemayspeaktoherheart,astheHebrewruns.ThegreatdesignoftheLordinbringingherintoawildernesswasthathemightmakesuchdiscoveriesofhimself,ofhislove,andofhissovereigngrace,asmightcheerupherheart,yes,asmightevenmakeherheartleapanddancewithinher.Or,assomesenseit,"Iwilltakeheraloneforthepurpose,evenintoasolitarywilderness,where Imaymore freely impartmymind to her," that she having herwhole desire she may come up from the wilderness leaning upon herbeloved, Cant. 8:5, and so be brought into the bride-house with allsolemnity.Byallwhichit ismostevident,thatthereisnosuchevil inawildernessestate,inanafflictedcondition,asmanyimagine.But,

[8.]Eighthly,WilltheLordbespeciallypresentwithhispeopleintheirgreatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers? Thenwhatahighencouragement should thisbe topoor sinners tostudy Christ, to acquaint themselves with Christ, to embraceChrist,tochooseChrist,toclosewithChrist,tosubmittoChrist,andtomake a resignation of themselves to Christ, and to secure their savinginterest in Christ, that so theymay enjoy his special presence in theirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,John1:12;

Psalm112:2-3,and2:12;2Cor.8:5.

Oh, how many mercies are enrapt up in this mercy of enjoying thesingular presence of the Lord in all the troubles and trials of this life!Psalm23:4.Itisamercytohavethepresenceofafriend,itisagreatermercytohavethepresenceofanearanddearrelationwithusinadayofdistress, in a day of darkness; but what amercy is it then to have thepresenceoftheLordwithoneinadarkday!Thatisexcellentcounselthatthe wisest prince who ever swayed a scepter gives, in Eccles. 11:8,"Remember thedaysof darkness, for they shall bemany."Whenlightshall be turned into darkness, pleasure into pain, delights intowearisomeness,calmsintostorms,summerdaysintowinternights,andthelightsomedaysoflifeintothedarkdaysofoldageanddeath;oh,nowthesingularpresenceof theLordwithaman in thesedaysofdarknesswillbeamercymoreworththantenthousandworlds!

To have awise, a loving, a powerful, a faithful friend to own us in thedark,tostandbyusinthedark,toupholdusinthedark,torefreshusinthedark, toencourageus inthedark,etc., isaverychoiceandsingularmercy,Psalm71:20-21.Oh then,what is it tohave thepresenceofGodAlmightywithusinallthosedarkdayswhicharetopassoverourheads!WhatDavidsaidoftheswordofGoliathinanothercase,"There isnonelikeit!"1Sam.21:8-9,thatImaysayofthedivinepresencewithamaninthedark,"Thereisnonelikeit!"Thepsalmisthitthemark,thebulls-eye,whenhesaid,"Myfleshandmyheartfails:butGodisthestrengthofmyheart, and my portion forever." When his "flesh," that is his outwardman, andwhen his "heart," his courage, that is his inwardman, failedhim,thenGodwas"thestrengthofhisheart,"or"therockofhisheart,"astheHebrewruns.AttheverylastgaspGodcameinwithhissovereigncordial, and revived him and recovered him, and brought new life andstrengthintohim.Whenasaintisatworst,whenheisatlowest,whenheis even overwhelmedwith troubles and sorrows, andwhen the days ofdarknesssomultiplyuponhimthatheseemspastallhopeof recovery,thenthedivinepresencedoesmostgloriouslymanifestitselfanddisplayitselfinsupporting,strengthening,comforting,andencouragingofhim!

InRev.4:6,youreadthattheworldislikeaseaofglass,"Isawbeforethethrone a sea of glass." Theworld is transitory, very frail and brittle as

glass, and it is unstable, tumultuous, and troublesomeas the sea.Heretheworldisshadowedouttousbyaseaofglass;andhowcanwestandonthissea,howcanweliveonthissea,howcanwewalkonthissea—ifChristdoesn'ttakeusbythehand,andleadusandsupportusandsecureus?Osirs,wecannotupholdourselvesonthisseaofglass,norcanothersupholdusonthisseaofglass;itisnonebutdearJesus,itisnopresencebuthissingularpresence,whichcanmakeustostandorgoonthisseaofglass.Andifthisworldbeaseaofglass,ohwhatinfinitecausehavewetosecureoursavinginterestinChrist,whoalonecanpilotussafelyoverthistroublesome,dangerous,andtempestuoussea!

Oh,thatIcouldprevailwithpoorsinnerstotakeChrist intotheshipoftheirsouls,thatsohemaypilotthemsafelyintotheheavenlyharbor,theheavenlyCanaan.Nopilotinheavenorearthcanlandyouontheshoreofahappyeternity,fromoffthisseaofglass—butJesus.Whenonthisseaofglassthewindsblowhigh,stormsarise,andthehugewavesbeatintotheship,ohthenthesinnercries,"AkingdomforaChrist,"aworldforapilotto save us from eternal drowning! Oh, that before eternal storms andtempestsbeatuponpoor sinners, theywouldbeprevailedwith to closewithChrist,toacceptofChrist,andtoenterintoamarriage-covenant,amarriage-unionwithChrist;thatsotheymayenjoyhissingularpresencewiththemwhiletheyareonthisseaofglass,Psalm11:6,and9:17;Hosea2:19-20;2Cor.11:2.

Thereisnopresencesogreatlydesirable,soabsolutelynecessary,andsoexceeding sweet and comfortable, as the presence of Christ; andtherefore, before all and above all, secure this presence of Christ bymatchingwiththepersonofChrist,andthenyouwillbesafeandhappyonaseaofglass.But,

[9.]Ninthly,WilltheLordbespeciallypresentwithhispeopleintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers?Thenletmeinferthatunbelief,infidelity,anddespondencyofspiritinan evil day, does very ill befit the people of God. Is the Lordpresent with you in your greatest troubles, and will you waver in yourfaith, and be crestfallen in your courage,when the blast of the terribleonesisasastormagainstthewall?Isaiah25:4.Whatisthisbuttotellalltheworld that there ismore power in your troubles to sink and daunt

you,thanthere is inthepresenceof theLordtosupportandencourageyou?WhenaChristian isupontheverybanksof theRedSea—yetthenthe divine presence should encourage him "to stand still, and see thesalvation of the Lord," Exod. 14:13. It would be good for timorousChristiansinanevildaytodwellmuchupontheprophet'scommission:Isaiah35:3, "Strengthen theweakhands, andconfirm the feebleknees.Saytothosewhoareofafearfulheart—Bestrong,fearnot!"Ah—buthowshallweakhandsbestrong,andatimorousheartceasetofearandfaint?Why, Behold, your "God will come with vengeance, even God with arecompense; he will come and save you!"He is on his way, he will besuddenlywithyou;yes,heisalreadyinthemidstofyou,andhewillsaveyou.

Ifyoucastbutyoureyeuponpreciouspromises,ifyoucastbutyoureyeupon thenewcovenant,which isGod'sgreat storehouse, thereyouwillfindallsupports,allsupplies,allhelps,andallcomforts,laidup,andlaidin for you; and therefore never despond, never faint, never bediscouragedinanevilday, inadarktime.[Isaiah41:10,and13:2;Heb.13:5;Jer.32:40-41,31:31-38;Gen.41:35-36,48-49;Col. 1:19,and 2:8.]As Josephhadhis storehouses to give a full supply to theEgyptians intimeof famine, sodear Jesus, ofwhomJosephwasbut a type, has hisstorehousesofmercy,ofgoodness,ofpower,ofplenty,ofbounty,outofwhich in the worst of times he is able to give his people a full supplyaccording to all their needs; and therefore be not discouraged, do notdespondinadayoftrouble.

O my friends, how often has the Lord hid you in the secret of hispresence, from the pride ofmen, and kept you secretly in his pavilionfrom the strife of tongues! Psalm 27:5, and 31:20. "And therefore bestrong,andliftupthehandsthathangdown,andthefeebleknees,"Heb.12:12.WhenDavidwasinaverygreatdistress,heneitherdespondsnorgiveswaytounbelief—butencourageshimselfintheLordhisGod,1Sam.30:6. TheHebrewword is derived fromChazack, which notes a layingholdonGodwithallhisstrength,asmendowhentheyareindangerofdrowning,whowill suffer anything rather than let go their hold.WhenDavidwasalmostunderwater,whenhewasindangerofdrowning,then,by a hand of faith, he lays hold on the Rock of Ages, and encourages

himselfintheLordhisGod.

What heavenly gallantry of spirit did goodNehemiah show from thatdivine presence which was with him in that great day of trouble anddistress,when"theremnantof thecaptivitywere ingreatafflictionandreproach:andthewallofJerusalembrokendown,andthegatesthereofburntwithfire!"Neh.1:3.YouknowShemaiahadviseshimtotakerefugeinthetemple,becausetheenemyhaddesignedtofalluponhimbynightand slay him, and cause the work to cease; but Nehemiah, having aspecialpresenceofGodwithhim,givesthisheroicandresoluteanswer,"ShouldsuchamanasIflee?andwhoisthere,beingasIam,wouldgointothetempletosavehis life?"Neh.6:10-11.Iwillnotgo in.ShouldIfleeintothetemplelikeamalefactortotakesanctuarythere,howwouldGod be dishonored, religion reproached, the people discouraged, theweakscandalised,andthewickedemboldenedtoinsultandtriumphoverme!saying,"IsthisthemanwhoiscalledbyGod,andqualifiedbyGod,forthisworkandservice?Isthisthemanwhoisblessedandencouragedbythekingtobuildthewalls,andgates,andcityofJerusalem?Neh.2:5-10.Isthisthemanwhoisthechiefmagistrateandgovernorofthecity?Isthisthemanwhoissentandset forthedefenseof thepeople,andthatshould encourage them in their work?Ohwhat amouth of blasphemywouldbeopened,shouldImakeabaseretreatintothetempletosavemylife! I have found the face of God, the presence of God, in bowing theheartofkingArtaxerxes,tocontributehisroyalaid,andcommissionmetothework;andinthebendingoftheheartsoftheeldersoftheJewstoownmyauthority,andtoriseupasonemantobuild;andthereforeIwillratherdieuponthespotthangointothetempletosavemylife"

Omyfriends,itdoesnotbefitthosewhohavethepresenceofGodwiththem in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadlydangers—tosinkso lowintheir faithandconfidence,as tocryoutwiththe prophet's servant, "Alas, master! what shall we do?" or, with thediscipleswheninastorm,"Weperish!"or,withthewholehouseofIsrael,"Ourourhopeislost!"or,withweepingJeremiah,"Mystrengthandmyhope isperished fromtheLord!"or,withZion, "TheLordhas forsakenme,andmyLordhasforgottenme!"2Kings6:15;Mat.8:25;Ezek.37:11;Lam.3:18; Isaiah49:14.Oh, it is fora lamentationwhenGod'sdearest

childrenshallmanifestunbeliefbyafainting,sinking,discouragedspiritinanevilday.But,

[10.]Tenthlyand lastly,Will the Lord be specially presentwith hispeople in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadlydangers?ThenletthepeopleoftheLordbeverythankfulforhispresencewiththemin theirgreatest troubles,etc.,Exod.33:13-16;2Tim.4:22;Psalm16:11.OSirs!thisdivinepresenceisagreatmercy.It is a peculiar mercy, it is a distinguishing mercy, it is a big-belliedmercy, it is amercy that hasmanymercies in itswomb. It is amercy-greatening mercy; it greatens all the mercies we enjoy. It is a mercy-sweetening mercy; it sweetens health, strength, riches, honors, trade,relations, liberty, etc. It is a soul-mercy, amercy that reaches the soul,that cheers the soul, that lifts up the soul, that quiets the soul, thatsatisfiesthesoul,andthatwillgotoheavenwiththesoul,Eph.1:3.Andwill you not be thankful for such a mercy? Will you be thankful fortemporalmercies,andwillyounotbethankfulforspiritualmercies?Willyoubethankfulforleft-handedmercies,andwillyounotbethankfulforright-handed mercies? Will you be thankful for the mercies of thefootstool,andwillyounotbethankfulforthemerciesofthethrone?Willyoubethankful forthemerciesof this lowerworld,andwillyounotbethankfulforthemerciesoftheupperworld?Psalm103:1-4.ToenjoythepresenceofGodwhenwemostneedit,isamercythatdeservesperpetualpraises.

Oh, it is infinitemercynottobeleftaloneinadayoftrouble.It isveryuncomfortabletobeleftalone:"Woetohimwhoisalone,"Eccles.4:10-11.Ifamanfalls,andisleftalone,whoshallhelphimup?Ifamanisindangerandalone,howmiserableishiscase!ButthisisthesupportandcomfortofaChristianinallhisdifficulties,thatheisneverleftalone;buthisGodiswithhimwhenheisatthelowestebb,Heb.13:5;Psalm37:24,31:3,73:24;Exod.33:2,14-16.ForGodtoaffordus thepresenceofourfriends inadayof trouble isaverygreatmercy;butwhat is it, then, toenjoythepresenceofGodinadayoftrouble?Whatisthepresenceofafriend, a favorite, in a day of distress, compared to the presence of aprince?yes,whatisthepresenceofanangel,comparedtothepresenceofGodinanevilday?ToenjoythepresenceofGodinanafflictedcondition

isamoretranscendentmercythantoenjoythepresenceoftwelvelegionsof angels in an afflicted condition.The divine presence is the greatestgood in theworld. It is life eternal; it is thebosomofGod, thegateofglory, thebeginningofheaven, thesuburbsofhappiness;and thereforebemuchinblessingofGod,inadmiringofGod,forhispresencewithyouinadarkandtryingday.

Thereisnogall,nowormwood,noaffliction,nojudgment,comparedtothat of God's departing from a people, Lam. 3:19-20: Jer. 6:8, "Beinstructed,O Jerusalem, lestmy soul depart fromyou, lest Imake youdesolate,a landnot inhabited."WhenGoddeparts,nothing followsbutdesolationupondesolation;desolationofpersons,desolationofpeace,ofprosperity, of trade, and of all which is near and dear unto us: Hosea9:12,"Thoughtheybringuptheirchildren—yetwillIbereavethem,thatthereshallnotbeamanleft;yes,woealsotothemwhenIdepart fromthem."Allterriblethreateningsaresummedupinthis,"Woeuntothem—whenIdepart fromthem."Surelyeverywoetothem;heputasurenessuponthis"woetothemwhenIdepartfromthem."Asif theHolySpiritshouldsay,"What,doI threatenthisortheotherevil?Thegreatevilofall,theriseofallevils—isGod'sforsakingofthem."Hellitselfisnothingelse but a separation from God's presence, with the dreadfulconsequences thereof.Andwerehell as full of tears as the sea is full ofwater—yetallwouldnotbesufficienttobewailthelossofthatbeatificalvision!

HowmiserablewasCainwhencastoffbyGod!Gen.4;andSaul,whentheLorddepartedfromhim!ItwasamostdreadfulspeechofSaul,"Iamgreatlydistressed,forthePhilistinesmakewaragainstme,andGodhasdeparted fromme," 1Sam.28:15-16. [ThosewhoareoutofGod's care,are under his curse.] When God left the Israelites, though for a littlewhile, theHoly Spirit says theywere naked, Exod. 32:25.How naked?Notforlackofraiment,orweaponsofwar—butforlackofGod'spresenceandprotection.WhenGoddepartsfromapeople,thatpeopleliesnaked;thatis,theylieopenforallstorms,tempests,anddangers.Nowifitisthegreatest evil in theworld to be shut out from the gracious presence ofChrist—then it must be the greatestmercy in this world, to enjoy thegracious presence of God in our great troubles and desperate dangers.

And therefore let all sincere Christians bemuch in thankfulness to theLord,andinblessingandpraisingtheLord,forhisspecialpresencewiththemintheirlowandafflictedestate.

Oh, the light, the life, the love, the holiness, the peace, the grace, thecomforts,thesupports—whichalwaysattendthegraciouspresenceoftheLordwithhispeople intheirdeepdistresses,etc.Therefore let thehighpraisesofGodforeverbeintheirmouths,whoenjoythisspecialpresenceofGod.

The46th Psalm is called by someLuther's psalm; that is a psalm thatLutherwas accustomed to call to his friends to singwhen any danger,trouble,ordistresswasnear.When thecloudsbegan togather, "Come,saysLuther,letussingthe46thPsalm,andthenletourenemiesdotheirworst!"Observetheconfidenceandtriumphofthechurchinthefaceofthe greatest dangers, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-presenthelpintrouble.Thereforewewillnotfear,thoughtheearthgivewayandthemountains fall into theheartof the sea, though itswaters roar andfoamandthemountainsquakewiththeirsurging.TheLordAlmightyiswithus;theGodofJacobisourfortress."Psalm46:1-3,7.Nowmark,by the change of the earth and removing of the mountains, are oftenmeantthegreatestalterationsandconvulsionsofstatesandpolities,Hag.2:22-23;Jer.51:25;Rev.6:14.Now,saysthepsalmist,allthesedreadfulturns, changes, shakings, and convulsions of states and kingdoms shallnever trouble us, nor daunt us; they shall nevermake us fret, faint, orfear.Why,whatistheground?"TheLordAlmightyiswithus;theGodofJacobisourfortress!"Andalsoinverse11,thesamewordsarerepeatedagain."Godisnotgone,Godisnotwithdrawn,Godisnotdepartedfromus." Oh no! "The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is ourfortress!"Thereforewearedivinelyfearlessanddivinelycareless.Thoughhell and earth should combine against us—yetwewill bear up, and beboldtobelievethatallshallgowellwithus;forGodisinthemidstofus,"TheLordAlmightyiswithus,"eventheLord,whocommandsfargreaterarmiesthananyenemyhas.TheGodofJacobisourfortress;"Heb.,"Ourhigh tower." God is a tower, so high, so strong, so inaccessible, soinvincible,thatallourenemies,yes,allthepowersofdarkness,canneverhurt, reach, storm, or take; and thereforewewho are sheltered in this

high tower may well cast the gauntlet to our proudest, strongest, andsubtlestenemies.Andletthusmuchsufficefortheinferences.

TenExhortations

Thenextuseisauseofexhortation,toexhortallthepeopleofGodsotoliveandconductthemselves,astokeepthedivinepresence—astokeepthe special, the singular presence of God, with them in their greatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers.Nowthatthismaystick in power upon your souls, consider seriously of these followingmotives:

[1.] First, to exhort all the people of God so to live and conductthemselves,soastokeepthedivinepresence—soastokeepthespecial,thesingularpresenceofGodwiththemintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses, and most deadly dangers, consider—that the specialpresenceofGodwithhispeople,putsthegreatest imaginablehonor, dignity, and glory upon them. Isaiah 43:2, 4; Jer. 13:11;Ezek.48:35.Therearemanytitlesofhonoramongmen;butthis,aboveall,isthetrulyhonorabletitle—thatwehaveGodsonearuntous.Deut.4:7, "Whatnation is theresogreat,whohasGodsonearunto them,astheLordourGod is to us?"Whilehis presencewas among them—howhonorable, how renowned were they all the world over! But when hedepartedfromthemtheybecamethescornandcontemptofallnations.Itmaybesaidofsomemen,theyhavelargeestates—butnotthepresenceofGodwiththem;theyarehighlyhonoredanddignifiedintheworld—butnopresenceofGodwith them; theyhavegreat tradesandvast riches—but no presence of God with them; they are nobly related—but nopresence of God with them; they have singular abilities andaccomplishments—but no presence of God with them. The lack of thedivine presence gives a stain, casts a blot upon all their grandeurs andworldly glory; and turns all theirwine, be it ever so rich—into ink andblackness.

WhatadealofhonorandglorydidthepresenceofGodcastuponJosephinprison,Gen.39:19-20;anduponDanielintheden;anduponthethreeHebrew children in the fiery furnace; and upon David, when apersecutingSaulcouldcryout,"YouaremorerighteousthanI,"1Sam.24:17; and upon John, when a bloodyHerod feared him and observedhim,Mark6:20;anduponPaul,whenatyrannicalFelixtrembledbeforehim,Acts24:25;asifPaulhadbeenthejudge,andFelixtheprisoneratthebar.

Somewriteofthecrystal,thatwhateverstoneittouches,itputsalusterand loveliness upon it. The presence of God puts the greatest luster,beauty, glory, and loveliness—which can be put upon a person. Nowbecausethewitnessofanadversary isadouble testimony, letBalaam—who,as somewriteofa toad,hadapearl inhishead, thoughhisheartwasvile,veryvile,starkvile—giveinhisevidence."Howgoodlyareyourtents, O Jacob, and your tabernacles, O Israel," Num. 24:5.He speaksboth by way of interrogation and admiration: their tents are so lovely,andtheirtabernaclessolovely,thattheirgrandenemywasaffectedandravished with them. But whence is it that Israel is so formidable anddreadfulinhiseye?Howdoesthiscomeabout—thathewhocametofightagainstthemthinksthembeyondallcomparison;more—thathehimselfadmires their great glory and brave gallantry? Why, all is from thepresenceof their Lord-Generalwith them: "TheLord theirGod iswiththem!"Num.23:21.

Itisthehighesthonor,renown,anddignityofapeopletohaveGodinthemidst of them, to have God near unto them. ThusMoses sets out thehonoranddignityoftheJews:"TheLORDhasdeclaredthisdaythatyouarehispeople,histreasuredpossessionashepromised,andthatyouaretokeepallhiscommands.Hehasdeclaredthathewillsetyouinpraise,fameandhonorhighaboveallthenationshehasmadeandthatyouwillbeapeopleholytotheLORDyourGod,ashepromised."Deuteronomy26:18-19.When God reckons up the dignities of his people, this is themain,thetop,ofall:Psalm87:5,"Indeed,ofZionitwillbesaid—Thisoneandthatonewereborninher,andtheMostHighhimselfwillestablishher."Ifyouwouldkeepyourhonoranddignity,keepthepresenceofGodin themidst of you.When God is departed from Israel, then youmay

write Ichabodupon Israel; "The glory is departed from Israel," 1 Sam.4:21-22.But,

[2.] Secondly, to exhort all the people ofGod so to live and conductthemselves,soastokeepthedivinepresence—soastokeepthespecial,thesingularpresenceofGodwiththemintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,consider—thatnothingcanmakeupthelackofthisspecialpresenceofGod.Itisnotthepresenceoffriends, of relations, ofministers, of ordinances, of outward comforts—whichcanmakeupthe lackofGod'spresence. It isneithercandlelight,nortorchlight,norstarlight,normoonlight,whichcanmakeupthelightofthesun.Whenthesunissetbehindathickcloud,alltheworldcannotmake it day; andwhen the presence ofGod iswithdrawn, nothing canmakeupthatdismalloss."Youhidyourface—andIwastroubled,"Psalm30:6-7,thatis,yoususpendedtheactualinfluenceandcommunicationofyourgraceandfavor.TheChaldeehasit,"YouhidyourShechinah,yourdivinepresence—andIwasall—amort,dead,stunned,confused."Itwasnot David's crown, his kingdom, his riches, his dignities, his royalattendance,etc.,whichcouldmakeupthelossofthefaceofGod;neitherisitthepresenceofanangelthatcanmakeupthelackofthepresenceofGod.

Exod.33:2,"IwillsendanangelbeforeyouanddriveouttheCanaanites,Amorites,Hittites,Perizzites,HivitesandJebusites."GodherepromisesMoses that he would send an angel before them—but he adds that hehimselfwouldnotgoupinthemidstofthem.Yes—butsuchaguide,suchaguardian,suchacompanion,suchacaptain-generalwouldnot satisfyMoses.

"MosessaiduntoGod--IfYourPresencedoesnotgowithus,donotsendusup fromhere!"Exod.33:15.Nothingwould satisfyMoses,below thepresenceofGod,becauseheknewthatitwouldbebetterthattheyshouldnevermoveafootfarther--astogoonwithoutGod'sfavorablepresence.GodpromisesthatHisangelwilldrivealltheirenemiesoutoftheland."Oh,but ifYourPresencedoesnotgowithus--donot sendusup fromhere!"

"Yes,but,Iwillbringthenecksofallyourproud,stout,strong,andsubtle

enemiesunderyourfeet.""Oh,butifYourPresencedoesnotgowithus--donotsendusupfromhere!"

"Yes,but, Iwillbringyou toa land flowingwithmilkandhoney. Iwillmakeyoutorideonthehighplacesoftheearth,andIwillmakeyoutosuckhoneyoutof the rock,andoiloutof the flinty rock;andyou shalldrinkthefinestwine.""Oh,butifYourPresencedoesnotgowithus--donotsendusupfromhere!"

"Yes, but, I will bring you to the paradise of the world, to a place ofpleasure and delight, to Canaan, a type of heaven!" "Oh, but if YourPresencedoesnotgowithus--donotsendusupfromhere!OLord,ifImighthavemywish,mydesire,mychoice,Ihadinfinitelyrathertolivein a barren, howling wilderness with Your Presence, than in Canaanwithoutit!Itisamercytohaveanangeltoguardus,itisamercytohaveourenemiessprawlingunderourfeet, it isamercytobebroughtintoapleasantland.Oh,butifYourPresencedoesnotgowithus,donotsendus up from here! Lord, nothing will please us, nothing will profit us,nothingwillsecureus,nothingwillsatisfyus--withoutyourpresence!

Ihavereadof theTyrians, that theybound theirgodswith chains, thattheymight have them in their greatest need--and not be conquered bytheir enemies. And among the rest, they chained and nailed their godApollotoapost--thattheymightbesuretokeeptheiridol,becausetheythoughttheirsafetywasinit.

I am sure--that our safety, our comfort, our all--lies in the specialPresenceofGodwithus!Thereforeletus,byfaithandprayer--chainGodto ourself! If we let Him go, a thousand worlds cannot make up Hisabsence!

YoumayhaveheardoftheheathensinTroy;theyimaginedthatsolongasthatidolwaskeptsafe,theywereunconquerable;allthestrengthandpowerofGreecewouldneverbeable toprevailagainst them.Thereforethe Grecians sought by all themeans they could, to get this idol fromthem.Omyfriends,solongasyoukeepthePresenceofGodwithyou—Iam sure you are unconquerable! But if God withdraws His specialpresence—theweakestenemywillbetoohardforyou;yes,woundedmen

willprevailoveryou!Jer.37:10,"Even ifyouweretodestroytheentireBabylonian army, leaving only a handful of wounded survivors, theywouldstillstaggerfromtheirtentsandburnthiscitytotheground!"

The burning bush, whichwas a type of the church, was not consumedwhileitburnedwithfire—becauseGodwasinthemidstofit.Oh,dobutkeep God's special Presence with you—and nothing shall hurt you,nothing shall burn you! But if God's special Presence departs—nothingcansecureyou!Nothingcanmakeuphiswithdrawingfromyou.But,

[3.]Thirdly,ifyoudonotlabortoliveandconductyourselvesso that you may enjoy the favorable, special, and eminentpresence of God with you in your greatest troubles, deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers—youhavehighreasontoquestionwhetheryouhaveeverreallyenjoyed this favorable,thisspecialpresenceofGodwithyouornot;fortherearealwaysfourthingstobefoundinhimwhohasreallytasted,andingoodearnestexperienced, the sweet, the life, the power, the virtue—which is in thefavorablespecialpresenceofGod—

(1.)Suchapersonsetsthehighestpriceandvalueimaginableuponit,heprizes it above all the honors, riches, dignities, delights, comforts, andcontentmentsofthisworld,Psalm4:6-7;yes,heprizesitabovelifeitself:Psalm 63:3, "Your loving-kindness is better than life." The Hebrew isplural, lives. The loving-kindness of God, the presence of God in awilderness, is better than lives, thanmany lives, than all lives with alltheircontentments.There isagreaterexcellency in the favorofGod, inthepresenceofGod—thaninalllivesputtogether.Therehavebeenmanypeoplethathavebeenwearyoftheirlives—butthereneverwasanymanwhohasbeenwearyofthefavorofGod,ofthepresenceofGod,1Kings19:4;Job7:15;Jonah4:8;Proverbs33:14.

(2.)Suchapersonkeepsupinhissoulahumblefearoflosingofit.Thedivinepresenceisajewelmoreworththanalltheworld,andhewhohasexperienced the sweetness of it had rather lose all hehas in thisworldthanlosethedivinepresence.Ihavereadofapiouswoman,thathavingbornninechildren,professedthatshehadratherendureallthepainsofthosenine travails at once, than endure themiseryof the lossofGod's

presence.

(3.)Suchapersonkeepsup inhis souladiligentcare tomaintain thispresence;hishead,hisheartisstilla-contrivinghowhemaykeephisGodwithhim:Jer.14:9,"Whyshouldyoubeasamanastonished,asamightymanwhocannotsave?yetyou,OLord,areinthemidstofus,andwearecalled by your name; leave us not." This person had rather that hisdearest friendsshould leavehim,thathisnearestrelationsshould leavehim,yes, thatall theworldshould leavehim—thanthathisGodshouldleavehim.Thedaily,yes,thehourlylanguageofthesoulis,Lord,"leavemenot;thoughalltheworldshouldleaveme—yetdon'tyouleaveme!"

(4.)Suchapersonwilldoallhecan,thatallwhoareunderhiscareandchargemaypartakeofthisspecialpresenceofGod;hewilldohisutmostthat children, spouse, relatives, may taste the sweetness of the divinepresence, John 1:40 to the end, and 4:28-43; Acts 10:24-36. WhenSamsonhad foundhoney in thecarcassof the lion,hedidnotonlyeathimself—buthegaveofthehoneytohisfatherandmother,andtheydideatalso,Judg.14:8-9.Ofall sweets, thepresenceofGod is thegreatestsweet;andwheneverapoorsoulcomestotasteofthisheavenlyhoney,hewilldohisbestthatallothers,especiallythosewhoarenearanddeartohim,maytasteofthesamehoney.But,

[4.]Fourthly, to exhort all the people of God so to live and conductthemselves,soastokeepthedivinepresence—soastokeepthespecial,thesingularpresenceofGodwiththemintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses, and most deadly dangers, consider—the excellentpropertiesorqualitiesof this favorable, this specialpresenceofGodwithhispeople.ThisIcanbuthintat,becauseImusthastenallIcantoaclose.

(1.)ItistheBESTpresence.Psalm63:3.Itisbetterthanthepresenceoffriends,ofrelations,ofsaints,ofangels,etc.

(2.) It is the GREATEST presence. It is the presence of the greatKing, it is thepresenceof theKingof kingsandLordof lords, it is thepresencenotonlyofamightybutofanalmightyGod,1Kings8:27;Rev.17:14,and19:16;Num.24:4,16;Ruth1:20,24.

(3.)ItistheHAPPIESTpresence.Itisapresencethatmakesamanreally happy, presently happy, totally happy, eminently happy, andeternallyhappy,Psalm144:15;1Kings10:8;Deut.33:29;Proverbs3:18.He cannever be truly happy,who lacks this presence; he cannever betrulymiserable,whoenjoysthispresence.Truehappiness is toogreatathingtobefoundinanythingbelowthis favorable, thisspecialpresenceof God. He who enjoys this presence enjoys all; he who lacks thispresence enjoys nothing at all; he who lacks this presence may writenothingupon his honors, riches, pleasures, dignities, offices, relations,friends,etc.,Amos6:13.Allamanhas,arebutcipherswithoutanumber,if he is not blessedwith this divinepresence. This divinepresencewasJacob's "enough," yes, Jacob's "all." Gen. 33:11, "I have all." Esau hadmuch,"Ihavemuch,mybrother;"verse9,"ButJacobhadall.""Hehasall, who has him who is all in all." "All good is in the chief good,"(Augustine.)Securethisdivinepresence,andyousecureall,Col.3:11.

(4.)ItistheMOSTDESIRABLEpresence.Consultthesescriptures.[Psalm42:1-2,63:1-2,8,and27:4;Gen.8:20;Psalm84.]Job23:3,"Oh,thatIknewwhereImightfindhim,thatImightcomeeventohisseat."Exod. 33:15, "If your presence does not go with us, carry us not uphence;" verse 16, "For wherein shall it be known here, that I and mypeoplehave foundgrace inyoursight, is itnot in thatyougowithus?"Cant.3:1,"BynightonmybedIsoughthimwhommysoulloves,Isoughthim—butIfoundhimnot."Thepresenceofbadmenisneverdesirable;the presence of godly men is not always desirable, for there are caseswherein their presencemay be a burden to us, as Job and others haveexperienced, Jer. 9:1-2; Job 16:1-4, and 19:3-5. Job 16:2, "Miserablecomfortersareyouall;"chapter19:2,"Howlongwillyouvexmysoul,andbreakmeinpieceswithwords?"

ButthepresenceoftheLordisverydesirable,mostdesirable,andalwaysdesirable,andthemoreanymanhasofthisdivinepresence,themorehisheart will be inflamed after more and more of it. A sound sincereChristian can never have enough power against sin, nor ever enoughstrength against temptation, nor ever enough weanedness from thisworld, nor ever enough ripeness for heaven, nor ever enough of thepresenceoftheLord.Enoughofthedivinepresencehemayhavetoquiet

him,andcheerhim,andencouragehim—butwhileheisoutofheavenhecanneverhaveenoughofthedivinepresencetosatisfyhim,soasnottocryout,"Lord,moreofyourpresence!oh,alittlemoreofyourpresence!"Proverbs30:15-16.

(5.) It is themostJOYFUL,REFRESHING,andDELIGHTFULpresence. Psalm 16:11; Acts 5:40-41, and 16:25. This Vincentius andmanythousandmartyrsandsufferingChristianshaveexperiencedinalltheagesoftheworld—butofthisbefore,Isaiah60:1-2;Psalm46:7.

(6.) It is a SPECIAL and DISTINGUISHING presence. Exod.33:16. This favorable special presence of God is a choice jewel that hehangsonnobreasts,abraceletthatheputsuponnoarms,acrownthathesetsuponnoheads—butsuchwhomheloveswithaspeciallove,withaneverlastinglove.ThegeneralpresenceofGodextendsandreachestoallsinnersandsaints,angelsanddevils;toall,bothinthatupperandthislower world; but this favorable special presence of God is peculiar tothosewhoarethepurchaseofChristsblood,andthetravailofhissoul,Jer. 31:3; John 13:1; Psalm 139:7-10; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Isaiah 53:11; Ruth1:4-18.

(7.)ItisanINFLAMINGpresence.

[1.]Oh,howdoesit,inflamethehearttoduty!Psalm63:1-3.

[2.]Howdoesitinflametheheartagainstsin!Job31:4-7;Gen.39:9-10;Romans8:10.

[3.]Oh, how does it, inflame the heart to long for the majestic andgloriouspresenceofGodinheaven,Cant.8:14;Luke2:28-30;2Cor.5:8;Phil.1:23;Rev.22:20.

[4.]HowdoesitinflametheirlovetotheLord,hisways,hisworship,hisinterest,hisglory!Cant.1:3-4,2:3-6,and8:1-3,5-7.

[5.] It inflames against temptations, verse 10-11. It was this divinepresence, which did steel and strengthen Basil, Luther, and aworld ofothers,againsttheworstoftemptations,Heb.11.

[6.]Itinflamestheheartsofthesaintsintogreatfreeness,readiness,andwillingness to suffer many things, to suffer great things, to sufferanything—forChrist,hisgospel,hisinterest,etc.Oh,howdidthisdivinepresencemakemanymartyrshastentotheflames!etc.

(8.) It is a SOUL-QUIETING, a soul-silencing, and a soul-stillingpresence.Psalm3:5,4:8;Cant.2:3,3:4-5.Whenfriendscan'tquiet us, when relations can't quiet us, when ministers can't quiet us,whendutiescan'tquietus,whenordinancescan'tquietus,whenoutwardcomfortscan'tquietus—yetthenthisdivinepresencewillquietus.Whendollsandrattlescan'tquiet thechild—yet then thebreastscan.Just so,here.

(9.)ThisdivinepresenceisaSWEETENINGpresence.

(1.)Itsweetensalldutiesandservices,publicandprivate,ordinaryandextraordinary.

(2.)Itsweetensallpersonalafflictionsandtrials.

(3.)Itsweetensalloursufferingsforrighteousness'sake.

(4.)Itsweetensallgospelordinances,Exod.20:24.

(5.) It sweetensall aman'soutwardmerciesandblessings; it sweetenshealth,strength,riches,trade,etc.

(6.)Itsweetensallchangeableprovidences.Hereprovidencesmiles,andthereitfrowns;hereitliftsup,andthereitcastsdown;thisprovidenceissweet,andthatisbitter;thisprovidencekills,andthatprovidencemakesalive.Oh—butthisdivinepresencesweetenseveryprovidence!

(7.)Itsweetensallotherpresences;itsweetensthepresenceoffriends,itsweetensthepresenceofrelations,itsweetensthepresenceofstrangers,itsweetensallcivilsocieties,itsweetensallpioussocieties.

(8.)Itsweetensthethoughtsofdeath,andthearrestsofdeath;itturnsthekingofterrorsintothekingofdesires,Job14:5,14,30:23,and17:13-14.HowdoesJobcourttheworms,as ifhewereofa familywiththem,

andnearofkintothem!Howdoeshelookuponthegraveashisbed,andmakesnomoretodiethantogotobed!Itwasthisdivinepresencethatmadethemartyrsaswillingtodieastodine.But,

[5.] Fifthly, to exhort all the people of God so to live and conductthemselves,soastokeepthedivinepresence—soastokeepthespecial,thesingularpresenceofGodwiththemintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,consider—thatingreattroubles,deepdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,youwillmostneedthefavorablespecialpresenceofGodwithyou.Wealwaysstandinneedofthedivinepresence—butneversomuchaswhenweareundergreattroublesanddeepdistresses.For,

(1.)Indaysof troubleanddistress,men'saffectionsaremostapt tobegreatlydisordered,andtheirheartsdiscomposed,asyousee inJobandJonah,Job3;Jonah4.

(2.)Nowtheirfears,doubts,anddisputesareapttorisehighest.Whenthe wind rises high, and the sea roars,men aremost apt to be afraid,Jonah2:2-7.

(3.) Now Satan commonly is busiest. Satan loves to fish in troubledwaters.WhenthehandofGodisheaviestuponus,thenSatanwillshoothismostdeadlydartsatus,Job2:9;James1:12.Thesonsof Jacob fellupontheShechemiteswhentheyweresore,Gen.34:25;andAmalekfelluponGod'sIsraelandsmotethem,whentheywereweak,andfeeble,andfaint, and weary, Deut. 25:17-19. Just so, Satan falls foul upon Christ,whenhewas in thewilderness, andwhenhehad fasted fortydays andforty nights, and was a-hungry, Mat. 4:1-11. As Satan has dealt withChrist,thehead—sohestilldealswiththemembers.

(4.)Nowunbeliefismostturbulent,strong,andmightyinoperation,asyoumay see in the spies,Num. 13:31-33, "But the othermenwho hadexploredthelandwithhimanswered,"Wecan'tgoupagainstthem!Theyarestrongerthanweare!"SotheyspreaddiscouragingreportsaboutthelandamongtheIsraelites:"Thelandweexploredwillswallowupanywhogo to live there. All the peoplewe sawwere huge.We even saw giantsthere, thedescendantsofAnak.We felt likegrasshoppersnexttothem,

andthat'swhatwelookedliketothem!"Justso,2Kings6:33,"ThisevilisoftheLord;whatshouldIwaitfortheLordanylonger?"Also,2Kings7:1-2,19-20.Justso,David,inPsalm116:11,"Isaidinmyhaste,allmenare liars." The prophets have all deceivedme, and Samuelhasdeludedme,theyhavetoldmeofakingdom,acrown—butIshallneverweartheone,norpossesstheother:so1Sam.27:1,"Ishallnowperishonedaybythe hand of Saul." Thus his fear is got above his faith, and his soulwherriedaboutwithunbelief—tothescandaloftheweak,andthescornofthewicked,besideshisownparticulardisadvantage.

(5.) Now fainting-fits will be most strengthened, increased, andmultiplied. Now fainting-fits, like Job's messengers, or like the rollingwaves,willcomethickoneuponanother,Proverbs24:10;Job4:5;Lam.1:12-13.

(6.)Now conscience will be most startled and disquieted, Gen. 42:21,and 50:15; 1 Kings 17:18. Great troubles and deep distresses aremanytimes like strong medicine, which stirs the humours and makes thepatientsick,verysick,yes,heart-sick.Consciencecommonlyneverreadsthesoulsuchsadandseriouslectures,aswhentherodliesheaviestupontheback.

Byallwhichyousee,whathighcause thepeopleofGodhavesoto liveandconduct themselves,as that theymay find thegraciouspresence ofGodwiththemintheirgreatesttroubles,anddeepestdistresses,forthentheywillcertainlyneedmostofthedivinepresence.But,

[6.] Sixthly, to exhort all the people of God so to live and conductthemselves,soastokeepthedivinepresence—soastokeepthespecial,thesingularpresenceofGodwiththemintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses, andmostdeadlydangers,consider— thisdivinepresencewill make you divinely fearless in themidst of your greatesttroubles and deepest distresses. Psalm 23:4, "Though I walkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil—foryouarewithme,yourrodandyourstafftheycomfortme."Psalm46:2,"Wewillnot fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains becarried into themidst of the sea." verse 3, "Though thewaters thereofroar,"etc.Why?"Godisinthemidstofher,sheshallnotbemoved;God

shallhelpher,andthatrightearly,"verse5;"TheLordAlmightyiswithus,theGodofJacobisourrefuge."verse7.Num.14:9,"Neitherfearthepeople, for they are bread for us, their defense is departed from them,and the Lord is with us; fear them not." Deut. 7:21, "You shall not beaffrighted at them, for theLord yourGod is among you, amightyGodanddreadful."Heb.13:5,"Iwillneverleaveyou,norforsakeyou."verse6,"Iwillnotfearwhatmanshalldountome."

There is no suchway to keepdown all base slavish fears ofmen, as tokeepup the presence ofGod in themidst of you. Youwill not fear thepowerofmen, nor thepolicyofmen, nor the threatsofmen, nor thewrathofmen—ifyoudobutenjoythisgracious,thisspecialpresenceofGod,whichisunderourpresentconsideration.Men'sfearsareneversorampantaswhenGodwithdrawshispresencefromthem,1Sam.28:15,20.But,

[7.]Seventhly, to exhort all thepeople ofGod so to live and conductthemselves,soastokeepthedivinepresence—soastokeepthespecial,thesingularpresenceofGodwiththemintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,consider—thatthereisinGodavery great unwillingness to withdraw his presence from hispeople when they are in great troubles and deep distresses.Ezek.8:6,"Sonofman,doyouseewhattheyaredoing?Doyouseethegreat sins thepeopleof Israelaredoing todriveme frommyTemple?"Isaiah1:2-4,16,18;Ezek.18:31,and33:11;Jer.3:13-14.Ofallsins,thesinofidolatrydrivesGodfarthestofffromhissanctuary.WhenGodgoesofffromapeople, he goesnot off rashly, he goesnot off suddenly—buthegoesoffgradually;heremovesnotatonce—butbydegrees;nowastep,andthenastep,asLotdidwhenhe lingered inSodom,Gen.19:16.LotwasnotmorereluctanttodepartoutofSodom,thanGodisloathtoleavehis people. [1 Sam, 4:4; Psalm8:20; Isaiah 37:16.]He goes first to thethreshold:Ezek.9:3,"AndthegloryoftheGodofIsraelwasgoneupfromthecherubwhereuponhewastothethresholdofthehouse."Thenoverthethreshold:10:4,"ThenthegloryoftheLordwentupfromthecherub,andstoodoverthethresholdofthehouse."Hereisasecondstep.Thisisthesecondtimeofresting,beforeGoddeparts.TheLordhadhisordinarydwelling-placeintheholyofholies.NowGod'sfirstremovewasfromthe

most holy place; his second removewas from the holy place; his thirdremovewashighertowardsheaven:verse19,"Andthecherubimlifteduptheirwings,andmountedupfromtheearthinmysight,thentothedoorof theeast gate," or foremost gate, "of theLord'shouse," tonoteGod'stotalremove fromhishouse.Then to themidstof thecity:Ezek. 11:23,"AndthegloryoftheLordwentupfromthemidstofthecity,andthenhestoodupon themountainwhich is on the east side of the city." This isGod'slaststopinhisdeparture,bywhichissignifiedthathewaswillingtomakeonetrialmore,toseeifthepeoplewould,inthispresentdanger,callhimbackbyinvitationandlivelyrepentance.

Godisgreatlytroubledwhenitcomestoparting:Hosea11:8,9"Oh,howcanIgiveyouup,Israel?HowcanI letyougo?HowcanIdestroyyoulike Admah and Zeboiim? My heart is torn within me, and mycompassionoverflows!No,Iwillnotpunishyouasmuchasmyburningangertellsmeto.IwillnotcompletelydestroyIsrael, forIamGodandnotameremortal. Iam theHolyOne livingamongyou,and Iwillnotcometodestroy."Thisisspokenanthropomorphicallyandnotproperly,because thoughts and repentance are not incident to God, "who iswithout all variableness, or shadow of change," James 1:17. The Lordseems here to be at a stand-still, or at strife with himself, about thedestructionof thispeople.HowbeitGod, in the affectionsofhismercy,yearning, and taking pity of his elect among them, spares to lay uponthemtheextremityofhiswrath,andisreadytosavethemforhismercy'ssake.Observehow fatherlikehemeltsandmournsover them,andhowmercy interposesher four several "hows!"Here are four suchheart-feltinterrogationsasthe likearenottobefoundinthewholebookofGod,andnottobeansweredbyanybutGodhimself,asindeedhedoestoeachparticularinthefollowingwords:"Myheartistornwithinme;"thatisthefirstanswer.Thesecond is, "Mycompassionoverflows."The third is, "Iwill not carry out my fierce anger." The fourth is, "I will not destroyEphraim."Andwhy?First,"IamGodandnotameremortal;"secondly,"IamtheHolyOnelivingamongyou."

Godisveryunwillingtobreakuphouse,andtoleavehispeopledesolate.NowisGodsounwillingtowithdrawhispresence;andshallnotwedoallwhat we can to retain him in the midst of us?When dear friends are

unwilling to leaveus,weare themoreearnest inpressing them to stayandabidewithus.Godismarvelouslyunwillingtogo,andtherefore letus,withthechurch,cryout,"Leaveusnot!"Jer.14:9.But,

[8.] Eighthly, to exhort all the people of God so to live and conductthemselves,soastokeepthedivinepresence—soastokeepthespecial,thesingularpresenceofGodwiththemintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses, andmost deadly dangers, consider—that troubleswill benotroubles,distresseswillbenodistresses,dangerswillbenodangers—if you canbut secure thepresenceofGodwithyou.Mountainswill bemolehills, stabs at the heartwill be but as scratchesuponthehand—ifthedivinepresenceiswithyou.God'sspecialpresencewill turn—storms into calms, winter nights into summer days, prisonsintopalaces,banishments intoenlargements.The favorablepresenceofGodwillturn—sicknessintohealth,weaknessintostrength,povertyintoplenty,anddeathintolife.Itcanneverbenightsolongasthesunshines.Noafflictions,notrials,canmakeitnightwithaChristian—solongasheenjoysthepresenceofGodwithhisspirit,2Tim.4:22.Thatcourtierneednotcomplainthatthismanslightshim,andthattheotherneglectshim—whoenjoysthedelightfulpresenceofhisprince.WhenSamsonhadthepresenceofGodwithhim,hemadenothingofcarryingthegatesof thecity,with the posts and bars, to the top of a hill, Judges 16:3. Just so,while aChristianenjoys the singularpresenceofGodwithhim,hewillmakenothingofthisafflictionandthataffliction,ofthistroubleandthattrouble,ofthis lossandthat loss.Thispresencemakesheavyafflictionslight,andlongafflictionsshort,andbitterafflictionssweet,2Cor.4:16-17.

It was this presence that made the martyrs all the great and grievousthingsthattheysufferedforChrist'ssakeandthegospel'ssake—tobebutlight,Heb.11:33-39.Amaninmisery,withoutthisgraciouspresenceofGod, is in a very hell on this side hell. God's gracious presencemakesevery condition to be a little heaven to the believing soul. There isnothing, there can be nothing—but heaven, where God is speciallypresent.But,

[9.] Ninthly, to exhort all the people of God so to live and conductthemselves,soastokeepthedivinepresence—soastokeepthespecial,

thesingularpresenceofGodwiththemintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,consider—thattheworstofmencannotcurseorharmyou,whileyoukeepthepresenceofGodwithyou.Num.23:21,"TheLordhisGodiswithhim,andtheshoutofaking isamongthem."Therecouldbenoenchantmentagainstthem,fortheLord theirGodwaswith them, and the shout of a kingwas amongthem,thatis,Godreignsasakingamongthem.Herebyalsoismeantthefaith,joy,boldness,courage,andconfidenceofGod'speopleintheirking.Aswhenakingcomesamongthearmiesofhispeople,heisreceivedwithjoyfulshoutingsandacclamations,andwhenhegoesforthtobattlewiththem,hegoesaccompaniedwiththesoundoftrumpetsandshoutsofthepeople, signs of their joy and courage; so it fared with the Israelites,becauseofthatspecialpresenceofGodthatwasamongthem,whichwasevidentbyhisprotectinganddefendingofthem:1Sam.4:5,"AndwhenthearkofthecovenantoftheLordcameintothecamp,allIsraelshoutedwithagreatshout,sothattheearthrangagain."Hereisavalorousshoutof a powerful people, encouraging each other to the battle, and avictoriousshoutashavingobtainedthevictoryinthebattle.

Just so, 2 Chron. 13:12, "And behold, God himself is with us for ourcaptain,andhispriestswithsoundingtrumpetstocryalarmagainstyou,O children of Israel." Num. 23:23, "Surely there is no enchantmentagainstJacob,neitheristhereanydivinationagainstIsrael;"thatis,thereisnoneagainstIsraelthatshallbeofforce,orthatshalltakeanyeffecttodotheposterityofJacoborIsraelanyhurt,anyharm,anydamage.Butwhy?Because theLordhisGod iswithhim, and the shout of a king isamong them. The presence of God with his Israel blasts all Balaam'senchantments,andmakesnullandvoidallhisdivinations.

Godiswithhispeopletocounseltheminalldoubtfulanddifficultcases,and to defend them, and secure them against all their enemies andopposers. Balaam had a mind to curse the people of God, as hisunweariedendeavorstothatpurposedoabundantlyevidence,Num.23:1,13,28-29,and24:1;butthepresenceofGodwithhispeoplepreventedallhismischievousdesigns. Shimei cursesDavid—buthis curses couldnothurt him, for God was with him, 2 Sam. 16:7, 9, 11-12. The peoplegenerallycursedJeremiah,chapter15:10,and1:17-19;butalltheircurses

could not harmhim, for Godwas with him. The Jews in their prayersdaily curse the Christian churches—but all their curses can't prejudicethem,becauseGodisinthemidstofthem,Exod.20:24.Andwhowillsaythat the reformed churches are one pin the worse for all the pope'sexcommunicationsandexecrations?

ThespecialpresenceofGodwithhispeopleisamostsovereignantidoteagainstallthecursesandcursingsofcursedmen,andthereforewhateveryoupartwith—besurethatyoudon'tpartwithyourGod;lethimbebutinthemidstofyou,andthennocursesshallbeprevalentagainstyou.

Thisageaboundswithsuchmonsters,whosemouthsare full of curses;butifeverycurseshouldstickavisibleblisteronthecurser'stongue,asitdoesinsensibleonesonthecurser'ssoul,theirtongueswouldquicklybetoobigfortheirmouths,andtheywouldsoongrowwearyofcursingthepeople of God, the things of God, the ways of God, the providences ofGod,andthefaithfuldispensersofthemysteriesofGod.Butthebestofitis,when they have done theirworst, and spat out all their curses, "thecursecauselesswillnotcome,"Proverbs26:2,fortheever-blessedGodisinhispeople,andwithhispeople,andamonghispeople,and"awalloffirealwaysaroundhispeople,"Zech.2:5,andthereforetheyaresafeandsecureenoughwhenmenanddevilshavedonetheirworst.But,

[10.]Tenthlyandlastly,toexhortallthepeopleofGodsotoliveandconductthemselves,soastokeepthedivinepresence—soastokeepthespecial,thesingularpresenceofGodwiththemintheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,consider—thatthedivinepresence will make up the absence of all outward comforts.Thisgraciouspresencewillsupplyandfilluptheplaceofafriend,achild,afather,ahusband.Someoftherabbiswritethatmannahadallsortsoftastesandall sortsof sweets in it.Be thatas itmay, Iamsure that thefavorable presence of God has all sorts of sweets in it, Psalm 4:6-7;Proverbs4:23.Ithasthesweetofallordinancesinit,ithasthesweetofalldutiesin,ithasthesweetofallchurchprivilegesinit,ithasthesweetofall relations in it, ithas thesweetofall youroutwardcomforts in it;andtherefore,aboveallkeeping,keepthepresenceofGodwithyou.

Many in their distresses andmiseries are full of complaints. One cries

out,helacksafaithfulfriend;anothercriesout,helacksahelpfulfamilymember; a third cries out that he lacks necessaries both for back andbelly; a fourth cries out he lacks themeanswhich others enjoy; but hewhoenjoysthegraciouspresenceofGodfindsalltheselacksmadeuptohim—yes, he finds the divine presence to be infinitely better than thepresenceofalloutwardcomforts.AsElkanahsaidtoHannah,"AmnotIbetterthantensons?"1Sam.1:8,soassuredlythepresenceoftheLordiswonderfullybetterthanallotherthings,toeverysoulthathastastedthesweetnessofit.

You know that one sun is more glorious, delightful, useful, andcomfortablethantenthousandstars;justsohere.Senecatellsacourtierthathad losthis son, thathehadnocause tomourn, either for thatoranythingelse,solongashiskingwasinsafety,andheinfavorwithhisking;hehadall things inhim,andhewouldbeunthankful tohisgoodfortuneifhewerenotcheerfulbothinheartandlook,solongasthingsstoodsowithhimastheydid.

Howmuchmoremaywe say to every sincereChristianwhoenjoys thegracious presence ofGodwithhim, let yourneeds and your crosses beever so great, your afflictions ever so pressing, your necessities ever sobiting—youhavenojustcausetobetroubledordejected,solongasyouare in favor with God, and enjoy the presence of God. All mercies, allcomforts,allcontentments,allenjoyments—theymeetandcenterinthegraciouspresenceofGod,asalllightsmeetinthesun,andasallwatersmeetinthesea;andthereforeletnotthatsoulmournorcomplainofthelack of anything, who enjoys that gracious presence of God—which isbetterthaneveryearthlything.Thusmuchforthemotives.

WhatmeansshouldweusethatwemayenjoythegraciouspresenceoftheLord

Butsomemaysay,"Osir,whatMEANSshouldweusethatwemayenjoythegraciouspresenceoftheLordwithusinourgreatest

troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers?" Ianswer,

1.First,Therearesome things thatyoumustcarefullySHUNandtakeheedof.

[1.]First,Takeheedofhighsinnings,takeheedofscandaloussins. High sinnings do greatly dishonor God, wound conscience,reproachreligion,staggertheweak,grievethestrong,openthemouthsofthewicked, andprovokeGod towithdrawhisgraciouspresence,Psalm51:11-12;Exod.32:8,and33:3;Isaiah63:10.Turntothesescriptures,andseriously ponder upon them. Great transgressions eclipse the favor ofGod as well as the honor of God. In great transgressions we turn ourbacks uponGod, andGod turns away his face from us.Gross sinswillprovoke God to withdraw his presence, both in respect of vigor andstrength,asalsoinrespectofpeaceandcomfort.But,

[2.] Secondly, Take heed of impenitency. Next to our beingpreserved fromsin, it is thegreatestmercy in theworld,whenwehavefallenbyourtransgressions,tomakeaquickandspeedyreturntoGod.Whenbyyoursinsyouhavemadeworkforrepentance,forhell,orforthephysician of souls—immediately make up the breach, take up thecontroversy between God and your souls, humble yourselves, judgeyourselves,andspeedilyreturntotheMostHigh,Hosea6:1;Exod.32:9-15. Thus Peter did, and recovered the favorable presence of Godimmediately,Mat.26:75;Mark16:7.

Butifmenwillcommitsinandlieinit,iftheywillfallandhavenomindtorise—Godwillcertainlywithdrawhisfavorablepresencefromthem,asyouseeinDavidandSolomon,Psalm51:11-12;1Kings11:9;Josh.7:1-5.ThisisfurtherevidentinthatcaseofAchan,Josh.7,"TheIsraelitestheycametofightwiththemenofAi,andfledbeforethem,fortheLordwasnotwiththem."Why,whatwasthecauseofGod'swithdrawinghimself?Seeverse11,"Israelhassinned."Andverse12,"ThereforethechildrenofIsrael could not stand before their enemies—but turned their backs."Theirsinshavingbetrayedthemintothehandofdivinejustice,andintotheirenemies'handsalso;markwhatfollows,"NeitherwillIbewithyouanymore,exceptyoudestroytheaccursedthingfromamongyou."Ifwe

will not stone our Achans, our sins, by the lively exercise of faith andrepentance; ifwewill keepupour lusts indespite of allwhoGoddoesagainstus—wemustneverexpecttoretainthegraciouspresenceofGodwithus.But,

[3.]Thirdly,Takeheedeitherofneglectinggospel-worship,orof corrupting gospel-worship. Omissions will damn as well ascommissions;andomissionswillprovokeGodtowithdrawhispresence,aswellascommissions.Whenpeoplearecarelessintheirattendanceongospelordinances,nowonderifGodwithdrawshispresencefromthemin their distresses, Cant. 5:2-3, 6, and 4:1-3. Cain went off fromordinances, and the Lord set a mark upon him, Gen. 4:15-16. Oh, theblack and dismalmarks ofmisery,whichGod has set uponmanywhohaveneglectedgospel-worship;andforprofit'ssake,andforDiana'ssake,are fallen roundly in with the worship of the world! 2 Tim. 4:10; Acts19:24,36.

O sirs, the great God stands upon nothingmore in all the world thanuponpurityinhisworship.Thereisnothingwhichdoessoprovokeandexasperate God against a people, as corrupt worship. Corrupt worshipsadlyreflectsuponthenameofGod,thehonorofGod,thetruthofGod,and the wisdom of God; and therefore his heart rises against suchworshipandworshipers,andhewillcertainlywithdrawfromthem,andbeaswiftandterriblewitnessagainstthem,asyoumayseebycomparingthese scriptures together. [Psalm 106:39-43; Psalm 78:58-64; 2 Chron.7:19-22, and 32:16-21; Deut. 29:22-29.] Corrupt worship is contrary totheunityofGod.Nowdenyhisunity, andyoudenyhisdeity, "For theLord is one, and his name is one," Zech. 14:9. It is contrary to thesovereigntyofGod,"Heistheonlyruler,theonlypotentate,"1Tim.6:15.Itiscontrarytotheall-sufficiencyofGod.Theheathenworshipedseveralgods, as thinking that several gods did bestow several blessings. TheybeggedhealthofoneGod,wealthofanotherGod,andvictoryofathirdGod, thus imagining to themselves several deities for several supplies.TheirGodwasbutaJupiter,apartialhelper,anauxiliaryGod—but"ourGod is Jehovah,"who is abundantly able to supply all our needs, Eph.3:20.

Now,ifeitherweneglecthistrueinstitutedworship,orfallinwithafalse

worship,withadevisedworship,withahumanworship,withaworldlyworship—God will certainly withdraw his gracious presence from us.Will-worshipaccusesandchargesGodwithweaknessandfolly—asifGodwerenotcarefulenough,nor faithfulenough,normindful enough, norwiseenough—toorder,direct,andguidehispeopleinthemattersofhisworship—but must be indebted to the wisdom, prudence, and care ofman—ofvainman,ofsinfulman,ofvileandunworthyman,ofweakandfoolish man—to complete, perfect, and make up something that waslackinginhisworship!Heb.3:4-6;John4:23-24.NowassuredlyGodwillnever keep house with those who give in such severe accusations andchargesagainsthim.But,

[4.] Fourthly, Take heed of a willing, willful, andpresumptuous sinning against divine commands and divinewarnings.Thedisobedientchildisturnedoutofdoors;thedisobedientservant shallhavenoneofhismaster's smiles, thedisobedientwifehaslittleofherhusband'scompany.Awilling,wilful,presumptuousrunningcross to divine commands speaks out much pride, atheism, hardness,blindness,carnalsecurity,andcontemptof thegreatGod.Itspeaksoutthegreatest insincerity, stoutness,andstubbornness that is imaginable;and therefore no wonder if God turns his back upon such, and if hedisdainstobeinthemidstofsuch.

Numbers 14:42, 43 "Do not go into the land now. You will only becrushedbyyourenemiesbecausetheLordisnotwithyou.Whenyoufacethe Amalekites and Canaanites in battle, you will be slaughtered. TheLord will abandon you because you have abandoned the Lord." SeeDeut. 1:42-46.But they presumed to go up to the hill-top, though theyhadnot the presence ofGodwith them, nor the signs of his grace andfavorwith them,nor the companyofMoseswith them;butmark, theypaid dearly for their presumption. Verse 45, "Then the Amalekites andCanaaniteswholivedinthathillcountrycamedownandattackedthemandbeatthemdownallthewaytoHormah."

When men are without God's presence, they are outside of God'sprecincts, and so out of his protection. To act or run cross to God'sexpress command, thoughunderpretenseof revelation fromGod, is asmuchasaman's life isworth,asyoumaysee inthatsadstory,1Kings

13:24.Wefrequentlydenyourpresenceuntodisobedientpeople,andsodoesGodhis.Disobedience todivinecommandsshuts thedooragainstthe divine presence, and will not allow God to come in to support us,comfort us, or support us, under our greatest troubles and deepestdistresses.But,

[5.]Fifthly,Takeheedofcarnalconfidence,ofrestinguponanarmofflesh.Psalm30:6,"AndinmyprosperityIsaid,Ishallneverbemoved;"thatis,whenIwasprosperouslysettledinthekingdom,Ibegantoconcludewithinmyselfthatnowtherewasanendofallmytroubles,Iwouldnowliveallmydaysinaprosperousestate.[Adaminparadisewasovercome, when Job on the ash-heap was a conqueror.] David havingtakenthestrongfortofZion,andhavingvanquishedhisenemiesroundabout,andallthetribeshavingsubmittedthemselvestohim,andhavingbuiltabeautifulpalace,andbeingquietlysettledinhisthrone,hebegantobepuffedupwithcarnalconfidence.Ohthehazardofhonor!Ohthedamageofdignity!howsoonarewebrokenuponthesoftpillowofease!Fliessettleuponthesweetestperfumeswhencold;andsodoessinonthebesthearts,whentheyaredissolvedanddispiritedbyprosperity.Ohhowapt are the holiest of men to be proud and secure, and promisethemselvesmorethaneverGodpromisedthem—namely,immunityfromthecross.

Davidthoughtthathiskingdomandallprosperitywastieduntohimwithadamantcords;hesittingquietlyatJerusalem,andfreefromfearofallhisenemies,2Sam.11:1;butGodquicklyconfuteshiscarnalconfidencebymakinghimknowthathecouldaseasilyblastthestrongestoakashecould trample thesmallestwormunderhis feet.Verse7, "Youhidyourface—and I was troubled." God will quickly suspend his favor andwithdrawhispresencewhenhischildrenbegintobeproudandcarnallyconfident.Look!asat theeclipseof thesun—thewhole frameofnaturedroops;sowhenGodhideshisface,whenhewithdrawshispresence—thebestofsaintscannotbutdroopandhangdowntheirheads.Justso,Jer.17:5,"Cursed be themanwho trusts inman, andmakes flesh his arm,andwhoseheartdepartsfromtheLord."Verse6,"Forheshallbeliketheheathinthedesert,andshallnotseewhengoodcomes."But,

[6.]Sixthly,Takeheedofbarrennessandunfruitfulnessunder

gospelordinances.Turntothesescriptures,Isaiah5:1-8;Mat.31:34-42;2Chron.32:16, to theend.Ofallspiritual judgments,barrenness isthe greatest; and when men are given up to this judgment, Godwithdraws;hehasnopleasuretodwellinabarrensoil.Whatarebarrengrounds and barren wombs, compared to barren hearts? He whoremainswholly barren under gospel ordinances,maywell question hismarriage-union with Christ, Ezek. 47:11; Mat. 13:19; Hosea 9:14; John15:3;Heb.2:6-8;Jude12:for,Romans7:4,Wearesaidtobe"marriedtoChrist, thatwemay bring forth fruit toGod." There is a double endofmarriage—namely, cohabitation and propagation; and therefore therecannotbeagreaterandclearerevidencethatyouarenotyettakenintoamarried union with Christ, than a total barrenness under gospelenjoyments.Christ'sspouseisfruitful:Cant.1:16,"Ourbedisverdant."

Christhasno furtherdelight inhispeople,norwillhe furthergracehispeoplewithhisspecialpresence, thantheymakeconscienceofweepingover their barrenness, and of bringing forth fruit to him, Cant. 7:11-13."Nowmyhusbandwillloveme,nowhewillbejoinedtome,nowIhaveborn him this son also,"Gen. 29:34, said Leah. Just so,may the fruit-bearingsoul reason itoutwithChrist:NowIknowdearJesuswill loveme,nowIknowhewilldelightinme,nowIknowhewilldwellwithme,now I knowhewillhonormewith his presence—for now I bring forthfruituntohim.BarrennessunderthemeansofgracedrivesGodfromus,and the gospel from us, and communion, and peace, and spiritualprosperityfromus.

Ursinusobserves, that thesinsandbarrennessof theProtestantsunderthe gospel in king Edward's days, brought in the persecution in queenMary's days. He tells us, that those who fled out of England in queenMary'sdaysacknowledged that thatcalamitybefell themfor theirgreatunprofitableness under themeans of grace in king Edward's days. Ah,England!England! I lookuponnothing tobe soominous to youas thebarrenness of the professors of the day! No wonder if God leaves hishouse,whenthetrees thatareplanted in itareallbarren.Thenutmeg-treemakesbarrenall thegroundabout it; sodoes thespiceofworldlylove,maketheheartsofChristiansbarrenunderthemeansofgrace.ButImusthasten.

[7.] Seventhly, Take heed of pride and haughtiness of spirit.Hosea 5:5, 6 "Israel's arrogance testifies against them; the Israelites,even Ephraim, stumble in their sin; Judah also stumbles with them.WhentheygowiththeirflocksandherdstoseektheLord,theywillnotfind him; he has withdrawn himself from them." Pride is the greatmaster-scarof the soul; it will bud and blossom, it cannot be hidden.Prideistheleprosyofthesoul,whichbreaksforthintheveryforehead,andso testifies tohis face,Ezek.7:10; Isaiah3:16-25.SomehavecalledRome,Epitomenuniversi,Anepitomeofthewholeworld.Justso,itmaybe said of pride, that it is the sum of all vileness, a sea of sin, acomplicatedsin,amothersin,abreedingsin,asinwhichhasallsortsofsin in thewombof it.Consult these scriptures. [Hab. 1:16; Isaiah48:9,and26:12;Hab.2:5,etc.]"Ihateprideandarrogance!"Proverbs8:13.

Aristotle,speakingofjustice,says,Thatinjusticeallvirtuesarecouched,summarily.Justso,itmaybetrulysaidofpride—thatinitallvicesareasitwereinabundlewrappeduptogether!Thereforeitisnowonder,ifGodwithdrawshispresence fromproudpeople, "Hehaswithdrawnhimselffromthem"—Heb.,"Hassnatchedawayhimself;"hehasthrownhimselfoutoftheircompany,asPeterthrewhimselfoutfromthecrudesoldiersintoaby-cornertoweepbitterly,Mark14:72.Godwillhavenothingtodowith proud people, he will never dwell with them, he will never keepcommunionwiththem.Hewhodwellsinthehighestheavenswillneverdwell in a haughty heart. The proud he knows afar off," Isaiah 57:15;Psalm 138:6.Hewon't comenear such loathsome lepers; he stands offfrom such as are odious and abominable; he cannot abide the sight ofthem, yes,his veryheart rises against them!Proverbs 15:25. "TheLorddetests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not gounpunished!"Proverbs16:5.James4:6,"Godresiststheproud,"thatis,"Hesetshimself inbattlearrayagainsthim,"as theGreekemphaticallysignifies. Above all sorts of sinners, God sets himself against proudpeople, as invaders of his territories and foragers or plunderers of hischieftreasures.Goddefiessuchasdeifythemselves.Godwillarmhimselfagainst them, he will never give his gracious presence to them; andtherefore as ever you would enjoy the divine presence, arm yourselfagainstpride,watchagainstpride,andprayhardagainstpride.But,

[8.]Eighthly,Takeheedofaslothful,lazy,triflingspiritinthethingsofGod.Cant.5:2,3"Isleptbutmyheartwasawake.Listen!Mylover is knocking: "Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, myflawlessone.Myheadisdrenchedwithdew,myhairwiththedampnessof thenight." "Ihave takenoffmyrobe—mustIput itonagain?Ihavewashedmyfeet—mustIsoilthemagain?"Christ'sheadisdrenchedwithdew; that is, Christ came to his spouse full of the dew of spiritual andheavenlyblessings.Christalwaysbringsspiritualandheavenlyblessingsinhishand,Eph.1:3-4;Rev.22:12.Christnevervisitshispeopleemptyhanded.Heisnobeggarlyorniggardlyguest.Whenhecomes,hebringseverything that heart canwish, or need, require. And now stand andwonderatthesillyexcusethatthespousemakesforherself:verse3,"Donottrouble—forIaminbed;myclothesareoff,myfeetarewashed,andIam composed to a settled rest!" "But are you so indeed?"might Christhavereplied."Isthisyourkindnesstoyourfriend?2Sam.16:17.Is thisthepartandpostureofavigilantChristian?Woulditnothavebeenmuchbetter for you to be dressed and ready, your lamp burning, and youwaitingforyourLord'sreturn?Isitsogreatatrouble?Isitsuchamightybusinessforyoutoriseoutofyourbed,toputonyourclothes,andtoletin suchaguest, as comesnot to takeanything fromyou—but to enrichyouwiththebestandnoblestoffavors?"

Now mark how severely Christ punishes his spouse's sluggishness,laziness, slothfulness, and delays to entertain him when he knocked:verse6,"Iopenedformylover,butmyloverhadleft;hewasgone.Myheartsankathisdeparture.Ilookedforhimbutdidnotfindhim.Icalledhim but he did not answer." OrHe was gone! he was gone! a mostpassionatecomplaintforhisdeparture;ormybest-belovedwasdeparted,hewasgoneaway!Bytheiterationordoublingofthissentence,whereinthespousecomplainsofthedepartureofherbridegroom,issignifiedhergreat trouble,herhearty sorrow,her inexpressiblegrief—which layasaheavy loaduponherspirit;because,byherunworthyusageofhim, shehadfoolishlycausedhimtowithdrawhispresencefromher.

Spiritualdesertionsareofthreesorts:

(1.)Cautional,forpreventingofsin,asPaul'sseemstobe,1Cor.1:2,8-9;

(2.)Probational,fortrialandexerciseofgrace;

(3.)Penal,forchastisementofspiritualslothandsluggishness,ashereinthespouse.Nowthislastisfarthesaddestandheaviest;andthereforeasever youwould enjoy the graciouspresenceof theLord, takeheedof alazy,slothful,sluggishspiritinthethingsofGod,intheconcernmentsofyoursouls.Thatmanmustneedsbemiserable,whoislazyandslothful—andhadrathergosleepingtohellthansweatingtoheaven!But,

[9.]Ninthly,Takeheedofacovetousworldlyspiritunderthesmarting rod,under the severe rebukesofGod. Isaiah 57:17, "Iwas enraged by his sinful greed; I punished him, and hid my face inanger,yethekeptoninhiswillfulways."Covetousnessorgreed,wasthecommonsinoftheJews.Thisdiseasehadinfectedallsortsandranksofmen;thisleprosydidspreaditselfoverprinces,prophets,andpeople,asyoumaysee incomparingthesescriptures. [Isaiah56:11;Jer.6:13, and8:10.] "But if we have food and clothing, wewill be content with that.Peoplewhowanttogetrichfallintotemptationandatrapandintomanyfoolish andharmful desires that plungemen into ruin anddestruction.Fortheloveofmoneyisarootofallkindsofevil.Somepeople,eagerformoney,havewanderedfromthefaithandpiercedthemselveswithmanygriefs."1Timothy6:8-10

Now"covetousnessbeingtherootofallevil,"astheapostlespeaks,andthe darling sin of our nation—God is so provoked by it that he firstsmites,andthenhideshimself,asonewhoindispleasure,havingleftonetotheevilandharshusageofsomeother,withdrawshimselfoutof theway,andhavingshuthimselfupinhiscloset,willnotbeseenorspokenwith.Aworldlymanmakes theworldhisGod.Covetousness is explicitidolatry:Col.3:5, "Mortify thereforeyourmemberswhichareupon theearth; fornication,uncleanness, inordinateaffection,evilconcupiscence,andcovetousness,whichisidolatry."Nowthoughitistrue,thatwhateveramanlovesmostandbest,thatishisgod—beithisbellyorhisback—yet,in a special manner, covetousness is idolatry—as no other sin is, Phil.3:19;Isaiah3:16-25.

Threethingsespecially,makeagod:

First,ourjudgment,whenweesteemitinourseriousthoughtstobeourchiefgood,andthatinwhichweplaceourhappiness.Nowthecovetousmanlooksupontherichesoftheworldashisheaven,hishappiness,hisgreat all. Pope Sylvester placed so much happiness in riches, that, toenjoy the popedom for seven years, he sold his soul to the devil. ThepeopleofConstantinopleplacedsomuchoftheirhappinessinriches,andwere so excessively covetous, that theywerebuyingand selling in theirshops,eventhreedaysafter theTurkswerewithinthewallsof thecity,andthatwasthereasonthatthestreetsrundownwiththebloodofthem,theirwives,andchildren.

Secondly,ourconfidence.Thatisanhomagewhichmakesagod,whenwe place our trust in anything,make it our rock, our fortress, our all-sufficient good. This the covetousman does, "He says to the wedge ofgold, you are my confidence," Job 21:34. The rich man's heart dancesabout his golden calf, saying to his wedge of gold, "you are myconfidence!"AndyethiswedgeofgoldshallprovebutasAchan'swedge,awedgetocleavehissoulinsunder,and,asthatBabylonishgarment,tobe his shroud, Josh. 7:21 to end. "The rich man's wealth is his strongcity," Proverbs 10:15; 1 Tim. 6:27. Covetous people do really thinkthemselvessimplythebetterandthesaferfortheirhoardsandheapsofriches;buttheymayonedayfindthemselvesgreatlymistaken.

FamousisthatstoryofCroesusamongtheheathens.Hewasarichking,who tumbled up anddown in his gold and silver; and Solon, thatwiseman ofGreece, coming into his country, he desired to speakwith him,and after Solon had seen and viewed all his wealth and glory,Croesusasked him whom he thought to be the happiest man in the world,imagining that Solonwould have said Croesus. But Solon answered, "Ithink Tellus was the most happy man." "Tellus!" says Croesus; "whyTellus?""Because,"saidSolon,"thoughhewaspoor—yethewasagodlyman, and content with that which he had; and having brought up hischildhonestlyandpiously,hediedhonorably."

"Well, then," said Croesus—"who do you think the secondmost happyman in theworld?" "I think," said he, "those two brotherswho carriedtheirmothertothetemple."Whereupon,saidCroesus,"whatthinkyouofme"? "I think," says he, "you are a very rich man; but a man may be

happythoughhebepoor,andamanmaybeunhappythoughheberich,forhemayloseallhisrichesbeforehedies;andtherefore,Ithinknonetruly happy but hewho liveswell and dieswell."Whereupon thatwiseman Solon was dismissed. But afterward this Croesus, making waragainstCyrus, hewas conqueredbyCyrus; andbeing taken captive, hewaslaiduponapileofwoodtobeburnedtodeath,thenlyingonthepileofwoodhecriedoutandsaid,"OSolon!Solon!Solon!"Cyrusinquiringwhathemeant,heanswered,"ThisSolonwasawisemanofGreece,whotoldmethathappinessdidnotconsistinriches,fortheymightallbelost,and a rich man might die miserable; whose words, said he, I thenneglected—but now I find true; and therefore now I cry out, O Solon,Solon,Solon!"

Letusnowtellthecovetousman,theworldlyman,thathishappinessliesnotinriches,thoughhelooksuponhisrichesashisstrongcity;hewon'tmindus,hewon't regard.Ohbut there is a timea-comingwherein theworldlingwillcryout,"OSolon,Solon,Solon!"

Thirdly,Ourservice,Mat.6:24.Thatisanhomage,whichmakesagod.Whenwedevoteallourpains,labor,andservicetoit—beitthisorthat—that makes a god. Now the covetous man, his heart is most upon theworld, his thoughts are most upon the world, his affections are mostupontheworld,andhisdiscourse ismostabouttheworld.Hewhohashismindtakenupwiththeworld,andchieflydelightedwiththeworld'smusic,hehasalsohistonguetunedtothesamekey,andtakeshisjoyandcomfort inspeakingofnothingelsebuttheworldandworldlythings.Iftheworldisintheheart—itwillbreakoutatthelips.Aworldly-mindedman speaks of nothing but worldly things. "They are of the world,therefore theyspeakof theworld,"John4:5.Thewater risesnot abovethefountain.Outofthewarehousetheshopisfurnished.

The love of this world makes men forget God, neglect Christ, slightordinances, refuse heaven, despise holiness, and oils the tongue forworldly discourses, Mat. 19:21-22. Ah the time, the thoughts, thestrength,theefforts,thewords—whicharespentupontheworld,andthethings of the world, while sinners' souls lie a-bleeding, and eternity ishasteningonuponthem!

Ihavereadofagreedybanker,whowasalwaysbestwhenhewasmostintalking of money and the world. Being near his death, he was muchpressedtomakehiswill.Finallyhedictates:

First,Ibequeathmyownsoul to thedevil—forbeingsogreedyof themuckofthisworld!

Secondly,Ibequeathmywife'ssoultothedevil—forpersuadingmetothisworldlycourseoflife.

Thirdly, Ibequeathmypastor'ssoul to thedevil—becausehedidnotshowmethedangerIlivedin,norreprovemeforit.

Oh,thedangerofmakingtheworldourgod,whenwecometodieandtomakeupour accountswithGod!Nowwhenmenmake theworld theirgod,andsetuptheirriches,pleasures,andprofitsintheplaceofGod,nowonderifGodwithdrawshispresencefromthem;andtherefore,aseveryouwouldretain thegraciouspresenceofGodwithyou, takeheedofacovetous spirit, a worldly spirit. "People who want to get rich fall intotemptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desiresthatplungemenintoruinanddestruction."1Timothy6:9.

[10.]Tenthlyandlastly,Aseveryouwouldenjoythegraciouspresence of God with you in your greatest troubles, deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers—takeheedofapetulant,willful, and inflexible spirit under the rod.When the child iswillfulundertherod,thefatherwithdraws;sohere,Isaiah57:17,"Iwasangryandpunished thesegreedypeople. Iwithdrewmyself fromthem,but they went right on sinning." Isaiah 47:6. Though I manifestedmydispleasurebygivingthemuptotheirenemies,andbylayingthemunderthetokensofmyanger,theypersistedintheirownwillful,crooked,andrebellious courses, refusing to repent and turn to the Most High; andthereforeGodchangeshiscountenance,hideshisface,andwithdrawshispresence from them:Deut. 32:20, "I will hidemy face from them—fortheyareaperversegeneration."Hebrew,Agenerationofperversenesses.

When the sickman is froward, friends withdraw and leave him alone:Psalm18:26,"Withthefrowardyouwillshowyourselffroward."Godwill

meet with froward people in their own way, and make them reap thefruits of their own doings. God will walk cross and contrary to thefroward,opposingandcrossingtheminalltheydo.Godhasnodelighttogracefrowardpeoplewithhispresence.Whenmenbegintobe frowardunderadivinehand,God commonlyhideshis face, and turnshis backuponthem.MenfilledwithimpatiencearenofitcompanyfortheGodofallpatience.Menwhoarepeevishandpetulantundertherod,willalwaysseeaclouduponthefaceofGod.

Thusyouseethattherearetenthingsthatyoumustcarefullytakeheedof—if you would enjoy the gracious presence of God with you in yourgreatest troubles,deepestdistresses, andmostdeadlydangers,Romans15:5;Proverbs11:20.But,

2.Secondly,As there aremany things to be avoided, just so, thereareseveral thingstobeput inPRACTICE,asyouwouldenjoythe gracious presence of God with you, in your greatesttroubles,deepestdistresses, andmost deadly dangers.Let meglanceatafew—

[1.]First,Besure thatyouarebroughtunder thebondof thecovenant.ThisgraciousspecialpresenceofGodwithhispeople,undertheir greatest troubles, anddeepestdistresses—ispeculiar to thosewhoare in covenant with God. [Ezek. 20:37; Psalm 25:14, and 50:5; Jer.32:40-41;Gen. 6:8, 18, 19:20-26 and39:20-22; Jer. 1:17-19, and 37:15,seq.;Dan.3:23-25,and6:22-23.]NoahwasincovenantwithGod—andGodwaswithhim,providinganarkforhim,andpreservingofhimfromdrowninginthemidstofdrowning.LotwasincovenantwithGod—andGodwaswithhim,andsecureshiminZoar,whenherainedhelloutofheavenuponSodomandGomorrah.JosephwasincovenantwithGod—andGodwaswithJosephinprison.JeremiahwasincovenantwithGod—and God kept him company in the dungeon. The three Hebrewchildren,orratherchampions,wereincovenantwithGod—andGodwasspeciallypresentwiththeminthefieryfurnace.DanielwasincovenantwithGod—andGodwaswonderfullywithhiminthelions'den.Jobwasin covenant with God—and God was with him in six troubles, and inseven,Job3:18-19.DavidwasincovenantwithGod—andGodwaswithhiminthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Psalm89:33-34,and23:4.

Donotrestyoursalvation—inanametolive,norinaformofgodliness,norincommonconvictions,norinanoutwardreformation.Donotrestanythingbelowacovenant-relationshipwithGod,ifyouwouldenjoytheprecious presence of the Lord with you in your greatest troubles, anddeepestdistresses,Deut.26:17-19.IfyouchoosehimforyourGod—youshallthenassuredlyfindhimtobeyourGod.IfheistheGodofourloveandfear—hewillbetheGodofourcomfortandsafety.IfGodisyourGodincovenant—thenindistressthecitiesofrefugeareopentoyou.Hewillstickclose toyou,hewillnever leaveyounor forsakeyou,Heb. 13:5-7;youhaveaFathertogoto,aGodtofleeto,aGodwhowilltakecareofyou: "Comemypeople, enter into your chambers, and shut your doorsabout you, hide yourself, as it were for a little moment, until theindignationisoverandpassed."Herearechambers,withdrawing-roomsprovided, not open chambers—but with doors, and doors shut roundabout,intimatingthatguardofprotection,whichthepeopleofGodshallfindfromhim,eveninacommoninundation.But,

[2.]Secondly,IfyouwouldenjoythegraciouspresenceofGodwith you, in your greatest troubles, deepest distresses, andmost deadly dangers—then look to the practical part ofholiness, keep up the power of godliness in your hearts andlives.2Chron.15:2;John14:21,"Whoeverhasmycommandsandobeysthem,heistheonewholovesme.HewholovesmewillbelovedbymyFather,and I toowill lovehimandshowmyself tohim."Verse23, ""Ifanyonelovesme,hewillobeymyteaching.MyFatherwilllovehim,andwewillcometohimandmakeourhomewithhim."Hewhoframeshisheart and life according to Christ's rule—shall be sure of Christ'spresence.

Ezekielwasamanwhokeptupthepowerofholinessandgodlinessinhisheartandlife.[ThisisevidentthroughoutthewholebookoftheprophetEzekiel.See2:4,7-12.]Andoh!thegloriousvisions,anddeepmysteries,andrarediscoveriesofGod,andofhispresence,andofthegreatthingswhichwouldbebroughtaboutinthelatterdays,whichwererevealedtohim!

Danielkeptupthepowerofholinessandgodlinessinhisheartandlife;

andoh,whatsecretsandmysteriesdidGodrevealtohim!Manyofthosegreatandgloriousthings,whichconcernthedestructionof thefour lastmonarchies, and the growth, increase, exaltation, flourishing, durable,invincibleandunconquerableestateofhisownkingdom,wasdiscoveredtohim.

Paulwasapersonwhokeptupthepowerofholinessandgodlinessinhisheartandlife;andoh,whatamightypresenceofGodhadhewithhim—inallhisdoing,suffering, andwitnessingwork!Andoh,what gloriousrevelationsanddiscoveriesofGodhadhe,whenhewascaughtup intothe third heaven, into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, orwordlesswords,suchaswordsweretooweaktoutter,such"aswasnotpossible for man to utter," and that either because they transcendedman'scapacityinthislife,orelsebecausetheapostlewasforbidtoutterthem,theybeingrevealedtohimnotforthepublicuseofthechurch—butonlyforhisparticularencouragement,thathemightbethebetterabletoencounterwithallhardships,difficulties,dangers,anddeathswhichdidormightattendhim inhisministerialwork,2Cor. 1:7-10.Someof theancients are of opinion that he saw God's essence, for, say they, otherthings inheavenmighthavebeenuttered—but theessenceofGod issogreatandsogloriousathingthatnomanorangelcanutterit.ButhereImust crave leave to enter my dissent from these learned men, for thescriptureisexpressinthis,"thatnomanhasthuseverseentheLordatanytime,andthatnomancanthusseetheLord,andlive,"John1:18;1Tim.6:16;1John4:12;Exod.33:20-23.

AndasgreatafavoriteofHeavenasMoseswas—yethecouldonlyseethebackparts ofGod, he could only behold some lower representations ofGod.Somesaythatheheardtheheavenlysingingofangelsandblessedspirits,whichwassosweet,soexcellentandglorious,thatnomortalmanwasabletoutterit;andthisofthetwointerpretations,ismostprobable.Butnomanisboundtomakethisopinionanarticleofhisfaith.This,Ithink, we may safely conclude, that in this rapture, besides thecontemplationofcelestialmysteries,hefeltsuchunspeakabledelightandpleasure,thatwaseitherliketothat,orexceededthat,whichAdamtookin the terrestrial paradise.Doubtless the apostle did see and hear suchexcellent things aswas impossible for the tongueof anymortalman to

expressorutter.

Johnwasamanwhokeptupinhisheartandlifethepowerofholinessandgodliness;andChristrevealstohimthegeneralestateofhischurchandall thatwouldbefallhispeople,andthat fromJohn's timeuntohissecondcoming.ChristgivesJohnatruerepresentationofallthetroubles,trials, changes,mercies, and glories—which in all times and in all agesandplaces,would attendhis church—untilChrist came in all his glory.AboutsixtyyearsafterChrist'sascension,[ItisthegeneralopinionofthelearnedthatthisBookoftheRevelationwaspennedaboutthelatterendofthereignofDomitiantheemperor,whichwasaboutsixtyyearsafterChrist's ascension.] Christ comes to John, and opens his heart, andunbosomshissoul,andmakesknowntohimallthatcare,thatlove,thattenderness, that kindness, and that sweetness, that he would exercisetowards his church from that very time to the end of theworld. ChristtellsJohn,thatthoughhehadbeenabsent,andseeminglysilentforaboutsixty years, that yet he was not so taken up with the delights,contentments,andgloryofheaven—thathedidnotcarewhatbecameofhischurchonearth.Ohno!andthereforeheopenshischoicestsecrets,andmakesknownthemosthiddenandgloriousmysteries toJohn thateverweremadeknowntoanyman.

As therewasnonewhohadsomuchof theheartofChrist asJohn—sotherewasnonehadsomuchoftheearofChristasJohn.ChristsinglesouthisservantJohnfromallthemenintheworld,andmakesknowntohimallthehappyprovidencesandallthesadoccurrenceswhichweretocomeupon the followersof theLamb,so that theymightknowwhattopreparefor,andwhattoprayfor,andwhattowaitfor.AlsohedeclarestoJohnallthatwrathandvengeance,allthatdesolationanddestruction,which should comeupon the false prophet and the beast, and upon allwhowandered after them, andwhowereworshipers of them,andwhohadreceivedtheirmarkseitherintheirforeheadsorintheirhands.

Thus you see that they which keep up the power of holiness in theirheartsandlives—theyshallbesuretoenjoythechoicestpresenceofGod,and the clearest, fullest, and sweetest discoveries of God, and of thesegreat things that concern the spiritual and eternal good of their souls.NothingwinsuponGodlikeholiness,nothingdelightsGodlikeholiness,

nothing engages the presence of God like holiness, Psalm 50:23. Heshowshissalvationtohimwhoordershislifearight.Hewhoputseverypieceofhislifeintherightorder,heshallseeandknowthatheshallbesaved.Hewhowalks accurately and exactly, whowalks as in a carefulframe, treading gingerly, stepping warily—he shall have a prospect ofheavenhere—andafullfruitionofheavenhereafter,"Youmeethimwhorejoices, and works righteousness, those who remember you in yourways," Isaiah 64:5. He who works righteousness and walks inrighteousness,shallbesuretomeetwithGod,andtoenjoythepreciouspresenceofGodinhisgreatesttroublesanddeepestdistresses.But,

[3.]Thirdly, If youwouldenjoy thegraciouspresenceofGodwith you in your greatest troubles, deepest distresses, andmost deadly dangers—then keep close to instituted worship,keep close to gospel ordinances, keep close to your gospelchurch.Exod.20:24,"InallplaceswhereIrecordmyname,Iwillcomeunto you and bless you." Isaiah 64:5; Rev. 2:1; Cant. 7:5; Ezek. 48:35.WhereGodfixeshissolemnworship for thememorialandhonorofhisname, there he will vouchsafe his gracious presence: Mat. 18:20, "Forwheretwoorthreearegatheredtogetherinmyname,thereamIinthemidstofthem."ThepromiseofGod'sgraciousassistance,presence,andacceptance is annexed to his church, whether it be great or small,numerousor few:Mat.28:20, "Lo, Iamwithyoualways,"according tomygodhead,majesty,grace,andSpirit.Lo, Iamwithyou, toownyou!Lo,Iamwithyou,tocounselanddirectyou!Lo,Iamwithyou,tocheerandcomfortyou!Lo, Iamwithyou, toassistandstrengthenyou!Lo, Iamwithyou,toshelteryouandprotectyou!Lo,Iamwithyou,todoallyour works in you and for you! Lo, I amwith you, to strengthen yourgracesandtoweakenyoursins!Lo,Iamwithyou,toscatteryourfearsandansweryourdoubts!Lo,Iamwithyou,tobetteryourheartsandtomend your lives! Lo, I am with you, to bless you and crown you withimmortalityandglory!Andwhatcanthesouldesiremore?

Such as have low thoughts of gospel ordinances, such as slight gospelordinances, such as neglect gospel ordinances, such as vilify gospelordinances, such as decry gospel ordinances, such as oppose gospelordinances—suchmaytalkofthepresenceofChrist,andsuchmayboast

ofthepresenceofChrist—butallsuchareoutsideofthewayofenjoyingthepresenceofChrist.Christisonlytobemetwithinhisownworship,andinhisownways.Ah,howmanyinthesedaysarethere,whoareliketooldBarzillai,whohadlosthistasteandhearing,andsocarednotforDavid's feasts and music! 2 Sam. 19:35. How many are there thatformerly were very zealous for ordinances—but now are as zealousagainst them! How many formerly have made many great, hard, anddangerousventurestoenjoygospelordinances,whonowwon'tventureabroken shin for an ordinance, no, nor stir out of doors to enjoy anordinance, etc.!Howmany in our days, upon neglecting and despisinggospel ordinances, have grown from evil to be very evil, and from veryeviltobestarkevil.HeshallbeanApollotome,whocanshowmeonemanintheworldthatevergrewbetterorholierbyneglectingorslightinggospelordinances.

Many come to the ordinances, too, like theEgyptian dog,which laps alittleasherunsbythesideofNylus—butstaysnottodrink.HowmanyinthisgreatcityruneverySabbathtohearthismanandthat;andheretheylap a little and there a little—but never stay to drink—never fix in thiscongregation or that, this way or that. These people are neither wise,serious, lovely,nor lively in thewaysofGod. I think they are judiciallyblindedandhardened,whoareindifferentwhethertheyenjoyordinancesornot,orwhocanpartwithordinanceswithdryeyes.Surelytheinfantisvery sick, who cries not for the breast, Zeph. 3:18. As ever you wouldenjoy the gracious presence of God with you in all your troubles anddistresses,makeconscienceofstickingclosetogospelordinances.But,

[4.]Fourthly,IfyouwouldenjoythegraciouspresenceofGodwith you in your greatest troubles, deepest distresses, andmost deadly dangers, then, when you are not in troubles,distresses,dangers,etc.,besureyoumakemuchconscienceoffivethings:

(1.)Ofprizinghispresenceaboveallotherthings.SoMosesdid,Exod. 33:13-17; soAugustinewouldwillingly go throughhell to Christ;andLutherhadratherbeinhellwithChristthaninheavenwithouthim;and Bernard had rather have Christ in a chimney corner than be inheavenwithouthim.

(2.)Ofimprovingthisgraciouspresenceagainstsin,theworld,theflesh,oppositionsandtemptations,etc.

(3.)Ofwalkingsuitabletothisgraciouspresence.

(4.) Of lamenting and mourning over those who lack thisgraciouspresence.

(5.)Ofholding any secret correspondencewith theprofessedand known enemies of Christ. Princes will never vouchsafe theirfavorable presence to such subjects as hold any secret correspondencewith their professed and known enemies, either at home or abroad; sohere.But,

[5.] Fifthly, If youwould enjoy the gracious presence of Godwith you in your greatest troubles, deepest distresses, andmostdeadlydangers,then,inallyourtroublesanddistresses,etc., maintain uprightness and integrity of spirit with God.Psalm 5:12: 2 Chron. 16:9, "For the eyes of the Lord run to and frothroughoutthewholeearth,toshowhimselfstronginthebehalfofthosewhoseheartisperfecttowardshim."

Psalm84:11, "For the LordGod is a sun and shield: the Lordwill givegrace and glory; no good thing will be withhold from those who walkuprightly."ThisisthelargestpromisewefindinthewholebookofGod,Thecreaturestands inneedof twothings,provisionandprotection; forthefirst,theLordisasun,asfullofgoodnessasthesunisoflight.Heisasun, in that he does enlighten and enliven his church,whereas all theworldbesideslieunderdarknessandtheshadowofdeath;andinthathedoes cheer, and warm, and comfort the hearts of his people by hispresenceandlightsomecountenance,andisthefountainfromwhenceallexternal, internal, and eternal blessings are derived to them. For thesecond,ashield,Psalm18:2.Amongall inanimatecreatures thesun isthemostexcellent,andamongallartificialcreaturesashieldischief,andwasofgreatestuseinthosedays.Thesunnotesallmannerofexcellencyandprosperity, and the shieldnotesallmannerofprotectionwhatever,Isaiah 62:20; Psalm 3:4. Under the name of "grace," all spiritual good

things are tobeunderstood; andunder thenameof "glory," all eternalgood things are to be understood; and under that phrase of "No goodthingwillhewithhold,"alltemporalgoodthingsaretobeunderstood,sofarastheymakeforhisglory,andhispeople'srealgood.Nowthischoice,thissweet,thisfull,thislargepromise,ismadeoveronlytotheupright,and therefore, as you would have any share in it, maintain youruprightness!

Psalm11:7,"Hiscountenancedoesbeholdtheupright;"Heb.,His faces.EverygraciousdiscoveryofGodtotheuprightishisface.Godwill,inallmanner of ways, make gracious discoveries of his love and delight touprightones.Nofathercansomuchdelighttobeholdthecountenanceofhischild,asGoddelightstobeholdthecountenanceoftheupright.

Psalm 112:4, "Unto the upright there arises light in darkness." Lightcommonly signifies joy, comfort, peace, help, deliverance, Job 30:26;Esther8:16;2Cor.6:10.Theuprightman shallhave joy in tribulation,plenty in poverty, liberty in bonds, life in death—as the martyrs havefrequentlyandgloriouslyexperienced.SometimesGodturnstheuprightman's adversity into prosperity, his sickness into health, his weaknessinto strength,hisnight intoday,his storms into calms,his longwinternightsintopleasantsummerdays.SometimesGodhideshisuprightonesinthehollowofhishand,inhispavilion,inhispresence-chamber,Isaiah26:9,20;Mal.3:17.Whenhisjudgmentsareabroadintheearthhetakesspecial care of his jewels, and many times, when the upright are indarkness and in great distress, God cheers their hearts with theconsolationsofhisSpiritandthe lightofhiscountenance,Psalm94:19,and71:20-21.Byallwhichitismostevidentthat"Untotheuprightthereariseslightindarkness."

O sirs, do but maintain your uprightness in all your troubles anddistresses,andthenyouwillbesureofthegraciouspresenceofGodwithyouinallyourtroublesanddistresses.GodvaluesanuprightJobuponaash-heapbeforeadeceitfulJehuuponhisroyalthrone,Job1:8,and2:3,7-9;hesetsahigherpriceuponanuprightLazarusinragsthanuponarichDives inhispurple robes,Luke 16.And thereforewhenanuprightmanisintroublesanddistresses,Godwillbesuretokeephimcompany.Theuprightman is like thephilosopher'sdice, casthimwhichwayyou

will,andintowhatconditionyouwill,heisstillupright;andtherefore,ofallpeople,Godlovestogracetheuprightmanwithhisgraciouspresence.But,

[6.] Sixthly, If youwould enjoy the gracious presence ofGodwithyouinallyourtroubles,deepdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,thenyoumustbeveryearnestandimportunatewithGodnottoleaveyou—buttostaywithyou,toabidewithyou,andtodwell inthemidstofyou,Psalm148:18,"TheLordisnearuntoallwhocall uponhim;"but, topreventmistakes, Imean, "to allwho call uponhimintruth."TherearemanywhocalluponGod—butnotintruth;fromtheseGodstandsatadistance,Proverbs1:28;Isaiah11-17;Deut.4:4;2John 4. There are others that call uponGod in truth, in plainness andsingleness of heart; and to theseGod is near, not only in regard of hisessence, which is everywhere—but also in regard of the effects of hispower, and the readiness of his will in granting their requests. Abijahprays, and finds an admirable presence of Godwith him, giving him amightyvictoryoverhismostpowerfulenemy,2Chron.3,10-11,17-18.Asaprays,andfindssuchasingularpresenceofGodwithhimasmadehimvictoriousoveranenormousarmy,2Chron.14:9totheend.Jehoshaphatprays, and had such a special presence of God with him that thosenumerous forces that were combined against him fall by their ownswords, 2 Chron. 20:1-11,with verse 22-25. Thewrath ofGodwroughttheir ruin, unexpectedly and irresistibly. [They were carried by such aspirit of rage and fury that noman spared his neighbor—but each onedestroyedhimwhowasnearhim.]OtherssaythattheLorddidsuddenlyandunexpectedlycutthemoff,aswhenmenarecutoffbyenemiesthatlieinambushagainstthem,andthatbysendingsomeunexpectedstrifeamong those nations, whereupon they fell out among themselves, andslew one another, and so accomplished that which the Levite hadforetold, verse 17, "You shall not need to fight in this battle: setyourselves,standyoustill,andseethesalvationoftheLordwithyou,OJudah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go outagainstthem:fortheLordwillbewithyou."

Itwas thepresenceofGodwithhispeople thatwas theirpreservation,andtheirenemies'destruction.Thereisnopower,noforce,nostrength,

nocombinationsthatcanstandbeforethepowerfulpresenceofGodwithhispeople,andaspiritofprayeruponhispeople.

Hezekiahprays,andfindssuchapowerfulpresenceofGodwithhimasbears up his heart, and as strengthens his faith, and as cuts off hisenemies,Isaiah37:14-21,withverse36.Oh,beghardoftheLordthathewillstaywithyou,doastheydidwhenChristmadeasthoughhewouldhave gone from them: Luke 24:29, "But they constrained him, saying,Abidewithus,foritistowardsevening,andthedayisfarspent;andhewent in to tarry with them." By prayer and importunity lay hold onChrist;say,Lord,nightisnear,thenightoftrouble,thenightofdistress,thenightofdanger, thenightofdeath isnear; staywithus,departnotfromus.They over-entreatedhimby their importunity, they compelledhimbyentreaty."Nightisnear,andthedayisfarspent."Oh,layahandofholyviolenceuponGod,asJacobdid,andsay,ashe,"Iwillnotletyougo." Jacob, though lamed, will not let Christ go. Jacob holds fast withboth hands when his joints were out of joint, being fully resolved thatwhateverhedidletgo,hewouldnotlethisLordgo,untilhehadblessedhim,Gen.32:25,26;Hosea4:12.Oh,beoftena-cryingoutwithJeremiah,"Leaveusnot, Lord," Jer. 14:9. Though in our great troubles and deepdistresses friends should leave us, and relations leave us, and all theworld leave us—yet don't you leave us! Oh, don't you leave us, Lord!Thoughallcreaturesshoulddesertus—yet,ifyouwillbutstandbyus,weshalldowellenough;butwoe,woeuntous ifGoddeparts fromus!Oh,leaveusnot!But,

[7.]Seventhly,Keephumble,andwalkhumblywithyourGod.Micah6:8;Psalm25:9.Thehighest heavens and the lowest hearts, arethehabitationofGod'sgloriouspresence.Isaiah57:15,"Forthis iswhatthehighandloftyOnesays—hewholivesforever,whosenameisholy—Iliveinahighandholyplace,butalsowithhimwhoiscontriteandlowlyin spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of thecontrite."Hewhowould ingoodearnestenjoy thegraciouspresenceofGod with him in his great troubles, deep distresses, and most deadlydangers,hemustkeephumble,andwalkhumblywithhisGod.Godwillkeephousewithnonebuthumblesouls.Therearenonewhofeelsogreata need of the divine presence as humble souls, there are none who so

prizethedivinepresenceashumblesouls,therearenonewhosolovethedivine presence, andwho are so enamoredwith the divine presence ashumble souls, there are none who so thirst and long for much of thedivine presence as humble souls, there are none who so lament andbewail the loss of the divine presence as humble souls, there are nonewho make such a singular and thorough improvement of the divinepresenceashumblesouls;andthereforenowonderthatofallthemenintheworld,God singlesout thehumbleChristian, tomakehis heart thehabitationwherehishonordelightstodwell.

Abraham is but dust and ashes in his own eyes, Gen. 18:27; andwhatmanonearthhadevermoreofthedivinepresenceofGodwithhimthanhe?Gen15:12-19,17:1-10,and18:17-19,etc.

Jacob knew that he was unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulnessGodhadshownhim,Gen.32:10;andhehadamightypresenceofGodwithhim,Gen.32:24-31,etc.

Davidinhisowneyeswasbutawormandnoman,Psalm22:6.Thewordintheoriginal,signifiesaverylittleworm,whichbreedsinscarlet.Itissolittle,thatnomancanhardlyseeitorperceiveit;andyetwhatamightypresenceofGodhadDavidwithhiminthemanybattleshefought,andinthemanydangershewasin,andinthemanymiraculousdeliveranceshehadSeethemallsummedupinthat18thPsalm.Itishistriumphantsongaftermanyvictorieswon,deliverancesgiven,andmerciesobtained;andthereforeworthyoffrequentperusal.

Paulwastheleastofallsaintsinhisowneyes;yes,hewaslessthantheleast of all saints, Eph. 3:8. This is a double diminutive, and signifies"lesser than the least," if lesser might be. Here you have the greatestapostledescendingdowntotheloweststepofhumility,1Cor.15:8,4:9;1Tim.1:15.GreatPaulisleastofsaints,leastoftheapostles,andgreatestofsinnersinhisowneyes,andneverhadanymortalmoreofthegraciouspresenceofGodwithhiminallhisservicesandinallhissufferings,inallhis afflictions and in all his temptations, in all his trials and in all histroubles,whichweremanyandgreat.SeeActs16:23-25,23:10-11,27:23-25;2Cor.1:8-10,4:8-11,7:4-7,11:21,seq.,12:7-10.

Isyourconditionlow,thenletyourheartsbelow.Hewhoislittleinhisownaccount,isgreatinGod'sesteem,andshallbesuretoenjoymostofhispresence.Godcandwell,Godwilldwellwithnonebutthosewhoarelowlyinheart;andthereforeaseveryouwouldenjoythespecialpresenceofGodwithyouinyourgreatesttroublesanddeepestdistresses,besureyouwalkhumblywithyourGod.ManymaytalkmuchofGod,andmanymayprofessmuchofGod,andmanymayboastmuchofGod;butheonlyenjoysmuchofGodwhomakesconscienceofwalkinghumblywithGod.But,

[8.] Eighthly, and lastly, If you would enjoy the specialpresence of God with you in your greatest troubles, deepestdistresses, and most deadly dangers, then labor every daymore andmore after greatermeasures of holiness. The moreholinessyoureachto,themoreyoushallhaveof thepresenceofaholyGodwithyouinallyourstraitsandtrials.[Ponderuponthesescriptures,Isaiah58:8-11;2Cor.6:16-18,and7:1;Deut.23:13-14.]IftheScripturesbenarrowlysearched,youwillfindthatmenofthegreatestmeasuresanddegrees of holiness have always enjoyed the greatest measures of thedivinepresence:witnessEnoch,Gen.5:24;Noah,Gen.6:8-9,17-18.Justso, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Job, David, Daniel, John, Paul, etc. Theywereallfamousforholiness;andaccordinglytheyhadafamouspresenceofGodwiththem,ashasbeenshowedinpart,andmightmorefullyhavebeendiscovered.

[1.] Consider, that the more holy any person is, the moreexcellent that person is. All corruptions are diminutions ofexcellency.Themoremixedanythingis,themoreabaseditis.Themoreyoumix yourwinewithwater, themore you abase yourwine; and themoreyoumixyourgoldwithtin,themoreyouabaseyourgold.Butthepureryourwineis,thericherandbetteryourwineis;andthepureryourgoldis,themoregloriousandexcellentitis.Justso,thepurerandholierany person is, themore excellent and glorious that person is.Now themoredivinelyexcellentandgloriousanypersonis,themoreheisbelovedofGod,Dan.9:23;andthemoreheisthedelightofGod,andthemoreheshallhaveofthepresenceofGod.

[2.]Consider,thatthemoreholyanypersonis,themorethat

personpleasestheLord.Fruitfulnessinholinessfillsheavenwithjoy.Thefarmerisnotsomuchpleasedwiththefruitfulnessofhisfields,northewifewith the fruitfulness of herwomb—asGod is pleasedwith thefruitfulnessofhispeopleingraceandholiness.Nowcertainly,themoreGod is pleasedwith any person, themore hewill be present with thatperson.Theycommonlyhavemostofourpresence—whomostpleaseus.

Enochhadthistestimony,beforehistranslation,thathepleasedGod,orgaveGodcontentment,astheoriginalwordimports.EnocheyedGodatall times, in all places, and in all companies; and this pleased God.Wherever Enoch was, his eye was still upon God. Enoch walkedconstantlywithGod;hiswholelifewasbutonecontinueddayofwalkingwithGod;andthispleasedGod.Enochkepthimselffromthecorruptionsand pollutions of the times, whichwere very great; he was not carriedawaywiththestreamofthetimes;hekeptaconstantcounter-motiontothecorruptcoursesofthetimes;andthispleasedGod.Enochmaintainedandkeptupaclear,choice,andincessantcommunionwithGod;andthispleased God. Enoch made it his business, his work, his heaven, toapprove his heart to God, and his ways to God; and this pleasedGod.EnochwasveryseriousandstudioustoavoideverythingthatmightbeadishonortoGod,ordispleasingtoGod;andthispleasedGod.Enochhadgreat, andhigh, andhonorable thoughts ofGod; and this pleasedGod.God was so pleased with Enoch, that he translates him from earth toheaven, fromagracioustoagloriouspresence. [God tookhimup in awhirlwind,saytheHebrewdoctors,asElijahwas.Hechangedhisplace—but not his company, for he still walked with God; as on earth, so inheaven.]ItwasasingularmercyforGodtobewithEnochonearth—butitwasafarmoregloriousmercyforEnochtobewithGodinheaven.ThegraciouspresenceofGodisverydesirable—butthegloriouspresenceofGodismostcomfortable.EnochpleasesGod,andGodtranslatesEnoch.Wecanneverhavethosefriendsnearenoughtous—whotakeapleasureanddelighttopleaseus;sohereEnochwasabrightmorningstar,arisingsun,forvirtueandholiness;andthereforeGodcouldnotsatisfyhimself,(to speak after the manner of men,) that he should live at so great adistance fromhim—and therefore translates him from earth to heaven.Well,myfriends,thegreatermeasuresofholinessyoureachto,themoreyouwillpleaseGod;andthemoreyoupleaseGod,themoreyoushallbe

suretoenjoyofthepresenceofGod.

[3.]Consider, thatthemoreholyanypersonis, themoreliketoGodheis;andthemoreliketoGodheis,doubtlessthemorehe is belovedofGod. It is likeness both in nature and grace,whichalwaysdrawsthestrongestlove,1Pet.1:15-16;Lev.11:44,and19:2,and20:7.Thougheverychild is the fathermultiplied, the fatherofasecondedition;yet the father loveshimbest,anddelights inhimmost—whoismostlikehim,andwhoinfeature,spirit,andactiondoesmostresemblehim to the life. And so does the Father of spirits also; he always lovesthembestwhoinholinessresemblehimmost,Heb.12:9.Therearefourremarkablethingsinthebeloveddiscipleabovealltherest,John13:23,and18:16,and19:26-27,andMark14:50:

(1.)ThathelaynearesttoChrist'sbosomatthetable;

(2.)ThathefollowedChristclosesttothehigh-priest'spalace;

(3.)ThathestoodclosetoChristwhenhewasonthecross,thoughothershadbaselydesertedhimandturnedtheirbacksuponhim;

(4.)ThatChristcommendedthecareofhismothertohim.NowwhydidChrist'sdesire,love,anddelightrunoutwithastrongerandafullertidetowardsJohnthantotherestof thedisciples?doubtless itwasbecauseJohndidmoreresembleChristthantherest,itwasbecauseJohnwasamore exact picture and lively representation than the others were ofChrist.

NowthemoreanymaninholinessisliketoChrist,themoreanymaninholinessresemblesChrist,themorethatmanshallenjoyofthepresenceofChrist,themorethatmanshall lieinthebosomofChrist.Thefatherlovestobemostwiththatchildwhichismostlikehim.Justsohere,asever you would enjoy the presence of God in your greatest troubles,deepest distresses, andmost deadly dangers, be sure that you keep upholinessinyourheartsandlives,besurethatyougrowinholiness,andflourish inholiness—and thenyou shall be sureof thepresenceofGodwithyouinallyour troublesanddeepdistresses.AholyGodwillneverleavetheholyChristian.Andthusmuchforthisuseofexhortation.

ComfortandConsolation

Thelastuseofall,isauseofcomfortandconsolationtoallthepeopleof God, in their greatest troubles and deepest distresses. Now hereconsider,

(1.) First of all, That God himself hands out this as a rarecomfort to his people in all their troubles, distresses, anddangers—namely,Thathewillbegraciouslypresentwiththemin the midst of all their sorrows and sufferings. Gen. 26:3,"Sojourninthis land,andIwillbewithyou,andwillblessyou;"28:15,"AndbeholdIamwithyou,andwillkeepyouinallplaceswhereyougo,andwill bring you again into this land; for I will not leave you," etc.,Isaiah43:2;Psalm91:15; Josh. 1:5;Heb. 13:5;Exod.3:12.Don't talkofyourlossoffriends,forIwillbewithyou.Don'ttalkofyourcountry,forIwillgiveyou this land,which is theparadiseof theworld.Don't talkofyourpoverty,foryoushallspreadabroadtothewest,andtotheeast,andtothenorth,andtothesouth,verse14.Don'ttalkofyoursolitarinessandaloneness,"forIwillnotleaveyou."

Isaiah41:10,"Sodonotfear,forIamwithyou;donotbedismayed,forIamyourGod.Iwillstrengthenyouandhelpyou;Iwillupholdyouwithmyrighteous righthand."Supposeamanwas injuriouslydealtwithbythis man or that, would it not be a comfort to him that a just andrighteousjudgestoodbyandwasaneyewitnessofalltheviolenceswhichweredonetohim?SupposeamanwereinexilewithDavid,orinprisonwithJoseph,or inadungeonwithJeremiah,or in thestockswithPauland Silas, or in banishment for the testimony of Jesus,with John—yetwoulditnotbeasingularcomforttohimtohavethepresenceofakindfather,abosomfriend,awiseCounselor,anablephysicianwithhim?OChristian,beinwhateverplaceyouwill,andwithwhatevercompanyyouwill,andinwhateverconditionyouwill—yetyourlovingGod,yourkindfather,yourbosomfriend,etc.,willbestillwithyou,hewillneverleave

you,norforsakeyou;andohwhataspringofcomfortshouldthisbetoyou!But,

(2.) Secondly, Know for your comfort, that there are alwayssome special favors and blessings annexed to this specialpresenceofGod,as"Iwillbewithyou,andblessyou."Gen.26:3,"Iamwithyou,andwillkeepyouinallplaceswhereyougo;"28:15,"Iwillbewithhimintrouble,andhonorhim."Psalm91:15,"Iwillbewithhim,and strengthenhim." Isaiah 41:10, "I will be with you, and the flamesshallnotkindleuponyou."43:2,"Iwillbewithyou,andthereshallnotamanbeabletostandbeforeyou."Josh.1:5,"Iwillbewithyou,todeliveryou."Jer.1:19,"Iamwithyou,tosaveyou,andtodeliveryououtofthehandofthewicked,andoutofthehandoftheterrible,"15:20-21.

Hushai'spresencewithDavidwasaburden:Job'swife'spresencewasbutavexationuntohim,andChrist'spresenceamongtheGergeseneswasaterror to them, and the presence of talkative friends is many times atrouble to us, 2 Sam. 15:33; Job 2:9-10; Mat. 8:28, 34. Oh—but thisspecial, this favorable presence of the Lord with his people, in theirgreatest troubles and deepest distresses, is a sweet presence, acomfortablepresence,adelightfulpresence,ablessedpresence,yes,suchapresenceashasmanysingularblessingsannexedtoit.But,

(3.)Thirdly,Knowforyourcomfort,thatyoushallhavemercyand kindness, andwhatever good youneed in due season, atthat very instant, at that very nick of timewherein youmostneedmercy.Godwilltimeyourmercies,andyourblessingsforyou;heisnear,andwillnotfailyouwhenindirestraits,Psalm145:18;Deut.4:7;Gen.22:10-13.WhenAbrahamhadboundhis son,andbenthis sword,and theknifewasupheld—thencomesavoice fromheaven, "Abraham,Abraham, hold your hand." At that very nick of time, when the fourhundredandthirtyyearswereexpired, Israelwasdeliveredoutof theircaptivityandslavery,Exod.12:41,51:Deut.11:14,"Iwillgiveyoutherainofyourlandinhisdueseason,thefirstrain,andthelatterrain,thatyoumaygatherinyourcorn,andyourwine,andyouroil."Godgivesraintoall,byaprovidence—buthegivesraintohisIsraelbyvirtueofapromise,Acts14:18;Job38:26.Godengageshimselfnotonlytogiverain—buttogive it in due season; hewill give the first rain after the sowing of the

seed, that itmight take rooting in the earth; andhewill give the latterrainalittlebeforeharvest,thattheearsmightbefull.Omyfriends!itiswonderfulmercy—thatGodwilltimeourmerciesforus.

WhenJehoshaphatwasputtoahardpinch,atthatverynickoftimeGodownshim,standsbyhim,andgiveshimagreatvictory,2Chron.20:12,22-26.WhenDavidwas ingreatdanger,Saulbeingathisveryheels,atthatverynickof time, tidingswerebrought toSaul, that thePhilistineshadinvadedtheland—andsoDavidescapes,1Sam.23:26-28.Whenallhumanhelpfailed,Godcameinandhelped!["LetGod,"saysAugustine,"choosehisownopportunity,whosofreelygrantsthemercy."]SoJulianwas cut off by the Persian war, at that very nick of time when he hadvowedathis return, tomake a sacrifice of theChristians' lives.And soCharlestheFifthwasdivertedfrompersecutingoftheProtestants,bytheTurksbreakingintoHungary,atthatverynickoftimewhenhisheartwasset upon a hot persecution. And so Justice Gilford, a violent papist inQueen Mary's days, going up the stairs to Mrs. Roberts chamber, tocompelhertogotomass,atthatverynickoftimehewassuddenlytakenwithhisolddiseasethegout,andsogrievouslytormented,thathesworehe would never trouble her more. When Faux was giving fire to thematch, thatwouldhavegivenfireto thepowder thatwouldhaveblownup king, lords, and commons—at that very nick of time, he who neverslumbersnorsleepspreventedhim;andso turnedour intendedfuneralintoafestival,Psalm121:3-5.

OChristian!areyourtroublesmanyinnumber,strangeinnature,heavyin measure, much in burden, and long in continuance—yet rememberthat your God is near, whosemercies are numerous, whose wisdom iswondrous,andwhosepower ismiraculous.Thenearnessorremotenessofafriendisveryconsiderableinourtroubles,distresses,needs,dangers,etc."Ihavesuchafriend,andhewouldhelpme—buthelivessofaroff;and I have another friendwho has a great love forme, who is able tocounsel me, and to speak a word in season tome, and inmy distresswouldstandclosetome—butheissoremote.Ihaveaspecialfriend,thatdidheknowhowbadlythingsgowithme,wouldmakemyburdenshis,andmyneedshis,andmysorrowshis;butheisinafarcountry,heisattheIndies,andImaybeundonebeforeIcanhearfromhim!"

But it isnot thuswithyou,OChristians!whohaveaGodsonearuntoyou,whohavethespecialpresenceofGod inthemidstofyou,yeswhohaveaGodalwaysstandingbyyou, "TheLordstoodbyme,"etc.Omyfriends,howcanyou lackcomfort,whohave theGodofall consolationpresent with you?How can you lack counsel, who have the wonderfulCounselorsonearuntoyou?Howcanyoulackgrace,whohavetheGodofallgracestandingbyyou?Howcanyou lackpeace,whohavealwaysthepresenceofthePrinceofpeacewithyou?2Cor.1:3;Isaiah9:6;1Pet.5:10;Isaiah9:6.But,

(4.)Fourthly,Knowforyourcomfort, that ifGodiswithyou,there isnothing, therecanbe nothing—butweakness againstyou.[Godholdsthechurch'senemiesinchains,havinghishookintheirnose,andhisbridleintheirlips,Isaiah37:29;hecaneasilyruleandover-rulehisproudest enemies.] Isaiah27:4, "Whowould set the briars andthornsagainstmeinbattle,Iwouldgothroughthem,Iwouldburnthemtogether."Whatarebriarsand thorns, compared toadevouring fire, tothe consuming flames? no more are all the enemies of the church,comparedtothepresenceofGodwithhispeople.Godwillbeaburningand destroying fire to all the enemies of Zion. Wicked men are chaff.Psalm 1:4. Wicked men are stubble. Job 21:18, "They are as drivenstubbletohisbow."Isaiah41:2,"Theyareasstubblefullydry."Nah.1:10."Theyareas stubblebefore the flame."Joel2:5, "Theyare likedust." 2Kings13:7, "Yes, likesmalldust." Isaiah29:5, "Theyare likeamorningcloud,anearlydew,alittlesmoke."Hosea13:3."Theywilldisappearlikethemorningmist, likedew in themorning sun, like chaffblownby thewind,likesmokefromachimney."

Oh, theweaknessofman!Oh, thepowerofGod!No people onearthhavesuchapowerontheirsidesasthesaintshave.Consultthesescriptures,2Kings6:16;2Chron.32:6-7;Isaiah8:9-10;Num.13:28,30-33,and14:9.NoChristiancanlookuponthestrongandmightyenemiesofZioninascriptureglass—butmustbeholdthemasweakandimpotentpeople.Whocouldbutsmiletoseeweakchildrentoattempttobesiegeawallofbrass,orawalloffire?Zech.2:5;asgreatafollyandweaknessitisforwickedmentomakeattemptsuponthesaints,whohavebeentothisday, andwill be to the end, a trembling andaburdensome stone to all

whogathertogetheragainstthem,Zech.12:2-3.

Sense looks upon the powers of the world as strong, mighty, andinvincible; but faith looks upon them as poor, weak, contemptible,gasping, dying men. Thus heroic Luther looked upon them, "I careneitherforRome'sfavornorfury;Iamneitherfondoftheone,norafraidoftheother."Itisdangeroustolookuponthepowersoftheworldinthedevil'smultiplying glass; it is best and safest to look upon them in ascriptureglass,andthenweshallneverfearthem,norsinfullysubmittothem!But,

(5.)Fifthly,IfGodbespeciallypresentwithhispeople,intheirgreatesttroubles,deepestdistresses,andmostdeadlydangers,thenknowforyourcomfort,thatnonecanbeagainstyoubuttheymustbeagainstGodhimself!Acts9:4-6.Godiswithyouinallyour troubles, as a father is with his child, a husband with his wife, ageneralwithhis army,andasa confederatewithhis allies,who iswiththem offensively and defensively. Hence they are said to rage againstGod,Isaiah37:28-29;andtoblasphemeGod,2Kings19:3,6;andtofightagainstGod,Acts5:38-39,and23:9;Proverbs21:30.TofightagainstGodislaborinvain.WhoeverfoughtagainstGodandprospered?Somethinkthat this phrase of fighting against God is drawn from the fable of thegiants,whichweresaidtomakewarwiththegods.

ThechurchofChristalways flourishesmost,and increasesmost—whenthetyrantsoftheearthopposeitmost,andpersecuteitmost.Diocletianlaid down the empire in great discontent, because he could not by anypersecutionsuppressthetrueChristianreligion.Themoreviolenthewasagainst thepeopleofGod, themore they increasedandmultiplied,andthemoretheywereemboldenedandencouraged;andthereforeinaragehethrowsupall.But,

[1.] First, You have the presence of an ALMIGHTYGod. Gen.17:1, "I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be perfect," Gen.49:25,andNum.24:4.ThewordEl-Shaddaisignifiessufficiency.Godisan all-sufficient good, and a self-sufficient good; he is an independentgood,anabsolutegood,anoriginalgood,auniversalgood.SomederivethewordShaddaifromShad,whichsignifiesabreast,becauseGodfeeds

hischildrenwithsufficiencyofallgoodthings,asthelovingmotherdoesthechildwiththemilkofherbreasts.Godistheonlysatisfactorygood,andproportionablegood,andsuitablegoodtooursouls—asthebreastisthemostsuitablegoodtothechild'sstomach.AndothersderivethewordShaddai fromShaddad,which signifies to spoil, conquer, or overcome,andsotheysaythatGoddidhereinvertorovercometheorderofnature,in causing the barren to bear. But most authors do translate itomnipotent. God, then, is called Shaddai, that is omnipotent and all-sufficient,forhisomnipotenceincludesalsoall-sufficiency.

[2.] Secondly, You have the presence of a LOVING God withyou. Isaiah43:4, "Since youwereprecious inmy sight, you have beenhonorable,andIhavelovedyou."Butthatthismaythebetterstickandwork,youmustremember,

First,ThatGodlovesyouwithafirstlove,seeDeut.7:7-8:1John4:19,"Welovehimbecausehefirstlovedus."Ourloveisbutreciprocaltohis.God first cast an eye of loveuponus—beforewe cast an eye of love onhim, and therefore God is no way indebted to us for our love. MaryanswersnotRabboni—untilChristfirstsaiduntoherMary!John20:16.ThepurenatureofloveismoreseeninGod'sfirstlovetous—thaninourreciprocallovetohim.BynaturewewerewithoutGod,andafarofffromGod;wewerestrangerstoGod,andenemiestoGod,yes,hatersofGod;and therefore ifGodhadnot lovedus firstly,wehadbeeneverlastinglyundone!Eph.2:12,19;Romans5:10,and1:30.

Secondly,AsGodlovesyouwithafirstlove,sohelovesyouwithafreelove:Hosea14:4,"Iwillhealtheirbacksliding,Iwilllovethemfreely."Iknowtheyarebackslidden—butIwillhealtheirbackslidings.Iknowtheyhavebrokentheirbonesbytheirfall—butIwillmakethosebrokenbonesto rejoice. I know there is nothing at all in them,which is excellent oreminent,whichishonorableoracceptable,whichislaudableor lovely—yet "Iwill love them freely," ofmy own, free, rich, absolute, sovereign,andindependentgrace!

Thirdly, As he loves you with a free love, so he loves you with aneverlasting love: Jer. 31:3, "Ihave lovedyouwithaneverlasting love;therefore,withloving-kindnesshaveIdrawnyou."Heb.,"Iloveyouwith

the love of perpetuity, or with the love of eternity. My love and myaffectionscontinuestillthesametoyou,andshallcontinueforever!"Or,asothers carry thewords, "I love youwithanancient love, orwith theloveof antiquity; I love you stillwith the sameaffection that in formeragesIboretowardsyou."

Fourthly,Ashelovesyouwithaneverlastinglove,sohelovesyouwithanunchangeable love:Mal. 3:6, "I am theLord, I change not; thereforeyousonsofJacobarenotconsumed."Menchange,andcounselschange,andoccurrenceschange,and friendschange,andrelationschange, andkingdomschange,andcommonwealthschange—butGodneverchanges,asBalaamconfesses,whowasthedevil'slackey,andwhohadamindtodance with the devil all day, and then sup with Christ at night, Num.23:10.Godisneitherfalsenorfickle;hecannot,likemen,sayandunsay;hecannotalterhismindnoreathiswords."HewhoistheGloryofIsraeldoes not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he shouldchangehismind," 1Sam. 15:29Psalm89:34;.Menare somutable andchangeable,thatthereisnoholdtobetakenofwhattheysay;butGodisimmutableinhisnature,inhisessence,inhiscounsels,inhisattributes,in his decrees, in his promises, etc. He is, as the learned say,Omninaimmutabilis,"Altogetherimmutable".

Fifthly,Ashelovesyouwithanunchangeablelove,sohelovesyouwithaspeciallove,withapeculiar love,withadistinguishing love,withasuperlativelove."BlessedishewhosehelpistheGodofJacob,whosehopeisintheLordhisGod,theMakerofheavenandearth,thesea,andeverythinginthem—theLord,whoremainsfaithfulforever.Heupholdsthe causeof theoppressedandgives food to thehungry.TheLord setsprisoners free, theLordgives sight to theblind, theLord liftsup thosewho are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watchesoverthealienandsustainsthefatherlessandthewidow,buthefrustratesthewaysofthewicked.TheLordreignsforever,yourGod,OZion,forallgenerations.PraisetheLord!"Psalms146:5-10

Sixthly and lastly, As he loves his people with a special love, with apeculiarlove,sohelovesthemwiththegreatestlove,withamatchlesslove."ODanielgreatlybeloved."John3:16,"GodsolovedtheworldthathegavehisoneandonlySon,"etc.ThissignifiesthegreatnessofGod's

love,thevehemencyofhislove,andtheadmirablenessofhislove.

Now,whatanunspeakablecomfortmustthisbetohissaints,tohavethepresenceofalovingGod,tohavethepresenceofsuchalovingGodwiththeminalltheirtroublesanddeepdistresses!Ifthepresenceofalovingfriend,a loving relation inour troublesanddistresses, is suchamercy,oh,whatthenisthepresenceofalovingGod!

[3.]Thirdly,ItisthepresenceofanACTIVEGod,whowillbeadefensetoyou,ashieldtoyou,aswordtoyou,asuntoyou,astrongtowertoyou,asalvationtoyou!Nonecanwithstandhim,none can equal him, none can out-act him, Psalm 18:2; 2 Chron. 16:9;Proverbs18:10;Jer.32:40-41;Isaiah30:18-19,and27:3;Jer.31:28.

[4.] Fourthly, You have the presence of a wakeful God, of aWATCHFULGod—ofaGodwhonever,nonever,slumbersorsleeps!God will be so far from sleeping, that he will not somuch asslumber,Psalm121:3-5.Thephraseistakenfromwatchmen,whostandon thewalls in timeofwar todiscover the approachesof enemies, andaccordingly give warning. Now, watchmen have been treacherous andsleepy.ThecapitolofRomewouldhavebeen takenby theGauls, if thegeese had not been more wakeful than the watchmen of the walls.Iphicrates, the Athenian captain, visiting the guards on the walls ofCorinth,foundoneofthewatchasleep,andpresentlythrusthimthroughwithhissword,saying,"DeadIfoundhim,anddeadIlefthim!"Thoughwatchmen slumber and sleep—yet that God who is present with hispeopledoesneither;hisseveneyesarealwaysopen.

[5.] Fifthly, You have the presence of a WISE God, of anomniscientGod.Godfillsallthings,heencompassesallthings,andhesustainsall things—andthereforehemustneedsknowall things,Ezek.3:9;Psalm33:10-11;Isaiah46:10,and40:28;Romans11:33;2Pet.2:9;Jonah1:5;2Kings14:6;Mat.26:24-25.GodcanfindJonahinthebottomof the ship; and Jeroboam's wife in her disguises; and Judas in histreason; andDemas in his apostasy; and the scribes and Pharisees intheirhypocrisy,2Tim.4:10;Mat.23;Rev.4:6.Thewholeworldistohimasaseaofglass—clearandtransparent.Thereisnothinghiddenfromhiseyes!

"All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of himwithwhomwehave to do," Heb. 4:13. "Naked," as when the skin is pulled off, and"openedastheentrailsofasacrifice,"cutdowntheback.Theapostle,saysome,usesametaphortakenfromasheep,whoseskinistakenoff,andhe hanged up by the neck, with his back towards the wall, and all hisentrailslaidbareandexposedtoopenview.Healludes,sayothers,totheanatomizing of a creature, wherein men are very cautious to find outevery little vein or muscle, though they be ever so hidden. They arenaked, therefore God sees their outside; and opened, dissected,quartered,andcleftasunderthroughthebackbone,sothatheseestheirinside also. Opened is more than naked: naked is that which is notclothed or covered; opened is that whose inwards are discovered andmadeconspicuous.

Is it such a comfort tohave thepresenceof awise andknowing friendwith us in our greatest troubles and deepest distresses? what atranscendent comfort must it be then to enjoy the presence of an all-seeingandanall-knowingGodinallourtroublesanddistresses!Theeyeofheavenseesall,andknowsall,andwritesdownallyourtroublesandtrials, your sorrows and sufferings, your losses and crosses,Mat. 6:32;and accordingly will an all-knowing God act for his own glory and hispeople'sgood.

[6.] Sixthly and lastly, You have the presence of a God ofMERCY,aGodoftenderness,aGodofcompassion.Exod.33:7-8;Jer.31:18-20;Hosea11:8-9;Lam.3:22."Hiscompassionsneverfail!"MercyisasessentialtoGod—aslightistothesun,Micah7:18-19,orasheatistothefire.Hedelightsinmercy,asthesensesandfacultiesofthesouldo intheirseveralactions.Patience,andmildness,andmercy,andcompassion,andpeacearethefruitsofhisheart—theoffspringwhichthedivine nature produces. God's compassions are fatherly compassions,Psalm 103:13; they aremotherly compassions, Isaiah 49:15; they arebrotherlycompassions,Heb.2:12; theyare friendlycompassions, Cant.5:1-2. Oh, how sweet must the presence of a God of mercy, a God ofcompassion, be to the saints in a day of trouble! The presence of acompassionate friend in a day of distress is very desirable andcomfortable;whatthenisthepresenceofacompassionateGod!

Thusyouseethatthereisnopresence,comparedtothedivinepresence!There isnopresence,compared to thespecialpresenceofGodwithhispeopleintheirgreatesttroublesanddeepestdistresses.But,

(7.) Seventhly and lastly, If God is specially present with hispeople in their greatest troublesanddeepestdistresses—thenlet them all know for their comfort, that this presence willmakeupthe lackor lossofalloutwardcomforts—this presencewillmakeupthelossofahusband,achild,afriend,anestate,etc.,1Sam.1:8.Look!asalllightmeetsinthesun,andasallwatermeetsinthesea,soallouroutwardcomfortsmeets in theGodofallcomfort,2Cor.1:3."When Alexander asked king Porus, being then his prisoner, how hewouldbetreated.Porusansweredinoneword,"likeaking!"Justso—allthings,allcomfortsaretobefoundinthisspecialpresenceofGodwithhispeople,intheirgreatesttroublesanddeepestdistresses.CertainlythegraciouspresenceoftheLordisinfinitelybetterthanthepresenceofalloutwardcomforts,asyouknowonesunismoregloriousandcomfortablethantenthousandstars.

QUESTION.Buthowmayapersonwhohas lost thisgraciouspresenceofGod,recoveritagain?

First,ObserveHOWyoulostthispresenceofGod,andlabortorecoveritbyacontrarycourse.Didyouloseitbysinfulomissions?thenbemoreactiveinawayofduty.DidyoulosethepresenceofGodbyneglectingyourwatch,orbynotwalkingwithGod,orbyaneagerpursuitof theworld,orbygiving intothisorthat temptation,orby letting fallyour communionwithGod? take a contrary course.Now keep up yourwatch, walk close with God, keep up a daily converse with livelyChristians, let yourheartandaffectionsbe setupon things above, keepyour ground in the face of all temptations, maintain a standingcommunionwithGod,Psalm119:63;Col.3:1-2.

AfterChristhadstoodknockingandcallingtohisspouse—"Opentome,mysister,mylove,mydove,myundefiledone;formyheadisfilledwithdew,andmylockswiththedropsofthenight,"Cant.5:2-3,6—butfoundno entrance, he retired and withdrew himself, because she would not

arise andput onher coat.Butwhen shebestirsherself, "she findshimwhomhersoulloved,"chapter3:1-4.ThenChristcomesintohisgardenagain,andreturnstohisspouseagain,andforgetsallformerunkindness,chapter6:1-2.But.

Secondly, Inquire WHERE, WHEN, and WHY God haswithdrawn himself; as we do when dear friends absentthemselvesfromus."OHopeofIsrael,itsSaviorintimesofdistress,whyareyoulikeastranger inthe land, likeatravelerwhostaysonlyanight? Why are you like a man taken by surprise, like a warriorpowerlesstosave?Youareamongus,OLord,andwebearyourname;donotforsakeus!"Jeremiah14:8-9

Thirdly,Donot partwithChrist for anything—not for a righteye,orarighthand,nor foranIsaacoraBenjamin.Don't saythiswork is toohigh, and feat toohard, and theother toohot, andtheothertoodangerous—inordertotherecoveryofGod'scountenanceandpresence.Youmustnot thinkanything in theworld toomuch todo forChrist,ortosufferforChrist.YouwillbeahappymanifyoucanrecoverChrist's lostpresence; though it beupon thehardest terms imaginable!But,

Fourthly,LetyourheartsliehumbleandlowunderthelossofGod'sgraciouspresence.Psalm51:8-12;1Pet.1:5,6."AllnightlongonmybedIlookedfortheonemyheartloves;Ilookedforhimbutdidnotfindhim."SongofSongs3:1."Haveyouseentheonemyheartloves?"SongofSongs3:3."Iopenedformylover,butmyloverhadleft;hewasgone.Myheartsankathisdeparture. I looked forhimbutdidnot findhim.Icalledhimbuthedidnotanswer."SongofSongs5:6.For,

(1.)ThelossofGod'sgraciouspresenceisthegreatestloss.

(2.)ThelossofGod'sgraciouspresenceisaloss-embitteringloss;it isaloss that will greatly embitter all your worldly losses. I have lost myhealth,Ihavelostapreciouschild,Ihavelostagraciousspouse,whowasthedelightofmyeyesandthejoyofmyheart;Ihavelostacostlyestate,Ihave lost an intimate friend, I have lost a thriving trade. Oh—but thatwhichembittersallmylosses,andputsastingintothem,isthis—thatI

havelostthegraciouspresenceofGodthatonceIenjoyed!

(3.)ThelossofGod'sgraciouspresenceisalossthatalloutwardcomfortscannevermakeup.Whenthesunisset,nothingcanmakeitdaywithus.

(4.)ThelossofGod'sgraciouspresenceisansoulloss;andnolossescanbe compared to soul losses. As there are nomercies, compared to soulmercies,sotherearenolossestosoullosses.

(5.) The loss of God's gracious presence is a loss that will cost a mandearly, before it will be made up again. Oh the sighs, the groans, thestrongcries,theearnestprayers,thebottlesoftearsthattherecoveryofthedivinepresencewillcostaChristian!

Uponalltheseaccounts,howwelldoesitbefitaChristian,toliehumbleatthefootofGod!

Fifthly,Liftupamightycrytoheaven.Thusthesaintsofoldhavedone.Consultthesescriptures,Psalm51:6-13;Lam.3:56-57;Psalm4:6-7,27:9,38:21-22,138:3,and119:8, "O forsakemenotutterly."Christwasforsakenforafewhours;Davidforafewmonths;andJobforafewyears—forthetrialandexerciseofhisfaithandpatience;butthentheyallsentupamightycrytoheaven.LeavethemGoddid,totheirthinking;forsakethemhedidinregardofvision—butnotinregardofunion.Thepromiseis, that "Godwill drawnear to us ifwe drawnear to him," James 4:8.DrawneartoGodinduty,andhewilldrawneartoyouinmercy:sanctifyhim,andhewillsatisfyyou.

Prayeristheonlymeanstosupplyalldefects,itgetsall,andmakesupthelossofall;asagraciouspoorwomansaidinherdistress,"Ihavenofriend—butIhaveprayer;thatwillgetfavorwithmyGod;solongasIcanfindaprayingheart,Godwill,Iamsureofthat,findapityingheartandahelpinghand."Itisnotthelength—butthestrengthofprayer;itisnotthelabor of the lip—but the travail of the heart—which prevails with God,Jer.29:12-14.Itisnotthearithmeticofourprayers,howmanytheyare;northerhetoricofourprayers,howeloquenttheybe;northegeometryofourprayers,howlongtheybe;northemusicofourprayers,howsweettheybe;northelogicofourprayers,howmethodicaltheyare—whichwill

prevailwithGod. It is only fervency, importunity in prayer, whichwillmakeamanprevalentwithGod.Ferventprayerhitsthemark,carriestheday,andpiercesthewallsofheaven,thoughlikethoseofGaza,madeofbrass and iron, James 5:16-17; Luke 18; Isaiah 45:2. The child has gotmany a kiss and many a hug by crying. If God has withdrawn hispresence,thebest,thesurest,andthereadiestwaytorecoveritistosendupamightycrytoheaven."InmydistressIcalledtotheLord;IcriedtomyGodforhelp.Fromhistempleheheardmyvoice;mycrycamebeforehim,intohisears."Psalm18:6."IcriedouttoGodforhelp;IcriedouttoGodtohearme."Psalm77:1."InmyanguishIcriedtotheLord,andheansweredbysettingmefree."Psalm118:5.But,

Sixthly,Besureyoudon'ttakeupyourgreatestdelightinanycreature, in any comfort, in any contentment, in anyworldlyenjoyment. Jer. 50:6. When the presence of God is withdrawn fromyou,sayasAbsalom,"Whatisallthistome,solongasIambanishedmyfather'spresence,solongasIcan'tseetheking'sface?"2Sam.14:24,28,32-33.Whenthemotherseesthatthechildisenthralledwiththedollortherattle—shecomesnot insight.Ifyoutakeupyourrest inanyofthedolls and rattles—in any of the poor things of this world, God willcertainly keep out of sight. He will never honor them with hiscountenance and presence—who take up in anything below himself,belowhisfavor,belowhispresence.

Ihavereadofadevoutpilgrim,whoalongthewaytoJerusalemwasverykindlyandnoblyentertainedinseveralplaces—butstillhecriedout,"Oh—butthisisnotJerusalem!thisisnotJerusalem!"Sowhenyoucastyoureyeuponthiscreatureorthat,ohthencryout,"ThisisnotthepresenceofGod,thisisnotthepresenceofGod!"Andwhenyoubegintobetickledand enthralled with this and that enjoyment, with this or thatcontentment,ohthenremember"thisisnotthepresenceofGod,thisisnotthepresenceofGod!"

"Hereisagraciousspouse,herearepreciouschildren,hereisapleasanthome,hereisawonderfulclimate,hereisagainfultrade,etc.—butwhatare all these tome, so long asmy sunhas set in a cloud, andGod haswithdrawnhispresence fromme?Remember thisonce forall—thatthewhole world is but a barren wilderness without the countenance and

presenceofGod!"OGod,youaremyGod,earnestlyIseekyou;mysoulthirsts for you,my body longs for you, in a dry andweary landwherethereisnowater.Ihaveseenyouinthesanctuaryandbeheldyourpowerandyourglory.Becauseyour love isbetterthanlife,mylipswillglorifyyou."Psalm63:1-3.But,

Seventhlyandlastly,Patientlyandquietlywaituponhiminthewayofhisordinancesfortherecoveryofhispresence.Consultthesescriptures.[Exod.20:24;Mat.18:20;Isaiah64:5;Psalm27:4,and65:4;Rev.2:1;Psalm40:1-3;Isaiah8:17;Mic.7:7-9;Isaiah26:8-9.]HereGoddwells,herehewalks,herehemakesknownhisglory,herehegivesforthhislove,herehevouchsafeshispresence.WhenGodiswithdrawn,your great business is to prize ordinances, and to keep close toordinances, until God shall be pleased to lift up the light of hiscountenance and vouchsafehis presence to you.Youwill never recoverthe divine presence by neglecting ordinances, nor by slightingordinances, nor by turning your back upon ordinances, nor byentertaininglowthoughtsofordinances.Hewhothinksordinancestobeneedlessthings,concludes—

(1.)ThatthetakingawayofthekingdomofheavenfromtheJewswasnogreatjudgment,Mat.21:43.

(2.)Thatthebestowingofituponotherpeopleisnogreatmercy.IfGodisgone, it isgoodto lieat thepooluntilhereturns,John5:2-10.TherearemanydearChristianswhohavelosttheirGodforatime—butafteratime they have found him again in the way of his ordinances; andtherefore let no temptation draw you off fromordinances; say, "Here Iwilllive,hereIwilllie,hereIwillwaitatthepoolofordinances,untiltheLordshallreturninmercytomysoul!"

I shall follow this discourse of the divine presence with my earnestprayers that itmay fromonhighbe so speciallyblessed, as that itmayissueinthefurtheranceofthespiritualandeternalgood,bothofWriterandReader.

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AWord in Season to Suffering Saints by ThomasBrooks, Copyright©2019

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