SermonsConcerningtheThroneof

Grace

byRobertTraill

TableofContents

SermonI-Hebrews4:16

SermonII-Hebrews4:16

SermonIII-Hebrews4:16

SermonIV-Hebrews4:16

SermonV-Hebrews4:16

SermonVI-Hebrews4:16

SermonVII-Hebrews4:16

SermonVIII-Hebrews4:16

SermonIX-Hebrews4:16

SermonX-Hebrews4:16

SermonXI-Hebrews4:16

SermonXII-Hebrews4:16

SermonXIII-Hebrews4:16

SERMONI

HEBREWS4:16

Letus thereforecomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace, thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgrace,tohelpintimeofneed.

THEmaindriftoftheblessedapostle,theHolyGhost'spenman,inthisexcellentepistle,istosetforththepre-eminenceofourLordJesusChrist,first,inhisdivineperson,faraboveallangels,whoarebidworshiphim,evenwhendwelling inman'snature. If thegod-headofourLordJesusChristbehidfromthereadersofthisepistle,itmustbeaspecialpowerofthe God of this world on their unbelieving minds, 2 Cor. 4:3, 4. Willblinded men forbear to call the Son God, when the Father speaks so?chap. 1:8. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever. Then the apostlespeaks of his incarnation, chap. 2:11, &c. And therewith speaks of hispriesthood, chap.3.Theapostle comparesChristwith, andprefershimabove Moses, chap. 2.; then above Aaron as a priest, chap. 7.; andcompares him with Melchizedec, an eminent type of Christ. By thisepistle wemay know what Paul's reasonings with the Jews were, Acts9:22and17:2,3andwhatistherightwayofdealingwiththeJewsatthisday.TillChrist'sdivineperson,andrighteousness,andpriesthood,havemoreroominthereligionoftheGentiles,Christianityisnotliketoleaventhe Jews. This doctrine of Christ's priesthood, and of the sacrifice ofhimself he offered in that office, the apostle doth often intermix, withsuitableexhortationsfromit;asinthecontext,ver.14.Seeingthenthatwehaveagreathighpriest,(alltheOldTestamenthigh-priestswerebuttypesandshadowsofhim,andwerebutlittlehigh-priests),thatispassedintotheheavens,(nohigh-priestbutChristwentfartherthantheholyofholies,forthepeople'sadvantaged),JesustheSonofGod,letusholdfastourprofession.ThedignityofChristinhisadvancedstate,aswellashisgraceinhishumbledstate,laysChristiansunderastrongengagementtocleavetohimwithstedfastconfidence.Yetforasgreatasthispersonis,and for all that he is in heaven, and in unspeakable dignity and glorythere,youmustnotthink,thatheinheaven,andweonearth,canhavenocommunion:ver.15.Forwehavenotanhigh-priestwhichcannotbetouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities;(Thoughnowhehathnoneofhis own, yet can he feel those of his people, and his feeling engagethspeedy relief. The reason the apostle gives for this sympathy of Christwithhispeople,isfromChrist'sexperiencewhenonearth);butwasinallpoints tempted like aswe are, yetwithout sin. The apostle delivers the

mindoftheHolyGhostaboutChrist'ssympathynegatively,Wehavenotan high-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of ourinfirmities:inwhichmannerofexpressionhereflectsonthemeannessoftheLeviticalpriests, towhomitwasimpossibletoknowandfeelall theinfirmitiesofthepeople,forwhomyettheyappearedbeforeGod;andheimplies the affirmative strongly, We have an high-priest which can be(andis)touchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities.HowasinlessmanasChrist ever was, can be touched with the feeling of the infirmities ofsinners,andmanyoftheseinfirmitiessinfulones;howaglorifiedman,asChristnowis,exaltedto,andpossessedofthehighestgloryandbliss,canbe,andistouchedwiththefeelingofalltheinfirmitiesofallhispeople,iswhat the word plainly reveals to be believed; but it is not to be fullyknowntillwecometoheaven.Butheisthehead,andallhispeoplearehis body, his members, of his flesh, and of his bones, Eph. 5:30. Amarvellousword!Canthefleshbetorn,andthebonesbebroken,andtheheadnotfeelit?Thoughhebeglorifiedabovewhatwecanconceive,heisa living, sensible, and compassionate head; and as nearly and closelyunited to all hismembers now, as when they sawwith their eyes, andheardwith their ears, andwith their hands handled theword of life, 1John1:1.ThereisnothingailsapoorbelieverinChrist,thereisnogroanriseth fromhisdistressedheart, but it is immediately felt at the tenderheartoftheLordJesus,attheFather'sright-hand.Wewouldgroanandsingwiththesamebreath,ifwebelievedthisfirmly.

Inmytext,thereisamostblessedexhortation,fromthissamegroundofChrist's sympathy in heaven, unto a bold approaching to the throne ofgrace. The nativeness and strength of the inference, is obvious to themost ordinary attention. The exhortation is unto the improving of thegreatestprivilege,anerectedandrevealedthroneofgrace;andthatinthepractice of the greatest duty, believing approaching unto his throne, oruntoGodsittingonthisthroneofgrace.

WhatIwouldtakeupin,andhandle,inspeakingtothesewords,shallbetheresolutionoffourweightyquestions,whichshouldbeintheheartsofallworshippersofGod.

1. The first great question is, Where may I find God? This was Job'squestionandwish:Job23:3.OthatIknewwhereImightfindhim!thatI

mightcomeeventohisseat!AndthatthisseatwasathroneofgracetoJob,isevidentfromver.6.Thistexttellsyou,Godisonathroneofgrace:a fit place for God to be sought in, and where only he can be foundgraciouslybyasinner.

2.Thesecondquestion is,HowshouldwecometoGodonthis throne?Letuscameboldly,saiththeapostle.Theoriginalwordsignifieth,comingfreely; with free, open, bold speaking, pouring out all our hearts andminds to him. Let us come, without making use of saint or angel tointroduceustothisthrone.Anypoorsinnermaycomehimselfalonetothiscourt,andthatboldly,withoutfearofbeingrepulsed.

3.Thethirdquestionisthehardest,Whatgroundhathasinnerforthisboldness? The ground the apostle gives for it, is hinted in the wordtherefore,whichrelatestover.14,15becauseofJesustheSonofGod,ourgreat high-priest in heaven. If we had not such an high-priest,ministeringingloryatthehighaltarabove,nosinnercouldcomeboldlytothethroneofgraceonearth.Soheargues,chap.10:19,20,21,22.

4.Thelastquestionis,Whatshallweget,andforwhatmaywecometothis throneof grate?The apostle speaks fully to this in the text: Let uscome,thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.Thesepreciousthings,mercyandgrace,arescatteredroundthisthrone.Anypoorneedycreatureshouldcomeforasavingalmsfromthisthrone,andmayhaveitforthecoming.

HEADI.ThefirstoftheseIwouldbeginwith.WhereisGodtobefound?Theapostletellsus,onathroneofgrace.Thewordisonlyhere;nowhereelseinthescripturesisthewordtobefound:butwhatissignifiedbyit,isfrequently in theOldandNewTestament,asweshallhear.But thoughthephrase,Thethroneofgrace,beonlyoncenamedinthis,Heb.4:16.;yetthethingsignifiedissoprecious,andtheexpressionofitsosavoury,significant,andsuitable,thatthisformofspeaking,Thethroneofgrace,isbecomefamous,known,andusedamongChristians,andwilldoubtlessbe till the end of time. As long asGod hath amind to givemercy andgrace,as longasanyof thechildrenofmenaresensiblyneedyofgraceandmercy,andaskersandreceiversthereoffromtheLord,(andthatwillbe till the heavens be nomore), this throne of grace will be plied and

praised.

Iwouldfirstconsiderthepropermeaningofthisword,athroneofgrace.It isobvious,thattheapostle, inthisepistle,dotheverywhere(ifImayuse amuch abused word) christen the Old Testament types, and givesthemNewTestamentnames,andappliesthemtothedoctrineofChristheisteachingtheChristianJewshewritesto.TheOldTestamentchurchknew what a high-priest was, what his institution, office, andperformancewereinthetabernacleinthewilderness,andinthetempleof Solomon in Canaan: but both Aaron and his successors, and thetabernacleandtemple,werebuttypesandshadowsofJesusChristinhispersonandoffice.Therewastheholiestofall,intowhichthehigh-priestwentalone,andonlyoncea-year;inthiswasthearkofthecovenant,andthe mercy-seat, and cherubims covering it: whence these commonexpressions in the Old Testament, of God's dwelling between thecherubims,andofbelieverstrustingintheshadowofhiswings.Now,theholiest of all was their type of heaven; and the ark, cherubims, andmercy-seat,wereallbutshadows(astheapostlecallsthem,Heb.10:1.)ofourLordJesusChrist,andofthatpeacewithGod,andaccesstoGod,thathehathwroughtoughtformen.Moreparticularly,thatmostsacredofallthings intheJewishOldTestamentworship, thatwascalledthemercy-seat, the apostle calls a throne of grace; thereby teaching us, thatwhateverofdivinegracewasrevealedandtenderedto,orperceivedandreceivedbythefaithoftheOldTestamentbelievers,intheirrightuseofthese sacredold institutionsofGod tohis church, the same,withgreatadvantage,believersundertheNewTestamenthaveinJesusChrist,thebody,antitype,andsubstanceofthem.

We find threemost solemn things in the Old Testament, in which themercy-seat (the typeof the throneof grace in theNewTestament)wasappliedunto. 1.Themost solemnapproachwasmadeuntoGod, in thehigh-priest'sgoing inoncea-year to theholiestofall,wherethemercy-seatwas.Thiswasmade,notbythepeopleintheirownpersons;norbyanyordinaryLevite,whowereprivilegedwithagreaternearnesstoGodthan the people, Numb. 16:9.; nor by any of the inferior priests of thehouse of Aaron, towhich family the office of priesthoodwas by divineappointment confined; nor by the high-priest himself, but only once a-

year, at a determinate time, and with many appointed ceremonies ofpreparationandperformance.Sometellusofacustomintheirworship,that music, by singing and instruments, was used by the people, toexpresstheirjoyandpraise,whenthehigh-priestreturnedsafeoutfromthat sacred and awful place, the holy of holies. 2. The most solemnatonement for the sins of Israel wasmade at themercy-seat. This wasdoneinthatyearlyentranceofthehigh-priestintotheholiestofall,Lev.16:12, 13 especially verse 14. And he (Aaron the first of that order ofpriests) shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with hisfingeruponthemercy-seateastward:andbeforethemercy-seatshallhesprinkle of the bloodwith his finger seven times. Ver. 30.On that dayshallthepriestmakeanatonementforyou,tocleanseyou,thatyemaybeclean from all your sins before the Lord. 3. Themost solemn answersweregivenbyGodtotheirhigh-priest,Exod.25:17–22wherewehavetheinstitution of the mercy-seat, and the form of it: And there (saith theLord) Iwillmeetwith thee, and Iwill communewith thee; and again,Exod.30:6.WhattheOldTestamentUrimandThummimwas,andwhattheirShechinahwas,neitherJewnow,norChristianknow,thoughtheyguess;onlythattheywerespecialmanifestationsofthegrace,andfavour,andmindofGod,whichexpiredwith, and someof them, it is thought,before the end of that ministration. But all these three glories, anddignities,andadvantagesoftheirmercy-seat,arealltobefoundinChristJesus;whorepresentshispeoplebeforeGod,andpresentsthemtohim;whohathmadetheperfectatonementforallhisIsrael;andwhodeclarestohischurchall thesavingwillofGod,whichheheardandreceivedofhisFather.

Theapostlehereinthisepistle,andinthistext,wouldhaveallbelieversinChristtoknow,thattheNewTestamentthroneofgraceisthesameinsubstance with, and with great advantage above the Old Testamentmercy-seat.SeeHeb.9:4–8.

ThetruthIwouldspeaktoisthis:

DOCT.ThatGodinthegospelsitsonathroneofgrace,andfromitcallsandinvitessinnerstocomeuntohim.

Letuscometothethroneofgrace,certainlymeans,Letusnowcometo

God sitting on a throne of grace; let us take both direction andencouragementtocometoGod,becauseheisonathroneofgrace.

Inhandlingofthispointofdoctrine,Iwouldshewthreethings:

I.Whatthisthroneofgraceis,andhowdistinguishedfromotherthronesofGodspokeofintheword.

II.Whyitissocalled,athrone,andathroneofgrace.

III.Whatcomingtothisthroneis.

I.Whatisthisthroneofgrace,andhowdistinguishedfromotherthronesofGodspokeofintheword?

TheseotherIwouldfirstname,topreventmistakes.

1.We find a throne of glorymuch spoke of: a throne of the essential,incomprehensiblegloryofGod.Thisnomancanapproachto.Ofthistheapostle speaks, 1 Tim. 6:16. He dwelleth in light that no man canapproach to, whom noman hath seen, nor can see.Marvellous is thislight.Wefindthemorelighttherebeinoraboutapersonorthing,themoreeasilyandclearlyitisperceived:asthesunissuchagloriousbody,thatthoughitbeatavastdistancefromtheearthwedwellon,weyetcantakeitupwithoureyesimmediately.Assoonasitshines,wecanseeit,becauseofitslight.Itisitsownlight,andnothingelse,thatdoth,orcandiscoverit.Ifthesundidwithdrawitsownlight,alltheeyesofmen,andalltheartificialfireandlightmencanmake,wouldneverhelpustofinditout.ButsuchisthemajestyofGod,thatheisclothedwithit,Psal.93:1.Menaredazzledandconfoundedbyalittlerayofhisglory:WithGodisterriblemajesty,Job37:22.Thisisnotthethronewearecalledtocomeunto.Theyarebut triflers inreligion, thatknownot in theirexperiencehow overwhelming the views and thoughts of God'smajesty and gloryare,whenheisnotseenasonathroneofgrace.IrememberedGod,andwas troubled, saithone saint,Psal. 77:3. I am troubledathispresence;whenIconsider,Iamafraidofhim,saithanother,Job23:15.NowonderManoah said unto his wife,We shall surely die, because we have seenGod,Judg.13:22whenaviewoftheheavenlygloryofJesusChristmakes

John,whowaswont to lean onhis bosom inhis humbled state, to falldownathisfeetasdead,Rev.1:17.

2.ThereisathroneofGod'sgovernmentoftheworldoftspokeof,Psal.9:4,7.OnthisthroneGodsits,andrulesallthingsathispleasure,andininfinitewisdom.Thisthroneistobebelievinglyregardedbyus;butitisnotthethroneofgracethatsinnersarecalledtocomeuntoforgraceandmercy.

3.ThereisathroneofGod'sjusticespokenof.ThisisthatthroneDaviddeprecateshisbeingbroughtbefore,Psal.143:2.Enternotintojudgmentwiththyservant:forinthysightshallnomanlivingbejustified.Ifamanbewronged and oppressed bymen stronger thanhe, hemay appeal tothisthroneofjustice,andexpectredress.Butifaman'sbusinessbewithGod,heshouldbeafraidofthisthroneofjustice.Menareoftproudandvainintheirthoughts,andbeforeothers:butiftheLordcallthembeforethishighcourtofjustice,theywillsurelybecast:Job9:2,3.Howshouldamanbe justwithGod?Ifhewillcontendwithhim,hecannotanswerhim one of a thousand.WhenGod sits on a throne of justice, to judgemenaccordingtohislawandtheirworks,nothingbutcondemnationcanjustly be pronounced on sinners.Whoever he be of sinful Adam's seedthat expecteth saving favour from God's throne of justice, will findhimselfwofullydeceived.

4.Wefindthethroneofthelastjudgment.Beforethisallmustappear,2Cor.5:10,Rev.20:12.Thisisnotthethroneofgraceinthetext.Nogracenormercyisshowntoanyfromthisthrone,buttothemthathavepliedandspedatthethroneofgracebefore,WhenourLordcomes,andsitsonthe throne of his glory, Matth. 25:31 no sinner that hath despised hisgracenow,willfindanyquarterthen,Luke19:27.

What then is this throneofgrace? It isGod inChristdealingwithmenaccording to the grace of the gospel. It isGod inChrist reconciling theworldtohimself,notimputingtothemtheirtrespasses,2Cor.5:19.ItisChrist set forthbyGod tobeapropitiation,Rom.3:25.This is the truemercy-seat,orthroneofgrace,orpropitiation,1John2:2and4:10.ThisisthenewcourtorthroneerectedbyGod,anddeclaredinthegospel,towhichsinfulmanisinvitedtocome.

II.Whyisitcalledathroneandathroneofgrace?

Passing what is said of the apostle's alluding to the mercy-seat in thetabernacleandtempleofold,

1. It is called a throne, because of the glory and majesty of Godmanifestedhere.God'scondescendingtodisplayanddispensehisgraceand mercy to sinners, is no debasing of God, but an advancing of hisglory.Whenhegivesgrace,heactsroyally,andasaking,withmajesty.Araunah'soffering toDavid, is said tobe likeaking,2Sam.24:23.Hewasnoking,buta subject;buthehada free,nobleheart.TheLordonthisthroneofgrace,dispensethallactsofgracewithgreatmajesty,andasaking;butnotasaKingJudge,andRuler,butasaKingBenefactor,andGiver. This royalty of grace shines, 1. In the greatness of the gifts,grace, andmercy; vastly above all that the creation can give. 2. In themannerofgiving;free,sovereignlyfree.Graceandmercyishisown,andhedothwiththemashewill.WhenMosesprays,Exod.33:18.Ibeseechthee, shew me thy glory, we cannot conceive what was in his holyheavenly heart. He was now just come down from themount the firsttime; he is going up again to spend other forty days there, in suchcommunionwithGodasnevermeremanenjoyedbeforeorsinceoutofheaven;hehadprevailedwithGod for Israel,andhathamostgraciousanswer,ver. 17.AndtheLordSaiduntoMoses, Iwilldo this thingalsothatthouhastspoken:forthouhastfoundgraceinmysight,andIknowtheebyname.WhatmeansMosesthenbythisprayer?ver.18.Whateverhemeant,theLord'sanswerismuchtobeobserved,ver.19.Andhesaid,I will make all my goodness (or beauty) pass before thee, and I willproclaim the name of the Lord before thee. (What is in this name thathathsomuchofgloryandgoodnessinit,asshouldsatisfysuchamightyhungerer formoreofGod,asMoseswas?)Iwillbegracious towhomIwillbegracious,andwillshewmercyonwhomIwillshewmercy.God'sgloryshineshighly, inhisbeingthesovereigndisposerofhisowngraceand mercy; and happy is the believer that adores this glorioussovereignty.PaulinRom.9:15–25makesadeepimprovementofit.Jer.17:12. A glorious high throne from the beginning, is the place of oursanctuary.See then thatyou, inallyourpleadings forgraceandmercy,rememberthatyouarebeforeahighstately throne.ApproachestoGod

on the throne of grace, should bemanagedwith the deepest reverenceandhumility.Sodidthepublican,whenhecametoit,Luke18:13.Godbemerciful(propitious)tomeasinner,(ormethesinner,thegreatsingularsinner. So theGreek runs, as Luke 7:37, 39.) The deepest, profoundestadoration of the glorious majesty of God. is performed by a self-condemned sinner, pleading at this throne for the obtaining of thesovereign free grace ofGod. Lastly, It is called a throne, because gracereigns and is enthroned here: Rom. 5:21. Grace reigns throughrighteousnessuntoeternal life,byJesusChristourLord.Blessedreign!andblessedareallthatareunderthereignanddominionofthegraceofGod. Sin reigns through the unrighteousness of the first Adam untoeternaldeath,ifmenbeletalone,andifgracedonotbreakthisreignofsin.AndgracereignsthroughtherighteousnessofthescondAdamuntoeternallife.Andnothingcandethronegrace;itwillprevail,andreachitsend,eternallife,inallitfallsupon.OthatcaptivestoSatan,andslavestosinand the law,would long tobeunder thereignof this statelypower,thegraceofGod!and thatbelievers themselveswouldgiveamore freeandlargesubjectiontoit!

2.Itiscalledathroneofgrace,

1st, Because grace erected and reared it up: Psal. 89:2.Mercy shall bebuilt up for ever. Nothing but grace and mercy framed the throne ofgrace. Imay allude to the Lord's statelywords to Job, chap. 38:4, 5, 6speakingofthefirstcreation,(butthisthroneofgracewasfixedbefore,astheKinghimselfsaith,Prov.8:23.Iwassetupfromeverlasting,fromthebeginning,orever theearthwas),Wherewast thouwhenI laid thefoundations of the earth?—and,Who laid the corner-stone thereof?Nocreature was on the council; it is a divine contrivance. But, now it isrevealed,ourfaith,onthegroundofthisrevelation,may,andshouldgoback, and take a refreshing view of this eternal contrivance. The Lordbuilds a house ofmercy, that a company of sinnersmay dwell in,withhim,forever.Whatlaidthecorner-stoneofthisthrone,butgrace?Whatbringsintheinhabitants,preservesthem,andperfectsthem,butgrace?For whom is it prepared, and by whom shall this house of mercy bepossessed, andwithwhom shall it be filled, but with vessels ofmercy,whichhehadaforeprepareduntoglory.Rom.9:23.

2dly,Itiscalledathroneofgrace,becausegracehathhere,andhereonly,a glorious display and discovery. Tillmen get a sight ofGod in Christ,theycannot tellwhat thegraceofGod is.Searchheavenandearth,youcannevergetaviewofGod'sgrace,tillyecometothisthrone.Youmaysee God's infinite power, and wisdom, and goodness, written in greatcharacters, in the great volume of creation and providence; but till yecometoknowGodinChristonthisthrone,youcanneverseethatdivinedainty,andsavingblessing,thefreegraceofGod;grace,asaneverlastingfountain in the heart of God, pouring down, streaming forth eternalsalvation on ruined unworthy sinners.Men shouldmake a visit to thethrone of grace, if they had no other errand but to get a sight of thisprecious thing, the grace ofGod. A right sight of it is saving. Believersshouldlongtobeinheaven,iftheyhadnoothererrand,thantoseethespring-headofthatfloodofgracethatcamedownfromheaven,todragthemoutofhell,andtodrawthemuptoheaven.

3dly, It is called a throne of grace, because all the acts and sentencespassedatthisnewcourt,areallactsofgrace.Alltheblessingsgivenfromthis throne, areall ofmeregrace.Nothing isherebut grace: John 1:17.The lawwasgivenbyMoses,butgraceandtruthcamebyJesusChrist.Wastherenogracenortruthunderthelaw?Yes,agreatdeal;butitallbelonged, toJesusChrist.Therewasgraceunder the law,butnonebutwhatrelatedtoJesusChrist.Therewastruthunderthelaw,butonlyasChrist was pointed at; otherwise all were but vain and beggarlyrudiments,andemptydarkshadows.TheJewsseenothingofChrist inthe Old Testament, and therefore find neither the saving mercy norsaving truth ofGod in it. And it ismuchworsewithmen (Christians Icannotcallthem)thatseeaslittleofChristintheNewTestament.Takethechainofsalvation,andallthelinksofit,astheapostlenamesthem,Rom.8:29,30andallofthemareofgrace.Wearechosenbygrace;wearegiventoChristbygrace;redeemedbyhimbygrace;bygracewearejustifiedthroughthatredemption;bythesamegraceweareadopted;bythe same grace we are saved, by the washing of regeneration, andrenewingoftheHolyGhost;andbygraceweshallbeglorified.Andtheythatwill not claim these blessings, and hold themby this tenor of freegrace,Idarenotsaythattheyshallneverhavethem,(forthisgracecanovercomeitsgreatestenemies);butImaysay,thattheyhaveatpresent

nopartorportioninthismatter;andwhentheycometopartakeofgrace,andtoknowthegraceofGodintruth,asCol.1:6theywillbeofanothermind,andcountitthebesttenortoholdallby,evenbyfreegrace:yea,after all the riches of grace poured forth on believers in this life,whenthey come to receive the crown of glory, they receive it as humbly, yeamore than they did any former act of grace from this throne. Theovercomer by the blood of the Lamb, will receive the crown from hisgloriousRedeemer,ashumbly,andwithowning itasagiftofgrace,asmuchaseverhedidreceiveapardoninthatblood,whenhisheadwasonthe block, and the ax of law and justice lifted up to cut himoff for hisiniquity, There may be proud pleaders for (or rather presumers andexpecters of) the crownof glory, butnoproud receivers of it.WemustlookforthemercyofourLordJesusChristuntoeternallife,Jude,ver.21.Meritandworthareonlyforhell;andtheyhavenoroominheaven,norinthewaytoit.Justicereignsinhell,andgraceinheaven.Soallwillfindthatcometoheaven;andsomusttheyallknowandbelievethatwouldbethere. Sinners that are formerit, will find it sadly in hell. Mensmeritmakeshell,andChrist'smeritmakesheaven,Rom.6:23.

4thly,Itiscalledathroneofgrace,becausethegloryofgraceisthelastandhighestendofthebuildingofthisthrone,andofalltheactsofgracedispensed at it, and from it. That proud monarch spoke vainly andwickedly,Dan.4:30andwasquicklybyGodpunishedseverelyforhissin.Ifwemaybeallowedtoalludetosuchwords,wemaysayofthethroneofgrace,Is itnotthathighthronethatGodhathbuilt forthehouseofhiskingdom,bythemightofhispower,andforthehonourofthemajestyofhisgrace?AreanychoseninChrist,andpredestinatedtotheadoptionofchildrenbyhim?Itistothepraiseofthegloryofhisgrace,Eph.1:4,5,6;Dotheybelievebygrace?Itistothepraiseofhisglory,ver.12.Aretheysealed,andatlastpossessedofheaven?Thatistothepraiseofhisglory,ver. 14. Are they quickenedwhen dead in sin, and advanced in and byChrist Jesus? This is to the praise of his grace, Eph. 2:4, 7. All theblessingsintimeandeternitythattheheirsofgraceenjoy,arealltothepraiseandgloryof thatgrace theyspring from.Weread in thewordofnoneof the counselsofGodbefore thecreationofall things,butofhispurposeofsavingacompanyofpoorsinfulmenbyJesusChrist;andofno other design in this purpose, but to magnify his grace in saving of

them this way. So much of the signification of this word, a throne ofgrace.

III.Whatisittocomeuntothisthroneofgrace?

Though theprosecutingof the exhortation in this textwill openup thenatureofthiscomingmorefully,yetIwouldspeaksomewhatofitinthisplace.

1.Thiscoming impliesastateofdistance fromthis throne inthemthatarecalledtocome.Thisiscalledbeingfaroff,Eph.2:13.Andthisstateallmenbynaturearein.MenareinGod'seyeandhand:Heisnotfarfromeveryoneofus; for inhimwe live,andmove,andhaveourbeing,Acts17:27,28asthepsalmistspeaksexcellentlyinPsalm139ofthenearnessof men to God, and of his omnipresence and omniscience. But hisgraciouspresence,asonathroneofgrace,isfarfromallmenbynature,andtheyfarfromit.Thispresenceisfarfromman'sknowledge;thereisnoknowingofitbutbyrevelation:farfrommensattainment;fornomancan come, unless he be drawn of God, John 6:44.: far from theirexperience,andfarfromtheirlove;fortheyarealienatedfromthelifeofGod,Eph.4:18.Andinhisfavourislife,Psal.30:5andinnothingelse.

2.Itisalsoimpliedinthiscalltocome,thatthereisagraciousprovisionmadeandrevealedbyGodfortheremovalandmakingupofhisdistance,andgettingofagraciousnearnesstoGod.Thisisintheconstitutionandrevelationofthisthroneofgrace.

3.Thattheimprovingofthisprovisionismensduty,andshouldbetheirexercise,inordertopossessandenjoytheprivilegeandadvantageofthisprovision.

Whatthenisthiscomingtothethroneofgrace?

1.ItisinbelievingonJesusChrist.Thisisthefirstapproachtothethroneof grace.He is the propitiation, andmercy-seat, and throne of grace, 1John4:10.Believingonhim,iscomingtohim,John6:35.ItiscomingtotheFatherbyhim,John14:6.ItisbelievingonGodbyhim,1Pet.1:21.Itisbelievingonhim,andonhimthatsenthim,John12:44.Believingon

JesusChrist,isanemployingofChristinwayoftrust,astoallhisfulnessofgrace,andourutter indigencethereof.Whateveramando,whateverexercisesof religionhebe takenup in,henevercomes to the throneofgrace, till his heart and soul go forth towards Jesus Christ forrighteousnessandlife.Thefirstrightstepheavenward,issavingfaithinChrist.Nothingsavinglygoodcanprecedeit,andallsavinggoodfollowsit: for faith unites theman to Christ, and all the fruits of holiness andrighteousness spring from the virtue of the vineChrist;withwhom thebelieverhathfirstunionbygrace,andthencommunionofChrist'sgrace,bywhichhelives,andworks,andgrows.

2.Comingtothisthrone,isactedinallactsofgospel-worship,andintheuseof all gospel-ordinances.Theyallbelong to the throneof grace, arethe institutions of this throne, and appointed as means wherein weshouldapproachtoit;andwhich,whenblessedbytheappointerofthem,doconveytoustheblessingsofthisthrone.Ofthemthereareseveral.1.Prayer.Thisiscomingtothethroneofgrace,ifrightlymanaged.Thoughaskingisnotexpressedinthisverse,yetitisstronglyimplied,bothinthecommanded coming, and in the expressed obtaining of mercy, andfindingofgracetohelpintimeofneed.Allthatmakeafashionofprayer,donotcometothethroneofgrace;yetallthatprayrightly,docometoit.Andbecausethisapproachingtothethroneofgracebyandinprayer,isplainlyhintedinthetext,andissocommonlyunderstoodbyChristians,Iwouldhavemyeyeprincipallyuponitinhandlingthisscripture.2.Thereis theword read,preached, andmeditatedon, that is anotherprincipalmeansinwhichmenshouldapproachtothethroneofgrace.Inprayerwepouroutourheartbeforethisthrone,andexpressourdesirestohimthatsitteth on it. In the word the King on this throne delivers his will andmindtous;andweshouldcometohearit,andreceivethelawfromhismouth. Cornelius expressed an excellent frame for this ordinance, Acts10:33. We are all here present before God, to hear all things that arecommandedtheeofGod.Thiswordisthewordofhisgrace,Acts20:32.Itistheproclamationofhisgracetomen.3.PraisingofGod,isacomingtothethroneofgrace.This isthesacrificeWeshouldofferbyourHighPriest,Heb.13:15.Whomindsthisastheyought?Ifwewant,weask;andso we should. But where is the Christian that can say, Though I hadnothingtoask,Iwouldyetgotothethroneofgrace,thatImightpraise

himthatsitsonit?4.ReceivingoftheLord'ssupper,isacomingtothethroneofgrace;tofeastonthekingofgrace;tofeedonthatbodybrokenforus,andthatbloodshedforus,thatisgiventousinthewordforfoodtooursouls,andisgiventousbyhiscommand,inbreadandwineathistable; that ineatinganddrinkingof them,wemay rememberhim,andshew forthhisdeath till he come; glorying, andavowing, andboasting,thatwehaveoursalvation,andallourhopesofit,builtandfixedonthatmanJesusChrist,thatwasrejectedbythebuildersinhistime,andhathhadlittlebetterentertainmentsince,becausetheyknewhimnot.

APPLICATION. Is there a throne of grace; and doth God sitting on itinviteandcallmentocometoit,ortohimonit?Wearecalledtoadmire,adore, andpraise the grace that shines in this constitutionofGod, andcall tomen.Thatpersonissadlyout inhispraises,(andsuchareneverright in theirprayers), thatdothnotdeeplyadmire, andheartilypraisefor thismercy of a throne of grace.We account aman ill employed inprayer, that asksmany things of God, but forgets to ask the one thingneedful:Isheanybetteremployedinpraise,whogivesthanksformanymercies,butneglectsor forgets topraise for thegreatestofallmercies,the throne of grace? before which all prayer and praise must come, ifaccepted,andforwhichhighestpraisesshouldbegiven.Inordertotheraisingofmoresenseofthishighestfavour,thatGodnowdealswithusonathroneofgrace,consider,

1. The deep condescendence of grace that appears in this dispensation.Thereisagloriousandstatelystoopinginit.TheLordhadresolvedinhisown heart from eternity, to have the company of many of Adam'soffspring foreverwithhim inheaven.Heseeth themfallen intoadeeppit,outofwhichtheycannevergetoutbythemselves.Godandmanbysinareatavastdistance.Sinnerscannotremoveit,normakesomuchasone step towards God. Saved they cannot be, unless the distance beremoved;savedtheymustbe,becauseofhisunalterablepurpose.Inthiscase,saiththeLordofmeregrace,ifmencannotascenduptome,Iwilldescend down to them, and draw them up again to me. Thiscondescendenceofgraceweshouldadmireandpraise.WhenDavidhadgot a gracious message and promise from God, (and Christ and thethroneofgracewasinit),2Sam.7hesitsdownasamanamazedbefore

the Lord, andmost significantly expresseth his admiration and praise,WhoamI,OLordGod?andwhatismyhouse?andisthisthemannerofman?andwhatcanDavidsaymore?AndwhatcanDavidsaybetter?Tobe swallowed up of wonder, is the best and highest praising.Who canforbearwonderingatgrace,thatconsidersdulywhosegraceitis,whereitfindsus,andwhitheritbringsus?WhenPaulspeaksofit,(anditwashisusual theme),howsweetlydothhediscourseof it?Eph.2:1.Wheredidthis grace find him and the Ephesians? what was their case andqualificationforgrace?Theyweredeadinsin,walkingafterthecourseofthis world, according to the prince of the power of the air, workingpowerfully in themas children of disobedience; theywere fulfilling thedesiresand lustsof the flesh,andof themind; theywerebynature thechildren of wrath, even as others.Who can be lower, viler, and baser,except they that are in hell itself? yet in this case and condition gracemadeitsfirstvisittothem.Allthatthissavinggracefallson,arelostandundone sinners,men at the very brink of hell. An elect child ofGod isworstandmostsinfulthemomentprecedinghisconversion.Paulwasathisworst,Acts9whengrace fell uponhim. If therebenothingbut thepower of grace that can subdue the corruption of nature; if thiscorruption grow in its strength, till that subduing power of grace beapplied;andiftherebenomiddlestatebetwixtdeathandlife,(andthesehavebeenreckonedgospel-truths);howplainisit,thatasinnerisathisworstwhensavinggracefirstcomesuponhim?2.WhitherdidthisgracebringPaul,andtheEphesians,andsoallChristians?Outofthegraveofsin,untoanewlife,anduptoheavenlyplacesinChristJesus,ver.4,5,6.OwhatamightyarmhaththegraceofGod!Itisnothingforgracetopullamanoutofhell,andsethimdown inheaven.Whenshall thisarmofJehovahberevealed?Whenwillperishingsinnerslongforasavingpullof the grace ofGod? 3.What is all this greatwork of grace for? ver. 7.Thatintheagestocomehemightshewtheexceedingrichesofhisgrace,in his kindness towards us, throughChrist Jesus.As if the apostle hadsaid, "You and I cannot sufficiently, in our time and age, admire thiskindness, grace, and richesof grace throughChrist Jesus, thatwehavereceived:butaslongasthisworldlasts,andaslongastherearereceiversof thissamegrace in futureages, (and thatwillbeas longas theworldlasts;fortheworldlastsforthesakeofthethroneofgrace,andforwhatGodhath todoon it, and togive from it), therewillbepraisersof this

grace; foreverygenerationof receiversof thisgrace,owepraises forallthe grace bestowed on all that have been before them. And when thisworld isatanend, there isabetterworldthatshallsucceed it,whereinbetterandhigherpraiseswillbegivenforever.Thereisnoothermusic,but the praises of free grace, in heaven; andnone shall sing its praisesthere,butthehappyreceiversofithere."

2.Considertheinfinitewisdomofthiscontrivanceofathroneofgraceforsinners. The Lordwisely consulted poorman's case, his sinfulness, hismisery, and his infirmity. No where else can God and sinnersmeet inpeace,butat this throneofgrace.Here is themanifoldwisdomofGod,Ephesians3:10.Graceaboundsinallwisdomandprudence,Eph.1:8.Yetnotaccording to thesorry rulesof thewisdomof thisworld,norof theprinces(orgreat,leadingmen)ofthisworld,thatcometonought:butthewisdomofGodinamystery,eventhehiddenwisdom(hidtothemthatarelost,2Cor.4:3.)whichGodordainedbeforetheworlduntoourglory:whichnoneoftheprincesofthisworldknew;forhadtheyknownit,theywouldnothavecrucifiedtheLordofglory,1Cor.2:6,7,8.Godandholyangelsmaymeetinpeace,wheneverheispleasedtomanifesthisglorytothem;thoughtheybesensibleoftheirmeannessascreatures,anddeeplyhumblebeforehismajesty.ButwhereGodandangelsmeetcomfortably,Godandsinnerscannotmeetcomfortably.That lightandmanifestationof divine glory that makes a holy angel happy, would confound anddestroyasinfulman,Isa.6:1–5.Theseraphimsadorehumblyandpraise;Isaiah, a sinner, sinks;he is terrifiedwith the sight, andwith the song.AndyetthiswasasightofChrist,John12:41.;buthisdivinemajestyandholinessasGodwasthenrepresentedtohim,whichterrifiedtheprophet.Butwhensinisforgivenbyanactofgrace,ver.6,7then,upontheLord'ssaying,WhomshallIsend,andwhowillgoforus?Isaiahanswered,HereamI,sendme,ver.8.NowIhavetastedthegraceofmyLord,Iwillrunhiserrands;lethimsendmewhereandonwhathepleaseth.

3.Considerhowcostlytheerectingof thisthroneofgracewas.Itwasadear building. The throne of God's essential glory is in his own super-excellentbeing,andfallsundernoactsofthedivinewill.Whenhehadamindtorearupathroneofglorytohisname,increatingaworld,therewasnomoreneedfulbuthiswordofpower,hisalmightyFiat,Letitbe;

andallthingssprungupoutofnothing,inmarvellousorder,andbeauty,and goodness. Butwhen a throne of grace is to be erected for sinners,thereismoretobedone.HereGod'sownSonmustbemademan;inthatnaturemustbechargedwiththeirsins;andmustdischargethatdebt,bybearing thewrathofGod, and curseof the law, evenuntodeath.Rom.3:25theapostlegivesusadescriptionofthethroneofgrace:GodhathsetforthChristtobeapropitiation,amercy-seat,athroneofgrace.Buthisbloodwent for it: law and justice exacted it, andChrist pad it.On thiscomes forth the blessed proclamation of grace, "Whoever he be of lostmankindthatwillcometothisthroneofgracebyfaith,andwillreceivehisjustificationinandbythisblood,andwilltrusttoitonly,shallnevercome into condemnation." This Paul preached, Acts 13:38, 39.What isthis grace revealed for? Rom. 3:26. To declare at this time God'srighteousness; that he might be just, and the justifier of him thatbelieveth inJesus.Weallknow thatGod is just, and the condemneroftransgressors of his holy law: but how the gospel is framed so as thatGod'sjusticemayappearinjustifyingofabelievingsinner,isfardeeper,andmorehardlyknownandbelieved.Buttakeinbutthesethreethings,anditwillappear,

1st,Godwasjust,andthepunisherofthesinsoftheelectlaidonJesus.God'ssendingofhisSon,andlayingofthesinsofhispeopleonhim,wasan act of amazing grace andmercy. But the exacting the debt of sin ofhim,whentheFatherlaiditon,andtheSontookitonhim,wasofjustice,and strict glorious justice. Never did justice shine so in its glory andpurity,as inbruisingtheSonofGodforthesinsthatwere laidonhim.Thesendingofmillionstohellfortheirsins,(andallmustgothitherthathavethemtoanswerfor,(andallsuchhavethemalltoanswerfor,whooffer to pay their debt with their own coin), and have no interest inChrist'sundertaking),isadisplayofdivinejustice,thatmenmaygrumbleat,butcannothinder.Thepraiseofspotlessjusticewillriseuptoeternityby the torments of the damned. But he that is ignorant of God'srighteousness, can far less conceive the glory of justice in bruising asinlessman,whowasalsointheformofGod,andcounteditnorobberyto be equal with God, Phil. 2:6. (though some in our days think itblasphemytosayso),apersonbelovedoftheFatheraboveallcreature-thought;andthatforthesinsofothers,andtheyalsothebelovedofthe

Fatherinhiseternalpurpose.

2dly,God is just innotexacting thesamedebtof sin twice;bothofhisSon,andofhispeople,inwhosesteadhepaidit.

3dly,GodisjustindischargingofhisSon,fromwhomhehathreceivedthefullandcovenantedsatisfactionforsin;andheisjustindischargingthem for whom this satisfactionwas given.He is just in raising Christfromthedead:andhearoseforourjustification,Rom.4:24,25.Wearejustifiedfreelybyhisgrace;butthis free, freegraceflowstousthroughthechannelofredemptionbythebloodofChrist.Andboththisgraceandthisbloodissetforthinthegospeltoourfaith;andmustbeapplieduntobyfaith,andappliedtousinbelieving.Whateverthethoughtsofmenbeofthesethings,freegraceanddearbloodarethestayofalltheredeemedonearth,andtheeverlastingsongofalltheglorifiedinheaven.

4. and lastly, To raise your thoughts of the greatness of this favour, ofhaving a throne of grace to come to, considerwhat rich provisions aremadeat this throne forsinners.This the textspeaksof,andweshall inorderhandlethem.Weshallonlynowsayafewwords.ThereisnocourtinallGod'sdominionsthatasinnercancometo,andfindanymercyorgrace, but only at this throne of grace. If you talk of law, or justice, orequity,theseareallfrightfulcourtstosensiblesinners.Theyknowtheircause and case is bad; and that if they come to anybarbut that of thethroneofgrace,theymustbecast.Butatthisthroneofgrace,theythathavenothing,maygetallthings;theythatdeservenothing,maygeteverything;theythatdeservewrath,mayobtainmercy;theythatarecastandcondemnedat the court of justice,maybe acquitted and freed fromallsentences,andbeadjudgedtoeternal life,bythegraceofGodinChristJesus.Allthatisneedfultosalvation,isdispensedatthisthrone.Yetallthat is given, is old in the purpose of grace from eternity, old in theeverlastingcovenant,oldinthepurchaseofJesusChrist:onlyitisnewlygivenaccordingtothesinner'snecessity:2Tim.1:9.Whohathsavedus,andcalleduswithanholycalling,(thiswasdoneasyesterday;buthowcamewebythissavingandthiscalling?),notaccordingtoourworks,butaccording to his own purpose and grace, (Paul still opposeth works tograce,andgracetoworks,inthematterofjustificationandsalvation;andso doth his Lord andMaster that taught him, and so do all that know

eithergraceorworksrightly),whichwasgivenusinChristJesus,beforethe world began. Let this be still kept inmind, that whatever you canneed,thereisasuitableandabundantsupplytobehadatthisthroneofgrace.

Ishallconcludethisexercise,withnamingtwosortsofpeoplethatwillbespeciallywelcometothethroneofgrace.

1.They thatcometo the throneofgracesoonandearly; Imean,youngpeople,children,thatbeginbetimestobecourtiersandattendantsatthisthrone:Prov.8:17.Ilovethemthatloveme;andthosethatseekmeearly,shallfindme,saiththeKingonthisthroneofgrace.Othatyoungpeoplewould tryanduse this throneofgracebetimes!Theywould findChristverygracioustothem.Hewoulddiscoverhisbeauty,andgivethemofhislove,thatwouldcooltheirthirstaftersinfulpleasures.Theymightgrowrich and strong in grace, before they be old; or if they die young, theyshould be transplanted to a better soil, and be nearer the Sun ofRighteousness,thantheycanbeinthisworld.Neverdidasaintgotsafeashoreinheavenbewailhisarrivingtheretoosoon.

2.Theythatcometothethroneofgracetoget,andnottogive.Takeheedtoyourspiritsinthismatter.Whenyoucometothethroneofgrace,cometoreceiveoutofChrist'sfulness,andcomenottobringgracewithyoutoaddtoChrist'sstore.Helovestogive,andgloriesingiving;buthescornstoreceivegracefromyou;andintruthyouhavenonebutwhathegives.Bringyourwantstohimtosupply,butbringnotyourfulnesstobragof.Spreadyoursinsbeforethisthronewithshameandsorrow,andpleadforagraciouspardon;but takeheedyoubringnot your sorrow, tears, andrepentance, nay, nor your faith itself, as a plea for that pardon. HowabominableisittoChristiansears,andhowmuchmoreuntoChrist's,tohearamanpleadthusforpardon:"Hereismyrepentance;whereisthypardon?Hereismyfaith;whereisthyjustification?"Iknowmenabhortosayso.Buttakegoodheed,lestanythoughtborderingonitenterintothy heart. Faith is the tongue that begs pardon? faith is the hand thatreceivesit,itistheeyethatseethit;butitisnopricetobuyit.Faithuseththegospel-pleaforpardon;butitself,neitherinhabitnoract,isthepleaitself.ThatisonlyChrist'sblood.Christ'sbloodgoesfortheremissionofyoursins,ifevertheybeforgiven:andistheonlypleatobeheardatthe

throne of grace. There are too many like the Pharisee, Luke 18:11. ItwouldseembyChrist'swords,verse14 thatbothcame for justification.ThePhariseestood,andprayedthuswithhimself;God,Ithankthee,thatI am not as other men are,—or as this publican. Poor wretch! Thepublicanwasafarbettermanthanhe,asChristtestifieth.Hecametothethroneofgrace,likeamanthatwouldcarrysomethingaway.Itisaruleofthiscourt,Luke1:53.Hehathfilledthehungrywithgoodthings,buttherichhehathsentemptyaway.Accordingtothisrule,theLorddealtwiththePhariseeandthepublican;andsowillhedealwithyou,asyouareliketheoneortheother,inyourapproachesto,andpleadingsatthethroneofgrace.

SERMONII

HEB.4:16

Letus thereforecomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace, thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.

I DID take up this exhortation, as containing an answer to fourconsiderablequestions thatusually are in thehearts of them thatdrawneartoGodseriously.1.Wheremaywefindhim?Onathroneofgrace.Seekhimnowhereelse;fornowhereelseishetobegraciouslyfound.2.Howshallwecometothisthrone?Boldly,withconfidence.3.Whatistheground of this boldness? It had need be a great and solid ground onwhich a sinner may build boldness in his approaching to God. Thisground is hinted by the apostle in the word therefore. Wherefore?BecauseofourgreatHighPriest, theSonofGod, inheaven,ver.14,15.Thoughtherebenothingmorecommonlysaidandowned,thanthatall

men are sinners, and that all the acceptance of a sinner with God isthroughJesusChrist;yetIcanassureyou,thatwhenapersonseesandknowswhatitistobeasinner,andknowwhatGodis,itisawonderfuldifficultytobelieve,thatitispossiblethatsuchasinnerandsuchaGodshould evermeet in peace. People's dry notions and opinions of JesusChrist,iftherebenomore,willsoonbeblownaway,withadeepsightofthesinfulnessofsin,andofthemajestyofGodprovokedthereby.4.Thelastquestionis,Whatshallwegetbycoming?andwhatshouldwecomefor? The greatest blessings; mercy and grace. These blessings arecomprehensiveofallthingsneedfultomakeasinnerhappy.

To the firstof these Ibegan to speak lastday,ThatGodhatherectedathroneofgraceinthegospel,towhichmenareinvitedtocome.Whatthisthrone of grace is, is spoke to; and that this throne of grace is to bedistinguished fromallother thronesofGodspokenof in theword.Thethrone of his essential glory is unapproachable by all creatures. Thethroneofhisjusticeisdreadfultoallsinners.Weshouldprayagainstourcomingbeforethisthrone,Psalm63:2.Hemustbeaproudignorantfoolthat would offer to come and plead at its bar; for here all acts andsentences pass according to strict law and justice; and the law is aneverlasting condemner of all sinners. There is also the throne of theJudgeatthelastday.Butthisthroneisnotyetset,thoughitwillsurelybe; andwe know not how soon, and should prepare for our appearingbeforeit,2Cor.5:9,10.

But this throneof grace is the graciousmanifestationofGod inChrist,reconciling theworld tohimself,2Cor.5:18, 19.This is the lightof thegloryofGod'sgraceshininginthefaceofJesusChrist,2Cor.4:6.Andtocomingtothisthroneofgrace,andtoGodinChristdispensinghisgracefromit,wearehereexhortedandencouraged.

Inpursuingofthisexhortation.Iwould.

I.Provethatallshouldcome.

II.Showwhowillcome

III.Andwhoshallbespeciallywelcome.

I.Thatalloughttocometothethroneofgrace.Allsinnersthathearofit,should improve this great privilege, and seek the enjoyment of God'sgraceandmercyinJesusChrist.

1. Because God is not otherwise approachable by men in acceptedworship.NomancomethuntotheFatherbutbyme;saithChrist,John14:6.Thelightofnatureteachethallmeninsomemeasure,thatthereisaGod,andsomewhatofhiseternalpowerandgod-head,Rom.1:20.;andthat thisGod should beworshipped.Therefore some sort ofworship isperformed by all sorts of heathens, who are yet without God, and thatbecause without Christ, and therefore without hope in the world, Eph.2:12.Neverwas there,norwill therebe,nor can therebe, anygraciousapproachuntoGod,noranyaddressreceivedfavourablybyGod,butatthis throne of grace. Therefore whatever may be said of the zealousdevotion,andof themoralprinciplesandpracticesof theheathens,yetneveranyofthemdid,norcouldofferupanacceptableprayeruntoGod,nor obtain a gracious answer from him; not only because theyworshipped an unknownGod, Acts 17:23, Gal. 4:8 butmainly becausethey worshipped not at this throne of grace; for there can be nocommunionwithGod, there canbenothinggraciously givenbyGod tomen,nothingdonebymenthatcanbeacceptedofGod,butatthisthroneofgrace.

2. All should come to this throne, because all men have need of theblessingsdispensedat this throneofgrace.Where there isanuniversalurgentnecessity,andonlyoneplaceofsupplydiscovered,menarecalledto betake themselves thither. The blessings dispensed at the throne ofgrace,areequallyneededbyall.Everyman,everywoman,youngorold,richorpoor,areequallyneedy,becauseallareunspeakablyneedyofthemercyandgraceofGod.Someindeedhaveagreatersightandsenseoftheir wants than others, (and that is mercy); but the real necessity iscommontoall.Everyunpardonedmanneedsapardonatthisthroneofgrace;butfew,ifany,valueapardontilltheygetit,orvaluethegraceofGodtilltheyfeelit.Doyoufeelyourneedofwhatisgivenandgotatthisthrone? Come then. The law thunders and roars against you, that youmay see your need of coming hither for what the law cannot give, norhinderyoufromreceiving,norrobyouofwhenreceived.Doyouthinkin

yourheart,thatyouarethemostneedypersoninalltheworld;thatyouneed all the grace andmercy, ormore, than ever any sinner received?Thencometherather,comethesooner.Theneediestsoul,thehungriestsinner,thepersonmostgreedyofthegraceofGod,shouldcomefirsttoChrist'sdoor,andbegloudest.Isthereanynotneedy?Alas!manythinkso,butnoneisso.Willyoucomeforhungerandwant?Asensiblehunger,asenseandsightofneed,anappetiteaftergraceandmercy, isanalmsthatChristcangive;andmanyprofessorswantitsadly.

3.Thecommandisuniversal,toallthathearit.Astheapostlesaith,Rom.3:19.Thesethingssaiththelawtothemthatareunderthelaw;soImaysay,Thissaiththegospeltoallunderthesoundofit,Cometothethroneof grace. It is no indifferent thing. God commands all men to come.Believing(thatis,coming)iscommanded,1John3:23.Areyouafraidtocome?HavenotIcommandedyou?Josh.1:9asGodspaketotheCaptainof Israel.Willmen ownGod's authority in the law, and deny it in thegospel?IshenotthesameGodinboth?Hethatcommandsyoutohaveno other gods besides him, doth command you to believe on his SonJesus,whoisthetrueGod,andeternallife,1John5:20.Ifcomingtothethroneofgracewerenotcommanded,notcomingtoitwerenosin;andwho dare say so?Not believing on JesusChrist is the great gospel-sin,becausebelievingonhimisthegreatgospel-dutyandwork,John6:29.

Object.ButIamafraidhecommandsnotme;othershemaycommand,butnotsuchaviledeadcreatureasIam.

Ans.Areyouworsethansomehehathcommanded?Jer.3:1,4,5.Thouhastplayedtheharlotwithmaylovers;yetreturnagaintome,saiththeLord.Suchapracticeinyourlandwouldgreatlydefileit,saiththeLord;but such acts of grace become the throne of grace.Are youworse thanpoor,andblind,andmiserable,andwretched,andnaked?Yetthekingofthis throne commands them to come tohim, thoughhe sweetly calls itcounsel,Rev.3:17,18.Andinitwemayjoinhistwonames,Wonderful,Counsellor,Isa.9:6.

Object. 2. But Christ calls and invites them that are weary, and heavyladen, Matth. 11:28 and the thirsty, Isa. 55:1 and I am not such; andthereforehecommandsnotmetocome.

Ans.1.Doyouexpectanygracebutatthisthroneofgrace?Thinkyoutowork it out in yourselves, and come to him for more? or to get thebeginning somewhere else, and then come to Christ for the rest? Thisbewrays your pride, and ignorance of the entire corruption of yournature, and of your impotency to any good. This frame discovers yourignoranceofthenatureofthegraceofGod,thatconsistsinitsfreedom;asitsgloryis,initsbeingtheoriginalcauseofallgooddoneforus,andwroughtinus,orbyus.

Ans. 2. Christ never bid anyman be or do any thingwithout him, andthencometohim,andhewoulddomoreforhim.Christcallsmenashefindsthem,andthenmakesthemwhathewouldhavethem:Hebeginsthegoodworkinthem,andperformsit,Phil.1:6.

Ans.3.Theseandmanysuch likecallsand invitationsdonot limitandrestraintheuniversalityofthegospel-command,butdograciouslyapplyit to such cases wherein they that are, are apt to think that they arespeciallyexcepted.Whatismorecommonthansucharguingsofunbelief:Ihaveavastloadofsinlyingonme;Ihavespentmytime,andstrength,andmoney,onsinandvanity;Ihavebeenweariedinthegreatnessofmywayofdeparting fromtheLord,andtherefore theLordwillnotreceiveme? Therefore such are named particularly by the Lord, and speciallycalled.

Thereforeletnoman,whatsoeverhehathbeen,oris,think,thatheisnotcommandedtocometothisthroneofgrace.Takethecommand,layitonyour conscience, give obedience to it; take the command for yourwarrant, and never fear but you shall be welcome. Can your soul say,Lord, noman out of hell ismore needy of thy saving grace than I, nosinnermoreunworthyofitthanI;yet,becausethoucommandestmetocome, I come to beg, and to receive?Hewill sweetly receive you:Himthatcomethtome,Iwillinnowisecastout,John6:37.Atextthathathbeenananchor-holdtomanyasinkingsinner.

4.Allshouldcometothethroneofgrace,becauseoftheuniversality,vastextent,andindefinitenessofthepromiseofwelcometoallthatcome.Thecommand of God is a warrant and ground for our obedience, and thepromiseisagroundforconfidence.ThepromiseisGod'sgreatmeanfor

workingfaith;faithistheimpressionGodmakesonthesoulofamanbythe promise.WhenGod takes the promise of the gospel, and applies itwiththepowerofhisgraceuponthesoul,itleavesanabidingmarkandsignature; and that is faith. The promise comes as the promise of afaithfulGod,whocannotlye,ofagreatsalvation,toagreatsinner.Whenthe sinner sees and feels the truth and goodness of this promise, hebelieves.ThispromiseofGodistobepreachedtoallthathearthegospel;orrather,thispromiseisthegospel;theLordwillmakeiteffectualasheseethgood.TheapostlePeterencouragedsuchmentocometothethroneof grace, who, if ever any in the world should have been kept back, itshouldhavebeenthey;acrewofthebloodymurderersoftheSonofGod.ButthewordpreachedbyPetertakesholdoftheirsouls,andtheycryout,Whatshallwedo?Nowondertheysaidso,whenthecryofChrist'sbloodwas in their consciences. The apostle saith to them,Acts 2:38.Repent,and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for theremissionofsins,andyeshallreceivethegiftoftheHolyGhost,&c.Theirsinwasverygreat,peculiartothemonly;nonebeforeorafterthemwereguilty of this. The cry of innocent blood is a dreadful cry. But thiswasmore than all the murders ever committed in the world. It was themurderingtheSonofGod,itwasslayingthePrinceoflife;itwasallthatthedevilandwickedworldcoulddo,tocutthethroatofthegospel,andof all the elect of God: and this wicked act was done against Christ,becausehetaughtthathewastheSonofGod,andthathecamefromtheFather to be the Saviour of the world. Yet, saith the apostle to them,Repent, andbebaptized inhisname, for the remissionof that sin; youthat have been dipped in his blood, and so dreadfully guilty by theshedding of it, be baptized in his name, for the remission of that guilt,andofallothers.ThiscallingforrepentingoftheirguiltofChrist'sblood,was plainly a requiring of faith in him; not only that he was the LordChrist theyhad slain in theirunbelief, but thatpardon, in thevirtueofthatblood,mightbehadbythem,ontheirbetakingthemselvestohimbyfaith.Sodidthesameapostlepreachtothecouncil,Acts5:28,31whenheand his brethrenwere charged by the high-priest, for filling JerusalemwiththedoctrineofChrist,andintendingtobringhisblooduponthem:HimhathGodexaltedwithhisrighthand,tobeaprinceandaSaviour,fortogiverepentancetoIsrael,andforgivenessofsins.HedirectsthemtolooktoChristasthegiverofrepentancefor,andof forgivenessofall

theirsins;notexcluding,butby,ver.30.plainlyincludingthegreatestofalltheirsins,theirslayingofChrist,andhanginghimonatree:andthistheydidwithwickedhands,Acts2:23andwithheartsaswickedastheirhands. Yet thus did Peter preach Christ. So well did he remember hisLord's command, Luke 24:47. That, repentance and remission of sinsshould be preached in his name, among all nations, beginning atJerusalem.Hisargumentis,Acts2:39.Forthepromiseistoyou,andtoyour children. Had they not slain the heir, and foundation of all thepromises? Had they not done as much as men could do, to forfeit allinterestinthepromise?Yes;butPeterstillinvitesthemtothethroneofgrace, by an interest yet in the promise. The promise of grace andsalvation by Jesus Christ, is the rope and cord that God casts out tosinkingsinners:itisequallyintheofferofallinthegospel.Itistrue,thattheLordmeansanddesignsittosomeparticularpersons;butthatdesignis secret, and utterly unknown to all, till the promise itself beapprehended by faith, or finally rejected by unbelief. See Jer. 38:7–14.Ebed-melech letdowna rope todrawJeremiahoutof thedungeonby.The cords could never have pulled himup, unless the prophet had putthemunderhim,andunlesshisfriendhaddrawnhimup.Hedidso,andventuresonthismeanofescape.Heventuresonthestrengthofthecord,andon the trustinessofhis friend. If eitherof themhad failedhim,hemighthavefallendown,andbrokehisneck;orstuckstillinthemire,andstarvedinthepit.Thecaseissohere.Thepromiseofsalvationisagreatsecurity;butitissoonlytothemthatcastthemselvesonit,andtrusttoit.WhoeverwilltrustGod'spromiseinChrist,willfind,thatitisabletobear all theirweight, if itwere never so great. Therefore lay thiswarmpromise to thy coldheart, and, by theLord's blessing, life andwarmthwillcomein.Trythestrengthofthepromise,bycastingallthyburdenonit; and it will never sink under thee, nor thou perish by its failing.Christiansthink,thatthepromisesofGodareablessedcharter,(andsoindeed they are); but few mind the promises as God's tendered andofferedsecuritytomen;whereby,asmeans,heworksfaithinhischosen;and, by the offer of them to all in the gospel, leaves unbelieversinexcusable.Sinnersperishunderthegospel,notbecausethereisnocordofsalvationcastouttothem,butbecausetheyeitherlovethepittheyarein,orcannottrustGod'sfaithfulpromiseofsalvationbyChristfortheirdelivery.

So much of the first thing, the proving that all ought to come to thethrone of grace, or to God in Christ sitting on it. God is not otherwiseapproachable;universalneedofthisthrone,andoftheblessingsgivenatit;anuniversalcallandcommandofGodtocome;anuniversalpromisetoallthatdocome;allprovethatallmenshouldcome.

II. But though it be the duty of all to come, yet but few do come.Wewouldthereforeseewhotheybethatwillcometothethroneofgrace.Ofsuchwehavetwowords.

1.SuchasaregivenoftheFathertotheSon;allthey,andtheyonly,willcometothisthroneofgrace:AllthattheFathergivethme,shallcometome, saith Christ, John 6:37. Ye believe not; because ye are not of mysheep,John10:26.ThehighspringofalltheeffectualcallingandcomingofmentoChrististhis;Theythatareordainedtoeternallife,believe,andnone but they. It would be very unfit, that the book of life should beopenedto,andreadbyanypreacherofthegospel.Ithinknotthateverany apostle had it opened to themwith respect to others, so that theyshouldbeable,whenlookingonthemultitudetheypreachedto, tosay,Theseareappointedforeternallife,andthesepassedby.Buttheybeinghappily in thedarkas to this secretpurposeofGod,didoffer salvationthroughJesusChristtoallthatheardthem.SoPaul,Acts13:38,39.Beitknownunto you,menandbrethren, that through thisman ispreacheduntoyoutheforgivenessofsins;andbyhimallthatbelieve,arejustifiedfromallthings,fromwhichyecouldnotbejustifiedbythelawofMoses.Having told them this good news, he, ver. 40, 41.warns them:Bewaretherefore, lest that come upon youwhich is spoken of in the prophets,Behold,yedespisers,andwonder,andperish.Afterhisrepeatedpainsonthem, it is said, ver. 48. As many as were ordained to eternal life,believed. It was a severe application of this word, that a very worthydivinemadeofit,thatalltheelectofGodinthisplaceweregatheredin,byPaul'sministryinit,atthistime.Thegraceofelectionisthespringoffaith,2Thess.2:13,1Pet.1:2butthisgraceofelectionisnotseen,butinthegiftandlightoffaith.

2.Allsuch,andonlythey,willcometothethroneofgrace,thataredrawnbytheFather:John6:44,45.Nomancancometome,excepttheFatherwhichhathsentmedrawhim:andIwillraisehimupatthelastday.Itis

written intheprophets,Andtheyshallbeall taughtofGod.Everymantherefore thathathheard,andhath learnedof theFather, comethuntome.Observehere the twouniversals:Nomancan come,unlessdrawn;Everymanthatisdrawn,dothcome.

The firstdecries thepowerofnature, the latteradvanceth thepowerofGod'sgrace.Theutterimpotenceofnature,andomnipotenceofgrace,inthebusinessofman'ssalvation,arestumbling-blockstoalltheungodly,butarefoundationsinChristiandoctrine.Theonelaysmaninthedust,theother raisethhimonanewbottomof thegraceofGod.WhenGodhathamind todrawa sinner toChrist, and tomakehimabelieveronhim to salvation, he teacheth him secretly and by a strong hand; hewhispersintohishearttheexcellencyoftheSaviour,andgreatnessofhissalvation; so that surely the perishing sinner comes to Christ, and assurelyiswelcomedandsavedbyhim.

III.Butwhoshallbewelcome?Surelyallthatcome,shallbewelcome;astheword everywherewitnesseth: and all that ever tried it, have foundandtestifyitbytheirexperience.ForastheSonrefusednonethatweregiven him of the Father in their eternal counsel, but took every one ofthem as his charge to redeem them; so all they, and only they, beingdrawn by the Father, and made willing to come to Christ, are madewelcomebyhim,John6:37.Heknowshissheep,whenwanderingonthemountains,John10:16,27,28andaccordinglyreceivesthem.WhentheFatherdriveshomethelostsheeptotheirgreatShepherd,Christknowsthembeforeheopensthefoldtothem;andbecauseheknowsthem,heletsthemin,thattheymayfindpasture,andfeedonhimandhisgracetoeternallife.

ButtherearesomethatarespeciallywelcometoChrist,andspeedwellatthisthroneofgrace.As,

1.Theythatcomewhentheycandonothingelse; theythatcometothethroneofgraceastheirlastshift:Weknownotwhattodo,butoureyesareuponthee,saidJehoshaphat,2Chron.20:12.Sincerestbelieving,andstrongestbelieving,isacted,whenamanhathnopropatalltoleanupon,butGodalone.Believingiscalledfleeing:Wehavefledforrefuge,tolayholdonthehopesetbeforeus,Heb.6:18.Now,whoflees?Onlyhethat

can stand no longer, that is not able to deal with his adversary anddanger, that hath no hope of prevailing by his strength, and thereforebetakeshimselftohisheels.Itismen'sgreatsintoendeavourtoseekthatelsewhere, that only is to be foundhere,mercy and grace.But it is thegreatestsinofall,tocountalllost,aslongasthisthronestands,andtheLord calls men to come to it. Be deeply humbled, and covered withshame;yet comenotwithstanding.Such is thecorruptionofourhearts,andtheLordseethitwell,thatifsinnerscouldfindgraceandmercyanywhereelse,theywouldnevercometothethroneofgraceforit.Christisthelastshiftofadistressedsinner;yet,blessedbehisname,hewelcomesthecomer.Thewoman,Mark5:25–35triesmanymeansereshecomestoChrist,yetspedwellwhenshecameatlast.

2.Theyarewelcometothethroneofgracethatcomeoftest,andaskthegreatest things. It is otherwise in addresses to friends, or greatmenonearth.Youmaybewelcometothem,ifyoucomenowandthen,andifyouasklittlethings;butifyoucomedaily,andaskgreatthings,andgrowinyoursuits,theywillquicklybewearyofyou.ButwhatsaiththeKingonthis throneofgrace?John16:24.Hithertoyehaveaskednothing inmyname:ask,andyeshallreceive, thatyour joymaybe full.Hadnot theyasked formerly great things? that hewould expoundhisword to them,Matth.13:36thathewouldteachthemtopray,Luke11:1 thathewouldincrease their faith, Luke 17:5. But all this was as nothing to Christ;nothing in regard of the great things he had to give, and they stood inneedof.ThisisagreatwordofChrist's,Ask,andIwillgive,andyeshallreceive;askstillmore,andyeshallreceivemore,eventillyourjoybefull.Thereasonwhyoursoulsaresoemptyofjoy,isbecauseourmouthsareemptyofprayer.Christ'slove-quarrelswithhispeoplearethree.1.Thattheydonotaskgreatthings,andoften.2.Thattheydonotreceivewhatheissoreadytogive.Ournarrowvesselscannottakeinlargefloodsfromthe fountain of living water. 3. That they do not praise for what theyreceive. It is his due, our duty, and our great mercy. Both prayer andpraisewidenstheheartforreceivingmoreofChrist'sfulness.

3.They are speciallywelcome to the throneof grace that come to stay,resolvingnevertoleaveit;thatnotonlycometoitatapinchandstrait,but come to abide there. Our Lord teacheth several parables, to

encourageanddirectusinplyingthethroneofgrace,Luke11:5–13and18:1–8.Jacobwasablessedman,andknewwellthemannerofthiscourt,whenhewrestledwiththeangel,Gen.32:24–30;andthatangelwastheKing of the throne of grace, Hosea 12:3, 4, 5. After a long night'swrestling,withweepingandsupplications,saiththeLord,Genesis32:26.Letme go, for the day breaketh, Jacob answers, I will not let thee go,except thou bless me. I will, or I will not, looks like ill manners inspeakingtoGod.Hesaithnot,HowcanIholdthee?Ifthouhastamindtogo,itisimpossiblethatIcandetainthee.CanamanholdGodwhenhehathamindtobegone?ButJacobknewhisparty,andperceivedthathetriedhim,ifhewouldpartwithoutablessing."Nay,saithJacob,ifthouaskmyleaveandconsenttopartso,Iwillnevergiveit.Letthedaybreak,andthenextnightcome,thegreatBlesser,andlamehaltingJacob,shallneverpart,withJacob's consent,withoutablessing."Andheprevailed.Hehadgothis father'sblessing,bythecunningofhismother,Gen.27;had it again ratified by his father, chap. 28:3, 4.; he had the Lord'sblessing,chap.28:12–16.;hegot itrenewedagain,ontheLord'scallinghim to return to Canaan, chap. 31:3.: Yet he was in a new strait, andwanted a new blessing, andwrestled for it, and obtained it. Let all theseed of Jacob imitate his practice, and they shall share in his blessing,and be fed with the heritage of Jacob their father, as the word is, Isa.58:14.

In pressing the exhortation in the text, I shall lay before you a fewconsiderations.

1.Considerthegreatnessofthisprivilege,thatthereisathroneofgraceerectedforsinners,andrevealedtothem.Thisthroneisonlyerectedforsinners: ithadneverbeenbut forsinners.A throneofgracesupposeth,thatthereareguiltysinnerstostandbeforeit,andtogetgoodbyit.Thegreatness of this privilege is apparent, in comparing the state of fallenmanwiththatoffallenangels;andincomparingtheirstatethathavethegospel,withtheirsthatarewithoutit.

1st, Compare the state of fallen man with that of fallen angels.Whatsoever the propermeaning of that word is, Psalm 8:5. Thou hastmadehimalittlelowerthantheangels,thesetwomaybewellconceived;Thatmaninhisoriginalmakewaslowerindignitythantheangels;and

thatmanwasmadealittleaftertheangelsweremade:andlongafteritcould not be; for thewhole old creationwas compleatly finished in sixdays. The angels that fell, are so sinful andmiserable, that we cannotspeakanygoodofthem;yet,intheirfirstmake,theywereaverygloriouspart of the creation. Notwithstanding, when they sinned, there was nothroneofgraceprovidedforthem:Godsparednottheangelsthatsinned,butcastthemdowntohell,2Peter2:4.;yet,forhiselect,hesparednothis own Son, Rom. 8:32. The devils, (for such sin made them),immediatelyupon their sinning,wereasmuchcondemnedasever theyshallbe:Isaynotasmuchexecuted;foritseemsthattheirfulltormentisreserved to the last day, Jude, ver. 6, 2 Peter 2:4. Art thou come totormentusbefore the time?Matth.8:29 say they toChrist.Nowonderthedevilbesuchanenemytothegospelofman'ssalvation,andahaterofthethroneofgrace.Thewonderis,thatmenshouldbedeceivedbySatan,todespiseandslightthisgreatprivilege.LetChristianstakeaviewofthisastonishing appearance ofGod's grace, that fallen angels are all passedby,andfallenmantakenup;notindeedallofthem,butagreatmany,asonedaywilldeclare:Heb.2:16.Forverilyhetooknotonhimthenatureofangels,buthetookonhimtheseedofAbraham.

2dly,Consider thegreatnessof thisprivilege in therevelationof it.Youhave it,but thegreatestpartof theworldhave itnot.They that cannotreceive the truth of God revealed in the word about the sovereignty ofgraceinelection,andtheefficacyofdistinguishinggraceincalling,mustseethesamesovereigntyactedindispensingorwith-holdingthemeansofgraceaspleasethhim.Andtobeutterlyignorantthatthereisathroneofgrace,renderspeopleasmiserableasiftherewasnothroneofgraceatall.TheythatneverhearofChrist,mustperish.Itisanidledream,thattheefficacyofChrist'sdeathmaybeapplied,andprofitabletothesavingofadultpersons thatneverheardofhim.There isnosalvation formenbutbyJesusChrist;thereisnoknowingofit,orpartakingofit,butbythewordoftruth,thegospelofoursalvation,Eph.1:13.Christandhisnamegotogether:Acts4:12.Neitheristheresalvationinanyother;(noSaviourbut he): for there is no other name under heaven given among menwherebywemustbesaved.Nootherwayofgettinggoodbyhim,butbyhearingofhisname,andbelievingonhisname:Howshall theybelieveon him of whom they have not heard? Rom. 10:14. It is a wonderful

mercy to hear of him; but woe to them that hear, and do not believe.Nonecanbelievewithouthearing,Rom.10:17.;butalas!manyhear,andbelievenot,Isa.53:1.

2.Consider thegreatadvantagesof thisprivilege,ofhavinga throneofgraceerectedforus,andrevealedtous.Allblessingsmaybehadhere,bycomingforthem.Iftherewassuchathroneinthisworld,forsilver,andgold, and health, and outward mercies, what strange crowding wouldthere be to it? The blessings to be had here, are innumerable formultitude;allspiritualblessingsinheavenlythingsinChristJesus,Eph.1:3.;blessingsinvaluablefortheirworth,eternal intheirduration,mostfree in their tenure, and all given in love. Every act of favour from thethroneofgrace,ismoreworththanallGod'scommonmercies.Lord,liftupuponusthelightofthycountenance,Psal4:6,7thatwillputjoyintothesoul.Everythinggivenatthethroneofgrace, isablessingofgrace.Its very name should teach people how to come, and how to call whattheygetat it. If itbea throneofgrace,weshouldcome to itasempty,needybeggars;andwhenwereceiveanythingthere,weshouldcallandcount it grace.Ask all saints on earth, and theywillwitness, that greatandgood thingsare tobehadat the throneof grace.Try it yourselves,andyouwillfinditisnotinvaintobeghere.Nay,thedamnedinhelldobear sadwitness, that great are the blessings that are to be had at thethroneofgrace,whichtheyfeelandknowbytheirwoefulandeternallossofthem.Theglorifiedinheavenknowwhatarichthroneofgracethisis.Only sinners on earthwill not believe this, nor use this throne as theyshould.

3.Considerthatthiscourtandthroneisofshortcontinuance.Itwillnotbekeptupalways.Thereisalimitationofthetimeofitslasting;asHeb.4:7.Helimitethacertainday.Thedayofthecontinuanceofthethroneofgrace,isboundedandlimitedwithfourdays;thedayofaman'slife,thegospel-day,theworld'sday,andtheSpirit'sday.

1st,Thedayof everyman's life.Thishathbounds set to itbyGod,Job14:5.The throneof grace continuesuntomenno longer than they live.When men die, they go not to the throne of grace, but of glory andjudgment. If we have sped well at the throne of grace, we shall bewelcome to the throne of glory. The uncertainty and shortness of life,

withthecertaintyoftheexpiringofalltreatiesbetwixtGodandusaboutsalvationattheendoflife,shouldmakepeoplecarefultosecurethemainmatterinGod'stime.

2dly,Thereisthegospel-day.ThisisalsosetandlimitedbytheLord.HehathdeterminedhowmanyoffersyoushallhaveofChrist;andwhentheycometoanend,therewillnotbeonemore.Andthenthethroneofgraceis takendownas toyou.Luke19:42. If youhadstknown,even thou,atleastinthisthyday,thethingsthatbelongtothypeace!butnowtheyarehid from thine eyes! saith our Lord to Jerusalem. Thiswas the endingdeterminingdaytoJerusalemasacity,andtoitsinhabitantsasabody.Though many particular persons had another day of grace; yet theslippingofthatdayhangsonthatpoorpeopleandtheirposteritytothisveryday.

3dly,ThereistheWorld'sday.Andthenthedayofgracewillendastoall:When thebridegroomcame, they thatwere ready, enteredwithhim tothemarriage, and the door was shut,Matt. 25:10. There was nomoregracetobedispensedtomen;andweknownotwhenthatdaywillcome.Miserable is their case, who shall see Christ coming in the clouds ofheaven,before theyhave seenhimby faith in the gospel,whohear thevoiceofthearch-angel,andthetrumpofGod,beforetheyhaveheardthequickeningvoiceof theSonofGod fromthe throneofgrace;whohaveneglectedcallingonhimintime,andbeginoutoftime,Luke13:25.Whenthemaster of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and yebegintostandwithout,andtoknockatthedoor,saying,Lord,Lord,opentous.Isitnotjustthattheyshouldbekeptattheshutdoor,thatwouldnot enter at an open door in Christ's time, andwhen he called?WhenChristcomes,andhathshutthedoor,nomanwillbeletin,knockashewill.Nor,whilethethroneofgraceispatent,nomanwillbekeptout,bewhathewill,thathathamindtoenter,andknocksforentrance.

4thly,ThereistheSpirit'sday.HereisagreatdepthofGod'ssovereigntyandwisdom, a great depth of his severity, an unaccountable and awfuljudgment;howtheSpiritofGodstriveswithmeninthegospel,hownearhe comes to them sometimes, how close he besiegeth them, that theyseemtobeonthepointofyielding,andarenotfarfromthekingdomofGod; and yet he draws back his hand, and leaves them. I believe, that

manyungodlymen,manyreprobates,havebeensometimes intheir lifenearer to heaven, (if suchmay be said to be near to heaven that nevercome there) than many an elect person was half an hour before hisconversion:Gen.6:3.MySpirit shallnot always strivewithman.Whatkindofstrivingthiswas,andwhatbecameofthemstrivenwith,wehave,1Peter3:19,20.Nothingwillmorebitterlyaggravatetheeternalmiseryofthedamned,thantheremembranceofthis,thattheyhadaday,andinthatdaygraceofferedto them,andthat theydidreject theoffer.Men'scarnalheartsarenowfullofcavilsagainsttheunsearchablemethodsandways ofGod towards the sons ofmen; but the last day's judgmentwilldetermine and declare, that in the perdition of the ungodly, therewas,and is,most pure andunspotted justice and righteousness; and, in thesalvation of all the elect, pure, perfect, and predominant grace, thatreignedinthem,andoverthem,andthroughthem,tillitbroughtthemtoheaven.

Wherefore,seeingthehavingofathroneofgraceisaprivilegeofsogreatimportance,andofsouncertaincontinuance,thereshouldbethegreatercare tomake diligent and present improvement of it.Why should anymanletthisthroneofgracestandempty?WillmenprovoketheLordtosay,InvainhaveIsetupathroneofgraceforsinnersthatcomenotatit?

Again, Consider the wrath that will follow on the neglect, and notimprovingof thisgreatprivilege.Thesin ismanywayscommitted,andthejudgmentsofmanysortsthatareinflicted.ButIleavethistothenextoccasion.

Exceptyou,inyourpersonalexerciseandexperience,doknowwhatthisthroneofgraceis,andwhatisgotthere;youmaybeChristianshereafter,butasyetyouarenone;unlessyouexperiencewhatthisthroneofgraceis,byfrequentrepairingtoit,andbyfrequentreceivinggoodat it.Thatmanorwoman,whateverhisorhernamebeintheworld,orthechurchof Christ, that never found any need for, or use of, or benefit by thisthrone of grace, is surely a dead sinner. People may safely and surelyjudgeofboththestateandframeoftheirsouls,bytheirbusinessatthethroneofgrace.Nevergotanysoullife,butbyanactofgraceandpowerfromthisthrone.Nosoulcanbekeptinlife,butbydailyintercoursewithit. It isas impossible that thesebodiesofoursshouldbemaintained in

lifeandstrengthwithoutmeat,anddrink,andair;asitisforthesoulofabelievertoprosperwithoutdailyplyingthethroneofgrace.

Letthereforetheexhortationinthetextbecompliedwith,Cometothisthrone. Say therefore, Lord, I am invited to come to the throne of thygrace,andnonehavemoreneedofthatgracethanI,andthereisenoughof grace there forme; and therefore Iwill come, andbeg, andget, andabide,andblessthegiver,andbecomehappybyreceiving.

SERMONIII

HEB.4:16

Letus thereforecomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace, thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.

IHAVEspokeofthefirstthingthatthistextcontains,ThatGodinJesusChrist,inthegospel,isonathroneofgrace,invitingmentocometohim.Whatthisthroneofgraceis;whyallshouldcome;whotheybethatwillcome;andwhowillbespeciallywelcome,youhaveheard.Iwaspressingthis exhortation of coming to this throne. You see the Apostle, indelivering this, takes inhimselfwith themhe exhorts,Letus come.Hehadoftcomebefore,andhadbeenbountifullydealtwithatthiscourt.1Tim. 1:14. And the grace of our Lordwas exceeding abundant towardshim.Thismadehimcommendthisthronesohighly,andintreatothers,andstiruphimself,tofrequentaddressestoit.Ididusethreeargumentstobackthisexhortation,andshalladdafourth.

1.Thefirstwasthegreatnessoftheprivilege,ofhavingathroneofgrace

tocomeunto;aprivilegedeniedtofallenangels,andtheknowledgeofitdeniedtothefargreaterpartofmankind.

2.Thisthroneofgraceisaprivilegefullofrichadvantages.Allbelieversknowsomewhatofthem.AlltheiracceptancewithGod,alltheiraccesstoGod, all their communications from him, and fellowship with him, alltheirblessingsintime,andtheirhopesforeternity,areallowingtothis,thatGodisonathroneofgrace.

3.Thisprivilegeisofuncertainduration,andshort.TheLordtheKingisfor ever; but the throne of grace is not for ever. It is but a time-dispensation, and limited unto certain seasons. The gospel-day isuncertain, our lifetime is uncertain, theworld's day is uncertain, to us,thoughalldeterminedbyGod.Butaboveall,theSpirit'sdayisuncertain.Howlonghewillstrive,whenhewill forbear,whocantell?Somegodlymenhavethought,thattherearefew(ifany)thatliveunderapowerfulministry,but,atsometimeoftheirlife,theSpiritofGodcomesclosetothem;sothatthereisnotonlyawitnessgivenfortheLordintheoffersofthegospel,butthereisafurtheradditiontothatwitness,bysomespecialapproachesofGod'sSpirittotheirhearts.Butwhatevertherebeinthatobservation, this is undoubted, that where the Holy Ghost makes thestrongest assaults on men, if he be resisted, and withdraws, the mostprodigious hardness is left behind. Therefore, extraordinary, bold,hardenedsinners,cruelpersecutors,apostates,andmockersofgodliness,areusuallysuchassometimeswereunderspecialconviction:nottospeakofthesinagainsttheHolyGhost;whichconsistsinsomehighrebellionagainstspecialworkingsoftheSpiritofGodonmen'sconsciencesunderthegospel.ThisdreadfulsinSatanperplexethmanybelieverswithfearsof it.But it is certain, that adisturbing fear of this guilt is aproof of aperson's innocencyasto it.Forwhosoeverhavefallen intothisabyssofwickedness, are so far from fearing the sin, (though they may have ahopeless fearofwrath,Heb. 10:27.) that theyglory in it; therefore theyare said to do despite to the Spirit of grace. Let all that find the Spiritstriving with them, take good heed to themselves, comply with hismotions,andsecuretheirstatespeedily,bybelievingontheLordJesus;fortheseasonofhisstrivingisthemostcriticalpartofourlife,and,asitissues,ofgreatestconsequencetosalvationordamnation.

4.AfourthargumentIwouldconcludethispointwith,is,thegreatnessofthe sin of not coming to the throne of grace, and the dreadfulwrath itdrawson.Thissinismanywayscommitted,andmanywaysavenged.Alittleofboth.

First,It iscommitted,1.Bymen'sdespisingandcontemningthethroneof grace; making light of it, Matth. 22:5 neglecting so great salvation,Heb. 2:3. There are many things from whence this contempt springs.Eithernosenseoftheirneedofwhatistobehadatthethroneofgrace;orelseadream,thattheymaybesuppliedelsewhere;orgrossunbelief,thatmenthinkintheirhearts,thatallthisaccountofthethroneofgraceisbutacunningly-devisedfable;orthenatureoftheblessings,spiritualandeternal,unsuitable to, andnot takingwith their carnalhearts,whomindearthlythings.Iftheexhortationhadrunthus,Letuscome,thatwemay get silver, and obtain gold, to render us rich in this world; whatleapingand strivingwould therebe toobey it?whilst graceandmercy,thatmenhavenosensenorexperienceof,aredespised;andthereforethethroneofgrace,whereonlytheyaretobehad,isdespisedalso.TheSpiritofGodinthescriptureisatmuchpainstocommendtheworthandvalueoftheblessingsthatChristcametopurchase,andhathtodispense,andtopreferthemaboveallpresentsensiblethings;yet,notwithstandingallthe bright light of the word darting daily inmen's eyes, the dross anddungofthisworldismorepreciousintheeyes,andsavourytotheheartofeveryungodlyman,thanallthegracegivenonearth,andalltheglorytobegiveninheaven.

2.Thissinofnotcoming, iscommittedbydelaying tocomeThecallofGodis,Letuscome;theanswerofmanyheartsis,Letusdelaytocome.Whence think you that these delays come?We have it daily to bewailbeforeGodandyou,thatamultitudewillcometogethertohear,anddosodaybyday;yetall that canbe said to them, fromtheir childhood totheir old age, never prevailedwithmanyof them to spendonehour inserioustreatingatthethroneofgrace,withGodinChrist,fortheeternalsalvationof theirsouls. It isundeniable, thatyearebutapackofgrosshypocrites, if you attend on the means of grace in the assemblies ofsaints,andyethavenoparticularpersonalerrandtothethroneofgraceforyourownSouls.Thesalvationofthesoulisnotcarriedoninacrowd.

The grace of God must be particularly applied to you, and you mustparticularlyapplyittoyourselves,andyourselvestothethroneofgrace,ifeveryoubesaved.Thefellowshipofsaintswasneverordainedforthisend, to render personal applications to God needless; and it is grosslyabusedwhen it is soperverted. It is impossible, thatapersoncanhaveany true fellowshipwithsaints inanyordinanceofGod,unlesshehathparticularbusinessatthethroneofgraceforhimself.Hehathindeednotruereligion,whoseallofreligionisincompanyandinpublic.Yetweseehow backwardmany professors are to this personal treatingwithGod;howmanyshiftsanddelaystheymake.TosuchIsay,Woulditnotbeaterrortoyou,ifeitherGod,orman,orangels,orthedevil,shouldtellyouthis day, that, from this time to your dying day, you shall never haveleisure,norheart,nor time, to spendonequarterofanhour indealingwithGodforyoureternalsalvation!Wouldnotthisbeterribletoyou!Butthesamedreadfulthingisdailydonebymen'sdelays.ThecallofGodisto-day, you say to-morrow; when to-morrow comes, then you say nextday;whenthatcomes,youputitstillfartheroff.Thisyoumaybesureof,thatwhatever is the true springand causeofdelays in thismatter,willstill remainandgather strength,unless thegraceofGod come in.Mendeceivethemselveswithvainpretences:butthetruespringofalldelaysin treating in earnest with God at the throne of grace, is unbelief andunwillingness;andthemoretheyareindulgedbydelaying,thestrongerthey grow. Therefore the Holy Ghost saith, To-day if ye will hear hisvoice, harden not your hearts, Heb. 3:7, 8. See how the Spirit of Godfixeth an opposition betwixt these two, present hearing, and presenthardening;andaconjunctionbetwixtthesetwo,presentnothearing,andhardening. If there ispresenthearing, there isnopresenthardening; ifnot, there is. The refusal given to the to-day's call ofGod, hardens theheart against to-morrow's call. O, that men dreaded delays as mostperilousthings,andthecauseoftheeverlastingruinofmultitudesunderthegospel!

3. Another way wherein this sin of not coming to the throne of God'sgraceisacted,isinrefusingtocome.Alldonotsogrossly,butsomedo.Therearetwosortsofrefusers;thesecure,andthediscouraged.Thereisa woeful plague of secure despair; a strange plague, but a certain one.Somepeoplefindthingsarebadwiththemastotheirsouls,sinsmany,

corruptionsstrong;theyhavemadesomeessaystogetmattersmended,andall invain:whereontheyconclude, that itwillneverbebetter;andtheysitdowninsecurity,andgivethemselvesuptotheirpleasures:Isa.22:13. Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we shall die. A strangeargument. Approach of death usually mars the taste of pleasure. Thehandwriting on the wall, even when not known, marred Belshazzar'scheer,Dan. 5. This is a verymiserable and sinful case. It springs frommen'sbeingignorantofthetrueremedy,whentheyweresickofsin;andbecause all the physic and physicians they used and tried did them nogood,theyconcludetheirsicknessisuntodeath.Butletsuchknow,thatthereishopeinIsraelconcerningthisthing.Onlycomeandsee,andtrywhatmay be done. Beware of despair; it is the devil's sin. But he hathreason for it: for he is condemned; and all doors of hope are eternallyshut uponhim, or rathernonewas ever opened tohim.But for amanthat hath the riches of God's longsuffering, forbearance, and patience,(Rom.2:4.),dailylaidoutuponhim;thathaththedoorofgracesetopento him, and the Lord calling, intreating, promising acceptance on hiscoming;forsuchamantogiveoverallhope,isasinsomewayworsethanthedevils;aframepleasingonlytothedevil,mostdishonourabletoGod,andhisSonJesusChrist,andtotheHolyGhost,(IdonotcallitthesinagainsttheHolyGhost);areflectiononallthegloriousappearancesandmanifestations of the throne of grace, and most surely damning ifcontinued in.Awaywith it speedily:conclude thycase isnotdesperate;andifyoucannotshakeitoff,cometothethroneofgrace,andcomplainofit.Ifyecanbutseethethrone,andhimthatsitsuponit,despairwillvanishasanight-owlonthebrightshiningoftheSunofRighteousness.DespaircannotliveinthepresenceofthegloriousgraceofJesusChrist.Comethenandsee,and layholdon thehopesetbeforeyou.Theotherrefuserstocome,arethediscouraged.Theydonotdespairthattheircasecannot be mended; but they see so much, and so many things out oforder, that theirhearts fail theminapplying to theonlyremedy. In thetime of their carnal security, and ignorance of God and of themselves,(thatbredandkeptupthatsecurity),theycouldrushintoGod'spresencewithoutfear,andcallandcountall theblessingsof thecovenanttheirs,withoutanydoubt,andyetwithoutanyground.ButwhenGodbegantodealwiththem,andtocomeclosetothem,andtosendinlightandlifeintotheirconsciences,thentheyseetheirformermistakes;theyseetheir

utterwantandgreatneedofthoseblessingstheyoncedreamedtheywererichinthepossessionof;theyseetheirutterunworthinessofthem;andthereforefindithardtobelieve,thatevertheLordwillwelcomethemtothe throne of his grace. Usually beginners in Christianity have greaterlightandsenseastotheirnecessityofsavinggraceandmercy,thanabouttheLord'swillingnesstogivethem.AndthisistheseasonwhereinSatandothusuallycomein(ifpermitted,andoftenheis)withhistemptationsandfierydarts,thattheyfeltnothingofwhiletheywereinhiskingdomandpowerofdarkness.TosuchIwouldproposethreethings:

1st,What is thegroundofthydiscouragement?HeretoIknowtheywillsayagreatdeal,anditmaybemorethanistrue.Igrantallcanbesaidtobe true. But the sum of all is, I am a great sinner, and exceedingmiserable. Be humbled as low as hell in the sense thereof, yet be notdiscouraged.What is in thy casebutwhat is common?Only thou seestandfeelestforthyself,andsodidothers.

2dly,Whatisthetendencyofit?Dothittendtokeeptheealooffromthethroneofgrace?Itisthen,ofSatan.

3dly,Whatcanbethecureofit?Youwouldnotbealwaysinthisheartlessframe.Howthinkyoutogetitremoved?bykeepingstillfromthethroneofgrace?Will, or can, any spiritualplaguesbe cured,butbyChrist thePhysician? or any spiritual blessing be got, but at his door? Can youexpectitwithoutcoming,andbegging?Davidtooktherightcoursewithhisfaintingheart,Psal.42:5;hechallengethhissoulforitsdisquietment;hechargethittotrustinGod:andbecausehehadnotprevailedwithhissoul,hebringsittoGodbyfaith,ver.6.OmyGod,mysoulitcastdownwithin me. Do ye so; and call upon him by that name, God thatcomforteththosethatarecastdown,2Cor.7:6.

I shall name no more of the ways this sin is acted than these three;despising,delaying,andrefusing.Severalotherexpressions thereareofthissinintheword;butifyoubekeptfromthesethree,youareinnocentfromthegreattransgression.

Secondly,Whatisthewrathrevealedfromheavenforthisgreatsinofnotcomingtothethroneofgrace?

1. God testifies his displeasure against this sin, by taking away of hisgospel. Nothing is more just with God, than that, when his grace isslighted,themeansofgraceshouldberemoved.IftheLordarguesoastocorrection, Isa. 1:5.Why shouldyebe strickenanymore? yewill revoltmoreandmore;muchmoremayhearguethus,WhyshouldIkeepupathroneofgraceanylonger?youwillbutdespiseitmoreandmore.Christteachethasadparable,Matth.21:33,&c.andmakesajust,butdreadfulapplication of it to the hearers, ver. 43. Therefore I say unto you, Thekingdom of God (another name of the throne of grace) shall be takenfrom you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. Theywere cut off for their unbelief, Rom. 11:20. With what face can anunbelieverbegofGodthecontinuanceof themeansofgrace,whohathno mind to enjoy the end and blessing of those means? A generalcontempt of the grace of God enfeebleth the spirits of ministers andChristiansinstandingbeforetheLord,forthecontinuanceofthegospelwith a people that use it not. This dreadful judgment hath been oftenthreatenedintheword,andinflicted,inthesevereprovidenceofGod,onmany once-famous churches and nations. As the Lord saith, But go yenowuntomyplacewhichwasinShiloh,whereIsetmynameatthefirst,andseewhatIdidtoit,forthewickednessofmypeopleIsrael,Jer.7:12.;so I may say, Go to Jerusalem, and the seven churches in Asia; go toGreeceandAfrica,wheremanyafamouschurchwasplanted,andlearnto fear for yourselves:not to speakof laterdesolations inours andourfathersdays.TheLord'sremovingofhisgospel,isajudgmentthatisverydeep;astheapostlespeaksofthesamesubject,Rom.11:33.Wemaytakenoticeof this judgmentasbroughtonbyprevailingerrors inandaboutthe foundation, Jesus Christ; or by gradual apostasy, and impurity ofconversation,inprofessors;orbytherageofpersecution,wearingoutthesaintsof theMostHigh,Dan.7:25.ButyetwehavegoodgroundsfromthewordofGodtobelieveandhope,thatthegospelmaybesecuredtoagenerationordinarily,iftheybecarefultogettheblessingthereof,andtowalkworthyofit.IfthegraceofGoditselfbeprized,themeansofgracewillbecontinued.

2.TheLordwitnessethhisdispleasureagainst slightersofhisgrace,byfearfuloutwardjudgments.SofareditwithJerusalem,accordingtoourLord's prediction, Luke 19:42, 43, 44. It hath been a remark of wise

observersoftheprovidenceofGodtowardsnationssincethereformationfromPopery,That in thoseplaceswhere thegreatest lightof thegospelhath shined, there the greatest judgments have been inflicted; as inGermany,France,andamongstourselvesinBritain.

3.TheLordvisitsforthissinwithspiritualjudgments,themostwrathfuldispensationsofGodonthissidehell;ashardnessofheart,blindnessofmind,searednessofconscience,vilenessofaffections; judgmentswhichtheythatareunder,neverfeel,norcomplainof,norwillbeconvincedof,though theyaresometimesvisible toothers. If theLord inflict themontheHeathenfortheirabuseofthedimlightofnature,Rom.1:21,24,26,28howmuchgreateraresuchthataresentfortheabuseofthelightofthe gospel? That dreadful commission given to the most eminentprophet,Isa.6:9,10isoftenappliedandfulfilledintheNewTestament:Matth.13:14andJohn12:39,40.Thereforetheycouldnotbelieve,(theirsinwas,ver.37.theybelievednotonhim;hereistheirplague,theycouldnotbelieve),becausethatEsaiassaidagain,Hehathblindedtheireyes,andhardenedtheirhearts; that theyshouldnotseewiththeireyes,norunderstandwiththeirhearts,andbeconverted,andIshouldhealthem.Paulappliesittosomeofhisunbelievinghearers,withaStrangepreface,WellspaketheHolyGhostbyEsaias,toourfathers,saying,Acts28:25,26. The interest and influence ofGod in such spiritual judgments, is agreatdepth.Theyarealwaysjust,andalwaysdeep;anddreadfularetheireffects.Theyonwhomthey fall, feelnothing, seenothing, fearnothing.Sothattrulywemaysay,asPsalm68:35.OGod,thouartterribleoutofthyholyplaces.ButsuchashaveahearttothegraceofGod,andwouldfainbeblessed thereby,neednot fear those judgments, andshallneverfeelthem.

4. Lastly, Thewrath of God against such as come not to the throne ofgrace, is engraven in the singular vengeance of eternal ruin. There issomethingsingularintheirhell.Thelawsendsallunpardonedsinnerstoalaw-hell:theLordsendsdespisersofsavinggracetoaspecialhell,Heb.2:3and10:29amuchsorerpunishment.Noquartersinhellaretolerable:yet ourLord saith,Matth. 11:22, 24.That it shall bemore tolerable forTyre and Sidon, Sodom and Gomorrah, than for the cities where hepreached,andwroughtmightyworks.Weshouldbethankfulforthisfair

warning. I am afraid that there are very few that do truly believe this,That the condition of a sinner under the gospel, that is of a blamelessconversation, andmakes a fair profession; only he is an unbeliever inJesus Christ, and one that hath no business at the throne of grace, hehathnootherfaultbutthat,(andheneedsnomoretoruinhim);thatthisman'scaseisworsenow,andwillbeworseatthelastday,thanthatoftheinhabitantsofSodom,onwhomtheLordraineddownhellfromheaven.Manyofourgayprofessors,andcivilmoralmen,wouldthinkthemselveshighly affronted and undervalued, to be put in the balance with filthySodomites.Ifitwerepossiblethatthouhadnofaultbutonlyunbelief,thysin is greater, thy judgment will bemore dreadful, thy state worse foreternity,thanthatofthevilestofthenationstowhomthethroneofgracewasneverrevealed;John15:22.IfIhadnotcome,andspokenuntothem,theyhadnothadsin:butnowtheyhavenoclokefortheirsin.AndtothesamepurposeourLordspaketothem,ver.24.Theyweresinnersbefore;but the contempt of that dispensation of grace that Christ brought tothem,renderedthemsingulartransgressors.SoJohn3:17.GodsentnothisSonintotheworldtocondemntheworld;butthattheworldthroughhimmightbesaved.Arethenallsaved,andnonecondemned?No:Oftheworld that hear of God's Son, some believe on him, and they are notcondemned,butsaved;andothersbelievenotonhim,andthereforearecondemned, ver. 18.What is the condemnation?Light is come into theworld,andmenloveddarknessratherthanlight,becausetheirdeedsareevil, ver. 19. The law condemns them, because their deeds are evil; thedespised gospel condemns them, because they refuse the only remedy.Law-sinispoisontothesoul,andkillsassuch.Unbelief isrejectingtheonlyantidote,andkillsassuch.Looktoonescripturemore:Luke19:27.ButthosemineenemieswhichwouldnotthatIshouldreignoverthem,bring hither, and slay them before me. It is not usual for kings andprincestohavecriminalsexecutedintheirpresence,butcommandittobedonebymeanhands,insomeremoterplace.ButChristwillhavehisenemies slain before him. To be slain in Christ's presence, is doubledestruction: 2 Thess. 1:9. Who shall be punished with everlastingdestruction,(evera-destroying,neverdestroyed;thedestroyerpunishetheternally, and the destroyed suffer eternally) from the presence of theLord. The meaning is not only, that a great part of this punishmentstands in being deprived for eternity of the gracious presence of Jesus

Christ;asinMatth.25:41.Thefirstandsaddestwordinthelastsentenceis,Depart fromme. Just; for they said to him,Depart fromus; forwedesire not the knowledge of thy ways, Job 21:14. Let all tremblingbelieversandloversofChristpersuadethemselves,thattheyshallneverhearitpronouncedagainstthem.AllthatmakeittheirbusinesstocometoChrist,thatmakeittheirdailysuitthathewouldcometothem,shallnothear,Departfromme;but,Cometome,yeblessed.Yeoftencameforablessing,andgotmanybycoming;nowcometoreceivetheblessingofthekingdom.Butthisword,fromthepresenceoftheLord,saithfurther,thatthisdestructionflowsfromChrist'sangryandgloriouspresence;andthatitshallalsobeinhispresence;asRev.14:10.Itisinthepresenceoftheholyangels,andinthepresenceoftheLamb,theyaretormentedforever.

Thushavingopened the firsthead in the text,That there isa throneofgrace erected and revealed, in the gospel, to whichmen are invited tocome;Ishallonlyapplyitintwoquestions,andtheLordapplythemtoyourconsciences,andmakethemgivearightandtrueanswer.Theyaretwoshortplainones.1.Haveyoucome?2.Willyecome?

Quest. 1.Have you come to the throne of grace?Do you know and aresurethatyouhavecome?asPetersaid,John6:68,69.Theapostlespeaksofsuchcomers,Hebrews12:24.ButyearecometoJesustheMediatorofthe new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh betterthingsthanthatofAbel.Youareallhearersofthethroneofgrace;manyare talkers of it; and somedisputers and contenders about this throne:butareyoucomerstoit?isyourheartonit,yourbusinessatit,andyourdaily exercise about it? You are in the outward court; doth that satisfyyou? Alas! many poor souls die and perish there. To help to someconvictionhowitiswithyouastothis,Iwouldask,

1.Haveyoucometo the throneofgrace?ThenyouhaveseentheKing.Heisapoorsorrycourtier,thatgoestocourteveryday,andneverseeththe King's face; as Absalom, 2 Sam. 14:24, 28. Alas! many live inJerusalem all their days, and never see the King that dwells in Zion.WhenPaulwasbroughttothethroneofgrace,Christwasrevealedinhimandtohim,Gal.1:15,16.Whenmenarebroughtandcometothethroneofgrace,theyreceivethelightoftheknowledgeofthegloryofGod,inthe

face of Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 4:6. There is a seeing of him, joined withbelieving on him, John 6:40. All that see Jesus Christ,must have eyesfrom him to see himwith; the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, in theknowledgeofhim,thatenlightenstheeyesofmen'sunderstandings,Eph.1:17,18.Hiseye-salvecanonlymakeblindsinnerstosee,Rev.3:18.Aremen in doubt whether they have seen Christ or not? Whence doth itproceed?IsChristsomean,anddark,andordinaryanobject, thatmenmayseehim,andnotknowthattheyseehim?Amanmaydoubtwhetherhiseyestakeupadimcloudystarinadarknight:butthesundothnotshine,orthemanisblind,ifheliftuphisface,anddoubtwhetherheseethe sunatnoon-day.There is amanifestationofChristpromised,John14:21, 23 which, when made by him, and perceived by his people,removethalldoubtings;sothatthesoulmustsay,asIsa.25:9.ThisisourGod,thisistheLord.Butthismeasureisnotordinary,norconstantlytobe expected. Is there any like unto Jesus Christ? Are any of hiscompanions, as they are called, Song 1:7 so like to him, that a believercannotdiscern thedifference?NeverdidamanseeJesusChristby theeyeoffaith,butheis,bythatsightofhim,persuadedthatthereisnonetobecomparedwithhim.Nomanisconverted,andmadeabeliever,butbyarevelationofJesusChrist.AmanmaybeawakenedwithaviewofGod'sglory;hemaybealarmedbyasightofsinandhell;andmayberousedout of his sleep of security, by the thunders of Sinai: but he is neverconverted,andmadeaChristian,butbyarevelationofJesusChrist,asgloriousinhisrobesofsalvation.Whencethenis itthatallbelieversonhimdonotownhismanifestinghimselftothem,andtheirseeingofhim?Itisinpartfromtheweaknessoftheirsight,thegreatnessofthegloryofhim they see, and their strongdesire to seehimbetter.But for suchashavespenttheirdaysaboutthethroneofgrace,andyetneversawJesusChrist,andthegloryofGodinhisfaceasaSaviour,soastodisgraceallthingsincomparisonwithhim,soastoraisedesiresaftermoreofhim,andsoastofilltheirheartswithlove,wonder,andpraise;suchhavebeenatthecourt,buthavenotseentheKingonhisthrone.

2. Are you come to the throne of grace?What made you come? whaterranddidyoucomeupon?Nomancomeswithoutanerrand.Weneednotmakeandseekone;wehaveenowathand,ifwewouldbutusethem.Whatwants felt you at home? andwhat of his fulnesswas takingwith

you?Canyousay,Ihaveanakedfilthysoul,andIamashamedtolookonit;buthowwellwouldtherobeofhisrighteousnessfitandadornit?Iamemptyofallgood,andheisfullofallgrace,onpurposetofillperishingsouls, and I come for a share thereof. The blessing of many ready toperishhathcomeuponhim;andIcameforhisrichsalvation,andwouldleavemypoor,buteternalblessingonhim.Theythathavenoparticularpressingbusinessabout their soul's salvation,may talkof the throneofgrace,butdonotindeedcometoit.

3.Whatgotye? If youcome indeedyou receive, if you receivenot, youcomenot.Saynot,youhavereceivednothing,becauseyouhavenotgotallyouwouldhave.Itisnecessary,thatsuchascome,getsomewhat;butitisnotfitthattheyshouldreceiveallthattheywant.Alifeoffaithmustbelived,anddependenceandbeggingstillkeptonfoot.Butsomewhatisstillgivenandgot,thoughthegiftbenotalwaysseenandowned.Buttellme,Christiansindeed,haveyounotsometimesgotthatatthethroneofgrace, that ye would not take a world for? Did you ever apply to thisthrone in earnest, and found it in vain?Have younot sometimes got aglanceofChrist throughthe lattice,Song2:9thathathmadeyouforgetyourpoverty,andrememberyourmiserynomore?Knowyenotwhatitisto have a smile of his countenance, and a token that you have foundfavour inhis eyes?Haveyounotgotat this throne,awordofpromise,thathathfedandfeastedthyfaith?Jer.15:16.Thywordswerefound,andIdideatthem;andthywordwasuntomethejoyandrejoicingofmineheart; for I amcalledby thyname,OLordGodofhosts.Haveyounotsometimesgotthedoorof faithopened,andtheeyeof faithsharpened,that ye could see within the vail, and behold the good land, and theblessedLordofit,andthyhappyinterestinboth?Letnotthisthronebedisparaged, both by the true emptiness of hypocrites that are about it,rather thanat it, andby thepeevishnessof realbelievers.Therearenopoorcourtiersatthiscourt;theyareallrich,Rev.2:9.Theyareonlypoorin spirit; but not so poor as they think; for a kingdom is theirs, that isbetter than all kingdoms under heaven, Matth. 5:3. The world countbelieverspoor,becausetheyseetheyoftenhavenotoutwardriches;andthey are blind, and cannot see their spiritual riches in possession andreversion.Thebeliever thinkshimselfpoor,becausehe seethnotallhehathinpossession,1Cor.3:21,22,23.;andbecausehewouldsofainhave

allhehatha right to,Phil. 3:12, 13, 14 and thehopeof; orbecausehischartersarehid,orhiseyesaredim,thathecannotreadthem.

Quest.2.Willyecome?Allisready;cometothisthrone,Matth.22:4.Ifyehavenevercome,beginjustnow;ifyehavecomeoften,comeoftener,andcomebetter,comenearerandcloserstill.Isthereanythingwantingin you?Come; for all supply is here.Are you guilty?Come for pardon.Manydrawnpardonsare at this court,drawnup sweetlyby freegrace,sealedwiththebloodofJesus.Cometothisthrone,andaddyoursealoffaith toone foryourself;and it shallbeacharter forglory toyou, lyingwarm at your heart, as long as you live, and will be your passport atdeath.Butbecausethefollowingwordsoftheapostleinthisversecontainargumentsforcoming,Isaythelessnow.

Somuchforthefirstheadofdoctrineinthetext.

HEAD II. The second head is, How we should come to this throne ofgrace?Comeboldly,saiththeHolyGhost,byPaul'spen.

ThepointIwouldspeaktofromit,isthis:

DOCT. That there is a boldness inmen's approaching to the throne ofgrace,thatisallowedandcommanded.

Fortheapostledothnotonlymentionitasaprivilegeallowed,butasadutyorframeenjoinedandcommanded.Sothathethatcomesnotwiththis boldness, not only sits down short of his allowance, but sins indisobeying a plain command.Theprivilege is spoke of inEph. 3:12. Inwhom (ourLord JesusChrist, as ver. 11.)wehave boldness and accesswithconfidence,bythefaithofhim.InHeb.10:19,22boththeprivilegeisasserted,andtheimprovementofitcommanded,indrawingnearwithfullassuranceoffaith,andthattotheholiestofall.

OnthispointIwouldshew,

I.What thisboldness is that is allowed inapproaching to the throneofgrace.

II.Whatarethegroundsofthisboldness.

I.Whatistheboldnessallowedincomingtothethroneofgrace?

Thereisaboldnessthatisnotallowed,andthatIwouldwarnyouof.

1.Thereisaboldnessofignoranceandirreverence.WhenmencomeintoGod'spresence,andneitherknowhim,nor themselves,nor thematterstheythinktheyarecomeabout;sucharefools,thatconsidernotthattheydoevil,norrememberthatheisinheaven,andtheyuponearth,Eccl.5:1,2.Godisgreatlytobefearedintheassemblyofthesaints;andtobehadin reverence of all that are about him, Psal. 89:7. This boldness isforbidden,Psal.2:11.

2.Thereisaboldnessofperemptoriness,thatisnotallowedtoanyman,nottoabelieverhimself.Peoplemay,anddooftenforgetthemselves;asweused to say,Toomuch familiaritybreeds contempt.Condescensionsfrom superiors, oftmake inferiors forget their place. TheLorddeals sograciouslywithhispeople,hearstheirprayersreadily,stoopslowtotheminhis love and pity, that unless theywatch, and keep a guard on theirspirits,theymaysoonfallintothesinofbeingtoosaucyandperemptorywithGod.

ThefirstprayerintheBible,madebythegreatestbelieverintheworld,Abraham,isuponamostcondescendingappearanceofGodtohim.TheSonofGodinhumanshapebecomesAbraham'sguestatmeat,Gen.18.Some think, that Christ respects this appearance in John 8:56. YourfatherAbrahamrejoicedtoseemyday;andhesawit,andwasglad.Hegiveshimthe lastpromiseofason,withadeterminationof theprecisetimeofitsaccomplishment,ver.10.Hedealswithhimasafriend,(andsoAbraham is called, 2Chron. 20:7, Isa. 41:8 andJames2:23.; but allbelieversarecalled friendsbyChrist,John15:14, 15.);andafteragreatcommendation of Abraham, the Lord tells him his purpose of wrathagainstSodom,ver.17–22.Theangelsaresenttoexecutethevengeance,and Abraham stands before the Lord to plead for mercy. With whatboldness and reverence doth he plead? The more the Lord stoops incondescending to his petitions, themore low doth Abraham lie beforehim.He neither forgot the Lord'smajesty, nor his ownmeanness; andexpressethagainandagain,aholyfearofoffendingbyhisrenewedsuits,

ver. 27, 30, 31, 32. I would have you consider this instance of prayer,becauseitisthefirstrecordedintheword,andbecauseitwasexcellentlymanagedby the father of the faithful. SoGideonprays in Judges 6:39.AndGideonsaiduntoGod, letnotthineangerbehotagainstme,andIwill speak but this once. I am afraid that many sincere Christians areguilty of this peremptoriness. The Lord hath been so condescending tothem,thattheybecometooperemptoryaboutsomeparticulars.Bewareof it; and see how theLordhath dealtwith his people, and the best ofthem, Psalm 99:6, 7, 8. See Moses's lot in this matter. He had oftensoughtofGod,andprevailed,Psalm106:23.ThereforetheLordsaid,thathewoulddestroythem,hadnotMoseshischosenstoodbeforehiminthebreach; to turn awayhiswrath, lest he should destroy them:Aman towhom God spake face to face, a man to whom God spake so amazingwords, Letme alone, thatmy wrathmay wax hot against them, Exod.32:10;andNumb.14:20.Ihavepardonedaccordingtothyword.Yeteventhis Moses in a small matter, for life, to cross Jordan, and to see thepromisedland,haththisanswer,Deut.3:26.Letitsufficethee,speaknomoreuntomeof thismatter.Samuel is checkedalso ina smallmatter,thathadprevailedforfargreater,1Sam.16:1.Howlongwiltthoumournfor Saul, seeing I have rejected him? A casemay be such, that thoughMoses and Samuel stood before the Lord, they should not prevail, Jer.15:1. It is the only privilege of Jesus Christ, to be always heard, John11:42. Yet, he, in his agony, prayed so as to teach us to beware of thissinfulboldness,Matth.26:39.Ifitbepossible,letthiscuppassfromme,neverthelessnotasIwill,butasthouwilt.Believersmustremember,thatin all cases theymust deal humbly, and in some cases theymust takedenialspatiently.

3. There is the boldness of presumption. Presumption is like faith inappearance,butinrealityitisveryunlikeit.Presumptionworksthisway:thepresumermayhavethemercyinhiseye,buthehathnopromiseinhis eye.Takeheed to this. If therebe strongdesires after amercy, andthat mercy not pleaded for as in the promise, there is a spice ofpresumption in that pleading. The reason why believers ask so greatthingsofGod,is,becauseGodhathpromisedsogreatthingstothem,2Sam.7:27.Henceit isthatpresumptionactsordinarily inpleadingwithGod, not for themain spiritual blessings, but for someoutwardmercy,

thattheirheartsmaybetoomuchsetupon.Itisaboutsuchthatbelieversshouldwatchagainstthispresumptuousboldness.Butifthepleadingatthe throne of grace be about salvation and spiritual blessings, thedifference betwixt faith and presumption appears in this: PresumptioncanneverpleadwithGod,neitherindeepdistress,norintheviewofsin;butitistheexcellentpropertyoffaith,thatitcanpleadwithGodinbothcases:Psal.65:3.Iniquitiesprevailagainstme:asforourtransgressions,thoushaltpurgethemaway:Spokenlikeabeliever;andPsal.130:3,4.Ifthou,Lord,shouldstmarkiniquities,OLord,whoshallstand?(ButcanDavidstand?Yes,andhestandsonthisground);butthereisforgivenesswiththee,thatthoumaystbefeared.Thereisjustcausetosuspect,thatthereispresumptioninthatman'sheart,whenhis:boldnessisonlykeptup, when sin is out of sight, and disappears. A believer believes mosthumbly,andoftenmoststrongly,whenhissinfulnessandunworthinessis best seen: for trueboldness of faith is not supportedby any goodorworth in us, but by what is in Christ. The boldness of faith cannot beentertainedwith regarding of iniquity in the heart, Psal. 66:18, 1 John3:20.;yetitcan,withthebeingandseeingofiniquityinbothheartandlife,Rom.7:24,25.,1Tim.1:15.Butofthisfartherfromthenexthead,ofthe boldness of faith. I now touch it only as it differs from thepresumptuous boldness that is allowed to none. Again, faith can standunder that distress that breaks the back of presumption; Job 13:15, 16.Thoughheslayme,yetwillItrustinhim;butIwillmaintainmineownwaysbeforehim.Healsoshallbemysalvation:foranhypocriteshallnotcomebeforehim."Hehathtakenawaymychildrenallatonce,myestatein one day; hath taken awaymy health, andmadememiserable, to aproverbinallages:althoughheshouldproceed,andslaymewithhisownhand,my slayer ismy Saviour,my death shall bemy salvation."Greatwords,andhardtobespokeninthedayofheavytrial!GodslayingJob,isJob'ssalvation.Godslays,Jobtrusts,andmaintainshisconfidenceunderthestroke.Nohypocritecandothis;andmanybelieversdobutbungleatthedoingofit.Thereisanextremityacomingoneveryman,thatwilltryanddiscoverwhatmetalthereisinhisfaith;prepareforit.

What then is theboldness allowed in coming to the throneof grace? Itmustnotbeanignorant,peremptoryboldness.Whatmustitthenbe?

Ans.Itisonlytheboldnessoffaith,Eph.3:12,Heb.10:19.Theboldnessof faith hath this in general in it, that it is grounded and bottomed onsomewhatwithoutaman,andonnothinginhim.ItisgroundedonJesusChrist,asweshallhearfarther.ItisagreatmistakeinChristianstothink,that they cannot come to the throneof gracewithboldness, becauseofthe many infirmities in their hearts, and in their addresses. Yourcomplaintmay be just and true; but the inference is not good.Do younever, in your counting your infirmities, put in this great one amongsttheminyourconfessions,thewantofboldnessoffaith?forthisboldnessstandsnotinanythinginus,anddonebyus.Wemustnotcomeboldly,becausewecanpraywell,andpleadhard;wemustnotthinktobeheardin heaven, neither because of our much speaking, nor well speaking,Matth.6:7asthePhariseesdid.Theboldnessoffaithhathahigher,andmorenobleandfirmfoundation,evenJesusChrist.

I shall conclude thisdiscoursewith these threeactsof thisallowedandcommandedboldnessoffaith.

1.Believefirmlythatthethroneofgraceiserectedforpoor,empty,sinfulcreatures,justsuchasyoube.AsPaulsaithofthelaw,1Tim.1:9.Itisnotmadeforarighteousman,butforthelawlessanddisobedient;somaywesayof the throneof grace, It isnotmade, framed, and revealed for theholyandhappy,butformiserablecreaturesthatwantmercy,andsinfulhelpless creatures that want grace. Bywhat is dispensed here, wemayknowforwhom,andforwhatsortoffolks,itwasdesignedanderected.

2.Believefirmly,thatcomingtothethroneofgracebyyouisallowedandcommanded by the Lord. Say confidently, While I am coming to thethroneofgraceformercyandgrace,IamintheworkthattheLordwouldhavemetobein.Takeinalldiscoveriesyouhavemadeuntoyou,orthatyoucanfindoutbysearching,oftheweaknessandinfirmitiesthatareinyour way of addressing to it; own them humbly; but maintain thisstedfastly,thatthoughyoucannotdoasyouwould,asothersdo,norasyouarebid,thatyetyouaredoingwhatyearebid.Theyarecalled,Luke14:21whoarethepoor,andthemaimed,andthehalt,andtheblind!Seea promise looking that way, Jer. 31:8, 9. Now, may not the halt andmaimedbe confident, that theyare coming,whencalled, although theycannotgoso fastandstraightasothersdo?Everybelieverwalks in the

stepsofthefaithofAbraham,Rom.4:12thoughnothispace.Whenyoudrawneartothethroneofgrace,assureyourheartsyouareinyourduty,thoughmanydoitbetterthanyoudo.

3.Believefirmly,thatuponcomingyoushallspeed.Thisiscomingwiththeboldnessoffaith.WeshouldnotcomewithaMaybetheLordwillbegracious.Itistrue,thatinsomeparticulars,notabsolutelypromised,norsimplyneedfultosalvation,thismaybeisallwecanhave,orshouldseek.But in addressing for saving mercy and grace, people should comeexpecting success. It had been a cold word, if it had been said, Let uscome to the throne of grace, itmay bewe shall obtainmercy and findgrace.No;theapostlespeaksinanotherdialect,Letuscomethatwemayobtain. Never doubt of obtaining, if you come. I say not, that theconfidenceofgoodentertainmentatthisthroneiscommontoallcomerstoit;butonlythatitisthedutyofallthatcomeforGod'smercyandgraceinJesusChrist,topersuadetheirheartsthattheyshallobtainandfindit.Andgoodgroundsthereareforit,asweshallhear.

Howisitwithyou,Christians?Youoftencometothisthrone:Whatarethethoughtsofyourheartsastothe issueofyouraddresses?Itmaybeyouthinkitiswellifyoucanreachsofarasthis,"ItmaybetheLordwillreceiveandwelcomeme,andthereforeIwilltry."Thoughthereisoftenfaithlurkingundersuchdoubtings,andthoughamaybeshouldstirupmentocome;yetthisisfarfromtheboldnessoffaith,whichglorifiesthisthrone, and him that sitteth on it, and which is so becoming andprofitabletoallthatapproachit.SeehowanOldTestamentsaintspeaks,Job 23:3–6.O that I knewwhere Imight find him! that Imight comeeventohisseat:(thatis,thisthrone).Iwouldordermycausebeforehim,andfillmymouthwitharguments.ButcannotGodeasilystopthisman'smouth,andbringargumentsagainstJob,thathecouldnotanswer?Yes,surely he can; but hewill not;Will he plead againstmewith his greatpower?No,buthewillputstrengthinme.HethatIpleadwith,willhelpmetoplead,andprevail.FewChristiansknowhowmuchgloryisgiventoGodbyanenlargedheart,filledwithbelievingexpectationsofgoodfromhim; andhow a heart thus enlarged by faith, is fitted anddisposed forreceiving a large blessing. We easily conceive how sharp hunger andthirst, strong desires, deep sense of need, and mighty pleadings and

importunity,dopreparethewayforgreatreceivings;butwelittlethink,howmuchforceisinthebare-likeargumentoffaith;Psal.16:1.Preserveme,OGod; for in theedoIputmy trust.Psal.33:22.Let thymercy,OLord,beuponus, accordingaswehope in thee.Psal. 57:1.Bemercifuluntome,OGod,bemercifuluntome;formysoultrustethinthee.Thereisamighty force insuchpleadingsof faith. "Iknownohelpbut inandwiththee;Iexpectitfromthee,andthereforebegitoffthee."Faithinabelieverneverrosesohigh,buttheLord'sgraciousanswerwenthigher,Eph.3:20.Lookwelltoyourfaith,believers;raiseithigh,useitwell,andpleadbyit,andpleaduponit.BlessedJesuswillnevercastthatsoulintohell,thatcannotforbeartoentertaininhisheartanexpectationofeternallife fromhim, inthevirtueofhispreciousblood,andonthewarrantofhis gracious promise. He that believeth on him, shall never beconfounded. Never was any; neither shall you, if you believe. It was agreatwordoffaith,spokebyadyingman,whohadbeenconvertedinasingular way, betwixt his condemnation and execution, of whom MrFleming speaks in the Fulfilling of the Scriptures: his last words werethese spoke with a mighty shout, "Never man perished with his facetowardssweetChristJesus."

SERMONIV

HEB.4:16

Letus thereforecomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace, thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.

IT isoneof thenamesgivento thegodly in theword, that theyare thegenerationofthemthatseektheLord,thatseekhisface,Psal.24:6.Andtheymustbeboldandarrogantpretenderstothisname,thatareguiltyof

theutterneglectofthisduty.Sinceitisadutyofsogreatimportance,itisneedful to know how to manage it aright. This verse gives us a greatdirectory,howtoperforminarightmannerthisgreatduty.1.Ittellsuswhither to come: To a throne of grace. 2. Howwe should come:Withboldness.AddressestoGodmaymanywaysmiscarry;ifnotmadetothetrueGod,God in Christ; if not in the rightmanner.We have here onethingabouttherightmanner,comingwithboldness.

OnthisIproposedtwothingstobehandled.

1.Whatisthenatureofthisallowedboldness?

2.Whatgroundsareforit?

Onthenatureofthisboldness,Ibegantospeaklastday;anddidmainlyinsistonthenegative.

Nowit followstospeakofthepositive.It istheboldnessof faiththat isallowed and commanded here, Eph. 3:12. Faith is a marvellous grace,bothinitsoriginal,initsfoundation,andinitsactingsandexercise.Itisthe meanest and lowest of all graces. Every grace brings somewhatconsiderable.Lovebringsa flamingheart, repentancebringsableedingheart,obediencebringsaworkinghand,patiencebringsabroadbackforthe smiter; but faith brings only an empty heart and hand, to be filledwith borrowed and gifted blessings. And yet faith is the highest andloftiest grace; it cannot rest till it be in at theheart and loveofGod inChrist. Faith (if Imay so speak) can both be in heaven and hell at thesame time.Thebeliever lookingonhimself as inhimself, (theapostle'sdistinction,2Cor.3:5ourselves,asofourselves), judgethhimself tothepitofhell,ashisdeservedlot;butwhenhelooksonhimselfasinChrist,hesitshigh.Eph.2:5,6andmakesbold toenter into theholiestofall,Heb. 10:19. Howmany contrary sentiments of himself doth a believerexpress!onlysalved frombeingcontradictions,by thisdistinction,Thattheword revealsand faith improves. Iknow that inmedwellsnogoodthing,Rom.7:18.How!nogoodthinginamanfulloftheHolyGhost!aman rich in the grace of Christ! a man that had laboured moreabundantlythanallthetwelveapostles!1Cor.15:10.Yea,saithhe,inme,thatis, inmyfleshdwellsnogoodthing.Abelieverasinhimself,anda

believer as in Christ, are in a manner two different, distinct, contrarypersons.AbelieverasinChrist,isanewcreature;asinhimself,andtheremaindersofcorruptioninhim,isanoldmanstill,orrather,hathmuchoftheoldmaninhim.AChristianhathtwodifferentoppositePsinhim;as the apostle elegantly and deeply discourseth, Rom. 7:19–25. Thisgeniusoffaithismuchtobeheededinitsboldaddressestothethroneofgrace.

Thisboldnessoffaithinthiscourtofgrace,actsinfour.

1.Inafreeaccessatalltimes,andinallcases.ItisaprivilegeallowedbytheLordtohispeople,andembracedandimprovedbytheirfaith.Thereisnoforbiddentime,inwhichwemaynotcome.NosuchcommandasinthatKing'scourt,Esther4:11.Hereitisproclaimed,Psalm57:8.Trustinhimatall times.Phil.4:6.Becareful fornothing:but ineverything,byprayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be madeknown unto God. There cannot be a more large and comprehensiveaccountof thematterof allowedaddresses to the throneof grace, thanthis.Theapostleprescribesprayerasacureofperplexingcare.Hehints,that every thing that is, ormay be thematter of care,may lawfully bemadethematterofholyprayer.Turnyourcareintoprayer;andthecarewillevaporateandvanish,andyourcurewillbefelt.BlessedbetheLord,thathathmadethisgoodintheexperienceofmanywhohavegonebeforehim,withheartsfilledandoppressedwithmanycares,andhavereturnedlight and free, and their countenance nomore sad; asHannah, 1 Sam.1:18.

2.TheboldnessoffaithactsinfreespeakingofallthemindtoGod.Thisthe Greek word in the text particularly points at. Let us come withboldness, free speaking of all ourmind; pouring out the heart to him,Psalm57:8.Ipouredoutmycomplaintbeforehim:Ishewedbeforehimmytrouble,Psal.62:2.Thetongueisnottobetiedatthisthrone;butallthatisontheheart,istobetoldtohim.Heknowsitbeforewetellit,andbetter thanwedo;but it ishiswill, thatweshouldmakeallourmindsknown tohim.Abeliever, thebetter casehis faith is in,he is themoreopenandfreeindealingwithGod.

It is recordedof aman, thatwe shouldhardlyhave countedabeliever,

hadnottheHolyGhostnumberedhimamongstthem,inHeb.11:32thathe uttered all hiswords (ormatters) before the Lord inMizpeh, Judg.11:11.SoSamueldid,1Sam.8:21.AndSamuelheardallthewordsofthepeople,andherehearsedthemintheearsoftheLord.ItisagreatfavourthattheLordallowsussotodo.Thisisnotafterthemannerofmen.Itwouldbecountedatroublesomeimpertinence, toventallourthoughts,and cases, and concerns, to a creature; butwemay do so to the Lord.WhenDavid refrained his speech, and kept silence, it went badly withhim,Psal.32:3.

3. This boldness of faith acts, and should act, in familiarity with God.Believers should come to the throne of grace, not as strangers andforeigners,butasfellow-citizenswiththesaints,andofthehouseholdofGod,Eph.2:19.OurLord,inhisdirectingustopray,bidsusbeginwith,Our Father, which art in heaven. The Spirit of adoption helps to cry,Abba,Father,Rom.8:15,Gal.4:6.When faith speaks rightly thisword,and fixeth on it, all other desires will sweetly follow. Abba and Amen,uttered in faith, are the might of prayer. Strangers know not whatfamiliarity theLord expresseth tohispeople,norhowmuch familiarityheallowsthemtousewithhim.Itwasagreatwordofagreatsaintmanyyears ago in this land, when dying in a bright shining of the Sun ofRighteousnessonhissoul,"Tellittothepeople,preachitatmyfuneral,ThatGoddealethfamiliarlywithmen."

4.Thisboldnessoffaithactsinimportunityatthethroneofgrace.Thisimportunityisnothingbutthestiffnessandtenaciousnessoffaith.Faithsometimes(andthenit isbest)willneitherbebeatbackbydelaysfromGod,norbyinwardchallenges;butwhenithathgotholdofGod,itwillkeepitshold.OurLordspokeseveralparablestodirectandencouragetothis importunity: Luke 18:1–8 that of the unjust judge and oppressedwidow; and Luke 11:5–8. We must understand parables warily. Noimportunitydidever,orcaneverprevailwithGod, todothat forus,orgivethattous,thathehathnomindtodoorgive.Allhedothandgives,isinlove.Yetheputshispeopleonimportunityinasking,asifhewereunwillingtogive;whenindeeditisthattheymaybemorefittoreceive,andthathemaygivethemore.ThusChristtriedthewomanofCanaan,Matth.15:22–28.

Somuch for the first thing,What is the boldness of faith allowed andcommmandedinapproachestothethroneofgrace?

II.Whatgroundsarethereforthisboldness?

Thereisneedofgreatandsolidonestobearupthisframe.And,blessedbeGod,wehavesuch.

1.ThegraciousdiscoverymadetousofGodinChrist.Thisis,asitwere,the essence of the throne of grace. The Father's name declared by theSon,John17:25,26.ItisutterlyimpossiblethattherecanbeanylawfulboldnessinapproachinguntoGod,unlessweknowthisname,andtakeup this discovery ofGod.Many professors busy theirminds andheadswithgeneralnotionsandnamesofGod;asthatheisgracious,merciful,long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity. AllgoodnamesofGod.Butishenotjust,andahaterofiniquity;holy,andofpurer eyes than that he can behold it? But the main inquiry is littlethoughton,WhereshallwefindthebenefitofallthecomfortablenamesofGod,andescapetheharmofhisawfulnames?Itisallinthisblessedname, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Eph. 3:14. If youapproachtoGodoutofChrist,yourunintoaconsumingfire.Hereisthegroundofthebeliever'sboldness:TheGodheseeks,andbeforewhomhecomes,isrevealedtousasChrist'sFather,andoursinhim;John20:17.Gotomybrethren,andsayuntothem,IascenduntomyFatherandyourFather, and to my God and your God. Blessed be the words, and thespeakerof them?andhappy is thebelieverof them.Faithcannotstandstrongwithout theremembranceof them.Theyaremybrethren, foralltheirfainting,andforsakingofme:Icountandcallthemsuch,thoughIbeenteredinpartintomyglory.TellthemwhitherIamgoing,andwherethey are henceforth to seek me; and how to call on and worship theFather,asmineandtheirs,andtheirsbecausemine.

2.Anothergroundofboldness,isthemediationofJesusChrist.Butthisbeingthethirdthinginthetext,Ileaveittoitsproperplace.

3.TheintercessionoftheHolyGhostinhispeople, isagreatgroundofboldness.TheyhavenotonlyChristmakingintercessionforthemattherighthandofGod;buttheyhavetheSpirithimselfmakingintercessionin

them, and for them, Rom. 8:26, 27. A special scripture; that I wouldremarkfivethingsfrom,relatingtothispurpose.1.Whoistheassisterofbelievers in prayer? The Spirit itself; as also he is called as to hiswitnessing, ver. 16. And the word points at the immediateness of hisassistance. 2. What this assistance is applied to? Our infirmities;infirmities inourselves, and inourprayers; as theapostledeclares,Weknownotwhatweshouldpray forasweought.Thecommunionof theHoly Ghost is only with believers, for he dwells in them only; and hiscommunionwith them is onlywithhis ownnew creation in them; andbecausethis,asinthem,labourswithinfirmities,hiscareisaboutthemalso.3.Thewayofhishelping,isintheoriginalhinted:Hehelpethwithus,orover-againstus,asapowerfulassistant to theweak, inbearingaheavyburden;asCol.1:29.WhereuntoIlabour,strivingaccordingtohisworking,whichworkethinmemightily.ItisinvaintoexpecttheSpirit'sassistance in work we neglect, or against infirmities we indulge andcomplywith.4.Whatthisassistanceis?Makingintercessionforus,ver.26, 27 and that according to the will of God. How can a believer butprevail,whohaththebloodoftheHighPriestspeakinginheaven,Heb.12:24andtheSpiritofChristcryinginhisheartonearth,Gal.4:6.?ThevoiceoftheSpiritisthebestthinginourprayer;itisthatGodhearsandregards.5.But,lastly,Howdoththisassistanceandintercessionworkinus?Withgroaningswhichcannotbeuttered.What!onlywithgroanings?Wewouldthinkitshouldbe,thatheassistswithpiercingcriesthatmightreachheaven,withstrongargumentsthatcannotbutprevail,withmightyforceandpowerthatcannotberesisted.IsallthisgreatpreambleoftheSpirit itself helping our infirmities, and making intercession for usaccording to the will of God; is all this come to a poor unutterablegroaning? How strange seems this to be! Yet how sweet is it! Somegroanings are so small, that they cannot be uttered; for the believerhardly feels them: some groans are so great, that they cannot beexpressed;asJob23:2.Evento-dayismycomplaintbitter:mystrokeisheavier than my groaning. Sometimes the Spirit of grace andsupplications is a Spirit of liberty and enlargement unto Christians inprayer;soastheycan,byhishelp,pouroutalltheirheartstoGod,andpleadstrongly:sometimesheisaSpiritofgroaning,workingonlysenseof want, and breathings after supply. There is more of the Spirit in asensiblegroan,thaninmanyformalwordsofprayer.TheSpiritiscalled

theSpiritof faith,2Cor.4:13.;andtheSpiritofgraceandsupplication,Zech. 12:10. Joinboth thosenames together:he is theSpirit of faith inprayer, or, the Spirit of prayer in faith, Rom. 8:15. The Spirit of gracebelongs to the throneofgrace;andhisassistancedothgiveboldness tobelievers.Themoreyoufeelofhishelp,praythemoreboldly.

4.Thecovenantofgracegivesboldnesstobelieversintheircomingtothethrone of grace. The covenant of grace, as well as the Spirit of grace,belongs to the throne of grace. Dying David had that sight of thiscovenant, that gave consolation to him under sad reflections: 2 Sam.23:5.AlthoughmyhousebenotsowithGod;yethehathmadewithmeaneverlastingcovenant,orderedinallthings,andsure:forthisisallmysalvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow. Let usconsider some properties of the promises of this covenant, (for thecovenantofgraceisacovenantofpromise,Rom.9:4,Eph.2:12.),thatdogivejustgroundfortheboldnessoffaithincomingtothethroneofgrace.

1st, The exceeding greatness of the promises. They are exceeding greatandpreciouspromisesthataregiventous,2Peter1:4.Whenabelieverlookswithin,heseethgreatandmanifoldwantsandnecessities;thathehath nothing, and wants every thing. Some have thought, that theywantedmoregracethaneveranysinnerdid;yetneveranywantedmorethanisinthepromises.Thereissurelymoregraceinthepromises,thanthere is want in the creature. Creature-wants cannot exhaust God'sfulnessofgrace;andallthisfulnessisinthepromises.Thereismoreofgraceinthepromise,thantherecanbeofsinandmiseryinthemanthatpleadsit.Takeheedhowyoucompareyournecessitieswiththefulnessofthepromises.Nothingyoucanneed,butasupplyispromised.StudyyourheartsandGod'scovenant,andyouwillquicklyfindittobeso.Wemayaskanything;forGodhathpromisedeverything,Psalm84:11.

2dly,Thefreenessofthepromisesgivesboldnessatthethroneofgrace.Thattheyarepromisesofacovenantofgrace,provestheymustbefree.Afreepromiseisabondgivenmerelyfromtheheartandpropermotionofthepromiser,withoutanymotionormotivefromthepartytowhomitismade,exceptitbethatofhismisery,thatgraceworkson.Ifthepromiseswere not purely free to us, there could be no boldness in pleading ofthem. See how the Shunamite pleads with the prophet Elisha, 2 Kings

4:28.didIdesireasonofmylord?didInotsay,Donotdeceiveme?Asifshe had said, "It was not atmy desire, but of thine ownmotion, thoudidstpromisemeason:andIdidnotfullybelieveitatfirst:butnowthesonpromisedisdead,"Somaythebelieverplead:"Lord,Ididnotaskoftheeapromiseofgraceandglory. Iwassinfullycontented in,andwithmynatural lostestate;andthoudidstcallme,andquickenmewiththypromise: wilt thou not make out thy promise?" The freeness of thepromise is the firmest foundation of boldness in pleading itsperformance. No other promises, but free ones, are in the covenant ofgrace;andnootherpleadingofthembutasfree,isallowedtothemthatcometothethroneofgrace.Ifthoubeformeritandworthinthyself,goelsewhere;thereisnoplaceforsuchproudrichfolksatthiscourt.

3dly,The sureness of thepromises of the covenant of grace, is anothergroundofboldnessat the throneofgrace.Theyare thesuremerciesofDavid, Isaiah55:3. Sure, becauseof grace:Rom.4:16.Therefore it (thepromise, or the inheritance promised) is of faith, that it might be bygrace;totheendthepromisemightbesuretoalltheseed.Apromiseismade for faith; (would ever God orman promise, but to be believed?)faithisgivenfor,andactsonthepromise;(believingwithoutapromise,is dreaming). A promisemade by the God of all grace, 1 Peter 5:10 tosinnersvoidofallgrace,togiveallgracetothem,mustbeapromiseofgrace:thebelieverofthispromisemust,andcanhavenothinginhiseye,but the grace of the promiser. Now, saith Paul, it is this grace of thepromiseandpromiser, thatmakes theblessingpromisedsure toall theseed.Again,thepromisesofGodaresure,becausetheyarehis,Heb.6:17,18.;promisessworn forputtinganend to thestrifeofunbelief.Balaamwasabadman,andthereforecalledamadprophet,2Peter2:16.;yet,bythe over-ruling Spirit ofGoduponhim, spoke truly andhighly,Numb.23:19.Godisnotaman,thatheshouldlie;neitherthesonofman,thatheshouldrepent:hathhesaid,andshallhenotdoit?orhathhespoken,andshallhenotmakeitgood?AllGod'spromisesaresure,becausetheyare his promises that cannot lie. And they are yet farther confirmed ofGod in Christ, Gal. 3:17. So that the believer, in his pleading of God'spromises,may laydownthisconclusion: Iwant indeedgreatandmanyblessings;butIwantnothing,Iasknothing,butwhathehathpromisedwhocannotlie,andwhatisconfirmedinJesusChrist,theAmen,thetrue

andfaithfulwitness.Believersfailgreatlyintheirneglecttoquickenandstrengthen their faith, by taking up the promises in their full extent,fulness, freeness, and certainty. It is always found, that faith is weak,whenthepromisesaremeaninoureyes:butifthepromiseappear,andshine in its glory, as God's faithful word; then faith is aloft, and actsstrongly.Henceitis,thatallstrongbelievinggivesglorytothepromises,Rom. 4:20 and weak faith reflects on him, Psal. 77:8, 9. Hath Godforgottentobegracious?dothhispromisefailforevermore?Alas!itwasthegoodman'sinfirmitytosayandthinkso,ver.10ButfromhisarguingIobserve,thatwherefaithisfeeble,amanthinksthepromisefails;(asagiddyman thinks the rockhe standson, shakesand reels,whenall theshakingisinhisheadorlegs);andwhenhethinksthepromisefails,hethinksthepromiserischangedfromwhathewaswhenhemadeit.Anditborders on blasphemy, to rob God, by our unbelief, of his gloriousattribute of unchangeableness. If you have amind to believe, keep stillthepromiseinyoureye;ifyouwouldbelievestrongly,viewthepromisenarrowlyandsteadily.Thepromiseisboththefatherandmotheroffaith;itbothbegetsfaith,andfeedsit.Yourfirstbelievingisfromthepowerofthe promise; and the continued and growing life of faith, is by suckinganddrawingnourishmentfromthebreastsofthepromise.

5.Anothergroundoftheboldnessofbelieversintheirapproachestothethrone of grace, is, their privileges that they are possessed of. So theapostleargues,Heb.10:19,20,21todrawingnearwithfullassuranceoffaith,verse22.SomeoftheseIshallname,withthiscaution,Thatthoughallbelievershavethem,yetalldonotknowtheyhavethem;andthereforeall donot use themas they ought, andwould, if they knew them tobetheirs.Butall should therefore labour toknowthem, that theymayusethemtothegloryof thegiver,andtothecomfortandedificationof thereceivers.

1st,Thefirstoftheseprivileges,iselection.Andjustlyitiscalledthefirst:for nothing can be before it; for itself is before time; and all that theyafterwardsreceive,flowsfromit.Electionisthateternalandadorableactof free grace, wherein God the Father passed over his love to a selectcompanyofmankind,thatweretocomeintotheworld;appointingthemto salvation; appointing a Saviour for them, and all means fit to

accomplishhisdesignofloveonthem,tothepraiseofhisgrace,Eph.1:4,5, 6. This blessing is revealed in believing. When God gives faith, hemakes known his electing love; and when we act faith, wemay see it.FaithisthefaithofGod'select.Tit.1:1.This,whenseen,isagreatgroundofboldnessat the throneof grace:Luke 18:7.ShallnotGodavengehisownelect,thatcryuntohimdayandnight?ThisourLordpraysuponinJohn 17:9, 10. I pray for them: I pray not for the world; but for themwhichthouhastgivenme,fortheyarethine.Andallminearethine,andthinearemine,andIamglorifiedinthem.AsifourLordhadsaid,"Iamsure to be heard; for I pray for them that are partakers of thineeverlasting love. They are thine by election, and given tome; they aremine,byreceivingandredeemingofthem."Wearebidgivediligencetomake our calling and election sure, 2 Pet. 1:10. They are sure inthemselves,andsuretoGod;butweshouldmakethemsuretoourselves;andmanyChristianssmartsadlybyneglectingthisdiligence.

2dly,ThegiftofChrist forus, isagreatprivilege thatgivesboldnessatthethroneofgrace.Sotheapostleargues,Rom.8:32.HethatsparednothisownSon,butdeliveredhimupforusall(youmayseewhothisallare,ver.28,29,30.)howshallhenotwithhimalsofreelygiveusallthings?As ifhehadsaid, "It isa small thing toGod togiveusallother things,whenhehathgivenhisSon.Wereceivenowmanyblessings,blessedbethegiver;wehavegreater things in thepromise thanweyet receive,orcan yet receive; but shall surely receive in his time: yet allwe get, andshall toeternity receive, is far less than thegiftofChrist." It is likeourLord had respect to this in that word to the woman of Samaria, John4:10.IfthouknewestthegiftofGod,andwhoitisthatsaithtothee,Giveme todrink; thouwouldsthaveaskedofhim,andhewouldhavegiventhee living water. If she had known Christ as the well of salvation tosinners,shewouldhaveemployedhim,andshouldhavebeenacceptedofhim.ButheremanyChristiansstick:theydoubtnotbutChristwasgivenfor his church and people, but they know not how to apply this tothemselves. If I knew, saymany, thatChristwas given forme, Iwouldthencomeboldlytothethroneofgrace,andaskanythingconfidently.Ianswer, None can know that Christ was given for them, till they comeunto him: and all that come to him, may know that he was given forthem,andshouldbelieveit.HewasgivenbythewilloftheFather,and

hisown,forhiselect.ThisisasecrethidwithGod.Hecomestomeninthegospel,offeringhimself,andallhispurchaseandfulness, toall thathear of it.He that hath his heart drawn forth to like this bargain, andacceptsbyfaithoftheSaviour,andofhisgreatsalvation,hathpossessionthereofimmediately;andbythatmaycometoknow,thatitwasdesignedforhiminGod'spurposeoflove.SoPaul,Gal.1:14,15,16hewasoneofthe holiest andmost religious Jews in their church; and yetwas at thesametimeoneof themostwickedyoungmen inall thecountry:averyhypocrite,aproudself-justiciary,andabloodypersecutorofChristandhis church. Yet of this wicked creature it is here said, that God hadseparated him fromhismother'swomb; andActs 4:15.He is a chosenvesseluntome;Iwillpouroutofmygraceonhim,andwilldomuchforhim,andbyhim.Whendidallthisbreakout?Whenhecalledmebyhisgrace,andrevealedhisSoninme.Thenhecansay,Gal.2:20.Helovedme, and gave himself forme; and again, 1 Tim. 1:15. This is a faithfulsaying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into theworldtosavesinners.Allsayso:buthadheanymindofthee?andhastthouanyshareinhiscomingtosavesinners?Yes,saithhe,ofwhomIamthechief.Hecametosavemethechiefofsinners.Anysinnermaycomeafterme,andexpectmercyatChrist'shand,whenPaulhathspedsowell,ver.16.Hehathmademeapatternofhismercy,fortheencouragementofallsinnersthathaveamindforagoodturnfromJesusChrist.

3dly,Theprivilege of actual reconciliation, andof beingbrought into astateofgrace, isagroundofboldness incomingtothethroneofgrace,Rom.5:9,10.;wheretheapostlehavingshewnGod'sloveingivingChristtothedeathforus,ver.8.headdstheblessingsthatflowfromthisgift;justificationbyhisblood,andthereforemuchmoresalvationfromwraththrough him, ver. 9.; and reconciliation to God by his death, andthereforemuchmoresalvationbyhis life,ver. 10.The improvementhemakesthereof,isinver.11.Andnotonlyso,butwealsojoyinGod,(theoriginalis,wegloryorboastinGod),throughourLordJesusChrist,bywhomwehavenowreceivedtheatonement.Astateofgrace,isastateofboldness.Allthatareinitshould,andallthatknowtheyareinitwill,useboldnessoffaithatthisthroneofgrace,Rom.5:1–6.

6.Theexperiencesofbelieversareagreatgroundofboldness.Experience

workshope,Rom.5:4.Theexperienceofothers,aswellasourown,isofgreatuseherein.Sometimeswe findDavid improving theexperienceofothers for thestrengtheninghisownfaith;sometimesheoffershisownexperience for thecomfortofothers,Psal.66:16.Comeandhear,all yethatfearGod,andIwilldeclarewhathehathdoneformysoul.BecauseDavidwasindistressofconscience,andgotpeaceandpardon,Psal.32:1,6.For this shall everyone that is godlyprayunto thee, ina timewhenthoumayestbefound.Psal.119:74.Theythatfearthee,willbegladwhentheyseeme;becauseIhavehopedinthyword.ThereisnoChristianthathathnotexperience.Ashehathasoulthatneedsmuchtobedoneforit,so the Lord dothmuch for all he saves. And because the Lord dealethvariously with his people, therefore there is much difference in theirexperiences.Yetbecauseallbelieversaremembersofthesamebody,andreceive all from the same head, Jesus Christ, there is some skill andcapacity in every Christian to understand, and to be profited by theexperience of any Christian. Hence it is, that communicating ofexperiences is a Christian duty, and a good part of the communion ofsaints.ButthereismuchChristianprudencerequisiteinthedischargeofit.Letnomanboastofafalsegift,andpretendtothathehathnosenseof;nor talkvainlyandproudlyofwhatGodhathdone forhim.All trueexperiences are acts of grace from God felt on the soul. And grace ishumbling; 1Cor.4:7.Forwhomaketh thee todiffer fromanother?andwhathastthouthatthoudidstnotreceive?Now,ifthoudidstreceiveit?why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? Three questionsconfoundingtheprideofmenandChristians.

Oftheseexperiencesthatshouldgiveboldnessincomingtothethroneofgrace,Ishallnamethree.

1st, The experience of the first visit of grace, is a good ground ofconfidence inaskinganyblessingofGod.Canyourememberwhenyouweredeadinsin,andhadnothoughtofgrace,norofthyneedandwantofit,butwastwellcontentwiththyloststate;andthat,inthisstate,gracecamefromthisthrone,anddidbesetthyheart,andovercomeit?Mayyounotargue,IftheLordsoughtmeout,andfoundmeinmydepartingfromhim,and stoppedme, and turnedmyheart towardshimself;maynot Icomenowconfidently,andaskmercyandgrace? It isamatterofgreat

use to believers, to keep up a savoury remembrance of the graciouschangethatpreventinggracewroughtuponthem.Paulcouldneverforgetfirst Christ's visit to him, but speaks of it before kings and rulers, andpeople, Acts 22:26. He remembers time and place, and everycircumstance.Isaynot thatChrist's firstvisit issosensible toall,or(itmay be) to any, as it was to Paul. But Christ's work of grace may beknownby itself, evenwhensomecircumstancesof time,andplace,andoutwardmeans,arenotknown.

2dly,TheexperienceoftheSpiritofprayer,andofanswersofprayer,isagreatgroundofboldnessoffaith.Ijointhesetwotogether,fortheLordusuallydothso:Psalm116:1,2.IlovetheLord,becausehehathheardmyvoiceandmysupplications.Becausehehathinclinedhisearuntome,Iwillcalluponhimas longasI live.Haveyenotknown,thatsometimesyouhavebeensotroubled,thatyoucouldnotspeak?asPsalm77:4.:thatyour hearts have been so bound up, and straitened, that you could saynothing,anddonothing,beforetheLord;butsitasdumbandoppressed,alldarkabove,alldeadwithin,andalldoorsshutuponyou;youdurstnotneglectprayer,andyoucouldnotperform it?andhaveyounotquicklyfound the two-leaved gates cast open to you, yourhearts enlarged, andyourmouthwideopeninasking?Theremembranceofsuchexperiencesshouldstrengthentheconfidenceofyourfaith.Haveyounotknownwhatthe answer of prayer is? that he hath prepared your heart, and hathcausedhiseartohear?asPsal.10:17.Comethemoreboldlyatallothertimes.Theyaretriflersinprayer,thatknownothingofGodbythenameofhearerofprayer,Psal.65:2.They thatsowin tears,shall reap in joy.Whoever hath gone forth weeping, bearing (and sowing) his preciousseed,hathdoubtlesscomeagainrejoicing,bringinghissheaveswithhim,Psalm126:5,6.;andshouldthereforesowinhope.

3dly,Theexperienceofcommunionand fellowshipwithGod, isagreatgroundof boldness in coming to the throne of grace formore. Such ashave most of this blessing, desire most earnestly more of it, and maydesire it themore confidently, 1 John 1:1, 2, 3, 4. Surely we have thisfellowshipwiththeFather,andwithhisSonChristJesus;andwewouldfain have you share with us therein, that your joy may be full. ThiscommunionwithGodisamystery,undoubtedtohimthattastethit,and

surpassing all the delights of sense or reason; incredible andunintelligibletoallthathaveitnot.Astrangerintermeddlesnotwiththisjoy,Prov.14:10.Itliesmoredeep,thanthatanyeyeoffleshcanseeit.Itisofthatnature,thatonlytastingcandeclareitstranscendentsweetness:Psal.34:8.OtasteandseethattheLordisgood.Saints feelmuchof it,theytalkmuchofit,thewordisfullofsuitableandsavouryexpressionsofit;yetallareriddlesanddarkparablestothemthatexperienceitnot.Youthatknowwhatitis,thoughyoucannotexpressit,yetyoucanrelishand understand some soundwords about it. Yet knowwhat it is to bebroughtneartohim,andtohavethecloudsandvails,thatareeitheronyour hearts, or on his face, scattered, and the light of his countenancelifted up upon you, Psal. 4:6, 7. You have been sometimes so in themount,astothink,O,howgooditistobehere!YouhaveknownwhatthewarmandhealingbeamsoftheSunofRighteousnessuponyouare,Mal.4:2.Youhavetastedthat inhiscompany, thathathmadethepuddleoftheworld'swellsofcomfortlothsomeandunsavoury;yea,ashathmadeyou groan in this tabernacle, and long to be in at that complete anduninterruptedcommunionabove,whereofallyoutasteonearth,isbutasmallearnestandfirst-fruits.Andmaynot,shouldnotsuchcomeboldlytothethroneofgrace?

APPLICATION.Isthereanallowedboldnessincomingtothethroneofgrace? Then let us use this boldness. Alas!many come doubtingly anddiscouragedly. Their unbelief is so strong, and their faith soweak, thattheynotonlycomewithoutthisboldness,butthinkthattheyoughtnottocomewith it,butwitha framecontrary to it.They think, that it is truehumility,tocomewithafear,thatisinconsistentwiththisboldness.Itisindeedrequired, thatmenshouldcomebefore theLordwithawful fearand reverence, and that they should judge themselves unworthy andundeserving, both of the privilege of coming, and of the least of theblessings they come for. Yet the boldness of faith is not prejudicedthereby.Ishallthereforeanswersomeofthecommonpleasofunbelief,astothisprivilege,anditsimprovement.

Object.1.Isfromconscienceofsinandguilt,groundedspeciallyonthesetwoscriptures,Psal.66:18and1John3:20.Thispleaseemstobestrong,andtojustifyorexcusedoubtingsinChristians;anddothusuallymarthe

duesenseofthisduty,ofcomingboldlytothethroneofgrace.Toremoveittherefore,consider,thatsinaffectstheheartandconsciencetwoways.1.Itdefilestheconscience.2.Itdisturbsit.

1.Sindefilestheconscience:Tit.1:15.Untothepureallthingsarepure:butuntothemthataredefiled,andunbelieving,isnothingpure;buteventheirmindandconscienceisdefiled.

But we must see when and how the conscience is defiled by sin.ConscienceisGod'stribunalineveryman.Itisanactiveandawfulpowerinmen,judgingofthemselves,astotheirstateandactions,astheythinkGodjudgethofthem.SothattherearetwomainCausestried,andtobedecided, at this court of conscience. 1.Am I at peacewithGod, andhewithme?Andthisisonlytrulyresolved,whenconsciencepronouncethasGod declares in his word. And that declaration is, That every man bynature,andasinthefirstAdam,isanenemytoGod,andGodtohim;andthateveryonethatisinJesusChristbyfaith,isachildandfriendofGod,andGodisatpeacewithhim.Theanswerthenisdifferent,ifaccordingtotruth.Somemay,butwillnotconcludetheirstateofenmity,bytheirnotbelievingonJesusChrist;somemay,butdarenotconclude,thattheyareatpeacewithGod,thoughtheycannotdenytheirfaithinJesusChrist.2.A second cause is aboutparticular actions: and thequestion then is, Isthis,orthat,ortheotheraction,pleasingordispleasingtoGod?Andthisistobedeterminedbythelightofconscience,actingaccordingtoGod'sholylaw.ForGodistheonlyLordofconscience,andhiswilltheonlyruleandlawofconscience.Consciencethereforemaybethreewaysdefiled.

1st,Bytheunpardonedguiltofanaturalstate,asitisinallunbelievers.Nothingcanpurgetheconscience,butthebloodofChrist,Heb.9:14.Anunbelieverdothnotapplytoit,norapplyittohimself,andGodappliesittononebutbyfaith.Thereforeallsuchunbelievershaveallthelothsomefilth of their natural state lying on their consciences, defiling it. TheanswerofagoodconsciencetowardsGod,isbytheresurrectionofJesusChrist,1Pet.3:21.AllunbelieversconsciencescanspeaknothingtowardsGod,byany thingChristhathdoneorsuffered; for theyknowhimnot,andarenotinhim.Theywouldgiveananswer,ormaketheirplea,fromtheir goodworks andhonestmeanings.But all such answers andpleasare rejected by God, in his judging of a man's State. For all God's

judgments of men's state proceeds on these two, in Christ, or out ofChrist.Andasitiswiththemwithrespecttooneorotherofthesetwo,sodomen stand or fall beforeGod's judgment,whatever the judgment oftheirconsciencesbe.

2dly,Conscience isdefiledby sinful actions, known tobe such.Now, ifthesebe loved,anddelighted in, theydo justlymarconfidence;neithercan any man in this case draw near to God, but with the mouth, andhypocritically,Isa.29:13.Thisisaframenottobefoundinabeliever.Hemay be guilty of known sin, but it is not delighted in. To this David'swordsrefer,Psal.66:18.IfIregardiniquityinmyheart,theLordwillnothearme.Itisnot,Iftherebeiniquityinmyheart;forwhocansay,Ihavemademyheartclean.lampurefrommysin?Prov.20:9.Itisnot,IfIseeiniquityinmyheart;forwherethereisleastsin,itisbestseen.Paulsawenough,Rom. 7:23, 24, 25 and groanedunder it; and yet blessethGodthrough Jesus Christ for the hope of victory. But it is only, If I regardiniquity inmyheart, (if I lookkindlyon it),Godwillnothearme.Andindeedthemaninthiscasecannotpray.Itisasimpossiblethatapersonapprovingandlovingsin,canmakearealapproachtoGod,asitisforamantodepartfrom,andapproachtoone,atthesametime,andwiththesamemotion.

3dly, The conscience is defiled by doubtful practice.Of this the apostlespeaks, 1 Cor. 8:7. And their conscience beingweak, is defiled. To thisbelongalsothewordsin,Rom.14:5.Leteverymanbefullypersuadedinhis own mind; and ver. 22, 23. Whatsoever is not of faith, is sin. Indeliberate actions, especially of worship to God, to act without a clearwarrantfromthewordofGod,defileththeconscience.

2.Sindisturbestheconscience.Andconscience isdisturbedbysin, twoways. 1st,When the evil and filth of sin is seen, aman lothes himselftherefore.Nodefilementontheconsciencedisturbsit,tillitbeseen.Menlikeswinewallowinthepuddle,andseenofilththerein,tillGodopentheeyesof theirconsciences.2dly,When thedangerof sin is seen,and thewrathitdeservesisperceived,thenperplexingfears,andsensiblesorrow,work in the soul.Now,what is the course such a poor creature shouldtake? The sin is committed, the guilt is contracted, the conscience isdefiled, the defilement is seen, disturbance and trouble is felt in the

conscience;whatshouldsuchasicksouldo?Willanysaytohim,Washthyselfwherethoucanst,andcastawaytheburdenofthysinthebestwaythoucanst,andthencometothethroneofgrace?Thiswouldbestrangegospelindeed.Weknownoothercourseamanshouldtakeinthiscase,butcomingtothethroneofgrace,tohavetheconsciencesprinkledwiththebloodofChrist, theonlycordial foradisturbedconscience,and theonlypurgerofadefiledconscience.ThereforePeterwasquiteoutinhisprayer;heprayedbackward,whenhe said,Depart fromme, for I amasinfulman,OLord,Luke4:8.WereeverthosewordsutteredatthekneesofJesusChrist?Hehadsaidbetter,ifhehadprayed,"Lord,comeneartome,andabidewithme,andletmeeverabidewiththee:forIamasinfulman. Where can a sinful man be better, than with the Saviour ofsinners?"ButPeter'sprayeristhenaturalprayerofeverymanthatseethhissinfulness,and is ignorantofJesusChrist.Thepublicanunderstoodprayer,andplied itbetter,Luke18:13whenhesaid,Godbemerciful tomeasinner."Ifeelmysinfulness,Iseethymercy,Lord,letthemmeet;and thy mercy shall be glorified, and I saved." Whoever therefore aredistressedwiththeguiltofsinintheirconsciences,orwiththepowerofitintheirheartsandlives,mustseekalltheirreliefatthisthroneofgrace.Itisonlythepowerofthatgracerevealedanddispensedatthisthroneofgrace,thatistoohardforsin,andallitspowers.Andforanymantothinktosubduesin,exceptbythepowerofthisgrace;ortothinkthatheshallhavethispowerfulgrace,withoutcomingforittothethroneofgrace,istodreamtohisowndestruction.

Object. 2. I am in the dark about my interest in God and Christ, andthereforeIcannotcomeboldlytothisthrone.IfIdidknowthatGodwasat peace withme, and I reconciled to him, and justified, then I mightcomeboldly.

Ans. 1. Whose fault is it, that thy interest in Christ is not put out ofquestion? Were Christians more in self-examination, more close inwalkingwithGod;andiftheyhadmorenearcommunionwithGod,andweremoreinactingoffaith,thisshamefuldarknessanddoubtingwouldquicklyvanish.Itisathingtobeheavilybewailed,thatmanyChristianshavelivedtwentyorfortyyears,sinceChristcalledthembyhisgrace,yetdoubtingistheirlife;theydoubtedwhentheybegan,theygoondoubting,

andmanydiedoubting,whentheblameisjustlytobelaidonthemselves.There isanassuranceof faith, that isaduty,aswellasablessing,Heb.10:22. And were it more minded as a duty, it would be more oftenattainedasamercy.ThatassuranceoffaithIpressyoutohave,standsinfirmandstrongbelieving.ThefaithfulpromiseofChristinthegospel,isthefoundationofit.Andthegroundwillbearalltheweightwecanlayonit.This assurance isnot only ablessing that comesdown fromheaven,butitmay,byhisblessingofmeans,springupoutofthesoul;Imean,itmayspringoutofthelivelyvigorousactingsoffaith.Thegreatbelieverswereadofintheword,theconfidenceoftheirfaithroseuptothatheightandstrengththatweadmire,fromaclearpersuasionofthetruthofthepromises, and of the faithfulness of themaker of them. So it is said ofAbraham,Rom.4:20,21.HestaggerednotatthepromiseofGodthroughunbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fullypersuaded,thatwhathehadpromised,hewasablealsotoperform.Andlest any should think, that because themanwas singular, and the casesingular, therefore ordinary believers may only wonder at it, and notattempttoimitateit;theapostleadds,ver.23,24.Nowitwasnotwritten(inGen.15:6.)forhissakealone;butforusalso,&c.Asiftheapostlehadsaid, "YouseewhatgroundAbrahamhad forhis faith;howstronglyhebuilt upon it, and how pleasing that was to God, You. have the sameground; build ye also upon it by faith, and that faith in youwill be aspleasing to God." Abraham had God's promise to build upon. In thispromise there was its outward part and external. And this was anoffspringofhisbodybySarah,andthelandofCanaanforaninheritance.The spiritual and main thing in the promise, was Jesus Christ theSaviour,andtheblessingofeternalsalvationinhim.ThiswasAbraham'sgospel:Gal.3:8,9.Andthescripturesforeseeing(thatistheauthorofthescriptures foreseeing) thatGodwould justify theheathen through faith,preached the gospel before unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall allnations be blessed. So then they which be of faith, are blessed withfaithfulAbraham.HisgospelandpromisewasofChristtocome,andofsalvationbyhim.OursisthepromiseofsalvationinChristcomealreadydelivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification, Rom.4:25.;thatis,imprisonedforourdebt,andsetatlibertyforourdischarge.Now, consider, how Abraham improved this promise. He had nothingelse in his eye, he would consider nothing, but the promise, and the

faithful and mighty promiser. So must we. When we give place toconsidering of ourselves, our sinfulness and unworthiness; when weconsider thegreatnessof theblessings in thepromise,howfar theyarebeyond our deserving, how many things there be that do make itincredibletoreasonthatweshouldeverreceive,orthatGodshouldevergivesuchgreatthingstous,faithmustbeatastand.Itisasincredibletoan awakened conscience, that God should justify a sinner, as it was toreason, that Abraham should have a son by Sarah.Our onlyway is, toconsiderthepromise.Godhathsaidit,andhewillperformit,andIwillbelieveit.Ifalltheangelsinheaven,orfaithfulmenonearth,hadsaid,thatGodwillsavemefromsinandwrathbyJesusChrist;thatsuchavilecreatureasIaminmyself,shallbeexceptedinthatbeloved,Idurstnotbelieve it. But when God himself hath said so, why should I doubt it?God's promise in the gospel deserves our highest trust and confidence;andsuchasviewitinallitsgrace,truth,andpower,willpayitthatdue.

Ans.2.SupposethywantofclearnessastothyinterestinChrist,andthatitisthineownfault;mayyounotcomeboldlytothethroneofgraceforsatisfaction therein? If you know not who is your Father,may you notcometohimtoknowit?Therearemanyworseprayersmadethanthis,ThattheLordwouldmakemanifesthisownworkinyou.Lord,helpmyunbelief,wasabeliever'sprayer.Complainingofdoubtingsanddarkness,andprayingforlightandclearness,hathoftendispelledtheclouds,andbroughtthesoulunderabrightsun-shine.

Ans.3.DirecttrustingonGod,whensaintshavebeenindarknessastotheirinterestinhim,isrequiredandcommandedintheword,Isa.1:10.Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of hisservant,thatwalkethindarkness,andhathnolight?Lethimtrustinthename of the Lord, and stay upon his God. What had the woman ofCanaan,Matth.15:22–28butdirecttrusting?Christwassilenttoherfirstcryinguntohim;whenthedisciplescraveananswerforher,Christtellsherandthem,thathewasnotsentforsuchasshe;whenshecomesandworships him, saying, Lord, helpme, he answers her humble believingprayerwithreproach.Yetallshakeshernot;butbyfaithshereliesuponChrist,andmakesanargumentfromthisveryreproach.Andblessedwastheissue.

Object.3.Whatshouldamandothatnevercametothethroneofgracebefore?Icanunderstandhowabelievermay,andshouldcomeboldly.Itisnowonderthatapoorbeggargoboldlytothatdoor,thathehathbeenoftenat,andwasneversentemptyfrom.Butcan,ormayapoorsinnercomeboldly,thefirsttimehecomes?

Ans.1.Itisgranted,thatusuallyfirstapproachestothethroneofgrace,arefeebleandweak,andnotwiththatconfidenceoffaiththatbelieversdogrowuntobyexperience,andexerciseoffaith.

Ans.2.Yetamanmaycomeboldlyatthefirsttime.Thereisgoodgroundforit.1.Considerthetext,Letuscomeboldly,thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgrace.Whocan,orshouldputinfortheseblessings;morethanhethatneveryetgotany!Doreceiverscometoreceivedailymoregraceandmercy;andmaynotone,utterlydestituteandneedy,begsomewhatofthismercyandgrace!2.Considerthegroundofthisboldnessliesfairandequaltoallthatwilluseitincoming.TonameonlynowthepromiseofGod:Thisislaidbeforeallmeninthegospel.Haveyouahandoffaithtolayholdonit?Thatmakesityours.God'spromiseisassureandtruebeforewebelieveit,asafter.Believingaddsnothingtothesurenessofthepromise.Ourbelievingislikeadrowningman'scatchingandlayingholdon a rope thrownout to him; his laying hold on itmakes not the ropestronger,yet itmakes the ropehisdefence.Thepromise isequally truebeforebelievingandafterbelieving;but it isnoman'sknownproperty,till it be believed. The cords of salvation are cast out in the gospel tomultitudes; yetmost perish, because they donot lay hold on them.Nomancansinkintohell,thatholdsthepromiseofsalvationbythearmoffaith.3.ConsiderhowtheLorddirects,Jer.3:19.ButIsaid,HowshallIput thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodlyheritageofthehostofnations?Thatisdreadfulindeed,whenGodmakessuchaquestion.WhocananswertheLord'squestions,buthimself?AndIsaid,Thoushaltcallme,MyFather,andshaltnotturnawayfromme.Amostblessedanswer to adreadfulquestion.Ver.4.Wilt thounot fromthis time cry untome,My Father, thou art the guide ofmy youth?Aninterest in God by Christ is offered and promised to all in the gospel;pleaditbyfaith,anditisyours.

3.Wefindinstancesintheword,(andtheliketheLordcanmakeagain),

ofgreatconfidenceinsomeattheirfirstcomingtothethroneofgrace:Astheblindman,Mark10:46–52.HeonlyheardofChrist'spassingby:hestaidnotforChrist'scallinghim,butbegantocryout,Jesus,thouSonofDavid,havemercyonme.Whenmanychargedhimtoholdhispeace,hecried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me."Christwasnever inmywaybefore,andheshallnotpassnowwithoutshewingmercyonme,ifcryingmayprevail."Andthathiscryingwasinfaith,Christwitnesseth,ver.52.Inallappearance,thewomanofCanaanwasneveratthethroneofgracebefore,Matt.15:22–28atleast,neveratChrist's feet before: yet she managed her first address with thatconfidence,thatshenotonlygotherdesire,butthathighcommendationwithit,Owoman,greatisthyfaith.Sothecenturion,Matt.8:5–10.Butaboveallinstances,isthatofthebelievingthiefonthecross,Luke23:40–43.Neverhadthethroneofgracesolittletoencourageanaddresstoit,aswhentheKingofgracewasdyingonthecross.Neverhadasinnerlessencouragement to come to the throne of grace, thanwhen the Saviourwas nailed to one tree, and the sinner to another. Marvellous faith! adying sinner, dying for his sins, employs a dying Saviour for salvation,Lord,remembermewhenthoucomestintothykingdom.HowlittledidChristnailedto,anddyingonthecross,looklikeaKing?Howstrongwastheman's faith to believe, that Christ, through death, was going to hiskingdom?andthatChrist'sgraciousthoughtofhimwouldsavehim?AndJesussaiduntohim,VerilyIsayuntothee,To-dayshaltthoubewithmeinparadise.AsifourLordhadsaid,"Thisisthyfirstandthylastaddresstome,verilyitshallbeheard."BelieversdonotthinkhowpleasingtotheLord,largeandhighthoughtsofthesufficiency,fulness,andfreedomofthe grace that is in Jesus Christ, are. Believers should devise liberalthings,andbyliberalthingstheyshallstand,Isa.32:8.Letabelieverask,andthinkonthewarrantofthepromise,asmuchashecan;theLordisabletodoexceedingabundantlyaboveallthatweaskorthink,accordingto the power that worketh in us. Unto him be, glory in the church byChrist Jesus, throughoutall ages,worldwithout end.Amen.Eph.3:20,21.

SERMONV

HEB.4:16

Letus thereforecomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace, thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.

IT isGod's great andwonderfulmercy, that ever therewas a throneofgrace erected and revealed, and that hemakes such a proclamation asthis inhisword,Let allmencomeboldly to it. Ihave spokenunto twothings in the text. 1.Of the throne of grace, towhichwe are invited tocome.2.Oftheboldnessallowedincomingtoit.

HEAD III. The third thing follows to be spoke to, the ground of thisboldness,impliedinthistherefore.Andwemustlookbacktover.14,15.,forthefindingtheforceofthistherefore.Thewordsare,SeeingthenthatwehaveagreatHighPriest,thatispassedintotheheavens,JesustheSonofGod, letushold fast ourprofession.Forwehavenot anHighPriestwhichcannotbetouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities;butwasinallpoints tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore comeboldly,&c.

ThedoctrineIamtohandlefromthisinferenceoftheapostleisthis.

DOCT.Thatthemaingroundofalltheboldnessallowedincomingtothethroneofgrace,isinourLordJesusChrist.

Theinterest,androom,andplace,thatChristhathinthisthroneofgrace,is the ground of all allowedboldness in coming to it.Whenpeople aresecure, nothing is more commonly practised by them, than fearlessrushingintoGod'spresence.Anycarnalcarelesssinnercan,whenhewill,bow the knee, and make that he calls a prayer to God. But whenconscienceisawakened,andlightdartsintomakethemknowsomewhatofGod,andofthemselves,itisthenfoundamatterofwonderfulmysteryand difficulty, to perceive any thing that can justly and sufficiently

supporttheconfidenceofaself-condemnedsinner,inhisapproachestoGodformercy.Henceitissooftenseen,thatthisisthecommonwayofalltheungodly,andofsuchasareignorantofGodinChrist.Whiletheyaresecure,andblind,andhardened,theyfeelnothing,andfearnothing:butwhendeathandjudgmentapproach,andstarethemnearintheface;andwhentheybegintothinkinearnest,thattheymuststandbeforeGod,andreceive theireternaldoom,being ignorantofaMediator,andquiteestranged from any believing employing of him, they sink indiscouragementanddespair.And,alas!howmanymiserablesinnersarethere,thatareneverawakenedoutofthesleepofsecurity,untiltheyareplungedintheverypitofdespair?

Theresolutionthereforeofthisquestion,Howasinnermaydrawneartothe throneofgracewithconfidence, soashemaybewelcomedbyhimthatsittethonit,andmayreceivegoodthingsthence?isonlyinthis,thatthisboldnessisallinandbyJesusChrist.Myworkthereforeatthistime(anditisindeedthemainworkofministersatalltimes)is,todeclareandshewyou,howourLordJesusChrististhegroundandfoundationoftrueconfidenceincomingtoGod.AndhereinIwouldleadyoutosuchthingsthatconcern theLordJesusasarecommonlyknown,usually talkedof,butrarelydulyponderedandimproved.

1. Let us consider the person of this Mediator by whom wemay haveaccess with boldness, Eph. 3:12. A wonderful person! the Son of Godmademan; amarvellousman;bywhomallmenmaybe acceptedwithGod,whenthereisnotamanintheworldthatcanbeacceptedofGodinhisownname:yetallthatcomeinChrist'snameareaccepted.OurLordJesusChristisGod'sownSon,theSonofGodtabernaclingintheflesh;Godmanifest in the flesh; the brightness of theFather's glory, and theexpress image of his person, Heb. 1:3. There is one God, and oneMediatorbetweenGodandmen,themanChristJesus;whogavehimselfaransomforall,tobetestifiedinduetime,1Tim.2:6,7.Induetimeitwillbeseen,whatthisransomwaspaidfor,andforwhom:foreveryoneoftheransomedshallgettheirlibertyandinheritanceinGod'stimeandway.Peoplecommonlyprofessthefaithofthistruth,ThatourMediatoris God and man. But how little is it improved by faith? We do notconsiderhim,howgreatapersonhe is, andhow fit forus,Heb.3:1,2.

Suchashaveanyserious thoughtsofGod,andof themselves (and theyareinaforlornstatethathavenone),findanecessityofaMediator,whenthey consider the strictness of his justice, the power of his wrath, theperfect purity andholiness of his nature, comparedwith the sinfulnessandvilenessof theirownnature,hearts,and lives.But there isanotherdeeperthoughtofGod,thatwilldiscoverasgreatnecessityofaMediator;and that is of his greatness.With God is terriblemajesty; with God isunsearchableglory.Howcantherebeaboldandacceptableapproachtohim of whom we cannot frame a right suitable thought? How is itavoidable,butthatallourworshipmustbetoanunknownGod?fornomanhathseenGodatanytime,John1:18.HerecomesintheMediatorJesusChrist;whoisnotonlyascreenbetwixtjusticeandus,butisaglasswhereinwemaybeholdthegloryofGod.Thisgloryisonlytobebeheldinthe face or person of Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 4:6. All other views ofGod'sglory are either confounding, or but vain unprofitable notions. All thespeculationsofthePagans,thatpolishedthedimlightofnature;andallthe curious studies of some called Christians, about the nature, being,properties, and attributes of God, are nothing but pretty pieces ofphilosophy.Thereisnothingofsoundtheologyinthosethoughts,unlesstheybeallstinted,limited,directedto,anddeterminedbythatdiscoverythat God makes of himself to us in and by his Son Jesus Christ. Themediation thenof JesusChrist, isnot only an argumentwhich, andonwhichwemaypleadwithGod;butitisthemeanbywhichonlywemustapproach toGod, and the lightwhereinwe see, and know savingly theGodweworship.Heknewthewaybest,whoisthewaytotheFather,andsaid,Noman cometh to theFatherbutbyme; anddid answerPhilip'sweighty and very natural desire, Shew us the Father, and it sufficeth,thus,HaveIbeensolongtimewithyou,andyethastthounotknownme,Philip?Hethathathseenme,hathseentheFather:andhowsayestthan,Shew us the Father? John 14:6, 7, 8, 9. They all worship an idol, orwanderinaperfectmazeandlabyrinth,thatseekGodoutofJesusChrist.Nowhereelseishetobesoughtorfound,butasaconsumingfire.Godofoldputhisnameat Jerusalem; to it theymust comewith their solemnsacrifices;whenafaroff,theymustlooktoit,asDan.6:10.WhentheyarebidremembertheLordafaroff,itisadded,andletJerusalemcomeintoyour mind, Jer. 51:50. Now, Jerusalem, temple, altar, holy of holies,mercy-seat,priests, sacrifices,&c.wereallbut shadowsofJesusChrist.

Under theNewTestament,whenChrist is come, thenameofGod is inhim,andalltheworshipandapproachesaretobemadetoGoddwellinginthistruetabernaclewhichtheLordpitched,andnotman,Heb.8:2.

2.LetusconsiderourLord'sofficeofHighPriest.SotheapostlecallshimourgreatHighPriest,andwehavehim,ver.14.Thisisagreatgroundofboldness indealingwithGod, thatwehaveChrist foraHighPriest.HewasofGod'sownchusingandcalling.Heisnotofourchusing,butheisforourusing.ShouldthatmanbecalledaChristian,whohathnouseforthis great High Priest?High priests were taken from amongmen, andordained frommen in thingspertaining toGod,Heb. 5:1.Consider thehonour of this office to Christ, and its usefulness to his people. HeglorifiednothimselftobemadeanHighPriest;buthethatsaidtohim,ver. 5. Christ's offices of King and Prophet carry visible plain glory inthem.But to bemade anHighPriest, especiallywhenhe is to be bothpriest,altar,andsacrifice,seemstohavenoglory,butabasement.Butifwelooktotheinsideofthisoffice,itexcelsinglory.Whatinconceivableglory is it to Christ, to be the reconciler of all things, to take up sohonourably thegrandquarrelbetwixtangryheavenandsinful earth, topurgeoursinsbythesacrificeofhimself,andthensitdownattherighthandoftheMajestyonhigh?Heb.1:3.;toofferasacrifice, inthevirtuewhereof an innumerable company, out of all nations, tongues, andlanguages,areredeemed,and justified,andglorified: forwhichheshallbe eternally praised in heaven, by all the happy inhabitants of thatblessedplace!Rev.5:9.Asfortheusefulnessofthisofficetohispeople,Ishallonlynametwothings.1.Inthisofficehemanagethallourbusinesswith God; such as we could never have done ourselves; and must beeternally undone, if itwere not done for us: to satisfy justice, fulfil thelaw,andbringusinasuretitletotheinheritanceofheaven.2.Byhimweoffer all our spiritual services, and have them presented by him foracceptance,Heb.13:15.Wemustdoallinhisname,Col.3:17.

3.LetusconsiderwhatourLorddidwhenhewasonearth,andthencewe have great ground for confidence in coming to the throne of grace.Thistheapostlehathinhiseye,ver.15.andchap.5:7.TwothingsIwouldtakesomenoticeofonthispoint.1.Hehadthesamethingsforsubstanceas errands to the throne of grace that we have. 2. That he did ply the

throne of grace as we should. Only permitting this, that there is but alikenessinwhathedid,towhatweshoulddoatthethroneofgrace:andthatlikenessconsistentwithmanifolddifferences,asweshallregard.

1st,OurLord JesusChrist had the same things, and the chief of them,thataretouserrandstothethroneofgrace,Ishall instanceinsomeofthem,andansweranobjection.

(1.)OurLordhadafflictionforanerrand,andmoreofitthananyofhispeople.Hewasafflicted;yea,smittenofGodandafflicted,Isa.53:4.Hewasoppressedandafflicted,ver.7.Ifanymanbeafflicted,lethimpray,James5:13.WhenChristwasafflicted,heprays.

(2.)OurLordwasdeserted.Blessedbehisnameforit.Weshouldrejoice,thathehadnotalifewithoutclouds.Thebitterestandsaddestdesertionthateverabelieverwasunder,isnothingtowhatChristmetwith,whenhecriedout,MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?Nonearesomuchtobepitiedasasaintunderdesertion.Whenafflictionisheavyandpressing,ifallbeclearabove,thoughtherebecloudsroundabout,yetiftheLordsmile fromheaven,aChristian'scase isnotmuchtobepitied.Butifallbedarkabout,andthedarkestofallcloudsontheamiablefaceofGod, this is theextremityourLordwas in.Yetheprayed,and inhisagony prayed yetmore fervently. Deserted believers, take comfort in adesertedSaviour.Hisdesertionwaspenal,yoursbutmedicinal.Thoughitbebitterphysic,itisofthegreatPhysician'sprescription;andhecanandwillblessit,andmakeyoublesshim,bothforthephysicandthecure.

(3.) Christ had temptation as an errand to his Father: In all pointstemptedlikeasweare,yetwithoutsin,ver.15.OthatChristianswouldlearntobehavethemselvesundertemptation,insomemeasure,asChristdid! Temptation to Christ was a far other thing than it is to us.Temptationisbadtous,becauseofthedangerofit;thereforehebidsus,Watchandpray,thatweenternotintotemptation,Matth.26:42whenhewas in the depth of his agony. But temptation to Christ was a mereaffliction.Therewereneverbuttwosinlessmenintheworld,thefirstandsecondAdam.Satancametoboth.WhenhecametothefirstAdam,hefoundnothingofhisowninhim;buthequicklygotsomewhatputinhim,andleftitwithhim,andinhimandallhisposterity.Whenhecametothe

secondAdam,hefoundnothinginhim,andcouldputnothinginhimbytemptation,John14:30.Theholierasaintbe,andthemoregrossthesinbeheistemptedto,andthemorehatredhehaveofthesin,thegreaterishis trouble in andby the temptation.What affliction thenmust it havebeentoChristtobesotemptedashewas?Matth.4.

(4.)OurLordhadthechargeandburdenofsinonhissoul,notuponhisconscience;TheLordlaidonhimtheiniquityofusall,Isa.53:6.Andwasnot that amighty load? Sense of sin is the greatest discouragement tobelievers.Butneverwasthereamanoutofhell,orinit,thathadsuchaloadof sinonhimasChristhad.Hisownselfbareoursins inhisownbodyonthetree,1Pet.2:24.LawandjusticechargedChristseverely;andexactedmoreofhim, thanever theydidofanyotherperson.NonebutChristwasmadesin,2Cor.5:21.Menaresinnersbynature,andincreasetheir sinfulness by their life; and an inexhaustible fountain of sin is intheirheart,Eccl.9:3.Butnoneof themis,orcanbemadesin.Heonlythatknewnosin,wasmadesin.Andbecausehewasmadesinforus,hewasalsomadeacurse forus,Gal.3:13.The lawcurseththesinner,butcannot make a sinner a curse for others: it can, and doth make himaccursed, and a curse for himself. Here is heaven's art: all therighteousnesswearemade,flowsfromChrist'sbeingmadesinforus;allthe blessing we get, springs out of Christ's beingmade a curse for us.Believers, learnwhere toseekand find truerighteousness,and the trueblessing.InvainaretheysoughtanywherebutinChrist,andinhisbeingthusmadesin,andacurseforus.TheLordJehovahchargedChristwiththedebtofhispeople'ssins,andhecouldnotdenythedebt.Thoughhecontractednoneofit,yetheundertookassuretytoanswerforit,andtodischarge and pay it. Therefore the law and justice exacted it of him,abated him nothing. Because the law will have blood and life for sin,Christ offers, and gives his. Our Lord Jesus had no challenges in, norburdenuponhis conscience; yet he had a heavy burdenuponhis soul:thereforehehada troubledsoul,John12:27thoughaquietconscience.For trouble of conscience properly flows from the sight and sense ofcommittedsin;butChrist'stroubleofsoulwasfromthesenseofwrath,forthechargedandimputedsinsofothers.

Object.But,mayapoorbelieversay,Christknewnotwhatabodyofsin

anddeathwas,heknewnotwhatabadheartis;andtheseIfeel,andamdiscouragedby.

Answ.Christdidnotknowthesethingsindeedbyfeelingandexperienceasyoudo;butheknewthembetter thanyoudo,orcan.1.Christknewthembythewrathduetothem.Hethatpaidthedebt,knewbestthedebtthatwascontracted,thoughhehimselfdidnotcontractit.Heknewhowdeartheexpiationwasforthesinofyourheartandnature.2.Christknewit by temptation. Temptation brought sin as near to Christ, as it waspossibleitcouldbebroughttoasinlessman.Somesaintsknowsomesinsonlythisway.ThereareseveralactsofwickednessthattheLordrestrainshispeoplefrom,beforetheirconversionsometimes,andusuallyafterit.Those sins theyknownotby the committingof them,nor itmaybebyanyspecial inclinationto them;yet theymayknowthemtobedreadfulevils,byanexternaltemptationtothem,andbythesightoftheirsinandmiserythatwallowinthem.

2dly,AsourLordJesusChristhadmanyerrandstothethroneofgrace,sohedidply that throne.OurSaviourwasaprayingSaviour.HespentwholenightsinprayertoGodhisFather.Ashewas,soshouldwebeintheworld,1John4:17.Areweafflicted,andshouldwepray?SoafflictedJesusprays. Is our soul troubled, anddowepray?SoChrist did, John12:27.Arewedeserted,andpray?SodidourLord.Buthereisadepthtoodeep for us to wade in; how our elder brother, howGod's own Son inman'snature,didpleadatthethroneofgrace.Thisthroneheplied,wasnot the same we come to. To us he sits on the throne himself, andthereforeitisathroneofgracetous.WeapproachtoGodinChrist,andinChrist'sname.Christcameinhisownname,andneedednomediator.WefindhecametohisFatherfrequently,earnestly,andconfidently.ThechurchofChristowehimeternalpraisesforthatprayer,John17whichisonlyproperlyChrist's prayer.That inMatth. 6:9–13 is apatternof ourprayer taught us by Christ: but this is the prayermade by Christ; andthereforetrulytheLord'sprayer.OfChrist'sprayingtheapostlespeaks,Heb.5:7.Who in thedaysofhis flesh,whenhehadofferedupprayersandsupplications,withstrongcryingandtears,untohimthatwasabletosave him from death, andwas heard, in that he feared. This is a greatword.Whenapoorbeliever is hangingoverhell, and a spirit of prayer

workinginhim,howmightilydothhecrytobesavedfromthatdeath?"Oletmenot fall in: ifever thouhadstmercyonasinkingsoul, saveme."Butneverdidadistressedbelievercrysomightilytobesavedfromhell,as Christ did to be saved from death. But that death Christ prayedagainst,wasanothersortofdeaththanweknow,orcanfullyapprehend.Christprayedwithgreat fervency,andwithgreatconfidence.Werarelyhavethemjoinedinourprayers.Ifwehaveconfidenceofagoodissue,weare apt to grow cold in asking. Christ knew the blessed issue of all hisdistress,andbelieveditconfidently,Isa.1:7,8,9yetprayedearnestly.Hewasheard,andknew it:John.11:41,42.Father, I thank thee, that thouhastheardme.AndIknowthatthouhearestmealways.Christians,takeencouragement and direction to pray, and how to pray, by Christ'spracticewhenhewasonearth.

4. Let us consider Christ's death for encouraging us to confidence incoming to the throne of grace. This is themain ground of boldness incoming: Heb. 10:19. Having boldness to enter into the holiest by thebloodofJesus.Thereispreciousbloodmustbeshed,orwecannotenter;wemust see it by faith, orwe dare not venture.Wemust come to theblood of sprinkling, Heb. 12:24.We dare not step one step into God'sawful presence, unless we see the way marked, consecrated, andsprinkledwith theMediator'sblood.Howshall theunholiestof sinnersventuretocomeintotheholiestofall,God'spresence?Yes,saiththeHolyGhost, suchmay,by thebloodof Jesus.Letus therefore considerwhatthis blood of Christ doth, and speaks, in order to our boldness inapproachingtothethroneofgrace.

1st,Thisbloodsatisfiesjustice,andanswersalltheclaimsandchargesofthe law against us. What mars boldness, like fears of a standingcontroversybetwixtheavenandus!Godisholy,wearevilesinners;God'slaw is strict,wehave sinfullybroke it, anddeservehellmost justly.Noanswer can be given, but by this blood.What would the law have, butChristgave?Wouldthelawhaveasinlessmantoanswerit,asitwasfirstgiventosinlessAdam?Lo,Icome,saithourLordJesus,withoutallsin;aman against whom, for himself, the law hath no charge or challenge.Wouldthelawhaveperfectsinlessobedience?Christdidperformit.Mustthelawhavelifeandbloodforeverybreachofit?Christneverbrokethe

law;buttheburdenofmillionsofbreakers,andbreachesofitlayonhim,and his bloodwas shed for them: and thereby he fulfilled the law, putaway sin by the sacrifice of himself, Heb. 9:26.; finished thetransgression, made an end of sin, made reconciliation for iniquity,broughtineverlastingrighteousness,sealedupthevisionandprophecy,andanointedthemostholy,Dan.9:24.Youcanneverhaveboldnessatthethroneofgrace,unlessbyfaithyouapplythisblood.Christissetforthto be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, Rom. 3:25. Thepropitiationisinhisblood;faithinitmakesitourpropitiation.

2dly,Thisblood,as it issatisfyingblood,so it ispurchasingblood.It isboth an atonement and satisfaction, and it is a price. It is redeemingblood forpersons, andpurchasingblood forblessings.All theblessingswecometothethroneofgracefor,areallboughtbythisblood.Sothatwemaysay,thatthoughwehavenothing,anddeservenothing;yetwhenweaskall things,weasknothingbutwhat iswelland trulypaid forbyourLordJesus.

3dly, All the blessings purchased and bought by Christ's blood, arebequeathed to us, and left, by him that shed it. Christ's blood is atestamentary bequeathing blood: and believers in their coming to thethroneofgracemaycomeassuersfortheexecutionandfulfilmentofthelastwillandtestamentofourLordJesus.ForChristbyhisdeathturnedthe gospel and new covenant into a testament, Heb. 9:15, 16, 17. Hisdeath confirms his testament.His last will is, that all the blessings hisbloodpurchased,mightbesecuredandlaidupfor,andinduetimegivenforth to them they were purchased for, and bequeathed to. The wholelegacyofgraceandglory,andallthelegatees,areandwerewellknowntothe testator and executor, (though not to us particularly); and thetestamentwillbepunctuallyfulfilled.

Somuch for theassistance to faith thatChrist'sdeathaffords.Learn tofeedonit.Hethatcannotmakeasoulmeal,andtakeasoulfillofaslainSaviour, is a sorry ChristianA true Christian is a poor starving sinner,digging in Christ's grave for eternal life. There it only is, and there hesurelyfindsit.

5.We find further inourLordJesus, (and indeedevery thing inandof

him helps forward our confidence in coming to God), that this greatpersontheSonofGodinournature,thisgreatofficerthatlivedsoholily,and died so virtuously, that he also rose again from the dead. TheresurrectionofourLordisalsoamightygroundofboldness:1Peter1:3.Blessed be the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which,according to his abundantmercy, hath begotten us again unto a livelyhope,bytheresurrectionofJesusChristfromthedead.IfChristhadlainstill inhis grave, ourhopehad lain there too;butbecausehe rose, ourhopealsorisethwithhim.So1Pet.3:21wheretheapostlehathanelegantsimilitude.HecomparesChrist to thearkofNoah.All thatwere in thisark,weresaved,andtheyonly;thedelugedrownedalltheworldbesides.Theythatweresavedintheark,weresavedfromdrowninginthewater,andweresavedbywater.Thelikefigurewhereunto,baptism,nowsavethus,(Willbarewater-baptismsave?No:Nottheputtingawaythefilthofthe flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God), by theresurrectionofJesusChrist.Asiftheapostlehadsaid,"Hethatbyfaithhath sucked in the virtue ofChrist's resurrection, and canby that faithpleaditbeforeGod,isasavedman.IfalltheworldperishinthedelugeofGod's wrath, thisman is in the ark, and nothing shall hurt him." But,alas!Christ'sresurrectionislookeduponbymanyprofessorsasapartofgospelhistoryandtruth,thatitisashameforanytobeignorantordoubtof;andthereforetheyprofessthefaithofit.Buttheyconsidernot,thatagreatpartofthefoodofoursouls,andofourfaith,dothlieinthispointoftruth.ThisIwouldshewinthreethings.

1st,Christ'sresurrectionwasademonstrationofthedivinedignityofhisperson: Rom. 1:4. He was declared to be the Son of God with power,accordingtothespiritofholiness,bytheresurrectionfromthedead.ThegloriousraysofhisGodheaddidappearinhiswordandworks;andsomehad eyes to behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of theFather, full of grace and truth, even when he dwelt amongmen, John1:14.Buthisglorywasunderaneclipsetillhisresurrection.Howstatelyandhowsweetlydothhehimselfexpress it!Rev.1:17,18. Iamthe firstandthelast,(highnamesofadivineeternalperson):Iamhethatliveth,andwasdead;andbehold,Iamaliveforevermore,Amen.Theythatsawhimdead, couldhardlybelievehe should ever live again; and they thatsaw him alive, had need of faith to believe he had ever been dead.He

asserts both, andwe should believe both. Since death entered into theworldby sin, neverwas there amanmore truly, really, and fully dead,thanthemanChristwas,whodiedforoursins:andthereisnomanonearthmoretrulyalive,thanthemanChristisnowalivingmaninheaven.Heinhisrisinggaveproofofhisdivinepower.Hewascrucifiedthroughweakness,yethelivethbythepowerofGod,2Cor.13:4.Therewasneversuchanappearanceofweakness in themanJesus,aswhenheexpired,andlaycolddeadinhisgrave.Neverdidsinreignsountodeath,northelaw'spowermoreappear,thaninslayingthesecondAdam.Asgreat,andgreater,wastheappearanceofhisdivinepowerinhisrisingagain:John10:17.ThereforedothmyFatherloveme,becauseIlaydownmylifethatImaytakeitagain.Christdiedthathemightriseagain.Hewentamongstthedeadthathemightrisefromthedead:ver.18.Nomantakethitfromme,butI layitdownofmyself:Ihavepowertolayitdown,andIhavepowertotakeitagain.ThiscommandmenthaveIreceivedofmyFather.Christwasbidbothdieandriseagain.Blessedbe thecommander,andblessed be the obeyer; for our everlasting life is in this commandment,John12:50.NeveranybutChristhadthispowerofhisownlife.Wemustyield our life whenGod calls for it, and till thenwemust keep it; andwhen that call comes, we must obey. We die, because we can live nolonger,andbecauseourtimesareinGod'shand.Andwhenitshallpleasethe Lord to raise up our bodies at the resurrection, we receive our lifeagain; but have no power to take it up again, till the powerfulword ofChrist come, Arise from your graves; and that word gives us our lifeagain.NonebutChristhadpowerofhisownlife,bothtolayitdown,andto take it again.Wedare,we can,we shoulddoneither;butonlyobey,andsubmittothesovereignwillofourhighlandlord,atwhosepleasurewearetenantsintheseclaycottages.

2dly,Christ'sresurrectionwasademonstrationof theacceptanceof thesacrificeofhimself;thatthebloodheshed,andsacrificeheoffered,wassavoury,andacceptablewithGod; that thedebtwas fullypaid,and thepayment accepted, when the surety was discharged of his prison.Thereforewefinditsooftenwritten,thatGodraisedhimfromthedead,Acts2:24,32evenwhenitissaid,thatitwasnotpossiblethatheshouldbeholdenofdeath.Deathandthegravearestrongandcruel,Song8:6.Theyhavetaken,orwilltakeallmankindprisoners,andareabletokeep

them:only they tookoneprisoner, JesusChrist,whowas toohard, toostrong,forthem.Deathhaddominionoverhimbutforalittlewhile,andbyhisownconsent,Rom.7:9.;but ithathnomoredominionoverhim.Buthehathdominionover it:Ihavethekeysofhellandofdeath,Rev.1:18.Courage, believers in, andheart-lovers of JesusChrist!Death andhellare indeeddreadful jails;butas longasChristkeepsthekeys,(andthatwill be till he cast themboth into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:14), nobeliever shall everbe lockedup in them. Ifhellwere searchednever sonarrowly,amongstallthecondemnedprisonersthere,nomanorwomancouldbefoundinit,inwhosehearttherewaseveronesparkoftruefaithin, or love to the Lord Jesus,Heb. 13:20. God brought again from thedead, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of theeverlasting covenant.Christ is alsooften said to risebyhisownpower.Christputforthhisdivinepowerinhisresurrection:theFatherdeclaredhisfullsatisfactionwithhisundertakingofthework,andpaymentoftheprice of redemption, by discharging of him in, and by his resurrection.Theangelsworkwasonly to rollaway thestone;butbyhisowndivinepower,hisblessedsouldidtakepossessionofhisdeadbody;andhedidriseup immediately,a truly livingman.And thishedidbyhisFather'sleave and will; and the angels served only as serjeants and officers, tounlock the prison-doors of the grave: for Christ could easily haveremoved the stone by his own power, as he did greater things in hisresurrection.NowondertheapostlePaulmadeitoneofhisgreataimsinChristianity, toknow thepowerofChrist's resurrection,Phil.3:10. It isnottoknowthehistoryofhisresurrection,norisittoknowthemysteryofhisresurrection,butitistoknowthepowerofit.ThesamepowerthatChrist raised himself from the dead by, is put forth, (and no less isneedful)fortheraisingofadeadsinner.ThesamepowerthatraisedtheSaviour,deadforsin,isneedfulforraisingasinnerdeadinsin:Rom.6:4.Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like asChristwas raised from thedeadby the glory of theFather, even soweshould also walk in newness of life, Eph. 1:19. There is an exceedinggreatnessofhispowertous-wardwhobelieve,accordingtotheworkingof hismighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised himfrom the dead, &c. How loth are men to admit this, that the savingquickeningofasinnerrequiresthesamedivinepowerthatquickenedthedead Saviour? All saving conversions are the fruits of Christ's

resurrection,andofalmightypower.

3dly,Christ's resurrection is thepledgeandearnestofourresurrection,and of eternal life. How great things doth Paul build upon it! 1Corinthians15.HeprovesourresurrectionfromChrist'sresurrection.HearguesforChrist'sresurrection,byenumeratingofabsurditiesthatmustfollow on the contrary; as, ver. 14. If Christ be not risen, then is ourpreachingvain,andyourfaithisalsovain.Ver.15.We(theapostles)arefound false witnesses of God. Ver. 17. Ye are yet in your sins. Ver. 18.ThentheyalsowhicharefallenasleepinChrist,areperished.Ver.19.Weareofallmenmostmiserable.ButnowisChristrisenfromthedead,andbecomethefirstfruitsofthemthatslept.Ver.20.Forsincebymancamedeath,bymancamealsotheresurrectionofthedead.ThefirstAdamwasmadea living soul, ver.45.Butwhenhebecamea sinner,hebecameakilling head to all his posterity, Rom. 5:12. The second Adam is aquickening Spirit, and gives eternal life to all his seed. And he tookpossessionofthiseternallifeinhishumannature,andinourstead,athisresurrection.HeconquersandsubduesthatdeaththefirstAdambroughtin, and reigns over it by his grace, Rom. 5:21. Christians, would youaspireaftertheresurrectionofthedead,asPauldid?Phil.3:11directallyouraims,buildallyourhopesonChrist'sresurrection:BecauseIlive,yeshall live also, John 14:19.This livingheadwill in a little timehavenodeadmembers;withhisdeadbodyshalltheyarise,Isaiah26:19.

6.Christ'sascensionintoheaven,isagroundofboldnessincomingtothethroneofgrace.Sointhecontext,ver.14.Heispassedintotheheavens.This is great ground of faith, that Christ is in heaven, and for us hathenteredwithinthevail,Heb.6:20.HowdareasinfulmanadventureintoGod'spresence?Becausethereisasinlessmanthere,thatwentthitheronpurposetomindourbusiness,whoareonearth.Nomaneverwentthusintoheaven,andonthiserrand,butourHighPriest,John3:13.Allothersgo thither to get for themselves: Christ ascended to get, and to give,Psalm68:18,Eph.4:8.HowkindlydidourLorddealwithhisdisciplesabout this, andhowhardlywere theypersuaded to submit tohis goingaway?Hetoldthemwhitherhewasgoing,andforwhat;hetoldthemofhis returning again, and receiving them tohimself, never topartmore,John 14:2, 3, 4 and yet sorrow filled their hearts, chap. 16:6.He again

saith, ver. 7.Nevertheless, it is expedient foryou that Igoaway. If youwillnotbecontent,because it isnecessaryand fit forme, I tellyou thetruth, it isexpedient foryouthatIgoaway.Howhardwas it tobelievethis?Whatwas, to all reason,more expedient, yeanecessary, than thatsuchweakscholarsshouldhavetheirblessedMaster'scompany?Itwassofarfromseemingexpedienttothem,thattheythoughttheywouldberuinedthereby;andwereverynearit,Luke24:21.Althoughthematterbenot so obvious to our conceptions and liking: yet really it is a greatermercy and advantage to us, thatwe have our glorifiedMediator at theFather'srighthand,thanifwehadhimpresentwithusupontheearth.Itismoreexpedientforus,thatheiswhereheis,thanitwouldbetohavehimwhereweare.Poordistressedbelievers, they cry forministers andChristianstopraywiththem,andforthem:OiftheyhadbutonehourofChrist'sbodilypresencewiththem,andhadhimtoprayforthem,ashedidforsomewhenhewasonearth,whatheavenlyconsolationwoulditbetothem?Takeinbyfaiththecomfortofhisbeinginheaven,andhisbeing as knowing andmindful of you, and as able to help, and that asspeedily, ashewasonearth,or couldbe, ifhewerenowonearthwithyou.

7.Lastly,OurLord'sintercessioninheaven,isagreatandstronggroundofconfidenceincomingtothethroneofgrace.Thisisinthecontext.ThisisthelastgroundofPaul'striumphoffaith:Rom.8:33,34.WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGod'select?ItisGodthatjustifieth:Whoishethat condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea, rather that is risen again,whoisevenattherighthandofGod,whoalsomakethintercessionforus.His faithbegins atChrist'sdeath, and risethoutofhis gravewithhim,ascendsupwithhimtotherighthandofGod,andconcernsitselfinhisintercession there. Not unlike this rising and climbing of faith, is hisaccountoftherisingofgraceonthevesselsofgrace,Eph.2:4,5.Theyaredead in sins when grace finds them first. The first thing grace doth tothem,is,toquickenthemwithChrist,thenraisingthemuptogether,thensettingtheminheavenlyplacesinChristJesus.AllourlifespringsoutofChrist'sgrave:John12:24.Verily,verily,Isayuntoyou,Exceptacornofwheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, itbringeth forth much fruit. This heavenly grain, Jesus Christ, must besownintheearthanddie;andfromthevirtueofthatdeath,allthelifeof

graceandglorygrowsupinallitsbranches.Heisindeedthetreeoflife,thatnowgrowethinthemidstoftheparadiseofGod,Rev.2:7.Andheisthegloryof theplace, and theeternal foodofall thehappy inhabitantsthereof.Buthewasoncedeadinhisgrave;andgrewoutofthatgrave,upto all that glory and dignity that we shall one day be blessed with thebeholdingof,John17:24.Inthishisgloryinheaven,heintercedesforus.Intercession is a sort of praying, 1 Tim. 2:1. Supplications, prayers,intercessions, and giving of thanks, are commanded to bemade for allmen.Wehaveonesadintercession,Rom.11:2.EliasmadeintercessiontoGodagainstIsrael.Hewasasevereprophet,andhadsevereserviceputinto his hand. But our great Prophet and High Priest makes nointercessionagainsthisIsrael,butallforthem.

ThisintercessionofChrist,whichissogreatagroundofboldnesstousatthethroneofgrace,standsinthese:

1st, In his appearing in heaven, in our nature, and in our name beforeGod:Heb.9:24.ForChristisnotenteredintotheholyplacesmadewithhands,whichare the figuresof the true, (and thosewere theplaces thehighpriestsofoldenteredinto),butintoheavenitself,nowtoappearinthepresenceofGodforus.Heisthere,notonlyforhimself,toreapthegloriousfruitofhishardworkonearth;butforhispeople,astheirheadand representative. All the church, the body, is now in heaven itself,becauseitsheadisthereEph.2:5,6.Christians,youarenowlyingamongthepots,anddefiledwiththesmokeandsootofthissinfulworld;youaresometimesplungedintheditch, tillyourownclothesabhoryou,asJobspeaks,chap.9:31.;youcryout,Woisme,thatIsojourninMesech,thatIdwell in the tentsofKedar,Psal. 120:5.Let faith say, "Butwhere ismyLordandhead?Ishenotinheaven?inthatglorythatIamnotablenowtobearaviewof?Andheisappearingthere,asmynearestanddearestfriend.Iamashamedto lookonmyself,andmyloathsomedeformity;Iam afraid that so foul and spotted a face as mine should be seen inheaven. But Christ is there, andmy Christ is there; and there he is toappearforme,whomustdreadmypersonalappearancethere,ifitwerenotforthisappearanceofmyheadforme."

2dly,Christ's intercession stands in this,Thathe, inournature, and inourname,presentscontinuallythesavourofhissacrifice:Heb.9:12.He

wentintotheholyplace,notwiththebloodofgoatsandcalves,butbyhisown blood, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Aaron, and hissuccessors in theofficeofhighpriest,wereappointed tooffer thegreatsacrificeof yearlyatonementat thealtar, andwith theblood thereof toenterintotheholyofholies,andtosprinklethemercy-seat(theirthroneofgrace)withthatblood,Lev.16:14.OurLordJesus,theantitype,offeredthe sacrificeofhimself inhisdeath; and, in andwith thevirtueof thatsacrifice,heenteredheaven,tosprinklethehighestaltartherewith.ItisbutafondPopishfancytothink,thattheredoremainvisiblemarksandsignaturesofhishumbledstate,ontheglorifiedbodyofourLordJesus.ThatisindeedtoknowChristaftertheflesh,inabadsense,2Cor.5:16.Buthisenteringwithhisownblood,isspirituallytobeunderstood;thatChrist's appearance in heaven, is to bring up a memorial continuallybeforeGod,of thevirtueandsavourof thatsacrificeheofferedwithoutthe gates of Jerusalem: Eph. 5:2. Christ hath loved us, and hath givenhimself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smellingsavour.Thissavourneverspendsorwearsout.ThebloodofJesus,inthevirtueofit,inthemeritofit,andinthepowerofit,isasfreshthisday,asin theday itwas shedon thecross.He is still thenewslainway to theholiest of all,Heb. 10:20 as fresh and fragrant as ever. Ifmenby theirunbeliefaccountitoldorstale,andtohavelost itssavourandvirtuetothemselves; and if they will Seek for somewhat else to procure themacceptance inheaven; let them try, andperish; fornonecanhelp themthatrejectChrist.ButourLordpresentsnothingforthesalvationofhisbody, the church, but his own blood; and nothing else is accepted inheaven for this end, but that precious blood. And all they to whoseconsciencethisbloodisapplied,andwhocomeintoit,andfeelitsvirtueandpower,willabhorallvainanddangerousmixturesofanythingwiththis sovereign balsam. It is always savoury in heaven; and it is alwayssavourytoallthemthatareintherightwaytoheaven.OurLord,inhisintercession, fills heaven with the almighty and eternal savour of hisblood;andheavenisfilledwiththepraisesofit,andoftheshedderofit,Rev. 5:9–12. If its savour do not fill the parts of the earth where it ispreached,itisbecausemenhavelost,(orratherneverhad)thespiritualsense that only can take in this savour, and not because this blood isimpaired in itsvirtue.But this is thesinandmiseryof thiscondemnedworld, thatwhat ismost savoury inheaven, is least savouredon earth;

andwhat ismost sought after, prized anddoatedon in earth, is vanityandabominationinheaven,Luke16:15.

3dly, In Christ's intercession, there is his knowledge of, and sympathywith the ailments and distresses of his people. This the apostle takesnoticeofinver.15.Hisknowledgeoftheirdistresses,wecanmoreeasilyaccountfor,thanforhissympathy.HisomniscienceasGod,webelieve.Petersweetlyownedit,John21:15,16,17.OthatChristwouldwithpowerask the same question at all of you, and that you could give the sameanswer!Christ'squestionis,Lovestthoumemorethanthese?"Notlongsincethousaidstso,whatsayestthounow?"Peter'sansweris,Yea,Lord,thouknowestthatIlovethee.Andontherepeatingofthequestion,Petergivesthesameanswer,ver.16.WhenChristathirdtimeaskedthesamequestion,Peterwasgrieved,ver.17andanswers,Thouknowestallthings,thouknowestthatIlovethee.Asifhehadsaid,"Idarenotcomparemylovetothee,withthat,ofotherstothee;thouhastreasontoquestionmylove to thee,becauseofmy latewofuldenialof thee:butyet Idarecalltheetowitness,whoknowestallthings,thatIdolovethee.Thoughallmybrethren love theebetter thanIdo,orcan; thoughIbemoreunworthythan any, to be lovedby thee; yet I am sure I love thee." If the love ofChristwereasahotfirewithin,anditscoalswerecastingoutavehementflame,asSong8:6believerswouldmoreoftencallChristby that sweetname,sweettoustospeak,andsweettohimtohear,Othouwhommysoul loveth,Song1:7.Miserablesoulsare theywho lovenotChrist;anddull unobservant people are they that know not what, or whom theirsoulslove.IstheloveofChristamerenotion?Isitnotamostsensible,holy, and spiritual passion, or rather a heavenly grace! Can men loveChrist,andnotfeelit?Shouldtheyfeelit,andnotavowit?Isthereanythingwe should be ashamed of in the love of Christ, but the shamefulsmallnessofit?thatourhighestandhottestloveissounsuitableareturntohisincomparableloveliness,andhiswonderfullovetous,andthedeardemonstrationsofit?AllyethatloveourLordJesusChrist insincerity,lookonhim,andlovehimmore;lovehimwithallyoursouls,andblushwithshamethatyelovehimnobetter.Blowthecoalsoflovebyfaith,andlettheflamemountuptoheaven,andascendyeintheflameofthealtar,asManoah'sangeldid,Judg.13:20.YouthatdoubtofyourlovetoChrist,gotohim,falldownbeforehim;answerPeter'squestion,accordingtothe

true sense of your souls, and it will be, Lord, thou knowest that I lovethee.LoveChrist,andyewillquickly feelye lovehim.AsightofChristwillbegetlove,andlovewillquicklyspeakforitself,2Cor.5:14,15.

ButforChrist'ssympathywithhispeople,thisishardertoconceive,thanhisknowledgeoftheirdistresses.Itisasympathydifferentfromwhathehadinthedaysofhisowninfirmity.Itisastender,butnotdisturbing;asreal,butnotafflicting. It is inconsistentwithhisglorifiedstate, tohaveanytrouble.Hissympathyitselfistobebelieved:themannerhowitacts,isunsearchable:Heb.2:17.Inall things itbehovedhimtobemade likeuntohisbrethren;thathemightbeamercifulandfaithfulHighPriest,inthingspertainingtoGod.Heb.4:15.Heistouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities;andwasinallpointstemptedlikeasweare,yetwithoutsin.About thisdeeppoint ofChrist's sympathywemay soberly conceive, 1.Our Lord's remembrance of his own infirmities, temptations, andafflictions in thedaysofhis flesh.This isplainandcertain.2.His sureanddistinctparticularknowledgeandremembranceofhispeople,andofall thatconcernsthem,withinandwithout.3.His interest inthem,andcareof them,andconcern for them,ashismembers.4.Hispowerandwisdomastheirhead,tosenddownvitalinfluencesuponthem,astheircaserequires,Eph.4:16,Col.2:19.

4thly, lastly, Christ's intercession stands in presenting his people, andtheir desires and wants, to the Father, for acceptance, and answers ofpeace.BothourpersonsandourprayersmustbepresentedbythisgreatHigh Priest, set over the house of God, Heb. 10:21 or no welcome, noacceptance.AnIsraelite,thoughhebrought,mightnotofferthesacrificeonthealtar;onlythepriest;andthehighpriestonlymustofferthegreatsacrifice for all Israel in the day of atonement. Christians must bringthemselves,Rom. 12:1 and all their spiritual sacrifices; butChristmustpresent them, and we only by him, Heb. 13:15. What a mightyencouragementisthereinthisforfaith?OurHighPriestmakesanotherthingofoursacrificesthanwecan.Believersoftenknownotrightlytheirowncase;Christknowsitexactly.Manyofourprayersaremeremistakes.Wecomplain,whenweshouldpraise;weaskwhatwoulddoushurt,andare unwilling to receivewhatwould do usmuch good.Our Lord Jesusputsalltorights.Hecansayoverourprayersrightly,hecanmakegood

senseofthem,canpurgethemoftheirfaults,canspyoutanythingofhisownSpirit inthem,and, lastly,addshisownincensetothem,Rev.8:3.Andthusaretheyaccepted.WemaybestunderstandChrist'sheartandworkinintercession,byJohn17whereinwefindthree.

(1.)Christconcealsallthefaultsandweaknessofhispeople.Notawordoftheseinallthatprayer,andtheywereguiltyofagreatmany.(2.)Hetellsalltheirgood,andmakesmuchofit;ver.6,7,8.Ihavegivenuntothemthewordswhichthougavestme:andtheyhavereceivedthem,andhaveknownsurelythatIcameoutfromthee,andtheyhavebelievedthatthoudidstsendme.Heknew,andreprovedthemfor theweaknessandstaggering of their faith; he foretold an approaching trial, and theirfaintinginit,John16:31,32.;yetheknewtheyweretruebelievers;andhemakesmuchofitinhisprayer:asagain,ver.14,25.(3)Christdeclaresfullytheirnecessity,andbegssupplyforthem.NoChristiansneedsanymorethanafullanswerofthisprayerofChrist;anditwasputupforallhisbody,andwillbeansweredastoeverymemberof it.Wheneveryouare upon your knees at the footstool, remember who is at the throneabove,andwhathisbusinessisthere.Footstool-supplicationsofbelieverswouldbeallquitelost,ifitwerenotfortheSaviour'sintercessionatthethrone,Heb.8:1.OurHighPriestissetontherighthandofthethroneoftheMajesty in theheavens.Andheever liveth tomake intercession forus,Heb.7:25.Thisistheendofhislivinginheaven,tomakeintercessionforus.Takeheed,andmindChristmuchinyourprayers;andneverfearhisforgettingyou.ShallChristliveforevertomakeintercessionforyou?and will you live all your days without making use of him as anintercessor?Alas! that Christ in heaven gets so little employment frombelieversonearth!Heseeksyouremployment,helovesit,andlovesthembest that give himmost of it.He undertakes for every thing put in hishand,andinduetimewillgiveyouagoodaccountofallyouintrusthimwith,andmakeyousay,Hehathdoneallthingswell,Mark7:37.

APPLICATION.Isallthegroundofconfidenceatthethroneofgrace,laidinJesusChristourHighPriest?Buildthenyourconfidenceonthissafeand sure ground. Not only may you lawfully make use of Christ'smediation,butyoumustdo it. It isnotonlyaprivilege theLordallowsyoutomakeuseof,but it ishiscommand,andyourdutytouse it.You

arecommandedtocometothethroneofgrace,andcommandedalsotocome inChrist'sname,and tocomeboldly in thisname.Theneglectofeitheroftheseissin.Nottocometothethroneofgracewhenhecalls,isagreatsin.Tocometoit(orrathertopretendtocome)inanyothernamebutChrist's,isagreatsintoo.Andtocomeinthisnamediffidently,istoreflectunworthilyonJesusChrist,andthepowerandvirtueofhismightyname:John14:13,14.Whatsoeveryeshallaskinmyname,thatwillIdo,thattheFathermaybeglorifiedintheSon.Ifyeshallaskanythinginmyname,Iwilldoit.Canamandesirealargerpromisethanthis?CanonedesireastrongerpleathanChrist'sname,andabetterhandthanhistohaveouranswersfrom?Beyeaskers,andaskersinmyname,Iwillbethedoer.TheFather'sgloryintheSon,andtheSon'sglory, isconcernedingivinggoodanswers to all prayersputup inChrist'sname.You cannothonourandpleaseChristmore, than inusinghisnameconfidently.AllbillswithChrist'snameat themwillbeacceptedat the throneofgrace,andwillsurelybeanswered.ButcomingtothethroneofgraceinChrist'sname,isanotherthingthancommonlypeopletakeittobe.Somethinkitenough, that they conclude their prayerswith thewords Christ taught,Matth.6:9butneverforthatuseitisoftformallyandsuperstitiouslyputto.Somethink,thatitisonlytosayintheirprayers,forChrist'ssake.Toaskinhisname,isahigherbusiness,thantobereachedbyunbelievers,andmen void of the Spirit ofGod. If noman can say that Jesus is theLord,butbytheHolyGhost,1Cor.12:3.;ifprayingberequiredtobeinthe Holy Ghost, Jude, ver. 20.; if praying always with all prayer andsupplication, should be in the Spirit, Eph. 6:18.; how shallmen call onhiminwhomtheyhavenotbelieved?Rom.10:14.Butcanyoutake thesearcherofheartstowitness,thatyoubuildallyourhopesofacceptanceat the throne of grace, in this name andmediation of Jesus? that youdurstnomorerushintoGod'sawfulpresence,withouttheprotectionofthisgreatname,thanyoudurstleapintoadevouringflame?Canyesay,"I have no name to come to God in, but Christ's. My own name isabominabletomyself,anddeservedlyhateful inheaven.Noothernameis given under heaven, but that of Jesus Christ, inwhich a sinnermaysafelyapproachtoGod.SincetheFatheriswellpleasedinthisname,andtheSoncommandsmetouseit,andtheHolyGhosthathbrokethisnametome,andmade itasanointmentpoured forth,Song1:3andsince itssavourhathreachedmysoul,Iwilltrytoliftitupasincensetoperfume

the altar and throne above. Since all that ever came in this nameweremadewelcome, I will come also; having no plea but Christ's name, nocovering but his borrowed and gifted robe of righteousness. I neednothing,Iwillasknothingbutwhathisbloodhathbought,(andallthatIwill ask); I will expect answers of peace and acceptance, only in thatblessedBeloved;belovedoftheFather,bothashisSonandourSaviour;andbelovedofallthateversawbutalittleofhissavinggraceandglory:"

Letsuchgoandprosper.TheLordiswithyou,theLordisbeforeyou.Hewillwelcome theMediator inhisbringingyou tohim, 1Peter3:18andwelcomeyouwithsalvation,whocomeinhisnameforit.Theprodigal'swelcome, Luke 15 is but a shadow of what ye shall meet with. Christwelcomes dearly all that come to him; and the Father welcomes thebelieverthatcomethinChrist'sname,andisbroughtinChrist'shand,tothisthrone.

SERMONVI

HEB.4:16

Letus thereforecomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace, thatwemayobtainmercy.andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.

FROMthistext,IhavealreadyspokentothreeofthethingsIdidtakeupinit.

1. Unto the throne of grace itself, that is erected for, and revealed tosinnersinthegospel;thatnewcourtofgrace,whichtheLordinvitesthefallenseedofAdamtocomeunto.

2. I have spoke to that boldness that is allowed and commanded incoming to it.We are not only allowed to come, but wemust come, orperish, and bring the guilt of our own souls blood upon our heads, byrefusing,Acts18:6.Wenotonlymaycomeandtry,butwemayandmustcomeboldlyandconfidently,expectingtospeedinourcoming.

3. I have spoke to the great ground of this confidence, couched in theword therefore, in the text, and relating to ver. 14, 15.Were it not forChrist'splace,andbusiness,andheartinheaven,nomanonearthcouldhaveboldnessatthethroneofgrace.

HEADIV.The fourthand last thing in theverse, is, theendwe shouldcomefor,andthegreatblessingswemayreceivebycoming;expressedintwowords, thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelp intimeofneed. God's mercy and grace are the most comprising, comprehensiveblessings; and these expressions of them contain all that is needful forourhappiness.Nothingcanbeaddedtothem;noblessingbutisinthem;noblessingiswithoutthem.Itisthecommonapostolicprayer,(andsuchprayersmadebythepenmenoftheholyscripture,undertheimmediateguidance of theHolyGhost, are equivalent to divine promises, yea aresuch),Gracebetoyou;sometimes,Grace,mercy,andpeacebetoyou.Sothat thesewords,as theystand inthetext,doequallyanswerthesetwoinquiries:—

1.Whatgoodthingsshallwegetatthethroneofgrace?TheSpiritofGodanswers,Youmay,andshallobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.Andarenotthesewellworthcomingfor?aretheyanywhereelsetobehad?Andheretheymaysurelybe found.Howshouldthisendearthethroneofgracetous,andengagetocomingtoit?

2.Whereforeshouldwecome?withwhatdesign?whatendshouldbeinoureye?Come,saiththeSpirit,bytheapostle'spen,thatyemayobtainthe one, and find the other. Come, that youmay get both. Design thisgettinginyourcoming.

Iwould first speakofourcoming, thatwemayobtainmercy,andon itdiscourseofthesethreethings:

I.Ofthemercythatistobegotatthethroneofgrace.

II.Oftheimportofthephrase,obtainingofmercy.

III.Ofthedutyrequiredofcomingwiththisdesign,thatwemayobtainthismercy.

I. I shall discourse of themercy that is to be obtained at the throne ofgrace.Youseethat it isonlymercythat isnamed,withoutanymentionmade,whosemercyitis,orofwhatsortitis.Butwhenmiserablesinnersare invited tocometoGod's throneofgrace formercy, itmaybeeasilyknownwhoseitis,andwhatitis.ItisGod'smercyinJesusChrist,whoisthe mercy-seat, or throne of grace. It is not angel mercy, or creature-mercy;butGod'smercy.Andwhocantellwhatagreatandvastthinghismercy is? Mercy, in the proper notion of it, is a kind, relieving,compassiontothemiserable.Theobjectofmercy,isamiserablecreature.Divine goodness shines in giving being to nothing, and in creating allthings;wisdom,inorderingthem,andguidingthemtohisglory;justice,in disposing of them according to his will, the essential rule ofrighteousness.Butmercyhathnofitobject,tillmiseryappearformercytoacton.Theshewerofmercyisacompassionateperson;itsnatureandendis,torelievethemiserable.MercywithGodisanothersortofmercythanwhatisrequiredof,andcanbepractisedbycreatures.Wemay,andshould have compassion on the miserable, whom we are not able nor

allowed to relieve. The judge that condemns the criminal, should do itwithmercyandcompassion;buthebreaksthelaw,ifhesufferhismercyto delay or divert a righteous sentence and execution. But the Lord'smercy is not only tenderness and compassion in his own heart, (soweborrowwords,bythepatternofsoundwordsinthescripture,tospeakofGodafterthemannerofmen),butitisalwaysrelievingtothepersononwhomitisbestowed.Letthemiserybeneversogreat,andofwhatkindsoever itbe;whoevertheybethataretheobjectsofhismercy, theyarecertainlyrelievedthereby.Thereisnoredemptionoutofthepit,thoughtheir misery that are there is the greatest. Why? Because there is nomercyforthem.IfitwerepossiblethatGod'smercyinChristcouldenterintohellitself,(asitfallsonmanyveryneartoit,)thatmercywouldbringthemout.But thedoorofmercy isquiteshutuponthem;andtheLordhathresolvedanddeclared,thathismercyshallnevervisitthem.

ThatwemaythebetterunderstandwhatthismercyofGodis,thegettingwhereofweshouldmakeourgreaterrandtothethroneofgrace,itwillbeneedful to consider thatmisery inmen that renders themneedyof thismercy.

AndthisIwouldconsider,asitactuallyliesonthem,andisincumbent;orasitiscomingonthem,andimminent.

1.Themiserythatallnaturalmenlieunder.Itistrue,theydonotseeit,norfeel it;butthismakesnottheirmiserytheless,butthegreater.Forinsensiblenessofmisery,especiallywhereitisremovable,andwhenthisinsensiblenessisahindranceofusingtherightmeansofremovingit,isagreat plague, and an aggravation of the misery. I shall give you a fewscripture-accountsofthismisery.

1st,Themiseryofanaturalman,andofallnaturalmen,is,thattheyareutterlydestituteofalltruegood:Inme,thatis,inmyflesh,dwellethnogoodthing,Rom.7:18.Mustitnotbesomuchmorewiththemthatareflesh, and in the flesh, and have nothing in them but flesh? the firstnotionwehaveofmiseryisthis, that itstandsinadeprivationofgood.Andthegreaterthatdeprivationbe,andthemoregoodthingsamanisdeprivedanddestituteof,themoremiserablewecountthepersontobe.Heisamiserablemanthat isblind;becausethe lightof theworld isso

pleasantanduseful,andtheeyesimplyneedfultobeholdanduseit.Itisa great addition to thisman'smisery, if he be dumb also; because thetongueisaman'sglory,andtheorganofexpressingourthoughts,andofcommunionwithourownkind.Themiseryisyetfartherheightened,ifaman be also deaf; for the ear is the door of knowledge, both of thingsnaturalanddivine.Ifyougototheinwardsensesorpowers;ifamanbedeprivedofthose,hismiseryisyetgreater;asitisagreatermiserytobevoidofunderstanding andmemory, tobe an idiot, (an innocent, aswecall them), than it is tobedeprivedofanyof thebodilysenses.Now, ifonewantedall thesensesof thebody,andpowersof thesoul(ifsuchacreature should be called a man), would we not account this a mostmiserable creature? But if there be yet somewhat better than all these,surelythenhethatisaltogethervoidofthat,mustbemoremiserablestill.Thatthereissomewhatbetterthanallthesegoodgiftsofbodyandmind,andthateverymanbynatureiswithoutit,ismostmanifestintheword.TobewithoutGod,withoutChrist,withouthope,Eph.2:12ismoreandworse,thantobewithoutany,oralloutwardgoodthings.ThisdestitutestateisexpressedbyourLord,Rev.3:17.Becausethousayest,Iamrich,and increasedwith goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest notthat thou artwretched andmiserable, andpoor, andblind, andnaked.What a great difference is there betwixt Christ's, and their opinion oftheirstate?AndmustnotChrist'sberightandtrue,andtheirsfalseifitcontradict his? Were they any thing the less miserable; were they notrathermuchmoreso,thattheysomisjudged?OurLordaggravatesboththeir sin and misery from their ignorance, Because thou knowest not.Spiritualblessingsareof thatnature, that all aremiserable indeed thatarewithoutthem;butnomanissensiblymiserable,tillheseeththatheiswithoutthem.Itistheknowledgeofthiswantthatbringsinthesenseofmisery: as every unpardoned sinner is a miserable man; but he nevercountshimselfmiserable,tillhefeeltheweightofsin,andseethewantofpardon.

2dly, Every natural man is needy of God's mercy, because he is acondemnedman.Acondemnedman,isadeadmaninlaw.Asthereisnocondemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, Rom. 8:1.; so there isnothingbutcondemnationtoall thatarenot inhim:John3:18,36.Hethatbelievethnot, iscondemnedalready;andthewrathofGodabideth

onhim.Youmayhaveseenandheard,howmalefactorswillcryformercyfrom the judge, when he cannot, and ought not to pity them, so as tospare them:when theyarebidholdup theirhandat thebar to receivetheirdoom,howearnestlyontheirknees,withtears,theywillcry,Mercy,mylord,mercyforGod'ssake.Everynaturalmaniscondemned.Buthowfewoftheirconsciencescanwitnessforthem,thattheyeversoughtGod'smercy? so as convicted criminals an earthly judge'smercy? Themercytheybegissmall,inregardofwhatsinnersstandinneedoffromGod.Anearthlyjudgemayreprieveorpardonto-day,andthepardonedmanmaydie tomorrow. But if the great Judge condemn you, and you are notpardoned, you are sentenced to a never-dying misery. Prisoners begmercyofaman,who,maybe,isboundupbylaw,andconscienceofhisoath,toshewnone,buttoexecutejustice.Herethecaseisjustcontrary.TheLordbidsmenbeghismercy,andcondemnsthemonlythatdespiseit.Wehavehiscommand,andpromise,andmanyactsofpardon,forourencouragement.Whatpleadingforpardonwouldtherebeatearthlybars,if theyhadthejudge'scommandtoask,hispromisetogrant it,andhishandandseal to thatpromise?Such isourcase;yet fewbeg it ingoodearnest. Be ashamed, and convinced of your sin, when you see menbegging a frail, short life of a judge; and say, "Alas! I never begged themercyofeternallifesoearnestlyatthethroneofgrace,asthesewretchesdoafrail,short,uncertainlife."

3dly,Thenaturalmanhathallthecreationagainsthim,andthereforeisneedy of God's mercy. The whole creation groans under him; he is aburdentoGod'searth,aplaguetothecreation,Rom.8:20,21,22.Whatanoisedomenmake,andwhatpainsdotheytake,toheapupdust?IfGodprosper their endeavours, they think he blesseth them, and countthemselveshappyintheirenjoyment.Butwhatisallthisfor,toanaturalunrenewed man? All these creature-comforts will be but as so manywitnessesagainsttheminthedayoftheLord,James5:1–4.Menseekthecreaturestosatisfytheircarnaldesires,andsupplytheiroutwardwants;but theydonotremember, that,unless thespecialsavingmercyofGodcome along with them, the creatures are abused, and, in their way,witness and groan toGod against them.They groan to be put inGod'sroominmenshearts,and tobemade fuel formens lusts.TheyallwaitbutforGod'scalltoexecutevengeanceonhisenemies.Isnotsuchaman

needy ofGod'smercy, that hath thewhole creation ofGod atwarwithhim?

4thly,But there isworse thanall these:Themanhimself,andallhe is,hath,anddoth,isunderthecurseofGod,Gal.3:10.Whatisthecurse?ItisthemaledictionofGod,onaman:itisGod'sdevotinghimtoruin.Heiscursedinhisbody,cursedinhissoul,cursedinhisfamily,cursedinhistradeandestate,cursedinhiscrosses,cursedinhismercies,cursedinhislife,andcursedinhisdeath;cursedintime,andcursedtoeternity.Ah,howlongandbroadisthiscurse!Zech.5:2,3,4.OwhatneedisthereofGod'smercy!foritisthismercyonlythatcantakeawaythecurse.ThereisnoevilweareindangeroffromanangryGod,butmustberemovedorpreventedbytheoppositegoodfromareconciledGod.IfGod'sangerbeourplague,nothingcanremoveitbuthislove.Ifhiscursebeourburden,onlyhisblessingcantakeitaway.ThewholecreationcannotmakeupthelossGod's favour.Andthis theyknowwell, thateversawthe faceofanangryGod.

So much of the necessity of God's mercy, from the present misery ofnaturalmen.

2.Imightproceedtospeakofthatwhichiscomingonthem,withouttheinterveningofthismercyofGod.Wedonotreckonamanmiserableonly,on the account ofwhat he feels, but also on that of his just fears. Andgenerallythesmartofmiseryisraisedfromfear,rather,andmorethanfrom feeling. If any thing renders aman's present statemiserable, theapprehensionofthedurationorincreaseofwhathefeels,addsgreatlytohismisery.Manythingswouldbelittlecomplainedofasgreatevils,wereaman sure that in amoment they shall be removed. But in a sinner'scase,forasbadasitisatpresent,itwillsurelybeworsewithhimshortly,if mercy prevent not. There is certainty of its coming, and an eternaldurationofitwhenitcomes.Itiscalledthewrathtocome,1Thess.1:10.Nothinglikeitevercameonthem.Presentwrath,thoughdreadful,isbutatrifletothatthatistocome.Itiswrathtocome;foritwillsurelycome.AssurelyasGodlives,assurelyasGodistrueinhiswordofthreatening,thiswrathwillcomeontheworldoftheungodly.Thereisnoputtingofthis evil day far away, but in vain thoughts; no diverting or keeping itbackamoment.Alltheunitedforceoftherebelliouspartofthecreation

willnotbeable to stemor stop this fearful tideofwrath. It iswrath tocome;forit isstillcomingandapproaching.Asmanydaysandyearsasan ungodly sinner counts in his life, asmany days and years journeyshathGod'swrathmade towards him. Think on this, old sinners;God'swrathandyouareneartomeet,exceptmercy interpose.Youthinkthatyourunfromit,butitrunsafteryou.Itwillcomeuponyou,andpursueyou,andovertakeyou,asDeut.28:45.It iswrathtocome;becauseit isalwaysa-coming,andneverpast.ThetideofGod'swrathonthedamnedisaneternalflood;therewillneverbeanebbing.Lookdowntohell,andseehowtheyfarethere.Alas!menwillnotbelieve,andfear,andfly;andthereforemustfeel.Howmanydailyhearofthiswrathtocome,andyetneverhaveany fearof it, till theybe irrecoverablyplunged into it?whoneverawakenoutof the sleepof security, till theyareawakenedby theflashesofhell-fire?whowillneverbelieveGod'swrath,tilltheyfeelit?Notruebelievergoestohell;allunbelieversaresentthither:butassoonastheycomethere,theybecomewofulbelievers,becauseeternalfeelersofthiswrathtocome.

Mens danger of this dreadful state, shouldmake them crymightily forGod'smercy, as it renders themunspeakablyneedyof it.But yourownseriousthoughtsaboutit,woulddoyoumoregoodthanmanywordscan.

II. The second thing proposed, is, What is the obtaining of mercy? Afrequentmanner of speech in scripture: 1 Tim. 1:13.Whowas before ablasphemer,andapersecutorandinjurious:butIobtainedmercy.1Pet.2:10.Which in time pastwere not a people, but are now the people ofGod:whichhadnotobtainedmercy,butnowhaveobtainedmercy.

Thisphraseofobtainingmercyspeaksforth,

1.ThatthemercyisGod'sgift.Ourobtaining,isthefruitofhisgiving.Iobtainedmercy,saithPaul,andmayeverybelieversay.Howso?Hegaveit;heshewed,hedemonstratedit,as1Tim.1:16.ItistheLord'sshewingit, tendering,andgivingof it, that is theonlyspringofourobtaining it.Wedonotbuyit,wedonotworkitout,wearenowaymeetforitbutbymisery.God'smercyspringsnotoutof theearth,butcomesdownfromheaven. It is the gift of God: and as suchmust all seek it, that wouldobtainit;andassuchwillalleternallyownit,thatdoobtainit.

2. This phrase speaks forth a particular application of mercy to thereceiverby thegiverof it. Iobtainedmercy, saithPaul. "Generalmercywould not domy business, anotherman'smercywould not saveme; Imusthave itofmyown, formyself;andso Igot it.Mercycame tome,mademeavisit,andapplieditselftomeinparticular."Somustitbewithyou. You will never be saved, you shall never see God's face in glory,unlesshismercydealwithyou,andapplyitselfasparticularlytoyou,asiftherewerenootherpersonintheworldtobesavedbymercybesidesthyself.Thereis indeedablessedmultitudeofthevesselsofmercy,andtheCaptainofoursalvationbringsmanysonstoglory,Heb.2:10.Butyetthereisapersonalparticularapplicationofsavingmercytoeverysavedsinner.Andforthisapplicationofmercy,weshouldcometothethroneofgrace. Though there be infinitemercy at his throne, and thoughmanyreceiveofthismercy;yetyoumusthaveofthismercyforyourselves,oryou cannot be saved. Your soul is your own, and no man's else; yourdanger,sin,andmisery, isyourown,andnoman'selse;andthemercythatsavesyou,mustbeasmuchyourown,andnotanotherbody'smercy.Thatdeepdiscourseoftheapostlelooksthisway,Rom.11:30,31,32.ForasyeintimespasthavenotbelievedGod,yethavenowobtainedmercythrough their unbelief: even so have these also now not believed, thatthroughyourmercytheyalsomaychainmercy.ForGodhathconcludedthem all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. It is a greatmysteryofjudgmentandmercytheapostleisspeakingof;therejectingofthe Jews, and calling in of theGentiles.Mercy took occasion, from thejust casting off of the Jews, to visit the Gentiles; and will in due timebestowitselfagainupontheJews.Butbothofthemmusthavemercyoftheir own. Mercy to the Jews will not save the Gentiles; mercy to theGentiles will not save the Jews. Bothmust have their ownmercy. Thefountainisthesame,thestreamsarethesame;butthevesselsarenotthesame, and every vessel ofmercymusthave its ownmeasureof its ownparticularmercy. Somust it be with you, if you be saved bymercy. Itmustbeyourown,andnoman'selse.

3. Obtaining of mercy, speaks forth the receivers possessing of it.Obtained mercy, is not only bestowed and applied mercy, but it ispossessedmercy.Suchthingsascannotbepossessedandkept,areworthlittlepainsinseeking.ButGod'smercyiswellworththeseeking;because

it may be both had by seeking, and kept when obtained, and isunspeakablybeneficialwhenenjoyed:Psal.103:17.ThemercyoftheLordis from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him. As if thePsalmisthadsaid,"Manisbutaflower;hislifeisawindandvapourthatquickly and surely passeth away. But it is not so with God's mercy, iteternallyabidesonallitfallsupon."Othatmenwouldthinkonthis!AsGod lives, and is true in his word, God's everlasting mercy, or God'severlastingwrath,willeternally lieuponeveryoneofyou.Andwhatanamazingdifferenceistherebetwixtthesetwo!Andyethowmanybehave,as if indifferent which of these two shall be upon them? God's savingmercyissuchajewel,thatthoughtheLordgivesitbuttofew,yethewillnevertakeitawayfromanyhehathgivenitto,Psal.89:28–33.Believers,Godmaytakeanythingfromyou,buthismercy;andyoumayspareanything,buthismercy.IfGodcometotakeawayyourchildren,givethem;ifhe come to takeawayyour estate, lethimhave it; ifhe come to takeawayyourhealthandlives,yieldthem;strivenotwithhim;blessagiving,andblessatakingGod.Ifhecravethyrighteye,orrighthand,andwhatis dearest to you, give, yield all to him.But say, "Letmeonly keep thymercy; I cannotpartwith that, it is theonly thing I cannot spare."TheblessedCanaanite'sstrivingwithChristwasabouthismercy:"Besilent,disown, reproachme, I care not but thymercy Imust have." Itwere acruelty thatonlyunbelief canchargeGodsinfullywith, to takeaway sopreciousagiftassavingmercyis.Letbutthismercyfollowme,asPsalm23:6anditisnogreatmatterwhereIgo.IfIbeinthelowesthell,mercywillbringmeout:Psal.86:13.Forgreatisthymercytowardme:andthouhastdeliveredmysoulfromthelowesthell.Thereisnotime-hellthatavesselofmercy canbe in,butmercywillbringhimoutagain; and thismercywillsecurehimfromtheeternalhell.Thismercy isGod'smercy;thereforesovereignlyfree,thereforealmighty,thereforeeternal.Yousin,believers,when you fear his taking away hismercy.He gave it at first,thatyoumightbeeternallypossessedofit.Mercygavemercy,andmercywillkeepmercy,andmercywillstaywithyou,andkeepyouforever.

III.Thethirdthingtobespoketo,is,theendanddesignofcomingtothethroneofgrace;andthatis,thatwemayobtainmercy.Notonlythatthismercy is to be got at the throne of grace, and there only; nor that thisthroneofgraceiserectedonpurposetodispensethismercy;norisitonly

thatweshouldcometothethroneofgrace,toaskandbegthismercy;butthatweshouldcometoobtainit.Thisisthedutyexhortedtointhetext.Andinthesettingaboutthisduty,twothingsarerequired.

1. Come as sensible of your need of mercy. No man can come trulywithoutthissense.Hethathathnosenseofmisery,complimentsGodinaskingmercy,andtakesthissavingnameofGodinvain.Itisdreadfultoprovoke God to wrath in our way of asking his mercy: and all suchcontract this guilt, and expose themselves to his wrath, that have noheart-senseoftheirneedofthismercy.Itisanamazingstupiditythatthepowerofsinhathbroughtonmen,that,inaworldofsinnerssinkingintoeverlasting misery, so few are really sensible of their need of savingmercy.Andnomanissensible,tillGodbyhisgracemakehimso.

2.Comeinfaithofhismercy.Youcannotcomeatallwithoutthisfaith.Faith iscoming toGod,Heb.11:6.Unbelief isdeparting fromthe livingGod,Heb.3:12.Nomancancome,buthethatissensibleofmisery;forcomingistheactofamandrawnandmovedbythecordsofaman.Nomancancomebutinfaith;forthereisnoothercomingforaChristian.Thesethreethingsshouldbeinthisfaith:—

1st,AbelievingthatthereisabundanceofmercywiththeLord;whichifshewedandputforthtoyou,andonyou,wouldsaveyouabundantly.Soargues the prodigal, Luke 15:17, 18. And when he came to himself, hesaid.Howmanyhiredservantsofmyfather'shavebreadenough,andtospare,andIperishwithhunger!Iwillarise,andgotomyfather,andsay,&c.Psalm130:7.Let Israelhope in theLord: forwith theLord there ismercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. The highest working ofunbelief is, when men judge their misery greater than his mercy: thegreat work of faith is, to get these two to meet fairly: and mercy willsurelyprevail.His tendermercy isoverallhisworks;muchmore ishisabundantmercyaboveasinner'smisery.Cain'swordsshouldbeleftforhimself,andusedbynoneelse,Gen.4:13.AndCainsaiduntotheLord,MypunishmentisgreaterthanIcanbear;or,Myiniquityisgreaterthanthatitmaybeforgiven:wordssoundinglikethelanguageofhell,andnottobespokenbyanythatwouldescapeit.Iknowmanysecurepeoplefindno difficulty in that they count believing of this, that there is mercyenoughwith the Lord. But yet thematter is far otherwise. It ismighty

difficult to believe the abundance of hismercy,whenmen are in greatpressures ofmisery. The best of saints have sometimes stumbled here.WhenMosesispleadingwiththeLordformercytoIsrael,Numb.14:17,19.Andnow,Ibeseechthee,letthepowerofmyLordbegreat,accordingas thou hast spoken. And pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of thispeople,accordinguntothegreatnessofthymercy.AsifMoseshadsaid,"Lordthouhastproclaimedthyname,andIheardit,andbelievedit;butIdidnotthink,thattheirwickednesswouldhavebeensogreat,asnowIfind it to be."Was notMoses a great believer? yet he stumbled in thispoint of the power ofGod'smercy,Numb. 11:18–23. Israelmurmurethfor flesh,God promiseth awholemonth's diet of it.What saithMoses,ver.21,22.?HowdoththeLordanswerhim?ver.23.AndtheLordsaidUntoMoses,IstheLord'shandwaxedshort?thoushaltseenow,whethermywordshallcometopassuntothee,ornot.Thisgreatman'sunbeliefwasgreatlyaggravated, inthathesawtheLordbringthatpeopleoutofEgypt, with signs andwonders, andwith amighty hand; he saw themdaily fed, clothed,and led,andprotectedwithmiraclesofdivinepowerandmercy:yetonenewdifficultyshakeshisfaith.WhenPaulgivesushislastaccountofhisfaith,(forthatepistlewashislastwriting),helodgethhisfaithonDivinepower:2Tim.1:12.IknowwhomIhavebelieved,andlampersuadedthatheisabletokeepthatwhichIhavecommitteduntohimagainstthatday."IfIbepersuadedthatheisable,Ishallnotdoubtofhisbeingwilling tokeep thatCharge safe Ihavecommitted tohim."Lettheeyeoffaithtakeupclearlythepowerofmercy;andthefaithofitsapplicationtothybenefit,willbethemoreeasy.Butheisararebeliever,whose viewof thepowerofmercy isnotdarkenedby a clear sight anddeepsenseofhisowngreatmisery,atleastatsometimes.

2dly,Tocomeformercyinfaith,istobelievethefitnessandsuitablenessofGod'smercytoourmisery.Heremanystumblewofully.Theirquestionis, "Am I fit formercy?"when it should rather be, "Is hismercy fit forme?"Andthisquestioneverysensiblesoulcananswer;theothernoneinheavenorearthcananswer.Ifanymanthinkhimselffitformercy,ofallmen,thatmanismostunfitforit,andfarthestfromreceivingof it.Butevery sensible soul will say, "Though I be unfit for, and unworthy ofmercy;yetmercyisveryfitforme.IstherepardoningmercywithGod?whoisitsofitforasaguiltyvilesinner?Istheresavingmercywithhim?

whoisitsofitforasforalostman,asIam?"Cometothethroneofgraceformercy,infaithofthis,"Mercyisfitformeexactly,thoughIbeutterlyunworthyof it."They that think theyare fit formercy,willneverget it,norindeedcanaskit.Buttheythatthinktheyareneedyofit,andthatitisfitforthem,willbothaskitandgetit.

3dly,Tocometothethroneofgraceinfaithformercy,is,tobelievethatthere is all good. will in him that sits on this throne to give and shewmercy.Itisimpliedinthetext,Letuscometoobtainmercy.Butwhatif,whenwecome,hewillnotshewmercy?Thatisanungodlysupposition,mischievous to ourselves, and reflecting upon God. He hath mercy inabundance togive;hedelights ingiving,heneverrefusedmercy toanythat came for it, he hath promised he neverwill: andwhy shouldmenharboursuchasuspicion, thatwemaycomeandnotobtain?Benhadadcouldadventureonareport,thatthekingsofIsraelweremercifulkings;andyetAhabwasoneoftheworstofthem,1Kings20:31.AndshallnotsinnerscomeuponamoresurereportofthemercifulnessoftheKingonthis throne of grace? It is on this truth of theLord's good-will to shewmercythatourfaithsoreadilyhalts.Manythinktheyoughtnottobelievethisgood-willtoshewmercy.IwouldhaveyouconsidersomeinstancesofChrist'sdealingwithsinners.John4:10.Jesusansweredandsaiduntoher,IfthouknewestthegiftofGod,andwhoitisthatsaithtothee,Giveme todrink: thouwouldsthaveaskedofhim,andhewouldhavegiventheelivingwater.Wherewearetoregard,1.Towhomthesewordswerespoken by our Lord: To a Samaritan; a vile creature, as to the formercourse of her life; a blind, ignorant, sottish sinner, that was guilty ofrefusingChristacupofwater,thegreatestsinsheevercommittedinherlife. 2.What our Lord saith to her: If thou knewestme, thouwouldesthaveasked;ifthouhadstasked,Iwouldhavegiventheelivingwater.Andbeforehehaddonehemadeherknowhim;madeherask,andgaveherofhis livingwater.But thatImainlyobserve fromthewordofChrist, isatruth, which few will believe when they hear it, even few believersthemselveswillbelieveitastheyought,ThatChristismorereadytogivebeggingsinnerseternallife,thantheycanbetogiveChristhimselfacupof coldwater.OurLord saith it,butmenwillnotbelieve it.AnotherofChrist'swords is inLuke 11:13. If ye then,beingevil,knowhow togivegoodgiftsuntoyourchildren;howmuchmorewillyourheavenlyFather

givetheHolySpirittothemthataskhim?Christmakesthecomparisonfavourably,ver.11,12ofachild'saskingnecessaries;willaparentrefusethatdesire, andgivewhat ishurtful?But considerourLord'sdesign inthis saying. It is plainly to encourage to seeking. And the argument heuseth, is from the greater love and readiness in God to give the bestthings,thanearthlyparentshavetogivetheirchildrenthenecessariesofthis life. The preference is not here given to God's greater riches andfulness, than that of parents,whomayhave their childrenbeg of themwhattheyhavenottogive,asinLam.4:4.;butitisapreferencegiventoGod'sgreaterwillingnesstogive.Now,whobelievesthis,andmakesthejustapplicationtohisowncase?andsaysconfidently,"TheLordismuchmorewillingtogivemesavingmercy,ifIaskit,thanIamtogiveabitofbreadtomaintainthelifeofthenearestanddearestrelationIhaveintheworld?"

APPLICATION.Ishallonlyaddafewwordsofapplication.

1.There isnoprincipleofnaturalreligionengravenmoredeeplyontheheartsofmen,thanthatthereismiseryinmen,andmercyinGod;andthat God's mercy only can relieve men under this misery. This runsthroughthewholeworldinallages;andwillcontinueaslongassenseofmiseryis inmen,andanynotionsofGodarepreservedinthemindsofmen.Andthesesentimentsarenottobedefaced.Attemptsofatheistsaredamnabletothemselves,butvaineffortsagainsttheRockofages.

2. Notwithstanding of this, God's true mercy in Jesus Christ is thegreatest riddle, offence, and stumbling-block, to all naturalmen.God'smercytheylikewellenough,andwouldhaveappliedtotheirownreliefundermisery;butGod'sonlyandtruemercyinChrist,theycannotawaywith.ThatthereisnomercywithGodforsinners,butwhatflowsthroughthebloodof JesusChrist; thatGod's love should appear in sendinghisownSon,underthechargeofmenssin,andunderthesmartandfeelingof theirmiseries; that as God shewsmercy only this way, somen thatwouldhaveit,mustOnlyseekitthisway;theworldneverdidnevercan,never will understand, nor relish it, nor betake themselves to it. Theywouldhavemercytocometothemanotherway;andsoseekit,andlookforitinvain,andperishbythemissofit.

3. There is no address made to God, more honourable to God, moreacceptable to him, and more becoming a miserable sinner, than anaddress toGodforhismercy. It ishisglory tobe thesovereignLordofmercy; it is his honour to be attendedwith the addresses ofmiserablemen;itishisdelighttodispensemercytotheaddressors.WhatismorebecomingGod,thantoshewmercy?andwhatcanbemorefit,thanthatamiserablesinnershouldbeghismercy?

4. There is no provocationmore common, than sinful ways of beggingGod's mercy. I shall briefly instance in a few. Many profane carelesscreatureshavethiswordfrequently intheirmouths,Godbemerciful tome;whoyethavenomoresense,eitherofGodorof themselves,ofhismercy or of their misery, than the ground they go on. This is a grosstaking of God's name in vain. Undue addresses to God for mercy, aregreatprovocations.Somebegonlyoutwardmercies.Suchpeoplewouldlikethistextwell, if ithadbeen,"Letuscomethatwemayobtaingold,andsilver,andhealth,andlonglife."IfprayerwasordainedbyGodforsuchmercies,thethroneofgracewouldbecrowdedwithsupplicants.Butyou will never ply prayer rightly, till you understand that there issomethingtobegotat this throneofgrace, that isbetter in itself,moreneedfulforyou,andthatwilldoyoumoregood,thanallthattheworldhathtogive.SomebegmercyonlywhentheyareunderGod'safflictinghand:Psal.78:34.Whenheslewthem,thentheysoughthim.SomebegGod'smercylimitedly;theyonlybegonemercy,anddesirenomore.Hismercy is of a large extent, and we should beg it all. We may beg aparticularmercy, according to our present felt necessities; yetwemustnotmake an exception against any act ofmercy.Wemust not beg themercyofpardon,withaheart-quarrelagainstthemercyofsanctification.TheLordbemercifultothyservantinthisthing,2Kings5:18wasafaultyprayer, if there was any sincerity inNaaman. Thoughwemay ask anyparticularmercy,yetwemust layopenourhearts to thewhole floodofmercy:Psalm119:132.Lookthouuponme,andbemercifuluntome.asthouusesttodountothosethatlovethyname.SoPsalm106:4,5.Lastly,somebegmercyforthemselves,andfortheiridolsinthesameaddress.Onepartoftheirprayerisformercytothemselves,andanotherpartofitis formercy to their idols. Isnot thatawoful, ill-madeprayer?andyethowfrequentlyisitdone?Idolsaresuchthingsashaveagreater,nearer

roomintheheart,thanGodhath.Whateverisloved,feared,trusted,anddelightedin,morethanGod,thatisanidol,beitthebestorbasestthingwe can name, or think on. These idols are of two sorts; lawful, andunlawful.Not that it is lawful tohaveany idol;butmanymake idolsoflawful things: such things I mean, that in their proper place may besought, and lawfully used; but are wofully abased, when put in God'sroom. These are the most dangerous, because least perceived idols.Christian,itislawfultolovethyrelations,toprayforwifeandchildren,to beg God's blessing on thy lawful diligence in thy calling: but watchwell,thatnoneoftheselawfulthingscomeinbetweenthyheartandGod.Iftheydo,thouwiltfallintothissnare,ofbeggingGod'smercytothyselfandidolsinthesameprayer.Unlawfulidols,oridolsinunlawfulthings,are,sins, lusts,andheart-plagues.WoetohimthatbegsGod'smercytothem.We shoulddailybegGod'smercy against them.Themoremercy(thatis,forbearance)Godshewethtosuchidols,themorewrath,andthelessmercy,heshewethtothemanhimself.God'smercycannotbeshewnboth toamanandhis idols.Thepurestmercy is thenshewntoaman,when theLorddealeth severelywith his idols.Killmy sinful idols, andsaveme,isafitprayeratthethroneofgrace;andheisahappymanthatgetsitanswered.

5.SinfuladdressesforGod'smercy,aregreatprovocationsofhiswrath.HismercyissosacredanameofGod,thathewillholdnomanguiltlessthattakethitinvain.Inthismatterthebestcontractmuchguilt.Allhavemanysins in theirholy things,and in theirapproaches to theholiestofall, the throne of grace, and do stand in need of atonement. And weshouldallcometothethroneofgrace,formercytopardonthesinsthatareinourseekingofmercy.Butwherethenshalltheungodlyandsinnerappear?Heperisheth forwantofmercy.Heshouldcome for it;andhecannotcomeformercy,whileheiswhatheis,butheprovokestheLordto more wrath against him. This is one of the inextricable straits thatevery unbeliever is in, that nothing but sovereign grace andmercy canbringoneoutof.Looktohimforthisdeliverance,andhewillshewyoumercy.

SERMONVII

HEB.4:16

Letus thereforecomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace, thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.

THElastthinginthisverseis,Whatistobehadatthethroneofgrace,andwhatweshouldcomefor?Andthatis,mercyandgrace;andweneednomore.Andweshouldcomethatwemayobtainandfindthem:andweshould,inourcoming,designnoless.

OfthefirstIbegantospeaklastday,anddidopenthesethreethings:—

1.What is thismercywe should come for? It is God's savingmercy inChrist, suitableunto,and for relievingof thatmisery thateverynaturalmanisperishingunder.MercyinGod,andmiseryinman,arerelatives;and happy is that person that hath them well married and matchedtogether.

2.Whatis inthisphrase,obtainingofmercy?Itoldyou,thatit impliedthreethings.1.ThatmercyisGod'sfreegift.Weonlycomebyit,becausehegivesit.2.Thatthereisapersonalparticularapplicationofthismercytotheobtainerofit.3.Thatitisgivenasapossession;notasagiftthatmayberecalledandretaken;butitisgivenforaneverlastingpossession.WhoeverismadepartakerofGod'sspecialsavingmercy,itshallneverbetakenfromhim.Itshallneverwaste,norspend,norwearout;butshallstaywithhim,followhim,andgrowupwithhimtoeternity.Theburdenofthatheaven-likesong,Psal.136issixandtwentytimesrepeated.Forhis mercy endureth for ever. How sweetly will it be sung from all themansions in heaven, and by all the blessed dwellers in them! O givethanks toourGod; forhe isgood, forhismercyendureth forever.Canyoulearnthissong?asthewordis,Rev.14:3.OnlytheredeemedoftheLordcansayso;butalltheyshouldsayso,Psalm107:1,2.Hismercyismostsweet;acrumbofitwillsaveastarvingsoul,asMatt.15:27.Alarge

measureofitonearth,isaheaven.Buttheeternityofthismercy,isthemercyofthismercy.Time-merciesinregardofthis,arenomercies.

3.Ispokeof thedesignandendweshouldhavebeforeus incomingtothethroneofgrace:Comethatwemayobtainmercy.

ThatwhichIwoulddoatthisexercise,istoapplythistruth.AndtheLordapplybothdoctrineandapplication.And,

First,Iwouldputthisquestiontoyourconsciences,andletthemspeakasinGod'ssight,Whetherhaveyeobtainedmercy,ornot?CanyousaywithPaul, But I obtainedmercy? Youmust have it as well as he, andmayknowitasreallyashedid;thoughyereceivenotsomuch,norknowitsoclearly,assogreatabelieverasPauldid.Seetogetyourconscienceswellresolved in thismain case, that youmay be able to give a peremptoryanswer.Theimportanceofthisquestionisveryobvious.Canamanretirewithin,andlookuptoGod,andconsiderthis,"Iamamiserablesinnerinmyself,asallare;nothingbutGod'sspecialmercycanrelieveme;"andnot think it a matter of vast consequence to know whether he hathobtainedthismercyorno?Woeto themthatneveraskedthequestion;andtheyarebutinasorrycasethatcannotanswerit.

Iwouldproposea few things to inforce thedutyof tryingyourselves inthismatter.

1. It is mercy you have been seeking. If ever youmade any fashion ofprayer, surely itwasmercy you sought.Most of you, if not all, pray atleastsometimes.Now,wheneveryoupray,unlessyoubewofullyformalandstupid,yourconsciencesmusttellyou,itismercyyouseek.HaveyoulongandoftenbeggedGod'smercy?andwillyeneverinquirewhetherornotyouhavegotit?Noneaskinearnest,buttheywilltryhowtheyspeed.There isnosurerandplainerargumentof trifling inprayer, thanwhenmen are careless what they get by prayer. We would be called of thegenerationof them that seekGod's face: and shallwenot inquire ifwehavefoundhim?OurLordbidsusask,thatwemayreceive;andshallweask,andnotthinkofreceiving?nortryifwehavereceived?

2. A greatmany round you have obtainedmercy; therefore it becomes

youtoinquire,whetheryouhaveobtainedit.IfthemercyofGodweresoveryrarelydispensed,thatnone,ifany,inanage,didpartakeofit,thisneglect would be a littlemore excuseable. But whenmercy falls roundabout thee;whenoneon thy righthandobtainsmercy,andanotheronthylefthandobtainsmercy;whenthismercyfallsonsomeofthefamilythou livest in, on some of the congregation thou hearest in; when thismercyfallsononethathaththesamenaturalparentsthatthouhast:willnoneofthesethingsmakeyouask,HaveIalsoobtainedmercy?Wefindour Lord aggravating themisery of the damned, by their seeing of theblessedness of the saved, Luke 13:28. There shall be weeping andgnashingofteeth,whenyeshallseeAbraham,andIsaac,andJacob,andalltheprophets,inthekingdomofGod,andyouyourselvesthrustout.Amost dreadful passage! Christ is telling men that were to be excludedfrom heaven, what they would think, say, and do, in that dismal case.Prevent this misery in time, by inquiring whether you have obtainedmercy: and do so the rather, that ye may see others partaking of thismercy.When you see the savingmercy ofGod sought and obtained byothers,itshouldprovokeyougreatly;nottoenvythemtheirshare,buttodesire a share of your own; for there is enough, and to spare. And theLorddothshewmercytosome,onpurposethathemayencourageotherstocome,andask,andobtain.SoPaultellswhereforehegothismercy:1Tim.,1:16.Howbeit, forthiscauseIobtainedmercy,thatinmefirst(orthechief)JesusChristmightshewforthalllong-suffering,forapatterntothem which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. TherewereotherendsChristhadinshewingmercytoPaul.TheLordshewedhimmercy,thathemightbesavedeternally;heshewedhimmercy,thathemight be an ableminister of the New Testament, 2 Cor. 3:6 and asuccessfulapostle,1Cor15:10.;andthechurchofChristhathgoodcausenow,formayages,toblessourLordJesusforthatrichmercywhichthatchosenvesselobtained,andwasfilledwith.Buttheapostle,inthatplace,takesnoticeof anotherdesignofChrist's inhismercy tohim;and thatwas, to set up Paul as a pattern and copy of the freedom, riches, andpowerofsavingmercy.AndChristcan,whenhewill,writeanothercopy,likePaul;andsomewhatlikeithedothinallthathecallssavingly,Eph.2:4.Take in this argument, "Manyobtainmercy; andwhynot I?Nonedeserveit;yetmanyhaveit.Nonedeserveitless,andneeditmorethanI;why thennot I?" If you see theLord shewingmercy toothers, andyou

carenotformercytoyourselves;howcanyouexpectit,orthinkyouhavegotit?

3. Inquire whether you have received God's savingmercy because thismercyisbroughtsonearyou,thatitmusteitherbereceivedorrefused.Thereisnomidst.Nomandothneither,nomandothboth.Allthathavethe offer of God's savingmercy in the gospel, do andmust necessarilyeither receive or reject it. This should make people inquire the morenarrowly,whethertheyhaveobtainedmercy.Ifyehavenotobtainedit,ye have refused it: Acts 13:46. It was necessary that the word of Godshouldfirsthavebeenspokentoyou:butseeingyeputitfromyou,andjudgeyourselvesunworthyofeverlastinglife,lo,weturntotheGentiles.This last is a strangephrase. I ampersuaded in theLord, thatnomanshallevergeteverlastinglife,thatthinkshimselfworthyofit.Itisalwaysto be sought by us, always given by the Lord, and always taken by thereceiversof it,asanalmsofgrace forChrist's sake.Nothingsurelywasfarther from Paul's mind, than to have these foolish Jews to countthemselvesdeservingofeternallife;orthat,ontheaccounteitheroftheirprivileges or works, they did or could deserve salvation at the hand ofGod. But all the apostle meant, was this:—"Everlasting life is broughtneartoyouinthiswordofthegospel:youputthewordfromyou;therebyyoudeclare,youareunwillingtoreceiveeverlastinglife,andGodcountsyouunworthyoftheofferofit;andwewillcarryittoothers;"ashetellsotherunbelievingJewsatRome,Acts28:28.Beitknowntoyou,thatthesalvationofGodissentuntotheGentiles,andthattheywillhearit.

Now, for resolving of this question,Whether youhave obtained specialsavingmercy,ornot?thisseemseasilydeterminable.Thereissogreatadifferencebetwixt that state of sin andmisery thatmercy findsmen inwhenitfirstvisitsthem,andthatstatethatmercybringsthemto,thatweare apt to think the changemaybe easily known. SeeEph. 2:1–18.Yetthere are so many things that obstruct, both them that have obtainedmercy, from owning it, and them that have not obtained it, fromacknowledging their want of it, (of which I shall not now speak), thatsearching is needful. And for your help in that work, I offer these fewplainmarks.

1.Ahighvalueofspecialsavingmercyabovecommonmercy, isagood

signofonethathathobtainedsavingmercy.ThereisaspecialmercyofGod, and there is a commonmercy. Special mercy is saving; it comesfromtheheartandloveofGod,Eph.2:4andistreasuredupfor,andlaidout only upon his chosen. It is the favour he bears to his people, Psal.106:4. Commonmercies are thrown about with a large and indifferenthand:Hemakethhissuntoriseontheevilandonthegood,andsendethrainonthe justandontheunjust,Matth.5:45.Now,thesetwosortsofmercies are as far different, as heaven and earth. The excellency of theoneisfarbeyondthatoftheother,thoughwebeunworthyofeither.lamlessthantheleastofallthymercies,saidagreatsaint,Gen.32:10.;andsoshouldallsay.Butfewdoperceivethisgreatdifference;andmanygivethe preference to common outward mercy. Who but a Christian dothcountitagreatermercytohavetheconsciencesprinkledwiththebloodofJesus,thantohavealargeandprosperousestateintheworld?thatthelight ofGod's countenance, and anhour spent inhis courts, (when theKing's presence is in them), is better than all the enjoyments of thisworld?MoseswasamanthatobtainedsingularmercyfromtheLord.Itappeared in this, thatheesteemedthereproachofChristgreaterrichesthan the treasures inEgypt,Heb. 11:26.Hehad excellent balances andtrue weights. He put in the one scale, Egypt's honours, treasures, andpleasures,(andhowweightyaresuchthingsintheworldling'sbalances!);andintheother,thereproachofChrist,andafflictionwiththepeopleofGod.His judgment on thisweighing, is, That this reproach, because ofChrist'sconcèrninit;andthisaffliction,becauseit isofandwithGod'speople,isbetterthanalltheotherthings.Thetruetestofmensspiritsisjustly taken from their settled inward apprehension of the worth andvalue of spiritual saving mercy, above all outward mercy. Psal. 4:6, 7.Therebemanythatsay,Whowillshewusanygood?Mostmenare foranygood,theyknownotwellwhat,andfromanyhandthatcanshowit,and give it. ButDavid knewwhat good hewould have, andwho couldshowit.Lord,liftthouupthelightofthycountenanceuponus.Whyishesoearnestforthisblessing?Thouhastputgladnessinmyheart,(carnalmenseekgladness,andmakeit,andtakeittothemselves,aswellastheycan;but gladnessofGod'sputting in theirheart, theyknownot),morethaninthetimethattheircornandtheirwineincreased.Daviddothnotherecomparethoughhedothdiscover,theholinessofhisheart,withtheearthliness of that of others; he compares not the tenderness of his

conversationwith theirs:buthe compares the joyGodgavehimby thelight of his countenance, not with the joy he had, but with that theungodlyhave,intheirsensualsatisfactions.Tryyourselvesbythis.Whereisyouresteemlodged?Whatsortofthingsaretheythatrelishwithyourspirits?Commonoutwardmerciescarryawaytheheartsofthemostpartofmen,andthisshewsthatfewmenhaveobtainedspecialmercy.

2.Hethathathobtainedspecialmercy,hathalovetoit,andtothegiverofit,andtothewayGodgivesit,andinwhichhereceivesit.Hethatisalover ofGod'smercy inChrist, is anobtainer of it.AnaturalmanmayhavealikingofGod'smercyingeneral:butmercyasfromGodthroughJesusChrist,mercyshownon theaccountofa full satisfactionmade tojustice in and by his blood, mercy given freely to glorious ends andpurposes,everynaturalmanseethnoglory,nogoodness,nobeauty,init.Buteveryobtainerof itdothadmireevery thing in it. "It is richmercy,saith he; it flows from a blessed fountain, free love; runs in a blessedchannel, the redemption of Jesus; comes to me in a well-orderedcovenant;andwasshownmeforhispraiseinmysalvationfromsinandmisery."

3. An obtainer of mercy, is a daily beggar for more mercy. WheneverGod'sspecialmercyistasted,hungerandthirstaftermoreisraised.NosoonerdidPaul obtainmercy, but behold, heprays,Acts 9:11. There ismore of mercy yet to be had. Mercy quickens the soul's desires, andenlargeththem.Thegreatestreceiversarethegreatestbeggars:1Pet.2:3.Desirethesinceremilkoftheword,thatyemaygrowthereby:ifsobeyehavetastedthat theLord isgracious.Thismark isplain,andwillneverfail.Theythatdrivenotatradeofprayerforspecialmercy,havenotyetobtainedit.

4.AnobtainerofmercyfromtheLord,isashewerofmercytoothers.Heisamercifulmantoothers,Matth.5:7,Col.3:12,13.Putontherefore(asthe elect of God, holy and beloved) bowels of mercies, kindness, &c.;forbearingoneanother,andforgivingoneanother,evenasChristforgaveyou:andEph.4:32.Forgivingoneanother,evenasGod,forChris'ssake,hathforgivenyou.Howunbecomingisit,thatsuchshouldhavebowelsofbrass,onwhomGod'sbowelsofmercyhavebeenpouredout?This isamark that will never fail, but in a high fit of temptation. All that have

obtained God'smercy, will be disposed to shew theirmercy. Forgivingoneanother,isaneasything;Itcostsnothingbuttothinkakindthought:yethowhardisthistomany,throughthepowerofcorruption?Therearesomeactsofmercy,asbountyandcharity,thatpoorChristianshavenoability for.But theprincipal act ofmercy is in everyChristian's power;andthatismercytomenssouls.Wecannotgivethemthatmercywehaveobtained;butwecan,andshouldwishtheliketothem.NeverdidamanobtainmercyfromtheLordforhimself,buthewishedthatothersshouldpartakeof italso.ThewomanofSamaria,John4 (ofwhoseconversionwehave the largestaccountofanyconvert in theBible),assoonassheobtainedmercy, (she forgotwhat she came to thewell for, shehad gotsomewhat better than the water of Jacob's well; she met with Jacob'sGod,andhadgotJacob'sblessing),shegoestothecity,andturnsasortofapreachertothem:Come,seeamanthattoldmeallthingsthateverIdid:isnotthistheChrist?ver.29.Sheobtainedmercy,andwouldhaveall the city come, and get mercy also. And a great many came, andobtainedmercy.Christcaughtthatwomanbyhisgrace,andmadeherasabaittocatchmanymore.Nobelievercandenyhissenseofsuchaframeas this.Therearesomepersons thoudost love,andshouldst love: thouprayestforthem.Whatdostthoumainlyaskforwife,children,brothers,sisters, and all or any thou lovest heartily? Is it not,O that theymightshare in God's saving mercy? If thou ask it for others as the greatestmercy, thou thyself art an obtainer ofmercy. Paul obtainedmercy.HelovedhiscountrymentheJewsdearly,andongoodgrounds,Rom.9:1–5.Whatpraysheforthem?Rom.10:1.Myheart'sdesireandprayertoGodfor Israel is, that they might be saved. All right prayer should be theheart'sdesire.Salvationisthebestthingwecanprayfortoourselves,orto themwe love.Andnoman canheartily pray for salvation to others,whohathnotgotithimself.

Secondly, I would now direct some words to them that have obtainedmercy,andknowit.BlessedbetheLord,thattherearenotafewintheworld,notafewinthiscity,and,Ihope,notafewinthismeeting,thathaveobtainedmercyof theLord,andknow it also;whocan rememberwhentheirmiserywasgreat;andwhenthemercyoftheLordmadeavisittothem;andwhatgreatthingsitbroughttothem,andwroughtinthem.

1. Let such be very thankful for special savingmercy. Praise is a greatdebt,aswellasagreatblessing.Letnonetakethisasanordinaryduty;butletallChristiansknow,thatthemainpointofthelifeandpracticeofChristianity lies in the performance of it, 1 Pet. 2:9. Praise should riseaccording to the worth of what we praise for. Greatest favours call forhighestpraises;andspecialmercyfromtheLordisthehighestfavour.Itis a good custom, and a duty also that people, when they receive theirdailybreadfromGod,dogivehimthanksforit,aswellasbeghisblessingonit.Praythen,howdoyouthinktheLordwilltakeunthankfulnessforhis special mercy? How many hath the Lord to give in this chargeagainst?"Inevergavetheeanight'srest,butthougavemethanksforitinthemorning;but Ihavebymymercyraised theeup tonewnessof life,andIwasneverthankedforit.Ineverfedthybody,butthoublessedmeformybounty;butIhavegiventheemySonforthebreadofthysoul,butnopraiseforthisgift.Whenthouwastneardeath,Ididinmercyrestorethee, and was praised for it; but specialmercy hath delivered thy soulfrom eternal destruction, butwhen didst thou praise for that?"Have acarethischargebenotgivenagainstyou.Livetohispraise,andletpraisebethemainworkofyourlife.

2.WalktenderlyunderGod'sspecialmercy.Themorespecialthemercybe, the more carefully it should be improved. God's saving mercy is aload, a burden; not indeed hard to be borne, but it is hard to bear itaright;aburdenthatwillnotbreaktheback,butwillweighheavyontheshouldersofthebearers;andsuchasareunderit,areinnosmalldangerofstumbling:Isa.38:15.WhatshallIsay?hehathbothspokenuntome,andhimselfhathdoneit:Ishallgosoftlyallmyyearsinthebitternessofmy soul.And that therewas specialmercy inhis eye, see ver. 17.Thouhast in love tomy souldelivered it from thepitof corruption; for thouhastcastallmysinsbehindthyback.Hereisarightsenseofmercy,andagood resolution about the guiding of it: "Iwillwalk softly all the years(fifteenofthem)thatGodhathaddedtomylife."Butwhatperformancewas there? 2 Chronicles 32:25. But Hezekiah rendered not againaccordingtothebenefitdoneuntohim:forhisheartwasliftedup.

3. Obtainers ofmercy should ask grace to guidemercy; and ask it themore earnestly and confidently, because they have obtainedmercy. Be

notdiscouraged inaskingmoremercy,becauseyouhavemadesopoorimprovementsofwhatyouhavereceived.Everymercy laysusunderanobligationformoreservice;andgracetoenableforthatservicemustbegiven,andthereforeshouldbeasked.Weneedmercy,Godgivesit:Whenwegetit,weshouldguideitwell;andinordertothat,wemustbegmore;newmercytoenableustoguidetheold.NomercyfromtheLordbutitmaybeillguided,butthelast,eternallife,Jude,ver.21.AChristianisnotout of all danger of abusing any mercy of the Lord, till he receiveperfectingmercyinheaven.

Thirdly,Tothemthathavenotobtainedmercy,orat leastdonotknowthat theyhave,only four thingsIwouldsay tosuch.Askmercy,receivemercy,pleadmercy,hopeinhismercy.

1.Askmercy.TheLordhath twodesigns inofferinganddispensinghismercytomen;tobehonouredbytheprayersofthemthatwantit;andtobeglorifiedbythepraisesofthemthatgetit.Thisdutyofaskingmercy,isfrequently commandedby theLord, commonlypractisedbyhispeople,andnever invain. (1.)Askmercy like itself.Asksomewayaccording toyourneed,anditsworth.Ifourbeggingboreanytolerableproportiontothe great blessing of God's saving mercy, what mighty praying wouldthere be? Let notmercy be sought as a small thing. It is the one thingneedful,anditistheonethingweshouldseekoftheLord.God'smercy,savingmercy,freemercy,mercygreat,vastlyaboveallourmisery;Ohowwould it be asked, if asked like itself! (2.)Askmercy at the right door.Thereisnotacrumbofsavingmercythatcomestoanyperishingsinner,butbyJesusChrist.There isnocorninEgypt,butwhatcomesthroughthisJoseph'shand.HeisamadbeggarofmercythatforgetsChrist.(3.)Askmercy inGod's time.He that commands us to ask, and tells us atwhatdoortobeg,andpromisethtogive,tellsusalsowhenweshouldask.Menhavetheirtimes;asingreatdistress,whendying,andatjudgment.Beware of putting off asking, till God's time of giving be past. It is anawfulwordofChrist,Luke13:25.Whenoncethemasterofthehouseisrisenup,andhathshuttothedoor,andyebegintostandwithout,andtoknock at the door, saying, &c. There are two sad beginnings here.Beginnings to standwithout when the door is shut; suchwill eternallystandwithout.Beginningtoknockatthedoor;suchasbegintoknockat

God'sshutdoor,willnevergetin.ThereisnogoodanswertobegivenbyGod to such for eternity. Isnot that a veryunhappybeginning?SoourLord tellsus in theparableof the tenvirgins,Matth.25:10.The foolishcame when the door was shut. They were foolish that they came nosooner;andmiserablethattheycametoolate.Ibelievethedamnedwillseemoreof theblessednessof the saved than the saved,will seeof themisery of the damned. Christ expressly aggravates the misery of thedamned,bywhattheyshallseeoftheblissofthesaved,Luke13:28.Butallweseeinthewordthatthesavedshallseeorhearofthemiseryofthedamned,istheirresurrectiontodamnation,John5:29.(whichisamostmiserableone;better,wereitforthemtohavetheirbodieslieeternallyinthe grave, than to be raised for damnation), their sentence ofcondemnation,andtheirvainpleasandpleadingsformercy.ButOthatmenwouldcomeinatGod'stime,andcryformercy,astheywilldooutof time!Howmuchbetterwould itbeout them!God's time isnow, to-day,thepresenttime2Cor.6:2.Nowistheacceptedtime,nowisthedayofsalvation.IfmenrefuseGod'smercyinhistime,hewilldenyhismereywhen sought in their time, andout of his. Isaiah30:18.Hewaits to begracious,andwillingtobeexaltedinhavingmercy.NotwithstandingallthemercywiththeLord,allthemercythatisofferedinthepromise,theLordneverpromised a sinnerhismercy to-morrow. If youwill beghismercyto-day,youmayhaveit,anditshallendureforever.ButGodnevergaveanallowanceand liberty toanyman, to spendonedayorhour inconsultingwhetherheshouldbegGod'smercyornot.Davidhadindeedasadchoiceof judgmentslaidbeforehim,2Sam.24:13andisbidbytheProphet,Advisenow,andseewhatanswerIshallreturntohimthatsentme.Butforaperishingsinner,thathathanofferofGod'smereyinJesusChrist,thereisnodelayallowed,butonlyheisbidaskitpresently.

2.ReceiveGod'smercy.Receivingiseasierthanasking.Askingrequiressomepains;receivingisbutaconsentofthehearttotakewhatisoffered.Asking supposeth a great and needful blessing, that he that wants itwould fain have; and therefore he begs it. Receiving implies, that thisgreatblessingisinhisofferfullyandfreely;andthereforehemustacceptit.HereisthestateofthingsbetwixtGodandmeninthegospel.TheLordbrings his mercy near to them, offers it to them, bids them take andreceiveit;butmanywillnot.Godoffersquartertorebelsinarmsagainst

him;buttheystandupontheirsword,andwillnottakequarter.Ministersworkis,tointreatandbeseechinChrist'sstead,2Cor.5:20.Godonlycanpersuade and prevail with men. Mercy comes prepared and ready formen.It ispreparedinthepurchaseofChrist; it ispreparedinthewell-ordered covenant; and as prepared and ready, it is tendered freely tosinners: All things are ready, come to themarriage,Matthew 22:4. Allthingsareready.Godhimselfisreadytogivemercy.Christisready;heisslainforus:letuscomeandkeepthefeast,1Cor.5:7,8.TheHolySpiritisreadytosealyoutothedayofredemption,ifyouwillacceptofGod'smercy in the Redeemer. Heaven is ready, the way is plain, and allhindrancesoflawandjusticeremoved,Heb.10:19,20.Thecityofrefugeisready;anditsgatesareopencontinually,toreceiveandgiveentrancetoallthatfleeforsafety,Heb.6:18.Alas!allthingsareready;butmenarenotwilling.Thereisnotamoment'stimeneededtoripenGod'smercyformen. No perishing sinner, that seeth his need of God's mercy, and iswillingtoreceiveit,needsstayamoment,tillmercybereadyforhim,orhemorereadyforit:Rom.10:6,7,8.Therighteousnesswhichisoffaith,speakethon thiswise, (Howvery fewhaveears tohear sucha speaker,and such a speech?), Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend intoheaven?(thatistobringChristdownfromabove):Orwhoshalldescendintothedeep:(thatistobringupChristagainfromthedead).(Christiscomedownalreadyfromheaven,andisgonebackagaintoheaven).Butwhatsaithit?Thewordisnighthee,eveninthymouth,andinthyheart:that is theword of faithwhichwepreach.Mercy and salvation for lostsinnersispreparedbyChrist'scomingdown,andgoingupagain;andhehathlodgedthepowerandvirtueofhisundertakinginthegospel.Suckatthat well with faith, and thy soul shall be saved: there thou wilt findChrist, and all his fulness. There was never such a treatymade in theworld.Wecanfetchnosimilitudefully likethisamongstmen.ThustheLordpleadswithmen in thegospel:—"Youarealreadyundonewithsinandmiserylyingonyou,andyouareeveryhoursinkingintogreater;letbutmymercy inmy Son enter in, and it will cure all that is past andpresent,andpreventallthemiserythatiscomingonyou."AndwillnotmiserablesinnersreceiveGod'smercy?Areyouafraidofsavingmercy?will ithurtyou?whydoyenotgiveitentrance?Itisoneofthegreatestdemonstrations what monsters sin hath made men, that they areunwilling to be saved by free mercy, in Jesus Christ. Open a door for

God'smercy,byafreereceivingofit;orelseyouwillfindthedoorofhismercy shutagainst you,whenyouneed itmost.Yourgivingway tohismercy,isyourreceivingofit.Saywiththeheart,"LetGod'smercyenterinuponme,andsavemeitsownway."Ayielding,andgiving,andputtingofalostsoulintothehandofChrist,isthenatureofsavingfaithinhim.Willyenottrustinhismercy?Isitnotabletosaveyou?Yourwantofasenseofyourneedofhismercy,isagivingthelietoallthethreateningsandcurseofthelaw;yourdoubtingoftheabilityofhismercytosaveyou,is to give the lie to all the faithfulness and truth of God declared andsworninthegospel.

3.Pleadmercy.Whenyoubegit,usenootherpleaformercy,butmercy.When you begmercy, youmust begmercy only formercy's sake. Thatthatmoves God to shewmercy,must be our argument in pleading formercy.Wherefore dothGod shewmercy? Because hewill shewmercy,anddelightsinit,Micah7:18.Andthereforeshouldwepleadit.Mercyinhis heart, is the only spring ofmercy fromhis hand.David,who knewGod'smercywell,hadtastedofitoften,andneededitgreatly,whenfallenintoafoulpit,thuspleadsformercy:Psalm51:1.Havemercyuponme,OGod, according to thy loving-kindness: accordingunto themultitude ofthytendermerciesblotoutmytransgressions.HaveacareofmakinganyotherpleaformercyfromtheLord,butthatofmercywithhim.Andstickto this plea, and it will prevail. If the Lord for trying of your faith, orSatanforshakingit,shouldsay,Howdaresuchavilesinnerasthouart,begsogreatagiftassavingmercy,fromsoholyaGod?thepoorpleaderhathareadyanswer:"Iwantmercyasmuchasmysoulisworth.Invaindo I seek it of any creature; nothing but hismercy can saveme. I begmercyonlyformercy'ssake:Ibringnothingbutastarvingsoul,andanemptyhand.Ibeghismercyasanalms,whichwilleternallyenrichthereceiver,andnotimpoverishthegiver.WhatcansuchasIbegofsuchaGodasheis,butmercy?HisnameisMercy,mynameisMisery.Iwouldhave my misery relieved by his mercy, and his mercy glorified in myrelief."

4.Hope in hismercy: Psalm 147:11. The Lord taketh pleasure in themthat fear him, in those that hope in hismercy. Psalm 130:7. Let IsraelhopeintheLord:forwiththeLordthereismercy.Itisfromthedevil,for

whomthere isnomercy, thatanyof themostmiserableoutofhell aretempted to think there is nomercywithGod for them.He enviesmenGod'smercy.Hedothnotonlytempttosin,butalsotosecurityinit,tillthedayofmercybepast.IfGodawakenasinnertoseehisneedofmercyin time, Satan tempts him to think that it is out of time. In suchtemptationsheactsmostlikehimself,areprobatedamnedspirit;andinmanaging of them he hath great advantages, from his own craft andmalice,andmens justdeservingofwrath.Lookonall such thoughtsasfrom that adversary, and treat themaccordingly.When youbegmercy,lookfor it:expecttoobtainit,whenyouwouldlayholdonit.TheLordwillneverkeepbackhissavingmercyfromasinnerthatwouldhaveitashislife.Whenyoupleadformercy,formercy'ssake,hopetoprevail;andthatwillhelpyoutopleadbetter.

Somuchforthisexhortation.Willyegohomeanddoso?Willyoustudymoreyourmisery,andthegreatnessofhismercy;andaskandpleadforitmoreearnestly?Thereisneverbetterfruitofpreaching,thanwhenthehearersaresentawayhungeringandthirstingaftertheLord'smercy.

SERMONVIII

HEB.4:16

Letus thereforecomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace, thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.

IHAVEspoketothefirstoftheblessingstobegotatthethroneofgrace,whichweshouldcomefor,obtainingofmercy.Thesecondis,Thefindingof grace to help in time of need. This expression, finding of grace, isprobably borrowed from the Old Testament, wherein the bestowing offavour is usually so expressed.We find it in mens pleadings with one

another.SoJacobtoEsau,Gen.32:5and33:1.Thesearetofindgraceinthesightofmylord.Andhepleadsuponit,ver.10.IfIhavefoundgraceinthysight,thenreceivemypresentatmyhand:forthereforeIhaveseenthyface,asthoughIhadseenthefaceofGod;andthouwastpleasedwithme.JacobhadseenGod'sfacethatmorning,andhadfoundgraceinhissight,andheremembersitwhenhefindsgraceinthesightofhisangrybrother. So we find the phrase used in dealing with God, by Moses,Exodus33:12,13.Yetthouhastsaid,Iknowtheebyname,andthouhastfoundgraceinmysight.Nowtherefore,Ipraythee,ifIhavefoundgraceinthysight,shewmenowthyway,thatImayknowthee,thatImayfindgraceinthysight.

ThefirstthingIwouldremarkhere,is,theconnectionbetwixtthesetwoblessings and errands, obtaining ofmercy, and finding of grace.MercyandgracearejoinedtogetherbyGod,andarenotbeputasunderbyman.Manywouldseparatethem.Theywouldbecontenttoobtainmercy;buttheycarenotsomuchforhisgrace.Butsuchareonlyprofane ignorantpersons, that knowneitherGodnor themselves, norhismercy, norhisgrace. The Lord will not give mercy without grace, nor grace withoutmercy.Allthatreceiveeither,receiveboth;andallthatwouldhaveeither,mustaskboth;andnonecanaskeitheraright,buthethatasksboth.

Thisgracewearecalledtocometothethroneofgraceforthefindingof,isspecifiedfromitsgreatadvantageandusefulness.Itisgracetohelpintime of need. The words in the original are, grace for seasonableopportune help. It is the nature of this grace, that it is helpful. Itshelpfulnessmainlyappearsinatimeofneed.Atimeofneedwillcome:thisgraceistobeaskedbeforethattimecome;itistobewaitedupontillthetimeofneedcome,andusedwhenitcomes.

Thetruthtobespoketo,isthisplainone:—

DOCT.Thatall thathearofGod'sofferofgrace,shouldcometoGodtoaskit,togetit,tofindit.

MenshouldcometoGod'sthroneofgrace,forgraceforthemselves.TheyshouldcometoGodinChristJesus,forthegraceofGodinandbyChristJesus.Thisisatruthsobrightinitsownevidence,thatthereisnoneed

toconfirmit.Whathathbeensaidofcomingtoobtainmercy,isequallybindinguntocomingtofindgrace.

Twothings,then,Iwouldspeakuntoatthistime.

I.Whatisthisgracewearecalledtocometothethroneofgracefor?

II.Whatfindingofgraceis;whatspecialtyisthereinthisexpression?Itiscertain,neverdidamanfindgrace,beforegrace foundhim.Grace isalways the first finder: but the sense of it, and our knowledge of ourhavingfoundit,followsafter.

I.Whatisthisgracewearetocometothethroneofgraceforfindingof?We have need to know this distinctly. The reason why many are soconfused, and dark, and barren in their prayers, is, because they knownotwhat is tobegotbyprayer. Ifwehada clearknowledgeof the fullextent of this grace that is to be dispensed at this throne of grace, weshouldquicklyknowwhattoask,andfindmatterforaskingcontinually.

ThisgraceofGod,thatweareinvitedtocometothethroneofgraceforfindingof, comesunder threedifferent considerations. 1.As it is in thefountainfromwhenceitflows.2.Asitisinthechannelinwhichitruns.3.Asitisinthevesselsthatdoreceiveit.

1.Graceconsideredas in the fountain fromwhence it flows, isgrace inGod. The scriptures take notice of the special interest that each of thethreeblessedpersonsofthegodheadhaveindispensingofgrace.WefindtheFathercalledtheGodofallgrace,1Pet.5:10.;andthereChristisalsonamed,andtheHolyGhostimplied.TheFather,theGodofallgrace,isthecaller;hecallethustohiseternalglorybyChristJesus;wearefittedfor thepossessionof itby thegraceof theHolyGhost.OurLordJesusChristisoftspokeofasthefountainofgrace,John1:14.Fullofgraceandtruth; and that wemight know that this fountain-fulness in him is forcommunication,ver.16.Andoutofhisfulnesshaveallwereceived,andgraceforgrace.TheHolyGhostiscalledtheSpiritofgrace,Heb.10:29.;of grace and supplication, Zech. 12:10; of faith, 2 Cor. 4:13. When wecometothethroneofgrace,forgraceinthisconsideration,wecomeforthe manifestation and communication of grace from the fountain,

accordingtohiswillandourneed,forthecarryingonofoursalvationtothepraiseofhisgrace.It istobeobservedinthatapostolicwish,whichby a good custom is made the concluding blessing in Christianassemblies,2Cor.13:14.ThegraceoftheLordJesusChrist,andtheloveofGod, and the communionof theHolyGhost, bewith you all,Amen,thatthereisgraceintheFather'slove,andgraceinthecommunionoftheHolyGhost,aswellas there is loveandcommunion in thegraceofourLord Jesus. For grace is in all divine favour, and in all its fruits, freelybestowedontheundeservingsonsofmen.

2.Gracemaybeconsideredasitisinthechannelinwhichitruns,inthewayandmeansofitsconveyance,usuallycalledthemeansofgrace.Andthis is thegospel. It is true, that this formofspeech,meansofgrace, isnot a scriptural phrase, though it be usual with us. But by it wemeannothing, but such means as are hallowed by divine institution, andbacked with a gracious promise of bestowing grace on the right usersthereof.Themainofwhichmeans,isthegospelitself,calledbyPaul, inActs20:24 the gospel of the graceofGod, andver. 32. thewordofhisgrace.AndinTit.2:11thegospeliscalledsimply,thegraceofGod.Ifyoutakeawaythedoctrineoffreegrace,youtakeawaythegospel.Itisbutanemptyshadow,a falsename, tocall thatdoctrinegospel, that isnot thewordofhisgrace.ThegraceofGodinthemeansisuniversallyofferedtoall thathear thegospel;but theblessing itself is sovereignlydispensed,likegrace.ThereisgroundsufficientinthepromiseforfaithinwaitingontheLordintheuseofhisappointments:butyettheLordneverusedanyoutward mean that was always effectual to all them that had it. Thegreatest of any outward means that ever men were under, was thepersonalministryofChrist;yetallhishearersdidnotbelieve,yea,butafewdid, John6:26,&c.What aheavenlydiscoursedothChrist deliver!butwhatwastheeffectofit?ver.66.Fromthattimemanyofhisdiscipleswentback,andwalkednomorewithhim.TheLordhathwiselyordereditthus, that themeans (the channelhisgrace runs in)areat some times,and to some persons, filled with his grace; and at other times are butemptypipes,thatthemeansthemselvesmaynotbedoatedon,andthatthe fountain may still be depended on. When, then, we come to thethrone of grace, for grace, as in themeans, we come begging, that theLord,whohathappointedthemeans,andkeepstheblessingofthemin

hisownhand,wouldfillthemeanswithhisgrace,andfilloursoulswiththecommunicationofthatgrace,inouruseofthesemeans.

3.Grace is consideredas it is in thevessels that receive it, inmen thatpartakeofit.Andhereitwillbeneedfultodistinguish.ThegraceofGodasreceived,comesunderaverynotabledistinctionofcommongrace,andsaving grace, or special. Somewhat hath been hinted of the samedistinction, betwixt common and special saving mercy. But of thisdistinction,astogracereceived,Iwouldspeakmorefully.

First, Common grace is so called, not because it is ordinary and usual,(forinbadtimesitisrareenough),butbecauseitisnotsaving.Itismostlikely,thatinsuchhappytimes(whichwecannotnowboastof,butonlyhope for) when saving grace is bestowed on many, common grace isdispensedmore frequently also. That there is such a thing as commongrace, isascertain,as it is thatthere issuchacreature(ifImaysocallhim) as a hypocrite in the church, or in theworld. For an hypocrite isnothing else but an unrenewed sinner, painted over withmore or lesscommongrace.And tomen that see theoutsideofothersonly,hemayappearlikeatrueChristian.

Iwouldgivesomeparticularinstancesofthiscommongrace.

1.There is a commonenlighteninggrace, a common illumination,Heb.6:4and10:26.Theapostlesupposeth,thatthereisanenlightening,andareceiving a knowledge of the truth, thatmay bewhere a fatal apostasymayfollow.TheLordmaygivethelightofhisword;and,inandbythatlight,maydartinsomeclearbeamsofgospel-truthonsuchthatareledno farther. It is far frombeing true, thatallknowingheadshavesoundhearts. Theremaybe, andoften is,much clear light in themind aboutpointsofsavingtruth,whenthereisnosense,nosavour,nofaithintheheart.Acts26wefindPaulspeakinginthemostnobleassemblythatitislikeheeverspokein;aKingandaQueen,andaRomanGovernorgreaterthan both. In this august assembly, Paul, though a prisoner in bonds,remembershisbeinganapostle,andpreachethChrist,andtakesChrist'sgrace inconvertinghim forhis text:ver.24.Whenhe is thusspeaking,Festussaidwithaloudvoice,PaulthouartbesidethyselfmuchlearningdothmaketheemadAt thesametime,ver.28.AgrippasaiduntoPaul,

AlmostthoupersuadestmetobeaChristian.ThiswasagreatdealbetterthanFestus'sword, yetapoorword in itself. It spoke someglancingofineffectuallightonhismind.AnalmostChristian,andnomore,isbutasinneralmostsaved,andnomore;oronethatisnoChristian,andneversavedatall.

2. There is common awakening grace. The Lord sometimes alarms theconsciencesoftheungodly,andmayraiseagreatsenseofsininsuchasareneverforgiven;andfearsofhell,yea,aforetasteofhell,insomethatneverescapeit.Ihavesinned,saithPharaoh;IhavesinnedsaithSaul:Ihavesinned(saithJudas),inbetrayinginnocentblood.Alas,poorwretch!it had been better to have confessed his sin against his master, to hismaster,thantohismurderers.FelixtrembledwhenPaulpreached.ItwasgraceinGodtocomesoneartohim,andgreatpowerwasputforth.WhatelsecouldmakesuchagreatprinceasFelixwas,totrembleatthewordsofapoorprisonerstandingbeforehiminhischains?Awakeninggraceisbut commongrace.The lawwoundsmanya conscience that the gospeldothnotheal,becausenotappliedto.Nowoundcanthelawmake,whichthegospelcannotheal.Boastnotofyourwoundsbythelaw,unlessyoucantellhowyouwerehealed.Thereisnocureforaconsciencewoundedbysinandbythelaw,butthebloodofJesusshedforsin.Didyecometoit?Heb. 12:24.Didheapply it toyou?Wereyoucuredofyourwoundsbeforeyewenttohim,andbeforehecametoyou?Wofulisthatcure,andworsethanthewound.Manypoorcreaturesarewoundedbythelaw,andtothelawtheygoforhealing.ButGodneverappointedthelawtohealawoundedconscience;anditneverdid,norcan,norwill,totheendoftheworld,nortoeternity.ItisChrist'sname,andproperty,andglory,tobetheonlyphysicianofsouls;andallmustdieofthediseaseofsin,thatarenothishappypatients.

3.Thereiscommonrestraininggrace;anactofGod'sgraceandwisdom,whichheoftenputsforthinhisrulingofthiswickedworld.Howquicklywouldthisearthbecomeahell,wereitnotforthisrestraininggrace?ifallunrenewed men were permitted by God, to commit all the sin Satantemptsto,andtheirnaturesinclinethemto,therewouldbenolivinginthisworld for the godly.This restraining gracewe find aHeathenhad:Gen. 20:6. Iwith-held thee from sinning againstme, saith the Lord to

Abimelech.And,whichismore,wefindagreatsaintprayingforit,Psal.19:13.Keepbackthyservantalsofrompresumptuoussins, let themnothavedominionoverme: that is, "Layapowerfulrestraintonmeby thygrace,thatwhenIamtempted,mywaymaybehedgedup,andImaybekeptfromcomplyingwiththetemptation."ButyetbarerestraininggraceisnotdesiredbyaChristianingoodcase,withoutsanctifyinggrace.Hedesires not only the restraining of the outward acts of sin, but theremoving of inward inclinations to sin; he begs the renewing andchanging of the heart. So David, when he had fallen foully, by thestrength of inward corruption, andGod's leaving him to himself;whenrecovered by grace, and renewed unto repentance, prays like a wisebeliever,Psal.51:10.Createinmeacleanheart,OGod;andrenewarightspiritwithinme.

4. There is common assisting grace. Many a bad man hath had goodassistancefromGodinagoodwork.TheSpiritofGodhathclothedmany,and enabled them to great and goodworks,whichGod gets service by,andtheworldgoodby,thoughthedoersthereofbenotaccepted:Matth.7:22. Many shall say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we notprophesiedinthyname?andinthynamehavecastoutdevils?andinthyname done many wonderful works? All great things, and all done inChrist'sname,anddonebyhisassistance.Intheircastingoutofdevils,and inworkingofmiracles, therewasanexertingofomnipotency,withandbytheirfaith;whichisthegreatestdivineassistancewecanimagine.AndnodoubttheywereassistedbyChrist'sSpiritintheirprophesyinginhisname.Now,suchthingstheythusdid.Christ,inhisreply,deniesnottheirdoingofthem,findsnofaultwiththeworksinthemselves;butallhis quarrel is with the workers: I never knew you, you are workers ofiniquity.

5.Tocommongracebelongssomecomfortandjoyreachingtheheartinhearingtheword.OurLordexpresslyexplainsthestonygroundthisway,Matth. 13:20.He that received the seed in stonyplaces, the same is hethatheareththeword,andanonwithjoyreceivethit.

6.Lastly,There is reforminggrace, thatbelongs to commongrace.Thepowerof thewordmaycomesoonnaturalmensconsciences, that theymay reform many things; as Mark 6:20. Herod, when he heard John

Baptist,didmanythings,andheardhimgladly.So2Pet.2:20.

If any say,What! should we come to the throne of grace for commongrace? Ianswer,Not for it alone,but for it, andbetter. It is amercy tohavecommongrace;itisgracethatisundeserved:butitisawofulsnareto him that rests in it. If the Lord restrain your corruptions; if heenlightenyourminds,andawakenyourconsciences;ifheassistyouwithgifts for goodworks; if hehelp you tomend any thing that is amiss inyourconversation;blesshimforall:butrestnotonanyofthesethings.Itisahigherandbettergracethatissaving,andthatyoumustseekafter.

Secondly,Savinggrace,asdistinctfrom,andbeyondallthatiscommon,respectsthreethings.

1.Itrespectsandworksachangeinaman'sstate,whichcommongraceneverperforms.Savinggracechangethaperson'sstate.BythisgraceanenemyisreconciledtoGod,aguiltysinnerisjustifiedfreelythroughtheredemptionthatisinChristJesus,astrangerreceivessonshipbyChrist.Commongraceneveraltersthestateofaman'sperson,butitleaveshimwhereitfoundhim.Itneverdoth,norcantakehimoutoftheoldstockoffallen Adam; he still lies in that pit; and is never by it translated intoChrist, and ingrafted in him, as a new head. But saving grace, when itcomes,dothall,Eph.2:4–18.

2. Saving grace respectsman's sinful nature, and changeth it. And thisgrace thusworking, is called regenerating, sanctifying, and renewingofmen.Christcallsit,beingbornagain,John3:3.IfanymanbeinChrist,(through this grace), he is a new creature, 2Cor. 5:17.This the apostlecalls, Tit. 3:5. According to his mercy he saved us, by the washing ofregeneration,andrenewingoftheHolyGhost.Naturalmenareaptertolook to their conversation, than to their nature. They may see manythings amiss in theirway,who are loth to look into their heart. And iflightshine in, todiscover inwardheart-faults, theyarestillbackwardtoown that all is naught, and that there is no good in their hearts. If thelightpursuethemyetcloser,andmakethemseethatall isstarknaughtwithin, they are still more backward to own he true spring of theirdisease, and the true remedy for it; that all this dominion of sin overthem, flows from the natural state of their persons, as standing still in

andunder the firstsinfulAdam;andcanneverbealteredandmended,butbygraceputtingthemintoChrist,astherootoftheirnewlife.

3.Savinggracerespectsandworksonthenewnature.Specialgracenotonlychangethaman'sstate,norhisoldcorruptnatureonly:butitworksonthisnewnaturewroughtbygrace.ThespecialoperationofthegraceofGod,inandfromthefountain,isuponhisownnewcreationintheheartsofhischildren.Wecannotconceiveitfully;ourmindsarenotabletotakein these depths of God. We hear from, and read in the word, of theintimate correspondence the Lord entertains with them in whom hedwells.Christdwellsintheheartbyfaith,Eph.3:17.HisSpiritdwellsinhispeople,Rom.8:9,10,11.Butwhatisit intheirheartsthathedwellsin?Hedwells in his ownworkmanship in their hearts, in his ownnewcreation, in his own garden that he hath planted in them. There hispresenceis,andtherehiseyeis,onthathishandis;thisisthathewaters,andcarefully looksafter.Whenabelievercomes to the throneofgrace,for this grace, he comes to beg that the new creation in him may bevisited,refreshed,andstrengthened,andbroughttoperfection.Theythathave no planting of Christ in them, want this errand to the throne ofgrace,thatbelieversdailycomeupon.

Somuchforthefirstthing,Whatthisgraceis?

II.What is thefindingof thisgrace?Whytheapostleuseththisphrase,different from the former, about mercy? That was obtaining of mercy,this is finding of grace. Mercy and grace are near a-kin; and so isobtaining and finding. Besides the Hebrew phrase, remarked already,thesethingsIwouldnoteinit:—

1. I conceive, that this phrase of finding grace, doth imply the duty ofseekingit;accordingtoourLord'sowndirection,Matth.7:7.Ask,anditwillbegivenyou:seek,andyeshall find:knock,and it shallbeopenedunto you.Where, and in ver. 8 our Lord gives three commands to oneduty of prayer, under three several names; and six promises forencouragement,underthreedifferentnamesalso,redoubled.

2.Thisformofspeaking,pointsforththegivingandbestowingofgrace.His grace and favour is what is given to, bestowed on, and enjoyed by

themthatcometothethroneofgrace.Whentheoldworldwasexceedingbad,allstarknaught,andbutonegoodmaninit,(youmustneedsthinkthat it was a badworld then), and thatwasNoah,Gen. 6:8. ButNoahfoundgraceintheeyesoftheLord.Thiswordweshouldregardthemore,thatitisthefirstplacewherethegraceofGodismentionedinscripture.TheehaveIseenrighteousbeforemeinthisgeneration,saiththeLordtohim,Gen.7:4.Andhowthismancamebyhisrighteousness,seeinHeb.11:7.Byfaith,NoahbeingwarnedofGodofthingsnotseenasyet,movedwith fear, preparedanark for the savingofhishouse;by thewhichhecondemnedtheworld,andbecameheiroftherighteousnesswhichisbyfaith.WhobuttheSpiritofGodbyPaul(who,Ithink,wasthepenmanofthis epistle) would have found the righteousness of faith in Noah'sbuildingoftheark?Many,nay,mostofmen,calledChristians,cannotseethisrighteousnessthatisbyfaith,inthegospelitself.Therewasabraveinheritance, and estate in this righteousness of faith, secured andrevealedinthefirstgospel,Gen.3:15.OfthisestateAbelandEnochwerepossessed;andNoahbecame(that is,declaredhimself)anheirof it,byhis faith, and the fruits of it. The whole world had the warning; NoahfromGod,theworldbyNoah.Allwereequallyconcernedinthedanger.Noahpreached it to them;andGod'sSpiritwaswithhim,strivingwiththemahundredandtwentyyears.Butnotonemanfoundgrace,buthealone.Aprodigiousdepthof judgmentandmercy!suchamanasNoahpreachedso longto theworldof theungodly,as2Pet.2:5andnotonesingleman orwoman believed.He only found grace in the eyes of theLord. Jer. 31:2. Thus saith the Lord, The people that were left of thesword, foundgrace inthewilderness;evenIsrael,whenIwent tocausehimtorest.Itisagreatblessingtofindgraceanywhere;buttofindgraceinthewilderness,tofindgracewhereandwhentheswordofGod'sangerandjusticeisdestroyingmultitudes,isheightenedgrace.Gracefallsstillon remnants. Justice and wrath seizeth on the bulk and whole piece:Rom. 11:5. A remnant according to the election of grace. Ver 7. Theelection obtained it, (that is, grace): and the rest were blinded andhardened.Themorebeleft,andthefewerbesavinglytaken,thegreateristhegraceshewedtothosefew,andthemorehappyaretheythatfindit.

3.Inthisphraseoffindinggrace,theremaythisbeconceived,ifyouwillunderstanditrightly,thecasualtyofthegettingofgrace.Thereisnosuch

thing as casualty to God: he always knows when, and where, and onwhom to bestow his grace. But the bestowing of his grace is a merecasualtytoallmen;bothtothemthatreceiveit,andtoothersthat lookon. My meaning is, grace comes unlooked for, undeserved, undesired,unexpected,initsfirstvisitespecially.SothatallreceiversofitmaysayasHagar, theonlygoodwordwehaveof thatbond-woman,Gen.16:13.Andshecalled thenameof theLord that spake toher,ThouGodseestme; (Happy are they that can name God from his grace andmercy tothem. David calls him, the God ofmymercy, Psal. 59:10, 17.); for shesaid,HaveIalsoherelookedafterhimthatseethme?"TheLordhathhadhiseyeonmeforgood,whenIwasnotthinkingonhim."Gracealwayscomesatfirstbysurprise.Howmanyaretherethatattenddiligentlyonallthemeansofgrace,andneverfindgrace?whensomethatcomebutbyaccident, (as we think,) grace finds them, and they find it. This is thetreasure hid in the field of the gospel; blessed is he that finds it,Matt.13:44.Manydiginthisfield,andneverfindthetreasureinit.Menshouldusemeans,Prov.8:33,34;ministersshoulddesignwiselytocatchsouls,and labour painfully in it: but theLord, in his application of his grace,passethbymanythatwewouldfainesthavesaved,andlightsonothersweneverthoughton.Andlethimdowithhisowngraceasseemethhimgood.LittlethoughtlittleZaccheusofsalvation,whenheclimbedthetreetoseeJesuspassby,Luke19.IfChristhadnotcalledhimdown,thepoorrichpublicanwasaslikeasanyinthecompanytohaveletChristpassonin his journey. When Saul was going his wicked journey, Acts 9 whowould have thought that grace would hare fallen on him as it did! Allpartakers of grace, that can remember its first visit, can witness, thattheirfindingofgracewasamerecasualtytothem.Theythoughtnotofit,theysoughtitnot;yetitfoundthem,andwasfoundbythem:Isa.65:1.Iamsoughtofthemthataskednotforme;Iamfoundofthemthatsoughtme not. Seeking is our duty, and finding is our mercy; but both rightseeking,andgraciousfinding,aresinglyowingtohisgrace.Theapostle,afteradeepdiscourseofthesovereigntyofGodindispensinghisgrace,saith, Rom. 9:30, 31.What shallwe say then? That theGentileswhichfollowednotafterrighteousness,haveattainedtorighteousness,eventherighteousnesswhichisoffaith;butIsrael,whichfollowedafterthelawofrighteousness,hathnotattainedtothelawofrighteousness.ThecauseofIsrael'smissingrighteousness,hegivesverse32.Becausetheysought it

notbyfaith,butasitwerebytheworksofthelaw;fortheydidnotbuildand believe on Christ as a foundation, but stumbled at him as astumbling-stone. A most dreadful way of ruin, for men to break theirnecks on the Saviour. But the apostle gives no cause why the Gentilesattained the righteousness of faith; but his discourse hints it plainly.Gracesent thegospel to them,andgraceblessed it to them, inworkingfaithinthem;bythewhichtheylaidholdontherighteousnessofferedtothem;andsotheywerepossessedofit,andsavedbythatpossession.

APPLICATION.Shouldwecometothethroneofgraceforgrace?Then,1st,I infer,Thateverymanshouldpray.Haveyoufoundgracealready?Comeformore;formoregraceisneededbyyou,andmoreistobehadfromthegiver.ItisablessednameofGod,muchtobecalleduponbyus,James4:6.Hegivethmoregrace.It ismuchthathegivethanygraceatall;butmore, thathestillgivesmore.Ifhegivesmoreandmoregrace,youshouldcomemoreandmore for thismoregrace. Ifyouhaveneverreceivedgrace,youmustcometothisthroneofgrace,whereonlyitistobe found. This text hath a strong argument in it, as well as a greatencouragement. Aremen invited to the throne of grace, that theymayfind grace? Then surely graceless folks should mainly come, and havemostneedtocome.Youwillsay,thattheprayerofthewickedmanisanabominationto theLord.True;what then?Therefore,sayyou, Ishouldnot pray. A bad inference. But say you,Were it not better that amanshouldmendandgrowbetter,andthencome,andnottillthen?Thisisaperverse method, that Satan befools multitudes with. I pray you, howlongmay amanbe amendinghimself, ere he be one bit better, till thegraceofGod comeandmendhim?A sinnerneverdothknow trulyhisbadness,tillheseeit incurablebyallhisowndoings,andthatit isonlycurable by sovereign grace.Men see a little of the fruits of sin in theirwalk; and them,or someof them, they think theymay remove; and soindeed theymay.But the fountain remains still, andwill send forth itsstreamsonewayorother.Tillamanseehisheartandnature,heseethbuttheoutsideofsininhimself.Itisthesightofsininournature,ofsinasournature,thatistrulyhumbling.Thenamanseethhimselfquitelost,and for ever undone, without any possible ground of hope, unlessalmightyfreegraceundertakeforhim.

Inanswertothisobjection,inallitsstrength,Isayfourthings.

1. Coming to the throne of grace for grace, is required by God. Hecommands it as a piece of honour to him, that all should implore hisgrace.Nosinfulormiserablecircumstancescanbeintheconditionofanyoutofhell,thatcandissolvemensobligationstothisduty.Thepowerofsin and guilt on an ungodly man, disables him quite from the rightperformanceofanycommandofGod;butdothnotloosetheobligationofGod'slawuponhisconscience.Youareboundtopray;youcannotpray.Thisisyourstrait;ownit.Gracecanonlyextricateyououtofit.

2.Secureneglectofprayer,isagreatdealworsethanafaultymanagingof it.Let such folks say then, Iwill pray, and try topray: and though Ishouldmartwentyprayers,Iwillpraystill;foritisbettertotryitaswecan,thantoneglectitquite.Whatknowyoubutgracemaycomein,andhelpyou,whensinkingundertheweightofprayer?

3.Isnotthatagoodprayer,andfitforyourcase,Luke12:1.Lord,teachustopray?"Lordteachustocometherightwaytothethroneofgrace?"If you can say no more, say that, and you can say nothing better. AnhumblegroaningtoChrist,tobetaughtbyhimtopray,hathmoreoftrueprayerinit,thanmanyfinewords,whichmencallprayer,andcommendasbravepraying.

4.Isitnotathroneofgraceyouarecalledtocometo,thatyemayfindgrace? Youwant grace, and cannot come, say ye; Youwant grace, andthereforecome,sayI.Youarenottobringgraceofyourownworking,buttofinditofhisgivingatthisthrone.Wouldyouhavegrace?Come,andgetit.MenperishunderthegospelonlyfortheirrefusingofthegraceofGod. And justly are they counted refusers of grace, that will not comewhereitistobefound:andmostrighteousistheircondemnation.

Inference 2. Should we come to the throne of grace, that wemay findgrace?Thenprayerless people are graceless people.Grace is only to behad at this throne; therefore such as haveno business at the throne ofgrace,areagracelesspeople.Aprayerlesspersonisagracelessperson;aprayerlessfamilyisagracelessfamily;andLondonwouldbeagracelesscity,andEnglandagracelesskingdom,iftherewerenoseekersofGodin

them.ButblessedbeGod,thereareagreatmany.TheLordmaketheman hundred timesmore, and that our eyesmay see it, as Joab said toDavidaboutnumberingofIsrael,2Samuel24:3,Jer.10:25,Pouroutthyfuryupontheheathenthatknowtheenot,anduponthefamiliesthatcallnotonthyname.HeathensthatknownotGod,andfamiliesthatcallnotonhisname,arethesamesortoffolks,andthesamewrathofGodhangsoverthem.Wrathovertakesallthathavenotfoundgraceatthisthrone.

Inference3.Itfollowsalso,thatthemostdiligentpliersofthethroneofgrace, are the greatest receivers of grace: and the greatest receivers ofgrace,arethegreatestcomersto,andusersofthethroneofgrace.Wouldyetrythemeasuresofgracereceived?Tryitbyyourdiligenceinpraying.Somewould fainknowhowit iswith theirsouls.Here isashort,plain,andsuremarktojudgeitby.Howgoestheworkofpraying?Itisabettermark, than you increase in light and knowledge of the letter of gospel-truth;betterthantotryyourselvesbyyourpublicduties,andattendanceuponalloutwardordinances.Itisimpossible,thatamancanbediligent,painful, and serious in plying of the throne of grace, but there will begracefound,moreorless,ofonesortorother.EveryonemustsaywiththePsalmist,Psal.73:28.ButitisgoodformetodrawneartoGod;andtheoftenerthebetter.Hehathnotsaidtous,thatweshouldseekhisfaceinvain,Isa.45:19.Andnoneoftheseekersofhisfacedaresay,thattheydoseekhim invain,unless ina fitof temptation,whenthey lieagainsttheir right. It is also as impossible that thework of grace can prosper,when this high way is unoccupied, as Deborah sings, Judges 5:6. ThatChristian that lets grass grow on the road betwixt him and heaven,rottenness isentering intohisbones,aconsumptioniscomingonuponhissoul,andtheholyfleshispassedfromhim,asJer.11:15.Thesavourand relish the soul finds in approaching to the throne of grace, is thesurest test of soul-prospering. In this I appeal to the consciences of allthateverknewcommunionwithGod.Is itnotbestwithyoueveryway,whenyouaremostwithhim?Donotyourburdensgrowlight,whenyoucast themon theLord?Isnotyourpathplain,whenhiscandleshinethupon you; and doth it not shine when you are much in company?Difficulties evanish, and hard work grows easy, when the Lord is withyou,andyouwithhim.Seehowtheapostle joinsthingstogether,Jude,ver. 20, 21. But ye, beloved, building-up yourselves on yourmost holy

faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God,looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Yourfaith,yourlove,yourhope,arealltobeactedinprayer:andarecherishedby prayer, and strengthened by the answer of prayer.Would you haveplentyofthegraceofGod?Hereisaplainandsurewaytaughtyoubytheapostle; andhe joinshimselfwith themhe exhorts,Letus come to thethroneofgrace,thatwemayfindgrace.

SERMONIX

HEB.4:16

Letus thereforecomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace, thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.

THEgraciouscalland invitationcontained in this text,hathbeenoftenspoketo:aninvitationfrequentlydeliveredinthepreachingofthegospel,andasfrequentlyslightedbymostofthehearersofthegospel.Itissuchan invitation, as if it were delivered in the last day to the miserablecompany on Christ's left hand, we may think what complying with itwould therebe. If therewere a throneof grace setup then forbutonehour,wheremercyandgracemightbehadinthattimeofneed,thinkyenot that there would be coming and crowding, crying and roaring, formercy and grace? But that day will afford no such privilege. Now youhaveit;andtheLordknows,andnexttohimyourconsciencesknow,howthis is entertained.What this throne of grace is; what coming to it is;what boldness in coming is allowed; what ground there is for thisboldness,havebeenspoketo.Thelastthinginthisverse,whatblessingsmay be had by coming, hath been spoke to also; of the mercy to beobtained, andof the grace to be found.Of this last I havehandled two

things. 1.What is the grace that is to be found? 2.What the phrase offindinggraceimports?

Therearetwothingsmorethatremaininthetext:—

I. Thehelpfulness of this grace.We are called to come to find grace tohelp.

II.Theseasonablenessofthishelpofgrace.Itisgracetohelpintimeofneed.Soour translationcarries it, andprettywell.Theoriginal runs infewerwords,graceuntoseasonablehelp,orhelpindueseason.

OfthesetwoIwouldspeakatthistime.

I.Iwouldspeakofthehelpfulnessofgrace.God'sgraceisamosthelpfulblessing.

1.It ispromised,byhimthatgives it,ashelp.Isa.41:10.Fearthounot,forIamwiththee:benotdismayed,forIamthyGod:Iwillstrengthenthee,yea,Iwillhelpthee,yea,Iwillupholdtheewiththerighthandofmyrighteousness.Alas!whohathfaithenoughtodrawatthisdeepwellof salvation?Everywordhath rich food for faith.WheneverGodwouldengagetheheartofapoorcreaturetoadependenceonhim,hedothit,bypromisingtobethattothem,andtodothatforthem,thatnonebesideshimselfcanbeordo.NomancantrulyactfaithonGod,forthathethinksacreaturecandoforhim.Youneverbelievesoundly,butwhenyoulookto,andwaitonGod,forthatisimpossibleutterlytothewholecreationtogivetoyou,ortodoforyou.

2.Again,wefindthesaintsbegGod'shelp.WhenevertheycometoGodinearnest,theycometothis,Lord,help;forallotherhelpisvain.Thereisnomore commonprayer in theOldandNewTestament, and to thisday, than prayer for the Lord's helping grace. All our prayers, in theirgreatestvariety,centre inthis,Helpusbythygrace.Thegreatbeliever,Matth.15:25.cameandworshippedhim,saying,Lord,helpme.Ashortprayer, but mighty, and full of faith. A weaker man in faith than thiswoman, Mark 9:22. Have compassion on us, and help us, praying forhimself and his son; ver. 24 he prays for himself alone, Lord, helpmy

unbelief.Thereisnobelieveronearthwhomaynotdailypraythisprayer.

3.AllthepeopleofGodfindthehelpfulnessofhisgrace.Allthatseekit,findit;andallthatfindit,findthehelpfulnessofhisgrace.

First,Iwouldinafewthingsshewthehelpfulnessofgrace.

1.ThegraceofGodhelpsalways topurpose,andeffectually.ThisgracehelpedPaultolabourmoreabundantlythanalltheapostles,1Cor.15:10.Isaynot,thatthisisalwayssensibletothereceiver;butonlythatgracegivenisalwaysreallyeffectualfortheendforwhichit isgiven.It isnotgiveninvain.

2.ThegraceofGodhelpsuniversally.Thereisnocasewhereinit isnothelpful.AswithoutChristwecandonothing,John15:5.;so,throughhimstrengthening,wemaydoallthings,oranything,Phil.4:13.AChristiancanimagine,canforeseenocondition,notrial,nodifficulty,whereintheLord'sgracecannothelphim.Sothetextruns,thatwemayfindgracetohelp in timeofneed.Let the timebewhat itwill, and theneedwhat itwill,gracecanhelpinit.ItwereasadweaknessoffaithforanyChristiantosay, Iamin thatcondition, that thegraceofGodcannothelpme in.Hisgraceisomnipotent.

3.Gracehelpssweetly.Imean,thatitdothnothelpasanexternalhelp,butasaninternal.Asforafamiliarsimilitude:Aweakandweary,orlameperson,maybehelpedbythestrengthofanother,orbybeingcarried;butthis isbutexternalhelp.Thisweakor lameperson ishelped farbetter,whenhisinfirmityisremoved,andnewstrengthgiventohim,sothathecanpleasantlywalkand run:Psal. 138:3. In thedaywhen I cried, thouansweredst me; and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. It istrue,thegraceofGod,whereinourstrengthconsists,iswithoutus,andinhim; but it is inwardly applied to us, when strength is found and felt.Therefore is it that believers not only find, by the dispensings of hishelpinggrace,aneffectualstrengthfor theirworkandduty;butagreatdeal of sweetness and easiness in the exertingof that gracioushelp. SoPsal. 119:32. Iwill run thewayof thycommandments,when thoushaltenlargemyheart.Whenhedraws,werun,Song1:4.Whensuchhelpinginfluences of grace come on believers, holy obedience becomes in a

manneras sweet, easy,andnatural to them,as it is toaman thathathbodily strength, to use it in speaking, walking, or working: Isa. 40:31.TheythatwaitupontheLord,shallrenew(orchange)theirstrength:theyshallmountupwithwingsaseagles,theyshallrunandnotbeweary,andtheyshallwalkandnot faint.Psal.103:5.Thyyouthisrenewedliketheeagles, is one of the notes in the Psalmist's sweet song. No saint isignorant of this in his own experience. Who knows not, that at sometimes theirwork isheavy,and isaburden tooheavy for them;atothertimesitisaslightasafeather;andaspleasantandeasytothem,asforabirdthathathwingstofly?

4.Lastly,ThegraceofGodhelpsverymysteriously.Sometimesitshelpisverysecret;andatothertimesitisveryplaintobediscovered.Itshelpissometimessosecret,thatthesaintscannotknowordiscernitatpresent,but they aremade toknow it afterwards:Psal. 73:2.But as forme,myfeetwerealmostgone:mystepshadwell-nighslipt.Ver.22:So foolishwasI,andignorant:Iwasasabeastbeforethee.Thisistheaccounthegivesofthepowerofthetemptationhewasunder,andofthebadframeithadbroughtuponhim.Ver.23.Nevertheless,Iamcontinuallywiththee:thouhastholdenmebymyrighthand.Hedidnotknowthis,tillhewasbroughtoutof thedarknessof the temptation:but thenbediddiscern,that therehadbeenasecretsupportgivenhim,otherwisehehad fallenutterly.

Secondly,Whatencouragementhavewe to come to the throneofgraceforthishelpinggrace?

1.Theproposalandrevelationmadetousof thisgraceashelpful, isanencouragementtocomeforit.HaththeLordrevealedhisgrace,asonlyhelpfultohispeople;andshouldtheynotcomeforthathelp?Yourfaithisnot very strongandactive,unless you can catchat thegraceofGod,without a plain particular promise. I say not, but there are promisesmany and great of this helping grace, and that faith must build uponthem,anddoth:butIonlymean,thatthebarerevelationofthetreasuresofgracethatarewiththeLord,should,whenaninterestinthepromisesisdark,encourageapoorsoul tocomeforashareof thisgraceofGod:Psal. 130:4. But there is forgiveness with thee. He saith not, There isforgiveness for me but, There is forgiveness with thee. So verse 7. Let

IsraelhopeintheLord:forwiththeLordthereismercy,andwithhimisplenteous redemption. Wherefore is this forgiveness, this mercy, thisredemption, with the Lord; and why is it revealed; but that the guiltyshouldcomeforthisforgiveness,themiserableforthismercy,themany-wayscaptivesforthisplenteousredemption?TheLord'sfulnessofgraceisanargumentforourfaith,aswellashisgoodnessandfaithfulness inmakingandperformingpromisesofgrace.

2. But we have promises also for our encouragement. Promises implyGod'sfulnessofgrace;butdoexpresshisgoodwilltodispenseit,anddobindandengagehistruthtofulfilthem,toallthattakeGodathisword,andtrusthimonhisword.Itisapity,thatevertheexceedinggreatandprecious promises, and precious faith, 2 Pet. 1:1, 4 should be parted.Mark10:49.AndJesusstoodstill,andcommandedhimtobecalled:andthey call the blindman, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; hecalleththee.Theyhadnopromise;buttheyunderstoodChrist'scallingofthe blindman, was an act ofmercy, and on a design of shewingmoremercy.Butwehavemanypromisesofgrace.

3. We have all the experience of the communication of his grace,according to his promises, for our encouragement in coming for grace.Everysupplicant forgrace shouldencouragehisheart,byall theLord'sdispensings of his grace.Howmany of these are revealed in theword!andmany like themdaily are tobe seen in the churchofChrist. If youhave such experiences of your own, build upon them, praise for them,andbegmore.Ifyouhavenoneofyourown,beholdtheshowersofgrace,thathavefallenuponmanyasbadasyourselves,andwhichhavechangedthemintothatsameblessedstatethatyoudesiretobein.

APPLICATION.1.IsthegraceofGodthushelpful?andshouldwecometo the throne of grace for the help of grace? Then we see, that weakChristians shouldpraymost. Such as cando least for themselves, havemost need of grace to help them, and should seek itmost. Is anymanundera clearconviction,by the lightof theword,andhisownsensibleexperience, that he is extremelyweak, and utterly unable for any goodword or work? This man, of all men, should pray most. Manage yoursenseofweakness,asacalltoaskmuchofthishelpinggraceofGod.

2.Surely,then,comingtothethroneofgraceforgracetohelp,mustbehopefulwork. If at any time Satan, or an ungodlyworld, should temptyou,oryourownheartfailyou,infearsoftheunprofitablenessofseekingGod,havethisasareadyanswer:"lamfitfornothing,hisgracecanhelpmeineverything.WhithershouldIgobuttothethroneofgrace?whatcan I beg there but his grace?" SaywithDavid, Psal. 57:2, 3. Iwill cryuntoGodmosthigh;untoGodthatperformethallthingsforme.Heshallsendfromheaven,andsaveme.Godshallsendforthhismercyandhistruth.Andwillnotthesesaveanyman?

Exhortation.Iwouldgiveyouafewdirectionsinthepracticeofthisdutyofcomingtothethroneofgraceforhelpinggrace.

1.Cometoseekthishelpinggrace.

2.Whenyouseekit,expectit.

3.Whenyouexpectit,receiveit.

4.Whenyoureceiveit,guideit.

Exhort.I.Cometothethroneofgracetoseekhelpinggrace.Seeking(asisalreadyremarked)isnotexpressedinthetext;yetitisplainlyimplied,bothinthedutyofcoming,andintheblessingsofobtainingandfinding.Youmust seek grace to help you. Gracewill not help to sin, but helpsagainstit;yet,blessedbeGod,gracecan,andwillhelpsinners,otherwisewewere in a forlorn state indeed.Gracewill not help to laziness, (thatwere an hinderance, and no help); but gracewill help lazy people, andhelpthemoutofit.Toengageyourdiligenceinseekinghelpinggrace,Iwouldshewyouwhathelpgracegives.

1.Gracehelpstosaveyou.Ifpeoplecometothethroneofgrace,ifmenpray,andhavenotsalvationintheireye,theycomenotaright,theypraynot.Wearesavedbygrace,Eph.2:5.Nothingbutgracecansaveasinner:andifitwerenotthegraceofGod,andthereforeomnipotent,itcouldnotsave.Isnotitagreathelp,tobehelpedtosalvation?Isnotthatagreatlift,tobedeliveredfromthepowerofdarkness,andtobetranslatedintothekingdomofGod'sdearSon:Col.1:13.Whowouldnotprizeanddesire

asavingliftofGod'sgrace?Allthathavefoundit,valueit:andtheythatnever found it, should (butwill not) beg it earnestly. The grace ofGodbringssalvation,Tit.2:11.Itbringsitneartomeninthegospel.Thisisallthatitdothtomany.Buttosomethisgracebringssalvation,andgivesit;plants it in their hearts, and waters it, and makes it grow with theincreasesofGod,tillitberipe,full-grownsalvation.Wouldyoubehelpedtoheaven?Imployand implore thegraceofGod. Itonlycando it.Andmustnottheyperish,anddotheynotperishjustly,thatwillnotacceptofsavinggrace,norbegit,whentheymustperishwithoutit?

2.Gracehelpstograce.Allthegracethatisgiventous,isbutadropfromthe great fountain of grace that we make our application to. The firstgracethatisinus,isagiftandstreamofthatgracethatiswithhim.Thatgraciouschangethatiswroughtonasinner,bywhich,ofagraceless,heismadeagraciousperson;howdoyouthinkitisbroughtabout?Thereisamystery in it that a master in Israel did not know, John 3:9, 10. Nosimilitudefromtheoldcreationcanfullydeclareit;yetsomeofthemareusedintheword,andgivessomelight.Thisworkofgraceontheungodlywhomthisgracefallson,islikeasun-beamdartedfromthebodyoftheSunofrighteousness,uponasinnerdeadinsins,thatdothimmediatelyquickenhim,andenlivenhim.Itisbothlightandlife.ItisalloriginallyinChrist,andoutofhisfulnessgiventoallthatpartakeof it;John1:4.Inhimwaslife,andthelifewasthelightofmen,John8:12.Iamthelightoftheworld;hethatfollowethme,shallnotwalkindarkness,butshallhavethe light of life, saith our Lord Jesus. Christ is such a sun that all onwhom his gracious beams light, are saved. He quickens all he shinesupon.Menperishunderthegospelindeed;butitisbecausethelightofitshinesonlyaboutthem,andwithoutthem,2Cor.4:4,6butnotintotheirhearts.Allthegracewherebyany,andalltheredeemedoftheLord,areconverted, beautified, and saved, is from the highest spring, grace inChrist: 1Tim. 1:14.And thegraceofourLordwasexceedingabundant,with faith and lovewhich is inChrist Jesus.How camePaul by all thefaithandlovehisblessedsoulwasfilledwith?Allcamefromthegraceofthe Lord Jesus. And every partaker of true grace will own the sameoriginal.

3.Thehelpinggracewhichweshouldask,notonlyhelpstosalvationand

grace,butalsohelpsgrace itself.Thegrace received,mustbe refreshedandwatered, andmade to grow, by influences from the same fountainfromwhence it first flowed, or else itwillwither quickly. Thereforewehave the grace ofGod in the fountain to betake ourselves unto, for thehelpingofhisgraceinus.ForthoughgraceasinChristneedsnohelp;yethisgracegivento,anddwellinginus,needsagreatdeal.Thefatherofthelunatic,Mark 9:22, 24 came to the throne of grace but sorrily.What amarvellous changewaswrought inhim, and that suddenly? Inhis firstaddress he acted unbelief grossly; in the next he acts faith, professethfaith, and prays Christ's help against his unbelief. Many did cast outdevilsinChrist'sname;butnonecouldhelpotherfolksunbelief,northeirown.Hisbegginghelpagainsthisunbelief,wasthesameprayerwiththatof the apostles, Luke 17:5. Lord, increase our faith. And it gave morehonourtoChristinhisofficeofaSaviour,anddidsignifymore,bothoftrue faith in Christ, and of an honest heart in theman, than if he hadaddressedwiththehighestconfidencetotheLord,tocastthedeviloutofhisson.Theyouth is lyingwallowingand foaming,and tornby theevilspirit, in the sight of his tender father: yet no sooner doth the light offaithshineinhisheart,butheseethadevilofunbelieftherealso;andhefirstbegsthatChristwouldcastoutthat,andhelphisfaith.Forhelpingof unbelief, and helping of faith, is the same thing. He that seeks thehelping of his unbelief, seeks the removing of it; and he that seeks thehelpingofhisfaith,seekstheincreaseandstrengtheningofit.Andbothare done by the samehand, by the same act of grace, and at the sametime,wheneverandwhere-evertheyaredone.Andasitiswithfaith,soitiswithall thegracesof theSpirit inbelievers; theydoneedhelpofhisgrace;anditmustbesoughtatthethroneofgrace.Canyousay,Irepent?add,Lord,helpmyimpenitence.Ilove?say,Lord,helpitscoldness,andblowituptoaflame.WherethetruegraceofGodis,thereisstillsomesenseofitsweakness,andinclinationafteranincreasetherein;andsomedependenceactedontheLord,whobegan,thegoodwork,forperformingintothedayofJesusChrist,Phil.1:6.

4. The grace of God helps our infirmities, Rom. 8:26. If it were notwritten,weshouldthinkithardtousetheexpression,IftheSpiritofGodplantgraceintheheart,isnotthatfair?ifhewaterhisownplants,isnotthatfair?Nay,but,saiththeapostle,hehelpsourinfirmitiesalso.Might

nottheHolySpiritdisdaintohaveanydealingwiththeinfirmitiesofhispeople?Yes:buthewillnot.Ifhetakenocareofourinfirmities,wemay,andmustbelostthereby.Acriminalpardonedbyanactofgrace,maydieofadisease,ifnotcured;maystarveofhungerandcold,ifnotprovidedwithnecessaries;maybeslainbyhisenemies,ifnotprotected.Senseofinfirmitiesshouldmakeusbeghelpinggrace.

5.GracehelpsinalltheworkanddutywearecalledtoWithoutassistinggrace,theleastpieceofworkcannotberightlydone,andbyitshelpanywork may be done: 2 Cor. 9:8. God is able to make all grace aboundtowards, you; that ye always having all-sufficiency in all things, mayaboundtoeverygoodwork.Thereisgrace,allgrace,anditaboundinginGodtowardhispeople.Fromthisgiventothem,thereissufficiencyandall-sufficiency,andthatalwaysand inall things;andthence flowsgoodwork,everygoodwork,andaboundingtoeverygoodwork.Liketothisishisprayer,Heb. 13:20,21.TheGodofpeacemakeyouperfect ineverygoodworktodohiswill,workinginyouthatwhichiswell-pleasinginhissight,throughJesusChrist.Weneedgrace'shelpineverygoodwork.Nowork is truly good, butwhat grace helps us to. Grace andworks agreesweetlyinthisorder.Gracebegins,andworksfollow.Graceworksontheman, and makes him a worker: grace passeth on the person and hisworks,andmakesthemaccepted;andtheacceptedworkergivesgracealltheglory,bothofhisworks,andofhisownandtheiracceptance.Whencehishelpcomes,thitherhispraisesgo.

6.Lastly,Gracehelps inextremities.Butof this in the last thing in thetext.

This then is the first exhortation,Come to the throne of grace, seekinghelpinggrace.Enlargeandheightenthesenseofyourneedandweaknessas much as you will, the supply to be had at the throne of grace issufficient:Phil,4:19.MyGodshallsupplyallyourneed,accordingtohisriches in glory, by Christ Jesus. And, in Paul's style, glory and gracechangenamesfrequently,Eph.1:6,12,14and3:16.,2Cor.3:18.

Exhort.2.Youmustnotonlyseekgracetohelp;butwhenyouseekit,youmustexpectit.Thetextrunsplainlythisway.Theapostleimpliesasking;but expresseth finding, and coming that we may find. Therefore we

shouldcomewithexpectationoffinding.Thespiritandlifeofprayer infaith,liethmoreinexpectationthaninasking.UnwiseChristiansletoutthelife-bloodandvitalspiritsofprayer,whentheylettheirexpectationslanguish.Hereisacommon,butunregardederror,inChristiansexercise.Whentheysettheirfacetopray,theymakesomeconscienceofsearchingouttheirwants;theylabourtoimprovethatsighttotheraisingofferventdesiresofasupplyofthem:iftheyyetgohither,totakeinasenseofthefulnessandfreenessofthatgracewheretheirhelpis;yethowrarelyaretheycarefultoraiseupexpectationsofthathelpinggrace?Fewcansay,asPsalm55:16.Asforme,IwillcalluponGod;andtheLordshallsaveme.Ver.17.Eveningandmorning,andatnoon,willIpray,andcryaloud;andheshallhearmyvoice.Fewcanchargetheirsoulsashedid,Psalm62:5.Mysoul,waitthouonlyuponGod;formyexpectationisfromhim.Seehowtheprophet's faithrose,Micah7:7.Iwill lookuntotheLord;IwillwaitfortheGodofmysalvation;myGodwillhearme.Lookingisaneedy act of faith, waiting is an expecting act, and assurance is thehighest.IfyoulooktotheLord,youmayquicklyknowhe is theGodofyour salvation; if youknowhimas theGodof your salvation, andyourGod, you will ask earnestly, wait patiently, and by the same faithprophesy a gracious answer. What do you take praying in faith to be,James 1:6.? It is not only to pray, believing that we call upon the trueGod,inthenameofChrist,andforthingsagreeabletohiswill: it isnotonlythatwebelievethatheisabletogivewhatweask;butthathewillgivewhat is good.But because his grace to help, is not only good, andalwaysgood,butnothingisgoodwithoutit,Christiansshouldbeggracewith confident expectations. What means Christ's frequent answer tomen:Matth. 8:13. As thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee? andMatth.9:29.Accordingtoyour faith,be ituntoyou?Is itnot to tellus,that he measures out his bounty to men, according, to their believingexpectationsfromhim?John11:40.JesussaithuntoMartha,SaidInotunto thee, that if thouwouldestbelieve, thoushouldest see thegloryofGod?Ourwayis,ifwecouldseethegloryofGod,thenwewouldbelieve.Christ'swayisjustcontrary:wemustfirstbelieve,andthenweshallseethegloryofGod.Wesay,IftheLordwouldglorifyhimselfinperforminghispromises,andinhearingourprayers,thenwewouldbelievestrongly.ButthisisinvertingofChrist'sorder.MarthawasabelieverinChrist,andexpresseth faith several ways in this chapter. It appears in the joint

messagetheysenttoChrist,ver.3.Lord,behold,hewhomthoulovest,issick. Ver. 5. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. Ablessedfamily,andfewlikeit;alllovedofChrist,anddoubtlessloversofChrist.Buttheybuiltmoreonhislovetothem,thanontheirlovetohim,likehumbleandwisebelievers:verse21.MarthasaiduntoJesus,Lord,ifthouhadstbeenhere,mybrotherhadnotdied.HersisterMarysaidthesame,ver.32.Itislikely,thatnoneeverdiedinChrist'spresence,whenhewasonearth;hecuredall thatemployedhim.ButIknow,thatevennowwhatsoeverthouwiltaskofGod,Godwillgiveitthee,ver.22.Herewassomefaith.WhenChristpromiseth,ver.23thatherbrothershouldriseagain,sheactsfaithastothedoctrineoftheresurrection,ver.24.Iknow that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.WhenChristgoesoninpreachinghimself,ver.25,26andasksherofherfaith;sheansweredbravely,Yea,Lord;IbelievethatthouarttheChristtheSonof God, which should come into the world, ver. 27. A confession likePeter's,Matth.16:16.Whatthenwaswantinginthisgoodwoman?WhydothourLordputsuchanifthouwouldestbelieve,toonethatdidbelieveso much and so well? Because, notwithstanding her faith in Christ'sperson, as the Christ, the Son of God, the Saviour of the world;notwithstanding her faith of his power; yet, in this instance of raisingLazarus,sheexpectednothing.WhenChrist,verse39bidstakeawaythestone,shesaid,Lord,bythistimehestinketh:forhehathbeendeadfourdays. She that believed Lazarus should rise at the last day, could notbelievethatheshouldriseafterdeathhadheldhimbutfourdays.Suchistheverynatureofunbelief,orofweakfaithintruebelievers;theycan,orrather think theydo,believegreaterandharder things,whennotmuchtriedaboutthem,betterandmoreeasily,thansmallerandeasierthingsthattheirfaithiscalledtoapresentexerciseabout.LetallChristians,inalltheirapproachestothethroneofgrace,beholdthisaswrittenontheopengatestothisthrone,andhearitproclaimedbyhimthatsittethonit,SaidInotuntothee,thatifthouwouldestbelieve,thoushouldestseetheglory ofGod? Somebelievers are apt to think, that a trembling fearingframeisfitterforthem;andthatraisingofexpectationofgoodfromGod,willpreventorhinderhumility,and lying lowbeforetheLord.But theyare quitemistaken that think faith and humility are inconsistent. Theynotonlyagreewelltogether,buttheycannotbeparted:Hab.2:4.Behold,hissoulwhichisliftedup,isnotuprightinhim:butthejustshallliveby

his faith. To bottom expectations of grace fromGod, on the account ofany good, real or apprehended, in us, or done by us, is not onlydestructive of humility, but of faith also. A boaster is an abominablecreatureatthethroneofgrace;butapleaderfor,andexpectantofgrace,forgrace'ssake,isanhumblebeliever,andarightcourtieratthisthrone.

Exhort.3.Youmustnotonlyseekgracewhenyoucometothethroneofgrace,andexpectitwhenyouseekit,butyoumustbecarefultoreceivegracewhenitisgiven.Makeroomforit.WhatissaidbytheLordintheprophet,Mal.3:10 thoughspoke inanothercase, isapplicable to this: Iwillopenyouthewindowsofheaven,andpouryououtablessing, thatthereshallnotberoomenoughtoreceiveit.Feltwant,andstrongfaith,makemuchroomforthegraceofGodOpenthymouthwide,andIwillfill it,Psalm81:10.Itmustbeawide-mouthedsoul that takes in,andawell-filledsoulthatreceivesafillofGod.Howmightyisthatprayer,Eph.3:17,18,19.?Wehaveallneednotonlytogetitbyheart,buttogetitintoourhearts,andtosendituptoheavendailyfromourhearts.Paulmakesa special preface to that prayer, ver., 14, 15. In it he prays for thestrengtheningoftheinnerman,bytheSpirit,ver.16.ThatChristmightdwell in their hearts by faith, ver. 17. That being rooted in love, theymightmeasurethedimensionsofChrist'slove,andknowitthatpassethknowledge,ver. 18, 19.Cananymangohigher inprayer?Yes,onestephigher;ThatyemightbefilledwithallthefulnessofGod.Now,whohathroominhissoulfortheanswerofsuchaprayerasthisis?Ifwehadnotthesemightywords in this way, we should be tempted to think that itwere rather aprophecyofwhat is to be enjoyedwithin the vail, than aprayer of faith to be put upby travellers in theway to heaven, and forblessingstobeenjoyedinthehouseoftheirpilgrimage;Butaprayeritis,and some good performance is given within time; though the mainmeasureoftheanswerofthis(asofallthemostspiritualprayersofsaintsinthislife)isreservedforthedayoftheLord.Itisagreatermatter,bothofdutyanddifficulty,thanmostChristiansthink,tohavetheeverlastingdoors of our souls lifted up, and cast open, that theKing of glorymayenterwithhis super-aboundinggrace.Manybelievers takemuchpains,andmakemanyprayers,forthatgraceofGod,whichyettheyreceivenot,whenitcomes,andcravesroomandadmittance.GracecomesalwaysinandwithJesusChrist.Whateverthereforehindershiswelcome,excludes

his grace from entering. Grace comes in and by the promise. If thepromise be not received by faith, how can the grace promised bereceived?Gracecomesalwaysasgrace,freeandundeserved.Howcanaproud person receive it? And there is pride often working in thediscouragementsofChristians.TheyfindtheywantmuchofthehelpinggraceofGod:theyaskit,theyseeitinthepromises,andinChrist'shand:but they think, Should such as I layholdon suchaprecious gift ashisgrace?Whynot?Itisgrace,graceofferedofgrace,givenofgrace.Doyouneedit?Whydoyounotreceiveit,andmakeroomforit?Somereceivenot that grace that is tendered to them;because it is not theparticulargracetheysought,andexpected,orbecauseitcomesnottotheminthatwaytheylookedforitin.Othersreceivenot,norwelcomethegracetheybeg;becausetheythinktheycannotreceiveit.Theylookonreceivingasagreat and difficult business, far above their ability. But is refusing of ithardalso?Alas!thatiseasy,becausenaturaltoourhearts.Isnottheseedof receiving in all sincere asking and expecting of grace from God?Receivingofhisgrace, isnomorebutaheart-willingnessthathisgracemayenter in, andact like itselfuponus.And this receivingactof faithdothgreatlyglorifyGod.Somethinkitverystrange,andhardlycredible,thatanybelievercanaskearnestlythatgrace,whichwhentenderedheisnotwillingtoreceive.Seehowitwaswithsomeeminentsaints:Job9:16.IfIhadcalled,andhehadansweredme;yetwouldnotIbelievethathehad hearkened unto my voice. Why so? For he breaketh me with atempest,ver.17.Butmaynotfatherlyloveandcorrectionbetogetheronabeliever?Rev.3:19.Yetthesenseofthesmartofcorrection,isastrongtemptation toquestion the loveof the corrector.David, orAsaph,Psal.77:1,2,3.IcrieduntoGodwithmyvoice,evenuntoGodwithmyvoice,andhegaveearuntome.Whowould think that thismanrefused tobecomforted?didhenotprayforconsolation?Yethesaith,Mysoulrefusedtobecomforted.IrememberedGod,andwastroubled:Icomplained,andmy spirit was overwhelmed. There is a peevishness of unbelief, thatChristiansshouldwatchagainst.

Exhort.4.Youmust takecare toguide thishelpinggraceofGod,whenyou have received it. Guiding of grace, is an art and mystery thatChristiansshouldstudydiligently.Theruleof thisart is this,Guide thegraceofGodreceivedbyyou,forthoseendsforwhichitisgivenbyhim.

Now,whatendshaththeLordingivingofhisgrace?Theyareonlytwo.1.Forthepraiseandgloryof thegiver.2.Forthebenefitof thereceivers.Guidehisgraceforthoseends,andyouguideanduseitwell.Christianshave littleofhisgrace,andcomplainsorrowfully;notbecausehegives,and they receive little; but because they guide andmanage this richesttalentpoorly.Dareanybelieverforbeartosay,IfIhadkeptallIhadgot,andguidedwellallhehathgiven,IhadbeenfarricheringracethannowIam?Misguidingofgracereceivedisthegreatestsin,becauseanabuseofthegreatestblessing.Watchagainst it, ifyoulovehisglory,andyourownweal.

II.Icomenowtothefourthandlastthingintheverse,aboutthisgraceofGod; and that is, the seasonableness of its help. It helps always, butespeciallyintimeofneed.OnthisIshallnowonlynotesomefewthingsingeneral.

Obs.1.Whateverbelieverspresentcasebe,atimeofneedmaycome;andthey should foresee it. Though they knownot particular circumstances,yettheyshouldlaytheiraccountwithit.TheLordgivesfaithfulwarningsintheword;faithshouldtakethem.Weseethetimesofneedthatmanyothers come in; andwe should takewarningby their experience.EveryChristianhath found timesof specialneed formerly; the likemaycomeagain.

Obs. 2. Christians should pray before the time of need come, for thatgracethatmayhelpthemwhenitcomes.Theprophetspeaksofhearingforthetimetocome,Isa.42:23.;theapostle,1Tim.6:19oflayingupinstoreagoodfoundationforthetimetocome.Sohere,menmustprayforthe time to come Is anyman afflicted? let him pray, James 5:13.; andbecauseanymanmaybeafflicted,heshouldpraybefore-hand.

1.Becauseweknownotbutwemaybesurprisedbyatimeofneed;ourLord'sargument,Mark.13:33.Takeyeheed,watchandpray:foryeknownotwhenthetimeis.TheLordrarelygivesparticularwarningofthetimewhenspecialneediscoming.Itordinarilycomesbysurprisetous.Deathmay,butsickness, losses,andaffliction,usuallycomeonsuddenly:andsurprisingtrialsaresoreandsearchingones.

2.Weshouldpraybeforeatimeofneedcome;foroftenwhenthattimecomes,wearetherebydisabledforprayer.Thedistressmaybesuch,thatevenabelievercandonothing.Thenightmaycome,whennomancanwork,John9:4.Praymuchbeforeitcome.

3. Becausemany prayers have their answer delayed till a time of needcomes.Christiansthink,thateverydayandhouroftheirlifeisatimeofneed,(andsoitisinsomesense);buttherearesomespecialseasonsofgreatneed,ofwhichtheLordistheonlydisposer;andhefitssuchtimeswithdispensingsof thatgrace, thathispeoplehavemanyadaybeggedbefore. There may be worse reasoning than this: "It may be there aresomeblessingsofgrace,thatIhaveoftsought,andhavenotyetgot,thatarereserved formeby theLord,againsta timewhenIshallneedthemmorethannowIdo."

Thus you see, in the scope of the apostle in these words, that there isstrong arguing for constant seeking of God's grace. You are either atpresent in a time of special need; or if it be not present, itmay come.Whatevercaseabelieverisin,hisobligationisinamannerequaltothisgreatduty,ofcomingtothethroneofgrace,forgracetohelphim,ashismattersdorequire.

SERMONX

HEB.4:16

Letus thereforecomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace, thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.

YOUhaveheard that thegracious exhortation in the text, to coming tothe throne of grace, is directedwith respect to the getting of two greatblessings,orofoneundertwonames,God'smercyandgrace.ConcerningthisgraceIhavespokentothreethings.1.Whatthisgraceis.2.Whatthefindingofthisgraceis.3.Whatisthehelpfulnessofthisgracesofound.Ialso entered upon the fourth and last thing, the seasonableness of thishelpinggrace.

ThetruthIamtospeakto,isthis:—

DOCT.ThegraceofGodisspeciallyhelpfulintimesofspecialneed.

Myworkthenistoshew,

I.Whatarethosetimesofneed.

II.Whatthehelpfulnessofgraceinthemis.

OnlyIwouldusherinthisdiscourse,withageneralconsiderationoftheconstant need that all stand in of God's mercy and grace. And that Iwouldbranchintofour.WeneedGod'smercyandgrace,ascreatures,asmen,assinners,andasChristians;andthatalways.

1.Ascreatures.Thenativenotionofacreatureis,thatitisacontingent,necessitousbeing:Forhispleasuretheyare,andwerecreated,Rev.4:11.TheLorddidnotmakealloranycreaturebecauseheneededthem;buthemadethemthat theymightneedhim.Hedidnotbuild thisgloriousfabric ofheavenand earth, as ahouse todwell in, or to containhim, 1Kings8:27.;buthemade thisworldasa stage,onwhich todisplayhisgloriouswisdomandpower:andhemadesomeofitsinhabitants,angelsintheupperrooms,andmeninthelower,tobespectatorsandpraisersofhisglory.Itisnotpropertosay,thatcreaturesneededtheirbeingbefore

theCreatorgaveit:ForwhentherewasnothingbutGod,therecouldbenoneed.Need andwant is essential to a creature, and springsupwiththeirbeing.Assoonasthecreationreceiveditsbeingbythewordofhispower, itneedsupholdingby the samepower:Heb. 1:3ourLordJesusupholdsallthingsbythewordofhispower.ThewholecreationwouldfallbackimmediatelyintoitsmotherNothing,ifthesamepowerthatgaveitabeingdidnoteverymomentpreserveit.Wouldyouhaveajoyfulviewofheavenandearth?LookonallasinourLord'shand.Whydotheheavenskeep their course? Why doth the sun shine so gloriously, move soregularly,andinfluencetheearthsovirtuouslywithhislightandheat?ItisbecauseChristupholdsallthingsbythewordofhispower.Heisbeforeall things,andbyhimall thingsconsist:all thingswerecreatedbyhim,and for him, Col. 1:16, 17.Many are without Christ in the world, Eph.2:12. Many see daily the works of creation and providence, and neverthinkonChristastheheadofall.Butitisnowonder,thatmenthathavenoeyestoseeChristinthenewcreationofgrace,cannotseehimintheoldcreationofnature.We,ascreatures,areneedyofGod'shelpinggraceandfavour:forinhimwelive,andmove,andhaveourbeing,Acts17:28.Inhishandourbreathis,andhisallourwaysare,Dan.5:23.

2.OurneedofGod'sgraceappearsyetmore, asweare suchcreatures,men.Weare, throughthebountyofGod, themostconsiderablepartofthis lowercreation.Ofmansomeunderstandthatelegantphrase,Prov.8:26.Thehighest part of thedust of theworld.But there is no earthlycreatureneedyofGod'sgracebutman,eveninhisnaturalframe,abstractfrom his sinful state. The great former of all things hath given to all abeing,andtomanyofhiscreaturesnomore.Tosomeofhiscreatureshehathgivenlife,anoblersortofbeing.Buttoalllivingcreatures,butman,hegivesnomore,andtheyneednomore; theyhavenot, theyneednoteternallife.Whenthebreathoftheotherlivingcreaturesgoesdownward,as theword isEccl.3:21 there isanendof them.Butman iscreated inthatstate, thathemustbe forever,andthereforebeeternallyhappyormiserable. This state he is made in, makes him vastly needy of God'sgraceandmercy.

3.We grow yetmoreneedy as sinners. Sinners are creatures,with thisgreat blemish, of guilt, sin, and corruption. A sinner is needy of a

Mediator to deal for him with God; for he cannot deal with God forhimself.AsinnerisneedyoftherighteousnessofanothertorecommendhimtoGod'sacceptance;forhehathnoneofhisown.Therighteousnessof a sinner is a plain contradiction. And unless the power of sin hadblinded men in the right knowledge of God, and of themselves, andunlessithadpuffeduptheirheartsinthisdarkness,therehadneverbeenanypretencemadebyfallenmentoself-righteousness.Butnownothingismorecommon,moregroundless,andyetmorerootedinmenshearts,thanthatasinnercan,andmay,ifhewill,bringordosomewhatthatmayhavesomeinterestin,andinfluenceonhisacceptancewithGod.Asinnerisneedyofarighttoeternallife:andthismustbeboughtbyanother;forhecanneverpurchaseitforhimself.Heisneedyofsafetyfromthewrathtocome,which issowofullywelldeservedbyhim;andthemancandonothingofhimself,butwhatdeservesitmoreandfurther.

4.Weareneedyof thehelpof grace asChristians, asnew creatures.AChristianisacreature,bynatureahumancreature,asinfulcreature;butmade a new creature by grace. Yet there are some springs of constantneedofgrace,inthisnewcreature,theChristian.

1st, The necessary and constant dependance of the new creature on itsfountainandauthor,makesaChristiantobeaveryneedycreature.Thedependance of the beams on the sun is not more necessary, than thedependanceofaChristianonChrist:Withoutme(orseparatefromme)yecandonothing,John15:5.TheChristian'slifeisbyacontinualeffluxfrom Christ; and is to be sought and maintained by a constantdependanceonhim,aslightfromthesun.Neverwasthere,norcantherebe a room so full of light from the sun-beams, but if either the sunwithdraw his light, or if you exclude its light, by closing doors andwindows,itimmediatelybecomesdark,andthatnecessarily.ItissowithallChristians.Ifitwerenotthatthenewcovenanthathassuredus,thatthere shall be no final and total separating of the fountain from thestream,therewouldsoonbeanexpiringofallthatgoodthatisinthebestofsaints.

2dly,AChristianisalwaysaneedycreature;becausehehathmuchworktodo,andmostnecessarywork,andallabovehisstrength.Hethathathmostwork,andleaststrength,ismostneedyofhelp:Phil.2:12,13.Work

out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God whichworketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure. If theexhortation or command had been without the argument, it had beendiscouraging.Whatcanamandoabouthisownsalvation?ItisGodthatbegun a good work in them, and will perform it till the day of JesusChrist, Phil. 1:6. Put hand to your work; for help is near. As theexhortation,Workoutyourownsalvationwithfearandtrembling,haththeheight of duty in it; so the argument,For it isGod thatworketh inyou,bothtowillandtodoofhisgoodpleasure,dothdeeplydebaseman'ssufficiency, andhighly advance both the sovereignty and efficacy of hisassistinggrace.AndhappyisthatChristian,whocanlaytheweightofthecommand on his conscience, and can at the same time improve theencouragement for believing obeying. Whoever is void of sense of hisneed ofGod's assisting grace, looks not rightly on the greatwork lyingbeforehim,andseethnot thegreatweaknessthat is inhim:2Cor.3:5.Notthatwearesufficientofourselves,tothinkanythingasofourselves:butoursufficiencyisofGod.

3dly, In this great work above his strength, the Christian meets withmuchopposition,bothfromwithin,andfromwithout:notalwaysinthesamemeasure; but some always. Specialmeasures of opposition,maketimes of special need; ofwhich I shall speak.But there is somewhat ofopposition that is constant: Gal. 5:17. For the flesh lusteth against thespirit,andthespiritagainsttheflesh:andthesearecontrarytheonetotheother; so thatyecannotdo the things thatyewould.This fleshandthis spirit is in all Christians. If a man were all flesh, he were noChristian;ifhewereallspirit,hewouldbeperfect,asthesaintsglorifiedbe.Thisfleshandspiritlustandstriveoneagainsttheother:andsotheymust do; for they are contrary the one to the other. The effect of thislustingandcontrarietyis,thattheChristiancannotdothethingsthathewould. He cannot do all the flesh lusts to, because of the spirit'sopposition; he cannot do all the spirit lusts after, because of theoppositionoftheflesh.Ofthiscombattheapostlespeakslargelyfromhisownexperience,Rom.7.AndthemoreoppositionaChristianmeetswith,(andIhavenamedbutoneheadof it), themoreneedy isheofhelpinggrace.

4thly, The Christian's state of absence from the Lord, renders him aneedycreature.HeismadefortheLord;framedso,that,asaChristian,nothingshortofbeingforeverandimmediatelywiththeLordreignsinhisheartashisprizeandmark,2Cor.5:2,4.Inthiswegroanearnestly,desiringtobeclotheduponwithourhousewhichisfromheaven.Wethatareinthistabernacledogroan,beingburdened:notforthatwewouldbeunclothed,butclothedupon,thatmortalitymightbeswallowedupoflife.Whatailsabeliever togroansooftandsodeeply?It is tobe inheavenwiththeLord.AndthemoreheavenlyandholyaChristianbe,themorefrequentandearnestarethesegroanings.Hehaththemosthealthysoul,whoissickoflove:whoseheartissickwithdesiresofbeingpresentwiththe Lord. The believer that ismost assured of heaven, groans deepest.Unbelievers runon in sin, and sing tohell;whilehell groans for them:andsadwillthemeetingbe.WefindPaulgroaningforhimself,onlyfortwothings;thebodyofsinanddeath,itsdwellinginhim,Rom.7:24andhisdwellinginthebody.Wedonot,norcanweknowthevastdifferencethatisbetwixtthehappystateofthesaintsinheaven,andthebeststateofbelieversonearth.Wedobutguess in thedark;andourguessesarebutnegative;thattheyareremovedfromalltheevilswefindhere;nosin,noclouds,nodeath,nocrying,norany thing to complainof.But thesenegatives taken inby faith and experience,with the foretaste and first-fruits of that good land, make believers groan to be possessed of it,although they go, as Abraham did, Heb. 11:8 not knowing whither.Heavenwillbeablessedsurprisetoallthepossessorsofit.Theywillfinditafarbetterstatethantheirhighestthoughtsandlargestdesirescouldpointforth.

But,besidesthesespringsofconstantneed,therearespecialseasonsofChristiansneedofGod'sgrace.Andtheyareeasilyknownbythisgeneralrule. That time that comes on a believer, wherein he is in great andspecial danger, fromwhich only present supplies of grace can preservehim,thatisaseasonofspecialneedofgrace.Andintheprospectof,orinsuchseasons,Christiansshouldplythethroneofgrace.

Of such times of need, I would speak to six of them. 1. The time oftemptation. 2. Of a spiritual decay. 3. Of high enjoyments andattainments.4.Ofaffliction.5.Of specialdutyandservice.6.Ofdying.

TheseareallseasonsandtimesofspecialneedofGod'sgrace.Andhowsuch render Christians needy of grace, and how helpful his grace is insuchtimes,isallImindtosayonthisscripture.

I.Thefirsttimeofneed,isthetimeoftemptation:Anhouroftemptation,Rev. 3:10. A time of temptation, Luke 8:13. A day of temptation, Psal.95:8.Butbecausetemptationisoflargesignification,andofsundrysorts,andfromvariousquarters,IshallconfinemyselftothatsortthatisfromSatan. And on this head would confine myself to these three: 1.Whattemptationis.2.Whatneedofgracetothetempted.3.Howgracehelpsintimeoftemptation.

1.What is temptation?Aswe are concerned in it, three things are in atemptation.Anoutwardobject, theoccasion; inward corruption, that isasfuelforthetemptation;andSatan'smotiontosin,andhisworkingonthesetwo,tohatchsin.Heisbuttwicecalledthetempter;first,whenhecame toChrist,Matth. 4:3.; and again,whenhe comes toChristians, 1Thess. 3:5. These three are not necessarily in all temptations. In histempting the first andsecondAdam, therewasonlyanoutwardobject,and a motion of Satan. But in all men besides, these three are in alltemptations. And the Spirit of God in the word gives the name oftemptation to all of them: 1 Tim. 6:9. They that will be rich, fall intotemptation.Feweitherofthepoororoftherichbelievethis.James1:14,15.Everyman is tempted,whenhe isdrawnawayofhis own lust, andenticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin,whenit is finished,bringethforthdeath.Hencethedifficulty isgreat indiscoveringSatan'shandintempting;becausethereisinwardcorruptioninmen,thatactsandworksofitself,aswellasitisfittobeacteduponbySatan.IftemptationfromSatancametoasinlessman,thetemptermightbe easily known: but when it comes to a sinner, who hath an activeprincipleofcorruptioninhim,thatpromptshimtothesamesinthatthetemptertemptsunto,itbecomesveryhardtoamantosay,"Thismotionisofthedevil;"and"Thisisofmyowncorruptheart."Andhereseldomdoththedevilgethisdue.Someblamethedevilmorethanhedeserves,andexcusethemselvesmorethantheyshould;andsomeexcusethedevil,and blame themselves more than they ought. What shall we do here?How shallwe knowwhen temptation riseth from corruptionwithin, or

fromthedevilwithout?Thereisnoverygreatneedtoknowitexactly;asinsomecases it isveryhardtoknowit.Temptation issonatural tous,that if the devil be the firstmover, it seizeth so quickly on our corruptheart,thatwemayjustlytaketheblametoourselves.TheworkingsoftheSpiritofGodon thenewcreature,andof the spiritofSatanon theoldman,aregreatmysteries.Itisfarwiserworktosetaboutresistingofourspiritual enemies, than to perplex ourselves with questions about theirorder.Therefore,

2.Whatneed is there of the grace ofGod to help the tempted?This isplain.Everyonethatisinthiscase,knowshisgreatneedofgrace.Yet,tomakethemthatarenotinitpitythemthatare,andtodirectthemthatareinittoentertainadeepersenseoftheirneedofGod'sgrace,Iwouldshew how needy a person under temptation is of the helping grace ofGod.Thisappearsinthese:—

1st,OurLordJesusChristcommandsustoprayagainsttemptation.Hedoth not so command us to pray against affliction. In that pattern ofprayer, Matth. 6:9–13. (the words whereof are better known, than thedeepsenseandmeaningof thewords isunderstood), therearebut twopetitions for spiritual blessings for ourselves.One is, for the pardon ofsin,thatrelatestothestateofourpersons:theotheris,forsanctificationand preservation; and that is expressed thus, Lead us not intotemptation. Sanctification is prayed for, in praying against temptationandmuchofsanctificationisactedinmakingsuchaprayer.Butmaynotamanenterintotemptation,andcomewelloutofitagain?Yes.But,inthatcase,morethanksisduetotheLord'sgraceandmercy,thantohisowngoodconduct.Christwouldhaveyoutobeafraidoftemptation,andtoprayagainst it:Matth.26:41.Watchandpray, that yeenternot intotemptation. Whatever temptation a man rusheth confidently upon, heusually falls by. In temptation,nobeliever is safe, but the self-diffidentandfearful;andfearoftemptationactsinprayingagainstit.Peterfailedinhis fearlessness.His going to thehigh-priest's hall after thewarninghisMastergavehim,wasrushingonatemptation;andsocameonit.Itmustthereforebeacasewhereinoneisveryneedyofgracetohelp,thatChristbidsusprayagainst.

2dly, We find the whole armour of God is provided and prepared on

purpose for the case of temptation, Ephesians 6:10, 13. The apostle issoundingthealarmofwartoallChristians.Heshewsthemwheretheirstrengthlies,ver.10.BestrongintheLord,andinthepowerofhismight.Heshews themtheirweaponsofwar,ver. 10–19and tells themhowtousethem.TheirarmouristhatofGod.Noarmourbutthatthat is fromheaven, isproofagainstthebatteriesandassaultsofhell.Howdoththedevil laugh at, despise, and pierce through that soul, whose armour isforgedandframedonearth?ThisarmourofGodtheChristianmustputon,andtaketohimself.Itisnotenoughthatheknowit,andhaveitlyingbyhim. It isnoarmour tohim, till it beputonbyhim.Andwhy sucharmour,andsoputon?ver.12.Becauseofsuchdreadfulenemiesaswehave todealwith:Forwewrestlenotagainst fleshandblood, (enemiesformidable, anddangerous sufficiently against them that havenomorebut flesh and blood to oppose them with), but against principalities,againstpowers,against the rulersof thedarknessof thisworld,againstspiritualwickedness inhighplaces.Whatbut thewholearmourofGodcansecureapoorbelieverfromallthearmiesofhell?

3dly,OurblessedLordJesushimselfwastempted,thathemightsuccourthemthataretempted,Heb.2:18.ThereareseveralstatesandconditionsthatbelieversareinthatChristhimselfwasneverin.Weareoftsickandweakinbody;Christwasalwaysinsoundandperfecthealthofbody:forsicknessisaconsequentofinherentsin,andcorruptionofnature;andofthat Christ had none. Many particular distresses we meet with, andwrestlewith, that Christ knew not by his own experience. But this sadcaseoftemptationheknewandfelt.But,yemaysay,ifChristhadneverbeen tempted,hadhenotbeenable to succour themthatare tempted?Yes,nodoubt;fornoboundscanbesettohisdivinepowerasGod.Whatthen doth his experience of temptation signify to the succour of thetempted believer? It is the ground of his sympathy with them; andsympathydrawsforthhishelpinggrace.Itisagroundforthefaithofthetempted to act upon. How sweet is this thought to a Christian thusexercised;"Iamindeedatemptedbeliever;butIhaveaSaviourthatwastemptedhimself, and remembers it still, andpities them, andwill helpthemthatareinthatcase,thatwasoncesogrievoustohimself?"

4thly, A tempted person is needy of God's helping grace, because sin

cameinatfirstbytemptation.Temptationwasthedoorthatsincameinby, and entered into theworld ofmankind.How sin came in upon theangels that fell, is deeper than that we can know it. And it is no greatmatterforustobeignorantofit.Weknowtheyarenowtheworst,andmostwicked,andmostmiserableofallthecreatures;andthatoriginallytheywereofthemosteminentorder(asonewellsaid),"TheLordwiselywould not declare the nature of that disease he was resolved never tocure."Andsowemustleaveitinthedark.Butastosin'scomingintotheworld of mankind, we have more light. The Lord created the root ofmankind upright and perfect, first the man, then the woman. In theircreatedstate, therewasnosin ineitherof them.Buttemptationwassoapplied by Satan, that it quickly begot sin. This argument the apostleuseth,2Cor.11:3.Ifear, lestbyanymeans,astheserpentbeguiledEvethrough his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from thesimplicity that is in Christ. If Satan did prevail to bring in sin bytemptationuponthesinlessandperfect;whatmayhenotdoonsinners,in whom he hath so much interest, and over whom he hath so greatadvantagebysomewhatofhisowninthem?

5thly, There is great need of the grace ofGod in a time of temptation,becauseofthefrequentsadeffectsoftemptation,unlesspresenthelpofgracebegiven.Rarelydotha temptationandourheartsmeetbutsomefireofsiniskindled.Iwouldnameafewofthoseeffectsoftemptation.

(1.)Temptationdothoftendiscoverhidandunseenevil,andbringsittolight.Itbringsforththatwhichtheperson,beforethetemptation,neverthoughtwasinhim.Soitiswiththeungodly,andthegodlythemselves.WhenHazaelwastoldbytheprophetElisha,whatmischiefhewoulddoto Israel, he said, 2Kings 8:13. Butwhat, is thy servant a dog, that heshoulddothisgreatthing?But(saithElisha)theLordhathshewedme,thatthoushaltbekingoverSyria."Thenthouwilthavepower,andwilltodo it."Whatwickednesswillnot thatmando,whomSatantempts,andwhom God leaves? David fell dreadfully by temptation. And so didHezekiah,2Chron.32:31.Howbeit,inthebusinessoftheambassadorsoftheprincesofBabylon,whosentuntohimtoinquireofthewonderthatwasdoneintheland,Godlefthimtotryhim,thathemightknowallthatwasinhisheart.Whenthevesselisbroachedbyaconvenienttemptation,

that liquor will come out that was never thought to be within. WhenHerodfearedJohnandobserved,orpreservedhim;when,onhishearinghim,hedidmanythings,andheardhimgladly;whowouldhavethoughthewouldhavebeheadedhim?Mark6:20,21.Butaconvenientdaycame;a day when Herod lay fair for temptation; and a day that Satan, andHerodiasandherdaughter,hisservants,laidthetemptationbeforehim:thenthepoorwretchwassoonovercome.Butindeeditwasmorestrange,that such a king asHerod should hear such a prophet as JohnBaptistpreach,thanthatheshouldmurderhim.Atleast,itis,andhathbeenfarmoreusualtobadkings,toslayprophets,thantohearthemgladly.Peterwassoconfidentinhiscourage,that,inamanner,(thoughagainstbothgraceandgoodmanners),hegivesthelietohisMaster,Matth.26:31–35.ThensaidJesusunto them,All ye shallbeoffendedbecauseofme thisnight.Ver.33.Peteransweredandsaiduntohim,Thoughallmenshouldbe offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. As if he hadsaid,"Lord,atleastexceptmeoutofthisallthouspeakestof."Becausehewould not take the general warning, Christ gives him a particular one,ver.34.Jesussaiduntohim,VerilyIsayuntothee,thatthisnightbeforethe cock crow, thou shalt denyme thrice.Will not Peter believe Christspeakingsoperemptorilyandplainly?No:ver.35.Petersaiduntohim,ThoughIshoulddiewiththee,(orforthysake,asJohn13:37.),yetwillInotdenythee.Likewisealsosaidallthedisciples.Solothandbackwardareevengodlymentoownthattobe inthem,thattheydonotseeandfeel at presentworking in them.ThesewordsPeter and the rest spoke,(bating that awful fear that should have seized on them, from such awarningasChristgavethem),werewordsofduty;andweredoubtlessthehonest expressions of their present thoughts. Yet when the temptationcame, Christ's warning took place, and their resolutions vanished likesmoke. They all forsook him and fled. Peter followed afterward, anddeniedhimshamefully.Thevoiceofadamseloverthrew thisman, thathad courage to draw his sword in his Master's defence against armedmen, John 18:10.Hedeniedhe knewhis dearMaster;when, if he hadownedhim, andhimself ashis servant, therewasnodanger. Johnwasthere,andatthecrosstoo,withoutanyharm.

(2.)TemptationoftenbringsonagreatandsuddendampandeclipseontheworkofGod'sgraceintheheart.Itisasthesmokeofhellinthesoul,

that darkens the room; so that a believer cannot seewhat ofGod is inhim.Itis,asChristcallsit,Luke22:31asiftingamanaswheat.Wheat,andchaff,anddust,are thenmingled together.Nobeliever in thiscasecangivesuchaclearanddistinctaccount,norhavesoplainadiscoveryofGod'sworkinhim,asbeforeandafterthetemptation.Christiansgivethedevil the advantage he seeks, when they judge of themselves and theirstate inthe fitofa temptation.Actgracediligentlywhenintemptation,andtryyourstateascarefullyasyoucanwhenyouareoutoftemptation.

(3.) Temptation increaseth greatly and suddenly, seen and knowncorruption.Iftemptationcomeonalatenthidcorruption,itmaybringitforth:butifitcomeonaknowncorruption,thoughitwasnotsopowerfulbefore,temptationwillmakeitrage.ThetemptationcameonJudas.ForashatefulashisnameisjustlytoallChristians;yet,beforehefell,nomansuspected him; only Christ knew him. When Christ gave the warning,John13:21thatoneofthetwelveshouldbetrayhim;alltheelevensaid,IsitI?Andatlastthetraitorsaidso;andwasanswered,Matth.26:21–25.Thelustthedevilactedon,washiscovetousness.Hewasathief,aloverofmoney;andthedevilputhimatlastuponabargainthatwashisruin.Foraservanttobetrayhismaster,andsuchamaster;forasinnertoselltheSaviourofallsinnersthataresaved,forsoinconsiderableasum,aftersofairawarningofhissinandruinbyit,wasaproofofthemightypoweroftemptationoveraman.TheapostlePeterchargethAnaniasthus,Acts5:3.WhyhathSatanfilledthinehearttolietotheHolyGhost?ThefillingofhisheartwasSatan'swork,asPetersaith:Whythendothheask themananaccountof,orchargehimwithSatan'saction?Becausethedevilcanfillnoman'sheartwithasinfulpurpose,tillthemangivewayto,andcomplywiththedevil'sworking.

3.Whatisthathelpthatgracegivestothetempted?Wehaveheardhowtemptationrendersamanneedyofgrace;now letusconsiderhow thisgracecan,anddothhelpinthiscase.Paul,inhistemptation,2Cor.12:7,8,9betakeshimselftotherightcourse?toprayertotheLord;andthricehebesoughttheLord,thatitmightdepartfromhim.Heisanswered,Mygrace is sufficient for thee.Wewould be apt to think, that Paul's greatstock of grace, and manifold experience, and his late extraordinaryenjoyment, might have been suffcient to have supported Paul in his

conflict.No: theycouldnot.OurLordsaithnot, "Thygrace issufficientfor thee, which I have abundantly bestowed on thee;" but,My grace issufficientforthee.Sotheapostleexhortsanother,2Tim.2:1.BestronginthegracethatisinChristJesus;andEph.6:10.TherearemanyenemiesofthegraceofGod,becausefewarepartakersofit.Suchashavenotfeltthe power of it on their own hearts, will always pick quarrels with thepuredoctrineofgrace.Somecannotreceivethisplaingospel-truth,ThatamanmustbeconstitutedrighteousinthesightofGod,onlythroughtherighteousnessofanotherperson,evenJesusChrist,imputedtothesinneroffreegrace.Andsomethatownthistruth,stumbleagainonthisothertruth, That the sanctification of a justified believer flows from theconstantsuppliesofgrace fromChrist, theirheadandroot.They think,thattherearehabitsofgraceimplantedinthenewcreature,(andthisisnot tobedenied);and if theyguidewellwhat theyhavereceived in thegraceofregeneration,theymaylivewell,andgrowontoperfection.Butitisnotdulymindedinmensspiritualexercise,thatnostockofgracewasevergiventoanybeliever, to takehimoff thesenseofhisneedofdailydependence on the original grace in Christ Jesus. But the greatestreceiversalwaysacttheirdependencemosthumbly,andseetheirneedofitmostclearly,andfindthebenefitofthatdependencemostcomfortably.ObservealsoourLord'sargumentfortheencouragementofPaul:Formystrength is made perfect in weakness. What is Christ's grace in theanswer, is Christ's strength in this argument;what is sufficiency in theone,ismakingperfectintheother.AsifChristhadsaidtoPaul,"Iseethedevil is too hard for thyweakness; but thyweakness, supported bymystrength,shallbe toohardforSatan."Now,seehowPaul improvesthisanswer,Most gladly thereforewill I rather glory inmy infirmities, thatthepowerofChristmay restuponme.Nowonderhegloried inChrist,andinChrist'sgracebestowedonhim;forthatanyChristiancando:butthisglorying in infirmities, isanexerciseofgraceonly foundwithsuchfathers in Christ as Paul was. Who is not humbled, and afraid of hisinfirmities?Here is abeliever that glories in them.Butwhy?andhow?That the power of Christ may rest uponme. Infirmities as infirmities,havingnothinginthemtoexciteglorying:butinfirmitiesasopportunitiesfordisplayingofthegloryofChrist'sgraceinhelpingunderthem,aretobegloriedin.Christactsonthem,andthesensiblebelieveremployshimtherein.Ourweakness is the field his strength id glorified in.Whoever

dothnotownhisinfirmities,forfeitstheassistanceofthegraceofChrist.The grace that helps in temptation, is Christ's grace: the employing ofhim for it, and drawing it from him, is by faith, and should be theChristian'swork.

Howdoththisgracehelpthetemptedbeliever?

1st, IndiscoveringofSatan'swilesanddevices,Eph.6:11.Hehathfierydarts,verse 16andhehathwilesalso.Hismostdangerous temptationsarehismostcunningones.Thisserpenthathhissubtilty,2Cor.11:3.Thelesstheybeperceived, themoredangeroustemptationis:andthemoreclearly they are seen, the more easily they are overcome. The apostleownsthisin2Cor.2:11.LestSatanshouldgetanadvantageofus:forwearenotignorantofhisdevices.Satangetsgreatestadvantageofthemthatare (andbecause theyare) ignorantofhisdevices.Thecase theapostlespeaksof,isthatoftheincestuousCorinthian.Hehadsinnedgreatly;thechurchhadnotresenteditastheyought.Paul,inhisfirstepistle,chap.5chargeth them for their want of zeal, commands them to cast out thatscandalousmember.TheLordblesseththatletterandhisadvice,bothtothatchurchandtotheoffendingperson.Now,herelaySatan'sdevice:hethathadpuffedthemupwithprideandsecurityintheirformercarriagetoward thatoffenderwhen impenitent, seeks also to stir themup to anuncharitableseveritytowardshim,whenrenewedagainuntorepentance.Andofthiskindaremanyofhiswiles.Hedrivesmentoextremesoneachhand.Thusmanyprofessorsare like thedevil's foot-balls, kickedaboutfromoneextremetoanother,andseldomarekeptintherightmidst.Thedevilkeepsmenasleepinsinaslongashecan.Iftheyawakeagainsthiswill,herunsthemondespair;iffaithbewroughtinthem,helabourstomakethemturnthegraceofGod intowantonness.The instancesofhisdevicesareinnumerable.Themultitudeanddangerofhiswilesmustbegreat, if we consider, 1. His created state: a spirit more knowing thanman.AsinlessangelisahighercreaturethansinlessAdamwas.2.Byhisfallhehath losthappinessandpurity;butretainshisknowledge,whichhis corruption hath turned into craft, malice, and wiles. 3. His longexperienceincheatingofmen.4.Thatinmenthathiswilesareproposedto. It is to theheart,deceitful aboveall things, anddesperatelywicked,Jer.17:9.Itistotheoldman,whichiscorruptaccordingtothedeceitful

lusts,Eph. 4:22. Such a devil dealingwith such a deceitful heart,musthave many dangerous wiles. Christ's grace only can enable a man todiscernthem;anditshouldbemuchprayedfor.Manyhavebeenskilfulin the theory and knowledge of the doctrine of Satan'swiles, that havebeen, notwithstanding, prevailed upon by them.Amanmust know hisown heartwell, and observe itsmotions narrowly, and bemuch at thethroneofgrace,thatwouldknowSatan'sparticularwilesonhimself.

2dly,Gracehelpsthetempted,inhelpingtohatethesintheyaretemptedto.Manybelievers,thoughtheycannottellwellwhencethewindcomesthat drives them, whether from their own heart, or the devil; yet theyknowwhither itdrives them; tosin that theyareaverse from.TemptedJoseph spake like aman that hadpresent assistance of grace,whenhesaid,Gen.39:9.HowcanIdothisgreatwickedness,andsinagainstGod?Asfar,andaslong,asthesintemptedto,standsblackanduglyintheeyeofthetemptedperson;sofar,andsolong,isthetemptationineffectual.Temptation prevails,when the sin tempted to takeswith the heart andwill;James1:14.Amanistempted,(i.e.successfully,)whenheisdrawnawayofhisownlust,andenticed.Sinwaswithouthim,butneartohimbythetemptation;nowitiswithinhim,anditishissin.Thetemptationtonumberingofthepeople,tookwithDavid;buthiscommandabout itwasabominabletoJoab,amanfarshortofDavid'sgrace,ifhehadany,1Chron.21:6.

3dly,Gracecanhelpthetemptedtoresistandstand,Eph.6:13.NomanisovercomeofSatantillhefleeandyield.Resistingisovercomingofhim:Jam. 4:7.Resist the devil, and hewill flee from you. 1 Pet. 5:9.Whomresist,stedfastinthefaith.Eph.6:16.Aboveall,takingtheshieldoffaith,where-withyeshallbeabletoquenchallthefierydartsofthedevil.Theyaredarts,theyarethedevil'sdarts,theyarefierydarts,thereisanallofthem;yetbyfaithyoumaybeabletoquenchthemall.Whyissomuchsaid of faith?Because, asChrist's strength is the believer's strength, sofaithisthatonlyinabelieverthatactsonthisstrength,drawsitin,andactsinit.Separatefaithfromitsobject,Christ,eitherinjustificationorinsanctification,anditbecomesanimagination,avanity,anothing.Now,considerhowcunninglySatandealswithbelievers,andhowsimplytheyare gulledbyhim in temptation.Hepersuades, andoftenprevailswith

them,tolayasidetheshieldoffaith,whentheyshouldmainlyuseit.Howfoolishwerethatmanthatwouldyieldhisarmstoanimplacableenemy?ChristknewPeter'sdanger,andprovidesgraciouslyforit:Ihaveprayedforthee,thatthyfaithfailnot,Luke22:32.

4thly,ThehelpinggraceofGodassists temptedbelievers, inpreventinganutter foilbySatan,and inrecoveringthemfromabegunfoil.SodidChristforPeter;andPaul,2Cor.12:8,9.Thedevilnevergetsallhiswillonabeliever:norareanywoundshegivestoasaint,mortalintheissue;whatevertheybeintheirownnature,inbelieversfears,orinthedevil'sdesign.AllthegloryisduetothegracethatisinChristJesus.

5thly,lastly,Gracecanrebukethetempter,andcallhimoff.ThisJoshuathehigh-priestneededandgot:Zech.3:2.AndtheLordsaiduntoSatan,(who was standing at Joshua's right hand to resist him, when he isstandingbefore the angel of theLord, ver. 1.)TheLord rebuke thee,OSatan;eventheLordthathathchosenJerusalem,rebukethee;isnotthisabrandpluckedoutof thefire?Thismercywasthefirst thing inPaul'sprayer,2Cor.12:8.ForthisthingIbesoughttheLordthrice,thatitmightdepart fromme. This messenger of Satan was of Christ's sending andgiving:Therewasgiventomeathornintheflesh,amessengerofSatantobuffetme,ver.7."Lordsaveusfromsuchgifts,"willChristiansbeapttosay.Thereisnoreasontoprayforthem.IftheLordseethemneedful,hewillsendthem.Butitiscomfortable,thatallthedevil'sassaultsareofChrist'sordering.HemusthaveChrist'sleavetotempt,Luke22:31.;andourLord,whenhepleaseth,can,andwillcallhimoff.WhenChristwastempted,Matth.4heresistsallhistemptationsbytheword,ashispeopleshould: at last he put forth his divine power, ver. 10. Get thee hence,Satan, &c. Then the devil leaveth him, ver. 11. This we cannot do, butChristcando it forus. It isablessedpromise,Rom.16:20.TheGodofpeace shall bruiseSatanunder your feet shortly.Thegraceof ourLordJesusChristbewithyou.Amen.PoortemptedChristiansthink,thattheyare not only in Satan's sieve, and in his hands, but that they are oftenunderhisfeet.Butliftupyourheadsbyfaithonthispromise.Completevictory is coming; and the faith of it should not only encourage you toresist,butthisfaithisapresentvictory:Faithisourvictory,1John5:4.Thebeliever(notonlyshallbe,but)isanovercomer.

SERMONXI

HEB.4:16

Letus thereforecomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace, thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.

THE Lord hath been pleased so to order and determine the state andcondition of his children, while they are in this life, that they shall beconstantly needy. This dispensation we should submit unto with allquietnessofmind,notquarrellingwiththewisdomandmercyofourGodtherein.Yea,morethansubmissioniscalledfor.Thereisafurtherdutyrequired,thoughitbehardtoperformit,totakepleasureandtorejoiceinthisneedystate,thatthepowerofChristmayrestuponus.ForastheLordhathlaidus,or leftus,undermanifoldnecessities;sohathhelaidup,and isreadyto layout,ofhisgrace forhelpingusunderthem.Andsurely suchwantsas layusopen for thosesuppliesofhisgrace,willbefoundtohaveagreatdealofmercyinthem,intheissue.Theexhortationin the text implies, thatgracecanhelp inevery timeofneed.Therearesome times of need, contrived by the Lord on purpose, that thehelpfulnessofhisgracemightthemoreshineandappear.Iwasspeakinglastdayfromthistruth,Thattherearesomespecialnecessitoustimes,inwhich believers are specially needy of Christ's grace, and in which hisgraceisspeciallyhelpful.

I have spoke to the first of these times of need: A time of temptation.Thoughallbelieversbenotalwaystempted;yetthereisnosaintonearthwho is out of the devil's gun-shot. No saint on earth hath reason toexpect, that (if Imay so speak)God should serve the devilwith aNoliprosequi.Godgivesnot,inthislife,anutterdischargetothedevil,from

meddling with, ormolesting of any saint. Till we come to heaven, thisadversarymustbeexpectedandpreparedfor.Thisworldishisdominion;he is thewicked god of it, 2 Cor. 4:4. And all thewicked in it, are hispeople, subjects, and children: and all the remaining corruption in thesaints,isofthedevil.

II. The second time of special need of God's grace, is the time of aspiritualdecay;adecayinthenewcreature,adecayintheworkofGodintheheart.Thispassethundermanynamesintheword,andwellknowninthesenseandexperienceofbelievers.Sometimesitiscalleddarkness,Isa. 1:10. It is themisery of anatural state, that they that are in it, aredarkness.Itistheblessednessofarenewedstate,thatthepartakersofitarelightintheLord.Theirdutyis,towalkaschildrenoflight,Eph.5:8.ThoughtheythataremadelightintheLord,areneversufferedtobecomedarknessagain;yettheymaywalkindarkness,andhavenolight;andthedaysofthatdarknessmaybemany,asthewisemansaith,Eccl.11:8.Weall knowwhat natural darkness is. All the natural light of theworld isfrom the sun; and therefore natural light and darkness, day and night,have their vicissitudes and revolutions, according to the shining or notshiningofthesun.Allthespirituallightbelievershave,isfromthelightofGod'scountenance.AstheSunofRighteousnessarisethonthem,Mal.4:2orwithdrawsfromthem,soistheirspiritualdayornight;sodotheywalk in darkness, or in the light of the Lord. Sometimes this decay iscalleddeath,anddeadness;astateofinabilityandinactivity,forworkinganddoingwhattheyarecalledto.Hencesomanyprayersforquickening,especially in Psal. 119. Natural death we know not; but sickness,weakness,andfainting,wedoknow.Spiritualdeathisknownandfeltbynonethatareunderitstotalpower;butaweaknessinspirituallife,saintsdoknow.

OfthisdecayIwouldspeak,inhandlingthreethings.1.Whenceitcomes.2.HowneedysuchareofGod'sgrace.3.Howgracedothhelpinit.

1.WhencecomesthisdecayonChristians?Itisastatetoocommontobequestioned,andtooplaintoneedtobeproved,thattrueChristiansare,andmaybeinit.Iwouldnamesomeofitsspringsandcauses.

1st, It flowsfromthe infant, infirmstateof thenewcreature, in its first

forming.Itisanew-bornbabe,1Pet.2:2.Whenthefirstmanwasmade,hewasasperfectandstrongamanthefirsthourhewasmade,aseverhewasinallhis life.HecameoutofhisMaker'shandsaperfectman.Butthenewcreatureisbornaweakthing,andistogrowuptothestatureofaperfectmaninChrist,Eph.4:13.;andwillnevercometoitsfullgrowth,till itcometoheaven.NoneonearthknowswhataperfectChristian is.There are degrees of perfection on earth; in respect whereof some areless, some more perfect. But the most perfect labour greatly underimperfection,Phil.3:12,13,14andpressmostafterperfection.IwillnotspeakofthewisedesignofGod,inframingthenewcreaturethus.Onlythegloryof itspreservation,andof itsperfection, isnotduetothenewnatureinbelievers;buttotheoriginalofit,GodtheFather;totheblessedrootthereof,JesusChristhisSon;totheinhabitationoftheSpirit;andtothegreatsecurityofthenewcovenant.

2dly, The new creature is not only in an infant, weak state, but it isplanted in a bad and unfit soil for it. It is planted out of its element.Heaven is the proper element and country whence the new creaturecame, whence it ismaintained, and whither it natively tends. But it isplantedhere in theheart of a sinner.Now, theheart of aman, thoughmended by grace in part, is a very unfit and unsuitable soil for such aforeignheavenlyplant, as thenewcreation is.Andhence it is, that thegraceofGodinusisendangeredbytheplaceofitsresidence.

3dly,Thereisalsomuchcorruptionremainingintheheartofabeliever,asnoisomeweedsgrowingnear thispreciousplantingof theLord.TheLordneverdesignedtorootallcorruptionoutoftheheartsofhispeopleinthislife,bythefirstplantingofhisgraceinthem;butonlytogivethatgracethatshallbreakthedominionofsin,andthatshallmaintainawarwithindwellingsin,andatlastshallprevailcompleatly.Sothatitisplain,thatontheaccountofthosethree,iftherewerenomore,Christiansarevery liable to spiritual decays. And it is sadly confirmed from frequentexperience.Itmaybeinsome,theworkofgracewasinbestcasewhenitwasfirstbegun;andthat,fromthedayoftheirconversion,tothedayoftheirbeingglorified,theyneverhadmuchofanyremarkablegrowth.Butthisistheirsin,andtheirshame.

2. Hence youmay see, how needy such persons are of the help of the

graceofGod.An inwarddecay in theworkofhis grace inusmakesusveryneedyofhelpfromthefountainofgraceinhim.

For thisdecaygivesgreat advantages toour spiritual enemies to attackus,andlaysusundergreatdisadvantagesinresistingthem.Iamapttothink, (I cannot now give the reasons of it), that the devil knows theframeofourhearts,thoughhedoesnotknowtheheartimmediately:thatisGod'sproperty,Acts1:24.),andtheconditionoftheworkofGodinus,agreatdealbetterthanweourselvesordinarilydo.Greatistheintimacyhe hath with our spirits, especially with the remaining corruption inthem. Great is his craft, acquired by observation, practice, andexperience, as well as by his malicious sagacity. And when he seeth abelieverinabadcase,ifhehavepermission,hewillimprovethatdesiredopportunitytomaketheirbadcaseworse.Psal.71:11,12.DavidpraysforhastyhelpfromGod,onthisargument,hisenemiessaying,Godhathforsakenhim:persecuteandtakehim,forthereisnonetodeliverhim.CalebandJoshuaencourageIsraeltogoinandpossesstheland,Numb.14:9bythis,Theirdefence isdepartedfromthem,andtheLord iswithus: fearthemnot.Itisfromthisbadcasethatbelieversarein,thatSatanhathsoeasy and speedy victory over them at sometimes, more than at othertimes.Whenitiswellwiththenewcreationwithin,Christianscankeepthe devil at a bay and stand; when it is otherwise, he prevailsimmediately;we aredisarmed, andhis darts pierce and enter.There issomegroundtosuspect,thatDavid'sheartwasnotinsogoodaframeasusually,sometimebeforehis foul fall,2Sam11.AstoPeter, it isplain,hisvainself-confidencegaveSatananopportunitytosifthim,ashedid.

3.HowdoththegraceofGodhelpinadecayedstate?

1st,Gracehelps,inpreservinglifeattheroot.ThereissomewitnessforGodkeptup.Isleep,butmyheartwaketh,saiththebride,Song5:2.Itiswellallwasnotasleep.Thespirit iswilling,but the flesh isweak, saithmeek Jesus, in his agony in the garden, to the three distempereddisciples, Matth. 26:41. These same three sleep in the mount oftransfiguration, Luke 9:32 and in the garden of agony. Paul found thiswitnesspreservedinhiscaptivitytothelawinhismembers,Rom.7:23.

2dly, Grace helps under a decayed state, by making a secret growth

downward:A growth, that the believer cannot feel in himself, and thatotherscannotquicklyperceive;yet it isa realgrowth,andwill inGod'sduetimeappear.Wecommonlyvaluemostthatgrowthingracethathathfairblossomsandfruit,appearingtoourcomfort,andtotheLord'spraisebeforeothers.Anditisindeeddesirable,andtobestudied,Matth.5:16,John15:8.Butthereisagrowththatmaybecarriedonintherootonly,intherootinggraceofaChristian:asinclearerdiscoveriesofindwellingsin in the heart, and inmore self-diffidence and self-distrust. Paul hadthisfruit,2Cor.1:8,9.Itisasadthing,thatmanyChristiansaresofondof themselves, of the good that is in them, that the Lord seeth thatnothingissofittocurethemofthis,asleavingthemtothemselves.Andwhenthisleavingofthemtothemselveshathbroughtthemtoadiscoveryofthemselves,andthatdiscoveryhathwroughtadistrustofthemselves,and that distrust hath taught them faith in God; then the Lord hathreachedhisendonthem,andwillchangehiswaywiththem.

3dly, Grace can revive the decayed state of a believer: Psal. 23:3. Herestorethmy soul.He reneweth their strength, Isa. 40:31. Thy youth isrenewedliketheeagles,Psal.103:5.Thisisimpossibleinnature,andastoourbodies;butastooursouls,andtheworkofGodinthem,itiswhatispromised,andoftendone.Oldpeoplemay,anddooften,intheirfollyandvanity,counterfeityouth;butall theirartscannotmakethemselvesonehouryounger.ButtheLordcanrenewtheyouthofthenewcreature,andmake it better with him than ever it was. David prays for it, Psal.51:10.Createinmeacleanheart,OGod;andrenewarightspiritwithinme. Peter got a new conversion, Luke 22:32. They both had beenconverted and renewed before; but they fell under a sad decay, andneededthisrestoringgrace,andgotit.

Somuchofthesecondtimeofneed.Iproceedtoathird,notsocommon.

III. A time of special enjoyments, is a time of special need of God'shelping grace. You may think it strange, but it is true, that they thatreceivemostoftheLord'sgraciousbounty,standinmostneedofgracetoguideitwell.Concerningthisseason,Iwouldspeakinfiveparticulars.

1. Most Christians know what those enjoyments are by experience,althoughinvariousmeasures.Itisverysuspicious,thatthatpersonisan

hypocrite,thatisalwaysinthesameframe,lethimpretendittobeneversogood.ThetrueChristian'sskyisneverlongclear,andwithoutclouds.Changeofweatherandways,isusuallyfoundbytravellerstoheaven.Itisto be suspected, that he is not right who hath no changes, Psal 55:19.Thesespecialenjoymentsareofseveralsorts.

1st,ThereissomespecialnearnesstoGodenjoyedbyChristiansatsometimes.We are not at all to be offended at, but rather confirmedby thereproachesof theungodly, that areutter strangers to such enjoyments,andcannotendurenorunderstandthescripture-namesofsuchblessingsthattheythemselvesareunacquainedwith.Whatismorefrequentintheword,thanthisnearnesstoGod?Whatisbetterknownintheexperienceof saints than this nearness? He makes gracious approaches to mensspirits, and causeth them to approach to him, Psal. 65:4. They find itgoodforthem,Psal.73:28.Thefirstgraciouschangewroughtonasoul,isby bringing a distant sinner near toGod:Eph. 2:13. But now inChristJesus, ye who sometimes were far off, are made nigh by the blood ofChrist."WheneverthevirtueofthatbloodcameuponyoubytheSpiritofChrist,Godcamenear toyou,andyouwerebroughtnear toGod."Butbesides thisnearness that isbegun in the firstapplicationofgrace,andchangeth their state; there is more nearness given by the Lord, andenjoyedbyhispeople, for the cheeringof theirhearts, andbetteringoftheir frame. Exercised Christians are able to give a distinct account oftheir having of this nearness at some times, and of their want of it atothertimes.HowmuchofbothareinthePsalmsofDavid?Andsuchascan understand the nearness to, and distance from God, so frequentlymentionedthere,asonlythepsalmist'ssenseofGod'sfavourableorcrossprovidence towards him in outward things, are to be pitied for theirungodlyignorance,anddespisedfortheirexpoundingthewordsofamanafterGod'sheartaccordingtothecarnalsentimentsoftheirown.

2dly,ThereareeffusionsoftheSpiritspokeofintheword,andfoundbyChristians,which are special enjoyments. Sometimes they are found intheperformanceofspiritualdutiesofworship;sometimesintheexerciseofgrace.Graceshouldbeactedinalldutiesofworship;butitmaybe,andshouldbeactedoutofanyformalduty.Youshouldneverpray,butthereshould be acting of faith and love onChrist. But,God be thanked, you

may act faith and love when ye do not pray, when you are about nosettledspiritualdutyofworship.ThereisabeinginthefearoftheLordallthedaylong,Prov.23:17.AwalkingupanddowninthenameoftheLord,Zech.10:12.AdoingofeverythinginthenameoftheLordJesus,Col.3:17.EverybelieverhaththeSpiritofChrist:IfanymanhavenottheSpiritofChrist,heisnoneofhis,Rom.8:9.Buttherearesomesingularpourings out of this Spirit promised and bestowed, andwell known bybelievers?andtheyarepreciousenjoyments.ThisSpirittheworldcannotreceive;becauseitseethhimnot,neitherknowethhim;butyeknowhim,forhedwellethwithyou,andshallbeinyou,asChristsaith,John14:17.

3dly,ThereiscommunionandfellowshipwithGodmuchSpokeofintheword,wellknownbybelievers,1John1:3.ButIshallnamenomoreoftheseenjoyments.

2. As all Christians know what these special enjoyments are, so all ofthemdo greatly desire them. This is so sure, thatmany do over-desirethem.Thisdesireariseth,

1st,Fromthegeniusandinstinctofthenewnature.Whatismorenaturalto the new creature, than kindly breathing after heaven?When a poorsoulhathgotofthewateroflifefromChrist,itbecomesinhimawellofwaterspringingupintoeverlastinglife,John4:14.Immediatelythesoulsaith, "What shall I do to be saved? when shall I be saved?" Now, ifdesires of heaven be the native breathing of the new creature, surelybreathingaftermuchofheavenuponearthmustbesotoo;forthehighestenjoymentsofGodonearth,arefarshortofwhatisreservedforheaven.

2dly,Experienceoffirstlove,andofthefirstgraciouswelcomehegavetothebeliever,whenhe first fled to the cityof refuge,makes themdesiremoreofthoseenjoyments.

3.Thesespecialenjoymentsareveryprofitable,aswellaspleasing.Theyaregivenforprofit,anddousuallyprofit.

1st, They are supported under tribulation: In the multitude of mythoughts withinme, (and doubtless they were sad ones), thy comfortsdelightmysoul,Psalm94:19.Usuallymuchaffliction,andjoyoftheHoly

Ghost,aretogether,1Thess.1:6.Thepromisesarefittedfordistress,andtheperformanceofthemgiventoChristiansunderit.Somedistressesaresogreat,thatnothingcanbearupUnderthem,butaspecialappearanceof divine grace; and in that case such blessings may be moreimportunatelybegged.

2dly, Special enjoyments do fit and strengthen for work and service.ThereisajoyoftheLordthatisthebeliever'sstrength,Neh.8:10.Elijah'sdouble meal was to strengthen him for a forty days journey in thewilderness;andtheextraordinarymanifestationhehadofGod,wastofithimforhistranslation,1Kings19.Manysaintshavefoundthissooftenintheirexperience,thattheydowithfearreceivesingularenjoymentsofGod,becausetheyhavesooftfoundthemfollowedwithsomespecialtrialanddifficulty.

4.AlthoughmostChristianshavesomewhatofthesespecialenjoyments,and all desire them, and they be profitable in themselves; yet specialspiritualenjoymentsaredangerous,andrenderamanveryneedyofthehelpinggraceofGod.

1st, Because they do usually expose to special temptations. Satan is aconstantenemytoallChristians.Buttherearetwotimesespeciallythathewouldfainestassaultthebeliever;whenheisathisworst,andwhenhe is at his best. Let believers benever so low, if Satan get hiswill, hewouldbringthemlower.Nomanisaslowasthedevilwouldhavehim,buthethatisinhell;butthitherhecannotbringabeliever.IfaChristianbeneversohigh,ifthedevilbeletlooseuponhim,hewillquicklybringhimdown.Donotthink,thatthedevilwillfeartoengageabeliever,evenwheninhisbeststate.HethathadtheboldnesstofallonsinlessAdaminparadise,willthinkitaneasymattertodealwithanysinfulmaninthiswilderness. He that had the impudence to tempt our almighty sinlessSaviour,willhehaveeithermodestyorfearintemptingafeeblebeliever?YouwhomtheLordmakesatanytimetorideonyourhighplaces,blesshim,andyetfearyouradversary.

2dly, There are some special corruptions that are apt to grow underspecialenjoyments,asweedsbywarmsunshine. If therewereanysuchenjoyment of God to be found in this life as would remove corruption

altogetheroutoftheheart,therewouldbenofearofabusingit:butnow,when the greatest enjoyments that can be had in this life, are given tothem that have a body of death dwelling in them, there are someworkings of that remaining corruption that are very ready to appear inthiscase.As,

(1.) Pride of heart; spiritual pride.All pride is a spiritual sin; but pridethat riseth on spiritual blessings received, is specially spiritual pride.Prideontheaccountofbeautyofbody,orstrength,orriches,isacarnalfoolish pride. If it rise on the account of gifts and endowments of themind,itgrowsyetaworsepride.ButifthegiftsofGodbeyetofamorehigh andnoble kind, as his special love, and theprecious fruits of thatlove, inbegun conformity toChrist, and communionwithhim; if prideriseonsuchgrounds,itisyettheworstofallsortsofpride.Forthemoregracious the gifts of God be, and the more eminently they be of freedistinguishing grace, and themore plainly the design of God in givingthosegiftsbetoglorifythegraceofthegiver,andtosavethereceiver,tothepraiseofthatgrace;prideofheartontheaccountofsuchgifts,isyetthe worst of all pride. Now, that such a corruption may grow underspecialenjoymentsofGod,ispastalldoubt.2Cor.12.Paulspeaksofhisbeing lifted up unto heaven, like a man that had not fully recoveredhimself:IknewamaninChristabovefourteenyearsago,(whetheroutofthebody,orinthebody,Iknownot:Godknoweth),ver.2.Itwasalongwhilesince;butinthetimeoftheenjoyment,andfourteenyearsafterit,hecouldnottellwhetherhewasinoroutofthebody.Heneverspeaksplainlyofit,tillhecametospeakofhisinfirmities,ver.7.LestIshouldbeexalted abovemeasure through the abundance of the revelations, therewasgiventomeathornintheflesh,amessengerofSatantobuffetme,lestIshouldbeexaltedabovemeasure.Wherewemayperceiveplainly,thatwhateverwasinthatextraordinaryenjoymentPaulhadinthatvisionfromheaven,or in that visit toheaven, thatwasallowedhim;whenhecameback,he foundthesamehearthehadformerly felt,andthesamebodyofdeathhesooftenhadgroanedunderbefore.AlthoughweknownotwhatPaulenjoyedinthattime,norwhatthenatureofthatexercisebySatanwasthathewasputto:yettheLord'sdesign,andPaul'sdanger,isplain.Itisindeedamarvellouspassage.SuchanextraordinarypersonasPaulwas, thechiefof theapostles,andmosteminentsaint inall the

NewTestament,aftersuchagreatrevelation,mustbeexercisedwithhell,topreventharmbyhisbeinginheaven,beforehewasfullyreadyandfitforheaven.

(2.)Contentednesswithapresentgoodcondition,anddulnessofdesiresafterabetterstate, isacommoncorruptionthat isapt toriseupunderspecial enjoyments. If the disciples be on themount of transfiguration,andChristbeglorifiedintheirsight,andglorifiedsaintsfromheaveninhiscompany;thenitisgoodtobehere,saythey;notmindingthatwhichwasmoreneedful for themandall the church.And if theyheard (as ismost likely) thediscourseofMosesandEliasconcerningthedeceaseofourLordwhichhe shouldaccomplishat Jerusalem,Luke9:30,31 theywerethemorefaulty.Itisveryhardtobetrulydesirousofheaven,whenwehavemuchofheavenonearth;yetitmaybeattained,andgracecanhelptoit.Ofwhichinthelastplace.

5.ThegraceofGod,asitisneeded,soitisusefulandhelpfultobelieversunderspecialenjoyments.

1st,Gracecanhumblethesoulunderthem,andbythem.ThoughSatanmakethemtemptationstopride,theLordcansanctifythemtobemeansofhumbling.Great comfortsdonotnatively tend tohumbleus; but alldiscoveries of the glory ofGod arehumbling. Isaiah found it so, Isaiah6:5.Wo isme, for I amundone; formine eyeshave seen theKing, theLordofhosts.Thevisionwasgreatandglorious;itwasasightofGodinChrist; as John 12:41.These things saidEsaias,whenhe sawhis glory,and spake of him.Wewouldbe apt to think theprophet should ratherhave said, "HappyamI, that Ihave seennowwhat Inever sawbefore,whatfew,ifany,besidesme,haveseen."ButsuchwastheimpressiontheSpirit of God made on the heart of this man, that this extraordinarymanifestation of God affects him with more deep self-abasement thanever he had before. Happy is the man that lies still the more low inhimself,andbeforeGod,themorehighlytheLordexaltshim.Jobfoundthis fruit of a clearer discovery of God, chap. 42:5, 6. Jacob (in Gen.32:30.)called thenameof theplacePeniel: for IhaveseenGod face toface,andmylifeispreserved.ThisplacewherehewrestledallnightwiththeLord,wheretheLordblessedhiminthemorning;thisplacehecallsPeniel,tobethenameofittohimandhisseed;thatwhenevertheysaw

theplace,orheardofit,theymightremember,thattherethegreatGodandapoormanmetingreatfamiliarity,andthemanwasnotconsumed.Jacob wonders, that his life was preserved in such a meeting. NearapproachesofGod tohis children, are sometimes toohard for them tobear.Thismadeoneeminentsaintcryoutundersuchahighenjoyment,"OLord,destroymenotwiththyglory;"andanother,"Holdthyhand,OLord;thyservantisaclayvessel,andcanbearnomore."Andboththesewerepersonsnotoppressedbyhiswrath,butoverchargedwithhis loveandglory.

2dly,Gracecanhelptorecordandrememberspecialenjoyments.Thereare some spiritual enjoyments ofGod, that are like lightning, that dartfrom the one end of heaven to the other, that make a dark night tobecomelikethemorning.Theycomequickly,andtheyarequicklygone;theyareofspeedyaccess,andofassuddenarecess.Butthoughtheybebutshort in theircontinuance, their fruitmayremain.Andoneway formaking their fruit continue, is, to remember and record them. I willremembertheyears,theworks,thewondersoftheLord,Psalm77:10,11,12.Iwillmeditate,Iwill talkofthem,saiththesaint.ThusDavidpraysfor Israel, 1 Chron. 29:18. Keep this for ever in the imagination of thethoughtsoftheheartofthypeople.WhatwasthisheprayedforIsrael'srememberingof,andfortheLord'skeepingintheirminds?Itwas, thattheymightrememberwithwhatjoytheymadetheirwillingofferingsfortheserviceofGod.WehaveagraciouspromiseofChrist,John14:26.TheHoly Ghost shall teach you all things, and bring all things to yourremembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. And this promise weshould plead, for bringing to our remembrance the things Christ hathdone for us, as well as for what he hath said to us. And no man canimagine(buttheythatfeelit)howoneoftheseremembranceswillfortifythesoulinadayofdistress.Spiritualthingsaresounliketocarnalthings,thatallcomparisonsbetwixtthemmustneedshaltgreatly.Thatapoor,hungry, starvingman, should, in a dungeon, or desolatewilderness, berefreshed,andmadestrong,bythebareremembranceofa feasthehadsevenyearsago;thisis impossibleinnature.Butinspiritualthingsit isotherwise.Thesavouryremembranceofaspiritualenjoymentlongsincepast,canbringbackthetaste,andpower,andvirtueofit,tothesoulthatwants it. Believers are usually upon their recovery from a sad

disconsolatestate,whentheyareexercisedinrememberingwithsavourtheirformerenjoyments.ThussaithreturningIsrael,Hosea2:7.Iwillgoandreturntomyfirsthusband:forthenitwasbetterwithmethannow.

3dly, Grace can help to improve enjoyments, to desires of, andendeavoursafterperfection.Wemustnotsay,whenitiswellwithus,Itisgoodtobehere;butrather,Itisgoodtobethere,whereitwillbeagreatdealbetter.Phil.3:13, 14.Thisone thingIdo, (itmustbeagreat thingdoubtless that is Paul's one thing), forgetting those things which arebehind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I presstoward the mark, &c. There is a forgetting that is our duty; and aremembering that is our duty also. To remember, so as to support ourfaith, and feed our praising of the Lord, that is duty: but to forgetattainments,soastopressafterthemark,thatisanotherduty.Alas!wearebad,bothatrightremembering,andrightforgetting.YouandIthink,thatifwehadbutalittleofwhatPaulhadinoneday;ifwehadbutalittleofwhathehadthatnighthelayinthestocks,whenheprayed,andsangpraisesuntoGod,Acts16:25wecouldneverhaveforgottenitaslongaswe had a day to live. But Paul could forget all in his ardent desires ofperfection.Andsomustyou;andthisgracecanteachyou.

These special enjoyments ofGod are but rarely felt.Dotenot on them,neitherdespise them.Mocknotsuchasknowthemin theirexperience,thoughyedonot.Ifyoubesoundbelievers,yemayliveinyoursouls,andlive to his praise,without enjoying any thing very extraordinary. But ifthe Lord grant singular communications of himself, know that it is aseason of special need of grace to guide themwell. They would returnmorefrequently,andwouldriseandspringhigher,andlastlonger,iftheywerebetterimproved.Thegreatertheblessingbe,themoreprovokingistheabuseofit;thegreatertheblessingbe,thegreateristhedifficultyofguiding itwell: and themoredifficultybe inourwork, themore isourneedofthegraceofGod;andthemorefrequentandferventshouldourapplicationsbetothethroneofgraceforthatneedful,helpfulgrace.

SERMONXII

HEB.4:16

Letus thereforecomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace, thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.

HAVING spoke of the need of God's grace, and of its helpfulness ingeneral;IcametocondescendonsomeseasonswhereinthegraceofGodis specially needful and helpful.Of them I named six; three ofwhich Ihavespoketo,andtheotherthreeremaintobehandled.

1.Thefirstseasonnamed,wasthetimeoftemptation.Therewasneverabelieverso littlebelovedofChrist,as tobegivenupasaprey toSatan;andneverlayabelieversonearChrist'sheart,butthedevilmaygethimintohissieve.Thereforeletusneverflatterourselvesinastateofsecurityfromdisturbancebythedevil.BlessedbeGod,wearebroughtintoastateofsafetyfromruinbyhim.

2. A season of spiritual decay: soul sickness, a weakness in the newcreature. There are some people that never knew by experience whatbodilysicknessmeans,buthaveenjoyedperfecthealthalltheirlife.ButIam apt to think, that few, if any Christians, find it so as to the newcreationinthem.

3.Aseasonofspecialenjoyments.Thoughthesetwoseemtobeveryfarfrom, and contrary to one another; yet they agree in this, that in bothgraceisneedfulandhelpful.Theunaccountablewisdomandsovereigntyof theLordourGod,shines inhisconductofhispeople.Someof themhaveextraordinaryreceivings;othersknowlittlewhattheymean.TherearesomeChristians,whosewaytoheavenliesallalonginthedepthsandin thevales,whenothers rideon theirhighplaces.Now, these singularmanifestations from God, though desirable and profitable, yet are notwithout special dangers. To prevent which, the Lord provides and

ministersspecialphysictothem:anditisstrongandunpleasant;butthephysiciancanblessit;asPaul'sexperiencewitnesseth,2Cor.12.Hehadbeen inheaven,heknewnothow;hehadheard,hecouldnot tellwhatwhenhe cameback.Buthewell knewwhathemetwithonhis return,and how needful and useful it was for him. Lest he should be exaltedabovemeasurewithwhathehadseenandheardinparadise,hellissenttohumblehim.Maywenot infer this,Howunfitarebelievers,while inthe body, and a body of death is in them, to be in heaven, when anyspecial enjoyment of heaven must have so dreadful a remedyadministeredtopreventhurt?

IV. A fourth season of special need of grace, is the time of affliction.Afflictionsareofmanysortsandkinds.Iamapttobelieve,thatthoughtherebesomelikenessintheafflictionsofmany,yeteveryafflictedmanhathaparticularafflictionofhisown.Asitiswithpeople'sfaces,soitiswiththeircrosses.Forasmanythousandfacesasareamongstmankind,though all are somewhat like, yet every onehath somedistinction.Theworldisfullofcrosses;yeteveryafflictedpersonhathhisowncross.OurLord hints at it, Matth. 16:24. Let a man take up his cross. The Lordappointsapropercross foreveryone: thoughpeopleareready to thinkand say, that their cross is unfit for them, and that they would bearanothercrossbetter.Incrosseswemustneitherchusenorrefuse.David'scasewassingular,2Sam.24.TheLordchusethforus,andwemustnot,cannot refuse: Job 34:33. Should it be according to thymind? he willrecompense it, whether thou refuse, orwhether thou chuse, and not I:therefore speak what thou knowest. There is a general distinction ofafflictions.SomearefromGod'shand,forsin,ortrial,orprevention:andsomeare fromman'shand, forChrist's sake, and the gospel's. In all ofthemgrace ishelpfulandneedful.ButIwouldspeakonlysomethingingeneral, that every one may apply to themselves according to theirexperienceandexercise;andthatonthesetwoheads:1.Theneedfulnessof grace to the afflicted. 2. The helpfulness of grace to the afflicted,whatevertheirafflictionbe.

1. Iwould speak of the need of the grace ofGod to the afflicted. Somesenseofthisisengravenontheheartsofmenbythelightofnature.TheHeathenmarinersinthestormexpressthis,Jonah1:5,6.Whatmeanest

thou, O sleeper? Arise, call upon thy God, if so be that Godwill thinkupon us, that we perish not. A sad case! A Heathen shipmasterchallengingagodlyprophetforhisneglectofseekingGod!Hecallshimbyashameful,butwell-deservedname,Osleeper.ThestormcameonforJonah'ssake,ashetoldthem,ver.12.:yetheisthesecurestpersonintheship.HeonlyknewGod,yetheislastincallingonhim.AnhonestPaganmayoutdo a distemperedprophet, in some things, at some times. Thissense was expressed greatly by the king, nobles, and inhabitants ofNineveh, Jonah 3:5–10. And they again go far beyond Jonah. TheybelievedGodonJonah'spreaching,repented,prayed,andfasted;andtheLordrepentedoftheevil.ButJonahwasnotgrievedatall,chap.4:1,2.Ifitwerenotforhisexcellentprayer,chap.2andthathewasaprophetoftheLord,andthepenmanoftheHolyGhost, torecordhisownsinandshame, for thebenefitof thechurch;weshouldbe tempted toquestionthisman'sgrace,ofwhose fearful sinswehave so largeanaccount.Herebels against the Lord's call to preach toNineveh.When he flees, theLordovertakeshimbyastorm, takeshimby the lot;he iscast into thesea, schooled in the whale's belly three days and three nights; amiraculouschastisement,andamiraculouspreservation.Henowobeysthe repeated call. But when his labour had a gracious effect, he isdispleasedexceedingly,andpraysmostsinfully.Jonah'sinstanceshouldteach ministers and Christians to pray more, Lord, lead us not intotemptation.Asnature's light teacheth afflictedpeople their need of theLord's grace andmercy, theword declares itmore plainly, James 5:13,Psal.50:15,Hos.5:15.ThisneedofthehelpinggraceofGodinaffliction,Iwouldinstructinthese:—

1st,Affliction-sinsarereadilyfallenintowithoutthehelpofthegraceofGod. Such sins, Imean, that affliction doth easily and naturally temptunto;asfretting,impatience,murmuring,andquarrellingwiththehandof God. It is sadly and frequently seen, that affliction hath not onlybroughtalongwithitdiscoveryofsin,butalsotheactingsandworkingsofmorecorruption, thaneitherthepersonhimself,oranyelse, thoughtwasintheman.Itwasasadcharacterofaverybadman,2Chron.28:22.AndinthetimeofhisdistressdidhetrespassyetmoreagainsttheLord:thisisthatkingAhaz.Thisisamannotedforanever-do-well.Abrotherinthesameoffice,andinthesameiniquity,said,Beholdthisevilisofthe

Lord;what,shouldIwaitfortheLordanylonger?2Kings6:33.

2dly,Affliction-dutiesareonlypracticablebythehelpofthegraceofGod.Everycrosshathitswork,aswellas itstrial.Thereisthatrequiredandcalledforinaffliction,thatcravesaspecialassistanceofthegraceofGodforthedoingofit.Itisremarkable,thatthegreatdutyoftheafflictedisexpressedby twonegatives,Heb. 12:5 fromProv. 3:11.My son,despisenotthouthechasteningoftheLord,norfaintwhenthouartrebukedofhim.What then is thepositiveduty? It is thatwhich isneitherof thesetwo.Iftheafflictionbelight,weareapttodespiseit;andif itbeheavy,weareasapttofaintunderit.But,saiththeHolyGhost,seethatyedoneither. If itbeneverso light,donotdespise it; if itbeneversoheavy,faintnotunderit.Andthereisnosmallneedofgracetopreserveusfromthoseextremes,andtokeepusintherightmidst.

3dly, The consolations of an afflicted state are very needful, and graceonly can furnish us with them. Be ye assured of it, that never did aChristian bear up patiently underGod's heavy hand, but by the strongsecretworking of some consolation. It is true, we value and seekmostthat consolation that comes in as a great flood of sense, and that dothswallowupthebitternessofaffliction.ThistheLordcan,andsometimesdothgivetohispeople.Butthereisasecret,silentspringofconsolation,that is as profitable, and more common in the Lord's way with hischildren. Of this the apostle speaks in 2 Cor. 1:3, 4, 5. Everlastingconsolation, and good hope through grace, are his blessings, 2 Thess.2:16,17.

2.Whereindoththehelpfulnessofgraceconsist,inanafflictedstate?

1st, God's grace helpswith light to knowGod'smind in affliction. It isdreadfultobestruckinthedark,whenamanneitherseeththepathhewalksin,northehandthatsmitethhim,northeweaponheissmotewith.The great blessing that grace can help us to, is, to knowwhat the rodmeans,whatitsvoiceis,whohathappointedit,andwhatofGod'snameiswrittenontherod,Micah6:9.Jobwasveryearnestforthislight,Job10:2.IwillsayuntoGod,Donotcondemnme;shewmewhereforethoucontendestwithme.Elihuadvisethhimwell,Job34:31,32.Surely it ismeettobesaiduntoGod,Ihavebornechastisement,Iwillnotoffendany

more.ThatwhichIseenot,teachthoume;ifIhavedoneiniquity,Iwilldonomore.Manyapoorbelieverhasbeenputtothis,thatifhehadalltheworld,hewouldhavepartedwithit,tohaveknownGod'smindinhisafflictions.Sometimesby the lightof the furnace,wecometoknowourhearts and corruptions, and therebywhatGod smites for, and calls to.TheLordcan,bytheteachingsofhiswordandSpirit,andbythewisdomofhisprovidentialdispensations,engravethatparticularmeaningthatisinhisheart,on therod that is inhishand, thatmenmayknow it.Andhappy is thatperson that is sodealtwith.But it is indeedharder tobesincerelywillingtoknowandadmitofGod'smindinaffliction,thanitisto find it out. But his grace can help to both, and the throne of graceshouldbemuchpliedforboth.

2dly,Gracecangiveinstrengthandsupportunderaffliction:2Cor.4:16.Forwhichcausewefaintnot;butthoughouroutwardmanperish,yettheinwardman is reneweddaybyday. It is awonderful thing, to seehowmuchpain, sickness,and torment,apoor frailbody isable tobear.Wethinkhowclose and sticking a thing is life, that isnot squeezedoutbysuch a stress. Yet the frailty of the flesh, in bearing the distress of theflesh, is a small thing, in regardof the frailtyof theheart inbearingofGod'srebukes:Prov.18:14.Thespiritofamanwillsustainhisinfirmity;butawoundedspiritwhocanbear?Yetmanyhaveborneit;butsurelybydivinesupport.ItisthecommonsenseofdistressedChristians,thattheyhave been put to bear such burdens; that they thought at first wouldsurely have crushed them. The reason of their wonder is, because theweightof theburdenupon themwas sensible;but theeverlastingarmsunderneaththemandtheirburden,werenotseen,Deut.33:27.

3dly, Grace helps in affliction, by enabling the afflicted to believe, thatthere is love in theafflicter.He saith it,Rev.3:19.Asmanyas I love, Irebuke and chasten; and he can make us believe it. Nothing but hismightygrace cando it.Nothing is liker anger thanaffliction, especiallywhensevere.Nothingismoredifficulttobelieve,thanthatwhich,toalloursenseandreason,isruiningtous,shouldbeinloveinhimthatdothit.Whocanbelieve thiswithout thehelpofgrace?andhowgreatmustthathelpbe,thatenablethamantobelievesounlikelyathing?

4thly,Gracehelpsinaffliction,byteachingtoprofitthereby:Heb.12:11.

Nowno chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous;nevertheless,afterwards it yieldeth thepeaceable fruitof righteousness,untothemwhichareexercisedthereby.Thefruitofsanctifiedafflictionisagreatmystery,asallspiritualfruitis.Youcannottellhowyouprofitbytheword.Iamafraid,thatthereisbutlittleprofitingatall;buttheythatdoprofit,cannottellhowtheyprofit.Theymayseetheseedsown,theymay find it sown in their hearts, they may perceive its fruits in theirworship and walk; but how the grace of God works with the word inmakingthemprofit, is toodeepforthemostdiscerningChristians.It issomewaymoremysterious,howtheLordworksoutprofitbyafflictions.Itisindeedoftenfound,blessedbehisname.ManycansaywithDavid,Psal.119:67.BeforeIwasafflicted,Iwentastray:butnowhaveIkeptthyword.Ver. 71. It is good forme that I havebeen afflicted; that Imightlearn thy statutes. But none can tell how the grace of God makes thebitter seedof afflictionbring forth thepeaceable fruit of righteousness.And where is that saint, who, when the Lord is writing bitter thingsagainsthim,andmultiplyinghiswounds,cansayinfaith,"Now,atthistime,andinthismanner, theLordissowingthatseedinme,thatshallspringupinfruitsofrighteousness,tohispraise,andmycertainprofit;andthedaywillcome,whereinIshallblesshisnamefrommyheart,forallthesorrowsInowfeelandmournunder?"

Ishallsaynomoreofthisheadofaffliction;butonlywouldgiveyouthiswarning. Afflictions are very common, andmuch complained of. Someprofessors spend all the little religion they have upon their afflictions.Takeheedtoyourheartsunderafflictions.Itistobebewailed,thatmanyChristians,theirafflictionscomeonthemtheyknownotwhence,theylieon them theyknownotwherefore, and theygooff theyknownothow;that,ifImayalludetosuchsacredwords,andapplythephrasetosuchasinfulframe,afflictionscomeonmany,andtheyfeelthesmartofthem,butknownotwhencetheycome,norwhithertheygo.Theycomeonthemwhen they are sent, and go off when they are called; but they neitherknewwhatGodmeantbythem,nordidbythem.NoChristiancanevermakeaspiritualandheartysongofpraiseforafflictions,unlesstherebesome senseorhopeof profit thereby. If theprofit be seen, thewisdomandloveofGodinafflicting,willbeheartilyacknowledged.

V.ThefifthtimeofspecialneedofthegraceofGod,is,atimeofspecialduty and service to God called for. All the course of our life is to beconstantservice.Weoughttolivetohispraise.Wearemadeascreatures,and as new creatures, for this end, Isa. 43:21, 1 Pet. 2:9. But there aresomeseasonsinwhichspecialworkiscalledfor,andthenthereisgreatneedof grace tohelp in thathour. It is amightywordof thepreacher,Eccl. 8:6. Because to every purpose there is time, and judgment;therefore themisery ofman is great upon him.And it is only thewiseman'sheartthatdiscernethtimeandjudgment,ver.5.Iwouldnamefourofthosetimes.

1.ThetimethatmenarecalledtobelieveonJesusChrist,andtosecuretheireternalsalvationbyafullclosingwithhim.Thisisanow,aday,anacceptedtime,adayofsalvation,2Cor.4:2.Allthathearthegospel,arebound by the call of God in it, and warranted by the promise of it, toreceive by faith Jesus Christ, and eternal life, every time they hear thegospel.Butsometimesthisdutyisspeciallycalledfor;which,ifneglected,maybe of fatal consequence tomen.Hence that exhortation, Isa. 55:6.Seek ye the Lordwhile hemay be found, call ye upon himwhile he isnear.WhenChristisknockingatthedooroftheheart,thenitisspecialduty to open to him, Rev. 3:20. This was the day Jerusalem had, andneglected; and that thatChristmournedover them for,Luke 19:41,42.Unspeakable is mens need of the prevailing help of grace, when theirheartsandconsciencesarewarmedwiththecallsofgraceinthegospel.In such seasons, the everlasting bargain is either fixed by the power ofgraceworkingfaithintheheart;orpeoplearelefttothemselves,andarefartherfromheaventhanever.

2. Some special call to men to give their testimony to Christ and hisgospel by suffering. The Lord comes and cravesmens testimony to histruth, and chargeth them thus: "If thou hast any love to me and myhonour,Idemandthywitness,venturethyall,takeupthycross."ManyChristians have neglected such trying seasons, which in vain andsorrowfully they have wished for again. There is much of God's graceneedfultodiscerntheseseasons,andwiselytoimprovethem.

3. There is another remarkable season ofmens need of God's grace tohelpthemin;andthatis,theseasonoftheLord'scallingthemtoaduty-

trial;adutycalledtobywayoftrial.TheLordgivesthecalltotrymen;andverygreatare theconsequencesofobeyingordisobeyingof suchacall.Many instances are of this in the word. One is in Numb. 14. Thepassage is plain and awful.When Israel had been above a year in thewilderness,twelvespiesaresenttoviewtheland:theyallbringbackanevil report, save Joshua andCaleb: the peoplemurmur;God threatensthemwith judgments: theyseemtobesensibleof their sin; it is likebytheplaguethatslewthetenfalsespies,ver.37andbywhatMosesspaketothem.Theyacknowledgetheirsin;andresolvetogoupnextmorning,ver.40.Mosestellsthem,theynowsinnedagain,andthattheLordwasnotamongthem,ver.41,42.Whatseveredealingisthis?TheLordwasamongthemyesterday,notthismorning:theywerebidgoupyesterday,they are forbid nextmorning. Because they did not what the Lord bidthemdoinhistime,hewillnotprotectthemwhentheydothesamethingintheirtime.ThusSaulwastriedtwice,1Sam.13.Samuelbidhimtarryfor him seven days at Gilgal: Saul tarried six days, and part of theseventh,andthenofferedsacrifice;not,asIthink,thathedidinvadethepriest's office himself, but commanded some priest to do it. Profaneprinces never want profane chaplains. What a severe sentence dothSamuelpronounceagainsthim,ver.13,14.?Again,thesamemanistriedwithanotherduty,1Sam.15andfailstherein,andispunishedtherefore.This sort of tryingmenbyduty, is like that in2Kings 13:14–20whichElishadidputJoashunto.HowmanyofthepeopleofGod,throughthewantof thepresenthelpofgrace insomeduty-trials,havestepped intosuchpaths,andhavefallenintosuchpitsandsnares,astheyhavenevergotwellandclearlyoutof,aslongastheylived?

4Itisaseasonofgreatneedofgracetohelpusin,whentheLord,byhisprovidence,putsseveral things inaperson'schoice,and leaves themtochuse. The fullest of this kind was that offer made to David aboutjudgments,2Sam.24:12,13.Ahardchoice;butDaviddidchusewisely.His son Solomonhad another offer; but itwas of blessings, andnot ofjudgments,2Chron.1:7.AskwhatIshallgivethee.Andhechosewisely:andbyhischoiceproved,thathehadalreadyreceivedagoodmeasureofwisdom.Moseshadagreatoffer,andthingsofvastdifferencewereinhischoice;andhechoselikeamantaughtofGod,Heb.11:24,25,26.Moses,inhis lastsermontoIsrael,Deut.30:15–19,20putsthemonchusing:I

callheavenandearthtorecordthisdayagainstyou,thatIhavesetbeforeyou life anddeath, blessing and cursing: therefore chuse life, that boththouandthyseedmaylive:thatthoumayestlovetheLordthyGod,andthat thoumayestobeyhisvoice,andthat thoumayestcleaveuntohim;forheisthylife,andthelengthofthydays.SodidhissuccessorJoshua,whenhehadsettledIsraelinthepromisedland,alittlebeforehisdeath:Joshua24:15.Chuseyouthisdaywhomyouwillserve.ElijahdidsowithapostateIsrael,1Kings18:21.Somewhatlikethisislaidbeforemeninthedailyministry of theword. The curse of the law, or the blessing of thegospel, is inmens offer; andmen get as they chuse. Ifmen refuse theblessing,thecursebelongstothem;iftheyreceivetheblessing,theyaredelivered from thecurse.But the chusing Imean, is that theLordputsmenoftento,intheseveralturnsofhisprovidencetowardsthem:Psalm25:12.Whatman ishe that feareth theLord?himshallhe teach in thewaythatheshallchuse.Manygraciouspromisesareintheword,ofGod'sguidingofhispeople;manyprayersputupbysaintsinthewordforthisgraciousguiding;andmanypraisesrenderedtotheLordfortheirblessedexperienceofhisguiding.Whocanwalksafely throughthiswilderness,without the pillar of cloudby day, and the pillar of fire by night?HowmanyofmenssorrowsmaybelaidontheirbeingleftofGod,inchusingfor themselves? and howmany of ourmercies are owing to the Lord'sgraciousguidingofusindoubtfulcases?Butitisaveryhardthingtoaskdirection from God. Three faults are common in this practice. 1. Pre-engagementofheart.Asitisagreatsinaftervowstomakeinquiry,Prov.20:25;sois ittoaskdirectionfromGod,whenmenareresolvedonthewaytheywill take.Aneminent instanceof thissinful frame,wehave inJer. 42 and 43. They sought counsel of God by the prophet in a greatstrait; they promised to follow it whatever it was: God gives hismind;theyrejectit,becauseitsuitednottheirinclinations.Itisnoeasythingtoask direction of God, with an undetermined frame. 2. Pride ofunderstanding.Menthinktheyarewiseenoughtochusetheirownway.Thereforethatcommandshouldbemuchminded,Prov.3:5,6,7.TrustintheLordwithallthineheart:andleannotuntothineownunderstanding.In all thyways acknowledge him, andhe shall direct thy paths. Be notwise inthineowneyes.Andthatotherword,Prov.20:24.Man'sgoingsareoftheLord;howcanamanthenunderstandhisownway?Prov.16:9.Aman'sheartdevisethhisway,buttheLorddirectethhissteps.3.Haste.

MenwaitnotforGod'scounsel,Psalm106:13;andthereforegowithoutit,andStumble indarkpaths.He thatbelieveth,makethnothaste, Isa.28:16.AlittlemorepatientwaitingontheLord,asPsalm40:1hathoftenbroughtindetermininglightindoubtfulcases.

Somuchforthefifthseasonofneedofgrace.

VI.The last timeofneedofgrace is, the timeofdying. It is indeed thelast;forhethatishelpedbygraceinthattime,willneednomorehelpofgracetoeternity.Thistimeofdying,iswhatweshouldallthinkon;andifyouthinkarightonit,itwillnotbeunwelcometohearofit.

OnthisIwouldshew,1.Theneedofgrace.And,2.Thehelpofgraceinthislastandgreatesttimeofneed.

1. Iwould speakof theneedofgrace tohelp in this season.Thoughallmen have some conviction of it; yet, to strengthen that conviction, Iwouldspeaktoafewthingsaboutit.

1st,Thistimeofneedisunavoidable.Itisatimethatmustcome.Othertimesofneedmaycome,andmaynotcome.Wemaybetempted,wemaybeafflicted,wemaybetried,wemaybeCastdown,andwemaybeliftedup again; but diewemust. It is appointed untomen once to die,Heb.9:27.Assureaswelive,wemustdie.Weliveourappointedtime,andwedieatourappointedtime,Job14:5,14andallourtimesareinhishand,Psalm31:15,Eccl.3:2.Thereisatimetobeborn,andatimetodie,ver.11.Hehathmadeeverythingbeautifulinhistime.Thatmanmusthavebettereyesthanthoseofflesh,thatcanseeanybeautyindeath.Iftherehadbeenbuttwoorthreeofmankind,thathadlivedfromNoahtothisday, and had been privileged with an exemption from this generalappointment,everyfoolonearthwouldhavedreamed,that,itmaybe,heshallpartakeofthesameprivilegealso.ButwhenallthateverbreathedfromAdamto thisday,aredead, (save thepresentgeneration,whomafewmoreyearswillsweepaway,asithathdonetheirpredecessors);whatfollyisthereinmensthoughtlessnessofthisunavoidablefate?Butifyousay, All shall not die, but be changed, as 1 Cor. 15:51, 1 Thess. 4:17.;consider,thatthischangeistothem,asdeathistous;anditmaybewillbeas terrible to thesaintsalive then,asdeathnowis.Asbelieversnow

dreadnotdeath,andtobedead,somuchastheyfeartodie;thestateofthedeadinChristisnotterrible,butthepassagetoitis:sotheythatarechanged at Christ's coming, may have the same sentiments, till thechange be wrought on them. It is (though none knows the particularmannerofit)aputtingoffofmortalityandcorruption,andaputtingontherobesofimmortalityandincorruption.Thesameisdoneastoeverysaintatdeathandtheresurrection.Botharedonetoeverybelieverinaninstant, who are found alive at Christ's second coming. Elijah'stranslation,2Kings2andEnoch's,Heb.11:5wereemblemsofthechangeonbelieversatChrist'ssecondappearance;astheraisingofLazarus,andothers, both in the Old Testament and New, were of the generalresurrection:andinspecialmannertheyspokeof,Matth.27:52,53.Andthe graveswere opened; andmany bodies of saintswhich slept, arose,andcameoutofthegravesafterhisresurrection,andwentintotheholycity, and appeared unto many. But whatever the change on saints atChrist's coming be to them, and if itmay be thought amore easy trialthannaturaldeathis;itiscertain,thatthechangethatshallthenpassontheungodly,willbefarmoredreadfulthanbaredyingisnow.Thisisthentheonlyexceptionfromthegeneralappointmentonallmenoncetodie.Howamazingthenisthestupidityofmen,thatsofewseriouslythinkonit,andprepareforit?thatsomanymenandwomen,thatareunderthesentence of death; that have the seeds of death in them; that live in aworldwhereinall things thathave life,aredyingbefore theireyes: thatliveoncreaturesthatlosetheirlivestosupporttheirs;thathavesomanywarningsofdeath'ssureandspeedyapproach,areyet,afterall,surprisedbyitwhenitcomes,asiftheyhadneverheardofit?Thisstupidityisbotha sad sign and effect of the plague of unbelief. Judgment and eternity,thatfollowatdeath'sheels,aremattersofpurefaith.Butdeathisobvioustosense,reason,anduniversalexperience.Yetmenonlythinktheymaydie,anddonotentertainthepersuasionwithassuranceintotheirhearts,andseriousdailythoughts,thattheymustdie.

2dly,Dying is not onlyunavoidable, but it is anew trial.None can tellwhatdyingis.Manyknowwhatitistobesick,tobeingreatpain,tofaintandfallintoaswoon,whichisalittleimageofdeath;asalsotheHeathenpoetcalledsleepdeath'selderbrother:butnoneknowswhatdyingis.Itwas a very sensiblewordadyingChristian in this city spoke tomyself,

whenvisitinghimafewhoursbeforehisdeath,"Nomancantellanotherwhatdyingis.IfeelIamdying;butIcannottellyouwhatitis."Deathisapath that you never trode before; you never walked in it hitherto; youmayhavethoughtyourselvestohavegoneagoodwayinthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,butyouneverwalkedthroughit.Pauldieddaily,1Cor.15:31;hewasindeathsoften,2Cor.11:23.:yethewasalivingmanthen,whenhesaidso;andhediedbutonce.Allnewtrialsrequirenewsuppliesofgrace;and the trialofdeath isquitenew.Whenweare temptedoneday,wemayknowwhattemptationisthereby,andbetherebyfittedforthenext:butnopastexperiencecanteachusfullywhatdyingis.

3dly,Dyingisnotonlyanecessary,andnewtrial;butitissuchatrial,inwhichaman'sallisconcernedforeternity.Immediatelyondeathfollowsjudgment,Heb.9:27.Deathisthedarktrancebetwixttimeandeternity.Whilewelive,weareintime;whenwearea-dying,weareleavingtime,andpassingintoeternity;whenwearedead,wearequiteandforeveroutoftime,andareineternityforever.Ifamanmiscarryinthispassage,ifamanstumbleinthedarkvalleyofdeath,ifhefallhere,hefallsforever.Iwould not have people to imagine, that the stress of their salvationdependsontheirframewhena-dying;forsomeChristians,whenneartodeath,haveneithertheuseandexerciseofsenseorreason,muchlessofgrace.Butsurely,whenthecaseofmensbodiespermitsactsofaman,orofaChristian,thereisgreatneedofgracetoenableustodiewell.

4thly,Dyingisagreattrialoffaith.Thoughweknownotfullywhatdyingis; yetwemay know somuch of it, as to be convinced, that it ismuchharder todie in faith than to liveby faith:andyet livingby faith is thehardestthingwehavetodointhisworld.TotrustinanunseenGod;tobelievehisunchangeable love,whenwe feelhis anger, to trusthisbareword, when we see no appearance of performance, but many to thecontrary, arenoeasy things to thebest.Our frequent experienceof thedifficulty,andofourmanyfailingsinthisdailyexercise,oflivingbyfaith,mayjustlymakeussensibleofourneedofgreathelpofgrace,whenweshall be called to the new and more hard work of dying by faith. Toinforcethisalittle,consider,

(1.)Usuallywhendeathdrawsneartomen,andtheydrawneartoit,theeye of themind is clearer, and the consciencemore tender and sharp-

sighted,inthereviewoftheirlifeandactions.Manyneversawtheirliveswell,tilltheyarejustattheendofthem.Andmanybelieverswalkso,asaspiritualreviewoftheirwaysbreedsnosmallstormintheirconsciences,and trial and shaking to their faith.Thoughdeathbe a dark valley, yetgreat light of convictions and challenges springs up in it.Woe to themthatneverknow, till theyarea-dying,whatanawakenedconscience is.Ways that are pleasing tomen,when the evil day is put far away, lookfrightfullyonthemwhenthatdayapproaeheth,andisverynigh.

(2.)Adying time, is a timewherein thedevil is very busy.He fetcheththen his last stroke on saints, and on sinners. He doth his utmost tosecurethedamnationofsinners, thathemaynot losethemat last.Thedevil's death-hold of a dying sinner is a strong one. He also doth hisutmostagainstbelievers,ifnottomartheirsalvation,yettohindertheirconsolation.Thedevil'sparting-blowhathbeendreadfultomanyasaint.It is a weighty word, Heb. 2:14 where he is said to have the power ofdeath. It is true, there it is said also, that Christ overcame him, andthroughdeath.Deathisproperlyandstrictlyinthedevil'sdominions.Sinanddeathareproperlythedevil's,thoughtheLordhaththewiseorderingofboth.Hepermitssin,andinflictsdeath;anddeathliesnearthedevil'sgreatprison,hell.Throughthevalleyofdeaththerearetwopassages;oneleadingtohell,andanother toheaven.Most fall into thepit;othersarebrought throughsafeandsound,bytheskillandmercyof theirblessedguide, Christ. It fares here with believers as with Israel, and withunbelievers as with the Egyptians, Heb. 11:29. By faith they passedthroughtheRed-sea,asbydryland;whichtheEgyptiansassayingtodo,weredrowned.

(3.) Judgment and eternity, when near, and seen at hand, are awfulthings: and a near view of themwill try faith greatly. This view blowsawaythepresumptionandhopeof thehypocrite;Job27:8.What is thehopeofthehypocrite,thoughhehathgained,whenGodtakethawayhissoul?Job11:20.Theirhopeisasthegivingupoftheghost.Hishopelivedaslongashelived;andwhenhedies,itdiesalso.Woetothemthathaveadyinghope,ahopethatcannotoutlivedeath.Christiansarebegottentoalivingorlivelyhope,1Pet.1:3.Hehathhopeinhisdeath,Prov.14:32.The man's body dies, but the Christian's hope and faith lives. He lies

down in thegrave inhope,Psal. 16:9.Hedies in that faithhe livedby,Heb.11:13.

2.What is thehelpfulnessofgrace, in this timeofgreatneed,a timeofdying.Iamspeakingtolivingmen,buttosuchasmustdie,andknownothowsoon.Ishallonlyinsistononethingatthistime.ThegraceofGodhelps believers, by strengthening of their faith. That is the help theymainlyneedinthathour.Andthishelpstandsinthese:—

1st, When a dying believer is helped by grace to see death in Christ'shand. There is a vast difference betwixt death in the devil's hand,whohath thepowerof it; anddeath inChrist'shand,who ismasterbothofdeathand thedevil:betwixtaman's seeingdeathapproaching,and thedevilbehindit,andwithit;andaman'sseeingdeathcomingonhim,andChristwithit.Paul'striumphroseonthisground:1Cor.15:55,56,57.Odeath,where is thy sting?O grave, (or hell), where is thy victory? Thestingofdeathissin;andthestrengthofsinisthelaw.ButthanksbetoGod,whichgivethusthevictory,throughourLordJesusChrist.Thatbywhichdeathstingsmen, issinunpardoned,andGod'sholy lawbindingsinandwrathontheirpersons.Victoryoverbothsinandthelaw,comesby Jesus Christ. When this victor, and victory in Christ, is seen by abeliever, death is defied and despised, as a stingless overcome thing.Muchandstrongfaithisneedfultoenableamantoplayontheholeofthisasp.ChristrevealshimselftoJohnalmostdeadwithfear,Rev.1:17,18. Fearnot; I have the keys of hell and of death. "Behold them inmyhand,andbeholdmeasthelordofthem."ShouldabelieverinJesusfearanythingthatChristhaththepowerof?Thebitternessofdeathispasttoallbelievers,byChrist'sdeath,andvictoryoverit.Andiftheirfaithwasstrong,theirfearswouldbesmall.

2dly,Tohavefaithenabledtolookthroughdeath,andbeyonddeath.Ifaman'seyesbefixedondeathonly,andseenofurther,itisdeathtolookondeath:butwhenthebeliever'seyeoffaithissoquickened,thathecanlookthroughthetranceofdeath,andseewithinthevail,whereChristis,thatisablessedhelpofgrace.Christiansfaithandhopeenterswithinthevail, Heb. 6:19. And a view within the vail is specially desirable anduseful,whentheChristianiswalkinginthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Psal.23:4.

3dly, Faith is helped, when the dying believer is enabled to cast hisanchor onGod in Christ confidently in this last storm. This last act offaithisagreatone.Themoresensibleamanisthatheisonthepointofeternal ruin, thenearer he is to drop into hellwithout divine help; themoresensiblyheactsfaith.ThentheclingingsandgraspingsoffaithonChrist,aresensibleandstrong.Whenabelieverlooksonhimself,andonhis way, and seeth nothing in them pleasing or staying to his soul; helooks into the dark passage before him, and it is frightful to heart andflesh;helooksonjudgmentandeternityasjustathand,andhisthoughtsareswallowedupwith theirgreatness. In thiscase tostayhissoul,andsaywith dyingDavid, 2 Sam. 23:5. Althoughmy house be not sowithGod, (Thoughmyheart,myways, benot sowithGodas they ought tohavebeen);yethehathmadewithmeaneverlastingcovenant,orderedinallthingsandsure:andthisisallmysalvationandallmydesire,requiressingularhelpofthegraceofGod.Toshuttheeyes,andgivethehandtoChrist,andtoquietthemind,bytrustingourguideinthislaststep,isamightyblessing.

Iwouldconcludethisdiscoursewiththesefour:—

1.Itisagreatmysteryoffaith,andagreattrialoffaith,thatthewaytoeternallifeshouldliethroughthemidstofthisdarkValleyofdeath.OurLordJesusChristboughteternallifeforus,bythepriceofhisblood;hewentthroughdeathtotakepossessionofhiskingdomandglory:andyethispeoplemustgothroughdeathtotakepossessionofthegiftofeternallife.Iftherewereanyallowedroomorplaceforprayerinthisaffair,howmany, and how earnest prayers would we make to be delivered fromgoing in this way to glory? But after a life of trials, temptations, andmanifold tribulations, this last is still before us; and we must passthrough,andsetourfeet inthecoldwatersofthisJordan,ereweenterthe heavenly Canaan. After all the lively hopes of heaven, and sweetforetastes of it, we have had; after our faith hath risen us to a fullassurance;yetthroughdeathmustalltheheirsofglorypass.

2. There is no wisdom like that of preparing for this awful hour; Job14:14.Ifamandie,shallheliveagain?AllthedaysofmyappointedtimewillIwait,tillmychangecome."Iwillthinkonit,Iwilllookforit,Iwill

prepare for it." Men are wise or foolish, according to their faithfuldiligence, or unbelieving negligence, in this preparing for death.Manyhavebewailedtheirneglect;neverdidanyrepenttheirdiligence, inthiswork.

3.Thereisnorightandsurewayofpreparingfordeath,butbyseekingsaving acquaintance with Jesus. If you set about the study of holinesswithoutChrist,youmistakeyourway,andwillneverreachyourend.Butlabour to be intimately acquainted with Jesus Christ, and thecommunicationsofhisgracewillmakeyouholy.Deathdealswithmen,andbilletsthemintotheireternalquarters,inheavenorhell,asmenarein Christ, or out of Christ. Their works, according to which they arejudged,arebut the fruitsandeffectsof theirdifferentstates.These twodifferent states of men in this life, in Christ, or not in Christ, are thefoundationofthetwodifferentstatesinthenextlife,inheaven,orinhell;thoughallinChristareholy,andalloutofChristareunholy.

4.There isno life truly comfortable,but thatwhichhatha comfortableprospectofdeathand judgment.Neverenvytheconditionof themwhoseemtobetheonlycheerfulmenintheworld,whomonequarterofanhour's serious thoughtofdeathand judgment, is enough tomake themlike Belshazzar at his great feast, Dan 5:6 whose countenance waschanged, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loinswereloosed,andhiskneessmoteoneagainstanother.Amazementseizedonsoulandbody.Howcanamanbesaidtolivecomfortably,thatdarenot think of death, for fear of marring his comfort? Miserable is thatconsolation, that cannot bear a serious thought of an approachingunavoidable thing. This is the wisdom and mercy of the Lord to hispeople, that their trueconsolationdothnotonlystandandabide in theview of death and judgment, but it ariseth from that view that is soterribletoallnaturalmen.This is theblessednessofbelievers, thatthisgrace allows them a right to, and can give them a possession of. Andtherefore we should come to the throne of grace for it. Then you arehappyChristians,whenseriousthoughtsofdeathbreedseriousjoy.

SERMONXIII

HEB.4:16

Letus thereforecomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace, thatwemayobtainmercy;andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.

YOUhaveheardof thehelpfulnessof thegraceofGod in timeofneed,both in general, andwith particular instances of some special times ofneed.Thelastwhereofisthetimeofdying.ThisIleftoffatlastday,andwouldspeakalittlemoretoit;andthenconcludeallinafewwords.

Death is a themeof great importance, andof veryobvious influence. Ifpeoplewould let it enter into their serions thoughts, andwould take aseriousandsteadyviewofit,theywouldquicklyfindmoreinitandaboutit,thanevertheydid,orcouldhear,byallthatistoldthem.NexttothesavingilluminationoftheHolyGhost,withandbytheword,thereisnobetterschoolformentolearn,weigh,anddulytounderstandthethingsofGodin, thanafrequentandnearviewofdeath.Whatanedgewouldthis put upon our praying, hearing,worship, andwalking? Every thingthat isdonebymenasdyingpersons, isusuallywelldone. I shall onlyadd this, That there are some sorts of dying that are very desirable, inwhichthegraceofGodisveryusefulandneedful.

1.Patientdying.Dyingisnotproperlyaduty,butasuffering.Itisnotouract;butthereisamanifoldexerciseofgracecalledforindying.NeverdidanymanactindyingbutJesusChrist:hecouldlaydownhislife,andtakeitagain,John10:17,18.Wecannot laydownour lives; theyarenotourown.Wearebidkeepthemaslongaswelawfullycan:andwhenthegreatcommand comes, Return, we are to yield obedience to it. It is a greatblessing,tohavepatiencefordying,andpatienceindying:Heb.10:36.Yehave need of patience; that after ye have done thewill ofGod, yemayreceive thepromise.Andweoftenneedpatiencemost,when justuponthereceivingofthepromise.Weshouldrunwithpatiencetheracethatis

setbeforeus,Heb.12:1.Andmostofpatienceisusuallymostneedfulinthelaststageofthisrace.Patienceshouldhaveherperfectwork,James1:4.Andtheperfectandperfectingworkofpatience,isthelastactofit.Weallknow,thatusuallydeathcomesonbysuchstepsasaregrievoustothe flesh.Therearepains, sickness,and languishings, thatarenosmalltrialsofpatience:buttheseareinamannerbuttrialsofthepatienceoftheflesh.Thereareotherthingsaboutdyingthatpatienceistriedby;astimeandplace,andmanycircumstances,thatisnosmalloreasythingtobe quietly submitted to. Jacob, the heir of the promise, goes down toEgypt,toJoseph,forbread,afterheisstarvedoutofthelandofpromise;andmustdieinEgypt,andleavehisfamilythere,wheretheyweretobelong andheavily oppressed, as the Lord told his grandfatherAbraham,Gen.15:13.MosesmustdieontheothersideofJordan.Davidmustnotseeastonelaidinthetemple.Josiahmustdieinbattle,andthatbynothearkening to the words of Necho from the mouth of God, 2 Chron.35:22. But what of such sad circumstances of dying? did not our LordhimselfdieunderadarkcloudonhisdearFather'sface,andonhisownblessed soul?My God,my God, why hast thou forsakenme? were sadwordsfromthesadsoulofourdyingblessedLord.Hisdisciplesforsookhim,thesunforsookhim,earthandhellbandiedagainsthim;yetallwasnothing tohisFather's forsakinghim.Howbitterwas this toourLord!Andyethow sweet is it to the faith of believers! If yoube called todieunder a cloud, remember,TheLord, theheir, thepurchaser of heaven,wenttoheaveninthegreateststormthateverblewfromearth,andhell,andheaven,onanyman'sface,atdeath.Menareashamedtoexpressanyquarrelagainstdying;but therearemanythingsabout it thatmakesusneedy of much grace to help to quiet submitting unto it, both insubstance,andallcircumstancesattendingit.

2. Safe dying. This is very needful, and it is grace's doing. Many diepatiently, asmen think, that die not safely. There are no bands in thedeathofthewickedsometimes,Psal.73:4.Somegooutofthislifetohellmorecalmly,thansomeoftheheirsofglorypasstotheirblessedhome.Safedying, is todiewithoutanyhurt to thesoul; thatwhenthecageofthe body is brokenbydeath, the soul, the bird,may takewing, and flystraightandsafetoheaven.Deathisthebelievers,1Cor.3:22aswellaslife.Butwhathavewe todowithdeath,ordeathwithus? It is ablack

boat, that wemust sail out of time to heaven in: and Christ steers theboat,andlandsallbelieverssafelyonheaven'sshore.Thisisallwehavetodowithdeath.Andwhenall thepassengersarebroughtover,Christwillburnthisuglyboat:Rev.20:14,15.Anddeathandhell(orthegrave)were cast into the lakeof fire: this is the seconddeath.Andwhosoeverwasnot foundwritten in thebookof life,was cast into the lakeof fire.And then in the new Jerusalem, there shall be nomore death, neithersorrow,norcrying,neithershall therebeanymorepain: fortheformerthingsarepassedaway,Rev.21:4.Whowouldnotventuretopassoutofthis bad world, to that blessed land, under Christ's conduct, thoughsailingthroughthegulphofdeathbeunpleasantinitselftous?Menforgainwill sail fromone end of the earth to the other; throughheat andcold, and stormy seas and winds, andmanifold perils, in the probablehopeofadvantage.Butbelieversmaybeassured,thattheyshallarriveattheirport.NeverdidabelieverinJesusChristdieordrowninhisvoyagetoheaven.TheywillbeallfoundsafeandsoundwiththeLambonMountZion.Christlosethnoneofthem;yea,nothingofthem,John6:39.Notaboneof abeliever is tobe seen in the fieldofbattle.Theyare allmorethanconquerors,throughhimthatlovedthem,Rom.8:37.

3. It is very desirable to have an honourable dying. It is a part of thevanity of this world, thatmany dote upon an honourable burial. Somerespect indeed should be paid to the dead bodies of believers; buthonourabledyingisagreatdealmoreconsiderable,thanthatmencallanhonourable burial. Our Lord told Peter of his dying, John 21:19. Thisspake Jesus, signifyingbywhatdeathPeter should glorifyGod.That ishonourabledyingthatbringsglorytoGod.Paulisconfidentofthisastohimself: Phil. 1:20.According tomy earnest expectation, andmyhope,thatinnothingIshallbeashamed,butthatwithallboldness,asalways,sonowalso,Christshallbemagnifiedinmybody,whetheritbebylifeorbydeath.Themosthonourabledying,isdyingfortheLord.Thishonourisnot given to all his saints.All saintsdie in theLord, andblessedarethey,Rev.14:13.Ourdesiresshouldbe,tobeenabledbyhisgracetobearour dying testimony to Christ and his gospel. There have been strongconvictionsgiventotheconsciencesofsinners,wonderfulsupportstothehearts of surviving saints, by the honourable dying of some believers.Theirexample,theirwords,theirverylooksandbehaviour,intheshadow

ofdeath,havebeenofgreatusetothemthathaveseenandheardthem.

4.Itisalsodesirabletohavethemercyofcomfortabledying;tohaveanentrance ministered to us abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom ofourLordandSaviourJesusChrist,2Pet.1:11.TheLord'sdealingswithhispeople in thismatter,areagreatdepth.Some thathavegivenmostshiningevidencesofthetruthandstrengthofthegraceofGodinthem,who have spent their days eminently to the Lord's praise, and to theedifying of his body the church, have gone to heaven under a cloud:others, thatwerehardlyknownor regarded inChrist's flock,havegoneoff the stage triumphantly. No observer can escape the notice of suchinstances. Therefore we must not say, that consolation in dying is acertain signof eminency ingrace,orof tenderness inwalking. It isnotveryunusual, to see thegreatest stormovertakeevena strongbeliever,justasheisputtingintotheharbour.However,thisdispensationoftheLord's grace in granting a comfortable exit, is what we should begearnestly,andprayforheartily.IbelievethattherearefewChristianssocast down with fears, and clouds, and darkness, but if they could beassured,thatallshallbedispelledatdeath,(anditissometimesso);andthattheyshouldhaveaclearevening,andstrongconsolation,intheirlasthours,theywouldbeartheirpresentsorrowsbetter.Thoughcomfortabledying be not simply necessary to the salvation of a believer; yet it is ablessingmore valuable thanmanyothers that aremore in ourprayers.Grace can help to it; and a precious help it is, and we shouldmind itmuchinouraddressestothethroneofgrace.

Somuchofthesetimesofneed,andofthehelpofgraceinthem.

Thereareafewexhortationsfromthiswholedoctrineofthehelpfulnessofgraceinatimeofneed,thatIwouldconcludethistextwith.

The general exhortation is this, Learn not only to submit as towhat isdetermined,andthatyoucannotalter;buttobeheartilycontentwiththiswisedispensationofGodaboutyourneedandhisgrace,asacontrivancebecominghiswisdom,andlevelledatyourgood:As,

1.Thatournecessitiesaresomany,sogreat,andsounavoidable;andyetthere is a sufficient supply provided for them. The new creature is the

mostneedycreatureofallGod'screation.TheLordhathframedthenewcreature in a singular way, and for a singular use and end. All othercreatureshave theirbeing fromGod, andhave thatbeing continuedbyGodinthecommoncourseofhiswiseandpowerfulprovidence.ButthenewcreatureisnotonlyofandfromGod,butitiswrought,andhathitsbeing in Christ Jesus, and its life is continued by a continual graciouseffluxfromhim;forwithouthimthenewcreaturecandonothing,John15:5.Letnotsuchathoughtariseinyourheart,(orif itarise,giveitnoentertainment), Why hath God made this new creature so needy acreatureasitis?Surelyhemighthavedoneotherwise.HemadethefirstAdam in another state. He was made perfect in soul and bodyimmediately.Hisstatewasperfect;heneededlittle,andallathand.Butthe new creature is framed weak and necessitous. The difference is asgreat betwixt the first Adam, and a Christian at his regeneration, asbetwixtperfectAdam,andayoungbabenewlyborn,orachildconceivedinthewomb.YettheLordhathmadeprovisionofgracesufficientforallthesenecessities.Andhelovesthegloryofhisgraceso,andtakessogreatdelightingivingofhisgrace,thathenotonlyletstheheirsofthisgracefall into the commonpit of sin andmiserywith others, and sometimesdeeperthanmanyofthemthatareleft,thathisgracemaybeglorified,inlovingthemoutofthepitofcorruption,asHezekiah'swordis,Isa.38:17.;(for all that are converted, are plucked out of their natural damnablestate, by amighty act of the love ofGod,Eph. 2:4.); butwhenhehathpulled them out, he sets them down in his kingdom of grace, in soindigentandweakacondition,thattheymayglorifyhimbybeggingandbelieving,andhemayglorifyhimselfingivingofhisgracetothem.Whoshouldfindfaultwiththiswiseway?

2.Besatisfied,thatthisgracewhichisyoursupply,isallinChristJesus,andnotinyourownhand.SinceAdamfell,andruinedhimselfandallhisposterity,byhavinghisand their stock inhisownhand,andsinning itaway;theLordinmercyhathresolvednevertointrustameremanagainwithhisownstock;buthathlodgedallthegracehispeoplearesavedandsupplied by, in Christ's hand. And there it is safe. Adam was createdperfect, andhada sufficient stock tohave enrichedhimself, andall hisoffspring; buthewas left tohis freewill, and so cameon it. This is aneternaldisgracetoman'sfreewill.Whatmustthefreewillofasinnerbe

abletodo,whenthefreewillofperfectsinlessmanopenedthedoortosin, and death, and ruin, upon the whole world of mankind? It isthereforegraciouslyandwiselyprovided,thatfreewillshallhavenohandin the salvation of sinners, (and indeed freewill to good, is but a vainname,usurpedbywillingandwilfulslavesofsin);andthat in itsstead,thefreegraceofGodinJesusChristshallbe,anddoallinall.Butwearesoproud,thatwewouldfainhavesomewhatinourownhand;andaresousedtosense,andunskilfulinbelieving,thatwecanhardlyreckonthatourown,thatisnotinourpossession,andatourdisposing.But,inthisorder,theLordconsultstheinterestofhisglory,andthesecurityofoursalvation,anddailysupplies,by lodgingourall inChrist'shand;who isabletokeepitsafelyforus,andreadyandwillingtogiveforthofittous,accordingtoourrealnecessity.

3.Besatisfiedwiththis,thatthespecialtimesofourneedarenotusuallyknowntousbeforetheycome.ThereisnoneofthepeopleofGod,norofthe children ofmen, that usually know twenty-four hours before, whattemptationsandtrialstheymaymeetwith.Weknowwemaybetempted;butwe know notwhen, nor how, and inwhat part, the adversarymayassaultus,orwithwhatweapons.Weknowwemaybeafflicted:butweknownotwithwhatrod,norwhen.Weknowwemustdie;butweknownothow,norwhen.Thereisafoolishandsinfulcuriosityinournature,that raisethdesires toknow future things concerningourselves. Itwerewell,ifmenweredulydesiroustoknowfromtheword,whattheireternalstate shall be. But in other things that may befal us in time, it isdangerouscuriositytobeinquisitive.Peopleimagine,thatitwouldbeofgreatadvantagetothemtoforeknowfutureevents,astothemselves.ButIamsureitwouldbeagreatdisadvantage,andwhatyouwouldquicklyrepentof.IftheLordshouldrevealtoanyofyou,andsetinaclearlightbefore the eyes of yourmind, all the particular providences, trials, andafflictions,andtemptations,youaretomeetwithinsevenyearstimetocome;whatadreadwoulditbeyou!Youwouldsoonbegthatitmightbeforgotagain.Itisagreatdealbetterforus,thatfuturethingsthatbelongtoGod,aresecretandkeptfromus;andthatweareledonbelieving,andcome to the waters in our way to heaven, one after another, and getthrough them,by thegracious conductofourblessedguide,Christ.Hewill give no Christian a particular and exact map of all his way, and

stages,andentertainment, in thiswilderness-journeytoheaven, thoughourLordhathfixedthemallinhisdecree.Shoulditnotbeenoughforus,thathewillleaduswellandsafely;thatnowatershalldrownus;thathewillneverleaveus,butbewithuswhereverheleadsus,andwillbringussafehomeatlasttohisFather'shouse?

4.Besatisfiedwiththispartofhiswiseorder,thatthissupplyofhisgracetohelpintimeofneed,mustbecomefor.Notonlythatwemaycomeforit,which is a greatprivilege,but thatwemust come for it, ifwewouldhaveit.Isthereanysounreasonable,astofindfaultwiththisorder?Isitnot fair and easy, Ask and have?Would any have grace to help them,unsought?Ifyouwouldhaveit,youareaskingit.Isitnotfitthentocomeforit,andtellChristyouwouldhaveit?Ifyouwouldnothaveit,youarepraying against it. And wicked are those prayers, that are in aversionfromthegraceofChrist?Everybelieverwill findhisheartreconciledtothis order. They know, that there is a blessing in coming, as well as ablessing to be got by coming. Andmost Christians, I am apt to think,continue theirapproaches to the throneofgrace,asmuch, ifnotmore,from the delight they find in coming, as from the profit they find bycoming; though these two are not inconsistent. He that delights nothimselfintheLord,willnotalwayscalluponGod,Job27:10.Somuchforthisgeneralexhortation.

Exhort.2.Inthenextplace,IwouldspeaksomewhattothemthatarenotacquaintedwiththegraceofGod,norwiththethroneofgrace.Gracelesspeople is so bad a name, that fewwill own it, thoughmany deserve it.Suchfillupmuchroominmostassemblies,andsometimesmaystepupintothepulpit,inthenameofministersofthatgraceofGodtheyneverknewbutinabook.ButGodcallsallbytheirrightnames,andonlycanmakemenanswertothosenames.Letthesefourthingsenter intosuchfolksthoughts:—

1.Unavoidablyatimeofneedwillcome,thatthegraceofGodcanonlyhelp in.Nonebutagreatatheistcanmakeanydoubtof this.DostthoubelievethereisaGod?thatthouartamortalman,whomafewdaysmorewillturnoutofthisworld?Dostthoubelievethatthouhastanimmortalsoul, that must be for ever? (and howmuch a beast is that man, andworse than a beast, that doubts of any of these?) If thou believe these

plainprinciples,canstthoudoubtbutatimeofneedwillcome,whereinnothingcanstandtheeinanystead,butonlythisGod'smercyandgrace?

2.Thispresenttimeyouhave,istheonlytimegivenyouforpreparingforthetimeofneedthatmustcome.Howlittleisthatpreciousgoldentalent,time,laidoutforthattheLordgivesitfor?CanmenthinkthatGodgivesthemtime,tospendit inthewaystheyspendit?Thatmustbeill-spenttime,thatisspentso,asmenknowtheymusteitherrepentof,orperishby.Wearebidredeemthetime,Eph.5:16.Butmostmenthrowitaway,orsellittosinandSatan,asiftheyhadnouseforit.Thebestuseoftime,istospenditinpreparingforeternity:AllthedaysofmyappointedtimewillIwait,tillmychangecome,Job14:14.Thesearewell-spentdays.Buthowfewofthehoursofyourdaysarethusspent?

3.Therecanbenogreaterfolly,thantoneglectthispresentonlyseasonof preparing for an unavoidable time of extremity. Our Lord, in theparable, calls the five negligent virgins, foolish, Matth. 25:2. If a manthrowawayhisestate infollyandvanity,theworldwillbrandhimwiththenameofafool,andjustly.Ifamanthrowsawayhishealthandlife,thereisfollyinthattoo.Butforamantothrowawayhissoul,andallhishopesofwell-beingforeternity,istherankestofallfolly:yetistheworldsofullofsuchfools,thatveryfewgiveititstruename.Hemustbegreatlyplaguedwithblindnessandstupidity, that isnot convinced, that that isthegreatestfollythatshutsamaneternallyoutofheaven,andlockshimupinhell.

4.Therecanbenoreflectionandremorsemoresadandbitterthanthatthatarisethon thereviewandsenseof this folly,when it is remediless.Wereadofthewormthatdiethnot,Mark9:44,46,48.Thisiscommonlyunderstoodofconscience.Consciencestingstwoways;andonewaymoredreadfully than the other. Conscience stings for sin, as it is an offenceagainstGod, a breach of his holy law, and as it exposeth the sinner toGod's dreadful anger. But conscience stings more dreadfully, forneglectingtheremedyforsinprovidedinChrist,andrevealedtomeninthegospel.ThereforeourLord lays thecondemnationof theworld thatperishethunderthegospel,onthis,John3:9.Itisnotlaidontheeviloftheirdeeds:butonthis,thattheirlovetotheirdeedsmadethemhatethelightthatdiscoveredthem,andthegracethatonlycanpardonandheal

them.Menperishnotunderthegospel,becausetheyaresinnersagainstGod'slaw,(thoughtheleastsindeserveshell;andtheythathavenotthelightofthegospel,arejustlyjudgedbythelaw);butbecausetheybelievenot in Jesus Christ, John 3:18. And believers in Christ are not savedbecausetheyareholy,(thoughallthatbelieveareholy);butbecausetheyareinChristbyfaith;thatthegloryofsalvationmaybeChrist'sentirely,and the blame of mens perdition under the gospel may be their ownentirely.

Letmenthereforepreventthisdreadfulruin,bygivinganeartohimthatcalleththem.Christoffersyousalvationfromathroneofgrace:comeandtakeit.Comeandputforthyourhand,andtakeandeatofthetreeoflife,andliveforever.YoumustallshortlystandbeforeChrist'sthrone,whenit will be nomore a throne of grace: 2 Cor. 5:10.Wemust all appearbeforethejudgment-seatofChrist.Thatwillbeatimeofgreatneed;andnone can standwith peace before that throne, but they that have beenacquaintedwith this throneofgrace inmytext.Christon the throneofgrace,andChristonthejudgment-seat,isthesameChrist.Christinthegospel, and Christ in the clouds, is the same Christ. Yet we mustdistinguish.Christonthethroneofgraceisnojudge;andChristonthejudgment-seathathnograce todispense.Nowishis timeofdispensinggrace;thenwillbethedayofhispunishingthedespisersofgrace,andofgivingthecrownofglorytothereceiversofhisgrace.

In the last place, I would give a few directions unto real Christians, inordertoyourprovidingofgracetohelpintimeofneed.

1.Lay the foundation sure.A timeofneedwill try it, 1Cor.3:11.Otherfoundationcannomanlay, thanthat is laid,which isJesusChrist.TheFatherhathlaidChristforafoundation:Isa.28:16.Thereforethussaiththe Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a triedstone,apreciouscorner-stone,asurefoundation:hethatbelieveth,shallnotmakehaste.Applied toChrist, 1Peter2:6.The faithfulministersofthegospellayChristforafoundation;1Cor.3:10.AccordingtothegraceofGodwhich isgivenuntome,asawisemaster-builderIhave laidthefoundation. But how can a poor sinner lay Christ for a foundation tohimself?Turnbutthewords,andthequestionisanswered:ThylayingofChristforafoundation,isthylayingthyselfuponChristforafoundation;

anditisneithermorenorless,noranythingelse.Castyourselves,andallyourconcernsaboutsalvation,onChristalone.Lethimbearall.Heonlycan,andcallsforthisfromyou.OneofthefirstquestionsthatarisethinthemindofaChristianinatimeofneed,isthis:Isthefoundationrightlaid?amIfoundedonChrist?Thestormwilltrythefoundation.Itweregreatwisdomtosecurethatbeforethestormcome.

2. Clear up your evidences against a time of need. The evidences of aChristianarenothischartersforheaven,(thecovenantofgracecontainsthem); but they are as light, by which a Christian reads his charters.Evidencesareofgreatuseinatimeofneed.TheystandinGod'sworkinus.OurfaithstandsonGod'swordofpromisetous,andonChrist'sworkforus;theevidencesofbelieversstandinGod'sgraciousworkingin,andon,andbythem.ThesefourwordsIwouldgiveaboutyourevidences:(1.)Whenyoucannotperceive them,search for them:2Cor.13:5.Examineyourselves,whether ye be in the faiths: prove your ownselves: know yenot your ownselves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye bereprobates, or disapproved? The exhortation is so delivered, as topersuade us, that very narrow and exact searching is called for in thiswork. May not that Christian's heart condemn him, who is dailycomplaining of his ignorance of his state, when he knows that seriousself-examinationisneglectedbyhim?(2.)Ifuponsearchingyoucannotyetfind,begthehelpoftheSpiritofGodtodiscoverhisownworkinyou:1 Cor. 2:12.Nowwe have received, not the spirit of theworld, but theSpiritwhichisofGod;thatwemayknowthethingsthatarefreelygivento us of God, The illumination of the Holy Ghost is not only simplyneedful,togiveusasavingknowledgeofthemysteryofthegospel;butissoalsotogiveusarightknowledgeofthemysteryofhisgraceinus,Eph.1:17, 18, 19where the apostle prays for the Spirit, for both these ends.DavidpraysfortheLord'shelpinhisexaminingofhimself,Psalm139:23,24. A heart laid open to God's search, a heart willing to have all in itviewedanddiscoveredbytheLord,isanuprightsincereheart.Whoeveriswillingtoknowhisworst,isnotstarknaught:yethethatseethbuttheleast half of his badness, will judge himself to be very bad. (3.) If youcannot yet find your evidences,make them presently.Many Christiansneedthisadvice.TheyformerlyhadevidencesoftheirinterestinChrist;theyhadaclearsightofthetruthandfruitsoftheirfaith,andlove,and

repentance:thisrefreshingsightisgone,andtheymournaswithoutthesun,asJobspeaks,chap.30:28.Letsuchtakethiscourse.Actafreshthatgrace,whenyouaredoubtfulwhetheryoueveracteditbefore.Seeyouatpresentnoclearevidencesofyourformerbelieving?Actfaithpresently.There are few thingsmore evident, than strong believing is in the veryacting of it. And if the acting of faith on Jesus Christ, as speaking inrighteousness, andmighty to save, Isaiah 63:1 be evident to thee, thouhastthebestevidenceforeternallifethatisinalltheBible.Mostofthepromises run this way. Whoever believeth on the Son of God, hatheverlastinglife,John3:15,16,17.ItisthegraciousandwiseconstitutionoftheLord,thatnogracecanbeordinarilyevidenttoamaninwhomitis, so, as in and by the exercise and acting of it. (4.) When you findevidencesofGod'sworkinyou,blesstheworkeranddiscovererofthem,and believe more and more. Say with David, Psalm 71:14. I will hopecontinually,andwillyetpraisetheemoreandmore.It is justwithGod,andmercifultoo,thatdarknessshouldcomeuponthatman'sevidences,who sitsdownupon them,andblessethhimself in them,more thanhedothGodforthem;andpleasethhimselfinalifeofsense,withneglectingthelifeoffaith.

3.Makegooduseofyour formerexperiencesof themercyandgraceofGod, helping you in former times of need. The Lord's kindness is notshowntousforthepresenttimeonly,butforthetimetocome.Itisnotgiventous,toplayorpleaseourselveswithatpresent,butforgoodandneedful uses; for strengthening of our faith, exciting of praise, anddirectingandencouragingustocometothesamedoorwewereformerlyrelieved at. It is a part of the work of faith, to look back on formerly-bestowedmercyandgrace,aswellastolookforwardtothegreaterandbetterthingstocome.Itisagreatsin,butverycommon,thatabelieverwhohathmanyyearsexperienceof themercyofGod, if therebeastopputtothestreamofmercy,heisoftenasmuchshakeninhisfaith,asifhehadnevertastedthattheLordisgracious.

4. In preparing for a time of need, be careful to keep your consciencesclean.Thereisnoworsecompanyinanevilday,thananevilconscience.It isworse company than thedevil's.His company is that of a tempterand accuser; but an evil conscience is a judge condemning, and an

executioner tormenting a man. Therefore herein excise yourselves, tohave a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men, Acts24:16. It isusually seen, that timesof great trialsdodart in some lightintomensconsciences,anddomakemenlookintotheirheartsandwaysmore narrowly, and spy small faults that they could not see at othertimes; for they are days of darkness in one sense, and days of light inanother.Studythereforetokeepthyconsciencecleanandpure,byholyand tenderwalking, andbydaily believing; for it is the bloodofChristthat only canpurge the conscience fromdeadworks to serve the livingGod,Heb.9:14.Andletmeassureyouofthis,(andifyouwillnotbelieveit,Idaresayyouwillfeelit,andfeelitthemorethen,ifyoubelieveitnotnow),thatsuchasmakealltheircareabouttheirconsciencestostandinwatchfulnessabouttheirheartsandways,andareutterlyestrangedfrombelievingapplicationstothebloodofJesus,whenanevildayandanevilconsciencemeettogether,(andmeettheywill),thattheywillbeinasadanddreadfulconfusion.Andnobetterwilltheirconditionbe,who,uponafalsepretence(andinthiscaseit isalwaysfalse)oftrustinginChrist,haveno care eitherof their conscienceor conversation.Themysteryofthe faith is to beheld (andkept) in a pure conscience, 1Tim. 1:19.Weshouldholdfaithandagoodconscience,1Tim.3:9.Theycannotbegot,norkept,buttogether.Whoeversuffersshipwreckoftheone,loseththeother.Christ is theSaviourofsinners;buthe isnoministerofsin,Gal.2:17.He came into the world to save sinners, 1 Tim. 1:15.: not to savesaints;fortherearenoneinit,butofhismaking:andhismakingsinnerstobesaints,isanotablepartofhissaving,2Tim.1:9.Theinheritanceisforthemthatobtainforgivenessofsins,andwhoaresanctifiedbyfaithinhim, Acts 26:18. None are saved but the sanctified; and none aresanctifiedbutby faith inChristJesus.Theremaybe inanunbelieverapictureandshadowofholiness:but it isanabomination in thesightofGod;whateverthemanthathathit,ortheythatseeit,maythinkofit.Aholyunbeliever,oranunholybeliever,neverwassincetheworldbegan,norwillbewhileitlasts.

5.Multiplyyouraddressestothethroneofgrace,beforethetimeofneedcome.HappywerethatChristianthatcouldcryasearnestlyforthatgracethatcanhelphim,beforethetimeofneedcome,ashewillseeitneedfultohaveit,whenthattimedothcome.Butitistheweaknessofourminds

asmen,andofourgraceasChristians,thatwecannottakeupsoclearaprospectofthingstocome;andthattheyarenotsobiginoureyesatadistance,aswhenpresent.Yetbyfaithwemayforeseetimesofneed;andshould praymuch for grace to help uswhen that time comes. Supposeyoushould,fortwentyyearstogether,begthatgraceandmercythatyoushouldnothaveoccasionfortillthoseyearswereexpired;wouldtherebeanyhurtinit?

6.Inanyspecialprospectofanapproachingtimeofneed,makespecialaddressestothethroneofgrace,forgracetohelpinthattime.Therearetwo things in these addresses I recommend to you: (1.) Let them bepersonal, particular, and secret; our Lord's direction,Matth. 6:6.ManyChristiansfinditaneasierthingtokeepadayofprayerwithothers,thantospendanhourinprayer insecretbythemselves.Itwerefareasiertoknow aman's frame and state, by his secret dealings with God, (if wewere acquainted with them), than by all his professions and dutiesbesides. (2.) Let these addresses be sometimes solemn and long. Therearesomemerciesnottobegot(assomesortofdevilsarenottobecastout)butbyfastingandprayer,Matth.17:21.Secret,personalfasts,Iamafraid, are very rare amongst Christians in our days. Christ commandsand directs us about them,Matth. 6:16, 17, 18 as well as about secretprayer,chap.6:6,7.MinistersshouldnotloadChristianswithworkabovethe strength of their bodies, or minds, or grace. But surely it is butreasonableservicerequiredofyou,thatyoushouldmakeaddressestothethroneof grace, in some suitableness to yourneedof that grace that isdispensedfromit.

Therearefourthings,whichiftheywerethefruitofmyspeakingandofyourhearingsooftenfromthistext,weshouldbothhavecausetoblesstheLord,whoteachethhispeopletoprofit,Isa.48:17.

1.Ifyoulearntopraybetter,andtoplyprayermore.Davidgavehimselftoprayer,Psalm109:4.Theapostles, theseextraordinaryofficersof theprimitive church, gave themselves continually to prayer, and to theministry of the word, Acts 6:4. There are times in which privateChristiansshouldgivethemselvestofastingandprayer,1Cor.7:5.Ifyoubelong to God, he will make you pray: and teach you with briers andthorns, if you will not yield to more gentle methods. How sad is the

reflection that riseth in the heart, under some heavy trial, "This isbroughtonmeformyindulgeddistanceandestrangementfromGod!"

2.Ifyou learntomindChristmore,andmakemoreuseofhiminyourpraying.HeistheKingonthisthroneofgrace.AsmuchasChristisoutof your minds in praying, so much are you out in praying, and yourprayingoutof that it ought tobe.Thatwhichwebeg, isoutofChrist'sstore.Inwhosenamedowebegit,butinhis?forwhosesake,butforhis?Outofwhosehanddowereceivewhatweaskandget,butoutofhis?Itismarvellous, that people should pretend to prayer, and think they pray,whoyetforgetJesusChrist,whoisallinall,inallrightprayer.

3.IfyoulearntomindandpleadmoreGod'sfreegraceinJesusChrist,inyourpraying.Freegraceisthesensiblehumbleman'splea.Heisaproudignorant person, that seeks or uses any other plea at God's throne ofgrace.Freegraceistheonlythingthatfaithcanfirst layholdon.It isapleathatanymanmayuse;itistheconstantandpowerfulpleaofawisebeliever. It answers every Case, and suits every prayer; and the lowestcase,andthehighestprayer,best.

4. If you learn never to leave off improving of Christ, and pleading forgraceatthisthroneofgrace,tillyehavenomoreneedofgrace.Andthatwillneverbeaslongasyoulive.Ifanymanfallintosuchadream,thathehasgotbeyondtheneedofgrace,andsoofpraying,heisonethatneverrightly knew himself, nor grace, nor Christ, nor praying. The believerknowshestandsinneedofChristandgrace;andthereforepraysaslongashe liveth, asDavid resolved,Psal. 116:2.Andwhenhe comes to die,and hath prayed his last prayer, with Stephen, Acts 7:59. Lord Jesus,receivemyspirit,andgetsitanswered;praying,believing,andthethroneofgraceitself,astohim,isatanend;andeverlastingpraisesbeforethethroneofglory,ofGod,andoftheLamb,begin,nevertohaveanend.

"Evensocome,LordJesus, comequickly.Finish thywork; fulfilall thypromises;answerfullyalltheprayersofallthypeople.Putanendtosin,andtime,andtrouble,andtemptation:andhastenthemarriageday,thatthypeoplemaybegladandrejoice,andgivehonour to thee,Rev. 19:7.Let the bride be made ready, and let the Bridegroom appear in hiswedding-garments of glory. O how blessed will the meeting and the

marriagebe!Hemarriedhisbridewhenonearth,ingarmentsdyedinhisownpreciousblood;and thebride receiveshimasglorious, even inhisbloodyraiment.Thismostpreciousbloodwasshed in lovetohisbride,and for her salvation; and therefore he is amiable to her in that dress.BelieversinChristarecontractedtoaslainhusband;butshallbemarriedtohiminafarothermanifestationofhimself.Howgreatisthedifferencebetwixt our dearest Lord Jesus, under his cross, and under his crown?Andyet,underhiscross,heisinfinitelyamiabletoabeliever'sheartandeye.Ifitwerenotthatthelightofthatgloriousdayofhisappearancewillprevent allmistakes, the nations of themwhich are saved (as they arecalled, for theirmultitude out of all nations, Rev. 21:24.)might doubt,(but doubt they cannot; but wonder they will, both at him and atthemselves,2Thess.1:10.),andsay,IsthisthatblessedSaviourIbelievedonsofeebly?whomItrustedwithmysoulanditssalvation,withsomuchfainting,andwithsomanyfears?IsthishewhomIlovedsolittle,andsocoldly? Is this he whom (all the time I lived on earth, after he hadrevealedhimselftome),Idependedandlivedonbyfaith,andthatwithsomanystaggeringsthroughunbelief,becauseIknewnotsowell,asnowIdo,whomIthenbelieved?

"Anduntilthisblesseddaycome,(andcomeitwill;foritispromisedandsworn by him who cannot lie. It is not far off; for it is above sixteenhundredyearssincehetestified,SurelyIcomequickly,Rev.22:20.Itishislastpromisetohisbride),lethismostexcellentnamebepouredoutas ointment; and let the savour of his knowledge bemademanifest ineveryplace.Lethissavingblesseddeathberemembered,gloriedin,andfedupon,byallbelievers: (thegreatest tokenofhis love tous, theonlypriceofourredemption,1Pet.1:19.)andtheOnlyfoodofoursouls.)Lethis justifying righteousness be onlymentioned before God on earth bybelievingsinners,asitwillbeonlymentionedbyglorifiedpraisingsaintsinheaven.Letthethroneofgrace,rearedupbytheFatherinhisSon,andconsecrated by the blood of his Son, God manifest in the flesh, berevealedtothedarkenedworld,andsetupamongsttheblindednations:and letgrace fromthencebedispensedtomanythousandsofperishingsinners. Let the glory of God's free,most free, every way free grace inJesus Christ, shine so in the nations, as it may (and when that gloryshines,itwill)darken,confound,andputtoshame,alltheAnti-christian

darkness, (and dreams of false Christs ofmensmaking, and of works,hire, andmerit, under all their names and pretences), andmake it allhatefulinsinnerseyes,asitishurtfultotheirsouls,andasitishatefulinGod'ssight.LetthepraisesofmyLordandmyGod,asrecoveredThomascallshim,John20:28fillheavenandearth;andfillthehearts,andfillthemouths, and shine in the lives of all believers onhis name; and let hispraise fill all the gospel-worship in all the churches, till the day of theglorious appearing of the greatGod, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, Tit.2:13. And unto these wishes let every believer on, and sincere lover ofJesusChrist,say(andeveryonethatissuch,willsay)Amen.Soletitbe,sowillitbe."

-----

MONERGISMBOOKS

SermonsConcerningtheThroneofGracebyRobertTraill,Copyright©2019

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American CopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenon-exclusive,non-transferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverseengineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofMonergismBooks.

ePub, .mobi & .pdf Editions December 2019 Requests for informationshouldbeaddressedto:MonergismBooks,POBox491,WestLinn,OR97068