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FAMILY EXERCISES; 
 
 The Godly Parents' Assistant: 10 
 
 BEING AN ATTEMPT TO RENDER 
 
 FAMILY RELIGION 
 
 ENTERTAINING, 
 
 AS WELL AS PROFITABLE AND INSTRUCTIVE,: 
 BY A SERIES OF SUBJECTS, 
 
 PECULIARLV ADAPTED TO 
 
 THE USE OF F,A M 1 L I E S. 
 By the Rev. T. PRIESTLEY, 
 
 / l'»o--w h'utt^ tJjat he nuill command bis C/jilJrrn and his llouJJoohl aftc'A 
 him, and they Jhall keep the '•May of the LORD. — Gen. xviii. 19. 
 
 THE SECOND EDITION. 
 
 L O K D O N : 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, 
 
 BY \V. SMITH, KING-STREET, SEVEN-DIALS J 
 
 SOLD EY J. MATHEWS, STRAND; H. SYMONDS AND M. TRAPP, 
 
 PATER-NOSTER-ROV7. 
 
 
TO THE READER 
 
 X A RENTAL duty is q. fubject, which, the 
 more minutely it is confidered, the more fo- 
 lemn and intereftin^ it will appear — wholly 
 different from the concerns of a moment, the 
 Gonfequences of which vanifh with time — ^this is 
 of an everlafling nature. It is of little impor- 
 tance to thofe who have been a thoufand years 
 in the eternal world, whetlier their progenitors 
 were profperous or unfuccefsful ; but the man- 
 ner in \diich they were educated, may be felt 
 when time fhall be no more. 
 
 Wliat can be more gloomy than to fuppofe 
 pcrfons now in a world of mifeiy, whofe 
 parents, though pafTionateiy fond of them, were 
 the very inllruments of training them up for 
 dellruftion ? That parents fhould ruin crea 
 tures for whofe happinefs they have felt fo 
 much — nay even thofe for whofe fake they 
 have endured the greateft flavery — that thefe 
 parents fhould be one great caufe of the eter- 
 nal damnation of their beloved offspring ; and 
 A 2 that 
 
( iv ) 
 
 that the ruin of the child fhould be an addition 
 to the woe of the parents in the flames of hell ; 
 This is mifery beyond the power of pen to 
 defer ibe ! 
 
 Many unhappy children hear a countlefs 
 number of oaths in one year, but never hear 
 one prayer from their parents to their dying 
 moments! The company alfo to which they 
 are perpetually expofed, and the fermons they 
 hear, nay even the books which are put into 
 their hands, all tend to forward their eternal 
 deilruclion ! Can words exprefs, or is it in the 
 po^ver of the human mind to conceive, what 
 companions fuch will be to thofe who caufed 
 them thus to be educated ! 
 
 Among profeflbrs, though it is confelTed that 
 no duty is of greater importance, yet nothing 
 has of late been fo awfully trifled with ! How 
 diligent are affeclionate parents to apply the 
 bell of remedies to the bodies of thofe who 
 arc dear to them : and fhall not the fymptoms 
 of fpiritual diforders be noticed at all? 
 
 The manner in which I have treated the 
 fubjecls which this volume contains, will prove 
 to the reader my principal defign ; and fhew it 
 has been my wifh to make every head of a 
 family not only a preacher, but one who feels 
 for his auditory. A wife phyfician, when he 
 
 perceives 
 
( V > 
 
 perceives the danger of a patient wKom he* 
 peculiarly loves, will find himfelf affccled, 
 while the ignorant fee not the leaft danger. 
 
 In many parts of thefe Exercifes, the reader 
 will be more like one who is addreffing his 
 family in the mofl afiFedionate manner, than 
 merely reading a ferrnon before them. There 
 is a wide difference between preaching before 
 a congregation, and fpeaking from the heart to 
 the hearts of the people. 
 
 I have not confined myfelf merely to the 
 benefit of youth, but have confidered it as a 
 matter of the higheft moment, that the parent 
 himfelf, while he reads, fhould have a fenfe of 
 the everlafting importance of his duty impreffed 
 upon his own heart. Is it pofTible for the 
 family to be animated and devout, when its 
 head is deftitute of life and affection ? But if 
 the fubjeft fo affed: his heart, that he feels for 
 all around him, this v\^ill aflift him affedionately 
 to commend his family to God, not only in a 
 manner beneficial to them, but peculiarly a- 
 greeablc to God ; while thofe who are cold and 
 infipid, offend more upon their knees than in 
 all the hours of the day befides. 
 
 That this work may be a mean in the hand 
 of God, in caufing many comfortable feafons 
 in family worfliip, the remembrance of which 
 
 mail 
 
that the- [ ^'^ ' 
 
 i lliall afford pleafure in a world of glory, as well 
 as tend to make the journey towards it more 
 agreeable— That it may be blefled to the rou- 
 fing of drowfy profefTors ; but above all that 
 many young perfons may have reafon to blefs 
 God to eternity, that they ever entered under 
 thofe roofs where family worQiip was performed 
 confcientioufly ; and that fuch evident effefts 
 may accompany the reading of thefe Exercifes, 
 as may tend to fill the godly parent with joy, 
 while he beholds his hopeful youth attend to 
 religion — That fuch heads of families may, in 
 thofe mofl folemn moments, when they are 
 taking a final farewel of their beloved charge 
 below, feel an inexprefTible fatisfaftion in com- 
 mitting thofe into the hands of a covenant God, 
 with whom they have fo frequently united in 
 worfhip, and enjoyed repeated earnefls that he, 
 who thus has bleffed them in this lower world, 
 will give them a place in that world where 
 death fhall never part the true worfhippers of 
 God, is the earnefl prayer, reader, of thy foul's 
 well-wiflier. 
 
 T. P* 
 
FA MILT EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 JOSEPH 
 
 And Jofephfaid unto his brethren, lam Jofeph, &c» 
 Geiii xiv. 3. 
 
 XT evidently appears to be the will of God that wc 
 jfliould not only be favoured in divine revelation v^^ith 
 a conne(ft fyftem of dd(5trines, but with fuch fpeci- 
 riiens of his providential Rule, as might at the fame 
 time, both entertain and fupport us in our journey 
 through life. Why fhould thofe fear who are in the 
 hands of him who has all creatures at his command, 
 and whofe glory it is to make the moil intricate 
 things contribute both to his own praife and the 
 good of his people ? 
 
 The rings of thofe wheels, mentioned in Ezekiel's 
 Vifion, were high and dreadful : fo the difpenfations 
 of divine providence appear terrible, even to thofe 
 who are only fpedators : but how much more fo to 
 thofe "w^ho, as Jofeph was, are particularly exercifed 
 with them ? What mortal can defcfibe the fears and 
 feelings of Jofeph from the time of his being call 
 into the pit to his being brought out ? 
 
 Young perfons can fcarcely hear this part of the 
 Word of God read, without obferving how invaluable 
 a blefhng it is, to be in the favour of God, Thofe 
 perfons under whofe care we have been placed, and 
 to whom we may be a^ dear as their own bodv, 
 
 "ainnot 
 
( 8 ) 
 
 cannot be always acquainted with our difficulties. 
 Jacob was ignorant of the danger in which his fon 
 was, but God delivered Jofeph from the murderous 
 intentions of his brethren. God was with him in 
 the houfe of Potiphar, and gave him favour in the 
 eyes of his keeper : God was with him in the pit 
 into which his brethren threw him : it was God 
 that preferved him from fin in the houfe of the 
 Egyptian prleft, that critical and dangerous hour of 
 temptation, and who gave him favour, and fupported 
 his fpirits in the prifon. Thofe who have God with 
 them are fure both to have fupport in trials and de- 
 liverance out of them. 
 
 Jofeph's brethren could not flay him : it is not 
 pofhble for mortals to deftroy them whom God pro- 
 tedls. The jail could not confine him one moment 
 longer than God had appointed. If Jofeph had un^ 
 derftood the time that was fixed in the purpofe of 
 God for his deliverance, his years in the dungeon 
 would not have appeared lb tedious. 
 
 In this flriking part of hiflory, we have the fullefl 
 proof of God's univerfal government in the manage- 
 ment of all his intricate and glorious defigns, and of 
 his overruling the adtlons of all men for his glory, 
 both of the righteous and of the wicked. 
 
 What a variety of perfons, circumflances, and fins, 
 contributed to the accomplifliment of that which 
 God had purpofed ? The fondnefs of Jacob, in fome 
 meafure excited the wicked fpirit of Jofeph's bre- 
 thren : Judah's tendernefs, the treachery and wick- 
 ednefs of Potiphar's wife, the butler's offence, and 
 Pharaoh's dream, were all as wheels in this wonder- 
 ful 
 
( 9 ) 
 
 ful machine, while no perfoh concerned in it either 
 perceived, or adted his part with a view to bring 
 about the purpofe of God. The Angularity of Jofeph's 
 dream flruck his parents with furprife ; but they faw 
 not into the counfels of heaven : the whole plan had 
 been laid long before. It is abfolutely necelTary that 
 we fhould not difcern the intentions of Jehovah until 
 they are made manifeft by his providence. If Jacob 
 had only understood where Jofeph was, it would 
 have counterad:ed all the fchemes of heaven. 
 
 Jofeph dreamed of his advancement to honour, 
 but not of the difgrace of his imprifonment j nor, 
 when in the dungeon, could he knov/ the deiign of 
 God in his unjufl confinement. God will richly 
 repay thofe whom he calls to Angular trials, though 
 for a long time they be permitted to draw the darkeft 
 conclufions. It is the length of our trials, and the 
 little profpedt of deliverance, which fmk the fpirits. 
 Could we once behold ourfelves to be Jofephs (as 
 all chriftians are) we fliould confider that all our 
 enemies are but as fo many inflruments in the hands 
 of God to bring about our advancement, even Vv'hen 
 we are delivered into the power of thofe, who intend 
 nothing lefs than our deftrudtion. 
 
 God has in ail generations been glorifying himfelf, 
 by appearing for his own people in the greateft ex- 
 tremities. When difficulties have fomethingin them 
 peculiarly diftreffing, it is then that God defigns to 
 get praife to himfelf in our deliverance. 
 
 We do not read this hiftory like thofe which are of 
 
 a fiditious or dubious nature : here God is the hifto- 
 
 rian, who alone is able to defcribe his own condud: 
 
 B in 
 
{ 10 ) 
 
 in the management of human affairs. The very 
 idea that it is the pleafure of God, that his wifdom 
 and kindnefs in this providence, Ihould be held out 
 to us for our inflrucftion, affords fomething very 
 encouraging : it vv^as evidently written that other 
 Jofephs may read and fee in whofe hands they are : 
 therefore all the time we are attending to this hiftory 
 we are learning God. His ways of Providence are 
 as obvious as his power in the creation of the world. 
 Who but a God could either have formed fuch a 
 wonderful plan, or carried it into execution ? Jacob 
 was as incapable of either, as commanding the fyflem 
 of nature out of nothing. 
 
 As the chriftian experiences a pleafure in obferv- 
 ing the works of God, wherein either his power or 
 wifdom is particularly manifefted, fo it is highly 
 pleafing to God that his people uQtice and admire 
 his ways. 
 
 Jacob no doubt, like moft parents, had great 
 pleafure in his children when young ; but felt his 
 heart torn with anxiety and diflrefs as they rofe to 
 manhood. Thofe hearts which God intends to fill 
 with infinite pleafure in the upper world, are fre- 
 quently exercifed with pain anddiftrefs in the prefent 
 ilate. 
 
 The wickednefs of Jacob's family muff have caufed 
 him many gloomy hours. Servants fometimes are 
 more eafijy ruled than children : Abraham's large fa- 
 jnily was kept in good order, but with what eyes could 
 Jacob look on his unruly family ? Shall theje inherit 
 \hc hlefftng of Abraham ; and is the God of Bethel 
 xvith VIC according to his promifc? God, who is the 
 
 fearcher 
 
( n ) 
 
 fearcher of hearts, only knows what forrowful feafons 
 many have experienced, who are now beyond the 
 reach of folicitude or grief. 
 
 If one might have expe<fted any family to have 
 been eminent for religion, it would have been Jacob's 
 family : but this Ihould teach, (and no doubt is left 
 on record to encourage) diftrelTed parents, that they 
 ought not to exclude themfelves from the favour 
 of God, becaufe they fee their offspring totally 
 difregard religion : fuch parents fhould, notwith- 
 flanding this, continue fowing the feed, hoping that 
 the fame infinitely free grace, which has been mani- 
 fefted in their converfion, will, in fome future feafon, 
 be eminently diiplayed in the moft obdurate of their 
 family. 
 
 In ancient times there were many remarkable things 
 tranfadled, the chief deli gn of which, forages, was 
 little underftood ; which, neverthelefs, were intended 
 by God as types and emblems of infinitely greater 
 things : fuch were the ftreams from the rock ; the 
 ferpent in the wildernefs 3 Sarah and Hagar. And 
 may nothing in this hiftory be of fervice in leading 
 the mind to him who was once brought as low as 
 the grave, but is now raifed to his throne in glory ? 
 By attending to the following particulars our minds 
 may be afiifted by the lefs, to behold and admire the 
 greater. 
 
 Jofeph was the favourite of Jacob. And can we 
 not perceive that he who was in the form of God, 
 and thought it not robbery to be equal with God, 
 was the beloved of his father, infinitely beyond what 
 language can exprefs, or the mind conceive? Would 
 B a Jacob 
 
( 12 ) 
 
 Jacob have Tingled out his chief beloved for the moft 
 grievous fufferings ? How much higher are the 
 ways and purpofes of God than the fhort-fighted 
 plans of his creatures ! Ought not we to admire the 
 love which was manifefted on Mount Tabor, which 
 did not originate then, but is immutable and eternal ? 
 And was this Beloved ordained by the determinate 
 counfel and foreknowledge of God to go through the 
 greateil hardfliips for his rebellious brethren ? Could 
 Jacob have devifed the good of his provoking chil- 
 dren, at the expence and fuffering of his beloved 
 Jofeph ? 
 
 The goodnefs of Jofeph excited the envy and 
 hatred of his brethren. Had he been like themfelves, 
 of the world, the world would have loved its own ; 
 but in feeking for brethren he found murderers. 
 Jofeph had no fufpicions of the cruelty he fhould 
 meet with ; but Chrift forefaw the whole of the 
 hardfhips he endured, and the treatment he expe- 
 rienced, and yet moft willingly expofed himfelf to 
 fuffering and death; and what is chiefly defer- 
 ving our regard and admiration is, it was out of 
 love to thofe who had deferved his everlafting 
 frowns. 
 
 Jofeph was eminent in refiiling temptation at an 
 early period of life : not all the arts of his wily mif- 
 trefs, united with the temptation of Satan, could 
 perfuade Jofeph to turn an enemy to his God ; though 
 his fituation had been very trying, yet he could not 
 thus fly in the face of God, who had been fo gracious 
 to him ; in whom he found fo much pleafure, and 
 on whom his very exiftence depended, — Chrifl was 
 
 led 
 
( 13 ) 
 led into the wildernefs, there to experience all the 
 power and art of the grand adverfary. 
 
 Jofeph v/asbafely fold by thofe who ought to have 
 treated him with the greatefl tendernefs, on account 
 of their father's afFeftion for him. They well knew 
 they could not touch the child, but the father muft 
 fee]. In that xcefato the anguifli of his foul) Gen. 
 xlii. 21. 
 
 Tears will frequently move the moil obdurate ; 
 but when the neareft relative ties have no influence, 
 when tender years, joined to every other confidera- 
 tlon, make not the leaf!: impreffion, how horrid and 
 implacable mull the fpirit of thofe perfons be, who 
 will not be diverted from the blacked of crimes by 
 any thing they either fee with their eyes or hear with 
 their ears ! 
 
 Who can read this hirtory without being affecfted 
 with the cries of Jofeph ? Nay, without fjppoling he 
 feels the irrefiftible force of his entreaties, and finds 
 it impoffible to erafe from his mind the inexpreffible 
 anguiih of his foul ? Thofe who are not inured to 
 hardfhips, flirink at the idea of mifery and death : 
 therefore how moving to fee him who had been 
 from his cradle in the bofom of a tender father, 
 now, in the moft fudden and unexpected manner, 
 feized even by brethren, brethren whofe favage looks 
 fully befpoke their determination to take away his life ! 
 What different countenances do we behold at the 
 verge of this never to be forgotten pit ! The anxious 
 looks of a child, thus .torn from the moft tender of 
 fathers, perceiving himfelf in the power of mercilefs 
 brothers, now to be daflied in pieces, or pine away 
 
 in 
 
( H ) 
 
 in this dreadful pit, where a father's eye could not 
 perceive or pity him, and whofe face he fliould now 
 behold no more I What pen can fully defcribe this- 
 fcene of fuffering ? 
 
 Shall this hiftory move us^ though v/e have not 
 the leafl intereft in it, and fhall not a relation of an 
 infinitely more important nature befo muchas thought 
 of ? Jofeph fuffered not on account of any love he had 
 to thefe unnatural brethren : but our exalted Jofeph 
 willingly put himfelf into the hands of the mo ft im- 
 placable men, that he might redeem us. The diffe- 
 rence between fuiFering voluntarily for the good of 
 another, and merely from being forced to endure a 
 mifery we cannot efcape, is not eafily defcribed. 
 As Jofeph's brethren could not have ad:ed the part 
 they did, had they not been poilelTed of the moft 
 dreadful malice and hatred ; fo our Jefus could never 
 have engaged and gone through fuch a feries of for- 
 row and fuffering, had not his heart been filled with 
 infinite love. 
 
 For what a fmall price was Chrift bartered av/ay 
 into the hands of thofe who fought his life ! The 
 Iflimaelites only fought gain by Jofeph. When the 
 Jews paid the thirty pieces of filver, they gave it as 
 the price of Jefus' blood, and were determined, in 
 the moft folemn manner, to torment him to death. 
 How would Jacob have felt, had he beheld the agony 
 of Jofeph ! but the whole diftrefs of our Jofeph was 
 
 MORE THAN SEEN BY HIM WHO INFINITELY 
 
 LOVED HIM. How dark are thofe who confine 
 their attention wholly to the love of Chrifl, which 
 can never be difcovered by thofe who wholly over- 
 look the love of the Father. 
 
 Jofeph 
 
( '5 ) 
 
 Jofeph was flopped of his garments by brethreri. 
 who intended that he fhould never again enjoy the 
 embraces of a tender father. Little did the Khmaehtes 
 perceive what a treafure they had purchafed, or what 
 great things God intended to perform by Jofeph ; 
 and how httle did thofe ruffians underfland of the 
 counfels of heaven, who bound the Saviour ! And 
 though, when they attempted to apprehend him, 
 they were miraculoully thrown backward to the 
 ground, yet their eyes were not opened by the fall. 
 
 The ignorant foldiers had no perception of the In- 
 finite w^orth of Chrift when they ftripped him of his 
 garments : in fport they call lots for his veflure, 
 while he was enduring excruciating pains upon the 
 crofs. When he, in infinite love, was redeeming, lofh 
 men at the expence of his blood, numbers beheld 
 and wagged their heads in fcorn. 
 
 It was by the order of the king that Jofeph was 
 freed from his long confinement. The greateit in- 
 juflice was pradtifed in his being cafl into prifon : 
 the crime laid to his charge was grievous to human 
 nature : that he fliould be delivered in fuch a man- 
 ner from the dungeon of difgrace, and advanced to 
 the higheft poll of honour, proves a wonderful inter- 
 pofition of God on his behalf. 
 
 Jt was by the command of him who engaged 
 Chriil in the work, that he was liberated from the 
 prifon of the grave ^ for it v/as impoflible for the 
 chains of death to hold him there. The Father, who 
 had engaged him to go through thefe fuiferings, faw 
 he finifned glorioufly ; how, therefore, could the pri- 
 fon of the 8:rave confine him ? 
 
 Jofeph's 
 
( i6 ) 
 
 Jofeph's exaltation was attended with as much 
 glory as the people of Egypt could beftow on any 
 individual except the king himfelf. Was not Chrill: 
 the mighty conqueror attended with all the glory .of 
 the heavenly world ! the riches and glory of that 
 kingdom had never, before that period, been mani- 
 fefted in fo glorious a manner — His fecond coming 
 on his great white throne will be fuch a difplay of 
 glory as creation never before beheld : even his trium- 
 phant entrance into the heavenly Jerufalem filled 
 that ftate with a new kind of admiration and praife. 
 
 It was at this period, that Abraham, Ifaac and 
 Jacob faw the glory of him whom they had frequently 
 beheld in this lower world, at thofe particular times 
 when he condefcended to appear in human form. 
 It was at this period, that Mofes and Aaron beheld 
 the full meaning of all the typical worfliip in the 
 very perfon of the Lord Jefus. This fun of righte- 
 oufnefs made full daylight in the heavenly world : 
 they enjoyed perfect happinefs before, but then they 
 faw, with infinite pleafure, that love, which cannot 
 be feen in any other way, than as it is now manifefted 
 in the perfon of the Lord Jefus. 
 
 As Jacob beheld, with pleafure, the defigns of God, 
 when he read, in Jofeph, the explanation of his won- 
 derful plan ; fo, with infinitely more pleafure, did 
 the redeemed thus behold, in Chrifl:, the whole 
 fcheme of falvation unfolded. 
 
 The famine was a mean in the hand of God, in 
 bringing the brethren to an acquaintance with Jo- 
 feph. They would never have thought of fubmit- 
 ting,in fuch an humble manner^ to the Lord of Egypt, 
 
 had 
 
( 17 ) 
 
 liad the land of Canaan afforded them a fufiiciency 
 of corn : therefore, the famine extending to the land 
 of promife, was in infinite mercy to Jacob's family. 
 So when fmners feel their ftarving condition, and 
 fee nothing but death before them -, then, in the mod 
 fuppliant manner, will they approach the throne of 
 grace, and feek fupplies of grace and mercy from 
 thofe abundant flores, which are treafured up with 
 our Jofeph above. 
 
 Jofeph knew his brethren long before they were 
 acquainted with him : he viewed himfelf, as fet apart 
 by God for the prefervation of their lives : this more 
 than fatisfied him for all he had fuffered on their 
 account. Chrifl knew, from the beginning, who 
 they were that would believe, and before fuch are 
 brought to their knees he feels for them as brethren. 
 He is perfedly fatisfied with all he Pias fuffered ; he 
 freely beftows out of thofe flores which he purchafed 
 at the expence of his blood, and takes infinite plea- 
 fure in fiipplying the wants of his needy brethren. 
 Though, for wife ends, he may refrain himfelf, and 
 behave in a diflant manner to his brethren -, yet he 
 looks forward with pleafure to the joyful moment 
 when he will open to them his whole heart, and 
 fully 'convince them how infinitely he loves them. 
 
 Though Jofeph's influence made room for his 
 father's family in the land of Goflien, yet they came 
 not into that country as the heirs of heaven will enter 
 into the heavenly Canaan. Pharaoh permitted them 
 to enter, but he was a flranger to them ; neither 
 were they his people : but our Jofeph will make us 
 more than welcome, not into fome remote place 
 C from 
 
( i8 ) 
 
 from his throne, but into the heavenly palace itielf > 
 not as flrangers, but as friends and brethren, for 
 evermore. 
 
 Pharoah laid no part of the plan to bring the 
 family of Jacob into his land : but our heavenly 
 Father, abounding in wifdom, devifed the whole 
 fcheme for bringing us into the heavenly world ; 
 and will more than welcome thofe to his kingdom, 
 for whom fuch infinite things have been done. 
 The great love which caufed the plan to be laid, 
 will be feen in the mofl confpicuous manner, in 
 their admiihon into that heavenly habitation. 
 
 If Jofeph's brethren were delighted when they 
 underftood that he was their real brother ; with what 
 infinite pleafure will the believer behold that intimate 
 and eternal relation he is brought into with at triune 
 Jehovah ? This is a pleafure beyond all that imagi- 
 nation can conceive ; and this joy is as really defigned 
 for all the children of God, as ever it was deter- 
 mined by God that Jacob's family fliould be made to 
 rejoice in the exaltation of Jofeph. 
 
 The more love Jofeph had for his brethren, the 
 higher pleafure would he experience in making their 
 hearts glad with his ample ftores j and the more it 
 had coft him to be the inftrument in the hand, of 
 God for their relief, the more would he now rejoice 
 to fupply their conftant neceifities. But when we 
 confidef the infinite love which Chrift pofTefTes, with 
 what pleafure will he behold the happinefs and glory 
 of his brethren for ever ! 1 1 is love being infinitely 
 fuperior to Jofeph's, with v/hat delight mufl he en- 
 rich 
 
( 19 ) 
 rich us from his own fullness ? and this will continue, 
 not for a fliort period, but to eternity. 
 
 Let us in the next place enquire, who they arc 
 that will be found to be the real brethren of him, 
 who is even now the Lord and King of the heavenly 
 World : this, properly inveftigated, may be of great 
 comfort to the godly, and afford matter for convic- 
 tion to the wicked. 
 
 Thofe who are now brought into a relation with 
 Chrifl, have been made fenlible that they once a- 
 bufed and flighted him ; but being convinced of the 
 bafenefs of their condud:, they have implored and 
 obtained mercy. Is it poffible that thofe who were 
 never made fenfible that their conduct has been un- 
 reafonable and wicked, can either have repented or 
 believed in Chrift ? 
 
 The brethren of Jofeph mufl feel themfelves af- 
 fcdted in a different manner with the exaltation of 
 their brother to what any of the Egyptians could : 
 fb thofe who are Chrifh's brethren feel a high fatis- 
 fa6tion in his exaltation ; but fuch as have only the 
 profeffion of religion, this fubjed: will irritate them, 
 as it did the Jews, and afford them no real pleafure;,,? 
 they have no love for him : his honor and glory are 
 nothing to them. 
 
 All thofe who ar^ truly related to the exalted Jefus 
 are poffeffed of this principle, a defire to pleafc 
 him in all things. As the hatred of Jofeph 's bre- 
 thren was turned into love, and the free forgivenefs 
 of their offences conftrained them, in the moii: effec- 
 tual manner to obedience, fo that now nothing would 
 be t0o much for them to do for their exalted brother j 
 C 2 fo 
 
( 20 ) 
 
 fo thofe, who are real chriftians, will not only call 
 Chrift, Lord, but take a delight in obeying his com- 
 mands ; and his free-forgiving love will lay them 
 under the greateft obligations. 
 
 Thefe will ad^re that infinite kindnefs which God 
 has manifefted ih his wonderful providence, in cau-r 
 fing even their moft provoking fins to be defigned 
 and overruled to bring about fo great a good. This 
 the chriftian will perceive both in the crucifixion of 
 Chrift, and alfo in his own fins. Well might Jofeph 
 fay, Ye meant it for evil, but God defigned it for 
 good. How would his brethren feel, when they 
 both faw and heard him fpeak thofe words ? In. a 
 moment would they difcern the wonderful defign of 
 God in defeating their murderous intentions. It 
 appears that God purpofed, not merely the preferva- 
 tion of their bodies, but everlafting kindnefs to their 
 immortal fouls : and their temporal necefiities might 
 be a mean of bringing them to a fenfe of infinitely 
 greater wants. No doubt, but many who joined in 
 the crucifixion of Chrift, would afterwards fee, that 
 while they were fo wickedly employed, God was 
 even at that time, doing that, which would to eter- 
 nity be admired as the higheft poflible love. The 
 prodigal's diftrefi^es were an unfpeakable blefilng to 
 him. Many perfons in the funlhine of profperity, 
 pay not the leaft regard to the great Giver of their 
 mercies ^ but when their high fpirits are deprefied 
 by afiii(ftion, they are made to cry for deliverance 
 and fa ivation. 
 
 Thofe appear to be brought into a relation to the 
 Lord of Heaven, who can take delight in contem- 
 plating 
 
( 21 ) 
 
 plating the method of redemption, and admire the 
 wifdom and love of God in bringing about the fal- 
 vation of men : thefe will read the facred hiilory 
 with peculiar , iatisfadtion, while others wUi find 
 greater pleafure in fome contemptible romance, in 
 which nothing is related that is either true or ufeful. 
 
 In providing thefe ftores, Jacob, who was a 
 favourite of God, endured ^ feries of forrow j and 
 Jofeph, an upright perfon, fuifered a falfe accufation 
 and long imprifonment— *But at what an infinite ex- 
 pence was the Lord of Heaven, in furnifhing his 
 heavenly ftorehoufe with inexhauftible fuppiies ? 
 Was it nothing for him, who had fuch incomprehen- 
 fible love to his dear fon, to behold him in the hands 
 of his enemies, and nailed to the accurfed tree ! and 
 he himfelf ilanding engaged not to fpare him ! Surely 
 Jacob's family could not partake of thofe flores with-^ 
 out refleding at whofe coft they were feafled: fo 
 thofe who partake of the flores which our exalted 
 Lord now difpenfes, will admire the infinite expence 
 which God has been at in providing fuch abundant 
 blefiings for their continual fupply. 
 
 Do you enquire whether you may apply for thefe 
 provifions ? It can be no prefumption to comply 
 with a requeft from heaven, when Chrift himfelf 
 invites. Were the fame words fpoken to us, to excite 
 us to obtain any temporal advantage, Ihould not we 
 fuppofe ourfelves fufiiciently encouraged ? 
 
 Matters of fad; afford a more convincing ground 
 of encouragement than words can do. Suppofe a 
 nobleman fhould take up his refidence in fome im- 
 poverifl:ied village, and there build fpacious flore- 
 
 houfes. 
 
( 22 ) 
 
 houfes, and fill them with every neceiTary article, 
 and, in the mofl: public manner poffible, make it 
 known, that whofoever would apply, fliould be 
 plentifully fupplied! would not the fight of the fiiore-^ 
 houfes tend to convince the inhabitants that fuch 
 ileps would never have been taken, had he not been 
 fincere ? — And has not God given us infinitely 
 greata* encouragement than this ? and will any of 
 you, after fuch undeniable proofs of tlie defign of 
 God to give, pine away in your fin, and follow thofc 
 millions who have in every age crouded the broad 
 read to eternal woe ? Is it poflible for any of you to 
 plead want of encouragement, as the caufe of your 
 continuing in fin r No, but the true caufe is, a full 
 choice to live in iniquity, and a prefering of its pleafure 
 to all thofe (lores which are laid up at the coil of 
 the Redeemer's blood. Can you, who have this light, 
 pofiibly flee from it, and wilfully choofe fin, and 
 delight in the company of thofe who flight the greatefl: 
 promifes and kindnefles of the God of grace ? Your 
 own confciences bears its tefl:imony, that you are not 
 fo much as defirous of making the leafl: trial by 
 knocking at heaven's door ? Do not you fiiun the 
 company of thofe who are remarkable for their 
 ingratitude to man, and yet feled: for your compa- 
 nions thofe who are ading mofl: bafely towards the 
 God of heaven ? A man difcovers as much rationality 
 in fleeing from his own fliadow in an open plain, 
 when there is no appearance of a cloud, as you who 
 purfue fuch a line of condud, and yet think to efcape 
 the reproaches of your own confcience. 
 
 In 
 
( 23 ) 
 
 In what light will you fee your folly when you 
 behold the whole family of heaven together, filled 
 with a joy infinitely fuperior to that which the 
 family of Jacob experienced, v/hen they all arrived 
 in Egypt ? You will be fo far from partaking of 
 that pleafure, that the moil excruciating reflections 
 will fill your guilty breads ! and Judas like, you 
 will read your extreme folly while you behold the 
 Lord of heaven rejoicing among all his enraptured 
 family. Can you bear the thought of feeing your 
 friends and relations filled with inexpreflible happi- 
 nefs, while you yourfelf are overwhelmed with defpair 
 and horror ? Muft many, with whom you once wor- 
 fhipped, be crowned with glory, and you be covered 
 with difgrace and everlafting confufion ? And will 
 you hazard all this for the indulgence 'of fome fin 
 which will be your (hame in this world, as w^ell as 
 difgrace in the world to come ? 
 
 The extraordinary circumftances recorded in this 
 hiflory, at the very early period in which they were 
 tranfadiing, were the principal things which Go4 
 himfelf was carrying on in this lower world. 
 
 If thefe brethren had an opportunity of beholding 
 the wonderful hand of God in this providence, have 
 not we a far more glorious view of God in our exalted 
 Brother in the heavenly world ? 
 
 When the good old patriarch had fecn this myfie- 
 rious providence unravelled, and not only himfelf 
 but the whole family rendered happy after fo great a 
 trial, and fo comfortably provided for in this dreadful 
 _ famine ; may we not fuppofe the love of a tender 
 father, moved with companion for the fpiritual 
 
 welfare 
 
( 24 ) 
 iveliare of his offspring, defiringj that as their lives 
 \vere preferved fo evidently by God, they might fliare 
 ,ili that infinitely greater plan of redemption which 
 God hath laid> which faves not only the body but 
 the foul ; and the bleffings of which are not tempo- 
 ral but eternal ! 
 
 We may fuppofe that Jacob had reafon to fear 
 that the greater part of his fons were ignorant of 
 God, and, at this period, had no knowledge of that 
 falvation in which he had his chief delight : he alfo 
 knew, that no providential mercy could change the 
 human hearty nor give fpiritual fight> without a 
 ibvereign hand beftowed this mercy. 
 
 Is it not natural tlien to fuppofe, that fuch a mah 
 of God, apprehending their danger, would embrace 
 this opportunity, and improve this providence, by 
 attempting to lead their minds into the knowledge 
 of that God, who hath planned the whole ; and that 
 he would reafon with them concerning the peculiar' 
 hand of God in overruling even their cruelty to Jo- 
 feph, and their unnatural conducft toward himfelf, fo 
 mercifully. We may pidure to ourfelves the good 
 old patHarch, enlarging on that infinitely greater 
 fcheme which was laid in heaven from all eternity, 
 and which would, in the fulnefs of time, be as 
 furely executed upon the earth as ever their eyes had 
 beheld this furprifing providence. They could not 
 •but fee the interpofition of God in what had come 
 to pafs ; but Jacob had not the advantage which we 
 have, who can point our children as evidently to 
 Chrift as Jacob could to Jofeph. 
 
 How 
 
( 25 ) 
 
 How would the heart of Jacob feel when he faw, 
 that though they were happy in the enjoyment of 
 this temporal deliverance, yet they had not the leall 
 defire after an acquaintance with that God, who had 
 dealt fo kindly with them ? 
 
 Parents muft follow the example of the father in 
 the gofpel : when he neither could cure his fon him- 
 felf, nor meet with help from any other, he brought 
 him to Chriit : fo muft gracious parents, with tears 
 lay them at his feet. 
 
 One would fuppofc that an Egyptian, but more 
 efpecially one of the brethren of Jofeph, could never, 
 for one moment, behold him by whom their lives 
 was preferved, but, quick as thought, it would 
 occalion this refledlion ; " There is the man by wholii 
 God preferved my life ;" and the whole of what 
 Jofeph had fuffered would immediately occur to his 
 mind. What ideas of God muft have been formed 
 in the mind of fuch an obferver, when he evidently 
 faw how God had over-ruled that which he did in 
 the moft wicked fpirit, for fo great a good to himfelf ! 
 
 But fuppofe any one of thefe brethren iliould, after 
 all, not only flight Jofeph, and overlook the hand of 
 God fo wonderfully manifefted, but alfo hate the 
 very food thus providentially treafured up; ftiould he 
 alfo be filled with envy at the high ftation which 
 Jofeph held ; this would have difcovered a temper 
 more bafe and m.alignant than that which was 
 evidenced by his brethren, when they were throwing 
 him, ftripped of his clothes ipto the pit. One may 
 imagine the very angels of God to be calling aloud 
 in heaven for vengeance upon fuch characlers as 
 D make 
 
( 26 ) 
 
 make no other return for inexprefllble favoura thaa 
 ingratitude and rebellion* We may fuppofe Jacob 
 thus attempting to imprels the hearts of his fons 
 with things of an eternal nature : " I am led to 
 reiiedl: on men who muft have experienced fome* 
 thing of what I now feel. Hov/ muft that great 
 man Noah have felt, when, at one period, his profpeft 
 concerning fome part of his family was dillreffing. 
 Will Noah have the happinefs of beholding all his 
 family at the right hand of Chrifl ? If his fons, who 
 taw the whole world when fmking under the frowns 
 of God, lived and died in lin, mufk not hell be a 
 place of greater torment to thefe, who had been 
 laved in the ark, than to thole who perilhed in thfi 
 flood ? Are there any of thefe fons who lliall never 
 enjoy their father's company again for ever ? I wept 
 for Jofeph, though I firmly believed that I fliould 
 meet him in a world of glory, and dwell with him 
 for ever ! but fhould any of you die in an unrege- 
 nerate ftate, I ihould not have one moment of your 
 company to eternity ! Muft my laft fight of fome 
 of you be, when you are departing with millions 
 under the mofl awful curie, to fuffer, with them, 
 that punifliment which the enemies of God muft 
 eternally endure ? Should 1 deferve the name of 
 father, if I did not ufe all the means in my power 
 to fave you from fo great a death ?" 
 
 How mull Jacob's heart be moved, while fuch 
 thoughts as thefe pofleffed his breaft ! With whafe 
 arguments and feeling concern, would the godly 
 patriarch recommend the ways of God to thefe 
 young men ; and iaform ihcm how much fupehor 
 
 his 
 
( 27 ) 
 
 his pleafures had been to thofe of Efau ! No doubt 
 but he would produce the moil pofitive proofs that a 
 hfe of fill was a hfe of flavery. If he ilill perceived 
 any of thefe fons unconcerned, and thoughtlefs, we 
 may fuppofe that we hear the feehng father thus 
 addrefs them : " You appear regardlefs of the advice 
 of an affedionate father, whofe werds do not affe<fl 
 your hearts j but my own heart is pained, and I 
 tremble at the thought that fome of you may be 
 refle<fting on this discourfe eternally in hell, and be 
 conflrained to think of that in a world of forrow, 
 which no arguments could prevail upon you to attend 
 to upon earth, when your compliance might have 
 been for your comfort ! If you be loft, every reflec- 
 tion of your mind will but increafe your woe ! Shall 
 you be thoughtlefs, who muft fliortly think for ever ? 
 Believe me, that it is impoffible for me to exprefs 
 my concern for you ! The very fuppofition of one of 
 you being eternally miferable is to me infupportable ! 
 If beholding your troubles in this world pains my 
 heart, how intolerable is the idea of any of you being 
 where there is nothing but weeping, wailipg, and 
 gnafliing of teeth !" 
 
 All the individual's of Jacob's family have long ex- 
 perienced how momentary both the joys and forrows 
 of this world are. We do not know that any of 
 them fell Ihort of heaven : but what pen can defcribe 
 the millionth part of what a loft foul muft feel who 
 drops out of a godly family into the regions of dam- 
 nation I 
 
 Can thofe who have natural affedlons be deftitutc 
 
 of concern, when the very beings for whom they 
 
 D a have 
 
( 28 ) 
 have fo long felt, lie on the brink of the bottomlefs 
 pit ? Is it not natural for parents, not only to widi 
 their children a deliverance from evil, but to point 
 out to them the way to comfort here, and eternal 
 glory in the world to come ? 
 
 This hiftory affords matter of pleafmg refle(5lion, 
 even to thole very perfons in heaven, whofe hearts 
 were made fo glad with it here below ; but how 
 momentary was that joy in Egypt, to that which 
 they have already experienced for m.ore than three 
 thoufand years ! Or what is that iliort period to a 
 valf eternity ! 
 
 If one brother or fifter be loft out of a godly 
 family, and are made fenfible in hell of that infinite 
 happinefs thofe are enjoying with whom they have 
 frequently been at family devotion, the adive mind 
 V^ill then refled: on that lofs he or £he muft unavoid- 
 ably fuffer to eternity ! And how great will be the 
 mifery of fuch a perfon, when this reiledion is joined 
 to that inexpreffible torment which is inflid:cd 
 by the wrath of God ! What muft the feelings of 
 that loft foul be, who is fnatched away by death from 
 a happy family, into the company of the damned, 
 and there waiting, fure of feeing, and that but once 
 more, the company it has now loft fight of; and 
 knowing that that fight will not mitigate, but greatly 
 increafe its mifery for ever 1 
 
 END OF THE FIRST EXERCISE. 
 
FAMILT EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 ^ccontj Crercme. 
 
 CAIN AND ABEL. 
 
 And the Lord had refpeB unto Abel, and to his 
 offering : but unto Cain, and to his offering,^ he 
 
 had not rejpecl, &c. 
 
 Gen. iv. 5, 6. 
 
 ± HE ftriking account which the Holy Ghol^ 
 gave to Mofes of the two firfh brothers, was intended 
 for the inftrudiion of famihes in all future ages, 
 
 Mofes himfelf, while writing the charaders of 
 men, who lived on the earth fo many years before 
 his time, muft have had a folemn imprellion of 
 eternity, and of the life of man being but as a hand- 
 breadth : efpecially when he confidered the fouls of 
 thele perfons had then exifled many centuries in 
 places of infinite happinefs or inexpreffible torment^ 
 and muft remain there yet for many thoufands of 
 years y when their bodies fliould be raifed from the 
 grave, and they begin to enjoy compleat felicity, or 
 endlefs fuifering. 
 
 Though we are not to fit in judgment on the 
 eternal ftates of our fellow creatures, yet the fcrip- 
 tures fet before our eyes fuch charaders, and repre- 
 fent them in fuch a manner, as makes it evident that 
 
 God 
 
( 30 ) 
 
 Qod himfelf defigned that they fliould imprefs our 
 hearts whh the happlnefs of fome, and the loft con- 
 dition of others. The parable of Dives and Lazarus 
 is left on record for this purpofe. 
 
 Many who feel much for thofe who are dear to 
 them by the ties of nature, while they are in the 
 land of the living, fcarcely have fo much as a 
 thought after death has clofed their eyes, where they 
 are, or whether they enjoy happinefs with the glo^ 
 rified faints in heaven, or are eternally tormented 
 with the damned ! 
 
 If many were poflelTed of feelings as pungent as 
 David's, the man after God's own heart, their life 
 itfelf would be infupportable to them : feeing Abfalom 
 cut off at fuch an awful period, filled David with 
 the moil gloomy apprehenfions ; fo that he wifhed 
 to have redeemed his fon's life with his own. Such 
 impreffions, though painful beyond defcription, are 
 beneficial to a perfon's own foul, and much to be 
 preferred to that awful ftupidity which is fo com* 
 mon in the world. 
 
 In Cain and Abel are fet before us the eternal 
 confequences which will unavoidably follow both the 
 lovers of God, and thofe who fecretly hold his wor- 
 /liip in contempt. Thefe two brothers are the 
 firft in which the ideas of faved and loft, feem to be 
 held out to us : and had they lived as many thoufands 
 of years before us, as days, the infinite difference of 
 their eternal ftates would have appeared of ftiU 
 greater importance. 
 
 No doubt Cain and Abel had for many years at- 
 tended their father Adam, when he was performing 
 
 thofe 
 
( 31 ) 
 
 thofe Tacred fites which God had taught him : and 
 we may be alllired an afFedlionate parent, who had 
 known what human nature was in its perfe<fb ftate, 
 and experienced the dreadful change made in himfelf 
 by the fall, would inform his fons both of the nature 
 of facrifice, and the manner and fpirit in which fuch 
 fervices ought to be performed -, and that he would 
 perpetually enlarge on that infinite love which God 
 had to his people, which would be manifefled in th« 
 fulnefs of time, in Chrifl the great facrifice. 
 
 Abel, being pofleiTed of a faith which worked by 
 love, offered of his beft to God : he faw that nothing 
 could be too good to offer to that God, who would 
 give his only begotten Son for him : this would ren- 
 der the coll of his facrifice lefs than nothing, while 
 he confidered, that God fliould be at an expenfe more 
 valuable than a million of worlds. Cain, like 
 many thoufands befides, though conftrained by con- 
 fcience to offer, yet had no concern about either 
 faith or love : neither the offering itfclf, nor the 
 manner in which it was offered, could be pleafing 
 to God : therefore Cain is a lively picture of many, 
 who, though they have attended family worfliip from 
 their earliell years, yet have done this from mere 
 conftraint : fo far are fuch perfons from having any 
 affedion for the worlhip of God, that they wiili their 
 lot had been caft where they might not have had 
 fuch a burden. 
 
 It is now of no confequence which brother was pof- 
 feffed of the greatefl riches; but their religion, whe- 
 ther true or falfe, is of eternal confequence ! Where 
 is Abel now ? and if loll, where is Cain ? and though 
 
 thefe 
 
( 32 ) 
 
 tliefe two perfons have been in a fixed Hate for nearly 
 fix thoufand year?, it is of infinitely greater impor- 
 tance to afk, where fliall they exilt to all eternity ? 
 Mortals may worfhip carelefsly under the fame roof, 
 but there is no fuch frame in a world, of mifery. 
 Eternal concerns, which were efteemed of little mo- 
 ment by many, while they crofied the ftage of life, 
 are now, by the fame perfons, difcerned to be of much 
 greater importance than either the pen of man can 
 defcribe, or the moft lively imagination conceive. 
 
 Negled: and trifling in the worll^iip of God, will be 
 attended with many fins. When great advantages, 
 (of which thoufands are deprived by living under 
 mafters or parents, who are open enemies to God) 
 are held In light efleem, God frequently leaves fuch 
 offenders to the hardnefs of their hearts. If God be 
 not efteemed an objed worthy our attention, Satan 
 will not fail to prefent fome bait. In which he as 
 cruelly defigns our eternal ruin, as when he tempted 
 Judas to prefer the thirty pieces of filver to a Saviour. 
 Judas, though he was one of Chrlfi:'s family, had no 
 eflieem for the worfhip carried on in it, though 
 performed by Chrifl himfelf. 
 
 When godly relations, are an eye-fore, and even 
 their death preferred before their company, It proves 
 that fuch perfons are not only haters of God, but that 
 they, by their provocations, are arrived at an awful 
 pitch of hardnefs. How evidently was this the cafe 
 with Cain ? The hatred he had to Abel was becaufe 
 he faw him affedionate in the worfhip .of God. No 
 doubt but God had been long a witnefs to the fplrlt 
 pf Cain in his worfliip. Young perfons fliould not 
 
 only 
 
( 33 ) 
 
 only dread an averfion to family worfhip, but be 
 very cautions how they form connexions, or any 
 intimacy, with thofe who hold •■ in contempt. Evil 
 connnunications corrupt good manners, Maijy 
 young perfons, who have felt no particular averiion 
 to religion for years, have no fooner formed an inti- 
 macy with others, of an openly prophane fpirit, 
 than they have begun to conlider it as a burthen- 
 fome fervice. 
 
 Let us make a few remarks on that faith for 
 which Abel was commended t The apoftle mentions 
 faith as the fubjtance of things hoped for. This 
 faith is not a mere perfuafion of fuch a thing being 
 true, but is accompanied with an impreffion of the 
 importance of that truth upon the heart. It is out 
 of the power of many to refufe their afTent to the 
 truth of the fcnptures, though at the fame time 
 Chrift is to them as a root out of a dry ground. 
 That faith which is the gift of God, excites fervent 
 defires after an afllirance of an intereft in Chrifl. 
 Feigned faith, or that which the foolifh virgins pof- 
 fefs, is not attended with any thing of this kind : 
 fuch perfons experience no difficulty in believing; 
 nor feel any neceiTity for the Holy Spirit to aflift 
 them in believing. 
 
 Abel was favoured with a view of the principal 
 things which God afterwards more fully revealed to 
 the church. For a man to have fuch ftrong con- 
 fidence in a falvation, that was to be wrought out 
 at fo diftant a period, when he had fuch an incom- 
 plete revelation of it, is a full proof that his faith 
 was of a divine original. That God to whom a 
 E thoufand 
 
( 34 ) 
 
 thoufand years are but as one day,-, enabled Abe! t^ 
 behold the greatnefs of that fklvation, which was 
 the chief thing in all his decrees^ Abel alfo was 
 allilled by his own iacrifice, to apprehend by faith., 
 tliat very facrifice which now appears b'efore God. 
 As tlie Holy Gliofl n-ow le,ads the believer more and 
 more into the knowledge of Chriif, by the means of 
 grace, fohe afllfted thofe who believed fo long before 
 the coming of Chrirt. Abel did not only believe 
 fuch a falvation would be accomplilhed in the fulnefs 
 of time, but he forefaw that the glory of God would 
 be more- abundantly moiiif^^fted by it, than by the 
 whole creatioBv 
 
 Sacrificing was- the epitome of religio-n,- In this 
 the offerer beheld the infinit-e" love of the Father, 
 and the incarnation and fufferings of the Son of God. 
 Mount Calvary to this day, exhibits to- us, the chief 
 of thofe things, which were decreed in- the everlafling 
 covenant ; and fubftantiates tho-fe very things, which 
 before were only feen in- the purpo-fe of God, The 
 very idea of facrificing, imprefled the mind with the 
 principal affairs, concerning v/hkh the mi«d of God 
 was engaged, God would never have appointed that 
 the mode of worfhip fllould be by iiicriiicing, if the 
 great antitype of all facrifices had not been the fub-- 
 Ifance of all thofe types'. Is it then any wonder, 
 that Abel fliould bring of his beft,- when h€ faw, in 
 fo flriking, a manner, what an- i-nftm*e Jehovah would 
 do for fuch an unworthy creature ? Should God give 
 his beft, and Abel only offer the blind and the lame ? 
 Abel, by faith, iliw that the falvation of men was lirfl 
 to be granted upon credit j and that the Father's 
 
 Fellow 
 
( 35 ) 
 Fellow had. In the everlafting covenant, pledged 
 himfelf to be the Lamh of Ood, that fliould take away 
 the fins of the world; Abel confidered that he him- 
 felf, and millions more, would be enjoying the be- 
 nefits of that great filvation, long before it was ac- 
 compliflied on Calvary. Thofe who fee by faith the 
 glory of his perfon, who redeemed the church by his 
 blood, will be fully convinced, that the lalvation of 
 linners could not pofllbly be obtained by the works 
 of men. 
 
 Cain's earthly mind was not exercifed a%out God, 
 or the falvation which God had revealed : like many 
 carnal worlliippers, he never concerned himfelf about 
 thtie things. ' 
 
 The apoftle fays in Heb. xi. 4. that Abel obtained 
 uitnefs. It has been generally fuppofed, that either 
 extraordinary fire from heaven confumed, the facri- 
 <fice of Abel, like that of Elijah, or that the fmoke 
 afcended towards heaven : but that Cain's facrifice, 
 was either like thofe of Baal's priefts, not confumed 
 at all y or if kindled with common fire, that the 
 fmoke fell down upon the earth. 
 
 It would appear inconfiftent with that infinite 
 love with which God loves his people, not to give 
 his worfhippers fome latisfadory teftimonies of their 
 perfons and worfhip being accepted. 
 
 Some have thought, that this time of facrificing 
 was a particular time ; and that he to whom God 
 fhould give fome peculiar token of refped:, iliould 
 be the prieft of the family : but I rather think it 
 refpedls their ficrifices in common, or the firfl 
 time of their offering for themfelves, as their father 
 E 2 Adam 
 
( 36 ) 
 
 Adam had officiated as prieft for the family, when 
 they were in their infancy ; the time was now come 
 for them to offer for themfelves. 
 
 No doubt, but this witnefs which Abel obtained 
 was much fuperior, both to that fire which con-» 
 fumed Ehjah's facrifice, and that which confumed 
 Manoah's, That which confumed Manoah's, filled 
 him with an awful apprehenfion of death -, and that 
 which confumed Elijah's facrifice, was to give con- 
 vidion, that the God of Ifrael was the true God, 
 and that Baal was an idol. But this convinced Abel 
 of his intereft in God, and in all that great falvation 
 which was then planned in the divine decree, and of 
 his acceptance in that righteoufnefs, which was to 
 be wrought out by God in our nature. When a 
 worfhipper is fully perfuaded of his being infinitely 
 loved, and is enabled to perceive what great things 
 are done on his account, he is ^onflrained, like Abel^ 
 to offer with his whole heart, 
 
 On the day of Pentecofl, the Holy Ghofl bore 
 witnefs to the exaltation of Qhrld : but this witnefs 
 is to enfure a man that his perfon ihall be eternally 
 exalted, by his adoption into God's family, and that 
 he is an heir and joint heir with Chrjfl : without 
 this witnefs no man can fay, Abba, Father, 
 
 That which adds to the greatnefs of this favour, 
 is, that it is nothing lefs than the Jloly Ghoft him- 
 felf, and not a TTieif^ge fent by an apgel. Jhk Spirit 
 itfelf bearetk witnefs xoith our JpiritSy that wc 
 are the children of God. That which gave infinite 
 importance to the incarnation, apd death of Chrifl, 
 
 w^as, 
 
( 37 ) 
 
 wfis, that it was the Father s Fellow himfelf xoh^' 
 was incarnate; fo. He who beareth witnefs with 
 our fpirits, is the Holy Ghqfi itfelf. 
 
 This witnefs which Abel had, was not only a 
 witnefs of his perfon being accepted in the righteouf-? 
 nefs of him, whom he apprehended by faith -, but 
 that he had a right to fellowfhip, and communion 
 with God, and that in a more high and intimate 
 manner, than his father Adam enjoyed before the 
 fall. Adam, before his fall, could hold intercourfc 
 with his Maker as a creature with a creator ; but 
 he was wholly ignorant of God, as a God of grace : 
 nor was he in a real relation, as a fon with a father, 
 as thofe are, who are married to the fecond Adam : 
 for, as the fecond Adam ftands in an infinitely higher 
 relation to the Father, than any mere creature caa 
 poflibly do ; fo all who are in a real union with 
 him, may not only come to God as creatures, but 
 as children — -children beloved as Chrifl himfelf is, 
 in whom their acceptance is unchangeable. Thi^ 
 is the honor of Chrift, to bring us into a higher and 
 more glorious relation to God, than man had even 
 in his perfed: flate. This being evidently the cafe 
 with all God's adopted children, what tongue can 
 exprefs the greatnefs of the favor, of all this being 
 witneiTed from heaven ? 
 
 Thofe who confider how this part of man's fal- 
 vation is performed, will be convinced, that divine 
 love is evidenced by real fads. The Holy Ghoft, 
 commiflioned from the throne of God by divine 
 operations, not to be defcribed by mortals, enables 
 man to behold more glorious thinks, than the wifeft 
 
 natural 
 
( 38 ) 
 
 fiatural man ever faw : and he not only gives 
 him an ability to difcern objedts, but peculiarly 
 aflifls him to appropriate them ; by which he has a 
 full earnefl that the infinite things of redemption are 
 his own, and that they were tranilided for him. 
 Without this divine operation, the foul is as totally 
 incapable of laying hold of thofe infinite things, as 
 of creating the heavens and the earth. 
 
 This is that witnei's which Cain neither had, nor 
 fought for, nor would attend to, even when he was 
 convinced, that his facrifice did not meet with the 
 approbation of God. He was not as a child of God 
 experiences himfelf to be, when, for wife ends, God 
 hides his face from him — humble and lamenting his 
 cwn unxoorthinefs. To be an heir and join^' heir 
 with Ghrift, has nothing in it to engage the carnal 
 heart. The greateft things in heaven had no charms 
 for a wicked Cain : he not only difregarded the ad- 
 vice of a Creator, but murdered his brother becaufe 
 he loved God : and when, for his dreadful wicked- 
 nefs, his doom was pronounced, he went out from 
 the prefence of the Lord, defiring to have no more 
 to do with God, his worfliip, or his people. This 
 is that frame which is inherent in all men : fuch is 
 the natural enmity of man to things divine, that 
 he can never be happy near thofe who delight in 
 religion. 
 
 Thus, In a fhort fpace of time, we fee thefe two 
 worfhippers feparated in a moil awful manner, never 
 to meet again, until the general aflembling of all 
 the fons of Adam. Their joining in worfhip was 
 but for a moment, but the covjequences of that 
 
 worjhip 
 
( 89. ) 
 
 *worJ}iip tire now eternal. The body of Abel foori 
 turned to its original duft, and his immortal fpirit 
 arrived at a flate of infinite happinefs and glory : 
 while Cain, having turned his back on God and 
 godhnefs, not only continued in the road to eternal 
 mifery himfelf, but lived to be the awful inftrument 
 of the v/retchednefs and mifery of many others. 
 
 How awful to think for a moment, of the meet- 
 ing of thefe two brothers at the laft day ! They had 
 worfliipped frequently in the fame family, but be- 
 hold them now, appearing in circumftances infinitely 
 different ! The amufement which Cain might find 
 in building his city, and his being continued in life 
 longer than Abel, would only be an increafe of his 
 mifery in the end, and give him a greater opportu- 
 nity of treafuring up wrath againll the day of wrath. 
 A life fpent in fin, is not merely a refpite from hell, 
 but an awful opportunity to increafe guilt and 
 miferyi Sins committed againft great light and ftrong 
 convi(^ions, mufl of eonfequence, caufe a great ad- 
 dition to the number of thofe ftripes, which fliall be 
 in Aided upon tranfgreffors. 
 
 God takes peculiar notice of that profefiion of 
 religion which we make. Saul's facrificing was de- 
 tefled by God • he endeavoured only to obtain 
 honor of the people. CJod has his eye particularly 
 upon that perfon, who comes into his prefence, to 
 feek his favor. This truth ought to engage the 
 attention of all, who enjoy the privilege of worfliip- 
 ing, either in famillies, or in public congregations. 
 
 Great men would be offended, to have their beft 
 rooms filled and defiled with lumber ; and fhall the 
 
 place 
 
( 40 ) 
 
 place wliere God refides, or the family where he b 
 worfhipped, be a place for that which his foul ab- 
 hors ? Is it impoflible, that carelefs and regardlefs 
 worfhippers, can be agreeable to a holy and jealous 
 God ? What an awful inftance of his hatred of 
 prefumption and carelefsnefs, was feen in the cafe of 
 Aaron's fons 1 Let all who attend, either public or 
 private worfhip, read and tranblet while they be- 
 hold thefe two, carried out dead before the whole 
 congregation ; and their father, not even allowed to 
 drop one tear for them ! as if God fliould fay, " As 
 ** I hated to fee fuch offenders in my fan(ftuary^ 
 ** none fhall lament their fudden and awful removal, 
 *' without provoking my jealoufy/* 
 
 Can then any perfon fuppofe, that he can he 
 fcreened from the eye of God, which is conftantly 
 and intently fixed upon all who pretend to worihip 
 him in truth ? If the prayers of the pharifee, and 
 of the publican, were known in heaven, the heart 
 of every one, v/ho attends either family or public 
 worfhip, muft be under the immediate infpedtion of 
 God. Jehovah particularly notices who they are 
 that worfliip him in love, and thofe who ad an hy* 
 pocritical part. Could Cain fuppofe that God was 
 ignorant of his cruelly murdering fuch a heavenly 
 favorite as Abel ? Every hoftile blow he ftruck at 
 Abel, zoas more than feen by Abel's Guardian and 
 Avenger : fo not only the averfion many have to wor- 
 fhip, but the rifing of the heart in enmity againfi: 
 thofe who love God, are regiftered in the book of 
 God's eternal remembrance. 
 
 Thofe 
 
( 4t ) 
 
 Thofe whb love not the worfliip of God, cannot 
 imagine that they are Abels in his fight. The 
 difference between Cain and Abel, was, that the 
 heart of Abel cleaved to God and his fervice ; while 
 Cain, like many others, preferred the things of time, 
 to all fpiritual bleffings and enjoyments. Can that 
 v/orfhip be agreeable to God, while there is an 
 antipathy to the things, in which the very heart of 
 God delights ? A child of God may experience great 
 want of affed:ion, but this is his grief; and he will 
 pray for an enlarged heart to run in the way of God's 
 commandments. 
 
 While the perfon, the blood, and the righteoufnefs 
 of Chrift are but as a root out of a dry ground to wor- 
 fhippers, their attendance on worfliip will be full of 
 formality and hypocrify. As in the mortification of 
 a limb, we apprehend the danger to be the mofl 
 alarming, when from being violently agitated with 
 pain, the limb becomes totally infenfible, and are 
 naturally led to conclude, that death mufb foon be 
 the almofl inevitable confequence : lb, when a wor- 
 fhipper can, without remorfe, a(5t hypocritically 
 towards God, his condition muft be imminently dan- 
 gerous ', and always continuing thus, his eternal 
 death is unavoidable. 
 
 Ought not every one to examine, Do I worfliip in 
 faith ? have I ever been concerned to have God's 
 teflimony and approbation of my worfliip ? Am I 
 pofTefTed of real affedion for his worfhippers ? Can 
 I offer my befl and my all to God, and not like 
 Annanias and Sapphira, keep back a part ? Have I 
 fecn my need of the great facrifice of Chriil ? Have 
 F I 
 
( 42 ) 
 
 I been fo convinced, of the impofTibiiity of being 
 laved by my own works, as to caufe me to look to, 
 and earneftly defire to be found in that right-eoufnefs, 
 which is of God by faith ? Shall children of the fame 
 parents, imbibe fuch an averfion to religion, as 
 to wifli to be from under the eye of a godly parent ? 
 What did Judas gain, by feparating himfelf from 
 the company of Chrifi: and his difciples I He joined 
 himfelf to perfons, who were fo far from warning him 
 of his danger, that they affifted and encouraged him 
 in the way to mifery. To run from under the care 
 of a godly parent, has been the ruin of thoufands, 
 who are now in the regions of defpair, dreading that 
 moll folemn period, Vv'hen all the fens and daughters 
 of Adam muft be aifembled together I Did Efau 
 gain by leaving is godly father and mother ? We 
 never heard of him being a companion of God's 
 worfhippers— -No temptation, fo eifedtually deftroys 
 ycuth, as connexions and familiarity with licentious, 
 ignorant, and ungodly perfons— <2 co7iipaiiion of fools 
 fliall he dcjiroyed. Shall children think unfavourably, 
 and unkindly of their parents, who cannot endure the 
 thought of their being loll I Could Adam fee the 
 great difference between Cain and Abel without 
 concern ? 
 
 Thi$ hiftory was recorded, not merely to alarm, 
 but to caufe poor finners to fly to the blood, that 
 fpcaketh better things than the iDlood of Abel.- Hail 
 thou to this moment, hated both God and his wor- 
 shippers ? is it not an infinite mercy, he has not 
 curled thee like Cain and baniflied thee from his pre- 
 fence ? If you are brought to fly to the blood of 
 
 Chrift, 
 
( 43 ) 
 
 Chrill:, you will find it fpeaks better things than 
 the blood of Abel. Every drop of Abel's blood cried 
 for vengeance on the head of Cain -, but the blood 
 of Chrifl: ple-ads for the pardon and falvation of all 
 who come unto Cod by him. Timorous foul, let 
 thofe words of Chrift be frequently in thy mind, He 
 that Cometh to vie, I zmil in no mife caji out. 
 
 Let thofe who continue to hate the worfhippers 
 of God, Gonfider, if Cain, at the day of judgment, 
 be on the left liand of the Redeemer, and behold 
 his father, mother, and brothers, with a countlefs 
 number of the human race, all raifed up with bodies 
 tike unto Chrift's glorious body — how will his im- 
 placable envy, and inveterate rancour, torture his 
 defparing foul ? If beholding Abel's acceptance 
 with God, kindled the enmity of his heart, how 
 will this fight raife his malignant fpirit ? The fire 
 of hell, will never melt the foul to love, but raife 
 its enmity more than can be conceived. How hor- 
 rible muft be the refled:ions of a loft foul, to fee a 
 cotemporary happy, and infinitely beloved, and itfelf 
 hated, cuffed, and loft for ever ! 
 
 Abel, who, no doubt, treated Cain in the kindeft 
 manner, found that neither words, nor the moft 
 iiffedtionate behaviour, could change his inveterate 
 fpirit, for breaking though all the ties of nature, 
 he murdered a loving brother, A thoufand times 
 quicker than the velocity of rays of light, will his 
 confcience refle^ft: upon the whole of what pafl^ed, in 
 thofe dreadful moments, when he was perpetrating 
 that horrid deed. Indulging revenge for one mo- 
 ment, . will make him wretched for ever ! 
 
 F 2 Abel, 
 
C 44 ) 
 
 Abel, his fellow worfhipper, mufl-, at the great 
 day, be a fwift witnefs againil the murderer. Cain 
 being the firft offender, had no example to imitate ; 
 no precedent to fhew him the nature, or influence 
 him to the commiffion of fratricide. 
 
 My children, my fervants, and fellow worfliipperSj; 
 Chrift might well fay to his diCciphsy Blejfed are 
 your eyes, for they fee ; for to be made fenfible of 
 the infinite worth of religion in time, is a mercy 
 which no tongue can fully defcribe ! If one of the 
 firft of thofe, who were fent to the dark regions of 
 defpair, could come and relate to you all he had felt, 
 and all that he had learned, by feeing fo many arrive 
 there, and ail he yet expeded to fuffer; could fuch 
 a one fpeak with indifference, on fuch a fubjed: ? 
 You would read the horroi-s of his mind fo vifible 
 impreffed upon the features of his countenance, as 
 would indicate fomething of his prefent dreadful fi:at€„ 
 and his future expectations. 
 
 On the contrary, were Abel permitted to come, 
 and defcribe to you the heavenly world, and the joys 
 of thofe who are his everlafting companions 5 the 
 pleafure he experiences, and what he has in profped: ; 
 how different would his relation be from the former ? 
 Thefe are not truths foreign to our intereft ? for a- 
 mongft one of thefe companies we muft dwell ! and 
 we fliall Ihortly have their fubjcd, for our everlafting 
 conteiT^plation ! Look then on thofe to be Cains, 
 who wifh to diminifli religion in your efleem 5 thefe 
 ten thoufands times worfe than common murderers, 
 deftroy all who follow their advice ! they are inflru- 
 mental in the eternal deflrudion of their fellow crea- 
 tures. 
 
( 45 > 
 
 tures. Shun the company of fuch, as the niofl 
 dangerous perfons under the heavens. 
 
 Let me np^y reafon with you : has it ever giveri 
 you any concern, whether your worfhip has been 
 agreeable to God ? Though you have not had fo fulj 
 a teftimony from God, as Abel obtained, yet you 
 cannot be ignorant, whether you have been feeding 
 for fo great a favor. Have you ever prayed for 
 that faith, which is the gift of God, and found that 
 it is impoffible to conclude yourfelves to be loved of 
 God, without the witneffing of his Spirit ? Have 
 you cpnfidered, that God is not to be mocked ? That 
 he is jealous for his own glory - And thofe perfons, 
 who feel no concern for an earnefl of an intereft ii; 
 the blood of Chrifl, muft, in the eye of God, be 
 preferring their fins, and the things of time, to his 
 great falvation ? Have you been convinced of the 
 folly of thofe, who vainly fuppofe, that woriliip be- 
 longs to others, and therefore will not concern them. 
 felves about it ? Thefe do not confider, that they are, 
 by their religious exercifes, either fitting for the 
 worfhip of God above ; or, by their provocations, 
 and their contempt of God, ripening for everlafting 
 deftrudlion. As men, who are perpetually proceed- 
 ing towards their habitations, mufl be every moment 
 nearer to them -, fo we, every time we worfhip, ap- 
 proach nearer the joys of heaven, or the wretched- 
 nefs of the loft in hell. 
 
 Thoufands of preachers feem to unite in exhorting 
 us to conlider, that our time for woriliipping below, 
 is but as a moment ; and that we fliall fsoii he 
 admitted either among the fmcere worfliippers of 
 
 God, 
 
( 46 ) 
 
 God, or conftrained to dwell among hypocrites and 
 unbelievers. Thefe two brothers, having been 
 already fo many thoufands of years in their eternal 
 abodes, fhould imprefs us with this idea, that their 
 Hfe in this world was but as a moment. Had 
 it been pofTible for Cain to enjoy more pleafure in 
 fm, than ten thoufand men, how foon was that in- 
 dulgence at an end. What was the momentary eaff 
 and honor of Dives to eternal torments ? 
 
 Cain had the advantage of hearing the firfl: preacher r 
 and could Adam, who had experienced a ftate of 
 perfedlion, and afterwards felt the dreadful effedls of 
 his apoflacy, be defl:itute of affe(5tion im preaching, 
 when the hearers were his own offspring, and he 
 himfelf had been the caufe of their fall ? Thefe 
 confiderations would add energy to all his exhorta- 
 tions, and caufe his inftrudions and warnings to flow 
 from his heart. 
 
 Was not Adam, who had the method of falvation 
 taught him by God himfelf, qualified to inllrucl 
 his fons ? We may fuppofe that Adam was the 
 means of leading the mind of Abel, into the know- 
 ledge of the infinite virtue of Chrift's facrifice. Cain 
 having had the fame advantages, can never baniili 
 from his remembrance the pungent preaching of 
 Adam ; every argument ufed by his fither, will flrike 
 with peculiar force the confciencc of Cain in a 
 world of mifery. 
 
 How awful the thought ! mull: fathers appear as 
 fwift witneffes againfl their fons ! No doubt thou- 
 fands and tens of thoufinds of parents mufl thus 
 
 appear ^ 
 
( 47 ) 
 
 r.ppear ; many now in hell need no information of 
 this truth. Miferable as their fituation muft now 
 be, it would be fome mitigation of their torment, to 
 be informed, that they fliould never leave that place, 
 for one moment, to all eternity. 
 
 What happinefs have Adam and Abel enjoyed for 
 thoufands of years ? And fmce their arrival in heaven, 
 what countlefs millions, have been added to their 
 company ? And all thefe, have the certain profpeft, 
 of a great addition to this happinefs. Abel therefore, 
 though dead, yet fpeaketh. You who hear and obey, 
 fhall with him, fit in judgment on all the wicked, 
 who have in every fucceeding age, gone down to 
 the reo-ions of darknefs. 
 
 You who are determined to indulge in your fms, 
 and will not attend to things of an everlafting nature, 
 are fpeaking the fame language as thofe once did, 
 who are now in mifery, / pray thee have me ex- 
 cufed. And if you die in this ftate, you will find to 
 your difappointment and forrow, yourfelves excluded 
 from the joys of the heavenly world. 
 
 Could we now perfectly fee the confequences of 
 religion, in all the individuals of one family, who, in 
 the earliefl ages, joined together in worfhip, how 
 v/ould it aifedt our minds ? And if the light of one 
 family would Ihock us, how would the condition of 
 rruUions, fome of whom have been for centuries in 
 a world of glory, and others in a ftate of difgrace, 
 and everlafting forrow ? How can thofe who are 
 loft, and had 'in this world no concern about eternity, 
 bear to think of beholding, once more, their cotem- 
 porarics and fellow worlhippers ? No doubt, but 
 
 thev 
 
( 48 ) 
 
 they firmly belieVe, that they (hall fee their brothers 
 or fifters, fathers or mothers, who will with the 
 judge, unite in that dreadful fentence, which they 
 know mufl be paiTed upon them, in the prefence of 
 all the fons of Adam, and before all the angels of 
 God, and all the fallen fpirits from mifery; 
 
 When the greater part of a family dies uncon- 
 verted, we may juftly fuppofe, (by what Chrift fays 
 of Dives,) that thofe who are loft, from under the 
 fame roof, will aggravate the mifery of a damned 
 fpirit, more than thofe with whom they never had 
 any connexion in this world. If the mifery of the 
 wicked is augmented by the company of their rela- 
 tives, why may not the bleffednefs of the godly be 
 increafed by the company of each other ! " We are 
 all now affembled together, (may a tender father fay 
 to his beloved charge,) but what fliall be the confe- 
 quence of our feparation by death !" 
 
 If the time, that Abel has been in heaven, is but 
 as a moment to eternity ; may we not truly fay, that 
 the time we fhall continue to worfliip together as a 
 family, will in a ihort fpace be as a dream ? But, if we 
 obtain that witpefs, with which Abel was favoured, 
 when ever the folemn moment of our diUblution 
 arrives, we may, with pleafure, bid adieu to each 
 other, being fully perfuaded, that God has provided 
 for us a habitation in which we fhall meet with the 
 whole family of heaven, and worfliip together for 
 ever. 
 
 END OF THE SECOND EXERCISE. 
 
FAMILT EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 C|)titr Crerctse* 
 
 ABRAHAM. 
 
 By myfelf have I f worn, faith the Lord, for he^ 
 caife thou haft done this thing, and haft not 
 -withheld thy fan, thine only fan: that in 
 bleffing I will blefs thee, 
 
 Genefis xxii. 16, 17« 
 
 A HOSE underiland moft of God, who are In- 
 ftruded in the principal things which he has 
 brought to pafs; and thefe are they, who like 
 Abraham, fee Chrift's day ; not only his being in 
 this world, but that important period when he 
 offered himfelf without fpot to God : bringing into 
 exiftence the whole creation, was as nothing to the 
 accompliftiing of falvation on Calvary. It may be faid 
 thofe are the greatefl things which God ever in- 
 tended, or ever will bring to pafs, which were done 
 by God in our nature : they were tranfad:ions which 
 creatures were as incapable of performing, as of 
 creating themfelves, and in which, the greateft 
 glory of God will be eternally manifefted. 
 
 What was creation itfelf, or all the changes, 
 
 mercies, or judgments, that have taken place fmce 
 
 that period, to that which was carrying on, when 
 
 «ur Lord was upon the earth ? It was then that 
 
 G work 
 
( 50 ) 
 work was finiflied, on account of which, heaveft 
 itfelf will be filled with praifes to all eternity ! 
 
 It was but as a moment that Abraham had the 
 idea of offering up his fon ; but how it ftrikes the 
 contemplative mind, to confider that the infinite 
 Jeliovah purpofed from all eternity to offer up his 
 only begotten Son ! this was the principal thing in 
 all his decrees. 
 
 The idea of offering up an only fbn, did not 
 originate with Abraham, Millions had been faved 
 and brought to glory by the faith of this, before 
 ever Abraham exifted. The method of redemp- 
 tion, would never have entered the mind of 
 man or angel. God himfelf was its origin, and 
 this peculiarly recommends it to all who feel their 
 need of falvation. 
 
 All the ability which Abraham had to comply 
 with fuch an extraordinary command, came from 
 God. God would not have called him to fo great 
 a difficulty, had he not intended to give him pecu- 
 liar affiftance. As Abraham before that time never 
 had fuch a trial, fo he never experienced fuch fu- 
 pernatural aid. Without divine fupport, Abraham 
 could not have rlfen fo edrly in the morning td. 
 fulfil the command. 
 
 We fee by this, that to pracStlfe religion, is more 
 difficult than to gain a knowledge of its theory. If 
 Abraham had difcerned, in the moll diflindt man-^ 
 nor, the nature of facrlficing an only fon, when he 
 came adually to offer his Ifaac, this zvas Jomething 
 more than merely under/landing the maimer of 
 hif heino^ offered : tjicrefore, God's not fparing 
 
 hm 
 
( 51 ) 
 
 his only begotten fon, xoas infinitely mors than 
 decreeing that it JJiould be done. When the great 
 work of men's falvation was accompUlhlng. it was 
 an important period : Jehovah was then performing 
 fomething of greater importance, than when he 
 was creating the heavens and the earth ! 
 
 Might not Abraham call this the moft important 
 period in his whole life ? fo may we fuppofe, God 
 himfelf may fay of that point of time in which 
 Chrifl was crucified— a period which will be re- 
 membered in heaven to all eternity. 
 
 Would God have called Abraham to offer up 
 his on^y fon, if he had not firfl given him an 
 intereft in all the merits of him who fliould be 
 God-man ? No doubt but Abraham had a view of 
 this, to animate him in obeying this extraordinary 
 command : and perhaps faw that was the very fpot 
 of ground on which the inellimable price of his 
 redemption would be paid. 
 
 When Abraham had offered up his fon, there 
 was doubtlefs fomething then performed on the 
 earth, which never had been done before, and 
 which was to be admired in all fucceeding ages : 
 and may we not with propriety fay, when God 
 fpared not his only-begotten fon on Calvary, there 
 was fomething then tranfatfled, to which all other 
 things, which had been done before, were as no- 
 thing ? for both the inhabitants of heaven, and the 
 people of God upon earth, underftood that they 
 were favcd upon credit till that period arrived; 
 and now it is pafl, they wiili for no addition to 
 ihe ranfom then paid down for their redemption. 
 G 2 Ax 
 
( 52 ) 
 
 At Chrlft's afcenfion, might not thofe in the hea- 
 venly world fay, there was that arrived in glory, 
 which they had been long looking for — fomething 
 which had not been in heaven before that period. 
 
 Of all the di:iiculties which we read of, the 
 trial of Abraham's faith feems to be the moft pe- 
 culiar: to offer up a fon, an only fon, a fon en- 
 deared to a father on fo many accounts, muft be 
 inconceivably diftreffing ! could any command have 
 come fo unexpedtedly, and fo exceedingly difficult to 
 comply with ? As this was-to be handed down to 
 all fucceeding ages, can we fuppofe, that God had 
 no other end in view, than merely to behold a man 
 obey a command, which had fomething in it block- 
 ing to humanity, and contrary to his revealed will 
 on other occalions ? Thofe who have an averfion 
 to the method of redemption, by the facrifice of 
 the Son of God, do not love to confider the defign 
 of God, in giving fuch a command to Abraham : 
 but nothing can be m.ore evident, than that it was 
 to be a peculiar type of his offering up his only- 
 begotten fon. 
 
 It muft appear furpriffng to all, how Abraham 
 could believe that fuch a command came from 
 God ? but he who created our natures, underftood 
 how to reveal his will to his creatures, in fuch a 
 manner as they fliould fully underfland it. Abraham 
 had not the leaft fufpjcion of this call coming from 
 God. 
 
 This command fcems to have been given him 
 in the night; and behold ! Abraham rifes up early 
 in the morning, as if more intent than ufual, to 
 
 fulfil 
 
( 5^ ) 
 fulfil the pleafure of his covenant God. This 
 proves that he who called him to fo great a trial, 
 did as eminently fit him for it -, which fliould en- 
 courage all thofe who have great difficulties before 
 them, to look to God for flrength equal to their 
 day. 
 
 Not one word of the affair, we may fuppofe, 
 was intimated to Sarah. Ifaac too, though called up, 
 and the fervants, were entirely ignorant of the defign 
 of the old patriarch. Sometimes relating a trial 
 to a friend, affords us fome relief; but Abraham 
 faw that none of thefe were yet qualified to hear 
 of fuch a command. Ifaac, and the fervants, no 
 doubt underftood, that the preparation which was 
 made for the facrifice, was to fulfil fome important 
 vov^ v/hich Abraham had made -, but none of them 
 afk him, for what intent he rifes and leaves home 
 fo early. 
 
 What thoughts mufl fill the mind of Abraham, 
 as he walked along with his beloved fon? we may 
 fuppofe little converfation paffed between them, 
 but both mufl be filled with thought; yet how 
 different were their thoughts to thofe of Abraham, 
 who was looking forward by the type, to the great 
 antitype ? 
 
 When the place appeared, how mufl the father 
 feel ? the profpedt of it would have been too much 
 for human nature, had not Jehovah, in a peculiar 
 manner, fupported him, by fome extraordinary view 
 of the infinite defigns of his grace, to be accom- 
 pliflied on that very fpot of ground*. Abraham 
 therefore beheld the mount with peculiar venera- 
 tion. 
 
( 54 ) 
 
 t'lon, "knowing that the whole, both of the {avtd' 
 «and loft, would for ever remember, the falvation 
 which God would there accomplifh. 
 
 The fervants he knew, were improper perfons to 
 be prefent at fuch a fcene; as they had not the 
 eyes of the patriarch, they might have attempted to 
 refcue Ifaac. 
 
 How did the father unload the beaft, to lay the 
 burden on his fon ? would it not have been affecting 
 to have feen this fight ? but what was this to that 
 of feeing the Son of God, bearing his crofs to* 
 wards Calvaiy ? 
 
 ifaac, who feems not to have made any enquiry 
 before concerning the intent of their journey, could 
 now no longer keep filence j and well might he 
 enquire, where is the lamb for a burnt-offering ? 
 there was none there to purchafe : he little thought 
 that an aifediionate father intended to offer his Ifaac. 
 It appeared a ftrange method of procedure to him, 
 who underflood the nature of facrificing; therefore 
 he wondered to fee Abraham fo deficient in the 
 principal part of the preparation. 
 
 We may fuppofe, that Ifaac's mentioning the 
 name of father, would fetch tears from the eyes 
 of the patriarch 3 no doubt Abraham felt the 
 flrongefl emotions. Trials would not deferve the 
 name, if they were not fuch as roufed our feelings. 
 Abraham did not give a dired: anfwer to Ifaac*s 
 queftion -, perhaps he might hope, that God would 
 as particularly reveal his mind to Ifaac, as he had 
 done to himJCelf, 
 
 The 
 
( 55 ) 
 
 The difficulty might have been flill more dlC^ 
 treffing to the father, had the fon underftood th« 
 d^fign of the journey, and gone all the way dif- 
 tracfled with fear — Ifaac's ignorance was in mercy; 
 he was not prepared for this great trial, though he 
 himfelf was to be the vidimv It was better for 
 Ifaac to be ignorant than informed, unlefs fuperio? 
 ilrength had been given to him, till the folemn 
 moment arrived. It may be, he was no fooner 
 perfuaded of the purpofe of Abraham, than GocJ 
 gave him immediately as dillind; ideas of the great 
 work of redemption, as he had given to Abraham t 
 for we hear ojf no refiftance made by Ifaac, who 
 was then fufficiently able to have prevented Abra* 
 ham from binding him. 
 
 Ifaac was not only bound, but laid on the altar i 
 ready to receive the facrificing knife to his heart c 
 he lies as a lamb, a type of him who was led as 2 
 lamb to the llaughter. 
 
 Was not all heaven witnefs to this vrcnderful 
 tranfadion ? thofe who had lacrificed in faith, and 
 like Abel, had been waiting in heaven for the ac- 
 complifhment of the great falvation> now faw the 
 great facrifice typified in a new and furpriling 
 manner : and might, even at this period, receive aa 
 addition to their knowledge of redeeming love. 
 
 Neither they, nor Abraham, cxpedied any de- 
 liverance to be given to Ifaac. God alone forefaw 
 the confequenee : had Abraham been informed of it, 
 the pleafure for the prefervation of his Ifaac could 
 not have been fo great. 
 
 Abraham grafps the knife, t© 6iii£h this extra- 
 
 ordiniyv 
 
( 56 ) 
 
 ordinary fcufinefs ! What love, at this Inftant, fhone 
 ill the heart of this father of the faithful ? He had 
 no doubt, at this time, fome peculiar views of the 
 fixed determination of Jehovah, refpedling the great 
 antitype of all facrifices. Chrift, w^ho faid, Abra- 
 ham faxo my day, knew what ideas Abraham had 
 at this important period. 
 
 That which was fufficient to teftify Abraham's 
 love to God, would not fuffiee to convince men of 
 the infinite love of God to the redeemed; nor 
 could they have been redeemed unlefs Chrift's 
 blood had adually been flied. 
 
 If God could fay of Abraham, now I know that 
 thou fear eft God, have we not greater reafon to 
 declare that we are fully perfuaded, of the infinite 
 love of God to his people ? Can a God give higher 
 or greater proofs of his love ? Matters of fad: carry 
 with them the flrongeft conviction. If chriftians 
 would take up this fubjed: more frequently, they 
 would experience more of the love of God fhed 
 abroad in their hearts. 
 
 How worthy is it of our admiration to behold 
 the Creator inflruding his creature, and giving him 
 experimental ideas of the greateft things — things 
 which will engage the minds of men and angels to 
 ^ternity ! Abraham was indeed taught of God ; 
 and by this tranfaCtion all future generations may 
 learn the great defigns of his love. This was in- 
 tended for the inftrudion of future ages : God 
 knew what light this would caft on the fubjeifl of 
 redemption. This was not merely fpeaking of 
 redemption, but exemplifying it in the moft ftrik- 
 
 iiig manner. 
 
 It 
 
( 57 ) 
 
 It Is not fo much a matter of wonder that Abra- 
 ham fhould ddight In falvatlon, as to behold God 
 taking pleafure in having redemption thus exhibited 
 to us. The words fpoken to Abraham, prove how 
 highly pleafing his condu<fl at this timje was to God, 
 In hlcffing I will blefs thee. Such parts of the 
 Word of God are peculiarly inftrufting -, and fully 
 convince us that God delights In falvatlon* 
 
 There was not the leaft occafion for the repeti- 
 tion of this command which was given to Abra- 
 ham, any more than there Is for the offering of 
 lambs or rams ; becaufe the offering of Ifaac affords 
 the fame inftruftion to us, that it did to thofe who 
 lived thoufands of years fmce. In this we read tha 
 love, both of him who gave his only begotten fon^ 
 and the love of that fon, which neither man nor 
 angel can comprehend : therefore we cannot fay of 
 this type, as we may of the rams and lambs, ^ and 
 other offerings, that they feem to be as completely 
 hid by the appearing of the great antitype, as the 
 ftars are by the rifmg of the fun ; for there is fome* ' 
 thing in this peculiar : in common facrifices, the 
 method of redemption was the principal thing ex- 
 hibited ', but in this, that love which is manifefted 
 m falvatlon, is fet forth in the moft aflonifhing manner. 
 Though there was nothing more of merit in the 
 offering of Ifaac than in other typical offerings, yet 
 there Is fomething in it, which cafts a greater light 
 ^n God himfelfy than mod: perfons are aware of. 
 A man who had no regard to God, might offer a 
 ram or a lamb ; but none could offer to God an 
 . H only 
 
< 58 ) 
 
 ©nly fon, without a love of which only Go4 
 eould be the author. 
 
 The condud: of Abraham himfelf ftrikes us with 
 more aftonifliment, when we particularly attend to 
 the afFedion and obedience of Ifaac : for in what 
 could the obedience of a fon to a father appear fo 
 great ? Ifaac, in fubmitting to be flain and burnt on 
 the altar, manifefled fiibmiflion which language 
 is unable to defcribe ! How muft the flame of 
 love glow in the heart of this afFedtionate fervant of 
 God, when his mind was fo intently engaged in 
 facrificing his only and his beloved fon ? Hov/ real 
 and infinite then muft be the love of God, which was 
 manifefted in not fparing his beloiied fon ? No 
 doubt but it was a view of tliis that kindled the 
 affecftions of x'\braham : he faw in a moil wonderful 
 way, the reality and greatnefs of that love, which 
 would as furely bring Chrifi: to the crofs, as his own 
 love had brought Ifaac to the altar. The Holy 
 Ghofl, who enlightened Abel's underftanding to 
 difcern the nature of facriiicing at this particular 
 time, fhewed Abraham Chrifl's day. 
 
 It was the defign of God, in this extraordinary 
 temptation or trying Abraham, to have his 
 people behold himfelf through this medium; and 
 we may depend on it, that he would never have had 
 himfelf thus reprefented, if his love had not been 
 •as much greater than Abraham's, as the Creator is 
 fuperior to the creature. 
 
 The idea of its being the will of God that we 
 ilioLild contemplate his love, in this aftoniiliing 
 Gtnblem, k both encouraging and pleafmg; and 
 
 ihould 
 
( 59 ) 
 
 iiiould excite us frequently to engage in this cxer- 
 ciie, hoping that as it is evidently agreeable to God, 
 ke will grant us his gracious affiilance in it. 
 
 God knows the more this is pryed into, the mor^ 
 the reality and greatnefs of his own love will appear : 
 as the love of Abraham was then realized in the 
 ftrongeil manner, fo the love of God was ren- 
 dered as confpicuous on mount Calvary: and as 
 fure as God has done thofe great things, it is highly 
 pleaiing to him that they fliould iill the hearts and 
 minds of his people. Were not they done to engage 
 the minds of his redeemed to all eternity ?- — Happy 
 would it be for chriftians to confider, that no ad: 
 of obedience can be pleafmg to God, where this 
 fubjecl is treated with indifference. 
 
 How can thofe be in the favour of God, who 
 flight a falvation in which fuch infinite love is 
 manifefted ? That which was fo very pleafing to 
 God in the condudl of Abraham, was the delight 
 he took in the method of falvation ; for this offer- 
 ing of his fon, was a pofitive proof of his beirig 
 well fatisfied with that plan of redemption which 
 lie faw by faith. When Ifaac lay on the altar, his 
 mind was bent on this. The flrong affection he 
 had for Ifaac was overpowered, when the Holy 
 Ghoft gave him an extraordinary view of divine 
 bve: this eaufed him to lift up his hand to flay 
 his fon. 
 
 If God had not teftifled his refpedt to Abraham, 
 
 oil this extraordinar)^ occafion, it would have been 
 
 very difagreeable to him; and we may be fully 
 
 afTured, if we tj-eat the fubjed: of God's giving his 
 
 H 2 fcsi 
 
C 60 ) 
 
 foil with coolnefs, and fcarcely ever think of it^^ 
 nothing can be more difpleafing to God ; for what 
 can fo much provoke him, as holding that in con- 
 tempt, in which is his chief and higheft glory? 
 few properly confider this. 
 
 An infinite Jehovah could receive no information 
 from the obedience of Abraham ; yet we hear him 
 fay, now I knozo that thou fearejl God, This 
 fliould t^ach us, if the Patriarch's believing in 
 falvation, the accompliiliment of which was at fo 
 great a diflance, was fo highly pleafing to God, we, 
 who have before our eyes Chrift crucified and flain, 
 ought to defire to pleafe God, by having a deep im- 
 prefijon on our hearts, of this great truth, God Jo 
 loved the xoorld : and wherever we are, like Paul, 
 we fliould be keeping in mind the dying of the 
 Lord Jefus. 
 
 A6tions, in which love is the moving caufe, 
 differ materially from thofe, which power is only 
 iieceffary to perform. In this obedience of Abra- 
 ham, the adion did not require fo much the firength 
 of his arm, as the love of his heart : therefore it 
 was the loye of Abraham, which God had his eye 
 upon : his being either weak or fi:rong, handfome 
 or disfigured, was not regarded by him who feeth 
 not as men feeth : fo it was that love which flione 
 with fuch infinite luftre on Mount Calvary that 
 ought to excite our admiration ; and to this w^e 
 fhould particularly attend : if this be overlooked, the 
 v/hole of redemption is negledted. 
 
 In creating the heavens and the earth out of 
 fiOihing, infinite power was abfolutely requifite^ 
 
 and 
 
( 6i ) 
 
 and as creation is a demonilrative proof of the 
 omnipotent power of the Creator, fo the execution 
 of the wonderful plan of redemption, is as great a 
 proof of the boundlefs love of God; which love is 
 not only as real a property of the divine nature, as 
 creating power, but as much exceeds all the love 
 that a human being is capable of pofleffing, as his 
 power is infinitely fuperior to that of creatures. If 
 then the works of nature claim our notice and re- 
 fpt6[, the works of redemption demand them much 
 more. 
 
 Were we to experience that love which Abraham 
 f:']t, when his affed:ion was raifed to the higheft 
 degree, by beholding the realities of falvation, we 
 iliould be capable of forming more confident ideas 
 of that frame of mind> which Abraham and the 
 redeemed now have, and will poflefs to all eternity. 
 I cannot but think, few men ever had fo diflind 
 an apprehenfion of the love of Jehovah, as Abraham 
 had at that period. 
 
 That love which the inhabitants of glory ex- 
 perience, never changes ; but on earth, though the 
 chriflian one day mounts up as on eagles wings, and 
 obtains fweet profpecSls of the New Jerufalemj yet 
 he may the next day, be totally unable to raife his 
 heart to heaven, and be as cold as winter ; fo un- 
 certain are the affedions of finful creatures: it is 
 God alone who can fay, / a?n Jehovah^ I change, 
 not. Were we nov/ able to difcern, as we fhalL 
 when admitted into the world of glory, we 
 fhould behold that love, which was rendered vifible 
 ©u Calvary, jafi: now as unchangeable a« the beams 
 
 of 
 
( 62 ) 
 
 of the natural fun — there is fomething peculiarly 
 influencing, in apprehending God as thus loving us 
 every moment. 
 
 Could wc have feen the uplifted hand of Abra- 
 ham, the fight* V70uld have made deeper impreffion 
 upon our hearts, than merely to hear of his offering 
 yp Ifaac : but what will it be, to fee eye to eye all 
 the wonders of redeeming love meet in the perfon 
 of the Lord Jefus f then fhall we be convinced, 
 that his divine love is as unchangeable as his glo- 
 rious perfon. 
 
 The angels muft have beheld Abraham with 
 aHoniflimont ! as they learn of the church the wif- 
 dom and love of God ; perhaps they never learnt 
 fo much before as they were taught by this cir- 
 cumflance: fometimes God teaches his creatures 
 much in a fmajl fpace of time. 
 
 The fame Holy Spirit who enabled Abel to oiFer 
 his ficrifice in faith, perhaps gave them an under- 
 ftanding, of the whole mind and will of God in 
 this peculiar command; and that infinite love 
 which they faw thus typified, mufi: have filled 
 tliem with afiionifhment and wonder ! 
 
 They faw, if a creature, weak and helplefs in 
 himfelf, could go through all this, by divine afllf- 
 tance, in what a glorious manner the great work 
 ef faving finners would be accompUfiied, by him 
 who helped Abraham, and from whom he had all 
 his flrength. The more clearly we behold this, 
 the more we fliall feel a joy in being interefted in 
 fuch a falvation — a falvation that was glorioufly 
 iniihed by him who was mighty to fave : the be^ 
 
 holding 
 
( G3 ) 
 
 holding this will greatly of increafe our faith, and 
 caufe us to contemplate the love manifefled in it 
 with growing delight. 
 
 Abraham would come down from the Mount, 
 filled with pleafure at what had pafTed ; and return 
 with as much joy to Sarah as if he had feen Ifaae 
 raifed up from the a(hes of the altar. How fur- 
 prifed mufl Sarah have been to hear the wonderful 
 particulars of their journey related ! and on accounC, 
 of thefe, how great an addition muil have beea 
 made to the happinefs of this faved family ! 
 
 We can more eafily form an idea of this hap- 
 pinefs, than we can difcern the infinite pleafure 
 which God himfelf experienced in the afcenfioa 
 and reception of Chrifi: into the heavenly world. 
 
 The Holy Ghoil gave David feme perception 
 of this wonderful period, Pfalm ylvii. 5. God is 
 gone up with a Jhout: the Lord with the found of 
 a trumpet. If God faw that the work oi creation 
 was good, and took pleafure in it, how mucb, 
 more in the finifiied work of falvaticn ? 
 
 The idea of God's being infinitely pleafed with 
 our redemption, is both very encouraging and ani- 
 mating ; and we have fuch evidence of this trutl^^ 
 as to banifli from our minds ^vtYy degree of fufpi- 
 cion: the pleafure it gave when only fixed upoii 
 m his purpofe, may be feen in many parts of th© 
 word— Ifaiah xlii. 1. Mine elect 'injuohom niy foul 
 delighteth. This was confirmed at the haptilm of 
 Chrift, This is my beloved f on, inxuhopi I am well 
 pleafed ; and 0^ the moiint of traiisfigura^on ; and 
 
 proved 
 
C 64 ) 
 
 proved to a demonflratlon, before all the heavenly 
 inhabitants, at the period of his exaltation. 
 
 Having by thefe remarks enlarged on the defigns- 
 of God, in giving fuch a command to Abraham, 
 let us in the next place enquire, \vho appear to be 
 pofTefTed of the faith of Abraham. 
 
 Such wifh to lock upon God, as having loved 
 them with a love as much fuperior to that which 
 Abraham had to God, as the love of an infinite 
 Jehovah is fuperior to that of a creature : and to be 
 fully convinced, that at the very time when Chrift 
 was on the crofs, God was fo loving as to lay all 
 their fins upon him : thofe who have the leaft de- 
 gree of faith would be glad to be alTured of this. 
 
 They who are partakers of true faith, will not 
 be content with merely knowing that they rely on 
 Chrlft for falvation ; but willi to fee themfelves as 
 clearly Interefted in his great facrifice as Abraham 
 did; they defire to htjlrong in faith, giving glory 
 to God ; when perfons therefore are eafy, whether 
 they have a flrong or weak faith, It Is a proof of 
 their having none at all. 
 
 Perfons pofTefTed of true faith, find a facred plea- 
 fure in the ftudy of the fubjed: of redemption; 
 they cannot be content with merely hearing it, 
 their hearts cleave to it : as a fick perfon takes 
 more notice of the phyfic which he apprehends 
 will do him good, than a man. in health; fo will 
 thefe particularly confider the worth of a Redeemer's 
 blood. Thefe wifli to have fuch a full afTurance of 
 faith, that they could fay to God, as God faid to 
 
 Abraham, 
 
( 63 ) 
 
 Abraham, now I knozo that thou loveft me -, I have 
 full proof of this, in the gift of thine only begot- 
 ten fon. The faith of true believers, lays hold 
 upon the acftions, as well as the w^ord of God. As 
 Abraham faw haac to be the gift of God, fo they 
 view Chrilt as freely beftowed by the Father : and 
 in this gift they realize the love of the giver. 
 
 Thofe only pofTefs real faith, who feel, that of 
 themfelves, they are unable to believe : fuch ex- 
 perience, that without divine affiftance, darknefs 
 and unbelief would not only frequently return, but 
 always pofTefs their minds; and that faith which is 
 not accompanied with fuch vicilTitudes, ought to be 
 fuipedted. The reafon therefore, why many never 
 complain of the weaknefs of their faith, is, becaufe 
 they have a faith which is not of the operation of 
 God, and which does not require any affiflance 
 from his word or Spirit, 
 
 Let us, in the next place, take notice, what en- 
 couragement is given in this fubjed: to praying 
 chriflians. 
 
 As Abraham's believing in God, was peculiarly 
 pleafmg to him, fo the christian's coming to him 
 in prayer, at all times, under the influence of this 
 idea, that God glories in being looked upon as a 
 great giver, is the way to obtain favours from hea- 
 ven '.—without faith, it is impofflble to pleafe God, 
 Would Abraham, after thus offering up Ilaac, have 
 refufed facrificing a lamb at the requeft of Jehovah ? 
 how abfurd would fuch a denial have been ! What 
 were all the lambs in his flock, or all the herds in 
 his flail, when cgmpared with Ifaac ? the giving of 
 I Ifaac 
 
( 66 ) 
 
 Ifaac, was a fufficient proof that nothing would be 
 refufed : fo we may fay, what are all things which 
 God himfelf polTefTes, when compared with the 
 unfpeakable gift of the obje6t of his love ? 
 
 Paul reafons thus concerning God's giving his 
 only begotten fon, Rom. viii. He that Jpared not 
 his own Sofiy but delivered him up for us all, how 
 Jliall he not with him alfo freely give us all things? 
 This reafoning is juft, forcible, and conclufive. 
 
 Was not the gift of Chrifl, to prepare the way for 
 all other ble flings, which will be conferred to the 
 end of time ? this is as evident, as the proof that 
 ever fuch an invaluable benefit was bellowed. 
 
 Is not Chrift peculiarly honored, while poor un- 
 worthy creatures are receiving gifts, which he it 
 the fole meritorious caufe of being granted ? and 
 mufl: it not be very agreeable to the Father to 
 glorify his Son ? therefore God himfelf, has not only 
 removed all the obftacles, which might have pre- 
 vented his giving favors, but, has before him the 
 moft powerful motive to induce him to it. 
 
 Abraham, by his condud, fufficiently proved his 
 being willing to give the Lord any thing that he 
 poflelTed, however dear or valuable it might be to 
 him ', and God, by not fparing his own Son, has 
 given us the flrongeil: proof he poflibly could, that 
 he zoill with him freely give us all things. 
 
 Would it not have grieved Abraham, if he had 
 known, that God fufpedted that he had in the offer- 
 ing of Ifiac, made a fliew of more love than he 
 really pofleiTed ? To be fufpedted of infmcerity after 
 the greateft ads of love and friendfliip, is peculiarly 
 
 diflre fling. 
 
( 67 ) 
 
 diftreffing. And will any man dare to charge 
 Jehovah, with making a difplay of more love than 
 he poiTeffed, when he wounded Chrili for our 
 tranfgreflions ? 
 
 Might not God at that period have faid, <* behold 
 •* here the true meafure of the kindnefs of my 
 " heart ! no action of mine, can manifeft a higher 
 •* degree of love, than not fparing my only begotten 
 ** fon; and I poflefs as much love as I nowdifcover, 
 •* in wounding him for my people." 
 
 When the chriftian is enabled to believe that 
 this is the invariable language of God, it will greatly 
 encourage him in pleading for the mercies which he 
 continually needs ; this will help him to drazu near 
 xoith a true heart, in full ajfurance of faith. 
 
 If unbelief was a provoking fm in ancient times, 
 it muft be much more fo now, when fuch undoubted 
 evidence has been given on God's part, of his love 
 and faithfulnefs. Let us now conclude this Exercile 
 with fome general remarks. 
 
 Think of the difference between Abraham's 
 pleafures, and many in his day, who were totally- 
 unacquainted with fpiritual things. Abraham, while 
 he walked in the land of Canaan, had in profped: 
 the heavenly land. What pen can defcribe the 
 happinefs which Abraham experienced, in having 
 fuch familiarity with God, and in beholding fuch 
 carnefts of that heaven which he fhould eternally 
 enjoy; not merely as a gift, but as an heir; fully 
 entitled to the inheritance, by a moil glorious union 
 with God in his nature ; and according to the mofi: 
 glorious plan that God himfelf had ever laid — by a 
 I 2 cgvenant. 
 
{ 68 ) 
 
 covenant, the parties of which were the perfons of 
 the trinity? 
 
 Abraham faw in Ifaac's being given him twice, 
 an earneft of the incarnation, and all the nations 
 being blefled in the Father's Fellow, who Ihould 
 take hold of the feed of Abraham : by this, his 
 confidence in God was ftrengthened, fo that he faw 
 the certainty of the accomplifliment of thofe great 
 things, which he had long viewed by faith. 
 
 Though he lived among the Canaanitcs, who 
 were an ignorant and wicked people, this was only 
 in his pilgrimage, he did not look upon the land of 
 Canaan as his home ; he looked for a heavenly city, 
 and expeded to live as he now does^ eternally with 
 Jehovah. 
 
 Suppofe Abraham, after this circumflance, preach- 
 ing to his large family, fhould difcover fome of his 
 domeflicks, not only regardlefs, but holding in con- 
 tempt, both the command of God given to himfelf, 
 and all that both he and Ifiac had done, at this 
 remarkable period ; how provoking muft it have 
 been ? Nothing raifes the indignation of man fooner, 
 than when that ad:ion, in which he has deferved 
 refpe6t and honor, is held in contempt] but how 
 much more ofFenfive muft this condu6l have been 
 to that God who had given the command, and had 
 fo highly commended the conducl of Abraham ? 
 Hating the falvation of God, is the moil heinous 
 fm under heaven. 
 
 Thofe who (light God, can never behave to his 
 children with refped; ; tlierefore, fuch aggravate 
 
 their 
 
( 69 ) 
 
 their punifliment by their hatred of his people, as 
 well as by having an enmity againft God himfelf. 
 
 We may fuppofe, that numbers of his fervants, 
 herding together and being of the fame fpirit, wheix 
 opportunity ferved, frequently fpent their time in 
 making ridicule of religion. Tens of thoufands, 
 now in hell together, were thus employed whea 
 upon earth : and this part of their condudt, which 
 perhaps, was never feen by their fathers or maftersj 
 will never be forgotten by them to all eternity. 
 
 Few families have ever met together for worlhip, 
 but mocking Ifhmaels have been mixed with them, 
 who, when the wife have been improving in divine 
 knowledge, have been fwiftly running the road to 
 hell : and while the ungodly have been abufmg 
 their privileges, theTerious have been delighted and 
 inftrudled. 
 
 Abraham and his numerous family, have novr 
 been long in their eternal abodes, many of them, no 
 doubt, in a world of glory, where they beh£>td, 
 with unfpeakable delight, that Jehovah who com- 
 manded Abraham to offer Jfaac ^ where they ars 
 eternally entertained with the great Hibjed of re- 
 demption, and fee that love which Abraham and 
 Ifaac manifefted on Mount Moriah, was .but like a 
 twinkling flar, to tliat infinite love which brigliter 
 than ten thoufand funs, fliines in prie ^terjial and 
 unclouded day above ! 
 
 Let us contemplate for a moment, the fituatioo 
 of thofe who treated with fcorn and contempt the 
 falvation of God, and all the worfl:iip which wa.s 
 carried on in Abraham's faniily. And while w^ 
 
 have 
 
( 70 ) 
 
 have before our eyes fuch an affedting fubjedl, let 
 each here enter within his own breaft, and make the 
 enquiry, in what Hght does a holy and jealous God 
 behold me ? See that none of you feel a reludlance 
 to enter upon fuch enquiry. Thofe who attempt 
 to evade the checks of confcience, flee from the light, 
 becaufe their deeds are evil. 
 
 This is no new path in which we are travelling ; 
 hiftory informs us of numberlefs profefTors, who have 
 many centuries ago engaged in family worfhip, and 
 have arrived at their eternal abodes ; by their cha- 
 rafters we may form fome idea of their eternal ftates. 
 How diftindly muft thofe who are for ever loft, 
 remember, the very manner in which fatan deceived 
 them ', and how diftrefling muft that remembrance 
 be, when they fee for what baubles they rejected fo 
 great a falvation ! Are any of you, for the indul- 
 gence of fome ruinous lin, wilfully turning your 
 backs on Chrift ? 
 
 If that youth who ran and kneeled to Chrift, 
 has been in hell for more than feventeen hundred 
 years, what millions of thoughts muft he have had 
 of his poor eflate on earth, to enjoy which, he 
 neglefted and contemned the kingdom of God ? 
 Innumerable multitudes have, doubtlefs, gone this 
 fame road to eternal mifery; and would any of you 
 haften there to increafe their number ? 
 
 Is it poffible for you to hear me read thefe things, 
 without fome examination of your conduft ? how 
 infenfible muft thofe be, who never fpent a moment 
 in refledion ! the fouls of fuch are fpiritually dead 
 indeed. Muft you not foon be refleding with plea- 
 
 fure 
 
f 71 ) 
 
 fure on thefe opportunities for family worfhip. In 
 happinefs, or with regret and forrow for ever, in the 
 world of mifery ? how alTuredly will one of thefe be 
 the cafe with all of us here ! 
 
 What pleafure fhould I feel, could I but once fee 
 your faces Zion wards ! my family would then indeed 
 be a nurfery for heaven ! I fliould then confider you 
 as plants, Jliortly to be tranfplanted into the para-' 
 dife of God above. 
 
 Abraham no doubt felt himfelf happy in be- 
 lieving, that many in his family would be his crown 
 and joy at the great day : every foul called under hi« 
 roof would add to his riches in glory. 
 
 Thefe riches are not like thofe tranfitory ones, 
 which too frequently ruin their polTefTors. They 
 do not appear lefs valuable at the moment of death ; 
 but tend to animate the chrillian when his heart and 
 flefh faileth. 
 
 Children, you have afforded me many hours of 
 natural joy ; and may I hope, that you will be an 
 addition to my eternal happinefs in the world above ? 
 are you a part of my fpiritual riches ? have I been- 
 bringing up fervants for Chrift, or adding fre(h 
 fubjeds to the empire of fa tan ? 
 
 If I am called to leave this world before you, 
 fhall I be able, when bidding adieu to all below, to 
 look upon you with fatisfadtion, and to die in the 
 pleafing expe(flation, that we fliall meet with Abra- 
 ham and Ifaac in the heavenly Jerufalem ? 
 
 Though I am not called to a trial equal to that of 
 Abraham's, yet if in my dying moments, I perceive 
 any of you in the way of deflruftion, it will be a 
 
 tiial 
 
( 72 ) 
 
 trial of a more gloomy nature : to part for ever ! 
 makes fuch ideas croud into my mind as are too dreadful 
 for nature to endure ! yet to banidi them from my 
 mind is impoflible -, nothing can do this effedually 
 but beholding my children love the things of God. 
 Will not the grieving of a parent, and making 
 fcis life unhappy, be an addition to that mifery, 
 which perfons muft feel in hell ; who not only have 
 plunged themfelves there, but in fo doing, have 
 diftreffed thofe who loved them as their own fouls ? 
 I have heard a remarkable anecdote, of a father 
 whofe heart had long bled for a prodigal fon ^ but 
 at laft his patience being exhaufted, he defpaired of 
 his falvation; and one time at family prayer, having 
 not prayed for him as ufual, the mother's heart 
 was almoft broken, to think that the father would 
 not fo much as pray for the falvation of her poor 
 rebellious fon, and Ihe, as foon as the Father had 
 concluded, began to pray for him ; the fon, being 
 prefent, was flruck to the heart, melted into con- 
 trition, and effcdually called by the grace of God, 
 as an immediate anfwer to the mother's prayer: the 
 pyful father beholding this, faid to his renewed 
 Von, " I hope I iliall not only pray for you while I 
 " have breath, but fpend an eternity with you in 
 praife." So, my dear family, v/ould I fay to you, 
 while I have breath I will pray for you; and I 
 truil, \vhcn my eyes are clofmg in death, I fhall 
 rejoice in the hopes, of meeting you in a world of 
 glory. 
 
 KND OF THE THIRD EXERCISE. 
 
FAMILY EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 Souxtl) €xtxtm. 
 
 LOT. 
 
 Jlq/le thee, ejcape thither ; for I cannot do anji 
 thing till thou be come thither t, 
 
 Genelis xix. 22^ 
 
 X HERE is fomething to be known of God from 
 his a(5tions, which could not be learned merely 
 from his Wordj therefore thofe hiflorical parts of 
 fcripture, in which the character of God is rendered 
 vifible by his conduct, either towards (inners, or 
 faints, are very inll:ru(5ting. 
 
 In this chapter, we fee what an infinite differences 
 God makes, betv/een his friends aiid his enemies. 
 When intent upon the ruin, the everlafting punifli- 
 ment of rebels, what compaffion and kindnefs does 
 God (hew to Lot ? not a hair of his head muH fall 
 to the ground ; while neither the foul nor body of* 
 his foes, efcape the mofl dreadful vengeance. 
 
 Lot flood up for God in an evil day : thofe who 
 fire in families, where they have not one who fears 
 the Lord, to encourage them and take their part, 
 ihould confider, that fuch a flation affords them a 
 great opportunity of pleafing God. Lot's maintainino- 
 his integrity, and ading righteouHy, in a place fo 
 abominably vi'icked, was very agreeable to God. 
 
 K Jeremiad 
 
t 74 ^ 
 
 jerenliali had a thorny travel through' this vvorld ^ 
 but acting for God in fuch a crooked generation, 
 will eternally add to the lullre of his crown. Both 
 he and Lot will be crowned with glory, at the 
 great day when thole who hated and abuled them,: 
 ihall be fijmmoned before the judge of the quick 
 and dead, and be covered v/ith eternal fhame. 
 
 Minillers may learn from Lot, not to meafure 
 the acceptablenefs of their labors to God, by th^if 
 fuccefs. Noah preached long, and hi^ faithfulnefs 
 mull have been peculiarly plealing to God; but 
 we never hear of the leail fuccefs attending his 
 miniflry. Preaching is pleafant when fuceels ani- 
 mates the fermon, but it requires much more grace 
 to hold up the gofpel llandard with life and affec- 
 tion, when none will fly to it. 
 
 The Sodomites were not warned like thofe who 
 perifhed in the flood ; which might be one reafon 
 why Chriil, when fpeaking of Capernaum, declares 
 that if fuch mighty works had been done in Sodom 
 and Gomorrah, as he had done in that city, they 
 would have repented. The Sodomites may be faid 
 to rife in judgment againft many, who though they 
 have had line upon line, and been highly favoured 
 with privileges, yet have remained difobedient. 
 
 Lot's wife is not mentioned till flie looked back,. 
 We cannot fuppofe her to have been a monument 
 cf mercy, who was made fuch an example to every 
 fucceeding generation. Thole in Sodom could not 
 experience a more fudden death than flic did ; in a 
 moment her mortal part is turned into a pillar of 
 fait : There are different kinds of fi^,t» fomc very 
 durable. Tins 
 
( 75 ) _ 
 
 This pillar mufl have been {landing in oui- Lord's 
 time ; for JofephuvS mentions having feen it. Surely 
 God by this pillar intended to inllru^t both friend 
 and enem.y, and prove to them his abfoiutc fove- 
 reignty, and that he will puniih rebels in v/Iiat i 
 manner he pleafes. 
 
 It is not living near to God's people, npr being in 
 the clofsil connedion v,ith them, that will bring any 
 perfon into the favour of God : fometimes we find 
 good Abijah, in fo wicked a family as Jeroboam's ; 
 while Jehoiakim, who had good examples fet be- 
 fore him, lives and dies in nn. 
 
 Thofe who remain wicked in godly families often 
 have the greatell: opportunity of offending God, by 
 being a grief and hinde ranee to his children : the fins 
 of Lot's wife were aggravated by dwelling in Lot's 
 family. Judas by being fo near to Chrifl plunged 
 himfelf the deeper in mifery, To be engaged in 
 the devil's fervice, in the midft of God's people, not 
 only makes the road to hell more uneafy than com- 
 mon, but adds to the fuel of eternal fire. 
 
 This mercy Ihown to Lot w^as not merely 
 fending an angel, Jehovah himfelf, in hum.an form, 
 attends him. Lot faw who it was that fliewed him 
 this favour. How great is the condefcenfion of this 
 God ! What was he not willing to do for perfons 
 for whofe fakes he then purpofcd to take humanity 
 and die ! 
 
 Favours granted us by fuperlors are greatly 
 
 efteemed ; and the more exalted our benefadors are, 
 
 the more we are affedted vrith their kindnefs : but 
 
 this gopdnefij baffles all comparifon ; the benevolence 
 
 K 2 of 
 
( 76 ) 
 of the highell: monarchs is nothing to it, for they 
 are but our fellow-creatures. Suppofe a perfon loil 
 upon a foreft, in a dark, night ; and that fome kind 
 Granger finding him in a very diftreffing fituation, 
 ihould take him by the hand, and engage to be 
 his guardian and his guide, till the return of day, 
 vvould he r\ot be greatly affedted with his kindnefs ? 
 but if this perfon fliould then difcover, that this un- 
 known and benevolent guardian was a prince, or 
 an emperor, how much more would his condefcen- 
 fion and goodnefs affecfl his heart ? What was this 
 favour fliown to Lot, but God coming within the 
 view of his creatures, not only to be near to them, 
 but to demonftrate his love to them by his conduct. 
 Could Lot fear being welcomed into heaven after 
 fuch treatment as this ? and was not this recorded, 
 that all God's people might pry into the greatnef3 
 of his Gondefcenfion and love ? How much would 
 the people of God think of heaven, could they but 
 beheve, tha|: he who fhewed fuch regard to Lot, 
 would manifcil as much tendernefs in his condud: 
 towards them. 
 
 Though nothing is mentioned concerning Lot's 
 faith, or his Avorfliip, as is related of Abraham, yet 
 being trained up with him, there is not the lead 
 doubt but that he was made a partaker of the fame 
 faith which Abraham had; but worlhip mufl be 
 attended with grievous dif id vantages, where we have 
 not one living foul to join with un, vv'lio has a real 
 .aiFedion for, and properly underftands it. 
 
 LIow would Lot look at this myilerious perfon, 
 •^hen he believed, that the very perfon whom he 
 
 notw 
 
( 77 ) 
 
 Tlow addreiTed, would not only preferve him, but 
 that in the fulnefs of time he would be really in- 
 carnate, arid pay for him the great price of re- 
 demption ? The ancients had fome advantages which 
 we have not ; fonie times the interviews which they 
 had with divine perfons, gave them flriking im- 
 prefTions of the greatnefs of redemption. Thofe 
 true believers who heard the law given on Mount 
 Sinai mufl have had foiemn thoughts of him who 
 gave the law. 
 
 We are to confider, that though thofe perfons who 
 lived in former times, had not fo full a revelation of 
 the will of God as we have, yet they frequently had 
 fuch appearances of God to them, or villous, as 
 gave them realizing ideas of the great delign of 
 Jehovah: and that great truth, of God becoming 
 incarnate, was to them a fatisfadiory proof, that the 
 whole fcheme of falvation Vv^ould be completed. 
 
 Many, from reading the circumflances related of 
 Lot's v/ife, have formed wrong ideas of God, as 
 if there were fomething cruel in her punifhment, 
 and oppofite to that mercy and love which the fcrip- 
 tures reveal to be in God : but this is occafioned by 
 ignorance of the fcriptures. 
 
 We (hould never forget, the carnal mind is enmity 
 againjl God, Could we fee all the hatred which 
 exifts in the human heart to God, we fhould be 
 better able to form ideas of his condud:. Thofe 
 who feel the enmity of their nature llain, ought not 
 to fpend their time in attempting to judge of the 
 ways of Jehovah ; but in admiring that grace which 
 he has fo freely beflowed upon them,. 
 
 We 
 
( 78 ) 
 
 We may fuppofe that Lot's wife had an averriou 
 to all gracious people, and that the vain and carnal 
 were her delight, and that v/ith thefe (he wifhed 
 to fpend her days. 
 
 The two perfons who came to Lot, appeaj-ed no 
 4oubt as men eminent for religion, and haters of 
 the iin and folly of Sodom ; and we may fuppofe 
 ^hat Lot's wife, would feel an antipathy to their 
 company, and that though fhe went along with her 
 hufband, yet flie neither believed in the dreadful 
 judgment coming upon Sodom and Gomorrah, 
 nor faw any juft caufe why God Ihould pour his 
 vengeance on thofe cities. Perhaps flie would not 
 have departed from Sodom, but through the in- 
 fluence of her hufband ; and every ftep flie took, 
 after leaving her habitation, jfhe, in her heart, 
 might be upbraiding him with the folly of leaving 
 fo agreeable a fituation ; and had flie lived, nothing 
 would have convinced her of the deftru61;ion of 
 Sodom, but a fight of the fmoke of the iire and 
 brimflione. 
 
 But God intended all this, as matter of inflruc- 
 tibn to future ages : the moil awful judgments which 
 fall upon fome, are overruled in everlafl:ing mercy 
 to others. Here it appears, that of two who lay 
 in one bed, t/i£ one was taken, and the other left^ 
 They had long lived together, but how awful was 
 their feparation ! How muil: Lot look at this 
 pillar ? though the pillar of filt could not fpeak, 
 yet Lot would hear its language all his days. 
 
 This narrative may have been made matter of 
 convidion, and perhaps the means of converfion, 
 
 to 
 
( 79 ) 
 
 to many married women, who have, through thd 
 providence of God, been joined to godly men : 
 many in fuch a ftate, begin to feel that hatred ta 
 religion, which they could not have fuppofed to 
 have been in their nature. Lot's wife would rather 
 have lived among the wicked, than have been in 
 the ccmpany of God himfelf. 
 
 How far (lie might have been the caufe of fome 
 of her own children uniting with the world, and 
 turning their backs upon the ways of God, we 
 cannot tell ; but fuch perfons cannot fee with plea- 
 fure, even their own flefli and blood embark affec- 
 tionately in a good caufe. Many children are ex- 
 pofed to great danger, when one of their parents 
 retains a fecret averlion to religion. 
 
 Such, for the mofl; part, take every opportunity 
 to propagate their ov/n fpirit ; and fo far from 
 uniting with their godly companions, to promote 
 religion in their families, they fpeak with con- 
 tempt of eternal things, and advance objedtions, 
 which they know are very prevalent with corrupt 
 nature. 
 
 If Lot's wife did perifli eternally, how foon 
 would her lofl: foul meet thofe in a ftate of mifery, 
 whom flie had been fo attached to in this world ? 
 That affection which finners have for their com- 
 panions, will in another v/orld be turned into the 
 moft implacable hatred. 
 
 We may fee here the infinite difterencc, which 
 God will make between thofe who fear him, and 
 thofe who regard him not : that while one is made 
 a compleat monument of his juu: indignation, the 
 
 thole 
 
( 8o ) 
 
 Other is fo proteded by his kindnefs, that not a half 
 of his head is injured — For I cannot do any thing, 
 till thou be come thither. 
 
 How often muft this pillar occupy the mind of 
 Lot ! and how much would he admire diftinguifli- 
 ing grace in preferving him ! Lot did prevail 
 upon his wife to depart from her own country, but 
 not to walk with him one ftep towards the heavenly 
 Jerufalem. Alid now they part for ever 1 hov*r 
 awful, to be companions fo long on earth, and at 
 laft be feparated, never to meet again ! 
 
 Lot now retires to his cave : few men ever had 
 fuch awful fubje<5ts to refled: upon. How different 
 the cafe of Abraham with his beloved Ifaac and 
 Sarah. One child of God fliall enjoy almoft more 
 than heart can whh ; and another fuffer that which 
 humail nature is totally unable to bear, without the 
 fupport of an almighty arm* 
 
 Not many men ever had more time for coniide-" 
 ration than Lot : He was too near tlie place to 
 forget its deftrudian, or his own deliverance ; and 
 every time he faw that place which was once a 
 fruitful plain, his mind muft have been filled with 
 the moil diflreffmg refledions* No doubt but. he 
 looked out of his cave towards Sodom, not with 
 any defire of being there, but to view the way by 
 which God, his kind deliverer, had brought him 
 from that fatal city. No man had ever experienced 
 fuch a providence before 3 he might indeed fmg of 
 mercy and judgment. 
 
 The diflinguifhing mercy (hewn to Lot, would 
 help him to CQnfider himfelf as a man peculiarly 
 
 noticed 
 
(81) 
 
 noticed by heaven : this would excite him to hokl 
 fellowfliip with God, who had led him to this re- 
 treat : he who brought himj would not leave him 
 to fink in forrow. The people of God have not 
 only one to preferve their bodies, but to cheer and 
 comfort their minds* 
 
 The noife of Sodom is now for eVer over : Lot 
 is no more difturbed with its clamour and diffipation, 
 and his cave affords him fweet folitudci This great 
 change was fudden and unexpected j but how much 
 happier in a cave with God, than vexed with the 
 filthy converfation of the Sodomites ? 
 
 The fitUation in w^hicll God himfelf has placed 
 us, ought to be highly efteemed ; and though fuch 
 places afford not fo many conveniences for the body 
 yet they are frequently more advantageous to the 
 better part. A contemplative and fpiritual mind 
 can foon ftep from a cave into heaven ; and hov/ far 
 more comfortable to have an intimate converfe with 
 God, than the mofl agreeable fociety on earth ? 
 
 What a change, when the Lord tranfplants an im- 
 mortal foul, from fuch folitude, amongft the mil- 
 lions of thofe blefied beings who inhabit the world 
 of glory ! our lonely habitations are but to be our 
 refidence for a fliort time. Many lofe all their com- 
 pany in this world, till they are left like a fparrow 
 alone : this may be for our prefent advantage, and 
 will certainly make the approach and confequences 
 of death the more agreeable. 
 
 It is well v/orth v/hile to be put into a cave for a 
 
 moment, if that cave be made a Betheh and if much 
 
 nearnefa to God is enjoyed there, this will be a 
 
 L means 
 
( 82 ) 
 
 means of preparing us for the company of the 
 blelTed above ; few experience the fweets of retire- 
 ment. Many have had reafon to ftile folitary places. 
 Bethels; in which retreats they have enjoyed the 
 fweetefl moments. 
 
 The wicked dread being alone; the buftle of 
 Company, in fome meafure, diverts their mind, and 
 fcreens them from the fevere laflies of confcience ; 
 they prefer any company to their own. But what 
 what will thefe do, in the trying hours of fick- 
 nefs and confinement, when they muft be frequently 
 alone, and when pain may prevent their lleeping 
 from evening until morning ? A gracious man is 
 never lefs alone than when retired, if in a frame for 
 communion with God. 
 
 Let us leave Lot in this happy retirement, and 
 take a view of his fons-in-law. How great their 
 change ! how inexpreffible ! who can tell the power 
 of God's anger ! who can defcribe the lituation of 
 a foul loft for ever ! though they are no longer to be 
 feen on earth, they muft exift fomewhere for ever ! 
 God has long ago prepared a dreadful place for the 
 veffels of wrath, as well as glorious manftons for the 
 veflels of mercy. 
 
 We may fuppofe that the laft fight which Lot 
 had of his relations, would be very diftreffing ; and 
 if afterwards, he could have prevented his mind, 
 from going beyond his vifive faculties, he would not 
 have felt fuch trouble : it is a mercy that we cannot 
 fee the place of endlefs torment ; our natures could 
 not bear fuch a fight. 
 
 When religion is troated- with contempt, and a 
 
 lUQCk 
 
( 83 ) 
 
 mock is made of fin, it pains a good man like an 
 arrow in his heart, Plalm xlii. lo. As zuitk afioord 
 in my bones, mine enemies reproach me, while they 
 Jay unto vie, where is thy God '? Might not Lot 
 think, what place can be deftined for fuch rebels, 
 but that prepared for the devil and his angels ! 
 
 Perhaps after Lot had departed from Sodom, with 
 a heart filled with forrow, his fons--in-law having 
 probably fpent the evening in mirth, might then be 
 at reft in their beds; beds which would foon be 
 converted into fuel to burn the very bodies which 
 were now repofed upon them : this was the lafl reft 
 they were ever to have ; they foon waked to ileep 
 no more ; the loft rest not day nor night. How 
 foon was their momentary ilumber at an end ! 
 
 I ftiould not wonder, if fome of them, being to- 
 gether in the fame bed, half afleep, iliould fay one 
 to another, " I wonder whether the old fool is gone" 
 — Gone indeed ! Woe to that place where God has 
 not one friend left ! Can that place enjoy the furv 
 much longer? 
 
 How fliort would repofe appear to them, who 
 were not to llesp one moment more to all eternity ? 
 though they lay down in a delufion, yet they wer« 
 foon convinced of their folly and error : their bodies 
 had been often awaked out of fteep before, but now 
 body and confcience awake together. 
 
 Satan is never more bufy than when his fervants 
 are near their home : He no doubt believed the 
 threatening, and faw the execution with dreadful 
 fatisfa6tion ! What an increafe was at this time made 
 to the inhabitants of hell ! the prince of darknefs, 
 L 2 lik« 
 
( 84 1 
 )ikc the ^rave, never thinks he has enough. N« 
 fooner are thefe cities deftroyed, than not being 
 gratified, he exerts himfelf tq prepare others for a 
 iimilar deflrudtion. 
 
 The fun was rifen upon the ea^rth when Lot 
 fMered into Zoar^ Gen. xix. 23. Many have, 
 thought that the fun rofe this morning particularly 
 clear ; Ha4 a fine morning ever a more gloomy day ! 
 We may fuppofe, that thunders, perhaps more 
 dreadful than thofe on Sinai, (hook the mountains to 
 their centre. How fudden the alarm ! and this we 
 may fuppofe began the inftant Lot arrived fafe in his 
 cell. The n>ore fecure they were the more awful. 
 Lot'5 fons had taken their choice of fin, and liovv 
 God had made choice of their punifhment. Their 
 fin had been long gathe|-ing this florm, and at lafl 
 it burfts, with a vengeance that no generation had 
 ever heard of! Who ca^i ftand in the day of God's 
 v/rath ! Here learn the infinite difference between 
 the objects of his love, and the veffels of wrath. 
 
 We cannot evidence greater folly than by fup- 
 pofing, we can form juft notions of divine judg- 
 ments ; they are fo great a deep^ that we may as 
 well attempt to hold the ocean in the hollow of our 
 hands as to fatliom them by our imagination. We 
 may as well inform God how to create, as inflru(ft 
 him how to puniih. Vengeance is his, and he will 
 repay it as he pleafes. Thofe wlio make a mock of 
 |in, are indeed properly fliled fools. 
 
 Sin has an evil in it, which is feldom difcerned 
 even by chrlilians. If divine juftice fpared not 
 phrill;, the green tree, how iliould fuch dry flubblc 
 
( 85 ) 
 
 as the Sodomites, endure the everlafting burnings, 
 who had, in fo remarkable a manner, made them- 
 felves fit fuel for the frames of hell ? Thofe arc 
 poorly employed, who are endoavouring to reprefent 
 God as a being who cannot punifli fm eternally ; 
 as if they, and not he, were the mofl proper judges 
 of its evil. Many now on earth are, in this awful 
 manner, bringing down vengeance on their own 
 heads. 
 
 Let us fear, and ftand in aw^, while we behold 
 fuch a cataftrophe as creation was never witnefs to 
 before : a rain, fuch as no mortal could have thought 
 of. The punifhment, befpoke the wrath of the 
 Creator -, the manner, the end of his patience : he 
 that in Aided this judgment, could have dafhed the 
 whole world to atoms ; but againft thefe cities wcrt 
 his arrows levelled. 
 
 No doubt other diftant cities were alarmed at the 
 fight; what a blaze muft have appeared in the 
 heavens! Lot, though fafe, doubtlefs trembled in 
 his cave. What thoughts now occupied his mind ! 
 relieding on the juftice of God, and the condition 
 of his rebellious fons. As their fin had founded far 
 and near, fo their punifliment would b« reported to 
 the ends of the earth ; what nation did not refound 
 with the news of fuch a tremendous ftroke ! If 
 terror of itfelf would have converted men, many 
 would now have been turned to God. 
 
 We may fuppofe that many long journics were 
 taken, to fee that country fo awfully defolated by 
 the juil vengeance of God; he intended it to be a 
 proverb in all future ages; God make thee like 
 
 Sodom 
 
( 86 ) 
 
 Sodom. A fruitful valley, is in a moment, made morfe 
 barren than the Arabian deferts. What influence 
 this had on the world at large, we cannot tell ; it 
 might be of great ufe to fome cities; but thofe 
 which were near appear, only to be hardened by 
 the judgment, and after a little refpite fhared the 
 fame fate. 
 
 Of all the thoufands thus dreadfully deftroyed. 
 Lot's fons ought moft to engage our attention ; pe- 
 culiar vengeance, muft have fallen upon their 
 heads : He that being often reproved, hardeneth his 
 necky Jliall jiiddenly he dejlroyed, and that without 
 remedy. Little they efteemed the tears of Lot, 
 which were worfe than loft upon them. How foon 
 did they perceive the truth of his words !— Thofe 
 who refufe to liften to the voice of mercy, muft feel, 
 and be awfully inftru(Sled by the hand of juftice. 
 The ftronger the arguments were which Lot made 
 \\(t of, the more dreadful muft that mifery be which 
 they fuffered. 
 
 We do not fuppofe that one neighbour, could run 
 to complain to another, but that they were all 
 confumed at once ; and immediately their immortal 
 fouls were at their eternal homes. It might juftly 
 be faid of them. How are they gone into defolation 
 m in a vioment ! 
 
 Tl^is is not the relation of a battle, which is 
 foon won or loft ^ the confeciucnce of it is now 
 st\t, and will be eternally experienced in hell. 
 The funeral fermon of the Sodomites will be 
 preached while the world ftands. To have heard 
 Abraham fpeak of their dreadful overthrow, muft 
 
 have 
 
( 87 ) 
 
 have been very iiffedling. Little did they thirrk-, 
 when they laid down to reft, that they fhouid 
 never rife, till awaked by the loud blaft, of the lalt 
 trumpet. 
 
 Though confumed to aflies, thofe very bodies 
 which were the inftruments of fin, will be as com- 
 buftibles for the eternal flames of hell. As their 
 immortal fouls went together to the place of tor- 
 ment, fo their bodies fliall be raifed, in the fame 
 moment, and defcend, at the very fame period 
 together, with the curfed, when Chrift^has pro- 
 nounced them eternally lofb^ 
 
 Of all the crowd, which defcended at that 
 period, none carried with them fuch food for ths 
 never dying worm, as the fons of Lot: abufed 
 privileges can never be forgotten in hell: Lot'^; 
 voice will for ever be heard there : will any of 
 you go to dwell with, and experience their punifli- 
 ment ? What makes the feelings of fuch^ perfons 
 more pungent than language can exprefs, is, that 
 there is no poffibility of returning to the earth to 
 expiate their offences; they have no more invita- 
 tions to come to Chrift ; his blood, now only tends 
 to fmk them the- deeper in woe : fermons, which 
 appeared weak and contemptible on earth, will be 
 felt to be of infinite importance in the world of 
 mifery; reproofs which were treated with con- 
 tempt, will now fink into the confcience and abide 
 there for ever. 
 
 Thofe who are Igft, are not only fufi:ering tor- 
 ment, but in full expectation of feeing Lot, by 
 whom they v/eje i'p faithfully warned, As the thief 
 
 wheR 
 
( 88 ) 
 
 when taken feels fhame and difgrace, and woul 
 rather fuffer in the moft obfcure part of the earth, 
 than be expofed to thoufands of fpedators^ fo the 
 fons of Lot would father be condemned in private 
 than before an affembled world ; and of all the faces 
 Lot's font xvill fee at the great day, the face of their 
 father, fave that of the Judge, will make them feel 
 the moft. Judas will be more affedted at the fight 
 of the difciplesj than with all the race of Adam 
 together. 
 
 Let thofe who dread the frowns of their com- 
 panions, and cannot think of being religious for fear 
 of their feoffs, remember, that they will have a 
 dreadfal harveft, who to efcape the fneers of a few 
 miftaken and deluded mortals, expofe themfelves to 
 the moft mortifying fhame and difgrace before God, 
 men, and angels. 
 
 Let thofe who attempt to folace themfelves with 
 the confideration that if they are not faved, great 
 numbers will be loft, confider that no company in 
 hell will be fo galling as thofe who have been com- 
 panions with them in fin; therefore the numbers 
 will only increafe the woe. It were better, infinitely 
 better, to endure their frowns in this world, than to 
 have them increafe our torment for ever. 
 
 And now viy children^ here is a fermon preached 
 by God himfelf ; think it an infinite mercy that you 
 have not already arrived in a world of mifery ; to 
 learn that in hell, which you fcarcely ever had 
 heard of while on the earth. Let us confider that 
 we who live under the gofpel are addrefled in a more 
 Engaging maiiner than thofe in former ages. 
 
 He 
 
C 89 ) 
 
 He that deflroyed Sodom declares, that not only 
 & full pardon fliall be granted to all who come to 
 him, but a crown of glory. Rev. iii. 21. To him that 
 overcomdh will I grant to fit with me in my 
 throne, even as I alfo overcame and am Jet down 
 zoith my father in his throne. 
 
 What muH thofe think who ate now in hell^ 
 after having defpifed a falvation, held out to them in 
 fuch a manner ? it is impoffible for finners to fhelter 
 themfelves under any excufe : all pretences of having 
 no ability, will only prove they had a predominant 
 love to fin ; while it is evident by their condud, that 
 they negleded the means which were in their 
 power. 
 
 Thoufands of times have the Wicked been 
 attempting to excufe for their fin, by faying, Ther& 
 is no hope : But have thefe followed the advice of 
 Chrifl? AJk andye Jhall receive, feet andycfiaU 
 fnd, knock and it fliall he opened to you. Excufes 
 will never be urged^ before the judge of the quick 
 and the dead, when their own confcience inform^ 
 them, that love to fm governed their choices and 
 not any apprehenfion of their inability. 
 
 Confider, my children, this is a liiefiage from 
 God 3 from that God who has fworn by two 
 immutable things, in xohich he cannot lie: H(? 
 pledges his honor, his oath, for the falvation of thenj 
 who fly for refuge. 
 
 Let me warn you of two paths, which lead dow!> 
 
 to the regions of darknefs : tlie one is, a being 
 
 wholly regardlefs of the concerns of religion, and 
 
 M totally 
 
C 90 ) 
 
 •totally unconcerned about the eternal fecurity and 
 happinefs of the foul. Perfons in this way are like 
 thofe in the parable, who hear by the way fide; 
 they neither love religion, nor manifefl much anti- 
 pathy to it. The flrong man armed, keeps fu:.h in 
 an awful delufion. 
 
 The other is, believing the general truth of the 
 fcriptures, and living under the convid:ion of being 
 in a dangerous flate, and yet poflponing any prefent 
 attention to religion -, fuch fay, like thofe in the 
 gofpel, / pi'iiy thee have me excufed : and like 
 trembling Felix, for eafe to a troubled confcicnce, 
 promife themfelves, that they fliall have a future 
 opportunity to turn to God. 
 
 Thefe being taken captive by fome particular lin, 
 rifk eternal enjoyments, for a prefent indulgence in 
 finful gratifications: thus frequently one predomi- 
 nant luft leads a young perfon to eternal ruin. 
 
 I would have you, in this family, to confider, 
 that I do not merely warn you that I may difcharge 
 my duty ; but my affedion for you, is fo great that 
 I am as if it were impoffible for me to be happy, if 
 I thought any of you would be eternally miferable. 
 I know the temptations of this world, have great 
 power and influence, but God has blelTed the advice 
 of fathers to thoufands, who are now with them in 
 glory. 
 
 Kow can I think of thofe who are to me fo 
 dear, being in this world chained to finners, and 
 with them baniflied to the regions of woe ! 
 
 If feeing you carried down the courfe of this 
 world, pierces me through with fuch forrow, how 
 
 jnexpreiTibk 
 
i 91 ) 
 
 Inexpreffible would my anguifli be, wer6 I, wher^ 
 leaving this world, to have no more hopes of you, 
 than Lot had of his God provoking fons ? What 
 a farevvel muft he take of thofe unhappy youths ! 
 how moving and diflreffing his lall look at them ! 
 
 I conlider myfelf to be as really appointed of 
 God, to admoniili and exhort you, as Lot was to 
 warn and intreat his fons-in-law 3 and am con- 
 vinced, that God as particularly notices, how thefe 
 admonitions are received by you, as ever he cb- 
 ierved the condud: of thofe awful charad:ers. 
 
 Come with me into the paths of religion, and 
 God, in every feafon of danger, will take care of 
 you, as he did of Lot. Can there be any true hap- 
 pinefs enjoyed with the wicked ? Shall an all-feeing 
 God, now witnefs your condud: to be as rebellious 
 as the Sodomites ? his eyes are both upon me and 
 you, and can you look on his approbation of little 
 importance ? Only God beholds how much I feel 
 for you, when none but he is witnefs to my defires. 
 My foul at times, is almoft overwhelmed with 
 fears, leaft you Ihould live and die in a ftate of liii 
 He knows how frequently I have applied to his 
 throne, to eafe my troubled breafl^ — there have I 
 poured out my complaints, and petitioned for your 
 falvation ; and that immortal crowns may be placed 
 upon your heads. 
 
 I hope to take a farewel of you, totally different 
 to what Lot took of his fons : they pierced his heart 
 both with their words and looks. 1 think I hear 
 the affedlionate old man fay, " Adieu ! I never 
 f' fhall behold you again for a moment, till I fee 
 
 ** your 
 
( 92 l 
 
 ^'^ your bodies raifed from the afhes of Sodom, and 
 " ftanding before the judge of quick and dead : I 
 ** fhall then hear the judge command you to depart 
 '* with* a curfci and I fhall behold you going with 
 ** the wicked, to take up your habitation, in the 
 " lake which burns with fire and brimftone." As 
 Lot faw their deftrudtion fo near, no pen can de- 
 fcribe what he felt at the moment of his feparation 
 from them. 
 
 How certain is the meeting of fathers and mothers^ 
 and fons and daughters, before the judgment feat 
 of Chrifl ! what a meeting mud Lot's family have 
 at that period! If thefe examples are blelfed to 
 you ', if you fee the danger of wicked companions -, 
 if you flee from the wrath to come, when the 
 dread vengeance of Almighty God will be eternally 
 pouring upon the rebellious in hell ; you, my dear 
 children, and I, ihall not only be fafe, but with 
 millions of glorified faints above, be filled with 
 wonder, gratitude, joy and praife for ever. 
 
 £N» OP* THE FOURTH EXERCISE. 
 
JFAMILT EX:ERCISES, &c. 
 
 jTiftf) Cjcercise. 
 
 JUDGMENT. 
 
 The7i Jliall the king fay unto them on his right 
 hand, come ye blejfed of my father, inherit th& 
 kingdom prepared for you from the foundation 
 of the world* 
 
 Matt. XXV. 34, 
 
 A O him who Is pofleiTed of divine perfedlons, 
 all future periods are perfedlly forefeen. Chrlil 
 forefaw what the feelings of all his hearers would 
 bCj when they fliould behold him about to pafs the 
 final fentence upon all mankind. He knew that 
 thofe who heard with the greateft poflible hatred 
 and contempt, would, in a fliort time, hear hiru 
 in a frame totally different. 
 
 What Is here fpoken to the difciples, will be 
 heard by the whole aflembled world. Few heard 
 thefe words from Chrift's own lips, though millions 
 have read them, moft of whom, we fear> will be 
 filled with horror, when they hear cTirlfl himfelf 
 pronounce them. 
 
 At this period^ all will unite In their fentlments 
 
 concerning the Son of God. Thofe who treated 
 
 him with the moft dreadful contempt, whether Jew 
 
 N ' i»t 
 
( 94 ) 
 
 or Gentile, will now be conftraiiied to confefs him 
 to be God, to the glory of the Father. 
 
 It would be unpardonable arrogance and blaf- 
 l^hemy, for the higheft creature that ever exifted, 
 to fpeak in this manner. It is undeniably evident 
 that Chrifl is here fpeaking of himfelf, as manager 
 at this important period, which intimately concerns 
 the whole world -, and declares, that he fliall at this 
 time appear in all his glory with his holy angels. 
 The glory therefore, which Chrift had in his pur- 
 fuit, was of a nature infinitely fuperior, to that 
 which the greateft monarchs in the world ever 
 thought of. How defpicable are thofe honors 
 which, in every age, have fo much engaged the 
 minds of mortals, when compared with this glory ! 
 
 At this important time, how mean will the 
 plots and intrigues of courts appear ? In what 
 light will thofe vid:ories appear, in which Alexander 
 or Julius Ca^far once gloried ? Will not all the glit* 
 tering ftars of human royalty vani(li, when the Lord 
 iiimfelf fhall come with the fliout of the archangel 
 afid the trump' of God* Nothing will then feem 
 to be of the leaft importance, but an intereil in the 
 blood of the lamb. Will not Nebuchadnezzar fee 
 his folly, and with him, millions who once gloried 
 in nothing but earthly grandeur ? 
 
 How unlike this coming of Chrifl, to his firfl 
 appearing ? The world might indeed bear witnefs, 
 that, in his ftate of humiliation, he not only was in 
 the form of a fervant, but was more humble than 
 the fons of men : but now, his majefty fills tho 
 r/hoh c.rc^ti<i»n, and eyery finner trembles at his 
 
 prefcncc 
 
( 95 ) 
 
 prefencc. If a fmall part of his glory had been faan 
 when he was on the earth, the moil carnal would 
 (though in hypocrify) have crouded to his ftandard : 
 but there was no grandeur in his appearance to 
 attrad the carnal heart; his glory was fo completely 
 vailed, to the great and wife men of the world, 
 that there was nothing in him which appeared 
 comely: Ifaiah Uii. 2. For he JkaU grow up ^before 
 him as a tender plants and as a root out of a dry 
 ground: he hath no form or comelinefs : and 
 xohen zoe Jfiall fee him, there is 710 beauty that we 
 Jkould defire htm. 
 
 How miftaken therefore are men in general, who 
 look on religion as fomathing mean, and treat 
 chrillianity and chriftians with contempt, becaufe 
 they confider them to be ignorant and deluded ? It 
 is certain that every other fubjed will fhrink into 
 nothing in our efteem, when they behold the great 
 white throne, and him that fhall fit thereon. How 
 fwiftly will all the honors of time vanilh, the mo- 
 ment the glory of Chrift is feen ? Will religion then 
 appear mean and of little confequence? 
 
 Honor, worldly honor, is of fliort duration, where 
 the perfon who polTelles it has not qualifications 
 fufficient to fupport jais dignity. Herod made a 
 fplendid appearance; but his pomp was brought 
 into difgrace as in a moment. The whole world 
 fliall be convinced that Chrift is not only glorious in 
 his appearance, but eminently qualified for the great 
 work which he comes to perform. What an un- 
 deniable fpecimen of this will be given in ever)' 
 newly-raifed body now before him ! Every limb in 
 N 2 that 
 
{ 96 ) 
 
 that numerous aiTembly will proclaim him 'to be as 
 able to judge, as he was to raife thofe very bodies 
 from the grave. 
 
 The divifjon alfo made preceding this fpecch, 
 will fully convince both the faved and the loft of his 
 ability to judge the fecrets of the hearts of all men. 
 
 This fubjedt is revealed in fo clear a manner, 
 that the moft abandoned can no more diminifli its 
 divine light, than their art can eclipfe the meridian 
 fun. The arguments of libertines, and erroneous 
 men of every defcription, have been but as the waves 
 of the fea, which feem to wage war with impreg- 
 nable rocks, which when all their force is fpent in 
 fruitlefs efforts, remain immoveable. 
 
 Sqrely mortals could not be fo unimprefTed with 
 this fubjed:, were they but properly to confider that 
 this great King is now witnefs to every thought and 
 every acSlion, and that every evening they are one 
 day nearer that folemn period, when they muft 
 give an account unto him. 
 
 As Chrift himfelf ever kept this important time 
 in his mind, fbould we who are fully perfuaded of 
 its infmite confequences, ever lofe fight of it ? A 
 period when we ihall either be admitted to heaven, 
 or doomed to hell ! How little are all temporal con- 
 cerns, when compared with this ! Can that man 
 be deemed wife, who prepares not for his chief and 
 principal trial ? Can Chrift look on fuch a man, 
 as one who regards his fayings ? Can he be faid to 
 prepare for his Lord's coming, who is totally un- 
 poncerned about it ? 
 
 The contents of this chapter were left on record, 
 
 to 
 
( 97 ) 
 
 to warn even wife virgins, that they fhould tak« 
 care and fee that their lamps continue burning. He 
 who knew how frequently the wife flumber, gives 
 all profelTors fuch a warning, as will be of fervice 
 to. the lateft ages. 
 
 Let us firft take notice of this character, or title, 
 which Chrift here gives himfelf : Then Jhall the 
 ■King fay, &c. This is one of thofe titles given 
 him by the prophets, Ifaiah xxxii. i. Behold, a 
 King fialL reign in righteoufnefs, &c. The Pfal- 
 mifl fpeaks of this King and kingdom, in Pfalm 
 Ixxii. 11. Yea, all kings f mil fall down before 
 him : all nations fliall ferve him. 
 
 Though the world knew him not, and though hiB 
 difciples perceived little of his dignity, yet he him- 
 felf underftood it. John the Baptifl had fuch a view 
 of his glory, that he confelTed himfelf unworthy to 
 unloofe the latchet of his fhoes. Ifaiah, fpeaking of 
 his birth, makes ufe of expreflions, fuch as never 
 could be applied to any earthly monarch : Ifa. ix. 6* 
 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is 
 given, and the government fiall be upon his 
 fJioulder : and his name fxall be called Wonderful^ 
 Counfellor, the mighty God, the everlajling Father^ 
 the Prince of peace, Micah fpeaks of him as a 
 ruler, Mic. v. 2. But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, 
 though thou be little among the thoufands of Judah, 
 yet out of thee fiall he come forth unto me that is 
 to be ruler in Ifrael : vohofe goings forth have 
 been from of old, from everlajling, Zechariah 
 proclaims him a king, though coming into Jeru- 
 falem, riding on the foal of an afs, Zech, ix. 9. 
 
 The 
 
f S8 ) 
 
 The great things which had been prophefied of 
 this King, had railed: the expedlations of the Jews; 
 but their earthly defires running all upon a temporal 
 kingdom, when. they law no profped: of any fuch 
 fplendour, as is common to the .kingdoms of this 
 world, they rejected him. 
 
 Neverthelefs, the glory of this king wa&not to be 
 diminiflied, on account of the meannefs of his birth, 
 or the place of his abode, or the appearance of his 
 perfon : for his infinite condefcenfion will, in a par- 
 ticular manner, contribute to difplay his love, and 
 manifefl its glory to all eternity. 
 
 Though the world knew him not, yet the angels 
 of God worfhipped him : they perceived him to be 
 a king, though born in a ftable; therefore they 
 proclaimed him to the fliepherds to be Chrift the 
 Lord : they faw this to be that very perfon, who 
 fliould fit upon the tlirone of David for ever. 
 
 When Chrift came into public hfe, he foon made 
 it appear that he was pofiefled of an authority fu- 
 perior to that of the kings of the earth : the winds 
 and fea obeyed him; a iifh brought him tribute 
 money; the waters fupported him, or turned into 
 wine at his pleafure. 
 
 He proved to a demonftratlon, that all kinds of 
 diforders, were fubjed: to him. Thofe who were 
 pofTelTed of devils experienced his fovereign power, 
 and fpread his fame into every place. Pilate who 
 had heard fo much of his afpiring after kingly power, 
 when he beheld his mean appearance, faid. Art 
 thou a king ? Chrifl anfwered. To this end zcas I 
 born and for this end came I into the zoorld ; he 
 then forefaw the glory he now polTeiles. 
 
 Satan 
 
(99 ) 
 
 Satan experienced his kingly authority, both in 
 his life, death, and afcenfion. That enemy to men, 
 never afked leave of the kings of the earth, to 
 take polTefTion of any creature but of him. He 
 knew he could not fo much as deftroy the fwine with- 
 out his permiffion. While the infatuated Jews looked 
 upon him as an impoftor, thefe fallen fpirits befought 
 him, not to torment them before the time. 
 
 When the Saviour afcended, Satan experienced hiin 
 to be king indeed. It was then that Chrill drag- 
 ged him at his triumphant chariot wheels, leading 
 captivity captive : Satan then faw himfelf overc6me 
 in his ov/n kingdom. The ferpents head was crufhed, 
 and the fcripture glorioufly fulfilled. 
 
 All the heavenly inhabitants, on his arrival at 
 their world, proclaimed him King of kings : but this 
 was nothing to the high approbation of God his 
 Father, who faid to him: Thy throne, God, is for 
 ever and ever; the fceptre of thy kingdom ts a 
 right fceptre. How different was this to the treat- 
 ment he met with in this world ? he, who fiw fuch 
 fcorn and fhaking of the head, when he was hangmg 
 on the crofs, was received into heaven with InfinitQ 
 honor and pleafure. How infinite the contraft ? 
 From that period, to the day of judgment he reigns 
 as king, over angels, men, and devils, all being put 
 under him. AH creatures in heaven, earth, and 
 hell, mufl bow at his footflool. 
 
 Having reigned in heaven, he now prefents him- 
 felf, the only king; and before his-;^refence, ' all 
 authority both civil and religious for ever ceafes. 
 For he £haU put dowij ^\ rulc> and all authority. 
 
 For 
 
( i<^o ) 
 For he muft reign till he hath put all things under 
 his feet. Thofe who once were kings on the earthy 
 will now be ranked, with the meaneft who appear 
 before the judgment feat of Chrifl. 
 
 With what different feelings, will the fons of 
 Adam behold this King ? To fome he will appear 
 altogether lovely ; others will view him, as the mofb 
 guilty criminal looks upon the Judge, when he is 
 about to pafs on him the fentence of condemnation. 
 
 Whilft all are beholding him, what univerfal 
 attention, to the firft fentence that fhall drop from 
 his lips ! Then indeed lliall all, even thofe who were 
 once deaf, hear the voice of the Son of God. They 
 will hear him firft pronounce the bleffing on his 
 friends. 
 
 Let us take fome notice of this bleffing. We 
 may be affured the faved will, at that period, under- 
 ftand more fully what this is, than any of the people 
 of God do'now. Blejfed of my Father. To be 
 pardoned, is a great thing for a criminal ; but to be 
 bleffed, is fomething infinitely fuperior. How 
 happy do we often vainly fuppofe that man to be, 
 who enjoys the favor and efteem of an earthly prince 
 or monarch ! but what muft the happinefs of that 
 perfon be, upon whom the heart of God is fixed ? 
 
 Bl^fling, among creatures, is the out-going of 
 the heart, when raifed to the higheft pitch of affec- 
 tion. And can any imagine that with God, it is an 
 acl of indifference ? As the words of an honeft 
 man are the genuine pidbure of his heart ,• fo the 
 words of God are truly expreffive of that love 
 which he poffeffes towards thofe whom he thus 
 
 favors. 
 
(101 ) 
 
 favors. Jer. xxxli. 41. Yea, I will rejoice over 
 them to do them good, with my whole hearty and 
 with my xuhole foul. Concerning fuch, he can 
 with propriety fay^ Zeph. iii. 17. The Lord thy 
 God, will rejoice over thee with joy : he will rejh 
 in his love, he xoill joy over thee with Jinging. 
 
 Chrift only, who knows as he himfelf is knowil 
 of God, fully underftands that blefTing, which will 
 be pronounced upon the redeemed. As it is be- 
 yond the capacity of any created being, to compre- 
 hend that love which Chrift evidenced in dying 
 for his people ; fo the love of the Father, none can 
 fully perceive. But man's darknefs cannot dimi* 
 nifh the greatnefs of this bleffing. Saul's being 
 ignorant of the greatnefs of thofe mercies, which 
 had been given him in the purpofe of God, did 
 not leiTen their eife(5t on his perfon. 
 
 This is the blefTmg of him, who alone can make 
 us blelTed. Many are rendered miferable, by being 
 unable to make the objedls of their love comfortable : 
 but thofe who are the bielTed of the Lord, are 
 favoured indeed. We fee how effedlual tliis 
 bleffing was in the Ephefians, the Pagans, and 
 thofe who were dead in fm ; they were quickened, 
 their blind eyes opened, their fms were pardoned, 
 their perfons accepted in the beloved : thofe who 
 were polTeffed by Satan, were made temples of the 
 Holy Ghoft. Well might Paul, who faw all this, 
 fay, Eph. i. 3. Who hath blejfed us, &c. 
 
 This bleffing is an extenilve one; it reaches to 
 
 all things, both temporal and eternal; fo that al). 
 
 the afflidiions and providential difficulties, with 
 
 O which 
 
( 102 ) 
 
 which fuch perfons may .be excrcifed, all work 
 together for their good. 
 
 It 'is a blelTing of fuch a nature, a* proves it 
 would be inconfiftent with God, to withhold any 
 thing that would be for their good. 
 
 Thofe who will then be bleffed by Chrift, will 
 be fuch as have experienced the effed:s of it, both 
 in providences and ordinances. They are not de- 
 ferted, as the oftrich forfakes her eggs; but a 
 peculiar eye is fixed upon them wherever they 
 are; every thing that concerns them, is minutely 
 noticed by God; the very hairs of tluir heads 
 are numbered. 
 
 When we confider the loft and ruined ftate of 
 men, and the certainty of all the faved being heirs 
 of God, and joint-heirs with Chrift ; what greater 
 proof can we have of the greatnefs of this bleffing ? 
 And what can pofiibly give them fuch an idea of 
 the bleffmg of the Father, as that it was his pur- 
 pofe to conform them to the image of his Son } 
 
 The redeemed will be fully convinced, his in- 
 carnation and death, were for this very end ordained 
 by the Father. In thefe, believers behold, as it 
 were in a glafs, the infinite greatnefs of this blef- 
 iing. Had It not come through fuch an expenfive 
 channel, they could not have had fuch exalted 
 ideas of his infinite love : and iu nothing could 
 the love of God appear fo great, as in that which 
 is to be perpetually beheld in God in our nature. 
 
 Inherit the kingdom. An immediate fight of 
 the king, in all his glory, will aflift them in form-» 
 wg ideas of this kingdom, A. kingdom which 
 
 WQul4 
 
( J03 ) 
 
 would be fuitable for fiich a king, muft be glorious 
 indeed ! As the glory of Chrift himfelf is incon- 
 ceivably more magnificent, than that of all earthly 
 monarchs put together ; fo muft the glory of this 
 kingdom, as infinitely furpafs theirs. Chriftians 
 will enter into it, not only as pardoned rebels, 
 but as children and heirs. They have a full right 
 and title to this honor, by their union with Chrift ; 
 his father is their father, and therefore his home 
 is their home for ever. This is the certain confe- 
 quence of being married to the Lord himfelf. And 
 they fee that their being brought into this relation, 
 is the free gift, and according to the infinite love 
 of the Father. Therefore they will enter heaven, 
 not merely as redeemed, but as infinitely beloved. 
 He who loved them fo, as to take them into fo 
 high a relation, will more than welcome them into 
 the heavenly kingdom. As there is no defcribing 
 the greatnefs of this love, fo it is impoflible for any 
 to conceive how they will be admitted into heaven. 
 Jude 24. And to prefent you fault lefs before the 
 pre fence of his glory with exceeding joy. 
 
 Prepared for you. In this preparation, the 
 love of God is peculiarly manifefted. In this, far 
 greater things have been done, than in the whole 
 fyftem of nature befides. This preparation was 
 firft in the purpofe and decree of Godj and was 
 perfected at that period, when Chrift afcended his 
 throne of glory — It is therefore now complete. 
 
 From the foundation of the xcorld. This, no 
 
 doubt, is particularly mentioned by Chrift, to im- 
 
 prefs thtir hearts more with his love, who has 
 
 O 2 fe 
 
( 104 ) 
 
 {b blelfed them, as to make them heirs of this 
 kingdom — therefore he informs them, it was in the 
 purpole of God made fure to them from eternity. 
 
 Can any hear this fubjedt without fomc fuch 
 reflections as thefe : On which hand will this great 
 King place me ? fhall I fhare of this bleffing ? Have 
 I a place prepared for me in the world of glory ? 
 We are now providentially brought together as a 
 family -, fliall we all appear together at the right 
 hand of the Son of God ? They whofe hearts 
 unite in worfhip, Ihall not be feparated at the great 
 day. If we can fee Chrift on the throne of grace 
 with pieafure, we need not enquire whether we 
 ihall behold him on his judgment feat with confi- 
 dence and joy, or with the utmoft dread and horror: 
 for all who fee the Son, fo as to take pieafure in 
 him, in this world, fhall never perilh. Thofe will 
 never iink under his frowns, who have had their 
 higheft happinefs in the enjoyment of his pre fence. 
 
 The certainty of being faved or loft, is fome- 
 thing fo folemn, that it commands fuch an enquiry. 
 We fhall foon be crowned with glory in heaven, or 
 fufferinor the vcn2:eance of eternal fire in hell. 
 There is no medium between thefe infinite ex- 
 tremes. Thoufands have been fo buried in the 
 things of time, that they have never attended to 
 their chief concerns; and have learnt their im- 
 portance in that place, where knowledge only 
 increafes mjfery. 
 
 To attempt evading fuch a fcrutiny, argues a 
 great diflike to this King -, and fliews that you look 
 on the kingdom here mentioned, as not to be com- 
 pared 
 
t 105 ) 
 
 pared with the pleafures of this world, and intend 
 to make fure of the latter, but not to take the lead 
 pains to obtain the former. 
 
 How will they behold the King, who Piave wil- 
 fully turned a deaf ear to every command ! nay, 
 who have even refufed to fpend one hour to obtain 
 that falvation, which coil this glorious King his 
 blood ! Thoufands of fuch muft be placed at his left 
 hand; who, when they behold the glory of hfli 
 perfon, will then fee the greatnefs of that redemp- 
 tion, which they treated with inexcufable negle<5t. 
 
 Do 'you believe that the eyes of this glorious 
 King, are now obferving, in the moil minute 
 manner, how his authority is regarded ? Does not 
 he take notice, whether you are attending to thefe 
 his words, or are cafting them behind your back ? 
 As, at the great day, he will not look with indif- 
 ference, either on the faved or on the loft -, fo novir 
 alfo, he fearcheth our hearts and trieth our reins. 
 
 Can you fuppofe, that they who live without 
 concern about being prepared to meet him, can be 
 faid to live rationally ? Can a man be faid to a6t 
 wifely, who neglects that branch of bufinefs by 
 which his body mufl: be fupported ? 
 
 What crouds are now in the broad road, who 
 never coniider whether the King will place them 
 at his right or left hand ? The frame of mind 
 which they difcover, proves to a demonftration, 
 that they are faying to the Lord, Depart Jr 0771 us^ 
 we dcfire not the knowledge of thy xvays. But can 
 thefe be trading for the King, and defirous of im- 
 proving 
 
C 106 ) 
 
 prdving every talent ? or can fuch erafe from their 
 minds all thoughts of the day of judgment ? 
 
 Can the wicked flatter themfelves, that the King 
 ivill fay to them, Coim ye blejfed of my Father ? 
 Whatever pleafure a fmner may promife himfelf 
 in a courfe of lin, he will find it impolTible to 
 banifli from his mind all reflediions of its dreadful 
 confequences. Would you be willing to be num- 
 bered with the wicked, when the Great Shepherd is 
 dividing the Iheep from the goats ? You can never 
 fuppofe, that they can be the favourites of heaven, 
 who have an averfion to all heavenly things. Can 
 thofe be Chrift's fervants, who have not the lead 
 concern to pleafe him ? 
 
 Have not numberlefs multitudes gone to their 
 graves in this carelefs path, who are nov,^ every 
 moment, thinking of this glorious King, and of 
 the fummons which hell itfelf mufl: hear and obey, 
 to appear before his tribunal ? Only to begin to 
 think of Chrift in mifery, is dreadful indeed ! Loft 
 creatures would never cry to the rocks and moun- 
 tains to hide them from the wrath of the lamb, 
 were they as ignorant of this King in hell, as 
 many are on the earth. Belfhazzar lived without 
 concern, till the awfal fummons was written upon 
 the wall : but in mifery, none can be thoughtlefs. 
 
 Is it net too evident, that this fubje<5l is but little 
 confidered? Bat is it poffible for perlbns who have 
 the advantage of hearing of thefe things, to live as 
 void of thought, as thofe who can neither read the 
 word of God, iior enjoy the opportunity of hear- 
 ing it preached ? If you, v/ho have thefe folemn 
 
 iubjeds 
 
( 107 ) 
 
 fubjedls fet before you, live as the world doy yoyi 
 are finning at a higher rate, than thofe who are 
 trained up in fin, and who, inftead of beine warned 
 againft it, are encouraged in their folly. 
 
 I cannot but confider myfelf, as called upon by 
 this great King; to warn you, and I would do it as 
 one, who wiflies nothing fo much, as to fee and 
 hear you blefied before the alTembled world. T'he 
 very hope of this being the cafe, excites me to em- 
 brace every opportunity of inflrudling and admo- 
 nifliing you. You have long hearkened to what 
 the world has had to fay, will you now attend and 
 hear what the Son of God fpeaks to you in Jii^ 
 word ? 
 
 I would wifh yoH to confider, that it is yauiv 
 judge who fpeaks to you in this fcripture : he 
 whom you muft behold on his tribunal, and who 
 now addreffes you as individually as if there were 
 not another perfon under heaven. Can you thirtk 
 with pleafure of the period when you mull: botli 
 fee and hear your judge ? Will you feel no guilty, 
 when he looks you in the face ; and when you be- 
 hold thofe eyes of his, which are brighter than ten 
 thoufmd funs ? This greateft of all periods, that 
 ever men or angels faw, is fet before you by Chrifl 
 himfelf Look on thefe words, as if you heard 
 Chrift himfelf defcribe to you the r^anner of tho. 
 laft judgment. It is a day, which ought to engage 
 your thoughts more than all the concerns of time. 
 
 Why is this fo particularly revealed ? Why did 
 Chrift fpeak of the faved and the lofl being thus 
 f^parated, and declare what he himfelf would fay 
 
( io8 ) 
 
 tcx each ? but that our hearts might not only be 
 imprelTed with the general truths, but with all its 
 particulars — particulars fuch as no mortal ever heard 
 of before ! Did any tongue, fince the heavens and 
 the earth were created, ever fpeak fuch things as 
 thefe ? 
 
 It makes a far greater impreflion upon us, to 
 behold with our eyes any thing tranfafted, than 
 merely to hear of it. Noah's fons had heard 
 much about the flood ; but how differently did they 
 feel when they faw fo many millions perilling in 
 the waters ? Though we hear Chrift himfelf fpeak 
 of this folemn period, it will be infinitely more 
 grand and affediing to behold it. Realize v/hat is 
 here revealed. Be as if you faw the whole human 
 race thus feparatcd by the King himfelf; and never 
 to mix together one moment more for ever : fathers 
 on the right hand, and fons on the left; and again, 
 fons on the right hand, and fathers on the left. 
 
 How many parents will look on thofe who once 
 ftood in the relation of children to them ; and chil- 
 dren upon thofe who were once dear to them as 
 parents; but Vv^ho are now feparated from them for 
 ever ! The righteous will be witnefTes of the dam- 
 pation of the wicked. What thoui«tnd« of parents 
 will behold the children, for whom they have been 
 long concerned, loft after all. 
 
 All relative ties being utterly broken, the faved 
 will look upon the loft, without the ieaft diftrefs : 
 were not this to be the cafe, no glorified iaint 
 could be happy. It will be an awful addition to 
 the mifery of the wicked, to behold thofe very per- 
 
 fong 
 
( 109 ) 
 
 foiiS, who, for many years, had manifefted the 
 greateft concern for their immortal happinefs, novV 
 acqnlefce in their damnation ! 
 
 If the faved could not acquiefce in the deftrucftion 
 of the wicked, there w'oidd be a gloomy company 
 at Chriil's right hand. Were there to be the leaft 
 diffatisfadiion with the decifion of the Judge, it 
 would be both difagreeable to the King, and dimi- 
 nifli that love which the faints feel toward him^ 
 who has redeemed them to God by his blood. 
 
 I fear not your being happy, who love to hear 
 this King fpeak in his word. You defire both to 
 know his will and to comply with all his commands. 
 The way is not too narrow for you. You experience 
 his yoke to be eafy. Your names are now engraven 
 on the palms of his hands. You are iiow prying 
 into this bleffing of the father. To you it is a 
 delightful fubjed. You are convinced that thofe 
 only are blefled who fee ^nd partake of it in this 
 worldi Be affured that his voice, which will be 
 more terrible than thunder to his enemies, will be 
 the fweeteft mulic to your ears. 
 
 Mufl not the king of heaven regard thofe, who 
 are not only fceking for a bleffing in ordinances for 
 themfelves, but are longing to have the pleafure of 
 feeing others afking the way to Zion ? Thefe are 
 on the Kihg's fide. Thefe are the friends of the Son 
 of God. Such will hear the found of the Bride- 
 groom's voice with pleafure. Every prayer you 
 have put up for Zion is on record in heaven. 
 
 But how different is your lituation, who fow to 
 
 nothing but the fkfli ! You fuppofe this King to be 
 
 P a 
 
{ no ) 
 
 a hard mailer ; your ears are deaf to his most en- 
 couraging invitations. You flee from this Hght; 
 and feel an averlion even to hear of the name of 
 Zion's King. And is not this observed in heaven ? 
 Do not the angels of God take notice with what 
 frame of fpirit you hear the word of God ? 
 
 Why turn your backs on religion ? Is it polTible 
 for you to fuppofe, that this fubjed: does not con- 
 cern you ? Can the criminal perfuade himfelf, that 
 he has no need to be anxious about the affizcs, or 
 who is to be the perfon of his judge ? Is it rational 
 to put off the evil day ? Can you indulge the leafl 
 hope of efcaping ? Can you flee from the dominions 
 of this King, or elude his judgments ? 
 
 if you die enemies to Chrifl:, death will be his 
 fummons to fetch your immortal fouls to hell I 
 And could the dufl of your bodies mix| with 
 the winds, or mingle with the feas, he will raife 
 it on purpofe to fit it for deflrudion. And 
 ihall the damned be thus raifed ? And do they be- 
 lieve that they fhall be no fooner raifed than the 
 Judge will thus feparate them ? How dreadful then 
 muft be the cafe of thofe who are now in hell ? 
 There is no unbelief in that world of darknefs. Its 
 inhabitants fully believe that their fouls fliail be 
 united again to their bodies, and be arranged with 
 all the damned before this King of glory ; and they 
 muft conjedure what kind of an appearance they fliall 
 then make. How fliould I now feel were I per- 
 fuaded that a child of mine were now in hell ! And 
 if through my negled he had gone blindfold and 
 uawarncd there^,. would it be any fatisfadion to me, 
 
 that 
 
( 111 ) 
 
 fliat he had been poiTefTed of riches and honors In 
 this world ? Thefe would only aggravate his mifery. 
 
 Children ! thefe fubjedts are as true as that God 
 ever created the heavens and the earth. Ana can I 
 polTefs the leaft regard for you, and not be concern- 
 ed, when I am fo fully convinced of thofe infinite 
 things which you mufl foon either enjoy or fufFer ? 
 And muft it not excite my fears to fee you now averfe 
 to religion ? To perceive in you a determination to 
 purfue your finful pleafures, while you make light 
 of the gofpel ? 
 
 Shall I fee you bleiled and inheriting a kingdom, 
 or il^iall I behold you curled in life, in death, and at 
 the judgment day ? The infinite difference there will 
 be between the bleifed and the curfed fills me with 
 anxiety for ycu. 
 
 If your fouls are, by the gofpel, transformed into 
 the image of God, your bodies fliall eternally bear 
 the image of the heavenly Adam. Who can de- 
 fcribe that glory to which the redeemed fhall be 
 advanced ? How infinitely (hall they be raifed above 
 all toil, and care, and fin, and pain? Many who 
 have been all their life time the flaves of cruel 
 mailers and opprefibrs, will have a jubilee indeed. 
 
 Deliverance from fuch a fituation is an inefi:ima- 
 ble favour; but to be advanced to infinite honor, 
 to be called brethren by Chriil himfelf, before the 
 whole world, is a far greater blefiing. Why fliould 
 a Chriftian, who is thus favoured, think himfelf 
 poor ? Would the heir of a rich empire think his 
 dignity diminifhed, if, for a few months in fome 
 foreign country, he be in want of almoll every ne- 
 P 2 ceflary? 
 
( 112 ) 
 
 cellary ? In a few moments the poor Chriftian will 
 be admitted to the polTeiTion of his eternal kingdom; 
 and not be like thofe who arrive at an earthly crown, 
 and foon take leave of all their honors : this honor 
 is as immutable as God himfelf. 
 
 One of you may in this world be more rich 
 than another, or endure far more pain and affliction 
 than another ; but this difference is of little confe- 
 quence, to that of being heirs with Chriff, or com- 
 panions of devils, and being loft to all eternity. 
 This is a difparity which baffles all computation ! 
 
 The higheft angel could not inform you properly, 
 of the infinite difference that there is between John 
 in heaven and Judas in hell ; or of the difpropor- 
 tion there will be at the laff day, between the glory 
 of the one and the difgrace of the other. Behold 
 the one at the right hand of the Judge, highly 
 honored and infinitely beloved ! and the other at the 
 left, for ever feparated from that bleffed family, 
 with w^hom he once attended I The awful man, 
 whofe covetous heart found pleafure when he re- 
 ceived the price of blood, the thirty pieces of filver ! 
 Now Jefus is beheld by Judas with a different, eye. 
 
 Can you then be furprifed at my concern for you, 
 when you yourfelves are fo fully perfuaded, that the 
 greateft part of mankind are awfully deluded, and are, 
 Judas like, leaving Chrift, and prefering any paltry 
 fum to his favor; and as infenfible of their dangers, 
 as thofe who were fo long warned in the days of 
 Noah ? 
 
 Muff not that man's fituation be dreadful beyond 
 ftl] dcfcription, who, being immerfed in worldly 
 
 pleafure. 
 
( 113 ) 
 
 pkaiure, is fnatched from his dalliance with fin, and 
 from his wicked conipanions to the flames of hell, 
 to be tormented by devils with the lofl for ever ? 
 Who would not tremble at the thought of being 
 left to be hardened againft God ? 
 
 Thoufands now deftitute of confideration, are 
 going down the broad road to deftrudion. There 
 is little profpedt of efcaping everlafting mifery, with- 
 out being roufed from our natural infenfibility. 
 Chrift's difcourfes, above all others, have this ten- 
 dency. I recommend it to you, frequently to think 
 of his fayings. Did you ever think feriouily of 
 the words of Chrift in this paifage ? 
 
 You fee in thefe ftriking and inftruding words of 
 Chrift, the awful condition of the wicked, ai^d alfo 
 the happinefs of the faved. How incomprehenfibly 
 will the love of Chrift fliine, when the faved fhall 
 hear him fay, that what has been done againft them, 
 he efteemed as done to himfelf. 
 
 Would you be thus blefled ? Let your ears be at- 
 tentive to the advice of Chrift. In fome retired 
 place take up this fubje(fb, and pray that the Holy 
 Ghoft may be given to in^iirud: you effedlually* 
 Confider this bleffing has been obtained in every 
 age. The King is not on the throne of judgment 
 now, Jt is he that now invites fmners to come to 
 him. 
 
 There is a particular promife to encourage early 
 enquirers: T/wfe that feek me early fiall find me» 
 This proves how agreeable it is to the Judge him- 
 felf, to behold young perfons on their knees. View 
 it as a particular hand of God, that you are not in 
 
 ^milie^ 
 
( «i4 ) 
 
 families wliere all are encouraged to live in fin. 
 Should you turn a deaf ear to Chrift now fpeaking 
 to you from heaven, your punifhment will be more 
 intolerable than that of thofe who never enjoyed fo 
 great a privilege. 
 
 When I read this faying of Chrift, I cannot but 
 realize that period when we fhall all behold and at- 
 tend this King of glory ! We {hall make a part of 
 that numerous, but divided, family of the whole 
 v-orld, which (liall be then aflembled before him. 
 1 am aware that the great deceiver of mankind will 
 exert all his art to divert you from this important 
 fubjedl — a fubjedl which I fear has fcarcely ever 
 fuitably affedied your minds. 
 
 Would you follow Chrifh's advice? pray that you 
 may not enter into temptation. O! that I could 
 indulge the hope, that not one of my family iliall 
 be fccn on the left hand of the Son of God. The 
 King is my witnefs, that my affedtion for you makes 
 me fludy in what way I can be mcfl ufeful to your 
 immortal fouls. Your attention to, and delight in, 
 heavenly things, would be a beginning of heaven to 
 my foul. I fliould look on you as already bleifed, 
 and confider the King as delighting in your perfons. 
 I could then anticipate that glorious period, when 
 we fliall all, by the King himfelf, be placed at his 
 tight hand ; and, with all his favorites, be blefTed 
 with an abundant entrance into that kingdom, pre- 
 pared from the foundation of the world. 
 
 JLND OF THJE FIFTH EXERCISJi. 
 
FAMILY EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 ^ixtif €j;cmse. 
 
 DANIEL. 
 
 I make a decree, that in every dominion of my 
 kingdovi, onen tremble and fear before the God 
 of Daniel, 
 
 Dan. vi. 26. 
 
 JLN the remarkable trial of Daniel, the defign of 
 God fliould be particularly attended to. It might 
 appear, even to fome who feared God, very per- 
 plexing, that one of his eminent fervants Ihould be? 
 delivered into the hands of the vileft men; that 
 his enemies had for a time fuch caufe to exult, 
 and his godly friends to be depreiTed. But God^ 
 who perfectly faw the end from the beginning, 
 knew that he could make darknefs light ; and fur- 
 prife his children, by turning their greateft difficul- 
 ties into the greatefl mercies. 
 
 Daniel's enemies had quite the reverfe in view, 
 and when, through their flratagem, he was thrown, 
 to the lions, they were aflured that they had ob- 
 tained their defire. Truly may it be faid. The ten^ 
 der mercies of the wicked are cruelty : and if it is 
 fo awful to fall into the hands of wicked men, hovr 
 dieadful to be m the power of devils ! The more 
 
 wc 
 
( H6 ) 
 
 w^ confider tlie different parts of this hiflory, tkc 
 more malicious and wicked will the fpirit of Daniel's 
 enemies appear* 
 
 Their fcheme to deftroy him was wifely planned^ 
 and carried into execution with all the artifice and 
 cunning that hell itfelf could invent. The wicked^ 
 like their father the devil, are wife in their gene- 
 ration. When they have fome diabolical end to ob- 
 tain, they feldom are long in devifmg the tneans ta 
 accomplifh it. 
 
 Gladly would thefe fervants of fin^ have found 
 fome accufation againfl Daniel, from any other 
 quarter than that of his religion -, but they were 
 foon convinced, that his conduct was fuch, that 
 there was no poffibility of fucceeding, except in 
 this. And Satan, under whofe particular influence 
 they now were, was principally enraged at his reli- 
 gion. Satan's empire can never be fecure, whilft 
 there is one man of God to difturb it. 
 
 The king, being newly come to the throne, faw 
 nothing of their deiign : he was ealily perfuaded to 
 make and feal the decree : and did that in one mo- 
 ment, which, had not God appeared in a moft 
 wonderful manner, would have been his grief to 
 the end of his life. It is no difficult matter for 
 defigning men to deceive the upright. Bat though 
 the king was ignorant of their plot, it was well 
 known in heaven. Satan, with all his cunning, 
 cannot forefee how fuch hellifh fchemes will ter- 
 minate in the glory of God, and the honor and com- 
 fort of his children^. 
 
 The 
 
( 117 ) 
 
 The ignorance of the king was abfoliitely ne- 
 ceflary to the accompliiliment of this myfterious 
 providence. The whole plan would have mifcar- 
 ried, if Darius had perceived the fiiiallefl: part, of 
 it. But God, whofe glory was to be difplayed in 
 overruling the whole, ordained it to be thus* The 
 malice of thefe men was the means of raifing 
 Daniel to higher honors than all the kindnefs of 
 his friends. 
 
 Not much time would be lofi: after the king had 
 fealed the decree : having fucceeded in the main 
 part, they would proceed with fpirit, and be con* 
 fident of compleating their wiflies. Thar feet 
 were fijoift to Jlied blood. 
 
 Doubtlefs fome friend would go in hafte to in* 
 form Daniel of his danger, and advife him to wor- 
 fhip his God privaccly, where no human eye could 
 be witnefs to his devotion. Such advice would be 
 well meant, and might appear prudent i but v/her,e 
 God's glory v/as fo particularly concerned, his ler- 
 vant, ftrengthened with his might, would rather 
 venture on the mercy of lions, than provoke the 
 jealoufy of a God. God, who had fomething of 
 infinite importance to accompli Ih, gave Daniel pe- 
 culiar courage. He not only woril:iipped God, but 
 in fuch a manner as convinced the world, that it 
 became the worfhipper of the true God not to bs 
 afhamed of his condud;; and that a fenfe of his 
 favor, would enable him to trample on death itfelf, 
 in its mod dreadful forms. Daniel knew that the 
 lions were creatures which God governs as well as 
 creates. 
 
 Q_ Had 
 
( ii8 ) 
 
 Had thefe men underftood that Daniel had re- 
 ceived intelligence of their defign, they would have 
 been ready to conclude that their fcheme was blafted. 
 Few plots are laid fo fecretly, but fome obtain a 
 knowledge of them. Had thefe enemies of Daniel 
 found his friends haftening to inform him, they 
 would not have fuffered them to reach the end of 
 their journey : thofe who thirfled fo for Daniel's 
 blood, would not have fuppofed theirs facred. 
 
 They did not haften to the king at the conclulion 
 of Daniel's firft prayer ; but wifhing to have as 
 much to accufe him of as they could, they waited 
 till he had prayed the third time. Obferving him to 
 be fo bold, they mufl: fuppofe either that he had no 
 knowledge of the decree, or that he was fully de- 
 termined to try the ifTue. 
 
 When thefe fpies had been witnefs to his prayers, 
 how would they congratulate each other, drawing 
 the firmeil conclulion of his deflrudtion, as the 
 laws of the Medes and Perfians could not be re- 
 yerfed. This was their comfort. Daniel was too 
 great a favorite with the king, for them to have 
 the leafl hope of obtaining their dreadful end, but 
 from this quarter. 
 
 Before the king could perceive any part of their 
 defign, they obtain from him a confeffion, both of 
 his having made fuch a decree, and fealed it ; not 
 that they could fuppofe him to be ignorant of it, 
 but to make their claim appear more jull and for- 
 cible. 
 
 The peculiar manner in which they introduced 
 tlie name of Daniel, mufl convince the king of 
 
 their 
 
( 119 ) 
 
 their malice againft the man whom he loved. And no 
 fooner was Daniel's name mentioned, than Darius 
 perceived the dreadful intention of thefe defperate 
 men. 
 
 Though Darius was fo great a king, yet he ftrove 
 in vain to deliver his beloved Daniel. Being but 
 newly made a king, for him to have altered that in 
 which they had fo long gloried, might have been 
 detrimental to him in his future government. Thefe 
 enemies underftood this : therefore, having got the 
 decree ratified and fealed, they were certain of its 
 being executed. Dear as Daniel was to Darius, 
 yet they knew that the honor of his crown was 
 much more fo. 
 
 Thefe men underftood where the ftrength of 
 their argument with the king lay ; therefore they 
 fpoke of the impoflibility of fuch a decree being 
 changed. Darius now experienced the folly of 
 lillening to the voice of flattery. He once thought 
 it was a regard for his honor which made them 
 propofe the decree ; but he now finds, that neither 
 regard to him nor the kingdom was the caufe, but 
 malice againft Daniel. 
 
 With what joy and exultation would thefe im- 
 placable men fee the officers fetch Daniel from his 
 houfe, to be devoured by the lions! The fallen 
 fpirits cannot fee a loft foul carried to their difmal 
 cavern with more horrid fatisfadtion, than thefe 
 men beheld Daniel at this moft trying period. 
 
 With what a different frame of mind did Darius 
 
 behold his faithful fervant, betrayed by the worft of 
 
 men ? His heart bled for him. He muft think how 
 
 <i^2 he 
 
( 120 ) 
 
 he iliould be able in future, to manage fuch awful 
 and Gefperate wretches. 
 
 We may be aifured that thefe men had many ac- 
 complices, to whom the news of their fuccefs was 
 fent. No doubt thoufands of fpedators would be- 
 hold, with concern, this man of God cail into the 
 den ; while his enemies, having now obtained their 
 wifh, would affemble together to rejoice. His 
 fufferings which make humanity itfelf fliudder, 
 afforded them the higheft fatisfadion. Little did 
 they think, how foon they themfelves fliould be 
 dragged to the mouth of that very den, and that 
 thoufands would rejoice in their deftrudlion. The 
 triumph of the wicked is but for a moment. What 
 a myftery is there in the difpenfations of providence. 
 When God is glorifying himfelf in a wonderful 
 manner, in fliewing to all future generations his 
 love, his power, and his kindnefs to Daniel, thefe 
 wicked men, by the fame providence, are fitting 
 themfelves as veflels of wrath, to be fuch as will be 
 ranked among thofe, on whom God v/ill make 
 known his mighty power to all eternity. 
 
 While thefe men caroufe, Darius, full of fear, 
 mixed with fome unaccountable hope, pafies the 
 night lleeplefs. Daniel's innocence and eminency 
 now endear him more and more to Darius ; and 
 every refle(5tion increafes his perplexity for him. 
 
 I wonder whether it was fpecified in the decree 
 how long Daniel muft be in the den. But ten 
 minutes would have been as fatal a punifliment, 
 among a number of hungry lions, as ten years. 
 
 For Daniel to have been a fliort time in the 
 
 den 
 
( 121 ) 
 
 den, would not have anfwered the end which God 
 had in view. If he had been but juft put in, and 
 taken out again immediately, God's power in his 
 prefervation would not have been fo confpicuous. 
 Time is God's opportunity to manifeft his power and 
 love. It will require the whole of that time which 
 is betw^een the two eternities, for God to finifh the 
 wonderful plans he has laid. 
 
 Never was any fervant of God before in fuch a 
 fituation as this. Trials, when entirely new, are the 
 more ditiicult. To hear that we are but in the fame 
 I'oad, in which others more eminent than ourfelve6 
 have been, affords us fome comfort. 
 
 How could God be far from that den into which 
 fuch a faithful fervant and beloved friend of his, had 
 been (o unjuftly caff. We may fuppofe, that the 
 happieft night which Daniel ever fpent in this worlds 
 was under ground amona: the lions. The more dan* 
 gerous his fituation, the more vifible the hand of 
 God. Thefe lions were Daniel's librar}'; and in 
 every book he read the infinite love of God to his 
 perfon. 
 
 If ever there was a particular neceflity for the 
 angels of God to be miniftering fpirits, it v/as at this 
 time. Their majefty, might as much awe the lions, 
 as the fight of the angel did Balaam's afs. In this 
 den Daniel learnt more of God, than in all the 
 years of his life before. Times of trial are frequently 
 our richeft feafons; while thofe of indulgence, only 
 afford us painful refledtions. Rich metals are not 
 often found upon the furface of the ground. 
 
 This 
 
( 122 ) 
 
 This ii-ght, which was long and tedious to the 
 king, was a mofl happy feafon to Daniel. To be 
 in trouble, and to be ignorant how to feek that relief 
 which comes from God, is the common lot of wicked 
 men. 
 
 How early was Darius at the den ! and very likely 
 accompanied by numbers of his nobles ; fome of 
 whom perhaps might have a refpedt for Daniel, but 
 others, overjoyed that he could no longer be an eye- 
 fore to them. Such mud grieve to fee the king fo 
 much concerned for a man whom they hoped was 
 now in the lions bellies. Darius' heart was too 
 full to take notice how thofe were that accompa- 
 nied him. He haflens to the den. His tone of 
 voice indicates how much his heart was imprelTed. 
 
 To hear a heathen king {^.j, Jew ant oj- the living 
 God, fecms fomethmg fupernatural. The king's 
 confcience informed him, that it was pure regard to 
 ferve God which influenced Daniel^ to choofe rather 
 to be thrown to lions, than to difhonor him. 
 
 The king fpake with the utmofi: feeling, Daniel 
 could fcarcely expe6t fuch a vifitor, and fo early in 
 the morning. As he knew the king's regard for 
 him, he could only fuppofe that it would pain the 
 king to fee that den, where his faithful fervant had 
 been torn to pieces. 
 
 Who could be more overjoyed to hear Daniel's 
 Toice once more, than the king? Surely Darius 
 could fcarcely believe his own ears till he himfelf 
 faw Daniel afccnding from the den. 
 
 How would every ear liften while Daniel declares, 
 that through the guardian care of his God, he ilill 
 
 lives i 
 
 I 
 
( i23 ) 
 
 lives ! he not only tells them this, but llkewife ex^ 
 preft the greatefl regard for the king, knowing 
 that he had been deceived by his enemies. What 
 a change of countenances in a moment at the lide 
 of this den ! An angel could not have furprifed 
 the company more. How do they all gaze at the 
 man whom the lions durfl not touch ! 
 
 Thofe who like the king came forrowful, are now 
 tranfported with joy; and thofe who felt a dreadful 
 fatisfaction in the thoughts of Daniel's having bee» 
 devoured, muft be thunder il-ruck ! Daniel's coun- 
 tenance mull make their very blood chill in their 
 veins. How confounded to fee their horrid plot 
 thus turn out to their confulion ! 
 
 How would the eyes of Pagans gaze at Daniel, 
 when they faw him come out of the den without 
 harm ! Here could be no deceit. The lions w^ere 
 not capable of being bribed. Daniel's enemies would 
 take care that the lions Ihould not glut themfelves 
 with food, until his body had afforded a repaft to 
 their empty ftomachs. If beholding a miracle would 
 have converted men, God would here have had a 
 great church at once : but except the power of God 
 change the heart, thefe only excite a natural fur- 
 prife, and leave the mind unacquainted with God. 
 
 No fooner does the king behold his faithful fer- 
 vant fo highly favoured of God, but he immediately 
 turns his thoughts on revenge upon his enemies. 
 He vv^as fully perfuaded that no God whom they 
 ferved could thus deliver from the lions. 
 
 Thofe who devifed the lions den as a puni(hment 
 for Daniel, little thought they were then contriving 
 
 the 
 
( 124 ) 
 
 the awful manner of their own death. Frequently 
 God punifhes wicked men, as he did Haman, in the 
 fame manner in which-they themfelves l^ad defigned 
 to do others. 
 
 The hons had been fupperlefs the lafl: night, but 
 now the king determines that they fliall be fatisfied 
 before noon. His command was no doubt urgent ; 
 and Daniel being now a greater favorite than ever, 
 there would be no deficiency of hands to feize his 
 foes. 
 
 The news having excited the curiofity of all 
 Babylon, what a countlefs num.ber would afiemble 
 to witnefs the dreadful end of thefe men, now drag- 
 ged to the very den, into which they had caufed 
 Daniel to be thrown ! Could they approach the den 
 with that compofure and fortitude that Daniel did ? 
 
 Darius would certainly inform the multitude, of 
 the wicked plan thefe vile men had laid, and the 
 propriety of their being now caft into the den them- 
 felves. They who had been v/itnefs to the king's 
 diflrefs at the thought of Daniel's being cafl into the 
 den, now faw Darius determined to effe<5t their im- 
 mediate deftruction. 
 
 The king now had nothing to fear ^ he reads in 
 the very countenances of his people, tlieir approba- 
 tion of his condud:. Glad to perform the command- 
 ment of Darius, they caft the enemies of Daniel into 
 the den without mercy. 
 
 The lafl who fuffered mud have experienced the 
 Worft death ; the flirieks of thofe already devoured 
 would ftrike terror into the guiltlefs, much more 
 ,would they nil with inexpreffible horror thofe v^^hp 
 
 were 
 
( »25 ) 
 
 ^crc deferving of fuch a death. The fpedlators 
 muft be furprifed to fee thofe very lioiis, which 
 would not fo much as hurt Daniel, break the bones 
 of his foes> before they reached the bottom of the 
 den. 
 
 Here we fee what a great difference God made 
 between his fervants and his foes. Daniel is pre- 
 ferved and honored, but who can confider the punifh- 
 m'ent of thefe men without the greateft horror I 
 
 Their promifed pleafure in fin was fhort ; their 
 guilt and difgrace adds to their terror now, and mufl 
 make their ideas of eternity terrible beyond imagina- 
 tion. 
 
 Let us from this inftrudting hiflory, learn the ad- 
 vantages which God's people have m this world, and 
 ihe certainty they have of glory in the world to 
 come. 
 
 Daniel faw more in this den then merely his pre- 
 fervation. While his enemies were rejoicing, how 
 different were the pleafures which he experienced. 
 Such an evidence as he had of God's peculiar care 
 and love, muff both excite him to, and affift him in 
 holding fcllowfhip with God. We are fully con- 
 vinced of being more than merely noticed by God, 
 when we fee that we are receiving fpecial and dillin-^ 
 guifhing mercies from him — One moment of fuch 
 pleafure as a godly man experiences, when be- 
 holding himfelf, under the fmiles of heaven, is 
 a happinefs of which worldly men are wholly ig- 
 norant. 
 
 Daniel's regard to God, influenced him to fulfil his 
 
 ilation in fuch a manner as infured him honor, and 
 
 R caufed 
 
( 126 ) 
 
 caufed him to be difllngulflied in the court of Darius^ 
 while thofe men who were ilaves to their lufts, brought 
 themfelves into ihame and difgrace, and involved all 
 who were connected with them in mifery. Thus their 
 fni plunged both themfelves and families in ruin. 
 
 Few chriilians are aware, what temporal mercies 
 they are made partakers of, by being religious, 
 though they behold fo many run headlong to deftruc- 
 tion: thofe who live under the dominion of their own 
 lulls are expofed to every fnare. 
 
 Could a man, after experiencing fuch kifldnefs from 
 God as Daniel did, fear being deftroyed eternally ? 
 The pleafures arifmg from a certainty of heaven, are 
 pleafures of which the men of this world have no 
 idea ; and it is an advantage, which many chriftians 
 enjoy little of: one reafon is the little attention they 
 pay to this neceflary part of Chriftlan knowledge; 
 and another reafon is, that many judge of their flate 
 too much by their frames, which are perpetually 
 changing. Daniel had all his other experiences 
 confirmed by this remarkable inftance of GodV 
 kindnefs. 
 
 It is a fmgular honor to have an opportunity, to 
 ftand up for God, in a place where there is every 
 thing to difcourage and deter us from the path of 
 duty, if we are enabled through grace to overcome. 
 
 If Daniel had conferred with flefli and blood, he 
 might have pleaded the ftation he had under 
 Darius; the opportunity he fliould have of being 
 ufeful in future years; but it was his mercy, that 
 God gave him flrength for his day : thofe honors are 
 eternal, which are obtained in this manner : God 
 
 highly 
 
( 127 ) 
 
 highly honors that man whom he calls to great 
 difficulties, and gives him grace to glorify him in 
 them. 
 
 How empty are the boafted honors of many, 
 who have for worldly fame jeoparded their lives in 
 the field of battle; they vanifh like the fmoke : the 
 motives fuch men are influenced by, are in general 
 low, and mean, and the rewards which they obtain, 
 perifh with them : but honor which comes from 
 God, gives in this world a fatisfadlion infinitely 
 beyond, any worldly honors, and adds to an im- 
 mortal crown in the world of glory. 
 
 Let thofc who make light of iin, learn from this 
 hiflory, that though God beftows the greateft favors 
 upon his friends, yet the puniftnnent of his enemies 
 is tremendous. Who could fee all thefe perfons, thus 
 torn by the lions, without feeling his whole frame 
 fhudder ? And if only beholding the execution of 
 divine vengeance be fo dreadful, what mufl it be 
 to fuffer it. 
 
 If a temporal puni(hment be fo awful, what mufl 
 that torment be which is eternal ? what could be 
 more terrible, than to be thrown to ficrcQ and 
 hungiy lions, and to be torn to pieces, togerf er 
 with wives, and friends and children, who had been 
 caft to thefe voracious hearts, to be difnitcned in 
 this terrible manner ! And then the immortal foul to 
 fall into the power of malicious fpirits (to whom the 
 fiercenefs of thefe lions is perfect meeknefs) how 
 inconceivably dreadful ! The lions only devour the 
 body, but thefe torment the never dying fpirit: tliQ 
 Jions were not capable of delighting in the pains, and 
 R 2 horror 
 
f 128 ) 
 
 horror of thofe whom they devoured ; but thofe who 
 are tormented in hell by fallen fpirits, have awful 
 experience of this -, though the thoughts of being 
 deftroycd with the enemies of God, of meeting in a 
 world of mifery, all who have died in their fins, 
 and of being tormented with them for ever, make 
 human nature (hudder, yet they muil inevitably be 
 experienced in hell. 
 
 If the den of lions would have (hocked the flouteft 
 heart, how would one view of that place of torment, 
 where the worm never dies, and the fire is never 
 quenched, affedl us ! When fin appears to you in 
 an engaging form, confider how it appears in the 
 eye of God ! To deftroy Daniel was an objeA very 
 agreeable to thefe offenders, but they confidered not 
 its confequences. 
 
 Let any perfon take a view of Daniel's fituatlon, 
 and then turn his thoughts on the condition of his 
 enemies, and thmk of the infinite difference between 
 them, with refpedt to both worlds ! What was the 
 ihort lived fatisfadion which they felt, when they 
 had obtained their wifh, concerning Daniel ? Kow 
 tranfitory and fallacious their hellifh pleafure ! 
 Daniel was foon promoted by Darius to great 
 honors ; and having experienced fuch aflonilhing 
 kindnefs from God in the lions den, he lived more 
 than ever afiTured of a crown of eternal glory, in the 
 world to come ; while thefe abandoned wretches, 
 were plunged into prefent difgrace, and eternal 
 mifery. 
 
 As this narration is not fabulous, but a relation of 
 real fadts, the very perfons here fpoken of, are now 
 
 (as 
 
( ^29 ) 
 
 (as far as we can judge by the fcriptures) fufFerIng 
 the vengeance of eternal fire ; therefore the inftruc- 
 tion it affords, comes with irrefiftible force, and 
 commands tliat attention^which is peculiar to fcrip- 
 ture^hiftory. 
 
 From this we may confider the awful confe- 
 quences of being united with wicked men. Look at 
 thefe men in their full career of fin, and behold the 
 punifhment to which they were doomed. How foon 
 devoured by lions ! How foon with millions in dam- 
 nation ! 
 
 They have now a different employ for their 
 tongues, than to utter their wicked fpeeches againft 
 the godly. What is more common when the ene- 
 mies of God meet together, then to vent their fpite 
 againfl the moft eminent fervants of God ? 
 
 What ideas miifl thofe men of Belial have of 
 feeing Daniel at the judgment day ? By their artifice 
 Daniel was caft into the den ; and then he will unite 
 with the judge in fentencing them to dwell for ever 
 in the den of devils and damned fpirits ! Daniel 
 could not pofiibly efcape their malice, and they can 
 have no hope of efcaping the fentence of the great 
 Judge. They, who for a few moments were fo 
 elevated with their fuccefs, and fo happy in obtain- 
 ing their defire towards Daniel, and had the fatis- 
 fadion of feeing him thrown among the lions, were 
 not only torn to pieces in the fame den, but have 
 been now for thoufands of years in a fituation where 
 death will never put any end to their pain. 
 
 This fliould teach you, my children, not to look 
 on the profperity of the wicked, as any evidence of 
 
 God's 
 
( 130 ) 
 
 God's regard to"^them. Thefe men, for a fhort feafon, 
 feemed to profper; but what could their gay 
 clothing, or elegant houfes, or all their worldly 
 honors avail them, when brought toward the 
 den of lions ! What unfpeakable dread and horror 
 muft they feel, when approaching death in fuch 
 a tremendous form ! Nor can their hearts expe- 
 rience one moment's joy or eafe to all eternity. What 
 an heart-rending farewell mufl they then take of 
 their friends, who might with trembling fteps follow 
 them towards the fat^l den ! 
 
 Could we fuppofe that there had then exilled an 
 aged and godly parent, who had feen one of his 
 fons clofely connedled with thefe defperate men, 
 and at length with them caft to the lions, what muft 
 the feelings of fuch a parent have been ? efpecially 
 when he confidered this horrible fcene of fuifering 
 but as the entrance into the bottomlefs pit ! 
 
 Children ! the moment you unite with the 
 wicked, you declare war againll God. You then 
 flee from the camp of God, and enlift under the 
 banner of his enemies. Whatever pleafures you 
 may promife yourfelves in fin, remember it will 
 fatally deceive you. The fins which your com- 
 panions are perpetually committing become yours, 
 by confenting to and approving of them. And can 
 you flatter yourfelves, that you fliall efcape their 
 punifliment ? Oh ! confider that the fame jufl 
 God, by whofe overruling providence thefe men 
 were brought to condign punifhment, is a God that 
 will take vengeance on all tranfgrcfibrs. 
 
 Many have reafon to fay of the company of the 
 
 wicked 
 
( '3» ) 
 
 Wicked, that it has been to them as a whirlpool; and 
 that when they have been drawn into it, they have 
 been plunged into fuch depths of iniquity, as they 
 at firfl never intended. Perhaps thefe men had 
 invited fome fuch charaders to join them, who 
 Ihared with them in the punifliment. How mufl 
 they, when going towards the den, curfe the day 
 in which they firil connected themfelves with fuch 
 chara(5lers. 
 
 When you join with the wicked againfl God, 
 can you have the fmallefl hope of overcoming him, 
 or of efcaping his dreadful wrath ? Or can you pro- 
 mife yourfelves any long refpite ? If judgment were 
 to be fpeedily executed, few would dare to fly in 
 the face of God ; and Ihall his patience and for- 
 bearance encourage you to lin ? Was there any pof- 
 fibility of the Egyptians drowning the Ifraelites, 
 when God was on their fide ? Their own deftrudtioa 
 was inevitable : and to die in the adt of rebellion 
 againft God, and injuring his people, mufl be a 
 dreadful death indeed. 
 
 Has it not been manifefl in every age, that it is 
 the greatefl folly imaginable to fight againfl God ? 
 Did not Haman fail in his wicked fcheme, and 
 come to his death like an accurfed man ? And have 
 not thoufands brought on themfelves fwift deftruc- 
 tion by fuch offences ? 
 
 How frequently has the joy of the wicked, been 
 but as the crackling of thorns under a pot ! In vain 
 do they flatter themfelves, that they are the only 
 happy perfons on the earth. Believe not their boafts, 
 for they are narrowly obferved by that God, who has 
 
 bound 
 
( 132 ) 
 
 bound himfelf to fee his word fulfilled ; There is ltd 
 peace faith my God to the xcicked. He that fitteth 
 in the heavens will laugh at all the deep plots which 
 they frame againft him -, and will> in his own time, 
 blaft them by his omnipotence* 
 
 Here we may learn, that thofe fins which the 
 ti^icked have committed by abufing the people of 
 God, will in a peculiar manner fill them with dif- 
 grace and torment. Thus in the punifhment of 
 Judas, the betraying of Chriil, will be that never 
 dying worm, which will torment him for ever. 
 
 In hell the lofi; will remember their contempt, and 
 haughty fpeeches againfl God, his ways, and his 
 people 5 and be for ever filled with the reproaches of 
 their confcience. Their treating eternal things, as 
 of little importance, will now be felt by them for 
 ever, and confidered as the moll dreadful folly. 
 
 Ought not I then to exhort you to fear the God 
 of Daniel ? And to have your minds imprefiTed with 
 this important truth, that if you live and die enemies 
 to him, your bodies as well as your fouls, will fall 
 more awful vidlims of the vengeance of God, than 
 thefe men did ? 
 
 Darius' command to have thefe men thrown into 
 the lions den, originated in God. This one confi- 
 deration, renders their cafe awful beyond aU con- 
 ception! To behold them caft to the devouring 
 beads, demonfirates that though their temporal pu- 
 nifhment inflidled by men was dreadful, yet it would 
 be nothing compared with the wrath of almighty 
 God, It was the vengeance of God, which followed 
 thefe offenders. Thofe who touch his beloved ones, 
 touch the apple of hia eye. ^ 
 
 You 
 
( 133 ) 
 
 You who, like Daniel, delight in private prayer, 
 the God of heaven obferves with delight : your 
 prayers are recorded on high ; your tears are noticed : 
 thofe whofow in tears JJiall reap in joy. 
 
 Do not be difcouraged, becaiifeall around look on 
 fuch as pray with contempt ; wha^ avails their fcorn, 
 while you have the approbation of Dai iel's God ? 
 One moment of that pleafure which you enjoy, is 
 beyond all the vam and empty delights of ignorant 
 and worldly men : though your feed time be trying, 
 you will reap a harveft of eternal joy. 
 
 Daniel no doubt prayed to be delivered from thefe 
 enemies; and how foon had he reafon to praife a 
 God hearing prayer ! But how differently are the 
 tongues of his enemies employed ? You who expe- 
 rience pleafure in prayer, will foon be filled with ado- 
 ration and praife to all eternity. 
 
 Be alTured, that if any of you live without calling 
 upon God in private, you will be ranked among his 
 enemies. As fure as Daniel's enemies laid a plot to 
 enfnare him, fo has Satan artfully endeavoured! to 
 deceive your fouls. Can you flatter yourfelves, that 
 you fhall dwell eternally with Daniel, who pay no 
 regard to the commands of Daniel's God ? You 
 fee it was impofiible for God to overlook Daniel's 
 piety ; and can he be ignorant of your neglect of 
 him ? Is not God even now taking notice both of 
 you who regard this advice, and of them who, Gallio 
 like, caft it behind their backs ? Could I have 
 the approbation of God, if I as much wiflied you to 
 live withdut prayer, as I am concerned for you to 
 be found in the conftant performance of it ? Were 
 S you 
 
( 134 ) 
 
 you all in this family praying perfons, Satan and his 
 emiflaries would find all their plots to enfnare us 
 fruflrated. Shall every one of this family, when 
 the whole world is affembled together, when the 
 wicked are juft going to be turned into hell (and 
 we may fuppofe thefe enemies of Daniel among the 
 reft) be then more honored than Daniel? As Darius 
 highly approved of Daniel's condu6tj will Jefus 
 Chrill lay to each of you well done good and faith- 
 ful fervant ? Then ihould we be happy indeed. Our 
 enemies might then look upon us, as Daniel's ene- 
 mies beheld him ', but we fliall be out of their reach 
 for ever. 
 
 If the friends of Daniel were filled with joy, when 
 they faw him rife out of the den, what joy will that 
 be, which all the redeemed will experience, when 
 they behold each other rife from their graves ! What, 
 though we may have many difficulties to go through, 
 God will as certainly overrule for us, as he did for 
 Daniel in this myfterious providence. Thofe who 
 have ears to hear, and are earneftly feeking the fal- 
 vation of their fouls, find folid pleafure in the 
 fcriptures. They do not merely find an hiftorical 
 entertainment, while they read this remarkable hif- 
 tory of Daniel, but fee what an unfpeakable mercy 
 it is, to be beloved by Daniel's Gcd; and to be in the 
 favour of him, who can govern either lions, or (who 
 are more malicious than they) wicked men. They 
 can fee, that God was more than a fpedtator of the 
 whole of this affair. Though circumftances appeared 
 very dark, when Daniel was in the hands of his ene- 
 mies, yet God, who faw the end from the beginning, 
 
 knew 
 
( 135 ) 
 knew how to make darknefs light, and overrule the 
 whole to the joy of his friends, and the eternal dif- 
 grace of his enemies. 
 
 Can then you look on this family, without 
 thinking how awful it v/ill be, if any of you after 
 hearing this hiflory, and feeing the dreadful end of 
 Daniel's enemies, fhould be laying fchemes how to 
 purfue your linful pleafures ! Are not your fecret 
 thoughts perceived in heaven ? Do not you plainly fee 
 that thefe wicked men could lay no plan, but the end 
 and defign of it was known in heaven ? If I had 
 been a father to one of thefe men, and had feen their 
 plot, and had been convinced of its dreadful confe- 
 quences, how fliould I have reafoned with fuch a 
 one ! and have informed him that in a little time, I 
 fliould behold him filled with horror, beyond all de- 
 fcription, and thrown to the devouring lions ! 
 
 I am as fully perfuaded, that if any one of you 
 conneft yourfelves with wicked companions, you are 
 as really enemies to God, as thefe perfons were ; and 
 that if you remain in this ftate, I ihall behold you in 
 a lituation infinitely more tremendous than theirs, 
 when they were falling among mercilefs lions. Can 
 you then wonder f that I feel fo much for you? 
 If I could give you all the riches of the world, of 
 what advantage would they be, when you are 
 fummoned from the throne of heaven, fnatched by 
 death from all your earthly comforts, and going to 
 be tormented to ail eternity ! If the temporal 
 things which I beftow upon you, tend to lead you 
 to fin, and increafe your damnation, my labor will 
 be fir worfe than loll. 
 
 It 
 
( 135 ) 
 
 It is my wifh that this remarkable narration may im- 
 prefs your minds with a fenfe of the eye of God being 
 upon all ; and that we mufl:'foon be called away by 
 that God, who now obferves our conduct, either to 
 enjoy honors infinitely fuperior to any that Darius 
 could beftow, or a punilhment more terribk than 
 ten thoufand of lions could inflid:. This being 
 as certain as that the heavens and the earth were 
 created, ought to make us look on this, not as a 
 common hillory, but as a leiTon from God, to teach 
 us the inevitable deftrucSion of finners, and the infi- 
 nite honors which await the fervants of God. Daniel, 
 when in the den, was an heir of eternal life in the 
 world of glory, while his enemies had that dreadful 
 doom awaiting them which they fuffered on earth, 
 and are now enduring in a world of mifery. Could 
 I once behold all my family, living by private prayer 
 in communion with the God of Daniel, I fhould 
 both live and die with the moft animating profpedt, 
 of beholding all my ofi^spring filled with eternal joy j 
 and when the wicked fhall be doomed to dwell with 
 the devil and his angels, I fliall behold you promoted 
 by the Son of God ; and with you fpend a happy 
 eternity in the company of that God, who has deli- 
 vered us from fin and death, and hell, and fitted us. 
 for his eternal praife. 
 
 END OF THE SIXTH EXERCISE, 
 
FAMILT EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 ^ebentfj Crerctse. 
 
 A C H A N. 
 
 And all IJracl Jloned him with flon&s. 
 Joih. vii. 25. 
 
 I 
 
 T is impoffible to read the hlflory of feme 
 families, without being ftruck with awe ; efpecially 
 when we take into conlideration that vafl: eternity, 
 into which time invariably and perpetually fweeps 
 the inhabitants of this lower world : And when 
 fmners are evidently cut off by divine judgments, it 
 is a call to us from God, to think of the infinite 
 confequences of lin. 
 
 If there appear fomething peculiarly fevere in 
 the punifliment of Achan and his family, we muft 
 confider, that the offences of perfons who enjoy 
 peculiar advantages, are highly aggravated : this 
 was one reafon v/hy Ifrael at large were more fre- 
 quently affliifled, and experienced heavier judgments- 
 than other nations. 
 
 And we muft not forget, that Achan's theft, at 
 this remarkable time, was attended with fueh cir- 
 cumftances, as rendered it peculiarly provoking. 
 
 Achan, being in years, had lived long on manna 
 
 in the wildernefs, and notwithflanding he had thus. 
 
 T fed 
 
( 138 ) 
 
 fed upon the bounty of heaven, he fully proved 
 himfelf to be deftitute of the kail fpark of gratitude 
 towards God. The principal thing which his heart 
 was fet upon, was to enrich himfelf; while he had 
 not the leaft refped: for God and his worfliip. 
 
 He had been witnefs to many of thofe awful pu- 
 nifliments, which God had from time to time in- 
 flicted upon ofFcinders in Ifrael ; and though he had 
 not poffefTed the leafl regard to God, yet he might 
 have obferved, that thofe who diredly and wilfully 
 broke his laws, could not efcape his notice, or his 
 judgments. 
 
 He had fetn the great deliverance which God 
 had wrought for the Ifraelites, in the overthrow of 
 two kings, whofe countries and cities were given 
 into their hands: This might have convinced him, 
 that no people ihould ever experience want, with 
 whom God dealt fo bountifully. 
 
 Having had the chief part of his education in 
 the wildernefs, he mull have had the privilege of 
 being with many w^ho feared the Lord, and whom 
 he mull have heard converfing both about the mer- 
 cies and judgments of God. This is an advantage- 
 of which many live and iie wholly unacquainted ; 
 and thofe who remain ignorant in fuch fituations, 
 prove themfelves to be poireiledof a rooted averfion 
 to God himfelf. 
 
 This man had feen Jordan divide, and he himfelf 
 and all his family had walked through on dry ground : 
 and could he imagine, that fuch unprecedented 
 favours were to be bellowed on a people, in order 
 to give them an opportunity to. ofleiid tiieii- benefac- 
 tor,? 
 
( ^39 ) 
 
 tor ? Was It poffible for him to be fo ilupid, as 
 not to fee that to be unthankful for fuch mercies as 
 thefe, was the bafeil ingratitude ? 
 
 He had heard the particular injuncflion, pro- 
 claimed by the peculiar command of God, concern- 
 ing the fpoil of Jericho; and had been witnefs 
 likewife to the fpoil which Ifrael took from the 
 Midianites, and how punctually the command of 
 God was at that time regarded. 
 
 He was alfo witnefs, to the fmgular manner in 
 which God gave the Ifraelites the conqueft of Jeri- 
 cho. He could never fuppofe, that the rams horns 
 had thrown down thofe ftrong and towering walls : 
 but muft conclude, that God himfelf had opened 
 for them fo wide a door into this accurfed city. 
 
 If God had a right to the fpoil of any of the 
 conquered cities, he had a peculiar claim to the 
 riches of this city. And ought not Achan, to 
 have looked on that wedge of gold, which the 
 former proprietors had forfeited by their fms, to be 
 God's peculiar property ? and confidered, that it 
 was not to be claimed by more God-provoking offen- 
 ders than they were ? No fuch confiderations had 
 any weight with Achan. His fecrecy proved to a 
 demonftration, that he linned againfl: light and 
 knowledge ; or why take fuch care that not one of 
 his brethren iliould be witnefs to his theft. 
 
 One might have thought, as Jericho had been 
 long under the dominion of Satan, that the fallen 
 fpirits had been fo bufily engaged, in conducting 
 the inwiortal fpirits of their fubjedts, to their dread- 
 ful habitations^ that they would not have had lei- 
 T 2 fure 
 
( 140 ) 
 
 fure to cnfnare thofe who had lately arrived in their 
 territories. But what mortal can tell the number 
 of thofe tempters, who have in every age met with 
 fuch fatal fuccefs among the fallen fons of Adam. 
 
 No doubt he that tempted Judas, was no lefs 
 actively engaged about the fm of Achan : and the 
 conquefk of one Ifraelite might excite him to at- 
 tempt many others. 
 
 We may fuppofe that Achan and his family, 
 having acquired fo much property with the fpoil of 
 one city, and that not the richeft, promifed them- 
 felves immenfe fortunes before the conclufion of 
 the war; and intended their tent to be one of the 
 mofb valuable treafuries, in all the land of Canaan. 
 Succefs in this wicked bufinefs would tend to in- 
 creafe their thirft for wealth -, and fill them with a 
 more ardent defire to fee the fall of other cities. 
 What would thefe hardened offenders have cared, 
 how many fell by the fvvord, if their treafure was 
 but increafed by the flaughter ! 
 
 Achan could not have the leafl defire of the 
 heavenly Canaan, or of enjoying the prefence of 
 God in the promifed land. When the lull of 
 riches gains the afcendancy, the foul is carried to the 
 greateft diflance from God. Man, though dead iu 
 fin by nature, is made more and more unfeeling 
 by pradlice. 
 
 Achan 's family, though they were children of 
 Abraham, were unlike to him both in their fpirit 
 and conduit, Abraham by faith looked beyond the 
 promifed land of Canaan, to the heavenly inheri- 
 tance. When the offspring of eminent anceftors 
 
 degenerate 
 
( Hi ) 
 
 degenerate, and fink into the bafefl pradllces, their 
 charaders appear peculiarly odious. Could thefe 
 perfons have any regard for the old patriarch, who 
 were fo ignorant of the God of Abraham ! Like 
 thoufands in our day, they lived in darknefs though 
 the light of divine revelation Ihone around them. 
 
 While many of God's dear people were overjoyed 
 to fee God fo eminently on the fide of Ifrael, and^ 
 the certain profped: which they now had of the 
 whole land being given into their hands, in fuch a 
 manner as would conftrain the whole congregation 
 to love and fear him -, the profpe(5l of plunder 
 folely engaged the attention of this family ; and the 
 hand of God, though lifted up at this time in fo 
 wonderful a manner, was not at all noticed by them. 
 
 To be left to bhndnefs and hardnefs of heart, 
 when God is doing great things for his people, is an 
 awful proof of a reprobate fpirit. What madnefs 
 to imagine, that they fliould have the largeft fliare 
 of the riches of Jericho, while they repeated their 
 rebellions againft that God, who was overthrowing 
 their enemies ! How could they dream of fuch a 
 Jiarveft, who intended to ad fo bafely in the feed 
 time ! But who exped fo much from this world 
 as the enemies of God ? When perfons unite with 
 his vilefl enemies, they hope for his indulgence and 
 bounty more then his deareft friends. 
 
 Could Achan fuppofe that God was driving out 
 thefe Pagans, to introduce a fet of robbers ? Or that 
 one robber fliouid pafs unnoticed amongft all the 
 congregation of Ifrael ? Was it pofiible for him to 
 conclude, that the defign of God in throwing down 
 
 the 
 
C 142 ) 
 
 the walls of Jericho, was merely that Ifrael migh^ 
 plunder its inhabitants. 
 
 Deceit and robbery were but the ftream; the 
 bafe unprincipled heart of Achan was the fountain, 
 from whence this v/ickednefs flowed. He muft 
 even prefer having his children rich, though they 
 were to live and die under the curfe of God, than 
 poor to enjoy his care and bleffing. 
 
 Achan could have no concern what God was 
 •worfliipped in Canaan, fo that he could but enrich 
 himfelf with the fpoil. He could have no indigna- 
 tion againft the men of Jericho becaufe of their idol- 
 atry, who preferred a wedge of gold, both to the 
 falie deities of the Pagans and the true God. 
 
 How frequently has God difappointed men of 
 attaining their deli res, when they have no regard to 
 his glory ! Their fmall and momentary fuccefo 
 have been blafted with everlafting frowns ; and 
 fuch perfons have never been more deceived than 
 when they have, as they thought, reached the fum- 
 mit of their defires. Nebuchadnezzar experienced 
 this. He that loves not to difappoint the expecta- 
 tions of his poor, frequently fruftrates the hopes of 
 his enemies. 
 
 Achan could not plead as an excufe for his theft, 
 the fear of ftarving. He had been witnefs to the 
 provifion which God had made both for himfelf, and 
 the numerous congregation of Ifrael in a land where 
 no corn grew. Could he fear being fuppllcd, when 
 he faw that God had brought his people into a land 
 of plenty ? In this robbery, there could not be the 
 ihadow qf a plea for neceflity ; it was evident that 
 
 »ioney 
 
( H3 ) 
 
 hioney was his God ; and to this falfe deity, ha 
 lacriiiced his confcience. To rob God was his paf- 
 time. 
 
 Achan flew the men of Jericho not out of any r©>- 
 gard to the glory of God, or becaufe they had pro- 
 voked him by their abominations, but as the wretch 
 who murders his fellow creatures for their property* 
 Therefore though the men of Jericho died for their 
 provocations, Achan's end was far more dreadful 
 than theirs. 
 
 Achan had managed his part fo well, that not one 
 Ifraelite had fecn his theft ; and as for the eye of 
 God, he did not regard it. Craftinefs difcovered in 
 the art of fin, will only increafe the bitternefs of 
 its punifhment. 
 
 If Jofhua had fufped:ed that Achan had been 
 guilty of fuch a crime, he would have fearched his 
 tent before one man of his army had marched again (i: 
 Ai. Little did he fuppofe that there was fuch an 
 artful thief in the whole congregation. 
 
 When the fpies returned from Ai, they repre* 
 fented it as fo weak a place, that a handful of men 
 would be able to take it. As Goliah looked with 
 contempt on little David, fo did they upon the men 
 of Ai ; and thought there was no neceffity for God 
 to help them in a conqueft fo trifling. When God 
 is with an army, it cannot be too fmall ; but when 
 he is againfl it, its numbers avail nothing. The. 
 Ifraelites had not yet learnt this leflbn, that by 
 Jlrength Jliall no man prevail. They muil: now 
 be convinced, that if the fame power that divided 
 Jordan, and threw down the walls of Jericho, was 
 
 not 
 
( 144 ) 
 
 not put forth to their deliverance, they could have 
 no hope of inheriting the promifed land. 
 
 How furprized and diflrefled muft Jofliua have 
 been, to behold Ifrael fleeing, and cut down by the 
 fwords of the Canaanites ! Was this according to 
 the promife which God had given to him, that not 
 one man fhould fland before him ? Achan's wedge 
 of gold would have overturned the whole hoft, and 
 done more mifchief than all the fwords of the Ca- 
 naanites. As foon as God informed Jolhua that 
 Ifrael had finned, he was thoroughly convinced what 
 was the caufe of the defeat. Jofhua knew fo much 
 of the ways of the Lord, that he faw this to be a 
 frown of his. He who had thrown down the al- 
 moft impregnable walls of Jericho, could foon have 
 difpirited the men of Ai. God's ways of mercy 
 differ widely from thofe of judgment. He that in 
 mercy to Ifrael had jufl laid the walls of Jericho 
 even with the ground, now gives the men of Ai 
 courajie to difcomfit the hoft of Ifrael. 
 
 o 
 
 It was a peculiar hand of God, that thefe men 
 of Ai had not fled from their city before. The 
 dreadful deflrudion of all the inhabitants of Jericho, 
 mufl: have thrown the whole land into conflernation. 
 Every miracle which God wrought for Ifrael had 
 fomething in it new, and terrible to the Canaanites. 
 Many wonders were done in Egypt, and many won- 
 derful things had been efteded for Ifrael in the wil- 
 dernefs, but never had it been heard before, that the 
 flrong walls of a city were thrown down in fo mira- 
 culous a manner. But now the report of Ifrael's 
 difafler would fpread thioiigh the whole land of 
 
 Canaan, 
 
( 145 ) 
 
 Canaan, and greatly encouraged the difplrlted inha- 
 bitants. Thofe who before thought of nothing but 
 fleeing to remote lands, would now {harpen their 
 fwords to aflift in completing Ifrael's deftrudiion. 
 
 Joihua, like all other gracious men, runs to God 
 with his troubles. In his diflrefs he lies upon the 
 ground, God informs him that Ifrael had fipned. 
 He does not find fault with Jofhua, as an individual, 
 and fay, *' thou haft finned," but, " Ifrael." 
 
 God does not mention the perfon, but orders 
 Jofhua to caft lots, God needed no information. He 
 had beheld both the ftolen goods and the thief. 
 
 God's appointing lots to be caft, was to fhow, 
 that by this means all Ifrael fliould know, that he 
 would bring the thief to light. He who fixed on 
 this method, and was determined to punifti him when 
 convi(fled of the crime, directed the lot to the very 
 perfon of the offender. 
 
 The defeat of the army, with the caufe which 
 God had affigned for it, muft have made Achan 
 tremble in his tent, A guilty confcience is foon 
 alarmed. Had he any reafon to hope that others 
 had been guilty? Perhaps he imagined, that one 
 man's offence could not have occafioned fuch a dif- 
 after. 
 
 God could as foon have named the thief, as the 
 crime ; but he will have means made ufe of; how- 
 ever ineffedtual thofe means would be without his 
 aid. Had not God direded the lot to fall on 
 Achan, his wedge of gold might have remained 
 undifcovered in his tent. 
 
 What ear would be more attentive, to hear on 
 U what 
 
( hS ) 
 
 what trrbe the lot fell, than Achan's ? And when It 
 came upon his family, how much more muft he be 
 alarmed ! But when he himfelf was taken, anfl pre- 
 fented as a fpedtacle before the whole hoft, how 
 confounded ! What a leflbn to the whole hofl ! 
 With what eyes would they look on that man, 
 who had caufed the death of fo many, and diftref- 
 fed the whole army ! 
 
 Jofliua takes the right way to bring him to a con- 
 feflion : My fon, I befeech thee give glory to God : 
 fome would have faid " thou wretch," fliall Ifrael 
 be (lain by the enemy for thy fm ? This meeknefs 
 of Jofliua drew from Achan a mofl: frank confeflion 
 of his guilt. The remoteft part of the camp would 
 foon hear all the particulars that he related, with a 
 mixture of a dread and refentment -, and would now 
 view him as the very man againft whom God had 
 pronounced fo awful a curfe. 
 
 God's lot was honoured by Achan's confeffion. 
 And what Ifraelite after this could fo much as hope 
 to hide his fin ? All would now be convinced, that 
 the a(flions of men, however fecretly tranfacled, and 
 carefully concealed from the eyes of mortals, were 
 all recorded in heaven : there was not one into 
 which the eye of God did not penetrate. 
 
 The mofl atrocious and abandoned finners muft 
 one day confefs their fecret abominations, before 
 the whole world ; but confcffion thus extorted, is 
 not that kind of confeilion, which is the effed; of 
 grace. Achan did not only acknowledge the fad:, 
 but the caufe, I Jcizo, and coveted and took, &c. 
 His ^m being fo evidently brought to public notice 
 
 by 
 
( 147 ) 
 
 by God himfelf, and fo awful a curfe pofltivcly 
 pronounced againft both hini and all his family, who 
 fliould be found guilty, and the whole congregation 
 being now alTembled, conftrained Achan to confefs 
 his crime. 
 
 This death of Achan came in by the eye : happy 
 would it have been for him if he had loll his fight 
 in the falling of the wall of Jericho. By the fall of 
 Adam, we are rendered unfound in every part : and 
 even thofe who have no eyes have need to pray to be 
 kept from temptation. 
 
 With what different eyes did Achan now behold 
 his wedge of gold ! that which he once thought 
 would advance him to refpedt and honour, now., 
 plunged him into the utmofl: difgrace and ignominy. ' 
 
 What diftrading thoughts muft vuih into his 
 foreboding mind, while the melTengers were gone 
 to fearch his tent ! Now that family which had 
 been fo much elated with joy, in the idea of the 
 value of the gold, are all thrown into the utmoil 
 confternation, and are all overwhelmed with forrow. 
 With what looks of diilrefs do they now behold each 
 other ! being fully convinced that they mufl all be 
 brought from their tent, and be ftoned to death in 
 the fac« of the ^vhole congregation. And now, the 
 whole holl are witneffes to that, which Achan once 
 imagined would never come to the knowledge of an 
 individual. Take a view of this miferable family 
 brought to the place of their awful deftiny. Their 
 fliame was great; but how dreadful was their punirti- 
 ment ! Sin has brought many a family into forrow 
 here, and more awful mifery in the world to come. 
 U 2 To 
 
( 148 ) 
 
 To have feen this family taken to the Valley 
 of Achor, mud have ftruck a tremor into every 
 heart, and occafion fuch refledtions as thefe : and is 
 this the family that a little time ago were promifmg 
 themfelves fo much happinefs in riches ? how fhort 
 and deceitful was their imaginary blifs ! 
 
 God was the judge who prefcribed their punifh- 
 ment : and to have attempted to mitigate it, in the 
 leafl degree, would have been prefumption. The 
 Ifraelites could not expe6t the leaft fuccefs till they 
 had ftoned and burnt this accurfed family. 
 
 Better had Achan never fet his foot on the pro^ 
 ililfed land, than be cut off from all inheritance iri 
 it, in this dreadful manner -, that he and his family 
 ihould be that accurfed thing, on account of which 
 God declared, he would not go with them one 
 flep further, till it was cut off from the land of the 
 living. 
 
 Achan's family, we may fuppofe, being grown to 
 years of maturity, and involved in the parent's guilt, 
 mufi: have experienced more fear, diftrefs, and horror, 
 than if they had been in a ftate of childhood. How 
 would it rend their hearts to hear God declare^ 
 Neither will I be with you any more, except ye 
 deftroy the accurfed thing from among you. The 
 fuffering and cries of the youth, muft have pierced 
 the hearts of all the people. Djdng in any form is 
 dreaded by nature, but to be thus driven by God 
 himfelf from the face of the earth is tremendous. 
 
 What mufl a parent feel, to fee both himfelf and 
 his family thus pronounced accurfed by the Lord 
 himfelf 5 and to fee io evidently that God alone dif- 
 
 CQvered 
 
( M9 ) 
 
 covered his theft, and was determined not to have 
 mercy either on him or his children. Mapy whole 
 families will no doubt meet together in hell ; but 
 few families ever exhibited fo awful a pidlure of heU 
 in our world as this. The very reading of this 
 hiftory is truly affeding j but how much more fo to 
 have been an eye witnefs of fuch an unparalleled 
 palamity ! 
 
 If cries and tears could have taken away fm, there 
 might have been fome hope of this being effedted by 
 the fufFerings of this unhappy family. When we 
 fee perfons all their life time prefer gold to God, we 
 piuft be ponvinced that they are not taught the 
 value of ^hat remedy which alone can atone for fm ^ 
 and thofe who never have any efteem for it in life 
 are generally blinded by the God of this world in 
 death. 
 
 Let fipners behold this family, difpatched by their 
 fellow-travellers, and be afraid. Surely he who 
 guided the lot, directed all thefe ftones to the diffe- 
 rent parts of their bodies, while breath remained in 
 them. What unfcriptural notions have they of 
 God, who paint him to their hearers as a God all 
 mercy ! Did not he find out thefe offenders. Was 
 not their puniflirpent prefcribed by himfelf. And 
 could God's indignation againfl fin be more evidently 
 manifefted ? 
 
 The family of Achan being thus awfully cut oiF 
 from the land of the living, the fierce anger of God 
 is turned away from Ifrael. Surely thofe perfons 
 muft be eternally hated by God, whofe very pre- 
 fence on earth prevents him from giving fuccefs to 
 
 the 
 
( 150^ ) 
 the people whom he loves. How dreadful not only 
 to be deprived of all inheritance in the promifed 
 land, but for parents and children to be launched 
 together into that world where hope never comes. 
 
 If the frowns of God are fo terrible, what parent 
 would not tremble to fee his children bringing ven- 
 geance on their own heads. What folemn refledions 
 would many have, as they paiTed by the heap of 
 ftones which were raifed over the bodies of thefe 
 offenders ! Their very ailies preached to the living. 
 This hiftory w^as defigned for the inftrudion of all 
 future generations ; and at this day, it effedually 
 proves thofe to be deceived who make light of fm, 
 and few pillows under the armholes of finners. 
 
 Let us improve this affeding hiftory, by a few 
 refledlions. 
 
 If Achan had taken pleafure in the God of Abra- 
 ham, and had been delighted with thofe evident 
 demonftrations of God's faithfulnefs to his pofterity, 
 which he had been witnefs to, and had, by all thefc 
 remarkable infl:ru(5tions, been confirmed in this glo- 
 rious truth, that he who gave Abraham that land, 
 would afluredly be incarnate, and become the great 
 Jofhua, who fliould lead his people into the hea- 
 venly Canaan : if fuch fubjeds as thefe had been 
 the delight of Achan, and had he with affedlion 
 taught them to his children, he could not have thus 
 plunged both himfelf and them, into fuch inexpref- 
 fible mifery. All the gold and Babyloniih garments 
 that were found in Jericho, would not have turned 
 his heart from the path of duty. He would have 
 bfcn improving th^ victory for the inftrudion of his 
 
 family. 
 
( i5« ) 
 
 family, and not have been encouraging then! ii2 
 breaking the command of God. 
 
 Thofe parents who have no pleafure in the God 
 of Abraham, his covenant, and the wonders of his 
 falvation, frequently lead their families to ruin; whilil 
 they, whofe higheft pleafures are in the ways of 
 God, are not only preferved from ruin themfelves, 
 but are the happy inftruments of keeping others 
 from the paths of deflrudion. 
 
 Look at thofe families, where the heads of them, 
 though they may not be robbers of men, yet may 
 be deemed as really to rob God as Achan did : and 
 in what an awful manner do they train up their de- 
 luded offspring ! Do they warn their children with 
 affedtion ? Do they walk before them with caution ? 
 Frequently fuch perfonsdifcourage thofe who incline 
 to the ways of Ciod, and encourage others to make 
 ridicule of religion. 
 
 If any of you are fo ignorant, as to be wholly in- 
 fenfible of the privileges you enjoy, your cafe wii! 
 be more miferable, than any of Achan's family. 
 They were encouraged by their own parents to liv^e 
 in fm, and therefore were deftitute of thofe advan- 
 tages with v/hich you are favoured. 
 
 Had thefe young perfons a parent to warn them 
 and pray with them ? Were they informed what 
 was the antitype of that manna, on which they had 
 for fo many years fubfifled, or that flinty rock which 
 fupplied them water ? Did their wicked parents 
 inftrud: them what God intended by appointing 
 facrifices ? 
 
 Thefe perfons, though they had followed the 
 
 ark 
 
( 152 ) 
 
 ark through Jordan, faw nothing of the glory of 
 him of whom it was a faint type. Though they 
 lived in the midft of privileges, they appear not to 
 have been benefited by any. Thus many hve 
 within the found of the gofpel, but are fo bufy in 
 following their lufts, that they totally negledl its 
 glorious mefTages. 
 
 How afFed:ing it is to think, that any fhould 
 learn the nature of thofe things in hell, which they 
 would never pay the leaft attention to while on 
 earth. Thofe who are not brought to underftand 
 the method of falvation in this world, muft be taught 
 the importance of it in a world of mifery. 
 
 Is it any wonder, that thofe fliould be left in a 
 peculiar manner to the influence of Satan, who turn 
 their backs on that falvation in which God himfelf 
 will eternally glory ? What can be expected con- 
 cerning fuch, but that God will give them up to a 
 reprobate mind ; and in this world caufe their very 
 lins to be a punifhment to them. 
 
 Does not this hiflory afford us an inftrudlve 
 lefTon ? Can any here indulge the leaft hope of 
 hiding their fins from that God, who detedied 
 Achan ? Has not God in this, given an everlafting 
 fpecimen, and proved to finners, that nothing 
 can pofiibly efcape his notice ? In vain did Achan 
 dig that hole, in which he thought his ftolen trea* 
 fure fecure, and fafe from the eye of his fellow 
 mortals : he did not confider that an omnifcient 
 Jehovah looked on. He that formed the eye Jhall 
 he not fee ? David knew that there was no hiding 
 fin from God. 
 
 We 
 
( '53 ) 
 
 We may learn alfo, that though the family of 
 Achan, was deprived of the com.mon enjoyments of 
 the land of Canaan, which Ifrael poileired, yet this 
 lofs, was nothing to the lofs of the heavenly Canaan, 
 How deceitful, and dreadful then was their ima^^inary 
 gain ! Thofe who made fure of being fo much 
 more happy than their equals, hov/ plunged into 
 iliame and ruin ! And this dellrudiion was as no- 
 thing, when compared with eternal lofs and ever- 
 lafling punifliment. Think what appearance this 
 family (if loll) will make at the great day of God ! 
 They are now looking towards that folemn period. 
 Does not this realize to you the direful effeds of fin, 
 and how completely thofe are deceived who are cap- 
 tivated by it? 
 
 From this it Is evident, that thofe who are thought- 
 lefs about God and religion, cannot be in the wav 
 which leads to heaven. Have not we all finned 
 agalnfl: that God, who doomed Achan to this pu- 
 nishment ? Thofe who are not concerned therefore, 
 muil of confequence be made fecure, by that great 
 adverfary, who blinds the minds of all worldly 
 men. Can fuch perfons be confidering, how foon 
 parents and children muft all appear before the 
 Judge of quick and dead ? As thofe who are infane, 
 prove to a demonftration that they have lofb their 
 reafon, fo thefe manifeft to all who have under- 
 llanding, that they are infatuated by fin and fatan ? 
 and are as much deceived as any of the family of 
 Achan. 
 
 If you attend to the light of the fcriptures, you 
 will fee a great propriety in that faying of ChriH, 
 
C 154 ) 
 
 What Jliall it profit a man, if he gain the whole 
 world, and lofe his own foul. Could Achan haye 
 engroffed to himfelf all the gold in the world, it 
 v/ould have been of no value xo him in mifery j and 
 the fins which he had committed in the obtaining 
 of it, mufl add fuel to the flames of hell. 
 
 You, whofe hearts, like Jofiah, are afflided with 
 the judgments of God, ftand in awe of fm, and 
 dread its tremendous confcquences ; and while you 
 attend to this hiftory, your minds are enlarging 
 in the knowledge of God. Be aflfured the God 
 whom you fear, makes an infinite difference be- 
 tween thofe who fear and hate fin, and fuch as arc 
 flupid and carelefs. It is your mercy to have an ear 
 to hear divine inflrudiion , though others find no 
 entertainment in the word of God, it affords you 
 folid pleafure. Give diligence to make your calling 
 and election fire. As Achan's fin was under the 
 eye of God ; fo are your prayers. As he deteded 
 Achan's theft, fo he takes pleafure in thofe who fear 
 him. 
 
 Let me advife you, w^ho have lived to this day, 
 without thought or concern, and have never confi- 
 dered the evil of fin or its dreadful confequences; 
 you have to begin to contemplate things of eternal 
 moment. Would not you have trembled to have 
 feen Achan's fm thut) made public, and that God 
 alone was the deteitor of this wickednefs 3 its being 
 thus found out, and doomed accurfed, was of God. 
 Would not you have been flruck with horror, to 
 have feen him iloned, and that with the approba- 
 tion of God; and not only himfelf, but all his 
 
 family. 
 
( ^53 ) 
 family. Their temporal deaths were dreadful : but 
 all this being the very punilhment God commanded, 
 and his pronouncing the whole family accurfed, was 
 fuch a fpedtacle of mifery, as the fun had fcarce ever 
 beheld. 
 
 If you are wholly unconcerned, v/hether you are 
 blefled or curfed of God, be allured, the very frame 
 of fpirit which you difcover, from month to month, 
 is a perpetual proof that there are numberlefs fins in 
 your camp, which, though they are not made public 
 in this world, will, in a flwrt time, be proclaimicd 
 upon the houfe-top ; and ^ou will be publickly ac- 
 curfed before a congregation larger than that which 
 beheld Achan's awful end. 
 
 As Achan had no defire for the glory of God, his 
 whole heart was fet upon his gold -, fo are not you 
 convinced, that you have not the leaft concern for 
 his glory, and that your whole mind is fet upon the 
 concerns of this world ? Are you never fufpicious, 
 that the very things which fo much delight you 
 noWj will foon fill you w^ith as bitter refled:ions as 
 Achan's wedge of gold ? Are you not fully con- 
 vinced, that the very things v/hich had given Achan 
 fo much pleafure, brought him and his family undex 
 the tremendous curfe ? 
 
 Confider that Achan's children, who were cut 
 off in this awful manner, had not the advantages 
 you enjoy. You are not only warned by their ex- 
 ample, but you have parents, who wifh to have you 
 with them in heaven : how different this to thofe 
 who have parents encouraging them in the paths of 
 fin. 
 
 X 2 When 
 
( 156 ) 
 
 When young perfons have great temptations 
 placed before them, and a parent alfo becomes the 
 tempter, how dangerous their lituation ! How can 
 they efcape the dreadtlrl fnare ! Be grateful for your 
 privileges; thofe never improve advantages, who 
 are not thankful for them. 
 
 Suppofmg Achan's family to be all loft; lliould 
 any of you live and die in rebellion againil: God, 
 how much greater would your puniiLment be than 
 theirs ! and can you flatter yourfelves^ that you fliall 
 efcape — could any of Achan's family efcape their 
 dreadful doom ? God who faw the gold and Baby- 
 lonifli garments in the tent, would not permit one 
 fon or daughter to efcape : and are not you perpe- 
 tually under the eye of the fame all-feeing God. 
 
 Confider that their fentence from God was abfo- 
 lute and irreverfible : their tears and agonies were 
 of no avail ; they muft be by the whole congrega- 
 tion treated as an accurfed family, and Honed to 
 death in the fight of all the people. If you die in 
 fm, your doom will be asabfolute: your weeping, 
 and wailing, and gnalhing of teeth, will never atone 
 for one fm. 
 
 There was no facrifice to be offered for this 
 tranfgrefiion ; it was death without mercy : for many 
 kinds of fm, an atonement might be made, but for 
 this none was provided. 
 
 Thofe who had lived regardlefs of that falvation, 
 w^hich was held out then in types and figures, and 
 to accomplifh which, the Son of God muft be of- 
 fered up a facrifice, muft now die without a facri- 
 fice : there appears a propriety in their doom; they 
 
 were 
 
( >57 ) 
 were taught that falvation could not be obtained, 
 without the blood of him who Ihould be both God 
 and man; yet they regarded it not: now God con- 
 demns them to die in their lias. 
 
 All therefore, who live and die under the gofpel, 
 negle6}:ing that great falvation, there remainetk 
 no 7}wre facrifice for their fin ; hut a fear Jul 
 looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, 
 -which fiall devour the adverfaries. 
 
 Have you not to face the fame God who thus 
 took vengeance on Achan ? and do you not fee what 
 an infinite difference there is in this world, between 
 a bleffed, and an accurfed family ; and that there 
 muft be a tremendous and an eternal difference la 
 the world to come? 
 
 It is of fmall confequence, being held in difgrace 
 before a whole nation, Avhen compared with a fin- 
 ners falling under the dlfpleafure of him, who will 
 puniih eternally. Can 1 then be fo carelefs about 
 your eternal welfare, as not to fet before you that 
 which is of the higheft importance ? I am fenfible 
 you are either fetting your hearts on God, and the 
 method of his falvation, or Satan is blinding your 
 eyes by fome fatal fnare. If your minds are not fet 
 upon heavenly things, fome fm, like Achan's wedge 
 of gold, chains you down to the fervlce of Satan. 
 
 Behold in this ruined family how fatal felf-fiattefy 
 is : they promifed themfelves fecurity, and that 
 this robbery fliould never be their difgrace. Dread 
 fecret fins; they are frequently more fatal than thofc 
 which are committed in the light of men. And no\^', 
 my family, the time hadens Vv'hen all the families of 
 
 the 
 
( 158 )' 
 
 the earth muft appear before the Judge : thouland^i 
 and tens of thoufands, who, hke Achan, paid no 
 regard to God, or his command, will then tremble. 
 That this may not be youi' unhappy cafe, attend to 
 the injunctions from heaven ; beware of robbing 
 God : every fm will be deemed a robbery; you have 
 everyone of you been guilty: what an infinite mercy 
 there is a facrifice which can atone for your fms ! 
 confefs your fin to God, and dread the very thought 
 of being found among thofe, who flight that remedy 
 which God has ordained to take away fin. 
 
 If Achan had been aflced what fum he would 
 give, to ranfon himfelf and family from punifiliment^ 
 temporal and eternal ; had he been pofi^efi^ed of 
 mountains of gold, with joy would he have parted 
 with all. 
 
 What thoufands now In damnation feeU and will 
 eternally feel, the force of this argument : what 
 mufi: thofe Jews who rejeded Chrifi: now endure ? 
 to whom he faid, You f mil die in your fins. My 
 particular concern now is, that none of you defpife 
 that remedy which is held out to you in the gofpeL 
 Had I been the father of Achan, with what diftrefs 
 fhould I have beheld that moft miferable family 5 
 and the fear and dread which I experience, leaft 
 any of you ihould be in a condition more terrible j 
 cannot be defcribed by language : my foul longs to 
 fee you all in love with God's falvation : then I 
 fhall be perfuaded, you are blefi"ed here, and ihall 
 be found among the happy at that folemn day, when 
 Chrift himfelf ihall blefs the blefled, and curfe the 
 curfed. 
 
 £Nt> O? THE SEVENTH EXERCISE. 
 
rAMILT EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 €i^ti) €xmi3t. 
 
 THE FLOOD. 
 
 Aizd behold I, even I, do bring a Jlood of zoater^ 
 upon the earth, to dejlroy all jlcjii, zoherein is 
 the breath of life, from under heaven: and 
 every thing that is in the earth fhall die. 
 
 Gen. vi. 17. 
 
 H. 
 
 .AD not the hiftory of this unparalleled judg^ 
 ment been confirmed by Chrift himfelf, many 
 would have been tempted not to have credited the 
 relation vs^hich Mofes gives of this almofl univerfal 
 deil:ru(flion j though, it is fo fully proved from many 
 parts of the v^^ord of God. Ezek. xiv. 20. Though 
 Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live, 
 faith the Lord God, they fiall deliver neither fon 
 nor daughter, 1 Pet. iii. 20. While tbe ark was 
 a preparing, &c. Philofophers, many of whom 
 too frequently employ their genius in finding fault 
 with the fcripture, have (^tn fuch infallible proois 
 of the flood, from things which have been found in 
 the bowels of the earth, that has fully convinced 
 them, that they were buried there at that dreadful 
 period. 
 
 Wc 
 
( i6o ) 
 
 Wc have but a very fliort account of thofc dread- 
 ful provocations, which caufed God thus to fvv-eep 
 the earth of his enemies. It is faid that the earth 
 was covered with violence ; and that his fpirit fliould 
 not always flrive with man. By defpifmg Noah's 
 preaching, and from what Chrill mentions con- 
 cerning their fccurity when the flood came, we may 
 jearn their delperately wicked fpirit. 
 
 Had not fm, in an uncornmon manner deluged 
 the nations, fuch a general ruin, God would never 
 have fent upon the whole earth. Tyre, Babylon, 
 and Jerulalem, would never have experienced fuch 
 awful judgments, had not their fins been in the 
 higheil degree provoking to God. God himfelf, 
 givts us an account of the progrefs which fm had 
 made in the world, when he fpeaks of Noah as 
 the only perfon then exifling who feared him. We 
 do not fuppofc, that in any period, the church 
 of Go4 was ever reduced to fo low a ftate. No 
 wonder then, when Noah was fafe in the ark, that 
 God, feeing none but enemies in all the world be- 
 iidcs, and all thole were combining together againft 
 him, and hating both his natiire and condud, fliould, 
 tfter his patience and forbearance had been exercifed 
 for fo long a time, pour down Ins vengeance on fo 
 provoking a generation. No fooner had Lot ar- 
 rived fafe in his cave, than fire and briniftone is 
 .i]iov,Tred down from heaven upon Sodom. God 
 having not one friend left in that place, it was be- 
 come an image of hell. 
 
 No man, fince the heavens and the earth were 
 <;re*itcd, ever was vv^itncis to fuch unbounded wick- 
 
 ednefs. 
 
( i6i ) 
 
 tdnefs. This hiftory therefore is left on record, for 
 the inftrudlion of all future generations; and is one 
 of thofe undeniable proofs, that the dodlrine of fuch 
 preachers as make light of fin, is falfe and a con- 
 tradiction to the whole of divine revelation. 
 
 Noah's preaching feems only to have hardened 
 that generation. And indeed it is frequently the 
 cafe in our day, that thofe who are favoured with 
 line upon line^ are the mofl abandoned in their con- 
 dud:. The more Noah felt for this people to whom 
 he preachedi the more muft his life have been a 
 fcene of diflrefs : and having no one to ftand by 
 him, and fo many to mock him, for fo long a time, 
 his patience would be tried more than that of any 
 other man. 
 
 When perfons are thus blinded by Satan, neither 
 the fmeerity, nor the afFedidn of a faithful monitor, 
 will make any impreflion upon them ; fuch fre- 
 quently treat their beft friends with hatred and fcorn. 
 Had we been witnefs to their dreadful provocations, 
 we fhould not have been furprifed to fee feme un- 
 common judgment poured upon them : their unpa- 
 ralleled wickednefs no doubt confirmed Noah in the 
 faith of his own prophefy* 
 
 Perfons who are fo infatuated as not to difcern, 
 that their abominable condud was both contrary to 
 reafon, and to the will of God, could hardly be 
 expeded to give the fmalleft degree of credit, to fuch 
 an unheard of judgment, as an univerfal deluge. 
 As they made a mock of fm, they would not attend 
 to Noah, when he fpoke of God's taking vengeance 
 ^' upon them in fuch an extraordinary way. Perhaps 
 y many 
 
( ife ) 
 
 many of them denied that any fuch being exifled : 
 and others who allowed that there was a God, might 
 urge the impolfibility of any fuch thing coming to 
 pafs. Some have beea wifliing to account (and 
 would be very glad if they could) for the flood, from 
 fome natural caufe ; but the word of God may fatisfy 
 us, that fin was the only, and the fole caufe. God, 
 who by means of the ark, fiived his fervant Noah 
 and his family, has exprefsly mentioned this as the 
 caufe of the deluge. What Chrift fays concerning 
 their condud^ proves the contempt in which they 
 held the preaching of Noah. Matt. xxiv. 38, 39, 
 For as in the days that were before the food, they 
 -were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in 
 marriage, until the day thai Noah eiitered into the 
 ark, and kneio not until the flood came, and took 
 them all away; foJJwM alfo the coming of the Son 
 of man be. Noah had been for more than a century 
 the fongs of drunkards > they had now caroufed fo 
 long, that it was impollible to fnake their fecurity. 
 
 This evidently proves what a life Noah mufl 
 have fpent amongft them,, and how much he mufl 
 have been perfecuted. 
 
 Whatever notions meiT may form of the evil 
 nature and coniequences of their fin, when all the 
 fons of Adam are aflembled before th^ Judge of the 
 world, (and the perfons who then perifhed, will not 
 make an inconfiderable part of that innumerable 
 congregation) God's juflice will be fully vindicated 
 in their fmgular punifliment ; the whole world wiB 
 be convinced of the equity of his procedure. 
 
 Matters of faft prove to a demonftration, that 
 
 indignatiotji 
 
( i63 ) 
 
 indignation and wrath hang over the heads of fin- 
 j-iers ; and therefore the do(5trine of fmooth preachers, 
 who make hght of (m, is contrary both to reafon 
 and the condu(5t of God himfelf. 
 
 Noah formed his id^ea of the flood, from the word 
 of God, not by his carnal reafonings on the fubjec^. 
 Had he been governed by that fallacious maxim 
 which prevails in our day ; ?. e. not to give the 
 ieaft credit to any thing, which reafon cannot com- 
 prehend, he would not for a moment, have credited 
 God himfelf. We never a6t more reafonably, than 
 when we believe what God himfelf affirms. Many. 
 of the children of Ifrael, believed that God would 
 fulfil his covenant made with Abraham : though 
 there appeared fo many improbabilities in the way. 
 The more contemptuoufly the antediludians treated 
 the idea of a flood, the more rationally they a(fted. 
 But God confounds the wifdom of the wife. When 
 Ifrael walked round Jericho ; the inhabitants, no 
 doubt, obferving no other means made ufe of, than 
 the carrying of the Ark, and the Slowing of the 
 rams horns, would begin to be confident of their 
 fecurity, and conclude that fuch fools could never 
 defl:roy their well-built city. 
 
 What were the ideas which any creature could 
 have of the flood, to that knowledge which God had 
 of that important event; who had ordained how 
 high the waters Iliould rife, and in what fpace of 
 time they Ihould fall. Things which appear impof- 
 fible to men, are nothing with him to accomplifh. 
 He who created the world out of nothing, can never 
 be at a lofs how to punifli his inveterate foes. This 
 Y 2 proves 
 
( i64 ) 
 
 proves the vanity of thofe men who imagine them- 
 felves to be proper judges of the defert of fin, or the 
 eternal punifliment which God has ordained for 
 finners in a world of woe. When fuch men can fet 
 bounds to the perfections of God, or afford him 
 affiflance in the management of his affairs, then let 
 them di<5tate to God what he ought to do. 
 
 Noah could not behold thofe millions of carcafes, 
 floating on the furface of the water, without having 
 Uriking ideas of the tremendous evil of fin \ he could 
 not behold fuch an ailonifliing eiFed, but he muft 
 refledt on the great caufe. Such a dreadful fight 
 DO mortal ever beheld before ; and yet even this was 
 unfpeakably lefs diftrefling, than one view would be 
 of that place, were there will eternally be weeping, 
 and wailing, and gnafliing of teeth ! 
 
 The mofk nimble and ftrong attempted to efcape 
 this flood in vain. It penetrated the moll hidden 
 caves, as well as overflowed the highefl: mountains. 
 Who can efcape when God purfues ? If one 
 perfon befides the family of Noah, ha^ got to a 
 place of fafety, God would have been, for once over-r 
 come. If God determine to punifh, all the elements 
 are at his nod, and Ihall contribute to the deftrud:ion 
 of his enemies. 
 
 As the deflgn of the flood originated in God him- 
 felft fo did the fhape and confl:rudtion of the ark. 
 Noah had nothing to contrive -, nor mufl: he at all 
 deviate, in the leaft degree, from the pofitive orders 
 given him by God. He that forefaw the flood which 
 he was about to bring, underftood what kind of a 
 vefl'el was necceffary, for the prpfervation of thofe 
 
 whom 
 
( »65 ) 
 
 whom he intended to fave. What folly would It 
 have been in Noah to have objected, either to the 
 length or to the breadth of the ark ; or even to have 
 varied, in the lead, from the particular directions of 
 God. He who gave him the work allowed time 
 fufEcient to compleat it, 
 
 Noah's helpmates in building the ark, no doubt, 
 frequently made themfelves merry at his expence. 
 It appears by the fequel, that not one of them 
 hearkened to his admonitions, as they perifhed in 
 the flood. How muft thofe who had been wit- 
 nefles to Noah's godly life, (a life fo totally different 
 to that of any other man then in being) condemn 
 themfelves for their treatment, both of him and his 
 mefTage ? To eternity will they remember Noah, 
 and their condudl towards him. 
 
 The time that this ark was in building, together 
 with its immenfe fize, its original conftrudion, and the 
 end for which it was intended, muft have brought 
 multitudes from every quarter to behold it. And 
 it is natural to fuppofe that they would call Noah ten 
 thoufand fools ; and fuppofe that he ought rather to 
 be confined as a lunatic, than be at liberty. They 
 might perhaps fay, " what water fhall carry this 
 kuge vefiel to the ocean ? Does the infatuated man 
 fuppofe, that he can fail on dry land ?'* 
 
 The great numbers who would thus unite in ri- 
 diculing Noah, muft render his fituation moft dif- 
 agreeable and trying. So many fcoffers would har- 
 den one another in fin ^ and the liberties they would 
 probably take, might make him fear feme open 
 outrage. Fuel, the greater the quantity, the more 
 
 fiercely 
 
( i56 ) 
 
 fiercely It burns ; fo the greater the company of the 
 wicked, the more violently they aO:, Many who 
 feem moderate when alone, are, when in the com- 
 pany of other perfons as vile as themfelves, intole- 
 rable. 
 
 Had not the antediluvians been hardened in a 
 peculiar manner, they would have been ftruck with 
 fome convidion, when they beheld the wildeft 
 beafts, as well as the moft tame, fpontaneoufly enter 
 by pairs into the ark. This muft appear more furr 
 priling to them, than even the building of the ark. 
 If we muft believe nothing but what we can com- 
 prehend, this muft be rejeded as altogether fabu- 
 lous : how could Noah bring thefe into the ark ? 
 and we may be afTured the v/icked would never aflift 
 in fuch a dangerous undertaking, 
 
 We cannot fuppofe, that this was done in fecret, 
 and kept frorn the knowledge of the people : but 
 Satan, the grand deceiver, might perfuade them, 
 that Noah accomplifhed this by fome peculiar art. 
 And when men are prepollefled with an averfion to 
 the truth, they are an eafy prey to that cunning 
 adverfiry. How did he attempt to caft a cloud 
 upon the miracles Vv^hich Mofes wrought in Egypt ! 
 
 When Noah and his family were fhut in the ark 
 by God himfelf, that generation was then arrived at 
 the awful period of deil:ru6lion ; and perhaps were 
 at the height of their banter and wickednefs ; at 
 leaft, all who were near the ark. Noah had now 
 preached his laft fermon, and left his hardened 
 hearers, who had fo long refufed mercy, to a fin- 
 God. 
 
 He 
 
( J^7 ) 
 
 He who faw Noah fafe In the ark, was deter- 
 mined that not an individual belides fliould efcape 
 his vengeance. They had defpifed the voice of 
 mercy, and muft now hear the thunder of his judg- 
 ments. No cries, nor tears, of any age, or fex, 
 can now avert the impending ftorm. 
 
 We may fuppofe, the awful manner in which 
 the rain defcended, muft bring to their minds every 
 argument that Noah had ufed to reprefent . this 
 awful feafon, and the dreadful appearance of the 
 elements. Bifliop Hall fuppofes that many fled to 
 the fides of the ark, and cried for admilTion ; but 
 that the door was fhut againfl them, as heaven's 
 door will be againft all foolifh virgins : that which 
 would make this drowning fo dreadful, the waters 
 were a convincing proof to them of tlie v/rath of 
 God againfl that generation. 
 
 The more numerous and tender any of their con- 
 Jiedlions were, the more completed would be their 
 mifery ! How would tender mothers have their 
 hearts rent with the cries of perilling children I 
 How fully convinced that they themfelves had been 
 the ruin of their offspring ! This was a diffrefs 
 which every thing around them tended to increafe. 
 Not one tongue, or look, to footh or mitigate their 
 forrow. 
 
 The ark floating In the vallies, would now foon 
 be out of the reach of the diftrefl^ed crouds upon the 
 mountains ; from whence they might behold that 
 with envy, which they had fo frequently beheld 
 w^ith fcorn and ridicule. Their ears fhall no more 
 
 hear 
 
( i68 ) 
 
 hear the voice of him, that fo afted:IonateIy invited 
 them to prepare for the approaching deluge. 
 
 How are their feoffs, and contemptuous fpeeche?, 
 now changed ! Some dying with fear ! Others 
 already drowned ! And not the leafl profped: of 
 efcape for any ! Every way they look, more and 
 more convinces them, that it is God's determination 
 to deflroy them all. This made their death tremen- 
 dous ! To die a violent death is awful, but to die 
 with the fulleft proof that it is the avenging hand of 
 God which cuts us down, is dreadful beyond de- 
 fcription ! 
 
 Could Noah keep his eyes from beholding their 
 deplorable fituation? We may fuppofe the ark 
 was by the wifdom of God fituatedj in fuch a man- 
 tier, that none could have the leaft hope of reaching 
 that door which was once open, near, and eafy e^ 
 accefs. We may almoft fuppofe, that he who will fo 
 diffolve the ties of nature at the great day, that the 
 faved parent fhall not feel for the loft child, would, 
 at this time, caufe Noah to acquiefce in this univer- 
 fal deftrudion. It has frequently been the cafe, 
 that when godly men have been attempting to pray 
 for fuch vile characters, God has prevented them. 
 
 Here is an inftrudting lefTon. He that runs may 
 ^-ead the determination of God, not to have mercy 
 on thofe millions now perifhing, and about to be 
 drowned ; while his oath and promife make Noah 
 perfedly fecure. The ark, though the means of 
 Noah's fafety, was not his only fecurity* God 
 bound himfelf to watch over It ; had it not been for 
 the care of providence, the animals within might 
 
 have 
 
( '% ) 
 
 hr/e eaten through the ark, and caufed all whom 
 God had preferved alive in the creation, to have 
 perilhed. 
 
 It was impoiiible that that family fliould be 
 drowned, by whom the whole world fhould be again 
 peopled, God having perfectly fecured the ark 
 from the rain without, rendered Noah's habitation 
 comfortable as well as fafe. So fecure and com- 
 fortable flmll God's people be, who are in Chrift, 
 The deluge of divine vengeance, which will fweep 
 the wicked into hell, ihall not injure them, nor 
 will their inbred fms be permitted to ruin them. 
 
 What different kinds of beings were preferved in 
 this ark ! He who at lirfl: created their natures, 
 now reflrains them : the moft ravenous do not 
 devour any of thofe upon uhich they had been ac- 
 cuftomed to prey: the lion lies down and feeds 
 with the lamb. In the church of the living God 
 there ihall be fucli, who, though before they were 
 called by grace, were dragons and fcorpions, fhall 
 be harmlefs as doves. 
 
 Now cities, and the moft ftately palaces, are 
 wa(hed up to their very foundations; and not one 
 veftage remains of any of thofc places, where God 
 had been fo highly offended. Noah and his family 
 might dwell in the ark till their numbers required a 
 larger habitation. They had now no occafian to 
 differ about which lands they fliould inherit; they 
 were heirs of the whole univerfe. All thofe who 
 had called their lands by their owm names, had left 
 none to take polTeffion of houfe or field. Who 
 can behold fuch a change throughout the world 
 Z without 
 
( 176 ) 
 without refledting ho\v fooii God can filence all his 
 enemies ! How are they gone into defolation as in 
 a moment ! Noah had now but a fmall congrega-* 
 tion to whom he could preach. 
 
 The flood knew no diftin^ion of perfons : kings 
 and beggars lloat promifcuoully on the mighty wa- 
 ters. Death levels all diflindions. This truth 
 feldom engages lofty and towering minds : yet So- 
 lomon perceived it, and felt its force. 
 
 The rain continued, till all who were devoted to 
 deftruclion perillied. From the beginning of their 
 trouble, the very heavens were covered with dark- 
 nefs ; and all the elements feemed up in arms againft 
 them. No creature in the w^orld, mnfl any more 
 fee the face of the fun, but Noah and his family. 
 Thofe who were preferved the longell, mujfl: have 
 been half dead with cold, fear, famine, and the 
 dreadful Ihrieks of their drowning relatives. 
 
 Now that the enemies of God are cut off, the 
 heavens fmile again. How welcome would the 
 beams of the fun be to the family of Noah ! As yet, 
 the whole world appears to them a perfecfl fea. Nd 
 mountain or tree appears. In what womb lay all 
 this ocean ? or how was it poiTible that fuch a mafs 
 of water could be dried from off the land ! He 
 alone, who brought the flood, underilood how td 
 difpofe of its waters. 
 
 We hear of no want in the ark ; though they 
 were confined there many days. God meafures 
 the wants of all his creatures : he informed Noah 
 in what manner to provide for their fupply. If 
 even the wild beafls in the ark are cured for, how 
 
 could 
 
( >7' ) 
 
 could thofe be permitted to ftarve who were children ; 
 and children who are redeemed unto God by the 
 Wood of Chrifl ? The raven, which was fent forth, 
 did nqt care to leave the ark, though fhe loved to 
 wander. Some fuppofe ilie fed upon the carcaiTes 
 of thofe who periflied ; but the length of time which 
 the flood continued, makes that appear rather impof- 
 fible. As by nature fuch birds are bold, and when 
 tame will make more free with man, than many 
 other birds, Noah could tfuft this raven, better 
 than any other bird in the ark. 
 
 The dove's returning, informed Noah that his 
 confinement mull be prolonged : for though God 
 had told him pf the very day he fhould enter the 
 ark, he had not yet informed him when he fliould 
 leave this confined habitation : but ^s he already 
 had fuch proof of God's faithfulnefs, he might reft 
 afllired, he who had preferved him fafely in the 
 ark, would in his own time, fet him on dry land 
 again. 
 
 Noah muil look upon himfelf as the only crea- 
 ture now left to offer facrifice to God, being the 
 head of the only family remaining in the world. 
 
 God now declares, he will curfe the earth no 
 more. We may reft aflured, however the earth 
 may abound with his enemies, that the firfi: deluge 
 will be the lail. The Holy Gholl, by Ifaiah, in- 
 forms us, that God did this with an oath, though 
 Mofes does not mention it here. Ifa. liv. 9. For 
 this is as the waters of Noah unto mc : for as I 
 have /worn that the xvaters of Noah Jhould vo 
 74 2 mere 
 
( 172 ) 
 
 more go over the earth ; Jo have I ftoorn that t 
 would not be loroth xoith thee, 7ior rebuke thee. 
 
 While v/e read this remarkable hiftory, let us 
 confider the folly of fuch as fpeak lightly of fin. 
 Thefe, if not bsjtter inftrudied, will, one day, feel 
 the effed:s of fach a condud:, as certainly as the 
 antediluvians, were convinced of thdr folly. Sinners 
 in all ages, have been attempting to diminifh the 
 evil of fm I and are unwilling to attend to fuch di- 
 vine judgments, as tend to overthrow their fenti- 
 ments concerning it. 
 
 How infatuated mud: thofe be who argue, that 
 if they are going to hell, many are going there 
 befides them. We find but one Lot in Sodom, and 
 but one godly family at the period when God rent 
 the flood upon the earth. How fallacious would 
 fuch an argument have been in the mouth of an 
 antediluvian^ The broad way has at times been, 
 fo crouded v/ith travellers, that fome good men have 
 thought themfelves left alone : this was the cafe 
 with the prophet Elijah, That man muft be an 
 enemy to God, who can feel a pleafure in this, that 
 the greateft part of mankind ar^ enemies to him 
 alfo. 
 
 How dreadful to look, or fpeak with contempt, 
 of the only method which God has ordained to favc 
 mankind ! Yet this profane fpirit has been in the 
 world from the beginning. If thofe who fpoke with 
 contempt againil the ark, (^ould not efcape the juft 
 vengeance of an incenfed God, what fliall be the 
 punilhmcnt of fuch as blafpheme that falvation, 
 which nothing but the blood, and fuiferings of 
 
 Chrift 
 
( 173 ) 
 
 Chrifl could accomplifh ! the awful and provoking 
 fpeeches of feme men are recorded in heavtii : if 
 fuch die in this fpirit, as fure as Judas will eternally 
 fuffer for betraying Chrift, thefe muft for their 
 dreadful blafphemy. 
 
 Thofe appear neareft deftru6lion, who are fecurc 
 in fin. Thefe antediluvians ate and drank as if they 
 fhould be thus indulged a whole eternity ; as if they 
 were out of the reach of God himfelf : this was a 
 proof of their being ripe for fome treniendous judg- 
 ment. 
 
 Though they had a long warning, it was but as a 
 moment to that eternity, into which they were 
 launched fo awfully and fo fuddenly. Though they 
 were, before the flood, fo ignorant a generation, yet 
 how foon were they taught by dreadful experence, 
 what they would never attend to upon the earth ! 
 How much did Dives learn, the firft moment that 
 his foul departed from his body ! Judas im.mediately 
 after his dilTolution learnt his eternal flate. 
 
 How crai they efcape the flood of God's wrath, 
 who like thefe antediluvians fow wholly to the 
 flefh ? Is it not the highefl: folly for perfons to 
 hope that Chrift will fay to them, well done good 
 and faithful fcrv ant, who not only refufe to engage 
 in his fervice, but enlifl under Satan's banner? 
 Your fms will expofe you to a deluge, more dread- 
 ful than a flood of waters. Learn of thefe perfons, 
 the folly of felf-flattery. You are under the eye of 
 that God, who took vengeance on them who had fo 
 long abufed his patience. God himfelf holds them 
 forth as an example to all future generations. 
 
 Have 
 
( 174 ) 
 
 Have you attended to the method, in which yoi| 
 only can be faved ; ^nd confidered, that a negled: of 
 this, will bring upon you the indignation of the mofl 
 high ? The provocations of thofe who fcoffed at 
 Noah, and treated God's meflage by him with 
 contempt, will be little when compared with your 
 fms. 
 
 Do you iirmly believe, that fin will bring you to 
 everlafting mifery ? And that if you are not helped 
 into the ark, there is not the leafl: hope of efcaping 
 the deluge of divine wrath ? how awful if you refufe 
 giving credit to this folemn truth, until, like them, 
 avenging juftice overtakes you ! what cave or moun- 
 tain can defend you in that tremendous period ! in 
 vain then (liall be all your cries and lamentations ; 
 heaven's door will be eternally fhut againfl all who, 
 liv^e and die in their lin. 
 
 Do you fee that thofe who refufe to lend an ear 
 to the voice of God in his word, mufh foon be 
 banilhed, among the perifhing crouds of loft mor- 
 tals, to that place, where everlafting fuffering can 
 never expiate the guilt of one fm ? you have no 
 reafon to expect, that the patience of God, will be 
 continued one hundred and forty years j a fliort 
 fpace of time, and you will be called to appear 
 before God. Thofe that do not welcome, from 
 their hearts, the invitation which God fends to come 
 into the ark Chrift Jefus, muft more highly pro- 
 voke God by this offence, than by all their fms 
 Iselides. 
 
 Let us confider a little the fafety of thofe in the 
 ark. God was the archited: ; therefore, there could 
 
 not 
 
( 175 ) 
 
 nbt poffiblybe any miftake in its conftrudion ; each 
 'part was well proportioned : and there could be no 
 danger on account of florms, while he that created 
 the elementSj and held them at his command, pledo-- 
 ed his oath, and exerted his omnipotence, fot 
 Noah's fafety. 
 
 That which endears the plan of redemption to 
 the believer, is, the aflurance he has, that no crea- 
 tute had any thing to do in devifmg fuch a glorious 
 fcheme ; it was evidently the work of God : and 
 this is one of the ftrongeft arguments for the per- 
 fedlions of the plan : and to fee God himfelf laying 
 fuch a fcheme to fave, affords a fatisfadlion to the 
 chriftian not to be defcribed* 
 
 The rejection of God's method of faving, may be 
 ranked among the highefl fpecimens of folly, of 
 which mortals can be guilty. It has fomethino- in 
 it more provoking than all our other fins together. 
 Shall God thus condefcend to fave, and be at fuch 
 an infinite expence, and mortals defpife the method 
 in which God has chofen to manifefl his free grace 
 and infinite love ? 
 
 What ignorance would that fooliih mortal dis- 
 cover, who {hould find fault with the fituation, 
 motion, or magnitude, of any part of the fyRein 
 of creation ! A fyftem fo glorious^ and all its 
 motions fo exad, that thofe immenfe bodies, need 
 not one moment's regulationj though they have been 
 moving with fuch inconceivable rapidity for thou- 
 fands of years! But thofe difcover far greater 
 ignorance, who manifefi: an averfion to redemptioa 
 through Chrift Jefus, in which fuch infinite love is 
 
 difplayed I 
 
( »75 ) 
 
 difplayed! A falvation, in which the glory ot 
 all the divine perfe(ftions will be manifefted to the 
 utmoft ! Surely in this day, there are not a fmall 
 number, who, though they rank themfelves among 
 the wifefl; of men, are difccvering the greatell folly 
 imaginable. 
 
 If the fmalleil: part of creation fliould err, or any 
 planet wander from its orbit, it would caft a reflec- 
 tion upon the whole fyftem ^ and if any part of the 
 method of falvation had failed, fallen man had been 
 ruined for ever, and divine wdfdom irreparably dif- 
 honored. If this ark had foundered, the glory of 
 God would have been for ever eclipfed : but Noah 
 was as certain of his fafety, as God was of the 
 honor he intended to have by his deliverance. Gan 
 thofe men be wife, who imbibe an averiion to 
 God's falvationj becaufe they fee no necceflity for 
 fuch a fatisfadiion to divine juflice ? fliall fooliih 
 man infl:ru6t his maker ? were thofe wife who ob- 
 jed:ed there was no occafion for an ark ? 
 
 Noah had the peculiar oath of God to rely upon. 
 Greater fecurity could not be given by God himfelfv 
 And as Noah had faith given him to believe fo 
 uncommon a thing as the flood, for one hundred and 
 forty years before it came, fo we may be perfuaded 
 that he rode in the ark, with an eye to that Gcd, 
 and a confidence in him> who had for fo long a time 
 (enabled him to believe the certainty of its coming. 
 
 Abraham, that eminent believer, had his faith 
 tried by apparent contradidlions to the promife -, fo 
 perhaps, fome ftorm might be permitted to fliake 
 the faith of Noah^ and to excite him to greater 
 
 thankfulnefs. 
 
( ^77 ) 
 thankTuInefs. Who m'ore grateful than tHofe who are 
 feverely tried. 
 
 The chriftians fafety is equal to that of Noah's i 
 fetit his comfort depends on that ability and affiftance 
 which the Holy GhofI: is pleafed to afford him: 
 when he witneiles with his fpirit, he can make his 
 boaft in the Lord ; but whatever his frame be, nothing 
 can fepafate him from the love of God which is in 
 Chrift Jefus. 
 
 Abraham was enabled to believe in the word of 
 God, but when God added his oath to his promife, 
 his fliith was confirmed; for when God was promif- 
 ing him a feed in th6 moft pofitive manner, his 
 faith being weak, he faid, xcherehyjliall I know, &c. 
 but when God pledged himfelf in fo folemn a man- 
 ner as is recorded in Gen. xv. we hear no more 
 of his doubting. Abraham never lofl fight of that 
 folemn feafon. God therefore has added his oath 
 to his promife, for the eftablifhment of all the heirs 
 of falvation. Heb. vi. 16. If all chriftians could 
 apply this to themfelves and fee in what manner 
 the oath of God is pledged for their fafety, the 
 church of God, like heaven, would be filled with 
 
 The ark was pitched xoiihin and nithout : This 
 was by divine appointment ; and it was an outward 
 means of Noah's fafety. So the chriftian is perfe(5tly 
 covered with the righteoufnefs of Chrift, which 
 delivers him from the curfe of the law, and defends 
 him from the judgments due to his offences. The 
 flotid of divine wrath can never endanger thofe, who 
 are found in this righteoufnefs ; and fuch are alfo 
 A a made 
 
C «78 ) 
 
 made glorious within by the fandifying influences 
 of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 In this general judgment, God peculiarly favour- 
 ed Noah; had his fons refufed to come into the 
 ark, and had they mocked him, as the fons of Lot 
 did their father, this would have been very diftref- 
 {mg. God generally grants his people fome mercies, 
 in the midft of all their difficulties. If all the chil- 
 dren of a godly parent mix with the world, and not 
 an individual go one flep with him in the way 
 to heaven, this muil be a trial of the moil affliding 
 kind. 
 
 Noah feeing himfelf thus diftinguifhed, and 
 having his children faved from the deluge, would 
 hope for the converfion of thofe, who yet remained 
 in an unregenerate flate. Parents are glad to catch 
 at any thing to encourage them refpeding their 
 children. That I may enjoy fomething of the fame 
 comfort, confider that not one word of God ihall 
 fall to the ground ; he that faid, / do bring ajlood, 
 &c. will as furely call you to death and judgment. 
 The word and oath of God is pledged, for the ever- 
 lafting deftrudion of all who iliall be found out 
 of Chrift. The perfon or nation that refufes to be 
 faved by him, mud perifli. There is no parleying 
 with the Almighty about the method of falvation ; 
 that way which God appoints is the only way; nor 
 did it in the leafl alter the cafe with any of the 
 antediluvians who faid they would not believe : for 
 whether they believed or no, the flood came and 
 fwept all away together. 
 
 The deluge of divine wrath which awaits the 
 
 wicked 
 
( 179 ) 
 
 wicked numbers not ! None here can imagine thai 
 a fmner, now aHve, can be one hundred and forty- 
 years, before he muft be fuffering the vengeance of 
 eternal fire ! God now allows men but a fliort fpace 
 of time to rebel againft him ; and men in thefe ages 
 ripen fafl either for heaven or hell. 
 
 None can have that excufe for their folly, which 
 the antediluvians feem to have had; they did not be- 
 lieve that there would be a deluge to drown the whole 
 world ; and though they could not but believe in 
 their own mortality, yet many of their lives were 
 prolonged for fo many years, that death was con- 
 fidered by them as at a great diflance ; but we are 
 convinced that a few years muft terminate our exif- 
 tence here : thofe who are now in youth have an 
 uncertainty before them ; very few arrive at the 
 age of three-fcore and ten, which in the fcripture, 
 is but called a hand's breadth. 
 
 I now con fide r myfelf reading to a family, who 
 will in a fliort fpace of time, be either hearing the 
 fongs of heaven or experiencing the horrors of the 
 damned ! Should I difcover any love to you, were 
 I regardlefs about your eternal welfare ? 
 
 If any of Noah's brethren, or relatives, lived in 
 fplendour, he mufl frequently think of what little 
 avail their gay clothing, or fplendid rooms would be 
 in a fliort time ! had thefe been pofifefTed of all the 
 riches in the world, it would have been impoflible 
 for him to envy beings whom he confidered on the 
 brink of fo awful a deftrudlion. 
 
 What were the palaces of kings, or the feats of 
 Hobles ! the waters left not one wreck behind ! Chil- 
 dren, 
 
( i8o ) 
 
 dren, ehvy not the great or gay : confider the latter 
 end of all thof© who live without God in the world : 
 how foon will their eftates be loft both to themfelves 
 and pofterity; Deaths like an univerfal deluge, 
 fpares not one individual : look to generations back, 
 and read the truth of thofe words, what man is he 
 that liveth andjliall not fee death. 
 
 What different fubjeds filled the minds of thofe 
 juft before the flood came ! but how foon were 
 their thoughts all turned into one channel : devifing 
 how to fave themfelves, engaged the attention of one 
 and all. As that univerfal deluge fwept the wicked 
 from their habitations, which they were never, tb 
 behold again ; fo certainly will death remove us 
 from every thing here : and as nothing can fave us 
 from everlafting deftrudiion, but an intereft iti 
 Chrift, will any of you add to your fms, by defpi- 
 fmg and negleding the great falvation of God. 
 Can you read this inftrudting hiftory, without re- 
 ileding on the diflinguifhed privileges which the 
 fons of Noah enjoyed : if one child of Noah was 
 loft eternally, would any who had gone before hirn 
 to hell by perifliing in the flood, have fo great a 
 punifliment. My very foul feels for you who are fo 
 much diftinguiftied : what thoufands in this world 
 have not one to warn them. It is my fervent 
 prayer that thefe folemn admonitions may never 
 increafe the torment of any in this family. 
 
 ENI> OF XHi: EIGHTH EXERCISE. 
 
FAMILY EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 0nti) €xtxtist. 
 
 YOUNG ABIJAH. 
 
 in him there is found fome good thing toioard 
 the Lord God of IfraeL 
 
 1 Kings xiv. 13. 
 
 VV HAT are all the honourable teftlmonies 
 which mortals can confer on each other, to thofe 
 which he can give on whom depends our temporal 
 and eternal welfare ! Who can have the leaft 
 fufpicion of the everlafting happinefs of Abijah, 
 when God fpeaks thus favourably of him ? The 
 good thing here fpoken of, is undoubtedly grace; 
 which was the efFe<5t of a faving operation of God 
 upon Abijahi 
 
 For perfons to be gracious in a wicked family, 
 and alfo when the fear of God was fcarcely to be 
 found in the land, proves to a demonflration, that 
 they mufl be highly efteemed of God ; and thr : 
 their reward fliall be great, though they have their 
 names cafl out as evil. Thofe who ftand alone, 
 and have none to countenance them in religion, are 
 fure to fufFer perfecution. And we may fuppofe, it 
 was impofTible for a good man to live among Jere- 
 boam's favourites, without meeting with great oppo- 
 lition. Nothing fires the rage of falfe worfhippers 
 B b more 
 
r 182 ) 
 
 more, then giving them to underftand that yeu 
 confider their religion to be a delufion. 
 
 To fee grace in youth, is not only pleafing, and 
 ieldom to be met with, but gives the clettrefi: evidence 
 that their religion is the work of God. There are 
 many arguments to prefs people in years to think of 
 religion; but for young perfons to prefer the plea- 
 fures of religion, to all that this vain world has to 
 offer, is a pofitive proof that their hearts are 
 renewed by the Spirit. Men do not gather grapes of 
 thorns : this difcovers fuch a frame of mind as never 
 was found iii any of the fallen fons of Adam, who 
 tvere not changed by grace. 
 
 All the crowns in the unlverfe would not have 
 raifed Abljah to fuch honor, as this teftimony which 
 Jehovah conferred on him. How many in hell^ will 
 to all eternity curfe the day in which they were born 
 in an earthly court ^ where- tliey meet with almoft 
 infurmountable obftacles to their falvation ! And 
 what are all earthly honors> when compared with 
 the everlafling glories which God will beftow on 
 all his favourites and friends ! It may be faid of 
 moft of thofe who are born to wordly fplendor, that 
 they go to the generations of their fathers, never to 
 fee light. The palaces of the great and noble, are 
 frequently places where the mbft profligate beings, 
 are ripened for the lowefl hell. 
 
 Though there be in the wicked an inconquerable 
 enmity to the righteous , yet when a godly youth 
 behaves with propriety to a wicked father, it works 
 upon that affedlion which naturally fablifls between 
 a father and a fon : and fome -parents, who have the 
 
 itrongeft 
 
( 183 ) 
 
 ftrongefl averfion to religion, mav be won by the 
 afFecftionate and prudent condud: of a wife child ; 
 which appears to have been the cafe with Abijah. 
 
 Jeroboam, from his being firft called to the king- 
 dom, had fufficient proof that Elijah was a man of 
 God. He had foretold things 'of the greatest im- 
 portance to Jeroboam J it is no wonder therefore 
 that he chofe to enquire of him concerning his fon; 
 not that he wiihed the prophet to pray for him, but 
 that he fliould inform him whether Abijah would 
 live : for Jeroboam could have no proper concern 
 for the foul of his fon. 
 
 This wicked king's condud: flipws, that though 
 carnal men have a general idea pf God, and the 
 favor he manifefls to his fervants, yet their know- 
 ledge of this is far inferior to that which a gracious 
 man has of Godo Why iliould Jeroboam bid his 
 wife feign herfelf to be another woman ! If God 
 had informed the prophet^ of the ilTue of this difor- 
 der, would he permit him to be deceived by the 
 mother ^ If Jeroboam had been polieffed of the 
 true fear of the Lord, he would have known that a 
 Holy God hates deceit and falfhood ; and that to 
 petition for favours in this clandefline manner, was 
 the way to be denied. Little do perfons, who ad: 
 hypocritically towards God, think, how much their 
 condud is reprobated by him, who fcarcheth the. 
 hearts and trieth the reins of the Jons of men! 
 
 How thunderflruck mull the mother be, to hear 
 
 not only of the death of her fon, but of the awful 
 
 delfrucftion of the whole family! This dreadful 
 
 meflagc was enough to have broke the heart of any 
 
 B b 2 woman 
 
( 184 ) 
 
 woman that knew the worth of immortals fouls ! 
 One foul being called away by an evident frown of 
 God, in the career of fin, has made many a godly 
 parent go with forrow to the grave ; but for God to 
 fend fuch a meffage concerning a whole family was 
 tremendous ! 
 
 Though God, in a remarkable manner, raifed 
 Jeroboam to the honors of the throne of Ifrael, yet 
 he did not manifefl the fpirit of David; and his 
 condudt proves, that temporal favours, however great, 
 or how evidently foever given by God, will not 
 make a carnal man grateful. When he arrived at 
 the honor of being a king, he paid no regard to 
 the honor of God. No man was more artful in 
 fecuring the temporal profperity of his own family ; 
 or more offended God, by turning fo great a part of 
 liis people to idolatry; by which he brought a 
 heavy curfe both on himfelf and his polierity. 
 
 One might have thought, that the tidings which 
 his wife brought from the prophet, together with 
 the dreadful meffage fent him by the man of God, 
 fometime before, and the withering of his own hand, 
 would at leafl have caufed a thorough reform in the 
 Gondud; of Jeroboam ; but we hear not a word of 
 this : all thefe folemn warnings feemed to be lolt 
 upon him. 
 
 Jeroboam appears to have exceeded moll: in fub- 
 tilty; few in the whole of the ten tribes were equal 
 to him for craftinefs : but there is an infinite dif- 
 ference between that difcernment which the wicked 
 have, and that wifdom which is of God. While he 
 thought of aggrandizing himfelf and family, by 
 
 keeping 
 
( »S5 ) 
 
 keeping his people from the worfhip of God at 
 Jerufalem ; he deprived them by taking that ftep, 
 of the very honors he wiflied them to poiTefs. 
 
 As Jeroboam was an entire ilranger to religious 
 pleafure, as well as to the true fear of God -, (6 he 
 would wifh that the worfhip of God at Jerufalem 
 fhould be totally overturned, rather than his king- 
 dom be endangered : and this was the grateful re- 
 turn he made to Jehovah for appointing him to be 
 king over the ten tribes of his chofen people — Satan 
 could fay to God when fpeaking of Job, doth Job 
 fear God for nought ? by this it appears he knows 
 that great men ought to be grateful. 
 
 Though Jeroboam had heard, that the caufe of 
 Ifraei's deftrudlion was their idolatry, yet he, like 
 many carnal politicians, prefered his own inventions 
 to the word of God : fo far was he from feeking to 
 the Lord, to eflablifh him in his empire, that he 
 contemns the favour of the God of Ifrael. 
 
 It muft be very unwelcome news to him, that 
 his altar fliould be polluted with the bones of the 
 priells : and that this fhould be done by a fon of 
 the houfe of David, He well knew that the altar 
 and kingdom muft fall together : and as his chief 
 intention was to make his houfe and kingdom fupe- 
 rior to David's, nothing could be more cutting to 
 him then the prophet's meffage. The child dying 
 exadlly as the prophet had mentioned, was an 
 awful confirmation of the whole that he foretold. 
 If any thing ihort of the almighty power of God 
 could have changed the condud: of a man, Jero- 
 boam's muft have been changed. 
 
 Jofiah 
 
( i85 ) 
 
 jofiah being particularly mentioned by name, 
 as the king who fhould do all this, evidently proves 
 that the very names of the godly are enrolled in 
 heaven from eternity, with all the gracious adions 
 they perform : Joliah's name is mentioned here 
 three hundred and thirty years before he came into 
 the world. 
 
 It is certain that Jeroboam could neither depend 
 upon the gods which he had made, nor the priefts 
 whom he had appointed -, or he would never have 
 fent to a prophet in the land of Judah to enquire 
 concerning his fon : and being afraid leaft it fhould 
 come to the ears of his fubjed:s, he did it with the 
 greatefl fecrefy : for had it been generally known, 
 it mufl have either entirely ruined, or greatly in- 
 jured, both the caradter of his own gods, and of hi$ 
 priefts. 
 
 The old prophet, who lived near Jeroboam, wa^ 
 not to be depended on; perhaps, being fo near, he 
 had been witnefs to his infincerity ; and even the 
 wicked have an idea, that fuch perfons cannot be 
 favourites of the God of heaven. 
 
 It appears from the hiftory, that Abijah*s removal 
 bv death was in infinite love to him. What a 
 change, to be taken from fo wicked a family, and 
 immediately conveyed by angels to that holy com- 
 pany who furround the throne of heaven ! In vain 
 {hall any medicine be applied when God is de- 
 termined to take his children home : and happy was 
 it for Abijah, that his diforder could not be removed 
 by the court doctors. 
 
 In judgment to the ten tribes Abijah was removed ; 
 
 they 
 
( i87 ) 
 
 they would Only have abufed 'fo godly a pr'mct. 
 Jeroboam's wicked fon, who continued an idolator, 
 was more defirable to that wicked generation. 
 When God has awful judgment in his breaft, for a 
 wicked nation, he frequently fets over them aa 
 abandoned king. 
 
 Surely, there never was a greater monument of 
 mercy than Abijah ! Grace here flione in the midfl 
 of all diladvantages. Abijah muft have been the 
 -admiration of angels, and the envy of devils. If 
 Satan had had power to kill the body, he would 
 not have permitted a perfon fo dangerous to his 
 kingdom, to have remained either at Dan or Beer- 
 fheba. 
 
 How many of David's fons were abandoned in the 
 tnidft of privileges ! when to have been religious, 
 would have infured them the high eft refped and 
 honor. If grace had run in the blood, David's fons 
 would all have been the fons of God. Grace is 
 free into what family foever it comes : and the 
 more wicked the family the more confpicous its 
 efficacy. 
 
 If Abijah had laid the reins on the neck of his 
 lufts, this would have been highly plealing to a fet 
 of wicked priefts and profligate courtiers : but how 
 difagreeable muft the conduct of fuch a gracious 
 prince be, to the eyes of fuch monfters ! 
 
 Though Abijah's death, on account of the ties 
 of natural affedtion, touched his wicked parents, 
 yet doubtlefs, many of the abandoned courties, were 
 afraid of his recovery, and overjoyed to hear of his 
 
 diilolution : 
 
( i88 ) 
 
 difToliitiOn t the pleafures of the wicked, are fpoiled 
 by the very light of the godly. 
 
 We have no account how long Abijah had been 
 a lover of the God of Ifrael. God has called 
 fome from their mother's womb. He is a fovereign, 
 both as to the time, and the manner how, the work 
 of grace is begun in the heart. 
 
 As Jeroboam had more folemn Warnings than 
 moil: of the kings, fo this extraordinary fon was to 
 fet forth and exhibit the folly of his wicked father^i 
 to all future generations. 
 
 Such particular mention being made of this good 
 thing in Abijah, toward the houfe of the Lord 
 God of Ifrael, is an intimation that he had difcovered 
 fome difapprobation of Jeroboam's falfe gods -, and 
 that his heart was fet on the true worfliip of God 
 in Jerufalem : this is not to be wondered at, when 
 we confider, that thofe who faw the plan of redemp- 
 tion by faith, had an underflanding of the nature 
 of the typical worfhip. 
 
 The fame Holy Spirit who revealed to him the true 
 way of falvation, no doubt alfo taught him where 
 that falvation was held forth in proper facrifices ; 
 therefore Abijah, though young, knew the gods 
 which his father had made were falfe deities, and fet 
 up for a bafe purpofe. 
 
 The more Abijah loved the worjfhip of the true 
 God, the greater would his averfion be to the falfe 
 gods fet up by his father : he muft view them with 
 deteftation ; and confider the people who worfliipped 
 them, as deluded. 
 
 Who could have thought, to have found the heart 
 
 of 
 
( 189 ) 
 
 t>f a David, in the hoiife of Jeroboam ? As heaven 
 is filled with w^onders of glory, God has ordained, 
 that his church fliall be made up of the wonders of 
 Jiis grace. God had a remnant among the ten tribes 
 long after this ; but they were, like the church, hid 
 in the wildernefs : fo completely hid, that Elijah 
 fpeaks of himfelf as left alone ; but God informs 
 him, that there were {gvqt). thoufand in Ifrael, who 
 had not bowed the knee to Baal : but the church of 
 God at that period muft have laboured under great 
 difadvantages, in being deprived of the worlhip of 
 God at Jerufalem* 
 
 Only thofe who have real grace, can tell what 
 truly religious perfons feel, who fee thoufands, 
 and tens of thoufands, through the influence of 
 perfons in power, mifled, and kept in the dark, to 
 their eternal ruin. Thefe perfons were not only 
 deprived of worfhip themfelves, but had the morti- 
 fication to fee the greateft part of the people, milled 
 by the falfe prophets of Jeroboam. 
 
 Abijah, no doubt, though young, had mourned 
 for the fins of the land. A public fpirit is a frame 
 peculiarly agreeable to God. The folly and wick- 
 ednefs of thofe in his own family, muft have excited 
 his feelings. Thofe who live near God, have their 
 fpirits quickened frequently, by the extravagant folly 
 of others. So far are fuch from being cooled, in 
 their affedtions for religion, that their religious zeal 
 burns with greater warmth through oppofition. 
 
 Grace in Abijah is called by the Holy Ghofir, a 
 
 good thing. As there is a principle of evil in every 
 
 unregenerate man, fo when the Spirit of God edn- 
 
 C c verts 
 
'( ^90 ) 
 
 rerts a marl, the renewed principle may be called, 
 with propriety, good. In me, that is in myjlejh, 
 fays Paul, dicelkth ?io good things His words im- 
 ply that he was pofTelled of a better principle— 
 that which is born of the Spirit is fpirit > that 
 which is the efFed: of infinite grace and love, and 
 by which the ftate of a creature is fo completely 
 changed, that though before he was a child of wrath 
 yet now he is a child of God, muft be good beyond 
 every thing elfe. 
 
 The lead of this grace, (if there be any thing 
 about it, that can with propriety be called little) 
 though but as a grain of muftard feedj proves a man 
 to be adopted into God's family, and a joint heir 
 with Chrift. And though there remains much evil, 
 in perfons of the higheft attainments, it only 
 proves the greatnefs of that change which God 
 makes in a fallen creature, when he creates him 
 anew in Chrifl Jefus. 
 
 Thofe perfons mentioned in the 5th of Matthew, 
 who mourned, were as really bleffed as thofe who 
 have great gifts and knowledge, and filled with the 
 higheft joy. Abijah being young, and perhaps 
 having none to fpeak to, might be one of thofe 
 whofe hands hung down, and whofe knees were 
 feeble : fuch perfons frequently fow in tears, but 
 they fhall reap everlalling joy. Could thofe who. 
 are weak and timorous, fee that they are as really, 
 and as much the children of God, as any in glory, 
 how would they lift up their heads ? 
 
 This may with great propriety be called good, 
 when we confider diat it originates in the infinite 
 
 love 
 
( 191 ) 
 
 love of God, and is infeparably conneded with it* 
 He who looked with pleafure on the works of crea- 
 tion, and pronounced them good, will much more 
 pronounce this work good, which has for its origi- 
 nal, a caufe fo infinitely high, and for its duration, 
 eternity. The continuance of the creation is but 
 for a moment, when compared with the eternal du- 
 ration of this. 
 
 This has no lefs a meritorious caufe, than the 
 worth of the precious blood of the Son of God : 
 and this llamps a value upon it above all computa- 
 tion. Such a change would never have been 
 wrought, had not the perfon been interelled in 
 that great facrifice, which now fills heaven with 
 praife : for thofe who enjoyed falvation before the 
 coming of Chrift, were faved by the efficacy of the 
 Saviour's death, as we are. 
 
 This change will make a man, though vile and 
 bafe before, delight in doing good ; and this good- 
 nefs will not be like the morning cloud, or the early 
 dew; it will be an abiding principle, not to be era-? 
 dicated, either by oppofition from man, or by all 
 the arts of Satan. It is fomething too noble and 
 valuable, to be left in the power of Satan, or to be 
 crufhed in the embryo, by a prefent evil world. All 
 the wicked in the court of Jeroboam, could not ex- 
 tinguifh this heavenly fpark in the heart of Abijah. 
 
 It may be called good, as nothing can fo effec- 
 tually fupport and comfort the mind, in all the 
 troubles of life. Like fine gold, it appears more 
 and more valuable, as it is tried in the fire. Thofe, 
 and thofe only, who are poffeffcd of this principle, 
 C c 2 can 
 
( ^92 ) 
 
 can by faith lay hold on the arm and flrength of a 
 covenant God, and ftand in all the ftorms of life. 
 
 It is a pofitive truth, that all things work together 
 for good to fuch a perfon. Like the philofopher's 
 flone, it turns all into gold. That which proves 
 fatal to others, fhsiH he beneficial to them; the 
 inofl dreadful ten^ptations which overwhelm others, 
 frequently are the very means of making thefe 
 ilronger and more courageous. 
 
 As it IS good in life, it is not lefs fo in death* 
 AU who are pofleiTed of fuch a principle, will, at 
 4eath, enter upon the uninterrupted poffeiTion of all 
 good. Neither their goodnefs, nor the value of it, 
 is fully known in this world ; but when Chrill him- 
 felf appears in glory, then fhall it be manifefted, 
 what a good and gracious change that is which God. 
 makes in all his redeemed people. It will then be 
 feen, how infinitely preferable this good thing is, to 
 all that fancied good by which fo many are deluded, 
 
 Let %hls hiftory imprefs our minds with this im- 
 portant truth, that to have a love to God and his, 
 worfliip, is a frame of mind highly agreeable to. 
 him. Let fuch of ypu as are pofiefied of this prinr 
 ciple, particularly confider its original : your love tq 
 God will be increafed, wl^en you have more dil'l:in(fl: 
 ideas of his infinite regard to you, Nothing can 
 be more clearly demonflrated than this, that when 
 youth are thus difpofed, it is becaufe they are be- 
 loved of the Lord. If any man love God, the fame 
 IS known of him; i. e. loved of him. As we love 
 God, becaufe h^ firil loved us 3 fo it is a ftimulativc 
 
 of 
 
( ^93 ) 
 
 ©f the moft animating kind to believe, that we arc 
 loved immutably and eternally. 
 
 How does this principle make its appearance in 
 youth ? Nothing is more eafy to difcover, than 
 when this change is wrought on thofe who have 
 been profligate. Thefe are frequently, Hke the jai- 
 lor, thrown into the greateft diftrefs ^ and the con- 
 tinuation of this terror, depends entirely on the fo- 
 vereignty of God. In Jofiah it appeared, by his 
 heart being made tender, when he heard the word 
 of God read, 2 Kings xxii. 1^, Becaiife thine; 
 heart was tender, and thou haji humbled thyfelf 
 before the Lord, when thou heardejl what I /pake 
 againjh this place, and againjl the inhabitants 
 thereof, that they flwuld become a defolation, and 
 a cufe, and haft rent thy clothes, and wept before, 
 mc: 1 have alfo heard thee, faith the Lord, This 
 was not the cafe with Jehoiakim, who treated Jere- 
 miah with contempt, and burnt the roll. How dif- 
 ferent was the meflage which God fent to that 
 wicked young king, Jer. xxxvi, 30, Therefore thus 
 faith the Lord, of Jehoiakim king of Judah, he 
 fhall have none to fit tip on the throne of David^ 
 and his dead body fiall be cafl out in the day to 
 the heat, and in the night to the frofl. Jer. xxii. 
 18, 19, Theyfiall not lament for him, faying, ah 
 my brother, or ah fjier I they fiall (not lament for 
 him, faying, ah lord, or ah his glory ! He Jhall 
 he buried with the burial of an afs, draion and 
 caji forth beyond the gates of Jerufalem. In this 
 contraft we may fee the infinite difference which 
 God makes, between tliofe who fear him, and thofc 
 
 who 
 
( 194 ) 
 
 who fear him not. Jeholakim neither regarded God 
 nor his prophet 3 his favourite companions were a 
 fet of vain and loofe men, who were apparently 
 afterwards loft together with himfelf. Nothing 
 is a more awful proof, of a young perfon being 
 deftitute of grace, than having a diflike to hear the 
 word of the Lord. 
 
 Delight in reading the word of God : in whomfo- 
 ever it is found, is an evidence that this good work 
 is begun in the heart. Such may be called new^ 
 born babes, -who defire the fmcere milk of the 
 zuord; efpecially when they are feeking comfort 
 from the word of God, and not reading it from 
 mere curiofity. 
 
 Souls dead in fm are as deftitute of this frame, as 
 a dead body is of hfe and breath. When Ifrael 
 encamped in the wildernefs, if there had been one 
 tent, out of which no one had gone to gather 
 manna, the people would have concluded, that they 
 were all dead in that tent : So in families where 
 there is not one, who is gathering food from the 
 word of God, they are all fpiritually dead, who 
 dwell in that houfe. 
 
 Strong affection for the worfliip of God, is ano* 
 ther evidence of real grace. David could fay, a 
 day in thy courts is better than a thou/and elfe^ 
 where. This was fomething more than a common 
 prejudice, in favor of fome peculiar form of worship ; 
 it was communion widi God, which caufed David 
 to fet fo high a value on his worlhip. This was the 
 F^afon why he complained fo bitterly, when depri- 
 ved 
 
{ ^95 ) 
 
 Ved of the privilege of attending the courts of the 
 Lord's houfe. 
 
 When chriftians are deprived of this pleafurc, 
 nothing can make up the deficiency. God alone can 
 fatisfy the defires of a renewed foul. Nothing dif- 
 tinguifhes a child of God more evidently from a 
 carnal man, than that pleafure, which he at times 
 experiences in the worihip of God. 
 
 A concern for the eternal welfare of their fellow 
 creatures, is peculiar to thofe who are polTelTed of 
 Abijah's fpirit. No fooner does the foul experience 
 the love of God, than, like the woman at the well 
 of Samaria, its language is, CoiJic and fee this 
 Chrift. 
 
 They have likewife an underflanding givefl 
 them, to fee that glorious method of falvation* 
 which is a conftant fpring of life and pleafure to 
 the chriilian : whereas it is to the carnal mind, as 
 a root out of a dry ground. Though the wicked fre- 
 quently affent to the truth in general, yet they 
 difcern not its importance and glory. The enlight- 
 ened foul is fatisfied, that it is a knowledge which 
 God alone can give. As it is God's prerogative to 
 give natural fight to a man born blind; fo thofe 
 mufi; be taught of God, who have this underflanding 
 of the gofpel. I could wifh thofe who are in dif- 
 trefs, and cannot arrive at any comfortable conclu- 
 fion concerning their ftate, to read a fmall publica- 
 tion, entitled,THECHRiSTiAN*s Looking Glass, 
 or Timorous Soul's Guide; which Ipublilhed 
 fome time ago. 
 
 Let us next make a few remarks on youth, in 
 
 whom 
 
( sgS ) 
 whom there Is nothing fpiritually good. It is com^ 
 mon for thefe to treat all rehgious things, hke Efau, 
 with contempt* As the good tree is known by its 
 fruit, fo thefe give fufficient proof, that they arc 
 influenced by a fpirit contrary to that of God's 
 people ; and though they may polTefs fome natural 
 virtues, as temperance, honefty, &c. yet they are 
 wholly deilitute of love to Chrift; and of that 
 humbling fenfe of fm and unvvorthinefs, which is- 
 common to all chriftians. 
 
 Satan, who held Judas by the chain of his fm, 
 generally holds fuch in bondage : and fo fatally delu- 
 ded are they, that while they boaft of not being fet- 
 tered by the duties of religion, they are in a fervice 
 which is perfect flavery ; and having no delight in 
 heavenly things, are carried down the ftream of this 
 prefent evil world. As fuch perfons have no ap- 
 prehenlion of Chrifl, and the advantage of being 
 interefted in him ; fo, however bountifully God 
 beflows upon them temporal favours, they remain 
 ungrateful and rebellious. 
 
 Perfons of this defcription are likely to imbibe the 
 worft of errors 5 and are frequently left to be 
 hardened, by the fdfe do6trines which they hold* 
 It is no wonder that they embrace, with open arms, 
 fuch as deny original fm, and the necefhty of the 
 new birth -, for being infenfible of the evil of fm, 
 they are wholly averfe to that do6lrine, which 
 neceffitates them to believe, that they mufl be rege- 
 nerated, or loll: for ever. Having no fear of God 
 before their eye;, they alfo break the fabbath with- 
 out remorfe. When from under the eye of man, 
 
 they 
 
( 197 ) 
 
 they know no reftraintj and choofc to frequent 
 thofe places, where neither mailer nor parent can 
 be witnefs to their conduct. Thefe having no plea- 
 fure in religion, when their common concerns do 
 not engage their attention, they muft have fome 
 objedl in purfuit, in the pofTeffion of which, they 
 promife themfelves dehght. And they are therefore 
 fond of a religion, which encourages them in their 
 finful pleafures. 
 
 Such perfons as thefe have a great averfion to 
 prayer, whether public or private. Any time feems 
 to them more comfortable, then that which is taken 
 up with family prayer. They generally come into 
 the room heavy, but go out with a more cheerful 
 countenance. How different are fuch from thofe 
 in whom God beholds fome good thing ? light and 
 darknefs do not differ more, than the children of 
 light and the children of darknefs. Tell thefe of 
 . the pleafures of communion with God, and it would 
 ftir up their enmity. They do all they can to evade 
 convidlion, either from the word of God, or from 
 the reproofs of men. — As they flee from light of 
 confcience, fo they do from perfons who wifli to 
 inilrucfl or reprove them. 
 
 They fhun the prefence of the godly and foon 
 find that their converfation is irkfome; therefore 
 they feel an averfion to their fpirit ; and this makes 
 them cleave the more to perfons of their own viti- 
 ated tafte : there can be no ftronger proof of a 
 man's being deftitute of real religion, than hi§ 
 choice of irreligious, empty, and profane compa- 
 nions. 
 
 D d Nothino; 
 
( 198 ) 
 
 Nothing is more common, then for fuch to be 
 alarmed at the thoughts of death. Sicknefs to them 
 is terrible, and death is regarded by fuch, as the 
 dread meffenger of their eternal woe. They ferve 
 a bad mafter, and dread nothing more, than the 
 time of receiving their wages. Seeking for all their 
 pleafures on this fide of the grave, they tremble to 
 look beyond it. 
 
 If any of you anfwer this defcription, fhould it 
 give you no concern, that an all-feeing God beholds 
 nothing that is good in you ? Can you make light 
 of his approbation ? Do you fee nothing of the 
 happinefs of young Abijah, and the infinite mercy 
 which God fhowed in taking him to himfelf? 
 We may fuppofe that Jeroboam lived and died in 
 the fame awful fpirit. We read of no change in 
 his cDndud: thefe heavy judgments, which God 
 denounced againlt his family, made no proper im* 
 preffion upon him : he treated them juft as finners 
 now treat the threatened vengeance of the Almighty. 
 But it is impoflibie to read this hiftory without fome 
 awful refledlions upon the characters and ftate of 
 fuch ? Efpecially when we find, that God never 
 mentions the name of Jeroboam, but in an awful 
 manner. God fent Ahab this dreadful threatening ; 
 he faid, he would make his houfc like the houfe of 
 Jeroboam, 
 
 Plow awful to fee a man receive fo many uncom- 
 mon meflages from God, and yet remain hardened 
 in fin, and apparently die in that condition ! And 
 to confider, that his fpared life did but afford him 
 an opportunity of increafing his provocations ! Who 
 
 would 
 
( 199 ) 
 W'Ould not dread the thought of being left to be 
 hardened through the deceitfulnefs of fin ? 
 
 Here we behold a youth, beloved of God, called 
 from this lower world to heaven, at an early period 
 of life ', and a father, notwithftanding all the folemn 
 warnings he had from God, encouraging a whole 
 nation in a fm of the moft provoking nature ; by 
 which thoufands and tens of thoufands, we xnay 
 fuppofe, are for ever loft ! 
 
 If the cafe of a blind minifler be awful, who is 
 leading a congregation fecurely to hell, what muil 
 Jeroboam's be, who was an inflrument of ruining 
 a nation ! The idolatry which Jeroboa;n eflabliflied 
 among the ten tribes, brought on the nation of 
 Ifrael the heavieft judgments; and at laft fwept 
 them away from the promifed land. Few men 
 ever did more hurt to the bodies and fouls of men. 
 
 How different was the cafe of this happy youth, 
 whom God commends ! His faying, there was 
 Jome good thing in Abijah, proves that there was 
 nothing good befides in the whole family. 
 
 Is not this hiftory full of inftru^Sion ? Parents 
 here may fee that the fervants of fin are certain to 
 receive the wages due to iniquity. Jeroboam was 
 an eminent fervant in Satan's intereft ; but who can 
 refle6l upon his prefent and future mifery, dying in 
 that fervice, without feeling horror feize his foul ! 
 Well might Peter fay. If the righteous fcarcely be 
 faved, where JJiall the xvicked and ungodly appear? 
 When David, the man after God's own heart, and ali 
 true worfliippers, fliall appear before God, how will 
 this wicked man appear ! What mud he then think 
 D d 2 of 
 
( 200 ) 
 
 of his ruining the fouls of fo many, that he might 
 retain the crown in his own family ? And how 
 much more awful muft his condemnation be, than 
 that of others, when we confider that the fucceed- 
 ing kings of Ifrael, were ruined by following his 
 God-provoking example. 
 
 Should not this account which God gives of 
 Abijah, encourage all young perfons who are religi- 
 (3US. Behold here, the peculiar notice God takes 
 of him ! And we may be affured that he who gave 
 him fiich a character, would give him an immortal 
 crown ', the fhort period of his fervice here is 
 crowned with eternal glory : furely there is a re- 
 ward of grace avi^aiting the godly — to die will be to 
 them eternal gain. If the thoughts of a fmall re- 
 ward fo much engage the attention of wordly men, 
 iliould not an eternal crown animate the godly ? 
 
 Did Jehovah fee all that palTed in the family of 
 Jeroboam, and does he not behold all the individuals 
 of this family ? can one of you flatter yourfelves 
 that God is not eye and ear witnefs to your fins ? 
 Happy thofe in whom he beholds fojne good thing 
 toxoards the houfe of the Lord God of IfracL 
 
 How encouraging this to fuch as are but jufl 
 fetting their faces Zion ward ? No pen can defcribe 
 liow dear thofe are to God. The reft of Jeroboam's 
 family feem to be accounted but as chaff which is 
 burnt with unquenchable fire, while Abijah, like 
 precious wheat, is gathered into God's garner. 
 
 What an infinite difference will there be, when 
 this family fliall appear at the great day. How 
 inufl Jeroboam himfelf appear at the head of a 
 
 family. 
 
( 2^1 ) 
 
 family, the ruin of which he was fo evidently the 
 paufe, in attempting by wickednefs to raife his 
 phildren to wordly honor ? How fun]i into eternal 
 horror and defpair ! 
 
 While I read of this folemn fubje6t, it is my 
 wifh fo to feel the importance of it, m fuch a man- 
 ner, as to excite me to aim, as much at the appro- 
 bation of God as Abraham himfelf, with refped: to 
 my family -, I wifli to encourage all who are looking 
 Zion ward, and to warn in the moil folemn manner, 
 you who have lived without concern. 
 
 May I have the pleafure to think, that I have 
 feveral in my family, whom God will commend as 
 highly as he did young Abijah : do you not fee how 
 much more preferable it was to be in the fituation 
 of Abijah, than that of Jeroboam ? do you revere 
 the God of heaven ? do you find that he has put his 
 fear in your hearts ? do you not feel your very hearts 
 are defirous of having the approbation of God, and 
 that you dread living or dying under his difpleafure ? 
 do you love the worfhip of God, and . fhun the 
 company of thofe who profane his courts, by a God- 
 provoking condud: there ? Every moment that 
 Abijah was concerned for the glory of God was 
 recorded in heaven -, while the falfe worfliippers 
 were offending God by their fpurious worfhip, 
 Abijah was growing in favour with God. 
 
 Do you love to read his word and fludy his will ? 
 do you experience more folid pleafure in one hour 
 by reading the word of God, than in all the empty 
 and vain converfation of thoughtlefs finners ? have 
 you never found fome of your highefl pleafures, on 
 
 your 
 
( 202 ) 
 
 your knees, when your hearts have been drawn out 
 to God ? If you can anfwer thcfe queftions in the 
 affirmative, be aflured you are noticed in heaven. 
 
 Let me advife you who have never given the leaft 
 attention to this hiftory ; think how infinite a mercy 
 it is to be in the favour of God. Hearken to the 
 voice of God in this fcripture, and confider that 
 Jeroboam's family, were foon cut off from the land 
 of the living; for many centuries have their immor- 
 tal fpirits been at their eternal homes — Abijah now 
 enjoys God's everlafting favor. 
 
 Could all in that abandoned family, have been 
 crowned with all the honors, this vain world can 
 beflow, the very refled:ion of fuch honors, would 
 have aggravated their everlafting woe. Happy 
 Abijah ! how far fuperior were thy comforts on earth 
 to theirs ! and now, and to eternity, how great are 
 thy honors, and how unfpeakably their torment and 
 diigrace ! it is out of the power of angels to tell 
 the difference. If words or examples, will afford 
 you inftrudtion, you will be convinced of the 
 infinite importance of religion : Abijah, whether 
 living or dying, was infinitely beloved. The righ- 
 teous are God's jewels, of thefe he will take care ; 
 but the wicked are like the chaff which the wind 
 driveth away, and for which an unquenchable fire 
 is prepared. Could I love you, if I did not wifh 
 you all to be as high in the efteem of God as 
 Abijah, and that at your death he may fay of you 
 as he did of him. In him there is Jome good things 
 &c. 
 
 . END OF THE NINTH EXERCISE, 
 
FA MILT EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 Centf) €xtttm. 
 
 ELI'S SONS. 
 
 In one day they JJiall die both of theim, 
 1 Sam. ii. 34. 
 
 X O U N G perfons can fcarcely give the leall 
 attention to this fubjedt, without perceiving that it 
 is one of the greateft mercies which God can be- 
 ftow on a family, to fct over them one who will 
 make their eternal concerns- his chief care. The 
 balenefs of Eli's fons, was in a great meafure occa- 
 fioned by his fmful indulgence and negled:. The 
 extremes into which they ran, were fuch as brought 
 upon them in this world almoft unparallelled re- 
 proach. God himfelf mentions them as the mofl 
 deteftable charaders j and declared that they fhould 
 both die in one day. They were emphatically fons 
 of Belial ; and by their abominations they were a 
 means of bringing a frown upon the whole nation. 
 
 Thofe parents manifefl the moil fatal fondnefs 
 for their children, who are fo defirous of indulging 
 them, that they cannot bear the thought, of deny- 
 ing them any thing. Might not Eli have confidered, 
 that though he v/inked at their folly, God (who 
 flew the fons of Aaron in one moment, for offences 
 not fo abominable, as thofe which his fons were 
 
 dailv 
 
( 204 ) 
 
 daily committing) would make his fons a terror and 
 an example to all, who fliould in future generations 
 oiiiciate in the prieft's office ? 
 
 Can any one read the hiftory of thefe two awful 
 young men, without being convinced, that they 
 could not have arrived at fuch a pitch of wickednefs 
 if EH had exerted his authority ? Though all are 
 partakers of the fame fmful nature, yet proper re- 
 flraints, in general, prevent fuch abominable extra- 
 vagances. Fathers are the worfl of enemies to 
 their children, when perceiving their offspring 
 beginning to follow vicious courfes, they negledt to 
 interpofe their authority. 
 
 Is it not evident that thefe young men, for the 
 fhort time of their exigence in this world, were 
 treafuring up wrath againll: the day of wrath : and 
 that in a manner more rapid and dreadful than 
 fmners in general do ? They foon filled up their 
 meafure of iniquity, beyond which the patience of 
 God would not permit them to go. And they have 
 been held out as awful examples of the juft judg- 
 ment of God 5 and thofe who have refufed to take 
 warning, have had their guilt increafed, by defpifing 
 them. 
 
 Important flations, when they are not well filled, 
 afford opportunities of committing aggravated of- 
 fences, which inferior fituations do not. Happy 
 would it have been for thefe men, if they had been 
 the fons of the moft indigent perfons in the land 
 of Ifrael; and their employment of the meaneft 
 kind ; fo many thoufands would not then have been 
 injured by them. 
 
 It 
 
( 205 ) 
 
 It would have been better for many, if they rever 
 had been parents, than that they fliould ftand fo 
 intimately related to beings, whom they have in- 
 jured by their condud:. Complex charaders expofe 
 men to complicated fins : fms which expofes both 
 themfelves, and all whom they have any connedtions 
 with, to the moil awful and eternal confequences. 
 Thefe fons had foon arrived at the end of their 
 Unful courfe : But will they ever fee an end to their 
 torment ? 
 
 Had thefe young men been in common life, their 
 fms, though great and provoking, would not have 
 been attended with fuch dreadful confequences; 
 and efpecially that of leading fo many into fm. 
 Thoufands and tens of thoufands were, no doubt, by 
 their wickednefs, both drawn into fmful pradlices and 
 encouraged to continue in them. They were chief 
 captains in Satan's intereft ; and perhaps had not 
 any equals for wickednefs in all the land of Ifrael. 
 
 What grief muft thefe youths have occafioned the 
 godly worfliippers, who muft behold them as a curfe 
 to the whole nation, and as an awful trap and fnare 
 to their children ? How could they expe(5l a blefling, 
 where fuch haters of God and his people prefided ? 
 The very prefence of thefe wretches, was enough to 
 make a gracious man, fliun the fight of the taber- 
 nacle J and he muft be more afraid of their coming 
 near to his family, than any perfon infeded with the 
 plague. 
 
 What a curfe were they to the youth of that age ? 
 
 efpecially to thofe who wiflied for fomething jo 
 
 excufe them, from attending to thofe frrid; rules 
 
 E e which 
 
( 206 ) 
 
 v/iiich were propofed to them by their godly pa-* 
 rents ? Such would confider their arguments for 
 living in Tin invincible -, when they were able to 
 produce the pradlice of men in fuch a high depart- 
 ment, to countenance and vindicate their condu6l:. 
 They would fuppofe their parents fliould never find 
 fault with them, who were not half fo lawlefs as 
 the priefts themfelves. This makes it appear that 
 Eli's foft reproof was next to encouraging his fons 
 in their profane courfe : their fcandalous condudl 
 called for an exclufion from the priefts office, and a 
 pubHc punifliment. Reproofs when they are not 
 proportioned to the guilt of the offence, frequently 
 encouraGre libertines in wickednefs. 
 
 o 
 
 Authority, if not enforced, is ufelefs, and will 
 gradually decay ; it will be like permitting, by flow 
 degrees, the banks of a large refervoir, to be broken 
 down ; if a fmall ftream be not at firft noticed, it 
 foon by its force opens a very large current; and at 
 length all attempts to ftop it prove ineife(5tual. 
 Happy are they who interpofe by their authority at 
 an early period : this paves the way for advice and 
 reproof afterwards, and gives them greater force. 
 
 How many have gone to their graves lamenting 
 their folly ? the effects of their indulgence have as 
 really broken their hearts, as the fons of Eli were 
 the caufe of his neck being broke. This cataftro- 
 phe, though gloomy and awful, is as nothing w^hen 
 compared v/ith the everlafting confequences which 
 the wicked themfelves experience. 
 
 If parents have no concern how their children 
 provoke God in their worfhip, is it any wonder 
 
 that 
 
( 207 ) 
 that God permits them to be a fcoui-ge to thofe 
 whom they ought to obey and comfort ? If the 
 principal defign of a parent be, that his offspring, 
 in whatever ftation they may be fixed, Ihould hve 
 to the glory of God, he has this for his fatisfad:ion, 
 though they break over all bounds, that his intentions 
 were upright. Had Aaron paid more attention to 
 this, his fons had not offered ilrange fire : and what 
 father ever had a more awful reproof for his folly ? 
 To have feen two fons flruck dead in a moment, by 
 an immediate frown from God, and carried out in 
 the prefence of the v/hole congregation, in their 
 prieftly garments, and not one man permitted to 
 drop a tear 5 was fach a trial as few godly men ever 
 experienced. Eli heard of, but never faw his flain 
 fons ; but this was in the prefence of a father. One 
 would have thought that this would have been a 
 fufHcient warning to all priefls fons to the end of 
 the world. 
 
 A man may have grace to lland in a fingle cha- 
 racfter, who may bring himfelf and others into great 
 trouble and danger, when he is brought into con- 
 ne(5tion with others; this fhould convince all pa- 
 rents of thenecefhty of praying for grace, to enable 
 them to -3.0: in their ftations for the glory of God. 
 
 All this evidently proves, that parents need grace 
 to fulfil their characters as well as minif1:ers, and 
 ought to be as much concerned, to poffefs thofe 
 qualifications which are abfolutely neceffary to en- 
 able them to do it. A defed in parents, is fre- 
 quently attended with the moll: awful atid eternal 
 coufequences to others. As the pilot who fleers 
 E e 2 tlie 
 
( 208 ) 
 
 the velTel, has the Uves of many befides his own 
 committed to his care; fo a parent, confidered as 
 the head of a family, (lands in an important rela- 
 tion to thofe, with whom he is fo intimately con- 
 nedled. 
 
 As the clown differs widely from the well-bred 
 youth, fo is the whole deportment of a chrillian, 
 from thofe who are not brought up in the fear of 
 God. Religion is an ornament to youth -, it foftens 
 their manners, and renders them agreeable both tp 
 their inferiors and fuperiors. It difcovers the moft 
 bafe difpofition, when a perfon hates another merely 
 becaufe his fpeech and behaviour is agreeable to the 
 word of God, 
 
 It is faid that thefe fons of Eli knew not the 
 Lord; they had no doubt heard of the great things, 
 which he did for Ifrael; but being carried away 
 with the indulgence of their paffions, they had no 
 defire for the knowledge of God. We fee in our 
 day, that fuch perfons have an averfion to read 
 fcripture hiftory : The characters which are there 
 exhibited, and the undeniable frowns of God, which 
 the wicked in all ages have experienced, are the moft 
 difagreeable fubjeds for loofe and abandoned perfons. 
 Were not thelips of thepriefts to keep knowledge ? 
 They were, by office, the principal inftrucStors of 
 the nation. What thoufands are there at this day, 
 to whom even a brute creature fl:iould not be en- 
 trufted, who yet obtain ordination to inftrud; poor 
 mortals in their eternal concerns ! This is one of 
 the mofh awful curfes that any nation can poilibly 
 experience. 
 
 While 
 
( 209 ) 
 
 While thefe fons were officiating for many fin- 
 cere perfons, who brought their offerings for their 
 fins, and their thank-offerings for their mercies, 
 they were adding to the multitude of their own tranf- 
 grefiions ; the more bountifully they were fed, the 
 more filthy and ungrateful they were. While brute 
 creatures manifeft great refpedt to their benefadors, 
 thefe wretches v/ere hardened, till humanity itfelf 
 w^s difgraced by their condud ; they fly in the face 
 of the very Being, who liberally fupplies them. 
 
 Thefe fons of EU appear to have been great 
 gluttons. Thofe who are fond of indulging their 
 appetites to excefs, never have any delight in the 
 worfliip of God. Their God is their belly. When 
 fleflily appetites gain the afcendancy, they debafe 
 the whole man. It is impofiible thofe can be hea- 
 venly minded, who are fo much delighted with 
 feafting. To fuch perfons, worfhip mufi: be tafte- 
 lefs and infipid ; they are never in fpirits, but when 
 they have fome delicious entertainment in profpe6t. 
 So abandoned were thefe men, that their over- 
 bearing fpirit rendered them, as great a nuifance to 
 men, as they were abominable to their Maker. No 
 motives were forcible enough, to keep them within 
 the boijnds of decency ; like the worfi: of favages 
 they rulhed upon their prey, without the leail 
 refpedt to thofe, whom they fo inhumanely plun.- 
 dered. Jude fays concerning fuch as were notori- 
 oufly wicked, that they feafi themfelves without 
 fear : and to fin thus in the tabernacle, proves to 
 a demonftration, that they had no fear of him, 
 whofe glory once filled that facred place. 
 
 Could 
 
( 210 ) 
 
 Could they fuppofe that this mode of worfliip, 
 in which they were employed, was the device of 
 fome gluttonous prieft ? And that there had always 
 exifted a race of men as abominable as themfelves ? 
 Did they imagine that Aaron, the firfl: high prieft, 
 had been fo profane ? Had they not been infatuated 
 to an uncommon degree, they could not have aded 
 thus bafely. 
 
 Havmg no regard for God, tl\ey could have no 
 affection for worfliippers. They muft have a pecu- 
 liar averfion to thofe, who were fmcere ; and would 
 behind their backs reproach them as the greateft 
 fools : and whilft they feafted on the fruits of their 
 real devotion, would hold them in the higheft con- 
 tempt, for their love to God. At the great day, 
 when thofe who have abufed the people of God 
 fhall be accurfed to their faces, how will thefe men 
 appear ? How different thefe vile offenders from 
 godly priefts, w^lio both lo\'ed, taught, and prayed 
 for the people ! Thefe good men had their affedi- 
 ons kindled into a flame, by the zeal and faith of 
 thofe who came to offer facrifices in faith ; while 
 they ofliciated for them, they would unite with 
 them in their petitions and thankfgivings ; in this 
 they experienced a pleafure to which the fons of Eli 
 were entire ftrangers. No miftake is more common, 
 than that which is made by the wicked, when they 
 rank themfelves among the happieft of mankind; 
 they are only, prodigal like, attempting to gratify 
 their infatiable deflres, with imaginary good. 
 
 By all this it appears, that Eli's reproof was not 
 only infufHcient, but improper .; and even offenfive 
 
 to 
 
( 211 ) 
 
 to God. The leaft deviation from their duty, was, 
 in their high ftation, highly reprehenlible : but 
 they had exceeded all in their abominations, and it 
 is evident that this flight reproof was done with fo 
 much lenity to them, and fo little zeal to God, that 
 God faid, he honoured his fons more than him. 
 When great and fcandalous offences are pafTed by, 
 the Lord efleems himfelf dilhonoured, by thofe men, 
 whofe office and relation to the offenders, calls upon 
 them to iland up for him. 
 
 Let us take a particular view of the fm of thefe 
 young men. The providence of God had advanced 
 them to great honor : the moil noble in the land 
 were inferior to them ; and the honors conferred 
 upon them, fell to the lot of very few. They had 
 all that heart could wifli; they lived upon the finefl: 
 of the wheat, and the richeft things that a fruitful 
 land produced. There was no poverty in their tents. 
 They might confider themfelves perpetually indulg- 
 ed, at the expence and labour of the beff of men ; 
 others toiled, and they enjoyed the harveft. The 
 fervice of God denied them no lawful enjoyment ; 
 they had every temporal mercy and indulgence that 
 a good heart could wlih. Thefe circumilances, 
 highly aggravated their folly and wickednefs. 
 
 They were placed at the centre of worfhip. A 
 wordiip which God had, in a particular manner, 
 inftituted for his ov/n glory. If love and affedion 
 were to be found in any place of the land of Canaan, 
 it was natural to expe6l to find it here. It became all 
 who approached that tabernacle, to be filled with 
 reverence and refped to God. By their office, they 
 
 fhould* 
 
( 212 ) 
 fhould have been continually pointing the people to 
 the love of him, who had engaged himfelf to be the 
 great facriiice. This was the end for which the 
 whole worfhip was appointed ; and the prieft was 
 the perfon who fliould have fired the hearts of the 
 people with love to God, by explaining to them 
 his grand defign and intention in this fervice. 
 This they did not only negledt, but long difgraced 
 the worfhip of God ; as they remained in the fame 
 fpirit till their death. Many thoufands of the moil 
 affedionate worfhippers, muft have been diftrelTed 
 and confounded with their condud:. They found 
 the greatefl: caufe of diftrefs, in that which they 
 had reafon to expedt the highefl comfort. 
 
 We may fuppofe, that they treated Samuel with 
 contempt, and thought it beneath them, to take 
 the leall notice of him as a prophet. If a peculiar 
 providence had not preferved Samuel in the houfe 
 of God, thefe men vv^ould foon have rid themfelves 
 of fuch a gueft. Though they no doubt heard of 
 their father receiving two meffages from God, yet 
 they were deaf both to th^ voice of religion and 
 reafon. Had not their confciences been feared, as 
 with a hot iron, they would have been ready to 
 conclude, that their condUift muft draw down upon 
 them vengeance from heaven. 
 
 Their abominable wickednefs brought a moH 
 awfuFcurfe upon the whole family, i Sam. ii. 31. 
 Behold the days come that I will cut off thine 
 arm, and the arm of thy fathers houfe, that there 
 fiall not be an old man in thine houfe. It might 
 ,be, that the whole flimily were tindured with the 
 
 fame 
 
( 213 ) 
 
 fame Ipirlt, but thcie fons appear to have been the 
 ringleaders. 
 
 God mentioning their names To particularly, 
 proves his determination to cut hem oft, vvitii the 
 mod evident marks of his indignation, i Sam. ii. 
 34. And this Jliall be afign unto thee, that JhatL 
 come upon thy txvofons^ on Hophni and Phinehas : 
 in one day Jliall they die both oj them. Others by- 
 feeing this awful prophecy, fo exadiy fuiiiiied m the 
 dellruclion of thefe two, had an opportunity given 
 them to repent; but thefe were mentioned by God 
 to be cut off in their fms. 
 
 Thefe men had not only brought ruin on their fa- 
 ther's houfe, but had caufed Ifrael to fm, and brought 
 a frown of God upon the whole nation. Therefore 
 the Philiftines are ilirred ^up to make war againft 
 Ifrael. When the worfhip of God vi'as preferved 
 pure, and his name reverenced, we generally find 
 the furrounding nations quiet and peaceable, but in 
 times of great defedlion, war was permitted to come 
 as a dreadful fcourge. Thefe fons of Eli had a 
 principal hand in bringing on the death of fo many 
 thoufands, and were the caufe of univerfal diilrefs. 
 Though the word which God had fpoken to Samuel 
 had reached all Ifrael, i, e. That Eli JJiould fee an 
 enemy in his habitation : it feems it had not had a 
 proper effedt upon the people at large. If the fin 
 of one Achan had caufed the difcomfiture of an 
 army, why did they not fear that the dreadful pro- 
 vocations of thefe priefts, would bring a curfe on the 
 whole nation, efpecially when they had heard fuch 
 a terrible meflage from God : and they might alfo 
 F f have 
 
( 214 ) 
 
 have been informed, that notwithftanding two fiieh 
 extraordinary prophecies, thefe men remained as 
 wicked as ever. Had not the people themfelves been 
 left to uncommon blindnefs, they muft have been 
 alarmed; but it frequently happens, that the old 
 proverb is fulfilled, " Like priefl like people." 
 
 It appears that mofl of this generation^ who 
 had been brought up with thefe wicked men, were 
 as blind as themfelves : for when four thoufand had 
 been flain in the field, they fay, i Sam. iv. 3, 
 Wherefore hath the Lord fmitten us to day before 
 the Philijiines ? Let us fetch the ark of the cove- 
 nant of the Lord out of Shiloh unto us^ that 
 tvheii it cofneth amongst us, it may fave us out 
 of the hand of our enemies. What could fuch 
 infatuated men expedt from the ark, who paid no 
 refpedt to the God of the ark \ 
 
 Their lliouting alfo was a proof the!y were igno- 
 rant of the God of that ark \ or they would have 
 trembled to have feen the very men accompany it, 
 whom Gad had declared fliould be cut off in one 
 day. Ought not they to have thought, what more 
 probable than that this is the time that God has 
 appointed for their dellrudiion : but they think of 
 fiothing now but vidory, and fliout as if they had 
 driven the enemy out of tJic field. 
 
 As they had already experienced a frown of God 
 Upon the hoft, why did they not take the alarm, 
 and fear the company of two fuch charadlers ? this 
 indicated the overthrow of the whole army : that 
 fhe fpirits of the people fliould be fo exceedingly 
 elevated at ill? ^^tx^^ period, when thofe offenders 
 
 fliould 
 
( 215 ) 
 
 fhould be cut off, was a proof how much they 
 •were left of God ; and how infenfible they were qf 
 thofe provocations which had brought on them this 
 war. 
 
 Had the Philiftines underflood more of the God 
 of Ifrael, the prefence of thefe men and the ark, 
 would have filled them with hopes, and not have 
 fliftrelTed them with fear. We may fuppofe, that 
 ^very Philiftine was now relating to his feliow fol- 
 dier, the wonders which the God of Ifrael had for- 
 merly wrought ; and had not their leaders fpirited 
 them up to make another effort, the very name of 
 the ark of the God of Ifrael^ would have frightened 
 them from the field. 
 
 How vain the hopes and joy of the IfrarHtKli 
 army, and how groundlefs the fears of the Pliilif- 
 tines! The fooUfli confidence of the Ifraelitifli 
 army haflened its ruin; and now thofe uien v [xo 
 had long deceived their fouls, and had been to this 
 people an awful judgment from God, are by him 
 permitted, to be a means of bringing on tlie army 
 of the Philiftines with double fury: and behold! 
 thirty thoufjjnd are cut off; and the two wicke^ 
 priefls fall in the general ilaughter ! The very 
 fields now covered with the flain, proclaim the juil 
 vengeance of God, for the profanation of his fanc- 
 tuary. 
 
 Who can behold fuch a cataflrophe without re- 
 fle(5lion ? and furely not any corpfe among all the 
 thoufands of the flain, afforded fuch matter for in- 
 flrudion, as thofe of the fons of Eli. Are thefe 
 |hofe bodies which were fo much indulged ? 
 
 F f 2 Nov^ 
 
( 2l6 ) 
 
 Now that ark before whom Jordan had divided, 
 and the walls of Jericho fallen flat to the ground, 
 is carried off by the Pagans, and placed in an idol's 
 temple ! The foolifh idolaters afcribe this vidiory 
 to their god : how muft this diftrefs the hearts of 
 that remnant which feared God ! A dark cloud 
 indeed now hung over Ifrael. Little did Mofes 
 think, that that ark which an Ifraelite might not fo 
 much as behold, even when it journeyed, Ihould 
 ever be carried into fuch a captivity. 
 
 It was the defign of God to glorify himfelf by 
 this very capture, The Philiflines were not aware 
 pf the difgrace which they would bring on them- 
 felves, and on their god, by placing thq ark in the 
 fame temple. How furprifed muft they have been, 
 when they found their fancied god broken to 
 pieces. 
 
 What confternatlon feized the whole nation of 
 Ifrael at this period ! Now the prophecy concern- 
 ing Eli's fons, would be called to remembrance ; and 
 perhaps many, who would not before venture to 
 fpeak of their monftrous wickednefs, would now 
 openly relate and condemn the whole. 
 
 The llaughter was great; but the ark being 
 taken, was fuch a dark cloud as never came over 
 Ifrael before : this appeared as if God would wholly 
 forfake his inheritance, Many heavy judgments 
 and awful changes had Ifrael experienced, but the 
 ark was never before this time in the hands of their 
 enemies, If Eli fully believed the prophecy, he 
 inuft have had many an uneafy hour; and efpecially 
 whei^ his fons w?re called into the field. We may 
 
 fuppofe 
 
( 217 ) 
 
 fiippofe that they were elated, with the confidence 
 the people had in them and in the ark ; and expected 
 to come off the field of battle with greater accla- 
 mations of joy, than thofe which (hook the earth 
 when they entered it. 
 
 His fons being cut off in this dreadful manner, 
 was too much for the good man to bear j but he 
 fell not till he heard of the ark being taken : this 
 was news he had not fo much as feared, and fo 
 awful, that death now was more defirable than life. 
 
 That God (hould permit his enemies to take the 
 ark captive, fpokc fuch threatening language as the 
 old man eafily underftood, and Ihrunk under it. 
 Though many good men have been awfully chaftifed 
 for their fin, we do not find the latter end of any 
 good man fo dreadful as Eli's. Would not the hearts 
 of many ungodly fons now tremble ? and may we not 
 fuppofe, that many indulgent parents would be as 
 it were thunderftruck ! It is not to be wondered at, 
 that the wife of Phineas (hould, through fuch mul- 
 tiplied caufes of grief, be thrown into labour : (he 
 no doubt had lived in pleafure, but how gloomy 
 and dreadful was her latter end! If loff, what awful 
 companions in mifery — her mortal fpirit foon reache4 
 that of her hufband — when they parted on earth, 
 little did they think of fuch a meeting : but there is 
 fome hope of her, by her faying the glory is departed. 
 
 This was a folemn and an affedbing time. How 
 affeding, to have feen thoufands of the vileft cha- 
 racters cut off together, and in the midft of their 
 fins ! Were not thefe of the feed of Abraham I 
 of whom it had been faid, onejhould chafe a thou- 
 
 /and 
 
( 2i8 ) 
 
 fundi mid two put ten thoufand to flight. This 
 was the cafe when their God was v/ith them ; but 
 who can behold this fcene of woe and mifery, with- 
 out being convinced, that the triumph of the 
 wicked is but for a moment. Surely, the wages of 
 fm is death. This death was terrible to behold; 
 but it is of little confequence, when compared with 
 that everlafting punid^iment which awaits all who 
 die in their fms. 
 
 Let us make a few remarks on the ignorance of 
 Eli's fons. They were privileged with greater 
 opportunities than any in their day : they had every 
 advantage to affift them in obtaining knowledge -, and 
 that they fhould be fo grofsly ignorant, in the midfl 
 of all the means of acquiring knowledge, proves 
 the mcannefs of their tafle, and that they had not 
 the leaft defire after any kind of fcience. Thofe 
 youths are fure to be enilaved by the vileft appetites, 
 who have an averfion to reading. They wpre ne- 
 ceflitated to be frequently in the cornpany of the 
 moil godly, and knowing people in all the land : 
 this of itfelf has pxcited a fpirit of enquiry into 
 many, and filled them with the mofh ardent defires 
 for information; while thofe who have only mixed 
 with the ignorant and uninformed, haye not had 
 fuch inducements to feek for knowledge. 
 
 There are fome things of which carnal men can- 
 not be ignorant. Thefe fons of Elj could not al- 
 together difbelieve the miracles which God had 
 wrought for Ifrael ; nor could they flatter themfelves 
 that they were the wifeft and moft intelligent men 
 ir> the land of Ifrael. It appears evidently, that 
 
 where 
 
( 219 ) 
 
 where greaf 'privileges are abufed, God frequently 
 leaves fuch peribns to a more bafe and abandoned 
 fpirit, than that w^hich is found amongil men in 
 general. 
 
 They could not plead ignorance of that law, 
 which they were perpetually breaking. It v^^ould 
 be impoffible for them entirely, and at all times, to 
 evade the language of confcience : this proves how 
 awful it is to be left of God to hardnefs of heart ^ 
 to bs in the centre of all means of inftrudtion, yet 
 remain fo awfully ftupid ; to be perpetually hearino; 
 the books of Mofes read, and the wonders which 
 God had wrought for his people in Egypt, and in 
 the wildernefs; and not be in the leaft degree 
 checked in their career of fm; all this proves, 
 that fm is of an hardening nature, and that to be 
 left under its dominion, is one of the moft dreadful 
 judgments. 
 
 Their ignorance did not only expofe them to the 
 juflice of a fm-avenging God, but render them ob- 
 noxious to all who had any underflanding in Ifrael. 
 They might be fenfible, that their condud: could 
 never meet with, the approbation of the wife and 
 honorable ; and to be fond of the praife and eflieem 
 of the vileft and meanefl of charadlers, muil fhew a 
 vitiated tafte and defpicable fpirit. 
 
 Their companions mufl have been of the bafefl: 
 kind ; to the more rational, they would be unbear- 
 able. This Ihould teach all young perfons to dread 
 mean and low conned:ions, and to iliun thofe young 
 perfons who difcover no tafle for religion. 
 
 Their converfatioji, and the whole of their de- 
 portment, 
 
( 220 ) 
 portment, in their family, niuil be bafe, and in- 
 confiilent with their oflice : what could fuch di£- 
 courfe about, but the abomination on which their 
 hearts were fet. The houfes of fuch are more of- 
 fenfive to the upright man, than the fepulchres of 
 the dead. 
 
 From the whole of this afFeding hiftory, I wifli 
 all in this family to learn, that reading the fcriptures 
 is generally attended with a peculiar bleffing. Had 
 the fons of Eli read with attention of the flood; of 
 the deftrudlion of Sodom; of the judgment which 
 fell on the fons of Aaron ; it might have prevented 
 them from thus ruining themfelves, and their fami- 
 lies. When young perfons refufe to read and 
 think, they expofe themfelves in the moft dangerous 
 manner : as fuch are not company for men of {cn{e, 
 they feek for companions who infect them with that 
 which is worfe than the plague; and this is not 
 all, thefe are an eafy prey to Satan : whereas a 
 ftudious youth will not only conned: himfelf with 
 the wifeil: and bell of men, and on that account be 
 delivered from the infection of the mean and bafe; 
 but he will feel an abhorrence of being carried 
 away with fins, either fecret or openly fcandalous. 
 
 Though God does not immediately take vengeance 
 on fmners, yet the damnation of the wicked never 
 flumbers. Look at thefe awful characters; confider 
 that their time on earth was but an hand's breadth : 
 how foon were their brutal pleafures at an end ! 
 Thofe who were witneffes of both their lives and 
 death, might read in thefe two an intruding lefTon, 
 
 I.earn 
 
( 221 ) 
 
 Learn what mifory has been brought upon fami- 
 lies by fin j what a happy family mi^ht Eh's have 
 been ? what greater pleafure could a father have, 
 than to behold his fons faithful and honorable prieils 
 in the Lord's houfe ? The very idea of fuch an 
 eminent ftation for fons, was enough to rejoice the 
 heart of a good father ; but how did fm turn all 
 this pleafure into the moft horrible Ihame and con- 
 fufion — ruin of all comforts in this world, and eter- 
 nal torment in the next. 
 
 Learn to take advice, and efleem thofe as your 
 befh friends, who are the moft concerned to fee you 
 delight in religion ; thefe, and thefe only, a<!^ the 
 friendly part. Thofe who would flatter you in lin, 
 would alTaflinate your immortal fouls : it is fuch as 
 thefe who would ruin and ftrip you of all that 
 you polTefs. Thefe young men being in an elevated 
 ftation, were, no doubt, furrounded by men calcu- 
 lated to encourage them in all their abominable 
 practices. 
 
 When fm infecfts a whole family, and not one 
 individual efcapes the contagion, fuch families ripen 
 faft in lin ; they help each other on in the way to 
 hell. Here we may imagine we can fee how one 
 brother encouraged the other in all manner of pro- 
 phane pradices. How different this to thofe who 
 are affediionately warned and admonifhed by their 
 near relatives ? confider it an infinite mercy to have 
 thofe under the fame roof who fludy your welfare, 
 and who are not only ready to give you the beffc 
 advice, but they implore the God of heaven to 
 lliower down his mercies on you. 
 
 G g Would 
 
( 222 ) 
 
 Would any of you wifli to be in a wicked family, 
 and do you think yourfelves in a trying fituation, 
 becaufe you have not the liberty that fome have ; 
 where both mafter and fervant, father and fon, run 
 without reilraint into Satan's fervice : this was 
 doubtlefs the very fpirit of Eli's fons. It is natural 
 to fuppofe, they frequently wiilied the head of the 
 old man to be laid low : for though his reproofs 
 were fo mild, men fo hardened as they were, hate 
 thofe who in the leafl: degree flop them in their 
 career. But indulged as they were, they could not 
 have the whole of their wifh : little did thefe youths 
 think they were fo near that awful doom, which 
 they were made to feel. 
 
 If you attend to this fubjedl, you will find your- 
 felves both inflrudted and improved, by the lives, 
 and the dreadful judgment of God, which overtook 
 thefe young men. Think it an infinite mercy, that 
 God is teaching you at the expence of others : he 
 might have cut you off in the mofl dreadful manner, 
 and fent your immortal fouls to hell; and thus 
 made your fearful end a warning to others. 
 
 To be preferved from every future fnare, keep 
 clofe to the word of God ; by this treafure your 
 minds will be enriched with the moft wholefomc 
 inftrudtions. Every young prieft who read and con- 
 fidered properly the hiftory of Eli's fons, would be 
 fenfibly advantaged by the affecting relation. 
 
 How different from Eli fhall I feel, when by your 
 Gondud:, I fhall have reafon to hope for a blefTmg on 
 invfelf and family. Their condu<5l muft make him 
 fear fome tremendous ilroke. God had informed 
 
 hini 
 
( 223 ) 
 
 him it fhould be fuch a judgment, as would make 
 the ears of every one to tingle who fhould hear of 
 it. 
 
 If you, in this houfe, fear God, and receive in- 
 ftru6tions from his word, how much will this family 
 differ from that of EU's ? I fhall have the pleafurc 
 of hoping to fee the God of heaven fmile on you in 
 this world ; and be cheered with the animating prof- 
 ped: of meeting and dwelling with you in the 
 world above for ever. 
 
 If the confideration of this afford fuch a pleafure 
 in this world, what (hall I experience at that great 
 day, when all the famiHes in the earth fhall be ga- 
 thered together, to have all my bleffed family happy 
 as myfelf. How far was Eli from having this fatif- 
 fadtion, which to me is greater than all the penfh- 
 ing pleafures of time ? — May no Hophni or Phinehas 
 ever interrupt this my happinefs. 
 
 Is it pofTible for me to read of the tremendous 
 breaking up of this family of Eli's, once renowned 
 for religion, but now blafted in this awful manner, 
 without affectionately warning every one of you ? 
 could you wifh me to ad: the part of an Eli ? do 
 not you fee the danger thofe young perfons are ex- 
 pofed to, who are not faithfully warned ? I exhort 
 you to beware of ignorance : thefe men, though per- 
 petually employed about facrifices, were wholly in 
 the dark, and faw nothing of that great facriiice, 
 which was the antitype of all the offerings in that 
 worfliip. So far were they from looking to this 
 remedy for themfelves, that they hated and abufed 
 thofe who worfhipped in faith. Is it to be wondered 
 
 at, 
 
( 224 ) 
 
 at, that God fliould fay, / have fwotn Unto the 
 houfe of Eli, that the iniquity of Elis houJeJhaU 
 not be purged with facrijice nor offering for ever. 
 There never was any other way, in which a Tinner 
 could find acceptance with God, but by faith in him 
 who was held out to the people of God in the old 
 teftament worfhip in types ; and this falvation is to 
 be feen in his perfon, who is now the Lamb of God 
 in the midft of the throne. Thofe who fee not this 
 fundamental truth, to fuch the gofpel is hid, and 
 if the gofpel he hid, it is hid to them that are loft. 
 Let me therefore exhort you to pray, that the Holy 
 Spirit may guide your hearts into this truth : you 
 will then, not like thefe awful characters, go to hell 
 to learn that falvation there, which on earth you 
 flighted, but you will enjoy the fmiles of God in 
 this world, nor will he part us by death to meet 
 again no more ; but when thefe our tabernacles Ihall 
 be diflblved, he will give us an abundant entrance 
 into that world of glory, where we fhall meet to part 
 no more for ever. The thought of this will make 
 our family worfliip comfortable, and be matter for 
 pleafing reflexion to thofe who lliall furvive, when 
 death has made a breach amongft us, and to everv 
 individual of us in our dying moments. 
 
 END or THE TENTH EXERCT^E. 
 
FAMILY EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 Clebentf) €xmiet, 
 
 WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS. 
 
 Aiid they that zcerc ready ^ went in -with him to 
 
 the viarriage, and the door was Jliut^ 
 
 Matt. XXV. 10. 
 
 VV E may with propriety fay of Chrifl, that ** he 
 fpake as never man fpake :" a little attention to this 
 parable, is futftcient to convince any thinking perfon 
 that its author muft be divine. ProfefTors of the 
 gofpel Ihould never lofe fight of this parable : what 
 fenfible man can read the contents of it, and negledt 
 to examine himfelf ? 
 
 Chrift brought into open day-light the hidden 
 counfels of heaven, and defcribed their accompliih- 
 ment with the greateil: precifion : what others had 
 fpoke in dark and myfterious figures, he made knowa 
 in moft intelligible language. Ifaiah fpake of Jeho- 
 vah's being the hulband of his church -, but in the 
 new teftament we both fee and hear the bridegroom, 
 and may fay, the half of what we are favoured 
 with, was not told to the old teftament church : 
 they enjoyed the light of the moon, but we behold 
 the fun in its meridian fplendour. Thoufands of 
 H h thofe 
 
( 226 1 
 thofc wlio lived before Clu ill's day, would fofrrf 2 
 variety of conjedliires liow and in vAiAt manner the 
 Meiliah would inil:ruct his people : but not one of 
 thcfe ever thought cf him fpcaking fuch a parable 
 as this. 
 
 Wc ihall not wonder Oy.il Chrllt rcprefcnts this 
 fubjcd, by fuch -a metaphor as the marriage, when 
 wc confider tha^ all the particulars of the plan for 
 this marriage, were fixed upon from everlafting : 
 and thefe were the very things for which the World 
 itfclf was cheated ; therefore that period in which 
 Chrift and all the redeemed will meet together, 
 muft be a hiore glorious one than this world was 
 ever witnefs to. The materials, or parties of this 
 marriage have been preparing and making ready 
 ever fuice the full of Adam -, they were all of them 
 decreed together, but have been brought into exif- 
 tence in their time and order : and at the laft day 
 they fliall, ail and every individual of them, enter 
 together into the heavenly manfions. 
 
 In preparing the church for this marriage j the 
 wonderful operations and glory of the Holy Ghoft, 
 il}all be manifeiled infinitely more than any other 
 thing In the whole creation: the works of creation 
 were perfected in a fmall fpace of time ; but this, 
 the mofl wonderful of all the works of God, has been 
 from the beginning, is now, and will be compleat- 
 jng, until the lalt redeemed foul fliall be prepared 
 and ready for glory. 
 
 This univerfal rendezvous of the whole church, 
 was a proper fubjed for Chrifl; to converfe about, 
 when he was going to redeem the church with his 
 
 blood. 
 
f 227 ) 
 
 tlood. This proves to a demonflratlon, he kept 
 in mind, even in his mofl trying moments, the joy 
 that was fet before him ^ for at this time will thofe 
 words be fulfilled, Cant. iii. 1 1, Go forth, ye 
 daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with 
 the crown zcherewith his viother crowned him in 
 the day of his efpoufals, in the day of the gladncfs 
 of Ms heart, Chrifl's fufferings had been for thou- 
 fands of years matter fop converfation, but time 
 rolling on brought them near, eve^ to the very 
 door : he who had difl:in<5tly ictn every particular 
 of them, now law them at hand 3 t)ut this neither 
 changed his defign, npr ma^le \\\m repent oi hjs 
 engagement. 
 
 The church in heaven and that on earth fhajll be 
 witnefles to the truth of this reprefentation ; and as 
 the fulfilling of all the particulars of his fufferings, 
 ftamped a dignity upon the veracity of the old 
 teftament, the whole church will one day admire 
 his perfe(5t fore-knowledge of all future events. 
 That important period in which all the kindreds of 
 the earth fhall wail becaufe of him, will be a time 
 of univerfal joy to the redeemed ; while the wicked 
 are overwhelmed with the utmoU conflernation and 
 horror, his people will be filled with that rapture 
 of joy which will laft for ever — how will thefe 
 feel when they are entering in with the King to the 
 marriage ? 
 
 Thofe who had long waited, (liall not be difap- 
 pointed in their expectations : the patience of the 
 faints will now be at an end, and their enjoyment 
 ^all never more be interrupted to all eternity. 
 
 Hh2 If 
 
( 228 ) 
 
 If the meeting of the bride and bridegroom be 
 fpoken of, as matter of joy to Chrift, what mufi: it 
 be to the redeemed themfelves ? We may with the 
 greatell confidence alfert, that as death will be com- 
 pleatly fwallowed up in vidtory, the church will 
 then experience that all tears are for ever effedtually 
 wiped away. 
 
 The fcriptures reprefent the time, when a foul 
 is regenerated and born of God, as a time of love ; 
 but how fmal^ a part of divine love is at that time 
 feen by the chriftian, when compared to that 
 which will be beheld by all the individuals of the 
 church at the great day ? divine love is as great 
 when believers fee the leafl: of it, as it will be when 
 they are entering the world of glory — this is that 
 love which now makes the heaven-born foul as 
 welcome to a throne of grace, as any of the re- 
 deemed will be welcome at lad: into the heavenly 
 world. There is a great propriety in reprefenting 
 this remarkable period under the figure of a mar- 
 riage ; there are fo many things in the temporary 
 fubied, which affifts the mind to take in this fpiri- 
 tual myftery, Nothing can be more evident, than 
 that there will be a meeting of the parties, with a 
 view to feparate no more. 
 
 At the time of rriarriage, each party having had 
 that period in view, now^ their waiting is at an end ; 
 now they meet, not to hear merely, but to fee face 
 to face, and be in each pthers company to the end 
 of life. So at the great marriage day, there v^ill 
 be a meeting, fuch as both thofe on earth, and 
 tbofe in heaven, have been Ipng waiting for : inany 
 
 whq 
 
( 229 ) 
 
 whd have endured long imprlfonments, and great 
 pains and trouble in life, will now have all their 
 tears wiped away. The bridegroom then appears 
 in his beft attire : his inveterate enemies, who have 
 in every age been attempting to eclipfe this Sun 
 of Righteoufnefs, fliall behold him coming in the 
 clouds in all his meredian fplendour : with what 
 aftonilliment and confulion will fuch behold him 
 when feated on his great white throne ? can there 
 then remain one unbelieving Jew, or one infidel, 
 among the numberlefs crouds of the Gentiles ? 
 
 The bride, his myftical body, made up of fd 
 many millions : every individual of thofe fhall be 
 ready, black as they once were, they fhall be with- 
 out fpot and will Ihine like the fun in the firmament: 
 the queen will then appear in gold of Ophir, 
 compleatly adorned for the bridegroom. As the 
 honor and glory of the Holy Ghofi: was manifefted 
 in the qualifying of the apoftles for their work, {o 
 in this adorning will his infinite glory be manifefted. 
 All that fhadow of happinefs which mortals ever faw 
 or enjoyed, will be as nothing to this : thofe who 
 were once elevated with the honors of this fading 
 world, will now be overwhelmed with forrowj 
 they will fee that the faints, when in this life, 
 made choice of a glory which is infinitely fuperior 
 to all the tranfitory honors of this world, 
 
 Deatli will now be fwallowed up in vidtory; no 
 diforder to diftort the complexion, or maim any 
 part of the human frame 3 neither the outward orna- 
 ments, nor the internal beauties of the queen will 
 be tarnifhed or fuUied in the leafl degree for ever ; 
 
 all 
 
( 230 ) 
 all this will contribute to render the happy meeting 
 glorious beyond defcriptlon. This is that period 
 which all true believers have been looking forward 
 unto : while the unbelieving world has been faying, 
 " where is the promife of his coming", thefc beheld 
 that period as certain as his firft coming; and 
 while others would attempt to perfuade themfelves 
 that all religion was a delufion, thefe had their hearts 
 cheered with this moft animating of all fubjedts. 
 
 In order to take a more particular view of this 
 fubje(fl:, let us confider in the iirft place what it is 
 to be ready. 
 
 , This ought to engage the attention of every one 
 who hears this parable : the infinite difference here 
 rcprefented, between thofe who are prepared, and 
 the foolifh virgins, one would imagine that it was 
 fufhcient to engage every profefTor in examination ; 
 for the parable jtfelf implies that both thefe charac- 
 ters, will always be found in the church of Chrifl, 
 Great numbers have been totally ruined by this 
 miftake ; a miftake in which if a profelfor die, it is 
 never to be redlified to all eternity : and can we b^ 
 fuprifcd to find thofe deceived, who could not be 
 prevailed upon to examine themfelves by the moft 
 important and folcmn of all confiderations — if fuch 
 a parable as this will not bring a man to try himfelf 
 by the word of God, what can be expe<^ed froii^ 
 a perfon fo hardened ? 
 
 Firft, thofe who will then be found ready, will be 
 regenerated and born of God, not merely reformed : 
 regeneration differs as much from reformation as 
 the beams of the fun from the fmalleft candle : 
 
 chriftians 
 
{ 231 ) 
 cliriftlaris cannot be too thankful, who have beeti 
 convinced of this miflake ; by vvhich thoufinds 
 are plunged into everlafting woe : efpccially w^hen 
 it is confidered what multitudes conclude that thofe 
 muft be regenerated who are merely reformed: 
 but refraining frora open fin, is no proof that the 
 heart of fuch a man is changed ; there mull: be a 
 new principle before a man will, like David, delight 
 in the things of God : many are rellrained from fin 
 by the mere dictates of confcience,whofe hearts were 
 never right with God. Thofe who are born again 
 will never ad: the part of foolifh virgins ; and all 
 thefe will be found ready when the great bridegroom 
 comes. 
 
 Secondly, Thofe who are regenerated, will give 
 proof of this change being a faving one, by their 
 abhorrence of being accepted in any righteoufnefs 
 but that of Chrift's : all the redeemed perfedtly agree 
 in thisj that their ozun righteoufnefs is but as filthy 
 rags ; an averlion to juftification by Chrift'o righ- 
 teoufnefs is a certain mark of a deluded profefTor : 
 the wife are careful to put on the wedding garment. 
 
 Thirdly, This change will be further made to 
 appear to be a genuine one, by a cleaving to the 
 people of God ; not merely thofe who harmonize 
 with them in fentiment, and manner of worfhip ; 
 but thefe experience that their affedions are peculi- 
 larly kindled with fuch as drink into the fpirit of 
 the gofpel : to thefe they will feel a ftrong attach- 
 ment. This is that frame of foul which was never 
 found in any foolifli virgin, and proves that the 
 enmity i? flain j for carnal men ciiXi never love thofe 
 
 who 
 
( 232 ) 
 who are fpiritual, merely on account of their reli- 
 gion. 
 
 Fourthly, Thele will have a peculiar relifli for 
 the word of God ; the pleafures fuch find at parti- 
 cular feafons, make them fay, like Job, it is more 
 to me than my necejfary food : this frame differs 
 widely from that which is evidently in foolifli virgins, 
 who only read by conftraint ; as new born babes, 
 thefe defire the (incere milk of the word. 
 
 Further, thofe who will be found ready, are pof- 
 feffed of fuch a concern for the glory of Chrift, as 
 is not to be found in any carnul m*an : having been 
 taught the worth of their own fouls, they are re- 
 joiced to fee any delivered from the pov/er of 
 darknefs, and brought into the kingdom of God's 
 dear Son. 
 
 Thefe are the perfons who feek for that com- 
 munion with God, of which carnal men are wholly 
 ignorant; this is a path in which no fooliHi virgins 
 walk, and is one of the mofl conclufive marks of 
 a renewed foul: no opportunity or ordinance will 
 fatisfy fuch, unlefs they meet with fome refrefliing 
 from the prefence of the Lord. 
 
 Thefe are the perfons v/lio are rifen with Chrift i 
 their aiFedions are fet on things above, where Chrift 
 fitteth at the right hand of God. Thofe who have 
 only an empty lamp, v/ill emerfe themfelves in the 
 world and the love of it. That religion proves it- 
 felf to be genuine, which overcometh the world, 
 and carries out the heart to heavenly things. 
 
 True chriftians alfo w^ill be confcientious in theif 
 condud, not only in that part, which the world is 
 
 witnefs. 
 
( 233 ) 
 Witiiefs to, but that which no mortal can fee, that 
 which God himfelf can only behold. Nothing 
 fhort of that which David mentions will ever fatisfy 
 a fincere foul. Pfalm ccxix. 6. Then Jliall I not 
 be aJJiamed, zv/icn I have refpeB iinto all thy com^ 
 mandmcnts. The approbation of thtir fellow 
 mortals is nothing to them, Vv'ithout the teftimony 
 of an upright confcience* To bring a fcandal on the 
 gofpel appears to thefe worfe than death. 
 
 There is not only a being habitually ready, which 
 is the cafe with every one who is regenerated ; but 
 there is a being in a fuitable frame of mind which 
 may be called actual readinefs, Many real chriftians 
 have been called away by death, when they had 
 not the leaft expedtation of fuch a folemn change: 
 death did not find them in a waiting pofture. This 
 is the reafon why many gracious perfons have been 
 in fuch diftrefs even to their dying moments ; and, 
 on this account, have gone by the gates of hell to 
 their heavenly home. 
 
 Thofe then are actually ready, in this point of viev\% 
 tvhofe affections are much fet on thofe things which 
 are above, and whofe hearts are loofened to the 
 things of time and fenfe. This is a frame which 
 thofe who are poiTeffed of grace will never attain 
 without watchfulnefs and diligence ; and cannot be 
 maintained without the conftant ailiflance of the 
 Holy Ghoft. 
 
 Thofe who are acflually ready are net perplexed 
 like fome, when death approaches in a very tre- 
 mendous form ; their evidences are clear ; having 
 been accuflomed to examine themfelves they have 
 I i obtained 
 
( 234 ) 
 
 obtained fatisiaGtion concerning their ftate. Without' 
 this no chriftian can be faid to be ready, to hear that 
 folemn fummons from his mailer ; Jet thy Iioufe in 
 order, for thou viiift die. 
 
 They who are thus ready, are not only in the 
 way to heaven, but are alfo filled with heavenly 
 zeal for the caufe of Chrifi: : and thofe who feel 
 much for the fouls of others, will not be fecure like 
 fooliOi virgins, who are eafy and content if they 
 can but fancy themfelves in the way to heaven : 
 the falvation of others, and the caufe of Chrift, gives 
 fuch no concern -, but the true chriftian experiences 
 a quite different frame of fpirit. 
 
 We may alfo fay of fuch, that having been tried 
 with a variety of afflictions they are grown in grace : 
 patience has worked experience, and experience 
 hope : as well trained foldiers, they underftand the ufe 
 of the chriftian's armour, that when death approaches 
 in fome formidable fliape, like Paul, they know 
 what it is to long to be abfent from the body and 
 to be prefent with the Lord. 
 
 Thofe who are adually ready, like the apoftle, 
 are in the full purfuit of greater attainments ^ they 
 never fit down content with v/hat they have already 
 received; they defire to be making a proper ufe of 
 all the ordinances of God; and wifh to be found 
 improving their mafter's talents, that when he comes 
 they may not be found Hothful, and negleding their 
 maflier's work, 
 
 Chriftians who are thus ready, the bridegroom him- 
 felf will more than welcome into his glorious home ; 
 not merely as fervants, but as thofe brought into 
 
 the 
 
( 235 ) 
 the very nearell: relation to himfelf. Bleflcd 
 indeed will fuch be ; they fliall have an abundant 
 entrance into his kingdom and glory. If the be-r 
 holding of that infinite love which is manifefted in 
 our regeneration, affords us fuch pleafure, what will 
 it be to fee this infinite love without a glafs between? 
 If the period in which a foul is regenerated be 
 called a time of love, what muft that time be, 
 when Chrift himfelf fliall prefent the believer to 
 God with exxeeding joy ? 
 
 Therefore fuch are not admitted as perfons on a 
 vifit, as friends commonly are, but they enter as 
 thofe for whom the houfe itfelf was built, and as 
 heirs and joint -heirs with him who is the Lord of 
 that world. They enter in with him ; he does not 
 only admit them but receives them as the affec- 
 tionate bridegroom does his bride. Let thofe then 
 who arc greatly exercifed with difficulties and trials 
 of many kinds, learn to look beyond them all ; 
 they are but for a moment : our Jefus beholds 
 that period with pleafure, when his own fhall never 
 more drop one tear. 
 
 The reception fuch will meet with at heaven's 
 gates, will be fuitable to that love which fhone with 
 fuch unequalled beams on Calvary; they will for ever 
 experience that the love v/hich was manifefted there, 
 will never be diminiOied, but remain immutable 
 to all eternity. To love as God loves is as much 
 above the power of our natures, as to create ; and 
 we are totally incapable of comprehending that great 
 love with which God loves his people 3 when called 
 by grace, we are called according to the greatnefs 
 li 2 of 
 
( 236 ) 
 
 of that love ; fo when we fliall be admitted into 
 heaven, it will be according to that infinite love 
 which has never been manifefted in fo clear a man- 
 ner, as in the dying of the Lord Jefus, 
 
 This entering in, and dwelling together with 
 Chrifl, will not have that tendency which is too 
 frequent among imperfed; creatures here below, 
 whofe love is foon extinguKhed by intimacy ; but 
 it will infinitely exceed that love which fub- 
 fifled betv/een David and Jonathan. Without 
 afteiftion, there can be no comfort in a family ; and 
 if this love of God in Chrift was not both infinite 
 and immutable, there could not poflibly be any 
 happinefs in" the manfions of glory : but we may 
 reft affured that the happinefs of a Paul, or even 
 an Abel, neither has nor ever will be diminiflied to 
 all eternity. 
 
 There the believer will have fuch a difcerning 
 of the love of Chrifl, as will keep his flame burning 
 with unabating vigour -, here he fees little ; and 
 this is one reafon why he is fo little conftrained by 
 the love of Chrift : it would be impoffible to behold 
 this love without being influenced by it -, it is but 
 now and then that we difcern fome beams of this 
 fun of righteoufnefs 3 but in heaven this whole fun 
 5s beheld vWthout one cloud between ; all that love 
 whch Is to be difcovered in fuch a plan of falvation, 
 and that was manjfefted in the execution of the 
 whole : the love pf a triune Jehpvah will be both 
 icen and felt for ever. 
 
 We can form but low conceptions of thofe effe(fts 
 which vifion will h*ive on us ; here we are talking 
 
 of 
 
( 237 ) 
 
 of things which we never faw with our eyes, but 
 then we fliall behold face to face : as the loft fee 
 little in this world of that tremendous torment 
 which thofe in hell now fuffer -, fo thofe who are 
 going to heaven have very little difcerning of that 
 bleflednefs which thofe enjoy who are now in a 
 world of glory. The glory, which Chrift now 
 enjoys in his compleat perfon, wa§ referved for him 
 until his work was done ; therefore we need 
 not wonder that our happinefs, is not fully 
 (qqti by us till we come to the end of our war- 
 fare. 
 
 Here we have frequently feen perfons in whom 
 we have perceived fomething of this falvation : but 
 then we fhall be in the midft of countlefs mil- 
 lions 'y all of whom will be as fo many volumes in 
 which infinite and everlafting love will be read; 
 we fhall behold the eifedts of free grace diftindly 
 and clearly in every one of thefe, as in the convef- 
 fation of the thief, or the falvation of a magdalen: 
 not one only, but all, and every individual of that 
 company, will tend to afTift the believer in apprc-^ 
 bending the love of God. Many have experienced 
 great light and comfort by being among thofe in 
 whom the grace of God has been remarkably mani* 
 fefted; as iron fharpens iron, fo do thefe the 
 fpirit of fuch as converfe with them. But this plea- 
 fure on earth is frequently interrupted ; for in this 
 imperfedt ftate, thofe who are the moft eminent in 
 the church, frequently perplex and grieve their fel- 
 low travellers : which has caufed many to Ion? to be 
 beyond the grav^t 
 
 One 
 
( 238 ) 
 
 One reafon why heaven is revealed in fcripture, 
 in fo clear a manner is, that poor diftrelTed chriftians 
 may be animated, with the profped: of fuch a glori- 
 ous home. If Ghrill who had fuch a diftinct idea 
 of the joy that was fet before him, was a man of 
 forrows and acquainted with grief, no wonder that 
 thofe who were fo (hort fighted, require fo much to 
 comfort them in their travel. He forefaw his con- 
 quell and triumph in the clearefl manner, but the 
 chriilian is plunged into darknefs that may be felt. 
 
 What an increafe there mud have been in the 
 family of heaven, fmce Chrift entered that glorious 
 place ! Abel's was the firil redeemed foul that 
 arrived in the manfions of bleffednefs : but now 
 there mufl: be a number which no man can number : 
 though the broad way be always filled with the 
 v/icked, yet God's remnant are continually arriving 
 in heaven from this lower world : thofe who are 
 about to leave this world have no reafon to fear 
 they fliall want company in heaven. 
 
 While we are animated with the confideration of 
 the happinefs of the wife virgins, let us take a view 
 of the foolifli, and their dreadful difappointment s 
 No doubt the enlarging on this part of the parable 
 has in many different ages both roufed wife virgins 
 and awakened many of the foolifh. 
 
 Chrift who defcribes the bleffednefs of the one, 
 informs us of the gloomy condition of the other, and 
 we may fay, light cannot differ fo much from dark- 
 nefs, or the highefl pleafure from extreme pain, 
 as the condud of Chrift towards thefe two kinds 
 »f profeflbrs : the kindnefs and love which he dif- 
 
 covers 
 
( ^'39 ) 
 covers to the one, and the indignation and antipathy 
 he manifefts to the other : as he teftifies his love to 
 the wife by admitting them to enter in with himfelf 
 into heaven ; fo he paints out his deteftation of thefe 
 by reprefenting them as Ihut out. 
 
 The door zvas Jkut, This is a very ftriking meta- 
 phor : fuch are not merely ihut out ; a rebel is not 
 merely excluded the palace of the king, but doom- 
 ed to prifon and condign punifliment. He who 
 more than welcomes the wife virgins, himfelf ex- 
 cludes all the foolidi, and there is fomething in this 
 which will be felt in hell to all eternity : it is a 
 great aggravation to fuifering, when it is inflicfted by 
 thofe whom we particularly hate : and fuch is the 
 enmity of human nature, that there is no defcribing 
 that averfion there is in every carnal man to Chrift ; 
 of this many have not the leaft idea, till they feel 
 themfelves loft for ever j though the foolifh virgins 
 profeiTed the truth, their enmity to the God of truth 
 remained: it was never changed into love: if thefe 
 had been pofTeffed of divine love, they would not 
 have lived without God in the world ; and nothing 
 is more provoking to God than an empty profeffion ; 
 therefore when fuch are fenfible that both themfelves 
 and their lleepy religion is noticed by Chrift, no 
 pen can defcribe their awful feelings, when Chriil 
 himfelf for ever excludes them, 
 
 Chrift reprefents them as wholly fecure and igno- 
 rant of their dreadful fituation; they never fought 
 for entrance, until they were for ever excluded. 
 To defcribe the folly of thefe, Chrift mentions there 
 attempting to buy oil, Tliey had never attended to 
 
 the 
 
( 240 ) 
 the method of falvatlon ^ ignorance and lloth fre* 
 quently are companions. In this, there may be feme 
 aUufion to thofe numberlefs multitudes, who have 
 been attempting to obtain the pardon of their fiUj 
 by filthy lucre : this is fuch an error, as none but 
 thofe who are given up to ftrong delufion, can be 
 in danger of. It alfo defcribes the fituation of many 
 who pacify their confcience with a profeffion, with- 
 out giving themfelves any concern about the evi- 
 dence of real religion : fome of thefe are inferior to 
 none in the wifdom of this world, or more cautions 
 and expert in detedling any fufpicious charadler; 
 indeed they appear qualified to underfland every 
 thing but themfelves. 
 
 While they were in this delufion the folemn 
 period arrives, when thofe that were ready muft 
 enter in with the bridegroom, and thefe be for ever 
 excluded. While in company with the vvife, they 
 fuppofed themfelves on an equal footing with their 
 companions : but what pen can defcribe the eternal 
 confequences of this feparation! 
 
 All delufions have their periods j they are but 
 (lumbers, when over they appear fhort : thofe who 
 have carried an empty lamp fixty years, will, when 
 convinced of their awful condition, view their whole 
 life as a delufive dream ; like a man in a jail who in 
 a fleep fancies himfelf in a palace, but when he 
 comes to exercife his faculties, he more than feels 
 the deception. 
 
 Chrifi: himfelf evidently fhows in this parable, 
 that perfons may feparate themfelves from the com- 
 monality of unbelievers and profligate, and imagine 
 
 that 
 
( 241 ) 
 
 that their profeflion will entitle them to the regions of 
 bhfs, yet be for ever excluded with the vileft of the 
 vile : this makes it appear that the damnation of 
 foolifh virgins, will be attended with confequences 
 more dreadful than thofe who never made any proi- 
 feffion : their condition, when confidered in any 
 point of view, Ihocks imagination -, one would fup- 
 pofe it impoflible for any profeiTor fo much at to 
 read this parable without feeling its force ; it has 
 made many a gracious heart tremble, but is feldom 
 even fomuch as thought of by empty profefTors, 
 
 This being Chriil's own defcription, makes it 
 appear the more folemn and awful ; no mere human 
 being can perfectly defcribe the final end of profef- 
 fors, but he who has a perfe<5t foreknowledge of 
 that period when all the race of Adam fhall be fum- 
 moned before the Judge. Any confiderate man, 
 who reads Chrift'a defcription of the deftru^ion of 
 Jerufalem, and fees the awful and exad accomplifh- 
 ment of thofe prophecies, will form fome ideas of 
 that dreadful time, when the truth contained in this 
 parable, will be as awfully fulfilled, 
 
 Let it be confidered, that thefe foolifh virgins, 
 ftfter this exclufion, mufl never mix one moment 
 more with the godly ; the men with whom they 
 have walked, ^nd perhaps Ihared too much of their 
 efteem, muft behold them at the great day in their 
 true colours their vain hopes, having led them to 
 the king of terrors, can now no longer afford them 
 the leaft profpe<^ of hope, or permit them to flum- 
 ber one moment more to eternity : they are awaked 
 to fleep no more. 
 
 K k Let 
 
( 242 ) 
 
 Let it be alfo confidered, that there is not the 
 leaft probability of this feparating door being opened 
 "again to all eternity. Balaam, when his eyes were 
 opened, faw that God was not a man that he fhould 
 lie, nor the fon of man that he fhould repent : and 
 what ever foolifh notions many may feign to them- 
 felves, of an univerfal jail delivery, there can be no 
 fuch dodrine credited in hell. 
 
 There is no poffibiliiy of climbing over or break- 
 ing through this door : mortals, however terrible to 
 their fellow creatures, will be foon convinced of the 
 folly of all attempts to evade vindictive juftice: 
 princes are but as mortar, which the builder treads, 
 when they die out of Chrift; 
 
 No golden key can unlock thofe tremendous 
 bolts; gold now has lofl all its influence and charms; 
 thofe, once the moft wealthy, cannot purchafe one 
 drop of water, or by any means obtain the leafl 
 relief for their tormented fouls and bodies. 
 
 We fee from this parable, how foon the un- 
 thinking will be thrown into the greatefl horror and 
 confufion. When Jehovah had fliut Noah in the 
 ark the feoffs and fneers of the wicked, would 
 recoil upon their own heads : fo doubtlefs thou- 
 fando, who have galled and grieved the people of 
 God with their reproaches, becaufe their frozen 
 profeffion was condemned by the affed:ionate con- 
 ducft of real chriilians, will awfully experience, 
 that while they were thus offending the people 
 of God, they were treafuring up wrath againil the 
 ^ay of wrath: one of the worfl roads to hell, is 
 
 that 
 
{ 243 ) 
 
 thilt of abafing and increafing the troubles of God's 
 people. 
 
 Thefe folemn and affedlng confiderations, con- 
 ftrain me to examine my own profeffion; and to 
 intreat each one in this family., to beware of car- 
 rying an empty lamp : the leafl attention to this 
 parable may tend to convince you, that the more 
 fecure any falfe profeiTor may be, the more dreadful 
 his lituation : dread the thought of concluding you 
 are in the way to heaven, becaufe you have no doubt 
 about iti 
 
 Frequently contemplate on the infinite difference 
 which Chrift will make between the wife and fool- 
 i{h : thofe well deferve the epithet of being called 
 foolifli, who, after fuch folemn warnings will dare 
 to face the bar of Chrift, with an empty and un- 
 meaning profeffion : can fuch flatter themfelves that 
 they can elude the all-feeing eye of the Judge ? 
 
 Confider how evidently thofe appear to be foolifli, 
 who content themfelves with the form of religion -, 
 can they imagine that perfons who have no concern 
 for God's glory, and whofe affections are buried in 
 the earth, can be born of God and be plants 
 of the father's planting ? the leafc attention to this 
 parable might throw down their delufive Babel. 
 
 Can you fuppofe it poffible for thofe to be wife 
 virgins, who have never taken this fubjed: into con- 
 fideration ; i. e, what it is to be ready ? Can that 
 man be deemed wife, who when he underftands that 
 there is more bad coin than good, will never exa- 
 mine what he receives ? 
 
 K k 2 When 
 
( 244 ) 
 
 When we confider the contents of this parable^ 
 who can look at this family, without being obliged 
 to draw this conclufion — How foon will all here be 
 in heaven with Chrift, or be for ever excluded that 
 world of bleifednefs : thofe who adt wifely fhall be 
 crowned and welcomed into heaven -, thofe who live 
 and die foolifh virgins, fliall have no pleafure in 
 their religion in this world, and at the end of life 
 iliall be banifhed from the family of God for ever. 
 
 Does not he who fpoke this parable, take notice 
 what attention is paid to it : what thoufands who 
 refufed to be thus warned by the Son of God, are 
 now awfully experiencing the truth of this fcripture 
 in hell. 
 
 Let us for a few moments examine our lamps ; 
 let us regard this parable as much as if we heard it 
 from Chrift's own mouth. Have we reafon to be- 
 lieve we are born of God? Do we feel that no pro- 
 feffion could afford us the leaft content without an 
 experimental acquaintance with God ? Do we 
 experience our fouls burdened when in the company 
 of carelefs profefTors 5 and enlivened and refreflied 
 when we meet thofe who are zealous in the ways of 
 God? 
 
 I tremble for you who never examine yourfelves^ 
 as I cannot bear the thought of your being fhut 
 out of heaven — take the advice of one who fm- 
 ccrely loves you — pray this night that God would 
 not fuffer you to deceive yourfelves. 
 
 END OF THE ELEVENTH EXERCISE, 
 
FA MILT EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 Ctoelft!) €xtxtist. 
 
 ESTHER. 
 
 And if I perifi I perijiu 
 Efther iv. 16. 
 
 T] 
 
 HIS part of the word of God was defigned for 
 the inftrudlion of every fucceeding age, and will 
 be read with profit to the end of time. 
 
 He who had in fuch an awful manner laid Je- 
 rufalem wafte, removed the remnant of his peo- 
 ple, and mingled them among the heathen, makes 
 it appear in this part of his word, that his eye was 
 upon them for good, and that no divination againfl 
 Ifrael iliall profper. Haman's wicked plot was 
 over-ruled in fuch a manner by God as filled his 
 people with praife. The change of Vafhti, the 
 queen, and the introdudion of Either into her place, 
 was a wonderful difpenlation of divine providence. 
 Thofe providences which appear dark and intricate 
 at firft, are unravelled by time, and we behold with 
 admiration the manner in which God accoraplill^es 
 his purpofes. 
 
 The advancement of fo bafe a man as Haman, 
 Was by the peculiar hand of God> no man, but one 
 
 who 
 
( 246 ) 
 
 who had the king almoft at his will, could hava 
 caufed the Jews fo unheard of a trial j and no man^ 
 but one that had arrived at fuch a pitch of wicked- 
 nefs could ever have devifed fo horrible a plot. 
 
 The reftlefs ambition of Haman would not per-* 
 mit him to be contented, if one individual, and that 
 but an obfcure man too, refufed him honour. Plow 
 many are now difgraced in hell, that were when on 
 earth carried away with the foolifh applaufe and 
 adoration of their fellow mortals ! Mordecai no 
 doubt had heard unfavourable accounts of Haman, 
 and knew him to be an enemy to the Jews. This 
 man was a mote in the eye of Haman ; but to take 
 revenge on an individual would have difhonoured 
 himfelf, therefore he fets himfelf on the defi:ru6tion 
 of the whole body of that people. 
 
 The total extirpation of fo great a body of people 
 was nothing to Haman, though not any of them 
 gave him the leafl affront fave one : but we fee God 
 had great deligns of good towards the Jews, which 
 were to be accomplifhed by this abandoned man. 
 As he brought about the redemption of his church 
 by Judas, fo he over- ruled the pride of Haman's 
 heart for the good of the captive Jews. The hand 
 of God was no doubt alfo in over-ruling the lots 
 which Haman caft from time to time, that it fhould 
 be fo long before one lot fell out favourable to his 
 wiih ; he was fo intent on their ruin that he was 
 impatient to have them all difpatched. One might 
 have thought in fo long a fpace of time his fpirit 
 would have been cooled : many will do that in a fit 
 of revenge, which they would fhudder at in cool 
 
 blood ; 
 
C 247 ) 
 
 blood ; but this man was implacable to the highcil 
 degree. 
 
 No fooner does the lot fall to his mind, than he 
 accofh the king in the moft artful manner; he 
 fpeaks of the Jews both as an infignificant and a 
 rebellious people, and fappofed that by faying, it 
 was not for the king's profit they fhould live, 
 he fhould gain his point; and it feems he knew 
 very well how to obtain any thing of the king. 
 Thofe whom fatan employs, feldom are want- 
 ing in cunning ; yet God can to his honour con- 
 found the wifdom of the wife, and take them in 
 their own craftinefs. 
 
 It is evident, Ahafuerus had no partiality for the 
 Jews, or he could not have fo readily confented to 
 the maffacre of fo many thoufands : if preceding- 
 this, he had no averfion to them, he fliows himfelf 
 wicked beyond meafure to give the lives of fo many, 
 at the requefl of an individual. Haman, we may 
 fuppofe, was over-joyed with the ready compliance 
 of the king ; he loft no time but haftened to accom- 
 plifli this horrid purpofe; he would not have gone on 
 with fuch fpeed, had he perceived that he was hur- 
 rying himfelf to the gallows. The pofls went out 
 with fpeed, being haftened by the king's command- 
 ment : and now he is gratified and goes to enjoy 
 himfelf, and drinks with the king : who could ima- 
 gine human nature to be fo dreadfully depraved ? 
 the diftrefs of thoufands, was nothing to thefe two 
 men : what deliverance could the Jews expect from 
 two fuch chara(5ters ? 
 
 Thofe 
 
( 248 ) 
 
 Thofe who knew nothing of God, and faw the 
 condudl of the king, and Haman, would think the 
 failing and prayers of the Jews to be all in vain: but 
 a diftrefled foul is foon in heaven, and fetches fuch 
 rnercies from thence, as frequently furprize the 
 world. 
 
 He who permitted Satan to fill the heart of 
 Haman, influenced the heart of Eflher, It was 
 little for the familhing lepers, to fay, ** let us go to 
 the AfTyrian camp, and venture our lives 5" it was 
 the only door of hope left for them : but Either, 
 who held fuch an eminent ilation rifked evefy thing ! 
 the higher her ftation, the more was her condudt to 
 be admired i none fo foon forget their fellow mortals 
 as perfons who rife in a rapid manner to worldly 
 honor. Either's refolution was of God ; I will go 
 unto the king, &c. this was from a higher motive 
 than the influence of her uncle : God who defigned 
 a remarkable deliverance, gave her lingular fupport. 
 
 Many would have faid that it v/as an undertaking 
 improper for a queen ; it was hazarding her life with 
 little hopes of fuccefs ; the decree of the Perfians, 
 when fealed with the king's rings, were never 
 known to be reverfed. Faith looks over thoufands 
 of objedlions, and againfl: hope believes in hope, 
 EflJier conferred not with flefli and blood. She 
 prefers her people's fafety to her own ; her life is 
 bound up in theirs — if they periih (he could not live; 
 if all the true worfliippers of God were cut oiF, the 
 thoughts of this ihe could not bear : better die i^ 
 thoufand times than outlive all the lovers of God, 
 
 Eli 
 
( 249 ) 
 
 Eli trembled for the ark whilft it was in fu- 
 fpenfcjbut no fooner does the news of its being taken 
 reach his ears, than he falls and breaks his neck : 
 the news of all the Jews being maffacred, would 
 have changed the palace of Ahafuerus into a 
 gloomy dungeon. 
 
 Efther had been well educated ; flie underllood 
 how to go about a bufmefs of fuch magnitude; fhe 
 had no doubt heard what great things had been done 
 by failing and prayer : the furefl method (he. knew, 
 was to engage God in the behalf of the people. 
 Efther's three days fading and prayer, overthrew 
 what Haman and Satan had been contriving for 
 twelve months. Prayer engages omnipotence, and 
 when employed in the caufe of God, every word of 
 it reaches heaven ; fometimes one praying man has 
 done more than thoufands : while the hands of Mofes 
 were held up, Ifrael prevailed, but when down, 
 Amaleck got the better: Jacob held Jehovah by his 
 wreftling, and we may fuppofe from the fituation of 
 Ellher and her pe&ple, that there would not be a 
 formal or carelefs petition put up by any one Jew, 
 Heaven v/as now taken by violence ; how did the 
 petitions of fo large body of people, afcend to heaven 
 as a pillar of fmoke ? this trying time was a bleffed 
 one j it was well for them that they could not forefee 
 in v/hat an extraordinary manner God would appear 
 for them. Some have obferved, that when the Jews 
 read the hiflory of Either, they ilamp with their feet 
 as often as mention is made of Haman. Haman was 
 ignorant of the importance of the Jews, though they 
 L 1 appeared 
 
( 250 ) 
 
 appeared an iniignificant people to hlin on earth, 
 they were of great account in the world above, 
 
 God pays particular refped: to thofe who are of a 
 public fpirit : he could not overloolc the kindnefs of 
 Ebedmeleck to Jeremiah, therefore Eflher's prayers 
 which were not fo much for her own life, as for 
 thofe of her people, would be peculiarly agreeable to 
 God : her exertions in their favour, will be fpoke 
 of to the end of the world. Many great ones 
 will wifh to eternity that they had never been exalt- 
 ed above their fellow mortals ; but Efther improved 
 her influence to the be/l of purpofes. How rare a 
 jewel to meet with, goodnefs in greatnefs ! to fee fo 
 elevated a mortal, feel for the caufe of God ; to faft 
 in a palace ,and put a nation upon the duty, muft be 
 the wonder of heaven ; perhaps flie had never had 
 fo much comfort within thofe walls before : it muft 
 be a period fhe would remember to her latell: mo- 
 ments. 
 
 In the aiTairs of providence, God has not only 
 the manifeftation of his wifdom and love in view, 
 to thofe immediately concerned, but his honor and 
 glory to eternity : as one miftake injures the cha- 
 racfter of a man, fo if all things in providence were 
 not managed with the greatefl v>'ifdom, the honor 
 of God would be eclipfed : but in the whole of this 
 affair, we may behold with pleafure how every thing 
 was over-ruled : here the hand of God may be dif- 
 cerncd in the difmiflion of Vafhti and the choice of 
 Efther j in the condu6t of Mordccai, and the exal- 
 tation and unparalleled pride of Haman ; the igno- 
 rance of the king, and the humanity of Efther : how 
 
 many 
 
( 251 ) 
 
 many are the wheels in divine providence, and noC 
 one moves too fail, or one too flow. 
 
 It is frequently a long time, before we can unravel 
 any part of the myftery of divine providence ; but 
 when we can trace all the particulars, we fee that 
 the ways of God are as much higher than the ways 
 of man, as the heavens are above the earth. Wife 
 obfervers gain much inftrud:ion by prying into pro- 
 vidential difpenilitions, and God efteems himfelf 
 honoured by fuch. It is eafy to perceive what God 
 had in view, when things are pall:, but who would 
 have thought that Haman's plot had been defigned 
 by God for fuch a 'bleffing to the Jews ? fometimes 
 the darkeft clouds are loaded with the richeil: mer- 
 ciee : it is God's way to make darknefs light and 
 crooked things ftraight. 
 
 Haman was a dangerous man to thofe to whom 
 he had any antipathy, and his being raifed to lo 
 high a ftation, was as much of God, as the ad- 
 vancement of Efther : there is frequently a needs-be 
 for God to give power and influence to his ene- 
 mies : had he not raifed Nebuchadnezzar to iiich 
 power, he v^^ould not have been fo proper a fcourge 
 to many nations. 
 
 Great things have been brought about by men of 
 a high and intolerant fpirit : who can read the 
 hiftory of England, and not to be fuprifed to find 
 that God (hould intend Ens^land to be delivered 
 from the popifli yoke, by fuch a man as king 
 Henry VIII. The bread and flefh brought by ra- 
 vens, was better relifhed by the prophet, than any 
 thing in the ordinary way — Haman was to be tbc 
 L 1 2 means 
 
( 252 ) 
 means of enriching the Jews^ but he thought to 
 have filled the treafures of many with their property. 
 The army that came againft Jehofnaphat thought 
 of plundering the whole country of Judah, but there 
 they depofited all their wealth. 
 
 We fee by this wonderful plan, that time and all 
 circumftances are particularly fore-ordained ; things 
 new to man are not fo with God, his counfel ftands, 
 and he is doing alUhis pleafure : while Haman was 
 elevated with fuccefs, and the Jews overwhelmed 
 with forrow, God was delighting himfelf with the 
 greatnefs of that mercy he was about to grant to his 
 people. 
 
 As the fruits of the earth advance to their ripenefs 
 by progreffion, fo do the fruits of divine providence : 
 thofe who wifli to know things before hand, would 
 fpoil all the enjoyment : that God who formed our 
 natures, underftands the heft method of making us 
 happy : thofe who would pluck the fruit before it is 
 ripe, may exped nothing but an unpleafant tafte : 
 how much fweeter this deliverance to Efther and all 
 the Jews, than it would have been, had they had a 
 perfect foreknowledge of the whole : hidden mercies 
 are frequently our greateft bleffings. 
 
 The whole fyflem of the creation would be ruin- 
 ed and incompleat, if but one part of it went out 
 of its courfe, or did not perform its evolutions in an 
 exad manner ; fo if one of thefe things which came 
 to pafs in this deliverance of the Jews, had not been 
 done in time and manner, the whole might have 
 mifcarried, but an unerring -hand managed the 
 whole. 
 
 We 
 
( 253 ) 
 
 We have learnt no fmall lefTon, when we are con- 
 vinced that all thofe intricate things, w^hich give us 
 fo mucli concern, will be over-ruled by the fame 
 hand, and our very perplexities fliall by and by fill 
 us with praife. There we may fee that terror and 
 diflrefs preceding any deliverance, increafes the 
 enjoyment of it. Jehofliaphat's mufick had not 
 been fo fweet,. had not his fears been fo much 
 alarmed : Jacob and Jofeph had never experienced 
 fuch joy in a meeting, had not Jacob in his own 
 mind buried him, and been fo long parted from him: 
 however diftrelTed any of God's people may now be, 
 they are the heirs of eternal joy. 
 
 That which tries the faith, and diftrelTes a child 
 of God, is looking at one part of providence : this 
 perplexed David : it w^as this which made Hannah 
 have fo heavy a heart and fad countenance, year after 
 year when (he went up to Jerufalem : our Samuels 
 are not to be given us always at our firfl requeft -, it 
 is impatience that increafes our unhappinefs. 
 
 God who perfectly beholds every part, and has 
 every thing at his command, cannot be perplexed 
 with the darkeft and mod myfterious parts; this 
 gave Job fome relief, he fays, zu/iat he does he knows 
 right loell : he that leads us underftands our jour- 
 ney. Abraham went out, not knowing whither he 
 went ; but God had long decreed in what place he 
 fhould from time to time fix his tent : where then 
 fliould chrifliians in their difiiculties look but to 
 him, v/ho fees in what part of the road they now 
 are. 
 
 Abraham had a ftrong guard, and an underftand- 
 
 ing 
 
( 254 ) 
 
 ing guide : if a pilot had both winds and water at 
 command, he need not be alarmed with any ftorm, 
 feeing at one word he can make both elements calm. 
 Is it of no advantage to be in a vefTel, in which 
 there is no polTibility of being loft ; and to have 
 fuch a guardian as is able to protect us in all dan- 
 gers : nay, can even give us fafety in death, and an 
 immortal crown in glory ? 
 
 We may learn by this hiftory, that it would have 
 been very improper, that the whole of this plan 
 fhould have been revealed to any individual Jew : 
 and had Haman himfelf forefeen the ilTue, he would 
 not have moved his tongue againft Ifrael : would 
 Judas have betrayed fuch a Mafter, if he had feen 
 of what dreadful confequence it would have been to 
 himfelf? God brings to pafs fome of the greateft 
 things for his friends, through the inftru mentality 
 of his vileft enemies. 
 
 One of the principal wheels in divine providence, 
 is God's fovereign will ; in the moft gloomy affairs 
 of human life, his counfel ftands firm, and he is 
 performing his pleafure : while he is making known 
 the riches of his glory on veflels of mercy, he 
 never lofes fight of the fituation and difficulties of 
 of his own people -, he conneds his own gloiy, vAth 
 that of his people's good, fo that while he is accom- 
 plifhing the one, the other cannot be overlooked. 
 As Efther and the Jews were fafe in the midft of 
 this tremendous ftorm ; fo arc all the people of God, 
 in the moft dreadful dangers : thofe can never be 
 deftroyed whom God has determined to proted. 
 Ifrael was never more fafe, than when marching 
 
 through 
 
( ^55 ) 
 
 through the Red Sea j then in a particular manner 
 was God's glory conne<5ted with their pafling through 
 lafely, 
 
 God foreordains the manner of doing a thing as 
 much as the thing itfelf : Mofes muil be cafl: into 
 the water, his mother muft be afraid of the king's 
 commandment, and all this was to be over-ruled for 
 the bringing about the purpofes of God : Pharoah's 
 daughter muft take her walk along the river fide ; 
 fhc had no end, but her own pleafure : but God had 
 a great end in view ; Mofes, the babe, muft cry at 
 the very time ; had the child been a fleep, ihe in all 
 probability would not have found him : but this 
 hiftory proves to a demonftration, that all the par- 
 ticulars of God's providence are decreed, as well as 
 the whole. 
 
 Our comforts depend not on the will of men : 
 why fhould we have our eyes chiefly to fecond 
 caufes ? thefe may have the moft gloomy appearance, 
 even when God is bringing about the moft advan- 
 tageous things for us : what great things God was 
 bringing about for David, when the Amalekitcs 
 were burning his city, and carrying his wives and 
 children captives ; nay even when his men, through 
 extreme diftrefs, talked of ftoning him ? they were 
 lliarers with him in his trouble, yet had not his 
 faith : but was not God in all this myfterious provi- 
 dence, enriching David, and putting it in his power 
 to recompence many of his friends, juft before he 
 was advanced to the throne ? God frequently mani- 
 fefts his kindnefs with the moft comfort to us, and 
 
 elorv 
 
( 256 ) 
 glory to himfelf, when he brings things about by 
 our moft mveterate enemies. 
 
 If a father ever exerts Jiis wifdom to the utmofl', 
 it is in that which concerns thofc who are mofl dear 
 to him : and in general the flronger the attachment 
 to any objed:, the more attentive we are to the dif- 
 trefs or circumllance of that creature. The fkilfal 
 pilot regards not the will of the paiTenger, but is 
 governed by his knowledge of the paflage, and is as 
 attentive to the fafety of thofe under his truft, when 
 he leaves the fhore, and puts out to fea, as when he 
 makes diredly for land : he knows the reafon why 
 his paffengers find fault with him, is becaufe they 
 perceive not the rocks or quickfands which he by 
 his fkill Is avoiding : It is ignorance that is the caufe 
 of oar quarelling with divine difpenfations. 
 
 We learn by this hiftory, that the vileft and moil 
 defperate m.en, are adlng no Inconfiderable part, 
 even when they are about their wicked plots : v/e 
 may fay of them, as Jofeph of his brethren, yt 
 meant it for evil, hut God overruled it for good : 
 they aded a part as much more cruel then that 
 which common fmners are guilty of, as the kind- 
 nefs which was to be brought to them, was greater 
 than what men in general experience. 
 
 Let us fee how the greatefl: deliverance that ever 
 God contrived for his people, may be illuftrated by 
 this part of the word of God : for great as many of 
 thofe mercies are, which are here recorded, they are 
 as nothing, when compared with that which is 
 the greatell of all the ways of God; and in the 
 bringing about of which many of the worft men 
 
 this 
 
this earth ever bore, were employed as fecond caafes : 
 it appears to be God's peeuliar pleafure, to counter- 
 ad: the designs of the vilefl charadlers, and to make 
 the bafefl of their devices terminate in the good of 
 his people* 
 
 We may in the firft place take notice, that Eflher's 
 heart was one of the principal wheels in this won- 
 derful machine : had flie been left to that which is 
 common to human nature, the Jews ' might have 
 periflied, and flie gratified, in having no poor rela^ 
 tives to touch her pride : many when rapidly exal- 
 ted ; dread nothing more than fome of their former 
 companions paying them a viiit. Moft in affluence, 
 are regardlefs of their inferiors, though ever fo nearly 
 allied to them by the ties of nature : but here divine 
 grace made an exception ^ God who intended great 
 mercy to his people, gave Efther this amiable dif- 
 pofition and made her an inftrument in his hand for 
 their good : her advancement was not only of God, 
 but her own ftrong affedlion for her people : God 
 made her as a polifhed Ihaft in his quiver ; flie had 
 firft found favour with God, before he gave her the 
 preference in the efleem of the eaftern monarch; 
 Ahafuerus only raifed her to a momentary honor, 
 but God intended her eternal glory : God has fre- 
 quently given an ignorant and ungodly man, one of 
 his own children to wife : Abigal and Nabil dwelt 
 together on earth ; but there is little ground to fup- 
 pofe that their fouls are companions in a world of 
 glory : it was an infinitely greater honor to Efther, 
 to be fuch an inftrument in the hand of the Lord, 
 than a queen in fuch an extenfive ciominion : 
 M m earthly 
 
( ^58 ) 
 earthly crowns for the moft part debafe the very 
 heads that wear them : but Efther's quahties were 
 eminently of God ; he had formed her for fo great 
 an undertaking. 
 
 If God quaUfied Efiher thus, we may fay of the 
 humanity of Chriil; that it was brought into exif- 
 tence, that God might make that love manifeft, 
 which is incomprehenfibie in its own nature. 
 
 A body hafl thou prepared me — the humanity of 
 Chrifl:^ never having any fubfiftance, but in au 
 union with the divine nature, is on this account a» 
 much fuperior to ours, as the union of the divinity 
 and humanity is a more glorious union than that by 
 which our fouls and bodies are connected : for as the 
 body of man, is made more honourable than that of 
 a bead, by its union with a human and rational foul, 
 although the flefli of a man in itfelf, is not better 
 than that of a brute creature, it is the foul alone, 
 which makes the difference : fo the human nature 
 of Chrift being in perfed: union with the divine j 
 though the very fame fleih and bone with ourfelves, 
 is by fuch an union rendered glorious beyond all 
 comprehenfion ; this was that glory to which that 
 individual humanity of the Lord Jcfus Chifh was 
 ordained: as Nebuchadnezzar was an individual 
 perfon, and ordained to a high ftation in wordly 
 glory, it was a glory decreed to him as an individual 5 
 fo that glory which Chrift now has,- was given him 
 from everlafting. 
 
 The honor conferred on Efther, was not in the 
 fliape of her body, but in that amiable temper and 
 ^ifpofition of her foul : fo the unparalleled honor of 
 
 Clirift 
 
( 259 ) 
 
 Chrlfl is not in any peculiar fliape of his body, 
 but in that temper of foul, which no mepe creature 
 can polTibly pretend to : therefore he is called a 
 poliflied Ihaft in God's quiver; i. e, one completely 
 qualified for his work; all qualifications for emi- 
 nent ftations, are the gift of God ; even wicked 
 Saul, had another fpirit given him, a fpirit and 
 qualification proper for government, which he had 
 not when he was feeking for the aifes. 
 
 If God befiows qualifications for temporary pur- 
 pofes, fliall we be furprifed, that he who was or- 
 dained to do the greiiteft work in the univerfe, (hould 
 be furnilTied in a fuperior degree to any that lliould 
 exift between the two eternities; it became the 
 honor and wifdom of God, that he fhould be fo emi^ 
 nently qualified for the greateft of all his works. 
 . Thofe Jews who had any perfonal acquaintance 
 with Either, would not only be delighted with the 
 deliverance, which God had given by her ; but 
 they would find a peculiar delight and pleafure in 
 the converfe and company of a perfon fo amiable ; 
 qualifications afford a pleafure, which is beyond the 
 reach of gold to purchafe : a man may purchafe a 
 large ellate with gold, but he cannot Durchafe amia- 
 ble qualities for his wife or children : and without 
 thefe, the features or fliape of their bodies will not 
 compenfate for the difagreeable humours and tem- 
 pers of the foul. The more the chriftian penetrates 
 into this entertaining f'jbje(ft, the more he will feel 
 his foul break out into this flrain, he is altogether 
 lovely. Did Eflher endear herielf to the whole 
 jewifli nation ? ought not Chrift to be much more 
 M m 2 tlie 
 
( 26o ) 
 
 the object of delight; and his amiable qualifications, 
 afford the moll pleafing fubje(ft matter for our con- 
 templations: it is too low, and feliilh, to have our 
 minds confined merely to that of being redeemed ; 
 we ought to adore that higheft of all the a6:s of love, 
 which was manifefted by his dying on the crofs for 
 enemies : Surely Efther for a time engaged the at- 
 tention of the whole body of the Jews ; ho^v would 
 her praife be in every one's m.outh ; and lliould not 
 Chrifl be the delightful fubjed, and his conduct 
 fpoke of in the higheft terms in every company we 
 come into ? The warmeft chriftians, are but like 
 the frozen winter in this refped: to what they ought 
 to be : fliall a deliverance from temporal deftru6lion 
 be fo animating, and ihall a redemption from eternal 
 torments be a ftale fubjed: ? Chriftianity without tbe 
 life and fpirit of it, is but like the fruits of the earth 
 without the fun, taftelefs and unpleafant. 
 
 Let it be further confidered that though Efther 
 ventured her life for her people, file had hopes of 
 fuccefs ; and alfo, had all the Jews been flain; and it 
 had been through any negled in her part, her com- 
 fort in life would have been fpoiled ; but how much 
 fuperior were Chrift's motives ; he needed not crea- 
 tures to make himfelf happy': he can feel no afflic- 
 tion in the lofs, the eternal lofs of more than were 
 drowned in the flood of Noah, yet he did not only 
 venture his life, but he gave his life; had Efiher been 
 affurcd flie could have refcued the people at the ex- 
 pence of her life, but that it would certainly have 
 cod her life, it would have been a far greater trial of 
 her love ^ but Chrift perfeftly forefaw what it would 
 
 coft 
 
( 26l ) 
 
 cofl: him, yet nothing made him retradt : waters deep 
 and large, an ocean could not quench his love ; it 
 might be faid indeed to be Jlronger than death 
 Thole who minutely attend to this comparifon, will 
 experience that natural things afford great affiftance 
 to the mind, in difcerning the things of God, many 
 parts of fcripture hiftory may be made ufe of for this 
 purpoie. 
 
 We ought not to overlook this, that the people for 
 whom Efther exerted herfelf, were relatives and 
 friends, fome of whom £he was peculiarly obligated 
 to; but thofe for whom Chrift undertook and went 
 through all for, were inveterate enemies : not one, 
 but all of them : this is a love that paffeth the know- 
 ledge of all finite capacities. Chrift faid greater 
 love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his 
 life for his friend : this is the highefi: pitch of human 
 love. Chriflians by overlooking this love, lofe more 
 than they are aware ^ how did the apoflle pray, that 
 God would ftrengthen the Ephefians with all might, 
 by his Spirit In the inner man, in order to their 
 being rooted and grounded in this love. 
 
 Let us further obferve, that Efther's honor, and 
 her fuccefs, were connected together : had flic 
 failed in the attempt, her flatlon as queen would 
 have appeared very uncertain — Chrift having once 
 engaged, muft either redeem his people completely, 
 or his glory is ftained for ever ; therefore it is his 
 glory, that there is not the leafl: uncertainty in his 
 undertaking, and this affords his people an inexhauf- 
 tible fource of confolation ; uncertainty in this re- 
 fpedl would fpoil the whole of the bejiever's pleafure. 
 
 If 
 
( 262 ) 
 
 If Efthcr obtained not only a deliverance, but 
 fuch great privileges for her people, and if the Jev^s 
 felt fome relief in having fuch a one at court for 
 them, fhould not we much more have our eyes to 
 Chrift, and rejoice that we have one who is Lord 
 of heaven at the throne of God -, one that will not 
 neglecft our intercfts ; one who is more evidently en- 
 gaged in the caufe of his people, than ever Efther 
 undertook the caufe of the Jews. Eilher gave them 
 hopes, but had they been aiTured of her fuccefs, 
 even before it was obtained, this would have foon 
 put a period to their perplexity. Thofe chriftians 
 glorify Chrifl the moll:, who behold the glorious 
 evidence of his fuccefs in his exaltation, and can 
 perpetually joy in God on that account. 
 
 Let it be alfo obferved, that Ahafuerus had no 
 particular regard for the Jews -, this was evident by 
 his granting Haman's requefl: fo readily : the Jews 
 had nothing to hope from this quarter : but when 
 we confider the infinite and everlafting love of the 
 Father, and that the plan of redemption is in a 
 peculiar manner afcribed to him, and alfo that the 
 engaging of Chrift was not only his own choice, but 
 above all things pleafing to him : if this will not en- 
 courage and give us pleafure, what will ? with whom 
 does our advocate interceed ? we are not aliens and 
 ilransers to the court above. The Perfians had fome- 
 thing to encourage them, of which the Jews could 
 not boafl: : but none of thofe redeemed fouls above, 
 fl:and in a nearer relation to God, than his children 
 en earth : in Chrill Jefus the whole family may 
 equally call God, Father. 
 
 If 
 
( 263 ) 
 
 If it Is agreeable to Clirift that his people have con* 
 iidence in the merit of his blood ; is it not highly plea- 
 fing to the Father, that his children fliould believe 
 in his love ? without this, it is impoffible for them 
 to dwell in God, as a God of love. Nothing would 
 tend more to the comfort of chriftians than a particu- 
 lar attention to this ; do we not read, that without 
 fiiith it is impoffible to pleafe God : and what is that 
 which faith principally believes concerning God ; is 
 it not that he is that God which he reveals himfelf to 
 be. If Either prevailed for the deliverance of the 
 Jews with Ahafuerus, who had no regard for that 
 nation, can we fuppofe that our advocate who loves 
 his people, far beyond what Efther ever loved her 
 nation, fliall not fucceed, when he alfo interceeds 
 with him whofe love cannot be meafured by any 
 thing, but by the crucifixion of his only begotten 
 Son. 
 
 If God hates a proud look, what man could be 
 more odious in his eyes than Haman ? it evidently 
 appears, that the great things which he poflefled, 
 had been given him, not in mercy, but judgment; 
 and that God who delights to do good to his people, 
 took pleafure in pulling down this lofty mortal: 
 every proud man ought to read this book. 
 
 What man could feel more than Haman, when 
 the king mentioned the name of Mordecai, as the 
 perfon with whom he was fo highly delighted ? to 
 Haman a rival from one of the mod honourable 
 tamilies. would have been a great mortification, but 
 Mordecai, the very man he hated above all others, 
 and one who by his artifice was among thofe devotod 
 
 to 
 
( 264 ) 
 
 to deftru6tion : this was enough to caufe him to feiif 
 his plot would mircarry. 
 
 Could a proud mortal be more mortified than 
 Haman, when proclaiming what the king had com- 
 manded ? I think I fee him with his eyes fixed on 
 the feet of the horfe, and with a faultering voice 
 and the greateft reluctance poflible, complying with 
 the king's commandment ; his very heart would 
 grudge every look of refpe6t, and all that honor 
 which he faw paid to Mordecai. 
 
 What different news he brings home to his wife ; 
 and file who had felt fuch pleafurc in relieving him 
 with her wicked device of having Mordecai hanged, 
 now finks his fpirits by telling him if he had begun 
 to fall before the Jews he muft fall : her tongue, 
 which had fo lately fed his pride, and encouraged 
 his revengeful fpirit, feems to prognofticate his ruin. 
 
 The high gallows now feems to call out for fome 
 victim to prove that they were not ere6led in vain: 
 what muft Haman think when he faw them, and re- 
 fieded that the very man he expected fliould hang 
 there, and be thrown into fome ditch, was now in 
 iuch high favour with the king ; jealoufy is the rage 
 of a man, and how torn with this, muft this proud 
 man be ? When fent for, his heart muft be heavy, 
 though coming to a banquet; and how thunder 
 flruck muft he be, when Efther pleads for her own 
 life, and the life of her people; he would catch the 
 firft glance of the king's eye, and inftantly read that 
 his own life was gone, and would behold this con- 
 firmed, when Ahafuerus went out in fuch wrath. 
 The ableft penman, had he been prefent would 
 
 have 
 
( 265 ) 
 
 have found it Impoffible to defcribe ' this fcene, how 
 fpon did this lofty cedar fall lower than the earth : 
 that heart fo lately filled with pride, is now deluged 
 with forrow : but happy would it have been for him, 
 had any of this been forrow for his fms : if hanging- 
 had been the whole, his mifery would have foon 
 been at an end : but to think of a man having God 
 to face, who had in his heart been overjoyed with 
 the deflru6lion of a nation ! If the frowns of an 
 earthly king were fo terrible, what mufl: his wrath 
 be who will punifli the proud in hell, both in foul 
 and body for ever ! 
 
 Haman never had the advantao;e of readinp^ fuch a 
 hiflory as this. How awfully did this man ruin him- 
 felf and family ? had he been fpared longer, like other 
 wicked men, he would only have increafed his tranf- 
 greffions. Thofe who are haughty, appear above all 
 other men, to be left of God, and like the accurfed 
 ground, will ' never bear any thing better than briers 
 and thorns. 
 
 What can appear more awful, than a family under 
 the frowns of God? if fuch rife as high as Haman, 
 how foon do thefe green bay-trees wither and fade ? 
 how foon were his fons, who expected to be the 
 higheft in the kingdom plunged into ruin ! Pride has 
 lent thoufands into hell : to Herod the people cried 
 out it is thevoiceof God and not of man, he was im- 
 mediately fmitten of God. While Haman had the 
 king at his will, none dared to oppofe : but now, 
 when he is out of favour, many would be ready to 
 impeach him : the chamberlain now informs the 
 king oi the gallows ; by this it appears Eflher muft 
 N n have 
 
( 256 ) 
 
 have heard of the intended fate of her uncle j but by 
 the late and fudden advancement of Mordecai, flie 
 would hope God was about to grant her wifh; 
 in delivering the whole body of her people from that 
 defigning man. God's permitting things' to go 
 thus far, and then appearing in fuch a wonderful 
 manner, made the deliverance peculiarly affedting — 
 Haman came fo early in the morning to obtain his 
 requeft of the king ; he had no fear of being dif- 
 appointed of the pleafure he promifed himfelf of 
 feeing Mordecai hang on his high gallows -, had not 
 God fo wonderfully interpofed by caufmg the king 
 to be troubled in his lleep, and thus brought about 
 the fearching of the records, Mordecai might 
 have been hung before the news had reached Efther's 
 cars. 
 
 To improve this fubjed, be convinced that there 
 are many roads to deflrudlion ; but every hidden fm, 
 is as much known in heaven, as the plot of Haman. 
 Can you think of thefe ten fons of Haman, without 
 reflecting, what an awful education that family 
 had ? and in what a fpeedy manner a wicked father 
 brought deflru(5tion on the whole ? he imagined by 
 his flattery and plot to have raifed them to high 
 pinnacles of honor in this world, but behold what a. 
 cataftrophe ! 
 
 . Should not this hiflory give you this inll:ru(flion, 
 how happy are thofe who are interefted in that God 
 who could fruflrate this dreadful defign of Haman ? 
 he had artfully contrived the deflrudtion of a nation, 
 but God had laid an efFe(flual plan how to plunge 
 hirn, and his wicked family into ruin ; if you have 
 
 this 
 
( 26; ) 
 
 this God on your fide he will love and protcd you : 
 Mordecai was raifed high in this world, but that 
 was nothing to the crown he now wears in heaven, 
 God can beflovv on his people the good of both 
 worlds. How infinitely fuperior is our encourage- 
 ment, who have fuch an advocate in heaven, who 
 is not a mere creature as Efther was, but both God 
 and man ? Efther was for fome time ignorant of the 
 danger of her people, but our Jefus beholds all our 
 enemies and can fruftrate all their wicked devices. 
 
 Think of the great difference between the Jews 
 filled with joy and praife, and thofe who were cut 
 off in their lins : but this gives you a fpecimen how 
 happy God will make all his fervants; but thofe 
 who ferve the devil, mufl go where there is weeping 
 and wailing and gnafhing of teeth. 
 
 Be convinced of the folly of men, who, like 
 Haman, are feeking nothing but this world and the 
 honours of it : his life was not only an empty and a 
 vain one, but, it might be faid of him, the wicked 
 are like the troubled Jea. 
 
 The awful end of this family excites my concern 
 for you : many families in our day, though they are 
 not cut off in this manner, yet their being fpared 
 only affords them an opportunity of treafuring up 
 wrath againfl the day of wrath. The difad vantage 
 many are expofed to, makes me wifh you to have all 
 the inftruclion I can obtain for you : this wicked 
 father almoft put an impoflibility between his 
 children and heaven. 
 
 Haman' s punifhment in this world, however 
 mortified and overwhelmed with his fall, will be 
 
 a-s 
 
( 268 ) 
 
 as nothing to that which every loft foul miift fe&\^ 
 when the wickednefs of all the enemies of God Ihall 
 be made manifefl. 
 
 As Ilaman made a gallows on which himfelf was 
 hung, fo a countlefs number are forging their own 
 chains and torments all the days of their life, but 
 God will dreadfully blaft all the fchemes of His 
 enemies. 
 
 As nothing is more common than for young per- 
 fons to be anxious how to pafs through life, let this 
 be your choice j feek not great things: if Haman 
 had been poiTeffed of Auger's fpirit, he would not 
 thus have brought ruin on himfelf and family. Learn 
 to afk counfel of God, feek his direction, take no ftep 
 without firft committing your way unto the Lord.' 
 Learn of Eflher to prefer the caufe of God and his 
 people to all the honours and pleafures of this world : 
 and fully believe that all the true followers of Chrifl 
 will be more highly exalted than Mordecai ; God 
 himfelf will delight to honour them, and all who are 
 found in Satan's fervice will be difappointed like 
 Haman, out of favor with God, and by him doomed 
 to everlafting mifery. If the frov.'ns of Ahafeuerus 
 were fo terrible to Haman, what mufl the wrath of 
 God be to a loft foul ! 
 
 END or THK TWELFTH EXERCISE, 
 
FA MILT EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 CtJtrteentf) €xtxtm. 
 
 DAVID AND GOLIAH. 
 
 But I come to thee in the name of the Lord of 
 hofts^ 
 
 1 Sam. xvii. 45. 
 
 i.N this hiftory we have a particular account of the 
 manner of David's emerging out of obfcurity. God, 
 who bringeth about his purpofes according to his 
 own will and pleafure, has given us a fpecimen of 
 his wonderful providence in David. It appears to 
 have been a confiderable time between Samuel's 
 anointing him and this deliverance, which God gave 
 Ifrael by him in the conqueft of Goliah. When God 
 defigns to advance a man, he is never at a lofs how 
 to fetch him from the moft obfcure fituation. If 
 David had forefeen future events, he would have 
 taken his leave of the ilieep, and thofe rural retreats, 
 which he made to refound with his melodious 
 mufic. How different the fituation he is now, 
 entering upon ! he muft forfake his innocent and, 
 harmlefs flock, and foon be commanding armies of» 
 lion-like men. 
 
 Samuel had been fent by God's fpecial command, 
 
 to the town where JelTe refided, to anoint one of his 
 
 fons, whofe heart God had formed into a mould, 
 
 O o peculiarly 
 
( 270 )' 
 
 as not^^^^^y pleafing to himfelf : Jelle afid all his 
 
 wKighboLirs were alarmed with i'uch a vifitor ; comcjl 
 
 '^thou peaceahl)\ fay they to him. Samuel had more 
 
 occalion to fear than any of thciii, for, as he fald to 
 
 God, if Saul Jiear of it, he will kill nic j which he 
 
 certainly would have done, had not he who ordained 
 
 that no weapon formed againft David fliould profper, 
 
 alfo wonderfully overruled in thus iingling out of 
 
 David. 
 
 ]c{Tc iinderilood iht natiuc of anointing, and was 
 convinced of the defign of (xod to raife one of his 
 fons to the throne,; but David was the laif the father 
 would have chofe for this ilation. Though Samuel 
 knew what he was about, yet God had not reveal- 
 ed to him, which of the fona ol" Jefte he had chofen. 
 God had not only decreed^ that a fon of JeiTe fhould 
 be king, but David the youngeli, was foreordained 
 to this honor. God fixes on all thofe who fliall 
 reign with Chriil, as perfonally as he pitched on 
 David, as that fon of Jelle, wlio fliould be king 
 over his people. . 
 
 Had Jelfe been aflced, wjiich of his fons he would 
 have chofe to combat with Goliuh, he would never 
 have thought of David : a fnepherd's crook feemed 
 more fuited to his hand than a fword ; yet he who 
 gave Mofes intimations of his defign to deliver Ifi-ael 
 by his hand, had given David two remarkable vic- 
 tories : God qualified him to defend his flieep from 
 the lion and the bear, before he called him to de- 
 liver Ifrael from the Philiftincs. 
 
 To take a view of this hlflory, and minutely 
 
 attend to the defign of God in fuch a manner as to 
 
 ^ be 
 
( 27» ) 
 
 be edified by It, all the parts of it fhould be particu- 
 larly confidered. Thofe who want to be acquainted 
 with God, fhould pry into the wonders of his pro- 
 vidence. Three of Jefle's fons are gone to the field 
 of battle : David is left behind, as unfit to appear 
 among the valiant men of Ifrael ; but he was the 
 peribn whofe name fliould be rendered famous by 
 this battle. 
 
 Who could have thought, that this giant was to 
 be a great means, in the hand of God, for the faving 
 of the lives of many ? for the fhoclc the Philifline 
 army fuftained in the fall of Goliah, was the means 
 of faving th^ lives of many Ifraelitcs : If thofe two 
 powerful armies had flruggled long for vidory, 
 many muil have been flain in the contefl. 
 
 It appears that the Philiilines having been over- 
 come by that remarkable vidtory, which God had 
 given Ifrael by the inftrumentality of Jonathan and 
 his armour bearer, made them wiih to redeem their 
 honor, and now they thought themfelves well pre- 
 pared for a contefl: with Ifrael : God had permitted 
 the Philifliines to gain ftrength, and recruit their 
 army, and providently given them this man of an 
 enormous fize, on which the whole army feemed to 
 have great dependance : but it appears by the ifiue 
 that all this was but to make their overthrow the 
 more fatal. Goliah, who had infpired the whole 
 army with courage, was the means of caufing them 
 to forget all thoughts of conquefl, and (hew Ifrael 
 more heels than fwords. The tremor which had for 
 fo many days infe(5led the army of Saul, was intended 
 by God to infpire them in the end with the greater 
 O o 2 courage : 
 
( 272 ) 
 
 courage : the defign of God in and by all this gioiipe 
 of circumftances, was to make David known, and to 
 give another fignal victory to Ifrael. We may now 
 look at the whole, and admire the myflery of provi- 
 dence. It is frequently the cafe with the chriftian, 
 that thofe very things, which have filled his heart 
 with terror, are defigned by God to be matter for the 
 loudefl praife. 
 
 Neither Saul, nor any of the Philiftines, faw any 
 thing of the intention of God : the moll: powerful 
 armaments fhall not fruflrate that which God has 
 decreed. The Philiftines had no doubt heard of 
 Saul's phrenfy, and thought this a proper time to 
 revenge themfelves on Ifrael : but God had otherwife 
 ordained. The time for Saul to be llain by the 
 enemy was not yet arrived -, he muft be fpared, that 
 the world might know what a vile character he was : 
 David, the man by whom God was about to give 
 this great deliverance to Ifrael, muft be purfued by 
 Saul, year after year : Saul thus muft be an inftru- 
 ment in the hand of God in qualifying David for the 
 throne of Ifrael. 
 
 God for wife ends had permitted this champion 
 to defy the Ifraelitifh army forty days : in which 
 time it had been fufficiently proved that not one in 
 the camp of Saul would venture his life with this 
 monfter ; nor can we be furprifed at this if we con- 
 fider all circumftances. Many would wifh to enjoy 
 the prize, but life is dear, and the improbability of 
 overcoming fo unequal a combatant, is not eafy to 
 be defcribed : Saul's great offer vanilhes into nothing 
 at the fight of this giant -, many who had not feen 
 
 him 
 
( 273 > 
 
 him might be fired with zeal, but the firft glance 
 was enough to make them hide themfelves in the 
 ranks. 
 
 Every day this monfter was made more bold and 
 daring by the timidity of Ifrael ; he faw there was 
 nothing for him to fear ; a whole army feemed to 
 fliake at his prefence : fome men are not ripe to be 
 cut down, until they are raifed to the higheft pitch 
 of vain confidence. Jonathan, and his armour bearer, 
 who had overthrown a whole army, at the terrifying 
 fight of this warrior, hid their heads : though a 
 miracle had been wrought by them, as inftrument* 
 in the hands of God, they are as far from entering 
 the lifts with Goliah as any in the army. The 
 whole army of the Philiftines would be more and 
 more infpired with courage, and filled with the mofl 
 fanguine hopes of a glorious vidlory. 
 
 All this while, God was preparing a way to make 
 the deUverance of Ifrael the more welcome ; that 
 which fhould raife the Philiftines to the higheft pitch 
 of expeftation, muft deprefs the moft valiant in 
 Saul's army ; but when the moment of deliverance 
 arrived, how great the change ! 
 
 Jefi'e, concerned for the welfare of his fons and 
 the ifi^ie of the battle, fends David with hisprefents, 
 little thinking what God intended. David leaves 
 his father in the common habit of a fhepherd's boy, 
 but returns not again till his fame had filled the earth; 
 yet this is but a faint type of him who fhould live 
 in obfcurity thirty years, and then heaven be filled 
 eternally with his praife. 
 
 David arrives at the camp, at the very nick of 
 
 opportunity 3 
 
( 274 ) 
 
 opportunity; had he delayed a little in the way, the 
 armies would have been engaged, and a dreadful 
 carnage no doubt would have taken place : had he 
 arrived ten days fooner, the deliverance would not 
 have been fo feafonable. God fore-ordains both 
 manner, time, and place; and his time is fure to 
 turn out moft to our advantage. 
 
 Goliah, before whom nothing but pale faces 
 could be difcerned, had not the leaft expedation of 
 feeing one il:ep out of the ranks, but would now be 
 preparing himfelf to join in the common flaughter 
 of Ifrael, and conclude himfelf to pofTefs the con- 
 fidence of the whole Philiftine army: but to the 
 furprife of the army of Ifrael, the fight of the 
 giant, which ftruck them all with a panic, only 
 fires the courage of David. This was the more to 
 be wondered at, as he had not been accuftomed to 
 fee men in armour ; and thofe who had been inured 
 to war, were ftruck with tremor at the fight of 
 Goliah, but David is impatient to be near him, and 
 fio^ht with him. 
 
 David, whofe heart God had touched, felt more 
 on account of the name of God being blafphemed, 
 than all the great reward w hich king"* Saul offered : 
 steal for God made this giant as little in the eyes of 
 David, as unbelief had in former times made the 
 Canaanites tall in the eyes of the fpies. 
 
 According to the computation of fome, Goliah 
 was three yards and nine inches in height ; the head 
 of his fpear weighed twenty-five pounds, and his 
 whole armour together was in weight, one hundred 
 and fifty-fix pounds. Some have computed it to 
 
 be 
 
( 275 ) 
 
 ^c two hundred atid eighty pounds ! if that God 
 who had given GoHah this ftature and ftrength, had 
 not alfo infpired David with courage, he, like any 
 other Ifraehte, would have fled from the face of 
 fuch a monfter. It was no wonder that fuch a fight 
 as this fhould ftrike a whole army with a panic : 
 but for what end had God raifed up this giant ? was 
 it not with a view to glorify himfelf, and at the fame 
 time both make David's name famous, and fave his 
 people by the fall of this mighty man : the terror 
 with which the Philiftines was ftruck, and alfo the 
 death of Goliah, both contributed to make the vic- 
 tory of Ifrael the more complete. 
 
 I wonder not that Eliab fliould think that the 
 wildernefs better became David than the army, for 
 though he came on a kind errand, and ventured his 
 life out of afFedlion to his brethren, yet any war- 
 rior who faw the inequality of the combatants, 
 would look on David as rafh, and fooiifh : few, if 
 any, in Saul's army, faw any thing of the hand of 
 God in fuch an extraordinary degree of courage 
 being given to a youth. 
 
 Many when they had heard the armies fhouting 
 for the battle, would have halted, and thought, 
 that was no time to deliver prefents, but David, 
 whom God had infpired, flies to the very centre, of 
 adtion, to the very place oppofite this mighty man 
 of valour. — David hafied. 
 
 Though it was evident David came in obedience 
 to his father's command, yet Eliab reproaches him 
 with negledl of the flock : little did this angry brother 
 perceive that his younger and defpifed brother, was 
 
 chofen 
 
( 276 ) 
 chofen of God to be a fhepherd to his people, and 
 that God had called him away from his fmall 
 charge, to deliver into his hand the whole kingdom 
 of Ifrael. 
 
 It was not fo much the concern that Eliab had 
 for his brother's life, as the mortification he felt in 
 beholding his courage, fo much fuperior to his 
 own : envy is the rage of a man -, it muil be grace, 
 and that in an eminent degree, that will enable any 
 man to be content to fee himfelf out-done : this was 
 a principle of which Eliab appeared wholly ignorant. 
 Courage was but a fmall gift when compared with 
 that knowledge and grace with which God had 
 diftinguiflied David, and this at an early period. 
 The blafphemy of Goliah, feemed to affedl David 
 more than any one who was in Saul's army : David's 
 ideas of the God of Ifrael, was as much fuperior to 
 any in that numerous body, as his courage was 
 greater. 
 
 Had Eliab been pofTelTed of as much courage as 
 envy, he would have entered the liils with Goliah 
 himfelf : perhaps no man in the whole army coveted 
 more the honour which his brother obtained ; and 
 we may fuppofe that not any one felt fuch a fpirit 
 when he beheld the unexpec^ted fall of Goliah. Men 
 of an envious fpirit, grudge that to a brother which 
 they would with more eafe fee a flranger enjoy. 
 
 David, who had courage to combat a Goliah, 
 gives this envious brother a mild and fuitable anfwer, 
 is there not a caufcP there was a caufe why David 
 had this intrepid fpirit given to him and not to 
 Eliab: fuch an honour conferred on Eliab, would 
 
 have 
 
{ "^11 ) 
 
 have made him burft with pride : but David faw {q 
 much of the hand of God, he was humbled by the 
 fall of the giant. Some have thought that David's 
 conqueft over himfelf was as great a Vi(5lory, as that 
 ever Goliah. Many an ignorant and diflionourable 
 wretch has llain a powerful enemy ; but it i? a 
 higher gift of God which enables a man to rule his 
 own fpirit. 
 
 Thofe generally are eminently qualified for God's 
 iervice, who are mafters over their own paffions j 
 God had qualified David for fomething far fuperior 
 than the taking off the head of Goliah. 
 
 David> notwithftanding Ehab's frowns, continues 
 his enquiries, and his words foon reached the ears of 
 Saul, who after defpairing fo long of feeing any 
 man that would dare to enter the lifts with Goliah, 
 the firft hearing of a champion, would raife his 
 drooping fpirits : but we may almoft imagine that 
 we fee how Saul's hopes would fall to the ground, 
 the firft moment he faw David* carnal men can 
 only look to an arm of flefh : God did not make fo 
 free with Saul as with Samuel -, he told him not 
 to look at the appearance. 
 
 Saul, we may fuppofe, was expedling to fee, one 
 as much taller than himfelf, as he was above men 
 in common j but how difappointed to fee only a 
 youth and ftripling? Thofe are frequently the beft 
 qualified for deliverers, from whom men have the 
 lea ft expedations. The appearance of this ftripling 
 filled Saul with fear, leaft David's rafti attempt, 
 ftiould caufe the difcomfiture of the whole army : 
 what hopes would any expert warrior entertain, who 
 P p underftood 
 
( 273 ) 
 
 underllood the art of war, when he faw an iiridii" 
 cipHned youth) facing a man of both art and 
 ftrength. 
 
 David found rriore difficulty with Saiil and his 
 generals in obtaining leave to fight Goliah, than he 
 found in conquering this Philiftine : had not the 
 fame hand that direcfled David's ftone, ruled in their 
 hearts, David had never been permitted to ftep one 
 foot before the ranks to meet this champion : his 
 pleading thofe remarkable victories, over the lion 
 and the bear, would make little impreffion on Saul 
 and his ignorant officers j thefe faw nothing of the 
 hand of God in things, either ordinary or extraor- 
 dinary : even miracles are loft when wrought before 
 fome men, as pearls when caft before fwifie* 
 
 While they are thus reafoning with David, 
 Goliah's boafting and blafphemous fpeeches kindle 
 David's flame higher and higher ; he is impatient to 
 behold this daring blafphemer fall : many bold men 
 have felt a tremor, wheii the important moment of 
 their conteft arrived : but the diftinguiihing courage 
 with which they faw David to be poflefled, was 
 that in the hand of God, which caufed them t6 
 give him leave to approach this mighty warrior : 
 yet we have reafon to think, they were not guided 
 by judgment or inftind when they gave confent ; 
 God overrules in the conduct of his enemies. 
 
 When Saul was putting his armour on David, he 
 little thought that this very man was ordained by 
 God to wear his crown : if David underftood the 
 nature of anointings he might think one ftep more 
 would bring him to be king. David could not be 
 
 wholly 
 
( 279 ) 
 
 wholly ignorant of what was done to him by Samuel, 
 but he kept his thoughts to himfelf on that fubjedt ; 
 for we never hear that hp mentioned it to one bro- 
 ther: if JelTe the father, knew the defign of Samuel's 
 vifit, we do not fupppfe any pther in the family was 
 informed of it, 
 
 David fubmits to be cloathed with Saul's armour, 
 but is foon convinced that this was not the likelieft 
 method for him to obtain vidory ; he foon puts off 
 all, and arms himfelf in a fliorter way. What muff 
 Saul and his mighty men think of him now ? it is 
 furprifmg they did not wholly forbid.hls fighting j why 
 encourage the army of the Philiftines by the fall of a 
 rafli and foolifli youth ? No fooner does David ftep 
 before the ranks, than the eyes of both armies are 
 £xed on this unarmed ftripling: Goliah was now an 
 old objed; at this moment David's courage fills 
 the men of war with more wonder than the giant's 
 height : every ear is attentive to hear what this ven- 
 turefome youth has got to fay ; his fpeech difcovers 
 as undaunted a fpirit as his geftures : the language 
 of faith was fomething new to both armies. 
 
 Had Jeffe, and the mother of David been prefent, 
 what pen could paint their feelings, if God had not 
 given them that faith which he had given to their 
 fon ? how ignorant are parents of the lot of their 
 children, fome of whom they have the leaff expec- 
 tation, rife to honour ; others through fm and folly 
 fmk into difgrace. Moil would expedt to fee David's 
 head toffed on the turf like a tennis-ball, and Goliah 
 calling out for more Ifraelitifli blood, and one in 
 whom his art and ftrength might appear the more 
 P p 2 confpicuous 
 
( 280 ) 
 
 confpieuous; the death of an hundred fuch as David 
 would not be fufficient to gratify his pride. It mor- 
 tified the pride of Goliah, that Saul fhould taunt 
 him with fuch a mean combatant : to fend a boy 
 with a ilaff to beat him ! we may not be furprifed 
 to hear Goliah fay, am I a dog that thou comejl ta 
 me with ajlaff? Had this lion-like man, confider- 
 ed this youth as a meifenger from that God, 
 whofe name he had been blafpheming, if there had 
 been nothing tremendous in the fervant, the very 
 thought of one approaching him in the name of the 
 God of Ifrael, might have made this ftout-hearted 
 monfter to tremble : if Saul and mofl: of his army 
 were ignorant of Ifrael's God,wh^t could be expeded 
 from this dark Pagan ? 
 
 When Goliah perceived his combatant deflitute 
 of armour, it would have become him to have put 
 off his accoutrements, and laid afide both fpear and 
 fword; what need for fo much as one fhield, and 
 much lefs a man to carry another before him j what 
 danger was there to be apprehended from fuch a 
 puny adverfary ? Goliah's words were as terrific as 
 his appearance : I will give thy flejli unto thejowh 
 of the air. Is it not evident that thofe cannot be 
 flain whom God will defend, and that thofe are 
 never fufiiciently defended, v/hom God has marked 
 out for deftrudlion ? what is youth, height, flrength, 
 or art, but that which frequently inakes fouls 
 fecure, and haftens their ruin ? the appearance of 
 David, made Goliah fecure. 
 
 How foon was the fall of this man's huge body, 
 the triumph of Ifrael, and his immortal fpirit the 
 
 fport 
 
( 28l ) 
 
 fport of devils ? he that a few moments before, had 
 ftruck a whole army with terror, now, the light of 
 his body on the ground, fills them with courage, 
 and throws the Philiftine army from the height of 
 confidence, into the depths of gloom and defpair ; 
 in a moment the complexion of hoth armies change ; 
 Saul and his army knew little of that God which 
 had long appeared for Ifrael, and the Philiftine$ 
 almojft made a God of Goliah -, but behold thpir 
 glory covered them with fhame. 
 
 God had ordained how this blafpheming enemy 
 fhould be brought to the ground, and not one of 
 Saul's mighty warriors fliould fliare in the glory : 
 thofe who wifli to afcribe this fall of Goliah to 
 chance, may with as much reafon fay, that Ifrael 
 marched through the Red Sea by chance. 
 
 Who could fuppofe that the call; of one flonc, 
 fhould make fuch a change in two whole armies ? did 
 not God look on Ahab's harnefs to be vain ? ihould 
 his prophet Micaiah he made a liar ? God could 
 have given David ftrength to have thrown a llor\c 
 through both the armour and body of Goliah ; but 
 where miracles are needlefs, God makes choice of 
 a more ordinary method : Goliah's forehead was the 
 place at which the fatal ftpne fhould enter. Though 
 the flone might appear to be thrown at random, the 
 power of God diredled it and made the effed: certain. 
 It is the glory of God to bring things to pafs by the 
 moft unlikely means ; here is a youth brought from 
 the fheepfold, to engage in that which not one in 
 Saul's whole army would dare to venture, and this 
 flripling be the means of delivering an army which 
 
 had 
 1 
 
( 282 ) 
 
 had been kept In terror for many days ! let fuch as 
 love God, read this hiftory, andle^rn to put their 
 truft in him. 
 
 The PhiUftines, fo long encouraged by an arm of 
 flefh, haying now loll all their fpirits, and perhaps 
 concluding, if one poor looking boy, could with 
 cafe to hxmfelf deftroy fuch a warrior, how could 
 they Hand before the flrong men of Saul ! not fcarce 
 one fo much as looks back to fee David cut off the 
 head of Goliah -, all their hopes of vidtory die in one 
 moment. The fame of Jonathan, and his armour- 
 bearer, would now be remembered, ^nd ey^ry man 
 fuppofe a Jonathan at his heels ; Goliah is left to 
 be cut in pieces. They who h^-d all their confidence 
 in his ftrength, expert nothing now but from the 
 fwiftnefs of their own feet. 
 
 If one feeble David has been made fuch an jnftru- 
 ment in the hand of Jehovah, for the overthrow of 
 Ifrael's foes, how panic fliruck will all the enemies 
 of God be, when the mighty King of kings appears 
 in all his glory ; how will the fwaggering, and 
 haughty men of this world, look at that tremendous 
 day ? there will not then be the leafl: hope of efcape 
 by flight : moft are as thoughtlefs about that feaibn, 
 as the Philiftines were of this flight. 
 
 How ftrange would Jeffe look at the mefferger 
 who brought him the unexpected news of his fons 
 vidtory ? he would now call to mind Samuel's vifit, 
 and David's anointing ; he would begin to perceive 
 that his fending his fon to fee his brethren, was to 
 be overruled for this extraordinary event : fometimes 
 the greatefl changes come the moft unexpedled: 
 
 and 
 
( 283 ) 
 
 and how full of thought would JefTe be of the ad- 
 vancement of his family ; neither he nor his fons 
 could live any longer unnoticed. 
 
 Many men have come out of obfcurity by degrees^ 
 but David's name at once founds from Dan to 
 Beerflieba : thoufands fang the praife of David, 
 who faw nothing of the hand of God in this re- 
 markable providence : one underftanding Ifraelite 
 would give more glory to God than ten thoufand 
 of fuch : thofe are not formed for God's praife, 
 who fee nothing of his hand in providence or grace* 
 
 Saul felt no concern for God or his glory -, but 
 when he heard fo much afcribed to David, it cut 
 him to the heart. Shall any one in this family 
 remain as blind and ignorant, as thofe who foolifhly 
 fung the praife of David: you have an advantage 
 which thefe had not. They who read this hiftory, 
 may difcern confequences which could not be fo 
 diftindly feen at the time when thofe things were 
 tranfaded. It is a mercy indeed when the follies of 
 other men afford us ufeful inftrudlion, and it argues 
 a great flupidity when any hear fuch a piece of 
 hiilory as this, and be no more benefited by it than 
 a brute creature. 
 
 David would at this time engrofs all the attentioa 
 of Ifrael, except a few, who like himfelf, looked 
 beyond fecond caufes : that which carried the 
 thoughts of the ignorant all to one man, would 
 particularly lead the minds of God's people to him- 
 felf : though the unthinking were partakers of the 
 deliverance, the intelligent were the only perfons 
 capable of enjoying the whole of it : for where the 
 
 hand 
 
( 284 ) 
 
 hand of God is overlooked, the fweetnels of the 
 mercy is loll:. 
 
 Learn by this hiftory, what an infinite mercy it 
 is to have a God for your proted:or ; the Philifline 
 iaw David, but he had no knowledge of that God, 
 who was David's fhield and defence : the excellence 
 of a man lies not in the ftrength of his body> nor 
 can his fafety be fecured by the fwiftnefs of his 
 horfe : ignorance was the caufe of Goliah's fecurity^ 
 and his pride and vain glory prognofticated his fall : 
 God was not his fhield. 
 
 You may fee by this providence^ that young 
 perfons are not aware what great difficulties they 
 may be expofed to ; had not God flood by David, 
 his flefii would foon have been given to the fowls of 
 heaven : but when God is a man's fhield, who can 
 defcribe the fafety of fuch a man ? what a mercy 
 then to have fueh a guardian as Jehovah, who can 
 defend you not only in all temporal dangers but in 
 thofe infinitely greater ! 
 
 Notwithftanding Goliah's flrength and art, yet 
 there was a pofTibility of a man efcaping his fword j 
 but when death feized David, all his art in war 
 could not be of the leaft advantage ; fo call to mind 
 there is one enemy you have to face, and when he 
 approaches, if God be not your helper, you mufl 
 fmk for ever. Confider that as David had this 
 dreadful warrior to encounter, you will have death 
 to face ;^ and fliould your cup run ever in temporal 
 mercies all your days, if God does not appear for you 
 at that folemn moment, you fink for ever ! and how 
 
 can 
 
( 285 ) 
 tan thofe exped his favour who delight In fin, and 
 are living in rebdlion againft him, 
 
 Death wili not come as a threatening from a fellow- 
 creature, but as a fummons from the Judge of quick 
 and dead ; a fummons which has fetched countlefs 
 millions from this lower world, and it would be the 
 higheft folly in any of you to think of efcaping. 
 
 If it was a great thing for David to have an 
 intereft in the favor of God, in order to be delivered 
 from Goliah, how infinitely greater to be interefted 
 in him, who alone can fave from eternal death ! 
 what was Goliah's fword or fpear, v^hen compared 
 with this ! the death of the body, though in the 
 mofl awful form, can but give pain for a few mo- 
 Tnents ; but this v/ill fill both foul and body with 
 anguifli for ever. 
 
 Can you think of this champion death, that was 
 never yet conquered by any mortal ? Two excep- 
 tions God has made, Enoch and Elijah, to let his 
 people fee what he can do ; but it would be the 
 higheft folly for any one here to exped: fuch a favor • 
 and have you made no preparation ? would David 
 have ad:ed wifely, if he had negleded to take his 
 fling and liones ? do not thofe deferve to be deftroyed, 
 who know they have this adverfary to face, yet will 
 negled: all appointed means ? . 
 
 While we admire the great deliverance which 
 God wrought by David, let us adore that wonder- 
 ful manner in which falvation is wrought out for all 
 the Ifrael of God. The vidiory which God gave by 
 David only a few fhared in, and but for a fmall 
 Q^q feafon ; 
 
( 286 ) 
 
 feafon ; but in the other a countlefs numbef Will b« 
 faved and made to rejoice eternally. 
 
 We can eafily dilcern, that thofe in Saul's army 
 who were not thankful for the deliverance God had 
 given them by David, mufl have been ftupid indeed : 
 and are not thofe infenfible and blind, who are not 
 affed:ed in the leaft degree with a falvation of infi- 
 nitely greater eonfequence ? have any of you ever 
 experienced a grateful frame of heart towards God 
 for a falvation wrought out, not by the caft of a 
 ftone, but by the dreadful fuiFerings of the Son <sf 
 God? 
 
 Let us take a view of death challenging the 
 whole human race, and that folly which poor deceived 
 mortals difeover in attempting to efcape this univer- 
 fal conqueror : for many who exceed otliers in tlie 
 wifdom of this worlds in this riioft important point, 
 manifeft a folly which an inhabitant of hell could 
 not fully defcribe : It is evident we all have aix 
 enemy to meet, far more powerful than Goliah : for 
 we do not hear of Goiiah's ever having killed one, 
 before he defied the armies of Ifrael ; but this 
 mighty foe has filled the whole earth with his llain. 
 Into what part of the globe can we go, where his 
 dreadful footfteps are not to be difcerned ! or what 
 ao-e can we read of, in which he did not make an 
 univerfal conqueft ! what family do we fee in which 
 this conqueror has not made havock ! thofe who are 
 fully conquered by him, are not merely overthrown 
 in this world, but plunged into eternal death ; for 
 though the bodies of the righteous die, or rather 
 
 lleep. 
 
( 287 ) 
 
 ileep, yet they are more than conquerors in him, 
 who both overcame death, and him who had the 
 power of death. The Hfe of the body is nothing 
 when compared with that of the foul: thoufands 
 have wifely given away a temporal life, to enjoy 
 eiernal happinefs ; thefe had grace given them to 
 triumph over death, in the moll tremendous forms : 
 they confidered their death but as the door into 
 eternal glory : by the covenant of grace, death itfelf 
 is the believer's. 
 
 U we take particular notice how many mortals 
 approach this dreadful fiend, we iliall fee mofl do 
 it in a fool-hardy manner'^ the language of fuch has 
 been, let us eat and drink, for to-morrow xue die : 
 though convinced that they mufl die, yet ad: a 
 more irrational part than brutes ; for thefe do all 
 they can to preferve a natural life, but foolilh men 
 trifle with eternal life. 
 
 It k no wander that thefe Ihculd be left of God 
 40 the moft abandoned Ipirit, and that like Solomon's 
 madmen, they fhould caft about firebrands, arrows 
 •And death, and fay w^e are but in fport : when God 
 gives the wicked up to a reprobate fpirit, it is then 
 that we have a picture before our eyes what our 
 depraved [nature is : we need not wonder to hear a 
 Pagan fwear and blafphem.e, when we behold thou- 
 fands who have had many advantages, both fwear- 
 ing and wallowing in all kinds of filthinefs. 
 
 Sometimes when the folemn period arrives, that 
 fuch muft face this dreadful enemv, they arc 
 thrown into defpair and horror : when confcience is 
 let loofe ou fuch* they appear to be almoft in hell 
 
( 288 ) 
 In this world : many have in the extremity of their 
 diiirefs, laid violent hands on themfelves. 
 
 If David's father had been prefent at this combat, 
 the fight of Goliah would have drawn out his 
 very heart in prayer for his fon : if he could have 
 been of the leail fervice to David, by his advice, 
 had he underftood the art of war ; if he had dif- 
 cerned any method whereby his fon could have over- 
 come this terrible enemy; with what affection and 
 eagernefs would he have imparted it ? and could 
 he have been fully perfuaded fuch advice would have 
 infallibly brought down Goliah to the ground, and 
 faved his fon from the leaft injury, how happy would 
 the father have been in giving fuch information ? 
 I behold every one of you called to combat with a 
 more artful foe than Goliah , one who has had longer 
 pradice than the mighty Philifline ; one that no man 
 yet could overcome, but by the help of the fpiritual 
 David : can you then be furprifed that I fhould feel 
 for you, when I conlider there are numberlefs ways 
 to deflrudtion, and but one to eternal glory, and 
 that moffc are cut off before they are aware of their 
 danger ? It is the peculiar art of this cunning adver- 
 fary, to tempt youth to prefumc, and to think 
 lightly of him who only can deliver from eternal 
 death. Confider that there is no other name given 
 under heaven, but that of Chrift, whereby a poor 
 lofl fmner can be faved : That God who ordained 
 that David fhould completely vanquilli the enemy 
 of Ifracl, called out his fellow and equal to fave his 
 people from eternal death. 
 
 Remember you cannot fo much as think ftridtly 
 
 of 
 
( 289 ) 
 
 of that love, which Chrift manifefted, in not merely 
 v^enturing or riilcing his life, that poor loft finners 
 might not be the triumph of hell, but voluntarily 
 giving his hfe : this makes me tremble for you ia 
 whom I cannot perceive the leaft fymptoms of love 
 to this great deliverer. If David had been poffeffed 
 of no more regard to God than Goliah, could any 
 one have reafonably expedied fuch a vidtory ! jCan 
 I behold you in this frame, and flatter myfelf that 
 you will be favoured with vidory ! Could I fee a man 
 heedlefsly catch hold of a red hot iron, and not ex- 
 pe(5l his being burnt ? or could I think that man 
 would be healthy who was perpetually eating 
 poifon ? fo it is impoffible that I can behold a youth 
 in whom there is no regard to God, and who treats 
 all that is dear to him with negled: and contempt; 
 and confider him a favourite of heaven and one for 
 whom God intends great things : I know if fuch a 
 one die in this condition, he will be thrown into 
 ten thoufand times "greater confternation than any 
 man in the whole Philiftine army -, and not merely 
 ilain, but be tormented by his deadly foes for ever. 
 
 Take a view of the PhililHne army, with their 
 champion at their head, and behold how foon many 
 of them were a fpe61:acle to the living: in one 
 moment filled v/ith vain confidence, and in the 
 next cut down by the vengeance of their enemies ; 
 fo dreadful will the condition of every man be, who 
 has not an intereft in that God which fo remarkably- 
 appeared for David. When any punifhment falls 
 upon a man, in- which the wrath of God is evident, 
 the dread of his eternal difpleafure infinitely e:54ceeds 
 
 all 
 
( 290 ) 
 
 all temporal pain or trouble. Death in any form is 
 terrible to nature, but when it is fent to tranfport 
 an immortal foul from this world, to the regions of 
 mifery, it is tremendous indeed. Was it not the 
 Lord who at this time executed his vengeance upon 
 Goliah and the Philiftines, as evidently as he poured 
 his wrath upon the Syrian army after Rabfhakeh's 
 blafphemy: if God in wrath take you away by 
 death, your cafe will be dreadful. 
 
 In David's vidory you may behold the infinite 
 mercy of having God your friend, and of being 
 found on the Lord's fide : Goliah's dead body, and 
 the (laughter of the Philiftines, fhould teach you 
 that he is not a God all mercy. I confider that it 
 is but a moment before each of you will be fum- 
 moned to meet a Goliah, before whom you mud 
 fall ; he will bring thofe bodies of yours to the 
 ground i fhould not this excite you to look out and 
 examine yourfelves ? will he, wh© delivered David, 
 make you more than conquerors in death? will 
 thofe who look upon your dead bodies have reafon to 
 fay, the immortal fpirit which inhabited this body 
 is now in glory ? Had JefTe, the father of David, 
 beheld Goliah tear out the heart of his fon, and 
 hew him to pieces, his very bowels would have 
 yearned tor David: fliall I ever live to fee fome 
 raging fever, or deadly confumption, fieze any of 
 you, while you are enemies to God, when there is 
 not the leail hope of your lives being fpared any 
 longer, fuch a moment would fmk my fpirits : and 
 being fully perfuaded you will foon be like the army 
 of Ifrael, 611ed with praife, or Uke the Philiftines^ 
 
 with 
 
( 291 ) 
 
 with terror ^nd cohfternation ; can you then be 
 furprifed that I fhould be defirous of feeing in you 
 the fame fpirit which was in David ? he at an early 
 period fought the Lord, and took delight in his 
 worfhip ; could I once perceive this fpirit in you, 
 then fliould I hope you would enjoy the happinefs 
 of thofe whom God delights to honour : could you 
 fee that honour and happinefs which David has en- 
 joyed from the moment of his leaving this lower 
 World, you would fay that all the great favors which 
 he had in this, were {hadows and emptinefs, when 
 compared with his immortal crown above : what a 
 contraft then between his lituation now, and thofe 
 whofe bodies on the day of Goliah's fall were cut to 
 pieces, and whofe fouls have been from that time, 
 where their worm dieth not ! Let the idea of the 
 infinite difference be matter for your conlideration, 
 and examine to what party you belong ; if you 
 ^re joined to the wicked, and boafting Goliah of 
 this world, you will have the mortification to behold 
 the fpiritual David coming in the clouds, who will 
 fink into eternal perdition thofe blafpheming ene^ 
 mies. I pray that that God who delivered David 
 from Goliah, and placed him on the throne of 
 Ifrael, and afterwards on a throne of glory in the 
 world above ; would deliver you from ail the temp- 
 tations of Satan, and place you at lafl on a throne 
 cf glory i then Ihall you and I triumph eternally ia 
 ^is praife. 
 
 EJ{D OF THE THIRTEENTH EXERCISE. 
 
FA MILT EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 jTourteent^ €xtxtm. 
 
 ROCK SMITTEN. 
 
 And fpeak ye unto the rocky before their eyes, 
 and it Jhall give forth his xoater. 
 
 Numbers xx. 8. 
 
 An the iii'ft fpread of the gofpel, the power of 
 God did not only accompany the word, but fuch 
 miracles were frequently wrought;, as ailonifhed 
 and confounded the moft blind and carnal: fo at 
 this remarkable period, the power of God was 
 peculiarly manifefled ; if miracles would have con- 
 verted men, the whole congregation of Ifrael would 
 have all become true belivers ; but in their conduct 
 we have the fulleft proof, that no miracle whatever 
 will change the human heart : for they lived on 
 miracles every day, and the moil part of them re- 
 mained in unbelief. To have feen the manna 
 around their tents every morning, and this river 
 ifluing from the rock, mufi: have been a glorious 
 fight. 
 
 In the travel of Ifrael to the land of Canaan, 
 God intended to glorify himfelf, not only as a God 
 punctually fulfilling the covenant which he made 
 
 with 
 
( 293 ) 
 
 with Abraham ; but to give fuch ipecimens of his 
 care for, and power to relieve his people in all their 
 difficulties, as might afford matter of inftrucftion for 
 the church to the end of the world : therefore the 
 confideration of this being God's defign, forbids us 
 to expert the continuation of fuch extraordinary 
 things : we are fully perfuaded, that the reafon why 
 God does not at this tiiiie work miracles for his 
 people, is not on account of having lefs regard to 
 them than in former times, but it is hiS will that 
 they fhould live by faith on his word. 
 
 Though the church in the wildernefs, had not 
 feen the accomplifhment of the greateff things in the 
 plan of falvation, yet they beheld many glorious 
 proofs that God would fulfil every promife in his 
 appointed time. Their coming out of Egypt at the 
 very time which God had promifed, proved to a 
 demon ftration that God had not forgotten the cove- 
 nant he had made with Abraham. 
 
 Before this fupply of water was given, the con- 
 gregation was in a deplorable fituation : in thofe 
 countries water is held in a much higher efteem 
 than here ; and for fo large a body of people to be 
 wholly deflitute of it, was terrible : a handful of 
 perfons may fetch fupplies from afar, but to a con- 
 gregation of fuch a number, a dry wildernefs with- 
 out any water, what but death was to be expedted ? 
 God had forefeen and wifely ordained this difficulty 
 it is faid to try them ; but this trial afforded another 
 proof of their weaknefs : we foon fee that their 
 being witnefles to all the miracles in Egypt, and 
 marching through the fea, had net increafed their 
 R r faith. 
 
( ' 291 ) 
 faith. Their williing to have died when their bt-e- 
 thren died before the Lord, maiiifelled the bitter- 
 nefs of their fpirit, and that their thoughts ran all 
 upon their prefent troubles : they forgot all that 
 God had already done for them ; upon the ap- 
 proach of every new difficulty, they begin to re- 
 proach Mofes. As the hand of God was fo evident 
 in bringing them* out of Egypt, why not over*- 
 look Mofes ? could Mofes have been the fole caufe 
 of their being brought out of the land of bondage ? 
 
 God permitted them thus to difcover their wicked 
 fpirit, to let all generations fee that the great thingsr 
 he had done, and was about to do for that na- 
 tion, was not on account of any goodnefs in them j 
 for as he frequently fays^ they were a ftifF-necked 
 people : they did not only difcover their unbelief in 
 God, but fuch an obftinate fpirit, that Mofes could 
 not believe that God would work fuch a miracle 
 again for fuch a God-provoking people. This 
 feems to be confirmed by the Lord faying in the 
 1 2th verfe, Becaufe ye believed me not to fanclify 
 me in the eyes of the children of IfrcbeL Both 
 Mofes and Aaron are blamed ; they did not doubt 
 fo much of the power of God, as whether God 
 would, after fo many provocations, grant them fuch 
 a favor -, this fliould teach us, that to have flight 
 and diminitive thoughts of God's forgiving love, is 
 offenfive in the eyes of the Lord. 
 
 Some have thought, Mofes fmiting the rock 
 twice, and not fpeaking to the rock as God had 
 commanded him, was the offence ; and alfo his 
 fpeaking to the people when he fliould have fpoke 
 
 to 
 
( 295 ) 
 
 to the rock, and his fmiting the rock twice in a 
 pallion : but all this was but the efFed: of unbelief. 
 When God had commanded him to go and fpeak to 
 the rock, and promifed that it fliould give forth 
 his water, Mofes ought to have adored the pardon- 
 ing love of God, and his thus dealing kindly 
 with the people, ihould have foftened the fpirit 
 of Mofes. 
 
 As their difficulties occafioned them repeated 
 proofs of the power and care of God, fo their obfti- 
 Bacy and rebellion affords us fuch jnftances of God's 
 patience and forbearance, as could not have been 
 difcovered in any other way. Thofe who defire 
 to have their ideas of God enlarged, Ihould read this 
 hilliory with attention; and not only confider the 
 people, and their w^ickednefs and unbelief, but be 
 prying into thofe perfections of the divine nature, 
 that were at this time particularly manifefted. Mofes 
 being a man fo remarkable for meeknefs, and yet 
 his patience failing him, tends to fliow how much 
 we ought to admire and adore the patience and for- 
 bearance of God. 
 
 The provocation of Mofes and Aaron did not 
 exclude them he^iven, though it did their entrance 
 into the promifed land : a man may do that in a mo- 
 ment, v/hich fliall never be erafed from his cha- 
 rader. Who can read this hiftory without wonder- 
 ing that his unbelief has not wholly excluded him 
 from the heavenly world ? Mofes had exercifed faith 
 in feveral important and trying feafons ; he had be- 
 lieved in fome of the greateft natural difficulties, but 
 is overcome by this. Though Mofes fuffered for 
 
( 296 ) 
 
 his unbelief, the church of God is a great gainer ', 
 for if God can forgive and fiiew favours to a pro- 
 voking people beyond what a Mofes could believe, 
 it is a glorious proof that he loves men to have high 
 thoughts of his patience and forbearance. When 
 God had faid in fuch a pofitive manner. Speak ye 
 unto the rock, &c, Jo Jliall thou give the congre- 
 gation and their beojls drink, vvhy fliould Mofes 
 give way to his paiTion, and call them rebels ; no 
 doubt but he, in his more cool moments, confidered 
 himfelf as unworthy of divine favours as any one in 
 the whole congregation. 
 
 God is jealous for his glory. Should any one of 
 his particular favourites be indulged in their fms, 
 this would be an injury to the whole. Mofes' of- 
 fence and punifliment mufh be recorded and read in 
 all ages, Deut. xxxii. 51, 52. Becaufe ye trefpajfed 
 againjt me among the children of Ifrael, at the 
 waters of Meribah-hadefi, in the wildernefs of 
 Zin ; becaufe yefanBified me not in the midf of 
 the children of Ifrael : yet thou fialt fee the land 
 before thee, but thoujhalt not go thither unto the 
 land which 1 give the children of Ifrael. 
 
 David's fm was pardoned, but he felt the awful 
 effeds of his folly when he fled before the face of 
 his fon Abfalom, and efpecially in the death of that 
 awful young man. If thofe who are heaven's fa- 
 vourites be thus chaftifed for lin, what fliall become 
 of the avowed enemies of God ? Neither the pro- 
 vocation of Mofes or Aaron, nor the rebellious 
 fpirit of the people, Ihould prevent God working 
 an aftonifliing miracle for the relief of this diftrefTed 
 
 family : 
 
( 297 ) 
 
 family : God alone underitands when it Is proper 
 to magnify his patience, and when it will be his 
 glory to take vengeance. 
 
 What expe(51:ations could the unbelievers among 
 them have from that rock ? God might have com- 
 manded them to make wells, that he might fill 
 them with water, but the rock was that in which 
 the hand of God would appear the moll; confpicuous. 
 What facred pleafure thofe felt who were looking 
 for, and firmly believing in a deliverance infinitely 
 greater than this miraculous fupply of water : if it 
 was a refrei'hing fight to behold the giving of a 
 temporal mercy, what mufl it be to realize the 
 higheil: of all the adions of Jehovah ? The Holy 
 Ghoft applies this in the mofb pofitive manner to 
 Chrifl ; therefore we have reafon to fuppofe, many 
 of thefe, while their bodies were refrefhed with 
 v/ater from the rock, their fouls were filled with 
 love, and their minds were intent on that kindnefs 
 which fo infinitely exceeded this : thofe who were 
 taught of God, faw that the defign of the type 
 was to lead them to the antitype. 
 
 We may eafily perceive, that the moft ftriking 
 and inflrudiing types in the old-teftament day, fall 
 infinitely ihort of the antitype ; therefore all thofe 
 great deliverances wrought for Ifrael were fmall, 
 when compared to that falvation they looked for. 
 Though it was a great thing to behold an infinite 
 Jehovah thus teftify his care and power in the behalf 
 of his people, yet what was this when compared 
 with the bruifing his only begotten Son. 
 
 It is but an ad of common kii)dnefs for any ii-ian 
 
 Avho 
 
( 298 ) 
 
 who beholds a fellow-creature fallen in the ftreet, 
 to lend him an helping hand, efpecially fuch an one 
 as had never injured him : but to adopt fuch a man 
 as a fon, and beftow on him a large eftate ; to take 
 him home, and give him the favour of a beloved child, 
 this requffes" perfonal and flrong affe<5tion indeed ! 
 The miracle vi^rdught for this people was wonderful, 
 but when compared with that which was done on 
 Mount Calvary, it is eclipfed. 
 
 The ufe that the types were of, was more to im- 
 prefs their minds with the certainty of a thing, than 
 the greatnefs and importance of it. We, now, 
 are as much convinced of the certainty of the fmi- 
 ting of the rock Chrift, as we are of the truth of 
 this hiftory ; and as they who were looking forward 
 towards that important event would be greatly en- 
 couraged by this miracle, we ought to be much 
 more animated in our warfare by a view of an ex- 
 alted Jefus. 
 
 If thofe offended who took no more notice of 
 this rock, than merely as if it tended to quench 
 their thirfl, is it poffible that the condu(5t of fo 
 many profelTors can be agreeable to God, who have 
 an opportunity of beholding Chrift the true rock, 
 yet fcarcely ever think one moment on the fubjecft ? 
 can thofe be faid to have true faith, who never 
 fpend any time in looking at the fpiritual rock? 
 The apoftle Paul mentions, that there were many 
 who drank of the water which iflued from the rock, 
 with whom Gotl was not well pleafed: may we 
 not fuppofe thofe were perfons who fliared of the 
 temporal mercy, but had no delight in looking to the 
 
 antitype : 
 
( 299 ) 
 
 antitype: unbelief now mufl be a much greater 
 provocation than at that period; what was that 
 rock to Chrift himfelf ? no man can fuppofe that 
 rock to be any favorite objedt to God, and yet many 
 increafed their tranfgreffions, by flighting of what 
 was intended by it : what indignation and wrath 
 muft hang over the heads of thofe who treat Chrift, 
 God's beloved, with flight ? If thofe that flighted 
 the type, fell in the wildernefs, can we fuppofe 
 thofe will efcape the jufl indignation of God, who 
 neither pay any regard to the rock, or that precious 
 river of living water which ifliies from Chrift the 
 fpiritual rock ? 
 
 Thofe perfons with whom God was pleafed, were 
 refreflied not merely with the water they drank, 
 but the undeniable evidence they faw of the kindnefs 
 of God in this miraculous fupply -, and fo it may- 
 be truly faid, that though true chriftians have all 
 they wifh in a crucified Jefus, it is not merely being 
 faved that will content them, but the beholding 
 of themfelves loved with fuch an infinite love. We 
 can now fee in a more clear and diflind: manner this 
 love, than thofe who were eye witnefles of the 
 fmiting of the rock. 
 
 Were not thofe at that day, when the rock was 
 pouring forth its water, the beft employed, whofc 
 minds were more taken up with thofe infinitely 
 greater things which God had decreed to accompliili, 
 than that which he had jufl: now performed : it was 
 this faith which influenced Abel to offer, and ren- 
 dered his worfliip fo pleafing to God, and fliould 
 
 not 
 
( 500 ) 
 not all profeflbrs be peculiarly attentive to that which 
 they are fully perfuaded is plealing to God ? 
 
 Why fhould any complain of being dry and 
 barren, when their confcience informs them that 
 they neglect to come to this rock ? could any of the 
 Ifraelites reafonably complain of thnll:, who neg- 
 ledled to drink of thofe ftreams which run fo near 
 their tents ? 
 
 This water afforded but a temporary relief: there 
 was no neceffity for fuch a miracle in the land of 
 Canaan ; but there is a perpetual neceffity for that 
 water which Chrifl our fpiritual rock gives unto all 
 his redeemed ones. 
 
 Have not God's people, from the firfh period 
 until this day, been refrelhed by this fpiritual rock? 
 and ftreams from this wonderful fountain will be 
 their comfort to the end of time : if the kindnefs 
 of God was particularly manifelled when the rock 
 poured forth its water, may not the love of God 
 be difcerned always in a once dying and now exalted 
 Jefus ? 
 
 There is a great difference between fupplying a 
 man's wants one day, and giving him that which 
 will effediually relieve him all the days of his life : 
 the opening of the rock was for a fhort feafon, but 
 in Chrift, God gives to the chriftian all the fupplies 
 he will need to the end of his journey. 
 
 AU temporal fupplies, though ever fo needful, 
 are as nothing when compared to everlafting ones, 
 Thofe who by faith drank of the water in the wil- 
 dernefs, believed that they lliould drink eternally at 
 the fountain head above : they were fully perfuaded, 
 
 that 
 
( 301 ) 
 that thougH the prefent fupply of water for their 
 bodies was a great mercy, it was as nothing to the 
 river of the water of Hfe which they had tailed of 
 in this world, and hoped to enjoy for ever. 
 
 If this rock had given forth water, but not In a 
 fufficient quantity, and if that ftream had not fol- 
 lowed them in their journey, they would only have 
 murmured the more ; but they were at this time per- 
 fe(flly cured of their murmuring : no doubt an 
 \iniverfal joy prevailed throughout the Vhole con- 
 gregation. How foon can an all-fufficient Jehovah 
 fupply the wants of his people ? God has not only 
 perfedl: foreknowledge to plan all that is neceifary, 
 but he has power to accomplifh all he pleafes : there 
 was plenty of water ; God does not his works by 
 halves. Pfa. viii. 15, 16. He clave the rocks in 
 the zoildernefs, and gave them drink as out of the 
 great depths ; he brought Jlreams alfo out of the 
 rocks, and caufed the waters to run down like 
 rivers. 
 
 The all-fufficiency which the fplritual rock would 
 produce, was much in the mind of God, long before 
 he fmote the rock. The Pfalmift perceived this 
 when he faid, with the Lord there is mercy, and 
 with him is plenteous redemption : this falvation 
 cxifted then, only in the purpofe and decree of 
 God ; Chrifl: had not at that time finifhed tranfgref- 
 fion. Ifa. xl. 2. I have received double for all her 
 fins ; the price was efleemed both as given and 
 accepted, long before the great Redeemer paid the 
 lafl: mite on Calvery : if it was in profpec^ fo 
 pleafmg to God, it is not lefs fo now. 
 
 S s Rivers 
 
( 302 ) 
 Rivers may be diminiflied by numbers, but thr9 
 fills its banks as much as ever: it has Jehovah for its 
 fountain, therefore its fource is inexhauflable. There 
 is no fear of vi^ant in heaven ; and this river wiU 
 make the city of God as glad in ages to come as 
 now. We do not fuppofe that the river in the v/ilder- 
 nefs, could leave the leaft room for envy ; and in 
 the falvation of Chrilt, a man would difcover as great 
 folly in envying another's falvation, on account of any 
 fufpicion that this would diminifli his fliare, as if 
 that man would grudge another the light of the fun, 
 for fear its rays enlightening his neighbour's houfe 
 fhould diminifh the light of his own. Spiritual 
 things differ widely from temporal : either fear of a 
 deficiency, or envy of thofe who poliefs abundance, 
 fpoil the comfort of moft. There is a glorious 
 fufficiency in Chrift -, thofe who believe in him Hiali 
 enjoy rivers of living water, and that fpringing up 
 to eternal life : his fulnefs can change a barren wil» 
 dernefs into fprings of water. 
 
 The more unlikely this rock appeared, the more 
 furprifing the ilream which iffued from it, and the 
 more diflindtly all would perceive it to be fuper- 
 Hatural. Philofophers, who wifh to afcribe all 
 things to fome natural caufe, would have been puz- 
 zled had they feen this miracle. God muft not only 
 do all for us, but in fuch a manner that we Ihall 
 h^ve undeniable teftimony that his hand alone could 
 help us. Every wife Ifraelite would be fwlly con- 
 vinced, that if God had not at this time interpofed, 
 .the people muft have periflied : how thankful then 
 Wftuld thofe feci who were true believers ? 
 
 Had 
 
( 303 ) 
 
 Had we been vvitnefs to the truth of that pro- 
 phecy, Ifa. liii. 2. had we beheld no form or come- 
 Tinels that he fliould be defired, we might indeed 
 have laid he had laid afide his glory, and taken upon 
 him the form of a iervant : but though he appeared 
 fo unhke the Son of God to a carnal eye, his humi- 
 liation will eternally endear him to all who arc 
 taught of God. None but thofe who had eye's 
 given them by the Holy Gholl, could have believed 
 him to be the Lamb of God. John himfelf fays, 
 / had not known him, but that he that fent him 
 to baptize xcith water, the fame f aid unto him, on 
 whom thou JJialt fee the Spirit, &c. This ought 
 to fill the faved with gratitude, while they experience 
 that as no lefs a price could have redeemed them 
 but that of the blood of Chrift, fo no lefs a perfon 
 than the Holy Ghoft himfelf has been given to 
 them, as a full earnell that this great falvation is 
 theirs. 
 
 What man beholding Chrift, with his twelve dif- 
 tipks, would have thought this is he who will 
 come on his great white throne, and the heavens 
 and earth fhall flee away at his prefence : and thefe 
 men fhould fit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes 
 of Ifrael. The angels of God themfelves muft be 
 furprized at the aftonirtiing change which falvation 
 makes in the faved. 
 
 Many have wi{l:ied that their lot had been caft m 
 that period when Chrift was on the earth : but is it 
 not matter of greater confolation, to behold Chrift 
 on his throne in heaven, than to fee him furrounded 
 on earth by his inveterate foes ? to behold him now 
 S s 2 he 
 
( 304 ) 
 he has completely finifhed his dreadful fufFerlngs, Is 
 far more pleafing than when he had them juft be- 
 fore him. What thinking believer could have 
 borne to have ken him in the garden ? the difciples 
 did not underftand how much he fuffered on their 
 account; but they are blind indeed, who do not 
 now behold him both as God and man, and the end 
 for which he fuffered : and however unlikely he 
 was to be the Redeemer, to the carnal eye, the darkeft 
 mortal who reads the word of God, has fufficient 
 matter to convince him that he who was on earth, 
 was no other than the Meffiah: the vail now is 
 rent, and the myftery hid for ages is now made 
 known : if any man hate this light, it is becaufe he 
 is in love with darknefs. 
 
 That man would have perillied defervedly, who 
 had {een the rock fmitten, and the river coming 
 immediately from it, yet, fhould have refufed to 
 drink of the water, becaufe he could not compre, 
 hend from what refervoir it could come : many reje<ft 
 the plan of falvation, becaufe fome parts of this 
 wonderful fyftem, are too fublime to be^fully under^ 
 ftood on this fide the grave ; but it is impoffible that 
 the ignorance of a man Ihould annihilate a truth ; 
 this river was neither more or lefs on account of 
 the faith or unbelief of the people. Men who have 
 an averfion to falvation by Chrift, are glad to find 
 any thing like an excufe : there was nothing in this 
 miracle of the rock affording fuch a river that was con- 
 trary to reafon, but yet a man of the brighteft talents 
 could no more comprehend it than an infant : though 
 no man can account why the heat of the fun fliould 
 
 continue 
 
( 305 ) 
 
 continue fo invariable for thoufands of years, his 
 incapacity makes no alteration in the fun's heat. 
 Shall a man, who finds it impoflible to comprehend 
 fully any thing that ever God created, ftumble at the 
 method of falvation, becaufe he is not able to fee 
 diftindly the w^ay and manner of every part about 
 it : no phrafe ever exprelTed more enmity and folly, 
 in fo few words than that, " where myftery begins, 
 religion ends." Why allow fo much myftery in 
 natural things, and none in things fpiritual ? why 
 did not Nicodemus underftand what Chrift meant 
 when he fpoke of the new birth ? did not Chrift fay, 
 if I tell you cf natural tilings and ye believe not,&c. 
 
 When the Jews objedted to Chrift's word, and 
 fiid, how can this man give us his flefti to eat, he 
 anfvvers them, except ye eat the flejh of the Son of 
 God, and drink his blood, you have no life in you : 
 he did not condcfcend to give them fo plain and 
 familiar an explanation of thofe terms, as he did to 
 fome; he knew their objedtion originated in an en- 
 vious and wicked fpirit : many are left to judicial 
 ignorance and error ; they are given up to ftrong 
 delulions, and their fpeeches about falvation by 
 Chrift, are nothing lefs than blafphemy. 
 
 Could any who were wicked among the Ifraelites, 
 delight in the company of fuch as would fpeak of 
 this water from the rock, as a type of that living 
 water fo highly efteemed by all the people of God? 
 fuch is the enmity of the human heart, that thofe 
 who never fav/ their need of Chrift, cannot endure 
 rhe converfation of the godly. 
 
 Let u3 in the next place examine, who thofe 
 
 perfons 
 
( 306 ) 
 
 perfons are that fliall drink of the river of living 
 water eternally. Thefe find a pleafure in contem- 
 plating on the ways of God — they regard the works 
 of the Lord. 
 
 As they are convinced, if God had not fapplied 
 Ifrael in this extraordinary way, the people miift 
 have periflied, fo they are fully perfuaded if Chrift- 
 had not been fmitten for finners, there would not 
 have been any hope for them : Chrift, of confequence, 
 is to them all together lovely. 
 
 Thofe who fliall drink of the rivers of God's 
 pleafure above, are delivered from the predo- 
 minent love of fm ; Paul fpeaking of abandoned 
 charad:ers, fays to chriftians, fuch were fame of 
 you, but ye are loafied, &c. Though fuch could 
 wallow in fin, as the fow in the mire, that which 
 was once their element is now a burden. 
 
 Some are ready to fay, it muft have been unpar- 
 donable in Ifrael thus to treat God, becaufe he 
 was in an immediate way working miracles for their 
 prefervation ; whether is bringing water from the 
 rock, or God's giving his fon, a greater thing ? 
 
 Did not God in a particular manner take notice 
 of thofe whofe lives were preferved by the river 
 from this rock ? could any drink with an ungrateful 
 heart, and not be feen by him who fearches all 
 hearts ? think then with yourfelves, that the longer 
 thofe lived, the more they provoked : while they 
 drank of thefe ftreams, they were adding to the 
 number of their tranfgrefiions ; and are not thou- 
 fands now repeating the fame fins ? where there is 
 no regard to the eye of God, there is a prevailing 
 love to fome predominant fin. 
 
( 3^7 ) 
 
 Ghrii'blans are peculiarly pleafed when they find 
 •any who are longing for a drink of this living water ; 
 they are ready to encourage them with every argu- 
 ment : if thefe are Grangers to them, they foon fqel 
 a ftrong affedtion for them. 
 
 Thefe take a pleafure in paying into that lovcj 
 which was manifefted in fmiting of Chriil: the fpi- 
 ritual rock : they fee this miracle in the wildernefs 
 as a great mercy J but the rock Chrift, who was 
 fmitten on Calvary was a greater : in this rock will 
 the everlafting love of God be adored to all eternity : 
 none but the true Ifrael of God, feel a pleafure in 
 the ftudy of this fubjedl. 
 
 Laftly, true chriftians are in gofpel prdinaoces 
 feeking to be refrefhed with this living water -, thefe^ 
 and none but thefe, can ever fay, my foul thirfts for 
 God, if they meet no refreshment from that river^ 
 which comes from the throne of God and the 
 Lamb. 
 
 Examine yourfelves by thefe evidences : you are 
 now enjoying gofpel privileges, but thefe opportu- 
 nities will foon be over, and you will be foon 
 drinking of the rivers of God's pleafures above, or 
 funk into eternal oblivion j how different tlie eternal 
 ftates of thofe who drank of the lame water : as 
 men are more careful of examining gold than copper, 
 the value is fo much the more, fo there is not any 
 thing we fhould fo clofely obferve, as whether we 
 are God's children or no 5 fuch as obey not the 
 gofpel, abhor felf-examination ; they ihudder at the 
 very thought of it. 
 
 You who have many fears that God will never 
 
 permit 
 
( 3o8 ) 
 permit you to drink of this living Water, conlider 
 that as God gave this great favour freely to his mur- 
 muring people, he vv^ill give it freely to all who feek 
 and knock at his door. 
 
 , Frequently read Chrift's invitations j they are left 
 on record on purpofe for the encouragement of dif- 
 trefled fouls. If any man thirji let him come unto 
 me and drink, John vii. 37. 
 
 Behold, this river is now running by you in a 
 preached gofpel ! fay not who Jliall afcend into 
 heaven, &c. the. zoord is nigh thee i be as if you 
 heard Chrift himfelf fpeak. 
 
 Efteem it an infinite mercy that you are not left 
 to defpife thefe living ftreams. There are parti- 
 cular promifes to thofe who thirft— Rev. xxii. 17, 
 And the Spirit and the bride fay, come ; and let 
 him that heareth, fay come ; and lei him that is 
 {fihirfl come : and luhofoever willy let him take of 
 the water of Ufe freely. 
 
 Confider, though your fins have been as fcarlet, 
 this remedy can cleanfe from them all : Ad:s x. 4 3. 
 To him give all the prophets witnefs, that through 
 his name whofoever believeth in him, fliall receive 
 remiffion of fins. It is the glory of Chrifl that his 
 blood fhould as effediually take away the fms of 
 thofe who had finned to the eleventh hour, as thofe 
 of an infant. 
 
 You who have been repeatedly refreflied by the 
 living water, what reafon have you to adore diftin- 
 guirtiing love ! who could inftrud: you to feek that 
 comfort which cometh from above ! Let me exhort 
 you to commend thefe waters to your fellow mortals; 
 
 beware 
 
( 3-^9 ) 
 beware of a linful filence: live for Chrifl:^ if you 
 Would enjoy much of his prefence* Commend reli- 
 gion by an affedtionate conducft; let the world fee 
 that religion makes a man adorn his profeflion. Keep 
 in fight that rock from which living ftreams are 
 perpetually running, for the refrefhing of God's in- 
 heritance : obferve how freely God has been giving 
 his weary travellers fupplies in every age. 
 
 And now my family, it is the wifh of my heart 
 that you may experience a greater joy than Ifrael 
 felt, when their eyes beheld the rock pour out its 
 waters* They faw it was for them that this rock 
 was fmitten ; but thofe enjoy a higher pleafure who 
 can believe Chrifl: the fpiritual rock was fmitten for 
 them. 
 
 In order to have our hearts imprefied with the 
 greatnefs of this folema fubje6b, let us fuppofe that 
 there were fome whole families among the Ifraelites 
 who lived and died enemies to God : thefe all ex- 
 perienced a joy when the water ruflied from the 
 rock J but thofe who faw no farther than the tem- 
 poral mercy, though they had their bodies refrefhed, 
 their fouls were as barren as ever. 
 
 It is but a fhort fpace of time that any family is 
 kept together in this worlds for the moft part, chil- 
 dren are foon feparated from their parents, and 
 fcattered up and down in the world : but the faved 
 meet all together in heaven again, and the loft in 
 hell. 
 
 It is aim oft more than nature can bear, to think 
 
 of a whole family meeting together in hell ; yet 
 
 thofe who wifti to fee religion in its true value, and 
 
 T t the 
 
( 310 ) 
 
 tlie Iniinke difterence it makes between the Javed 
 and the loft, fhould frequently have both heaven 
 and hell under their confideration. Is there not 
 much faid of thefc places ? did not Chrift more 
 diredtly enlarge on each, than any other, if not more 
 than all thofe whom the Floly Ghofl employed in 
 writing both the old and new tefl:ament ? 
 
 Dives had a peculiar dread of his five brethren 
 being his companions in hell -, he had not fo much 
 concern about others : he was perfuaded if they died 
 as they lived, hell mud be tiieir everlailing habi- 
 tation. From tills we have reafon to conclude, that 
 when the firft loft foul of a family has got to hell, 
 it dreads the arrival of the reft. Dives fays, I pray, 
 thee father Abraham^ &c, Tie pleads inke one in 
 earneft : this muft of confequence be an addition to 
 the mifery of the damned. 
 
 Let us now fappofe a whole family meeting in 
 heaven : if hell is made the more tremendous by 
 relatives, is not the happinefs of heaven increafed by 
 thofe whom \ve loved in this WTorld ^ and if Dives 
 could dread the arrival of his brethren in hell, fliall 
 we think it ftrange that when the firft in a family, 
 is in the realms of blifSj that fuch an one does not 
 with pleafure look for the comfng of thofe behind? 
 The diftant hope of fuch a meeting aftords relief 
 in all thofe partings which divine providence calls 
 ns to in this world, and in a particular manner, at 
 'that folemn period when death is approaching, and 
 we are taking a final fiu-ewel of each other, to meet 
 iind converfc ik> more together on this fide the 
 f/rave. 
 
( 311 ) 
 
 A meeting together alter oiu- very hearts iiava 
 been rent with grief; after we have endured many- 
 and long fevere pains, and our fpirits tried to the 
 lail, in our lonely habitations, bereaved by death of 
 our comfortable companions : furely never did any 
 Ihipwrecked mariners experience fuch joy on their 
 all arriving fafe on fome happy and wifhed for 
 ihore ! This is a meeting to part no more: mofl 
 of our m.eetings together here, are fpoiled with the 
 idea of parting foon again. This will be a meeting 
 where all are in happy circumftances : here one in 
 diftrefs will fill a whole family with forrow. This 
 will be a meeting where no doubts and fears fliall 
 caft one moments gloom on any complexion ; every 
 face will preach the happinefs of heaven. 
 
 This will be fuch a meeting with a triune Je- 
 hovah, 2s no mortal on this fide the grave can 
 conceive ! as Chriil: was the life of that company 
 which met in Galilee, fo Jehovah himfelf will fill 
 the whole body of the redeemed, with a joy not to 
 be defcribed. We (hall fee that God, who of hi's 
 infinite free grace and love, had united us in a more 
 intimate relation to himfelf, dian any mere carnal 
 perfon could be, and this union will laft for ever. 
 
 Can it appear fiirange to any in this family, that 
 I fhould be fo anxious that none of you be loft in 
 the flfipwreck of this evil world, in which fo many 
 are funk for ever : happinefs, and nothing lower than 
 that of being heirs and joint heirs wich Chrift, can 
 ever fatLsfy this foul of mine; nor would I have any 
 of you be fatisfied with any thing lei s : let no por- 
 tion in this world give you content, 
 
 I 
 
( 3»2 ) 
 
 1 woiild have us live in fuch a manner, as that we 
 may in this world, drink plentifully of the river of 
 the water of life, and in our latefl: moments be over- 
 joyed that we are going to meet at the fpring head, 
 and drink for ever. I wifh that every one of you, 
 had for your comfort in this world, that you could 
 fee that the infinite love, which Chrift himfelf 
 manifeiled on Mount Calvary, was fixed on your 
 perfons : if the rock in the wildernefs proved the 
 care and love of God, what fhould we every day 
 read in this wonderful tranfaftion I 
 
 I wilh you the happinefs, fully to believe, that 
 flreams from this rock will follow you through all 
 your travel in this barren wildernefsj and that both 
 your temporal and fpiritual bread fliall be given 
 you, and that he who went along with Ifrael, will 
 never leave you : will not this help to alleviate all 
 the troubles of life, and fupport you in every ap- 
 jproaching change ! 
 
 You fee it is no fmall happinefs that I wifh 
 for you all ; I would not have one of you 
 mifs of fuch unfpeakable happinefs and glory : and 
 remember, it is rehgion which has already brought 
 millions together in the world of glory 3 and I would 
 gladly hope, not one of you will be left to ftt 
 light by it. See that you are not like the un- 
 believing and ftubborn Ifraelites, remain untaught 
 and ignoront, after all thefe warnings — which that 
 you may not, is my fervent prayer for you- all, 
 
 EKD OF TH£ FOURTEENTH' £XERGI3£. 
 
FAMILY EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 fifttmtti €xtxtm. 
 
 COMING OF CHRIST. 
 
 ■For the Lord him/elf jTiall defcend from heaven 
 zoith a Jliout, with the voice of the archangel, 
 and the trump of God : and the dead in Chrift 
 fJiall rife frfl. 
 
 I ThefT. iv. 16. 
 
 i HE Holy Ghoft gave to the apoflle Paul fome 
 particular views of this fubjed. In the iirfl: of the 
 Corinthians, he fpeaks of fhewing them a myfterj^ 
 which had not been made known to them, or to 
 any of the churches, as it had been revealed to him- 
 felf : I Cor. xv. 51, 52. Behold I fhew you a myf 
 tery ; we fiall not all fleep, but we fhall all be 
 changed, in a, moment, in the twinkling of an 
 ■eye, at the laft trump, for the trump fiall found, 
 and the dead fiall be raifed incorruptible, and 
 we fiall be changed. 
 
 Though all the faved believed this truth In 
 general, yet few knew any thing of thefe particulars. 
 Chrift revealed, when on earth, many things con- 
 cerning the day of judgment, which had not been 
 made known to the old teftament faints. The 
 apoftk, now attempting to comfort the difconfo- 
 U u late. 
 
( 314 ) 
 late, cotrld not have taken a more proper method; 
 for, by the gofpel it is evident, that the death of 
 the body is a prefent gain to the behever : v^hy then 
 lliould we indulge immoderate forrow for thofe who 
 are infinitely enriched by death ? if we love them^ 
 can we grieve at their happinefs ? Had all the 
 redeemed more diftind: ideas of this fubjedl:, it 
 would not only relieve them, when death has be- 
 reaved them of their peculiar friends, but animate 
 and keep up their fpirits in all their difficurciea. 
 Let thofe who are at prefent haFraffed by a variety 
 of difficulties, confider, that thofe for whom they 
 mourn are got beyond the reach of thefe per- 
 plexities 3 and that as God fixed a period to their 
 pains and diftrefles, fo hkewife there is a time ar^ 
 riving, when they themfelves fliall alfo be com- 
 pletely delivered from every perplexing care and 
 excruciating pain. 
 
 The coming of Chrifl mentioned in this text is 
 properly ftiled his fecond coming. His defign in 
 taking our nature was to accompli fh that work in 
 which he had been engaged from all eternity : it 
 was highly necefTary that the whole of that work 
 fliould not be difcerned by the world at large ; for 
 had all the Jews underflood what, and by whom 
 the great things of God's falvation were then car- 
 rying on, they would not ha.ve crucified the Lord 
 of glory. It is evident the wicked will underftand 
 the nature of his bufinefs on that day : thefe will 
 be crying to the rocks and mountains to hide them 
 from the wrath of the Judge : thofe who were as 
 
( 315 ) 
 Ignorant as Dives, will then be fully informed who 
 it is that fliall judge the quick and the dead. 
 
 This period is no doubt now in the mind of 
 Chrill himfelf : how frequently did he fpeak of this 
 while here on earth ? an,d it is common for men to 
 have thofe fubjeds on their tongues on which their 
 hearts are fet. It is impoffible for the bridegroom 
 to lofe fight of that period : not before that time 
 will the bride be completely adorned and meet for 
 him. 
 
 That which adds to the glory of this day is, 
 that he who comes, is the Lord himfelf-^i\iQ iden- 
 tical perfon who was nailed to the accurfed tree : 
 he whom the Jews to this day ftile the importer, 
 in contempt and fcorn, and who is treated by the 
 world at large with flight and negled : this perfon 
 is no other in the heavenly world, and before all 
 the redeemed men and angels, than the Lord him^ 
 
 fdf. 
 
 As atoning for our fms on Calvary was a work 
 which himfelf alone could perform, fo the great 
 buflnefs to be done at this important period, muft 
 be done by himfelf: therefore his fecond coming is 
 as certain as his firft. As fure as the heavens and 
 the earth were created, fo afiuredly will that day 
 arrive. 
 
 How infcnfible has the world been in all ages of 
 the importance of this fubjed ? a fubjedl which 
 ought to be the moil conftant field for our medita- 
 tion ! it is this which fliould be a cordial to our 
 fpirits in all our drooping hours. At that glorious 
 period, we lliall be completely liberated from all 
 U u 2 our 
 
( 3iS ) 
 
 our cares and flavery. What is more common thart 
 for perfons to have their minds running on thofe. 
 things from which they have the greateft expecta- 
 tions : is it not till then that our mofl: ultimate 
 wiflies will be completed. 
 
 It is a great mercy that we have fuch a diftindt 
 revelation of this glorious time ; it not only aflifts 
 us in believing its certainty, but helps us to form 
 fome idea of that glory which is to be revealed, and 
 which the faints have been longing for in all ages. 
 This fecond coming of Chrift is as evident a truth, 
 as that he was ever nailed to the crofs ; and the 
 glory of it will be as refplendent, as his humiliation 
 and debafement was low, and that was as low as it 
 was poffible; for a more humble condefcenfion a 
 divine perfon could not manifefl. 
 
 The chriflian religion is not only rendered glo- 
 rious on account of the truth and certainty of its 
 imporant dodtrines, but that he who is Lord of 
 heaven has his chief and principal glory in it — that 
 muft be great indeed, which fo great a perfon can 
 make choice of as his chief glory. What was the 
 chief and principal fubjedl on which the mind of 
 ChriH ran when he was on the earth ? was it not 
 the work his Father had given him to do? and what 
 will engage his attention at that great day ? will it 
 not be to complete the happinefs and redemption 
 of his people ? As he paid the full ranfom for 
 them before he afcended to his heavenly Father, fo 
 he will not return again to his heavenly throne 
 without taking them all with him, completely fitted 
 for himfelf. 
 
 Not 
 
( 317 ) 
 
 Not one particle of the dull of his redeemed 
 ^lall be loll:. Did not this afford Job relief in his 
 greatefl diftrefs ? and will not this aflifl us in com- 
 niitting both our own bodies, and thofe of our 
 dearefl relations to the duft ? Let us confider how 
 able Chrifl is for this ftupendous undertakings for 
 what wife man would engage in a bufmefs for 
 which he was totally incapable ? His being en- 
 gaged to do the work of that important period, is 
 as evident as his engaging to die for his people : the 
 work of that great day, is as really before him now, 
 as his crucifixion was before his incarnation. 
 
 The work itfelf will inftrudl: us more in the 
 knowledge of his glorious perfon than any words 
 can do. The enemies of the divinity of Chrifl: are 
 at a lofs how to elude the force of thofe arguments, 
 which are founded on the mighty works which 
 are undeniably afcribed to him alone : For the 
 Father judgcth no man, but hath committed all 
 judgment unto the fan, &c. John v. 22. 
 
 Looking at the heavens and the earth affords 
 fuch a lelTon to an intelligent mind, that all the 
 language in the world could not give fuch inflruc- 
 tions : much more will the beholding of thofe won- 
 ders of falvation, which have been, and are certain 
 to be accomplilhed by the Son of God, enlarge the 
 chriftian's underftanding in the knov/ledge of Chrifl. 
 
 The bufmefs of this great day proves him to be 
 God. Who but a God could have created the 
 heavens and the earth ? and who but he who is 
 infinite in wifdom and power, could raife and jadge 
 the whole race of Adam ? Is it pofTible for any 
 
 created 
 
( 3i8 ) 
 
 created being fo much as to affifl: in raifmg the 
 dead ? and can any work be more perfonally afcribecj 
 to any individual, than this mighty work is to the 
 Lord Jefus Chrifl ? He is not merely an inftrur- 
 ment, but himfelf is the doer of thofe mighty 
 works. Is it poffible for any created being to raife 
 one dead body ? Had Chriit been only a man, 
 would he not have been guilty of the greateft pride 
 when he faid, / am the refurreElion and the lijcy 
 
 All who wifh for information, (hould read the 
 fcriptures diligently; and not merely afTent unto the 
 truth, but aim at being imprefled with the im- 
 portance of it : for, by realizing that he who is 
 now the Lord of heaven, and the Lamb in the 
 middle of the throne, is that very perfon who will 
 afliiredly raife our bodies, and all thofe of our de- 
 parted friends, it naturally leads our minds to think 
 of, and delire more knowledge of his perfon. 
 
 Should the moil: univerfal monarch in the whole 
 w^orld travel in company with a man, if he is incog, 
 and his honor hid, he receives no greater ho- 
 mage or relped; than any other man ; but the more 
 his ftation is difcerned, the more he is refpecfled. 
 What reverence and love fliould we feel for the 
 Lord himfelf were our underflandings more en- 
 larged to take in what he is, and what great things 
 he has done, and what wonders he defigns flill to 
 perform for us ; and that all this is to be done by 
 no lefs a being than the Lord himfelf. Few are 
 aware of the force of this truth. Had the atone- 
 ment been made by the highefl archangel, the 
 
 glory 
 
( 3*9 ) 
 ^lory of the dodlrine would have been for ever 
 ecHpfcd : but it is of the utmoft importance to the 
 believer, to fee that it was made by no lefs a per- 
 fon than the Lord himfelf ; and the more he per- 
 ceives of the glory of Chrift's perfon, the more he 
 adofes and loves. It is natural to feel reverence to 
 tnen according to their eftates and ftations in the 
 world : fo we feel a refped: to Chrift as we difcern 
 his dominions. 
 
 The largefl eftates or empires are foon known ; 
 but to underftand the glory of the Son of God is 
 beyond the reach of the highefl: archangels. What 
 finite being can form a proper idea of his boundlefs 
 dominion — Ifaiah fpeaking of him in an elevated 
 flrain, fays, Ifa. x1. 15. Behold the nations are as 
 the drop of a bucket, and are counted as thefmaU 
 dujl of the balance: behold, he taketh up the 
 ifes as a very little thing. Mofes, who had fuch 
 an opportunity of knowing God as no other man 
 had, yet how little he knew. We may fee when 
 God reproved him at the time that he objeded to 
 the feeding the congregation with flefh — Shall the 
 flocks and the herds be flain for them, to fuffice 
 them ? or fiall all the ffh of the fea be gathered 
 together to them, to fujjice them? Num. xi. 22. 
 Godanfwers, Is the hand of the Lord loaxedfliort? 
 
 Though Mofes had heard no doubt of the dealings 
 of God with Abraham, Ifaac and Jacob, yet he 
 knew little of the God of Ifrael when he flew the 
 Egyptian : but all that he faw of the a6tions of 
 God, were as fo many leflbns to enlarge his mind 
 in the knowledge of his Maker, What ideas would 
 
 he 
 
( 320 ) 
 he liave of his power, as he marched the people 
 through the Red Sea ? how would he admire his 
 faithfulnef^ to his covenant with Abraham^ when 
 he knew that God brought his feed out of Egypt 
 the very day that he had promifed ? what ideas 
 could he form of that redemption which was to be 
 accompliflied by the incarnation and death of fuch 
 a perfon, while he converfed with the Lord himfelf 
 in the mount? The doctrine of the divinity of 
 Chrifl: becomes but a flale fubjecfl to many pro- 
 fefTors ; but it is becaufe that they are only taught 
 it by the precepts of men. 
 
 When Jolliua faw the Canaanites deflroyed by 
 the hailftones from heaven, after he had fpoken with 
 the captain of the Lord's hoft ; what muft he think 
 of the univerfal deftrudtion of the wicked at the 
 great day, which he knew would be inflided by him 
 who would then overthrow his enemies. If we 
 wifli to grow in the knowledge of Chrift, we muft 
 pry into this myflery by the help of the fcriptures 5 
 we muft look at Chrift through the eyes of others, 
 as the congregation of Ifrael was to look at the land 
 of Canaan, through the eyes of the twelve men who 
 went to fpy out the land. 
 
 It was for fome important end that Ifaiah had 
 fuch a vifion of him, who was to be incarnate in 
 the fulnefs of time, in Ifa. vi. 1. In the year that 
 Uzziah died, I Jaio alfo the Lord fitting upon a 
 throne and lifted up, and his train filled the 
 tempk, &c. As fo great a thing was to take place 
 as the incarnation of the Father's fellow, is it not to 
 Iq wondered at that there fliould be intimations of 
 
 this 
 
( 321 ) 
 
 this important truth, long before the accomplifh- 
 ment of it : for as the work which he was to 
 perform was particularly defcribed, it was but 
 proper that the perfon who Ihould accomplilli this 
 work, ihould alfo be revealed. When John fpeaks 
 of this vifion, in John xii. 41, Thics faid Ifaiah 
 when he Jaw his glory, and f pake of him. By 
 this it appears, that this vifion was deligned to aflift 
 the church in all ages, to contemplate the glory of 
 Jiim who is now incarnate, and who may properly 
 be called the Lord himfelf. 
 
 As the fcriptures reveal the plan of falvation, 
 fo it is in them that the perfon of Chrifl is revealed ; 
 and this is the life and light of revelation itfelf : for 
 without this moH: fublime fubjed:, the whole of 
 divine writ would be like the natural fyftem without 
 the fun : Daniel, who had remarkable vifions, yet 
 that which exceeded all the reft, was that of the 
 perfon of Chrift ; which bears fome refemblance to 
 that John faw in the iiril: of the Revelations : and 
 what a glorious light fliines in thofe two places ? This 
 is that Lord himfelf who fliall defcend from heaven 
 with a fliout ; but all thofe manifeflations of his 
 glory, will be but as a candle to the fun, when 
 compared with that infinite grandeur and glory in 
 which he will come to judge the world -, then fliall 
 ,the Son of Man, appear in his glory and all the 
 redeemed, and the holy angels wdth him.. 
 
 It is attention to fuch pafTages as thefe. which the 
 
 Holy Ghoft makes ufe of, to enlarg-e the mind in 
 
 the knoNN'ledge ot Chrift : and blelTed are thofe who 
 
 delight to folio v/ the leadings of the Holy Spirit in 
 
 X X this 
 
( 322 ) 
 
 this moil: important fubjed. It is the glory of Chrift^s 
 perfon which flamps a dignity on every other doc- 
 trine. 
 
 That a divine perfon fhould take human nature, 
 and become incarnate is the wonder of heaven. Well 
 might the apoftle fay, Great is the myjiery of god- 
 linefsy God 7nanife/i in the flejli. Nothing is more 
 evident than that this was the chief and principal 
 thing the apoflle had to reveal to the Gentiles -, and 
 in writing to the Hebrews, he fiiows of what im- 
 portance the knowledge of the perfon of Chrifl; 
 was : for his defign in fome of the firft chapters is 
 to fet forth the glory of his perfon, and from that to 
 argue for the efficacy of his interceffion. In Ifa. xh 
 the Holy Ghoft fpeaks in fuch a flrain as exceeds all 
 human comprehenfion, ver. 1 2. Who hath meafured 
 the waters in the hollow of his hand ? and meted 
 out hea.ven with the fpan^ and comprehended the 
 duft of the earth in a mcafure, and weighed the 
 inountains in fcale^, and the hills in a balance .? 
 Thefe words are applied to him who is the Lord's 
 fliepherd, who is no other than Chrill:. 
 
 AH thefe fcriptures tend to make known that 
 clory which will be feen by all the race of Adam, 
 when he comes the fecond time to judge the world. 
 The method a chriilian ought to take to live under an 
 imprefiion of that glory which is to be revealed, is 
 to b^ frequently contemplating on thefe fcriptures. 
 The councils and defigns of God, appear dark to 
 moft ; and to many of the carnal world, of little 
 confequence ; but what horror and furprife will 
 thofe feel who have, like the Jews, held him in 
 
 contempt; 
 
{ 323 ) 
 tofitempt. How will the vain and empty world look, 
 who have treated religion with a haughty difdain, 
 and the people of God with the higheft fcorn ? one 
 glance at the glorious head of the church, will 
 more than convince them of their dreadful folly. 
 How will thofe behold him who have been all their 
 life-time blafpheming his name ? 
 
 The Lord Jli all defc end from heaven zoitk a 
 /hout. The word fignifies fuch a (liout as mariners 
 •make upon any particular occafion ; their voices 
 unite : but in this fliout of joy, the redeemed fliall 
 unite in fuch a manner, as none of the fons of Adam 
 ever heard the like before. Millions of bodies newly 
 raifed and united to their fouls, will no doubt join 
 in this (hout of applaufe : thofe organs of the body 
 iiewly formed, fhall be raifed in perfedion. Every 
 voice w^ill be malical, and not one dumb child will 
 be found in that numberlefs aiTembly. 
 
 Let thofe who are opprelTed v/ith pain, or dif- 
 ficulties of any kind, confider this, that the time 
 haftens on when tranfports of joy will be then 
 •experienced by thoufands who have fown in tears : 
 thofe who have in this world wept in corners, 
 where no eye bfit Cod's were witnefs to the inex- 
 preffible grief of their hearts ; but now their tears 
 are aM for ever wiped away; now (hall the redeemed 
 return to Zion with fongs and everlafting joy upon 
 their heads. . Chriflians, your weeping feafons are 
 but for a moment, but your joy is eternal. 
 
 The voice of the archangel and the trump of 
 
 God. The angels, who have times without number 
 
 rejoiced ai the converfion of the' people of God, 
 
 X z 2 will 
 
. ( 3^4 ) 
 will not be mere fpe(flators ; thefe Ihall gather the 
 ele(5t from the four winds of heaven : though they 
 have long enjoyed the company of many of the 
 redeemed in heaven, yet this period fhall be to them 
 a moft joyful One : thefe have been from the days of 
 Adam learning of the church ; but now the book- 
 of God fliall be unfolded to them more than ever : 
 with pleafure will they behold Chrift glorified in^ 
 his faints and admired by all his redeemed ones. 
 
 When Chrifl fpeaks of the glory of his fecond 
 coming, he mentions the angels as coming along, 
 with him : there is fueh unanimity among them, 
 that their voices may be called the voice of one. We 
 cannot fuppofe that one iliould be heardy and all 
 the reft iilent : though we at prefent imderftand 
 little of the powers of angels, we fliall then know 
 all their powers and qualities. The name of angels- 
 would not have been mentioned, had there not been 
 Something in it to render the glory of that day the 
 more agreeable to the believer. As fociety in this 
 world gives great addition to joy, the company of 
 angels will afford animation and pleafure to all the 
 redeemed. 
 
 Trump of God. Here feems to be in this de- 
 fcription, fome allufion to the manner in which 
 judges enter towns, when they come with authority 
 from a government to execute their office -, the 
 character in which they come adds a dignity to their 
 perfon : but what is that empty fliow made by 
 dying mortals,, to his glory who will fill both earth 
 and heaven with reverence. None can take fuch 
 an office on himfelf, but he muft be properly autho- 
 rized. 
 
( 325 ) 
 ri^ed, Chrlft is as really authorized to judge as he 
 was to be the MefTiah. This is his perogative : 
 For the father judgeth no man, but hath committed 
 all judginent unto the Jon, John v. 22. The Jews 
 who would not believe, nor give the leaft credit to> 
 his authority on earth, muft now behold him, when 
 neither they, nor the darkefl: people upon earth, 
 will have the leafh fufpicion of his being the judge' 
 of the whole earth. 
 
 As there could not polTibly be any fufpicion of 
 his finifliing his \vork when on earth, fo there can 
 be no doubt entertained of his erring in the kail: 
 degree, when he paffes the final fentence on the 
 whole race of mankind. This has given comfort to 
 many a difconfolate foul : when thofe who who have 
 been dear to them have been cruelly judged, and 
 pondemned to death ; they have felt a pleafure in 
 this, that the unjufl fentence fhall be overruled for 
 good. How many of the near relatives of the mar- 
 tyrs, and perfecuted people of God, found relief in 
 this ? and how many at this day, who are witnefTeS 
 to the abufe and fuiferings of thofe who are dear to 
 them, and have no power to relieve, yet they per- 
 haps fee them die by the moft cruel treatment. Let 
 fuch coniider, at this time, when the Lord himfelf" 
 fhall defcend from heaven, there will be a glorious 
 deliverance for the people of God : indeed to whom 
 can we truft, either the cafes of our injured friends, 
 or our own fouls, but with fuch a judge ? What an 
 inexpreffible change v/ill thofe experience, who go 
 immediately from the iron hands of wicked and 
 
 cruel 
 
{ 325 ) 
 
 cruel men, and like Stephen are received into thi 
 loving embraces of a fympathizing Saviour. 
 
 Dead in Chriji^ Thofe are rtientioned in oppo^ 
 iition to fuch as die without intereft in, or union 
 with Chrifl. Blefftd, are the dead who die in the 
 Lord', on the contrary, thofe are eternally curfed> 
 who die in their fins -, the difference between thofe 
 who die in Chrift, and fuch as die enemies to him, 
 can never be defcribed by any on this fide the grave. 
 
 The dead in Clirift, are thofe who were given to 
 Chrift in the everlafling covenant ; John xvii. thine 
 they were and thou gaveji them me. The redeemed 
 are long known to Chrifl before they come to him ; 
 Nathaniel was no doubt in the purpofe of God from 
 eternity. If thefe before their calling were in the 
 defign of God faved, after they have been adually 
 called by grace, and lived in fellowiliip with him, 
 when they die, muft die in Chrift. 
 
 Thefe are fuch as are in him by a real implanta- 
 tion. Paul mentions fome who were in Chrift before 
 himfelf: thofe who were given before time, are 
 called according to the purpofe and grace of God. 
 I Cor. i. 30, Of him are ye in Chrijl Jefus, who 
 of God is made unto us wifdom, right eoufnefsy 
 fandification and redemption. It is one of the 
 higheft exertions of Jehovah's power to unite a foul 
 to Chrift : Eph. i. 19. And what is the exceeding 
 greatnefs of his power to us-ward who believe, 
 according to the xcorking of his mighty power. 
 Can thofe then who are thus united to Chrift, fall 
 from this union ? thefe ftiall never perifh, nor can 
 any pluck them out of the hands of the Lord Jefus. 
 
 Thofe 
 
( Z'^-l ) 
 
 Thofe who die in Chrill, are found cloathed in 
 his righteoufnefs , Phil. iii. And he found in hwu 
 not having mine oxon righteoufnefs, xchich is of the 
 law, but that which is through the faith of Chrijf, 
 the righteoufnefs which is of God by faith. 
 
 Thofe who die in the Lord aUb, walk in fellow- 
 fl:iip and communion with God ; walk ye in him, 
 fays the apoflle. In this path they increafe in the 
 knowledge of him who loved them and gave him- 
 felf for them : by this they are more and more con- 
 firmed that the change they have experienced is a 
 faving one ; by walking in the ways of God they 
 frequently are indulged with thofe genuine tokens 
 of divine love, which makes them appropriate 
 Chrill in the moil comfortable manner, and fay 
 without a doubt, he loved me and gave himfelf for 
 me. Thefe do not defne to be faved by the mere 
 profeffion of religion : the form of it will no more 
 content a renewed foul, than the fight of a well 
 fpread table would give fatisfadtion to a hungry 
 man : having tailed the fvveetnefs of religion, they 
 follow on to know the Lord experimentally. 
 
 They die in the Lord. Death, though it diffolve 
 the union between the foul and the body, makes 
 no change in the union between Chrifh and the 
 believer : all other unions among creatures are liable 
 to be difiblved, but it never was the defign of God 
 tliat this union iliould ever be broken ; it is as firm 
 as that union which lubfifts between the human and 
 divine nature of Chrill : death is to them as a door 
 which admits them into the full vifion of their 
 
 lord^ 
 
( 328 ) 
 lord: the moment they leave the body they ar« 
 prefent with the Lord. 
 
 The bodies of thofe xcho die in CJirift Jliall rife 
 fur ft. This is a pecidiar honor conferred on the 
 faints ; they are always mentioned as rifing firft ; 
 perhaps fuch mufl: be witnefles of the refurredion 
 of the wicked : many of thefe will behold the very 
 enemies who perfecuted them to death, raifed to be 
 doomed to hell : how will Paul look at Nero ? 
 Latimer, and others, at Gardiner, and bloody Bon- 
 ner ? how will the upright have the dominion in 
 that glorious morning ! 
 
 Here let us take notice how this fubjed tended 
 to anfwer the end which the apoftle defigned, i. e^ 
 to comfort difconfolate perfons. By this he meant 
 to encourage thofe who were tried by the death of 
 near relatives. If we believe that Jefus died, &c> 
 this is a truth which will not admit of the leaffc 
 "helitation. The doubts of the difciples could not 
 hinder the refurredlion of Chrift. The truth of 
 God depends not on the will of mortals ; therefore 
 as Chrifl both died, and rofe at the appointed time, 
 fo fure thofe we have loft fight of will rife again„ 
 Our parting by death is but taking leave for a 
 while. As we look on our friends when they are 
 afleep, and know that while that lleep lafts we can 
 have no converfe v^^ith them ; but we exped that by 
 and by they will awake, and then we Ihall converfe 
 together again : fo thofe over whom we have wept 
 fo bitterly will be raifed, if they died in Chrift, to 
 the inexpreflible joy of their fellow-travellers. 
 Thofe who have fweetly walked inthe way to Zion, 
 
 are 
 
( 329 ) 
 
 %re lure to meet and dwell together for ever : there- 
 fore thofe we have followed to their graves, we 
 have not taken a final firewell of: w^e lay their 
 bodies in a bed for a.feafon; but the important 
 momxnt will come, when that body which was put 
 into the dufl, with numberlefs tears, fliall rife to the 
 everlafti^ig joy of thofe, who, like Martha and Mary, 
 forrowed for their dear Lazarus. That which makes 
 parting at death feel fo gloomy is, that our friends 
 'are for ever gone : but the fcriptures, in a moft 
 wonderful manner, provides relief: one thought of 
 the certainty of our meeting again, revives the 
 drooping fpirits of the bereaved. And according 
 to the fcriptures, we have the fulleft affurance that 
 he who will raife their bodies in fuch glory, has 
 made the difembodied foul happy in its ftate of fe- 
 paration from the body. If we love them, and 
 iliall foon be in their company again, let us teftify 
 our love by being comforted in their deliverance 
 from a world of trouble, and their having arrived 
 in a world of glory. 
 
 Death, however gloomy, is the immediate gain 
 of the departed foul. Paul had fuch a view of this, 
 that he v/as alaioH: impatient to be out of the body^ 
 •while, lays he, vjc are cd home in the body, we 
 are abfent from the Lord: he faw there was a 
 meceiTity to pafs through the dark valley, in order 
 to enjoy the immediate vifion of Chrift. Though 
 human nature will feel, yet the Holy Ghoil leads 
 the believer frequently to the contemplation of that 
 happinefs the chriftian enters upon at death, that he 
 finds, though his forrow has been beyond all de- 
 Y y icription. 
 
{ 330 ) 
 fcription, yet this gives a fatisfadion which only a 
 true behever can form any idea of. Paul %s, to 
 he with the Lord is Jar inciter. Are thole we weep 
 for got into the company of Chrift himfelf ? we 
 may be aifured they cannot weep there. It is im- 
 poihble tliat thofe whofe company we feel fo much 
 for, can have the leaft grief at the lofs of our com- 
 pany. Chriflian, look wliere they are, and hang 
 not fo much over the grave ; and think, though the 
 hour of death was terrible to nature, that glorious 
 morning is fiare to arrive, when death (liall be 
 fwallowed up in vidtory. Thofe who have left us 
 behind, know, if we are the Lord's, we fliall alfo 
 foon be in their company again, and then death ihall 
 part us no moi-e. 
 
 See then from this fubjed, of what infinite im- 
 portance it is to die in Chrift. Death is but as a 
 fleep to the body of a true believer : the fouls of 
 fuch at death are admitted immediately into the 
 heavenly ftate. This is not only the imfpeakable 
 gain of thofe who deep In Jefus, but it affords a 
 relief to the bereaved that no language can exprefs. 
 
 Is it pofTible that thofe fliould be wife, who 
 never examine whether they are in Chrift or no ? 
 Have I any in this family who never fpend one 
 moment in a v/eek on fach an interelHng fubjedl as 
 this ^ We are together now, but fhall we be parted 
 eternally at death? fliall the living be torn with the 
 mofl awful apprehenlions that the fouls of thofe 
 departed are gone to a world of mifery ? Thoufands 
 of godly perfons, now alive, dare not give themfelves 
 fo much as leave to think one moment of thofe 
 
 they 
 
( 3]i ) 
 they have buried. Men cannot believe as they wiH, 
 but as things appear to them. If any of you fliould 
 die in an unconverted ftate, I fliould not only be 
 filled with diftrefs at the thought of your fouls 
 beine in hell, but feel a dread that I fliould fee 
 your bodies at the laft day raifed to damnation ; nay, 
 that I myfelf flipuld be one of thofe fwift v^itnefies 
 againfl you at the tremendous bar of Chrifl: : and 
 alfo, that the means I am no\y fo much concerned 
 that tbey fliould be eifedual for your falvation, 
 fliould, by your flight and negledt, increafe your 
 damnation. 
 
 Every eye Jliall fee him. Will you at that day 
 behold him v/ith pleafure ? or will you flirink at 
 the fight with horror ? Can I prevail with you tp 
 flep into fome retired place, and think on this im- 
 portant fubje(5l ? Thofe you may be fure can never 
 be laid to be preparing for that folemn feafon, who 
 never meditate on the coming of the Lord himfelf. 
 
 If you are loft, will not you be accufed of having 
 abufed many talents ? are all young perfons warned 
 in as faithful a manner as you ? are not you witnefs 
 to great numbers, whofe parents and niaflers help 
 them on to deftrudion ? If thofe are loft, they are 
 incapable of being tormented with the reflexions 
 which will follow you to eternity, if you are loft. 
 Could Chrift be miftaken when he faid, that thofe 
 xcho knew their master's will, and did it not, 
 fioiild be beaten with many stripes. 
 
 Shall your ears hear that fliout of joy which will 
 
 make the world itfelf echo from pole to pole j that 
 
 fli©ut of joy and vidory in which all the family of 
 
 Y v 2 heaven 
 
( 332 ) 
 
 heaven will unite, when the very found fliall £11 
 the wicked with horror. Armies frequently fliout, 
 and lofe the victory, but this will be a triumph 
 which no enemy can damp. 
 
 As great preparation's are made for mans falvation, 
 believe the word of God, there are tremendous 
 .preparations for the damnation of the wicked 5 and 
 this never 11 umbers. As God has devifed a method 
 how to make known the riches of his glory on 
 the velTels of mercy, he has alfo contrived how to 
 make known his anger, and mighty power, on veffels 
 of wrath fitted for everiafting deftrudion. The 
 enemies of God are not aware of this : the day of 
 the wrath of Almighty God, which fo many have 
 held in contempt, v/ill be far more tremendous 
 than the flood in the days of Noah— happy will 
 thofe be who fhall be found in Chrifc. 
 
 Are you never thunderflruck v/hen you hear 
 of young perfons dying in their fins ? have you loft 
 no companion by death ; who, if you fhould die 
 out of Chrift, you would dread the thought of 
 being their eternal companions? have you never 
 encouraged and helped fome on in the ways of fm, 
 who are now in mifery ? thefe think of you, though 
 you are not affected with their dreadful condition. 
 
 Is it not high time for you to confider your 
 ways ? but remember the gofpel does not only 
 declare indignation and wrath againft all who con- 
 tinue in rebellion, but holds forth the moft free and 
 univerfal pardon to all returning fmners ; and the 
 language of the Holy Ghoil; is, to-day if ye will 
 hear his voice. Do any of you feel aji inclination 
 
 to 
 
f 333 ) 
 to flee from the light ? where can you go to efcapo 
 the rays of the gofpel ? The all-feeing eyes of the 
 Lord himfelf will follow you into every corner. 
 
 Chrift is not now coming on his throne of judg- 
 ment to fink you to hell, but by the encouraging 
 voice of the gofpel of peace, to inform you that 
 there is a way in which finners, who deferve hell, 
 may yet wear crowns of glory. Can the world 
 hold forth fuch motives ? can you wifh for higher 
 advantages ? in this life you will have an hundred 
 fold, and in the world to come life eternal. 
 
 I fear no want of pleafure in heaven ; yet I am 
 fully perfuaded, if I leave you in fuch a frame of 
 mind that I can believe you are coming to be with 
 me for ever, this will not diminifli my pleafure 
 when I am arrived in the upper world. But if I 
 outlive any of you, and you die out of Cbrift, that 
 will be an overwhelming conlideration to me : I 
 can now fcarce bear to think on fuch a dreadful 
 fubje6l. 
 
 You who are godly In this family, let us drink 
 of the water of life, with which this text abounds. 
 Let us look with pleafure beyond the grave : though 
 we die, and part foon, yet we fliall meet to dwell 
 for ever together. We fhall not only be in the 
 company of all the heavenly nobles, Abraham, 
 Ifaac^ and Jacob, but the Lord himfelf. 
 
 Let us realize the truth contained in this text. 
 Though all the angels and faints will appear in their 
 glory, in what fplendour will the Son of God ap- 
 pear at his fecond coming ! it is he who will give 
 life to the whole affcmbly. Every eye fhall be 
 
 fixed 
 
( 334 ) 
 fixed on him : the joy which the difciples expc^ 
 rienced when he rofe from the dead, was nothing 
 to this. He comes not now hke a man of forrows : 
 the bridegroom does not mourn when the long ex- 
 pelled time arrives for him to take home his bride. 
 This is the marriage period, and the bridegroom 
 himfelf hath made his bride ready. Is not this a 
 mofl pleafmg fubjecfl to our fellow travellers, over 
 whofe graves we have wept ! 
 
 How much fhould we be looking at thefe glo- 
 rious things ! thefe fubjedls even give life and ani- 
 mation to heaven itfelf ! this is part of that joy 
 which was fet before Chrift himfelf: he for the 
 joy that was fet before him, endured the crofs and 
 defpifed the fliame. 
 
 Should God call me away by death, if you be- 
 lieve in your hearts thefe glorious truths, you will 
 be comforted both at my grave, and to the end of 
 your journey : many a time will you realize the 
 glory of that day, and think, though death caufed 
 us to part, in tears, in this world, no angel can de- 
 fcribe the rapturous joy of that meeting which we 
 fhall experience by and by ! Well might the apoHle 
 fay. Let us comfort one another with thefe words. 
 The more I confider the glory that is to be revealed, 
 the more I am defirous that not one of you may be 
 difappointed and mifs the happinefs of that day ; for 
 it muft be a day of horror and defpair to all thofe 
 who are not in Chrift. — May God of his infinite 
 mercy grant, that all in this family, may be fuch as 
 love the appearing of the Lord himfelf. Amen. 
 
 EN-D OF THE FIFTEENTH EXERCISE. 
 
FAMILY EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 g)tj:teenti) Cjcercise. 
 
 CHRIST'S INTERCESSION. 
 
 Father, I xoill that they alfo lohom thou hafl given 
 me, be loiih me where I am ; that they may be- 
 hold my glory xchich thou hafi given me. 
 
 John xvii. 24. 
 
 /x.S men's hearts are made known to one another 
 by words and actions, may we not truly fay, in 
 thefe words we read the very heart of Chrift : for 
 that muft be love indeed which manifefts itfelf in 
 times of imminent danger and difficulty. Conlider 
 the important moment in which this prayer was 
 put up : if ever there was a time in which Chrift's 
 thoughts mJght have been wholly taken up with 
 his own perfonal concerns, it was this : and behold 
 the fpirit and contents of this prayer ! and fee if 
 every word does not prove how near the concerns of 
 his people were to his heart ! Pie feems to lofc 
 fight of thofe tremendous fuiferings, which he was 
 jull about to undergo. 
 
 Many poftpone praying at times, bccaufe they 
 have feme urgent bufmefs which calls for their 
 attention ; but though Judas was now fo near, that 
 he had but juil time to put up this prayer, the laft 
 
 thing 
 
ihirig he was engaged in before he was takeii pu- 
 foner, was praying fervently for all his redeemed 
 ones. 
 
 Prayer is but a hypocritical fervice, when we 
 have not fomething for v;hich we can petition with 
 fervency- but the time, as well as the matter of 
 thefe petitions^ proves that the heart of Chrill: was 
 peculiarly engaged in this prayer : this was no 
 formal and indifferent devotion. His heavenly 
 Father^ who knew that he loved his people (o as to 
 give his life for them, faw, and was highly pleafed 
 with the love manifefted in this folernn prayer. If 
 his dying was plealing to God, this prayer could not 
 be unacceptable. 
 
 If the requefts of godly men have been attended 
 to, and gracious anfwers given, can we fuppofe 
 that a prayer put up by the Son of Godj and at 
 fuch a particular feafon as this was, could mifs of 
 being heard and accepted ? and what mercies can 
 thofe want, for whom thefe petitions are heard ? 
 Chrill: has been witnefs how pundlually they have 
 ibeen fulfilled in every age : as he faw the danger to 
 which Peter would be expofed, and prayed that his 
 faith {hould not fail, fo he has petitioned, that all 
 his redeemed may be preferved, fancftifiedj and be 
 eternally with him, beholding his glory. 
 
 Can we have the leail: doubt of his interceding 
 for thofe people on whofe account he was about to 
 die, and for whom he could at this time fo fervently 
 pray ? Had we more knowledge of Chrill:, were we 
 more frequently looking at his heart through the 
 glafs of the word, we fliould have more thoughts 
 
 about 
 
( 337 ) 
 Ciliout his interceffion in the heavenly world* This 
 prayer was no doubt intended to be on the file 
 before God> the whole of the time of Chrifl's 
 prieilly office in heaven ; and it would not be for 
 his glory to have a heart indifferent to thofe perfons 
 for whom he could with fo much love give himfelf 
 to fuch a death for them. What encouragement 
 miift it be to thofe who can believe themfelves to 
 be interefted in this prayer j of which w'e may truly 
 fay, not one word of it fliall fall to the ground : 
 and efpecially when we believe his prefent inter- 
 ceffion will not be wanting, for the conflant be- 
 ftowing of thofe mercies he here petitioned for. 
 
 Thofe who fee into the intent and defign of 
 this prayer, -ought not to hefitate one mom.ent about 
 their intereft in it '; for it is evident, that God has 
 bleffed fuch with eyes to fee : no natural man can 
 kdmire the contents of this chapter. 
 
 Let us fix our attention on the perfon here pray- 
 ing. It is a knowledge of the glory of his perfon 
 that will makre this prayer appear both wonderful 
 iind efficacious ; the praying perfon is he who before 
 his incarnation was with the church in the wilder- 
 nefs : the very identical perfon before whofe pre- 
 fence the knee of every individual Ifraelite trembled, 
 when he fpake on Mount Sinai : it was he who 
 appeared to the feventy on the Mount, along with 
 Mofes and Aaron, and admitted them to eat and 
 drink in his prefence, Ex. xxiv. ii. Thofe who then 
 faw God and were true believers in the incarnation, 
 mufl have had their minds greatly enlarged by fuch 
 a vifion; they mull; fee this do(5trine in a far fu- 
 Z z perior 
 
( 338 ) 
 perlor light Co many others : to lee that he who 
 was in the form of God, and thought it not robbery 
 to be equal with Gody woul4/take human nature 
 and dwell for ever with his- people : the infinite 
 glory of his perfon mufl fill th^m with the higheft 
 ideas of his love. Thefe could not only be fuUy per- 
 fuaded of his being able to redeem his church com-- 
 petely, but they mufl have afioniihjng ideas of the 
 happinefe of thofe,- who fliouM fpend an eternity 
 with fuch an ®ne. If love is fuch zn ingredient ih 
 human happinefs^ what is heaven !' 
 
 It was no other than he who appeared to Jofhua 
 on the banks of Jordan: who faid to Jofliua, loofe 
 thy JJioes from off thy feet,, for the place i^hereon 
 thouflandef is holy. John declares that the very 
 perfon who appeared to Ifaiah, ch.. vi. i. was no 
 other than he who was in the fulnefe of time incar- 
 nate : John xii. 41'. Thus faid Ifa,iak zv/icn kefaw 
 his glory and f puke of him. Thofe who pay atten- 
 tion to thefe vifionsj will fee how wonderful his- 
 glory was vailed when here on earth. 
 
 It was he, concerning whom the voice came on. 
 Mount Tabor^ iiiying, this^ is my beloved Son, hear 
 ye Mm. No angel or archangel could call him fon, 
 though he appeared in fuch glory^ Mofes and Elias 
 were converfmg about his fiifFerings. To confider 
 fueh' s perfon praying, and at a time when he was 
 about to do and fuffcr that, for which he was fo 
 highly pk'afing to his^ father, adds life and power 
 to this- prayer. 
 
 Anions done have frequently a value put upon 
 according ta the importance of him who does them.- 
 
 It 
 
( 339 ) 
 It was the perfon of Chrift which put a royal 
 ftamp upon all that he did : it is the image of the 
 king upon the gold, which puts a value upon the 
 coin, without which, it would not be fo much 
 -efteemed. 
 
 Let us now attempt to look by the light of divine 
 revelation at him to whom this petition was offered. 
 If this prayer was uttered by a mere human being, 
 it cannot be of much advantage to us ; but if put 
 up by him who is God in our nature, it not only 
 proves its efficacy, but that he prayed to a 
 divine perfon, who had crdained that the perfon 
 fhould be what he is — God and man; and alfo that 
 he fliould put up fuch petitions as thefe. To fee 
 how acceptable this prayer was to the Father, gives 
 a believer great light into the gofpel : it in 
 a particular manner enlarges his underflanding in 
 that office which Chriil now fills in the heavenly 
 world. As Chrifl's fuffering by the determinate 
 counfel, and foreknowledge of God, manifefts 
 the love of him who fpared not his only begotten 
 Son : fo Chrifl's offering this prayer, alfo leads the 
 chriftian's mind into the knowledge of the love of 
 him, who, both ordained that this prayerj/hould be 
 put up for the objedls of his love, and afterwards 
 give him up to die for them. 
 
 No dodrine is more clearly revealed than that of 
 the trinity. Here is one, who is both God and man, 
 praying to a divine perfon, to whom thefe petitions 
 are acceptable. 
 
 In order to have a fcriptural belief of the Father, 
 
 we muft guard againft thofe wretched ideas, which 
 
 Z z 2 we 
 
( 340 > 
 we have imbibed from hearfay ; for many fpeak of 
 the Father as one full of wrath, hard to be recon- 
 ciled, &c. but the fcriptures hold him forth as 
 both planning and delighting in the method of fal- 
 vation. Chrift, who could with propriety fay; I 
 have manifested thy name to the men thou hast 
 given me out of the world ; might alfo fay of th,e 
 Father, J know him, I am from him, in a manner 
 which no other could ; and by his fufferings, more 
 of the Father is difcerned than could have bee^ 
 feen in the creation of millions of worlds. 
 
 We gain no fmall information from thofe places 
 in the old teftament, where the pleafure of the 
 Father is fo particularly expreifed. Ifa. xlii. i. 
 Mine eleB, in whom my foul delighteth, &c. This 
 context proves to a demonftration, that the falvation 
 of the redeemed is the high pleafure of the Father. 
 Chrift fays. My Father loveth me, becaufe I lay 
 down my life for my fieep. 
 
 Let us juft glance at the fubjed; matter of this 
 chapter. There are expreffions in this prayer, which 
 we mufl not copy after : thefe C|irift might make 
 ufe of with the greatefl propriety. He pleads, / 
 have glorified thee on earth: he performed the 
 whole of what he engaged in, and by this, greater 
 glory was given to God, than by the obedience of 
 all who had ever been employed in the fervice of 
 God. Mere creatures cannot do any good thing 
 without divine affiftance. Chrift's obedience was 
 in a peculiar manner his own. If we do any 
 thing good, it is but like taking from a man's own 
 treafure to give him again : but Chrilt had of hi? 
 
 own 
 
( 341 ) 
 . own to bellow ; the glory therefore which he gave 
 to God, was that which no mere creature could 
 or ever had given. 
 
 He fays. Fat her, I will, &c. No mere created 
 being can fpeak in this ftrain -, but he, who is the 
 Father's fellow, and from everlafting, thought it 
 riot robbery to be equal with God — had a full 
 right to fpeak as a fovereign. His engaging in 
 the bufinefs of man's falvation was of his own will, 
 Pf. xl. / delight to do thy will ; and now having 
 finiflied, he fpeaks as a fovereign. He alfo had 
 fuch a difcerning of the v/ill of his heavenly Father 
 as no other could pretend to ; and perfedly knew it 
 was his Father's pleafure that he fhould have his 
 will. 
 
 In this prayer he includes the prefervation and 
 fandification of his people. He petitions that they 
 may be kept from the evil which is in the world, 
 and be fan6liiied through the truth : thefe when 
 confidered, are great mercies to the redeemed. 
 What would we give, that thofe whom we love 
 fliould be thus preferved and kept. 
 
 He prays that they may enjoy that union which 
 himfelf had with the Father, as their headj and 
 that they might be with him, and behold his glory ^ 
 thefe were no fmall things for which the Saviour 
 prayed. All this teftifies the highefl love and affec- 
 tion for thofe whom he prays for. We never dellre 
 thofe to be with us, and dwell with us, whom we 
 hate. ^ It would make us think more of heaven, 
 and more frequently look over the grave, if we had 
 more dillind ideas of this. To believe that the 
 
 Lord 
 
( 342 ) 
 JL/Ord of heaven hiqifelf has a pleafure in the pro- 
 fpe<fl of our being eternally with him, and that he 
 has long had this part of his joy before him, (hould 
 not this make us look on heaven as our home ? 
 
 This prayer was particularly put up for thofe 
 the Father had given to him. Many who read this, 
 are immediately filled with jealoufy, and think this 
 too high a favor for them to expe<^ ; but fuch 
 fhould remember, neither John, nor Paul, nor any 
 who have been eminent in the church, were in the 
 leaft better than themfelves by nature ; therefore, 
 the favors beftowed on thofe, did not originate in 
 their own goodnefs : had this been the cafe, it 
 would have fpoiled the glory of free grace. Nothing 
 is more common than for real chriftians to injure 
 themfelves by this legal fpirit : they are fenfible a 
 change has taken place, and that Chrift is now no 
 root out of a dry ground to them ; yet they are 
 jealous, becaufe they feel themfelves fo unworthy 
 of fuch a great mercy ; as if thofe great things 
 were ever given on account of defert in men. Let 
 fuch underftand, that they would never have wished 
 to be partakers of fuch mercies, if they themfelves 
 had not been firft given to Chrift. 
 
 The very idea of being given by the Father, 
 conveys fomething very folemn. No mail, fays 
 Chrift, call come unto me, except it were given 
 unto him of my Father. Let fuch as are ftaggcrcd 
 with the expreffion, confider, that it would appear 
 ftrange for Chrift to make ufe of thofe words fo 
 frequently, if they did not contain fome important 
 truth. In John vi, 37. All that the Father giveth 
 
 me. 
 
( 343 ) 
 
 Hie, JJiall come to vie. It is to be lamented, that 
 thofe thus given to Chrifb, (hould be the perfons 
 who are generally for a feafon the moft harraiTed 
 with the dodrine : this can be no other than what 
 theapolHe Paul intends, Eph. i. 3. Who has blejfed 
 us in hiiUi before the foundation of the worlds 
 Who can defcribe the greatnefs of fueh a mercy ? 
 and fliall thofe who lliare of fuch a diftinguifliing 
 favor, either overlook or oppofe God's method of 
 !)eftowing his infinite favors ? Muft I refufe paying 
 any attention to the gofpel, becaufe God does not 
 favor every nation under heaven equally with it? 
 Muft a man who has a well fpread table, not tafte 
 his provifions, becaufe every individual is not alike 
 favoured ? or fliall any of the fallen race of Adam, 
 rejedt the whole plan of falvatlon, becaufe God has 
 made no provifion for the falvation of the fallen 
 angels ? If God has favoured us with the joyful 
 found of the gofpel, and given us a heart to em- 
 brace It, let us adore him for his diftinguifhing 
 kindnefs, and beware how we prefume to di(51:ate to 
 him. Matters of fa(St are ftubborn things : nothing 
 is more evident than that God will have mercy on 
 whom he will have mercy ; and it is as evident we 
 will never accept of his falvation, until he draw us 
 with his loving kindnefs. 
 
 2. Tim. i. 9. Who hath faved us, and called us 
 with a holy calling, not according to our -works, 
 but according to his own purpofe and grace, which 
 was given in Chrifl, before the xvorld began. Shall 
 we who were not only ignorant af the gofpel, but 
 enemies to it^ afcribe our acceptance of it to our 
 
 pliablenefs,. 
 
( 344 ) 
 pliablenefs, when we have fuch politive proof, that 
 of uiiwiUing he made us wiUing. To have art 
 experimental underftanding of the gofpel, is evidently 
 a gift of God ; this can never be afcribed to great 
 natural abilities. Moft who are eminent for wordly 
 wifdom, are ignorant of the gofpel — not many wife 
 men after the flefh are called. To have a hbart to 
 delight in the prefent comforts of the gofpel, is a 
 gift: / zoill give them one heart and one way, Jer. 
 xxxii. 39 i Men who are made partakers of this 
 gift, differ from the world ; they polTefs a onenefs 
 of heart with all who have feared God in every 
 age. 
 
 If all fuch could be pofltively perfuaded that 
 they are born of God, who find that thofe are their 
 mod comfortable feafons, in which they have reafon 
 to fay, their hearts are enlarged to run in the ways of 
 God's command; many timorous foUls would have 
 their hands lifted up, who now hang them down. 
 
 What is it to be with Ghrifl ? It is the nature 
 of love to defire the object near. God would 
 never have faid to Jacob, / am with thee in alt 
 places, had he not been a beloved objedl : Jacob 
 have I loved, fays God. It is not therefore merely 
 a being with Chrifl, but profeffing the love of fuch 
 a glorious perfon. To be loved by fuperiors is very 
 agreeable to our natures ; the affed:ion of equals 
 never makes that impreflion on us, which we expe-^ 
 rience by the love of thofe who are in eminent 
 ftations. Should a king fet his heart on a fubjecft, 
 how much more impreflion would this make upon a 
 man, than that fome one as much inferior to him* 
 
 felf 
 
( 345 ) 
 
 felf {liould profefs an efleem for him ; but that dif- 
 ference which fublifts between the loftiefl monarch 
 and the meanefi: flave, is nothing to that which is 
 between the creature and Creator. What was the 
 efleem which Nebuchadnezzar had for Daniel, to 
 that which God had for him ? One token of the 
 love of God outbalances the lofs of the fmiles of 
 all the creatures in the world. No wonder that 
 Mofes fliould efleem the favour of God beyond that 
 of Pharoah : how much more honourable to be on 
 the mount with God, than in the court of the 
 king of Egypt ? Chrifl puts a high honour on his 
 people, in defiring to be eternally with them : he is 
 willing to turn his back on the rich and the great, 
 to dwell with his people who are of a poor and 
 contrite fpirit. 
 
 That Chrifl had this in view as part of that joy 
 which was fet before him, is evident. That he 
 views his people in the whole of their journey 
 towards heaven as coming to him. He fees the 
 way and manner of their being v/ith him, lonp- 
 before they themfelves underfland it. 
 
 Where I am. Heaven is a place, not a mere 
 wandering in boundlefs fpace. As Paradife v/as a 
 fituation we fuppofe more richly adorned with the 
 fovereign hand of God than any other, fo heaven is 
 a place as much fuperior to that of Paradife, as 
 the perfon of Chrifl is more glorious than Adam in 
 his perfect flate. We cannot imagine, that he who 
 has been (fpeaking after the manner of men) at a 
 million times more expence in the falvation of his 
 people, than in the creation of the w^hole fyflem of 
 A a a nature 
 
( 348 ) 
 
 avcrfion to be confined in any place, yet Where J axrk 
 does not intend that chriflians,like him who is their 
 head, can be every where ; where is not every where; 
 therefore there is a place referved, a reft prepared^, 
 for all the numerous family of heaven, in which 
 they will all be with Chrift, and he with them for 
 ever. 
 
 Chrift feems to intimate, that the beholding of 
 his glory will be one of the principal things in 
 heaven that will delight the believer. This is not 
 that glory, which as God he has ecjual with the 
 Father, but that which he perfonally enjoys as the 
 head of his church. The glory -which thou gavejl 
 me, John xvii. There is fomething peculiarly plea- 
 fing that Chrift fhould efteem the ftation he holds 
 as head of the church, his honour and glory. 
 
 It appears by thofe words, xoiih me, -where I am, 
 thai they may behold my glory, that no mortal under 
 the heavens evisr yet faw this glory ; and that there 
 is a neceffity of a heaven-born foul being in that very 
 place in order to behold it. The chief and principal 
 things in heaven, are prepared for the enjoyment of 
 the fons of God, fo that if a God can make them 
 happy, they are fure to be made fo : for that which 
 they muft behold, is the refult of all the ways and 
 council^ of Jehovah. It will be a beholding of that, 
 which an infinite Jehoyah has ordained for his own 
 glory : not merely a beholding, as a man who is 
 Ihown a nobleman's feat, but a pofleflion of the whole. 
 Come ye blejfed of viy father, inherit the kingdom 
 prepared for you. 
 
 Can any in this family prefer a place among the 
 
 flaves 
 
( 349 ) 
 flavesof lin, to a habitation with the fons of God in 
 this glorious manfion ? Could Demas gain any thing 
 by turning his back on the tranlparent golden flreet? 
 in the new Jerusalem, for the fordid metal which 
 this earth produces ? or can any of you, like Efau, for 
 one poor morfel of the pleafures of this world, neg- 
 led this great falyation ? 
 
 Can any read this part of the word of God, and 
 fee the agony, and behold the Son of God manifed 
 all this love for his people ? and be no more moved 
 with it than Judas was, when he found him in this 
 heavenly frame, and betrayed him into the hands of 
 his inveterate foes ? Can thofe expert admittance 
 into heaven, who never read or think one moment 
 of what he did on earth ? 
 
 What millions for whom this prayer was put up, 
 are now beholding the glory of Chrift ! Chrifl 
 mull have his utmoft wilh ; nothing can, or fhall, 
 deprive him of his pleafure : He /hall fee of the 
 travel of his foul and be fatisfied. Can any here 
 grudge the Son of God having a full anfwer to thi$ 
 prayer ? 
 
 How encouraging to the believing foul, to con- 
 fider that he who thus abounded in love to his 
 people when below, has a heart as warm as ever in 
 heaven for the interefl of his dear people : and that 
 this prayer is of equal force and efficacy this mo- 
 ment, as when coming from the heart of Chrift. 
 Had any of us feen and heard him utter this prayer, 
 we fliould have retained the impreffion it would 
 have made on our hearts to our dying day. 
 
 The confideration of the execution of the plan of 
 
 falvation. 
 
( 352 ) 
 
 words ? If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, 
 and cafi it from thee ; for it is profitable for thee 
 that one of thy members fiould per if i, and not that 
 thy zchole body be caf into hell. The fame is faid 
 of the right eye. Do not thefe words make it evi- 
 dent, that all men ought to keep perpetually before 
 them both heaven and hell. Thofe very perfons 
 who would entice you to make light of eternal tor- 
 ments, are the greatefl enemies you can meet with : 
 thofe who would enfnare and entangle your foul, 
 are the worft of foes. Can you wifli to be with 
 fuch enemies of God to eternity, and take an eter- 
 nal leave of thofe who love you ? You cannot 
 imagine that any can be fo concerned for you as 
 your parents j and therefore do not imagine that it 
 is my wi£h to make you unhappy : I am concerned 
 for your comfort in both worlds. I wifli to pro- 
 pofe to you a few queflions. 
 
 Whether was the fituation of the apoflle Paul in 
 chains, or Nero on his throne, to be more e deemed 
 or preferred ? Their fituations in this world were 
 foon over. Nero plunged into all the follies of the 
 world ', the Apoftle lived both under the di(flates of 
 religion and redified reafon : the one fowed to the 
 flefh, the other to the fpirit. Can you form any 
 idea how different the harveft of thefe two will be ? 
 Ahab fold himfelf unto wickednefs, and died under 
 the frowns of God j but Elijah the fervant of God, 
 was taken to heaven without death. 
 
 Can you fuppofe, that religious men enjoy lefs 
 happinefs than thofe who defpife and make a mock 
 of the ways of God ? They frequently boaft as if 
 
 they 
 
( 35i ) 
 
 they did, but can you believe all they {c\y ? do you 
 not experience that there are not any, even of the 
 moll abandoned who can wholly filence the clamours 
 of their own confcience ? What great pains fome 
 have taken to do this, but all their attempts have 
 been vain i there U no peace fdith my God to the 
 Tjicked. Frequently fuch are followed with the 
 horrors of a bad confcience, and the very name of 
 God is a terror to them. 
 
 You have me now to advife and admonifli you, as 
 one who who would do any thing in my power for 
 your comfort : by and by, it may be, I fliall be in 
 my grave: would you wiih me there? if not, break 
 not my heart by your condudt : if you do, you will 
 never once more hear the found of my tongue. 
 Should this be the cafe, muft you and I never meet 
 again ? Do the wicked live for ever ? Remember, 
 that if you promife yourfelves ever fo much pleafure 
 in the ways of fm : the period haftens on in which 
 wt: fhall meet again : then it will be known whofe 
 advice you have followed ; whether that of vour 
 wicked companions, or thofe affed;ionate exhorta- 
 tions a godly parent has in the greateft love given 
 you. If you caft all my words behind your back, 
 and alio the word of God, can you bear the thought 
 of feeing me at the judgment dav. Nay, will- not 
 you hear a voice louder than thunder from rhy grave 
 every day of your life. Surely, you cannot have 
 one reflection about me, but my words will found 
 in your ears 5 and you mull think at times, there is 
 the tongue, there lies the man, that prayed for and 
 admoniilied me. If I die and leave any of you in 
 B b b ' the 
 
( 354 ) 
 
 the broad way that leads to deflru6lion, it is my 
 hope that God will make fome of thefe inftrudions 
 effediual, when my body lies in the grave : can you 
 blame me, when you have the ftrongeil: proof I can 
 give you, that it Is my affediion for you is the caufe 
 of every warning that drops from my lips. I know 
 if you choofe for your companions, thofe who love 
 net Chrift, there is little reafon to conclude you 
 will be with him to all eternity. It will be 
 awful beyond all defcription for you to be found 
 among the enemies of the Son of God, when all 
 are appearing at the judgment feat of Chrift. 
 
 Think not by attempting to make light of thcfe 
 thingf, that it will be poffible for you always to treat 
 thefe admonitions with contempt. Bellliazzer made 
 light of God, and his v/ays ; but the hand- writing 
 againft the wall, put a ftop to his mirth. The 
 fmner's day is a ihort day. Felix the governor did 
 not live long, after he trembled with Paul's reafo- 
 ninpj and to all appearance his tremor before Paul, 
 was nothing to that dread and horror he mufl feel 
 when he beholds the Son of Man come on his great 
 white throne to judge and condemn the wicked. 
 There will be no fleeing from confcience at that 
 awful period. Let not the artful enemy of fouls 
 perfaade you that your end will not be dreadful ; 
 that ycu fm no more than others, and if you go to 
 hell, the moft of your companions will go there 
 to : Do:s not Chrift fay, as it was in the days of 
 Noah, Jo Jhall it be when the Son of man cometh. 
 Would company caufe men to drown the more 
 eafy ? or would thofe feel lefs pain in the fire of 
 
 Sodom 
 
( 355 ) 
 Sodorn becaufe fuch numbers were' burning ? It 
 may be you da not love for any to be honefl with 
 you. Is a dodor that man's friend, who, when he 
 perceives the wound to be mortal, keeps attempting 
 to perfuade the patient that there is not the leaft 
 danger. 
 
 Delufions give the word kind of eafe. Are there 
 no tongues already in the filent grave, whofe admo- 
 nitions you cannot wholly lofe light of? can you 
 bury all affection, and entirely and ungratefully 
 forget the pains, coft, and care, fuch were at on 
 your account ? how many hours have their hearts 
 bled for you ? your welfare they felt for ; and do 
 you bear them no refped: ? 
 
 You who attend to the things of God, yet have 
 not met with that comfort which you wifh, remem- 
 ber he who put up the text as a petition to heaven, 
 faid, 7nen ought always to pray, and not to Jaint, 
 It is a peculiar part of his mediatorial glory, that 
 jione of thofe who come unto him fhall.be call: 
 out. 
 
 Let us attempt to look, by the help of this text, 
 into heaven. What is that glory thofe are behold- 
 ing, who are now in the immediate prefence of the 
 Lord Jefus ? There is a greater difference between 
 faith and fight, than the heart of man can imao-inc. 
 It is he who prayed thefe words, who is himfelf 
 leading on his own children towards their heavenly 
 homes : he obferves every flep they take ; his will 
 towards them never changes : he beholds them with 
 pleafure approaching nearer and nearer their jour- 
 nies end. With what love fliall thofe be received 
 
 into 
 
( 356 ) 
 
 into the heavenly marifions, which have been fb lorig 
 teferved for them. Ye heavenly travellers, do no^ 
 wonder if the way fliould be up the hill and roughs 
 Chrift himf^lf had an awful path to walk in when 
 he prayed thefe petitions j but he kept his eye 
 upon the joy that was fet before him : be frequently 
 realizing thofe truths, which are fo clearly revealed. 
 You do not fee Chrifl with your bodily eyes, but 
 are you not as fully perfuaded, that Chrifl was once 
 praying thofe words, as if you had feen him wheii 
 on earth ? believe he is this momentj that JefuS 
 who is even now inviting his children to look up^ 
 and as alTuredly intercedes in the heavenly world 
 for them, as he ever was thus employed in prayer 
 below. 
 
 What a light Vv^ill that be, to behold him when 
 he has the whole wifli of his heart ! When all and 
 every one of thofe for whoni he prayed, fliall be 
 coming with him in the clouds ! what joy will 
 ev^ry redeemed foul feel, when Chrifl: fhall fayj 
 before an aflembled world, covie ye hlejj'ed of my 
 Father, &c. It is beyond the utmofl flretch of 
 our thoughts to form any idea of that univerfal joy, 
 the whole body of the faved will feel, as they enter 
 that place where they dwell for ever with a covenant 
 Jehovah— May God grant that none here at that 
 folemn period, may be going into hell with millions, 
 whofe horror and defpair no man can defcribe. 
 
 END OF THE SIXTEENTH EXEJiCiSS* 
 
FAMILY EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 g^ebenteentl) €xtxtm. 
 
 GLORIFICATION. 
 
 Then JJiall the righteous JJiine forth as the fun 
 ■in the kingdovi of their Father. 
 
 Matt. xlii. 
 
 43' 
 
 xT is not to be wondered at, that Chrlft fhould 
 be looking lb frequently to that glorious period, 
 when all thofe w^ho are dear to him ihall be com- 
 pleatly delivered from all their inveterate foes. For 
 this he carried the crofs on his back, and voluntarily 
 gave himfelf up as a lamb to the ilaughter : for 
 this he is even now continuing in office in the world 
 above ', and for this grand end, all the wheels of 
 providence, and of grace, are now in motion. How 
 do parents, who are poffeiled of fl:rong affedlions for 
 tJieir children, if they have before them any period 
 in which they have fome reafon to hope they fhall 
 fee them in a more comfortable fituation, look to- 
 ward that wifhed for moment ! every complaint 
 they hear fills them with the moft ardent defires^ 
 and caufes them once more to count over the tedious 
 intervening fpace. Thus it is with regard to thofe 
 who have children in captivity; when they hear of 
 a cartel or raufom to be paid, all the particulars of 
 C c c fuch 
 
{ 358 ) 
 
 fuch an agreement engages their attention, and in an 
 efpecial manner the time when fuch a deliverance 
 fhall take place. Suppofe that a family, plunged 
 into extreme poverty, Ihould have the profpeft of a 
 large eftate coming to them in fuch a year ; could 
 they be prevented anticipating fuch a defirable prof- 
 pe(5l ? and the greater the hardiliips were to which 
 they were expofed, the more would their thoughts 
 run towards this period. Chrifl: has a perfect idea 
 of the fituation of his whole family, and alfo what 
 each will be when in the full pofleffion of all that 
 was given them in the everlafling covenant. 
 
 Of all the changes upon which we can turn our 
 thoughts, none can be compared with this — ^that 
 creatures, who were once like the fow wallowing in 
 the mire, and under the influence of fuch paffions 
 as would tend to make them greater enemies to 
 God, and more and more unfit for his fervice, and 
 would never have fo much as looked towards God's 
 method of falvation ; that thefe children of wrath 
 fhould be compleatly fitted for fuch a ftation in 
 glory ! It is beyond the utmojfl: ftretch of the mofl 
 lively imagination to form any adequate idea of fuch 
 a change ! If chriflians were not fo much carried 
 away with this prefent evil world, they would be 
 peculiarly attentive to fuch a fubje(51: as this, and 
 they v/ould not be fo much cafl down with thofc 
 momentary difficulties which now diflrefs them : 
 for as the fun ecllpfes all inferior lights, fo fuch an 
 eternal weight of glory would by far out-balance 
 all lefs confiderations. What can be a more enliven- 
 ing fubied to captives, greatly abufed, than to hear 
 
 of 
 
( 559 ) 
 
 of fomethlng more than a deliverance; not merely 
 an emancipation from Ilavery, but an advancement 
 to the higheft pitch of honor ? This would not 
 only banifli defpair from their once heavy hearts, 
 but create in them an ecftafy of happinefs. Their 
 converfation on this fubje(5t would bring life and 
 fpirit into a prifon. 
 
 Who is fo fit to fpeak on this fubjed as Chrift 
 himfelf? He, as a wife buildc°.r, has the whole 
 flrudlure of the fpiritual building before his eyes 
 perpetually. Indeed, no created being could fee it 
 in the manner Chrift did. It is but a fmall part 
 that we can fee, and that through a glafs darkly. 
 We liflen with the greatefl attention, when we are 
 aifured that our informer is both a perfon pofleffed 
 of integrity and confummate wifdom ; the leafl: fuf- 
 picion of thefe, would wholly fpoil fuch a pleafure : 
 but this fatisfadlion we enjoy in Chrift to the utmoft 
 of our wifh. He can behold the moft: diftant things 
 as prefent, and nothing can difappoint his expedta^ 
 tion. 
 
 This is a very interefting fubjedt to the chriftian. 
 As thofe who venture their all in trade, love to 
 have the very beft information concerning the per- 
 fons whom they credit to fo high a degree, fo the 
 chfiftian may with pleafure venture his all upon 
 the word of the Lord Jefus. If curiofity be lawful 
 in any thing, it is in this ; and this fubjecft would 
 not have been fo much fpoken of in fcripture, if it 
 had not been agreeable to God that the chriftian 
 iliould pry into it. Therefore, the moft heavenly- 
 minded men are the perfons to whom this fubjedl 
 C c c 2 is 
 
( 36q ) 
 
 is mofl familiar. As it is common for us to have 
 more thoughts about the houfe and place where we 
 think to dwell all our lives, than the room of an 
 inn, in which we lodge only one night : fo it is 
 evident, that in fpiritual things we ad very irra- 
 tionally v^'hen we negle(fl a fubjed: in which we are 
 fo everlaftingly interefted. What thoufands of 
 thoughts have we frequently about that which cark 
 only concern us a moment, for one about that in 
 which we are eternally interelled ? 
 
 In this text, the place of heaven is not fo much 
 intended as the fitnefs of the perfon for fuch a 
 glorious habitation. Some fcriptures fpeak of the 
 glory of the place; but it is more engaging to hear 
 of that glory which is defigned for our perfons, 
 and the glory which God has ordained for both foul 
 and body. As the place of heaven will be glorious 
 beyond all human comprehenfion, fo the family of 
 heaven will not difgrace that wonderful manfion : 
 as the grandeft palace would have been honored by 
 fuch an inhabitant as Chrift, fo the perfons of chrif- 
 tians are of infinitely greater value than any thing 
 merely created ; therefore heaven itfelf will be ho- 
 nored by fuch a company. 
 
 How much fuperior is that glory which the 
 chriftian has in his eye, to thofe empty titles and 
 honors which are but as the flowers of the field, 
 but which fo powerfully carry away the hearts of 
 men like flraws down the current : the far more 
 exceeding and eternal weight of glory is not dif- 
 cerned by the wifdom of this world. As the run- 
 ner in the race is animated by the fight of the prize, 
 
 and 
 
( 36i ) 
 
 and the foldier with hopes of the vId:ory ; fo the 
 chriftian fliould never lofe fight of the principal 
 motives which Chrift has fet before him. A defed: 
 in this point of condud: cannot fail of being as in- 
 jurious to the foul, as the negleding of the body, 
 which will inevitably bring on ficknefs and diforder. 
 We may compare the contemplation of this fubjedt 
 to one who is fent by a company to view fome illand 
 or eftate; who, having found it more promifing 
 and delightful than he is a.ble to defcribe, when he 
 returns, defires his employers to go fee for them- 
 felves, fince it is entirely beyond all defcription : for 
 in this fubje6t no man can give credit to another, 
 but wiflies to fee for himfelf. 
 
 Let us take notice of that aftonifhing chang© 
 which the chriflian muft experience; this world 
 being an enemies country, and himfelf, while here, 
 fo full of infirmities, and the kingdom of his Father 
 being his home, and he fliall be eternally perfe6t 
 both in foul and body there j the emancipating of a 
 Have from the mod abjed: fituation, and making 
 him emperor of the whole world, is as nothing to 
 that change a faved foul muft experience at his 
 admifiion into the heavenly world. It is impoffible 
 for any pen to defcribe that unfpeakable change 
 which Chrift himfelf found between being treated 
 like a thief and impoftor by the bulls of Bafhan, 
 and the v/orfliip and adoration of all the heavenly 
 hofts above. As extremes enhance and fweeten 
 enjoyment, what muft Chrift himfelf have expe- 
 rienced, had he felt the dreadful fpirit of this world, 
 and been torn by the thorns of this wildernefs! 
 
 That 
 
( 362 ) ■ 
 
 That which will make the change Co great to the 
 believer will be, that it is not only their home, but 
 alfo their being with fuch a heavenly Father. Being 
 with thofe in this world, with whom we have the 
 greatefl: happinefs, and who are poffeiTed of the 
 ftrongefl affedion for us, fs far more than the place 
 We are in. No place under heaven can make us 
 comfortable, if thofe perfons we dwell with are 
 enemies. God ftating himfelf the Father of his 
 people, appears a charadter of an everlafting nature. 
 
 This fubjedt, though it can never be fully under- 
 flood by any on this fide the grave, yet is revealed 
 in fuch a manner, that we can fee fome difference 
 between our relation to him who is God in our 
 nature, and who expired on the crofs on our ac- 
 count, and him whom Chrift here ftiles Father. 
 When Chrift himfelf faid, / afcend to my Father 
 and your Father ^ his intention was to fliew to the 
 whole church, that he is God-man, and head of 
 the church, and that they fhould have one Father 
 eternally, and that Chrifl fliould be the iirfl-born 
 among many brethren. Chrifl mentions his Father's 
 loving, and himfelf loving his people j and at the 
 laft day, when he introduces them into heaven, 
 with a Come ye blejfed of my Father y it v/ill be no 
 proof that they were not equally bleffed by himfelf; 
 but that in heaven we fhall dvi^ell with Jehovah, in 
 three perfons j and the clear and diftind knowledge 
 we {hall then have of this fubjea:, will be a great 
 addition to our happinefs, and be one thing which 
 will make the difference between this and the hea- 
 venly world, and that great bevond all conception. 
 
 As 
 
( 3^3 ) 
 
 As fure as thofe in heaven are rendered infinitely 
 more happy by being in the immediate prefence of 
 Chriil:, than any of the faved could ever attain to in 
 this lower world, fo fure thofe in their Father's 
 houfe are pofTeiTed of fuch ideas of the Almighty 
 as never could enter the minds of any mortals here 
 below. We find in this world that we form fuch 
 notions of God as no natural man can have until 
 he is renewed ; but our knowledge in that world 
 will be infinitely fuperior to what we can have here 
 below; nay, it will be fuch a difcerning of this 
 fubjedl, as is impollible for the wifefl mortal to 
 attain. 
 
 All thofe do(5trines which they faw but through a 
 glafs darkly, they will behold realized in God him- 
 felf. Truth will be read in a world of vifion, in 
 him v/ho is the author of it ; and this can never 
 grov/ flat or dale. The impreflion this will make 
 on a faved foul, will be infinitely fuperior to that 
 which any chriflian ever experienced here below. 
 At one view will the faved adore all the rays of 
 love ; and as thcufands of rays of light proceed 
 from one brilliant focus, fo the ways which infinite 
 wifdom has devifed, will all tend to exhibit that 
 love, the contemplation of which will fill heaven 
 with praife. 
 
 That free and infinite love which they experienced 
 at their calling, they will now perceive with wonder 
 and aftonifhment — as the prodigal muft admire the 
 freenefs of his father's love, when he not only ad- 
 mitted him to his houfe, but did it with fo much 
 affedion : for, fpcaking after the manner of men, 
 
 it 
 
( 364 ) 
 
 it IS the heart of God which will engage the chrif- 
 tian's attention more than all the glory of heaven, 
 or the inhabitants there. As the affection of a king 
 is more to a queen than all the grandeur of the pa- 
 lace, fo is God to the believer. All thofe fweet 
 and comfortable feafons fuch have been favoured 
 with under heaven, v/iil now appear in a fuperior 
 light to what they were ever feen here belov/. Jacob 
 experienced great kindnefs in his travel; but this 
 was as nothing compared with what he found the 
 iirll moment he arrived in a world of glory. 
 
 The great difference might be further fet forth by 
 the confideration both of the place and company ; 
 but this muft be paffed over to give room to a 
 neceffary part, viz. Hov/ the redeemed are fitted 
 for fuch a flation. God, fpeaking by Ifaiah, faidj 
 The dragons and the ozvls Jliall honor me. Had 
 we a perfect idea of all the faved before divine 
 grace lays hold on them, we iliould fee a propriety 
 in thofe exprefTions, and be fully convinced, that as 
 a natural man is incapable of underftanding fpiritual 
 things, and has no difpofiticn to hold fellowH^iip 
 with God, fo thofe who have been the mod eminent 
 in the church, were, before regeneration, as much 
 unfitted for heaven as any of the fons of Adam. 
 
 In preparing fuch for heaven, only a God can 
 comprehend the manner, or perform fo wonderful 
 an operation. If no mortal can fully defcribe the 
 production of creatures, this far more myfterious 
 work of Gcd may well be fuppofed above the reach 
 ef the mofl acute and fagacious. The zuind bloxocth 
 'n^Jicre it liflethy and thou hearcjl, the found thereof, 
 
 hut 
 
( 355 ) 
 
 i^ui can ft not tell whence it covieih and whither it 
 gocthj &c. John iii. 8. By this it appears that it 
 is not the will of God that any man fhould compre- 
 hend this myflery. 
 
 Speaking after the manner of men, God might 
 fooner of ftones mould children for h''mfelf, than 
 from the corrupt quarry of human nature -, but 
 almighty grace will be manifefied in the work of 
 God upon the heart of man, as much as almighty 
 power in the creation of the world. 
 
 As God perfectly knew his own ability to create 
 the fyftem of nature, before he ever fpoke one thing 
 into exigence, fo he forefaw what his grace could 
 effedl in the hearts of flillen creatures. The im- 
 probabihty, nay impoffibility, of fuch a change 
 taking place from any caufe in man, only terminates 
 in the manifeflation of the power and love of God, 
 and proves it, to a demonftration, to be all of free 
 grace. The experience of the church in all ages 
 proves what the defign of God muft be. That in 
 the ages to come he might JJiew the exceeding riches 
 of his grace, ' The dry bones w^re fit matter for 
 God to fhew his almighty power upon. Thefe, 
 though very dry, at the command of God, foon 
 compofed a large army -, every individual of which 
 tended to convince the prophet of that infinite 
 power by which fuch an aftonifliing tffcS: v/as 
 produced : fo minilters, though they are honored 
 by being inllruments in the hand of God, yet can 
 no more effed: fuch a change than raife the dead 
 from their tombs — this is too great an honor for 
 any poor vvcak mortal ever to acquire. Of thofe 
 D d d who 
 
( 366 ) 
 
 who are called by grace, it may be faid. Who zuerS 
 horn not of blood, nor of the zoill of thefefi, nor 
 of the -will of man, but of God. The gofpel is 
 made the power of God unto falvation ; but this is 
 in a fovereign way, for many hear the found of it, 
 who are wholly ftrangers to its power and efficacy. 
 As the foul of the chriftian is prepared to receive 
 the gofpel, and by the operation of the Holy Spirit 
 it is made meet for glory ; fo the bodies of the 
 people of God will be as completely fitted for 
 eternal happinefs. At death, the grave is the pro- 
 per receptacle for them. Corruption renders them 
 unfit to be above the furface of the earth. But 
 not with flanding they are thus fown in difhonor, 
 they fliall be raifed up in glory. Though the body 
 of the Lordjefus was carried in a mangled condition 
 to the grave, yet, it was even then ordained to 
 infinite glory and honour. Nay, as Chrift's body 
 appeared to the believer a flep nearer that glory 
 when llain in the tomb, fo the body of the chriftian 
 will appear nearer glory, to a difcerning eye, when 
 mouldering in the grave, than when adorned with 
 the moft decent garments. In this world, the foul 
 is frequently burdened by the body; many have 
 groaned under grievous infirmities, which have ren- 
 dered them incapable of attending upon God in his 
 wOrfliip : but all the heavy load of care and pain 
 will for ever be fwallowed up in glory, and the be- 
 liever ihall be as his mafter, for xve fiall be like 
 him. No words can fet forth in a more flriking 
 manner the compleat glory of the chriflian's body 
 than thefe : He fiallfafhion, &c. As we cannot 
 
 entertain 
 
( 3&7 ) 
 entertain tlie leaft doubt of the ability of Chrift to 
 perform a v/ork above all others great, fo we can 
 have no fufpicion of his love to exert fuch a power 
 in that which will turn out fo infinitely advantage- 
 ous to his people, and in which his own glory will 
 be manifefted to all eternity. 
 
 Though the formation of the mind appears to be 
 a work of a fuperior nature to that of the body, yet 
 no matter that was ever formed by the power of 
 God, will manifeil more the power of the Creator, 
 than that which will be exhibited in the body of a 
 believer at the refurredtion : for if creating power 
 will appear infinitely more illuftrious in heaven than 
 in any thing that was ever feen in this lower world, 
 much more in thofe bodies which are raifed from 
 the dufi: to inherit that place. The corrupting of 
 the body in the grave, with all that is terrible to 
 human nature, and fo tremendous to the living, that 
 nothing could reconcile the chriftian to it, but 
 motives greater than this w^orld have to afford ; yet 
 all this will only tend to exhibit, and that in an 
 everlafting manner, the workmanfhip of the Lord 
 Jefus. 
 
 This great work is in a peculiar manner afcribed 
 to Chrift : He fiall faJJiion, &c. / am the refur- 
 reEiion and the life, &c. This is a perfonal honor 
 diftind: from that of redeeming us v,^ith his precious 
 blood. As the glory of Chrift is fo connected 
 with that of the believer's body, we may fafely con- 
 clude that no age can deface that unparalleled bloom 
 in which the believer's body fhall be raifed ; it fhall 
 remain more immutable than the moft unftiaken 
 D d d 2 rocks : 
 
( 368 ) 
 
 rqcks: no pleafant feature, or upright gefture^ fliall 
 ever be loft. 
 
 The immortal foul will be no more injured, or 
 wearied by the decay of the body ; or torn from its 
 companions by diforders and death ; no groans to 
 pain thofe who are in health, or dread of death, 
 which has fo frequently made whole families 
 gloomy. 
 
 This fleili fl:iall not be as grafs, which is foon 
 ripe and then wither ; fm being for ever done away, 
 all its efFeds difappear : Chrifl's family will then be 
 a living family indeed, when not one complexion 
 Ihall for ever forbode the approach of diforder or 
 death. 
 
 The honor put upon the body, will not be like 
 thofe borrowed decorations devifed by the art and 
 pride of men, which perifh with the ufing. Mil- 
 lions, who once fhone like Herod, will be raifed to 
 ihame and eternal difgrace; their momentary orna- 
 ments were not fufficient to prevent their bodies 
 being fown in difhonor : how many who have 
 out-flione their fellow mortals, have been a prey to 
 the mofl loathfome diforders ? The fliarp, unerring 
 fcythe of time cuts down all thofe tranfitory 
 flowers. Thefe moon-fhine glories are foon eclipfed 
 by the gloomy cloud of ficknefs and death; and 
 thofe who have exerted themfelves the moft to excel 
 in this kind of irrational pleafure, end their days in 
 fuUen difappointment; and when all is over, cry 
 out, like wife Solomon, Vanity of vanities, all is 
 vanity. However unwilling, they are convinced 
 from their ov^n bodies, that all flelh is as grafs, and, 
 
 though 
 
( 3S9 ) 
 
 though with the greateft reludtance, they are con- 
 ilrained to think of death and the grave. 
 
 How luperior is that glory which engages the 
 attention of the chriftian ; he, Uke a wife builder, 
 has got a better acquaintance with things, than to 
 build on fuch uncertain quickfands : nothing ap- 
 pears to him worthy of the purfuit of a rational 
 creature, but that honor which can be enjoyed 
 without trouble, and that glory which is immortal. 
 He finds inftrudion from the tombs of the great, 
 who once like the green bay tree, made a refpedlable 
 figure on the earth, but whofe tranfitory glory is 
 for ever gone. Shall thefe whofe bodies are carried 
 to their tombs with the greateft pomp, and whofe 
 numerous and high founding titles are pronounced 
 over their graves, rife with their titles and coronets ? 
 Thofe who have excited envy in thoufands, will 
 foon be as much more difgraced and tormented than 
 others, as their Nations were more elevated. With 
 great truth may it be faid with mofi; of our lofty 
 ones, that they go to the generations of their 
 fathers, never to fee light; their glory follows them 
 not one ftep beyond the grave. 
 
 Thofe who willi to have their affecftions fet more 
 on things above, lliould make a point of placing con- 
 cerns of an everlafting nature frequently before their 
 eyes. How is it poffible for any thing to engage 
 our affedtions, which feldom or never comes under 
 our confideration ? As the body is fenfibly refreflied 
 by food, fo is the foul by fpiritual things; and 
 meditating on them is an inviting the Holy Ghofl 
 to apply them with power. 
 
 The 
 
( 370 ) 
 
 The mark and prize of our high calling is placed 
 before us in fuch a manner, that we cannot turn 
 our thoughts wholly from this higheft of all motives, 
 without fome conviction of our negledl ; and yet 
 nothing is more common than for the chridian to 
 relapfe frequently into this lin : if divine fubjeds 
 affe<5l him one day in fome pleafmg and fatisfaCtory 
 manner, he foon fmks again into his former be- 
 numbed frame, and is conftrained to cry out, My 
 Jhul cleaves to the diijl. By this negled:, how 
 often are our comforts fpoiled ? and our lives, how 
 unlike many who have run well ? 
 
 There is no doubt fome peculiar reafon why 
 Chrift (liould fay, that his people are to fhine thus 
 in the kingdom of their father. This fliould teach 
 them, that while they are on earth, they are but 
 on their journey to this glory; they are far from 
 being like kings in this world. Little did Herod 
 think that the perfon he fet at nought, and treated 
 with fuch contempt, was a king fo much fuperior 
 to himfelf ; and the great of the earth, who look 
 down with fo much contempt on the people of God, 
 are equally ignorant of the real greatnefs of fuch 
 perfons — The loorld knowetk us not, &c. 
 
 Thofe honors which await all true chrijftians are 
 of the higheft kind : ftatefmen, and thofe polTefted 
 of high titles, have their honors annexed to their 
 ftations ; but thofe of the royal family are fo far 
 above the moft exalted of thefe, that they frequently 
 have their lives embittered with envy; though 
 pofTeffed of large and extenfive domains, when they 
 come into competition with royalty, they lofe their 
 
 glory. 
 
( 37^ ) 
 
 glory, as the mofl brilliant ftar at the appearance of 
 the fun. 
 
 How fuperior the happinefs of the chriftian ? he 
 is not tofled with thefe waves -, the highefl earthly 
 ftations under heaven are mean compared with the 
 glory he has in view. His high and honorable 
 ftation is abundantly confirmed and rendered con- 
 fpicuous by the requefl; in the churches prayer being 
 granted, Cant. viii. Oh that thou loert as my bro- 
 ther. They behold themfelves as really related to 
 him, as that he is God in their nature : as the union 
 of his divine perfon with our nature is moft clearly 
 difcerned eye to eye, by all who are in the heavenly 
 world, fo is that union which fubfiils between 
 Chrift, the fecond Adam, and the church, feen by 
 faith in this. What mortal on this fide of the grave 
 can imagine a millionth part of that which the 
 chriftian in the upper world experiences by behold- 
 ing Chrifh a brother ; and cfpecially as they under- 
 ftand that Chrifh is not the brother of every man (as 
 we are whether we will or no) but only of thofe on 
 whofe account he was ordained to be God- man. 
 Their real relation to him, conftitutes them a family 
 of kings i and kings are mere cyphers if they have 
 not a kingdom to inherit. In this world the addi- 
 tion of one king would fpoil the mightieft monarch, 
 but in heaven, the arrival ef millions will not excite 
 the jealoufy of an individual. It is the common 
 lot of all who are taken into this relation, to be 
 nothing lefs than heirs and joint heirs with Chrift. 
 
 This kingdom is called the kingdom of their 
 father, on account of its being in a peculiar manner 
 
 given 
 
( 372 ) 
 given them by the father^ Matt. xxv. 34. Cdine yt 
 blejfed oj my father y Sec. Chrift has been made all 
 that to them by the father which he now is. 1 Cor^ 
 i. 30. Of him are ye in Chrifi Jefus, &c. All 
 this will tend to exercife the happinefs of the chrif- 
 tian ', he is not only thus completely fitted to fhine 
 in this kingdom, but he whofe infinite love devifed 
 all this for them, wdll enable them to behold how 
 wonderfully they are loved to all eternity. This 
 will be dwelling in love indeed. To experience all 
 this kindnefs, after having been treated with neglect 
 and contempt on earth, will be fuch a change as 
 cannot be defcribed by pen or language* Many 
 nominal chriflians in high life look down on the 
 humble people of God, as thofe who make no pro-^ 
 feflion; but the time comes on apace when the 
 truly honorable fliall be eternally honored. 
 
 The perfons who fliall enjoy all this> are faid to 
 be righteous; it is impolTible that the unrighteous 
 fhould be happy in thp immediate prefence of God, 
 therefore he who devifed how fuch unhappy perfons 
 ihould be fandified, has found out a way that his 
 faved ones ihould have a rightecufnefs fuperior to 
 that of angels. Righteous perfons are thofe who 
 having been convinced of the imperfection of their 
 own obedience, and the impoflibility of attaining to 
 righteoufnefs by the moral law, have renounced all 
 dependence on their beit works, and fled, as loft and 
 undone fmners, to that righteoufnefs which their 
 heavenly father has in infinite love provided for 
 them ; and though when in their unrenewed flat^ 
 they had a peculiar averfion to this method of fal« 
 
 vatioH;, 
 
t 373 ) 
 
 Vatioh, it is now the delight of their fouls ; with 
 pleafiire they can fay they renounce their own 
 righteoufnefs, and count it but dung that they may 
 70171 Chrifti and be found in him, not having on 
 their own righteoufnefs, Thefe alfo being by grace 
 prepared for this happinefs, their dehght and plea- 
 flire is to walk in the paths of righteoufnefs i fin is 
 no longer their element : their being jullified freely 
 by grace is no temptation to them to be the Haves of 
 fin. Thefe may be called righteous when com- 
 pared with the wicked ; though once filthy, they 
 are wafhed, and cannot return again as the doer to 
 his vomit, or like the Jov) that was xoajhed to her 
 zvallozuincr in the mire. 
 
 Can any of you in this family hear of fuch great 
 things, and not feel the leaft concern whether or 
 no you fliall find admitance into this kingdom ? 
 The certainty of your being fcon in the full pof- 
 feifion of all thefe glories, or fink in eternal perdi- 
 tion, is a truth neither to be denied nor trifled with ! 
 As no language can poflibly point out the glory and 
 happinefs of thofe who fliail (hine in the kingdom 
 of their Father, fo it is utterly impofilble to de- 
 fcribe that kingdom of darknefs which is now pre- 
 pared for the devil and his fervants. It muft there- 
 fore be a fatal llupidity which thefe are overtaken 
 with, v/ho never fpend one moment on fach ever- 
 lafting and interefiing fubjects. As the righteous 
 are prepared in this world for their fiation, fo the 
 wicked are ripening for that eternal deflrudtion 
 which awaits them ! Think therefore, whether you 
 are preparing for a world of glory, or whether, by 
 E e e fin 
 
( 374 ) 
 liii and folly, you have brought yonrielves to tlig 
 brink of the bottomlefs pit. 
 
 The condu(5t of fome is {o abominable, you can 
 fcarcely be kept from thinking, that fuch muft be 
 treafuring up wrath againft the day of wrath ; and 
 that many who never arrived at fuch a pitch of 
 wickednefs are fufFering the vengeance of eternal 
 £re. 
 
 Is it poffible for you, when thefe Important fub- 
 jedts are fet before you, to be totally void of thought? 
 Have you no ear to hearken to your chief and eternal 
 concerns ? Will you follow the pattern of Ahab, 
 who would not attend to the awful prophecy of 
 Micaiah, but lent an ear to the fmooth prophets, 
 who haranged on the conqueft of the Syrians, even 
 when death was at the door ; but how foon did he 
 feel the truth of Micaiah's words ! and we may now 
 fuppofe that he has been reading his folly in hell for 
 thoufands of years. If you cannot be prevailed on 
 by any argument to confider the infinite worth of 
 eternal things, you muft, with thofe now in tor- 
 ment, feel their unfpeakable importance. 
 
 It is this frame of mind which is mofi: of all to be 
 dreaded; while you live in this fpirit you trifle with 
 all the means of grace ; you hear not the word like 
 thofe who are to give an account , fome poor tran- 
 litory pleafure engages all your attention. While 
 you are thus amufed, the grand adverfary of fouls, 
 though you are thoughtlefs, is not wanting to pra- 
 fent any frefli temptation which may enfure your 
 ruin. While you are giving the preference to the 
 thiftgs of time, you chufe rather to fliine in the 
 
 world 
 
C 375 ) 
 world than in the church of Chrift. How many 
 thoufiinds who have trod in the fame fteps have 
 been difappointed in this world ! God has in judg- 
 ment blafted uU their hopes ; and the manner in 
 which they have gone down to the grave will not 
 permit any to fuppofe they will fliine in the world 
 to come. 
 
 Do not you think that there is fomething in your 
 c-;ift like that of Efau ? And do not you, hke him, 
 prefer the company of finners, to any of the people 
 of God ? Plave you never read that the friend(hip of 
 the world is enmity with God ? He muft efteem 
 thofe enemies who prefer his foes to his friends. 
 
 Can you wholly lofe fight of this faying of the 
 Lord Jefus, He that taketh not up his crofsy and 
 foUoxo me, is not xvorthy of me P Are you willing 
 to forfeit the favour of a God, to retain the fmiles 
 of a few companions, whofe company can be of no 
 advantage to you ? Millions of bodies now in the 
 dufl will be raifed up in glory ; and crouds of thofe 
 v/ho choofe rather to Ihine in this world, than in 
 the world of glory, will be raifed to fliame, dif~ 
 grace, and eternal torment : both the faved and the 
 loft appear, waiting their everlafting doom I And 
 can you live without any concern what fentence 
 fhall pafs on you ? but you muft know that you 
 are neglecfling this great falvation. How foolifli 
 will thofe appear who preferred the pleafures of fin 
 for a moment, to all the honors of the heavenly 
 world ? 
 
 Can you think for a moment of the infinite dif- 
 ference which Chrift himfelf will make between 
 E e e 2 the 
 
( 376 ) 
 
 tlie bodies of his friends and thofe of his enemies % 
 and not enquire, what will he do with this body of 
 mine ? If 1 devote thefe members as inftruments to 
 fm, will not the Judge of the quick and dead, raife 
 them up to everlafting damnation ? what can fuch 
 exped who are daily breaking his commands, and 
 who are deaf to the faithful warnings given in his 
 word ? can fuch fuppofe that perfons thus fovving to 
 the flefli fliall reap everlafting life ? 
 
 How many never pay any attention to their eternal 
 concerns until they are juil on the brink of tlic; 
 grave ; fuch generally provide for every thing but 
 that which is of the greateft importance. Adrian, 
 one of the Rom.an emperors, wa:. ftruck with horror 
 in his dying moments, and cried out, " my trem- 
 bling, dear, departing foul, whither art thou go- 
 ing !" How different this language to thofe who 
 can with the greateft confidence fay, " I am going 
 over Jordan, and in a few moments my foul Ihall be 
 in the heavenly Canaan ! I fliall be viev/ing that 
 goodly land, and find myfelf an heir and joint heir 
 with the Son of God !" But the fervants of the devil, 
 when their miferable fervice is at an end, they mufl 
 think what wages they are going to receive ! and 
 as the chriftian's mafter differs infinitely from the 
 fmner's, fo the wages differ as widely. 
 
 If any in this family had been guilty of fome 
 heinous crime, and had been condemned to fuifer an 
 ignominious death, how fhou.ld we look on fuch a 
 child ! How ungovernable would our imaginations 
 be ! We fhould think ten thoufand times that we 
 faw his dear body breathlefs and mangled. And 
 
 are 
 
( 377 ) 
 
 nre any of you to be condemned eternally, and your 
 bodies to be as fuel in the flames of hell ? and 
 fiiall it not conltrain you earneftly to pray that this 
 ip.ay not be your tremendous cafe ? No execution 
 that any parent ever faw, will be fo awful, as that 
 \vhich will be feen at the judgment day, when mil- 
 lions will be turned into hell with a curfe ! Zede- 
 kiah, the bell king of Judah, faw his own fons flain 
 py the Babylonians, and then had his own eyes put 
 out; but what was this when compared with be- 
 holding them fent into everlaliing fire to be tor- 
 mented with the devil and his angels ! It is my re- 
 folution not to a(fl his part j I will not lead you on 
 in the road to eternal damnation. 
 
 While I thus read to you I cannot help refleding, 
 what a glorious family this will be if all fhall be 
 found to fhine as the fun in the day of the Lord 
 Jefus ', but if one individual be found an enemy to 
 God, how will that loft creature behold father or 
 mother, filler or brother, when he fees himfelf 
 raifed with a body prepared for the fire of hell, and 
 going to be an everlafting companion with the devil 
 and the damned ! how will the glory of relations add 
 to that dread, horror and defpair, which will over- 
 whelm the loft ! what millions now in the duft ! 
 There is no difference nov/j they mix with the 
 fame earth, moulder away in the fame tomb, and 
 their atoms blend together ; but oh, the infinite 
 difference between thofe who fliall fliine in glory, 
 and thofe who muft be velTels of wrath fitted for 
 deftrudion ! To look at the living in this glafs is 
 yery affecfting 3 while I behold you, I confider my- 
 
 felf 
 
( 378 ) 
 felf furrounded with beings, whofe temporal con-- 
 cerns are comparatively nothing when compared 
 with that which you muft feel eternally ! As fure as 
 Chrift now exifts, he will foon raife thefe bodies of 
 yours for glory or doom them to mifery. 
 
 Whatever be your lot in this world, whether 
 poverty or riches, pain or pleafure, it will foon be 
 over; but the grand concern is, where and what 
 will you be for ever. Let me therefore exhort you 
 to read the word of God ; let this faying of Chrift 
 fmk down into your hearts; pray that you may fliine 
 in grace in this world, and then you will appear in 
 glory at the great day of God. You who have felt 
 the povv^er of Chrifl's word, fhould feel a jOy in 
 looking forward. I expect you will meet with your 
 Ihare of trouble and forrow in this changing world ; 
 thofe cheeks of yours will many a time run down 
 with tfiars, and you will repeatedly fly to God when 
 overwhelmed with forrow; but this is my confo- 
 lation refpeding you : thefe clouds will foon be 
 blown over, and you and I, though our bodies mix 
 in the fame grave, will fhine as the fun together for 
 ever. We fl:iall foon behold the very Jefus who 
 fpoke thefe words ; he will fully convince us of 
 their truth, and we fliall experience their unfpeak- 
 able importance for ever ! 
 
 END OF THE SEVENTEENTH EXERCISE. 
 
FAMILY EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 €tsi)teentij €xmm. 
 
 JORDAN DIVIDED. 
 
 And the pricfts that bare the ark of the covenant 
 of the Lord, Jlood firm on dry ground in the 
 midjt of Jordan, and all the Ifraelites pajfed 
 over on dry ground, until all the people were 
 pajfed clean over Jordan, 
 
 Jofliiia ili. 17, 
 
 VV E have the advantage of many who came 
 out of Egypt; for though they were witnefles to 
 thofe vi'onders which God wrought for Ifrael, they 
 had not fo clear an exphcation of the defign of God 
 in this miracle. We enjoy light and infl:ru(5l:ion by 
 the typical worlliip even now, which thoufands v/ho 
 were engaged in it were ilrangers to. With what 
 different eyes do perfons read this chapter; many 
 hear it read, who have no more difcerning of its 
 contents, than Achan ; who, though he beheld the 
 miracle, and himfelf walked through Jordan on 
 dry land, yet he did not perceive that which the 
 ark and priefts now typified; for as tLefe only could 
 have pleafure in the typical woriliip, who under- 
 ll:ood it, fo thofe only were properly delighted with 
 
 this 
 
( ■ ( 38o ) 
 this fight, who beheld that which was at this tim^ 
 typified. 
 
 Religious pleafiires .in a great meafi.ire depend on 
 the underftanding. Thofc who were in ignorance^ 
 though they fjvv the priefts feet ftand firm, who 
 bore the ark ; yet having no underftanding that this 
 exhibited Chrifl, leading his redeemed into the 
 heavenly Canaan, it was impofiible that they fliould 
 experience what thofe did, who both enjoyed the 
 temporal mercy and yet underftood that the fpiritual 
 mercy typified by this, was an infinitely greater 
 blefiing. 
 
 Thofe who drailk of the rock which followed 
 Ifrael, had no pleafure, when compared with that 
 facred fatisfad:ion thofe felt, who faw that rock a 
 type of Chrift; therefore all who fee how glorioufly 
 Chrift faves, and how fafely he will lead his people 
 ac^s death into the heavenly Canaan 3 thofe will 
 read this chapter with delight. 
 
 We may difiiindtly fee a gradation in divine reve- 
 lation. Abraham had no Ark 5 Mofes and the 
 company who marched through the Red Sea, had 
 no fuch emblem 3 but now the typical worfhip was 
 growing to its perfe<5tion : though it never reached 
 its height, until the ark was placed in Solomon's 
 temple ; then the high prieft, like our prcfent one, 
 wandered no more from place to place, but took his 
 ilation for life. 
 
 Thofe who make it a point to meafure all they 
 credit, by their reafon, muft rejedl the contents of 
 this chapter; for this muft appear fabulous to a 
 deifti but thofe who are poflefiTed of that faith 
 
 which 
 
■ ( 38i ) 
 
 which IS the gift of God, will believe it as fully, 
 as they believe that God made the heavens and the 
 earth. 
 
 The dividing of Jordan, could never be afcribed 
 to any natural caufe ; God never intended that any 
 miracles he wrought, fliould have their glory eclipfed 
 by their being afcribed to any common caufe. In 
 moft of our difficulties it is prefumptuous to negledl 
 the ufe of means j but it would have been a high 
 affront to Jehovah, for any man to have prepared 
 a boat to crofs this Jordan with. When they 
 croifed the Red Sea, they mufl: walk wholly by faith. 
 Thofe who fee the method of redemption, will 
 iinderftand when means are to be ufed, and when a 
 man muft fland ftill and fee the falvation of God. 
 Thofe who ufe unfcriptural means to prepare them- 
 felves for death, are in danger of drowning in 
 Jrrdan, and never feeing the heavenly Canaari, 
 The difappointment thofe experience muft be great 
 indeed, who have not the leafi fufpicion but that 
 they are prepared to die, yet are loft after all. 
 
 Who can confider this miracle without looking 
 forward to that glorious period, when all the family 
 of heaven, with Chrift at their head, will enter 
 the heavenly Canaan ! that happy land in which 
 they will enjoy more than all the milk and honey 
 that a world can produce ! This period is fure to 
 arrive^ and not one good thing fliall be wanting 
 there which has been mentioned in the word of 
 God : if therefore the expediations of the feed .of 
 Abraham were great, when they were entering into 
 the earthly Canaan, what mull: the whole congre- 
 F f f gation 
 
( 382 ) 
 gatlon of the redeemed experience, as they enter 
 the borders of that heavenly Canaan ? What was the 
 animation the twelve tribes felt in the crofling of 
 Jordan, to this period ? when all the millions of the 
 redeemed will Cmg a far more melodious fong than 
 that which Ifrael fung when they had got fafe 
 through the Red Sea. All who hope to enjoy the 
 pleafure of that fight, ought frequently to contem- 
 plate how glorious our great J ofliua will then appear. 
 Doubtlefs in this miracle of Ifrael's paffing through 
 Jordan on dry ground, Jofliua muft experience a 
 fatisfadlion fuperior to any other man of the feed of 
 Abraham : and does not our Jefus even now feel a 
 pleafure in the certain profpecT: of fuch a feafon ; 
 as kind and generous men feel pleafure in obliging 
 and benefiting thofe whom they love ? What joy 
 will Chrift himfelf feel at that important feafon ! 
 
 The old teftament hiftory proves to a demonflra- 
 tion that the covenant which God made with Abra- 
 ham, was in a peculiar manner to glorify his faithful- 
 nefs. Many unbelievers, both in Egypt and in the 
 wildernefs, might fligmatize thofe as credulous and 
 weak, who credited all that was related in the 
 fifteenth chapter of Genefis : but now a whole 
 group of events demonftrates the truth ; every mi- 
 racle to this day confirms us in the belief of that 
 covenant. 
 
 As the wicked, who will attend to nothing that 
 God reveals, always take advantage of thofe appa- 
 rent delays, which intervene between the promifc 
 and the accomplifliment, we may fuppofe that many 
 would treat the tradition of God having given the 
 
 land 
 
( 383 ) 
 land of Canaan to Abraham, by a folemn covenant, 
 with contempt and ridicule ; even thofe very perfons 
 who had been witnelles to all the wonders in Egypt, 
 who alfo had paffed with their brethren through the 
 Red Sea. This was the aggravation of their fin, 
 that fuch miracles had been wrought, and fucl^ 
 wonders, as no people had feen before ; and after 
 all, to credit the unbelieving fpies, before the living 
 God, rendered their unbelief more provoking to 
 the Almij^hty, than many, who like Abraham, have 
 felt their faith to totter at particular times. 
 
 The con fi deration of the covenant which God 
 made with Abraham, tends greatly to enlarge the 
 believer's ideas of the unchangeable virtue of that 
 covenant which was made with the Father's Fellow; 
 for if there was virtue in a covenant made with a 
 mere creature, how immutable muft an engagement 
 be, which even brought the Son of God to die' on 
 Calvary \ If fuch punctuality was obferved accord- 
 ing to the covenant made with Abraham, how 
 affuredly will all thofe things com.e to pafs which 
 are mentioned in the everlafting covenant made with 
 Him who thought it not robbery to be equal with 
 God. 
 
 Thofe who would live under the happy impref- 
 iion that they are the perfons who have been brought 
 out of fpiritual Egypt, by virtue of the covenant 
 of grace, and are now on their journey to the 
 heavenly Canaan, ought repeatedly to take up this 
 fubje(5t: for, if the joy that was fet before Chrift, 
 helped him to endure the crofs and defpife the 
 ihame, fhall we be backward to dwell on thofe very 
 F f f 2 things 
 
( 384 ) 
 things with which he himfelf is delighted, and the 
 very fubjed: which filled his foul with ardour in 
 his conflidt ? nay, do not we feel that fuch a fpirit 
 muft be agreeable to him. Thefe fubjedls afford 
 fuch facred pleafures as worldly minded men never 
 think of; but they are of fuch a nature, that if 
 chriflians would but frequently attempt to drink of 
 thefe flreams, they would experience greater plea- 
 fure in their journey through this wildernefs. Nay, 
 I am perfuaded, were all heaven -born fouls more 
 particularly taught, how Chrift hinifelf will be 
 glorified in this, and many other parts of our falva- 
 tion, they would find far more fubllantial entertain- 
 ment in reading the word of God. Is it not evident 
 that Chrift himfelf was not only animated and affifted 
 by thefe very things, but it was highly agreeable 
 to his heavenly Father: and in this, he has fet 
 us an encouraging example; and can we expert to 
 fly above this prefent evil world without fuch wings 
 as he himfelf made ufe of? Some look on religion, 
 only as a bridge on which they will efcape from 
 a dreadful calamity; but how unworthy is this 
 notion ? would the Son of God embark in fuch a 
 manner, in a caufe in which there is neither glory 
 nor pleafure ! Be allured that frequent contemplation 
 of that glory which he now enjoys, will not a little 
 help the chriflian on in his heavenly path, and 
 make him to look forward to the end of his journey 
 with greater pleafure. And this we find by expe- 
 rience, that travellers ftand in need of all the 
 affi fiance which can be attained from the mofh 
 encouraging confiderations. ^ 
 
 Wc 
 
( 385 ) 
 
 We may fee in this miracle, that difficulties 
 unfurmountable to human nature, afford God a 
 glorious opportunity of manifefting his love and re- 
 gard to his people ; it is in thefe, that he makes bare 
 his arm in fuch a manner, as fills the mouths of his 
 people with praife, Pfa. cxiv. 5. What ailed thee, 
 thou fea, that thou Jleddefl^ thou Jordan that 
 thou zvas driven back ? 
 
 This deliverance was defigned to be matter of a 
 fong to the end of the world. What a fong will 
 that be, which, when compofed, fhall compre- 
 hend all thofe millions of deliverances which God 
 has been working for his people in every age ! 
 
 The Canaanites would narrowly watch all the 
 motions of the Ifraelites ; no doubt there were 
 many Rationed in different places for this very pur- 
 pofe. How would thefe look with aftonifliment, 
 when they faw the prierts, who bare the ark, go as 
 if they intended to drown themfelves in this deep 
 river ! but hcnv would this furprife be increafed, 
 when they beheld Jordan divide, and the people 
 marching through dehberately, and in order ! every 
 ftandard which they iiiw fixed on the borders of their 
 land, miift make their blood chill in their veins. 
 With halle and confternation, w^ould they run with 
 the un^vclcome tidings into Jericho ; all the city 
 would be impatient to hear ; but no fooner were 
 they informed, but a dread and confufion might be 
 read in every countenance ; and now every poffible 
 method is devifed for their fecurity. The fight of fo 
 large an army on their borders w^ould deprive them of 
 *il hopes of driving them back by force of arms. 
 
 How 
 
( 386 ) 
 
 How would thefe new comers look about them ! 
 they had long been marching towards this land, and, 
 no doubt, had talked much about the goodnefs of it, 
 and what eftates they would be put in poffeffion of 
 here. Such was the fear of the Canaanites, there was 
 not one to be feen, fo that there v/as time and leifure 
 to reconnoitre the country for many miles round. ^ 
 
 Let us make a few remarks on this ark. It would 
 appear lingular indeed, if that which v/as the center 
 of all the typical worfliip, did not in fome eminent 
 manner typify him who was the antitype of all. 
 This curious cheil is defcribed in Exodus xxxvii. to 
 enlarge on what was contained therein, would take 
 up too much room in this exercife. 
 
 Thofe who underftood the ark and its contents, 
 faw the nature of that tenure by which they held 
 the land of Canaan -, and that though they were 
 fure to be put in poffcflion of the country, by virtue 
 of the covenant and oath which God made with 
 Abraham; yet, their retaining the pofieffion of 
 it, depended on their obedience to thofe peculiar 
 commands which were contained in the covenant, 
 which covenant God fays they brake; for that 
 generation which fucceded Jofhua, foon made it 
 appear that they knew nothing of the God of 
 •Abraham : therefore thofe parents who were true 
 believers, had this heavy load on their hearts ; they 
 faw that if their ofispring ihould die in this awful 
 condition, though they were now in the earthly 
 Canaan, they were fure to be excluded the enjoy- 
 ment of an eternal inheritance in the heavenly one ; 
 conLquently the riches they gained in the land whicli* 
 
 flowed 
 
( 387 ) 
 flowed with milk: and honey, would greatly aggra- 
 vate their everlafting mifery. 
 
 Many of the firft fettlers in the land of Canaan, 
 efpecially thofe who outlived their cotemporarics, 
 would go down to their graves under great deprelTioii 
 of foul; thefe had been witnefs to their fathers 
 dying under the frown of God in the wildernefs, 
 and now behold they fee another generation buried 
 in ignorance and wackednefs ! If their forefathers 
 efcaped not the threatening, could they fuppofe that 
 thefe would go unpuniilied ! 
 
 On a far more glorious foundation do the re- 
 deemed enter the heavenly Canaan : their right to 
 that blelTed country, being by the clofefl union and 
 marriage with him who is the real heir; and by a 
 moft fure covenant, niade with him, were thty to 
 be put in full poiTelTion. The very manner in 
 which they have been brought to the enjoyment of 
 this celeftial habitation will everl a Singly add to 
 their happinefs. Thofe believers who went into 
 Canaan with Joihua, and underflood what the ark 
 typified, faw that their thus entering into the pro- 
 mifed land was typical of the whole church entering 
 into the heavenly inheritance ; yet they knew the 
 glory of the antitype would infinitely exceed that of 
 the type ; therefore if their admiffion in this won- 
 derful manner gave fuch pleafure, what lliall we all 
 experience at that glorious period, w^hen we fhall 
 enter with the whole body of the redeemed into 
 heaven ! Therefore fuch a type of Chrift as the ark 
 exhibited, was a matter of joy and comfort to a 
 believing Iji-aelite, w'ho both faw the defign of God 
 
 in 
 
( 388 1 
 
 in the ark, and who' alfo by faith law that Canaan 
 itfelf was but a type of heaven. 
 
 In this w^onderfdl miracle we ohfervc the ark 
 divided the waters j there was nO way made for the 
 tribes until the feet of the priefls who bore the ark 
 touched the waters, and then a way was immediately 
 made for all to pafs. This was an honor put on 
 the ark; Mofes' rod, with which the fea was 
 divided, and the rock fmitten, was not made ufc of 
 on this occaiion -, but this ark which was bore by 
 the priefts. Thofe who underftand the gofpel, will 
 fee that the rod of Mofes would not have been a 
 proper emblem to have been ufed at this time. For 
 Mofes himfelf was not a proper perfon to lead 
 Ifrael into the promifed land ; but Jolliua was made 
 choice of, to be the type of Chrift at this important 
 period. For, as Sarah and Hagar, were to afford 
 inftru6tion to all future ages, fo this ark, {landing 
 in the midft of Jordan, was to inftrud: the people 
 of God in all coming generations. This was to 
 fhow, that Chrift himfelf would give his people 
 fuch a victory over death, that not an Individual 
 fhould be loft in the dark valley* 
 
 As fure as there was a plain path through this 
 rapid river, and the waters, contrary to the courfe of 
 nature, ftanding all the time on heaps ; fd evident 
 is that glorious truth, that when the believer arrives 
 at the end of his journey, there is nothing between 
 him, and the full enjoyment of heaven, but death. 
 That fuch is the evident ftation of JefuSj Our ark^ 
 that there is a glorious Way made through this dark 
 valley — not merely a zvay, but a mojl glorious one. 
 
 As 
 
( 389 ) 
 
 As a peculiar honor was put on this ark, which 
 eould not have been if the people had no fuch river 
 to have crolled ; fo even death itfelf will be a caufe 
 of great glory to Chrift. If even the carnal amono- 
 this people, could look on this deliverance with 
 thankfulnefs, what will all the faved feel, when 
 they behold that Jefus, who has faved them fo 
 glorioufly ! 
 
 It would not appear fo gloomy, were chriftians 
 more frequently to confider the prefent fituation of 
 the Lord Jefus ; and the reafon why falvation is in 
 this manner given to the people of God, is both for 
 the glory of Chrift and their encouragement : for 
 the way or method in which falvation is given, 
 affords peculiar fatisfadtion to the believer, when 
 properly underftood ; therefore thofe who are look- 
 ing to Jefus, will find more and more pleafure in 
 the ftudy of that flation he now holds in tlie 
 heavenly world. 
 
 As it was made known that the priefl fhould 
 abide with the ark, in the very deepeft part, this 
 would greatly encourage the feeble and timid 
 amongft them ; and not only thofe who were then 
 witneifes to this circumfbance, but to be fuch a type, 
 a?, iliould tend to encourage the people of God in 
 every fucceeding age of the world. Who need fear 
 being drowned in the Jordan of death, that can 
 behold the ark of God (Chrift) ftationed where he 
 nov/ is for them ? 
 
 This being a temporal deliverance which God 
 
 was giving to the whole body of that people ; many 
 
 would (hare of this mercy who had not the leafl 
 
 G g ^ thought 
 
( 390 ) 
 thought about it as a type of Chrift. As the; 
 ark was an obje6t to be feen by the carnal, as well 
 as thofe who were true believers, all were encou- 
 raged and benefited by the ark ; and its being made 
 known, that it fhould not move one ftep, till all 
 were fafe on the oppofite fliore in the promifed 
 land, the weak, aged, and infirm, though carnal 
 and ignorant, would have no fear of being fwaliowed 
 up by the return of the river. Many £hare of 
 great temporal mercies on account of God's people, 
 who have no more defire to fliare with them ia 
 fpiritual mercies than Gallio. The nurfe is fre- 
 quently well fed for the fake of the child that is 
 fupported by her 3 fo wordly men are both fupplyed 
 and help to fupport the church by riches given them 
 for that purpofe. 
 
 Though the people had a pofitive promife, that 
 they fhould be put in pofTeffion of the land of 
 Canaan, yet this light of the ark contributed greatly 
 to their comfort in the laft part of their journey. 
 We are fuch creatures, as to ftand in need of fome- 
 thing more than words to help our faith -, and as at 
 the moment of their entering a land which they 
 had to conquer, fuch a deliverance would be 
 peculiarly feafonable, fo to have great encourage- 
 ment at the hour of death, is to be preferred beyond 
 all things. 
 
 Thofe enjoyed the higheft pleafure in the crofiing 
 of this Jordan, who faw more diftindlly than the 
 reft, that God was making them more than welcome 
 to that land which he had given to Abraham : fo 
 much as vvc difcern of God in the things we pollefs, 
 
 fo 
 
( 391 ) 
 
 To much we are capable of perceiving the greatnefs 
 of thofe mercies. What a low and mean notion 
 had thofe Ifraelites, who faw not the love of God 
 in this miracle. 
 
 Thofe who at death, read the very heart of God 
 toward them.felves, will look on a divided Jordan, 
 with the greatefl fatisfadtion, but much more on 
 God himfelf J for it is he alone which affords 
 a pleafure beyond all the works of his hands : It 
 was for thofe he loved, that this miracle was 
 wrought ; and the more they faw love to be the 
 caufe of fuch a deliverance, the greater pleafure 
 they would feel in croffing this river. 
 
 We who find it eafy to believe that our Jefus 
 will never leave his prefent fituation, until the laft 
 redeemed foul is abfolutely fafe, yet feldom take 
 that pleafure we ought, in a fubjed: of fuch im- 
 portance as this ; particular attention ought to be 
 paid to every thing in which God difcovers his 
 kindnefs to us j and to overlook fuch acfts of God, 
 will be a diminifhing of our comfort. If an Ifraelite 
 could read the kindnefs of God in this ark, cannot 
 we read infinitely more in him, who has the keys of 
 hell and death in his hand. 
 
 As the fight of all thefe circumftances, this ark, 
 the waters divided, with all thofe miracles which 
 God had wrought for that people, were proof to 
 demonftration that there was a real covenant made 
 with Abraham ; fo the incarnation of Chrift, his 
 life and crucifixion, his afcenfion and exaltation, 
 are all as fo many pofitive proofs of that covenant 
 which was made with the Father's Fellow : and 
 G g g 2 when 
 
( 392 ) 
 
 when taken in this point of view, they excite the; 
 chriftian to conlider the contents of that covenant]^ 
 for all wife Ifraelltes would underftand the nature 
 of that covenant which God had made with 
 Abraham. 
 
 If we would have ftrong faith, we muft aim at 
 having diftind: ideas of all the leading and principal 
 things in the fyftem of falvation ; this has a ten- 
 dency to give a more abiding imprefllon, both of 
 the reality and glory of redemption ; for a clear 
 view of the particulars of this plan, afiifts the 
 believer in appropriating the whole. For as a 
 beholding of thofe great things which God was 
 doing for the feed of Abraham, proved, that "even 
 then, the virtue of the covenant was bringing 
 thofe people to the pofleffion of fuch a land, fo a 
 more diftin(5t view of the wonders of falvation 
 would imprefs the believer's mind with this idea ; 
 that even now, it is by the virtue of the everlafting 
 covenant, that I am brought from darknefs into this 
 marvellous light, and by the virtue of this exifting 
 covenant, I fhall foon be put into the polTeflion of 
 the heavenly Canaan. 
 
 With what animation and pleafure would the 
 rear of this large body of people follow, when 
 they faw that the greatefl part of their company 
 had arrived fafe on the oppofite fliore ? could we 
 as diftindly behold thofe millions who are now, not 
 only fafe, but infinitely rejoiced with the whole of 
 what they now behold in the heavenly inheritance 
 above ; but mod of all with the high relation they 
 are brought into, and that infinite love of God 
 
 with 
 
( 393 ) 
 
 with which they behold themfelves loved, it would 
 almoft turn our earth into heaven. 
 
 One would have thought that the Canaanites, 
 who were combined together, and had been in- 
 formed that it was the intent of the Ifraelites to 
 difmherit them, and take poffeffion of their fruit- 
 ful land, would have collecfled a formidable army 
 on the frontiers, and oppofed the Ifraelites landing 
 with all their force -, but as Ifrael had been fo long 
 on their journey, they might not think they would 
 attempt to crofs that river at this time of the feafan : 
 on this account,that which might make the Canaan- 
 ites more fecure, would only tend to their confufion, 
 and prove to them in the mod aftonifhing man- 
 ner, the almighty power of Ifrael's God. They 
 had long ago heard of the dividing of the Red Sea, 
 but now beheld a miracle wrought on a river, with 
 which they had been long acquainted; their ears 
 had heard, but now their eyes faw, wonders per- 
 formed for IfraeL 
 
 God underftcod both how to make his enemies 
 fecure, and then furprife and deftroy them ; if he 
 makes even a river give way for their entrance into 
 the land, what could the enemies of Jehovah hope 
 for, whofe fms had made them more ripe for the 
 fickle Q^ deftrudtion than their corn-fields for the 
 harveft ? 
 
 We hear no more of the cloud and pillar of fire ; 
 the ark was now a fufficient evidence, both of 
 God's prefence and love ; he who guided the church 
 in the days before Mofes, knew how to bring the 
 feed of Abraham into the type of heaven. Who 
 
 can 
 
1 
 ( 3.94 ) 
 tan wifh a better guide than Jehovah ? How won- 
 derful was his providence in bringing them into 
 Egypt ? and how glorious his power in their deli- 
 verances from the land of bondage ? while his 
 friends experience kindnefs, let his enemies tremble. 
 
 As the Canaanities carried about their deities with 
 them, they would fuppofe the ark contained Ifrael's 
 gods j efpecially when they heard of the profound 
 refpecfl paid to the ark ; and that none in their com- 
 mon march muft come within a thoufand paces of 
 it ; and the very priefls who bare it muft not fo 
 much as touch it, but only the ftaves by which it 
 was borne : God would have even that which only 
 bore the emblem of his prefence revered; yet the 
 Ifraelites were better inftrudted than to deify a chefl 
 that was overlaid with gold. 
 
 Thofe men were highly honored who bore the 
 ark ; not merely for their having the charge of it, 
 but the orreatnefs of that faith which God at that 
 particular time had given them: they muO: be the 
 firfl and only perfons who fliould fet their feet in 
 Jordan, and fully believe that the river would im- 
 mediately divide; they mufl fet the people an ex- 
 ample of believing; and indeed, after the water had 
 divided, the moft carnal amongft them cauld not 
 but believe : all Ifrael mufl needs now conclude, 
 how is it poffible for the Canaanities to ftand before 
 the ark, before whom the very waters gather on a 
 heap to make them a pailage. 
 
 Though this people had been accuftomed to 
 miracles every morning, in the falling of the manna, 
 yet this new kind of one would make a greater im- 
 
 preffion 
 
( 395 ) 
 
 preffion on them than the gift of the manna for 
 years. 
 
 Jofliua commands that twelve ftones be takea- 
 from the midft of the bed of the river, by twelve 
 men, felecled one out of a tribe, to be erected in 
 Gilgal ; and tvv^elve other ftones to be placed on the 
 very fpot where the prieft's feet ftood firm ; that 
 both the water and dry land, might put fucceeding 
 generations in mind of this miracle. Who could 
 have thought the very next generation would be 
 ignorant of the God of Ifrael, and relapfe into 
 idolatry 1 
 
 Cannot you in this family feel your very fouls 
 fliocked at the idea of any of thofe men who walked 
 through Jordan, being now in hell ! efpecially when 
 you confider fuch muft have been there above three 
 thoufand years. Though that generation which 
 entered Canaan with Jofhua, was no doubt remark- 
 able for their regard to God, yet there was foon a 
 general defedion; there arofe a generation which, 
 knew not God. 
 
 The minds of fuch as were loft, when on earth, 
 we may fuppofe, were fo much taken up with the 
 riches of the land of Canaan, and the hopes of 
 polTeffing large eftates, that they never thought any 
 thing of an everlafling nature worthy their attention. 
 In this very road to hell do thoufands now walk ; 
 this fpirit has prevailed in every age j like an uni-. 
 verfal plague it infeds the greattft part of the human > 
 race. 
 
 Can you behold thefe very men fet before your 
 eyes, and. not dread the thought of falling, inta. 
 
 a 
 
( 396 ) 
 
 a Worfe condemnation? Have not you had more 
 knowledge of your mafter's will ? Mufl not Judas 
 feel the never-dying worm bite with greater pain 
 than thofe foldiers who took the money, and faid, 
 his difciples ftole him away while we flept ? 
 
 What fort of a palTage think you will a holy and 
 jealous God make for you, who have never regarded 
 the works of the Lord, nor conlidered the opera- 
 tion of his hands ? Can you be his favourites who 
 never thought him worth one moment of your 
 efteem ? Is not he a witnefs to your condud while ^ 
 he beholds the meaneft things are preferred to him- 
 felf? 
 
 Would not the very devils rejoice more over one 
 of thefe men falling into hell, who had walked 
 through Jordan, than over a great number of the 
 blind Canaanites ? If thofe fallen fpirits could ever 
 experience any fatisfadiion, it would be in triumph- 
 ing over thofe who had been favoured with fuch 
 uncommon advantages. 
 
 With what eyes will many of the Ifraelites behold 
 Abraham, Ifaac, and Jacob, who though they had 
 feen fo many more miracles on the earth than thofe 
 three eminent patriarchs, yet were deaf to every 
 argument, and would purfue their own lufts, though 
 contrary both to the word of God and reafon. Can- 
 not you read the extravagant folly of fuch men, and - 
 be inftrudted by their crimes ? To fee the children 
 of godly anceftors for ever excluded heaven, cannot 
 be thought of without making fome impreffion. 
 
 Why do not wicked men love to read, and hear 
 fuch remarkable hiflories as this ? The reafon is, 
 
 there 
 
( 397 ) 
 
 there is fucH a connedlion between the relation, and 
 God the immediate worker of this miracle. Where 
 there is no love to God, there is a dread and horror 
 when fuch hear of his works; the ordinances of* 
 Godi when faithfully adminiftered, make the pro- 
 fane widi to keep at the greateft diflance from the 
 fdLind. 
 
 Who fuppofe you are the perfons for whofe fakes 
 God will divide Jordan, at death ? there is always 
 fomething in the friends of God to diftinguifli them 
 from enemiss. 
 
 All thefe have the higheft regard for the ark of 
 the covenant ; they feel a reverential regard for all 
 his commands and ordinances ; deprive them of 
 fuch enjoyments, and not all the pleafures or richea 
 of the earth, can compenfate for the lofs. 
 ' Thefs remember the houfe of bondage, the 
 Egypt, 01! t of which God has brought them with 
 a wonderful hand ; ail thofe who have exoerienccd 
 a fpiritual deliverance, will eye the hand of God in 
 bringing them from darknefa to light. 
 
 Thofe who will find adrniilion into the heavenly 
 land, have a pftculiar eye to the covenant which 
 God made with his Fellow, and by this they form 
 their expedations; for as a covenant made volun- 
 tarily en God's part with Abraham laid a founda- 
 tion for the hope of Abraham's feed being broucrht 
 but of Egypt, and making a conquefl of the land 
 of Canaan ; {o that covenant made from eternity, 
 with him who is now God-man, will be looked on 
 by thcfe who are brought out of fpiritual Egypt, 
 II h h as 
 
C 398 ) 
 
 a? the real caufe of their deliverance from the bon- 
 dage and flavery of fin. 
 
 Thefe behold themfelves diftinguiflied in fiich 4 
 manner, that they frequently cry out^ What manner 
 of love iiS this ! Why fhould fuch unv^^orthy creatures 
 as we^ fhare of favors fo iniiaite ! All the laved 
 confider themfelves as the greateft monuments of 
 mercy, while deceived pharifees, boafl: pf the gpod- 
 iiefs of their hearts. 
 
 Surely all who fhall arrive fafe on the borders of 
 the heavenly Canaan, will think that God himfelf 
 is an infinite portion ; and fach an union to him, of 
 his own devifing, will be efteemed of more value 
 than the whple creation : they fee it is more than if 
 the Almighty had created a million of worlds for 
 them alone -, for what was all the land of Canaan, 
 had God given the whole of it to one man, when 
 compared with the gift pf himfelf? 
 
 The chriftian will refle(5t with pleafure on 
 thofe who have got on the other fide of Jordan ; 
 and think of the happinefs of being welcomed both 
 by God, and his faints^, to be their everlafting com-: 
 panions ? 
 
 Can you appropriate to yourfelves any o^ all of 
 the marks by which a real chriftian is diilinguifhed 
 from a hypocritical profeflcr ? happy are thofe who 
 can without the lealt hefitation fay, They are wrote 
 on my heart. It is with you I hope tp enjoy the 
 heavenly Canaan, that eternal inheritance where 
 inany of our relations are now beholding the con- 
 rents of the everlailing covenant with infinite fatis- 
 htiion. 
 
 You 
 
( 3.99 ) 
 
 Y6U who are living in the comnitilion of known 
 fin, with whom are you marching ? what flandard 
 is that you chufe to follow ? Can you flatter your- 
 felves fo much as even to fuppofe the road your are 
 in, can be the way to hec^yen ? or that the company 
 you keep are the friends of God : and thofe whom 
 he will more than welcome into hpaven ? Can you 
 imagine that Jordan fhall be divided for thofe who 
 are defpifers of God and his ark? as fure as the 
 enemies pf God who were in the land of Canaan 
 trembled when they beheld this river divide, fo^ 
 will flnners when death approaches. Whether do 
 tl?e angels w^^o conftantly behold your condu(ft:, 
 hope to have a meiTage foon to fetch you to heaven, 
 or the devils exped you foon with them in hell? 
 if you have no thought on fuch important fubjeds, 
 be allured thefe two kinds of beings have many. 
 
 If I (liould out-live any of you, and lee you oa a 
 death bt:d, fliould you continue in this flupid and 
 thoughtlefs way of living till that awful moment 
 arrives ; I (hall tremble to enter the room where 
 you arc ? yoqr faltering words will make my blood 
 chill in my veins ; I Ihall fear that he who divided 
 Jordan, that Ilrael might put his enemies to the 
 fword, was nov»^ dividing the blood in your veins, to 
 diflodge your immortal foul, that it might fall into 
 the hands of furrounding devils. And fhpuld any 
 of you, who live in fin, be witneiles of my lafl 
 moments, it would only add to my pains to behold 
 you approach my bed ; in the twinkling of an eye 
 would yonr whole condu61: ru{h into my mind, and 
 ■the ideas I fl'/ould have formed of your being way 
 
 fide 
 
( i06 ) 
 fide hearers, and fuch as iliould be thrown with the 
 chafF into the everlafting hurnings, would be more 
 than my feeble frame could bear. 
 
 I cannot look on this family without painful 
 thoughts i you who fear the Lord, who worlhip 
 him with afFeiflion in your clofets, who are taught 
 the gofpel experimently, you can fee the waters of 
 Jordan flee before the: ark with a peculiar pleafure : 
 foon fliall yoii and I behold what was typified at 
 this important period; we fliall eriter the heavenly 
 inheritance with the whole body of the redeemed^ 
 with our great Jofliua, Chrifl, at our head; the 
 thought of this will make life pleafant, and will 
 make us at times long for this defirable period to 
 arrive: and all the time of our being, fpared in this 
 world, the thought of it will both encourage and 
 excite us to diligence in the ufe of all the means of 
 grace. May God grant that yoit who have never 
 thought properly, may now begin to lay thefe 
 things to heart* Amen* 
 
 END OF TH£ eighteenth EXERCISE, 
 
FAMILY EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 jaincteentl) €xmm. 
 
 BEST CHOICE. 
 
 And Jefus anfwcred, and f aid unto heVi Martha, 
 Marthay thou art careful, and troubled about 
 many things : but one thing is needful. And 
 Mary hath chofen that good part which fliall 
 not be taken away from her. 
 
 Luxke X. 41, 42. 
 
 X HE folly of mortals have frequently appeared 
 in permitting the concerns of a moment to deprive 
 them of thofe valuable opportunities, which u'hen 
 once loft are never to be regained. Martha, no 
 doubt, oftentimes called to mind this vifit, when her 
 Lord fo kindly, and faithfully reproved her, and in 
 her, all his Martha's to the end of the world. 
 When her eyes were fully opened to undcrftand the 
 importance of fuch an opportunity, is it not natural 
 to fuppofe that flie would think that had {lie had 
 but thofe ideas of his love, which flie afterwards 
 attained, her time would not have been fo much 
 taken up about her dilhes, but the concerns of 
 eternity would have out-ballanced all — We learn 
 to value many things by the lofs of them. 
 
 I i i . This 
 
( 402 ) 
 
 This (hon piece of hiftory wasdefigned to eheek 
 and reprove the worldly chriflian, and encourage 
 and comfort the heavenly minded believer. Reproofs 
 are not fo pleafant, but they are far more advan- 
 tageous than flattering fpeeches. Chrifl gave 
 Martha a difh that needed more cooking than any 
 that fhe was preparing. Had not Martha been 
 quite carried away with her feaft, her reproof would 
 not have been fo (harp. A wife furgeon muft 
 probe to the bottom of the fore if he ad: fkilftilly. 
 As true love is the caufe of affe6bionate and fincere 
 reproofs, fo that love which is gained by faithful- 
 nefs, is the mofl: genuine and durable, while that 
 which is kindled by the falfe fire of flattery, will but 
 be of a momentary duration, and when gone, enmity 
 and hatred is the confequence. Mofl, inftead of 
 helping their friends to overcome the world, lead 
 them by their converfation and conduft more and 
 more into the love of it. 
 
 Many ferious perfons are not aware what attention 
 and diligence is requilite in order to arrive at any 
 comfortable degree of knowledge of the method of 
 falvation ; therefore they fit down contented before 
 they have fcarcely attained the A B C of the 
 chriftian fyftem : yet many fuch would not negled 
 the leaft opportunity of making themfelves perfed 
 mafliers of any fcience, which would tend to their 
 worldly profit : they are careful enough leafl they 
 fliould fufFer any thing through ignorance, or lofe a 
 fingle opportunity of gain for want of better judg- 
 ment. 
 
 Chriflian vifits are moflly fpoiled by an over 
 
 anxiety 
 
( 403 ) 
 anxiety to gratify the bodies of friends. To prefer 
 the body to the foul, is more irrational than taking 
 niore care of the horfe, or fervant, than his mafler. 
 When our friends are dead, then we can refledt and 
 fee that the concerns of their fouls were of infinitely 
 greater importance than any thing that pertained to 
 their bodies. 
 
 Many, who do not fo much as wifli to be feafted 
 themfelves, yet run into an unneccllary extreme in 
 indulging others: this is not only fetting a bad 
 example for others to follow, but by this kind of 
 folly, earthly fubjeds fill the converlation, and leave 
 no room for things of an heavenly nature. Few 
 chriftians are polfelTed of courage fufficient to check 
 thofe very perfons they love, though they fecretly 
 grieve at their folly. 
 
 What were all the feafts that mortals could make 
 to entertain fuch a guell, when compared with that 
 everlafting banquet which Chriil was bringing all 
 his redeemed to the enjoyment of? that which was 
 prepared for him was obtained with a fmall expence ; 
 but he was about to feafl all his redeemed at the 
 expence of his blood. 
 
 Had we but more diftind ideas of that glorious 
 feaft which the king has made for all his guefts above, 
 we Ihould not be fo much concerned about making 
 fuperb entertainments for any here below. Thoie 
 who are too much inclined to take Martha's part, 
 ought to remember, tha£ our great pattern never 
 erred. Few are aware how much fin is committed 
 by fo much time being taken up about the body, 
 while that which concerns the immortal part, is 
 I i i 2 frequently 
 
( 404 ) 
 
 ^quently thruft into a fmall corner. Alfo, that 
 many thoufands of pounds are yearly fpent in fuper- 
 fluous ent::rtainments, v/hile many of God's people 
 are in diflreffing circumftances. The command 
 of Chrift is. When thou makest a feasts call the 
 poor, the lame, the blind, and thouJJialt-be hleffed ; 
 for they cannot recompenje thee : for thou Jlialt he 
 recoinpenfed at the refurretlion of the just. Luke 
 xiv. 13, 14. It will be found at laft to be bad 
 flewardihip, to lavifh that away on the rich, who 
 need it not, while thofe who are the favourites of 
 heaven, exifl both on a coarfe and a fcanty allow- 
 ance. 
 
 One thing is needful. Mariners underhand 
 when they perceive the fhip to fpring a dangerous 
 leak, that this mufl not be negle6led, what ever 
 thing befides be trifled with: fliould fuch, when in 
 imminent danger, divert themfelves on the deck 
 until there were no hopes of faving the vefTel ? 
 would not they experience reflediions, fuch as no 
 language could exprefs, when finking in the tre,- 
 mendous deep? What pen can defcribe the unut- 
 terable pangs of confcience many feel, when finking 
 into eternal perdition, who have fpent their time as 
 fooliflily as men who fport on the deck, and all go 
 down together ! There is but one way to efcape 
 the wrath and curfe of God's holy law. To give 
 attention to any trifle, and negledt the chief and 
 principal thing, is to prefer any momentary 
 concern to that which is of eternal confequence; 
 and to treat falvation as if it was the only thing 
 
 needlefs : 
 
( 405 ) 
 ncedlefs : this is that foliy which is a<5led ten thou- 
 fand times over in every age. 
 
 Many who have hved with fome convidtion of 
 this, have, neverthelefs been fo much carried away 
 with the indulging of fome fmful pleafure, that they 
 have funk into perdition, with fuch horrors of con- 
 fcience, as no friend could fo much as bear to hear 
 them exprefs. Thofe who know their maker's will, 
 and fpend their whole time in breaking his com- 
 mands, muft be filled with dread and difmay, when 
 fummoned by fome fatal diforder to the bar of fo 
 great a Judge : in thefe folemn and trying moments, 
 great numbers have been convinced how foohflily 
 they have ad:ed all their life time, in negleding 
 tlie chief thing, that every man ought to attend to 
 under the heavens. 
 
 Will not fin, if perfifled in, as unavoidably plunge 
 a man in mifery, as any leak was ever the caufeof a 
 veffel going down to the bottom of the ocean ? The 
 leaky veflel keeps filling every moment, however 
 the failors fport on the deck; while they arefecure* 
 death comes on with rapid flrides, and without 
 proper means be made ufe of, all muft of confequencc 
 perifli. The finner may ad: the part of Solomon's 
 madmen, and fay, Am I not in fport? but the wages 
 of fin, will be found to be death. 
 
 The one thing needful. The principal thing 
 that any mortal Ihould attend to, is not only ef- 
 caping fuch a cataftrophe -, but, like Mary, to attend 
 particularly to Chrift's words : and as all means, or 
 methods, any may take to fave themfelves will prove 
 abortive, but one, that ought to engage the atten- 
 tion. 
 
( 4o6 ) 
 
 tion. Many, governed by the prejudice of educa- 
 tion, and blind guides, are awfully ruined 5 thefe, 
 as well as the open finner, negled the one thing 
 needful. Saul, afterwards Paul, with all his con- 
 fcientioufnefs in keeping the ceremonial law, was 
 ignorant of the principal things of religion. Nico- 
 demus, though a mafter in Ifrael, was a man in a 
 wrong road to the heavenly world. Information on 
 this important fubjedt is of infinite value; and Mary 
 took the right way to be informed, for (he chofe a 
 place at the feet of her Lord and Mafter. 
 
 Would any other thing prevent a foul from fink- 
 ing eternally, it v/ould be the higheft reflej^ion on 
 the whole undertaking of the Lord Jefus : but he 
 knew there never had been, nor never would be, 
 any other way to heaven but by himfelf. This 
 manifefts the force of this fentence, one thing is 
 needful. If this moft neceffary thing be not made 
 fure of, all other necefi^ary things will be rendered 
 ufelefs. Muft not that be the moft important of 
 all other things, which will moft afiuredly 
 fecure every other valuable thing ? Chrift's words 
 fhould found perpetually in the ears of all young 
 perfons. But feek ye Jirft the kingdom of God, 
 and his rightcoiifnefs , and all thefe things fhalL 
 he added unto you. 
 
 Compare this one thing needful, to a remedy 
 that will infallibly cure fome fatal and epidemical 
 diforder, and that the negledt of it, would unavoid- 
 ably caufe a moft painful and dreadful kind of death. 
 Let a man be feized with fuch a complaint, what 
 would honors, or companions, or any public diver- 
 
 fions. 
 
( 407 ) 
 
 jfions, be to fuch a perfon, while he faw himfelf every 
 moment haftening to the jaws of death ; while he 
 neglecfted the very thing which would mofh certainly 
 have cured him? Would not fuch a man fay, all 
 things are needlefs, if I trifle with the only remedy ? 
 death is not only that which I cannot poilibly efcape, 
 but I fliall leave the world under an inexpreffible 
 load of guilt, and be filled with the mod horrible 
 apprehenfions if I fhould barter away my life for 
 mere empty trifles. Thus, thofe who prefer the 
 indulgence of their lufts to every thing, and live 
 contrary both to light, and the advice of friends, are 
 frequently torn with reflection in their latefl: mo- 
 ments. 
 
 Confider any particular character, who has been 
 indulged with more than heart can wifli in all tem- 
 poral things, yet wholly infenfible and ignorant of 
 the one thing needful : think of the dreadful cafe 
 of fuch a one; and attend to the defcription which 
 Chrifl: himfelf gives you of him in the parable of 
 Dives and Lazarus. Can you fuppofe, that the 
 reflexion of delicate clothing, or fumptuous living, 
 will afford the leafl: relief to a lofl: foul ? mull not 
 all indulgences tend to increafe the torments of the 
 damned ? had not Chrifl: this in view in this very 
 parable, and in fpeaking of thofe who knew their 
 Lord's will and did it not, being beaten with many 
 llripes ? was this not fpoken with a view to (ct 
 forth the inexpreflible mifery of thofe, who, like 
 the inhabitants of Capernaum, had been lifted up 
 to heaven with privileges, but fliould for the neg- 
 led: of them fuffer the heavier punifhment ! How- 
 ever 
 
C 4c8 ) 
 
 ever millaken-mortals may err in the repref«jntltig 
 of fuch important fubjects, this we know, that he 
 who knew what was in man, underflcod befl how 
 to warn him of his danger. 
 
 If all young perfons were but rationally convicted, 
 that to be religious is the only way to enjoy any 
 folid happinefs in this world, as well as an immortal 
 crown in the world to come ; if this were but writ- 
 ten on the heart of each as an indelible maxim, it 
 would produce real comfort : but while the plea- 
 fures of fin appear the only pleafures, and the paths 
 of religion the only gloomy path, religion will never 
 be viewed as matter of choice and pleafure, but of 
 force and conftraint. 
 
 Though many at firil: feel not the force of any 
 motive but fear, yet when their underflandings are 
 opened, they perceive fuch powerful reafons, as 
 makes them even lofe fight of that which firft 
 induced them to fet out in the way. Curiofity was 
 that which firft brought Nicodemus to Chnft ; but 
 afterwards, motives far fuperior and influential go- 
 verned his condu6l : fo many, like the jailor, at 
 firft experience nothing but dread and fear j but ha- 
 ving once tafted the joys of God's falvation, they 
 drink of fuch living waters as quench their thirft for 
 the things of this world. Thofe are the moft fatif- 
 fadlory evidences of grace which are experienced 
 after the firft fright and fear is over ; then it is that 
 the chriftian finds his nature to be truly changed ; 
 when he knows that neither the confideration of 
 heaven or hell is the caufe of his cleaving to the 
 thino-s of God : but he finds a pleafure in the ways 
 
 of 
 
( 409 ) 
 
 of God infinitely fuperlor to all the delufive enjoy- 
 ments of this vain world. 
 
 Thefe two fifters did not differ in their choice, as 
 Saul and David, or Jacob and Efau, or John and 
 Judas ; for they both had made choice of the one 
 thing needful : but Mary's method of living under 
 the influence of fuch a choice, was^ highly com- 
 mended by Chrill: ; while Martha, giving way to 
 her conftitutional fin, brought on heifelf a fmart 
 reproof. Thofe who are poflefTed of grace, are not 
 always under the influence of it : many give fo 
 much way to their own tempers and follies, that 
 they pierce themfelves through with forrows ; while 
 others are walking in the ways of God with an 
 enlarged heart. We give ourfelves the wounds we 
 feel. Thofe aft wifely, who fludy their own con- 
 ftitutional weaknefs, and at all times fet a watch 
 againfl: it. 
 
 Choice is but an effeft, which mufl necefTarily 
 have fome caufe. The reafon why one man chufes 
 fm as his element, and another abhors that very 
 path, and can find no comfort but in the way of 
 hollnefs, is hinted at by the apoflle Paul — Who 
 viade thee to differ. Ye have not chofen me, fays 
 Chrift, but I have chofen you, &cc. Though the 
 ad; be in the perfon who makes the choice, yet the 
 caufe is wholly in God. Before a fifli could chufe 
 a different element to that which is natural to its 
 happinefs, the nature of the creature mufl be 
 changed : fo no fon of Adam will abhor fin, which 
 is as common to his nature as the fparks to fiy up in 
 the air, until his difpofitlon is changed. 
 
 K k k ChokM 
 
{ 41= ) 
 
 Choice differs materially from force. A finnc/ 
 under flrong and terrible convicftions, may for a 
 fliort feafon be conftrained to refrain from many 
 beloved fms, which he would not leave out of 
 choice. Judas threw down the money, not out of 
 choice, but his mind Vv^as filled with dread and 
 horror. A heart unchanged, retains the very fame 
 habits to the laft : though the operations of nature 
 may be impeded, the bias is the fame. A man in 
 a fever loaths that kind of food, which is mofk 
 agreeable to him in health : remove but the diforder, 
 and his appetite pofTelTes the very fame habit. 
 Choice therefore differing fo entirely from all kinds 
 of force, is one of the flrongeft proofs of that man's 
 ftate being good who chufes religion for his pleafurc 
 and happinefs. 
 
 A wife choice does not fo much demonflrate that 
 the underftanding is enlightened, as that the heart is 
 renewed: the heart is the real feat, or part, in 
 which the heavenly quality inheres. Jer. xxxii. ^g. 
 I zoilL give them one heart, and one way. The 
 choice of the chriftian is frequently feen to be at- 
 tended with more affe(5tion and zeal at his firft fet- 
 ting out, than when he has attained a greater degree 
 of knowledge. This makes it evident, that the 
 chriftian's choice is occafioned by the immediate 
 operation of the Holy Ghoft upon the heart j and 
 that whenever his influence is v/ithdrawn, not all 
 the knowledge in the world will keep that man's 
 heart from finking down into the earth. Such a 
 one will experience as much need to cry out, Draw 
 me, and I will run after thee, when he is old, and 
 
 pofiTefied 
 
( 411 ) 
 
 poiielled of much knowledge, as when he firfl began 
 the chriflian race. 
 
 This choice is not ail accidental frame, by which 
 a man appears to fet out well, but foon returns as 
 the dog to his vomit j but it is a real and immutable 
 principle : thofe in whom it is once implanted, will 
 never be deprived of it ; it is impoffible that fuch a 
 plant fhould ever be plucked up : neither the weak- 
 nefs of grace, nor the art and power of the grand 
 adverlar/j can deflfoy this immortal principle : 
 whatever ftorms tnay blow, or temptations rife, the 
 chriflian's feed remains in him. 
 
 This choice is particularly recommended by Chrifl 
 in thefe words, Alary has chofen that good part. 
 As every good and perfe6t gift cometh from above, 
 fo that which is in fo peculiar a manner the gift of 
 God is agreeable to him ; and when thofe who are 
 thus adorned with his heavenly gifts adt agree- 
 able to his revealed will, they are fure to have his 
 approbation. Many who are pofTeiTed of true grace, 
 at times are fo much carried away by temptations, 
 that they expofe themfelves to their heavenly 
 Father's chaflifmg rod. 
 
 Mary made choice of that for her pleafure, which 
 the wicked hate and cannot endure; Chrifl's word 
 is not only negledted by fuch, but they are polTefTed 
 of a dreadful averfion to that method of falvatiori, 
 which is revealed in the word of God ; therefore* 
 that which affords the highell fatisfa6tion to godly 
 perfons, excites the averfion and antipathy of an 
 unrenewed man. 
 
 It might be denominated a good part, becaufe it 
 K k k 2 was 
 
{ 412 ) 
 was Tome thing that would endure : that which the 
 unwife men of this world pitch upon for their hap- 
 pinefs, is but like Jonah's gourd; they chufc that 
 for their portion, which their realon informs them 
 ^o be momentary : can thofe be faid to chufe a wife 
 and good part, who prefer the pleafures which pafs 
 away like the fliadow, to thofe which are of an 
 everlafling nature ? What wife man would lay out 
 as much money on a houfe in which he was to lodge 
 in but one night, as one he expeds to live in all his 
 life ? 
 
 Mary's choice deferved the epithet, good, as it 
 was that which was truly virtuous and honourable. 
 Wifdom is justified of all her children. How many 
 young perfons prefer thofe pleafures, which are in- 
 jurious both to themfelves and friends, and which 
 frequently ftamp a difgrace and dilhonor on their 
 names to the end of their days : a reproach that can 
 never be loft fight of. David himfelf went long 
 with broken bones, and felt the words of Nathan : 
 he had given great occaiion to the enemies of the 
 Lord to blafpheme. 
 
 Let us make fome remarks on that wifdom thofe 
 difcover, who make a wife choice. The company 
 fuch keep, is a proof that they are not governed 
 and led by that fpirit of folly, which abounds in the 
 world. What wife man would chufe to travel with 
 robbers ? What are the wicked, but men who in- 
 jure all they come near? Prov. iv. 14. Enter not 
 into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way 
 of evil men. Avoid it, pafs not by it, turn from 
 it, and pafs away. For they fleep not except they 
 
 have 
 
( 413 ) 
 
 have done mif chief : and their Jleep is taken away, 
 unlefs they caufe fome to fall. Why have we fuch 
 repeated warnings of this kind ? The reafon is be- 
 caufe there is nothing fo ruining to youth as bad 
 company. Were all the names of thofe who have 
 fallen fatally and eternally by the influence of bad 
 companions wrote down, what thoufands of volumes 
 would they fill ! If the pfalmift could fay, rivers 
 of water run down mine eyes, hecaufe men love not 
 thy law ; may we not fay, an ocean of tears have 
 been flied by godly fathers, who have beheld their 
 children' connected v/ith bad company. 
 
 A wife choice frequently appears in making an 
 early choice. Hovv^ many aged perfons have the 
 latter part of their lives imbittered with the reflec- 
 tion of the follies of their youth. Some of thefe, 
 when plunged into extreme poverty, can only now 
 expert reproaches and infalts from thofe who have 
 been witneffes to their extravagance ; and though 
 now reformed, and none can fo much detefl: thofe 
 very ways of fm and folly which they once were 
 fond of, and by which they have been funk into 
 prefent difl:refs, yet their cafe in this world is reme- 
 dilefs ; and though they obtain falvation, they mufl: 
 cxped a painful travel to the end of their journey. 
 Some of the mod feeling cautions and wholefome 
 advice, fuch have often given to the thoughtlefs 
 and unwary. 
 
 Many have entailed fuch diforders on their wi- 
 thered limbs, as fill them with pain from moi'ning 
 to evening ; and though free grace" has been mani- 
 fefied in a moft aftcnifliing manner in their conver- 
 
 fion, 
 
( 414 ) 
 fion, yet h\ their fleeplefs hours mufl they read the 
 folly of former years : thefe envy fuch as were 
 brought to God in their early days, Happy indeed 
 for thofe who, Timothy like, have known the 
 fcriptures from their youth; thefe frequently in this 
 world reap the benefit of it : Godlinefs has the pro'^ 
 mije of this life. Sin does not only ruin the im- 
 tiiortal foul, but dreadfully enflaves the body, and 
 plunges thoufands into poverty and difgrace. There 
 is no poffibility of defcribing a thoufandth part of 
 that mifery v^^hich youth have brought on them- 
 felves, by chufing rather to fit at the feet of the 
 worft of men, than give any attention to the ever-^ 
 lafting gofpel. 
 
 Thofe very objedions loofe yoiing perfons fre-^ 
 quently make ufe of, and which they advance as 
 reafons why they attend not to religion in the days 
 of their youth, are not fatisfadory to themfelves> 
 when they plead that they have many years before 
 them, and that religion is a fubjedt which if they 
 take up many days hence^ it will be fufficient : but 
 even thofe who make ufe of fuch empty arguments 
 as thefe, are more fenfible than they wifli to be, 
 that youth apparently fland nearer death than many • 
 who have arrived at the meridian of life. The old 
 Englifli proverb has many times (though unwel- 
 come) come into the mind of a wicked youth — 
 «* The lambs fkin goes as foon to the market as the 
 old fheep." There is no arguing againft matters of 
 fa(5t. Sinners, like thieves, are often at their wits 
 end, and i\nd it impoiTible to rid themfelves of their 
 gloomy fears ; and as they know the road they walk 
 
 in 
 
( 415 ) 
 in leads to hell, they frequently fear that God^ 
 againft whom they are finning, will be provoked 
 to take vengeance on them foon. 
 
 Auguftine complains, that Satan kept him from 
 repentance feven years with this very obje(5tion, that 
 he was too young; but at length the povi^er of God 
 reaching his heart, he cried out, Lord, how long 
 Jhalt I cry it is too foon P There are few but 
 have experienced the force of this temptation. It is 
 this very fnare which at this day flays its tens of 
 thoufands. Many who would be fhocked at the 
 thought of dying out of Chrifl, yet can live and 
 take pleafure in fin j but take from them the hope 
 of repenting in their riper years, and they would 
 fmk into defpair. Thoufands have gone even to 
 their graves grieving that they fpent fo much time 
 in Satan's fervice ; but we hear of none ever la- 
 menting that they began at too early a period : but 
 though the moft pofitive proofs, and abundance of 
 them, can be adduced to confirm this truth, fuch is 
 that infatuation of the love of fin, that finners will 
 even willfully fhut their eyes, nay, even wifh they 
 had not the underflanding they have, that they 
 might indulge their fin. 
 
 Many, while they are attempting to pacify a 
 guilty confcience with arguments, which even make 
 themfelves unhappy while they are advancing them, 
 are thunderflruck by the fudden, unexpe(5led, and 
 awful death of fome intimate comrade, who had 
 not arrived at their age, nor pitch of wickednefs. 
 Thefe alarming difpenfations of divine providence 
 have frequently been blelTed to furvivors : but fome 
 
 who 
 
( 4i6 ) 
 
 who have been witnefTes to the moft dreadful of 
 thefe, have only run on the fafter in the road to 
 ruin. The fool in the parable, that to folace hlm- 
 felf brought in this as his confolation, as he is re- 
 prefented by Chrift, to be emphatically a fool in 
 this, that he had goods laid up for many years. 
 Thou fool, fays Chrift, this night JJiall thy foul be 
 reguired of thee. His folly was in promising him- 
 felf the enjoyment of many years to comej as if 
 this earth was his freehold, and he could continue 
 on it as long as he chofe. The tenant who dwells 
 on another man's eftate, muft keep in mind, he is 
 there only by permiflion 3 when his leafe is out he 
 cannot tell. 
 
 Is it rational for thofe to exped that God will 
 grant them long life, who have no other end in 
 wifhing for it than an opportunity of offending him ? 
 and many cannot be ignorant of this, that the reafon 
 why they wifli to live is not for the glory of God, 
 but for that which is the reverfe. If our exiftence 
 in this world depended on the will and pleafure of 
 the devil, then a linner, who wifhed for long life to 
 continue in fin, might expedl to have his wiflies 
 granted. 
 
 The folly many have difcovered in promiiing 
 themfelves a kind of making amends for all in 
 future days, is only an old temptation by which a 
 countlefs number have been ruined : fuch forget 
 the advife of the Holy Ghoft, Remember thy crea- 
 tor in the days of thy youth ; before the evil days 
 come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou 
 fialt fay I have no pleafure in them. Old age, 
 
 like 
 
( 417 ) 
 
 like the winter, brings with it innumerable diffi- 
 culties and pains; Thofe who bring the devil's 
 leavings to Godj generally find it hard work : when 
 they have wafled the vigour of youth in Satan's 
 fervicei their faculties, as well as their bodies, are 
 greatly impaired j fo that fuch find it difficult to 
 obtain that knowledge which the chriftian Hands 
 in need of. Thofe infirmities common to perfons in 
 years, unfit them for the fervice of God, and the 
 giving of that attention to divine things^ which the 
 vigour of youth renders cafy and agreeable to perfons 
 at a more early period of life : lofs of memory, and 
 dulnefs of apprehenfion, has made many go with 
 forrow to the grave. 
 
 Many make the mofi: awful ufe of thofe extraor- 
 dinary examples of pardoning mercy which are 
 recorded in the word of God; as if fuch infijances 
 of free forgiving love were handed down to the end 
 of the v/orld, on purpofe to encourage prefumptuous 
 finners to perfifi; in rebellion againfi: God. But can 
 fuch abufe of fovereign mercy be the way to find 
 favour with God ? Shall thofe who pleads that 
 becaufe David obtained pardon, and the thief on 
 the crofs by one petition found acceptance, that 
 therefore they need not be intimidated, but go on 
 boldly in the way of fin ? is it poffible that fuch 
 arguments can yield that fatisfadion as thefe could 
 willi ? This is abufing divine goodnefs to the lafl 
 degree, and muft be a method the mofi: provoking 
 to God. The apofile clearly defides the fate of men 
 of this character. 
 
 Can one fingle ad of God's fovereignty be con- 
 L 1 i fidered 
 
( 4i8 ) 
 Tidered as a flanding rule ? muil we form all our 
 ideas of God and his ways from a few extraordinary 
 circumftances ? It was a faying of Calvin, " We 
 may almofl as foon exped: another crucifying of 
 Chrift, as another convert like that of the thief" 
 Let fuch as plead this as an encouragement to fin, 
 alfo confider, that the thief on the crofs never had 
 been favoured with the light which v/e have under 
 the gofpel ; he had never refufed the calls of Chrift 
 in his word. Further we arc to confider this 
 glorious a6t of divine mercy manifefted on the crofs, 
 was to put a peculiar honor upon the merit of that 
 blood the Jews were then fo inhumanly trampling 
 upon j and when we confider this, is it any wonder 
 that fuch an extraordinary inftance of the virtue of 
 it {hould be given on Calvary ? 
 
 No arguments appear fo exceedingly ridiculous 
 as thofe which finners frequently make ufe of, to 
 excufe for their prcfent choice. What would we 
 think if a man fhould fay, becaufe Elijah was fed 
 by ravens, therefore I will no longer work and toil 
 for my living 3 God can provide for me in a more 
 eafy manner, and I fhall have more leifure for read- 
 ing and praying ? or Hiould any iTjan argue, when 
 rie finds himfelf deadly fick, and fay, if I pray but 
 to God, he will add fifteen years to my life, becaufe 
 he gave fuch a fivour to king Hezekiah ? Thofe 
 weak and prefumptuous arguments finners make ufe 
 to pacify their own confciences, are as much oppo- 
 fite to common fenfe and reafon as the condudt of 
 fuch a man. 
 
 Many have nothing at prefent in view, but the 
 
 advancing, 
 
( 4^9 ) 
 
 advancing of themfelves in this world; in this 
 their time is wholly taken up ; their thoughts from 
 morning to evening run upon nothing higher than 
 that which this earth produces. The moft pathetic 
 fermons are loft on thefe; the moft folemn warnings, 
 and afFc(^ling providences, make little or no impref- 
 fion on their hearts : the fervice of God is made ufe 
 of for no other purpofe than that of a theatre; and 
 it is not where they can profit, but where they can 
 meet with fuch objed:s as they wifli to fee, and 
 this is that which foleiy governs their choice. In 
 this awful courfe many are found, when they are 
 fummoned to give an account of talents, and pri- 
 vileges fo awfully abufed. Thofe fermons, to which 
 they gave not the leaft attention while in the place 
 of worfliip, (their eyes and thoughts being difFe- 
 I'ently engaged) muft now be given an account of to 
 the great Mailer of aflemblies. 
 
 Thefe generally take great pains to decorate and 
 adorn the body, and when they imagine themfelves 
 fitted for public, are but like fepulchres beautiful 
 without, but within filthy and abominable. Thefe 
 fpend more time at the looking glafs than in the 
 word of God, and have a thoufand thoughts what 
 others think of them, but never confider what the 
 God of ordinances thinks of fuch worfliippers. One 
 moment's f^tiecftion might fuffice to convince thofe, 
 that they hav\more defire of engaging others by 
 their appearance, than of feeing the King in his 
 beauty. It is not\hriil: that is altogether lovely to 
 thefe, but objeds whi^h lead the mind to the greateft 
 difiance from him. Can thofe who would turn the 
 L 1 1 2 worihip 
 
( 420 ) 
 
 woriliip of God to the worft of purpofes, efcape 
 the notice of a holy and jealous God ? In what 
 hgnt mull he look on thofe to whom no worfliip 
 is acceptable, but that which is performed in fpirit 
 and in truth ? How different thefe to Mary ; while 
 her condudl was highly pleafing to Chrifi:, how 
 provoking mult the condud: of fuch perfons be ? 
 
 Some in a particular manner chufe the world for 
 their portion : their condud, in many things, will 
 appear to the world amiable, being honetl and in- 
 dullrious, and alfo ufeful men in fcciety; thefe are 
 injurious to none when compared with many others: 
 but their hearts being fo immerfed in the world, 
 they do not fo much as notice any thing that is 
 revealed in the word of God. Chrift to them is as 
 a root out of a dry ground. Thofe are the happiefl: 
 fabbaths they have, when they fee their books 
 ported, and all things going on well. Thefe make 
 light of all heavenly things j they wiih for no 
 higher pleafures than thofe which are connedted 
 with the riches and honors of this world. As the 
 poor deluded Ephefians cried out, great is Diana, 
 the goddefs of the Ephefians, and faw nothing of 
 the excellency of Chrift ; fo thefe, as blind worms 
 of the earth, cry out, " great are the honors and 
 pleafures of this v/orld," but have not the leafl 
 idea of that honor which comes from God. Satan, 
 the God of this world, in a peculiar manner blinds 
 the eyes of fuch men : thefe, like men in fome 
 foreign clime, who have a great opportunity of en- 
 riching themfelves, but fpend their whole time in 
 gathering a few pebbles, which, when they return, 
 
 they 
 
( 421 ) 
 
 they find to be of no value ; their imaginary pearls 
 prove only a cheat : but what metaphor can repre- 
 lent a millionth part of that difappointment a loft 
 foul mujft feel in hell. 
 
 As there is no poliibility of defcribing the dread-^ 
 ful choice many make, fo it is as impoflible to fet 
 forth the excellency of the chriflian's choice. Chrift 
 recommends it in this particular, it fhall never be 
 taken away from thofe who chufe it. That which 
 invalidates the mofl agreeable things which this 
 world affords, is the uncertainty of them. The 
 choice which wicked men make muft be taken from 
 ihem : thofc very things, which to them appear 
 grievous beyond every thing to be denied the en- 
 joyment of, will foon be fnatched away from their 
 embraces. Demas forfook Chrift, and chofe the 
 world for his portion, but death fwept away all his 
 gain : he forfook that which by the bleffing of God 
 made millions eternally happy, for that vvhich now 
 adds to his everlafting mifery. 
 
 Is not Chrifl now witnefs to the choice of each 
 in tJiis family ? and is it not a great encouragement, 
 that he Ibould be fo highly pleafed with thofe who 
 fly to liim to be taught and faved ? What was 
 Mary by nature, but a poor loft fmner ? and this 
 condinSl of hers, was more than acceptable to him : 
 fo w^hen any prefer his company, his word and or- 
 dinances, this is that which he never overlooks. 
 The fpirit and temper which Chrift difcovered in 
 this, has done good to many. 
 
 Have you confidered the dreadful choice which 
 many have made ? and have you never obferved that 
 
 fuch 
 
( 422 ) 
 fuch have for the moft part made themfelves 
 miferable in this world ? and do you not fee this a 
 great and invariable truth. Seek yejirft the kingclovi 
 of God and his righteoufnefs^ and all thefe things 
 Jliall be added unto yon. 
 
 Would you be thoroughly fatisfied whether your 
 choice is fuch a one as Mary's, enquire whether 
 your hearts cleave to fuch as Mary, who are the 
 perfons, and what fpirit are they of, in whom you 
 can take delight ? are thofe families, who are like 
 that of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, the houfes you 
 find the moft pleafure in vifiting ? 
 
 You, who like Mary, that can fit at ChrilVs 
 feet with pleafure, how foon fhall you and I be in 
 the company of Chrift in glory ; and at the great 
 day in what light fliall we behold the foolifli choice 
 thoufands have made? we fhall then fee that the 
 time of their choice is over for ever ! they muft 
 never have that which they would chufe to all 
 eternity. Thofe who have had their choice in this 
 world in the paths of fm, and could never bear the 
 thought of denying themfelves any finful indulgence, 
 mufl feel beyond all defcription, when they are not 
 only denied admiffion into heaven, but doomed to 
 fufFer the vengeance of eternal fire. It is therefore 
 the defire of my foul, you may chufe that good 
 part, which will bring you folid comfort here, and 
 eternal glory at death. 
 
 END OF THE NINETEENTH EXERCISE. 
 
FAMILY EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 ClDenttetl) Cvcmse* 
 
 GREAT DELIVERANCE. 
 
 Lo, 1 fee four men loofe, walking in the midjl of 
 the fire, and they have no hurt ; and the form 
 of the fourth is like the Son of God. 
 
 Dan. iii. 2k. 
 
 G 
 
 OD underdands how to get glory to himrelf, 
 by the moll: weak and foolifli adtions of the greatefl 
 of men ; and though the defigns of fuch are fruf- 
 trated, and that on which they fet their hearts turns 
 out to their fhame and difgrace, yet nothing ihall 
 prevent God from obtaining that glory which he has 
 in view. By the erefting of this enormous image, 
 the Pagan worfliippers were confounded, and fome 
 of the darkeil of them obliged to confefs, that none 
 of their gods could deliver in any fuch manner as 
 Jehovah had preferved his fervants. This muft have 
 been a great mortification to thofe v^'ho were fond 
 of idol worfliip. 
 
 Some fuppofe Nebuchadnezzer had an eye to 
 that image which he had feen is his dream ; but the 
 fpirit of this proud and lofty mortal, was influenced 
 from a motive quite difterent ; he feemed to have no 
 
 higher 
 
( 424 ) 
 
 higher an end than the advancing of his own honor 
 and to perpetuate his name. But ail who. are 
 taught of God will fee, that human nature, how- 
 ever dignified by momentary honorsy is not made- 
 more wife by any fuch gifts : great dignity and 
 great godllnefs feldom walk together. 
 
 This image was ere6ted about two years after 
 Nebuchadnezzar's dream, and about the feventh 
 year of his reign, and a little before Jeconiah's 
 captivity. Judah was at this period filled with 
 idolatry, and the word and worfliip of God treated 
 with contempt. Can we wonder that heathens 
 jGhould be fo dark, as to worfhip idols of wood and 
 flone, while we fee fo many of the feed of Abra- 
 ham mad of idol worfliip : but Babylon was to be 
 the place where God intended to cure them, of 
 idolatry ; for fince that period to this day, the Jew^ 
 in general have abhorred the wor (hipping of idols. 
 
 If we confider the folly of men, efpecially that 
 which both now is and has been manifefled in 
 all ages, we need not be fo much furprifed wath 
 fuch an idol as Nebuchadnezzar's. Plefiod reckons 
 the number of pagan gods to be thirty thoufand. 
 TertuUian fpeaks of thirty which they called Jupl- 
 ters. We fhould not wonder, if a man left to dif- 
 cover to future generations the height of human 
 weaknefs and folly, iLould fet up fuch an image as 
 this to have divine honors paid himfelf, both in 
 his life time, and after death. If men addided to 
 pride and haughtinefs, would read the hiftory of 
 Nebuchadnezzar, fome good efFedt might be ex- 
 peded from the reading of this man's pride and 
 
 downfall 
 
( 425 ) 
 
 dov/nfall. As Job was remarkable for patience and 
 fufFering, Nebuchadnezzar was for pride and folly. 
 
 It is difficult to tell the exadt bulk of this idol. 
 It is certain among the Jews, that there was a 
 difference between the common and facred cubit ; 
 and as moil of the heathens mimicked the Jews in 
 many things* we cannot be pofitive as to the height 
 and bulk of the image : a cubit properly figmfies 
 the elbow^ and thofe feem neareft the truth, who 
 reckon the common cubit half a yard, and the 
 facred cubit twenty-four inches. But there mufl 
 have been a very lofty pedeftal on which this image 
 flood ; for fix cubits in diameter bear no proportion 
 to lixty in height. The height of this image was 
 a proof of Nebuchadnezzar's ignorance and folly. 
 In w^hat light muft an intelligent Jew look on this 
 image ? what mufh fuch a one think, that a man fo 
 ignorant of God, fhould be by him placed in fo 
 exalted a fituation. 
 
 The Coloffian image was fo high, that a fhip, 
 with a tall mail:, might fail between the legs of it ; 
 and being well-proportioned, men could with eafe 
 afcend up it to the top of that arm which was lifted 
 up, and light a large lamp which this huge image 
 held in the uplifted hand : this ferved as a light- 
 houfe. Such great flatues were generally made 
 hollow ', but this of Nebuchadnezzar's was covered 
 with gold, and plated, not merely gilt -, for it was 
 made, no doubt, to laft for ever, and to be an ob- 
 ject of worfhip to all future generations. What 
 man now, confidering the darknefs of that period, 
 can imagine, that men by nature are as much in- 
 M m m clined 
 
( 426 ) 
 
 clined to worfliip the true God, as to join in the 
 worfiiip of idols ? 
 
 MiUions lavifh gold out of their treafures in a 
 more foolifli manner than Nebuchadnezzar ever 
 did, and in a more dire6l way to encourage immo- 
 rahty. The riches of the earth have, in every age, 
 except that period in which David Hved, been laid 
 out in folly and lin. What countlefs fums have 
 been expended on places of worfiiip, under fome 
 pretence of giving glory to God, by thofe very 
 perfons who would not permit the gofpei of Chrilt 
 to found under their roofs ; and this frequently done 
 by thofe who cry out The temple of the Lord, yet 
 pay no manner of regard to the God of the temple. 
 Carnal men of old more freely laid out their money 
 in building the fepulchres of the prophets, than 
 they would give their time to the fludy of their 
 prophefies. Splendid buildings, in a particular 
 manner, abound in popiih countries; where their 
 fuperb churches arid cathedrals, exceed in grandeur 
 moft other buildings in the world. Were we to 
 form an idea of their love to God by the immenfc 
 expence laid on thefe edifices, we' mufh conclude 
 them to be the m.ofl: holy people in the world ; but 
 the contrary is too obvious to be denied. 
 
 Nebuchadnezzar was particularly defirous that 
 this pagan idol fhould be univerfally adored ; and a 
 man in fo high a ftation, and at fo dark a period, 
 needed not feek far for men as weak as himfelf. 
 He foon brought all the heads of the chief men in 
 the world to bow, nay, even proflrate themifelves on 
 the ground, as if this new fabricated idol had both 
 
 made 
 
(' 427 ) 
 made thamfelves, and the earth on which they fell. 
 When will that period arrive, when the true wor- 
 fliippers fliall, with hearts more warmly engaged, 
 woriliip the true God, and unite in crouds of a 
 greater number than bowed to this golden image ? 
 As fure as idol worililp has covered the face of the 
 earth, by and by the worfliip of the true God, and 
 Jthe knowledge of him, fhall cover the whole earth. 
 We no where find, that fuch a number, efpe- 
 cially of the great of this world, were ever found 
 to bow w^lth fuch reverence before the true God. 
 Satan's fervants will more readily unite in adoring 
 an image of gold, than in that worfhip which is 
 prefcribed in the word of God. 
 
 If devils are capable of joy, furely the whole of 
 that loft company muft feel fome pleafure now, in 
 beholding pagan worlliip thus encouraged : thofe 
 fins, which are the moft provoking to God, are the 
 yery offences which that enemy would have finners 
 to abound in the commliTion of; for it is not fin 
 merely as fin which is agreeable to Satan, but in 
 oppofing God in thofe very things in which his 
 chief pleafure and glory lies. 
 
 By the peculiar charge which Nebuchadnezzar 
 gave, there was fome fufpicion, that though many 
 of the Jews were fond of idolatry, there were fome 
 who held this idol in contempt; for we cannot 
 but fuppofe, that there were many who abhorred 
 this idolatry, yet overcome with fear, profirated 
 themfelves before the image. 
 
 The zealous pagans would narrowly watch the 
 
 Jews, and efpecially thofe who were torn with envy 
 
 M m m 2 OH 
 
( 428 ) . 
 
 on account of thofe exalted fituations fome of"tlis 
 Jews were at this period advanced to : thefe would 
 be more overjoyed with their difobedlence, than 
 compliance wdth the king's command. Some, wc 
 may fuppofe, had heard that thefe three noted cha- 
 racters in particular, would not pay any refpedt 
 whatever to a pagan idol : for men of fuch extra- 
 ordinary zeal as they evidently proved themfeives 
 to be polTelTed of, mull: on one occafion or another, 
 have difcovered their fpirit previous to this trying 
 period. They Vv^ere not like fome, afhamicd to own 
 their religion. It is impofTible for us to conceive, 
 what a great difference there muft be amongft idol 
 worlhippers : fome, no doubt, were as devout as if 
 this image had been a real deity. 
 
 The accufers plead thefe mens ingratitude, as 
 well as their flighting of the idol : Thefe men 
 •whom thou hast Jet up. Exalt fome men to high 
 ftations, and they would not refufe to worfliip the 
 devil in any form, rather than lofe their dignity. 
 The height to which they were exalted, was a 
 noble proof of their faith in God : but to thofe 
 who have true faith, what are the moil honorable 
 ftations that creatures can hold in any kingdom, 
 when compared with that infinite honour which 
 awaits thofe v^^ho overcome, and Ihall fit with Chrifl 
 on his throne ? 
 
 The chief men in the empire, and efpecially men 
 who had been exalted purely on account of their 
 wifdom, and great natural abilities ; thefe looking 
 on all the expence this proud monarch had been at, 
 and it was evident that they looked on ail the heathen 
 
 princes 
 
( 429 ) 
 
 princes around, as weak and foollih for worfliipping 
 this image j this mufl; mortify the king's pride be- 
 yond any thing. Had they been weak and infigni- 
 iicant charaders, this difobedience would not have 
 been fo provoking. 
 
 The ignorance of Nebuchadnezzar was as evi- 
 dent as his pride : Who is that God that Jhall deli- 
 ver you ? Notvvithftanding the inftrudion he had 
 obtained from Daniel, his mind was as aark as ever. 
 Had he read the book of Jeremiah the prophet, he 
 would have found his own name, and might have 
 there found the names of thofe very kingdoms' 
 mentioned, which God had decreed to add to his 
 dominion i and how he had lliled him his fervant : 
 but though God had given him great things, he 
 had not given him eyes to fee : heavenly gifts arc 
 infinitely faperior to all earthly . Ijonors. Thofe 
 three he was fo intent on having burnt to afhes, 
 were heaven's favorites, and men infinitely higher 
 in the eftimation of God, than this proud king 
 imagined himfelf to be above his meaneft flave. 
 
 No doubt thofe three eminent men who were 
 accufed, perceived the ignorance of the king, and 
 their anfwer to him difcovers a noble fpirit : We 
 are not careful to anfwer thee in this matter. As 
 their trial was great, God in as remarkable a manner 
 gave them ll:rength for their day : The preparation 
 for their burning, the rage of the king, with ail the 
 fmoke and blaze of his furnace, only fired their 
 courage ; they appeared as if they wifhed for that 
 moment to arrive, when they fliould be in the im- 
 mediate company of God, either in the fire, or in 
 
 heaven. 
 
( 430 ) 
 
 heaven. Perhaps God had revealed to them the 
 very manner in v^^hich they fhould be deUvered, and 
 that glory which fhould in every future age be given 
 to God by this miracle. 
 
 Nebuchadnezzar was as nothing, his majefty, or 
 his furious rage, or fiery furnace, were all of no 
 confequence to men who had fuch ideas of Jehovah's 
 majefty and power -, and efpecially if they had a 
 clear revelation of what fhould be the confequence 
 of their being thrown into the fire. Nebuchad- 
 nezzar could do them no more harm than the image 
 he had fet up, without that God whofe power this 
 ignorant king called in queftion. Their courage at 
 the fame time enraged the king more than eyer. 
 There was no neceflity to try thefe men once more, 
 to fee whether they would or no comply with thte 
 king's requeft : they were as much determined to 
 refufe, as Nebuchadnezzar to punifh. To have 
 been fpedators of this fcene would have been affec- 
 ting ; to fee grace fhine in fuch an eminent manner: 
 the very beholding of it gives fuch an idea of God, 
 and the kind afliftance he has always granted to his 
 tried and beloved people, that it gives encourage- 
 ment to his people in any kind of difficulty. 
 
 It would feem now as if the attention of all the 
 worfhippers would be turned to the preparations 
 making for the burning of thefe men; and that 
 for a feafon this great idol would be neglected. 
 How bufy are mortals frequently in bringing about 
 their own fhame and difgrace 3 and how evidently 
 do we fee God accomplifhing his own defign by 
 the hands of fuch ignorant men ! 
 
 Many 
 
( 431 ) 
 
 Many of the hot pagans would be elevated t6 
 fee the king fo determined to vindicate the honor 
 of his image ; but none more fo than thofe who 
 hoped to fill the places of thofe exalted charaders : 
 thefe felt a great addition to their other motives, to 
 make them wifh to fee thefe men put fo foon out 
 of the world; perhaps they were the men who 
 would proffer the king their afiiilance in throwing 
 them into the furnace. 
 
 We may fuppofe, as many as could fee were 
 witneifes to the binding of thefe men, and ail would 
 expe(5l their being reduced to aflies in a ihort fpace. 
 God permitted their expedations to be railed to the 
 higheft pitch, that their difappointment might be 
 the greater : had they only been bound, and not 
 actually thrown in, God's delign had been fruf- 
 trated. 
 
 Thofe unhappy men, who threw tliem into the 
 fire at the command of the king, ought to have 
 confidered, that he who engaged them in this bu- 
 finefs, could not command thofe flames. It is a 
 dreadful curfe fometimes to be the dupes of wicked 
 men : their pride no doubt pufhed them on to 
 undertake this difficult talk. 
 
 The gazing multitude would overlook the dread- 
 ful end of thofe who were ilain by the fury of the 
 fire, and follow v/ith their eyes the bound offen- 
 ders, to rejoice in their torments : but with what 
 different eyes were thofe beheld by that God 
 for whofe fake they were willing, not only to forfeit 
 all the honors and enjoyments of life, but be con- 
 fumed by this dreadful fire rather than dilhonor 
 
 him. 
 
( 43i ) 
 
 him. This time being fuch an extraordinary bhc^ 
 I Ihould not wonder if all in heaven were witnelTes 
 to this fcene^ 
 
 It was not only on account of their rage^ but 
 the providence of God, which fo over-ruled in 
 this particular, that thefe men fliould not be ftrip- 
 ped of their clothes -, being great men, their gar- 
 ments mufl have been of value : but the fmell of 
 fire not having fo much as pafTed on them, made 
 the miracle the more furprifing. If thrown into 
 the fire in their robes, they would make a majeftic 
 appearance when they came out of the flames. How 
 would the whole company look at thofe men, and 
 none more obfervant than the king, at whofe com- 
 mand they were caft in ! how aftonilhed, when he 
 beheld his own fervants burnt to aflies, and thei 
 fervants of the living God at full liberty, and 
 walking in the midft of the fire as on the moffc 
 pleafing terrace ; and then come out, as we may 
 fuppofe, with an air of pleafure and triumph ! 
 their very countenances would indicate the joy of 
 their hearts. We may take it for granted, that 
 human beings were never more happy on earth than 
 thefe three in that furnace. 
 
 It feems as if Nebuchadnezzar was the firfi: who 
 difcovered thefe men walking in the fire : he ad- 
 dreffes his counfellors, as if they were qualified to 
 account for this phenomenon; but an equal furprife 
 had feized upon them all. Thofe heathens were 
 eye witnefles to the miracle : but how much more 
 pleafure the believing Jews had, who faw this 
 miracle, not merely as an exertion of God's power, 
 
 but 
 
( 433 ) 
 but the highefl token of love to thefe men, their 
 wives and children, who might have an enlightened 
 underftanding : what muft thofe feel, to behold the 
 perfons for whom they had experienced fuch great 
 anxiety, thus wonderfully beloved and delivered ? 
 Thofe who had felt the higheft fatisfatftion in their 
 being thrown into the fire, would be the moft con- 
 founded at this fight. 
 
 The long prayer of Azariah, and the fong of 
 thefe three in fire, is an apocryphal inipofition, 
 which was made canonical by the fynod of Trent : 
 ?i heavy curfe h.mgs over the heads of thofe who 
 add their fabulous rtories to the word of God. The 
 romidi church has afcribed their being delivered 
 from the fire to their virginity ; but the Holy Ghofi: 
 has more properly mentioned their faith as the 
 caufe. Heb. xi. 34. 
 
 This walking in the midfi; of the fire mufl have 
 continued for fome time, for the chief and principal 
 perfons who had worfiiipped the image were wit^ 
 nefies to this afi:oniiliing miracle. No doubt but 
 they continued in the fire as long as was necefiary, 
 to make their deliverence as great a matter of won- 
 der as pofiible. What mufi: thefe think who beheld 
 the king's fervants confumed, and the wordiippers 
 of the true God thus protected and delivered ? 
 They mufl fee what an awful diftindbion this great 
 dehverer made between his own fervants, and thofe 
 of the king. Could all thefe have feen, what a 
 difference will be made at the day of judgment, 
 between idolaters and thofe who worfhip God fin- 
 cerely, how much more folemn will that fight be ! 
 N n n Though 
 
( 434 ) 
 Though we have nothing left on record what 
 any fpoke on this occafion, but the king, yet we 
 may fuppofe it was long matter of converfation for 
 the whole of thofe who v/ere gathered together ; 
 and not only thofe who were now affembkd, 
 but when they returned to their own homes, all 
 would be enquiring of them the particulars of this 
 miracle : fo that the news of it reached many coun- 
 tries. 
 
 One would imagine the woriliip of the image 
 would be almoft loft fight of for a feafon, and that 
 the king would have given a command quite the 
 reverfe ; that if any man from this time fliould fall 
 down before that image, his houfe (hould be m^idc 
 a dunghiir. If feeing a miracle would have changed 
 the hearts of men, none of thefe would ever have 
 bowed to an idol again : but if the Jews, then in 
 Jerufalem, who doubtlefs heard of this miracle, ftill 
 retained their fondnefs for idolatry, we cannot won- 
 der that we hear nothing of any convidion-work 
 being wrought by this tranfadtion. It was about this 
 time that Jehoiakim burnt the roll, Jer. xxxvi. 23. 
 Thofe who take notice of this remarkable period, 
 will fee that though the land of Judah was fo ripe 
 for ruin, yet God had now his moft eminent fer- 
 vants in Babylon. 
 
 Notwithftanding this, and many more of God's 
 wonderful works, have been recorded, not only in 
 the word of God, but in the chief records of hea-^. 
 then ftates ; fuch is the wickednefs and obftinacy 
 of finners, they fhut their eyes that they may not 
 be efFeded with the truth : for when fuch miracles 
 
 as 
 
( 435 ) 
 
 as thefe are fo indubitably proved, even to the very 
 heathens, they dread the convid:ion which naturally 
 attends the confideration of fuch miracles. 
 
 Whether Nebuchadnezzar, as Caiaphas, fpoke 
 what he underftood not, or by fome immediate im- 
 pulfe, is uncertain : but there is no doubt, but 
 that he who is now God in our nature, did upon 
 this extraordinary occalion, take a human form, to 
 prove to thefe his fervants, and to all the redeemed, 
 to the end of the world, how able he is to deliver 
 his people; and that he will not only deliver them, 
 but particularly glory in their deliverance. 
 
 The king now faw a fufficient reafon why thefe 
 faithful men would worlliip none but God ; for he 
 moft readily acknowledges, that no other God 
 could have thus delivered them. Though he bleffes 
 the God of thefe men, there is no fatisfadtory proof 
 that he at any time, either called him his God, or 
 looked to him as fuch ; though he openly acknow- 
 ledges, that none of their gods were to be com- 
 pared to him. But if a heathen king would make 
 fo ftridt a law, that if any man fliould fpeak a 
 word againft the God of thefe men, is not the cuf- 
 tom of profane fwearing a great difgrace to any 
 enlightened country ? No doubt but this decree, 
 made by Nebuchadnezzar, would caufe great joy 
 to the underftanding Jews : it mull be happy indeed 
 for them, to have the mouths of their enemies thus 
 fhut. 
 
 This part of fcripture hiftory will afford thefe 
 
 inftrudtions to all in every future age, who fhall 
 
 read and attend to them. In the iirft place. That 
 
 N n n 2 when 
 
( 456 ) 
 when God is intending fonie peculiar manifcflation- 
 of his power, and to make known that infinite love 
 wherewith he loveth his people, he iliews how he 
 can over-rule the a<ftions of the moft powerful and 
 malicious men, and make all of thefe, as wheels in 
 a machine, to fet forth his praife : for though thefe 
 wicked men were all adtuated by a principle of 
 bigotry and malice, it was all to bring about the 
 cafling of thefe men into the fire, and that an op- 
 portunity might be given to this great deliverer to 
 ihew his mighty power. This is that which God 
 has principally in view, in thofe great and dark 
 trials which he permits his people to be exercifed 
 with. To have feen Nebuchadnezzar's rage, the 
 malice of thefe accufers, and thefe godly men fo 
 entirely in the power of their inveterate foes, and 
 the furnace burning; few chriftians could have 
 beheld this without pain, nay have been ready to 
 fay. Shall the rod of the xoicked always rest upon 
 the backs of the righteous : but when we fee the 
 end which God had in view, v^e admire. Some 
 great providences are unravelled in time j of others 
 it may be faid. What I do thou knoioest not now, 
 hut thou fialt know hereafter. Take the whole 
 of this together, and it appears, nothing that was 
 permitted could have been wanting ; the hatred and 
 malice of the accufers, the rage of the king, the 
 faith of thefe eminent charaders, were all neceH'ary 
 to bring about fo extraordinary a deliverance. 
 
 Secondly, That however great the difficulty is, 
 which God (hall permit any of his own to be 
 exercifed with, there is nothing too hard for him 
 
 to 
 
( 437 ) 
 
 to accomplifh ; nO water too deep, or fire too hot 
 for him : iinpoiribilities with us, are as nothing to 
 God. One word of Chrift calmed the ocean, and 
 hufhed the flormy wind. The dehverer at this 
 time was he who is now God- man in heaven. All 
 chriftians {hould lludy to be well-acquainted with 
 his power ; if any are ignorant, it mull be owing 
 to their own negligence, for his fame has been 
 fpread of old. What a fpecimen of his delivering 
 power did Mofes fee I the Egyptians were made to 
 acknowledge his might. His wonders made the 
 heathen world to tremble. When he marched at 
 the head of his people, what was fo fuited for a 
 difplay of his power, as a fea to go through? 
 Would not the character of God have been ruined, 
 had he not been able both to lead them fafely, and 
 drown their enemies : it will never be faid of him, 
 that he began, but was not able to fini(h. 
 
 No country like that of a barren and defert land, 
 would anfvVer the defign of Jehovah. He would 
 not merely give them the conqueft of the land of 
 Canaan, but in their way thither, they muft have 
 great opportunities of becoming acquainted with 
 the God of Abraham. Neither the giants in the 
 land of Canaan, nor the walls of Jericho, or the 
 iron chariots of their armies, were fufficient for 
 him to difplay his power in their overthrow : he at 
 times feemed even to contrive that he might have 
 opportunities in which his power might be made 
 manifeft : in many battles, when thoufands of their 
 enemies fell, not one of Ifrael was loft. 
 
 In both their captivities and deliverances his arm 
 
 has 
 
( 438 ) 
 
 has been made bare. Senacherib, after all his 
 boafts of conquering the gods of furrounding na- 
 tions, was witnefs to his power, and returned 
 covered with fliame and difgrace to his own coun- 
 try. His boafting was foon at an end : one ftroke 
 of Jehovah's rod can fill his friends with joy and 
 triumph, and plunge his enemies into deftru6lion. 
 Daniel experienced it in the den, when his ignorant 
 adverfaries were rejoicing that his bones were ground 
 to powder. We may truly fay of him, His goings 
 forth have been of old, even from everlasting, 
 •When in his ftate of humiliation, his works filled 
 the world with aftonifliment ; all diforders and devils 
 were as nothing to his power ; even dead and ftink- 
 ing Lazarus, was not fo much as the lifting of a 
 ftrav/ to prove the ftrength of a giant : what was 
 one body not yet turned to duft, to all the millions 
 who ihall be compleatly formed externally brilliant 
 as the fun, and internally perfed: in every part, and 
 all in the twink of an eye ! Shall we not delight 
 in this fubjedl, when we fee his arm lifted up in 
 our defence ! Who can fink with fuch an helper ? 
 Had the difciples underftood his power, they would 
 have been calm in the midft of the tofiing ocean : 
 had one of thefe been drowned, 'where had the 
 Redeemer's glory been? how would the wicked 
 Jews have exulted, had he at any time appeared 
 unable to fave his own ? Hell ihall never echo 
 with triumph over the weakeft of his flock; they 
 are all in the hand of fuch a fhepherd. 
 
 Thirdly, This remarkable deliverance infi:rudls us 
 in his condefcenfion and infinite love. Thofe hea- 
 thens 
 
( 439 ) 
 thens who only faw the deliverance of thefe men 
 from the p^'A^er of fire, faw nothing in comparifon 
 to what thofe did, who beheld that infinite love 
 which was manifefled to thefe happy men : it is 
 love which is the grand caufe of the whole ; it is 
 this which caufes his arm to be flretched out for 
 the deliverance of his beloved people : whatever he 
 does on their account, it is performed with the 
 greatell love. 
 
 If his power appeared glorious in Nebuchad- 
 nezzar's fire, how infinitely more glorious did his 
 love appear on Calvary ! He did great things by 
 his power for Nebuchadnezzar, for Ahab, for 
 Cyrus : many have fliared of great temporal mer- 
 cies, who lived and died ignorant of his love. As 
 love was the firongell: cord that held him to the 
 crofs, fo afiuredly there is not the fmallefl thing 
 done for his people, but it is done in love. Never 
 could an aifecftionate father fay of any only fon, 
 with more truth than Chrift can fay, whatever I 
 have done for this child, I have done it with the 
 greateft pleafure and love. If therefore this love 
 of his be overlooked, the principal thing which he 
 would have his people look at, is not noticed at all. 
 God [ermits the world to gaze at his power, but 
 the love of his heart they mufl not have one 
 glimpfe of. If thefe had not been affected with 
 his love, they would have come out of that fire 
 with ungrateful hearts : but in this fire they learnt 
 a new leflbn, they got an addition to whatever ideas 
 they might have before. His love is as real as his 
 power. The fpecimens we have of it in this deli- 
 verance 
 
( 440 ) 
 
 verance fliould convince us, that this Hep would 
 never have been taken by him if he had not loved 
 them. 
 
 Fourthly, The encouragement given in this de^ 
 liverance to all chriftians. Confider what it is to 
 have a helper to whom nothing is hard or didicult ; 
 and after giving proof of his power in helping mil- 
 lions, his arm is not fliortened at all. Are there 
 any enemies we have to face, or any difficulties 
 which we dread ? is not he all-fufficient ? Is any 
 thing too hard for the Lord? Even Mofes ftood in 
 need of having fuch a queftion put to him. 
 
 Confider the connection there is between your 
 deliverance and his glory j his faithfulnefs is pecu- 
 liarly engaged, and his glory is alfo in a peculiar 
 manner interefled in his peoples fafety. Should 
 they fidl finally, his honor is eclipfed : he has vo- 
 luntarily entered into fuch relations to them, as 
 neceflarily engages his power in their favor : for 
 whom is he a fhepherd, but for his redeemed. 
 
 Think what it is to have fuch an one always 
 prefent with you, and who looks upon himfelf in 
 office on purpofe to watch and deliver his people. 
 Do you fee that thefe men were entirely in the 
 power of Nebuchadnezzar ? but how foon could 
 the Son of God refcue them from this cruel tyrant. 
 You are by nature under the power of Satan, and 
 if this great deliverer fave you not, this grand ad- 
 verfary will drag you into a fire that never fliall be 
 quenched. 
 
 Was it dreadful to fee this fire preparing ? but 
 could you fee that place which has long been pre- 
 pared. 
 
( 441 ) 
 
 pared, and where a countlefs number are now 
 adlually tormented. If that fmall furnace appeared 
 fo terrible, how tremendous mufh the bottomlefs pit 
 be ? Thefe men were cad into the fire becaufe they 
 rcfufed to worfliip an idol, but finners are cafl into 
 hell for being unwilling to worfhip that God who 
 had fed and clothed them all their days : thefe 
 worthies ^vere doomed to the fire for ad:ing rationally, 
 but finners are doomed to hell for ailing irrationally 
 and ungratefully. 
 
 Had thofe who were cafl into Nebuchadnezzar's 
 fire been confuip.ed, they could not have been ia 
 pain many moments j but thofe who are cafl into 
 hell, mufl burn to all eternity: had they been 
 burned to aflies, they would have been high in 
 efleem with all God's people; but mofl of all by 
 him in whofe caufe they fuffered. But the very 
 name of the wicked is cafl out, and the wrath of 
 God will purfue fuch for ever and ever. 
 
 Had I been a fpedator, and feen the decree of 
 Nebuchadnezzar, that whofoever would not fall 
 down and worfhip his image fhould be cafl into the 
 furnace, and then looked at the integrity of thefe 
 men, I lliould have concluded from the fpirit of 
 them, that they would afluredly be thrown 
 into the fire ; and v/hen I read the threatenings in 
 the word of God, and behold the fpirit and condud: 
 of finners, I fee the furnace of the wrath of almighty 
 God muA be the eternal abode of thofe if they die 
 in their fins. Bq afiured there is no way to efcape a 
 fire more terrible thaC that or, Nebuchadnezzar's, but 
 by being interefled in his Mood who delivered thefe 
 O o o men. 
 
( 442 ) 
 
 men* As nothing but a God could have prevented 
 them from being burnt to a{l:ies, fo that blood alone, 
 which was flied on Calvary can atone for your fin. 
 Have you any rcafon to fuppofe that you are in- 
 terefted in his favour ? he knew how much thofe 
 three men loved him. Did they chufe rather to be 
 put into a fire than dishonor God ; and will you 
 refufe to deny yourfelves in the fmallefl things for 
 his fake? will you, Judas-like, for fome poor trifle, 
 part with fuch a Savior ? I cannot manifefl: the 
 fmcerity of my regard for you, in any thing fo 
 much as in that which concerns eternity. I am 
 fenfible, if for one poor morfel, Efau-like, you are 
 felling your birth-right, you will be foon in ■ the 
 fire of divine wrath. 
 
 If you will hearken to my advice, and readily 
 obey my commands, in things which belong to your 
 temporal comforts, will you not whh to give me 
 pieafure, in attending to thofe things which will 
 be your ccmfort more than mine ? in thus attempting 
 to perfuade you to attend to the word of God, I am 
 aiming at your eternal good. You give me credit 
 when I warn you of any temporal danger; and do you 
 difpute both me, and the infallible word of God ! 
 Do you not perceive how much more happy thcfe 
 men were in the fire with the Son of God, than 
 any of their accufers ? and fhall this Chrill: be to 
 you a root out of a dry ground ! If thefe three men 
 were ading according to his will and pieafure in 
 refufing to bow to Nebuchadnezzer's idol, can you 
 fuppofe that you are honoring God if you think 
 lightly of him ? 
 
 Was 
 
( 443 ) 
 
 Was it not of infinite confequence to thefe men, 
 whether the Son of God would now be their friend 
 or not ? and when you die, it will be awful beyond 
 all that I can defcribe to you, if he give you up to 
 thofe fiends of hell, who fetch and throw finners 
 into the flames of damnation ! If you devote your- 
 felves to fin and Satan while you live, will you have 
 no reafon to fear God will give you up to the will 
 of devils in your dying moments ? 
 
 Was it not an honor to thefe three, to walk as 
 companions to the Son of God, and can you defpife 
 fuch company ? why do you now prefer the com- 
 pany of God^s enemies to that of his friends ? Be- 
 caufe the croud were idol worfliippers, were they 
 more honorable than thofe three who refufed to 
 ad fo fooiifh a part as to bow to an image ? Would 
 you rather be with the men who were flam by the 
 fiery furnace, than with the men who are now in 
 heaven with the Son of God ? or are you flattering 
 yourfelves that thofe who die fo awfully under his 
 frowns, go to heaven ? 
 
 Why have we fuch an hifl:ory as this to read ? it 
 is that by hearing of fuch kind acftions performed 
 by the Son of God, finners might fall in love 
 with him. What effedl has it upon you ; can you 
 go away and think as little of him as ever ? If 
 fuch manifeftations of his kindnefs in helping his 
 friends j if his forgiving finners after thoufands of 
 temptations, will not make you think favourably, 
 what will ? 
 
 Will you bow to idols fet up by Satan, and turn 
 your backs on the worihip of God ? If a king 
 
 could 
 
{ 444 ) 
 
 could be fo much enraged with men becaufe they 
 flighted his image, what punilhment has God the 
 Father ordained for all who make light of his 
 beloved Son ! I am fully perfuaded, if any of you 
 are at laft call into hell fire, your damnation will be 
 far more tremendous than thofe who were loit in 
 Babylon ! You have not been trained up pagans, 
 nor encouraged to fin by your fuperiors. As fure 
 as the Son of God preferved his three friends in the 
 fire, fo fure he is even now to this day preferving 
 your natural lives. Did God but give Satan leave 
 to torment you in this world, you would be as 
 much covered from head to heels with the mofl 
 painful boils as Job Vv'as : nay, did God not fay, as 
 he did to him in the days of Job, but fave his life^ 
 you would foon arrive where many of your com- 
 panions perhaps are — in hell fire. ^And will you 
 wholly turn a deaf ear to him who calls you ? fhall 
 you be preferved to commit more fms than fands 
 upon the fea fliore ? could you fee how near death 
 you ftand, would you not cry out, Lord fave > or 
 IperiJJi! 
 
 The three worthies were honored in time, but 
 ^that is as nothing to the everlafling honor they now 
 poflefs ; and how glorious fliall they appear at that 
 grand period when jthe Son of God fhall come, not 
 to be feen by a few, but by the whole affembled 
 world. Happy indeed are thofe who in this world 
 fo own, confefs, and honor him, that he will 
 in the prefence of his heavenly Father, crown them 
 with glory: nothing lefs than this honor do I wifli 
 for you all. Amen. 
 
 END OF THE TWENTIETH EXERCISE, 
 
PAMILY EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 Ctoentj^firft Cyemse* 
 
 THE SUCCESSFUL PRAYER. 
 
 And he faid unto Jefus, Lord, remember me 
 when thou comeji into thy kingdom* 
 
 Luke xxiii. 42. 
 
 XT mufi be allowed by all, that this was the moft 
 important period, that ever man or angel had been 
 witnefs of; now it was, that the chief and principal 
 things which were enrolled in the decrees of heaven 
 were fulfilling ; a time which both Jehovah, and 
 the redeemed, from the beginning had been looking 
 to : for of all thofe wonderful things which were 
 decreed to be done in time, they were all of little 
 confequence when compared with this. It is evident 
 that many of thofe remarkable things which were 
 now done, were to be handed down to all future 
 generations ; therefore this diflinguifhing mercy, 
 exemplified in the converfion of this malefadlor, 
 was to exhibit the wonders of redeeming love to 
 all ages, and this was that which God had in view 
 in this aftonifhing inftance of fi-ee grace. 
 
 The darknefs that now covered the jewifh nation 
 
 in general, was not fo much to be wondered at, as 
 
 P p p that 
 
( 446 ) 
 
 th^it which the difciples themfelvcs manifefted f 
 though they had been witnefs to luch wonderful 
 miracles, and had been reneatedlv inforhied by 
 Chrift himfelf, that he lliould be delivered into the 
 hands of his enemies, yet when they faw thofe 
 prophecies fo exadly fulfilled, they remained in the 
 dark. This tends to exhibit, ill the ftrongeft point 
 of view, that aftoniihing light which w^as fo inftan- 
 taneoufly given to this malefadlor ; he who had not 
 one moment's converfe with- his fuffering Saviour, 
 who never had feen him work one miracle, and now 
 beheld him when his face was more marred than any 
 man ; that he Ihould at this time behold him to be 
 Lord of heaven and earth, and that to be remembered 
 by him, was one of the higheft favours a dying, 
 finner could wifh for. 
 
 We have reafon to believe that he joined his fuf- 
 fering companion, in railing on the Son of God; 
 and Vs'hether this was the cafe or no, we are fufe he 
 was the very fame in nature with the other, and was 
 brought to that place of execution, as dark as any 
 other carnal man; little did he think that this mount 
 of execution, would be to him a mount where he 
 jQiould meet with the gift of a heavenly kingdom. 
 
 That men, in futh extreme pain, lliould thus 
 maniieft their hatred againft one who never had 
 done them any harm, proves that the enmity of 
 the human heart is not fiain in death; but that as 
 the tree falls, fo it lies. The malevolent fpirit in 
 which the hardened thief died, was infeparable 
 from his immortal foul, and his enmity would be 
 the more roufed by the praying of his companion. 
 
 The • 
 
( 447 ) 
 The converted thief's railing on his Saviour, Teems 
 to have been permitted to make the change made 
 in this man appear the more wonderful, and that 
 it was purely of God ; furely there was never a more 
 inltantaneous change made in the heart of any man ; 
 never was free diftinguilhing love more evidently 
 feen on any occafion. Could any one have defcribed 
 what this malcfador experienced that day? the 
 gloom of his mind in the morning, his frame of 
 foul when railing on Chrift, that concern of foul 
 which fucceded, and the relief he felt when Chrill; 
 fpoke to his heart — but to do this, is beyond the 
 power of language. 
 
 To fee the high priell:, and the thoufands of the 
 Jews who had been privileged with every advan- 
 tage, now dark as midnight, while fome of the 
 brightcll beams of heavenly light flione upon this 
 poor fmner: this is a wonderful lellbn to all fucceding 
 generations : of all the thoufands who vvere vvitnefles 
 to the crucifixion of Chrid, we may truly iay, How 
 few law what was then going on. If the p;ofpel be 
 hid, it is hid to them who are lofl. Tlie thief learnt 
 that on earth, which brought him to heaven j but 
 many of thefe would learn that in hell, which they 
 would not attend to on earth. 
 
 The diftinguifhing love which flione forth in 
 this malefacflor, was a moft flriking proof of the 
 dodrine of God's fovereignity; thofe very truths 
 which Chrift had been propagating in his public 
 miniftry, were confirmed in his dying moments ; one 
 zvas taken and the other left : and now how im- 
 portant thofe truths are when we fee them cxempli- 
 P p p 2 h .-ni ^ 
 
( 448 ) 
 
 fied — one of thefe miferable objefls taken to an inf 
 mortal crown, the other goes from the crofs, to all 
 appearance, down to hell. 
 
 While diftinguifliing grace was thus exercifed 
 towards the thief, even by Him who was now 
 laying the fins of the whole church upon the 
 fufFering furety, can we not fee that which Chrift 
 had fo pofitively afferted. No man cometh unto me, 
 except the Father zvho hath fent me draio him ? 
 Who drew this man to Chrift ? At the fame mo- 
 ment, how did grace fhine in the heart of Chrift ! 
 He that was fo freely giving his blood, and now 
 felt what it was to redeem, how readily does he 
 beftow a kingdom on one who had juft been at- 
 tempting to increafe his bitter fufferings ! As there 
 is no poffibility of defcribing the greatnefs of his 
 love, fo there is nothing can fully fet forth his 
 readinefs to grant the petitions of his praying peo^ 
 pie : while the man is fpeaking he is heard ; Chrift 
 did not heiitateone moment to anfwer his petition. 
 
 Never did the wifdom and power of God appear 
 more confpicuous in creating the world, or in work- 
 ing of any miracle, than diftinguifliing grace and 
 mercy now were manifefted in this thief! As the 
 freenefs of Chrift's love clearly appeared when 
 dying on the crofs, fo the eledling love of the 
 leather was as evident in this criminal. 
 
 Here both willingnefs and ability appeared in 
 Chrift : he could never have encouraged the dying 
 malefador, had he not been glorioufly able to fave, 
 and his willingnefs to fave could never have been 
 manifefted in a more glorious manner ; furely never 
 
 did 
 
( 449 ) 
 
 did a diftreffed foul, ever meet with a more effednal 
 and ready remedy: to fuch a convinced man how 
 reHeving and alleviating muft fuch a view of both 
 Chrift's ability and willingnefs be ? What relief to a 
 man, in fuch extreme bodily pain, and jufl: launching 
 into an eternal world ! to be in fo fliort a fpace of 
 time delivered from the power of fin and fatan, and 
 brought immediately into the kingdom of grace* 
 and to be fo fully aflured of being that very day 
 in the kingdom of glory. What ideas muft fuch a 
 man have of the infinite love of God ; the love and 
 infinite merit of the Saviour of loft iinners ! 
 
 As it may be fuppofed that there were not many 
 perfons more buried in ignorance than this malefac- 
 tor, it proves to a demonftration that the Holy 
 Ghoft can give light and information with or with- 
 out means. What thoughts could this man have 
 had of the glorious method of redeeming love, had 
 he ever read the 53d of Ifaiah, or the 2 2d pfalm, 
 or any of thofe fcriptures where Chrift's death was 
 fo clearly foretold ? What a change took place in 
 his underftanding ! that which was made in the 
 mind of Saul, afterwards Paul, appears not more 
 fuddcn nor glorious ! in a moment he beholds both 
 his fin and Saviour ! We find more eafe and freedom 
 in either afking pardon, or the beftowing of any 
 favour, when we have to do with thofe who are 
 remarkable for their afFed:ion and generofity. What 
 ideas this man now had of the love of Chrift, and 
 of the boundlefs compaflion that he was now mani- 
 fefting is beyond our conception ! but he no doubt 
 faw that it was free and infinite love that brought 
 
( 45^ ) 
 him t<5 the crofs, and this would help him to aflc in, 
 faith. With what thought muft this enhghtened 
 man behold the ignorant croud, and what gratitude 
 M'ould he experience when he faw the world in 
 general buried in ignorance, while fuch a poor 
 iinner as himfelf was thus highly favoured ! Thofe 
 who have eyes given them to fee can never be fuf- 
 iiciently thankful. 
 
 Had all who engage in prayer as diilindt an ap- 
 prehenfion of Chrilt's perfon and merit as this man 
 had, they would find more pleafure on their knees : 
 it is the darknefs of our minds which caufes fuch 
 jieavy feafons in our clofets ; mod overlook Chrift 
 when praying, and many who have got fome know- 
 ledge, are not aware what they lofe by ignorance. 
 
 In this petition the malefad:or difcovers no delirc 
 to be delivered from his prefent doom ^ moft in 
 extreme pain are wholly taken up with. their fuffer- 
 ings, but this man fays not a word about the dread- 
 ful pain his body was now in ; either the forrows or 
 joys of the foul will fometimes fvvallow up thofe of 
 the body. This man's ideas of the heavenly king- 
 dom w^ould make him long to be out of a world of 
 mifery. 
 
 Let us particularly notice the ground of encou- 
 ragement this man had that might afTilf him thus 
 to pray ; for he could not have afl^ed fo great a 
 favour without fome peculiar light and information. 
 
 From the evidence we have of his being taught 
 in a remarkable manner, we have reafon to conclude 
 he had great light and knowledge given him into 
 the method of lalvation. 
 
 If 
 
( 451 ) 
 
 If the Holy Ghoft difcovered the defign and cod 
 of Chrift's dying, why may we not fuppofe that the 
 fame divine Teacher would give to this man a clear 
 view of that falvation of which he was jufl going 
 to be put in pofleffion. 
 
 If there was any advantage in beholding falvation, 
 in the immediate execution of the decree and pur- 
 pofe of God concerning it, this man enjoyed a 
 peculiar privilege; few indeed of thofe who lliall 
 be eternally faved, were eye-witnelTes of this afto- 
 niflaing love -, but this malefador did not only fee 
 but felt fomething of what Chrifl's body mufl: fuiFer. 
 
 We may fuppofe that Abraham had a more 
 diftind view of the myftery of redeeming love than 
 moft, when he himfelf felt what it was to offer op 
 an only fon ; and it muft be owing to fome very 
 uncommon light he had at that time given to him, 
 which enabled him fo willingly to offer up his 
 Ifaac. 
 
 If ever the method of falvation appeared more 
 glorious at one time than another, it was at this 
 remarkable period. It is one thing to hear of fome 
 particular thing being done, but it is far more 
 aifedting to fee it with our eyes : for even now in 
 order to have our hearts affe6ted with this fubjecfl, 
 we look back to the time of the crucifixion and as 
 it is evident that the Holy Ghofl did open the eyes 
 of this man in a way of infinite love, it is but 
 natural to fuppofe he was now enlightened to behold 
 how infinite love was now manifefting itfelf, and 
 that in fuch a manner as fhould fill all the redeemed 
 with eternal adoration : he mull alio confider himfelf 
 
 near 
 
( 45^ ) 
 near the very gates of heaven, where he fhould have 
 the myftery wholly unravelled. This makes it appear 
 that none of the redeemed ever had, in fo fhort a 
 fpace of titne, fuch a comprehenfive view of the 
 fyftem of redemption : he was brought from mid- 
 night darknefs to behold the fun of righteoufnefs in 
 his meridian fplendour. 
 
 If this malefactor faw what was the ground of 
 his encouragement at this time, he had his eye 
 upon that infinite merit by which fm is atoned* 
 and from his knowledge of the glory of Chrift's 
 perfon, he now faw this facrifice fufficient to fave 
 the vilefl of the vile 3 he did not only fee his fm, 
 but he beheld the efficacious balm of Gilead at hand; 
 
 The more the redeemed foul is enabled to fee the 
 infinite worth of the perfon of Chriftj the more 
 glorious the merit of his blood mufl appear ; and 
 this is that which a foul, fenfible of the guilt of fin, 
 is defirous to know. A view of this balm of Gilead 
 has given, in one moment, peace of eonfcience to 
 many fin-fick fouls, though they had lived thoufands 
 of years before it was adlually (hed. This condemned 
 man faw that this was the very moment that the 
 price was paying the Father for which millions had 
 been admitted into heaven j and perhaps this dying 
 malefadtor was fenfible he was now beholding that 
 which many a righteous man had been long wifliing 
 to fee; he could not behold this without .being 
 fenfible that he enjoyed a diflinguifliing mercy 
 indeed. 
 
 His fins, though numberlefs, could not difouragc 
 hini, when he confidered that this aftoniiliing facri- 
 fice 
 
( 453 ) 
 fice was to be eternally honoured by its virtue being 
 fufficient to atone for the fins of the chiefeil: of 
 finners^ and that if one fo vile as himfelf was 
 faved, it would be a peculiar honour to the Son 
 of God : and alfo by confidering that the very in- 
 tention of Chrifl's being made a facrifice was to 
 take away fin, he could not be properly honoured 
 without great finners w^ere faved; and this to him 
 would be a relieving confideratbn. 
 
 While the Jews were, as much as it was poffible 
 for them, trampling on that blood which had been 
 held forth to them in types for fo many years, that 
 its virtue iliould everlaftingly fliine forth in the 
 Gompleat falvation of one of the chief of finners, 
 appears to be evidently the defign of God in this 
 wonderful manifeftation of his love and grace : 
 therefore he who had decreed that io effeilual a fa- 
 crifice fliould be offered, fore-ordained that it fliould 
 be honoured at the very time it was offered up. 
 
 If that which is the principal ground of encou- 
 ragement, be once made, even matter to help the 
 faith of a man, it cannot fail to be particularly com- 
 forting. This malefadtor might confider himfelf 
 not only an obje(fl of everlafbing love, but one in 
 whom the merit and efficacy of Chrift would Ihine 
 In a manner peculiarly new and unparralleled. 
 
 There is more comprehended in this prayer than 
 mofl imagine : though on this particular occafion he 
 addreffes Chrift as Lord, and difpofer of the heavenly 
 world, and that from a difcerning of his perfon as 
 God and man; yet, he could not behold this afto- 
 nilhing work which the Son of God was nowaccom- 
 Q^q q plifliingi 
 
( 454 ) 
 
 pli riling, without feme knowledge of him who 
 engaged him in the bufmefs of man's redemption j; 
 and alfo might at this time yiev/ himldlf as really 
 given to Chrift by the Father, as that the Father 
 gave Chrift this work to do : thofe who are favingly 
 enlightened, as they experimentally knov/ the Holy 
 Ghoft, fo they are taught the dodlrine of the 
 Trinity. 
 
 From that fupernatural light and knowledge jud; 
 now given to this faved man, if he faw himfelf to. 
 be a chofen veflel, one who was fo loved from 
 eternity, and with that very love, which was the 
 caufe why redemption was ever either planned,, 
 or executed i what an idea muft this m^an have of 
 heaven, and of going fo foon to dwell for ever 
 where this love is fs^n eye to eye ; for things, when 
 they come near, whether they are thofe which afford 
 enjoyment, or thofe which will expofe us to fuf- 
 fering, particularly affedl us. This man confidered 
 himfelf on the very borders of eternal glory; as 
 fuch, how muft he long to be in that kingdom, 
 which he faw was prepared from eternity, when he 
 had before his eyes the very perfon who was even 
 now redeeming the people of God vyith his precious 
 blood. If ideas of the moil animating kind, could 
 make a man forget his pain, this dying man would 
 find pleafure, even on a crofs. How would he liften 
 and look on his dying Saviour, when he heard him 
 cry aloud, Eli, Eli, laviafabachthani P If he then 
 faw this loving Saviour willingly engaged to endure 
 
 face, that fuch a one as 
 he 
 
( 455 ) 
 lie might enjoy the beams of his heavenly light to 
 all eternity. 
 
 Chrift, who knew far beyond what is poffible for 
 finite creatures to know, faw this man a beloved 
 objecft J one whom himfelf loved, and included 
 among thofe for whom he had lately prayed. Father 
 I xoilt that thofe whom thou haft given me, he with 
 ine where I am, that they may behold my glory. 
 Can we then wonder at fo ready an anfwer ? indeed 
 this man was in fuch pain of body, that if there 
 had been a delay, and he had looked on himfelf, not 
 only hanging on the crofs, but over hell, this might 
 have made his fpirit fail, but the fympathizing 
 Jefus adminiftered immediate relief to his foul. 
 
 The Holy Gholt, who had taught this man the 
 method of falvation, had alfo revealed to him fome- 
 thing of the nature of that kingdom in which 
 Chrill was going to rule : a man fo dark as he ap- 
 pears to have been, would never have had any 
 thoughts about a kingdom, had it not been revealed 
 to him. The glory of Chrirt was never more com- 
 pleatly hid than at that moment ; yet this male- 
 flidor faw that he was no lefs a perfon than the King 
 of heaven : the aftonilliing change made in his un- 
 derftanding, mull: to himfelf be a proof that he was 
 taught of God; which would alfo greatly encourage 
 him in petitioning for a place in the kingdom of grace. 
 
 The more compleatly Chrift's glory was vailed, 
 the more aftonifliing would his love appear in the 
 eyes of this pardoned man. To behold him who 
 was Lord of heaven, thus condefcend to be held in 
 the greateft contempt, when one ray of his glory 
 Q^q q 2 would 
 
C 456 ) 
 Would have filled the whole croud with aftonlflimenf 
 and reverence ! What ftrlking proof did this man 
 fee of the willingnefs of his Saviour to bear the 
 €ontradi(ftion of finners ! 
 
 This thief endured pain on the crofs much longer 
 than Chrift, for the foldiers finding him dead, brake 
 the legs of this man and his fuffering companion ; 
 therefore he was witnefs to his Saviour's giving up 
 the ghofl: -, and though he experienced great bodily 
 mifery before he left this world, yet what different 
 and moft animating fubjedls had he to fuprort him 
 in his dying agonies to what his companion had ? 
 Religion makes a man live in death. 
 
 It is natural to fuppofe that the other malefador 
 i-emlined in a hardened ftate, and had nothing to 
 fupport his fpirits in his awful and dreadful fuffer- 
 ings : death is awful indeed when a man dies an 
 enemy to Godi With what different looks will 
 thefe two men behold Chrift^ when he will not 
 appear on the crofs, but on his white throne coming 
 to judge the world ! 
 
 How different thefe two criminals iri this world ! 
 a man who is fo left of God as to forfeit his life to 
 the laws of the land, and in extreme pain launching 
 into eternity, muft be either ftupid, or overwhelmed 
 with the moft gloomy apprehenfions ; if his foul be 
 fupported by any kind of delufion, it will only in- 
 creafe his everlafting woe : but the faved man might 
 look on death as infinite gain indeed ; he might be 
 glad to be defpatched, knowing he fliould have 
 more than a welcome into the heavenly world; If 
 
 there 
 
( 457 ) 
 
 there can be (6 wide a difference between two oa 
 earth, what will that be which is eternal ? 
 
 This man, though now in utmoft diftrefs of body, 
 looked on himfelf every moment nearer his crown, 
 and no doubt, but He who had given him a place in 
 heaven would give him inward fupport: was it 
 polfible for onejuft entering on an eternal inheritance, 
 given him in infinite love, to be forgot in this time 
 of great necefiity ? Can God be far from an objedt 
 of his love ? We have reafon to fuppofe that he 
 believed firmly, and that he who had thus diftin- 
 guiflied him, left him not to doubt the words of the 
 Lord Jefus; and while faith remains unfhaken, it 
 fupports the believer in extreme pain and trouble -, 
 fiith has enabled chriftians to triumph in the greatefl 
 difficulties. 
 
 The angels, who no doubt were fpedators of the 
 crucifixion, waited for the moment of the death of 
 this faved man, to bring this trophy of Chrifl's 
 vi(5lory into heaven : though hated and put out of 
 the world by thofe w^hom he had injured, yet how 
 honoured and forgiven by God, and admitted into 
 a world of glory in an honourable manner! 
 
 Let us make fome enquiry why prayer, which 
 has been attended with fuch fuccefs, lliould be fo 
 much negleded. There are not many who take 
 notice of the encouragement which others meet with 
 in prayer. If any man obtain fome extraordinary 
 fuccefs in worldly things, thoufands are for trying 
 the fame experiment : a trade which has enriched all 
 that ever engaged in it, one might imagine would 
 be particularly enquired after ; but as the Jews lofl 
 
 iJSht 
 
( 45^ ) 
 fight of all the great deliverances whicli God had 
 wrought for their fathers, fo carelefs finners feldoiii 
 think one moment of any fach inftance of fuccefs 
 in prayer as this; mofl are entirely thoughtlefs 
 about this fubjed. There might have been nothing 
 bf this kind recorded in the fcriptures. 
 
 There are fome reafons to be given for this : firftj 
 Satan is pectiliarly active in blinding the eyes of 
 young perfons : Chriil ftiles him the Jlrong vian 
 armed, xoho keeps his houje in peace ; as nothing 
 would fo much endanger his interefl:, as young 
 perfons being brought to their knees. Every thing 
 in his power fhall be done to keep them from en- 
 gaging in prayer : when ever confcience is a little 
 alarmedi his dreadful art is exercifed to hulh all to 
 a calm. He endeavours to prevent them from 
 reading any books, which might increafe their con- 
 vi(flions; or mixing with any company, or even 
 coming under any roof where the gofpel is preached 
 in an alarming manner. He has long praftifed the 
 baneful art, and underflands well what bate w^ll 
 take ; therefore he is ftiled in fcripture a cunning 
 adverfary. He underftood by what kind of fin to 
 overturn king Saul, and in what manner to ruin 
 Ahab, and how to bring Demas and Achan to a 
 fatal end. As he prefented all the kingdoms of the 
 world, and the glory of them to Chrift, fo he can 
 prefent fin, in the mofl enfnaring and engaging 
 manner : youth are not aw^are of the defign, or the 
 dreadful power of this foe ; and an enemy con- 
 cealed, may be juftly ranked among the moft dan- 
 gerous. It v/as he, who in a particular manner 
 
 tempted 
 
( 459 ) 
 
 tempted Judas with the thirty pieces of filver ; but 
 in what a different Hght does Judas now behold 
 that money ! So miUions, who were deceived ia 
 the mod avv'ful manner, are now, and have beeri 
 long tormented in hell with a fight of their fin and 
 folly. It was he who artfully perfuaded Ahab that 
 Micaiah was not fent of God, and that the prophets 
 of Baal were preferable to him. Falfe and flattering 
 minifters have been Satan's principal tools on the 
 earth ; it is by thefe he fpreads his poifonous errors, 
 and keeps thoufands in an awful fecurity. He is 
 ftiled the God of this world, on account of the 
 dreadful and almofl univerfal influence he has over 
 the world i and becaufe of the numbers he deceives, 
 2 Cor. iv. 4. In xohom the God of this world hath 
 blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest 
 the light of the glorious gof pel of Christ, who is 
 the image of God, fiould fiine upon them. Thofe 
 are greatly miftaken who do not fuppofe, that this 
 enemy is not as active now as in former ages. Thofc 
 who are the devil's infatuated fervants, flee from the 
 light of the gofpel ,; they cannot endure the truth : 
 that is a poor happinefs, which is diflurbed by one 
 pom.ent's reflecflion. 
 
 Secondly, Moft of young perfons look on death 
 at a great diflance^ they would not dare to live and 
 die without prayer, were they fuU)^ perfuaded they 
 fliould be fummoned to the bar of God in a few 
 days ; but this difagreeable tallc is put off to future 
 years, on a fuppofition, that their lives fliall be 
 continued for a confiderable time to come. This 
 is one caufe why fuch great num.bers arrive at a 
 
 mofl 
 
( 45o ) 
 
 tnoft awful pitch of wickednefs : confcience is by 
 degrees feared, and thofe fins which they once 
 ftartled at, they commit with eafe, and acquire 
 fuch a degree of hardnefs, that they can drink in 
 iniquity greedily. It is not to be wondered at, that 
 thefe Ihould negled; prayer ; it gives them pain if 
 they fo much as hear the mention of it : fbould one 
 of their companions begin to pray, he is hated and 
 deferted immediately; thefe not having the lead 
 idea that there can be any pleafure in religion, feel 
 they (hall never attend to it, but as that to which 
 they fhall be compelled by the fear of hell. 
 
 Thirdly, enfnaring and wicked companions; many 
 of thefe are adepts in their mafter's fervice ; they 
 are not only going fvviftly on to hell themfelves, 
 but they meet with awful fuccefs in taking others 
 along with them ; whom, like artful fowlers, they 
 catch in their net : their influence is powerful and 
 attra(5live. Nothing but grace, and that in full 
 exercife, can preferve a youth from being carried 
 away with this baneful current : of all the evils 
 which can befal any young perfon, none ought 
 to be dreaded fo much, as that of being connected 
 with wicked companions. How can thofe be pray- 
 ing perfons whofe companions are daring blafphe- 
 mers, fabbath-breakers, and fuch as hate the word 
 of God ! 
 
 You who never engage in prayer, are you not 
 aware of the reafon ? it cannot be for want of en- 
 couragement : there is not the leafl caufe for any 
 to complain. Why is this example of God's free 
 mercy left on record ? it could not be to intimidate, 
 
 and 
 
( 46» ) 
 
 $ind to make poor diftrelTed fouls defpair : if fuch a 
 man as this malefad:or might take fome encourage- 
 ment from it, may not thofe who have not brought 
 themfelves fo near to death by their crimes, be 
 fully convinced there is ground for them to hope for 
 fuccefs ; efpecially v^hen they confider fuch an ex- 
 ample of mercy as this held out, and that by God 
 himfelf, on purpofe to encourage poor fmners ? 
 
 Can you feel an averfion to pray, and have no 
 fufpicion that you are in the road to hell ? Why is it 
 that you can run to a fellov^-mortal in diftrefs, who 
 perhaps cannot affifl, or without fome difficulty 
 afford you the leall help, and feel an antipathy to 
 iiy to one who delights to help his needy creatures ? 
 Thofe who neglect prayer altogether, muffc live 
 under fome convidlion that this averiion to prayer 
 which they feel, cannot be for want of encourage- 
 ment, therefore it muft be owing to an hatred of 
 God which lodges in their hearts. 
 
 Do you think this malefador would have been 
 wife to have negle6ted praying, on account of the 
 ridicule and fport fome would make ? he muft fpeak 
 in the hearing of great numbers. We may fuppofe 
 the crofles were placed at fome diftance from each 
 other, fo that in order to be heard in that confufed 
 noife, which we may conclude the croud made 
 that furrounded the crofs, he mufl fpeak aloud. 
 What inexpreffible folly would it have been in this 
 man, to have negleded praying on account of any 
 fcorn or redicule, to which he might have been ex- 
 pofed, by afking of Chrift fo great a mercy ? he 
 knew the croud in general were blind, therefore 
 R r r their 
 
{ 462 ) 
 
 their feoffs could not be of any weight with him. 
 The reproaches of Wind and ignorant men, ought 
 rather to excite our pity and compaffion, than make 
 us afliamed of that which we fee to be of infinite 
 importance, and of which they are totally in the 
 dark. Why iliould any young man, when under 
 convidions, refrain from prayer, becaufe of the 
 fear he has that fome of his blind and ftupid com- 
 panions fliould begin to think that he prays ? What 
 a fool would a young perfon manifeft himfelf to be, 
 had he an opportunity put into his hands of ob- 
 taining a coniiderable eftate, if he negledted it, be-r 
 caufe fome of his neighbours would laugh at him 
 for the attempt : but here fuccefs is certain. 
 
 If the eye of an infinite Jehovah was in a pecu-? 
 liar manner on this malefactor, and on his prayer, 
 can you fuppofe that you are npt this moment 
 under the eye of God ; and that every thought, and 
 the whole frame of your heart, is not now noticed 
 by him who fearches the heart and tries the reins 
 of the children of men ? When you pay not the 
 leafl regard to any of the ways or works of God, 
 can this condudl be pleafing in his light ? What 
 man under heaven is there, but when he does any 
 thing extraordinary, that thinks not himfelf flighted 
 if no one takes notice of it ? and fhall Chrifl: Ihew 
 fuch an example of mercy as this, and not one fo 
 much as take it into confideration ? 
 
 If no examples make any impreffion on you, either 
 to excite in you a fear of being deceived, or fuch 
 a concern as will prompt you to pray, can you be 
 altogether deflitute of any apprehenfion of being 
 
 fecure 
 
( 463 ) 
 
 fecure in the hands of Satan ? When you perceive 
 a man on the brink of fome tremendous preci- 
 pice, and you are fenfible he is not polTeffed of any 
 ability to ftand in fuch a dangerous place, nor any 
 way aware of his fituation; do you not fuppofe 
 the man flupid, and in imminent danger ? and is it 
 not much more the cafe with a young man, who 
 lives as void of thought about eternal things, as the 
 beafts of the field ? 
 
 If the prayer of this man was agreeable to Chrifl, 
 is it polhble that your negledt of it altogether 
 can be pleafing to him ? and can there be peace in 
 that confcience, where Chrift's difpleufure is fet at 
 defiance ? Will not thofe who have refufed even 
 fo much as to afk for a kingdom, when they had 
 opportunity, juftify the condud; of the Judge at the 
 great day, when he fhall refufe them the enjoyment 
 of that heaven they fo much flighted, and when he 
 fliall doom them to dwell in unquenchable burn- 
 
 ings ? 
 
 Can thofe who make a bafe improvement of this 
 inftance of free grace, by prefuming to go on in 
 fin, be ailing either wifely or gratefully ? What 
 an awful condemnation awaits thofe, who take en- 
 couragement to fin from the very things which 
 fo diredtly tend to aflifi: them in praying; yea peti- 
 tioning for nothing lefs than a kingdom. Shall 
 Chrift give the lafi: drop of his blood, that poor 
 finners might have liberty to afli for immortal 
 crowns ? and can thofe expert mercy, who out of 
 love to fin, refufe to afl^ for it ? will not every 
 liour's refufal be felt in hell ? How will thofe 
 R r r 3 behold 
 
( 4^4 ) 
 
 behold at the great day him that was once the ma= 
 Icfador ! they iliall fee the faccefs of his prayer to 
 their own eternal fliame ; he fliall fliine in gloiy, 
 when they fliall dread the face of a once crucified 
 Jefus. 
 
 If we fuppofe the other malefadlor loft, his con- 
 demnation will not be fo avv^ful as thofe who have- 
 heard the gofpel : the glory of Chrift is now un- 
 vailed; none can plead the leaft excufe; hatred of 
 God, and love to fin, only can be the caufe why 
 any negled: this great falvation. The Sun of Righ- 
 teoufnefs was eclipfed all the days of this malefac- 
 tor, and efpecially when on the crofs ; but now it 
 fliines in its meridian fplendour :. light is come into 
 the world, and all the fons of Belial who ilee from 
 it, rhuft for ever dwell in the regions of darknefs 
 and damnationi 
 
 I fear, leaft the arguments which I am now 
 making ufe of, fliould overtake forne who may 
 hear them read ; fliould thefe follow you down to 
 the regions of the damned, they will increafe your 
 everlafting torment. May we not fuppofe, thai 
 great numbers are in hell, who, when on earthj; 
 were prefted with fome of the moft powerful argu- 
 ments ? of thefe we may fiy, as Chrift once fpake 
 to the inhabitants of Capernaum, Though once 
 exalted to heaven with privileges, they are nov7 
 thruft down to hell, and that with a great aggra- 
 vation to their mifery. 
 
 Will any in this family be thinking of thefe 
 exercifes, or arty other privilege^ in a world of 
 woe ? let me inform you, that the fcafon for prayer 
 
 is 
 
( 465 ) 
 
 is (liort : you have to all appearance, a much longer 
 opportunity than this malefador had, but I fear 
 fome of you have never bent the knee to this day^ 
 all you have heard has been hitherto as water fpilled 
 on the ground 3 the Son of God is but as a root 
 out of a dry ground to you : you have got the title 
 of chriftians, but you have the hearts of jev^s. 
 What fhall be the portion of thofe w^ho love not 
 the Lord Jefus Chrift ? 
 
 Happy fiiould I be if there Was not one indivi- 
 dual but that I had realbn to hope ChriR would, at 
 the folemn period of his death, fay to him, this day 
 JJialt thou be zoith 7Ee in Paradi/e. Suppofing the 
 other thief went to hell, can you think of the un- 
 fpeakable difference of thefe two men without hor- 
 ror? Had Chrift faid to him who prayed not,, 
 Thou flialt this day go from thy dreadful mifery on 
 the crofs, to be tormented in the lake of fire and 
 brimftone for evermore : and will not you dread 
 fuch a fentence at your death ? remember, that as 
 fure as you die out of Chrift, this will affuredly be 
 your doom; as certain as the Judge of the quick and 
 dead will, at the laft day fay to all the lofl:. Depart 
 ye eurfed. If you die enemies to him, he will 
 commiffion devils to fetch your fouls to hell at the 
 day of your death. You who refufe and difdain to 
 employ your tongues in prayer, muft av/fully and 
 eternally howl in the regions of iliifery: you are 
 now under my roof, hearing of thefe things, but 
 you will very foon be feeling the truth and ever- 
 lafting importance of thefe fubjed:s. 
 
 Did the thief fall in love with Chrifl when his 
 
 face 
 
( iG6 ) 
 
 face was covered with blood, and his body nailed 
 and extended on the crofs ; and will you defpife his 
 meffage from the throne of glory ? are you as much 
 enraged againft him, as the inveterate jews ? can 
 you cry out, av/ay with his dodrine from the face 
 of the earth ? can you feel fomething of this fpirit, 
 and not dread the confequences ? if you v^ould 
 gladly diibelieve the truth of God, is it in your 
 power ? though you refufe to pray, is it poflible 
 for you to believe Chrift to be an impoftor ? or that 
 he will at the great day, fay to thofe who never 
 prayed. Well done, good and faithful fervants ? 
 you may fin againfi: the light, but can you wholly 
 flee from the brightnefs of its rays ? if you wilfully 
 chufe the road which leads to hell, can the enemy 
 of fouls fo far delude you, as to perfuade you that 
 you may thus prefume, and at laft find mercy? 
 none are fo provoking to God, or will have a hotter 
 hell, than thofe who fm becaufe they hope they can 
 iind mercy after all their provocations. 
 
 Be then as if you heard this malefador pray, and 
 faw the very heart of Chrifl in this kind anfwer ; 
 and remember, now is your opportunity for prayer. 
 Shall the Son of God hear your petitions this day ? 
 will you put up one prayer to obtain an immortal 
 crown ? For my part, I can promife you, I fliall 
 fecoftd fuch a petition with all the argument and 
 fervency I am capable ; nor fliould I fear your re- 
 ceiving as kind an anfwer from heaven as the faved 
 malefadtor, could I once fee you as feniible of your 
 need of pardon, and as defirous of having an anfwer 
 to your petitions. 
 
 *£iIJ) OF THE TWENTY-riRST EXERCISE. 
 
FAMILY EXERCISES, &c. 
 
 Ctoent^^econU Cyercise. 
 
 JUDAS. 
 
 ^nd he cafi doxmi the pieces offilver in the temple, 
 and departed, and went and hanged hirrifelf. 
 
 Matt, xxvii. 5, 
 
 -MlaVING jufl been treating of one, who had 
 only a few minutes of his Saviour's company on 
 earth, yet obtained an eyerlafting dwelling with 
 him above ; I am now going to treat of one, who 
 had much of the Redeemer's company in this lower 
 world, and was witnefs to his character and mira- 
 cles, yet is now in everlafting torment, and can 
 never enjoy the pleafures of the upper world in 
 Chrift's kingdom for one moment. I wifh to make 
 a proper improvement of the hillory of this awful 
 man. Is it probable that he fliould to all eternity 
 forget the life, miracles, or preaching of Chrifl; 
 or thofe times when he had the peculiar privilege of 
 eating and drinking at his table ? after having been 
 witnefs to thefe unparralleled things, and bafely 
 felling his mafter for filthy lucre, can he wonder 
 to find himfelf plunged into everlafting ruin ! What 
 pen can fet forth a thoufandth part of thofe dread- 
 ful 
 
{ 468 ) 
 
 ful reflexions this loft man has felt, and muft endure 
 to all eternity ! What could be thofe pleafures 
 he promifed himfelf in obtaining a paltry fum 
 of money, when com.pared to fuch inexpreffible 
 mifery ! 
 
 Much inftrudion may be gathered from the cha- 
 racflers of men, whether good or bad : the lives of 
 men are fome of the moft inftrufting books we can 
 read ; it ftrikes our minds with greater awe to fee a, 
 man live a moil: abandoned life, and die to all ap- 
 pearance an enemy to Chrift, than merely to hear 
 of hell. 
 
 As fome have been noted for extraordinary good- 
 nefs, and great advances in grace, others have made 
 themfelves as notorious for their bafenefs, and vile- 
 nefsj but not any can be found in the fcripture 
 records, that appears to have a more awful damnation 
 than Judas : it might be faid of him emphatically, 
 better that man had never been born. 
 
 It ftrikes us with a peculiar folemnity when we 
 read the hiftory of a bad man, efpecially if we con- 
 fider him as now having exifted in a place of torment 
 for centuries ; and this muft be his eternal portion : 
 a direct view of hell would be more than our natures, 
 could bear in this prefent ftate. But though we 
 do not behold that place with our eyes, Chrift 
 himfelf has given us fuch a defcription of the 
 puniftiment, as authorizes us both to fpeak and 
 write about it. 
 
 Judas was called by Chrift himfelf. The Son of 
 Perdition ; as if he was to be the principal and 
 chief in the regions of woe. One of our antient 
 
 writers. 
 
( 4% ) 
 
 writers fays, " Hypocrites would be freeholders in 
 hell, and that it was chiefly and primarily intended 
 for thofe." 
 
 Thofe who are wicked in eminent families, ge- 
 nerally arrive at a higher pitch of fm and folly than 
 thofe who never had fuch advantages : but for a 
 man to be in Chrift's family, and be witnefs to 
 fuch a cpndud: ^s his ; to hear the gracious words 
 which proceeded out of his mouth, and to behold 
 fuch love ', and to ripen for hell, when living at the 
 very gate of heaven, is awful indeed. 
 
 We can fcarcely attend one moment to the hif- 
 tory of this man, without feeling fome impreffion 
 of the vanity and perifhing nature of all v/orldly 
 things. Could this being have gained the whole 
 world by his treachery, how foon would he have 
 been ftripped of all ! had Tiberius given him the 
 whole Roman empire to have betrayed Chrifi:, could 
 this mitigate the flames of hell ? It is difficult to 
 perfuade profelTors to weigh things in a proper 
 fcale : whatever profeflion a wicked man may make, 
 or whatever advantage he m.ay have, yet the love of 
 this world is the governing and prevailing motive of 
 his heart : it is only true faith that can help a man 
 to overcome the love of this prefent evil world. 
 
 Sinners, in the commiffion of fin, not only ad: 
 contrary to all principles of gratitude and religion, 
 but to common fenfe and reafon. Could this man 
 even fo much as hope to hide his bafenefs from an 
 all-feeing eye ? 
 
 What a fpedlacle was this to the angels, to be- 
 hold that very perfon fold, whom they fo much 
 S s s adored ! 
 
( 47° ) 
 adored ! to behold him abufed by enemies, was not 
 matter of wonder ; but to fee one of his own family- 
 betray him into the hands of his word enemies, 
 this was a new leflbn to thefe beings ; who watched 
 and took particular notice of the condud: of men 
 towards their Lord. 
 
 The nature of angels had never fuch an honour 
 put upon it as that of fallen man : Tlirifl took not 
 on him the nature of angels, but the feed, of 
 Abraham. They faw therefore, one of the human 
 race ad: a more bafe part than the very devils : for 
 they were never favoured with the leaft intimation 
 of mercy -, therefore not one of thefe ever had fuch 
 an opportunity of finning. 
 
 As fure as the hiftory of Judas will be known to 
 the end of time, fo it is without doubt difcerned 
 in hell. Attrocious offenders feem to be hid from 
 this earth when they leave it at death ; but at that 
 very inftant they arrive in the world of mifery, 
 where their characters are known to a much larger 
 company than ever had heard of them when on 
 the earth. We may fuppofe that neither the inha- 
 bitants of heaven or hell were ignorant of what 
 was going on upon the earth at that important 
 period. 
 
 If both the buyers and feller of Chriil met in 
 a place of torment, what thoughts mufl: they have 
 of all the particulars of the bargain ! Could fmners 
 be perfuaded that thofe very intimates, whofe com- 
 pany they fo highly efteem, are the identical perfons 
 whofe arrival in hell they will dread above all 
 others, it would frequently put a damp upon their 
 fpirits. Let 
 
( 471 ) 
 
 Let us take a particular view of the fin of Judas. 
 In the firft place, he went of himfelf^ hud not this 
 been the cafe, the high-prieft, and his companions, 
 could never have imagined that one who lived on 
 his bounty, and preached his dod:rine, would have 
 ad;ed thus bafely. It appears that this man had 
 long been confiderins: how he could enrich himfelf 
 by feUing his mafler. Chrifl did not mifcal him 
 when he laid, Have not I chofen you twelve, arid 
 one of you is a devil. 
 
 How furprifed would the chief priells have been 
 if they had perfonally known Judas ? to have (een 
 one of Chriil's family come to them of his own 
 accord ! How welcome would this traitor be to 
 thefe wicked men 1 This would give far greater 
 pleafure than if any other man had engaged in this 
 deceitful bufmefs. 
 
 Had not the decree of God fixed the price, Judas 
 would certainly have aiked a greater reward, and 
 they with as much pleafure would have granted his 
 requeft. Nothing is more common than for men, 
 when they are fulfilling the decrees of God, to be 
 wholly ignorant of them. 
 
 This wicked man, who gave them fuch pleafure, 
 by putting into their hands the very perfon whole 
 life they fought, was permitted to do it as a curfe 
 to themfelves, and to be a means of helping them to 
 accompliili fuch a hellifli defign j the refledlion of 
 which would be their chief torment in hell. Judas 
 did not only a6l a moft vile and bafe part, but he 
 did all he could to unite others to himfelf, and to 
 fink them under as heavy a load of guilt. 
 
 S s s 2 Secondly 
 
C 472 ) 
 
 Secondly, He left Chrift in a folemn and moll 
 affe<5lionate frame. He had been witnefs to that 
 infinite love and humility Chifl: m-anifefted in all his 
 conduct to his difciples, and particularly that which 
 is recorded in the 13th of John: Judas faw him 
 rife from fupper, and lay afide his garments, and 
 like unto an adive and diligent fervant, take a 
 towel and gird himfelf, and then pour water into a 
 bafon and wafh the very feet of his difciples. How 
 hard muil that heart be, that could betray fuch a 
 mafler ! This condefcenfion was fufficient, one would 
 have fuppofed, to melt down the moft hardened 
 creature ! 
 
 As the meridian fun eclipfes all the ftars, fo the 
 love of the affeftionate Saviour makes all that love 
 which mortals are capable of, but as coldnefs and 
 indifference. This is that which exhibits in the 
 ftrongeft point of view, the dreadful hypocrify of 
 Judas ! How black would that man's chara(fler ap- 
 pear, who for a mere trifle would betray and ruin 
 the moft affccStionate and beft friend he has in the 
 world ! 
 
 I remember to have heard Mr. Whitfield relate 
 a (lory, of a company of defperate men, combining 
 together, and laying a plan how to murder him : 
 one of them engaged to go to his lodgings as a 
 friend, and after his admiffion, he vowed to his 
 comrades, that he would defpatch him with a piftol: 
 but hearing Mr. Whitfield repeat fome entertaining 
 flories, it fo much ^ffeded the rufiian, that he 
 could not find in his heart to infidt him. 
 Now , though there was nothing of the appearance 
 
 of 
 
( 473 ) 
 
 of grace in this man, there was fome remains of 
 humanity. When he returned to his companions, 
 and finding he had not performed what they wiflied, 
 they upbraided him with cowardice -, but he replied 
 the man behaved in fuch a manner, and made him- 
 felf fo agreeable, that I could not find in my heart 
 to hurt him. How deftitute was treacherous Judas 
 of humanity ! no kind anions could make the leafl 
 imprellion on his obdurate hearty like the adaman- 
 tine rocks, neither fun nor rain could make the leafl 
 change in him. 
 
 What appears more odious among men than to 
 betray the kindefl friend into the hands of his mur- 
 derers 'j and to do it for filthy lucre ? and this not 
 when provoked, but when treated with great 
 kindnefs ? for though it cannot be faid that Chrifl 
 loved Judas, as he did the reft of his difciples, yet 
 he is mentioned as his familiar friend : this makes 
 it appear that he played the hypocrite, and wiflied 
 to make Chrift believe that not one of the twelve 
 had fo much regard for him as himfelf. Nothing 
 is more provoking to God than hypocrify ; to ap- 
 pear to be the laft man in the world that would 
 betray his mafter, when he had the money in his 
 pocket for which he had fold him. He did this 
 for a very fmall price ; the whole amounted but to 
 three pounds fifteen fhillings of our money; juft the 
 common price of a Have. Had thefe blood-thirfty 
 men put fome high price on the head of Jefus, or 
 offered one of the moft lucrative pofts in the land of 
 Judea, Judas could not have had the leaft excufe ; 
 he wanted for no money ; he faw he was with one 
 
 that 
 
( 474 ) 
 that could feed thoufands by miracles,and who had 
 fupported him freely, but by its being recorded before 
 this, that he was a thief, and had the bag, it feems 
 that he fifll robbed his mailer in fome clandefline 
 manner, and at lafl: fold him. Ought not this to 
 be a lefTon to every fucceeding generation ? what 
 man is that who pays the lead: attention to Judas's 
 charafter but will feel himfelf inilrudied ? indeed it 
 exhibits hypocrify in fo dreadful a light, one fliould 
 imagine there would never have been one more 
 hypocrite in the church to the end of the world., 
 
 A rock on which a dreadful fliipwreck has been, 
 fliould ftrike an awe on mariners in every future 
 age : w'hat man can think for one moment on the 
 hiftory of Judas, and not tremble at the lin of 
 covetoufnefs j and yet what thoufands have gone 
 this deceitful road to the regions of eternal woe ! 
 
 Thirdly, Confider he committed this dreadful 
 fm, after the moft folemn and faithful warnings. 
 Chriil had repeatedly informed Judas, that he who 
 betrayed him, would be emphatically miferable; 
 better for that man never to have been born ; what 
 muft he now think of fuch admonitions; he can 
 never loofe fight of fuch words as thofe ! We may 
 be affured that Chrift would fo condudl himfelf, 
 that Judas fhould never be able to lay any part of 
 his fm at his Judge's door : was this the cafe, there 
 could be no judgment at the great day. This- decree 
 of God did not conflrain Judas to fm 3 he had long 
 fought for convenient opportunities tobetray Chrifts 
 but God's decree infalUbly fixed the time. 
 
 Fourthly, Confider the miracles that this traitor 
 
 had 
 
( 475 ) 
 
 iiad been witnefs to; few had ever been favoured 
 with fuch means of inftrudlion ; many faw fome of 
 Chrifl's wonderful works, but Judas faw the whole ; 
 many were tempted to believe that Chrift had fome 
 peculiar dealings with the devil, but Judas faw thofe 
 things done by Chrift, as muft convince him fuch 
 a holy perfon had not fo much as the appearance of 
 being poffeiTed with an evil fpirit. 
 
 Might not this man, who perhaps faw the fifli 
 bring the tribute money, fee that every fifh in the 
 mighty waters were at Chrifl's commands ; and if 
 he could command one, he might as eafdy have ex- 
 ercifed his authority upon every inhabitant in that 
 watery region : he that could command one penny 
 to be brought to him in this furpriling manner, 
 could have had millions brought to his hand in as 
 fmall a fpace of time. And would he permit his 
 own family to want money, who had both the 
 rational and irrational world at his will ; who could 
 in a moment have gold from either fea or land ? 
 
 Why fhould a man, particularly one of Chrifl's 
 family, fear wanting, or yield to the fin of covet- 
 oufnefs ? He not only faw Chrifl himfelf perpetually 
 worldng miracles, but he knew Chrifl could endow 
 whomfoever he pleafed with this power, to do 
 mighty works through his name : and we have 
 fome reafon to believe, that Judas himfelf, both 
 preached and wrought miracles, yet all this while he 
 was chained down by this one fm ; it might feem 
 as if the devils would particularly glory in havins^ 
 one of Chrifl's own family to be one of their prin- 
 cipal tools. Of all the luccefs which thofe wicked 
 
 fpirits 
 
( 476 ) 
 
 fplrits have met with among the fallen race of man, 
 
 no individual did they ever lead captive, Vvhich would 
 
 feem to afford them fo great a eaufe of triumph. 
 
 Judas, one of Chrifh's chofen, one of the twelve, an 
 
 apoftle, a preacher and worker of miracles, and yet 
 
 a captain in fatan's army, who marched at the head 
 
 of a body of ruffians, and delivered Chrift into the 
 
 power of thefe .men, and that in fuch a hypocritical 
 
 manner as /ftands unparralleled in hiftories of any 
 
 age ! What mufl: the Rom^n foldiers think of Judas 
 
 when they beheld him ftep up to Chriil:, and give 
 
 him a kifs ! Such an ad: of hypocrify and ingratitude 
 
 they had never been witnefs of before. The more 
 
 the charader of Judas is taken into confideration, 
 
 the more hateful and odious it will appear : how 
 
 mufl this condud of his aftonifh the difciples, ef- 
 
 pecially thofe of them that even fufpeded them- 
 
 felves before him. For when Chrift mentioned, 
 
 that one of them lliould betray him, moft of them, 
 
 if not all, faid. Lord, is it IP But now, how 
 
 terrible muft it be to fee him lead thefe banditti 
 
 into Chrift's place of retirement ! of all the things 
 
 in which mortals attempted to injure Chrift, this 
 
 of his being betrayed by Judas appears firft in the 
 
 black catalogue : and all this feems not to be done 
 
 out of malice or revenge, but the love of money 
 
 alone. We do not find that he ever difcovered 
 
 any antipathy to the difciples ; yet for the fake of 
 
 this filthy lucre, he cared not how he troubled 
 
 either Chrift or his difciples. This proves to a 
 
 demonftration, the deteftable fm of covetoufnefs ; 
 
 it alfo lliews that this fin enflavcs thofe in the moft 
 
 emphatical 
 
( 477 ) 
 
 cmphaticai manrter, who are by providence placed 
 at the greateft difhince from want t this is frequently 
 exemplified in many who are rapidly increafing in 
 tichesj and though deftitute of an heir to in- 
 herit what they have, they can fcarcely enjoy one 
 morfel themfelves; but as Solomon has defcribed 
 fuch, God has not given them power to eat thereof. 
 
 We have reafon to fuppofe that Judas was one of 
 thofe w^ho joined with the difciples in gathering up 
 the fra2:ments with which twelve bafkets were filled. 
 What muft Judas think when he beheld fo many 
 thoufands fed with provifion, which one boy could 
 carry with eafe, when he himfelf was one of thofe 
 who gathered up the balkets full of leavings ? 
 What was the value of money, when compared 
 with fuch a mafter as this ? if Judas had feared 
 want, why leave fuch a Mafter ? If ever there was 
 a man who exceeded all others in adting contrary 
 to every principle of reafon and religion, Judas was 
 that man. What pleafure could fuch a paltry fura 
 of money give him, when he was convinced that 
 to obtain this, he had ruined the happieft family 
 the world ever beheld ! 
 
 Had not Judas full proof that Chrift could either 
 feed thoufands in a marvelous manner, or even 
 raife men from the dead to eat and live as others ? 
 It would appear ftrange indeed, if Chrifl was pof- 
 felTed of an ability to raife a dead body to life, if 
 he had not power afterwards to fupport it : was this 
 to be fufped:ed ? It was impoffible for Judas to 
 find the lead excufe for his guilt j fo dreadful was 
 the power of this fin of covetoufnefs in him, he 
 Tt,t might 
 
( 478 ) 
 might fay, what care I if tens of thoufahds remain 
 lame, or blind, if I diftrefs all good men^ fo I 
 can but realize fuch a fum of money; it^out-balances 
 all other confiderations. 
 
 Nothing appears more dreadful than to fee per- 
 fons having privileges far beyond others, and yet 
 exceeding all around them in a worldly and wicked 
 fpirit : this is frequently the cafe with covetous 
 profefTors* Education, the mofl lively means of 
 grace, affli(ftions, and moft folemn and awful deaths^ 
 all feem loll; on thofe ; they are as the barren defert, 
 and know not when good comes : the very means 
 of grace which are made a bleffing to the people 
 of God, are turned into a curfe to thefe, and ripen 
 them for deftrudlion. 
 
 Fourthly, Judas underftood both the power and 
 malice of thofe men to whom he fold his Mafher, 
 though he might perhaps flatter himfelf that Chrifl 
 would fome way efcape them ; yet he knew tha£ 
 Chrifl had repeatedly told his difciples, that thefe 
 were the very men who fliould condemn him to 
 death, and crucify him : had not his eyes been 
 blinded with the love of money, he could not have 
 overlooked this. 
 
 Covetoufnefs^ is that which cannot be fully de-^ 
 fcribed by any metaphor, nor is in the power of 
 language to give a true pidure of it; it is impoffible 
 to give a juft idea of it by either the dreadful tygers 
 of the eaft, or wolves in the weftern part of the 
 w^orld: the murders and cruelties it has caufed j the 
 oppreffive and moft unnatural fins men have been 
 plunged into by this fin : by this very fm the hearts 
 
 of 
 
( 479 ) 
 
 of thoufands have been'^broken ; whole lands have 
 been deluged with human blood i widows have been 
 made to weep, and orphans dread to face a world 
 where this monfter prefides : it is hourly filling 
 the regions of the damned ; and Judas himfelf ex- 
 perts that millions of companions will by and by 
 arrive in hell, who in this world are walking in his 
 fteps. If there is one fm under heaven that God 
 hates above another, it is the love, of money, which 
 the Holy Ghoft declares to be the root of all evil ; 
 and that if any man love the world, the love of the 
 Father is not in that man. When other fins have 
 been exploded, this canker has crept into the 
 church of God, and proved the ruin of more than 
 all other fins put together. What father would 
 not dread that diforder which has fwept away the 
 moft of his children ? how fhould that thief be 
 watched, who has plundered fo many ? Thofe who 
 have not been thrown into hell by this enemy, have 
 been deprived of their comforts, and gone halting 
 tU their way home. As this monfter lurked in 
 the heart of Judas, fo that no eye perceived it but 
 Chrift, fo thoufands now are in the fame road to 
 hell, and not fufpeded by their fellow travellers. 
 
 We have evident proof of God's making ufe of 
 the worft men in bringing about the falvation of 
 jiis church : Judas had no higher motive than the 
 gratifying of his covetous temper ; but God intended 
 the accomplifhing of that falvation which he had 
 planned from eternity : it is the peculiar prerogative 
 of Jehovah to make the woril of his enemies fubfer- 
 vi^t for his glory. 
 
 T t t 2 Jiidaf 
 
( 48o ) 
 
 Jadas, though he had fuch an opportunity of 
 gaming knowledge, appears to be untaught after 
 all. Had this ilave to fin never read of Achan's 
 guilt and dreadful end r' how frequently had he heard 
 Chrift defcribe the danger of riches, in terms and 
 figures unknown to the world before. Had he 
 never heard of Gehazi and his lie ; and how the 
 leprofy of Naaman was entailed on his pofterity 
 for ever ? Satan's fervants never love to read th© 
 word of God ; by negledling the means of inflrudion 
 they grow more and more fecure. We alfo in this 
 hiftory may fee that thofe fins which are committed^ 
 in a fhort fpace of time, are of everlalling confe- 
 quence. What folly Judas might have been guilty 
 of before his acquaintance with Chrift, we cannot 
 tell, but the whole time of his apoftlefhip was but 
 as a dream ; he made awful work of it, and was at 
 his dreadful end as in a moment. 
 
 When Judas faw Chrift condemned, he was, 
 filled with horror ; not with a fenfe of his fin, for 
 then his heart would have been melted with godly 
 forrow. Many are permitted for a feafon to poftefs 
 the riches they obtain wickedly 5 but God would 
 not fuffer Judas to have one hour more refpite from 
 hell : the vengeance of God overtook him, and 
 fatan himfelf, who had tempted him to fin by 
 ftirring up his infatiable covetoufnefs, now fet upon 
 him, and drives him to defpair and hell — here behold 
 a picture of the devil's cruelty ! 
 
 He brought again the thirty pieces offilver to the 
 chief priests. Thefe men, though bafe and hafting 
 to mifery themfelves, God had not yet let their con - 
 
 fciences 
 
( 48i ) 
 
 fciences loofe upon them -, therefore Judas had no 
 pity, either from God, man, or devil. How would 
 the words of the priefts cut him to the heart, what 
 is that to us. As they wanted no more of the 
 treachery of a Judas, he might go to hell for them. 
 No human being ever felt more, what it was to 
 be caft off both by God and man ? he was forced to 
 confefs Chrifl's innocence. The loft, at the great 
 day, will all be fenfible of the juftnefs of their fen- 
 tance; the more innocent and kind Chrift had been, 
 the more it would cut Judas, to have betrayed fuch 
 a mafter ; he muft think hell was particularly pre- 
 pared for him, and that none in thofe regions of 
 woe, would be fo tormented as himfelf. 
 
 He caft doion the money. How invaluable is that 
 which he received at the hands of the priefts with 
 fuch greedinefs ! How will finners hate and be 
 tormented with thofe very things in hell, the love 
 of which kept them in the fervice of fatan; morfels 
 which tafted for a moment fo fweet, how unfpeak- 
 ably, how eternally bitter ! In vain might Judas 
 attempt to mitigate his own feelings ; his folly would 
 fwell with every thought until his refledtions would 
 be intolerable. 
 
 And went out and hanged . himfelf. Thofe very 
 feet which carried him fo fwiftly to betray Chrift, 
 now bears a load heavier than any one mortal ever 
 felt; he who had led his kind mafter into the hands 
 of beings more like devils than men, was by the 
 inftigation of fatan plunging himfelf among the 
 damned. He who faw the horrid crew condud; 
 Chrift bound, from his re*treat, is led by the fierceft 
 
 fiends 
 
( 482 ) 
 fiends to their dreary home. Were not the inhabi- 
 tants of hell exped:ing his arrival there ? if angels 
 carry the news of the church to heaven, why not 
 devils fend information to hell ? and if ever the in^ 
 habitants of that infernal world were bufy, now 
 was the period, if they had hopes of fruftrating the 
 delign of God, now was the time, for themfelves 
 were blinded. Let fmners particulaly confider the 
 biftory of Judas, it is faidin the adts of the apoflles, 
 he went to his own place; hefet'off on hisjourney on 
 a fudden, and found the way fhort; little did he 
 think when he faluted Chrifl: in the garden, that 
 he fliould be in a few hours time received by the 
 devils in hell. 
 
 As Judas and all the difciples were once together, 
 and under the fame roof with Chrift, fo now we 
 are here together; but fhall we dwell with one 
 another in heaven for ever ? is there a Judas here ? 
 is there one here like Efau, who would for fome 
 poor trifle part with Chrifl ? Did Judas properly 
 belong to Chrift's company ? he feemed not to be 
 one of the world, when he was in Chrift's family. 
 We may be alTured he never was happy in that 
 fituation ; his pleafure v/as in fin. 
 
 Are any here attempting to cover their guilt like 
 Judas ? do not you fee, that what he did in fecret, 
 has been for centuries proclaimed tO the whole 
 world ? and can you hide one fln from the all-feeing 
 eye of God ? and do you wilfully comply with 
 fatan's temptations ? have you not Judas before your 
 eyes ? what fm can you fuppofe hid when you 
 behold him ? 
 
 Have 
 
{ 483 ) 
 
 Have you no reafon to fear, that the fame enemy 
 of fouls who deceived Judas, will overcome you ? 
 are you this moment under his government ? Was 
 fatan a friend to Judas ? do you not perceive fome- 
 thing of the dreadful cruelty of this fubtle foe, and 
 can you dare to parley with him. 
 
 Do you not' think that when Judas left that blelled 
 company, he was feparated from them for ever ? 
 he muft fee fome difference between Chrifh's family 
 and the world j but what has he feen for more thau 
 feventeen hundred years ? what are all our feelings 
 on earth when compared to that which the damned 
 experience ! 
 
 Could this deluded man feel no difference between 
 living in the family of Chrift and the company of the 
 rabble, who came with their weapons, lanterns and 
 torches, to take him ? Could he prefer this dreadful 
 crew to that fociety he had of late been accuftomed 
 to ? Sinners, when infatuated by their lufts, appear 
 as deilitute of reafon as religion. When the be- 
 trayer took off the mafk, how vile did he appear ! 
 fo when all the enemies of Chrifl are made manifeff, 
 they will be feen in their true colours. Judas, who 
 was once like an angel, preaching the glad tidings 
 of man's falvation, appeared in his proper charac- 
 ter at the head of this troop : now he feemed what 
 he really was, before he appeared to be what he 
 was not. 
 
 I wonder whether Judas walked from the garden 
 to the high prieiVs hall in the fight of Chrift, or 
 whether he fneaked behind ? If one drop of good 
 blood had run in his veins, his heart would have 
 
 bled 
 
( 484 ) 
 
 bled to have feen fuch a perlbn in the hands of ruf- 
 fians : muft not the money for which he fold him be 
 too heavy a burden to carry to the high prielVs 
 hall ? hou^ could he think himfelf enriched, whelh 
 plunging Chrifl into fuch a Htuation would be 
 the confequence ? What fneers and fatirical fpeeches 
 muft Chrifl have heard between the garden and the 
 city ? fuch brutifli characters delight in nothing 
 more than tormenting the diftreffed. Now Chrifl 
 might indeed fay. Many bulls have compajfed me : 
 Jlrong bulls of BaJJian have befet me round, Pfa. 
 xxii. 12. Who can take a view of Chrifl in this 
 fituation, and behold him now, without wondering 
 at his condefcenfion ? He endured the contradict 
 tiqn of finners againfl himfelf; he alfo knew that 
 fome of them were the men who fliould crown 
 him with thorns, and fcourge him until all his 
 bones gaped and flared upon them. Well might 
 Chrifl fay, It to as their hour; perhaps mofl of 
 them are now with Judas in a world of mifery -, if 
 this be the cafe, how mufl they all remember that 
 march ? many fliort journies on earth will be re- 
 membered through a long eternity in torment ; but 
 this in particular. 
 
 Chrifl faid his Father loved him becaufe he laid 
 down his life for his fheep. If Abraham felt his 
 affedions particularly moved, when Ifaac had the 
 wood on his back, who can defcribe that love in 
 the Father, which only could be manifefled by the 
 fufferings of him who was God in our nature ? That 
 which helped Chrifl through the whole was not 
 only his divine nature, but the perfed: difcerning 
 
 he 
 
( 485 y 
 
 he had of all the confequences of fuch fufferings,' 
 and that in a fliort fpace of time he fhould be pof- 
 felTed of all power. How compleatly are all the 
 foes of Chrift in his hands ? he muft reign till all 
 his enemies are put under his feet. As fure then as 
 he was thus betrayed, all thofe who live and die 
 in fm, will have their gloomy hours, as certain 
 as Chrill ever had his : but they will not have any 
 joy or crown before them to animate them ; on the 
 contrary, indignation and wrath which will be 
 the everlafting portion of all the enemies of the Son 
 of God. 
 
 Is it not proper then, that every one in this 
 family fliould examine whether you are friends or 
 enemies ? The more I fee of the art and power of 
 the adverfary of our fouls, the more concern I feel, 
 for all the individuals of my family. If this roar- 
 ing lion got one out of Chrill's twelve, have I no 
 rcafon to fear for fome of you ? if you never fear 
 for yourfelves, the greater reafon have I to be con- 
 cerned for you ? Learn by the dreadful end of 
 Judas, the malice and cruelty of this deadly foe : 
 he intends nothing lefs than the eternal death of hi§ 
 ilaves : after he had employed Judas in his fervice, 
 how did he pufh him on towards eternal torment. 
 
 How infinitely different is the conduti of Chrift 
 towards his faithful fervants ! thefe have not only 
 comfort in all the troubles to whrch they are expofed, 
 but an eternal crown at the end of their warfare. 
 In this world you may fee the aftonifliing difference 
 between thofe who were fmcere in the fervice of 
 Chriii, and Judas. What pen can defcribe that 
 U u u happinefs 
 
( 486 ) 
 
 bappinefs thofe experienced when filled with the 
 Holy Ghoft, and could with eafe fpeak any lan- 
 guage ; w^hile Judas had begun that awful and 
 gloomy ditty in hell, and had none for his com- 
 panions, but thofe who have found it to be that 
 place, where there is weeping, and wailing, and 
 gnafliing of teeth. 
 
 Can you overlook fuch evident fads as thefe ? 
 \vhy have we fuch an account of Judas, but to make 
 the fincere thankful, and the hypocrite tremble | 
 You who attend family wojlhip with as much hy- 
 pocrify 3S Judas, remember he who faw every part 
 of the betrayer's condud:, narrowly watches over 
 you. Could not Judas efcape the Saviour's eye ? no 
 more can you. How would any here feel, fliould 
 you find yourfelves ranked among the thoufands, 
 who have been called into a room to unite in family 
 worfliip ; but when among their companions, they 
 have only made a ridicule of a God-fearing man! 
 As Judas can never forget thofe folemn warnings 
 given him by his own Mafter, how mufi: thofe call 
 to rnlnd, the affedionate exhortations given them 
 by mafters or fathers, which they with a wicked 
 fpirit caft behind their backs ? I am fully perfuaded 
 thoufands ar? now in the high road to hell, who 
 have been partakers of great privileges ; and having 
 loft fight of their mafters or parents, by death, or 
 diftance of habitation, they are making a rapid pro- 
 grefs in fin ; but remember, if you arc removed 
 from my eye, and it may be, you will think it a 
 great happinefs to be at hberty to fin without a 
 reftraiMt, let this follow ygu whcrcfoever you go, 
 
 that 
 
( 487 ) 
 
 that though Judas left his mailer, and joined the 
 word of company, his condudt was feen in heaven, 
 and the whole of it ftands now in the book of God's 
 remembrance. Do not you believe this? and can 
 you wilh for liberty to fm ? will it be any fatisfadioii 
 to you in hell, that fo many walked in the fame 
 paths with yourfelves : no doubt but fatan put into 
 the head of Judas many excufes, which had fome 
 weight with him at that dreadful time. And while 
 I am reading to you, the fame adverfary may be 
 bufy with fome here, and helping of you to evade 
 the force of every argument I am making ufe of 5 
 and if you feel a wiih to hear no more of this fub- 
 jed becaufe it comes too clofe, you have reafon to 
 conclude that this is the cafe, I cannot think of 
 the condition of Judas, but my heart trembles 3 nor 
 can I think one moment on the glory of Chrifts 
 faithful fervants, without feeling my very foul long 
 to fee every one of you true lovei-s of the Son of 
 God. Think as if you were now beholding Chrift 
 upon his great white throne, with all the race of 
 Adam before him, and the twelve apoilles on 
 their thrones, and ranked among the moft dif- 
 tinguifhed of the honoured ones. But where is 
 Judas ? what figure will he make who hanged him- 
 felf in defpair ? how will he bear to fee that face 
 he once fo deceitfully kilTed ? Chrift will not now 
 fay, friend hoio camefi thou hither ? Can you hear 
 this and not tremble t do not you feel this wi(h, 
 God grant that I may never be a Iiypocrite. Are 
 not you fully convinced, that there is a propriety in 
 my fetting before, you thefe things, and that you 
 
 iliould 
 
( 488 ) 
 
 fliould frequently think of fuch Important and in- 
 terefling fubjedts ? Should not you blefs God that 
 you are in a good family, where you are not taught 
 to curfe and fwear, but to hear of the infinite im- 
 portance of religion? What a privilege is this, 
 when compared with the difad vantages many at this 
 day experience: we cannot look at their fituationj 
 but pity them as beings, placed in llippery places. 
 
 As Judas made a moft awful choice, and mif- 
 improved every privilege j let me entreat every one 
 here, when family prayer is over, each to go and 
 retire by yourfelves, and think Vv^hat improvement 
 you have made; whether you feel a greater value for 
 betrayers, or thofe who love Chriftj and conlider 
 where you will be, when Judas, and all the difciples 
 of Chrift ihall be called to the general judgment ! 
 My prayer Ihall now be, that this difcourfe may 
 be bleifed to us all, and that we may be found 
 among Chrift's fmcere followers. Amen. 
 
 END OF THE TWENTY-SECOND EXERCISE, 
 
( 487 ) 
 
 that though Judas left his mafter, and joined the 
 vyorfl of company, his condudl was feen in heaven, 
 and the whole of it ftands now in the book of God's 
 remembrance. Do not you believe this? and can 
 you wilh for liberty to fin ? will it be any fatisfadtion 
 to you in hell, that fo many walked in the fame 
 paths with yourfelves : no doubt but fatan put into 
 the head of Judas many excufes, which had fome 
 weight with him at that dreadful time. And while 
 I am reading to you, the fame adverfary may be 
 bufy with fome here, and helping of you to evade 
 the force of every argument I am making ufe of; 
 and if you feel a wiih to hear no more of this fub- 
 jed; becaufe it comes too clofe, you have reafon to 
 conclude that this is the cafe. I cannot think of 
 the condition of Judas, but my heart trembles ; nor 
 can I think one moment on the glory of Chrift'^ 
 faithful fervants, without feeling my very foul long 
 to fee every one of you true lovers of the Son of 
 God. Think as if you were now beholding Chrlffc 
 upon his great white throne, with all the race of 
 Adam before him, and the twelve apoiUes on 
 their thrones, and ranked among the moft dif- 
 tinguiihed of the honoured ones. But where is 
 Judas } what figure will he make who hanged him- 
 felf in defpalr ? how will he bear to fee that face 
 he once fo deceitfully kifi"ed ? Chrift will not now 
 fay, Jriend how cameft thou hither ? Can you hear 
 this and not tremble .'' do not you feel this wifli, 
 God grant that I may never be a hypocrite. Are 
 not you fully convinced, that there is a propriety in 
 my fetting before you thefc things, and that you 
 
 lliould 
 
( 488 ) 
 fliould frequently think of fuch important and in- 
 terefting fubje6ls ? Should not you blefs God that 
 you are in a good family, where you are not taught 
 to curfe and fwear, but to hear of the infinite im- 
 portance of religion? What a privilege is this, 
 when compared with the difadvantages many at this 
 day experience: we cannot look at their lituation^ 
 but pity them as beings, placed in ilippery places. 
 
 As Judas made a moft awful choice, and mif- 
 improved every privilege> let me entreat every one 
 here, when family prayer is over, each to go and 
 retire by yourfelves, and think what improvement 
 you have made ; whether you feel a greater value for 
 betrayers, or thofe who love Chrift ; and confider 
 where you will be, when Judas, and all the difciples 
 of Chriil Ihall be called to the general judgment ! 
 My prayer Ihall nov/ be, that this difcourfe may 
 be bleffed to us all, and that we may be found 
 among Chrifl's fincere followers. Amen. 
 
 END OF THE TWENTY-SECOND EXERCISE. 
 
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