Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

1

city is the highest representation of civil community. There have been famous cities; but what are they to all this? "Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God!" It is the city of the living God. It is the city of the great King. It is the city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. The foundation is of precious stones. The pavement is of pure gold. The gates are of pearls. "I saw no temple therein; for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it; for the glory of God did lighten it; and the Lamb is the light thereof." But who can estimate the honours, the provisions, the pleasures of the place? As it is written, " Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." It is to display the munificence of his goodness, and to prove to men and angels, that he has not called himself their God in vain. "But now they desire a better country, that is an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he hath prepared for them a city."

very inadequate image of his grace. We sometimes see persons who "condescend to men of low estate;" but they are only men themselves, deriving their nature from the same original, inheriting the same infirmities, and doomed to the same corruption. God even condescends to behold the things that are done in heaven: well, therefore, when we meet with him on earth, may we exclaim, "Lord, what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?"

We congratulate those of you who have reason to conclude that you are the people of God. We hail you, on the ground of your present privileges. You are under a Divine guide; and you are in the right way. One of these necessarily results from the other. If you are under the Lord's direction, though he may lead you in a strange and a thorny way, it will be-it must be it is, a right one: and you cannot indulge too firm a confidence. You know his name; and should put your trust in him. What have you to do with to-morrow? Events are his. Duty only is yours; and in the performance of this, he allows, he commands you, to rely upon him for wisdom and strength. "Be careful for nothing: but in every thing, by prayer and sup plication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Not a city of inspection! Many-(Eternal God will it be any of this company?) will look in; and "there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, when they shall see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God, and they themselves shut out." Not a city of visitation. Christians shall not only enter, but abide. They shall go no more out-It is "a city of habitation." | you, on the ground of your future expectaThis conveys the idea of repose. The Christian is now a traveller; then he will be a resident he is now on the road; he will then be at home: "there remaineth a rest for the people of God."

It reminds us of a social state. It is not a solitary condition; we shall partake of it with an innumerable company of angels, with all the saved from among men, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, martyrs, our kindred in Christ. "These are fellow-citizens of the saints, and of the household of God."

66

But still greater reason have we to hail

tion. Though you have much in hand, you
have more in hope. He is now guiding you
by his counsel, but he will afterwards receive
you to glory. He is leading you by the right
way; but the way, whatever may be said in
praise of it, is not the city of habitation. But
there-there the journey ends.

"See the kind angels at the gates,
Inviting us to come;
There Jesus the forerunner waits,
To welcome travellers home."

Unhappy sinners! How much are you de The subject requires from us an admira- priving yourselves of while sacrificing all the tion of God. "His greatness is unsearcha- present, and all the future advantages of relible." "He dwells in the light which no gion! You may banish thought, and remain man can approach unto." Heaven is his insensible of your loss for a while-but it can throne and the earth is his footstool." "Thou- be for a while only-you must soon be consands minister unto him, and ten thousand vinced of your folly; and how dreadful, if you times ten thousand stand before him." And should learn your error when it is too late to what are we?" Of yesterday, and know be rectified! As yet, however, this is not your nothing. Our habitation is in the dust. We state. Your harvest is not yet past; your are crushed before the moth.” Numbers will summer is not yet ended. You are yet in not relieve our meanness; all nations before the number of those who are within the reach him are as nothing, and they are counted to of mercy. May you "seek the Lord while he him less than nothing, and vanity-And will may be found, and call upon him while he is He make our concerns his care? His con-near."

descension admits of no comparison. A king And what says all this to you, my young deigning to lead a poor beggar; a philosopher friends? Will you not "from this time cry stooping to teach an infant his alphabet-isa unto him, My father, thou art the guide of my

youth?" You are entering a world full of temptation. You are beginning life without the advantage of experience, and yet in all the strength of passion. How liable are you to err! And yet how much depends upon every wrong step you take. Would you be wise, and safe, and happy? Yield yourselves unto God; saying, "Lord, I am thine, save me. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."

DISCOURSE LXXXVIII.

FELLOWSHIP WITH THE RIGHT-
EOUS.

figure of speech to make them stand for the individuals themselves. Thus it is with God. His name means his perfections, his nature, his being, himself; and they who love his name mean those who love himself.

Such there have been in every age of the world; for he has never left himself without witness. But do not all men love God! So far from it, that we'read in the Scripture of the "haters of God:" a charge which, however dreadful, we have reason to fear will apply to the generality of mankind. Will it apply, my dear hearers, to you? In answer to this question, it is in vain for you to say that you are not haters of God, because you never speak against him: for there are works, as well as words, of enmity; yea, actions speak louder than words; and you are Be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto accustomed to lay more stress upon them, in those that love thy name.—Psalm cxix. 132. judging of the disposition of a fellow-creature MAN is the subject of numberless wants and towards you. We read of our "being enedesires. He feels himself unhappy, and is mies to God by wicked works." And there therefore restless for a change. He supposes is a "carnal mind, which is enmity against the future to be better than the present, and God, because it is not subject to his law." Is is therefore alive to hope. He imagines the it true, that " God is not in all your thoughts?" condition of others superior to his own, and That you do not like to retain him in your hence the spirit that is in him lusteth to envy. knowledge? That the conversation is uninAnd how many are there who only envy teresting which turns upon his glory? That those upon whom the world smiles; or who, you have no desire to enjoy his presence? if ever they pray, are saying, "Lord, rank That you never strive to please him?--In me with the healthful, the rich, the honoura- vain also, you say, that you join in his worble!" But there are some who have the ship, and do not find your attendance irkknowledge of the holy, and are made wise some. For, not to inquire whether this is unto salvation. These no longer ask, "Who true; whether your heart never rises up will show us any good?" But their language against the doctrine of the Gospel, the strictis, "Lord, lift thou up the light of thy coun- ness of God's commands, and the spirituality tenance upon us." "There is only," says of his service-let me ask, How do you feel such a man as this, "there is only one class towards the same Being, alone? Do you of persons I envy. They are those whom relish private devotion? If you were with a the world overlooks and despises. They are person you dislike, in a large and entertainthe redeemed; the pardoned; the sanctified. ing company-though even then, you would They are those who are blessed with all rather he was absent; the hour would pass off spiritual blessings in heavenly places in less disagreeably, perhaps, even pleasantly, Christ.' These, and these alone, I envy: not-because you would have other attractions that I grudge them their privileges, or wish to deprive them of their portion; but I long above all things to share with them. "Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation; that I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance! Be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name."

[ocr errors]

From these words we observe

and engagements: but suppose all the rest were withdrawn, and you left with this individual only-your situation would then be intolerable, and your only wish would be to escape. The application is easy. It is little proof of your regard for God, to intermingle with a large and respectable congregation in the sanctuary, especially where all the exterior of devotion is inviting; where the pulpit is distinguished by talent and eloquence, and the preacher is "as one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument." The question is, How do you feel towards God in the want of all this? Do you love to meet him in solitude? There are those who do.

I. THERE ARE SOME WHO LOVE GOD's NAME. The word name, in Scripture, is significant of person. Thus we read of "a few names in Sardis," which had not defiled their garments; and when Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, it is said, “the number There are those who can say, "My soul of the names was about an hundred and shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; twenty." As names distinguish, and make and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful known, and recall to our minds, the charac- lips: when I remember thee upon my bed, ters to whom they are attached, it is hardly a | and meditate on thee in the night watches.

"looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

What a character does Paul give of Onesiphorus; of his charity, and fortitude, and zeal; yet he prays, "The Lord grant that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day!" Even he needed mercy, and would need it to the last, and then more than ever. And where is the man, however holy, that would think of " that day," and not sink into despair and horror, but for the prospect of mercy! "If thou, Lord shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand!"

III. THE LORD HAS BEEN ALWAYS ACCUSTOMED TO DEAL MERCIFULLY WITH THEM. It is not a single, casual, occasional exercise; but a well known and invariable ispensation, to which David refers: "Be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.'

It cannot be otherwise, if his word is the faithful word; for he has promised it. He has said to every believer, "I will surely do thee good. All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Here is the rule by which he has bound himself to act towards his people. And that his conduct has been conformable to these assurances even their enemies have been judges. They have frequently been so struck with the displays of his goodness, as inwardly to venerate the godly, and to commend their condition. "Verily, there is a reward for the righteous."

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee." They admire his excellences, and feel his goodness. They have seen him in the sacrifice of the cross; and on Calvary have complied with a demand so long resisted before: "My son, give me thy heart." There are many dear to them on earth, and more in heaven; but they can say, "Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee!" For though they do not love him perfectly, they love him supremely. There is no one they so fear to offend. There is no one whose favour they so long to enjoy: "His lovingkindness is better than life." Their eyes run down with tears because men keep not his law. They delight to speak good of his name, and recommend him to others; while they glory in the success of his cause; and holding themselves at his disposal, ask, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" II. HIS MERCY IS THE SOURCE OF ALL THE GOODNESS THEY EXPERIENCE. It is not necessary so set aside compulsion; for Deity can suffer no impression from external power: and what is constrained has no value in it. But the great opponent of mercy is merit: and for this, man, who is naturally as proud as he is poor, will always strive to find a place. And yet where will he find it! Only in the creed of ignorance, and presumption: not, I am sure, in the testimony of the Scriptures, or in the language of believers. They "look to the rock whence they were hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence they were digged." They know that it was the mercy of God alone that brought them in the state which now attracts his regard, and inspired them with all those dispositions in which he delights: "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us; by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." Nor is their consciousness of unworthiness confined to their natural condition; but since they have known God, or rather have been known With what pleasure do they look back, and of him, they see enough in their daily walk compare the words of his mouth with the and temper, in their non-improvement of works of his hands; "as we have heard, so means and privileges, yea, in their very du- have we seen, in the city of our God!" What ties, to convince them that mercy is the prin- Ebenezers have they reared as they passed ciple of God's conduct towards them. Hence, along; inscribing on each, "Hitherto hath as they are spared from year to year, they the Lord helped me!" How often, among exclaim, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we all their complaints of themselves, have they are not consumed, because his compassions looked up, and said; "Thou hast dealt well fail not." Hence, in their sufferings, they see with thy servant, O Lord!" Time would fail that they have no right to complain; but much me, to specify all the instances in which he reason to acknowledge under the severest has been used to deal mercifully with them. trials, "He has not dealt with us after our-He has been accustomed to appear for them sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniqui- in their temporal exigences; and though they ties." If they pray, it is with the sentiment of Daniel: "We do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies." If they hope, it is a

66

How amiable are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." Thus it is said, “All that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed." But they themselves are the best judges of the Divine conduct towards them. They can judge spiritually; and see mercy in dispensations which may appear to the world as the effects of wrath.

have not had the miracle of the ravens, and the meal, they have had the mercy: "Their bread has been given them, and their water has been sure; and he has blessed their bread

and their water."-He has been accustomed to indulge them, peculiarly with his own presence, when creatures have failed them by death, or weakness, or perfidy: so that they could say, "Nevertheless the Lord stood by me: I am not alone, because the Father is with me."-He has been accustomed to counteract their fears, and surpass their expectations When they said in their haste, "I am cut off from before his eyes;" he has "heard the voice of their supplication, when they cried unto him: at even-tide it has been light: he has turned the shadow of death into the morning." What appalled them in apprehension they endured with cheerfulness: "as the sufferings abounded, the consolations" more than counterbalanced them; and their greatest gains sprang from their greatest losses. He has been accustomed to bear with their ignorance and weakness; to "help their infirmities;" to "uphold them with his free Spirit;" to "show them his power and glory in the sanctuary;" to say to their souls, "I am thy salvation." But where shall I stop?

"My Saviour, my Almighty Friend,
When I begin thy praise,

Where will the growing numbers end,
The numbers of thy grace?"

All his dealings with his people have been nothing but mercy. He was merciful to them when he frowned, as well as when he smiled. When he denied, as well as when he indulged. When he took away, as well as when he gave. What use ought we to make of this?

IV. HIS MERCY TOWARDS THEM SHOULD ENCOURAGE US TO IMPLORE MERCY FOR OURSELVES. "Be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name." "I ask nothing but what thou hast been in the constant practice of giving. I come after millions, every one of whom has said, 'It is good for me to draw near to God. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.""

Beggars naturally love to go to a door where others have been successful, especially where none have ever been sent empty away. This, indeed, is never the case among men. No earthly benefactor, however disposed, can afford universal relief. But we have every thing to inspire our application at "a throne of grace." In what he has done through every age, we see his resources and his bounty. We see "the same Lord over all, and rich unto all that call upon him."-And we know that he is unchangeably the same. "His hand is not shortened that it cannot save, nor his ear heavy that it cannot hear." -And we know that all those who have been saved and blessed by him, had no more to recommend them to his regards than we have, but originally stood before him "wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."-We go a step further, and we say, that one end God had in view in showing

them mercy was to excite our application, and to pull up despair by the roots. And hence the characters of many of those who have found mercy. In acts of grace among men, the principal offenders are always excepted; and the reason is, not only because they are more deserving of punishment, but their pardon would be dangerous, by being so exemplary: but God has, in every age, called and saved some of the vilest of the vile; and so far from his wishing to conceal it, one of these ringleaders, in his name, says, “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to thern which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." When convinced of sin, and feeling our desert, and urged to seek for the greatest of all blessings, from him whom we have offended and provoked; it is not a little encouragement we need. And have we not everlasting consolation and good hope through grace? Let us think of the gift of his dear Son. Let us remember the promises and invitations of the Gospel. Let us reflect upon the examples of his grace. Let us consider the invariableness of his regard to prayer"This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and delivered him out of all his trouble"

1

They looked unto him, and were lightened, and their faces were not ashamed." "He never said to the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain." But,

V. WE SHOULD BE ANXIOUS TO SECURE THE MERCY THAT IS PECULIAR TO THEM; and not be satisfied with his common kindness. "Be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name."

God is good to all; and his tender mercies are over all his works. The sun is called his sun; and he makes it to shine upon the evil and upon the good; and sendeth his rain upon the just and upon the unjust. David had received from God a crown-and so had Pharaoh long before him. David had geniusso had Ahithophel, who hung himself. tural talents and earthly possessions and enjoyments are common to the righteous and the wicked; and no man can infer the love or hatred of God from them-David prays for those benefits which are tokens for good and pledges of Divine friendship.

Na

Again. He knew that as ordinary mercies were not distinguishing, neither were they satisfying. The greatest abundance of them cannot fill the void within; and tell the immortal mind to rove no more. There is no true peace nor joy but as we are able to say of the God of all grace, "Thou art the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."

Yea, temporal blessings may even draw us astray, and become our sin and ruin. Hov many are there now in hell cursing their success in business, because it set their affections

on things below; their honour, because it flattered their pride; their plenty, because it fed their passions and lusts-" The prosperity of fools shall destroy them."

that run the race that is set before them, and fight the good fight of faith. Therefore he will not expect, nor desire, the Divine blessing without prayer: for it has always been God's way to make his people sensible of their wants, and to give in answer to prayer. Therefore he will not expect nor desire to reach heaven without difficulties: for his people have always had to deny themselves, and take up their cross. If they have not been chosen in the furnace of affliction, they have been purified. God had one Son without sin, but he never had one without sorrow: "he scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Yes," says the suppliant before us, "secure me their everlasting portion, and I am willing to drink of the cup they drank of, and to be baptized with the baptism they were baptized with. I want no new, no bypath to glory. I am content to keep the King's high road. "Be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that fear thy

66

To which we may add, that these outward blessings, however good in themselves, are not durable. They are the meat that perisheth." They are "the treasure that moth and rust can corrupt, and thieves break through and steal." They are "but for a moment." 66 O give me," says the man likeminded with David, "give me the meat that endureth unto everlasting life. Give me the 'treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust can corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal.' Tell me that the eternal God is my refuge, and that underneath are the everlasting arms.' What are the wants of my body to the necessities of my soul! Not only is every thing here going, but I am going! I am a dying creature; I have nothing, if I have not a hope beyond the grave. I want pardon. I want holiness. I want the ear-name-I ask no more." nests of the Spirit. I want a better country. There are those who feel a peace which passeth all understanding; and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

'Where is the shadow of that Rock That from the sun defends thy flock? Fain would I feed among thy sheep, Among them rest, among them sleep.' 'Be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.'

999

I conclude by observing, that with regard to some of you this prayer has been answered. You are not able, perhaps, to ascertain precisely how it was at first awakened in your bosom: but it was awakened; and made you to differ from others, and from yourselves. From that hour it has been the prevailing petition; nor has it been offered in vain-He has looked upon you, and been merciful unto you, as he useth to do unto those that love his name. Be not afraid to acknowledge it. Be humble, but be grateful; and say, to the praise and glory of his grace, "Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name."

Lastly. WE SHOULD BE CONTENT IF GOD DEALS WITH US AS HE HAS ALWAYS DEALT WITH HIS PEOPLE. While he could not be satisfied with any thing less than their portion, David asks for nothing better; he implores no singular dispensation in his favour, I hope some of you are beginning to make no deviation from the accustomed methods of this prayer your own. The world does not his grace. "Be merciful unto me, as thou appear to you now as it once did; your conusest to do unto those that love thy name." nexion with it is loosened, and you long to This was the disposition of Paul: "if by any form an alliance with a better. You wish to means I might attain unto the resurrection of be companions of them that fear God. And the dead." He did not prescribe, but submit. what should hinder you? They will receive The end was every thing; the way he left, you with delight; they are all saying, “Come with a holy indifference, to God. And it is with us, and we will do you good; for the always a good proof that your convictions Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel." and desires are from the operation of the Spi-" And I will receive you, and be a Father rit when you are willing to conform to God's order. What is this order? It is to dispense his blessings connectedly. It is never to justify without sanctifying; never to give a title to heaven without a meetness for it. Now the man that is divinely wrought upon will not expect, or desire the one, without the other. Therefore he will not expect or desire the blessing of God without obedience: because it is always God's way to connect the comforts of the Holy Ghost with the fear of the Lord; and, if his children transgress his laws, to visit their transgressions with a rod. Therefore he will neither expect nor desire his blessing without exertion: for it has always been God's way to crown only those

unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." If he is not with us, he is not far off; for "the Lord is nigh unto them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth." But he is with you. It is he that has excited the desire you feel; and "He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled."

But what can we say to those who never yet in earnest made the prayer of David their own! In a little time, you must leave all your possessions and enjoyments, relations and friends, to enter an eternal world, and

« ZurückWeiter »