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Doth Christ live for ever to make intercession,* 1.1 then let those who reap on earth the fruits of that his work in Heaven, draw instruction thence about the following duties, to which it leads them as by the hand.
First,* 1.2 Do not forget Christ in an exalted state. You see though he be in all the glory above, at Gods right hand, an enthron'd
King, he doth not forget you. He like Ioseph remembers his bre∣thren in all his glory. But alas how oft doth advancement make us forget him? as the Lord complains in Hosea 13.5, 6. I did know thee in the Wilderness, in the Land of great drought; but when they came into Canaan, According to their pastures, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was ex∣alted; therefore have they forgotten me. As if he had said, O my people, you and I were better acquainted in the Wilderness. When you were in a low condition, left to my immediate care; living by daily faith; Oh then you gave me many a sweet visit; but now you are filled, I hear no more of you. Good had it been for some Saints, if they had never known prosperity.
Secondly, Let the intercession of Christ in Heaven for you, en∣courage you to constancy in the good ways of God. To this duty it sweetly encourages also. Heb. 4.14. Seeing then that we have a great High-Priest that is passed into the Heavens, Iesus the Son of God: let us hold fast our profession. Here is incouragement to perseverance on a double account. One is, that Jesus our head is already in Heaven, and if the head be above water, the body can∣not drown. The other is from the business he is there imployed about, which is his Priesthood; he is passed into the Heavens, as our great High-Priest to intercede, and therefore we cannot miscarry.
Thirdly, Let it incourage you to constancy in prayer: O do not neglect that excellent duty, seing Christ is there, to present all your petitions to God. Yea, to perfume as well as present them. So the Apostle Heb. 4.16. infers from Christs intercession. Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need.
Fourthly, Hence be encouraged to plead for Christ on earth, who continually pleads for you in Heaven. If any accuse you, he is there to plead for you. And if any dishonour him on earth, see that you plead his interest, and defend his honour. Thus you have heard what his intercession is, and what benefits we receive by it.
Vse 3.
He doth not forget us though he be exalted to his glory, for he is not like the poor silly creature that cannot bear exaltation without being puffed up, and forgeting both themselves, their friends, and their God. No, his ex∣altation is Spiritual and Heavenly, perfecting his humane nature to the greatest height it is ca∣pable of—he was never more tender of Ierusalem when he wept over it, or of his people when he wept, bled, and died for them; than he is now tender over his in glory. Mr. Baxters Treatise of Convers. p. 184.