Inference 2.
* 1.1Hence also we infer, that Sacrament seasons are heart melting seasons: because therein the most affecting and heart-melting, re∣cognitions and representations of Christ are made. As the Gospel offers him to the ear, in the most sweet affecting sounds of grace; so the Sacrament to the eye, in the most taking visions that are on this side Heaven.
There, hearts that will not yield a tear under other Ordinances, can pour out floods. Zech. 12.10. They shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and mourn. Yet I dare not affirm, that every one whose heart is broken by the believing sight of Christ there, can evidence that it is so by a dropping eye. No, we may say of tears, as it's said of Love, Cant. 8.7. If some Christians would give all the treasures of their house for them, they cannot be pur∣chased. Yet they are truly humbled for sin, and seriously affect∣ed with the grace of Christ. For the support of such, I would distinguish, and have them to do so also, betwixt what is essential to spiritual sorrow, and what is contingent. Deep displeasure with thy self for sin, hearty resolutions and desires of the com∣pleat mortification of it; this is essential to all spiritual sorrow; but tears are accidental, and in some constitutions rarely found. If thou have the former, trouble not thy self for want of the la∣ter: though 'tis a mercy when they kindly and undis••embledly flow from a heart truly broken.
And surely, to see who it is that thy sins have pierced. How great how glorious, how wonderful a person that was, that was so humbled, abased, and brought to the dust, for such a wretched thing as thou art, cannot but tenderly affect, the considerating soul. If it was for a lamentation in the Captivity, that Princes were hanged up by the hands, and the faces of the Elders were not reverenced. Lam. 5.12. And if at the death of Abner, Da∣vid could lament, and say, a Prince, and a great man is fallen in Israel this day. 2 Sam. 3.38. If he could so patheti∣cally lament the death of Saul, and Ionathan, saying, Daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who cloathed you in scarlet. The beau∣ty of Israel is slain upon the high places. Ah how much more