A sanctuary for the tempted: being a discourse on Christ's friendly admonition to Peter Wherein the fall and rising of Peter, is at large considered: the craft, potency, and malice of Satan (that arch-enemy of our salvation) discovered: his various wiles. stratagems and machinations invalidated: several choice and excellent Gospel-truths handled, and cleared (from the calumnies and objections of gainsayers.) ... Delivered in sundry sermons, at first; and now, published for the benefit of God's church in general. To which is added, four sermons, preach'd upon sacramental occasions. By Thomas Powel, preacher of the Gospel, and one, whom Satan hath winnowed.

SECT. IV.

Secondly, If we consider the Inter∣cession it self, 1. In its Nature. 2. In its Perpetuity. First, In its Nature; which is a Presenting his Person, Suf∣ferings and Merits unto his Father, for what he desires. Father (sayes Iesus Christ) let such a Soul Perse∣vere. Why so (may the Father Re∣ply?) Because (sayes Christ) I Suf∣fered to this end. So that God the Father, according to his Iustice, which is Unspotted, sayes to his Son; Be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 unto thee as thou wilt. So, that Matter of our Saviours Request is but Just and Reasonable: What Christ desires, is not desired Gratis, upon Terms unbecoming the Holiness and •…•…ighteousness of God to grant. Iesus Christ can Plead Merit in his Prayers. •…•…inally, God the Father is under a Co∣•…•…enant, Tye and Bond to do what he •…•…ks. For he Promised us to Christ, (on Condition of his Dying for us) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be his, and Ruled by Him as he pleased: Where-upon Christ Accep∣ted,

and a Body was Prepared for him; and so he became Obedient un∣to Death, even unto the Death of the Cross. So that this Number for whom Christ Dyed, is really his, ac∣cording to the Faederal Transaction between the Father and Him. Ac∣cordingly also the Mercies that Christ Intercedes for, are as due to him, as the Hire of the Labour is, when the Work is Faithfully done.

Secondly, Let us consider our Sa∣viours Intercession, in the Perpetuity o•…•… it:

He ever Liveth, to make Intercessio•…•… for us, Heb. 7. 25.

Our Names are alwayes upon th•…•… Heart and Shoulders of this our Grea•…•… High-Priest before God. † 1.1 Christ's In∣tercession is Importunate and Perpetu∣al. From hence we may draw (sait•…•… ‖ 1.2 Mr. Flavel) abundant Encouragemen•…•… against all Heart-Straitnings, and Dead ness of Spirit in Prayer.

Thou complainest, thy Heart is Dead Wandring and Contracted in Duty: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but remember, Christ's Blood speaks when thou canst not!

Though the Vigour of thy Affe∣ctions may sometimes Decay in Du∣ty; yet know then, even then Christ maketh Intercession: When thy Pray∣er is done, Christ's Prayer is still go∣ing on. His Praying is a Praying with∣out ceasing: Yea, he Incessantly Prays for us.

Christ is a Mediator for Ever; and his Intercession is a Daily Intercession.

It is the Business of Christ now in Heaven, to Intercede for us. Be∣hold, Christ Intercedes for you in Hea∣ven: And therefore question not the Duration of your Faith.

Many things here occur, that hin∣der the Permanency, and the Poten∣cy of our Prayers: But Christ in Hea∣ven meets with nothing, that inter∣rupts his Praying to, and Interceding with the Father on our Behalf. Christ Iesus is now in the Exaltation of his Prophetical, Sacerdotal and Regal Office; and therefore what he Wills, is Gran∣ted.

He (Christ) ever Liveth, to make Intercession for us.

Notes

• † 1.1

  His In∣tercession is a Permanent Importunity.
• ‖ 1.2

  Sermen 13. on Heb. 7. 25. Pag. 152.