Vasanos alåethinåe, the true touchstone which shews both grace and nature, or, A discourse concerning self examination, by which both saints and sinners may come to know themselves whereunto are added sundry meditations relating to the Lords Supper / by Nathanael Vincent ...

Meditations ON THE LORDS SUPPER.

MEDITATIONS. I.

WHerefore do I spend my money for that which is not Bread? And my labour for that which can never satisfie? Many a time have I made trial of the things that are visible, but the higher my expecta∣tions have been raised, the greater has been my disappointment. I have sought that among the Creatures which is not to be found. Sin has turned this World into a Country, far from God; and truly Husks are the best fare that ever this World hath yeilded me. 'Tis high time to come out from

the World and to be separate, left my Soul perish for hunger there. Meat that perishes is improper for a Soul that is of an immor∣tal nature, and of an Everlasting duration. I will arise and go unto my God and Fa∣ther: He has promised to satiate and reple∣nish the weary and sorrowful Soul. In his House I am sure there is Bread enough and to spare.

MEDITATION. II.

Boast not O Mammon of thy Treasures! Unless thou hast that which is of sufficient value to be a ransom for me. Can all the Wealth of both the Indies pay the debt which by sin I have contracted? Can Riches satisfie for the wrong I have done to the justice of God by my Transgression? Oh no I was not Redeemed with corruptible things as Silver and Gold, but with the preci∣ous Blood of Christ as of a Lamb without ble∣mish and without spot. Pardon, Grace, and Glory are such gifts of God as are not to be purchased with money; for if they were so many Rich men would not be lost for ever. Wealth cannot buy any out of the Devils possession, but rather brings them more un∣der

his power, it cannot save any from Hell, but rather proves a means to send them thither: For they that will be Rich fall into Tempttaion, and a Snare, and into many fool∣ish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in De∣struction and Perdition.

MEDITATION. III.

O my Soul strive not to load thy self with the thick clay of this present World, this will debase thee exceedingly, and defile and burthen thee. Thou needest that which is of more value then Gold that perishes to en∣rich thee, and that is precious Faith. Thou needest a garment to cover thy nakedness, which no Shop on Earth can furnish thee withal, and that is the Robe of Christs Righteousness: Thou needest Food to sa∣tisfie thy hunger, which cannot be got for money or price, but may be had without it, and that is the Bread of God which came down from Heaven to give Life unto the World. Thou art of Heavenly original, and there∣fore mind not Earthly things, for it can never be well with thee, untill thou return to that All-sufficient Lord, who is the Father of Spirits and alone can fill them out of his own fulness.

MEDITATION. IV.

Lord! Thou who art full of Love, nay love it self, and art jealous of my love lest it should be misplaced; Turn away my Eyes that they may not be set upon that which is not, If Riches take to themselves wings and fly away as an Eagle towards Hea∣ven; let my Heart be so wise, as to get the start of them, and fly away first from such transitory and fading vanities, and fly to∣wards the highest Heaven of all. How great a gain will it be to lose my love to the World! And though it be no gain at all to thee for me to love thee, who art so self-sufficient from Everlasting to Everlast∣ing; yet I shall hereby be an Eternal gain∣er, and shall be interested in that love which is Everlasting and unchangeable. Oh! Love me freely in the Son of thy love; and inflame my Heart with love to Thee! 'Tis my Honour that I have leave to love thee who art so high and glorious, and 'tis thy first and great Command that I should love thee with my whole Heart, and Soul and Strength. Let this Command be kept, and let not the biggest offer the World can

make me, ever tempt me to break it, so as to prevail with me!

MEDITATION. V.

Pleasures of sin and sence have often charmed and deceived me. Those things which have gratified the Eye, the Ear, the Touch, the Taste, have had a kind of an inchanting Force and Power. Sensual De∣lights have been some of the finest and strongest cords of vanity, to draw me a way from God and Duty. But now I see what madness 'tis, to please my self, and displease my Lord, whose favour affords the fullest joy, and whose frowns can cause an Hell on Earth.

Carnal Pleasures are but bruitish! The Beasts enjoy those as well as men, and seve∣ral of them excelling us in sense, their plea∣sures also may be greater; They are worse then Beasts who can be contented with such delights, because they are capable of de∣lights much higher, which capacity the Beasts have not. How unfit is he for Christ and for the Kingdom of God, who esteems

Earthly pleasure as the most desirable para∣dise: He wofully forgets both Himself and Eternity, who admires those delights and joys which can last but for a moment.

MEDITATION. VI.

O my Soul! Art thou indeed fond of Pleasure? The highest of all are not grudged thee. Oh taste and see that the Lord is Gra∣cious. What is pleasing to the Flesh cannot reach thee, but God is a Spirit, has enough, is enough for thee. The Angels have no Flesh and yet enjoy the greatest delight; and God himself, who is the most spiritual is the most blessed and happy Being of all.

Solomon enjoyed as much as the most vo∣luptuous can wish for. He says whatever his Eyes desired he kept not from them, neither did he withhold from his Heart any joy. Though sensual delight was in its highest Exaltation, yet it was wofully mixed; the sting was much sharper then the Honey was sweet: Therefore he cryes out, all was va∣nity and vexation of Spirit. Be not eager, O my Soul, after that which will prove a

vexation to thee. Return unto God, look unto Jesus, here thou maist find exceeding joy, here a Soul may find rest. And being once interested in that meat which endures to Everlasting Life, and in the unsearchable Riches of christ, thou maist speak to thy self upon good ground, Soul take thine ease, Eat, Drink, and after an holy manner be Merry, for thou hast Goods laid up which will never be spent, but last unto Eter∣nity.

MEDITATION. VII.

Lord! How far is that Man from know∣ing Thee, who is a Lover of Pleasure more then a Lover of God! How excellent is thy Loving kindness! How sweet the Meditati∣on of Thee! When my heart is enlarged, and my Affections for Thee are vehement and strong, here is a joy indeed which the World is a stranger to, and cannot equal. David called Thee the gladness of his Joy, no other joy can make me truly glad besides. How All-sufficient is thy fulness! How Rich is thy Mercy! How superabundant is thy Grace! And even thy justice which is so affrighting unto guilty man is fully satisfied

by the Obedience and Sufferings of Jesus Christ. Thou art just when thou justifiest him that Believeth in Jesus. Unbeleiving Doubts and Fears are groundless; but joy and peace are highly reasonable.

The Saints which are now Triumphant, who see thee face to face, and are in the Lambs Presence and Throne, are far from admiring the pleasures of sin and sense.

Away, away, thou deceitful Tempter! Offer such poor, such low things no more; I am to preferre Affliction with the People of God before such Pleasures; and certain∣ly then Heaven and the foretastes of it, are of infinitly greater value. From henceforth Lord it shall be my pleasure to study thee and thy will, to love thee, to serve thee, to please thee, to praise thee, and to enjoy thee will be my highest Happiness.

MEDITATION. VIII.

What is the Applause and esteem of Men! How vain and poor a thing is Worldly Honour! Why should I Envy this to others, or be eager after it, or proud of it

my self? Man does judge according to out∣ward appearance. and therefore may more easily mistake. When man commends, Conscience may condemn, and God much more. That which is highly esteemed among men, is an Abomination in the sight of God.

To be spoken well of by sinners is rather a bad sign; they were false Prophets who had the good word of all men. And the good Word of Saints, is rather an argument of their Charity, then of our sincerity. The Jew that is one inwardly, his Heart is Cir∣cumcised, and his praise not of men but of God.

How poor a thing is it to be praised for Beauty, which is so great a snare to them that have it, and to others also; and which Death may so quickly turn into paleness and rottenness!

And to be praised for Worldly Great∣ness, does yield but a sorry satisfaction for Death is a sure and terrible Leveller, and the Worms will make as bold with the Cat∣kass of the Prince as of the Peasant.

What will it advantage one to be com∣mended for Gifts, or Parts, or Grace, if Conscience at the same time do justly Re∣proach, and call one Proud and Hypocriti∣cal!

How little did Christ value Honour in the days of his Humiliation, he was despi∣sed, rejected, reproached and at last most ig∣nominiously Crucified. Lord! They are tru∣ly Honourable, that Honour Thee, and are honoured by thee, and to whom thou wilt say at last, Well done good and faithful Servants.

MEDITATION. IX.

When I look into my self, my Sins ap∣pear by great multitudes! But a Righteous∣ness of my own I cannot find, which does deserve to be called by the name of Righte∣ousness. If the Elect Angels do cover their faces in the presence of a God glorious in Holiness, how shall sinful man appear with∣out a Mediatour! They that are ignorant may be Proud and Self-conceited, and may trust to themselves that they are Righteous, but one view of Gods unspotted purity

and exact justice, is enough to cause in any mortal man self-distrust, nay self-abhorren∣cy. The Sun is confounded, and the Moon ashamed, the Heavens are not clean in the sight of Him that made them; the Angels themselves are charged with folly, what is man that he should be Righteous!

MEDITATION. X.

My evill deeds do far exceed my good ones, how great is the number of those, how small comparatively the number of these! How many more are the vain words which I speak, then those that are serious! And when I keep the strictest watch over my Heart, the bad thoughts (though intruders) will be ten, for one that is pure and ho∣ly, if the odds be not farr greater. And can I stand then if the Lord should be ex∣tream to mark what is done amiss? Who in the World has more reason then I to cry out, Lord enter not into judgment with thy Servant. That little good which I do what mixtures of evil are there with it. The Flesh is still lusting against the Spirit and makes every duty I perform imperfect, and upon its own account impossible to be ac∣cepted.

The best of my works cannot merit the ac∣ceptation of themselves, how then can they make satisfaction for my iniquities. I see plainly when I have done all, I must call my self unprofitable, and look unto Christ who became obedient unto Death, and desire that both I and my works the most perfect of them all may be found in him.

MEDITATION. XI.

To whom can I look but unto Jesus! Here the Angels look and wonder at the manifold wisdom, and amazing kindness and love of God. The Father himself looks here, and is delighted in the Obedience and Suf∣ferings of his Son, through whom without any prejudice to his Justice and Holiness, his Grace and Mercy have a full vent, and a free course, to be glorified among the Sons of men.

The Beleivers under the Old Testament looked unto Jesus, though he was more darkly represented to them, Moses and the Prophets spake of him, and Abraham himself rejoyced to see his day. And under the New Testament he is more fully revealed. Here

therefore I will fix my eye. and living and dying, Behold this Lamb of God which tak∣eth away the sins of the World.

MEDITATION. XII.

I am in my self a lost Creature. My sins, my sins have ruin'd me, the sins which I have lov'd and pleaded for, and taken so much pleasure in have done me the great∣est harm. Wo, wo is me, that I have sinned. I have broken the best Law, and rebelled against the best Lord. I have sided with the Enemies of my Salvation to destroy my self. 'Tis an endless task to number the Stars in the Firmament, or the Sand upon the Sea shore or the days of Eternity; and I may as well do all this, as number my ini∣quities, Innumerable Evils have compassed me about, my iniquities have taken hold upon me so that I am not able to look up, they are more then the hairs of my Head, therefore my heart faileth me. And if the wages of the least sin be Death and Hell, what large wages, and what a low place in Hell have I deserved? Gods anger is just, his power is terrible, his patience is wonderful, his mercy is utter∣ly undeserved; I should be all despair,

were it not for the Grace of God, and the Blood of God, but these are sufficient grounds of hope and Everlasting Conso∣lation.

MEDITATION. XIII.

I plainly perceive that all mankind have suffered shipwrack. The first man Adam had the steering of the Vessel, and he run it upon the Rocks, and lost himself and his whole progeny. All have sinned and come, short of the Glory of God. The calamity is general, the whole World is become guilty be∣fore God, there is none that understandeth or seeketh after God, there is none that doeth good no not one. 'Tis truly lamentable that the humane nature should be so infected, so cor∣rupted, as that every mind should be carnal and enmity against God, that every Heart should be like an adamant stone, that every neck should be like an iron sinew. All are born the Children of wrath, and with strong inclinations to be the Children of Disobedi∣ence. So that when the Son of God came into the World to dye and save it: He found the World lying in wickedness, secure in sin, and hastning towards Everlasting mi∣sery.

MEDITATION. XIV.

Whence is this to Man that a Saviour should be provided for him! Were there no Creatures fell besides? Yes an innume∣rable Host of Angels kept not their first estate but left their own Habitation.

The Angels that sinned were excellent and glorious in their first Creation, but they grew proud and Enemies to Truth; and voluntarily departed, and were justly banished from the Lord that made them. And when these Angels sinned, no mercy that we read of was extended to them. The Scripture expressely says, that God spared not the Angels that sinned, but cast them down to Hell. That was a dreadful fall indeed from the highest Heaven to the lowest Hell, those mighty Spirits are fettered in Chains of darkness, and are reserved unto the judge∣ment of the great day, they never that we find, had a Redeemer provided, nor a par∣don offered, nor after they had made themselves miserable, were they ever brought within the reach and possibility of Mercy. The Son of God took not on him

the nature of Angels, or, he took not hold of the Angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

MEDITATION. XV.

Lord! What was man that thou wert thus mindful of him! Or the Son of man, that the Son of God should come and visit him! Admirable condescension! That thou whom the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain, shouldst rejoyce in the habitable parts of the Earth, and that thy delights should be with the Sons of men. Can man be profitable unto God? Is it any gain to the Almighty that any make their ways perfect? Lord! Man has the benefit of Salvation, 'tis but reason that thou shouldst have intirely all the Glory. Man is therefore subservient to thine honour because his meanness makes thy condescen∣sion, and his guilt and vileness does render thy Grace the more wonderful. When 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Creature so undeserving, nay that deserves so ill, is so highly advanced, as to be sav∣ed; the power and grace which does ad∣vance and save him is matter of the greater admiration.

MEDITATION. XVI.

Who is this Lord Jesus that undertakes the work of mans Redemption? He is the express Image of his Fathers Person, the Brightness of his Glory; He is to be Wor∣shipped with the same Worship, and has the same Eternal Power and Godhead, with the Father and the Spirit. He it is who creat∣ed all things in Heaven and Earth, visible and invisible, whether they be Thrones, Dominions, Principalities and Powers; all things were created by him and for him, and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

The Elect Angels adore him, the Repro∣bate ones he has spoyled and triumphed over, he has all power in Heaven and Earth, and Commands the Keys of Hell and Death. He is Wonderful in Counsel, the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace. How safe is it then to trust in this Lord Jesus, 'tis the highest reason to believe in him, that is so mighty, that is Almighty, for the must needs be able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by him. Whosoever Believeth in him shall not be confounded.

MEDITATION. XVII.

O my Soul let thy Faith be fixed and settled on the Godhead of thy Lord and Sa∣viour, were he not God 'twere both sin and folly to rely upon him, Faith in him would be altogether vain; but since he is the true God and Eternal Life: They shall not perish but have Everlasting Life that do in∣deed beleive in him. Christ thy Righteousness is the Lord Jehovah, in him therefore thou mayst confidently expect to be justified, and thou mayst Glory and rejoyce for ever. The Blood of Christ is called Gods own Blood, because 'tis the Blood of him that is truly God and over all God blessed forever, as well as truly man. And surely the sufferings of him that was God, can make satisfaction for the sins that thou hast been guilty of against God.

Thou art amazed to see thy iniquities in∣creased, and thy Trespasse grown up to the Heavens: Thou art astonished and de∣solate and horribly afraid to see how high thy sin strikes, even at God himself. But withal take notice how Christ who is God

does stoop and humble himself. He that thought it no Robbery to be equal with God the Father, takes upon him the form of a Ser∣vant and becomes obedient to death even the Death of the Crosse, and he is suffici∣ent to make peace.

MEDITATION. XVIII.

Christ as he was God could not die, but he took mans nature upon him, that he might be in a capacity to dye for sinful and lost Man. He suffered in the same Nature that had sinned, that he might make Atone∣ment.

Sacrifices and Burnt-offerings could ne∣ver take away the guilt of sin, nor quiet the Conscience of the sinner, nor cleanse and sanctifie a defiled soul, therefore Christ had a Body prepared for him, that by one Offering he might perfect his Church for ever.

Wonderful mystery of Godliness! That God should be manifested in the Flesh, and suffer upon the Cross to make peace! Here is a wonderful contrivance, Christ is the

Sacrifice, Christ is the Altar, and Christ is the Priest. Through the Eternal Spirit he offered up himself without spot to God, to purge our Consciences from dead works that we might serve the Living God.

MEDITATION. XXI.

Christ is God, and has so effectually don the work of a Mediator, that God is for∣ward to be at Peace, and entreats sinners to be reconciled. Christ is Man, and therefore Man may go with boldness to him. O my Soul! Thy Lord is near a kin to thee, he bears good will to thy whole kind. He is the Saviour of all men especially of them that Believe.

Being so nearly related to thee, he has a right to Redeem thee, nay, he has actually paid the price of thy Redemption already; so that nothing remains but that thou come to him and be made free indeed. His Arms were not folded or hanging down, but stretched out upon the Cross. And oh! How forward is this Saviour who died to em∣brace all that come to him.

When he says he will in No wise cast them out, methinks it speaks the greatest readi∣ness and gladness imaginable to entertain them.

Venture, O venture to look to Jesus, to come to Jesus, and venture thy all with him: Never any miscarried in this bottom, and all must needs miscarry in any other. He knows thy Sins, thy Wants, thy Foes, thy Fears, he knows how to Pity, Protect, and Succour thee. He was in all things made like unto his Brethren, that he might be a Merciful and Faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make Reconcili∣ation for the sins of the People, for in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he knows how to succour them that are temp∣ted.

MEDITATION. XX.

How excellent is the Knowledge of Christ Crucified? Look, O my Soul upon thy Lord, who loved thee at such a rate as to dye for thee! Behold him Arrested, Ar∣raigned, and Condemned. Thou wast

guilty of the crime, and thy Lord did bear the punishment. Behold him going to ex∣ecution, going unto Golgotha, and if he had not gone thither, whither, Oh! Whither must thou needs have gone for ever!

The Law had condemned Thee, not only the first but also the second Death, was the just desert of thy Transgressions. But here thy Surety stept in, and Redeemed thee from the Curse of the Law being made a Curse for thee. Look upon the Wrath of God revealed against thee because of thy un∣godliness and unrighteousness, look upon the glittering Sword of Justice drawn, look upon devouring Fire and Everlasting Burn∣ings prepared for thee, and thy self just ready to be thrown into those unquencha∣ble Flames. And then behold and wonder at the kindness and love of Jesus, who was willing to be made sin for thee, and to bear the Wrath of God himself, that he might appease it, which was too heavy for thee to bear, and which would have sunk thee into the lowest Hell, and have kept thee there unto Eternity!

In what a deplorable and desperate case had the Sheep been, if this good Shep∣herd had not stood in their room and layed down his Life for them.

MEDITATION. XXI.

History tells us of Codrus the last Atheni∣an King, who was a great Lover of his People, as appears by the manner of his Dying. When the Grecians of Doris sought Counsel from the Oracle, concerning the success of their Wars which they waged with the Athenians: It was answered, that undoubtedly they should prevail and be∣come Lords of that State, when they could obtain any victory against the Nation, and yet preserve the Athenian King himself alive.

Codrus the King by some intelligence being informed of this answer withdrew himself from his own Forces, and putting on the habit of a common Souldier, he entred alone, the Camp of the Dorians his Ene∣mies; and killing the first he met with, was

himself forthwith cut in pieces. Thus he was willing to lose his own life rather then his Country should be ruined. The Lord Je∣sus the Prince of Life and Glory did vail his Majesty, appeared in the form of a Servant, was contented to be counted a deceiver, and to be numbred among Transgressours, that his Life might be taken away and here∣by Eternal Redemption be procured.

Codrus was deservedly honoured among the Athenians; and certainly the Lord Je∣sus should be the higher in our esteem and love, the lower he humbled and abased himself for our sakes: The offence of the Crosse should cease, since his Crucifixion was so necessary to our Eternal Salva∣tion.

MEDITATION. XXII.

Greater Love hath no man then this that a man lay down his Life for his Friends. But Lord! Thou didst dye for Rebels and for Enemies, thou didst dye unsought to, undesired, therefore thy love is greater then the greatest love besides. Thy love

was stronger then Death no Water could quench it, no Floods could drown it. Hell it self could not discourage it. 'Twas a bitter Cup the Father put into thy hand, but thou didst drink it, and drink it off too; the very dreggs of the Cup are gone; Oh what a load did lye upon thee! All the sins of all that ever were or shall be sa∣ved did meet on thee together.

How many stings had thy Death, and yet thy Godhead and thy love did carry thee through all thy sufferings. Oh! That I could comprehend with all Saints what is the heighth, and length, and depth, and breadth, and know the Love of Christ which passeth Knowledge that I may be filled with all the fulness of God!

MEDITATION. XXIII.

My Lord did know what was to come upon him. Mans sin had been shamefull, Christs Death was most Reproachful and Accursed; Man had taken Pleasure in sin, Christs Death was painful. Man had been wilful in Transgression, and Christs Death

was voluntary, though 'twas violent. Man had sinned against knowledge and with great contrivance and deliberation, and Christ perfectly understood all that he was to endure. He was well aware what he was to feel from Earth, from Hell, and from his heavenly Father, and yet he makes no de∣mur, but endures the Cross, and despises the shame, and gives his Life a Ransom for many.

How was he straitned till his bloody Baptism was accomplished. And when his Disciple Peter through an ignorant and carnal Affection would have hindred him from dying for his Church; how sharply does he rebuke him, Get thee behind me Sa∣tan, for thou art an offence to me, thou sa∣vourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

MEDITATION. XXIV.

Dearest Lord! Wert thou thus forward to dye, and art thou not forward to reap the fruit of thy Death, and to receive and save the Souls that come to thee? If a Wo∣man in Travel be willing to be delivered;

I need not question, but thou art willing to see of the Travel of thy Soul, since 'tis so much for thy own satisfaction, so much for thy Fathers Glory. Certainly thou will not reject sinners that come to thee, since thou hast done and suffered so much for their Salvation.

If thou hadst been really unwilling to save, (as sometimes Satan misrepresents thee) that unwillingness would have shew'd it self when thou wast in thy terrible Ago∣ny, when thy Soul was amazed and full of heaviness, and exceeding sorrowful unto Death; when the Heaven was black over thee, and thy Fathers Face hid from thee; and thou didst cry out, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me. But all this thou didst willingly undergo to save lost Man, and therefore thy willingness to bestow the Salvation thou hast purchased, is not to be questioned: For surely thou art not willing that such a Death as thine, so sharp, so bit∣ter, and of so great value should be in vain.

MEDITATION. XXV.

I do not wonder that the Apostle Paul does magnifie the knowledge of Christ Cruci∣fied above all other knowledge, compared with this, all the Philosophy of the Greeks was but vain, legal prerogatives, and in∣deed all the Ceremonies of the Law were but insignificant. Christ Crucified! Though he be a stumbling block to the Jews and to the Greeks foolishness, yet he is the Power of God and the Wisdom of God, and the greatest de∣monstration of his love.

I do not wonder that the Lords Sup∣per should be instituted on purpose, that the Crucifixion of Christ should be remem∣bred, for the Death of Christ is the sinners life; the Foundation of his hope, and his security against Eternal Death. The Go∣spel is styled the Preaching of the Cross, and the Apostle is resolved to Glory in nothing else, the Truth is we can take comfort in no other knowledge, unless we have some respect and relation to Christ and him Cru∣cified.

The Papists foolishly adore the sign of the Cross, but true Beleivers do prize the Doctrine, the Blood, and the Vertue of Christ Crucified.

MEDITATION. XXVI.

What sights may I see in my Lord Cru∣cified? Peace is made by the Blood of the Cross and all things Reconciled both in Hea∣ven and Earth. The Saints who lived and dyed before Christ was born, were recon∣ciled to God by the Blood of his Son which was to be shed in time; as well as Belie∣vers since his being manifested in the Flesh.

In Christ Crucified, the Anger of God is appeased, his Justice fully satisfied, and though the Christians debt amounts unto millions of Talents; yet justice acknow∣ledgeth that Christ his surety has paid it all. Look upon God in Christ, and you will see that Fury is not in him, through the Lord Je∣sus you may see his very Bowels, he does earnestly remember sinners, his Bowels are

troubled for them, and he will surely have mercy upon them.

Oh certain and comfortable Truths! That the Lord is the God of Love and Peace, that he waits to be Gracious, that he delights in shewing mercy, and takes pleasure in them that hope in his mercy, if that hope be accompanied with a fear and careful eschewing of what is evil in his sight.

MEDITATION. XXVII.

In Christ Crucified I may see a New Co∣venant of Grace and Life and Peace, esta∣blished, so that it is most sure and Ever∣lasting. Jesus is the Mediatour of this Co∣venant, and every time I come to the Ta∣ble this Covenant is sealed and confirmed to me, that I may with the greater confi∣dence expect the accomplishment of the promises which are contained in it. These Promises are exceeding great and precious. Temporal blessings in such a measure as the Wise God sees convenient are here made over to me, for he that is a Son and Heir

of God, is the Heir of the World, the Heir of all things.

Spiritual blessings which are of greater value, are more absolutely promised, and may with greater vehemency be desired, and with greater confidence expected. And as the Lord has engaged to give me Grace, so to give me Glory, he has said he will give me himself and be my God and Guide, my Shield, and my exceeding great Reward. And truly the Ordinances of Heaven are not so immutable and unchangeable, as the Covenant of Redemption and Reconci∣liation; Heaven and Earth shall passe away but one joy or tittle shall in no wise pass from the Covenant till all be fulfilled.

MEDITATION. XXVIII.

In Christ Crucified I may see the Curse of the Law removed, the sentence of con∣demnation reversed, the sting of Death ta∣ken out, the Principallities and Powers of darkness triumphed over. I may see Hell fast lockt and shut up for ever, and Heaven opened, a way made plain in to the

Holiest of all, an abundant entrance admini∣stred into the Everlasting Kingdom. Who would not study the Cross of Christ? Who would not Glory and rejoyce in it? Who would not desire conformity to it, and to feel the power and vertue of it. They that are Enmies to the Cross of Christ, are Ene∣mies to their own Souls. They that are offended at the Cross, 'tis a sign they are blind and do no understand the benefits which comes by it.

MEDITATION. XXIX.

Do this in remembrance of me, said my dying Lord and Redeemer. Lord! Can I put my memory to a better use then to re∣member Thee? Thy Tears, thy strong Cryes, thy being cruelly Mockt and Scour∣ged, thy dreadful Agonies and Desertion, the peircing of thy Hands and Feet, and Side, thy Wounds and Bruises, and giving up the Ghost, and making thy Soul an Of∣fering for sin and sinners! Shall all or any this be forgotten?

The sufferings of such an One, such suf∣ferings, so great, so beneficial to me, should always be kept in most affectionate remem∣brance. Thy Death and Burial should ne∣ver be buried in oblivion. A dying Lord should always live in a Christians memory. If the poor Captives in Babylon, could not forget Jerusalem, shall I ever forget Jesus? Or my obligation to him, or the Love and service which I owe him? I desire to grieve for sin which made thee sorrowful, and to be prickt at the Heart for my ini∣quities, whereby thy Heart was pierced. And as I wish that sin may be more my grief, so I would prefer Jesus before my chief Joy.

MEDITATION. XXX.

My Lord at the Table says, Take and eat this is my Body. This is infinitely more and better then if a Rich man should say to me, take my estate, or then if an Emperour should bid me take his Crown and Diadem, or then if all the Kingdoms of the World, and all the Glory of them were offered me. When Christ offered up himself a Sacrifice unto God, that he might put sin away; how great was the Offering? If all the

Beasts in Earth, the Fowls of the Air, had been offered this offering could not have made Atonement for the sinner or for one sin. Nay if all the Angels in Heaven, had proffered themselves to be annihilated in case fallen man might be pardoned. Neither would this have been sufficient sa∣tisfaction. So that when Christ offer∣ed himself to God, he offered more, then all the World, then millions of Worlds would amount unto. And when the Lord Jesus bids me take him, and feed upon this meat indeed, this Bread of Life; shall I re∣fuse? He that receives Christ how much does he recieve? He does indeed receive all: For Christ is all in all, and filleth all in all.

MEDITATION. XXXI.

Lift up your Heads O ye Gates, and be ye lift up ye Everlasting Doors, that the King of Glory may come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord Jesus is the Prince of Life, the King and Lord of Glory. Behold he stands at the door and knocks, if any man hear his voice and open the door, he will come into him and sup with him. And when he comes and is admitted, what entertainment

does he bring! Meat that perishes is con∣temptible in comparison. Christ will give that Meat which endures to Everlasting Life. His Love is better then Wine, Nay, his favour is better then life it self. The Man∣na in the Wilderness was excellent food, but many that Eat it perished. But who∣ever by Faith do feed upon our Lord Jesus in reference to the second Death they be∣come immortal; This is the Bread which commeth down from Heaven, that a Man may Eat thereof and not dy. I am the Bread of Life which came down from Heaven, if any man Eat of this Bread he shall live for ever, and the Bread that I wil give is my Flesh, which I will give for the Life of the World.

MEDITATION. XXXII.

When an inheritance is conveyed to me by a sealed Deed, the Nature of the wax is not changed, but the use of it. The Bread and Wine after the Sacramental bles∣sing of them remain Bread and Wine still, and so in Scripture they are called; but their use is very much altered, and they become Christs broad seal to convey to me, and to assure me of the Remission of sin, of the Renewing of my Nature, and of Life and

Immortality. Let the Papists contend for a gross and carnal presence of the Body of Christ at his Table. I am perswaded that as Circumcision is called the Covenant, and the Lamb the Lords Passeover. So the bread and wine are called the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus. And yet I am also fully per∣swaded, that though the Body of Christ is in Heaven, yet he is most really present at the Table with them that do believe, and such are nourished and strengthened in this Ordinance. I learn from Scripture that Spiritual things are most firm, most real, most substantial, most durable; and if so, then Christs spiritual presence is the most real presence. Christ is absent where Trans∣substantiation is believed, and Romish De∣votion and Adoration of the Host is turned into abominable Idolatry.

MEDITATION. XXXIII.

Lord! Thou art my Hope, my Help, my Saviour, my Life, my All; Thou wouldst have me put thee on to cover my nakedness. Thou wouldst have me take sanctuary un∣der thy wings in all my dangers, thou wouldst have me use thee as a Physician to cure all my spiritual maladies; and when I

am hungry and thirsty, and my Soul faints within me, thou hast enough to satisfie and fill me. What one said concerning the Scripture I may apply to my blessed Lord. Adoro Christi plenitudinem. I adore the ful∣ness that is in Christ Jesus. Draw neerer, neerer O thou only Saviour, thou deserv∣est the highest, the best, nay, all the room in my Heart; thou oughtest to be the most welcom guest. Let me have a clearer sight of thy transcendent loveliness, a larger taste of thy incomparable sweetness, let me clasp about thee and hold thee in more strict em∣braces. Why should I be empty since in thee there is a fulness of the Spirit without stint or measure? I would be poor in Spi∣rit, but why should I be poor in Grace, since in thee there are unsearchable Riches!

MEDITATION. XXXIV.

Bread is the staff of Life, Lord I come to thy Table for support and strength. Oh! Let the Bread of God strengthen me with strength in my Soul. Let me find and feel the admirable vertue of the Broken Bo∣dy, that I may say from plentiful experi∣ence, I, this is meat indeed. Let sin grow weaker and weaker, and Mammons interest

in me decline and languish, but make me strong in Spirit, and carry on the work of Faith with Power. I have need of strength who have such a way to go, and all up Hill, who have so much work to do, and such mighty Enemies to encounter and over∣come. My Life lies in believing in thee, I stand no longer then Thou upholdest me. Without thee I can do nothing or what is worse then nothing, I can do nothing but sin and fall; but if thou dost strengthen me I shall be able to do all things. If thou with∣draw from me, I shall be weak as a Child, unstable as the very Water, but if thou dost confirm me by thy Grace, I shall be like David, nay, like unto an Angel. I shall fight the good fight of Faith, and go on conquering, and to conquer till I get the Crown.

MEDITATION. XXXV.

How great was the breach which sin had made between God and Man, that my Lord must be broken to make it up. Could not something less have served the turn? If Christ must die or sin must not be pardoned, judg of the greatness of the fault, by the great∣ness of the Sacrifice and Satisfaction. What

hath sin done? It has filled Earth with troubles, it has filled Hell with Souls, it has turned Angels into Devils; it has provoked the God of Heaven to great and Righteous indignation, add unto all this, It has killed Christ the Lord of Life. He was wounded for our Transgression, he was bruised for our iniquities. Who would love who would like such an evil! If my Father had been stabbed, should I embrace the Murtherer, or like the Dagger besmeared with his blood? Oh hateful sin! i'le be revenged upon thee. I will make no provision for thee, I will lament because of thee, I will detest and abhor thee, I will be dead to thee, and endeavour to mortifie and kill thee. My Lord was not spared for thy sake, and thou shalt not be spared. Lord! Away with these lusts, all of them; Crucifie them, Crucifie them, since Christ himself did bear my sins in his own Body on the Tree, Oh let me be dead to sin and live to Righteous∣ness!

MEDITATION. XXXVI.

Is the Cup of blessing at the Table the Com∣munion of the Blood of Christ indeed? How should my Soul and all that is within me

bless the Lords Name when I take it into my hand? My Lord does in effect say to me, Here is the New Testament sealed, and confirmed, there is remission of all thy sins, Here is sanctifying Grace, here is an assurance of mine and my Fathers love, here is a pledge and earnest of Glory and Immortality. This Blood of Jesus is deservedly styled precious, 'tis the Blood of the Lamb without spot, nay, 'tis the Blood of the Lord Jehovah. To make light of this Blood as if it were an un∣holy or common thing, is to deny the Lord that bought us, and to bring upon our selves certain and swift destruction. But whosoever by Faith applyes this Blood of Jesus, shall find it sufficient to cleanse them from all unrighteousness.

MEDITATION. XXXVII.

Dearest Lord! How great is the vertue of that blood of thine which was shed up∣on the Cross without the gates of Jerusalem! It can appease thy Fathers anger though provoked unto great fierceness; it can re∣move the greatest guilt, it can cure and cleanse the most leprous and defiled Soul, it can heal the most wounded and enraged Conscience. Oh blessed Laver! where I

may wash and be clean, where I may bath and be eased. Effectual medicine! which heals every spiritual malady. How won∣derful was thy love which made thee shed thy blood, how happy is thy Church for whom thy blood is shed. Lord I love thee, I rest upon thee, I rejoyce in thee, who hast loved thy People and washed them from their sins in thy own Blood, and hast made them Kings and Priests unto God and thy Father; who gavest thy self for thy Church, that thou mightest sanctifie and cleanse it, and present it to thy self a glorious Church, not ha∣ving spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.

MEDITATION. XXXVIII.

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? it is Christ that dyed. This is my Answer unto the Accuser of the Brethren, when he tells me of my manifold Transgressions. All that he can truly lay to my charge, I am ready to lay to my own; nay I subscribe guilty to all that is down in the book of the Omniscient Gods remembrance, but then I add, Christ dyed, Christ shed his Blood, that sin might be pardoned and

purged, and I am willing to be cleansed as well as pardoned. And if the Blood of Christ be enough to satisfie divine justice, surely 'tis sufficient to satisfie and quiet the most awakened Conscience. I have indeed like a Sheep gon astray, and turned to my own way, but the Lord has laid on Christ all my iniquities, he endured the chastise∣ment of my peace, he felt the stripes that I might be healed. Hereby Satan is silenced, my own desponding Spirit revived and en∣couraged, and in the Name and Mediati∣on of Jesus, I can go unto God himself, though he is so glorious in Righteousness and Holiness, as a Child unto a Father.

MEDITATION. XXXIX.

The Blood of Christ does speak, and speaks better things then the Blood of Abel. No voice more loud then that of Blood, no blood does cry like that of God. This blood does speak both to God and Me; it speaks to God, and what ever I pray for which I really need, this blood cryes that I may obtain. Blessings of all sorts were purchased by the shedding of it, and it is con∣tinually pleading that what it purchased may be bestowed. Hence is the efficacy of

Prayer, because what the belieuer prays for, the blood of Christ speaks for. How loud does it cry in Gods ears, Lord pity and par∣don the humbled and Believing Soul! Heal and Comfort the Contrite and Broken heart∣ed! Oh give converting and Renewing Grace to all that do desire it! Those that fear thy Wrath let them escape it! Those that prize thy love, love them freely and for ever! Receive all returning sinners and take away all their iniquities! Give Grace, give Glory, and no good thing withhold from them that seek thee in sincerity. Thus the blood of Christ does intercede with God. And the Lord having contrived the shedding of it on purpose, that without any derogation from his Righteousness, he might shew mercy to the Children of men, certainly its intercession for mercy shall not be in vain.

MEDITATIONS. XL.

The blood of Christ does speak also to Me. And how good and comfortable are the words of it! Soul be of good chear, thy sins are forgiven thee, thou hast destroyed thy self but in me is thy help and Salvation found. God was angry with thee, but I have appeased his Wrath. He whom thou wast ready to find

a consuming Fire, is become a God in Cove∣nant, nay a Father to thee. That blood which was shed upon the Cross has made thy Peace, though heretofore never so much a stranger, ne∣ver so great an Enemy. Behold Hell lockt up, thou shalt never fall into that place of Wo; behold the way into the Holiest of all is open. Thou hast liberty to come with boldness to the Throne of Grace, and within a little while thou shalt have an abundant entrance into Glory! Dear Lord! What am I, that blood, and such blood as thine, should be shed for me! Why wast thou at such expence and cost for the Redemption, and Salvation of such a Wretch, such a Rebel! Thou hast mercy because thou wilt have mercy, thy exceeding rich and glorious Grace must be matter of a delightful transport and sweet astonishment to Eternity.

MEDITATION. XLI.

My Lords love and kindness should thaw and melt my heart! That God, whom for so long a time I neither lov'd nor fear'd, nor cared to be acquainted with, but dishonoured and sinn'd against with so high an hand, had he indeed purposes of Grace towards me from Eternity! That Jesus, whom I

shut and barr'd the door of my Heart so fast against, whose word I was deaf unto, and whose Spirit I resisted for so long a time, has He indeed born my sins and carried my sorrows! Oh that my head were Waters, and my eyes Fountains of Tears! Oh sto∣ny Heart for shame now, become like wax and be melted in the midst of my Bowels! I am a prodigy of unkindness, wo is me that I have sinned! Wo is me that I who have sinn'd so much do grieve no more! Surely all my days I will walk softly in the bitterness of my Soul. I will be vile in my own eyes and wonder that the Lord should have respect to such an one as I, My own sin and my Lords Love shall be my Study, I will compare them together, that sin may be lamented and loathed according to the desert of it and that my Repentance may be indeed Evangelical and after a godly manner.

MEDITATION. XLII.

O my Soul, if thy sin deserves thy ha∣tred, does not thy Lord deserve thy love? What and where hadst thou been if he had not loved thee and given himself for thee! Thy Lord is every way excellent, the chief∣est among ten thousand, altogether lovely,

the most admired among the visible Crea∣tures, the finest Gold, the richest Jewels; nay, the shining Sun in the Firmament, are but poor similitudes, and faint shaddows to set forth his incomparable perfections. The Heavens are not clean, Angels themselves are black when compared with Jesus who is the image of the invisible God! This high this glorious and beautiful One, became flesh and sin, and a Curse for thee, so that his love is incomparable as well as his love∣liness! O my soul set open all the flood∣gates, let thy love even all of it run in a strong and undivided stream towards him. Love this Lord Jesus in sincerity, love him with greater ardency, love him with the greatest constancy! Here is no danger of excess, no danger of defilement or a snare in thy loving Christ, as there is in loving of the Creatures. Study him better and thou wilt see new beauties in him daily, grow in knowledge that thou mayst grow in grace and love. Let thy desires grow stronger and stronger, his fulness can easily satisfie them. Rejoyce in Him with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory, and cry out with an affectionate and holy impatiency, Come Lord Jesus come quickly. Appear the se∣cond time without sin unto Salvation.

MEDITATION. XLIII.

How much is mine, if Christ my be∣loved is mine! What unsearchable riches have I an interest in! No match compara∣ble to that with Christ either for the excel∣lencies of the person, or the largeness of the estate. What poor offers doth the World, and the God of the World make me. They talk much of honour and wealth, and mirth and pleasure, but these afford no true contentment for that short time they are enjoy'd; and they perish in the very using. Death does quickly come with a convincing demonstration, and proves the richest man a meer beggar, the greatest Prince a contemptible clod of the Earth, the fairest and most admired beauty a skin∣ful of dirt. Can Satan offer any thing that is Everlasting? No good thing I am sure that is so. Indeed Everlasting pains, Ever∣verlasting burnings, Everlasting wrath, he will bring all unto that are led Captive by him at his pleasure, but these Eternal evils he does most studiously conceal and hide. But this is the commendation of My Lords Benefits that they are permanent and dura∣ble. The Treasures wax not old, the one

thing needful cannot be taken away, the inhe∣ritance is incorruptible, and the Kingdom he will give his followers cannot be moved.

MEDITATION. XLIV.

If Christ is mine, the Father is mine. How sweet were those words which come out of my Lords mouth quickly after he came out of the Grave. Go tell my Brethren I ascend to my Father and your Father, unto my God and your God. All the Attributes of God are engaged on my side. His wis∣dom will be my guide, his power and truth my guard and shield. His presence will be with me wherever I am, and his Grace sufficient for me in all my troubles and Temptations. All my desire will be before him, and my groaning will not be hid from him, and he can easily furnish me with the good things I desire, and deliver me from those evils which make me groan be∣fore him. I shall not want while the All∣sufficient God is my Shepherd, my state is secure and safe, for my God is unchangea∣ble, He will never turn away from me to do me good, and his Grace will establish me, and hinder my departing, he will uphold me with the right hand of his Righteous∣ness, and guide me with his Counsel, and af∣terwards receive me to his Glory. Be not

thou cast down or discouraged, O my Soul, be not disquieted within me. Hope thou in God, and continually praise Him who is the health of my countenance and my God.

MEDITATION. XLV.

If Christ is mine, the Spirit is mine. The same soul does animate, and Act the Head and the Body; the same Spirit is in Christ and in all his true and living Mem∣bers. The Spirit of Wisdom and Illumina∣tion will enlighten me, and make me able to judge all things after a right manner. The Spirit of truth will lead me into all ne∣cessary truth, so that I shall be ignorant or mistaken in nothing which is needful to be understood and known in order unto Sal∣vation. This Spirit will make me hold the Head, and from him I shall derive not only a directing light, but a vital influx, which will quicken me, and make me alive more and more abundantly. Glorious Spirit! Thou art the Lord and Giver of Life, with∣out thee the Word of Life is dead, and proves a savour of Death unto Death. With∣out thee Ordinances are without efficacy, without thee my Heart is cold and com∣fortless. I grieve that I have grieved thee. Oh let me be thy Habitation and thy Temple! let me see thy blessed light, let me feel thy

glorious power, and know by more abun∣dant experience what thy peace and joy means. The lusts of the flesh which defile thy Temple let them be destroyed, morti∣fie the deeds of the Body, fill me with Grace and make me fit for Glory. Let the least check of thine restrain me, every motion of thine let it be obeyed. Let me perpetu∣ally have an ear to Hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches.

MEDITATION. XLVI.

If Christ is mine, the Creatures are also mine. The Sun was created to give me light, and to make me admire the God that made it: The Stars observe their courses for my good, The Ordinances of the Heavens which alter not at mans pleasure, may serve as an instruction to me, that Gods Covenant, when Earth and Hell have done their worst, shall be kept and stand fast for ever; the Earth is Fruitful, the Sea does Ebb and Flow, the Rain descends, the Beasts and Fish and Fowl do multiply, to do me a kindness. The Ground was made for me to tread on, the Air for me to breath in; and though such mercies as these are vouch∣safed to wicked men, yet they are given to me in another way. My Lord has bought them for me with his blood, for with him they are given to me, they are not a trap,

a snare to me as they are to others, but they are truly blessed to me as well as given. The higher Creatures are also mine, Paul and Apollo and Cephas, nay, the very Angels are said to be ministring Spirits, and are ready to Minister to me, and to guard me. Those loving humble Spirits have a charge given them concerning the Members of Christ, and willingly look after them that are the Heirs of Salvation.

MEDITATION. XLVII.

If Christ be mine Death is also mine as well as Life. Death is terrible indeed to Nature, and causes the frame thereof to be dissolved; but my Lord has reconciled this last Enemy. 'Tis really mine to serve me, too much mine to do me any real harm. Christ by dying has taken out the sting of Death, so that I need not any longer be un∣der bondage through the Fear of Death. O Death! Thou hast left thy sting in the side of Christ, and there hast lost it. O Grave! My Lord has broke thy gates o∣pen, and because he is risen, I may joyful∣ly conclude my own Resurrection. My bo∣dy must lye in darkness for a while, but it shall not always be Death's Prisoner. This corruptible shall put on incorruption, this mor∣tal shall put on immortality, and as the Corn cast into the ground does rise with advan∣tage,

every single grain yeilding sometimes an hundred fold, so my flesh shall come up out of the Earth with an hundred fold bet∣ter qualities then now it has. 'Tis sown in weakness, 'tis raised in power, 'tis sown in dishonour 'tis raised in glory. But O my Soul! Death will not be able at all to seize on thee. Thou wilt be delivered out of a dun∣geon when thou leavest thine Earthly Ta∣bernacle, and go unto a glorious Palace, assoon as ever thou art absent from the Body thou wilt be present with the Lord, assoon as thou art departed, thou will be with Christ, and how much better that is thou wilt find to thy full and Everlasting joy.

MEDITATION. XLVIII.

If my Beloved is mine, and all things, mine is there not reason I should be His? His I am and His I will be to eternity. Lord! I am Thine for thou hast made me and not I my self. I am thine by the right of purchase as well as Creation, for thou hast bought me with a price. Nay, thou hast new made me on purpose for thine own use, and that I should shew forth thy praises. And I do willingly resign and yeild my self to thee; if I am thy Servant make use of me, if I am thy Treasure, keep me; if I am a child, let me be imployed in my Fathers business; if I am Betrothed to thee, let thy love and

jealousie secure me from other Lovers. Oh let me be wholly, only, always Thine! Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity! Let my tongue be like an Angels, continu∣ally sounding forth thy Name, Let my hands be holy, the path of my feet ponde∣red; let all my members be yeilded as in∣struments of Righteousness, and let my soul with all its powers love and serve thee. Lord sanctifie and satisfie, and save me, and ho∣nour me, by employing me; for I lift up my soul, and give my very heart to thee.

MEDITATION. XLIX.

Ten thousand times ten thousand praises to the God of love and peace! Who would not worship thee and give thee glory, O thou King of Saints! Let thy Church on Earth, as well as Heaven, ring aloud with Hallelujah's! Who is God save the Lord, who is a Rock save our God! Who in Heaven above or in Earth beneath is to be compared to Thee, a God glorious in holiness, terrible in Majesty rich in mercy, abounding in Grace, won∣derful in working, and keeping truth for ever! Who can by searching find out God! who can find out the Almighty to perfection! It is high as Heaven what can we do? Deeper then Hell what can we know? Who is a God like unto thee, abundant in loving kindness, goodness and truth! Delighting in mercy!

Forgiving iniquity Transgression and sin, and reconciling the world to himself in Christ! Glory be to God in the highest for such good will towards men! Let the Heavens rejoyce, and let the Earth be glad, let the Sea roar and the fulness thereof. Let the floods clap their hands, and the hills be joyful together. Let all the creatures joyn in magnifying that God which made them! And let all Saints shout aloud for joy unto Him who has visi∣ted and redeemed them!

MEDITATION. L.

Lord! How much art thou above thy Creatures reach! Who, besides thy self, can conceive thy excellency! Who can shew forth all thy praise! Thou art exalted above the blessing and the thoughts of Angels, above the songs of Seraphims. Everlasting thanks∣givings are thy due; Oh let me live with thee to Eternity, that I may ever be paying this debt of praises! Bless the Lord ye innu∣merable company of Angels, which excell in strength who see the Glory of your Maker and Lord! Praise him O ye Thrones, Domi∣nions, Principallities and Powers. Exalt that mighty and gracious God, who elected and confirmed you, when so many other An∣gels sinn'd, and are eternally left, and mise∣rable, in their Apostacy! O all ye Trium∣phant Saints that are with the Lamb upon the

heavenly Mount Sion. Strike up with your Harps, and if it be possible let your strains be still higher and higher! Ascribe blessing and honour and glory, and power unto Him that sits upon the Throne, and to the Lamb for ever! O thou Militant Church! Begin this heavenly work of praising here on Earth. Thy Redemption and deliverance is begun, and will most certainly be compleated. The Captain of thy Salvation will stand by thee in thy spiritual warfare, and having made thee more then victorious over all thy E∣nemies will bestow upon thee the promised Crown of life and glory!

MEDITATION. LI.

Bless the Lord O my Soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy Name! What hast thou breath for, but that it should be spent in his praises! Wherefore hast thou a tongue at command, but that it should be employ∣ed in glorifying thy Lord, and hereby be∣come thy glory. Should not a slave that has been in very hard and cruel bondage, be thankful to him that redeemed him? Should not a Malefactor condemned to dye be thankful unto Him that pardoned him? Should not the patient that has laboured under a Death threatning distemper, be thankful to the Physician that has cured him? And how much greater reason is there O

my Soul, that thou shouldst abound in thanks∣givings unto thy God and Saviour! Thou wast in the worst sense enslaved, and he has made thee free indeed! Thou wast condemn∣ed to the second Death, to be separated for ever from the Lord, and to be thrown into the lake which burns with fire and brim∣stone, and he by dying himself has purcha∣sed a pardon for thee. Thou wast sick of spiritual, which are the worst kind of plagues, and He is the Lord that heals thee, Awake! Awake! Oh my soul, Awake! A∣wake! And utter a song of praise! Rejoyce in Christ Jesus! Glory in the Father of mer∣cies! Who forgiveth all thy iniquities, who healeth all thy Diseases, who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with lov∣ing kindness, and tender mercies!

MEDITATION. LII.

Shall I not magnifie and advance my Lord who am so highly advanced my self? I was once in darkness and securely went on to∣wards the blackness of darkness forever, but I am called out of darkness into marvellous light ••. I was once a stranger and a forreiner, but now I am a fellow Citizen with the Saints, and of the houshold of God. I am become a child of God, who was once a Child of Wrath and Disobedience. I am become an Heir of God and a Joint-Heir with Christ, un∣to

that inheritance which is incorruptible and undefiled, and which fadeth not away. Nay, my Lord who has loved me, and washed me from my sins in his own blood, hath made me a King and a Priest unto God and his Fa∣ther, and I must reign for ever, for of this Kingdom which I have now a Title to, and a sure promise of, there shall be no end! Oh rich! Oh free! Oh glorious Grace! I am at a loss for an expression high enough to set forth the thousandth part 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my Lords in∣comparable kindness; my shallow Con∣ceptions cannot reach what is incomprehen∣sible: Therefore I must be silent in a joy∣ful admiration!

MEDITATION. LIII.

What shall I render unto the Lord? My All is due, my All is too little, and by ren∣dring my All, I secure my All, and so am still more benefited, and I become more my Lords debter! I find my self most happily puzzled with my Lords goodness. He gives himself to me, and requires that I should give my self to him, but in so doing not He but I receive the benefit. All the retributi∣ons thou requirest, O my God and Father, are but to do my self more kindnesses. Du∣ties are my priviledges! All thy precepts are for my profit and my peace and plea∣sure to obey them. Thou art beyond all

compare the very best Master! Oh let my ear be boared, for I will serve thee for ever; let my Heart be circumcised that I may love thee Eternally! There is a sweetness in the act∣ing of every Grace. There is great peace in keeping of thy law, there is an amiableness in thy Tabernacles, thy power and thy glory are seen in thy sanctuary! and though that word Suffering may sound harsh, yet upon experience, suffering will be found the most delightful pa•••• of Christian obedience.

MEDITATION. LIV.

My Lord did not stick at suffering and why should I? Why should the Cross daunt me? If I will be indeed Godly, Persecution is to be expected. The old Serpent is full of hatred, and so are his seed, and their ha∣tred is implacable. But when I consider my Lords love, and power, and presence. Hells Malice and the Worlds Rage become contemptible; times of suffering are times of the sweetest solace. Those are not un∣reasonable injunctions, Count it all joy when ye fall into divers Temptations, and Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake, rejoyce and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in Heaven. The Spirit of glory and of God does rest upon his suffering Saints, so that they glory in tribulation, they

rejoyce in it as a dignity when they suffer shame for the name of Jesus, they are gain∣ers by their losses, they gain an hundred fold in this World, besides the Kingdom in the other World.

MEDITATION. LV.

O my soul follow thy Lord, though he lead thee in rough ways and paths of great affliction. If sufferings abound, consolation shall abound, and grace shall be sufficient. The Cross of Christ though the outside of it be affrighting, yet it is lined with love, and easily born. And if it should come to pass that Life must be taken away; What bet∣ter use can Life be put to then to lay it down for the Testimony of Jesus? The painfullest deaths have proved many times most pleasant. What raptures of joy have the Martyrs had, at the stake and in the flames! Prudentius of old observed, Mors Christianis ludus est; That Death was but a sport unto the Christians! Remarkable is that passage of Bainham the Martyr, when his arms and legs were half consumed by the fire, he spake these words, O ye Papists you look for miracles, and here now you may see a miracle, for in this fire I feel no more pain, then if I were in a bed of Down, it is to me a bed of Roses! Resolve therefore O my soul, undauntedly to undergo whatever tribula∣on

thou meetest for the sake of Righteous∣ness. Rely upon thy faithful God who will not suffer thee to be tempted above what his Grace shall enable thee to bear, with joy as well as patience!

MEDITATION. LVI.

Thy death O Lord, is to be shewn forth till thou comest, 'tis proper for me to think of thy coming, and to rejoyce at the thoughts of it. My Lord and Redeemer, will cer∣tainly appear the second time without sin to Salvation. And when he shall appear I shall be like him, and appear with him in glory. Time and days do fly away apace, and the comming of my Lord draweth nigh. That will be the day of my open absolution, of my full and compleat Redemption, of my joyful and triumphant Coronation. How full of glory and of love, will be the face of Jesus then! Ah! where shall the ungodly and sinners then appear! How will the greatest and the stoutest of them, even the Kings and Cheif Captains, and mighty men, tremble; and call to the Rocks and Moun∣tains to fall on them and cover them, from the face of him that sits upon the Throne, and from the Wrath of the Lamb! But though most of mankind be full of horror, I if I am a true Believer shall be full of joy, and after I have been openly acquitted, own'd and crown'd,

before Men and Angels: Whither, Oh whi∣ther will my Lord carry me! Into those Mansions he is gone to prepare; into the presence Chamber of the King of Glory. Where God himself will be All in All.

MEDITATION. LVII.

I find some sweetness in the way and means of grace, what shall I find in the end! if in vale of Tears such joy be found, what will be enjoyed in a paradise of de∣light! if in the midst of labours and fight∣ings, and temptations I find so much satis∣faction, what contentment will an Everlast∣ing rest afford me! Augustine speaks excel∣lently, Soliloq. cap. 35. Intra in gaudium sine tristitia; ubi erit omne bonum, et non erit aliquod malum; ubi erit quicquid voles, et non erit quicquid noles: O gaudium vincens omne gaudium! laetitia sine dolore, lux sine tene∣bris, vita sine morte, ubi juventus nunquam senescit, ubi decor nunquam pallescit, ubi amor nunquam tepescit, gaudium nunquam decrescit, ubi dolor nunquam sentitur, gemitus nunquam auditur, ubi triste nihil videtur, ubi malum nullum timetur, quia summum bonum posside∣tur. Enter O my soul into joy without sadness! Where there shall be a pre∣sence of all good an absence of all evil, where there shall be every thing which thou desirest, nothing at all that thou

dislikest. O joy surpassing all other joys! Gladness without Grief, Light without Darkness, Life without Death! There Youth shall never grow old, Beauty shall never fade, Love shall never wax cold, and Joy shall never be diminished; there sor∣row shall never be felt, one sigh shall ne∣ver be heard; nothing sad shall be seen, nothing evil shall be feared, because the cheifest good shall be possessed.

MEDITATION. LVIII.

Lord! I am thine save me, save me or I shall surely perish, bring me safe to the Ha∣ven, preserve me to thy heavenly King∣dom, that neither Faith nor Conscience, nor my soul may suffer shipwrack. Thou hast made an Everlasting Covenant with me, and at thy Table this Covenant has been sealed, Oh never turn away from me to do me good, and let thy power and love, and the fear of thy name secure me from Apostacy! I am not sufficient to be my own keeper, but who shall be able to pluck me out of the hand of Christ and of the Father who is greater then all? Thou art of power to establish me, and canst easily keep me from falling, and present me faultless before the presence of thy glory with exceeding great joy. Oh let not my faith fail, nor my love cool, nor my watchfulness abate; let Sa∣tans

wiles and devices be unsuccessful, help me to slight the worlds frowns, and to be deaf and dead, to the flatteries and smiles of it. Let me obtain mercy to be faithful in thy Covenant, let my spirit be cured of its natural fickleness and treachery, let reso∣lutions to be the Lords, and to serve the Lord be peremptory, being made and kept with a strength beyond my own! And let me at last be able to say. O God my Heart is fixed, my Heart is fixed, I will sing and give praise.

Herbert. pag. 140.

KIng of Glory, King of Peace, I will love thee: And that love may never cease, I will move thee.

Thou hast granted my request, Thou hast heard me: Thou didst note my working breast, Thou hast spar'd me.

Wherefore with my utmost art I will sing thee, And the cream of all my heart I will bring thee.

Though my sins against me cry'd, Thou didst clear me; And alone, when they reply'd, Thou didst hear me.

Seven whole days, not one in seven, I will praise thee: In my Heart though not in Heaven, I can raise thee.

Thou grew'st soft and moist with Tears, Thou relentedst: And when Justice call'd for fears, Thou dissentedst.

Small it is in this poor sort To enroll thee: Even Eternity is too short To extoll thee.

FINIS.