Christ All and in All, Sermon 28
LUK. 2. 25.
Waiting for the conſolation of Iſrael.XXIX. SERM. at Mary Wolnoth. Lon, May 29. 1653.
THere are in this Chapter foure things obſervable concerning Jeſus Chriſt.
(1) His nativity, ver. 1. to ver. 21.
(2) His circumciſion, verſe 21.
(3) The preſenting of him in the Temple, ver. 22. to v. 41.
(4) A proof of his prophetical office, v. 41. ad finem. In that part which ſpeaks of his preſentation in the Temple, we have many things obſervable.
1. The time of it, ver. 22. which was the fourtieth day after his nativity.
2. The efficient cauſe of it, his parents, Joſeph and Mary.
3. The final cauſe of it, this is declared, ver. 23, 24.
4. The adjuncts accompanying this work. Theſe are principally two.
Firſt, the prophecy of Simeon, verſe 25. to verſe 36.
Secondly, the prophecy of Anna concerning him, v. 36, to 39. In this prophecy of Simeon we have
1. A deſcription of ſome things concerning his perſon, v. 25, 26. And then,
2. A declaration of his prophecy, v. 27, &c. His perſon is deſcribed two wayes.
Firſt, by his piety, v. 25. init.
Secondly, by his gift of prophecy, this is expreſſed generally by the efficient cauſe of it, v. 25. The holy Ghoſt was upon him, particularly by the revelation which he received, v. 26.
His piety is ſet down by three graces.
1. His juſtice or righteouſneſſe, He was juſt.
2. His devotion, he was a devout man.
3. His faith and hope in expecting the fulfilling of Gods promiſe concerning Chriſt. This is in the text. He waited for the conſolation of Iſrael. …n which words we have two things.
1. A deſcription of what Chriſt is to his people.
2. A … of what Simeon did in reference to …riſt, … him. God had revea…ed … by … …oly Ghoſt, that Jeſus Chriſt … before his ſoule went out o… the fleſh. … …he holy man beleeved this, and … w…it for it.
From … two particulars we have this double Obſervation.
1. That Jeſus Chriſt is the conſolation of Iſrael.
2. That godly men do expect and wait for the accompliſhment of divine promiſes, even of ſuch as are moſt unlikely to be fulfilled. I begin with the firſt, viz.
Doct. 1. That Jeſus Chriſt is that conſolation of the Iſrael of God. Simeons expectation was for the coming of Chriſt in the fleſh as is clear from v. 25. He that is there called the Lords Chriſt, is here called foreign, the conſalation of Iſrael. Chriſt is the only true conſolation of all Gods Iſrael, the conſolation of Iſrael is a periphraſis of Chriſt the Meſſiah, ſaith Piſcator.
(1) See the type, Noah was herein a type of Chriſt, Gen. 5. 29.
(2) See it in the prophecies. They that foretold Chriſt prophecied of him as a comforter, Eſay 9. 3, 6. Eſay 40. 1. Eſay 51. 3. Eſay 52. 9, 10.
(3) See it in the Angels that proclaimed his birth, Luke 2. 10, 11. In opening of this doctrine I ſhall handle theſe three particulars.
1. Who are meant by Iſrael?
2. In what reſpects Chriſt is ſaid to be the conſolation of Iſrael.
3. That he is the conſolation of Iſrael only.
1. For the firſt. By Iſrael we are to underſtand true beleevers the members of the truly inviſible Church, ſo we find them called, Gal. 6. 16. They are called Iſrael, or the Iſrael of God in two reſpects.
Firſt, in reference to the people of Iſrael, beleevers are like the people of Iſrael in three reſpects.
1. In regard of their inward circumciſion. It was the badge of an Iſraelite, and that whereby he was diſtinguiſhed from all other Nations, that he was circumciſed. Other Nations are called uncircumciſion, the Iſraelites are called ordinarily …he circumciſion. Beleevers, they and they onelyonly are ſpiritually circumciſed; the foreskin of their fleſh is mortified and cut off, they are circumciſed with the circumciſion not made with hands. Col. 2. 11. The body of ſinne is truly mortified in them; Hence they are called in Scripture the circumciſion as the Iſraelites were, Phil. 3. 3. We are the circumciſion, ſaith the Apoſtle, ſpeaking of beleevers, which worſhip God in the Spirit, a true Beleever is a true circumciſed perſon.
2. In regard of the Law written in their hearts. It was the great priviledge of the people of Iſrael that they had the Law of God amongſt them. The Apoſtle mentions this, Rom. 2. 2. And the Prophet David long before him, Pſalme 147. 19. Beleevers have this priviledge above all people under heaven, that the Law of God is with them, nay the Law of God is in them; not the Law of nature, but the Law of grace; it is not onelyonly written amongſt them, but it is written in them. The Apoſtle ſpeaks of this, Heb. 8. 10.
3. In regard of their neerneſſe to God. It was the great dignity of the people of Iſrael, that they were of all people neereſt to God, Deut. 4. 7. They were Gods heritage, his peculiar people, ſeparated from all people under heaven. It is the great priviledge of beleevers, that they are neerer to God then all other people. They are neer to God in affection, they are neer to God in relation. Of this the Apoſtle ſpeaks, Eph. 2. 13. Thus they are called the Iſrael of God, in regard of the people of Iſrael.
Secondly, in reference to the … rael. Iſrael is Jacob, he had that name … him of God, Gen. 32. 28. Now every … beleever doth very much reſemble Jacob; … that,
1. In regard of their godly ſimplicity. It was the commendation of Jacob, that he was a plain man, Gen. 25. 27. It relates not ſo much to his outward condition, as to the inward frame of his heart. Beleevers are a ſingle hearted generation: That which our Saviour ſaith of Nathaniel, is true of them, at leaſt in deſire and affection; they are not only without gall, but even without guile, John 1. 47. they ſtudy plainneſſe rather then greatneſſe, they put away deceit far from their Tabernacles.
2. In regard of their holy zeal. Jacob was a man full of the fire of heavenly zeal. How earneſt was he in reforming his family? Gen 35. 2, 3. Here is true zeal, it begins reformation at home; all true beleevers have ſparks of this coeleſtial fire in their boſomes, Tit. 2. 14. They deſire that they and theirs may be reformed, who ever walk diſorderly. They reſolve as Joſhuah, I and my houſe will ſerve the Lord, Joſhuah 24. 15.
3. In regard of their wrestlings with God. Jacob had the Name of Iſrael given him, becauſe of his violent wreſtlings with God by prayer, Gen. 32. 28. The Prophet doth fully interpret what this wreſtling was, Hoſea 12. 3, 4. His prayers and teares were the two armes by which he wreſtled with God. Every true beleever is frequent in this exerciſe. I give my ſelf to prayer▪ ſaith David, Pſal. 109. 4. he that hath true grace loves no exerciſe better then this of holy wreſtling with God. Epaphias is deſcribed by his frequency in theſe holy wraſtlings with God, both for himſelf and others, Col. 4 12. In all holy vertues, true beleevers are like Iſrael, and therefore may well be called by his name.
2. For the ſecond. Chriſt is the conſolation of Iſrael in two reſpects. By way of purchaſe. By way of conveyance.
Firſt, By way of purch…ſe and merit. Whatſoever is an ingredient or cauſe of true conſolation, is by the purchaſe and procurement of Jeſus Chriſt. The Scripture makes mention of many grounds of ſpiritual conſolation. To inſtance ſome particulars.
1. Reconciliation with God. There can be no true comfort till God and the ſinner be made one. Reconciliation is the firſt bottom of Conſolation, Rom. 5. 2. The begining of his Prodigals joy was the reconciliation of his father to him, Luke 15. latter end. Now the Scripture tells us, that reconciliation is the purchaſe of Chriſts blood; he is the only atonement of the ſoule, Col. 1. 21, 22. There had never been any pacification between heaven and earth, if Jeſus Chriſt had not interpoſed himſelf. He was contented that the Father ſhould make war with him, that his fury towards us might ceaſe. He is our peace-offering, by whom we have peace with God and with our ſelves.
2. The work of grace in the heart. Sanctification is one ground of conſolation. The Kingdom of God is righteouſneſſe, and peace, and joy in the holy Ghoſt, Rom. 14. 17. That comfort which is true, is builded upon righteouſneſſe. The effect of righteouſneſſe ſhall be peace, and the fruit of righteouſneſſe, quietneſſe, and aſſurance for …, Eſay 32. 17. Now all our holineſſe and grace is the purchaſe of Jeſus Chriſt. The ſhedding of his blood doth not onelyonly procure for us glory hereafter but grace here. The conſcience is purified by the ſtreames of his blood, Heb. 9. 14. He is as properly our ſanctification as our ſalvation.
3. The pardon of ſinne. Remiſſion is an inlet of Conſolation, Eſay 40. 1, 2. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, tell them that their iniquity is forgiven. Sence of pardon is the true ground of ſpiritual laughter. Our Saviours uſual receipt for the working of comfort is this, Be of good cheer, thy ſinnes are forgiven. So he ſaith to the para…ytick, Mat. 9. 2. the heart may be light in heavineſſe when ſinne is once remitted. Now we know Chriſts blood is the meritorious cauſe of the remiſſion of ſinne. 'Tis he that hath expiated our ſinnes, Col. 2. 13, 14. He that will be forgiven any other way, ſhall never be forgiven; His blood is the onelyonly bath for the waſhing away of ſin, Eph. 1. 7.
4. Right to the promiſes. The promiſes of the Goſpel are the wells of true Comfort. The Apoſtle makes mention of the comfort of the Scriptures, Rom. 15. 4. If there be any comfort in the Scriptures, it is in the promiſes. Precepts are written for direction; threatnings for terror; promiſes chiefly for conſolation. The Prophet mentions the breaſts of the Churches conſolation, Eſay 66. 11. The promiſes of the Goſpel are the breaſts of the Churches conſolation, by ſucking at theſe breaſts the heart is made glad. Now, who but Chriſt purchaſed the promiſes? The Apoſtle ſaith, that all the promiſes of God are in Chriſt, 2 Cor. 1. 20. They are in him as the procuring and meritorious cauſe of them all. The Covenant of grace which is nothing elſe but a bundle of rich promiſes, is the purchaſe of Chriſts blood. The world had never heard of a promiſe of any good, if it had not been for Jeſus Chriſt.
5. Hope of ſalvation. Hope is the door of conſolation. We rejoyce in the hope of the glory of God, ſaith the Apoſtle, Rom. 5. 2. There's more cauſe of rejoycing in this, then in being able to caſt out devils, Luke 10. 20 Now we know that it was none but Jeſus Chriſt that did or could unlock the way to heaven. He is the way to heaven, He is the purchaſer …f heaven. God hath given us eternal life, and this life is in his Sonne, 1 John 5. 11. He is called the ſalvation of God in this ſong, v. …0. There would have been no entrance for any of Adams loſt ſeed into glory, if Chriſt had not ſet the door open; it is be that opened the Kingdome of heaven to all beleevers.
6. The gift of the Spirit. The holy Ghoſt is called the Comforter John 14. 26. His office is to work conſolation … …he hearts of Gods people. Spiritual comfort is therefore called joy in the holy Ghoſt, Rom. 14. 17. becauſe the holy Ghoſt doth create it in the ſoul. Now we know the in-dwelling of the holy Ghoſt in us is the purchaſe of Chriſt, John 15. 26. When the comforter is come, whom I will ſend unto you from the Father. The third perſon had never been our comforter, if the ſecond perſon had not been our Redeemer. There is nothing can be thought on which hath any cauſality or efficiency in our conſolation, but it is of Chriſts procurement. This is the firſt.
Secondly, By way of conveyance. As all our grace is communicated and conveyed unto us from Chriſt, ſo is alſo our conſolation. Jeſus Chriſt doth by his Spirit in the Ordinances of grace actually convey comfort unto his people as he ſees them ſtand in need of it. The Apoſtle ſpeaks of the beleevers conſolation abounding by Chriſt, 2 Cor. 1. 5. All comfort is in Chriſt as a fountaine; in him God hath put it for all his members, and from him it is communicated to them according to their neceſſity. As we receive out of his fulneſſe grace for grace, ſo we receive out of his fulneſſe conſolation for conſolation; that is one drop, one ſtreame after another in a ſweet ſucceſſion. He that hath purchaſed our comfort keeps our comfort, and doth ſeaſonably adminiſter to us according to the exigences of our ſouls.
3. For the third; That he is the conſolation of Iſrael onelyonly. As he alone is the conſolation of his people, ſo is he the conſolation of his people alone. None but beleevers have a ground of actual comfort in Chriſt This may be evinced by a threefold Argument.
1. The Scripture makes conſolation to be the priviledge onelyonly of ſuch. Eſay 40. 1. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, ſaith their God. The Miniſters of Chriſt in the holding out of comfort, are confined and determined onelyonly to the people of God. The whole current of Scripture runs this way. Eſay 65. 13, 14. Conſolation is proper onelyonly to them that are ſanctified by grace.
2. None but they have any actual intereſt either in Chriſts merit, or interceſſion, or any of his benefits. None but the beleever can ſay, Chriſt died for me; none but the beleever can ſay, Chriſt intercedes for me; both his ſatisfaction and interceſſion are confined to them, John 17. 9. 19. 'Tis true, the Elect that are unconverted have benefit in Chriſts Mediatorſhip, by vertue of which they ſhall in time be brought in to God; but as to actual Application, none but the true Iſraelite hath intereſt. Chriſt is actually the portion of none but the beleever.
3. Jeſus Chriſt is terror to all unbeleevers, not in himſelf, but becauſe they reject him. He that is the ſalvation of the beleever, is accidentally the dam…a…ion of the unbeleever, becauſe he refuſeth him. John 3. 18. It will be the greateſt condemnation of the wicked another day, that there was a Chriſt, and they would none of him; he is to the unbeleever a ſtone of ſtumbling and rock of offe…ce, 1 Pet. 2 8. They ſtumble upon him to their own ruine. That is a conſiderable paſſage which you have in this ſong, ver. 34. This childe is ſet for the fall and riſing again of many in Iſrael. Chriſt that is ſet for the riſing of the true Iſrael of God, is ſet alſo for the falling of the carnal Iſraelites; the condemnation of the unbeleever would have been more eaſie if Chriſt had never been. Thus much for Explication.
The Uſes of this, are Information. Exhortation. Conſolation.
1. For Information. It teacheth us a fourfold leſſon.
1. That the ſtate of a beleever is not a …bſ… late eſtate. It is the deſigne of Satan and his inſtruments to caſt what od…um and infa…y they can upon the wayes and children of God. Amongſt many other unworthy reports; they raiſe this, that they are uncom…ortable and ſorrowful ways. The devil bears men in hand, that if they once become holy, they muſt for ever bid farewell to all joy and pleaſure, and by this meanes many are affrighted from the wayes of God. How falſe and ſcandalous th…s is, the Word of God and the experiences of godly men abundantly ſhew. Her wayes, ſaith the holy Ghoſt, are wayes of pleaſan…neſſe, and all her paths are peace, Prov. 3. 17. And ſaith the text, Chriſt came for the conſolation of Iſrael. Beleevers through their own careleſneſſe do many times droop and go heav…y, but they are never without a ground of true comfort. Their conſolation is a hidden con…lation, which the eyes of carnal men cannot ſee, and therefore they think they are without it. God hath made as full and large proviſion for the beleevers comfort as for his duty; and let Satan out of the envy of his heart ſuggeſt what he will to the contrary; if there be any conſolation in Chriſt, the beleever ſhall have his po…tion of comfort. Their preſent mourning and ſorrow doth but make way for the filling of their hearts with a greater meaſure of comfort, Matth. 5. 4. Pſal. 9…. 11.
…. That ſpiritual conſolation is not to be tendred promiſcuouſly unto all. Precepts belong to all, but promiſes are appropriated onelyonly to godly m…n. Men are apt to quarrel with the Miniſters of Chriſt, becauſe they do not poure out the comforts of the Goſpel upon them. They think that they have as great an intereſt in the conſolations of the Goſpel as the beſt of men. This Text ſhews the contrary. God hath by poſitive command bound up his Miniſters, and they cannot, without going beyond their commiſſion tender any of the comforts of the Goſpel to ſuch as are unconverted, Eſay 40. 1. Chriſt came to be the conſolation of none but beleevers. Penitential mourning muſt go before Evangelical comfort. This order is obſerved by the Father in Chriſts commiſſion, Eſay 61. 1, 2, 3. and this method is obſerved in Chriſts Miniſtration, Matth. 1…. 28. 'Tis as high a breach of duty in a Miniſter to tender conſolation to an unbeleever, as to preach terror to a true beleever. A man muſt be a true Iſraelite before he can look on Chriſt as his conſolation. And then,
3. Why the beleever is ſo overwhelmed with ſorrow when Christ is withdrawn. That Chriſt doth ſometimes abſent himſelf in his gracious preſence from his people: few of the people of God but are able …o ſay by their own experience, that upon ſuch withdrawments the ſoul is exceedingly troubled, …ripture examples do fully prove, Cau…. 5 4. the troubling of our bowels notes more then … …ouble; it was ſo great, that her ſoul fa…d and ſunk within her, ver. 6. Egreſſa eſt anima m…, ſhe was without her ſoul while ſhe was without her Saviour. Thus it was with David, Pſalme 30. 7. The world wonders at ſuch dejection, but there is no cauſe of wondering, for the withdrawment of Chriſt is the withdrawment of all comfort. He is the comfort of their ſouls, and of all other comforts which they enjoy. Every thing looks black when Chriſt is removed. That which Juda… ſaid to Joſeph concerning the affection of his Father to Benjamin, Gen. 44. 30. Is much more true of the beleevers affection to Chriſt, his life, and all the comforts of his life are bound up in the enjoyment of Chriſt. Their health is turned into ſickneſſe, their riches into poverty, their comforts into diſcomfort: when Chriſt is withdrawn, no wonder if their faces look pale, and their countenance fall. The Diſciples were much oppreſſed with ſo…row when Chriſt told them of the loſſe of his bodily preſence, John 16. 6. Ioſeph and Mary had the ſorrow of a travelling woman upon them, when they had loſt Chriſt but for a little time, Luke 2. 48. How much more cauſe of ſorrow is there, when Chriſts ſpiritual preſence is taken away? How did Mary weep when ſhe miſſed the body of Chriſt in the Sepulchre? Ioh. 20. 13. It was a ground of comfort to her, & all beleevers, though ſhe knew it not, that Chriſt was riſen. Had not Chriſt been alive our comfort had bin for ever dead. That ſpeech of the Church in another caſe is truly applicable to this caſe, Lam. 1. 16. Jeſus Chriſt is he that is the only Reli…ver of the ſoul, and therefore if the beleevers eyes runne do…n with water, when he is withdrawn, there is no cauſe of wondering, unleſſe at this, that every tear is not an Ocean.
4. That a Chriſtians conſolation is a muſt rich and deare bought conſolation. What the Apoſtle ſaith of our redemption, we may well ſay of our conſolation, 1 Pet. 1. 18, 19. You that are beleevers, ye are not comforted with corruptible things, but with Jeſus Chriſt himſelf. Your conſolation is not bottom'd upon any outward thing, but upon Jeſus Chriſt himſelf. Nay conſider it. Chriſt became a man of ſorrow, that he might be made to you a God of comfort; He drank up the cup of his Fathers wrath, that he might purchaſe for you a cup of conſolation. Jeſus Chriſt did willingly power out his own precious blood, that he might mingle a cup of ſtrong conſolation for the reviving of thy ſoul. The God of conſolation hath gone the moſt coſtly way infinite wiſdome could deviſe, to provide comfort for his Elect.
2. For Exhortation or Inſtruction. This commends many duties to the people of God. viz. theſe ſix.
1. Take heed of bottoming your conſolation on any worldly thing. It is not unlawful to take moderate contentment in outward comforts. God hath given us theſe things for delight as well as for neceſſity, and we are allowed to rejoyce in them, Eccleſ. 5 18, 19. But great care is to be taken that we do not place our chiefe conſolation in any worldly enjoyment. Moſt men build their comfort on riches, honour, pleaſure, or ſome ſuch thing. Gods own children are but too apt to offend in this kinde. I might ſay many things to beat off the heart from ſeeking comfort in theſe things. As,
That they are fading conſolations. The beſt of earthly comforts is a dying comfort; riches, honours, pleaſures, friends, children are ſhort-lived comforts, the ſoul will live when theſe are not.
That they are inſufficient conſolations. They comfort but the loweſt part of man. What joy can the ſoul, which is a Spirit, take in any ſenſual comfort?
That they are common and ordinary conſolations. The bad have as great, nay, many …mes a greater portion of all theſe things then the good.
That they are diſtreſſing conſolations. The bitterneſſe that is in them, is more then the ſweet that is in them. Iobs bed which he thought ſhould ſhave been a place of comfort, was a place of terrifying, Chap. 7. 13, 14. There is no comfort in this life, but it may, and many times doth prove a diſcomfort. Many other things I might ſay to this purpoſe, but I ſhall onelyonly ſay this, God hath made none of theſe things a Chriſtians maine conſolation.
(1) Its a diſparagement to Gods wiſdome: To bottom thy comfort on any wordly thing, 'Tis as if thou ſhouldeſt ſay the infinitely wiſe God wanted judgement to chuſe the fitteſt conſolation.
(2) It's an undervaluing of Chriſt himſelf. As if he had not enough of all manner of conſolations in himſelf. Are the conſolations of God ſmall to thee? Iob 15. 11. To bottome the great comfort of thy heart on any worldly comfort, is to ſay, the conſolation of Chriſt is ſmall to thee.
(3) Its the way to loſe thy worldly comforts. Jeſus Chriſt cannot but in honour either ſtrip thee of that comfort, or elſe turne it into a croſſe which thou placeſt thy conſolation more upon, then upon himſelf.
2. Let the Iſrael of God live comfortably. It is often commanded in Scripture to the children of God, to live as a comforted people, Pſal. 33. 1. Phil. 4. 4. The ſame God which bids you mourne for ſinne, bids you glory and rejoyce in him. Much might be ſaid to preſſe this duty.
1. It is one end why the Scriptures were written, John 15. 11. As precepts were given for direction, ſo were promiſes for conſolation.
(2) It tends greatly to the honour of Religion. A mournful ſad life diſpa…geth godlineſſe as well as a profane life, it makes men think there is nothing but ſowerneſſe in Gods wayes.
(3) It's a wrong to the Spirit of God. It denies one of his works; He is given for a Comforter as well as for a …anct…fier, Iohn 15. 26.
(4) It doth much indiſpoſe the ſoul for the duties of godlineſſe. An habitual heavineſſe of heart makes duties tireſome and unpleaſing. A melancholy heart is almoſt as unfit for the ſervice of God as a frothy heart.
(5) It creates m…ny j…alouſies and ſinful ſurmiſings in the ſoul against God. The ſoule that is continually clouded with melanch…ly, cannot ſo heartily cloſe with G…d, or co…mend his ſervice to others as he might do. M…ch might be ſaid to preſſe this duty on beleevers, but … ſhall keep to the t…x…, …hriſt i… the conſ…lation of Iſrael; and i…s ſome kind… …f diſp…agemen… …o him to walk …ncheerfully. …t makes men t…k there is not enough in Ch…ſt to …eer you …ou are bound to honour Chriſt as well in this Name, The conſol…ion of Iſrael, as in his other …es. As you h…r… in Chriſt many foundations o… real comfort, ſo let it …e your care to preſerve and increaſe actual comfort. As it is a ſinne to look for comfort more then grace; ſo it is …npleaſing to Chriſt to be ſo covetous after grace as to throw aſide comfort. Your comfortable life honours Chriſt as well as your holy life.
3. Take heed of ſlighting the conſolations of the Goſpel. We are very apt to look upon the duties of the Goſpel as very hard, and very prone are we to judge the comforts of the Goſpel very mean. It was that which Eliphaz charges Iob withal, chap. 15. 11. It ariſeth from the pride of our hearts. We think we deſerve great things from God; hence we reckon our comforts and encouragements as low things. Now amongſt many other conſiderations which do exceedingly greaten Goſpel comforts, this is one, That they are bottomed upon Chriſt himſelf. To ſlight the comforts of the Goſpel, is to ſlight Chriſt our conſolation.
Though others perhaps enjoy a greater portion of conſolation then thou, yet thou enjoyeſt more then thou deſerveſt; yea, the comforts which thou accounteſt ſmall; coſt Jeſus Chriſt as much ſweat and ſ…row as theirs did, who enjoy the greateſt mea…re of comforts. Saith Moſes to Korah and his aff…ates, … it a ſmall thing that God …hath ſ…par…ted … from the Congregation, &c▪ Numb. 1… … is juſt God ſhould remove all … as look upon any conſolation received from Chriſt as a ſmall thing.
4. Acknowledge … the fou…ion of all your conſolation. When an… beam… of comfort is let fall upon the ſoul how apt are we to neglect the true fountaine of it? we look perhaps at our own graces and duties, as if our comfort ſprung from thence; Or elſe we look onelyonly at the Ordinance through which it is conveyed; Seldome are our eyes lifted up ſo high as Chriſt. We ſhould labour to be better informed for time to come. What ever conduit pipe be uſed, Chriſt is the fountaine and foundation of every drop of comfort; Chriſt is the God of all true conſolation. It is not in the power of all the Angels of heaven to give any ſoul one drop of comfort. Nor can all the Miniſters on earth give you one dram of comfort. They can ſpeak the words of comfort, but they cannot cauſe the ſoul to receive comfort. God comforts by them, 2 Cor. 6. 6. Titus was but an inſtrument. Comforting is called frequently in Scripture, the ſpeaking to the heart, Hoſe… 2. 14. Who is able to ſpeak to the heart, but he who is the Lord and Commander of the heart? God hath put all the oyle of ſpiritual joy into the hands of Chriſt, Eſay 61. 3. and none but he can give it out. He that wants comfort, muſt go to Chriſt, he that hath received any true comfort, muſt aſcribe it to Chriſt. All my ſprings, ſaith the Church, are in thee, Pſ. 87. 7.
5. Let the Iſrael of God take heed of being a diſcomfort to Chr…ſt. We cannot properly be either a comfort or di…comfort to Chriſt by any thing we do. He receives properly no joy from us, nor is he capable of enduring any ſorrow from us; yet our ſinnes are ſaid in a figurative ſenſe to be a grief and diſcomfort to him; If Chriſt were capable of ſorrow, nothing would go neerer his hear, then this, to ſee his people ſinne againſt him. What the Apoſtle ſaith of the Spirit, we may in the ſame ſenſe ſay of Chriſt, Epheſ. 4. 30. It is but a diſingenuous and unfriendly thing to be a grief to him that is a conſolation to thee. If Chriſt be thy comforter, it's an unworthy thing in thee to be his tormentor. The Apoſtle ſpeaks of ſome who crucifie to themſelves afreſh the Sonne of God, Heb. 6. 6. Every ſinne is in a ſort the cruifying of Chriſt afreſh; if there be any dram of thankfulneſſe in our hearts, we ſhall loath the thoughts of vexing Jeſus Chriſt.
6. Maintain cloſe communion with Chriſt.
Ʋſe 3. Conſolation to the people of God. 'Tis better in his hands then in ours: we are cruel to our ſelves, fooliſh,
1. In caſe of the want of outward comforts. It's often the lo… of Gods people to be cut ſhort of outward things. God ſees they are apt to ſurfeit on this ſweet fruit, therefore he with-holds it. Well, Chriſt is thy conſolation. Theſe things could not comfort thee without Chriſt, he can comfort thee abundantly without theſe.
2. In caſe of ſpiritual heavineſſe and trouble of heart. Remember Chriſt is the conſolation of Iſrael.
Firſt, He can comfort in all caſes, 2 Corinth. 1. 4.
Secondly, He can comfort againſt all difficulties. He can bring comforts through hell, through an hoſt of temptations to the ſoule, Hoſea 2. 14.
Thirdly, He can give the ſoul ability to receive comforts, Eſay 66. 13. Wait on him and on his Ordinances, and you ſhall have comfort as much as is ſufficient.
Fourthly, he is full of comfort.
Fifthly, …e is willing to comfort. He hath undertaken to be thy conſolation as well as thy ſalvation. He's anointed to comfort them that mourne Eſay 61. 1, 2, 3. Say not, I have been ſo long without Comfort. Jeſus Chriſt can drop that into thy ſoul in one moment which ſhall make thee forget all thy diſcomfort. Only wait on him, wait patiently, wait beleevingly; Wait on him, at the pipes of comforts, the Ordinances, and deſire grace rather then comfort, and thou ſhalt finde heart-revivings before thou die.
Ʋſe 4. Advice to them that are without Chriſt Labour to cloſe with him, he is the conſolation of Iſrael. What poor comforts are thoſe which you now feed upon! You feed on aſhes, you eat husks, you are jolly and brisk, and full of a frantick joy. If Chriſt be not yours, no comfort in Scripture is yours. Come and taſte of theſe comforts, They are pure; They are ſoul-ſatisfying; They are eternal. All your comforts will be your torments, if Chriſt be not your comfort.