The Day of a Godly Mans Death Better than the Day of his Birth, Sermon 3 – Title page 3

The Day of a Godly Mans Death Better than the Day of his Birth · Sermon 3 – Title page 3

p. 83A SERMON Preach'd ON THE Last Day of the Year.

JOHN VII. 37.

In the last day, that great day of the Feast, Jesus stood, and cryed, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink

I Shall for brevity's sake wave the Formality of a Preface; and immediately take these Words under Consideration. In which we may—

I. OBSERVE the Person speaking, i. e. Jesus; The Eternal SON of GOD, incarnate in our Nature: the great Teacher & Prophet, the true & faithful Witness; whose Sayings are faithful sayings, and worthy of all Acceptation.—It is He, that now speaks: they are His words; they are gratious Words proceeding out of the Mouth of Him that is True, and whose Lips are a Well of Life. Let us therefore believe what is said, and be affected with it. Surely it must be something p. 84great & good, wise & weighty, that falls from the Tongue of that Just One, that Wisdom of GOD.

II. OBSERVE the Speech it self; which is an Invitation to thirsty Souls, to come unto CHRIST, & drink.—(I.)Observe the Persons invited; namely, All those that thirst, i. e. are concern'd about and desirous of the salvation of their Souls—He invites Such as thirst. Now this Thirsting implys several things. As, a Sense of Indigency; Those that thirst, feel their want of Refreshment.—Also, an Appetite and Craving: a making out & reaching after some sutable Good to supply the Wants of the Soul. Such as thus are spiritually athirst, our Saviour speaks to in the Text. Yea, all such. The Invitation is general and indefinite;—If any man. Man is the Object of this Invitation; not Devils. O astonishing Distinction of Sovereign Grace!—Any man that thirsts, is invited. O amazing Extent of Divine Mercy!—The Rock, that so plentifully gush'd out refreshing Water to the Israelites in the parched Wilderness, was a Figure and Type of CHRIST; and every one had liberty to drink of that Rock **1 Cor 10. 4.1 Cor 10:4. Even thus the waters of Life, that flow from the Spiritual Rock, are free for any man that is thirsty. Not the vilest & most unworthy Person is excepted. All that find their want, and desire a supply, are here invited. In CHRIST there is enough for all; and the Offer takes in all. None are excluded, but such as shut out themselves by Unbelief. No thirsty Soul need doubt of a welcome Reception with CHRIST.—O happy News this, …o poor self-condemned distressed Sinners! How p. 85shou'd we admire the Riches of free Grace! And how shou'd we love and honour the Gospel, which brings to us these glad Tidings of great Joy?—But in the next place, (2) Observe what these thirsty Souls are invited to; i. e. To some & drink. [1] Here is a Duty requir'd; namely, To come unto CHRIST. This implys an entertaining his Doctrines; a laying hold on his Righteousness; a putting our selves under his Government; a submitting to his Discipline, &c. This coming to CHRIST implys a believing on Him, a receiving of Him in all his Mediatorial Offices, and a relying on Him for Pardon, Grace, & Glory.—We must thus come to CHRIST by Faith. We must see & own CHRIST, to be the Fountain of living Waters. We must feel our need of Him; We must depend on him, and seek to him (and no other) to be a Fountain of Life unto us. The Invitation from CHRIST is, Let him come unto ME. So Mat. 11. 28. Come unto ME, all ye that labour and are heavy laden. Come to CHRIST, who is the Fountain open; the Rock smitten; from whence issue streams, which make glad the City of GOD.—Go not to the World; for this ‖‖Eccl. 1. 14.Eccl 1:14is nothing but Vanity & Vexation of Spirit. Go …ot to Philosophy; for this ††Col. 2. 8Col 2:8is full of vain Deceit & killing Poison. Go not to the Law; for this **Heb. 10. 1.Heb 10:1is but a shadow, and cannot make the Comers thereunto perfect. These Things can neither cleanse nor appease the Conscience of a thirty Sinner. Whither then shou'd be go, but to CHRIST? With whom are the words of eternal Life ††Joh. 6 68John 6:68. [2] Here is an Offer made, a Promise of Satisfaction given. Come p. 86unto Me, and Drink: q. d. Come, and I will give you to drink: Come to Me, & you shall be supply'd & satisfy'd. Ask of Me, and I will give you … water, Joh. 4. 10.—O what great Encouragement is here given to poor thir…ty Sinners! Blessed be … GOD & Saviour for this pretious Promise: and O that by his Grace we might be enabled to lay … on this Hope set before us!

III. OBSERVE the Posture & Manner, in which Jesus deliver'd this Invitation: He stood, and cri…, saying, If any man, &c. The Jewish Teachers … to sit, when they taught publickly: and this … general Custom with Jesus likewise. But now … chang'd his Posture, (perhaps) to accommodate his Voice, & express his Earnestness. Our Saviour at this time was much mov'd; was fervent in Spirit: and he cry'd aloud, standing up, that all might hear & mind what he was saying: as well as to show that He was not asham'd nor afraid to proclame Himself, as the Fountain of Life, in the midst of the Pharisees, … Doctors, his greatest Enemies. The Matter of his Speech was of infinite Importance and the last Concern to all. He himself was deeply affected with sense hereof; and really sollicitous that all might be under the like Impression. This made him … earnest in his speaking on this occasion: this made him stand up that all might behold & hear him.—O the astonishing Love and Compassion there is in CHRIST unto perishing Souls! What manner … Love is this, that the SON of GOD, the LORD of Glory, shou'd stoop to beseech rebellious Sinners; and be so importunate with them, to come unto him, th… he may supply all their wants, & make them happy p. 87for ever!—And how amazing the Stupidity of Sinners, that we must be intreated, urg'd, and importun'd to accept his gratious Offers and yield to is blessed Designs of everlasting Kindness towards …!

IV. OBSERVE the Occasion, and Time, when this l…vitation was made: in the last day, that great day of the Feast.—The Feast here spoken of, was the Feast of Tabernacles **Joh. 7. 2.John 7:2. The Reason of this Title is ††Godwyn's Moses & Aaron. pag. 131., because all the time of this Feast the People remain'd in Tents, and Booths, made of Boughs after the manner of Arbours. This was an Annual Solemnity, and was kept in the Close of the Year (according to the common or civil Computation among the Jews) when the Harvest was fully ended; …ence it is also call'd, The Feast of Ingathering which … in the end of the Year **Exod 13. 16—34. 22.Exod 13:16. One principal Design of … Institution was to remember the Jews of their …-fathers dwelling in Tents and their unsettled … in the Wilderness ‖‖Pool. on Lev. 27. 34.Lev 27:34; to humble them by this sellection; and to call forth their Praises of GOD, for the gratious Conduct&Protection afforded to their Fathers when tabernacling in the Wilderness, as also for the happy Settlement, the more convenient Habitations and sure Dwellings now vouchsafed them. The Jews were at this Feast to dwell in Tents, that … they might know a little by their own Experience, …hat their Fathers endur'd; and that they might …earn to value more the Mercy of GOD to them in the Comforts of their own fixed and commodious dwellings.

p. 88BUT furthermore, Another special Design of this sacred appointment was to stir them up to a thankful acknowleging of the Divine Goodness, wherewith the Year (which now they were come to the Period of) had been encompass'd ††Deut. 16. 13.Deut 16:13. It was instituted, as a solemn Thanksgiving unto GOD for the Harvest and Vintage newly gather'd in; to put them in mind, that the Mercies they had receiv'd were all from the Divine Providence: and that unto this they must look, for the like supplies in the Year ensuing.

HENCE infer; We shou'd sometimes seriously look back upon & consider the Hardships and Difficulties our Fore-fathers met with, in their coming to and settling in this Land: we shou'd call to mind their mean Circumstances and desolate Condition; and be very humble in our own eyes, when we remember our low Beginnings.

AGAIN, I might observe to you, That the great Goodness of GOD to our Fore-fathers in bringing them safe to this Land, planting them in it, protecting and prospering of them, &c. should sometimes be thankfully commemorated by us their Posterity. And the consideration of what Straits & Hardships they conflicted with, shou'd put an Edge on our Gratitude, and make us very thankful for the Comforts and Accommodations we do so liberally partake of, thô much more unworthy than our Predecessors.

BUT the Observation that I shall here most insists on, is this, That as every Year ends, We shou'd do something like observing the Feast of Tabernacles or In-gathering. Gospel-Duty was of old prophesy'd p. 89of under this Notion; as we read, Zech. 14. 16. It shall come to pass, that every one—shall even go up from Year to Year to worship the King the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.—Now it may be instructive and profitable to us, a little to consider, and apply the Laws of this Feast. Wherefore I shall offer a few Hints here. Thus, It was one Law of this Feast (in common with several others **Deut. 16. 16.Deut 16:16) that all the Males shou'd go up to Jerusalem, (and they often carry'd their Wives and Families with them ††1 Sam. 1. ….1 Sam 1: Thither the Tribes went up, the Tribes of the LORD to the Testimony of Israel) to worship GOD in the Place and Way of his Appointment. Thither they went thrice in the Year: and this, that by often meeting together in one Place they might contract a more intimate Acquaintance with, and greater Affection to one another: and by often joyning together in the same Acts of religious Worship, they might increase their holy Communion, as the People of GOD, as well as keep pure & entire all those Ordinances that were deliver'd to them, & faithfully hand down the same to Posterity.—Again, At this Feast they were to appear before the LORD GOD, the GOD of Israel ‖‖Ex…d 34 23.; as just Debtors, to pay their thankful Acknowlegements to Him for the Mercies lent them: As humble Petitioners, to ask those further Benefits they needed: As obedient Subjects, to own his Dominion over them, and to receive his Commands: As his Friends & peculiar People, to renew the Covenant and League of Amity & Love between them; eyeing Him, as the GOD of Israel, even their Covenant-GOD. p. 90Moreover, Then they were to appear before GOD, in the public Tabernacle, or the Temple; which were instituted Types of CHRIST, the Mediator: in and through whom GOD is well-pleased with the Prayer of Faith & Labour of Love.—Another Law was, that none shou'd appear before the LORD empty **Deut. 16. …6. N… 8. 10.Deut 16:6; not empty-hearted, but with Souls full of Grace & Gratitude towards GOD: not empty-handed, but every man must give to the needy, as he is able, according to the Blessing of the LORD upon him ††Deut. 16. 17.Deut 16:17, a free-will-offering, in testimony of his gratefull respect of GOD, his Benefactor, and the Poor's Patron.—Again, At this Feast they were to offer Sacrifices in Abundance; Burnt-offerings of Praise every day, with Meat-offerings and Drink-offerings in proportion attending them; also Sin-offerings and Peace-offerings were added; besides the Common Sacrifices of the New Moon, and the Offerings made continually every Morning & Evening. Thus they were to be much in Communion with GOD, and to abound in the Duties of religious Worship all the days of this Feast. As this Month was honor'd with as many Feasts as were celebrated in all the Year besides: so there were more Sacrifices to be offer'd at this Feast, than at any other ‖‖Pool, and … 13 &c., because this Feast was in the Close of the Year, when it was meet to supply the Defects of the Year past, and when they had gather'd in all their Fruits; and therefore ought to make larger Returns & Acknowlegments to GOD. Again, These days of abundant Offerings were to be days of abundant Rejoycing. p. 91They were to feast very chearfully together before the LORD their GOD, Rejoycing in the thankful sense of his great Goodness to them in the Year past, as well as in Hope of the like Goodness to crown the Year coming on **Deut. 16. 15.Deut 16:15. They were to express their Joy by Feasting, Thanksgivings, and Songs of Praise; also (as some think ††Henry, & Jackson, on L…vit. 23. 40.,) by carrying in their hands green Boughs of goodly Trees: which appears to have been a usual Expression of Joy and a Token of Triumph upon other Occasions.—Another Law of this Feast was, that they shou'd desert their pleasant and secure Houses, and dwell in moveable uncomfortable Booths or Huts for seven days ‖‖Neh. 8. 14.Neh 8:14, which (as it was typical of the Incarnation of CHRIST, who was about this time of Year to come into the World & pitch his Tent among men, dwelling in a Tabernacle of Flesh ††Joh. 1. 14.John 1:14; so it might be for other Ends and Reasons; particularly [not to repeat those before-mention'd] it) was design'd to exercise their Self-denial, & teach them a Contempt of the World: It might also allude to, & be intended to mind them of, their mutable condition, being Strangers on Earth; & the Frailty of their Bodies, that were their Souls earthly Tent or Tabernacle **2 Cor. 5. ….2 Cor 5, and in a few days to be dissolved: By which mortifying Reflection, together with their humbling Confinement to contemptible & unpleasant Booths in the open Air for their Habitations, the Joy of the Solemnity was sutably temper'd & corrected; for which end also, that is to qualify and sanctify their p. 92Mirth, they were to read the Law of GOD **Deut. 31. 10. Neh. 8. 18.Deut 31:10Neh 8:18, in a solemn manner upon this occasion.

THUS we see in part what were the Laws of this Feast of Tabernacles or In-gathering, and in some measure the Meaning of them. Now since Gospel-Duty is represented, in the fore-mention'd Prophecy of New Testament Times, under the notion of keeping the Feast of Tabernacles, this intimates what GOD expects from Christians, even that all those Graces be brought into Exercise and exhibited in their Lives, which were especially acted and signify'd in this Feast of old. Likewise, since this Feast was observ'd among the Jews in the End of the Year (according to the civil Calculation of their Year) and since it was prophesy'd, that Christians under the Gospel shou'd keep this Feast from Year to Year, at the times appointed for this Solemnity; it seems but an Accomplishment of that Prediction, if at every Year's End we take Occasion to do something like observing the Feast of Booths or In-gathering. Indeed the whole Life of Christians shou'd be a perpetual keeping the Feast of Tabernacles, in a spiritual and evangelical Sense. Every day we shou'd be worshiping as in that Feast; Going to CHRIST, the true & living Temple, with our spiritual Sacrifices, of Repentance, Prayer, Thanksgiving, Charity, and Obedience; Going up to CHRIST by lively acts of Faith; Going forth to JESUS without the Camp ††Heb. 13. 1….Heb 13:1by imitation of Him in Patience, Self-denial and Mortification; Dwelling in Tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn Feast ‖‖Hos. 12 9.Hos 12:9, exercising a holy Contempt of things on the Earth, knowing that here p. 93we have no abiding City; and in Faith and Hope ascending to Mount Zion, the City of the Living GOD, the heavenly Jerusalem; setting our Affections upon things above, and having our Conversation in Heaven: Meditating in the Law of GOD day and night; Rejoycing in the LORD evermore, rejoycing in CHRIST JESUS, triumphing in his Praise; hoping in his Mercy; rejoycing in Hope of an House not made with hands, a Tabernacle that can never be taken down, Eternal in the Heavens. Thus the Gospel teaches Christians to live continually; and such a Life wou'd be a perpetual keeping the Feast of Tabernacles. Every day of such a Life wou'd be a day of this solemn Feast.—However, this hinders not but that we may (in conformity to the Jewish Pattern, and the Prophecy aforesaid) keep this Feast at every Year's End with greater Solemnity & in an extraordinary manner. Those Graces & Duties, holy Frames and Exercises, that have been mentioned, are now peculiarly seasonable. Let us then look back, and look over the several Laws of this Typical Feast; and in the Gospel-sense, put each of them in practice. "Let this Feast **See Mr. Henry's Sermon on Psal. 65 11 Preach'd Dec. 31.Ps 65:11at the End of the Year, be kept to the Honour of that GOD, who is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last", the first Cause, and the last End of all Things. "As we must begin every Day and Year with GOD, so with him likewise we must end both. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things." Some are of opinion, that the Devotion of Cain and Abel, (mention'd, Gen. 4. 3.) was their Yearly Sacrifice, their more solemn Worship p. 94at the End of the Year; when they kept their Feast of In-gathering, honour'd the LORD with their substance, and made offerings to him of the Increase of the Year, according to their respective Occupations and Possessions. A learned Expositor ††Ainsw…rth.saith on the Place; "At the Year's End, men were wont in most solemn manner to sacrifice unto GOD, with Thanks for his Blessings, having gathered in their fruits; so the Law of Moses did command: which order (as by this appeareth) the Fathers observed from the Beginning". This Feast then is of ancient Date. And it is a famous Solemnity. 'Twas one of the three great Feasts appointed in the Law of Moses. And it is the more famous for its being the Time of our LORD's **Lightfoot's Horae Hebraicae in Evang. Matth. Pag. 19, & 22.Birth, and Baptism; and the season, when that glorious Invitation in our Text was given—In the last day, that great day of the Feast, Jesus stood and cryed.—The Last, i. e. the eighth day; which, thô some wou'd make it a distinct Festival, and it be not strictly one of the days of the Feast of Tents, yet in a larger sense belongs to it,& has ever been call'd the last day of it. They kept up their Tents and dwelt in them only during the first seven days: but on the eighth day they were at liberty and met together publickly in the Temple, to keep there an holy Assembly, (suppose) in remembrance of their quiet & happy settlement in the Land of Canaan, after their long dwelling in Tents and their tedious Travels in the Wilderness: and so this eighth day was rather an Appendix to the Feast of Tabernacles, than any Part p. 95properly of the Feast it self ††Pool, and Jackson, on Lev. 23. 36Lev 23:36. The first and the last days of this Festival were to be kept as …; in which they were to rest from all servile Labour, and to worship GOD publickly. The Rule we have in Lev. 23. 35, 36. On the first day shall be an holy Convocation: ye shall do no servile Work, therein. Seven days shall ye offer an offering made by … unto the Lord. On the eighth day shall be an … Convocation, unto you—It is a solemn …, and ye shall do … servile Work therein. … passage, It is a solemn assembly, might be translated ‖‖… in lc….. It is a day of Inhibition, Forbiding, Forbearing, or Keeping up: All servile Work being prohibited on said day, and the People being oblig'd to … together for the performance of public Worship; till which was over, they were not permitted to return Home **Pool in loc.. Or it might be render'd, a day of Conclusion or shutting up; because it was (as 'tis call'd in our Text) the last day, the closing day of the Feast.—This eighth and last day is call'd—the great day of the Feast. Perhaps because it was the day of the greatest Joy. On this day was to be seen most of the Joy of Harvest. Some judge that this was more especially the Day of Thanksgiving to GOD for the Harvest of the Year past, and had a particular view to this Ground of the Festival ††Henry on Lev. 23 39.Lev 23:39. Agreeably on this day there us'd to be the loudest Acclamations, the greatest Pomp and Show of Joy. Moreover, on this day the People were dismiss'd from their Booths, & had leave to remove into their own Houses again; which Release, was an aggravation p. 96of their Joy, and brighten'd the Triumphs of the Day. It was in it self a Refreshment; but especially it might well be so to them for this reason ††… Lev.23. 36.Lev 23:36, because it was a Memorial & Emblem of that happy time wherein their forty Years tedious march in the Wilderness terminated with an Introduction into and Settlement in the Land of Promise, where they had goodly Dwellings & fruitful Fields: A Mercy, which ought to be kept in everlasting Remembrance, and the Consideration whereof might well fill every Israelite with abundant Joy.—Therefore on this last day of the Feast; there were the highest Expressions of Gladness & Triumph; whence it is styled the great day. The several days of this whole Feast of Tabernacles were termed Hosan…a ‖‖… in Text.; because they us'd once on each day to compass the Altar, holding Boughs in their hands and waving them to'n'again, often crying out, Hosanna, i. e. Save now, I pray. But on the last day, they compass'd the Altar Seven times, with the like Ceremonies and Acclamations; whence it came to pass, that this last day was call'd Hosanna Rabba, i.e. the great Hosanna, or as in our Text the great day of the Feast.—Upon this day also (as One **…observ…s) they did read the last Section of the Law, and likewise began the first; left; they might otherwise seem more joyfull in ending their Sections; than willing to begin them.—Upon this day there was an universal Concourse and public Appearance of the People at the Temple; all being oblig'd to give their attendence on GOD's Worship there. The p. 97day of solemn Assembly in any Feast, us'd to be term'd an high or great day ††Hammands Notes on Job.1931.. Hence the last day in this Feast was so call'd; & it is call'd with an emphasis that greatday, because it was eminently a day of calling assemblies. On this day they were said emphatically to make a solemn Assembly **Namb 29.35.; … in Text.. Perhaps there was ordinarily at this time a more full Congregation than upon the first day; and therefore it might be call'd the great day: or it might be so call'd in comparison of the six days immediately preceeding, on which there was no such holy Convocation appointed.—But further ‖‖Laghes. Harnus,. of N. T. pag.45., On this day

People (say the Jews, by the Institution of the Prophets Haggai & Zechariah) were wont (and 'twas a custom peculiar to this Feast) with the greatest pomp and gladness to fetch water [in a golden …essel **Lightfoot, Hor…x Heb. in Evang Joh, pag 124.] from the Fountain of Siloam, and to bring it into the Temple [with the sound of the Trumpet ††Hammand on Text] where the Priests receiving the same of them, poured it out upon the Altar together with the Wine of the Drink-offering. And, all this while the People sang that Passage of the Prophet, (Isai.12.3) With joy shall ye drew water out of the Well of salvation. This pouring out of water did (in their apprehension) denote the Effusion of the holy Spirit, and they hoped at this time to have the Spirit of GOD fall on them, as (according to Tradition) He did on the Prophet Jonah, when he was attending this Ceremony with Transports of Joy ‖‖… Harmt of N. T pag 45..—Thus we see. p. 98why the last day was call'd the great day of the Feast.

Now this was the solemn Occasion, upon which the Invitation in our Text was given. There is an Emphasis in the words, which speaks something remarkable in the season: In the last day, that great day of the Feast, Jesus stood, &c. There are various Grounds of this season's being chosen; which may be conjectur'd at. As,—

1. OUR Saviour might make this Invitation in the People on the last day of the Feast, to b…nt man them the Insufficiency of all their Sacrifices on the foregoing days and the Inability of the Law to make the Comers thereunto perfect. At this Feast of Tabernacles (as was before observ'd) they offer'd a Multitude: of Sacrifices. Every day had a certain Proportion assign'd ‖‖Mutt.29.13. &c.. On the first day of the Feast they were to offer thirteen young Bullocks; two Rams, and fourteen Lambs without blemish; on the second day twelve Bullocks: and so on, every day the number of Bullocks, (the most costly part of the Sacrifice) gradually lessning; till at length it came to be but one Bullock, one, Ram, and seven Lambs; so that on the last and great Day of the Festival, the Sacrifices were sewer than on any other Day. Now the Account which some Jewish Expositors give of this Dimination, is to this purpose; that the number of Bullocks to be sacrific'd in the first seven days of the Feast amounted to seventy ††… Hor… hebr in Job, pag. 122.…., according to the number of the Heathen Nations then in the known World: for whom (as they tell p. 99us) these Oblations were made: and the Abating of the Sacrifices (say they) signify'd, that there wou'd be a Diminution of those Nations, until all things were brought under the Government of the Messiah, who was the Expectation and Hope of the G…tiles ††Godwyn. Whereas the single Sacrifice on the eighth day (the great Holiday as they call'd it) purely respected the Israelitish Nation, and betoken'd their special Endeardness to GOD, as a holy & peculiar People.—The Account, which our Christian. Expositors give of that Abatement of the Offerings, is this, "It was to teach the Jews (says One **… 29. 36.not to tr…st to the multitude of their Sacrifices, nor … expect Remission of Sins from them, but from the one and only Sacrifice of CHRIST. It might signify (savs another ‖‖Jackson.) a diminishing or wearing away of the legal Sacrifices and Ceremonies. It signify'd into them (faith another ††Wisdom's Christian Dictionary.that the LORD was to abolish those Sacrifices, and bring in a perfect Sacrifice in place of them, Jesus Christ once offered for all. It was hereby intimated to them (saith another **Henry.that the legal Dispensation shou'd wax all and vanish at last; and the multitude of their Sacrifices shou'd end in ONE great Sacrifice, infinitely more worthy than them all".—And perhaps the might be one thing our Saviour had in view, when he made the Invitation, in our Text on the last day. He would have them to know, that the Multitude of Sacrifices, they had been offering, wou'd not suffice; that they needed another and better Sacrifice; that He himself was the only Sacrifice, acceptable p. 100and pleasing to GOD. Therefore on the last day, after a vast number of Offerings had been made, He stood forth, and called upon all, that (being sensible of the Insufficiency of the legal Sacrifices, and considering them as Types and Shadows of Things to come) still thirsted after something further (as necessary) to take away Sin and justify them in the sight of GOD: These (I say) He call'd upon, and invited them to come unto Him; whose Flesh is meat indeed, the great Sacrifice to be fed upon by Faith; and whose Blood is drink indeed; the Fountain, at which only the thirsty Soul (labouring under a sense of Guilt and Wrath) can have it's longing Thirst quenched.

2. OUR Saviour might deliver this Invitation on the last and great day of the Feast, because then (as hath been observ'd) was a great (if not the greatest Concourse of the People. Much People were on this day gather;d together at the Temple; it being a Sabbath day, and the great day, when they were no longer oblig'd to dwell in their Texts; when they had taken their Fill of Mirth & Feasting, and were now most at leisure to attend the public Worship.—Our Saviour then wou'd not miss or forego so special an Opportunity of doing Good: but took occasion now to preach the Gospel unto to the People; that many hearing, many might come to Him and be saved! Seeing the Multitude, he was moved with Compassion toward them; and seeing how the Priests (their Teachers) neglected them. He (who is the great Prophet) fat himself with the greater diligence to teach the People, and deliver the Calls of GOD unto them.

p. 1013. THE People were now about to return Home and there cou'd not be a more proper parting Word The Assembly was that day to break up, the Congregation to disperse, and all return to their own Dwellings. Our Saviour therefore gave 'em this Word (the best the cou'd be) to carry home with them. It was affecting to him, to think, that all that Assembly were soon to divide & scatter; that He himself was never more to see their Faces on this occasion (having now begun his dying Year) our indeed ever like to have an Opportunity again of speaking to so great a Body of People together, at least under such Advantages. And He might …sider also, that many of those, who were now …ven'd on this occasion, were never like to enjoy such another opportunity; it being probable that Death wou'd prevent them.

HENCE our Savior takes his leave of the People, in the most proper manner, with this solemn Invitation in our Text. Some it's likely there were, who had not heard his Instructions and Exhortations in the Temple ever before; and were never like to hear him, if not at this Time. Some that heard him before, did not bred his Words: He now therefore renews the Gospel-Call unto them. Others perhaps had taken some notice of his Preaching and were almost perswaded to receive the Gospel: Now to confirm the Impressions made on such & to finish the good Work begun in their Souls, He again preaches to them; inviting those who had the Beginnings of a holy Thirst after GOD, to come unto HIM, and drink.

BUT finally, This might be occasion'd by certain p. 102Customs & Ceremonies of the Day, Thus, on this day the Jews delighted much in feasting, allow'd themselves to eat & drink plentifully, and to make great Mirth; which our Saviour observing, He might thence take occasion to instruct them concerning the true spiritual Drink, and invite them thereunto ‖‖Dutch Annota. in Text.. Again, Our Savior in his Speech might have reference to the Law, & design to call them off from their carnal Boasting and Rejoycing in that. Upon this day they kept the Feast of the Joy of the Law; because then they ended the Reading of the Law. Festum letitie Legis.Upon this day CHRIST, who is the End of the Law, stood up ††Wilson's Dict.; & call'd them off from their vain Boasting in the Law **Lights. Her. heb in Joh. pag. 126., to believe in HIM as the Messiah & Saviour, who came to fulfill & abolish the Law of Moses. Again, These words of our Saviour might be spoken in Opposition to he fore-mention'd Jewish Rite and solemnity of fetching Water; a Ceremony peculiar to this Feast, and perform'd on the last day of it. The 'forecited passage in the Prophet Isaiah, … shall draw water with Joy. &c. is the chief Authority they pretend for that Custom **Lights.. This Joy, they call'd the Joy of the Law: for by Waters (in Isai.55.1. and else-where) they understood the Law. And for this reason they drew and brought the Waters from the River Siloam to the Temple with so much pomp and joy. Moreover they add, that the Pouring out of the water there signify'd the Effusion of the holy Spirit; and therefore the Pouring out of the Water was accompany'd with so p. 103much Gladness &Singing, because they expected the holy Spirit wou'd be so pleas'd with their Mirth and Musick, as to be charm'd down, and fall upon them in the midst of the Solemnity, with his Divine Inspirations ††Tremell in Text..—Now to this Rite and Ceremony, accompany'd with so much Folly and Superstition, Our Savior's Speech in the Text & Context may be an Antithesis. As if he had said; ‖‖Lights."What, Have you so great joy only for a little water fetcht out of the Fountain of Siloam? Verily, if any man believe on ME, even Rivers of living Water shall out of his own Belly flow unto him; i. e. in his own Soul he shall have Plenty of the Waters of Life: He shall be filled with all the Fulness of GOD ††Eph.3.19.Eph 3:19, who is the Fountain of Life. He shall be so filled with the Spirit of GOD, as a Spring of Water, that it shall out of his heart break forth continually in his Actions **Hammand in loc..—Do you imagine the Waters (spoken of by the Prophet) metaphorically taken, do denote the Law? Nay, but they denote the Gifts and Influences of the holy Spirit, which the Messiah shall supply Believers withall.—And do you expect the Giving of the holy Spirit from the Lave, or for your carnal Joy in the Law? Behold, the Spirit is received thro' Faith, and comes not by the Law" ††Gal. 3.2.Gal 3:2.—If any man therefore desire any spiritual Good, let him come unto ME, believing on Me as the only and alsufficient Saviour, and he shall receive of the Fulness that is in me, to the supply of all his wants.—But finally some say **… in Joh. P. 125 & H…mmon Text.This Water-offering or Libation of Water, (as they call it) was to denote p. 104the Blessing of Rain, which they then pray'd for, as of special use against the approching Seed-Time. For they judg'd, that at this Feast (when they were celebrating the goodness of GOD in the Harvest of the last Year) Divine Providence decreed & determin'd what Rains there shou'd be in the following Year. [Perhaps this Notion might take countenance from Zech.14. 17. Where GOD threatens such as neglect the Feast of Tabernacles, that upon them there shall be no Rain.] However, it was their Custom at this Feast to pour out Water before the LORD upon the Altar together with Wine; the design of this Drink-offering was, that the Rains of the Year might bless them. At this Feast they offer'd Water to GOD to engage his smiles on the Seed-Time. Even as at the Passover they offered a … or Homer; to obtain from GOD his blessing on the Harvest; and at Pentecost they offer'd a new Meat-offering, call'd the First Fruits, to obtain from GOD his blessing on the Vintage ‖‖…. And this Ceremony of fetching and offering Water was accompany'd with the sound of the Trumpet, and with Singing of Voices and Instruments; with great Vociferation and noisy Acclamations. Now in relation to this, some think, CHRIST here is said to have cryed, or (as the word properly signify's **Hammand.) Proclamed with a loud Voice, lifted up his Voice like a Trumpet; making this apposite Proclamation, If any man thirst let him com unto me, and drink: taking occasion from their fetching Water out of Siloam, and offering it to bespeak the blessing of Rain; I say, from hence, our Saviour who us'd to spiritualize Earthly p. 105Objects, and from all kinds of Occurrences discourse of heavenly Things, took occasion to exhort the People (as 'twere in the words of the Prophet ††Hes.10. 12) To seek the Lord, till be rain Righteousness, upon them: and he invites them to repair unto Him, the true and living Fountain, (as 'twere in the words of another Prophet **Isa 55. 1. &c.Isa 55:1) Ho, every one that thirsteth, came to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye bay & … yea, come, buy wine & milk without money & without price. Wherefore do ye spend your money for that which is not Bread? And your labor for that which satisfyeth not? Hearken diligently into me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your car, and come unto me; hear & your soul shall live.— With many such like words (we may suppose) He exhorted the People. It seems to be only the general Subject of his Discourse, that is hinted in our Text. No doubt there were considerable Enlargements, which it hath not pleased the holy Ghost to put on Record. However we must be thankful, that we have any part of what he said, written. For it is truly a golden Passage, a good Word, and worthy of all Acceptation.—The Contents of it have been in some little measure open'd unto you: and the Occasion, whereon this blessed Speech was deliver'd has been shewn: Upon which I have made some large Remarks, suting the season; it being now the last day of the Year, according to vulgar apprehension & account.—It becomes your spiritual Instructors to study to discern both Time and Judgment ‖‖Ecci 8 5., and to find out acceptable words p. 106††Ecci 12 10.Now such, seasonable Words are wont to be. A word spoken in due season, how good is it **….15 23.? How grateful and useful?—Wherefore, this Year coming in with a Sabbath, I took occasion (hoping I shou'd speak a word in season) to counsil and exhort you to begin the Year with GOD. And it falling out, that it likewise ends with a Sabbath, I have also (thro' Divine goodness) an opportunity now to tell you, How to close the Year with GOD.—The Conclusion of the Year is a remarkable Period; and a very agreeable Time for more enlarged Devotions, for Self-examination; and for serious Reflections; which indeed do then very naturally flow in upon the minds of pious and thinking Christians, who accustom themselves to take a solemn and distinguishing Notice of such particular Seasons. There are many religious Meditations and Exercises, that at this time are peculiarly seasonable, which I might remember you of and exhort you unto: but as to these things, I have prevented my self in a great measure in my former Discourse, on the first day of the Year; wherein I spake somewhat largely of the Duties reflex, as well as prospective.—This notwithstanding, I have thought fit to say what has been already offer'd in the present Discourse; and shall now add two things further, relating more especially to our Saviour's Speech in the Text; which it seems necessary to resume the Consideration of.

I wou'd in the first place, call upon you all to examine your selves, and, inquire, what regard you have had (more particularly in the course of the p. 107Year past) to the Duties requir'd, and what Fulfilment you have experienced of the Promise made, in our Text. And then I shall conclude with a word of Exhortation; calling upon Sinners to hearken to and comply with the gracious Invitation of our Savior.

1. EXAMINE your selves every one, What Regard you have had to the Duties Mention'd in the Text; and what Fulfilment of the blessed Promise of our Saviour therein offer'd.

HERE are two distinct Particulars. Wherefore—[I.] INQUIRE what Respect you've had to the Duties mention'd. Consider what has been your general Temper and Carriage in reference to those first and great Duties, of Thirsting after, and Coming to CHRIST for, spiritual Good.

LET me ask you here particularly,—

1. WHETHER you've been truly & rightly thirsting? Whether a real spiritual Thirst has been in your Soul?

(1.)HAVE you been thirsting after right Things? Have your Desires been placed on proper Objects? Have you been thirsting after the Favor, Image, and Presence of GOD, an Interest in CHRIST, his Righteousness, his Graces, and Comforts, &c? Or, Have you been craving after things of a contrary Nature? Have you not been thirsting after the Pleasures of Sin, and been drinking in Iniquity like Water?—Have you not been thirsting after Worldly Enjoyments, and the Delights of Sense; panting after the Dust of the Earth; and (as was affirm'd of the King of Babylon) enlarging your Desires, as Hell, which can't be satisfy'd? Have you not been p. 108too greedy of Gain; had a Heart exercised with covetous Practices: and gone astray, following the error of Balaam, who loved the Wages of Unrighteousness? Or, have you not been thirsting after the Honours of this World; been vainly ambitious of Preferments and Applause among Men?—Inquire whether your Heart has not thus been set up on Temporal & Earthly Blessings. What has been your Language? That ‖‖Psal.4. 6. Mat 6. 31.Ps 4:6Matt 6:31, Who will shew us any Good? What shall we eat? What shall we drink? And wherewith shall we be clothed?—Or that ††Mi….6 6. Act. 16. 30.Acts 16:30, Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and how my self before the High God? What must I do to be saved?— Inquire whether you have been thirsting after spiritual Blessings; the things that are above and from above; the good and perfect Gifts, that come down from the Father of Lights; the River of his Pleasures, who is the Fountain of living Waters.—Thus, Have your Desires been carry'd out after a Righteousness, to justify you; being sensible of your need of a Righteousness, and the insufficiency of your own? Have you been thirsting after Grace, to sanctify you? Divine Strength, to uphold your Goings in the way of Truth? Divine Consolations, to pacify your wounded Spirits, and refresh your Souls in the midst of your distressing Thoughts? Have you thus been thirsting after the Waters of Life, spiritual Blessings?—Make solemn Inquiry into the Frame of your Souls with respect hereunto.

(2.) HAVE you been thirsting in a right Manner and Measure? Has your Thirst had the several Properties of a spiritual Thirst?—Have your Desires been p. 109Hamble? accompany'd with a lowly sense of your utter Unworthiness of the least Favour from the LORD; and a renouncing of all Creature-Dependences for supplies.

AGAIN, Have your Desires been Eager, ardent advehement? …ake David's ††… Sum.23. 15., when he longed, and said, Oh that one would give me Drink of the water of the Well of Bethlehem! Have you felt mighty Pain within, for want of the good desired? Have you felt in your breast a mighty ardour of Love unto CHRIST & his Benefits, because of their Superlative excellency and worth? Has your Soul been e'en broken for the longing it hath had to them?—Or have you (on the other hand) contented yourself with saint Desires, feeble and cold Velleities?

AGAIN, Have your Desires aster Spiritual Blessings been Transcendent and Superlative; and petemptory, without any Reserve? Have these Spiritual Desires been the Predominant, the ruling Desires of your Soul? Have other Desires been duly subordinated to these? No Desires entertain'd and cherish't that stand in Opposition to, or come in Competition with, or but what might be serviceable into this great Desire of the Soul: Have you been willing to part with all other things that … might obtain these spiritual & heavenly things? Have you sound in your Heart a chearful Readiness to sacrifice all earthly Enjoyments, that you might have Righteousness, and Grace, and Peace from GOD and a Title to the Inheritance in Light? Has nothing been able to quiet your longing Apposite Has your p. 110Desire been so strong as to allay all worldly Contentments, and quench worldly Desires; and dispose you to welcome the greatest losses and severest Trials; so that you might enjoy CHRIST, and Covenant-Blessings in him? Have you thus sought the LORD with your whole Desire **2 Ch…on 15, 15.? Has your Expectation been only from the LORD, and have your Desires been thus resolute, absolute, and not standing upon Terms; nor having any Reserves? Has that been the unfeigned sense and language of your Soul, I count all things but loss, that I might win Christ ††Phil.3. 8.Phil 3:8.

AGAIN, Have you been uneasy and (in a sort) impatient, …ill you cou'd get your Desire accomplish'd? Hope deser'd maketh the Heart sick. ‖‖Prov.13. 12.Prov 13:12. Hath it been thus with you? Have you not been able to rest contented without those good Things you desire? And have you been longing with a holy Impatience? Has that been the Disposition & Language of your Soul, (Psal.143. 6, 7.) I stretch sorth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Hear me speedily. O LORD, my spirit saileth: bide not thy face from me, lest I he like unto them that go down into the pit. And that, (Psal.63. 1.) O God, thou art my God, early will I seek thee: my soul thir…ib thee, my flesh l…ngeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.

AGAIN? Have your Aspirations been Constant & Abiding? Can you say, (as in Psal. 119. 20) My Soul breaketh for the Longing, that it hath to thy Judgments at all Times? Have your Desires been unweary'd and unceasing? Have you not been p. 111tired with Waiting & Expecting? Or, Have your Desires been only in Some particular Moods; by Fits, & Starts, and in some Pangs of Conscience?

AGAIN, Have your Desires been Unlimited and Insatiable? Would no small Measures of Grace, no inferior Degrees of spiritual Blessings satisfy you? Have you been unwilling to fit down with, and stop at imperfect Beginnings of Sanctification & Consolation? Have your Desires been enlarged & unsatisyable; never quieted, but always craving after still higher degrees of spiritual Good, and Enjoyment? Or have they been stinted to certain Measures; and limited, only so far as may consist with such & such Ends & Designs?

FURTHERMORE, (and I shall add only this one word, which perhaps might more properly have been placed before) Have your Desires been Active and Industrious? Has your Thirst put you upon diligent Endeavours to obtain the desired Blessings? Or, have you contented yourself with idle Wishes, (such as the Desires of the Generality are) mere, lazy, fruitless Wouldings? Many Sinners seem wonderfully affected now and then under some awakening Word, or rousing Providence; and perhaps express their Desires in very pathetical Terms: but they don't proceed to sutable Efforts & Endeavours; they take no Pains, to obtain that which they pretend so vehemently to long after. They rest in Desire.The soul of the sluggard desireth ††Pro….13. 4.but his Hands refuse to labour **Chap 21 25..—I appeal to you then, and call upon you to enquire, Whether this has been your unhappy Case, or no? Have you contended your p. 112self with empty, formal, unactive Wishes? Or, Has there been an agreeable Working a vigorous Laboring & striving after the good Things you desire?—The Psalmist said, O My God, my soul thirsteth for thee: and cou'd moreover say, My soul followers hard after thee ‖‖Psal. 63. 1, 8.Ps 63:1Ps 63:8. If there be true &c fervent Desires, then the awakned Soul will follow hard after the LORD in the Way of his Appointment.—Let it be inquir'd then: Have you been soilicitous & studious to get rightly acquainted with the Gospel-method of Salvation by JESUS CHRIST? And have you given Diligence to comply with the Terms? Not objecting against them, nor discourag'd by any Difficulties in the way. &c.

THUS let every one examine himself concerning the first thing, this spiritual Thirst. If your Desires be found thus qualify'd; if they have been placed on proper Objects, and been exerted in due Ways and Measures, (such as I have mention'd) then you have truly thirsted in the sense of the Text; and are such as CHRIST invites to come unto him; which is the subject of the next Inquiry. Wherefore,

2. INQUIRE, Whether you have been rightly going to CHRIST, for the satisfaction of your thirst. Unto him shou'd the Gathering of the People be ††Gen.49. 10.Gen 49:10Who is the Fountain of Salvation, the true Fountain of Shiloam; out of whom do flow Rivers of living & healing Waters. Well then, inquire; Whether you have been going to CHRIST in a right manner, to have your Thirst quenched.

HAVE you been going to CHRIST, in the way of Faith? Realizing his Sutableness & Safficiency p. 113to satisfy all the longing Desires of your thirsty Soul; having your whole Dependence on him, and a lively Hope in him for Mercy to help you. Coming to CHRIST, and believing on him, are equivalent Terms ††Joh. 1. 12.John 1:12.

AGAIN, Have you been going to CHRIST, in the way of prayer? Have you gone daily to the Throne of Grace, and made known your Request by Prayer and Supplication; laying open all your Wants, and Griefs & Fears, and spreading all your Desires before the LORD? Have you gone to the Fountain; cast your self at the Foot of Sovereign Grace, and upon your Knees labor'd fervently in Prayer, continuing therein without Ceasing, as the importunate Widow did, who is set forth as an Example **Luk. …? Can you appeal to Heaven, and say with the Psalmist, **…Lord, all my Desire is before thee, & my Groning is not hid from thee.—My heart was …ot within me, while I was m…sing the fire burned; then spake I with my Tongue.—And now Lord, what wait I for? My Hope is in thee—I poured out my complaint before the Lord: When my spirit was overwhelmed within me; I looked on my right, hand, and beheld; but Refuge failed me. I cryed unto thee, O Lord, Thou art my Portion in the Land of the Living.

FINALLY, Have you been waiting on CHRIST, in the way of his Ordinances, and the use of Means? Have you been searching the Scriptures, attending on the Word preacht, & going from one Ordinance to another, stretching forth your hands to GOD, and seeking the LORD diligently?—We read (Psal. 1…7. 9.) He satisfyeth the longing Soul. "The longing p. 114Soul (as one observes) is in the Original the running Soul, the Soul that runs up and down (in quest of some desired good) from one Means to another; leaving none unattempted". Thus we shou'd express our longing after CHRIST, and his Benefits. We must make due Improvement of all proper Means & follow him in every Way of his Appointment. We must go to the Wells of Salvation, to the Brooks of Water; and lay our Mouths to every Conduit-Pipe. If one Means will not do, then we shou'd try another; if the more ordinary fail, then apply extraordinary: and never satisfy our selves in any Duty or Ordinance, unless we meet with CHRIST (the desire of our Souls) therein, and of the Fulness that is in him, receive some pretious Gifts.—Now let it be inquir'd: Had it been thus with you, in the general Course of your Life past and particularly this last Year? Have you been going to CHRIST, weary and thirsty, in the way of his holy Institutions; diligently improving the Means of Grace, and religiously attending all Gospel-Ordinances, with the whole Bent of your inflamed Powers?

LET every one solemnly put these several Inquiries to himself; and thus examine into his Temper and Carriage (this Year more especially) with reference to the Duties mention'd in the Text.—And if you find your self faulty, mourn your Guilt with deep Remorse. But if you have been truly thirsting after Spiritual Blessings, & rightly coming to CHRIST for them, Adore and magnify him for his Grace in you and with you; to which belongs the Praise of all your good Desires and good Deeds p. 115For it is the Spirit of CHRIST, who hath been working in you both to will & to do, of his good pleasure ††Phil. 2. 13.Phil 2:13.

Now in the next place,

[2.] LET it be inquired, What your Receipts and Experiences this Year have been; or what Fulfilment you have bad of the blessed Promise in the Text. Our Savior promises here, That they who being athirst come unto him, shall drink, i.e. receive the Spiritual Goods, Influences, and Refreshments they need and crave.—Inquire then what Experience you had of the Accomplishment of this pretious Promise. Have you receiv'd the Blessing from the LORD, and Righteousness from the GOD of your Salvation? Have you receiv'd the Remission of your Sins, the Gift of the HOLY GHOST, & Earnest of eternal Life? Have you met with CHRIST, and had Communion with Him in Ordinances & Providences? Have you had your Wants filled, your Graces & Comforts increased?

WHAT Nourishment have you receiv'd? What growth in Grace, in Holiness, & Virtue? Thô your Beginning (it may be) was small; yet has your latter End greatly increased **Job 8. 7.Job 8:7? Have you made gradual Improvements in Piety and Wisdom, been built up in CHRIST, & advanc'd in spiritual Stature? Or, have you come to a Stand, a Pause, & perhaps declined? Have you been as a watered Garden, bringing forth much Fruit? Or, as a parched Wilderness and an empty Vine? Has CHRIST been to you a Fountain open'd, or a Fountain shut up, as to the Dispensations of sanctifying Grace?

AND then as to the Dispensations of Comfort, p. 116How has it been with you? Have you been refreshed with the Comforts of the HOLY GHOST, been made to drink of the River of Life, & had your Consolation abounding by CHRIST? Or, have you been deny'd those streams which make glad the City of GOD; and gone to every Pit for water, but come away asham'd, with your vessel empty, Your Soul dry & thirsty?—If this latter hath been your Case, be deeply humbled in the Remembrance hereof, mourning the Absence of the Comforter; and sollicitous to find out the Cause, why good Things are with-held from you. But if the former be your Case; if you have open'd your Mouth wide, & had large Draughts of living Waters, acknowledge the rich Mercy of our Lord JESUS CHRIST unto you: Adore Him as the blessed Fountain; Admire his free & distinguishing Grace towards you; Maintain a humble sense of your Unworthiness: Realise your unspeakable Happiness: Envy not the Men of this World the filthy Pleasures of Sin, & dreggy Delights of Sense Retain the memory of your former happy Experiences, and let these whet your Appetite and raise your Expectations for the future; make you long for immediate access to the Fountain itself' and make you more frequent in your approaches to the Throne of Grace, more diligent in your attendance upon the holy Ordinances of CHRIST.

LET me here apply all the foregoing Inquiries, and Counsels, particularly to such as have this Year met with Sickness, Bere…oments, and the like. It has been a very sickly & dying Time of late among us, and few there are but what have been visited p. 117with fore Sickness, either Themselves or Families, The Small Taxand many of us have met with bereaving Dispensations. Now let us Inquire, What have been our Frames, Carriages, and Experiences in the Months of Affliction that have passed over us. What was our Petition & Concern in the days of our Distress? Did we thirst after spiritual Blessings, or bodily Comforts, most? Was … Life & Health & Ease, that we desired chiefly? a Pardon, Grace & Glory? Did we hunger & thirst after Righteousness, and our Souls pant after GOD, the living GOD? When his Waves and his Billows called over us, was our Prayer to the GOD of our Life? When we were in the Furnace, d…d'we ingreat his Favour with our whole hearts? Was our Desire towards Him and the Remembrance of his Name? Did we hope in his Word, and our Eyes fail for his Salvation?—Did we experience the Manifestations of his Love, and enjoy his gratious Presence? Did He command his loving-kindness in the Day-time, and was his Song with us in the Nightseason?—Have we come forth, as Gold out of the Fire, purify'd and refin'd? Can we truly say, as the Psalmist did, It is good for me that I have been afflicted: Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now have I kept thy Word. Beho'd I have longed after thy Precepts: Teach me thy Statutes. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous Judgments. Are these the present Sentiments, the Desires, & Resolutions of our Souls? Or, are our Vows forgotten, our Desires cool'd, our Lusts reviv'd, and our former vain Conversation returned to?—Let every one very seriously … their p. 118these Questions to himself, and let Conscience give a faithful answer. Such whose Hearts condemn them, let 'em be cover'd with shame, and fear left some more aggravated Judgments sp…lily overtake them. But let such who have the Testimony of a good Conscience, rejoyce in the LORD, and walk worthy of the LORD to all pleasing.

THUS much for the first general Head; the Examining our selves with Relation to the Duties and Promise in the Text.

11. LET it be a record of Exhortation to Sinners, that they would now hearken to the Invitation of our Saviour, and comply with the Duties requir'd by been in the Text. The Invitation of CHRIST is, If any man thirst let him come unto me. O let every Sinner see to it, that he get his Soul instamed with a spiritual Thirst, and go to the Lord JESUS CHRIST for spiritual Satisfaction.

(1.) LET secure Sinners laber to get their Sends inflam'd with a true spiritual Thirst, O don't he cool towards the spiritual Blessings and heavenly Things, that are in CHRIST JESUS. Labour to see the Evil, and get a rooted Abhorrence, of Sin, which separates between CHRIST and you, & withholds those good Gifts from you. Labor to see the Vanity of the World, and Emptiness of all Creature Comforts. Be convinced of the Excellency & Necessity of Spiritual Blessings. Realise it, that these are the best of Blessings; that they only can afford solid Satisfaction to the Soul of Man, & really supply it;'s Wants. Remember, You are naturally in a perishing State; your Souls are as the dry & parched Desert, or as the chased panting Hart; and without p. 119seasonable Relief you must needs saint & die. You can't be happy, but must be miserable, so long as you abide in your present forlorn Condition, whether you resent it be not; And the less you resent it, your Case is so much the more wretched & hopeless. O labour therefore to see the wofull Indigency and Misery of your natural State; to know your Trouble, and feel your Need: and he concern'd to obtain Help & Supply. Be in an Agony of Soul, and give no Rest to your Thoughts nor Sleep to your Eyes, 'till you have found where and how you may escape the dolefull Misery, which is upon you. If you remane in carnal security, there is no Remedy for you; Die you must unavoidably, and you will perish wonderfully.

(2.) LET awakened thirsty Sinners go to JESUS CHRIST for spiritual Satisfaction. Such of you as are under Convictions, that have your Eyes open'd to see your perishing Condition by nature, and whose Souls are inquisitive and craving after the Waters of Life; Be directed and encourag…d to go to JESUS CHRIST for a supply as the hunted Hart to the Water-brooks, or the thirty Israelites in the Wilderness to the Rock smitten.

To animate you, considers,

1.SUPPLY and Satisfaction is to be bad in CHRIST, and no ahere else. A Thirst after Happiness in general, 'tis what all Mankind do conspire in, tho' they exceedingly vary in their Judgment and Choice of the Object of Blessedness But now infallible Divine Declaration, as well as constant human Experience, abundantly shows, that nothing can satisfy the Cravings of the Soul, but a Good p. 120that is spiritual, immortal and immutable; agreeing with the Nature of the Soul, and proportionable to it's Necessities in our fallen State. Now all this Good is treasur'd up in CHRIST, and in Him alone. There is nothing of it in the Creature. The World is but a broken Cistern, that can hold no Water, nor yield any true Satisfaction: and if you seek any where among Carnal Objects for Refreshment; they will certainly deceive your Expectations. CHRIST is the Fountain of living Waters. All our springs are in Him. All Fulness dwells in Him: a Fulness of Sufficiency for Himself, a Fulness of Redundancy for Believers: a Fulness of Merit & Righteousness; a Fulness of the Spirit of Grace & Comfort; a Fulness of Glory. In CHRIST there is enough to supply all our Wants, and to satiate our utmost Cravings. In him there is an exceeding Abundance of all Good, above what we can ask or think. Enough for You; enough for Me; enough for All that thirst: and infinitely more than enough. Joh. 4. 13, 14. Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst: but the water that I shall give him, shall be in him a well of water springing up to everlasting life. Consider,

2. You are invited to come to CHRIST for all needful supply & satisfaction. The Good that is Fountain'd in CHRIST is communicable; and thirsty Souls are bidden to come unto CHRIST for it. He is not a Fountain sealed, and inaccessible: but a Fountain opened, and freedom of Access to it is allow'd yea, Invitations to repair unto it are given p. 121CHRIST is exhibited, and offer'd to thirsty Souls, in the Word written & preach'd: and there they are woo'd with much importunity to come unto CHRIST, and accept of him. Isai. 55. begin. Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the Waters Wherefore do ye spend your Lab us for that which satisfyeth not? Incline your Ear, and come unto Me, and your soul shall live. 2 Cor. 5. 20. We are Embassadors for Christ, as tho' God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

3. THE Invitation is back'd with many Promises and Assurances of Satisfaction in Case you will come. The LORD has oblig'd himself by the most inviolable Promises, to make you welcome, to give you a kind Reception, and so supply all your Need according to his Riches in Glory, if you repair unto him in the Gospel-way of Faith and Repentance. Thus, Isai.41. 17, 12. When the Poor & Needy seek Water and there is none, and their Tongue saileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them. I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open Rivers in high places, &c. Rivers of Grace, Rivers of Consolation, Rivers of living Water; But this spake he of the Spirit, which they who believe on him shou'd receive ††Joh.7. 38. 39.John 7:38John 7:39. Isai. 44. 3. I will …our Water upon him that is thirsty, and Floods upon the dry Ground: I will pour my Spirit, &c. Mat. 5. 9. Blessed are they which do bunger & thirst after Righteousness: for they shall be filled. Joh.6. 35. 54. He that believeth on me shall never hirst (never want any good thing, but shall have all things necessary for Life & Godliness) Whoso drinketh my Blood, hath eternal p. 122Life, and I will raise him up at the last day. Mat. 11. 28. Come unto Me, all ye that labour & are weary, and I will give you Rest.—Thus you have many great and pretious Promises, to encourage your Faith & Flight to CHRIST. And from hence you may be sure of meeting with a kind Entertainment, if you go unto Him. He hath expressly said, Joh.6. 37. Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out.

4. THE Invitation is most gratious, and condescending, … well as the Offer universal. The Fountain stands open for all believing Comers, to partake at free Cost. No Exception is made against any thirsting penitent Soul, however vile & sinfull. No Personal Merit is insisted on; No Price demanded, nor any Returns expected but those of Gratitude & Obedience. You that are utterly unworthy, and have no Qualifications to recommend you, nor any Thing to tender as a valuable Consideration, are notwithstanding invited to come, if you thirst. So runs the Invitation, Isai.55. 1. He, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no Money; Come,—without Money, and without Price.—And so stands the Promise, Rev. 21. 6. I will give to him that is … of the Fountain of the Water of Life freely. O the abounding Riches, and astonishing Freeness of Divine Grace! Let every Soul be transported with this Thought; and hereby be persuaded to close with CHRIST upon Gospel-Terms.

5. YOUR going to CHRIST is undispensably necessary to your Participation in the … of the Promise. You must go to the Well of Salvation, & draw water out of it, in the Gospel Way; Otherwise p. 123you will never partake of the Waters of Life. If you do not drink of these living Waters, what will it profit you to have had the Discovery & Offer of them made unto you? And you will never have them given you to drink, unless you go to CHRIST for them in the way of Faith & Repentance. Unless CHRIST dwell in your hearts by faith, unless you receive him upon Gospel-terms, you will certainly miss of Satisfaction & Happiness. Hence that Complaint of our Savior, Joh. 5. 40. Ye will not come unto me, that ye might have Life. Hence likewise that solemn Expostulation of the Apostle, Heb.2. 3. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great Salvation?

O let every thirsty Sinner then be persuaded to come to JESUS CHRIST in the way of his Appointment: Accept his Invitation, & venture your Soul upon his gracious Offer, If any man thirst, let him come, and drink. Don't proudly stand upon Terms; but submit to the humbling Methods of the Gospel, and comply with it's reasonable Demands. Make no vain trifling Excuses. Say not, I have nothing wherewith to purchase these Benefits: For they are freely tender'd to you. Say not, I am unworthy and, dare not come: For the more unworthy you are, the more will Divine Grace abound and triumph in the free bestowment of Gospel-benefits upon you. And the more humbly sensible you are of your own Unworthiness, the more welcome you shall be to GospelGrace. O come then at the Master's Bidding; see that you refuse him not **Heb.12. 25.Heb 12:25. Come to the Well-head; Open your Mouth wide, and it shall be filled ‖‖Psal.81. 10.Ps 81:10: You shall be abundantly satisfy'd with the Fatness of p. 124his House and drink of the River of his pleasures ††Psal.36. 8.Ps 36:8. But if you reject his Invitation, and refuse to come, you will e'er long be parched up with a fiery Thirst, and perish with a burning Drought. O realise the absolute Necessary of your Coming to CHRIST, and get your Heart affected more and more with the sense hereof. Realise the utter Emptiness of the World, and Renounce all Creatures, as perishable Streams, s lying Vanities & Refuges of Deceit. Renounce every Lust, as an opposition to CHRIST; and disclame all Confidence in any supposed Righteousness of your own, as standing in Competition with CHRIST: and say with Ephraim **Hos.14 8.Hos 14:8, What have I any more to do with Idols? Let all the Disappointments you have hitherto met withall, when wandring from Mountain to Hill in pursuit of Happiness, help to drive you to CHRIST, and hasten your Flight to him for Satisfaction; who only can flake the Thirst of your longing Soul. Realise CHRIST's Ability & Willingness to do this: and Plead his Sufficiency. Go to his Throne of Grace; fall down at his Foot, and beseech his tender compassions, Come near to his Seat, & fill your Mouth with Arguments; Take to your self Words, and tell him, That your thirsty Soul is ready to faint & famish; and that you know not whither else to go but to him for Relief and Refreshment; that he is able, yea has offer'd to bestow the same upon you; and that this will be a glorious display of his sovereign Grace,—Thus plead his own Glory; plead his Promises; plead your own absolute Necessity: and Resign yourself to his Covenant-Mercy; begging that he would p. 125take Pity upon you, & make your perishing Soul an Instance of the glorious Triumphs of his Grace and saving Power.—Seek the LORD, & wait on him in the use of all proper Means, attending on all his holy Institutions, resolving to be found in the Way of his Blessing.—Wait patiently & perseveringly; keeping up your Appetite, and maintaining an humble Expectation: referring it to his infinite Wisdom to chuse his own Time & Way; but still resolving that you will expect all needfull & saving Communications from him, that you will follow him with your importunate Sollicitations and never give him any Rest, till he hath satisfy'd you with good Things; that (with Jacob) You will not let him go, except he bless you,—Let not any Delay of Divine Supplies discourage your Hopes. damp your Thirst, or check your Pursuits after them. But wait resolutely: Repair frequently to the Fountain of Grace; Come time after time, and trust in the LORD at all times: Pour out your Heart before him, continuing in Prayer without Ceasing; and in due season you shall receive, if you saint not.—Come with enlarged Desires for it is a full Fountain, over-flowing, & ever-flowing; it's Waters fail not, but an infinite Plenitude remains, tho' an innumerable Multitude have drank thereof & been satisfy'd. "Come away then to the Fountain, and drink your Fill of it ††See the late Rev. Mr. Willard's Fountain open'd page.43.. Come as you are however vile & unworthy,—for the Fountain is free. Come to have all your Wants supply'd here; for the Fountain is full. Come now, while it stands open, and is accessible. Come speedily, instantly: Defer not so important an Action one Moment p. 126longer. You have delay'd too long already; & have thereby grieved the Spirit of GOD, & wrong'd your own Soul. Notwithstanding, there is still Hope that you many speed, if you come to CHRIST … seek him with your whole Heart. Now is the accepted Time. But possibly, if your miss the present season, it may be afterwards too late. E'et long the streams of Ordinances may be dry'd up; and the Fountain shut up the Passage to it stop'd, and an unpassable Gulph fixed between that & you. Death may soon out you off, period all your Opportunities, and dash your Hopes in one Moment. You may die this Year, this Month, or Week; yet this Night thy Soul may be requir'd of thee: & then what will become of you if not found in CHRIST, the Fountain of Salvation! You may read your Doom in Prov.1. 24. &c. Because I have called, & ye refused, I also will length at your calamity, I will … when your Fear cometh. When your Fear cometh as a Desolation, and your Destruction cometh as a Whirlwind. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me. O tremble lest these Words of Terror be one day pronounced concerning you. Beware then of dangerous & sinfull Delays. If any man thirst, let him come to the Waters now, even now while it is called, To day. Make Haste; and what thou doest, do quickly. Rev. 22. 17. The Spirit and the bride say Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let … that is …thirst come: And whosoever will, let him take tho water of life freely.

p. 127The Duty OF THE GODLY Among a Professing People, TO BE Intercessors & Reformers, In a Day of the LORD'S Anger: Consider'd in a DISCOURSE on Jer.xviii.20. Now Published at the desire of many, who heard the Substance of it delivered in a SERMON, at the Weekly Lecture in Boston; Feb. 15. 1721. 2.

Neh. 2. 10.

When Sanballat & Tobiah the servant heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly, that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the Children of Israel.

Habak.3. 2, 16.

O LORD, I have heard thy Speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years; in wrath remember mercy—When I heard, I trembled in my self, that I might rest in the day of trouble.

Isai.20. 8. &c.

Now go, write it before them in a Table, and note it in a Book; that it may be for Time to come, &c.

Pr…fuit, qui profuit. Fugit hora: Ora, labora.