Christ'sSufferingsforMan'sSins

byRichardSibbes

About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eli, Eli, lamasabachthani?thatistosay,MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?—Matthew27:46.

THEdyingspeechesofmenofworth,aremostremarkable.Atthattimethey stir up all their spirits and abilities which remain, that they mayspeak with greatest advantage to the hearts of others, and leave thedeeperimpressionbehindthem.

ThesebesomeofthelastwordsofourblessedSaviour's,utteredfromthegreatest affection, with the greatest faith, and to the greatest purpose,that ever any words were spoken, and therefore deserve your bestattention.

InthisportionofScriptureyouhaveChrist'scompellation,MyGod;andhis complaint,Why hast thou forsakenme? 1. A compellation with aningeminationorreduplicationofthewords,MyGod,myGod,toshewthestrengthofhisaffectionanddesireofhelpatthistime.

2.A complaint byway of expostulation,Whyhast thou forsakenme? IwilldrawallthatIhavetosayintothesefourpropositions:

1.Christbeinginextremitywasforsaken.

2.Beingforsaken,hewasverysensibleof it;andfromsensiblenesscomplains,pouringouthissoulintothebosomofhisFather.

3.Andnotonlycomplains,butbelievescertainlythathisFatherwillhelphim.

4.And to strengthenhis faith themore, he puts it forth in prayer.Thefireoffaithinhisheartkindledintoaflameofprayer(andthat

notinanordinarymanner,butinstrongsupplications),hecriedout,'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?' To come to theparticulars.

Obs.1.Christwasforsaken.

Iwillbrieflytouchuponsomecircumstances,andthenfalluponthepointitself,as,

1.Thetimewhereinhewasforsaken—atimeofdarkness(thesixthhour),inwhich therewasadarknessover thewhole earth, and in the landofJudea especially. Neither had he darkness without only, but withinlikewise.HissoulwastroubledfromasenseofhisFather'sdispleasure,Mat. 26:38. Two eclipses seized upon him together,—the one of theglorious light of the sun, the other of the light of his Father'scountenance. He must needs be in a disconsolate estate, and doublymiserable, that is encompassed with such darkness. Whatsoever wasdone to Christ our surety, shall be done to all that are out of him.Blacknessofdarknessisreservedforthem.AsChristwantedthecomfortoflightfromheaven,sothosethatareoutofChristshallhavenocomfortfromanycreatureatthelast:thesunshallnotshineuponthem,theearthshall not bear them, they shall not have a drop of water to cool theirtongues.TheywereformerlyrebelsagainstGod,andnoweverycreatureisreadytoservetheLordagainstthem.Whenthekingisdispleasedwithaman,whichofhisservantsdaretocountenancehim?

This darkness being in Judea, did likewise portend the miserablecondition of the Jews here, and that eternal darkness in the world tocome,whichshouldbetheirportioniftheyrepentednot.

2. Another circumstance may be this, God was a great while ere heremoved his heavy displeasure from Christ. He was three hours intorment;andthoughGoddelayedhimlong,yethesaidnothingtillnowbywayofcomplaint.Weshouldbewareofdarknessofspirit introuble.Godmaydelayhelptohisdearestchildren,asherehedidtohisonlySon,toperfecttheworkofsanctificationinthem.Therefore,submittohiswill,restcontentedwithwhateverhesends,looktothyHeadandSaviour,&c.Butofthismoreanon.

3.Hisgreatestgriefandconflictsweretowardshislatterend,towardstheshutting up and close of his life. Though a little after he saith, 'All isfinished,'yetnowhecriesout,'MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?'Afflictionsaresharpesttowardourends.Ispeakthisforpreventionof discomfort in those that find extremities upon them.Whenmiseriesare extreme, help is nearest. They will either mend or end then. Thedarknessisthickestalittlebeforethemorningappears;andSatanragedmostalittlebeforehiscastingdown.

As also to prevent security from seizing upon people. Take heed ofdeferring repentance till thy last hours; there may be a confluence ofmany extremities then upon thee, pains of body, terrors of conscience,Satan'stemptations,God'swrath,&c.Whenallthesemeettogether,andthepoorsoul,initsbeststrength,findsenoughtodotoconflictwithanyoneofthem,whatanunhappyconditionwillthatbe!Oh,putnotoffyourrepentancetothistime.ButIpassthesecircumstances,andcometothepointofforsakingitself.

IntheunfoldingwhereofIwillshew,

1.InwhatsenseChristwasforsaken.

2.Inwhatpartshewasforsaken.

3.Uponwhatground.And,

4.TowhatendallthisforsakingofChristwas.

Forthefirst,forsakingisnothingelsebutwhenGodleavesthecreaturetoitself,either inregardofcomfortorofgraceandassistance. Iwill shewyouhowChristwasleftofhisFather,andhowhewasnotleft.

(1.)HowChristwasnotforsaken.HewasnotforsakeninregardofGod'slove,for'MyFatherlovethme,'saithhe,John3:35,'becauseIgivemylifefor my sheep,' John 10:11. God never loved Christ more than now,becausehewasnevermoreobedientthanatthispresent.

(2.) Nor in regard of union, for there was no separation of his divinenaturefromthehuman.Therewasasuspensionofvision,indeed;hesaw

no comfort for the present from God, but there was no dissolution ofunion; for thedivinenaturedidmany things in this seeming forsaking.Thatwas itwhichsupportedhishumannaturetosustaintheburdenofour sin and the wrath of God, as also that gave merit and worth ofsatisfactiontohissufferings.

(3.)Neitherwas this forsaking inregardofgrace,as if faith,or love,oranyothergrace,weretakenfromChrist.Oh,no; forhebelieved,beforehesaid, 'MyGod,myGod.'Wouldhehavecommittedhisdearest jewelintothehandsofGodifhehadnotbelievedinhim?

Quest.How,then,wasChristforsaken?

Ans.1.Inregardofhispresentcomfortandjoy.Hecouldnotelsehavebeenasacrifice; foraswecannotsufferbywayofconformity toChrist,unlesstherebesomedesertion, thatwemayknowthebitternessofsin,nomorecouldChristhavesufferedforouriniquitieshadtherenotbeenasuspensionoflightandcomfortfromhisgracioussoul.

2. He was not only privatively deprived of all joy and happiness, butpositively he felt the wrath and fury of the Almighty, whose justdispleasure seized upon his soul for sin, as our surety. All outwardcomforts likewise forsook him. The sunwithdrewhis light from above,and everything belowwas irksome to him.He suffered in all the goodthingshehad,body,soul,goodname,inhiseyes,ears,hands,&c.Hewasreproached, and forsaken of all comforts about him. He had not thecommoncomfortofaman inmisery,pity;none tookcompassionuponhim;hewastheveryobjectofscorn.

Quest.ButinwhatpartwasChristforsaken?

Ans.Inall,bothinbodyandsoultoo,asmayplainlyappear.

(1.)First,becausehewasoursurety,andwehadstainedoursouls,andbodiestoo,offendingGodinboth(butinsoulespecially,becausethatisthecontriverofallsin,thebodybeingbuttheinstrument).Somesinswecallspiritualsins,aspride,malice,infidelity,andthelike;thesetouchnotthebody,yetarethegreatestsinsofallother.

(2.) Secondly, if he had not suffered in his soul the sense of God'sdispleasure why should he thus cry out, whenas the poor thieves thatsufferedbyhimmadeno such exclamation? If hehad suffered inbodyonly,thesufferingsofPaulandMoseshadbeenmore,fortheywishedtobe separated from the joys of heaven out of a desire to promoteGod'sgloryonearth.Thereforeitwas,hesaithinthegarden,'Mysoulisheavyuntodeath,'Mat.26:38.

Obj.SomewillgrantthatChristsufferedinsoul,but,saythey,itwasbywayofsympathy,fortherearesufferingsofsoulimmediatelyfromGod,andsufferingsbywayofsympathyandagreementwiththebody,whenasthe soul hath a fellow-feeling of the torments thereof; and so Christsufferedinsoulindeed.

Ans.Thatisnotall,beloved,buttherewereimmediatesufferings,evenofhissoulalso,whichhegroanedunder.GodtheFatherlaidaheavystrokeupon that.Hewas smitten of the Lord, Isa. 53:4; andwhenGod dealsimmediatelywiththesoulhimself,andfillsitwithhiswrath,nocreaturein theworld is able to undergo the same.None can inflict punishmentupon the soul but God only. Satan may urge and press arguments ofdiscouragement,andaffrightuswithGod'sdispleasure;buttheinflictingofangeruponthesoulissuesimmediatelyfromthehandoftheAlmighty.Wemust here, therefore, considerGod as a righteous Judge, sitting inheaveninhisjudgment-seat,takingthepunishmentofthesinsofallhispeopleuponChrist.Therewas ameeting together of all the sins of thefaithful,fromAdamtothelastmanthatshallbeintheworld,asitwere,inonepointuponhim,andthepunishmentofall thesewas laidonhisblessedshoulders,whosufferedfortheminbothbodyandsoul.

3. Conclusion. But how could Christ be forsaken of God, especially soforsakenastosuffertheangerofhisfather,beinganinnocentperson?

Ans.1.Ianswer, first, thePaschal lambwasaninnocentcreature,yet ifthe Paschal lamb be once made a sacrifice, it must be killed. ThoughChristwereneversounblameable,yet, ifhewillstoopto theofficeofasurety,hemustpayourdebt,anddothatwhichweshouldhavedone.Ifaprince's son become a surety, though his father love him and pity himneversomuch,yethewill say,Nowyouhave taken thisuponyou,you

mustdischargeit.

2.Secondly,asinnaturalthingstheheadispunishedforthefaultofthebody,soChrist,bycommunicatinghisblessednaturewithours,madeuponemysticalbody,andsufferedforus.

Quest.ButuponwhatgroundshouldChristbecomeoursurety?

Ans. 1.Becausehewas able todischargeourdebt to theuttermost.Hewas more eminent than all mankind, having two natures in one, themanhoodknittotheGodhead.

2.Christmostwillinglygavehimselfasacrificeforus.

3.Hewasdesignedandpredestinatedtothisoffice,yea,hewasanointed,set out, and sealed for this business by God himself; and is not thissufficient ground why he should become our surety? especially if weconsider,

4.ThatChristtookthecommunionofournatureuponhimforthisveryend,thathemightbeafullsurety,thathisrighteousnessbeingderivedtous,andourguilttohim,God'swrathmightbesatisfiedintheself-samenature that offended. You see in societies and cities, if some peopleoffend,thewholecityisoftentimespunished.Thoughperhapsmanyareguiltless in it, yet by reason of the communion, all are punished. Solikewise a traitor's son, thatneverhadanyhand inhis father's sin, butbehavedhimselfasanhonestsubjectshoulddo,yet,havingcommunionwith thepersonofhis father,being indeedapieceofhim, is thereuponjustlydisinheritedbyalllaw.

Obj. But how could Christ take our sins upon him and not be defiledtherewith?

Quest.He tooknot the stain of our sins, but the guilt of them.Now inguiltthereistwothings.

1.Aworthinessanddesertofpunishment.

2.Anobligationandbindingoverthereunto.

Christ took not the desert of punishment upon him, from any fault inhimself;hetookwhatsoeverwaspenaluponhim,butnotculpable.Ashewasoursurety,soheeverywaydischargedourdebt,beingboundovertoalljudgmentsandpunishmentsforus.

NowweoweuntoGodadoubledebt.

1.Adebtofobedience;andifthatfail,

2.Adebtofpunishment.

AndboththesehathChristfreedusfrom:first,byobeyingthewillofhisFather ineverything;and,secondly,bysufferingwhatsoeverwasduetousforourtransgressions.

Some heretics that would shake the foundation of our faith, will grantChristtobeaMediatorto intercedeforus,andaRedeemertosetusatlibertyfromslavery,&c.,butnottobeasuretytopayourdebt,bywayofsatisfactiontoGodforus.

Letsuchremember,thatGod'spleasuretoredeemlostmankind,isnotsomuchbywayofpowerandstrength,asbywayofjustice,andthereforeitis said, Heb. 7:22, 'Christ is become our surety;' and Paul, when hebecameamediatortoPhilemonforOnesimus,afugitiveservant,diditbywayofsurety,'IfheowetheeanythingIwilldischargeit,'Philem.18;andChristJesusourMediatorblessed forever, so intercedethuntoGod forus,asthathefullysatisfieshisjusticeforouroffences.

Quest.ButwhywasChristthusforsakenofhisFather?

Ans. 1. To satisfy God for our forsaking of him. Christ's forsaking wassatisfactoryforallourforsakingsofGod.Beloved,weallforsookGodinAdam,and indeedwhatdoweelse ineverysinwecommit,but forsakethe Lord, and turn to the creature? what are all our sins of pleasure,profit, ambition, and the like, but a leaving of the fountain of livingwaters,tofetchcontentmentfrom'brokencisterns,'Jer.2:13.

2.ButChristwaschieflyforsaken,thathemightbringushomeagaintoGod, that there might be no more a separation betwixt his blessed

Majestyandus.

Someshallowhereticsthereare,thatwouldhaveChristtobeanexampleofpatienceandholiness inhis life anddeath, anddousgood thatwayonly.

Oh no, beloved, themain comfort we receive from Christ is by way ofsatisfaction.Theremustbefirstgrace,andthenpeaceinouragreementwithGod.Sweetly, saithBernard, Idesire indeed to followChristasanexampleofhumility,patience,self-denial,&c.,andto lovehimwiththesame affection that he hath lovedme; but Imust eat of the Passover-Lamb, that is, Imust chiefly feedonChristdying formysins.Soeverytrue Christian soul desires to follow Christ's obedience, humility,patience, &c., and to be transformed into the likeness of his blessedSaviour.WhomshouldIdesiretobelikemorethanhim,thathathdonesomuch forme?But yet themain comfort I receive fromChrist, is byeating his body and drinking his blood;my soul feeds and feasts itselfmostofalluponthedeathofChrist,assatisfyingformysins.AndwhatacomfortisitthatChristbeingoursurety,hathmadefullsatisfactionforall our sins. Surely* we shall never be finally and wholly forsaken,becauseChristwas forsaken for us.Nowwemay think ofGodwithoutdiscomfort,andofsinwithoutdespair.Nowwemaythinkof the lawofdeath, the curseandall, andneverbe terrified—why?Christour suretyhathgivenfullcontentofdivinejusticeforwrathandlaw,sinandcurse,&c. They are all links of one chain, andChrist hath dissolved themall.Nowsinceaseth,wrathceaseth,thelawhathnothingtolaytoourcharge;death's sting is pulled out.How comfortably, therefore,maywe appearbeforeGod's tribunal!Oh, beloved,when the soul is brought as low ashell almost, then this consideration will be sweet, that Christ wasforsakenasasuretyforme;Christovercamesin,death,God'swrath,andallforme;inhimItriumphoverallthese.Whatwelcomenewsisthistoadistressedsinner!Wheneverthysoulistrulyhumbledinthesenseofsin,looknotatsin inthyconscience(thyconscience isabedforanothertolodgein),butatChrist.Ifthoubeabroken-heartedsinner,seethysinsinChristthySaviourtakenaway;seewhathehathenduredandsufferedforthem;seenotthelawinthyconscience,butseeitdischargedbyChrist;seedeathdisarmedthroughhim,andmadeanentranceintoabetterlife

forthee.Whatsoeverisill,seeitinChristbeforethouseestitinthyself;and when thou beholdest it there, see not only the hurt thereof takenaway,butallgoodmadeovertothee;for'allthingsworktogetherforthebesttothemthatloveGod,'Rom.8:28.Thedevilhimself,death,sin,andwrath,allhelpthemain;thepoisonandmischiefofallistakenawaybyChrist,andallgoodconveyedtousinhim.Wehavegraceanswerabletohis grace. He is the first seat of God's love, and it sweetens whatevermercyweenjoy,thatitcomesfromthefountain,Godthefather,throughChristuntous. Ibeseechyouembrace the comfort that theHolyGhostaffordsusfromthesesweetconsiderations.

Again, in that Christ was forsaken; and not only so, but endured thedispleasure and immediate wrath of God, seizing upon his soul, andfillinghisheartwithanguishatthistime,wemaylearnhence.

Howtodiscerntheuglinessofsin.1.Inwhatglasstolookupontheuglything, sin, tomake itmoreuglyuntous.Beloved, ifwewould conceivearight of sin, let us see it in the angels tumbled out of heaven, andreserved in chains of darkness for offendingGod, Jude 6; see it in thecastingofAdamoutofparadise,Gen.3:23,24,andallusinhim;seeitinthedestructionoftheoldworld,andtheJewscarriedtocaptivity,inthegeneral destruction of Jerusalem, &c. But if you would indeed see themost ugly colours of sin, then see it in Christ upon the cross, see howmany sighs and groans it cost him, how bitter a thing it was to hisrighteoussoul,forcinghimtoweeptearsofblood,andsendforthstrongcriestohisFather,'MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?'IfsinbutimputedtoChristoursurety,soaffectedhimthatwasGod-man,andlaysoheavyuponhissoul,whatwillitdotothosethatarenotinChrist?Certainly, the wrath of God must needs burn to hell; he will be a'consuming fire,'Heb.12:29, toall such.Seesin thereforechiefly in thedeath of Christ.Howodious it is toGod, that it could be no otherwisepurged away than by the death of his beloved Son. All the angels inheaven,andallthecreaturesintheworldcouldnotsatisfydivinejusticefor the least sin. If all the agonies of all creatureswere put into one, itwerenothing toChrist'sagony; ifall their sufferingswereput intoone,theycouldnotmakesatisfactiontodivinejusticefortheleastsin.Sinisanothermannerofmatterthanwetakeittobe.SeetheattributesofGod,

hisangeragainstit,hisjusticeandholiness,&c.Beloved,menforgetthis.They think God is angry against sin indeed, but yet his justice is soonsatisfied in Christ. Oh, we must think of the Almighty as a holy God,separatedfromallstainandpollutionofsinwhatsoever,andsoholythathe enforced a separation of his favour from Christ, for becoming oursurety, andChrist underwent a separation fromhis Father, because heundertookforus.SoodiousissintotheholynatureofGod,thathelefthisSonwhilehestruggledwithhiswrathforit;andsoodiouswassintotheholynatureofChrist, thathebecame thus a sacrifice for the same.Andsoodiousaretheremaindersofsinintheheartsofthesaints,thatallthatbelongtoGodhavetheSpiritofChrist,whichisasfiretoconsumeandwastetheoldAdambylittleandlittleoutofthem.'Nouncleanthingmustenterintoheaven,'Rev.21:27.ThosethatarenotinChristbyfaith,that have not a shelter in him, must suffer for their transgressionseternally, 'Depart,yecursed, intoeverlastingfire,'Mat.25:41;soholy isGodthathecanhavenosocietyandfellowshipwithsinners.

DoyouwonderwhyGodsomuchhatessin,thatmensolittleregard,notonlythelewdsortoftheworld,butcommondead-heartedpersons,thatset so little by it, that they regard not spiritual sins at all, especiallyhatred, malice, pride, &c., clothing themselves with these things as acomelygarment?CertainlyyouwouldnotwonderthatGodhatessin, ifyoudidbutconsiderhowsinhatesGod?WhatissinbutasettingofitselfinGod'sroom,asettingthedevilinGod'splace?forwhenwesinweleaveGod,andsetupthecreature,andbyconsequenceSatan,thatbringsthetemptationtous;settinghiminourheartsbeforeGod.Beloved,God isvery jealous,andcannotendure that filthy thingsin, tobe inhis room.SinissuchathingasdesirestotakeawayGodhimself.Askasinnerwhenheisabouttosin,CouldyounotwishthattherewerenoGodatall,thattherewerenoeyeofheaventotakevengeanceonyou?Ohaye,withallmyheart.AndcanyouthenwonderthatGodhatessinso,whenithateshimso, as towish thenotbeingofGod?Ohmarvelnot at it, buthavesuchconceitsof sinasGodhadwhenhegavehisSon todie for it,andsuchasChristhad,wheninthesenseofhisFather'sangerhecriedthus,'MyGod,myGod,'&c.

The deeper our thoughts are of the odiousness of sin, the deeper our

comfortandjoyinChristwillbeafter;thereforeIbeseechyouworkyourheartstoaseriousconsiderationwhatthatsinisthatwecherishsomuch,andwillnotbereprovedfor,andwhichweleaveGodandheaven,andalltoembrace;conceiveofitasGoddoth,thatmustbeaJudge,andwillonedaycallustoastrictaccountforthesame.

IfChristcriedoutthus,'MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?'asbeingoursuretyforoursins,wemayseewhattoconceiveofsin,andofGodthebetter.

ButaboveallthingsIdesireyoutoseeofteninthisglass,inthisbookofChristcrucified(it isanexcellentbooktostudy), themercyofGodandthe love of Christ, the height, and depth, and breadth of God's love inJesusChrist,whichhathnodimensions.What setGodonwork toplotthis excellentworkofour salvationand redemptionby sucha surety,—was itnotmercy?Didnot thatawakenwisdom to reconcile justiceandmercyto*Christ?ButwhatstirredupthiswisdomofGod?Oh,bowelsofcompassiontoman!Hewouldnothavemanperish,whentheangelsdid,withoutremedy.

Therefore let us desire to be inflamed with the love of God, that hathloved us so much. All the favours of God in Christ tend, next aftersatisfactiontojustice,toinflameourheartstolovehimagain.Whereforeelse are the favours of creation and providence? How sweet is God inprovidingforourbodies,givingusnotonlyfornecessity,butabundance,withholdingnocomfortthatisgoodforus,&c.

Butchieflyinhismasterpiece,Godwouldhaveusapprehendthegreatestlove of all other, because therehehath set himself to glorify hismercymorethananythingelse!Thereforewemaywellcrywiththeapostle,'Ohtheheightofhis love,'&c.,Ephes.3:18.Ibeseechyoufixyourthoughtsonthis,thinknotnowandthenslightlyofit,butdwellonthemeditationof the infinite love of God in Christ, till your hearts be enlarged andwarmedandinflamedwiththeconsiderationthereof;andthenlovewillsetyouforwardtoallgoodworks.Whatneedwebidyoubeliberaltothepoor, to be good subjects, just in your dealings, &c.? All this may bespared when there is a loving heart. And when shall we have lovinghearts? When they are kindled and fired at God's fire; when they are

persuadedofGod'slove,thentheapprehensionofhislovewillbreedlovein our hearts again; and that is the reasonwhy the apostles are not sopunctualasheathenauthorsinparticularitiesofduties.Theyforceuponmen especially the love of God, and the ground-points of religion, asknowingwhentheheartisseasonedwiththatonce,itisreadypreparedto every good duty. Think seriously of this, 'The love of Christconstrainethme,'2Cor.5:14.Thereisaholyviolenceinlove;thereisaspiritualkindoftyrannyandprevailinginthisgrace.

OnethingfurtherwemaylearnfromthisforsakingofChrist,viz.,that,

ItisnostrangethingforGod'sdearchildrentobeforsaken.

To have the apprehension of their sins, and the wrath of God, to beforsaken, inregardof senseofall comfort,dowenotsee itdone in thenaturalSon?andshallwewonderthatitisdoneintheadoptedsons?Weseethisforsakingwasinthenaturalbranch,andshallwewonderthatitisdoneinthegraftedbranches?Itwasdonetothegreentree,andshallwewonderifitbedoneinthedry?No,certainly.

Thewholechurchcomplains,Ps.69:21;ofdrinkinggallandworm-wood,Ezek. 36:3; thatGodwas hid in a cloud, Lam. 3:15, &c. Both the headcomplains,andthebodytoo,asweseeinDavid,Job,andothersaints;sothatthereisakindofdesertionandforsakingthatthechildofGodmustundergo.

Quest.Whatisthegroundandendofit?

Ans.1.First,God'sprerogativeissuch,thatsometimeswhenthereisnogreatsintoprovokehimtowithdrawcomfort,yetwillheleaveholymentothemselves,toshewthathewilldoaspleasethhim.

2.Anothergroundis,ourownestateandcondition.WearehereabsentfromtheLord,strangersonearth.Nowwewouldtakeourpilgrimageforourcountry,ifwehadalwayscomfortandnewsuppliesofjoy.

3.Again,ourdispositionistolivebysensemorethanbyfaith.Weareaschildren in this.WewouldhaveGodeversmileuponus, thatwemight

walkinabundanceofcomfort;andIcannotblameChristiansfordesiringit,iftheydesiretheworkofgraceinthefirstplace;iftheydesiretheworkofGodinthem,ratherthantheshiningofcomfortbytheSpirit,forthatis the best work. Now because Christians desire rather to live by sightthan by faith, wherein they might honour God more, he leaves themofttimes.Sightisreservedforanotherworld,forthechurchtriumphant.Thereweshallhavesightenough;weshallseeGodfacetoface.

4. Sometimes God's children are negligent, and keep not a holy watchover their souls; they cleave to the creature too much, and then nowonder thoughGod forsake them, since theywill have stolenwatersoftheirown,andfetchcomfortelsewhere.

5.Butonemaingroundis,conformitytoChrist.Hesufferedforoursins,and God will conform the members in some measure to their head.ThoughChristdrankthecupofGod'swrathtothebottom,yetwemustsip and taste a little, thatwemay knowhowmuchwe are beholden toChrist; and there are few that come toheaven, few that trulybelong toGod,buttheyknowwhatsinis,andwhatthewrathofGodis,firstorlast.ThewrathofGodisthebestcorrosiveintheworldtoeatoutsin.Alittleanger of God felt in the conscience will make a man hate pride andmalice,andallsinwhatsoever.

Quest.ButforwhatenddothGodleavehischildren,ashedidhereourblessedSaviour?

Ans.1.Inregardofhimself.

2.Inregardofhischildren.

1. In regardofhimself,he leaves themthathemaycomfort themmoreafterwards;thathemaybringmorelovewithhim;andthattheymaylovehimmore than before. There will, after a little forsaking, be a mutualreflection of love between God and a Christian. God delights to shewhimselfmore abundantly after a little forsaking, and the soul enlargethitselfafterithathwantedtheloveofGod;forwantenlargeththecapacityofthesoul,andwantmakesitstretchitselftoreceivemorecomfortwhenitcomes.Goddoththisfortheincreaseofhislovetous,andofourlove

to him again. He both draws nigh to us, and goes away, in regard offeelingforourgood.

2.Thatwemaybemorewatchfuloverourhearts for the time tocome;thattheremaybeamoreperfectdivorceandseparationwroughtinustothecreatures.Ouradulterousheartshave'stolendelights'thatGodlikesnot; and, therefore, when we have smarted for it in the anger anddispleasure of God, a divorce will be wrought. It is hard to work aseparation fromsin, sinand thesoulbeingsonearly invested together;yetGodthereforeusesthiswayofspiritualdesertiontoeffectthesame.

3.LikewisetomakeaChristiansoulransackandsearchthegroundofallthecomfortsthatarelefthimbyGod.ItwillmakehimrifleandsearchalltheScriptures.Isthereanycomfortforme,poorwretch,thatamtroubledwithsin?ItwillmakehimsearchtheexperienceofotherChristians.Haveyouanywordofcomfortforme?Itwillmakehimregardagraciousmanas'oneofathousand.'Itwillmakehimstretchhisheartinallthedegreesofgrace.HaveIanyevidencethatIamthechildofGod,andnotacast-away?Itwillmakehimsearchhisheartinregardofcorruption.IsthereanysinthatIamnotwillingtopartwith?&c.Beloved,Godmanytimesleavesus;andnotonlyleavesus,butmakesournakedconsciencesmartforsin.Oh!thisisaquickeningthing!AchildofGodthatisoftherightstampwillnotenduretobeunderGod'swrathlong.Oh, it isbitter!Heknowswhat it is to enjoy communionwithGod.Hewill not endure it.Therefore,itstirshimuptoallmannerofdiligencewhatsoever.

Quest.But is therenodifferencebetweenChrist's sufferingsandsmart,forsinandours?

Ans. Yes (1), the sufferings of Christ came from the vindictive* andrevenging†handofGod,asajustJudge;butoursproceedfromhimasalovingFather;forGod,whenweareinChrist,ischanged.Helayethasidethe person of a Judge.Having received full satisfaction in Christ, he isnowintherelationofasweetFathertous.

(2.)Again,thereisdifferenceinthemeasure.Wetakebutatasteofthecup,sweetenedwithsomecomfortandmoderated;butChristdrankdeepofthesame.

(3.) In the end and use. The sufferings and forsaking of Christ weresatisfactorytodivinejustice;butoursarenotso,butonlymedicinal.Thenatureofthemisquitechanged.Theyarenotforsatisfaction;forthenweshoulddie eternally; disable the satisfactionofChrist.They are crossesindeed,butnotcurses.Whatsoeverwesuffer insoulorbody isacross,but not a curse unto us; because the sting is pulled out. They are allmedicinalcurestofitusforheaven.Whatsoeverwesufferinourinwardoroutwardman,preparesus forglory,bymortifying theremaindersofcorruptions,andfittingusforthatblessedestate.

(4.)All othermen's deaths are for themselves.AsLeo saith, Singula insingulis (a); they are single deaths for single men. But it is otherwisehere;forallthechildrenofGodwereforsakenintheirhead,crucifiedintheir head, and died in Christ their head. Christ's death was a publicsatisfaction.Nomandiethforanother,letthepapistssaywhattheywill;onlyChristdiedforall,andsufferedforhiswholebody.Andthusmuchofthefirstgeneral,thatChristwasforsaken.

2.Thesecondisthis,Christwasverysensibleofit,eventocomplaintandexpostulation,MyGod,MyGod,&c.WhyshoulditbethusbetweentheFatherandtheSon?betweensuchaFatherandsuchaSon,akind,lovingFather to his natural, obedient, and only Son? The word is strong,beloved,hewasnotonlyforsaken,butexposedtodanger,andleft in it,beingverysensibleofthesame.Everywordhereexpressethsomebowels.Hedothnotsay,theJewshaveforsakenme;ormybeloveddisciplesandapostles that Imademuchofhave forsakenme,orPilatewouldnotdotheduty of a true judge;my feet arepierced,myhead iswounded,mybodyisracked,hangingonthecross,&c.;hecomplainsofnoneofthese,thoughtheywere things tobecomplainedof,andwouldhavesunkanycreature to have felt that in his body that he did, but that whichwentnearest to him, was this, 'Oh, my God, why hast thou forsakenme?' Istandnotuponothersforsaking,butwhyhastthouforsakenme?Istandmoreuponthyforsakingthantheforsakingofallothers.Christwasverysensibleofthis;itwenttohisveryheart.

ButwhatspecialreasonwastherethatChristshouldtakethissodeeply?

1.Firstof all, because the lovingkindnessof theLord isbetter than life

itself,asDavidthetypeofChristwellsaid,Ps.13:3;theforsakingofGodbeing indeedworse than death. The lovingkindness of the Lord is thatthatsweetenethalldiscomforts in theworld; thewantof thatembittersallcomfortstous.Ifwebecondemnedtraitors,whatwillallcomfortsdotoacondemnedman?ThewantofGod'sloveembittersallgood,andthepresencethereofsweetenethallill;death,imprisonment,andallcrosseswhatsoever.ThereforeChristhavingasanctifiedjudgment,inthehighestdegree,judgeththelossofthistobetheworstthing.

2.ThesweeterthecommunioniswithGodthefountainofgood,themoreintolerable and unsufferable is the separation from him; but none hadever so near and sweet a communionwithGod asChrist ourMediatorhad,forhewasbothGodandmaninoneperson,thebelovedSonofhisFather.Nowthecommunionbeforebeingsonearandsosweetuntohim,a littlewantof thesamemustneedsbeunsufferable.Things thenearerthey are, themore difficult the separation will be; as when the skin isseveredfromtheflesh,andthefleshfromthebones,oh,itisirksometonature;muchmorewasChrist'sseparationfromthesenseofhisFather'slove. Those that love, livemore in the party loved, than in themselves.ChristwasinlovewiththepersonofhisFather,andlivedinhim.Nowtowantthesenseofhis love,consideringthat lovedesiresnothingbutthereturnofloveagain,itmustneedsbedeathuntohim.

3.AnothergroundthatChristwasthussensible,was,becausehewasbestable to apprehend theworthof communionwithGod, andbest able toapprehendwhat theangerofGodwas.Hehada large judgment,andamorecapacioussoulthananyother;thereforebeingfilledwiththewrathof God, he was able to holdmore wrath than anyman else. He coulddeepestapprehendwrath,thathadsodeepatasteoflovebefore.

4.Again,inregardofhisbody:thegriefofChrist,bothinbodyandsoul,wasthegreatestthateverwas,forhewasinthestrengthofhisyears;hehadnot dulledhis spiritswith intemperancy; hewas quick and able toapprehendpain,beingofanexcellenttemperature.

Use.Was Christ so exceeding sensible of thewant of his Father's love,though it were but a while? I beseech you then, let us have mercifulconsiderations of those that suffer in conscience, and are troubled in

mind.Oh,itisanothermannerofmatterthantheworldtakesitfor!ItisnoeasythingtoconflictwithGod'sanger,thoughbutalittle.ItwasthefaultofJob'sfriends;theyshouldhavejudgedcharitablyofhim,buttheydid not. Take heed, therefore, ofmaking desperate conclusions againstourselvesorother,whenthearrowsoftheAlmightystickinus,whenwesmartandshewourdistemper intheapprehensionof theterrorsof theLordseizinguponoursouls.Godisaboutagraciousworkallthiswhile;themore sensiblemen are of the anger ofGod, themore sensible theywillbeofthereturnofhisfavouragain.

Therearesome insensible, stupidcreatures, thatareneithersensibleoftheafflictionstheysufferinbody,norofthemanifestationofGod'sangerontheirsoul.Notwithstanding,hefollowsthemwithhiscorrections,yettheyareasdeadflesh,unmoveable;therefore,'WhyshouldIsmitethemanylonger,'&c.,Isa.1:5,saithGod.

Thiscomesfromthreegrounds:

(1.) Frompride,whenmen think it a shame for suchRoman spirits astheyaretostoop.

(2.) Or from hypocrisy, when they will not discover their grief, thoughtheirconsciencebeoutoftune.

(3.)Orelseoutof stupidblockishness,which isworstof all,when theyare not affectedwith the signs ofGod'swrath. It is a good thing to beaffectedwiththeleasttokenofGod'sdispleasure,whenwecangatherbygoodevidencethatGodhathaquarrelagainstus.YouseehowsensibleChristwas,andsowill itbewithus ifwegetnot intohimbetimes;weshallbesensibleofsinonedaywhetherwewillorno;conscienceisnotputinusfornought.Youmaystupifyandstiflethemouthofconsciencewiththisorthattricknow,butitwillnotbesoforever;itwilldischargeitsoffice,andlaybitterthingstoourcharge,andstareinourfaces,anddriveustodespaironeday.Sinisanothermatterwhenit isrevealedtoconscience thanwe take it,howsoeverwegoblockishlyandstupidlyonnow. It is sweet in the temptation and allurement, but it hath an illfarewellandsting.Ifwecouldjudgeofsinasweshalldowhenitispast,especiallywhenwecometoourreckoningatthehourofdeath,andatthe

dayofjudgment,thenwewouldbeofanothermind;thenwewouldsaythatallsinners,astheScripturetermsthem, 'arefools,'Ps.94:8.Buttogoon.

Christ we see expresseth his sensibleness by complaint; 'My God, myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?'

Caution.Heresomecautionsmustberenderedthatwedonotmistake.

ChristcomplainsnotofGodbuttoGod.

Obj.WasChristignorantofthecauseofGod'sforsakinghim?

Ans.No,heknewthecause,forhissufferingswereintolerable;buttakingournatureuponhim,he takes our speech also, and expressethhimselfliketoamiserableman;havingthegreatestafflictionthateverwasuponacreature.ThedivinenatureofChriststoppedtheexcessofanypassion;hewasturbatedbutnotperturbated;hewasmovedwiththesinsofmen,butnot removed;hewasaswater inaclearglass.There isnothingbutwaterthoughyoustiritneversomuch:ifthereweremudinit,itwouldsoonbeunclean.Wecannotstirouraffectionsandcomplainbutwithatinctureofsin.ItwasnotsowithChrist.Heknewwhentoraiseandwhento allay his affections; and though there were much nature in theseaffections, a natural shunning of grief, and a natural desire of God'spresence;yetherewasgrace todirectandsanctify thesame; fornaturesometimes carries gracewith a strongerwind,more fullywhen theygobothinonecurrent,ashere.ItwasgracetohavetheloveofGod,yea,itwasdeath tobewithout it, and itwas sinlessnature todesire ease; forwithoutsinnaturemaydesireease, so itbewithsubmissionof itself toGod. For the soul may have divers desires as there are divers objectspresented to it.When the soul apprehends release and ease, it rejoicesandisglad;butwhenuponhigherconsiderationsandbetterendsthereispain presented to the soul to do it good, the soulmay desire that, andupondeliberationchoosethatitrefusedbefore.Amanmayhavehishandcutoff,andcasthiswaresintothesea,thathewouldnotwillinglydo,yetwhenupondeliberationheconsiders,Ishallsavemylifebyit,hewilldoit.SoChristbyanaturaldesire,withoutsin,mightdesirereleaseofpain,butwhenitwaspresentedtohim,whatshallbecomeofthesalvationof

men and obedience to God then? Upon these considerations, thatrespected higher ends, there might be another choice; so in thingssubordinateonetoanother,onethingmaycrossanother,andyetallbegoodtoo.

But you must know this likewise, that forsaking and to be sensible offorsaking,isnosin,especiallywhenitisnotcontractedbyanysinofours.Itisasuffering,butnotasin;andtobesensibleofitisnosin.Itisrathera sin to be otherwise affected.God allows those affections that hehathplanted in us: he hath planted fear and sorrow in presenting dolorousobjects.Ifamandonotsorrowinobjectsofsorrow,heisnotamanafterGod'smaking.Godallowsgriefandfearinafflictionsandtrouble,alwaysremembering it be with submission to him, 'Not as I will, but as thouwilt,'Matt.26:30.

Again, consider Christ was now in a conflicting condition betweendoubtinganddespair,thepowersofhellbeingroundabouthim.Satanashewasbusyabouthimattheentranceintohisoffice,Mat.4:1–11,sohewasnowvexinghisrighteoussoulwithtemptations, 'Godhathforsakenthee,'andthisandthat.WeknownotthemaliceofSatanatsuchatime;but certainly the powers of hell were all let loose then upon him. Thetruth is, God had a purpose to finish his sufferings presently upon hiscomplaint,andbecausehewillhaveusallreceivewhatwereceive,evenChrist himself, by prayer and opening our desires to him, God suffersChrist to complain, and pour out his supplication into his bosom, thatpresently after, he might be released of all, seeing he had now fullysatisfiedforthesinsofman.

Use.Theuseof it inaword is this,ThatGodhaving stoopedso low topoor creatures, to be a father and a friend to them, will suffer themfamiliarly(asthereisagreatdealoffamiliarityinthespiritofadoption),yetreverently,tolayopentheirgriefsintohisbosom,andreasonthecasewithhisMajesty,withoutsin,Why,Lord,amIthusforsaken?whatisthematter? where are the sounding of thy bowels? where are thy formermercies?&c. There is another kind of familiarity betweenGod and hischildrenthantheworldtakesnoticeof;yetwithalremember,theyarenotmurmuring complaints, but seasoned with faith and love, as here, myGod,myGodstill.Whenceyouseethat,

Christinhisgreatestextremitieshadaspiritoffaith.

3. There is a question between the papists and us about Christ's faith;theywillhavehimtobeacomprehenderandatraveller,&c.Indeed,heneededno justifying faith toapplyanything fromwithouthim,becausehehadrighteousnessenoughofhisown;butyettodependuponGodashisFather,sohehadfaith;neitherwashealwayinthestateofhappiness,for that distinction is a confusion of the abasement of Christ and hisexaltation. Howsoever, there was the happiness of union (the humannaturebeingalwayunitedto theGodhead),yet therewasnotalwaythehappinessofvision;hedidnotseethefaceofGod,forthenwhydidhecry out, 'My God, my God,' &c.? Sight was due to him from hisincarnation in himself considered, not as our surety. Now that whichmade a stop of the influence of comfort to his soulwas, that hemightfully suffer for our sins, that he might be humbled and tempted, andsufferevendeath itself.Therefore, inregardof thestateofhumiliation,therewasfaithinhim,faithofdependence;therewashopeinhim,andhemadegreatusethereoftosupporthimself.

Quest.ButwhatsupportedthefaithofChristinthiswoeful,ruefulestatehewasin,beingforsakenofGodasoursurety?

Ans.Christpresentedtohisfaiththesethings.

1.TheunchangeablenatureofGod,myGod,&c.'Whomheonceloves,heloves to the end,' John 13:1; therefore he lays claim to him; thou hastbeenmyGodheretofore,andsothouartstill.

2.Again, faithpresentedtothesoulofChrist,God'smannerofdealing.HeknewwellenoughthatGodbycontrariesbringscontrariestopass.Hebringstoheavenbythegatesofhell,hebringstoglorybyshame,tolifeby death, and therefore resolves, notwithstanding this desertion, I willdependuponmyGod.

3.Again,ChristknewwellenoughthatGodisnearestinsupportwhenheisfurthestoffinfeeling.Soitisoft,whereheisnearesttheinwardman,to strengthen it with his love, he is furthest off in comfort to outward

sense.TowhomwasGodnearer thanChrist in supportandsanctifyinggrace?andyettowhomwashefurtheroffinpresentfeeling?ChristknewthattherewasasecretsenseofGod'slove,andasensiblesenseofGod'slove; he had a secret sense of God that he was his Father, because heknew himself to be his Son, but he had it not sensibly. Faithmust besuitable to the thing believed.NowChrist, in sayingMyGod, suits hisfaith to the truth thatwas offered tohim;he knewGod in the greatestextremitytobenearestathand. 'Benot faroff, for trouble isnear,'&c.,Ps.22:11.

Thisshouldteachusinanyextremityortrouble,tosetfaithonwork,andfeedfaithwiththeconsiderationofGod'sunchangeablenature,andtheunchangeablenessofhispromises,whichendureforever.Wechange,butthepromisechangethnot,andGodchangethnot;myGodstill:'ThewordoftheLordendurethforever,'1Pet.1:25.Goddealswithhispeopleinahidden manner; he supports with secret, though not with sensiblecomfort,andwillbenearestwhenheseemstobefurthestoffhischildren.I beseech you, acquaint yourselves with these things, and think it notstrangethatGodcomesnearyouindesertions,consideringthatitwassowithChrist.PresenttothysoulthenatureofGod,hiscustomandmannerof dealing, so shalt thou apprehend favour in the midst of wrath, andglory in the midst of shame. We shall see life in death; we shall seethrough the thickest clouds that are between God and us. For as Godshines in the heart in his love secretly through all temptations andtroubles,sothereisaspiritoffaithgoesbacktohimagain:myGod,myGod.Forfaithhathaquickeye,andseeththroughcontraries.Thereisnocloud of grief but faith will pierce through it, and see a father's heart,underthecarriageofanenemy.Christhadagreatburdenuponhim,thesinsof thewholeworld;yethebreaks throughall. Iamnowsin, Ibeartheguiltofthewholeworld,yetunderthispersonthatIsustain,Iamason,andGodismyGodstill,notwithstandingallthisweightofsinuponme.Andshallnotwe,beloved,say,MyGod, inanyafflictionor troublethatbefallsus?Ohyes. In the senseof sin,which is thebitterestofall,andinthesenseofGod'sanger,inlossesandcrosses,inourfamilies&c.,letusbreakthroughthoseclouds,andsay,MyGod,still.

Obj.Butyouwillsay,Imayapprehendalie;perhapsGodisnotmyGod,

andthenitispresumptiontosayso.

Ans.Whosoever casts himself uponGod, out of the sense of sin, to beruledbyGodforthetimetocome,shallobtainmercy.Now,dostthouso?doththyconsciencetellthee,IcastmyselfuponGodforbetterdirection;Iwould be ruled asGod and theministry of theWordwould havemehereafter.Ifso,thouhastputthisquestionoutofquestion:thoudoubtestwhetherGodbethyGod;ItelltheeGodistheGodofallthatseekhim,and obey him in truth. But thy conscience tells thee thou dost this,certainlythen,whatsoeverthouwertbefore,Godisnowbeforehandwiththee.He offers himself to be thyGod, if thou trust in him, andwilt beruledbyhim;andnotonlyso,butheentreatsus(weshouldbeseechhim,butheentreatsus,suchishislove),nay,hecommandsustobelieveinhisSonJesusChrist.Now,when I joinwithGod's entreaty,OhLord, thouofferestthyself,thouinvitestme,thoucommandestme,Iyieldobedienceandsubmittothygoodword;thenthematchisstrickenandmadeupindoingso.GodisthyGod,andChrististhyChrist,andthoumustimprovethisclaimandinteresthere,inallthepassagesofthylifelong.Lord,thouartmyGod,thereforeteachme;thouartmyGod,Ihavegivenmyselftothee,Ihavesetuptheeinmyheartaboveallthings,thouartinmysoulaboveall sin,aboveallprofitsandpleasureswhatsoever, thereforesaveme,anddeliverme,havepityuponme,&c.Theclaimisgoodwhenwehavetrulygivenourselvesuptohim,elseGodmaysay, 'Gotothegodsyouhaveserved,'Jud.10:14;menwereyourgods,forwhomyoucrackedyour consciences, riches and pleasure were your gods, go to them forsuccour.

Oh,beloved,itisahardermattertosay,MyGod,inthemidstoftrouble,thantheworldtakesit.TherewasagreatconflictinChristwhenhesaid,My God, when he brake through all molestations and temptations ofSatan, togetherwiththesenseofwrath,andcouldsaynotwithstanding,MyGod.Therewasamightystrongspiritinhim.Butnowonder;faithisanalmightygrace,wroughtby thepowerofGod, and layingholduponthat power, it lays hold upon omnipotency, and therefore it can dowonder, itovercomes the invincibleGod.Hehathmadeapromise,andcannotdenyhispromise;hecannotdenyhimselfandhistruth.Putcasehisdealingbeasanenemy.Hispromiseistobeasafriendtothosethat

trust in him: he is merciful, forgiving sins; his nature now is such.Satisfactiontohisjusticemakeshimshewmercy.

IspeakthisthatyoumightbegofGodthegiftof faith,whichwillcarryyouthroughalltemptationsandafflictions,yea,eventhroughtheshadowof death; asDavid saith, 'Though Iwalk in the valley of the shadowofdeath,yetwillIfearnoill,'Ps.23:4.Why?Becausethouartwithme,myGodandmyshepherd.Thoughwebeinthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,yetnotwithstanding,ifGodbewithus,ifwebeincovenantwithhim,andcanlayjustclaimtohispromise,bygivingupourselvestohim,weshallnotfear.OnebeamofGod'scountenance,whenweareincovenantwithhim,will scatter all cloudswhatsoever. I beseechyou, therefore, labourmore and more for this precious grace of faith, and increase it by allsanctified means, hearing the word, reading the Scriptures, andtreasuring up promises, considering what special use we have of thisaboveallothergraces.Buttoproceed.

Christheredothnotonlybelieve,but

4.Heventshisfaithbyprayer.

Goodworksarebutfaithincarnate,faithworking.Theydiffernotmuchfromit.Soprayerisbutfaithflaming,thebreathoffaith,asitwere.Forwhentroublespossessthesoul,itsendsoutitsambassadorpresently,itspeedsprayerforth,andprayerstaysnottillitcometoheaven,andtheretakesholduponGod,andgetsamessageandanswerfromhimback,tocomfortthesoul.Faithandprayerarealloneinamanner.Whenthesoulhathanygreatdesireofgrace,orisingrief,apprehendingthedispleasureofGod,faithwould,ifitcould,worktoheaven;butweareonearth,andcannottillwedie.Thereforewhenitcannotgotoheaven,itsendsprayer,andthatmountsthesoulaloft,andwrestleswithGod,andwillgivehimnoresttillthepetitionbegranted,anditcansay,MyGod.

Therefore, ifyouhaveany faithatall,exercise it,andmake itbrightbyoftenprayer: 'Theprayerof faithprevailsmuch,'James5:15.Howshalltheycallonhiminwhomtheyhavenotbelieved?Indeeditisnoprayeratall without faith; great faith, great prayer; weak faith, weak prayer; nofaith,noprayer:theybothgooninanevenstrength.Christherepraysto

Godunderthiscomplaint,Whyhastthouforsakenme?Thereisahiddenprayerinit,Ohdonotforsakeme,delivermeout,&c.

I beseech you, even as you would have comfort from the fountain ofcomfort, that usually conveys all grace and comfort to us by a spirit ofprayer, labour to be much in communion with God in this blessedexercise,especially in troubles: 'Calluponme in thedayof trouble,'Ps.50:15.The evil day is adayof prayer; of all days, in thedayof troubleespecially,'makeyourrequestknowntoGod,'Phil.4:6.

Obj.ButperhapsGodwillnothearme.

Ans. Yes, this fruit follows: 'The peace of God which passeth allunderstandingshallkeepyourheartsandminds,'Philip.4:7.Whenyouhave eased your souls into the bosom of God by prayer, you may gosecurely,andknowthathewill letyoureap the fruitofyourprayers inthebesttime.

Obj.Yea,butIhaveprayedlong,andhavehadnoanswer.

Ans.Waitinprayer;God'stimeisthebesttime.Thephysiciankeepshisown time; he turns the glass,* and though the patient cry out that hetormentshim,itisnomatter,heknowshistime.Thegoldsmithwillnottakethemetaloutofthefiretillitberefined.SoGodknowswhattodo;waithisgood leisure. In themeantime,becausewemusthaveall fromGod by prayer, I beseech you, derive all from him this way; pray foreverything,andthenweshallhaveitasablessingindeed.

Obj.ButputthecaseIcannotpray,assometimesweareinsuchacasethatwecannotmakealargeprayertoGod.

Ans.ThendoasChristdid,cry;ifthoucanstnotpray,groanandsigh,fortheyarethegroansandthesighsofGod'sSpiritinthee.Thereisagreatdeal of oratory in these words. What is the use of eloquence but topersuade?andwhatcouldpersuadeGodmorethanwhenChristshewedhow he esteemed his love, and how he was now, in the absence of it,environed with grief before him? Here was rhetoric. If Christ had notspoken, his wounds had said enough, and his pitiful case spake

sufficiently. Everything hath a voice to cry for mercy. But he adds hisvoice to all, and cries vocally aloud, 'My God,my God, why hast thouforsakenme?'

Beloved,ifyouacquaintyourselveswithGodinprayer,thenyoumaygoreadily to him in any extremity. Therefore, in time of health andprosperity,cherishcommunionwithhisblessedMajesty,makehimyourfriend;anduponeverygoodoccasionimprovethisplea,OmyGod.Ifwehaveriches,ifwehaveafriendinthecourt,wewillimprovethem;ifwehave anything,wewillmakeuse of it.Havewe aGod, andwillwenotimprovehim?HaveweaGodthatisourGod,anddowewantgrace?Dowewantcomfort,andstrength,andassistance,andhaveweaGod, thefountainofall,togoto?Shallwehavesuchaprerogativeasthis,tohaveJesus Christ to be our great peacemaker, thatwemay go boldly to thethrone of grace through him, and shall we not improve the same?Wemay go boldly to God, and welcome, because God is infinite, and themorewegoandbeg,themorehegives.Wecannotexhaustthatfountain.O let us improve this blessed prerogative; thenwe shall live the life ofheavenuponearth.Especiallywhentheconscience is troubledwithsin,as Christwas nowwith the displeasure of his Father, then let us go toGod,andpleadwithhisMajesty,andwemaypleadlawfullywithhim—Lord, thy justice isbetter satisfied inChrist, than if thou shouldst sendme to hell; if thou wilt, thou mayest destroy me (for conscience mustcome to a great resignation; it cannot desiremercy, but itmust see itsownmisery);Lord,thoumayestjustlycallmetohell,butitwouldnotbesomuchforthyglory;thouartmoregloriousinsatisfyingthyjusticeinChrist, than if than; shouldst damn me to hell. Why? Because God'sjusticeisbettersatisfiedinChrist.Mansinned,butGod-mansatisfiedforsin;manwouldbelikeGodinpride,Godbecomesmaninhumility.Theexpiation of God is greater than the sin of man. He prayed for hispersecutors,andgavehislifeforthem.Dothnotthisproportionmorethejustice ofGod than the sin ofman?The lawdoth but require a nocentperson, a guiltyperson to suffer.Christwas innocent.The law requiresthatmanshouldsuffer.ChristwasGod.ThereforeChristhathdonemorethansatisfied the law.The satisfactionofChrist ismore than ifwehadsuffered.Wearepoormen,—creatures.ThatwasthesatisfactionofGod-man.Oursinsarethesinsoffinitepersons,butheisinfinite.Therefore,

thesoulmayplead,Lord,Iamawretchedsinner,butIshouldtakeawaythee, and take away Christ, if I should despair; I shouldmake thee noGod, and make Christ no Christ, if I should not accept of mercy; forChristisgiventome,andIlabourtomakehimmineown,bylayingholdofhim.Faithhathapowertomakeeverything itsownthat it toucheth;particularfaith(whichistheonlytruecomfortablefaith)makesgeneralthingsmine.WhenthesoulcanlayaparticularclaimtoGodashisGod,by giving himself to him only, then we may plead in Christ bettersatisfaction toGod's justice, than if he should castus intohell.What astayisthisforadistressedsoultomakeuseof!

Beloved,thechurchofGod,themysticalbodyofChrist,isthusforsakenin other countries, besides many particular humble, broken-heartedChristians athome,who findnobeamsofGod's love andmercy.Whatshallwedo?Letthebodyimitatethehead,evengotoGodintheirbehalf,andpouroutyourcomplaintsbeforehim:Lord,wherearethymerciesofold?wherearethyancientbowelstothychurch?whyshouldtheenemytriumph,&c.Goddelightswhenwe layopenthemiseriesofhispeople,andourownparticulargrievancesbeforehim.Iftherebeaspiritoffaithin it, oh! it works upon his bowels. If a child can but say, O father, Omother! though he can say not a word more, the bowels are touched,there is eloquenceenough; sowhenwecan layopen thepitiful stateofGod's poor church, what a blessingmay we obtain for them? It is thychurch,Lord,thineownpeople,thynameiscalleduponthem,andtheycalluponthyname;thoughtheyhavesinned,yetthoudeservesttobelikethyself, and Christ hath deservedmercy for them. Thus, if we contendwithGod,andkeepnotsilence,andgiveGodnorest, faithwouldworkwonders.Thestateofthechurchwouldnotbelongasitis,ifwewouldallimproveourinterestinheavenintheirbehalf.Beloved,Christstruggledwith the powers of darkness and the wrath of his Father a while, butpresentlyafter,allwasfinished;soletuscontendboldly,'Fightthegoodfightoffaith,'2Tim.4:7,andnotyieldtodesperatesuggestions.Letfaithstirupprayer,andprayergotoGod;anderelongitshallbesaidofthechurch,andofallparticulartroubles,Allisfinished.ThenweshallenjoythesweetpresenceofGod,'whereisfulnessofjoy,'Ps.16:11,andthatforevermore.ThepresenceofGodisthatthechildofGoddesiresaboveallthingsintheworld;itquickensandstrengthenshim;itputszealandfire

intohim; itdothall.Whatwillnot thepresenceofGoddowhenamanenjoys his face? Therefore, let us be content to conflict here, to beexercisedawhileinfaithandprayer.Weshallsurelysayerelong,'Ihavefinishedmycourse,Ihavekeptthefaith;henceforth is laidupformeacrownofrighteousness,'2Tim.4:8.

I beseech you learn these lessons and instructions from our blessedSaviour.Wecannothaveabetterpatternthantobe likehim,bywhomweallhopetobesavedanotherday.Somuchforthistime.

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Christ'sSufferingsforMan'sSinbyRichardSibbes,Copyright©2019

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