Chapter 6: On The Encouragements Given To The Penitant

EARNESTLY CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH:
REPENTANCE EXPLAINED AND ENFORCED
by
JOHN THORNTON
Chapter 6: On The Encouragements
Given To The Penitant
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THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS
GOD MANIFEST IN THE FLESH.
THAT IS WHY HE IS GOD

CHAPTER VI.

On the Encouragements Given to the Penitent.

The Saviour was sent to bind up the broken-hearted, and set at liberty them that were bound. Every word in the gospel speaks encouragement to the humble. But perhaps you may say, I have no doubt that God is gracious to hear the prayer of the penitent, but I fear this is not my character. Some persons can tell the time of their awakening, and even the means which God used for that purpose, but I cannot. They can mention the books, the sermons, or the very texts which touched their hearts, and drew forth the earliest cry, What shall we do? but though I am sensible of my lost condition, it is impossible for me to trace back my concern to any particular season, or instrumental cause. Suppose a man deeply in debt thus to tell his tale to a neighbour, I have long feared that my business and my books were in a bad state, but now I am sure it is so. I cannot say exactly when, or by what means I first began to perceive this. Sometimes I suspected it, and soon after forgot my fears; then the alarm returned afresh, as my creditors brought new demands which I could not answer. This neighbour replies, of what consequence is it for you to know when you first found out your deficiency? I am acquainted with a rich friend who will be bound for you. All you have to do is, to go without delay to this surety, and commit your affairs into his hands. Would not such advice be the best? You too are deeply in debt. You have no means of paying the long arrears. Now if you are fully convinced of this, I recommend to you the Lord Jesus Christ, the friend of sinners. He is ready to become your security, and answer every demand. Or suppose a man to say, I have long felt myself unwell, my health is gone; but really I cannot tell when I first perceived the symptoms of my disorder. Some persons can declare the place where, and the manner how they were first struck with pain, or seized with sickness; but alas! it is not so with me. I should say to such an one, the question is not when you began to know your disorder, do you now know it? If so, all you have to do, is to go without delay to the best Physician. Thus whenever there is a due sense of sin, I would say, hasten to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is of little consequence whether you were awakened suddenly or gradually, your chief concern now lies in the means of obtaining relief.
While I proceed to give encouragement to the penitent, I feel somewhat at a loss, not for want of matter, but to know how to select from the abundance which offers, that which may be most suitable. We can scarcely look into the Bible, but we find something to animate the contrite and humble. I have gathered a few things, and you may go to the same rich treasury, and gather the rest for yourself. After I have said a few words, I must own with the queen of Sheba, that the half cannot be told. Are you sensible of your guilt and condemnation, your want and misery, your pollution and helplessness, then I would direct you to those promises which hold out pardon, adoption, and the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit.
The scriptures promise pardon to the penitent.
Forgiveness is a blessing so suitable to fallen man, so sweet and precious to the humble soul, that it cannot be too earnestly sought, or too highly valued. The angels who sinned are confined under chains of darkness unto the judgment of the great day. The call to repentance, or the sound of salvation, was never heard in hell. In that dismal prison no gleam of hope shines, no fountain of mercy flows. The Redeemer says, To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. When God pardons our sins, he is said to blot them out, to remove them as far as the east is from the west, or to cast them into the depths of the sea. These expressions not only throw light upon the subject of forgiveness, but also afford peculiar encouragement to the penitent. Though his sins should be ever so numerous, or ever so odious, they shall not appear against him for his condemnation. Though you should owe more than ten thousand talents, the book being crossed, you shall stand completely clear. Though your sins be like a cloud, which blackens the face of heaven, burdens the air, and gathers a mighty tempest, they shall be entirely and forever removed. Isaiah 44:22. This is one of the chief blessings secured to men by the glorious covenant of grace. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their, sins and their iniquities will 1 remember no more. Hebrews 8:1-12. Dr. Owen justly observes, “That the pardon bestowed by God, is not like that narrow, difficult, halving forgiveness, that is found among men, when any such thing is found among them; but it is full, free, bottomless, boundless, absolute, such as becomes his nature and excellencies.” Now if you really wish this invaluable blessing, the gospel brings it in its bosom, and offers it without money and without price. God commands and invites you to accept of pardon, he pleads with you to receive it, he points to the blood of atonement, the intercession of his Son, and the examples of those who have obtained forgiveness to prevail with you.
God commands you to accept of pardon..
After Christ had risen from the dead, he gave his apostles authority to spread the glad tidings of salvation throughout the world. They were sent to preach repentance and remission of sins to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47. Astonishing mercy! How many righteous men, how many heaven-inspired prophets had been slain in that bloody city. There, the Messiah himself was mocked and buffeted, condemned and crucified. Who would have wondered, if he had said, Go and preach repentance and remission of sins every where, except in that devoted city, Jerusalem. The apostles zealously obeyed the order of their master, as appears from Acts 2:28, Acts 3:19. Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out; when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. There it may be seen, that pardon follows penitence. What God has joined, must not, cannot be put asunder. You are as much commanded to receive forgiveness, as you are to repent. Do not then resist the authority of God through unbelief. Say not, I am so vile, that there can be no forgiveness extended to me. The blessing is held out in the promise, and the command requires you to take it.
Mr. Marshall, author of a Treatise on Sanctification, in his early years was under great distress for a long time, through a consciousness of guilt, and a dread of the divine displeasure. At last mentioning his case to Dr. Thomas Goodwint and lamenting the greatness of his sins, that able divine replied, “ You have forgotten the greatest sin of all, the sin of unbelief in refusing to believe in Christ, and rely on his atonement and righteousness for your acceptance with God.” This word in season banished his fears. He looked to Jesus, and was filled with joy and peace in believing! By disobeying the commands of the law, you sin against divine majesty, but by disobeying the commands of the gospel, you sin against divine mercy. If indeed you remember your sins, and be deeply humbled, God has promised to forget them, and be reconciled to you.
God invites you to accept of pardon.
The year of redemption is come. The trumpet of jubilee in sweet and melodious tones proclaims liberty to the captive, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound. Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, and whose sin is covered. If the authority of God does not awe, let the kindness of God allure you. Do you think these tidings are too good to be true? While you linger, he sends forth messenger after messenger, with winning invitations and persuasions, to compel you to come in. Do not raise objections, or make excuses. It is the policy of hell to keep back the hungry, fainting soul from the rich provision of the gospel. Come, needy sinners, for all things are now ready. Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7. Do you cry out, wonderful condescension! Who could have thought of such goodness? Who could have believed such a report, without the clearest and strongest proofs? I reply, it is true this is not the manner of men. But my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts Isaiah 55:8-9.
God not only invites you but pleads with you to accept pardon.
You do not need many arguments to persuade you to accept earthly blessings. And why is there not the same readiness to receive spiritual blessings? Hark! a voice softer than music, yet more majestic than the sound of many waters addresses you. Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20. Perhaps you answer, Lord, I am not worthy thou shouldest come under my roof. I am all guilt and defilement. Wilt thou be a guest with one who deserves, if there were so many, a thousand hells? Hark! the same voice again speaks. Come, let us reason together, saith the Lord: Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18. When the Lord of glory designs to reason with you, and use such arguments, can you hold out in unbelief and remain unmoved? Were a king to go to a prison full of condemned criminals, and offer them pardon, do you think they would need many words to persuade them to accept it? I leave you both to answer the question, and make the application.
That you may be prevailed upon to receive pardon, God points you to the blood of atonement, by which it was procured.
Jehovah could not dispense his mercy in any way that would dishonour his justice. The apostle therefore declares that, without shedding of blood, there is no remission. And how was satisfaction made? Was it with the blood of bulls, of goats, or of sheep? No! If the cattle upon a thousand hills had been all slain in sacrifice, they could not have made atonement for one sin. Look into the New Testament, and you will see Jesus freely giving himself up to die, that we might live. He suffered the just for the unjust, to bring us to God. The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Think of the ransom that was paid; and then, rejoice in the liberty procured by it. We have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:6. In worldly matters what is dearly bought, is, for the most part, diligently sought. Men dig in the mines for silver and gold, and dive in the sea for precious pearls; yet these things, however valued on account of their scarcity, have in them no real worth at all. But ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot. O, who can calculate the price which bought thousands of millions of immortal souls! And do you not most ardently desire a pardon procured at so great an expense? Do you not thirst for a blessing which flows from such a spring of heavenly grace, through such a channel of heavenly redemption? If you are deaf to other calls, hear the voice of a Saviour’s blood. The blood of Abel cried for vengeance, and was heard; for God marked the murderer with his displeasure, and his punishment became intolerable. The blood of Christ cries for pardon and peace to penitents, and God seals them by the operation of his Holy Spirit.
That you may be prevailed upon to receive pardon, God points you to the intercession of his Son.
Were you sentenced to suffer a dreadful punishment for breaking the laws of your country, you would probably cry out, “O that I had a friend at court, to plead with his Majesty for me: I can expect no pardon, but from royal favour: yet 1 have no one to take up my cause, or speak on my behalf!” How would you be delighted to learn, that the king’s own son was willing to become an intercessor for you!
There is one God, and one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. The Friend of helpless sinners says, 1 am the way, and the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father but by me. These words claim the most serious attention. You may come to a fellow-creature, who invites, or you may send a denial; but you must come to God, or be eternally lost; for they that are far from him shall perish. There is but one way in which you can draw nigh to the Father, and that is through faith in his only-begotten Son. The apostle John says, If we sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And are you not willing to approach to God, in the new and living way of his own appointment? Dare you not trust your cause and your immortal soul in the hands of such an Advocate? He who prayed for his most cruel enemies while he hung on the cross, does not forget the poor and contrite now that he sits upon the throne.
That you may be prevailed upon to receive pardon, God points you to those who have obtained the precious blessing.
One would think the mere offer of forgiveness would be sufficient, without any arguments: but one extreme follows another, and the sinner is often hurried from presumption to the brink of
despair. Is this your case? Do you cry, “ Labour not to comfort me? I am lost and utterly undone. Surely, my condition is singular! none were ever so wicked as I am!” Be it so — did not Christ die to save the very chief of sinners? Were not Manasseh, Zacchaeus, Mary Magdalen, and the thief upon the cross forgiven! The bloody Saul of Tarsus was arrested in his persecuting career, not to be dragged to torture and punishment, which were his due, but to be pardoned and sanctified. Nor was remission granted to him as an individual only, from whose experience others can derive no encouragement. Hear what he himself says: Howbeit, for this cause I obtained mercy, that, in me first, Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 1 Timothy 1:16. The apostle John declares, that the blood of Jesus cleanseth from all sin. Surely, you dare not say this blood has lost its merit or its power! Could you look into heaven, you would see an immense multitude gathered out of all nations, many of whom were as vile as you are. There, they continually sing, Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father: to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:5-6. If we have tasted the bitterness of repentance, the bitterness of the second death is past.
Let these reasons encourage you to draw nigh to God for pardon. Do you say, “ I long for it. O that I knew my guilt were removed! O that my sins were freely forgiven me, for the Redeemer’s sake!” 1 do not wonder at the anxiety you feel. Nothing can impart a relish of delight while the soul feels the anguish of conscious guilt, and finds no pardon. Archbishop Leighton justly observes, you cannot make a man joyful while he is oppressed with a heavy burden. Let gold and silver glisten before his eyes; let the sweetest music sooth his ears, and let dainties be prepared to feast his taste; still he groans and cries to be delivered from his burden. Thus it is with a soul oppressed with sin. Now, if you, do long for pardon, what hinders you from enjoying the precious blessing? It is not that you are shut out by God, who is the Author of all spiritual comfort. I have read of a martyr who had his pardon placed by him in a box; and if he would deny his Lord, and renounce his profession, he was welcome to take it. But he nobly refused it on such terms. When offered his choice to turn or burn, he conferred not with flesh and blood, but followed truth, though at the expense of life itself. The case here is reversed. God has sent you a pardon, sealed by the blood of his Son. He has set it before you in the promises of the holy gospel. Poor trembling penitent! the devil would keep you from enjoying this invaluable blessing! And will you burn in the fire this fiend kindles? O, fly to the Redeemer, and cast yourself before the throne of grace, and you shall hear him say, Son or daughter, be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee! Such a word, as a token for good, is capable of scattering the most gloomy fears. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God, speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. Isaiah 40:1. If there is any thing capable of making joy overflow all its banks, it is a strong persuasion of forgiveness coming after a deep sense of sin, and a full view of approaching punishment. I have read in history of a certain nobleman, condemned to be beheaded for some crime, who, on receiving, just as he was led to execution, a pardon from the king, which he did not expect, was so transported that he died for joy! And when God grants a free and full pardon to you, ought not the liveliest pleasure rise up within, and break out into strains of praise? He has manifested himself to you, that you may magnify him, Surely, your language ought to be, Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Psalm 103:3-4.
The scriptures offer to the penitent adoption into the household of God.
It is a high favour for a king to grant pardon to a condemned traitor, so as to deliver him from death: but it is a far higher favour to admit him into his own palace, and raise him to enjoy a place of distinguished honour. But no instance of favour from one mortal to another, can equal the marvellous lovingkindness of God towards men. The greatest king on earth is but a few steps above the meanest beggar, or the most wretched outcast. Lord, what is man, that thou art mindful of him’ The mercies of God are great, manifold, and unspeakable. Who can fathom the ocean, or measure the firmament? Who can count the dust of the earth, or the rays of the sun? Yet it were easier to fathom the depth of the ocean, or measure the extent of heaven; to count the dust of the earth, or the rays that stream from the sun, than to comprehend the infinite goodness, or sum up the numberless mercies of God. We are such poor feeble creatures, and our understandings so very narrow, that we are soon lost and overwhelmed in considering subjects like this. That we may be more affected, the mercy of God is in the scriptures represented under such forms as bear some resemblance to our relations one with another.
While I am endeavouring to animate the hope of the penitent, I should be chargeable with great neglect if I did not pay particular attention to our Lord’s beautiful parable of the prodigal son. It was spoken on purpose to encourage those publicans and broken-hearted sinners, who listened to the word of Jesus. Behold the thoughtless youth, demanding his portion, and hastening his journey into a far country. Throwing the reins upon his lusts, he squanders his substance in riotous living among profligates and harlots. Want speedily follows waste, and misery springs from folly, as the serpent bursts from the egg of the cockatrice. Brought to poverty and disgrace, he becomes a slave to a citizen, and goes into the field to feed his swine. But at this low ebb of his fortune, in this winter of adversity, where are those friends that flowed in with the full tide, and fluttered round him in the sun-shine of prosperity? Where are the companions who laughed, and drank, and danced with him in his noon-day frolics, and mid night revels? Ah! they flattered and stripped, and then mocked and forsook him. And when he came to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father’s home have bread enough, and to spare, and I perish here with hunger. I will arise, and go to my father., and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son, make me as one of thy hired servants. He had been acting a madman’s part. Now his reason returns, and his soul is filled with sorrow and shame. But remembering whence he has fallen, he wisely resolves upon a return. No sooner does the father espy him, at a great distance, than his bowels of compassion yearn with the softest and kindest emotions. He runs with impatient fondness to meet and embrace him, and give him a hearty welcome. Servants are commanded to bring forth a ring, and the best robe, to kill the fatted calf, and prepare a feast of joy, for, saith the father, This my son was dead, and is alive again, and was lost, and is found. Luke 15: 11-32. Take, reader, this interesting parable and consider it. It is a picture intended to represent, on the one hand, the sinner’s folly; and on the other, our heavenly Father’s mercy. And are you too, like the prodigal, come to your right mind? Is the phrenzy that turned your brain abated? Do you see your soul stripped and undone? Do you look back, and sigh, and weep, at the remembrance of you r ways and doings? Arise then and go to your Father, who is in heaven. His tender mercies continue to this moment. His house is open, and yet there is room. The lying enemy may tell you it is too late. Even your own heart may yield to fears and misgivings. But whither can you go? It is death to turn back to the world. While therefore God sits upon a throne of grace, go to him and plead jour cause in the name of Jesus. I can assure you of a hearty welcome. Your rags shall be exchanged for the robe of righteousness and the garments of salvation. Instead of pining in want and misery, you shall sit down at a feast of gladness.
Adoption is a privilege of the greatest value. It confers the highest honour. Many think it a great thing to be related to an earthly prince. David was ready to shrink when the offer was made him to marry the daughter of Saul. He exclaimed, “Who am I, or what is my father’s house, that I should be son-in-law to the king?” How much more may a Christian cry out, with wonder and gratitude, what am I, whose origin is in the dust, whose nature is corrupted, that I should call God my Father, and Christ my Saviour? Yet all believers are sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty. The most exalted and envied titles of worldly men, are little better than empty sounds. To have a name and a place in God’s house, is to rise far higher than the loftiest pinnacle of earthly greatness. Yet such honour have all the saints. While the apostle John considered this privilege, his mind was filled with admiration, and fixed with holy rapture. He bursts out in the language of devout gratitude, Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 1 John 5:1.
Besides honour, this privilege necessarily includes all that provision that we need. Surely that God, who supplies the beasts of the field with food, and feeds the fowls of the air, will not forget his own children. Their provision is secured to them in a covenant ordered in all things by infinite wisdom, and ratified by unchangeable promises. God chooses their inheritance, fixes their lot, furnishes their table, guides and guards their walk. He gives grace and glory, and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. The pampered and lordly worldling who has his portion in this life, is at his best estate altogether vanity. The believer may seem poor, and in the eyes of the thoughtless multitude, he is often despised, but he is in reality, and in the estimate of heaven, peculiarly honourable. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come, all are yours; and ye are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. 1 Corinthians 3:22-23. When the Spanish ambassador went to see the famous treasury of St. Mark’s, in Venice, he began to search and ask, if it had any bottom, because, said he, my master’s treasures (by which he meant the mines of Peru,) have no bottom. “Vain boast! What was this, but the thorn vaunting over the thistle. Those once rich mines, it is well known, are now almost exhausted, and scarcely pay for the working. The Christian, indeed, has an enduring substance, an unfailing storehouse, a bottomless mine.
In virtue of their adoption, believers receive correction. Even a heathen could say, no man is more unhappy, than he to whom no affliction ever happened. Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. And is it not a great advantage to be weaned from the world, and separated from folly? Is it not better to be corrected in measure, that we may be partakers of God’s holiness, than to escape the rod, and be cut off by the sword of justice in our wickedness?
I shall add, that all who are adopted look forward to a glorious and eternal inheritance. If sons, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. Oh what a portion has the Lord laid up for his people! Death, which makes the worldling poor, gives the Christian admission into the best possessions. One of the Greek philosophers, being met by a person who asked him what he had lost in the fire that had burnt down the town and the house in which he lived, answered, “ I have lost nothing, for I carry all my riches in myself.”
A Christian can go much farther than he went, and say, all my treasure is in heaven, under the keeping of the Almighty. I would not carry it with me if I might, for I know that it is in better hands. The believer, as one observes, should a fire consume the world, could stand upon its ashes, and say, “I have lost nothing.” All who are now justified sinners in Christ, shall soon be glorified saints with Christ. Happy are they who can join with the Apostle Peter, We are begotten, again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for us. 1 Peter 1:3-4.
Is adoption a privilege so valuable? Then let it be your great concern to possess it. How eager are many to gain acquaintance with great men. They struggle through the greatest difficulties to obtain a place of power, or a high sounding name. Can you say, Let the proud and ambitious seek the honour that comes from man? I wish above all things that honour which comes from God. May I have a place with his people, and I envy not those who hold the high places of the earth? To know that my name is in the book of life, will give me greater joy, than to be universally praised by men. If adoption secures such provision, do you not desire to belong to the household of faith? Whither can a child go in all its difficulties and distresses, but to a father? Now if you are adopted and received of God, you may approach him with a strong faith, and filial freedom. Are you in poverty? Go to God and entreat him to grant you from his fulness, those things that may be good for you. Are you in perplexity? Go to God for direction, and he shall guide you by his counsel. Are you in trouble? Go to God for relief and comfort, for as your day is so shall your strength be. If adoption stands connected with such glorious hopes, is it not a privilege worthy to be desired and sought? Yet a little while, and the Lord of glory will return to receive his people. Those who love him shall be as the sun, when he goeth forth in his might. The sun may for a time be clouded, but still shines more and more unto the perfect day. Thus the saint may be for a while covered with reproach, and hid by the thick veil of poverty, but at last he shall shine with unspotted lustre as the sun without cloud. When the Redeemer appears, all the sons of God will be made manifest, and shall be forever with and like their Lord.
The scriptures promise to the penitent the influence of the Holy Spirit.
It is a great favour to have sin pardoned, and be saved from the wrath to come. It is a still greater favour to be adopted into the household of God, and made joint heirs with Christ. But the greatest favour, and that which crowns and completes all the rest, is the gift of the Divine Spirit, to fit us for sufferings and services below, and for happiness above. There must be holy dispositions to engage in holy duties, and heavenly desires to qualify us for heavenly delights. It is a good observation of a living writer, “ when God calls an angel to employ him, he is fit for the work; but when God calls a sinful mortal into his presence, he has to prepare him for his service.” And how is this fitness for obeying and enjoying God to be obtained, but by his own gracious influence? Now he that hath wrought us for the self same thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of his Spirit. When Solomon dedicated the temple, he burst out into these words, But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold the heaven, and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, how much less this house which I have built. 1 Kings 8:2,7. Now you may be ready to say, the temple of Solomon was a glorious place, but who am I? Will God indeed so much as look upon a worthless worm? Will the Majesty of heaven dwell with me, the chief of sinners? Your fellow-creatures, I grant, when they are raised a little above you, are apt to turn away their eyes from you with scorn and contempt. But God remembers you, in your low estate, for his mercy endureth forever. Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; but unto this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word. Isaiah 66:1-2. Sweet encouragement! With one look of love and compassion from God, you need not fear, though all the envious and malicious eyes in the world were fixed upon you, and all the forces of earth and hell set against you. Amidst fightings without, and fears within, you may be sometimes depressed and disconsolate. When therefore you are ready to faint, seek a cordial in these animating words. Isaiah 57:15. Thus saith the high and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Nor is the language of the New Testament on this point less encouraging than that of the Old. It seems strange to me, that any one can read the holy scriptures with the least degree of serious attention, and deny the all important doctrine of the Divine Spirit’s influence. There is scarcely a truth in the Bible more plainly and abundantly taught. Our Lord on this subject makes a powerful and moving appeal to the most tender feelings of human nature. What man is there of you, who if his son ask bread, will give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will give him a serpent? No, impossible. He who could mock the wants of his own child, rather than supply them, is worse than a beast, harder than a flint, a monster more hateful than the old serpent himself. If ye then, who are evil, know how to give good things to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him. If it be asked for what purpose this precious gift is bestowed, I answer, it is the office of the Holy Spirit to enlighten, to sanctify, and comfort the soul.
It is the office of the Holy Spirit to enlighten the soul.
It has been justly said, the sun shines as much on the poor man’s cottage, as on the prince’s palace. The scriptures declare, that not many of the wise, the mighty, and the noble are called, but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty. 1 Corinthians 1:27. I shall venture, therefore, to carry the figure just mentioned a little further. The natural sun shines more upon the high mountains than upon the deep inclosed vales; but the Sun of Righteousness sheds his cheering beams on those who walk in the valley of humiliation, and withholds them from the high and lofty. All true wisdom comes from above. Ministers may describe its excellency and use, but God alone can impart it. As easily might man give the faculty of understanding to an idiot, as give spiritual discernment to one who is hoodwinked with the bandages of carnal blindness. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine into them. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4. Now the Holy Spirit was promised for this very purpose, to take of the things of Christ, and shew them unto us. And do you desire to obtain divine knowledge? Do you long to be made wise unto salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ? Be not content with the teaching of men, but look up to God that be may turn darkness into light before you. With faith and fervency, patience and perseverance, pray that he may give you his Holy Spirit to guard you from every error in doctrine and practice, and guide you into all the truth.
It is the office of the Holy Spirit to sanctify the soul.
His sacred, influence is compared to water and fire, which cleanse and purify. Without holiness, it is expressly said, no man shall see the Lord. Outward means alone cannot produce purity of heart. If then, you think you can either enter the bright mansions of glory without holiness, or become truly holy without the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, you will find yourself awfully mistaken. Christians are said to be partakers of the divine nature. When we behold the proud becoming humble, and the profane pious, we have living proofs of the Spirit’s influence. Hence, when Paul writes to the Corinthians, and mentions idolaters, adulterers, thieves, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners, he says, And such were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11. And can similar effects be produced in our day, by any other than the same cause? Is the Spirit of the Lord straitened? Is the hand of the Lord shortened that it cannot save, or is the ear of the Lord heavy, that it cannot hear? Is the promise of God, as a covenant out of date, or is the fountain of grace now empty? If there were not good grounds to hope for the same sanctifying influences, which the first Christians experienced, your case would be desperate. The words spoken by the Lord to the prophet concerning Ephraim, would be applicable. Ephraim is joined to idols, let him alone. O dreadful state! To be given up to a reprobate mind, to work all uncleanness with greediness, is the most wretched condition this side of hell! Does your blood chill, and your soul tremble at the thought? Then I am persuaded better things of you, and things which accompany salvation, though I thus speak. Look and pray to God for his sanctifying grace. He who so plentifully poured forth the divine influences on the day of Pentecost, has the residue of the Spirit to impart. And will you not then seek it? The hope of forgiveness to one who dreads future punishment, and the gracious means of sanctification to one who hates sin, ought to make the heart bound with joy. O, put the language of penitent David into a prayer for yourself. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:10-11.
It is the office of the Holy Spirit to comfort the soul.
Some there are who look at religion only on the unfavourable side. They see the fire and hear the tempest, but hear not the still, small voice. Now, though religion may cause grief, it is such as must issue in gladness. As Jesus Christ is termed the Consolation of Israel, so the Divine Spirit is called the Comforter. He does indeed wound and pierce the heart, but his title is from that part of his work which yields the believer peace and joy. Christ represents his sacred influence, as even more necessary to the disciples than his own personal presence. Nevertheless I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I go away I will send him unto you. John 16:7. The Holy Spirit is promised to strengthen your faith, scatter your fears, and revive your hopes. By his assistance, you shall taste that the Lord is gracious, and quitting every vain refuge, firmly lay hold on eternal life. With his help, you shall experience both the pleasure and profit of religion. Well did Jesus say, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Wheresoever the Holy Spirit dwells, these words are fulfilled. If you doubt this, appeal to the experience of devout Christians. To which of the saints will you go? They will as with one voice assure you, that rich consolation flows from the living spring of divine influence in the mind. O, seek the Holy Spirit to visit and cheer you. Pray that he may abide with you forever. Is there a burden which this Comforter cannot lighten? a bitter cup which he cannot sweeten? a wound which he cannot heal? a want which he cannot supply? a woe which he cannot remove? O, how thankful ought we to be for the promise of the Spirit. Should you hear, for the sake of religion, the defaming of many, the hiss of scorn, and the clamour of prejudice and pride around you this Comforter shall whisper peace within. Should you be cast into a dungeon for the gospel, this Comforter would there be with you. No walls or bars can exclude him. The holy John Bradford, who suffered martyrdom in the reign of the bigotted and bloody queen Mary, wrote to inform his friends, that he had enjoyed the happiest days in his prison, that ever he had enjoyed in his whole life. Be earnest in seeking the comfortable testimony of the Spirit, witnessing with your spirit, the privilege of adoption and then neither the world nor the devil can rob you of your confidence. O, the sweet peace! the cheering hope! the transporting joy! which flow from the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.
Set these encouragements before you to quicken you in your duties, and animate you amidst all your fears and foes.
They may serve to quicken you in duties. It is not a light matter to enter upon the service of God. He appoints the work you have to do, and the time in which it must be done. He lays down his commands as your rule, and makes the promotion of his own glory your end. You must wait upon him, and look to him. He needs not your obedience, but yet he requires, and in a certain sense, rewards it. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:33. The melting penitent must become an obedient servant. It is better to belong to what a venerable bishop calls the holy order of mourners in Zion, than to move in the first ranks of those giddy mirth-making worldlings, who get all their good things in this life, and afterwards are tormented. If you grieve for your own sins, and sigh and cry for the abominations around you, God will set a mark upon you, that you may be spared when the scourge of destruction comes.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. But there is a considerable space between the seedtime and the harvest. You may wait many wintry days and cold chilling nights, but the promise cannot fail. And O, what joy will follow the transient sorrows of time. Yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Think within yourself, are not all the promises of God, yea, and amen in Christ Jesus? Men have often deceived me, but the God of faithfulness will not forget his word. My heart has often deceived me, but God is greater than my heart, and knoweth all things. As he hath promised pardon, I will ask him to bestow it. The blessing has been sealed in the well-ordered and unchangeable covenant; O, that it were applied to my conscience, and sealed by his gracious hand upon my melting heart! As he hath set before me an open door into the household of faith, I will go in and sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. As the residue of the Spirit is with him, I will seek an abundant and an abiding measure of his heavenly influence. This is the best method I can recommend to you, for the attainment of true comfort. Be not afraid you will offend God by your earnestness. You are not only exhorted to come boldly to a throne of grace, but also to wrestle, till, like Jacob, you prevail and win the blessing.
These encouragements may serve to support you amidst all your foes and fears.
Sometimes you may be ready to draw back from the prospect of trials. You may begin to say within yourself, shall I not now be forsaken and despised? Are there not mountains of difficulty to climb, and seas of trouble to pass? What will my old companions think? What will the world say, that I now give up my time to religion? Never mind what the world thinks or says on this subject. I can tell you what pious men will say, Behold a brand plucked out of the fire! What hath God wrought? This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes! Come, poor penitent, come with us and we will do thee good, for God hath spoken good concerning Israel. I can tell you what every faithful minister will say, “ Now I rejoice, not that you are made sorrowful, but that you sorrow after a godly sort.” There are many kinds of grief which are deadly, but this sort is the spring of life. I can almost venture to tell you what the angels say. Methinks I hear them crying to each other, Strike your golden harps, for another heir of heaven is born. Glory to God in the highest, on earth, peace, and good will to men. Is this mere fancy? No, he who knows all things, hath said, There is joy in the presence of the angels of God, over one sinner that repenteth. Those bright beings take especial pleasure in every thing which advances the welfare of man. We never read of their rejoicing at the downfall of cities long besieged, or victories bought with torrents of blood ; it is the conversion of a sinner which creates a triumph in heaven. I can tell you what Jesus Christ says, Come unto me weary, heavy laden sinner, and I will give thee rest. Thou hast found it hard to kick against the pricks, but my yoke is easy. In the world thou shalt have tribulation, but in me, peace.
With these encouragements set your hand to the covenant of God, and solemnly surrender your soul to him.
Is it not a great matter that Jehovah is ready to receive you? Peace is made by the blood of the cross, you have nothing to do but accept the blessing, and adore the giver of it. God says, “ Seek ye my face,” and does not your heart reply ?” Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” There is a covenant which secures ten thousand precious blessings to you, and gives the whole undivided praise to God. He who has bought you, and called you, claims you as his own, and requires you to serve him with your body and your spirit, which are his. “And I will betroth thee to me forever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving kindness, and in mercies. 1 will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness, and thou shalt know the Lord.” Hosea 2:19-20. Does God confirm the sacred covenant with so many seals? Does he bind you to himself with so many ties? And ought you not to feel and acknowledge your obligations? O, come and yield up your soul to him. In the most solemn and deliberate manner make a full and absolute surrender of all you have, and all you are, into his hands. Let your language be, “ O God, I had sold myself to sin, and was enslaved by Satan, and the present evil world. Thou hast redeemed me, and at thy footstool I bow myself with entire submission. Other lords, besides thee, have had dominion over me, but now by thee only will I make mention of thy name. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee; my father’s God, and I will exalt thee. “Whatsoever thou choosest me to be, to have, to want, to do, or to suffer, I cheerfully acquiesce in thy wise and righteous appointments.” Instruct me to know thy will, and assist me to do it. O, my Father, I now join myself to thee in a perpetual covenant, never to be forgotten! I had rather be a door keeper in thy house, than dwell in the tents of wickedness. Let me but feel thy supporting hand, hear thy gracious voice, and see thy reconciled countenance, and I can go on my way rejoicing. O, thou Prince of life! thou Lover and Saviour of men! receive a worthless sinner. Thou only art my master, my guide, my deliverer, my portion! May I never, no never, deny or dishonour thee. O, Holy Spirit of grace! I desire to resign myself to thy quickening, illuminating, and sanctifying power. Take possession of my soul. Turn out every rival, and reign over all my affections with uncontrolled authority. Prepare me for every good word and work on earth, and for everlasting joy in heaven.
Such a solemn covenant-engagement as this may leave a lasting and favourable impression on the mind. In future days, it may be profitable to review it, and repeat your vows. Nor let it be thought, there is any thing singular in making such a covenant with God. David thus bound his treacherous heart. O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord. Paul thus surrendered himself to the Redeemer, and could say, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep what I have committed unto him against that day.” “When the disciples of Socrates brought rich presents to him, as proofs of their regard and affection, there was one who said, “I am poor, and having no property, I give you all I have, I give up myself to you.” Socrates answered, “ Thou couldest not have brought me a more acceptable present. I receive the gift, and I will restore thee back to thyself better than when I received thee.” You cannot carry any offering to Christ so pleasing to him as yourself. He is your sole Master. Socrates was but as a glimmering taper, amidst surrounding darkness, Christ is the great Sun of Righteousness. He will teach you freely, and save you fully. You must, however, give yourself to him, not for a few years only, but forever. If you continue in his word, and keep his covenant now, you shall hereafter dwell in his immediate presence, in the mansions of unsullied glory.