第1章

ContentsOftheTrinityandaChristianOftheLawandaChristianBunyan’sLastSermonBunyan’sDyingSayingsOFTHETRINITYANDACHRISTIAN HowayoungorshakenChristianshoulddemeanhimselfundertheweightythoughtsoftheDoctrineoftheTrinityorPluralityofPersonsintheeternalGodhead。 ThereasonwhyIsayaYOUNGorSHAKENChristian，is，becausesomethatarenotyoung，butofanancientstanding，maynotonlybeassaultedwithviolenttemptationsconcerninggospel—principles，butasecondtimemaybecomeachild，ababe，ashallowman，inthethingsofGod： especially，eitherwhenbybackslidinghehathprovokedGodtoleavehim，orwhensomenew，unexpected，and（astopresentstrength）overweightyobjectiondothfalluponthespirit，bymeansofwhichgreatshakingsofminddocommonlyattendsuchasoulinthemostweightymattersoftheconcernsoffaith，ofwhichthisisonethatIhavesupposedintheabove—mentionedquestion：Whereforepassingotherthings，Iwillcomedirectlytothat，andbrieflyproposesomehelpstoasoulinsuchacase。 I。Thefirstpreparative。 First，Then，besurethoukeepclosetotheWordofGodforthatistherevelationofthemindandwillofGod，bothastothetruthofwhatiseitherinhimselforways，andalsoastowhatherequirethandexpectethofthee，eitherconcerningfaithin，orobedienceto，whathehathsorevealed。Nowforthybetterperformingofthis，Ishallgivetheeinbriefthesefollowingdirections。 1。Sufferthyself，bytheauthorityoftheWord，tobepersuadedthattheScriptureindeedistheWordofGodtheScripturesoftruth，thewordsoftheHolyOne；andthattheythereforemustbeeveryonetrue，pure，andforeversettledinheaven。 2。Concludethereforefromtheformerdoctrine，thatthatGodwhosewordstheyare，isabletomakeareconciliationandmostsweetandharmoniousagreementwithallthesayingstherein，howobscure，cross，dark，andcontradictorysoevertheyseemtothee。Tounderstandallmysteries，tohaveallknowledge，tobeabletocomprehendwithallsaints，isagreatwork；enoughtocrushthespirit，andtostretchthestringsofthemostcapacious，widenedsoulthatbreathethonthissideglory，betheynotwithstandingexceedinglyenlargedbyrevelation。 Paul，whenhewascaughtuptoheaven，sawthatwhichwasunlawful，becauseimpossible，formantoutter。AndsaithChristtothereasoningPharisee，\"IfIhavetoldyouearthlythings，andyebelievenot，howshallyoubelieveifItellyouofheavenlythings？\"Itisgreatlewdness，andalsoinsufferablearrogancy，tocometotheWordofGod，asconceitingalreadythatwhateverthoureadestmusteitherbytheebeunderstood，orofitselffalltothegroundasasenselesserror。ButGodiswiserthanman，whereforefearthouhim，andtrembleathisword，sayingstill，withgodlysuspicionofthineowninfirmity，WhatIseenot，teachthoume；and，ThouartGodonlywise；butasforme，Iamasabeastbeforethee。 3。TakeheedoftakingapartoftheWordonly，lestthoutherebygoawaywiththetruthasmangledinpieces。Forinstance，wherethoureadest，\"TheLordourGodisoneLord，\"theretakeheedthatthoudostnotthenceconclude，thentherearenotthreepersonsintheGodhead： whenthoureadestof\"theFather，theSon，andtheHolySpirit，\"thentakeheedofconcludingtheremustthereforeeitherbethreeGods，orelsethatJesusChristandtheHolyGhostarenottrueGod，buttheFatheronly。Whereforetohelptheehere，observe，II。Thesecondpreparative。 1。ThattheChristianreligionrequirethcreditconcerningeverydoctrinecontainedintheWord；credit，Isay，accordingtothetruerelationofeverysentencethattheHolyGhosthathrevealedfortheasserting，maintaining，orvindicatingthatsametruth。 2。Andtherefore，henceitisthataChristianisnotcalledadoer，areasoner，anobjector，andperversedisputer，butabeliever。Bethouanexampleto\"thebelievers；\"and，\"believers\"were\"addedtothechurch，\"&c。 3。Therefore，knowagain，thattheWord，ifitsaithandexpresseththatthisorthatissoandso，astothematterinhand，thouartboundandobliged，bothbythename，profession，andthetruth，untowhichthouhastjoinedthyself，toassentto，confess，andacknowledgethesame，eventhenwhenthycarnalreasonwillnotstoopthereto。 \"Righteousartthou，OGod，\"saithJeremiah，\"yetletmepleadwiththee；Whereforedothewickedlive？\"Mark，firstheacknowledgeththatGod’swaywiththewickedisjustandright，eventhenwhenyethecouldnotseethereasonofhisactionsanddispensationstowardsthem。 Thesamereasonisgoodastoourpresentcase：andhenceitisthattheapostlesaith，thespiritualarmourofChristiansshouldbemuchexercisedagainstthosehightoweringandself—exaltingimaginations，thatwithinourownbosomsdoexaltthemselvesagainsttheknowledgeofGod；thateverythoughtorcarnalreasoningmaybenotonlytaken，butbroughtacaptiveintoobediencetoChrist；thatis，bemadetostooptotheWordofGod，andtogivewayandplacetothedoctrinethereincontained，howcrosssoeverourthoughtsandtheWordlietoeachother。Anditisobservablethatheheresaith，\"theyexaltthemselvesagainsttheknowledgeofGod；\"whichcannotbeunderstood，thatourcarnal，naturalreasondothexaltitselfagainstaneternaldeity，simplyconsidered；forthatnatureitselfdothgatherfromtheverythingsthataremade，evenhiseternalpowerandGodhead：itmustbethenthattheyexaltthemselvesagainstthatGodasthusandthusrevealedintheWord，towit，againsttheknowledgeofoneGod，consistingofthreepersons，Father，Son，andSpirit；forthisisthedoctrineoftheScripturesoftruth：andthereforeitisobservablethesethoughtsmustbebroughtcaptive，andbemadesubjectinparticulartotheLordJesusChrist，astothesecondpersonintheGodhead：fortheFatheriseveracknowledgedbyallthatprofesstheleastofreligion；buttheSonisthatstumbling—stoneandrockofoffence，againstwhichthousandsdashthemselvesinpieces；thoughinhimarehidallthetreasuresofwisdomandknowledge，andinhimdwellsthefulnessoftheGodheadbodily。 OFTHELAWANDACHRISTIAN ThelawwasgiventwiceuponMountSinai，buttheappearanceoftheLord，whenhegaveitthesecondtime，waswonderfullydifferentfromthatofhis，whenatthefirsthedeliveredittoIsrael。 1。Whenhegaveitthefirsttime，hecausedhisterrorandseveritytoappearbeforeMoses，totheshakingofhissoulandthedismayingofIsrael；butwhenhegaveitthesecondtime，hecausedallhisgoodnesstopassbeforeMoses，tothecomfortofhisconscienceandthebowingofhisheart。 2。Whenhegaveitthefirsttime，itwaswiththunderingsandlightnings，withblacknessanddarkness，withflameandsmoke，andatearingsoundofthetrumpet；butwhenhegaveitthesecondtime，itwaswithaproclamationofhisnametobemerciful，gracious，long— suffering，andabundantingoodnessandtruth，keepingmercyforthousands，forgivinginiquity，transgressions，andsins。 3。Whenhegaveitthefirsttime，Moseswascalledtogouptoreceiveitthroughthefire，whichmadehimexceedinglyfearandquake： butwhenhewenttoreceiveitthesecondtime，hewaslaidinacliftoftherock。 4。FromallwhichIgather，that，thoughastothematterofthelaw，bothastoitsbeinggiventhefirsttimeandthesecond，itbindstheunbelieverunderthepainsofeternaldamnation（ifheclosenotwithChristbyfaith）；yetastothemannerofitsgivingatthesetwotimes，Ithinkthefirstdothmoreprincipallyintenditsforceasacovenantofworks，notatallrespectingtheLordJesus；butthissecondtimenot（atleastinthemannerofitsbeinggiven）respectingsuchacovenant，butratherasaruleordirectorytothosewhoalreadyarefoundinthecliftoftherockChrist；forthesainthimself，thoughhebewithoutlawtoGod，asitisconsideredthefirstoroldcovenant，yetevenheisnotwithoutlawtohimasconsideredundergrace；notwithoutlawtoGod，butunderthelawtoChrist。 5。Though，therefore，itbesadwiththeunbeliever，becauseheonlyandwhollystandethunderthelawasitisgiveninfire，insmoke，inblackness，anddarkness，andthunder；allwhichthreatenhimwitheternalruinifhefulfilnottheutmosttittlethereof；yetthebelieverstandstothelawundernosuchconsideration，neitherishesoatalltohearorregardit，forheisnowremovedfromthencetotheblessedmountainofZion——tograceandforgivenessofsins；heisnow，Isay，byfaithintheLordJesus，shroudedundersoperfectandblessedarighteousness，thatthisthunderinglawofMountSinaicannotfindtheleastfaultordiminutiontherein，butratherapprovethandalloweththereof，eitherwhenorwhereveritfindit。ThisiscalledtherighteousnessofGodwithoutthelaw，andalsosaidtobewitnessedbyboththelawandtheprophets；eventherighteousnessofGod，whichisbyfaithinJesusChristuntoallanduponallthemthatbelieve； forthereisnodifference。 6。Wherefore，wheneverthouwhobelievestinJesus，dosthearthelawinitsthunderingandlightningfits，asifitwouldburnupheavenandearth，thensaythou，Iamfreedfromthislaw，thesethunderingshavenothingtodowithmysoul；nay，eventhislaw，whileitthusthundersandroars，itdothbothallowandapproveofmyrighteousness。IknowthatHagarwouldsometimesbedomineeringandhigh，eveninSarah’shouse，andagainsther；butthissheisnottobesufferedtodo，nay，thoughSarahherselfbebarren；wherefore，serveitalsoasSarahservedher，andexpelheroutfromthyhouse。Mymeaningis，whenthislawwithitsthunderingthreateningsdothattempttolayholdonthyconscience，shutitoutwithapromiseofgrace；cry，Theinnistakenupalready；theLordJesusishereentertained，andhereisnoroomforthelaw。Indeed，ifitwillbecontentwithbeingmyinformer，andsolovinglyleaveofftojudgeme，Iwillbecontent，itshallbeinmysight，Iwillalsodelighttherein；butotherwise，Ibeingnowmadeuprightwithoutit，andthattoowiththatrighteousnesswhichthislawspeakswellofandapproveth，Imaynot，willnot，cannotdarenotmakeitmySaviourandjudge，norsufferittosetupitsgovernmentinmyconscience；forbysodoing，Ifallfromgrace，andChristJesusdothprofitmenothing。 7。Thus，therefore，thesoulthatismarriedtohimthatisraisedupfromthedead，bothmayandoughttodealwiththislawofGod；yea，itdothgreatlydishonouritsLordandrefuseitsgospelprivileges，ifitatanytimeotherwisedoth，whateveritseethorfeels。\"Thelawhathpoweroverthewifesolongasherhusbandliveth，butifherhusbandbedeadsheisfreedfromthatlaw；sothatsheisnoadulteressthoughshebemarriedtoanotherman。\"Indeed，solongasthouartalivetosin，andtothyrighteousnesswhichisofthelaw，solongthouhastthemforthyhusband，andtheymustreignoverthee；butwhenoncetheyarebecomedeaduntothee——astheythenmostcertainlywillwhenthouclosestwiththeLordJesusChrist——then，Isay，thyformerhusbandshavenomoretomeddlewiththee；thouartfreedfromtheirlaw。Setthecase：Awomanbecastintoprisonforadebtofhundredsofpounds；ifafterthisshemarry，yea，thoughwhilesheisinthejailor’shand，inthesamedaythatsheisjoinedtoherhusband，herdebtisallbecomehis；yea，andthelawalsothatarrestedandimprisonedthiswoman，asfreelytellsher，go：sheisfreed，saithPaul，fromthat；andsosaiththelawofthisland。 Thesum，then，ofwhathathbeensaidisthis——TheChristianhathnownothingtodowiththelaw，asitthunderethandburnethonSinai，orasitbindeththeconsciencetowrathandthedispleasureofGodforsin；forfromitsthusappearing，itisfreedbyfaithinChrist。Yetitistohaveregardthereto，andistocountitholy，just，andgood； which，thatitmaydo，itisalways，wheneveritseethorregardsit，torememberthathewhogivethittous\"ismerciful，gracious，long— suffering，andabundantingoodnessandtruth，\"&c。 BUNYAN’SLASTSERMON——PREACHEDJULY1688。 \"Whichwereborn，notofblood，norofthewilloftheflesh，norofthewillofman，butofGod；\"Johni。13。 Thewordshaveadependenceonwhatgoesbefore，andthereforeImustdirectyoutothemfortherightunderstandingofit。Youhaveitthus，——\"Hecametohisown，buthisownreceivedhimnot；butasmanyasreceivedhim，tothemgavehepowertobecomethesonsofGod，eventothemwhichbelieveonhisname；whichwereborn，notofblood，norofthewilloftheflesh，butofGod。\"Inthewordsbefore，youhavetwothings— First，Someofhisownrejectinghimwhenheofferedhimselftothem。 Secondly，Othersofhisownreceivinghim，andmakinghimwelcome。 Thosethatrejecthimhealsopassesby；butthosethatreceivehim，hegivesthempowertobecomethesonsofGod。Now，lestanyoneshouldlookuponitasgoodluckorfortune，sayshe，\"Theywereborn，notofblood，norofthewilloftheflesh，norofthewillofman，butofGod。\"Theythatdidnotreceivehim，theywereonlybornoffleshandblood；butthosethatreceivehim，theyhaveGodtotheirfather，theyreceivethedoctrineofChristwithavehementdesire。 First，Iwillshewyouwhathemeansby\"blood。\"Theythatbelieveareborntoit，asanheiristoaninheritance；theyarebornofGod；notofflesh，norofthewillofman，butofGod；notofblood——thatis，notbygeneration；notborntothekingdomofheavenbytheflesh；notbecauseIamthesonofagodlymanorwoman。Thatismeantbyblood，Actsxvii。26，\"Hehasmadeofonebloodallnations。\"Butwhenhesayshere，\"notofblood，\"herejectsallcarnalprivilegestheydidboastof。TheyboastedtheywereAbraham’sseed。No，no，sayshe，itisnotofblood；thinknottosayyouhaveAbrahamtoyourfather，youmustbebornofGodifyougotothekingdomofheaven。 Secondly，\"Norofthewilloftheflesh。\"Whatmustweunderstandbythat？ Itistakenforthosevehementinclinationsthatareinmantoallmanneroflooseness，fulfillingthedesiresoftheflesh。Thatmustnotbeunderstoodhere；menaremadethechildrenofGodbyfulfillingtheirlustfuldesires；itmustbeunderstoodhereinthebestsense。 Thereisnotonlyincarnalmenawilltobevile，butthereisinthemawilltobesavedalso——awilltogotoheavenalso。Butthisitwillnotdo，itwillnotprivilegeamaninthethingsofthekingdomofGod。Naturaldesiresafterthethingsofanotherworld，theyarenotanargumenttoproveamanshallgotoheavenwheneverhedies。Iamnotafreewiller，Idoabhorit；yetthereisnotthewickedestmanbuthedesiressometimeorothertobesaved。Hewillreadsometimeorother，or，itmaybe，pray；butthiswillnotdo——\"Itisnotinhimthatwills，norinhimthatruns，butinGodthatshewsmercy；\"thereiswillingandrunning，andyettonopurpose；Rom。ix。16，\"Israel，whichfollowedafterthelawofrighteousness，havenotobtainedit。\" HereIdonotunderstandasiftheapostlehaddeniedavirtuouscourseoflifetobethewaytoheaven，butthatamanwithoutgrace，thoughhehavenaturalgifts，yetheshallnotobtainprivilegetogotoheaven，andbethesonofGod。Thoughamanwithoutgracemayhaveawilltobesaved，yethecannothavethatwillGod’sway。Nature，itcannotknowanythingbutthethingsofnature；thethingsofGodknowsnomanbutbytheSpiritofGod；unlesstheSpiritofGodbeinyou，itwillleaveyouonthissidethegatesofheaven——\"Notofblood，norofthewilloftheflesh，norofthewillofman，butofGod。\"Itmaybesomemayhaveawill，adesirethatIshmaelmaybesaved；knowthis，itwillnotsavethychild。Ifitwereourwill，Iwouldhaveyouallgotoheaven。Howmanyarethereintheworldthatprayfortheirchildren，andcryforthem，andreadytodie；andthiswillnotdo？ God’swillistheruleofall；itisonlythroughJesusChrist，\"whichwereborn，notofflesh，norofthewillofman，butofGod。\"NowI cometothedoctrine。 MenthatbelieveinJesusChristtotheeffectualreceivingofJesusChrist，theyareborntoit。HedoesnotsaytheySHALLbeborntoit，buttheyAREborntoit；bornofGod，untoGod，andthethingsofGod，beforetheyreceiveGodtoeternalsalvation。\"Exceptamanbebornagain，hecannotseethekingdomofGod。\"NowunlesshebebornofGod，hecannotseeit。SupposethekingdomofGodbewhatitwill，hecannotseeitbeforehebebegottenofGod；supposeitbetheGospel，hecannotseeitbeforehebebroughtintoastateofregeneration； believingistheconsequenceofthenewbirth，\"notofblood，norofthewillofman，butofGod。\" First，Iwillgiveyouacleardescriptionofitunderonesimilitudeortwo。Achild，beforeitbebornintotheworld，isinthedarkdungeonofitsmother’swomb；soachildofGod，beforehebebornagain，isinthedarkdungeonofsin，seesnothingofthekingdomofGod，thereforeitiscalledanewbirth；thesamesoulhasloveonewayinitscarnalcondition，anotherwaywhenitisbornagain。 Secondly，Asitiscomparedtoabirth，resemblingachildinhismother’swomb，soitiscomparedtoamanbeingraisedoutofthegrave；andtobebornagainistoberaisedoutofthegraveofsin—— \"Awake，thouthatsleepest，andarisefromthedead，andChristshallgivetheelife。\"Toberaisedfromthegraveofsinistobebegottenandborn；Rev。i。5。ThereisafamousinstanceofChrist——\"Heisthefirst—begottenfromthedead，heisthefirst—bornfromthedead；\"untowhichourregenerationalludeth，——thatis，ifyoubebornagainbyseekingthosethingsthatareabove，thenthereisasimilitudebetwixtChrist’sresurrectionandthenewbirth；whichwereborn，whichwererestoredoutofthisdarkworld，andtranslatedoutofthekingdomofthisdarkworldintothekingdomofhisdearSon，andmadeusliveanewlife；thisistobebornagain；andhethatisdeliveredfromthemother’swomb，itisthehelpofthemother；sohethatisbornofGod，itisbytheSpiritofGod。Imustgiveyouafewconsequencesofnewbirth。 Firstofall，achild，youknow，isincidenttocryassoonasitcomesintotheworld；foriftherebenonoise，theysayitisdead。YouthatarebornofGod，andChristians，ifyoubenotcriers，thereisnospirituallifeinyou；ifyoubebornofGod，youarecryingones；assoonashehasraisedyououtofthedarkdungeonofsin，youcannotbutcrytoGod，WhatmustIdotobesaved？AssoonaseverGodhadtouchedthejailor，hecriesout，\"Menandbrethren，whatmustIdotobesaved？\"Oh！howmanyprayerlessprofessorsarethereinLondonthatneverpray？Coffee—houseswillnotletyoupray，tradeswillnotletyoupray，looking—glasseswillnotletyoupray；butifyouwerebornofGod，youwould。 Secondly，Itisnotonlynaturalforachildtocry，butitmustcravethebreast，itcannotlivewithoutthebreast；thereforePetermakesitthetruetrialofanew—bornbabe；thenew—bornbabedesiresthesinceremilkoftheWord，thathemaygrowthereby。IfyoubebornofGod，makeitmanifestbydesiringthebreastofGod。Doyoulongforthemilkofpromises？Amanlivesonewaywhenheisintheworld，anotherwaywhenheisbroughtuntoJesusChrist；Isa。lxvi。，\"Theyshallsuck，andbesatisfied。\"Ifyoubebornagain，thereisnosatisfactiontillyougetthemilkofGod’swordintoyoursouls；Isa。 lxvi。11，\"Tosuck，andbesatisfiedwiththebreastsofconsolation。\" Owhatisapromisetoacarnalman；awhorehouse，itmaybe，ismoresweettohim；butifyoubebornagain，youcannotlivewithoutthemilkofGod’sword。Whatisawoman’sbreasttoahorse？Butwhatisittoachild？Thereisitscomfortnightandday，thereisitssuccournightandday。Ohowloathisheitshouldbetakenfromhim。 Mindingheavenlythings，saysacarnalman，isbutvanity；buttoachildofGod，thereishiscomfort。 Thirdly，Achildthatisnewlyborn，ifithavenotothercomfortstokeepitwarmthanithadinitsmother’swomb，itdies。Itmusthavesomethinggotforitssuccour；soChristhadswaddlingclothespreparedforhim；sothosethatarebornagain，theymusthavesomepromiseofChristtokeepthemalive。Thosethatareinacarnalstate，theywarmthemselveswithotherthings；butthosethatarebornagain，theycannotlivewithoutsomepromiseofChristtokeepthemalive，ashedidtothepoorinfantinEzekielxvii。，\"Icoveredtheewithembroideredgold。\"Andwhenwomenarewithchild，whatfinethingswilltheypreparefortheirchild！ObutwhatfinethingshasChristpreparedtowrapallinthatarebornagain！OwhatwrappingsofgoldhasChristpreparedforallthatarebornagain！Womenwilldresstheirchildren，thateveryonemayseethemhowfinetheyare；soheinEzekielxvi。11——\"Ideckedtheealsowithornaments，andIalsoputbraceletsuponthinehands，andachainonthyneck。AndIputajewelonthyforehead，andear—ringsinthineears，andabeautifulcrownuponthinehead；\"and，saysheinthe13thverse，\"thoudidstprospertoakingdom。\"ThisistosetoutnothingintheworldbuttherighteousnessofChrist，andthegracesoftheSpirit，withoutwhichanew—bornbabecannotlive，unlesshehavethegoldenrighteousnessofChrist。 Fourthly，Achildwhenitisinitsmother’slap，themothertakesgreatdelighttohavethatwhichwillheforitscomfort；soitiswithGod’schildren，theyshallhekeptonhisknee；Isaiahlxvi。11，\"Theyshallstickandbesatisfiedwiththebreastsofherconsolation。\" Ver。13，\"Asonewhomhismothercomforteth，sowillIcomfortyou。\" Thereisasimilitudeinthesethingsthatnobodyknowsofbutthosethatarebornagain。 Fifthly，Thereisusuallysomesimilitudebetwixtthefatherandthechild；itmaybethechildlookslikeitsfather；sothosethatarebornagain，theyhaveanewsimilitude，theyhavetheimageofJesusChrist（Gal。iv。），everyonethatisbornofGodhassomethingofthefeaturesofheavenuponhim。Menlovethosechildrenthatarelikestthemmostusually；sodoesGodhischildren；thereforetheyarecalledthechildrenofGod。Butothersdonotlooklikehim，thereforetheyarecalledSodomites。Christdescribeschildrenofthedevilbytheirfeatures；thechildrenofthedevil，hisworkstheywilldo；allworksofunrighteousness，theyarethedevil’sworks。Ifyouareearthly，youhavebornetheimageoftheearthly；ifheavenly，youhavebornetheimageoftheheavenly。 Sixthly，Whenamanhasachild，hetrainshimuptohisownliking，helearnsthecustomofhisfather’shouse；soarethosethatarebornofGod；theyhavelearnedthecustomofthetruechurchofGod，theretheylearntocry，MyFatherandmyGod；theyarebroughtupinGod’shouse，theylearnthemethodandformofGod’shouseforregulatingtheirlivesinthisworld。 Seventhly，Children，itisnaturalforthemtodependupontheirfatherforwhattheywant。Iftheywantapairofshoes，theygoandtellhim；iftheywantbread，theygoandtellhim；soshouldthechildrenofGoddo。Doyouwantspiritualbread？gotellGodofit。Doyouwantstrengthofgrace？askitofGod。DoyouwantstrengthagainstSatan’stemptations？goandtellGodofit。Whenthedeviltemptsyou，runhomeandtellyourheavenlyFather；gopouroutyourcomplaintstoGod。Thisisnaturaltochildren；ifanywrongthem，theygoandtelltheirfather；sodothosethatarebornofGod，whentheymeetwithtemptations，goandtellGodofthem。 Thefirstuseisthis，tomakeastrictinquirywhetheryoubebornofGodornot。ExaminebythosethingsIlaiddownbeforeofachildofnatureandachildofgrace。AreyoubroughtoutofthedarkdungeonofthisworldintoChrist？haveyoulearnedtocry，MyFather？Jer。 iii。16，\"AndIsaid，ThoushaltcallmethyFather。\"AllGod’schildrenarecriers。CanyoubequietwithoutyouhaveabellyfulofthemilkofGod’sword？CanyoubesatisfiedwithoutyouhavepeacewithGod？Prayyouconsiderit，andbeseriouswithyourselves。Ifyouhavenotthesemarks，youwillfallshortofthekingdomofGod，youshallneverhaveaninterestthere；thereisnointruding。Theywillsay，\"Lord，Lord，opentous；andhewillsay，Iknowyounot。\" NochildofGod，noheavenlyinheritance。Wesometimesgivesomethingtothosethatarenotourchildren，butnotourlands。Odonotflatteryourselveswithaportionamongthesons，unlessyoulivelikesons。Whenweseeaking’ssonplaywithabeggar，thisisunbecoming； soifyoubetheking’schildren，liveliketheking’schildren。IfyouberisenwithChrist，setyouraffectionsonthingsabove，andnotonthingsbelow。Whenyoucometogether，talkofwhatyourFatherpromisedyou；youshouldallloveyourFather’swill，andbecontentandpleasedwiththeexercisesyoumeetwithintheworld。IfyouarethechildrenofGod，livetogetherlovingly。Iftheworldquarrelwithyou，itisnomatter；butitissadifyouquarreltogether。Ifthisbeamongstyou，itisasignofill—breeding，itisnotaccordingtorulesyouhaveintheWordofGod。DostthouseeasoulthathastheimageofGodinhim？Lovehim，lovehim；say，ThismanandImustgotoheavenoneday。Serveoneanother，dogoodforoneanother；andifanywrongyou，praytoGodtorightyou，andlovethebrotherhood。 Lastly，IfyoubethechildrenofGod，learnthatlesson：\"Girduptheloinsofyourmindasobedientchildren，notfashioningyourselvesaccordingtoyourformerconversation；butbeyeholyinallmannerofconversation。\"ConsiderthattheholyGodisyourfather，andletthisobligeyoutolivelikethechildrenofGod，thatyoumaylookyourFatherinthefacewithcomfortanotherday。 BUNYAN’SDYINGSAYINGS。 OFSIN。 Sinisthegreatblockandbartoourhappiness，theprocurerofallmiseriestoman，bothhereandhereafter；takeawaysin，andnothingcanhurtus；fordeathtemporal，spiritual，andeternal，isthewagesofit。 Sin，andmanforsin，istheobjectofthewrathofGod。Howdreadfulthereforemusthiscasebewhocontinuesinsin；forwhocanbearandgrapplewiththewrathofGod？ NosinagainstGodcanbelittle，becauseitisagainstthegreatGodofheavenandearth；butifthesinnercanfindoutaLITTLEGod，itmaybeeasytofindoutlittlesins。 SinturnsallGod’sgraceintowantonness：itistheDAREofhisjustice；theRAPEofhismercy；theJEERofhispatience；theSLIGHTofhispower；andtheCONTEMPTofhislove。 Takeheedofgivingthyselflibertyofcommittingonesin，forthatwillleadtheetoanother；tillbyanillcustomitbecomenatural。 Tobeginsinistolayafoundationforacontinuance；thiscontinuanceisthemotherofcustom，andimpudenceatlasttheissue。 ThedeathofChristgivethusthebestdiscoveryofourselves；inwhatconditionwewere，sothatnothingcouldhelpusbutthat；andthemostcleardiscoveryofthedreadfulnatureofoursins。ForifsinbesuchadreadfulthingastowringtheheartoftheSonofGod，howshallapoorwretchedsinnerbeabletobearit？ OFAFFLICTION。 Nothingcanrenderafflictionsoheavyastheloadofsin；wouldyouthereforebefittedforafflictions，besuretogettheburdenofyourSINSlaidaside，andthenwhatafflictionssoeveryoumeetwithwillbeveryeasytoyou。 IfthoucansthearandbeartherodofafflictionwhichGodshalllayuponthee，rememberthislesson，thouartBEATENthatthoumaystbebetter。 TheLordusethhisFLAILoftribulationtoseparatethechafffromthewheat。 Theschoolofthecrossistheschooloflight；itdiscoverstheworld’svanity，baseness，andwickedness，andletsusseemoreofGod’smind。Outofdarkafflictioncomesaspirituallight。 IntimesofafflictionwecommonlymeetwiththesweetestexperiencesoftheloveofGod。 Didweheartilyrenouncethepleasuresofthisworld，weshouldbeverylittletroubledforourafflictions；thatwhichrendersanafflictedstatesoinsupportabletomany，isbecausetheyaretoomuchaddictedtothepleasuresofthislife；andsocannotendurethatwhichmakesaseparationbetweenthem。 OFREPENTANCEANDCOMINGTOCHRIST。 Theendofafflictionisthediscoveryofsin；andofTHATtobringustotheSaviour；letustherefore，withtheprodigal，returnuntohim，andweshallfindeaseandrest。 Areturningpenitent，thoughformerlybadastheworstofmen，maybygracebecomeasgoodasthebest。 Tobetrulysensibleofsin，istosorrowforDISPLEASINGofGod：tobeafflicted，thatheisdispleasedBYUSmorethanthatheisdispleasedWITHus。 Yourintentionstorepentance，andtheneglectofthatsoul—savingduty，willriseupinjudgmentagainstyou。 RepentancecarrieswithitaDIVINERHETORIC，andpersuadesChristtoforgivemultitudesofsinscommittedagainsthim。 Saynottothyself，to—morrowIwillrepent；foritisthydutytodoitdaily。 Thegospelofgraceandsalvationisabovealldoctrinethemostdangerous，ifitbereceivedinWORDonlybygracelessmen；ifitbenotattendedwithasensibleneedofaSaviour，andbringthemtohim； forsuchmenonlyashavetheNOTIONofit，areofallmenmostmiserable；forbyreasonoftheirknowingmorethanheathens，thisshallonlybetheirfinalportion，thattheyshallhavegreaterstripes。 OFPRAYER。 Beforeyouenterintoprayer，askthysoulthesequestions，1。TowhatEND，Omysoul！artthouretiredintothisplace？ArtthoucometoconversewiththeLordinprayer？Ishepresent，willhehearthee？ Ishemerciful，willhehelpthee？Isthybusinessslight，isitnotconcerningthewelfareofthysoul？Whatwordswiltthouusetomovehimtocompassion？ Tomakethypreparationcomplete，considerthatthouartbutDUSTandASHES；andhethegreatGod，FatherofourLordJesusChrist，THAT CLOTHESHIMSELFWITHLIGHTASWITHAGARMENT；thatthouartavilesinner，andheaholyGod；thatthouartbutapoorcrawlingworm，andhetheomnipotentCreator。 Inallyourprayers，forgetnottothanktheLordforhismercies。 Whenthouprayest，ratherletthyheartbewithoutWORDSthanthywordswithoutHEART。 Prayerwillmakeamanceasefromsin，orsinwillenticeamantoceasefromprayer。 Thespiritofprayerismorepreciousthanthousandsofgoldandsilver。 Prayoften，forprayerisashieldtothesoul，asacrificetoGod，andascourgeforSatan。 OFTHELORD’S—DAYS，SERMONS，ANDWEEK—DAYS。 HaveaspecialcaretosanctifytheLord’s—day；forasthoukeepestit，sowillitbewiththeealltheweeklong。 MaketheLord’s—daytheMARKETforthysoul；letthewholedaybespentinprayer，repetitions，ormeditations；layasidetheaffairsoftheotherpartsoftheweek；letthesermonthouhastheardbeconvertedintoPRAYER：shallGodallowtheesixdays，andwiltthounotaffordhimone？ Inthechurch，becarefultoserveGod；forthouartinhiseyes，andnotinman’s。 Thoumaysthearsermonsoften，anddowellinpractisingwhatthouhearest；butthoumustnotexpecttobetoldinapulpitallthatthououghtesttodo，butbestudiousinreadingtheScriptures，andothergoodbooks；whatthouhearestmaybeforgotten，butwhatthoureadestmaybetterberetained。 ForsakenotthepublicworshipofGod，lestGodforsakethee；notonlyinpublic，butinprivate。 Ontheweek—day，whenthourisestinthemorning，consider，1。Thoumustdie；2。Thoumaystdiethatminute；3。Whatwillbecomeofthysoul。Prayoften。Atnightconsider，1。Whatsinsthouhastcommitted；2。Howoftenthouhastprayed；3。Whathaththymindbeenbentupon；4。Whathathbeenthydealing；5。Whatthyconversation； 6。Ifthoucallesttomindtheerrorsoftheday，sleepnotwithoutaconfessiontoGod，andahopeofpardon。Thus，everymorningandeveningmakeupthyaccountwithAlmightyGod，andthyreckoningwillbethelessatlast。 OFTHELOVEOFTHEWORLD。 NothingmorehindersasoulfromcomingtoChristthanavainloveoftheWORLD；andtillasoulisfreedfromit，itcanneverhaveatrueloveforGod。 Whatarethehonoursandrichesofthisworld，whencomparedtothegloriesofacrownoflife？ Lovenottheworld，foritisamothinaChristian’slife。 Todespisetheworldisthewaytoenjoyheaven；andblessedaretheywhodelighttoconversewithGodbyprayer。 Whatfollycanbegreaterthantolabourforthemeatthatperisheth，andneglectthefoodofeternallife？ GodortheworldmustbeneglectedatPARTINGtime，forthenisthetimeoftrial。 Toseekyourselfinthislifeistobelost；andtobehumbleistobeexalted。 Theepicurethatdelightethinthedaintiesofthisworld，littlethinkeththatthoseverycreatureswillonedaywitnessagainsthim。 ONSUFFERING。 Itisnoteverysufferingthatmakesamanamartyr；butsufferingfortheWordofGodafterarightmanner；thatis，notonlyforRIGHTEOUSNESS，butforrighteousness’sake；notonlyforTRUTH，butoutoflovetotruth；notonlyforGod’sWord，butaccordingtoit：towit，inthatholy，humble，meekmanner，astheWordofGodrequireth。 Itisararethingtosufferaright，andtohavemyspiritinsufferingbentagainstGod’senemy，sin。Sinindoctrine，sininworship，sininlife，andsininconversation。 Neitherthedevil，normenoftheworld，cankillthyrighteousness，orlovetoit，butbythyownhand；orseparatethatandtheeasunder，withoutthyownact。Norwillhethatdothindeedsufferforthesakeofit，oroutoflovehebearsthereto，betemptedtoEXCHANGEitforthegoodwillofthewholeworld。 IhaveoftenthoughtthatthebestofChristiansarefoundintheworsttimes：andIhavethoughtagain，thatonereasonwhywearenotbetteris，becauseGodpurgesusnomore。NoahandLot，whosoHOLYastheyinthetimeoftheirafflictions！andyet，whosoIDLEastheyinthetimeoftheirprosperity？ OFDEATHANDJUDGMENT。 Asthedevillaboursbyallmeanstokeepoutotherthingsthataregood，sotokeepoutoftheheartasmuchasinhimlies，thethoughtsofpassingoutofthislifeintoanotherworld；forheknowsifhecanbutkeepthemfromtheseriousthoughtsofDEATH，heshallthemoreeasilykeepthemintheirsins。 Nothingwillmakeusmoreearnestinworkingouttheworkofoursalvationthanafrequentmeditationofmortality；nothinghathagreaterinfluenceforthetakingoffourheartsfromvanities，andforthebegettinginusdesiresforholiness。 O！sinner，whataconditionwiltthoufallintowhenthoudepartesttheworld；ifthoudepartunconverted，thouhadstbetterhavebeenSMOTHEREDthefirsthourthouwastborn；thouhadstbetterhavebeenpluckedonelimbfromtheother；thouhadstbetterhavebeenmadeadog，atoad，aserpent，thantodieunconverted；andthisthouwiltfindtrueifthourepentnot。 Amanwouldbecountedafooltoslightajudgebeforewhomheistohaveatrialofhiswholeestate。ThetrialwearetohavebeforeGodisofOTHERWISEimportance；itconcernsoureternalhappinessormisery，andyetdareweaffronthim。 Theonlywayforustoescapethatterriblejudgmentistobeoftenpassingasentenceofcondemnationuponourselveshere。 Whenthesoundofthetrumpetshallbeheard，whichshallsummonthedeadtoappearbeforethetribunalofGod，therighteousshallhastenoutoftheirgraveswithjoytomeettheirRedeemerintheclouds； othersshallcalltothemountainsandhillstofalluponthem，tocoverthemfromthesightoftheirjudge；letus，therefore，intimebePOSINGourselveswhichoftheTWOweshallbe。 OFTHEJOYSOFHEAVEN。 Thereisnogoodinthislifebutwhatismingledwithsomeevil： honoursperplex，richesdisquiet，andpleasuresruinhealth。Butinheavenweshallfindblessingsintheirpurity，withoutanyingredienttoimbitter；witheverythingtosweetenit。 O！whoisabletoconceivetheinexpressible，inconceivablejoysthatarethere！Nonebuttheywhohavetastedofthem。Lord，helpustoputsuchavalueuponthemhere，thatinordertoprepareourselvesforthem，wemaybewillingtoforegothelossofallthosedeludingpleasureshere。 Howwilltheheavensechoforjoy，whenthebride，theLamb’swife，shallcometodwellwithherhusbandforever！ Christisthedesireofnations，thejoyofangels，thedelightoftheFather；whatsolacethenmustthesoulbefilledwith，thathaththepossessionofhimtoalleternity！ O！whatacclamationsofjoywilltherebe，whenallthechildrenofGodshallmeettogether，withoutfearofbeingdisturbedbytheanti— ChristianandCainishbrood。 Istherenotatimecomingwhenthegodlymayaskthewicked，whatprofittheyhaveintheirpleasure？whatcomfortintheirgreatness？ andwhatfruitinalltheirlabour？ Ifyouwouldbebettersatisfiedwhatthebeatificalvisionmeans，myrequestis，thatyouwouldliveHOLILYandgoandsee。 OFTHETORMENTSOFHELL。 HeavenandsalvationisnotsurelyMOREpromisedtothegodly，thanhellanddamnationisthreatenedto，andshallbeexecutedon，thewicked。 Oh！whoknowsthepowerofGod’swrath？Nonebutdamnedones。 Sinners’companyarethedevilandhisangels，tormentedineverlastingfirewithacurse。 Hellwouldbeakindofparadise，ifitwerenoworsethantheWORSTofthisworld。 Asdifferentasgriefisfromjoy，astormentfromrest，asterrorfrompeace；sodifferentisthestateofsinnersfromthatofSAINTSintheworldtocome。