srxnrTu3ly vepCi: AND COMFORT. 259 points tempted like as we are, without sin. Let us, therefore, (saith the Holÿ.Ghost,) come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need;" Heb. iv. 15, 16. " Forasmuch as the childrenwere partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part with them, that he might.destroy, through death, him that had the power of death, that is, the. devil; and deliver them, who, through fear of death, were all 'their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily, he took not on him the nature of angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that. he right be a merciful and faithful High-Priest in things pertaining to, God,,to make reconciliation for the sins of the people For that he himself bath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted; " Heb. ii. 14-18. Have you discountenance frommen ?. Christ had much more. Doth. God seem to forsake you? So he did by Christ. Are you fain to lie on your knees crying formercy ? Why, Christ, in the days of his flesh, was fain to offer up, " strong cries and tears to him that was able. to save him. And was heard in that he feared." It seems that Christ had distressing,fears as well as you, though not sinful fears. Have you horrid temptations? Why, Christ was tempted to cast himself headlong, and to worship the devil, for worldly preferment ; yea, the devil had power to carry his body up and down to the pinnacle of the temple, and the top of a mountain. If 'he had such power of you, would younot think yourself certainly his slave? I conclude, therefore, as it is an exceeding ground of comfort to all the sick peopee in a city, to know that there is a most merciful and 'skillful physician, that is easily; able to cure them, and bath undertaken to do it freely for all that will take him for their physician ; so is it a ground .of ex- ceeding comfort to the worst of sinners, to all sinners that are yet alive, and have not blasphemed the Holy Ghost, to know what a merciful and efficient Savior bath undertaken the work of man's redemption. . 3. Also, suppose that you are graceless ; is it nothing that a suffi- cient sacrifice and ransom is. given for you ? This is the very, foundation of all solid peace. I think this is a great comfort, to know that God looks now for no satisfaction at your hand ; and that the number or greatness of your sins, as such, cannot now be your ruin. For certainly no man shall perish for want of the pay- ment of his ransom, or of an expiatory sacrifice for sin, but only for want of a willing heart toaccept him that hath freely ransomed them. 4. Also, suppose you are .graceless ; is it nothing that God bath
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=