84 IVIEDITATïONS AND DISCODÁSgS unworthiness, and so are discouraged from coming unto themselves with suchvain imaginations: Christ is able to- him, there are arguments for their conviction and per- suasion, which nothing but the devil and unbelief can defeat; wherefore that which is now proposed unto con- sideration in answer hereunto, is the readiness of Christ to receive every sinner, be he who or what he will that shall come unto him: and hereof we have the highest evidencesthat divine wisdom and grace can give unto us. This is the language of the gospel, of all that the Lord Christ did and suffered, which is recorded therein. This is the divine testimony of the three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and of the three that bear witness on earth, the Spirit, the water; and the blood; all give their joint. testimony that the Lord Christ is ready to receiveall sinners that come to him: theywho receivenot this testimony, make God a liar, both Father, Son, and Spirit.Whatever theLord Christ is in the constitution of his person, in the representation ofthe Father, in his office, in what he did on the earth, $r what he doth in heaven, proclaims the same truth. Nothing but cursed obstinacy in sin and unbelief can suggest a thought unto our minds, that he is not willing to receive us when we come unto him. Herein we are to bear testimony against the un- belief of all unto whom the gospel ispreached, that come not unto him. . Unbelief acting itself herein, includes a contempt of the wisdom of God, a denial of his truth or faithfulness, an impeachment ofthe sincerity of Christ in his invitations, making him a deceiver, andwill issue in an express hatred of his person and office, and of the wisdom of God in him. Here then you are shut up, you cannot from hence take any countenance unto your unbelief. Sixthly. Consider that he is as able to save us, as he is ready and willing to receive us. The testimonies which he bath given us unto his goodness and love are uncontrollable, and none dare directly to call in ques- tion, or deny his power. Generally this is taken for granted by all, that Christ is able to save us if he will; yea, who shall question his ability to save us, though we live in sin and unbelief? and many expect that he will do so, because they believe he can if he will. But in- deed Christ bath no such power, no such ability; he cannot save unbelieving impenitent sinners, for this can- not be done without, denying himself, acting contrary to bis word, and destroying his own glory. Let none please save all them, and only them, who come to God by him. Whilst you live in sin and unbelief, Christ himself can- not save you. But when it comes to the trial in parti- cular, some are apt to think, that although they will not conclude that Christ cannot save them, yet they do on various accounts say, that they cannot be saved by him. This, therefore, we also give testimony unto, in our ex- hortation to come unto him; namely, that his power to save those that shall comply with his call is sovereign, in- controllable, almighty, that nothingcan stand in the way of. All things in heaven and earth are committed unto him, all power is his, and he will use it unto this end, namely, the assured salvation of all that come unto him. Seventhly. Consider greatly what bath been spoken of the representation of God, and all the holy properties ofhis nature in him. Nothing can possibly give us more encouragement to come unto him; for we have manifested, that Godwho is infinitely wise and glorious, bath designed to exert all the holy properties of his na- ture, his mercy, love, grace, goodness, righteousness, wisdom, and power in him, in and unto the salvation of them that do believe. Whoever, therefore, comes unto Christ by faith on this representation of the Glory of God in him, he ascribes and gives unto God all that glory and honour which he aimeth at from his creatures, and we can do nothing wherewith he is pleased equal unto it. Every poor soul that comes by faith unto Christ, gives unto God all that glory which it is his de- sign to manifest and be exalted in; and what can we do more? There is more glory given unto God by coming unto Christ in believing, than in keeping thewhole law, inasmuch as hehath more eminently manifested the holy properties of his nature in the way of his salvation by Christ, than in giving of the law; there is therefore no man who under gospel invitations refuseth to comeunto, and close with Christ by believing, but secretly through the power of darkness, blindness, and unbelief he hates God,dislikes all his ways, would not have his glory ex-. alted, nor manifested, choosing rather to die in enmity against him, than to give glory to him. Do not deceive yourselves, it is not an indifferent thing, whether you will come in unto Christ upon Isis invitations or no; a thing that you may put off from oneseason unto another; your present refusal of-it, is as high an act of enmity a- gainst God, as your nature is capableof.
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