216 Of COMMUNION with si`P4i+á!A+r;]Jïstlri?atík .+.?. f m e 6úG+if,>,,fif¢1Crooùm{iGïtKèO+nGf eOY«'eCerfie;'CwGc,ot"zooi*tìo.1 CHAP. IV. Inferences on the former Aoîírine concerning Communion with the Father in Love. AVI N G thus difcovered the nature of that diflinft com- munion which we havewith the Father, it remaineth that we give fome exhortations unto it, direftions in ir, and take fome obfervations from it. a. Firfl, then, this is a duty wherein it is molt evident that chriftians are but little exercifed, namely in holding immediate communion with the Father in love. Un- unacquaintedn fs with our mercies, our 'privileges, is our fin, as well as our trouble. We hearken not to the voice of the fpirit, (a) which is given unto us, that we may know the things, that are free- ly bellowed on us of God. This makes us go heavily, when we might rejoyce; and to be weak, wherewe might be prong in the Lord. How fewof the faints are experimentally acquainted with this privilege of holding immediate communion with the Father in love? with what anxious doubtful thoughts, do they look upon him? what fears, whatque- flionings are there of his good will and kindnefs? At the belt, many think there is no fweetnefs at all in him towards us, but what is purchafed at the high price of the blood of Jefus: It is true, that alone is the way ofcommunication: but the free fountain and fpringofall is inthe hofomof the father, (b) eternal life was with the Father, and is manfefled unto us. Let us then. (r.) Eye the Father as love; Look not on him as an always lowri ng Father, but as one molt (e) kind, and tender. Let us look on him by faith, as one that hash had thoughts of kindnefs towards us from everlalting. It is mifapprhenfion of God, that makes any run from him, who have the le-aft breathing wrought in them after him. They that know thee will put their truft in thee. Men cannot abide with God in fpiritual meditati- ons, He loofethfouls company by their want of this infight into his love. They fix their thoughts only on his terrible majefty, feverity and greatnefs, and fo theirfpirits are not endeared. Would a foul continually eye his everlaffing tendernefs and compaftion, his thoughts of kindnefs that have been from of old, his gracious acceptance, it could not bear an hours abfence from him; whereas now perhaps, it cannot watch with him one ,hour. Let then this be the faints u rft notion of the Father, as one full ofeternal free love towards them: let their hearts and thoughts be fi&Id with breaking through all difcouragements that lye in the way. To raife them hereunto, let them confider. (a) . Cor. ii. rz. (b) lui 9, rjr ,, ae.ríep xa) .+rt;d9n áai>, tans i, a (r) P(qt ciii. 9. Mic. vii ¿t. x #) Whofe
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