each P E I. SON ebifintaily. (t. Affiftance for the work, for of our [elves we cannot do it. And this the faints have by.the fpirit ,of Jefors, Roan. viii 26, 27. Likeavifethe fpirit helped' our infirmities, for we .know not what wefhould,pamyfor aswe ought, but thekirk it Pelf make intercee[eonfor us with graanings that canioot 3e uttered. Andhe that fearcheth the hearts knowetb what is the mind of the fpirit, becaufe be maketb intercc loo for the faints according to the toill of God. All endeavours, all attempts for communionwith God, without the luppliesof the fpirit of fupplicatuons, without hiseffeftual working in the heart, is of no value nor to any purlaof . And this opening of our hearts and bofotns to the Lord Jefus is that wherein he is exceedingly delighted: Hence is that affeftionate call of his unto us, to be treating with him on this account, chap. 2. ra. 0 my dove that art in the feeret plates of the fair, let mefee thy countenance, let me hear thy voice, for from is thyvoice end thy countenance is comely. When the foul on any account, is driven to hide it felf, in any negledted condition, inthe mof unlikely place of abode, then Both he call for this communication of its Pelf by prayer to laissa, for which he gives the affiftance of the fpirit mentioned. (a. A way whereby to approach unto God with our delires. This alfo we have by him provided for us, Yoh. xiv. 5, 6. Thomas faith unto Yefus, Lard we know not whither thougoef, and how can we know the may a fefus faith untohim, I am the (a) way, no man cemeth :into the father but by me. That way which we had of going unto God at our creation, is quite lime up byfin. The fword of the law which hath fire put into it by fin, turns every way to flop all palfages unto communicationwith God. Jefus Chrift bath confecrated a (b) new and living way (for the faints) thro the nail, that is to fay his flefb, Heb.x. 20. He hath confecrated and fet it apart, for believers, and for them alone. Others pretend to go to God with their prayers, but they coine not nigh him. How can they pofliblycome to the end, who go not in the way? Chrift only is the way to the throne of grace, none comes to God but by him. By himwe have an accefs in one fpirit unto the father, Ephef. ii. v. e8. Thefe two things then the faints have for the opening of their hearts at the throne of grace, affiftance and a way. The afliftance of the fpirit, without which they are nothing, and the way' of Chrift's mediation, without whichGod is not to be approached unto. (3. Boldnefs togo unto God. The voice of finners in themfelves, ifonce acquainted with the terror of the Lord is, Who amongus fhall dwell with the devouring fire ,z who among us (hall inhabit with everlafling burning, ? Ifa. xxxiii. v. 14. And no marvel i (c) Marne and trembling before God are the proper iffues of fin. God will revenge that carnal, atheiftical boldnef6 which fanners out ofChrift do ufe towards him. But we have nowboldnefr to enter into the belief? by the blood of ,7efus, bj a new and living waywhich be bath confecratedfor xis tbre' the vail, that is to fay, bis fefb, and havingá high prie/I oner the bode of God, we may draw near with a true heart in full affurance of faith, Heb. x. g, 20. The truth is, Rich is the glory and terror of the Lord, fuch the infinite perfeltion of his holinefs, that on clear fight of it, it will make the foul conclude, that of its felf, it (d) cannot fetve him, nor will it be to any advantage, but add to the fiercenefs of loin deftrudion, once to draw nigh to him. It is inChrift alone, and on the account alone of his oblation and interceffion, thatwe have any boldnefs to approachuntohim. And three three advantageshave the faints ofcoin/ma- Vers via cite, Es. (6) Via nulliús ante trim Colo. crekroatav xa7 iÿß e, ma, íntetfeftam 6 tau, vionitcm. (t)GO. In. 8,9. (5) Jaltt.xids. 19. Moat. mt. 19. Melt. V. 14,0M, ad. SCi. xrotass. t4. Mich vj. 6, 7. nicating
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