CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

Secondly, Christs power is seen in that he doth not only give grace, ¹but he is able to bestow all that glory and happiness the Scripture promiseth; Now the reward or fruit of grace is either that inward peace and joy of heart here, or eternal happiness hereafter, both which are in Christs power and munificence, It was always a flower in the chiefest power to be able to remunerate those that did great service, and this is part of Christs Jus Regale: For the first the peace of conscience and joy which accompanieth well-doing is exceeding great, insomuch that if there were no heaven hereafter, yet godliness brings a present sweetness and delight with it, It hath present pay; Now all this peace and comfort ⟨p. 42⟩especially between God and the soul is wrought by Christ only who is called the King of Peace, Isa. 9. yea, our peace, Eph. 2.14. because he reconcileth God and man; If those Peace-makers be blessed that make man and man to agree, how much more is he that brings God and man to agreement? But this Christ worketh; Alas the heart troubled for sin, rageth and is like an hell, till Christ bids it be quiet and still: Hence he promiseth to send the Comforter, and it's his Spirit which is sent into our hearts, making us to cry Abba Father, Gal. 4.6. Oh then let the grieved and perplexed soul through the guilt of sin, that can find no rest, no ease, go to him that hath power indeed to command these waves to be still, See with what love and power Mat. 11.28. this is expressed, Come to me ye that are heavy laden, and I will ease you: Christ will give ease; See how imperiously he speaks, Let your sin be never so terrifying, your conscience never so disquieted, The devils never so much troubling and tempting of you, yet I will give you ease; You shall find rest for your souls: No earthly power in the world can say thus truly; Therefore this is to direct the godly in their black temptations; They cry out, It cannot be I should have peace, I should have joy; There may as soon come fire out of water as peace and quietness out of my heart; Oh remember this Text, The power Christ hath over all flesh, Is thine excepted? Christ can ease and quiet every mans heart but thine; Be ashamed to think thy weakness more then Christs power; Thy guilt more then his consolations. The other fruit of a godly life is Eternal happiness;