A77360:948
Christ and the covenant the work and way of meditation
Christ and the covenant the work and way of meditation. : Gods return to the soul, or nation; together with his preventing mercy. : Delivered in ten sermons, (viz.) 1. Christs personal excellencies, the object of our love. 2. Christ crucified, the object of our faith. 3. The new covenant of grace opened. 4. Christ the mediator of the new covenant. 5. The way and spirit of the new covenant, or New Testament. 6. The blood of sprinkling. 7. The sweetness and profitableness of divine meditation. 8. The work and way of this meditation. 9. Gods return to the soul and nation. 10. Preventing mercy. / By W.B.
London: printed for N. Ranew, 1667
Sermons › Sermon 9: Gods Return to the Soul or Nation. SERM. IX.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
3. That is most afflictive to a gracious soul, which is most contrary to him, and to his will; All that is affliction, which is contrary to ones will. It was no great matter in it self, that Mordecai did not pull off his Hat, and bow his Knee to Haman; it was no great affliction in it self, but it was contrary to Haman's pride, and that's an affliction that is contrary to ones will. Now what is the will, and what is the desire of the Saints, but the presence of God? That they may ever be at their Fathers Knee, that they may ever be in his Arms, and held in the Embraces of his Love, held in his Smiles; this is the thing that they do most desire. And therefore in the very beginning of the Cant. Kiss me with the kisses of thy Mouth: This therefore, being the thing that they do most desire, the contrary must be the most afflictive.
3. That is most afflictive to a gracious soul, which is most contrary to him, and to his will; All that is affliction, which is contrary to ones will. It was no great matter in it self, that Mordecai did not pull off his Hat, and bow his Knee to Haman; it was no great affliction in it self, but it was contrary to Haman's pride, and that's an affliction that is contrary to ones will. Now what is the will, and what is the desire of the Saints, but the presence of God? That they may ever be at their Fathers Knee, that they may ever be in his Arms, and held in the Im•races of his Love, held in his Smiles; this is the thing that they do most desire. And therefore in the very beginning of the Cant. Kiss me with the kisses of thy Mouth: This therefore, being the thing that they do most desire, the contrary must be the most afflictive.
4. That must needs be most afflictive, which hinders them in all their Enjoyments: Without the presence ⟨p. 470⟩of God, they have no enjoyment, their enjoyments are as no enjoyments; the presence of God with them, is the top of all their enjoyments. If the Sun be down, 'tis not all the Torches, and Candles lighted up, that will give you a day; and if God be gone, 'tis not all your Creature-comforts, will give you joy. Take away the word MY, and take away the word GOD; you take away the comfort of the word GOD, if you take away the word MY. And therefore, Whereas the Lord had used to call the Israelites his people, and God had a little forsaken them; he saith to Moses, Thy people, and the people, but not my people. But then,