angels of light,) first, could raise so many credulous souls into a fond expecta- tion of higher attainments in grace and comfort from their new pretended light, than ever yet the saints were acquainted with, and at last to make them fall so low, be so reasonable, or i-ather unreasonable, as to accept such sensual pleasures and joys as this world can afford in full payment for all the gloi"ious things he promised them ? This I hope will make some love the gospel the more, and stick closer to it as long as they live. O Chi-istians, bless God for the glad tidings of the gospel, and never lend an ear to him that would be telling you other news, except you mean to part with the truth to purchase a lie ; yea, let it make you careful to draw all your comfort and joy from the gospel's breast. When a carnal heart would be merry, he doth not take the Bible down to read in that ; he doth not go into the company of the promises, and walk in the meditation of them ; it brings no joy to him to think of Christ or heaven : no, he takes down a playbook, it may be, seeks some jovial company, goes to the exchange or market, to hear what news he can meet with. Every one as his haunt lies : but still it is from the world he expects his joy. And now where lies thy road, Christian ? Whither doth thy soul lead thee for thy joy ? Dost not thou go to the word, and read there what Christ has done for thee on earth, and is doing for thee in heaven ? Is not the throne of grace the exchange to which thou resortest for good news from that far coimtry, heaven, where all thy estate lies, and thy best friends live? Art thou not listening what promise he will speak peace from to thy soul ? If so, thou hast not thy name for nought ; thou art a Christian indeed. Qui Utteris addicti sumits, saith Erasmus, animi lassitudinem a studiis gravioribus contr actum, ah eisdem studiis, sed amcsniorilus recreamus. True students, that love their book indeed, when they have wearied their spirits with study, can recreate them again with study, by making a diversion from tliat which is severe and intricate to some more facile and pleasant subject. Thus the true Christian, when his spirits are worn and wasted in the severer exercises of Christianity, such as fasting and prayer, wherein he aflflicts both body and soul for his sins, then he can recover them at the feast of God's love in Christ, where he sees his water turned into wine, and the tears that even now his sins covered his face withal, washed off by the blood of Christ; when his soul is sti-uck into a fear and trembling with the consideration of the justice of God, and the terror of his threatenings and judgments for sin, then the meditation of the sweet promises of the gospel recreate and revive him ; so that in the same word, where he meets with his wound, he finds his healing ; where he hath his sorrow, there also he receives his joy.
CHAPTER III.
A FOURFOLD PEACE ATTRIBUTED TO THE GOSPEL, AND IN PARTICULAR, PEACE OF RECONCILIATION, WHERE IT IS PROVED THERE IS A QUARREL BETWIXT GOD AND man; AS ALSO THAT THE GOSPEL CAN ONLY TAKE IT UP; AND WHY GOD THUS LAID THE METHOD OF MAn's RECOVERY SO.
Ques. 2. The second inquiry follows. What peace is here meant that is attributed to the gospel ? Peace is a comprehensive word. ' We looked for peace,' saith the prophet, ' but no good came,' Jer. viii. 15. Peace brings, and carries away again with it all good, as the sun doth light to and from the world. When Christ would to the utmost express how well he wished his disciples, he wraps up all the happiness which his large heart could wish them in this bless- ing of peace ; ' Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you,' John xiv. 27. Now take peace in its greatest latitude, and if not spurious, it will be found to grow upon this gospel root. So that we shall lay the conclusion in general terms.
Doct. True peace is the blessing of the gospel, and only of the gospel. This will appear in the several kinds of peace ; which may be sorted into these four. First, Peace with God, which we may call peace of reconciliation. Secondly, Peace with ourselves, or peace of conscience. Thirdly, Peace with one another, or peace of love and unity. Fourthly, Peace with the other creatures, even the most hurtful, which may be called a piece of indemnity and service.
To begin where all other begin, with peace of reconciliation with God. For when man fell out with God, he fell out with himself and all the world besides ;
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and he can never come to be at peace with tliese, till his peace be made with God, Tranquilhix Dens, iranqu'illat omnia ; the point then is,