2. He was now entering upon his intercession-work in heaven, and he was desirous in this prayer to give us a specimen, or sam- ple, of that part of his work, before he left us ; that by this we might understand what he would do for us, when he should be out of sight. For this being his last prayer on earth, it shews us what affections and dispositions he carried hence with him, and sa- tisfies us, that he who was so earnest with God on our behalf, such a mighty pleader here, will not forget us, or neglect our concerns in the other world. Yet, reader, I would have thee always remember, that the intercession of Christ in heaven is car- ried much higher than this ; it is performed in a way more suitable
254 THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE. SERM. XX.
to that state of honour to which he is now exalted. Here he used prostrations of body, cries and tears in his prayers : there, his in- tercession is carried in a more majestic way, and with more state, becoming an exalted Jesus. But yet in this he hath left us a spe- cial assistance, to discover much of the frame, temper, and work- ing of his heart, now in heaven towards us.
3. And lastly, he would leave this as a standing monument of his father-like care, and love to his people, to the end of the world. And for this it is conceived Christ delivered this prayer so publicly, not withdrawing from the disciples to be private with God, as he did in the garden ; but he delivers it in their pre- sence, " These things which I speak in the world," ver, 13. This jfac&qtfae, with the circumstances of place, [i?i the zcorld~\, doth plainly speak it to be a public prayer. And not only was it pub- licly delivered, but it was also, by a singular providence, recorded at large by John, though emitted by the other evangelists ; that so it might stand to all generations, for a testimony of Christ's tender care and love to his people.
Fourthly, If you ask how this gives evidence of Christ's tender care and love to his people ? which is the last enquiry ; I answer, in few words, for the thing is plain and obvious ; it appears in these two particulars.
1. His love and care was manifested in the choice of mercies for them. He doth not pray for health, honour, long life, riches, &c. but for their preservation from sin, spiritual joy in God, sanc- tification and eternal glory. No mercies but the very best in God's treasure will content him. He was resolved to get all the best mercies for his people ; the rest he is content should be dispensed promiscuously by Providence : but these he will settle as an heri- tage upon his children. O see the love of Christ ! look over all your spiritual inheritance in Christ, compare it with the richest, fairest, sweetest inheritance on earth ; and see what poor things these are to yours. O the care of a dear father J O the love of a tender Saviour !
2. Besides, what an evidence of his tenderness to you, and great care for you, was this, that he should so intently, and so affection- ately mind, and plead your concerns with God, at such a time as this was, even when a world of sorrow encompassed him on every side ; a cup of wrath mixed, and ready to be delivered into his hand : at that very time when the clouds of wrath grew black, a storm coming, and such as he never felt before ; when one would have thought, all his care, thoughts, and diligence, should have been employed on his own account, to mind his own sufferings ? No, he doth as it were forget his own sorrows, to mind our peace and comfort. O love unspeakable !
SERU. XX. THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE. 2-j."
Corollary 1. If this be so, that Christ so eminently discovered hi* care and love for his people, in this his parting hour ; then hence we conclude, The perseverance of the saints is unquestionable*. Do you hear how he pleads ! how he begs ! how he fills his mouth with arguments ! how he chuseth his words, and sets them in or- der, how he winds up his spirit to the very highest pitch of zeal and fervency ? and can you doubt of success ? Can such a Father deny the importunity, and strong reasonings and pleading of such a Son ; O, it can never be ! he cannot deny him : Christ hath the art and skill of prevailing with God : He hath (as in this ap- pears) the tongue of the learned. If the heart or hand of God were hard to be opened, yet this would open them ; but when the Father himself loves us, and is inclined to do us good, who can doubt of Christ's success ? " That which is in motion, is the more " easily moved ■J*.* The cause Christ manageth in heaven for us is just and righteous. The manner in which he pleads is powerful, and therefore the success of his suit is unquestionable.
The apostle professeth, 2 Cor. i. 3. " We can do nothing against u the truth." He means it in regard of the bent of his heart J ; he could not move against truth and righteousness. And if a holy man cannot, much less will a holy God. If Christ undertake to plead the cause of his people with the Father, and use his ora- tory with him, there is no doubt of his prevailing. Every word in this prayer is a chosen shaft, drawn to the head by a strong and skilful hand ; you need not question but it goes home to the white, and hits the mark aimed at. Doth he pray, " Father, keep, " through thine own name, those thou hast given me ?" Sure they shall be kept, if all the power in heaven can keep them. O think on this, when dangers surround your souls or bodies, when fears and doubts are multiplied within: when thou art ready to say in thy haste, All men are liars, I shall one day perish by the hand of sin or Satan ; think on that encouragement Christ gave to Peter, Luke xxii. 31. " I have prayed for thee."
Corollary 2. Again, hence we learn, that argumentative prayers are excellent prayers. The strength of every thing is in its joints ; there lies much of the strength of prayer also : how strongly joint- ed, how nervous and argumentative was this prayer of Christ. Some there are indeed, that think we need not argue and plead in prayer with God, but only present the matter of our prayers to him, and let Christ alone (whose office it is) to plead with the Fa-
* By this, that observation is crossed ; Nemo diu tutus, purkulo jrroximus : None can be long safe, that dwells near to danger : for hereby they are safe in the midst of danger.
f Quicquid est in motu, facile movetur.
j We can do that, which we can do justly.
256 THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE. SERM. XX.