In the next place, Secondly, we are to enquire upon what account Christ becomes the desire of all nations, i. e. of all those in all the nations of the world, that belong to the election of grace. And the true ground and reason thereof is, because Christ only hath that in himself which relieves their wants, and answers to all their need. As.
First, They are all, by nature, under condemnation, Rom. v. 16, 18. under the curse of the law ; against which, nothing is found in heaven or earth, able to relieve their consciences, but the blood of sprinkling, the pure and perfect righteousness of the Lord Jesus: and hence it is, that Christ becomes so desirable in the eyes of poor sinners, all the world over. If any thing in nature could be found to pacify and purge the consciences of men from guilt and fear, Christ would never be desirable in their eyes; but finding no other remedy but the blood of Jesus, to him, therefore, shall all the ends of the earth look for righteousness, and for peace.
Secondly, All nations of the world are polluted with the filth of sin, both in nature and practice, which they shall see, and bitterly bewail, when the light of the gospel shali shine amongst them ; and the same light, by which this shall be discovered, will also dis- cover the only remedy of this evil to lie in the spirit of Christ, the only fountain opened to all nations for sanctification and cleansing : and this will make the Lord Jesus incomparably desirous in their eyes. O how welcome will he be that cometh unto them, not by blood only, but by water also, John i. 5, 6.
Thirdly, When the light of the gospel shall shine upon the na- tions, they shall then see, that by reason of the guilt and filth of sin, they are all barred out of heaven ; those doors are chained up against ihern,, and that none but Christ can open an entrance for them into that kingdom of God ! that " no man cometh to the " Father but by him," John xiv. 6. " Neither is there any name " under heaven given among men, whereby they must be saved, u but the name of Christ," Acts iv. 12. Hence the hearts of sin- ners shall pant after him, as a hart panteth for the water-brooks. And thus you see upon what grounds Christ becomes the desire of all nations. The improvement of all followeth, in five several uses of the point ; viz.
First use for information. First, Is Christ the desire of all nations ? hoiv vile a sin is it then in any nation, upon whom the light of the gospel hath shintd, to reject
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Jesus Christ ? And say, as those in Job xxi. 14. " Depart from us, " we desire not the knowledge of thv ways.11 To thrust away his worship, government, and servants from amongst them ; and in effect to say, as it is Luke xix. 14. " We will not have this man *' to reign over us." Thus did the Jews* Acts xiii. 46. they put away Christ from among them, and thereby judged themselves unworthy of eternal life. This is at once a fearful sin, and a dread- ful sign. How soon did vengeance overtake them like the over- throw of Sodom ? O, let it be for a warning to all nations to the end of the world. He would have gathered the children of Israel under his wings as a Mil doth her brood, even when the Roman Eagle was hovering over them, but they would not ; therefore their houses Mere left unto them desolate, their city and temple made an heap.
Secondly, If Jesus Christ be the desire of all nations, hmv incom- parably happy then must that nation be, that enjoys Christ in the power and purity of his gospel-ordinances ! If Christ, under a vail made Canaan a glorious land, (as it is called) Dan. xi. 41. what a glorious place must that nation be, that beholds him with open lace in the bright sun-shine of the gospel ! O England, know thy happiness and the day of thy visitation : what others desire, thou enjoyest : provoke not the Lord Jesus to depart from thee, by cor- rupting his worship, longing after idolatry, abusing his messengers, and oppressing his people, lest his soul depart from thee. Second use for examination.
If Christ be the desire of all nations, examine whether he be the desire of your souls in particular ; else you shall have no benefit by him. Are your desires after Christ true spiritual desires ? Reflect, I beseech you, upon the frames and tempers of your heart. Can you say of your desires after Christ, as Peter did of his love to Christ ? Lord, thou knowest all things ; thou knowest that I de- sire thee. Try your desires as to their sincerity by the following characters :
First, Are they vehement and ardent ? Hath Christ the supreme place in your desires ? Do you esteem all things to be but dross and dung in comparison of the excellencies of Jesus Christ your Lord? Phil. hi. 8. Is he to you as the refuge-city to the man-slayer ? Heb. vi. 18, 19. As a spring of water in a dry place, as the sha- dow of a great rock in a weary land ? Isa. xxxii. 2. Such vehe- ment desires are true desires.
Secondly, Are your desires after Christ universal ; i. e. is every thing in Christ desirable in your eyes ? The hypocrite, like the har- lot, is for a divided Christ; they would be called by his name, but live upon their own stock, Isa. iv. 1. If his holiness and govern-
SERM. XIII. THE METHOD OF GRACE. . 231
ment, his cross and sufferings be desirable for his sake : such uni- versal desires are right desires.
Thirdly, Are your desires after Christ industrious desires, using all the means of accomplishing what you desire ! You say you de- sire Christ, but what will you do to obtain your desires ? If you seek him carefully and incessantly in all the ways of duty ; if you will strive in prayer, labour to believe, cut off right hands, and pluck out right eyes, i. e. be content to part with the most profitable and pleasant ways of sin that you may enjoy Christ, the desire of your souls; then are your desires right desires.
Fourthly, Are your desires after Christ permanent desires, or only a sudden motion or fit which goes off again without effect ? If vour desires after Christ abide upon your hearts, if your longings be after him at all times, though not in the same height and de- gree, then are your desires right desires. Christ always dwells in the desires of his people ; they can feel him in their desires, when they cannot discern him in their love or delight.
Fifthly, Will your desires after Christ admit no satisfaction, nor find rest any where but in the enjoyment of Christ ? then are your desires right desires. The soul that desires Christ, can never be at rest till it come home to Christ, 2 Cor. v. 2, 6. Phil. i. 23. The devil can satisfy others with the riches and pleasure of this world, as children are quieted with rattles; but if nothing but Christ can rest and terminate your desires, surely such restless desires are right desires.