3. We multiply these evidences, because they are multitudes that are concerned in them. All that do believe, and all that do not be- lieve, are so, — those that do believe, that they may be established; and those that do not believe, that they may be encouraged so to do.
Ver.4.] EVIDENCE OF FORGIVENESS WITH GOD. 443
AmoBg both these sorts, some evidences may be more profitable and useful, one to one, some to another. It may be, amongst all, all will be gathered up, that no fragments be lost. They are all, I hope, instruments provided by the Holy Ghost for this end ; and by this ordinance do we endeavour to put them into his hand, to be made effectual as he will. One may reach one soul, another another, ac- cording to his pleasure. One may be of use to establishment, another to consolation, a third to encouragement, according as the necessities of poor souls do require. However, God, who hath provided them, knows them all to be needful.
4. They are so, also, upon the account of the va7'ious conditions wherein the spirits of believers themselves may be. One may give help to the same soul at one season, another at another; one may secure the soul against a temptation, another stir it up to thankful- ness and obedience.
These things have I spoken, that you may not think we dwell too long on this consideration. And I pray God that your consolation and establishment may abound in the reading of these meditations, as I hope they have not been altogether without their fruit in their preparation.
Fartlier evidences of forgiveness with God — Testimonies that God was well pleased with some tkit were sinners — The patience of God towards the world an evidence of forgiveness — Experience of the saints of God to the same purpose.
IV. Let us, then, in the fourth place, as a fourth evidence of this truth, consider those, both tinder the Old Testament and the Neiu, concerning whom tve have the greatest assurance that God was luell pleased tuith them, and that they are noiu in the enjoyment of him. And this argument unto this purpose the apostle insists upon, and presseth from sundry instances, Heb. xi. How many doth he there reckon up who of old " obtained a good report," and " this testi- mony, that they pleased God I" verses 2, 5. " All these inherited the promises" through believing, — that is, obtained the " forgiveness of sins:" for whereas " by nature they were children of Avrath," and " under the curse" as well as others, obtaining an infallible interest in the favour of God, and this testimony, " that they pleased him," it could no otherwise be; for without this, on a just account, every one of them would have continued in the state wherein Adam was when he " heard the voice of God, and was afraid." Wherefore, it being evident that some persons, in all generations, have enjoyed the friendship, love, and favour of God in this world, and at their de-
4il AN EXPOSITIOX UPON PSALM CXXX, [Ver.4.
parture out of it have entered into glory, it makes it evident that there is forgiveness of sin with him; Avithout which these things could not be.
Let us, after the example of the apostle, mention some particular instances in this matter. Look unto Abraham: he was the " friend of God," and walked with God. God made a solemn covenant Avith him, and takes it for his memorial throughout all generations that he is the " God of Abraham." And he is doubtless now at rest with God. Our Saviour calls the place or condition whereinto blessed souls are gathered, " Abraham's bosom." He is at rest with whom others are at rest.
The condition was the same Avith Isaac and Jacob. They also are in heaven, being alive unto and with God. Our Saviour proves it from the tenor of the covenant: " I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. God is not the God of the dead, but of the living," Matt, xxii, 82. They are yet alive, alive imto God, and Avith him by virtue of the covenant; or, after their death, God Avould not be said to be their God. This is the force of our Saviour's argument in that place, that after their death God Avas still theu' God. Then death had not reached their Avhole persons. They Avere still alive Avith God in heaven; and theh bodies, by virtue of the same covenant, were to be recovered out of the dust.
The same is the state Avith David, He Avas a " man after God's OAvn heart," that did his AAdll and fulfilled all his pleasure. And al- though he died, and his body saAV corruption, yet he is not lost; he is Avith God in heaven. Hence he ended his days triumphantly, in a full apprehension of eternal rest, beyond Avhat could in this Avorld be attained, and that by virtue of the covenant; for these are the last Avords of David, " Although my house be not so with God, yet he hath made Avith me an everlasting covenant," ascertaining unto him sure and eternal mercies, 2 Sam. xxiii. 5.
Peter also is in heaven. Christ prayed for him that his faith should not fail; and in his death he glorified God, John xxi. 19. So is Paul ; he also is in heaven. He knew that Avhen he AA^as dissolved he should be Avith Christ.