The Marriage of _Cana_.
JOHN ii. 11.
_This beginning of miracles did JESUS in Cana of Galilee, and
manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him._
I HAVE more than once had occasion to observe, that the chief end St.
_John_ had in view, when he wrote his gospel, was to prove the divinity
of JESUS CHRIST, [that WORD, who not only was from everlasting with
GOD, but also was really GOD blessed for evermore] against those
arch-heretics _Ebion_ and _Corinthus_, whose pernicious principles too
many follow in these last days. For this purpose, you may take notice,
that he is more particular than any other Evangelist, in relating
our LORD’s divine discourses, as also the glorious miracles which he
wrought, not by a power derived from another, like _Moses_, and other
prophets, but from a power inherent in himself.
The words of the text have a reference to a notable miracle which
CHRIST performed, and thereby gave proof of his eternal power and
Godhead. “This beginning of miracles did JESUS in _Cana_ of _Galilee_,
and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”
The miracle here spoken of, is that of our LORD’s turning water into
wine at a marriage feast. I design, at present, by GOD’s help, to make
some observations on the circumstances and certainty of the miracle,
and then conclude with some practical instructions; that you, by
hearing how JESUS CHRIST has shewed forth his glory, may, by the
operation of GOD’s Spirit upon your hearts, with the disciples
mentioned in the text, be brought to believe on him.
_First_, then, I would make some observations on the miracle itself.
Verse 1 and 2. “And the third day there was a marriage in _Cana_ of
_Galilee_; and the mother of JESUS was there. And both JESUS was called,
and his disciples, to the marriage.” By our LORD’s being at a feast
we may learn, that feasting upon solemn occasions is not absolutely
unlawful: but then we must be exceeding careful at such seasons, that
the occasion be solemn, and that we go not for the sake of eating
and drinking, but to edify one another in love. Feasting in any other
manner, I think absolutely unlawful for the followers of JESUS CHRIST:
because if we eat and drink out of any other view, it cannot be to the
glory of GOD. The Son of man, we know, “came eating and drinking.” If
a pharisee asked him to come to his house, our LORD went, and sat down
with him. But then we find his discourse was always such as tended to
the use of edifying. We may then, no doubt, go and do likewise.
We may observe farther, that if our LORD was present at a marriage
feast, then, to deny marriage to any order of men, is certainly a
“doctrine of devils.” “Marriage (says the Apostle) is honourable in
all.” Our LORD graced a marriage feast with his first public miracle.
It was an institution of GOD himself, even in paradise: and therefore,
no doubt, lawful for all christians, even for those who are made
perfect in holiness through the faith of JESUS CHRIST. But then, we may
learn the reason why we have so many unhappy marriages in the world;
it is because the parties concerned do not call JESUS CHRIST by prayer,
nor ask the advice of his true disciples when they are about to marry:
No; CHRIST and religion are the last things that are consulted: and no
wonder then if matches of the devil’s making (as all such are, which
are contracted only on account of outward beauty, or for filthy lucre’s
sake) prove most miserable, and grievous to be borne.
I cannot but dwell a little on this particular, because I am persuaded
the devil cannot lay a greater snare for young christians, than to
tempt them unequally to yoke themselves with unbelievers: as are all
who are not born again of GOD. This was the snare wherein the sons
of GOD were entangled before the flood, and one great cause why God
brought that flood upon the world. For what says _Moses_, _Genesis_
vi. 2, 3. “The sons of GOD (the posterity of pious _Seth_) saw the
daughters of men, (or the posterity of wicked _Cain_) that they were
fair, (not that they were pious) and they took them wives of all which
they chose:” not which GOD chose for them. What follows? “And the
LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he
also is flesh;” that is, even the few righteous souls being now grown
carnal by their ungodly marriages, the whole world was altogether
become abominable, and had made themselves vessels of wrath fitted for
destruction. I might instance farther, the care the ancient patriarchs
took to chuse wives for their children out of their own religious
families; and it was one great mark of _Esau_’s rebellion against
his father, that he took unto himself wives of the daughters of the
_Canaanites_, who were strangers to the covenant of promise made unto
his fathers. But I forbear. Time will not permit me to enlarge here.
Let it suffice to advise all, whenever they enter into a marriage
state, to imitate the people of _Cana_ in _Galilee_, to call CHRIST
to the marriage: He certainty will hear and chuse for you; and you
will always find his choice to be the best. He then will direct you to
such yoke-fellows as shall be helps meet for you in the great work of
your salvation, and then he will also enable you to serve him without
distraction, and cause you to walk, as _Zachary_ and _Elizabeth_, in
all his commandments and ordinances blameless.
But to proceed. Who these persons were that called our LORD and his
disciples to the marriage, is not certain. Some (because it is said,
that the mother of JESUS was there) have supposed that they were
related to the Virgin, and that therefore our LORD and his disciples
were invited on her account. However that be, it should seem they were
not very rich, (for what had rich folks to do with a despised JESUS
of _Nazareth_, and his mean followers?) because we find they were
unfurnished with a sufficient quantity of wine for a large company, and
therefore, “when they wanted wine, the mother of JESUS,” having, as it
should seem by her applying to him so readily on this occasion, even in
his private life, seen some instances of his miraculous power, “saith
unto him, They have no wine.” She thought it sufficient only to inform
him of the wants of the host, knowing that he was as ready to give
as she to ask. In this light the blessed Virgin’s request appears to
us at the first view; but if we examine our LORD’s answer, we shall
have reason to think there was something which was not right; for
JESUS saith unto her, verse 4. “Woman, what have I to do with thee?”
Observe, he calls her woman, not mother; to shew her, that though she
was his mother, as he was man, yet she was his creature, as he was GOD.
“What have I to do with thee?” Think you that I must work miracles at
your bidding? Some have thought that she spoke as though she had an
authority over him, which was a proud motion, and our LORD therefore
checks her for it. And if JESUS CHRIST would not turn a little water
into wine, whilst he was here on earth, at her command, how idolatrous
is that church, and how justly do we separate from her, which
prescribes forms, wherein the Virgin is desired to command her Son to
have compassion on us!
But notwithstanding the holy Virgin was blameable in this respect,
yet she hath herein set rich and poor an example which it is your duty
to follow. You that are rich, and live in cieled houses, learn of her
to go into the cottages of the poor; your LORD was not above it, and
why should you? And when you do visit them, like the virgin-mother,
examine their wants; and when you see they have no wine, and are ready
to perish with hunger, shut not up your bowels of compassion, but
bless the LORD for putting it in your power to administer to their
necessities. Believe me, such visits would do you good. You would learn
then to be thankful that GOD has given you bread enough, and to spare.
And I am persuaded, every mite that you bestow on feeding the hungry
and cloathing the naked disciples of JESUS CHRIST, will afford you more
satisfaction at the hour of death, and in the day of judgment, than all
the thousands squandered away in balls and assemblies, and such-like
entertainments.
You that are poor in this world’s goods, and thereby are disabled from
helping, yet you may learn from the Virgin, to pray for one another.
She could not turn the water into wine, but she could entreat her son
to do it: and so may you; and doubt not of the LORD’s hearing you;
for GOD has chosen the poor in this world, rich in faith: and by your
fervent prayers, you may draw down many a blessing on your poor fellow
creatures. O that I may ever be remembered by you before the throne
of our dear LORD JESUS! But what shall we say? Will our LORD entirely
disregard this motion of his mother? No; though he check her with,
“Woman, what have I to do with thee?” yet he intimates that he would do
as she desired by-and-by: “Mine hour is not yet come.” As though he had
said, The wine is almost, but not quite out; when they are come to an
extremity, and sensible of the want of my assistance, then will I shew
forth my glory, that they may behold it, and believe on me.
Thus, Sirs, hath our LORD been frequently pleased to deal with me, and,
I doubt not, with many of you also. Often, often when I have found his
presence as it were hidden from my soul, and his comforts well nigh
gone, I have went unto him complaining that I had no visit and token
of his love, as usual. Sometimes he has seemed to turn a deaf ear to my
request, and as it were said, “What have I to do with thee?” which has
made me go sorrowing all the day long; so foolish was I, and faithless
before him: for I have always found he loved me notwithstanding, as he
did _Lazarus_, though he stayed two days after he heard he was sick.
But when my hour of extremity has been come, and my will broken, then
hath he lifted up the light of his blessed countenance afresh; he has
shewed forth his glory, and made me ashamed for disbelieving him, who
often hath turned my water into wine. Be not then discouraged, if the
LORD does not immediately seem to regard the voice of your prayer,
when you cry unto him. The holy Virgin we find was not; no, she was
convinced his time was the best time, and therefore, verse 5. “saith
unto the servants, (O that we could follow her advice!) whatsoever he
saith unto you, do it.”
And now, behold the hour is come, when the eternal Son of GOD will shew
forth his glory. The circumstance of the miracle is very remarkable;
verse 6. “And there were set six water-pots of water, after the
manner of the purifying of the _Jews_, containing two or three firkins
a-piece.” The manner of this purifying we have an account of in the
other Evangelists, especially St. _Mark_, who informs us, that the
pharisees, and all the _Jews_, except they wash their hands oft, eat
not; and when they come from the market, except they wash they eat not.
This was a superstitious custom; but, however, we may learn from it,
whenever we come in from conversing with those that are without, to
purify our hearts by self-examination and prayer; for it is hard to go
through the world, and to be kept unspotted from it.
Observe further, verse 7. “JESUS saith unto them,” not to his own
disciples, but unto the servants of the house, who were strangers to
the holy JESUS, and whom the virgin had before charged to do whatsoever
he said unto them; “Fill the water-pots with water. And they filled
them to the brim. And he saith unto them, draw out now, and bear to the
governor of the feast. And they bear it.” How our LORD turned the water
into wine we are not told. What have we to do with that? Why should
we desire to be wise above what is written? It is sufficient for the
manifestation of his glorious godhead, that we are assured he did do
it. For we are told, verse 9, 10. “When the ruler of the feast had
tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was (but
the servants that drew the water knew) the governor of the feast called
the bridegroom, and saith unto him, every man at the beginning doth set
forth good wine, and when they have well drunk, that which is worse;
but thou hast kept the good wine until now.”
To explain this passage, you must observe, it was the custom of the
_Jews_, nay even of the heathens themselves, (to the shame of our
christian baptized heathens be it spoken) at their public feasts to
chuse a governor, who was to oversee and regulate the behaviour of the
guests, and to take care that all things were carried on with decency
and order. To this person then did the servants bear the wine; and we
may judge how rich it was by his commendation of it, “Every man at the
beginning, &c.” Judge ye then, whether JESUS did not shew forth his
glory, and whether you have not good reason, like the disciples here
mentioned, to believe on him?
Thus, my brethren, I have endeavoured to make some observations on the
miracle itself. But alas! this is only the outward court thereof, the
veil is yet before our eyes; turn that aside, and we shall see such
mysteries under it, as will make our hearts to dance for joy, and fill
our mouths with praise for evermore!
But here I cannot help remarking what a sad inference one of our
masters of _Israel_, in a printed sermon, has lately drawn from this
commendation of the bridegroom. His words are these. “Our blessed
Saviour came eating and drinking, was present at weddings, and other
entertainments, (though I hear of his being only at one;) nay, at one
of them (which I suppose is that of which I am now discoursing) worked
a miracle to make wine, when it is plain there had been more drank than
was absolutely necessary for the support of nature, and consequently
something had been indulged to pleasure and chearfulness.”¹
¹ See Dr. _Trap_’s sermon against being righteous over-much,
page 17.
I am sorry such words should come from the mouth and pen of a dignified
clergyman of the Church of _England_. Alas! how is she fallen! or at
least, in what danger must her tottering ark be, when such unhallowed
hands are stretched out to support it! Well may I bear patiently to
be stiled a blasphemer, and a setter forth of strange doctrines, when
my dear LORD JESUS is thus traduced; and when those who pretend to
preach in his name, urge this example to patronize licentiousness and
excess. It is true (as I observed at the beginning of this discourse)
our blessed Saviour did come eating and drinking; he was present at a
wedding, and other entertainments; nay, at one of them worked a miracle
to make wine, (you see I have been making some observations on it) but
then it is not plain there had been more wine drank than was absolutely
necessary for the support of nature; much less does it appear, that
something had been indulged to pleasure and ♦chearfulness.
♦ “charfulness” replaced with “chearfulness”
The governor does indeed say, “When men have well drunken,” but it no
where appears that they were the men. Is it to be supposed, that the
most holy and unspotted Lamb of GOD, who was manifested to destroy the
works of the devil, and who, when at a Pharisee’s house, took notice
of even the gestures cf those with whom he sat at meat; is it to be
supposed, that our dear Redeemer, whose constant practice it was to
tell people they must deny themselves, and take up their crosses daily;
who bid his disciples to take heed, lest at any time their hearts might
be over-charged with surfeiting and drunkenness; can it be supposed,
that such a self-denying JESUS should now turn six large water-pots
of water into the richest wine, to encourage excess and drunkenness
in persons, who, according to this writer, had indulged to pleasure
and chearfulness already? Had our LORD sat by, and seen them indulge,
without telling them of it, would it not be a sin? But to insinuate he
not only did this, but also turned water into wine, to increase that
indulgence; this is making CHRIST a minister of sin indeed. What is
this, but using him like the Pharisees of old, who called him a glutton,
and a wine-bibber? Alas! how may we expect our dear LORD’s enemies will
treat him, when he is thus wounded in the house of his seeming friends?
Sirs, if you follow such doctrine as this, you will not be righteous,
but I am persuaded you will be _wicked over-much_.
But GOD forbid you should think our LORD behaved so much unlike himself
in this matter. No, he had nobler ends in view, when he wrought this
miracle. One, the evangelist mentions in the words of the text, “to
shew forth his glory,” or to give a proof of his eternal power and
godhead.
Here seems to be an allusion to the appearance of GOD in the tabernacle,
which this same evangelist takes notice of in his first chapter, where
he says, “The Word (JESUS CHRIST) was made flesh, and dwelt (or, as
it is rendered in the margin, tabernacled) amongst us.” Our dear LORD,
though very GOD of very GOD, and also most perfect and glorious in
himself as man, was pleased to throw a veil of flesh over this his
great glory, when he came to make his soul an offering for sin. And
that the world might know and believe in him as the Saviour of all men,
he performed many miracles, and this in particular; for thus speaks the
evangelist, “This first,” &c.
This then was the chief design of our LORD’s turning the water into
wine. But there are more which our LORD may be supposed to have had in
view, some of which I shall proceed to mention.
_Secondly_, he might do this to reward the host for calling him and his
disciples to the marriage. JESUS CHRIST will not be behind-hand with
those who receive him or his followers, for his name’s sake. Those who
thus honour him, he will honour. A cup of cold water given in the name
of a disciple, shall in no wise lose its reward. He will turn water
into wine. Though those who abound in alms-deeds, out of a true faith
in, and love for JESUS, may seem as it were to throw their bread upon
the waters, yet they shall find it again after many days. For they who
give to the poor out of this principle, lend unto the LORD; and look,
whatsoever they lay out, it shall be repaid them again. Even in this
life, GOD often orders good measure pressed down and running over, to
be returned into his servants bosoms. It is the same in spirituals. To
him that hath, and improves what he hath, for the sake of CHRIST and
his disciples, shall be given, and he shall have abundance. Brethren, I
would not boast; but, to my master’s honour and free grace be it spoken,
I can prove this to be true by happy experience. When I have considered
that I am a child, and cannot speak, and have seen so many of you come
out into the wilderness to be fed, I have often said within myself,
what can I do with my little stock of grace and knowledge among so
great a multitude? But, at my LORD’s command, I have given you to eat
of such spiritual food as I had, and before I have done speaking, have
had my soul richly fed with the bread which cometh down from heaven.
Thus shall it be done to all such who are willing to spend and be spent
for CHRIST or his disciples; for there is no respect of persons with
GOD.
_Thirdly_, Our LORD’s turning the water, which was poured out so
plentifully, into wine, is a sign of the plentiful pouring out of his
Spirit into the hearts of believers. The holy Spirit is in scripture
compared unto wine; and therefore the prophet calls us to buy wine as
well as milk, that is, the spirit of love, which fills and gladdens
the soul as it were with new wine. The apostle alludes to this, when he
bids the _Ephesians_ “not to be drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but
be filled with the Spirit.” And our LORD shews us thus much by chusing
wine; to shew forth the strength and refreshment of his blood, in the
blessed sacrament. I know these terms are unintelligible to natural men,
they can no more understand me, than if I spake to them in an unknown
tongue, for they are only to be spiritually discerned. To you then that
are spiritual do I speak, to you who are justified by faith, and feel
the blessed Spirit of JESUS CHRIST working upon your hearts, you can
judge of what I say; you have already (I am persuaded) been as it were
filled with new wine by the inspiration of his Holy Spirit. But alas!
you have not yet had half your portion; these are only earnests, and
in comparison but shadows of good things to come; our LORD keeps his
best wine for you till the last; and though you have drank deep of it
already, yet he intends to give you more: He will not leave you, ’till
he has filled you to the brim, ’till you are ready to cry out, LORD,
stay thine hand, thy poor creatures can hold no more! Be not straitened
in your own bowels, since JESUS CHRIST is not straitened in his. Open
your hearts as wide as ever you will, the Spirit of the LORD shall
fill them. CHRIST deals with true believers, as _Elijah_ did with the
poor woman, whose oil increased, to pay her husband’s debts; as long
as she brought pitchers, the oil continued. It did not cease till she
ceased bringing vessels to contain it. My brethren, our hearts are like
those pitchers; open them freely by faith, and the oil of GOD’s free
gift, the oil of gladness, the love of GOD through CHRIST, shall be
continually pouring in; for believers are to be filled with all the
fulness of GOD.
_Fourthly_, Our LORD’s turning water into wine, and keeping the best
until last, may shew forth the glory of the latter days of his marriage
feast with his church. Great things GOD has done already, whereat
millions of saints have rejoiced, and do yet rejoice. Great things GOD
is doing now, but yet, my brethren, we shall see greater things than
these. It is meet, right, and our bounden duty, to give thanks unto GOD,
even the Father; for many righteous men have desired to see the things
which we see, and have not seen them; and to hear the things which
we hear, and have not heard them. But still there are more excellent
things behind. Glorious things are spoken of these times, “when the
earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters
cover the sea.” There is a general expectation among the people of GOD,
when the partition-wall between _Jew_ and _Gentile_ shall be broken
down, and all _Israel_ be saved. Happy those who live when GOD does
this. They shall see _Satan_, like lightning, fall from heaven. They
shall not weep, as the _Jews_ did at the building of the second temple.
No, they shall rejoice with exceeding great joy. For all the former
glory of the christian church shall be nothing in comparison of that
glory which shall excel. Then shall they cry out with the governor of
the feast, “thou hast kept thy good wine until now!”
_Fifthly_, and lastly, This shews us the happiness of that blessed
state, when we shall all sit together at the marriage supper of the
Lamb, and drink of the new wine in his eternal and glorious kingdom!
The rewards which JESUS CHRIST confers on his faithful servants, and
the comforts of his love wherewith he comforts them, whilst pilgrims
here on earth, are often so exceeding great, that was it not promised,
it were almost presumption for them to hope for any reward hereafter.
But, my brethren, all the manifestations of GOD that we can possibly be
favoured with here, when compared with the glory that is to be revealed
in us, are no more than a drop of water when compared with an unbounded
ocean. Though CHRIST frequently fills his saints even to the brim,
yet their corruptible bodies weigh down their souls, and cause them to
cry, “Who shall deliver us from these bodies of death?” These earthly
tabernacles can hold no more: But, blessed be GOD, these earthly
tabernacles are to be dissolved; this corruptible is to put on
incorruption; this mortal is to put on immortality: and when GOD shall
cause all his glory to pass before us, then shall we cry out, LORD,
thou hast kept thy good wine until now. We have drank deeply of thy
spirit; we have heard glorious things spoken of this thy city, O GOD!
but we now find, that not the half, not the thousandth part hath been
told us. O the invisible realities of the world of faith! Eye hath not
seen, ear hath not heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of the
greatest saint to conceive how CHRIST will shew forth his glory there!
St. _Paul_, who was carried up into the third heavens, could give us
little or no account of it. And well he might not――for he heard and saw
such things as is not possible for a man cloathed with flesh and blood
to utter. Whilst I am thinking, and only speaking of those things unto
you, I am almost carried beyond myself. Methinks, I now receive some
little foretastes of that new wine which I hope to drink with you in
the heavenly kingdom for ever and ever.
And wherefore do you think I have been saying these things? Many,
perhaps, may be ready to say, To manifest thy own vain-glory. But it is
a small matter with me to be judged of man’s judgment. He that judgeth
me is the LORD. He knows that I have spoken of his miracle, only for
the same end for which he at first performed it, and which I at first
proposed, that is, “to shew forth his glory,” that you also may be
brought to believe on him.
Did I come to preach myself, and not CHRIST JESUS my LORD, I would come
to you, not in this plainness of speech, but with the enticing words
of man’s wisdom. Did I desire to please natural men, I need not preach
here in the wilderness. I hope my heart aims at nothing else, than
what our LORD’s great fore-runner aimed at, and which ought to be the
business of every gospel minister, that is, to point out to you the
God-man CHRIST JESUS. “Behold then (by faith behold) the Lamb of GOD,
who taketh away the sins of the world.” Look unto him, and be saved.
You have heard how he manifested, and will yet manifest his glory to
true believers; and why then, O sinners, will you not believe in him? I
say, O sinners, for now I have spoken to the saints, I have many things
to say to you. And may GOD give you all an hearing ear, and an obedient
heart!
The LORD JESUS who shewed forth his glory above 1700 years ago, has
made a marriage feast, and offers to espouse all sinners to himself,
and to make them flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone. He is
willing to be united to you by one spirit. In every age, at sundry
times, and after divers manners, he hath sent forth his servants, and
they had bidden many, but yet, my brethren, there is room. The LORD
therefore now has given a commission in these last days to others
of his servants, even to compel poor sinners by the cords of love to
come in. For our master’s house must and shall be filled. He will not
shed his precious blood in vain. Come then, come to the marriage. Let
this be the day of your espousals with JESUS CHRIST, he is willing
to receive you, though other lords have had dominion over you. Come
then to the marriage. Behold the oxen and fatlings are killed, and
all things are ready; let me hear you say, as _Rebecca_ did, when they
asked her, whether she would go and be a wife to _Isaac_; O let me hear
you say, we will come. Indeed you will not repent it. The LORD shall
turn your water into wine. He shall fill your souls with marrow and
fatness, and cause you to praise him with joyful lips.
Do not say, you are miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked, and
therefore ashamed to come, for it is to such that this invitation is
now sent. The polite, the rich, the busy, self-righteous Pharisees of
this generation have been bidden already, but they have rejected the
counsel of GOD against themselves. They are too deeply engaged in going,
one to his country house, another to his merchandize. They are so
deeply wedded to the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, that they,
as it were with one consent, have made excuse. And though they have
been often called in their own synagogues, yet all the return they make,
is to thrust us out, and thereby in effect say, they will not come.
But GOD forbid, my brethren, that you should learn of them; no, since
our LORD condescends to call first, (because if left to yourselves
you would never call after him) let me beseech you to answer him, as
he answered for you, when called upon by infinite offended justice
to die for your sins, “Lo! I come to do thy will, O GOD!” What if
you are miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked, that is no excuse;
faith is the only wedding garment which CHRIST requires; he does not
call you because you already are, but because he intends to make you
saints. It pities him to see you naked. He wants to cover you with
his righteousness. In short, he desires to shew forth his glory, that
is, his free love through your faith in him. Not but that he will be
glorified, whether you believe in him or not; for the infinitely free
love of JESUS CHRIST will be ever the same, whether you believe it,
and so receive it, or the contrary. But our LORD will not always send
out his servants in vain, to call you; the time will come when he will
say, None of those which were bidden, and would not come, shall taste
of my supper. Our LORD is a GOD of justice, as well as of love; and if
sinners will not take hold of his golden sceptre, verily he will bruise
them with his iron rod. It is for your sakes, O sinners, and not his
own, that he thus condescends to invite you: suffer him then to shew
forth his glory, even the glory of the exceeding riches of his free
grace, by believing on him, “For we are saved by grace through faith.”
It was grace, free grace, that moved the Father so to love the world,
as to “give his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life!” It was grace, that made
the Son to come down and die. It was grace, free grace, that moved the
Holy Ghost to undertake to sanctify the elect people of GOD: and it was
grace, free grace, that moved our LORD JESUS CHRIST to send forth his
ministers to call poor sinners this day. Let me not then, my brethren,
go without my errand. Why will you not believe in him? Will the devil
do such great and good things for you as CHRIST will? No indeed,
he will not. Perhaps, he may give you to drink at first of a little
brutish pleasure; but what will he give you to drink at last? a cup of
fury and of trembling; a never-dying worm, a self-condemning conscience,
and the bitter pains of eternal death. But as for the servants of JESUS
CHRIST, it is not so with them. No, he keeps his best wine till the
last. And though he may cause you to drink of the brook in the way
to heaven, and of the cup of affliction, yet he sweetens it with a
sense of his goodness, and makes it pleasant drink, such as their souls
do love. I appeal to the experience of any saint here present, (as I
doubt not but there are many such in this field) whether CHRIST has not
proved faithful, ever since you have been espoused to him? Has he not
shewed forth his glory, ever since you have believed on him?
And now, sinners, what have you to object? I see you are all silent,
and well you may. For if you will not be drawn by the cords of infinite
and everlasting love, what will draw you? I could urge many terrors of
the LORD to persuade you; but if the love of JESUS CHRIST will not
constrain you, your case is desperate. Remember then this day I have
invited all, even the worst of sinners, to be married to the LORD JESUS.
If you perish, remember you do not perish for lack of invitation. You
yourselves shall stand forth at the last day, and I here give you a
summons to meet me at the judgment seat of CHRIST, and to clear both my
master and me. Would weeping, would tears prevail on you, I could wish
my head were waters, and my eyes fountains of tears, that I might weep
out every argument, and melt you into love. Would any thing I could
do or suffer, influence your hearts, I think I could bear to pluck
out my eyes, or even to lay down my life for your sakes. Or was I sure
to prevail on you by importunity, I could continue my discourse till
midnight, I would wrestle with you even till the morning watch, as
_Jacob_ did with the angel, and would not go away till I had overcome.
But such power belongeth only unto the LORD, I can only invite; it is
He only can work in you both to will and to do after his good pleasure;
it is his property to take away the heart of stone, and give you a
heart of flesh; it is his spirit that must convince you of unbelief,
and of the everlasting righteousness of his dear Son; it is He alone
must give faith to apply his righteousness to your hearts; it is He
alone can give you a wedding garment, and bring you to sit down and
drink new wine in his kingdom. As to spirituals we are quite dead, and
have no more power to turn to GOD of ourselves, than _Lazarus_ had to
raise himself, after he had lain stinking in the grave four days. If
thou canst go, O man, and breathe upon all the dry bones that lye in
the graves, and bid them live; if thou canst take thy mantle and divide
yonder river, as _Elijah_ did the river _Jordan_; then will we believe
thou hast a power to turn to GOD of thyself: But as thou must despair
of the one, so thou must despair of the other, without CHRIST’s
quickening grace; in him is thy only help; fly to him then by faith;
say unto him, as the poor leper did, “LORD, if thou wilt,” thou canst
make me willing; and he will stretch forth the right-hand of his power
to assist and relieve you: He will sweetly guide you by his wisdom on
earth, and afterwards take you up to partake of his glory in heaven.
To his mercy therefore, and Almighty protection, do I earnestly,
humbly, and most affectionately commit you: the LORD bless
you and keep you; the LORD lift up the light of his blessed
countenance upon you, and give you all peace and joy in
believing, now and for evermore!