ing a word as his drawing to an end, verfe 26 He that teftifieth these things, faith furely, I come quickly." It is he that, fpeaketh, verfe 16-18. that teftifieth these things, and that which he faith is a promife, or prophecy of Chrift's coming, and of the certainty and fuddenty of his coming to judgment. 2. And the laft words of the verse are an hearty and warm welcome, that John in the name of all believers, or the bride giveth to this truth, promife, or prophecy of the coming of the Lord, Amen; not only let it be fo, but I wish, and long, and pray that it may be fo, even fo, or, fo be it, Come, Lord Jefus, as thou hast promifed.

There is here then a promise made, which John turneth up to God in a moft fervent fupplication, not only for himself, but for the whole church of Chrift alfo, upon the hearing and confideration of this, that Chrift is to come again and receive believers to himself, that where he is, there they may be alfo: fuch ejaculations of the foul will often interrupt the thoughts and dif courfes of those who are in the faith of being found of him in peace at his appearance, the lively apprehenfion of what they do expect at the day when they shall fee him as he is, produceth fuch a sweet complacency in it, and stirring of heart to be

poffeffed of it, that there muft needs follow fuch ardent defires after as will almoft prevent all deliberation: for, excellent objects have fuch an amiable afpect upon the foul, and attractive power over the heart, that it moft willingly yieldeth up itfelf, and as if it were all compofed of defires, it breathed forth nothing but earnest wishes after a nearnefs and infeparable conjunction with that object. Now, what can be propofed to the immortal foul like this, to hear

f

Chrift fay, "behold I come quickly?" Truly the apprehenfion is at a ftand, in unfolding that bleffednefs which is included in this one fentence, it goeth beyond the reach of a created understanding to fearch it out unto perfection; for eye hath not feen, nor ear heard, nor hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive what is here imported. And therefore no wonder to fee it draw fuch a holy heart forcibly after it, breathing out all the way fuch a defire, "Even fo, Come Lord Jefus, come quickly," as if his heart intended by this with to anticipate that day: but because he knew the bride was not yet made ready, and that there was a long tract of time to intervene betwixt the giving of this promife and that day wherein the marriage of the Lamb fhall be folemnized, when he fhall bring her unto the king all glorious with

in, in clothing of wrought gold, and raiment of needle work, with the virgins her companions that follow her, that they may enter the king's palace, to be with him there forever, becaufe he knew, that before this there were many fad emergents and fearching difpenfations to be met with, fuch winds to blow as fhould overblow every one who was not blafted with the grace of God, fuch falfe doctrines to be Spread as would carry about every one whofe heart was not eftablifhed by grace, fuch deceivers privily bringing in damnable herefies, that if it were poffible the very elect fhould be deceived, fo many duties to be done, and fo much affliction to be fuffered, as were impoffible to be performed and borne without the affiftance of fpecial grace, therefore as the conclufion of the whole, verfe laft, he defireth" that the grace Jefus Chrift may of the Lord be with them all," as that which by its fenfible prefence or fupporting influence, would carry them through whatfoever they might meet with; for there is no difficulty fo great which will not evanish and difappear before his grace; and a gracious man is able to do and fuffer all things through Chrift that ftrengtheneth him. This grace is indeed the one thing neceffary to make a man carry creditably for the gof

pel, and comfortably to himself in all cafes that may be incident: he who is ftrengthened by the might of his grace in the inner man, will be ftedfast and immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. And therefore it is wonder, that one who was feen in the concerning events which fhould fall out till Chrift's fecond coming, did wrap up all his defires for the faints with an Amen, in this one wifh,." The grace of our Lord Jefus be with you all." The very pulfe of a holy foul beateth ftill this way, his temper may be known by the ordinary unconstrained and habitual defires of his heart: let others wifh to themselves and their friends what they please, that which a holy man wifheth to himself, and thofe whom he loveth beft is this, that the grace of Jefus Chrift may be with them; he would have his own defires, with the defires and endeavours of every man elle, terminate upon this.

Lastly, Know ye that flight Chrift's coming, that are not preparing and longing for it, ye mar yourselves of much comfort, your lofs is great here, for ye want the comfort that cometh by the promise of his coming; and your lofs fhall be unfpeakable hereafter, when ye fhall be fhut from his prefence eternally, Luke xxi. 26-28. These two are put together, and Chrift's

coming in the middle, "Mens' hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after thefe things that are coming." But fpeaking to the difciples, and in them to all believers, le faith, "When these things come to país, then look, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth near," your happines fhall then be compleated. Secing then it is the language of the Lord, "Behold, I come quickly," and the language of the Spirit, and the bride, of John, and all believers," Even fo, come Lord Jefus." All of you endeavour fuch a frame, as ye may join in that petition on on good grounds.

And 2dly, Let your hearts close, and give a hearty echo to that word, "I come quickly," out of love and longing for his coming, and fay, "Amen. Even fo, come Lord Jefus." And even fo, let him come quickly. Amen.