第18章

Well，whentheSabbath-daywascomehetookforhistextthatintheprophetJonah，”Theythatobservelyingvanitiesforsaketheirownmercy。”Andthentherewassuchpowerandauthorityinthatsermon，andsuchdejectionseeninthecountenancesofthepeoplethatdaythatthelikehadseldombeenheardorseen。Thepeople，whenthesermonwasdone，werescarceabletogototheirhomes，ortobetakethemselvestotheiremploymentsthewholeweekafter。

Theyweresosermon-smittenthattheyknewnotwhattodo。FornotonlydidtheirpreachershowtoMansoulitssin，buthedidtremblebeforethemunderthesenseofhisown，stillcryingoutashepreached，UnhappymanthatIam！thatI，apreacher，shouldhavelivedsosenselesslyandsosottishlyinmyparish，andbeoneoftheforemostinitstransgressions！WiththesethingshealsochargedallthelordsandgentryofMansoultothealmostdistractingofthem。’ItwasSabbathslikethatthatmadethepeopleofMansoulcalltheirministeraseer。

5。And，then，therewasanotherthingthatIdonotknowhowbettertodescribethanbycallingitthetruecatholicity，thetruehumility，andthetruehospitalityoftheman。Itistruehehadnochoiceinthematter，forinsettingupastandingministryinMansoulEmmanuelhaddonesowiththisreservationandaddition。

WehaveHisverywords。’Notthatyouaretohaveyourministersalone，’Hesaid。’Formyfourcaptains，theycan，ifneedbe，andiftheyberequired，notonlyprivatelyinform，butpubliclypreachbothgoodandwholesomedoctrine，that，ifheeded，willdotheegoodintheend。’Which，again，remindsmeofwhatOliverCromwellwrotetotheHonourableColonelHackeratPeebles。’These:IwasnotsatisfiedwithyourlastspeechtomeaboutEmpson，thathewasabetterpreacherthanfighter——orwordstothateffect。Truly，I

thinkthathethatpraysandpreachesbestwillfightbest。IknownothingthatwillgivelikecourageandconfidenceastheknowledgeofGodinChristwill。IprayyoutoreceiveCaptainEmpsonlovingly。’

6。ThestandingministryinMansoulwasendowedalso；butIcannotimaginewhatthecourtofteindswouldmakeoftheinstrumentofendowment。Asithasbeenhandeddowntous，thatoldecclesiasticalinstrumentreadsmorelikealessonintheparishminister’sclassforthestudyofMysticismthanawritingforalearnedlordtoadjudicateupon。HereistheOrderofCouncil:

’ThereforeI，thyPrince，givethee，Myservant，leaveandlicencetogowhenthouwilttoMyfountain，Myconduit，andtheretodrinkfreelyofthebloodofMygrape，forMyconduitdothalwaysrunwine。Thusdoing，thoushaltdrivefromthineheartallfoul，gross，andhurtfulhumours。Itwillalsolightenthineeyes，anditwillstrengthenthymemoryforthereceptionandthekeepingofallthatMyFather’snoblesecretarywillteachthee。’ThusthePrincedidputMr。ConscienceintotheplaceandofficeofaministertoMansoul，andthechosenandpresentedmandidthankfullyacceptthereof。

(1)Now，thereareatleastthreelessonstaughtushere。Thereis，tobeginwith，alessontoallthosecongregationswhoareabouttochooseaminister。Letallthosecongregations，then，whohavehaddevolvedonthemthepowersoftheoldpatrons，——letthemmaketheirelectiononthesameprinciplesthatthePrinceofMansoulpatronised。Letthemchooseaprobationerwho，youngthoughhemustbe，hasthemakingofaseerinhim。Letthemlistenforthefutureseerinhismoststammeringprayers。

Somewhere，eveninoneservice，hisconsciencewillmakeitselfheard，ifhehasaconscience。Ratherremaintenyearsvacantthancallaministerwhohasnoconscience。TheparishministerofMansoulsometimesseemedtobeallconscience，anditwasthisthatmadehisheadsofullofjudgment，histonguesofullofabraveboldness，andhisheartsofullofholylove。Yourministermaybeananointedbishop，hemaybeagownedandhoodeddoctor，hemaybeaking’schaplain，hemaybetheministerofthelargestandtherichestandthemostlearnedparishinthecity，but，unlesshestrikesterrorandpainintoyourconscienceeverySabbath，unlesshemakesyoutrembleeverySabbathundertheeyeandthehandofGod，heisnotrueministertoyou。AsGoodwinsays，heisawoodencannon。AsLeightonsays，heisamountebankforaminister。

(2)Thesecondlessonistoallthosewhoarepoliticallyenfranchised，andwhoholdavoteforamemberofParliament。Now，crowdsofcandidatesandtheircanvasserswillbeforelongbeatyourdoorbesiegingitandbeggingyouforyourvotefororagainstanEstablishedchurch。Well，beforeParliamentisdissolved，andthecanvasscommences，lookyouwellintoyourownheartandaskyourselfwhetherornotheChurchofChristhasyetbeenestablishedthere。AskifJesusChrist，theHeadoftheChurch，hasyetsetupHisthronethere，inyourheart。AskyourconscienceifHislawsarerecognisedandobeyedthere。AskalsoifHisbloodhasbeensprinkledthere，andsincewhen。And，ifnot，thenitneedsnoseertotellyouwhatsacrilege，whatprofanityitisforyoutotouchthearkofGod:tospeak，ortovote，ortoliftafingereitherfororagainstanychurchwhatsoever。Intrudeyourwilfulignoranceandyourwickedpassionsanywhereelse。MarchupboldlyandvotedefiantlyonquestionsofStatethatyouneverreadasoberlineabout，andareasignorantaboutasyouareofHebrew；butbewareoftouchingbyathousandmilesthethingsforwhichtheSonofGodlaiddownHislife。

Thrustyourselfin，ifyoumust，anywhereelse，butdonotthrustyourselfandyourbrutishstupidityandyourfiendishtempersintothethingsofthehouseofGod。Letallparishministerstakefortheirtextthatday2Samuelvi。6，7:-AndwhentheycametoNachon’sthreshing-floor，UzzahputforthhishandtothearkofGod，andtookholdofit；fortheoxenshookit。AndtheangeroftheLordwaskindledagainstUzzah；andGodsmotehimthereforhiserror；andtherehediedbythearkofGod。

(3)Thereisathirdlessonhere，butitisalessonforministers，andIshalltakeithometomyself。

CHAPTERXXIV——AFAST-DAYINMANSOUL

’Sanctifyafast，callasolemnassembly，gathertheeldersandalltheinhabitantsofthelandintothehouseoftheLordyourGod。’——

Joel。

Inoursoftandself-indulgentdaytheveryword’tofast’hasbecomeanout-of-dateandanobsoleteword。Weneverhaveoccasiontoemploythatwordinthelivinglanguageofthepresentday。ThemenofthenextgenerationwillneedtohaveitexplainedtothemwhattheFast-daysoftheirfatherswere:whentheywereinstituted，howtheywereobserved，andwhytheywereabrogatedandgivenup。IfyoursonshouldeveraskyoujustwhattheFast-daysofyouryouthwerelike，youwilldohimagreatservice，andhemaylivetorecoverthem，ifyouwillanswerhiminthisway。ShowhimhowtotakehisCrudenandhowtomakeapicturetohisopeningmindoftheFast-daysofScripture。AndtellhimplainlyforwhatthingsinfathersandinsonsthosefastswereordainedofGod。

AndthenfortheFast-daysofthePuritanperiodlethimreadaloudtoyouthispowerfulpassageintheHolyWar。PublicpreachingandpublicprayerenteredlargelyintothefastingofthePropheticalandthePuritanperiods；andJohnBunyan，afterJoel，hastoldussomethingsabouttheFast-daypreachingofhisdaythatitwillbewellforus，bothpreachersandpeople，tobeginwith，andtolaywelltoheart。

1。Inthefirstplace，thepreachingofthatFast-daywas’pertinent’andtothepoint。WilliamLaw，thatdivinewriterforministers，warnsministersagainstgoingoffuponEuroclydonandtheshipwrecksofPaulwhenChrist’ssheeparelookinguptothemfortheirproperfood。What，heasks，isthenature，thedirection，andthestrengthofthatMediterraneanwindtohimwhohascomeuptochurchundertheplagueofhisownheartandundertheheavyhandofGod？YoumaybesurethatBoanergesdidnotlecturethatFast-dayforenooninMansoulonActsxxvii。14。Wewouldknowthat，evenifwewerenottoldwhathistextthatforenoonwas。Histextthatnever-to-be-forgottenFast-dayforenoonwasinLukexiii。7——’Cutitdown；whycumberethittheground？’Andaverysmartsermonhemadeupontheplace。First，heshowedwhatwastheoccasionofthewords，namely，becausethefig-treewasbarren。Thenheshowedwhatwascontainedinthesentence，towit，repentanceorutterdesolation。Hethenshowedalsobywhoseauthoritythissentencewaspronounced。And，lastly，heshowedthereasonsofthepoint，andthenconcludedhissermon。

Buthewasverypertinentintheapplication，insomuchthathemadealltheeldersandalltheirpeopleinMansoultotremble。SidneySmithsaysthatwhateverelseasermonmaybeormaynotbe，itmustbeinterestingifitistodoanygood。Now，pertinentpreachingisalwaysinterestingpreaching。Nothinginterestsmenlikethemselves。Andpertinentpreachingisjustpreachingtomenaboutthemselves，——abouttheirinterests，theirlossesandtheirgains，theirhopesandtheirfears，theirtrialsandtheirtribulations。BoanergestookbothhistextandhistreatmentofhistextfromhisMaster，andweknowhowpertinentlyTheMasterpreached。HispreachingwaswithsuchpertinencethattheonehalfofHishearerswenthomesaying，Nevermanspakelikethisman，whiletheotherhalfgnashedatHimwiththeirteeth。OurLordneverlecturedonEuroclydon。HeknewwhatwasinmanandHelecturedandpreachedaccordingly。Andifwewishtohavepraiseofourbestpeople，andofHimwhosepeopletheyare，letuslookintoourownheartsandpreach。Thatwillbepertinenttoourpeoplewhichisfirstpertinenttoourselves。Weepyourself，saidanoldpoettoanewbeginner；weepyourselfifyouwouldmakemeweep。’Formyownpart，’saidThomasShepardtosomeministersfromhisdeathbed，’Ineverpreachedasermonwhich，inthecomposing，didnotcostmeprayers，withstrongcriesandtears。I

neverpreachedasermonfromwhichIhadnotfirstgotsomegoodtomyownsoul。’

’Hisofficeandhisnameagree；

AshepherdthatandShepardhe。’

AndmanysuchentriesastheseoccurinThomasBoston’sgoldenjournal:’IpreachedinPs。xlii。5，andmostlyonmyownaccount。’Again:’Meditatingmysermonnextday，Ifoundadvantagetomyownsoul，asalsoindeliveringitontheSabbath。’

Andagain:’WhatgoodthispreachinghasdonetoothersIknownot，yetIthinkmyselfwillnottheworseofit。’

2。ThepreachingofthatFast-daywaswithgreatauthorityalso。

’Therewassuchpowerandauthorityinthatsermon，’reportsonewhowaspresent，’thatthelikehadseldombeenseenorheard。’

Authorityalsowasoneofthewell-rememberedmarksofourLord’spreaching。Andnowonder，consideringwhoHewas。ButHisministers，iftheyareindeedHisministers，willbeclothedbyHimwithsomethingevenofHissupremeauthority。’Conscienceisanauthority，’saysoneofthemostauthoritativepreachersthateverlived。’TheBibleisanauthority；suchistheChurch；suchisantiquity；sucharethewordsofthewise；sucharehereditarylessons；suchareethicaltruths；sucharehistoricalmemories；

sucharelegalsawsandstatemaxims；suchareproverbs；sucharesentiments，presages，andprepossessions。’Now，thewell-equippedpreacherwillfromtimetotimeplanthispulpitonallthosekindsofauthority，asthiskindisnowpertinentandthenthat，andwill，withsuchavarietyandaccumulationofauthority，preachtohispeople。ThomasBostonpreachedatacertainplacewithsuchpertinenceandwithsuchauthoritythatitwascomplainedofhimbyoneofthemselvesthathe’terrifiedeventhegodly。’Letallouryoungpreacherswhowouldtooldagecontinuetopreachwithinterest，withpertinence，andwithterrifyingauthority，amongotherthingshavebyheartTheMemoirsofThomasBoston，’thattrulygreatdivine。’

3。Athirdthing，and，assomeofthepeoplewhohearditsaidofit，thebestthingaboutthatsermonwasthat——’Hedidnotonlyshowusoursin，buthedidvisiblytremblebeforeusunderthesenseofhisown。’NowIknowthistobeagreatdifficultywithsomeyoungministerswhohavegotnohelpinitattheDivinityHall。Arethey，theyask，tobethemselvesinthepulpit？Howfarmaytheybethemselves，andhowfarmaytheybenotthemselves？

Howfararetheytobeseentotremblebeforetheirpeoplebecauseoftheirownsins，andhowfararetheytobearthemselvesasiftheyhadnosin？Musttheykeepbackthepassionsthataretearingtheirownhearts，andfilltheforenoonwithEuroclydonandothersuchlikesea-winds？Howfararetheytobeallgownandbandsinthepulpit，andhowfarsackclothandashes？OnehalfoftheirpeoplearelikePascalinthis，thattheyliketoseeandhearamaninhispulpit；but，then，theotherhalflikeonlytoseeandhearaproperpreacher。’HedidnotonlyshowthemenofMansoultheirsin，buthedidtremblebeforethemunderthesenseofhisown。Stillcryingoutashepreachedtothem，UnhappymanthatI

am！thatIshouldhavedonesowickedathing！ThatI，apreacher，shouldbeoneofthefirstinthetransgression！’

ThisyouwillrememberwastheFast-day。AndsotrulyhadthispreacherkepttheFast-daythattheCommunion-daywasdownuponhimbeforehewasreadyforit。Hewasstilldeepamonghissinswhenallhispeoplewerefastputtingontheirbeautifulgarments。Hewasreadywiththeletterofhisaction-sermon，buthewasnotequaltothedeliveryofit。Hiscolleague，accordingly，whosesenseofsinwaslessacutethatday，tookthepublicworship，whiletheFast-daypreacherstilllaysickinhisclosetathomeandwrotethusontheground:’IamnomoreworthytobecalledThyson，’hewrote。’Beholdmehere，Lord，apoor，miserablesinner，wearyofmyself，andafraidtolookuptoThee。WiltThouhealmysores？WiltThoutakeoutthestains？WiltThoudelivermefromtheshame？WiltThourescuemefromthischainofsin？

Cutmenotoffinthemidstofmysins。LetmehavelibertyonceagaintobeamongThyredeemedones，eatinganddrinkingatThytable。But，OmyGod，to-dayIamanuncleanworm，adeaddog，adeadcarcass，deservedlycastoutfromthesocietyofThysaints。

Butoh，suffermesomuchastolooktotheplacewhereThypeoplemeetandwhereThinehonourdwelleth。Rejectnotthesacrificeofabrokenheart，butcomeandspeaktomeinmysecretplace。O

God，letmeneverseesuchanotherdayasthisis。LetmeneverbeagainsofullofguiltastohavetorunawayfromThypresenceandtofleefrombeforeThypeople。’Heprintedmorethanthat，inbloodandintears，beforeGodthatCommunion-morning，butthatisenoughformypurpose。Now，wouldyouchooseadeaddoglikethattobeyourminister？Tobaptizeandadmityourchildrenandtomarrythemwhentheygrowup？TomountyourpulpitseverySabbath-

day，andtocometoyourhouseseveryweek-day？Not，Ifeelsure，ifyoucouldhelpit！Notifyouknewit！Notiftherewasaministerofproperpulpitmannersandawell-orderedmindwithinaSabbath-day’sjourney！’Likepriestlikepeople，’saysHosea。

’Thecongregationandtheministerareone，’saysDr。Parker。

’Therearemenwecouldnotsitstillandhear；theyarenottheproperministersforus。Thereareothermenwecouldhearalways，becausetheyareourkithandourkinfrombeforethefoundationoftheworld。’HappythehearerwhohashitonaministerliketheministerofMansoul，andwhohasdiscoveredinhimhiseverlastingkithandkin。Andhappytheministerwho，owningkithandkinwithBoanerges，hastwoorthreeorevenonememberinhiscongregationwholikeshisministerbestwhenhelikeshimselfworst。

Butwhataboutthefastingallthistime？Wasitallpreaching，andwastherenofasting？Well，wedonotknowmuchaboutthefastingoftheprophetsandtheapostles，butthePuritanssometimesmadetheirpeoplealmostforgetaboutfasting，andabouteatinganddrinkingtoo，theysotookpossessionoftheirpeoplewiththeirincomparablepreaching。Iread，forinstance，inCalamy’sLifeofJohnHowethatonthepublicFast-days，itwasHowe’scommonwaytobeginaboutnineinthemorningandtocontinuereading，preaching，andprayingtillaboutfourintheafternoon。HenryRogersalmostworshipsJohnHowe，butJohnHowe’sFast-dayspasshismodernbiographerspatience；till，ifyouwouldseeanineteenth-centurycasemadeoutagainstaseventeenth-

centuryFast-day，youhaveonlytoturntotheauthorofTheEclipseofFaithontheauthorofDelightinginGod。And，nodoubt，whenwegetbackourFast-days，weshallleavemoreofthetimetoreadingpertinentbooksathomeandtosecretfastingandtosecretprayer，andshallenjoinourpreachers，whiletheyarepertinentandauthoritativeintheirsermons，nottotakeupthewholedaywiththeirsermonsevenattheirbest。Andthen，astofasting，discreditedanddiscardedasitisinourday，thereareyetsomeverygoodreasonsfordesiringitsreturnandreinstatementamongus。Verygoodreasons，bothforhealthandforholiness。ButitisonlyofthelatterclassofreasonsthatI

wouldfainforafewwordsatpresentspeak。Well，then，letitbefranklysaidthatthereisnothingholy，nothingsaintly，nothingatallmeritoriousinfastingfromourproperfood。Itisthemotivealonethatsanctifiesthemeans。Itistheendalonethatsanctifiestheexercise。IfIfasttochastisemyselfformysin；

ifIfasttoreducethefuelofmysin；ifIfasttokeepmyfleshlow；ifIfasttomakememorefreeformybestbooks，formymostinward，spiritual，mysticalbooks——formyKempis，andmyBehmen，andmyLaw，andmyLeighton，andmyGoodwin，andmyBunyan，andmyRutherford，andmyJeremyTaylor，andmyShepard，andmyEdwards，andsuchlike；ifIfastfortheendsofmeditationandprayer；ifI

fastoutofsympathywithmyBible，andmySaviour，andmylatterend，andmyFather’shouseinheaven——then，nodoubt，myfastingwillbeacceptablewithGod，asitwillcertainlybeanimmediatemeansofgracetomysinfulsoul。Thesealtarswillsanctifymanysuchgifts。For，whothatknowsanythingatallabouthimself，abouthisownsoul，andaboutthehindrancesandhelpstoitssalvationfromsin；whothateverreadapageofScriptureproperly，orspenthalfanhourinthatlifewhichishiddeninGod——whoofsuchwilldenyordoubtthatfastingissupersededorneglectedtothesurelossofthespirituallife，tothesensibleloweringofthereligioustoneandtemper，andtotheincreasebothofthelustsofthefleshandofthemind？Itmayperhapsbethattheinstitutionoffastingasachurchordinancehasbeenpermittedtobesetasideinordertomakeitmorethaneverapartofeachearnestman’sownprivatelife。Perhapsitwasinsomewaysfulltimethatitshouldbeagainsaidtous，’Thou，whenthoufastest，appearnotuntomentofast。’Asalso，’IsnotthisthefastthatIhavechosen:toundotheheavyburdens，andtolettheoppressedgofree，andthatyebreakeveryyoke？Isitnottodealthybreadtothehungry，andthatthoubringtheoutcasttothyhouse？’LetusbelievethattheformoftheFast-dayhasbeenremovedoutofthewaythatthespiritmayreturnandfashionanewformforitself。Andinthebeliefthatthatisso，letus，whilepartingwithourfathers’Fast-dayswithrealregret——aswiththeirpertinentandpungentpreaching——letusmeantimelayinastockoftheirpertinentandpungentbooks，andsetapartparticularandpeculiarseasonsfortheirsin-subduingandgrace-strengtheningstudy。

Theshortisthis。Theonerealsubstanceandtrueessenceofallfastingisself-denial。Andwecannevergetpasteitherthesupremeandabsolutedutyofthat，orthedailyandhourlycalltothat，aslongaswecontinuetoreadtheNewTestament，toliveinthislife，andtolistentothevoiceofconscience，andtothevoiceofGodspeakingtousinthevoiceofconscience。Withoutstrictandconstantself-denial，noman，whateverhisexperiencesorhispretensions，isadiscipleofJesusChrist，andsecretfastingisoneofthefirst，theeasiest，andthemostelementaryexercisesofNewTestamentself-denial。And，besides，thelustsofourfleshandthelustsofourmindsaresolinkedandlockedandrivetedtogetherthatifonelinkisloosened，orbroken，orevenstruckat，thewholethrallisnotyetthrownoffindeed，butitisallshaken；ithasallreceivedastaggeringblow。Somuchisthisthecasethatonesingleactofself-denialintheregionofthebodywillbefeltforfreedomthroughoutthewholeprison-houseofthesoul。Andavictoryreallywonoverasensualsinisalreadyachallengesoundedtoourmostspiritualsin。Anditisthisdiscoverythathasgiventofastingtheplaceithasheldinalltheoriginal，resolute，andaggressiveagesoftheChurch。WithlittleornothingintheirLord’sliteralteachingtomakeHispeoplefast，theyhavebeensobentontheirownspiritualdeliverance，andtheyhaveheardandreadsomuchaboutthedeliverancesbothofbodyandofsoulthathavebeenattainedbyfastinganditsaccompaniments，thattheyhavetakentoitintheirdespair，andwithresultsthathavefilledtheminsomeinstanceswithrapture，andinallinstanceswithagoodconscienceandwithagoodhope。Youwouldwonder，eveninthesedegeneratedays，——youwouldbeamazedcouldyoubetoldhowmanyofyourownbestfriendsintheirstealthy，smiling，head-anointing，hypocriticalwaydenythemselvesthisandthatsweetness，thisandthatfatness，thisandthatsoftness，andarethusattainingtoastrength，acourage，andaself-conquestthatyouaregettingthebenefitofinmanywayswithoutyoureverguessingthepriceatwhichithasallbeenpurchased。Now，wouldyouyourselffainbefoundamongthosewhoareinthiswaybeingmadestrongandvictoriousinwardlyandspiritually？Wouldyou？Thenwashyourfaceandanointyourhead；

and，then，notdenyingitbeforeothers，denyitinsecrettoyourself——thisandthatsweetmorsel，thisandthatsweetmeat，thisandthatglassofsuchdivinewine。Unostentatiously，ungrudgingly，generous-heartedly，andnotasceticallyormorosely，dayafterdaydenyyourselfeveninlittleunthought-ofthings，andoneoftheverynoblestlawsofyournoblestlifeshallimmediatelyclaimyouasitsown。Thatstealthyandshamefacedactofself-

denialforChrist’ssakeandforHiscross’ssakewilllaythefoundationofahabitofself-denial；ereeveryouareawareofwhatyouaredoingthehabitwillconsolidateintoacharacter；andwhatyoubeginlittlebylittleinthebodywillbemadeperfectinthesoul；tillwhatyoudid，almostagainstHiscommandandaltogetherwithoutHisexample，yetbecauseyoudiditforHissakeandinHisservice，willhaveplacedyoufarupamongthosewhohaveforsakenall，andthemselvesalso，tofollowJesusChrist，SonofManandSonofGod。Only，letthisalwaysbeadmitted，andneverforamomentforgotten，thatallthisissaidbypermissionandnotofcommandment。OurLordneverfastedaswefast。Hehadnoneed。AndHenevercommandedHisdisciplestofast。Heleftittothemselvestofindouteachmanhisowncaseandhisowncure。

Letnoman，therefore，takefastinginanyofitsdegrees，ortimes，oroccasions，onhisconsciencewhodoesnotfirstfinditinhisheart。Atthesametimethismaybesaidwithperfectsafety，thathewhofindsitinhisheartandthenlaysitonhisconsciencetodenyhimselfanything，greatorsmall，forChrist’ssake，andforthesakeofhisownsalvation，——hewillneverrepentit。No，hewillneverrepentit。

CHAPTERXXV——AFEAST-DAYINMANSOUL

’Hebroughtmeintohisbanquetinghouse。’——TheSong。

Emmanuel’sfeast-dayintheHolyWarexcelsinbeautyandineloquenceeverythingIknowinanyotherauthorontheLord’sSupper。TheSongofSolomonstandsalonewhenwesingthatsongmystically——thatistosay，whenwepourintoitalltheloveofGodtoHisChurchinIsraelandallIsrael’slovetoGod，andthenallourLord’slovetousandallourlovebackagaintoHiminreturn。ButoutsideofHolyScriptureIknownothingtocompareforbeauty，andforsweetness，andforquaintness，andfortenderness，andforrapture，withJohnBunyan’saccountofthefeastthatPrinceEmmanuelmadeforthetownofMansoul。WithhisverybestpenJohnBunyantellsushowuponatimeEmmanuelmadeafeastinMansoul，andhowthetownsfolkcametothecastletopartakeofHisbanquet，andhowHefeastedthemonallmannerofoutlandishfood——foodthatgrewnotinthefieldsofMansoul；itwasfoodthatcamedownfromheavenandfromHisFather’shouse。

Theydrankalsoofthewaterthatwasmadewine，and，altogether，theywereverymerryandathomewiththeirPrince。Therewasmusicalsoallthetimeatthetable，andmandideatangels’food，andhadhoneygivenhimoutoftherock。AndthenthetablewasentertainedwithsomecuriousanddelightfulriddlesthatweremadeupontheKingHimself，uponEmmanuelHisSon，anduponHiswarsanddoingswithMansoul；till，altogether，thestateoftransportationthepeoplewereinwiththeirentertainmentcannotbetoldbytheverybestofpens。NordidHe，whentheyreturnedtotheirplaces，sendthememptyaway；foreithertheymusthavearing，oragoldchain，orabracelet，orawhitestoneorsomething；sodearwasMansoultoHimnow，solovelywasMansoulinHiseyes。And，goingandcomingtothefeast，Ohowgraciously，howlovingly，howcourteously，andhowtenderlydidthisblessedPrincenowcarryittothetownofMansoul！Inallthestreets，gardens，orchards，andotherplaceswhereHecame，tobesurethepoorshouldhaveHisblessingandbenediction；yea，Hewouldkissthem；andiftheywereill，HewouldlayHishandsonthemandmakethemwell。AndwasitnotnowsomethingamazingtobeholdthatinthatveryplacewhereDiabolushadhadhisabode，thePrinceofprincesshouldnowsiteatinganddrinkingwithallHismightycaptains，andmenofwar，andtrumpeters，andwiththesingingmenandthesingingwomenofHisFather’scourt！NowdidMansoul’scuprunover；nowdidherconduitsrunsweetwine；nowdidsheeatthefinestofthewheat，andnowdrinkmilkandhoneyoutoftherock！Nowshesaid，HowgreatisHisgoodness，foreversinceIfoundfavourinHiseyes，howhonourablehaveIeverbeen！

1。Now，thebeginningofitallwas，andthebestofitallwas，thatEmmanuelHimselfmadethefeast。MansouldidnotfeastherDeliverer；itwasherDelivererwhofeastedher。Mansoul，ingoodsooth，hadnothingthatshehadnotfirstandlastreceived，anditwasfarmoretrueandseemlyandfitineverywaythatherPrinceHimselfshouldinHisownwayandatHisownexpensesealandcelebratethedeliverance，thefreedom，thelife，thepeace，andthejoyofMansoul。And，besides，whathadMansoultosetbeforeherPrince；or，forthematterofthat，beforeherself？Mansoulhadnothingofherself。Mansoulwasnotsufficientofherselfforasingleday。Andhow，then，shouldsheproposetofeastaPrince？

No，no！thethingwasimpossible。ItwasEmmanuel’sfeastfromfirsttolast。JustasitwasattheLord’stableinthishousethismorning。YoudidnotspreadthetablethismorningforyourLord。YoudidnotmakereadyforyourSaviourandtheninviteHimin。Heinvitedyou。Hesaid，ThisisMyBodybrokenforyou，andThisisMyBloodshedforyou；drinkyeallofit。Andhadanyonechallengedyouatthefencedoorandaskedyouhowonewhocouldnotpayhisowndebtsorprovidehimselfapropermealevenforasingleday，coulddaretositdownwithsuchacompanyatsuchafeastasthat，youwouldhavetoldhimthathehadnotseenhalfyourhungerandyournakedness；butthatitwasjustyourveryhungerandnakednessandhomelessnessthathadbroughtyouhere；

or，rather，itwasallthatthathadmovedtheMasterofthefeasttosendforyouandtocompelyoutocomehere。TherewasnothinginyourmindandinyourmouthmoreallthisdaythanjustthatthisistheLord’sSupper，andthatHehadsentforyouandhadinvitedyou，andhadconstrainedandcompelledyoutocomeandpartakeofit。ItwastheLord’sTableto-day，anditwillbestillandstillmoreHistableonthatgreatCommunion-Daywhenallourearthlycommunionsshallbeaccomplishedandconsummatedinheaven。

2。AllthatMansouldidinconnectionwiththatgreatfeastwastopreparetheplacewhereDiabolusatonetimehadheldhisorgiesandcarriedonhisexcesses。HerPrince，Emmanuel，didalltherest；butHeleftittoMansoultomakethebanqueting-roomready。

WhenourLordwouldkeepHislastpassoverwithHisdisciples，HesaidtoPeterandJohn，Gointothecity，andthereshallmeetyouamanbearingapitcherofwater，andhewillshowyoualargeupperroomfurnishedandprepared。Thereissomereasontobelievethatthathappymanhadbeenexpectingthatmessageandhaddonehisbesttobereadyforit。Andnowhewasputtingthelasttouchtohispreparationsbyfillingthewater-potsofhishousewithfreshwater；littlethinking，happyman，thataslongastheworldlaststhatwaterwillbeholywaterinallmen’seyes，andshallteachhumilitytoallmen’shearts。And，mybrethren，youknowthatallyoudidalllastweekagainstto-daywasjusttopreparetheroom。Fortheroomalllastweekandallthisdaywasyourownheart，andnotandneverthishouseofstoneandlimemadewithmen’shands。Youswepttheinnerandupperroomofyourownheart。

Yousweptitandgarnisheditswallsanditsfloorsasmuchasinyoulay。He，whosethesupperreallywas，toldyouthatHewouldbringwithHimwhatwastobeeatenanddrunkento-day，whileyouweretopreparetheplace。And，nexttotheveryactualfeastitself，and，sometimes，notnexttoitbutequaltoit，andevenbeforeitandbetterthanit，werethosebusyhouseholdhoursyouspent，likethemanwiththepitcher，makingtheroomready。InplainEnglish，youhadacommunionbeforetheCommunionasyoupreparedyourheartsfortheCommunion。IshallnotintrudeintoyoursecretplacesandsecretseasonswithChristbeforeHisopenreceptionofyouto-day。Butitissureandcertainthat，justasyouinsecretentertainedHiminyourmother’shouseandinthechambersofherthatbareyou，justinthatmeasuredidHesaytoyouopenlybeforeallthewatchmenthatgoaboutthecityandbeforeallthedaughtersofJerusalem，Eat，Ofriends；drink，yea，drinkabundantly，Obeloved。Yes；doyounotthinkthatthemanwiththepitcherhadhisreward？Hehadhisownthoughtsashefurnished，tillitwasquiteready，hisbestupperroomandcarriedinthosepitchersofwater，andhandeddowntohischildreninafterdaystheperquisite-skinofthepaschallambthathadbeensuppedonbyourLordandHisdisciplesinhishonouredhousethatnight。Yes；wasitnotamazingtobeholdthatinthatveryplacewheresometimesDiabolushadhisabode，andhadentertainedhisDiabolonians，thePrinceofprincesshouldsiteatinganddrinkingwithHisfriends？Wasitnottrulyamazing？

3。Now，uponthefeasting-dayHefeastedthemwithallmannerofoutlandishfood——foodthatgrewnotinallthefieldsofMansoul；

itwasfoodthatcamedownwithHisFather’scourt。ThefieldsofMansoulyieldedtheirownproperfruits，andfruitsthatwerenottobedespised。Buttheywerenottheproperfruitsforthatday，neithercouldtheybeplaceduponthattable。Theyaregoodenoughfruitsfortheirpurpose，andasfarastheygo，andforsolongastheylastandareintheirseason。Butoursoulsaresuchthattheyoutlivetheirownbestfruits；theirhungerandtheirthirstoutlastallthatcanbeharvestedinfromtheirownfields。AndthusitisthatHewhomadeMansoulatfirst，andwhohassinceredeemedher，hasoutofHisowngreatgoodnessprovidedfoodconvenientforher。HeknowswithwhatanoutlandishlifeHehasquickenedMansoul，anditisonlythepartofafaithfulCreatortoprovideforHiscreatureherpropernourishment。Whatisit？askedthechildrenofIsraelatoneanotherwhentheysawasmallroundthing，assmallashoarfrost，upontheground。Fortheywistnotwhatitwas。AndMosessaid，Gatherofiteverymanaccordingtohiseating，anomerforeveryman，accordingtothenumberofyourpersons。AndthehouseofIsraelcalledthenamethereofManna，andthetasteofitwaslikewafersmadewithhoney。Hegavethemofthecornofheaventoeat，andmandideatinthewildernessangels’food。Yourfathersdideatmannainthewilderness，andaredead；butthisisthebreadofwhichifanymaneatheshallnotdie。AndthebreadthatIwillgiveisMyFlesh，whichIwillgiveforthelifeoftheworld。Andsooutlandish，sosupernatural，andsofullofheavenlywonderandheavenlymysterywasthatbread，thattheJewsstroveamongthemselvesoverit，andcouldnotunderstandit。But，byHisgoodnessandHistruthtousthisday，wehaveagain，toourspiritualnourishmentandgrowthingrace，eatentheFleshanddrunktheBloodoftheSonofGod；ameatthat，asHewhoHimselfisthatmeathassaidofit，ismeatindeedanddrinkindeed——as，indeed，wehavethewitnessinourselvesthisdaythatitis。Theydrankalsoofthewaterthatwasmadewine，andwereverymerrywithHimallthatdayatHistable。Andalltheirmirthwasthehighmirthofheaven；itwasamirthandagladnesswithoutsin，withoutsatiety，andwithoutremorse。

4。Therewasmusicalsoallthewhileatthetable，andthemusicianswerenotthoseofthecountryofMansoul，buttheywerethemastersofsongcomedownfromthecourtoftheKing。’IlovetheLord，’theysanginthesupperroomoverthepaschallamb——’I

lovetheLordbecauseHehathheardmyvoiceandmysupplication。

BecauseHehathinclinedHisearuntome，thereforewillIcalluponHimaslongasIlive。WhatshallIrendertotheLord，’theychallengedoneanother，’forallHisbenefitstowardsme？Iwilltakethecupofsalvation，andwillcalluponthenameoftheLord。’’Sometimesimagine，’saysagreatdevotionalwriterwithagreatimagination——’SometimesimaginethatyouhadbeenoneofthosethatjoinedwithourblessedSaviourasHesanganhymn。

StrivetoimaginetoyourselfwithwhatmajestyHelooked。FancythatyouhadstoodbyHimsurroundedwithHisglory。Thinkhowyourheartwouldhavebeeninflamed，andwhatecstasiesofjoyyouwouldhavethenfeltwhensingingwiththeSonofGod！Thinkagainandagainwithwhatjoyanddevotionyouwouldhavethensunghadthisreallybeenyourhappystate；andwhatapunishmentyouwouldhavethoughtittohavethenbeensilent。Andletthatteachyouhowtobeaffectedwithpsalmsandhymnsofthanksgiving。’Yes；

anditisnoimagination；itwasourownexperienceonlythismorningandafternoontojoininamusicthatwasnevermadeinthisworld，butwhichwasasoutlandishaswasthemeatwhichweatewhilethemusicwasbeingmade。

’Bless，Omysoul，theLordthyGod，AndnotforgetfulbeOfallHisgraciousbenefitsHehathbestow’donthee。

WhowithabundanceofgoodthingsDothsatisfythymouth；

Sothat，ev’nastheeagle’sage，Renewedisthyyouth。’

The103rdPsalmwasnevermadeinthisworld。MusiciansfarotherthanthosenativetoMansoulmadeforusourLord’s-TablePsalm。

5。Andthen，theriddlesthatweremadeupontheKingHimself，anduponEmmanuelHisSon，anduponEmmanuel’swarsandallHisotherdoingswithMansoul。AndwhenEmmanuelwouldexpoundsomeofthoseriddlesHimself，oh！howtheywerelightened！Theysawwhattheyneversaw！Theycouldnothavethoughtthatsuchraritiescouldhavebeencouchedinsofewandsuchordinarywords。Yea，theydidgatherthatthethingsthemselveswereakindofportraiture，andthat，too，ofEmmanuelHimself。This，theywouldsay，thisistheLamb！thisistheSacrifice！thisistheRock！thisistheDoor！

andthisistheWay！withagreatmanyotherthings。AtGaius’ssupper-tabletheysatupovertheirriddlesandnutsandsweetmeatstillthesunwasinthesky。AnditwouldbemidnightandmorningifIweretoshowyoutheanswerstothehalfoftheriddles。Takeone，foranexample，andletitbeoneofthebestforthecommunion-day。’Inonerarequalityoftheorator，’saysHughMiller，writingabouthisadoredminister，AlexanderStewartofCromarty，’Mr。Stewartstoodalone。Poperefersinhissatirestoastrangepowerofcreatingloveandadmirationbyjust”touchingthebrinkofallwehate。”Now，intothisperilous，butsingularlyelectivedepartment，Mr。Stewartcouldenterwithsafetyandatwill。Weheardhim，scarceatwelvemonthsince，deliveradiscourseofsingularpoweronthesin-offeringasminutelydescribedbythedivinepenmaninLeviticus。Hedescribedtheslaughteredanimal——foulwithdustandblood，itsthroatgashedacross，itsentrailslaidopenandsteaminginitsimpuritytothesun——avileandhorridthing，whichnoonecouldlookonwithoutdisgust，nortouchwithoutdefilement。Thepictureappearedtoovivid；itsintroductiontoolittleinaccordancewithajusttaste。

Butthispulpit-masterknewwhathewasallthetimedoing。”Andthat，”hesaid，ashepointedtotheterriblepicture，”thatisSIN！”Byonestroketheintendedeffectwasproduced，andtherisingdisgustandhorrortransferredfromtherevolting，materialimagetothegreatmoralevil。’And，inlikemanner，ThisistheLAMB！weallsaidoverthemysticalriddleofthebreadandthewinethismorning。ThisistheSACRIFICE！ThisistheDOOR！ThisisEMMANUEL，GODWITHUS，andmadesinforus！

6。Inoneofhisfinestchapters，ThomasAKempistellsusinwhatwaywearetocommunicatemystically:thatistosay，howwearetokeeponcommunicatingatalltimes，andinallplaces，withouttheinterventionoftheconsecratedsacramentalelements。AndJohnBunyan，thesweetestandmostspiritualofmystics，hasallthat，too，inthissamesupremepassage。Everydaywasafeast-daynow，hetellsus。SomuchsothatwhentheeldersandthetownsmendidnotcometoEmmanuel，Hewouldsendinmuchplentyofprovisionstothem。Yea，suchdelicateswouldHesendthem，andtherewithwouldsocovertheirtables，thatwhosoeversawitconfessedthatthelikecouldnotbeseeninanyotherkingdom。Thatistosay，myfellow-communicants，thereisnothingthatweexperiencedandenjoyedinthishousethisdaythatwemaynotexperienceandenjoyagainto-morrowandeverydayinourownhouseathome。Allthemysticsworththenoblenamewilltellyouthatalltruecommunicatingisalwaysperformedandexperiencedinthepreparedheart，andneverinanyupperroom，orchurch，orchapel，ornewheaven，ornewearth。Thepreparedheartofeveryworthycommunicantisthetrueupperroom；itisthetruebanquetingchamber；itisthetrueandtheonlyhouseofwine。OurFather’sHouseitself，withitssupper-tablecoveredwiththenewwineoftheKingdom——thebestofitallwillstillbewithinyou。Prepareyourselveswithinyourselves，then，Odepartinganddispersingcommunicants。Prepare，andkeepyourselvesalwaysprepared。AndasoftenasyousoprepareyourselvesyourPrincewillcometoyoueveryday，andwillcatanddrinkwithyou，tillHemakeseverydayonearthadayofheavenalreadytoyou。SeeifHewillnot；for，againandagain，HewhokeepsallHispromisessaysthatHewill。

CHAPTERXXVI——EMMANUEL’SLIVERY

’Andtoherwasgrantedthatsheshouldbearrayedinfinelinen，cleanandwhite；forthefinelinenistherighteousnessofsaints。’——John。

ThePlantagenetkingsofancientEnglandhadwhiteandscarletfortheirlivery；whiteandgreenwastheliveryoftheTudors；theStuartsworeredandyellow；whileblueandscarletcoloursadornto-daytheHouseofHanover。AndthePrinceofthekingsoftheearth，Hehashisroyalcoloursalso，andHisservantshavetheirbadgeofhonourandtheirblazonalso。ThenHecommandedthatthosewhowaiteduponHimshouldgoandbringforthoutofHistreasurythosewhiteandglitteringrobes，thatI，Hesaid，haveprovidedandlaidupinstoreformyMansoul。Sothewhitegarmentswerefetchedoutofthetreasuryandlaidforthtotheeyesofthepeople。Moreover，itwasgrantedtothemthattheyshouldtakethemandputthemon，according，saidHe，toyoursizeandyourstature。Sothepeoplewereallputintowhite——intofinelinen，cleanandwhite。ThensaidthePrince，This，OMansoul，isMylivery，andthisisthebadgebywhichMineareknownfromtheservantsofothers。Yea，thisliveryisthatwhichIgranttoallthemthatareMine，andwithoutwhichnomanispermittedtoseeMyface。Wearthislivery，therefore，forMysake，and，also，ifyouwouldbeknownbytheworldtobeMine。ButnowcanyouthinkhowMansoulshone！ForMansoulwasfairasthesun，clearasthemoon，andterribleasanarmywithbanners。

White，then，andwhiterthansnow，istheveryliveryofheaven。A

hundredshiningScripturescouldbequotedtoestablishthat。InthefirstyearofBelshazzar，KingofBabylon，Danielhadadream，andvisionsofhisheadcametoDanieluponhisbed。And，behold，theAncientofDaysdidsit，whosegarmentwaswhiteassnow，andthehairofhisheadlikethepurewool。Mybeloved，singsthespouseintheSong，iswhiteandruddy，thechiefestamongtenthousand，andaltogetherlovely。Then，again，Davidinhispenitencesings，Purgemewithhyssop，andIshallbeclean；washme，andIshallbewhiterthansnow。AndwhatisitthatsetsIsaiahattheheadofalltheprophets？Whatbutthis，thatheisthemouth-pieceofsuchdecreesinheavenasthis:Thoughyoursinsbeasscarlet，theyshallbewhiteassnow；thoughtheyberedlikecrimson，theyshallbeaswool。Theangel，also，whorolledawaythestonefromthedoorofthesepulchrewasclothedinalongwhitegarment。Anotherevangelistsaysthathiscountenancewaslikelightningandhisraimentwhiteassnow，andforfearofhimthekeepersdidquake，andbecameasdeadmen。ButbeforethatwereadthatJesuswastransfiguredbeforePeterandJamesandJohnontheMount，andthatHisfacedidshineasthesun，andHisraimentwaswhiteasthelight。And，then，thewholeBookofRevelationiswrittenwithapendippedinheavenlylight。Thewholebookisglisteningwiththewhitestlighttillwecannotreaditforthebrightnessthereof。Andthemultitudethatnomancannumberalldisplaythemselvesbeforeoureyes，clothedwithwhiterobesandwithpalmsintheirhands，somuchsothatwesinkdownunderthegreatnessoftheglory，tillOnewithHisheadandHishairswhitelikewool，aswhiteassnow，laysHishanduponus，andsaystous，Fearnot，for，behold，Ihavecausedthineiniquitytopassfromthee，andIwillclothetheewithchangeofraiment。

’IalsosawMansoulcladallinwhite，AndheardherPrincecallherHisheart’sdelight，IsawHimputuponherchainsofgold，Andringsandbraceletsgoodlytobehold。

WhatshallIsay？Iheardthepeople’scries，AndsawthePrincewipetearsfromMansoul’seyes，Iheardthegroansandsawthejoyofmany；

Tellyouofall，IneitherwillnorcanI。

ButbywhathereIsayyouwellmayseeThatMansoul’smatchlesswarsnofablebe。’

’Andtoheritwasgrantedthatsheshouldbearrayedinfinelinen，cleanandwhite；forthefinelinenistherighteousnessofsaints。’WeneednoexegesisofthatbeautifulScripturebeyondthatexegesiswhichourownheartssupply。Andifwedidneedthatshiningtexttobeexplainedtous，towhomcouldwebettergoforitsexplanationthanjusttoJohnBunyan？Well，then，inourauthor’sNoWaytoHeavenbutbyJesusChrist，hesays:’Thisfinelinen，inmyjudgment，istheworksofgodlymen；theirworksthatspringfromfaith。Buthowcametheyclean？Howcametheywhite？

Notsimplybecausetheyweretheworksoffaith。But，mark，theywashedtheirrobesandmadethemwhiteinthebloodoftheLamb。

AndthereforetheyarebeforethethroneofGod。Yea，thereforeitisthattheirgoodworksstandinsuchaplace。’’Normustwethinkitstrange，’saysJohnHowe，inhisBlessednessoftheRighteous，’thatalltherequisitestooursalvationarenotfoundtogetherinonetextofScripture。Iconceivethatimputedrighteousnessisnotheremeant，butthatrighteousnesswhichistrulysubjectedinachildofGodanddescriptiveofhim。TherighteousnessofHimwhomweadoreasmadesinforusthatwemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinHim，thatrighteousnesshasamuchhigherspherepeculiarandappropriatetoitself。Thoughthisofwhichwenowspeakisnecessaryalsotobebothhadandunderstood。’Emmanuel’slivery，then，istherighteousnessofthesaints。EmmanuelputsthatrighteousnessuponallHissaints；

while，atthesametime，theyputitonthemselves；theyworkitoutforthemselves，andforthemselvestheykeepitclean。Theyworkitout，putiton，andkeepitclean，andyet，allthetime，itisnottheythatdoit，butitisEmmanuelthatdoethitallinthem。Thetruthis，youmustallbecomemysticsbeforeyouwilladmitallthestrangetruththatistoldaboutEmmanuel’slivery。

Forbothheavenandearthuniteinthiswonderfullivery。Natureandgraceuniteinit。Itiswovenbythegospelontheloomofthelaw——till，totellyouallthatistrueaboutit，IneithercannorwillI。AlbertBengeltellsusthatthecourtofheavenhasitsownjealousandscrupulousetiquette；andourcourtjournalistandhistorian，JohnBunyan，hassuppliedhisfavouredreaderswiththeverycardofetiquettethatwasissuedalongwithMansoul’scoatoflivery，anditismorethantimethatwehadattendedtothatcard。

1。Thefirstitemtheninthatetiquette-cardraninthesesetterms:’First，wearthesewhiterobesdaily，daybyday，lestyoushouldatsometimeappeartoothersasifyouwerenoneofMine——

Signed，EMMANUEL。’

Now，weputonaneweverymorningthegarmentsthatwearetoweareverynewday。Wehavecertainpiecesofclothingthatwewearinthemorning；wehavecertainpiecesthatwewearwhenweareatourwork；and，again，wehavecertainotherpiecesthatweputonwhenwegoabroadintheafternoon；and，yetagain，certainotherpiecesthatwearrayourselvesinwhenwegooutintosocietyintheevening。AfteranightinwhichMercycouldnotsleepforblessingandpraisingGod，theyallroseinthemorningwiththesun；buttheInterpreterwouldhavethemtarryawhile，for，saidhe，youmustorderlygofromhence。Thensaidhetothedamsel，Takethem，andhavethemintothegardentothebath。ThenInnocentthedamseltookthem，andhadthemintothegarden，andbroughtthemtothebath。Thentheywentinandwashed，yea，theyandtheboysandall，andtheycameoutofthatbath，notonlycleanandsweet，butalsomuchenlivenedandmuchstrengthenedintheirjoints。Sowhentheycameintheylookedfaireradealthanwhentheywentout。

ThensaidtheInterpretertothedamselthatwaiteduponthosewomen，Gointothevestry，andfetchoutgarmentsforthesepeople。

Soshewentandfetchedoutwhiteraimentandlaiditdownbeforehim。Andthenhecommandedthemtoputiton。Itwasfinelinen，whiteandclean。Now，therefore，theybegantoesteemeachotherbetterthanthemselves。For，YouarefairerthanIam，saidone；

and，YouaremorecomelythanIam，saidanother。Thechildrenalsostoodamazedtoseeintowhatfashiontheyhadbeenbrought。

WilliamLaw——IthankGod，Ithink，everydayIliveforthatgooddaytomeonwhichHeintroducedmetoHisgiftedandsaintlyservant——well，WilliamLawusedeverymorningafterhisbathinthemorningtoputonhislivery，piecebypiece，inorder，andwithspecialprayer。Thefirstpiecethatheputon，andheputitoneverynewmorningnexthishearttowearitallthedaynexthisheart，wasgratitudetoGod。Anditwasareal，feeling，active，andoperativegratitudethathesoputon。Oneachnewmorningasitcame，thatgoodmanwasfullofnewgratitudetoGod。ForthesunnewfromhisAlmightyMaker’shandshehadgratitude。Forhishouseoverhisheadhehadgratitude。ForhisBibleandhisspiritualbookshehadgratitude。Forhisopportunitiesofreadingandstudy，asalsoforteno’clockinthemorningwhenthewidowsandorphansofKing’sCliffecametohiswindow，andsoon。A

gratefulheartfeedsitselftoastillgreatergratitudeoneverythingthatcomestoit。SoitwaswithWilliamLaw，tillhewakenedthemaidsintheroomsbelowwithhispsalmsandhishymnsashewentintohisvestryandputonhissingingrobessoearlyeverymorning。Andthen，afterhismorninghoursofstudyanddevotion，Lawhadapieceofliverythathealwaysputonandnevercamedownstairstobreakfastwithoutit。Othermenmightputonotherpieces；healwaysclothedhimselfnexttogratitudewithhumility。Mendiffer，goodmendiffer，andEmmanuel’slivery-mendifferinwhattheyputon，atwhattime，andinwhatorder。ButthatwasWilliamLaw’sway。Youwilllearnmoreofhisway，andyouwillbehelpedtofindoutalikewayforyourselves，ifyouwillbecomestudentsofhisincomparablebooks。Youwillfindhowheputoncharity，1Cor。thirteenthchapter；andthenhow，overall，heputonthewillofGod；till，thusequippedandthusaccoutred，hewasabletosay，asithasseldombeensaidsinceitwasfirstsaid，’Iputonrighteousness，anditclothedme；myjudgmentwastomeasarobeandasadiadem。TheAlmightywasthenwithme，andmychildrenwereaboutme。WhenIwashedmystepswithbutter，andwhentherockpouredmeoutriversofoil！’

Somuchforthatlivery-manofEmmanuel，theauthoroftheChristianPerfectionandtheSpiritofLove。Asforthewomen’svestryintheInterpreter’sHouse，MatthewHenrysawthethirty-

firstchapteroftheProverbshunguponthatvestrywall，andChristianamakinghermorningtoiletbeforeitwithMercybesideher。Whowouldfindavirtuouswoman，lethimlookbeforethatlooking-glassforher，andhewillbesuretofindherandherdaughtersandherdaughters-in-lawputtingontheirwhiteraimentthere。

2。’Secondly，keepyourgarmentsalwayswhite；foriftheybesoiled，itisadishonourtoMe。IhaveafewnameseveninSardiswhichhavenotdefiledtheirgarments，andtheyshallwalkwithMeinwhite，fortheyareworthy。’EveninSardis，witheverystreetandeveryhousefullofsoilanddishonourtothenameofChrist，eveninSardisEmmanuelhadsomeofwhomHecouldboastHimself。

WouldyounotimmenselylikeatthelastdaytobeoneofthosesomeinSardis？ShallitnotbesplendidwhenSardiscomesupforjudgmenttobeamongthosefewnamesthatEmmanuelshallthenreadoutofHisbook，andwhen，attheirfewnames，twoorthreemenshallstepoutintothelightinHislivery？SomeofyouareinSardisatthismoment。Someofyouareinacity，orinahouseinacity，whereitisimpossibletokeepyourgarmentsclean。Andyet，no；nothingisimpossibletoEmmanuelandHistruelivery-men。

Eveninthathousewhereyouare，Emmanuelwillsayoveryou，I

haveonetherewhoisthankfultoMyFatherandtoMe；thankfultosingingeverymorningwherethereislittle，asmensee，tosingfor。Thereisoneinthathousehumble，wherehumilityitselfwouldalmostbecomehigh-minded。Andmeek，whereMoseshimselfwouldhavelosthistemper。Andsubmissive，whererebelliousnesswouldnothavebeenwithoutexcuse。MarkthesefewmenforMine，saysEmmanuel。Markthemwiththeink-hornforMine。FortheyshallsurelybeMineinthatday，andtheyshallwalkwithMeinwhite，fortheyareworthy。

3。’Whereforegirdyourgarmentswellupfromtheground。’A

well-dressedman，awell-dressedwoman，isabeautifulsight。Notover-dressed；notdressedsoastocalleverybody’sattentiontotheirdress；butdresseddecorously，becomingly，tastefully。Eachseveralpiecewellfittedon，andallofapiece，tillitalllooksasifithadgrownbynatureitselfuponthewell-dressedwearer。

Belikehim——belikeher——sorunsthethirdheadoftheetiquette-

card。Benotslovenlyanddisorderlyandunseemlyinyourlivery。

Letnotyourliverybealwaysfallingoff，andcatchingoneverybushandbriar，anddroppingintoeverypoolandditch。Holdyourselvesinhand，theinstructiongoeson。Braceyourselvesup。

Haveyourtemper，yourtongue，youreyes，yourears，andallyourmembersincontrol。Andthenyouwillescapemanyarentandmanyarag；manyaseamandmanyapatch；manyasoilandmanyastain。

Andthenalsoyouwillbefoundwalkingabroadincomelinessandatliberty，whileothers，lesscareful，areathomemendingandwashingandironingbecausetheywentwithoutagirdlewhenyougirtupyourgarmentswellofftheground。Whereforealwaysgirdwelluptheloinsofyourmind。

4。’And，fourthly，losenotyourrobes，lestyouwalknakedandmenseeyourshame’；thatistosay，thesupremeshameofyoursoul。Forthereisnoothershame。Thereisnothingelseinbodyorsoultobeashamedabout。Thereisanakedness，indeed，thatourchildrenaretaughttocover；buttheBibleisabookformen。

AndtheonlynakednessthattheBibleknowsaboutorcaresaboutisthenakednessofthesoul。Itwastheirsuddensoul-nakednessthatchasedAdamandEveinamongthetreesofthegarden。AnditisGod’spityforsoul-nakedsinnersthathasmadeHimsendHisSontocrytous:’Icounselthee，’Hecries，’tobuyofMegoldtriedinthefire，thatthoumayestberich；whiteraiment，thatthoumayestbeclothed，andthattheshameofthynakednessdonotappear。

Behold！’Hecriesinabsoluteterror，’Behold！Icomeasathief！

Blessedishethatwalkethandkeepethhisgarments，lesthewalknaked，andtheyseehisshame。’Wereyoursoultobestrippednakedtoallitsshameto-morrow；wereallyourpasttobelaidoutabsolutelynakedandbare，withalltheutternakednessofyourinwardlifethisday；wereallyoursecretthoughts，andallyourstealthyschemes，andallyourmadimaginations，andallyourdetestablemotives，andallyourhatredslikehell，andallyourfollieslikeBedlamtobelaidnaked——IsupposethehorrorofitwouldmakeyoucrytotherocksandthemountainstocoveryouthisSabbathnight，ortheweedsofthenearestseatowrapyoudownintoitsdepths。Itwouldbehellbeforethetimetoyouifyoursoulweresuddenlytobestrippedabsolutelybareofitsraggedbody，andnakedofallthethinintegumentsoftime，andwereforasingledaytostandnakedtoitseverlastingshame。AnditisjustbecauseJesusChristseesallthatassureasthejudgment-daycomingtoyou，thatHestandshereto-nightandcallstoyou:I

counselthee！Icounselthee！Beforeitbetoolate，Iagaincounselthee！

5。ButthePrinceEmmanuelispersuadedbetterthingsofallHislivery-men，thoughHethusspeakstothemtoputthemontheirguard。Yes，sternlyandseverelyandthreateninglyasHesometimesspeaks，yet，inspiteofHimself，Hisrealgracealwaysbreaksthroughatthelast。And，accordingly，hisfifthcommandrunsthus:But，itruns，ifyoushouldsullythem，ifyoushoulddefilethem，thewhichIamgreatlyunwillingthatyoushould，thenspeedyoutothatwhichiswritteninMylaw，thatyetyoumaystand，andnotfallbeforeMeandbeforeMythrone。Alwaysknowthis，thatI

haveprovidedfortheeanopenfountaintowashthygarmentsin。

Look，therefore，thatyouwashofteninthatfountain，andgonotforanhourindefiledgarments。Letnot，therefore，Mygarments，yourgarments，thegarmentsthatIgavetheebeeverspottedbytheflesh。Keepthygarmentsalwayswhite，andletthyheadlacknoointment——Signedinheaven，EMMANUEL。

CHAPTERXXVII——MANSOUL’SMAGNACHARTA

’Abettercovenant。’——Paul。

MagnaChartaisanameverydeartotheheartsoftheEnglishpeople。For，eversincethatmemorabledayonwhichthatnobleinstrumentwasextortedfromKingJohnatthepointofthesword，Englandhasbeenthepioneertoalltheothernationsoftheearthinpersonalfreedom，inpublicrighteousness，indomesticstability，andinforeigninfluenceandenterprise。Runnymedeisared-letterspot，and1215isared-letteryear，notonlyinthehistoryofEngland，butinthehistoryofthewholemodernworld。

Thekeystoneofallsoundconstitutionalgovernmentwaslaidatthatplaceonthatdate，andbythatgreatbridgenotEnglandonly，butafterEnglandthewholecivilisedworldhaspassedoverfromagesofbondageandoppressionandinjusticeintoanewworldofpersonallibertyandsecurity，publicequityandgoodfaith，loyaltyandpeace。Allthathassincebeenobtained，whetheronthebattle-fieldoronthefloorofParliament，hasbeenlittlemorethanaconfirmationofMagnaChartaoranauthoritativecommentuponMagnaCharta。Andifeverysubsequentlawweretobeblottedout，yetinMagnaChartathefoundationswouldstillremainofagreatstateandafreepeople。’Herecommences，’saysMacaulay，’thehistoryoftheEnglishnation。’

Now，afterthePrinceofPeacehadsubjugatedtherebelliouscityofMansoul，HepromulgatedaproclamationandappointedadaywhereinHewouldrenewtheirCharter。Yea，adaywhereinhewouldrenewandenlargetheirCharter，mendingseveralfaultsinit，sothattheyokeofMansoulmightbemadeyetmoreeasytobear。AndthisHedidwithoutanydesireoftheirs，evenofHisownfranknessandnoblenessofmind。SowhenHehadsentforandseentheiroldCharter，Helaiditbyandsaid，Nowthatwhichdecayethandwaxetholdisreadytovanishaway。Anepitome，therefore，ofthatnew，andbetter，andmorefirmandsteadyChartertakeasfollows:IdograntofMineownclemency，free，full，andeverlastingforgivenessofalltheirwrongs，injuries，andoffencesdoneagainstMyFather，againstMe，againsttheirneighboursandthemselves。IdogivethemalsoMyTestament，withallthatisthereincontained，fortheireverlastingcomfortandconsolation。Thirdly，Idoalsogivethemaportionoftheself-samegraceandgoodnessthatdwellsinMyFather’sheartandMine。Fourthly，Idogive，grant，andbestowuponthemfreely，theworldandallthatisthereinfortheirtruegood；yea，allthebenefitsoflifeanddeath，ofthingspresentandthingstocome。FreeleaveandfullaccessalsoatallseasonstoMeinMypalace，theretomakeknownalltheirwantstoMe；andIgivethem，moreover，apromisethatIshallhearandredressalltheirgrievances。Tothemandtotheirrightseedafterthem，I

herebybestowallthesegrants，privileges，androyalimmunities。

Allthisisbutaleanepitomeofwhatwasthatdaylaiddowninlettersofgoldandengravenontheirdoorsandtheircastlegates。

Andwhatjoy，whatcomfort，whatconsolation，thinkyou，didnowpossesseveryheartinMansoul！Thebellsrangout，theminstrelsplayed，thepeopledanced，thecaptainsshouted，thecolourswavedinthewind，andthesilvertrumpetssounded，tilleveryenemyinsideandoutsideofMansoulwasnowgladtohidehishead。

OurconstitutionalauthorsandcommentatorsarewonttotakeMagnaChartaclausebyclause，andwordbyword，andletterbyletter。

Theylingerlovinglyandproudlyovereveryjotandtittleofthatsplendidinstrument。AndyouwillindulgemethisCommunionnightofallnightsoftheyearifIexpatiatestillmorelovinglyandproudlyonthatgreatCovenantwhichourLordhassealedtousagainto-day，andhaswrittenagainto-dayonthewallsofourhearts。MosesmadehasteassoonastheoldCharterwasreadovertohim，andnothingshalldelayustillwehavefeastedoureyes，andourears，andourheartsto-nightonthecontentsofthisournewandbettercovenant。

1。ThefirstarticleofourMagnaChartaisfree，full，andeverlastingforgivenessofallthewrongs，injuries，andoffenceswehaveeverdoneagainstGod，againstourSaviour，againstourneighbour，andagainstourselves。TheEnglishnoblesextortedtheirCharterfromtheirtyrannicalkingwiththeirswordathisthroat，andafterhehadsignedit，hecasthimselfonthegroundandgnawedsticksandstonesinhisfury，somadwasheatthemenwhohadsohumiliatedhim。’Theyhavesetfour-and-twentykingsovermyhead，’hegnashedout。HowdifferentwasitwithourCharter！Forwhenwewereyetenemiesitwasalreadydrawnoutinourname。Andafterwehadbeensubdueditwouldneverhaveenteredourfearfulheartstoaskforsuchaninstrument。And，evennow，afterwehaveenteredintoitsliberty，howslowwearetobelieveallthatiswritteninourgreatCharter，andreadtouseverydayoutofit。Andwhoshallcastastoneatusfornoteasilybelievingallthatissowrittenandread？Itisnotsoeasyasyouwouldthinktobelieveinfreeforgivenessforallthewrongs，injuries，andoffenceswehaveeverdone。Whenyoutrytobelieveitaboutyourselves，youwillfindhowharditistoacceptthatcovenantandalwaystokeepyourfeetfirmuponit。Thattheforgivenessisabsolutelyfreeisitsfirstgreatdifficulty。Ifithadcostusallwecouldeverdoorsuffer，bothinthisworldandintheworldtocome，thenwecouldhavecometotermswithourPrincefarmoreeasily；butthatourforgivenessshouldbeabsolutelyfree，itisthatthatsostaggersus。WhenIwasalittleboyIwasoncewanderingthroughthestreetsofalargecityseeingthestrangesights。IhadevenlessLatininmyheadthatdaythanIhadmoneyinmypocket。ButIwashungryforknowledgeandeagertoseerareandwonderfulthings。Overthedoorofapublicinstitution，containingamuseumandotherinterestingthings，ItriedtoreadaLatinscroll。Icouldnotmakeoutthewholeofthewriting；Icouldonlymakeoutoneword，andnoteventhat，astheeventsoonshowed。Thewordwasgratia，orsomemodificationofgratia，withsomestilldeeperwordsengravenroundaboutit。ButonthestrengthofthatonewordImountedthestepsandrangthebell，andaskedtheporterifIcouldseethemuseum。

Hetoldmethatthecostofadmissionwassuchandsuch。Littleasitwas，itwastoomuchforme，andIcamedownthestepsfeelingthattheLatinwritingabovethedoorhadentirelydeceivedme。IthasnotbeenthelasttimethatmybadLatinhasbroughtmetoshameandconfusionofface。ButLatin，orGreek，oronlyEnglish，ornotevenEnglish，thereisnodeceptionandnoconfusionhere。

Forgivenessisreallyoffreegrace。Itcostsabsolutelynothing，thedoorisopen；or，ifitisnotopen，thenknock，anditshallbeopened，withoutmoneyandwithoutprice。

’Freeandfull。’Icouldimagineafreeforgivenesswhichwasnotalsofull。Icouldimagineacharterthatwouldhaverunsomehowthus:Freeforgivenessandfull，uptoafirmlyfixedlimit。Freeandfullforgivenessforsinsofignoranceandevenofinfirmityandfrailty；forsmallsinsandforgreatsins，too，uptoacertainageoflifeandstageofguilt。Freeandfullforgivenessuptoacertainline，andthen，thatblacklineofreprobation，asSamuelRutherfordsays。Indeed，itisnoimagination。IhavefeltoftenerthanoncethatIwasatlastacrossthatblackline，andgoneandlostforever。Butno-

’Whilethelampholdsontoburn，Thegreatestsinnermayreturn。’

’Free，full，andeverlasting。’PopeInnocenttheThirdcametotherescueofKingJohnandissuedaPapalbullrevokingandannullingMagnaCharta。Butneitherking，norpope，nordevilcanrevokeorannulournewCovenant。Itisfree，full，andeverlasting。IfGodbeforus，whocanbeagainstus？WhoshallseparateusfromtheloveofChrist？Neitherdeathnorlife，norangelsnorprincipalitiesnorpowers，shallbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGodwhichisinChristJesusourLord。

2。’Free，full，andeverlastingforgivenessofallthewrongs，theinjuries，andtheoffencesyouhavedoneagainstMyFather，Me，yourneighbours，andyourselves。’Now，outofallthatletusfixuponthis——thewrongsandtheinjurieswehavedonetoourneighbours。For，asCalvinsayssomewhere，thoughoursinsagainstthefirsttableofthelawareourworstsins，yetoursinsagainstthesecondtable，thatis，againstourneighbours，arefarbetterforbeginningascrutinywith。Sotheyare。Forourwrongsagainstourneighbours，whentheyawakenwithinusatall，awakenwithaterriblefury。Ourwrongsagainstourneighbourswound，andburden，andexasperateanawakenedconscienceinafearfulway。Wecomeafterwardstosay，AgainstThee，TheeonlyhaveIsinned！Butatthefirstbeginningofourrepentancesitisthewrongswehavedonetoourneighboursthatdriveusbesideourselves。Whatneighbourofyours，then，haveyousowronged？Namehim；nameher。

Youavoidthatnamelikepoison，butitisnotpoison——itislifeandpeace。Moredependsonyouroftenrecollectingandoftenpronouncingthathatefulnamethanyouwouldbelieve。Moredependsuponitthanyourministerhasevertoldyou。And，then，inwhatdidyousowronghim？Namethewrongalso。GiveititsBiblename，itsnewspapername，itsbrutal，vulgar，ill-manneredname。

Donotbetoosoft，donotbetoocourtlywithyourself。Keepyourownevilnameeverbeforeyou。Whenyouhearanyothermanoutlawedandostracisedbythatsamename，saytoyourself:Thou，sir，arttheman！Putoutasecretandapainfulskilluponyourself。Havetimesandplacesandwaysthatnobodyknowsanythingabout——noteventhoseyouhavewronged；havetimesandplacesandwaystheywouldlaughtobetoldof，andwouldnotbelieveit；times，Isay，andplacesandwaysforbringingallthoseoldwrongsyouoncedideverandeverbacktomind；asoftenbackandaskeentoyourmindastheycomebacktothatothermind，whichisstillsofullofthewrong。Evenifyourvictimhasforgivenandforgottenyou，neveryouforgethim，andneveryouforgiveyourselfwhenyouagainthinkofhim。Welcomebackeverysuddenandsharprecollectionofyourwrong-doing。Andmakehasteateverysuchsuddenrecollectionandfalldownonthespotinadeepercompunctionthaneverbefore。Dothatasyouwouldbeaforgivenandfull-charteredsoul。For，freeandfullandeverlastingasGod’sforgivenessis，youhavenoassurancethatitisyoursifyoueverforgetyoursin，oreverforgiveyourselfforhavingdoneit。’Forgiveyourself，’saysAugustine，’andGodwillcondemnyou。Butcontinuallyarraignandcondemnyourself，andGodwillforgiveandacquitandjustifyyou。’

3。’IgivealsoMyholylawandtestament，andallthatthereiniscontained，fortheireverlastingcomfortandconsolation。’Thisisnotthemannerofmen，OmyGod。Kind-heartedmencomfortandconsolethosewhohavesufferedinjuriesandwrongsatourhands，butthekindest-heartedofmenhardentheirheartsandsettheirfaceslikeaflintagainstuswhohavedonethewrong。AllSyriasympathisedwithEsauforthelossofhisbirthright，butIdonotreadthatanyonecametowhisperonekindwordtoJacobonhishardpillow。AllthearmymournedoverUriah，butallthetimeDavid’smoisturewasdrieduplikethedroughtofsummer，andnotevenNathancametotheKingtillhecouldnothelpcoming。AllJerichocried，Avengeusofouradversary！ButitwasJesuswholookedupandsawZaccheusandsaid:Zaccheus，comedown；makehasteandcomedown，forto-dayImustabideatthyhouse。’Theinjuriestheyhavedonethemselvesalso，’sorunstheveryfirstheadofourforgivenesscovenant。Ah！yes；OmyLord，Thouknowestallthings；Thouknowestmyheart。ThouknowestthatirremediablyasIhaveinjuredothermen，yetininjuringthemIhaveinjuredmyselfmuchmore。Andmuchasothermenneedrestitution，reparation，andconsolationonmyaccount，myGod，ThouknowestthatIneedallthatmuchmore——tenthousandtimesmore。Oh，howmybrokenheartwithinmeleapsupandthanksTheeforthatCovenant。LetmerepeatitagaintoThypraise:’Full，free，andeverlastingforgivenessofallwrongs，injuries，andoffencesdonebyhimagainsthisneighboursandagainsthimself。’Who，whoisaGod，OmyGod，whoisaGodlikeuntoThee！

4。’Idoalsogivethemaportionoftheself-samegraceandgoodnessthatdwellsinMyFather’sheartandMine。’Theself-samegraceandgoodness，thatis，thatMyFatherandIhaveshowntothem。Thatistosay，weshallbemadebothwillingandabletogranttoallthosemenwhohavewrongedustheverysamecharterofforgivenessthatwehavehadgrantedtousofGod。Sothatatallthosetimeswhenwestandprayingforforgivenessweshallsuspendthatprayertillwehavefirstforgivenallourenemies，andallwhohaveatanytimeandinanywaywrongedorinjuredus。EvenwhenwehadtheCommunioncupatourlipsto-day，youwouldhaveseenussettingitdowntillwehadfirstgoneandbeenreconciledtoourbrother。Yes，mybrethren，youareHiswitnessesthatHehasdoneit。HehastakenyouintoHiscovenanttillHehasmadeyoubothableandwilling，bothwillingandable，tograntandtobequeathtoothers，allthatfree，full，andeverlastingforgivenessandlovethatHehasbequeathedtoyou。Tillundertheverylastandsupremewrongthatyourworstenemycandotoyouandtoyours，youareableandforwardtosay:Father，forgivehim，forheknowsnotwhathehasdone。Forgivememydebts，youwillsay，asIforgivemydebtors。Andalways，asyouagainsayanddothat，youwillonthespotbemadeapartakeroftheDivineNature，accordingtotheheavenlyCharter，’Idoalsogivethemaportionoftheself-samegraceandgoodnessthatdwellsinMyFather’sheartandinMine。’

5。’Idoalso，’soMansoul’sMagnaChartatravelson，’Idoalsogive，grant，andbestowuponthemfreelytheworldandallthatisthereinfortheirgood；yea，Igrantthemallthebenefitsoflifeandofdeath，andofthingspresentandthingstocome。’WhatamagnificentCharteristhat！’Allthingsareyours:whetherPaul，orApollos，orCephas，ortheworld，orlife，ordeath，orthingspresent，orthingstocome；allareyours。’WhatasuperbCharter！

Only，itistoohighforus；wecannotattaintoit。Hasanyhumanbeingeverrisentoanythinglikethefullfaith，fullassurance，andfullvictoryofallthatinthislife？No；thethingisimpossible！Reasonwouldfalloffherthrone。Theheartofamanwouldbreakwithtoomuchjoyifhetriedtoenterintothefullbeliefofallthat。No；ithathnotenteredintotheheartofastillsinfulmanwhatGodhathcharteredtothemwhomHeloves。

Thisworld，andallthatthereinis，andthenallthecomingbenefitsoflifeandofdeath。WhatbenefitsdobelieversreceivefromChristattheirdeath？Wealldrankintheanswertothatwithourmother’smilk，butwhatisbehindthewordsofthatanswernomortaltonguecanyettell。Allareyours，andyeareChrist’s，andChristisGod’s。Till，whatjoy，whatcomfort，whatconsolation，thinkyou，didnowpossesstheheartsofthemenofMansoul！Thebellsrang，theminstrelsplayed，thepeopledanced，thecaptainsshouted，thecolourswavedinthewind，andthesilvertrumpetssounded。

6。’Andtilltheglorybreakssuddenlyuponyou，andaslongasyouyetliveinthislifeoffreegraceIshallgiveandgrantyouleaveandfreeaccesstoMeinMypalaceatallseasons，theretomakeknownallyourwantstoMe；andIgiveyou，moreover，apromisethatIwillhearandredressallyourgrievances。’Atallseasons；inseasonandoutofseason。TheretomakeknownallyourwantstoMe。Andallyourgrievances。Allthatstillgrievesandvexesyou。Allyourwrongs。Allyourinjuries。Allthatmencandotoyou。Letthemdotheirworsttoyou。Mygraceissufficientforallyourgrievances。Mygoodnessinyoushallmakeyoumorethanaconqueror。Iundertaketogiveyoubeforeyouhaveaskedforitaheartfulloffree，full，andeverlastingforgivenessandforgetfulnessofallthathasbeguntogrieveyou。Nowordordeed，writtenorspoken，ofanymanshallbeabletovexorgrievethespiritthatIshallputwithinyou。Youwillimmediatelyavengeyourselvesofyouradversaries。Youwillinstantlyrepaythemallanhundredfold。For，whenthineenemyhungers，thoushaltfeedhim；whenheisathirst，thoushaltgivehimdrink。Forthoushaltnotbeovercomeofevil，butthoushaltovercomeevilwithgood。

7。’Allthesegrants，privileges，andimmunitiesIbestowuponthee；uponthee，Isay，anduponthyrightseedafterthee。’O

AlmightyGod，ourHeavenlyFather，giveussuchaseed！GiveusaseedrightwithThee！SmiteusandourhousewitheverlastingbarrennessratherthanthatourseedshouldnotberightwithThee。

OGod，giveusourchildren。Giveusourchildren。Asecondtime，andbyafarbetterbirth，giveusourchildrentobebesideusinThyholyCovenant。Forithadbeenbetterwehadneverbeenborn；

ithadbeenbetterwehadneverbeenbetrothed；ithadbeenbetterwehadsatallourdayssolitaryunlessallourchildrenaretoberightwithThee。Letthedayperish，andthenightwhereinitwassaid，Thereisaman-childconceived。Letthatdaybedarkness；

letnotGodregarditfromabove；neitherletthelightshineuponit，unlessallourhouseisyettoberightwithGod。OmysonAbsalom！Myson，mysonAbsalom！WouldGodIhaddiedforthee，O

Absalom，myson，myson！Butthou，OGod，artThyselfaFather，andthushastinThyselfaFather’sheart。Hearus，then，forourchildren，OourFather，forsuchofourchildrenasarenotyetrightwithThee！Inseasonandoutofseason；weshallnotgoupintoourbed；weshallnotgivesleeptooureyesnorslumbertooureyelidstillweandallourseedarerightwithThee。AndthenhowweandalloursavedseedbesideusshallpraiseTheeandblessTheeaboveallthefamiliesonearthorinheaven，andshallsay:

UntoHimwholovedusandwashedusfromoursinsinHisownblood，andhathbestoweduponusafree，full，andeverlastingforgiveness，andhathmadeuspartakersofHisDivineNature，toHimbeourloveandpraiseandservicetoalleternity。AmenandAmen！

CHAPTERXXVIII——EMMANUEL’SLASTCHARGETOMANSOUL:CONCERNINGTHE

REMAINDERSOFSININTHEREGENERATE

’HoldfasttillIcome。’——OurLord。

TherearemanyfinethingsinEmmanuel’slastchargetoMansoul，butbyfarthebestthingistheanswerthatHeHimselftheresuppliestothisdeepanddifficultquestion，——tothisquestion，namely，Whyoriginalsinisstilllefttorageinthetrulyregenerate？WhydoesourLordnotwhollyextirpatesininourregeneration？WhatcanHisreasonbeforleavingtheiroriginalsintodwellinHisbestsaintstillthedayoftheirdeath？For，touseHisownsadwordsaboutsininHislastcharge，nothinghurtsusbutsin。Nothingdefilesanddebasesusbutsin。Why，then，doesHenottakeoursincleanoutofusatonce？HecouldspeakthewordofcompletedeliveranceifHeonlywould。Why，then，doesHenotspeakthatword？ThathasbeenamysteryandagrieftoallGod’ssaintseversincesanctificationbegantobe。

AndthegreatinterestandthegreatvalueofEmmanuel’slastchargetoMansoulstandsinthis，thatHeheretellsus，ifnotall，thenatleastsomeofHisreasonsforthepolicyHepursueswithusinoursanctification。Dostthouknow，Heasks，asHestandsonHischariotsteps，surroundedwithHiscaptainsontherighthandandtheleft——DostthouknowwhyIatfirstdid，anddostill，suffersintoliveanddwellandharbourinthyheart？Andthen，afteranOYES！forsilence，thePrincebeganandthusproceeded:

1。DostthouaskatMewhyIandMyFatherhaveseenitgoodtoallowthedregsofthysinfulnessstilltocorruptandtorotinthineheart？Dostthouaskwhy，amidsomuchintheethatisregenerate，thereisstillsomuchmorethatisunregenerate？Why，whilethouart，withoutcontroversy，undergrace，indwellingsinstillsofestersandsobreaksoutinthee？Dostthouaskthat？

Then，attend，andbeforeIgoawaytocomeagainIwilltrytotellthee，if，indeed，thouartableandwillingtobearit。Well，then，besilentwhileItelltheethatIhaveleftallthatofthyoriginalsinintheetotemptthee，totrythee，tohumblethee，andtothrust，dayandnight，uponthee，whatisstillinthineheart。Tohumblethee，takeknowledge，takewarning，andtakeforethought。Tomaketheehumble，andtokeeptheehumble。Tohidepridefromthee，andtolaytheeallthydaysonearthinthedustofdeath。ItelltheethisdaythatinallthypastlifeI

haveorderedandadministeredallMyprovidencestowardtheetohumbletheeandtoprovethee，andtomaketheedustandashesinthineowneyes。AndIgoawaytocarryonfromheaventhissameintentionofMyFather’sandMinetowardthee。Weshalltrytheeassilveristried。Weshallsifttheeaswheatissifted。WeshallsearchtheeasJerusalemissearchedwithlightedcandles。I

telltheethetruth，IshallbendfromheavenallMypowerwhichMyFatherhasgivenMe，andallMywisdom，andallMylove，andallMygrace。Whattodo，dostthouthink？Whattodobuttomaketheetoknowandtoacknowledgetheplagueofthineownheart。Thedeceitfulness，thatis，thedepthofwickedness，andtheabominableness，pastallwords，ofthineownheart。IdonotascendtoMyFather，withallthingsinMyhand，tomakethyseatsoft，andthycupsweet，andthynamegreat，andthyseedmultiplied。IhavefarotherpredestinationsbeforeMeforthee。

Ihavelovedtheewithaneverlastinglove，anditistoeverlastinglifethatIamleadingthee。AndthoumustletMeleadtheethroughfireandthroughwaterifIamtoleadtheetoheavenatlast。Ishallhavetoutterlykillallself-loveoutofthyheart，andtoplantallhumilityinitsplace。ManyanddreadfuldiscoveriesshallIhavetomaketotheeofthyprofaneandinhumanself-loveandselfishness。Wordswillfailtheetoconfessallthyselfishnessinthymostpenitentprayer。Thytoweringprideofheartalso，andthysocontemptiblevanity。Asforthyvanity，I

shallsooverruleitthatdouble-mindedmenabouttheeshallmaketheeandthyvanitytheirsport，theirjest，andtheirprey。AndI

shallnotleavethee，nordischargeMyselfofMyworkwithinthee，tillIseetheeloathingthyselfandhatingthyselfandgnashingthyteethatthyselfforthyenvyofthybrother，thyenvyconcerninghishouse，hiswifeandhisman-servant，andhismaid-

servant，andhisox，andhisass，andeverythingthatishis。Thoushaltfindsomethingintheethatshallallowtheetoseethineenemyprosper，butnotthyfriend。Somethingthatshallkeeptheefromthysleepbecauseofhistalents，hisname，hisincome，andhisplacewhichIhavegivenhimabovethee，besidethee，andalwaysinthysight。Itwillbesomethingalsothatshallmakehissickness，hisdecay，hisdefamation，andhisdeathsweettothee，andhisprosperityandreturntolifebittertothee。Thoushalthavetoconfesssomethinginthyself——whateveritsnatureandwhateveritsname——somethingthatshallmaketheemiserableatgoodnews，andgladandenlargedandfulloflifeateviltidings。Itwillbesomethingalsothatshallgivealonglifeinthyevilhearttoanger，andtoresentment，andtoretaliation，andtorevenge。Forafteryearsandyearsthoushaltstillhaveitinthinehearttohateandtohurtthatmanandhishouse，becauselongagoheleftthyside，thyboothinthemarket，thypartyinthestate，andthychurchinreligion。AsIlive，sworeEmmanuel，standinguponthestepofHisascendingchariot，Ishallshowtheethyself。Ishallshowtheewhatanuncleanheartisandawicked。

Ishallteachtotheewhatalltruesaintsshudderatwhentheyareletseetheplagueoftheirownhearts。Ishallshowthee，asI

live，howfullofpride，andhate，andenvy，andill-willaregenerateheartcanbe；andhowatrue-bornmanofGodmaystillloveevilandhategood；maystillrejoiceininiquityandpineunderthetruth。Ishallshowthee，also，whatthouwiltnotasyetbelieve，howthybestfriendcannottrusthisgoodnamewiththee；suchasweetmorseltotheeshallbethemoteinhiseyeandthespotonhispraise。Yes，IshallshowtheethatIdidnotdieonthecrossfornothingwhenIdiedforthee；whenIwentouttoCalvaryashameandaspitting，anoutcastandacurseforthee！

Thoushaltyetariseupandfalldowninthysinandshaltjustifyallmythorns，andnails，andspears，andthelastdropofMybloodforthee！Yea，thoushaltrememberallthewaywhichtheLordthyGodledtheethesefortyyearsinthewilderness，tohumblethee，andtoprovethee，andtoknowwhatwasinthineheart，andwhetherthouwouldestkeepHiscommandmentsorno。

2。Itisalso，thestilltarryingPrinceproceeded——itisalsotokeeptheewakefulandtomaketheewatchful。Now，whatconceivableestatecouldanymanbeputintoevenbyhisMakerandRedeemermorecalculatedtocallforthwakefulnessandwatchfulnessthantohaveonehalfofhisheartnewandtheotherhalfold？TohaveonehalfofhisheartgarrisonedbythecaptainsofEmmanuel，andtheotherhalfstillfullofthespiesandthescoutsandtheemissariesofhell？Nay，tohavethegreatbulkofhisheartstillfullofsinandbutasmallpartofhishearthereandthereundergraceandtruth？Hereismaterialforfightingswithoutandfearswithinwithavengeance！IfitsomehowsuitsandanswersGod’sdeeppurposeswithHispeopletoteachthemwatchfulnessinthislife，thenhereisafieldforwatchfulness，afieldofdivinedepthandscopeandopportunity。Thereusedtobeadivinityquestionsetintheschoolsintheseterms:Where，intheregenerate，hathsinitslodging-place？ForthatsindoesstilllodgeintheregenerateistooabundantlyevidentbothfromScriptureandfromexperience。Butwhereitsolodgesisthequestion。TheDominicanmonks，andsomeothers，wereofopinionthatoriginalsinistobefoundonlyintheinferiorpartofthesoul，butnotinthemindorthewill。Which，Isuppose，weshallsoonfindcontrarybothtoScriptureandreasonandexperience。

OldAndrewGrayspeaksfeelinglyandnolesstrulyconcerningtheheart，whenhesays，’Ithink，’hesays，’thatifallthesaintssinceAdam’sday，andwhoshallbetotheendoftheworld，hadbutonedeceitfulhearttoguidetheywouldmisguideit。’WhataplotofGod，then，itistoseatgrace，alittlesavinggrace，inthemidstofsuchaseaofcorruptionasahumanheartis，andthentosetasinfulmantowatchoverthatsparkandtokeeptheboilingpollutionsofhisownheartfromextinguishingthatspark！WellmayPaulexclaim:Yea，whatcarefulnessitcallsforthinus；yea，whatindignation；yea，whatfear；yea，whatvehementdesire；yea，whatzeal；yea，whatrevenge！And，knowingtowhatHehasleftourhearts，wellmayEmmanuelsaytousfromHisascendingsteps，’Watchye，therefore；andwhatIsayuntoyou，Isayuntoall，Watch！’

3。Itistokeeptheewatchfulandtoteachtheewaralso，thePrincewenton。BishopButlerisaboutthelastauthorthatwewouldthinkofgoingtoforlightonanydeepandintricatequestionintheevangelicalandexperimentallife。ButButlerissodeeplyseenintomuchoftheheartofman，asalsointomanyofthewaysofGod，thatevenherehehassomethingtosaytothepoint。’Itisvaintoobject，’hesaysinhissoberandsoberingway，’thatallthistroubleanddangermighthavebeensavedusbyourbeingmadeatoncethecreaturesandthecharacterswhichweweretobe。Forweexperiencethatwhatwearetobeistobetheeffectofwhatweshalldo。Andthattheconductofnatureisnottosaveustroubleanddanger，buttomakeuscapableofgoingthroughtroubleanddanger，andtoputituponustodoit。’TheApostlePeterhasthesameteachinginapassagetoolittleattendedto，inwhichhetellsusthatwearesetheretoworkoutourownsalvation，andthatoursalvationwilljustbewhat，withfearandtrembling，or，asButlersays，withtroubleanddanger，weworkout。Noman，letallmenunderstand，istohavehissalvationthrustuponhim。Nomanneedexpecttowakenupattheendofanidle，indifferent，inattentivelifeandfindhissalvationsuperinduceduponallthat。Nomanshallwearthecrownofeverlastinglifewhohasnotforhimselfwonit。AseverymansowethtotheSpiritsoalsoshallhereap。Asasoldierwarreth，soshallhehearitsaidtohim，Welldone。Andasasinnerkeepshisheartwithalldiligence，andholdsitfasttillhisKingcomes，soshallhehearitsaidtohim，Thouhastbeenfaithfuloverafewthings，Iwillmaketheerulerovermanythings。Ifthysins，then，areleftintheetoteachtheewar，OpoorsaintofGod，thentaketotheethewholearmourofGod；thouknowestthepiecesofit，andwherethearmouryis，and，havingdoneall，stand！

4。Anddostthouknow，OMansoul，thatitisalltotrythylovealso？Now，how，justhow，dotheremaindersofsinintheregeneratetrytheirlove？Why，surely，inthisway。Ifwereallylovedsinatthedeepestbottomofourhearts，andonlylovedholinessonthesurface，wouldwenotinourdeepestheartsclosewithsin，giveourselvesuptoit，andmakenostandatallagainstit？Wouldwenotinourdeepestandmostsecretheartswelcomeit，andembraceit，lookoutforitwithdesireanddelight，andpartwithitwithregret？Butif，asamatteroffact，weatourdeepestandmosthiddenheartturnfromsin，fleefromit，fightagainstit，rejoicewhenweareridofit，andhavehorroratthereturnofit，——whatbetterproofthanthatcouldChristandHisangelshavethatatbottomweareHisandnotthedevil’s？Andthatgrace，atbottom，hasourhearts，andnotsin；heaven，andnothell？Theapostle’sprotestingcryisourcryalso；wealsodelightinthelawofGodafterourmostinwardman。For，afteroursaddestsurprisesintosin，afteritsworstoutbreaksandoverthrows，suchallthetimewereourreluctances，recalcitrations，andresistances，that，sweptawayaswewere，yetallthetime，andafteritwasagainover，itwaswithsomegoodconsciencethatwesaidtoChristthatHeknewallthings，andthatHeknewthatwelovedHim。

’Obenefitofill！nowIfindtrueThatbetterisbyevilstillmadebetter；

Andruinedlove，whenitisbuiltanew，Growsfairerthanatfirst，morestrong，fargreater，SoIreturnrebukedtomycontent，AndgainbyillthricemorethanIhavespent。’

Yes；itisasureandcertainproofhowtrulyweloveourdearestfriend，that，afterallourenvyandill-will，yetitisastrueasthatGodisinheaventhat，allthetime，maugrethedevilofselfthatremainsinourheart，——afterhehasdonehisworst——wewouldstillpluckoutoureyesforourfriendandshedourblood。Ihavenobetterprooftomyselfofthedepthandthedivinenessofmylovetomyfriendthanjustthis，thatIstilllovehimandlovehimmoretenderlyandloyally，afterhavingsotreacherouslyhurthim。Andmyheavenlyfriendsandmyearthlyfriends，iftheywillstillhaveme，mustbothbecontenttogointothesamebundlebothofmyremainingenmityandmyincreasinglove；myremaindersofsin，andmyslowgrowthinregeneration。Sowhentheyhaddined，JesussaithtoSimonPeter，Simon，sonofJonas，lovestthouMemorethanthese？HesaithuntoHim，Yea，Lord；ThouknowestthatI

loveThee。Hesaithuntohimagainthesecondtime，Simon，sonofJonas，lovestthouMe？HesaithuntoHim，Yea，Lord；thouknowestthatIloveThee。Hesaithuntohimthethirdtime，Simon，sonofJonas，lovestthouMe？PeterwasgrievedbecauseHesaiduntohimthethirdtime，LovestthouMe？AndhesaiduntoHim，Lord，Thouknowestallthings；ThouknowestthatIloveThee！

5。And，tosumupall——morethanyourhumility，morethanyourwatchfulness，morethanyourprayerfulness，morethantoteachyouwar，andmorethantotryyourlove，thedregsandremaindersofsinhavebeenleftinyourregeneratehearttoexaltandtoextolthegraceofGod。InEmmanuel’sverywords，ithasallbeentomakeyouamonumentofGod’smercy。Iputittoyourselves，then，yepeopleofGod:doesthatnotsatisfyyouforareason，andforanexplanation，andforajustificationofallyourshameandpain，andofallyourbondageandmiseryandwretchednesssinceyouknewtheLord？Istherenotaheartinyouthatsays，Yes！itwasworthallmycorruptionandpollutionandmiserytohelptomanifestforthandtomagnifythegloryofthegraceofGod？YouseizeonEmmanuel’swordthatyouareamonumentofmercy。Somehowthatwordpleasesandreposesyou。Yes，thatiswhatoutofallthesepost-regenerationyearsyouare。YouwouldhavebeenamonumenttoGod’smercyhadyou，likethethiefonthecross，beenglorifiedonthesamedayonwhichyouwerefirstjustified。ButitwillneitherbethedayofyourjustificationnorthedayofyourglorificationthatwillmakeyouthegreatestofallthemonumentsthatshalleverberaisedtothepraiseofGod’sgrace；itwillbethedaysofyoursanctificationthatwilldothat。Paulwasablasphemerandapersecutorandinjuriousathisconversion，buthehadtobealifetimeingraceandanapostleaboveallthetwelvebeforehebecamethechiefestofsinnersandthemostwretchedofsaints。Andthoughyourfirstforgivenesswas，nodoubt，agreatproofofthegraceofGod，yetitwasnothing，nothingatall，toyourforgivenessto-day。Youhadnowordsforthewonderandthepraiseofyourforgivenessto-day。Youjusttooktoyourlipsthecupofsalvationandletthatsilentactionspeakaloudyourmonumentalpraise。Youwereasinneratyourregeneration，elseyouwouldnothavebeenregenerated。Butyouwerenotthenthechiefofsinners。Butnow。Ah，now！Thosewords，thechiefofsinners，werebutidlewordsinPaul’smouth。Hedidnotknowwhathewassaying。For，whathashorrifiedandoffendedothermenwhenithasbeenspokenwithbatedbreathtothemaboutenvy，andhate，andmalice，andrevenge，andsuchlikeremaindersofhell，allthathasbeenabreathoflifeandhopetoyou。IthasbeentoyouaswhenChristian，intheValleyoftheShadowofDeath，heardavoiceinthedarknesswhichprovedtohimthattherewasanothersinneratthemouthofhellbesideshimself。Thereisnotextthatcomesoftenertoyourmindthanthis，thatwhosohatethhisbrotherisamurderer；and，communicantasyouare，youfeelandyouknowandyouaresurethattherearemanymenlyinginlimewaitingthedayofjudgmenttowhomitwouldbemoretolerablethanforyouwereitnotthatyouaretobeatthatdaythehighestmonumentinheavenorearthtotheredeeming，pardoning，andsavinggraceofGod。

Yes，thisisthenamethatshallbewrittenonyou；thisisthenamethatshallbereadonyouofallwhoshallseeyouinheaven；

thisnamethatEmmanuelpronouncedoverMansoulthatdayfromHisascendingchariot-steps，averySpectacleofwonder，andaveryMonumentofthemercyandthegraceofGod。

End