Rest

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Mt. 11:28).

How would the greatest King be impoverished, and his treasures banish, if all, that are needy and miserable, had encouragement to apply freely to him, with a promise of relief, fully answerable to their want and wishes! But the riches of Christ are unsearchable and inexhaustible. If millions of millions of distressed people come to him for relief, he has sufficient for them all. His mercy is infinite to pardon all our sins; his grace in infinite to pardon all our sins; his grace is infinite, to answer and exceed our utmost desires; his power is infinite, to help us in all our difficulties. Numbers came to him, from one generation to another; and not one of them has been sent away disappointed and empty. And the streams of his bounty are still flowing, and still full. Can we hesitate to accept of these words, as affording a full proof the divine character of our Lord and Savior; supposing only, that he meant what he said, and that he is able to make his promise good? Can a man, however excellent and prosperous, use this language? Can a creature discharge the debts, sooth the distress, and satisfy the desires of every individual who looks to him? Who but the Lord God can raise up all that are bowed down, and comfort all that mourn.

Again, as is his majesty, so is his mercy. In acts of grace amongst men, there are always some limitations. If a president proclaims a pardon to a rebellious person, there are still exceptions. Some ringleaders are excluded. Either their crimes were too great to be forgiven, or their obstinacy, or influence, are supposed to be too great, to render their safety consistent with the safety of the state. But the Savior excludes none, but those who willfully exclude themselves. As no case is too hard for his power, so no person who applies to him, is shut out from his compassion. He that comes to him, whatever his character or conduct may have been, he will in not cast out.  It is the consideration of his mercy in pardoning sin, and in saving sinners, which causes that admiring exclamation of the whole earth.

The all-sufficient God, can increase these communications of comfort from himself, to a degree beyond our ordinary understanding.  In ordinary cases, and in all cases, they who taste how good the Lord is to them that seek him, how he cheers them that seek him, how he cheers them with the light of his countenance, and what supports he affords them in the hour of need, can, without regret, part with the poor, perishing pleasures of sin, and encounter all the difficulties they meet with in the path of duty. Whatever their profession of his name, and their attachment to his cause, may have cost them, they will acknowledge that it has made them ample amends.

Come therefore unto him, venture upon his gracious word, and you shall find rest for your souls.