spirits, to
peace and reconciliation with him who was our judge. And if you ask how
this may be? I answer, because we have one Jesus, the Mediator of the new
covenant, to come to, whose blood crieth louder for pardon of sinners than
all men's transgressions can cry for punishment of sinners, Heb. xii.
18-20, &c.

Let us then consider the first step and degree of union with God,--it
consists in faith in Jesus Christ. This is the first motion of the soul in
drawing near to God, for, as there is no remission without blood, so no
access to God without a mediator. For if you consider what is in Jesus
Christ, you will find that which will engage the desire of the heart, as
also that which will give boldness and confidence to act that desire.
Eternal life is promised and proposed in him,--he offers rest to weary
souls, and hath it to give. That which we ignorantly and vainly seek
elsewhere, here it is to be found. For personal excellencies, he is the
chief infinitely beyond comparison, and for suitableness to us and our
necessities, all the gospel is an expression of it, so that he is
presented in the most attractive drawing manner that can be imagined. And
then, when the desires are inflamed, yet if there be no oil of hope to
feed it, it will soon cool again. Therefore, take a view again, and you
may have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. There
was some kind of distance kept in the Old Testament,--none but the high
priest might enter into the holiest place, but the entry of our High
Priest into it, that is, into heaven, hath made it patent to all that come
to him and apply his blood. There is a new and living way by the holy
flesh of Christ, consecrated and made, of infinite value and use, by the
divinity of his person, and, therefore, having such a one of our kindred
so great with God, we may draw near with a true heart and full assurance
of faith, having our consciences sprinkled, &c, Heb. x. 18-20, &c. Now,
since the way is made plain to you, and the entry is opened up in the
gospel, do you not find your hearts stir within you to draw near to him?
Do you not find a necessity of making peace by such a Mediator? O that ye
knew the great distance between God and your natures, and what the hazard
is, "Lo! they that are far from thee shall perish," then certainly you
would take hold of this invitation, and be easily drawn unto Jesus Christ.
But unto you who have adventured to draw near for pardon of sin i