20 APRIL (PREACHED OLNEY FAIR DAY, 17 APRIL 1775)
Those who hear say, Come
‘And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.’ Revelation 22:17
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: 1 Chronicles 29:10–20
The church militant: the church on earth. Though they have not yet fully attained, yet they have known enough of the Lord to invite others to taste and see. And this is the desire of every gracious heart, that many may partake of the same grace. The world unjustly calls them uncharitable. None are or can be truly charitable but they. Their eyes are spared to see sin and its consequences and when they get a little hope for themselves, they soon look round and think, O that my parents, children, friends and neighbours might know it too. How do they pity sinners. And when the Lord comforts them they long to tell. Nay, they cannot wholly keep silence, though they often get little thanks for their pains. And indeed this is their duty, for so it is said.
Let him that heareth say, Come. This, however, means the understanding ear—so the word signifies, as in John 6:60 [This is an hard saying; who can hear it?]. Those who know not for themselves, cannot recommend it to others. We are sure, however, they will not. Perhaps there are some now hearing, who, instead of joining with the Spirit and bride, fight against them and say, ‘Keep away.’ You come perhaps to listen if you can find something amiss, or to misrepresent, that you may confirm others in their prejudices against the truth. You may jest at what you hear now, but you will not jest in the day when God shall require your soul.
FOR MEDITATION: But you that hear and understand, remember you are bid to repeat the invitation and say, Come. Has the Lord opened eyes and cast out the evil spirits? Go then, and upon every fair occasion be ready to commend him to others—and especially seek out and comfort afflicted souls.
SERMON: REVELATION 22:17 [4/6] [EASTER MONDAY EVENING]
Milo 