What a brave encouragement is it for one that is come for grace to
the throne of grace, to see so great a number already there on their
seats, in their robes, with their palms in their hands and their
crowns upon their heads, singing of salvation to God and the Lamb!
And I say again--and speak now to the dejected--methinks it would
be strange, O thou that art so afraid that the greatness of thy sins
will be a bar unto thee, if amongst all this great number of pipers
and harpers that are got to glory, thou canst not espy one that,
when here, was as vile a sinner as thyself. Look, man; they are
there for thee to view them, and for thee to take encouragement to
hope, when thou shalt consider what grace and mercy have done for
them. Look again, I say, now thou art upon thy knees, and see if
some that are among them have not done worse than thou hast done.
And yet behold, they are set down; and yet behold, they have crowns
on their heads, their harps in their hands, and sing aloud of
salvation to their God and the Lamb. Behold, tempted soul; dost thou
not yet see what a throne of grace here is, and what multitudes are
already arrived thither, to give thanks unto His name that sits
thereon, and to the Lamb for ever and ever? And wilt thou hang thy
harp upon the willows, and go drooping up and down the world, as if
there was no God, no grace, no throne of grace, to apply thyself
unto for mercy and grace to help in time of need? Hark; dost thou
not hear them what they say? "Worthy," say they, "is the Lamb that
was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength,
and honor, and glory, and blessing.
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