Third Objection. But since you follow the metaphor so closely, I will suppose that if an advocate is entertained, some recompense must be given to him. His fee—who shall pay him his fee? I have nothing. Could I do anything to make this advocate part of the amends? I could think I might have benefited from him, but I have nothing. What say you to this?
Answer. Similitudes must not be strained too far, but yet I have an answer for this objection. There is, in some cases, law for them that have no money, ay, law and lawyers too; and this is called suing in forma pauperis, and such lawyers are appointed by authority for that purpose. Indeed, I know not that it is thus in every nation, but it is sometimes so with us in England, and this is the way altogether in the kingdom of heaven before the bar of God. All is done there for us in forma pauperis, on free cost; for our Advocate or lawyer is thereto designed and appointed by his Father.
Hence Christ is said to plead the cause, not of the rich and wealthy, but of the poor and needy; not of those that have many friends, but of the fatherless and widow; not of them that are fat and strong, but of those under sore afflictions (Prov 22:22, 23; 23:10, 11; 31:9). "He shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul," or, as it is in the margin, "from the judges of his soul" (Psa 109:31). This, then, is the manner of Jesus Christ with men: he doth freely what he doth, not for price nor reward. "I have raised him up," says God, "and I will direct all his ways; he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for a price nor reward" (Isa 45:13). [This scripture speaks of Cyrus, a type of Christ.]
This, I say, is the manner of Jesus Christ with men; he pleads, he sues in forma pauperis, gratis, and of mere compassion; and hence it is that you have his clients give him thanks, for that is all the poor can give. "I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; yes, I will praise him among the multitude. For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul" (Psa 109:30, 31). They know but little about giving to Christ, except that they mean they would give him blessings and praise. He bids us come freely, take freely, and tell us that he will give and do freely (Rev 22:17; 21:6). Let him have that which is his own wit, thyself; for thou art the price of his blood. David speaks very strangely of giving to God for mercy bestowed on him; I call it strangely because indeed it is so to reason. "What," says he, "shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits?
I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord" for more (Psa 116:12, 13). God has no need of thy gift, nor Christ of thy bribe, to plead thy cause; take thankfully what is offered and call for more; that is the best giving to God. God is rich enough; talk not then of giving but of receiving, for thou art poor. Be not too high, nor think thyself too good to live by the alms of heaven; and since the Lord Jesus is willing to serve thee freely and to maintain thy right to heaven against thy foe, to the saving of thy soul, without price or reward, "let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called," as is the rest of "the body, and be ye thankful" (Col 3:15). This, then, is the privilege of a Christian: We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous"; one who pleaded the cause of his people against those that rise up against them, of his love, pity, and mere good-will. Lord, open the eyes of dark readers, of disconsolate saints, that they may see who is for them and on what terms!
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