138 Belly 100.148 To behead 147 To beget 173 To bind up 58 To bite 146 Biting 165 Bitterness 169 Body 42.160 Bowels 47.90 Bosom 48.164 Bow 71.179 Book 72 Bones 90.148 A bone 148 Boar 152 Bonds 183 Buying 56 To build 58 Builder 67 Butter 149 Bull 154 Blood 19.149.196.92.165 To blot out 59 Blast or blowings 86 Blindness 167 Blackness 168 Brass 12 Breathing 53 To break 58.59 Bridegroom 68 Bread 73.96.145 Branch 79.136 Brutes 91 Brook 121 To break out 125 Brimstone 134 Bridle 154 To bubble 126 C. CArmel 16.128 Calling 56 Camphire 81 Candle 113 Canaan 185 Carkass 196 City 17.97.177 Circumcision 188 Cloathing 74 Clouds 117 Commanding 56 Counsellor 67 Coals 114 Corn 143 Corner 177 Cover 182 Christ 18.19 Chair 27 Crying 54 Chariots 72.179 Creation 100 Cherub 101 Chaff 144 Chattering of Birds 158 Childhood 170 Chamber 178 Crown 180 Cup 17.72.180 To cut off 61 D. DAvid 184 Days day 23.108.195 Desart 16.130 Devil 25 Deserve 26 Deriding 53 To devour 59.147 Dew 119 Den 129 Death and to dye 166 Debt 181 Diamond 134 Divination 8 To direct 59 Dimension 81 To distill 126 Dirt 130 To do 11 Dog 155.199 Dove 158 Door 177 Dregs 141 To drink 173 To drop 126 Dust 130 Dung 130 E EArs 44.90.162 Earnest 71 Earth 87.127.130 To Eat 147.173 East 194 Elohim 99 Elias 185 Empire 128 To enjoy 173 End 24 Eunuch 197 Evening 110 Exalted 199 Eyes 43.90.161.199 F. FAce 43.161 To Fan 61 Father 67.171 Feet 48.164 Feast 24 Fear 27 To feed 156 Feast of Tabernacles 189 Flight 15 To fly 79.148 Flame 113 To flow 125 Flower 125.136 Flesh 194 Firre-tree 12 Finger 47 Finding 65 First-born 68 To fight 174 Firre 86.111.162 Fishers 159 First-fruits 188 Forgetfulness 53 Footstool 68 Forehead 161 Foreknowledge 70 Fountain 87.123 Fortress 88 Fox 153 Foundation 176 Fruit 136 Furnace 72 G. GArden 138 Gate 177 Garment 182 To Gird 58.174 Glory 13.19 Gleaning 141 God 19 Gold 132 Goats 156 Grave 17.178 Grinding 144 Grashoppers 149 H. HAnd 6.46.9.163 Hast 15 Harvest 24.143 Hatred 51 Hail 118 Halting 164 Hardness 169 Hand writing 180 Hammer 181 Heart 15.18.47.148 Head 42.160.194 To hew 59 Hedge 60 Heaven 103.139 Hearing 63.168 Heifer 154 To heal 165 Hissing 53 To hide 58 Hind 77.154 Hiding place 88 Hill 129 House 16.177 To hold 58 Hour 24.195 Hope 26 Hook 60 Horn 77.145 Horse Horsemen 154.179 Hornets 158 Strong holds 177 To hunt 150 Husband 171 To hunger 173 I. IDols 100 Jerusalem 185 Ignorance 52 To Joy 14.50 Inheritance 72.181 Infants 170 Islands 16 To Judge 11 Judgment 7 K. KEy 177 Kissing and to kiss 28.54 Kingdom 128 To know 8 Knowledge 51 Knee Knees 29.164 L. TO Laugh 28 Laughing 53 Labour 57 Lamb 77 Lamps 86.113 Lanthorn 113 Lameness 164 Latitude ibid. Leviathan 91.159 Lebanon 128 Leaf 136 Leaven 145 Leopard 153 Levites 187 Lip 5.45.91.147 Line 6 Light 11 Lightning 118 Life 13.165 To love 11 Love 26 Lord 172 Looking-glass 182 Lyon 77.151.152 M. MAgistrates 99 Marrow 149 Man 170 Mercies 7 Metaphor 38. c. To meet 64 Meteors 116 Measure 181 Ministers 164 Milk 149 Mouth 5.45.146.162 Morning 109.195 Mountain 127 Mother 171 Munition 88 Mud 130 Myrrhe 80 N. NAmes of Countries 17 Name of God 18.30.31 Navel 163 Nail 177 New man 15 Nest 17.158 Net 151 Night 111 Nose 44 Noon 110 Numbring 56 O. OLives 139 Old age 202.170 Ophir 17 To Open 58 Orphan 171 To Overflow 125 Oyl 21.73.198 P. PAlate 6 Passeover 24.189 Passing through 65 Part 193 Peace 68 Poyson 166 Power 13 To pour out 59 To please 14 To plant 137 To pluck up ibid. Plowing 142 Plague 166 Place 194.68 Promise 19 Prison 178 Prize 180 Propitiation 186 Priest 187 Prince 18 Q. QUarries 133 Quiver 179 R. RAin 119 Razor 182 To remember 10 Remembrance 52 Repentance 50 Revenge 51 Rebuking 56 Rest 57 Returning 65 Reed 138 Reapers 144 Reins 148 Riding 64.154 Rising up 65 Riches 72.181 River 122 Rod 75.181 To roar 78 Root 80.135 Rose 81 Rock 87.129 To rob 198 S. SAbbath 195.189 Sadness 50 Solomon 184 Satan 102 Salt 134 Schoolmaster 172 Sea 16.121 Scorpions 157 Seal 61.73 Seeing 61.167 Seeking 65 Seraphim 111 Seed 135.201 Serpent 156 Selling 56 Sense 26 To search 60.65 Servant 172 Sin 8.19.21.98 Silence 56 To sift sifting 59.144 Silver 132 To sit 174 Sion 185 Soul 4.32.193.194 Softness 169 Son 171 Ships 17.178 To shame 60 Shepherd 67 Shield 71.179 Sharon 81 Sheath 182 Shadow 89.107 Sheep 150 Shoulder 162 To be shod 165 To sleep 28.64.169 Smelling 63.168 Smoke 114 Snare 151 Snow 119 Spirit 2 Sprinkling 189 Speaking 54 Spouse 171 Spoils 182 Steps 49 Star 85.86.104.105 Stone 87.180 Stream 121 Step or stayr 176 Staff 179 Stipend 182 Summer 24 Sun 83 Sulphur 134 Supper 190 Sword 6.27.71.179 To sweep 61 To swallow 147 Swine 155 Sweetness 168 T. TAbernacle 178 Table 16.182 To take 174 Tail 148 Tasting 64 Tears 60.162 Temple 88.185 Tempest 117 Throat 6 Thoughtfulness 53 Throne 68 Thunder 118.198 Thorns 138 Threshing 144 To thirst 173 Time 22.70.194 Tongue 5.90 Touching 64 Tower 88.177.198 Tooth 147 To try 58 Treasure 74 A Tree 137 V. VAlley 129 Vessel 182 Victory 13 Visitation 65 Vine 80.140 Virgin 97 Vine-yard 140 Vintage 141 To make void 59 Voice of Blood Page 92 Vomit 197 To ungird 59 Unicorn 152 W. TO Wash 58.126 Way 59.88 Walking 64 Man of War 67 War 197.174 Water 87.120 Wall 175 A Well 124 Weight 182 Wine 22.96.141 Winter 30 Witnessing 56.68 To wipe 58 Windows 72 Wings 79.147 Whiteness 168 Whip 181 Widdow 171 VVinnowing 144 VVheat 143 VVork 8 VVorld 16 VVorkman 67 VVorm 78.157 VVormwood 138 Wood ibid. Wolf 152 Woman 170 To write 60 Y. YEars 23 Yoke 155 Youth 170 Z. ZEal 51 Zerubbabel 184 A Synopsis of the CONTENTS of the First BOOK Chapter I. Of a Metonymiâ—â— OF the Cause page 2 Chap. II. Of a Metonymiâ—â— Of the Effect 12 Chap. III. Of a Metonymiâ—â— Of the Subject 15 Chap. IV. Of a Metonymiâ—â— Of the Adjunct 20 Chap. V. Of an Irony and Antiphrasis 31 Chap. VI. Of a Metaphor in General 38 Chap. VII Of an Anthropopathy 41 The Parts and Members of a Man attributed to God 42 Humane Affections ascribed to God 49 Humane Actions ascribed to God 51 Humane Adjuncts ascribed to God 66 Chap. VIII Metaphors Translated from other Creatures to God 77 Actions of Living Creatures ascribed to God 78 Parts and Members of a Living Creature ascribed to God 79 Chap. IX Of a Prosopopaeia 92 Chap. X. Metaphors taken from God c. 99 Angels 101 Heaven 102 Light 106 Time 108 Fire 111 Air 116 Water 120 Earth 127 Chap. XI Metaphors taken from Minerals Plants and Living Creature 131 Inanimate Bodies 132 Things growing out of the Earth 135 The Olive Tree and its fruit 139 The Vine 140 Corn c. 142 The Parts and Members of Living Creatures 145 The Kinds of Living Creatures 151 Chap. XII Metaphors taken from From Man and what belongs to him 159
18.14 and 29.11 Eccl. 7.9 Isa. 29.10 and 37.7 Jer. 51.11 Ezek. 13.3 Dan. 5.20 Hag. 1.14 Hab. 1.11 Rom. 11.8 1 Cor. 2.12 c. God hath given the Spirit of slumber Eyes that they should not see and Ears that they should not hear Now you have received not the Spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God c. 2. The Organical Cause or Instrument is put for the thing Effected by it THE Mouth is put for Speech or Testimony as Deut. 17.6 At the Mouth of two or three Witnesses shall he that is worthy of Death be put to Death but at the Mouth of one VVitness he shall not be put to death that is by the Witness or Testimony of two or three c. so Deut. 19.15 One witness shall not arise against a man for any Iniquity or for any sin in any sin that he sinneth At the Mouth of two Witnesses or at the Mouth of three Witnesses shall the matter be established which is expounded Matth. 18.16 and John 8.17 2. The MOUTH is put for a Command or Prescription Gen. 45.21 And Joseph gave them Waggons according to the Mouth of Pharaoh c. That is as we translate it according to the Commandment of Pharaoh Exod. 17.1 And the Children of Israel Journied according to the Mouth that is the Commandment of the Lord. So Numb 3.16 39. and 20.24 and 17.14 Deut. 1.26.43 and 34.5 So Moses the Servant of the Lord died there in the Land of Moab according to the Mouth of the Lord that is according to the Word of the Lord. Upon which Sanctius says in his Comment on Isa. 49. Therefore they do not rightly judge who from the Hebrew reading say that Moses dyed in the kiss of the Lord for that Tradition is not from the Hebrew Text but from the Targum which is attributed to Jonath Vziel who renders 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at the Mouth of the Lord Ad Osculum verbi Domini that is according to the kiss of the Mouth of the Lord. But what 's spoken of the Mouth of the Lord is better to be referred to the Trope Anthropopathia of which we shall hear hereafter The Tongue is put for Speech Prov. 25.15 A soft Tongue breaketh the bones that is a mild civil and courteous speech so Jer. 18.18 Let us smite him for that Tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is for his importunate unseasonable and odious Speech But more especially for the Idiom or particular Language of Nations Act. 2.4 11. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other Tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance Cretians and Arabians do we hear them speak in our Tongues the great things or wonderful works of God It is also put for the Gift of strange Languages In my name shall they cast out Devils they shall speak with new Tongues Mark 16.17 and 1 Cor. 14.19 Yet in the Church I had rather speak five words with my understanding that by my voice I might teach others also then Ten Thousand words in an unknown Tongue That is in a Language which the People understand not c. The Lip is put for Speech Gen. 11.1 And the whole Earth was of one Lip and of one word that is of one Language and of one Speech or Idiom of speaking the Chaldee sayes of one Tongue and one Speech That the Hebrew Language is meant here which in Isa. 19.18 is called the Lip of Canaan we translate it Language by the same Trope And which by the Targ. Hierosolym and R. Saloom upon the place is called the Holy Tongue is shewed elsewhere Neither was Hebrew the peculiar name of that Language in those times because there was no need of a term of distinction there being no other Speech in the World till after the Confusion of Tongues and scattering of the People at Babel Pro. 17.7 A Lip of excellency does not become a fool much less a Lip of lying A Prince that is a worthy and excellent Speech do's not become or is not to be expected from a Fool much less should a Noble or brave mind tell Lies Esa. 33.19 A People of a deeper Lip so the Hebrew then thou canst perceive that is such as speak so obscurely that you cannot understand them as Pagninus renders it See Pro. 12.19 the Lip of Truth shall be established for ever but a lying Tongue is but for a moment Job 12.20 He removeth away the Lip of the faithful c. so 't is in the Hebrew The Palate is put for Speech Pro. 5.3 For the Lips of a strange Woman drop as an honey Comb and her Palate so the Hebrew is smoother then Oyl that is her Words or Speech The Throat is put also for loud Speaking Isa. 58.1 Cry with the Throat so the Hebrew spare not c. by which the Organ of Crying or Speaking is to be understood for the Explication follows viz. lift up thy voice like a Trumpet and what the Scope or Argument of that loud Speech or Shrill Cry was to be is added in these words And shew my People their Transgression and the house of Jacob their sins The Hand is put for Actions done by it where there is also a Synechdoche For by the Actions of the Hands some other things as also Principles or beginnings of Actions are understood as Counsel Machination or contrivance thought endeavours care c. as 1 Sam. 22.17 Slay the Priests of the Lord for their Hand is also with David that is they help him with their Counsel So 2 Sam. 3.12 and 14.19 1 Kings 10.29 Psal. 7.4 Isa. 1.15 The Hand is put for Writing 1 Cor. 16.21 The Salutation of me Paul with mine own hand that is mine own Writing and Col. 4.18 The Salutation by the Hand that is the Writing of me Paul This is ordinary viz. for a mans Writing to be called his hand among the Greeks as Pollux and Suidas sayes and among the Latines see Cicero lib. 7. Epist. ad Attic. as also in our common Language The Hand is put for a Gift reached by the Hand Psal. 68.32 Ethiopia shall make her Hands run to God so the Hebrew that is Ethiopia shall speedily transmit her Gifts as Psal. 72.10 Isa. 60.6 to which Relates that of Pliny the Ancient Greeks called Doron the palm or fist and therefore they called the Hand Gifts that word so signifying because they were given thereby See Psal. 22. 35 36. And more under the Head or Title Metaphors A Sword is put for War or Slaughter which are in a great Measure performed thereby Exod. 5.3 Let us go we pray thee three days Journey into the Desert and sacrifice unto the Lord our God lest he fall upon us with Pestilence or with the Sword Levit. 26.6 Neither shall the Sword go through your Land so Isa. 1.20 Jer. 14.12 13 15 16. and 43.11 Psal. 144.10 Rom. 8.35 and several other places It is said Matth.
Calamity Esa. 13.10 Ezek. 32.7 Joel 2.10 as was said before of the Sun and Moon The brightest Star that shines in our view is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 phosporos in Latine Lucifer both which words signifie a bringer of light in Hebrew 'tis called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the root 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 halal which signifies to shine and is metaphorically translated to describe the unexpected ruine and overthrow of the King of Babylon Esa. 14.12 How art thou fallen from Heaven O Lucifer Son of the morning That Star is called Son of the Morning because while it accompanies the morning it seems as it were to be born of it It s course is perpetual and constant so that it was not feared that it should fall from Heaven And therefore to appearance it seemed impossible and incredible that so great a King illustrious and splendid in power and Majesty beyond other Kings as the Morning Star is before other Stars should fall from his lofty and magnificent grandeur Pope Gregory upon Ezekiel and other School Doctors expound this of the Devils fall because the Prince of Devils is called Lucifer But this Epithet does not belong to that malignant spirit in this place for God himself confirms our explication ver 4. saying thou shalt take up this Parable Proverb or Taunting speech for so the Hebrew is against the King of Babylon not against the Devil c. Where Christ our Saviour is called Lucifer is expounded before in the chapter that treats of an Anthropopathy Besides the phrase 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 after proinos stella matutina the Morning Star is a symbol of the glorious light in Eternity Rev. 2.28 See also Dan. 12.3 1 Cor. 15.41 42. Metaphors taken from Light THere are two principal effects of the Luminaries and ornaments of Heaven viz. to give light to the World and distinguish times In Metaphors taken from light we will distinctly treat of Nouns and Verbs which are sometimes joyned together Generally light is taken 1. For Life it self Job 3.20 Wherefore has God given light to the miserable so the Hebrew the explication follows and Life to the bitter in soul ver 21. Which long for Death but it cometh not Hence comes the phrase to see the Light that is to live or be born alive Job 3.16 To walk in the light of the living that is to act amongst the living or to live either a corporal or spiritual Life in God Ps. 56.13 So David prays Ps. 13.3 Lighten mine Eyes lest I sleep the sleep of Death 2. For any prosperity and joy of mind arising from thence Esth. 8.16 The Jews had light and gladness and Joy and Honour where the synonymous terms make out that it signifies the eminency of the Jews prosperity and joy for their Divine deliverance Job 29.3 By his light I walked through darkness that is being free from Calamities I led a happy Life ver 24. The light of my countenance they cast not down that is they grieved me not but studied to please and gratifie me in all things Psal. 97.11 Light is sown for the Righteous the explication follows and gladness for the upright in heart The word sowing is also emphatical as if he had said 't is reposited and hidden as seed is in the ground but in its own time it will certainly come forth See Esa. 61.11 Col. 3.3 4. It is sow'n with the seed of the heavenly word and a most full and bright harvest of this celestial seed will follow in the Resurrection to eternal Life So light is also taken Psal. 112.4 Pro. 13.9 Esa. 45.7 and 58.8 and 59.9 The Reason of the comparison in this and the forgoing passage is to be fought in the profitableness and pleasure of light Eccl. 11.7 c. 3. For the open and manifest state of things Matth. 10.27 What I tell you in Darkness that speak ye in the light another Metaphor of this publication follows and what ye hear in the ear that Preach ye upon the house tops The sence is you are therefore called by me that you may Preach publickly to the whole World what you privately heard from me So Zeph. 3.5 John 3.21 1 Cor. 4.5 4. For Grace Benevolence or Favour Prov. 16.15 In the Light of the Kings Countenance is Life the exposition follows and his favour is as a cloud of the latter Rain So t is taken of God as was said in the chapter of an Anthropopathy More especially the mystery of Regeneration Renovation and Salvation is frequently expressed by the metaphor of light and that respecting 1. The Organical cause which is the word of God which is frequently called so by a Reason deduced from the quality of light which represents the difference and knowledge of things to the Eyes Psal. 43.3 Prov. 6.23 Esa. 2.5 5.20 2 Cor. 4.6 1 John 2.8 Thus the Apostles because of their Preaching the word of God are called the light of the World Matth. 5.14 and their light is said to shine before men ver 16. that is the light of Doctrine by diligent Preaching as also the light of a good life and example 2. The Formal Cause which is the saving knowledge of Christ and true Faith manifested by love and good Works Act 26.18 Eph. 5.8 1 Pet. 2.9 1 John 1.7 Hence believers are called Sons of light Luke 16.8 Eph. 5.8 1 Thes. 5.5 And good works the Armour of light Rom. 13.12 3. The Final Cause and the last scope and effect of Faith which is life eternal often noted by the term of Light Esa. 60.19 20 John 8.12 Act. 26.23 2 Tim. 1.10 c. From these there may be an easie Judgment made of certain Verbs belonging to light Psal. 13.3 Lighten mine Eyes lest I sleep the sleep of Death He prays for the light of heavenly wisdom from the Word of God also the light of watchfulness and circumspection whereby he may avoid the snares of the Adversary He alludes to humane sleep which easily overcomes those that sit in darkness or shut their Eyes whereas if the light shines in our Eyes we can hardly sleep Psal. 19.8 The Commandement of the Lord is pure enlightning the Eyes that is the mind by giving understanding and knowledge as well of the Divine Will as of our own corruption and prudence in the management of affairs that a man may not belike a brute which is void of rational intellectuals Psal. 34.6 They looked on him and were enlightned that is believers were made glad by the Lord by his gracious and saving deliverance lest they should be dejected and derided by the wicked See Prov. 4.18 19. Eccl. 8.1 with 2 Cor. 3.18 Esa. 60.5 John 7.37 38 39. John 1.9 That viz. Christ was the true light which lighteth every man that cometh or coming into the World Upon these words Erasmus very fairly paraprases In this darkness of the World men eminent for holiness shined as little Stars in the thick obscurity of night and as
signifies to know or understand Gen. 42.1 Eccl. 1.16 Jer. 2.31 Matth. 2.16 and 9.2 4. Rom. 7.23 with ver 7. Rev. 1.12 To think or consider Gen. 20.10 and 49.15 Eccl. 1.14 Isa. 22.9 and 5.12 Matth. 6.26 see Luk. 12.24 Rom. 11.22 Col. 4.17 Jam. 1.25 To provide carefully Gen. 41.33 c. or avoid hurt Matth. 9.30 Mark 12.38 c. 3. It signifies spiritual vision as the Prophecies Num. 24.16 17. 1 Sam. 9.9 Isa. 30.10 c. It is said of Angels that they desire 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to look into the Mysteries of the Gospel 1 Pet. 1.12 that is they coveted a full and perfect knowledge of it such is the Majesty and Beauty of that blessed Mystery To Sight is oppos'd Blindness by which the want of true Faith and Gospel Illumination is noted Isa. 42.18 19. Lam. 4.14 Matth. 15.14 and 23.16 24 26. Joh. 9.39 Rom. 2.19 2 Pet. 1.9 1 Joh. 2.11 Rev. 3.17 Blindness attributed to the VVicked Denotes three things as 1. 1 Joh. 2.11 Darkness hath blinded his Eyes this is the proximate and immediate Cause viz. a corrupt mind and VVill expressed by the term Darkness See Eph. 4.18 2. 2 Cor. 4.4 It is said that the God of this world hath blinded the Eyes of them that Believe not c. This is the first cause of all Evil and Condemnation viz. the Devil seducing and hardning men 3. John 12.40 It is said He that is God hath blinded their Eyes In what respects this is attributed to God the great and sole Fountain of Goodness and Mercy you may find expounded in Gram. Sacra p. 285.286 It is said Exod. 23.8 That gifts blind the seeing that is Bribes corrupt the wise and skilful to pervert Justice And therefore blindness with the Synonimous Terms are ascribed to the wicked that will not take Counsel Deut. 28.28 Esa. 8.21 2â—â— and 59.9 10. Zeph. 1.17 The Object of sight are Colours Of these Whiteness is a most exact symbol of inward purity and cleansing from sin Psal. 51.7 Esa. 1.18 Rev. 7.14 A metaphor taken from Linnen which when foul is restor'd to its colour by washing and cleansing it from all spots Outward Whiteness as by rubbing of chalk or washing with Lime denotes Hypocrisie Act. 23.2 See Matth. 23.27 Ezek. 13.10 and 22.28 c. Of the White Stone Rev. 2.17 we will treat anon Redness or a Red colour is attributed to Sin Esa. 1.18 where the Prophets respects Blood as ver 15. by which not only Homicides or killing of men is metonymically understood but also all enormous sins by a Synecdoche For as blood rashly spilt contaminates the Homicide and renders him guilty 1 Kings 2.5 6 31.32 33. So Sins are nothing but an abominable spot and contamination in the sight of God To this cursed Redness the blessed blood of Christ is oppos'd which expiates sin and converts it into whiteness See Rev. 1.5 and 7.14 c. Blackness with Comeliness is mentioned as the beauty of the Spouse Cant. 1.5 The first denoting Sin and Affliction the latter Divine Grace which Regenerates and Renews Augustine says Black by Nature fair by Grace black in Original sin fair by Regeneration Beda upon the place Black by the adversity of oppressions but fair by the Beauty of vertues Whiteness and Redness are attributed to the heavenly Spouse Cant. 5.10 denoting extraordinary beauty loveliness and health the native sign of which that colour is Some say that he is called white with respect to his Divinity and red with respect to his humanity White because of his purity and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is being without sin and red because his blood was pour'd out c. Hearing and to Hear denotes 1. The inward understanding intelligence or discretion of the mind Gen. 11.7 and 41.15 and 42.23 2 Kings 18.26 Esa. 36.11 Jerem. 5.15 Matth. 13.13 1 Cor. 14.2 c. 2. Approbation and Obedience Gen. 3.17 21.12 Josh. 1.17 18. Judg. 2.17 20. Deut. 18.19 1 Sam. 2.25 Prov. 4.1 Esa. 33.15 Matth. 17.5 John 8.47 9.27 10.27 1 Tim. 4.16 See Jam. 1.22 c. To Hearing is oppos'd Deafness denoting unbelieving wicked and obstinate sinners Esa. 42.18 19. with 6.10 't is spoke of the Converted Esa. 29.18 Smell what relates to this sence we have in part shewed before A thread of Tow is said to Smell the Fire so the Hebrew Judg. 16.9 when it touches it and finds its force See chap. 15.14 also Job 14.9 and 39.25 Bad Report is said to stink Gen. 34.30 Exod. 5.21 1 Sam. 13.4 2 Sam. 10.6 16.21 Dan. 6.14 To Tast is put for to understand experience or enjoy Psal. 34.8 9. Prov. 31.18 Matth. 16.28 John 8.52 Heb. 6.4 5. 1 Pet. 2.3 Hence the Noun 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gustus Tast translated to the Mind signifies Counsel Judgment or Reason 1 Sam. 21.13 25.33 Psal. 119.66 Prov. 11.22 Job 12.20 Dan. 3.10.12 Jonas 3.7 Sweetness or to be sweet is a metaphor well known and signifies to delight or to be well pleased in a thing Job 20.12 Psal. 55.14 Prov. 3.24 and 9.17 where by a metaphor of stol'n Waters which are said to be sweet and bread of Secrecies to be pleasant wicked Company-keeping with an Adulteress is expressed Cant. 2.3 14. 5.16 Jer. 31.26 c. See Prov. 3.22 Psal. 19.10 11. Psal. 119.103 Bitterness or to be bitter denotes an overwhelming with Calamity which are as hateful to the mind and sense as bitterness is to the Taste Gen. 26.35 Exod. 1.14 Ruth 1.20 1 Sam. 30.6 and 1.10 2 Kin. 4.27 Job 13.26 and 21.25 Prov. 17.25 Isa. 38.17 Lam. 3.15 Ezek. 3.14 Zach. 12.10 c. Isa. 24.9 It betokens that which is evil and hurtful Prov. 5.4 Jer. 2.19 and so is applyed to Idols Hos. 12.15 More especially it denotes anger or fierceness and cruelty of Mind Gen. 49.23 Judg. 18.25 2 Sam. 17.8 Hab. 1.6 Eph. 4.31 Col. 3.19 It denotes Calumnie Rom. 3.14 Jam. 3.14 with ver 8 9 10 11. Sin as Acts 8.23 Rom. 3.14 Heb. 12.15 Matth. 26.75 Luk. 22.62 The Object of Touch is hard and soft Hardness is spoken 1. Of Men and denotes 1 Pravity Pertinacy and Stubbornness of Mind Exod. 7.3 and 13.15 Deut. 2.30 and 10.16 Prov. 28.15 Isa. 48.4 63.17 Ezek. 2.4 Matth. 19.8 Mark 10.5 Acts 19.9 Rom. 2.5 and 9.18 Heb. 3.8 13 15. and 4.7 2 It denotes cruelty and unmercifulness Gen. 49.7 Judg. 4.24 1 Sam. 5.7 Isa. 8.22 and 19.4 Matth. 25.24 3 Afflictions and sadness 1 Sam. 1.15 Job 30.25 Psal. 60.5 c. 2. Of Things and so their perplexity difficulty and grievousness is intimated Gen. 35.16 17. Deut. 1.17 and chap. 15.18 2 Sam. 2.17 Acts 9.5 Jam. 3.4 3. Of Speech and words as when they are bitter Gen. 42.7 2 Sam. 19 4â—â— Psal. 31.18 when they are difficult to be understood 2 Kin. 2.10 Joh. 6.60 He is call'd hard who denounces evil or adversity or any misfortune 1 Kin. 14.6 Softness is apply'd 1. To the heart of man
their good things here IV. The Lord does not expect that Heathens and Infidels who are like dry and barren ground should bring forth or yield him so much increase and fruit of grace and holiness as those people and nations to whom he hath afforded his blessed Gospel and those Churches that he hath planted and bestowed much cost and pains upon Where much is given a suitable improvement is required and where but little the improvement of a little V. God separates his people from all the people of the world to be a peculiar inheritance unto himself There they have bounds set them viz. Holy laws and institutions within which they ought always to keep that they mix not themselves with the world to pass which bounds is a high and provoking evil VI. God Almighty takes special care of his Church and of every branch and member thereof And for their preservation hath made a hedge a fence yea a glorious Wall round about them This the Devil knows and nothing troubles him more hast thou not made a hedge about him and about all that he hath See more in the Metaphors of a Garden and Vineyard VII The Lord doth by his word plow up the fallow ground of our hearts When he threatned spiritual Judgments upon Israel his ancient Vineyard he says by the Prophet it shall not be digged but there shall come up briars and thorns Before our hearts are digged up they lie fallow Break up your fallow ground And sow not among thorns VIII The Lord finds all our hearts naturally very hard yet some more hard and obdurate than others And that he may effectually break them into pieces he uses divers Instruments some of his Ministers come with the smooth plow of the Gospel Others with the Maâ—â—tock of the law from Mount Sinai Some denounce the threatnings in Gods word like a hammer to break the Rock in pieces IX The Lord shews us in his word that no Persons whatsoever can bring forth good and acceptable fruit till by the word and spirit of grace they are wrought upon and planted or sowen by him X. When God hath through his word and holy spirit broken up the sinners heart by powerful convictions so that the inside of the soul is to it s own sight as it were turned outward as in the case of the woman of Samaria who cried out Come see a man which told me all things that ever I did and as 't was with the Jews Peter preached to who cried out what shall we do Then the filthiness of the soul and its horrid pollution appears and the poor man cries out I did not think there had been so much abomination in my heart that I had been such a Rebel against God O the pride the lust the blasphemy hard heartedness vanity folly and unbelief I find there who could think I had such a prodigie of wickedness XI The Lord takes great pains uses many ways and bestowes great cost to make his People bring forth fruit unto him he sends his word his spirit his Ministers sets Conscience on work and if all will not do but that weeds of Corruption still spring and roots of bitterness remain he sends afflictions to humble and cleanse them and destroy the power of sin XII Though the blessed God sees his people do not Answer his unwearied pains but that abundance of earthliness barrenness and unprofitableness still remains in them yet be gives them not over but with much patience waits year after year not sparing continual labour in order to their Reformation that so they may bring forth more fruit unto him XIII The Lord bestows his choicest mercies upon his heritage with the greatest chearfulness I will rejoice over them to do them good and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart c. 't is freely given and without grudging he has done as much as could be done to his Vineyard XIV The Lord God knows that though the Church his spiritual Vineyard be sowed with good seed and planted with choice plants yet they cannot grow nor prosper unless watered from heaven with Divine showers and refreshing dew And therefore God opens the sluices or windows of heaven and makes the Fruits of the earth flourish and wonderfully increase the rain c. watereth the earth and maketh it bring forth and bud that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater c. XV. The Lord declares in hâ—â—s word that the lowly and humble soul is the most fruitful Christ says he went down to see the fruits of the Valley his chief expectation is from them that lie low in their own sight Trees planted by the water-courses thrive best and bring moist fruit The rain glides off from Hills and Mountains and the Valleys receive it The lofty proud self-conceited person is barren and fruitless the savour of Gods grace abides not on their hearts To this man will I look that is poor and of a contrite spirit he that sees its own emptiness and has no confidence in the flesh but whose trust and dependency is upon Christ is the thriving and fruitful person that like the tree by the waterside spreading his roots by the River shall not see when heat cometh but his leaf shall be green and he shall not be careful in the year of Drought XVI The Heavenly husbandman bestows much pains that he may destroy the weeds of indwelling sin and corruption in his people He uses various means as his word and holy spirit trials afflictions c. in order to that end by these he digs up those weeds by the roots as worldly mindedness unbelief and sensual lusts which else would choak the good seed though some remains of them are left behind to keep us humble and watchful such ill weeds grow apace and are ready to spring up when the least liberty is given By these also this blessed husbandman prunes and pares of suckers or superfluous branches which â—â—eed upon that sap which should nourish his tender plants such are carnal divisions strife and unnecessary contention among Saints busying themselves about idle and unprofitable notions or matters of slender consequence neglecting in the mean time those serious and practical parts of Christianity which are of absolute and undoubteâ—â— necâ—â—ssity these are the spiritual suckers of our time and are the cause that so many lean and barren souls are found in this spiritual Vineyard XVII The Heavenly husbandman waits for the fruit of his fields also He looked that it viz. his ancient vineyard should bring forth grapes Isa. 5.2 Went three years seeking fruit on the fig tree c. And whâ—â—n the time of fruit drew near he sent his servants to the husbandmen that they might receive the fruits of it c. Where God sows plentifully he expects a sutable crop where much is given much is required where
to apply Pardon and the glad Tidings of Salvation saith Mr. Caryl to such a Soul may be its hardening and undoing Tho Mercy may be tendered to the Ungodly for God justifies such yet says not to a Man that perseveres in his Ungodliness that he will justify or pardon him but contrary-wise says he will not pardon them but condemn and destroy them The worst of Sinners may be saved but God will not save them in their Sins 'T is dangerous to daub with untempered Mortar to pronounce Peace where there is no Peace XIII Christ is very diligent and careful of poor Sinners that he undertakes tries their Hearts and Reins hath Eagles Eyes his Eyes are never off them gives charge to his Servants Ministers of the Gospel to look carefully after them that they want nothing that every Direction be followed and wholsom Diet provided XIV Christ rectifies disorderly Affections and other Faculties of the Soul When Pride or Worldliness would predominate he checks those Evils by his Word Spirit or by Affliction a sharper way of Cure and endeavours to ballance the Soul with an Equality of every Grace that there may be Love as well as Faith and that Patience might have its perfect Work XV. Jesus Christ cures none slightly that he undertakes but searches to the quick breaks the very Heart to pieces and lays it open with applying Causticks and Corrosives viz. Afflictions c. corroding Medicines and then effectually cures it They were prick'd in their Heart XVI Jesus Christ prescribes a way to his Church to cut off a corrupt or rotten Member when no other means will preserve it XVII Christ carries it gently and very tenderly when he hath to do with some poor broken-hearted Sinners The bruised Reed shall he not break Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy-laden and I will give you rest XVIII Christ uses many Sovereign Antidotes and Preservatives to deliver from the Infection of Sin his Word Promises Threatnings c. Thy Word have I hid in my Heart that I might not sin against thee XIX Jesus Christ hath prescribed Golden Rules to Saints how they may preserve their Souls in a healthful condition to avoid Surfeiting all Excess and immoderate Use of this World to keep good Company and to keep a good Diet to live under an able and powerful Ministry and to be frequent in the exercise of Religious Duties Prayer Meditation reading God's Word and Christian Conference c. XX. Christ when he finds the Soul of a Believer under Affliction Losses Temptation Persecution c. begins to faint and his Spirit low he gives more of his holy Spirit the Spirit of Faith is the choicest Spirit in this case in the World 't will not only revive and quicken a dying and doubting Christian but will raise to Life such as are dead in Sins and Trespasses I had fainted unless I believed XXI Christ rejoyces greatly when he sees his Word take place upon the Heart of Sinners and when Afflictions like powerful Potions cleanse the Soul from all those noxious Humors that bring Sickness and manifold Distempers on the Soul and that his Patient is effectually cured XXII Christ often visits his poor Patients that stand in need of his Help XXIII Christ is very faithful to poor Sinners he lets them know the worst of their Estate that Death is like to ensue if they repent and believe not Vnless ye repent ye shall all likewise perish And unless you believe that I am he ye shall die in your Sins Metaphor I. THe most learned Physician in the World may be deceived in his Judgment about the Cause and Nature of a Distemper and so miss of the Cure II. Some Physicians through Ignorance or Carelesness administer very destructive and ill-prepared Medicines often killing more than they cure III. Physicians come not to the Sick until they are sent for and tho they come not far yet expect to be paid for that besides their Physick IV. Physicians are mercenary do all for hire some pay for the Physick 't is to be feared much more than 't is really worth V. A Physician will be sure not to expend any of his own Treasure to cure his Patients will not be wounded himself to heal others or part with his own Blood to do it VI. Earthly Physicians cannot raise the Living their Patients dy whilst they are with them and oft-times whilst they look on them VII Physicians cannot bless their Physick know not how to make it effectual to this or that Patient the whole Success of what they give depends upon another VIII Physicians are not patient under Repulses they cannot bear to be kept out of door and slighted by the Sick they come to cure IX Physicians cannot visit many Patients at one and the same time who live far and remote from each other X. Physicians are subject to the like Diseases with their Patients XI The best Medicines other Physicians use are compounded of earthly and corruptible Ingredients and lose their Virtue by keeping long XII Physicians attend the Rich chiefly few of them mind or visit the Poor XIII Physicians provide not Hospitals nor other Accommodations as Food Nurses and other Attendants for their Patients at their own charge XIV A Physician may die himself and leave his Patient uncured Disparity I. CHrist cannot be mistaken about the Cause and Nature of any spiritual Disease because he is God and knoweth all things yea the very thoughts of the Heart There is not a thought in my Heart nor a word in my Tongue but thou knowest it altogether II. Christ never administred any improper Medicines all is well and skilfully prepared that Christ gives forth to his Patients if the Dose be hard and unpleasant to take yet there is no Aloes nor one dram of bitter Ingredient in it more than he sees a necessity of Neither do any miscarry under his hand for he wants neither Skill nor Care So that if a Sinner perishes 't is for not coming to him or not taking his Medicines and not observing of his Directions O Israel thy Destruction is of thy self III. Christ came to us who sent not for him which made him say I am sought of them that asked not for me and found of them that sought me not The Patients seek not first come not first to the Physician but the Physician to the Patient I am come to seek and to save that which is lost and besides he dearly paid all the Charge of his long Journey IV. Christ the spiritual Physician doth all freely without Money and without Price We never read of his taking a Penny of any of all those he cured in the days of his Flesh either of Distemper of Body or Soul V. Christ made himself very poor and laid out plentifully his Divine Treasure that he might cure poor Sinners of all their Maladies He
only endued with natural Wisdom and that far beyond Solomon A greater than Solomon is here but hath had the Advantage also of such Education that none ever had being brought up with God himself He hath all the Treasures of Wisdom in him is skill'd in all Politicks hath knowledg in all Laws nothing passeth his Skill Thou knowest all things He is called the Wisdom of God Christ the Power of God and the Wisdom of God III. Jesus Christ was chosen to be King by God the Father as 't is said I have exalted one chosen out of the People And tho the Fathers or Elders amongst the Jews refused him yet the Children gave their Vote for him crying Hâ—â—sannah to the Son of David IV. Jesus Christ was anointed with the Oil of Gladness above his Fellows He was by the Holy Spirit consecrated King for ever The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord hath anointed me c. V. Jesus Christ was likewise proclaimed first by the Angels To you is born in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord Afterwards by the Wise Men at Jerusalem and at Herod â—â—s Court by a Star and by the Shepherds at Bethlehem VI. This did Jesus Christ in three eminent Cases 1. In speaking comfortably to all his Loyal Subjects as you may see in Mat. 5. at large 2. In giving Laws and expounding Difficulties as you may see in Mat. 6. at large 3. In bestowing his Bounty upon the Poor releasing Prisoners that were bound and in appointing an Hospital for the Sick VII Jesus Christ hath a Right to the highest Palaces in this World as he was born Heir to the Universal Emperor by whom he was at last advanced to the great Palace of the highest Heavens called the holy Palace VIII Jesus Christ our great King had the Attendance of Angels who shewed their Allegiance and paid their Homage and Service at sundry times as there appeared Occasion for them 1. They proclaimed him 2. They attended his Person to assist him in his Straits 3. They assisted his other Servants 4. They declared his Resurrection from the Dead 5. They assured his coming in Glory after his Ascension 6. They are appointed to bear him company and to attend him at his coming from Heaven the second time The Son of Man shall come and all the holy Angels with him IX Jesus Christ is invested with Power All Power is given to me in Heaven and Earth tho at the first entrance upon his Kingdom in the days of his Flesh his Power did not appear so splendent and glorious as it will hereafter X. Jesus Christ hath many Subjects assigned him by God which subscribe to his Power Some voluntarily as the Angels others by force as the Devils and by virtue of his commanding Power as the Winds and Seas which obeyed him XI Jesus Christ received Commandment from the Father from which he would never swerve and also published and established Laws to be observed as Rules of Government to the end of the World XII Jesus Christ rules and governs so well that his worst Enemies could not cannot charge him with Evil yet they did not do not love and honour him but the Sons of Wickedness rose up and still do rise up in Rebellion against him I honour my Father but you dishonour me a Man which hath told you the Truth this did not Abraham Bring out those mine Enemies c. XIII Jesus Christ hath great and large Dominions all Power in Heaven Earth and Hell He is the Head of all Principalities and Powers in Heaven he is the Head of every Man on Earth and hath the Command of all the infernal Spirits in Hell XIV Jesus Christ hath this great and high Prerogative to make Peace or to proclaim Peace to all the Sons of Men upon Submission and to send a Sword where his just Prerogative is resisted In whatsoever House ye enter first say Peace if the Son of Peace be there c. I came not to send Peace but a Sword XV. Jesus Christ that was made a little lower than the Angels for the suffering of Death is crown'd with Glory and Honour c. The Scepter of thy Kingdom is a right Scepter As I have overcome and sate down with my Father upon his Throne XVI Jesus Christ hath the Father and Holy Spirit without whose Counsel he acteth nothing either in the Affairs of Heaven Earth or Hell There are three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Spirit and these three are one Of this Council Offenders are in danger and to this Council grand Criminals are delivered up for Punishment XVII Jesus Christ hath the peculiar Prerogative to send Embassadors He sent the twelve Apostles to the World who said We are Embassadors for Christ. And He sent his Angel to the Churches to treat with them about their present and eternal Welfare I Jesus have sent mine Angel c. XVIII Jesus Christ makes Substitutes to this end By him Kings reign and Princes decree Justice By him Princes rule and Nobles even all the Judges of the Earth these for the World And when he ascended up on high he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for his Church by this shewing that He is supreme Head in all Causes Ecclesiastical as well as Civil XIX Jesus Christ saved the Gospel-Church before the Destruction of Jerusalem by giving them counsel to flie upon the sight of Signs and the Legal Church in the Wilderness by the convenient Providences of a Pillar of Fire by Night and a Pillar of a Cloud by Day He was the Angel of God's Presence that saved them and marvellously hath he and doth he now save and preserve his Church from Popish Rage and Cruelty in this and other Nations XX. Jesus Christ hath a high Court of Judicature in Heaven where he judgeth Emperors and Kings that are out of the power and reach of a human Hand from whence he sends Angels who are higher than they to punish them for Pride and Oppression as in the Case of Nebuchadnezzar who was by the holy Ones cast from his Throne and Herod who was smitten by an Angel for his Pride And a lower Court where his Church for him and in his Name judgeth Delinquents of a lower Rank XXI Jesus Christ hath many great Prerogatives Rights Privileges and Excellencies pertaining to him 1. He receives Petitions Lord Jesus receive my Spirit 2. He pardons Offenders The Son of Man hath Power to forgive Sins 3. He confers Honour I thank Christ Jesus who hath put me into the Ministry 4. He gives Commissions Go ye into all the World 5. He receives Tribute The honourable Women ministred unto him not without reason for he was Lord of all 6. He keeps an Exchequer called the
Eye upon such as either help on or rejoyce at their Afflictions XX. Christ is the Believer's faithful Friend He hath been abundantly tried but never failed any that trusted in him He never left his but was full of Kindness to them in all their Troubles not unmindful of those great Concerns committed to the charge of this their choicest Friend Having loved his own that were in the World he loved them unto the end Yet nevertheless the Lord stood by me c. A Friend I. FRiendship amongst Men is usually occasioned from the Suitableness of the Object Man with Man is suitable for Association and this is the great moving Cause of their Friendship not Man with another Creature or rarely a King with a Beggar or a Courtier or Statesman with an illiterate Country-Man as the Subject of his Blessing or Object of his Delight II. Usually they apprehend something of Desert in the Person on whom they bestow their Friendship Either it is deserved by the Good they see in him or may be requited by the Help they may receive from him for 't is possible and usual for a poor Man to be useful to a rich Man and the weakest to him that is strong III. No such Friend hath done so much but it is known and may be declared Christ saith Greater Love hath no Man than this that he lays down his Life for his Friend wherein their Love is plainly seen and may be comprehended IV. The best natural Man may sometimes forget his Friend either through a multitude of Business Incumbrance or weakness of Memory during which time he may suffer much V. Such a Friend knows no more of his Friend's Condition than is revealed to him neither is he able to pass right Judgment respecting him as in Job's case therefore cannot reach the Heart with Comfort VI. Such may be thy Condition that thy best Friend may not know how to help thee tho willing such may be the Affairs thou art to manage VII Tho a natural Friend may know what will help thee yet it may not be in his Power to help thee The tender Mothers in Judah and Jerusalem their Bowels moved for the starved and languishing Babes of their own Bodies and they knew that Food would have succoured them but 't was not in their power to procure it VIII These natural Friends may be removed from thee or thou from them and so thou mayest be left destitute and this Friendship come to an end Many have been clapp'd up in a Dungeon and sequestrated from their dearest worldly Friends therefore they are uncertain at best however if no Dungeon yet Death will separate them IX Natural Friends may be made unable to perform their Promises A real Friend through an over-heated Zeal doth sometimes out-bid himself and is not able to make good his Word which lays a Man under great Disappointments I relied on my Friend's Promise but he hath failed me Nay a Friend when he promises may at that time be able to make good his Promise but some strange Providence may suddenly disable him Disparity I. BUt Christ grounds not his Friendship here there being in fallen Man no Suitableness of Association Man being polluted Angels might be thought much more suitable But 't is Love and free Grace that notwithstanding there was nothing desirable in fallen Man he being altogether sinful and so not suitable for Association yet Jesus Christ hath made choice of Man and is become his true and faithful Friend II. But Jesus Christ grounds not his Friendship on this Bottom for fallen Man is altogether undeserving nothing that was in them could be the Cause of his Friendship but meerly his own good Will and Pleasure Man being utterly unable to requite his Love and Kindness or to give any thing to him in requital so that it is undeserved Friendship III. But Christ hath done so much for his People as is not known nor can be conceived and all this when they were Enemies If it be considered what he did for them before Time what he hath done in Time and what he hath prepared for them in after-Times it will appear that there is no such Friend as Christ who entertains all his with eternal Mansions Glory IV. But this Friend will never forget thee wherever thou art tho never so remote let thy Condition be what it will he is ever mindful of thee and of his Covenant What God said concerning the Temple that Solomon built Christ saith the same to his People Mine Eye and my Heart shall be on them perpetually Lo I am with you always to the end of the World V. But Christ knows our Conditions and can pass right Judgment concerning us and can reach our Hearts to comfort and support them He knows the Ways I take saith Job He is a Soul-Friend he it is that teacheth the way to true Happiness and adorns the Soul with Grace that 's the Friend to be desired VI. But Christ can take right measures of thy Condition and knows always how to help thee He is never at a loss how to help his People He knows how to deliver thee There are none of thy Affairs too hard for Jesus Christ to manage VII As Christ hath Wisdom so he hath Power All Power in Heaven and in Earth is given unto me What was sinfully said of Simon This Man has the great Power of God may be righteously and truly said of Christ. O here 's a Friend indeed that knows in every state how to relieve thee We may weep and mourn over our dear Friends that are in Sorrow and Misery as they did over Lazarus in the Grave and as the Women did over Dorcas when they were not able to help So thy Condition may be such that thy dearest Friend may say of thy Help as the Depth and Sea said concerning Wisdom 'T is not in me O bâ—â—t 't is to be found in this Friend Jesus Christ He hath given sufficient Proof of his Bowels of Pity to his People and of his Wisdom and Power in their greatest Straits VIII But this Friend of Believers nothing can separate from them no not Death it self for he is immortal Was not Christ with Paul and Silas in Prison O how sweet is the presence of a dear Friend in Trouble Alas Walls and Guards may keep off other Friends but nothing can keep or hinder Jesus Christ from coming unto his People IX But Christ is able to make good his Word to the utmost he never out-bids himself Who was ever laid under any Discouragement or Disappointment that trusted in Him In all Changes in all Providences Christ is the same Thou mayest commit great Concerns into the hands of thy supposed Friend and he may fail thee nay into the hand of thy real Friend and yet be uncertain of Security Fire may destroy or Thieves may rob him so that being empoverished he cannot make good what he received
undertakes them to that very end VII An Advocate undertakes the Weight of a Cause and knows how far it will prevail if well managed VIII An upright and just Advocate is faithful to his Client and will not betray his Cause to his Adversary IX An Advocate gives Counsel and Advice puts into a way and Method how to improve a Cause when carried X. An Advocate is tied up to Customes and Rules of Court which he always observes that he might please and not offend XI An Advocate usually speaks Comfort to his Client especially if the Cause will bear it XII An Advocate can use freedom of Speech and speaks boldly to the Judg. XIII An Advocate knows the fittest time to manage Business and every thing is beautiful in its season XIV An Advocate hath the Judges Ear more than those that are but standers-by that may be somewhat concerned in a cause but the Judge listens to him because he expects him to speak to the purpose who hath Authority so to do XV. An Advocate gives free access and is ready to be spoken with by all Persons that have any Business with him XVI An Advocate undertakes high and desperate Causes he refuseth not to speak for Men greatly obnoxious to the Law he sticks not sometimes to plead the Cause of Traitours where the Law admits of a legal Plea tho in very great danger of their Lives by reason of the greivous Crimes wherewith they stand charged against their Prince XVII An Advocate is much honoured by the Judg in all his Replies sometimes gives him the title of Brother XVIII An Advocate knows much of the Judges mind being skill'd in all the Rules that he judgeth by and is well acquainted with his Nature and Disposition XIX An able eminent and learned Advocate fears not being over-match'd when he knoweth he hath Law and Reason on his side XX. A good and worthy Advocate is of so noble and generous a Disposition that he will plead the Cause of the Poor out of Pity rather than they should miscarry XXI An able Advocate doth and that not seldom carry Causes that are very doubtful to others XXII An Advocate is careful to keep up the Honour of the Judg and Laws because the Contempt thereof proves of ill Consequence XXIII A good Advocate is always very diligent and mindful of his Client 's Concerns XXIV A good and able Advocate is very successful in carrying on many Causes XXV A good Advocate is concern'd when a Cause is lost through the Clients fault because he would not make use of an Advocate XXVI A good and wise Advocate will not undertake all Causes there are some Causes so highly foul that they are not in the least hopeful Matters are gone too far and have stayed too long they are past remedy XXVII A wise and honourable Advocate lieth fair for Preferment viz. In some space of Time to be a Judg himself when his Work and Business of Advocateship ceaseth Parallel I. CHrist is a wise and learned Person In whom are all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg The Lord God having given him the Tongue of the Learned c. II. The Lord Jesus is related to God and the high Court of Heaven the Man that is God's Fellow The Man of his Right-hand made strong for himself III. Jesus Christ was born and constituted under the Law and made it his Rule in all Cases would not vary in the least from what God had required or enjoyned therein IV. Jesus Christ took not this Place and Office upon himself but was called and appointed to it by God as Aaron was to the Priesthood V. Christ doth undertake Causes for any if they come to him If any Man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous Who is the Propitiation for our Sins and not for ours only but for the Sins of the whole World VI. The Lord Jesus pleads all Causes that he undertakes did it when here on Earth Holy Father keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me c. Thine they were c. they have kept thy Word Father forgive them they know not what they do Luk. 23.34 VII Christ knows the Weight of every ones Cause and knows how far it will go if well managed He knows who will carry the Cause and who will lose it he that relies upon him alone by a lively Faith in a way of Holiness and new Obedience is certain of the Cause when all others are like to miscarry He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned Mark 16.16 VIII Jesus Christ being Justice it self will be faithful in all Causes wherein he is entrusted he is not only called Jesus Christ the Righteous but he did as a due Proof thereof refuse the tender or offer of the whole World for the sake of Sinners rather than he would betray his Trust or yield up the Cause of Men's Souls into the hand of their cruel Adversary the Devil IX Jesus Christ the wonderful Counsellor he sets his People in a hopeful way and Method to improve a Cause when carried against an Adversary Go thy way and sin no more lest a worse thing come unto thee c. X. Christ did nothing of himself but what he received from the Father he is a strict Observer of all Rules of Righteousness so as to lead at all times in the Ways thereof and in the midst of the Paths of Judgment and that he might appease the great Judg in all things he came up to the demands of Justice and answered the Law and now pleads the Merits of his own Blood in the Court of Heaven for us XI Jesus Christ out-does all Advocates under Heaven in all things for he speaks so as never Man spake like him He bids them ask what they will and he will do it for them Ask and it shall be done that your Joy may be full XII Christ most fully answers to this where he saith Father I will that those whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my Glory c. XIII The Lord Jesus knows the fittest times to manage Business on the behalf of Souls there is an acceptable time for him to be heard and to do his Work when Satan tempts when he desires to sift when he accuses to God as in the Case of Job when Provocation is given and the Enemy lays Siege against the Soul then is a fit time for our Advocate to work this Christ is well acquainted with Simon Simon Satan hath desired to have thee that he may sift thee as Wheat but I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not c. XIV Christ hath the Ear of the Heavenly Judg because he always speaks to the very life of the Cause He was heard in all things and at all times I know that thou
hearest me always He only is authorized to plead for poor Sinners XV. Jesus Christ invites all that are weary and heavy laden to come to him for Rest with a Promise of free access Whosoever comes to me I will in no wise cast out Joh. 6.36 XVI The Lord Jesus this wise and able Advocate hath undertaken desperate Causes such as Mary Magdalen a great Offender Peter a great Backslider Paul a great Blasphemer and Persecutor The Gentiles that were Thieves and Idolaters by the Fall desperate was the Cause of all he undertook I Pray not for these alone but for all that shall believe on me through their Words He makes Intercession for the Trangressors XVII Christ is very much honoured by God he calls him his Fellow and will have all Men honour the Son even as they honour the Father XVIII Jesus Christ knows much of the mind of God being skill'd in all the Laws Natural Moral and Evangelical well understands his Nature and Disposition being always by him and as one brought up with him being daily his delight c. so near and familiar that he lay in his Bosome XIX Jesus Christ had unspeakable Confidence in so much that he feared not to appear amongst great and learned Doctors in the Temple hearing them and asking them Questions to the Astonishment and Amazement of all them that heard him He appeared too mighty and learned for all the Pharisees Sadduces and Priests of the Jews XX. The Lord Jesus stands not on Fees or Gratuities for indeed none are able to give unto him a Reward for his Work but he acts on the same terms that God gives Wine and Milk and that is without Mony and without Price Whosoever will may come and take his Counsel and Advice Water of Life freely He hath filled the Poor with good things but the Rich he hath sent empty away Their Cause falling to the ground XXI Christ did frequently when on Earth and since his Departure into Heaven carry Causes doubtful to others He carried the Cause in a great Trial against Satan who made strong Attempts against him after he had fasted fourty days And when none was found worthy to open the Books and unloose the Sea's and look thereon at which John wept The Lion of the Tribe of Judah prevailed In due time Christ died for the Ungodly he hath delivered us from the Curse of the Law being made a Curse for us XXII Jesus Christ is watchful to keep up the honour of God and his Laws because the Contempt thereof would prove of ill Consequence I honour my Father I have glorified thee on Earth Not one jot of the Law shall fail think not that I came to destroy the Law c. He answered the Demands of it that God might be just and the Justifier of those that believe in Jesus XXIII Christ is very diligent never guilty of any Neglects in acting for his People he went about doing Good pleaded often pleaded strongly with Crying and Tears used mighty and prevailing Arguments with God on the behalf of his Flock on Earth pleads for great things for them for the holy Spirit for divine Protection Union and for their safe Conduct to Heaven Father I will that all they whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my Glory XXIV Jesus Christ is successful he hath carried many yea multitudes of Causes for his People nay indeed it may be said when did he miscarry what Cause was lost when the Sinner did sincerely and in good earnest engage him he carried the Cause for poor Peter to the preventing his utter Destruction he prevailed for the Protection of God to the twelve Apostles that continued with him He pervailed for the sending the Comforter when he went away he carried Paul and the suffering Saints away Conquerours hath made us more than Conquerours He manages effectually all the Affairs of his Elect throughout all the Earth XXV Jesus Christ is greatly grieved to see Men miscarry in the great Cause of their Souls through their own neglect because they did not they would not come to him retain him make use of him He drew near the City He beheld it and wept over it O Jerusalem that thou hadst known even thou in this thy day the things that belong to thy Peace But now they are hid from thine Eyes their Cause was irrecoverably lost because they would not come unto him XXVI Jesus Christ will not take the names of some into his Lips he leaves them wholly to themselves to stand or fall saith of them as once it was said of Ephraim Let him alone such are the hardned Hypocrites and Reprobates horrible Apostates the Blasphemers of the holy Ghost of these it may truly be said as in Eccles. 4.10 Wo unto him that is alone and they may say of themselves The Harvest is past the Summer is ended and we are not saved God hath sworn in his Wrath against some that they shall not enter into his Rest and Christ will neither plead nor pray for them He will take no foul Cause into his pure Breast but clearly leaves them out of his Intercession and Advocateship I pray not for the World c Joh. 17.9 XXVI The Lord Jesus is the wisest and honourablest Advocate that ever was and therefore is the undoubted Heir to Preferment yea to the greatest of Preferments He being appointed the Judg of all the World by a former and unalterable Decree Him hath God ordained to be the Judg of the quick and dead God judgeth no Man but hath committed all Judgment unto the Son He hath appointed a day in which he will judg the World in Righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained c. Advocate I. AN Advocate here below is concerned but for a few Clients cannot serve many much less all that need an Advocate to plead their Cause for them II. An Advocate here below is but of short standing comes in an hour and goes out in an hour the Eldest are but of yesterday and of small Experience III. An Advocate here below leaves his Clients doubtful because they know not how a Cause will go before Trial. IV. Some Advocates here below do more often miss than carry Causes and many of them lose more Causes than they gain V. An Advocate may carry a Cause here below and there may lie an Appeal against it in some of the superior Courts as the Court of Chancery c. The Cause may be carried for a Person in one Court and lost in another VI. An Advocate in these lower Courts tho he be an able Man yet he may be over-match'd and out-done by others it being a Rule in most Cases Not one so good but he may find his Equal c. Disparity I. JEsus Christ is an Advocate for his whole Church all may come and make use of him I pray not for
these alone but for all them that shall believe on me through their Word Whosoever comes none is refused that hath an Appeal to make to the great God who is Judg of all the World c. II. But Christ this great Advocate of Souls who appertaineth to the high Court of Heaven is of long standing and great Experience possessed the Place of an Advocate from the Fall nothing can surpass his Cognizance he stood before the Antient of days in the days of Noah Daniel Job c. III. But Jesus Christ knowing all things relating to the Judgment-day gives assurance to his Saints before Trial it shall go well with them He that seeth the Son and believeth in him hath the Cause hath eternal Life and shall never come into Condemnation IV. But Christ this high and holy this great and good this wise and just this true and righteous Advocate carries every Cause he undertakes He will not undertake any Cause to plead effectually but the Believer's He will not speak a word for the Sons of Belial that will not submit to his Laws I pray not for the World but for those thou hast given me For those that willingly submit to his Laws he is successful to a Wonder whatever he desires is done for them his Prayers being always heard V. But the Lord Jesus the Churches Advocate makes sure Work when He carrieth a Cause it 's done in the highest Court it self from whence there is no Appeal Every Cause that Christ carrieth is like the Laws of the Medes and Persians unalterable and like the Covenant ordered in all things and sure it is as the good Part Mary chose that shall never be taken from her neither Men nor Devils shall be able by Fraud nor Force to take it away from them 'T is God that justifieth who is he that condemneth 'T is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who also maketh Intercession for us VI. Christ hath no Match or Equal but he very much transcends all his Opposites Beelzebub hath had a great Name but he is nothing to Jesus Christ makes him flie before him and fall like Lightning He hath an awful Majesty in his words that if he doth but say Get thee behind me Satan The Lord rebuke thee Satan shrinks off shamefully He dares not cannot stand before this powerful Advocate Application I. BEhold the marvellous Goodness of God that he should in meer Mercy to us appoint such an able Advocate to whom the very Angels themselves are inferior in point of Wisdom Power Office and Honour Those Sons of the Morning shout for Joy at his Appearance as an Advocate and pry into the Mystery of his honourable Work II. There is great Encouragement to come to this Advocate God invites Men to come to Christ for advice and to take his Counsel This is my beloved Son hear Him He is not concealed in some secret Chamber where he cannot be found but stands at the opening of the Gates at the Place of the chiefest Concourse God hath given him to be a Light to the Gentiles and his Salvation to the ends of the Earth Whoever believingly and in truth desires to have him for their Advocate my have access unto him and have their Cause undertaken pleaded and effectually managed by him who is the Judge's own Son The Motives to this Duty are many 1. When poor Sinners come to this holy Advocate they are kindly embraced 2. They have their Work readily undertaken they are not tired out with Delays 3. They have it very carefully managed the Cause is not lost nor suffered to fall to the Ground for want of prudent and careful Management c. 4. It is a great Case that cannot safely be trust in any other hand it is about a Title to an Inheritance wherein if a Man miscarry he is utterly undone yea utterly undone to Eternity 5. Their Cause is admitted of and undertaken without Fees or any kind of Charges He will do all freely without Money 6. There is much Peace Satisfaction and Security in it A Man that hath committed his Cause to this Advocate may sleep in Peace go about his Business in Comfort neither need he in the least doubt or fear of what will follow for there was never any one that trusted in him confounded or put to shame There was never a Cause left by any Man to the wise Counsel and Management of this most powerful and holy Advocate but it carried the Day He is not only able to save but able to save to the utmost not only some but all those that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them III. Who then would refuse coming to Jesus Christ or neglect to make use of this Advocate IV. It also shews us the Cause why Men perish and miss of God's Favour and lose eternal Life It is not for want of free Tenders of Grace or because there is no Advocate to plead for them but it is because they will not open at his Knock nor take his Counsel c. They will not come unto him that they might have Life Lastly Let all Saints who through Satan's Temptations have been overcome and have sinned and wounded their Consciences remember that there is an Advocate for them with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous Christ an Apostle Heb. 3.1 Consider the Apostle and High-Priest of your Profession Christ Jesus AN Apostle signifies in the Greek one sent and it hath something peculiar to it to distinguish the Office from other Offices appertaining to the Gospel and the Church for tho John Baptist was one sent with many others yet were they not called Apostles but dignified by some other Names Titles or Epithets as Fore-runner Disciple and Servant of the Church c. Now inasmuch as one Rank and Order of Men have this Title given them and by it are distinguished from others concerned in Divine Service we may suppose it to signify their Commission and Qualification for their designed Work which Commission Qualification and designed Work seems to be comprehensive of these three things viz. 1. Immediatly sent 2. Marvellously inspired 3. The Master-Builders of the Gospel-Foundation for the Christian Religion That all these are declared and set forth concerning Jesus Christ is evident Therefore in that Christ is here called an Apostle it must or may signify that He was sent after a higher and more extraordinary manner than common Messengers An Apostle I. AN Apostle was immediatly sent by Christ. II. The Apostles In pursuit of their Commission went up and down preaching the Gospel c. III The Apostles had Christ always with them in their Work in an extraordinary manner IV. An Apostle was to bear witness to the Truth and to Christ's Name V. The Apostles were to open Mysteries that had been kept hid VI. The Apostles were endued with Divine Power to do Wonders and mighty Works
are fitted as Vessels of Wrath for Destruction Metaphor I. THe Sun is a Creature and had a beginning and when Time is swallowed up of Eternity it will set and rise no more II. The Sun gives Light but cannot give Sight the Sun-Beams tho never so powerful cannot make a blind Man see III. The Sun shines but in one Hemisphere at once when it rises to us it sets to our Antipodes IV. The Sun hath endamaging as well as healing Qualities defaces Beauty maketh Men faint Fruits are sometimes withered to nothing by it V. The Sun is inanimate hath neither rational sensitive nor vegetative Life tho in some sence called the Fountain of Life VI. The Sun is the Servant of Men from the Root 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to minister 'T is Idolatry to worship it Disparity I. JEsus Christ is God in his Essence uncreated and without beginning Christ endureth for ever he is Alpha and Omega the Beginning and the Ending the First and the Last II. Christ gives Sight as well as Light he made the Blind to see He also cures spiritual Blindness as Saul's by Ananias Acts 9.17 III. Christ is able to shine over the whole World at once It may properly be said of him as of the King of Assyria The Stretching out of his Wings are able to cover the World at one moment IV. Christ hath no hurtful quality he quickens the Soul never makes it faint He makes Deformity beautiful and lovely ripens but never withers the Fruits off Grace His Beams are destructive to none but such as have no root such indeed he withers V. Christ has Life Light and Heat and is often in Scripture called our Life for he gives and maintains both natural and spiritual Life VI. Christ is our Lord whom Men and Angels must worship all the Host of Heaven adore him 'T is gross Impiety not to worship him Inferences I. HEnce we may learn to know the Worth and Excellency of Christ as also the indispensible and absolute Necessity every Soul lies under of receiving Divine Illuminations from this everlasting Sun for as natural Bodies perish without the Influence of the natural Sun so will Souls if the Sun of Righteousness give not his Life-cherishing Efficacy II. Hence we may also see how greatly we are concerned to pray earnestly to God that our Hemisphere may never be deprived of this Sun of Righteousness nor overspread with the Clouds of superstitious Popery nor other Heretical Errors and Darkness III. This may shew the Folly and Madness of such as would drive the Light of the Gospel out of the World 1. In respect of the Wrong and Injury they would do the World thereby if they could effect it 2. Their Inability to accomplish it IV. Hence we may infer the Necessity of labouring whilst it is day we know not how soon our Sun may set and we are not sure of another The Lord thus threatens the Prophets that cause the People to err I will cause the Sun to go down at Noon c. Which Judgment the Lord God in Mercy deliver England from Christ the Root of David Rev. 22.16 I am the Root and Off-spring of David c. THere is a great and glorious Mystery in these Words many understand not how Jesus Christ should be the Root and yet the Off-spring of David This Text agrees with those Words of our Saviour If David called him Lord how then is he said to be his Son They understood him not Christ as he is God is David's Lord and the Root of David but as he is Man he is his Off-spring and hence elsewere called the Branch Christ is and may fitly be called and compared to a Root The Root of 1. Grace 2. Glory Metaphor I. A Root is that from whence the Tree and Branches do proceed II. A Root is a thing hidden in the Earth and not obvious or visible to the Eye III. A Root hath Life nay 't is the Center of Life the Life of any Tree or Plant is principally in the Root IV. The Root beareth the Body of the Tree and all the Branches thereof V. The Root communicates Sap and Nourishment unto the Body and all the Branches thereof VI. The Body and Branches have a necessary dependance on the Root VII There is much Life and Sap in the Root when the Tree and Branches seem dead dry and sapless VIII As is the Soundness and Firmness of the Root of a Tree the more sound firm and stable is the Tree it self with the Branches thereof these being likely to endure when those that have no Root fall away IX The Root is best secured of any part of the Tree being excellently fortified by Nature in the Earth X. Those that would utterly destroy the Tree strike at the Root XI The Root communicates of the same Life and natural Virtue to the Tree and Branches Parallel I. FRom the Lord Jesus Christ the Root of David all Believers do proceed I am the Vine ye are the Branches See Christ the true Vine II. The Deity or Divine Nature of Jesus Christ is a hidden thing cannot be seen with mortal Eyes Christ's Glory was vailed under Afflictions Reproaches Poverty c. as a Root is under the Earth III. In the Lord Jesus Christ is Life He is called the Way the Truth and the Life As the Father hath Life in himself the Son also hath Life in himself Life is in Christ as Sap is in the Root of a Tree IV. The Lord Jesus Christ this Root bears up his Church and every Member thereof V. The Lord Jesus Christ conveys Sap and Nourishment to all his Church and every particular Believer or Branch thereof hence he is called our Life VI. The Saints and Church of God have the like dependance on the Lord Jesus Christ Without thee we can do nothing VII There is much Sap and Life in Jesus Christ for the Godly when oft-times they seem like withered and dry Branches VIII The Goodness Firmness and Soundness of this Divine Root the Lord Jesus Christ shews us the very happy stedfast and secure State of the Church This Root cannot fail nor decay and consequently the Church and People of God shall endure and stand against all the Storms and Blasts of the Devil Antichrist and all wicked Enemies IX The Lord Jesus Christ is secured from Hurt and Danger whilst his Church is daily exposed thereunto being hid in God as it were You are dead and your Life is hid with Christ in God X. The Devil 's grand Design being utterly to destroy all the Godly struck most furiously at Jesus Christ the blessed Root XI Christ communicates of his Spirit and Divine Nature to his Church If the Root be holy even so are the Branches Be ye holy even as I am holy He that hath this Hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure Metaphor I. NAtural Roots
the Israelites were to deal with the cursed Caananites 4. Possitively Confess all your former Rebellions Unbelief Earthly-mindedness Pride Passion Lying Drunkenness yea all Sins and forsake them 5. Take hold of Christ receive the Atonement he hath made for thee 6. Enter into Covenant immediately seal it now defer it not on pain of Death 7. Joyn thy self to the Lord's Covenant-People with speed delay not c. Application 1. From whence we may infer That those that reject Christ the great Embassador of Peace are undone to all Eternity 2. Let those that through Grace are in a reconciled state and condition ascribe all to Christ Omnis Adoratio Laus tribuenda Christo. Christ a Witness Rev. 1.5 And from Jesus Christ who is the faithful Witness 1 Tim. 6.13 Who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good Confession c. John 18.37 For this cause came I into the World that I should bear Witness to the Truth Rev. 3.14 These things saith the Amen the faithful and true Witness the Beginning of the Creation of God THe Greek Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a Witness or Martyr Beza upon Acts 22.20 says Hic ego Graecum vocabulum servare malui c. i. e. Here I have chosen rather to keep the Greek Word viz. where Stephen is called a Martyr than to translate it a Witness for common Use hath so prevailed that they are peculiarly called Martyrs who not only by Confession of Mouth but also by their Blood testify the Doctrine of Christ. See Piscator upon the Place The Greek word signifies any Witness yet in all Tongues except Greek a Martyr is a loser of his Life for the Gospel and often in Greek too in Ecclesiastical Writers Christ in a spiritual sence is called a Witness Isa. 43.10 55.4 Rev. 1.5 3.14 1. Because he is the most assured Testimony to us of Divine Truth John 18.37 2. Because he hath exactly fulfilled all that was foretold of him in the Old Testament Joh. 1.17 And 3. because he was martyred upon the Cross for us to compleat our Redemption and confirm the Gospel As Witnesses amongst Men are absolutely necessary to the keeping up of Justice and deciding all matters of moment between Man and Man Even so Almighty God intending to deal with Men according to this Rule hath in Wisdom thought fit to provide Himself with a Witness for the keeping up of Justice and deciding of all matters between Himself and Mankind and according to his own rich and admired Grace he hath provided a Witness who is free from all exception both in respect of his Faithfulness and Knowledge of things and that is Jesus Christ himself who is set forth to be the true and faithful Witness the beginning of the Creation of God who in point of Antiquity is very capable to set forth and attest whatsoever is necessary to be known of God and in whatsoever a faithful and true Witness in point of usefulness can be unto Men that and much more is Jesus Christ between God and Mankind For the illustration whereof take these following Considerations Metaphor WItness imports something done that is to be attested when it shall be required II. A Witness hath respect to a future Judgment where a Difference may come upon trial between two Parties III. A Witness is or ought to be a person of Knowledge who is necessarily qualified for the Work IV. A Witness is usually called to give Testimony and that in matters of which he hath very good knowledge V. A Witness gives in a Testimony and leaves the matter on Record that he is call'd to bear witness unto VI. A good and credible Witness makes a Cause valid to which he gives Testimony VII A Witness is so necessary in all matters of moment especially that which relates to Judgment and to the determination of things that they are seldom done without one VIII A Witness is to speak the whole Truth when no less will serve to clear the Case IX A good Witness is a just and impartial Man that abhors Lying X. A good and credible Witness ends Controversies upon Trial the right way and leaves those that are cast without Excuse or Relief Parallel THere was something done between the Father and the Son in respect of Man before the World began which God thought Christ a fit Person to bear Witness unto 1. That God had a purpose of good-will to Man and in pursuit of which made a gracious Covenant in behalf of Man 2. That God promised Happiness to Man through that gracious Covenant whom he saw fallen And this Jesus Christ hath born Witness unto in hopes of Eternal Life that God who cannot lye promised before the World began This Covenant Promise and all other gracious Acts of the Father that attend them as they are brought to light by Christ in the Gospel he is a Witness of together with the Being and Perfections of God the necessity of Faith and Holiness and Belief of the Resurrection of the Dead and of Eternal Judgment and the World to come II. The Witness of Christ hath a full and clear respect to a future Judgment where a Difference is to be tried between God and Man He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my Word I judg him not the Word that I have spoken the same shall judge him in the last day III. Jesus Christ is a Person of the greatest Knowledge in Divine Things being always with the Father and in his Bosom spake on Earth what he saw and heard in Heaven He had the Word of God immediately from his own mouth which no others had besides himself and therefore qualified to be a Witness in the highest degree as it 's said Him that God hath sent speaketh the words of God I speak not of my self but my Father that dwelleth in me he doth the works IV. Jesus was not only called to be a Priest as Aaron but also to be a Witness God called him from his high and exalted Glory in Heaven to go forth as his great Witness to the World to testifie what he knows of the Father's Will from Eternity Hence said he I came not of my self but my Father sent me and for this cause came I into the World that I might bear witness of the Truth V. Jesus Christ hath given in a full Testimony and born Record of all things depending between God and Mankind He hath testified that God loved the World and sent him to be a Saviour and that there is forgiveness of Sin and eternal Life through his Name and that God will condemn all those that believe not He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned VI. Jesus Christ however accounted a false Witness and Deceiver by the Jews yet hath by his excellent Doctrine his holy Life and stupendous Miracles given such a Testimony to the World of God's Grace and Good-will in making a Covenant
so to be and cry mightily that he would be pleased never to take it away from this poor Nation nor suffer its Glory and Brightness to be Eclipsed by letting in Popish darkness again amongst us If we once lose the Gospel we may all cry Ichabod the glory is departed from England and with the Church of Old say the Crown is fallen from our heads wo to us that we have sinned But some may say why doth Satan endeavour to hide the Gospel 1. It is because he is such an implacable Enemy to Mankind he cannot endure the light himself and he would not such is his hatred to us have the light of the Gospel shine upon us 2. Because of that Malice he bears to the Lord Jesus he would fain keep men ignorant of a Saviour Not only out of hatred to man but also out of implacable enmity to the Lord Christ that so he may as much as ly's in him hinder our Saviours chief design and intention in coming into the VVorld which was to bring men out of Darkness into the Light 3. Because he knows whilst he can keep men ignorant of the Gospel he hath them fast enough what Profession soever they make of Religion tho' they hear read pray give Almes nay and in many things reform their lives yet if they see not the way of Salvation as it is revealed in the Gospel he matters it not they still remain his Captives 4. Because it is hereby his Kingdom is like to faâ—â— 't is the light of the Gospel that tends to the utter overthrow and ruine of the Kingdom of darkness What wonderful things hath the Gospel done in the World and what Power is there in it by the help of the Holy Spirit to dis-Throne Satan and break all his Chains to pieces therefore he bestirs himself to hinder the breaking out of Light and Knowledg in every Nation and causes fierce opposition to be made against those who endeavour to sup-plant him and lay open his grand designs This informs us how it comes about there is so much Ignorance and gross Darkness in the World not only in Popish Countreys but also where the Gospel is Preached Though Men hear it Preached every day yet O how Blind and Ignorant are many Sinners Men rest satisfied with the bare notion of Things and Name of Christians never minding Religion in good earnest but in a most fearful manner are grown so fool-hardy and venturous as to hazard and expose their Souls unto eternal ruine The Devil hath blinded their minds this also shews us from whence it is there are and formerly have been so many false and detestable Opinions Errors and cursed Heresies in the world Alas the Devil this way endeavours to obstruct and hinder the Gospel from being received he has indeed strove a long time wholly to overthrow the very foundation of the Christian Religion and to bring in another Gospel he strives to cheat Men of the true Saviour and in his stead to Preach another of whom the Scripture is wholly ignorant how have many Impudently asserted the Light in all men to be the true Christ and Saviour of the Word He doth not only strive to take away his glorious Soveraignity and set up another Universal Head who hath power to make Laws and repeat them in matters of Religion at his pleasure as the Followers of the Beast affirm But now of late endeavours to take away the very Person of the Holy Jesus Also to change the Ordinances or wholly to deny them hath been and is another of his Stratagems which witness to the true Christ his Death Burial and Resurrection And lastly Satan hath alwaies endeavoured also to bring into contempt the Ministers of the Gospel or else raise up Persecution upon them and all these things he doth to hinder the Gospel from shining or obstruct the promulgation thereof The Kisses of Christ's Mouth Cant. 1.2 Let him kiss me with the Kisses of his Mouth for thy Love is better than Wine LEt him that is Christ kiss me By these Expressions saith Ainsworth and others the Church desireth to have Christ manifested in the Flesh. Others by Kisses understand most friendly familiar and sensible Manifestations of Love for they are so amongst Friends as 't was betwixt Jonathan and David and so 't is between Husband and Wife It is evident that Kisses are mentioned on sundry Occasions used for divers Ends and signifying several Things 1. We read of a Kiss of Salutation 1 Sam. 20.41 1 Thess. 5.26 2. A Kiss of Valediction Ruth 2.9 3. A Kiss of Reconciliation 2 Sam. 14.33 4. A Kiss of Subjection Psal. 2.12 5. A Kiss of Approbation Prov. 2.4 6. A Kiss of Adoration 1 Kings 19.18 7. A trayterous Kiss Mat. 26.49 8. A Kiss of Affection Gen. 45.15 And since the Church desires in the Plural Number Kisses of Christ's Mouth it may refer 1. To a Kiss of Reconciliation or Manifestation of Peace Unity and Friendship 2. A Kiss of Affection which is very sweet to have Christ express or manifest his gracious Love to her 3. A Kiss of Approbation which is saith Mr. Guild sweetest of all The Text is purely Allegorical as the whole Song is acknowledged to be by all Divines METAPHOR KIsses betoken Love and Good-Will to the Party they are given to II. They betoken a hearty Conjunction and cordial Union of two Parties III. They betoken such a Friendship as allows a Liberty of Access and Communication at all times IV. They leave such Impressions as engage the Affections to a future Remembrance of the Object V. They oblige the Giver to shew further Favours and Acts of Love and Kindness to the Party he bestows them on VI. They are a Confirmation of the endeared Love and Reality we profess VII They are the Privilege and Right in a more peculiar manner of Covenant-Relations as Husband and Wife c. VIII In Reconciliation after a seeming Breach between dear Relations they are highly prized and longed for by the Party offending IX A Kiss is look'd upon as a very high Honour when received by an inferior Person from a great King or Prince and begets in others a longing after the like Manifestation of Sovereign Grace and Favour X. They are very sweet and comfortable to very dear Friends after long absence XI They are the first Ceremony or Initiation of kind and comfortable Entertainment as in the case of the profuse and extravagant Prodigal XII To be admitted to kiss the hand of a Prince is a great Honour because of his Royalty and Grandure but to kiss his Mouth is extraordinary and only allowed to great Favourites Parallel THe Spouse in the Text desires of the Lord Jesus Tokens or further Manifestations of his Love and Good-Will to her II. The Church desires further Tokens and Assurances of that blessed Conjunction and Union that is between her self and the Lord Jesus Christ. III. Gracious Souls desire a more near Access
LEaven is of a diffusive Quality it infuses it self into every part till the whole Lump is leavened II. Leaven is of an assimilating Quality it turns the Meal in which it is hid into its own Nature III. The Woman took the Leaven and hid it in the Meal Leaven must be hid that so it may leaven the Meal the better IV. Leaven secretly and invisibly worketh and altereth the Meal and maketh a Change therein turning of it into Dough. V. Leaven doth not change the whole three measures of Meal all at once but it accomplishes its Work by degrees VI. A little Leaven will leaven the whole Lump 1 Cor. 5.6 Gal. 5.9 Parallel THe Word and Grace of God is of a diffusive nature it will where it is received in a spiritual sence leavens every Faculty of the Soul until the whole Man Body and Spirit is leavened therewith By three measures of Meal some understand the Body Soul and Spirit to be meant II. The Word of God where it is in Truth received such is the assimilating Nature thereof doth convert by its powerful Operation the whole Soul into its own Likeness it changes the evil Quailties thereof and works divine and spiritual Qualities in the room of them making a glorious and visible change in the Heart and Life III. The Word of God must be received into the Heart it must be hid as it were there like Seed that is covered in the Earth that so it may have its blessed Effect in order to leaven the Soul in a spiritual Sence the better Thy Word have I hid in my Heart IV. So the Workings and Operations of God's Word are secret and invisible our Saviour alludes to this when he compares the Work of the Spirit in Regeneration to the Wind as is well observed the Word and Spirit work secretly their Operations are invisible to the outward Eye V. So the Word and Grace of God works not that blessed Change in the Soul all at one instant but Grace is carried on in Believers by degrees I deny not but at the first Infusion of Grace or Act of Faith a Man is really and actually justified yet the Work of Conversion and Holiness is gradually carried on and may be a great while before it is perfected VI. So a small Quantity or but a dram of true Grace will spiritually leaven and change the whole Man hence Grace in the beginning is compared to a Grain of Mustard-Seed Parable LEaven is taken in the Scripture in an evil sence for Hypocrisy evil Doctrine Malice and Wickedness from that sowre Quality that is in it Disparity THe Word of God hath no unpleasant or sowring Quality in it but contrariwise it is the only means through the Spirit to purge out that old Leaven whether it be evil Doctrine Hypocrisy Malice or Wickedness that sowreth and corrupteth the whole Man 2. This may further inform us touching the nature of the Word and Grace of God And from hence we may be able to make some Judgment whether Conversion be truly wrought in our Souls or whether the Kingdom of God where Christ spiritually rules which is Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit be in Truth begun in us or no The Word of God compared to Glass 2 Cor. 3.18 Beholding as in a Glass the Glory of the Lord and like unto a Man beholding his natural Face in a Glass BERNARD understands by Glass here to be meant the Gospel with divers others and we see no cause to question this Exposition Simile A Glass is a Medium that represents Persons and things unto the sight of our external Eyes II. Some Glasses shew us such things that we cannot see nor discern without them as common Experience shews which are called Perspective-Glasses III. A Glass seems to bring such things near to us that are at a great distance Some by looking in a Glass have discovered Things and Persons many Miles of as if they were just by them IV. A true Glass shews or represents unto a Man his own natural Face by looking therein he may see what manner of Man he is he may take a plain view of himself whether fair or deformed V. A Glass is used by some as a thing to dress themselves in by it they know how to put on their Attire and to deck themselves with all their Ornaments if any thing be wanting or amiss which they would have on they soon perceive it by looking in a Glass VI. A Glass is a thing that some Persons take much Delight to look into VII He that would have a full or plain sight of a Person or Persons that he hath a desire to behold in a Glass must look therein with open Face he must not look asquint upon it VIII A Man that beholds his natural Face in a Glass and goes his way soon forgets what manner of Man he was if he saw Spots or Blemishes or other Deformity in his Face or any uncomly Features he soon forgets them IX If a Man looks into a Glass he sees there but the Image Resemblance or Representation of a Person or a Thing not the Person or the Thing it self Parallel THe Gospel is the best Medium which represents God the Father the Lord Jesus Christ and holy Spirit Angels and Saints with things past present and to come to our spiritual Sight or to the Eyes of our Faith II. The Word of God shews us such things and Mysteries that without it we could not see nor have the least Knowledg of as the manner of the Creation of the World in six Days the cause why God sets his Bow in the Cloud the glorious Attributes of God together with God's manner of being or the glorious Trinity the Conception Birth Life Death Resurrection and Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ as also God's positive Law and instituted Worship III. The Word and Gospel of God brings things that are afar off very near it represents to our Faith the Judgment-Day and shews us how matters and things shall be managed then who shall be cleared and who condemned it brings near to the Eye of our Faith the glorious Kingdom of Jesus Christ and many things of like Nature IV. So the Word of God shews forth not only the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ as also what this World is what Sin is c. But it shews what Man is before Grace how wretched blind naked deformed polluted and also after Grace through Christ how happy adorned beautiful and glorious V. So the Word of God is absolutely needful or necessary for all Christians to look into who would dress and deck themselves with the Ornaments of Grace that they may be comely in the sight of God By looking into the Word they may see what Ornaments are wanting and how to put them on so as to be compleatly dressed and every way ready for the Bridegroom 's coming VI. The Word of God is a thing that all true Christians