a Priest for ever the Rhemist Annotators are greatly at a loss about concluding that it makes against the Jews and Aaron's Priesthood which worthy Cartwright learnedly answers to whom we refer you For clear it is that what the Papists affirm concerning their Priest and Mass to be a propitiatory Sacrifice for the Quick and the Dead is detected from hence to be a blasphemous execrable and pestilent Error and by no means are they able to make the Offerings and Sacrifices made by their Priests as Christ's Successors to hold good in any case or consonant to God's Word Which further to evince we shall here cite a Page of Dr. Owen's on Heb. 7.24 and so conclude this of Christ's Priesthood The Expositors of the Roman Church are greatly perplexed in the reconciling of this Passage of the Apostle unto the present Priesthood of their Church and they may well be so seeing undoubtedly they are irreconcileable Some of them say That Peter succeeded unto Christ in his Priesthood as Eleazar did unto Aaron so Ribera Some of them deny that he hath any Successor properly so called Successorem non habet nec ità quisquam Catholicus loquitur si benè circumspectè loqui velit saith Aestius But it is openly evident that some of them are not so circumspect as Aestius would have them but do plainly affirm that Peter was Christ's Successor A Lapide indeed affirms that Peter did not succeed unto Christ as Eleazar did unto Aaron because Eleazar had the Priesthood in the same degree and dignity with Aaron and so had not Peter with Christ but yet that he had the same Priesthood with him a Priesthood of the same kind he doth not deny That which they generally six upon is That their Priests have not another Priesthood or offer another Sacrifice but are Partakers of his Priesthood and minister under him and so are not his Successors but his Vicars which I think is the worst Composure of this Difficulty they could have thought upon For 1. This is contrary unto the Words and Design of the Apostle for the Reason he assigns why the Priesthood of Christ doth not pass from him to any other is because he abides himself for ever to discharge the Office of it Now this excludes all Subordination and Conjunction all Vicars as well as Successors unless we shall suppose that although he doth thus abide yet he is one way or other disabled to discharge his Office 2. The Successors of Aaron had no more another Priesthood but what he had nor did they offer any other Sacrifice than what he offered as these Priests pretend to offer the same Sacrifice that Christ did So that still the case is the same between Aaron and his Successors and Christ and his Substitutes 3. They say That Christ may have Substitutes in his Office tho he abide a Priest still and altho the Office still continue the same unchangeable So God in the Government of the World makes use of Judges and Magistrates yet is himself the supreme Rector of all But this Pretence is vain also For they do not substitute their Priests unto him in that which he continueth to do himself but in that which he doth not which he did indeed as a Priest ought to do but now ceaseth to do for ever in his own Person for the principal Act of the Sacerdotal Office of Christ consisted in his Oblation or his offering himself a Sacrifice of a sweet-smelling savour unto God This he did once and ceaseth for ever from doing so any more but these Priests are assigned to offer him in Sacrifice every day as Partakers of the same Priesthood with him which is indeed not to be his Substitutes but his Successors and to take his Office out of his hand as if he were dead and could henceforth discharge it no more For they do not appoint Priests to intercede in his Room because they grant he continueth himself so to do but to offer Sacrifice in his stead because he doth so no more Wherefore if that be an Act of Priesthood and of their Priesthood as is pretended 't is unavoidable that his Priesthood is passed from him unto them Now this is a blasphemous Imagination and directly contrary both unto the Words of the Apostle and the whole Design of his Argument nay it would lay the Advantage on the other side For the Priests of the Order of Aaron had that Privilege that none could take their Office upon them nor officiate in it whilst they were alive but altho Christ abideth for ever yet according to the Sence of these Men and their Practice thereon he stands in need of others to officiate for him and that in the principal part of his Duty and Office For to offer himself in Sacrifice unto God he neither now doth nor can seeing henceforth he dieth no more This is the Work of the Mass-Priests alone who must therefore be honoured as the Successors of Christ or else be abhorred as his Murtherers for the Sacrifice of Him must be by Blood and Death The Argument of the Apostle as it is exclusive of this Imagination so it is cogent unto this purpose for so he proceedeth That Priesthood which changeth not but is always vested in the same Person and in him alone is more excellent than that which was subject to change continually from one hand to another for that Transmission of it from one unto another was an Effect of Weakness and Imperfection And the Jews grant that the Frequency of their Change under the second Temple was a Token of God's Displeasure But thus it was not with the Priesthood of Christ which never changeth and that of Aaron which was always in a transient Succession And the Reasons he gives of this contrary State of these two Priesthoods do greatly enforce the Argument For the first Priesthood was so successive because the Priests themselves were obnoxious unto Death the Sum and Issue of all Weaknesses and Infirmities But as to the Lord Jesus Christ his Priesthood is perpetual and unchangeable because he abideth personally for ever Being made a Priest according to the Power of an endless Life which is the Sum of all Perfection that our Nature is capable of Christ a Prophet Mat. 13.57 A Prophet is not without Honour save in his own Country Luke 7.16 And they glorified God saying That a great Prophet was risen among them John 4.19 The Woman said unto him Sir I perceive thou art a Prophet Acts 3.22 For Moses truly said unto the Fathers A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you like unto me c. IT is a common and received Principle amongst all that are truly godly that Jesus the Son of the Highest stands in a capacity of King Priest and Prophet to his Church and so is to be received by all that will on good grounds receive benefit by him Having spoken somewhat of his Kingly and Priestly Office somewhat relating to Him in
his protection like a refreshing shade is round about them Thou hast been a shadow from the heat II. God is the Souls chief and only Sanctuary When I am afraid saith David I will trust in thee that is as the Emphasis of the word bears I will retire into thee my blessed Habitation for thou art a strength to the poor and needy and a refuge from the storm When the blast of the terrible one is as a storm against the wall c. In the strangest Convulsions of State Revolutions of Kingdoms and Epidemical Calamities that afflict the World the Inhabitants of this blessed Mansion are sure to enjoy certain safety and tranquility III. Such as dwell in this heavenly habitation are preserved from a dead frozen and benummed frame of spirit they are made zealous and warm for God fervent in spirit serving the Lord inflamed with a divine fervour by the influence of the holy Spirit which is called Fire animating them with courage and resolution to stand for God and his ways against all opposition IV. God is a good mans chief comfort he is the joy and delight of his Soul for as he is the summum bonum in himself so all good things are radically and originally derivative from him therefore such as would partake thereof must have recourse to him In him is the Saints treasure laid up with him is the most desirable Communion Whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none on earth that I desire besides thee says David V. Such is God to the Soul thither is the weary and heavy laden sinner invited in order to receive rest there 's eternal repose after the troublesome Pilgrimage of the flesh in reversion for all that die in the Lord Return unto thy rest O my Soul saith David c. VI. God is a Christians Home one may be said to be absent from God when he strays abroad giving the full Reins to a loose carnal and dissolute mind pursuing the vanities and follies of the world neglecting the solid comforts and delights of his proper home exposing himself to the hazards and disorders of a strange and dangerous entertainment among his Soul-Enemies whereas to live with God in a way or spiritual Love and Communion is to dwell in God and makes way for a more immediate and personal participation of his glory after death which made the Apostle desire to depart Phil. 1 21 22 23. Because death was gain to him inasmuch as it was to state him in his blessed and eternal home VII The Lord Jesus is the way that leads to this heavenly habitation I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh to the Father but by me he is a Priest to attone a King to govern and a Prophet to teach and direct his people VIII God is a Sanctuary to his Saints and a safe retreating place from the assaults of Satan sin and in-bred corruption From these Enemies there is no safety but by flying to the mercy of God in Christ. IX Christ is the Door that lets into this heavenly habitation this Door is always open to such only as are his known and approved Friends I am the Door by me if any man enter he shall be saved No man knoweth the Father but the Son and he to whom the Son shall reveal him X. This heavenly habitation is furnished with all those glorious Ornaments that are needful for spiritual profit or delight Gospel Institutions and Ordinances are by Expositors understood to be the Galleries of this habitation where the King is held In all places where I record my Name I will come unto thee and I will bless thee The blood of Christ is a Fountain of life Rev. 21.6 A Fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness Zach. 13.1 His Church is his Garden A Garden inclosed is my Sister my Spouse Cant. 4.12 His word as a green and pleasant pasture Psal. 23.2 and his Spirit the Spring that waters every plant and flower I will pour water upon him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry ground I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed c. Isa. 44.3 XI 'T is an Interest in God that makes a Soul to value him at so high a rate Thou art my God I will praise thee Thou art my God I will exalt thee Psal. 118.28 The Lord is my portion therefore will I hope in him XII To this heavenly habitation friends are solemnly invited Hoe every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters and he that hath no money come come ye buy and eat yea come buy Wine and Milk without monâ—â—y and without price Now hath God granted to the Gentiles who were Strangers and Aliens repentance unto life This is the receptacle of poor hungry souls where a plentiful relief is daily given and freely distributed XIII He that dwells not in God through Christ is in a very sad and dismal condition being exposed to the cursâ—â— of the Law and divine wrath upon the wicked he shall rain snares fire and brimstone and an horrible tempest XIV The glorious Attributes of God are as so many retiring Rooms and places of security and repose to which the Saints must have recourse in times of danger Come my people enter thou into thy chambers and shut thy doors about thee hide thy self as if it were for a little moment until the indignation be overpast More particularly inasmuch as he is Omniscient he knows what 's best for us and we ought to acquiesce in his will He is all wise and therefore orders all things to work for our spiritual good He is Almighty and can accomplish or effectually bring to pass whatsoever his knowledge dictates for our good He is faithful and therefore whatsoever he has promised shall be certainly fulfilled He is good and merciful which is a great encouragement to sinners to make application to him and commit themselves to his protection When I am afraid saith David I will put my trust in thee He is eternal and therefore an Everlasting Salvation c. METAPHOR I. A Habitation or house though never so stately and magnificent is yet the work and contrivance of a humane Architect and is composed of perishing materials II. Habitations here below serve only to accommodate the body the Rich Man in the Gospel that fared sumptuously every day had no Habitation for his Soul but Hell verse 23. III. A Habitation may be overthrown by an Earthquake blown down by a Storm demolished by an Enemy consumed by fire or the decays of time c. IV. A House may secure from some but not all dangers for Thieves may rob us of our Treasure or an Enemy if stronger may dispossess us and strip us of that and all our Estate V. A Habitation in its circumference and dimensions is limited and may be easily filled neither is any so compleat but may admit of further improvement or
what I should speak As I have kept my Fathers Commandments c. VI. Jesus Christ to do the Work of God as Mediator was sent on a long Journey as far as 't is from Heaven to Earth and was thereby exposed to much Difficulty and great Hardships from Men and Devils He was persecuted from place to place his Life being often in jeopardy he had no-where to lay his Head and was at last most basely betrayed and put to Death VII The Lord Christ was most faithful Tho he was a Son yet learned he Obedience by the things he suffered My Meat is to do the Will of him that sent me and to finish his Work I delight to do thy Will O God Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's Business VIII The Lord Christ was faithful in doing all things which God required of him he went not beyond his Commission nor did he neglect any part of his Work He that God sent speaketh the Words of God and I know that his Commandment is Life everlasting Whatsoever I speak therefore even as the Father said unto me so speak I. Who was faithful to him that appointed him as Moses was faithful in all his House IX The Lord Jesus Christ hath an absolute Right to a Reward for his Work 's sake Tho there is no Merit or Desert for the Works which Believers do being unprofitable Servants when they have done all yet there is very great Merit and Worth in what Christ did And the Father will give him his Wages he shall have his Wife his Church for whom he served above fourteen Years nay He shall have the Heathen for his Inheritance and the uttermost Parts of the Earth for his Possession Behold my Servant shall deal prudently he shall be exalted and extolled and be very high I will divide him a Portion with the Great and he shall divide the Spoil with the Strong because he hath poured out his Soul unto Death But we see Jesus who for suffering Death is crown'd with Glory and Honour c. X. The Lord Jesus Christ having in his eye that eternal Advantage his Elect should receive and what Glory He as Man should be raised unto as the Reward of his Undertaking went through all his Sorrows with much cheerfulness Who for the Joy that was set before him endured the Cross despised the Shame and is set down at the right-hand of the Throne of God XI The Lord Jesus Christ was subject whilst he was here in our Nature in the Form of a Servant at some time unto Fear He was made under the Law 'T is said He was troubled in Spirit and was heard in that he feared Metaphor I. A Servant and the Master are not essentially and inseparably one II. A Servant amongst Men hath not an inseparable Interest in his Master's Goods and Estate III. Servants among Men many times through Temptation prove unfaithful and deceive either Father or Master yea the best Servants of good Men have in something or other miscarried IV. A Servant may be turn'd out of his Master's Service and lose his Honour V. The Servant abides not in his Master's House for ever VI. A Servant differs from the Heir in Place Dignity and Privilege VII Too many are oftentimes forced to become Servants because they cannot otherwise tell how to live Disparity I. JEsus Christ altho a Servant is essentially one with the Father the Father Son and Spirit are but the one everlasting and eternal God I and my Father are one There are three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Spirit and these three are inseparably one II. Christ hath a full a clear and inseparable Interest in all that the Father hath All mine are thine and thine are mine and I am glorified in them III. It was impossible for Christ to be unfaithful or disobey God his Father because he was without Sin and Satan had nothing in him to fasten a Temptation upon IV. The Lord Jesus Christ did not could not displease his Father and therefore did not nor could lose his Honour I do always the things that please him V. Jesus Christ abideth in the House of God for ever VI. Jesus Christ tho he be called the Servant of God yet is he his own beloved Son and Heir of all things by whom he made the World There is none in Heaven or Earth that hath greater Glory Place or Privilege conferred upon upon him than the Lord Jesus Christ. VII Christ had no necessity of Nature laid upon him to accept of the low Place and Office of a Servant He was not forced to it because he could not tell how to live without serving he being infinitely happy in himself from Eternity but the Glory of his Father and the dear Love he bore to the Creature even to poor lost Man moved him to become a Servant he did it freely for our sakes that we might be Lords Inferences I. WE may note from hence the wonderful Condescension of Jesus Christ there is nothing which sets forth his great Abasement for our sakes more than this what Grace is this Doth the Son of God who is the Lord of Heaven and Earth become a Servant He that thought it no Robbery to be equal with God made himself of no reputation and took upon him the Form of a Servant The Son of Man came not to be ministred to but to minister Quest. But some may enquire Whose Servant is Christ c. 1. He is God's Servant Behold my Servant c. 2. He is his Peoples Servant The Son of Man came not to be ministred unto but to minister and to give his Life for many II. Let us learn from him hence-forward to humble our selves Let the same Mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus Shall the Lord become a Servant and shall the Servant swell in Pride and Arrogancy and nothing content him but to be called Lord nay and lord it over God's Heritage whose Servants they ought to be if they would be Gospel-Ministers Surely Christ abhors him who calls himself the Servant of Servants whilst at the same time he exalts himself above All that are called Gods III. If the Lord Christ became a willing humble laborious and faithful Servant for us let us labour to be humble faithful and sincere Servants to him He hath done all the hardest Work and if any remain too hard for us he sticks not to set his hand to it Thou hast wrought all our Works in us and for us IV. Let this teach us to follow his Example and be Servants one to another I have given you an Example that you should do as I have done to you for this is acceptable to him V. Remember 't is an honourable pleasant and gainful thing to be Christ's Servant Paul seems to glory more in it than
to the Admiration of all The Matter being known and related to them that that were concerned he had not only his Life but the Lion also to wait upon him who became a faithful Servant to him Hic est Leo Hospes Hominis hic est Homo Medicus Leonis was that which the People would say when they saw him lead along his Lion through the Streets Here goes the Lion which was the Man's Host and there is the Man who was the Lion's Physician XII No Creatures love their Young as you may percieve by the foregoing Story in part more than the Lions which they further demonstrate in their Defence for they will receive many terrible Blows Slashes and Wounds the one opening the bleeding Body and the other pressing the Blood out of the Wounds standing invincible never yielding till Death as if Death it self were nothing to them saith the Historian so that their young Ones might be safe XIII Lions are full of Clemency to them that prostrate themselves at their feet they will not touch such as do as it were by submission humble themselves to them XIV Out of the dead Carcase of Sampson's Lion came forth Sweetness as in his Riddle XV. None can take away the Prey from an hungry Lion XVI 'T is affirmed that if a Man be anointed all over with the Blood of a Lion he shall never be destroyed by wild Beasts XVII The Blood of a Lion as Naturalists say being rubbed or spread upon a Canker or Sore which is swell'd about the Veins will presently cure the Grief Parallel I. THe Lord Jesus is the King of Kings the Lord of Lords King of the Kings of the Earth II. Jesus Christ is full of Majesty It may be truly said of him that he carries Majesty in his Face Majesty in his Looks Majesty in his Words Majesty in his Walking Christ being our Captain tho we are timerous Creatures is enough to oppose scatter and vanquish the most potent Army that ever the Prince of Darkness or the God of this World could raise against them his Looks and Words affright his Enemies III. Christ is the Power of God He is a mighty Man nay He is a mighty God mighty to save IV. Christ is of superlative Courage of an invincible Mind for he never encountred with any but he was Conqueror He subdued the Devil yea whole Legions of them and rode in Triumph through the Air. He overcame the World trampling it under his Feet He conquered Sin yea Death it self The Woman bringing forth the Lion of the Tribe of Judah portended nothing less than the Conquest of the Devil's Kingdom V. Christ appears in his Dispensations for some time to couch down as it were suffers himself to be abused in his People and seems to lie still as if he were asleep VI. Christ when he is rouzed up by the Cruelties of the Enemies of his Church and the Cries of his People will be very terrible he will come upon Princes as upon Mortar Tho now he seems still and peaceable like a Lamb yet the Day is at hand when he will rise up like a Lion to destroy and devour at once VII When Christ shall utter his Voice at the last Day and come to Judgment he will make the Nations of the World quake Let all the Inhabitants of the Earth tremble for the Day of the Lord cometh for 't is nigh at hand The Lord shall also roar out of Zion and utter his Voice from Jerusalem and the Heaven and Earth shall shake c. VIII There is nothing hid from the Eyes of Christ he sees into the darkest Corners of Mens Hearts and Imaginations the most subtil Sinners cannot escape his Notice There is no secret Place where the Plotters or wicked Men can hide themselves from him He sees all their horrid Designs and Combinations IX Jesus Christ will reward every one according to the Nature of his Works in the great Day and when he comes forth to judg Babylon he will retaliate upon her according as she hath done Thou hast given them Blood to drink for they are worthy for they have shed the Blood of thy Saints and Prophets Reward her as she hath rewarded you X. Christ marks all those that injure him and his People Wherefore doth the Wicked contemn God he saith in his Heart he will not requite it Thou hast seen it for thou beholdest Mischief and Spite to requite it with thy hand I remember that which Amalek did to Israel now go and smite Amalek I will contend with them that contend with thee and I will save thy Children And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own Flesh and they shall be drunken with their own Blood as with sweet Wine XI The Lord Jesus as he avenges the Wrongs and Injuries done to his People so he will requite Kindnesses shewed to them Such as feed the Hungry cloath the Naked visit the Sick and those that are in Prison for Christ's sake shall be rewarded Their Work of Faith and Labour of Love shall not be forgotten yea He that gives but a Cup of cold Water in the Name of a Disciple shall not lose his Reward Which is a Reward of Grace not Merit for there is no proportion between eternal Life and the best of our Performances yet God accepts of them XII The Lord Jesus loveth his People with such a strong and endeared Love that he did not only fight with cruel Enemies in their behalf but freely also received many Lashes and sore Wounds in his Body and stood invincible never yielding till Death He made his Soul an Offering for Sin Yea Death it self was nothing to him so that he might save his poor Church from Wrath and eternal Misery XIII The Lord Jesus is full of Clemency Compassion and Tenderness of Bowels to all that humble themselves at his Feet He resisteth the Proud and will tear them in pieces but giveth Grace to the Humble XIV Sampson's Riddle is unfolded best in the slain Body of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah from thence comes all the Honey the Sweetness of Grace and Glory XV. None can deliver themselves out of Christ's hand when he rises up for the Prey XVI That Person whosoever he be who applieth Christ's Blood by Faith or hath every Faculty of his Soul viz. the whole Man bathed therein shall never be destroyed by the Devil nor the Powers of Darkness XVII The Blood of Christ cures all Wounds Cankers and putrifying Sores of the Soul or inward Man when applied by the hand of Faith Metaphor THe Lion is cruel blood-sucking proud preying stony-hearted malitious a Devourer of Flocks and Herds the very Tyrant of Beasts Disparity THe Lord Jesus is mild merciful tender-hearted forgetting Injuries the Preserver and Saviour of the innocent poor weak and helpless Ones c. Inferences 1. LEt the Ungodly tremble
was to have hands laid upon the Head this was a Sign of Death XII The Head is the Subject of Humility When Men have been much affected with some great Thing they put Earth upon their Heads XIII But notwithstanding all the Head is the Glory of the Man XIV The Head sheweth the greatest Signs of Pity and Sympathy to the poor distressed and afflicted Members XV. The Head is the governing Part of the whole Man the Eyes the Ears the Hands the Feet are all governed by the Head XVI The Head loves the Body that belongs to it and is concerned night and day for its Prosperity XVII The Head receiveth Reverence and Respect Love and Honour from the Body and the Members Parallel I. THe Son of God as he was higher by Birth than Men yea than the greatest of Men Kings and mighty Potentates of the Earth c. so is he by Place and Office God hath anointed him with the Oil of Gladness above all his Fellows and set him over the Works of his Hands II. The Son of God the mystical or spiritual Head is the Seat of the spiritual Senses There is the clear seeing Eye the perfect hearing Ear the pure true and infallible Taste by which Things are distinguished aright the good from the bad for the benefit of the whole Body the Church III. Jesus Christ as a publick Person and Head of his Church is Receiver-General and common Treasury of the whole Body Whatsoever came originally from God for the Good and Benefit of the Church is lodged in Christ as Mediator and Head of his Church As David said All my Springs are in thee so may the Church say of Christ We beheld his Glory as the Glory of the only begotten Son of God full of Grace and Truth It pleased the Father that in him should all Fulness dwell IV. The Son of God doth transmit or cause to be transmitted by way of communication all the Supplies of the Mystical Body whether it be Peace of Conscience Ease for Soul-pains by an Application of his Blood and Spirit to comfort 'T is by Him that the whole Body by Joints and Bonds have Nourishment administred one to another as knit together in all parts and increasing with the Increase of God Of his Fulness we all receive and Grace for Grace V. The Son of God is the Fountain of Strength to his Church 't is said All Power is given to him I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me VI. Jesus Christ was a Man of Labour that carried our Burthens for us in Divine respects The Burthen of Temptations from Satan and the World fell upon him the Burthen of Persecution even to Death it self The Lord laid on him the Iniquities of us all VII The Lord Jesus was a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with Grief There was no Sorrow like his it was heaped upon him even to perfection VIII The Lord Jesus is the Man of God's Right-hand made strong for Himself upon whom the Blessing is conferred by the Father as a Token of Good to the whole Church In Him all the Families of the Earth are blessed IX Christ the holy and spiritual Head received the Consecration of God for he was filled with the Holy-Ghost from the Womb and as a perfect Nazarite continued separate till his Baptism at which time the holy Anointing being upon him in a visible manner did furnish him for his Ministry and fit him to be a Priest unto God this holy Unction descended on him as it did on the Head of Aaron not only drenching his Beard but all the parts of his Body also even to the Skirts of his Garment Say ye of him whom the Father sanctifieth and sendeth into the World c. Who through the eternal Spirit offered himself to God X. The Son of God not only beareth the Glory of Priesthood but the highest Glory of his Father's House which consists of Kingship c. Thou art a Priest for ever c. We see Jesus made a little lower than the Angels c. crowned with Glory and Honour XI Christ was the principal Object of Envy and Hatred The Devil envied him the Jews hated him without cause Herod threatned him One while they waited to kill him at another time they led him to the Brow of the Hill that they might cast him down headlong to destroy him At last they came and laid their hands upon him in the Garden where he received the Sign of Death after his most bitter Agony and was soon after offered up on the Cross as a publick Sacrifice He died for our Sins according to the Scriptures Christ our Passeover is sacrificed for us XII The Lord Jesus was a Subject of great Humility much affected with God's Providences and Mens Wickednesses He wept when Lazarus died Christ wept when the Jews rejected him to their own Destruction and as Publius Lettius saith of him he was never seen to laugh but often to weep The Devil Herod Pontius Pilate with the Jews were not content to persecute and drive the Son of God to Corners but after they had agreed with Judas to betray him they endeavoured as much as lay in them to take this blessed Head off from his Mystical Body nothing would satisfy them till they had slain the Lord of Life and Glory XIII And so is Jesus Christ the Glory of God the Glory of the Church She glories in Him His Head is as the most fine Gold He is altogether lovely This is my Beloved and this is my Friend O Daughters of Jerusalem XIV Christ being in all things like unto us Sin only excepted hath shewed no small Signs of Pity and Sympathy as one touched with our Infirmities as appears both before he left the World and since 1. He comforts them by good Words and Promises he will not leave them comfortless but will come to them 2. He assureth that he would send another Comforter the holy Spirit 3. He prays the Father to take them into his Care and Protection 4. He cries out from Heaven when Violence is offered to them Saul Saul why persecutest thou me c. XV. The Son of God as Head of the Church hath the Government on his Shoulders his Members hear his Voice and keep his Commandments and his Commandments are not grievous unto them XVI Jesus Christ loves his Church yea all his Members He died to save and redeem them he shed his Blood to wash and sprinkle them and went to Heaven to prepare a Place for them and is concerned both night and day for their Prosperity and Welfare he will come again from thence to solemnize the glorious Marriage and receive them unto himself that where he is there they may be also I love them that love me He gave himself that he might redeem us from all Iniquity He hath loved us and washed us from our Sins with his own Blood
But Christ cannot nay will not disappoint thee Application I. IS Christ a Friend such a Friend then how greatly doth it concern poor Souls to make sure of this Friend Doth not Self-Interest lead Men to seek for Friendship and as much as in them lies with such as are likely to do the part of a Friend c. II. Doth not this reprove the Ignorance and Folly of those that slight and reject this great and good Friend How many instead of seeking his Favour are in Friendship with the World and their Lusts and by their wicked Practices are bidding defiance to him as tho neither his Favour nor Frowns were to be regarded III. It shews the miserable Condition of those that are unacquainted with him He is the Soul's Friend and it calls aloud upon them to be acquainted with him IV. Is Christ thy Friend then here 's a sure Ground of Comfort you can never want that have such a Friend so loving so sympathizing so necessary and so suitable a present a constant a careful Friend yea a Soul-Friend a wise a powerful a faithful immortal and everlasting Friend This is a Friend indeed an honourable Friend that is in favour with God who never had his Suit denied V. Is this thy Friend O then 1. Bless God that hath raised up such a Friend for thee and made thee acquainted with him 2. Prize and love this Friend dearly 3. Visit him often tell him all the Secrets and Grievances of thy Heart How sweet is Communion with him 4. Be not ungrateful to him be not like Joash who forgat the Kindness of his Friend May it not be justly said to some Is this thy kindness to thy Friend O 't is sad to abuse the Kindness of such a Friend 5. Trust your Friend take him at his word question him not he is faithful 6. Have no commerce with his Enemies but keep close and faithful to him in every Condition Achitophel dealt treacherously with David do thou not so with Christ. 7. Publish and declare what a Friend thou hast endeavour to get Sinners acquainted with him 8. Be sure let nothing part thy Friend and thee Prize his Presence dread his Frowns follow his Doctrine and Examples that it may be known that Christ is yours and you are his Let your Light so shine before Men that they may see your good Works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven Christ is the only Friend A true Friend is tried in a doubtful matter Christ hath laid down his Life for Believers what is more difficult to Nature than Death Christ the Rose of Sharon Cant. 2.1 I am the Rose of Sharon IT is Christ that speaks these words it becomes not the Spouse thus to commend her self saith Solomon Let another and not thine own Lips praise thee The Lord Jesus elegantly expresseth his own Excellency by comparing Himself unto a Rose the Rose of Sharon Metaphor I. A Rose is the Off-spring and Fruit of a good tho seemingly dry Root II. A Rose is a beautiful Flower very pleasant and delightful to the Eye of different Colours red and white and in some curiously joyned and intermix'd together red and white shews an excellent Complexion and makes up a perfect Beauty III. A Rose is a fragrant and sweet Flower it yields a most excellent and odoriferous Scent This may not hold true of every sort of Roses but 't is such an one Christ compares himself unto IV. The Rose is a useful Flower it is full of Virtue 1. Roses distilled afford a most sweet cooling Liquor good against intemperate Heat it gently qualifies Cholerick Exhalations refreshes the Spirit when sad c. and is good for the Eyes 2. Being conserved and otherwise made use of and applied they are very cordial and medicinal Their Use in Physick saith an eminent Writer words are too few to express V. The Rose is called by Naturalists the Queen of Flowers none being to be compared to it VI. The Roses that grew in Sharon were the best and chiefest of Roses they were singular in Beauty and Property VII The Rose of Sharon signifies in Greek the Flower of the Field Sharon being a Place or Plain wherein King David's Herds and Cattel were fed Roses that grow in a Field are not planted by Man and indeed do lie open to Beasts to be spoiled pluck'd to pieces or trodden down VIII The Roses of Sharon were free Persons might have access to them when they could not to other Flowers that were in close and secret Gardens IX Roses and other delightful Flowers of the Field are the Beauty and Glory of the Field they cloath the Grass X. Sharon was a Place as we said before of Pasture a Place of Feeding where the Flocks used to rest a very fruitful Vally XI The Rose yields a very precious Oil good in divers cases Parallel I. CHrist touching his humane Nature is the Off-spring of David or a Branch out of the Stem and Root of Jesse II. Christ is said to be white and ruddy Some understand thereby his two Natures by the white his Divinity by the red his Humanity The one denotes his natural Purity and Innocency the other his bloody Agony and Suffering for our sakes hence said to be red in his Apparel No Object so delightful to the Eye as Jesus Christ is in his Humiliation crucified for our Sins in his Exaltation appearing at the Father's right-hand for us True and evangelical Sights of Christ delight the Eye and ravish the Soul of a Believer Christ is a perfect and compleat Beauty III. Jesus Christ yields a most fragrant and lovely Savour What is so sweet and refreshing to the spiritual Senses of the Soul as the Merits and saving Graces of Christ His very Name is as precious Ointment poured forth He is the Savour of Life unto Life to them that believe IV. The Lord Jesus is excellent for Profit and spiritual Virtue 1. Being crucified for our sakes what precious Virtue what Soul-mollifying Water of Life does he yield us good against all Cholerick Heats and Exhalations of the Heart and Flesh making the furious and impatient Man gentle meek and humble refreshes the Spirit of a Saint when dejected and under Temptations and is exceeding good to open the Eyes of the Understanding 2. Jesus Christ laid hold on by Faith and the Virtue of his Blood applied and kept in the Soul will prove a Sovereign Cordial at all times The medicinal Properties of this Rose of Sharon for the healing the Distempers of the inward Man words I may well say cannot express V. Jesus Christ infinitely excells all others whether Angels or Men none are to be compared to Him He is the Head the Flower and Glory of Things in Heaven and of Things on Earth whether Thrones or Dominions Principlaities or Powers He is fairer than the Children of Men the chiefest among Ten Thousands VI. There is
tasted that the Lord is gracious Therefore O taste and see how good the Lord is Experience worketh Hope This was that which Christ meant when he said Except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood ye have no Life in you When you taste relish and experience the hidden Virtue that is in Christ the use of his Name the sight of his Person the hearing of him preached will do you no good XIII Christ is a free Portion a common Right to the Poor as well as the Rich he that will endeavour to get him that will labour for the Meat that perisheth not may have him He feeds the hungry with good Things None are forbidden to take of this Bread those that will not look out for it will certainly lose their Souls at last The Sloathful shall beg in Harvest and have nothing his Desires slayeth him We are to seek to ask to knock to strive to labour for the Meat that perisheth not Joh. 6.27 or perish for the want of it XIV Jesus Christ is absolutely necessary to Mens Happiness there is no Joy no Peace no Tranquility of Mind no Content or Satisfaction no Freedom from the fretting Humour of a distempered Mind from the hungry craving of a gall'd Conscience without him If Relations speak what is it if he cloath himself with Silver if he adorn himself with Jewels if his Rooms be hung with rich Tapestry if he stretcheth himself on a Bed of Ivory all is as nothing it will not stop the Mouth of Hunger nor minister one nights solid Content or Satisfaction the heighth of all his Happiness lyeth but in the Folly of Advancement that vanisheth upon the first opening of his Eyes and seeing himself lost and thâ—â— saddest case without Christ in the World He dreams he hath spiritual Food but when he awakes his Soul is hunger-starved and sinks within him he thinks he is full and needs nothing but is naked poor and miserable and wants all things And there can be none but miserable Comforters round about him that can say little more than there is no Help for him in his God because he hath neglected this spiritual Bread For he that hath not the Son hath not Life but the Wrath of God abideth upon him Joh. 3.36 XV. A true and real sence of the want of Christ will occasion violent Motions as it did when the Poor pressed into the Gospel The violent took it by Force The Blind-man cryed when forbidden the Woman came for Crumbs upon the sharp point of great Repulses and would have no Denial XVI Jesus Christ as he is the Bread of God the Bread of Heaven the Bread of Souls is comprehensive of the greatest Blessings when promised or injoyed he is the Light of our Eyes the Joy of our Hearts the Life of our Souls his approach to us far exceeds the Joy of Harvest to an Husbandman But the greatest of Judgments when denied there follows a lean miserable starved decayed sinking dying destroyed and damned Soul for ever and ever My Servants shall eat but you shall be hungry I will break the Staffe of Bread c. Metaphor I. BRead is an earthly Substance II. Bread is a dead Substance III. Bread properly is for the Body IV. Bread properly so called will perish as the Manna in the Wilderness V. Bread properly so called is literally eaten as the Fathers did eat Manna VI. Literal or corporeal Bread is given by the hands of Men as Parents give to their Children when they ask it Disparity I. BUt Christ is the Bread that came down from Heaven the second Man was the Lord from Heaven II. But Jesus Christ is living Bread was dead for a while but is alive and lives for evermore He ever lives to make Intercession dies no more c. III. But Jesus Christ is bread Meat Refreshing Life for the Soul Whosoever hath Christ shall have him for ever shall never die IV. But Christ is durable the same yesterday and to day and for ever Whom God would not suffer to see Corruption V. But Jesus Christ is eaten spiritually not as the Papists do imagine not to his Hurt or Punishment but to his Honour and Delight not as the Fathers eat Manna in the Wilderness VI. Christ is given by the hand of God and by the Ministration of the Spirit He shall take of mine and shew unto you Inferences IF this Doctrine be true as certainly it is which hath been discovered then it affords us matter of Instruction 1. It teacheth us God's great Goodness in providing such Bread for us that is so good in it self so necessary unto us that we die and perish without it II. It shews Jesus Christ's great Goodness in vouchsafing to become Bread and Food for us what manner of Love is this that the Son should undertake to feed and save 〈◊〉 c. 3. It shews the indispensible Necessity of Mens coming to Him their receiving and being Partakers of him All Soul-Bread is in him all Life yea all spiritual Life is in him Those that refuse him chuse Death The eternal Life that God gives is in his Son 4. It shews the Blessedness of those that are made Partakers of him Whosoever hath the Son hath the Father also And he that hath the Son hath Life and shall never come into Condemnation 5. It teacheth Good and Bad to pray The Good that God would evermore give them this Bread every day give them Bread Give us this day our daily Bread The Bad that God in Mercy would not let them die before they are made Partakers of Christ the true Bread the Bread of God the Bread of Life that whosoever dieth without dieth never to live again he dies the second Death O cry to God to the Lord of Life that whatsoever you want of this Life you may not eternally perish without Jesus Christ. Christ the Sun of Righteousness Mal. 4.2 But unto you that fear my Name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with Healing in his Wings c. Psal. 84.11 The Lord God is a Sun and a Shield Which as Mr. Ainsworth noteth may refer to Christ Mal. 4.2 Observ. JESUS CHRIST is and may fitly be compared unto the Sun to the Sun in the Firmament the great Light of Heaven Metaphor I. THere is but one Sun to give Light to the Universe and from its Singularity it may take its Name Sol quia solus There are many Stars but one Sun II. The Sun is not only Light but a Fountain of Light the Eye and Soul of the World III. The Sun is a pure bright and spotless Creature the Beauty and Ornament of Heaven His Brightness is such that a Man cannot look upon it but it daâ—â—les and blinds his Eyes unless looking downwards and beholding it in Water which tho thick and gross yet is a proper Medium The Sun tho he looks as it
the only Instrument in the hand of God to save the World from utter Destruction and Ruin and many Thousands of poor Sinners from eternal Torments under the incensed Wrath of an eternal God and is hereby become the everlasting Wonder and Praise of Men and Angels Worthy is the Lamb to receive Power and Riches Wisdom Strength c. Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy Blood c. Metaphor I. HUman Embassadors are but weak mortal and unstable Men and many times cannot accomplish the Business they are employed about or otherwise by reason of Unfaithfulness betray the Right and Prerogative of their Sovereign II. Embassadors among Men tho nobly descended yet always are of a lower Rank than the Prince that sends them III. Embassadors among Men are employed to make up National Differences only and appease the Wrath of Men. IV. Embassadors among Men at their first Arrival to treat of Peace appear in much outward Pomp Splendor and worldly Grandure V. Embassadors amongst Men are sometimes very long and tedious when they begin before they can effect the Issue or Product of their Negotiations VI. An Embassador among Men when he hath made up a long and destructive Breach between Kingdoms and Nations and they are at perfect Peace and Friendship yet he cannot keep them always so but in time new Discord ariseth and the Breach is as wide as it was before Disparity I. CHrist is God as well as Man one mighty to save perfect all-wise stable of one mind no ways defective able to accomplish all his Pleasure true to God highly standing for his Honour wills not that he should abate a tittle of his Sovereignty and rather than his Glory should be stained in the least to save Sinners he laid down his own Life and hath offered whatever the Will and Counsel of God was II. Jesus Christ thought it no Robbery to be equal with God hence called God's Fellow and the express Image of the Father's Person and as touching his Divinity not inferior to him III. Jesus Christ was chosen to make up the spiritual Breach between God and Sinners to appease his Wrath and satisfy Divine Justice that he might not only save Mens Bodies but their Souls also not to deliver from natural only but eternal Death IV. The Lord Jesus when he came when he appeared to the World it was in a low mean and contemptible Condition He vailed his Glory and made himself of no Reputation and tho his Retinue was glorious yet invisible to the Men of the World V. Christ did the great Work of his Embassy in a short time By one Offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified he soon removed the Enmity by the Blood of his Cross. VI. This blessed Embassador having made Peace between God and Believers this League and Covenant by means of his Mediation is everlasting this Peace shall not cannot ever be broken 't is well ordered in all these things and sure being confirmed by Blood and the Oath of God For the Mountains shall depart and the Hills be removed but my Kindness shall not depart from thee neither the Covenant of my Peace be removed saith the Lord that hath Mercy upon thee Isa. 54.10 Application I. THis may then really teach us to bless and praise God for the Lord Christ the Messenger of the Covenant or blessed Embassador of Peace between God and us it was the Father that chose and sent him on this Errand and Message II. With what due and great Reverence ought we to receive the Lord Jesus he being the Son of and represents the Magnificent King not only of this World but also of Heaven as in the Scripture-Parable Surely saith he they will reverence my Son III. Accept of the terms of Peace offered to you by Jesus Christ and stubbornly stand out no longer 't is your Wisdom to submit and yield speedily thereunto for fear lest it should be said to you as once to Jerusalem c. If thou even thou hadst known in this thy day the things that belong to thy Peace but now they are hid from thine Eyes now 't is too late 1. Consider That the Breach and Enmity that is between God and Man was occasioned by our Sin we first brake League and Friendship with him 2. Consider how unable a Man is to stand and hold out in a War against God Who ever hardned himself against him and prospered Who can stand before his Indignation c. Who knows the Power of thine Anger 3. Consider What a black foul and guilty Soul art thou darest thou strive with thy Maker and joyn in a Confederacy and comply with his Enemy 4. Consider how willing God is to be at Peace with you though the offended Party he first seeks for Peace and Reconciliation 5. Consider how long this blessed Messenger of the Covenant hath waited on you and how often by his Ministers he hath invited and sent to you 6. Consider what gracious Promises he hath made to pardon and forgive all by-past Treasons if you will come in and accept of his good and peaceable Terms 7. Consider what great and irresistible Power there is in his Hands are not the Bowels of his Compassion very tender to ease himself of his Enemies 8. Consider what a sweet thing is it to be at Peace with God it passeth all Understanding 9. Consider now is the day of your Visitation this great Work admits of no delay now is the day of your Salvation O how sad will it be when Christ shall say you having not accepted the free tender of Salvation the things that concern your Peace are now hid from your Eyes 10. Consider Jesus Christ condescended very low you may have Peace on very easy Terms viz. Hear and your Souls shall live i. e. hear faithfully and savingly c. and I will make an everlasting Covenant with you c. But by way of Objection some may say What must we do to have Peace with God Answ. 1. You must fight no more against God neither must you joyn with those that in any wise take up Arms against God nor resist his Word his Spirit nor cast a deaf Ear to the Reproofs of Conscience 2. You must not only break your League with Satan but must also fight against him and rebuke him and so that you may have no more Commerce with him but must always desire Divine Assistance to resist his Temptations though he pretends Love to you in offering worldly Profits Pleasures and Honours yet his grand Design is to damn your Souls 3. Do not any longer hold a Confederacy with Sin no not so much as a secret Friendship with your Delilah your choice and pleasant Sin but put all thy Sins as it were to the Sword Mortify the Deeds of the Body c. If you would have Peace you must deal with your Sins as
well that which is written in the Heart of Man as that which was written in Tables of Stone and then as to the Law of the Gospel that is called the Law of Christ because he gave forth all the Precepts contained thereâ—â—â— 2. The Lord Jesus Christ is full of Goodness full Proofs of which he gave before his advancement to his Dignity He is not forward to accuse is free from Anger not subject to take advantage by the Weakness of an Offender but ready to pity and forgive if the Circumstances of the Cause will bear it An Instance of which we have in what Christ said to the Woman taken in Adultery He that is without Sin let him cast the first Stone c. 4. The Lord Christ is a Man of Justice that will not be flattered with fair Words His Impartiality appeared in the days of his Flesh. He told Nicodemus a great Ruler that he must be born again called Herod the King a Fox He told the Rulers of the Jews that they should hereafter see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and Glory that is as a Judg to arraign them for their Injustice Cruelty c 5. The Lord Jesus tho he be a Lamb for Meekness and a Dove for Innocency yet he is a Lion for Boldâ—â—ess and Courage and in his time will shew himself so to be to all the Ungodly of the Earth whether Kings Captains or mighty Men They shall cry to the Rocks to fall upon them and Mountains to cover them to hide them from the Face of him that sits upon the Throne and from the Wrath of the Lamb. III. The Work assigned to the Lord Jesus as a Judg is grounded upon the highest Reason 1. The Authority of God the Father who hath committed all Judgment into the hands of the Son 2. The Reasonableness of his Authority He gave to all their Being and therefore may challenge a Right more than earthly Sovereigns to sit as Judg over them 3. The Equity of his Laws which are holy just and good there is nothing amiss no fault can be found in them 4. In respect of his Subjects God is not unrighteous to forget their Work of Faith and Labour of Love c. of the Godly And 't is a righteous thing with him to recompense the Ungodly according to their Deeds He shall render unto every Man according as their Works shall be IV. The Lord Jesus Christ is appointed to take the Place and Office of a Judg He acts not of himself but by Commission from the great and mighty Potentate of the whole Universe God judgeth no Man but hath committed all Judgment to the Son 'T is he that is ordained of God to be the Judg of the Quick and Dead He hath appointed a Day in which he will judg the World in Righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained It is appointed unto Men once to die and after Death the Judgment to which end Christ shall appear the second time V. In like manner is there a set Time a certain Day limited for the Lord Jesus the great Judg to keep a general Sessions and hold a solemn Assize for the Honour of the eternal God called the Day of Judgment It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than for that City VI. The Lord Jesus as Supreme Judg by virtue of his Authority and Commission when the set Time is come will summon the whole World even all Offenders to appear before his Judgment-Seat The Time is coming when all that are in their Graves shall hear his Voice and come forth The Trumpet shall sound and the Dead shall be raised incorruptible There shall be a Resurrection from the Dead both of the Just and Vnjust The Lord shall descend from Heaven with a Shout with the Voice of the Archangel and the Trump of God and the Dead in Christ shall rise first We must all appear before the Judgment-Seat of Christ c. VII The Lord Christ immediatly after Summons upon this great Appearance before his dread Tribunal enters upon his last and great Work First to open the three great Law-Books that Men have lived under viz. 1. The Law of Nature 2. The Law of Moses 3. The Gospel-Law The Judg being set the Books are opened next in Order the Witnesses appear and first those that gave the Laws and they are of three sorts 1. God that wrote the Law of Nature after an invisible manner on the Hearts of Men I will come near you to Judgment and be a swift Witness against you saith the Lord. 2. Moses that delivered the Law to Israel There is one that accuses you even Moses in whom you trust 3. The Apostles that published the Gospel-Law not to Jews only but to the Gentile World These will appear not only to judg the twelve Tribes of Israel but the Gentiles whose Persons and Works also must be tried by Christ as well as the Jews He shall judg the Secrets of all Men. VIII Jesus Christ will judg the World viz. all Men both Jews and Gentiles according to their Works God shall bring every Work into Judgment with every secret thing whether it be good or whether it be evil The Necessity of which appears in these four Cases 1. The Scripture will not else be fulfilled and made good which doth fully assert the bringing to Light the hidden things of Darkness and making manifest the Counsels of the Heart 2. The Ungodly will not otherwise be convinced of all their ungodly Deeds and all their hard Speeches which ungodly Sinners have spoken against the Lord. 3. The Judgment will not otherwise appear just upon which the Glory of the Judg doth so much depend 'T is for his Glory to overcome when he judgeth And unless Matter of Fact be charged due Proportions will not be weighed out and awarded according to Desert with clearness and satisfaction either in a way of Mercy or just Severity to all Spectators Therefore the Gentiles shall be charged with Matter of Fact against the Law of Nature Whâ—â—remongers and Adulterers God will judg The Jews shall be charged for rejecting Moses and killing the Prophets The Jews and Gentiles jointly that they have neglected Faith and Charity under the Vouchsafement of the Gospel He shall judg the Secrets of Men by Christ Jesus according to my Gospel The fore-mentioned Witnesses are sufficient to prove Matter of Fact both in point of Number and Capacity The first and chief Witness will be God himself who knew all things and there can be nothing hid from him The second Witness will be Conscience which was and is with Men in all Places and Actions which Man could never leave at home nor shun his Company when he went out or when he came in He is with him in his most secret Retirements and has often told him
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
and defends them Psal. 31 20. Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence Psal. 64.2 Hide me from the secret Counsel of the Wicked from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity Psal. 91.1 3. He is said to Wipe when he destroys 2 Kings 21.13 a Metaphor taken from Dishes which are VViped or made clean by rubbing with the hands He is said to Wipe away Tears from off their Faces when he Comforts and Rejoyces his People Esa. 25.8 Rev. 7.17 4. He is said To Gird with Strength when he Comforts and Supports as Psal. 18.32 and 30.11 12. 5. He is said to Build when he produces a being by way of Creation Gen. 2.22 And the rib which the Lord God had taken from man Builded he a Woman See Exod. 1.21 2 Sam. 7.11 6. He is said to Bind up Wounds when he spiritually heals men and secures them from mischief Job 5.18 Psal. 147.2 3. Esa. 61.1 Hosea 6.1 Come let us return unto the Lord for he hath torn and he will heal us he hath smitten and he will Bind us up 7. He is said to Open the gates of Heaven when he bestows Divine and Miraculous blessings Psal. 78.22 23 24. Though he had Commanded the Clouds from above and Opened the doors of Heaven and had rained down Maâ—â—a upon them to eat and had given them of the Corn of Heaven c. And also when he sends down Rain Deut. 28.12 He is said to Open the door of speech when he affords a fit occasion and saving means to his Ministers of Preaching the Gospel 1 Cor. 16.9 2 Cor. 2.12 Col. 4.3 To Open the door of Faith when he calls and admits men to the Faith and Communion of the Church Acts 14.27 To Open the Heart and Mind when he gives the saving understanding of his word Luke 24.45 Acts 16.14 Psal. 119.129 130. 8. He is said to Hold the right-hand of Cyrus when he gave him a prosperous success in his warlike expedition against Babilon Esa. 45.1 9. He is said to Conclude men in Sin and unbelief when as a most just Judge he declares them obnoxious to sin and therefore liable to Eternal Damnation Rom. 11.32 Gal. 3.22 10. He is said to Try and Prove as Silver is Tryed after the manner of Goldsmiths or others concerned in Mettals when he Purifies and Tryes the Godly with Crosses and Afflictions Psal. 17.3 and 66.10 Zach. 13.9 So when he Purifies and Reforms Doctrines Mal. 3.2 3. Or Destroys such as are obstinately wicked Ezek. 22.18 c. 11. He is said to break with a rod of Iron when he Chastises and Destroys Psal. 2.9 and 3.7 Esa. 38.13 and Lament 3.4 c. 13. He is said to Sift in a sieve when he tryes his People by Calamities and yet preserves them Am. 9.9 and when he scatters or disperses his Enemies like chaff Esa. 30.28 To Sift the Nations with the sieve of Vanity that is they shall be cast on the Earth as through a sieve that so dispersed they should no longer appear He compares the multitude of the Gentiles by whom Jerusalem was to be distressed to dust or chaff which is easily blown away so that little will remain of a great heap 14. He is said to make Bald the Head when he despoiles men of their Ornaments Esa. 3.17 24. for the cheif adorning of Women was in their Hair as 1 Pet. 3.3 15. He is said to Blot out of the Book of Life when men are not accounted in the number of the saved Exod. 32.32 33. Psal. 69.28.29 He is said to Blot out sins when he remits or forgives them Psal. 37.2 3. For the Scripture speaks as if there were an account kept of them in a certain Written Book which because the Messias has made satisfaction are Blotted or crossed out See Col. 2.13 14. 16. He is said to Devour or Swallow when he totally destroys as Exod. 15.7 Esa. 25.8 1 Cor. 15.54 He is to said to make Room or enlarge when he vouchsafes Deliverance from difficulties and troubles Gen. 26.22 Psal. 4.1 2. Psal. 119.31 32. He is said to Direct or make plain the way when he gives a happy issue and conclusion to the endeavours of men as Psal. 5.8 9. Esay 45.2 13. To Lose or Vngird the Loyns when he makes men feeble and unarmed and so uncapable of defence or offence Esa. 45.1 To Pour out his Anger when he Punishes Psal. 79.5 6. Ezek. 9.8 and 20.13 21 33. To Pour out his Spirit when he largely distributes his gifts Joel 3.1 2. Zach. 12.10 Act. 2.17 18 33. Rom. 5.5 Tit. 3.5 6. To make Void Counsel when he disappoints and blasts the purposes of men Jer. 19.7 To Pour out a Blessing when he plentifully distributes his benefits Mal. 3.10 He is said to Hew by the Prophets when he terrifies men by fearful Admonitions and legal Threatnings as Hosea 6.5 and when he spiritually kills them as in the following verses He is said to Stretch out the line of Confusion and the Stones of emptiness when he leaves Kingdoms and Nations to the Desolations of the Enemy Esa. 34.11 This Metaphor is taken from Architects who use lines perpendiculars and little Ropes c. He is said to Bear or carry when he Preserves Sustains Supports and Governs his People as Deut. 1.31 Exod. 19.4 Esa. 46.3 4. Heb. 1.3 He is said to Break the Head when his Wrath falls heavy and destroys men Psal. 110.5 6. Hab. 3.13 He is said to Sling out the Souls of Davids Enemies as out of a Sling 1 Sam. 25.29 that is he will violently take it away as a stone out of a Sling flies with greater force a greater way without further regard of him that throws it The Metaphors is taken from the weapons of David which was a Sling c. On the contrary the Soul of David is said to be Bound up in the bundle of Life denoting Gods Fatherly care of him in securing him from Death which his Enemies designed and preserving him so safe that nothing could be forced away from him He is said to make Way to his Anger when with just Judgments he recompences the unjust stubborness and contumacy of the Wicked Psal. 79.50 He made Way for his Anger he spared not their Souls from Death but gave their Life over to the Pestilence He is said to Weigh the Mountains in Scales and the Hills in a Ballance Esa. 40.12 Which notes with what facility and ease the Lord can sustain and manage the whole Universe even as men do a small pair of Scales The Lord is said to Weigh Spirits Prov. 16.2 by which his most exact knowledge of our Minds and inward frames is noted this metaphor is taken from men who do with a great deal of exactness Weigh things that they may know their value See Prov. 5.21 and 21.2 and 24.12 God is said to
c. So Psal. 4.3 4. and 5.1 2 3 4. and 130.1 2. Esa. 65.24 1 John 5.14 c. Thus God is said to Hear the Heavens Hos. 2.21 When he gives the blessings as Paul mentions Act. 14.17 of Rain from Heaven and fruitful Seasons are granted which Heaven as it were silently desires and begs God for The Scripture uses the term of Gods attention Hearkning as it were to the Prayers and Desires of the Godly by way of illustration of the greatness of his Compassion Psal. 10.16 17. and 66.18 19. and 130.1 2. c. On the contrary â—â—od is said to shut Prayers Lam. 3.8 And to cover himself with a Cloud that Prayers could not pass through verse 44. When he rejects the petitions of any See Esa. 1.15 and 59.2 c. Smelling is attributed to God but which in like manner his Complacency and Grace is noted as a man is refreshed and pleased with a sweet smell as Gen. 8.21 And the Lord smelled a savour of rest so the Hebrew The Chald. says and the Lord received their sacrifice very pleasingly Upon which place Luther says thus As Physitians sometimes recover fainting or swounding Persons by the fragrancy of of Odors and on the contrary as a horrible stench does vehemently offend Nature and sometimes makes men faint so God may be said to be offended with the ill savour of impiety and to be delighted and as it were refreshed when he sees Noah provide himself to Sacrifice as a specimen of his gratitude and by a publick example manifest himself not to be wicked but a true and cordial Worshipper and Reverencer of God which was the proper end of Sacrifices Musculus in his Comment upon the place says very excellently that Moses by an Anthropopathy ascribes the faculty of Smelling to God and writes not of the Sacrifice of Noah for it is not said that the Lord smelled the Odor of the Burnt-Offering but a sweet savour for God smells not by the Organ of Nostrils as man does for it was not the smell of the Sacrifice of Beasts that yeilded that fragrancy such being in themselves rather nauseous then sweet Hence we learn that our Works of what kind soever they be have a certain Smell which ascends to the Nostrils of God and is either approved by him as sweet and pleasing or disapproved as noysome and unsavoury This Odor is not what our external works represent to sence but what results from the spirituality of our Hearts for good Acts proceeding from a good and pious intention smell sweetly but bad ones the contrary In the Sacrifice of Noah there was a Corporal and external Savour which was obvious to the notice of men but the piety of his Heart was pleasing to God whilst in the sincerity and faithfulness of a pious mind he acknowledged and celebrated the goodness of his Lord c. To this may be referred several other places where this phrase of a sweet smelling savour is sound as Exod. 29.18 25 41. Levit. 1.9 and 2.12 and 3.16 and 8.21 Num. 28.2 Ezek. 20.28 41. c Doubtless in these places respect is had to the Messias whom the Sacrifices of the Old Testament typified as Eph. 5.2 Christ Jesus also hath loved us and hath given himself for us an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour So Esa. 11.3 Where it is said that he shall make him of a sent or a smell so the Hebrew in the fear of the Lord which is expounded of the propitiatory Sacrifice of Christ and his Obedience to the Father even unto Death which the Prophet calls the fear of the Lord according to 2 Cor. 2.15 For we are made of God a sweet savour of Christ that is our Ministry to God through Christ is as it were accepted as a sweet Sacrifice See Rom. 15.16 Psal. 45.8 9. Cam. 1.3 c. Tasting and Touching are ascribed to God of which there are not many examples Psal. 104.34 My meditation shall be sweet to him so the Hebrew that is grateful and acceptable Hosea 9 4. They shall not offer Wine offerings to the Lord for they shall not be sweet unto him that is not pleasing nor accepted See Mal. 3.4 Jer. 30.21 Psal. 40.8 9. John 4.32 34. It is said Psal. 104.32 He Toucheth the Hills and they smoke as if it were said by his Touch only he can destroy the loftiest and most firm things So some say that the phrase Psal. 144.5 alludes to the smoking of Mount Sinai at the promulgation of the Law Exod. 19. and 20. Also some phrases may be reduced hither that are mentioned where a hand is attributed to God as before So much of the external Actions of Sense whose Affections are Sleep and Watchfulness for as in Sleep the actions of sense are still and quiet so in Watchfulness they are provoked to their respective Operations as Aristotle says Both these are by an Anthropopathy attributed to God Psal. 44.23 24. Awake why Sleepest thou O Lord cast us not off for Ever Psal 78.65 Then the Lord awaked as one out of Sleep Jer. 31.26 Vpon this I awaked and beheld and my Sleep was sweet unto me by the former a delay of Divine help is noted by the later his strength and power against his Enemies and his Favour and Grace towards his Church after that delay Awaking without the mention of Sleep is expressed Psal. 35.22 23. Esa. 51.9 c. It is said Psal. 121.3 4 He that keepeth thee will not slumber Behold he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep by which phrase the absolute and undoubted certainty of Divine help is declared So Watching is attributed to God and denotes his assiduity or dispatch in inflicting Punishments or granting benefits Jer. 31.28 and 44.27 Actions of the second kind as local motion are ascribed to God by an Anthropopathy as Coming unto Believers whereby the exhibition of his Grace and Blessings is to be understood Exod. 20.24 John 14.23 There is also a Coming to Judge and Punish Esa. 3.13 14. To which belongs that in Hos 11.9 I will not come or enter into the City that is in an hostile manner or to destroy it as Sodom Walking is attributed to God whereby his gracious presence and help is signifyed Levit. 29.12 And I will Walk in the midst of you that is ye shall have my present help and protection So Deut. 23.14 2 Cor. 6.16 Levit. 26.24 It is said then will I also walk contrary to you and punish you that is without distinction of persons I will let the Reins of mine Anger loose upon you God is said to Come down from Heaven when he takes apparent and especial cognizance of the actions of men and that sometimes out of grace and favour as Exod. 3.8 or to punish in Wrath and Anger as Gen. 11.5 7. and 18.21 Psal. 18.9 10. Esa. 64.1 c. The Son of God is said to Come down from Heaven when
God who in his Creation of light and other great works gave himself to be seen as it were by men See Esa. 51.9 and 59.17 For in these places certain Garments are ascribed to God in his execution of Vengeance against his Enemies by an elegant Hypotuposis The metaphor is taken from a Warrior compleatly armed who comes into the field to encounter his Enemy In both places Christ the Captain of our Salvation is to be understood by the Analogy of the Text He is said to be the arm of the Lord because he is the Power of God 1 Cor. 1.24 And Esa. 59.14 It is said that there was no intercessor of the race of man that was dead in sin that could free him from the power of Satan which is a plain intimation Christ himself would be the intercessor the Conqueror of Satan and Death and our Saviour See ver 20 21. Where the promise of the Redeemer is plainly given And the Redeemer shall come to Sion and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob saith the Lord c. Psal. 45.8 The Mystical habit of Christ the Coelestial Spouse is described upon which place Brentius thus paraphrases All thy Garments smell of Myrrhe and Aloes and Cassia out of the Ivory Palaces whereby they have made thee glad that is all the Garments wherewith thou art apparelled and which can be produced for thy use are not composed of wooden or vile materials but brought from Ivory and most precious Repositories for these are called the Houses or Palaces of Garments they yield no other Odor but Myrrh Aloes and Cassia that is a most fragrant and odoriferous scent of which thou takest pleasure that is that most sweet fame which Christ himself and his Apostles by Preaching the Gospel have spread not only in Judea but in all parts of the World Luke 10.17 18 19 c. 2 Cor. 2.15 16. Christ is said passively to be put on by Believers Rom. 13.14 Gal. 3.27 When he dwells in their hearts by Faith Eph. 3.17 and makes them partakers of his Celestial benefits The Apostles are said to be endued with strength from on high Luke 24.49 When they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as it is expounded Act. 1.8 On the other side a man is said to put on the Spirit of God when it powerfully speaks or operates in or by him as a man that goes forth in order to any work amongst men covers himself with a Garment Judg. 6.34 1 Chron. 12.18 2 Chron. 24.20 Moses calls Jehovah A Banner when he gave the Altar he erected a Name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jehovah nissi The Lord my Banner Exod. 17.15 That is the Lord is my helper both now and hereafter against the Amalekites and all other Adversaries Esa. 11.10 it is said the Messiah shall stand for an Ensign or Banner of the People by which his Kingly Office is noted as this passage is quoted Rom. 15.12 He shall rise to Reign over the Gentiles For a Banner or Trophy is a sign of Victory Superiority and Lordship inasmuch as the People are said to act under the Banner of the Prince Christ is the only Asylum or Refuge where such as fly to him by Faith are protected and kept safe from the spiritual Enemy as the Souldiery repair to the Standard of the General where they are secure See Cant. 2.4 Psal. 60.4 Thou hast given a Banner to them that fear thee that it may be displayed because of the Truth Which may be truly applyed to Christ upon these words Ainsworth says that the word Banner is applyed to the Flag or Ensign of the Gospel Esa. 11.12 and 49.22 and 62.10 Here to David and his Victory to be high displayed or to use for a Banner which hath the name of lifting high Esa. 59.19 The Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a Standard against him that is he shall bring to passe that Christ shall be that Standard or Banner of the People for as Souldiers aggregate or repair to the Military Standard so the Saints are gathered together by the knowledge of Christ the Captain of their Salvation A Rod and Staff is attributed to God and our Saviour Christ Psal. 23.4 Thy Rod and thy Staff comfor me of which we have spoke in the Metonymie of the sign for the thing signified Psal. 45.6 Psal. 110.2 Heb. 1.8 The Rod or Scepter of Christ signifies his saving word whereby he directs his Church and People See Esa. 2.3 The Rod of God signifies also Castigation and Punishment Job 9.34 and 21.9 In both which places the Chaldee renders it a Stroke The King of Assyria is called the Rod of Gods Anger Esa. 10.5 Because by him as with a Rod he was to chastise the People and declare his Wrath against sin See verse 24. The Word has almost the same signification Psal. 2.9 Where the epithete of Iron being added it is a symbol of a more grievous and severe punishment Thou shalt break them with a Rod of Iron viz. Such contumacious and stubborn Enemies that despise thy Kingdom whether they be Jews or Gentiles as ver 1 2. These are prophetical words of God the Father respecting Christ his only begotten Son who was constituted King of Sion and as it were inaugurated to the sacred Offices of Judge and Redeemer See Act. 4.25 26 27. All those were to be broken with and Iron Rod by Christ the Judge who would not submit to the Scepter of his saving Grace Psal. 45.6 7. and 110.6 Esa. 2.3 but stubbornly resisted him and therefore by the Sword of his Anger which is that Iron Scepter or Rod as of a severe Judge they were to be destroyed To this place of the Psalmist there seems to be an Allusion Ezek. 21.10 13. In our Translation thus A Sword is sharpned to make a sore slaughter it is furbished that it may glitter Should we then make Mirth It contemneth the Rod of my Son as every tree or as in the marginal reading the Rod of my Son despiseth every Tree and verse 13. What if the Sword contemn even the Rod c. Where an obscure Periphrasis in the original Hebrew has begot diverse Interpretations What seems to me to be most proper and suitable I will lay down and submit it to the Judgement of the Godly and Learned 1. It is certain that the Prophets do frequently cut off their speech introducing even in the very context then this and then another speaking upon which Jerom says that the change of persons especially in the Writings of the Prophets makes the Text difficult to be understood which if delivered with a clearer distinction of places causes and times would render those things plain which seem to be obscure Nahum 2. Hence the Prophets are so obscure because when one thing is treated of there is suddenly a change to another thing or person as Psal. 2.1 The New Testament is introduced as speaking and complaining of Christs Enemies See Acts 4.24
the blood of slain Abel by a very weighty Emphasis As to the phrase of a voice and crying directed to God it manifestly intimates these two things First that he is a just Judge and the avenger of wickedness and therefore the violent murther of Abel could not but come to him for Justice on the assassinate as it is said in the like case 2 Chron. 24.22 The Lord look upon it and require it viz. the blood of Zechariah The Second is that he is a gracious loving Father and defender of such as are his and minds them as well in Life as in Death for he had not only a respect for Abel when alive but hearkens also to the cry of his blood when Dead according to Rom. 14.8 Whether we live or die we are the Lords Some put an Emphasis in bloods being in the plural number intimating as it were that there were many slain in Abel that is such off-spring as he might have had which tacitely call for Justice hence the Chald. translates it The Voice of the seeds of thy blood which were to come and issue from thy Brother but seems to be far fetcht By the plural word of bloods are noted slaughters because the blood gushing from the veins scatters into diverse parts Psal. 5.6 The Lord will abhor the man of bloods and deceit so the Hebrew Psal. 51.14 Deliver me from bloods we translate it blood-guiltiness Hos. 4.2 They break out and bloods toucheth blood But here blood violently shed is understood by a Synecdoche and Matth. 23.35 The blood of Abel is expressed in the singular number 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 haima As to the sence and connexion because Cain did not only not confess his sin but also impudently deny that he was concern'd in the care or keeping of his Brother God deals more openly saying The voice of thy Brothers blood cryes to me from the Earth that is thy Brother is slain I do not vainly inquire where he is his blood demands vengeance of me and I am concerned to call his Murtherer to account therefore speak plainly what hast thou done that is Why didst thou dare or presume to lay violent hands on him Thou sayest thou art not his keeper as if the question were whether thou hast kept him Tell rather what thou hast designed against him this is the paraphrase of Musculus upon the place To this place Heb. 12.24 refers where the crying blood of dead Abel is fairly compared to the living blood of Christ our Mediator and Intercessor Esa. 14.9 10. The Dead are feigned to come from Hell or the Graves to deride the Pride and Haughtiness of that inhumane King of Babylon speaking to him when fallen from his greatness and upbraiding him for his monstrous pride and shameful downfal Jer. 31.15 Rachel the Mother of Joseph and Benjamin long before dead is brought in as bitterly weeping for the Captivity of the people which prophesie is alleaged to express the cruelty of Herods Massacre of the Infants Matth. 2.18 for the agreement of that tyrannical fact with that place Rachels Sepulchre was near Bethlem in which and the adjacent places that most cruel villany was committed c. See also Ezek. 32.21 c. 2. Of other things void of Life and Soul Gen. 4.11 And now art thou cursed from the Earth which hath opened her Mouth to receive thy Brothers blood from thy hand by this Prosopopeia the wickedness of Cain is aggravated as if he had said the very Earth though destitute of sense and reason yet was more humane and kind to thy Brother then thou wert because it received and laid up that blood which thou hast spilt from the sight of men lest it should cause horror in them Others say that this speech denotes the extream grievousness of his wickedness and the horror of his guilty Conscience rendring the very senseless Creatures his Enemies as if he had said the very Earth which as it were with open mouth received the blood of thy Brother from thy hand will account thee as execrable which agrees fairly with the following words Gen. 47.19 Death is attributed to the Land which denotes desolation Exod. 9.18 It is said of Mount Sinai that Jehovah appearing it quaked that is it had such commotions as if like a man it had trembled for fear Levit. 18.18 Spuing out its inhabitants is attributed to the Land which signifies their expulsion for their wickedness Deut. 32.42 God is said to make his Arrows drunk with blood that is that out of his just wrath he would send the Enemies of the Land to kill the wicked and rebellious people See Esa. 34.5 Jer. 46.10 Josh. 24.27 And Joshua said unto all the People behold this stone shall be a Witness unto us For it hath heard all the words of the Lord which he spake unto us c. The stone erected there is by a Prosopopeia said to hear because it was present as it were a Witness and was appointed as a memorial and Testimonial sign of the Covenant God then made with his people Judg. 5.20 They fought from Heaven the Stars in their courses or degrees fought against Sisera The Stars are said to fight because they were instruments of exciting those Hails and Storms which God probably used against his Enemies Josephus says that when the Canaanites encountred with the Israelites a violent shower fell and much Rain and Hail by the force of the Wind was fiercely driven into the Canaanites faces so that their bows and slings became unprofitable and useless neither could they being so benummed with cold handle their Swords which tempest nevertheless did no way prejudice the Israelites Brentius thus expounds it ' we simply expound it that God was no way favourable but an Enemy to the enterprize of Sisera because he dwells in Heaven and terrifi'd the Host and Chariots of Sisera c. chap. 4.15 And whereas the Stars are said to Fight it carries the shew of a Proverb signifying that no prosperous Fortune was on Sisera's side for when any ill luck betides men they are wont to say that no Star shines upon them or that the Stars resist them by which is meant that all Creatures both Earthly and Heavenly threaten their destruction Junius and Tremellius Translate that the Stars e suis aggeribus from their sconces or Bulwarks fought against Sisera that is from the superior Regions of the Air a speech translated from Souldiers fighting from higher places Job 3.8 Eye-lids in the Hebrew text are attributed to the morning by which its early beams are understood or the first shining of its rays arising from the approaching Sun a metaphor taken from one newly awake that lifts up his Eye-lids or as others say from the swift motion and vibration of the Eye-lids because the Sun-beams move swiftly till they are diffused to the ends of the Hemisphere Job 31.38 If my Land cry against me or that the furrows thereof weep The good man declares that he
received that name from the great perturbation of the people of Israel Josh. 7.24 25 26. It was in that valley which borders upon Jericho that they had the first hope of possessing the Land of Canaan So they believing in the valley of Achor that is being full of trouble and dâ—â—sturbance they are raised up by a gracious consolation out of Gods word and are comforted by the hope of eternal Life The Valley of Jehosaphat is put for the Church Joel 3.2 The valley of Gehinnon or Hinnon from whence Gehenna put for Hell comes afford no other Metaphors A Desert which is a part of the Earth little inhabited and manured wanting pleasant Rivers elegant Trees Fruits c. is often put for the Gentiles who are strangers to the Kingdom of God and are destitute of the means of eternal Life Hence Fountains of Living Waters and good Trees are promised to the Desert by which the Calling of the Gentiles to the Kingdom of Christ is intimated Esa. 35.1 2. and 41.18 19. and 43.19 20. And by those Fountains the saving Doctrine of Christ but by Trees the Teachers of the Word and true Believers are to be understood The lower parts of the Earth Psal. 139.15 signifie the Mothers Womb and so the Chaldee translates it By this phrase we are fairly inform'd what our original is viz. the Earth Some say that the phrase Eph. 4.9 He also descended into 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the lowest parts of the Earth is to be taken in this sence But this is most properly to be understood of the state of his deep and most profound humiliation as his ascending on high is to be understood of the state of his most super-eminent exaltation Brentius upon Act. 1. pag. 19. says See the miseries and calamities which man must of necessity endure for his sin and you will find him as it were in the lowest part of the Earth what is lower than the pit of Death What 's deeper than Hell When David said Out of the depths have I cryed to thee O Lord surely he cries from no other place than from the sence of Death and Hell in which for his sins he was comprehended c. The Deep of the Earth and the terms that are analogical to it as a Pit an Abyss or swallowing deep metaphorically denote 1. The Grievousness of Evils Miseries and Calamities Psal. 55.23 and 71.20 and 88.6 Prov. 22.14 Esa. 24.17 22. Lam. 4.20 and 3.47 53. Zach. 9.11 Hence the phrase to dig a pit for another that is to conspire mischief and to fall into the pit he digged for another that is to be overwhelmed with the same evil he provided for another See Psal. 7.15 16. and 9.15 16. Prov. 26.28 Jer. 18.20 Psal. 94.12 13. 2 Thes. 1.5 c. By Sepulchres which are under the Earth great Calamities are likewise signified Psal. 86.13 and 88.3 4. c. 2. That which is Abstruse hid or inscrutable as an abyss or bottomless pit cannot be seen or known through Psal. 36.6 and 92.5 Rom. 11.33 1 Cor. 2.10 Rev. 2.24 See Esa. 29.15 and 31.6 Hos. 5..2 and 9.6 1 Tim. 6.9 c. From Mud Dirt Dust and Dung also Metaphors are taken which denote 1. Men in a Vile and Contemptible condition 1 Sam. 2.8 Psal. 113.7 Hither may we refer where the Apostle calls himself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 4.13 Made as the filth of the World and the off-scouring of all things because of the ignominy and contempt which he suffered Erasmus in paraphrase Others are much honoured by you but we for your sake to this day are accounted as the trash of this World than which nothing can be more abject or trampled upon See Lam. 3.45 To which place a great many say the Apostle had respect 2. Evils and Adversities Psal. 69.2 14. Jer. 38.22 Lam. 4.5 3. Death or a most ignominious casting away Psal. 83.10 Which is called the burial of an Ass Jer. 22.19 See 2 Kings 9.37 Jer. 16.4 c. 4. A thing had in great esteem among men but is really vile sordid and noxious Hab. 2.6 That ladeth himself with thick Clay or Mud by this is to be understood a vast power of Riches which do not profit but rather prove grand snares and hurtful impediments to the wicked possessors as if they had been immerg'd in thick Mud or should take it along as their burthen As Mud is an impediment to a Traveller by how little he can go forward And by how often he endeavours to dispatch by so much is he involved in a more dangerous intricacy So great Wealth in the way of Godliness are a hinderance to him that sets his heart upon it Mar. 10.23.24 Luk. 8.14 See Esa. 24.20 Phil. 3.8 I count all things but loss and Dung that I may win Christ He speaks of those things which before his Conversion he magnifi'd and put his confidence for Salvation in But now being converted to Christ he despises them as the most sordid and vilest things being not only unprofitable for Salvation but most pernicious if confided in Others expound 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as if he had said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that which is thrown to dogs So Suidas takes it And it is to be noted that in the second verse false Apostles are called Dogs whose corrupt works the Apostle cautions against By Mud Dirt and other Filth the Members and Apparel of a man are polluted and contaminated which contamination is brought frequently to denote the Filthy nature of sin Esa. 64.6 2 Cor. 7.1 Eph. 5.27 Tit. 1.15 2 Pet. 2.10 20. with ver 13 22. Jud. ver 23. Jam. 1.21 Rev. 3.4 To this Washing and Cleansing are Contrary by which the taking away of sin is noted The Dust of the Earth likewise signifies contempt abjection misery and mourning 1 Sam. 2.8 Job 16.15 Ps. 7.5 6. Ps. 22.15 16 29 30. and 44.25 26. and 113.6 7. Psal. 119.25 Esa. 47.1 and 52.2 Lam. 3.16 29. Ashes In a metaphorical signification and by allusion of the Name agrees with Dust with which it is sometimes joyned sometimes not For the Dust is indeed Ashes only that is a grosser matter into which a thing burnt is reduced By this is signifi'd frailty and vileness Gen. 18.27 Eccles. 10.9 where nevertheless there is respect had to mans first original which was Dust and Ashes Sometims it signifies great Calamity and the sadness and mourning that ensues Esa. 61.3 Ezek. 28.18 Mal. 4.3 Lam. 3.16 For Mourners were formerly wont to throw Ashes upon their Heads yea to lye in it as appears 2 Sam. 13.19 Job 2.8 and 42.6 Esa. 58 5. Jer. 6.25 Ezek. 27.30 Jon. 3.6 Matth. 11.21 c. The same metaphorical signification is in the phrase to feed on Ashes Psal. 102.9 I have eaten Ashes like Bread that is I am in very great grief or trouble Esa. 44.20 He feedeth of Ashes a deceived heart hath turned him aside He speaks of the Idol which can bring nothing
perfect harmony and Concord c. A Tabernacle is almost of the same signification and is put for the Church Militant Psal. 15.1 27.4 5. 84.1 for the Church Triumphant Luk. 16.8 Rev. 21.3 The Tabernacle of David Amos 9.11 Acts 15.16 denotes the Kingdom and Church of the Messiah c. The word Tabernacle is said of the Suns tarrying in heaven Psal. 19.4 and of a humane Body 2 Cor. 5.1 4. 2 Pet. 1.14 because the Soul dwels in it as its habitation till death A Chamber or Inner Room which the Latines calls Penetrale is attributed to God which is a symbol of that divine and intimate Communion which the Saints enjoy with him Cant. 1.4 See John 14.2 where the many Mansions there are thus to be Metaphorically understood viz. variety of heavenly Joys Chambers of the South Job 9.9 and 37.9 this denotes that part of Heaven which is near the Antartick Pole or Southern Axis which being below our horizon cannot be seen of us See Prov. 24.4 and 18.8 By Chambers of Death Prov. 7.27 is denoted Damnation The Chambers of the People Isa. 26.20 are temporal Death or the Graves of the Godly from which at the last day there will be a Resurrection A Prison and Imprisonment is most elegantly translated to Denote Gods Vengeance against his Enemy Isa. 24.21 And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall visit that is take notice of the host of every high one with him that is on high and the Kings of the Earth with their Land that is he will punish high and low King and Subject ver 22. And they shall be gathered together with the gathering of Prisoners into the Dungeon and shall be shut up in Prison that is they shall be held Captive by the power of God whatsoever they are that are his Adversaries for this shutting up in Prison denotes any kind of Punishment and after many things they shall be wanting that is they shall never be able to extol or lift themselves up more against God See 2 Cor. 10.4 5. A freeing from prison denotes divine Deliverance Psal. 142.7 A Ship Isa. 33.21 denotes all the force of the Churches Enemies Psal. 48.7 The breaking of the Ships of Tarshish betokens as many Interpreters say the confusion of those Enemies See Isa. 2.16 17. Besides this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to make shipwrack of Faith denotes Apostacy from the Faith c. A Grave denotes the depraved Nature of man Psal. 5.9 Rom. 3.13 Their throat is an open sepulchre the Metaphor being taken from the noysome scent of a Grave which is translated to the corrupt and wicked discourse of ill men See Matth. 23.27 28 c. See also Isa. 14.11 Thy Pomp is brought down to the Grave that is none will honour thee c. Metaphors from the various Adjuncts of Men. THese may be Divided into Internal and External of the Internal we have before expounded Many of the Externals by which the various Utensils or Instruments c. useful for humane Life are to be understood we will here treat briefly Arms are translated by a notable Emphasis to denote the spiritual fight or strugling of a Pious Soul against Sin and Temptation Rom. 6.19 13.12 2 Cor. 6.7 10.4 1 Pet. 4.1 Of Which the Apostle treats most Elegantly Eph. 6. upon which see Mr. Gurnal who hath well handled that Subject The Devil is said to be a strong man Arm'd Luk. 11.21 that is well provided with Craft Guile and Subtlety to over-reach and overcome a Soul A Sword denotes 1. A thing hurtful because it is cutting and so betokens most bitter Griefs Psal. 22.20 Luk. 2.35 Hence 't is said of an ill-speaking and virulent Tongue Psal. 55.21 57.4 59.7 Job 5.15 See Psal. 64.3 c. To put a knife to the Throat denotes extreme peril Prov. 23.2 2. It denotes a thing very penetrating and efficacious Psal. 149.6 Micah 5.5 Eph. 6.17 It is said of the Word of God that it is sharper than a two-edged sword Heb. 4.12 Gladio ancipiti 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 scindendo penetrabilius esse which denotes its piercing efficacy to reach the heart when set home by the Spirit See Isa. 49.2 Rev. 1.16 2.12 16. c. A Bow and Arrows signifie the same thing that is are put for an ill speaking and lying tongue Psal. 64.3 120.4 Jer. 9.3 An arrow flying by day denotes any sudden or invading danger Psal. 91.5 how attributed to God we have shewn in the Chapter of an Anthropopathy page 71. A Quiver wherein arrows are kept is put for a Family wherein Children are well educated Psal. 127.5 see ver 3.4 and Psal. 8.2 Matth. 9.38 Isa. 41.16 Psal. 45.5 Isa. 49.2 the Chaldee renders it It is good for that man that fills his School with them A Shield put for Princes Psal. 47.9 Hosea 4.18 who defend their Subjects as a Shield does the Body Paul calls the Word of God the shield of Faith Eph. 6.16 which quenches all the fiery darts of the VVicked One because when received in Faith it defends a Soul from all the Temptations of the Devil which are as Darts that would obstruct its passage to heaven see Gurnal as before See 1 Thes. 5.8 c. Elisha and Elijah are called the Chariots and the Horsemen of Israel 2 Kings 2.12 13.14 that is their principal strength as Chariots and horsemen are in VVar c. A Staff because it is the supporter of a weak or lame Man denotes help and support 2 Kings 18.21 Psal. 18.18 Hence the Staff of Bread Water c. is put for Meat and Drink by which the life of man is Supported and Refreshed Lev. 26.26 Psal. 105.16 Isa. 3.1 Ezek. 5.16 14 13. c. Hence Bread is said to support in our Version strengthen the heart of man as a staff does the body that is comforts and refreshes him Hence also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fulcire to prop is put for eating 1 Kings 13.7 c. On the Contrary a staff is a symbol of Meanness and Poverty as in the Prayer of Jacob Gen. 32.10 With my staff I passed over this Jordan that is weak and poor the Metaphor being taken from such as are taken Captives in VVar and despoiled of all their Arms and are dismissed with a Staff Because a staff is an Instrument whereby men use to beat It is put for Tyranny Cruelty and severe Government Prov. 10.13 22.8 26.3 2 Sam. 7.14 Psal. 89.32 Isa. 10.5.24 14.5 A Prize is put for the Reward of the Godly the metaphor being taken from such as win a race or overcome any challenger or adversary that contended with them at any exercise 1 Cor. 9.24 Phil. 3.14 For the exercise of Faith and Piety is compared to a Race or Strife 1 Cor. 9.24 25 26. Gal. 5.7 Heb. 12.1 c. Col. 2.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies to defraud of that Reward the metaphor is taken from
put them into a better Form I know that thou canst do every thing and that no Knowledg is hid from thee Corollaries 1. FRom these Particulars we may observe That if God be the Builder of all things then the Work must of necessity be very well done for no human Architect can mend it 2. That it is very rational that he should be acknowledged and praised by his handy Work 3. That there is good Reason that all should be at his disposal for he gave them Being 4. That Men have no cause to murmur because they have no greater part of this World than God allots for they ought to acquiesce in his Will 5. That in all our Wants we should apply our selves to Him that gives liberally and upbraideth not for we can have no Supply elsewhere 6. That in all Projects and Undertakings we should seek Counsel of this great and wise Master-Builder and observe his Leadings in all Enterprizes 7. That good Men have no reason to be troubled for worldly Losses for all is the Lord's and he will surely give them what is fit for them God a Man of VVar. Exod. 15.3 The Lord is a Man of War 1 Sam. 17.45 The God of the Armies of Israel Isa. 47.4 The Lord of Hosts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dominus Exercituum Observation God is compared to a Warrior TO illustrate this Similitude we shall shew 1. What Wars the Almighty God engages himself in 2. What manner of Warrior he is 3. In what respect he is parallel with earthly Warriors 4. The Disparity betwixt them 5. Draw some Inferences or Corollaries from the whole 1. The Lord is engaged in a Spiritual War against the Ungodly that remain obstinate and rebellious against him He judges the Righteous and is angry with the Wicked every day If he turn not he will whet his Sword he hath bent his Bow and made it ready He hath also prepared for him the Instruments of Death he ordaineth his Arrows against the Persecutors If I whet my glittering Sword saith the Lord and mine hand take hold on Judgment I will render Vengeance to mine Enemies and will reward them that hate me I will make mine Arrows drunk with Blood and my Sword shall devour Flesh and that with the Blood of the Slain and of the Captives c. 2. The Lord is concerned and oftentimes engages himself in Temporal or National Wars and Battles 'T was He that led Joshua forth as an armed Man against the Canaanites Hence he is called the God of the Armies of Israel I know not saith an eminent Writer any one thing where the Providence of God is more fully set out in Scripture than in the Workings of it about Wars It was the Lord that brought up Nebuchadnezzar against the Cities of Judah and stirred up the Medes to destroy the Babylonians Q. But what manner of Warrior is God A. 1. He is a Righteous and Just Warrior The proud haughty Princes and Potentates of the Earth many times take up Arms upon unjust grounds and pick Quarrels for vain-glorious and ambitious Ends If they see their Neighbour thrive as if it were an Eclipse to their Glory they invade him and imbrue their cruel Swords in Blood and Slaughter sacrificing the Lives of many thousand Innocents to gratify their avaricious and damnable Lusts Whereas God never proclaims War nor draws the Spiritual Sword against any Soul People or Nation but when there is just cause and no other means will do Shall not the Judg of all the Earth says Abraham do Right 2. The Lord is a skilful and expert Warrior he knows how to marshal his Host and set his Battle in Array There is no Policy in War nor Stratagem in the Military Art but he understands it 3. He is a mighty and terrible Warrior He can shake the Heavens by his Voice and make the Mountains quake before him With him is terrible Majesty he is the Lord mighty in Battel He makes the Earth to fear and the Inhabitants thereof to melt so that the Men of Might shall not find their hands He can make Emperors as Stubble to his Bow and mighty Kings as Chaff before the Whirlwind He makes Beelzebub with all his Guards to tremble and fly into Darkness it self to hide themselves He cuts off the Spirits of Princes and is triumphant over the greatest and proudest Monarchs Alexander Pompey Caesar and Tamberlane have all yielded to this invincible Conqueror If he shews but a Finger on the Wall he makes proud Belshazzar quake and can employ inanimate Creatures to terrify and destroy Pharaoh and his Host. 4. The Lord is a victorious and prevailing Warrior when he rises up he devours at once He bears long before he stirs up himself like a Man of War he is not quickly provoked I have saith he for a long time held my Peace I have been still Now I will cry like a travelling Woman I will destroy and devour at once The Lord shall go forth as a mighty Man he shall stir up Jealousy like a Man of War He shall cry yea roar he shall prevail against his Enemies 5. He is a Kingly Warrior or General of a mighty Host All the Inhabitants of Heaven and Earth are at his Command Metaphor I. A Great and principal Warrior is dignified with a Title suitable to his Office as Lord General or his Excellency II. He trains up and disciplines his Army in the Military Art instructing them how to behave themselves in all Martial Engagements discovering the Enemies Stratagems to them III. A General or Warrior takes Counsel and Advice before he makes War IV. A Royal Warrior when engaged in War sends forth Commissions and levies an Army or Armies as the Kings of Israel did who were great Warriors and his Orders are obeyed V. A great Warrior opens his Armory and distributes Weapons and Martial Habiliments to his Souldiers VI. A Warrior sets up his Martial Standard or chief Ensign of War VII A Warrior causes his Trumpets to sound to make ready for the Battel VIII A Warrior when he musters his Army sets them in array assigning their proper Work and Stations for the respective Squadrons or Divisions IX A just and a generous Warrior sets forth his Declarations of the Equity of his Cause and the End of his Quarrel X. A great Warrior gives his Souldiers Banners to be displayed XI A Warrior before he fights animates and encourages his Souldiers and provokes them to valorous and undaunted Actions XII The General or chief Warrior marches in the Head of his Army and leads them on in Person to Battel XIII A prudent Warrior takes care not only of his Front but of the Rear of his Army he manages their Retreat as well as the Onset XIV A Royal Warrior is careful in providing Pay for his Souldiers at his own charge Parallel I. GOD has a Title that expresses his transcendent Excellency and Grandure he is
thirty two Cubits broad and all Stumbling-Blocks and other Impediments taken thereout XIII The Ways to the Cities of Refuge were made easy to find at every Partition or cross Turnings they set up a Writing Refuge Refuge XIV The Man-slayer was to flie with speed to the City of Refuge lest the Pursuer overtook him XV. The Man-slayer was not only to flie to the City of Refuge but to get into it and abide there till the Death of the High-Priest then living XVI Those that were got into the City of Refuge before the Avenger of Blood overtook them were safe and delivered from Death Parallel I. SInners nay the Godly themselves are oft-times in great Danger and Distress In my Distress I called upon the Lord. II. God is the only Refuge who is fit and capable to relieve them that flie to him III. Those who would have God for their Refuge in the Day of Trouble ought to know or understand what a God he is God is known in her Palaces for a Refuge And they that know his Name will put their Trust in him IV. God is near to all that call upon him that call upon him in Truth Not only a God afar off but a God at hand V. God is a Refuge infinite in Strength able to save all to the uttermost who by Christ Jesus flie to him VI. God secures his Church and People from innumerable Multitudes of Infernal Internal and External Enemies Edom the Ishmaelites of Moab the Hagarens Gebal Ammon Amalek with the Inhabitants of Tyre were all confederate against God's Israel yet by being in this glorious Refuge they were safe VII God secures his People from the Wrath of the King of Darkness who goes up and down like a roaring Lion seeking whom he may devour and from the Wrath of Antichrist that bloody-Beast and First-born of Hell And were it not for this Refuge we had long ago been destroyed VIII God being the Saints Refuge greatly animates encourages and fortifies their Minds against all the dreadful and amazing Dispensations of God When there are Signs in the Sun and in the Moon and in the Stars and on the Earth Blood Fire and Vapour of Smoke When there is Distress of Nations with Perplexity the Sea and the Waves roaring and Mens Hearts failing for Fear and for looking after those things which are coming upon the Earth For the Powers of Heaven shall be shaken In such a Day as this the Godly are secured and with David say Vnder the shadow of thy Wings will I make my Refuge until these Calamities are â—â—ver-past I will both lay me down in Peace and sleep for thou Lord makest me to dwell in Safety IX God as a Refuge preserves the publick Prosperity and Weal of his Church and People from the Envy of Devils and other implacable Enemies Lâ—â— thâ—â— Kings were assembled they passed by together saith David they marvelled and were troubled Fear took hold on them Why what is the Matter Because God discomfits them They are broken in pieces and cannot destroy the Joy of Mount Zion How comes this about God is known in her Palaces for a Refuge X. God is a Refuge who saves from Death and secures our Lives from the Destroyer and bloody-minded Men. Bâ—â—bylon always thirsts after and is ready to spill the Blood of God's Children and were it not that they are preserved under the Wings of the Almighty or secured by his glorious Arm they had been cut off Root and Branch before now XI Jehovah is a Refuge in and through Christ against Conscience Wrath and the Law who accuse and pursue poor Sinners and this by the Appointment of God Neither is there Help or Succour for them any where else XII There is a plain Way made to God the Father this blessed Refuge for Sinners through the Blood of Jesus all Stumbling-Blocks and Obstructions being removed See Christ the Way XIII God hath made such Provision and laid down such clear Directions leading to himself in the holy Scripture that no wise and wary Man can mistake or lose his Way XIV Those that would find Refuge in God must not neglect flying to him by Faith and Regeneration How shall we escape if we neglect so great Salvation XV. Those that would find Refuge in God must not abide without in a visible Profession and go no further but get a Dwelling in the Almighty and there abide as long as they live See God a Habitation XVI Those that get into God by the Blood and Mediation of Jesus before Wrath and Vengeance overtake them or Death cut them off are safe and graciously delivered from eternal Death There is no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus c. Metaphor I. OTher Refuges save or secure only from human Violence and Danger II. Other Refuges may not be ready at hand nor quickly found in Time of Calamity III. Other Refuges may not be out of the Reach and Attack of the Enemy nor be strong enough to secure against Assaults IV. Many Men flie to Persons and Things for Refuge which greatly deceive them They sometimes make Gold and Silver their Hope trust in their Trades Friends Princes Parliaments and Potentates of the Earth but in vain alas is Salvation hoped for from such Hills and Mountains I looked on my right hand and behold there was no Man would know me Refuge failed me and no Man cared for my Soul How have many been undone in former and latter Days by flying to false and deceitful Refuges expecting they would be Fathers and Nourishers to them There is no Trust to be put in the Sons of the Mighty The Pope and his Cardinals have a Proverb amongst them Mercatorum est non Regum stare Juramentis 'T is for Merchants not for Princes to stand to that which they have sworn V. The Cities of Refuge under the Law were only for the Man-slayer who by Chance or Casualty kill'd a Man not for wilful Murtherers Disparity I. GOD is a Refuge that saves and delivers from Spiritual and Eternal Dangers II. God is a Refuge that is always at hand and to be found by all such as seek him timely before the Day of Grace be over III. God is a high and strong Refuge Hence David resolved to make his Refuge under the Wings of the Almighty by which Phrase as some observe he compares the Lord to an Eagle to which he is resembled in Deut. 32.11 and himself to one of the Eagle's Young The Eagle mounts aloft dwells on high No Man saith Pliny can reach or touch the Eagle's Nest being made upon or rather in the Clifts of the inaccessible Rocks She abideth as saith Job on the Crag of the Rock and strong Place There she hides her young Ones who are safe enough But a godly Man who makes his Refuge in the Rock of Ages under the Wings of God's Providence and
Metaphor I. THe Arm of a Man is an Arm of Flesh and consequently may decay grow weak or be withered II. The Arm of Man is short and cannot help at a distance such as is a Man such is his Arm and Power III. The Arm of Man is weak and may be beaten down by a greater Force cannot engage or encounter with the Powers of Hell IV. The Arm of a Man may be broke or cut off and so become useless V. The Arm of Man helps but for a time he lives not always and so cannot help always Disparity I. THe Arm of God is a spiritual Arm and so cannot decay all the Attributes of God abide and change not II. God's Arm is not short he can help and save afar off as well as near and Ten Thousands at once tho they live in so many Nations The Lord's Arm is not shortned that he cannot save III. God's Arm is very strong too strong for the Mighty of the Earth what is the Arm of Man to the Arm of God Alas what can they do He is able with his little Finger to crush and break them to pieces nay he is able to destroy all the Powers of Hell and Devils in a Moment IV. God's Arm cannot be broke nor cut off V. The Arms of God can help at all Times and in every Condition hence called the everlasting Arms. Application 1. IF God hath such a strong Arm let Sinners take heed how they provoke him against them it is a dreadful thing you may perceive from hence to fall into the Hands of the Living God Do ye provoke the Lord to Anger Are ye stronger than he 2. If God hath such an Arm Wo to the Enemies of the Church this may make Babylon tremble Her Plagues shall come upon her in one Day Death and Mourning and Famine and she shall be utterly burnt with Fire for strong is the Lord that judgeth her 3. If the Church of God hath such Arms as you have heard doubtless her Enemies shall never prevail against her it shews forth the Security and Safety of God's People God is able to save and deliver his Church when he pleases 4. Why should Saints be afraid of Man and tremble at the Arm of Flesh who have an Arm of God to help them Have Men an Arm like him Alas their Power is weak and vain There is no King saved by the Multitude of an Host a mighty Man is not delivered by much Strength As 't is a great Sin to trust in an Arm of Flesh Cursed is the Man that trusteth in Man So 't is a great Evil and Folly to fear what they can do What hurt can the Arm of Man do us They can but kill the Body that 's the most and so far they are not able to go neither unless God gives them Commission 5. How soon can God if he hath such an Arm break the Arm of the Mighty God can deal with the strongest Arm of Flesh. Son of Man saith the Lord I have broken the Arm of Pharaoh King of Aegypt and lo it shall not be bound up to be healed to put a Roller to bind it to make strong to hold a Sword When God breaks the Arm of an haughty King 't is beyond the Skill of his Chirurgeons to set the Bones and make it whole again The Horn of Moab is cut off and his Arm is broke A savage Beast saith one cannot hurt us when his Horn is broke no more can a cruel Tyrant when his Arm of Power is burst asunder 6. If this be so let us engage the Arm of God for us If we can but get the Almighty to be on our side wee 'l not fear what Hell or Rome can do unto us Let us humble our selves before him and depart from Iniquity let us trust in God alone and offend him as we have done no more 7. If God have such a mighty Arm then let us all labour to trust in him We cannot saith a godly Minister trust Creatures too little as to Success nor can we trust God too much let us trust in God alone and in no other Strength but his 8. This may stir us up to the Duty of Prayer to cry mightily in our Distresses to God for Help let us pray in this time of Need as the Church doth Awake awake put on Strength O Arm of the Lord awake as in the Generations of old Art thou not he that hath cut Rahab and wounded the Dragon Lord shew forth thy Might here is another Dragon a Romish and bloody Dragon risen up against thy poor Church and it is in the Power of thy Arm only to deal with him 9. Seeing God hath such an Arm let weak Christians pray that he would lead them yea carry them in his Bosom and let us all daily be in the Consideration and Meditation of the Strength and Power of his Arm. We little consider and fear what God can do God compared to a Travailing VVoman Isa. 42.14 Now will I cry like a travailing Woman c. THis is a kind of Metaphor called an Anthropopathy as all Places are that attribute any thing humane to God In this Text we are to note that his Lenity Patience and long Forbearance are changed into a severe Vengeance Because a travailing Woman tho in great Pain yet patiently endures it to the utmost Extremity of her Throws and then being overcome by the Violence of her Pangs breaks out into Cries and Vociferation Which most elegantly expresses the Patience and long Forbearance of God and the Extremity of his Wrath when provoked Psal. 78.65 66. Rom. 2.45 Simile I. A Travailing Woman is in Pain great Pain When Pangs come upon thee like the Pain of a Woman in Travail II. A Woman in Travail cries out her Pains are so great she cannot refrain her Pangs make her cry bitterly III. A Woman in Travail strives to bring forth IV. 'T is not long when great Pain and Pangs come upon a travailing Woman e're she is delivered Parallel I. GOD is pleased to speak after this manner as if he was in pain I will ease me saith he of mine Adversaries I will avenge me of mine Enemies The Adversaries of God seem to hurt and put him to pain In all their Afflictions he was afflicted When the Foot is afflicted the Head is afflicted God is pleased to condescend so low as to sympathize with his Church when she is pain'd he is pain'd II. God will visibly demonstrate to speak after the manner of Men how his Soul is pained and distressed for his Church and People hence saith he I will cry like a travailing Woman III. God when he stirs up himself and begins to cry and roar 't is that he may bring forth Deliverance for his Church IV. When God begins to roar in his thundring Judgments pouring forth the Vials of his Wrath upon the Beast and to cry like a travailing Woman
which he hath enjoyned upon them This do in remembrance of me c. Christ compared to an Hart. Cant. 2.9 My Beloved is like a Roe or young Hart. THe Lord Jesus in several places is resembled to an Hart. Simile I. AN Hart is a lovely and pleasant Creature so called in the Proverbs pleasant Roe 'T is observed by Writers that the Hart hath some resemblance of a Lion a Horse and a Grey-hound which are all accounted very stately Creatures II. An Hart as Naturalists tell us hath no Gall. III. An Hart is a Creature that exceedingly delights in Musick loves to hear such that can sweetly sing IV. An Hart or Stag saith Pliny is the most gentle and mild Beast in the World V. An Hart is a Creature that has a very clear Sight and a quick Hearing nay can see if Credit may be given to Historians in the Night as well as in the Day VI. An Hart is a very loving Creature to those of its kind and will help its Fellow when forc'd to take to a River one resting his Head upon the Loins of his Fellow and if the foremost tireth the hindmost changeth place with him VII An Hart is a very sociable Creature greatly delights in Company Multitudes of them will if they can be together VIII An Hart is a Creature that is chased exceedingly by Dogs and vexed by Hunters IX The Hart is a mighty swift Beast excellent in leaping and ascending Mountains Their Swiftness doth not only appear upon the Earth but also upon the Waters David alludes to this when he says The Lord hath made my Feet like Hinds Feet The lame Man shall leap saith the Prophet as an Hart. X. Dictum est de Cervis quòd aâ—â—errimè pugnant pro uxoribus sua certamina instituunt in montibus It is said of the Harts that they fight fiercely for their Females upon the Mountains XI An Hind when she has brought forth her Young lodges them say the Naturalists in some Rock or other bushy and inaccessible Place covering them and if they be stubborn and wild beating them with their Feet until they lie close and contented They leap over their young teaching them to run and leap over Bushes Stones and small Shrubs against a Time of Danger Or as Pliny saith their little Ones they practise and exercise to use their Legs from the very beginning c. They bring them to high steep and ragged Rocks and there shew them how to leap and withal acquaint them with their Dens and Places of Harbour XII The Hart when 't is hunted by the Dogs will flie to Men nay rather than be made a Prey to the Hounds run to the Huntsman In short it greatly desires and pants after Help and Relief in its Distress XIII Mirabilis est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 inter Cervos Serpentes c. There is say Historians a marvellous Antipathy and continual Enmity between the Hart and Serpents 1. The Hart knows by a wonderful Instinct of Nature in what Holes or Caverns they lurk and hide themselves and by his Breath brings them out that he may spoil and destroy them 2. The Hart is hard beset and much annoyed by Serpents in Lybia Multitudes of them do set upon him together fastening their poysonful Teeth in every part of his Body some on his Neck Breast Sides Back twine about his Legs biting him with mortal Rage which he throwing himself upon the Ground destroys others he bruises and so clears himself of them XIV Cervi devoratis Serpentibus ita inflammantur ut ardentissimam sitim concipiant ejulationes edant donec ad fontem perveniant c. The Hart when it hath devoured Serpents is so inflamed with vehement Thirst that he cries with a lamentable Moan and rests not till he comes to a Fountain to drink XV. Odium inter Serpentem Cervum etiam durat post mortem c. The Hatred between the Serpent and the Hart continues after Death when the Hart is slain Pliny and Sextus affirm that if a Man sleep on the Ground having upon him an Hart's Skin Serpents never annoy him The Virtues of his Horn are wonderful nay Naturalists affirm the whole Nature and Disposition of every part of this Beast to be good against Poyson and venemous things his Blood hath excellent virtue in it Parallel I. JEsus Christ is exceeding lovely and pleasant to look upon tho not to every Eye Some cannot discern wherein the Hind resembles a Lion a Horse or a Grey-hound this is known only to the curious Observer So there are some that see nothing lovely nor pleasant in Christ think there is no Form nor Comeliness in him but a Believer who hath the Eyes of his Understanding enlightned can clearly discern a Loveliness and Amiableness in the Lord Jesus II. Jesus Christ hath no Rancour of Spirit retains no Envy or Indignation to poor Sinners for Injuries done to him he prayed for those that murdered him Father forgive them they know not what they do III. Jesus Christ greatly delights in the Melody of the Souls of sincere Christians in the well-tuned Instruments of their Hearts who by fervent Prayer can open their Case and send forth the Desires and Breathings of their Souls to him such make sweet Musick in his Ear When they sing spiritual Songs and Hymns of Praise to him with Grace in the Heart he is exceedingly delighted Sing Praise unto the Lord sing Praises IV. Jesus Christ is meek and humble in Spirit and may rather be compared to a Hart than Naphtali whom Jacob says was as a Hind let loose giving goodly Words Learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find Rest to your Souls V. Jesus Christ hath so quick and sharp an Eye that he can see into the very Heart of a Man or Woman All things lie naked and open to his Eyes Day and Night are alike to him he sees as well in Darkness as in the Light His Ears are always open to the Prayers of his Saints he is quick in hearing their Complaints VI. Jesus Christ dearly loveth his People all sincere Christians and is ready to help them not only when they are in the Water but in the Fire When thou passest through the Waters I will be with thee and through the Rivers they shall not overflow thee When thou walkest through the Fire thou shalt not be burnt neither shall the Flame kindle upon thee I will help thee yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my Righteousness VII Jesus Christ was very sociable in the days of his Flesh he took delight to be amongst poor Sinners and great Multitudes flock'd together to him My Delight was with the Children of Men. VIII Jesus Christ was exceedingly chased pursued and hunted by wicked Men in the days of his
satisfying Fruit no other Fruit can satisfy not only good for Food but choice and satisfying Food 5. There is store of Fruit on this Tree see how the Tree hangs the Boughs thereof are wonderfully loaden the Plenty is great in this 't is like the Tree spoken of by Daniel 6. It s Fruit is lovely and delightful to the Eye do not the Looks of these Apples invite you 7. It s Fruit is durable cannot corrupt nor decay 8. 'T is the Tree of Life Eat of this Fruit and thou shalt not dye but live for ever Such are past from Death to Life and shall not come into Condemnation Joh. 5 2â—â— 9. 'T is Fruit that those that eat thereof shall be made wise by it 10. It yields a sweet Smell comforting under Faintness 11. It is medicinable the Fruit of this Tree will purge out the evil Venome and horrid Poison that came into our Natures by old Eve's eating of the forbidden Fruit contrary to the Command of God 12. It s Shadow is most excellent for refreshing it gives great Consolation yea the greatest Consolation to poor fainting wearâ—â—ed Souls that willingly sit down under this Tree 1. He shelters from the scorching heat of God's Wrath due for Sin 2. He shelters or is a Covert from the hurt and heat of Persecutors or Rage of such 3. 'T is a delightful Shadow Refreshing to the weary Soul and in a troublsome Land a sweet Resting-place 4. 'T is a Shadow that yields full Content and Satisfaction I sat down in the Text signifies her acquiescing there or making her Abode under the same she desires no better nor no other Happiness seeks noâ—â— to Angels to Saints nor to her own Works 1. I sat down with Delight now this Delight is neither carnal nor sinful but 't is spiritual 2. 'T is great Delight which the Church has even ravishing Joy 3. 'T is abiding and lasting Delight increasing it will be more and more as it is said of the Light of the Righteous it shines more and more to the perfect Day 4. This Delight is an Earnest of that Delight which the Soul shall have in Heaven 5. 'T is a compleat and perfect Shadow it answers all Needs a Shadow for the Head Heart and every part and at all times From hence we infer 1. What great cause have we to admire the Goodness of God tho he denied us in Adam to eat of that Tree of Life after the Fall yet hath he provided us another Tree of Life to make us immortal 2. What Fools are all those who refuse to eat and live for ever 3. Let us also learn from hence when we are faint and weary to seek to none but Christ the Tree of Life for Refreshment 4. How happy are Believers who sit under the Shadow of Christ's Protection his Ordinances and Divine Doctrine Christ an Embassador Mal. 3.1 And the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come into his Temple even the Messenger of the Covenant whom ye delight in c. THe Words Embassador Legate or Messenger are synonimous Terms properly such as are commission'd or deputed betwixt distant Parties to transact Affairs of moment The Term is applied to Christ who is the Angel Messenger or Embassador of the Covenant who not only transacted but compleated the Work of Redemption thereby reconciling God and Man who were before at variance and Enmity Which shall be further manifested in the following Parallel Metaphor I. AN Embassador or Messenger of Peace is an honourable Person and usually a great Favourite to the King II. An Embassador is a wise Person skilled in State-Affairs and knows how to adjust National Differences or to make up a Breach or Breaches that may be between one Kingdom and another III. An Embassador must be of known Integrity and Faithfulness as well as of Ability great Trust being reposed in him IV. An Embassador is appointed and made choice of to this great Employment and Place of Trust by the determination and decree of the King V. A Person that is chosen to go an Embassador must accept of the Place and Work before he takes his leave of the Court. VI. An Embassador is entrusted with Matters of great weight and moment things that concern Peace and War the Weal and Wo of Kingdoms and Nations VII An Embassador as he is chosen and entrusted with Matters of great consequence so likewise that he might be invested with a Legal Power he receives a special Commission from the Prince or State he represents which does authorize him to that Work and Office VIII An Embassador having received his Commission leaves his own Kingdom and goes into that Country to which his Prince hath ordered him there to negotiate the Affairs that are committed unto him IX An Embassador of Peace represents the Person of the Prince or State that sent him so that the same Honour and Dignity or Indignity that is shewed to him is shewed thereby to the Sovereign whom he represents And it is easy to guess how much they esteem the Prince by the Respects they pay to his Embassador X. An Embassador is strictly tied to the prescribed Rules Precepts and Directions which are delivered to him and doth not must not proceed contrary unto them XI An Embassador is oftentimes sent to prevent or put an end to War that thereby great Effusion of Blood Ruin and Desolation might be stopp'd and prevented XII An Embassador offers Terms or makes Proposals to the adverse Party thereby finally to conclude and make a lasting Peace XIII An Embassador that hath a tender Heart is greatly grieved when he sees his Mediation and merciful Terms of Peace to be slighted and rejected and from the consideration of the woful Misery and Calamity that is like to follow he is the more importunate using many Arguments to cause Compliance XIV An Embassador hath many Servants or a great Retinue waiting upon him and is a Person deserving much Honour in discharging his Trust with very much Awe and Fidelity to his Prince XV. An Embassador hath Power given him to ratify and confirm Articles of Peace between Kingdoms and Nations who are at variance that so there may be Commerce between them in future Times XVI A faithful Embassador is received with abundance of Joy at his return home and is highly preferr'd as a Testimony of great Favour for his Works sake XVII An Embassador not having success in his Business in bringing the Adversary to amicable Terms of Peace and Reconciliation many times against those Nations or People that refuse bloody War is proclaimed and great Desolation follows XVIII An Embassador is oftentimes an Instrument to save Thousands and Ten Thousands of Souls from Death and Kingdoms from Fire Sword and Destruction and thereby he raises Trophies to his Fame and Glory Parallel 1. CHrist the Embassador or Messenger of the Gospel of Peace is a most noble honourable and renowned Person Lord of Lords most excellent in Worth and Dignity one near-allied
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
of his Faithfulness in performing and making good the same of the reality of his Intentions to make Men happy through believing that he renders the matter on God's side valid against all Contenders whatsoever so as that God shall be clear in Judgment and none be able to answer him one word of a thousand VII Jesus the faithful and true Witness was so necessary to the determination of matters relating to God and man that it could not be done without him otherwise another might have serv'd in his room but none in Heaven nor Earth was found worthy to open the Book and loose the â—â—eals thereof Rev. 5.4 If I had not come and done what no other did you had not had Sin but now you have no cloak for your Sin John 15.22 24. VIII Christ as the chief Witness hath spoke the whole Truth left nothing conceal'd that either concerns God's Glory or Mens Good either by himself before he went to Heaven or by his Apostles since he hath declar'd the whole Counsel of God so that the Record of his Testimony is able to make us perfect and compleat in the whole Will of God and if any add to or take from his Word he shall lose his part in the Book of Life and heavenly Jerusalem IX Jesus is so just and impartial a Witness yea and so great an Abhorrer of Falshood that he is called the Truth it self yea Grace and Truth came by him He was holy harmless separate from Sinners X. As the Testimony of Jesus will put an end to all Controversies the right way and leave the Wicked wholly wiâ—â—hout Excuse and clear the Justice of God So it shall be more tolerable for the Land of Sodom in the day of Judgment than for that City that refuse and reject the Word and Testimony of Christ in the Gospel Divine Justice however will be cleared in the eyes or view of Men and Angels in condemning them that had the Light and would not be determined by it See Christ a Prophet Metaphor I. THe greatest Witnesses amongst Men are but of a short standing they are but of yesterday know but in part therefore can testify but in part II. Earthly Witnesses are but Servants and in many things return the Matter of their Testimony by Information Disparity I. BUt Jesus Christ is an Ancient Witness of long standing was with the Fâ—â—ther from the Beginning saw and â—â—eard all things that he spake and did I was by him as one brought up with him c. Before Abraham was I am II. Jesus Christ is the Son of the great King and Law-giâ—â—er and hath the whole matter of Testimony by Sight and personal Knowledg The Father hath shewed the Son all things that himsâ—â—lf doth c. And what he hath seen and heard that he testifyeth Joh. 3.32 Inferences I. THese things shew the great value God puts upon the Souls of Men that rather than they should miss the Knowledg of his Will and perish for want of Testimony to confirm the Truth he sent Jesus Christ his own Son to witness and testify Divine Things to them God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto our Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son II. That the Gospel is to be highly valued as the perfect Will of God witnessed to not only by him that was true and faithful but perfect and fâ—â—ee from the least stain or spot of Sin III. They deserve to be damn'd that live under the repeated Testimony of Christ the true Witness and yet will not believe it so as to be reformed by it How shall we escpae if we neglâ—â—ct so great Salvation IV. What Confirmation Establishment and Consolation also is here to all that belieâ—â—e and embrace the Gospel in Sincerity 1. This is the Truth as it is in Jesus The true Grace of God wherein ye stand 2. There is a high degeee of Blessedness to them that have not seen and yet believed 3. The abiding by this Testimony and Witness of Jesus Christ gives an Interest â—â— and Right unto Eternal Life 4. It advanceth the great Honour makes Men no less than the Children of God and Joynt-Heirs with Christ. V. An Exhortation to all them that have received the VVitness and Testimony of Jesus Christ to hold it fast against all Opposition whatsoever There is great danger in being ashamed of and relinquishing the VVord and Testimony of the Son of God He will be ashamed of them before God and the Holy Angels VI. To them that have not received his Testimony to receive it with all speed because it is the word of Life the very Doctrine of Salvation It a fearful thing to refuse him that speaks from Heaven and trample under foot the Blood of the Son of God Christ an Altar Heb. 13.10 We have an Altar whereof they have no right to eat who serve the Tabernacle THE Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 properly signifies an Altar where the slain Sacrifices were offered and sometimes as Brightman says on Rev. 16.7 The Altar of Incense or Perfumes It is derived of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies a Sacrifice or Offering In this Text it Metaphorically denotes the whole Mystery of Christ the Mediator and is put by a Synecdoche for the Oblation or Sacrifice viz. Christ. See 1 Cor. 9.13 10.18 The meaning is that such as still stick to the Ceremonies of the Law by serving the Legal Tabernacle and thereby seek their Justification cannot eat of this Spiritual Altar that is they cannot be Partakers of the Benefits of this Sacrifice purchased by the Death of Christ. Metaphor I. THe Altar of Perfume was appointed by the Lord to be made of Shittim Wood overlaid with Gold having a Crown of Gold about it II. The Altar of Burnt-Offerings was ordaind for Sacrifices to attone for Sin the Flesh of Beasts was offered thereon III. All Sacrifices were to be offered upon the Altar of Burnt-Offerings and all Incense to be burnt upon the Altar of Incense IV. The Altar of Burnt-Offerings was but one and in one place and the Sacrifice to be offered thereon in this place only V. The Altar did sanctify the Sacrifices which were laid upon it VI. The Altar was a place of Refuge Men that were in danger fled to the Horns of the Altar and there intreated for Favour VII The Horns of the Altar were to be sprinkled with Blood and so was the Altar of Incense once a year VIII The Altar had four Horns on the four Corners thereof Parallel I. CHRIST's Humane Nature was covered and over-laid as it were with the Divinity and crown'd with Majesty as the Gold adorn'd the Wood and circled the Altar II. Christ was appointed for Sacrifice his Humane Nature was offered up as a Propitiatory Sacrifice for the Sins of the whole World III. All our Duties
Because the Gospel holds Christ forth to be the store house of all Divine grace and blessings he is ordained to convey all spiritual Riches to his Church and to every Member thereof 3. To allure and engage souls to love him and close in with him how can any refuse such a friend reject such a Saviour that is so beautiful to look upon and also so exceeding Rich. 4. That it might leave all men and women without excuse in the great Day what will they have to say that reject such a Saviour that turn their backs upon such a Christ when they are called to answer in the Day of Judgment 5. To relieve the tempted Soul 6. To strengthen the Faith and chear the hearts of all that do believe in him Fourthly The gospel is glorious in respect of Christ the glorious Object of it as it reveals his glorious Power Power in Scripture is taken two manner of ways or it shews a twofold power in Christ. 1. A Commanding Power his power of Soveraignty or Regal power that which we call Authority 2. The power of working or effecting that which he would have done Some have power to command but want a power to Effect that which they command cannot accomplish what they would have done but what Christ commands he can do or cause to be done at his Pleasure 1. I shall shew that the power of Christ is a glorious power 2. Shew why Christ hath such power 1. Christ hath a commanding Power he hath great Authority he hath a Regal Power or Superiority over all 1. Over Angels 2. Over the Church 3. Over the Devils I will lay upon the shoulders of Eliakim the Keys of the house of David Isa. 22.22 Keys is a borrowed speech signifying Government and Legal Power Christ hath the Keys of David Rev. 3.7 All Power in Rule and Government in Commanding Forbidding Punishing Binding Loosing Damning Saving is in Christs hand See Christ the Head and Heir of all things Keys of Hell and Death signifieth Christs Regal power over the Devils and delivering up unto Death and Hell or keeping out of it Over men mighty men Kings of the Earth He is the only Potentate King of Kings and Lord of Lords They are all his Subjects shall and must Submit to him 4. He hath an universal Power therefore glorious Power the Sun the Moon the Stars the Winds the Seas obey him 5. Christs Power is absolute he bears the Image of God he is God as you heard before None hath absolute power but God he doth what he pleaseth 6. Christs Power is Just therefore glorious in Power it is not a Might without Right 't is in him Essentially as God and is given to him as Mediator in the one Respect he derived it from none in the other sence he received it from the Father 7. Christs Power is Infinite he made the World he upholds the World therefore glorious in Power He could have made a Thousand Worlds can do beyond all that we can conceive or speak 8. Christs Power is glorious because he can bring all other Power to nought in a moment at his pleasure whether of Men or Devils 9. Christs Power is glorious Power in that it is everlasting Power Men may be powerful for a time but they may soon lose it must die and so cannot hold it long but Christ sits King for ever his power is from everlasting to everlasting of his Kingdom there shall be no end 10. Christs power is Dreadful he looketh upon the earth and it Trembles he can make all tremble before him who can Thunder like God 1. He has a glorious commanding Voice 2. A glorious restraining voice what is swifter than the Sun which he can stop in a moment 3. Glorious in his reproving voice Psal. 50.21 4. In his threatning voice Rev. 2.16 and Chap. 2.23 11. He hath a Glorious Victorious Conquering and Subduing Power he hath overcome Sin Devil Death Hell c. 12. Christs Power is Glorious because nothing is too hard for him to do nay nothing is hard for him to do he can do what he will with a word of his mouth 13. Christs Power extends not only over the Body but over the Soul also works mightily in us as well as for us and can do wonderful things by weak Instruments by foolish and contemptible ones in the eye of the VVorld VVhat mighty things did he do by a few poor Fishermen and others not accounted off 14. Lastly Nothing is hard for Christ to do tho' all the Devils of Hell and Men on Earth oppose and resist him I will work and who shall let it VVhy hath Christ as Mediator such great and glorious Power given to him 1. From the greatness of his work he is to accomplish 2. Because no Souls whatsoever Discouragements they meet with should despair in coming to him or in relying upon him 3. That he might be feared and dreaded by all yea that his very enemies might tremble before him 4. That he might be honoured and adored Honour belongs to Sovereignty Thirdly As the gospel is Glorious in respect of the Revelation made therein of God the Father and of our Lord Jesus Christ. So likewise in Respect of the Holy Ghost the gospel shews the Spirit in himself to be a distinct living powerful intelligent Divine Person Not only a distinct self subsisting Person but also a participant of the Divine Nature not the chief of all created Spirits and so the head of all good Angels as some imagine but that he is uncreated truly and ready God coeternal with the Father and the Son This we shall speak a little unto together with his glorious work Office and Operations First The VVord of God holds forth and positively declares that the holy Spirit is in himself a distinct intelligent Divine Person and which ought to be believed concerning this great truth viz. the Diety and Personality of the holy Ghost may be seen in the ensuing Testimonies according as they are Collected to our hands by a Reverend Divine Psal. 33.6 By the word of the Lord were the Heavens made and all the host of them by the spirit of his mouth Job 26.13 By his spirit he hath garnished the Heavens Psal. 104.30 Thou sendest forth thy Spirit they are created Mat. 28.19 Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost Act. 1.16 That Scripture must needs hath been fulfilled which the holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake Act. 5.3 Peter said to Ananias why hath Satan filled thy heart to lye to the holy Ghost Ver. 4. Thou hast not lyed to man but to God 1 Cor. 3.16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you 1 Cor. 12.11 All these worketh that one and the self same Spirit dividing to every severally man as he will And there are
If thou dost well shalt thou not be accepted of If thou followest on to know the Lord then shalt thou know him Seek and ye shall find Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved XII Christ's last Will and Testament is the godly Man's Title Whoever he be that Christ hath bequeathed such and such a Blessing or Promise to he is sure enough of it from the Nature of the Covenant and from the Provision that is made by Christ the Testator for the fulfilling and accomplishing thereof My People shall be willing in the day of my Power Christ makes the Condition easy to his Elect. XIII Christ hath resigned this great Trust of fulfilling of his Will into the hands of the Father and the Holy-Ghost who are not only faithful Executors of this his Testament but able to supply the Wants of every one and helps all those to whom the Covenant doth belong Holy Father keep through thine own Name those whom thou hast given me I will pray the Father and He shall send you another Comforter who shall abide with you for ever XIV Christ's Will and Testament being confirmed and ratified by his Blood as He will not alter it himself much less may any Man or Angel presume to do it If We or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have preached let him be accursed If any Man shall take away from the Words of the Prophecy of this Book God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life If any Man add unto these things God shall add unto him the Plagues that are written in this Book XV. Christ by dying opened a way and gave Legacies to Sinners to have his Testament executed if the Testator had not died there had been no room nor access to them that are called to receive the Eternal Inheritance Testator I. THe Death of a Testator amongst Men makes only his own Will valid cannot make and confirm the Will of another II. A Testator amongst Men cannot be a Witness to the Will he ratifies and establishes III. A Testator among Men bequeaths or gives Legacies comparatively but to a few IV. A Testator among Men cannot enjoy or possess that Kingdom Estate or Inheritance himself after he hath given it away to others and settled them in possession V. A Testator amongst Men commits his last Will and Testament to Men to be fulfilled VI. The best Legacies Testators among Men bequeath are but earthly and temporal things Disparity I. CHrist did not only give force and value to his own Will but to the Will of the Father also II. Christ is not only a Testator but a Witness of the same Testament as 't is the Father's He is given of God as the great Evidence of Covenant-Love and of all the choice Favours and Good-will to Sinners God so loved the World c. And secondly he is given as the great Covenant-Interest and Relation betwixt God and Sinners He testifies that all that is contained in the Covenant is true and the absolute Will and Pleasure of God He said these things are true and faithful Who is it that affirms and testifies this Jesus Christ who is the true and faithful Witness III. Christ gives Legacies to Thousands and Ten Thousands no Godly Man hath nor ever shall have any spiritual good thing but what was bequeathed to him by Christ's Will and Testament IV. Christ the spiritual Testator tho he hath given away all that he hath and gives the possession to Believers by his last Will and Testament yet is Co-heir of the same Kingdom and Glory and shall possess it together with them V. Christ the spiritual Testator surrogates his Spirit in his absence and after his Death to see his Will executed in all points and to give real and actual possession of all his Covenant-Blessings unto them to whom they are given VI. The Legacies Christ bequeaths are spiritual things of a high and most sublime Nature As all things are given to Christ the Mediator so all that he is or hath he parts with freely to his faithful Followers the Graces of the Spirit Adoption Pardon of Sin Peace of Conscience precious Promises in a word all things that appertain to the Life that now is and to that which is to come All is yours and ye are Christ's and Christ is God's Inferences 1. THis exceedingly shews forth the Grace and Love of Christ to Sinners in that he should assume Man's Nature and become liable to Death and Mortality what marvellous Condescension is here that he should act or do any thing in contemplation of Death and be a Testator and yet could not see Corruption the Grave could not keep him and yet refused not to submit unto Death that thereby through the Spirit he might convey a legal Right and Possession to us of eternal Life 2. From hence we may also see how firm and sure the Covenant of Grace is made to all the true Seed and faithful Children of God 3. And let all the Friends and Legatees of Jesus Christ know that their Right and Title to spiritual and eternal Blessedness is of absolute Grace and meer Pleasure of the Testator 4. And what cause have we to praise the Name of God in Christ who hath published and made known his last Will and Testament unto the Sons of Men We have the Mind of Christ. 5. And in that he hath left one to execute his Will and that it is put into the hands of the holy Spirit in Christ's absence who is able to do it effectually But the Comforter which is the holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my Name he shall teach you all things he shall testify of me 6. Moreover let all such tremble that adventure to alter add to or diminish from any thing that is left in Christ's last Will and Testament the Plagues of God without Repentance are like to be their Portion for ever 7. Furthermore from hence you may see what reason we have to examin what is preached for Doctrine or published by any Man as the Mind of Christ for if it be not written or found in his last Will and Testament we ought utterly to reject it tho an Angel from Heaven should preach it Whatever is affirmed to be an Ordinance of Christ's if it be not nor cannot be naturally inferred without Abuse or Wrong to the Text let it be abhorred and contemned by us 8. This affords much Comfort to the Godly whose Names are written in this Testament and in the Lamb's Book of Life You will there find exceeding great and glorious things bequeathed to you and let it be your care to sue for them according to the Will and Directions of the Testator 9. Also let them not forget their Friend nor neglect to keep up his Remembrance in those holy Signs of his Death and Suffering for their sakes