Flesh as he is now in his Members No sooner was News brought of his Birth but Herod that Fox pursued him Blood-hound like to take away his blessed Life many Dogs were I may say always at his Heels hunting him from one place to another He was seldom quiet or had rest whilst on Earth such was the Rage of the Devil against him that old malicious Hunter IX Jesus Christ saith Mr. Ainsworth is ready to help his Church he is like an Hart for Swiftness Some of the common Epithets expressing the Qualities of this Creature are amongst the rest these nimble agile or winged as if he did rather flie than run now for agility and swiftness none like Christ he is said to come leaping over the Mountains and skipping over the Hills that is over all Impediments that might hinder Good from his People whether it respect their Sins and Unworthiness or the Opposition of the World and their and his Adversaries who are likened to a Mountain Who art thou O great Mountain before Zerubbabel And every Mountain and Hill shall be made low X. So Christ pro sua Ecclesia certamina acria cum Diabolis Morte sustinuit sustained sharp Encounters and Conflicts with the Devils and Sin for his Spouse the Church removing those Mountains that hid his Grace and separated him from her XI Jesus Christ lodges his Children under his own Pavilion he hides them in the secret Place of the Almighty or under the Wings of his Power Love and gracious Protection covering them with the Mantle of his pardoning Mercy But if Believers are stubborn and disobedient kicking like an untamed Heifer the Lord Jesus in a way of Mercy beats them with the Rod lays Afflictions upon them to humble them and bring them to submit to his blessed Pleasure and causing them to be contented with their Condition He teaches his Saints to leap over all Opposition or exercises them to use their Feet from the beginning how to improve their Graces and learn Experiences so that they may escape the Danger of the Hunter and keep clear off the Hounds before pursued And because he would every way secure and save them from Death he acquaints them where their Dens Place or Places of Safety and sure Harbour are Behold there is a Place by me and thou shalt stand upon a Rock I will put thee in a Clift of the Rock and will cover thee with my hand c. XII Jesus Christ when pursued and under the heavy pressure or weight of our Sins saw the great need he had of Help and Succour and therefore 't is said In the days of his Flesh he offered up Prayers with strong Cries and Tears unto him that was able to save him from Death and was heard in that he feared He accepted of Relief from the very Angels who in his Distress shewed their readiness to comfort him XIII There is an unreconcileable Enmity between Jesus Christ and the old Serpent and his Race I will put Enmity between thy Seed and her Seed c. 1. Jesus Christ knows all the Holes and lurking Places of the old venemous and mischievous Serpents and by his Spirit and Breath of his Mouth viz. the Preaching of the Gospel brings them out of the Hearts and Bodies of Men that he may dispossess spoil and destroy them 2. Christ was hard beset with evil Spirits his Enemies were numerous the Devil tempted him many with Serpentine Rage assaulting him grievously annoyed him and at last how did this venemous Off-spring set upon him and torment him in every part of his Body and cast Contempt upon all his Offices and to this day how doth Satan and his Instruments twine about and annoy every Member of his Mystical Body But Christ notwithstanding all their Rage by humbling himself unto Death overcame them all He spoiled Principalities and Powers he made a shew of them openly triumphing over them in it He shall bruise thy Head To this end was the Son of God manifested that he might destroy the Works of the Devil XIV Christus destrâ—â—ens Diabolum verè sensit ardentissimum onus irae Dei in se derivari e. When Christ came to destroy break the Head of or devour the Serpent the Serpent as 't was foretold crush'd or bit his Heel he was sensible that the heavy Wrath of God was upon him insomuch that he sweat as it were great Drops of Blood in the Garden and when he was on the Cross he cried out I thirst and with a bitter Cry ran to the Fountain of all Fulness My God my God why hast thou forsaken me XV. Christus post mortem ubi resurrexit c. Christ being slain or after his Death and Resurrection sitting at the right hand of the Eternal Father retains mighty Efficacy in himself against the old Serpent and all the Venom of Sin A Man that hath on him the Robe of his Righteousness cannot be hurt or devoured by the Devil The Virtue of his Horn of Power is infinite whether respecting the Power of his Grace to help his Church or the Power of his Anger to destroy his Enemies The whole and every part of Christ is excellent against Satan and the Poyson of Sin the Example of his Life his Death Resurrection Intercession his Word Spirit Gospel and Grace powerfully expell it The Virtue of his Blood is admirable it heals all Diseases of the Soul makes Atonement and cleanses us from all Sin Metaphor I. THe Hart is but a weak Creature in comparison of Lions Elephants c. and can't save himself from his Enemies II. The Hart is a very timerous and fearful Creature will run as being affrighted when no danger approaches III. An Hart is as Naturalists tell us an envious Creature is loth to part with that which is good for others when he has cast his Horn he hides it in the Earth so that 't is hard to find it and is unkind to such of its own kind as are wounded IV. The Hart tho he lives long and is famous for length of Life yet dies at last as well as other Creatures Disparity I. JEsus Christ excells all in strength all the mighty Monarchs of the Earth and Powers of Hell and Darkness are nothing in his hand I have laid Help upon one that is mighty II. Jesus Christ is void of all Fear his Courage is beyond the fearless Courage of a Lion flies from no Enemies c. III. Jesus Christ is ready to part with any thing that will do poor Sinners good He left his Kingdom the Bosom of his Father and shed his precious Blood for our sakes He gives all things that are good both for Body and Soul He envies not our Happiness and is exceeding merciful to poor wounded Sinners IV. Jesus Christ tho he once died yet dieth no more Death hath no more Power over him He ever liveth to make Intercession for us Inferences 1. FRom the Enmity
come to have our Sins forgiven 't is he that gives us a Heart to ask it and a Hand to receive it Is Christ All to thee in respect of every Grace He gives Faith 't is he that is the Author and Finisher of it 't is he that sheds Love abroad in our Hearts by the Holy-Ghost All Grace is treasured up in him all Grace is communicated to us through him Is he all to thee in the Ministry of the Word 't is Christ that is preached 't is he that gives Grace to preach and opens the Ear to hear the Word preached and helps the Soul to receive the Word Is Christ all to thee in Ordinances The Lord's Supper holds forth his Death his Body broken and his Blood shed He is the sum and substance of it Baptism shews his Burial and his Resurrection In Ordinances or Duties art thou not satisfied unless thou meetest with Christ Jesus 9. Art thou willing to accept of Christ as the Father offers him Art thou willing to have him to be thy Prince as well as thy Saviour to destroy thy Sin as well as to save thy Soul 10. Dost thou long to be like him art thou willing and desirous to be holy as to be happy to live to him here as well as to live with him hereafter Is every thing in Christ or that belongs to Christ precious to thee V. Reproof This reprehends those that lay aside and would build without this precious Corner-Stone Who they are see Metaphor Christ the Foundation VI. Labour to esteem and highly value Jesus Christ. What are all things without him If he is not precious to thee nay thy All all thy profit by him at last will be nothing at all what wilt thou do at Death Qu. Some may say What shall we do to get Christ to obtain him who is so precious 1. Let thy Sins go 2. Let all thy Righteousness go in point of dependence do not trust to that 3. Let all Consultations with Flesh and Blood go and close immediately with Christ. 4. Improve the Means of Grace God is pleased to afford thee attend upon the Ministry of the Word Lastly Here is comfort to all true Believers you that have Christ have all and let me tell you you can never have less than all for this precious Stone can never be taken away from you you having made the blessed Choice that one thing needful with Mary Christ the Wonderful Counsellour Isa. 9.6 And his Name shall be called Wonderful Counsellour c. COuncellour is a word of a double Signification respecting two ranks of Men. 1. Such as appertain to the high Courts of Princes called Counsellors of State 2. Such as appertain to the high Courts of Judicature who are called Counsellors at Law These two Ranks of Men have their proper Work and Business peculiarly appropriated to them c. The first of these Ranks of Men are in Councel with the King to make and establish Laws therefore called Elders or Senators c. 2. The proper Work and Business of the second Rank or Order of Men is to unfold and plead Law therefore called Barresters or Counsellors c. Many things belonging to each Station do very fairly agree to the Son of God who therefore is not unfitly called Wonderful Counsellor c. Wonderful because the greatest and wisest that ever was Counsellor because his Place Work and Circumstances agree thereto as appears in these following Considerations Counsellour I. SOme Councellors are of a noble Extraction well descended which gives them Advantage above others Such have a double Advantage 1. In respect of Honour 2. In respect of Education Men basely or meanly born and descended are seldom or never advanced to the Honour of Counsellors in the highest Courts especially of Parliaments II. A Counsellor is brought up to useful Learning for so great an Employ or Office Men who are illiterate being unfit for it III. A Counsellor is a Man of Worth otherwise unfit for that Function or to appertain to any Court IV. A Counsellor of State is or ought to be a Man of an high and heroick Spirit not concerned about Triffles and things of an inferior Nature but mostly taken up with the more weighty and more considerable matters of the Law V. A Counsellor of State is chosen to that high Sphere and Dignity he comes not in of himself but by choice VI. A Counsellor of State is admitted into the Kings Court takes his place at the Council-Table and his chief Business lies there VII A great and wise Counsellor of State is made acquainted with the most secret Purposes of the King himself without whose Counsel and Consent there is nothing acted nor brought to light VIII A Counsellor of State is one who is thought worthy to be the Kings Familiar and Companion IX A Counsellor of State is one of the highest Ranks of Men none above him but the King himself X. A Counsellour of State is concerned in the agitating of Great Affairs such as immediately concern the King and the good of all his Subjects as the issuing out of Proclamations and the approving of other Ministers to be imployed in the King's Business XI A wise worthy and good Counsellor of State tho he be a Subject and Favourite to the King yet he is a great Glory to a Kingdom and it is the more respected for his sake I. A Counsellor at Law is a publick Officer belonging to a Court of Judicature II. A Counsellor at Law gives Advice and Councel from whence he derives the Denomination of being called a Counsellor III. A Counsellor at Law makes known the Law to those that are ignorant or unlearned he being the Mouth as it were of the Law IV. A Counsellor at Law resolves doubtful Cases which other Men cannot V. Counsellours at Law make Conveyances of Estates and most Men think these Conveyances not sufficient unless made by such able Men as they VI. Counsellours at Law have great respect amongst Men especially those who do most need them and make use of them VII A Counsellour at Law puts an end to Controversies by Non-suiting or Overthrowing the Party which is on the Adversaries side VIII A Counsellor at Law makes Contracts in great and weighty Cases between Parties IX A Counsellor at Law discovers Flaws in Evidences to undeceive the over-credulous X. A Counsellor at Law is of general use to Men since their tempers have been corrupted their manners vitiated and a necessity of multiplying Laws to correct them c. XI A Counsellour at Law is a Pleader of Causes which is none of the least part of his work Parallel I. THe Lord Jesus is of an high and sublime Extraction well descended according to the Flesh of the Blood Royal of the Lineage and Stock of David the King of Israel and in respect of his Diviniâ—â—y the eternal Son of God Possessor of Heaven and Earth He is Lord of the Angels and King of Saints and
Backslidings and love them freely If any Man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous Christ a Testator Heb. 9.16 For where a Testament is there must also of necessity be the Death of the Testator THo this Term is thought by some not to be a Metaphor Christ being really a Testator yet it may not be unprofitable to run the Parallel with Human Testators The word in the Greek is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 diathemenos of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies a Testament which is of the same import with the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Berith A Testament is the Sentence and Declaration of our just Will of what we would have done after Death and is so called because it is a Testimony of our Mind which is not in force because revocable till the Testator dies Thus the New Testament or Law of the Gospel is ratified and confirmed by the Death of Christ. The Parallel is as follows Testator I. A Testator signifies a Disposer or one that makes a Will and Testament who hath Goods to bestow and Relations or Friends to give them to II. A Testator is one that is under a natural Tie or Obligation and full of Thoughts Cares and Good-Will to his Friends and hence provides for them when he is gone III. A Testator imports a Person dying or under the apprehension of approaching Death and from hence makes a Testament and bequeaths Legacies IV. A Testator hath full power to dispose of whatsoever he possesseth or hath a Right unto and according to his sole Will and Pleasure bequeaths unto others V. A Testator sets down the Person in his Will to whom he doth bequeath or give Legacies VI. A Testator to make his last Will and Testament firm and authentick calls others to witness it VII A Testator finally to compleat perfect and confirm his last Will doth sign and seal it himself which according to the Laws and Customs especially of the Eastern Nations as divers have observed is done by Blood moreover the Epistle to the Hebrews shews us that the first Testament was dedicated by Blood hence called the Blood of the Testament VIII A Testator by making his last Will and Testament usually disannulls any Will made before IX A Testator makes his Last Will and Testament unalterable by any other or by himself as others must not so he will not X. A Testator takes care to have his Will made known and published after his death that the Legatees may know what Legacies are left and bequeathed to them XI A Testator oftentimes limits the Legacies bequeathed to some of the Legatees upon Conditions by them to be performed XII The Will of a Testator gives a sure and firm Title to those that he wishes well to and bestows Riches on they hereby are secured For what can be more full and undeniable Right than that which is left or bequeathed to a Man by the last Will and Testament of his Friend XIII A Testator ordains or assigns Executors in Trust to see that his Will be punctually observed and fulfilled XIV A Testator being dead no Man can attempt to abrogate or alter any part or thing that is in his last Will tho it be but a Man's Covenant yet if it be confirmed no Man disanulleth or addeth thereunto XV. A Testator dies and thereby opens a way for all the Legatees to come into the possession of the Inheritance that is left them Parallel I. CHrist our spiritual Testator hath store of Blessings and good things in his hand are all Riches of Grace and Glory and at the end he will bestow them on his spiritual Relations viz. his Children his Elect who are called his Friends Ye are my Friends c. II. Jesus Christ by taking his People into Covenant-relation and Union hath laid himself under strong Bonds and Obligations to them and from hence takes care of them and is filled with thoughts of kindness to them and provides for their future Good in his absence III. Jesus Christ knowing his Hour was coming that he must go out of the World to the Father he being appointed to Death made his last Will and Testament and left Legacies to all his Saints and faithful Followers IV. Jesus Christ the Testator of the new Covenant hath not only full Power and Authority to convey all Gospel-Blessings but all Grace here and Glory hereafter is solely disposed of at his Will and Pleasure in which way and to whom he pleases He gives Power to become the Sons of God He hath given him Power over all Flesh that he should give eternal Life to as many as thou hast given him Father I will that those which thou hast given me be with me where I am My Peace I give unto you V. Jesus Christ as Testator hath set down in his Testament who the Persons are to whom he hath bequeathed the Blessings of the Covenant both Grace and Glory viz. all that are his Sheep all that the Father hath given him all that are regenerated who truly repent and believe in him and keep his Word VI. Jesus Christ to establish and make firm his last Will called sufficient Testimony to witness it as first the Father secondly his Miracles thirdly John Baptist fourthly the Scriptures and then fifthly his Apostles We are his Witnesses of all things that he did VII Jesus Christ ratified and confirmed his last Will and Testament with his own Blood He shall confirm the Covenant he shall be cut off For where a Testament is there must be the Death of the Testator This is my Blood of the New Testament shed for many By Christ's Death there is a Confirmation of the Verity and Reality of the Covenant of the Validity and Authority of it and lastly of its Efficacy and Availableness to us for a Testament is of force after Men are dead otherwise 't is of no strength whilst the Testator liveth VIII Jesus Christ disannull'd the Law of the Old Covenant by his establishing the New there is a disannulling of the Commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof He took away the first that he might establish the second IX Christ hath made his last Will and Testament so as never to be altered by himself I will put upon you no other Burthen but what you have already c. My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my Mouth X. Christ ordained and commanded his Disciples to publish his Mind and Will to the Children of Men. Go into all the World and preach the Gospel that is to make known the Testament He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved and he that believeth not shall be damned XI Christ hath appointed Conditions to be performed by some Men before they can actually possess the Grace and Blessing promised viz. to attend upon hearing the Word to pray believe repent c.
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
thee and the wife of thy Youth Mal. 2.14 that is to joyn them in an individual Society of Life A judicial Inquisition which inflicts revenge and punishment upon the guilty is noted in these texts Gen. 9.5 Josh. 22.23 Psal. 9.12 Psal. 10.14 15. The Metaphor is taken from the Custom of Judges who by the Examination and weighing of Testimonies first inquire into the case and then proceed to sentence By Numbring the most exact care and providence of God is noted as men keep accounts of affairs that concern them much Psal. 56.8 Thou tellest my wandrings put thou my tears into thy bottle are they not in thy book Matth. 10.30 But the very hairs of your head are numbred Also his most exact knowledge of things that are innumerable to us Psal. 147.4 He telleth the Number of the Stars he calleth theâ—â— all by their Names Esa. 40.26 He bringeth out their host by Number he calleth them all by their Names by the greatness of his Might c. By the term Selling a delivery into the power of the Enemy by an offended God is noted as things that are sold by men are transfeerred into the right power and property of another as Deut. 32.30 How should one chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight except their Rock had sold them Jud. 2.14 And the Anger of the Lord was hot against Israel and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them and he Sold them into the hands of their Enemies round about c. and chap. 4.9 The Lord shall Sell Sisera into the hand of a Woman c. See Psal. 44.12 Esa. 50.1 Ezek. 30.12 c. By the term Buying is signifyed Redemption by and through Christ as 1 Cor. 6.20 For ye are bought with a price therefore glorifie God c. and 1 Cor. 7.23 Ye are bought with a price be ye not the Servants of men So Gal. 3.13 and 4 5. 2 Pet. 2.1 Rev. 14.3 4. The price which purchases this Mystical Buying is the Blood Death Passion and Merit of our Blessed Saviour The second kind of Actions which are proper to the hands are either general or special In general there is ascribed to God by an Anthropopathy Labour in the work of the Creation So Job calls himself the Labour of his hands Job 10.3 that is fashioned and formed him in his Mothers Womb of which he emphatically speaks in verse 8. Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about The Hebrew word properly signifies the forming of a thing with great Labour Art and Diligence In other places it denotes anxiety Grief and Trouble setting forth the exceeding great Wisdom of God in the Creation or forming of man which is expounded in the 10th and 11th verses with more special and emphatical words hast thou not pouâ—â—ed me out as Milk and curdled me like Cheese Thou hast cloathed me with Skin and Flesh and hast fenced me with Bones and Sinews c. Psal. 139.13 14 15. This Divine work is spoken of Thou hast covered me in my Mothers Womb I will praise thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made marvellous are thy works and that my Soul knoweth right well My substance was not hid from thee when I was made in secret and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the Earth c. The Hebrew Translated curiously wrought is very emphatical for it properly signifies to paint with a Needle or the texture or weaving various Figures and Pictures in Arras or Tapestry Hangings or Garments interwoven or wrought with many curious colours The formation of man is therefore compared to such a work because of its marvellous Order Symmetry and Contexture of various Members Veins Arteries Bones Flesh Skin c. In the work of Redemption the Passion and Death of Christ is called Labour as Esa. 43.24 Thou hast made Labour in thine iniquities so the Hebrew He shall see the Labour or travel of his soul. Esa. 53.11 This comes to pass in a two-fold respect which attend Labour As 1. Anxiety and Toyl Then 2. The Vtility and Profit that follows for the word comprehends both according to that saying Gen. 3.19 In the sweat of thy face shall thou eat Bread where the Toyl and Profit are joyned The Toyl and Anxiety of Christ in the work of our Redemption is largely described by the Evangelists and how great the profit and benefit of it with respect to the unspeakable blessing it brought to poor mankind is evident to every soul that has tasted of his grace To Labour is opposed Rest and Recreation which by this figure is attributed to God Gen. 2.2 And God rested on the seventh day from all his works which he had made and verse 3. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctifyed it because that in it he had rested c. This Rest in God presupposes no wearyness as it does in men but the compleating end and perfection of his admirable work of this great and incomprehensible Fabrick and so only a cessation from his Creating work is to be understood For among men the more Arduous Laborious and Profitable the work is the more pleasing and delectable the Artificers rest is when he compleats it Some say that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rest is properly attributed to God which strictly signifie Rest as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 does but a bare and simple cessation as Josh. 5.12 Job 32.9 Rev. 4.8 c. And commonly it is said that he that ceases from his work does Rest although not weary but in full strength and vigor Be it so but for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is put for the very Rest here spoken of Exod 20.11 For in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth and all that in them is and Rested the seventh day c. And if the word signifies a meer cessation without any previous wearyness 1 Sam. 25.9 It is to heedfully noted that it is said Exod. 31.17 For in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth and on the seventh day he Rested was refreshed or took breath which word is also used Exod. 23.12 Of the weary Servant after his Labour viz. On the seventh day shalt thou Rest and 2 Sam. 16.14 It is expressely opposed to weariness Sion and the Church is called the place of his Rest Psal. 132.14 and Esa. 11.10 Which denotes his gracious Presence Operation and Complacency Of the special Actions of men a great many are attributed to God by which his various works of Grace Righteousness and Wrath are to be understood As 1. He is said to wash away filth and sin when he graciously remits it Psal. 51.2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin Esa. 4.4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughter of Sion c. 2. He is said to hide the Godly and Believers when he protects
towards men and as accommodated for the profit of Believers that nothing which he does shall hurt them To this may be referred that speech of God which of all is most sweet and gracious and full of comfort inasmuch as it was spoken in the very swelling as it were of Anger When he speaks to Moses of the grievous sin and Apostacy of the People Exod. 32.10 Now therefore let me alone that my Wrath may wax hot against them and that I may consume them c. Jehovah speaks as if he had been bound and constrained by the Faith and Prayer of Moses so as that he could not destroy the People unless he had asked him leave as Psal. 106.23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach to turn away his Wrath lest he should destroy them Of so great a vertue and efficacy are the Prayers of the just before the Lord James 5.16 See Gen. 32.28 Hosea 12.4 Josh. 10.12 13 14. c. Esa. 1.13 The calling of Assemblies I cannot away with or more properly I cannot bear it is iniquity This is expounded with respect to the sanctity of God and his abomination of iniquity as verse 14. Your New Moons and your appointed Feasts my soul hateth which is intimaâ—â—ed by these phrases of humane abhorrence Something also of loosned or disjointed Members after the manner of men is attributed to God as Jer. 6 8. Be thou instructed O Jesuralem lest my soul be loosned or disjointed from thee so the Hebrew that is lest after the manner of a member that is broken or out of Joynt it departs from or be separate from thee and thou as a strange member be cut off or divided from me Ezek. 23.18 She discovered her Whoredoms and discovered her nakedness then my mind was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 disjointed from her By this phrase the Communion of God with Believers is most excellently expressed for if for their wilful and contumacious Rebellions God departs from them the head is as it were separated or pluckt off the putrified members as the Lord by a like metaphor speaks to the wicked Synagogue Jer. 15.6 For thou hast forsaken me saith the Lord thou art gone backward Therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee and destroy thee I am weary with Repenting Much and great was the forbearance and patience of God before this desertion which is indeed the filling the Measure of Iniquity spoken of Gen. 15.16 Matth. 23.32 To these privatives in man may be referred Diseases by which is signified the punishment of sin which Christ bore in our stead Esa. 53.4.10 Suitable to Hos. 13.14 I will ransome them from the power of the Grave I will redeem them from Death O Death I will be thy Plagues O Grave I will be thy Destruction Repâ—â—ntance shall be hid from mine Eyes Thus he speaks with respect to his Sacerdotal or Priestly Office as Heb. 2.14 Forasmuch as the Children are made partakers of flesh and blood he also himself took part of the same that through Death he might destroy him that had the Power of Death that is the Devil 2. With respect to his Prophetical Office 2 Tim. 1.10 Because by the Gospel he hath abolished Death and brought Life and Immortality to Light For he strongly defends his Church so as that the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it and 1 Cor. 15.26 The last Enemy that shall be destroyed is Death Here is a most evident symbol of the Resurrection as Junius and Tremellius upon the place rightly conclude Paul upon these words of Hosea 1 Cor. 15.55 Thus speaks O death where is thy Sting O Grave where is thy Victory c. Of the second sort of mens Actions which are ascribed to God there may a distinction be made viz. Such as are internal and such as are external The internal are with respect to the diverse States Circumstances or Conditions of men and so God is said to be a Husbandman that is Synechdochically a Vine dresser John 15.1 The reason of the Comparison follows in the next verses and is largely expounded Esa. 5. and Matth. 20. c. Christ who is the hypostatical Wisdom of God and his Eternal Son calls himself a Workman when he speaks of the Creation Cant. 7.1 For by him were all things made and without him was nothing made that was made John 1.3 Col. 1.16 c. So God is said to be the Builder and Maker of a City which hath Foundations Heb. 11.10 that is the Cause Fountain and Author of Eternal Life and Heavenly Joy So he is called a Man of War Exod. 15.3 From that Almighty work of his of overwhelming and drowning Pharaoh with his Egyptian Host. Besides in Wars waged among men he is the chief General and Captain giving Victory to whom he pleases and scattering routing or destroying whom he pleases See Psal. 46. and 76. c. Christ is called a Counsellor Esa. 9.6 with respect to his most wise decree in restoring Salvation at whose disposal it was 1 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy Calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and Grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began Likewise with respect to his most Holy Office in manifesting the Divine will to our capacities in order to Salvation and his obedience to the Father c. The Lord is called a Phisitian Exod. 15.26 Because he frees men from all perils of Souls and Bodies which are frequently compared to Diseases Psal 147.2.3 c. This is peculiarly ascribed to Christ the Redeemer for the blessing of spiritual health which we receive from him Matth. 9.12 Mark 2.17 See Esa. 61.1 He is called a Shepherd Psal. 23.1 Which appellation is also peculiarly attributed to Christ with respect to his Office as a Saviour Cant. 1.7 and 2.16 and 6.2 Ezek. 34.23 and 37.24 Micah 5.3 and 7.14 Zach. 13.7 John 10.11 Heb. 13.20 1 Pet. 2.25 and 5.4 and elsewhere He is called a Father Deut. 32.6 Psal. 68.6 Esa. 64.8 Matth. 6.1 6 8 9. Rom. 8.15 Which term is most full of Comfort and Joy declaring the Love and Affection of the Omnipotent God towards men So he is called Father of spirits Heb. 12.9 c. Christ called the Everlasting Father or as in the Hebrew the Father of Eternity Esa. 9.6 Because he most sincerely loves Believers and Glorifies them in blessed Eternity The seventy have most elegantly translated this place 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pater futuri seculi the Father of the Age to come He is called the First-born Psal. 89.27 Col. 1.15 18. Rev. 1.5 Jehovah and Christ are frequently called Prince Captain King Esa. 9.6 and 55.4 and 32.1 and 33.22 To denote their Majesty and celestial Dominion of which more elsewhere He is called a Bridgroom Matth. 9.15 and 25.1 Mark 2.19
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
as a bone Others interpret this phrase as Metonymical imagining the steps be of Ivory or some other sort of bone The Chaldee turns it upon the step of hours understanding as Schindler thinks a Dial cut into the stone in which were signed degrees by which the hour of the day may be found by the Sun-shine R. Kimch upon the highest step amongst the steps c. Marrow The inward fat of the bones because it is the sweetest part of the Flesh communicating vigor to the bones and all the body affording it a grateful aliment By a Metaphor is put for any good thing Isa. 5.17 and is mentioned in the description of the heavenly banquet Isa. 25.6 Fat is of the same signification Gen. 45.18 Numb 18.12 29 30 32. Deut. 32.14 Psal. 81.16 and 147.14 in both which laâ—â— places the Hebrew Text is the fat of the wheat Fat is put for the goodness and fruitfulness of Land Gen 27 28 c. for rich and powerful men Psal. 22.29 And because fatness and full feeding makes beasts grow wanton and wild therefore the term is translated to men enriched by God and so grown rebellious and wicked Deut. 32.15 Job 15.27 Psal. 17.10 and 73.7 c. See Isa. 6.10 The Fatness of Gods house denotes plenty of heavenly blessings the similitude taken from banquets see Isa. 34.6 c. Blood is Metaphorically put for that which for redness is like a bloody colour for which reason it is attributed to Wine Gen. 49.11 Deut. 32.14 Eccl. 50.17 Of the place in Ezek. 19.10 Thy Mother was as a vine in thy blood c. Illyricus in Clave Col. 1087. thus says I believe that blood is there to be taken for wine and we have heard before that it is sometimes so taken Others understand of native or Natural Juice Some also understand the beginning or birth that is when she first brought thee forth she was strong and flourished Junius and Tremellius render it in thy quiet as derived of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 siluit quievit that is in former tranquillity Others in thy likeness from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 similis fuit he was like which the Chaldee also respects It is said when the Moon is Eclipsed that it shall be turned into blood Joel 2.31 with 3.15 upon which Schlinder In an Eclipse the Moon is red like blood because its proper light is mixt with the shadow of the Earth and causes redness Flesh made and Nourished by blood denotes a frail and weak thing as that which is frail and obnoxious to Death and Corruption Psal. 56.4 and 78.39 Isâ—â— 31.3 Jer. 17.3 It is likewise put for that which is mild tractable and obsequious Ezek. 36.26 Milk for its sweetness and very great use is Metaphorically brought to describe the blessings of the Messiah Isa. 55.1 Joel 3.23 In the New Testament 1. It denotes the most sweet and sincere word of Christ 1 Pet. 2.2 The Word is called Milk and is compared to it in this place 1. Because of its unmixt simplicity and whiteness or candor for as Milk is not a liquor composed by humane Art but made by Nature it self so the Word of God owns not men for its Author or Original but Jehovah alone 2 Pet. 1.21 2. Because of its sweetness and pleasantness of which see Isa. 25.6 Psal. 19.10 11. and 119.103 Prov. 24.13 14. 3. Because of its utility in feeding and preserving our souls to eternal life 2 Tim. 3.16 17. 4. Because it tends to the destruction of such as abuse it Milk is not proper to be taken by such as are feaverish or Plethorick because it exasperates the Disease in a body so ill disposed So to such as are stubbornly wicked and unbelieving the Word of God profits nothing but becomes their greater Damnation Joh. 12.48 2 Cor. 2.16 c. 2. If it be opposed to solid or strong meat it denotes the first rudiments of the Christian Religion 1 Cor. 3.2 Heb. 5.12.13 Of which Beza says thus Paul makes mention of Childhood and Milk in a diverse sense For he opposes Infancy to an adult age and therefore by the word milk he signifies the tyrociny or first entrance into the Christian Religion But here that is 1 Pet. 2.2 As new born Babes desire the sincere or seasonable milk of the word c. he opposes infancy to the former corrupt life and Commends the perpetual use of Milk that is of the true and sincere Doctrine of the Gospel Of Milk Butter is made Prov. 30.33 whence butter'd words are mentioned Psal. 55.21 that is smooth and flattering words c. Metaphors taken from some Generalities of living Creatures LIving Creatures that are Brutes are distinguished into Terrestrial Volatile and Aquatile As to what concerns terrestrial generally 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Fera Bestia a wild Beast sometimes signifies a Convention meeting or gathering together which Schindler says is spoken by a Metaphor taken from Beasts gathered together 2 Sam. 23.11 of the Philistines gathered together in a Troop By wild Beasts of the Field Psal. 80.13 The unmerciful Enemies of the Church are Metaphorically denoted The Hebrew word here signifies a strong and fierce Beast The Apostle Paul citing the Poet Epimenides calls the Cretans 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Evil Beasts For this verse is found in his works which he intituled De Oraculis as Jerome in his Commentary upon the place notes Paul calls him a Prophet either Ironically or from the Argument of his Writing or because the Cretans his Country-men thought him to be so c. See Psal. 49.10 and 73.22 and 92.6 Prov. 12.1 and 30.2 Psal. 94.7 8. Jer. 10.8.14 c. See also Gen. 16.12 The Apostle Paul says 1 Cor. 15.32 that he did 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fight with Beasts at Ephesus his words are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. Si secundum hominem adversus Bestias pugnavi Ephesi c. that is if after the manner of men or to speak after the manner of men or according to man I have fought with beasts at Ephesus that is as some say with beastly men Scaliger in his Notes says feros praefracti ingenii viros quibuscum illi Negotium contentio fuit vocat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is the men he had to do withal being of a stubborn and of an unconfutable Mind he calls them Beasts And therefore for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as it is in our Copies should be read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in this sense If I have fought in Ephesus against men as if against Beasts c. And whereas he makes an Express mention of Ephesus some understand these words of the Tumult and Uproar there mentioned Act. 19. Others expound it of the disputes which he had for three Months with the unbelieving and stubborn Jews at Ephesus Acts 19.8 9. 1 Cor. 15.29 When he speaks of the Resurrection of the Dead and such as Deny it yet professing
It carries the notion of Love because of Conjugal embraces Deut. 1â—â— 6 and 28.56 Eternal Life is called the Bosome of Abraham Luk. 16 22. Upon which Brentius in his Commentary By the Bosome of Abraham you are not to understand a certain corporal or external place in this World but either the promise of Christ made to Abraham In thy Seed shall all Nations be blessed or Christ himself who came of the Seed of Abraham for in this sense all the Godly that sleep in the Lord are reposited or rest in Christ himself till in the last day they rise together with their bodies Acts. 7.59 Phil. 1.23 Therefore when Lazarus is said to be carried by Angels into Abrahams Bosome we are to understand that he was in the enjoyment of supreme felicity in Christ in the latter day shall be revealed c. Abraham is proposed as the Father of all believers Rom. 4.11 12. Because such as follow his steps and constantly persevere in Faith and Godliness to the end shall as our Saviour shews be gathered together in Immortal Life For tender Children are wont to be carried and cherished in the Bosome of their Loving Parents Ruth 4.16 1 Kings 17.19 This Term denotes the condition of Eternal Life for the carrying of Infants in the Bosome of the Parent denotes love and intimate good Will so in the heavenly Life there is most pure love from whence arises true Joy In the Bosome of the Parent the Infant finds rest and defence so in heaven there is certain security and a most quiet tranquillity c. A Bosome by a Metonymie signifies a Garment that covers it which being loose is convenient to receive and carry things Prov. 6.27 and 16.33 Therefore metaphorically it is put for the retribution of reward or punishment Of Reward as 2 Sam. 12.8 Luk. 6.38 Of Punishment as Psal. 79.12 Esa. 65.6 7. Jer. 32.18 To Strengthen feeble Knees signifies to comfort such as are cast down by anguish or sorrow of mind and confirm them by Instruction and Counsel Job 4.4 Esa. 35.3 Heb. 12.12 The metaphor being taken from outward perils which invade upon a sudden in which the knees of an affrighted and fearful man are weakned because the strength of the Nerves and Muscles by the terror of sudden danger leaves its operation which for bearing the body resides in the knees Hence a sudden or pannick fear is expressed by the weakness or beating together of the Knees Psal. 109.24 Ezek. 7.17 Dan. 5.6 Nahum 2.11 The Feet are metaphorically as well as by another Trope taken divers ways Of which take some of the Chief 1. With respect to Externals Job says chap. 29. ver 15. That he was Feet to the Lame that is he relieved the miserable as the Feet help men to get out of danger See Gen. 30.30 noting the marginal reading The Foot of Pride Psal. 36.11 denotes the violence of proud Enemies The slipping halting c. of the Feet c. denotes danger and Calamity Job 12.5 Psal. 38.17 and 116.8 and 140.4.11 c. See Jer. 30.16 On the contrary to deliver the feet from falling denotes divine protection against any malignant Enemies Psal. 56.13 and 18.36 and 91.12 Psal. 121.3 c. To tread with the feet denotes to disgrace or to insult upon one as an Enemy Psal. 7.5 and 91.12 13. Ezek. 34.18 19. Matth. 7.6 Luke 10.19 Heb. 10.29 Lameness or Halting which is a disease or accidental hurt of the Feet denotes Calamity Affliction and Dangers Psal. 35.15 In mine halting we translate it adversity they rejoyced Psal. 38.18 Jer. 20.10 Mich 4.6 7. Zeph. 3.19 In which two last places the Term 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is Feminine alluding to the voice of a sheep upon which Illyricus says That it is a speech taken from Sheep For many of them in the Summer especially those of hotter Countries do halt or go lame or else it may relate to the People and Church of which the Scripture speaks in the Feminine Gender as before 2. With respect to Internals and spirituals because the Life of man and the exercise of Godliness is compar'd to walking or running and so the Feet translated to the mind signifie desire and a holy endeavour as the outward running or hastning to a place is performed by the Feet Psal. 17.5 and 119.59 105. with ver 32. Prov. 4.26 27. Eccl. 4.17 The Beautifulness of the Apostles feet Esa. 52.7 Rom. 10.15 is not to be understood of their bodily Feet but of the interior and Divine as well with respect to their Mission or being sent as also the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or fervor in teaching as a footman in an Errand of great concern performs his Journey speedily Nahum 2.1 Some interpret it thus It is not prancing Horses Cathedral Seats costly and magnificent Vestments Cardinals Hats and other precious worldly accoutrements that are commended but simply the feet which denotes the humility of their Apostolical legation or Embassy and all their Successors are exhorted to the same vertue 1 Cor. 2.3 4. Gal. 4.13 14. c. Eph. 6.15 The Feet are said to be shod upon which a learned Expositor says the feet signifie the Ministry of the Gospel which must be shod that is defended with Boots or Shooes from Thorns Bryars and Dirt that is that they may be able to go through all Dangers in Teaching and Confessing the Gospel See Ezek. 16.10 What we translate uprightly Gal. 2.14 is in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 recto pede incederent that is walk with a right foot viz. according to the rule and measure of the Gospel See Heb. 12.13 Hitherto we have treated of the dissimilary parts of a humane Body The similary parts yeild but few Metaphors The biting of the Flesh Job 13.14 is transferred to the mind why should I take away my Flesh with my Teeth that is consume my self with Cares See 1 Sam. 19.5 Eccl. 4.5 Blood in a Metaphor as Illyricus says Cl. Script Col. 1083. signifies spiritual Death or Eternal Destruction Ezek. 3.18 and 33.8 Acts 18.6 and 20.26 c. Of Metaphors from such things as concern the Life of Man TO the Body and its Members aptly succeeds its Vnion with the Soul whence Life proceeds The word Soul has no metaphorical notion except when attributed to God which belongs to an Anthropopathy as was before expounded Life is used metaphorically as Living waters are put for such as flow briskly and plentifully Gen. 26.19 Prov. 10.11 Jer. 2.13 and 17.13 c. Time is said to live and a Building to be quickned of which before chap. 9. Sect. 4. See Hab. 3.2 To Live and Life are put for happiness strength and health 1 King 1.25 Psal. 69.32 33. Eccl. 6.8 Health or Soundness is put for the Word or Doctrine of God and Eternal Life the consequence of receiving it 1 Tim. 1.10 and 6.3 2 Tim. 1.13 and 4.3 Tit. 1.9.13 and 2.1 2 8. Hereby is denoted the condition and quality
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
eternal Purpose which was purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2. It was for the Glory of his Mercy and Goodness which moved Wisdom to seek out and provide this blessed Mediator and glorious Means of Reconciliation when God might justly have left fallen Man as he did the fallen Angels Moreover this of a Mediatâ—â—r shews us that God must be dealt with in a way of free Grace Entreaty and Request Hence we read how fervently Christ prayed and interceded for us yea what strong Cries and Tears he offered up in the Days of his Fiesh Whatsoever blessed Relief Pardon Peace c. Mankind receives 't is wholly in a way of Mercy and free Grace through the Mediation of the Lord Jesus Chriist By Grace ye are saved God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son 3. It was for the Glory of his Justice which must be dealt with in a way of Satisfaction Grace will be dealt with in a way of Intreaty salvâ Justitiâ Therefore the Covenant is established in the hands of a Mediator that is able to lay down a Price or Ransom That so God might be just and the Justifier of those that believe in Jesus Nay when the Lord Jesus undertook on our behalf to come up to the Demand of Justice 't is said God spared him not but delivered him up to Death for us all He bore our Sins in his own Body on the Tree 4. The Sovereignty of God is manifested in its Glory that through a Mediator he is pleased to extend Mercy to Mankind when none is afforded to the Angels that sinned and that Jesus at his Command should lay down his Life for the Sheep 5. It magnifies the Glory of God's Power and All-sufficiency who can raise up and restore Man to greater Happiness than ever he had before his Fall when Devils and Sin had done their worst 6. The like might be said of the Holiness Patience and Faithfulness of God c. Moreover this Undertaking adds to the Glory of Christ Jesus who is the Mediator himself God had hereby a design to greaten the Name of his Son the second Person of the Trinity in our Nature 1. In that he is constituted by undertaking in this honourable Office King Priest and Prophet 2. In respect of that great Power which is given to him to make Peace between God and Man to have the Keys to open and shut and to give eternal Life to as many as he pleaseth or are given by the Father to him 3. Nay his Glory shines forth herein to such a degree that 't is the Duty of all Men to honour the Son as they honour the Father 4. Christ hath hereby the Honour of accomplishing the whole Affair being Author and Finisher of our Faith and Salvation Secondly In respect of Man there was great need of such a Mediator 1. God would not treat with Sinners upon any other Terms There is no Knowledg of God which is saving nor Union with him without a Reconciliation You that were sometimes afar off are made nigh by the Blood of Christ. Neither knoweth any Man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him 2. Without a Mediator to atone and make Peace between the Father and us there is no Communion with him Can two walk together unless they are agreed Nor Eternal Life Such as are without Christ and without God must die that is be damned in their Sins X. Christ was every way qualified and fitted for this Work He was not only wise but the Wisdom of God much for Justice but yet inclined to Mercy and Pity to the Poor And then again how was he fitted by his being God 'T is from the Worth and Excellency of his Person that the Price comes to be satisfactory Besides had he not been God as he could not have expiated Sin so he could not have overcome Death and other Enemies he was to encounter with that he might accomplish our Redemption 2. He must be Man because he is to plead for us and be sacrificed on the Cross in our stead he must bleed as well as intercede for Man For without shedding of Blood there is no Remission He must be Man that he might be one with us that his Righteousness might by Imputation be ours and that he might receive the Spirit for us and we from him who is the Son receive it with the Adoption of Sons and thereby be sure of the eternal Inheritance 3. He must be God and Man in one Person A Mediator is not a Mediator of one but God is one And by this Means he is fitly qualified for his Office He must be a Person at an equal distance from and drawing near and allied to both Parties having Interest in and participating of the Nature of each Hence it is thought that he is called our Dayes-man or Kinsman that lays his hands on both Having access unto them knowing what will stand with the Honour of the one and be for the Relief and Profit of the other XI Christ is faithful both to God and Man greatly for the Honour of the one and as much for the Comfort and Salvation of the other He is said to be faithful to him that appointed him And in respect of Man he is called a faithful High-Priest XII Jesus Christ met with much Trouble in the Days of his Flesh in managing our Business as Mediator from the Devil and wicked Men. He found the World very averse to accept of Terms of Peace and not only so but they offered violence to him and grievously abused him XIII Jesus Christ was meek and lowly in Heart he patiently bore the Hidings of his Father's Face How quietly did he bear and endure the Punishment due to us for our Sin notwithstanding we esteemed him not but hid our Faces as it were from him He was oppressed he was afflicted yet he opened not his Mouth He patiently waits upon poor Sinners XIV Jesus Christ as he was potent so he was of a very couragious and undaunted Spirit He shall not fail nor be discouraged till he hath set Judgment in the Earth XV. Jesus Christ was a pacifying Mediator for instead of a personal Satisfaction from the Sinner God accepts of his Mediation He was made Sin for us who knew no Sin that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him Instead of an inherent Righteousness God accepts of a Righteousness imputed and accepts of Sincerity instead of a perfect keeping the whole Law and through his Mediation obtains pardon for human Frailties XVI Jesus Christ our Mediator hath a Time set him to finish his Mediatorial Kingdom and Office which will cease at the end of the World when all the Elect are gathered in XVII Jesus Christ our Mediator uses most weighty and powerful Arguments such as in the Word of God
subsequent to Man's Obligation IV. Christ being a fit Person undertook not only to be a Mediator betwixt God and Man but also to be the Surety of the Covenant on Man's part upon consideration of his Impotency or Inability to perform the Conditions of the first Covenant since the Fall and to bear the Punishment for the Breach of it for Man having once failed and become Bankrupt God will neither treat nor trade with him more without a Mediator and such a Surety as Christ. Because they continued not in my Covenant I regarded them not saith the Lord. See Dr. Owen on Heb. 7.22 p. 225. V. The Stability of the new Covenant depends upon the Suretiship of Christ and 't is secured to Believers thereby For the first Adam in whose hands the whole Estate and Riches of Mankind were trusted ran out of all and therefore God established another Covenant and constituted Christ as a responsible Security of known Fidelity and mighty to perform to be the Surety thereof that so it might be a firm and sure Covenant between Him and Man VI. Christ by becoming Surety stands engaged to the Father to satisfy in the behalf of Man so far as God sees it necessary or comports with his Wisdom and the Perfections of his holy Attributes That he might be just and the Justifier of him that believeth in Jesus VII Those that Christ the Surety of the Covenant undertook to make Peace for were not only spiritual Debtors but Criminals also such as deserved Death dead in Law and under the Sentence thereof spiritually dead being under the deprivation of the Light of God's Countenance VIII Christ seeing how unable we were to make Satisfaction according to the Demands of Law made a full Compensation and laid down a valuable Price satisfactory to Law and Justice for he bore the Punishment due to us for our Sins First he endured Death and the Curse of the Law he died and was made a Curse for us Secondly he bore or sustained the Wrath of God being under a deprivation of the Light of his Countenance the Favour of God was for a time suspended and withdrawn from him My God my God why hast thou forsaken me He was made Sin for us that knew no Sin c. God hath laid on him the Iniquity of us all IX Tho Christ was appointed by the Father to be the Surety of the Covenant yet all that he did was his own voluntary Act I lay down my Life freely no Man taketh it from me c. X. The Love and Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ was such that tho he was rich yet for our sakes he became poor that we through his Poverty might be made rich I. live says the Apostle by the Faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me Surety I. A Surety among Men is not of the Creditor's but of the Debtor's procurement II. Sureties and Debtors amongst Men enter into the same Bond and the Debtor is look'd upon to be the principal Bondsman III. Among Men when the Surety makes a full Compensation for Debts the Party indebted cannot be said to receive a Release or Discharge in a way of Grace and Favour but only in a way of Justice IV. Among Men usually the Surety's Bond is for Debts contracted at or before the Surety's Bond is given in and for a particular Sum or Sums specified V. A Surety sometimes repents his coming into Bonds and 't is a great Trouble and Perplexity to him and seeks ways to be released My Son if thou be a Surety for thy Friend if thou hast stricken hands with a Stranger thou art ensnared with the Words of thy Mouth c. VI. A Surety many times undoes himself by being bound for other Men he engages for more than he is able to pay and is thereby cast into Prison and never capable to deliver himself out Disparity I. THe Surety of the Covenant was of God's procurement who is Man's offended Creditor or rather Creator God chose called and anointed Christ to this Office tho 't is true he was as ready to accept of it as the Father was to assign it him In this the infinite Grace and Mercy of God was manifest to Mankind for among Men the Creditor is not concerned to seek out a Security from the Debtor But should a Creditor do so all must confess 't is in his Choice to propound when how and upon what Terms the Debtor should be discharged and it would be thought very reasonable especially if he hath wronged or abused the good Name of his Creditor that before he be acquitted he should be brought upon his Knees and humbly confess his Fault and beg Forgiveness in regard tho a Compensation was made according to the Demands of Law and Justice for the Debt yet the Surety being of the Creditor's own procurement and indeed his own Son who having vast Riches and Abilities and likewise equal Love with the Father to the poor Debtor knowing the Law was such that Satisfaction must of necessity be made offered freely to lay down the Price or full Sum. Even so God and Christ in making of this Covenant in behalf of Sinners agreed that upon Christ's laying down his Life as a satisfactory Price when and upon what Conditions we should be discharged of the Guilt of Sin which binds us over to eternal Wrath And these Conditions are expressed in the Word of God viz. Faith and Humiliation for 't is certain that no Man is actually acquitted before he believes and takes hold of the Satisfaction purchased by Christ applying his Merits and the Virtue of his Blood unto his own Soul by the help of the Spirit which Christ the Surety hath promised to give to all sincere Ones that he might thereby make his Death effectual to them and so compleat his Work and Office of Suretiship II. Christ engaged as our Surety without us Our Bonds and Obligations signify nothing by reason of our utter Inability Christ hath therefore changed our Name and in the room and place of it put his own so that Death and the Curse fall upon him He was wounded for our Transgressions He looked and there was none to help therefore his own Arm brought Salvation III. Christ the Surety of the Covenant of Grace makes full Compensation for Sin and yet the Sinner receives his Release in a way of Grace which may be thus demonstrated First God as was said and not the Sinner found or provided the Surety which his own Sovereign Grace and Goodness moved him to being wholly at his own choice whether he would save Man or no having cause enough to cast him off for his Disobedience as he did the Angels that sinned So that whatever Relief or Discharge Sinners receive it is of Grace being wholly the Contrivance of the Creditor to find out the way which best comported in his Wisdom to the satisfying of Law and Justice
Submission to Him even Emperors Kings Princes Nobles Captains Armies Freemen Bondmen even all both small and great He hath Power to punish all Treasons Rebellions Affronts Misdemeanors and Indignities whatsoever All that will not hear and obey him shall be destroyed He will speak to them in his Wrath and vex them in his sore Displeasure His Enemies shall be cloathed with Shame All that hate him shall be confounded and flie before him They shall be like the Dust how great soever They shall call for the Rocks to fall on them and to the Mountains to cover them from the Face of him that sits upon the Throne and from the Wrath of the Lamb. V. From hence we are taught to observe That it is our Duty 1. To adore reverence and honour Him 2. To obey and keep his Law 3. To trust in Him only for Defence and Protection 4. To pray that He would take to him his great Power and reign O blessed Son of David King of the Jews King of Israel Lord of the Gentiles Governor of Nations and King of Kings thy Kingdom come that thy Will may be done in Earth as it is in Heaven VI. From hence we infer the happy State that the whole Universe shall be in in God's appointed Time when this good great and mighty Potentate shall take to him his great Power and obtain a full Possession of all his Right When the Heavens shall rain down Righteousness and out of the Earth shall spring forth Joy The Mountain's shall drop new Wines and the Hills shall flow with Milk The Light of the Moon shall be as the Light of the Sun and the Light of the Sun as the Light of seven Days The Heavens shall rejoyce ever us and drop Fatness the Weary shall be at Rest and break forth into Singing A Jubilee shall be proclaimed and Persecution no more heard Judgment shall run down like Water and Righteousness like a mighty Stream Every Man shall sit under his own Vine and under his own Fig-Tree and none make him afraid Peace to all the Ends of the Earth Swords beaten into Plowshares and Spears into Pruning-Hooks no Nation lifting a Sword against his Neighbour no levying War any more No more Earthquakes nor Famine but a fruitful and peaceable Earth The poor Man shall overtake the Reaper and the Treader of Grapes him that soweth Seed And the Mountains shall drop sweet Wines and the Hills shall melt The Captivity of Israel shall be brought again they shall build the old waste Places and plant Vineyards and drink the Wine thereof make Gardens and eat the Fruit thereof Come to Zion with Songs and everlasting Joy where this King shall sit and appear in his Glory Israel shall rejoyce and Judah shall be glad It shall fare well with the whole Creation For the Ox and 〈◊〉 Asse that eare the Ground shall eat clean Provender winnowed with Fan and Shovel The Effect of his Kingdom shall be Peace for the Righteous shall flourish and have abundance of Peace and the Fruit of its Righteousness and Assurance for ever For not only the People shall be all righteous but upon the Bells of the Horses there shall be Holiness to the Lord. And the Ransomed shall come to Zion with everlasting Joy upon their Heads They shall obtain Joy and Gladness and all Sorrow Heaviness and Sighing shall flie away For as the Earth bringeth forth her Bud and as the Garden flourisheth with Things that are sown in it so shall the Lord God maâ—â— Righteousness and Praise spring forth before all the Nations Blessed be God Christ a Priest Heb. 7.17 For he testifieth Thou art a Priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedec Vers. 26. For such an High-Priest becometh us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from Sinners and made higher than the Heavens Type I. THe High-Priest was taken from among Men but it behoved him not to have any Blemish II. The Priest assumed not to himself this Office but was called to it of God they were consecrated by Imposition of Hands when they were twenty five Years old III. The Priests were anointed with Oil and washed with Water Thou shalt take thee anointing Oil and pour it upon his Head and he shall wash his Flesh in Water IV. The Priest was gloriously cloathed Thou shalt make holy Garments for Aaron thy Brother for Glory and Beauty V. The Priest was to have a holy Crown upon his Head VI. The Priest's Body and Loins were to be covered with clean Linnen VII The High-Priest bore the Names of the Tribes of Israel upon his Breast when he went in before the Lord. VIII The High-Priest had Vrim and Thummim upon his Breast IX The High-Priest had an engraven Plate of Gold Thou shalt make a Plate of pure Gold and engrave upon it like the engraving of a Signet HOLINES TO THE LORD And it shall be upon Aaron's Forehead that Aaron may bear the Iniquity of the holy Things and it shall always be upon his Forehead that they may be accepted before the Lord. X. Aaron the Priest was Moses's Mouth to the People XI The High-Priest was not to marry a Widow a divorced Woman nor an Harlot but a chast Virgin XII The Priest's work was to offer Sacrifices for the Sins of the People For every High-Priest is ordained to offer Gifts and Sacrifices c. XIII The Priest was to take the Blood of the Bullock and dip his Finger in it and sprinkle seven times the Mercy-Seat c. and likewise the Blood of Calves and Goats and he sprinkled the Book and all the People the Tabernacle and the Vessels of the Ministry XIV The Priest's Garments were to remain after him to cloath and adorn his Sons withal XV. The Priests were to sound the Trumpets which as Mr. Godwin observes were twofold sometimes an Alarm to War sometimes to assemble the People XVI The Priests of the Lord were to teach the Law to the People The Priest's Lips should keep Knowledg and they should seek the Law at his Mouth XVII The Priest was to judg of the Plague of the Leprosy and to pronounce clean or unclean XVIII The Priests under the Law made and anointed Kings Jehoiada the Priest and his Sons anointed Joash King of Judah XIX The Priests were to appoint Officers over the House of God and it did not appertain to the Civil Magistrate to intermeddle in the Priest's Office See the Case of Vzziah 2 Chron. 26.20 XX. The Priests of the Lord were to bless the People XXI The High-Priest only went into the Holiest of all and that not without Blood to make Atonement XXII The High-Priest only made the Perfume for Burnt-Offerings and it might not be applied to any other use but to burn before the Lord. XXIII The Death of the High-Priest set the guilty Person or Man-slayer free who had fled to the City of Refuge After the
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
between Christ and the Church as the Foundation is Holy Divine and Spiritual excellent in Nature and Form so is the House or Temple of God XI The Lord Jesus Christ doth not only bear the weight of the whole Church but also all that appertain to it all the Pillars Braces under-props and supports viz. the Prophets Apostles Ministers c. that are called Pillars in the House of God He bears up the Covenant the Covenant stands firm in him I have saith God made a Covenant with my Chosen He is the Mediator and Surety of it all the Precepts of God are built upon him He is the Foundation of every Ordinance Appointment and Institution of the Gospel What ever any Man preaches or practises for Doctrine or Discipline that hath not its Rise Ground and footing from Christ the Foundation it ought to be cast away and utterly rejected and abominated as altogether unfit for Gods Building All the Promises are built upon him To Abraham and his Seed were the Promises made not to Seeds as if many but to thy Seed which is Christ all the Promises are in him yea and in him Amen c. Union and Reconciliation with God are founded on Christ 't is he who hath made Peace by the Blood of the Cross. When we were Enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son Justification Sanctification Righteousness and Redemption Vocation all are built upon him they all have their Rise and Foundation from Christ. Moreover Pardon of Sin and Peace of Conscience are from him Woman thy Sins are forgiven thee go in Peace My Peace I give unto you All Duties of Religion are built upon Christ it is he that hath commanded every thing that is to be done by us whether it respects the first or second Table all is to be done in Christ's Name by his Authority and in his Strength and by the help of his Spirit and to his Praise and Glory Faith Love Hope yea every Grace and all Gifts of the Holy Ghost which adorn the Soul and House of God are from Christ they are purchased by him and do flow from him to us by the Spirit Again the Ministry is from him he is the great Subject of Gospel-Ministration We preach Christ crucified c. The Efficacy of all is from him he gives the Encrease Lastly Eternal Life is built upon him This is the Record that God hath given to us Eternal Life and this Life is in his Son He that hath the Son hath Life and he that hath not the Son hath not Life 1 Joh. 5.11 12. METAPHOR I. OTher Foundations are laid with many Stones joyned and cemented together II. Other Foundations are laid of sensless breathless Stone or Brick things that are natural things that are terrestrial congealed into a massy lump or artificially made and prepared III. Other Foundations many times decay and by that means the whole Building is in danger and tumbles down IV. Other Foundations are laid by some Man for as Man builds the House so he it is that first lays the Foundation thereof V. Other Foundations are laid of Stones of little Value and Worth comparatively the Foundation of a House is not laid with precious Stones as Jasper Saphyr Beril Jacinth Amythist Diamond c. VI. A Foundation is often removed fault being found with it and another laid in the room of it a Man may remove a Foundation which he hath laid at his pleasure or may lay more Foundations than one VII Other Foundations may be shaken an Earthquake may remove them out of their place VIII Other Foundation cannot preserve the House that is built upon it that may be totally demolished and destroyed and yet the Foundation may remain Disparity I. THis Foundation is but one whole entire Stone which adds to the Strength and Firmness of it Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone not Stones nothing besides Christ nothing of our own must be built upon as a Foundation for Salvation II. Christ is a living lively and active Spirit hence called a living Stone disallowed indeed of Men he created the Stones and Dust of the Earth as God he hath his Being of himself and from everlasting not made nor created III. Christ being a living Stone in whom is Spirit and Life doth not cannot decay and by this means the Church of God and every particular Soul that is built upon him stands sure he transforms the Building into his own nature and so keeps and preserves it from Rottenness and all manner of Decays whatsoever Living things do not rot nor putrifie as other things do And as the Body by Joynts and Bands from the Head hath Nourishment ministred and knit together groweth and encreaseth in Strength and Beauty so is it with the glorious Body the Church and Soul of a true Believer that is joyned to Christ this blessed Head and living Foundation Because I live ye shall live also IV. Christ is laid as a Foundation for us and in our Souls by the Father 't is God's Act and not our own Behold I lay in Zion c. Who can lay Christ for a Foundation but God He was first laid by God in his Decree and then he laid him by the Prophets and Apostles And lastly by the Spirit also is he laid in the Hearts of Believers Christ is infinite How can a finite Hand or Power move an infinite Being or Thing God first removes or razes by his Spirit all other Foundations he takes of Man's hopes off Heaven by his own Works Legal Conviction Tears Humiliations Vows Covenants Resolutions c. and in the place and room of all lays Christ crucified as the ground of Hope and Happiness Hence is all Boasting excluded and Salvation wholly of Grace See Mr. Tillinghust Christ the only Foundation V. Christ the Spiritual Foundation is a precious Stone to whom coming as to a living Stone disallowed indeed of Men but chosen of God and precious Christ is not a common Stone but a choice rich Stone a Stone of inestimable Value and Price Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone elect and precious This sets forth the Excellency of a Foundation and not only so but it adds a Lustre and Glory to the House which is built upon it The Foundation of New Jerusalem is said to be laid with all manner of precious Stones and then you read of the Excellency of the Superstructure the Building of the Wall was Jasper and the City was of pure Gold O how glorious must that City needs be that hath such a Foundation as Christ is and not only so but how durable also are some precious Stone The Diamond is the hardest Stone it cuts Glass there is nothing as Naturalists say can break it Jesus Christ makes Impression on the hard hearts of Men by his Graces O then how safe must it of necessity be for us to
God Promised to give the Land of Canaan and rest therein to his seed how punctual was he in performing of it as Solomon well observes 1 Kin. 8.56 Blessed be the Lord that hath given rest to his people Israel according to all that he promised there hath not failed one word of all his good promise c. it was declared to Abraham that his seed should be strangers in the Land of Egypt four hundred years and Moses shews that at the end thereof nay the very self-same day the Lord brought them out of the said Land Exod. 12.41 4. God promised to send a Saviour and accordingly when the fulness of time was come he sent him into the VVorld 5. And that Gospel Promises might be firm and sure to all the faithful and Covenant People of God they are put into Christs hand who having shed his Blood to procure the good Promised hath Received the Promises for us as our Trustee Acts 2.33 Therefore being by the Right hand of God Exalted and having received the Promise of the holy Ghost he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear 6. That the Promises might be made sure to all the seed Christ hath brought himself under an Obligation to make them good And the Lord Jesus is not only ingaged but the Father also 1. In respect of his Goodness and Mercy Heb. 10.23 1 Joh. 1.9 2. In respect of his Faithfulness and Truth 1 Cor. 10.13 3. Nothing can hinder or obstruct God in accomplishing whatsoever he hath promised 4. They must be made good because of the nature of the Covenant 't is ordered in all things and sure 'T is unto God as the waters of Noah Isa. 54.10 They are left in Christs last VVill and Testament that was confirmed by his blood See Testator And for this cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament that by means of death for the Redemption of the Transgressions that were under the first testament they which are called might Receive the promise of eternal inheritance 5. But if all this is not enough God hath ingaged himself by oath to make them good he hath if I may so speak pawn'd his own Being Life Power Truth and Holiness upon the performing whatsoever he hath promised to his own Covenant-people for when God made a Promise to Abraham because he could swear by no greater he swore by himself Gen. 22.16 17. Saying surely in blessing I will bless thee and in multiplying I will multiply thee And so after he had patiently endured he obtained the promise for men verily swear by the greater and an oath of confirmation is to them an end of all strife Wherein God more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed by an Oath ver 17. That by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lye we might have strong consolation who have fled for Refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us May not this cause a Believer to venture upon a Promise of God and to rest satisfied until it is accomplished 10. Gospel Promises are glorious promises because they are generally and more especially Soul or spiritual promises What is it to have a promise of such or such an Estate or Lordship or to be blessed in the Basket and store or with all earthly good things these are the blessings it is granted that worldly men seek after I have goods saith the Rich Glutton laid up for many years blind wretch but how poor and miserable was his Soul Now gospel promises are of a spiritual heavenly and sublime Nature as you have heard before soul-food soul-strength soul-health soul-riches soul-peace soul-liberty soul-life a Christ a Kingdom and Crown that fadeth not away for the Soul This is the Tenth 11. Gospel promises are glorious promises because 't is by vertue of these thou comest to take hold of and obtainest an interest in the Lord Jesus Christ. Is not that a precious promise that will make thee sure of a Saviour a bare Promise for of his Interest is security enough tho' he has condescended in a gracious manner to us not only to make over himself and eternal Life to our Souls by Promise but hath given us an earnest also into our hearts nay more then that Sealed us also by his Spirit unto the day of redemption See earnest and Seal under the head of Metaphors respecting the Spirit The Promises are the ground of Faith and Hope that Faith is a Fancy and that hope will be but as a spiders Web that is not grounded upon the Promise of God 12. Gospel Promises are glorious in a comparative sence above the Promises of the Law 1. Better in respect of perspicuity or clearness of them those were Promises under obscure Types and shadows Justification was held forth by several Sacrifices burnt-offerings and sin-offerings c. Sanctification held forth under several Ceremonial washings 2. Better in regard of the Nature or Quality of them the former were generally promises of Temporal or Earthly things 3. In respect of the Efficacy and Power that is in these o're what was in the other The Law made nothing perfect many blessings were made indeed in case of Obedience but the Law gave no power to perform the Condition or help the Soul in that Obedience 4. They are better in regard of extent and Duration 13. Gospel Promises are glorious in respect of the variety of them there is variety of all good things promised therein answering to every condition the Creature may be under They tend in a sweet manner to remove all objections doubts and discouragements of the Soul whatsoever as you may perceive by taking a brief Taste I am a vile sinner saith the Soul mine Iniquity is gone over mine head as a heavy burden they are more then can be number'd and are ever before me I have sinned against Light and Knowledge and hated Instruction Is there any Hope or Promise for such a wretch such a Rebel and Monster of wickedness as I am See the promise How long ye simple ones will ye love simplicity and ye scorners delight in their scorning and fools hate knowledge turn at my reproof Behold I will pour out my spirit upon you I will make known my words unto you Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him return unto the Lord and he will have mercy upon him and to our God and he will abundantly pardon Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest Here are promises that may be grounds of encouragement to the vilest sinner Were there no Promises but to righteous Persons or to men and women so and so qualified it were sad But through Christ and in closing with him in the Gospel there is pardon offered to sinners as sinners tho' they have been very vile and