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
gather there drive away Darkness and clear the Sight And further saith Quid possit Vitis alia quae fundit sermone explicare nemo potest that no Tongue could sufficiently tell the Virtues of the Vine the like says Pliny Parallel I. JEsus Christ in his state of Humiliation did not appear in that outward Glory Pomp and Magnificence which the proud Grandees of the Earth glitter in he was not entertained with the Royalties of Imperial Palaces for his Kingdom was not of this World He was look'd upon in comparison of the Mighty Men who are compared to the Cedars of Lebanon and Oaks of Bashan as a poor mean and contemptible Shrub as the Prophet foretold He shall grow up before him as a Tender Plant and as a Root out of a dry Ground he hath no Form nor Comliness and when we shall see him there is no Beauty that we should desire him II. Jesus Christ hath a Name above every Name he infinitely excels whatsoever is good great and glorious in Angels Saints and Men. The spendor and Stateliness of Monarchs Courts is nothing in comparison of that unexpressible Lustre and Majesty that surrounds him The Heavenly Luminaries are dim to him he is the Royal Ofspring of Heaven of the sublimest Extraction When he bringeth the first begotten into the World he saith and let all the Angels of God worship him III. Christ when in his young and tender Age grew much in favour both with God and Man and when he was twelve years old disputed with the Learned Doctors hearing them and asking them Questions and all that heard him were astonished at his Vnderstanding and Answers c. IV. Jâ—â—sus Christ is full of Life and Divine Vertue the Treasuries of his communicable Graces are immense and unspeakable All Wisdom and Knowledg are hid in him In him all Fulness dwells his People mystically united to him are his Branches them he supplies with spiritual Quickning Nourishment and Growth and though scattered over many Kingdoms and Nations his Protection environs them round about provides a sufficient Supply for their spiritual Wants which is to be found no where else If a Man abide not in me saith he he is cast forth as a Branch that is withered c. V. Christ the Spiritual Vine is not only a green spreading and flourishing Plant but also exceeding fruitful he was so in his Life going up and down doing good both to the Bodies and Souls of Men fruitful in his Death In that Cluster there is much choice Fruit as Atonement Reconciliation Redemption Victory over Sin and Satan the abolishing of the Law and establishing the everlasting Righteousness he was fruitful in his Resurrection Ascention Intercession c. The Graces of the Spirit Holy Ordinances and Promises of Eternal Life are all Fruits of this heavenly Vine from him is all our Fruit found See Metaphor Light VI. The Lord Jesus brings forth the most pleasant and most desirable Fruit. I sate down under his Shadow with great delight saith the Spouse and his Fruit was pleasant to my Taste No Cup so refreshing as the Cup of Divine Consolation No Wine nourishes or quickens the Body so much as the Love of Christ Peace with God Reconciliation Pardon of Sin Justification Adoption c. These Blessed Fruits of this mystical Vine do chear feed and enliven a Drooping and Languishing Soul VII The Lord Jesus yields Fruit every way profitable All the Good that Soul or Body is capable to receive flows from him and is the Fruit of his Love purchased by his Death and communicated by his Word and Holy Spirit It warms supports and strengthens the Souls of his People His Grace is of a healing quickning and vivifying nature See Metaphor Wine and Ointment c. VIII Jesus Christ is a Shadow to his Church a hiding-place from the Wind and a Cover from the Tempest as the Shadow of a great Rock in a weary Land He defends from the Rage of Satan from Sin from the Fury of Man in the heat of Persecution yea from the wrath of God by which were it not for the interposition of this blessed Skreen or Shade we should be scorched burnt yea utterly consumed See Rock Apple-Tree c. IX Christ the Spiritual Vine being affronted rejected and abused by the rebellious obstinate and unbelieving Jews when he approached and beheld the City He wept over it was grieved for the hardness of their Hearts but more especially when he came under the execution of Divine Wrath for Mans sake and in his stead which he did willingly undergo how did his bruised and abused Body sweat as it were great drops of Blood until he yielded up his blessed Life and precious Spirit for us X. The Grace of Christ the Spiritual Vine is precious Eye-Salve which removes those thick Clouds of Darkness and Ignorance that are upon the Understanding by which a Soul spiritually comes to have a clear Prospect of those never-fading Glories of the other World and plainly discerns the gilded Follies and transitory Vanities of all things here below In a word no Tongue can sufficiently exalt the transcendent Virtues of this ever-blessed Vine Metaphor I. THe Vine is a Plant of an earthly Extract the choicest and goodliest are only the Plantation of Men. II. The Vine is not always green the Leaves fall off in Winter You may look for Fruit when the Vintage is gathered and find none III. The Fruit of the Vine taken to excess is offensive to God hurts and injures the Soul breeds Diseases and destructive Humours in the Body bereaves Men of Reason intoxicates the Brain c. IV. The Fruit of the Vine diminishes by gathering Cluster after Cluster you may soon strip it off all V. The Fruit of the Vine is only good for the Body VI. The Vine wants Support unless it be underpropt it falls being not able to bear the weight of its own Branches Disparity I. CHrist is of an heavenly Original and Extraction a Vine of God's own planting who prepared a Body for him and appointed him to the work of Redemption He is the true Vine and God the Father is the Husbandman no other could plant so Noble a Vine as Christ is II. Christ the Spiritual Vine perpetually flourishes always abounds with Fruit and knows no Winter he is the same from Generation to Generation yesterday to day and for ever without variation or shadow of turning there 's always a full Vintage that never diminishes withers nor decays never grows old but ever remains in its full growth and absolute Perfection III. The Fruit of Christ the Spiritual Vine never hurts any no danger of Surfeit here the more you eat and drink the better 't is here 's no fear of Excess The Wine of Consolation neither gluts nor inflames nor intoxicates but nourishes and feeds the Soul
13 44 10 7 161 11 15 10 James 1 17 82 1 Peter 1 9 24  20 70 1 John 3 1 7  20 81 Revelations 1 4 8 70  10 2 3 5 5 77 11 4 139 21 22 88 22 16 86 ERRATA SVch Escapes of the Press as injure not the sence as Mis-Pointings and litteral Errors are left to the Readers Candor to Correct or Pardon some few of such as misrepresent it he is desired to mend thus In the Epistle page 2. line 11. for found read framed l. 19. r. Carneades p. 3. l. 32. r. whole man p. 5. l. 1. for any asserting r. an assertion p. 6. l. 10. for Received r. Believed First Book p. 35. l. 48. r. Michal p. 54. l. 48 49. for grief Orphans r. grief breaks out p. 92. l. 5. dele for things l. 8. r. yours l. 20. r. Tract 2. l. 47. r. rather then p. 94. l. 46. for seems r. serves l. 49. for alive r. a line p. 99. l. 36. for look r. took p. 100. l. 9. dele in p. 135. l. 15. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 182 l. 30. dele says Book 2. p. 107. l. 9. for E. D. r. T. D. The rest are obvious to common capacity Poems on the Bridegroom p. 107. On the Rose of Sharon 202. On the Vine p. 226. of the Second Book by T. D. On the Light p. 16. by B. K. On the Plough p. 66. Of the Third Book by Mr. Flavel Philologia Sacra OR The TROPES and FIGURES in SCRIPTURE Reduced under their proper Heads and Classes with a Brief Explication of each c. SCripture Rhetorick or Sacred Elocution may be reduced to two principal Heads or Chapters 1. The first of Tropes 2. The Second of Figures First Tropes Which concern the Sense of Words viz. When they are drawn from their proper and genuine signification to that which is different or Contrary which the Etymology of the word shews for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying verto muto to turn or change Second Figures Which the Greeks calls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying the Habit or Ornament of Speech do not alter or vary the Sense of Words but imbellish beautifie or adorn them Of the first we will Treat under two heads 1. The Kinds Of Tropes 2. The Affections Of Tropes The Kinds of Tropes are four viz. Metonymie Ironie Metaphor and Synechdoche which order depends upon Logical Topicks from whence Tropes are deduced As 1. Metonymie from Causes and Effects 1. From Subjects and Adjuncts 2. Ironie from Contraries 3. Metaphor from Comparates 4. Synechdoche from the distribution of the whole into its Parts 2. Of the Genus into its Species Genus is a more general Title which comprehends some things more special under it as substance which comprehends 1. Living Creatures 2. Mettals 3. Elements c. Species is a more special Title attributed to diverse particulars under it as a Man to John Peter James or any other individual The Affections of Tropes are Three 1. Catachresis 2. Hyperbole 3. Allegory Of which there are certain Species As 1. Paraemia or a Proverb and 2. Aenigma Of These with Gods help we shall Treat in Order CHAP. I. Of a Metonymie of the Cause A Metonymie is a Trope when a Cause is put for the Effect or the Effect for the Cause the Subject for the Adjunct or the Adjunct for the Subject There are four kinds of Metonymies Answering to the four kinds of Causes Viz. 1. Efficient 2. Material 3. Formal 4. Final A Metonymie of the Cause is used in Scripture when 1. The Person acting is put for the thing done 2. When the Instrument by which a thing is done is put for the thing effected 3. When a Thing or Action is put for the effect produced by that Action of which in Order 1. The Person Acting for the thing Acted or Effected 1. THE HOLY SPIRIT is put for its Effects and Operations as 2 Cor. 3 6. Who hath made us able Ministers of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit for the Letter killeth but the Spirit giveth Life Where by the term Letter we are to understand the Law written in Tables of Stone which required perfect obedience and which no man can perform because of Corruption therefore that Law can pronounce nothing but a sentence of Death But by Spirit is meant the saving Doctrine of the Gospel which derives its original from the Spirit considered as a most merciful comforter who sets it home upon the Soul fitting and preparing it thereby for Eternal Life sutable to John 6.63 The Words that I speak are Spirit and Life that is they are from the Spirit of God and being received by Faith confer Salvation through the grace of God Rom. 8.2 By the Law of the Spirit of Life as Illyricus says is meant the Doctrine of the Gospel because it is a peculiar instrument or means of its operation which by a Divine efficacy changes the heart and writes his Law there which now is not only inscribed in Tables or Parchments but penetrates the inward parts quickning the soul to spiritual Motions and Actions See Gal. 3.2.5 Isa. 11.4 2 Thes. 2.8 Isa. 42.1 and 61.1 2. John 3.34 c. 2. THE HOLY SPIRIT is put for Regeneration Psal. 51.10 Renew a right Spirit within me Ezek. 36.26 A new Spirit will I put within you hence the Apostle says be ye renewed in the Spirit c. Eph. 4.23 Which is expounded Rom. 12.2 Be not conformed to this World but be ye transformed by the Renewing of your mind c. Hence arises an opposition of Flesh and Spirit John 3.6 That which is born of the Flesh is Flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit where by Flesh is meant man defiled by sin and by Spirit the grace of Renovation or which is the same thing the Regenerate man The Apostle 1 Thes. 5.19 Exhorts not to quench the Spirit that is the Gifts of the Spirit as Illumination and Renovation suitable to 2 Tim 1.6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 suscitare instar ignis Donum Dei stir up as Fire or Coals are stirred up for so the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies the gift of God which is in thee for true Faith and Godliness may be resembled to a little Flame kindled by the Spirit in the hearts of Believers which the Devil and Carnal Corruptions endeavour to smother but is to be cherished and stirred up as fire is by more fewel this feeding and quickning fewel is the Word of God In this sence the Soul is distinguished from the Spirit in man For Spirit denotes a Divine Power and Energy in a Regenerate and Sanctifyed soul by which it is carryed to and united to God as Luke 1.46 47. My Soul doth magnifie the Lord and my Spirit rejoyced in God my Saviour expounded 1 Thes. 5.23 The very God of Peace sanctifie
of Daughter and Virgin is often attributed to a People or City either distinctly or conjunctly Psal. 45.12 and 137.8 Daughter of Babylon is put for the Kingdom of Babylon so Lam. 1.6 and 2.1 c. Daughter of Sion for the people of the Jews and hence Lam. 2.2 She is called the Daughter of Juda. So Zach. 9.9 Esa. 1.8 10.32 16.1 37.22 Jer. 4.31 6.2 Micah 4.10.13 Zeph. 3.10 14. c. So the Virgin of Israel Jer. 31.4 21. Amos 5.2 Sometimes Virgin and Daughter are joyned as Esa. 23.12 37.22 47. 1. Jer. 46.11 1. When the Name of Virgin is attributed to the People of God some say it is with respect to the true Worship of God observed by them without corruption because such as depart from its purity are called whorish and adulterous upon which Jerome says Sion and Jerusalem is therefore called a Virgin and Daughter because when all other Nations adored Images or Idols this alone preserved the chastity of Religion and the adoration of one Divinity But Drusius denies this lib. 16. obser cap. 5. from two reasons First because with respect to Israel she is rather called the Wife of God and when she Worships other Gods a whore Secondly because the Scripture calls Israel a Virgin even when she adores false Gods Amos 5.2 and Jer. 18.13 The Virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing others add a third reason because Babylon and Egypt are also called Virgins as before which yet were full of Idolatry and impiety But Drusius thinks she was called a Virgin before the Captivity and was so no more when she was subjected to a strange yoke Brentius says That Jerusalem was called a Virgin either because its Kingdom was a free Monarchy and did not serve any forreign King but had a King of its own Nation as a Virgin is not subject to the yoke of any strange man Or because as a Virgin yet untouched or uncorrupted by man the City Jerusalem was not yet spoiled by any Enemy nor her Citizens translated elsewhere But Drusius objects that place Jer. 18.13 To himself for Jeremy Prophesied after the ten Tribes were carryed away and yet he calls Israel a Virgin which doubt says he may be resolved by understanding by Virgin the People of the Jews so called in specie as not yet exhausted by a total carrying away as ver 11. But although this may satisfie that doubt yet Lam. 2.13 strongly confutes this interpretation of Drusius where Jerusalem is called the Virgin and Daughter of Sion after its total devastation by the Babylonians So that Virgin is put for the Congregation of the people under what circumstance soever they were by a Prosopopeia And hence the Chald. translates it a Congregation People or Kingdom 2. By Israel we are to understand the Land and by Virgin or Daughter the Inhabitants for the Ancients were wont to call their Countrey their Mother 6. The Scripture speaks of certain Accidents as if they were men and had a Body which kind they call Somatopeia as Gen. 4.7 And if thou dost not well sin lyeth at the door Sin is here proposed as lying at the door like a Night watchman whereby is noted that a sure punishment will follow ill doing as a Watchman sleeps not but observes all things and discovers what is evil or hurtful in order to punishment There are other places where a body as it were a person and his actions are attributed to Sin as Esa. 59.12 Jer. 14.7 Acts 7.60 Rom. 6.6 It is Emphatically called the body of sin because it struggles with so great force soliciting us strongly to do evil as if it were a living body or something existing by it self Rom. 7. Sin revived and I died By the knowledge of the Law sin is known then Conscience makes a man tremble and a fearful consternation follows by which man sees nothing before his Eyes but eternal Death as the reward of his sin for the consideration of the Commandment broken by it makes it exceeding sinful ver 13. And in the following verses it is brought in as a cruel Tyrant detaining the miserable sinner Captive dwelling in him and warring against the spirit not that it will be a perpetual Conqueror in the regenerate for that will not be Rom. 6.6 12 14. c. but for that unavoidable repugnancy which naturally remains in the flesh against the Spirit whilst the regenerate man lives in this life ver 24. See Col. 2.11 and 3.5 Where the members of this body of sin are recited as Fornication Vncleanness Inordinate affections Evil Concupiscence Covetousness c. By which the Will and Reason are depraved as the body by its members Compare the following texts together James 1.14 15.18 1 Pet. 2.11 Jam. 4.1 Rev. 18.5 To this Classe also belong Gen. 30.33 So shall my Righteousness answer or witness for me when it shall come for my hire before thy face that is the future event shall declare that God has an account of my Righteousness which you shall then evidently see c. here witnessing which is the proper action of a Person is attributed to Righteousness Punishments are called Witnesses Job 10.17 with 16.8 Psal. 85.10 Mercy and Truth will meet together Righteousness and Peace shall kiss each other the affinity and conjunction of those vertues or graces is set before our eyes by the similitude of persons who after the manner of their Countrey do at meeting embrace and kiss each other in Testimony of Friendship He speaks of the Kingdom of Christ expressing its blessings and manner of Administration by this Prosopopeia ver 12. It is said that Righteousness shall look down from Heaven that is the Righteousness of Christ through whose merits we become justified before God Rom. 1.17 3.22 It is said ver 13. That Righteousness shall walk before him that is to testifie his gracious coming and presence Esa. 59.14 Judgment is turned away backward and justice standeth afar off For Truth is fallen in the street and Equity cannot enter Here is an elegant Prosopopeia of vertue and piety intimating how scarce they are and how rarely found amongst men CHAP. X. Of Metaphors taken from God Angels Heaven and the Elements IT was said Chap. VI. That there should be a general division of this Trope into the distinct Fountains and Classes of Metaphors which with Divine help shall be essayed in the following Chapters The chief Division of universal beings is into the Creator and the Creatures From the Creator we shall produce some But from the Creatures there are abundance of Metaphors taken in Scripture which we shall endeavour to make plain Metaphors taken from God AS sometimes from his Name sometimes from his Actions His Hebrew Name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Elohim when taken properly belongs to none but the only true and Eternal God and because it is of the plural number it intimates the Mystery of a plurality of persons in one most simple Deity See Gram. Sacr p.
as well as the fruit and efficacy of both c. To Cure or Heal metaphorically signifies a deliverance or Restauration from Calamity Adversity or Trouble Exod. 15.26 2 Chron. 7.14 and 36.16 John 13.4 Prov. 3.8 and 12.18 and 13.17 and 14.30 Esa. 3.7 and 58.8 Jer. 8.22 and 30.13 14 17. Lam. 2.13 Hos. 14.5 And when Translated to the Soul it denotes the free Pardon and Remission of Sin that disease of the Soul through the merits of our Blessed Redeemer Psal. 6.2 and 41.4 and 147.3 Esa. 6.10 and 19.21 and 30.26 and 53.5 Jer. 3.22 Malach. 4.2 Matth. 13.15 with Mark 4.12 John 12.40 Act 28.27 1 Pet. 2.24 c. And in Regard the knowing and manifestation of the disease and its Cause is the beginning of a Cure therefore this term is Elegantly transferr'd to the Ministers of the Word whose Office it is to shew people their sins and rebuke it Jer. 6.14 They have healed the bruise of the Daughter of my people slightly that is did not reprehend as much as need was To Health are oppos'd in general Diseases Griefs Pains Wounds Stripes c. In which there is a Metaphorical Translation 1. To Inanimates 2 Kin. 3.19 And ye shall grieve or pain every good peice of land with stones that is cover corrupt or mar it It denotes the irruptions of Enemies to annoy the whole Jewish Polity Deut. 29.22 23. Isa. 1.5 6 7 8. 2. To Man denoting his depraved Nature Jer. 17.9 Psal. 38.3 5 7 8. Isa. 53.4 Matth. 9.12 13. Mark 2.17 Luk. 5.31 32. 1 Tim. 6.4 a corrupt captious wrangler about words and questions is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sick about questions to which is elegantly oppos'd ver 3. of the wholsome words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for sound speeches of our Lord Jesus Christ. All humane Calamities which afflict a man like a Disease are represented by this similitude Psal. 77.10 Jer. 10.19 Job 9.17 Eccl. 5.12.15 and 6.2 Isa. 1.6 and 30.26 Jer. 15.8 and 30.12 14 15. Lam. 2.13 Hos. 5.13 Wounds denote sharp reprehension Prov. 27.6 See Psal. 141.5 More specially what are adverse to health and Metaphorically used are Brands or Marks or scars of Wounds are put for persecution for the confession of Christ which Paul gives an account of with respect to himself as you may see by their Catalogue 1 Cor. 4. 2 Cor. 6. and 11. What a seared Conscience is we have before spoke in Metaphors taken from fire Leanness Thinness c. are put for Calamities Punishments and Anguish Isa. 17.4 and 24.16 Ezek. 33.10 Zeph. 2.11 Psal. 73.8 it is spoke of Tyrants Rottenness of bones denotes dolors and terrors of Mind Prov. 14.30 Hab. 3.16 Prov. 12.4 To Rot is to Perish Prov. 10.7 c. The Plague denotes a very mischievous and destroying man Act. 24.5 where Paul was accounted by the wicked Jews a Pestilent fellow Poyson a very killing and fatal Ingredient that commonly destroys men unless expelled by very Soveraign and powerful Antidotes denotes devilish Doctrine as also the malice and malignity of the VVicked who as far as they can destroy the Souls Bodies and Good Name of honest pious men Deut. 32.33 Psal. 58.4 Rom. 3.13 To Life is oppos'd Death which is either the privation of Natural Life because of the separation of the Soul from the Body or the privation of spiritual and heavenly life because of the separation of the Soul from God through sin Both these not Metaphorically but properly are to be understood Gen. 2.17 But To Dye is used Metaphorically when Believers are said to Dye to sin Rom. 6.2 7 11. that is to renounce it and to be idle and unfruitful with respect to it as a Dead man naturally neither Acts nor Operates But To be Dead in Sins and Trespasses is quite another thing Eph. 2.1 5. for that denotes spiritual Death when men by sin separate themselves from the Grace of God and the hope of Eternal Life when their sins are not remitted In which sense Matth. 8.22 Joh. 5.25 1 Tim. 5.6 are taken Paul asserts himself to be Dead to the Law Gal. 2.19 that is the accusation or curse of it for he could not by that be Justified nor did he depend upon works but upon free Grace and so was Dead as to that hope viz. of a legal Justification as a Dead man has not the power of operation See Rom. 7.4.10 To be Dead from the Elements of the World Col. 2.20 is to be freed by Christ from the observation of the difference of Levitical Meats and the Mosaical Ceremonies this was the Jewish Paedagogy by which God inform'd the world Gal. 4.3 And Col. 3.3 see 1 Joh. 3.1 Believers are said to be Dead to the World c. which denotes an abrenunciation of its depraved concupiscences and mad pleasures the Text says for ye are Dead and your life is hid with Christ in God that is as Erasmus sayes in his Paraphrase ye seem Dead to this World because ye do not relish the Glories thereof nor are moved with those vanities which the worldings admire Therefore you do not live here so as to attract the splendid Notice of Men but you live in Christ with God altho' your life is hid according to the Judgment of the World c. Death is attributed to Seed or Corn cast into the Earth Joh. 12.24 1 Cor. 15.36 not because it perishes but because of its change it becoming the root of much fruit In the first text it tacitly denotes the Death of Christ and in the second the Death of Believers whose Resurrection is also denoted by this similitude or Metaphor of a Corn or grain Of Metaphors from Humane Sense GEnerally feeling sense or the Instrument of sense call'd in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are transferr'd to the Mind which Metaphor is frequent among the Latines Luk. 9.45 that they may not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 feel it that is understand it as it is expounded Chap. 18.34 Phil. 1.9 what we translate Judgment in the Greek is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sense viz. a lively faith in Christ. Tit. 1.1 2. Joh. 17.3 Isa. 53.11 See Rom. 5.1 5. and 8.16 17. and 14.17 See also Heb. 5.14 with 1 Cor. 2. 13.15 Sight or Seeing denotes experience or enjoyment Exod. 20.18 Num. 20.23 Psal. 4.6 7. and 16.9 10. and 27.12 13. and 34.12 13. and 49.10 11. and 60.4 5.89.48 49. Psal. 90.49 50. and 91.15 16. and 98.2 3. and 128.6 Eccl. 8.16 where to see sleep denotes to sleep so to see corruption in Death Psal. 16.9 10. Eccl. 9.9 Isa. 44.16 Jer. 17.8 and 43.14 Lam. 3.1 Luk. 2.26 where to see Death signifies to Dye Luk. 17.22 Joh. 8.51 56. Rev. 18.7 c. Especially the Verb to see is used to denote a real experience of Promises of great things Isa. 53.11 and 60.5 and 66.14 and of Punishment under Comminanation Isa. 26.11 2. It is transferred to the Mind and Intellect and
perfect harmony and Concord c. A Tabernacle is almost of the same signification and is put for the Church Militant Psal. 15.1 27.4 5. 84.1 for the Church Triumphant Luk. 16.8 Rev. 21.3 The Tabernacle of David Amos 9.11 Acts 15.16 denotes the Kingdom and Church of the Messiah c. The word Tabernacle is said of the Suns tarrying in heaven Psal. 19.4 and of a humane Body 2 Cor. 5.1 4. 2 Pet. 1.14 because the Soul dwels in it as its habitation till death A Chamber or Inner Room which the Latines calls Penetrale is attributed to God which is a symbol of that divine and intimate Communion which the Saints enjoy with him Cant. 1.4 See John 14.2 where the many Mansions there are thus to be Metaphorically understood viz. variety of heavenly Joys Chambers of the South Job 9.9 and 37.9 this denotes that part of Heaven which is near the Antartick Pole or Southern Axis which being below our horizon cannot be seen of us See Prov. 24.4 and 18.8 By Chambers of Death Prov. 7.27 is denoted Damnation The Chambers of the People Isa. 26.20 are temporal Death or the Graves of the Godly from which at the last day there will be a Resurrection A Prison and Imprisonment is most elegantly translated to Denote Gods Vengeance against his Enemy Isa. 24.21 And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall visit that is take notice of the host of every high one with him that is on high and the Kings of the Earth with their Land that is he will punish high and low King and Subject ver 22. And they shall be gathered together with the gathering of Prisoners into the Dungeon and shall be shut up in Prison that is they shall be held Captive by the power of God whatsoever they are that are his Adversaries for this shutting up in Prison denotes any kind of Punishment and after many things they shall be wanting that is they shall never be able to extol or lift themselves up more against God See 2 Cor. 10.4 5. A freeing from prison denotes divine Deliverance Psal. 142.7 A Ship Isa. 33.21 denotes all the force of the Churches Enemies Psal. 48.7 The breaking of the Ships of Tarshish betokens as many Interpreters say the confusion of those Enemies See Isa. 2.16 17. Besides this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to make shipwrack of Faith denotes Apostacy from the Faith c. A Grave denotes the depraved Nature of man Psal. 5.9 Rom. 3.13 Their throat is an open sepulchre the Metaphor being taken from the noysome scent of a Grave which is translated to the corrupt and wicked discourse of ill men See Matth. 23.27 28 c. See also Isa. 14.11 Thy Pomp is brought down to the Grave that is none will honour thee c. Metaphors from the various Adjuncts of Men. THese may be Divided into Internal and External of the Internal we have before expounded Many of the Externals by which the various Utensils or Instruments c. useful for humane Life are to be understood we will here treat briefly Arms are translated by a notable Emphasis to denote the spiritual fight or strugling of a Pious Soul against Sin and Temptation Rom. 6.19 13.12 2 Cor. 6.7 10.4 1 Pet. 4.1 Of Which the Apostle treats most Elegantly Eph. 6. upon which see Mr. Gurnal who hath well handled that Subject The Devil is said to be a strong man Arm'd Luk. 11.21 that is well provided with Craft Guile and Subtlety to over-reach and overcome a Soul A Sword denotes 1. A thing hurtful because it is cutting and so betokens most bitter Griefs Psal. 22.20 Luk. 2.35 Hence 't is said of an ill-speaking and virulent Tongue Psal. 55.21 57.4 59.7 Job 5.15 See Psal. 64.3 c. To put a knife to the Throat denotes extreme peril Prov. 23.2 2. It denotes a thing very penetrating and efficacious Psal. 149.6 Micah 5.5 Eph. 6.17 It is said of the Word of God that it is sharper than a two-edged sword Heb. 4.12 Gladio ancipiti 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 scindendo penetrabilius esse which denotes its piercing efficacy to reach the heart when set home by the Spirit See Isa. 49.2 Rev. 1.16 2.12 16. c. A Bow and Arrows signifie the same thing that is are put for an ill speaking and lying tongue Psal. 64.3 120.4 Jer. 9.3 An arrow flying by day denotes any sudden or invading danger Psal. 91.5 how attributed to God we have shewn in the Chapter of an Anthropopathy page 71. A Quiver wherein arrows are kept is put for a Family wherein Children are well educated Psal. 127.5 see ver 3.4 and Psal. 8.2 Matth. 9.38 Isa. 41.16 Psal. 45.5 Isa. 49.2 the Chaldee renders it It is good for that man that fills his School with them A Shield put for Princes Psal. 47.9 Hosea 4.18 who defend their Subjects as a Shield does the Body Paul calls the Word of God the shield of Faith Eph. 6.16 which quenches all the fiery darts of the VVicked One because when received in Faith it defends a Soul from all the Temptations of the Devil which are as Darts that would obstruct its passage to heaven see Gurnal as before See 1 Thes. 5.8 c. Elisha and Elijah are called the Chariots and the Horsemen of Israel 2 Kings 2.12 13.14 that is their principal strength as Chariots and horsemen are in VVar c. A Staff because it is the supporter of a weak or lame Man denotes help and support 2 Kings 18.21 Psal. 18.18 Hence the Staff of Bread Water c. is put for Meat and Drink by which the life of man is Supported and Refreshed Lev. 26.26 Psal. 105.16 Isa. 3.1 Ezek. 5.16 14 13. c. Hence Bread is said to support in our Version strengthen the heart of man as a staff does the body that is comforts and refreshes him Hence also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fulcire to prop is put for eating 1 Kings 13.7 c. On the Contrary a staff is a symbol of Meanness and Poverty as in the Prayer of Jacob Gen. 32.10 With my staff I passed over this Jordan that is weak and poor the Metaphor being taken from such as are taken Captives in VVar and despoiled of all their Arms and are dismissed with a Staff Because a staff is an Instrument whereby men use to beat It is put for Tyranny Cruelty and severe Government Prov. 10.13 22.8 26.3 2 Sam. 7.14 Psal. 89.32 Isa. 10.5.24 14.5 A Prize is put for the Reward of the Godly the metaphor being taken from such as win a race or overcome any challenger or adversary that contended with them at any exercise 1 Cor. 9.24 Phil. 3.14 For the exercise of Faith and Piety is compared to a Race or Strife 1 Cor. 9.24 25 26. Gal. 5.7 Heb. 12.1 c. Col. 2.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies to defraud of that Reward the metaphor is taken from
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
the only Instrument in the hand of God to save the World from utter Destruction and Ruin and many Thousands of poor Sinners from eternal Torments under the incensed Wrath of an eternal God and is hereby become the everlasting Wonder and Praise of Men and Angels Worthy is the Lamb to receive Power and Riches Wisdom Strength c. Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy Blood c. Metaphor I. HUman Embassadors are but weak mortal and unstable Men and many times cannot accomplish the Business they are employed about or otherwise by reason of Unfaithfulness betray the Right and Prerogative of their Sovereign II. Embassadors among Men tho nobly descended yet always are of a lower Rank than the Prince that sends them III. Embassadors among Men are employed to make up National Differences only and appease the Wrath of Men. IV. Embassadors among Men at their first Arrival to treat of Peace appear in much outward Pomp Splendor and worldly Grandure V. Embassadors amongst Men are sometimes very long and tedious when they begin before they can effect the Issue or Product of their Negotiations VI. An Embassador among Men when he hath made up a long and destructive Breach between Kingdoms and Nations and they are at perfect Peace and Friendship yet he cannot keep them always so but in time new Discord ariseth and the Breach is as wide as it was before Disparity I. CHrist is God as well as Man one mighty to save perfect all-wise stable of one mind no ways defective able to accomplish all his Pleasure true to God highly standing for his Honour wills not that he should abate a tittle of his Sovereignty and rather than his Glory should be stained in the least to save Sinners he laid down his own Life and hath offered whatever the Will and Counsel of God was II. Jesus Christ thought it no Robbery to be equal with God hence called God's Fellow and the express Image of the Father's Person and as touching his Divinity not inferior to him III. Jesus Christ was chosen to make up the spiritual Breach between God and Sinners to appease his Wrath and satisfy Divine Justice that he might not only save Mens Bodies but their Souls also not to deliver from natural only but eternal Death IV. The Lord Jesus when he came when he appeared to the World it was in a low mean and contemptible Condition He vailed his Glory and made himself of no Reputation and tho his Retinue was glorious yet invisible to the Men of the World V. Christ did the great Work of his Embassy in a short time By one Offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified he soon removed the Enmity by the Blood of his Cross. VI. This blessed Embassador having made Peace between God and Believers this League and Covenant by means of his Mediation is everlasting this Peace shall not cannot ever be broken 't is well ordered in all these things and sure being confirmed by Blood and the Oath of God For the Mountains shall depart and the Hills be removed but my Kindness shall not depart from thee neither the Covenant of my Peace be removed saith the Lord that hath Mercy upon thee Isa. 54.10 Application I. THis may then really teach us to bless and praise God for the Lord Christ the Messenger of the Covenant or blessed Embassador of Peace between God and us it was the Father that chose and sent him on this Errand and Message II. With what due and great Reverence ought we to receive the Lord Jesus he being the Son of and represents the Magnificent King not only of this World but also of Heaven as in the Scripture-Parable Surely saith he they will reverence my Son III. Accept of the terms of Peace offered to you by Jesus Christ and stubbornly stand out no longer 't is your Wisdom to submit and yield speedily thereunto for fear lest it should be said to you as once to Jerusalem c. If thou even thou hadst known in this thy day the things that belong to thy Peace but now they are hid from thine Eyes now 't is too late 1. Consider That the Breach and Enmity that is between God and Man was occasioned by our Sin we first brake League and Friendship with him 2. Consider how unable a Man is to stand and hold out in a War against God Who ever hardned himself against him and prospered Who can stand before his Indignation c. Who knows the Power of thine Anger 3. Consider What a black foul and guilty Soul art thou darest thou strive with thy Maker and joyn in a Confederacy and comply with his Enemy 4. Consider how willing God is to be at Peace with you though the offended Party he first seeks for Peace and Reconciliation 5. Consider how long this blessed Messenger of the Covenant hath waited on you and how often by his Ministers he hath invited and sent to you 6. Consider what gracious Promises he hath made to pardon and forgive all by-past Treasons if you will come in and accept of his good and peaceable Terms 7. Consider what great and irresistible Power there is in his Hands are not the Bowels of his Compassion very tender to ease himself of his Enemies 8. Consider what a sweet thing is it to be at Peace with God it passeth all Understanding 9. Consider now is the day of your Visitation this great Work admits of no delay now is the day of your Salvation O how sad will it be when Christ shall say you having not accepted the free tender of Salvation the things that concern your Peace are now hid from your Eyes 10. Consider Jesus Christ condescended very low you may have Peace on very easy Terms viz. Hear and your Souls shall live i. e. hear faithfully and savingly c. and I will make an everlasting Covenant with you c. But by way of Objection some may say What must we do to have Peace with God Answ. 1. You must fight no more against God neither must you joyn with those that in any wise take up Arms against God nor resist his Word his Spirit nor cast a deaf Ear to the Reproofs of Conscience 2. You must not only break your League with Satan but must also fight against him and rebuke him and so that you may have no more Commerce with him but must always desire Divine Assistance to resist his Temptations though he pretends Love to you in offering worldly Profits Pleasures and Honours yet his grand Design is to damn your Souls 3. Do not any longer hold a Confederacy with Sin no not so much as a secret Friendship with your Delilah your choice and pleasant Sin but put all thy Sins as it were to the Sword Mortify the Deeds of the Body c. If you would have Peace you must deal with your Sins as
shall mention is Reconciliation which is a glorious blessing what is more fully opened and held forth in the gospel than Reconciliation with the means and manner how and by whom accomplished which will appear 1. By Considering the parties Reconciled 2. By Considering the Nature of the breach that was between them 3. By Considering the means and manner how it is accomplished 4. By Considering the Fruits and Effects of it 1. Considering the Parties that were at Variance who by the gospel are Reconciled God and Man the infinite God the holy God and Man these were at Enmity 't is sad when a difference rises in a Family in a Congregation in a City in a Kingdom or between one Kingdom and another but much more sad is it to have God and sinners at Enmity Adam runs from God hides himself he knew God was now become his Enemy the word declares the Creature to be Gods Enemy whilst he stands in old Adam in the state of nature and you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your minds c. And then God declares himself to be the Sinners enemy he is angry with the wicked every day he is said to fight and war against them which plainly shews he is their Enemy But now what a glorious blessing is this to have these two Parties reconciled when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son You that were enemies in your minds by wicked works or as in the Margent by your minds in wicked works yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through Death Secondly Gospel reconciliation appears to be glorious reconciliation if we consider the nature of the breach that was between them 1. It was an old breach no sooner was man made but straitway he became an Enemy to God nay every Soul that comes into the world comes into it an enemy of God or in a state of enmity 2. 'T is so great a breach that all the Angels in heaven nor all the Saints on earth could not make up 3. It was such a breach that lays the Soul obnoxious to Gods fearful Curse 4. It is such a breach that makes the Creatures of God at enmity one with another and Mankind in danger of being Devoured by them and also hath set man one against another 5. It is such a breach that sets man against himself it hath caused his own Conscience to be his Enemy and to accuse and fight against him and condemn him If our Hearts condemn us God is greater c. 6. It is such a breach that unless made up will produce an eternal Separation from God depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devils and his Angels c. Thirdly 'T is glorious Reconciliation if we consider the means and manner how and by whom it is wrought about and accomplished every Person in the glorious Trinity hath a hand in it and are eminently concerned about it God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself All things are of God who hath reconciled us unto himself by Jesus Christ c. The Lord Jesus the second Person is imployed we may see from hence as one fitly qualified to make up this dreadful Breach and in order thereunto he took our Nature on him There was a necessity of Christs coming to reconcile God and man God his Law and Justice was wronged and God was resolved to have this wrong made up and his Justice satisfied which none but Christ could do God was willing to be reconciled yet nevertheless he will wherein he was wronged be righted and have his Justice fully and compleatly satisfied Christ knew what would appease and satisfie both Law and Justice what he hath done hath infinite worth and efficacy in it this way tends most to glorifie God the Father the Son is glorified most this way the Spirit is glorified most this way and there was no way like this to melt the Sinners heart to abase him and lay him at the feet of God See Christ the Mediator c. 2. Christ doth not only reconcile God to the Creature but also reconciles the Creature unto God he undertakes to bring God near to Man and Man near to God whose heart is full of Sin and Enmity to his Maker and not subject to his Law he lays his hands upon both the first is done by his death Christ like Jonas is cast into the Sea as it were of wrath to make a Calm The second is done by the Spirit he breaks the heart changes the inward qualities and evil dispositions he takes away the heart of stone and gives a heart of flesh Fourthly Gospel Reconciliation is glorious in respect to the nature of it 1. It is a free Reconciliation it is a work of free grace alone it is not of man not of him that willeth or him that runneth but of God that shewed mercy Hence the Apostle saith All things are of God speaking of Reconciliation 2. It is mysterious Reconciliation we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world begun to our glory the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God This is one of those deep things which many because they cannot comprehend it in their own natural Wisdom cavil against it 3. It is a certain reconciliation God is at Peace and fully Reconciled in Jesus Christ Christ shall not will not loss his glorious design in coming into the world and taking our nature on him and dying the cursed death of the Cross. Those therefore that are brought to accept of the terms of Peace and Reconciliation as offered in the Gospel stand in a state of Real Peace and Friendship neither let any once imagine that after all these glorious transactions of the blessed Trinity about this work that the issue of the whole in order to the making of it effectual depends upon the Will and power of man 4. The Soul is taken into perfect Love and Union with God God hereby intirely loveth us and is so for us or on our side that his Friends and Allies become our Friends and Allies and all our Enemies become his Enemies so that what is done to us he takes as done to himself 5. It is an honourable Reconciliation it is a Reconciliation upon honourable Terms God suffereth not in any of his glorious Attributes If God had passed by our offences so that we had Pardon and Reconciliation without more adoe without a compensation for sin the Devils perhaps saith a Divine might have cryed out against him and have said where is the Glory of thy justice these have sinned against thee as well as we and the breach they have made upon thy justice is no wayes made up but now their mouths are stopt for ever This Reconciliation will be to the glory of God in the sight of Angels and Men to
through the Earth that is they licentiously vent their blasphemies against God and contumelious words against Mankind See more Examples in Dan. 4.23 with verse 22. and 29. 1 King 8.32 Matth. 21.25 The Baptism of John whence is it from Heaven or of Men that is from God or men So Luke 20.4 Luke 15.18 Father I have sinned against Heaven that is against God The Heart is put for the Soul which is radically in the Heart as its proper seat Psal. 24.3 4. and 84.3 1 Pet. 3.4 Heb. 13.9 c. The Belly is put for the Heart which viz. heart is likewise put for the Soul and its acts and cogitations Job 15.35 Prov. 18.8 and 20.27 and 26.22 and 22.18 Hab. 3.16 John 7.38 3. The Possessor is put for the thing possessed GEN. 15.3 Behold the Son of mine house inherits me that is my Goods and Estate Deut. 9 1. To possesse Nations greater and mightier then thy self that is the Countries of the Gentiles for the People themselves were not to be possessed but cut off by the Command of God as verse 2 3. See 2 Sam. 8.2 Psal. 79.7 For they have devoured Jacob that is his Riches and Goods The Prince is put for his Jurisdiction Matth. 2.7 And thou Bethlehem in the Land of Juda art not the least among the Princes of Juda that is the Principalities or Prefectures of Juda who were distinguished by thousands as 1 Sam. 10.19 The Name of God is put for Oblations offered to him as Josh. 13.33 The Lord God of Israel was their Inheritance viz. the Levites which is expounded verse 14. Only unto the Tribe of Levi he gave no Inheritance the Sacrifices of the Lord God of Israel made by fire are their Inheritance c. and Josh. 18.7 The Priesthood of the Lord is their the Levites Inheritance Deut. 10.9 The Lord is his Inheritance c. See Ezek. 44.28 Christ is put for the Church or believers who are his peculiar People Tit. 2.14 1 Pet. 2.9 Matth. 25.35 For I was an hungred and ye gave me meat c. says Christ and verse 40. It is thus expounded In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of thâ—â—se my Brethren ye have done it unto me Acts 9.4 5. Saul Saul why persâ—â—cutest thou me I am Jesus whom thou persecutest whereas verse 1 2. It is said that Saul persecuted the Disciples of Christ. So 1 Cor. 12.12 So also is Christ that is his Church hath many Members and many Believers do constitute one Body of Christ or one Church for it follows v. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one Body Christ therefore is put for his Mystical Body or which is the same thing that which properly belongs to a body is attributed to Christ because of his Mystical Union with Believers For the same Reason the Afflictions of Christ are called the Afflictions of the Saints Col. 1.24 Upon which place Lyranus says thus The Passions or sufferings of Christ are twofold one he endured in his own proper Body as Hunger Thirst yea even Death and in this sence there was nothing to be filled up The other he suffers in his Members who are Believers when they are persecuted afflicted and oppressed for his sake And this is the meaning of the Apostle here when he says who Now rejoyce in my sufferings for you and fill up that which is behind of the Afflictions of Christ in my Flesh for his Bodies sake which is the Church 4. The Object is put for That which it is Conversant about CHrist Jesus is put for his Doctrine 2 Cor. 11.4 For if he that cometh Preacheth another Jesus whom we have not preached that is another better Doctrine of Christ which he calls another Gospel c. Eph. 4.20 But ye have not so learned Christ If so be that ye have heard him and have been taught by him as the Truth is in Jesus c. This is to be understood of the Doctrine of Christ. God is put for Worship appointed for his Honour as Exod. 32.1 And they that is the Israelites said unto him viz. Aaron up make us 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gods that is as Brentius Gerhard and others expound it Institue nobis publica sacra c. Institute some publique form of Worship for us or some visible sign of Gods presence as afterwards was the Tabernacle the Ark and Mercy Seat Exod. 40.34 35. Numb 7.84 possibly some such thing as they had seen in Egypt for now they were turned in their Hearts to Egypt Acts 7.39 40. Glory and Strength are put for the Praise and Celebration of Glory and Strength as Psal. 69.1 Give unto the Lord Glory and Strentgh that is give him the Praise of his Glory and Strength See Psal. 8.2 Out of the Mouths of Babes and Sucklings hast thou ordained Strength that is the Praise and Celebration of his Strength and Omnipotency as it is expounded Matth. 21.16 So Psalm 96. 6 7. verses Sin is put for Sacrifice or Sin-offering Exod. 29.14 The Flesh of the Bullock c. Thou shalt not burn without the Camp it is a sin so the Hebrew that is as our Translation renders it a Sin-offering Hosea 4.8 They Eat up the sin of my People that is the Sacrifice or sin-offering for sin has a threefoâ—â—d acceptation 1. It signifies the Transgression of Gods Law 1 John 3.4 2. Punishment for sin he shall bear his sin Lev. 20.20 and 29. and 24.15 Numb 9.13 and 18. 22. Ezek 23 49. 3. Sacrifice offered for sin Lev. 10.17 Why do you not eat the sin of the holy place for so the words are to be read that is the sin-offering In this sence that text is to be understood 2 Cor. 5.21 Christ was made sin for us that is a sin-offering according to Isa. 53.10 If thou shalt make his Soul Sin 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Our Translation renders it when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin explained Eph. 5.2 Christ hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour For he is the true propitiatory sacrifice for our sins whom the old Typical oblations adumbrated or shadowed forth That phrase of the Apostle Paul's 2 Cor. 5.21 For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin is borrowed from Esaias upon which D. Franzius thus expresses himself How Christ was made sin may be plainly and perfectly declared from the Beasts allotted for Sacrifices when by imputation of the sins of the People to them they became unclean yea sin and so were slain and sacrificed c. By which words the reason of this Tropical speech whereby Sin is taken for Sacrifice is noted Illyricus says These Sacrifices were so called because the sins of the People with respect to punishment were after a certain manner by Imputation transferred upon them not that the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies to expiate Cl. Script part
139.9 that is the first Sun beams This celestial Sun is also a Physitian which can heal and deliver from spiritual Death The Sun when it rises gives some ease and comfort to sick persons let all that are soul sick rejoyce in this justifying and healing Sun of Righteousness 6. The Sun rising causes Joy to all things who were as it were immersed in the Melancholy sadness of night as the Poet says Phosphore redde diem quid gaudia nostra Moraris Come sweet Phospher bring the Day Why dost thou our Joys delay So by this heavenly Sun of Righteousness true cause of Joy is given unto men Luke 2.10 11. Esa. 9.2 3. 7. The Sun does make all sorts of Earthly fruit Ripe to which it also gave the beginning of vegetation So Christ is the Author and finisher of our Faith Heb. 12.2 He worketh in us to will and to do Phil. 2.13 That we may walk worthy of the Lord unto all well pleasing being fruitful unto every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God Col. 1.10 8. It is said of the Heliotrope an herb so called that it always turns and inclines to the Sun So let our hearts always incline to Christ. 9. There is nothing more pleasant to those in Captivity then to behold the Sun So there is nothing ought to be more comfortable to us in our spiritual Captivity then by the Eyes of Faith to behold Christ the Sun of Righteousness c. The Second place is Luke 1.78 Through the Bowels of the Mercy of our God so the Greek whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us Some think that this metaphorical appellation viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 oriens ex alto arising from on high is taken from Plants which are said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to branch or spout forth when they grow or begin to flourish that so it might respect those places of the Old Testament where Christ is called a Plant and Branch Jer. 23.5 Zach. 3.8 and 6.12 Where the Septuagint render 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 orientem arising and that we are to understand here the arising or Branch from on high sent from heaven to us and widely differing from all Earthly branches But the words immediately following shew that Zachary had respect rather to the similitude of the Sun and light as verse 79. of this place viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of Death to guide as a clear light does our feet into the ways of peace By a good reason it is therefore said that the Holy man respected the Prophesie Esa. 9.2 whence the phrase of sitting in the darkness and shadow of Death is taken and chap. 60.1 2. Mal. 4.2 To which places Junius Parallel 1 55. does learnedly shew that he had immediate reference 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 oriri to arise is proper to the Sun Moon and Stars from whence the Noun 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is an arising or the action or Region of the orient Sun and Metonymically it is put for the rising Sun it self to which is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from on high for distinction sake is added by which Junius says we are to understand that meridian and powerful spendor whereby the Sun chiefly at Noon illustrates all things to difference it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from its first uprising But it seems to be referred more truely to the first original of the Sun of Righteousness viz. His visiting and shining upon us on Earth and that from on high viz. Heaven as 1 Cor. 15.47 John 3.31 That the Messiah is called a Star Numb 24.17 is the Judgement of many there shall come a Star out of Jacob and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel which words are thus rendered by the Chaldee there shall arise a King out of Jacob and the Messiah shall be exalted out of Israel c. The same exposition Galatinus lib. 8. cap. 1. produces from R. Salomo and R. Moses Hadarsan Vatablus paraphrases the whole verse thus O Balak my Counsel is that you be quiet and fear not at this time for that which I foretell of things to come shall not come to pass in thy time but in the latter days viz. in the time of the Messiah whom I see but not near me for he is yet afar off when he comes he will be as a great light and vehement splendor which is signifyed by the Star c. So says Brentius Junius and Tremellius in their notes say that by the Name of a Star and Scepter is meant the Kingdom of Gods people begun in David and compleated in Christ between whom the interjected time was the progress of the Star c. See Junius in analyt explic h. l. Such as understands this Prophesie of Christ paraphrase it in this manner I shall see him but not now I shall behold him but not nigh that is my Curses will be in vain against that People whom God hath peculiarly chosen for himself and from which according to the Flesh the Messiah is to descend but the time of that Nativity is not yet come therefore I seem to behold him at a great distance but that promise will be certainly fulfilled and God for his sake will preserve this Kingdom so long there shall come a Star out of Jacob that is the Son of God manifested in the Flesh shall come of this people and shall spread the beams of his Doctrine and Miracles far and near arising as the Day-Star in the hearts of Believers 2 Pet. 1.19 Enlightning them to Eternal Life and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel that is the Messiah shall not only be a Teacher of his people but also a heavenly King and he shall smite through the Princes of Moab and destroy all the Children of Seth that is all such as will not obey his Government but remain unbelievers he shall destroy with an Eternal Death ver 18. And Edom shall be a possession Seir shall be a possession for his Enemies that is all his Enemies who by the Idumeans the capital Enemies of Israel inhabiting Seir are set forth shall be destroyed by the Sword of the Spirit but Israel shall do valiantly that is the Church which is the Kingdom of the Messiah shall be gloriously triumphant ver 19. out of Jacob shall come he that shall have Dominion and shall destroy him that remaineth of the City that is he shall rule in the House of Jacob for ever and of his Kingdom there will be no end Luke 1.33 He shall put all his Enemies under his feet 1 Cor. 15.25 26 27. c. Christ calls himself The bright and Morning Star Rev. 22.16 Because of those shinings of saving knowledge which proceed from him whence he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The light bringer usually Translated Morning-star or day-dawn arising in the hearts of men by the sure word of Prophesie But more
kindles the Love of God Holiness and heavenly desires in the Hearts of men to which is referred Jer. 20.9 Luke 24.32 And the appearance of the Holy Spirit in the likeness of Fire Acts 2.3 Matth. 3.11 And lastly its consuming and destroying quality For the Word of Christ shall consume all its adversaries Judge Condemn and Destroy them John 12.48 To which may be reduced Jer. 5.14 and 23.29 To this Divine Fire there seems to be another strange Fire opposed as in the Type Lev. 10.1 viz. of false Doctrine and humane Traditions Esa. 50.11 Behold all ye that kindle a Fire that compass your selves about with sparks walk in the light of your Fire and in the sparks that ye have kindled c. Junius and Tremellius upon the place say That Christ in this place convinces the proud Spirit of the Pharisees and almost the whole Jewish Church of impiety because in their spiritual darkness they went about to kindle lights for themselves neglecting the light of Gods Word and that Gospel illumination which Christ offered them c. They esteemed that a profitable Fire and light which really brought the Fire of divine Wrath and Eternal Damnation upon them 3. Because of its burning quality Fire is attributed to them who bring perdition hurt loss or utter destruction hence Fire is said to be before God the just Judge and avenger of his Enemies Psal. 50.3 and 97.3 Esa. 26.11 and 29.6 and 30.33 and 66.15 16 24. 2 Thes. 1.7 8. But there is no doubt but in these and other places respect is had to Hell-fire of which Illyricus says in the description of Hell and Eternal punishments the Scripture frequently inculcates that there is an Eternal and unquenchable Fire or Brimstone whether there be really any material Fire or that something bitter and direful is metaphorically signifyed is left to inquiry because in this Life there is nothing more violent more tormenting or more terrible then a raging and prevailing Fire But it is far better to endeavour the avoiding of that hellish Fire then in a Spirit of Contention to be too curiously inquisitive into its Nature Hither must be referred those places where by the term Fire we are to understand invading Enemies and desolating Wars Psal. 78.63 Esa. 42.25 Jer. 48.45 and 50.32 Ezek. 21.32 and 30.8 in which place the Chaldee for Fire puts a people strong like fire Amos 1.4 7 10 12 14. and 2.2 5. Some think there may be a Synecdoche because Wars for the most part are managed by Fire and Flame It is also attributed to other things by means of which terror hurt and death are brought upon any as Judg. 9.15 20. Esa. 33.11 12. Obad. ver 18. James 3.5 6. Jude ver 23. See Prov. 26.23 and compare Jer. 51.58 Heb. 2.13 Joel 1.20 together 4. It agrees to this that Fire generally denotes any adversities which are the effects of Divine Wrath as also Calamities and Afflictions as Psal. 66.12 and 140.10 Esa. 9.18 19. and 10.16 and 24.6.15 and 43.2 Lam. 1.13 and 4.11 By which signification sometimes respect is had to the purifying quality of Fire for God tries and cleanses believers by Crosses and Calamities as Gold is tryed in the Fire Zach. 13.9 1 Pet. 4.12 See also Psal. 17.3 and 66.10 1 Pet. 1.6 7. To this also are the two following texts referred Mark 9.49 For every one shall be salted with Fire and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt The particle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 kai and is frequently put for as or even as It is therefore an inversed similitude which is to be resolved in this sence As every sacrifice in the Old Testament was wont to be salted with salt by the appointment of God Lev. 2.13 So every man that would avoid sin or offences and Hell-fire the consequence of it as appears by the foregoing verses which have a co-herence with this must be salted with a certain wholesome Fire that is seasoned by Crosses and Afflictions Or this Fire will have the same efficacy on him as salt has on flesh viz. to preserve him from the putrefaction of security in sin Elegantly therefore is salting attributed to Fire and both are joyned to denote the Mystery of the Cross Because there is an agreement betwixt those two both causing pain and both abstracting and consuming that which is corrupt or putrifyed as also because they were joyned together in sacrifices Scaliger in his notes thinks that this should be read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is every sacrifice shall be salted that it may be the same with what follows 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 every oblation shall be salted with salt because Lev. 2.13 There is a Repitition of the same The other place is 1 Cor. 3.13 14 15. Upon which Chemnitius thus expresses himself There is a Fire of probation or tryal sent by God either by outward Troubles or inward Temptations or by a clearer manifestation of Truth by the Word that they should not remain in the darkness of Error and Ignorance who hold the fundamental Articles of Truth but that such opinions as are disagreeable to the Foundation shall be purged away either in Life or at the hour of Death Some by the terms Day and Fire understand Truth shining from the Word of God by the Holy Spirit and enlightning the mind Mal. 3.3 But others the Day and Fire of the last Judgment 2 Thes. â—â— 8 Of which obscure place we are not concern'd here to treat much But the Reader may peruse Tom. 8. locorum Theolog. Dn. D. Gerhardi de morte Sect. 254. seqq To the Element of Fire belong other things which bear Analogy or Relation to it as well Nouns as Verbs Of Nouns a Flame by a metaphor signifies a bright and shining blade or plate of that form as Judg. 3.22 1 Sam. 17.7 where what we Translate Spearshead is in the Hebrew spears-flame So Job 39.3 The flame of the Spear we Translate it the glittering spear So also a Flame is attributed to the Sword which turned every way with which the Cherubims which were the keepers of Paradise were armed Gen. 3.24 See Esa. 13.8 Cant. 8.6 Love is called the flame of the Lord that is such as the Lord by the light of his Spirit kindles so as that it shall last perpetually And for its continual energy because it always tends upwards and darts its splendor and increases that way what are the properties of a natural Flame of Fire agree also to Love Esa. 47.14 A Flame signifies most heavy punishments inflicted by God Lanthorn Candle and Lamp 1. Denote Prosperity and a happy success of things Job 29.3 Psal. 18.28 Hence the extinction or putting out of a Candle or Lamp signifies approaching adversities Job 21.17 Prov. 13.9 20.20 2. It more especially denotes the happiness of a Kingdom or Government 2 Sam. 21.17 Thou shalt go no more out with us to Battel that thou quench not the Candle or Lamp of Israel the
By the same metaphor it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sermo insititius the ingrafted word Jam. 1.21 mention being made of Regeneration ver 18. that is which God by the power of his Spirit does as it were sow and Plant in the hearts of men that it may take root there and bring forth fruit acceptable to God 1. Seed as to outward appearance is but a mean thing neither is its vertue apparent or visible So the word of God is much despised and contemned in the world 1 Cor. 1.21 2. Good Seed cast into good ground does germinate and put forth a Plant by whose vertue and power it continues its kind So the Word of God received in a good heart makes a man such as it self is that is spiritual and quickned with a divine life because that Seed is Spirit and Life John 6.63 3. That Seed may grow there is need of the Suns heat and Rain or Dew So God himself gives increase to the seed of the heavenly word 1 Cor. 3.6 7. The Sun of Righteousness influences it with its celestial heat and waters it with the Rain or Dew of its Holy Spirit Esa. 44.3 c. When the Verb To Sow is attributed to God it denotes a multiplication of blessings to men Jer. 31.27 Hos. 2.25 Zach. 10.9 To which the phrase Nah. 1.14 is contrary the Lord hath given a Commandement concerning thee that no more of thy name be sown that is thou shalt be slain and shalt perish without recovery When attributed to men it signifies such things as are done in our life time from which good or evil is to be expected And so expresses either the exercise or practice of piety or impiety Examples of the former are to be read Psal. 126 5 6. Prov. 11.8 Hos. 10.12 2 Cor. 9.6 Of the latter Prov. 22.8 Job 4.8 Jer. 4.3 Hos. 8.7 Of both Gal. 6.8 c. When it is said of humane Bodies that they are sown it denotes their Death and Burial 1 Cor. 15.42 43 44. To which the Resurrection from the Dead is opposed For the Apostle metaphorically changes the word speaking ver 36. Of the Seed as of the Body but here of the Body as of Seed A Root which is the Basis or lower part of the Plant and the principle or beginning of accretion is put for any original or foundation of a thing Deut. 29.18 Esa. 14.30 Rom. 11.16 17 18. 1 Tim. 6.10 Heb. 12.5 And for a prosperous state of things Job 29.19 Hence comes the phrase to take Root or to Root that is to be in a good condition or to multiply or thrive in any outward blessing Job 5.3 Psal. 80.9 Esa. 27.6 and 37.31 Jer. 12.2 And on the contrary the drying up of the Root denotes the destruction of the wicked Job 18.16 Esa. 5.24 Hos. 9.16 Mal. 4.1 More specially the Roots of the feet for so 't is in the Hebrew Job 13.29 but in our English Translation heels of my feet an exposition rather than a Translation signifie the heels or knuckle bones because they are the lowest part as a Root is to a Plant. The Root of Jesse Esa. 11.1 Seems to note the Patriarchs from which Jesse and David were sprung To be Rooted is spoke of the Mystery of our Regeneration and a corroboration or strengthning in Faith and Piety is signifyed thereby Eph. 3.18 Col. 2.7 To which we may fitly compare Job 19.28 But ye should say why persecute we him seeing the Root of the matter is found in me that is when Rooted by Faith in God I keep mine integrity as Junius and Tremellius expound it A Branch with many Synonymous Terms is frequently proposed in Allegories signifying by the similitude of a growing green and thriving Tree Prosperity and on the contrary by the similitude of a withering Tree misfortune and calamity Gen. 49.22 Job 15.32 and 29.19 where 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a Branch as chap. 18.16 Psal. 80.10 11. Esa. 25.5 Ezek. 17.6 c. and 16.10 11. and 31.3 c. Mal. 4.1 c. By the term Branches Paul understands the Israelites of that time Rom. 11.16 17 c. who were descended or proceed of the first Patriarchs as from a Root The Church is called the Branch of Gods planting Esa. 60.21 Because as it were planted in Christ the tree of Life he has a singular love and care for it vegetating comforting and preserving it by his spirit and at last eternally saving it A Leaf because it easily falls and withers carries the notion of vileness and vanity Job 13.25 But in regard the leaves of some Trees are always green under the similitude of such a Tree eternal Life is described Ezek. 47.12 See Rev. 22.2 also the Righteous who are Heirs of eternal Life Psal. 92.13 14. With Psal. 1.3 and 52.10 The greeness of leaves is called a budding or germination which word viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is by a metaphor brought to signifie sometimes natural things as the hairs of the head and beard Lev. 13.37 2 Sam. 10.5 Judg. 16.22 Ezek. 16.7 and 43.19 and 61.11 The word flourishing reviving or more properly growing green again is elegantly translated Phil. 4.10 to signifie the mind of man stirred up by Love and Benevolence to no good On the contrary to be dried up or withered is put for Death or being taken away Joel 1.12 A Flower denotes prosperity Esa. 5.24 See Job 15.33 Job 30.12 But because a Flower is easily cut down and withered it is put for any thing that is frail uncertain or transitory Esa. 28.1 4. Psal. 103.15 16. Jam. 1 10.11 1 Pet. 1.24 Esa. 40.6 7 8. To Flourish is put for a prosperous state of men Psal. 92.7.12 13. and 132.18 Prov. 14.11 Esa. 27.6 Hos. 14.8 See also Esa. 66.14 Ezek. 17.24 What is said Ezek. 7.10 The rod hath blossomed pride hath budded is understood by most Interpreters of the King of the Assyrians now growing to the height of his Empire and authority and preparing to besiege Jerusalem The Chald. The Empire flourishes and the wicked is got up But Junius and Tremellius referre it to the people of Israel translating it thus that Tribe flourishing did bud out pride for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies both a Rod and a Tribe to Flourish is also used of Vlcers and Leprosies Exod 9.9 10. Levit. 13.39 c. Fruit the metaphorical acceptation of this word is well known and obvious every where viz. that it is put for the consequent or effect of a thing whether for good or evil 'T is put for the consequent reward of Godliness Psal. 58.11 Verily there is a fruit for the Righteous so the Hebrew The Chald. Certainly there is a good reward for the just So Esa. 3.10 Heb. 12.11 Jam. 3.18 'T is put for the punishment of impiety Jer. 6.19 Behold I will bring evil upon this people even the fruit of their thoughts because they have not hearkned unto my words nor to
as Grashoppers before them that is of small stature in comparison of those Gyants See Esa. 40.15 17. Psal. 144.4 3. Examples of a Grammatical Meiosis are 2 Kings 18.4 And he called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nehustan little brass by a diminutive word by way of contempt of the brazen Serpent that was made an Idol of these diminutives there are many in the Hebrew text but we leave them for Criticks Some is put for a great many Rom. 3.3 1 Tim. 4.1 Some Body is put for an eminent man Acts 5.36 Boasting himself to be some body as Acts 8.9 So Pindarus says 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is what is some Body What is no Body Man is the dream of a shadow Sick is put for one Dead in sin or desperately bad in his spiritual state for these that are said to be ungodly and verse 8. sinners and Enemies ver 10. These few instances of many we note for the illustration of this Trope CHAP. XX. Of an Allegory ΑΛΛΗΓΟΡΙΑ an Allegory with respect to its Etymology or derivation signifies that when one thing is said another thing is understood It is the Continuation of a Trope especially of a metaphor and although Metonymies Ironies and Synecdoches are likewise continued yet not so frequently nor with that Emphasis as in the other florid Tropes therefore we will in a particular chapter treat of this continued Metaphor not so much to shew the Fountains whence Allegories are taken for that I presume is abundantly shewn where we have treated of Metaphors but to discover and explain some difficulties in it and shew its peculiar nature These Allegories we will distinguish into Simple and Allusive The Simple we call such as are taken from any natural things The Allusive we call such as respect other things whether Words or Facts and are from thence deduced into a translated description Examples of a Simple Allegory GEn. 3.15 And I will put Enmity between thee O Serpent and the woman and between thy Seed and her Seed it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel The first Promise of the Gospel and the whole Mystery of Redemption to come is proposed by God himself in this Allegory Here are almost all Tropes in these words especially the continuation of a metaphor When Jehovah speaks to the Serpent he understands the Devil either by a Metonymie because the Devil lurkt in the Serpent and by it spoke to Eve or by a metaphor because the natural Serpent was cursed by the word of God ver 14. And so made abominable to the race of man and so bore the figure of the Devil whence the Devil is called a Serpent and Dragon Rev. 12.7 8. c. By the Woman mankind is meant by a Synecdoche because mankind was to be sprung from those Protoplasts or first form'd Parents Eve being call'd the Mother of all living ver 20 the enmity denounced denotes the serious will of God to deliver men in due time from the power of the Devil See Acts 17.26 27. 30.31 26.18 He mentions the woman only because she was first seduced to sin as she confesses ver 13. and to provoke her the more against her Conqueror By the seed of the Serpent the whole power and Troop of Devils and wicked men who study the overthrow of Christs Kingdom is Metaphorically represented By the seed of the woman by way of eminency 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Messiah the son of man is Metonymically understood who also was to destroy the Devils Machinations The Enmity between him and the Serpents seed intimates Gods immutable decree of mans Redemption by Christ. The Metaphor is continued 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ipsum It that is the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 semen Seed of the Woman mention'd immediately before shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise its heel The first phrase it shall bruise thy head Metaphorically declares that Christ will destroy the Power of the Devil for as a Venemous Serpent when his head is bruised or broken has neither strength nor life so the Devils power being broken they can no longer hurt or destroy men But more particularly By the head of the Serpent is meant Sin and Death for as the Serpents Poyson and Power of biting lies in his head so the Devils poyson is sin which infects and destroys the wole man hence it is deservedly called the poyson of Dragons and the cruel venom of Asps Deut. 32.33 where note that in the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Head is put for Venom and the Epithete Cruel is added as if there were a perfect allusion to the head of that most cruel Serpent Gen. 3.15 Therefore when Christ takes away sin he breaks the head of that infernal Serpent See John 3.8 And because the Serpents life and strength lies in his head and because the head is the supreme and most noble Member in a Creature by whose vertue and influence the whole body is governed it is put for Power Dominion and Superiority Deut. 28.13 44. Lam. 1.5 c. The Power Strength and Dominion of the Devil against men consists in death or killing Heb. 2.14 Therefore when Christ abolishes spiritual death he breaks the serpents head viz. his power to destroy men spiritually See 1 Cor. 15.54 The other phrase and thou shalt bruise his heel denotes the manner and medium of effecting mens Salvation viz. his passion and most bitter Death Christ is proposed as a magnificent Hero who as it were with his feet tramples on the Serpent and breaks his head And as a Serpent when trampled upon resists with all his strength while he has any life wresting and winding himself spitting poyson and biting his Enemy so Jehova intimates that the Devil would do so by this phrase As if he had said thou shalt defend thy self with all thy might and use all endeavours to destroy thine Enemy the Messiah whilst I indulge thee for fallen mans sake to use thy worst neither shall he escape unhurt for he shall suffer a most ignominious Death by thine Instruments But this will not profit thee for thou shalt not be able to touch his head but only one of his heels that is the less principal part will in some Measure be hurted by thee but my Divine omnipotence shall cure that wound by giving him a glorious Resurrection from Death and by my Gospel declaring him to the whole world to be Conquerour of Hell and all its powers whereas thou shalt utterly perish not only thy heel but thy very head shall be broken We have Insisted the larger upon this great Oracle of Divine Truth because it is the Foundation of the Prophecies concerning the Messiah and all our Hope and Comfort which we hope shall not seem tedious to the Pious Reader Gen. 49.11 12. Binding his Fole unto the Vine and his Asses Colt unto the choice Vine he washed his garments in Wine and his Cloaths in the blood of grapes his
that can never be spent tho the more a Saint lives upon his Portion the more rich he is the more comes in upon him God is an unexhaustible Portion XIII But God is a never-failing Portion he is not only a Portion now but will be a Portion hereafter a present and yet a future Portion a Portion whilst we live a Portion when we dy and a Portion to Eternity III. But God is able to do all things that will make up a full and compleat happiness 1. He gives peace and serenity of mind 2. Fills with joy and peace in believing 3. Seals up to the day of Redemption 4. Sends Angels to rescue and conduct and at last lodges safe in the Bosom of Abraham in a Land of light and blessed immortality COROLLARIES 1. THis shews the great and wonderful condescention of God in giving himself to be his Peoples Portion 2. This shews the great difference between the godly and ungodly the one are exceeding rich in the midst of poverty and the other miserably poor in the midst of riches as in the Case of Lazarus and the Rich Man 3. It shews how grosly the World is abused by Satan in esteeming good men to be poor and miserable since the meanest of them is born to a Kingdom and Heir-Apparent to a Crown which is but the least part of their Portion neither for the height of their Inheritance is the God of the Kingdom 4. From hence we see the reason why wise and good men slighted the World for they had piercing judgments and could see beyond it and take a view of that more exceeding and eternal weight of glory that an interest in this Portion shall invest them in 5. From hence we may be informed why God is so much slighted in the World not because he is unworthy of chief regard for he is all excellent 2. Not because he is not sufficiently discovered to be so for the Heavens declare his glory And if a rare piece of Art and Curiosity in a Royal Palace will lead us to judge it the Product of a brave mind much more the view of the stately Canopy of Heaven and the Marvels of the Creation will carry our minds to the Contemplation of the great Creator But 3. 'T is because of affected and chosen ignorance with which Satan strikes so that mens Damnation is of themselves 6. This shews the infinite reasons that sway with good men for the choice of this Portion because if they have him all that 's good and desirable is theirs and all is nothing without him 7. This may lead us to enquire who have this God for their Portion 1. They are such as set light by the World and all things short of him 2. Their thoughts are upon him and hunger and thirst after him cleaving to him as the highest Object 3. They make their boast of him I will make my boast of God 4. They take care to keep him And 5. Are resolved to exalt him O God thou art my God I will exalt thee 8. This leads us to an useful enquiry after the best way to get this God to be our Portion which may be reduced to the following Heads 1. 'T is necessary to know how we lost him viz. by sin 2. To remove that that separated from him Let the wicked forsake his way c. 3. By confession and acknowledgment to sue to him as the Prodigal did for he that confesses and forsakes sin shall find mercy 4. To draw our hearts from Earthly Objects which may be evils though not in themselves yet by accident because we cannot serve God and Mammon 5. We must believe on Christ and obey him 9. This should teach us Contentment since this Portion is enough 2. Not to fear Death because it is but the entrance to a fuller enjoyment 3. Not to repine at others large share of the World because this Portion infinitely excels it 4. We ought to live upon it as our proper and peculiar Inheritance God a Habitation PSAL. 90.1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lord thou hast been our dwelling place or Habitation in Generation and Generation or in all Generations See Psal. 91.9 1 JOHN 4.16 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. Et manens vel qui manet in charitate in Deo manet He that abideth or dwelleth in love dwelleth in God UNder the Metaphor or similitude of an Habitation or dwelling place the Lord God is exprest by the Psalmist in this Text The words Habitation Dwelling-Place and House are promiscuously used in Scripture and signifie the same thing viz. the chief place of residence or abode the nature usefulness and conveniency of which the ensuing Parallel demonstrates METAPHOR I. A Habitation or House is a security against extream and intemperate heat II. It is a place of shelter in a tempestuous or stormy season for when Wind Rain Hail Snow Thunder c. are like to annoy us that 's a safe retiring place III. It preserves the body from the injuries of excessive cold 'T is a lamentable thing to be housless and harbourless in a sharp Winter many have been benummed yea frozen to death that way Our house is the proper place where fire is made to warm us IV. Our Habitation is the place where our choicest comforts remain as our dearest Relations Company chief Riches or Treasure V. A Habitation is a place of rest for there our bodies when tired by watching journeying or labour are sweetly reposed VI. Our Habitation is our Home for in other places we are but Strangers and Sojourners and expos'd to endure many hazards and disorders which we are safe from at home VII There must be some certain known way or passage leading to a Habitation or house by which Enquirers may come to it VIII A Habitation or house is a Sanctuary and safeguard against Thieves Robbers and Murderers it is a mans Castle to secure him and his IX A Habitation hath a Door to let into it which is opened only to such as are approved Friends X. A Habitation or house is adorn'd with Galleries and other beautiful Ornaments environ'd with Gardens Meadows Pastures Walks Fountains c. for pleasure as well as profit which makes it an excellent and lovely Seat XI 'T is Right and Propriety makes a stately Habitation valuable Passengers may cast a transient look upon it but little mind it because it is none of theirs XII A house or Habitation is a place of Hospitality there Friends are invited Strangers entertained and Beggars relieved XIII He that is totally without a Habitation is accounted to be in a very desolate and miserable condition and exposed to all the inconveniencies above-named XIV In a Habitation or great house are many Lodging-rooms for repose and some secret Chambers for security in times of danger PARALLEL I. GOd secures and defends his people from the rage of Satan which is called his Fiery Darts and the malice and persecutions of wicked men for
that he is very pitiful and of tender Mercy 4. We must always imprint this as an undoubted Truth and sure Maxim in our Minds That tho God sometimes afflicts 〈◊〉 may afflict his Children as a bare Act of his Sovereignty Sin being not directly the Occasion thereof yet nothing God doth or can do is unjust I know O Lord that thy Judgments are right and that thou in Faithfulness hast afflicted me All his Ways are Judgment a God of Truth and without Iniquity just and righteous in all his Ways That is his Administrations or his Doings as Mr. Ainsworth noteâ—â— are Judgment that is judicious equal A God of Truth or Faithful without Iniquity or there is in him no Iniquity no injurious Evil Right or righteous is he Consider further 5. That the greatest and sorest Afflictions that godly Men may meet with are no sufficient Ground to conclude they are cast out of God's Favour For the best of Saints and dearest Servants of God have been from the beginning under the greatest Exercise of Affliction As many as he loves he rebukes and chastens 6. Another thing that we should premise is That the Afflictions which we meet with in this World come not by chance They are all measured out by God's ordering Providence in matter and manner for kind and quality And tho the Judgments and Dealings of God are sometimes very secret and hard to be understood at first we ought with Patience to bear them and humbly wait till God is pleased to shew us his Mind and Pleasure in them 7. We must consider that it is our Duty to acknowledg all our Troubles and Afflictions and whatever they be as coming from God and look beyond Instruments and secondary Causes Is there any Evil in the City and I have not done it He breaketh me with Breach upon Breach and runneth upon me like a Giant He Why some may say It was the Devil and his Agents viz. the Sabeans and Chaldeans c. Job knew that no Devil or wicked Man could hurt or touch him if God did not give them leave and open the Door for them These things being premised I now shall give you five or six Reasons why God ran thus upon Job or breaks forth after this manner upon sincere Persons when Sin is not the Cause It is necessary to note this by the way That God doth frequently single out the most eminent and choicest of his Children to undergo the sharpest and sorest Affliction because they have the greatest Strength Joseph excelled for Grace and Vertue and therefore he is singled out from all his Brethren to hard Works and Sufferings No Man like Job in all the Earth in his Day for a perfect and upright Man and what a Man of Sorrows and Afflictions was he Those that have received most Grace from God are able to bear most Afflictions from God A General of an Army chuseth out the most valiant and experienced Souldiers to put them upon hard Adventures It is not prudent to put a Fresh-water Souldier upon difficult Service As Christ saith I have many things to say unto you but you cannot bear them now and therefore deferred till they had got more Strength So God saith of a young Christian one that is newly converted Thou hast great Afflictions to undergo before thou diest but thou art not fit to bear them yet I will defer thy Trial till thou art grown more hardy and fit for that Encounter as our Saviour told Peter John 21.18 1 Reason One Reason why God ran thus upon Job like a Giant or brings sore and severe Trials upon his dearest Servants is That he may fit them for eminent Work and Service Hereby they learn Experience and Knowledg not only how to carry themselves in dark and dismal Days but to teach others also how to behave themselves under Trials 2. That God might crucify them unto all the things of this World They do not only this way come to see the Vanity and Emptiness of them but to be dead unto them In Prosperity the Hearts of the best of Men are ready to be ensnared with the World therefore God brings Adversity upon them And indeed it is every way as good and useful for a Saint as Winter and sharp Frosts are to the Fruits of the Earth which kills the Worms and Weeds that otherwise would greatly hurt and injure them God's Jobs have a Body of Sin and Death in them as well as others and nothing like Affliction tends to destroy it The Corruptions of our Hearts are compared to Chaff and Dross which the Furnace of Affliction burns up and purges away No Man is so pure and clean but he needs to be made more pure and more holy Job was very good before but God made him much better by the Rod before he had done with him He was Gold before his Trial but afterwards refined Gold When I am tried I shall come forth as Gold to wit refined Gold 3. God brings his Jobs under great Exercises and Afflictions for the Trial of their Graces Grace never shines forth in its real Splendor and Glory until it comes to be tried A Saint knows not what his Faith can do until it is brought under Exercise Abraham knew not the Strength of his Faith and Love until he was called to offer up his Son Isaac He with-held not his Son his only Son Isaac whom he loved such was his Love to God And if we respect his Faith 't is said He believed in Hope against Hope that he might become the Father of many Nations According to that which was spoken so shall thy Seed be He being not weak in Faith considered not his own Body being now dead when he was about an hundred Years old neither the deadness of Sarah's Womb He staggered not through Vnbelief but was strong in Faith giving Glory to God By Faith he offered him up accounting that God was able to raise him up even from the Dead From whence also he received him in a Figure How did Job's Patience shine forth when it came under Exercise by all those sore and bitter Afflictions he met withal The greater the Temptation or Trial is if the Soul can resist it and bear up under it the greater Demonstration there is of the Strength and Power of that Grace the Soul possesseth The Almighty shews hereby the Strength and Unmoveableness of Faith how unconquerable it is what kind of Omnipotency there is in Grace He would have all the World know that a godly Person is in vain assaulted by Friends or Enemies by Men or Devils by Wants and Wounds tho he be even benighted in his Spirit tho God himself takes away the Light of his Countenance from him and runs upon him like a Giant yet that over all these things God's Grace can make him stand and cause him to be more than a Conqueror For in the Book of Job we may say is an
If thou dost well shalt thou not be accepted of If thou followest on to know the Lord then shalt thou know him Seek and ye shall find Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved XII Christ's last Will and Testament is the godly Man's Title Whoever he be that Christ hath bequeathed such and such a Blessing or Promise to he is sure enough of it from the Nature of the Covenant and from the Provision that is made by Christ the Testator for the fulfilling and accomplishing thereof My People shall be willing in the day of my Power Christ makes the Condition easy to his Elect. XIII Christ hath resigned this great Trust of fulfilling of his Will into the hands of the Father and the Holy-Ghost who are not only faithful Executors of this his Testament but able to supply the Wants of every one and helps all those to whom the Covenant doth belong Holy Father keep through thine own Name those whom thou hast given me I will pray the Father and He shall send you another Comforter who shall abide with you for ever XIV Christ's Will and Testament being confirmed and ratified by his Blood as He will not alter it himself much less may any Man or Angel presume to do it If We or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have preached let him be accursed If any Man shall take away from the Words of the Prophecy of this Book God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life If any Man add unto these things God shall add unto him the Plagues that are written in this Book XV. Christ by dying opened a way and gave Legacies to Sinners to have his Testament executed if the Testator had not died there had been no room nor access to them that are called to receive the Eternal Inheritance Testator I. THe Death of a Testator amongst Men makes only his own Will valid cannot make and confirm the Will of another II. A Testator amongst Men cannot be a Witness to the Will he ratifies and establishes III. A Testator among Men bequeaths or gives Legacies comparatively but to a few IV. A Testator among Men cannot enjoy or possess that Kingdom Estate or Inheritance himself after he hath given it away to others and settled them in possession V. A Testator amongst Men commits his last Will and Testament to Men to be fulfilled VI. The best Legacies Testators among Men bequeath are but earthly and temporal things Disparity I. CHrist did not only give force and value to his own Will but to the Will of the Father also II. Christ is not only a Testator but a Witness of the same Testament as 't is the Father's He is given of God as the great Evidence of Covenant-Love and of all the choice Favours and Good-will to Sinners God so loved the World c. And secondly he is given as the great Covenant-Interest and Relation betwixt God and Sinners He testifies that all that is contained in the Covenant is true and the absolute Will and Pleasure of God He said these things are true and faithful Who is it that affirms and testifies this Jesus Christ who is the true and faithful Witness III. Christ gives Legacies to Thousands and Ten Thousands no Godly Man hath nor ever shall have any spiritual good thing but what was bequeathed to him by Christ's Will and Testament IV. Christ the spiritual Testator tho he hath given away all that he hath and gives the possession to Believers by his last Will and Testament yet is Co-heir of the same Kingdom and Glory and shall possess it together with them V. Christ the spiritual Testator surrogates his Spirit in his absence and after his Death to see his Will executed in all points and to give real and actual possession of all his Covenant-Blessings unto them to whom they are given VI. The Legacies Christ bequeaths are spiritual things of a high and most sublime Nature As all things are given to Christ the Mediator so all that he is or hath he parts with freely to his faithful Followers the Graces of the Spirit Adoption Pardon of Sin Peace of Conscience precious Promises in a word all things that appertain to the Life that now is and to that which is to come All is yours and ye are Christ's and Christ is God's Inferences 1. THis exceedingly shews forth the Grace and Love of Christ to Sinners in that he should assume Man's Nature and become liable to Death and Mortality what marvellous Condescension is here that he should act or do any thing in contemplation of Death and be a Testator and yet could not see Corruption the Grave could not keep him and yet refused not to submit unto Death that thereby through the Spirit he might convey a legal Right and Possession to us of eternal Life 2. From hence we may also see how firm and sure the Covenant of Grace is made to all the true Seed and faithful Children of God 3. And let all the Friends and Legatees of Jesus Christ know that their Right and Title to spiritual and eternal Blessedness is of absolute Grace and meer Pleasure of the Testator 4. And what cause have we to praise the Name of God in Christ who hath published and made known his last Will and Testament unto the Sons of Men We have the Mind of Christ. 5. And in that he hath left one to execute his Will and that it is put into the hands of the holy Spirit in Christ's absence who is able to do it effectually But the Comforter which is the holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my Name he shall teach you all things he shall testify of me 6. Moreover let all such tremble that adventure to alter add to or diminish from any thing that is left in Christ's last Will and Testament the Plagues of God without Repentance are like to be their Portion for ever 7. Furthermore from hence you may see what reason we have to examin what is preached for Doctrine or published by any Man as the Mind of Christ for if it be not written or found in his last Will and Testament we ought utterly to reject it tho an Angel from Heaven should preach it Whatever is affirmed to be an Ordinance of Christ's if it be not nor cannot be naturally inferred without Abuse or Wrong to the Text let it be abhorred and contemned by us 8. This affords much Comfort to the Godly whose Names are written in this Testament and in the Lamb's Book of Life You will there find exceeding great and glorious things bequeathed to you and let it be your care to sue for them according to the Will and Directions of the Testator 9. Also let them not forget their Friend nor neglect to keep up his Remembrance in those holy Signs of his Death and Suffering for their sakes
only endued with natural Wisdom and that far beyond Solomon A greater than Solomon is here but hath had the Advantage also of such Education that none ever had being brought up with God himself He hath all the Treasures of Wisdom in him is skill'd in all Politicks hath knowledg in all Laws nothing passeth his Skill Thou knowest all things He is called the Wisdom of God Christ the Power of God and the Wisdom of God III. Jesus Christ was chosen to be King by God the Father as 't is said I have exalted one chosen out of the People And tho the Fathers or Elders amongst the Jews refused him yet the Children gave their Vote for him crying Hâ—â—sannah to the Son of David IV. Jesus Christ was anointed with the Oil of Gladness above his Fellows He was by the Holy Spirit consecrated King for ever The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord hath anointed me c. V. Jesus Christ was likewise proclaimed first by the Angels To you is born in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord Afterwards by the Wise Men at Jerusalem and at Herod â—â—s Court by a Star and by the Shepherds at Bethlehem VI. This did Jesus Christ in three eminent Cases 1. In speaking comfortably to all his Loyal Subjects as you may see in Mat. 5. at large 2. In giving Laws and expounding Difficulties as you may see in Mat. 6. at large 3. In bestowing his Bounty upon the Poor releasing Prisoners that were bound and in appointing an Hospital for the Sick VII Jesus Christ hath a Right to the highest Palaces in this World as he was born Heir to the Universal Emperor by whom he was at last advanced to the great Palace of the highest Heavens called the holy Palace VIII Jesus Christ our great King had the Attendance of Angels who shewed their Allegiance and paid their Homage and Service at sundry times as there appeared Occasion for them 1. They proclaimed him 2. They attended his Person to assist him in his Straits 3. They assisted his other Servants 4. They declared his Resurrection from the Dead 5. They assured his coming in Glory after his Ascension 6. They are appointed to bear him company and to attend him at his coming from Heaven the second time The Son of Man shall come and all the holy Angels with him IX Jesus Christ is invested with Power All Power is given to me in Heaven and Earth tho at the first entrance upon his Kingdom in the days of his Flesh his Power did not appear so splendent and glorious as it will hereafter X. Jesus Christ hath many Subjects assigned him by God which subscribe to his Power Some voluntarily as the Angels others by force as the Devils and by virtue of his commanding Power as the Winds and Seas which obeyed him XI Jesus Christ received Commandment from the Father from which he would never swerve and also published and established Laws to be observed as Rules of Government to the end of the World XII Jesus Christ rules and governs so well that his worst Enemies could not cannot charge him with Evil yet they did not do not love and honour him but the Sons of Wickedness rose up and still do rise up in Rebellion against him I honour my Father but you dishonour me a Man which hath told you the Truth this did not Abraham Bring out those mine Enemies c. XIII Jesus Christ hath great and large Dominions all Power in Heaven Earth and Hell He is the Head of all Principalities and Powers in Heaven he is the Head of every Man on Earth and hath the Command of all the infernal Spirits in Hell XIV Jesus Christ hath this great and high Prerogative to make Peace or to proclaim Peace to all the Sons of Men upon Submission and to send a Sword where his just Prerogative is resisted In whatsoever House ye enter first say Peace if the Son of Peace be there c. I came not to send Peace but a Sword XV. Jesus Christ that was made a little lower than the Angels for the suffering of Death is crown'd with Glory and Honour c. The Scepter of thy Kingdom is a right Scepter As I have overcome and sate down with my Father upon his Throne XVI Jesus Christ hath the Father and Holy Spirit without whose Counsel he acteth nothing either in the Affairs of Heaven Earth or Hell There are three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Spirit and these three are one Of this Council Offenders are in danger and to this Council grand Criminals are delivered up for Punishment XVII Jesus Christ hath the peculiar Prerogative to send Embassadors He sent the twelve Apostles to the World who said We are Embassadors for Christ. And He sent his Angel to the Churches to treat with them about their present and eternal Welfare I Jesus have sent mine Angel c. XVIII Jesus Christ makes Substitutes to this end By him Kings reign and Princes decree Justice By him Princes rule and Nobles even all the Judges of the Earth these for the World And when he ascended up on high he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for his Church by this shewing that He is supreme Head in all Causes Ecclesiastical as well as Civil XIX Jesus Christ saved the Gospel-Church before the Destruction of Jerusalem by giving them counsel to flie upon the sight of Signs and the Legal Church in the Wilderness by the convenient Providences of a Pillar of Fire by Night and a Pillar of a Cloud by Day He was the Angel of God's Presence that saved them and marvellously hath he and doth he now save and preserve his Church from Popish Rage and Cruelty in this and other Nations XX. Jesus Christ hath a high Court of Judicature in Heaven where he judgeth Emperors and Kings that are out of the power and reach of a human Hand from whence he sends Angels who are higher than they to punish them for Pride and Oppression as in the Case of Nebuchadnezzar who was by the holy Ones cast from his Throne and Herod who was smitten by an Angel for his Pride And a lower Court where his Church for him and in his Name judgeth Delinquents of a lower Rank XXI Jesus Christ hath many great Prerogatives Rights Privileges and Excellencies pertaining to him 1. He receives Petitions Lord Jesus receive my Spirit 2. He pardons Offenders The Son of Man hath Power to forgive Sins 3. He confers Honour I thank Christ Jesus who hath put me into the Ministry 4. He gives Commissions Go ye into all the World 5. He receives Tribute The honourable Women ministred unto him not without reason for he was Lord of all 6. He keeps an Exchequer called the
Will and one who knew all the Father's Secrets No Man hath seen God at any time save the only begotten Son of God which is in the Bosom of the Father he hath declared him XIII Jesus Christ hath excelled all that went before him in this respect He was not applauded by the People only who said he was a Teacher come from God that he taught like one that had Authority and never Man spake like him but he was commended as one fit to be heard by God himself and that with an audible Voice from Heaven This is my beloved Son hear ye him This great Prophet of the Most High hath in pursuit of his Prophetical Office laid a fair Foundation for the Church to build upon in these great and most important Points 1. He hath set forth God in the Excellency of his Nature and Perfections He hath told us we are to have Faith in him to love him with all our whole Soul and with all our Strength and to worship him in Spirit and in Truth 2. He hath set forth Himself as Mediator the immediate Object of Faith and to be followed in his Life and Doctrine Another Foundation can no Man lay 3. He hath confirmed the Holy Scriptures as the Rule of Worship directing Men to them for the Regulation of their Hearts and Lives Search the Scriptures 'T is written in your Law c. And to the young Man that would know what he should do to inherit eternal Life he said How readest thou c. 4. He hath set forth the World to come in the Glory of it as the Reward of Worship telling them that there is a Kingdom to be given and The Pure in Heart shall see God XIV Jesus Christ hath not only as the Author of our Faith laid a sure Foundation for us to build upon but as the Finisher thereof hath Store of Gifts and Graces to bestow which he hath promised to give down and hath also proposed such Examples and Precepts touching all the Particularities of our Duty which if followed cannot miss of perfecting and making the Church compleat Be ye merciful as Be ye perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect Love one another Walk as you have me for an Example and what you would that Men should do to you that do unto them This is the Law and the Prophets XV. Jesus Christ was the most perfect Copy to write by the best Example to conform our Lives unto that ever our Eyes beheld or that ever appeared 1. In his unparallel'd Meekness Humility Self-Denial and Contempt of this World 2. His unwearied Patience under Afflictions and Sufferings 3. His Zeal and Forwardness to do good even to the worst of his Enemies XVI Jesus Christ hath given forth Scripture by the glorious Power of the Holy-Ghost which are the four Evangelists and all the Epistles and as to the Book of the Apocalypse he hath so confirm'd it that he hath made it Damnation to any that shall add to it or diminish from it XVII Herein Jesus Christ hath compleated his Work as a Prophet He did expound to his Disciples what was written in the Law of Moses in the Prophets and in the Psalms concerning himself And not only so but he foretold them things that were yet to come to pass as the Destruction of Jerusalem and the Captivity of the Jews He did not conceal but plainly told that there should be a Day of Distress such as had not been since they were a Nation And soon after his Ascension sent his Angel to signify to his Servant John for the teaching all his Churches many things that are and shortly should come to pass As 1. The Rise Reign and Ruine of the last Beast 2. The Suffering of the Church in the Wilderness during his Reign 3. The Glory Grandure horrid Wickedness and fearful Overthrow of Mystery Babylon 4. The going forth of the everlasting Gospel into all the World 5. And lastly his own coming in Glory with the New Jerusalem the holy Angels and all Saints to solemnize the last and dreadful Judgment Prophet I. ALL other Prophets besides Christ were inspired by Christ. The Prophets searched what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in them did signify c. by which he preached to the Spirits in Prison II. Other Prophets pointed at Christ as the Scope of their Prophecies they testified before-hand the Sufferings of Christ and the Glory that was to follow III. Other Prophets did but begin the holy Books that were to be the perpetual Rule of Faith and Practice they told us of Divine Things but in part IV. Other Prophets spake of God by private Inspiration and the Intelligence of Angels and few of them confirmed their Words by Miracles V. Other Prophets have left their Work and are all gone Your Fathers where are they And the Prophets do they live for ever What Man is he that liveth and shall not see Death Abraham is dead and the Prophets c. Disparity I. JEsus Christ received not the holy Spirit by measure but hath the Fulness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in him For in him dwelleth all the Fulness of the Godhead bodily II. Jesus Christ came as the Sum of their Prophecies to fulfill them and compleat what they foretold This is He of whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets did write III. Jesus Christ did finish and compleat the holy Books which are to be the perfect and compleat Rule of Faith and Practice to the end of the World He shewed plainly of the Father He is that Prophet that all Men are to hear upon the Penalty of being destroyed from amongst the People He that hears not his Voice and believes not his Gospel shall not see Life but perish in his Sins How shall we escape if we neglect so great Salvation confirmed by Signs and Wonders IV. But Jesus Christ spake of the Father as he had seen Him and conversed with Him heard his Words and was in his Bosom before He came down among us in the likeness of Man and confirmed his Doctrine by many immediate and mighty Miracles No Man has seen God at any time but the only begotten Son that is in the Bosom of the Father he hath declared him The things that I have heard of him I speak unto you If I had not done amongst them the Works which none other Man did they had not had Sin but now they have both seen and hated both me and my Father V. Jesus Christ abides in his Prophetical Office still that is of like continuance with his Kingly and Priestly Office as he abides a Priest continually so a Prophet He is with his Church to lead it and guide it to the end of the World as himself saith And lo I am with you always even to the end of the World Inferences I. WE may infer from hence That God hath been exceeding good
and a great Favourite in the Court of Heaven II. Jesus Christ the Messenger of the Covenant or God's Embassador to Sinners is full of Wisdom and Skill in all the grand Affairs which concern the Glory of his Father and the Welfare of Sinners He knows how to end the Differences between God and Man and to make up that grievous and destructive Breach that hath been so long between them III. The Lord Christ hath in him all the Perfections of the glorious Deity He is called the faithful and true Witness Never did Embassador act with such Integrity to Prince and People as Christ doth between God and Sinners He would not have God dishonoured nor Man to miss of Pardon IV. Christ was chosen and appointed Messenger of the Covenant by the Determination Counsel Purpose and Foreknowledg of the King of Heaven hence is Christ said to be a Lamb slain from the Foundation of the World V. The Lord Jesus Christ when chosen to be sent on this great Embassy or Message of Peace to Sinners readily accepted it Lo it is written in the Volumn of the Book I come to do thy Will O God VI. Jesus Christ the greatest Embassador and Plenipotentiary of Heaven and Earth hath Matters of such weight and moment committed to his Trust that very far exceed those things that concern Peace and War amongst Men and Nations for they are Matters in which are wrapp'd up the spiritual and eternal Weal or Wo of all People and Nations of the World He is entrusted with those high and wonderful things that concern the Glory of God and the Peace and eternal Felicity of our Souls VII As Christ was chosen and ordained God's Messenger and entrusted with the great Concerns and sole Management of the Covenant of Grace so that he might every way be rightly constituted authorized and empower'd he received a special Commission from the Father He gave me Commandment what I should say and what I should speak I have a greater Witness than that of John for the Works which the Father hath sent me to do the same bear witness that he hath sent me VIII Christ that he might negotiate and fully accomplish and compleat the great and important Affairs of making Peace between God Almighty and poor Sinners left his own Kingdom and the Glory he had with the Father and came into this World When the Fulness of Time was come God sent forth his Son IX Christ Jesus the Messenger of the Covenant represents the Person of God himself so that whosoever reverences the Son reverences the Father also He that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me and he that rejecteth me rejecteth him that sent me The Father judgeth no Man but hath committed all Judgment to the Son that all Men should honour the Son as they honour the Father He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him X. The Lord Jesus Christ did require and command nothing of Mankind but what was the absolute Will and Pleasure of the Father My Doctrine is not mine but the Father 's that sent me I lay down my Life that I may take it up again This Commandment received I of the Father c. XI Christ was sent to put an end to that dismal and desolating War which was occasioned by Sin and the horrid Breach of the first Covenant between God the Creator being offended and the sinful guilty and rebellious Creature God was in Christ reconciling the World to himself c. For if whilst we were Enemies we were reconciled to God by the Death of his Son much more being reconciled shall we be saved by his Life And that he might reconcile both unto God in one Body by the Cross having slain the Enmity thereby And came and preached Peace to you that were afar off and to them that were nigh And to you that were sometimes alienated and Enemies in your Minds by wicked Works yet now hath he reconciled in the Body of his Flesh through Death XII Christ the Messenger of the Covenant offers gracious Terms of Peace and Reconciliation to Sinners Repent and believe the Gospel Believe and be baptized He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy-laden and I will give you Rest. O what sweet and easy Terms of Peace are these 'T is but to acknowledg our own Guilt and Vileness lay down our Arms and accept of Mercy by believing in the Lord Jesus Look unto me and be ye saved all ye Ends of the Earth Whoever will let him take of the Water of Life freely XIII Jesus Christ the Messenger of the great God was greatly grieved to see the Jews to whom he was first sent stubbornly to refuse and reject that glorious Salvation offered to them by himself When he came near the City he wept over it saying If thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy day the things that belong unto thy Peace but now they are hid from thine Eyes O Jerusalem Jerusalem how often would I have gathered thy Children together as a Hen gathers her Chickens and ye would not O that Israel had hearkned unto me XIV Jesus Christ hath many Servants who wait on him in the Accomplishment of this great and glorious Work viz. the holy Angels and the blessed Apostles and Ministers of the Gospel The Lord Jesus deserveth eternal Honour for this glorious Work Let the Angels of God worship him All ought to honour the Son as they honour the Father At the Name of Jesus every Knee shall bow XV. The Lord Jesus Christ ratified and confirmed the Covenant of Grace between God and Man by his own Blood and thereby opened a free Commerce with God For through him we have access by one Spirit to the Father Saints may with boldness come to the Throne of Grace by the Blood of Jesus XVI The Lord Jesus when he had done his Work returned home unto his Father and is highly honoured being cloathed with Glory and Majesty and is set down at the right hand of God on high far above Principalites and Powers XVII Those People and Nations that refuse the Offers of Grace and Peace made to them by Jesus Christ God proclaims War and eternal Death against them He that hath the Son hath Life but he that hath not the Son hath not Life but the Wrath of God abideth on him It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than for that City If we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledg of the Truth there remains no more Sacrifice for Sin but a fearful looking for of Judgment and fiery Indignation that shall devour the Adversaries and all those that have stubbornly refused the free Tenders of Grace XVIII Jesus Christ was and is
hunger and thirst after Righteousness c. Blessed are the meek c. But except your Righteousness shall exceed the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 5.20 Ye that have abode with me in my Temptations I appoint unto you a Kingdom c. With a multitude of such like Speeches which are contained in the holy Gospel which he uttered to encourage and animate all his Disciples in their Spiritual Warfare IX Jesus Christ takes in and shuts out as he sees Cause he cashereed Judas Demas Hymeneus Philetas and Alexander and takes in Paul Barnabas and Apollo into his Company X. The Lord Jesus is the Head of all true Christians and Commander of the Church Militant in chief all the Bands of the white Reigment march under his Banner Hâ—â— is the Head of his Body the Church Given to be a Leader and Commander to the People X. Christ when he was baptized by John took his Place in the Minstry as the Leader of his Church and ran the greatest Hazard yet deserted not his Followers for fear of Danger He not only loved them to the end but did bear them company and abode with them to the last even till he suffered for their sakes the bitter Death of the Cross c. And is spiritally with them all ways to the end of the World XI Christ gives the Word of Command to his Saints which they are to observe If any Man will serve me let him follow me Teach them to observe all things that I command you XII So is Christ by being the Captain of our Salvation for War not originally from his own natural Disposition for he is for Peace but by reason of the resolved Opposition that is in the hearts of his Enemies against him I came not to send Peace on the Earth but to bring a Sword Mat. 10.34 XIII Jesus Christ met with Enemies not only Flesh and Blood yea potent Flesh and Blood Men in Power and high Places such as Herod Pontius Pilate and the Rulers of the Jews but Principalities and Powers no less than Beelzebub himself and all his Train whom he fairly engag'd with eminent Success XIV Jesus made use both of Armor and Weapons he saw no small need for it viz. 1. The Breastplate of Righteousness when Satan and wicked Men by their Temptations would have drawn him from his Allegiance by great Proffers of Power and Glory 2. The Sword of the Spirit by which he cut down the Devil and the wicked Jews in all their Assaults It is written it is written c. 3. The Shield of Faith when he came to the last and most bloody Battel of all For the Joy that was set before him he endured the Cross despised the Shame and is sate down at the right hand of the Majesty on high XV. Jesus Christ like a most valiant Captain made good his Ground against all the Force and Artillery of Hell in a glorious manner even to the death of the Cross. XVI Christ took great care of his Saints to preserve and secure them how ever it fared with himself 1. He left them good Orders to observe in his absence the Rules of the holy Gospel 2. He took care to send them a good Guide for their Conduct no less than the Holy-Ghost the Comforter 3. He prayed for them on Earth and he prays in Heaven to engage the Protection of Almighty God for them Father keep through thine own Name those that thou hast given me c. XVII Jesus Christ prefers his Saints and Followers whom he finds worthy He gave some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists Pastors and Teachers for the Work of the Ministry c. I thank Christ Jesus who hath put me into the Ministry XVIII Christ made not Novices and unexperienc'd Christians Ministers and Pastors of Churches and Leaders of Societies He set Peter James and John to be Apostles and Leaders in the first place and Paul Sylvanus and Timotheus stout and brave Commanders to bring up as it were the Rear God hath set forth us the Apostles last of all as it were appointed to Death XIX Jesus Christ in all weighty Affairs is joined with the Father and holy Spirit the great Council of Heaven and without Him who is called Wonderful Counsellor there is nothing of grand Importance transacted either in Heaven or Earth nay without him was nothing done at first All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made When Commission was givn to Creatures of all kinds to act in their proper sphere Christ was there See Counsellor XX. Christ's place is a place of Honour because he was Worthy and the Army that he hath raised is not a Rebellious Army but legally raised and behave themselves well they are kept under good Government and Discipline not one debauch'd person in the Army is continued in the Muster-Rolls but presently turn'd off blotted out and delivered up to Satan when discovered by his inferior Officers to be such Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness From such turn away Deliver such over to Satan turn him into his own Kingdom Because thou hast loved Righteousness and hated Iniquity therefore God even thy God hath anointed thee with the Oil of Gladness above thy Fellows That all Men might honour the Son even as they honour the Father XXI Jesus Christ offers Terms of Peace and Reconciliation because he would prevent their Ruine if possible before he falls upon them and fights against them with the Sword of his Mouth Turn at my Reproof how often would I have gathered thy Children together c. In what Place soever you enter say Peace c. I gave her space to repent of her Fornication but she repented not Rev. 2.21 I will kill her Children with Death c. XXII Jesus Christ when his Grace and Offers of Mercy are refused hath and will make slaughtering work in the Earth O what work was made upon Jerusalem not long after the refusing the terms of Peace and offers of Grace and Favour by Jesus Christ. See the lamentable Story in Josephus c. And what work will shortly be made with bloody Rome in the day of Death Mourning and Famine that is coming on apace when she shall have Blood given her to drink and shall be utterly burnt with Fire And what Devastation will be made by this great Captain who is red in his Apparel and his Cloaths as them that tread in the Wine-Press at the Battel of Armagedon when the vast Armies of the Beast shall be slaughtered and destroyed by the sharp Sword that goes out of his Mouth And Blood shall come forth to the Horses Bridles for a thousand and six hundred Furlongâ—â— The Fowls of Heaven shall be filled with their Flesh there shall
THe People were stung with fiery Serpents and thereby mortally wounded II. Neither Moses nor the Law could cure the People that were stung with those fiery Serpents but the Brazen Serpent III. The Serpent of Brass was to be lifted upon a Pole IV. After many People died that were stung the Brazen Serpent was appointed to be lifted up as an Ordinance of healing V. A Serpent wounded and a Serpent healed The first that wounded had Poison in him but the second tho called a Serpent it was without Poison or Sting it had the Similitude of a Serpent but had no Venom VI. The Brazen Serpent was not forged by Man's Hand or Hammer but in a Mould in the Fire VII It was made of Brass and not of Gold which Metal besides that it is of a fiery Colour and so might resemble the colour of the Serpent it 's also strong and durable Is my Strength saith Job the Strength of Stones or is my Flesh of Brass VIII They that looked up unto the Brazen Serpent tho never so greivously wounded or stung yet were healed and saved from Death IX They who looked upon their Sores to and grievous Wounds and not the sign that was erected by God's Appointment died notwithstanding the Serpent of Brass X. If they sought to Chirurgeans or Physicians or used any Salves or Medicines of their own or others yet they perished XI The Brazen-Serpent was an unlikely thing or way to Human Reason to heal such deadly Wounds XII He that had a weak Eye or Eyes and yet look'd up to the Brazen-Serpent was cured XIII It was a wonderful means of Cure and undeservedly appointed by God of his meer Pity against the Merit of those Murmurers Parallel SInners are stung with Sin that is like the sting of a Serpent The poison of Asps is under their tongue Sin wounds the Soul My Wounds stink and are corrupt II. So neither the Law nor Levite nor any Creature could cure Mankind nor redeem them from the sting of Sin and Death but only Jesus Christ. III. So Christ was lifted up upon the Cross and is lifted up in the Ministry of the Word and the Ordinances of the Gospel and thereby in the hearts of Believers IV. So after Mankind sinned and was brought under Death Christ came by the appointment of God to dy and be crucified or lifted up upon the Cross to heal and recover us of our Wounds V. So saith Mr. Guild as the first Adam lost Mankind the second Adam redeemed Mankind The first had Sin and venomous Poison in him by means of his harkening to the old Serpent the second tho called a Sinner and made to bear our Sins and had the Similitude of of a sinful Man but yet without Sin VI. So Christ was not begotten by Man but conceived by the Holy Ghost in the Womb of the Virgin VII So was Christ sent not with outward Glory or worldly pompous Shew but mean and humble in outward Appearance Brass being strong c. in this respect it might figure out the Strength of Christ who is able by the power of the Godhead to endure and overcome all his Tribulations VIII So they who look up to Christ by a true Faith tho never such great Sinners shall be healed and saved from eternal Death By recovery of natural Lifeâ—â— in the Israelites was figured Eternal Life by Christ. IX So they who are bitten and grievously wounded with Sin if they fix their Eyes thereon and grieve and mourn in the sight of it and do not look unto Christ by believing they despair and dy eternally notwithstanding the blessed Saviour X. So whosoever seek to any for help but Christ or endeavour by their own Works or Reformation of Life to have Peace with God or trust to and rely upon the bare Mercy of God considering his Justice and do not come to Jesus Christ and look up to him as crucified to satisfy for their Sins are like to perish for ever Let the Men that talk of the Light within look to this XI So Christ crucified is to the Jews and many others in the World an unlikely way to save Mens Souls We preach Christ crucified unto the Jews a Stumbling-Block and to the Greeks Foolishness but unto them that are called Christ the Power of God c. XII So he that hath but a weak Faith yet looks up unto Christ shall be saved We read of three Degrees of Faith in the Gospel and yet the weakest obtained Help and Cure from Christ. First one comes to him and saith If I can but touch the Hem of his Garment I shall be whole The second saith Lord if thou wilt thou canst make me whole The third said If thou canst do any thing have compassion on us and help us One would think the last had no Faith at all it seemed so weak he questioned the Power of Christ. A weak Faith if true will justify and save the Soul as well as a strong Faith XIII So is the Death of Christ to sinful and rebellious Mankind an admirable Work of unmerited Mercy infinitely above what we deserved it was not only above but against our Merits God so loved the World c. Behold what manner of Love is this c. Type THe Brazen Serpent cured only the Wounds of the Body and saved thereby only from Temporal Death II. The Brazen-Serpent retained not always its Virtue to cure also it was not to be worshipped it was gross Idolatry so to do and when in the days of Hezekiah it came to be that way abused it was destroyed and broken in pieces Disparity CHrist cures all the Diseases and Wounds of the Soul and thereby saves from Eternal Death See Physician II. Christ the Anti-type of the Brazen-Serpent retains the like Virtue and Efficacy to save that ever he had ought to be worshipped is the same yesterday to day and for ever Inferences THis shews not only the Necessity of a Saviour but also of Faith in him None were healed but those that look'd up to the Brazen Serpent so no Man shall be saved but he that looks up by Faith to Jesus Christ. 1. Look up timely 2. Look up daily for Sin daily wounds thee 3. Look up with a fixed or single Eye Christ is All and in All. Col. 3.11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew Circumcision nor Vncircumcision Barbarian Scythian Bond nor Free but Christ is All and in All. NOw to conclude with this second Head of Metaphors Similies Types Parables and other borrowed Terms concerning the Lord Jesus I may well infer from the whole of what hath been said That Christ is All and in All. The Words are a Proposition in which you have 1. The Subject But Christ. 2. The Predicate He is All and in All. Christ is All in all things that are necessary to Salvation and that to all Persons that do believe on him Christ is a
cause a Man to vomit it up by unfeigned Repentance by which means the Life of the Soul is preserved for if by the Operation of the Spirit Sin is not vomited up Death will certainly follow Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish Luk. 13.3 For the Flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the Flesh and these are contrary the one to the other Gal. 5.17 IV. The Spirit of God will never mingle nor become one with the Flesh the Spirit is from above and ever endeavours to be uppermost in what Heart soever it is 't will not be under the command of Sin nor Satan Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the Lusts of the Flesh. V. The Spirit wonderfully revives comforteth and infuseth Spiritual Warmth and Heat into the Soul of a Believer when he is anointed with it and indeed nothing else will refresh enliven and warm the inward Man hence 't is compared to Fire and called the Spirit of Life and blessed Comforter VI. the Spirit cannot be dried up by the heat of Persecution nor the scorching beams of Satan's Temptations that will live and abide the same in the Souls of sincere Converts losing none of its gracious Influences and Operations And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that shall abide with you for ever Joh. 14.16 See Comforter VII The Spirit cleareth the Eyes of the Understanding 't is call'd Eye-salve and from hence the Apostle prayeth for the Ephesians That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Glory would grant them the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the Knowledg of him That the Eyes of their Vnderstanding being enlightned they might know what was the hope of his calling c. Clouds and Mists of Darkness are upon the Eyes of all that have not received the Spirit so that they cannot behold things a far off VIII The Spirit of God is the only Remedy for all Obstructions of the inward Man those that scarce breath or pray at all by receiving a measure of the Spirit breath out freely their desire to Almighty God Likewise the Spirit helpeth our Infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit maketh Intercession c. No Man can say Jesus is Lord but by the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 12.3 IX The Spirit feeds the Soul yea it makes it fat and well liking nothing nourishes comparable to the Spirit the Word and Ordnances of God are but dry Bread to it this is the chief of those fat things full of Marrow by which God feasts and makes fat the Bones of his Saints X. The Spirit of God being received and lived upon the Abundance of the things of this World that have in them by means of Sin some hurtful and surfeiting Quality are made hereby very good and profitable to Believers but for want of the Spirit 's seasoning and sanctifying they become deadly and destructive to wicked Men their Table Bed and all they enjoy are made Snares to them Take heed to your selves lest at any time your Hearts be over-charged with surfeiting and Drunkenness and the Cares of this World c. Luk. 21.34 XI The Holy Spirit is of exceeding great use against all Tremblings and Convulsions of the Soul in evil Times it frees the Godly from all slavish Fears which shake some Men for want of it out of their Faith Honesty and Religion and it keeps sincere ones stedfast and imovable from being shaken by false Doctrine and lying Spirits which have troubled many with strange Convulsions Shakings and Tremblings in this Nation so that as my Author saith they have even foamed at the Mouth when Quakerism first came up amongst us XII The Holy Spirit is made use of by the Lord Jesus Christ our Heavenly High-Priest in cleansing the Leprosy of Sin he puts it into or upon every Faculty of the Inward Man the Will the Affection the Understanding the Conscience the Head the Hand the Heart the whole Soul is anointed therewith before it is pronounced clean by the Lord. I will put my Spirit within you and you shall be clean from all your Filthiness Now are you clean through the Word that I have spoken to you the Words that I have spoken to you they are the Spirit and the Life XIII The Spirit of God is that spiritual Oil that the Wise Virgins took in their Vessels and in their Lamps by which means they were accepted by the Bridegroom and the Foolish for want of it their Lamps of Profession went out and they not suffered to go into the Wedding-Chamber XIV The Holy Spirit hath an excellent beautifying Quality there is no scar spot nor deformity in the Soul but the Spirit can purge and cleanse it they that are anointed with this Oil shine in the Eyes of God and good Men 't will make a Blackmore white and beautifful fetches out those Wrinkles and foul-Staines and Spots that naturally are in the Souls of Men and Women it takes of Christ's Beauty and puts it upon the Soul and so places a shining Lustre upon the Inward Man Thy Beauty for it was perfect through my Comliness which I had put upon thee c. How glorious and beautiful to be hereby And all that sat in the Councel looking stedfastly on him saw his Face as did Stephen appear if it had been the Face of an Angel Acts 6.15 XV. There are some nay many Men in the World that love not like not the Spirit they are naturally so averse to it that they will not be perswaded to make trial of it they can't believe there is any Sweetness Benefit or Savour in it The Natural Man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are Foolishness unto him neither can be know them because they are spiritually discern'd 1 Cor. 2.14 XVI The Spirit is good to strengthen the weak and decayed Hands and Knees of a poor Saint and thereby makes the Soul more fit for Motion Godwards lively quick agile and fit for Heavenly Service XVII The Lord Jesus was anointed with the Spirit that Oil of Gladness above his Fellows Moreover every Minister of the Gospel must be anointed therewith or he is not accepted of God METAPHOR OTher Oil is of an earthly Extract and several sorts of it are prepared and made fit for use by the Art and Wisdom of Man being extracted from earthly things II. There is not one sort of Oil that hath all kind of excellent Qualities in it that which may be good to beautify and of a dulciferous Scent may not be medicinable III. Oil will not last long its Virtue is soon gone it quickly decays and becomes unsavoury Disparity THe Spirit is from above and without beginning Flowing from the Throne of God and the Lamb. But the Comforter even the Spirit of Truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testify of
METAPHOR AN Earnest among Men is usually a certain Sum either more or less of Gold or Silver which are but corruptible and earthly Things II. The best and greatest Purchase an Earnest among Men is given for consists but of temporal things that pass away and perish as all Sublunary Things do III. Sometimes among Men a Person who has given Earnest for such or such a Commodity does afterwards recant his Bargain IV. Sometimes the Purchaser loses his Earnest by flying from the Bargain and so never has the Inheritance V. Amongst Men the Earnest of an Inheritance is given by the Purchaser to the Seller and he expects something of equal worth for that he parts withal for it VI. An Earnest among Men is given by the Purchaser with an intent or design to advantage himself thereby 't is chiefly his own Interest and Profit which he aims at in this Action Disparity THe Earnest of the Saints Inheritance is of an inestimable value being of an heavenly and sublime Nature the holy blessed and eternal Spirit of God in the Operations Gifts and Graces thereof II. The holy Spirit is the Earnest of an Inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in Heaven for us Be thou faithful unto Death and I will give thee a Crown of Life III. There never will be any recanting about giving or receiving this Spiritual Earnest God will never repent that he gave his Spirit to his faithful Children it being bestowed upon them as the Result of his eternal Purpose in Jesus Christ. And Believers have no cause to recant their Bargain in yielding themselves up to God both Body and Soul all they are and are capable to do for the Glory of Free-Grace for their Gain will be unspeakable thereby Godliness is profitable to all things having the Promise of the Life that now is and that which is to come it is great Gain IV. God will never can never lose those Souls for whom he gave his Son as the Price of their Redemption and his Spirit as an Earnest to make sure of them My Father which gave them me is greater than all and none is able to pluck them out of my Father's hands V. The Spiritual Earnest is given by the Father upon the account of Christ's Purchase unto Believers The Lord Jesus bought the Inheritance and received the Earnest of it for us as Mediator who freely gives it to us out of his own good Will he bestows it upon us as an Assurance of the full possession of eternal Life VI. The Lord giving his Spirit as the Earnest of future Blessings designs 't is acknowledged his own Glory thereby but chiefly the Profit will be ours 'T was our Good our Advantage Christ designed and aimed at in dying for us and in giving his Spirit to us Inferences WHat admirable Grace and Favour is here Did God give Christ to die for us to redeem us from Sin and Wrath to come and did he receive the holy Spirit as Mediator to give it unto us the Earnest of that purchased Possession Let this be to the Praise of his Glory Christ purchases that we might possess Others purchase that they might inherit themselves and give Earnest to make sure the Estate to themselves but the Lord Jesus needed not to do so he was Heir from everlasting and all that he did as Mediator was for us to enrich and make us happy and blessed for ever 2. If God hath given to Believers the Holy Spirit as the Earnest of their Inheritance let them take heed they do not go about to defraud him of his Bargain They are not their own they are bought with a Price and they have consented to this holy Contract by taking an Earnest from his hand 'T is great Injustice to deprive or keep back any part of a lawful Bargain from the Buyer especially when he hath given Earnest for it 3. This shews what certain Hopes and good Assurances a godly Man hath of eternal Life 'T is bought or purchased for him 't is given by Promise to him the Promise is sealed nay more than this he hath received a Pledg or Earnest of it What little ground is there then for any Soul to despond or doubt of the eternal Inheritance The holy God deals with us after the manner of Men about the great Concerns of another World the bare Promise of God would be Security enough we need not require a Seal and an Earnest of him O how doth Divine Goodness condescend to poor Creatures that the Heirs of Promise might have strong Consolation 4. From hence Believers may learn how to repell and withstand the Temptations of Satan Simon saith our Saviour Satan hath desired to have you c. But might not Simon and so consequently every true Christian say I am not mine own thou comest too late Satan I have received Earnest of a better Estate of a better Kingdom than thou hast I have given up my self to Jesus Christ and he hath taken possession of me by his Spirit that I might possess and enjoy him to Eternity 5. And let Sinners who would have an Interest in God and enjoy this eternal Inheritance learn from hence the ready way to come to it First They must believe The Saints that are sealed with the Spirit which is the Earnest of the purchased Inheritance are said to trust in God after they heard the Word of Truth the Gospel of their Salvation In whom saith the Apostle after that ye believed ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of Promise which is the Earnest of our Inheritance until the Redemption of the purchased Possession to the Praise of his Glory Secondly As they must hear attend upon the Word go out of themselves to Christ rely upon him and trust in him believe and receive the Record God hath given of his Son so they must submit to his Ordinances The Spirit is promised to those that keep his Commandments John 14.15 16. If this be done in Truth and Sincerity you shall certainly receive the Earnest of future Happiness as well as others 6. Those that would have a Trial of their Estates and Conditions who desire to know whether they have received the Spirit of God or not may read the Metaphor where the holy Spirit is compared to a Seal Nothing is more needful all may see from hence to make sure of the Spirit take heed you be not mistaken about it c. And let them that have received it live upon it Such need not fear wanting any good thing this Earnest-Penny will as hath been shewn already defray all their Charge whilst they are in this World 'T is a great Sum God gives like himself and answerable to that Inheritance prepared and purchased for Believers 7. What Fools are they that slight and despise this Earnest God offers Men in the Gospel everlasting Life and to assure them of it promises them if they will come to his
Benefit by the flesh or Death of Christ unless he be quickened by the Spirit 4. The gospel in the grace of it when received in Truth works out that cursed enmity that is in the heart against God and thereby reconciles the sinner to the blessed Majesty of Heaven 5. The grace of the gospel works Regeneration makes the sinner another Man a new Man It forms the new Creature in the Soul 1. It infuses new qualities 2. It makes the Proud Person humble and not to vaunt himself 3. It makes the Unclean Person Chast and to loath Lascivious thoughts 4. It makes hard-hearted sinners full of Bowels 5. It makes the impatient Soul to bear all things 6. It makes the Covetous Person Liberal and to distribute to the poor 7. It makes the worst Husband the best Husband the worst Wife the best Wife the worst Children the best Children the Rebellious ones to be Obedient ones 6. The gospel in the grace of it brings the Soul into Union with God No Grace no Christ. God is the Fountain of this Union Christ is the Conduit-pipe as Mediator the Spirit and the grace thereof is the stream Union is let into the Soul at this door no grace no God no union with him and no Union with him no Communion with him 7. The grace of the gospel washeth the polluted Soul it cleanseth the filth of the heart and Pollution of the Life He put no difference between them and us purifying their hearts by faith 8. The grace of the gospel or saving operations of the Spirit heals the wounded Soul he poured in Oyl and Wine c. 9. Gospel grace gives the Soul a right to all the Blessings of a Crucified Christ 't is that which puts on the Wedding garment It was a pretty saying of a good Man 1. The Father weaves this Garment he was first concerned about it he prepared the matter with which 't is made 2. The Son made it he has wrought Righteousness for us 3. The Spirit puts it on 10. The grace of the gospel makes a glorious Soul a glorious Man a glorious Woman a glorious Family a glorious Church a glorious City a glorious Kingdom where 't is generally received in Truth It makes a glorious Soul It finds it naked and clothes it It finds it starved as it were and feeds it It finds it wounded and heals it It finds it cold and warms it It finds it unclean and sanctifies it It finds it poor and inriches it It finds it in bonds and sets it at liberty It finds it an Enemy to God and reconciles it It finds it Condemned and justifies it It finds it Dead and gives it Life 11. The grace of the gospel adornes the Soul it puts Ornaments upon the head and Chains beyond those of Gold upon the Neck It decks it with Jewels I decked thee with ornaments I put Bracelets upon thy hands and a chain on thy neck I put a Jewel on thy forehead earings in thine ears and a Beautiful Crown on thy head thou wast dect with Gold and silver with silk and broidered work It puts a Ring on the Finger it adorns the Soul with a meek and a quiet Spirit which is in the sight of God of great price 12. The grace of the gospel makes a man to behold a beauty and glory in the gospel to love it and to suffer for it The gospel is worth little in the sight and esteem of that man that has not the grace of the gospel What is the word of grace without the grace of the word 13. Gospel grace is an excellent preservative against the Plague of Sin No Pestilence so bad as this How shall I saith Joseph do this thing and sin against God It is also a Potion to work it out as well as to preserve from it 14. Gospel grace is good really good alwayes good and glorious at all times 't is good in health the Soul cannot have health without it good in Sickness 't is good in Prosperity 't is good in Adversity 't is good in good times and wo to them that want it in bad times we are blessed that have it but they are cursed that are without it whatsoever Profession they make For the Profession of the gospel without the grace of the gospel will do a man no good 't is but the name without the nature the Cabinet without the Jewel the Lamp without the Oyl 15. The grace of the gospel makes men like to Christ to love Christ and to die for Christ. 16. Gospel grace makes men to live to God they live to themselves that have it not they live to God that have it It makes men wise to be men of Understanding to live sober to themselves to live righteously to men and to live holy towards God to live in Subjection to God to obey God to delight in God and to live in Obedience and Subjection to his Church 6. The gospel is glorious in respect of the tenders and offers made therein to the Sons of Men. VVhat is tendered Repentance is tendered Pardon is tendered Peace is tendered Bread and VVater of Life is tendered perfect Righteousness is tendered Adoption is tendered Glorious Liberty is tendred in short God is offered he makes a tender of himself Christ is tendred with all his Benefits who is the Pearl of great price worth Millions yea more than ten thousand worlds a Marriage with Christ is tendered the Spirit is tendered with all the blessings of it a Kingdom is offered in the gospel a Crown is offered a Crown of endless glory a Crown that fadeth not away Eternal Life is tendered VVho is it that makes these tenders and offers in the gospel The great God he that has them to bestow and a right to give them VVho are they offered to To such that are his Enemies Rebels even the worst of Sinners in a word who ever will he that hath a will to receive them may have them Upon what Terms are they offered Freely offered without Money and without price tho' a man as to Righteousness hath nothing of worth nor Beauty in him being in himself but a Lump of Sin and Filthiness yet he may have these things they are offered unto such They are sincerely and faithfully offered God doth not mock men and women offer them such things as these and yet never intend to bestow them upon them if they have a heart a Mind to them my Life for theirs they may enjoy all these and many more like glorious good things Nay and more then this they have been often tendered with much Affection and in Bowels of Compassion God bewails and Christ bewails the state of such who do refuse them O then what Fools are mortals to slight and reject these tenders 7. The gospel is glorious in Respect of the glorious things that are brought about and accomplished thereby The first I
Souls of the Elect in order to healing and it wounds the Reprobate in order to damning to such it may be called a killing Letter To one we are the Savour of Life unto Life to the other the Savour of Death unto Death VI. The VVord of God hath cut off many a Member of the old Man it will cut off a Right-hand lust of Profit or a Right-eye lust of Pleasure VII So some VVounds that many Sinners receive are such that there is no cure for them viz. such who have sinned the unpardonable Sin There is a Sin unto death VIII He that bears the VVord of the Spirit shews he is a Man that hath great Authority for what he says and that he is a Person for Right and Justice it is that which decides all doubtful Cases c. IX So the VVord of God the Sword of the Spirit is a glorious and victorious VVeapon which will appear If we consider how many it hath struck down dead and sentenced unto eternal Death how many strong Enemies have been slain and subdued by it strong Lusts strong Devils strong and vile Hereticks it is a victorious Sword It is called the Sword of the Spirit 1. Because it is a spiritual Weapon but that is not all 2. Because the Spirit is the Author of it a Weapon it is saith Gurnal which his Hand alone formed and fashioned it came not out of any Creatures Forge Holy Men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost 3. The Holy Spirit is the only true Interpreter of the Word whence we have that known Passage of Bernard Quo Spiritu factae sunt Scripturae eo Spiritu legi desiderant ipso etiam intelligendae The Scriptures must be read and can be understood by no Spirit but that a lone by whom they were made 4. Because the Spirit only can give the Word its Efficacy and Power in the Soul it is the Office of the Spirit Sigillare animum rerum creditarum Except he lays his weight on the Truths we read and hear to apply them close and as it were cut their very Image in our Minds and Hearts they have no more Impression than a Seal sets upon a Stone or Rock The Spirit will do nothing for Believers without the Word and they can do nothing to purpose without him the Word is the Sword and the Holy Spirit of Christ the Arm that weilds it So that 5. The like use that a Sword is of to a Souldier in War the same is the Word to the Spirit in order to the cutting down and spoiling all his and others Enemies Inferences THis may teach Believers what excellent use the Word is of in all their spiritual Wars with the Devil Sin and all other mortal Enemies of their Souls 2. It may inform us what the great Design of Satan is in seeking so many manner of ways to take away the Word of God from us or in making of it of little or no use to us 3. This justly reprehends the cursed Papists and Church of Rome in respect of their Cruelty to the Souls of Men in disarming them of their Weapons a People disarmed are soon overcome and made a Prey to their Enemies how can we defend our selves when our Sword is taken out of our hands They have some Fig-leaves saith one to hide their shameful Practice they endeavour to perswade Men they do them a Kindness thereby lest they should cut their Fingers with it c. How doth the Apostle condemn speaking in the Church in an unknow Tongue All Men are exhorted to read the Scriptures search the Scriptures but the Pope makes it no less than Death if not Damnation for the Laity to have them in their own Language to read or search fearing lest it should spoil his Trade 4. It reproves them for casting such Contempt upon the Scriptures as if they were insufficient to direct us in the way of Salvation What horrid Blasphemy and Reproach is this saith the same Author to the great God to send his People into the Field and put such a wooden Sword into their hands as is not sufficient to defend themselves or vanquish their Enemies And how much contrary is it to that of the Apostle Timothy who saith It is able to make us wise unto Salvation through Faith in Christ Jesus perfect throughly furnished to all good Works 5. Let us bless God and be truly thankful we have this Weapon left us yet this is in our hands and that all the World may know it hath done great things in our Hearts Let every true Christian and true English-man resolve to dy upon the Spot rather than lose the Word or suffer their Sword to be taken from them 6. Let it also caution all Christians to take heed how they ingage their Enemy without their Sword 7. Labour also to know the right use of it and how and when to offend your Enemy hereby Satan is a cunning Warrier sometimes when thou art tempted to sin may be he will tell thee it is a little one what 's a merry Jest to sport and game to drink and carrouze a little when thou art thus beset draw thy Sword Make no Provision for the Flesh If ye live after the Flesh ye shall dye Put off the former Conversation without Holiness no Man shall see God How shall I do this thing and sin against God 8. Again on the other hand may be he will aggravate thy Sin to drive thee into despair and tell thee by his evil suggestions that there is no Mercy for thee then draw thy Sword again But he that confesseth and forsaketh his Sin shall find Mercy I desire not the Death of him that dyeth All manner of Sin and Blasphemy against the Father and the Son shall be forgiven unto Men c. Such were some of you c. 9. Yield up all your Sins tho never so pleasant and profitable to the Edg of the Sword 10. Prize and highly value the Holy Scriptures the Word of God and say as David once did when he wanted a Sword and it was told him there was none but the Sword of Goliah none like that Satan will it is feared e're long make a diligent search for Arms do as David did hide thy Sword Thy Word have I hid in my Heart that I might not sin against thee Get many Promises ready against thou art beset and shall have need of them The Word of God compared to Leaven Mat. 13.33 Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto Leaven which a Woman took and hid in three measures of Meal till the whole was leavened SOme understand by Leaven in this place the VVord of God others Grace the one concludes it is the VVord of Grace the other the Grace of the VVord a third sort understand the Church of God is intended by it The VVord and Grace of God may be compared to Leaven in three or four Considerations Parable