unto the World in sending such a Prophet after the great Abuse of others that went before a good Prophet a great Prophet none like him that went before him or should come after him The Son of God Emanuel God with us II. This informs us also how exceeding useful our Lord Jesus Christ as a Prophet is to his Church having compleated what others left undone shewing the Riches Glory and Duration of the World to come and indeed in declaring the whole Counsel of God and bringing Life and Immortality to light through the Gospel III. Moreover you may seee the absolute Necessity the Church has of such a Prophet without whom the People would have sate in Darkness and in the Shadow of Death and have been left to stumble upon the dark Mountains IV. From hence we infer the infallible Certainty of what he has declared for it could not be that such a Prophet should deceive the World These things are true and faithful V. Behold the strong and forcible Obligation that is upon the World to believe his Doctrine where it is preached and to reject all Doctrines that are repugnant to it VI. How inexcusable will all those be who reject his Gospel and despise his Ministers It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than for them VII Let the Christian Church from hence learn to hold fast what she hath received for the Truth as it is in Jesus had a great and faithful Witness who confirmed it by mighty Miracles and sealed it with his own Blood Christ a Shepherd John 10.11 I am the good Shepherd c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Metaphor I. A Shepherd is chosen and appointed to take care of the Sheep being a Man skilful in doing that Work and Business II. A Shepherd knows his Sheep he knows their Number and knows them particularly from Sheep that are none of his and one from another III. A Shepherd marks his Sheep whereby they are distinguished from others IV. A Shepherd feeds his Sheep he leads them to green Pastures and Springs of Water Should not the Shepherd feed the Flock V. A Shepherd preserves his Flock he takes care they do not feed in unwholsom Pastures and defends them from Enemies VI. A Shepherd hath a Fold for his Sheep whither he brings them for their better Security and his own Profit VII A Shepherd keeps his Sheep together suffers them not to stray and straggle abroad lest they should be lost VIII A Shepherd if any of his Sheep be set upon by Dogs or Wolves will venture his Life for them to defend and rescue them from those Beasts of Prey as David for a Lamb fought with a Lion and a Bear IX A Shepherd is very tender of his Flock will not over-drive them takes special care of the Lambs and those that are weak and feeble X. If a Shepherd has lost one Sheep if one Sheep or Lamb be gone astray he will seek it and when he hath found it he brings it home with abundance of Joy saying to his Neighbours Rejoyce with me for I have found my lost Sheep XI A Shepherd heals the Diseases of the Sheep The diseased saith God to the Shepherds of Israel have ye not strengthned neither have ye healed that which was sick XII A Shepherd judges between Sheep and Sheep between fat and lean Ones and if any push the weak and hurt or wrong his Fellow or would thrust and shoulder him out of the Fold the Shepherd takes notice of it and accordingly orders such who do the wrong XIII The Shepherd watches over his Sheep because of the Dangers that might otherwise befall them in the Night And there were in the same Country Shepherds abiding in the Field keeping watch over their Flock by night c. XIV Shepherds are to give an account of their Sheep to see that none are lacking XV. A Shepherd washes his Sheep in convenient places from all Filth and Soil which they are subject to contract to themselves XVI A Shepherd delights much to see his Sheep and Lambs thrive XVII A Shepherd if he sees one or more of his Sheep are infected with any Distemper so that they may endanger the rest he separates such from the Flock XVIII A Shepherd separates the Sheep from the Goats XIX A Shepherd leads his Flock to some sweet shady Place where he makes them rest at Noon when the Sun shines hot Parallel I. JEsus Christ is chosen of God and appointed to take the Care and Charge of the Church and very capable to undertake that blessed Work II. I know my Sheep saith Christ and am known of mine He takes special notice of every particular Saint he knew Moses by name He knows their Wants their Sufferings their Weaknesses their Sicknesses and whatever Service they do for his holy Name-sake III. The Lord Jesus hath set his own Image upon his People The Mark which they always bear upon them is Holiness Meekness Obedience by which they are distinguished from the World Set a Mark upon the Men that mourn Christ's Sheep are sealed in their Foreheads and Hands 1. For Distinction 2. Secrecy 3. Security IV. Christ feeds his Flock like a Shepherd his great care is to put them into good and fat Pastures and leads them by the still Waters He gives them good Doctrine feeding them with Knowledg and Vnderstanding V. The Lord Jesus to preserve his Church doth often charge and caution them to beware of and avoid all pernicious and evil Doctrine false Teachers c. And he continually defends them from Sin Satan and all other Enemies VI. The Lord Jesus hath his Church for his Fold whither he brings his Elect for their better Security and his own Glory The Lord added unto the Church daily such as should be saved Glory to God in the Church throughout all Ages VII The Lord Jesus frequently assembles his People together and will not allow any to straggle abroad or be like Lambs in large Places Exhort one another daily c. VII Christ laid down his Life for his Sheep exposed himself to great Sorrows and Miseries for their sakes and engaged with the cruellest of Enemies who sought to make a Prey of and devour his Flock which all the Malice of wicked Men who lay Snares to entrap them cannot accomplish IX Christ is exceeding tender of weak and feeble Christians He shall gather the Lambs with his Arm and carry them in his Bosom and gently lead those that are with young Strengthen ye the weak Hands and confirm the feeble Knees X. Christ the good Shepherd came to seek and save that which was lost his great Design is to bring home Sinners and such as have gone astray as David Peter and other Saints have done When he finds them broken for their Sins how is he pleased He takes up the lost Sheep upon his Shoulder as it were
Firr-trees shall be terribly shaken 'T is put for Musical Instruments 2 Sam. 6.5 And David and all the House of Israel played before the Lord on all Firr-wood so the hebrew that is as in our Translation on all instruments made of firr-wood as the following words shew viz. on Harps and on Psalteries and on Timbrels and on Cornets and on Cymbals Brass is put for Fetters or Shackles made of Brass Lam. 3.7 He hath made my Brass heavy that is my chain or fetters whereby my legs are shackled See Judg. 16.21 2 Sam. 3.34 Ezek. 24.11 and 16.36 You may see more Examples Psal. 68.30 2 Sam. 7.2 Jermiah 4.20 Habak 3.7 Gold and Silver are put for things made of them 1 Chron. 29.2 Psal. 115.4 Their Idols are Silver and Gold that is made of Silver and Gold 2. For Money or Currant Coyn Gen. 23.9 16. Gen. 24.22 2 Kings 5.5 1 Chro. 21.22 24. Gen. 20.16 Deut. 22.19 29. Caedar is put for Caedar-work or Tables made of that Wood Zeph. 2.14 Iron is put for an Axe 2 Kings 6.5 For Fetters Psal. 105.18 Corn is put for Bread Lam. 2.12 with Chapt. 4. verse 4. Wood and Stone are put for Vessels made of them Exod. 7.19 Stone is put for an Idol made of Stone Jer. 2.27 3.9 And for a pound weight Deut. 25.13 2 Sam. 14.26 Prov. 11.1 See more examples Esa. 34.11 Zach. 4.10 and 5.8 Gen. 28.18 22. with verse 11. Wood is put for a House made of Wood Jer 21.14 I will kindle a Fire in the Forrest thereof that is in the House of Jehovah In the House of the King and in the Houses of the Nobles which were built of precious materials brought from the Forrest of Lebanon Jer. 22.7 2 Kings 25.9 2 Chron. 36.19 Jer. 52.13 c. CHAP. II. Of a Metonymie of the Effect A Metonymie of the Effect is when the Effect is put for the Efficient Cause which is done three ways as 1. When the Action or the Effect is put for the Author or Person effecting 2. When a thing Effected by an instrument is put for the Instrument or Organical Cause 3. When the Effect is put for the thing or action Effecting 1. The Action or Effect is put for the Author or person Effecting AS Gen. 15.1 I am says Jehovah to Abraham thy exceeding great Reward that is I am a most liberal giver of Reward Deut. 30.20 He is thy Life and length of Days that is he is the Cause of it Gen. 49.18 I have waited for thy Salvation that is the promised Messiah the Author of Salvation as Luke 2.30 Where Simeon says Mine eyes have seen thy Salvation that is Christ. All flesh shall see 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Salvation of God that is a Saviour See Esa. 49.6 c. Psal. 3.3 4. and 106.20 and 27.1 Thou art my Light Salvation Strength c. that is the Author and Cause of them so Psal. 18.2 and 22.20 and 33.20 and 46.2 Jer. 16.19 and 23.6 John 11.25 and 14.6 1 Cor. 1.30 Eph. 2.14 1 John 5.20 And Heb. 5.9 Rom. 15.5 13. 2 Cor. 1.3 Luke 1.50 Luke 11.14 And he viz. Jesus was casting out a Devil and it was Dumb that is he made the man in whom he was dumb or suffered him not to speak and so was the cause of dumbness See Matth. 9.32 33. and Mark 9.17 25. Luke 13.11 It is said Gen. 26.35 That Esaus wives were a grief of mind or as the hebrew says bitterness of Spirit unto Isaac and Rebecca that is the Cause of sadness and trouble of Spirit See Gen. 25.23 Nehem. 12.31 Rom. 13.3 Rulers are not a terror that is a cause of terror to good men 2 Cor. 1.14 we are your rejoycing as ye are ours the Greek is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies glorying or boasting that is the cause of your rejoycing or glorying inasmuch as we instructed you in the Gospel which is the way of Salvation and you likewise are our glory inasmuch as we have won you to Christ 1 Thess. 2.19 20. Rom. 5.2 2. When a thing Effected by an Instrument is put for the Instrument or Organical Cause GLory is put for the Tongue Psal. 16.9 My Heart is glad and my glory rejoyceth that is my Tongue because it is the Organ by which God is and ought to be gloryfied sutable to Acts 2.26 Therefore did my heart Rejoyce and my Tongue was glad See Psal. 30.12 13. and 5.7 9. Power is put for the Organ exerting power as Rom. 1.16 The Gospel is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the power of God unto Salvation to every one that Beleiveth that is the Gospel is the means or organ by which God exerts or puts forth the power of his Salvation to Beleivers Eph. 1.19 Victory is put for the Instrument of overcoming as 1 John 5.4 This is the victory that overcometh the world even your Faith that is the Instrument of victory Eph. 6.16 Life is put for the means of its preservation Deut. 24.26 No man shall take the nether or the upper Milstone to pledge for he taketh a mans Life or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Soul to pledge that is the Instruments that are necessary for the preservation of Life Prov. 7.27 Life is put for food or maintenance Luke 15.12 He divided unto them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his Life that is his Estate or as we translate it his living Hesiod lib. 2. calls money the soul of a man 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. When the Effect is put for the Thing or Action Effecting THis Species of a Metonymie is distinctly found in Nouns and Verbs as when the Effect is put for the cause materially as 2 Kings 4.10 There is death in the pot that is deadly poyson which will cause Death So Death is put for great perils and dangers troubles or Calamities which cause Death Exod. 10.17 Rom. 7.24 2 Cor. 1.10 and 11.23 And for the Plague Rev. 6.8 See Prov. 11.23 Jer. 3.24 Shame is put for an Idol Jer. 11.13 Hos. 9.10 The reason of the Name you may see Jer. 48.13 And Moab shall be ashamed of Kemosh as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel their confidence See Ezek. 44.18 Hosea 12.1 Ephraim dayly increaseth lies and desolation that is he commits such evils that nothing can be expected but Desolation and Calamity See more Examples Lam. 2.14 1 Cor. 12.6 8. 1 Cor. 14.3 He that Prophecyeth speaketh unto men Edification and Exhortation and Comfort that is an Edifying Exhorting and Comforting speech Sometimes the Effect is put formally for the Cause as Deut. 30.15 I have set before thee this day Life and Good Death and Evil that is I have clearly shewed and lay'd before thee what is the cause and original of each or for what cause and reason either of these was to come upon thee viz. To Love and obey God brings Life and Good but Rebellion Sin and Disobedience brings Death and Evil as the following
5. Psal. 78.19 A Mountain for Mountainous places Josh. 13.6 Judges 7.24 c. Mountains and Hills are put for Idols which were Worshipt there Jer. 3.23 Mountains and Vallies for their Inhabitants Micah 1.4 The Mountains shall be Molten under him and the Vallies shall be Cleft that is the Hearts of those that inhabit them shall wax soft See Psal. 68.2 3. and Psal. 97.4 5. They put to flight the Vallies toward the East and toward the West that is such as dwelt in the Vallies 1 Chron. 12.15 The World is put for Mankind John 3.16 and 12.19 2 Cor. 5.19 1 John 2.2 and 5.19 'T is put for the wicked who are the greatest part of mankind John 1.10 and 7.7 and 14.17 and 15.19 and 16.20 23 and 17.9 14. 1 Cor. 11.32 1 John 3.1 and 4.5 and 5.4 5. Hence the Devil is called the Prince of this world John 12.31 and 14.30 and 16.11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Princes of the world Eph. 6.12 The God of this world 2. Cor. 4.4 Which is expounded Eph. 2.2 In time past ye walked according to this world according to the Prince of the Power of the Air the Spirit that Now worketh in the Children of Disobedience The World is put sometimes for those are converted and beleive as Illyricus says alledging John 6.33 The Bread of God is he which cometh down from Heaven and giveth Life unto the world that is to beleivers and John 14.31 But that the world may know that I love the Father c. Yet Glassius thinks that the whole race of mankind is rather to be understood in both places as verse 51. the Bread which I will give is my Flesh which I will give for the life of the World for this giving of Life is not an actual conferring of it by Faith but rather an acquisition or purchase of life for them in which sence Christ is called the light that enlightens every man that cometh into the world In the other text John 14.31 Christ signifies by those words that he was therefore to die that he might deliver mankind from the power of Satan 2. That this Redemption of mankind should by the Word of the Gospel be revealed to the whole World For he says not let me die that I may shew that I love the Father but that the World may know that I love the Father Which knowledge was had when the Gospel was promulgated through the whole World by the Apostles Camerarius in his Notes on John 17.21 That the World may beleive that thou hast sent me says that by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the world we are to understand 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Such as shall be saved But Glassius says that it signifies all men universally as John 3.17 For God sent his Son that the world through him might be saved For though all men are not actually saved in regard of their proper contumacy and impenitency yet a spiritual Unity for believers is prayed for and that the World might believe that is that all men should be converted to the true knowledge of the Messiah although very many remain in Unbelief and Wickedness who shall have no share in this Redemption Ships are put for the Men in them Esa. 23.1 Howl ye Ships of Tarshish that is ye Mariners and Merchants c. So verses 10.14 A Nest is put for the Young ones Deut. 32.11 As an Eagle stirreth up her Nest that is the Young Eagles as is clearly shew'd in the following words Ophir A Country in India abounding with Gold is put for Gold brought from thence Job 22.24 Then shalt thou lay up Gold as Dust and Ophir as the Stones of the Brooks that is Gold brought from Ophir Abundance of Gold is denoted by the whole phrase and Metaphorically great felicity A Cup is put for the Wine or Liquor in it Jer. 49.12 Ezek. 23.32 1 Cor. 10.21 Yee cannot drink the Cup of the Lord and the Cup of Devils Luke 22.17 It is said in the last Paschal Supper And he took the Cup and gave thanks and said take this and divide it amongst your selves that is the Wine not the Cup for verse 18 he says I will not drink of the fruit of the Vine untill the Kingdom of God shall Come So Luke 22.20 We have the same Metonymie about the Eucharistical Cup of the Lords Supper and 1 Cor. 11.25 26 27. Of this Cup Christ says that 't is the New Testament in his Blood but the containing vessel cannot be understood but the thing contained viz. The Wine which is Sacramentally the Blood of Christ Matth. 26.28 Mark 14.24 See more 1 Cor. 10.16 21. 1 Cor. 11.26 27. Matth. 26 27. Mark 14.23 1 Cor. 11.28 The Names of Countries is frequently put for their Inhabitants as Egypt for Egyptians Gen. 17.15 Ps. 105.38 Ethiopia for Ethiopians Ps. 68.31 32 Sheba for Sabeans Job 1.15 and 6.19 See Esa. 43.3 4. Judea and the adjacent Countries about Jordan are put for their Inhabitants Matt. 3.5 Macedonia and Achaia for Christians living there Rom. 11.26 The Land of Egypt is put for spoils brought from thence Jer. 43.12 The Grave is put for the Dead that are buried in it as Esa. 38.18 The Grave cannot praise thee Death cannot celebrate thee that is they that are Dead and Buried the reason follows They that go down into the Pit cannot hope for thy Truth ver 19. The Living the Living he shall praise thee See Psal. 6.6 Psal. 115.117 The Earth is put for the Inhabitants of the Earth Gen. 6.11 The Earth was also corrupt before God and the Earth was filled with violence which is expounded in the next verse for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the Earth So Gen. 11.1 and 18.25 and 19.31 and 14.30 1 Sam. 14.29 2 Sam. 15.23 Prov. 28.2 Esa. 24.20 Matth. 5.13 The Ends of the Earth are put for the Inhabitants of the extreamest parts thereof Psal. 22.27 28. Psal. 67.8 A Theatre the place where Plays and Shews are seen is put for the sight it self 1 Cor. 4.9 Where the Apostle Paul Metaphorically says of himself For we are made a Theatre so the Greek unto the World and to Angels and to Men As if he had said we are derided hated and abused by the World and that not in a corner but as if the whole Earth were gathered together in one Theatre to satiate and please themselves with beholding our miseries A City is put for Citizens Jer. 4.29 The whole City shall flee Shall go into Thickets and clime upon the Rocks So Esa. 14.31 Jer. 26.2 c. Jerusalem Chorazin Bethsaida Capernaum are put for their Inhabitants Matth. 3.5 Mark 1.5 Matth. 23.37 and 11.21 23. Act. 18.25 Jud. 5.7.11 c. To this by Analogy may be referred these that follow Heaven is put for God who is said to dwell in the Heavens and there manifests his Glory and Majesty to Angels and glorified Spirits Psal. 73.9 They set their Mouth against the Heavens and their Tongue walketh
towards men and as accommodated for the profit of Believers that nothing which he does shall hurt them To this may be referred that speech of God which of all is most sweet and gracious and full of comfort inasmuch as it was spoken in the very swelling as it were of Anger When he speaks to Moses of the grievous sin and Apostacy of the People Exod. 32.10 Now therefore let me alone that my Wrath may wax hot against them and that I may consume them c. Jehovah speaks as if he had been bound and constrained by the Faith and Prayer of Moses so as that he could not destroy the People unless he had asked him leave as Psal. 106.23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach to turn away his Wrath lest he should destroy them Of so great a vertue and efficacy are the Prayers of the just before the Lord James 5.16 See Gen. 32.28 Hosea 12.4 Josh. 10.12 13 14. c. Esa. 1.13 The calling of Assemblies I cannot away with or more properly I cannot bear it is iniquity This is expounded with respect to the sanctity of God and his abomination of iniquity as verse 14. Your New Moons and your appointed Feasts my soul hateth which is intimaâ—â—ed by these phrases of humane abhorrence Something also of loosned or disjointed Members after the manner of men is attributed to God as Jer. 6 8. Be thou instructed O Jesuralem lest my soul be loosned or disjointed from thee so the Hebrew that is lest after the manner of a member that is broken or out of Joynt it departs from or be separate from thee and thou as a strange member be cut off or divided from me Ezek. 23.18 She discovered her Whoredoms and discovered her nakedness then my mind was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 disjointed from her By this phrase the Communion of God with Believers is most excellently expressed for if for their wilful and contumacious Rebellions God departs from them the head is as it were separated or pluckt off the putrified members as the Lord by a like metaphor speaks to the wicked Synagogue Jer. 15.6 For thou hast forsaken me saith the Lord thou art gone backward Therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee and destroy thee I am weary with Repenting Much and great was the forbearance and patience of God before this desertion which is indeed the filling the Measure of Iniquity spoken of Gen. 15.16 Matth. 23.32 To these privatives in man may be referred Diseases by which is signified the punishment of sin which Christ bore in our stead Esa. 53.4.10 Suitable to Hos. 13.14 I will ransome them from the power of the Grave I will redeem them from Death O Death I will be thy Plagues O Grave I will be thy Destruction Repâ—â—ntance shall be hid from mine Eyes Thus he speaks with respect to his Sacerdotal or Priestly Office as Heb. 2.14 Forasmuch as the Children are made partakers of flesh and blood he also himself took part of the same that through Death he might destroy him that had the Power of Death that is the Devil 2. With respect to his Prophetical Office 2 Tim. 1.10 Because by the Gospel he hath abolished Death and brought Life and Immortality to Light For he strongly defends his Church so as that the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it and 1 Cor. 15.26 The last Enemy that shall be destroyed is Death Here is a most evident symbol of the Resurrection as Junius and Tremellius upon the place rightly conclude Paul upon these words of Hosea 1 Cor. 15.55 Thus speaks O death where is thy Sting O Grave where is thy Victory c. Of the second sort of mens Actions which are ascribed to God there may a distinction be made viz. Such as are internal and such as are external The internal are with respect to the diverse States Circumstances or Conditions of men and so God is said to be a Husbandman that is Synechdochically a Vine dresser John 15.1 The reason of the Comparison follows in the next verses and is largely expounded Esa. 5. and Matth. 20. c. Christ who is the hypostatical Wisdom of God and his Eternal Son calls himself a Workman when he speaks of the Creation Cant. 7.1 For by him were all things made and without him was nothing made that was made John 1.3 Col. 1.16 c. So God is said to be the Builder and Maker of a City which hath Foundations Heb. 11.10 that is the Cause Fountain and Author of Eternal Life and Heavenly Joy So he is called a Man of War Exod. 15.3 From that Almighty work of his of overwhelming and drowning Pharaoh with his Egyptian Host. Besides in Wars waged among men he is the chief General and Captain giving Victory to whom he pleases and scattering routing or destroying whom he pleases See Psal. 46. and 76. c. Christ is called a Counsellor Esa. 9.6 with respect to his most wise decree in restoring Salvation at whose disposal it was 1 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy Calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and Grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began Likewise with respect to his most Holy Office in manifesting the Divine will to our capacities in order to Salvation and his obedience to the Father c. The Lord is called a Phisitian Exod. 15.26 Because he frees men from all perils of Souls and Bodies which are frequently compared to Diseases Psal 147.2.3 c. This is peculiarly ascribed to Christ the Redeemer for the blessing of spiritual health which we receive from him Matth. 9.12 Mark 2.17 See Esa. 61.1 He is called a Shepherd Psal. 23.1 Which appellation is also peculiarly attributed to Christ with respect to his Office as a Saviour Cant. 1.7 and 2.16 and 6.2 Ezek. 34.23 and 37.24 Micah 5.3 and 7.14 Zach. 13.7 John 10.11 Heb. 13.20 1 Pet. 2.25 and 5.4 and elsewhere He is called a Father Deut. 32.6 Psal. 68.6 Esa. 64.8 Matth. 6.1 6 8 9. Rom. 8.15 Which term is most full of Comfort and Joy declaring the Love and Affection of the Omnipotent God towards men So he is called Father of spirits Heb. 12.9 c. Christ called the Everlasting Father or as in the Hebrew the Father of Eternity Esa. 9.6 Because he most sincerely loves Believers and Glorifies them in blessed Eternity The seventy have most elegantly translated this place 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pater futuri seculi the Father of the Age to come He is called the First-born Psal. 89.27 Col. 1.15 18. Rev. 1.5 Jehovah and Christ are frequently called Prince Captain King Esa. 9.6 and 55.4 and 32.1 and 33.22 To denote their Majesty and celestial Dominion of which more elsewhere He is called a Bridgroom Matth. 9.15 and 25.1 Mark 2.19
God who in his Creation of light and other great works gave himself to be seen as it were by men See Esa. 51.9 and 59.17 For in these places certain Garments are ascribed to God in his execution of Vengeance against his Enemies by an elegant Hypotuposis The metaphor is taken from a Warrior compleatly armed who comes into the field to encounter his Enemy In both places Christ the Captain of our Salvation is to be understood by the Analogy of the Text He is said to be the arm of the Lord because he is the Power of God 1 Cor. 1.24 And Esa. 59.14 It is said that there was no intercessor of the race of man that was dead in sin that could free him from the power of Satan which is a plain intimation Christ himself would be the intercessor the Conqueror of Satan and Death and our Saviour See ver 20 21. Where the promise of the Redeemer is plainly given And the Redeemer shall come to Sion and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob saith the Lord c. Psal. 45.8 The Mystical habit of Christ the Coelestial Spouse is described upon which place Brentius thus paraphrases All thy Garments smell of Myrrhe and Aloes and Cassia out of the Ivory Palaces whereby they have made thee glad that is all the Garments wherewith thou art apparelled and which can be produced for thy use are not composed of wooden or vile materials but brought from Ivory and most precious Repositories for these are called the Houses or Palaces of Garments they yield no other Odor but Myrrh Aloes and Cassia that is a most fragrant and odoriferous scent of which thou takest pleasure that is that most sweet fame which Christ himself and his Apostles by Preaching the Gospel have spread not only in Judea but in all parts of the World Luke 10.17 18 19 c. 2 Cor. 2.15 16. Christ is said passively to be put on by Believers Rom. 13.14 Gal. 3.27 When he dwells in their hearts by Faith Eph. 3.17 and makes them partakers of his Celestial benefits The Apostles are said to be endued with strength from on high Luke 24.49 When they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as it is expounded Act. 1.8 On the other side a man is said to put on the Spirit of God when it powerfully speaks or operates in or by him as a man that goes forth in order to any work amongst men covers himself with a Garment Judg. 6.34 1 Chron. 12.18 2 Chron. 24.20 Moses calls Jehovah A Banner when he gave the Altar he erected a Name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jehovah nissi The Lord my Banner Exod. 17.15 That is the Lord is my helper both now and hereafter against the Amalekites and all other Adversaries Esa. 11.10 it is said the Messiah shall stand for an Ensign or Banner of the People by which his Kingly Office is noted as this passage is quoted Rom. 15.12 He shall rise to Reign over the Gentiles For a Banner or Trophy is a sign of Victory Superiority and Lordship inasmuch as the People are said to act under the Banner of the Prince Christ is the only Asylum or Refuge where such as fly to him by Faith are protected and kept safe from the spiritual Enemy as the Souldiery repair to the Standard of the General where they are secure See Cant. 2.4 Psal. 60.4 Thou hast given a Banner to them that fear thee that it may be displayed because of the Truth Which may be truly applyed to Christ upon these words Ainsworth says that the word Banner is applyed to the Flag or Ensign of the Gospel Esa. 11.12 and 49.22 and 62.10 Here to David and his Victory to be high displayed or to use for a Banner which hath the name of lifting high Esa. 59.19 The Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a Standard against him that is he shall bring to passe that Christ shall be that Standard or Banner of the People for as Souldiers aggregate or repair to the Military Standard so the Saints are gathered together by the knowledge of Christ the Captain of their Salvation A Rod and Staff is attributed to God and our Saviour Christ Psal. 23.4 Thy Rod and thy Staff comfor me of which we have spoke in the Metonymie of the sign for the thing signified Psal. 45.6 Psal. 110.2 Heb. 1.8 The Rod or Scepter of Christ signifies his saving word whereby he directs his Church and People See Esa. 2.3 The Rod of God signifies also Castigation and Punishment Job 9.34 and 21.9 In both which places the Chaldee renders it a Stroke The King of Assyria is called the Rod of Gods Anger Esa. 10.5 Because by him as with a Rod he was to chastise the People and declare his Wrath against sin See verse 24. The Word has almost the same signification Psal. 2.9 Where the epithete of Iron being added it is a symbol of a more grievous and severe punishment Thou shalt break them with a Rod of Iron viz. Such contumacious and stubborn Enemies that despise thy Kingdom whether they be Jews or Gentiles as ver 1 2. These are prophetical words of God the Father respecting Christ his only begotten Son who was constituted King of Sion and as it were inaugurated to the sacred Offices of Judge and Redeemer See Act. 4.25 26 27. All those were to be broken with and Iron Rod by Christ the Judge who would not submit to the Scepter of his saving Grace Psal. 45.6 7. and 110.6 Esa. 2.3 but stubbornly resisted him and therefore by the Sword of his Anger which is that Iron Scepter or Rod as of a severe Judge they were to be destroyed To this place of the Psalmist there seems to be an Allusion Ezek. 21.10 13. In our Translation thus A Sword is sharpned to make a sore slaughter it is furbished that it may glitter Should we then make Mirth It contemneth the Rod of my Son as every tree or as in the marginal reading the Rod of my Son despiseth every Tree and verse 13. What if the Sword contemn even the Rod c. Where an obscure Periphrasis in the original Hebrew has begot diverse Interpretations What seems to me to be most proper and suitable I will lay down and submit it to the Judgement of the Godly and Learned 1. It is certain that the Prophets do frequently cut off their speech introducing even in the very context then this and then another speaking upon which Jerom says that the change of persons especially in the Writings of the Prophets makes the Text difficult to be understood which if delivered with a clearer distinction of places causes and times would render those things plain which seem to be obscure Nahum 2. Hence the Prophets are so obscure because when one thing is treated of there is suddenly a change to another thing or person as Psal. 2.1 The New Testament is introduced as speaking and complaining of Christs Enemies See Acts 4.24
my Law but rejected it The Chaldee says the retribution or reward of their works Good or evil works are also called Fruits the good so called Matth. 3.8 see Act. 26.20 Rom. 6.22 Gal. 5.22 Eph. 5.9 Phil. 1.11 Bad works So called Esa 10.12 Jer. 21.14 Rom. 6 21. The Reason of the Metaphor is because Godly and Wicked men are compared to good and bad Trees of which the one bring forth good the other bad Fruit Matth. 3.10 and 7.16 And the following verses chap. 12.33 Jude ver 12. Hence the Verb to Fructifie is put for the Study of Piety and good works Hos. 13.15 Luk. 8.16 Rom. 7.4 Col. 1.10 And inasmuch as that is the effect of the Word of God implanted by Faith in the hearts of men therefore fructifying is attributed to it Col. 1.6 Hence the Apostle Paul says Rom. 1.13 Now I would not have you ignorant Brethren that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you but was let hitherto that I might have some fruit among you also or in you c. that is that it may appear to me when present to the comfort of my Spirit that the Gospel is as fruitful among you as others As good masters repute that fruit theirs when their Disciples have commendably profited under their Teachings On the contrary to bring forth unto Death is to be given up to wickedness and perpetrate all evil works Rom. 7.5 By another Metaphor the word preached is called the fruit of the Lips Esa. 57.19 I create the fruit of the Lips the Chald. the speech of the Lips as the Verb to fructifie is put for speech Prov. 10.31 Zach. 9.17 to be unfruitful is attributed to such as want Faith Tit. 3.14 2 Pet. 1.18 To Evil works Eph. 5.11 To the Word of God where it is not rightly received and kept Matth. 13.22 Mark 4.19 Hitherto we have treated of some parts of things growing out of the Earth Now we shall proceed 1. Generally 2. Specially of the rest which we shall reckon in order A Plant if attributed to God his Church and Believens are to be understood Esa. 5.7 60.21 61.3 Ezek. 34.29 Hence Matth. 15.13 Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up which denotes such as are Heterodox impious or hypocritical in the garden of the Church or in its outward Communion without the root of the matter The word Planting attributed to God is sometimes taken generally and signifies to form or make Psal. 94.9 He that planted the Ear shâ—â—ll he not hear that is he that formed it Sometimes specially and signifies to carry on bless and increase with felicity Exod. 15.17 2 Sam. 7.10 Psal. 44.3 and 80.9 Esa. 40.24 Jer. 12.2 and 18.9 Ezek. 36.36 Amos 9.15 On the contrary to Pluck up is put for to take away blessing to destroy and punish Deut. 29.28 2 Chron. 7.20 Jer. 18.7 and 31.28 Amos 9.15 Sometimes this Plantation is most especially put to signifie the restauration made by Christ and the sanctification of men to Life Eternal Esa. 51.16 Psal. 92.14 Rom. 6.5 To which belongs the term ingrafting Rom. 11.17 19 23 24. put for the Communion of Saints in the Church And in regard these things are effected by the Preaching of the Word of God therefore Planting and Watering necessary thereunto is attributed to the Ministers thereof 1 Cor. 3.6 7 8. where there is a most elegant subordination of these Planters and Waterers to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 him that gives the increase viz. Jehovah who by the Ministry of the Word effectually operates or works out the Faith and Salvation of men To Plant is said of a Tent or Tabernacle because the cords of a Tent are fastened to Stakes fixt in the ground as Plants are fixt c. Dan. 11.45 A Tree is often used by way of similitude But in a Metaphor which is a short or concise similitude sometimes it refers to man Jer. 11.19 Esa. 61.3 Ezek. 17.24 Matth. 3.10 and 12.33 Jude ver 12. By which is signified his condition whether good or evil Sometimes it relates to some certain wholesom or profitable thing called for that Reason the Tree of Life Pro. 3.18 11.30 13.12.15.4 More specially some certain Names of good Trees are put Esa. 41.19 and 53.13 and 60.13 To signifie the amenity or pleasantness of the Kingdom of Christ and the variety of its heavenly gifts Zach. 11.1 2. Men of various or indifferent Estates in Israel Cedars Firr-Trees Oaks the Trees of the Wood are expressed by Name By Cedars and Oaks mentioned Esa. 2.13 The Nobility and great Ones of the Kingdom who were proud and elevated are noted Hence the Chaldee renders it The Kings of the people strong and mighty and the Tyrants of the Provinces The Royal Family of David from whence Christ according to the Flesh was descended is proposed by the Allegory of a Cedar Ezek. 17.22 The Lopping of Boughs and Cutting down the thickets of the Forrest denotes the destruction of the People Esa. 10.18 33 34. and 40.24 Zach. 11.1 2. That part of a cut Tree which is left above the Earth it s called the Stock Stem or Trunk Which word is metaphorically translated to denote the mean and humble original of Christ according to the Flesh or his temporal Nativity from the progeny of David Esa. 11.1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse c. A Beam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the disparate term 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a mote which is a small splinter flying out of a cleft piece of wood Hesych Athen. lib. 13. are used to express the difference and degrees of sinners Matth. 7.3 4 5. Where Christ Allegorically demonstrates the craft of Calumniators who are mighty curious and inqusitive into the failings or infirmities of others although slight like motes but very blind and dull in examining their own faults though grievous great and weighty like a beam Here we have also an admonition concerning our Duty which is first to search our own wallet which hangs at our back and having well shaken it and cleared it we may proceed to the examination of our Brothers Crime Thorns sometimes signifies wicked and mischievous men Numb 33.55 Josh. 23.13 In which the Enemies are emphatically called Thorns and Prickles in their Eyes that is such as are of all things most troublesom and hurtful so as that the Eyes cannot endure so much as a little chaff mote thorn or prickle without horrible torment Psal. 58.9 Esa. 9.18 10.17 27.4 Ezek. 2.6 28.4 See also because of the similitude 2 Sam. 23.6 7. Esa. 33.12 Nah. 1.10 Matth. 7.16 Luk. 6.44 c. Sometimes Thorns signifie impediments met withal Hos. 2.6 I will hedge up thy way with thorns c. Jer. 4.3 Matth. 13.7.22 A Reed is a weak shrub easily agitated or shaken by a small gust of Wind 2 Kings 14.15 Sometimes denotes men that are uncâ—â—â—tant light and of a doubtful Faith Matth. 11.7
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
strongest fleshly Confidence then will signify nothing The Day of the Lord of Hosts shall be upon every one that is lofty and upon every one that is proud and lifted up and he shall be brought down upon all the Cedars of Lebanon that are lifted up and upon all the Oaks of Bashan upon all high Mountains and upon all the Hills that are lifted up and upon every high Tower and upon every fenced Wall that is lifted up with the Haughtiness of Man shall the fierce Indignation of the Lord be kindled even to the bearing it down and laying it low even to the Dust and the Lord shall be exalted in that Day The Mountains quake at him and the Hills are melted and the Earth burns up or is burned up But the whole Earth shall be devoured by the Fire of his Jealousy neither their Gold nor Silver shall be able to deliver them in the Day of the Lord 's Wrath. VI. Wicked profane and ungodly Men are fit Matter and Fuel for the Wrath of God to take hold of and when they are piled together with the horrid Guilt that is upon their Consciences what a dreadful Fire will there be Whilst they are thus folden together as Thorns and whilst they are drunken as Drunkards they shall be devoured as Stubble fully dry VII The consuming Wrath of God or those Plagues of his Fury when he rises up to contend with the Wicked in a way of Vengeance and Indignation with a Person or People turns all their Joy into Mourning and a bitter Day I will saith God by his Prophet undo all those that have afflicted thee The Fire of God's Wrath will utterly impoverish all the Wicked of the Earth c. VIII 'T is a fearful thing to fall into the Hands of the Living God viz. God being a consuming Fire in respect to this the Apostle spake these Words For our God is a consuming Fire If it be terrible to have a Finger Foot or Hand to burn off or to hear that our Bodies must be cast into a Furnace of boiling Oil or into a fierce devouring â—â—ire how then can Sinners bear the Thoughts of falling into the Hands of the dreadful and terrible God whose incensed Wrath is ten thousand times worse and more intolerable than any Fire that ever Mortals saw or that ever any were cast into IX God when he goeth forth in Vengeance will destroy mightily and in a short space when he rises up to set on fire the Briars and Thorns of the Earth Through the Wrath of the Lord of Hosts is the Land darkned and the People shall be as the Fuel of the Fire Now will I saith God arise and devour at once Destruction is coming upon the Wicked of the Earth Destruction upon Destruction in a Moment will come upon them Let Mystery Babylon look to it this Fire will kindle very suddenly upon that great City in a more terrible and irreparable Manner than her Agents have done upon our Metropolis yea and her Plagues shall come in a Day Death and Mourning and Famine and she shall be utterly burnt with Fire And let the Sinners in Sion tremble for the Light of Israel shall be for a Fire and his Holy One for a Flame and it shall burn and devour his Thorns and his Briars in one day There is vast Difference and Disparity between our common Elementary Fire and the Fire of God's Wrath. Metaphor I. FIre is natural and elementary and so consequently can only seize or consume things that are visible of external or temporal Substances it destroys that only which is fit Fuel for it whilst kept under II. The Flames of a burning and consuming Fire are always seen and the Ruins that it makes are obvious to the outward Eye III. A consuming Fire hath often been overcome and put quite out by Engines Instruments and Industry of Man when it hath burned vehemently a Stop hath been put to it and further Danger prevented IV. Fire is not unquenchable Tho the Burning of Mount Aetna and other burning Mountains where there is much Brimstone and other Sulphureous Matter are impossible for Man to extinguish yet they shall not burn always Disparity I. THe Fire of God's Wrath is Divine or Spiritual and so takes hold of or kindles upon that which is of an immaterial and invisible Substance it seizeth upon Spirits torments Devils and the Souls of Men and Women it kindles not on external Matter only but on internal also II. The Flames of God's Wrath upon the Soul cannot be seen A Man may have a Fire burning in his Conscience like that of Francis Spira and yet by looking upon him you cannot see what Ruine and Desolation it makes there III. God is such a consuming Fire that when his incensed Wrath is kindled in good earnest with a design to burn up and destroy none is able to overcome and put a Stop unto it all the Ways and Means then that Sinners can devise will prove insignificant 'T is not Repentance nor Floods of brinish Tears that can put out or lessen the burning of this Divine Fire 'T is true that when his Wrath is kindled but a little and before the Day of Grace is over his Anger may be appeased but when he lets out the Greatness yea the Deluge of the Vials of his Wrath O then it will be too late IV. The Fire of God's Wrath shall never be extinguished Behold thus saith the Lord Mine Anger and my Fury shall be poured out c. and it shall not be quenched Fire is kindled in mine Anger and shall burn to the lowest Hell And it is said And they shall go forth and look upon the Carcases of the Men that have transgressed against me for the Worm shall not die neither shall the Fire be quenched and they shall be an Abhorring to all Flesh. There the Worm dieth not and the Fire shall not be quenched Application I. IF God be a consuming Fire 't is good to enquire To whom he is so and will be so terrible 1. To the fallen Angels or damned Spirits who once enjoyed him as a gracious Head and Creator but by reason of Sin not being contented with their first Estate were cast out of Heaven and must for ever undergo the incensed Flames of God's Wrath. 2. All profane debauched and ungodly Men who are Enemies to God and Religion who live like brute Beasts upon the Earth who mind nothing but to satisfy their carnal Appetites who wallow in the Lusts of Uncleanness Drunkenness Pride Covetousness c. without timely Repentance as God is so he will for ever be to such a consuming Fire c. 3. All Persecutors Tyrants Murderers Whoremongers and all such that destroy the Saints of God on the Earth the Beast false Prophets and Mystical Babylon to all such will God be continually a consuming Fire 4. All rotten and hypocritical Professors and Unbelievers whether in or out
in behalf of the Criminal had the Debtor found the Surety as 't is among Men the Case had been otherwise Secondly The Suretiship of Christ holds forth abundant Grace yea the greatest demonstration of the Love and Goodness of God to Sinners in that he was pleased to dispence with his own Law as to the rigorous exaction of it from Sinners and to take satisfaction from another which he might have exacted from them Thirdly That he might bring about Redemption and Pardon for Man he parted with his own dear Son who laid down his Life to atone and make Reconciliation between him and Sinners Fourthly In that the Blessing and Benefit of Christ's Undertaking as our Surety is given and bestowed freely upon us so that we have no more to do but to fall down on our Knees and humbly acknowledg our Offences and accept of a Pardon through Christ's Mediation and own him to be our Prince and Saviour Fifthly In that he as our Surety gives to us a broken Heart and renews a right Spirit in us gives us the Grace of Believing whereby we come to have an Interest in him through the Atonement made by his Blood from whence it appears 't is not our Faith nor our Acceptance of Christ and the Gospel that makes his Satisfaction so to God tho it is hereby made effectual unto us The Sum of all is this that Christ did not die only nostro bono for our Good and Profit as Socinians affirm but in our Stead and Rome for where one is said to die for another 't is always thus taken Moreover where 't is said Christ bore our Sins c. 't is to be understood of the Punishment due to them for in all places of the Old Testament where 't is said Thou shalt or they shall bear their own Sins 't is meant of the Punishment of them So that if we would be pardoned we must accept it as God is pleased to offer it to us tho a compleat Satisfaction be made for Sin in our Nature to the Father And shall we dislike that way of Forgiveness that God is so much pleased with wherein he doth not only magnify his own Free-Grace and Goodness but his own Justice and Holiness also IV. Christ became Security for his Peoples Debts before ever they were contracted or they themselves born yea he was bound to satisfy for all the Debts of such who do believe in him that at any time of their Lives should be contracted that is to say he bore not only the Punishment due to them for Sins committed before their Calling and Conversion but all their Iniquities afterwards through human Frailties committed tho 't is not alledged they were discharged before committed nor before true Repentance be wrought in them for Repentance and Pardon go together Him hath God exalted on his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour to give Repentance to Israel and Remission of Sins V. Christ never repented his Suretyship instead of its being a Trouble to his Mind he delighted in it I have a Baptism to be baptized with and how am I straitned till it be accomplished I delight to do thy Will O my God He knew the Payment of all would fall upon him and yet he shrinks not from it I lay down my Life freely VI. Christ tho he suffered hard things for his People in becoming their Surety yet was not undone or brought to utter Beggary thereby for tho for a time he became poor to make us rich yet by suffering Death he was crowned with Glory and Honour his Abasement was for his Exaltation he expended not all his Riches in satisfying for our Sins Tho he was cast into Prison viz. brought to the Grave yet he quickly delivered himself out by the Powerfulness of the Godhead which dwelt bodily in him Inferences 1. FRom hence we may perceive what a miserable Condition Mankind had involv'd themselves in by reason of Sin utterly impoverish'd and brought to Beggary Debtors to God's Justice for the Breach of the Law owing ten thousand Talents and not a Farthing to pay and had been cast into the eternal Prison of Darkness had not Jesus stept in and become our Surety 2. What Grace and unspeakable Favour is here How much hath God out-done Mortals He sought out a Surety to satisfy for our Sins who were not only ill-natured Debtors but cursed and most guilty Rebels who deserved nothing but Death and Chains of Darkness Tho he doth not pardon us without a Price yet rather than we should be without Remission his own Son shall be the Ransom 3. Moreover we may admire the great Mystery of our Redemption Let Men take heed how they contemn any part of the Depths of God because they seem to overtop and outdo their depraved Reason 4. Here are Tidings of great Joy to broken and undone Sinners There is a way open for free Commerce and Trading with God again Tho he did not regard us whilst we stood under the old Covenant being miserable Beggars and Bankrupts yet he delights to have Commerce and Dealing with us in a way of Grace through the Compact made with Christ our Surety 5. Let Saints hold up their drooping Heads and Hearts their Debts are paid The Lord hath laid on him the Iniquity of us all There is now no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus 6. Why should any think the Conditions of the Gospel are hard or Christ's Commands grievous What you cannot do Christ hath undertaken to help you in and see done by you He hath wrought all our Works in us My God shall supply all your Wants My Grace is sufficient for thee 7. Moreover let us consider what Benefits do accrue to Believers by virtue of Christ's Suretiship First By this means we are delivered from the hands of Justice and Curse of the Law and Wrath of God Christ hath redeemed us from the Curse being made a Curse for us Secondly We owe our Covenant-Relation first unto God's Grace and secondly to Jesus our blessed Surety and Mediator's undertaking I have manifested thy Name to the Men which thou gavest me c. Thirdly This is the Ground of the Saints Support against the Power of Sin and indwelling Corruption Thanks be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ c. Fourthly From hence we may groundedly expect Succour in Temptations I have prayed for thee He hath undertook for thee who is mighty to save and who will bruise Satan under your Feet shortly 8. How are we obliged to God our Father and to the Lord Jesus Christ for the Work of our Redemption O let us love God and love Christ and live to their Praise whilst on Earth 9. This also may embolden the Godly to draw near to God they have a Surety or one that hath undertaken for them He is engaged for God to them and for them to God he makes sure the Promises to
to apply Pardon and the glad Tidings of Salvation saith Mr. Caryl to such a Soul may be its hardening and undoing Tho Mercy may be tendered to the Ungodly for God justifies such yet says not to a Man that perseveres in his Ungodliness that he will justify or pardon him but contrary-wise says he will not pardon them but condemn and destroy them The worst of Sinners may be saved but God will not save them in their Sins 'T is dangerous to daub with untempered Mortar to pronounce Peace where there is no Peace XIII Christ is very diligent and careful of poor Sinners that he undertakes tries their Hearts and Reins hath Eagles Eyes his Eyes are never off them gives charge to his Servants Ministers of the Gospel to look carefully after them that they want nothing that every Direction be followed and wholsom Diet provided XIV Christ rectifies disorderly Affections and other Faculties of the Soul When Pride or Worldliness would predominate he checks those Evils by his Word Spirit or by Affliction a sharper way of Cure and endeavours to ballance the Soul with an Equality of every Grace that there may be Love as well as Faith and that Patience might have its perfect Work XV. Jesus Christ cures none slightly that he undertakes but searches to the quick breaks the very Heart to pieces and lays it open with applying Causticks and Corrosives viz. Afflictions c. corroding Medicines and then effectually cures it They were prick'd in their Heart XVI Jesus Christ prescribes a way to his Church to cut off a corrupt or rotten Member when no other means will preserve it XVII Christ carries it gently and very tenderly when he hath to do with some poor broken-hearted Sinners The bruised Reed shall he not break Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy-laden and I will give you rest XVIII Christ uses many Sovereign Antidotes and Preservatives to deliver from the Infection of Sin his Word Promises Threatnings c. Thy Word have I hid in my Heart that I might not sin against thee XIX Jesus Christ hath prescribed Golden Rules to Saints how they may preserve their Souls in a healthful condition to avoid Surfeiting all Excess and immoderate Use of this World to keep good Company and to keep a good Diet to live under an able and powerful Ministry and to be frequent in the exercise of Religious Duties Prayer Meditation reading God's Word and Christian Conference c. XX. Christ when he finds the Soul of a Believer under Affliction Losses Temptation Persecution c. begins to faint and his Spirit low he gives more of his holy Spirit the Spirit of Faith is the choicest Spirit in this case in the World 't will not only revive and quicken a dying and doubting Christian but will raise to Life such as are dead in Sins and Trespasses I had fainted unless I believed XXI Christ rejoyces greatly when he sees his Word take place upon the Heart of Sinners and when Afflictions like powerful Potions cleanse the Soul from all those noxious Humors that bring Sickness and manifold Distempers on the Soul and that his Patient is effectually cured XXII Christ often visits his poor Patients that stand in need of his Help XXIII Christ is very faithful to poor Sinners he lets them know the worst of their Estate that Death is like to ensue if they repent and believe not Vnless ye repent ye shall all likewise perish And unless you believe that I am he ye shall die in your Sins Metaphor I. THe most learned Physician in the World may be deceived in his Judgment about the Cause and Nature of a Distemper and so miss of the Cure II. Some Physicians through Ignorance or Carelesness administer very destructive and ill-prepared Medicines often killing more than they cure III. Physicians come not to the Sick until they are sent for and tho they come not far yet expect to be paid for that besides their Physick IV. Physicians are mercenary do all for hire some pay for the Physick 't is to be feared much more than 't is really worth V. A Physician will be sure not to expend any of his own Treasure to cure his Patients will not be wounded himself to heal others or part with his own Blood to do it VI. Earthly Physicians cannot raise the Living their Patients dy whilst they are with them and oft-times whilst they look on them VII Physicians cannot bless their Physick know not how to make it effectual to this or that Patient the whole Success of what they give depends upon another VIII Physicians are not patient under Repulses they cannot bear to be kept out of door and slighted by the Sick they come to cure IX Physicians cannot visit many Patients at one and the same time who live far and remote from each other X. Physicians are subject to the like Diseases with their Patients XI The best Medicines other Physicians use are compounded of earthly and corruptible Ingredients and lose their Virtue by keeping long XII Physicians attend the Rich chiefly few of them mind or visit the Poor XIII Physicians provide not Hospitals nor other Accommodations as Food Nurses and other Attendants for their Patients at their own charge XIV A Physician may die himself and leave his Patient uncured Disparity I. CHrist cannot be mistaken about the Cause and Nature of any spiritual Disease because he is God and knoweth all things yea the very thoughts of the Heart There is not a thought in my Heart nor a word in my Tongue but thou knowest it altogether II. Christ never administred any improper Medicines all is well and skilfully prepared that Christ gives forth to his Patients if the Dose be hard and unpleasant to take yet there is no Aloes nor one dram of bitter Ingredient in it more than he sees a necessity of Neither do any miscarry under his hand for he wants neither Skill nor Care So that if a Sinner perishes 't is for not coming to him or not taking his Medicines and not observing of his Directions O Israel thy Destruction is of thy self III. Christ came to us who sent not for him which made him say I am sought of them that asked not for me and found of them that sought me not The Patients seek not first come not first to the Physician but the Physician to the Patient I am come to seek and to save that which is lost and besides he dearly paid all the Charge of his long Journey IV. Christ the spiritual Physician doth all freely without Money and without Price We never read of his taking a Penny of any of all those he cured in the days of his Flesh either of Distemper of Body or Soul V. Christ made himself very poor and laid out plentifully his Divine Treasure that he might cure poor Sinners of all their Maladies He
that was rich became poor and He was wounded for our Transgressions he was bruised for our Iniquities by his Stripes we are healed We could not live such was our Disease unless our Physician died he therefore poured forth his own Blood to wash and cleanse our wounded Sin-sick Souls VI. Christ cures not only the Living but also the Dead he out-does all other Physicians in this respect if he speaks the word Lazarus come forth The Dead shall hear the Voice of the Son of God and they that hear shall live You hath he quickned who were dead in Trespasses and Sins VII Christ can make effectual all his Medicines he can say peremptorily This Soul this Sickness I will heal and it is immediatly done As the Father quickens them even so doth the Son quicken whom he will VIII Christ the spiritual Physician is endued with infinite Patience under all those base Repulses he meets with from vile Sinners When he comes to heal he oft-times stands at their Doors and knocks waiting till his Head is wet with Dew and his Locks with the drops of the Night before he can persuade Sinners to open to him other Physicians will not do so IX Christ can visit Thousands yea Millions of Thousands if he please and speak to them all at one and the same moment tho they live Thousands of Miles asunder X. Christ was made like unto us in all other things but not in this he was without Sin tho he bore our Sicknesses he had none of his own He was made Sin for us that knew no Sin that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him XI The Medicines Christ uses are heavenly his Word and Spirit abide for ever they never lose nor can lose their Virtue but have the like efficacy they had five thousand years ago XII Christ takes more care of the Poor than of the Rich he had rather attend upon the Poor such his Bowels yearn unto and helps out of Pity as he did the Woman that had the Bloody-Flux twelve years when all her Money was gone XIII Christ is at all the charge with poor Sinners he like the good Samaritan sets the poor Soul on his own Beast brings him to his own Inn or Hospital which was his Church and gives Money to the Host to provide all things necessary for him with a Promise he would discharge the whole Score at last XIV Christ dies no more Death hath no more power over him so that he lives to see every Cure perfected that he takes in hand Corollaries I. THis shews us the weak and distempered State of Mankind by reason of Sin that Sin wounds and brings Sickness upon the Soul every Sin is a Disease But because this is handled under its proper Head we shall not enlarge upon it here See Metaphors concerning Sin II. Moreover we may from hence perceive the great Care Love and Goodness of God towards miserable and impotent Sinners that rather than they should die of their Sickness he would send them his own dear Son to be their Physician III. It shews also the great Grace and Condescension of Christ to undertake the Cure of such miserable Souls at such a dear and chargeable Rate viz. with his own Blood IV. This shews where Help for Sin-sick Souls is to be had and to whom they should go when they are sensible of their Sickness V. The Reason why Men perish in their Sins we may infer from hence is because they come not to Christ the only Physician of the Soul VI. And if Christ be such a Physician as you have heard be encouraged then poor polluted Sinners to come to Christ. For Motives consider 1. Thou art sick who is without Sin and so consequently without Soul-Diseases 2. Thou art sick of a dangerous Distemper 't will procure Death without a speedy Cure 3. There is no other Physician but Christ neither is Salvation in any other For there is no other Name given under Heaven whereby we can be saved 4. Christ is a Physician ready upon every Invitation nay he comes without sending for is now knocking at the door 5. He will make an absolute and perfect Cure of it if he undertakes the Work before he leaves thee 6. Besides thou mayest have him tho thou hast no Money no Righteousness nothing to bring or offer to him as a spiritual Present 7. Christ cures all that come to him whatsoever the Distemper be he has an universal Medicine with which he infallibly cures all Sicknesses Diseases and Wounds of the Soul save one viz. the Sin against the Holy-Ghost All Sin and Blasphemy against the Father and Son shall be forgiven unto Men. He is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him How many Thousands and Ten Thousands hath he cured which are now in Heaven who once were sick of the same Diseases that thou art afflicted with Pride Passion Unbelief blasphemous Thoughts c. VII If Christ be such a Physician as you have heard how inexcusable will all vile and wilful Sinners be found that perish in their Blood and refuse to come to him Cautions I. Take heed you do not delay seeking out for Help Some when they are sick never mind going to a Physician till Nature is decayed and the Disease has seized on them in such sort that 't is too late there is no help so do some Sinners did not Jerusalem do thus II. Take heed you make use of no other Physician There are many that boast of their Skill how good they are at curing of Souls beware of them they privily bring in damnable Errors even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift Destruction These are like deceitful Quacks and Impostors that design to make Merchandize of you Remember their Medicines are poysonous and destructive III. Value not Womens Advice too high Eve lost her Skill in the Garden and learned little afterwards The Apocalyptical Woman of Rome like many old Wives would fain be tampering with the Sick but above all take heed of her for she like the adulterous Woman Solomon speaks of hath slain and killed many yea many a strong Man hath been cast down by her Her way is the way to Hell tending down to the Chambers of Death IV. Take heed you rob not Christ of the Honour which is due to him as a Physician which may be done two ways 1. When we attribute the Cure to our own Industry to Skill and Power of our own or to Duties c. 2. When we attribute our Help and Cure to Instruments to Ministers c. V. If thou art made whole by Christ take heed of a Relapse Sin no more saith Christ lest a worse thing come upon thee But for Comfort If by the power of Temptation thou hast fallen and backslidden from God he can heal thee again I will heal their
preservation of Health the neglect of putting them on many times brings Sickness sometimes death VIII Garments are used for Distinction as 1. They distinguish one Sex from another the Man shall not put on the Apparel which appertaineth to the Woman 2. Garments also distinguish the several Ranks and Qualities of of Men those that are cloathed in soft Raiment are in Kings Houses 3. By the Habit or Garment we do distinguish the People of one Nation from another IX Garments are of a comfortable and refreshing Nature and of excellent use to them who put them on X. Garments answer not their End in making neither are they of use till put on XI Some sorts of Garments were Significations of Grief and Sorrow Mordecai put on Sackcloath so in Joel 1.13 XII Garments were also used to testify Joy as appears in the Case of the Prodigal Bring forth the best Robes and put on and put a Ring on his Finger Parallel I. THe Lord Jesus Christ is a Cover for the Soul every Mans Nakedness and Deformity appears that hath not on this Spiritual Garment II. Naturally we have no Righteousness that is either accepted of God or a suitable Cover for the Soul this Spiritual Garment is wrought by the Spirit and made fit for us III. The Lord Christ is put on for a Garment or spiritual Cloathing by those Nations and People only where Christianity is received and not by many there neither some are like Brutes and Hethenish People naked without Christ and true Holiness IV. Before a Man can put on the Lord Jesus Christ and be cloathed with the Garment of Holiness he must put off the abominable filthy Cloaks and Covers of Wickedness he must be stript of his filthy Rags that he may be cloathed with the Spirit and Graces of Christ Put off the former Conversation the Old Man and put on the New Man which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness V. By putting on of Christ in a way of Faith and Holiness the Soul is defended from the cheeks and smarting pricks of Conscience from the fiery Darts of Satan and from the killing Power of the Law and the Wrath of God VI. This blessed Garment keeps the Soul warm hereby Saints become fervent in Spirit and zealously affected If we have any spiritual Heat in us we must attribute it to Christ naturally we are as cold as that Child was when his Spirit was departed 2 Kings 4.24 VII The Graces of Christ and true Holiness are the only Preservative of the inward Man from spiritual Sickness by putting him on and leading of a holy Life we abide in Health and those who neglect to put on these Garmens are exposed to all manner of Scuâ—â—-Diseases which end in eternal Death VIII This spiritual Garment makes a Distinction 1. Holiness distinguisheth Believers from Unbelievers the Godly from the Wicked Who hath made thee to differ from another If a Man be in Christ he is a new Creature 2. This Glorious Garment shows that the Righteous are more excellent than their Neighbour as it was said of Jabush he was more Honorable than his Brethren it makes appear the Godly are Kings Children having Princely Robes upon them 3. By a holy Christ-like Conversation the People and Saints of God are known to be People of another Country Citizens of another City Ye are not of this World IX This spiritual Garment is of a most excellent sweet comforting and refreshing Quality the Vertue whereof is not cannot be felt nor apprehended by Unbelievers X. Men put not Christ to that use for which he came into the World till they put him on for Sanctification and Holiness neither will he be otherwise of saving Benefit unto them He that believeth not shall not see Life Without Holiness no Man shall see God XI Such as have put on this Garment do abundantly demonstrate their great Sorrow and Grief for Sin Godly Sorrow worketh Repentance yea shall be sorrowful All such as put on Christ for Sanctification are cloathed with Humility XII Such who are cloathed with the Robes of Righteousness have on them the beautiful Garments of Salvation which signifies that they above all have cause to rejoyce hence saith the Apostle As sorrowful yet always rejoycing Rejoyce in the Lord always and again I say rejoyce Metaphor I. MAterial Garments are made by Man II. Other Garments consist of Matter and are of such or such external Shape according to the Party for whom they are made III. Other Garments may be bought with Mony and those likely who have most of it have the best Robes IV. Material Garments render a Man or Woman amiable only in the sight of Man c. V. Other Garments are the worse for wearing by long and often using they will decay VI. Other Garments at certain Times are to be put off or may be changed As light or thin Garments for Summer and more substantial for Winter c. VII A Man may part with or dispose of other Garments at his Pleasure as he thinks fit to his Friends or to such as want Cloaths Disparity I. THis Garment of Holiness is wrought by the Spirit of God II. This Garment consists of Grace Divine Vertues and Spiritual Qualifications III. This Garment may be had without Mony or Price 't is true Christ speaks of buying c. white Raiment That buying is free receiving The Porphet explains this Phrase Isa. 55.1 No Man hath any thing of worth or value to give for it the Gift of God cannot be purchased with Mony the poor in Spirit are better cloathed than the rich IV. This Garment renders a Man or Woman lovely in the sight of God The Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit is in the sight of God of great Price V. This Garment the more and longer it is used the better and more excellent it is Use makes perfect in Godliness as well as in other Cases VI. This Garment viz. the Robe of Righteousness is never to be changed nor put off Day nor Night Winter nor Summer we ought to be good and vertuous in Sickness and Health at all times in Prosperity and Adversity 't is good always to be zealously affected in a good thing VII This Garment Christ and Holiness as a Man cannot dispose of it unto others so he ought not No Man hath so much Grace as to furnish his Friend with it the Wise Virgins had no Oyl to give to the Foolish What thou hast already hold fast till I come Inferences I. WE may from hence admire the Excellencies of the Lord Jesus Christ he is Life he is Meat hidden Manna he is Drink yea he is all in all and provides all for Believers II. It shews the miserable State of those that are without true Holiness such are naked Now a naked Man is exposed to the Reproach of every Eye his Shame appears
satisfying Fruit no other Fruit can satisfy not only good for Food but choice and satisfying Food 5. There is store of Fruit on this Tree see how the Tree hangs the Boughs thereof are wonderfully loaden the Plenty is great in this 't is like the Tree spoken of by Daniel 6. It s Fruit is lovely and delightful to the Eye do not the Looks of these Apples invite you 7. It s Fruit is durable cannot corrupt nor decay 8. 'T is the Tree of Life Eat of this Fruit and thou shalt not dye but live for ever Such are past from Death to Life and shall not come into Condemnation Joh. 5 2â—â— 9. 'T is Fruit that those that eat thereof shall be made wise by it 10. It yields a sweet Smell comforting under Faintness 11. It is medicinable the Fruit of this Tree will purge out the evil Venome and horrid Poison that came into our Natures by old Eve's eating of the forbidden Fruit contrary to the Command of God 12. It s Shadow is most excellent for refreshing it gives great Consolation yea the greatest Consolation to poor fainting wearâ—â—ed Souls that willingly sit down under this Tree 1. He shelters from the scorching heat of God's Wrath due for Sin 2. He shelters or is a Covert from the hurt and heat of Persecutors or Rage of such 3. 'T is a delightful Shadow Refreshing to the weary Soul and in a troublsome Land a sweet Resting-place 4. 'T is a Shadow that yields full Content and Satisfaction I sat down in the Text signifies her acquiescing there or making her Abode under the same she desires no better nor no other Happiness seeks noâ—â— to Angels to Saints nor to her own Works 1. I sat down with Delight now this Delight is neither carnal nor sinful but 't is spiritual 2. 'T is great Delight which the Church has even ravishing Joy 3. 'T is abiding and lasting Delight increasing it will be more and more as it is said of the Light of the Righteous it shines more and more to the perfect Day 4. This Delight is an Earnest of that Delight which the Soul shall have in Heaven 5. 'T is a compleat and perfect Shadow it answers all Needs a Shadow for the Head Heart and every part and at all times From hence we infer 1. What great cause have we to admire the Goodness of God tho he denied us in Adam to eat of that Tree of Life after the Fall yet hath he provided us another Tree of Life to make us immortal 2. What Fools are all those who refuse to eat and live for ever 3. Let us also learn from hence when we are faint and weary to seek to none but Christ the Tree of Life for Refreshment 4. How happy are Believers who sit under the Shadow of Christ's Protection his Ordinances and Divine Doctrine Christ an Embassador Mal. 3.1 And the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come into his Temple even the Messenger of the Covenant whom ye delight in c. THe Words Embassador Legate or Messenger are synonimous Terms properly such as are commission'd or deputed betwixt distant Parties to transact Affairs of moment The Term is applied to Christ who is the Angel Messenger or Embassador of the Covenant who not only transacted but compleated the Work of Redemption thereby reconciling God and Man who were before at variance and Enmity Which shall be further manifested in the following Parallel Metaphor I. AN Embassador or Messenger of Peace is an honourable Person and usually a great Favourite to the King II. An Embassador is a wise Person skilled in State-Affairs and knows how to adjust National Differences or to make up a Breach or Breaches that may be between one Kingdom and another III. An Embassador must be of known Integrity and Faithfulness as well as of Ability great Trust being reposed in him IV. An Embassador is appointed and made choice of to this great Employment and Place of Trust by the determination and decree of the King V. A Person that is chosen to go an Embassador must accept of the Place and Work before he takes his leave of the Court. VI. An Embassador is entrusted with Matters of great weight and moment things that concern Peace and War the Weal and Wo of Kingdoms and Nations VII An Embassador as he is chosen and entrusted with Matters of great consequence so likewise that he might be invested with a Legal Power he receives a special Commission from the Prince or State he represents which does authorize him to that Work and Office VIII An Embassador having received his Commission leaves his own Kingdom and goes into that Country to which his Prince hath ordered him there to negotiate the Affairs that are committed unto him IX An Embassador of Peace represents the Person of the Prince or State that sent him so that the same Honour and Dignity or Indignity that is shewed to him is shewed thereby to the Sovereign whom he represents And it is easy to guess how much they esteem the Prince by the Respects they pay to his Embassador X. An Embassador is strictly tied to the prescribed Rules Precepts and Directions which are delivered to him and doth not must not proceed contrary unto them XI An Embassador is oftentimes sent to prevent or put an end to War that thereby great Effusion of Blood Ruin and Desolation might be stopp'd and prevented XII An Embassador offers Terms or makes Proposals to the adverse Party thereby finally to conclude and make a lasting Peace XIII An Embassador that hath a tender Heart is greatly grieved when he sees his Mediation and merciful Terms of Peace to be slighted and rejected and from the consideration of the woful Misery and Calamity that is like to follow he is the more importunate using many Arguments to cause Compliance XIV An Embassador hath many Servants or a great Retinue waiting upon him and is a Person deserving much Honour in discharging his Trust with very much Awe and Fidelity to his Prince XV. An Embassador hath Power given him to ratify and confirm Articles of Peace between Kingdoms and Nations who are at variance that so there may be Commerce between them in future Times XVI A faithful Embassador is received with abundance of Joy at his return home and is highly preferr'd as a Testimony of great Favour for his Works sake XVII An Embassador not having success in his Business in bringing the Adversary to amicable Terms of Peace and Reconciliation many times against those Nations or People that refuse bloody War is proclaimed and great Desolation follows XVIII An Embassador is oftentimes an Instrument to save Thousands and Ten Thousands of Souls from Death and Kingdoms from Fire Sword and Destruction and thereby he raises Trophies to his Fame and Glory Parallel 1. CHrist the Embassador or Messenger of the Gospel of Peace is a most noble honourable and renowned Person Lord of Lords most excellent in Worth and Dignity one near-allied
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
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