Sea Men above one another in respect of his Church his spiritual Building Moses above Joshuah and ordinary Prophets Aaron above other Priests Apostles above Evangelists and ordinary Ministers And all to shew his wonderful Skill and Wisdom Angels to keep his Commands and sing Praise the Heavens to declare his Glory and the Firmament to shew his handy Works Moses to manifest Wonders on Earth Aaron to celebrate his Worship John Baptist to set forth Jesus the Apostles to plant Churches and preach the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles Elders of a lower Rank Apollo and Evangelists All which have their peculiar Work and Place assigned by the great Architect of the whole Universe VI. God hath set his Stories in the Heavens where his glorious Majesty dwells and Jesus our great High-Priest sits at his right hand where all the Angels are seated in Glory and the Spirits of just Men made perfect surround the Throne of God and the Lamb The Earth for Men The dismal Prisons and Regions of Darkness for disobedient Spirits and evil Angels VII God hath not only beautified the Meek with Salvation but adorned New Jerusalem where the Saints shall dwell with so high and Soul-ravishing Excellencies as the most sublime Rhetorick can set forth as Gold Pearl Diamonds and other precious Stones the Street pure Gold the Building of the Wall Jasper the Foundations precious Stones and the Gates Pearls VIII God is a great Benefactor who hath made Buildings both for Safety and Conveniency He made the Fountains to contain the great Deeps to keep them from breaking out upon the World he has made Windows in Heaven to keep the Waters above from falling down too furiously to the prejudice of Man and Beast He hath made Chambers to keep in the roaring Winds from annoying Mortals with constant and impetuous Blasts The raging Element of Fire he hath confined to its proper Region where it cannot harm us without his permission He hath given us a pleasant and fruitful Earth a comfortable and refreshing Air a beautiful and delightful Heaven which he has placed as a Canopy over us He has constituted a good and holy Church which is as a Wine-Cellar to supply all our Wants where he has placed the Word the Spirit the Ordinances good Counsel and Instructions suitable Comforts and Consolations there is the Wine the Oil the Balm the Bread where he feeds his Lambs and makes his Flocks to rest at Noon satisfying with Favour and filling with the Blessings of his Bounty He will abundantly bless Sion's Provision c. IX God is pleased with his Work when finished He looked upon all things which his Hand had made and behold it was very good He is worthy of Honour for what he hath done because they are great things mighty things wonderful things without number So that it might be said as David O give thanks to the Lord who by his Wisdom made Heaven Let all the Host of Heaven and all the Inhabitants of the Earth praise c. Metaphor I. AN earthly Builder is but a mortal Man subject to Weakness and Death II. The earthly Builder has but a small pittance or measure of Skill and Wisdom 't is but the Wisdom of a Son of Man as light as Vanity and next to Foolishness III. Earthly Builders are fain to pause study and consider before they bring forth their Devices IV. The earthly Builder must have Materials to work upon and Servants to employ V. An earthly Builder cannot effect his Purposes in point of Building by his Word without Work and Labour VI. The earthly Builder must have much time allowed him to finish a great and famous Fabrick VII An earthly Builder lays the Foundation of his Work upon a brittle substance or at best upon a Rock which is capable of Dissolution VIII An Earthly Builder builds but little comparatively as some Towns Cities or part of them c. IX An earthly Builder may be out-done by a Successor X. An earthly Builder builds for other Men all being not for himself XI An earthly Builder is capable of Improvement in his Skill for Experiment and second Thoughts instruct him in some Points he was before ignorant of XII An earthly Builder oft-times undoes what he hath done plucks it down to make it better Disparity I. GOD the heavenly Builder is a mighty God the everlasting and everliving God with whom is no beginning of Days nor end of Life II. The heavenly Builder hath all the Treasures of Wisdom he is full of Wisdom and Knowledg he is essentially wise and skilful and gives all the Wisdom and Skill that is possess'd enjoyed or used by Men or Angels 'T is unsearchable past finding out beyond all comprehension so profound that Angels are Fools in comparison of him He charges his Angels with Folly III. The heavenly Builder having all Wisdom and Knowledg sees by one Act uno intuitu all things that are necessary and commodious and needeth not to suspend Actions till after Study and Consideration nor stay for any one to be his Help and Counsellor because there is none able or fit to teach him Who hath been his Counsellor c. IV. The heavenly Builder can make Matter fit for his purpose where he finds none even as all Things that are seen were not made of things that do appear but of Matter that was void of Form of which there was no pre-existence but it was made out of nothing and then formed into a glorious Globe and most beautiful Fabrick by him who alone that is without the help of any other doth great Wonders that by Wisdom made the Heavens c. V. God does all by a word of his Mouth Let there be a Heaven and immediatly it appears let there be an Earth and it was so c. as Gen. 1. VI. But God doth his Works which are exceeding in a moment He just pronounces the word and it is done VII But the heavenly Builder laid his Work upon a sure and unshaken Foundation upon an impregnable Rock firm and immoveable against all violence whatsoever viz. his own Almightiness than which nothing can be more permanent c. VIII The heavenly Builder has been the Erector of the whole Fabrick of the Universe He that built all things is God IX But none can mend the Work of God nor take the Glory from him His Works shall praise him for ever c. X. But all the Buildings that God makes are for himself he is no Man's Workman or Servant but hath made all things for himself For his own Pleasure they were and are created XI But God is perfect in Knowledg and therefore uncapable of Addition to it None can tax him of Hastiness Failure or Inadvertency All Sciences meet in Him as their proper Center XII No such thing done or need to be done by God No Angels unmade or Heavens dissolved or Souls annihilated or extinguished or Seas dried up to
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
other Stars is fixed in its Orb wherein it performs a constant Motion IX The Morning Star gives most Light just before break of Day X. It is the Opinion of some that the Morning Star doth send forth very blessed Influences upon those Bodies that are under its Dominion XI The Morning Star doth chiefly govern pleasant and delightful Plants XII The Morning Star is accounted the master Planet for Moderation said to cause gentle Storms in Winter and moderate Heat in Summer XIII The Morning Star is said to be the cause of Beauty XIV The Morning Star doth most Service in Winter because the greatest part of that Season is Night and Darkness XV. The Morning Star hath an honourable Name it is called the Son of the Morning XVI The morning Star is known to be the Evening Star as well as the Morning Star and in both respects is useful to the World XVII The Morning Star tho it may be obscured by Mists Fogs Clouds and dark Vapors yet nothing can hinder its Course but it constantly keeps its Motion and Circle in the Heavens cannot be prevailed against by any malignant Power whatsoever Thieves and evil Men like not its Appearance yet cannot obstruct its Motion in the Firmament nor stop its Light from shining on the Earth XVIII The Morning Star as it hath those Properties and Excellencies already exprest so lastly it exceeds all other Stars for Brightness and Glory Parallel I. THe Lord Jesus is a very solid Light whose Glory is not like others who have their Intermissions but he abides steady his Glory and Bright-shining is always alike his whole course of Life was as if it had been but one continued Act of Goodness He is the same in the Morning Noon and Night Yesterday to day and for ever Heb. 13.8 II. Jesus Christ he is the Harbinger of the great Joy to all Nations How joyful was that time when the Day-spring from on high did first visit us The People that sat in Darkness saw great Light and to those that dwell in the Vallies of the shadow of Death great Light is risen c. His coming was the fulfilling of God's gracious Promise unto the Fathers and as the blessed manifestation of God's rich Favour and good Will to Man he is also the Fore-runner or the Harbinger of that Dominion that the Just shall have in the Resurrection the morning of the longed-for Day The path of the Just is as a shining Light that shineth more and more to the perfect day Prov. 4.18 The upright shall have Dominion over them in the Morning The Night is far spent the Day is at hand This above all others is the day that the Lord hath made for good Men therein to rejoyce and be glad Psal. 118.24 III. Jesus Christ is not only an Ornament to the Christian Church and Profession far beyond what Moses was to the Jews but even to Heaven it self and the Holy Angels who did not a little rejoyce at his ascending into Heaven God is gone up with a shout the Lord with the sound of a Trumpet sing Praises to our God sing Praises Psal. 47.5 IV. Jesus Christ is a very pleasant Object to Men that are spiritually inlightned therefore it is that they do ardently desire to be near him and with him where he is David tho he had not so clear a sight and prospect of this bright and morning Star as Men have under the Gospel yet that prospect he had made him use this pious Prayer O when shall I come and appear before God! Psal. 42.2 Then shall I be satisfied when I awake with thy Likeness c. Psal. 17.15 I have a desire saith Paul to depart and to be with Christ c. Phil. 1.23 Those that look for him do also cry Come Lord Jesus come quickly V. Jesus Christ is highly esteemed by all that sail Heaven-wards no steering the right Course without him He gives good Assurance to all that follow him they should not abide in Darkness but have the Light of Life The Following of Christ Jesus is the most certain way to avoid the Rocks the Sands and the Hands of all spiritual and temporal Enemies VI. Jesus Christ is really the most excellent and chiefest Light that ever God set in the Church Moses and the Prophets John Baptist and the three Beloved Apostles Peter James and John and Paul who was most eminent were shining Lights and glorious Stars who adorned the Profession of the Holy Gospel but in all things this Bright and Morning Star infinitely surpassed them in Splendor and Brightness VII Jesus Christ is a great Terror not only to wicked Men but wicked Angels to all that love Darkness more than Light they hate him and fear him they consulted against him and more times than once attempted to pluck this Star out of the Firmament that so they might walk in Darkness carry on their black Designs and Deeds without discovery Satan attempted his Destruction from the Pinacle of the Temple sets a Squadron of the black Regiment to resolve upon his Death knowing him to be the Fore-runner of the Day which Thieves and Robbers cannot endure Come let us kill the Heir c. They hate the Light come not to it lest their Deeds should be reproved They led him to the Brow of the Hill that they might cast him down headlong Luk. 4.29 The evil Angels thought he came too soon Why art thou come to torment us before the time VIII Jesus Christ is constant in his Orb or Station he is a Priest for ever a Prophet to guide for ever a King to govern for ever he leaves not his Office as inconstant Men do but makes good his Word as settled in Heaven And lo I am with you always to the end of the World Mat. 28.20 I will never leave thee nor forsake thee or leave thee to a forsaking IX Jesus gave a great Light unto the World by the Ministry of John by the Appearance of himself and by the Ministry of the Apostles and their immediate Successors But the greatest Light is reserved to the flying of the Angel through the midst of Heaven with the everlasting Gospel before the great and notable Day come wherein the whole Earth shall be lightned with his Glory both Jews and Gentiles shall acknowledg the Blessed Messiah Arise and shine for thy Light is come the Glory of the Lord is risen upon thee The Gentiles shall come to thy Light and Kings to the Brightness of thy rising Isa. 60.1 3. The Earth shall be filled with the Knowledg of the Glory of the Lord as the Waters cover the Sea Hab. 214. X. Jesus doth send forth very blessed and sweet Influences upon the Bodies and Souls of Men that are under his gracious Rule and Dominion it is he who sends down the Holy Ghost If I go away I will send you another Comforter the Spirit of Truth c. Joh. 16.7 8. XI Jesus Christ tho all
that there was one above even God that seeth all things Besides these two Witnesses that are of such mighty Credit there may be three more added namely 1. The good Angels which are much busied in this World to watch Men and inspect their Ways 2. The evil Angels who are never out of Mens Company and have voluntarily of their own accord been Accusers of the Brethren who will give Testimony at the Bar of Christ against their own Proselites if God calls for it 3. The ordinary Companions of Transgressors with whom Counsel was held about evil Projects Designs and Actions of Murder Theft Drunkenness and Adultery whose Tongues shall no doubt be as ready to accuse their Comrades as to confess their own Faults concerning whom we are inform'd that not only every Knee shall bow but every Tongue shall confess c. IX Jesus Christ will magnify the Law and make it honourable in that the Word or Law spoken by Angels by Moses by Himself and his holy Apostles shall be the Rule of Judgment at the last Day X. Jesus Christ the high and great Judg of Heaven and Earth at the end of the World on his Judgment-Seat will be very terrible in three respects 1. He is set forth as being cloathed with Majesty as Judges are with their Scarlet-Robes Red in his Apparel cloathed with a Garment down to his Foot girt about the Paps with a Golden Girdle his Hair like Wooll as white as Snow his Eyes like a Flame of Fire and his Feet like fine Brass as if it burned in a Furnace his Countenance as the Sun shining in its Strength and his Voice like the Roaring of a Lion the Noise of Thunder or the Sound of many Waters 2. He will have great Attendance even all the Angels in Heaven When the Son of Man shall come and all the holy Angels with him he shall sit upon the Throne of his Glory All the Saints that ever were in the World since the beginning thereof shall sit upon the Throne with him The Lord my God shall come and all the Saints with him Know you not that the Saints shall judg the World 3. He will pass a most solemn and fatal Sentence upon the Ungodly They shall not stand in this Judgment nor Sinners in the Congregation of the Righteous The Sentence will be Depart from me ye workers of Iniquity I know you not Go ye cursed into everlasting Fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Which with the Consequences of it and Reasons assigned you have at large Mat. 25. O the sad Shreeks the hideous Noises the woful and lamentable Out-crys from high and low that will attend this solemn Sentence which no Tongue of Man is able to express XI So Jesus Christ the Universal and Supream Judg hath the full Command of all the good and elect Angels who attend the Court at the great Assizes to see that no Resistance nor Escape be made but that Sentence be fully executed upon all the treasonable black rebellious and condemned Crew Take and bind them hand and foot and it follows These shall go away into everlasting Punishment Inferences IF there be a Judge a Time a Place and work of Judgment we do infer these three things I. What great need Unbelievers Rebels Traitors and all Offenders have of Pardon there being nothing else will stand them in stead when they appear before the great Judge where there will be no pleading not guilty because of full Evidence as to matter of Fact no pleading Ignorance because a known and establish'd Law is broke No benefit of Petitions because the King is gone off the Mercy-Seat No relying upon the wrong Verdict of Corrupt Jurors because no such Persons will be found there to afford help Nothing avails with the Judge in this Judgment-Day but a white Stone a Wedding-Garment the spotless Righteousness of Jesus Christ all who want this Robe will in that day be speechless II. How sad will it fare with all those that go out of this World without Faith in the Son of God without the Pardon of their Sins Wo unto such in that day that ever they were born Look to it all you Unbelievers Swearers Whoremongers Persecutors Liars Sabbath-breakers lovers of Pleasures more than lovers of God Covetous Persons Proud Persons Thieves Drunkards and Backsliders what will you do in that day as sure as God liveth you will be all condemned unless you repent and believe in Christ to the Lake that burneth with Fire and Brimstone What will you do in this day of Visitation who shall plead for you now you have lost the prevailing Advocate Where will Sinners and ungodly Ones appear how will you be able to look the Judg in the Face How can you escape this Judgment that have neglected so great Salvation How can you escape the Damnation of Hell that have no Christ no Faith no Pardon III. But thrice happy are they who appear before this great and mighty this high and terrible Judg with a white Stone with a Wedding Robe with a Pardon under Hand and Seal 1. The Law is silent being fully answered 2. The Judg smiles and takes Knowledg of them as the Favorites of Heaven Well done good and faithful Servant c. Come ye blessed of my Father enter into the Joy of your Lord. Inherit the Kingdom prepared for you c. 3. The Witnesses are freed from Trouble and excused from giving Testimony against them because Guilt was owned the Fact was confessed a self Judgment passed and the King's Pardon obtained through the Redemption that is in Christ's Blood Now if God be for us who can be against us If God justifies who shall condemn who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's Elect Who shall condemn if Christ hath died shed his Blood and sent his Spirit to seal that Pardon God the chief Witness is pleased Conscience is purged Peace being there his Power to accuse is gone the inward Thoughts are for excusing altogether What remains now but Liberty proclaimed There is no Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the Flesh but after the Spirit Rom. 8.1 And the Joyous Jubilee sounded forth Lo this is our God we have waited for him the Lord is our Lawgiver our Judg our King He is come to save us we will be glad and rejoyce in his Salvation He is come to be glorified in his Saints and admired in all them that believe Sing Praises to our God sing Praises to our King sing Praises to our Judg sing Praises Glory be to God and to the Lamb to the King and to the Judg for ever and for ever World without end Amen Christ compared to the Brazen Serpent Joh. 3.14 15. As Moses lifted up the Serpent in the Wilderness even so must the Son of Man be lifted up that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have Everlasting Life Type
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
almost infinite Others say that 't is as possible to empty the Sea with sieve as to reduce or confine Metaphors to certain Classes or bounds The like may in a manner be said of the Metaphors in Holy Scripture But in as much as it is very profitable for such as are studious in that Sacred Writing it shall be endeavoured so to dispose of most if not all the Metaphors as much as may be done among such a multitude of them found there especially the most frequent and illustrious as that they may be reduced to a certain Order under their respective Heads which will inable us to give a found judgment of the most Elegant and Rhetorical part of the Bible And if any be missing the Harvest being large it may stir up others to gather up and improve the gleanings 6. As to the right distribution or distinction of Metaphors into their right Classes or Heads some take the Method of Plutarch and Quintilian who to avoid confusion in such an infinite variety which can scarce be concluded or terminated by art rightly say that the most illustrious sort of Metaphors are to be expounded and distinguished under certain heads and they make them four viz. 1. From animate things viz. such as have life to animate as when God is put for a Magistrate or a Shepherd for a Prince or Ruler 2. From animate things to inanimate viz. things which have no life as when the Earth is said to Groan and the Olive to Lye 3. Or from inanimate things to animate as when Christ is called a Door a Vine c. 4. Or from inanimate things to inanimate as when the Mystery of Salvation is called a foundation 1 Tim. 6.19 2 Tim. 2.19 c. Others not respecting things as they are in Nature observe a Grammatical series or order because Metaphors are found in Nouns Verbs and Adverbs In Nouns Substantives as where it is said Deut. 22.14 The fat of the Kidneys of Wheat for choice grains of Wheat where is a double Metaphor First In Fat for the choiceness or preciousness and Secondly In Reins which is put for Grains because they are like them in Form and both are joyned because the Reins in a living Creature are covered with Fat Thus Christ is called the Light of the World Joh. 8.12 The Good Shepherd Joh. 10.11 The Apostles are called the Salt of the Earth Matth. 5.13 c. In Nouns Adjective as when one is said to be of Vncircumcised Lips Ears Heart as Exod. 6.12 Jer. 6.10 and 9.26 For to be of an impure and sinfull heart when the unbelieving and worldly minded man is said to be Dead Mat. 8.22 When the Word or Heavenly Doctrine is said to be sound 1 Tim. 1.10 and 6.3 2 Tim. 1.13 and 4.3 c. In Verbs As when 't is said of the Wicked they shall wither Psal. 37.2 That is they shall perish The Soul is said to thirst when it earnestly and vehemently desires any thing Psal. 42.2 So when putting on is taken for assuming as Eph. 4.24 In Adverbs As when to take a thing hardly is put for Grief and Sorrow as Gen. 21 11. To speak hardly is put for roughly or severely as Gen. 42.7 To be grievously wounded is put for very much 1 King 22.34 Thus in the vulgar Latine Edition but the Hebrew is without Adverbs there But a more proper Example is in Matth. 26.75 He wept 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bitterly that is very much a Metaphor taken from Tast So 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Splendidly is put for eminently or sumptuously Luke 16.19 But waving these our method shall be to consider this Trope 1. More Specially 2. More Generally 1. More Specially which shall be about things that are translated to God which properly belong to Man Chap. 7. The 2. About what things belonging to other Creatures are ascribed to God Ch. 8. The 3. When things properly ascribable to persons are attributed to things that are not persons Chap. 9. 4. More Generally which shall be to lay down the distinct Heads and Classes of Metaphors with succinct Explications of each 5. We shall produce such Metaphors taken from God and the Creatures as are obvious in Universal Nature ch 10 11.12 6. Such as are taken from Sacred persons and things as Divine Worship c. Chap. 13. CHAP. VII Of Metaphors Translated from Man to God which kind is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ANthropopatheia is a Metaphor by which things properly belonging to Creatures especially Man are by a certain similitude attributed to God and Divine things It is likwise called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 condescension because God in his Holy Word descends as it were so low as our capacities expressing his heavenly Mysteries after the manner of men which the Hebrews elegantly call The way of the Sons of men In this Metaphor it is very necessary to take great heed that no mean base or indecent thing be attributed to the most High and Holy Majesty but that the Reason of the similitude be always improved with this Caution or Canon of Divinity viz. Whatsoever is translated from Creatures to God must first be separated from all imperfections and then that which is perfect may safely be ascribed to God To understand these similitudes as the Lord descends graciously to us so let us with a Devout mind by Faith and Prayer ascend unto him comparing spiritual things with spiritual 1 Cor. 2.13 That we may have honourable apprehensions of him and his Divine Mysteries which cannot be done without the aid of the Holy Spirit who only knows the things of God and the depths of his Wisdom revealing them to men by the Word 1 Cor. 2.10 11. To this may our Saviours speech be referred John 6.53 When by a similitude of humane things he speaks of the participation of heavenly things some of the Disciples being of gross and carnal understandings said This is an hard Speech who can hear it abhorring such Flesh eating and Blood drinking to whom Christ says ver 63. It is the spirit that quickneth the flesh profiteth nothing The words that I speak unto you they are Spirit and they are Life That is my words are not to be received in the mode and measure of vulgar or Earthly things but waving such thoughts by the aid and guidance of the Spirit as things spiritually spoken they are to be spiritually understood and by Faith to be beleived for so they are Life and give Life c. In proceeding we shall not only shew those Metaphors that respect God considered singly in his Essence and Divine Majesty but also as manifest in the flesh Some Metaphors are taken from Man and some from other Creatures From Man as 1. His Parts and Members 2. His Affections 3. His Actions 4. His Adjuncts Of which in order The Parts and Members of a Man attributed to God A Soul is attributed to God by which his Life Essence and Will and therefore God himself is
is Metaphorically put for the heaven of Gods Glory Psal. 11.4 Micah 1.2 For the Church Psal. 26.8 27.4 29.9 48.9 84.1 2 4. Isa. 56.7 Eph. 2.21 1 Cor. 3.16 17. 6.19 2 Cor. 6.16 Heb. 3.6 and 10.21 God is said to be the Temple of the Elect Rev. 21.22 of which see Chap. 8. before Rev. 11.19 A Temple is put for the body of Christ John 2.19 In unity with the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Word for in him dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead Bodily Col. 2.9 that is most truly perfectly and unchangeably not Typically or in a shadow as in the Temple of Jerusalem c. See Heb. 9.11 10.19 20. 8.2 9.24 and 6.19.20 An Altar is used to denote the whole Mystery of Christ the Mediator Heb. 13.10 1 Cor. 10.18 and 9.13 Sometimes Divine Worship in the New Testament Isa. 19.19 the similitude being borrow'd from the ancient Rites c. Christ is called Propitiation hilasterion Rom. 3.25 because he became the great Sacrifice that satisfied for our sins He is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hilasmos Atonement with respect to the Type to which the Apostle alludes 1 John 2.2 c. The Church is called the Pillar and stay of Truth 1 Tim. 3.15 Some think that this Metaphor is taken from the two Pillars which were set up in Solomons Temple 1 Kings 7.21 2 Chron. 3.17 The Name of the one was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jachin he shall establish and of the other 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Boaz In it is strength By which Names doubtless this most wise King had respect to the Stability and firmness of the Kingdom and Church of the Messiah which names Paul expresses by the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stabilimentum firmamentum stabiliment or firmament adding a Pillar in allusion to those Typical Pillars Hence in the same verse he mentions the house of God that is the Temple by which means the Church of the living God Verse 16. He says without Controversie great is the mystery of Godliness But what is that the Description follows which alludes to the Temple of Jerusalem for 1. In that Old Temple God appeared in a Cloud and thick darkness 1 King 8.10 11 12. Paul says of the Truth of the New-Testament that God is manifest in the Flesh. Which illustrious Manifestation was adumbrated or shadowed out by that obscure one 2. In the old Temple the Propitiatory or Mercy-seat was placed upon the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies Of Christ Paul says that he is Justified in Spirit viz. when he was risen from the Dead and so declared himself the true hilasterion attonement having made satisfaction for the sins of the world and perfectly fulfilled the Divine Law the Tables of which were contained in the Ark of Covenant Rom. 4.25 3. In the old Temple there were Cherubims over the propitiatory or Mercy-seat 1 Kings 8.6 7. Heb. 9.5 Of Christ Paul says that he was seen of Angels who were glorious and true Witnesses of his Resurrection and Glory Matth. 28.2 c. See 1 Pet. 1.12 4. In the old Temple the Jews were taught the Doctrine of the Messiah who was to Come Paul says of Christ that he was preached unto the Gentiles not to the Jews alone Believed on in the world the sound of the Apostles went out into all the Earth Rom. 10.18 and their Doctrine receiv'd by all true Believers Col. 1.5 6. 5. In the old Temple the visible appearance of God was not ordinary or perpetual But Paul says of Christ having Manifested himself in the Earth that he was received up in Glory as if he had said he hath withdrawn his visible Presence from his Church yet he is gloriously truly and invisibly for that is to be received up in glory viz. at the right hand of the Father present with it to the end of the World Matth. 28.20 Eph. 1.20 21 22 23 c. But what means 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Truth Answer 1. Either that word must be expounded in the Concrete that it should be same with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 true and opposed to that which is Typical and Shadowy of future realities or Antitypes as John 1.17 6.32 15.1 Heb. 8.2 and 9.24 VVhere the word is so taken So in Acts 26.25 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 words of Truth that is true words So Eph. 4.24 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 holiness of truth signifies true holiness Or 2 The VVord must be expounded in the abstract to denote the Doctrine of Saving Faith as it is taken 2 Thes. 2.10 13. 1 Tim. 2.4 and 6.5 2 Tim. 2.18 Heb. 10.26 Jam. 1.18 c. In which sense this genitive of Truth notes the efficient cause by which the Church is made firm and stedfast being built upon Christ the true Rock for the cause of its firmness is the heavenly Truth or the word of Truth See 1 Cor. 15.58 Acts 20.32 Rom. 1.16 Col. 1.23 2 Thes. 2.13 Joh. 17.17 1 Thes. 5.23 Some expound this of the subjectum circaquod the subject about which the Church is employed viz. to Confess Publish and Keep carefully that heavenly Doctrine contained in the Scriptures of Truth c. Metaphors from Sacred Rites THese may be distinguished into two Classes First Holy Rites ascribed to God as their immediate Agent or Actor Secondly Holy Rites perform'd by Men according to Gods Command and Prescription To the first Class belongs the Visions and Dreams which God sent to men for more secret information as to the Patriarch Jacob Gen. 28.12 13. viz. the Ladder set upon the Earth The top of which reached heaven c. which Vision our Saviour applies to himself and uses Metaphors taken from John 1.51 c. From the Divine prophecies Dreams and Visions a Metaphor is taken Joel 2.28 where the various gifts and the clear light and Revelation of the Gospel to the Evangelical Preachers is noted as Act. 2.16 17. where Peter quotes this very Text of Joel that Bread sent from Heaven to refesh the People in the Desart is largely applyed by Christ to himself John 6.31 32 33 c. Rev. 2.17 c. The other kind of Sacred Rites we thus distinguish 1. Persons 2. Actions 3. Times Of Persons one Directs and is as it were the head of the rest who are inferior and ministring or serving The Director was the high Priest the Eldest Son of the Posterity of Aaron having a constant prerogative in the Ecclesiastical Government Exod. 28.1 c. Hag. 1.1 12. and 2.3 Zach. 3.1 8. VVhose Name and Office is Mystically transferred to Christ. In the Epistle to the Hebrews hence he is so often called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 high Priest Heb. 2.17 3.1 4.14 15. 5.5 10. 6.20 7.26 8.1 9.11 and Great Priest Heb. 10.21 See Zach. 6.12 13. the Reason of the Comparison may be read at large in the Epistle The Appellation of Priests is attributed to Believers in Christ Psal. 132.9
Second Person in the Glorious Trinity Christ a Mediator 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and Men the Man Christ Jesus Heb. 12.14 To Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant THe Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is thought by Erasmus to be peculiar to the Scripture as being not elsewhere used and doubts whether it should be rendred Mediator Reconciler or Intercessor The Term as applied to Christ is borrowed from Persons whose Office it is to reconcile such Parties as are at variance being as it were in the middle betwixt both solliciting the Cause of each to the other till they bring them to Concord or Agreement 'T is thus defined by Illyricus Mediator is dicitur qui inter duos parum inter se congruentes aut etiam sibi invicem Hostes medius est utriusque nomine cum altero agit promovens conciliationem c. Quique tamdiu apud utramque partem alterius nomine laborat donec eas in consensum pactionem deducat The Term is applied to Moses typically Deut 5.4 5. with Gal. 3.19 but really and antitypically to Jesus Christ Heb. 12.24 Col. 1.20 Rom. 5.10 11. 1 John 2.1 A Mediator I. A Mediator implies a Difference between two Parties II. A Mediator properly signifies a Midler or middle Man a Reconciler III. A Mediator oftentimes is appointed to make up Differences that arise between two Parties upon Breach of Covenant IV. A Mediator must be a Person willing to undertake the great Work and Transaction of making Peace V. A Mediator ought to be an indifferent or impartial Person free from all Exceptions VI. A Mediator ought to be a Well-wisher to Peace a Person that loves it and longs after it nothing being more acceptable to him than to be a Peace-maker VII A Mediator must have the great Transaction of making Peace committed to him or be invested with full Power and Authority to do it VIII A Mediator ought to be a condescending Person not to have his own Will to be done in any respect further than the Nature of the Cause will require it IX A Mediator is not chosen unless there appear great need of it and that the Business cannot be accomplished otherwise X. A Mediator must be fitly qualified for this Work a Person very wise and for Justice and yet greatly inclined to Mercy that so he may every way answer the Requirement of each Party so far as is necessary XI A Mediator must be faithful seeking the Interest Right Honour and Weal of both Parties XII A Mediator many times meets with great Trouble and Difficulty in undertaking the composing of some Differences XIII A Mediator ought to be endued with much Patience Meekness and Long-suffering not only bearing Frowns from one Party or the other but also in his long waiting upon either of them to yield to Terms of Peace offered to them XIV A Mediator must be undaunted and couragious unwearied not tired out nor let the Work fall XV. A Mediator should be mollifying that is of so pacifying a Temper as to labour for such Mediums that the Streams of strict Justice may run in a way of Mercy especially considering the Weakness and Impotency of one Party for Peace sake XVI A Mediator hath usually a set Time prefixed finally to finish and accomplish his Work XVII A Mediator makes use of strong and powerful Arguments to bring the adverse Party to Terms of Peace and Friendship XVIII A Mediator whose Mediation is rejected after long Patience leaves the offending Person open to the Severity of the Law XIX A Mediator is made sole Judg in those great Matters he is chosen about and is to make righteous Decision between Party and Party and to give the definitive Sentence at last XX. A Mediator after he hath done and finished his Work of Mediation gives up his Trust and ceaseth to be a Mediator any more in that Affair XXI A Mediator leaves no Liberty of Appeal after he hath past the definitive Sentence Parallel I. SIn made a great Breach between God and Man God is angry with the Wicked every day Hence by Nature Mankind are said to be the Children of Wrath. The carnal Mind is Enmity against God II. Jesus Christ is a Mediator between God and Man He is not only God but Man not only Man but God a blessed Reconciler of Man to God and of God to Man III. The Difference originally that is between God and Man did arise from Man's breaking God's Covenant God and Man were in Peace and Concord whilst Man stood in the State of Innocency but when he fell Christ came to make up that Breach IV. Jesus Christ was willing to undertake the Work of Mediator to make Peace between God the offended Creator and Man the offending Creature Lo I come to do thy Will O God V. Jesus Christ is a Person free from all Exceptions whatsoever God approved of him and Man hath no cause to except against him but contrariwise to be abundantly thankful to God for chusing him to this Work and Office because none else could be found in Heaven or Earth None able to open the Book and loose the Seals thereof but He. VI. Jesus Christ is called the Prince of Peace never did any give such clear full and undeniable Proofs and Demonstrations of his being a Well-wisher to and Lover of Peace witness all he did and endured or past through from first to last that he might accomplish this Work of making Peace VII God hath given Christ full Power and Commission to accommplish this Work of Mediatorship He is annointed and ordained to be a Prince and Saviour All Power is given to me in Heaven and in Earth Him hath God the Father sealed VIII Christ shewed himself to be of a marvellous condescending Spirit Who being in the Form of God thought it no Robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation c. He for our sakes became poor that we through his Poverty might be made rich I came down from Heaven not to do mine own Will but the Will of him that sent me Not my Will but thy Will be done IX There was great need of or it was very necessary that there should be a Mediator betwixt God and Man First On God's part Secondly On the Creatures part First On God's part it was necessary in respect of his own Glory 1. In respect of the Glory of his Wisdom This of bringing forth and ordaining a Mediator was the marvellous Contrivance and the highest Manifestation of Divine Wisdom for hereby a way is found to reconcile Justice and Mercy and make them meet together in sweet Harmony that the Punishment of Sin might be borne and yet the Sinner pardoned freely in a way of Mercy Hence as the Apostle sheweth the manifold Wisdom of God is made known by the Church according to the
hearest me always He only is authorized to plead for poor Sinners XV. Jesus Christ invites all that are weary and heavy laden to come to him for Rest with a Promise of free access Whosoever comes to me I will in no wise cast out Joh. 6.36 XVI The Lord Jesus this wise and able Advocate hath undertaken desperate Causes such as Mary Magdalen a great Offender Peter a great Backslider Paul a great Blasphemer and Persecutor The Gentiles that were Thieves and Idolaters by the Fall desperate was the Cause of all he undertook I Pray not for these alone but for all that shall believe on me through their Words He makes Intercession for the Trangressors XVII Christ is very much honoured by God he calls him his Fellow and will have all Men honour the Son even as they honour the Father XVIII Jesus Christ knows much of the mind of God being skill'd in all the Laws Natural Moral and Evangelical well understands his Nature and Disposition being always by him and as one brought up with him being daily his delight c. so near and familiar that he lay in his Bosome XIX Jesus Christ had unspeakable Confidence in so much that he feared not to appear amongst great and learned Doctors in the Temple hearing them and asking them Questions to the Astonishment and Amazement of all them that heard him He appeared too mighty and learned for all the Pharisees Sadduces and Priests of the Jews XX. The Lord Jesus stands not on Fees or Gratuities for indeed none are able to give unto him a Reward for his Work but he acts on the same terms that God gives Wine and Milk and that is without Mony and without Price Whosoever will may come and take his Counsel and Advice Water of Life freely He hath filled the Poor with good things but the Rich he hath sent empty away Their Cause falling to the ground XXI Christ did frequently when on Earth and since his Departure into Heaven carry Causes doubtful to others He carried the Cause in a great Trial against Satan who made strong Attempts against him after he had fasted fourty days And when none was found worthy to open the Books and unloose the Sea's and look thereon at which John wept The Lion of the Tribe of Judah prevailed In due time Christ died for the Ungodly he hath delivered us from the Curse of the Law being made a Curse for us XXII Jesus Christ is watchful to keep up the honour of God and his Laws because the Contempt thereof would prove of ill Consequence I honour my Father I have glorified thee on Earth Not one jot of the Law shall fail think not that I came to destroy the Law c. He answered the Demands of it that God might be just and the Justifier of those that believe in Jesus XXIII Christ is very diligent never guilty of any Neglects in acting for his People he went about doing Good pleaded often pleaded strongly with Crying and Tears used mighty and prevailing Arguments with God on the behalf of his Flock on Earth pleads for great things for them for the holy Spirit for divine Protection Union and for their safe Conduct to Heaven Father I will that all they whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my Glory XXIV Jesus Christ is successful he hath carried many yea multitudes of Causes for his People nay indeed it may be said when did he miscarry what Cause was lost when the Sinner did sincerely and in good earnest engage him he carried the Cause for poor Peter to the preventing his utter Destruction he prevailed for the Protection of God to the twelve Apostles that continued with him He pervailed for the sending the Comforter when he went away he carried Paul and the suffering Saints away Conquerours hath made us more than Conquerours He manages effectually all the Affairs of his Elect throughout all the Earth XXV Jesus Christ is greatly grieved to see Men miscarry in the great Cause of their Souls through their own neglect because they did not they would not come to him retain him make use of him He drew near the City He beheld it and wept over it O Jerusalem that thou hadst known even thou in this thy day the things that belong to thy Peace But now they are hid from thine Eyes their Cause was irrecoverably lost because they would not come unto him XXVI Jesus Christ will not take the names of some into his Lips he leaves them wholly to themselves to stand or fall saith of them as once it was said of Ephraim Let him alone such are the hardned Hypocrites and Reprobates horrible Apostates the Blasphemers of the holy Ghost of these it may truly be said as in Eccles. 4.10 Wo unto him that is alone and they may say of themselves The Harvest is past the Summer is ended and we are not saved God hath sworn in his Wrath against some that they shall not enter into his Rest and Christ will neither plead nor pray for them He will take no foul Cause into his pure Breast but clearly leaves them out of his Intercession and Advocateship I pray not for the World c Joh. 17.9 XXVI The Lord Jesus is the wisest and honourablest Advocate that ever was and therefore is the undoubted Heir to Preferment yea to the greatest of Preferments He being appointed the Judg of all the World by a former and unalterable Decree Him hath God ordained to be the Judg of the quick and dead God judgeth no Man but hath committed all Judgment unto the Son He hath appointed a day in which he will judg the World in Righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained c. Advocate I. AN Advocate here below is concerned but for a few Clients cannot serve many much less all that need an Advocate to plead their Cause for them II. An Advocate here below is but of short standing comes in an hour and goes out in an hour the Eldest are but of yesterday and of small Experience III. An Advocate here below leaves his Clients doubtful because they know not how a Cause will go before Trial. IV. Some Advocates here below do more often miss than carry Causes and many of them lose more Causes than they gain V. An Advocate may carry a Cause here below and there may lie an Appeal against it in some of the superior Courts as the Court of Chancery c. The Cause may be carried for a Person in one Court and lost in another VI. An Advocate in these lower Courts tho he be an able Man yet he may be over-match'd and out-done by others it being a Rule in most Cases Not one so good but he may find his Equal c. Disparity I. JEsus Christ is an Advocate for his whole Church all may come and make use of him I pray not for
of his Faithfulness in performing and making good the same of the reality of his Intentions to make Men happy through believing that he renders the matter on God's side valid against all Contenders whatsoever so as that God shall be clear in Judgment and none be able to answer him one word of a thousand VII Jesus the faithful and true Witness was so necessary to the determination of matters relating to God and man that it could not be done without him otherwise another might have serv'd in his room but none in Heaven nor Earth was found worthy to open the Book and loose the â—â—eals thereof Rev. 5.4 If I had not come and done what no other did you had not had Sin but now you have no cloak for your Sin John 15.22 24. VIII Christ as the chief Witness hath spoke the whole Truth left nothing conceal'd that either concerns God's Glory or Mens Good either by himself before he went to Heaven or by his Apostles since he hath declar'd the whole Counsel of God so that the Record of his Testimony is able to make us perfect and compleat in the whole Will of God and if any add to or take from his Word he shall lose his part in the Book of Life and heavenly Jerusalem IX Jesus is so just and impartial a Witness yea and so great an Abhorrer of Falshood that he is called the Truth it self yea Grace and Truth came by him He was holy harmless separate from Sinners X. As the Testimony of Jesus will put an end to all Controversies the right way and leave the Wicked wholly wiâ—â—hout Excuse and clear the Justice of God So it shall be more tolerable for the Land of Sodom in the day of Judgment than for that City that refuse and reject the Word and Testimony of Christ in the Gospel Divine Justice however will be cleared in the eyes or view of Men and Angels in condemning them that had the Light and would not be determined by it See Christ a Prophet Metaphor I. THe greatest Witnesses amongst Men are but of a short standing they are but of yesterday know but in part therefore can testify but in part II. Earthly Witnesses are but Servants and in many things return the Matter of their Testimony by Information Disparity I. BUt Jesus Christ is an Ancient Witness of long standing was with the Fâ—â—ther from the Beginning saw and â—â—eard all things that he spake and did I was by him as one brought up with him c. Before Abraham was I am II. Jesus Christ is the Son of the great King and Law-giâ—â—er and hath the whole matter of Testimony by Sight and personal Knowledg The Father hath shewed the Son all things that himsâ—â—lf doth c. And what he hath seen and heard that he testifyeth Joh. 3.32 Inferences I. THese things shew the great value God puts upon the Souls of Men that rather than they should miss the Knowledg of his Will and perish for want of Testimony to confirm the Truth he sent Jesus Christ his own Son to witness and testify Divine Things to them God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto our Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son II. That the Gospel is to be highly valued as the perfect Will of God witnessed to not only by him that was true and faithful but perfect and fâ—â—ee from the least stain or spot of Sin III. They deserve to be damn'd that live under the repeated Testimony of Christ the true Witness and yet will not believe it so as to be reformed by it How shall we escpae if we neglâ—â—ct so great Salvation IV. What Confirmation Establishment and Consolation also is here to all that belieâ—â—e and embrace the Gospel in Sincerity 1. This is the Truth as it is in Jesus The true Grace of God wherein ye stand 2. There is a high degeee of Blessedness to them that have not seen and yet believed 3. The abiding by this Testimony and Witness of Jesus Christ gives an Interest â—â— and Right unto Eternal Life 4. It advanceth the great Honour makes Men no less than the Children of God and Joynt-Heirs with Christ. V. An Exhortation to all them that have received the VVitness and Testimony of Jesus Christ to hold it fast against all Opposition whatsoever There is great danger in being ashamed of and relinquishing the VVord and Testimony of the Son of God He will be ashamed of them before God and the Holy Angels VI. To them that have not received his Testimony to receive it with all speed because it is the word of Life the very Doctrine of Salvation It a fearful thing to refuse him that speaks from Heaven and trample under foot the Blood of the Son of God Christ an Altar Heb. 13.10 We have an Altar whereof they have no right to eat who serve the Tabernacle THE Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 properly signifies an Altar where the slain Sacrifices were offered and sometimes as Brightman says on Rev. 16.7 The Altar of Incense or Perfumes It is derived of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies a Sacrifice or Offering In this Text it Metaphorically denotes the whole Mystery of Christ the Mediator and is put by a Synecdoche for the Oblation or Sacrifice viz. Christ. See 1 Cor. 9.13 10.18 The meaning is that such as still stick to the Ceremonies of the Law by serving the Legal Tabernacle and thereby seek their Justification cannot eat of this Spiritual Altar that is they cannot be Partakers of the Benefits of this Sacrifice purchased by the Death of Christ. Metaphor I. THe Altar of Perfume was appointed by the Lord to be made of Shittim Wood overlaid with Gold having a Crown of Gold about it II. The Altar of Burnt-Offerings was ordaind for Sacrifices to attone for Sin the Flesh of Beasts was offered thereon III. All Sacrifices were to be offered upon the Altar of Burnt-Offerings and all Incense to be burnt upon the Altar of Incense IV. The Altar of Burnt-Offerings was but one and in one place and the Sacrifice to be offered thereon in this place only V. The Altar did sanctify the Sacrifices which were laid upon it VI. The Altar was a place of Refuge Men that were in danger fled to the Horns of the Altar and there intreated for Favour VII The Horns of the Altar were to be sprinkled with Blood and so was the Altar of Incense once a year VIII The Altar had four Horns on the four Corners thereof Parallel I. CHRIST's Humane Nature was covered and over-laid as it were with the Divinity and crown'd with Majesty as the Gold adorn'd the Wood and circled the Altar II. Christ was appointed for Sacrifice his Humane Nature was offered up as a Propitiatory Sacrifice for the Sins of the whole World III. All our Duties
rendered as a vile Hypocrite as Job was it doth clear him and makes his Heart light and how doth he prize and esteem of such a Friend Alas had not a Christian the Witness in himself to clear and bear up his Soul he would sink down many times into utter Despondency but this made holy Job to triumph over all his Enemies Behold my Witness is in Heaven and my Record is on high As much as if he should say though many Witnesses are against me yet I will keep my Conscience clear I will not have my own Heart to charge me or witness against me as long as I live VI. So the Holy Ghost gives in such clear Demonstration and Proof to the clearing up of a Man's Evidence for Heaven that when all Cases are clearly considered a poor Saint though doubtful before comes to a good and full Satisfaction therein God's Spirit and Conscience compares a Man's State with the Word of God and if upon Trial it appears that those Qualifications are wrought in his Heart that the Word expresly mentions concerning the Truth of Grace he then finds he hath no more cause to doubt of the goodness of his Condition VII So the Holy Spirit and Conscience bring off a Christian with abundance of holy Joy and Triumph notwithstanding his Case may seem very dangerous by means of strong Accusations of Satan as it was with Job For this is our rejoycing the Testimony of our Conscience that in Simplicity and godly Sincerity we have had our Conversation in the World c. VII So the Spirit or God confirms the Covenant of Grace to the Soul of a Believer for when the true Fear of God is wrought in the Heart the Spirit witnesseth to it and thereby assures us that all the Promises that are made therein are undoubtedly our own and shall be performed to us Inference HOw happy is the State of the Godly what good Assurance have they of Eternal Life they have received an Earnest of it it is sealed unto them and they have two infallible Witnesses to confirm it to them See Conscience a Witness The Holy-Spirit a Teacher Luke 12.12 For the Holy-Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say Joh. 14.26 But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name he shall teach you all things and bring all thing to your Remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you THe Holy Spirit is the great Teacher of the Church and every particular Saint and Member thereof unto whom the Accomplishment of that great Promise is committed And they shall be all taught of God Joh. 6.45 Teacher A Teacher is a personal Appellation II. A Teacher implieth one or more that needeth Instruction or Teaching it argues Weakness of Knowledg and want of Understanding in some Persons about such things they ought to be well instructed in III. It behoveth an able Teacher to have great Knowledg and Understanding himself in all those Things and Mysteries he instructeth others in IV. A spiritual and able Teacher openeth divers dark deep hidden and mysterious things to the Understandings of Men. V. A divine and able Teacher by this means greatly inlightneth the World and causeth Darkness and Ignorance to fly away inriching Men's Minds with the precious Knowledg of sacred Truths VI. An able Teacher instructeth ignorant Persons by degrees as they are able to take in conceive and apprehend things first to read the a b c and then the Bible and afterwards the Grammar or any other Things of Learning they desire to be instructed in VII Some Teachers teach their Scholars out of a Book their great Business is to help them rightly and distinctly to understand that VIII A Teacher exerciseth much Patience towards them whom he instructeth especially when he meets with such that are very dull and unapt to learn he is forc'd to take much Pains with them IX Some Teachers tho very deserving have been greatly slighted by those very Persons they have shewed much Love to and taken great Pains with for their good which hath sorely grieved them X. Some Teachers after they have found those whom they were imployed to teach and instruct grown to such a great degree of Stubborness and Obstinacy that they have utterly despised and refused to betaught by them and have cast all Counsel behind their Backs then they have left them and wholly given them up as hopeless Persons XI Godly Teachers are so great a Blessing to People that it is a great Loss to lose them nay a sore and lamentable Judgment upon the Church and the World to be deprived of or have their Tea-chers taken away from them or forc'd into a Corner Parallel THe Holy Ghost is a Divine Person See Comforter II. There is no Man whatsoever but needeth the Divine Teaching and Instruction of the Holy Ghost For what Man knoweth the things of a Man save the Spirit of a Man which is in him Even so the things of God knoweth no Man but the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 2.11 III. The Holy Ghost hath great Knowledg yea he is infinite in Understanding there is nothing that he is ignorant of that either concerns God's Honour or our Good The Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God IV. The Holy Ghost openeth many dark and deep Mysteries what hidden Mysteries did he reveal to the Prophets and open and unfold to the blessed Apostles Which in other Ages were not made known unto the Sons of Men as is now revealed unto the Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit V. The Holy Ghost inspiring and teaching the Prophets and Apostles who were the holy Pen-men of the sacred Scripture hath greatly inlightned the Inhabitants of the Earth where their Record is known and also when he hath opened the Eyes of the Understandings of Men in those profound and glorious Mysteries contained in the holy Scripture how are their minds inriched with the Knowledg of divine Truths VI. The Holy Ghost teacheth and instructeth poor Sinners gradually first the a b c of Religion viz. the Knowledg of Sin and their lost and undone Condition thereby the Vanities of this World together with the necessity of a Saviour and then in the second Place he instructeth them in higher Mysteries opening and explaining the Covenant of Grace as also the glorious Mystery of Union and Communion with God the Mystery of the Trinity the Incarnation of Christ his Priesthood and other things relating to him as Mediator together with many dark Sayings and Prophecies of the Scripture which those who are unlearned viz. who have not the Spirit 's teachings wrest unto their own Destruction I have many things to say unto you but ye cannot bear them now VII So the Holy Ghost teacheth Sinners the Knowledg of the Scriptures for as the Spirit gave them forth so he is the best Interpreter of them Then opened be their Vnderstandings that they might understand the