't is Sincerity that imboldens a Christian and makes him valiant Saints compared to Gold Job 23.10 When he hath tried me I shall come forth as Gold Isa 13.12 I will make a Man more precious than fine Gold c. Simile Parallel GOld is a precious Metal it is esteemed as one of the rarest Things on Earth hence Things of great Value are in the holy Scriptures set forth by Gold THe Saints are a choice and precious People the excellent Ones in all the Earth Psal 16.2 Prov. 12.26 Isa 44.4 Lam. 4.2 Deut. 32.9 Since thou hast been precious in my Sight thou hast been honourable and I have loved thee They are called precious Sons of Zion comparable to fine Gold God esteems them as his Portion The Lord's Portion is his People Jacob is the Lot of his Inheritance II. Gold tho it is a pure Sort of Metal yet there is some Dross in it tho as Naturalists observe there is not any Metal that is more free from Dross and Rust than Gold is II. The Saints of God tho holy very precious and gracious Ones yet are they not without Sin there is some Dross of Corruption in the very best Eccl. 7.20 1 Joh. 1.8 There is not a just Man upon the Earth that doth good and sinneth not If we say we have no Sin we deceive our selves and the Truth is not in us III. Gold is refined in the Fire and thereby is made more pure than it was before III. So the Saints are put into the Fire I mean into the Furnace of Affliction to purge and refine them from all the Dross of their Corruption Job 23.10 When he hath tried me I shall come forth as Gold I will make a Man more precious than fine Gold I will bring the third Part through the Fire and will refine them as Silver is refined Zech. 13.9 and will try them as Gold is tried They shall call upon my Name and I will hear them I will say It is my People and they shall say The Lord is my God IV. Gold is very pliant you may bow and work it as you please and the Fire makes it more pliable and yielding c. IV. So the Saints are of a soft and pliable Nature God having infused his precious Grace into their Hearts they are of a yielding Temper they have Hearts of Flesh and God by putting them into the Fire makes them more pliant and flexible they presently yield to the Will of God when others will not cannot be brought to it V. Gold will endure the Fire tho it be often put into the Furnace yet it loseth nothing but the drossy Part. The Fire doth it much Good it cannot destroy the precious Nature of it Gold retains its Excellency in despite of the envious Rage of fiery Flames V. So the Saints of God or all sincere Ones endure the fiery Trial they are not burned up not consumed in the Furnace of Affliction tho heated seven-fold tho it burn their Bodies into Ashes and reduce their Flesh as one observes into the first Atoms yet the Saint the Gold is not hurt nor doth he receive the least Damage thereby Sincere Christians are compared to Gold and Hypocrites to Wood Hay and Stubble which the Fire will burn up VI. Gold is often formed into Vessels rarely wrought for the Pleasure Honour and Use of Princes and great Men. VI. See Vessel God frames some of his Saints for most excellent Use he makes of them Vessels of Honour to hold the glorious Treasure of the Gospel and to let it out to others These are fitly compared to fine Gold Lam. 4.2 altho accounted as earthen Pitchers VII Gold is carefully kept Men set highly by it and often hide it lest Thieves should steal it away VII So God sets highly by his Saints He keeps them carefully Day and Night They are called his hidden Ones He covers them under his Wings from the Pride of Men. VIII Men suffer great Pains for Gold run great Losses and Hazards to obtain it and make it sure to themselves VIII So Jesus Christ suffered great Pain and Loss for his poor Saints he laid down his Life for them We were not redeemed with Silver and Gold 1 Pet. 1.18 19. from our vain Conversations but with the precious Blood of Christ as of a Lamb without blemish Simile Disparity GOld is earthly and of a perishing Nature it weareth away by little and little the more it is put to use the more it wasteth THe Saints tho their Bodies are earthly and die yet they shall never perish and their better Part is spiritual and shall never see Corruption The more Service they do the more glorious they shall be Saints are not the worse for wearing II. Gold hath its Glory from Art were it not moulded shaped and furbished by the Wit of Man it would not be so glorious nor of that esteem as now it is II. But the Saints have all their Glory from Grace it is not the Work of Mens Hands but the Work of God's Hands that makes them to shine they are curiously wrought and fashioned by the Spirit from whence they become glorious III. Gold is Gold naturally as it is dug out of the Earth tho not so pure as it is made afterwards by the Art and Industry of Man III. But the Saints were meer Lumps of Filth Earth and not Gold naturally 'T is Grace that makes them excellent as Gold 't is Grace that makes them differ from others Inferences THis shews forth the great Worth of God's peculiar Ones they are esteemed by him far more excellent than Gold is by Men. 2. It speaks forth much Comfort to the Godly God so prizeth them that he keeps them as carefully as we do the choicest and rarest Gold 3. It shews the Excellency of Grace Grace is of a transforming Nature it is like the Philosopher's Stone it turns every Man and Woman be they never so vile and base Metal into Gold i. e. it makes them holy precious and gracious Ones in God's Sight Saints compared to Doves Mat. 10.16 Be ye harmless as Doves DOves are 1. Meek 2. Harmless 3. Chast 4. They make their Nests in a Rock 5. They feed upon pure Grain not on Cartion as Fowls of Prey do 6. Have a lovely Eye and always fixed upon their Mates 7. They love to keep Company together 8. Mourn when they have lost the Sight of their Mates 9. They are often molested by Fowls of Prey 10. They are very fruitful 11. They love to be by sweet Springs and Rivers of Water 12. They were appointed under the Law for Sacrifices 13. They have no Defence but by Flight Upon all these Considerations Saints may be compared to Doves which is largely opened under the Eighth Head of Metaphors concerning the Church to which we refer you Saints compared to Lambs in a large Place Hosea 4.16 Now the Lord will feed them as a Lamb in a large
of Satan c. See Sleep Disparity SOme Men enjoy Rest but in part they have no perfect Rest But a godly Man at Death hath perfect Rest nothing shall disturb or disquiet him any more II. Some Men have Rest but for a little time a short Rest But the godly Man's Rest is for ever at Death he enters into God's everlasting Rest III. Some Rest from Labour is not honourable 't is a Reproach to a Man to take his Rest when he should be at work But the Rest of a godly Man at Death is honourable 't is a Rest that Christ himself entred into when he had finished all his Work Of the Resurrection The Resurrection compared to the Morning Psal 49.14 And the Righteous shall have Dominion over them in the Morning Parallels THe Morning comes after the Night is gone So the Resurrection will come after the Night of this World is gone the Time of this World's Continuance is called Night in the Holy Scriptures The Night is far spent c. II. The Morning is longed for many watch and long for the Morning So the Godly long for the Resurrection all the Faithful ever waited for and greatly desired that Day III. The Morning brings Light and makes Things manifest which lie hid or appear not what they are in themselves in the Night-Time So the Resurrection will make manifest all the hidden Things of Darkness which appear not to the Sight of Men that glorious Morning will sooon discover all 1. It will make manifest all the horrid and cursed Designs of the Ungodly which they from time to time have contrived and endeavoured to carry on against the Saints and Church of God many of which God in his gracious Providence prevented from taking place and so they were never known but that Morning-Light will discover all those hidden Things of Darkness 2. The Light of that Morning will discover all the Secrets of every Man's Heart all the Evil Lust Envy Pride Revenge c. or what else hath been harboured in the Bosoms of Men. See 1 Cor. 4.5 3. It will discover all the filthy Actions and Abominations of the Wicked that are not known to Men nor fit to be mentioned Eph. 5.12 For it is a Shame to speak of those Things that are done of them in secret 4. That Morning will discover all Persons as well as Things then it will appear who are God's People and who are not who they were that served God in Truth Mat. 3. ult and who were Hypocrites c. IV. Towards the Morning the Morning-Star appears which gives notice the Day approacheth So towards this Morning there will appear many Signs to give warning to the World that the Day of the Resurrection is at hand Mat. 24.33 So likewise when ye shall see all these Things know thâ—t it is near even at the Door V. When the bright Morning is come the Sun rises and shines forth gloriously So when that Morning is come Jesus Christ the Sun of Righteousness will appear in his Glory and shine forth to the amazement of all the World VI. The Morning brings Joy and Gladness with it it makes the Birds to sing and send forth their warbling Notes So the Morning of the Resurrection will bring Joy and Gladness to all the Righteous then shall the Saints sing for Joy of Heart and be glad in the Lord. VII In the Morning Men arise out of their Beds So in the Morning of the Resurrection shall all the Saints of God be raised out of their Graves Thy dead Men shall live Isa 26.19 together with my dead Body shall they arise c. The Dead in Christ shall rise first VIII We commonly give a guess what kind of Day it will be by the Morning So by the Morning of the Resurrection the Godly will perceive what kind of Day the Day of Eternity or Glory of Christ's Kingdom will be IX In a springing Morning Things look fresh and very beautiful and also send forth a most sweet and fragrant Scent So in the Morning of the Resurrection the Earth will appear in its Bâ—auty and the Saints in their Glory Mat. 13.43 Then shall the Righteous shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father c. Disparity IN the Morning of a natural Day here wicked Men receive like Benefit with the Righteous The Sun rises upon the Just and upon the Vnjust But in the Morning of the Resurrection it shall not be so the Ungodly shall not partake with the Saints of any of the Blessings and Comforts of that Morning then that Word shall be made good The Righteous shall have Dominion over them in the Morning Psal 49.14 In many other respects that Morning will differ from all other Mornings that ever were before it The Resurrection compared to awaking out of Sleep Dan. 12.2 And many of them that sleep in the Dust of the Earth shall awake c. Parallels DEath we have already shewed is called a Sleep and after a Man hath had his full Sleep he awaketh So when the Dead have lain their full Time appointed by the Almighty in the Grave they shall be quickned and come to life again II. Some fall into such a sound Sleep that they must when there is occasion for it be awakened So the Dead are fallen into such a fast or sound Sleep that they must be awakened John 5.28 Marvel not at this for the Hour is câ—ming in the which all that are in the Grave shall hear his Voice III. When a Man is throughly awakened he rises up So when the Dead are quickned by the mighty Power of God they shall rise up out of the Grave Sea or wheresoever else they lay asleep IV. There is a great difference between one Man's awaking out of Sleep and anothers some are awakened before they are willing and arise up with great horror and amazement when others awake in a sweet peaceable and quiet manner c. So there will be a great difference between the awaking of the Godly and the Ungodly at the last Day 1 Cor. 15. 1. The Godly shall arise sooner than the Ungodly The Dead in Christ shall rise first 2. The Saints of God shall awake in Christ's likeness their vile Bodies shall be fashioned and made like Christ's glorious Body But the Wicked shall appear base and vile in that Day Let them lie down in never so great Pomp and external Grandure yet alas when they awake they will appear most vile and contemptible 3. The Godly shall awake with glorious Robes upon them fit for the Consummation of their Marriage with the Lamb the Prince of the Kings of the Earth But the Wicked shall awake in a poor miserable and naked Condition What Robes shall they have on unless they be the filthy Rags of their own Righteousness with which they were cloathed whilst they lived in this World 4. The Godly shall have sweet and heavenly Company about them
in the Morning when they awake from Sleep nay more than all they shall enjoy the glorious Presence of Jesus Christ himself But the Ungodly when they awake shall be in the midst of Devils and damned Spirits they must be their Companions for ever 5. The Godly shall when they awake have glorious Attendants in the Day of the Resurrection viz. the holy Angels of Heaven But the Wicked shall have no other Attendants than the black Retinue of the Bottomless-Pit 6. The Godly when they awake are led into the King's Palace to be married to the Bridegroom of their Souls and to receive every one of them a Crown of Glory But the Ungodly awake as condemned Malefactors to be led to the Place of Execution 7. In a word the Godly shall awake with â—ongs of Joy in their Mouths but the Wicked shall awake with Tears and dismal Cries The one to receive the Sentence Come ye Blessed of my Father the other to receive the Sentence Go ye cursed c. Some awake to everlasting Life Dan. 12.2 and some to Shame and everlasting Contempt The Resurrection-Day a Man's Reaping-Day Psal 126.5 They that sow in Tears shall reap in Joy Gal. 6.4 In due Season we shall reap if we faint not The Resurrection-Day is a Man's Reaping-Day Parallels MEN sow before they reap So Men in this World may be said to sow either they sow to the Flesh or to the Spirit and in the Resurrection-Day they shall reap II. That which Men sow that also they reap they do not sow Beans and reap Barley nor sow Tares and reap Wheat So the very same that all Men in a spiritual Sense sow Gal. 6. they shall reap They that sow to the Flesh shall of the Flesh reap Corruption and they that sow to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap Life everlasting III. According to the Quantity that every Man sows so they reap He that sows sparingly or but a little Seed must expect to reap sparingly or have but a small Crop So they who do much Service for God or scatter liberally abroad to his People in this World shall receive much from the Hands of God at the End of the World and he that doth but little for God tho he doth it in Sincerity must expect to reap accordingly in that Day He that improves two Talents shall receive the Improvement of two and he that improves five the Improvements of five There will be Degrees of Glory no doubt in the Day of the Resurrection But this I say He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly 2 Cor. 9.6 and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully There is one Glory of the Sun and another Glory of the Moon and another Glory of the Stars 1 Cor. 15.41 42. for one Star differeth from another in Glory So also is the Resurrection of the Dead c. And They that be wise shall shine as the Brightness of the Firmament Dan. 12.3 and they that turn many to Righteousness as the Stars for ever more IV. A Man 's reaping Time is his rejoicing Time With what Joy and Gladness doth the Husband-man gather in the Fruits of the Earth So the Saints spiritual reaping-Day will be their rejoycing-Day He that sows in Tears shall reap in Joy V. When the reaping-Time is come a Man gathers in the Fruit or Harvest of divers Sorts of Seed c. So in the Day of the Resurrection the Godly shall reap or gather in the Comfort and Increase of divers Sorts of Seed by them sown They shall then reap the Fruit of all the good Sermons they have heard and reap the last Fruit of all the spiritual Prayers they have made the Fruit of all the Tears of Godly Contrition they have shed and all the Sighs and Groans they have uttered They shall reap the Fruit of all the good Thoughts they have had and of all the good Words they have spoken and all the good Works they have done as also the Fruit of all the Evil which for Christ's sake they have undergone Obj. Is not a Saint's dying-Day his reaping-Day Answ A Saint at Death gathers the first ripe Fruits as it were but his Harvest is not till the last Day The Resurrection-Day the Saints Marriage-Day Rev. 9.7 The Marriage of the Lamb is come and his Wife hath made her self ready THE Resurrection-Day is the Saints Marriage-Day this is their espousal-Day For I have espoused you to one Husband that I may present you a chast Virgin to Christ 2 Cor. 11.12 But that will be the Day of the Solemnization of their Marriage-Union with Jesus Christ Parallels THere is or ought to be a most endeared Love in those Parties who intend to marry one another Nay they before the Marriage-Day mutually give up themselves one to the other sometimes in a solemn Manner before Witnesses they are espoused So the Soul of a Believer is spiritually united to Jesus Christ whilst in this World A Saint loves Christ dearly and Christ a Saint Nay and in Baptism in a most solemn and sacred Manner before many Witnesses the Soul is publickly espoused to the Lord Jesus and in the Day of the Resurrection shall be the Solemnization of the sacred Marriage II. The Marriage-Day is much longed for by those who in hearty Affection are espoused to one another So the Godly long for that Day when the spiritual Marriage shall be consummated between Christ and them III. The Bride in the Marriage-Day is usually richly adorned if a Princess or a Person of a noble and honourable Descent she is excellently clad and adorned with rare and costly Jewels that the Bridegroom may take the more Delight in her So the Church and consequently every Godly Christian shall in the Day of the Resurrection be most richly cloathed with Robes of Immortality Rev. 19.7 The Marriage of the Lamb is come and his Wife hath made her self ready Psal 45.13 14. and to her was granted she should be arrayed in fine Linen clean and white c. The King's Daughter is all glorious within her Cloathing is of wrought Gold she shall be brought to the King in Raiment of Needle-work c. Some by these white and glorious Robes understand the imputed Righteousness of Jesus Christ Others the Righteousness of Sanctification Some others conclude they are both intended and not only so but also those heavenly Robes with which the Bodies of the Saints shall be clothed in the Day of the Resurrection which none are able to describe however all conclude the Church in that Day shall shine forth so in Glory and Beauty that Men and Angels shall admire her No Bride ever appeared in such Splendor or so richly clothed and adorned as the Bride the Lamb's Wife shall when the Marriage of the Lamb is come IV. In a Marriage-Day the Bride and Bridegroom have a full and perfect enjoyment of each other and there is nothing in the World wherin there is
a Saviour but also as a Sovereign not only as a Priest to die and appease the Wrath of God for us but also as a Prince to rule and reign in us 14. What Obedience therefore flows from thy Faith Dost thou boldly and visibly profess Jesus Christ following him whithersoever he goeth not closing in with one of his Precepts only but obeying all of them from thy Heart which thou art convinced of and knowest to be thy Duty Then shall I not be ashamed Psal 119.6 Rom. 5.1 when I have respect to all thy Commandments 15. What Peace hath Faith brought to thy Soul Being justified by Faith we have Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ Secondly From what hath been noted we may infer There is an absolute Necessity of Faith 1. In respect of Gospel-Revelation Without Faith it is impossible to please God Heb. 11.6 2. There is no Salvation without it Rom. 3.26 Thou must be beholden to another for a Righteousness because thou hast broken the Law that pronounceth the Curse against thee thou hast none of thy own that will be accepted in the sight of God He that believeth not shall be damned Vnless ye believe that I am He Joh. 8.22 ye shall die in your Sins 3. There is a Necessity of Faith because all Boasting is excluded Rom. 3.27 God's design in our Salvation is wholly to exalt his own Free-Grace It is of Christ's procurement and thou must go unto him for it or go without it Thirdly If Faith be much more precious than Gold then labour for it above Gold be not contented with a little of it but wisely provide your selves with good Store Grow in Faith get a strong Faith Quest Will not a small or weak Faith save us as well as a strong Answ Yea if it be of the right kind tho never so small the Person that hath it is as fully justified as he that hath the greatest degree nd measure of it Yet it concerns thee to get a strong Faith for these Reasons following 1. Because thou mayest meet with strong Assaults and Temptations from Satan and thou hast no way to resist him but by the Shield of Faith and it may be a little Faith will not be sufficient to withstand those Exercises and Assaults thou mayest meet with 2. Because God expects much Faith of those he hath afforded much Means unto I looked it should bring forth Grapes Isa 5.4 God looks for Fruit answerable to the Cost and Charge he hath been at with a People or a particular Person 3. Because God may bring you into such a condition that you may have nothing else to live upon Hab. 3.17 The Fig-Tree shall not blossom neither Fruit be in the Vines c. That is a Time for the Saints to live by Faith and if their Faith be small what will they do then 4. Because as thy Faith is more or less so will thy inward Peace and Joy be in Christ Jesus He that hath but a small degree of Faith is often at the foot of the Hill and under doubtings and becloudings in his own Spirit 5. Because such as have but little Faith will find the Way to Heaven harder and more difficult than they who have much of it or are strong in Faith Weak Folks are hard put to it to get up a high Hill 6. Because it is a strong Faith that glorifies God most as it appears in respect of Abraham Rom. 4.19 20. He being not weak in Faith considered not his own Body being dead He staggered not through Vnbelief but was strong in Faith giving Glory to God Quest But what is the Cause that some Christians are so weak in Faith Answ 1. Some are but just brought forth lately converted they are like new-born Babes Can you expect a Child in the Cradle should be as strong as such as are twenty or thirty Years old 2. Perhaps some have but little Faith because they want the Means of it which others have It may be they have more Law preached to them than Gospel more Terror from Sinai than Joy from Mount Zion 3. Again some may be weak in Faith because they pore more upon their own inward Corruptions than they meditate on Christ's Righteousness more on their own Emptiness than on Christ's Fulness They see their Debts but have not their Eyes upon their Surety who hath discharged and blotted all out 4. Others may have little Faith because they do not improve that which they have they are not industrious Traders they do not labour after and cry to God for more Faith The way to grow rich is to be diligent Lord encrease our Faith 5. Some have no more Faith because they give way to Temptations and let their inward Corruptions too much prevail Weeds will hinder the Growth of precious Flowers Self-Love worldly Pleasure Pride and Passion choak and obstruct its Growth Faith is a tender Herb. 6. Perhaps Christians have no more because they mind not those precious Grounds and Encouragements which God in Mercy hath offered for the encrease strengthning and growing of Faith Quest How may I know a weak Faith from a strong Answ 1. A weak Christian one weak in Faith looks more within than without grounds more on the good Desires and Heavenlinesses of his Affection than the Covenant and Promise of God Joh. 14.19 Now a strong Christian looks to Christ Because I live ye shall live also 'T is not because my Affections live my Obedience lives or I have Life in Obedience or performance of external Duties but because Christ lives By whom I live Gal. 2.20 2. A weak Christian consults more the Power of the Enemy than he doth the Strength of God Christ and the holy Spirit and is much acted by Sence in respect of Means how this or that should be done Psal 78.19 Can God furnish a Table in the Wilderness But a strong Saint believes in Hope against Hope a strong Faith takes up in the Power Grace and Sufficiency of God The Lord is on my side Psal 56.4 I will not fear what Man can do unto me 3. A weak Faith grows weaker and weaker and ready to let go its hold at every discouragement If a Corruption or Temptation prevails all his Hope of Heaven is almost gone presently Thus it was with Peter Help Lord I perish But strong Faith is rather strengthned thereby as appears in the Woman of Canaan You may judg of a strong Faith by its Power over the Enemy I have written unto you 1 Joh. 2.14 young Men because you are strong and the Word of God abideth in you and you have overcome the Wicked One 4. A weak Faith is much for doing that so he may have Peace and Comfort within What must I do c. And as his Obedience to God is kept up Acts 16.30 so is his Comfort not but that great Peace is to them that keep the Law and that are found
teach the Saints Dan. 8.16 9 22. And I heard a Man's Voice between the Banks of Ulai which called and said Gabriel make this Man understand the Vision c. And he said I will make thee know what shall be in the last Day c. They open and reveal hidden Mysteries to the Saints 9. They rejoyce with the Godly at the Conversion of Sinners Luke 15.10 Likewise I say unto you There is Joy in the Presence of the Angels of God in Heaven over one Sinner that repenteth 10. They have a Charge to convey the Souls of the Godly when they die through the Territories of the Prince of Darkness viz. the Air and carry them safe to Heaven And it came to pass that the Beggar died Luke 16.22 and was carried by the Angels into Abraham's Bosom 11. To gather all the Elect together at the last Day 12. To separate the Evil from the Good the Chaff from the Wheat Mat. 13.49 So shall it be at the end of the World the Angels shall come and sever the Wicked from the Just Thirdly They have a Charge committed to them in reference to wicked Men. 1. To blind and infatuate them that they cannot see how to effect that Mischief they would otherwise do 2. To stop them in their Carreer that they cannot pursue their wicked Purposes and Designs as appears in Balaam's Case Numb 22.26 3. To destroy and cut off the Ungodly when they combine against the Church One Angel smote in the Camp of the Assyrians a Multitude of Men. 2 King 19.35 III. Watchers give warning of approaching Dangers III. So the Angels gave warning to Abraham and Lot Gen. â—9 of the approaching Judgment that fell upon Sodom and Gomorrah and the Cities about them IV. Watchers are very useful and oftentimes made a great Blessing to Towns and Cities many eminent Dangers by their means have been prevented IV. Angels are a great Blessing to the Church and City of God and every particular Member thereof How secure was the Prophet whilst he had those fiery Chariots and Horsemen round about him Quest But some may say Why doth God in the preservation of his People make use of the Ministration of Angels Answ Not for any Necessity He is all-sufficient of himself to do all things for them But to declare his abundant Love to and Care of his Children in making more excellent Creatures than themselves to be their Keepers Object But God's People often fall into Danger and many Inconveniences how then are they attended and kept by Angels Answ They are delivered by them from many Evils and Dangers that they know not of For as we have many Devils about us continually to do us Mischief so we have a Multitude of blessed Angels continually about us to keep and protect us Psal 91.11 2. If at any time God's Children fall into Danger it is because they are out of their way or rather God's way and then the good Angels have no Charge over them 3. If they suffer in the Custody of the Angels it is that they may be exercised tried and made better thereby For the Angels keep them from Evil or keep them in Evil and at last deliver them out of Evil so that they are made Gainers by all according to that Promise Rom. 8.28 V. Watchers or Watchmen go up and down to see what the State and Condition of Things is they take strict Observation of Persons and Things V. Angels go about or rather flie up and down in the Earth to see what the State and Condition of God's People more especially is Hence they are said to have Wings which denote their Swiftness in their Work Zech. 1.11 We have walked to and fro the Earth and behold all the Earth sitteth still and is at rest Inferences WHat infinite Grace and Favour doth God manifest to his poor People in giving his Angels such a strict Charge over them and to cause such glorious Creatures to watch and keep them day and night 2. What Honour also hath God conferred on his Children hereby Every Believer hath greater Attendance yea a more glorious Retinue than the mightiest Prince or Monarch in the World The Holy Angels compared to the Morning-Stars Job 38.7 When the Morning-Stars sang together c. STars are taken two ways First Properly Secondly Metaphorically Some understand by Stars in this place Caryl upon Job chap. 38. p. 81. the Stars which God hath set in the Firmament of Heaven or Stars in a proper Sence Others as Mr. Caryl observes the holy Angels which saith he may well be called Stars or Morning-Stars by a Metaphor c. Metaphor Parallel MOrning-Stars are full of Beauty bright and glorious ANgels are very beautiful Creatures their Glory is wonderful Hence Stephen's Face was said to be as it had been the Face of an Angel Acts 6. ult and very beautiful Persons are said to resemble or seem like Angels Tho they have not a visible bodily Beauty yet they have a better Beauty than any Body II. Morning-Stars give Light they are not only beautiful but shining The chief Morning-Star called Lucifer signifies a Light-bringer II. Angels are not only very beautiful Creatures but also full of Light We read of an Angel in the Revelations that the whole Earth was lighted with his Glory This shews that Angels are very glorious and shining Tho I understand that is not spoken of a proper Angel yet it shews that Angels are full of Light and therefore called Angels of Light III. Stars are Guides to Mariners by which they know how to steer a right Course III. Angels are and have been as Guides to the Saints and spiritual Mariners They guided or gave direction unto Lot to escape the Flames of Sodom and led Peter out of Prison and thereby saved him from imminent Danger Abraham told his Servant God would send his Angel to guide or prosper his Way Gen. 24.40 The Holy Angels called the Sons of God Job 1.6 There was a Day when the Sons of God came and presented themselves before God Job 38.7 And all the Sons of God shouted for Joy THe Chaldee Paraphrase is express that the Sons of God here are the Angels The Armies of Angels shouted for Joy And the Septuagint as Caryl observes are as clear for it saying When all my Angels sung for Joy To this do most Expositors agree Object But some object that Passage of the Apostle To which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son Answ 1. Angels are not the Sons of God as the Apostle there expresseth i. e. as Christ is the Son of God viz. by eternal Generation For so To which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Jesus Christ is the Son of God from Eternity 2. Angels are not the Sons of God by Regeneration nor by Adoption as Believers are The holy Angels need not Regeneration they
destructive and amazing to their Enemies III. They are set out by red speckled and white Horses to note the different Work and Office they are set about whilst they are employed in the Workings of Providence in governing the World 1. Red signifies the Sufferings of the Church together with the Blood and Slaughter or dreadful Judgments that Jesus Christ hath to execute on the World by the Ministration of Angels or a severe Dispensation 2. Speckled shews a mixed State or Dispensation of God's Judgments mixed with Mercy 3. White notes Peace and Prosperity to the Saints and the whole World which will be produced by the Providence of God after the bloody and mixed State of the Church is gone The Soul of Man compared to a Ship Heb. 6.19 Which Hope we have as the Anchor of the Soul c. HEre observe two Doctrines one implied the other expressed Doct. 1. The Soul of a Believer in the Judgment of some Divines is and may fitly be compared to a Ship Doct. 2. Hope that noble and precious Grace of the Spirit is and may fitly be compared to an Anchor Metaphor Parallel A Ship is a rare and curious Piece of Workmanship it shews forth the excellent Wit and Invention of Man THe Soul of a Believer is a very rare and curious Piece of God's Workmanship The Body and Face of a Man doth magnify the Wisdom and Glory of the Creator but what is the Body without the Soul it is but the Cabinet without the Jewel II. A Ship is a very costly thing a little will not build rigg and fit out a Ship to Sea especially if it be designed for a long and profitable Voyage as to the East-Indies or the like II. The Soul of a Believer is a very costly and chargeable thing God hath parted with much Treasure in building 1 Pet. 1.18 or rather rebuilding and fitting of it out to sail through the Ocean of this World to the Haven of eternal Happiness hath parted with his Son with his Spirit his Grace his Gospel c. III. Some Ships are built for noble and eminent Service and are very profitable to the Owners III. The Charge that God hath been at in building and rebuilding the Soul of a Believer is for renowned and eminent Service viz. the Glory of God and everlasting Happiness IV. He that builds and owns a Ship doth usually commit the Care and Charge of her to another who is to sail in her IV. So doth God Almighty commit the Charge and Care of our Souls to us We are employed but as Stewards Deut. 4 9. Prov. 4.23 or Deputy-Owners and must be accountable to God if our Souls are lost V. A gallant Ship that is bound for India or for some noble and eminent Service is richly fraighted hath divers rare Commodities in her c. V. So the Soul of a Believer that it may make a blessed and glorious Voyage is most richly stored and fraighted with the precious Gifts and Graces of God's holy Spirit c. VI. A Ship ought to have a good Bottom or the Danger is very great Whatever she seems to be above Deck tho never so stately and lovely to look upon yet if her Bottom be naught and defective she will never make the Voyage VI. So ought the Soul of a Christian to have a good Foundation If not built upon Christ if not sincere and firm at Heart what Profession he may make tho never so glorious will prove fruitless and vain the Soul is in danger and will for ever unavoidably be lost VII A Ship cannot sail without Wind or Tide VII The Soul of a Believer cannot sail Heavenwards in any Service Duty or Suffering without the sweet Movings and Gales of God's Spirit VIII A Ship ought to have a wise and skilful Pilot. VIII So ought the Soul of a Believer for if it hath not Christ to guide and steer its Course for it it is impossible to escape the Danger of the Sea of Trouble and Temptation IX A Ship needeth often to be repaired being very subject to spring a Leak IX So doth the Soul of a Christian need often to be repaired by Prayer and Repentance or else it will fall under sad and fearful Decays Heb. 2.1 The Soul is like pared to a leaking Vessel X. A Ship is tossed upon the rough and tempestuous Waves and has its Ups and Downs and seldom hath rest or quiet till she has made the Voyage X. Thus 't is with the Soul it is often tossed upon the boysterous and tempestuous Seas of Temptation sometimes transported up to Heaven Psal 107. v. 23 to 28. and then by and by down again to the Depths and all the Billows of God's Wrath seem to run over it XI A Ship is in danger of being lost and that many ways viz. by Rocks by Sands by the raging Waves and by springing of a Leak c. XI The Soul also is in great danger Never was Ship in more eminent hazard than the Soul of a Christian and that many ways Zech. 4.7 viz. by the Rocks and Mountains of great Opposition the Sands of Despair and raging Waves of Persecution besides the Leaks occasioned by indwelling Sin c. XII A Ship hath a Compass by which she is steered from place to place without which no Man can or dares go to Sea XII So likewise the Soul must have a Compass unto which we are with care and diligence to look and to be well-skilled in all the Points thereof viz. the Word and Spirit of God 2 Pet. 2.19 XIII A Ship is exposed to great Danger of being robbed by Pirates of all her Treasure XIII So is the Soul of a Believer by that cursed Pirate Satan who sometimes transforms himself into an Angel of Light and to trapan the Soul 2 Cor. 11.15 puts out false Colours pretends himself a Friend when his whole Design is Blood and Slaughter and treacherously to ruin and spoil the Soul 1 Pet. 2 1â— The Flesh is another secret Sea-Thief and the World yea and Sin is as arch a Pirat as any XIV A Ship often meets with sudden Storms and a good Mariner doth not only look for them but also provide and prepare for them XIV So must the Soul expect to meet with a dreadful Tempest or Hurricane The Winds will rise and a Storm will come upon the Ship where Christ is David was aware of these Dangers Psal 55.8 and saw how to prevent and escape sinking XV. 'T is a rare thing to see a Ship sail along before a fresh and prosperous Gale XV. 'T is a rare and lovely thing to see a Soul carried swiftly along in the Work and Service of God being under the powerful Influences a fresh and prosperous Gale or Wind of the Spirit XVI A Ship is sometimes becalmed XVI So alas it is too often with the Soul of a poor Christian XVII 'T is a Wonder to see a Ship to live in a
Truth Interest and People as they ought to do Inferences IS Christ's Church and so consequently every gracious Person compared to a Dove being meek humble harmless chast and single-hearted to the Lord Jesus Christ c. Then we may assure our selves that she that delights in Prey Rapine and Blood as doth the Romish Church is none of the Dove or Church of Jesus Christ 2. Are the Eyes of a Dove by the Rivers of Water do they delight in Springs Fountains and pure Rivers and in this are they an Emblem of the Godly who hate all filthy loathsom and detestable Traditions of Men and delight only in the pure unmixed and Chrystal Streams of God's holy Institutions Then all those who like Ravens and other foul and unclean Birds of Prey delight in Ditches and in long-standing stinking Pools of this false Church where they defile themselves in searching for the detestable Carrion of Idolatry are none of Christ's Dove-like People 3. And let those that are the People of God labour to be like the Dove who is neat and will not defile it self let them see they keep their Hearts chast to Christ and avoid all Pollution of Sin in their Conversation 2 Cor. 7.1 5. This also may inform the Godly that 't is no marvel if they are persecuted and molested by the Wicked 5. And in the midst of all their Afflictions Persecutions and Temptations this may comfort them God hath prepared for his poor Doves a strong Place of Defence and Shelter viz. the Rock Christ whither let us in all Times of Danger flie by Faith and Prayer The Church compared to a natural Body 1 Cor. 12.13 All baptized into one Body Eph. 2.16 Both unto God in one Body Eph. 4.12 For the edifying of the Body of Christ. Col. 1.18 He is the Head of the Body the Church c. Verse 24. For his Body sake which is the Church c. THe Body 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Soma is frequently put for the Church or People of God the Explication of which Trope is concisely opened in the following Parallel Metaphor Parallel EVery natural Body hath a Head SO the Church of God hath a Head viz. the Lord Jesus Christ Eph. 1.22 He God the Father hath put all things under his Feet and gave him to be the Head over all things to the Church which is his Body the Fulness of him that filleth all in all And he is before all things and by him all things consist Col. 1.17 18. Verse 17. And he is the Head of the Body the Church c. II. The natural Body hath many Members 1 Cor. 12.14 20. and tho many Members yet all make but one and the same Body II. The Chureh of Christ consists of divers Saints called the Members of his Body Now ye are the Body of Christ 1 Cor. 12.27 and Members in particular and tho many yet all make but one and the same mystical Body III. In the natural Body are Members different in Strength Usefulness and Honour as Arms Legs Eyes Feet Hands Fingers c. But the weakest and those that seem least honourable are very useful and the Body cannot be without them III. So in the Church the mystical Body of Christ are different Members both with respect to Honour and Usefulness as Apostles Prophets Teachers Eph 4.11 1 Jâ—h 2.13 14. or as the Apostle John hath it Fathers young Men and Children All are not Apostles all are not Prophets all are not Teachers c. But yet the weakest and most feeble Saints or Members are useful to the Church As in the Body natural 1 Cor. 12.20 21 22 23. tho the Eye is of greater use than some other Members yet the Eyes or Ministers who are as useful as Eyes to the Body cannot say to the Hand or such to whom God hath given the Riches of this World to distribute unto others We have no need of thee nor can the Head say to the Feet I have no need of you Nay and those Members of the Body which seem to be more feeble are necessary IV. In the natural Body if one Member suffer all suffer with it IV. So in Christ's mystical Body when one Saint suffereth all do sympathize and suffer with him If one suffer 1 Cor 12.26 all suffer and if one Member be honoured all the Members of the Body rejoyce with him V. All the Members of the Body natural take care of and seek the Good of the whole Body and of each Member in particular V. So in the Church of God every particular Saint doth and ought always to seek the Welfare of the whole mystical Body of Christ 1 Cor. 12.25 That there should be no Schism in the Body but that the Members should have the same care one of another VI. All the Members of the natural Body have their Nourishment from the Head VI. So all the Members of the mystical Body receive Nourishment from Christ who is the only Head thereof and from hence the Apostle condemneth those false Professors and counterfeit Christians who pretended to much Piety and Religion but did not receive their Doctrine and Principles from Christ nor were they united unto him by Evangelical Faith Not holding the Head Col. 2.18 19. from which all the Body by Joints and Bonds having Nourishment ministred and knit together encreaseth with the Increase of God VII In the natural Body betwixt the Members and the Body there is a marvellous Nearness or blessed Union VII So there is a wonderful Nearness and blessed Union between Jesus Christ and every Member of his mystical Body For we are Members of his Body of his Flesh Eph. 5.30 and of his Bones VIII The Body natural encreases in Strength Bigness and Beauty according to the Age of the Body is the Perfection and Excellency of it VIII So the Church encreases in spiritual Strength Bigness and Glory The Church is but small and weak now in comparison of what she shall be when she is come to her full Growth and perfect State There will be a great Addition to the Church in the latter Day The Lord shall rise upon thee Isa 60.2 to 9. and his Glory shall be seen upon thee and the Gentiles shall come to thy Light and Kings to the Brightness of thy Rising Lift up thine Eyes round about and see all they gather themselves together they come unto thee thy Sons shall come from afar and thy Daughters shall be nursed at thy side c. to the end of the Chapter compared with chap. 66.8 9 10. where you may read of the Multitude that shall be added to her and of the Abundance of her Glory And as she shall grow in Bigness so likewise she shall encrease in spiritual Knowledg Faith and Godliness Hab. 2.14 For the Earth shall be filled with the Knowledg of the Glory of the Lord as the Waters cover the Sea All the Officers and glorious Gifts
is a Habitation a Place built for some Man or Men to dwell in THe Church is the Habitation of the Holy-Ghost I will dwell in them 1 Cor. 6. Joh. 14.17 and walk in them c. For he dwelleth with you and shall be in you 2 Tim. 1.54 That good thing which was committed to thee keep by the Holy-Ghost which dwelleth in us Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you II. A House is built by a wise Builder upon a sure and firm Foundation some are built upon Rocks II. 1 Cor. 3.16 3.11 The Church is built upon a sure Foundation viz. Jesus Christ Another Foundation can no man lay c. Vpon this Rock will I build my Church III. A House is builded with or doth consist of divers Materials as Timber Stone Brick c. which are well hewed and squared before III. So the Church doth consist of several Members who are called or compared to Stones Ye also as lively Stones 1 Pet. 2.5 are built up a spiritual House an holy Priesthood And these Stones are also well hewed and squared by the Word and Spirit of God IV. A House hath some main and principal Parts appertaining or belonging to it as Pillars Beams Rafters c. IV. So the Church or House of God hath some famous Pillars Beams and Rafters as the Holy-Ghost calleth them The Beams of our House are Cedars Cant. 1.17 and our Rafters of Fir. The Righteous are compared to Cedars in Lebanon those Trees are tall and durable Cedar was used in building of Solomon's Temple a Type or Figure of the Church which denotes the Strength Usefulness Beauty and Excellency of the Saints or some among them who are called Pillars Gal. 2. And when James Cephas and John who seemed to be Pillars c. And Christ saith Rev. 3.12 Him that overcometh will I make a Pillar in the Temple of my God V. In a House Pillars Beams and Rafters are of great tho of different use all are to support strengthen perfect and compleat the Building the least Material is needful and cannot be wanting V. So in the House of God Eph. 4.7 to 12. the Prophets Apostles Pastors Teachers Deacons c. are of great Use tho of different Offices and all for the support of every part of the spiritual Building and the least Member cannot be spared Some are strong and some are weak some have five Talents and some but two Mat. 25. yet one ought not to despise the other As in a material House Beams and Rafters tho divers in Strength and Use yet all have a firm Connexion amongst themselves to make up one compleat Structure even so in Christ's Church tho there be divers Members severally gifted and placed as we see in the Body natural yet as the Apostle there shews verse 25. there should be no Schism in the Body 1 Cor. 12.24 but such a Conjunction of one another as they have of themselves a holy Sympathy in Supportation Suffering and Rejoycing VI. The House of a Prince when built is furnished and most richly adorned that it may become a meet Habitation according to the Degree Glory and Grandure of him who is to dwell therein VI. So the Church and Temple of God being built for the glorious Prince of Heaven and Earth is most richly and curiously adorned with the precious Gifts and Graces of the Holy-Ghost For as the Materials of this House are Silver Gold and precious Stones so its Ornaments or Furniture doth infinitely excell it being the King's Palace The King's Daughter is all glorious within Psal 45.13 VII A House is a Place of Security it defends from many Dangers which those are exposed unto that are harbourless and forced to lie without Doors besides some Houses have Walls about them VII So the Church is a Place of Security God having made such a blessed Wall about her And the Lord will create upon every Dwelling-Place in Mount Zion and upon her Assemblies a Cloud and Smoke by Day and the shining of a flaming Fire by Night for upon all her Glory shall be a Defence I will saith God encamp about mine House because of the Army because of him that passeth by c. He hath promised to be a Wall of Fire round about her Zech. 2.5 VIII A House is a Place of Repose a Resting-place it is hence greatly desired by every one that belongs to the Family that dwells therein VIII The Church of God is a sweet Place of spiritual Repose Sion is called a peaceable Habitation Isa 32.18 19. and sure Dwellings and a quiet Resting-place IX A House hath a Way that leads to it and a Door that openeth into it that so those who are Strangers may be readily directed how to find it IX So the Church or House of God hath a Way that readily leads to it In a strict Sence Christ is both the Way and the Door If any enquire more directly how they may find the Way into the Church if they take the Counsel of the Holy-Ghost they cannot miss Thus saith the Lord Stand in the Ways and see and ask for the old Paths Jer. 6.16 where is the good Way and walk therein c. This good old Way is the Way of Repentance Faith and Baptism the Saints of the Primitive Time walked all in this Way and knew no other Door into the Church And they that gladly received the Word were baptized Acts 2.41.42 and the same day there was added to them about three thousand Souls X. A House is a Place of Devotion there a Man reads prays meditates and instructs his Family X. So the Church of God is the principal Place of Publick Devotion there Prayers are made the Word is preached and the Sacraments are duely administred XI A House is subject to go to decay and therefore needs often to be repaired By the Slothfulness of the Hands the House droppeth through XI So the Church of God will soon decay if it be not often repaired by a wise and careful Discipline Metaphor Disparity AN earthly House in which Men dwell is the Work of Mens Hands BUt the Church or House of God is called God's Building the choice preparing of the Matter and the framing and jointing every part as to the Manner is of God II. A House is built with such Materials as are without Life II. But this spiritual House consists of Believers who tho they were once without Life yet now are quickned who are therefore called living Stones 1 Pet. 2 3. built up a spiritual House III. Some Houses are left desolate without Inhabitants and so go to decay and at length fall III. But it is impossible that ever the House of God should be without Inhabitants For the Lord hath chosen Zion Psal 13 2. 13 14. he hath desired it for his Habitation This is my Rest for ever here will
together saith the Husband-man till Harvest VIII Wheat hath a considerable Time to ripen it must have the former and latter Rain but when it is ripe it is severed from the Tares and gathered into the Barn VIII So the People of God are not so soon as they spring up in Grace ripe for God's Garner but they need some Time before they are fit for cutting down by Death The former and latter Rain of the Spirit must fall upon them they ripen gradually And when the Harvest comes to wit the End of the World Mat. 13.41 42. then the Saints shall be severed from the Wicked the Good come from the Bad the Holy from the Vile like as Wheat is severed from the Tares and those that appear pure Grain shall be gathered into God's Garner i. e. his blessed Kingdom and the Wicked like Tares shall be bound in Bundles and cast into Hell to be burned in unquenchable Fire IX Wheat when it is sown dies and rises again it rises Wheat and the same Wheat tho it rises more glorious than it seemed to be when sown IX So the Saints of God die like good Seed are sown in the Earth and shall rise again 1 Cor. 15. the same Body shall rise again as every Seed hath his own Body so shall every Saint in the Day of the Resurrection have his own Body tho his Body shall rise more glorious than it was before The Apostle saith That which thou sowest thou sowest not that Body that shall be because it is sown a natural Body 1 Cor. 15.38 42 43. it is raised a spiritual it is sown in Corruption but is raised in Incorruption it is sown in Dishonour and raised in Glory it is sown in Weakness it is raised in Power X. Wheat is threshed by the Husband-man to sever the Corn from the Straw and Chaff X. So God to sever the Chaff of corrupt and drossy Professors from the pure Grain viz. sincere Saints leaves the Wicked as it were to thresh his People God's People are often under the Flail of Persecution Inferences THis may serve to reprove the bloody Persecutors of God's People who would fain pluck up the Saints as Tares but let them take heed If God would not have many Tares pluck'd up lest some of the Wheat be pluck'd up with them what will become of them who instead of plucking the wicked Tares that perhaps deserve the greatest Severity as being guilty of innocent Blood connive at such and let them alone having much Favour for them and set themselves wholly against God's faithful and innocent People What unwearied Endeavours have been used to destroy and root out the Godly 2. It may be a Caution to all to take heed how they persecute Men for Conscience sake for who can infallibly know such as fear not God nor belong to him from such as are his People and do in Truth fear Him They had better let many Tares many Hereticks alone than through Ignorance destroy one godly and sincere Person 3. It may also be for Trial Are you Wheat or Tares Do you bring Glory to God and Profit to your Neighbours Do you faithfully like holy Job adhere to the Lord and cleave to him altho he should please to lay you under slaying Dispensations Do you endure patiently under the Cross abide the Trial of cold winterly Blasts of Persecution Wheat you hear will endure sharp Frosts The honest-hearted Professor brings forth Fruit with Patience Mat. 13. 4. Lastly It affords Comfort to the Godly for tho they appear as dead and withered or are under many seeming Decays yet they shall revive again like Corn. And altho they like Seed or Grain are laid in the Earth and turn to Corruption yet they shall have a blessed Resurrection at the last Day and be raised in Power and Glory and in Incorruption Death doth the Body of a godly Man no Injury Except a Seed of Corn fall to the Ground it abideth alone but if it die it bringeth forth much Fruit. Saints compared to Light Mat. 5.14 Ye are the Light of the World a City that is set on a Hill cannot be hid IN this Metaphor the Lord Jesus commends unto us an holy Duty viz. to shine before others in a holy Life and Doctrine Saints should be like John Baptist burning and shining Lights 1. Light is taken properly 2. Metaphorically 1. Properly for that noble Quality that enlightens the World Lux claritas splendor in corpore luminoso vel extra à corpore luminoso exiens quae Lumen dicitur God said Let there be Light and there was Light c. 2. Metaphorically it is put for several Things See the First Volume Book 3. p. 1 2. Ye are the Light of the World c. Joh. 1.9 Mat. 4.2 Principally Christ himself is the Light of the World the great Light that gives Light to the other Luminaries The Saints receive Light from Christ as the Moon receives her Light from the Sun and thereby gives Light to the World in the Night The Saints are but small Lights hence called Stars who give but little Light in comparison of the Sun or they are rather as Candles which God hath lighted and set up Metaphor Parallel LIght discovers and makes manifest the Nature of Things to Men it hath a directive Quality in it Men thereby know which way to go it directs Travellers in their Way SO the Saints of God by their holy Life and Doctrine reveal and make manifest not only the Works of Darkness but also the Excellency of Christ Grace and Divine Things to Men nay Eph. 3.10 the holy Angels are said to know many Things by the Church The Saints by their holy Lives and Doctrines teach and dlrect others how to live how to behave themselves towards God and towards Men. II. Light shines forth and is visible to all every one that hath Eyes may see the Light A Candle should not be lighted and put under a Bushel but on a Candlestick that it may give Light to all that are in the House II. So the Saints should let their good Works appear to all Mat. 5.16 Let your Light so shine before Men that they may see your good Works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven Tho the Saints should do nothing through Vain-Glory i. e. to be seen of Men yet their good Works and holy Walkings should be so done that others should see it III. It is a great Mercy and Blessing to see the Light Light is sweet c. Light drives back or expells Darkness III. So 't is a great Blessing to enjoy the Company of God's People to dwell among such whose Conversations shine for such godly ones drive back or scatter Wickedness As Solomon saith Prov. 20.26 A wise and godly King scattereth the Wicked and bringeth the Wheel over them So every wise and godly Christian does what in him lies to to the like What Darkness did Martin Luther
very mysterious so vast a Depth so great a Light so strange a Mystery is this Mystery that God reveals it now a little and then a little Adam had the first Discovery of it The Seed of the Woman shall break the Serpent's Head Abraham had more of it made known to him Moses had a greater Revelation of it than the Prophets And then John Baptist who saw more than all that went before him and upon that account was called the greatest Prophet that ever arose amongst them that were born of Women and yet he saw but a little of this great Mystery Luke 7.28 comparatively to what those saw who were in the Kingdom of Heaven viz. the Gospel-Church after the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ 6. That which all the wise Men of the World meerly by all their natural Wisdom Arts and Sciences could never find out nor arrive at the true knowledg of is a great Mystery But all the wise Men of the World meerly by all their Arts and Sciences and human Learning could never arrive to the true knowledg of Christ and real Godliness Ergo the Principles of true Godliness and the Mysteries thereof are out of the reach of meer humane Reason tho not against or contrary to Reason yet they lie above Reason Reason must stoop to Faith in these things The Gospel is called Wisdom as opposite to the Wisdom of Men and the Apostle saith positively That it was Wisdom in such a Mystery that none of the Princes of this World knew Nay the Spirit says one Sydenham jeers all the Learned of the World in this very thing because of their gross Ignorance Where is the Scribe where is the Wise where is the Disputer of this World 1 Cor. 1.20 Hath not God made foolish the Wisdom of this World Verse 18. Hence the Preaching of the Gospel was accounted by the learned Greeks but Foolishness Natural Men may understand natural Religion but true Godliness consists in the Light of Divine Truth and in the Life of Grace God manifesting himself in the Light of Truth and working the Life of supernatural Grace by his Spirit in the Heart True Godliness doth not consist in the Knowledg of the Letter of the Gospel A natural Man may have the historical or notional Knowledg of the Gospel and Christianity he may arrive to the most exact understanding of things as far as Letters and Words can express them that is he may know the true sence and meaning of things in the Gospel according to what either the History or Tenor of such Words will import and know the Grammatical Sence of Words better than many true Christians But this is not the spiritual and true Knowledg of Religion and Godliness for that consists in the saving and experimental Knowledg of God and Jesus Christ The Mystery of the Gospel and Power of Godliness is the Discovery of God's Glory in it self and the working of it gloriously in the Soul it lies not in the bare Expression or Knowledg of Words nor in the external Form of Profession of these Words but it lies in the Divine Glory of God which is wrapt up in these Words and the gracious Conformity Disposition and Affections of the Soul to these things 'T is an easy matter to confess Jesus Christ to be the Son of God and to read the Scriptures to pray c. but to see the Mystery of that Glory which is in this that Christ is God's Son and to have the powerful Influences of it upon the Heart whereby the Soul is brought into the Image or Likeness of Christ's Death and Resurrection this is a Mystery 7. That which the most wise and knowing in the same Art or Mystery can reach or understand but part of must needs be a great Mystery As suppose a School-master nay the ablest in the World who professes to know and teach such or such an Art or Mystery is forced to confess he sees and knows but little of it or sees but in part 't is so hard and difficult to find out all would conclude that Art or Science was a Mystery indeed But so it is here for the holy Apostles who had as great a knowledg of these Mysteries as any ever had in the World nay we may modestly conclude a greater yet they declare they knew but in part and saw but in part they saw comparatively but a little way into these Mysteries For we know but in part Now we see through a Glass darkly 1 Cor. 13.9 12. Now I know in part Ergo These are great Mysteries 8. That which the holy Angels desire to pry into nay look into with the greatest Earnestness and Desire imaginable and are contented the better to understand to learn of the Church and yet when all is done do admire and stand as it were astonished at is a great Mystery But the Angels do pry into these Mysteries with the greatest earnestness and are contented to learn of the Church that they may the better or more fully understand them and after all stand and wonder to behold the Depth of this Grace of this Love and the Strangeness of this Mystery Ergo the Gospel or Doctrine of Godliness is a great Mystery Now to make this Argument good pray consider these Texts of Scripture 1 Pet. 1.12 Which things the Angels desire to look into The word desire signifies the utmost coveting or longing after a thing which a Man cannot be without Desire to look into 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this Word signifies bowing down to pry heedfully and narrowly into a Thing 1. The Angels are greatly taken with this Mystery with this Grace and Love in Jesus Christ manifested to fallen Man they look and pry into it Exod. 25.20 according as it was typified of them by the placing of the Cherubims looking down towards the Mercy-Seat 2. That they are content to learn of the Church see Eph. 3.10 To the intent that now unto the Principalities and Powers in heavenly Places might be known by the Church the manifold Wisdom of God 3. That they after all stand as it were amazed and wonder at these Depths see 1 Tim. 3.16 Seen of Angels 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is not meant of a bare Sight but a Sight which astonishes the Understanding and takes up the Heart He was seen with admiration and wonderment Thus Dr. Sibbs 9 That which the glorified Saints shall admire when they arrive to a perfect Knowledg must needs be a great Mystery But the glorified Saints shall admire at the Mystery of this Grace and Love in the Day of Christ nay it will be the matter of their wonder to all Eternity See 2 Cor. 1.10 Therefore the Doctrine of Godliness is a great Mystery 10. This will be further manifest by considering wherein the greatness of this Mystery doth consist First Now the Mystery of Godliness principally consists in the Person of Christ God manifest in the Flesh 1 Cor. 2.2
Fields there were very many Altars dedicated to unknown Gods hinted at by the Evangelist Luke Acts 17. as also by Pausanias in his Atticks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Altars of unknown Gods which Altars were the Invention of Epimenides the Cretan For when that Country was visited with a sore Plague they consulted the Delphian Oracle whose Answer is reported to be That they must offer Sacrifices but named not that God to which they should be offered Epimenides who was then at Athens commands that they should send Beasts intended for the Sacrifice through the Fields and that the Sacrificers should follow with this Direction that wherever they should stand there they must be sacrificed to the unknown God in order to pacify his Wrath. From that time therefore to the time of Diogenes Laertius these Altars were visited More of this may be seen in Sixtus Senensis lib. 2. Biblioth Tit. Arae Atheniensis Inscriptio See also Wolfius Tom. 1. Lectionum Memorabilium p. 4. v. 20 c. So much of Schemes or Figures Schema hujus Mundi citius prolabitur Vndis In Jesu Coelo solo spes rata firma quies 1 Cor. 7.31 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Praeterit hujus Mundi Figura FINIS A TREATISE Of all the TYPES PARABLES and ALLEGORIES of the Old and New-Testament with the Expositions of the Learned upon such as are obscure c. IN treating of a Type we are to remark 1. It s Definition and that 1. With respect to its Name 2. With respect to the Thing it self 2. It s Division 3. Its Canons or Rules of which in order Article I. Of the Definition of a Type IN the Definition 1. We are to respect its Etymology 2. It s Homonymy or various Acceptations The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Typos which generally is used in this Affair is derived of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies to beat or strike and is formed of its mean Praeter-Tense has various Significations As 1. In a general Signification 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Type is called the Print or Mark which is made by beating as John 20.25 what we call the print of the Nails is in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Type of the Nails that is the Impression or Holes left by the Nails beaten or driven through his Hands 2. More particularly It denotes an Example or Exemplar which in certain Actions we imitate this goes before and is to be imitated see Phil. 3.17 1 Thess 1.7 2 Thess 3.9 1 Tim. 4.12 Tit. 2.7 1 Pet. 5.3 1 Pet. 2.21 Acts 23.25 Rom. 6.17 What we translate Form of Doctrine in the Greek is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Type of Doctrine that is in which God has prescribed the Rule Form and Example of Obedience and Life to us viz. to believe the Gospel and live acordingly Phil. 1.27 Arist â—th 1. c. 3. l. 2. c. 7. 3. In another Signification 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Type is called a Description not very exact viz. that which is made summarily briefly and less compleatly 4. It has also another Signification with Physicians who call that Form and Order observed or noted in the Increase or Abatement of Diseases 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Type denoting the Symptoms of the Disease and what it is Hence Galen writ a Book entitled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Types As to other Senses wherein Lawyers and Politicians take it consult Stephanus in Thesaur Graecae Linguae Tom. 3. Col. 1691. 5. But to approach nearer to our Scope and Business 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Type denotes a Figure Image Effigie or Representation of any thing and that either painted feigned or engraven or expressed by any other way of Imitation Acts 7.43 So Isocrates in Evag. encom calls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Images of Bodies 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 6. Divines understand nothing else by Types but the Images or Figures of things present or to come especially the Actions and Histories of the Old-Testament respecting such as prefigured Christ our Saviour in his Actions Life Passion Death and the Glory that followed In which Sense some judg this Appellation to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 written or inscribed and refer Rom. 5.14 to it where Adam the first Man is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Figura futuri the Figure of him that was to come viz. the last Adam 1 Cor. 15.45 and 1 Cor. 10.6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 now these things were our Types and ver 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 now all these things happened to them for Types These two Texts we translate Examples or Ensamples But in the former place Rom. 5.14 a Type seems not properly to denote what we here intend for there is a certain Comparison made between Adam and Christ which carries rather a Disparity than a Similitude in it The Protasis or Proposition is in v. 12. As Adam conveyed Death together with Sin to all that were born of him ut Adamus omnibus ex se natis cum peccato mortem communicat The Apodosis Rendition or Return is not expresly set down but insinuated in the foregoing words as if he had said So Christ conveys or communicates Life to all those that by Faith are given to and implanted in him A Type therefore in the said place denotes a Similitude generically and relates to the fifth particular In the latter Example 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Type signifies an Example Shadow or Umbrage of things to come as the words annexed make out yet not properly relating to the Types in hand To this some refer Heb. 8.5 Acts 7.44 where 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Type is taken for the Pattern and Image shewn to Moses in the Mount Exod. 25.40 in the Hebrew 'tis called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an Exemplar Pattern Figure or Form denoting that the Structure of that Levitical Tabernacle was a Type or Prefiguration of the Truth which was to be expected under the Gospel-Dispensation So Gregory Nazianzen says * Orat. 42. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 683. That the Universal Law was a shadow of things to come as the Apostle declared and as God commanded Moses to do all things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the Example shewed him in the Mount viz. of things obvious to sense which afterwards were to be discovered by Faith Piscator says that by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Type Heb. 8.5 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Arch-Type is to be understood that is the principal or primitive Exemplar or Pattern of those heavenly and spiritual things which were prefigured by the Tabernacle and the Ceremonies relating to it as Anti-Types viz. the Death of Christ upon the Altar of the Cross and his Entrance into the heavenly Sanctuary which things were spiritually revealed to Moses But we may be satisfied that by Type or Example in the aforesaid place we are to understand the Disposition and Form of the future building of God's House under the Evangelical