Page 162 Saints the Salt of the Earth Page 166 Saints Merchants Page 168 Saints Pilgrims Page 170 Saints compared to Palm-Trees Page 175 Saints compared to Wheat Page 178 Saints compared to Light Page 180 Saints compared to Cedars Page 182 Saints compared to Myrtle-Trees Page 184 Saints compared to Willows Page 185 Saints why called Vessels Page 186 Saints why called Lions Page 188 Saints compared to Gold Page 190 Saints compared to Doves Page 192 Some Saints like Lambs in a large Place Page 193 The Heart of a Saint compared to an Heart of Flesh Page 194 Saints Stewards Page 195 Saints why called Jewels Page 196 Saints why called Kings Page 199 Saints called Priests Page 200 Concerning Wicked Men. Wicked Men Captives Page 201 Wicked Men why called Sluggards Page 209 Wicked Men Fools or Idiots Page 211 Some wicked Men like painted Sepulchres Page 215 Wicked Men compared to Swine Page 216 Wicked Men Debtors Page 219 Wicked Men why called the Red of God Page 221 Wicked Men compared to Tares Page 222 Wicked Men compared to Chaff Page 223 Wicked Men compared to Thorns Page 224 Wicked Men compared to Mountains Page 225 Wicked Men dead in Sin what meant thereby Page 227 228 Wicked Men mad or besides themselves Page 231 Wicked Men called Dogs Page 232 Wicked Men called Bulls Page 235 Wicked Men called Lions Page 237 Wicked Men compared to Foxes Page 241 Wicked Men compared to Goats Page 243 Wicked Men compared to Thieves Page 245 Wicked Men naked Page 247 Wicked Men Vipers Page 248 Wicked Men poor and miserable Page 250 The Heart of a Wicked Man like a Rock Page 251 Wicked Men why called Eagles Page 253 Wicked Men why called Devils Page 254 The Ninth HEAD c. concerning True Ministers False Ministers and False Churches TRue Ministers why called Angels Page 256 True Ministers Stars why so called Page 258 Christ's Ministers called Labourers Page 259 Christ's Ministers called Watchmen Page 265 Christ's Ministers why called Trumpeters ibid Ministers Christ's Spokesmen Page 267 Christ's Ministers why called Clouds Page 269 Christ's Ministers why called Fathers Page 271 Christ's Ministers called Planters Page 273 Christ's Ministers called Shepherds Page 281 Christ's Ministers Ambassadors Page 282 Christ's Ministers called Rulers Page 287 Concerning False Teachers False Teachers why compared to Wolves Page 291 False-Teachers called Foxes Page 293 False-Teachers called Wells without Water Page 293 False-Teachers why called Clouds without Rain Page 294 False-Teachers called Deceivers Page 294 False Churches Mystery Babylon or the Great Whore proved to be the present State and Church of Rome Page 297 to 330 The Tenth HEAD of Metaphors concerning Sin and the Devil SIn why called a Thief Page 331 Sin a Debt Page 335 Sin an heavy Burthen Page 343 Sin a Sting Page 344 Sin a Wound Page 345 Sin a Plague Page 349 Sin compared to deadly Poyson Page 350 Sin a Sickness Page 352 Sin compared to an abominable Vomit Page 354 Sin an Vncleanness or nothing so loathsom as Sin Page 355 Sin compared to Gray-Hairs Page 357 Concerning the Devil The Devil why called the God of this World Page 359 The Devil why called a Prince Page 360 The Devil a Hunter Page 361 The Devil a Fowler Page 362 The Devil why called a Lion Page 363 The Devil why called a Dragon Page 364 The Devil a Serpent Page 365 The Eleventh HEAD c. concerning the Means of Grace and Providence THe Day of Grace what Page 367 Means of Grace compared to Summer Page 369 Means of Grace compared to Harvest Page 369 Godliness called a Trade largely opened Page 371 376 Of Providence and Afflictions Afflictions compared to Clouds Page 377 Afflictions compared to Fire Page 378 Afflictions why called a Rod Page 379 Afflictions compared to a Furnace Page 381 Afflictions compared to Winter ibid Afflictions compared to Darkness Page 383 Afflictions compared to Tempests Page 385 Afflictions compared to a Flood Page 386 Afflictions compared to great Heat Page 387 Afflictions compared to Wormwood and Gall Page 388 Afflictions called God's Arrows God hath many sharp Arrows Page 389 The Twelfth and Last HEAD concerning the World the Life of Man and the four last Things THe World compared to a Wilderness Page 391 THe World a Field Page 392 The End of the World why called an Harvest ibid Of the Life of Man The Life of Man compared to a swift Post Page 393 The Life of Man compared to a swift Ship ibid The Life of Man compared to an Eagle hastening to her Prey Page 394 The Life of Man compared To a Weaver's Shuttle Page 394 395 396 To the Wind Page 394 395 396 To a Cloud Page 394 395 396 To a Flower Page 394 395 396 To a Shadow Page 394 395 396 Of Death The Body of Man in the Grave compared to Seed sown Page 398 Death compared to Sleep Page 398 399 Death a Departure Page 400 Death a Rest ibid Of the Resurrection The Resurrection compared to the Morning Page 401 The Resurrection compared to an awaking out of Sleep Page 402 The Resurrection-Day a Man's Reaping-Day Page 403 Resurrection-Day a Saint's Coronation-Day Page 405 Of the Judgment-Day The Day of Judgment called an Assize Page 406 407 Of Heaven Heaven called Paradise Page 407 Heaven the Crown of Life Page 409 Of Hell Hell a Furnace of Fire Page 410 Hell utter Darkness Page 411 Moses's Vail removed OR A Treatise of TYPES ADam wherein a Type of Christ Page 413 Noah how a Type of Christ ibid Melchis deck a Type of Christ Page 414 Abraham a Type of Christ Page 415 Isaac a Type of Christ ibid Jacob how a Type of Christ Page 416 Jacob's Ladder a Tyye of Christ ibid Joseph in what respect a Type of Christ Page 416 417 Moses in how many things a Type of Christ ibid Sampson a Type of Christ Page 418 David in ten things a Type of Christ Page 418 419 Solomon in how many things a Type of Christ Page 420 Elisha a Type of Christ ibid Jonah wherein a Type of Christ ibid Zerubbabel a Type of Christ ibid Aaron a Type of Christ Page 421 The High-Priest a Type of Christ Page 421 422 423 What the Tabernacle was a Type of Page 423 424 The Vail of the Holiest what it was a Type of Page 424 The Ark a Type of Christ Page 425 The Mercy-Seat a Type of Christ ibid The Table of Shewbread what a Type of ibid The Candlestick what a Type of Page 426 The Altar of Perfume a Type of Christ ibid The Altar of Burnt Offering a Type of Christ Page 427 The Brazen Laver what it was a Type of ibid The Sacrifice of Beasts a Type of Christ Page 428 The Burnt-Offering of Fowls a Type of Christ Page 429 The Daily Sacrifice a Type of Christ ibid The Sin-Offering a Type of Christ ibid The Meat-Offering what it was a Type of Page 430 The Peace-Offering and what it was a Type of Page 431 The solemn yearly
like this or that Thing we are not to understand that it is so in all its Parts or in every Respect but only in such Things as are declared in the Similitude So Christ is compared to a Thief only in this respect because he comes in a Time when unlook'd for or when unexpected Luk. 12.39 9. All Parables do not conclude in the same but in a different Manner Some from Likeness a simili as the seven Parables Mat. 13. Some from Things unlike as that of the unjust Judge Him that desired three Loaves and the unjust Steward c. FINIS AN Alphabetical Table OF THE FOURTH BOOK A. Afflictions AFflictions compared to Fire in five respects Page 378 When Afflictions may be said to be very grievous Page 388 389 The Nature Kind and Cause of Afflictions largely opened Page 377 to 390 Ambassadors Ministers of Christ are his Ambassadors Page 282 Angels Angels why so called Page 49 They are compared to Watchers the Reason why shewed in five Things Page 50 Their Work and Office Page 50 51 52 Why they are called God's Host opened Page 53 54 Why they are compared to the Face of a Man c. opened Page 57 Why to a Flame of Fire opened Page 62 Why compared to Horses white red c. Page 63 64 Anchor Hope a sure Anchor shewed at large in eleven Particulars Page 26 27 28 Arrows Afflictions God's Arrows Page 389 What more particularly are God's Arrows Page 390 B. Babylon THe Church of Rome proved to be Mystery Babylon Page 297 First Negatively 1. By Whore of Babylon is not meant Jerusalem 2. Not the Turkish Empire 3. Not Rome Heathen 4. Not Protestants of any Denomination Page 300 to 303 Secondly In the Affirmative That by the Whore or Mystery Babylon is meant the present State and Church of Rome clearly evinced Page 322 to 326 Baptism Baptism how taken Page 36 37 Called a Burial Page 35 Babes Saints called Babes wherefore shewed in eighteen Particulars Page 140 141 Blind Wicked Men blind shewed in five Partic. Page 230 Bitter How a Saint may be sustained under bitter Afflictions Page 389 Breast-plate Why Righteousness is so called Page 10 11 Builders Why Ministers of the Gospel are called Builders opened in ten Particulars Page 277 278 Bulls Wicked Men why called Bulls Page 235 236 Burthen Sin a Burthen shewed in three things What a Burthen Sin is opened Page 344 The least Sin a Burthen to a tender Heart Page 344 Bush The Church compared to a Bush on Fire shewed in six things Page 106 107 108 C. Captives Wicked Men Captives with the Nature of their Captive-State opened Page 201 to 204 Clouds Christ 's Ministers why compared to Clouds Page 269 False Teachers compared to Clouds without Rain Page 294 Captain What kind of Captain Christ is shewed Page 158 Cedars Saints compared to Cedars opened in five Particulars Page 181 182 Children Saints called Children of God opened Page 142 143 Conscience What Conscience is opened Page 69 Conscience a Witness shewed in ten Particulars Page 70 71 72 The Excellency of a good Conscience Page 73 How a good Conscience may be known Page 74 City of God The Church called the City of God shewed in twenty Particulars Page 76 to 83 What a City Sion is Page 84 Church Church the Anti-type of Solomon's Temple Page 87 Church the Anti-type of the second Temple Page 89 Courage Saints like a Lion for Courage wherein their Courage ought to be shewed opened in eight Particulars Page 188 D. Day of Grace WHy so called Page 367 How to know when the Day of Grace draws towards an end shewed in five things Page 368 Darkness Divers Metaphorical Notations of Darkness Page 383 Hell a Place of utter Darkness Page 411 Affliction called Darkness Page 383 Death Death a Sleep why so called opened in three things Page 399 Dead Wicked Men dead in Sin what meant thereby opened in seven Particulars Page 227 228 Debt Debtors Sin a Debt why so called opened Page 332 334 How our Debts are satisfied for and yet freely forgiven largely opened Page 236 to 238 Wicked Men why called Debtors Page 200 Devil Wicked Men compared to the Devil Page 254 Devil why called a Lion and a Serpent Page 363 Dignity The great Dignity of Ministers Page 286 Dogs Wicked Men compared to Dogs in sixteen Particulars Page 232 c. Doves The Property of Doves and why the Saints are compared to them opened in 13 things Page 192 Deceivers Their many Ways to deceive laid open Page 295 Door What the Door is into the true Church Page 278 279 E. Eagles SAints compared to Eagles in ten things Page 141 Why wicked Men are compared to Eagles Page 253 F. Faith FAith why called a Shield Page 16 How you may know true Faith Page 15 16 17 The Necessity of Faith Page 19 20 The Difference between a weak and strong Faith Page 20 21 The Excellency of Faith Page 15 16 Family The Church called a Family Page 128 129 The Nature and Excellency of the Government thereof Page 128 129 Foxes Wicked Men why compared to Foxes Page 241 242 Forgiveness of Sin What it is we ask of God in that Petition Forgive us our Debts Page 340 341 No Forgiveness without Christ's Blood or Reconciliation made by him Page 342 Fowler Satan why called a Fowler and what a subtil Fowler he is opened in 5 Things Page 362 363 Floods Afflictions compared to Floods in 9 Things Page 386 In what respect God may be said to sit upon the Floods ibid Field This World why called a Field Page 392 Furnace Afflictions why compared to a Furnace Page 381 Fools Wicked Men Fools or Idiots opened Page 111 112 G. Garden THe Church why called a Garden opened in many Particulars Page 112 113 Girdle Truth why called a Girdle opened in 10 Partic. Page 4 to 8 Government The Nature of Church Order and Government opened in 12 Partic. Page 129 The Excellency of a Family or Church consists in its good and orderly Government Page 130 Gold The Nature of Gold and why Faith is compared to it opened in seven Partie Page 15 16 17 The Excellency of tryed Faith above Gold Page 18 The Godly why compared to Gold Page 190 191 Goats Why wicked Men as Hypocrites c. are compared to Goats Page 243 244 Why the Devil is call'd the God of this World Page 359 Godliness Godliness a great Mystery proved by nine Arguments Page 371 372 Gray-Hairs Sin and Judgments upon a People why called Gray-Hairs in six Things Page 357 England at this time gray-headed Page 359 H. Hardness CHrist's Souldiers must endure Hardness opened in seven Particulars Page 154 155 Harvest Day of Grace why called Harvest in 8 Things Page 370 Heirs Saints why called Heirs Heirs of God in six Things Page 145 Heart Heart of Flesh why so called and how such a Heart may be known in four things Page 194 Heaven Heaven why called Paradise Page 407 Heaven called
a Crown of Life Page 409 Hell Hell why called a Furnace of Fire Page 410 Heat Affliction compared to great Heat in 8 Things Page 387 Horn. The little Horn Dan. 7. proved to be the Pope Page 361 Hunter Satan why called a Hunter and what kind of Hunter he is opened in eight Partic. Page 361 Hope Hope a Helmet why so called Page 22 23 A Definition of Hope Page 22 I. Jewels SAints why called God's Jewels together with the Nature of Jewels opened in seven Things Page 198 Imitate Saints imitate God in five Things Page 144 Judgment-Day Judgment-Day compared to an Assize in eight Particulars Page 406 L. Lambs WHat meant by Lambs in a large Place Page 192 193 Labourers Ministers why called Labourers in 6 things Page 259 Christ's Labourers ought to be sufficiently provided for largely proved Page 260 261 Lilly The excellent Nature of the Lilly and why the Church is compared to it in 8 things Page 115 116 Light Light sown for the Righteous in five respects Page 384 Life Life of Man compared to a swift Post Page 393 To a swift Ship ibid To a Weavers Shuttle and to the Wind Page 394 To a Cloud and to a Flower Page 395 How we may know a Man who hath a Principle of spiritual Life in him Page 229 Lions Why Saints are compared to Lions shewed in five Things Page 188 189 Why wicked Men are compared to Lions Page 237 Locusts What meant by the Locusts out of the Bottomless Pit Page 137 Love Why Love is compared to Death and the Grave Page 30 Why to Coals and Flames of Fire Page 31 Christ's Love why compared to Wine opened in eight Things Page 34 M. Man WHy Man is compared to Earth opened in seven Things Page 133 134 Man why called a Worm and how fitly he may be compared thereto opened in ten Par. Page 136 Man like a Flower of the Field Page 138 139 Wicked Men mad or besides themselves opened in six Things Page 234 Marriage-Day The Resurrection-Day the Saints Marriage-Day and Coronation-Day Page 404 405 Merchants Saints spiritual Merchants in ten things Page 168 169 Ministers Ministers why called Angels Page 258 Work of a Minister hard in five Things Page 289 Who is a true Minister and how to be chosen and ordained Page 289 The Necessity of a Gospel Ministry Page 290 Mother Why the Church of God is called a Mother Page 110 The Church compared to the Moon Page 86 Morning The Resurrection compared to the Morning in nine Particulars Page 402 Mountains Why wicked Men are called Mountains Page 225 226 Myrtle-Trees The Nature of the Myrtle-Tree and what Fruit it bears and why the Godly are compared to it in seven Things Page 184 N. WIcked Men naked Page 247 O. Olive-Tree THe Nature of the Olive-Tree and why the Church is compared thereto Page 91 P. Palm-Tree WHat the Nature of it is and why the Godly are compared to it opened in nine Particulars Page 175 176 The Godly like the Palm-Tree flourish under heavy Pressures Page 177 Papists Papists confuted about Transubstantiation Page 38 39 Papists spiritual Thieves Page 246 Pilgrims Saints compared to Pilgrims opened Page 175 Priests Why the Saints are called Priests Page 200 Prince The Devil why called Prince of Darkness Page 360 Planters Ministers Planters why so called opened in fourteen Particulars Page 275 276 Plague Sin a Plague Page 349 The Plague of the Leprosy a Figure of Sin shewed in seven Things Page 344 Poyson Sin compared to Poyson in seven things Page 350 351 Poor Wicked Men poor and miserable shewed in seven Things Page 250 Providence Providence of God wonderful in preserving of his People in these Days Page 108 Providence of God compared to Clouds and Darkness Page 377 383 Prayer Saints must pray always what meant thereby Page 160 Special Seasons for extraordinary Prayer Page 160 Prayer a great Ordinance in six Things Page 160 161 What hinders the Saints Prayer Page 161 R. Race WHat a Man must do who would run the spiritual Race opened Page 162 to 165 Rod. Wicked Men the Rod of God in five Things Page 201 Afflictions called a Rod Page 379 What Voice is in the Rod Page 380 Rock The Heart of a Sinner compared to a Rock in seven Things Page 251 How to know a hard and rockie Heart shewed in five Things Page 252 Rulers Good Rulers their Qualifications and how chosen and govern Page 287 Ministers of the Gospel why called Rulers Page 287 S. Salt GRace compared to Salt in seven things Page 1 2 Saints compared to Salt Page 166 Satan Satan's Subtilty in warring against the Soul Page 153 Saints Saints Joynt-heirs and yet every one shall have Possession of the whole Inheritance Page 145 Sepulchre Hypocrites why compared to a Sepulchre in four Things Page 115 116 Sickness Sin a Sickness Page 352 What a Sickness Sin is opened Page 352 353 Sin The evil and abominable Nature of Sin largely opened by divers Metaphors Page 331 to 350 Singing Singing of Psalms an Ordinance of God Page 107 Spirit The Spirit of a Man why called the Candle of the Lord shewed in four Things Page 68 Ship Why the Church is compared to a Ship Page 118 Shepherds Ministers compared to Shepherds in 8 things Page 280 Sluggards Wicked Men called Sluggards Page 207 to 210 Stewards Every Saint a Steward why so called Page 195 Why Ministers are called Stewards Page 272 273 Souldiers Saints Souldiers of Jesus Christ largely opened in twenty two Particulars Page 149 to 157 Spokesmen Ministers Christ's Spokesmen opened in six Things Page 268 269 Swine The Nature of Swine and why wicked Men are compared to them in many Partic. Page 216 217 Sleep Death why called a Sleep Page 394 The Difference between the Sleep of the Godly and the Vngodly Page 394 Summer Day of Grace called Summer in 5 things Page 369 T. Tares WIcked Men compared to Tares Page 222 223 Thieves Thief Wicked Men called Thieves Page 245 Sin why called a Thief Page 331 Thorns Wicked Men why compared to Thorns Page 124 Trade Godliness a Trade opened in thirteen Particulars Page 371 to 376 The excellent Trade of the City of God Page 84 85 Truth The Excellency of Truth Page 7 8 Truth taken variously Page 3 Trumpeters Ministers why called Trumpeters Page 263 to 267 Types A Treatise of Types Page 413 to the End V. Vessels SAints compared to Vessels Page 186 187 Vipers The Nature of Vipers and why wicked Men are so called Page 248 Vineyard The Church compared to a Vineyard Page 99 100 Virgin The Church compared to a Virgin Page 103 104 Vomit What meant by turning to the old Vomit Page 354 Uncleanness Sin an unclean Thing nothing so unclean as Sin opened in five Things Page 355 The woful Uncleanness of Man by Nature Page 356 W. Watchmen MInisters why called Watchmen Page 263 264 Wells Why False-Teachers are called Wells with-Water Page 293 Willow-Trees Why Saints are compared to Willow-Trees Page 183 Winter Afflictions compared to Winter in 8 things Page 382 Wilderness This World a Wilderness in eight respects Page 341 Wheat Saints compared to Wheat Page 178 179 A Trial of Wheat from Tares Page 177 Wormwood Afflictions compared to Worm in 3 things Page 388 Wounds What a kind of Wound Sin is opened in ten Particulars Page 346 When a Wound may be said to be deadly or incurable Page 345 346 World The End of the World why called Harvest Page 392 FINIS
first it seems to bear no such thing So Mat. 13. Christ expounds that Parable or Allegory for tho Rhetoricians make a difference between Metaphors Similes Parables and Allegories yet in Divinity there is none but that Allegories are more large and continued calling the Seed the Word and the Sower the Son of Man c. This way of expounding such dark Scriptures is both useful and necessary and was often used as edifying by our Lord Jesus to his Disciples Now 't is this we speak of which teacheth how to draw plain Doctrines out of Metaphors Allegories c. and not to draw Allegories out of plain Histories Secondly it may be asked When we are to account a Place of Scripture figurative or allegorick and seek some other meaning than what at first appears Answ 1. When the literal proper meaning looks absurd-like or is empty nothing to Edification as when 't is said Unless ye eat the Flesh of the Son of Man c. This is my Body c. And so those Scriptures that command to pluck out the right Eye and cut off the right Hand take up our Cross c. All which if literally understood were absurd and ridiculous and therefore the mistaking such Scriptures hath occasioned many grievous Errors as that of the Anthropomorphites attributing Members viz. Head Hands Feet c to God and Passions yea Infirmities as Anger Repenting c. because the Scriptures in such places speaking after the manner of Men metaphorically attribute such things to him 2. Those Places of Scripture are to be accounted Metaphorical or Allegorick which reach not the Scope of Edification intended by them if literally understood as when Christ spoke of Sowing Mat. 13. the Disciples thought something more was intended than at first appeared for his Aim could not be to discourse of Husbandry to them 3. When a literal Sence would obtrude some Falsity on the Scripture then such Places are to be taken Allegorically as when Christ said Destroy this Temple and I will build it up again in three Days Which if understood of the Material Temple Christ's Words would not have had their Accomplishment But he spoke figuratively of his Body So when Christ said Except a Man eat my Flesh and drink my Blood he cannot live it cannot be understood literally because many who have obtained Life never did so eat his Flesh c. 4. Any Scripture is to be accounted Figurative or Allegorical when the literal Sence agrees not with other Scriptures and is repugnant to the Analogy of Faith or Rules of good Manners as when we are commanâ—ed to heap Coals of Fire upon the Head of our Enemy now we being required not to avenge our selves it followeth clearly this Scripture is not properly or literally understood 5. When a literal Sence answers not to the present Scope of the Speaker and the Speaker would be thought impertinent if his Words were properly taken then it ought to be expounded in a figurative Sence So Mat. 3.10 when John is pressing Repentance he saith Now is the Ax laid to the Root of the Tree c. And the Parable of Christ Luk. 13.7 If these Places were only properly to be understood they would not enforce Repentance And now Reader had we not had good Encouragement from divers worthy Ministers in this City this as well as the former had never seen the Sun but the readiness of divers Persons upon the coming out of the First to subscribe for this hath midwiv'd it into the World where we expect it will meet with different Entertainment but I hope by this time through the Grace of God I have learned not to be concerned either about the Praise of some on the one hand or Dispraise and Contempt of others on the other hand not doubting but that this or the succeeding Age may receive Advantage by it and many bless God for it And if it bring Glory to God and Profit to his Church I have my chief End and shall be content tho I pass under the Censures of captious Men c. I must confess it is not all of my own compiling I have made use of some help from others partly to expedite the Work and partly for want of some Literature And now Reader that I may not retain thee longer at the Door I shall commit Thee and the Work to the Blessing of the Lord heartily begging an Interest in thy Prayers engaging not to forget thee in this evil and perilous Hour subscribe my self Thy Servant for Jesus's sake BENj KEACH London August 9. 1682. A TABLE OF The Heads of those Metaphors Similes borrowed Terms Types Figures and other chief Things insisted upon in this Book THe Divine Authority of the Holy Scripture asserted and vindicated Page j to xvj The Fifth HEAD of Metaphors Similes c. GRace compared to Salt Page 1 Truth compared to a Girdle Page 3 Righteousness a Breast-plate Page 9 Faith a Shield Page 13 Faith more precious than Gold Page 15 Hope an Helmet Page 22 Hope an Anchor Page 25 Love compared to Death and the Grave and to Flames of Fire Page 30 31 Love compared to Wine Page 32 Baptism a Burial Page 35 The Lord's Supper Page 38 Christ our Passeover Page 45 The Sixth HEAD c. concerning Angels and the Soul of Man Angels Watchers Page 50 Angels Morning-Stars Page 52 Angels Sons of God Page 53 Angels God's Host Page 55 Angels compared to the Face of a Man a Lion an Ox and an Eagle Page 57 Angels compared to the Wind and Flames of Fire Page 61 Angels called Horses red white speckled c. Page 63 64 Soul of Man compared to a Ship Page 64 Spirit of Man a Candle Page 67 Conscience a Witness Page 69 The Seventh HEAD c. concerning God's Church CHurch a City Page 76 to 85 Church compared to the Moon Page 86 Church the Temple of God or the Anti-type of Solomon's Temple Page 87 Church the Anti-type of the Second Temple Page 89 Church called an Olive-Tree Page 91 Church compared to an Inn Page 92 Church a Vine Page 93 Church compared to a Dove Page 94 Church compared to the Body natural Page 97 Church a Vineyard Page 99 Church called a Virgin Page 102 Church a Wife Page 103 Church compared to a Bush on fire Page 106 Church compared to a Mother Page 109 Church a Garden Page 112 Church a Lilly among Thorns Page 115 Church compared to a Merchant-Ship Page 118 Church a Golden Candlestick Page 120 Church called a Flock of Sheep Page 121 Church compared to an House Page 123 Church a Family Page 128 The Eighth HEAD c. concerning 1. Men in general 2. Good Men 3. Wicked Men. MAn compared to Earth Page 133 Man compared to a Worm Page 135 Man compared to a Flower Page 138 Concerning the Saints or Good Men. Saints called Babes Page 140 Saints Children Page 142 Saints Heirs Page 145 Saints Eagles Page 146 Saints Souldiers Page 148 to 161 Saints Runners
Way the Truth and the Life John 14.6 3. The Statutes Precepts and Promises of the Law of Moses Thy Commandments are Truth Psal 119.151 v. 142. 4. The whole Word of God both Law and Gospel Thy Word is Truth John 17.17 Whereof you heard before by the Word of the Truth of the Gospel Col. 1.5 5. The Light of Nature in Man since the Fall to help him to know God so far as to leave him without excuse Which with-hold the Truth in Vnrighteousness Rom. 2.18 6. True Religion taught and contained in the Gospel Who hath bewitched you that you should not obey the Truth Gal. 3.1 Tit. 1.1 7. Truth of Grace Sincerity void of Deceit in Heart and Life I have walked before thee in Truth Isa 30.3 Thou lovest Truth in the inward Parts Psal 51.6 8. Fidelity and Faithfulness between Man and Man Jer. 5.1 2. 9. Judgment and true Justice Truth is fallen in the Streets 10. Most true far from all Deceit The Judgments of the Lord are Truth 11. Truth signifieth Sincerity from the Heart with assent of the Mind Psal 19.9 as one truly purposeth c. without Hypocrisy 1. But that which is principally intended by the Girdle of Truth according to Expositors is first the true Doctrine of the Gospel called the Word of Truth 2. Truth of Grace and Sincerity of Heart called 1 Cor. 5.8 The unleavened Bread of Sincerity and Truth By Loins is meant the Mind Gird up the Loins of your Mind c. A Christian should be of a sound Judgment he should be girt about as with a Girdle with Truth and Sincerity Hold the Mystery of Faith in a pure Conscience 1 Tim. 3.9 Maintain the true Religion and be sincere and upright in the Profession of it Why Truth in both these respects is compared to a Girdle will appear by what follows Metaphor Parallel A Girdle was of use in former times by Souldiers it was part of their Habit or Armour THe true Doctrine of the Gospel or the holy Principles of Religion and Sin erity are of great use among all Christ's Spiritual Souldiers in order to the arming of them compleatly II. A Girdle cleaves close to a Man when 't is well girt to him and it is not easily unbuckled by an Adversary II. So thâ— Truth of Christ should be fastened in â—ur Hearts and Judgments that we may not be wavering in our Minds Stand fast in the Faith c. 1 Cor. 16.13 Sincerity ought to cleave to our inward Parts as a Girdle doth to the Loins of a Man III. A Girdle compasseth a Man about III. So the Truth of Christ and Sincerity of Heart should compass Christians about they ought to keep always in the bounds of Truth and Uprightness God hath set Bounds to his People out of which they must never go we must not swerve aside to the Right-hand or Left nor play the Hypocrite for such that do so cannot be said to be girt about with Truth IV. A Girdle strengthens the Loins of a Souldier or him that is well girt therewith Jer. 1.7 Gird up thy Loins and arise and speak unto them all that I command thee 2 Sam. 22.40 be not dismaied as much as if God should say Isa 45. be strong for thy Work Thou hast girded me with Strength c. Their Loins shall be loosed Job 12.21 I will loose the Loins of the Kings He weakeneth the Strength of the Mighty the Girdle of the strong so the Heb. IV. The true Doctrine of the Gospel or that Religion that is according to Godliness joyned with Sincerity of Heart is the strength of every Christian or Souldier of Christ if he hath not this Girdle on his Loins are loose and weak and he is as unstable as Water as Jacob speaks of Reuben Let Truth go nay Gen 49.2 3. one Truth go and how doth it weaken our Hands or profess it with a false and deceitful Heart and how unable are such to stand against the Assaults of the Enemy On the other hand when a Person is well girt with Truth in both these respects he is thereby made strong and couragious V. A Girdle was used to gird on the other parts of the Souldiers Armour Let not him that girdeth on his Harness boast himself as he that putteth it off 1 King 20.11 V. Truth is that which fastneth or girdeth on every part of the Christian's Armour Sincerity compleats and perfects all what will a Man's Faith Hope Righteousness signify without the Girdle of Truth unless he keeps within the Bounds of Christian-Doctrine and is sincere and upright in the Profession thereof VI. Girding up the Loins notes a Preparation for Battel and War Thus David spake of Christ Gird thy Sword on thy Thigh Psal 45.3 O most Mighty Let not him that girdeth on his Armour boast c. VI. So the Apostle would have Saints stand or be ready to engage their spiritual Enemies Eph. 6.14 having their Loins girt about with Truth Such a Person is prepared to encounter with all Adversaries of the Soul We should be girt with the Truth and girt for the Truth that is as another Apostle speaks to contend for the Faith once delivered to the Saints Jude 3. We should be ready to dispute fight make War as good Souldiers of Christ Opponents are like Combatants Controversial Divinity saith Mr. Caryl is called Polemical Divinity Caryl on Job 38. pag. 35. Disputes are Word-Wars and there have been as hot Wars made by the Pen as ever were by the Sword Gird up now thy Loins c. saith God to Job The Lord seems to send him a Challenge to the Battel by a further Debate Arm thy self like a mighty Man get ready for the Duel for I am resolved to trie what a Man thou art in arguing A Saint being girt with Truth and Sincerity is fitted for any Conflict VII We read of girding up the Loins for Travel or when a Man is to take a Journey Thus Elisha said to Gehazi 2 Kin. 4.29 Gird up thy Loins and take my Staff in thine hand and go thy way It was the Fashion in those Eastern Countries where they wore their Garments long and ordinarily loose to gird them up by which they could travel the better VII So Christians should have their Loins girt about with Truth and Uprightness that they may be fitted and prepared to travel Heaven-wards God's People are Strangers and Pilgrims whilst in this World and are travelling to their own Country and to have their Minds well girt up with Truth will be a great Help to them in their Journey A Storm of Persecution may soon blow away the loose Garment of Profession if a Person be not girt with the Girdle of Truth and Sincerity VIII There is mention made of girding up the Loins in order to serving and attending on Business Which of you saith Christ having a Servant plowing or feeding Cattel will say unto him by
and by when he is come from the Field Go and sit down and will not rather say Gird thy self and serve me c. From hence we may see Girding is preparatory to Serving or Waiting It also denotes Preparation for our Labour or Work VIII Truth and Sincerity prepares and fits the Mind for Christ's Work and Service Let your Loins be girt about Luk. 12.35 and your Lights burning and ye your selves like unto Men that wait for their Lord. He is always well girt with Truth and Uprightness that is ready to wait upon or do Work for the Lord Jesus Careless slothful and unsound Persons are ungirt and so unbless'd A Saint in doing of his Work whether it be Heart-Work or Hand-Work ought to be well-girt viz. perform all in Truth and Uprightness Ministers must preach nothing but Truth and as they must preach nothing but Truth so they must preach in Truth or in Sincerity of Heart Some preach Christ saith the Apostle but not sincerely Phil. 1.16 Their Minds were not girt with Truth All our Prayers ought to be put up in Truth God is near to all that call upon him in Truth Psal 145.18 All Works of Charity ought to flow from a pure Heart viz. to be done in Uprightness and Simplicity according to the Direction given by the Lord in his Word both for matter and manner IX A Girdle is a great Ornament used to be put on uppermost to cover the Joints of the Armor which if seen would cause some uncomeliness for tho the Armor was closely knit and clasped together yet some gaping was subject to be betwixt piece and piece and therefore they used to put over these parts a broad Belt or Girdle which did serve not only to fasten the other Armor together but it made the Souldier appear more comely in his Harness and Accoutrements IX Sincerity is a glorious Ornament A Christian hereby appears very comely in the sight of God and it greatly tends to hide and cover all the Infirmities of his Life for the Saints Graces are not so close nor their Lives so exact but in the best are found Defects and Weaknesses which are as so many Gaps or Clifts in his Armor but Sincerity covers all so that he is not put to shame by them 1. Sincerity covers all outward Blemishes or want of outward Beauty that great Idol of the World Sincere Persons if they be not so fair and comely as some others yet being holy and upright sincere and vertuous Ones how amiable are they rendred hereby in the sight of all good Men It covers all things that seems to render a Saint dishonourable or uncomely 2. Mean Parentage or a low Descent is much despised in the World but how base soever the Stock and ignoble the Birth be when true Grace and Sincerity comes it makes the House and Person illustrious and very glorious Since thou wert precious in mine eyes thou hast been honourable Isa 43.4 Sincerity sets a Mark of Honour upon a Person or a People If you see this flourishing tho in a mean Cottage it tells you a great Prince nay an Heir of Heaven dwells there Sincerity brings the Creature into Alliance with the most high and glorious King of Heaven and Earth Who dares say a Child of God the Spouse of Christ and Heir of Heaven is of an ignoble Birth and Pedigree 3. It covers Poverty which exposeth to great Contempt There 's none so rich as a godly sincere Person he is daily let into God's Treasury Christ's Storehouse is always open unto him All is yours 1 Cor. 3.22 4. To want Parts and to be a Person of no Name and of small Endowments exposeth to disdain none are more contemptible in the eye of the wise and vain-glorious World than such But alas an honest Heart one that is sincere excells beyond all comparison the proudest most renowned and applauded for human Wisdom Parts and Elegancy in the World 5. It covers all sinful Uncomeliness and all the Godly Man's Failings whether they be Sins of Omission or Commission for Sincerity is that excellent quality to which pardoning Mercy is annexed 'T is Christ in a proper sence that covers all Sin but he will cover the Sins and Failings of none but such as are sincere Psal 32.2 Blessed is the Man whose Sins are covered c. The upright Man's Righteousness is accepted through Christ tho he be never so infirm or attended with Miscarriages Tho God doth not like his Sin for his Sincerity yet God will not un-saint him because of his Sin Ainsworth X. The Priest under the Law wore a Girdle which was made of fine Linnen and of Blew Purple and Scarlet the Hebrew Doctors say it was about three fingers broad it was curiously woven as Josephus observes Josephus Antiquit. Book 8. cap. 2. with Pictures of Flowers This Girdle saith Ainsworth signified the girding up the Loins of our Minds with Strength Justice and Vertue Eph. 6.15 Also we read of Christ's being girt with a Golden Girdle Rev. 1.13 X. Truth and Sincerity is not only an Ornament but a most glorious Ornament being that which was figured out by the Priest's Girdle rarely made with curious Flowers This is as a choice Golden Girdle curiously wrought by the Spirit of God 1 Pet. 2.5 which all the Priesthood of Christ have on It is made of a Complication of every Grace Sincerity is not alone many choice Divine Flowers are interwoven together in making of the Girdle of Truth Metaphor Disparity BEsides other great Disparities betweeen other Girdles and the Girdle of Truth this is one viz. Other Girdles may be lost or be corrupted they may rot and pass away like that which Jeremiah had Jer. 13.1 2 c. which was marred and profitable for nothing BUt the Girdle of Truth can never be lost Sincerity in the Heart of a Believer is so fast tied to him or twisted about him that he can never lose it I never yet read of a Man that was perfect and upright in Heart and Life in the sight of God that ever lost his Sincerity so as to die an Hypocrite tho he may in some things be guilty of Hypocrisy yet he cannot absolutely become an Hypocrite This Girdle cannot rot or be corrupted II. Other Girdles are only made for the Body II. But Truth and Sincerity is a Girdle for the Soul by which the Mind is stayed and strengthned Inferences THis should teach every Professor to labour after if they have not yet got the Girdle of Truth 1. Because the Design of Satan is to corrupt Men in their Judgments and make them zealous for false Ways Paul's Jealousy of the Corinthians was 2 Cor. 11.1 2 3. lest the Old Serpent should beguile them through his Subtilty and corrupt their Minds from the Simplicity of the Truth 2. Because of the damning Nature of Heresy and Hypocrisy which our Saviour 2 Joh. 9 10 2 Thess 2.10 2
Pet. 1.12 Gal. 4.1 Prov. 1.17 Eph. 4.14 2 Pet. 3.15 as well as the Apostle often warns us of 3. Because those who are well girt about with Truth are established Ones Deceivers are subtil and false Doctrine is of a bewitching Nature the wary and established Soul nevertheless is not soon overcome In vain is the Net spread in the sight of any Bird. Be no more tossed about with every Wind of Doctrine Children are most in danger of the Poyson 4. And as false Doctrine is of a corrupting nature so likewise is Hypocrisy hence compared to Leaven Luk. 12.1 As Sincerity leaveneth in a good sence so Hypocrisy is compared to Leaven in a bad sence from that sowering infusive and corrupting quality which is in it Directions about putting on the Girdle of Truth 1. Take heed of a counterfeit Girdle see that what you own and practise for Truth have the Stamp of God upon it 2. Take up nothing upon Trust Do not receive this or that because such and such Men believe so and practise so neither Men nor Ministers are your Rule but the Word of God 3. Put not this Girdle of Truth on in Notion only what will the knowledg of Truth signify in thy Head if the Loins of thy Mind are not girt with it 4. Take heed of being prejudiced against the Truth because of the Unworthiness of them who profess it 5. If thou hast not yet gotten the Girdle of Truth buy it now Prov. 23.23 as Solomon adviseth Buy the Truth and sell it not The Price of Truth may quickly rise high 6. Let Falshood go let thy Sins go let thy own Righteousness go in point of reliance or dependence upon it so as to trust in it for Justification and eternal Life 7. Come up to the Price of Truth do not cheapen it only but come up to the Price tho it cost thee a right Hand Lust of Profit or a right Eye Lust of Pleasure Thou must deny thy self Labour to know the Excellency of TRVTH 1. It is pure Psal 119.140 2. It will cleanse and purify thy Heart John 17.17 19. and cover all the Infirmities of thy Life as was hinted before 3. It will make you free Ye shall know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free John 8.32 4. It is strong Truth is too hard and strong for all its Opposers as the young Man said Great is the Strength of Truth There is no breaking of this Girdle 5. Consider what God's People have suffered before they would part with Truth what Torments and Tortures they have endured 7. There is no managing the spiritual War without the Girdle of Truth Marks of Sincerity First Negatively 1. He is not a perfect and sincere Christian whose Heart is not changed who is not renewed or who hath not a Principle of Divine Grace or spiritual Life in him 2. He is not a perfect and sincere Person that wants any essential part of a Christian as he is not a perfect natural Child that wants an Arm an Eye or a Leg. See Mat. 19.20 One thing thou lackest if thou wouldest be perfect or approve thy self sincere go thy way and sell what thou hast c. 3. He is not a sincere Person whose Heart is lifted up in him Hab. 2.4 4. He is not a sincere Man that is not upright in all his Dealings and Converse with Men if he want Moral Uprightness his Religion is good for nothing Secondly In the Affirmative 1. A sincere and upright Christian is known by the Way he goes in Prov. 16.17 Job 1 2 The High-way of the Vpright is to depart from Evil. 1. He escheweth all Evil the smallest as well as the greatest 2. He leaveth it willingly he hates it he doth not part with it as a Man parteth with his Friend but as a Man parteth with his most deadly and mortal Enemy 2. A sincere Person hath a right Faith and a good and well-enlightned Judgment Rotten Principles make rotten Christians 2 Tim. 3.8 There are some Men who are of corrupt Minds reprobate or of no Judgment concerning the Faith 3. He hath an holy and upright End he desires to live to God's Glory and to serve him in Sincerity Paul resolved Christ should be magnified in his Body whether it were by Life or by Death 4. He walks by a true and an exact Rule As many as walk according to this Rule Gal. 6. Peace on them and Mercy and upon the Israel of God 5. He labours to keep all God's Commandments Thus did David Psal 119.9 Luk. 1.6 who was a Man after God's own Heart and thus did Zachary and Elizabeth who walked in all the Commandments of the Lord blameless c. 6. He desires to be sanctified as well as to be saved to be made holy as well as to be made happy 7. He is as willing to do for God as to receive from God for the Work as well as the Wages 8. He strives as much against the Evils of his Heart as he does against the Evils of his Life 9. He is a Man always for God in bad Times as well as in good Times 10. He is the same in private as in publick he is at home what he seems to be abroad 11. He loves and prefers God and Christ above all Thus David Psal 73.25 and Paul Phil. 3.8 9. 12. He can go on in God's Ways and Services with abundance of content without respect to any outward Profit or Applause or being taken notice of by Men. His Satisfaction consisteth not in the approbation of Men but in the approbation and commendation of God His own Conscience gives Testimony and Evidence of the Sincerity of his Heatt Thus Paul 2 Cor. 11.12 This is our rejoycing 2 Cor. 11.12 the Testimony of our Conscience c. The Breast-plate of Righteousness Ephes 6.14 And having on the Breast-plate of Righteousness c. THere is a Moral Legal Evangelical Righteousness Now a Moral or Legal Righteousness will not save or defend the Saint or spiritual Souldier of Jesus Christ from his Enemy Mat. 5.20 Except your Righteousness exceed the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye can in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Paul valued not his own Righteousness that was of the Law All our Righteousness viz. that which flows not from Faith or from a renewed Principle of the Spirit is but as filthy Rags Therefore that cannot be the Righteousness here intended 2. Evangelical Righteousness is twofold 1. Imputed 2. Imparted First The Righteousness imputed is that which was wrought by Christ for the Believer in the days of his Flesh by his active and passive Obedience to the Law of God which is put upon the Soul by Faith called the Righteousness of God by Faith Phil 3.9 Secondly The Righteousness imparted is that which is wrought by Christ in the Soul it is a supernatural Work or a new Life planted in the Heart of every Believer
in the way of Obedience But a strong Faith in all it doth is kept up by Christ's doing by Christ's Obedience he sees his Acceptation comes in through the Lord Jesus's Undertaking for him 5. A weak Faith is subject to rest too much upon the Means and outward Ordinances He performs Duty and is found in the Appointments of Christ because of the Fat and Sweet of them or some present Comforts of the Spirit in the performance of them rather than because commanded of God and to manifest his Obedience and Subjection unto him and if he meets not with his expectation he is ready presently to faint and be discouraged and concludes the Ordinances do not belong to him or he is not a converted Person c. or else thinks wholly to neglect them for time to come 6. A weak Believer is ready to judg of his Justification by his inward Sanctification When he finds eminent Power over Sin then he begins to conclude he may be in a saved State tho I do not say that a Man is actually justified before he is in some measure or degree made holy where the one is the other will follow as the Effect the Cause Quest How may a weak Faith or Hand be strengthned and feeble Knees confirmed Answ 1. Consider a weak Faith is precious a little Gold is Gold a little Water is Water Thou art a Believer though thou art but a weak Believer 2. A weak Faith being true may in time prove strong and grow to be a great Faith 3. Tho thou hast but a weak Faith it will save doubtless some weak Eyes beheld the Brazen Serpent and were healed 4. Weak Faith if it be true shall never fail totally nor be taken away He that is the Author of it will likewise be the Finisher Phil. 1.6 Being confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good Work in you will perform it to the Day of Jesus Christ Hope compared to an Helmet Ephes 6.17 And take the Helmet of Salvation c. 1 Thess 5.8 And for an Helmet the Hope of Salvation AN Helmet is a Piece of Armor for the Head commonly called a Head-Piece Hope the Word is derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Havah which signifieth to expect or wait and it notes a very vehement Intention both of Body and Mind in waiting expecting or hoping when a Man waits as it were stretching forth his Spirit or his Mind putting himself out exceedingly to hope or wait for a thing Hope is a Divine and Super-natural Grace or Fruit of the holy Spirit and may be thus described First 'T is a patient and well-grounded Expectation of whatsoever God hath promised God is the Author of it called the Hope of Israel and the God of Hope The Believer is the Subject of this Hope The Object in a strict sence is God who comprehends all the Good that Saints dwell in the Faith and expectation of Psal 39.7 What wait I for my Hope is in thee In a large sence it is the Good of the Promise not in hand Rom. 8.24 or already accomplish'd but to be performed hereafter Hope that is seen is not Hope for what a Man seeth why doth he yet hope for it Futurity is intrinsecal to Hope's Object and distinguisheth it from Faith which gives a present Being to the Promise Heb. 11 1. and is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Substance of things hoped for The Good of the Promise hath a kind of Substance by Faith in the Soul it is in Heaven as it were in an Interview it brings the Christian and Heaven together as if he were there already Why Hope is compared to an Helmet will appear in the following Parallel Metaphor Parallel THe Helmet defends the Head that eminent part of the Body from the Dint of Bullet or Sword HOpe of Heaven defends the principal Parts and Faculties of the Soul from the dangerous Assaults of Sin and Satan particularly the Judgment which most Expositors understand is intended by the Head What avails that Faith which Men have without a well-grounded Hope of future Life Devils have a kind of Faith they believe but have no Hope Faith eyes the Promises and Hope preserves the Soul from Satan's Wounds keeping it in a faithful and stedfast expectation of the fulfilling of them By which means a Saint is help'd chearfully to suffer the Loss of all other things and that in Judgment hoping it will be made up again to him in another World Like as Hope causeth the Husband-man to cast his choice and precious Seed into the Earth He that ploweth ploweth in Hope 1 Cor. 9.10 he hopes for a greater Increase at Harvest So a Merchant ventures much Treasure to Sea as far as the Indies in Hope for had he not good Hopes of advantagious Returns all would account him a Fool so to do II. The Helmet maketh a Souldier fearless and very couragious in the Day of Battel for if his Head and Heart be well defended he is in no great danger of his Life II. In like manner Hope of Heaven makes a Saint very couragious for Christ and his blessed Interest Rom. 5.5 Hope maketh not ashamed 'T is the Hope of Heaven that causeth Saints to endure Afflictions and Persecutions with Patience and not to fear the Faces of their Enemies for if the Judgment Will Affection and Conscience of a Believer be preserved from the mortal Wounds of the Adversary he is safe and out of Danger which is all done by this part of the Christian's Armor How confidently and daringly did Goliah come forth against Israel with his Helmet of Brass and other Furniture as if he had been so enclosed in his Armor that it was impossible any one should prevail against him This made him carry his Crest so high and to defy a whole Host Tho he was mistaken in his Armor Isa 49.23 yet here is an Helmet c. that whosoever wears it shall never be put to shame for his holy Boasting God himself allows him so to do and will bear him out in the rejoycing of his Hope Psal 27.3 They shall not be ashamed that wait for me Therefore saith David Tho an Host should encamp against me my Heart shall not fear c. My Head shall be lifted above mine Enemies Two things make the Head hang down Fear and Shame now Hope easeth the Christian's Heart of both these and so forbids him to give any sign of a desponding Mind by a dejected Countenance in the worst of Times Luk. 21.28 When these things come to pass then lift up your Heads for your Redemption draweth nigh III. An Helmet tends to the compleat harnessing and setting out of a Souldier to meet his Enemy by which means he is terrible to behold as Experience shews for how fierce doth an Army of Souldiers look when armed Cap-a-pe And especially the Head-piece tends to do it Many have been struck with great trembling by
beholding an Army of Souldiers with Helmets on III. A well-grounded Hope of Salvation and of Victory against the Enemy tends to the compleat harnessing or fitting out of every true Christian to meet and encounter with the Adversary by which means also they are said to be as terrible as an Army with Banners which Mr. Ainsworth applies to this Armor 2 Cor. 10.4 The Weapons of our Warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of Strong-Holds c. Israel being compleatly furnished with Armor of Proof who were a People saved by the Lord the Shield of their Hope and who was the Sword of their Excellency God hereby put the Fear and Dread of them upon all the Nations under the whole Heavens who heard of the Fame of them and trembled not Deut. 2.2 The People heard and were afraid Exod. 15.14 15 16. Psal 48 5 6. Sorrow took hold on the Inhabitants of Palestina The Dukes of Edom were amazed the mighty Men of Moab Trembling took hold upon them All the Inhabitants of Canaan melted away and Dread fell upon them And thus will it be again when God brings forth the Sons of Zion against the Sons of Greece every way compleatly armed with Shield and Helmet as an Army with Banners Zech. 9 13 IV. An Helmet as well as other Pieces of Armor must not be put off or laid aside until the Battel be over There are some Instruments and Engines used in War that are made use of but now and then but the Shield Breast-plate and Helmet c. are necessary continually when Arms are employed IV. So Hope the Helmet of Salvation must be taken by every true Christian and never laid aside until the Field is won and all the Enemies subdued Hence saith the Apostle 1 Pet. 1.13 Gird up the Loins of your Minds be sober and hope to the End for the Grace that shall be brought unto you at the Revelation of Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 13. ult Heb. 6.11 12. Now abideth Faith Hope and Charity We desire every one of you to shew the same diligence to the full assurance of Hope unto the end V. A Souldier that hath his compleat Armor on as the having on the Helmet doth import because it is usually the last Piece of Armor defensive that is put on is ready for Service when his Captain commands him forth and from hence he is animated and becomes very diligent and doth great Execution oftentimes upon the Enemy yea and more is expected from him than from one that is unarmed V. So a Souldier of Jesus Christ having the whole Christian Armor on is ready for any Service or Suffering for his Captain and waits but for the Word of Command and he adventures forth as Abraham did not knowing whither he went Hope of Salvation particularly maketh a Man very active it is called a lively Hope more is expected from him than from one that is hopeless Alas he goes on without any Heart that hath no grounded Hope of Heaven and the blessed Enjoiment of God and Christ for ever Metaphor Disparity AN Helmet which Men use in War hath been may be pierced through to the loss of the Life of the Souldier that hath it on BUt this spiritual Helmet called the Hope of Salvation which hath God and all Good both here and hereafter for its Object against this there can be no Assault made nor Force of Weapon used to the endangering of the Life of the Soul II. An Helmet used in War amongst Men tho it may preserve the Head from Danger yet it cannot preserve the Breast but that may be wounded by Sword or Dart. II. But a well-grounded Hope the Helmet of Salvation doth wonderfully preserve the Conscience as well as the Judgment from being corrupted by the Wounds of Error and rotten Principles carried on by the cunning Craftiness of Men whereby they lie in wait to deceive III. Men may have Helmets on and yet notwithstanding lose the Day be overcome and flie before their Enemies with Shame and Disgrace III. But he that engageth in this spiritual Armor of which the Helmet is a part Ephes 6. having on the whole Armor of God doth not only make a Christian to withstand the Enemy but also to stand against any Assault Rom. 5.5 Hope of Salvation maketh not ashamed Inferences FRom hence you may perceive how exceeding useful Hope is to all true Christians in their spiritual Warfare with the Enemies of the Soul 2. It shews that a Christian's Life is a Life of Hope or Expectation The Promises of God are not presently accomplished he seems to stay long ere he makes good what he hath engaged to give to them 3. And tho he stays long before he performs his Promise to us yet they shall be accomplished at last in the best time to the eternal Joy of their Hearts Hope deferred makes the Heart sick but when it comes it is a Tree of Life The Vision is for an appointed Time but at the end it shall speak and not lie c. 4. That tho God stays long before he performs his Word and Promise yet it is our Duty to wait patiently till it is fulfilled Wait for it because it shall surely come c. 5. That Hope pacifies and quiets the Soul of a Believer till the Promises are accomplished and fulfilled It may also serve to caution every Christian to take heed he does not take a counterfeit Helmet There is a Hope that will prove like a Spider's Web. Tho a true and lively Hope maketh not ashamed yet some Men will one day be ashamed of their Hope c. See Hope the Anchor of the Soul Hope compared to an Anchor Heb. 6.19 Which Hope we have as the Anchor of the Soul both sure and stedfast c. HOpe is not only compared to an Helmet but also to an Anchor as the Soul is compared to a Ship which Metaphor is opened under its proper Head Quest What is this Hope that is called the Anchor of the Soul Answ 1. Negatively It is not a Hope of being rich great and mighty in the World They esteem not of things below at such a rate as to make them their Hope If I have made Gold my Hope or have said to the fine Gold Job 31.24 thou art my Confidence c. Gold is put here by a Synechdoche of the Part for the Whole for all earthly things so that whereas Job saith If I have made Gold my Hope his meaning is if I have made any good things on Earth my Hope There is great difference saith Mr. Caryl between hoping for Gold and making Gold our Hope we may hope for worldly good things but we must not make any thing of this Life our Hope And further he saith 'To make Gold either gotten or to be gotten our Hope implieth these four things 1. An high Estimation of it as that which can do great things for us or stand us in
condemneth It is Christ that died I lay down my Life for my Sheep Christ in an especial manner laid down his Life for those which the Father gave to him with an absolute Purpose and Intention eternally to save them and he shall not lose his Purchase nor miss of the Merit of his most precious Blood Therefore the Saints Hope is both sure and stedfast Fourthly Christ's Resurrection is a sure Ground of Hope Christ rose again from the Dead to justify all those who truly believe in him Who shall condemn Rom. 8.34 It is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again Who was delivered for our Offences and was raised again for out Justification Thus Christ by his Resurrection doth actually justifie all that believe in him therefore the Saints Hope is both sure and stedfast Fifthly The Intercession of Christ is a sure Ground of Hope Rom. 8.34 Who is he that condemneth It is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh Intercession for us Heb. 7.25 Joh. 17.24 Luk. 22.31 1 Joh. 2.1 â— Seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for us Father I will that those also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am c. I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not If any Man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous Christ prays the Father that all his Children may be kept from falling that their Faith fail not that they may have their Sins pardoned and may be where he is c. And he is always heard and answered by the Father I know thou hearest me always Therefore the Saints Hope is both sure and stedfast Sixthly The Covenant of Grace is a sure Ground of Hope 2 Sam. 23.5 Isa 54.10 Although my House be not so with God yet he hath made with me an everlasting Covenant ordered in all things and sure for this is all my Salvation and Desire tho he make it not to grow For the Mountains shall depart and the Hills be removed but my Kindness shall not depart from thee neither shall the Covenant of my Peace be removed saith the Lord that hath mercy upon thee The Covenant stands in Christ it was made in him he undertook to perform the Conditions of it by his Spirit in behalf of all true Believers as their Surety We stand not in Christ in the New Covenant as we stood in Adam in the Old Adam was a Person that might or might not stand it was in his own power to stand or fall but the Covenant of Grace is more firm and sure in many respects especially in regard of the Excellency Power Ability and Immutability of Jesus Christ who as the second Adam and publick Person hath undertaken for all his Seed If our standing was in the New Covenant as Adam's was in the Old doubtless we should not continue in our stedfastness one moment For if he was overcome by Satan that had no evil or depraved Nature in him for Satan to fasten a Temptation upon how should we escape him that have such a Body of Sin and Death in us even the Seed or Root of all Corruption our Hearts being like Tinder ready to take with every Spark of the Devil 's kindling I will make an everlasting Covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them Good Jer. 32. â—0 But I will put my Fear into their Hearts that they shall not depart from me As God will not turn away from us so he will not suffer us to depart from him This is not like the Covenant he first made Therefore the Saints Hope of Salvation is both sure and stedfast an Anchor that will hold and cannot be broken Seventhly The Fulness of Grace which is treasured up in Christ for Believers is a sure Ground of Hope It pleased the Father that in him should all Fulness dwell Col. 1.19 Joh. 1.16 Phil. 4.19 And of his Fulness have we all received and Grace for Grace Hence it is that all the Wants of Believers are supplied But my God shall supply all your Needs according to his Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus Insomuch that when ever any tho the meanest and weakest Saint is in need of Support or Help in time of great and imminent Danger he may have not only Supply in one respect but a full and compleat Supply in all respects answerable to the various Exercises that Believers meet with in their Christian Course to the end they may not miscarry or suffer Shipwrack for that in Christ they have a Fulness of Wisdom to instruct and counsel them a Fulness of Love and Care to guide them a Fulness of Power and Strength to hold them up that they may be safe and to stay them from sinking as he did Peter who when under the fear of miscarrying cries out to Christ for help a Fulness of Pity and Compâ—ssion to commiserate them in all their Distresses and a Fulness of Grace and Mercy to pardon and fully blot out all their Sins and Failings and be with them in all their Sorrows and Sufferings Therefore the Saints Hope of Salvation is both sure and stedfast Eighthly The Mercy of God is a sure Ground of Hope If the Mercy of God can fail the Saints Anchor may fail but the Mercy of God endureth for ever Behold Psal 33.18 52.8 Isa 63.13 the Eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him upon them that hope in his Mercy I trust in the Mercy of God for ever and ever Where is the sounding of thy Bowels and thy Mercies towards me Are they restrained The Saints of God as appears from hence trust in the Mercy of God and that endureth for ever and ever His Bowels to his People can never fail Can a Woman forget her sucking Child that she should not have compassion on the Son of her Womb Yea they may but I will not forget thee Therefore the Saints Hope is both sure and stedfast Heb 6.16 17 18 19. Ninthly The Promise and Oath of God are a sure Ground of Hope For Men verily swear by the greater and an Oath for Confirmation is to them an End of all Strife Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the Heirs of Promise the Immutability of his Counsel confirmed it by an Oath That by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie we might have strong Consolation who have fled for Refuge to lay hold upon the Hope set before us Which Hope we have as an Anchor of the Soul both sure and stedfast Tit. 1.2 2 Cor. 6.16 In Hope of eternal Life which God that cannot lie promised before the World began As God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them and I will be their God and they shall be my People If the Promise and Oath of God be not enough to assure Believers
had only in some particular Countries some People never taste of it as long as they live III. Christ's Love is not known to many that live in the World divers never tasted of it do not know how good it is died without any sight or assurance of Christ's Love IV. Wine is highly esteemed and valued when the excellent Virtue thereof is known IV. Christ's Love is esteemed by all that know his Worth they value him above Wine or Gold or the best of earthly things V. Men will not part with Store of the best Wine for Toys and Trifles V. Saints will not part with the Love of Christ for all the good things of this World they are but Trifles and Vanity in comparison of his Love If a Man would give all the Goods of his House to a Saint so that he would part with Christ's Love Cant. 8.7 it would be contemned VI. Wine is of a singular use to revive and make glad the disconsolate Spirit Vina parant animos Ovid. Give Wine to him that is of an heavy Heart VI. The Love of Christ is the most sovereign thing in the World in the Manifestations of it to revive and comfort poor disconsolate Souls Thou hast put more Gladness in my Heart Psal 4.7 than in the Time when their Corn and Wine encreased VII Wine causes a Man if he drinks freely of it Cura fugit dilueturque Mero Ovid. to forget his Sorrows VII The Evidence or Manifestation of Christ's Love to a poor Soul doth cause it to forget all its former Bitterness Terror of the Law Rom. 7.10 15 18 24 25. and Horror of Conscience for Sin which possibly for a great while it lay under VIII Wine Naturalists tell us repairs decayed Nature A Man may faint by some sudden Qualm and need a Cordial and that which may revive the Spirit may not recover a Man out of a Consumption or one brought by a languishing Distemper almost to the Grave VIII The Grace and Love of Christ will recover Strength that hath been lost A Saint may faint and need a Cordial by means of a Temptation when Grace is not much decayed in him A Draught of Christ's Love I mean the Manifestations of it will recover in a spiritual sence a Christian that has been a great while consumptive whose Vitals are impaired and he almost dead IX Wine was used in Legal Sacrifices in time of the Law IX The Grace of Love that Fruit of the Spirit which flows from Christ is the only Ingredient to stir up our Devotion We can perform no Services acceptably without Love Let all your Works be done in Charity And when the Soul hath sweet Manifestations of Chrst's Love to it how sweetly doth it go on in God's Worship X. Wine is good as it may be used to heal some sorts of Wounds X. The Love of Christ will heal a broken Heart There is no Salve both in the Nature and Effects thereof to cure a wounded Spirit like Assurance of Christ's Love XI Wine is good to stir up Courage in hostile Encounters it makes a Man brisk and valiant XI The Love of Christ breaking in upon the Soul makes a Christian couragious and very valiant in that spiritual Warfare he is engaged in he is hereby animated to endure all manner of Hardness and over all is more than a Conqueror Nothing shall separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. XII Wine is used at Marriage-Feasts and in great Banquets XII The Love of Christ is more than a Banquet of the greatest Varieties to a gracious Soul it affords choice Food a Feast of fat things of Wines upon the Lees of fat things full of Marrow of Wines upon their Lees well refined XIII Wine may be taken to excess XIII But none can have too much of Christ's Love XIV Wine daily drunk without fresh Supplies will not hold out long XIV Christ's Love is like a Fountain of living Water or an inexhaustible Treasure XV. Wine will decay by long keeping it will wax sour and become nauseous and unsavoury XV. Christ's Love the longer we enjoy it the sweeter it is and sweetest of all 't will be at the last Inferences BUt from whence is it that Believers do thus prize and esteem Jesus Christ and his Love First From the Excellency of his Person See Rose of Sharon and Lilly of the Vallies He is fairer than the Children of Men. Secondly From the sence of his great Love to them We love him because he first loved us Thirdly From the Consideration of those hard things he suffered for their sakes Fourthly Because of the Savour of his good Ointment He hath shed his Love abroad in their Hearts Rom 5 5. by the Holy Ghost Fifthly Saints value Christ's Love above Wine because his Love is beyond all comparison most sweet and consolatory 1. His Love was in him early betimes before ever the Earth was formed or the Foundations thereof laid Prov. 8 31. his Hearts Desire and Love was first set upon us 2. His Love is of an attracting Nature that the Spouse knew well enough He is like the Loadstone Jer. 31.3 1 John 4.19 he draws all Hearts after him that have a taste or touch of him 3. 'T is boundless like Nilus it overflows all Banks and Bounds it knows no Limits Prov. 8.30 4. It is a delighting Love His Delight was with the Sons of Men. He takes complacency in the Soul he loves Hos 14.4 Ezek 16.3 4 5 6 9. Cant. 8.6 7. 5. It is a free Love without foreseen Merit or Worth in the Object When Man lay weltring in his Blood loathsom and filthy Christ loved him 6. Christ's Love is hot and fervent much Water cannot quench it It hath a vehement Flame 7. 'T is a matchless Love far beyond the Love of Jacob to Rachel or Jonathan to David 8. 'T is an incomprehensible Love it passeth Knowledg You may sooner find out the Depth of the Sea the Heighth of Heaven tell the Stars or accompt the Sands of the Sea-shore than find out or measure the Love of Christ It is a lasting abiding and eternal Love His loving-kindness he will never take away This makes the Church so much to desire the Manifestations of the Love of Christ and in this is his Love better than Wine But who are they that thus prize and esteem the Love of Christ Take some brief Notes of them 1. Such cannot tell how to praise Christ nor set forth his Excellency as they would they cannot sufficiently exalt him 2. Such are in a longing and languishing Condition till they see him 3. Cannot be satisfied till they get to some good and well-grounded Assurance of an Interest in him 4. Christ runs much in their Minds 5. Such love Christ what State soever they are in 6. Such keep his Word 7. They love Christ above Husband Wife Children c. nay more than Life it self 8. They
more safe and secure to dwell in and some Cities have two or three Walls to make them more impregnable II. The Church of God hath strong Walls about it We have a strong City Isa 26.1 Salvation will God appoint for Walls and Bulwarks The Church hath a threefold Wall about it First The Wall of God's Providence Hast not thou made a Hedg or Wall about him As the Mountains are round about Jerusalem Job 1. Psal 125.2 so the Lord is round about them that fear him c. Secondly The Protection of the holy Angels Psal 34.7 The Angels of the Lord encamp round about them that fear him c. Thirdly God in an extraordinary manner is as a Wall of Fire round about her Zech. 2.5 every one of his Attributes is a gracious Defence to the Church III. Some Cities are bravely scituated they are built upon a Hill III. The Church of God is famous upon this account Beautiful for Scituation Psal 48.2 the Joy of the whole Earth is Mount Zion on the sides of the North the City of the great King Mat. 16.18 Ye are as a City set upon a Hill IV. A City is built of many Materials and in it are many Buildings or Houses set in rare Uniformity curiously joined and compacted together IV. The Church of God is built up of many living Stones consisting of divers particular Societies or spiritual Houses Now therefore ye are no more Strangers and Foreigners Eph. 2.19 20 21 22. but Fellow-Citizens with the Saints and of the Houshold of God And are built upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner-stone In whom all the Building fitly framed together groweth to an holy Temple in the Lord c. In whom ye also are builded together for an Habitation of God through the Spirit Jerusalem is builded as a City that is compact together Psal 122.3 V. A City hath its particular Laws Institutions and Customs by which it is governed V. The Church of God also hath special Laws Institutions and Customs belonging to it by which it is in all things governed which are contained in the holy Scripture the great Charter and Statute-Book of the Church VI. A City hath a supreme Governor in it who rectifies all Disorders and Confusions that otherwise would be therein considering the Multitude of its Inhabitants VI. The Church of God is not without a good Government and a Supreme Magistrate viz. the Lord Jâ—sus Christ who is the chief Judg and Law-giver or Head of this spiritual Corporation VII A City hath besides the chief Governor and principal Magistrate divers inferior Officers for Administration of Justice and well governing thereof VII So the Church of God hath inferior Officers under Jesus Christ which the Citizens by the appointment of Christ are required to substitute and ordain to govern and keep all things in good Order And he gave some Apostles Ephes 4.8 9 10 11 12. and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers c. VIII A City hath some special Trade belonging to it by which its Inhabitants are enriched VIII The Church or City of God hath a spiritual Trade belonging to it which all the Citizens do and ought always to follow by which they are also greatly enriched IX Many Cities have Merchants in them who trade into remote parts of the World and fetch their Merchandize from afar IX The Saints or Citizens of Zion are all Merchants who trade daily to Heaven they fetch their blessed Merchandize from thence Phil. 3.20 Prov. 41. Our Conversation is in Heaven Hence the Church is by Solomon compared to Merchants Ships See Merchants Ships Saints have like other Merchants their Correspondent Jesus Christ who makes glorious Returns of all they venture or send to Heaven For every Duty rightly performed he makes Returns of Mercy for Tears of godly Sorrow he returns them the Oil of Joy Thou wilt saith holy David put my Tears into thy Bottle By which means the spiritual Citizens grow rich in Faith Hope Experience c. See the Parable of the Merchant-man Now touching the Trade Traffick or Merchandize of this City upon which its Wealth and Prosperity doth wholly depend take what follows First Their Trade is heavenly Wherefore holy Brethren Heb. 3.1 2 Partakers of the heavenly Calling consider the Apostle and High-Priest of our Profession Jesus Christ And as they are all Merchants and use one Trade so they all deal with one and the same Benefactor from whom they have quick Returns they fetch their Goods from afar Something touching the Excellency of the Trade of the City of God I shall hint in a few Particulâ—rs Secondly As touching her Commodities or the Merchandize which her Citizens deal in First Negatively 1. They are not prohibited Goods 2. They are not counterfeit Goods 3. They are not temporal and corruptible Goods Secondly Affirmatively and more directly they are 1. Soul enriching Commodities things that are of very great worth and value The Merchandize of Wisdom is better than the Merchandize of Silver Prov. 3.14 and the Gain thereof than fine Gold 2. They are needful things such things as we cannot be without Some things that Merchants of a City deal in and fetch from afar tho they are of great value yet we may very well subsist and live comfortably without them as Pearl and precious Stones c. But there is an absolute Necessity of all those things the Citizens of this City trade in and for 3. They are such Commodities as will make the Nations and Persons that buy them happy for ever and indeed there is no true Happiness without them Quest What is the Traffick of this City of God Answ The first thing that I shall mention is the Truth this she offers to Sale Buy the Truth and sell it not Prov. 23.23 The Church is called the Pillar and Ground of Truth 1 Tim. 3.15 Truth is only to be found in this City or in the Ware-Houses of the Citizens of Zion viz. the Word of God and the Hearts of Believers The second thing is a Soul-converting Gospel and blessed Ordinances The Law goeth forth of Zion and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem Mic. 2.4 The third thing they deal in are the Gifts and Soul-enriching Graces of the Spirit Hope Love Humility c. things of very great worth The fourth is Justification every true Sinner makes it his Business to get this precious Treasure The fifth thing is the Peace of God which passeth all Understanding one of the rarest Commodities in the World The sixth thing is Union and Communion with God 1 Joh. 1.3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ The seventh thing is Peace of Conscience Herein do I exercise my self Acts 24.16
Mat. 4.2 II. The Moon receiving Light by the Beams at the Sun she shines forth and giveth Light to the World II. So the Church receiving Light from Christ she shines forth in Brightness and Glory The Sun gives Light but receives none the Moon both gives Light and receives Light So Christ as God hath his Light in himself but as Mediator hath his Light from the Father to communicate it to the Church that the Church may give Light to the World Ye are the Light of the World Mat. 5.14 III. The Moon giveth Light to the World only in the Night III. So the Church gives her Light forth to enlighten Sinners whilst the Night of this World lasteth IV. The Moon tho very fair and bright yet as Naturalists observe hath her Spots IV. So the Church tho pure and holy yet in her self is not without Spots of Sin No Saint is without Blemishes If we say we have no Sin we deceive our selves and the Truth is not in us 1 John 1.8 V. The Moon hath her various Aspects sometimes she is in the Full and sometimes in the Wane sometimes she shines more glorious and sometimes less and yet still the same Moon She doth not saith an ancient Writer always shew her Light in her full Orb she sometimes so decreaseth that there seemeth to us not to be any Moon yet she is not then destitute of the Sun-Beams tho it seem otherwise to our Sight V. So the Church is under various States and Changes She doth not always shine as at Full Moon or send forth a full Brightness but is sometimes so obscured that she appears hardly visible she was forced into the Wilderness Rev. 12.6 from the Face of the Dragon and Romish Beast yet it is certain the Church is always in being Posse putes nobis persuadere eum esse Ecclesiae statum ut obscurari nequeat ut nil Perfidia nil Hostes nil Antichristus valeat Delere hi quidem Ecclesiam nunquam possunt sed in angustias compingere compellere in latebras possint saith Whitaker Thinkest thou that thou canst persuade us that the State of the Church is such that it cannot be obscured so that the Perfidiousness of Enemies and Antichrist can do nothing against it They cannot indeed destroy the Church but they can bring it into a narrower Compass and drive it into Holes The Church saith Augustin is like the Moon which sometimes shines wholly being enlightned with the Sun-beams and sometimes is deprived of a great part of her Light so the Church shines sometimes most gloriously and sometimes is so obscured that she hardly appears at all Inferences HEnce we may learn to look and earnestly expect to receive all our Light as well as Life from Christ the Light of the World and earnestly pray with David Psal 4.6 that he would lift up the Light of his Countenance upon us that forasmuch as we have no Light but what is communicated from him unto us he would dart continually his glorious Beams into our Hearts Mat. 5.16 that we may indeed be as shining Lights in this dark World 2. This may also humble the most glittering Saints to consider that they cannot shine so bright in this World but that their Spots may be discernible to themselves and others which may excite them to apply themselves daily to the Sun of Righteousness for cleansing Mal 4.2 3. To keep clear and shine as much as possible that the poor benighted dark World may obtain Benefit by them and confess it to the Glory of God Mat. 5.16 Let your Light so shine c. 4. Take Comfort from hence notwithstanding your various Changes Ebbings and Flowings in this World for that the Enemy may as soon change the Ordinances of the Moon as make an utter end of God's Church as you have heard 5. What a dreadful Doom will such be sure to have that love Darkness so as that they do not only contemn oppose and endeavour to pull the Moon viz. the Church out of her Orb but so wicked are they they slight and contemn the Sun from whence she receives all her shining Brightness Let such read Job 5.14 They meet with Darkness in the Day-time and grope in the Noon-day as in the Night To whom is reserved the Blackness of Darkness for evâ—â— 2 Pet. 2 17 except Grace prevent by giving them Repentance The Church the Temple of God 1 Cor. 3.16 Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God 2 Cor. 6.16 For ye are the Temple of the Living God as God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them c. THe Church is the Anti-type of Solomon's Temple and we shall therefore run the Parallel with respect to that Type Parallel THe Temple was built with costly Stones well hewed squared and polished before they were laid into the Building SO the Church of God is built with spiritual Stones 1 Pet. 2.3 4 5 6. Acts 2.40 41. who are well hewed and polished by the Word and Spirit before added to or laid into the heavenly Building II. In the Building of the Temple there was no Noise heard of Hammer or Ax and the House when it was in building was built with Stones made ready before they were brought thither 1 King 6.7 so that there was neither Hammer nor Ax nor any Tool of Iron heard in the House whilst it was in building II. So in the building of the Church there should be no need of the Hammer or the Ax to square and hew by Repentance the Stones of this Building being every way prepared and made fit before Conversion is the polishing Work and those that receive unconverted Persons violate the holy Rule of God's Word for that maketh Work for the Hammer and Ax in the Temple Hence Solomon saith Prepare thy Work without Prov. 24.27 and make ready thy things in the Field and after build thy House III. Others besides Solomon were concerned in the building of the Temple as Hiram King of Tyrus and the Zidonians who hewed the Timber for it III. To shew that in the building of the Church of God the Gentiles as well as the Jews are concerned they all concur together Eph. 2. â—1 to build up a holy Temple in the Lord. IV. The Temple was a most rare and glorious Structure 1 Kings 6.21 it was overlaid with fine Gold upon carved Cedar IV. To shew the Beauty and Glory of the Church which is adorned with the Gifts and Graces of the Spirit The Church is inwardly pure very rich and beautiful Hence the King's Daughter is said to be all glorious within Psal 45.17 V. In the Temple were many Windows 1 Kings 6.4 to let in Light abundantly V. So in the Church the Light of the Gospel and the blessed Spirit shines gloriously these let Light in in great abundance VI. In the Temple were several Degrees of Galleries or Lofts each one
the Lord Ezek. 15.6 As the Vine-Tree that is amongst the Trees of the Forrest which I have given to the Fire to be consumed so will I give the Inhabitants of Jerusalem I will set my Face against them they shall go out of one Fire and another Fire shall consume them And ye shall know that I am the Lord c. The Church compared to a Dove Cant. 2.14 O my Dove that art in the Clifts of the Rock c. Psal 74.19 O deliver not the Soul of thy Turtle-Dove unto the Multitude c. THat is thy Church and People who worship none but Thee as the Turtle-Dove that never entertains Conjunction with another and who in their Affliction like a Dove express their Grief in Sighs and solitary Groans to thee and which is unarmed weak simple and meek like the Turtle-Dove which is esteemed the least among the Species of Doves as Aristotle says The Chaldee renders it The Soul of such as learn thy Law that Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Turtle-Dove being of some affinity with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Law Christ calls his Church a Dove by which Metaphor saith Glassius its Simplicity Chastity c. is denoted Doct. That the Spouse of Christ or a gracious Soul is or may fitly be compared unto a Dove Metaphor Parallel A Dove is a meek and harmless Creature Be ye innocent as Doves THe Saints of God are injurious to none they seek the hurt of no Man they are and ought to be harmless Phil. 2.15 the Children of God in the midst of a crooked and perverse Generation II. The Dove makes her Nest in the Rock Cant. 4.14 her Safety and Place of Abode is in the Clifts of the Rock II. The Saints make their Abode in the Rock Christ they build only in him Exod. 3◠22 and upon him and indeed in the Clifts of this Rock they rest viz. in the Wounds Piercings Dyings and Crucifyings of the Lord Jesus Christ III. The Dove is a Creature that feeds not upon Carrion as Eagles Ravens and other Fowls do but only upon pure Grain III. Gracious Souls or sincere Christians do not feed upon the sensual Pleasures and carnal Delights of this World as the Ungodly do Psal 119.104 128. nor will they feed upon or receive in the detestable Carrion of Mens Traditions they hate Idolatry false Worship and every evil Way and only feed and live upon the pure Grain of God's holy Word IV. The Dove is a Creature much molested by all Birds of Prey IV. The Saints of God are persecuted and molested by all the Sons of Belial they are chased like a Dove or Partridge upon the Mountains 1 Sam. 26.20 V. The Dove hath no other Defence when molested but by Flight V. The Godly have no other way when molested by Satan and wicked Men but to flie to God At what time I am afraid I will trust in thee Psal 56.3 VI. The Dove thinks not her self secure till she be got into the Rock VI. The sincere Christian looks not upon himself as secure until he is got into Christ Prov. 18.10 The Name of the Lord is a Strong-Tower the Righteous run into it and are safe They like Noah's Dove flie to the Ark. VII The Dove is a Creature very chast and true to its Mate VII The sincere Christian and Spouse of Christ is very chast to the Lord Jesus will own no other Head or Husband they defy the Pope that First-born of Satan and all others who pretend to Headship and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction over their Consciences VIII The Dove hath a lovely Eye and 't is always fix'd upon her Mate VIII The Saints of God have a single and lovely Eye in Christ's Sight they strive to be like the Dove resisting Pride Lust and Wantonness and to be adorned with Meekness and Modesty having always their Eyes upon Jesus Christ not daring to lift up their Eyes to other Lovers Isa 8.17 Psal 25.15 but by holy Intention wait upon him alone in all their Devotion IX The Dove loves to accompany with Doves they will gather together by great Numbers if they can IX God's Children love Communion and Fellowship one with another that they may mutually be comforted and edified in the Faith They flie like a Cloud Isa 60.8 and as Doves to their Windows that is to the House or Church of God X. The Dove mourns when she hath lost the sight of her Mate X. A gracious Soul mourns when it hath lost the Sight of Jesus Christ Isa 38.11 14. Ezek. 7.16 Thou hiddest thy Face and I was troubled saith David I did mourn as a Dove saith Hezekiah mine Eyes fail with looking up I shall not see the Lord in the Land of the Living They shall be on the Mountains like Doves in the Vallies every one mourning for his own Iniquity XI The Dove is a very fruitful Creature having Young almost every month in the Year XI The Church is also very fruitful to Christ 1. In respect of bringing forth Children Psal 87. This and that Man it shall be said was born in her 2. In respect of bringing forth the Fruits of the Spirit and good Works XII Doves love to be by the Rivers of Water XII Christians or gracious Souls love to be by the sweet Streams of living Water Psal 23.3 4. by that River that makes glad the City of God they love to drink of the Promises and Consolations of the Spirit XIII Doves have Feathers of divers colours Psal 68.13 and 't is observed when the Sun shines their Beauty appears most as if their Wings were covered with Silver and their Feathers with yellow Gold XIII The Saints are gloriously adorned with the Righteousness of Christ and with the Gifts and Graces of the Spirit and when the Sun of Righteousness shines Psal 45. and sends forth his splendent Beams and Rays upon them then their Graces appear and shine most glorious XIV The Dove was appointed by the Lord under the Law for a Sacrifice and no other Bird or Fowl of Heaven but the Dove And hence you read in the Gospel that there were those that sold Doves in the Temple Mat. 21.12 which was as it is thought to accommodate such as came to offer Sacrifice XIV The Godly are required to offer up themselves both Body and Soul as an acceptable Sacrifice unto God Rom. 12.1 and many of them have been commanded and readily have yielded themselves up to God in a way of suffering for Christ's sake Prov. 15.8 and none but those who are God's own sincere Children are accepted in offering up themselves either in a way of doing or suffering XV. The Dove is said to be silly and without Heart Hos 7 11. wants Courage c. XV. The Saints of God are of themselves in many things silly and foolish wanting that Heart Courage and Magnanimity of Spirit to stand up for God his
appertaining to them that are given to the Church are for the perfecting of the Saints Eph. 4.11 12 13 14. for the Work of the Ministry for the edifying of the Body of Christ till we all come in the Vnity of the Faith and of the Knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect Man unto the measure of the Stature of the Fulness of Christ Inferences THis clearly shews what infinite Benefit the Godly receive from Jesus Christ and what Dependency they have upon him What can the Body do without the Head 2. How happy are all true Believers how near and dear are they to the Lord Jesus what greater Union is there than that between the Members and the Head Eph. 5.29 No Man ever hated his own Flesh but nourisheth and cherisheth it as the Lord the Church 3. What will become of those evil and wicked Men that seek to destroy the Church and Saints of God! Do they not herein strive to break Christ's Bones and tear his Flesh in pieces What will they do in the Day of Vengeance Isa 63.4 when he comes forth to plead the Controversy of Zion 4. This reproves that Church that pretends it self to be Christ's Body and yet slights and grievously neglects his Members nay his most useful Members The Church should be as careful and tender of her Ministers as the natural Body is of its Eyes Shall the Eye suffer or be in danger of being put out or spoiled and the Hand refuse to relieve and defend it when it is in its power The Church compared to a Vineyard Psal 80.15 And the Vineyard which thy Right-hand hath planted Isa 5.1 Now will I sing to my well-beloved a Song of my Beloved touching his Vineyard Verse 7. For the Vineyard of the Lord of Hosts is the House of Israel and the Men of Judah his pleasant Plant. A Vineyard the Place where Vines are planted metaphorically signifieth the Church The Church is compared to a Vineyard Metaphor Parallel THe Land that is made into a Vineyard is a Piece of Ground taken out of a Wilderness or other common Ground designed to that special use SO the Church is taken out of the Wilderness of this World 1 Pet 2.9 being separated from all People to be a peculiar People to God Eph. 2.1 2 By Nature Saints were as barren and fruitless as Sinners II. A Vineyard is fenced or walled in to secure it from wild Beasts and others who may offend or hurt it II. Isa 5 2. Zech. 2.5 So the Lord's Vineyard hath a Wall or Fence about it Saith the Lord I will be a Wall of Fire unto her round about What use soever a Fence is to a House Garden or Vineyard the same is God to his People 1. Every one of his Attributes as we have elsewhere shewed you is a Fence or Security to her his Power is a Fence his Wisdom is a Fence his Mercy is a Fence his special Providence is a Fence 2. The holy Angels are as a Wall or Fence to the Church and to every particular Saint they were as a Wall of Safety to the Prophet 2 Kings 6.15 16. 3. Psal 34.7 There is about the Church the Fence or Wall of Ordinances Church-Government and Discipline The Reason why God makes a Wall about his People is opened under Metaphor God a Husband man also the Nature and Strength of it to which we refer you Quest Perhaps some may enquire How much Ground doth this Hedg or Wall take in 1. It taketh in all the Bodies of God's People no Disease Sickness or Affliction whatsoever can come upon those that truly fear and serve the Almighty but what he lets in This appears in the case of Job and by what David saith My Life is in thy hand c. 2. This Wall comprehends more especially the Souls of Saints no Temptation 1 Cor. 10.13 Mat. 10.30 Luk. 21.18 Persecution or Trial can come upon them but what God lets in His special Eye Care Protection and Divine Providence is so over them that not a Hair of their Heads shall fall to the Ground without his Notice that is He hath interested himself in all the Concernments of his Children yea even in the smallest Matters 3. This Wall takes in their Houses and all they have Job 1.10 Hast thou not made a Hedg about him and about his House and about all he hath on every side The Devil could not touch any of Job's Sheep Oxen or Asses until God opened the Door for him much less his Sons Daughters Body and Life Suffer us said the unclean Spirits to Christ to go into the Herd of Swine They could not destroy those Swine before permitted or suffered by the Almighty III. A Vineyard is planted the choice things that grow there come not up of themselves III. So the Church is planted by the Lord and every goodly Plant that grows therein Hence God the Father is called an Husbandman Joh. 15 1. Isa 5.7 The Men of Israel are called his pleasant Plants IV. A Vineyard is digged up and well-manured before it is planted which is not done without much pains IV. The Church of God and every gracious Soul may be said to be digged or the fallow Ground of their Hearts by powerful Conviction broken up Hos 10.12 and thereby prepared to receive the good Seed or to have a Principle of Grace planted in their Hearts V. A Vineyard hath many Vines planted in it Luk 13.6 Cant. 6.11 7.12 and not only so but also Fig-Trees Pomegranates and other excellent Fruit-Trees V. So in the universal Church are many particular Congregations or Communities of Christians who are as so many choice Vines in God's Sight it also abounds with Plants some fruitful and some barren as is signified by our Saviour Luke 13.6 He spake also this Parable Luk. 13.6 A certain Man had a Fig-Tree planted in his Vineyard and he came and sought Fruit thereon and found none VI. A Vineyard needs much pruning and watering the Stones also must be gathered out of it hence there are Vine-dressers appointed to look after it VI. So the Church of God must have much pains taken with it or it will soon decay there is need of pruning and cutting off superfluous Branches and gathering out other things that offend Hence God hath appointed his faithful Ministers 2 Cor. 6.1 who are Workers together with him to take care and charge of it Hence Paul saith I have planted 1 Cor. 3.6 and Apollo watered VII Vineyards were wont to be hurt by Foxes by the wild Boar and other evil Beasts it hath many Enemies VII So the Church of God is often vexed and greatly hurt by the Foxes little Foxes namely false Teachers who for their Subtilty and Cruelty are called Foxes By little Foxes Cant. 2.15 some understand such as seem devout and very humble and yet preach hurtful and poysonous Doctrine yea bring in damnable Heresies
Flock to rest at Noon c. Luke 12.32 Fear not little Flock it is your Father's good Pleasure to give you the Kingdom THe Church or Saints of God are compared unto a Flock of Sheep Metaphor Parallel SHeep are clean Beasts tame and gentle not wild as Tigers Lions Foxes or Wolves nor unclean as Dogs Swine c. SO the Saints of God are a People tamed as it were by God's Spirit from that natural Wildness and Perverseness made gentle willing to come into Christ's Fold cleansed from Impurity of Heart and Life II. Sheep are simple a harmless Sort of Creatures not crafty ravenous and devouring as those Sort of Beasts above-mentioned II. So the Saints of God are holy they are taught to be simple concerning Evil Mat. 10.16 Be ye saith Christ as innocent as Doves They seek the Hurt of no Man not like Romish Wolves who delight in nothing more than in Blood and Rapine shedding the Blood of those who do not wrong or injure them but desire to live peaceably in the Land III. Sheep are meek and patient under Sufferings Hence our Saviour is said to be led as a Lamb to the Slaughter Isa 53.7 and as a Sheep is dumb before the Shearer so opened he not his Mouth See Lamb. III. So the Saints and People of God are meek and patient under God's hand both when they suffer for their Sins or for the Trial of their Graces as appeareth in Job David Stephen c. Psal 39 9. I held my Peace I opened not my Mouth because Lord thou diddest it IV. Sheep as they are patient so they are profitable both in their Lives and by their Death There is scarcely any Creature that brings its Owner greater Incomes than Sheep they are good both for Food and Cloathing IV. The Saints are very profitable many ways the Benefit the World receives by them or for their Sakes is very great they are called the Light of the World and the Salt of the Earth now the Profit the World receives in both these respects is not little Had there been ten of those Sheep in Sodom God had not destroyed it besides the Angel told Lot he could do nothing till he was out of the City What a Blessing was Joseph to his Master whilst he abode in his House and Jacob to Laban They yield the World much Profit by the Doctrine they preach by the fervent Prayers they daily put up to Almighty God and their holy and good Examples 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 V. Sheep are obedient and ready to follow their Shepherd whithersoever he goeth It is the Custom in some Countries for the Shepherd to go before the Sheep c To which our Saviour alludes John 10.27 V. So Believers and the Church of Christ are obedient to him Joh. 10.4 5. My Sheep saith he hear my Voice and they follow me and the Voice of a Stranger they will not follow Psal 73.24 Thou shalt guide me by thy Counsel saith the Psalmist Christ's Precepts are the Saints Directory and his Practice their Pattern for Imitation Hence Paul exhorteth the Corinthians to follow him as he followed Christ 1 Cor. 11.1 VI. Sheep are incident to many Diseases many of them are weak and feeble which a good Shepherd taketh pity of and endeavours to heal and strengthen them VI. So the Saints of God are subject to manifold Weaknesses Temptations and Afflictions which moved the Almighty to great Compassion and sorely to rebuke the Shepherds of Israel for their Cruelty and great Remisness towards his Flock The Diseased have ye not strengthned neither have ye healed that which was sick c. And therefore saith He would himself take the Work into his own hands I will bind up that which was broken and will strengthen that which was sick c VII A Flock of Sheep must not be over-driven lest they tire Jacob who was a skilful Shepherd knew this and therefore told Esau his Brother Gen. 33.13 that if the Flock were over-driven they would die VII So the Saints or Flock of Christ must not be over-driven they must be led gently along and God taketh care to lay no more upon them than they can bear No Temptation hath taken you 1 Cor. 10.13 but such as is common to Men but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able and will with the Temptation also make way to escape that ye may be able to bear it He will not lay upon us more than is right VIII Sheep are subject to go astray and to be lost in a Wilderness and upon that account need the Shepherd's Care to seek them and fetch them home to the Fold VIII So the Saints are subject to go astray from God and to wander from his Precepts viz. decline in their Zeal Faith and Affection to him and his Ways and to get wandering Thoughts after the World and sometimes they wander through the Neglect and Carelesness of the Under-Shepherds My Sheep Ezek. 34.6 Psal 119.176 saith the Lord wandered through all the Mountains and none did search or seek after them I have gone astray like a lost Sheep seek thy Servant c. IX Sheep must be led forth into green Pastures to be fed and a good Shepherd will take heed he puts them not into Fields or Meadows that are not proper for them for some Grounds will soon rot and spoil them IX So Christ's Flock must be fed in good Pastures viz. with sound and wholesom Truth good Doctrine Food that is fit and proper for them they must not have Chaff of Mens Traditions nor the corrupt Glosses of cloudy Doctors that lived in the dark Time of the Church It behoves Christ's Ministers to take heed they suffer not the Sheep under their Charge to suck in the Poyson of Error and Heresy for nothing rots and spoils Christians more than that The Spouse from hence enquireth of Christ Cant. 1.7 Where he feedeth his Flock that is Where his blessed Gospel was truly and constantly preached and his holy Ordinances duly administred lest she should turn aside by the Flocks of his Companions that is such as call themselves so Christ directs her to go forth by the Footsteps of the Flock and feed their Kids besides the Shepherds Tents That is to follow the Doctrine and Footsteps of the Primitive Church for that alone is our Rule in all God's holy Worship The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want Psal 23.1 2 He maketh me to lie down in green Pastures he leadeth me besides the still Waters X. Sheep have a shadowy Place to rest in when the Sun shines hot at Noon which is a great Refreshment to them where they chew their Cud and being saved from the Vehemency of the scorching Sun they with the greater Alacrity return to
Judgment make haste their Consciences being thereby awakened by the Lord to get into that Place of Security God hath provided for them viz. the Rock Christ who is called an Hiding-Place Isa 32.2 IX There are many Sorts of Worms IX So there are many Sorts of Men Worms 1. Some great and some small Ones and yet all are but Worms 1. So there are some great Men mighty Ones of the Earth as Kings c. and some small or poor Men but yet all are but Worms weak and contemptible Creatures in God's sight David called himself a Worm I am a Worm and no Man c. Psal 22 6. 2. There are some Dunghil-Worms who love to abide or live in Dung and Muck of the Earth 2. So there are some Men whom we commonly call Muck-worms who delight in nothing more than in the Dung or Filth of the Earth or Muck of this World their Hearts and Hands are always in the Earth Take them out of this Filth and they are as dead Men and let them alone and you shall presently see them craul to their old Delights Nothing but the World is in their Mouths they wallow in their filthy Lusts and Earthly-mindedness as the Swine tumbles in the Mire III. There are some Worms very loathsom such as breed in rotten putrified Flesh which are called Carrion-Worms 3. Such a Worm is a wicked Man a Vermine a Worm that breeds in Corruption as it were a loathsom Creature in God's Sight See the Head of the Metaphor 4. There are some Worms that deceive the Eye seeming to be what they are not Many have thought they had seen Fire in the Night when they have cast their Eye upon them in the place where they have lain These are called Glow-worms R. W. tells us a Story of a Parson that in the Night being drunk casting his Eye upon one of these Worms having his Pipe of Tobacco filled went bodily towards it crying out Fire I hope Fire I hope When the Light comes these appear to all to be but Worms 4. There are some Men who deceive their Neighbours They take them to be holy and good Men precious Saints of God and yet are greatly mistaken in them they being no better than painted Sepulchers meer Hypocrites and notwithstanding their outward Shew of Holinesss and Sanctity are but Earth-Worms having the World viz. external Advantage or vain Glory in their Eye as the great Thing they aim at in their Profession and in the Day of Christ they will appear to be what in truth they are 5. There are some very hurtful Worms who spoil Trees Flowers and the Fruits of the Earth See Joel 1.4 Amos 4.9 Such are the Palmer-Worm the Caterpillar and the Canker-Worm Which Sort of hurtful Vermin God hath often brought upon a People and Nation as a Punishment of their Sins 5. So there are some Men who like to these Worms are of a very hurtful Nature and endeavour to spoil Christ's spiritual Trees Flowers and precious Fruit c. They are called Locusts or Caterpillars by the Holy-Ghost Rev. 9.3 they are said to come out of the Bottomless Pit And to them was given Power as the Scorpions of the Earth have Power c. By these Locusts are meant as Franciscus Claudius a Carmelite Fryar and others expound the Place as is noted by Mr. Wilson ' those great Swarms of Popish Priests Friars Monks Cardinals even the whole Popish Hierarchy and Pontificial Clergy These are fitly likened unto Locusts which are a little vile Vermine springing as some say out of Smoke c. And truly this is made too evident of that Sort of Men this day in England and other Nations of Europe Never were a more destructive Generation of vile Vermine in the World none make or threaten to make greater Spoil of Christ's Vineyard and precious Fruit-Trees than they And in that they are let in upon us we may plainly read God's Displeasure against us thereby and nothing but unfeigned Repentance and Reformation will doubtless free this poor Nation from them for at this very time we are sadly plagued and pestered with them See God an Husbandman 6. There are also some profitable Worms who are very laborious and cloath the World with Silk and they are called Silk-Worms 6. This Sort of Worms resemble the laborious and faithful Ministers of Christ who spend themselves in Preaching and in divine Prayer and Meditation that so they may enrich Mens Souls with Grace and true Vertue These as Instruments in God's Hand may be said to cloath Men and Women with Silk or gloriously adorn their better Part tho hereby through Zeal and faithful Industry for God's Glory they waste and consume their own Carcases spending and being spent as the Apostle speaks X. The House or Place of divers Worms is the Earth they lie hid in the Ground X. So Man who is a Worm must take up his Place for a short time in the Earth The Grave is my House saith Job Job 17.13 the Place appointed for all Living This Worm must go to his Fellows to the Worms Inferences BY this we may see what a poor thing Man is The mighty Ones of the Earth who boast of great Matters are but Worms And if Man be but a Worm why doth he swell above the Clouds as if he would make his Nest among the Stars when as he must shortly fall among the Clods and be eaten of Worms 2. Take heed of having Mens Persons in Admiration it is a vain thing to give flattering Titles to others As it becomes us not to reproach or vilify any Man tho all Men are but as Worms so it is a God provoking Evil to flatter Men thereby creating high thoughts in them of themselves as some once served Herod crying out It is the Voice of a God and not of a Man But the Almighty Acts 12.22 to shew how much he abhorred such as gave not him the Glory made them know he was but a Worm and therefore the Angel of the Lord smote him and he was eaten up of Worms 3. Be not envious at others tho more rich and honourable than thee The greatest of Men are but Worms and tho some sparkle and shine in outward Glory and Splendor and seem to excell every way yet they may be but like Glow-worms 't is but for a Night they seem like Stars in the Morning they will appear like others 4. Let us learn from hence not to overvalue our selves nor our Lives What is the Life of a Worm 5. What Fools are the Wicked of the Earth to muster up their Force against God's People Whom do they come out against It is but against a Worm Could they prevail what Honour would they gain by it Is it so great a matter to destroy a Worm for so Jacob in his low Estate is called Fear not thou Worm Jacob. But let them know this Worm hath a mighty God to take its part I will help
Eagles Note In some Things the Saints are likened to Eagles Simile Parallel AN Eagle is the chief amongst the Fowls of the Air as a Lion is the King or chief among all the Beasts of the Earth SO the Saints are the chief of Men the Excellent as David calls them Thou art my Lord Psal 16.2 3. my Goodness extendeth not to thee but to the Saints that are in the Earth and to the Excellent in whom is all my Delight The Righteous are said to be more excellent than their Neighbour Prov. 12.26 1 Chron. 4.9 The World is not worthy of them Hence Jabez that holy and gracious Man is said to be more honourable than his Brethren A godly Man is of a more noble Extraction than the Men of the Earth Saints have an honourable Pedigree and Descent they are born of God are as it were of the Blood-Royal of Heaven and nearly related to the Prince of the Kings of the Earth They daily converse have Communion and Fellowship with the Father and the Son the glorious Sovereign of all the World They are delicately and most splendidly fed every day Others live and feed upon the empty Things of this World nay on the Dust of the Earth on Ashes Husks and Gravel as the Holy-Ghost declares They feed upon the Wind Hos 12.1 and snuff in the East Wind Whilst Believers feed on hidden Manna He eats that which is good and his Soul delights it self in Fatness He is often had into the King's Wine-Cellar he is richly cloathed hath more noble and honourable Titles than any Men on Earth He hath a most glorious Retinue viz. the heavenly Angels to attend him every day Never was King if ungodly so attended as the poorest Saint in the World is Saints are the chief of all the Children of Men as Eagles are chief of all the Fowls of the Air. II. Eagles are quick-sighted they behold afar off They have not only a quick and clear Sight but a very strong Sight able to look fully upon the Sun shining in his Strength Hence the Proverb is A Man that hath a clear and strong Sight is Eagle-ey'd II. The Saints are very clear and quick-sighted they can see afar off even from Earth to Heaven They through Christ can behold the Glory of God with open Face 2 Cor. 3.18 They can see and do pry into the secret and hidden Mysteries of the Gospel and Covenant of Grace Psal 25.14 The Secrets of the Lord are with them that fear him and he will shew them his Covenant They see the Evil that is in the least Sin and can discern what the End of the Wicked will be III. Eagles are very swift Creatures they have long Wings by which means they flie with great Swiftness Therefore Solomon calling upon us not to set our Hearts upon Riches saith They make themselves Wings Prov. 27.5 and flie away as an Eagle The Scriptures often express the more than ordinary Swiftness of Men by the Swiftness of an Eagle David lamenting the Death of Saul and Jonathan gives them this Character 2 Sam. 1.23 They were stronger than Lions and swifter than Eagles III. The Saints are very swift and speedy in their Motions when under the powerful Operation of the Spirit or upon the Wings of Faith and Love Psal 119.59 60. I made haste c. saith David They are said to run nay flie like Eagles or as Doves to the Windows they are many times carried swiftly along in the way of their Duties as upon Eagles Wings The Ministers of the Gospel are set forth by an Angel flying in the midst of Heaven Rev. 14.6 having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell upon the Earth When God's People are assaulted and persecuted they flie to God for Shelter so David Psal 143.9 I flie unto thee to hide me IV. The Eagles mount up on high The Word in the Hebrew signifies to get high and therefore as it is noted by Mr. Caryl it is used in the Noun 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sublimis elatus fuit eminuit per Metaphoram supervivit to set forth the Highness of God Job 11.8 Psal 113.6 Isa 5.16 52.13 Scripture as well as Naturalists tell us that the Eagle's Motion and mounting up is wonderful she flies quite out of Sight One of the Ancients says The Eagle soars above the * Doubtless he means the lower Region Air as if she would visit the Starry Heavens The common Epithetes of an Eagle are high flying swift c. IV. The Saints of God mount up on high Phil 3.20 Our Conversation saith Paul is in Heaven Men of the World are like Moles and Worms always digging and tumbling in the Earth and Muck of this World but Believers those who are truly risen with Christ Col. 3.1 2 3. seek those things that are above they soar aloft nothing will satisfy them but Communion with God They mount up by Prayer as also by fresh Acts of Faith they mount up by divine Meditation They are said to dwell on high Earth and earthly Things will not satisfy them they are of a more heroick and sublime Spirit V. Eagles are unweary in their Flight they faint not tho they flie high and are long before they rest V. So the Saints should never grow weary nay and the Promise is Gal. 6. Isa 40.31 They shall mount up as with Eagles Wings they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint Tho it be long before they come to Heaven their everlasting Resting-place they are held up and therefore they hold out in all their Service and Sufferings Faith and Love are two such strong and excellent Graces that they like Eagle's Wings keep them from tiring and fainting in their Minds tho their Work be hard and their Flight towards Heaven long Psal 27.13 I had fainted unless I had believed c. VI. An Eagle saith one hath a high Spirit she flies high and aims at high things she will not catch Flies she scorns to stoop to such low Game VI. So a Saint hath a noble high and excellent Spirit Low things are not for high and heavenly-born Souls they catch not at the Flies Toyes and Trifles of the Profits Honour and Pleasures of the World as others do VII Eagles make their Nests on high She dwelleth and abideth on the Rocks Job 39.28 upon the Crag of the Rock and strong Place VII So the Saints dwell on high Their Place of Defence shall be the Munition of Rocks Isa 33.16 They make their Nests in the Rock of Ages they dwell in God He is their strong Dwelling-Place VIII Eagles renew their Strength by changing their Feathers tho old they seem young and lively again and are very long-lived VIII The Saints renew their Strength When any Oldness as Mr. Caryl words it is coming upon the new Creature they renew their Strength by looking to Jesus
Christ He is no good Souldier that cannot endure Hardness But here it may not be amiss to enquire What is that Hardness that the Saints do and must endure First They must endure all that Hardness that either their Sins or the Profession of the Gospel may expose them unto 1. Saints are exposed to Hardships by means of their Sins their own Iniquities bring great Sorrow and Trouble upon them It made David many times cry out and water his Couch with Tears 2. Sin is not sweet to a Saint in the committing of it He is overcome sometimes to do that which he hates and his own Conscience afterwards sorely lashes and wounds him for it Sin brings not only Hardships upon the Soul but many times sore Distress upon the Body and Family and a Blast upon a Man's outward Estate Secondly A Saint meets with the Hardship of Self-denial he bears the Pain of having a Right-hand-Lust cut off and a Right-eye Lust pulled out he parts with the best the nearest and choicest of his outward Enjoiments Vnless a Man deny himself of Father Mother Brethren Sisters Children House and Land c. for my sake he is not worthy of me This Hardness some cannot endure the young Man could not bear it When he heard this Doctrine he went away very sorrowful c. Mat. 10.22 Thirdly They endure the Hardness of Mortification or of crucifying the Flesh with the Affections and Lusts Circumcision was painful to the Body and let me tell you the Circumcision of the Spirit is more hard and difficult to a Saint to undergo Which is made without hands cutting off the Foreskin of the Heart or putting away the Body of Sin by the Circumcision of Christ Mortify your Members which are upon the Earth The killing of Sin is as the killing or destroying the Members of the Body Fourthly Saints endure Hardness from Men. 1. By hard Words All the cruel Reproaches Slanders Revilings Tauntings Scoffings Backbitings c. that the Sons of Beliál can invent they are forced to endure They bend their Tongues like their Bow for Lies and their Tongue is as an Arrow shot out The Tongues of some Men are like cruel Weapons As with a Sword in my Bones my Enemies reproach me c. The Sword in the Flesh is painful Psal 42.10 Heb. 11.36 but the Sword in the Bone is much worse Mockings are ranked amongst the great Sufferings of the Godly Others had Trials of cruel Mockings The Archers this way shot hard at Joseph and what a poysonous Arrow did the Jews let flie upon Christ Behold a Drunkard a Wine-bibber a Friend of Publicans and Sinners He casteth out Devils by Beelzebub the Prince of Devils As for this Fellow we know not from whence he is Paul was accused for being a pestilent Fellow a Mover of Sedition and a Ring-leader of the Sect of the Nazarens c. These things are hard to bear 2. There is the Hardness of Mens Hands as well as of their Tongues Wicked Men saith a Learned Divine have Iron Hands which many times fall heavy upon the Souldiers of Christ How heavy was the Stroke of Cain upon his righteous Brother and what heavy Hands did Pharaoh lay upon the Israelites in Egypt What Hardships did the Primitive Saints endure under the Heathen Emperors in the ten Persecutions And what sore Sufferings and cruel Torments hath the Woman's Seed borne and endured under the Papal Power What Burnings Roastings and Flayings alive All along from the Beginning to this Day the Saints have endured great Hardness from wicked Men. See Heb. 11.35 to the end They were tortured with Scourges Bonds and Imprisonments they were stoned thâ—y were sawn asunder tempted slain with the Sword they wandred about in Sheep-skins and Goats-skins in Deserts and Mountains and in Dens and Caves of the Earth being destitute afflicted tormented Fifthly Saints endure Hardness from Satan He comes out with open Mouth against them like a roaring Lion seeking to destroy them Christ's Souldiers encounter with Devils they wrestle with Principalities and Powers Eph. 6. Satan daily lets flie his fiery Darts against them Sixthly They meet with some Hardness and Trouble by the Withdrawings of God himself Some Afflictions come more immediatly from the Hand of God Job complains of the Arrows of the Almighty David cries out as if the Lord had broke his Bones Yet God in all the Afflictions and Trials he brings upon his People designs their Profit When he hath tried me I shall come forth as Gold Job 23. It is that we may be Partakers of his Holiness Yet nevertheless the Strokes and Chastisements of the Almighty are hard to be borne Seventhly Christ's Souldiers meet with Hardness whilst they attend upon their proper Work in their particular Places and Stations unto which they are called Some have harder Service than others as the Forlorn Hope and the Van saith one may meet with harder Service than the main Body of the Army the Frontiers and File-Leaders may meet with more difficult Service than the Rear and the Watchmen that lie Perdue and stand Sentinel with harder Duty than those that abide on the Guard But tho some endure more Hardness than others yet all must take what befalls them in the Place and Station where they are set The Ministers of the Gospel likely are the Men mostly exposed and yet sometimes others suffer as hard things as they yet every one must see to discharge his Duty in his respective Place The Sentinel must not quit his Watch because it is cold or Danger approaches the File-Leader must not face about and fall back in the Rear because of the Hardness of the Service the Leaders must not bid the private Souldiers fall on and themselves run away the Colours are most aimed at yet the Standard-bearer and Ensign must stand by them and display them in the Face of the Enemy So whatever comes Ministers must preach and People must hear and the Publick Worship of God must be maintained the Banner of the Word must be displayed Saints must keep their Ground and Station where they are set by Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 9. Necessity is laid upon me and wo is me if I preach not the Gospel XVII A good Souldier exposeth himself to endure Hardness voluntarily patiently couragiously constantly and sincerely XVII So the faithful and good Souldier of Jesus Christ is not haled dragged or forced to his Duty and to undergo Difficulties for the Gospel-sake but freely and with a ready Mind engages in the Work I am ready not to be bound only but also to die at Jerusalem Acts 21.13 for the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ cares not for press'd Souldiers his are all Volunteers When the Gospel-Trumpet sounds Come away come up hither immediately they are upon their Feet 2. They endure patiently taking their Captain for their Example When reviled they revile not again In Patience possess ye your Souls 3. They endure the Hardness of
and Silver such Love O Lord hast thou laid up in my Breast that I hunger for thee Take heed you consult not with carnal Reason rely wholly upon Christ and never consult thy present Strength with thy future Sufferings Take heed you do not overvalue your Lives Alas you cannot live long what if you die a little sooner than you might do according to the Course of Nature Also consider is it not better if God calls you to it to glorify him by dying than to die otherwise Remember You are not your own let God therefore make what Improvement of you he pleases Lastly Pray continually pray always for this is the way to overcome Prayer hath done wonderfully And this is one great Thing that is enjoined on the Christian Souldier Ephes 6.18 Praying always with all Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all Perseverance and Supplication for all Saints and for me c. HEre are two Things to be noted 1. A Duty enjoyned Prayer 2. Blessed Directions about it Viz. 1. The Time Always 2. The Kinds All Prayer and Supplication 3. How viz. 1. In the Spirit 2. With Diligence 3. Constantly 4. For whom 1. For all Saints 2. More particularly for the Preachers of the Gospel Note Souldiers of Christ ought to pray to be much in Prayer to pray always to pray in the Spirit to pray for themselves and to pray for others also First Tho we are to pray always Yet there are some special Times for this Duty Prayer is twofold 1. Ordinary 2. Extraordinary We must in some Seasons more especially be at this Duty to pray hard to pray mightily c. Quest What is meant by praying always Answ 1. It is as much as to say Pray in every thing according to that Word Phil. 4.6 In every thing by Prayer and Supplication let your Requests be made known to the Lord. Some pray in nothing they do In all thy Ways acknowledge him 2. In all Conditions in a full State in a naked State in Poverty in Plenty in Sickness in Health in Prosperity and in Adversity 3. For every Thing we need for Spirituals for Temporals so far as God seeth them good for us 4. Daily frequently Morning and Evening David said to Mephihosheth Thou shalt eat Bread at my Table continually 2 â—am 7 7 He cannot mean thou shalt do dothing but eat he would not have him to be such a Cormorant but commonly every day c. 5. To have a Heart always for this Duty to be always fit and ready for this sacred Ordinance Quest What are those special Times and Seasons for Prayer Or when is extraordinary Prayer to be made Ans 1. When a Saint hath any great Work to do for God or eminent Business and Service for his Church See Nehem. 1.5 Acts 4.2 9. When Abraham's Servant had special Work to do for his Master he was much in Prayer 2. When a Saint is in the dark concerning any one Truth of God and cannot get Satisfaction Dan. 9.1 2 3 c. then 't is a Time for extraordinary Prayer When Daniel was at a loss about the Time of Deliverance out of Captivity how much did he give himself to Prayer 3. When a gracious Soul is under any sore and grievous Affliction David in his Distress and Affliction cried mightily to God Is any afflicted let him pray that is let him be more abundantly in that Duty James 5.13 4. When Sin abounds or in a Day of great Rebuke and Blasphemy When Hell seems to be let loose or the Flood-gates of Wickedness opened wide in a Nation then it is a Time for the Godly to be much in Prayer Jer. 13.19 Isa 37.23 5. In Times of great Distress upon the Church when the Danger is imminent as at this Day this is a Time for extraordinary Prayer See Isa 22. When many Nations came up against Judah then Jehoshaphat cried mightily to Heaven 2 Chron. 20.12 When Haman plotted to destroy all the Jews and cut off Israel at once and the Writings were sealed and sent forth then Esther and the godly Ones pray mightily Thus did Jacob when his Brother was coming to meet him fearing he would cut off the Mother with the Child Gen. 33. how did he then wrestle with God! 6. In Times of Temptation When Christ was assaulted and his Hour was come he prayed hard he spent a whole Night in Prayer Mat. 26.44 And what saith he to his Disciples Mat. 26.40 41. 2 Cor. 12. Watch and pray that ye enter not into Temptation When Paul had that Thorn in the Flesh the Messenger of Satan to buffet him he besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from him That three times as some conclude might be threescore times 7. Lastly In a Time of great Expectation when great Things are near and much look'd for When Daniel expected great Things understanding by Books Deliverance to the Church was at hand he set himself to seek God Dan. 9.2 Secondly Consider Prayer is a great Ordinance And that doth appear 1. In respect of God it gives him the Glory of three great Attributes 1. Of his Omnisciency We hereby acknowledg that he knows our Wants and Necessities Psal 39 9. All my Desires are before thee and my Groanings are not hid from thee 2. His Omnipotency We acknowledg in our crying to God and relying upon him in this Duty that he is able to help us and supply all our Wants 3. It gives him the Glory of his Goodness O thou that hearest Prayer A Saint knows and confesseth hereby if he pray aright that God is willing and ready to help and save him 2. Prayer is a great Ordinance if we consider the Power and Prevalency of it Luther ascribed to Prayer a kind of Omnipotency It hath prevailed over Fire Water and Earth it hath stopp'd the Sun in its Course It hath prevailed over evil Angels it hath cast the Devil out and broke his Kingdom down It hath had Power over the good Angels as appears in the Case of Elisha it fetched them from Heaven to be his Guard and Protection 2 King 9.6 17. Nay it hath prevailed with Christ himself the Angel of the Covenant as appears in Jacob's Case As a Prince thou hast wrestled with God and hast prevailed It hath healed the Sick raised the Dead stopp'd the Lion's Mouth and hath subdued and put to flight the Armies of Aliens Heb. 11. hath opened Prison-Doors and broke in pieces Chains Gates and Bars of Iron and Brass There is none of the battering Rams or Artillery of Hell can stand against it 'T is like an Engine as one observes that makes the Persecutors tremble and wo to them that are the Buts and Marks that it is levell'd at when it is fired with the Fire of the Spirit and discharged in the Strength of Faith 'T is said Mary Queen of Scots dreaded more the Prayers of Mr. Knox than an Army of Twenty Thousand
Men she had more cause than an Army of Ten Hundred Thousand 'T is said of the Witnesses that They have Power to shut Heaven Rev. 11 5. that it rain not in the Days of their Prophecy and have Power over Waters to turn them into Blood and to smite the Earth with Plagues as often as they will How do they this but by Prayer 3. That Prayer is a great Ordinance will appear if we consider the Promises made to it 2 Cor. 7.14 Psal 50.15 Mat. 21.22 Job 15.7 4. That it is a great Ordinance will appear if we consider how it co-works with all other Ordinances and Duties to make them effectual whether Moral or Evangelical Every thing is sanctified by the Word of God and Prayer 5. That Prayer is a great Ordinance doth appear by the Influences it hath over all our Graces 1. 'T is the Means for getting Grace hereby a Souldier of Christ obtains his Armor 2. And for the Increase of Grace in order to the acting of it 3. For the evidencing of Grace It is that which brings the Soul into God's Presence and fills it with Divine Joy and Peace in believing 6. It is the Divine Breath of the Soul can a Man live longer than he breaths A Saint dies when he quite ceaseth Praying Quest What hinders or obstructs the Answer of the Saint's Prayer Answ 1. When we pray not according to God's Will God's Will must be the Rule of our Prayers And this is the Confidence that we have in him 1 Joh. 5.14 Jam. 4.3 that if we ask any thing according to his Will he heareth us 2. When the End or Aim of a Man is not right Ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss that ye may consume it on your Lusts 3. When we pray not in Faith Unbelief hinders the Answer of Prayer Jam. 1.6 But let him ask in Faith nothing wavering c. 4. When Endeavours after the things we want are not joined with our Prayers Psal 27.4 As we have a Mouth to beg we must have a Hand to work 5. When any one Sin resteth in the Bosom unrepented of Psal 66.18 If I regard Iniquity in my Heart the Lord will not hear me c. 6. When we are not fervent Prayer must be with Affection unto God 7. When we pray not in Spirit Our Spirits must pray and not only so but if the Spirit of God doth not act and assist our Spirits our Prayers will not prevail 8. When we are not constant in the Duty We must be importunate and constant Luk 18.1 pray always and not faint if we would have our Prayers heard 9. When we come not to God in the Name of Christ the Door is shut We must ask in Christ's Name and come to God by him if we would be heard and accepted by him The Celestial Race Or the Saints compared to Runners 1 Cor. 9.4 Know ye not that they which run in a Race run all but one receiveth the Prize So run that ye may obtain Heb. 12.1 Let us lay aside every Weight and the Sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with Patience the Race that is set before us CHristianity or the Life of a Christian is in these Scriptures compared to a Race So run that ye may obtain A Christian is compared to a Man that runs a Race What sort of Race the Apostle principally alludes to is not as we conceive so material besides many worthy Men do not agree about it some being subject to think the Apostle alludes to the Olympick Games We shall therefore run the Parallel with respect to such Things concerning a Race which all generally agree in To run is variously taken in Scripture 1. To break through Psal 18.29 2. To strive with the greatest Speed and Celerity or to make haste Prov. 1.26 2 Kings 4.22 3. Eagerly in Affection to be carried after 1 Pet. 4.4 4. To pass without Let Psal 147.15 5. To labour with Earnestness 6. To go forward Gal. 5.7 Metaphor Parallel A Man that runs in a Race takes great care to begin well It behoves him to be exact in his setting out 1. In respect of Time 2. In respect of Place he observes the Place from whence he must begin to run A little Time lost at the beginning of a Race is dangerous SO a Christian ought to take great care how he begins or sets out in the Race towards eternal Life 1. In respect of Time it behoveth him to set out early enough he must not defer the great Concernment of his Soul Delays are dangerous Isa 55.6 Seek the Lord whilst he may be found call upon him whilst he is near I love them that love me Prov. 8. and they that seek me early shall find me Behold now is the accepted Time behold 2 Cor. 6.1 now is the Day of Salvation Some Men begin too late they mind not the Call of God To day if ye will hear his Voice harden not your Hearts Because I have called Prov. 1.24 28. and ye have refused c. I also will laugh at your Calamity Then they shall call upon me but I will not answer 2. They ought to observe the Place from which they must depart He that would go to Zion must leave Babylon as he would go to Zoar so he must depart out of Sodom He must leave the Way of Sin yea all the evil Courses Customs Traditions and Inventions of Men Ye did run well c. II. A Man that runs in a Race ought to know the Way well which he is to run if the Path be not plain before him he is not like to win the Prize II. So a Christian ought to know the Way to Salvation to be well-instructed in the Path of eternal Life Christ is the Way Joh. 14.6 No Man saith he cometh unto the Father but by me There is no other Name under Heaven given Acts 4.12 whereby we must be saved 1. Christ is the Way as a Priest who offered himself up as as a Sacrifice to God for us to atone and make Peace between the Father and us 2. Christ is the Way as a King who hath appointed us Laws and Ordinances which we must obey and follow to manifest our Subjection unto him Psal 119. I will run the Way of thy Commandments 3. As a Prophet who hath laid down all Rules and heavenly Directions necessary for us in Matters of Faith and Practice whom we must hear in all things Acts 3 23. 1 Pet. 2.21 4. Christ is the Way in that holy Example he hath left that we should follow his Steps A Saint observes the very Footsteps of Christ and of the Primitive Church he sees the good old Way plain before him as it is recorded in the holy Scripture and thereby knoweth which way to steer his Course III. A Man that runs in a Race must see to put himself in a fit Equipage He
Pilgrim is a Man that stayeth not long in a Place where he comes he is but a Sojourner for a Night and is gone his Heart is upon his Journey VII So the Saints of God have here no continuing City but seek one to come Heb 13 14 This is not their Rest their Abode is here but as in a strange Land and therefore they go forth on their spiritual Progress towards that City Heb. 11.9 10. that hath Foundations whose Builder and Maker is God VIII A Pilgrim is not always in the same good Disposition of Body and Mind fit and necessary for his Journey but sometimes may be distempered or grow dull and heavy and out of Heart upon the account of the great Difficulties that attend him which when he is delivered and eased of it much rejoiceth his Heart VIII So a Saint is often attended with spiritual Distempers his Heart is out of Frame and in a very unfit Disposition for any Duty the Troubles and Incumbrances of this Life dull and deaden his servent Desires after God and make him go on heavily nay ready to tire him and cause him to faint in his Mind yet by the help of the Spirit and serious Meditations of the Excellency of the Country to which he is travelling he is soon quickned again and gets fresh Strength and Resolution He expostulateth the Case with himself after this manner Shall wicked Men pursue after the Vanities of this World with such Pains and Unweariedness and shall I be ready to faint that have Assurance of a Crown of Glory at the end of my Journey O how disproportionable are their Labours to their Gains Blush O my Soul at thy own Neglects and be astonished either at their Diligence or at thy own Sloth Do they labour in the Fire for very Vanity and wilt thou shew such a sottish dead and unbelieving Frame of Heart as not to pursue with more Zeal and Diligence after that glorious Country and endless Felicity before thee Is not Heaven worth striving for and travelling to IX A Pilgrim is glad when he meets with good Company in the Way especially other Pilgrims such as are travelling to the same Place to which he is going himself What is more desirable to a Traveller than a faithful Friend and Companion This makes saith one evil things little and good things great by this sweet Society our Griefs are divided and all our Joys are doubled What Calamity is not intolerable without a Friend a Companion And what Society is not ungrateful if we have none to share with us in it We suffer not so much when we have some to condole and suffer with us and we rejoyce the more when our Felicity gives a pleasure not only to our selves but to others also If Solitude and Want of Company be so horrid so dreadful a thing it is not to be understood of the Want of Men but of the Want of Friends meet Company for it is a good Solitude not to dwell with those that do not love us and a Man would chuse such a Hermitage where he might not be troubled with them who bear no benevolous Affection to him But for my part I cannot think that Man to be happy which hath no Friend to participate in his Pleasures A Man may more easily bear the hardest Calamity with his Friend than the greatest Felicity alone c. IX So a Saint or spiritual Pilgrim is glad when he meets with good and gracious Companions in his Journey to the Land of Promise They that fear thee Psal 119.74 will be glad when they see me because I have hoped in thy Word I am a Companion of all them that fear thee and of them that keep thy Precepts What sweet Fellowship have God's Children one with another How much doth their heavenly Converse and Communion refresh and chear each others Hearts under all their Sufferings and Hardships which they meet with in their spiritual Pilgrimage We took sweet Counsel together Psal 55.4 and walked unto the House of God in Company If earthly Society be so desirable how pleasant is the Society of Saints or Communion with those we shall dwell with for ever Christian Pilgrims have great Advantage in their Journey by travelling together If the one be poor and the other rich the one relieves his Fellow or if the one be weak and the other strong the one can take the other by the hand and afford some help to him when they meet with bad Way or go up-hill Eccles 4.9 10. Two saith Solomon are better than one for if they fall the one will help up his Fellow Most Travellers have found by Experience how comfortable it is to have good Company in a long Journey They very much strengthen and encourage each other and by this means the Way seems not so long and tedious as otherwise it would They will if one be sad or cast down enquire what the matter is and often ask how each other do and thus it is with Believers Paul's great care was to know the State of the Saints to whom he wrote and with whom he conversed X. A Pilgrim sometimes meets with Enemies such as strive to persuade him to go back telling him the Danger would be great and the Difficulty such that the Advantage he expects at the end of his Journey to receive would not make a Recompence for his Pains and Labour X. So a spiritual Pilgrim meets with divers Enemies in his Journey towards Heaven who strive to discourage him and turn him back Num. 6.14 like as the evil Spies served the Children of Israel Time would fail me to tell you all their Names nevertheless I shall discover some of these Enemies to you that so you who are bound for the holy Land may avoid the pernicious Counsel they frequently give and be strengthned against the Discouragements they lay in the way of true Piety 1. The first is Fear This is a very dangerous Enemy he saith there is a Lion in the Way a Lion in the Streets and many other evil Beasts who will devour him and tear him in pieces if he proceed on in his intended Journey There we saw the Sons of Anak the Sons of the Giants c. 2. The second is Vnbelief I shall now one day perish by the Hands of Saul 1 Sam. 27.1 This Adversary suggesteth to the Soul That it is doubtful whether there is any such glorious Land or heavenly Country that he talks of or no or if there be yet saith he it is not possible for you to find it and that certainly you will fall short of it and faint before you come to the end of your Journey your Sins saith he are so great that God will not forgive them 3. The third is Sloth a lazy Companion that would have him sleep and slumber away his precious Time and not trouble his Head with Religion but please his sensual Appetite telling him that Heaven may be
had with good Wishes and formal Prayer by crying Lord have mercy upon us and Christ have mercy upon us c. And if he have but Time a little before he breaths out his last on a Death-Bed but to cry unto God after this manner it will be sufficient Tho God's Word saith The Soul that sinneth it shall die And Except a Man be born again Ezek 18. Joh. 3.3 Heb. 12. he cannot see the Kingdom of God And Without Holiness no Man shall see the Lord. It is only a holy Life that is attended with a happy Death 4. The fourth is one worldly-wise a Person much in request in these Days whose Counsel many are ready to follow What! saith he art thou such a Fool to expose thy self to such great Sorrow and Suffering for Heaven when thou mayest have it without half the Ado. Pity thy Wife and Children save thy self out of a Prison and hazard not thy Estate For my part I came into the World raw and I will not go out roasted I will be of that Religion that is in fashion and set up by the Supreme Law of the Nation Are you wiser than every Body You meddle with Things too high for you c. Christ saith Whosoever comes after me Mat. 16.24 25. and doth not deny himself and take up his Cross cannot be my Disciple and that his Saints in the World shall have Tribulation But this Man would fain make the Cross of Christ to cease Come Popery and what will by this Argument he must and will conform to it he will be of that Religion that is uppermost And thus he renders the Apostles and Primitive Christians and all the holy Martyrs Fools and Fanaticks nay worse Rebels because they did not conform to the Religion of their Superiors 5. The fifth Enemy is one Moralist a very honest Man but that Ignorance and Blindness of Mind hath got such Rule in him He saith It is sufficient and no more is required of us but to do as we would be done unto and pay every Man his own and that if a Man can but get out of the deep Ditch of Sensuality and fleshly Debauchery and lead a spotless Life towards Man he need not doubt of Heaven nor trouble himself about Faith in Christ and Regeneration Tho our Saviour expresly saith Except your Righteousness exceed the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees Mat. 5.20 ye shall in no wise enter into the Kingdom of God And Paul saith That he accounted his own Righteousness and all other external Privileges and Attainments that he once thought Gain to him but Dung for the Excellency of the Knowledg of Jesus Christ Phil. 3.8 9 10. 1 Cor. 2.1 2. and that he desired nothing more than to know Chtist and him crucified If a Man could be saved by his own Righteousness Christ came into the World and died in vain and the Law which was a perfect Rule of Righteousness had then been sufficient to bring Men to Heaven Besides how do we come to be delivered from the Curse Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the Book of the Law to do them 6. The sixth Adversary is Presumption a bold confident Fellow that cries Cast your self upon the Mercy of God in Christ the Lord Jesus died for Sinners trouble your Head no more you shall be saved Tho I am a Sinner and am now and then drunk and let flie an Oath sometimes before I am aware yet I doubt not but it will go well with me my Heart is good and Christ died for such as I am This Man sins because Grace hath abounded and forgets that Christ came to save Men from their Sins and not in their Sins and that that Faith that justifies Acts 15.9 1 Joh. 3.3 is attended with good Fruits and purifieth the Heart and Life of him that obtains it 7. The seventh Enemy is Vain-Glory If Satan cannot ensnare the Soul by any of the other Ways he strives to puff it up with Pride and Self-conceit Now Vain-Glory is a deadly Enemy therefore take heed of him It becomes Christians to be lowly-minded Learn of me saith Christ for I am meek and lowly in Heart Mat. 11.28 29. and ye shall find Rest to your Souls XI A Pilgrim is glad when he comes at last to his desired Place and forgets all his former Trouble and Afflictions which attended him in his Way XI So a Saint when he comes to Heaven or hath obtained the End of his Hope 1 Pet. 1.9 viz. the Salvation of his Soul greatly rejoyceth and forgets all the Sorrow and Trouble he met with in this World They shall return and come to Zion with Songs Isa 35.10 Isa 51.11 everlasting Joy shall be upon their Heads They shall obtain Joy and Gladness and Sorrow and Sighing shall flee away Inferences THis may serve to inform God's People what their State and Condition is and will be whilst they remain in this World This is not your Rest c. Mic. 2.10 Heb. 13.14 Here we have no continuing City but we seek one to come 2. Therefore it sharply reprehends those Christians that settle themselves as Inhabitants and Dwellers here below like other People Alas Sirs ye forget that ye are Strangers and Pilgrims and but Sojourners as it were for a Night Why do ye seek great Things for your selves and seem to be so much taken with the Pleasures and Profits of this Life Ye are not of this World Let such as regard no higher things Joh. 15.19 take their Fill here and delight themselves in their Portion for 't is all the Good they are ever like to have but let them remember those dismal Sayings of our blessed Saviour Wo unto you that are rich for ye have received your Consolation Luk. 6.24 25 26. wo unto you that are full for ye shall hunger wo unto you that laugh now for ye shall mourn and weep wo unto you that all Men speak well of c. Saints compared to Palm-Trees Psal 92.12 The Righteous shall flourish like a Palm-Tree c. Cant. 7.7 This thy Stature is like a Palm-Tree c. Verse 8. I said I will go up to the Palm-Tree c. THe Palm-Tree and Date-Tree is one and the same Tree called in Hebrew Thamar in Greek Phenix Why the Saints and People of God are compared to the Palm-Tree will appear in the following Parallel Metaphor Parallel THe Palm-Tree is an excellent Tree amiable to look upon it is very tall and all its Branches shoot upwards there are none grow out of the Side as in other Trees THe Righteous who are compared to a Palm-Tree are a choice and excellent People their Affections like Branches ascend they are set upon Things above they grow Heavenward Col. 3 1.2 They do not shoot out their Branches as I may say this way and that way to the World they grow high in Grace and in
upon Christ's Palm-Trees and what is their Intent and Purpose in so doing you may read in the Scriptures Come on saith Pharaoh let us deal wisely with them how was that To lay Weights and Burthens upon them To what end Lest they should multiply They resolved to keep them down they strove to hinder their Growth they designed to spoil their Multiplying and their Growth in Number as also in Grace and Vertue but they were like the Palm-Tree the more they were oppressed the more they grew and multiplied That way Men think to hinder the Truth to obstruct the Gospel from flourishing that way God takes to make it spread and flourish the more Those things that happened to the Apostles to hinder their Ministry God made for the furtherance of the Gospel 3. This should raise up our Hearts to magnify the Power Wisdom and Goodness of God who over-rules things thus in the World who turns that for Good which wicked Men design for the great Hurt of his poor People This also cometh from the Lord of Hosts who is wonderful in Counsel and excellent in Working He makes the Righteous to flourish like the Palm-Tree to grow upwards by those Ways and Means which one would think would bring them quite down and utterly spoil their growing Like as when we see the Corn laid at and thresh'd with a Flail Caryl one would think there were great Hurt intended to the Corn but it is only to separate it from the Straw and Chaff that it may appear in its own Beauty and Usefulness So the Lord hath his Flail to separate the Chaff from the Wheat Those Acts of Providence which seem to be for their Hurt and Undoing when they are thresh'd as it were by the World are only to make them appear what they are But thus it fareth not with the Wicked who flourish not like the Palm-Tree but as the Grass they pass away 4. This may animate the Righteous and greatly encourage them against Persecution Why should they fear that which God turns to their great Advantage O let us labour to improve Burthens Afflictions and heavy Pressures to the end God designs them and never more fear the worst that Men can do unto us The Righteous shall flourish like the Palm-Tree 5. Let us labour for Union and strengthen one another combine as one Man in the Way of Holiness and Christian Affection that so thereby we may like the tender Plants of the Palm-Tree get Strength and stand when the Wind blows hardest and the Storms of the Ungodly rise upon us 6. This may be also Matter of Trial to us we hereby may try our selves and try our Graces How is it with you Sirs under Sufferings Do you grow and flourish the more If you wither and decay in Grace in a Day of Trial or when you are under Pressures and Afflictions and cannot bear hard Things for Christ's sake it clearly shews you are none of God's Palm-Trees Saints compared to Wheat Mat. 13.27 28. Let both grow together till Harvest c. Verse 30. But gather the Wheat into my Barn THe Saints of God are in this Parable compared to Wheat or good Seed but the Wicked to Tares and the End of the World to the Harvest Why Believers are compared to Wheat will appear by what follows Metaphor Parallel VVHeat is a precious Sort of Grain the best of Grain THe Saints of God are a choice People the best of Men. Prov. 12.26 The Righteous are more excellent than their Neighbours II. Wheat is a very profitable Sort of Grain it tends to the enriching the Husband-man he accounts it his Treasure II. The Saints are a People profitable to the World many ways See Salt Nay Mat. 3.17 and God accounts them his peculiar Treasure III. Wheat will abide and live in the sharpest Winter which some other Seed will not III. So sincere Souls will endure the sharpest Trials They will live in the Winter-Time of the Church when others fall off wither die away and come to nothing IV. Wheat is a small Sâ—ed and when it is first sown it lies hid in Winter it seems as if it were quite dead but when the Spring comes it sweetly revives again and flourisheth exceedingly IV. The Godly are in comparison of the World a small People Luke 12.32 called a little Flock and they lie hid as it were scarcely seeming to be a People whilst the Winter of Persecution and Trouble under the four Monarchs of the World predominate Cant. 2.11 But when the Winter is past and the Spring-Time of the Church shall come they shall revive and cover the Earth as Wheat doth the Land where it is sown Light is sown for the Righteous Prov. 4.18 and Joy for the Vpright in Heart The Growth of Saints in Times of Temptation doth not always so visibly appear They are like Corn sown that lies under the Clods but when they have taken sweet Root they soon appear to revive and sprout forth like Wheat by means of the Dew of Grace and sweet Rays of the Sun of Righteousness They shall revive as the Corn and grow as the Vine Hos 14.7 and the Scent thereof shall be as the Wine of Lebanon V. An Ear of Wheat that is full of Corn always hangs downs its Head when that which is light and empty stands upright V. So the Saints of God or all sincere Souls that have much Grace are humble Ones they hang down their Heads as it were are cloathed with Humility when Hypocrites or empty Professors are puffed up Abraham calls himself but Dust and Ashes David a Worm and no Man Job abhors himself as a nothing Creature Paul saith he was the least of all Saints Job 42.6 Eph. 8.3 When the empty Hypocrite cries out Lord I thank thee I am not as other Men. VI. Wheat needs Weeding Weeds many times come up with it and hinder its Growth VI. So the Saints and People of God need weeding Weeds of Corruption often spring up and trouble them which did not God the good Husband-man Heb. 12.15 root out and destroy would quite spoil his choicest Wheat VII Wheat hath it is observed sometimes Tares amongst it which the Husband-man sees good to let alone till the Harvest lest in plucking them out some of the Wheat be pull'd up with them VII The Field is the World Mat. 13.38 where the Saints of God who are compared to Wheat grow i. e. live and much Tares grow up or live among them in every Nation City and Town And it is the pleasure of God that they should be let alone or suffâ—red to grow together in the World that common Field tho not in the Church And therefore were the People of God such as the wicked Persecutor calls them viz. Tares Hereticks the Off-scouring of the World yet it is directly contrary to the Mind of God that they should be rooted up and turned out of the Earth Let both grow
that Star of the first Magnitude drive away That blessed Light which he afforded the World hath shone so gloriously that the Devil the Pope and all their Adherents notwithstanding all their Skill have not been able to put out to this Day IV. When the Light of the Candle is put out which is to give Light to the whole House how do Men stumble and grope in Darkness IV. So when the Saints shine not in Grace and Holiness or fall into Sin and wickedly comply with the Evils of the Times in which they live how do the ungodly World stumble and fall the which made our Saviour to say Mat. 18.7 Wo to the World because of Offences c. 'T is a great Judgment to the Wicked to have those who should be as Lights in the World darkened or give occasion of Stumbling Inferences THis shews what a great Blessing the World receives by means of the Godly They are set up as Lights in a dark Night to direct Men in the right Way that they may not stumble and fall upon the dark Mountains II. Let this teach Believers their Duties let them remember to have their Conversations honest among the Gentiles Let your Light shine forth to others not that you may be praised but that the Praise may be given to God c. In all your holy Walking propose this as your ultimate End not that you may be magnified and lifted up but that God by you and through your good Works may be magnified and his glorious Name advanced on high III. It may be an Use of Caution to them to take heed of Sin If they comply with Satan and yield to Temptations and thereby let their Light go out no wonder if the World stumble Sometimes Professors instead of being Lights prove dark Stumbling-Blocks As to instance in two or three things 1. When Professors fail in their Morals i. e. are not just in their Dealings between Man and Man they give just cause of Offence 2. When they are like the World and none can discern any great difference between them and others in respect of their Conversation how can they then be said to be the Light of the World 3. When they are overcome with scandalous Sins viz. are proud covetous Backbiters Tattlers Drunkards c. 4. When they want Love and Bowels of Compassion to their Brethren they cease to be the Lights of the World They are no more a Blessing to the World who thus degenerate from what they should be but rather the contrary Therefore if you want Motives to stir you up to take heed how you walk and live among Men that you may not give occasion of Offence or Stumbling to them but contrary-wise be as Lights to them take these following 1. Your good Works and holy Conversation will greatly tend to glorify God but the contrary will greatly dishonour him 2. Your good Works and godly Life will greatly tend to the Profit of the World but the contrary will prove to their great Hurt 3. Your holy Life will make your Profession shine and also further the Promulgation of the Gospel but the contrary will bring a Stink or ill Savour upon your Profession and hinder the Promulgation of the Gospel 4. An evil Life hinders poor Souls from enquiring after the Truth and stumbles them in the way of their Obedience to it 5. It stumbles weak Christians that are in the Ways of God 6. It weakens the Hands and grieves the Hearts of strong and sincere Ones Phil 3.18 7. A holy Life will free thee from Blood-guiltiness I mean thou wilt not have the Blood of other Mens Souls to answer for but the contrary may make thee culpable Saints compared to Cedars Psal 92.12 He shall grow like a Cedar in Lebanon the Trees of the Lord are full of Sap. Psal 104.16 The Cedars of Lebanon which he hath planted c. Hos 14.5 And cast forth his Root as Lebanon GOd's People their Growth and Rooting are in these Scriptures compared to the Cedar-Tree the Cedar in Lebanon in Greek Libanos which was a Mountain in the North Part of the Land of Canaan possessed of old Time by the Hivites Judg. 3.3 afterwards by the Israelites on it grew many stately Cedars c. In what respect the Saints may be compared to the Cedars will appear by the following Parallels Simile Parallel THe Cedar is a very noble and stately Tree it grows very high 2 King 19.23 Ezek. 17.22 hence they are called tall Cedars also its Branches are called Branches of the high Cedar It mounts high towards Heaven Pliny tells of one Cedar that grew in Cyprus Plin. lib. 16. p. 490. which was one hundred and thirty Foot high and three Fathom thick THe Godly are a renowned People Tho they seem in the Eyes of the World but meer Shrubs yet they are as it was said of Saul higher by the Head and Shoulders than all others who dwell upon the Earth They grow high in Grace and spiritual Experiences They are said to dwell on high Isa 33.10 they dwell in God in Communion with Him they soar aloft and mount towards Heaven Isa 40. ult Col. 3.1 2. Their Affections are set upon Things above They may in this Sence be said to grow like the Cedar they overtop the Wicked in Renown and Dignity Prov. 12.26 The Righteous are more excellent than their Neighbours II. The Cedar is a Tree that takes deep Root its Roots spread this way and that way and go far into the Ground Naturalists say that as Trees grow high so proportionably they take Root downward because otherwise they would be top-heavy and overturn a Blast of Wind taking advantage of their Talness being weak at Root would soon blow them down therefore proportionable to their spreading above there must be a rooting in the Ground II. The Godly are said to take Root downward they are well-rooted they cast forth their Roots as the Cedars in Lebanon Saints are well rooted in Christ rooted in the Covenant 2 Sam. 23.5 which is firm ordered in all things and sure well rooted in Grace in Faith Love and Humility And indeed those Saints that grow high in Knowledg who in Gifts and Parts overtop their Brethren had need to grow downwards in Humility proportionable to their Growth upwards or else a strong Blast of Temptation may soon puff them up with Pride and Self-conceitedness and so thereby quite blow them down In Adam we had no sure Rooting but in Christ by partaking of his Fulness our standing is firm III. The Cedar is a very strong Tree Naturalists also tell us that it is not subject to Putrefaction as many other Trees are III. Eph. 6.10 11. The Saints are strong in the Lord. 'T is Sin that causeth Men to be spiritually weak unstable as Water as Jacob spake of his Son Reuben but the Godly are delivered from the Guilt and Dominion of it and thereby become strong in
Place EXpositors differ about the Meaning of these Words Mercer and Vatablus as Mr. Burroughs observes would carry it thus Laute ut Agnus mox mactatur As a Lamb when it hath large Food it is soon slain so God threatneth Ephraim that he will soon make an end of them only he will let them prosper for a while and feed them largely but it shall be for the Slaughter c. But others rather understand that God would bring Ephraim under such Affliction as should humble them and make them as a Lamb Feed them as a Lamb parcè ac tenuiter not fed as an Heifer that noted their Prosperity but fed as a Lamb that noteth their Adversity For the Food of a Lamb differeth from the Food of an Heifer That which will feed a Lamb will starve an Heifer or an Ox. They have saith God been proud and wanton in the Enjoyment of Peace and Plenty but now they shall have short Commons I will bring them down and lay them low at my Feet they shall be as a Lamb that picks up Grass in the Wilderness as a Lamb in a large Place That is saith Mr. Burroughs they shall be dispersed among the Countries They would not be satisfied in Canaan which was a narrow Place and with the Sheepfold of mine that was therein and now they shall have more Room they shall go into a large Place but it shall be into Captivity But now fully to take in the direct Sence of the Text I will feed them as a Lamb in a large Place that is as a Lamb that shall be alone one Lamb. He speaks of a Lamb singly because that they should be scattered one from another They had Society and might have abode in the sweet Enjoyment of it had they not sinned their Mercies away but since they did not make good use of their Peace and Communion together God threatneth to scatter them one in one Place and another in another Place and they should be as a Lamb alone in the Wilderness succourless helpless shiftless bleating up and down Which affords us a profitable Parallel Simile Parallel A Lamb in a large Place that feeds in a Wilderness alone is very solitary and as it hath been observed wanders about bleating seeming greatly troubled for want of Company SO when God scatters his People by Persecution because they have not prized nor improved that Peace and Plenty which he hath afforded them in their own Fold nor regarded the Sweetness of Christian Society and Communion together they shall wander about bleating as it were being greatly troubled for want of that Fellowship they once enjoyed Thus it was with the poor Jews II. A Lamb alone in a large Place wandering up and down in a Wilderness among Wolves Lions c. is in great danger of being devoured every moment when such as remain in the Fold with the Flock are generally safe and very secure II. So a poor Christian that strays abroad or gets out of God's Fold and is as a Lamb in a large Place is in great danger of being spoiled and devoured every moment when such Christians as abide in the Church and keep close to the Fellowship and Communion thereof are safe Also Christians that are scattered and forced by Persecution from the Society of the Saints are obnoxious to many Deaths and Dangers III. A Lamb in a large Place or Wilderness hath none to help it who watches or takes care of such a Lamb It hath no Shepherd to look after it none that regards it III. So those Christians that stray abroad or are forced to wander in a bewildered Estate have no Fellowship with God's People nor are they under the special Care or Charge of any of his particular Ministers none regard them Which is a sore and lamentable State IV. A Lamb in a large Place is forced to seek its own Food and provide for it self when such as remain in the Fold or in the Flock the Shepherd takes care of them and daily feeds them they have no Want when the poor Lamb in the Wilderness is in hard Weather near starving IV. So Such Christians as stray abroad and walk alone not belonging to any particular Church have little Food but what they can find themselves they have not those sweet and blessed Refreshments at the Lord's Table and in the daily Communion with God's People as such have who are orderly Members This made the Spouse cry out Tell me Cant. 1.7 O thou whom my Soul loveth where thou feedest and where thou makest thy Flocks to rest at Noon c. Inferences FRom hence we may infer what a sore Evil it is to be scattered from the Flock of God Some slight Christian Society and think the Yoke of Christ is too hard and uneasy for their Necks they account it Bondage and not Liberty they do not like Christ's Fold And how just is it with God to blind the Eyes of such and leave them to wander in the Wilderness and let them feed as a Lamb in a large Field being exposed to the Danger of many Enemies 2. Some Men love their Liberty and they may have Liberty enough but such may be their Liberty that it may prove as one well observes their Misery To keep in the Compass of God's Commands is the best Liberty of all as David professeth Then shall I have Liberty when I keep all thy Commandments Other Liberty will most certainly bring us into Straits and ruine us if we do not take heed and return unto God Many want Elbow-Room and would fain get out of God's Limits tho such may at present have Peace yet mark well their End It is a fearful Judgment to be left to wander 3. Prize Christian Society then and account it your Mercy that you are not as a Lamb in a large Place and improve the Mercy you now enjoy lest God bring that heavy Judgment upon you to break and scatter you as many have been in Days past and made to seek their Bread in a howling Wilderness The Heart of a Saint compared to an Heart of Flesh Ezek. 36.26 And I will give them a Heart of Flesh c. I. A Heart of Flesh is a tender thing every small Prick will make it bleed So every Sin nay the smallest Sin will offend and make a tender-hearted Christian cry out much more a great Sin II. A Heart of Flesh is a soft Heart the Philosophers Description of a soft thing is that it easily gives way to a Touch So a true Christian a tender-hearted Christian will yield to God's Word to his Reproofs to his Commands c. Lay your Finger upon a Stone and that yields not but lay your Finger upon Flesh and that will yield 2 King 22.19 So will a Saint Josiah's Heart melted when the Law of God was read to him his Heart gave way and yielded to God's Word and trembled at the Judgments denounced he had a Heart of Flesh a tender and soft Heart
III. A Heart of Flesh cannot bear a great Weight a heavy Burden will crush and mar it exceedingly Lay never so great a Weight upon a Stone and that will bear it you cannot crush that nor make the least Impression in it what Weight soever you lay upon it but a Heart of Flesh or that which is of a soft Substance is of another Nature a Weight will bruise crush and mar it immediatly So a tender-hearted Christian cannot bear the Weight of Sin he feels the Burthen so heavy that he is sorely crushed down and oppressed under the Guilt thereof and grievously bruised Thus it was with David Psal 38. I am sore broken I am bowed down greatly c. IV. A Heart of Flesh I mean a living Heart for 't is such a one of which the Text speaks is a sensible Heart So a tender-hearted Christian or a Man or Woman that hath a Heart of Flesh is very sensible Such are sensible of their own Vileness and loath themselves before the Lord cannot bear the Thoughts of God's Displeasure it goes to their very Heart to think that the holy and infinite God should be displeased and offended with them they are sensible of their own Sorrows and of the Sorrows and Miseries of others A tender-hearted Person will grieve for the Afflictions of his Brethren and Sisters if his Mother or any dear Relation is distressed and in great Misery O how sensible is he of it and how sorely troubled and disquieted in his Spirit And thus it is with a tender hearted Saint O how is he grieved for the distressed Saints and for distressed Sion c. V. A Heart of Flesh i. e. a tender Heart will take any Impression you please So a tender-hearted Christian will take any Impression from God He is like Wax melted that will take the Impression of the Seal They are ready to take the Stamp of the Word the Image of God which is Righteousness and true Holiness The Spirit and Word of God can mould these Hearts into any Form or Fashion God pleaseth c. Saints compared to Stewards Luk. 16.2 Give an account of thy Stewardship c. 1 Pet. 4.10 As good Stewards c. Note Every Saint is the Steward of God Parallels I. A Steward is a Person that hath Goods or Moneys committed to his Charge So every Christian hath many Goods called Talents committed to him Mat. 25.14 15. both Spirituals and Temporals II. A Steward cannot say the Riches which are committed to him are his own no he is but the Steward of them in Trust they being the proper Right of another Man or his Lord's Goods So a Christian cannot say any thing he hath is his own all he is and hath is the Lord's III. A Steward ought to dispose of every thing committed to his Charge according to the special Command of his Master who possibly orders him to pay so much to such an one and so much to such an one and so much to such Poor that dwell in the Parish c. So every Christian ought to dispose of all his Lord's Goods according to his express Command laid down in his Word or he is no faithful Steward So much he is required to dispose of to the Ministers of the Gospel that may tend to make their Lives comfortable and free them from the perplexing Cares of this Life which greatly hinder them in their Ministry The true Minister's Maintenance is jure divino of divine Right So hath the Lord ordained 1 Cor. 9.14 that they that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel Also they are required to give to the Poor that they may not want c. Their Charity ought to be according to their Ability and the Poor's Necessity and not only to give but to give cheerfully with a willing Heart c. IV. Stewards are required to improve their Lord's Money c. So Christians ought to improve all those spiritual Gifts and Graces Time and Strength Wisdom and Knowledg Whatsoever God hath given to them he expects they should improve it to his Glory and to the Profit of their Neighbours V. 'T is a great and horrible Evil in a Steward to mind his own Business and Concerns more than the Concerns of his Lord and Master So 't is an utter Fault and that which may justly call in question the Truth of his Sincerity and Christianity for a Christian to mind the World and his own private Interest more than the Interests and Concerns of Jesus Christ Some care not what becomes of Christ's Labourers or of the poor Saints nor of the Interest of the Gospel so that they have all things to their Hearts Content They eat the Fat and drink the Sweet and lay up great Store of Treasure for their own Children c. they have perhaps their Hundreds and Thousands by them and in the mean while many faithful Ministers hard put to it to get Bread Is it not an abominable Evil in a Steward to live like a Lord himself upon his Master's Goods and let his Master's Children want Bread and also to keep back the Right of his faithful and painful Labourers for whose sake he intrusted him with so much Substance VI. A Steward must expect to be called to an Account Give an Account of thy Stewardship c. So must every Christian expect to be called to an Account by Jesus Christ concerning his Stewardship and what will they have to say who have embezelled much of their Lord's Goods and converted the rest to their own private Use Let all take heed and so demean themselves that they may have their Accounts to give up with Joy Saints compared to Stones 1 Pet. 2.5 Ye also as lively Stones are built up a spiritual House an holy Priesthood c. THe Saints of God are compared to Stones to the Stones of a a Building c. Parallels I. SOme Stones that Men build with are very rough and rocky as they are taken out of the Quarry and therefore need much Hewing and Squaring before they are fit for the Building So naturally the Hearts of Sinners are rocky and like rough Stones Hos 6.5 and to this the Lord alludes I have hewed them by the Prophets Ministers are God's Tools by which He does his Work upon Mens Hearts II. Stones are fit Materials to build a House withal So God sees Believers are the only fit Materials to build his spiritual House III. Stones in a Building are well knit and united together So should the Saints in Love c. IV. Stones are durable so are the Saints Disparity I. NO Builder builds his House with preeious Stones But Believers are called precious Stones This notes the Richness and Excellency of the spiritual Building 1 Cor. 3.12 Now if any build upon this Foundation Gold Silver precious Stones c. II. No earthly Stones have Life in them they are not living but dead Stones But the Saints are living Stones Eph.
2.1 being quickned and made alive by Jesus Christ that so there may be a fit Resemblance or Similitude between the Stones and the Foundation See Foundation in the First Volume pag. 242. and Christ the Corner-Stone p. 246 247. The Saints God's Iewels Mal. 3.17 They shall be mine in that Day when I make up my Jewels THe Saints are in this Place called Jewels they are God's choice Jewels There is nothing so excellent in the Eyes of Men but God's People are as amiable in his Sight and why he calls them his Jewels is opened in the following Parallel Metaphor Parallel JEwels are rare and excellent Things made by the hands of curious Workmen they are made of precious Stones set in Gold and Silver THe Saints are to God most choice and excellent Ones Psal 45. The King's Daughter is all glorious within These Jewels are made up of a Complication of all the precious Graces of the Holy Spirit II. Some Jewels are long in making they are not made near so soon as some others are They carry on their Work gradually every Day 's Work adds to their Beauty and Richness yet having begun they resolve to go forward and never cease till they have finished them and made them up quite fit for the Cabinet II. So some of the Saints are not so soon made up and fitted for Heaven as others are God carries on the Work of Grace gradually All Persons as soon as ever they are converted are not made fit for Heaven but they must go from one degree of Grace to another Yet God hath promised to perfect the Work he hath begun he will never cease until he hath made up the Jewels he hath begun to make He that hath begun a good Work in you Phil. 1.6 will perform it to the Day of Christ III. Jewels are a most rare and excellent Ornament nothing richer and are therefore worn only by rich and noble Persons in which they take great delight III. So Believers are the Glory of Christ Whether any do enquire of Titus 2 Cor. 8.23 he is my Partner and Fellow-helper concerning you or our Brethren be enquired of they are the Messengers of the Churches and the Glory of Christ Which agrees with that in Isa 62.3 Thou shalt also be a Crown of Glory in the hand of the Lord Isa 62.3 and a Royal Diadem in the hand of thy God and hence called Hephzibah The Lord delighteth in thee No Prince esteems more of his Crown Jewels and Royal Diadem than God doth of his People The High-Priest under the Law was to have the Names of the Children of Israel engraven on the Breast-plate See Exod. 28. And thou shalt make the Breastplate of Judgment the Work of cunning Workmen c. And thou shalt emboss in it Embossments of Stones four Rows The first a Row of Sardius Exod 28.6 7 8 9. a Topaz and a Smaragd the second Row a Chalcedony a Saphire and Sardonyx and the third Row an Hyacinth a Chrysophrase and an Amethyst and the fourth Row a Chrysolite a Beryl and a Jasper And they shall be set in Gold in their Imbossements and the Stones shall be with the Names of the Sons of Israel c. Also in the Ephod there was two Beryl-Stones and on them was engraven the Names of the Children of Israel Now the High-Priest was a Type of Christ and his having the Names of the Children of Israel engraven with precious Stones upon the Ephod which was upon his Shoulders and upon the Breast-plate signifies not only Christ's bearing his Saints upon his Shoulders as it were and upon his Heart but also what an Ornament Christ looks upon his Saints to be unto him for those precious Stones were a wonderful Ornament to the Priest both on his Shoulders and Breast Take Mr. Ainsworth's Annotations on the 11th Verse The Engraver Stone-cutter or Jeweller thus engraving in precious Stone and that like a Signet the Names of the Children of Israel signified the firm and perpetual Love Memorial Esteem and Sustentation of the Church And to this the Spouse alludes Cant. 8.6 Set me as a Signet upon thy Heart as a Signet on thy Arm c. IV. A Man takes great care of and exceedingly values his rich and choice Jewels he will not lose one of them if he can possibly keep them IV. So God takes great care of his Saints esteems of them as his chiefest Treasure and will not lose one of them All that the Father hath given me have I kept and none of them are lost c. That God highly prizes esteems and takes great care of his People doth appear many ways 1. By the Price he paid for them He gave up that precious and invaluable Jewel of his Heart viz. the Lord Jesus to be broken in pieces that so he might thereby make unto himself many thousand choice and precious Jewels 2. By the great Pains he hath used in forming and fashioning them for himself We are his Workmanship c. 3. By his making of such a firm and sure Covenant with Christ in their behalf that none of them might be lost 4. By the Charge he gives to the Wicked not to hurt them 2 Chron. 16.21 22. He suffered no Man to do them Wrong yea he reproved Kings for their Sakes saying Touch not mine Anointed and do my Prophets no harm 5. By his declaring that they that touch them touch the Apple of his Eye He pities them as a Father pities his Children 6. By his bestowing so many precious Graces and good Gifts upon them to make them shine and gloriously set forth their Lustre 7. By executing Wrath and Displeasure upon their Enemies 8. By his defending saving and preserving them in the midst of so many great and imminent Dangers 9. In hiding them in a secret and secure Place out of the reach of Adversaries 10. Lastly by providing such a glorious Place for them after Death that they may be with him for ever V. Jewels are subject to many Casualties whilst they are making and are often marr'd or receive much Detriment which without much Labour and Cost is not repaired and made good again V. So God's Jewels are subject to sustain great Detriment and are often much marr'd whilst he is about making of them up by Sin and Satan and through their own Carelesness which is not soon nor easily repaired Tho God graciously by his Word and Spirit renews his Work again upon their Souls as in the Case of David Peter and divers others VI. When a Man hath quite made up his Jewels he puts them into a rich Cabinet VI. So when God hath quite made up his spiritual Jewels he puts them into Heaven that is the rich and glorious Cabinet which he hath provided for all his choice and goodly Jewels VII A Person that hath many rich and choice Jewels shews them as he sees occasion to his Friends and also to others declaring his Right to them and
setting forth the Worth and Fxcellency of them IV. So God in the Day to come when he hath made up all the Jewels he intends to make will reveal shew or make known his Saints to Angels and Men. Hence the Day of Christ's coming is called the Day of the Manifestation of the Sons of God They shall be mine saith God He will say in that Day These are mine these that you ungodly Ones abused hated and persecuted and thought not worthy to live but accounted the Off-scouring of all things behold now what rare and lovely Ones they are these are the Delight and Joy of my Heart whom I value as my choicest Treasure and I will spare them whilst you shall bear the Fierceness of my Wrath and Indignation for ever Then shall ye return and discern between the Righteous and the Wicked Mal. 3. ult between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not Disparity I. Other Jewels may be lost But God will lose none of his Jewels II. He that makes other Jewels may not be the proper Owner of them nor wear them for an Ornament himself But God who makes all his spiritual Jewels is the proper Owner of them This People have I formed for my self They are also made for his own Glory III. Other Jewels may be quite spoiled broke to pieces and become good for nothing the best and richest Jewels shall at last pass away and perish for ever But God's Jewels shall never be utterly spoiled for tho they may receive some Damage by Satan's Temptations and the Pollution of Sin yet God will perfect that which is wanting concerning them and make them at last so glorious that they shall be out of Danger and shall abide and shine in Beauty and Glory to Eternity Inferences FRom hence we may infer what horrid Iniquity the Enemies of God and his Church are guilty of and what a dreadful Account they have to give for endeavouring and with the greatest Rage and Malice and unwearied Attempts contriving all ways imaginable to spoil break in pieces and utterly destroy all God's choice and precious Jewels which he is as tender of as the Apple of his Eye what will they do in the Day of Vengeance 2. It speaks forth much Comfort to the Godly O how are they esteemed prized and valued by the Almighty they are his Jewels his special and peculiar Treasure 3. This may inform all Men what the Reason is God is so much concerned for the Good and Well-being of his own People and so often appears to vindicate their Innocency and defend them from the Rage and Cruelty of wicked Men. 5. Let us enquire whether we are God's Jewels or not 1. Are we regenerated Ones have we the Pearl of Faith Love Humility c. 2. Are we holy sincere and faithful in all things to God 3. Do we excell others Is there a real or only a seeming Worth and Excellency in us What do we more than others 4. Do we grow in Grace doth the Work of God go on upon our Hearts Are we more sit for Heaven to day than we were yesterday A Jewel in the hand of a Jeweller is every day nearer finishing The Righteous shall hold on his Way and he that hath clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger Saints compared to Kings Rev. 5.10 And hast made us unto God Kings and Priests c. THe Saints are in this Place and some others called Kings which is one of the highest Titles among Men. Parallels I. KIngs are usually highly descended or are Sons of Nobles So the Saints are all highly descended they are born from above born of God and so may be said to be the Off-spring of Heaven Behold what manner of Love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God! Behold 1 Joh. 3.1 2. now are we Sons of God c. II. Kings have great Attendants belonging to them So the Saints have most great and glorious Attendants belonging to them viz. the holy Angels No Kings or Monarchs on Earth are honoured like the Saints and Children of God in respect of the Excellency of their Retinue See Angels under the Sixth Head III. Kings have their Crowns and do reign or else expect to reign So the Saints have a Crown laid up for them 2 Tim. 4.18 Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness which God the Righteous Judg shall give unto me at that day and not to me only but to all them also that love his Appearance Be thou faithful unto Death Rev. 2.10 Rev. 5.10 and I will give thee a Crown of Life And as they shall have a Crown so they shall reign upon the Earth as Kings IV. Kings are the principal Men on Earth far exceeding in Honour and Excellency all common People So the Saints are the chief and principal Ones or the most excellent in all the Earth it may be said of them as of Jabesh 1 Chron. 4.9 10. they are more honourable than their Brethren What base and ignoble Persons are the Wicked to those noble Souls The Ungodly be they never so high and great in Power and Sovereignty are compared to Things very base vile and contemptible as will hereafter be shewn The Righteous is more excellent than his Neighbour Prov. 12.26 V. Kings sometimes meet with great Trouble and Sorrow after they are anointed before they come to the quiet Enjoyment of their Crowns they have been severely persecuted and chased from one Place to another as King David particularly was So the Saints of God tho they are anointed with the Oil of Gladness and have an Assurance given them of the Crown of Glory meet with very great Trouble in this World being persecuted tormented afflicted and sometimes having no certain Dwelling-Place as is said of some of the ancient Worthies Heb. 11. Heb. 11.37 VI. Some Kings have possessed and reigned over many Kingdoms their Dominions have been very great The Saints are the Heirs of a Kingdom nayâ— all the Kingdoms under the whole Heavens shall be given to them Rev. 11.15 Dan. 9.27 The Kingdoms of this World shall become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ c. And the Kingdoms and Dominions and the Greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven shall be given to the People of the Saints of the Most High c. VII Kings have great and noble Minds they busy not themselves about mean Matters So the Saints have great and noble Spirits they converse about Things above being risen with Christ their Affections are not set upon Things below Col. 3 1 2 Phil 3.20 but seek those Things that are above where Christ is at the right-hand of God Our Conversation is in Heaven c. VIII Kings have many great and glorious Privileges and Prerogatives appertaining to them how are they honoured and congratulated by the People So have the Saints They shall sit down with Christ
that the Saints are so subject to be overtaken with spiritual Drouziness Answ 1. From the Weakness and Dulness of the Flesh The Spirit indeed is willing but the Flesh is weak 2. By being slothful negligent and out of Employment when we grow indifferent and careless and neglect our Work neglect Prayer Reading and Hearing God's Word Prov. 19.15 no marvel if we soon fall asleep Slothfulness casteth into a deep Sleep 3. By being amongst sleepy Folks This is apt to make a wakeful Person in a little time drowsy and subject to nod too a sleepy Family a sleepy Church a sleepy Ministry usually hath bad effects upon this account upon a Spiritual Christian therefore prize a Soul-awakening Ministry 4. By means of long watching Whilst the Bridegroom tarried they all slumbered and slept 5. A black dark and gloomy Day is subject to cause one to grow drowsy as most men can experience 6. By an Apprehension 't is a long while to day time enough saith the Sluggard to arise Men think of living long and that it will be a great while before the Lord comes c. Wicked Men Fools Psal 14.1 The Fool hath said in his Heart There is no God Eccles 10.3 Yea also when he that is a Fool walketh by the way his Wisdom faileth him and he saith to every one that he is a Fool. Job 5.2 3. For Wrath killeth the foolish Man and Envy slayeth the silly One Job 30.8 They were Children of Fools yea Children of base Men they were viler than the Earth Luke 12. Thou Fool this Night thy Soul shall be required of thee SIN is Folly great Folly and Sinners are Fools how often in the Proverbs are ungodly Men tho accounted very worldly-wise called Fools simple Ones Men of no Vnderstanding Simile Parallel A Fool is one that knows not what is good what is best for him he is a Man of no Understanding SO wicked Men know not what is good and right in it self they know not what is good for themselves they are Men of no Understanding they cry Who will shew us any Good That is Psal 4.6 saith Mr. Caryl any good Cheer Plenty of Corn and Wine They esteem Gold and Silver and other outward good Things before Pardon Peace of Conscience and the Favour of God and are therefore Fools II. A Fool or Idiot will hurt wrong or abuse himself Perhaps you have heard of the Gentleman's Fool who happened to be in Company with a Carpenter and the Carpenter making himself merry with him hid his Hat But it so fell out as the Matter is related the Carpenter some time after chanced to fall asleep with his Head upon a Block which the Fool observing he took an Ax and chopp'd off his Head and hid it amongst the Chips and then went laughing away but being asked wherefore he laughed O saith he I have cut off the Carpenter's Head and have hid it amongst the Chips and I wonder how he will do to find it when he awakes But for this he was committed to Prison and when he was brought to his Trial the Judg was informed that he was a natural Fool but that he might be convinced it was true he ordered a Knife to be given to him and accordingly it was then said the Judg to the poor Idiot Cut your self with that Knife and he poor Soul did so immediately by which the Judg knew he was indeed a Fool and so acquitted him II. Wicked Men hurt themselves Nothing wrongs or wounds a Man more than Sin hence called a Dart Sting c. Yet so void are all ungodly Men of Understanding that they consent to Sin yield to Sin run as it were this Spear into their own Bowels wound themselves to the very Heart and yet say Are not we in Sport Can there be any greater Folly or a more palpable Sign of a Fool than for a Man to whip lash scourge and do thus unto himself When Satan tempts Men to sin he doth as it were put a Knife into their hands and then bids them cut and slash themselves with it and yet no sooner doth Satan thus tempt and entice them but they presently consent to him until they have wounded themselves from the Crown of their Heads to the Soles of their Feet What Man but a Fool would run into the Hornets Nests or after this lamentable manner wound himself Sinners are such Fools that they play with the Asp and delight to be at the Mouth of the Cockatrice-Den Sin in the holy Scriptures is compared to both these cruel Serpents and hence the Poyson of Asps is said to be under their Tongues Who but Fools or mad Men Psal 140.3 Rom. 3.13 will sport and play with such venemous Serpents or drink down deadly Poyson when told again and again what it is and what the Effects of it will be and yet they will do it Prov. 23.31 32. Look not upon the Wine when it is red when it giveth its Colour in the Cup when it moveth it self aright That is whatever Allurements there are to Sin take heed of it At last it biteth like a Serpent and stingeth like an Adder III. Is not that Man a Fool who will harbor a Thief in his House and tho he be told of it and that he is in danger of losing all his Goods and having his Throat cut by him he being a bloody Murtherer yet laughs at it and loves his Enemy and hugs him in his Bosom and resolves to eat and drink with him and lodg him in his chiefest Room and yet is informed this Thief never spared any Man that shewed him Favour III. Wicked Men harbor Sin and deceitful Lusts in their Souls which is the bloodiest Thief and Murtherer that ever was that spares none nor ever did who entertained it or took delight therein It hath slain and utterly undone Thousands and Ten Thousands yea many Millions yet they hug this cursed Traitor and let him lodg in their Hearts and lie in their Bosoms and shew him all the Favour and Kindness imaginable and do they not from hence appear to be the greatest Fools in Nature IV. Is not that Man a Fool that striveth with one that is infinitely stronger than himself or thinks a Thorn Hedg can stand before a consuming Fire or supposes a Potsheard can prevail against the Potter IV. Wicked Men strive with the great God and do they not in this shew themselves to be Fools Have they an Arm like God Job 40.9 can they thunder with a Voice like him yet they continually resist him and fight against him They that go on in their evil Ways make War with the Almighty and Dread-Sovereign of Heaven and Earth Wo unto him that striveth with his Maker Let the Potsheard strive with the Potshards of the Earth Isa 45.9 Do you not see this day how Man sorry Man sets himself against God! they are resolved to see what they can do they will not yet lay
their Hearts lest instead of good Wheat they should at last prove evil Tares 2. It also reproves those Magistrates who in a blind Zeal persecute Men for Religion and Conscience sake pretending they do it to destroy the Tares viz. Hereticks c. whereas they know not but that those they persecute may be good and faithful Christians Besides 't is a Work that belongs not to them God would have both tho one Sort may be very vile and impudent Hereticks Schismaticks c. to live together to the end of the World Wicked Men compared to Chaff Psal 1.4 The Vngodly are not so but are like the Chaff which the Wind driveth away Mat. 3.12 But he will burn up the Chaff with unquenchable Fire Wicked Men are compared to Chaff Simile Parallel CHaff before it is separated from the Wheat cleaves close to it and the Wheat must be trod or threshed before the one can be separated from the other SO some wicked Men I mean Hypocrites seem to cleave close to the Saints and to be in perfect Union or Oneness with them And the Godly must be trod upon or threshed with the Flail of Persecution before they as sacred Wheat can be separated from the Chaff viz. counterfeit Christians II. Chaff is of little worth or value to the Wheat Jer. 23.28 What is the Chaff to the Wheat 'T is a low mean and contemptible thing one Bushel of Wheat is worth many Bushels of Chaff II. So wicked Men and Hypocrites are of little worth and value in the sight of God he esteems one true Christian worth thousands and ten thousands of Hypocrites I give Egypt for thy Ransom Isa 43.3 Ethiopia and Seba for thee Since thou wert precious in my sight thou hast been honourable c. III. Chaff is light and airy 't is no ponderous Thing and therefore the Wind carries it away with a Blast III. So the Wicked whatever shew they make of Religion and Piety they are light as Chaff they are not weighty nor ponderous their Lightness and Levity is discovered by their Words and Behavior and when the Blast and Tempest of Persecution comes it drives them away from the seeming Zeal and Religion they pretend to and at last the Wind of God's Wrath will drive them into the lowest Hell there to be burned with unquenchable Fire Inferences THis shews what a great difference there is between the Godly and the Ungodly also what the woful Condition of Hypocrites is and what will be in the End Wicked Men compared to Thorns Numb 33.55 They shall be Pricks in your Eyes and Thorns in your Sides c. Josh 23.13 But they shall be as Snares and Traps unto you and Scourges in your Sides and Thorns in your Eyes c. Cant. 2.2 As a Lilly among Thorns Nah. 1.10 For whilst they are folden together as Thorns c. THorns as Glassius and others observe in these Places of holy Sripture signify wicked mischievous Men. Numb 33.55 Simile Parallel THorns came in with the Curse Cursed is the Ground for thy sake Gen. 3.18 Thorns also and Thistles shall it bring forth unto thee c. Had not Adam sinned we should not have been troubled with Thorns SO wicked Men came in with the Fall and as the Fruit of the Curse Had not Adam sinned the World had never been troubled with these Briars and Thorns but ever since the Curse for Adam's Sin the World hath been full of these Thorns II. A Thorn is no tender Tree but contrary-wise sturdy hard knotty and full of Knobs and Pricks dangerous to meddle or have to do with II. Clopham So the Wicked these Sons of Belial Belegnol without Yoke that is such as will not come under the Yoke of Obedience or Beli Gnalah not ascending because their Males prospered not These Thorns wicked Men 2 Sam. 23.6 are hard-hearted knotty-conditioned full of pricking and stinging Words and Works What can he expect that meddles with a Thorn or Briar but to be scratch'd prick'd and wounded in his so doing So that Man that has to do with some wicked Men shall be scratch'd or prick'd in his good Name and Estate one way or other III. Thorns are Trees of little worth low and base Things hurtful to Fields Gardens and Vineyards c. III. So wicked Men are of little worth and value in God's sight they are of a base Spirit and Principle Lovers of Pleasure more than Lovers of God preferring Earth above Heaven Prov. 10.20 The Heart of the Wicked is little worth And as they are unprofitable and little worth in themselves so they are offensive and prejudicial to God's Garden they hinder the Growth of the Saints as much as in them lies wounding the Lilly that groweth among them See Lilly among Thorns IV. Thorns nevertheless do serve sometimes to make a Hedg to keep out wild Beasts from breaking into a Field or Vineyard IV. So some of these wicked Ones God now and then makes use of to be a Hedg to his People to keep out a more bloody and cruel Adversary Rev. 12 The Earth helped the Woman that is Wicked Men Men of the Earth stood up for and sided in with the Church and People of God and so proved as a Wall of Defence or Hedg to them Besides God makes use of them sometimes as a Hedg to stop his People in their evil Courses by suffering these Sons of Belial to afflict them I will hedg up her Way with Thorns Hos 2.6 V. Thorns and Briars when they are grown to any height are oft-times by the Owner cut down and cast into the Fire V. So the Wicked and Ungodly when they are grown to a great height of Wickedness provoking God against themselves are cut down and cast into Hell That which beareth Briars and Thorns is near unto Cursing whose end is to be burnt He 8.6.8 VI. Thorns and Briars are not able to stand before a devouring and consuming Fire VI. So the Wicked are not able to stand before the dreadful and angry God For while they be folden together as Thorns Nah. 1.10 and whilst they are drunken as Drunkards they shall be destroyed as Stubble fully dry Isa 27.4 Who would saith God set the Briars and Thorns against me in Battel I would go through them I would burn them together Inferences IS it not a strange and marvellous thing that God's People are no more scratch'd and prick'd with these troublesom Thorns considering what a Multitude of them are amongst us 2. It may caution all true Christians how they meddle with these pricking Thorns 3. It shews the Folly of the Wicked who strive with the Almighty and set themselves in Battel against Him who is a consuming Fire and they but Thorns and Briars or like Stubble fully dry Wicked Men compared to Mountains Isa 41.15 Thou shalt thresh the Mountains and beat thm small c. Isa 2.14 Vpon all high Mountains that are lifted up
and such wicked Ways 6. He grows soon after this Conscience-proof and Sermon-proof nay and Judgment-proof too he neither fears Rod nor Sword a Stone will yield as soon as he 7. He after this sits down in the Seat of the Scorner derides and reproaches the Law and mocks at approaching Judgments like the Sodomites 8. And at last becomes a Persecutor of them that are godly like cursed Pharaoh c. Quest What are the Signs of a hard Heart Answ 1. When many Blows will not break it nor make the Heart yield Notwithstanding God lays on hard and heavy Strokes by his Word by Conscience and by Judgments yet nothing works remorse 2. When that Word or Sermon which wrought powerfully upon another Person works not at all upon thee 3. When the divine Rain of the Word glides off of thy Heart and will not remain or abide with thee 't is a Sign thy Heart is hard 4. When thou art neither troubled for thy own Sins nor troubled for the Sins of others 5. When thine own Miseries the Miseries of the Saints and the Distresses of Sion do not melt thee nor work Compassion in thy Soul Tho God is dishonoured his Right and Sovereignty invaded and Ruine seems to be at the Door yet thou art not troubled at any of these things Wicked Men compared to Eagles Hos 8.1 He shall come as an Eagle against the House of the Lord. Some understand this Eagle signified Nebuchadnezzar others the Assyrian c. Lam. 4.19 Our Persecutors are swifter than the Eagles of Heaven c. Tyrants and cruel Persecutors are compared to Eagles Parallels EAgles are very swift in their Flight and that especially when they pursue their Prey So cruel Persecutors are swift to shed Blood Isa 5.26 They haste like Eagles to the Prey II. Eagles are quarrelsom Creatures preying devouring envious proud lofty the Plague and Tormenters of all other Birds or Fowls of Heaven as Naturalists observe Gesner reports that in a certain Eagle's Nest were found three hundred Ducks one hundred and sixty Geese forty Hares and many Fishes c. In these respects wicked Men or bloody Persecutors may fitly be compared to them They are very quarrelsom always seeking occasion against the Innocent envious proud and lofty as appeared in Pharaoh and others They are the very Plague and Torment of all their Neighbours How many hath the Roman Eagle destroyed how many Thousands nay Hundred Thousands of the Sheep and Lambs of Jesus Christ have been found in her Nest as I may so say In her was found the Blood of Prophets Rev. 18.24 and of Saints and of all that were slain upon the Earth III. The Eagle is a subtil and crafty Creature She will fill her Wings with Dust and get upon a Stag's Horns and by beating the Dust and Sand into his Eyes she blinds him and then soon conquers him She also carries Shell-Fishes on high letting them fall upon a Rock to break them which sets forth her great Subtilty c. How crafty have many Persecutors been to destroy the Godly Come saith Pharaoh let us deal wisely with them Their common Practice is to put the Saints into Wolves Skins and then set the Dogs upon them to worry them Christ was accused for being an Enemy to Caesar and the Apostles as Movers of Sedition Acts 24.5 Thus the cruel Papists dealt with the good Lord Cobham and many other Christians viz. accused them with Treason and Rebellion that so they might with the better colour take away their Lives IV. An Eagle is an unclean Creature and therefore God would not have it to be offered up in Sacrifice tho she be accounted the King of Birds yet God rather chose the Dove upon this account and refused the Eagle So wicked Men are unclean and their Prayers and Sacrifices yea their best Performances Prov. 15.8 9. are an Abomination in the sight of the Lord. V. An Eagle is no comely Bird she hath no sweet Voice nor is she good for Food So wicked Men are not comely but contrary-wise very fulsom and ill-favoured in God's sight neither is their Voice sweet in his Ears Christ takes great delight to see his People and in hearing their Voice Let me see thy Countenance Cant. 2.14 let me hear thy Voice for sweet is thy Voice and thy Countenance is comely But thus he speaks not of the Ungodly their Persons and Prayers are no ways delightful to the Almighty God had respect to Abel and his Offering but unto Cain and his Offering Gen 4.4 5 he had not respect Disparity AN Eagle hath many and excellent Properties wherein there is a great Disparity between her and ungodly Men and upon this account the Lord Jesus is compared to an Eagle and his Saints to Eagles See Christ an Eagle in the First Volume Wicked Men compared to the Devil John 6.10 Have not I chosen you twelve and one of you is a Devil Rev. 2.10 The Devil shall cast some of you into Prison c. VIle and ungodly Men may in many respects be compared unto the Devil himself Parallels THe Devil at first was formed or created by the Almighty I do not say he was created a Devil Sin made him a Devil but God at first made him he was created an Angel of Light So God created wicked Men they are God's Creatures Eccles 7.29 Tho God at first made no Man wicked The Lord created Man upright but he hath sought out many Inventions 'T is Sin that hath made Man so vile II. The Devil then is grievously degenerated from what he once was so are wicked Men from what they were in Adam III. The Devil is an Enemy to God he was God's first Enemy So are wicked Men cursed Enemies of God and early Enemies too 'T is thought Man became God's Enemy not many days after Satan fell he is almost as old an Enemy as the Devil is IV. The Devil conspired like a vile Traitor against his lawful Sovereign So have all the ungodly ever done and still daily do They would not have God reign nor his Laws be obeyed c. but would magnify themselves and their cursed Edicts above the righteous Laws and Statutes of Heaven V. The Devil sins freely naturally with full purpose and cannot but sin So wicked Men sin freely 't is sweet and pleasant to them 't is like sweet Wine c. They delight in Sin Eccles 8.11 Job 15.16 Jer. 13.3 2 Pet. 2.24 their Hearts as Solomon says are fully set in them to do wickedly They drink in Iniquity as the Fish drinks Water Can the Aethiopian change his Skin then may they who are accustomed to do Evil learn to do well Hence saith the Apostle Having their Eyes full of Adultery and that cannot cease from Sin VI. The Devil hates those that are truly godly and seeks to beguile and deceive them So wicked and ungodly Men hate the Saints and strive to entice and draw away their
the Word reflects back upon himself as it were Physician heal thy self Paul could say in the truth of his Heart to the Saints It is not yours but you I seek This was the beastly Sin which God so loathed in the Prophets and Rulers of Israel You are greedy Dogs which can never have enough that cannot understand they all look to their own Way every one for his Gain from his Quarter Compared with that of Micah 3.11 The Heads thereof speaking of Zion judg for Reward and the Priests teach for Hire and the Prophets divine for Money yet will they lean upon the Lord and say Is not the Lord amongst us VI. Faithful Rulers are a great Blessing to a People and ought to be cheerfully obeyed reverenced and submitted to 'T is a great Sin to speak evil of Dignities or despise Dominions Râ—m 13 1. Let every Soul be subject to the higher Powers c. Submit your selves to every Ordinance of Man for the Lord's sake 1 Pet 2.13 14. whether it be to the King 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Foundation and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the People the Foundation of a People as Supreme or unto Governors c. VI. So Ministers faithful and able Ministers are no small Blessing and Sign of God's Favour to a People yea great Benefit we receive by them in many respects as might be shewn They feed guide counsel and pray for us as well as rule and govern us and therefore they ought to be with all readiness obeyed Obey them that have the Rule over you Heb. 13.17 and submit your selves for they watch for your Souls as they that must give an Account c. And to speak evil of Ministers is to despise their high and holy Function 't is a God-provoking Evil. There were some in the Apostle's Times who were crept into the Church who like Corah spake against the Dignity and Power of the Apostles and Ministers of Christ who in a sence are said to be the Foundation of God's People whom the Apostle characterized and shews what their End is like to be Who were presumptuous self-willed and were not afraid to speak evil of Dignities Their Hearts rose against the Servants of God for exercising Authority in Christ's Name which is given to them What said Korah All the Lord's People are holy c. as if he should have said Is this Moses more than others But we see what became of him Numb 16. VII Some Rulers or chief Magistrates do not cannot pass any Act or Law such is the Nature and Constitution of the Government where they live without the People No Law can be made but with the Assent and Consent of the People in their Representatives in Parliament as it is here in the English Nation VII So Christ's Ministers or Pastors of Churches cannot by virtue of any Authority given by the Lord Jesus pass any Act either for the receiving in or casting out of Members c. without their Brethren c. They must have the Assent and Consent of the Church Many Reasons might be given for it which I shall omit If he neglect to hear the Church Mat. 18.17 let him be unto thee as an Heathen Man or Publican VIII Rulers should rule their People in Love shewing all Tenderness and Bowels to the Disobedient like tender-hearted Fathers unless it be towards those that are notorious Criminals VIII So should Ministers labour to act in their places towards the Saints in Love and to shew all Tenderness and Meekness with Compassion to such who through weakness transgress See Fathers and not to be severe to any unless obstinate and capital Offenders on such Justice ought to be executed IX Rulers that rule well are worthy of double Honour IX So faithful and laborious Ministers that rule God's House well ought to be greatly respected 1 Tim. 5.17 Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double Honour X. Rulers are very needful there is a great Necessity in all Societies and Communities of Men of Government and Rulers What is a Nation City or Family without Rule Rulers or Government but Disorder and Confusion X. The Need there is of Rulers in God's Church is very great God being a God of Order and not of Confusion in all the Churches of the Saints The Necessity of them appears by considering the Nature of divers of the Metaphors we have opened concerning them What would become of a Flock of Sheep if they had no Shepherd c. Rulers Disparity RUlers or earthly Governors are commonly Noble-men Men of great Name cloathed with outward Glory and Grandure CHrist's true Ministers are of little or no esteem in the eyes of the Men of the World they are commonly accounted base low and contemptible c. Ye see your Calling Brethren 1 Cor. 1.26 27 28 29. how that not many wise Men after the Flesh not many mighty not many noble are called But God hath chosen the foolish Things of the World to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weak Things of the World to confound the Things that are mighty and base Things of the World and Things which are despised hath God chosen yea and Things that are not to bring to nought Things that are that no Flesh should glory in his Presence II. Many earthly Rulers are Lords and lord it over their Brethren II. But Christ's Ministers are contented to be Servants Even as their Lord and Master came not to be ministred unto but to minister and was on Earth as him that served So his Ministers must not assume the Title of Lords nor must they lord it over God's People Neither as being Lords over God's Heritage but being Ensamples to the Flock 1 Tit. 5 3. Inferences ANd now to conclude with this Head from the Whole we may infer these Particulars following 1. That a true Minister of Christ is one that is truly converted a gracious holy and sincere Person one that hath the experience of the real Work of God upon his own Heart 2. A Member of a true constituted Church i. e. a Community of godly Christians that have given up themselves in a solemn Covenant in the Fear of God to walk in Fellowship and Communion together according to the Rule of the Gospel amongst whom the Word of God is truly preached and the Ordinances duly and in a right manner administred 3. That he ought to be chosen by the Church according to the Direction left by the Apostle 1 Tim. 3.1 to 6. Tit. 1.5 to 9. 4. That he ought to be a discreet Person endued with considerable Gifts and Abilities by the Holy-Ghost 5. If called to be a Pastor or Elder he ought to be ordained by the laying on of hands of the Presbytery or Eldership 1 Tim. 4.14 1 Tim. 4.14 6. That he ought to be very laborious and give himself wholly to the Work of the Ministry making the Word of
Cozener Impostor Ainsworth See Liegh's Crit. Sacr. seduced and seducing others Such our Saviour and his Apostles were reputed but falsly others are truly so called who deal fraudulently and false-heartedly with God Men and their own Hearts Deceiver Parallel A Deceiver or cunning Impostor hath many Ways whereby he secretly and with much craftiness seeks to trapan and beguile his Neighbour As 1. He will pretend himself to be a special Friend and so insinuate into a Man's Affection 2. He strives to find out the Disposition of the Person he intends to cheat 3. He will the better to accomplish his Design change his Name and pretend himself some worthy and noble Person and of some eminent Family 4. He will watch the fittest Opportunity to effect his Enterprize 5. He will sometimes put a Vizard on his Face and often change his Habit that he may deceive the more securely 6. And if he is in danger to be taken he will exclaim against the Deceiver and cry out Stop Thief c. FAlse-Teachers who are cunning to deceive have many ways to delude poor Creatures As 1. They commonly pretend much Pity and Compassion to the Souls of Men and hereby they endeavour to wind themselves into their Affections and when once a Person harbours a good Opinion of them their Work is half done 2. They seek to find out what Parts they have and what Principles they hold with whom they converse for if they perceive they are Men and Women well rooted and grounded in the Orthodox Faith and able to defend the Truth they have little hopes of prevailing but if they find that they are Persons of a weak Judgment and mind more abundantly the Conversation of Men than what Doctrine they hold or do more mind and regard the Circumstantials of Religion than the grand Fundamentals thereof they will pursue such close 3. They do always change their Names for if their Names were known they could not beguile so many Were Error False-Doctrine Blasphemy Heresy Wolves in Sheeps Cloathing Foxes cunning Serpents Deceivers c. but writ upon their Foreheads most People would be afraid of them but they contrary-wise call themselves Christ's Ministers Witnesses of Jesus Friends of Truth the Lamb's Followers c. Also 't is common with them to pretend themselves to be the Orthodox Men Sons of the Church of the Holy Church of the Catholick Church Masters in Israel Guides of the Blind c. 4. They study to find out the fittest Season and Opportunity to accomplish their Design and Hellish Purpose viz. They watch for such a Time when the Professors of the Gospel and Truths of Jesus begin to decline in their Zeal and to lose much of the Power of Godliness and seem to make a mighty Stir about the Form thereof and are much divided amongst themselves when Iniquity doth abound and the Love of many waxeth cold in a word when Men begin to grow secure or the true Shepherd is off of his Watch then these Wolves and Deceivers get abroad and like that wicked Enemy sow their Tares of Error and Delusion 5. The Jesuits those crafty Deceivers have often appeared in a Disguise externally and do usually change their Garbs c. Sometimes they are Holders-forth in a Quakers Meeting at other times they will counterfeit themselves to be Lawyers Sometimes they will take on them the Habit of Priests sometimes Merchants sometimes Shoo-makers c. And all this that they may the more securely carry on their wicked Designs and Purposes to pervert poor Souls c. 6. And lastly When these False-Teachers and Deceivers begin to fear they shall be discovered and perceive there is a Cry raised against them and that they are closely pursued and in danger to be taken then to save themselves they cry out against others None are more ready to exclaim against False-Teachers and Deceivers than they endeavouring to cast all the Infamy and black Aspersions imaginable upon the true and faithful Ministers of the Gospel loading them with all the foulest Calumnies they can devise that they themselves may in the mean while pass the better for true Men and be the less suspected Thus those blind Guides in Israel served our Saviour himself Some said He is a good Man Joh 7.12 8.48 Mat. 27.63 others said Nay but he deceiveth the People Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan and hast a Devil Sir we remember that the Deceiver said whilst he was yet alive After three days I will rise again And thus they exclaimed against the Apostles Paul was called a Mover of Sedition and by False-Teachers he with others were called Deceivers As Deceivers and yet true c. Acts 24.14 After that way which they call Heresy so worship I the God of my Fathers c. II. Some Deceivers have been notorious in the horrid Practice of beguiling others They have been such Crafts-Masters at it that they have deceived Multitudes and not only the common Sort of People but divers great Men and Princes have been cheated by them II. So the Pope and his Hierarchy those cursed Deceivers in the Romish Church have been notorious in the Hellish Trade of beguiling the Souls of Men. How many Millions have they deceived O the Multitudes they have led blindfold to Hell The Kings of the Earth have been beguiled by her and the Inhabitants of the Earth have been made drunk and bewitched with the Wine of her Fornication III. Some Deceivers have so far prevailed that they have utterly ruined whole Families cheating People of their best and chiefest Treasure III. So False-Teachers have sometimes so wonderfully prevailed that they have utterly corrupted ruined and undone by their false Doctrine many Nations Cities Towns and Families cheating them of the Truth of Christ and his blessed Ordinances and not only so but thereby also of their Souls Mat. 16.26 which are of more worth than all the World IV. Grand Impostors old Cheats and Deceivers 't is observed rarely reform their Hellish Lives and become true Men but grow worse and worse till Justice seizes them IV. So False-Teachers Hereticks and Seducers seldom or never are recovered and brought back by unfeigned Repentance to the true Church of God And therefore the Apostle Paul saith 1 Tim. 3.13 Evil Men and Seducers shall wax worse and worse deceiving and being deceived c. V. The End of Cheaters and Impostors we see oft-times is sad If he be a notorious Offender and be taken he dies without Mercy V. So the last End of False-Teachers and Hereticks will be sad and miserable They are said to bring upon themselves swift Destruction The Beast 2 Pet. 2.2 3. Rev. 19.20 and False-Prophet shall be cast alive into the Lake of Fire burning with Brimstone c. THE Church of ROME Mystery Babylon The GREAT CITY and GREAT WHORE Revel 17. Proved to be the ROMISH CHURCH WITH THE Grand Objections of the Papists Answered REV. 14.8 And there followed
meet together we are both pardoned and justified God is saith one as merciful as we can desire and yet as righteous as himself can desire there is the freest Grace and the fullest Justice As God pardons Sin he displays his Mercy as he justifies us from Sin he manifests his Righteousness Pardon is free to us but it cost Christ dear there is a Mystery in the Remission of Sin it is not forgiven without Atonement Satisfaction and Reconciliation made for it by Jâ—sus Christ Which appears 1. In that those who are pardoned are said to be justified through him Acts 13.39 2. Because Christ is said to bear our Sins or the Punishment of them 1 Pet. 2.24 Isa 53.4 5 6. He died in our stead for that is the meaning of his bearing our Sin as might be largely shewed from the Old Testament where we read of Persons that God said should bear their own Sins 3. Because the Scrâ—pture saith Without shedding of Blood there is no Remission Heb. 9.22 And that it is through that one Offering of Jesus Christ that we are both pardoned and accepted Redemption and Forgiveness of Sin is through his Blood Rom. 3.25 4. Because Christ is said to reconcile us and pacify the Wrath of God for our Sins 2 Cor. 5.19 20. Rom. 5. 5. Because we are said to be bought with a Price Christ gave himself a Ransom for many 1 Cor. 6.20 1 Pet. 1.18 Mat. 20.28 6. Because he is said to be made unto us Wisdom and Righteousness c. called The Lord our Righteousness Our Justification consisteth in the Non-imputation of Sin and the Imputation of his Righteousness that so Salvation might be wholly of Grace and all Boasting excluded Sin a heavy Burden Psal 38.4 For my Iniquities are gone over my Head as a heavy Burden they are too heavy for me Heb. 12.1 Let us lay aside every Weight and the Sin that doth so easily beset us c. WEight 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies several Things 1. The Greatness of Heavenly Glory 2. Cor. 4.17 2. Trouble or the Wrath of Wicked Men Prov. 27.3 which often presseth down the Godly 3. That which is ponderous Things Words or Matters of Moment in opposition to such Things or Words that are Light Airy c. 4. Sin because it presseth down and is grievous to be born c. ☞ Note Sin is a great Weight or heavy Burden Simile Parallel A Weight or Burden that bears hard or lies heavy upon the Breast of a Person ready to crush him to pieces is very grievous worse to be born than a Weight upon the Legs or Arms c. SIn is a Weight or Burden that lies heavy upon the Soul of an inlightned Christian and this is the cause it is so grievous it presseth down the Powers of the Noble and Superiour Part of the Creature Lay a Weight upon a Stone and that will bear it and not break or yield under it but if a great and mighty Weight be laid upon such things that are tender or of a soft substance how sorely will it mar and crush that So a stony-hearted Sinner tho he hath great Mountains of Sin and Guilt lying upon him he complains not he is alas unsensible and to use the Apostle's Words past feeling his Heart being like a Rock Eph. 5.19 Ezek. 36.26 Psal 38.4 or the nether Milstone but a poor Saint whose Heart is tender God having taken away the Heart of Stone and given him a Heart of Flesh he is sensible of this Burden his Soul and Conscience cannot bear it he cryes out in great Anguish and Horrour of Spirit II. Some Weights and Burdens laid upon some Men are so heavy that they cannot be born the strongest Man cannot stand under them c. II. Sin is such a Burden or Weight that no Man is able to bear it will make the stoutest Heart to ake and the strongest Back to stoop it made David that mighty Man of God to cry out Psal 38 6. I am troubled I am bowed down greatly c. All my Bones are broken Nay when this Weight was laid upon the Lord Jesus whom God made strong for himself how did it crush him and cause him if I may so say to stagger and sweat under it as if it had been great Drops of Blood falling down to the Ground 'T is said his Soul was exceeding sorrowful even unto Death Luke 22.44 Mark 14. â—2 33. Psal 89.19 and that he went forward and fell on the Ground He bore our Sins upon his own Body on the Tree O what a Mercy was it that God laid help upon one who was Mighty tho he was able to bear this Weight yet how did it make him to cry out under the Burden of it Father if it be possible let this Cup pass from me c. There is a twofold Weight in Sin 1. As it hinders our Justification 2. As it hinders our Sanctification The first respects the Punishment that is due to it and that Weight Jesus Christ bore for us which none was able to do besides himself III. A heavy Weight or Burden laid upon a Man that is to run a Race is very troublesome and a great Impediment to him and therefore ought to be cast off c. He is a very foolish Man that having a long Race to run will carry a great Weight or Burden about him can such expect to win the Prize III. So Sin greatly hinders the Saints of God in their spiritual Race 't is unto them like a heavy Burden and therefore ought to be cast off by them Let us lay aside every Weight Heb. 12.1 and the Sin that doth so easily beset us and let us run with Patience the Race that is set before us Sin will soon cause a Christian to faint if he throw it not off by true Repentance See Runner Simile Disparity SOme heavy Weights or Burdens tho they cannot be born when they are bound up or tyed together yet if severed some part of them may be born and easily carried BUT Sin is such a kind of Burden that it cannot be born either whole or apart that is to say one Sin severed from a Multitude that a Person may be guilty of and charged upon the Soul tho it should be judged the least no Man is able to stand under the Guilt or Burden of it 1. For the least Sin being against an Infinite God deserves an Infinite Punishment 2. The least Sin being a breach of the Law brings a Soul under Wrath and the Curse thereof 3. The least is not done away without Christ's Blood nothing but that only can wash it away or cleanse from it Now that which makes Sin to be so great a Burden to a Child of God is 1. Because it sets God against the Soul it makes him to become a Man's Enemy and to fight against him c. 2. Because 't is a Burden unto God himself hence he crys out I am pressed under you
no place free Sin is a Disease that afflicts every part Isa 5. the whole Head is sick and the whole Heart faint IV. The Distemper which we call the Sickness or Pestilence is very mortal and sweeps away thousands Sin is such a Sickness no Pestilence like it Sin is the Plague of Plagues That which is most opposite to God is the greatest Evil but Sin is most opposite and contrary to God and therefore the greatest Evil. That which separates Man from and deprives him of the greatest Good must needs be the greatest Evil or the Plague of Plagues but Sin doth this therefore the greatest Evil. That which is the greatest Judgment to be left unto is the worst of Evils but 't is the greatest Judgment in the World to be left or given up to the Lusts of our own Hearts Ergo c. When God designs to bring his severest Wrath upon a People or a particular Soul when he resolves to afflict them to the uttermost he doth not say I will bring Plague or Sickness or Famine upon them but I will deliver them up to their Sins Israel would have none of me c. and what then Psal 81.11 Rom. 1.26 â—8 So I gave them up to their own Hearts Lusts c. Thus he gave up the Gentiles to vile Affections That Sickness Plague or Pestilence that destroys most that kills Millions which is so infectious that none amongst Thousands nay Millions of Thousands can escape is the Plague of Plagues but such a Sickness is Sin More shall be damned than shall be saved nay but few comparatively enter in at the strait Gate and so find Life Now all that are damned are damned or destroyed by Sin and therefore it is the worst of Evils That which kills or destroys Body and Soul too is the Plague of Plagues but Sin destroys Body and Soul too Ergo Sin is the Plague of Plagues V. Many of those who have the Disease we call the Sickness have Spots upon them which are of two sorts one of which are called the Tokens and when they appear they look upon themselves as dead Men So Sin this spiritual Plague and Sickness of the Soul Deut. 31.4 marks some Men out for eternal Death Their Spot saith the Lord is not the Spot of my Children that is their Sin is not a Sin of Infirmity such as appear upon the Children of God Any Spot is bad but some are worse very bad they are deadly Spots they have the Tokens of Death and Wrath upon them 1. The Sin or Spot of a godly Man is rather a Scar or Wound that is healed or almost healed But Sin in some of the Ungodly is like a rotten putrifying Sore in the Flesh 2. The Spots of the Godly are not so contagious or infectious as the Sins or Spots of the Wicked The Sins of the Ungodly make their very Persons and Prayers loathed and hateful in God's sight now God tho he hates the Sins of his own Children Psal 109.7 yet he loves their Persons 3. Sin in a Saint is his Sorrow 't is that which he hates it wounds and grieves his Soul Rom. 7.3 he is sick of his Sin but the Wicked love their Sin Sin is in a godly Man's Conversation and that is his Trouble but Sin is in a wicked Man's Affection which renders it to be a deadly Spot 4. Sin reigns and predominates in the Hearts of the Wicked But Sin tho it may sometimes tyrannize in a Saint yet he obeys it not he is not the Subject or Servant of Sin The one yields and subjects to Sin the other opposes and resists it every Faculty of his Soul is set against it and not only so but against every Sin VI. Sickness brings oft-times utter Weakness upon the Body So Sin brings Weakness upon the Soul I am feeble c. It makes a Christian very faint See Leprosy VII Some Sickness is very grievous to be born So Sin is grievous to a true Christian who is made sensible of it VIII A Man that finds himself very sick and like to die will soon look out for Help or send to a Physician So the Soul that is sin-sick will seek for Help viz. hasten to Jesus Christ for none else can cure the Sickness of the Soul Inferences ARt thou sick and ready to die and insensible of any Illness doth nothing ail thee This is sad II. Art thou sick and greatly afflicted is thy Soul weary of its Groanings Haste to the Physician go to Christ 1. The more sick the more need of Physick the greater Sinner thou art the more need of a Saviour thou hast 2. The longer thou delayest the more hard and difficult will thy Cure be besides the Danger thou runnest Death may be at thy Door 3. Consider you must have a Cure and be freed from this Sickness this Stone in the Heart this Unbelief or what-ever else the Disease be or else be damned 4. Christ came from Heaven on purpose to be thy Physician He came not to call the Righteous but Sinners to Repentance 5. Soul let me tell thee as it was once said to blind Bartimeus Be of good cheer Mat. 11.28 29. Christ calls thee Come to me all ye that are weary c. Luke 10.30 6. Thou mayest have Physick and Cure very cheap Tho thou hast no Money Christ will do all freely if thou wilt cast thy self upon him 7. Christ is able to cure all Diseases Tho thou art never so sick he is able to make thee whole Heb. 7.25 He is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him 8. Christ is willing as well as able See Mat. 8.2 Mark 1.41 9. Christ can do the Work when all other Means fail Mark 5.26 when Purposes fail good Desires fail Prayers fail and good Works and Moral Righteousness fails c. 10. Christ is such a Physician that rather than thou shouldest go without Cure he hath shed his own Blood to make thee whole and free thee from thy Sickness 11. If Christ undertakes the Cure he will never leave thee till he hath perfectly restored thee to Health again But remember there is no Cure but by his precious Blood He died that we might live Canst thou be sick and such a Doctor by Thou canst not live unless thy Doctor die Strange kind of Grief that finds no Med'cine good T' asswage the Pain but the Physician 's Blood Fr. Quarles Sin compared to Vomit Jer. 48.26 Moab also shall wallow in his own Vomit c. 2 Pet. 2.22 The Dog is turned to his Vomit again c. A Wicked Man or one who turns to his old evil and wicked Courses is compared to a Dog and Sin to Vomit which a Dog licketh up Parallels A Vomit is a very loathsom Thing but a Dog's Vomit is most detestable So Sin is a very loathsom Thing but Apostacy is the worst of Sins no Sin is more abominable in God's
sight than that II. A Vomit is cast up sometimes by reason of the Sickness of the Stomach So a Christian being very sick of his Sin casts it up or vomits it out by Repentance III. Some Men finding themselves oppressed by means of some Obstructions or by reason of the Foulness of their Stomachs take something to make them vomit to free themselves of that which otherwise may endanger their Health if not their Lives So a Christian being sensible of internal Obstructions and Pollutions of his inward Man takes a fit Antidote of Christ's preparing by which means he vomits up the Filth and Pollution of his Heart and Life and thereby attains a healthy Soul and flourishes in Godliness IV. Some Men on a sudden are made to vomit by eating something that offends or agrees not with their Stomachs So many Sinners by hearing of a Soul-searching Sermon and by the Rebukes and continual Gnawings of their own Consciences vomit up some of the Sins of their Lives but in a little time they grow more sick of Religion than ever they were of their Sins and so with the Dog they lick up their old Vomit again i. e. turn to their former Ways of Sin and Error V. What is more hateful or causeth greater Shame than to see a Man wallow in his own filthy Vomit So 't is hateful to see a wicked and an ungodly Apostate who hath turned his Back upon Christ and his Ways wallowing in all his former Sins and brutish Lusts Inference Let this teach us to hate Sin and Apostacy Sin an Vncleanness Ezek. 36.29 From all your Vncleannesses c. Zech. 13.1 In that day there shall be a Fountain opened to the House of David and to the Inhabitants of Jerusalem for Sin and for Vncleanness Eph. 4.19 To work all Vncleanness c. SIN is compared to an unclean thing and Man by reason of Sin is said to be defiled who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean the Hebrew Tama as Mr. Caryl observes comes near the Word Contaminatum which is used by the Latines for Uncleanness and it speaks the greatest Uncleanness Pollution Sordidness and Filthiness imaginable as of Habit Goar of Blood the Muddiness of Water or whatsoever is loathsome or unlovely noisom or unseemly such an Uncleanness is Sin Note Sin is an unclean thing They who see the Face of Sin in the Glass of the Law see it the most ugly and deformed Object in the World If Vertue could be seen she would attract all Eyes to her and ravish all Hearts to behold her Vertue is an invisible Beauty so if Sin could be seen all Eyes would turn away from it and all Hearts loath it Sin is an invisible Deformity The Spirit of God doth as it were strive for Comparisons to set out the ugliness of Sin it is compared to the Blood and Pollution of wretched new-born Infants Ezek. 16. Rom. 3.13 Isa 1.5 6. Jam. 1.27 to the Corruption and Putrefaction of a rotten Sepulchre to the Scum of a Seething-Por to loathsome stinking and putrifying Sores to the superfluity of Naughtiness to the Leprosy c. all these Comparisons shew forth the ugliness of Sin but alas 't is filthy beyond compare Parallels SOme things are so unclean and filthy that they defile every thing they touch Sin is such an Uncleanness who can touch it meddle with it and not be defiled by it 't is an infectious Uncleanness as Good is so much the better by how much the more it is diffusive so Sin is so much the worse by how much it is the more infectious and diffusive Sin is diffusive two ways 1. By Propagation from Adam to all his Posterity 2. By way of Imitation II. Some things are full of Uncleanness they abound in Filth and Pollution such a Defilement and Uncleanness is Sin it is not in one Part only but in and upon the whole Man it goes quite through there is not the least part free from Head to Heel Caryl They are all gone out of the way and become vile vile all over There is a double universality of this Uncleanness 1. It defiles all Men. 2. All of Man not one Man in the World but is unclean by Sin and not one part in Man but is unclean view him in his Understanding Will Judgment Memory Affection Conscience Eyes Hands Tongue Feet all parts of the Body and Powers of the Soul are unclean III. Some Uncleanness is active prevailing and powerful it encreaseth and grows worse and worse and defiles and pollutes more and more such an Uncleanness is Sin Man is unclean as he comes into the World but this Uncleanness grows and prevails more and more upon him by actual Sin he becomes worse and worse and is more defiled every day it strives to captivate and bring the Souls of all Men under the defiling Power and Pollution of it Rom. 7.23 IV. Some Uncleanness is so loathsome that it causes such things to stink as come near it Sin makes the Sinner stink his Person stink his Life stink and his Services and Prayers and all his best Actions to stink in the Nostrils of God Prov. 15.8 The Sacrifices of the Wicked are an Abomination to the Lord. V. Some Uncleannesses are inward hidden obscure appear not to the external Eyes Sin is not a Spot in the Garment or visible Pollution in the Face or rottenness in the Flesh tho that 's bad and sometimes the effects of this Uncleanness but it is rottenness in the Heart all a Man's Intrals are as it were corrupted Man as you heard and every part of Man is defiâ—ed and yet externally this uncleanness doth not appear the Sinner seems as beautiful and comely to the outward Eyes as other Men this Uncleanness is internal As Saints internally are glorious and beautiful so Sinners internally are foul filthy and deformed their Heart Tit. 1.15 Liver and Conscience is defiled Disparity WHat Pollution and Filth is so fixed and abiding that all the Nitre and Fuller's Soap in the World cannot wash it off nor the hottest Fire purify purge it out or consume it But such an Uncleanness and Pollution is Sin that all the Water in the mighty Ocean cannot wash it out nay could a Man bathe himself in bâ—inish Tears of godly Contrition Jer. 2.22 it will not cleanse or take away the Filth of his Transgression Tho thou wash thee with Nitre and take unto thee much Soap yet thy Iniquity is markâ—d before me saith the Lord. All the Fire of Hell cannot burn it out Hell-Fire shall never as saith Mr. Caryl consume this Filth those who are not purged in this Life shall never be purged in the next The Wicked shall ever be in punitive Flames but shall not find as Papists dream any purgative Flames the Fire and Brimstone of Hell shall never fetch this Uncleanness out of the Damned II. What Uncleanness and abominable Filth and Pollution is ensnaring Men and Women are
and spoils his Divinity makes him but a poor petty God he is but the God of this World both for extension and duration he bears no rule above nor shall he bear any sway in the World to come If the God of this World 't is by Usurpation he is like an audacious Traitor who rebels and strives against his Lawful Soveraign For the Earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof Christ is Heir of both Worlds tho he admits Satan to God it here for a while he is a false God an Enemy to God and no God Disparity GOD is without Beginning the Devil had a beginning God is an uncreated Spirit the Devil an Angel and a created Spirit I do not say he was created a Devil Sin made him a Devil God can do what he pleaseth he hath an unlimited Power the Devil's Power is limited he can go no further than God permits him God hath a just and rightful Power Satan hath only an usurped Power c. God is infinite immense c. But some may say in what Sense is Satan said to be God of this World What World c. The word World is a convertible Phrase and here I understand it is to be taken for the Inhabitants of the World I mean the Wicked distinct frâ—m the Godly He is the wicked Man's God three ways 1. By Devolution they have fallen off from God to Satan they have departed from the true God and his Service and have closed in with the Devil and so Satan owns them to be his Subjects The whole World is divided into two parts two Bodies and are under two Heads either Subjects of Christ's Kingdom or of the Kingdom and Power of Satan they are either of the Army of Light or Regiment of Darkness Rom. 6.16 2. The Devil is the wicked Man's God by voluntary submission His Servants ye are to whom you obey Wicked Men are Satan's Volunteers 3. By God's just Desertion as they have cast off God and his Service and desire not the knowledg of his ways so God hath cast them off and suffered Satan to possess them c. The Devil a Prince Joh. 14.30 The Prince of the World cometh c. Eph. 2.2 According to the Prince of the Power of the Air. Rev. 9.11 And they had a King over them which is the Angel of the bottomless Pâ—t THE Devil is in these Scriptures called a Prince Prince of Darkness Prince of the Power of the Air King of the bottomless Pit c. Parallels PRince is a Term that denotes Power and Soveraignty Satan hath great Power over wicked Men c. There is also no doubt some kind of Supremacy or Superiority amongst the evil Angels we read of the Prince of Devils He casts out Devils by Beelzebub the Prince of Devils Also some of these wicked Angels are called Principalities and Powers which signifieth Eminency of Place above others What degrees or order there is amongst Devils is hard to find out what ever Order there is amongst them yet we know he is the Master of mis-rule amongst Men c. II. A King or Prince ruling and reigning imports a Kingdom for what is a King without a Kingdom and Dominions over which he reigns The Devil hath a Kingdom There is a twofold Spiritual Kingdom spoken of viz. the Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness called sometimes the Kingdom and Power of Darkness â—1 His Kingdom is in the Hearts of ungodly Men he rules and reigns there 2. His Kingdom takes in all the Confines and Territories of Anti-Christ and all other false and corrupt erroneous and tyrannical States whatsoever throughout the whole Earth where his Power is owned and his Authority subjected to 3. He is said to be King of the bottomless Pit III. The Name of some Kings puts an awful fear upon Men So the Name and Power of Satan is such that it makes many Souls to dread and quake at the Thoughts of him IV. Some Kings have been great Tyrants There is no Tyrant in the World nor ever was so vile as the Devil True some have acted like Devils they seemed more like Devils than Men as Nero who caused the Bowels of his own Mother to be ripped up to see where he lay c. See Lion and Dragon V. Some Kings are mighty in Power and their Dominions very large Satan is a mighty King he hath a Power that no meer human force can stand against hence called the strong Man armed none ever seemed a match for him but the Prince of Peace Besides he rules over all the Nations of the ungodly and by force or fraud enslaves to his hellish Scepter Millions of Souls there is no Kingdom or Nation in the whole Universe but he pretends to some Right Supremacy and Authority in it the World is full of his Creatures nay there are more Souls who are his Vassals than the Son of God hath faithful Subjects The Devil a Hunter Psal 91.3 He will deliver thee from the Snare of the Hunter Prov. 6.5 Deliver thy self as a Roe from the Hand of the Hunter By the Hunter in these places I see no ground to doubt but that the Holy Ghost principally intends the Devil who is the great Hunter and Destroyer of Mens Souls out of whose Hand i. e. Power Wisdom advises her Son to deliver himself Parallels A Hunter is one that pursues or eagerly follows after his Prey what sort of Beasts soever he hunts he seems unwearied in his Pursuit his Heart is affected with his Game and hence takes great delight in it So the Devil pursues Sinners nay and the Godly too for they are part of his Game and how eagerly doth he pursue them 't is the only thing he seems to delight in he is never weary of this work nor in the work II. A Hunter in pursuing after the poor sensitive Beast designs to kill and destroy them 't is to take their Lives away c. So the Devil in hunting after the Souls of Men his grand design is to destroy them He seekâ—th whom he may devour 't is the Soul the Life of the Soul he strives to destroy As David speaks of his Enemy Thou huntest after my Soul to take it 1 Sam. 24.12 so may every Man and Woman say of Satan III. A Hunter has many Devices and cunning Stratagems to ensnare the Game he pursues So the Devil hath many Snares and cunning Wiles to catch and destroy the Souls of Men Hence he is compared to a Serpent We are not ignorant saith Paul of his Devices 2 Cor. 9.11 and in another place he exhorts the Saints to put on the whole Armour of God that they may be able to stand against the Wiles of the Devil The Greek Word signifies such Snares as are set to catch a Man He will deliver thee saith the Psalmist from the Snare of the Hunter Psal 91.3 meaning saith Ainsworth the Devil Satan hath many Devices and Snares to draw
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
to Honour and Exaltation is to be abased and suffer our selves to be trod upon this is opened also in the Person and Life of Christ To enjoy God's Favour is first to bear his seeming Frowns And many such like Mysteries there are in Godliness Fifthly There is a Mystery in Ordinances which those who follow this Trade should understand a Mystery in Baptism a Mystery in the Lord's Supper But these things I cannot enlarge upon for want of Room Vse 1. Let all take heed they do not slight or reproach these Mysteries 2. Let them not think to understand them in their own fleshly Wisdom 3. Let them labour to get the Power and Operation of them upon their Hearts and then they will esteem them and say there is a Truth in what we affirm and teach VI. He that would drive a Trade to gain by it or thrive upon it must follow it closely he must make it his chief Business nothing will be done in it to purpose without diligence So every Christian who would gain by the Trade of Godliness must keep close to it he must follow it day and night and manage it wisely throughout all his other Affairs Godliness must be followed without intermission it must be every day's Work the Head Heart Hands Feet Time Strength Discourse Contrivance must be taken up about it No Man can thrive in Godliness if his Heart be not in it When thy Hand is in the World thy Heart should be in Heaven VII He that drives a Trade with discretion must take heed he runs not too far in debt and that â—e keeps his Books carefully or else he may soon run out of all So must a Christian take heed he run not far in debt Debts will be contracted In many things we offend all But be sure to see these Debts paid left the Creditor come on a sudden upon thee If any Man sin we have an Advocate c. Renew Repentance every day 1 John 2.3 and labour after fresh Acts of Faith keep thy Accounts even with God observe the Mercies thou receivest from him and be sensible of thy Faults and Miscarriages VIII There is no Man that follows a great Trade but ought to see he hath a Stock sufficient to trust he that cannot trust in some Callings shall have but a poor Trade So every Christian must be careful to get a good Stock of Faith and Experience for if a Saint cannot trust God he will never make any Earnings of Godliness It is true it behoves a Trader to take heed whom he trusteth so it behoveth a Christian he must not trust his own Heart nor in his own Righteousness nor put too much confidence in Princes We can never trust Men too little nor God too much IX A Man that would follow a Trade to Advantage must be much at home and keep his Shop and as the Proverb is his Shop will keep him but he that is more abroad than at home will soon come to Beggery So a Saint must be much at home and keep his own Heart well Some Professors are more abroad spying Faults in other Men than they are in taking notice of their own X. A Man that drives a Trade ought to take heed he go not behind-hand and instead of getting lose by his Trading So ought a Saint to take heed he go not backwards instead of going forwards and lose instead of gaining Thou hast lost thy first Love Remember from whence thou art fallen Rev. 2. and repent XI Some Men trade upon other Mens Stocks as Factors Stewards c. And such Traders are Christians they trade upon Christ's Stock they regulate their Affairs by Christ's Advice they drive on Christ's Interest All that Saints have is their Master's Money and it behoveth them so to lay it out that it may bring in the most Increase Remember all your Graces Gifts and Temporal Goods too are the Lord 's XII Some Trades require great Layings out and if a Man is sparing in his Layings out he must expect his Comings in will be accordingly Sâ— the Trade of Godliness requires great Layings out A Christian who will not lay out his Strength Time and Parts and what he hath for God will never grow rich in Faith and Godliness XIII Quick Returns are the Life of a Trade and animate a Man in his Calling and Business exceedingly So quick Returns do enliven and greatly encourage a Christian when he finds God answers his Prayers Isa 65.24 as the Promise runs Whilst they speak I will answer â— XIV Some Men grow very rich by a Trade So some Christians grow very rich in Faith and Experience by Godliness See City of God pag. 82 83. Inferences THis may inform the Saints what they undertake when they enter upon the Work and Business of Godliness they must look upon it as their chief and principal Calling II. How are many Men deceived They pursue the World as their chief Business and mind Religion and Godliness when they have nothing else to do III. Be exhorted O Christian to follow thy Calling dost thou want Motives 1. Consider 't is an honourable and ancient Trade Christ Jesus himself was of this Profession Godliness was his chiefest Business all the Saints and Worthies of old followed this Calling Prov. 3.14 2. 'T is the best Trade and Calling in the World For the Merchandise thereof is better than the Merchandise of Silver and the Gain thereof than fine Gold Heavenly Things are rare Things Things of great worth 1. They cost deaâ— viz. the Price of Christ's most precious Blood 2. They are durable Riches 3. O what precious Things are Pardon of Sin Peace with God Union and Communion with God! What a rare Thing is Heaven Is not a Crown worth Trading for 3. Consider who you trade with and that is the great God through Jesus Christ 4. You have a faithful Correspondent one that ever lives to make Intercession for you 5. You have your Goods upon easy Terms Ask and you shall receive Come buy Wine and Milk without Money Isa 55.1 and without Price 1 Tim. 6.6 4.8 6. 'T is the most profitable Trade Godliness with Contentment is great Gain 'T is profitable to all things having the Promise of the Life that now is and of that which is to come Metaphors Similes c. CONERNING Providence and Affliction Afflictions compared to Clouds Psal 97.2 Clouds and Darkness are round about him c. Joel 2.2 A Day of Clouds c. Lam. 2.1 How hath the Lord covered the Daughter of Sion with a Cloud in his Anger CLouds are a moist Vapour exhaled from the Earth and Sea by the Sun and condensated by the Cold in the middle Region and carried by the Winds up and down called the Bottles of Heaven which God saith one doth fill with Wine and Vineger with Mercy or Wrath. By Clouds and Darkness are meant Afflictions and dark Providences under which God often times
under sore and bitter Afflictions Answ 1. Consider that all your Afflictions tho never so bitter are less than your Sins deserve He hath not dealt with us after our Sins nor rewarded us according to our Iniquities 2. Consider that tho God chastize a godly Man very sorely yet it is not in a way of Wrath to destroy him but contrariwise for his great Good and Advantage 3. Consider there is not one Dram of Gall in the bitterest Cup thou dost partake of but what God the most wise Physician put into it and if less Gall would do thy Potion should not be so bitter All our Afflictions are proportioned to us by the Almighty both for kind and quantity 4. Consider thy Afflictions are not so bitter as the Afflictions of many of God's Children were of whom we read who were far more worthy and deserving than thee or I are What are thy Afflictions compared with holy Job's 5. Consider the bitter Potion Jesus Christ drunk up for thy sake He never offended and yet suffered and his Sufferings were intolerable no Mortal is able to express the Nature of his Grief and Sorrow Shall Christ suffer willingly for us who sinned not and shall we be troubled at the bitterness of our Sufferings who are so grievously defiled with Iniquity and many times suffer for our Sins 6. Consider that all the Bitter a godly Man meets with or ever shall will be in this World As wicked Men have all their Sweet here and shall have nothing but bitter hereafter So godly Men have all their Bitter here and shall have nothing but Sweet hereafter 7. Consider how gracious God is to his own Children in intermixing all their Bitter with Sweet 'T is not like the Bitter some wicked Men have in this World Isa 27.7 Hath he smitten him as he smote those that smote him Or is he slain according to the Slaughter of them that are slain by him 8. Consider all the Bitter thou meetest with in this Life will be turned into Sweet John 16.20 Ye shall be sorrowful but your Sorrow shall be turned into Joy Afflictious God's Arrows Job 6.4 For the Arrows of the Almighty are within me c. Lam. 3.13 He hath caused the Arrows of his Quiver to enter into my Reins AN Arrow is a deadly Engine so called in the Hebrew from its Effect Cutting or Wounding Taken properly it is an Instrument out of a Bow of Wood or Iron either for Sport or Fight but figuratively it signifies divers Things in the holy Scripture 1. The Word of God Thine Arrows are sharp in the Heart of the King's Enemies Psal 45.5 whereby the People fall under thee that is thy Words are sharp and piercing 2. Bitter and reproachful Words They bend their Bows to shoot their Arrows Psal 64.32 Psal 120.4 even bitter Words 3. Any evil or mischievous Purpose which a Man intends or aims to hurt his Brother When he bendeth his Bow to shoot his Arrows let them be as cut in pieces Psal 58.7 Zech. 9.15 4. Any kind of Affliction or Punishment And the Lord shall be seen over them and his Arrows shall go forth as Lightning c. Parallels ARrows are shot out of a Bow by some Man some Arm must bend the Bow and shoot the Arrow or the Arrow moves not So all Afflictions come from God who is the efficient Cause of them hence called the Arrows of the Almighty II. Arrows flie swift and wound suddenly So Afflictions come very speedily oftentimes with a glance as an Arrow quick as a Thought III. Arrows come unexpectedly oftentimes and wound a Man So Afflictions come many times upon a Person or People unexpectedly When they cry Peace and Safety then sudden Destruction comes upon them IV. An Archer hath commonly many Arrows his Quiver is full of them So God hath many Judgments we read of his Quiver too He can send one Arrow after another Psal 91.5 1. He hath the Pestilence this is one of his Arrows Thou shalt not be afraid for the Terror by Night nor for the Arrow that flieth by Day nor for the Pestilence that walketh in Darkness c. Ezek. 5.16 2. He hath Famine this is another of his Arrows When I shall send upon them the Arrow of Famine c. 3. He hath the Sword This is another Arrow of the Almighty and this Arrow God shot at Job Job 1.15 He brought upon him the Sabeans who slew his Servants with the Edg of the Sword 4. He hath Thunder-Bolts and Hail-stones which are also some of the Arrows of his Quiver and these are in readiness against the Day of Battel 5. The withdrawings of God from a Soul or People are also part of the Arrows of his Quiver psal 38.1 2. and these go deepest of all they go to the very Heart For thine Arrows stick fast in me saith David V. Arrows flie secretly and make no Noise they are felt before they are seen So many Afflictions flie silently upon a Man stealing upon him and wounding him unobserved and unseen VI. Arrows are sharp Things and made sometimes more sharp than ordinary as the Archer sees cause So Afflictions are very sharp and bitter Things and sometimes God makes them sharper than at another time I will make mine Arrows drunk with Blood Arrrows are Instruments drawing Blood Deut. 32.42 and some Rebukes and Judgments of God are like unto them The Arrows of the Almighty are within me Job 6.4 the Poyson whereof drinketh up my Spirit Job seems to allude to the Custom of those cruel Men Caryl who when they pursued the Enemies with deadly Hatred and would wound them incurably used to dip the Heads of their Arrows the Top of their Spears and the Point of their Swords c. in Poyson that so every Wound might be Death The Poyson of such Arrows c. drinks up the Spirit and corrupts the Blood Job compares the Arrows God shot at him not to ordinary Arrows which kill only by piercing but to poysoned Arrows which kill by infecting Afflictions like Arrows put a Man to great Pain When a Man hath Terror without and Terror within Terror coming from the Wrath of Man and Terror coming from the Wrath of God his Potion is bitter Such Arrows are sharp and tormenting THE Twelfth HEAD OF METAPHORS SIMILES AND Other Borrowed TERMS CONCERNING The VVorld the Life of Man AND THE Four Last Things The World compared to a Wilderness Cant. 3.6 8.5 Who is this that cometh out of the Wilderness leaning upon her Beloved c. WIlderness 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tohu A Wilderness is properly a wild Place a Place without shape or order Moses hath this Word Gen. 1.1 to express the Chaos The Earth was without form and void 1. Metaphorically 't is taken sometimes for Affliction Hos 2.14 Rev. 12. 2. For this World and so understood generally by Expositors in this and other places i. e. for the
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
Scripture Christ and his Apostles the Lie Dan. 12.2 John 5.28 Ergo. The Scripture saith that those that sleep in the Dust of the Earth shall awake Christ saith all that are in the Grave shall hear his Voice and come forth and we have shewed the Apostles do affirm that the Dead shall be raised c. 12. If that which sleepeth in the Dust shall rise then the Body shall rise again for 't is the Body that sleepeth in the Dust But that which sleeps in the Dust shall be raised Ergo. 1 Cor. 15. Obj. 'T is not the same Body Thou sowest not that Body that shall be c. Answ If the same numerical Body rise not it will not be a Resurrection but a new Creation therefore that which the Apostle there intends is the Manner of the Resurrection i. e. how the Saints shall be raised 'T is not the same in respect of Weakness and Frailty It is sown a natural Body and shall be raised a spiritual Body 't is sown in Corruption and shall be raised in Incorruption 't is sown in Weakness and shall be raised in Power Which Thing a Grain of Corn that is sown teaches Quest Why shall the same Body of the Dead be raised Answ Because the same Body of Christ was raised that suffered 2. Because the same Body that suffered for Christ shall be glorified with Christ 3. Because the same Body that sinned shall be punished if not the same Body that sinned it might reflect upon the Justice and Goodness of God to punish an innocent Body Besides those Scriptures must be fullfilled which assert the Resurrection of the Body Inferences FRom hence we may infer that here is a World to come 2. That Death is not the last end of Man 3. Prepare for the Resurrection Day think of it when thou liest down and risest up in the Morning Thy lying down to sleep is a Figure of thy lying down in the Grave and thy awaking out of Sleep in the Morning is a Figure of the Resurrection 4. Think of the Resurrection in the Spring when thou seest the Flowers of the Earth bud forth and spring up for that is a Figure also of the Resurrection Of the Iudgment-Day The Iudgment-Day compared to an Assize 2 Cor. 5.10 For we must all appear before the Judgment-Seat of Christ Rev. 20.11 And I saw a great white Throne and him that sate on it c. AFter the Resurrection comes the Judgement the eternal Judgment Note The Judgment-day may fitly be compared to an Assize or general Goal-Delivery Parallels THere is a Judge appointed by the King or supream Power of the Nation or Kingdom where an Assize is to be held who receives his Commission and acts by the Authority thereof Jesus Christ is appointed to be the Judge of Quick and Dead by the Father King of Heaven and Earth The Father judgeth no Man but hath committed all Power to the Son John 5.22 II. The Judge likely comes to the Bench or Judgment-seat with the Sound of Trumpets Christ will come to the Judgment-Seat with the Sound of a Trumpet 1 Cor. 15.52 The Trumpet shall sound and the Dead shall be raised incorruptible III. There is a known Law or Laws in a Kingdom by which the Judge heareth and determines all Causes So there is a known Law or Laws by which Jesus Christ will judg and determine all Causes in the great Day viz. the Law of Moses the Law of Nature and the Law of Christ called the Book of the Gospel The Books shall be opened Rev. 20. IV. The Judge hath many honourable Persons that sit on the Bench with him So Jesus Christ will havâ— all the Saints sit with him on the Throne of Judgment who shall assent and consent to whatsoever he shall do in thâ—t Day Hence 't is said Rev. 3. the Saints shall judge the World He that overcometh will I grant to sit with me on my Throne even as I also overcame and am sate down with my Father in his Throne V. A Judge at Assizes after he hath read his Commission and given his Charge calls for the Prisoners So Jesus Christ will orderly proceed and câ—ll before him all Nations all the ungodly that ever lived on the Earth shall be arraigned by him being brought before his Judgment-Seat VI. A Judg having arraigned the Prisoner calls in the Witnesses and then suffers every Man to speak what he hath to say for himself So Jesus Christ will call in Witnesses and indeed every Man's Conscience shall be more than ten thousand Witnesses against him Rom. 2.14 15 16. and all Mouths shall be stopt and every ungodly Man shall be found guilty before Christ VII A Judg after he hath found Men guilty and cast them for their Lives passeth the Sentance So Jesus Christ at the last day having found Sinners guilty of all the horrid Crimes they shall be charged with will pass the fearful Sentence Go ye cursed Mat. 25. VIII A Judg after the Sentence is past orders the manner time and place of Execution So Jesus Christ will at the last day after the Sentence of Condemnation order the Execution of the Wicked and appoint them the place where and the time how long they shall suffer the place will be Hell the time will be for ever and ever See more in the First Volumn Christ the Judg of all Of Heaven The Celestial Paradise Luk. 23.43 Verily I say unto thee This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise 2 Cor. 12.2 He was taken up into Paradise Rev. 2.7 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree of Life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God c. PAradise is taken in the Holy Scripture in a twofold Sense 1. For the Garden of Eden this is Earthly Paradise 2. For Heaven the Seat or Place of Glory this is Celestial Paradise Now the Earthly Paradise being a Figure of Heaven I shall in the opening of this run the Parallel principally with respect to the Garden of Eden and the State of Adam in Innocency c. Parallels PAradise or the Garden of Eden was a place of Pleasure So Heaven is a place of Pleasure II. Paradise was a place created of God and appointed for Man whilst he stood in the State of Innocency So Heaven is created of God and appointed for all those who obtain through Christ perfect Righteousness their Primitive Glory and Innocency III. Adam in Paradise had all Delight Joy and Pleasure his Heart could desire he wanted nothing to make his Life sweet and pleasant to him So the Saints in Heaven have the fullest Joy Pleasure and Satisfaction imaginable there is nothing wanting they can desire to please and delight them Thou wilt shew me the Path of Life Psal 16.11 Psal 36.8 in thy Presence is fulness of Joy and at thy right-hand Pleasures for evermore They drink of the Rivers of God's Pleasures A River abounds with Water
in his Ascension into Heaven c. Jonah a Type of Christ JOnah a Dove in Name Christ was the same in Nature II. He was three Days and three Nights in the Whale's Belly yet at last came forth alive So Christ was three Days and three Nights in the Bowels or Heart of the Earth and yet rose again alive III. He preached Repentance to a wicked People So did Christ Zerubbabel a Type of Christ ZErubbabel is called the Elect of God Hag. 2.24 So is Jesus Christ Behold my Servant mine Elect c. II. The Lord promised to make him a Signet signifying thereby that his Dignity and Glory should be most excellent which is only accomplished in Christ III. He was appointed to raise up the Temple of David 't was promised that he should lay the Foundation and finish it c. So was Jesus Christ appointed to build up and restore the spiritual Temple and Tabernacle of David he lays the Foundation and he finishes it by his Spirit c. Aaron a Type of Christ Parallels AAron a Teacher or the Mountain of Fortitude So is Christ the true Teacher of God's Word and in that respect not only the Anti-Type of Aaron but of all true Teachers and Ministers of God's Word that went before him and is also that exalted Aaron or Mountain of invincible Strength II. Aaron was Moses's Mouth to the People So is Christ his Fathers Mouth to Men Exod. 4 30. in declaring his Will and Mind to them III. He was the Blesser of the People So is Christ the true Blesser of his People Lev. 9.22 Acts. 4.26 in and by him are all the Families of the Earth blessed him hath God the Father sent to bless you c. IV. He was the High Priest of the Lord In this he was the express Type of the Lord Jesus who is the true and only High Priest of his faithful People V. He dyed upon the top of the Mount Christ was crucified upon the top of a Mount called Golgotha The High Priest a Type of Christ Parallels THE High Priest was a Type of Christ 1. In his Deputation to his Office 2. Heb. 5 1. In his Consecration 3. In his Apparel 4. In the Execution of his Office c. First In his Deputation to his Office 1. He must be chosen out of the Tribe of Levi Christ was taken from among Men of our Flesh and Bone 2. He must not be Blind Lame c. but wholly without natural Blemish Hos 4.6 to signify Christ should be without Sin In his Month was found no guile 3. He was to be a Man of Knowledg or no Priest to God which figured forth that perfect Knowledg that is in Christ Secondly As to his Consecration 't is set down Exod. 29.1 1. Washing 2. Anointing 3. Sacrificing and Purifying with Blood and this Consecration to continue seven days together which in general shadowed the surpassing Sanctity and Purity of Christ above all Men and Angels and of his being annointed with the Holy Spirit above his Brethren Heb. 1.8 and of his becoming our High Priest by the Sacrifice of himself or by offering up his own Blood to attone and make Peace c. But whereas the High Priest needed Sacrifices to offer for his own Sins in that there is a Disparity for Christ having no Sin needeth no Sacrifice for himself Thirdly the High Priest in his Apparel was a Type of Christ 1. He was to have on a Linnen Garment which signified Christ's Righteousness which all that appear accepted before the Lord must have on 2. A Girdle which as Ainsworth and divers others observe signified that Constancy and Stability that was in Christ who is as firm as a Rock as also to shew how fixed and stable all God's People should be being girt about with the Girdle of Truth and Verity and so prepared ready and strengthned to every good Work 3. A Bonnet which signified God's covering and protecting our Head from all Dangers and in him us that no Evil may befal us 4. The High Priest was to have an Ephod not of Wool nor Silk but of Linnen the Matter of which riseth out of the Earth which signifieth saith Dr. Taylor Ezek 44.17 that Holy Flesh of Christ which veiled his Diety as a Garment it was a long white Garment signifying the absolute Righteousness of Christ which is long enough to cover all our Nakedness It was adorned with two Onyx Stones and in them the Names of the Twelve Tribes engraven which he carried on his Shoulders signifying that the Names of the Godly are not lightly written but engraven in the Love and Memory of Christ that Christ should carry his Church and People upon his Shoulders or support them by his own Strength Also the two Onyx Stones with the Names of the Children of Israel engraven upon them and wore upon the High Priests Shoulder was a great Ornament to him So Christ looks upon his People to be as precious Stones and Jewels to him 5. The High Priest was to have on the Breast-Plate of Judgment the most precious part of all his Garments 1. In respect of the twelve costly and glittering Stones which were to be set in four Rows according to the Number of the Tribes of Israel these Stones signified the shining Grace and Holiness of Christ not only as it shone forth in his own Person but also as it is communicated to all his faithful Children these Stones shone gloriously So do the Saints in Grace and true Gospel Purity 2. These Stones were of great Worth and Value signifying what a value Jesus Christ puts upon his Church they are as precious stones and costly Jewels in his esteem tho slighted and contemned by Men. 3. They were set in the Pectoral and Aaron must carry them on his Heart signifying that Christ hath as much care of his own People as if they were inclosed in his Heart they lie near him and are always upon his Heart and in his Mind 4. In Number Twelve according to all the Tribes noting there is room enough in Christ's Heart for every particular Saint he loves them all bears them all upon his Heart before the Throne of God 5. They stood in four Rows in a comely Quadrangle signifying the comely Order that Christ hath placed in his Church some in a higher and some in a lower Rank 6. All the Stones and so consequently all the Names of the Children of Israel stood in the Breast-Plate in a narrow compass So by Christ all the Children of God are gathered together and sweetly vailed through the Spirit in Love In the Breast-Plate also was the Vrim and Thummim which the Rabbi David a Jew saith It is unknown to us what these signify it is thought it was the Workmanship of no Man but a Sacred Monument immediately received from God but all the Learned I have met with agree they signified Jesus Christ 1. Their Names say some signify Light others
the Holiest of all viz. Heaven it self Heb. 9.23 before the Throne of Mercy pleading for us Levit. 16.16 IV. The Priest was to make an Atonement for the Holy-Place because of the Uncleanness of the Children of Israel And so he shall do saith the Text for the Tabernacle of the Congregation c. This shewed the horrible Nature of Sin For tho the People never came into the Holy-Pâ—ace much less into the Most Holy Place yet such was the Power of their Iniquities that the holy Altar Ark and Sanctuary it self was defiled in the Sight of God and could not be cleansed without Blood So our Sins do defile God's Church and his most holy Ordinances therein performed so that neither we nor any of our best Services can meet with acceptance but by the means of Christ's Blood and Merits V. No Man was to be in the Tabernacle when the High-Priest went in to make Atonement only the High-Priest himself c. plainly signifying that Jesus Christ our High-Priest hath no Partner with him in working our Salvation He his own self bare our Sins in his Body on the Tree 1 Pet. 2.24 c. VI. The Altar of Incense was sprinkled with the Blood of the kill'd Goat shadowing that Christ through the shedding of his own Blood should be consecrated our Intercessor and by the Means and Merits thereof our Prayers should be accepted Heb. 8.6 VII The High-Priest was to cast off his glorious Garments when he made this Atonement Verse 4. Phil. 2. signifying that Christ should be abased and lay aside as it were his glorious Robes or vaâ—l his Deity and appear in the Form of a Servant that so he might finish the Work of our Redemption VIII The Day of Atonement shall saith the Text be a Sabbath for ever shadowing thereby that through the Atonement and Expiation of Christ he hath obtained everlasting Rest for us and that in his Death all typical Sacrifices should end IX Once only in a Year this Atonement was made to shew that not often but once for ever without repetition Christ should make a perfect Atonement for us by his own Blood Heb. 9.24 and thereby enter into the highest Heavens to appear in the presence of God for us The Scape-Goat a Type of Christ Levit. 10.20 c. THe Scape-Goat called in Hebrew Azazel that is the Goat gone away c. was so called because he escaped alive representing Christ Jesus alive in his Divine Nature tho put to death in his Humane Nature or alive after he rose again from the Dead II. He was presented alive that by him Reconciliation might be made and this after the other Goat was sacrificed signifying acccording to the Learned two Things 1. The Resurrection of Christ 2. Our rising with him from the Death of Sin to a Life of Grace by the operation of the Spirit c. III. Aaron shall put or lay both his Hands upon the Head of the live-Goat and confess over him all the Iniquities of the Children of Israel Levit. 16.21 c. and he shall bear them c. Figuring thereby how Christ should bear all our Sins viz. the Punishment due to them The Lord hath laid on him the Iniquities of us all Isa 53. IV. And so the He-Goat was sent into the Wilderness or Land not inhabited which the Greek calleth Abaton wayless or inaccessible figuring the utter abolishing of our Sins by Jesus Christ both from the Face of God that so they may not appear before him against us to condemn us or be imputed or charged upon us nor have any Dominion or Power over us They were to confess upon the Head of the Goat all their Iniquities signifying if we would have our Sins câ—rried away and for ever to be forgot we must confess them c. By this saith Ainsworth it appeareth that as the killed Goat figured Christ killed or put to death for our Sins so this living Goat figured him also who bore our Griefs Isa 53.4 5 6. and carried our Sorrows c. And because Christ was not only to die for our Offences but also to rise again for our Justification and because these two Things could not fitly be shadowed by one Beast which the Priest having killed could not make alive again therefore God appointed two that in the slain Beast Christ's Death and in the live Beast his Life and Victory might be shadowed See the like Mystery in the two Birds for the cleansing the Leper The Sacrifice of the Red Heifer Numb 19. a Type of Christ THe Colour of this Beast was red As other Sacrifices of Beasts prefigured Christ so this saith Ainsworth in special figured him Red signified his human Nature and Participation of our Afflictions and the Bloodiness of his Agony and grievous Passion II. She must be without blemish and upon whom never Yoak came This signified the perfect Holiness of Christ who never bore the Yoak of Sinfulness nor was subject to the Laws or Precepâ—s of Man III. The Heifer was burned without the Host and her Blood sprinkled seven times before the Tabernacle of the Congregation which signified Christ's Suffering without the Gates of Jerusalem Heb. 13.11 12. Circumcision what it was a Type of CIrcumcision was the cutting off the Foreskin of the Flesh signifying the cutting off the Lusts of the Heart and Life or parting with the Corruption of Nature Col. 2.11 which rebells against the Spirit II. Circumcision puts the Body to pain Gen. 43.25 So those who come under the Circumcision of the Heart are sensible of much spiritual Pain upon the account of Sin III. As that Part cut off was never set to the Body again but was taken quite away So in this spiritual Circumcision Sin must not be parted with for a time only but must be cast off for ever IV. The Circumcised Person was admitted into the Church and Family of God So he that is spiritually circumcised becomes a fit Person for Baptism and so to be admitted into the Church of God V. Such who were not circumcised were not to be admitted to the Privileges of the Church and outward Worship of God So the Uncircumcised in Heart and Life ought not to be admitted unto the spiritual Privileges of the Gospel and Communion of the Saints VI. The uncircumcised Person was looked upon by God's People as an hateful Person see with what contempt David beheld Goliah upon this account 1 Sam. 17. This uncircumcised Philistine c. So those who are not circumcised in Heart are hateful to God VII Circumcision was a Sign of the Righteousness of Faith So the spiritual Circumcision of the Heart i. e. putting away the Body of Sin c. is a Sign of the Truth of Grace and of an Interest in the Righteousness of Christ Jesus The Rock which was smitten out of which came Water Exod. 17. was a Type of Christ 1 Cor. 10.4 And that Rock was Christ viz. a
Figure of him IT was a Rock which in appearance is dry and barren and a very unlikely thing to afford Water So Christ in his outward State in the Days of his Flesh seemed very unlikely to carnal Eyes to afford such spiritual Waters of Grace and Salvation II. It seemed wonderful that it should send forth Water in such abundance So Jesus Christ to the Wonder of Men and Angels sends forth the Water of Life in abundance to all those that believe on him III. That Rock sent forth its Water to the People of Israel when they were ready to perish for Thirst there being no way to relieve them So Christ refreshes the Souls of poor Sinners that come unto him when they can find no Help Comfort or Refreshment any where else John 8.24 but without him must perish eternally If ye believe not that I am he ye shall die in your Sins IV. The Rock was smitten before it yielded Water So Jesus Christ was smitten of God and crucified that his precious Blood might be poured forth to consummate the Redemption of our Souls V. The Rock was smitten for a rebellious People who murmured against God and who deserved no such Grace and Favour from him So Christ was slain for us who were Rebels and Enemies to him by evil Works who deserved nothing but his eternal Wrath and Displeasure Dr. Thâ— Taylor VI. The Water out of that Rock followed the Children of Israel through the Wilderness over all Hills and Vallies unto Canaan all the Dryness of that dry and barren Desert could not dry it up So the Waters of Life streaming from Christ that sacred Rock follow the true Israel of God quite through the Wilderness of this World until they come to the heavenly Canaan yea all the Persecutions and Temptations in the World whatsoever cannot dry it up The Pillar of Cloud and Fire Exod. 14. a Type of Christ Numb 9.15 16 17. THe Pillar of Fire was a certain Guide to the Israelites whilst they pass from Egypt to Canaan So Jesus Christ is our true Guide by his Word and Spirit till we come to the heavenly Canaan or Land of Immortality II. It was a Guide to them by Night that they might not lose their Way So Christ is our Guide in the dark Night of Trouble Temptation and Desertion III. The Pillar of Fire was not only a Guide to them but it also afforded them much Light which made their Journey comfortable to them Persons may have a sure Guide in a Night and yet be in Darkness or have but little or no Light So Jesus Christ is not only a Guide to his People in their passing through the Night of Mortality but also a Light a Light to them that sit in Darkness as well as a Guide for their Feet into the Way of Peace Exod. 14.20 he is upon this account the Comfort and Joy of God's Israel IV. The Pillar of Fire was Darkness to the Egyptians tho it gave Light to Israel So is Christ's Salvation Joy and Comfort to the Godly but a Stumbling-block and Stone of Offence unto the Wicked J. K. V. The Pillar of Fire did not afford the Israelites Light only but Heat also as a worthy Writer observes by which means they were kept from the piercing Cold of the Night So Jesus Christ the Anti-type of this Fiery Pillar affords us much spiritual Heat by his Word and Spirit which are compared to Fire by which means we are kept from the cold and lukewarm Temper or Frame of Heart which God's Soul hateth and thereby preserved fervent in Spirit burning in Love and Divine Zeal to God his Saints and to Holiness Exod. 14.20 VI. This Pillar in going behind between the Camp of Israel and the Egyptians was a blessed Defence and Protection unto them So Jesus Christ is the Defence and Safeguard of his People VII The Pillar of Fire if the Enemy had strove with it or made resistance against it would have burned and consumed them together So all that rebell against Christ or resist him shall be devoured Who would set Briars and Thorns against me in Battel Isa 27.4 I would go through them I would burn them together The Pillar of Cloud THe Pillar of Cloud was a great Refreshment to the Children of Israel by Day during their long Journey in the Wilderness the Sun in those Countries shining sometimes very hot which might had it not been for this Cloudy Pillar have been very destructive or grievous to them during so many Years Travels So Jesus Christ as Mediator is as a Cloud or Screen between the hot Beams of God's Wrath and poor Believers 'T is he who keeps us from being consumed by the Wrath of him Heb. 12. ult who is to the Wicked a Consuming Fire II. It was a Fire and a Cloud yet both but one Pillar So Christ is God and Man and yet but one Person and the same Christ who is a Saviour to the truly Penitent will destroy all ungodly and impenitent Ones The Passeover a Type of Christ 1 Cor. 5.7 Christ our Passeover is sacrificed for us THe Passeover or Paschal Lamb was a most lively Figure or Type of Christ nay as a worthy Divine observes this one Legal Sacrament preached not obscurely to the ancient Jews the whole Doctrine of the Gospel This will appear in five Things 1. In the Choice of the Sacrifice 2. In the preparing of it 3. In the Effusion of the Blood and Actions about it 4. In the Eating and the Conditions therein 5. In the Fruits and Use Eph. 3.21 Parallels I. In the Choice of the Sacrifice the Lord appointed it to be a Lamb notably signifying Jesus Christ whom the Baptist called the Lamb of God taking away the Sins of the World II. It was to be a Lamb without blemish signifying the most absolute Perfection of Jesus Christ III. The Paschal Lamb was to be taken out of the Fold signifying that Christ should be taken from amongst Men or from among his Brethren Deut. 17.15 one of the Seed of Abraham according to the Flesh IV. The Lamb was to be a Year old and also it must be slain signifying that Christ in his full vigour and strength should be put to death V. The Lamb was to be roasted with Fire which might signify the Manner of Christ's Death He was crucified and pierced he endured the Fire of Afflictions and the Fire of God's Wrath that was due to us for our Sins VI. The Lamb was roasted whole to signify saith Dr. Taylor that Christ bore the whole Wrath of God both in Soul and Body Not a Bone of the Lamb was to be broken to shew that not one Bone of Christ should be broken John 19.36 VII The Blood of the Lamb was to be saved in a Bason it must not be shed upon the Ground nor trodden under foot signifying the Preciousness of Christ's Blood and that great Esteem God the Father and all
my Fathers Kingdom Here the first word Drink is properly understood but the latter Metaphorically denoting their partaking together of the Joys of Heaven Joh. 1.10 The World was made by him and the World knew him not The former World notes the whole Universe the latter Vnbelievers c. see Joh. 2.23 24. and Joh. 4.31 32 34. Rom. 2.26 28 29. Rom. 3.21 27. Rom. 7.23 Rom. 9.6 They are not all Israel which are of Israel that is all who are born of Israel according to the Flesh are not true spiritual Israelites Rom. 12.13 14. where there is an Antanaclasis in the Verb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Cor. 11.24 the first breaking is taken properly the second breaking Metaphorically for the Passion of Christ as Luk. 22.19 See Isa 38.13 c. and 1 Cor. 15.28 Mat. 5.19 Matth. 5.19 Whosoever shall break one of these least Commandments shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven the first least expresses the sense of the Pharisees who esteemed some of the Precepts of Christ amongst the least the second least alluding to the former signifies the same with none or not at all viz. He shall be none in the Kingdom or he shall not enter there at all Mat. 18.1 Matth. 18.1 The Disciples say unto Jesus Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven V. 4. Christ answers Whosoever shall humble himself as this little Child the same is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven The first word greatest in the sense of the Disciples signifies him that hath Preheminence over others the second greatest alluding to the former denotes a Participation of the Kingdom of God without respect to inferiours the sense is whosoever humbles himself shall injoy his part in the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 19.16 Matth. 19.16 The Young Man saith unto Christ Good Master c. Ver. 17. Christ answers Why callest thou me good there is none good but one that is God The first good denotes any Goodness communicated to the Creature by the Lord such as may be found in a meer Man for such the Young Man judged Christ to have the latter good alluding to the first expresses the Essential Goodness of God who is the Fountain and Original of all the Good in the Creature The sense therefore of the words of Christ is Either call me not good or believe me to be the true God and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God-Man See Joh. 4.31 Joh. 6.28 Acts 26.28 Sometimes there happens an Ellipsis in this Figure the latter being understood by the former as Joel 2.13 Rend your Hearts and not your Garments here is a double Proposition 1. Rend your Hearts 2. Rend not your Garments the first is Metaphorical the other Proper CHAP. IV. Of the Figures of a Sentence in Logism WHat these are we have before defined They are distingush'd thus 1. Such as are in Logism or in a Sentence without Collocution or talking together 2. Such as are in Dialogism or by way of Dialogue or mutual Conference There are five of the first sort viz. I. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Exclamation is a pathetical Figure Exclamation ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to exclaim whereby the Speaker expresses the Passion or vehement Ardor of his Mind by various Interjections expressed or understood to move the Affections and Minds of those he speaks to O! Alas Behold are Signs of it this Figure is made in Scripture 1. In way of Admiration Psal 84.1 How amiable are thy Tabernacles O Lord of Hosts Psal 133.1 Behold how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in Vnity Rom. 11.33 O the depths of the Riches and of the Wisdom and of the Knowledg of God! How unsearchable are his Judgments and his Ways past finding out see Psal 8.1 144.15 2. In a way of Wishing or Praying 1 Chron. 11.17 O that one would give me Drink of the Water of the Well of Bethlehem which is at the Gate Psal 14.7 O that the Salvation of Israel were come out of Sion See Psal 42.2 Isa 64.1 Rom. 7.24 O wretched Man that I am who shall deliver me from the Body of this Death See Gal. 5.12 Job 6.8 Psal 55.6 3. In Praise Mat. 15.28 O Woman great is thy Faith Mat. 25.21 23. Well done good and faithful Servant 4. In a way of Sorrow and Complaint Psal 22.1 Mat. 27.46 My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Isa 6.5 Wo is me for I am undone 5. In way of Commiseration or Pity Josh 7.7 Alas O Lord God wherefore at all hast thou brought this People over Jordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorite to destroy us Ezek. 9.8 Ah Lord God wilt thou destroy all the Residue of Israel in thy pouring out thy Fury upon Jerusalem Luke 13.34 Lam. 1.1 6. In a way of Indignation Detestation and Reproof Isa 1.4 Wo to the sinful Nation a People laden with Iniquity a Seed of Evil-doers c Ezek. 16.23 Wo wo to thee saith the Lord God c. See Mat. 11.21 17.17 Luke 24.25 Jer. 44.4 Acts 13.10 O full of all Subtilty and Mischief thou Child of the Devil thou Enemy of all Righteousness wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord Acts 7.51 Rom. 9.20 7. In a way of Joy and Exultation as Psal 57.7 135.21 Blessed be the Lord out of Sion which dwelleth at Jerusalem Hallelujah that is praise ye the Lord See 1 Cor. 15.55 8. In a way of Obsecration or Beseeching Psal 118.25 Save now I beseech thee O Lord O Lord I beseech thee send now Prosperity Rev. 22.20 9. In a way of Reprehension Gal. 3.1 O foolish Galatians who hath bewitched you c. See Acts 7.51 52 c. 10. In a way of Derision Mat. 15.29 Of Fear 1 Tim. 6.11 c. Epiphonema 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies Acclamation and is wont to be subjoyned to an Exclamation as a certain species of it It is a little Clause or apt Sentence added after the thing is expounded From 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 acclamo to cry out exhibiting a certain Emphasis and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 briefly and concisely as Psal 2.12 Psal 3.8 Mat. 22.14 Luke 10.30 Acts 19.20 Mat. 19.27 Mark 7.37 c. II. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Epanorthosis Correction or Amending is the Reinforcement of the Clause last uttered by what follows or a re-calling of what one said to correct it From 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—orrigo to correct It is stated in a threefold manner 1. When that which was said is wholly disown'd and corrected by a more apt more proper and significant Expression as Mark 9.24 when the Father of the Child that was possest with a dumb Spirit said Lord I believe but recollecting himself and confessing his Infirmity immediately subjoyns help thou mine Vnbelief Joh. 12.27 John 12.27 Christ prays to be saved from Death Father save me from this hour yet immediately correcting that Prayer which shews the
Church of God and help them by their Counsel and Prayers at all times and not to weaken but strengthen their Hands and protect them from the Scorn Reproach and Oppression of the Enemy as much as lieth in them c. XIII When a Prince finds his Ambassadors cannot succeed in their Business but that all Terms of Peace are rejected he calls them home and then bloody Wars commonly follow XIII So when God sees that the Messenger and Message he sends by his faithful Ministers is slighted and that Sinners remain obstinate after long patience he calls home his Ministers perhaps takes them away by Death and resolves to treat with that People or State no more but contrary-wise to let out his Wrath upon them And thus it fared with Israel of old The Lord God of their Fathers sent to them by his Messengers rising early and sending them c. 2 Chron. 36.15 16. But they mocked the Messengers of God and despised his Word and misused his Prophets until the Wrath of the Lord arose against his People till there was no Remedy Inferences THis shews what great Dignity God hath conferred upon his faithful Ministers and this Title should procure an honourable Esteem of them in the Hearts of all Persons to whom they are sent And this is more necessary to the good Success of their Message than is generally thought tho 't is evident what Ministers speak upon this Subject is misconstrued as if they herein rather sought themselves than to befriend the Gospel or advance the Honour of their Master Men are ready to interpret it as a Fruit of their Pride and an Affectation they have of some outward Grandure and worldly Pomp which they design to gain by such a magnificent Title The Apostle himself was sensible of this and yet would not desist to magnify his Office 1 Cor. 4.5 and therefore saith he Let Men so account of us as Ministers of Christ and Stewards of the Mysteries of God and that they should judg nothing before the Time Object But some may say If God will use Ambassadors to treat with Sinners why doth be not use Angels c. 2 Cor. 4.7 Answ 1. The Apostle answers this We have this Treasure in earthen Vessels that the Excellency of the Power may be of God and not of us 2. Ministers being Men have the Advantage many ways above Angels for this Work 1. They are more concerned themselves in the Message they bring than Angels are What greater Argument for a Man's Care than his own Interest 2. They have a more deep Sense arising in their Hearts upon the account of the Temptations they are subject to c. 3. The Sufferings which Ministers meet with for the Gospel's sake are of great advantage to their Brethren had Angels been the Ambassadors they could not have sealed to the Truth of their Doctrine with their Blood they cannot die c. 4. Besides the Presence of Angels might terrify and afrighten us their Glory is so great c. II. This shews that Ministers have a special Commission How shall they preach except they are sent Rom. 10. They must have a lawful Call to this Office as Ambassadors have III. Let poor Sinners from hence be persuaded to hearken to them and carefully receive the Message Ministers bring from the great God and accept of Terms of Peace and close in with Jesus Christ IV. It shews the wonderful Love of God and the great Care he hath of Men's Souls V. It shews what an intolerable Affront is offered to the Majesty of Heaven by those that abuse or deride the Ministers of the Gospel and much greater by them that persecute and imprison them for delivering their Message Paul was an Ambassador in Bonds c. VI. It shews the Weight and Importance of the Preachers Message it is not a slight or sleeveless Errand they come about Deut. 30.15 Joh. 3.36 Mark 16.15 16. I set before you this day Life and Death Hear and your Souls shall live He that believeth not the Wrath of God abideth on him Go into all the World and preach the Gospel to every Creature He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned Ministers compared to Rulers Heb. 13.7 Remember them which have the Rule over you who have spoken unto you the Word of God c. MInisters of the Gospel are Rulers or Governors c. Rulers Parallel RUlers are Men in high Place endued with Power and Authority over others 't is a Name of Dignity SO Ministers are the chief of God's People such as have great Power committed to them as the Deputies and Ambassadors of Christ II. Rulers or Governors have a Law by which they ought to rule and govern in all things II. So Ministers are to rule the House and Church of God by the Rule of God's Word III. 'T is an evil thing and justly reprovable in Rulers to exceed the Limits and Bounds of the Law by which they are to rule and govern or to carry things according to their own Wills and Lusts not regarding the fundamental Laws of the Land where they live III. So 't is an abominable Evil in Ministers to rule according to their own Wills violating the Law of God Ministers may exceed their due Bounds and be arbitrary and tyrannize over the People in things spiritual as well as Civil Rulers or Magistrates in things temporal IV. Rulers in some places are chosen by the People whom they govern 't is the People's Privilege to chuse their Magistrates IV. So Ministers ought to be chosen by the Church 't is the Privilege of the People to chuse their own Pastors and other Officers according to the Qualifications laid down by the Spirit of God 1 Tim. 3.1 2 3. Acts 6.3 Wherefore Brethren look ye out among your selves c. V. Rulers ought to be wise Men Men fearing God See Jethro's Counsel to Moses Exod. 18.21 Thou shalt provide out of all the People able Men such as fear God Men of Truth hating Covetousness 2 Sam. 23.4 c. The God of Israel said the Rock of Israel spake unto me He that ruleth over Men must be just ruling in the Fear of God What a sore Rebuke doth God give covetous Rulers by the Prophet Ezek. 22.27 Her Princes in the midst thereof are like Wolves ravening the Prey to shed Blood and to destroy to get dishonest Gain V. So Ministers ought to be Men wise holy and of a blameless Conversation such as are given to Hospitality 1 Tim. 3.2 3. and not greedy of filthy Lucre. 'T is an odious thing to see a Minister covetous who is required to open the Nature of and preach against that Sin as well as all others and ought to live accordingly How can he preach against that Sin he is guilty of himself or if he doth what good effect can he think it will have upon other Mens Hearts when