CHRIST ALONE THE WAY TO HEAVEN OR JACOB's LADDER IMPROVED Containing Four SERMONS Lately Preach'd on GENESIS XXVIII XII Wherein the Doctrine of Free-Grace is display'd through Jesus Christ. Also discovering the Nature Office and Ministration of the holy Angels To which is added One Sermon on Rom. 8.1 With some short Reflections on Mr. Samuel Clark's new Book intituled Scripture Justification By Benjamin Keach Acts 5.31 Him hath God Exalted c. LONDON Printed and Sold by Benja Harris at the upper-end of Grace church-street next Corn-Hill 1698. Page 60. line 5. r. climb up p. 62. l. 28. blâ—â— out in p. 71.72.73.77 78. several lines shoulâ— have double Comma's being Citations and so iâ— 2 or 3 other pages In the Medium c. p. 3â— l. 22. for federally r. decretively The Epistle Dedicatory To the Six Churches of Believers Baptized upon the Profession of Faith in Hampshire and to their respective Elders and Deacons viz at South-hampton Mr. Richard Ring Pastor at Christ-church Mr. Humphrey Richards Pastor at Ringwood Mr. Nath. Lane Pastor and at and near White-church Mr. Richard Kent and Mr. Joseph Kent Elders at Lymington Mr. John Ramsey Pastor at Gosport Mr. John Webber Pastor Grace Mercy and Peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ be Multiplied Honoured and Beloved I Being lately cast among you by the providence of God and being refreshed by seeing and beholding your Order Vnity Love and holy Zeal for God and Religion together with that kind Reception you gave me have as a token of my Respects Dedicated these insuing Sermons to you some of you also giving Incouragement for the Publication of them That which I desire of you which also I have hinted in Letters to you since I returned to London is that you would labour to strengthen one another's hands not only by your mutual Prayers and by assisting one another but also that you by your respective Messengers do meet together one or twice in the â—â—ar to know each other's Estate and wherein you may be further Serviceable one to another which may prove many ways to your Advantage 'T is matter of great joy to see how you are united in one Spirit both in matters of Faith and Practice tho' Satan hath indeavoured to disturb the peace of some of you but may be God suffered it That such that are approved might be made manifest The Lord increase your numbers and cause you to flourish like the Palm-trees Now that which remains for you the Churches of Jesus Christ is that you shew your Love and holy zeal for the Support of your painful and faithful Pastors and incouragement of such Gifts that you may have amongst you by helping them to what Learning they may be able to attain unto for their better Accomplishment for the Ministerâ— and by removing one granâ— Discouragement by a faithful indeavour to support your presenâ— Ministery by a comfortable Gospel-maintenance as God hath ordained to the uttermost of your Ability by which means aâ—so you will acquit your selves of that common charge cast upon the Baptised Churches viz. They starve their Ministers How should they Provide Bread for your Souls should they be leâ—â— to the Cares and Incumbrances of this Life in providing Breaâ— for their own Families but since you have received it as your undoubted Duty to discharge them from all worldly Business according to your Abilities I need say no more to this Lastly Let me exhort you all to strive to continue in Love and Vnion and adorn your sacred Profession 〈◊〉 a holy Conveâ—sation and by dying to this World and so to prepare for tâ—â— coming of our Lord which now draws very near The Virginâ— I fear are asleep but sad will it be with some if the Midnight Cry should find them so to be as to these Sermons I shall say bâ—â— little not knowing they deserve such a Publication tho' I haâ—â— been pressed to do it yet I hope with the blessing of God they mâ—â— be of profit to some as you have assured me others of my formâ—â— poor Labours have been to many and if I know my own Heaâ—â— that it is which incourages me still to Write for some other ways I have reason enough to throw away my Pen and nevâ—â— Write more but since God gives me Incouragement I shall litle regard those Discouragements from Men but if this way do too much I am certain some others do too little who I knâ—â— are far more able and better accomplished to write than I bâ—â— where God gives but two Talents he requires but the improvement of Two the Substance 〈◊〉 of these Sermons some of yoâ— heard The good Lord bless you all and establish you in the Doctrine of free Justification by Christ alone and in all other Fundamental Truths and that you may be kept from all extreams You will perceive in the latter part of this Treatise How Sataâ— is laying his Ax at the Root or Foundation c. many errors and Heresies abound in these evil Days the Lord pour out more oâ— his Spirit and â—ndow you and I with that precious Grace oâ— Humility that we may be even cloathed therewith and noâ— Judge Censure one another who all hold the head To conclude let me beg a remembrance of me in your prayers who hope I shalâ— never forget you whilst in this Tabernacle and shall subcribe my self your Servant in the Gospel â—orsly-Down Nov. 4th 16â—7 Benja Keâ— CHRIST ALONE THE Way to Heaven OR JACOB'S LADDER IMPROVED c. SERMON I. GENESIS xxviij xij xiij 1. And he Dreamed and behold a Ladder set upon the Earth and the top of it reached to Heaven and behold the Angels of God ascending and descending on it 2. And behold the Lord stood above it and said I am the Lord God of Abraham thy Father c. JACOB having got the Blessing was sent away by Isaac his Father and it is said verse 10. That he went from Beersheba and went towards Haran And Night coming on he laid himself down to sleep tho' he had but hard lodging For he took of the Stones of the place and put them for his Pillow v. 11. And he Dreamed and behold a Ladder c. Jacob was like to meet with great Trouble being forc'd to fly for fear of his Life Esau being inraged against him first for getting his Birth-right and now also his Blessing God no doubt gave him this Dream to succour and comfort him in his Journy and not only so but to discover a greater Good to him than his present Support even to make known by this Dream the Messiah that should proceed from his Loyns by whom he and all his true Seed should ascend to Heaven and be with God for ever In my Text are Two Things to be noted I. A Vision viz. He saw a Ladder the Top reaching to Heaven II. An Oracle or Voice from Heaven God spake to him saying I am the Lord thy God c.
It may be necessary to speak a little briefly by way of Explication and chiefly to shew what may be either Primarily or more Remotely or Subordinately signified or held forth by this Ladder 1. I understand by this Ladder directly and Primarily is meant our Lord Jesus Christ Nor am I alone in this respect for divers learned Men hint the same thing among which I might mention our late 〈◊〉 upon the Holy Bible on the place beâ—â—â— by Reverend Mr. Pool He says This Ladder represents Christ by whom Heaven and Earth are united who is called the way to Heaven which this Ladder was Moreover very evident it is that our Saviour himself refers to Jacob's Ladder Joh. 1.51 speaking of himself and of the Angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man 2. But more Remotely or Subordinately it may refer as some think to the Church of Christ Some being on Earth and others in Heaven of their going from Earth to Heaven and as thus it may represent God's special Providence and Care of Jacob either Personally considered or Mystically i. e. the whole Church bearing the name of Jacob who by degreeâ— thro' the Providence and blessed Favour of God and ministration of the Angels ascend from a low State to an exalted State or from a State of Grace on Earth to a state of Glory in Heaven It may represent saith Mr. Pool to Jacob the Providence of God who though he dwells in Heaven extends his Care and Goverment to the Earth and particularly maketh use of Angels as ministering Spirits for the good of his People who are not Idle but always in motion Behold a Ladder c. This word Behold hath various Acceptations sometimes it calls for Observation and Attention and sometimes for Admiration Behold what manner of Love is this c. It may referr to both these in my Text Such a Ladder the Foot standing upon the Earth and the Top of it reaching to Heaven calls both for diligent Attention and Observation and also for the highest Admiration The Second Branch of this Vision is That of the Angels of God ascending and descending upon this Ladder or upon the Son of Man Verily verily I say unto you hereafter ye shall see Heaven open and the Angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man There are Two Things to be noted 1. The Persons mentioned 2. The Motions of the Persons 1. The Persons mentioned are the Angels of God 2. The Motion of these Persons they ascended and descended Reciprocally upon this Ladder that is upon Christ either Personally or Mystically considered and as one Observes when they are said to ascend they Minister to Christ Personally considered and when said to descend they minister to Christ Mystically considered i.e. to the Church How the Angels minister to Christ and to his Church I purpose to speak unto and open that in one Sermon upon this Text and shall therefore speak no more to it now And behold the Lord God stood above it In our Text this word behold is thrice repeated which doubtless may denâ—te the important matter signified thereby By the Lord God I understand GOD the FATHER who is represented above it as the contriver and maker of this mystical Ladder who indeed prepared the Body of Christ and so found out this wonderful way to Heaven and said I am the Lord thy God that is in Christ I am thy God or a God in Covenant with thee Jacob and with all thy true Spiritual Seed who strive to ascend up to me by this glorious Medium for doubtless God the Father being above it it doth also denote that this Ladder is the only way to the Father No man cometh to the Father but by me So much by way of Explication I. Observ. God knows how even by Dreams to instruct and comfort his People The Apostle saith That God at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the Fathers by the Prophets Sometimes by Angels sometimes by special Inspiration sometimes by Visions and sometimes by Dreams In a Dream in a Vision of the Night when deep Sleep falleth upon Men in slumbring upon their Beds then he openeth the ears of Men and sealeth their Instruction I shall speak a little as to Dreams in general of whâ—elâ— there are three sorts 1. Natural Dreams 2. Diabolical Dreams 3. Divine Dreams 1. Some Dreams are meer natural Dreams and these may arise from the Temperature of the Body Melancholy and Flegmatick Persons have their special Dreams so have those that are of a Sanguine or of a Cholerick Complexion The First as Naturalists observe are inclined to Dream of things â—enâ—ing to Sadness perhaps of Death of Graves or of dead Men. The Second of Sottish things The Third of Pleasant and Delightful things The Fourth of War Blood Contention or of Fighting and Wranglings 2. A Dream cometh through multitude of Business Commonly as Mr. Caryl observes a Man Dreams at Night of what he hath been doing in the Day as experience shews 3. Natural Dreams some affirm are caused by the Diet or Food which we eat some Meat especially inclining to some special thoughts and Dreams 4. As the same Author noteth also Natural Dreams arise from vehement Affections to or desire of what we want the Prophet signifieth The hungry Man Dreameth he Eateth and the thirsty Man Dreameth he Drinketh These are called Natural Dreams because they arise from Natural Causes or the rise of them are seated in Nature Secondly There are some Dreams that are no doubt Diabolical or arise from the Injections of the Devil I am subject to think but few godly Christians but by sad experience may find they at some times have been afflicted by filthy or hateful Dreams dreaming of such things which their Souls abhor ask them and they will tell you The Devil well knows what Corruptions are in our Hearts or in the Unregenerate part and if God restrains him not he may work upon and stir up those evil Humours when we are asleep Take Mr. Caryl's words Satan is skilful and diligent in soliciting our Lusts and Corruptions both Day and Night both Sleeping and Waking Yea the Devil can inspire false Doctrines and Opinions by Dreams as well as provoke to wicked Practises of such Dreams If there be among you a false Prophet or a dreamer of Dreams c. False Prophets had many Dreams and as the good Prophets had their Dreams from GOD so the false Prophets had their Dreams from the Devil All diabolical Dreams are either Dreams of Lies or Falshood like Satan himself or else Filthy and Defiling for he is an unclean Spirit Thirdly There are some Divine Dreams Dreams are of three sorts saith Reverend Mr. Perkins Natural arising from the Constitution of the Body Diabolical such as come by the Suggestion of the Devil Divine which come from God Some Dreams may be called Divine Dreams 1.
to Preach Moses nor to take the Law from his Mouth but from the Mouth of Christ or as it is in Christ's hands not to Preach Morality as that which can justifie and save us Not to Preach the Light within all to be our Saviour For that is to Preach the Law written in the Heart of Man it being the substance of that Law written in the Two Tables of Stone Not to Preach the Decrees of general Councils or National Synods Nor to mix our inherent Righteousness and sincere Obedience no nor our Faith with Christ's Righteousness Thus I have shewed you how Christ is Exalted Flivated and like Jacob's Ladder lifted up to Heaven Nay he 's made higher than the Heavens and that in his Person and by his Offices Heaven and Earth meet together and God and Man in Jesus Christ are made One I shall Close at this time with a Word of Application APPLICATION 1. We may Infer from hence that here is wonderful Incouragement for poor Sinners to come to Christ believe in him or to venture up this Spiritual Ladder 2. Behold the fulness which is in Christ and bless God for such a Way for such a Ladder that reacheth up to Heaven 3. Inquiry But why is there so great a fulness in Christ 1. Because God will Exalt him and Magnify him He knew how many would Debase him and Disrobe him of which sort we have too many in these Days 2. Because he being God it cannot be otherwise and this shews he is God Would God give this Glory to a meer Creature it would be Idolatry to give divine Adoration to Christ were not he the most high God 3. It is because there is such an Emptiness in poor Sinners nay in Believers as in themselves 4. It is because Christ hath so many Vessels empty Vessels to fill True he has filled Multitudes already from the beginning of the World for all that ever had any Righteousness any Grace or Peace I mean true Grace and Peace they had it from Jesus Christ. But he hath many empty Vessels yet to fill therefore there is need of such a fulness in him he fills his Church nay all his Churches and hath a greater Vessel yet to fill when he hath emptied it namely the whole Earth For all the Earth shall be filled with the Knowledge of the glory of the Lord. And he is emptying it in order to this now He will make the Earth empty and turn it up side down Now 't is full of Wickedness full of Sin full of horrid Abominations of Oaths of Pride Uncleanness Drunkenness Cruelty Divisions Contentions nay of Idolatry Superstition Errors Heresies and what not but he will empty it e'er long and then fill it there is a new World very near look for it prepare for it be ready 5. Christ is full because there is no Bread but in this Garner no Water of Life for all the World but in this Well in this Fountain 6. Because no Sinner might be discouraged nor dispair of help succour and relief in Christ nor Believers because they are God's Children and have his Likeness Also 4. This may Reprove such that cast Contempt upon Jesus Christ. Some lay quite aside this chief Corner-stone What do they less that trust to a sober Moral Life or they that cry up the Light within as if that was a Ladder that reaches to Heaven which is to build on the Covenant of Works Others degrade him that put part of the highest Glory on the Will of Man and such who mix their own Faith sincere Obedience or Righteousness with Christ's Merits and make the Gospel as a meer Law of Obedience with the sanction of Promises and Threatnings rendring our Faith and Obedience the Condition of our Salvation This is not to go to Heaven by Jacob's Ladder 5. Be Exhorted to venture up this Spiritual Ladder i. e. to believe in Christ. Motives 1. A mighty Flood of divine Wrath is near it will certainly come and it will over-flow all the dwellers on the Earth or such that dwell below The Saints who are ascended upon this Ladder dwell above Oh climb up quickly if you would escape the Wrath to come 2. There is you have heard no other way to go to Heaven Christ is the Way in which we must walk the Foundation on which we must build the Door by which we must enter or the Ladder by which we must ascend even by the Vail that is to say his Flesh or by the blood of his Cross. Do not dream of getting to Heaven by your Tears or Prayers or by your good Deeds or good Duties or by the broken Ladder of Free-will or by the Light within all What O what will become of them that strive to throw down this Ladder and thâ—nk to be saved some other ways 3. Tho this Ladder be high and thy Faith is but weak yet venture up set thy Foot upon the first Round I told you the last day that many vvho vvere weak as thou art are gone to Heaven this way yea Multitudes that were as heavy laden as thou art or canst be ventured up and found sure and firm Footing 4. Thy danger O Sinner is great wilt thou perish in the Flood O fly to this Ark get up this Ladder He that believeth not shall be Damned 5. Remember the top reacheth to Heaven it will bring thee to Heaven and know also that in the way there are many Angels they ascend and descend upon this Ladder they come down to fetch some up and others they lead and conduct even those that are ascending upon it Thou shalt O Sinner have blessed Support and Supporters in the way Examin Try yourselves do you exalt Jesus Christ Certainly if the Father hath exalted him we ought so to do 1. Dost thou lay the whole stress of thy Salvation on Jesus Christ and believe with thy whole Heart 2. Dost thou love him above all things in the world 3. Dost thou deny thy self and forsake all things for his sake and take up thy Cross and follow him 4. Dost thou account all things loss for the excelâ— of Jesus Christ 5. Dost thou take none of his Right nor Glory from him and ascribe it to Man or to the Will of the Creature 6. Canst not thou be satisfied with any thing without him No not with Ordinances unless thou dost meet with him and enjoyst him in them 7. Dost thou desire before all things to be like unto him or have his Image 8. Canst not thou endure to grieve nor offend him 9. Dost thou love him in all wheresoever thou seest his Image not because they are in all things of thy Opinion but because they are God's Children and have his Likeness Also 6. This may Iâ—form us who are true Ministers as well as who â—re 〈◊〉 Câ—ristians 1. Not the◠〈…〉 the Gâ—d-head of Christ No let the◠〈…〉 lush 〈◊〉 be aâ—hamedâ— This discovers that
Communication of it it is called the manifold Wisdom of God To the intent that now unto the Principalities and Powers in Heavenly Places might be known by the Church the manifold Wisdom of God The Angels who are said to ascend and descend up this Ladder are not a little astonished with the whole Oeconomy of Man's Redemption or with this way of raising us to the highest Glory from hence Paul speaking of our Redemption thro Christs blood saith Wherein God hath abounded towards us in all Wisdom and Prudence Brethren God hath abounded in all Wisdom towards us in contriving of this way for us to come to himself and his Prudence in ordering and disposing the means consonant thereto Wisdom saith one in drawing the Platform and Prudence in Digging thro all Impediments and making even the seeming Obstacles serve as Steps to the Execution of it Brethren God hath discovered greater Wisdom in restoring man by Jesus Christ then in his Creating of him God's Wisdom howbeit shines in the works of Creation and in his works of Providence in governing the whole Creation is very great but his greatest Wisdom appears in the work of his Redemption both in respect to the work it self together with his design and purpose of God therein well might it be said Behold a Ladder c. Wonder Oh the depths of the Riches both of the Wisdom and Knowledge of God! 'T is called the Riches of God's Wisdom and the Wisdom of God in a Mystery But Woe to such as contemn this Wisdom slight this Wisdom or assert there is nothing in it a Mystery above humane Reason how for God thus to love Man for God to bring his Glory out of the Ashes wherein it seem'd buried and to raise Man so high that by Sin and the Devil was laid so low to cause Light to shine out of the thickest Darkness and to bring Heaven and Earth together again is Wisdom to be admir'd As reverend Charnock observes It is accounted an admirable point of Wisdom among Men to unite two Princes at variance without invading either of their Rights but intirely preserving them and to link them together in Bonds of stronger Peace than they were in before they fell out By Jesus Christ Brethren God's Right is preserved he loseth nothing of his own Glory of his own Honour but it is more enlarged and manifested than if Man had never fallen and Man is restored to a better and more lasting State of Happiness Thirdly The way to Heaven by Jacob's Ladder ought to be beheld with the greatest Admiration in respect of the Matter of which it is made all Ladders as well as all other things consist of matter and form But O what is the Matter with which this divine Ladder is made I answer it is the Son of God made Man even he that made the Woman made of a Woman is not this wonderful to see the Ancient of Days become a Babe of a Day Old is it not a marvellous thing To see him that was in the form of God and that thought it not Robbery to be equal with God to be in the form of a Servant and to lye in a Manâ—erâ— To see him that made the Creature to be trod underfoot of the Creature and helâ— in scorn and contempt and dishonoured to raise such as we so the highest honour Is it not an amazing thing to see Jesus made a Curse to raise Sinners from under the Curse to eternal Blâ—â—â—edness We account that a marvellous thing that is New a thing that none ever did nor could do the like For the Lord hath created a new thiâ—â— in the Earth a Woman shall compass a Man A Child Created not Begotten but Created in the Virgin 's Womb by the Lord is not that a marvellous thing and above the Reason or Understanding of men though of the deepest Judgment Wisdom and Knowledge that ever lived upon the Earth But suâ—h is the Incarnation of Christ and the Hypostatical Union of the Two Natures in that One Person no man by reason can Comprehend hâ—w thâ—s could be My â—â—â—thren this is a mysterious Ladder and made of a â—â—â—derful Materials Is it not an amazing thing that God should give his own Son a Sacrifice for Rebels such that hated him and that God should purchase the Church with his own Blood Is it not a marvellous thing that the King upon the Throne should lay aside his Robes and dye for câ—rsed Traytors and contemptible Beggers Is not that a wonderful thing which Non-plusses all the Wisdom of Men and Angels Is it not a wonderful thing that God and Man or the divine and humane Nature should be so united to be but one Person and is it not strange and wonderful that vile Sinners should be made Righteous by the Righteousness of another and that sinful Man should be cloathed with a more glorious Robe than any of the holy Angels of Heaven have Is it not a marvellous thing that Death should be overcome and destroyed by Death and that a Man should Dye and yet be capable to raise himself from the Dead Behold this Ladder is it not made of beaten Gold Is it not a costly Ladder of more Worth than ten thousand Worlds What are Pearls or Diamonds to this Pearl What precious Stones may be compared to this precious tryed Stone This Ladder is made of one precious Stone yet so made that there is firm and sure Footing in it for all that venture thereon to carry them to Heaven Fourthly It should be beheld with Admiration in respect of the Design of it O my Brethren never was a Ladder made on so high so sublime and on so great and so glorious a Design as this is 1. For to manifest the Glory of God or to advance his own Honour in the sight and view of all his elect ones 2. To magnify the Law 3. To destroy the work and design of the Devil 4. And to raise up poor fallen man into a most happy and glorious State and Condition for ever Certainly to behold such a Ladder that is set upon the Earth and the top of it reacheth up to Heaven it must needs denote some wonderful and glorious Design and End of the blessed God It shews that hereby God would have Jacob know and all his true Seed that man's happiness doth not consist in any earthly Blessings it is not below but above yea that it lyes only in hiâ— self and that we must observe the way know well the way he hath prepared for us to attain to that true Happiness and that it is to be had in Union and Communion with himself But to proceed First The Design of God the Father in the contriving this way this glorious and wonderful Medium or this spiritual and mystical Ladder is to magnify and advance his own Glory in respect of his own Person and the Glory of his Son and the Glory of the
this look is of a Soul-transforming Nature but we all beholding as in a glass the Glory of the Lord are changed into the same Image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 5. This beholding of Christ will cause you to contemn all things here below and to account them as nothing nay worse than nothing in comparison of him for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but Dung that I may win Christ. Syriac and others Dog's Meat refuse cast to Dogs Thus do all that behold him in point of Justification in comparison of Christ esteem as nothing all good Works good Duties flowing from a sanctified Heart nay all inherit Holiness with Faith it self in respect of any Trust and Confidence therein So much is the object of Faith valued by all that thus behold him 6. It will draw the Souls of all that thus behold him to him and after him and to follow him whithersoever he goes When I am lifted up I will draw all Men to me When I am beheld on the Cross dying for them or in their stead Lo we have forsaken all and have followed thee They did thus and presently too as soon as he called them These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth Those who thus see him are even sick of Love Saw ye him whom my Soul loveth c. Tell him I am sick of love O Sinners labour thus to behold him i.e. pierced for you â—ying and bleeding on the Cross for you offering himself to you standing at your Doors woing and entreating you to open to him to love him imbrace him and espouse him Consider by way of Excitation 1. Can you behold him entering into a Covenant of Redeâ—ption from Eternity for you and not love him Can you see hiâ— strike Hands with the Father leaving out your Names anâ— only putting his own Name in that Covenant as your Surety to pay all your Debts to sâ—tisfie divine Justice for all your Sins and dye in yâ—ur room and not love him 2. Can you see him take your nature upon him and become Man born of a poor Virgin a Babe laid in a Manger expâ—sed to the rage and malice of Men and Devils and not love him 3. Can you behold him and think of that purpose of Grace eternal Love and good Will unto you from eâ—erlasting and not love him 4. Can you behold him Betrayed left by his own Diâ—ciples Deny'd by Peter Spit upon Scourged his Hair Torn from his Beard and all be sprinkled with Blood condemned as a Malefactor â— owned with Thoâ—ns and not love him 5 Can you behold him in his bloody Agâ—ny sweating great drops of Blood Can you see him Nailed to a Tree and his Side pierced with a Spear which run into his Heart and all this for you and not love him Thirdly Reproof What vile Wretch dost thou do wilt thou Wound him again sight him grieve him and prefer thy Sins and Lusts above him befâ—re thou didst never truly behold him Shall God tâ— us display the glory of his Free grace and magnifie all his Attributes in our Redemption by Christ and dost thou â—iâ—ht and coâ—tâ—mn this glorious Contrivance aâ—d with thâ— Face of Impudence seek another way to go â—o â—eaven by Morality by the Light within bâ—â—â—â—â—ing something of thine own with his 〈◊〉 anâ—â—o think to go to Heaven by a Laddeâ— of â—â—y oâ—u â—evâ—siâ—g Fourthly By â—hâ— you 〈◊〉 see you that are Professors whetâ—â—â— you did â—ver Savingly behold the Lord Jesus or not have true Faith oâ— not Fifthly For Incouragement to aâ—â—to behold him 1. He is able to save you tho' neveâ— so vile and abominable Sinners to save you all to save all to the uttermost that come to God by him i.e. by this Ladder by this new and living Way 2. He is also willing as weâ—l as able This appears 1. By his Expressions and Invitations Come unto me all ye that Labour and are heavy Laden and I will give you Rest How often would I have gathered thy Children together c. 2. By his Affections Behold me behold me What love hath he shewed and what Complaints of Sorrow and Grief at Sinners Unbelief 3. By his Actions even every wâ—y what Love greater Love infinite Love and williâ—gness can be shewed how hath he manifested his Readiness to save Sinners Sixthly Terror You must behold him by an eye of Faith or perish He that believes not shall be Damned He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting Life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see Life but the Wrath of God abideth on him Obj. Perhaps some Sinner will say I dare not believe yet I am not humbled enough I am not fitted and prepared to come to Christ. Ans. Dost thou see thy self Sick here 's thy Physician what is required of the Sick before they come for Healing Dost thou see thy self a Sinner O then come here is thy Saviour Dost thou find Guilt to lye upon thy Conscience who can take it off but Christ Jesus Dost thou see thy Filthiness what can cleanse thee but Christ's Blood Come as thou art to the Fountain Dost thou Thirst after Happiness 't is no where to be found but in Christ tho' thou hast therefore no Money yet come thou canst not believe in Christ too soon Lastly By way of Consolation to Believers you are saved already have eternal Life in you Grace is the Seed of Glory you have drank of the water of Life and that will be a Well of Water in you springing up to everlasting Life You are going to Heaven on Jacob's Ladder and all the Devils and Powers of Darkness can't throw you down You shall never perish O bless the Lord and admire Free-grace and live to him all your Days with Joy and Thankfulness But no more now at this time SERMON IV. GENESIS xxviij xij xiij And behold the Angels of God ascending and descending on it I Clos'd the last Day with the former part of our Text I shall give you one short Sermon God assisting concerning the holy Angels whom Jacob in his Vision saw ascending and descending upon it that is Antitypically upon Jesus Christ. Our blessed Saviour alludes as I told you to this Vision in the Gospel And he said unto him Verily verily I say unto you hereafter you shall see the Heavens open and the Angels of God ascending descending upon the Son of Maâ— Our Annotators assert as their Opinions That our Lord refers to Jacob's Vision Gen. 28.12 which doubtless puts a great glory on it it being no trifle or small thing that was represented unto him in that Dream and Vision but what a sight Nathaniel had afterwards of the Angels ascending and descending upon Christ the Son of Man I know not Some think it might be some further appearance
from the Center of the Earth which is Three thousand to the Surface up to the Sun is above Four Millions of Miles to the Firmament where the sixed Stars are above Fourscore Millions of Miles and from thence to the place of the blessed Saints and Angels are more Millions than from the Earth to the Firmament so that according to their Account it must be many Millions of Miles from Heaven to Earth O then what was the height or length of this Ladder in my Text the Foot stood upon the Earth and the Toâ— reâ—â—hed to Heaven And O what is the swiftness of an Angel that can come from Heaven to the Earth in a moment Reverend Greenâ—ill notes That a â—ullet â—ut of a Musket flies swiftly i. e. it hâ—ts the Lâ—rd or Mark before the Report is heard and will fly 180 Miles in one hour according to its motion The Sun moves swifter 160000 Miles in one hour The fixed Stars about the Equinoctial 42 Millions each hour and yet saith he the Motion of an Angel is swifter being a Spirit and passing through the Air without opposition No Creature in Heaven and Earth moves faster than an Angel Thus Greenhill 6. Angels are endowed with much Wisdom and Knowledg as the Woman of Tekoah intimated to David touching his great Wisdom For as an Angel of God so is my Lord the King My Lord is wise according to the Wisdom of an Angel of God To know all things that are in the Earth They have no doubt great understanding Hence said to have the face of a Man The face of a Man 1. Signifieth according to Greenhill and divers others that the Administration of the Angels is with Knowledg and Equity The face of a Man saith he is put to shew the Excellency of Reason which must have the introduction into and the management of all Actions else they are not Humane nor Angelical 2. By the face of a Man is noted their Humanity and Love to Mankind Angels are of a loving Nature and most careful of Men especially of Believers or such that are actually espoused to their great Master Jesus Christ. 7. Angels are very strong and couragious and hence said every one to have the face of a Lâ—on a Creature of great courage and strength What is stronger than a Lion 8. They are also very faithful and unwearied in their work and mighty patient Creatures hence said to have the face of an Oxâ— a patient faithful and an unwearied Servant to their Master 9. And tho Angels are Creatures of great Glory and Dignity yet are very humble never thinking any thing to be too mean or tâ—o low for them to do when commanded to do it no tho it be to wait upon a poor Beggar as Lazarus whilâ— he lived and to carry his Soul to Heaven when he died 10. And they always wait for their Commission will not do any thing without God's Command hence said to wait fâ—r his Word These are they whom the Lord hath sent to walk to and fro through the Earth Therefore are they set before us as our pattern that the Will of God may be done on Earth by us as it is done in heaven by them Quest. 〈◊〉 service are the holy Angels imployed in 〈…〉 Almigâ—â—y 1. God useth them in the Government of the World as it may be seen in Ezek. 1.1 2 3 4 5 6 c. The Jews thought that the Angels only governed Jerusalem and that neither God nor his Angels did appear â—r rule any-where else But to take away this conceit God appears to Ezekiel in Babylâ—â— to convince him that he and his Angels do govern there and man quarters of the World as well as in Sioâ— And that tho God rules the World is granted yet the Angels under him are imployed in this Work is evident I argue thus It is plain that God gives or admits the Evil Angels to rule as a Prince the Devil is called the Prince of the Power of the Aâ—â— that now worâ—eth in the hearts of the Childâ—â—â— of disobedience The Devil saith Reveâ—â—â—d Greenhill hath great power in the Air to â—aise Winds to cause Storms Thunder and Lightning Now if the Evil Angels be as Gods and Princes in this World have Power in the Air and Hearts of wicked Men then it must needs follow that the Good Angels are as Gods and Princes and have as much power in the World and Hearts of good Men otherwise the Devils should gain by their fall more than ever they had by their standing And it is not credible that wicked and damned Spirits should have more honourable Titles and larger Power than the good are imployed in 2. More particularly they are imployed to inform us of God's Will nay and God of our Ways tho it is true he knows all things and need not that they tell him no more than he doth need that we acquaint him with our evil hearts and many wants yet he will hear how Matters are from them and from us also They acquaint us with the Mind and Will of God Angels told Abraham and Lot what God would do with Sodom and Angels told Eliâ—ah what to say to the Messengers of the King of Samaria also an Angel told the Apostles that Christ should return in the same manner as they saw him go up to Heaven and sent an Angel to testify those things in the Churches Also an Angel told Daniel what things should come to pass in the World even to the end thereof and also gave him Wisdom Skill and Understanding And an Angel informed Joseph of the Mind of God touching Mary Moreover the Angels go up the Ladder as well as down in and by Christ they ascend to God as well as descend to Men they beheld all the Earth sat still and was at rest Thus God for his honour not of necessity imployeth Angels 3. They are imployed to withstand and oppose the Enemies of Christ and his Church And hence it appears they meddle with Kings and Kingdoms and in the great Affairs thereof and as their Power is great so they sometimes exercise it in the destruction of wicked Men Knowest thou whether I come unto thee and now will I return and fight with the King of Persia. And this Angel Gabriel opposed as my Author notes the cruel Edict of Cambyses King of Persia who laboured to keep the Jews in Captivity longer and to oppress them sorer than others had done Moreover it is said that Michael and his Angels fought against the Dragon and his Angels 4. To execute Judgment upon the Wicked they destroyed Sodom and the First-born of Egypt is said to be done by a destroying Angel the destroying Angel smote the People with the Pestilence in David's time Also an Angel smote of the Assyrians in one night 185000 it was an Anâ—el that smote Herod so that he was eaten of Worms 5. The Angels
my Commandments Simon Son of Jona lovest thou me Yea Lord feed my Sheep I will leave this Charge with none else as if he should so say but such that love me they that love not Christ will not love his Saints 2. To hearken to Christ's Commands the Angels wait to hear what Service God will put them upon but many Professors make the Word to wait for them they come not early to the Assembly to wait for the Word 3. To do the Will of God with speed and all alacrity Angels are swift to do God's Will they are said to have Wings so we should get upon the Wings of Faith 4. To do it chearfully and with utmost Zeal the Angels are like a Flame of Fire all fill'd with burning Zeal and Fervour 5. Also to do the Will of God universally to leave no Precept undone and then we shall with David not be ashamed even when we have respect to all God's Commandments 6. To do God's Will continually never to faint nor be weary for thus the Angels do God's Commands they obey always and thus did David I have inclined mine Heart to perform thy Statutes always to the end Again he saith So shall I keep thy Law continually for ever and ever Thirdly This may administer Terror to the Wicked the holy Angels are against you As they mark the Saints for Preservation so they have Commission oft-times to destroy the Ungodly Slay utterly Old and Young c. and begin at my Sanctuary Fourthly It may be of use by way of Exhortation 1. To walk so as Christians and Members of Churches that the Angels may rejoyce and discharge their Work with Joy and not with Grief Walk reverently in respect of the Angels even as one observes in your Bed-Chambers the Thoughts of the Presence of the Angels should hinder us from doing that which is a shame or dishonour to us but much more the Thoughts of God's Presence 2. Bless God for the Ministration of Angels O! see what Love he hath to his own People and what Honour he hath conferred upon them 3. Have a reverend Esteem and Respect for the Angels and strive to converse with them and be like to them Object But say some What do you leave to Christ and the Holy Spirit to do if Angels do â—o much for us Answ. 1. What will you leave to the Angels to do saith one if they do not Teach Guide Protect and Minister unto us 2. What the Angels do Christ doth they are his Servants he uses them as Instruments in his Hand 3. We leave to Christ to do all by the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost yet he makes use of the Angels of the Churches as well as the Angels of Heaven Object But you may say Christ needs not the Ministration of Angels Answ. No more doth he need the Ministration of Mâ—n nor the Use of Ordinances yet he is pleased to make use of both for the Good of his Church Fifthly This may administer much Comfort to Believers Reprobates tho Princes on Earth have no such Guards to attend them as you have Are they not all Ministring Spirits sent forth to minâ—ster to them that shall be Heirs of Salvation O! what a Glorious Retinue have you Your Way is full of Angels who go to and fro therein The Wicked are left to the wide World but Christ is pleased to give his Saints Tutors Governours and Guardians to Preserve Protect and Wait upon them the Holy Angels welâ— know their Charge who they are to keep and bâ—ar up in their Hands and save from danger 2. See how dear and precious you are to God yea how honourable in his Sight every Elect Person is He hath his Guard Multitudes of Angels to attend him at all times for your sakes they have râ—ceived their Charge their Commission He hath given his Angels charge over thee You are weak but they are strong you sleep sometimes but they are always awake and sleep not Sirs God sends his own Guards to watch over you to protect and keep you he knows what a Multitude of Devils would gladly destroy you and therefore as you have heard he has sent a Multitude of Angels to defend and save you you have not only Ministers on Earth the Angels of the Churches but the Angels of Heaven to be your Servants And the End why God sends them and imploys them is expressed not that we should worship them no no they disclaim this utterly See thou do it not saith the Angel I am thy Fellow-Servant and of thy Brethren the Prophets that have the Testimony of Jesus Worship God it is to keep us in all his Ways and they exactly and diligently observe their Charge They shall bear thee up in their Hands lest at any time thou dash thy Foot against a Stone These O Child of God accompany thee minister unto thee incamp round about thee go before thee and wait upon thee but take heed you go not out of God's Ways it is in all his Ways they are to keep thee do not venture on the Devil's Ground the Angels are always upon this Ladder that reacheth to Heaven which goes through Satan's Territories the Air where there are Multitudes of Devils who strive to push thee down as thou climbest up but these do boldly resist them and defend thee continually against those Evil Spirits Admiration Do Angels minister to us then ye Saints wonder Behold the Angels of God ascending and descending O what hath Christ done to procure such Guardians such Helps such Guides for us poor feeble Travellers Never fear tho the Ladder be high Angels have Wings they can soon be with us they descend to bring them up that are given to Christ and they ascend with such that are going up You must fly by Faith and Prayer up with them from Step to Step from Faâ—th to Faith from Strength to Strength from Glory to Glory until you come to the end of your Journey O ye Darlings of Heaven Tho others regard you not but reproach you slight you despise you yet matter it not the mighty Angels have you by the Hand they love you they know you are the Spouse of their Sovereign his blessed Bride whom they serve and therefore they honour you O what a degree of Glory ye Princely Ones are you raised to Moreover What Love is this what Grandure is here conferr'd upon vile sinful Creatures as we are Have we such a Guard Doth Christ's chief Courtiers above wait upon us below Must we ride in the King 's own Chariot to Heaven Do Angels wait on the Heirs of Salvation Heirs of Glory Come then ye Holy and High-born Nobles and take state upon you and say We are not for dunghil Earth not base slaves of Sin nor of this World nor of the Devil We are Princes nobly descended born from above and have the Guard of the King
Flesh then he was made Man more plainly to distinguish the two Natures in Christ to assert the truth of his Humane Nature to let us know that Christ assumed his Humane Nature in common not the particular Nature of any it is not said he was changed into Flesh but by his assuming it he was made Flesh or He the Word Took upon him the Seeâ— of Abraham even the same common Nature of all the Elect. Brethren Jesus Christ is perfect God and perfect Man in one Person therefore his Person may truly be said to reach from Earth to Heaven Pray Observe Jacob saw the Foot of the Ladder to stand upon the Earth The Foot went not lower than the Earth this might signify Christ should take upon him the Seed of Abraham or the Nature of Man not the Nature of Angels it was to raise to Heaven the Inhabitants of the Earth not the infernal Spirits or Devils of Hell Had the foot of the Ladder only reached to the Air or come down into the middle Centre of the Earth it might have seemed doubtful whether st was prepared for Fallen Angels or for fallen Mankind to get up to Heaven but the foot of it standing on the Earth denotes no doubt the same thing which the Apostle speaks Verily he took not hold on the Nature of Angels but of the Seed of Abraham he taketh hold First It was requisite He should be MAN and so have his Foot upon the Earth 1. That he might in our Nature perform that perfect Obedience to the holy Law of God which was required of Mankind for no Righteousness short of that can Justify us or carry us to Heaven 2. He must be Man that he might be capable to Suffer and Dye for Mankind God considered simply in himself could not dye 3. Because the Justice of God required the same Nature which Sinned to suffer even the same Nature that broke the Law to dye and to bear the Wrath of God 4. He must be Man that so he might Simpathize with us or have a feeling of our Infirmities it must be such a Nature of Man that was cloathed with Infirmities which we have or are atttended with since the Fall because he came to raise fallen Man Now our Infirmities are of two sorts 1st Penal and Painful 2ly Sinful and Culpable Infirmities It was the first of these Christ did take he had a Nature that could Hunger and Thirâ—◠〈◊〉 be Weary and suffer Pain and Misery both 〈◊〉 and Body as we are liable to We have 〈…〉 Priest which cannot be touched with â—â—e feeling of â—â—r Infirmities but was in all points Tempted like as we are yet without Sin This shews he was really Man or had a true Humane tho not a Sinful Nature It behoved him to be made like unto â—is Brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-Priest in things pertaining to God to make Reconciliation for the Sins of the People For in that he himself hath suffered being Tempted he is able to succour them that are Tempted Secondly It was necessary also that he should be GOD. 1. That he might reach Heaven I mean the full demands of God's Justice by way of Satisfaction A mere Man could not satisfy infinite Justice or make up that Wrong our Sins haâ— done to God but seeing both the Natures in Christ make but one Person when Christ dyed he that was truly God dyed Hence it is said God purchased the Church with his own Blood Which was an infinite Satisfaction to divine Justice had we all lain in Hell for ever we could not have paid one Farthing of that Debt we owed to God and because we could not Satisfy therefore must have Suffered for ever 2. That he might sustain in his Body the Wrath of God and severe Punishment due to us for our Sins for none but he that was God could bear so great a Burden and heavy Wrath as all the Sins of the Elect were and did incur Suppose the Sins but of one Person and he be none of the greatest Sinners neither yet if charged upon him would they not sink him down to Hell Oh! what Power what Strength then save the Strength of an infinite Person could bear as well as satisfy for all the Sins of so many Thousand Persons even the whole number of God's Elect. 3. He must be God that he might be able to overcome all our Enemies not only for us but also in us and preserve us from the greatest Evils and bestow upon us the greatest Good He must lay his Hands upon both viz. He must bring God down to us and carry us up to God I mean reconcile God to Man and Man to God which he could not do unless he be God blessed for evermore how could he know our Hearts our Wanâ— our Necessities except he was the Eternal Goâ— How also could he Quicken us and raise us from 〈◊〉 Dead and destroy the Power of Satan in oâ— Souls and take away that cursed Enmity which naturally is in our Hearts against God Now thus we may clearly perceive that the Spiritual Ladder is long enough to reach from Earth to Heaven Fourthly As a Ladder must be long enough 〈◊〉 reach to the thing or place desired so also must be broad or wide enough if there are moâ—â— than one to go up even many Persons it must 〈◊〉 wide enough for them all Even so this Ladder this way is broad enougâ— for so many that are appointed or ordained to gâ— to Heaven or to be Saved Brethren Christ is a 〈◊〉 Way or Medium to carry all the Elect to Heaven Not One but All. 1. In that he took not into Union with his Divine Nature the Single Person of any but thâ— common Nature of all that Sinned who shalâ— be Saved Take here what a worthy Write Notes If Christ had only taken the Person 〈◊〉 a Man then there must have been two Persons 〈◊〉 Christ a Person Assuming and a Person Assumed yea then that only Person which Christ Assumed should have been advanced and Saved 〈◊〉 should have Saved that Person and no other 〈◊〉 he had Assumed the Person of a Man with us the Soul and Body united make a Person but in Christ the Soul and Body were so united as to have their subsistance not of themselves as in us but in the God-head No sooner was the Soul united to the Body but both Soul and Body had subsistance iâ— the second Person in the Trinity So not the Assuming of a Person but the Nature of Man common to all c. He took not the Nature of Angels bâ—â— the Seed of Abraham Thoâ— it was the common Nature of all Men or of all the Sons and Daughterâ— of Adam which he took yet the Holy Ghost calls it the Seed of Abraham intimating that the design and purpose of God was that Christ should die for no more than were comprehended in the Election
of Grace Christ is not a common head to all Adam's Seed no but only of them that the Father gave to him 2. So many as were ordained to eternal Life shall by Christ be saved True the Blood of Christ hath vertue or worth enough in it to save the whole World but it can be effectual to none but to those for whom it was shed or to them to whom the Holy Ghost doth apply it which is to all that do believe all that Christ died for he prayed for and doth now interceâ—d for that they may receive of the Merits of his Blood but he did not pray for the World yet he tis able to save to the uttermost even to the last round of the Ladder all that come to God by him seeing he ever lives observe it to make intercession for them No Man can ascend this Ladder without the mighty power of God nay no Man can come to it except the Father draw him the Election of the Father the Redemption of the Son and the Application of the Spirit are of like and the same Extention All that the Father hath given to me shall come unto me the Holy Spirit will enlighten them work Faith in them bring them all to take hold of and ascend this Ladder So wide as the speâ—iâ—l love of God is so wide is this spiritual Ladder and it is indeed so broad that Three Thousand Persons could set their Feet upon it and ascend up at one and the same time no ' Man ever by an act of true and saving Faith attempted to ascend thereon that found it too narrow and straight for him tho' the way to Heaven comparatively is narrow Fifthly A Ladder which reacheth from Earth unto Heaven ought also to be exceeding strong and firm Now Jesus Christ this spiritual Ladder tho' he be Man yet he is also God the most high God Co-eternal Co-essential and Co-equal with the Father and therefore he is mighty strong he is able to bear the weight of all our Sins and of our Persons and Infirmities He is mighty to save Cast thy Burden on the Lord and he shall sustain thee Though he is represented in our Text by a Ladder yet he is also called a Rock a strong Rock a high Rock an everlasting Rock and pray what is firmer than a Rock A Rock is locus exelus a high place Rocks as One notes tho' they have their Roots very low and deep yet their Tops are high and â—o â—ring and lifted up above the surface of other paâ—â—â— of the Earth Some Rocks reach to the Cloudâ— the Lord Jâ—sus is a high Rock in regard of the Dignity of his Person He that cometh 〈◊〉 Hâ—aven is above all He is the brightnes◠〈◊〉 the Father's Glory God hath exalted him and given him a Name above every Name A Roâ—◠〈◊〉 locus stabilis a place of Firmness and Stability Rocks keep their place and move not Now this Ladder is as firm as a Rock Christ is the power of God Originally Essentially 〈◊〉 Perfectly without Alteration without Diminition 1. In Christ all the Attributes of God are united together to save all that venture on him Justice and Mercy in him are met together and Fiss each other He is the Man of God's Right Hand made strong for himself as well as for us 2. Christ is not only Strong as Mediator in respect of his Person but also by God's Eternal Deâ—ree and Purpose God's absolute Decrees are compared to Mountains of Brass he is fixed and stands firm and sure by God's Eternal Purpose hence called a sure Foundation No need to fear venturing up upon such a Ladder should Millions of Sinners at once get upon it 't is strong enough to bear them tho they are never so heavy laden with Sin and Iniquity He that hath born the weight of Divine Wrath and Vengeance can bear and sustain the weight of all that come unto him and venture themselves upon him by Faith and Dependance tho' never so vile and notorious Sinners Sixthly A Ladder so exceeding high must have many Rounds or Gradations to ascend by So Jesus Christ in undertaking our Salvation proceeded gradually Step by Step. 1. He came down from Heaven to fix his Foot in our Nature upon the Earth 2. He was Incarnate or assumed a Body prepared for him by the Father A Body hast thou prepared me 3. He was Born of a Virgin tho' without Sin That 's the third Gradation 4. He lived a Holy and Spiritual Life in exact Conformity to that holy Law which we had broken and violated to procure a Title for us unto Eternal Life 5. He died the Cursed death of the Cross to satisfy divine Justice for us and in our stead 6. He Rose again from the Dead the Third Day for our Justification 7. He Ascended up into Heaven there is the top of the Ladder there he is now in Person tho' he is with his People on Earth by his spirit Lo I am with you alway 8. He makes Intercession pleading the Merits of his Blood for us These are some of those Gradations or Steps of Jacob's Ladder by which all Believers ascend to Heaven Seventhly He that would attain to what he desireth by climbing or descenâ—ing up upon 〈◊〉 Ladder must first come to the Foot of it anâ— so Gradually ascend Step by Step. So that Man that would go to Heaven musâ— be first brought to the Foot of Jesus Christ i. e. he must see his own lost and miserable Condiâ—â—on and know the Impossibility of getting to Heaven any other way All Self righteous Person were never brought to the Foot of this Laâ—deâ— to the Foot of Jesus Christ to acknowledgâ— themselves wretched and undone Sinners◠〈◊〉 No Alas they seeâ—inâ— Necessity of Christ nor oâ— his Righteousness They like the Jews of Old being ignorant of God's Righteousness go abouâ— to establish their own Legâ—â—â— or Inherent Righteousness He that thinks he can get Wings tâ— fly up to Heaven or can build aâ— Tower witâ— his own hands whose Top shall reach thither so that he can that way be saved will neglect nay slight this glorious Contrivanceâ— of God 〈◊〉 infinite Wisdom of Saving Sinners by Jesus Christ and so never come to Christ's Foot 〈◊〉 it is â—aiâ—â— God called Abraham to his Foot A 〈…〉 maybe said to be brought to the Foot of 〈◊〉 Christ who is effectually Convinced of the 〈…〉 he is in without Christ and of 〈◊〉 own I â—ability any other way to Step one Steâ— towards Heaven but with the Publican cryâ— out Lord have Mercy upon me a Sinner Brethrâ—n there are none but sensible Sinners meaâ—â— and heavy-lâ—deâ— Sinners that will come to Christ the â—leâ—t before called are in the same Condition â—or state of Wrath with the rest of Mankinâ— and are enlightned
or quite lose the sight of it and 〈◊〉 step he takes the further he goes from 〈…〉 and the higher he comes to Heaven and hath a clearer Sight of that So he who by Faith and Communion with God gets up upâ—n this spiritual Ladder Jesus Christ hath a clear Prospect of the Glory 〈◊〉 Heaven Moses by Faith saw him that is invisible Faith presented to his view the Angel of the Covenant and God Reconciled in him viz. the Lord Jesus Christ. Carnal or Earthly Persons are at such a great distance from Heaven that they cannot discern the Glory of it they have no Sight no Eyes to see afar off but the Earth and Earthly things appearing to the Carnal sight being always in their view they are exceedingly Affected therewith But Believers who are dwellers above and who daily make a further Progâ—ession Hâ—aâ—e◠〈…〉 the Earth and Earthly this â—s as 〈…〉 â—â—â—ry step they take they go fâ—rtâ—e◠〈…〉 from Earth in their Love and 〈…〉 and Contemplations Our conversatio◠〈…〉 â—â—â—ven Others mind Earthly things 〈…〉 the Earth and therefore speak of 〈…〉 but Believers are said to dwell in Heaâ—â—◠〈…〉 grand Enemy of the Saints is said to open 〈◊〉 Mouth to blaspheme against God to blaspheme his Name and his Tabernacle and all that dwell in Heaven that is in the Church of God Militant they shall dwell on â—ighâ— they are out of those confused Hurries and Noises Dangers and Perplexities others who dwell below are attended withâ— They are born from above have heavenly Hearts heavenly Principles heavenly Desires heavenly Ends and Aims and heavenly Lives they have Communion with the God of Heaven heavenly things are their Delight they sâ—aâ— so high above that they are Ravished with that sight which they have of Heaven There are some other things that I might speak of as held forth by this glorious Type of Christ or which might be improved for our Instruction from hence but I shall leave them until the next time and close now with a brief word of Application VSE 1. By way of Admiration See what a wonderful person Jesus Christ is Behold the Son of Man or this spiritual Ladder that reacheth from Earth to Heaven behold it with Admiration Who would have thought of such away to Heaven Who but infinite Wisdom could have found out such a way to the Father What Work-man but the eternal God could make such a Ladder The Father is said to be above it or on the top of it to denote this way he Prepared and only by this way we must go to him if ever we come to Heaven Christ is God and Man in One Person Heaven and Earth meet together in him he brings God to us and carries us up to God God is reconciled to us in him and we are reconciled to God by him 2. Be exhorted to get up on this Ladder If ever you think to see the Father he is above it as the end of our Journey as our Hope and Reward he calls upon you Sinners to Adventure up this Ladder to believe in his Son He is above it to direct you uphold you and encourage you therefore fear not nay he is above it declaring himself in Covenant with all that come to him by Jesus Christ and to be their God I am the Lord God of Abraham c. This he spake to Jacob as standing above it or on the top of this Ladder 3. Bless God for Christ for his devising of such a way to raise us up who were sunk so low and had no strength no skill no helper none that could bring us to God nor find out a way to save our Souls but God himself only therefore he saith Deliver him from going down into the Pit I have found a Ransom Reproof This may be also for Reprehension to divers sorts of Persons 1. To such that deny the Dâ—â—ty or God-head of Jesus Christ If he be no more than a meer Man the Ladder is too short to reach up to Heaven He could not reach so high as to satisfy divine Justice or to bring us to God it being through the worth and dignity of his Person who being an infinite Person or God over all there was an infinite Worth and Merit in his Sufferings and Obedience True he might have saved himself being Perfect never having Sinned nor broke God's Law tho' he had been but a meer Man but it is from his being God as well as Man Substituted in our stead and standing in our Law-place as our great Head and â—ponser â—â— that gave such Worth and Merit for us by his Obedience and suffering to the Law and Justice of God Moreover how else also could he have overcome Death the Devil and all our Enemies and have raised himself from the Dead Death would have kept him under it's Power and he had never came out of the Grave to ascend so high as Heaven to raise us thither 2. It Reprehends all such also who seek by any other way or means to go to Heaven We have new Babel-builders or Work-mongers that think to climb up to Heaven by their own Works by their own Faith and sincere Obedience And others by the Light within which is but a branch of the First-covenant or law of God writ in the Heart and if there had been a Law that could have given Life or raised us up to Heaven verily Righteousness had been by the Law But then as the Apostle saith Christ is dead in vain Examin Try your selves by what you have heard whether you have ascended on this Ladder yea or nay 1. Were you ever brought to the Foot of Christ Did you ever see your lost Condition in the first Adam and that there is no other way to be Saved but by the Lord Jesus 2. Are you at the lowest part of the Ladder and there rest or are you got up towards the top thereof There is no resting no stay to be made when you first ascend or first believe in Christ or on any attainment of Grace but you must mount up or ascend up higher from Faith to Faith have you stept up on the Roand of Obedience have you took Christ's yoke upon you this seems too hard a step for some to take are you got above the Earth in your Affections doth the Earth and the things thereof grow less and less every day in your sight as in a natural respect it doth to him that soars very high or climbs upon a Ladder to the very Clouds Are you willing to leave Earth to leave this World to go to Heaven Paul longed to be dissolved and to be with Christ He pressed towards the mark Do you dwell in Communion with God â—las many love to be below they like those lower Regions best See how it is with you but no more at this time SERMON II. GENESIS xxviij xij xiij And behold
did in his Name 2. By his Power 3. To his Praise and Glory 4. Also in shewing all Knowledge Learning Parts Righteousness moral Vertues Gifts and all Duties of Religion are Nothing or avail Nothing to a Man out of Christ because it is his Righteousness his Mâ—rits exclusive of all or any thing else that is the matter of our Justification before God 3. All the holy Angels likewise exalt Christ adore and magnify hiâ— Thirdly God haâ—â— exalted him from Earth to Heaven in respect of his Office in which alsâ— he is the Antitype of Jacob's Lâ—â—deâ— whâ—c◠〈◊〉 I have hinted at already yet I â—â—all add 〈…〉 1. Christ is chosen of God aâ— I said to be the only Mediator between God and Man our Days-Man that lays his hands upon both and as Mediator he is a King Priest and Prophet First He is a Priest excelling the High-priests under the Law being the substance and Antitype of all those Priests he is both Priest Altar and Sacrifice they were made Priests by men he is made a Priest by God himself they without an Oath he by an Oath they had Infirmities he had none The Priest under the Law could not continue by reason of Death he abideth a Priest for ever They offered up Sacrifices that could not take away Sins but by his one Sacrifice all sins are done away for ever He bore the sins of his People indeed he entered into the holiest of all he appears before God indeed they only Typically He made Attonement indeed they but Typically and Ceremonially He Judgeth of Uncleanness indeed they but Typically he maketh true Judgment because he knows all mens Hearts He offers up unto God the true Incense he blesseth the People by conferring Grace and divine Habits to them and by turning them from their evil ways He beyond the Priests under the Law doth determine all yea the hardest Controversies he resolves all doubts between God and Man such as these following 1. How God is Just and yet Gracious or how an offended God can and doth justify guilty Sinners 2. In and by by him we see how Justice and Mercy meet together and Righteousness and Truth kiss each other The one exalting the highest Satisfaction on terms of pure and severe Justice and the other crying for infinite Mercy 3. He resolves this Question viz How an unrighteous and ungodly Man can be justified with God 4. How Sin can be Punished and yet Pardoned 5. How the Debt can be Paid and yet be freely forgiven Brethren Christ is a Priest and as a Priest he is the Antitype of Jacob's Ladder and as so considered he is exalted on high for in and by this Office he brings God and Man Heaven and Earth together I mean by that Attonement he hath made by his bloody Sacrifice It pleased the Father by him to reconcile all things to himself whether they be things on Earth or things in Heaven Heaven and Earth are not at a farther distance from each other as Naturally we are unto God in respect of our state and Spirits such Enmity is in the hearts of all unrenewed Sinners against God but saith the Apostle But now in Christ Jesus ye that were afar off are made near by the Blood of Christ. The way is by his Death by his Blood which was shed upon the Earth here we were and here is the Foot of the Ladder God's Justice requires an infinite Satisfaction and Christ being God reached Heaven i. e. the full demands of divine Justice Such a Days-Man we needed who layeth his hands upon both By his being a Priest in his oâ—â—ering up that one Sacrifice he reconciled God to us and by his Spirit he reconciles us to God by his applying and making the Attonement efficacious or effectual to us that in the dispensation of the fulness of time he might gather together in one all things in Christ. This is done in him even in Christ alone none but he hath done it or could do it God by him who stands at the top of the Ladder comes down to us as well as we go up to God it is by Christ that God comes down to us in a way of Mercy Peace and Reconciliation and it is by Christ we go up to God in a way of Faith and dependance Beloved God and poor Sinners meet together on this Sacred Ladder or blessed Medium and contrivances of infinite Wisdom in Christ we who were Strangers and Enemies meet with a holy and just God with joy and comfort You that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your Minds by wicked Works hath he reconciled in the body of his Flesh through Death When we were Enemies we were reconciled unto God by the Death of his Son Now this is done by Christ as a Priest in dying But Secondly He is the Antitype of Jacob's Ladder as our High-Priest also by his Intercession now in Heaven 1. He interceeds with God for us in Heaven also 2. He interceeds by his Spirit in us By his Intercession in heaven he prevails with God for the Blessings of his Attonement and by his Spirits intercession in us all those Blessings are applyed and so made effectual to us By vertue of his Satisfaction God is brought near to us and thro Application of his Blood by his Spirit we are brought near unto God And thus is Christ the blessed Medium or Way by which Peace is made between Heaven and Earth or God and Sinners Moreover by this glorious Meâ—ium we have free access unto God which is the effects of Christ's Priestly Office It is on this Sacred Ladder we come with holy boldness to the Throne of Graâ—e It is by the blood of Jesus through him by one Spirit we have both that is Jews and Gentiles access unto the Father Again he saith In whom we have boldness and access with Confidence through Faith of â—im Christ is the Way of our Union with God and also of our Comâ—union All that divine and blessed intercourse that passeth between God and us is in and by Jesus Christ Seeing then we have a great High-Priâ—â—t tâ—â—t is passed into Heaven let us therefore come â—oldly to the Throne of Grace c. Again he saiâ—h Having therefore Brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus Secondly Christ is exalted as he is a King and also as King he is the Antitype of Jacob's Ladder and in this respect wonderfully exalted Him hath God exalted at his Right-hand to be a Prince and a Saviour to give Repentance to Israel and remission of Sins Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords the only Potentate It is by him Kings reign and Princes decree Judgment He pulls down one and sets up another as it pleaseth him 1. Christ my Brethren is the Father's Heir his First-born 2. He is also qualified with all Princely Wisdome
me behold me what is that but to believe in him lastly and sometimes for Consolation Now the Word here no doubt calls for Observation for Admiration for Faith and Dependance and also for Consolation Behold a Ladder set upon the Earth and the top of it reacheth to Heaven Of what a length is this Ladder Astronomers according to Reverend Greenhill observe 't is 160. Millions of Miles from Earth to Heaven A wonderful thing An amazing height so it is a wonderful thing to behold Christ Jesus the Way to Heaven Behold with Admiration be Astonished who could have thought of such a way to the Father to be Saved by a dying Jesus by a poor Man hanged on a Tree to be Justified by his Righteousness and by his Death to be delivered from Hell this is a marvelous thing Angels wonder beholding this Person Observe from hence DOCT. II. That the way which God hath found out to save lost Man namely Jesus Christ ought to be beheld with the greatest Care or utmost Diligence and with the greatest Admiration and Wonderment 1. I shall shew wherein in speaking to this Proposition the wonderfulness of this spiritual Ladder doth consist 2. How we should behold Jesus Christ. 3. Shew you why we should behold him 4. For what Sinners should behold Christ or look to him 5. Apply it To the first of these 1. To behold this spiritual Ladder in respect of the Cause or Motive that moved God to make or prepare it 2. In respect of the Wisdom of God that did prepare it 3. In respect of the Matter of which it is made or doth consist 4. In respect of the great and glorious Design of God in making or preparing of it First we may well admire this spiritual Ladder Jesus Christ in respect of thâ— Motive which moved God to prepare it which was his infinite Love Mercy and Goodness to Sinners to shew so great Compassiâ—n towards sinful and râ—bellious Creatures who deservâ—d instead of being raised up to Heaven to be immediately cast down to the lowest Hell What is Man that thou art mindful of him that thou shouldst magnifâ—â— him and set thy heart upon him Sirs it was the love of God the Father I say that tâ—is way was prepared it sprang or proceeded from the greatness of his love God so loved the Wâ—rld if it had not been the product of the Father's Loâ—e it wâ—â—lâ— not be to the praise of 〈◊〉 Grace the love of the Fâ—ther in this case in Moving was as great as the 〈◊〉 in Consenting O how did his Bowels work and move in him O the miraculousness of divine goodness by the law we had broke we were guilty insolently taking up Arms against our Maker plunging ourselves into a Sea of divine Wrath and Vengeance guilty of Millions of Sins meritting Millions of Deaths yet has love would not let him rest until he had found out a way to raise us up from the lowest Hell to the highest Heaven And in making his Son his only begotten Son the way and that by Abasing of him making him so Poor that was so Rich so Low that was so High and Glorious so Cursed that was so Blessed yea Blessedness it self nay so miserable for a time to make our way to Heaven thro' the rending his Flesh and taring his Soul to pieces and pouring forth his most precious Blood and this for such who hated him and were cursed Traitors against him well might the holy Ghost say Behold a ladder behold a new and living way which he hath provided and consecrated thro' the Veil that is to say the Flesh of his own Son O my Brethren the way to enter into the Holiest is by the blood of Jesus Doth not God hereby shew greater Love and Grace than if he had saved lost Sinners on a way of simple Mercy without the Death of his own Son Therefore as one Observes God resolvâ—d to signalize his Love to us he would have it reâ—ch the highest Note and it could not be screw'd up to an higher Peg than to Sacrifice his Son for us with his own Hand it pleased the Lord to Praise him Be astonished both Men and Angels Now may our Meditations swim in this boundless bottomless bankless Ocean of the Fathers Love God spared not his own Son Brethren the Love of the Father was the Motive that moved him to contrive this way to Heaven yea and the fullest the freest and the most amazing Love that ever was shewed free to us but expensive to him it cost him the Blood of his Son more costly than the making of Millions of Worlds he lay in his Bosom and there was none besides him from Eternity to put up a request it was the Result of his own Bowels before the being of any Creature 't was the effect of his Power Tho' our Justification Sanctification and eternal Blessedness be the Fruits and Merits of Christ's Death yet whatsoever is Meritted for us by Christ it is all the Fruits of God's Love Christ did not merit the Fathers Love nor did he merit the Office of being a Mediator no this sprung only from the Love of God to us Christ did not I say dye to procure the Fathers Love tho' thereby he makes us more lovely unto him by washing us from our natural Filthiness and by the fruits of his Death thro' the Spirit by stamping his Image upon our Souls Brethren God could not shew greâ—ter Love to us as Abraham could not to God than by the Offering up his own Son Isaac whom he so dâ—arly loved Secondly Admire this Sacred Ladder in respect of the Wisdom of God in contriving of this way to Heaven As it exceeds the Art and Wisdom of Men to make a Ladder to reach up to Heaven so it far surpasseth the Wisdom of Men or Angels to contrive such a way to Heaven that God may be glorified in all his Attributes to the highest Perfections and yet we Saved Sin Punished and yet the Sinner Justified Besides God had lost the glory of his work in making of Man and this World for his sake and Satan would have insulted over him had he not contrived a way to restore him It would have been to the Disparagement of his Wisdom who pronounced all the Works he had made to be Good and when he had made Man very Good to see himself so soon disappointed and his work marr'd I mean the noblest part thereof all other Creatures being made for Man's use and so for lower and baser and more unworthy ends Brethren Christ the way not in vain called the Wisdom of God because in him God displays the highest acts of his divine Wisdom the holy Angels are amazâ—d at this Wisdom they pry into this depth this profound mystery of God manifested in the Flesh. There is a wonderful Mystery in our way to Heaven by Jesus Christ as well as in the Fellowship of this Mystery or in the
is corruptible because there is no Composition and so no Separation But the Scripture concludes this best in assimulating the state of Immortality in which we shall be like the Angels I shall speak no more now as to the first thing proposed viz. of the Nature of Angels Secondly I shall open a little of the Work and Office of the good Angels 1. The Work and Office of the Angels of God is to minister unto Christ or attend upon his glorious Person as Mediator as indeed they did in the days of his Humiliation A Reverend Author saith upon the place this ascending descending of the Angels upon this Ladder it does intimate and declare unto us their special regard and respect to him namely Jesus Christ which is very eminent in them these blessed glorious Spirits are very remarkable in their Observation of Christ it is that which we may take notice of in every Mistery and passage concerning him how the Angels were still imployed about him and subservient to him upon all occasions whatsoever Which is indeed very clear from his very Conception to his Ascension Nay the Angels fore-tells to Mary his very Conception Behold thou shalt conâ—eive in thy Womb c. Also the Angel appeared to Joseph and said Joseph thou Son of David fear not to take unto thee Mary thy Wife c. Moreover an Angel appeared to him again to fore-warn him of that Herod who sought the Life of Jesus and so commanded him to take Mary and the Child and to fly into Egypt See how careful the Angels were of our Lord that he might be preserved until his time was come to be offered up a Sacrifice for our Sins The Angels appeared likewise to the Shepâ—erds and published to them the birth of our Lord in a glorious Hymn of Praise Glory unto God on high on Earth Peace good will to Men When God brought his only begotten Son into the World all the Angels of God worshipped him The Angels moreover were instruments in his Preservation when his Life was sought and they also ministred to him in his bloody Agony and comforted him My Brethren Jesus Christ was made like unto us in all things sin only excepted therefore might need like Succour Safety and Comfort from the Angels as we do Also the Anâ—els ministred to him in his Temptations in the Wilderness and at his Resurrection they rol'â— away the Sâ—one from the Sepulchre and brought the tidings of his being risen to the Women Likewise in his Ascension the Angels attended and assured the Disciples of his second Coming they also ascended with him and shall also descend with him at his second Appearance He shall be revealed from Heaven with all his mighty Angels If he be pleased to descend in his Abasement the Angels descend with him if he be pleased to ascend in his state of Exaltation then the Angels ascend with him And thus they may be said to ascend and descend upon the Son of Man personally considered and this out of that great Affection and Love to him but not only so but also in point of Duty and special Obligation to him he being their Lord and Sovereign He is the head of Principalities and Powers As Christ is God they owe to him their very being For by him were all things Created that are in Heaven and that are on Earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers all things were created by him and for him And by him also the holy Angels are confirmed and so abide in a happy and unchangable condition and hence the more Obliged to adore and worship him 2. And as the Office and Work of the holy Angels is to minister to serve and wait upon Christ so also upon his Spouse and on every Member of his mystical Body True they are called Powers Mights Thrones Dominions c. which shews their Glory Dignity and excellent Power and Authority Some think that there are divers Orders of Angels and some superiour to others beâ—ause we read of Angels and Arch-Angels there are seven Names given to them viz. Seraâ—â—ims Cheâ—uâ—â—â—s Thrones Powers Mights Domiâ—â—ons Princâ—pâ—lâ—ties Angels and Arch-Angels Some add more But no more of this we know but little of the inviâ—iâ—â—e World But let their Dignity and Glory be what it will as to their Office they are all miâ—â—string Spirits none of them no not the mighty Aâ—gelâ— who excel in strength do think it too much or below them for to attend upon the meaneâ—â— Saint Are tâ—ey not all 〈◊〉 Spirits sent forth to ministâ—r unto them thâ—t sâ—all be heirs of sâ—lvation Which words 〈◊〉 be denote that they are sent forth to protect preserve and keep such that are not yet â—â—eirs or to the Elect not yet called and converted but shall be Children begotten and adopted of God in due time and so be Heirs of Salvation Which shews God's great Love to and Care of his Elect before Grace or whilst in their Sins and Unbelief 3. They all wait upon God and behold his Face and Glory they are round about his Thrâ—ne they all worship and fall down before their blessed Lord and attend on him as Servants of their most glorious and blessed Master their most high and exalted Sovereign I saw also the Lord sitting upon a 〈◊〉 high and lifted up and his Train fiâ—â—â—d the Templâ— verse 1. And above it stood the Sâ—raâ—hims and one cried to another and said Holy holy holy is the Lord of Hostâ— c. Called Scrapâ—ims signifying fire or burning 1. Denoting their Nature is bright and glorious subtil and pure 2. Their Property full of zeal and fervent 3. Their Once which here was to execute God's vengeance upon the Jews and to burn them up and consume thâ—m as dross Some assert that the highest Angels do not minister to the Saints but only and immediately wait upon God himself and on our Lord Jesus Christ. But this cannot be true because the Angel Gabriel who stands before the Presence of God was sent to Daniel and to Zacharias and to Blessed Mary 4. They declare the Glory of Almighty God and also ascribe equal Glory to all the Three Persons which as I conceive is hinted in that Text 〈◊〉 6.1 Holy holy holy is the Lord of Hosts â—oly is the Father Holy is the Son and Holy is the Hâ—ly Spirit and yet as Moses saith Hear O 〈◊〉 the Lord our God is but one Lord i. e. one in Esseâ—â—e c. yet Three Persons 5. They hearken to God's Commands and do his Will with all imaginable chearfulness love delight alâ—crity and swiftness Hence said to have the face of an Eagle the swiftest of Fowls and also to have Wings Tertullian saith every Spirit is winged they can fly in a moment into any part of the World and that swiftly And yet Mr. Greenhill saith as Astronomers observe That
God but from the Devil 3. Moreover let no person now expect God should speak unto them by Dreams or Visions for tho' he did so frequently before Christ came yet Now in these last days God hath spoken unto us by his Son and we have a more sure Word of Prophecy God now as reverend Perkins notes doth not usually speak to us by Dreams yet he being a free Agent may so do if he please and no doubt sometimes he doth thus speak tho' not commonly for the Instruction and Consolation of his People Yet let aâ—â— take heed they are not deceived by Dreams Lutheâ— observes how many in his time were deluded bâ— Dreams and Visions which they falsly attributeâ— to God as the immediate Author of them and froâ— hence prayed earnestly about two things 1. That God would give him a good Understanding of the Scriptures and of his Mind revealed therein 2. That he would not send him Dreams or Visions Yea saith he I contracted with God that hâ— would not Brethren the holy Scriptures are those sacred Oracles by which God speaks to us and 〈◊〉 them iâ— contained all things which are necessary for us to know as to Faith and Practice being sufficient to make every Man Wise to Salvation thro' Faith in Jesus Christ and Perfect throughly furnished unto all good Works Therefore certainly such that are not satisfied to adhere to the holy Scriptures as a sufficient Rule in all points of Faith and Practice but desire God to speak unto them by Dreams oâ— Visions are deluded by Satan and do thereby casâ— great contempt upon the holy Scriptures But no more as to Dreams in general we will now come to this remarkable Dream and Vision Jacob had And behold a Ladder c. II. Observ. The Lord Jesus may fuly be compareâ— to a Ladder that is set upon the Earth and the Toâ— of it reaching to Heaven This Proposition I shall open God assisting And First I shall run a parallel between Jesus Christ and Jacob's Ladder And Shew that Christ may be compared to Jacob's Ladder In respect both of his Person and Offices Now Before I proceed I know not my Brethren why we may not run the Parallel so far as there is a clear Parity and it is consistent with the Analogy of Faith 1. A Ladder is the contrivance of the Wisdom of Man for the reaching attaining or doing of some thing which the Author designed thereby to do So JESUS CHRIST as Mediator GOD-MAN in one Person is the rare and wonderful contrivance of the infinite Wisdom of God for his attaining or accomplishment of his own most glorious design and purpose which is the Glory and Exaltation of his own Name and the Salvation of his Elect who on this Mystical Ladder must ascend to Heaven 2. A Ladder is a proper means or Medium to attain to that thing or accomplish that work which it was contrived or made for and possibly without which Medium it was impossible for the Person to reach to that thing or do that work which he designed and purposed to attain unto or to accomplish and bring to pass So JESUS CHRIST is the only way and means which GOD hath found out to bring us to Heaven The Builders of Babel thought to get up to Heaven by a contrivance of their own even by erecting a mighty Tower the top of which they said should reach to Heaven but they were soon confounded And like to them Mystery-babylon hath sought out other ways to Heaven then by this Mystical Ladder Jesus Christ they think to get Justification and eternal Life by their own good Works and by other Sacrifices then by the one Sacrifice of the Cross which they offer up for the living and the dead but they are but Babel-builders even blind and deceived Wretches whom God hath confounded and will confound Brethren there is no other way nor means to obtain eternal Life but by Jesus Christ alone I am the Way the Truth and the Life no Man cometh unto the Father but by me Jesus Christ went to Heaven as our blessed Head and Representative by his own Blood by his own Blood he entered in once into thy holy Place to shew that there is no other way by which Sinners can go to Heaven this only suiting with the Wisdom of God and every ways answering his own glorious Purpose and Design in manifesting and magnifying the Glory of all his blessed Attributes and making the Law honourable by Christâ— fulfilling all the Precepts thereof and bearing the penalty of it to free us from the Curse thereof Some think to get to Heaven by a Sober Moral Life others by their own Faith and inherent Holiness and Obedience to the precepts of the Gospel but in opposition to all these 〈◊〉 Christ is the Wayâ— it is by his Righteousness alone we are Justified in the sight of God his perfect Obedience to the Law is our Title to eternal Life and by his death who bore Hell pangs for us we are delivered from everlasting Wrath and Condemnation Neither is there Salvation in any other For there is no other Name given under Heaven whereby we must be Saved For either Soul or Body there is no other Person no other Sacrifice no other Righteousness no other way or thing But by this Mystical Ladder Jesus Christ alone by which we can be Saved 3. A Ladder must be long enough to to reach the thing desiâ—ed Now Jesus Christ in respect of his two Natures is prepared so by the Wisdom of God that in his Person he may be said to reach from Earth unto Heaven 1. As touching his Humane Nature which is the Fâ—ot of this Ladder this stands as it were upon the Earth And 2. As touching his divine Nature which is the Top of the Ladder this reacheth unto Heaven and in these two Natures in the Person of Christ we have what is represented by Jacob's Ladder for as these two Natures are in his Person united together Heaven and Earth are united together And now that he is God see John 1.1.2 In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God Christ in respect of his divine Nature is here called the Word he was before the beginning of the Word even 〈◊〉 everlasting or ever the Earth wâ—s He was with God and was God not a Creature he was not Created at the beginning but was the Creator the Maker of Heaven and Earth all things were made by him not as the Instrumental Cause of all things or any Instrument in the Father's hand but as a Principle Efficient Cause of all things Without controversie great is the mystery of Godliness God was manifest in the Flesh. The Word was made Flesh and dweit among us That is the Son of God or second Person in the Trinity The Evangelist as one observes rather saith he was made
by the holy Spirit to see it and acknowledge it before they ascend up this spiritual Ladder 2. Now a poâ—r Sinner being brought thus to the Foot of Christ the first Step or Gradation he makes in ascending on this Ladder is to believe in Christ to venture his Soul upon him alone to trust on him on his Righteousness And on the Merits of his Blood for Justification c. He that firmly and savingly Believes in Christ may be said to set his Foot on this Ladder to ascend Some Men do not begin 〈◊〉 they would be at the top of the Ladder before they have seâ—â—their Feet on the first Round of it because all that shall be Saved are Elected they begin there and hence think if they â—are Elected tho' they are not called but are in their Sins they are Justified Pardoned and in as good Estate as the best Believer in the World But this is a great Mistake the Decree of Election without the Execution of it puts nothing into actual Existence God Decreed from all Eternity to create the World but the World was not therefore from Eternity actually Created No more are any of the Elect actually Justified and in a State of Life until by the Spirit they are united to him and so Believe A Man cannot be Dead and Alive at one and the same time Or be Condemned and Justified or be a Child of the Devil and yet a Child of God Grace makes a Relative as well as a Real change all one and the same time the first Step a Perâ—on takes I say towards Heaven pray observe it is to Believe in Christ and that a Sinner before he doth Believe is brought to the Foot of Christ i. e. He sees himself Lost and Undone in the first Adam and till then under Wrath. 3. And then that he may go up upon this spiritual Ladder he must Step forward on the next Round which is that of Obedience to Christ's holy Precepts Take my Yoke on you and learn of me First our Lord calls all that are weary and heavy-laden to come unto him that is to Believe in him and then to take on them the Yoke of Gospel-Obedience as Baptism and Church-member-ship Then they that gladly received thâ— Word were Baptized and the same day then were added unto them about Three Thousand Soul 4. And then go on unto Perfection or preâ—â— forward in the way of Holiness and so go step by step or from Strength to Strength in Sion adding one Grace of the Spirit unto another Eighthly He that would go up a very high Ladder ought to take care to set his Feet direct or straight upon it not carelesly or awry but full upon it So all that would ascend on this Ladder Jesus Christ must exert a direct act of Faith he must fix his Soul plum upon him or firmly upon him A poor Sinner must see that he takes hold oâ— Christ in a Promise with a true and fixed Faith not with a false or presumpteous Faâ—â—â— but by the Faith of the operation of God which is â— Fruit of the Spirit called the Faith of God's Elect being only peculiar unto them 〈◊〉 â—â—o aâ— the chosen of God A false Faith is 〈◊〉 dangerous as a false Step a Man takes in ascending â— a Ladder who missing his standing an◠〈◊〉 falls down and perisheth and so shall alâ— Mâ—â—believers as well as all Un-believers perish â—â—â—nally He that believes not aright had as gâ—â—â— believe not at all Ninthly As he that climbs up a Ladder oughâ— to knâ—w it's Strength so he Ventures his Lâ—ft and whole Body upon it So that Man that ventures on this spiritual Ladder Jesus Christ ought to know the Strength and Power of Christ to Justifie to Pardon and eternally to Save him he must venture all the stress of his Salvation on him alone Christ is the only Foundation he must venture his whole Soul upon him Trust intirely in him builâ— only upon him and come to the Father by him I know on whom I have Believed I know hiâ— Power he is mighty to Save yea able to save to the uttermost as was hinted before In the Lord do I put my trust Again saith David In thee do I put my Trust. Tenthly A Man that ventures to ascend up upon a Ladder so exceeding high the top whereof reacheth above the Clouds even to Heaven as he shews his Faith is not small so his Courage is great Brethren This of Venturing on Christ Believing on Christ shews that a Saint's Faith and Courage is not small Faith lies above Sense nay above Reason I mean Faith in Christ to believe in a Crucified Saviour to seek Justification by the Righteousness of another by a Man hang'd on a Tree the Greeks counted this Foolishness To get this way to Heaven shews a Man acts above himself Some would say to a Man that is resolved to ascend up on such a Ladder Friend you can never get up to Heaven in such a way you will certainly fall or faint before you get thither what Faith have you What prodigious Courage have you So here the poor Soul saith I fear not God â—â—â—th set this Ladder up and fixed it firmly and Gâ—â— Commanded me to Believe in Christ he â—ath bid me venture up on this Ladder He hath revealed in his Word that this way and By no other we must be Saved and I will venture upon him Many have gone this way safe to Heaven already and none can go any other way I must therefore believe in Christ ascend to Heaven by him or else perish for ever I know God will help me and uphold me and I will therefore not be afraid I am convinced of Righteousness because Christ as my Head is gone to the Father his Righteousness and not my own must carry me thither his Righteousness is Perfect and I am Compleat in him and as I have Righteousness in him so in him I have Strength also Brethren Without Faith and spiritual Courage no person will adventure to climb up this Ladder nay without Faith no Man can ascend or come to the Father Believing in Christ is a climbing up or ascending up upon this Ladder Eleventhly It is a vain thing for a Man to hope to get up to the Top of a Ladder that will not first set his Foot on the lower Rounâ— thereof So it is a vain thing for any to hope to be Saved or to get to Heaven who do not first Believe and receive Râ—â—â—nerating Grace for he that Believes not shall be Damned Twelfthly He that ascends up very high on a Mighty Tall Ladder hath a clear Sight or Prospect of Heaven and the higher he goes the smaller the Earth appears to him it seems but a little spot nay it being a dark Body 〈…〉 at last not perceive it to be any â—â—ing at all
a Ladder c. DOCT. I. The Lord Jesus may fitly be compared to a Ladder that is set on the Earth and the top of it reacheth up unto Heaven I Have run the Parallel in many respects between Christ and such a Ladder in respect had to his Person and Offices as our Saviour and Blessed Mediator I shall proceed to some further Particulars Thirteenthly He that climbs up a Ladder looks upwards as he goes he does not turn his eyes down towards the Earth for that is dangerous So he that sets out in the way to Heaven by Jesus Christ must look up his eye must be set on Heavenly things While we look not at things that are seen but at things that are not seen c. 1. This look my Brethren may refer to his Underderstanding his Understanding is enlightened it is open'd to see the Nature and Excellency of Heavenly things That the eyes of your Vnderstanding being enlighthed that ye may know what is the Hope of your Calling and what is the Riches of the Glory of his Inheritance in the Saints What the Eye is to the Body that the Understanding is to the Soul 2. It may refer to his Affections Set your Affections on things above where Christ sitteth on the Right Hand of God A Believer's Desires and Affections are Spiritual and Heaven-ward 3. It denotes moreover the Exercise of Faith Such with Moses by Faith see him that is invisible Did not the Eyes of Believers see something above excelling all things here below they would never ascend by Faith on this Ladder nor slight and conntemn all the Riches Pleasures and Glory of this World 4. It may also denotes the excellent Frame of their Hearts They are born from above they have received a heavenly Nature an heavenly and spiritual Frame and therefore they look upwards They that are after the Flesh mind the things of the Flesh but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit 5. This of looking upwards may signify a Believer's Hope and Expectation Their Hope is in Heaven not in this Life If our Hope be only in this Life we are of all Men most miserable As they are born from above so they are travelling thither their Faces are set heaven-ward Heaven is their Inheritance They seek an heavenly Countrey men of the World have their eyes downwards A man that looks downward that climbs up a Ladder is in danger of falling however he must make a pause or stand still but a Believer must go on his way he must not look back nor stand still but press forwards as Paul did He must not look back Fourteenthly A Ladder is a narrow way to go upon and it is a difficult thing to travel all day upon it So Jesus Christ who is the way to the Father is a narrow way Narrow is the way that leadeth to Life The way to Hell is broad multitudes go in that way but the way to Life is narrow tho this Ladder is wide or broad enough for all the Elect of God even for all for whom it was prepared for all that come to Christ for the vilest Sinner that is helped to venture himself upon him yet comparatively it is a very narrow way 1. A Narrow way is opposed to that which is Broad where any careless or negligent Person may go or multitudes may travel in it Now Christ is so narrow a way many cannot go this way it is not wide enough for them Christ will not allow them the Liberty they will take and will have let what will come of it they will have their Lusts their Riches their Honours their sensual Pleasures their old Companions their sinful Customs and sinful Practices the way must be broad enough for them and their base Consorts too or they will not go that way 2. It may be called a narrow way because it is hard to find it a narrow Path is not soon found or discerned as a broad common beaten road is Christ is a way not discerned by Carnal Persons The natural Man receiveth not the things of the Spirit they are foolishness to him neither can he know them because they are Spiritually discerned Man naturally accounts the way to Heaven by Jesus Christ a foolish thing because they cannot comprehend how they should be Justified by the Righteousness of another and he a poor Man as he was accounted who was Crucified on a Tree to be Justified by their own Works or by their own Righteousness this seems easy to discern it is natural to them to seek tâ— be saved in such a way all men being borâ— under the Covenant of Works Brethren Chriâ—â— is a way that lyes above humanâ— Reason it is a Mystery that depends wholly upon divine Revelation it is as strange and as an unlikely a thing to meer natural Men to think to be â—aved or to go to Heaven this way as it is for them to think a Ladder may be made and set upon the Earth the top of which shall reach up to Heaven So that Men may that way i. e. by climbing up on that Ladder go to Heaven They look with an eye of sense and not by an eye of Faith 3. Narrowness may denote the Difficulty of walking in this way Christ is not only a way hard to find but also hard to walk in Faith leads the Soul to deny it self i. e. of Sinful-self natural-self and righteous-self and to do this is hard and difficult and not only to deny ourselves in all these respects but also to take up our Cross O 't is this also that renders the way narrow What deny ourselves of every Flesh-pleasing and profitable Lust and of all our own Wisdom Honour Relations and Righteousness and take up the Cross too 1. This includes all Losses and Damage even to part with all for Christ's sake 2ly To take up our Cross denotes Shame and Reproach for the sake of Christ. 3. It denotes also Pain and Suffering nay Death it self when called to it 4. Faith leads the Soul to mortify Sin to crucify the Flesh with the Affections and Lusts The Dominion and Power of Sin must be broke Sin must not reign we must not only leave Sin but mortify it also This is hard to do and to follow Christ whither soever he goes or doth lead us to follow him fully constantly universally and now this is no easy thing to do to the Flesh. 4. Narrowness of the Way or Ladder may signifie what careful steps must be taken by all that climb up thereon we must step straight forward viz. Lead a holy and strict life For without Holiness no Man shall see the Lord. We must take heed we do not suffer our feet to slide or slip therefore have need to say with holy David Order my steps in thy Word and let not any iniquity have Dominion over me Direct all the thoughts and motions
of my Heart and Actions by thy Spirit accompanying thy Word that Pride Passion earthly Mindedness nor any evil Inclinations or Affections may lead me astray Fifteenthly It is dangerous for a Man that climbs up a high Ladder that reacheth to Heaven to look backwards So nothing is more dangerous for a Person that makes a Profession of Religion then with the Young Man in the Gospel who was not far from the Kingdom of Heaven to look back He that sets his Hand to the Plough and looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of Heaven Our blessed Lord bids us Remember Lot's Wife why so She alas for looking back was turned into a Pillar of Salt as an everlasting monument of God's Displeasure and to fore-warn all Persons to take heed that they do not look back If any Man draw back my Soul shall take no pleasure in him Nay such God's Soul abhors it brings upon them his high Displeasure which is Death or it will procure Death and Perdition on all such in the end But my Brethren know this that all those who look back never made one true step upon this Ladder they never had one Dram of saving Faith but ventured on Christ with a false Faith and from hence could not see a far off but slavish fear possess them and they being afraid faint and so look back and fall down and are destroyed for ever and the higher they 〈◊〉 the greater is their fall But we are not of them that draw back to Perdition Sixteâ—â—thly A Ladder that stands upon the Earth and the Top reacheth to Heaven had need to have â—ore Footing to stand upon Now Jesus Christ our Mediator hath most sure and firm Footing to stand upon i. e. He stands upon the Foot or firm Ground of God's Purpose and everlasting Counsel and blessed Decree tâ—â— ' he was set up upon the Earth in time yet he was in that holy Counsel held between the Father and the Son Set up from everlasting before ever the Earth was The Wisdom the Power Purpose good Pleasure and eternal Counsel of God hath fixed his Standing firm for ever as you heard before Seventeenthly A Man that gets up a Ladder should his Feet thro' carelesness or otherwise sâ—ip he must catch hold of the Ladder with his Hands and by holding fast he may set his Feet right again and prevent a fall or danger of Death Beloved the best of Christians through Carelâ—seâ—s â—â— Satan's Temptations may have their â—â—â—t sâ—ip I mean they may slip or fall into one Sâ—â— or another or into one Error or another What a slip had Noah Lot David and Peter and many more besides them even many a dangerous slip but by taking hold of Christ and of the Covenant and free Promise of Pardon by the hand of Faith they all recovered themselves tho' some of their Slips broke their Bones and cost them many a Tear Nay it made David to Wâ—â—â—eâ— his Couch with his Tears Yet he got safe to Heaven O what an excellent Grace is the Grace of Faith the hand of Faith and how useful and necessary at such a time I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not Our Faith in the Seed or habit shall never fail did not Christ preserve our Faith strengthen our Faith our Souls would soon finally fall and perish for ever If any Man sin we have an Advocate with the Father I will be merciful to their Vnrighteousness and their Sins and their Iniquities I will remember no more I am he that blotteth out thine Iniquities for my own Sake c. O what hold is here when our Feet slip for the hand of Faith to take hold of Jesus Christ my Brethren hath paid all our Debts he hath satisfied the Justice of God for all our Sins for those committed after Faith as well as those committed before Faith and Union with him all Vindictative Wrath is gone for ever no Sin can make a breach in our Justification nor break our Union with Christ Nothing can separate us from the Love of God which is in Jesus Christ our Lord. There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus None can condemn such if sins committed after we believe were not Satisfied for or Pardoned there would be condemnation to every Believer because all have Sin all daily Sin but their Sins are not imputed to them they were all laid upon Jesus Christ and his Righteousness is for ever and at all times imputed to them that are in Christ Jesus and once in him for ever in him So that a true Believer can never fall finally from this spiritual Ladder Eighteenthly To raise up a Ladder whose Foot stands upon the Earth and the Top of it reacheth up to Heaven is not easily done it needs all mighty Strength it calls for great Strength wonderful Power and also much Wisdom and Skill it is hard you know to raise a Ladder that reacheth up but four or five Stories or to the Top of a high House or Building What Power of Man then can raise up such a Ladder that reacheth from Earth to Heaven My Brethren as none could contrive and make such a Ladder i. e. such a way to Heaven but God himself who by his almighty Wisdom and Power built this World So none but he could raise up this Ladder it required infinite Wisdom and Strength to raise up Christ when he was so low being born down under the Guilt and Weight of our Sins even low as Hell for Hell pangs took hold of him O how low was he when in the Garden in his bloody Agony and in the Grave Could Sin Death or Devils yea all the powers of Hell and Darkness have kept him down he had never been raised from the Dead and from under Wrath nor ascended up to Heaven But what is too hard for God to do He was raised by the Power of the Father or by the Glory of the Father as the Apostle words it that is by his glorious Power and to his eternal Glory God hath boâ—h raised up the Lord and will also raise us uâ— by his own Poweâ— He first raised him up as to his Humane Nature out of a dry Root And hath raised up an Horn of Salvatâ—on for us in the House of David An Horn of Salvation or a powerful Salvation Also he raised him up when Sin and Wrath lay upon him and when he was Dead and lay in the Grave Nay my Brethren he raiseâ— himself up as I shall shew you hereafter which is a greater wonder still and more marvellous Ninteenthly A Ladder whose Foot stands upon the Earth and the Top of it reacheth up to Heaven is wonderfully Elivated or Exalted So Christ considered as Mediator is wonderfully Elivated or Exalted both in respect oâ— his Person and Offiâ—es True as he was God and in the form
and so fit to reign over all Angels Men and Devils are subject unto him 3. He is chosen-King 4. He is by the Faâ—her anointed King with the Oyl of gladness above his Fellows 5. And he is proclaimed King for ever 6. He has the Government on his Shouldâ—rs he rules in us and subdues all our Enemies he bows and bends our Spirits and stubborn Wills to submit to his Soverâ—ignty he mortifies all our Coâ—ruptions and brings us out of the Prison-house and spoils the strong Man armed he has conquered the World Sin and Devils for us and doth and will also subdue them iâ— us he is both King of Saints and King of Nations Thirdly Christ as he is a Prophet is also the Antitype of Jacob's Ladder and as thus considered he is exalted 1. He received his Doctrine from Heaven and brings it down to Earth He is said to speak from Heaven and yet he spake on Earth and when he spake on Earth as Man he was in Heaven as God And thus the Foot of the Ladder was on Earth and the Top reached to Heaven Moreover by his Speaking he makes such Hearts of men as were earthly to be heavenly and lifts us up in our Desires Meditations and Affections from earth to heaven Christ is lifted up and exalted as a Prophet and higher in Glory than all the Prophets of God A Prophet is the Mouth of God to the People Now Jesus Christ received his holy Doctrine from God and spake as his Father gave Commandment Moreover he excels all other Prophets 1. All the Prophets of God besides him were inspired by him 2. They received the Spirit but by Measure but he without Measure 3. Other Prophets only could speak to the Ear he speaks to the Heart 4. Other Prophets could cause Men only to hear that were alive but Christ can make them that are deaf and dead to hear 5. Other Prophets can teach men Wisdom who have Uunderstanding but Christ can Teach Fools to Understand as well as give Understanding to the Heart Who teacheth like him 6. He can open the Ear as well as give Instruction 7. All the Teachings of other Prophets and Teachers are in vain without his divine Teachings 8. He can cause such whom he Teacheth to remember what they hear 9. He Teacheth powerfully and instructs with a high hand and yet he Teacheth sweetly 10. He Teacheth not only Efficaciously but also Infallibly and removes all Obstructions that hinder Sinners from hearing and receiving what he saith unto them He can teach men Wisdom as you have heard when they are asleep O who teacheth like him Christ is lifted up to Heaven in that he is the Sum and Substance both of Law and Gospel I mean the Antitype of all Types and Substance of all Shadows He is the great Subject of Gospel-ministration What have Ministers to Preach but Jesus Christ I have formerly shewed you what it is to Preach Christ so as to exalt him and lift him up in the ministration of the Gospel First 'T is to Preach the Excellencies of his Person 1. To Preach that he is GOD God by Nature not a petty-god a god by Office but the most high God the eternal God Co-essential Co-equal and Co-eternal with the Father 2. To Preach that he is MAN truly Man made of a Woman of the same Flesh and Blood that the Children partake of 3. That he is GOD and MAN in one Person both Natures making but one Christ by a wonderful and hypostatical Union Secondly To Preach Christ is to Preach his Incarnation his Birth his Life his Death his Resurrection his Ascension and his Intercession Thirdly To Preach Christ is to Preach his holy Doctrine and his exemplary Life in his sweet Spirit great Condescension wonderful Abasement infinite Love Mercy Faithfulness Meekness Charity c. 4. To Preach the Preciousness of Christ is to Preach Christ. 5. To Preach Christ is to Preach the necessity of Christ and of his Death And that 1. Because of that voluntary obligation he entered into with the Father in behalf of the Elect from Eternity that holy Covenant and Compact â—aid a necessity upon him to dye in our stead 2. In respect of God's eternal Decree and purpose he being a Lamb slain before the beginning of the World 3. In respect of those ancient Prophesies concerning him and of his Work and Office which must be all accomplished 4. In respect of all those Types and Shaddows that pointed to him which must be fulfilled in their Antitype c. 5. And in respect of all the Saints who lived under the Old-Testament who ventured their Souls and Salvation upon him as to come and was to dye for them 6. In respect of the Nature Holiness and Justice of God and of his absolute Threatning pronounced against Adam and all Mankind in him 7. In respect of the Sanction and perfect Holiness of the Law and of that Curse it laid all Men under 8. Moreover there is an absolute necessity of Christ and of Faith in him in respect of God's Revealation there being no other Way Person or Means found out or revealed to redeem fallen Man but Jesus Christ only Fourthly To Preach Christ is to Preach the power and ability of Christ to save all that believe in him or that come to God by him Fifthly To Preach Christ exalt him and lift him up is to Preach his Readiness and Willingness as well as his Power and Ability to save Sixthly 'T is to Preach the unsearchable Riches of Christ. Seventhly To Preach Christ is to Preach Christ the Power of God and the Wisdom of God i. e. in whom all the glorious Attributes of God are united in sweet Harmony and shine forth in equal Glory and Strength to save Sinners lost and undone Sinners Eighthly To Preach Christ is to preach him not only the one Mediator between God and Man but also our blessed Surety or the Surety and Testator of the New-Covenant Ninthly To preach Christ is to preach him in all his offices as you have heard Tenthly To Preach Christ exalt Christ alone is to preach his Satisâ—action or that full and compleat Reconciliation he hath made by his Obedience and suffering our Faith and Holiness adding nothing thereunto Eleventhly To Preach Christ is to Preach Justification only by him i. e. That he and his perfect Righteousness alone is that which Justifies us as it is Imputed to us that believe his active Obedience being that whiâ—h is our only Title to Heaven and that his Death he bearing all God's vindictative Wrath for our Sins is that only which delivers us from Hell Twelfthly To Preach Christ exalt Christ is to Preach him the Way the only way to the Father No Man cometh to the Father but by me To preach him the Truth that all truth is in him centres in him found and experienced in
〈◊〉 are grand Hereticks and know not Christ. 2. Not such who render God only reâ—oncilable or a conditional Saviour not fully reâ—onciled in Jesus Christ according to their Doctrinâ— Christ is yours if you perform the Condition and what is that why change your own Hearts be Regenerated or never venture to believe on Christ. Alas they may as soâ—n create a World as do this it is Christ's work alone we are born of God he works all our works in us Regeneration is the effect of Vnion with Christ. 3. Not such that Preach themselves or that Preach for Gain or seek their own Glory We Preach not ourselves but Jesus Christ the Lord. Consol. O know ye Saints what a happy state you are in you are mounting up and shall ascend on high 2. Angels guard you support and guide you and the holy Spirit also directs every step you take 3. Nay God himself takes you by the hand The steps of a good Man are ordered by the Lord and tho he falls he shall not utterly be cast down because God upholdeth him with his Right-hand This Ladder brings you to God the Lord God is at the top of it 1. He was the Contriver of this way he made this Ladder he prepared it 2. He is above the Ladder denoting tho Christ as Cod is equal with the Father yet as Man or Considered as our Mediator the Father is above him My Father is above all my Father is greater than I. 3. God being also above it it may denote that he upholds it by his eternal Counsel and infinite Power 4. God is above it also as an observer of all that are upon it he sees all that believe on his Son and takes notice of them 5. Moreover he is above it to encourage all that are upon it with his Covenant-Promise I am the Lord the God of Abraham c. be not afraid I will up-hold thee I will strengthen thee c. 6. It may also denote he is at the top of it as an Inviter to call upon poor Sinners to behold his blessed Son the Lamb of God or to believe on him and venture up 7. Lastly he is above it also as a Rewarder or as the end of our Journey But so much at this time SERMON III. GENESIS xxviij xij xiij And behold a Ladder c. THE last Day we shewed you that this Ladder in Jacob's Dream was wonderfully Elivated Lifted up or Exalted conâ—â—dering the Top of it reached up to Heaven from whence we took an occasion to open the wonderderful Honour Advancement Elivation or Exaltaâ—â—on of the Lord Jesus Christ considered as Meâ—â—ator I shall now proceed Twentieth A Ladder the top of which reacheth to Heaven is not only wonderfully Elivated or Exalted but all such Persons who ascend or climb up upon it even to the top thereof are â—reatly Exalted also though not by any Power or Skill of their own yet are so by means of â—â—is Ladder So all Believers who ascend upon this Spiriâ—â—al Ladder the Antitype of Jacob's Ladder Châ—â—st Jesus are hereby Exalted or raised up oâ— high in respect of their spiritual State and Condition and Frames also 1. All such who Believe in Jesus Christ whicâ— is the way to this spiritual Lâ—dâ—er are made thâ— Sons and Daughters of Gâ—â— they aâ—e all adopteâ— Children of the King oâ— Heâ—ven and Earth As many as received him to them gave 〈◊〉 Power to become the Sons of God even to theâ— that believe on his Name This of Son-ship iâ— a very great Priviledge such are greatly yeâ— wonderfully Elivated or Advanced to Honour First Consiâ—â—ring from what a State we are raised Sirs by our Sins we were brought as low as Hell being born Slaves and Vassals of Sin and the Devils or in a state of hellish Bondage Death and misery we were Sons of Perdition or Children of Wrath by Nature as well as others David thought it to be no small honour to be the Son-in-law to an earthly King and he none of the best neither but O how much greater iâ— this Honour this Advancement for God to make such who were Children of Wrath nay of the Devil to be his own Children Children of his most chiefest Love and Affection and Heirâ— of Heaven If Children then Heirs Heirs of God and Joynt-heirs with Christ. Secondly Nay my Beloved they are not only Adopted Sons and Daughters of God who believe in Christ but they are all espoused to Jesus Christ also Believers see that their first Husband is dead viz. the Law by the body of Christ and they also are become dead 〈◊〉 that Wherefore my Brethren ye also are becomâ— dead to the Law by the body of Christ that yâ— should be married to another even to him that iâ— raised from the dead that we should bring fortâ— Fruit unto God Jesus Christ espouseth all true Believers â—very Soul that rightly ascends up this Ladder I have espoused you to one Husband â—â—at I may present you as a chast Virgin to Christ. Our union with Christ is commonly expressed in â—â—e Scripture under the notion of a Marriage How to be married to the Prince of Princes to â—he Prince of the Kings of the Earth is a wonâ—erful elivation Should an earthly Priâ—ce set â—is heart upon and marry a poor Virgin one â—â—at was but a Scullion-maid or a Begger cloathâ—d with filthy Rags what an advancement would this be for such a one to become a Queen and save a Crown of Gold set upon her Head and be embraced in the Arms of a great Monarch or mighty Prince and to lie in his Bosom and to have the attendance of his Servants or Noble retinue But alas what a poor Advancement is that to this Man in honour abideth not but is like â—â—e Beasts that Perish Alas that Honour may be but for a Day and besides to be advanced to earthly grandure may prove the ruin of the Soul for ever Christ is the Heir of both Worlds Heir of God Heir of all things Vpon his Head are seven Crowns Seven is a number of Perfection elsewhere it is said upon his Head were many Crowns all earthly Crowns are his and at his dispose but they are little valued by him he gives them sometimes to his Enemies even to the vilest of Men the Crowns that are on his own Head are Coelestial loaded and sparkling and heavenly Jewels and Diamonds far brighter than Ten Thousand Suns amazing for Glory and are also Eternal And it is likewise said That as his Saints are cloathed in white Raiment so they have on their heads Crowns of Gold which doth denote that state of Dignity and Glory which they are advanced unto Vpon his Right-hand did stand the Queen in Gold of Ophir On his Right-hand the most honourable place next the King as Christ is said to be sate down at the Father's Right-hand so thâ— Saints will be set at his
Right-hand Can theiâ— be greater Honour confer'd upon them Sirs whâ—â— would not adventure up this Ladder when theâ—â— is such such Glory It is indeed the way thâ— only way to possess those Crowns of immortaâ— Grandure that are prepared in Heaven Thirdly By this advancement i.e. by beinâ— Espoused and Married to Jesus Christ all thaâ— Christ hath is theirs they have not Honouâ— only but much Wealth and riches also 1. The Righteousness of Christ is theirs to Justifie them that is the white Raiment oâ— glorious Robe with which they are cloathed 2. His Graces to adorn them In Christ are unsearchable Riches Riches and Righteousness are with me yea durable Riches and Righteousness Hence it is that the Apostle would have the Saints know the greatness of their Riches That ye may know what is the hope of your Calling and what the Riches of the Glory of his Inheritance in the Saints Here is Riches in this Inheritance Many have Riches and no Glory others have Honour prefer'd upon them but have no Riches Ignoble Spirits scrape a great deal of Wealth together in which they place their vain Hope and Hapiness in but die without Honour like the Beasts that Perish Alas their Wealth is but for a Day but this is Lasting Durable Eternal as is their Honour the Crown of Glory fadeth not away it is in Heaven and Saints are a going to it on Jacob's Ladder it is in their view they see it and therefore climb up and shall in due time reach it Happy are they that are called up this Ladder to such a hope it is called the high-calling of God in Christ Jesus Fourthly The Saints are not only the Adopâ—ed Sons and the Spouse of Christ but they are â—orn of God they are begotten and born of God born from above they that are thus called have an heavenly Birth therefore it is an high-calling this gives them meet and fit frames of Spirit such which become their noble Station and blessed Relation What would a relative Change signify without a real Change I mean a Change of State without â— Change of Heart Can a carnal heart see Beauty in Christ or in heavenly things Can â—n earthly Spirit prize or value spiritual Honour or Riches No no a Swine may as well take delight in the Glory of a King's Palace Alas â—e had far rather be on a Dunghil or wallow 〈◊〉 the Mire Moreover much of the advancement of Believers lies in their heavenly Frames and nobleness of their Spirits Works Ends and Aims In this the Righteous is more excellent than his Neighbour 1. He hath a Heavenly a Humble a Meek a Publick a Merciful an Inlightened a Free a Firm a Sublime a Sanctified a Raised an Actâ—ve and a Faithful Spirit and all this proceeds from that New-birth which he is passed under or it is the fruit or effect of his being born of God or regenerated by the holy Spirit These Persons have other Principles also than the rest of Mankind have Every Life hath Principles according to the Nature of it a Vegetative Life according to the Nature of it a Sensitive Life according to the Nature of it and the Rational Life according to the Nature of it So the Life of Grace hath Principles according to the Nature of it A Saint acts for God from a principle of Faith and Love this make the ways of God easy nay sweet and pleasant to him 2. These Men have other work also or imploy themselves in other Business than ungodly Persons do their New-nature prompts them on to make Religion their main Business and they also act freely voluntarily and with a great and strong Propensity in the things of God others act in such matters as Men without heart they must put a force on themselves if they meddle with heavenly Duties and heavenly things because of the earthly and carnal temper and frames of their Hearts But as to heavenly born Souls it is below them to be continually a digging in the Earth and loading themselves with thick Clay or to heap up the dust of the Ground or to take their chiefest Delight in eating and drinking or in pleasing their sensual Lusts No they are going as fast as they can from these things in their Hearts and Affections Love and Delight and Desires they see the Beauty of God and the Excellencies of Jesus Christ they pry into the Mysteries of the Gospel and of that Redemption which is by Jesus Christ They mind eternal things 3. Moreover this new Nature which is wrought in them causes them to have more noble high and sublime Ends and Aims than all others have 'T is not their own honour nor their own profit they seek but it is the honour and glory of God they Aim at God who is at the Top of the Ladder as the end of their Journey as is said before God beloved iâ— their last end it is to reach him enjoy him for evermore they mount up on high Fifthly They are Elivated or highly Advanced and Exalted in that they have such a Sublime Mystical and intimate Union with God and Jesus Christ He that is Joined to the Lord is one Spirit There is saith a Reverend Writer no stricter Union in the World than that of Christ and Believers it is therefore compared to all sorts of Unions Natural and Political He is the Head they the Members he is the Root they the Branches he the Husband they the Wife 'T is so firm so strong a Union intensively that Christ and a Regenerate Man becomes one Spirit as if there was but one Soul in two Bodies what the Spirit doth in Christ it doth also in a Believer acâ—ording to the capacity of his Soul I in them and thou in me that they may be made perfect in One. This shews it is a wonderful and mysterious Union more to be admired then it can be explained And the spring of it rises from the hypostatical Vnion of our Nature with the Divine Nature in the Person of Christ O how doth this exalt Believers Sixthly They are not only elivated advanced and lifted up on high by vertue of this Union but also in that they are allowed and daily have Communion with the Father Son and holy Spirit But without Regeneration or our Natures being first changed this could not be What Communion can there be between a living God and a dead Heart Or between a holy God and a filthy and polluted Creature God hates Sin and he loves it God loves Holiness and he loathes it Justification changes our state that discharged us from the Guilt of Sins but Regeneration changes our Nature and makes us fit to converse with God For as God can take no pleasure in us until his Image is stampt upon us so we can take no Delight nor pleasure in Him Without this Change Heaven would be no Paradice or Heaven unto us
But by being Renewed we are capable and do enjoy sweet Fellowship with the Father and the Son Believers walk with God and God with them Jesus Christ and Believers set together dwell together walk together yea sup together and daily visit each other Christ and they mind the same things the interest of Christ and Believers are one and the same Christ Sympathizeth with his Saints in their Afflictions and Rejoyces with them in their Consolations such a high Priest became us But O what an high Advancement is this that such a low base and contemptible Creature as Man is as in himself should be allowed to have Communion and Fellowship with the great and most glorious God of Heaven and Earth and with Jesus Christ the only Potentate and Prince of the Kings of the Earth Seventhly The Saints in Christ are so exalted and lifted up in Grandure and Honour that they are God's choice and precious Jewels or his chiefest Treasure They shall be mine saith the Lord in that day I make up my Jewels They are the Favourites of Heaven the Lord saith They that touch them touch the Apple of his Eye No King hath such a value of his greatest Favourites as God hath for his Saints they are the Persons that the King delights to Honour What is it to be honoured by poor Mortals to this honour If any Man serve me him will my Father honour He honours them here he gives them honourable Titles What are the airy and empty Titles of Earl Marquiss Duke c. that pull up Ambitious Spirits to those high and honourable Titles God confers on believers as Sons of God Heirs of God most excellent or most magnificent He hath made us Kings c. and Princes These are high Titles indeed when conferred upon us by the eternal God My Brethren they are not only hâ—noured with the highest Titles but also beloved with the highest Love I gave Egypt for thy Ransom Ethiopia and Sâ—ba for thee since thou wert precious in my sight thou hast been honourable and I have loved thee He loves them with the love of Complacency he rejoyces over them as the Bridegroom rejoiceth over the Bride Nay he loveth them with the same Love wherewith he loves Jesus Christ And hast loved them as thou hast loved me And as he loveth and honoureth them so he will also cause all Men yea Kings and such that now hate them to bow before them The Sons of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee and all that despised thee shall bow themselves at the soles of thy Feet The Gentiles shall see their Righteousness and all Kings their Glory Thou shalt also be a Crown of Glory in the hand of the Lord and a royal Diadem in the hand of thy God Nay the Lord Jesus himself will honour them Verily I say unto you that he shall gird himself and make them sit down to meat and will come forth and serve them Eighthly and Lastly He honoureth them with his own glorious Train or Noble Retinue He commands his Servants those glorious Courtiers that attend and wait round about his Throne to wait on them to administer unto them and continually to be a Guard unto them that love and fear his Name they ride as I may so say in his own Chariots The Chariots of God are twenty thousand even thousands of Angels And these are on this Ladder they ascend and descend upon the Son of Man But more of this hereafter They encamp round about such that fear the Lord and are sent to minister unto them that are heirs of Salvation VSE 1. How may this raise the Hearts of Believers Alas they little think what glory God hath in Jesus Christ conferr'd upon them How would they lift up their Heads and rejoyce did they contemplate on that great Dignity they are raised unto 2. And what Reproof may this be to the ungodly World who slight despise and hate these honourable Ones as if they were the Off-scouring of all things and not worthy to live on the Earth when indeed the world is not worthy of them These precious Sons of Sion comparable to fine Goâ—d are accounted as Earthen Pitchers Moreover it may reprove those for their horrid Folly who esteem and value the vain Honour of Men above the Honour that comes from God That had rather be Great in the Sight of Men than Great and Glorious in the Sight of God 3. This also may cause us to admire Jesus Christ who hath raised us to sucâ— Dignity and Honour his Exaltation Beloved is our Exaltation we had never been raised to this Honour had not he been Abased and then highly Exâ—lted Christ's Exaltation was only a mediatory Exaltation he was not advanced in respect of the essential Glory of his God-head for as so he was always possessed with that so that their could be no Addition of Glory made to that but it was a Glory or Exaltation of his Person as God-man the Glory of Christ as God is the same from everlasting with the Father therefore it was the exaltation of his Person as Mediator as he is our head and blessed Representative he is Exalted that we in him may be Exalted also As he Beloved was raised up from the dead so were we in him and as he was Justifiâ—d so were we in him and as he Ascended up to Heaven so did we Ascend in him and so also assuredly shall all his Elect be raised spiritually from Sin to a state of Grace here and in â—oâ—â—y and Soul to an eternal State of Glory hereafter If Christ be raised we shall be raised because he was raised as our publick Head and is ascended into Heaven as our Fore-runner 4 This may be also for Tryal By this we may know my Brethren who they are that are upon Jacobs Ladder or in Jesus Christ see what Spirits what Hearts what Principles what Ends and Aims you have and what Liâ—eâ— you live Do you dwell on â—igh yet pray labour to ascend higher and higher every day but is your Conversation in Heaven do you mount up as with Eagles Wings 't is thus if you are true Believers Earth is behind your backs and all the things of the World are little in your sight if you are elivated on high But to proceed there is one or two things more concerning this Ladder that I must take notice of Mind well the word behold and behold a Ladder this as I hinted is a word that sometimes calls for Observation and Attention Behold I am at the Door and knock sometimes it calls for Commiseration Behold is there any Sorrow like my Sorrow Sometimes it calls for Imitation Behold the perfect Man Sometimes it calls for Admiration Behold what manner of love is this c. Sometimes it calls for Faith and Dependance Behold the Lamb of God c. I said behold
believe in God and come to God not directly to God without eyeing of this Medium no no God out of Christ is an angry God a consuming â—â—ire therefore we must come to God by Christ as our Mediator and coâ—mit our cause to him to plead at God's Bar. Thirdly Why we should behold this Ladder or look unto Jesus Christ 1. Because he is the way to Heaven which infinite Wisdom hath found out nay the result of that glorious Counsel held between the Father and the Son from eternity Not to behold this Way this Ladder this Mediator is to cast contempt on God in his contrivance of Salvation by Jesus Christ. 2. Because there is so much divine Love Grace and Goodness shewed to us in Jesus Christ. 3. Because this Sight is so Wonderful a Sightâ— Christ Brethren is the wonder of both Worlds O 't is an amazing thing to see such a Way such a Ladder prepared for us to go to God! 4. Christ should be beheld because of the Loveliness as well as the Wonderfulness of his Person There is no such Object to be seen in Heaven nor Earth 5. Because there is in him all Fulness We beheld his glory as the glory of the only begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth The Word as one observes is Emphatical itheasametha we beheld as in a Theatre as Men behold things presented to them on a Stage with great earnestness and delight even as the express Image of the Father's Person it pleased the Father that in him all fulness should â—aweâ— He received the Spirit of Grace without measure and 't is in him to be Communicated to all his Elect or Members of his mystical Body as fulness of Sap is in the Root to supply all the Branches 6. Because this of beholding or looking to Jesus Christ is the way God hath appointed for our Reception or Participation of all the Benefits and Merits of his Blood nor is there any other way but thro' believing in him for any Adult Persons to be Saved 7. Because of the absolute necessity Sinners have of him they are sick and he is their Physician c. Fifthly For what or to receive what should we behold Jesus Christ. 1. For Recoâ—ciliatâ—on and Peace with God All thiâ—â—s are of God who reconciled us unto himself 〈…〉 To 〈◊〉 thâ—t God was in Christ reconciling the World to himself not imputing their Tresâ—asses unto them This is the meriterâ—ous cause of our Reconciliation God in Christ or by his Blood is Satisfied and Reconciled and all that would have peace with God must Believe or look to Christ to receive the Attonement Christ hath received an actual discharge for Sinners from his Father and you must come to him for it and receive the Benefit and Evidence of it to your own Consciences All that the Father hath given me shall come unto me and whosoever cometh unto me I wiâ—l in no wise cast out There is an infallible Connexion betwixt Faith and eternal Life and betwixt Election and the Collection of special Grace and as Election is first special Vocation will follow and as many as were ordained to eternal Life believed For the Father's gift of the Soul to Christ and of Grace to believe in him is no doubt here ment by his giving them to his Son 2. â—herefore you must first look to him for Grace for Faitâ— God pours ouâ— the Spirit of Grace and Supplicatâ—on first and then a Sinner looks to him wâ—om he pierced that is then and not till then he will believe or savingly behold Jesus Christ. 3. Sinners must behold Christ look to Christ for Vnion with him and to be espoused to him Look till they Love behold him till they fall in Love with him The holy Spirit is the bond of this Union by which Christ takes hold of us and Faith is that Grace by which we take hold of him 4. For Justification Whosoever hath Union with Christ receives their personal Discharge from the Law-Sentence that bound them over to Wrath and Condemnation and are actually pronounced Acquitted and Justified for ever 5. For Acceptation with the Father who hath made us accepted in the beloved Christ's acceptance by the Father is the Spring or Fountain of our Acceptance he being accepted for and in the behalf of all his Elect And no sooner is a Sinner in Christ but he stands personally Justified and accepted with the Father and he being accepted all his Duties and Services are accepted also that he performs in Faith and by the assistance of the Spirit of God 6. For Pardon of Sin and to have it evidenced unto their Consciences In whom we have Redemption thro' his Blood even the forgiveness of Sins 7. For Strength Surely shall one say in the Lord have I Righteousness and Strength Righteousness to Justifie me and Strength to Support me and Assistance to bear all Burdens resist all Temptations to strengthen all my Graces and to perform all holy Duties 8. For all divine Comforts and Consolations If there be therefore any Consolations in Christ if any comfort of Love if any fellowship of the Spirit c. Tho' many may be in Christ and find no such Consolations which others meet with yet there are most precious Consolations in him and we should look to him for them Lastly We should behold him look to him for eternal Life Eternal Life is purchased by Christ and 't is to be had in Christ and all that believe hâ—ve an undoubted Title thereto APPLICATION First We Infer from hence that great blindness and ignorance hath siezed upon most of Men in that they care not to behold Jesus Christ they can see no Beâ—uty in him to desire him nor do they marvel to behold this sight Secondly Sinner will you not behold this Christ thy Saviour Let me Exhort you to behold the Lamb of God that takes away the Sin of the World and O cast a right look unto him Motives 1. It will cause or work godly Sorrow in you fâ—r all your Sins They shall look unto him whom they pâ—ercea and shall Mourn c. 2. It will cause in you Self-loathing and Self-abhorrance I have heard of thee by the hearing of the Ears but now mine Eyes see thee therefore I abhor my self and repent in Dust and Ashes When the Prophet saw the Lord sitting upon a Throne high and lifted up and his Train filled the Temple he cryed out I am undone mine Eyes have seen the King the Lord of Hosts 3. It will cause you to behold great Beauty and excellencies in him To you that believe he is precious Yea doubtless I count all things loss for the excellency of the Knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord. You will say then that he is the chiefest among ten Thousands and altogether Lovely 4. It will change you into his own Image
of Angels 〈◊〉 their ministration to him than the Scripture Records yet perhaps no more is meant hereby than that Nathaniel and other Saints shall see or know that the holy Angels are far inferiour to the Son of Man and do administer to him And also that all that good Believers do receive by the ministration of Angels is alone in and through Jesus Christ our Mediator Moreover that God doth not only make use of the ministration of Angels in governing of the World but also in the preservation safety and good of his Church The way to Heaven is full of holy Angels some going to Heaven for Intelligence and â—thers coming from Heaven either to forward proâ—ect or comfort the Saints 1. Angels are but Christ's Messengers he is the â—ead and Lord of all Principalities and Powers 2. They own themselves to be our Fellow-Serâ—ants I am thy Fellow-Servant of thy Brethren 3. They move at his Command and go and come 〈◊〉 his Pleasure 4. And they move at his Word with all Alacrity â—â—ey are speedy and swift in doing the Will of God 5. Moreover they are sent forth to minister unto â—hem that are the Heirs of Salvation Observe DOCT. That in and thro Jesus Christ the holy Angels minister to Believers while in this World In speaking unto this Proposition I shall take this method viz. 1. I shall speak a little to the nature of Angels 2. Open their Work and Office 3. Give you some Reasons why Christ imploys them to minister to the Saints And 4ly Apply it First They are Creatures they were created by God and within the six Days also By him were all things Created whether in Heaven or Earth visible or invisible whether Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers all things were created by him and for him The Heavens and all the Angels which dwell therein were created by him i.e. by the Son of God Jesus Christ Let them praise the name of the Lord for he commanded and they were Created And this was in the Beginning In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth c. If therefore they had been Created before there should have been a beginning of time work done before that or else Angels were from Eternity and so not Creatures but none is eternal or without beginning but God Besides 't is said that God wrought all his Works in Six Dayes but if it be demanded what day they were created I answer in all likelyhood on the First-day When the Morning Stars sang together and all the Sons of God â—â—oued for Joy Even when God laid the foundation oâ— the Earth when the highest Heavens and first maâ—ter was created of Nothing out of which other things were formed Secondly These excellent Creatures are true Substances and do really exist contrary to the Opinion of the Sadduces who denyed Angels and Spirits that is that they thought by the name of Angels waâ— meant nothing but good or ill Inspirations or Motions or else the Wonders and Apparitions which were wrought of God 1. They were I say created therefore they are Substances and not Accidents in another Subject 2. They are endow'd with Understanding and Will by vâ—rtue of which they were capable of Sinning and of departing from the Truth of obeying or disobeying of God until confirmed by an Immutable Head 3. From their Office this is further evident They appear before God they serve him and we are commanded to make them our Patterns they come to us admonish us teach protect and comfort us 4. Because thâ—y are said to appear to Men as to Abraham Jacob and many others tho not in their own spiritual Form As so considered no mortal Creature doubtless could behold them for that is to render the Invisible World to be Visible Sometimes they have appeared in assumption of Bodies tho not for the doing of their Work but to manifest themselves to be familiar with men Aquinas adds That they might manifest the intelligible Society and Converse which men expect with them in another Life 5. Because Christ is said not to take unto him the nature of Angels and hath a Name given him above them And in the Resurrection we shall be like to them As to their Nature they are Spirits incorporate and immaterial Who maketh his Angels Spirits And again it is said Are they not all ministring Spirits Tertullian and some other ancient Fathers asserted they have proper Bodies tho invisible to us but yet he seems to mean no more than a Substance And as the same Author observes If they have any such Composition as may be called a Body it is certainly of the greatest Fineness and Subtilty a spiritual Body and therefore not like to be of that grosness that either the Air is or those Heavens that are framed out of the same Chaos but nearer the substance of the highest Heavens which seem to be made at the same time Lastly saith he it will be safe to say that in Comparison of God they are Bodies but in comparison of us they are pure and mighty Spirits To which let me add I see not that the Saints at the Resurrection tho in some things they shall be as the Angels of God yet not that their Bodies shall be such bodies as the Angels have for tho the Saints be made spiritual Bodies yet shall be material i.e. of the same matter they now consist of only refin'd Thirdly Let it be consider'd saith he that as it is God only that is without beginning so it belongs only to him to be without any possibility of change or shadow of change and that the Angels as Creatures are reducable to nothing by the same hand that made them tho not from their own Nature nor shall they ever cease to be no more than the Spirits of all men yet they are in God's hand tho the best pieces of Nature and if he withdraw his hand they all moulder to nothing Angels saith my Author may properly be called Incorruptible and Immortal because they are so by Nature I speak not saith he now of the changableness of their Wills but of their Nature and Substance The Reasons are First Because the Angels are not produced out of the power of Matter or corporal Substance as the Souls of Beasts but only by the word of God and therefore as they have internal principles of Being so they have none of Dissolution for there is the same reason of Being and not Being Secondly Angelical Nature as the Souls also of Men are not compounded of Matter and Form but are simple Forms and Substances subsisting by themselves Now all Corruption Mortality and Death is by the separation of the Form from the Matter as when the Soul is separated from the Body which is Corruption or Death or when the accidental Form is separated from the Subject as White from the Wall or Health from the Man Now whatever wants Matter
to hinder us Observe my Text Anâ—els are upon the Ladder or in our way to Heaven Now Prayer and Hearing the Word c. are our way to Heaven i. e. means of Grace to fit us for it Quest. Hath every Saint a particular Angel to attend him Ans. I Answer This is asserted by some worthy Writers and by others denied My Lord Lawrence a very pious and learned Man saith That the Doctrine of the Angel-Guardians hath been exceeding antient and not among Christians only That a multitude of Angels do guard the Saints is deny'd by none but whether every Elect person hath a particular Angel deputed for him or whether all indifferently do attend upon all the Saints In his Judgment probably every Elect person hath his particular Angel For in Heaven their Angels do always behold the face of my Father Some also think the Angel-Guardian begins his Charge when the Child is born others not until his Baptism my Author rather thinks as soon as the Soul is infused But I find Reverend Greenâ—â—ll does question this and thinks it is a mistake that every Elect person hath a particular Angel c. and answers that Text about Peter's Angel I see no advantage this could be to us to have but one Angel particularly to take the Charge of us more than a multitude 1. Because of their faithfulness generally 2. Because it is far greater honour to a Prince to have mighty Hosts of honourable Persons to be his Retinue than one noble Person only I shall therefore say no more to this but proceed to the next general Head Thirdly Why doth Christ imploy the holy Angels to minister to his Saints 1. Because of that great love Jesus Christ hath to his Saints seeing they have such a multitude of evil Angels to annoy them therefore he sends them Hosts of good Angels to defend them 2. To greaten his own Glory the greater and more glorious the Retinue of a Prince is which he sends as a guard to his Favourites the more it sets forth his own Greatness and Grandure and since one Angel hath such mighty power and is so glorious that the Earth is said to be enlightned with it I know that is not a proper Angel yet it shews the glory of an Angel is very great What is the glory then of an innumerable Host of them and yet they are all but Christ's Servants and poor Nothings in comparison of him 3. My Author saith God doth it to preserve that Eutaxy that good Order which he hath put into things As thicker Bodies and more inferiour are managed by more subtle and powerful so the bodies of Beasts by a spirit of life and irrational Spirits by rational As Men govern Beasts so by the same reason of proportion the Angels which are invisible Spirits and are all Spirits have an influence upon Men which are partly Spirits and partly Bodies 4. It may be to shew what Honour he is pleased to confer upon his Saints he will spare them his own Courtiers out of Heaven they shall ride in his own Chariots This he may do to honour his People to raise their Glory Sirs could the ungodly but see what an Host of Angels does attend upon the poorest Saint as he passes along they would say Who is this what noble and honourable Person is this that has such a Guard such a Retinue The greatest Monarch in the World hath no such Attendance as the poorest and meanest Saint hath 5. Another reason why God useth the Angels for the good of his People or to attend on them and minister unto them may be because they are the Spouse of Christ the Lamb's Bride Certainly great Honour of right belongs to the Queen considering her near relation to the King And hence she has the like noble Retinue her Life-guard as well as he and so upon the same foot of account Angels may be the Attendants of the Saints their Guard and Retinue Believers are the Bride they are the friends of the Bridegroom and of his noble Consort the Church Certainly in this the honour of the Saints doth exceed the honour of the holy Angels as Chrisâ— took our Nature upon him and not theirs and in that his Church is his Spouse his Wife and not they the glory conferr'd on us seems to excel tho in respect to their Nature Wisdom and â—nowledg they may excel the Saints 6. God may do it fâ—r the safety of his Saints Some obsâ—rve tâ—at were it not for the good Angels the Devils would even tear the very Bodies of the Saints into pieces such is their maâ—ice and rage against them 7. That there may be much love and acquaintance grow between us and the holy Angels with whom we must live for ever and whom we shall be made like unto Now Love grows by mutual Offices as it is seen in the love of Mothers to their Children which increases by fostering and tending them O how happy is every Saint of God in having the tutelage of holy Angels This honour have all Believers and none else for the wicked have no Angels to look to them to care for them the Angels of Christ are enemies to God's enemies and friends to Christ's friends May be as God is good to all so the wicked may be under the general Charge of the holy Angels but the Saints are under their special and peculiar Charge they are properly Guardians and ministring Spirits to the Saints who are the heirs of Salvation Application THis reproves or reprehends those that think it is below them to stoop to obey some of the Commands of Christ. Sirs see what glorious Creatures the Angels are and yet they stoop so low as to minister to the poorest Saints on Earth Michael despised David in her heart for dancing before the Ark of God But did he value that No no if that he seemed vile he would be more vile I will saith he speak also of thy Statutes before Kings and will not be ashamed 2. It reproves also such who are ashamed to own a poor Child of God they can call a Rich man Brother but O! 't is hard to own and to call a Poor man so a man in a Leather-coat or in a poor garb before others Alas the Angels are not ashamed to take care of and own poor Lazarus full of Sores at the Rich Man's gate tho he begg'd for the Crums that fell from his Table and the Dogs came and licked his sores But let such look to it lest Christ one day be ashamed of them Secondly It may be for instruction to us how to do the Will of God even as the Angels do it 1. That we do it in Love to God Love is the great Principle from whence the Holy Angels do all their Service to God so ought we to serve and worship God in Love to him not for Self-profit or Honour or Applause If ye love me keep
of Kings to attend upon us O! we must live as such who are so born so honoured and also as so guarded And now O ye Earthly Muckworms ye Dunghil-Rakers what signifie your Silks and Sattins your Golden Chains your Bags of Money and great Possessions What alas are Crowns and Scepters or the Guards of haughty Monarchs What 's their Majesties their Highnesses their Excellencies The meanest Saint is higher and greater than you all and hath a more glorious Attendance But to return to Believers Prize your Privileges ye Saints ye the most excellent ones in all the Earth that are more honourable than your Brethren more excellent than your Neighbours Angels administer to you at Christ's Command Are you ignorant of your Honour and blessed Safety or will you still hang down your heads and go drooping because you are poor afflicted and despised O this grieves Christ grieves the Spirit and grieves the Holy Angels Consider you are not at home you are a going into your own Country to be crowned you are not yet come to Age but as Heirs of Glory God cares for you succours you defends and keeps you you have a Host a mighty Host to fight for you mighty and skilful Guides to lead you a most noble Guard to watch over you and minister to you and Chariots beyond those of beaten Gold to carry you the mighty God is your defence and his Angels are a Wall of Fire round about you no Devils can hurt you no utter ruine can come upon you get the World therefore under your Feet Your Souls are justified all your Sins pardoned and you are sanctified and shall for ever be saved God is your Father Christ is your Bridegroom the Spirit is your Sanctifier the Saints are your Companions the Angels your Guard and Heaven is your Inheritance O be humble and lie at Christ's feet What hath he done for such unworthy Creatures Let us love God honour Him worship Him in and by Christ and through the Holy Spirit To whom be Praise and Honour and Glory for ever and ever Amen An Hymn of Praise MOunt up ye Saints O still ascend O soar on High and sing Ye Darlings of the Lord above Sing Praise to your Great King See see what Honour God confers How Angels do attend And wait on you continually And will until the End See how the Cherubs do rejoice In all the Work they do O learn of them lift up your Voice Mount and sing as you go Our Life should be a Life of Praise Who are redeem'd from Earth Lord let 's exalt Thee all our Days And set thy Glory forth Thy Servants which do wait on Thee In thy High Court above Are sent to wait on such as we This shews thy Matchless Love To us below who nothing are What is Man what are we That thou such Honour shouldst confeâ— And wilt t' Eternity FINIS The Parts of the Text Opened and Terms Explained 1 Joh. 3. â— Job 1. â—1 Heb. 10.5 〈…〉 Joh. 1◠◠〈…〉 〈…〉 〈◊〉 â—3 15 â—â— The nature and 〈…〉 Dreams Opened 〈…〉 Eccles. 5.3 â— Isa. 2â— 7 〈…〉 Perkins Vol. 1 p. 203. What God speaks to Men by Dreams Gen. 1.24 Gen. 31.24 Iob. â— â—â— 14 Dan. 7. â— Gen. 15.12 See Caryl on Iob cap. 13. 'T is dangerous to regard all sorts of Dreams How to know Diabolical Dreams Heb. 1.1.2 God doth not now speak often by Dreams 1. Tim. 3.15 16 17. The main Doctrine raised A parallel betwen Christ and a Ladder especially Iacob's Ladder Gen. 11. â— Rom. 9.31.32 Rom. â—â— 3 Ioh. 14.6 Heb. 9.12 Rom. 3. â—6 Rom. 3. â—â— 24 2â— 2â— 1 Pet. 2.24 Act 4 1â— Ioh. 1.1.2 Prov. 8. â—7 1 Tim. 3 1â— Ioh. 1.14 Heb. 2.14.15 Christ GOD and MAN in one Person ☞ Heb. 2.17.18 Why Christ is MAN Heb. 4.14 15 Heb. â— 17 1â— Why Christ musâ— be God Act. 20 2â— Rom. 8.7 Arâ— whâ—â—th on Iohn 1. chap. 14 â— p 〈◊〉 Heb. 2 16 Act. 13 4â— Heb. 7.25 Iâ—â— â— 36. Act. â— 4â— Ioh. 1.1.2 Phil. 2.6 Isa. 53.1 Exod. 1â— 6 Numb 20.11 1 Cor. 1. â— 4. Robinson Ioh. 3.31 Heb. 1.2 Phâ—â— â— â— 1 Cor. 1 24. Psal. â—5 1◠◠〈…〉 Zeâ—â— 6. â— Isa. 28 16. Psal 55 22 Ioh 6 58. Heb 10 5. Heb. 7 26. Gal. 4 4 5. Rom. 4.25 Rom. 8.34 Mat. 28.20 Zeâ—â— 12 1â— Mat. 11 2â— Aâ—t 2.36 Aâ—t 16 3â— 31. Rom. 10 3â— Isa. 41.2 Mat. 11 2◠〈◊〉 2 2 3◠〈◊〉 â— 31 â— Ioh 3 3â— Some woâ—ld begin at the Top of the Ladder Ephes 2 3. Joh. 3 18. 2 Cor. 5.17 ☞ Mat. 11.29 〈◊〉 2.41 Psal. 54. â— 2 Pet. 5.6.7 How Sinners ascend on this Ladder Col. 2.12 Gal. 5.22 Tit. 1.1 A mis believer as bad a◠〈◊〉 unbeliever 〈◊〉 6â— 1 1 Coâ— 3.11 2 Tim. 1. â—â— Psal. 71.2 Psal. 31.6 Psal. 16.1 1 Cor. 1.23 Act. 4.11 Isa. 41 1â—.14 Ioh. 1â— â— Mark. 〈…〉 〈◊〉 11 2◠〈◊〉 2.13 Râ—â— 1â— â—◠〈…〉 〈◊〉 3â— 16 Rom. 8.8.9 1 John 1.2.3 2 Cor. 4.18 Admiration Gen. 28.13 Iob. 23.24 Repâ—â—oâ— Rom. 10.3 Gal. 5.21 Gal. 2.21 Examin Rom. 1.17 Phil. 3.12.13.14 October 27. 1695. 2 Cor. 4.18 Eph. 1 1â— Col. 3.2 Heb. 11.27 Rom. 8.5 1 Cor. 15.19 Mat. 7.13.14 Joh. 6.36 Heb. 7.25 What 's meant by the narrowness of the Way to Heaven Mat. 7.13.14 1 Cor. 2.14 1 Cor. 1.18 Mat. 16.24 25. Rom. 8 1â— cap. 1â— 14 Heb. 12.14 Psal. 119 133. 'T is dangerous to look back Luk. 9.62 Luk. 17 3â— Heb. 10.38 Deut. 32.1â— Why some fall away or draw back 〈…〉 〈…〉 Mediaâ—â—r â—â—ands 〈◊〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈◊〉 â—3 2. 〈…〉 〈…〉 Luk. 22.32 1 Joh. 2.1.2 Heb 8.12 Isa. 43. â—5 Rom. 8 38.39 Rom. 8.1 Almighty power 〈◊〉 forth in â—aising Christ this spiritual Ladder Rom. 6.4 〈…〉 The elivation or exaltatiâ—n of Christ. Isa. 52.13 Christ exalted as Mediator Col. 2.9 Heb 1.3 Isa. â—2 â—â— Joh. 5.23 Divine worship due to Christ. Isa 48.11 Isa 42. Rev. 19.10 Math 4.10 Heb. 1.6 〈…〉 Joh. 14.1 vers 6. Joh. 5. â— Pro. 8 1â— Mat. 28 2â— Col. 3.11 〈…〉 Ioh. 15.6 Col. 2.19 Who or what Persons exalt Christ. Act. 5.31 Phil. 2.9.10 â— Cor 2.2 〈◊〉 1. â—◠〈◊〉 â— 33 Christ exalted in his Offices first as a Priest Heb. 10.14 Acts 3 26. Psal. 2.85.10 Col. 1.20 Râ—m â— 7. Eph. 2.13 Heb. 1â— 14 Eph. 1.20 Heb. 10.20 Col. 1.21 Rom. 5.10 Christ is oâ—r Highpriest in his Intercession Heb. 7.25 Rom. 8 2â— Heb. 4.16 〈…〉 〈…〉 Heb. 4. â—5 1â— Heb â—â— 19 Christ is exalted as a King Acts 5.31 Heb 1 â—2 Heb. 1. ◠〈…〉 Isa. 6â— 1 Mat. 12.49 Iohn 10.33 Christ is exalted as a Prâ—phet Ioh. 1â— 49 Iohn 5.25 Iob 36.22 1 Cor. 3.4.5 What 't is to preach Christ. Reader this was not delivered when I preached on this subject but it is the substance of another Sermon preached at another time and place which for some Reasons is added here Iohn 1.14 Heb. 2.14.15 phil 2.5 6. Phil. 3.8
are imployed to defend the godly Brethren the Ladder goes through Satan's Territories and tho they can't come upon it yet they strive to throw us down if possible but know the Good Angels have as great power to defend us as the Evil Angels have to annoy us The Angels are our guard to deliver us to aid and assist us when assaulted by the Powers of Darkness and from the hurt and mischief which those Millions of wicked Spirits that swarm about us would do us The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him they are God's Hosts as Jacob calls them and a mighty Host they are the King of Aâ—â—â—â—â— sent a great Host with Chariots and Horsemen and tâ—ey came by night and encompassed the City about And now Elisha â—s Servant cries out Alas my Master 〈…〉 shall we do 2 Kings 6.15 And he answered Fear not for they that are with us are more than 〈◊〉 that be aâ—ainst us verse 1â— And Elâ—sâ—a prayed and said Lord I pray thee open his eyes that 〈…〉 And the Lord opened the eyes 〈◊〉 the young man and he saw and behold the Mountâ—â—n was 〈…〉 and Charioâ— of pre round 〈…〉 6. They no doubt suggest good thoughts into the minds of God's People Can any think that the evil Angels have more power to suggest evil thoughts into our minds than the good Angelâ— haâ—e to suggest good thoughts We have not only the holy Spirit of God to do this but the good Angâ—lâ— also 7. They are imploy'd to guide and lead us along on this Ladder that so we may not faâ—â— He will send his Angel before thee and 〈…〉 hold saith God my Angel shâ—◠〈…〉 Angel was to lead him all the way 〈…〉 they lead us all the way to â—â—aven even 〈◊〉 we step the last step of the Ladder 8. God in governing the World and his People in it makes use of Angels they lead sâ—metimes a poor Soul perhaps into a godly Family or 〈◊〉 the Company of a gracious Person and so he by that means is converted and his Feet set upâ—n the Ladder or brought to believe on Jesus Christ or Persons are by their Ministration perhaps brought into a Meeting or an Assembly of God's People unexpectedly which proves their Conversion Or may be an Angel may smite a notorious Sinâ—â— with Sickness at God's Command to awaken others with sudden Death 9. They are to keep the Godly in all their ways or rather in God's ways to keep our feet on the Ladder lest they Lip For he shall give his Angels thaâ—â—e over thee to keep thee in all thy ways they shall bear thee up in their hands or sustain thee and uphold thee in all thy goings as we do a Child or weak person especially in times of danger as a Nurse bears the Child in her Arms. But take heed of going out of God's way lest you fall and the evil Angels have power over you as he had over a godly Man's daughter who going to a Play-house was possessed by the Devil and a godly Minister pleading with God said Lord why didst thou suffâ—r Satan to possess such a man's Chilâ— The Devil presently said in her as I remember the passage What did â—â—e then upon my ground The good Angels Brethren have a charge only of us while in his way a Saint may step out of it tho not out of Christ yet out of his ways O take heed of that 10. Angels are imployed to comfort God's People Fear not Mary thou hâ—st sound favour with God Angels know us by name An Angel appeared to Daâ—iel and said O Daniel a Man greatly beloved understand the words I speak unto thee Angels know who are most beloved of Jesus Christ An Angel appeared to Cornelâ—us and said Thy Prayers and thy Alms are come up as a Memorial before God 11. They also as Mr. Greenhill observes are to look to the Souls of Believers that they fall not into the hands of Devils at death for they all go to Heaven through his Territories the Air For saith he if the Devil durst contend with Michael for the Body of Moâ—eâ— much more fâ—r the Souls of the Saints Lazarâ—â—'s Soul was carried by the Angels into Abraham's â—oâ—om before Men carried the Body to the Grave the Angels carried his Soul to Glory Moreover they are the Reaperâ— of the Harvest of the World and shall gather tâ—gether all the Elect at the last day they must blow the terrible Trumpet to raise the Dead at the last day 12. The Angels have work in the Church they attend the Assemblies of the Saints For thâ—s cause ought the Woman to have poweâ— oâ— her Head because of the Angels or to have her Head viz. her Faâ—e covered the thing signified is here put for the sign she is under the power of her Husband signified by covering her Head Quest. But why must she be covered because of the Angels Ans. There are divers Opinions about this 1. Some think the Apostle means the evil Angels who watch to take advantage to tempt Men by the sight of some beautiful Object But certainly as our Aâ—â—oâ—â—ors observe the Apostle would not have spoken of Dâ—vils under this nâ—tion 2. Others think he means the Ministers or Oâ—â—â—cers of the Church who are called Angels â—ut as Calvin observes the word Angel is never appropriated to Ministers without some addition as to the Angel of the Church of Epâ—â—stâ—â— c. 3. Most understand by Anâ—els here the good Angels they have a charge of our Churches as Peter Martyr observes as well as they had of the Jews Michael the Prince stood up for the Children of thy People The Angels take good notice of every person's behaviour in our Assemblies how they demean themselves with piety modesty and sobriety If any let their Eyes wander or rove abâ—ut they observe them Hence 't is thought the Women should cover their Faces especially in Prayer because of the Observation the Angels make of them and others whilst in God's holy Worship in his Church Brethren like aâ— the Devils attend our Churches to hinder us in our profiting under the Word so the good Angels are there also to resist them and to further our profiting Satan as one observes is first and last at the meetings of God's People and he hath many ways to obstruct the Souls of Men from hearing with attention may be luâ—â—s them asleep or fills their minds with prejudice against the Preacher or against the Word he preaches or to confuse their thoughts causing them to think of their worldly Business perhaps of their Debts what they owe or what is owing to them or of Injuries sustained and how to seek revenge or else cause them to fix their Eyes upon one beautiful Object or another thereby to divert them from what they should mind But we may conclude the good Angels have as many ways to help us as the evil have