his Death Resurrection and Ascension Speaks of them thus interested in him as those who already sit in Heavenly places ver 6. They do not sit personally but in their Representative as the People of England sit in Parliament by their representative And as the People yet unborn may be said to sin in Adam because he was a Person that stood up in the stead of all So with as much proprieâ—y of Speech may the People of God now on the Earth be said to sit in Heavenly places in that Christ who stands up for them and in their names is there ascended and sate down Quest 2. Can Christ be said to ascend in both Natures or no did he ascend as God if so his Motion overthrows his Omnipresence Now for answer hereto you must know that Ascension is taken two ways 1. Figuratively in regard of State and Condition and so we say a Man gets up or comes down as his Estate and Honours grow or decline though he moves not in place 2. It is taken properly for Local motion a Motion from a lower to a higher place Now both these may be admitted to their place in Christ's Ascension though not both to both Natures For we must know that Christ is a compound Person a Person consisting of two Natures the Divine and Humane Now then the Divine Nature can be only said to ascend in regard of Condition and State When that which lay obscured and vailed in Dust and Flesh came to have its Glory and Perfections to be manifested and to shine forth more clearly then is he said to ascend in his Divine Nature So far forth as Ascension presupposes a Change it may by no means be predicated of the Divine Nature But there may be an Ascension in respect of manifestation which doth not imply a change but a more full appearance As a bright Candle in a Lanthorn is the same whether the Lanthorn be covered or clean wiped And yet the Light is not alike discovered in the one as in the other so that the change is not at all in the Candle but in the Lanthorn 2. The Divine Nature may be said to ascend causally in as much as he caused the Local ascent of the Humane Nature But now Christ man ascended both in regard of State and Place too 1. In regard of State in that he received that Glory and these Perfections which before he had not For till he was ascended his Manhead was not glorified 2. In regard of Place In that he left those lower Seats of the Earth and by the Power of his Divine Nature was carried up to those Mansions which are above the Heavens We may learn what his Ascension was by his descension His descension was not say the Schools proper but metaphorical in respect of his Divine Nature Non mutatione loci vel motu aliquo locali It was not the change of Place or Local motion as if he were come off that glorious and holy place that he might come down upon the Earth Sed tantum naturam humanam in terrâ non autem in caelo assumendo But only by assuming Humane Nature on the Earth which he had not assumed in Heaven And so I may by parity of Reason say that his Ascension was humanam naturam in terrâ assumptam intra coelum recipiendo or transferendo A receiving or translating his Humane Nature assumed into Heaven to be glorified And so I come to the second Term the Place to which he was advanced to which he ascended and that was to Heaven Now Scripture and Philosophy agree in the Number of Heavens and from both we have warrant for three 1. The Region of the Air. 2. The Starry Firmament or Sphears where the Planets run their course 3. The highest Heavens where are the Seates of the Blessed The Caelum Empyreum That resplendent and glorious place where are the blest Spirits made perfect The City of the living God the new Jerusalem Now when we say Christ ascended into Heaven we mean into this Heaven of Heavens above all those visible Heavens and those heavenly Mansions where God doth more fully shew and manifest his glorious Presence and Perfection and where his Angels and blest Spirits have their abode And hence it is that Christ is said to be ascended afar above all Heavens Epes 4.10 To that Holy place which doth as far out-go all the other Heavens for loftiness of Scituation for stability of Duration for dignity of Substance for largeness of Capacity Doth as far I say out-go all other Heavens for these as also for Glory and Blessedness as it doth out-go all the Abilities of a Humane Understanding to comprehend them Sometimes called the Heaven of Heavens 1 Kings 8.27 by way of Eminency Sometimes the House of God the Father John 14.2 Sometimes the 3d. Heaven So far Faith as 't is compared with the Air and Firmament stretched out and adorned with so many glorious Stars and Planets 2 Cor. 12.2 and vers 4. It is called Paradice whereof that ancient Paradice planted in Eden was a Type Sometimes 't is called Abraham's Bosom Sometimes the new Heaven Sometimes the high and holy place shadowed out and often described by Mount Sion Therefore called the Holy Mount of the Lord. Sometimes it is called a City which hath Foundations whose Builder and Maker is God Heb. 11.10 Sometimes the Heavenly place Now to this high and to this heavenly place above all Heavens visible to those immortal and unseen Ones above was our Saviour at his Ascension carried by the infinite Vertue and Power of the Divine Nature to sit with the Father triumphant in highest Glory and Majesty And that he was so we are now to prove Now this I shall make good 1. By Types 2. By Prophesies 3. By Promises 4. By Witnesses 1. By Types And hence was it as I conceive and all the Learned I have met with That Enoch before the Law was translated and in the Body advanced from a mortal to immortal Condition to that place where the blest Spirits remain Till their Bodies raised by the Power of Christ's Voice shall be prepared for such a perfect Translation Gen. 5.24 And Enoch walked with God 't is said and he was not for God took him And that this was only an Ascension without any acquaintance with the Grace or Corruption the Apostle tells us Heb. 11.5 By Faith Enoch was translated that he should not see Death Another Type you have under the Law of Eliah specified 2 Kings 2.11 who set on fire with Zeal for God was sutable to his Work and Spirit carried up to God in a fiery Chariot There appeared a Chariot of Fire and Horses of Fire and parted Eliah and Elisha asunder so that Eliah went up by a Whirlewind into Heaven The Chariot parted Eliah and his Friend Elisha but not his Soul and his Body his Soul was translated to Heaven without any smell of Death upon his upper Garment his Body Thus have you
in all our necessities as is to be found in his Ascension We may now pray and not fear our Mediator is gone before our Advocate is with the Father Be now wholly confident that thou shalt be heard in that thou fearest weak Duties cannot hinder acceptance when Christ is above to further it When thou dost pray thou goest to a God that hath thine Advocate at his Right-hand He that is of God's Counsel is thy Counsel This the Apostle thinks is enough to give a Man a bold and confident face in that holy Presence 4 Heb. 14 16. Seeing then that we have an High Priest that is passed into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace Never fear Christ is above Who would not come boldly into the Court when he knows he hath such a Person to present his Petition The eldest Son to the King is of thy side what needest thou fear some would take off Prayer from being now a Duty because we live in the days of the Gospel Days say they of a high Dispensation 't is ill being too high for Duty No my Brethren pray now if ever for now thine Advocate is in Heaven and therefore thou shouldst now be always sending up Petitions thither 2. Christ ascended to Heaven that he might make a full Conquest over all his Peoples Enemies And this we are told by the Author to the Hebrews Ch. 10.12 13. This man sat down at the right hand of God expecting till his enemies be made his footstool That is till they are fully conquered and in the 4 Eph. 8. When he ascended up on high he led Captivity captive That is he led those captive which had before kept his People in captivity as we may see to be the meaning of the Phrase in the 5 Judges 12. An allusion to the Custom of the Romans who after their Victory led their Captives in triumph So Christ's ascending up to Heaven it was his getting into his Triumphal Chariot leading his own and his Peoples Enemies captived at his Chariot-wheels as it were and so saith Paul 2 Colos 15. Having spoiled Principalities and Powers he made a shew of them openly triumphing over them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That is he did in height of confidence make them a publick Example of fcorn and shame 'T is true Christ strook the last stroke and won the day on his Cross Then the Devil and Sin and Death received their mortal wound But at the Resurrection he seized the Prey laid hold on those he had subdued and by his Ascension dragged them as it were at his Chariot-wheels to be trampled upon by all those that are Members of his Body which makes the Victory of God's poor People certain Oh what a comfort is this my Brethren that Christ by going up to Heaven doth manifest to all the World that all their Enemies lie bleeding at his Feet That he hath overcome the Grave Death the Devil and Sin They may bark they can bite no more the Serpent may put out his Sting but cannot hurt They now lie all as Captives chained in the Stocks till the King's Pleasure How are we hereby armed against the fear of Satan I confess these spiritual Powers are great in their own nature But they are not now what they were They are disarmed Devils they are Devils but they are naked Devils Devils they are but wounded Devils conquered Devils Devils led captives Devils in Chain no fear of a chained Enemy if you come not within his reach 2. Again what Encouragement have we here to hold out in all our Encounters against these Enemies They may foam but they cannot fight they are Prisoners Captives chained up from doing hurt Christ our Lord doth hold them pinioned that they cannot stir they think they may do what they please but no more then a Goal-bird in Irons they are held with Irons of Guilt and in Chains of Providence we would all say that that Man hath a base low Spirit who when he was well appointed and well-guarded should rear a naked Enemy We have our Weapons with us our Captain with us our Enemies naked and bound Let us be strong then in the might of him that strengthens us to look upon Satan now as loose is to deny Christ's Ascension He is a Devil still but a chained Devil 3. Here 's an Encouragement for our Faith too keep that eye clear that thou mayest see thy Victory and thou art safe there 's no more required then that thou see thy Captain triumphing Give Glory unto Christ that he hath done this for thee and he will apply it to thee Doth the Devil hold hard Fear not one look of Christ's will make his Weapons fall out of his hands Is Sin strong Yea but the Sting is gone Christ hath the Victory look to thy Saviour let but thy Faith mount into his Triumphal Chariot and thine Enemies are all under thy feet also You know 't is a mighty Encouragement to a Souldier to fight when he sees his Commander go on beating down his Enemies before him We should fear our Enemies less and prevail more if we would eye Christ's Conquest more frequently having such a Friend in Heaven we need not fear any on Earth nor Friend in Hell 3. He ascended on high for the pouring forth of the Graces of his Spirit that his People might also be prepared for that holy place not only that they be secured here but crowned above whence saith the Apostle Ephes 4.8 When he ascended on high he led Captivity captive and gave Gifts unto men It is an allusion to the Roman Custom that when the Conqueror rode in Triumph towards the Capitol or Palace he did not only draw the Prisoners at his Chariot-wheels but also scatter'd Money to the Spectators that saw him ride along in Triumph Why so Christ having by his Ascension spoiled Death and the Devil cast his Gifts unto Men dispenseth his Graces in a greater measure into the Hearts of his People He hath conquered his Enemies and now gives about his Favours to those that are his so that strength of Grace is the Fruit of Christ's Ascension and Acts 2.33 Being by the Right hand of God exalted he hath shed forth the Holy Ghost And therefore to comfort his Disciples at his departure shews them what they should get by the loss of his corporal Presence John 16.7 It is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away the Comforter will not come to you But if I depart I will send him to you And 7 John 39. The Holy Ghost was not yet given because that Christ was not yet glorified Not that this Text or that other gives any countenance to that Socinian dotage That before Christ's Ascension there were no saving Gifts of the Spirit for that will suppose that before Christ was there none went to Heaven or that Holiness was not necessary to the seeing of God But the
is that Angel who hath a golden Censer to offer up the Prayers of the Saints Revel 8.3 And therefore God's People through Christ are said to be made Priests to offer up their Sacrifice with acceptance upon his Altar 1 Pet. 2.5 An unspeakable Incouragement to poor timorous Souls Who be their Prayers as as weak as imperfect nay as sinful as they may be they have an Advocate with the Father And art thou ashamed of thy Prayers art thou afraid of thy Prayers Thou hast one that will new draw thy Petitions who will not present thy Prayers as come from thee but as perfected and sanctified by himself 4. Lastly Hereby we come to be assured of God's Favour to continue with us that our Infirmities or Miscarriages shall not be available to take off God's care of us or care to us whatever we have done our Mediator is still in presence to keep off Judgment from us Rom. 8.34 This is the Apostles Argument Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again Who is even at the Right hand of God who also makes intercession for us who shall separate us from the Love of God As if he had said In that Christ is ascended on high he is become an Intercession and in that he is an Intercessor We can never be separated from God's Affection The Stability of our Condition is the Fruit of Christ's Intercession and his Intercession the Fruit of his Ascension He is ascended therefore he intercedes he intercedes Therefore who shall separate us from the Love of God THat was the Fourth Christ ascended to make Intercession 5. Christ must ascend to Heaven to prepare a place for his People That was one end and a great one too of Christ's ascending up to Heaven And this is the Cordial he gives his Disciples now ready to sink at the sad News of his departure John 14.1 2. Let not your hearts be troubled I go to prepare a place for you I go not from you to leave you but to provide for you And therefore the Author to the Hebrews calls him our forerunner Heb. 6.20 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 our Quarter-Master if we may speak it with reverence One gone before in his Triumphal Chariot to take up Quarters for his People in Heaven Now we must know that Christ may be said in Heaven to prepare a Place for his People three Ways 1. By way of Representation as seating himself in God's Presence in the stead and as the Representative of his People for as I told you in the description Christ is not gone to Heaven as a private and single Person but as a publick and common Person The great Representative of God's Elect Adam represented all Men in Eden and so by his Sin all sinned they sinned in their Representative in their common root and so Wrath came upon all Why so Christ in what he did in the business of Salvation he did as representing all the Elect. When he died they died when he arose they arose when he ascended they did ascend he did all in their stead as their Representative and Root all imputed to them which he did or suffered all made theirs which he purchased Thus when Aaron was to go into the holiest of Holies the Type of that holy place where Christ now sits at the Right hand of the Majesty on high He is said to bear the Names of the Children of Israel in the Breast-plate of Judgment upon his Heart for a Memorial before the Lord that is for a Remembrance that they be helped and blest and saved Exod. 28.29 The People must not go in none but Aaron must come in and represent them to the Lord So Christ is ascended to that holy place and there he hath carried the Names of the People on his Breast as it were stands presenting them unto God in that holy place as a People to be especially regarded and therefore he is said Heb. 9.24 To be entred into Heaven and to appear in the Presence of God for us there he stands in our steads to transact our business to get the Sentence of the Law reversed and the Blessing of the Covenant to descend And hence is that passage of the Apostles Eph. 2.6 And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly Places in Jesus Christ We are not in heavenly Places we are in earthly places Yea but we now sit in Heaven in our representative Our Burgess is as it were there a common and a publick Person there sits in our steads He sits there to bring us thither and Heb. 6.20 Thither the forerunner is for us entred He went not thither himself but to take possession in our stead As a Traveller that is sent out by his Fellows as a Harbinger to take up Lodging in an Inn for them Enters the Rooms not so much for himself as for his Company and so in a Sense when he is entred they are entred Christ is gone the Harbinger of his Elect in their stead and behalf to Heaven he is entred the Throne for them and his entrance is their assurance to be there 2. He prepares a place for his People in Heaven by Intercession too and therefore is said 9 Heb. 24. Christ is not entred into the Holy place made with hands but into Heaven To appear in the presence of God for us continually praying to the Father that we be preserved here and be brought safe thither Interceeding that he would so uphold them by his Power that they may not fall and be lost and so guide them by his Spirit that they may be brought to that place where he is And that his Disciples might see that these things would be his work in Heaven in the behalf of his People He in their Sight and Audience with much Reverence and Affection puts it on practice a little before his departure as John 17. He lift up his eyes unto Heaven it is said and said Father keep through thine name these whom thou hast given me that they may be one as we are one Vers 11. and 24. Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my Glory So then this is the Work of Christ's Intercession To beg God's Protection on his People on Earth and Glory with him in Heaven that no created Power impede their Comfort nor any Sin their Salvation 3. Christ prepares his People for Heaven by way of Operation he makes a Heaven within his People before they shall get to Heaven he shall never enter Heaven that brings not something of Heaven with him he fetcheth up their Hearts their Affections to Heaven before he sends for their Persons thither My Brethren Never shall a Soul get to Heaven that is not in Heaven before he goes out of the World In Heaven by holy Meditations by holy Actions by good Thoughts by a good Life Christ never brings any Soul
gone his Journey why now then let the Servants every one set to their Business to their Service now let it be known they are not Eye-servants but do what they do in Love 6. There is another special Duty that from Christ's Ascension lies upon you that is Spiritual Joy and Rejoycing My Brethren Christ's Ascension was his Triumph and if a People be loyal when their King triumphs they will rejoyce Oh let our joyful Spirits give Eccho as it were to Christ's Trumpets that while they sound a Victory and Peace on Earth we may cry glory to the Highest Christ himself made this an Evidence of his Peoples Love 14 John If ye loved me ye would rejoyce because I said I go unto the Father Hadst thou a poor Kinsman advanced to some high Place in the Commonwealth thou wert but a poor Friend if thou wouldst not rejoyce So it is our eldest Brother yea our Head is gone into Heaven and there in our Nature sitteth next in Authority under God the Father who hath put all things under him and shall not we send one Gratulation after him See the Disciples Carriage when they had seen Christ ascended a Man would have thought that they which had so sweet Converse with Christ should have been found in a sad and mourning Posture upon his Departure He gone whose Life was their Light his Words a sweet Mixture of wise Counsels solid Comfort precious Promises and he departed from us Who but would have thought he should have found his Disciples wringing their Hands and prickt at their very Hearts since they had lost the Personal Presence of him who was their Counsel and Support their very Hope and Life No such matter they rejoyced that he was gone as you may see 24 Luke 52 53. He was parted from them and they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God See my Brethren it was the very Joy of their Hearts that Christ was gone to Heaven they rejoyced at it and they continued rejoycing just like good Subjects when their King rides in Triumph they cry after him GOD save the KING GOD save the KING some such Triumphant Song should we send after our Triumphing Captain None should express more Joy in Words in Works in Carriage in Conversation in Face in Faith than God's People 'T is an undecent and unbeseeming thing that a triumphing King should have a sad and a sullen People None should be so heartily merry as Christians I do not mean toyish and idle and apish in their Carriage and their Words which to see in People of Age may be the Wonder of Fools and Laughter of Children But in a comfortable Frame of Spirit arising from the Mercies they have and the Hope they have founded on the Love of God manifested in Promises that 's Madness and not Mirth which makes Fools and Children laugh but wise Men mourn Their Leader is in his Chariot on his Throne their Enemies at his Wheels at their Feet Thanks be to God that hath given us the Victory through Jesus Christ. 7. Lastly Is Christ gone to Heaven why then make up after him as fast as thou canst ascend thither Spiritually whether Christ is ascended Corporally Is Christ in Heaven why then let thine Heart be in Heaven let thine Heart be where thy Head is let thy Desires Thoughts Meditations be like the Angels on Jacob's Ladder going up coming down hold constant Correspondence with thy Prince Remember Christ thy Head is in Heaven What hast thou to do to build Tabernacles here upon Earth thou art Travelling to thy Country to thy Husband Along in the way thou art going for Jewels do not think of taking up thy rest in thy way Doest thou believe Christ is ascended What dost thou scraping then in the Earth and rooting thy self in the Mud or tumbling with Swine in dirty Puddles of Filthy Pleasures Observe what Paul saith 3 Coloss 1. If ye be risen with Christ seek these things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God What said the Angels to those that came to seek Christ in his Sepulcher Luke 24. Why say they Do ye seek the living among the dead he is not here he is risen So why seek you Christ amongst the things of the Earth he is not here he is ascended Christ is in Heaven Why then Let our conversation be in Heaven saith the Apostle Phil. 3.20 Where the Carcase is thither will the Eagles be gathered saith Christ Matth. 24.28 The Glory of the Gospel shall with such Effect and Power be maintained in the World that it shall make Men as eager to come after Christ into Heaven as the Eagle is after the Prey See then how you can find the Power of Christ's Ascension growing upon your Hearts Whether it draws thee up to Christ makes thee most Earthly and more Heavenly Whether it makes thee more Passionately eager and more Importunately earnest after Christ in his Ordinances in his Presence in his Grace in his Members This is thy Duty and this if it be thy Work will be thy Happiness What all for Earth and Christ in Heaven Let thy Thoughts then be more working to Christ thy Words more Talking of Christ thy Life more guided by Christ thy Affection more with the People of Christ Thy Head is in Heaven Let thy Heart be in Heaven and then doubt not but thy Body will come after FINIS BOOKS Printed for John Salusbury in Cornhill THE Certainty of The Worlds of Spirits fully evinced by unquestionable Histories of Apparitions and Witchcrafts Operations Voices c. Proving the Immortality of Souls the Malice and Miseries of the Devils and the damned and the Blessedness of the Justified The End of Doctrinal Controversies which have lately troubled the Churches by reconciling Explication without much Disputing Both by Mr. Richard Baxter The Protestant Religion truly stated and justified by the late Reverend Divine Mr. Richard Baxter Whereunto is added by way of an Epistle some Account of the Learned Author never before Published By Mr. Matth. Silvester and Mr. Daniel Williams The Harmony of the Divine Attributes in the Countrivance and Accomplishment of Man's Redemption by the Lord Jesus Christ By William Bates D. D. The Changeableness of this World with respect to Nations Families and particular Persons with a Practical Application thereof to the various Conditions of this Mortal Life By Timothy Rogers M. A. The Christian Laver or a Discourse opening the Nature of Participation with and Demonstrating the Necessity of Purification by Christ By T. Cruso Earthquakes Explained and practically Improved Occasioned by the late Earthquake Septemb. 8. 1692. In London and many other Parts of England and beyond Sea With a particular Account of the Earthquake in Jamaica By Tho. Doolittle M. A. The Pastor's Care and Dignity and the Peoples Duty By G. Tross
only heard of one before the Law and one under the Law by an ascension translated to Heaven The third whereof both the other were Types was Christ under the Gospel 2. I prove it by Prophesies also In order whereto if you please to turn to the 68 Psalm 18. you shall find David so confident of Christ's Ascension that his Faith looks upon it as a thing already performed Thou hast ascended on high The Fashion of that Language to express the absolute certainty of things to come by a Tense that denotes the performance already past Whence that Expression Babylon is fallen is fallen though it be not accomplished to this day and least any should mistake the Act he takes off all misunderstanding by the Effect Thou hast led Captivity captive Thou hast received Gifts for Men. And that this Prophesie had an eye to Christ's Ascension that Christ's ascension was the compleating of it We are told by Paul in two places Eph. 4.8 Where you have an account of what Christ did after his Ascension in Expressions proportionable to the Prophesie of what he should do When he ascended up on high he led Captivity captive The other Text is Heb. 4.14 The Psalmist had said before Thou hast ascended on high The Apostle in this place saith We have a great High Priest that is past into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God Nor can I think or find less understood by that Expression of the Psalmists Psalm 110.7 He shall drink of the brook in the way therefore he shall lift up his head That it is spoken of Christ all grant and that he should be advnaced at God's Right-hand the Sense of the whole Psalm carries it But first he must drink of the Brook by the way of that Cup which God had put into his hands for the taking off of his Peoples Sins and attoning the Justice of God and then should he lift up his head That is rise from the Dead and ascend into Heaven But if this shall be thought too obscure take a further view in the Prophesie of Daniel 7 Ch. 13 14. I saw in the Night Visions and behold one like the Son of Man came with the Clouds of Heaven and came to the ancient of days and they brought him before him and there was given him Dominion and Glory and a Kingdom that all People Nations and Languages should serve him His Dominion is everlasting and his Kingdom that which shall not destroyed This Kingdom and Dominion must be understood of Christ's Ascension and not of his coming to Judgment because at his coming to Judgment all things are to be delivered up into the hands of the Father 1 Cor. 15. And that it is to be understood of Christ's Ascension we may sometimes gather from the Manner of his coming to Heaven Which faith the Prophet was in the Clouds and in the 1st Acts you there find he was carried up to Heaven in the Clouds 3. I prove it also from Promises many whereof you have from Christ's own Mouth Nor can I conceive less signified in that Speech of Christ's 6 John 62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before And in that 16 John 5.7 But now I go the way to him that sent me What dress soever the Words seem to appear in we know they were given as a Cordial and Support to the Disciples Spirits at Christ's departure the Comfort and Direction of the Spirit being that which should follow upon and so was a Promise 4. I prove it by Witnesses too You have it reported from the Mouths of those that saw it an Eye-witness is a good Evidence He gathered the Eleven together and while they beheld 't is said he was taken up Acts 1.9 10. Nor Nor did they only see it joyntly but witness it severally so saith Peter 1 Pet. 3.22 He is gone into Heaven And after him comes Paul with a late but as sure a testimony Eph. 4.10 He that descended is the same also that ascended But if Men should mistake Angels may he heard They also are recorded as Eye-witnesses of his glorious Triumph Acts 1.10 As he went up to two Men stood by them in white apparel which also said this same Jesus which is taken from them into Heaven c. And indeed scarce shall you find any one Point in all the Scripture proved more punctually And no wonder I know no Point that hath a Womb greater with Mercies There cannot fall out a Cross but a dull Eye may here see an excellent Comfort Nor any Condition so mean and low which this new State of Christ's will not sweeten and in time change As by God's assistance we shall shew hereafter Be instructed how to carry your selves when the time of your Dissolution draws on Nay take all in a word Descendit secundum naturam assumentem quae se in carne manifestavit Ascendit verò secundum naturam assumptam in quâ se manifestavit He descended according to that Nature which did assume which manifested it self in the Flesh but ascended according to that Nature which was assumed in which he manifested himself HAving thus opened and confirmed the Proposition by Scripture We shall now go on as far as Scripture will warant to give some Reasons Why it was that Christ did ascend into Heaven Some Reasons respect Christ and some his People Reas 1. Because he had finished that Work which he was sent to do he was sent forth from the Father to bring about that great design of Heaven Glory to God by good will to Man His Work done that is God's ends accomplished he had no more to do but to go whence he came and to manifest that his Work was done by taking his place again on the Throne When Ambassadors have delivered their Master's pleasure according to their Commission they return again to their Masters Courts And hence it is that our Saviour ready to depart tells his Apostles That he came from the Father into the World and having done his business was to leave the World and go to the Father again John 16.28 and 17 John 4.5 He looks upon finishing his Work as so great a reason of his ascension to Heaven that he makes that the only Argument to move the Father to glorifie him with that Glory which he had once enjoyed with himself I have glorified thee on Earth I have finished the Work which thou gavest me to do And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the Glory which I had with thee before the World was He had finished his Father's Work on Earth It was now but reason that he should go to Heaven 'T is observable that Christ could not recover his former Glory again till he had done the Sinner's work that is he could not have the Glory again till he had opened a way for more Souls to be glorified too Oh Grace inexpressible No entring for Christ into Glory till he had done
that Work that would bring poor Souls to Glory And can any after this doubt of God's Love 2. He must ascend that he might manifest to all the World that he was God as well as Man his Divinity must have lain under a Cloud and Suspicion had he not been thus in a Cloud taken up into Heaven Christ had told his Hearers of many things which were too sublime and high for their understandings that were got but little above the pitch of Nature to assent to And therefore that by the Dignity of his Person he might win a full assent of Faith to his Words he makes it manifest that he came down from the Father and how Why by this in that he was to ascend to the Father again as you may see John 3.12 13. How shall ye believe if I tell you of heavenly things No Man hath ascended up into Heaven but he that came down from Heaven even the Son of Man which is in Heaven As if he had said ye cannot believe his Words till his Godhead is proved by his Ascension And you find Paul to make use of his Ascension as an Argument to prove his Godhead by 4 Eph. 9 10. Now that he ascended what is it but that he descended first into the lower parts of the Earth He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all Heavens that he might fill all things His going up to Heaven is there made by Paul an Argument that he came down from Heaven That is that he was God 3. He must to Heaven again that there might be a full Requital and Recompence made him for all those Sufferings and Sorrows and Dishonours which he met with in the Body It may astonish Nature to consider what he suffered and from whom Now what kept him up in his Sufferings but the assurance he had of his Reward How did he bear what he did on Earth but by considering what he should be in Heaven This is the Argument that Paul makes use of to prove his Glory by 2 Phil. 8.9 Being found in fashion as a Man he humbled himself and became obedient unto Death even the death of the Cross wherefore saith he God also hath highly exalted him c. Quia Christus propter nos in nostrâ carne ultrò sese humiliavit Deus ea proptus nos in carne nostrâ etiam in sammam exhilit sublimitatem Because Christ of himself for us humbled himself in our Flesh Therefore did God for us advance him to the greatest Glory in the Flesh The Top and Perfection of Glory must be the reward of his Submission to carry on God's Purposes 110 Psalm 7. He shall drink of the brook in the way therefore shall he lift up the head He should drink of that Cup which God should put into his Hands embittered with the Wrath of God and Rage of Men. And then should he lift up his Head yea and there he should lift up his Head he should be advanced above the Grave by his Resurrection above the World by his Ascension and above all aspectable Heavens by sitting down at the Right-hand of God When Christ had been at Bethany the House of the Poor then should he come to Bethel the House of God His Cross must be his way to his Crown he must wear the Crown of Thorns before he could put on the Crown of Glory We see Jesus saith the Apostle For the Sufferings of Death crowned with Glory Heb. 2.9 4. That he might make it appear that his Kingdom was not of this World His Disciples no sooner saw him delivered from the Bonds of Death but their thoughts were presently on a fifth Monarchy a Temporal Kingdom They began to grow Millenaries dream of a Personal Reign which Christ himself should exercise over Israel and deliver them from the Bondage of the Roman Yoke under which they then groaned as appears from 1 Acts 6. When they therefore were come together that is his Disciples They asked of him saying Lord wilt thou at this time restore again the Kingdom to Israel And this was the Epidemical disease of the Jews at that time they were so sensible of their temporal Bondage and it made them so impatient that they thought it must be the Work of him that was the true Messias by making himself King to set them at liberty and this and little else made them look after a Messiah and this fond Conceit because they understood not wherein Christ's Kingdom did consist made Christ a Stumbling-block and Rock of Offence unto them that they could not believe in him Now Christ's Disciples living amongst them began to be tainted with the same Opinion That Christ by a personal Exercise of Sovereignty came to restore the temporal Power and Kingdom to the Jews Now that they might not be so taken with Christ's bodily Presence as to forget his Spiritual Rule and Scepter He withdraws that from them by his Ascension and promises a more effusion of his Spirit upon them whereby their carnal Blindness might be taken off and they guided in the way of all Truth And thus much Paul's Words import 2 Cor. 5.16 Though we have known Christ after the Flesh yet now henceforth know we him no more As if he had said All carnal Knowledge of Christ in respect of personal appearance must now be laid aside he is ascended on high We must now labour to know him in a Spiritual way so to know him as to believe in him to submit to him To look for Grace by him and Heaven with him These Reasons I shall only give as respecting Christ himself There may be others drawn from that Eye which Christ had to the Advancement and Comfort of his People But I shall wave them here and propose them in another place as the blessed Consequences and Effects of his the glorious Ascension of Christ And now shall according to promise proceed unto Application and thereby improve it three ways to Information to Comfort to Counsel 1. Is it so that Christ is locally ascended into the highest Heavens first Use for Information and that in sundry Particulars Vse 1. Then may we here see the Vanity of that Popish Transubstantiation That real or rather Corporal presence of Christ in the Sacrament which they with so much fury maintain A carnal and corporal Presence For we deny not a real Presence in a Spiritual sence For Christ is really present in the Sacrament though not corporally and it were no way improper to call it a sensless Opinion since they must deny the Office of all the Senses that all Men have in the World to maintain it And though the Senses at the time of Administration are all at a loss in respect of finding any thing which may be a Confirmation to their Opinion yet will they not endure a Spiritual Understanding of it They place it under a miraculous Power and yet no change found by any Sense whereas Christ never did Miracle but
convinced the Senses when he turned Water into Wine They tasted Wine So the five Loaves c. It must not be thought a Perception above Sense though themselves cannot but deny it to be such a Perception as the Senses are not at that time capable of But had we no other Arguments to shew the Absurdity of this Opinion than what we were holpen to in the Doctrine of Christ's Ascension it were enough And therefore as the Angel argued from Christ's Resurrection that he was not in the Grave Mat. 28.6 He is not here for he is risen so may we argue from Christ's Ascension that he is not in the Sacrament in that manner as the Papists dream He is not there that is not corporally for he is ascended And to this very end doth Christ speak of his Ascension 6 John 61 62 63. That he might there convince the Disciples of their Mistake when they thought that Christ was carnally or corporally to be eaten In the 55 57 Verses Christ had told his Disciples that his Flesh was meat and his blood was drink and saith Christ he that eateth me shall live Hereupon the Disciples like the Papists began to think of a Corporal eating of Christ's Flesh and were offended at it Now Christ to satisfie them tells them that his meaning was spiritual that they should feed on him spiritually and not carnally for to eat him corporally at the Sacrament that could not be saith Christ And how did he prove that it could not be Why Because he was to ascend to the Father His ascension to Heaven would take off his corporal Presence at the Sacrament What saith Christ if ye shall see the Son of Man ascend up where he was before It is the Spirit that quickeneth the Flesh profiteth nothing the Words that I speak to you are Spirit by which Christ clearly shews that 't is a Spiritual eating of him in the Sacrament that he requires and not a carnal and that it can be understood of no other but a spiritual because he is ascended where he was before Can Christ be corporally present at the same time in Heaven and on Earth too he can't be fed on here for he is not here but ascended 2. By this Doctrine of Christ's Ascension may we be assured too that we are gainers and not losers by the want of Christ's bodily Presence We are all like Christ's Disciples they were loath to part from him after they had enjoyed him And we are ready to think they only were happy who when he was in the World did enjoy him And oh how happy had we been had we lived at that time My Brethren We should be less happy if we had Christ now upon Earth then we can be now he is for us in Heaven 'T is our gain that we do not now corporally enjoy him The Sun could not be placed so much for our comfort any where upon Earth as it is now it is set in the Firmament and 't is our greatest advantage that our Sun of Righteousness is placed on the Throne above all Heavens to appear before the Lord for the good of his People Therefore when Christ perceived his Disciples sad at the news of his departure John 14.28 If ye loved me saith Christ you would rejoyce because I said I go to the Father 'T is a Crown of Joy set on our Heads that Christ who is the King our Righteousness is sate down with that Crown on his Head which instates him in such a Dominion and Riches as shall make for the Comfort and Advancement of his People As we shall see more particularly anon 3. Be we assured of this too that though he be gone above us he is not gone from us his ascension to his Father hath not taken off his relation to his People Though he hath changed his place he hath not lost his affection He is a Brother still When Christ was upon Earth go tell my brethren saith he I am to ascend and after he was ascended he calls them Brethren still Heb. 2.11 Friends are you now ashamed of Christ Christ is not ashamed of you now he is gone to Heaven Some Men when they are preferr'd and got into great places will disown their poor Relations before great Personages But Christ is not of this Temper he is still the same to thee in Heaven that he was on Earth thy God still thy Christ still thy Friend still I ascend to my Father and your Father to my God and your God John 20.17 A Consideration that hath Sugar enough in it to sweeten the bitterest Portion that can be put into thine hand Christ stands in the same Relation to thee that ever he did and the same Affection he hath not lost his Bowels by going to Heaven Oh it was a Cordial that made Job's bitter Cup a most sweet and pleasant Draught I know that my Redeemer liveth Goali I know that my Kinsman liveth so the Hebrew will bear Ruth 4.10 Hast thou no Friends here remember thou hast a Kinsman in Heaven that will own thee when all the World will leave thee nay when thou must leave the World Thou wert a poor despicable forlorn Creature yea but now thou art allied to the Crown Thou art kin to the Heir apparent of Heaven one that will never deny his Relation one who tho' he be gone out of thy sight yet thou art not out of his Mind his Heart is still with thee a peculiar People 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a People of Purchase A Man will not lose a Jewel that hath cost him dear 4. By this Doctrine of Christ's Ascension we come to be assured too that Christ hath finished that Work which he came to do for his People That the Purchase is made Heaven purchased for us our Souls for him He our Inheritance we his The Work of Redemption ended and all fully accepted for Christ's Ascension doth fully prove that all is satisfied And so much I understand by that Phrase of Christ's John 16.10 He shall convince the World of Righteousness because I go to the Father The Spirit of God should convince his People that all satisfaction was made by Christ in that he was gone to the Father But you have a most excellent and full place to this purpose 9 Heb. 13. By his own blood he entred in once into the holy place having obtained eternal Redemption for us In that he entred into Heaven into that holy place it was clear that the Work of Redemption was finished When he had by himself purged our sins he sate down on the Right hand of the Majesty on high saith Paul Heb. 1.3 Had he not fulfilled the Law struck out the score which lay in God's Debt-book charged on our Account Had he not in all things satisfied his Father's pleasure he had never got into that holy place But he cries 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is finished and the Father Heb. 1.13 xxx says to him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
Graces of God's Spirit were not given down in that full and abundant measure till after Christ's Ascension The Apostles had after Christ's Ascension as in the 2 Acts a greater measure of the Holy Ghost poured down into them they had been given to the People of old The Disciples living in the Enjoyment of Christ's corporal Presence were so hung upon that that they were less capable of his spiritual Presence and therefore Christ must be gone that way might be made for this Spiritual appearance an infinite comfort in this Age of great work and difficulties that God's People may now go with boldness to beg greater measures of Grace yea and expect them too for this was the end of Christ's Ascension That if Troubles grow and Work increase a Soul may now expect higher and more enlarged Graces Christ did ascend not only to give you Gifts to bring you to Heaven but to give you Ministers enriched with eminent Abilities to fit you for Heaven Eph. 4.10 which by the way may shew Men how ill they requite the LORD when they band themselves against him Your Graces and your Ministers were alike the Fruit of CHRIST's Ascension that oppose them is to resist the GRACE of GOD. 4. Christ ascended on high to make Intercession for his People My Brethren Christ got into Heaven not only to open a way for his People to pray but that he might himself pray for his People Heb. 9.24 He is entred into Heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us It was requisite that Christ should ascend into Heaven that as he executed the Office of a Priest by offering himself upon the Cross for us he might also do it by appearing before God in Heaven to make Intercession for us There is he now holding up his Blood his Wounds to the Father that poor Worms may be pardoned poor Souls saved poor Bodies raised and then both glorified 'T was such a Priest we wanted saith Paul Heb. 7.26 Such an High Priest became us who is holy made higher then the Heaven which by the way doth shew us the advantage which God's People have by Christ's absence more then they should by his Presence Christ could never have fulfilled the Office of his Priesthood by making Intercession for his People if he had not gone bodily into Heaven and therefore 't is said If he were on Earth he should not be a Priest Look on this now as an unspeakable comfort that our Saviour is now in Heaven bodily appearing before God making Suit and Intercession for his People that their Sins may be pardoned that their Prayers may be heard that their Souls may be saved that their Enemies may be disappointed this was typified under the Law in the 28 Exod. 9 10 11 12 29. Aaron the Jewish High Priest was to bear the Names of the Children of Israel in the Breast-Plate of Judgment upon his Heart when he went into the holy Place for a Memorial before the Lord continually and this Type was fulfilled in the Ascension of Christ as in Heb. 9.24 Christ is entred into Heaven to appear in the presence of God for us Thither he is gone with the Names of all his People not on his Breast but in his Heart to make Intercession for them to his Father The Comforts whereof may be gathered from the two principal Parts thereof 1. The Presentation and Tender of his own Blood to his Father which he shed for our Sins a Blood of so much worth and value as God himself cannot ask more for 't is the Blood of him that is his fellow that is as much as to say the value of it is infinite not infinite only by way of price but efficacy A Blood that dyes white that make Sins of a Crimson and a Scarlet-dye like Snow and Wool 2. A making request for us Thus did the High Priest who was a Type of Christ enter into the holy of holiest which was a Figure of Heaven not only with Blood but with Incense which did signifie his Prayers to his People that by both he might perform the Office of an Intercessor Levit. 16.12 What the High Priest did typically within the Vail Christ doth now really within Heaven And therefore he is said to enter in by his blood into the holy place Heb. 9.12 and not only so but with his incense too Revel 8.2 3. whereof it is said that much was given him that he should offer it with the Prayer of the Saints Now indeed his very Blood hath an interceding Voice and therefore it is called the Blood that speaketh Heb. 12.24 My Brethren all that is in Christ hath a Voice to beg his Peoples Pardon A happy People to have such an Advocate his Person prays his Office prays his Humiliation his Exaltation all have a Voice to beg mercy for a poor Sinner like Paul for Onesimus a Mediator for him and a Sponsor for him Philem. 9.10 A Mediator I beseech thee for Onesimus saith he and a Sponsor if he hath wronged thee or oweth thee any thing put it on mine account I will repay it Thus is Christ both a Mediator and Surety Hence he is called a Mediator of a better Covenant Heb. 8.6 And a surety of a better Testament Heb. 7.22 So that he doth not only pray for us but promise for us he doth not only beg for us but engage for us His Person that cries for Mercy The Nature that hath sinned suffered His Merits that cries for mercy The Debt which was due is satisfied His Will that cries for mercy Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am John 17.24 Thus is Christ a compleat Intercessor All in him intercedes and he intercedes for all in us For Sin to be pardoned for Sin to be purged for the Soul to be saved for the Person to be glorified hence come all our Mercies priviledges all our Hopes for 1. Hereby we come to be brought into a more familiar acquaintance with and enjoyment of God himself I pray for these saith Christ That as thou father art in me and I in thee they also may be one in us John 17.21 That God and his People are as one was the Purchase of his Blood but that they are fastened in the most uniting Bond of Love and Affection is the Fruit of Christ's Prayer 2. Hereby we come too to be furnished with all spiritual Graces for our spiritual Employments I will pray the father saith Christ and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the Spirit of truth John 14.16 17. Every glance of God on thy Heart every motion of his Spirit in thy Soul every impression of Grace on thy Spirit is the Fruit of the Intercession of Christ 3. Hereby come all our Services to be sanctified The High Priest was to bear the Iniquity of the holy things of the Children of Israel Exod. 38.28 So doth Christ He
thither till he hath first prepared him here Earth must be put off before Glory can be put on and therefore in that 17 John 19. Christ says I sanctifie my self that they also may be sanctified through the Truth And then he cries Let them be glorified as I am glorified GOD must take up the room in the Heart before the Heart shall find a room in Heaven and there Paul 1 Col. 12 13 14. Gives God thanks that he did not only provide Heaven for his People but made them meet to be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light that is prepared them for Heaven as well as prepared Heaven for them So then when Christ prepared a place for his People in Heaven he makes them meet for the place 1 Pet. 1.3 4 5. No getting into Heaven in our old Rags Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to his abundant Mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively Hope by the Resurrection of Jesus from the Dead To an Inheritance incorruptible reserved in the Heavens Who are kept by the Power of God through Faith unto Salvation So then if you be kept for Heaven Then you shall be made meet for Heaven he must first put on the Robe of Christ's Righteousness that will put on the Robe of his Glory Keep them from the Evil of the World saith Christ And what then Why then Father saith he I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me John 17.15 24. And thus have you had another end of Christ's getting to Heaven in order to the Comfort of his People he went thither that he might prepare a place for his People and prepare them for the place Matter of most excellent comfort to all that have any Interest in him T is like that River in the Garden of Eden which was parted into four Streams Gen. 2.10 which are as so many Channels full of Comfort for fainting Hearts 1. The first Stream is this Is Christ gone up into Heaven why then thou mayest be sure be thine Enemies what they will and who they will in this World thou art safe Thy Saviour is above them and what needest thou fear This Jethro intimates as the Reason of the Destruction of those that were proud Enemies against God's People Exod. 18.11 In the thing wherein they dealt proudly God was above them That God's People were now delivered and his Enemies under foot was because God was above them And the Psalmist makes God's People's Deliverance as an Inference from the High place of God's Habitation Psal 97.9 10. Thou Lord saith he art high above all the earth thou art exalted far above all Gods God dwells above as if he should say Well What then He preserveth the souls of his saints he delivereth them out of the hands of the wicked This is God's People's Confectio Alchermis A most excellent Cordial in their Fainting Fits Have they potent and mighty Enemies Men in High places Yea But remember thy God thy Saviour is above them he is in a higher place he that died for thee and was laid in the Grave for thee is got out of his dark Pit again and is risen above all Principalities and Powers He that is for thee is above thee and what needst thou fear 2. Here comes another Stream of Comfort too Is Christ risen is he got on high and that on this Errand to prepare a place for his People in Heaven Here then is a warm Cloth for a cold Condition for your Poor Ones that are in Christ You that have scarce Houses or Home in this World that can say with Christ as he did when he was in the World I have not where to put mine head no setled Habitation Why be patient a while all Christ's Members will be bravely lodged e're long He that purchased an Inheritance for the Saints in Light is gone to take up Lodgings for thee In an inheritance incorruptible that fades not away saith Peter Mansions made without hands saith Christ Then thou shalt have a House that is of too firm a Workmanship for a Humane Hand and that 's incorruptible It was curiously made and shall be curiously kept It fades not away 1 Peter 1.4 Some of you have poor smoaky Houses scarce a Roof to creep in under and in a little time none may why for all this if they are of Christ's Body their Head will bring them into a brave House shortly he is gone their Harbinger into Heaven and will get them good Lodgings I have read that Valens the Arrian Emperor did threaten St. Basil one of the Greek Fathers That he should be safe neither by Sea nor by Land from his Power Why said he for all the Emperor's Rage I shall be in Heaven or under Heaven Why so though thou be driven to and fro and hast no abiding place of safety to put thy Head in yet maugre the Malice of Men and Devils thou shalt be in Heaven or under Heaven After Luther had withdrawn himself from the Whoredoms of Babylon I have read that one of the Cardinal 's in a great Huff told him That he should not have a place in all the Empire to keep him And what said Luther why he smiled and said If Earth cannot keep me Heaven shall Why so thou poor Soul it may be thou starved thou persecuted One bear up Man hast thou no abiding place on Earth yet thou hast one provided for thee in Heaven He that hath the keeping of that glorious House is gone to look out a Room for you 3. Is Christ gone to Heaven why then here comes a third Stream out of this Eden And that is thou hast a Remedy against Death it claps Sugar into thy Mouth against that bitter Cup and makes the pale Enemy to smile upon thee If thou canst lay but a well grounded Claim to an Interest in Christ thou hast no reason to fear to die No rather thou hast reason to long for that hour above all the Pleasures of the Earth For what is Death then 'T is but a going to our Inheritance To take actual possession of our new purchased Lands a going to the Lodgings Christ hath took up Thy Christ is in Heaven though he hath not taken away Death he hath taken away the Sting of Death and altered the Errand and Message of Death Death now shall but carry thee and not strike thee 'T is but a Trap-door to let thee into that stately Palace where thy Saviour is No looking upon Death now as a grim Herald but a welcome Messenger a Messenger sent of God to guide thee and bring thee safe into thy Father's House since Christ our elder Brother is in Heaven 't is a great shame now if every good Man doth not look upon Death as old Jacob did upon his Son Joseph's Waggons come from Aegypt to carry him away Why the Spirit of the Old Man revived as 't is said when he saw them