deprive our selves of such unspeakable bliss and happiness as cannot be conceived and plunge our selves into such miseries as cannot be imagined And yet evident it is that such folly and madness the world is greatly guilty of For evident it is that it generally rejects and treads under foot the Lord Jesus and the doctrine that declares him and is left to us by him in which is included our salvation and happiness Deut. 32.46 47. Prov. 4.13 Joh. 12.49 50. That the world generally slights both him and his doctrine the bleatings of the sheep and the lowings of the Oxen testifie that is the general Atheism Prophaneness Disorder and Wickedness the false Religions and Worships generally practised commanded or countenanced do loudly proclaim it Use 3. It may also provoke such as do believe on the Son of Man the Lord Jesus Christ to hold fast the faith and so their believing on him and by no means to suffer themselves to be withdrawn therefrom For let us consider with our selves that Consideration 1. If we turn away and fall from our dependance on him we turn after vain things and things that cannot profit because vain 1 Sam. 12.19 20. and so we deprive our selves of all the good in him and plunge our selves into all the misery that can be incurred by us For this eternal life being in the Son of Man Christ Jesus in departing from him we depart from it and losing him we lose it and he being the Saviour and Salvation in withdrawing from him we withdraw from it and lie open to all the evil that the unbeliever may fall into Nay indeed better never to have known the way or word of truth or the holy commandement or to have had fellowship with him then to turn away again therefrom for the latter end in that case is worse than the beginning 2 Pet. 2.20 Luk. 11.26 27. For as all that are far from him do and shall perish So he doth and will destroy them who go a whoring from him Psal 73.27 The consideration then of the certain danger of loss and misery yea of the greatest loss because of the greatest and longest abiding good and of the greatest misery because of the greatest and longest continued evill may move us all with all earnestness to hold fast the profession of the faith and the exercise thereof And that is one consideration often urged by the Apostles So in Heb. 10.23 24 25 26 29 39. Let us hold fast the profession of the faith without wavering not forsaking the Assembling our selves together as the manner of some is For if we sin wilfully after the knowledge of the truth received there remains no more sacrifice for sin but a certain fearfull looking for of fiery indignation which shall devour the Adversary For if they that sinned against so as they despised Moses Law dyed without mercy under two or three witnesses Of how much sorer punishment shall he be thought worthy that hath troden under foot the Son of God and hath counted the blood of the Covenant an unholy thing and hath done despite to the Spirit of grace It is a fearfull or terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God And if any man draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him As also the Consideration of Consid 2. The exceeding profit and benefit accruing from the holding fast the faith and believing on him and the great incouragements we have thereunto These may more powerfully move us to it What is there better than safety from destruction and the injoyment of Eternal life in which there is an everlasting injoyment of God and Christ and of all that is or can be good and desirable and what have we to incourage to it and assure us of it To that consider Encouragement 1. We have to encourage us to this believing and holding fast the faith all the Trinity for us God the Father gave his Son to that end that we might believe on him and be saved and live for ever Joh. 3.16 And he fills strengthens and upholds his Son in and unto all his undertakings for us in order to the bringing us to that safety and eternal life and happiness Isa 42.1 5 6. Psal 89.20 21 22. And gives his holy Spirit in and through him to strengthen and help us therein against all that would harm us or pull us from it The Son himself or Word is for us in all he hath done and suffered and in all he now doth in heaven or earth in his mediation and intercession with God for us and in his government of the World in the name and power of God about us and his ordering of his providences to us Joh. 14 2 3 18. and 16.33 and dispences his Word and Spirit to that purpose to animate and hearten us thereunto and therein is working in us the works of God for us even what he requires of us Joh. 14.16 17 26. and 16.13 14 15. And the holy spirit encourages us by his word and by his heavenly and powerful working in us therewith and gives us all motives and inducements that may be with exhortations counsells promises c. to perswade and strengthen us And what shall we say to these things If God be for us herein who is he that is against us Or what is there that can be presented to our view that may so much discourage us as the consideration that God both Father Son and Spirit are for us may encourage us and hearten us Rom. 8.31 32 33. 1 Joh 5.6 9. Encour 2. Having God for us we have his creatures the best of them and all that are on Gods side to encourage us too We have the holy Angels to protect and defend us therein Psal 34.7 and 91.11 12. Heb. 1.13 14. This they will do for us while we are here and when we go hence they will carry us up to Christ or into Abrahams bosome to be at rest with Christ and his holy ones Luk. 16.22 We have the holy Apostles and Prophets and so the Spirits of just men made perfect for us both to encourage us by their testimonies instructions provocations and all means used in their writings left on Record for us animating and heartning us in believing on the Son of man and by their own practice and examples in all ages we have in them a cloud of witnesses going before us as a guide to us all witnessing to this That the just shall live by faith and shewing us by their examples how to exercise it and live by it Heb. 10.38 with 11 throughout and 12.1 and we have the living Saints the holy men led by the spirit of God to encourage and hearten us on For whatsoever difference there may be among such in any by-opinions or apprehensions yet they all agree in this That he that believeth on the Son of man the Son of God is in a good and right way in the certain way to happiness and shall in holding
alive 1 Cor. 15.22 They shall not use that Proverb in the Resurrection and Judgment to come That the Fathers have eaten sower Grapes and the Childrens teeth are set on edge the Soul that sinneth it shall dye Ezek. 18.2 3. The Condemnation is not nor shall be then that Adam sinned but That light came into the World and men loved darkness rather then light John 3.19 Prov. 1.24 25 29. Though as to the taking guilt off from the ignorant and unbelieving conscience in respect of that first Sin also Men in their ignorance and unbelief often charging themselves with the guilt of that Sin of Adam so as to think themselves therefore under Condemnation from God and in danger of perishing as also for purging out the corruption of Nature there-through entred the Son of Man is to be lifted up in the Preaching of him to men who though so delivered from that first Death as that they shall not perish in it yet as they come up into the World to be capable of choosing the good and refusing the evil are generally in danger of perishing 2. In a Second Death so as not to have eternal life For 1. God being of purer eyes then to behold iniquity evil may not dwell with him fools may not stand in his sight nor any unclean thing inherit his Kingdom Psal 5.4 5. Hab. 1.12 1 Cor. 6.9 And we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness as a menstruous or filthy cloth Isa 64.6 None Righteous no not one altogether are become unprofitable None that doth good no not one Rom. 3.10 13. None therefore are fit to come into Gods Kingdom and to have eternal Life without a Regeneration or new Birth John 3.3 5. Which we naturally run from siding with evil and falling into yea walking in new disobediences against God and so making our selves obnoxious to his judgment upon our own personal accounts for our own personal transgressions For 1. We all naturally have a heart deceitful in us and desperately wicked inclining us to those ways that lead to Destruction Jer. 19.9 For out of the heart of man proceed evil thoughts adulteries fornications murthers thefts covetousness wickedness deceits lasciviousness an evil eye blasphemy pride foolishness all these evil things come from within and they defile the man Mark 7.21 22 23. We are naturally carnal sold under sin Rom. 7.14 2. The World is full of baits allurements and snares to draw us away unto and intangle us in such sins as expose us to Gods Wrath and Judgment again the riches pleasures honours pomps and vanities of it are apt to insnare us through the lust that is in us 2 Pet. 1.4 1 John 2.15 16. And the persons in it being sinful and vicious are apt to infect and defile one another inticeing counselling yea and sometimes commanding to sin Psal 1.1 Prov. 1.10 11. 〈◊〉 3.4 5. 6.7 9. Mich. 6.16 3. The old adversary and enemy the Devil with his many Angels evil and wicked Spirits subtil and powerful to intice and move to evil goes about like a roaring Lyon seeking to devour tempting and alluring to sin and prevailing with such as are heedless of them and unskilful to discern them or their enmity and wickedness and to resist them 1 Chron. 21,1 1 Pet. 5.8 Rev. 20.2 3 8. There is none so strong or good that this Adversary will not so far as God permits set upon to tempt Mat. 4.1 2. Luk. 4.2 13. 22.33 And he blinds the minds of all those that believe not the truth and thereby gets power over them 2 Cor. 4.4 Act. 26.18 2. There is none can mend himself or his condition toward God so as either to obtain his favour to Justification If any could it must be by offering him Sacrifice or doing him service such as he requireth in his Law for we are become so altogether bruitish and void of goodness in our selves by our fall which we increase by new compliances with Sathan that we can of our heads and by our own inventions find out or imagine nothing well-pleasing in his sight Jer. 10.14 2 Cor. 3.5 Rom. 7.18 The Lord knows the though of Men yea of the wise that they are vain empty of any righteousness goodness or suitableness to him Psal 94.11 1 Cor. 3.19 20. And therefore it must be in mans learning and keeping Gods Law if in any thing but man is unable of himself to keep Gods Law he being carnal sold under sin and the Law holy pure and spiritual Too high for him in his falleth state Rom. 7.14 Or so as to cleanse himself For who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean Not one No Creature whatsoever Job 14.4 And that 's another reason too why the Law cannot help us nor we help our selves or one another by it it 's too weak because of the Flesh Rom. 8.3 By the deeds of it can no flesh living be justified in the sight of God For by the Law is not either satisfaction for or cleansing from but the knowledge of Sin Rom. 3.20 Which we daily generally commit there being not a just man upon Earth that doth good and sinneth not Eccles 7.20 1 King 8.43 Nay instead of satisfying for or cleansing us from our sins it occasions sin more to abound and become more sinful Rom. 5.20 7.8 Sin taking occasion by it fills men with all lust and concupisence So that as a whorish Woman that cannot forbear to play the harlot seeks and plots more desperately to fulfil her lust and falls more under the danger of the Law there through by being married to a strict and severe Husband that cannot abide the least motion or inclination to such uncleanness and watcheth her at all times then if she had no husband at all so is our case under the Law of works for justification and life they that are of the works of the Law thinking to be justified thereby are thereby more condemned and â—all more under the curse Gal. 3.10 It stands cross and contrary to us like the fiery flaming Sword in the hand of the Cherubim turning every way upon us Gen. 3.22 Col. 2.14 And while men trusting in Moses for like refuge to come to Christ for it Moses will accuse them John 5.40 45. Nor can any man by that or by any devise of his own or others defend and keep himself or be kept from the power of Sin and Sathan so as not to fall by them If they could Christ and his word would not be needful thereto for them which may not be granted Gal. 2.21 3.21 It being his office to succour men in temptations Heb. 2.27 18. 3. Yea God is holy and will not only not admit to eternal life those that are unclean and sin but will also Judge the World in Righteousness and punish the sins of it taking vengeance on the evil doer And rendring to every one according to his works Heb. 9.27 Jer. 17.9 10. Rom. 2.6 11 3.5 And
Teachers for perfecting the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the Edifying the Body of Christ till we all come in the unity of the Faith and acknowledgment of the Son of God to a perfect man c. Ephes 4.7 8.11 12. And it was needful he should give such Gifts to men to the end that he might be Lifted up by men in the Exercise of them Yea and that they be faithful to men therein making it the great Business Work and end of all their exercise of their Gifts and so of all their Ministry and Conversation to Lift up and Magnifie the Son of Man to glorifie Jesus Christ our Lord by and from whom they have all their said Gifts and all their Mercies and Injoyments bestowed upon them Heb. 13.7 8. 2 Thes 1.12 Yea and of all that know and believe in him to confess him with their Mouth and magnifie him both in Word and Work calling in others to him And so it 's said The Spirit and the Bride say come and let him that heareth say come Rev. 22.17 And this Witnessing to him and Lifting him up as the Son of God the Christ the Saviour of the World the Lord the Ransom of our Souls who hath given himself the Ransom or Price of Redemption for all the Testimony in due time the Reconciliation and Reconciler the Propitiatory or Mercy Seat through whom God doth cover the Sins of men through Faith in his Blood and the Propitiation for our sins and for the sins of the whole World The Peace-maker and Peace between God and man and between men and men The great Prophet and Apostle Light and Leader of men into the Truth true Knowledg Faith and Worship of Cod the great High Priest over the House of God the Mediator of God and man that makes Intercession for Transgressors and for all that come to God by him the great King of Saints and Nations the Procurer and Giver of Remission of sins and of the Holy Ghost and of all Spiritual Grace and Blessing the great God and our Saviour who hath the Fulness of God yea all the Fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him Bodily and hath the Government of all things committed to him so as he hath all Power and Authority over all things in Heaven and Earth and hath the dispose of all Mercies for this Life and that to come Spiritual and Corporal the only Way to the Father to be worshipped by us and from the Father to Convey all Grace and Blessing to us the Resurrection and the Life yea the All I say the lifting him up as such a one is exceeding useful and behoveful yea necessary for begetting in mens hearts an exceeding high apprehension of him so as to render him precious to them more precious then the fine Gold of Ophir or the Mountains of Prey and to lead them to account all things loss and dung for the excellency of the knowledg of him and so to come to and believe on him And though in all Ages nor in all Places there hath not been given forth a like Express and full Testimony of and to him as there is given in these Ages and these Places wherein we live having the Testimony of the Apostles and of the holy Spirit by them nor where we have that is there in every one the same fulness of understanding firmness of belief and clearness of declaration of what is said and contained therein Yet this in the fulness of it and all that is in it is very needful and behoveful for bringing men in to believe on him explicitly and firmly against and because of all the oppositions of the Devil and evil Spirits and of the reason and wisdom and stubbornness of the Flesh and carnal Heart and the course and principles of the world tending to keep men therefrom as to mens more distinct full and comfortable exercise of Faith in him Indeed as it is not of absolute necessity to Salvation and Eternal life that every one have the same fulness and comfortable exercise of believing so also neither is it of absolute necessity that they have every one the same clearness and fulness of understanding and perswasion of the commendations pertaining to him Yea as to Gods power to save men through him I cannot assert a necessity of a distinct knowledg of the Name and particular Acts of Christ at all for doubtless many who died before his Incarnation and had no distinct knowledg of his Person and personal Acts in the flesh were saved as well as many Infants and others since But yet generally needful it is that he be so far Lifted up and made known and there-through that the heart be so far perswaded of his Being Fulness Power Excellency Sufficiency as that the heart see him the only excellent and sufficient Object of Faith and Confidence the only powerful One to be looked to and hoped in by us or else he cannot be distinctly believed on to Salvation and Life everlasting Where there is no Vision the people perish but where there is so much as that people may see the Law and Doctrine of Christ or the Mind of God concerning them through him he that keeps the Law is happy Even that of the Law that concerning him or by and through him is made known Prov. 29.18 with Rom. 2.26 Acts 10.34 And where men have the clear knowledg of him to declare to others for their helpfulness in believing on him and they conceal it from men woe to them for so doing 1 Cor. 9.16 Br. 2. As the Exalting and Lifting up of Christ by way of Declaration of him as aforesaid is necessary for mens believing on him for Life and Salvation at the first and further then he is made known in his Being and Excellency no man can have any Faith in or belief on him So this is necessary also to the abiding and growth in him and recovery of the Back-sliders to Faith in him again that he be still and always Lifted up and Magnified in the Eyes of men even of those that have begun to believe or have formerly believed on him For if by any means the Lifting of him up and the Preaching and praises of him being with-held or neglected the Serpent foist in high thoughts of some other thing or things as better and fuller then he or as necessary besides him and the Grace in and by him for our Life and Salvation or for our Welfare and Happiness either here or hereafter so as the thoughts or mind be corrupted from the simplicity in him And he begin to appear or be looked upon as less Full Precious and Desirable the soul is in present danger to be withdrawn from him and be gone ceasing to believe and depend on him or to do so singly and rightly for the Salvation and Life that is in and by him which occasioned the Apostles godly jealousie of the Corinthians least by any means as the Serpent beguiled Eve their minds should
Palaces wherewith they have made him glad Psal 45.8 And we find his Spouse clothed and adorned by him and for him too in Ezek. 10 11 12 13. and in Rev. 19.7 8. But of these things I shall not speak more largely III. We have seen the perfections of man Let us a little as we may view also those of the Angels He is also called the Angel of the Covenant Angel is in English a Messenger and therefore so translated in our later Editions of the Bible in Mal. 3.1 The Angel of Gods presence that saved Israel Isa 63.9 And that redeemed Jacob out of all evil and had power of blessing Gen. 48.16 And surely He is the highest and best Messenger or Angel that was ever sent of God being his only Son Nor can we find any excellency in the Angels in which he doth not out-strip them They are said to excel in strength doing Gods commandments Psal 107.20 but they excel not nor equalize him in either They cannot uphold all things by the Word of their Power as He doth Heb. 1.3 Nor could they stand under the weight of our sins as He did 1 Pet. 2.24 Therefore they give him the preheminence and judge him only Worthy to receive the Power Riches Wisdom and Strength Honour Glory and Blessing Rev. 5.12 Nor do they Gods Commandments like or equally to him who obeyed to the death the Death of the Cross laying down his life at his Fathers commandement and delighting to do his will therein so as to bear and take away our sins by the sacrifice of himself Philip. 2.8 Joh. 10.18 Heb. 9.26 and 10.5 6. Psal 40.48 Joh. 14.31 They are also intelligent and understanding spirits great in knowledge and excellent in speech 1 Cor. 13.1 yet far short of him for God hath found folly in them saith Job 4.18 but Christ is the wisdom of God 1 Cor. 1.24 knowing his Father whom none else so knows Matth. 11.27 and grace is poured into his lips so as God hath blessed him for ever Psal 45.2 They are also great in power especially such of them as are called Principalities and Powers Eph. 1.20 21. but not equal with Christ to whom all of them are commanded to give worship He hath obtained a far more excellent name by inheritance then they as may be seen Heb. 1.5 6. to the end They are indeed Spirits but ministring Spirits to him He is the Lord that Spirit the quickning Spirit so as none of them are 2 Cor. 3.16 17. 1 Cor. 15.45 So that in him are all the perfections and more then all the perfections of Creatures Yea CHAP. XXII Secondly That in Christ are all things Answering the Needs of Fallen man all things that pertain both to Life and Godliness AGain he is and in him are all things answering the Needs of his fallen Creatures of Mankind All things pertaining to Life and Godliness and they are given us in the knowledg of him 2 Pet. 1.3 Let us view that in either Branch First All things pertaining to Life he is and are in him for us And that both as 1. Necessary to the Being and Upholding of it not only as by his Death and Sacrifice we are and this Old World for us is upholden so as that we may subsist and Live as it were from Death or the state thereof which we were Obnoxious to under a comfortable Injoyment of a natural Life and Being and have therein opportunities of seeking the Lord Psal 73.3 Acts 17.26 27. But also in reference to a Spiritual life and happy being in and from him And so whereas First It 's necessary to our so Living that we be Begotten from the Dead to live to God he is the Begetter of men thereto the everlasting Father Isa 9.6 Who Begets in his own likenes as Adam did in his but far better Children because Adam Begat none till he was fallen into Sin and Misery whereas Christ Begets as one acquit of sin and raised from Death in and unto Righteousness and Life an holy Seed a blessed off-spring Children of Light and heirs of Life everlasting Yea he is the very Seed of Regeneration as held forth in his Testimony by the holy Spirit the Immortal Seed whereof the Sons of God are Begotten the Word preached in the Gospel 1 Pet. 1.23 24 25. And as he himself is the first Begotten from the Dead so by his Resurrection from the Dead he Begets from Death and quickens to a Lively hope 1 Pet. 1.3 with Ephes 2.1 Col. 2.12 John 5.21 25. And this as to the Soul here as he will also by his powerful Voice quicken the Dead in Body to Life again at his Coming being the quickning Spirit John 5.28 29. 1 Cor. 15.45 And in both respects the Resurrection and the Life John 11.25 Yea and he gives Power to others and makes them Instruments to Beget Children to God and to bring them forth for him too as in 1 Cor. 4.15 The Apostle tells the Corinthians he was their Father for in the Gospel he had Begot them yet so as in Christ Jesus there is none can Beget Children to God but in him and his Virtue And as they are the Fruit of the travail of his Soul Isa 53.10 So in and from him others are instrumental Mothers to Travail in Birth with them also Gal. 4.19 2. The Children Born must be Nursed up and he is the prime in Nursing what he Begets and brings forth for he can no more forget them then no nor so much as a Mother her sucking Child Isa 49.14 15. He nourishes them principally though he makes his Servants Instruments of Nursing them up too with the sincere Milk of his Word which he also primarily is as more understandibly discovered to the weak in his heavenly Doctrin 1 Pet. 2.2 Isa 55.13 Heb. 5.13 Yea and he comforts his Children as one whom his Mother comforts Isa 66.13 And surely its by manifesting himself to them that he gives them comfort John 14.16 17 21. And in this Nursing up and causing to live as the living Child must have So 1. He is the Bread and Water of Life John 6.35 and 4.10.14 his Flesh meat indeed and his Blood drink indeed And as the living Child needs clothing So 2. He is the Clothing and Apparrel For he as our Righteousness put on by us in believing on him and his Virtues as adorning us is our Raiment and Ornament too Whence that So many of us as have been Baptised into Christ have put on Christ Gal. 3.27 And Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ Rom. 13.14 And he bids us Buy of him white Raiment that our Nakedness may be covered and that our shame may not appear Rev. 3.18 3. It must have harbour and Lodging And he is the Dwelling-place for his Children in all Generations Psal 90.1 Where is sweet Peace Rest and Safety Psal 4.8 and 91.1 He being a house of Stone a strong habitation to defend and save us from our Enemies Psal 31.4
this was one of his great businesses in the World to teach the People the knowledge of God and of his Kingdom and of the way thereto So we find him Preaching and Teaching the Word of God in the Synagogues and in the Temple and in the Houses and Ships and wheresoever the people resorted to him taking all occasions thereto Mat. 4.17 23. 5.1 2. 13.1 3 4. Mar. 1.14 15 21 38 39. 2.2 Mat. 26.58 Luk. 21.37 38. Joh. 18.20 And he spake and taught them as one having authority even the authority of God his Father and not as the Scribes Mat. 7.29 Job 7.16 17. Therein both declaring to men the love and goodness of God to the World Joh. 3.16 17. And his special love and goodness to them that believe on him Joh. 16.27 28. And his perfect hatred of evil Mar. 9 42 43 44 48. And in a Word both the name of the Father Joh. 17.6 And his Word Instructions or Commands ver 7.8 With Chap. 12.49 50. And so what was and is his will concerning us that we might be saved and live Joh. 5.24 6.29 c. And all things whatsoever we need to know believe and practice 2. By his walking works and doings exhibiting God and his Name and nature to the eyes of Men as it were as well as to their ears for he was God manifested in the Flesh 1 Tim. 3.16 So as God even the invisible God might be seen in him as in his proper and most perfect Image 2 Cor. 4.4 Col. 1.15 Thence it is said by our Saviour He that believeth on me believeth not on me but on him that sent me and he that seeth me seeth him that sent me Joh. 12.44.45 And when Philip said to him Lord shew us the Father and it sufficeth Jesus reproving and instructing him made this answer Hast thou been so long time with me Philip and hast thou not known me he that hath seen me hath seen the Father and how sayst thou shew us the Father Joh. 14.8 9. Signifying to us that the invisible God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ was so made manifest in him that in perceiving and beholding his power wisdom and goodness love holiness meekness patience wrath c. The same Attributes of God might be discerned and known and so it might in him be seen how able and wise and willing God is to help save and succour his poor Creatures to forgive their sins to heal their diseases to succour them in their needs instruct their ignorances comfort them in their diseases How loving and good he is to all and yet how he hates their sins and sinfulness And how especially good and loving to the truly virtuous such as are subject to and followers of him c. So that here God afforded to man a sight of himself and of his excellencies in the Son of Man and in his demeanours and carriages doings and sufferings that we might know him love him believe in him obey and follow him and be saved by him and satisfied in and with him How great a benefit was this to the World to have God so represented and made manifest to them and especially to such in it as closed with and followed him out of their false Principles and ways learning of and obeying him who saw his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father John 1.14 So as it might in him be verified what is said in Psal 68.25 They have seen thy goings O God the goings of my God my King That is Christ in holiness or in the holy Place or Sanctuary Again 3. By his walking as man towards God and Man He hath by his example not only shewed us what God is and how he walks toward and among men but also how men ought to walk and please God in their demeaners of themselves towards God and men for as he was man the Son of man walking in God he hath given us a perfect pattern and example of what God requires of and likes in us men As it is said He hath left us an example that we should follow his steps 1 Pet. 2.21 And as himself said I have given you an example or pattern that as I have done to you so ye should do John 13.15 And so he hath shewed us in himself how we should obey the call and command of God his Father to us How we should perfectly love and trust in God and commit our selves and our ways to him doing all things commanded by him without murmuring and without disputing How we should patiently and quietly submit our selves to him in all tryals temptations and sufferings that he orders to us perfectly casting our selves upon him therein and trusting to him for his support and seasonable deliverance And so therein he hath shewed us a perfect pattern of Humility and Patience And so for walking towards men he hath set us an example of perfect Charity seeking the good of all and doing hurt to or seeking or desiring the harm of none and yet how when we seek to do them good we should not have fellowship with them in their sins but in meekness reprove them and where need is use sharpness therein that is where men are guileful and Hypocritical proud and conceited and there-through set themselves against Gods glory and the good of others under pretence of Religion and Piety towards him And such were the Scribes Pharisees Lawyers and the like so smartly reproved by our Lord. Mat. 23. Luk. 11. 13.14 15. So Christ also hath set forth himself as an example of subjection to the Magistrates and of paying wrongfully and to our own damage what they demand of us rather then give offence by contending with them and striving against them therein Mat. 17.24 25 26 27. As also of patient putting up and suffering injuries from them or others 1 Pet. 2.21 22 23. And so of all Righteousness and goodness and of all tender care of and love to such as are good or desire so to be and to that purpose yeild themselves willing and ready to learn that they may know and obey the truth John 15.9 10. 10.15 13.34 c. And he that saith he abides in him ought even so to walk as he hath walked John 2.6 And surely this in every branch of it was a very great grace or gracious condescention of God to us men that he in the person of the Word should be made Flesh and therein give us an evidence of himself his name nature and will concerning us both by his vocal Doctrine and Ministry and by his own demeanour and walking in the Flesh both shewing us the way of Gods walking towards man and the way how man ought to walk towards both God and Men. But again 2. In his being the Son of Man that is very man he hath given us the greater ground of boldness and confidence in our dependance on him and approach to God by him as the Mediator of
Pet. 3.18 As it follows here That whosoever believes ◠him might not perish but have Eternal Life 3. As to his abundant Love Charity Goodness and Grace in all this such as passeth Knowledge Eph. 7.18 19. And therein the love of God the Father in appointing preparing sanctifying and furnishing him to all this great business and undertaking John 3.16 1 John 4.9 10 14. It was by the grace of God that He tasted Death for every one Heb. 2.9 And his own grace even The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ it was to abase himself And when rich to become poor for our sakes th◠we through his poverty might be made rich 2 Cor. 8.9 And so to lay down his life for us even when and though ungodly and enemies worthy of no love at all much less of such and so great love 1 John 3.16 17. Rom. 5.6 7 8. John 3.16 Love worthy admiration acceptation and imitation by us Eph. 5.1 2 3.18 19. Stronger then death such as many waters could not quench it nor the flouds drown it Cant. 8.6 7. Fourthly In the preciousness of his Abasement Obedience Bloud Death Sufferings and Sacrifice for us That however he was therein made low and despicable among men and became an offence to the worldly-wise and honourable yet He in and by them was a most acceptable Sacrifice to God an offering of a sweet smelling savour 1 Cor. 1.22 23. Eph. 5.2 That for which we all have great cause to love and admire him and flee for refuge and sanctuary to him He having therein made peace for us slain the enmity broken down the wull of partition between God and man and between Jew and Gentile wrought Reconciliation or that where-through we may be reconciled or made at one with God Col. 1.20 Eph. 2.14 15 16. 2 Cor. 5.19 20 21. having therein given himself a Ransome for all 1 Tim. 2.6 and being become there through the Propitiation for our sins yea for the sins of the whole world 1 John 2.1 2. and the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 propitiatory or Mercy-seat through faith in his bloud for remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God and for the declaration of his righteousness therein that he is just and the justifier of those that believe in Jesus Rom. 3.25 26. There being therein Redemption and through that Redemption a free Justification 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to or for all and upon all that believe v. 22.24 There-through the hand-writing of Ordinances that was against us being blotted out and what was contrary to us taken out of the way and nailed to his Cross and Principalities and powers thereby spoiled and triumphed over by him Col. 2.14 15. So that great is the power and vertue of that his despised and reproched Cross So as that it 's accepted of God far before and above all the Sacrifices and Services ordained by him in the Law of Moses they being not able to take away sin But this one Sacrifice is so powerful and prevalent a purgation and expiation of it that Christ hath by that one Sacrifice once offered perfected for ever those that are sanctified So that the Consciences of the comers to God there-through are purged from dead works to serve the living God Heb. 1.3 9.14 10.2 3 4 5 10 14. So as that there-through we may have access to God in the holy of holies and may draw nigh to him and call upon him with full assurance of faith and confidence Heb. 10.19 22. His precious Bloud being the Bloud of sprinkling for sprinkling the heart from an evil conscience and speaking better things then the bloud of Abel Heb. 12.24 Therefore also the Cross of Christ the onely thing to be gloried in by us Gal. 6.14 Fifthly In the exceeding greatness of that Glory that God hath given him as a reward of his sufferings and hard service sustained against the World and Sathan for us Wherein also is further evidenced the exceeding preciousness of his Bloud and Sufferings the infinite value of them and the force and vertue they have in them with him They set forth his Glory to be far above all the glory of the world yea or the glory of Moses or any of the former glorious ones then the Glory of Solomon and the Glory of his Ministration Far transcending that of the Law as being more powerful in the discoveries of it for transforming the beholders of it into his likeness so as when we see him as he is we shall there-through be made like him 2 Corinthians 3.3 8 9 18. 1 John 3.2 Col. 3.4 For they declare that God hath glorified him with his own self filled him with all his fulness so as all the fulness of the Godhead dwelleth in him bodily and so as that in him we are compleat Col. 1.19 2.9 Oh let us go out and see this King Solomon this excellent Prince of Peace the Peace and Peace-maker of whom and of whose Glory Solomon of old was but a type and figure and the glory and lustre of his Kingdom but a type and figure of the the Glory of his which passeth all our conceptions and expressions let us go forth I say and behold him with the Crown wherewith his Mother the infinite Wisdom Love and Grace of God as also his Disciples who have heard and received the Word of God and kept it who are to him as his Mother Brethren and Sisters Matth. 12.49 50 have crowned him in the day of his espousals and of the gladness of his heart When being espoused to the nature of man he received the holy Spirit and poured it forth upon them Cant. 3.13 Matth. 22.1 Acts 2.33 But indeed it is not to be fully seen and known till the great day of his appearance the time of the appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ Tit. 2.13 1 John 3.2 Sixthly In his perfect and compleat Furniture wherewith he is furnished for executing and performing the works of his glorious Offices and bringing about the end of them the salvation of man the eternal salvation of all that obey him in which they present us as compleatly provided for of all things pertaining to life and godliness as given to him and dwelling in him for us I shall here onely touch upon something thereof in some few Particulars As First They declare him to be the great Prophet and as such fully and perfectly accomplished with ability fitness and faithfulness for teaching us the knowledge of himself and of God and of all things As being filled to that purpose with the fulness of God the gift of the Holy Ghost being so immeasurably received by him that he hath the seven spirits that are before the Throne Rev. 1.4 3.1 The fulness of the Holy Ghost and of all spiritual gifts for both giving forth to men and enabling and moving men to receive the exact and perfect knowledge of God and for gifting whom
he pleaseth to be Apostles Prophets or otherwise useful for perfecting the Saints for the work of the Ministry and for the edifying the body of Christ till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the acknowledgment of the Son of God unto a perfect man to the measure of the stature of the age of Christ Eph. 4.8 11 12 13. Col. 2.3.9 That it is He that hath prevailed to open the book in the right hand of God and unâ—rose the seals and discover and declare the hidden Wisdom and secret Mysteries contained therein Rev. 5.1 6. The great Apostle faiâ—hful in all things to him that appointed him as Moses in all his house accounted worthy of more honor then Moses to be more acquainted and intimate with God even as his Son in his bosome and so fullier furnished for declaring his Glory and glorious grace and good-will and more faithful even as a son in his own house built by himself Whereas Moses was faithful but as a servant therein Wherefore as the Holy Ghost also saith to day if ye will hear his voice even his that is Gods own Son the heir of all things by whom also he made the worlds his who is the express character of his Fathers person and the brightness of his glory giving forth the fullest and brightest discovery of God and of his holy mind and will and speaking to us from heaven harden not your hearts c. Heb. 3.1 2 3 4 7. with 1.3 12.25 Secondly As the Priest in and High Priest over the house of God the most authorized and consecrated person consecrated with the Word of Gods Oath and after the power of an endless life by a sacrifice once offered for ever and that never needs to be iterated made a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedeck an everlasting Priest in the vertues of his once endured Death for us and therefore able to save to the utmost all that come to God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Heb. 7.25 A Priest upon the throne and so both a King and Priest the true Melchisedeck being both King of Righteousness and after that King of Peace working performing and commanding righteousnes and so commanding and prevailingly making and giving Peace far greater then Aaron Levi or Abraham Such a Priest as we needed and it behoved us to have being holy harmless undefiled and separated from sinners and made higher then the heavens Heb. 7.1.26 â—7 A great High Priest entred into the heavens even into Heaven it self by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle and by vertue not of the bloud of others as Aaron did into the figure of the heavens onely but of his own precious bloud and sacrifice Where he now appears in the presence of God for us having obtained eternal redemption Heb. 4.14 9.11 12 24. A faithful High Priest and therefore made like is brethren in all things that he might be so to make atonement and reconciliation for the people and to succour and help the tempted Heb. 2.17 18. To which end also he is both perfectly furnished with knowledge of our cases and conditions by reason both of his exceeding quickness and powerfulness as the VVord of God for searching into all things and piercing even to the dividing asunder the soul and spirit and of the joynts and marrow being a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart So as there is not any creature that is not manifested in his sight but all things are naked and opened as things anatomized and laid perfectly before his view Heb. 4.12 13. The Spirit that rests upon him making him quick of understanding Isa 11.2 3 4. And also as having had an experimental feeling of our infirmities and temptations as man in himself having himself suffered and been tempted yea tempted in all points like to us yet without sin and so the more acceptable and prevalent in his mediating and interceding with God for us And also perfectly merciful and compassionate towards us ready to plead for us and help us Heb. 2.17 18. with 4.15 5.1 2. So as we have great ground of encouragement from this consideration of his Priesthood and its perfection and his fitness by the vertues of his Sacrifice to make the worshippers of and comers to him and to God by him perfect to draw nigh and come with boldness to the throne of grace with true hearts and full assurance of faith to ask and receive grace and mercy to help us seasonably in all our trials and temptations Heb. 4.14 16. 9.14 10.19 22. Thirdly As a King he is set forth as furnished with the most sovereign Authority over all creatures in heaven earth and under the earth all things being put under him and the Throne and power of God given him in the manhood So as also to be every way accomplished to be the Law-giver Saviour and Judge He being indued also with all the fulness of the Spirit of counsel and might which resting upon him renders him both infinitely quick in understanding in the fear of the Lord and perfect in Righteousness in all his Government and the exercise of it Girded up in his loyns with righteousness and in his reins even in all his thoughts purposes and desires from whence issue all his words and motions for action with faithfulness Isa 11.2 3 4 5. Having a white horse under him as supported by his own Righteousness or as riding on the Heavens and having them at his command for the help of his subjects and riding swiftly and prosperously in all his Government Deut. 33.26 27. being called faithful and true and in righteousness judging and making war His eyes as a flame of fire discovering and trying all things And on his head are many Crowns Either as denoting his superlative Power or Jurisdiction over the many Countreys brought into an acknowledgment of him yea Kings and Kingdoms Or the many great Victories gotten by him over his enemies whether evil spirits or evil men engaging themselves against him and gotten by his truth against errour and impiety Or also the many praises ascribed to him And he hath a name Dignity Title Power which none knoweth but himself as signifying that he is exalted above all blessing and praise Neh. 9.5 and that none can set forth all his praises Ps 106.2 And he is clothed in a vesture dipt in bloud either because all his appearance in his Government to the spiritual eye is such as in which is manifested the vertue of his most precious Bloud Sufferings and Sacrifice for us Or because it represents the overthrow of his and our enemies And his name is called the Word of God as being the great speaker forth and Interpreter of the knowledge of God to us And he hath a sword that goeth out of his mouth A sharp cutting word full of killing convincing efficacy to all that stands cross to him which is therefore said to go out
Pharaohs Court as the Son of Pharaohs daughter yet through faith believing on the Son of Man he was not snared so as to perish from the way thereby but refusing to be called the Son of Pharaohs daughter chose rather to suffer adversity with the people of God then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season esteeming the reproches of Christ greater riches then all the treasures of Egypt for he had respect to the recompence of reward Heb. 11.24 25 26. 5. In case of Gods giving honour power and authority to men they are in a danger to and often do perish from the way either neglecting and sleighting and so missing it or if they were somewhat in it before they wander out of it not believing in the Son of Man to steer them evenly and uprightly in it as is to be seen in many Kings and Princes that are or have been corrupted by power and greatness Instances we have in Saul and Vzziah Solomon and other Kings of Judah and Israel but now if any such believe on the Son of Man and in God through him he will preserve them from perishing from the way as may be seen in David Asa Jehosaphat Hezekiah and Josiah though they all had their stumbles and falls in the way and this is that that is implyed in the second Psalme when he saith Be wise now therefore O ye Kings understand or be instructed ye that Judge the Earth Serve the Lord with fear and rejoyce before him with trembling Kiss the Son lest he be angry and ye perish out â—f the way if his wrath be kindled but a little Kiss that is imbrace honour submit to believe on the Son even him that is set upon Gods holy hill of Sion to whom God said Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Gods Son this Son of Man the Lord Jesus But then in adding Blessed are all they that trust in him He implies that they who do so in an exercise of faith in or believing on him they shall be happy in this that they shall be preserved from such perishing out of the way as befalls others that do not kiss or believe on him I may also add 6. In case of Gods honouring and lifting up men with great spiritual gifts and favours as knowledg utterance experience and such like priviledges The heart not exercising faith in the Son of Man and living upon him as nothing in and of itself notwithstanding them and as needing always to be found in him upheld and supplied by and presented in him is in danger to perish out of the way As is implied in that counsel and warning of the Apostles to the Gentiles Rom. 11.20 21. Thou standest by faith be not high-minded but fear for if God spared not the natural branches take heed lest he also spare not thee And as was exemplified in Jerusalem Ezek. 16.16 17 18. That trusting in her own beauty and excellency received from Christ her husband and not living upon and trusting only to and in him plai'd the harlot and perished from the way as is to be seen in the following verses there and in Jer. 2.5 6 7 31. Whereas the living by the faith of the Son of God and exercising it by believing on him preserves and saves there-from as the Apostle Paul and all that in all ages lived by faith in their injoyments of Gods gifts favours and priviledges were Gal. 2.20 Heb. 10.38 7. In case of difficulties and seeming hardness in the words or works of God or Christ so as we cannot find them out or comprehend them by our understanding from want of believing on the Son of Man many perish from the way of truth and righteousness So we find that Israel fell in temptations and provocations not knowing Gods way erring in their hearts through unbelief of his words not mixed with faith in them Psal 95.10 Heb. 3.15 16 18. with 4.2 When Caleb and Joshua that believed followed God with a full heart and were not offended at any of his ways Asaph had like that way to have slipt but that going into the Sanctuary of God through believing what he there met with he was recovered Psal 73. Jeremiah also though he would reason with God of his judgments yet holding fast faith and believing that God was righteous in all his ways was not in danger of miscarrying Jer. 12.1 Yea in a word Great peace have they that love Gods Law and nothing shall offend them either in Gods words or works for they believe that his word is right and all his works are done in truth Psal 119.165 with 33.4 That God is a Rock his work perfect and all his ways judgment a God of truth and without iniquity just and right is he Deut. 32.4 But a most eminent instance of this we have in Christs Disciples Joh. 6. where at a hard saying of his about eating his Flesh and drinking his Blood many of his Disciples were so offended that they perished from the way turning back from and no more walking with Christ and that because they believed not hung not upon him as the Christ tho Son of God trusted not to his leading beyond what they could see and comprehend with their own understandings as one they were perswaded of that he would not deceive or mislead them Whereas Peter the other Apostles being asked If that offended them also and if they would go away too replied Whither shall we go Thou hast the words of eternal Life and we know and are sure that thou art the Christ the Son of the living God and would not depart from him Joh. 6.60 61 64 67 68 69. Abraham also believing according to what was said and giving glory to God staggered not through unbelief either at the strangness or greatness of what was promised or at the unlikeliness of its being performed and so turned not out of the way however he may be said to have tripped in it by listening to Sarahs advice Gen. 16. Rom. 4.16 17 18. Whereas Israel in the Wilderness as is noted afore not believing for the words sake nor for Gods sake upon the account of his power and faithfulness but judging by sight and appearance and accordingly believing or distrusting turned aside and perished from the way many of them And to say no more in case of temptations generally men not believing on Christ the Son of Man and so on God are in danger to perish out of the way being overcome of their lusts and of Sathan And so all the diverse ways of the people of Israel falling into sin and perishing from the way as by lusting after evil things by Idolatry by murmuring against Christ by tempting Christ and by fornication mentioned 1 Cor. 10. are resolved generally into their unbelief as the grand root and cause of them Heb. 3.19 Jude 5. When as they who hold fast faith in Christ and depend on him continually are thereby preserved from every evil way As it is
As implying that Christ to whom and of whom the Lord in the Prophecy speaks is given in and with the Gospel and that both as a Light to them that sit in darkness to discover the way of safety to them and how great a Mercy is that and also to be for their salvation Namely both to pull them out of Death and the power of Satan and to lead and keep them in the path of Peace and Righteousness that they might not perish but have Eternal life And what is tendred to men in the tender of Christ Or what do men receive in receiving him Is it not God in him Yea all the Promises of God and Fulness of the Godhead and his Grace and Blessing as he saith himself He that receiveth you receiveth me and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me Mat. 10.40 And the Apostle John 2 John 9. He that abideth in the Doctrine of Christ hath both the Father and the Son And in 1 John 2.24 25. If that which ye have heard from the beginning abide in you ye shall continue in the Father and in the Son and this is the Promise which he hath promised us Eternal life Well therefore might the Apostle call the giving of the Gospel to the Gentiles The riches of the Gentiles Rom. 11.11 12. Seeing as he there saith in its coming Salvation is come to them to provoke the Jews to jealousie Whereupon he adds If their Fall be the Riches of the World and their diminishing the Riches of the Gentiles what will their fulness be Wherein is the fall of the Jews the Worlds riches or their lessening the riches of the Gentiles but in that Salvation which is the Gospel with the Contents and Benefits of it the Blessing of Abraham as it is called Gal. 3.14 is thereby come to and abides with them Surely this is the greatest Riches or Treasure of any man or of any People that they have the Gospel seeing they therein have Salvation and Life Eternal life the Blessing of Abraham Christ yea and God himself in Christ In a word The Kingdom of God and of Heaven as the Gospel is also so called brought herein to them So as in receiving and retaining it all those inestimable Riches and Benefits are received and retained by men Well might Solomon say There is Gold and a multitude of Rubies but the Lips of Knowledg are a precious Jewel Prov. 20.15 as if he would say a more excellent Jewel then any of them all Oh then that we Gentiles did know the Mercy and Goodness of God and prize it accordingly That we did understand and mind wherein our greatest Interest and Happiness lies Surely not in having the Riches of this World or Trading for them nor in having Power Empire Dominion and Rule nor in Learning worldly Wisdom and Policy nor in any of those things which the other Nations were preferred in above Israel but in having the Portion of Jacob the knowledg of God and Christ his Doctrine Oracles and Mysteries brought to us and left with us And therefore that should be our great business not as it is to seek after Empire Rule Honour Riches and worldly Greatness nor to satisfie our Lusts and Appetites in the ways of the Heathen in Surfetting and Drunkenness Chambrings and Wantonness Strifs and Envyings But in minding and receiving the Lip of Knowledg the Word of God the Gospel of Christ Oh therefore that we may repent of our Vanities and believe the Gospel and give the obedience of Faith to it as to that end its Preached to and among all Nations Mark 1.15 Rom. 1.5 and 16.26 For Infer 2. They that receive and retain this blessed Doctrine in which Christ is lifted up so as they obey and walk therein are very happy and blessed Persons in an excellent State and Condition as our Saviour said to the Woman who admired the Womb that bare him and the Breasts which gave him suck that they were blessed Yea saith he rather blessed are they that hear the Word of God the Gospel of Christ or the Preaching of him wherein he is lifted up and keep it that is so as to mind and remember it as a thing they believe and prize and observe to practise to do and obey what it instructs to Luke 11.28 And needs they must be so as appears by what is already said seeing they therein receive and have the Salvation of God Life even Eternal life and therein the Riches the Blessing the Promises in Christ Jesus yea Christ and God himself Oh then how blessed are they that know understand own and experiment the joyful sound the Gospel of Christ the Preaching of Peace and of good things in his Name They shall walk O Lord in the Light of thy Countenance in thy Name they shall rejoyce all the day and in thy Righteousness shall they be exalted Psal 89.15 16. and well they may seeing they are actually of Gods houshold fellow Citizens with the Saints Yea Gods holy House and Temple in which through Christ he dwelleth his People his Children his Inheritance and God and Christ is theirs his Royal Priesthood his chosen Generation his holy Nation his Jewels and Treasure his Garden of Delight those in whom God and Christ take pleasure his pleasant Plant his Spouse and Darling the dearly Beloved of his Soul a People near and dear to him whose God in a choice sense he is And Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord those whom he hath chosen to himself for his Inheritance They be those who receive retain and obey the blessed Doctrine wherein Christ is Exalted and Lifted up These are in a First-fruits Regenerated and Saved and are in the way to enjoy Eternal life It s theirs already as to Title and Interest and holding fast what they have received they shall not fail of the full Injoyment of it For this is the Testimony that God beareth of his Son that God hath given us Eternal life and that this Life is in his Son so that he that hath the Son hath Life and he that hath the Doctrine of Christ hath both the Father and the Son 2 John 9. Whence the Apostle adds These things have I written to you that believe that ye may know that ye have Eternal life and that ye may believe that is go on believing on the Name of the Son of God 1 John 5.11 12 13. Knowing that ye have Eternal life that ye are in as good a State and Way as ye can be in here that ye may persevere therein There is no other thing that can better the Believers condition for in Christ he is compleat the letting his Doctrine go to seek any thing else to better him is the way to deprive himself of all his Welfare And by observing lying Vanities to forsake his own Mercies For He that transgresseth and abideth not in the Doctrine of Christ hath not God 2 John 9. nor Life 1 John 5.12 Therefore
134.1 2. and Maidens Prov. 9.3 Great possessions of small and great Cattel above all others Heb. 2.6 7 8. with Psal 8.7 8. Yea The Silver and Gold is his Hag. 2.8 And the peculiar delights of Kings Cant. 1.4 and 3.9 10. Yea he hath Men-singers and Women-singers Psal 68.25 And the delights of the Sins of men Eccles 2.4 5 6 7 8. c. Psal 37.4 And all these are comfortable 6. It makes much also for our comfortable Living to have all such Gifts and Offices afforded us or persons indued with and set in them Wise and Faithful to use and discharge them as we stand in need of in their Exercise And he is and affords all such useful Mercies to us as flow from such Gifts and Offices needful for us â—â— to instance First We are foolish and need Instruction and Counsel He is the Counsellor to instruct and counsel us and Counsel even the Spirit of Counsel is with and upon him that he might direct and advise us Isa 9.6 and 11.2 Prov. 8.14 And he is free to counsel us yea calls us to him to hear him and receive his Instruction and is angry with men for nothing so much is because they will not be Counselled and Ruled by him Prov. 8.22 23. and 19.20 and 1.22 24 25 26 27 28 29 c. Secondly We are full of Diseases in our Souls and Spirits full of spiritual Weaknesses and Distempers possessed with evil Spirits or humours c. And he is the great Physitian and the good One going about and doing good and healing tendering healing to and ready to heal all that are oppressed of the Devil not denying or turning away any unhealed what ever be their spiritual Distempers that come unto him will wait upon him and be his Disciples and follow his Counsels Mat. 9.12 Acts 10.38 Yea he is both the Physitian and the Physick Gods salvation and saving health Psal 67.2 The knowledg of him healeth he that abides in him sinneth not he that sinneth hath not seen him nor known him 1 John 3.6 Thirdly We are beset with Enemies and he is the Man of War the Lord of Hosts to vanquish them for us and deliver us from them Exod. 15.3 6. Who hath spoiled Principalities and Powers and by his own Arm and his own Right-hand got himself the Victory and Triumphed over them through his Cross gloriously Col. 2.15 Psal 98.1 2. Exod. 15.2 Hath overcome the world and gives us the Victory through the Faith of him John 16.33 1 John 5.3 4. Fourthly We need Comfort and such to comfort us as know our Disturbances and Troubles and how to apply comfort to us and he hath the Tongue of the Learned and knows how to speak a word in season to the weary soul Isa 50.4 5. Having through Afflictions and Temptations gained all Experience â—he is fit to Sympathize with us comfort and succour us in all our Temptations Heb. 2.17 18. and 4.15 Yea he is the great Master of the Musick that makes and tunes Instruments to sound forth Melodiously his Praises and Plays skilfully upon them to make chearful his Friends and Servants the Prophet Ezekiel was as a Song of such a one Ezek. 33.32 Fifthly We are apt to Inthral our selves and we need a Redeemer and Redemption and he is both the Redeemer of Israel Isa 54.5 And made unto us of God Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 Buying us out from Gods displeasure and bringing us out from Bondage to Sin and Satan 1 Cor. 6.19 John 8.36 Sixthly We are Travellers and need a Conductor and Leader and God hath given him for a Leader to us Isa 55.4 Seventhly We are Souldiers and need a Captain and Commander and God hath given us him for a Commander Isa 55.4 The Author and Captain of our salvation Heb. 2.10 and 5.9 Eightly We are apt to fall out with one another and offend God and he is the Peace-maker the Peace between God and us and us with one another listning to and minding him he will Reconcile us and Unite us together Ephes 2.13 14.16 The Prince of Peace Isa 9.6 Yea the King of Righteousness and King of Peace Heb. 7.1 2. And our Mediatour and Advocate and Interceder with God when we offend him 1 Tim. 2.5 Heb. 7.25 Isa 53.12 1 John 2.2 7. There are many Services and Ministries useful and needful for the Lifes welfare and the comfortable Accomodations of men therein and such is his great Charity and Humility that Took upon himself the form of a Servant and was sound in Fashion as a man that to help us he refuses not to serve us in love setting us an Example of like Love and Humility that we also might serve one another in Love Not out of meanness of Spirit for he needs us not nor is there any more high and lofty then he Isa 57.15 But it 's his Love and great Condescention to us who Came not to be Ministred to but to Minister and to give his Life a Ransome for many Mat. 20.28 And was as one that served while his Disciples were as those that sit at Table Luke 22.27 And so 1. We are stript naked by our sins and our shame is laid open and we can of our selves get nothing but Fig-leaves to cover us and keep us warm now He not only provides us and is our clothing as we have noted but also makes them for us and puts them on us The Lord God made Coats of the skins of Beasts for Adam and his Wife and cloathed them Gen. 3.7 21. Now all things that were made were made by Christ Joh. 1.3 and therefore also those Coats for our first Parents and He hath made and must make our Garments for us and cloth us still Isa 61.10 Though he also requite us in his strength to put them on us putting off and laying aside our own raggs as he helps us Eph. 4.21 22 23. Rom. 13.13 14. 2. We need meat and he not only is it but also prepares it for us and is ready to minister it to us Wisdom hath prepared her feast she hath killed her killing she hath mingled her Wine and furnished her Table and as she useth the Ministry of her Maid-servants to call in her Guests so she also cryeth with them Pro. 9.2 3 4. And he tells his Disciples that if they watch for him and his coming he will make them to sit down to meat and he will gird himself and serve them Luc. 12.37 3. We need Habitations and Tents to dwell in and eat and drink in and he is the builder of the house for us Wisdom hath built her house she hath hewed out her Seven Pillars Prov. 9.1 And he that builds the house is more worthy honour then the house Heb. 3.3 And it s he that builds the house of God laying the foundation and bringing up the Head-stone and so finishing it Zech. 4.7 9. and 6.12 13. So that as he in the flesh was called the Carpenter so also now he disdains