Submission to Him even Emperors Kings Princes Nobles Captains Armies Freemen Bondmen even all both small and great He hath Power to punish all Treasons Rebellions Affronts Misdemeanors and Indignities whatsoever All that will not hear and obey him shall be destroyed He will speak to them in his Wrath and vex them in his sore Displeasure His Enemies shall be cloathed with Shame All that hate him shall be confounded and flie before him They shall be like the Dust how great soever They shall call for the Rocks to fall on them and to the Mountains to cover them from the Face of him that sits upon the Throne and from the Wrath of the Lamb. V. From hence we are taught to observe That it is our Duty 1. To adore reverence and honour Him 2. To obey and keep his Law 3. To trust in Him only for Defence and Protection 4. To pray that He would take to him his great Power and reign O blessed Son of David King of the Jews King of Israel Lord of the Gentiles Governor of Nations and King of Kings thy Kingdom come that thy Will may be done in Earth as it is in Heaven VI. From hence we infer the happy State that the whole Universe shall be in in God's appointed Time when this good great and mighty Potentate shall take to him his great Power and obtain a full Possession of all his Right When the Heavens shall rain down Righteousness and out of the Earth shall spring forth Joy The Mountain's shall drop new Wines and the Hills shall flow with Milk The Light of the Moon shall be as the Light of the Sun and the Light of the Sun as the Light of seven Days The Heavens shall rejoyce ever us and drop Fatness the Weary shall be at Rest and break forth into Singing A Jubilee shall be proclaimed and Persecution no more heard Judgment shall run down like Water and Righteousness like a mighty Stream Every Man shall sit under his own Vine and under his own Fig-Tree and none make him afraid Peace to all the Ends of the Earth Swords beaten into Plowshares and Spears into Pruning-Hooks no Nation lifting a Sword against his Neighbour no levying War any more No more Earthquakes nor Famine but a fruitful and peaceable Earth The poor Man shall overtake the Reaper and the Treader of Grapes him that soweth Seed And the Mountains shall drop sweet Wines and the Hills shall melt The Captivity of Israel shall be brought again they shall build the old waste Places and plant Vineyards and drink the Wine thereof make Gardens and eat the Fruit thereof Come to Zion with Songs and everlasting Joy where this King shall sit and appear in his Glory Israel shall rejoyce and Judah shall be glad It shall fare well with the whole Creation For the Ox and 〈◊〉 Asse that eare the Ground shall eat clean Provender winnowed with Fan and Shovel The Effect of his Kingdom shall be Peace for the Righteous shall flourish and have abundance of Peace and the Fruit of its Righteousness and Assurance for ever For not only the People shall be all righteous but upon the Bells of the Horses there shall be Holiness to the Lord. And the Ransomed shall come to Zion with everlasting Joy upon their Heads They shall obtain Joy and Gladness and all Sorrow Heaviness and Sighing shall flie away For as the Earth bringeth forth her Bud and as the Garden flourisheth with Things that are sown in it so shall the Lord God maâ—â— Righteousness and Praise spring forth before all the Nations Blessed be God Christ a Priest Heb. 7.17 For he testifieth Thou art a Priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedec Vers. 26. For such an High-Priest becometh us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from Sinners and made higher than the Heavens Type I. THe High-Priest was taken from among Men but it behoved him not to have any Blemish II. The Priest assumed not to himself this Office but was called to it of God they were consecrated by Imposition of Hands when they were twenty five Years old III. The Priests were anointed with Oil and washed with Water Thou shalt take thee anointing Oil and pour it upon his Head and he shall wash his Flesh in Water IV. The Priest was gloriously cloathed Thou shalt make holy Garments for Aaron thy Brother for Glory and Beauty V. The Priest was to have a holy Crown upon his Head VI. The Priest's Body and Loins were to be covered with clean Linnen VII The High-Priest bore the Names of the Tribes of Israel upon his Breast when he went in before the Lord. VIII The High-Priest had Vrim and Thummim upon his Breast IX The High-Priest had an engraven Plate of Gold Thou shalt make a Plate of pure Gold and engrave upon it like the engraving of a Signet HOLINES TO THE LORD And it shall be upon Aaron's Forehead that Aaron may bear the Iniquity of the holy Things and it shall always be upon his Forehead that they may be accepted before the Lord. X. Aaron the Priest was Moses's Mouth to the People XI The High-Priest was not to marry a Widow a divorced Woman nor an Harlot but a chast Virgin XII The Priest's work was to offer Sacrifices for the Sins of the People For every High-Priest is ordained to offer Gifts and Sacrifices c. XIII The Priest was to take the Blood of the Bullock and dip his Finger in it and sprinkle seven times the Mercy-Seat c. and likewise the Blood of Calves and Goats and he sprinkled the Book and all the People the Tabernacle and the Vessels of the Ministry XIV The Priest's Garments were to remain after him to cloath and adorn his Sons withal XV. The Priests were to sound the Trumpets which as Mr. Godwin observes were twofold sometimes an Alarm to War sometimes to assemble the People XVI The Priests of the Lord were to teach the Law to the People The Priest's Lips should keep Knowledg and they should seek the Law at his Mouth XVII The Priest was to judg of the Plague of the Leprosy and to pronounce clean or unclean XVIII The Priests under the Law made and anointed Kings Jehoiada the Priest and his Sons anointed Joash King of Judah XIX The Priests were to appoint Officers over the House of God and it did not appertain to the Civil Magistrate to intermeddle in the Priest's Office See the Case of Vzziah 2 Chron. 26.20 XX. The Priests of the Lord were to bless the People XXI The High-Priest only went into the Holiest of all and that not without Blood to make Atonement XXII The High-Priest only made the Perfume for Burnt-Offerings and it might not be applied to any other use but to burn before the Lord. XXIII The Death of the High-Priest set the guilty Person or Man-slayer free who had fled to the City of Refuge After the
Death of the High-Priest the Slayer shall return to the Land of his Possession By the High-Priest's Death an Atonement was made for him saith Mr. Ainsworth XXIV The High-Priest brought the Bodies of those Beasts whose Blood was brought into the Sanctuary to be burnt without the Camp Parallel I. CHrist was of the Race of Mankind of the Seed of David according to the Flesh Forasmuch as Children are Partakers of Flesh and Blood he likewise took part of the same but was altogether pure spotless without the least Stain of Sin II. So Christ glorified not himself to be made an High-Priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son c. and in another place Thou art a Priest for ever c. The Father invested him in this Office Him hath God the Father sealed He was baptized and the Spirit came down visibly upon him when he was about thirty Years old III. Christ was anointed with the Oil of Gladness above his Fellows How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy-Ghost and with Power He had also immaculate Sanctity and Purity in him IV. Christ was said to be glorious in his Apparel cloathed with the Divine Nature as with a Garment he was adorned with perfect and compleat Righteousness V. Signifying saith Mr. Guild the Deity of Christ which as a Circle hath neither beginning nor end and the Royal Dignity whereby he is advanced to be the Supreme Head in all things to his Church or his Kingship See Goodwin's Moses and Aaron VI. Christ's Humanity is cloathed with true Holiness which is compared to fine Linnen clean and white VII The Lord Jesus as our High-Priest presents â—â—or bears the Remembrances of all his faithful People upon his Heart when he appears before God to make Intercession for them He knows his own Sheep by Name VIII Christ hath in him the Perfection of true Light Beauty and Holiness Vrim and Thummim signified Christ's Prophetical Office whereby He as a standing Oracle to his Church answers all Doubts and Controversies whatsoever IX Christ is the real Antitype of this engraven Plate in likeness of a Signet Holiness to the Lord in that the Father hath actually communicated to him his Nature who is the express Image of his Person a glorious Representation of him to us being able to bear and hath born our Iniquities The Lord hath laid on him the Iniquities of us all X. Christ is the Mouth of the Father to the Sons of Men He is called the Word of God God hath spoken unto us by his Son XI Christ's Church must be a pure Virgin chast unstained with Superstition or Idolatry giving neither Love nor Worship to any other Christ owns none but such a People for his Spouse XII Christ offered up his own Body as a Sacrifice for our Sins He appeared to put away Sin by the Sacrifice of himself Christ was once offered to bear the Sins of many c. XIII As Christ was offered upon the Cross for the Sins of Mankind as a propitiatory Sacrifice so must his Blood in a spiritual manner be sprinkled upon our Consciences that we may be cleansed from our Sins and accepted in the sight of God Let us draw near with a true Heart in full assurance of Faith having our Hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience c. For if the Blood of Bulls and Goats and the Ashes of an Heifer sprinkled the unclean sanctified to the purifying of the Flesh how much more shall the Blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself to God purge your Consciences from dead Works to serve the living God But ye are come to Mount Zion c. And to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant and to the Blood of Sprinkling that speaks better things than the Blood of Abel XIV Christ's Righteousness remains for ever to cloath and adorn all true Believers 'T is the Wedding-Garment whosoever hath it not shall be shut out of the Marriage-Chamber and cast into utter Darkness XV. Christ sounds the great Trumpet of the Gospel for the assembling and gathering together of his Elect to himself from all the four Quarters of the Earth and will sound an Alarm at the last Day to the general Judgment The Trumpet shall sound and the Dead shall be raised c. XVI Christ is the great Teacher of God's Law 't is he that gives us the knowledg of Salvation that guides our Feet into the way of Peace We must seek the Law i. e. the Mind and Will of God at his Mouth who shews us plainly of the Father His Tabernacle is only standing not Moses's not Aaron's not Elias's but Jesus's This is my beloved Son hear him He is the last and only Teacher sent from God XVII Christ is Judg concerning the Plague of every Man's Heart what Sin is deadly and what not Tho there is no Sin venial as the Papist's affirm yet there is much more danger and evil in some Sins than in others As for example 'T is worse to have Sin in the Affection than in the Conversation to love it than to commit it The best of Saints have not been without Sin Infirmities have attended them yet they loved them not 'T is a loathsom thing to a true Believer That which I hate that do I. The Priest was to pronounce a Man utterly unclean if the Plague was got into his Head So if a Man's Judgment Will and Affection are for the ways of Sin if they chuse and love that which is evil Christ the High-Priest in his Word pronounces such unclean When Men approve not of God's ways because they forbid and give no toleration to their beastly Lust and Sensuality and from hence secretly contemn Religion in the strictness of it these surely have the Plague in their Heads XVIII The Lord Jesus makes and anoints many to be Kings for besides his acting towards Men in bringing of them to their Thrones and Kingdoms as 't is said By me Kings reign he makes all his Saints Kings and Priests and they shall reign on Earth XIX Christ hath the absolute Power of appointing what Officers should be in his Church He gave some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists some Pastors and Teachers Those that make any other spiritual Office or Officer than Christ hath ordained will be found grand Criminals in the great Day XX. Christ was sent to bless the People by turning every one of them from the evil of their Ways to give Pardon yea the holy Spirit and eternal Life to as many as believe on him XXI Christ entred into Heaven it self alone for us as Mediator through the Merit of his precious Blood shed to make Atonement once for all there to appear in the presence of God for us Neither by the Blood of Goats and Calves but by his own Blood he entred in
respect of his Prophetical Office is hinted in the Particulars following Prophet I. A Prophet is a Mouth to others to speak forth what is the Sence and Mind of God to them And the Lord said unto Moses See I have made thee a God unto Pharaoh and Aaron thy Brother shall be thy Prophet and speak unto Pharaoh II. A Prophet speaks not of himself but the Word of God comes to him to teach him what he shall say For when David was up in the morning the Word of the Lord came unto the Prophet Gad David 's Seer saying c. III. A Prophet doth anoint others and install them into Office as Samuel did Saul and as Nathan did Solomon IV. A Prophet gives direction for cleansing from Filthiness Uncleanness or Leprosy The Servant of Naaman came near and spake unto him and said My Father if the Prophet had bid thee do some great thing wouldest thou not have done it How much rather then when he says unto thee Wash and be clean V. A Prophet was to pray for the People as the proper Work of his place hence Samuel saith God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you c. VI. A Prophet tho never so good or great is slighted by his own Neighbours and People he is without Honour in his own Country VII A true Prophet is ordained of God is sent forth to do that Work and Business Before thou camest out of the Womb I ordained thee to be a Prophet unto the Nations VIII A Prophet is anointed to do and perform the Work proper to his place as 't is said Elisha the Son of Shaphat thou shalt anoint to be a Prophet IX A Prophet is the Leader and Guide of the People as 't is said By a Prophet the Lord led Israel out of Egypt X. A true Prophet ought to be believed Believe his Prophets so shall you prosper XI A Prophet bears witness to the Truth To him give all the Prophets Witness XII A Prophet is a Man of God a Servant of God and knows his Secrets XIII The Prophets of God laid a Foundation for the Church to build upon in respect of Faith and Doctrine And that the Church is built upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets XIV The Work of a true Prophet is to perfect the Work appertaining to the Church as well as to lay the Foundation of it He gave some Prophets c. for the perfecting of the Saints c. XV. Prophets are to be Examples to others Take my Brethren the Prophets for an Example XVI Prophets gave forth Scripture by the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit for Men to have recourse to at all times for Quickning Comfort and Instruction in Righteousness As it is written in the Prophets According to the Scriptures of the Prophets The Prophecy came not in old Time c. XVII Prophets do not only expound and shew what is past and already fulfilled but foretell and predict things to come which they all did more or less as a proper part of their Work Parallel I. JEsus Christ is the Mouth of God who speaks forth his Mind and Will unto the Sons of Men. God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the Fathers hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son The Words which I speak are not mine but the Father 's that sent me II. Jesus Christ speaks not of himself as he was Man but the Word of God came to him to direct him what he should speak I speak not of my self The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto him to shew unto his Servants things that must shortly come to pass III. Jesus Christ doth anoint others and install them into Office of whom it is said We have received an Vnction from the Holy One that teacheth all things I thank Jesus Christ who hath put me into the Ministry IV. Jesus Christ gives direction for cleansing from all Uncleanness both in respect of Body and Soul He said to the Leper I will be thou clean c. And when he saw the Lepers he said unto them Go shew your selves to the Priests and it came to pass that as they went they were cleansed Now are ye clean through the Word which I have spoken to you He doth not only direct but giveth cleansing Having wash'd us from our Sins in his own Blood V. Jesus Christ did eminently answer the Work of a good Prophet in praying for the People 1. For his Friends I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter 1. That they may be kept from Evil. 2. That they may be sanctified through the Truth 3. That they may be brought to an inseparable Vnion Nay more than this 2. He prayeth for his Enemies Father forgive them for they know not what they do VI. Jesus Christ tho he was the greatest and best of Prophets that ever was sent to the Children of Men yet was he slighted by his own People and rejected by his near Neighbours He came unto his own and his own received him not Is not this the Carpenter's Son whose Father and Mother we know c. VII Jesus Christ was ordained and sent of God to do the Work and Office of a Prophet I came not of my self but the Father sent me He was faithful to him that appointed him as Moses also was VIII Jesus Christ is anointed to be a Prophet and to perform the Work proper to his place as it is said Because thou hast loved Righteousness and hated Iniquity therefore God even thy God hath anointed thee with the Oil of Gladness above thy Fellows The Lord God hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the Poor c. IX Jesus Christ is the Leader or Guide of his People called the Fore-runner and Captain of our Salvation He shall feed his Flock like a Shepherd and gently lead those that are with young c. Behold I have given him for a Witness to the People a Leader and Commander to the People X. Jesus Christ ought to be believed God commands all Men to hear him and unless they believe in him they shall die in their Sins For Moses truly said unto the Fathers A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your Brethren like unto me him shall ye hear in all things he shall say unto you And it shall come to pass that every Soul that will not hear that Prophet shall be destroyed from among the People XI Jesus Christ did bear witness to the Truth He witnessed a good Confession before Pontius Pilate and is called the faithful and true Witness and First-begotten from the Dead XII Jesus Christ is a Man of God indeed a Servant of God whose Meat and Drink it was to do his
Affections which like two long Wings he stretcheth out easily in the way of his gracious Providences for the help and succor of his People He shall arise with healing under his Wings VIII The Lord Jesus beareth and carrieth his faithful Children upon the Wings of his Power and Sovereign Grace thus he bare and carried Israel of old I have borne you upon Eagles Wings Hearken unto me O House of Jacob and all the Remnant of the House of Israel who are borne by me from the Belly which were carried from the Womb I will bear you I will carry you c. IX The Lord Jesus hides his Children in the Secrets of the Almighty that glorious Rock of Ages Their Place of Defence shall be a Munition of Rocks David knew what he did when he fled to God for Shelter Vnder the Shadow of thy Wings will I make my Refuge until these Calamities are overpast See Refuge X. Jesus Christ when he utters his Voice in Anger and rises up to the Prey he will cause all the Inhabitants of the Earth to tremble they will call to the Hills and Mountains to fall upon them and to hide them from the Face of him that sitteth upon the Throne and from the Wrath of the Lamb. Nay the Time will come when the old Dragon will be glad to flie into his Den. The Devils were afraid of him when he came as a Lamb Art thou come to torment us before the time Be wise now therefore O ye Kings be instructed O ye Judges of the Earth Kiss the Son lest he be angry and ye perish from the day when his Wrath is kindled but a little Blessed are all they that put their Trust in him XI The way of Christ's Love Wisdom Providence c. cannot be known or found out to perfection XII Jesus Christ hath a glorious and clear Sight can behold with open Face the Glory of the excellent Majesty and the highest Splendor and Beauty of that immortal and inaccessible Light which no natural Eye can approach unto And altho none of his People can see as he seeth who is infinite in Knowledg yet those that pretend to be his Off-spring and are not like him in Grace Heavenly-mindedness and Holiness nor endeavour after it from that Excellency they behold in it Christ will utterly disown them as being none of his Seed or Off-spring XIII The Lord Jesus teacheth all his People to be like himself so far as they are able and to mount up as with Eagles Wings and to live on high XIV So is the Lord Jesus of his People XV. The Lord Jesus suffered himself to be wounded for us his Hands and Feet yea his very Heart was pierced that we might have his Blood to drink in believing My Blood is Drink indeed XVI The Lord Jesus Christ is not only long-liv'd but he lives for ever He was from everlasting and he will be to everlasting He is the King eternal the Father of Eternity so the Hebrew Simile THe Eagle hath many evil Qualities She is neither fair nor comely hath no sweet Voice nor is she good for Food but she is quarrelsom preying devouring solitary envious to others proud and lofty the Plague and Tormentor of all other Birds or Fowls of the Air an Enemy to Peace She has horrible Claws feeds on Serpents Fish and Carrion snatching up Geese Hares Lambs c. Gesner reports that a certain Eagle's Nest was found wherein were three hundred Ducks one hundred and sixty Geese forty Hares and many Fishes An Eagle is very crafty She fills her Wings with Dust and gets upon a Stag's Horns and beating the Dust and Sand into his Eyes she blinds him and then soon conquers him She carries Shell-Fishes on high letting them fall upon the Rocks to break them c. Disparity IN all these things there can be no greater Disparity imaginable and upon this account wicked Men or Tyrants are compared to Eagles Inferences I. Flie to Christ to bear you upon his Wings II. To hide you under the Wings of his gracious Protection Vnder thy Wings saith David will I make my Refuge till these Calamities are overpast c. Christ compared unto a Bundle of Myrrh Cant. 1.13 A Bundle of Myrrh is my Beloved unto me THis Book expresses under many different Metaphors and Similitudes the Greatness of Christ's Love to his Church and the Sincerity of the Churches Love to Christ. Sometimes you have Christ commending his Spouse sometimes the Spouse speaking in the praise of Christ as she doth here A Bundle of Myrrh a Cluster of Camphire is my Beloved unto me A Soul espoused to Jesus Christ hath a great Love to him and an high Esteem of him knows not how to set out that excellent Worth and Beauty it beholds in him Myrrh is a kind of precious Fruit plentifully growing in Arabia it is somewhat bitter but most fragrant and of excellent use in Physick METAPHOR I. MYrrh has a perfuming quality 't is of a fragrant and odoriferous Nature 't is used for perfuming Garments and other things to make them cast a pleasant Smell All thy Garments smell of Myrrh Aloes and Cassia The Harlot says She had perfumed her Bed with Myrrh Aloes and Cinnamon II. Myrrh is a rare and rich Perfume a fit Present for a King hence the wise Men of the East honoured Christ with Myrrh at his Birth III. Myrrh hath a preserving Quality it keeps things from corruption putrifying and rotting Hence the Friends of Christ brought Myrrh Aloes and other Spices for the embalming of his Body after his Crucifixion IV. Myrrh hath a beautifying quality The Virgins that prepared themselves for Ahasuerus made use of Myrrh 'T is good to take away the Wrinkles from the Face and to make the Skin smooth and shining V. Myrrh that which is the right and true Arabia Myrrh is not easily known by the Vulgar as Pliny notes Many cannot make Judgment about it some take the false Indian Myrrh that grows upon a Thorny Plant for the right Sort. VI. Myrrh hath a healing quality Physicians make use of it for the removing of several Distempers Pliny says it dries up Rheums clears the Voice helps the ill Savour of the Breath c. VII Myrrh was the first and principal Ingredient of the holy anointing Oil that was appointed to be made use of for the anointing of Aaron the Tabernacle and the Pertinents thereof 'T is called a Bundle or as Ainsworth reads it a Bag of Myrrh 1. To denote the Plenty or Fulness of that odoriferous Gum. 2. A Bundle or Bag keeps things safe that are of worth The Soul of my Lord shall be bound in the Bundle of Life with Jehovah his God Parallel I. JEsus Christ hath a perfuming Virtue See how the Church describes him for his Fragrancy Who is this that cometh out of the Wilderness like Pillars of
towards men and as accommodated for the profit of Believers that nothing which he does shall hurt them To this may be referred that speech of God which of all is most sweet and gracious and full of comfort inasmuch as it was spoken in the very swelling as it were of Anger When he speaks to Moses of the grievous sin and Apostacy of the People Exod. 32.10 Now therefore let me alone that my Wrath may wax hot against them and that I may consume them c. Jehovah speaks as if he had been bound and constrained by the Faith and Prayer of Moses so as that he could not destroy the People unless he had asked him leave as Psal. 106.23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach to turn away his Wrath lest he should destroy them Of so great a vertue and efficacy are the Prayers of the just before the Lord James 5.16 See Gen. 32.28 Hosea 12.4 Josh. 10.12 13 14. c. Esa. 1.13 The calling of Assemblies I cannot away with or more properly I cannot bear it is iniquity This is expounded with respect to the sanctity of God and his abomination of iniquity as verse 14. Your New Moons and your appointed Feasts my soul hateth which is intimaâ—â—ed by these phrases of humane abhorrence Something also of loosned or disjointed Members after the manner of men is attributed to God as Jer. 6 8. Be thou instructed O Jesuralem lest my soul be loosned or disjointed from thee so the Hebrew that is lest after the manner of a member that is broken or out of Joynt it departs from or be separate from thee and thou as a strange member be cut off or divided from me Ezek. 23.18 She discovered her Whoredoms and discovered her nakedness then my mind was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 disjointed from her By this phrase the Communion of God with Believers is most excellently expressed for if for their wilful and contumacious Rebellions God departs from them the head is as it were separated or pluckt off the putrified members as the Lord by a like metaphor speaks to the wicked Synagogue Jer. 15.6 For thou hast forsaken me saith the Lord thou art gone backward Therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee and destroy thee I am weary with Repenting Much and great was the forbearance and patience of God before this desertion which is indeed the filling the Measure of Iniquity spoken of Gen. 15.16 Matth. 23.32 To these privatives in man may be referred Diseases by which is signified the punishment of sin which Christ bore in our stead Esa. 53.4.10 Suitable to Hos. 13.14 I will ransome them from the power of the Grave I will redeem them from Death O Death I will be thy Plagues O Grave I will be thy Destruction Repâ—â—ntance shall be hid from mine Eyes Thus he speaks with respect to his Sacerdotal or Priestly Office as Heb. 2.14 Forasmuch as the Children are made partakers of flesh and blood he also himself took part of the same that through Death he might destroy him that had the Power of Death that is the Devil 2. With respect to his Prophetical Office 2 Tim. 1.10 Because by the Gospel he hath abolished Death and brought Life and Immortality to Light For he strongly defends his Church so as that the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it and 1 Cor. 15.26 The last Enemy that shall be destroyed is Death Here is a most evident symbol of the Resurrection as Junius and Tremellius upon the place rightly conclude Paul upon these words of Hosea 1 Cor. 15.55 Thus speaks O death where is thy Sting O Grave where is thy Victory c. Of the second sort of mens Actions which are ascribed to God there may a distinction be made viz. Such as are internal and such as are external The internal are with respect to the diverse States Circumstances or Conditions of men and so God is said to be a Husbandman that is Synechdochically a Vine dresser John 15.1 The reason of the Comparison follows in the next verses and is largely expounded Esa. 5. and Matth. 20. c. Christ who is the hypostatical Wisdom of God and his Eternal Son calls himself a Workman when he speaks of the Creation Cant. 7.1 For by him were all things made and without him was nothing made that was made John 1.3 Col. 1.16 c. So God is said to be the Builder and Maker of a City which hath Foundations Heb. 11.10 that is the Cause Fountain and Author of Eternal Life and Heavenly Joy So he is called a Man of War Exod. 15.3 From that Almighty work of his of overwhelming and drowning Pharaoh with his Egyptian Host. Besides in Wars waged among men he is the chief General and Captain giving Victory to whom he pleases and scattering routing or destroying whom he pleases See Psal. 46. and 76. c. Christ is called a Counsellor Esa. 9.6 with respect to his most wise decree in restoring Salvation at whose disposal it was 1 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy Calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and Grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began Likewise with respect to his most Holy Office in manifesting the Divine will to our capacities in order to Salvation and his obedience to the Father c. The Lord is called a Phisitian Exod. 15.26 Because he frees men from all perils of Souls and Bodies which are frequently compared to Diseases Psal 147.2.3 c. This is peculiarly ascribed to Christ the Redeemer for the blessing of spiritual health which we receive from him Matth. 9.12 Mark 2.17 See Esa. 61.1 He is called a Shepherd Psal. 23.1 Which appellation is also peculiarly attributed to Christ with respect to his Office as a Saviour Cant. 1.7 and 2.16 and 6.2 Ezek. 34.23 and 37.24 Micah 5.3 and 7.14 Zach. 13.7 John 10.11 Heb. 13.20 1 Pet. 2.25 and 5.4 and elsewhere He is called a Father Deut. 32.6 Psal. 68.6 Esa. 64.8 Matth. 6.1 6 8 9. Rom. 8.15 Which term is most full of Comfort and Joy declaring the Love and Affection of the Omnipotent God towards men So he is called Father of spirits Heb. 12.9 c. Christ called the Everlasting Father or as in the Hebrew the Father of Eternity Esa. 9.6 Because he most sincerely loves Believers and Glorifies them in blessed Eternity The seventy have most elegantly translated this place 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pater futuri seculi the Father of the Age to come He is called the First-born Psal. 89.27 Col. 1.15 18. Rev. 1.5 Jehovah and Christ are frequently called Prince Captain King Esa. 9.6 and 55.4 and 32.1 and 33.22 To denote their Majesty and celestial Dominion of which more elsewhere He is called a Bridgroom Matth. 9.15 and 25.1 Mark 2.19
Deut. 32.11 Esa. 31.5 Matth. 23.37 As to Exod. 19.4 I bare you on Eagles Wings See Gram. Sacr. p. 483. There are some Metaphors taken from Plants and attributed to God as A Branch Esa. 4.2 Esa. 11.1 Jer. 23.5 and 33.15 Zach. 3.8 and 6.12 Which places by the Chald. Interpreter are elegantly expounded of Christ the Messiah Here principally his temporal Nativity or Pedigree according to the Flesh is noted as a Branch derives its original from the Earth and having that as it were for its Mother It intimates also the greenness felicity and perpetuity of his Kingdom as the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 germinavit crevit he hath budded grown or increased is used of the Kingdom of Christ and the blessings thereof Esa. 43.19 and 61.11 12. Psal. 85.11 12. Zach. 6.12 The Messiah is called the fruit of the Earth Esa. 4.2 With respect also to his Original as to his humanity Psal. 67.6 Then shall the Earth yield her increase or fruit This whole Psalm treats of the blessings and benefits that will accrue to believers from Christ. Luke 23.31 Christ calls himself a Green-tree opposing to himself a Dry-tree by which we are to understand the Wicked If they do these things in a Green-tree what shall be done in the Dry that is if God suffers me that am innocent and like a Green and Fruit bearing Tree to be so grievously afflicted and cut down as a dry or barren-Tree how much more grievously will he permit you to be afflicted who are guilty persons and sinners and like dry trees that will bear no Fruit. Some by the tree of Life Rev. 20.7 and 22.2 14. understand Christ others Life it self and Eternal happiness which is almost the same that consisting solely in Christ 1 John 5.11 12 20. Christ is called The Root of Jesse and David Esa. 11.10 Rom. 15.12 Rev. 5.5 and 22.16 Which some expound by a Metonymie as the Root is put for that which springs from the Root as Esa. 11.1 Others say 't is spoken with respect to his Divinity Bernard says it is not said that David is his Root but he the Root of David because he bears and is not born by any Fitly therefore O Holy David dost thou call thy Son thy Lord because you did not bear the Root but the Root thee Some derive the Reason of this appellation from these Places Esa. 14.30 I will kill thy Root with Famine the Chald. renders it thy Son the Septuagint thy Seed Mal. 4.1 He shall leave them neither Root nor Branch the Chald. renders it neither Son nor Sons Son or Nephew whence it appears that a Son especially the first born is as it were the Root of the Family from whom such as are sprung are like Branches Hence the Patriarchs from whom the People of Israel sprung and with whom God first entered into Covenant are called a Root and their posterity Branches Rom. 11.16 Christ is therefore called the Root of Jesse and David because he is that first-born Psal. 89 27. Also I will make him my first-born higher then the Kings of the Earth issued as to his humanity from the family of Jesse and David and was the Foundation or Root of all the spiritual Family of God whence he is called the first born among many Brethren Rom. 8.29 Which Reason seems to be hinted Esa. 11.10 Where he is said to stand for an Ensign of the People to which the Gentiles shall seek by which the Call and Conversion of that People is described and the Constitution of the New Testament Church four fold which is like a fruit bearing tree standing upon Christ as a Root drawing Juice Nourishment and Life from him Christ is called a Vine John 15.1.5 By which metaphor principally his most strict and close Union with his Disciples and all Believers is intimated hence they are called Branches ingrafted in him verse 2 4 5. The Vine is homogeneal or of the same Nature with the Branches so is Christ according to his humanity with Believers Eph. 5.30 Heb. 2.14 The Vine imbibes or drinks in a copious humor and plenty of moisture which it after Communicates to the Branches So of the fulness of Christ we all receive grace for grace John 1.16 By a vital jujce derived from the Vine the branches are animated vegetated and fertiliz'd so as to bear sweet fruit By the vertue of Christ and his Spirit given to Believers they are inlivened quickned and made apt to bear the fruits of Piety to God which fruit cheareth God and Man Judg. 9.13 but in the manner of this conjunction there is a diversity or difference For Branches grow upon the Vine naturally but Believers are ingrafted in the true Vine Spiritually c. This is the primary Reason of this metaphor but by way of inference other things are intimated viz. The meanness of the Vine as to outward aspect Ezek. 15.2 3. Quadrates very well with Christ in his state of Humiliation Esa. 53.2 3. The dignity of the Vine before other Plants the delicate smell of its flowers and the excellency and preciousness of its fruit c. with other things may be congruously applyed to Christ the true and Celestial Vine Christ is called A Bundle of Myrrhe Cant. 1.13 Of which abundance grows in Arabia Myrrh is indeed bitter but most fragrant and of singular profit in cleansing and healing of VVounds in expelling corrupt humors out of the Body in easing pains or griefs in comforting the heart and most effectual in preserving the body from putrefaction All which may be most fairly accommodated and improved in paralells applyed to our blessed Saviours passion most holy Merits and their fruit and efficacy to the Saints when improved in Faith Exod. 30.23 There is mention of the Myrrhe of Liberty so the Hebrew the Chald. pure incorrupt our Version pure Myrrhe of which was made the Holy Oyntment with which the chief Priests were wont to be Annointed Which prefigured the Holy Unction of Christ the Sacrifice of whose Death is that Myrrh of Liberty affording a heavenly deliverance from Satan Death Sin and Hell John 8.36 c. He is also called a Cluster of Camphire Cant. 1.14 This Tree is said to be odoriferous bearing Clusters of an exceeding greatness Plin. lib. 12. cap. 24. Some interpret it Cypress for its sweetness fragrancy and plenty of glorious Fruit which things also may be attributed by way of improvement to Christ. Some Paraphrase it thus Jesus is Myrrhe to me in his bitter passion and a cluster of Camphire in his glorious Resurrection He is called the Rose or flower of Sharon and the Lilly of the Vallies by which his true humanity his purity and sanctity as also the amability of his Office and blessings he bestows are intimated as shall be treated of elsewhere more large See Dâ—â— D. Gerhard Meditat. in Postilla Salomonea Dominic quinquages fest purific 17. post tr fest What Metaphors are deduced from
built upon a Rock are said by a metaphor which is taken from the firmness strength or solidity of the Rock not from any Rule or Government it has for there is no such thing in it and denotes a solid stedfast and immovable Foundation but what needs any further explication when Paul an undoubted interpreter says 1 Cor. 3.11 For other Foundation can no man lay then that is laid which is Jesus Christ but upon this Rock are laid other Rocks or Stones for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being an appellative signifies a Stone not a Rock cut out of the Living Rock which being single are not foundations but many being joyned cemented or united constitute or make a secundary foundation Rev. 21.14 And the wall of the City had twelve Foundations and in them the Names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb Eph. 2.20 And are built upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets c. 1 Cor. 10.4 Christ is called the spiritual Rock of which the Israelites did drink in the Desart that Rock being a Type of him Exod. 17. See Gram. Sacr. p. 504.551 God is called a Secret or Hiding place Psal. 91.1 Psal. 119.114 also a Covert Refuge or Hiding Esa. 4.6 By which his gratious defence against all hostile violence is intimated For the same Reason he is called a Munition which signifies a Fortification or Strong-Hold Psal. 31.2 3 4. Psal. 71.3 Psal. 91.2 9. Psal. 144.2 He is called a Wall of Fire Zach. 2.5 Where the Epithete of Fire is added to shew that he is not only the defender of his Church but also a most terrible avenger that will consume its Enemies as Fire does combustible matter He is called a Strong Tower Psal. 61.3 Prov. 8.10 Because of his Divine protection also for as in high and well fortified Towers we are safe from the assaults of the Enemy so much more eminently does Jehovah place them in safety who trust in him 2 Sam. 22.51 He is the Tower of Salvation says David of God which is called great deliverance Psal. 18.50 The Tower is Fortified 1. With warlike Engines which are his Divine vertue and power and all the Creatures which he makes use of to the Destruction and overthrow of his Enemies Psal. 148.8 Fire and Hail Snow and Vapor stormy Wind fulfilling his Word 2. With Provision as the Bread and Drink of Life Psal. 36.8 9 10. They shall be abundantly satisfyed with the fatness of thy house and thou shalt make them Drink of the Rivers of thy Pleasures c. 3. With a Garrison or brave Defendants which are the Holy Angels Psal. 91.12 Dan. 7.10 So that this Tower is impregnable c. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are called the Temple of the Heavenly City Rev. 21.22 By way of opposition to the outward and Earthly Temple as if he had said in Eternity there will be no need of those visible and external signs by which God manifested himself to his people under the Old Testament dispensation in the Temple and in the Ark of the Covenant for God will exhibit himself to be seen by his elect face to face that in this spiritual Temple they may give him Eternal and Celestial praise celebrating a festival of Everlasting Joy c. John 14.6 Christ calls himself the Way viz. by which there is a passage to the Father as ver 2 3 4. The words of the verse are I am the Way and the Truth and the Life no man cometh unto the Father but by me that is you say you know not the way to the Father and heavenly felicity why I my self whom you know am the Way by which you can arrive there nor am I only a way but a guide also by the Truth which I teach and together with the Father am the end of your Journey that is Life which the blessed enjoy Calixt in Harmon Evangel John Husse as VVolfius cites him Tom. 1. lect Memor p. 750. says Let the humble passenger behold Christ who says I am the Way the Truth and Life here is a way for him that will go for Christ is the way A way whither he would go for Christ is Truth And where he would tarry for Christ is Life Tho. a Kempis lib. 3. de Imit Christi cap. 56. I am the way Truth and Life none can Go without a Way nor Know without Truth nor Live without Life I am the way which you ought to follow the truth which you ought to believe and the life which you ought to hope for I am the inviolable way the infallible Truth and indeterminable Life I am the most right way the most supream truth and most certain blessed and increated life If thou tarry in my way thou shalt know my truth which shall deliver thee and in it thou shalt find Eternal life The light and truth of God leads us Psal. 43.3 Which Christ applies to himself John 8.12 and 14.6 For he leads us to himself who is Eternal Life 1 John 5.11 12. In whom we have all things Rom. 8.32 How he leads to the Father is fairly expounded Heb. 10.19 20. c. 1. The Way of the Lord God signifies his heavenly Doctrine Psal. 5.8 Psal. 25.4 9 10. Psal. 67.2 Psal. 119.3 14 2â—â— 30. c. Esa. 2.3 Hos. 14.10 Matth. 22.16 Act. 13.10 and 18.25 c. Hence comes the phrase to keep the ways of the Lord Psal. 18.21 that is to lead his life according to his Word and precepts 2. His Providence and Divine Government more generally as the whole Course of his VVill Counsels Endeavours and Actions as Psal. 25.10 Psal. 77.13 Esa. 55.8 9. Hab. 3.6 More particularly it signifies some singular actions of God Exod. 33.13 Psal. 103.7 Job 40.14 Prov. 8.22 John Baptist is said to prepare the way of the Lord Mal. 3.1 Luk. 1.76 that is to bear a serious Testimony of his speedy coming by preaching the VVord and administring the Holy Ordinance of Baptism A metaphor taken from great men at whose coming the ways are wont to be made plain and level See Esa. 40.3 4. c. God is called a Shade Psal. 121.5 The Lord is thy Shade upon thy right hand which denotes his heavenly protection which he affords believers as a Shade refreshes and defends from the scorching heat of the Sun hence such are said to abide under the Shadow of the Almighty Psal. 91.1 VVhen it is said the Shadow of his VVings the metaphor becomes double and more emphatical for he is not only a pleasant Shade in dry and torrid places but such a nourishing protecting Shade as the Hens wings are to her Chickens and so denotes a singular Love and Care VVe read also of the Shadow of Gods hand which also denotes a strong protection against all Enemies for a hand when attributed to God denotes so much Of which before There is an eminent emphasis in that Text Luke 1.35 And the Angel answering and said unto
we have many means of increase of grace the Lord will expect the fruits of holiness from his people XVIII The Lord loves to visit his vineyard often and delights to behold the flourishing graces of his people He is gone Down into his garden into his beds of spices c. He eats his pleasant fruit he takes pleasure in his Saints and will beautifie the meek with salvation Let us see says he if the vine flourish whether the tender grape appears and the pomegranatâ—â—s bud forth there will I give thee my loves He rejoyâ—â—es to find his people abound with graces which are the blessed fruits of the spirit no Ambrosia so sweet to this heavenly husbandman as the holy performances of his Saints which is the effect of his own cost and labour XIX The Lord expresses great grief when his people bring forth no fruit or which is worse wild fruit he looked that it should bring forth grapes and it brought forth wild grapâ—â—s How he complains by the Prophet She viz. the vineyard Jerusalem was plucked up in fury the East wind driâ—â—d up her fruit Fire hath devoured her fruit this is a lamentation and shall be for a lamentation How it grieves the Lord to the heart when his servants his Ministers return this account we have laboured in vain and spent our strength for nought c. XX. When the Lord finds any barren or withered branch in his husbandry past hope of recovery he cuts them 〈◊〉 every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away Christ cursed the fruitless fâ—â—g treâ—â— and immediately it was driâ—â—d up this cutting off may be done by the immediate hand of God â—â—ith in Spirituals or Temporals or by the censure and excommunication of the Church XXI God hâ—â—th also many workmen in his Churches divers painfâ—â—l labourers in his harvest Miniâ—â—ers of the Gospel are spiritual harvest men We then as Workers together with you beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain XXII A faithful experienced and laborious Minister the Lord values above thousands of slothful false hearted and self seeking ones who care not for the flock so they have the fleece and if they have the wages care not for the work Moses was faithful in his house and therefore esteemed but Corah and hâ—â—s Company that fain would have been lookt upon as appointed by God like Moses were swallowed up XXIII The Church of God often suffers and is much spoiled by those innumerable swarms of Locusts or Catterpillars that came out of the bottomless pit by which according to the opinion of divers eminent Writers are meant the great swarms of Popish Priests Friars Monks Jesuits and even all the whole tribe of the Romish Hierarchy who are fitly likened to Locusts which as Naturalists say are a little vile kind of vermine that spring out of smoak flying together in vast numbers gnawing eating up or destroying all green things and fruits of the eaâ—â—th being a very slothful and idle creature resembling the Popish Clergy exactly who are bred out of the smoak and darkness of hellish ignorance they are slow bellies living upon the sweat of other mens brows To such Kingdoms or Countries as abound with pleasant plants they flock in swarms where they make havock and lay wast all green things in the Church of God as this and other Nations have felt and still feel infecting thousands with their damnable devices superstitious practices and inventions XXIV When God finds a Church or people without the life and power of grace and religion cold and lukewarm having only the Carkass of external profession and that no calls nor endeavours will reclaim them he withdraws his presence removes his Candlestick takes away the hedge and lays it waste Go to my place in Shilo where I set my name at first and see what I did to it for Israel 's wickedness So Sardis Ephesus Smirna Philadelphia c. and the rest of those once famous Asiatick Churches are become a barren and waste Wilderness XXV The Lord by his word and spirit which is as a fan in his hand severs the chaff and refuse part of his Children that nothing but the pure grain and seed of grace may remain in them and oftentimes by affliction winnows his Church Severing the true Christian from the dross and chaff of hypocrisie I will sift the house of Israel as Corn it sifted in a sieve c. METAPHOR I. SOme husbandmen hire their ground and pay Rent for what they have II. A husbandman maybe dispossest of his farm and turn'd out of all his estate by an enemy or the injustice of a party stronger than himself III. The husbandman thrives or grows poor aâ—â—cording as his husbandry gives good or bad returns IV. Husbandmen often faint and grow weary of working V. Husbandmen know not the success and event of their labour nor the nature of some ground till they try it VI. Husbandmen cannot rain to water their fields 't is God that gives the increase for which their dependance must be upon him VII The husbandman cannot make bad trees bring forth good fruit nor barren trees bear nor some sort of ground good let him do what he can VIII Storms Tempests excessive Rain Snow Heat or Cold often force the husbandman to a cessation of his labour and an enemy may compel him from his work IX A husbandman grows old and dies and leaves his husbandry DISPARITY I. BUt God is the proprietor and proper owner of all the Nations and people of the Earth whatsoever is under the whole heavens saith the Almighty is mine II. God cannot be dispossest or turned out of his inheritance for no strength or power is able to stand before him none can oppress him or take his right from him against his will he can destroy at once all that rise up against him III. God though he lays out very much to cultivate a Nation Church or People is never the poorer his treasure is inexhaustible and can receive no addition nor diminution Can a man be profitable to God My Goodness saith David extends not to thee All that he doth is for his Creatures profit IV. God in a proper sence cannot be weary therefore in Scripture when we read of his being weary 't is spoken by the figure 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 after the manner of men by way of condescention to our capacities after much patience and forbearance and finding no fruit he is said to be weary not properly but as before the everlasting God the Lord the Creator of the ends of the Earth fainteth not neither is weary V. But God knows all things the hearts and spirits of all men he knows what nation or people will prove fruitful or otherwise before his word and spirit are employ'd to cultivate and try them VI. God can cause it to Rain when he pleases externally upon the earth and spiritually
put them into a better Form I know that thou canst do every thing and that no Knowledg is hid from thee Corollaries 1. FRom these Particulars we may observe That if God be the Builder of all things then the Work must of necessity be very well done for no human Architect can mend it 2. That it is very rational that he should be acknowledged and praised by his handy Work 3. That there is good Reason that all should be at his disposal for he gave them Being 4. That Men have no cause to murmur because they have no greater part of this World than God allots for they ought to acquiesce in his Will 5. That in all our Wants we should apply our selves to Him that gives liberally and upbraideth not for we can have no Supply elsewhere 6. That in all Projects and Undertakings we should seek Counsel of this great and wise Master-Builder and observe his Leadings in all Enterprizes 7. That good Men have no reason to be troubled for worldly Losses for all is the Lord's and he will surely give them what is fit for them God a Man of VVar. Exod. 15.3 The Lord is a Man of War 1 Sam. 17.45 The God of the Armies of Israel Isa. 47.4 The Lord of Hosts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dominus Exercituum Observation God is compared to a Warrior TO illustrate this Similitude we shall shew 1. What Wars the Almighty God engages himself in 2. What manner of Warrior he is 3. In what respect he is parallel with earthly Warriors 4. The Disparity betwixt them 5. Draw some Inferences or Corollaries from the whole 1. The Lord is engaged in a Spiritual War against the Ungodly that remain obstinate and rebellious against him He judges the Righteous and is angry with the Wicked every day If he turn not he will whet his Sword he hath bent his Bow and made it ready He hath also prepared for him the Instruments of Death he ordaineth his Arrows against the Persecutors If I whet my glittering Sword saith the Lord and mine hand take hold on Judgment I will render Vengeance to mine Enemies and will reward them that hate me I will make mine Arrows drunk with Blood and my Sword shall devour Flesh and that with the Blood of the Slain and of the Captives c. 2. The Lord is concerned and oftentimes engages himself in Temporal or National Wars and Battles 'T was He that led Joshua forth as an armed Man against the Canaanites Hence he is called the God of the Armies of Israel I know not saith an eminent Writer any one thing where the Providence of God is more fully set out in Scripture than in the Workings of it about Wars It was the Lord that brought up Nebuchadnezzar against the Cities of Judah and stirred up the Medes to destroy the Babylonians Q. But what manner of Warrior is God A. 1. He is a Righteous and Just Warrior The proud haughty Princes and Potentates of the Earth many times take up Arms upon unjust grounds and pick Quarrels for vain-glorious and ambitious Ends If they see their Neighbour thrive as if it were an Eclipse to their Glory they invade him and imbrue their cruel Swords in Blood and Slaughter sacrificing the Lives of many thousand Innocents to gratify their avaricious and damnable Lusts Whereas God never proclaims War nor draws the Spiritual Sword against any Soul People or Nation but when there is just cause and no other means will do Shall not the Judg of all the Earth says Abraham do Right 2. The Lord is a skilful and expert Warrior he knows how to marshal his Host and set his Battle in Array There is no Policy in War nor Stratagem in the Military Art but he understands it 3. He is a mighty and terrible Warrior He can shake the Heavens by his Voice and make the Mountains quake before him With him is terrible Majesty he is the Lord mighty in Battel He makes the Earth to fear and the Inhabitants thereof to melt so that the Men of Might shall not find their hands He can make Emperors as Stubble to his Bow and mighty Kings as Chaff before the Whirlwind He makes Beelzebub with all his Guards to tremble and fly into Darkness it self to hide themselves He cuts off the Spirits of Princes and is triumphant over the greatest and proudest Monarchs Alexander Pompey Caesar and Tamberlane have all yielded to this invincible Conqueror If he shews but a Finger on the Wall he makes proud Belshazzar quake and can employ inanimate Creatures to terrify and destroy Pharaoh and his Host. 4. The Lord is a victorious and prevailing Warrior when he rises up he devours at once He bears long before he stirs up himself like a Man of War he is not quickly provoked I have saith he for a long time held my Peace I have been still Now I will cry like a travelling Woman I will destroy and devour at once The Lord shall go forth as a mighty Man he shall stir up Jealousy like a Man of War He shall cry yea roar he shall prevail against his Enemies 5. He is a Kingly Warrior or General of a mighty Host All the Inhabitants of Heaven and Earth are at his Command Metaphor I. A Great and principal Warrior is dignified with a Title suitable to his Office as Lord General or his Excellency II. He trains up and disciplines his Army in the Military Art instructing them how to behave themselves in all Martial Engagements discovering the Enemies Stratagems to them III. A General or Warrior takes Counsel and Advice before he makes War IV. A Royal Warrior when engaged in War sends forth Commissions and levies an Army or Armies as the Kings of Israel did who were great Warriors and his Orders are obeyed V. A great Warrior opens his Armory and distributes Weapons and Martial Habiliments to his Souldiers VI. A Warrior sets up his Martial Standard or chief Ensign of War VII A Warrior causes his Trumpets to sound to make ready for the Battel VIII A Warrior when he musters his Army sets them in array assigning their proper Work and Stations for the respective Squadrons or Divisions IX A just and a generous Warrior sets forth his Declarations of the Equity of his Cause and the End of his Quarrel X. A great Warrior gives his Souldiers Banners to be displayed XI A Warrior before he fights animates and encourages his Souldiers and provokes them to valorous and undaunted Actions XII The General or chief Warrior marches in the Head of his Army and leads them on in Person to Battel XIII A prudent Warrior takes care not only of his Front but of the Rear of his Army he manages their Retreat as well as the Onset XIV A Royal Warrior is careful in providing Pay for his Souldiers at his own charge Parallel I. GOD has a Title that expresses his transcendent Excellency and Grandure he is
Confidence V. Some Warriors invade their Enemies with sudden Irruptions not giving them Warning nor Time of Preparation VI. Worldly Men of War know not sometimes how to put a Period to a War when it is begun nor can tell when it will end VII Tho Earthly Warriors can kill yet they cannot make alive VIII Such cannot kill the Soul IX A Warrior may waste his Treasure and empty his Exchequer by long and chargeable Wars X. He makes his Subjects bear the Charge Disparity I. GOD the Spiritual Warrior is the Eternal Jehovah who formed Man and all things else Thou hast laid the Foundations of the Earth and the Heavens are the Works of thy Hands They shall perish but thou shalt endure yea all of them shall wax old like a Garment as a Vesture shalt thou change them But thou art the same and thy Years shall have no end II. God has an absolute Power and Sovereignty over Heaven and Earth whom he will he sets up and pulls down at his pleasure whom he will he kills and whom he will he saves alive He doth whatsoever he pleaseth and who can say unto God What dost thou III. But there is no Match for God in the World Who would set the Briars and Thorns against me in Battel I would go through them I would burn them together He is called a consuming Fire and the greatest of his Enemies are but as Stubble fully dry It was a Saying of Caesar Veni vidi vici and may truly be said of God for he never comes off with Loss IV. The omniscient God that knows all things cannot be baffled nor disappointed he knows who of either side shall fall and who shall be slain and who wounded before the Battel begins V. The Lord of Hosts before he takes up Arms or intends to destroy a single or a combined Enemy gives them timely Warning and Notice of it that so Sinners may be ready and prepare themselves This appears in respect of the Old World those vile Enemies of God the Lord gave them warning one hundred and twenty Years of his breaking in upon them before it came to pass So he likewise gave warning to Jerusalem by the Prophets before he brought the Babylonians in upon them And what warning did the Lord give to the People of the Jews before the Destruction came upon them by the Romans God shoots off his Warning-Piece before he discharges his Murdering-Piece VI. God can in a moment stop any Judgment he can stay the Sword from devouring and the Fire from consuming He knows when the Controversy he hath with any Nation or People shall cease VII The Lord of Hosts can kill and make alive and many times by killing brings to Life VIII But God is able to kill both Soul and Body and after cast them into Hell IX But God's Treasury can never be wasted nor his Store consumed X. But God bears all the Charge of his Wars himself See the Metaphor of Captain Corollaries 1. FRom the foregoing Particulars we may infer That such as fight against God's People fight against God himself he being their Head and General that bears the Charge of the War and will certainly vindicate his People 2. From hence all good Men may derive encouragement because they are under the Conduct of so Incomparable a Warrior that can in a moment destroy all their Enemies 3. We may infer that a Martial Employment is a very honourable and useful Employ viz. when the Cause is good when 't is for God's Glory and for the Honour and Safety of King and People God is called The Lord of Hosts the God of the Armies of Israel which puts a Lustre and Dignity upon this Title c. 4. If God's People be worsted by an Enemy we may infer that it is suffered by the Almighty as a Scourge and Punishment for their Sins This was Israel's Case very often 5. Let God's People when they go out against their Soul-Enemies go in the Name of the Lord of Hosts for 't is dangerous to face an Enemy unless God go with us In the Name of the Lord will we set up our Banners 6. We may infer the desperate Case of such as fight against God Who ever hardned his Heart against him and prospered Such as make a Tumult and hate him that lift up the Heod that take crafty Counsel against his People c. Such shall be made as Stubble before the Wind and their Confederacy laught at by him that sits on high c. The most steely and flinty in the World can no more stand before God than Briars and Thorns before a flaming Fire Whoever commences War with him does it to his own Ruine and Destruction c. 7. Hence let all the Enemies of God consider that it is their wisest and safest Course to lay down their Arms and make their Peace with God 1. Because he is a God of Might and Power 2. Of Terror and Majesty 3. Of Influence and Authority he commands all 4. Of invincible Resolution and Constancy 5. Of so great Valour and Generosity that as there is no fighting with him so honourable Terms may be made with him upon Submission That he is a God of Might and Power Terror and Majesty hath been shewn already therefore we shall proceed to the third Particular viz. 3. He is a God of Influence and Authority he commands all Nothing can stand when he commands a March The Frogs invade Pharaoh the Stars fight against Sisera an Angel fights the whole Host of Assyria the Watchers turn Nebuchadnezzar to Grass toss Belshazzar from the Throne and open the Gates of Babylon for Darius He brings forth his Angels by Troops and shews them in the Air to strengthen or amaze all mounted on Chariots and Horses Sends the Winds out of his Chambers to make Confusion both by Sea and Land which rolls up the great Waves and hurls the Ships against Rocks that overturns Houses pulls up Trees by the Roots enters into small Crannies and shakes the Foundations of the Earth shakes the Walls of Jericho makes the Ground open to swallow up Men alive Whoever he sets himself against they are undone for neither Riches nor Strength will save them Riches profit not in the Day of his Wrath Money cannot bribe him and by Strength can no Flesh prevail For he can smite blind and lame in a moment put in fear smite Hip and Thigh that they cannot move to run away from him break their Cheek-Bone that they shall not bite nor ask for Mercy Many have been overcome by him but never any prospered against him So successful hath he been in Battel that the Victory goes on his Side where-ever he undertakes the War He makes One chase a Thousand and Two put Ten Thousand to Flight As is his Power so is He. His Wisdom and Counsel is such that by one Act he knows the Strength of all his Enemies and the Counsel
Account given of one of the greatest Battles fought that ever was between Man and Man between Man and Hell between God and Man yet Job went away with Victory True Grace is often assaulted yet never was nor ever shall be overthrown or conquered 4. God brings his Jobs under this severe Dispensation and then runs upon them like a Giant that he might convince and reprove Satan and all wicked Men that continually slander vilify and reproach the Godly saying They serve the Lord for their own Ends and follow him for Loaves that they attend upon him for an Estate or for vain Glory the pleasant and good Things of this World Doth Job serve God saith Satan for nought He is a very Hypocrite tho he now seem so godly No such Zealot as he but he hath a base and selfish End and Design in all he doth If God do but run upon him like a Giant and strip him of all these worldly Comforts which he enjoys you will then see what becomes of his Religion He will curse God to his face The Lord did on purpose cause these things to be acted and to come upon Job for ever to stop the Mouth of Satan and his Servants to shew that his Children follow him for the Love they bear to him and for the Excellency they find in him and in his Ways and from that Bond and Duty that is incumbent upon them Tho he strip them naked of all they have yet they will cleave to him 5. God ran thus upon his Servant Job that he might become an Example of Patience and Sufferings to future Generations and that God's People might hence have wherewith to sustain themselves under killing severe Dispensations and not faint when they are rebuked of God For if God thus deals with his beloved Jobs let no Soul give up their Hope or utterly despair who are under the sorest and most amazing Dispensations of the Almighty Whatsoever was written afore-time was written for our Instruction that we through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have Hope Take my Brethren the Prophets saith the Apostle who have spoken unto you in the Name of the Lord for an Example of suffering Affliction and of Patience 6. God thus deals with his dear Children in this World to increase and add to their Glory in the World to come Afflictions here will not go without their Reward hereafter No Believer shall lose by suffering hard things according to the Will of God He doth it not simply for his own Pleasure but for our Profit that we might be Partakers of his Holiness Though at present no Affliction seemeth joyous but grievous nevertheless afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable Fruit of Righteousness to them that are exercised thereby And hence Paul saith Our light Affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal Weight of Glory The Inferences are these 1. Terror 2. Counsel 3. Comfort 1. Terror Let all ungodly Men and Women hence tremble for if God breaks his own dear Children thus to pieces and runneth upon them like a Giant how will he come forth in Wrath and Vengeance upon them Their only way is to submit themselves at his Foot whilst there is Mercy For when once he is risen up and awaketh as one out of Sleep like a Giant or mighty Man that shouteth by reason of Wine He will break their Bones in pieces and put them to perpetual Reproach Woâ—â—to that Man that God stirs up all his Strength and Wrath against when his absolute Design and Purpose is to kill and utterly destroy God is â—â—ngry â—â—ith the Wicked every day If he return not he will whet his Sword he hath bent his Bow and made it ready He hath prepared for them the Instruments of Death 2. Counsel to you that are the Enemies of the dreadful Majesty Bless God you are not cut off that you are not ground to Pouder and before now amongst the Damned And let me advise you in Love to your Souls not to adventure one step further in a way of Sin and Rebellion against God lest he tear you in pieces and there be none to deliver Therefore God's Counsel is Kiss the Son lest he be angry and ye perish in the Way when once his Wrath is kindled but a little Blessed are all they that put their Trust in him God is now ready to treat with you from the Mercy-Seat but the Time is near when he will get upon the Seat and Throne of Judgment and then it will be to late 3. Comfort to you that are Saints and under Afflictions This may administer much Consolation unto you You see God deals no otherwise with you than he did with blessed Job nay what are all thy Sufferings compared with Job's Sufferings And you have heard that God in his severest Dispensations designs your Good and that he will make you Gainers by all at last and if he lays an heavy Burthen upon you he will give you Strength to undergo it Wait therefore patiently upon the Lord and be humbled under his mighty Hand How did Job behave himself when God did all this to him Did he oppose did he strive with his Maker No no Job knew that was in vain buâ—â— he tells us He put Sackloth upon his Loins and defiled his Horn in the Dust My Face saith he is foul with Weeping and on my Eye-lâ—â—ds is the Shadow of Death The only way under the heavy Strokes of the Almighty is to prostrate our Souls at his Foot When God lets out visible Tokens of his afflicting Hand upon us we should let out visible Tokens of our Humiliation under his Hand when we are greatly afflicted we should be greatly affected when God seems angry we should be troubled when he runs on us in a way of Affliction we should fall down before him in a way of Contrition Ephraim's Sighs and Moans were Musick in God's Ears Ephraim did not murmur against God but mourned before God The way to have God's Rod removed is to be sensible of the Rod and who hath appointed it If we would be free from Affliction we must be humbled for our Sin if we are humbled under the Cross God will soon exalt us upon the Throne God compared to a Lion Hosea 13.7 I will be unto them as a Lion as a Leopard will I observe them I will meet them as a Bear bereaved of her Whelps And I will rent the Caul of their Heart and then will I devour them like a Lion WE have here a threefold Simile which sheweth the fearful State of a wicked and provoking People 1. I will be unto them as a Lion I will devour them like a Lion 2. As a Leopard I will observe them 3. I will meet them as a Bear bereaved of her Whelps Doct. 1. God in his breaking in upon a wicked and rebellious People in a way of Wrath and Judgment will be unto them
will watch over them for Evil. The Lord watches over his own People for good but wo to them that he like a Leopard observes and watches over to destroy 'T is marvellous to consider how long the patient God bears with an ungodly Soul People or Nation ere he brings his sweeping Judgments in upon them The wicked think God will never strike because he defers the Execution of his Wrath and hence they are hardened in an evill Work When alas poor Souls they are greatly mistaken God is watching for a fitter Time wherein he will get himself a greater Name and more Glory in their Destruction We have a plain Proof of this in Pharaoh King of Egypt God like a Leopard observed him and watched over him for Evil and at last tho it was not presently got hold of him and broke his Bones and destroyed his Power and all his mighty Host. God's Time of Executing his Judgments and Wrath upon the Ungodly is the most amazing and terrible In due time shall the Feet of the Wicked slip IV. God tho he seem to tarry long before he comes upon the Ungodly yet when he doth come he leaps as it were upon them comes on a sudden I will come upon thee as a Thief The Wicked will be surprized when Vengeance comes to be executed upon them V. God tho he may seem to be asleep and to hold his peace and let Sinners alone yet will he at last awake out of sleep and then let Sinners look to it God compared to a Bear Hosea 13.8 I will meet them as a Bear bereaved of her Whelps THis is the third Simile God makes use of in this place I will meeâ—â— them as a Bear bereaved of her Whelps Simile I. THe Bear is a very fierce Creature very terrible Two She-Bears tore forty two Children at once His Voice is fierce saith one he is fearless in his Rage II. 'T is observed that the Bear will not willingly fight with or set upon a Man unless he be as it were forced thereunto III. No Creatures as Naturalists tell us love their Young more than the Bear IV. The Bear is furious and in a dreadful Rage when she is bereaved of her Young as appears by Hushai's Words to Absalom Thou knowest that thy Father and his Men they be chafed in their Fury as a Bear bereaved of her Whelps In the Field let a Bear robbed of her Whelps meet a Man rather than a Fool in his Folly She is fierce at all times as was hinted before but above all if she be robbed of her Whelps Parallel I. WHo is so fierce and terrible as the great God whose Anger is resistless and whose just Wrath when provoked is unavoidable II. God doth not willingly afflict fight with or grieve the Children of Men till their daring Impudence and oft repeated Provocations force him as it were to do it III. No Creatures that God has made love their Young or Off-spring as God doth them that fear him A Woman may forget her sucking Child yet will not he forget his Children His Love exceeds the Love of Women to their tender Babes IV. O how furious is the Almighty how is he in an holy Rage if any hurt his poor Children They that touch you touch the Apple of mine Eye What then will become of the bloody Persecutors that have not only bereaved God of his Children but cruelly torn them to pieces boared out their Eyes rosted them alive flayed their Skins off and burned them at the Stake to Ashes and put them to all the horrid Tortures they could devise If God will meet his own People if they sin against him and provoke him as a Bear bereaved of her Whelps how will he meet Babylon bloody and merciless Papists and other cursed Persecutors of his People The Day of Vengeance saith he is in my Heart and the Year of Recompences For the Controversy of Zion he will strike through Kings in the Day of his fierce Wrath. Shall not God avenge the Cause of his own Elect that cry unto him day and night Yea he will avenge them speedily and come forth against their Enemies as a Bear bereaved of her Whelps God compared to a Moth Hosea 5.12 I will be unto Ephraim as a Moth. THat we may understand the Nature and Quality of this little Creature and the Reason of the Comparison the Parallel following is offered with a practical Application The Scope of the Text is a Denunciation of a strange Judgment which shall corrode and consume them the Cause and Ground of which is delivered in the preceding Verses viz. Because they have resisted the Commands of God and followed the wicked Commands of Jeroboam and his Princes Therefore saith God I will be unto Ephraim as a Moth. Observ. That God in bringing Judgments and Miseries upon a rebellious People will be as a Moth. And in what respects take as followeth Simile I. A Moth is a Creature that corrodes or devours exceedingly whatever Garment or Cloth it doth seize upon and makes it good for very little II. A Moth will not only eat Woollen Cloth and Garments of a low Price but those that are very rich yea upon costly Velvets as Experience shews III. A Moth comes not upon such Cloth and Garments as are carefully and wisely kept from Dust and Filth And therefore those Writers that mention the hurtful Nature of this Creature advise to cleanse and keep such things as are subject to this Creature from all Dust and Filth whatsoever and then they need not fear the Moth and ascribe the Ways and Means how it may be done IV. A Moth eats and devours Garments secretly you may not quickly spy him out he makes no Noise of his coming you can't tell whether it be got into your Cloth or Garments or not at first V. A Moth eats and spoils by degrees It doth not consume and spoil a Garment all at once but by little and little till it is quite spoiled and good for nothing VI. A Moth corrupts and destroys insensibly These Worms saith Mr. Topsall when they have by degrees insensibly eat off the out most Superficies of the Cloth then they eat up the inward Part and so insinuate themselves into the middle Substance of it and those that search never so well for them can hardly find them A Man may think his Cloth or Garment is good by the outward View of it yet when he looks and proves it throughly he will find it full of Holes and good for little Parallel I. GOD when He breaks forth upon a People or Nation in a way of Judgment and Wrath destroys and makes all desolate therein Behold therefore I will stretch out my hand upon thee and will deliver thee for a Spoil to the Heathen and I will cut thee off from the People and I will cause thee to perish I will destroy thee and thou shalt know that I am
strongest fleshly Confidence then will signify nothing The Day of the Lord of Hosts shall be upon every one that is lofty and upon every one that is proud and lifted up and he shall be brought down upon all the Cedars of Lebanon that are lifted up and upon all the Oaks of Bashan upon all high Mountains and upon all the Hills that are lifted up and upon every high Tower and upon every fenced Wall that is lifted up with the Haughtiness of Man shall the fierce Indignation of the Lord be kindled even to the bearing it down and laying it low even to the Dust and the Lord shall be exalted in that Day The Mountains quake at him and the Hills are melted and the Earth burns up or is burned up But the whole Earth shall be devoured by the Fire of his Jealousy neither their Gold nor Silver shall be able to deliver them in the Day of the Lord 's Wrath. VI. Wicked profane and ungodly Men are fit Matter and Fuel for the Wrath of God to take hold of and when they are piled together with the horrid Guilt that is upon their Consciences what a dreadful Fire will there be Whilst they are thus folden together as Thorns and whilst they are drunken as Drunkards they shall be devoured as Stubble fully dry VII The consuming Wrath of God or those Plagues of his Fury when he rises up to contend with the Wicked in a way of Vengeance and Indignation with a Person or People turns all their Joy into Mourning and a bitter Day I will saith God by his Prophet undo all those that have afflicted thee The Fire of God's Wrath will utterly impoverish all the Wicked of the Earth c. VIII 'T is a fearful thing to fall into the Hands of the Living God viz. God being a consuming Fire in respect to this the Apostle spake these Words For our God is a consuming Fire If it be terrible to have a Finger Foot or Hand to burn off or to hear that our Bodies must be cast into a Furnace of boiling Oil or into a fierce devouring â—â—ire how then can Sinners bear the Thoughts of falling into the Hands of the dreadful and terrible God whose incensed Wrath is ten thousand times worse and more intolerable than any Fire that ever Mortals saw or that ever any were cast into IX God when he goeth forth in Vengeance will destroy mightily and in a short space when he rises up to set on fire the Briars and Thorns of the Earth Through the Wrath of the Lord of Hosts is the Land darkned and the People shall be as the Fuel of the Fire Now will I saith God arise and devour at once Destruction is coming upon the Wicked of the Earth Destruction upon Destruction in a Moment will come upon them Let Mystery Babylon look to it this Fire will kindle very suddenly upon that great City in a more terrible and irreparable Manner than her Agents have done upon our Metropolis yea and her Plagues shall come in a Day Death and Mourning and Famine and she shall be utterly burnt with Fire And let the Sinners in Sion tremble for the Light of Israel shall be for a Fire and his Holy One for a Flame and it shall burn and devour his Thorns and his Briars in one day There is vast Difference and Disparity between our common Elementary Fire and the Fire of God's Wrath. Metaphor I. FIre is natural and elementary and so consequently can only seize or consume things that are visible of external or temporal Substances it destroys that only which is fit Fuel for it whilst kept under II. The Flames of a burning and consuming Fire are always seen and the Ruins that it makes are obvious to the outward Eye III. A consuming Fire hath often been overcome and put quite out by Engines Instruments and Industry of Man when it hath burned vehemently a Stop hath been put to it and further Danger prevented IV. Fire is not unquenchable Tho the Burning of Mount Aetna and other burning Mountains where there is much Brimstone and other Sulphureous Matter are impossible for Man to extinguish yet they shall not burn always Disparity I. THe Fire of God's Wrath is Divine or Spiritual and so takes hold of or kindles upon that which is of an immaterial and invisible Substance it seizeth upon Spirits torments Devils and the Souls of Men and Women it kindles not on external Matter only but on internal also II. The Flames of God's Wrath upon the Soul cannot be seen A Man may have a Fire burning in his Conscience like that of Francis Spira and yet by looking upon him you cannot see what Ruine and Desolation it makes there III. God is such a consuming Fire that when his incensed Wrath is kindled in good earnest with a design to burn up and destroy none is able to overcome and put a Stop unto it all the Ways and Means then that Sinners can devise will prove insignificant 'T is not Repentance nor Floods of brinish Tears that can put out or lessen the burning of this Divine Fire 'T is true that when his Wrath is kindled but a little and before the Day of Grace is over his Anger may be appeased but when he lets out the Greatness yea the Deluge of the Vials of his Wrath O then it will be too late IV. The Fire of God's Wrath shall never be extinguished Behold thus saith the Lord Mine Anger and my Fury shall be poured out c. and it shall not be quenched Fire is kindled in mine Anger and shall burn to the lowest Hell And it is said And they shall go forth and look upon the Carcases of the Men that have transgressed against me for the Worm shall not die neither shall the Fire be quenched and they shall be an Abhorring to all Flesh. There the Worm dieth not and the Fire shall not be quenched Application I. IF God be a consuming Fire 't is good to enquire To whom he is so and will be so terrible 1. To the fallen Angels or damned Spirits who once enjoyed him as a gracious Head and Creator but by reason of Sin not being contented with their first Estate were cast out of Heaven and must for ever undergo the incensed Flames of God's Wrath. 2. All profane debauched and ungodly Men who are Enemies to God and Religion who live like brute Beasts upon the Earth who mind nothing but to satisfy their carnal Appetites who wallow in the Lusts of Uncleanness Drunkenness Pride Covetousness c. without timely Repentance as God is so he will for ever be to such a consuming Fire c. 3. All Persecutors Tyrants Murderers Whoremongers and all such that destroy the Saints of God on the Earth the Beast false Prophets and Mystical Babylon to all such will God be continually a consuming Fire 4. All rotten and hypocritical Professors and Unbelievers whether in or out
eternal Purpose which was purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2. It was for the Glory of his Mercy and Goodness which moved Wisdom to seek out and provide this blessed Mediator and glorious Means of Reconciliation when God might justly have left fallen Man as he did the fallen Angels Moreover this of a Mediatâ—â—r shews us that God must be dealt with in a way of free Grace Entreaty and Request Hence we read how fervently Christ prayed and interceded for us yea what strong Cries and Tears he offered up in the Days of his Fiesh Whatsoever blessed Relief Pardon Peace c. Mankind receives 't is wholly in a way of Mercy and free Grace through the Mediation of the Lord Jesus Chriist By Grace ye are saved God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son 3. It was for the Glory of his Justice which must be dealt with in a way of Satisfaction Grace will be dealt with in a way of Intreaty salvâ Justitiâ Therefore the Covenant is established in the hands of a Mediator that is able to lay down a Price or Ransom That so God might be just and the Justifier of those that believe in Jesus Nay when the Lord Jesus undertook on our behalf to come up to the Demand of Justice 't is said God spared him not but delivered him up to Death for us all He bore our Sins in his own Body on the Tree 4. The Sovereignty of God is manifested in its Glory that through a Mediator he is pleased to extend Mercy to Mankind when none is afforded to the Angels that sinned and that Jesus at his Command should lay down his Life for the Sheep 5. It magnifies the Glory of God's Power and All-sufficiency who can raise up and restore Man to greater Happiness than ever he had before his Fall when Devils and Sin had done their worst 6. The like might be said of the Holiness Patience and Faithfulness of God c. Moreover this Undertaking adds to the Glory of Christ Jesus who is the Mediator himself God had hereby a design to greaten the Name of his Son the second Person of the Trinity in our Nature 1. In that he is constituted by undertaking in this honourable Office King Priest and Prophet 2. In respect of that great Power which is given to him to make Peace between God and Man to have the Keys to open and shut and to give eternal Life to as many as he pleaseth or are given by the Father to him 3. Nay his Glory shines forth herein to such a degree that 't is the Duty of all Men to honour the Son as they honour the Father 4. Christ hath hereby the Honour of accomplishing the whole Affair being Author and Finisher of our Faith and Salvation Secondly In respect of Man there was great need of such a Mediator 1. God would not treat with Sinners upon any other Terms There is no Knowledg of God which is saving nor Union with him without a Reconciliation You that were sometimes afar off are made nigh by the Blood of Christ. Neither knoweth any Man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him 2. Without a Mediator to atone and make Peace between the Father and us there is no Communion with him Can two walk together unless they are agreed Nor Eternal Life Such as are without Christ and without God must die that is be damned in their Sins X. Christ was every way qualified and fitted for this Work He was not only wise but the Wisdom of God much for Justice but yet inclined to Mercy and Pity to the Poor And then again how was he fitted by his being God 'T is from the Worth and Excellency of his Person that the Price comes to be satisfactory Besides had he not been God as he could not have expiated Sin so he could not have overcome Death and other Enemies he was to encounter with that he might accomplish our Redemption 2. He must be Man because he is to plead for us and be sacrificed on the Cross in our stead he must bleed as well as intercede for Man For without shedding of Blood there is no Remission He must be Man that he might be one with us that his Righteousness might by Imputation be ours and that he might receive the Spirit for us and we from him who is the Son receive it with the Adoption of Sons and thereby be sure of the eternal Inheritance 3. He must be God and Man in one Person A Mediator is not a Mediator of one but God is one And by this Means he is fitly qualified for his Office He must be a Person at an equal distance from and drawing near and allied to both Parties having Interest in and participating of the Nature of each Hence it is thought that he is called our Dayes-man or Kinsman that lays his hands on both Having access unto them knowing what will stand with the Honour of the one and be for the Relief and Profit of the other XI Christ is faithful both to God and Man greatly for the Honour of the one and as much for the Comfort and Salvation of the other He is said to be faithful to him that appointed him And in respect of Man he is called a faithful High-Priest XII Jesus Christ met with much Trouble in the Days of his Flesh in managing our Business as Mediator from the Devil and wicked Men. He found the World very averse to accept of Terms of Peace and not only so but they offered violence to him and grievously abused him XIII Jesus Christ was meek and lowly in Heart he patiently bore the Hidings of his Father's Face How quietly did he bear and endure the Punishment due to us for our Sin notwithstanding we esteemed him not but hid our Faces as it were from him He was oppressed he was afflicted yet he opened not his Mouth He patiently waits upon poor Sinners XIV Jesus Christ as he was potent so he was of a very couragious and undaunted Spirit He shall not fail nor be discouraged till he hath set Judgment in the Earth XV. Jesus Christ was a pacifying Mediator for instead of a personal Satisfaction from the Sinner God accepts of his Mediation He was made Sin for us who knew no Sin that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him Instead of an inherent Righteousness God accepts of a Righteousness imputed and accepts of Sincerity instead of a perfect keeping the whole Law and through his Mediation obtains pardon for human Frailties XVI Jesus Christ our Mediator hath a Time set him to finish his Mediatorial Kingdom and Office which will cease at the end of the World when all the Elect are gathered in XVII Jesus Christ our Mediator uses most weighty and powerful Arguments such as in the Word of God
Marriage with one that is engaged to another Person she must be free from all others if he espouse her to himself XX. When a Suitor hath obtained the Love and full Consent of the Person beloved and being satisfied upon all accounts respecting such things as we have hinted signifies in the next place his Resolution to betroth or marry her unto himself and that it might be orderly and legally done she is given to him XXI The Espousal-Day being come and consummated there is great Joy in the Family amongst the Servants and others to see this happy Conjunction XXII A Bridegroom usually especially if he be a Prince or noble Person settles a Jointure or Dower upon his Bride entitles her to such or such a Place City Land or Inheritance XXIII A Bridegroom leaves his Bride a while after he hath espoused her in her own Country and in her Father's House doth not immediatly carry her home to his own Habitation XXIV A Bridegroom rejoyceth over his Bride and much delighteth in her XXV The Bridegroom discharges the Bride from many Debts and Dangers by means of this Marriage-Contract and Conjugal Knot He now stands liable to those Actions and Arrests which otherwise had she abode in a single State would have come upon her own Head XXVI A Bridegroom if he be a Prince or noble Person raises his Bride to great Honour She is called by his Name has the Attendance of his Servants and lies in his Bosom XXVII A Bridegroom supplies the Wants of his Bride 't is his part and great concernment to provide all things needful for his Wife that he has espoused XXVIII A Bridegroom sympathizes with his Spouse and helps to bear her Burthens is greatly troubled when she is afflicted and cannot endure any should affront misuse or wrong her XXIX A Bridegroom requires Obedience The Man hath and ought to have preeminence over the Woman he is her Head and she is commanded to be in subjection XXX A Bridegroom reproves his Bride for the Faults that he sees in her from that great Love he bears to her XXXI A Bridegroom nevertheless hides and forgives many Infirmities that he sees in his Spouse and will not lay open her Weakness nor expose her to Reproach as Joseph thought to have dealt with Mary XXXII A Bridegroom advises and instructs his Spouse in all things wherein she stands in need of it from him XXXIII A Bridegroom is greatly pleased with the good Behaviour of his Bride takes much delight in her Company leading her into pleasant Places to lovely Fields and Springs of Water for her Solace and Refreshment Parallel I. JEsus Christ notwithstanding all the Glory he had with the Father being the Joy and Delight of his Heart and cloathed with all his Excellencies and Perfections dwelling in the fruition of eternal Bliss yet thought upon a Spouse and judged it meet to enter into a Marriage-Relation II. Jesus Christ took counsel with the Father about that glorious Design of Love and good Will he bore to Mankind and hence he is said to be delivered by the determinate Counsel and Fore-knowledg of God It was no less than the great result of the Blessed Trinity that the Lord Jesus the second Person should espouse Sinners to himself I proceeded saith he and came from God neither came I of my self but he sent me He fixed not his Choice on the fallen Angels but on the Off-spring of fallen Man who were given unto him by the Father III. Jesus Christ having fixed his Eye upon lost and perishing Man agreed with the Father upon the way and method of Proceeding what he must do and become in order to the accomplishment of this glorious Enterprize And accordingly the Father was pleased out of his abundant Grace in a fit season to make known his eternal Counsel and proposed Jesus Christ the Seed of the Woman to the Sinner as an Object of Love and not only so but also before he came himself he sent his Messengers the Prophets rising up early and sending them to offer Terms of Love and Friendship and reveal his Purpose to them IV. Jesus Christ after this such was the greatness of his Love and strength of his Affection resolved to take a Journey to give poor Sinners a most gracious Visit the Journey he took was long as far as it is from Heaven to Earth And that he might accomplish his blessed Purpose he fits himself with a Garb accordingly laying aside his heavenly Robes he cloathed himself with our Flesh or did assume Man's Nature that so he might every way become a meet Object for the Sinner and likely to come and enjoy him at last V. When the Lord Jesus came into the World the Angels of God who had knowledg of him in an heavenly way of Congratulation magnified the Most High And suddenly there was with the Angel a Multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God and saying Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth Peace good Will to Men. But how ungratefully was he welcomed and entertained by the Generality of Mankind for whose sake he came into the World VI. The Lord Jesus when he came into this World to espouse poor Sinners in a spiritual way sent John Baptist to prepare the Way before him and make ready a People for him who bore witness of his Majesty and declared the Excellency of his Person as also his gracious Intention He that cometh after me is mightier than I whose Shooes I am not worthy to bear in another place unloose He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with Fire Ye your selves bear witness that I said I am not the Christ but I am sent before him He that hath the Bride is the Bridegroom but the Friend of the Bridegroom which standeth and beareth him rejoyceth greatly because of the Bridegroom's Voice This my Joy therefore is fulfilled VII Jesus Christ propounds Questions in his Word to poor Sinners thereby to discover how it is with their Souls shewing the Danger of being in love with Sin or to rely upon their own Righteousness or to have their Affections inordinately set upon the things of this World he strives to undeceive them Why do you not understand my Speech He that committeth Sin is the Servant of Sin saith he Vnless a Man deny himself and take up his Cross he cannot be my Disciple He that loveth Father or Mother more than me is not worthy of me c. Vnless ye believe that I am he ye shall die in your Sins Jesus answered and said unto them Suppose ye that those Galileans were Sinners above all the Galileans because thy suffered such things I tell you nay except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish VIII Jesus Christ offers his Love unto Sinners shewing how willing he is to embrace them in the Arms of his Mercy He commends his Favour and good Will to Sinners many ways First by his taking our Nature upon
him and coming into the World Secondly by those hard things he met with in this Life for our sakes Thirdly by shedding of his Blood Fourthly he commends his Love by the continual Motions of his Spirit upon our Hearts and by those inward Checks of Conscience besides those blessed Offers and Tenders of Grace which dropp'd from his gracious Lips If any Man thirst let him come unto me and drink Look unto me and be saved all ye Ends of the Earth Come to me all ye that are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you Rest. Behold I stand at the Door and knock if any Man hear my Voice and open the Door I will come in unto him and sup with him and he with me IX Jesus Christ loves poor Sinners not for any thing he sees in them not for Beauty Riches c. For naturally Mankind hath nothing that may render them any way desirable in Christ's eye he might see enough in them to loath them but nothing to love them X. Jesus Christ sues hard is very importunate uses many powerful and weighty Arguments to prevail with Sinners to accept of the Terms of Grace and join in an holy Contract of Love with him 1. One is taken from the Dignity of his Person being the Root and Off-spring of David David's Lord as well as David's Son I saith he and my Father are one 2. From that early Love and good Will he bore to them When there were no Depths was I brought forth When he gave the Sea his Decree Then was I by him as one brought up with him and I was daily his Delight rejoycing always before him Rejoycing in the habitable Parts of the Earth and my Delights were with the Sons of Men. And in another place I have loved thee with an everlasting Love therefore with Loving-kindness have I drawn thee 3. From the Intention or Purpose of his coming so long a Journey I am come that ye might have Life Not to call the Righteous but Sinners to Repentance Come to seek and to save that which was lost 4. His great Abasement and Condescension 5. From his Suffering I lay down my Life for my Sheep Can there be a greater Argument than this 6. He argues with Sinners from the Consideration of their own Misery and that absolute Necessity there is of closing with him and the blessed Effects of it He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting Life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see Life but the Wrath of God abideth on him XI Jesus Christ waits long and hath much Patience before he doth desist his Suit and leave Sinners to perish in their Iniquities How long did infinite Patience wait upon the old World was it not one hundred and twenty Years and forty Years upon Israel in the Wilderness I have saith he spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious People But if he prevails at last he thinks nothing too much that he has suffered for Sinners He waits at the Door of his Spouse until his Head is wet with Dew and his Locks with the Drops of the Night yet does he not think all too much XII Jesus Christ doth express and manifest great Love to Sinners which he intends to take into Covenant-Relation with himself His Love like Nilus overflows all Banks and Bounds his Grace is without Limits beyond the Love of Jonathan to David What doth the Gospel shew or express more plainly than the Strength of Christ's Love to Sinners Christ express'd such Love that never any other had in laying down his Life for his Enemies for such that were Rebels to him and his Father There is Depth Heighth Length and Breadth in it it passeth Knowledg XIII Jesus Christ is greatly troubled at the ungrateful Repulses he meets with from Sinners which appears 1. By his being grieved He was grieved because of the Hardness of their Hearts When he drew near to Jerusalem he wept over it perceiving how basely they had slighted and rejected him 2. By condoling and bewailing their miserable State and Obstinacy Israel will have none of me O Jerusalem Jerusalem how often would I have gathered thy Children together as a Hen gathereth her Chickens under her Wings and ye would not 3. By hiding of his Face and bringing Afflictions upon them I will go and return to my place till they acknowledg their Offences and seek my Face In their Afflictions they will seek me early XIV Jesus Christ notwithstanding all the Unkindnesses of Sinners hath afforded them his Word wherein is expressed his good Will and Desire to them nay and more than this sends many a kind Message to them by the sweet Motions of his Spirit to awaken their Consciences before he leaves them finally Thus he strove with the old World XV. Jesus Christ sends his faithful Ministers who are as Spokesmen for their Master I have saith Paul espoused you to one Husband that I may present you as a chast Virgin to Christ. I have espoused you the meaning is I have been employed as an Instrument sent and commissionated by the Lord Jesus to do it Many Arguments they use to bring poor Sinners to accept of the Offers of Grace and receive Jesus Christ as 1. They like Abraham's Servant set forth the Greatness and Riches of their Master The Lord saith he hath blessed my Master greatly and he is become great he hath given him Flocks and Herds Silver and Gold c. And Sarah my Master's Wife bare a Son to my Master when she was old and to him hath he given all that he hath God is very great all things in Heaven and Earth are his the Cattel upon a thousand Hills and saith the Servant of God he hath given unto Christ all that he hath All things are delivered unto me of my Father Christ is very rich the Heir of all things 2. They set not out only the Greatness and Riches of Christ but his excellent Beauty also Thou art fairer than the Children of Men. 3. The Power of Christ. 4. His Wisdom 5. His Love and rich Bounty 6. They set before Sinners what the Promises are if they receive him and what Glory they shall be raised to 7. The Wofulness of their present State and what it will be in the end if they do refuse him Knowing therefore the Terror of the Lord we persuade Men. XVI Jesus Christ sends tokens of his gracious Love to all such that he intends to marry and betroth unto himself for ever he gives them a Cabinet of costly Jewels the Graces of the Spirit to adorn them They shall be an Ornament of Grace unto thy Head and Chains about thy Neck Grace is like a Box of precious Ointment whose odoriferous Smell perfumes the Hearts and Lives of Believers XVII Jesus Christ cannot endure that the Heart of-a Professor should be divided or that a Man or Woman should have
only endued with natural Wisdom and that far beyond Solomon A greater than Solomon is here but hath had the Advantage also of such Education that none ever had being brought up with God himself He hath all the Treasures of Wisdom in him is skill'd in all Politicks hath knowledg in all Laws nothing passeth his Skill Thou knowest all things He is called the Wisdom of God Christ the Power of God and the Wisdom of God III. Jesus Christ was chosen to be King by God the Father as 't is said I have exalted one chosen out of the People And tho the Fathers or Elders amongst the Jews refused him yet the Children gave their Vote for him crying Hâ—â—sannah to the Son of David IV. Jesus Christ was anointed with the Oil of Gladness above his Fellows He was by the Holy Spirit consecrated King for ever The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord hath anointed me c. V. Jesus Christ was likewise proclaimed first by the Angels To you is born in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord Afterwards by the Wise Men at Jerusalem and at Herod â—â—s Court by a Star and by the Shepherds at Bethlehem VI. This did Jesus Christ in three eminent Cases 1. In speaking comfortably to all his Loyal Subjects as you may see in Mat. 5. at large 2. In giving Laws and expounding Difficulties as you may see in Mat. 6. at large 3. In bestowing his Bounty upon the Poor releasing Prisoners that were bound and in appointing an Hospital for the Sick VII Jesus Christ hath a Right to the highest Palaces in this World as he was born Heir to the Universal Emperor by whom he was at last advanced to the great Palace of the highest Heavens called the holy Palace VIII Jesus Christ our great King had the Attendance of Angels who shewed their Allegiance and paid their Homage and Service at sundry times as there appeared Occasion for them 1. They proclaimed him 2. They attended his Person to assist him in his Straits 3. They assisted his other Servants 4. They declared his Resurrection from the Dead 5. They assured his coming in Glory after his Ascension 6. They are appointed to bear him company and to attend him at his coming from Heaven the second time The Son of Man shall come and all the holy Angels with him IX Jesus Christ is invested with Power All Power is given to me in Heaven and Earth tho at the first entrance upon his Kingdom in the days of his Flesh his Power did not appear so splendent and glorious as it will hereafter X. Jesus Christ hath many Subjects assigned him by God which subscribe to his Power Some voluntarily as the Angels others by force as the Devils and by virtue of his commanding Power as the Winds and Seas which obeyed him XI Jesus Christ received Commandment from the Father from which he would never swerve and also published and established Laws to be observed as Rules of Government to the end of the World XII Jesus Christ rules and governs so well that his worst Enemies could not cannot charge him with Evil yet they did not do not love and honour him but the Sons of Wickedness rose up and still do rise up in Rebellion against him I honour my Father but you dishonour me a Man which hath told you the Truth this did not Abraham Bring out those mine Enemies c. XIII Jesus Christ hath great and large Dominions all Power in Heaven Earth and Hell He is the Head of all Principalities and Powers in Heaven he is the Head of every Man on Earth and hath the Command of all the infernal Spirits in Hell XIV Jesus Christ hath this great and high Prerogative to make Peace or to proclaim Peace to all the Sons of Men upon Submission and to send a Sword where his just Prerogative is resisted In whatsoever House ye enter first say Peace if the Son of Peace be there c. I came not to send Peace but a Sword XV. Jesus Christ that was made a little lower than the Angels for the suffering of Death is crown'd with Glory and Honour c. The Scepter of thy Kingdom is a right Scepter As I have overcome and sate down with my Father upon his Throne XVI Jesus Christ hath the Father and Holy Spirit without whose Counsel he acteth nothing either in the Affairs of Heaven Earth or Hell There are three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Spirit and these three are one Of this Council Offenders are in danger and to this Council grand Criminals are delivered up for Punishment XVII Jesus Christ hath the peculiar Prerogative to send Embassadors He sent the twelve Apostles to the World who said We are Embassadors for Christ. And He sent his Angel to the Churches to treat with them about their present and eternal Welfare I Jesus have sent mine Angel c. XVIII Jesus Christ makes Substitutes to this end By him Kings reign and Princes decree Justice By him Princes rule and Nobles even all the Judges of the Earth these for the World And when he ascended up on high he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for his Church by this shewing that He is supreme Head in all Causes Ecclesiastical as well as Civil XIX Jesus Christ saved the Gospel-Church before the Destruction of Jerusalem by giving them counsel to flie upon the sight of Signs and the Legal Church in the Wilderness by the convenient Providences of a Pillar of Fire by Night and a Pillar of a Cloud by Day He was the Angel of God's Presence that saved them and marvellously hath he and doth he now save and preserve his Church from Popish Rage and Cruelty in this and other Nations XX. Jesus Christ hath a high Court of Judicature in Heaven where he judgeth Emperors and Kings that are out of the power and reach of a human Hand from whence he sends Angels who are higher than they to punish them for Pride and Oppression as in the Case of Nebuchadnezzar who was by the holy Ones cast from his Throne and Herod who was smitten by an Angel for his Pride And a lower Court where his Church for him and in his Name judgeth Delinquents of a lower Rank XXI Jesus Christ hath many great Prerogatives Rights Privileges and Excellencies pertaining to him 1. He receives Petitions Lord Jesus receive my Spirit 2. He pardons Offenders The Son of Man hath Power to forgive Sins 3. He confers Honour I thank Christ Jesus who hath put me into the Ministry 4. He gives Commissions Go ye into all the World 5. He receives Tribute The honourable Women ministred unto him not without reason for he was Lord of all 6. He keeps an Exchequer called the
unto the World in sending such a Prophet after the great Abuse of others that went before a good Prophet a great Prophet none like him that went before him or should come after him The Son of God Emanuel God with us II. This informs us also how exceeding useful our Lord Jesus Christ as a Prophet is to his Church having compleated what others left undone shewing the Riches Glory and Duration of the World to come and indeed in declaring the whole Counsel of God and bringing Life and Immortality to light through the Gospel III. Moreover you may seee the absolute Necessity the Church has of such a Prophet without whom the People would have sate in Darkness and in the Shadow of Death and have been left to stumble upon the dark Mountains IV. From hence we infer the infallible Certainty of what he has declared for it could not be that such a Prophet should deceive the World These things are true and faithful V. Behold the strong and forcible Obligation that is upon the World to believe his Doctrine where it is preached and to reject all Doctrines that are repugnant to it VI. How inexcusable will all those be who reject his Gospel and despise his Ministers It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than for them VII Let the Christian Church from hence learn to hold fast what she hath received for the Truth as it is in Jesus had a great and faithful Witness who confirmed it by mighty Miracles and sealed it with his own Blood Christ a Shepherd John 10.11 I am the good Shepherd c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Metaphor I. A Shepherd is chosen and appointed to take care of the Sheep being a Man skilful in doing that Work and Business II. A Shepherd knows his Sheep he knows their Number and knows them particularly from Sheep that are none of his and one from another III. A Shepherd marks his Sheep whereby they are distinguished from others IV. A Shepherd feeds his Sheep he leads them to green Pastures and Springs of Water Should not the Shepherd feed the Flock V. A Shepherd preserves his Flock he takes care they do not feed in unwholsom Pastures and defends them from Enemies VI. A Shepherd hath a Fold for his Sheep whither he brings them for their better Security and his own Profit VII A Shepherd keeps his Sheep together suffers them not to stray and straggle abroad lest they should be lost VIII A Shepherd if any of his Sheep be set upon by Dogs or Wolves will venture his Life for them to defend and rescue them from those Beasts of Prey as David for a Lamb fought with a Lion and a Bear IX A Shepherd is very tender of his Flock will not over-drive them takes special care of the Lambs and those that are weak and feeble X. If a Shepherd has lost one Sheep if one Sheep or Lamb be gone astray he will seek it and when he hath found it he brings it home with abundance of Joy saying to his Neighbours Rejoyce with me for I have found my lost Sheep XI A Shepherd heals the Diseases of the Sheep The diseased saith God to the Shepherds of Israel have ye not strengthned neither have ye healed that which was sick XII A Shepherd judges between Sheep and Sheep between fat and lean Ones and if any push the weak and hurt or wrong his Fellow or would thrust and shoulder him out of the Fold the Shepherd takes notice of it and accordingly orders such who do the wrong XIII The Shepherd watches over his Sheep because of the Dangers that might otherwise befall them in the Night And there were in the same Country Shepherds abiding in the Field keeping watch over their Flock by night c. XIV Shepherds are to give an account of their Sheep to see that none are lacking XV. A Shepherd washes his Sheep in convenient places from all Filth and Soil which they are subject to contract to themselves XVI A Shepherd delights much to see his Sheep and Lambs thrive XVII A Shepherd if he sees one or more of his Sheep are infected with any Distemper so that they may endanger the rest he separates such from the Flock XVIII A Shepherd separates the Sheep from the Goats XIX A Shepherd leads his Flock to some sweet shady Place where he makes them rest at Noon when the Sun shines hot Parallel I. JEsus Christ is chosen of God and appointed to take the Care and Charge of the Church and very capable to undertake that blessed Work II. I know my Sheep saith Christ and am known of mine He takes special notice of every particular Saint he knew Moses by name He knows their Wants their Sufferings their Weaknesses their Sicknesses and whatever Service they do for his holy Name-sake III. The Lord Jesus hath set his own Image upon his People The Mark which they always bear upon them is Holiness Meekness Obedience by which they are distinguished from the World Set a Mark upon the Men that mourn Christ's Sheep are sealed in their Foreheads and Hands 1. For Distinction 2. Secrecy 3. Security IV. Christ feeds his Flock like a Shepherd his great care is to put them into good and fat Pastures and leads them by the still Waters He gives them good Doctrine feeding them with Knowledg and Vnderstanding V. The Lord Jesus to preserve his Church doth often charge and caution them to beware of and avoid all pernicious and evil Doctrine false Teachers c. And he continually defends them from Sin Satan and all other Enemies VI. The Lord Jesus hath his Church for his Fold whither he brings his Elect for their better Security and his own Glory The Lord added unto the Church daily such as should be saved Glory to God in the Church throughout all Ages VII The Lord Jesus frequently assembles his People together and will not allow any to straggle abroad or be like Lambs in large Places Exhort one another daily c. VII Christ laid down his Life for his Sheep exposed himself to great Sorrows and Miseries for their sakes and engaged with the cruellest of Enemies who sought to make a Prey of and devour his Flock which all the Malice of wicked Men who lay Snares to entrap them cannot accomplish IX Christ is exceeding tender of weak and feeble Christians He shall gather the Lambs with his Arm and carry them in his Bosom and gently lead those that are with young Strengthen ye the weak Hands and confirm the feeble Knees X. Christ the good Shepherd came to seek and save that which was lost his great Design is to bring home Sinners and such as have gone astray as David Peter and other Saints have done When he finds them broken for their Sins how is he pleased He takes up the lost Sheep upon his Shoulder as it were
to all Nakedness lays open to every Storm every Shower wets Thorns prick them piercing and nipping Winds make those that are naked to shrink The unconverted Sinner hath the continual Pricks and Terror of his own Conscience and shall thereby be filled with Horror and Shame much more when the Arrows of the Wrath of God begin to fly about his Ears III. This demonstrates that wicked Men are mad or besides themselves None but distracted and barbarous Men reject Cloathing Sinners will have none of Christ tho they are naked without him they will not put him on will not be persuaded to cover their Shame turn from their evil Ways and accept of a Robe of Righteousness IV. Observe that none are so well cloathed so richly arrayed as Believers as the Godly and Faithful in Christ Jesus V. Here is good News for the Poor and such as are naked here is a glorious Garment ready if they will put it on VI. That the Ungodly would be persuaded to put on Christ. Quest. But some may say What is it to put on Christ Answ. 1. Christ is to be put on for Justification but in that sence those Saints at Rome had put him on before 2. Christ is to be put on by way of Imitation this refers to Sanctification We must follow his Example in his holy and gracious Life we must apply his Righteousness for our Justification by Faith and walk by the glorious Pattern he hath left to teach us to express his Vertues and Excellencies in a course of Sanctification and new Obedience If Christ be not put on in both these respects he will profit none to Salvation VII What will become of them who instead of putting Christ on and following of him put the Devil on and instead of expressing his Excellencies they express the Vices of the Devil and Abominations of their own base Hearts VIII From hence let Saints be cautionated from defiling of their Garments a small Spot is quickly seen in a white Vesture Those only who defile not their Garments shall walk with Christ in white Lastly Let all take heed to keep their Garments for otherwise Men will at one time or other see their Shame Christ a Lamb. Joh. 1.36 Behold the Lamb of God! 1 Pet. 1.19 As a Lamb without blemish c. Rev. 14.11 I beheld and lo a Lamb stood upon Mount Zion c. IN the two first Texts the Greek Word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 compounded of α privativo and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 robur which signifies Strength that is not strong The Article ὠas Erasmus hath observed out of Chrysostom and Theophylact is emphatical distinguishing him from the Typical Lamb and denotes also Relation for it puts in mind of the Prophecies of Esay and others used Acts 32. The word in Rev. 14.1 is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is a Diminutive of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and signifies Agnellus a little Lamb tener adhuc immaturus tender c. John 21.15 How and in what respects Christ may be called a Lamb follows Metaphor I. THe Lamb is a very innocent and harmless Creature Bullinger calls it a Symbol of Innocency It doth no Wrong or Injury to any II. The Lamb is made a Prey of and often worried by Dogs Wolves and other evil Beasts III. The Lamb is a meek and patient Creature bearing Wrongs not seeking Revenge upon them that strike and abuse him IV. The Lamb is silent when brought to the Slaughter doth not cry complain nor strive as other Creatures do V. The Lamb is a lovely and very delightful Creature hence Vriah's Wife is compared to it VI. The Lamb is a contented Creature let the Shepherd put it into what Pasture he please it grumbles not but seems very well satisfied VII The Lamb is a clean Beast whose Flesh God appointed for Food and the Flesh of no Beast is more generally prized especially at its first coming than Lamb. VIII The Lamb was appointed under the Law for Sacrifice it was to be taken out of the Flock to be severed from the rest to be kill'd a He-Lamb and without spot was to be offered up to make an Atonement and the Blood to be sprinkled c. IX Lambs are very profitable Creatures they enrich their Owners their Fleece and Skins are good for Cloathing Also the Money of the ancient Patriarchs was called a Lamb because the Figure of a Lamb was on it Abraham bought a Field for an hundred Pieces of Silver or Lambs X. The Lamb is a small Creature to other Beasts therefore the Hebrews call them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aben-Ezra apud Jobum tenellam Pecudem vel Agnellum interpretatur A small Sort of Cattle or diminutive Lamb. Parallel I. JEsus Christ is of a sweet quiet and harmless Nature and Disposition Such an High-Priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separated from Sinners c. II. The Lord Jesus was preyed upon by Devils and wicked Men who continually worried him like hungry and blood-thirsty Wolves Lions and ravening Beasts whilst he was upon the Earth III. The Lord Jesus with a meek and patient Spirit bore all those vile and grievous Wrongs Contradictions of Sinners and horrid Blasphemies in the days of his Flesh without seeking the least Revenge upon them Austin saith he is compared to a Lamb because of his Mildness IV. The Lord Christ was silent when he was led to be crucified He is brought as a Lamb to the Slaughter and as a Sheep is dumb before the Shearer so opened he not his Mouth He did not cry nor cause his Voice to be heard in the Streets V. Christ is the Delight of the Father very lovely in the Eyes of Saints and Angels nay what was said of Titus Vespasian may fitly be spoken of Christ He is the Delight of Mankind VI. Christ was abundantly satisfied to become any thing and to do whatever the Will of his Father was tho 't was to be abased so low as to be born of a poor Virgin to live in a mean Condition and to have no where to lay his Head whilst he abode in this howling Wilderness VII Christ was ordained of God to be the Food of our Souls and there is no Meat so sweet or is so much prized by the Godly especially when they first receive him by Faith as this Lamb. My Flesh is Meat indeed and my Blood is Drink indeed Whosoever hath fed spiritually on Christ he desireth no better Dainties VII Christ the Lamb of God is our only Sacrifice He was taken from among Men separated from Sinners truly Man He was a Lamb without blemish no Spot or Stain of Sin could be found in him He was slain or offered up upon the Cross to make an Atonement for the Sins of his People and his Blood must be sprinkled or applied to our Consciences by Faith IX Christ enriches all
undertakes them to that very end VII An Advocate undertakes the Weight of a Cause and knows how far it will prevail if well managed VIII An upright and just Advocate is faithful to his Client and will not betray his Cause to his Adversary IX An Advocate gives Counsel and Advice puts into a way and Method how to improve a Cause when carried X. An Advocate is tied up to Customes and Rules of Court which he always observes that he might please and not offend XI An Advocate usually speaks Comfort to his Client especially if the Cause will bear it XII An Advocate can use freedom of Speech and speaks boldly to the Judg. XIII An Advocate knows the fittest time to manage Business and every thing is beautiful in its season XIV An Advocate hath the Judges Ear more than those that are but standers-by that may be somewhat concerned in a cause but the Judge listens to him because he expects him to speak to the purpose who hath Authority so to do XV. An Advocate gives free access and is ready to be spoken with by all Persons that have any Business with him XVI An Advocate undertakes high and desperate Causes he refuseth not to speak for Men greatly obnoxious to the Law he sticks not sometimes to plead the Cause of Traitours where the Law admits of a legal Plea tho in very great danger of their Lives by reason of the greivous Crimes wherewith they stand charged against their Prince XVII An Advocate is much honoured by the Judg in all his Replies sometimes gives him the title of Brother XVIII An Advocate knows much of the Judges mind being skill'd in all the Rules that he judgeth by and is well acquainted with his Nature and Disposition XIX An able eminent and learned Advocate fears not being over-match'd when he knoweth he hath Law and Reason on his side XX. A good and worthy Advocate is of so noble and generous a Disposition that he will plead the Cause of the Poor out of Pity rather than they should miscarry XXI An able Advocate doth and that not seldom carry Causes that are very doubtful to others XXII An Advocate is careful to keep up the Honour of the Judg and Laws because the Contempt thereof proves of ill Consequence XXIII A good Advocate is always very diligent and mindful of his Client 's Concerns XXIV A good and able Advocate is very successful in carrying on many Causes XXV A good Advocate is concern'd when a Cause is lost through the Clients fault because he would not make use of an Advocate XXVI A good and wise Advocate will not undertake all Causes there are some Causes so highly foul that they are not in the least hopeful Matters are gone too far and have stayed too long they are past remedy XXVII A wise and honourable Advocate lieth fair for Preferment viz. In some space of Time to be a Judg himself when his Work and Business of Advocateship ceaseth Parallel I. CHrist is a wise and learned Person In whom are all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg The Lord God having given him the Tongue of the Learned c. II. The Lord Jesus is related to God and the high Court of Heaven the Man that is God's Fellow The Man of his Right-hand made strong for himself III. Jesus Christ was born and constituted under the Law and made it his Rule in all Cases would not vary in the least from what God had required or enjoyned therein IV. Jesus Christ took not this Place and Office upon himself but was called and appointed to it by God as Aaron was to the Priesthood V. Christ doth undertake Causes for any if they come to him If any Man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous Who is the Propitiation for our Sins and not for ours only but for the Sins of the whole World VI. The Lord Jesus pleads all Causes that he undertakes did it when here on Earth Holy Father keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me c. Thine they were c. they have kept thy Word Father forgive them they know not what they do Luk. 23.34 VII Christ knows the Weight of every ones Cause and knows how far it will go if well managed He knows who will carry the Cause and who will lose it he that relies upon him alone by a lively Faith in a way of Holiness and new Obedience is certain of the Cause when all others are like to miscarry He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned Mark 16.16 VIII Jesus Christ being Justice it self will be faithful in all Causes wherein he is entrusted he is not only called Jesus Christ the Righteous but he did as a due Proof thereof refuse the tender or offer of the whole World for the sake of Sinners rather than he would betray his Trust or yield up the Cause of Men's Souls into the hand of their cruel Adversary the Devil IX Jesus Christ the wonderful Counsellor he sets his People in a hopeful way and Method to improve a Cause when carried against an Adversary Go thy way and sin no more lest a worse thing come unto thee c. X. Christ did nothing of himself but what he received from the Father he is a strict Observer of all Rules of Righteousness so as to lead at all times in the Ways thereof and in the midst of the Paths of Judgment and that he might appease the great Judg in all things he came up to the demands of Justice and answered the Law and now pleads the Merits of his own Blood in the Court of Heaven for us XI Jesus Christ out-does all Advocates under Heaven in all things for he speaks so as never Man spake like him He bids them ask what they will and he will do it for them Ask and it shall be done that your Joy may be full XII Christ most fully answers to this where he saith Father I will that those whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my Glory c. XIII The Lord Jesus knows the fittest times to manage Business on the behalf of Souls there is an acceptable time for him to be heard and to do his Work when Satan tempts when he desires to sift when he accuses to God as in the Case of Job when Provocation is given and the Enemy lays Siege against the Soul then is a fit time for our Advocate to work this Christ is well acquainted with Simon Simon Satan hath desired to have thee that he may sift thee as Wheat but I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not c. XIV Christ hath the Ear of the Heavenly Judg because he always speaks to the very life of the Cause He was heard in all things and at all times I know that thou
VII The Apostles were to take care of the Church whilst they lived and after their Decease Paul had the Care of all the Churches upon him He sent for the Elders and gave them charge c. St. Peter took care that after his Decease the Churches might be secured from Danger VIII The Apostles had a Dispensation committed to them from which they were not to depart A Dispensation of the Gospel is committed to me Wo is me if I preach not the Gospel They also ordained other Ministers IX The Apostles went through good and evil Report unweariedly till they had finished their Course and then committed themselves to Him that judgeth righteously in expectation of a Crown of endless Glory Henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness c. Parallel I. CHrist Jesus was immediatly sent by God He came not of himself but the Father sent him II. Christ Jesus went about preaching the Gospel doing Good and healing all that were oppressed III. Christ Jesus was not alone but the Father was with him God was with him in an extraordinary manner beyond what he ever was with any Mortal IV. Christ as the great and chief Apostle bore witness to the Truth For this cause came I into the World â—â— V. The Lord Jesus came as the chief Apostle to open Mysteries that had been kept hid VI. Christ Jesus had not the Spirit by measure but was filled with the Spirit to do and speak mighty things VII Christ more especially took care of his Church before he left them He forewarned them of Evils to come he cautioned them against Fears and Apostacies and committed them to the Care of his Father Keep through thy Name those that thou hast given me VIII Jesus Christ as the great Apostle had a Dispensation committed to him The Work that my Father gives me to do shall I not do it I must work the Works of God Tell that Fox I do Miracles this day to morrow and the third day I shall be perfected He had Power also to ordain other Officers and Ministers IX Christ suffered great Contradiction of Sinners against Himself fought as the Captain of our Salvation with all Difficulties and Enemies till he had finished his Work and could say Father it is finished into thy hands I commend my Spirit He for the Joy that was set before him endured the Cross despised the Shame and is sate down at the right hand of God An Apostle I. THe Apostles were but meer Men whose Original was from the Dust. II. The Apostles had but small measure of the Spirit and were not without Sin and Infirmities III. The Apostles were but Fellow-Servants and not Lords over God's Heritage not like some we have had since their Time IV. The Apostles did but shew and direct to a Saviour to Salvation and eternal Life they were not able to save nor could they give Salvation to any Was Paul crucified for you c. Disparity I. CHrist was Emanuel the eternal Son of God God vâ—â—ry God of God Lord of all whose Descent was from Heaven I came down from Heaven The second Man was the Lord from Heaven II. Christ had the Fulness of the Divine Spirit dwelt in him and rested upon him God gave not the Spirit to him by measure Through the eternal Spirit he offered himself to God without spot The Prince of this World came and found nothing in him He was holy harmless and undefiled separate from Sinners III. But Christ is Master Head Lord Ruler and Governor a compleat Prince and King as well as Priest and Prophet and Apostle He is Lord of all over all God blessed for evermore Which made Mary say They have taken away my Lord and Thomas say My Lord and my God IV. But Christ did more than shew and direct to a Saviour He was that Saviour himself and the Author of eternal Salvation to all them that obey him He had Help laid upon him being mighty to save was born a Saviour To you is born in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. And that great Salvation is not to be neglected without eminent Danger How shall we escape that neglect so great Salvation Inferences I. BEhold the great Goodness of God to the Church and World that he should send so great an Apostle so wise an Ambassador to treat with Souls and for Souls and to settle govern and establish the Church II. What great Love Christ had to Sinners that he should leave his Riches and Glory above to come down to be an Apostle a Fellow-Servant for our sakes He that was rich became poor that we through his Poverty might be made rich III. What need have we of the Pope and his Cardinals seeing God hath been so kind to give us Christ to be our Apostle and High-Priest We own none but Christ to be the Apostle and High-Priest of our Profession who can do all things for us by his Word Spirit and Ministers Away therefore with that grand Antichrist and vile Impostor whom they call His Holiness with all his Antichristian Crew IV. This may serve to inform us that we ought to listen to him and be taught by him for there is great reason for it 1. God sent him I came not of my self the Father sent me 2. He spake so as never Man spake No Man ever yet nor ever will speak like the Man Christ Jesus He spake like one that had Authority and not like the Scribes learned Doctors and wise Men among the Jews Many were astonished at his Understanding and Answers in his tender Age. 3. God commands us to hear him This is my beloved Son hear him 4. God threatens us if we do not hear him 't is dangerous to refuse to hear him How shall we escape if we turn away from him that speaks from Heaven Christ the Bread of Life John 6.48 50 51. I am the Bread of Life This is the Bread which cometh down from Heaven I am the living Bread which came down from Heaven IT is not my Business here to give the various Opinions of Men touching the Bread in the Text Some hold it to be Christ's Doctrine others Christ in the Sacrament others hold it is Christ in a more invisible Administration but to shew metaphorically that whatsoever Bread properly so called is to Men considered as Men that Jesus Christ is unto Believers and all true Christians according to the Gospel Metaphor I. BRead is prepared and made fit for Food II. Bread is a Substance well suited for the Subject to which it is appointed III. Bread is good in it self and of its own nature IV. Bread is not inherent in us but a distinct thing from us and a Gift from another V. Bread is ordained to an high and most excellent End even to preserve the whole
are fitted as Vessels of Wrath for Destruction Metaphor I. THe Sun is a Creature and had a beginning and when Time is swallowed up of Eternity it will set and rise no more II. The Sun gives Light but cannot give Sight the Sun-Beams tho never so powerful cannot make a blind Man see III. The Sun shines but in one Hemisphere at once when it rises to us it sets to our Antipodes IV. The Sun hath endamaging as well as healing Qualities defaces Beauty maketh Men faint Fruits are sometimes withered to nothing by it V. The Sun is inanimate hath neither rational sensitive nor vegetative Life tho in some sence called the Fountain of Life VI. The Sun is the Servant of Men from the Root 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to minister 'T is Idolatry to worship it Disparity I. JEsus Christ is God in his Essence uncreated and without beginning Christ endureth for ever he is Alpha and Omega the Beginning and the Ending the First and the Last II. Christ gives Sight as well as Light he made the Blind to see He also cures spiritual Blindness as Saul's by Ananias Acts 9.17 III. Christ is able to shine over the whole World at once It may properly be said of him as of the King of Assyria The Stretching out of his Wings are able to cover the World at one moment IV. Christ hath no hurtful quality he quickens the Soul never makes it faint He makes Deformity beautiful and lovely ripens but never withers the Fruits off Grace His Beams are destructive to none but such as have no root such indeed he withers V. Christ has Life Light and Heat and is often in Scripture called our Life for he gives and maintains both natural and spiritual Life VI. Christ is our Lord whom Men and Angels must worship all the Host of Heaven adore him 'T is gross Impiety not to worship him Inferences I. HEnce we may learn to know the Worth and Excellency of Christ as also the indispensible and absolute Necessity every Soul lies under of receiving Divine Illuminations from this everlasting Sun for as natural Bodies perish without the Influence of the natural Sun so will Souls if the Sun of Righteousness give not his Life-cherishing Efficacy II. Hence we may also see how greatly we are concerned to pray earnestly to God that our Hemisphere may never be deprived of this Sun of Righteousness nor overspread with the Clouds of superstitious Popery nor other Heretical Errors and Darkness III. This may shew the Folly and Madness of such as would drive the Light of the Gospel out of the World 1. In respect of the Wrong and Injury they would do the World thereby if they could effect it 2. Their Inability to accomplish it IV. Hence we may infer the Necessity of labouring whilst it is day we know not how soon our Sun may set and we are not sure of another The Lord thus threatens the Prophets that cause the People to err I will cause the Sun to go down at Noon c. Which Judgment the Lord God in Mercy deliver England from Christ the Root of David Rev. 22.16 I am the Root and Off-spring of David c. THere is a great and glorious Mystery in these Words many understand not how Jesus Christ should be the Root and yet the Off-spring of David This Text agrees with those Words of our Saviour If David called him Lord how then is he said to be his Son They understood him not Christ as he is God is David's Lord and the Root of David but as he is Man he is his Off-spring and hence elsewere called the Branch Christ is and may fitly be called and compared to a Root The Root of 1. Grace 2. Glory Metaphor I. A Root is that from whence the Tree and Branches do proceed II. A Root is a thing hidden in the Earth and not obvious or visible to the Eye III. A Root hath Life nay 't is the Center of Life the Life of any Tree or Plant is principally in the Root IV. The Root beareth the Body of the Tree and all the Branches thereof V. The Root communicates Sap and Nourishment unto the Body and all the Branches thereof VI. The Body and Branches have a necessary dependance on the Root VII There is much Life and Sap in the Root when the Tree and Branches seem dead dry and sapless VIII As is the Soundness and Firmness of the Root of a Tree the more sound firm and stable is the Tree it self with the Branches thereof these being likely to endure when those that have no Root fall away IX The Root is best secured of any part of the Tree being excellently fortified by Nature in the Earth X. Those that would utterly destroy the Tree strike at the Root XI The Root communicates of the same Life and natural Virtue to the Tree and Branches Parallel I. FRom the Lord Jesus Christ the Root of David all Believers do proceed I am the Vine ye are the Branches See Christ the true Vine II. The Deity or Divine Nature of Jesus Christ is a hidden thing cannot be seen with mortal Eyes Christ's Glory was vailed under Afflictions Reproaches Poverty c. as a Root is under the Earth III. In the Lord Jesus Christ is Life He is called the Way the Truth and the Life As the Father hath Life in himself the Son also hath Life in himself Life is in Christ as Sap is in the Root of a Tree IV. The Lord Jesus Christ this Root bears up his Church and every Member thereof V. The Lord Jesus Christ conveys Sap and Nourishment to all his Church and every particular Believer or Branch thereof hence he is called our Life VI. The Saints and Church of God have the like dependance on the Lord Jesus Christ Without thee we can do nothing VII There is much Sap and Life in Jesus Christ for the Godly when oft-times they seem like withered and dry Branches VIII The Goodness Firmness and Soundness of this Divine Root the Lord Jesus Christ shews us the very happy stedfast and secure State of the Church This Root cannot fail nor decay and consequently the Church and People of God shall endure and stand against all the Storms and Blasts of the Devil Antichrist and all wicked Enemies IX The Lord Jesus Christ is secured from Hurt and Danger whilst his Church is daily exposed thereunto being hid in God as it were You are dead and your Life is hid with Christ in God X. The Devil 's grand Design being utterly to destroy all the Godly struck most furiously at Jesus Christ the blessed Root XI Christ communicates of his Spirit and Divine Nature to his Church If the Root be holy even so are the Branches Be ye holy even as I am holy He that hath this Hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure Metaphor I. NAtural Roots
still begetting a sharper Appetite for more IV. All the Believers in the World may partake plentifully of the Fruit of the Spiritual Vine the Lord Jesus every day yea every moment there 's enough for Millions and to be taken freely yet the Store is never the less How many have been nourished thereby since the beginning yet 't is as full as ever and so will ever be V. This Fruit is good for the Soul it comforts and revives the Inward Man VI. Christ the Spiritual Vine is of excellent Strength and Ability to support his spiritual Branches the Saints and needs no help from any another Corollaries I. FRom this Metaphor we may learn what an infinite Blessing and unspeakable Mercy the Lord Jesus Christ is to his Church and all true Believers how helpless Saints are of themselves for the Branches cannot stand without his Divine Support nor bear Fruit unless this blessed Root communicates Sap and Nourishment to them II. It shews what a sweet and blessed Union there is between Christ and Believers such a Relation as is betwixt the Root and Branches 't is a Mystical yet the nearest and most real Union III. It shews That our whole Dependence ought to be on Christ for he only can uphold us as the Root does the Branches Without him we can do nothing we can neither grow bear Fruit nor stand firm in a boysterous and tempestuous Season nor suffer for his Name but with his help we can do all IV. It shews That Christ is very sensible of all the Wrongs Injuries and Outrages that are done to his Saints They that lay hold on and offer Violence to the Branches come very near the Tree such touch the Apple of his Eye And let Believers be sweetly comforted from hence That under all their Decays and want of more Grace there is abundance of more Sap and Spiritual Nourishment in the Root and Body of this Blessed Vine which according to the nature of the Metaphor shall in due time be communicated to all the Branches that are truly grafted in him which shall revive them and make them flourish both with Leaves and Fruit to the Glory of God and their own Eternal Happiness This Humble Plant calls for our Imitation This Noble Plant deserves our Adoration It s early Fruit provides us early Food Its Plenty stores us with what 's rich and good Its pleasing Sweetness gratifies our Taste Its Profit fills us without fear of Waste Its Shadow shelters from Extreams of Heat Circling the Church His choicest Cabinet A Tender Plant How can we then abuse him An Eye-Salve healing all the Blind that use him Christ the Lilly of the Vallies Cant. 2.1 I am the Rose of Sharon and the Lilly of the Vallies MOst Expositors agree that these fore-going Words are the Words of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ I am the Rose of Sharon and the Lilly of the Vallies Wherein he expresseth his own Excellencies to draw allure and enamour the Souls of those that love and long after him how fitly he may be compared to a Rose we have shewed in this Book in some other Place to which we refer you And as there is great and lovely Beauty and Amiableness set forth by a Rose so here I shall by his Assistance endeavour to set forth his Delicious Qualifications by a Lilly the Lilly of the Vallies Metaphor I. A Lilly is a sweet and a fragrant Flower yea of such a strong and odoriferous Scent that a Mans Senses Naturalists say will be easily over-turn'd with the sweet Savour thereof II. A Lilly is white and very beautiful within it are seven Grains or Seeds of the colour of Gold so amiable that our Saviour saith Solomon in all his Glory was not adorn'd like one of these for Whiteness it exceeds all Flowers III. It is observed that the Lilly is exceeding fruitful Vna Radice quinquagenos saepe emittente bubbos one Root puts forth fifty Bubbs or Colours IV. Pliny saith The Lilly is the tallest of Flowers yet hangs down its Head V. The Lilly is a Flower that hath many medicinal Virtues the distilled Water of a Lilly is good to restore a lost Voice it helps Faintness good for the Liver helps the Dropsie and the Oil of it is good for divers Maladies Inquit Galen Parallel I. THe Lord Jesus Christ may very fitly be compared to the Lilly whose Savour and spiritual Sweetness very much excels and transcends the Sweetest of any Odours that can be mentioned the Hony and the Hony-Comb are sweet to the smell and sweeter to the taste O then how sweet is the precious Savour of our blessed Saviour See Rose of Sharon II. Whiteness denotes Holiness 't is said of the Bride the Lamb's Wife to her was granted that she should be cloathed in White And of those few Names in Sardis which had not defiled their Garments these saith Christ shall walk with me in white for they are worthy Purity is essential originally perfectly and absolutely inherent in Christ he is Holiness it self his Glory is infinite within and without every way glorious the Perfection of Beauty III. Jesus Christ is exceeding fruitful from this Root for so is he call'd how many Lillies or holy and heavenly Churches have there sprung yea from this Blessed Lilly many thousands of holy and sanctified Christians See the Metaphor of the Vine IV. Jesus Christ is higher than the Mighty Princes Kings and Emperours of the Earth higher than Heaven or Angels and yet humble and lowly in Heart Therefore he is compared to the Lilly of the Valley in his Exaltations as God very high but in his Humiliation he seems to hang down his Head V. The great and incomparable Virtue that is in the Lord Jesus Christ is excellently good to cure all the Diseases and Maladies of the Soul it cures Spiritual Blindness it softens an hard Heart it cures Stubbornness and Obstinacy by his blessed Infusion of Grace in a word there is no Malady too hard for this Spiritual Physician See Physician and Heart And for other Properties of the Lilly see more where the Church is compared to it For the Disparity See Rose of Sharon Application FRom hence we may seasonably learn to be humble seeing the Lilly which is said to be of a tall growth yet hangeth down its Head As Christ is humble so Holiness and Humility are the glorious Ornaments of a Christian. That Christian that hath most Holiness hath most Humility The Ear of Wheat which is well kern'd and fullest hangs down its Head most Christ under the Similitude of an Apple-Tree Cant. 2.3 As the Apple-Tree amongst the Trees of the Wood so is my beloved amongst the Sons I sate down under his Shadow with great Delight and his Fruit was sweet unto my Taste AS Christ sets forth the Praise of his Church in the second Verse She excelling all the Daughters as the Lilly did Thorns so the Church sets
He is both King of Saints and King of Nations 1. He is Lord over Angels he is Head of Principalities and Powers Thrones and Dominions He hath Power and Authority over the good Angels these are part of his Inheritance Let all the Angels of God worship him 2. He hath Preheminence and Dominion over the evil Angels they fly before him He hath spoiled Principalities and Powers c. Col. 2.15 3. He is the Head and hath Preheminence over Men He is Lord both of the Dead and Living all the Elect are given to him they are his in manifold respects Children Servants Brethren Disciples Subjects Spouse c. 4. The Power and Headship of Christ as Heir of all things extends to all Mankind universally all owe him Homage and shall submit and bend their Knees to Him He hath an absolute unlimited and Universal Power may pull down and set up at his pleasure kill and make alive all mighty Monarchs are but Tenants at Will to him 5. He hath Power and Headship in an especial manner over all things to the Church Frist Judaical or Old-Testament things Secondly Christian or New-Testament things Christ being Heir and Lord of all things whatever the Soveraign Disposer of all those Rites and Ordinances of Worship about which the Jews contended must needs be in his Hand to change and alter them as he saw good The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath and as he is Head over all things He hath Right and Soveraignty to make ordain or appoint Laws Ordinances and Institutions and to prescribe Rules how and after what manner God is to be worshipped belongs only to Christ the Heir of all things and Head of the Church VI. Christ distributes in a glorious manner to others he gives large Portions to the Saints whom he is not ashamed to call Brethren He that doth the Will of my Father the same is my Brother Sister and Mother Regenerating quickning sanctifying assisting comforting and sealing Grace is bestowed and freely given to Believers with Pardon Peace Sonship and eternal Life yea all things are given that appertain to Life and Godliness to such that are Heirs and Joynt-Heirs with him when he ascended on high he gave Gifts unto Men. Eph. 4.8 VII Christ the Heir of all things when he first came into the World was proclaimed by the Angels of God as the rightful Heir of the Crown and Scepter of both Worlds He shall be great and shal be called the Son of the Highest and the Lord God shall give unto him the Throne of his Father David And he shall reign over the House of Jacob for ever and ever and of his Kingdom there shall be no end His Right was often asserted by himself as Mat. 28. Joh. 13.3 and by others his Apostles c. VIII There was a set time agreed upon when Christ as Mediator should come to his Inheritance who is appointed Heir c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may denote either those special Acts whereby he came into the full Possession of his Heirship or it may be extended to other Preparatory Acts that long preceded them especially if we should take it to be of the same Importance with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the second Aorist In the former sence it denotes the glorious Investiture of Christ in the full Possession of his Kingdom after his Resurrection with the Manifestation of it in his Ascension and token of its stability in his sitting down at the Right-hand of God By all these God made him placed Him with solemn Investiture Heir of all The Grant was made to him upon his Resurrection Mat. 28.18 and then fully declared to others The Solemnization of it was in his Ascension all was sealed and ratified when he took Possession of the Throne by all which he was made and declared to be Lord and Christ the true Heir of all things And such weight doth the Scripture lay upon the glorious Investiture of Christ in his Inheritance that it speaks of his whole Power as then first granted unto him Rom. 14.9 Phil. 2.7 8 9 10. and the reason of it is because he had then actually performed that Work and Duty upon consideration whereof that Power and Authority were eternally designed and originally granted unto him God's actual committing all Power over all Things and Persons in Heaven and Earth to be executed and managed for the ends of his Mediation declaring this Act Grant and Delegation by his Resurrection Ascension and sitting at his Right-hand is that which this Word denotes Notwithstanding the time of the visible Possession of his Right is not yet come he will take unto him his great Power that is the visible Exercise and Execution of it and Reign Wilt thou at this time restore the Kingdom to Israel And he said unto them It is not for you to know the Times and Seasons which the Father hath in his own Power Metaphor I. AN Heir many times is one that succeeds in the Possession of the Right and Goods of one deceased and till then cannot possess the Inheritance II. An Heir is many times disinherited of his Right cut off excluded and utterly deprived of his Crown and Kingdom by an usurp'd Power III. An Heir among Men hath comparatively but small Possessions Disparity I. CHrist enjoyes all as he is Heir of all things with the Father who dyeth not but is like the Son immortal eternal not subject to any Change The Son being Heir doth not eclipse nor diminish the Glory of the Father II. Christ shall not cannot be disinherited Tho wicked Men take Counsel together to obstruct and hinder his visible Exaltation yet all is in vain He that sits in Heaven shall laugh The Lord shall have them in Derision and will set his King upon his holy Hill of Zion I will make my First born higher than the Kings of the Earth III. Christ you hear is Heir of all things He is Head and Chief Lord over Angels and Men over all Ranks and Degrees of Men Emperours Kings and all the Nobles of the Earth over all Persons Civil and Ecclesiastical over Devils and all the Powers of Darkness He is Heir of the World to come the new Heaven and Earth and of all the Glory of it as of the Earth or the Kingdoms of this World Inferences I. FRom hence we may perceive how exceedingly God hath honoured the Lord Jesus Christ as Mediator He hath a Name above every Name in this World or that which is to come II. Moreover it is evident from hence Christ is very Rich. Who would not marry such an Heir or choose the Lord Jesus for their Husband The Riches of his Kingdom the good things of his House the Revenues of his Dominion are infinite and inexhaustible and he is very gracious and bountiful in his Communication of them unto all that take hold of him III. 'T is easy to conclude from hence that those that
between Christ and the Church as the Foundation is Holy Divine and Spiritual excellent in Nature and Form so is the House or Temple of God XI The Lord Jesus Christ doth not only bear the weight of the whole Church but also all that appertain to it all the Pillars Braces under-props and supports viz. the Prophets Apostles Ministers c. that are called Pillars in the House of God He bears up the Covenant the Covenant stands firm in him I have saith God made a Covenant with my Chosen He is the Mediator and Surety of it all the Precepts of God are built upon him He is the Foundation of every Ordinance Appointment and Institution of the Gospel What ever any Man preaches or practises for Doctrine or Discipline that hath not its Rise Ground and footing from Christ the Foundation it ought to be cast away and utterly rejected and abominated as altogether unfit for Gods Building All the Promises are built upon him To Abraham and his Seed were the Promises made not to Seeds as if many but to thy Seed which is Christ all the Promises are in him yea and in him Amen c. Union and Reconciliation with God are founded on Christ 't is he who hath made Peace by the Blood of the Cross. When we were Enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son Justification Sanctification Righteousness and Redemption Vocation all are built upon him they all have their Rise and Foundation from Christ. Moreover Pardon of Sin and Peace of Conscience are from him Woman thy Sins are forgiven thee go in Peace My Peace I give unto you All Duties of Religion are built upon Christ it is he that hath commanded every thing that is to be done by us whether it respects the first or second Table all is to be done in Christ's Name by his Authority and in his Strength and by the help of his Spirit and to his Praise and Glory Faith Love Hope yea every Grace and all Gifts of the Holy Ghost which adorn the Soul and House of God are from Christ they are purchased by him and do flow from him to us by the Spirit Again the Ministry is from him he is the great Subject of Gospel-Ministration We preach Christ crucified c. The Efficacy of all is from him he gives the Encrease Lastly Eternal Life is built upon him This is the Record that God hath given to us Eternal Life and this Life is in his Son He that hath the Son hath Life and he that hath not the Son hath not Life 1 Joh. 5.11 12. METAPHOR I. OTher Foundations are laid with many Stones joyned and cemented together II. Other Foundations are laid of sensless breathless Stone or Brick things that are natural things that are terrestrial congealed into a massy lump or artificially made and prepared III. Other Foundations many times decay and by that means the whole Building is in danger and tumbles down IV. Other Foundations are laid by some Man for as Man builds the House so he it is that first lays the Foundation thereof V. Other Foundations are laid of Stones of little Value and Worth comparatively the Foundation of a House is not laid with precious Stones as Jasper Saphyr Beril Jacinth Amythist Diamond c. VI. A Foundation is often removed fault being found with it and another laid in the room of it a Man may remove a Foundation which he hath laid at his pleasure or may lay more Foundations than one VII Other Foundations may be shaken an Earthquake may remove them out of their place VIII Other Foundation cannot preserve the House that is built upon it that may be totally demolished and destroyed and yet the Foundation may remain Disparity I. THis Foundation is but one whole entire Stone which adds to the Strength and Firmness of it Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone not Stones nothing besides Christ nothing of our own must be built upon as a Foundation for Salvation II. Christ is a living lively and active Spirit hence called a living Stone disallowed indeed of Men he created the Stones and Dust of the Earth as God he hath his Being of himself and from everlasting not made nor created III. Christ being a living Stone in whom is Spirit and Life doth not cannot decay and by this means the Church of God and every particular Soul that is built upon him stands sure he transforms the Building into his own nature and so keeps and preserves it from Rottenness and all manner of Decays whatsoever Living things do not rot nor putrifie as other things do And as the Body by Joynts and Bands from the Head hath Nourishment ministred and knit together groweth and encreaseth in Strength and Beauty so is it with the glorious Body the Church and Soul of a true Believer that is joyned to Christ this blessed Head and living Foundation Because I live ye shall live also IV. Christ is laid as a Foundation for us and in our Souls by the Father 't is God's Act and not our own Behold I lay in Zion c. Who can lay Christ for a Foundation but God He was first laid by God in his Decree and then he laid him by the Prophets and Apostles And lastly by the Spirit also is he laid in the Hearts of Believers Christ is infinite How can a finite Hand or Power move an infinite Being or Thing God first removes or razes by his Spirit all other Foundations he takes of Man's hopes off Heaven by his own Works Legal Conviction Tears Humiliations Vows Covenants Resolutions c. and in the place and room of all lays Christ crucified as the ground of Hope and Happiness Hence is all Boasting excluded and Salvation wholly of Grace See Mr. Tillinghust Christ the only Foundation V. Christ the Spiritual Foundation is a precious Stone to whom coming as to a living Stone disallowed indeed of Men but chosen of God and precious Christ is not a common Stone but a choice rich Stone a Stone of inestimable Value and Price Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone elect and precious This sets forth the Excellency of a Foundation and not only so but it adds a Lustre and Glory to the House which is built upon it The Foundation of New Jerusalem is said to be laid with all manner of precious Stones and then you read of the Excellency of the Superstructure the Building of the Wall was Jasper and the City was of pure Gold O how glorious must that City needs be that hath such a Foundation as Christ is and not only so but how durable also are some precious Stone The Diamond is the hardest Stone it cuts Glass there is nothing as Naturalists say can break it Jesus Christ makes Impression on the hard hearts of Men by his Graces O then how safe must it of necessity be for us to
and yet it may stand but if the Corner or Foundation gives way down it falls II. Corner-Stones are the Medium by which the Walls of the House are united in one Building Pull out the Corner-Stones and the two sides of the House are separated the one from the other III. The Corner-Stone is for Direction in a Building an Under-workman is to take Rule from hence All other Stones must be laid level and even with that not further out nor in So that being fitly placed they know how to proceed from thence IV. The Corner-Stone preserves the House hence a Builder lays strong and firm Stones in the Corner for Experience shews that most of the dangerous rubs and hurts a House is exposed to usually falls upon the Corner of it and that keeps off hurt and wrong that otherwise the rest of the Building would sustain V. As the Corner-Stones are the strongest for bearing and preserving so the fairest Stones for Beauty and Ornament If the Corner-Stones be graceful rich and curiously wrought the whole Building is the more comely Much Art and Cost is bestowed on the Corner-Stones they are better and more rich usually than any others Parallel I. CHRIST may be compared to a Corner-Stone in respect of Sustentation He is the Sustainer and Upholder of the Church the great Pillar that bears up his Elect. The Churches Safety Peace Grace Comfort and Salvation is upheld by him Eliakim was a Type of Christ in this He shall be fastened as a Nail in a sure place And be shall be for a glorious Throne to his Father's House and they shall hang upon him all the Glory of his Father's House the Offspring and the issue all Vessels of small quantity from Vessels of Cups to Vessels of Flagons All Believers from small to great are born up by and hang upon Jesus Christ. II. Jesus Christ that intire and glorious Corner-Stone unites Jews and Gentiles together He hath made both one He made them but one intire House and spiritual Building He cements all Believers together in one Body He makes them one in Mutual Love and Affection makes them all Partakers of the same Grace Priviledges and Salvation III. Jesus Christ is a Believer's Direction He is our Rule by which we must proceed in all spiritual Things that which is not done by Christ's Command or Example or by plain Rule and Direction from him must be all undone and pull'd down again all must run parallel with the Line of Christ's Doctrine or Example Learn of me And in another place saith He I have given you an Example that ye should do as I have done to you Joh. 13.15 Having left us an Example that we should follow his Steps 1 Pet. 2.21 IV. Christ preserves the Church of God He receives all the rubs of Enemies in his own Person which had they met with us would soon have broken us to pieces and defaced our Souls 'T is he who by his Strength keeps those great Dangers from us that we continually are exposed to from Satan Sin and wicked Men and the Wrath of God All our Strength and Help is in him what a great Mercy is it that God the great Builder hath chosen such a sure Stone for the Corner Thou shalt preserve me from Trouble O Lord from the Hands of the Wicked preserve me from the violent Man who hath purposed to overthrow my Goings V. Christ is the beauty of all God's Building as he bears up and preserves so he beautifies likewise the Church and all Believers There would be no Comeliness in the House of God all would be but as a deformed heap were it not for this Corner-Stone What is the Glory and Beauty of the Saints to Jesus Christ He is fairer than the Children of Men. We have no Comeliness but what he puts upon us God hath spared no Cost to place such a rare and choice Stone in the Corner Christ is a Stone curiously wrought if I may so say richly adorned with the Divine Nature full of Grace and Truth Joh. 1.14 METAPHOR I. OTher Corner-Stones of all material Buildings are inanimate sensless and lifeless things II. Corner-Stones of a material House are fashioned and laid by Men. III. Other Stones may drop or be drove out of the Building or be greatly marr'd defac'd and spoil'd IV. Corner-Stones in a material House as they strengthen the Building so they also receive Strength from the Building and are some security to the Corner V. Other Buildings must have many Stones for one Corner cemented and joyned together to compleat and finish the Superstructure and those Stones that are laid for one Corner will not serve for every Corner of the same House VI. 'T is rare to see a material Building to have Corners laid with precious Stones as Jasper Onix Diamond c. VII An House tho its Corners should be laid with precious Stones and Pearl and all the Structure sutable and so thereby may be more glorious and durable than Corner-stones of other Buildings yet may it moulder away be defaced lose its Beauty and perish VIII Other precious Stones are of a small dimension and of small weight you may put many of them the largest that were ever seen in a small Vessel or Cabinet IX Another precious Stone may have many excellent Properties in it but no one hath all Virtues Excellencies Forms and Colours in it Disparity I. JEsus Christ is a living Stone he hath Life in himself and communicates Life unto the whole Building and from hence Believers are called Lively Stones II. Christ is both fashioned polished and laid in the Spiritual Building by God himself Behold I lay in Zion a chief Corner-Stone 1 Pet. 2.6 III. Christ is a Stone that cannot be loosed nor disjoyned nor drove out of God's House by all the skill of Men or Devils nor can be marr'd spoil'd or any ways hurt IV. Christ the Spiritual Corner-Stone receives no Strength from any Stone or part of the Building what need hath he of Help from any of his Saints What can weak Believers add of Support to him V. Christ the Corner-stone is but one whole entire Stone yet every corner of God's House hath the same Stone and tho the Building be raised never so high yet he fully supplyeth each Corner from the bottom to the top and there needs no other Corner-Stones besides himself VI. Christ the Corner-Stone of the Spiritual Building is a Precious Stone Behold I lay in Zion a chief Corner-Stone elect and precious no Jasper Onix Diamond or Saphire is to be compared to Him He is of infinite Worth and Value ot only so in the Opinion and Esteem of others but really so in himself hence called the Pearl of great Price 1. He is precious in himself being God co-equal and co-eternal with the Father The express Image of his Person Heb. 1.3 2. He is so it appears in that he is the choice Diamond the
for fit for his own Use and Eternal Life This way he makes us meet to be Partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light Col. 1.12 As Heaven is prepared for us so Christ is preparing us for Heaven VIII This may support and comfort us under Affliction for tho no Chastening seems joyous at present but grievous yet nevertheless afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable Fruit of Righteousness unto them that are exercised thereby Christ compared to an Eagle Exod. 19.4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians and how I bore you on Eagles Wings and brought you unto my self Deut. 32.11 12. As an Eagle stirreth up her Nest fluttereth over her Young spreadeth her Wings looketh to them beareth them on her Wings so the Lord did lead him c. Rev. 12.14 And to the Woman were given two Wings of a great Eagle that she might flie into the Wilderness c. SOme say that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aquila an Eagle is derived of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be carried violently Others from an intensive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies a Year because it is lively from whence came the Proverb Vivacior Aquilâ livelier than an Eagle Others say That the Latin Aquila is derived ab aquilo colore from its dun colour For its swiftness and seldom returning Job says chap. 9.26 My days pass away as the Eagle c. that is swiftly and never to return Because of its velocity and forcible flight it denotes the quick invasion of an Enemy Jer. 48.40 49.22 Hos. 8.1 Micha 1.16 which describes the greatness of the Calamity Exod. 19.4 I have born you on Eagles Wings that is the Lord hath lovingly supported and cherished you as Eagles do their young who bear them safe over craggy and dangerous places See Jer. 4.13 Lam. 4.19 It 's said Psal. 103.5 Thy youth is renewed like the Eagles that is he hath strengthned thee so as to go through all Difficulties c. Galatinus saith that the Messiah is called an Eagle Prov. 30.19 c. But in the Texts alledged viz. Deut. 32.12 Exod. 19.4 c. the Lord is compared to an Eagle with respect to the Protection and Safety of his People the Swiftness of his Deliverances and his tender Care and Affection to them The great Eagle Annotators tell us signifieth the Lord Jesus and it seems to be an Allusion to that Flight of the Church from Egypt to Canaan which she undertook not by her own Counsel but by the Lord's Command and performed not by her own Strength but by the Lord's As the Church of Israel fled from the Dragon Pharaoh as he is called Ezek. 29.3 So the Christian Church fled from the Serpent or Dragon here with two Wings of a great Eagle Now tho I deny not but these Scriptures refer to God the Father yet may they as safely and in the Judgment of some more properly refer to the Lord Jesus Christ. Stephen speaking of Christ saith This was he that was with the Fathers in the Wilderness which spake to them in Mount Sinai c. Simile I. THe Eagle is a Royal Bird the Princess or Queen of all the Birds of the Air. II. The Eagle is a very strong Fowl Naturalists speak much of the Eagle in this respect Eagles carry the Prize saith Pliny both for Honour and Strength III. The Eagle mounts up exceeding high out of the reach or sight of Men. IV. The Eagle hath a very piercing Eye when she is on high can see down to the Earth nay behold the small Fish in the Sea V. The Eagle is a mighty swift Creature My Days are swifter than an Eagle She is swift in pursuit of her Prey VI. The Eagle Historians tell us fights with Dragons and Serpents and overcomes them VII The Eagle hath strong and long Wings which she easily spreads forth for the succor and help of her young VIII The Eagle bears and carries her young upon her Wings she spreads abroad her Wings takes them beareth them upon her Wings IX The Eagle hides her Young in high and mighty Rocks where her Nest is even in the same ragged place of inaccessible Rocks X. The Eagles Voice Naturalists tell us is so terrible that when he is angry he makes all living Creatures to be afraid Dracones audito etangore Aquilarum fugerunt in speluncas The Dragons when they hear the angry Voice of the Eagles flie into the Dens to hide themselves XI The Eagles way in the Air cannot be known XII Historians say the Eagle can look on the Sun in its brightest Splendor without being dazled She tries her young Ones the same way to see whether they be her true Off-spring for if they cannot behold the Sun but wink or their Eyes water they turn them out of their Nest and disown them as Degenerates or Bastards XIII The Eagle trains up her Young to be like her self and to mount up as she mounts XIV The Eagle is very careful and tender of her Young XV. Naturalists tell us the Eagle gives her Young Ones of her own Blood when she cannot get other Blood for them to drink XVI The Eagle is very long-liv'd The Greeks express her by a word signifying Longevity And some give the Reason not only from the excellent Temperament of her Body but because she lives in such a pure Air free from all evil Vapours and noisom Smells Parallel I. JEsus Christ is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth King of Kings and Lord of Lords As the Eagle among Birds so Christ both amongst Men and Angels hath the preheminence II. The Lord Jesus Christ is called the Mighty God I have laid help on one that is mighty For Strength he is compared to a Lion What is all human and natural Power to the Strength and Power of Jesus Christ III. The Lord Jesus after his Resurrection mounted up exceeding high into the highest Heavens far out of the sight of Man's natural Eye where he cannot be reached by wicked Men or Devils IV. Jesus Christ hath a wonderful piercing Eye seeth not only from the highest Clouds whither the Eagle mounts but from the highest Heaven can look into the Secrets of every Man's Heart even into the Hell of wicked Mens diabolical Counsels and can throughly see their bloody Purposes and Contrivances altho they dig never so deep yet they cannot hide themselves from his Omniscience for he sees what they are doing V. The Lord Jesus is swift when he comes to fight against the Enemies of his Church he is swift in the executing of his Judgments swift to deliver and help his People See Metaph. Sun Hart c. VI. Jesus Christ the spiritual Eagle fought with that great red Dragon the Devil and hath bruised the head of the Dragon VII The Lord Jesus hath strong Love enlarged and great
in Summer they preserve and defend from parching Heat every Blast would pinch us were it not for our Garments every Thorn would scratch us every Blow would bruise us Robinson VI. Garments are prepared and made fit for the Person that is to wear them or otherwise they are not comely VII When a Person puts on a Wedding-Garment all other Garments are laid aside as invaluable and unseemly for a Bride to have on VIII A Wedding-Garment is usually very rich if provided for a Person of Honour a Princess or some great Heiress IX A rich and glorious Wedding-Garment is put on as a sign of Joy and a good Day X. Those who were invited to a Marriage amongst the Jews as History tells us if they had not on a Wedding-Garment they were not entertained nor suffered to be amongst the Guests but were if observed turned out of the Wedding-Chamber XI The Bride that is gloriously cloathed and adorned in her Marriage-Robes is delighted in and rejoyced over by the Bridegroom Parallel I. THe necessity of Christ and his Righteousness came in by original Depravity Man in Innocency had no need of a Saviour was perfect and wanted nothing II. Christ is the Souls Spiritual Cover 1. He hides all our natural Filthiness 2. He hides and covers all our actual Sins and Pollutions 3. He covers all the Spots of our Holy Duties The Cherubims under the Law covered the Mercy-Seat the Mercy-Seat covered the Ark where the two Tables of the Decalogue lay this Mercy-Seat did typify Christ. Jesus Christ covers all the Sins which Believers commit against the Law of God He delivers us from the Curse and Accusation thereof Hence 't is said God beheld no Iniquity in Jacob he doth not see it to impute it because it is hid under the covering Mercy-Seat Jesus Christ. III. All our Righteousness is as filthy Raggs and in another place compared to a menstruous Cloth our best Services are grievously defiled and polluted with Sin But Christ is a glorious Robe his Righteousness is of inestimable Value glorious Apparel which by Faith all true Believers are cloathed with IV. Christ's Righteousness put on the Soul by Faith is the most beautiful Ornament that ever Mortals were adorned with this makes Men and Women amiable and very comely in the Eyes of God and Holy Angels V. The Lord Jesus cloathing us with his Righteousness defends us 1. From Sin Sin hath not Power and Dominion over us it cannot bear sway nor hurt the Soul because Christ hath condemned it in the Flesh. 'T is a vanquish'd wounded and crucified Enemy 2. Christ defends us from the smarting Pricks and Checks of Conscience when for want of Light a Believer is accused and condemned and is driven almost into despair Christ's Righteousness is a glorious Garment to guard and keep off Conscience from mauling breaking and bruising of him in pieces through Christ Saints obtain Deliverance Come to me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest to your Souls My Grace is sufficient for thee 3. Christ defends us from the fiery Darts and cruel Assaults of Satan This roaring Lion would tear us in pieces if this impenetrable Garment were not between his Teeth and our Souls His fiery Darts would stick to the very Heart did not this Garment blunt and dead them Notwithstanding all the Malice and Rage of the Devil he cannot destroy us because we are cloathed with Christ's Righteousness and have the Lord Jesus to be a Cover for us 4. Christ defends us from eternal Wrath. God is to all that are naked to all that have not Christ on for Cloathing a scorching and consuming Fire the hottest Flames cannot touch the Body till they have burn'd the Garments but Wrath cannot seize any more upon Christ he hath overcome it and quenched its Burning he hath lain under it once for all and therefore it cannot seize on a Believer who is circled about with Christ and with his Righteousness as with a Garment The Fire cannot burn the Man whilst the Screen is between him and the Flame Jesus Christ is a Believer's Screen which stands continually between him and the devouring Flame of God's Anger Robinson VI. Christ's Righteousness prepared for Believers is made fit for the Soul it answers to the Law and Justice of God it every way suits accommodating every Part leaving none uncomely nor uncloathed in the sight of God VII When a Soul puts on Christ's Righteousness by Faith it lays aside its own Raggs having no Confidence in the Flesh if a Man is not stript of all Hopes Trust and Reliance in respect of his own Righteousness he will not seek for another neither can he put Christ on for Christ is the only Garment for such who are naked and see an absolute necessity of that which is by Faith in order to their being accepted in the Eyes of the Bridegroom VIII Christ's Righteousness is a very rich and glorious Robe curiously wrought the Person for whom it is provided being nobly descended born from above and espoused to the Prince of Heaven and Earth I cloathed thee with Embroidered Work and covered thee with Silk I decked thee with Gold and thy Raâ—â—ment was of fine Linen The Kings Daughters were among the Honourable Women Psal. 45.9 13. Vpon thy Right-hand did stand the Queen in Gold of Ophir IX The Righteousness of Christ put on by Faith signifies Joy and a good Day the Soul that is cloathed with this Robe of Righteousness that Beautiful Garment of Salvation hath infinite cause of Joy and Gladness hence saith the Apostle as sorrowful yet always rejoycing Rejoyce in the Lord always and again I say rejoyce Phil. 4.4 X. Those that have not the Spiritual Wedding-Garment in the day when our Bridegroom comes shall not be entertained amongst Christ's Guests but shall be put out of the Wedding-Chamber and turned into Eternal Darkness And when the King came in to see the Guests he saw there a Man that had not on a Wedding-Garment And he said unto him Friend how camest thou in hither not having on a Wedding-Garment And he was speechless Then said the King to his Servants Bind him hand and foot and take him away and cast him into utter Darkness there shall be weeping and wailing and gnashing of Teeth Mat. 22.11 12 c. XI That Soul that hath this Wedding-Garment on that is cloathed and adorned with Christ's Righteousness that is justified and accepted by Faith the Lord Jesus takes great delight in As a Young-Man who marrieth a Virgin c. And as a Bridegroom rejoyceth over the Bride so shall thy God rejoyce over thee Isa. 62.5 METAPHOR I. A Garment can cover but one at once it can't cloath several Persons II. Every material Garment will not serve to cover every part of the Body that which is proper for the Head will not cover the Loins and that which fits the
well that which is written in the Heart of Man as that which was written in Tables of Stone and then as to the Law of the Gospel that is called the Law of Christ because he gave forth all the Precepts contained thereâ—â—â— 2. The Lord Jesus Christ is full of Goodness full Proofs of which he gave before his advancement to his Dignity He is not forward to accuse is free from Anger not subject to take advantage by the Weakness of an Offender but ready to pity and forgive if the Circumstances of the Cause will bear it An Instance of which we have in what Christ said to the Woman taken in Adultery He that is without Sin let him cast the first Stone c. 4. The Lord Christ is a Man of Justice that will not be flattered with fair Words His Impartiality appeared in the days of his Flesh. He told Nicodemus a great Ruler that he must be born again called Herod the King a Fox He told the Rulers of the Jews that they should hereafter see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and Glory that is as a Judg to arraign them for their Injustice Cruelty c 5. The Lord Jesus tho he be a Lamb for Meekness and a Dove for Innocency yet he is a Lion for Boldâ—â—ess and Courage and in his time will shew himself so to be to all the Ungodly of the Earth whether Kings Captains or mighty Men They shall cry to the Rocks to fall upon them and Mountains to cover them to hide them from the Face of him that sits upon the Throne and from the Wrath of the Lamb. III. The Work assigned to the Lord Jesus as a Judg is grounded upon the highest Reason 1. The Authority of God the Father who hath committed all Judgment into the hands of the Son 2. The Reasonableness of his Authority He gave to all their Being and therefore may challenge a Right more than earthly Sovereigns to sit as Judg over them 3. The Equity of his Laws which are holy just and good there is nothing amiss no fault can be found in them 4. In respect of his Subjects God is not unrighteous to forget their Work of Faith and Labour of Love c. of the Godly And 't is a righteous thing with him to recompense the Ungodly according to their Deeds He shall render unto every Man according as their Works shall be IV. The Lord Jesus Christ is appointed to take the Place and Office of a Judg He acts not of himself but by Commission from the great and mighty Potentate of the whole Universe God judgeth no Man but hath committed all Judgment to the Son 'T is he that is ordained of God to be the Judg of the Quick and Dead He hath appointed a Day in which he will judg the World in Righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained It is appointed unto Men once to die and after Death the Judgment to which end Christ shall appear the second time V. In like manner is there a set Time a certain Day limited for the Lord Jesus the great Judg to keep a general Sessions and hold a solemn Assize for the Honour of the eternal God called the Day of Judgment It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than for that City VI. The Lord Jesus as Supreme Judg by virtue of his Authority and Commission when the set Time is come will summon the whole World even all Offenders to appear before his Judgment-Seat The Time is coming when all that are in their Graves shall hear his Voice and come forth The Trumpet shall sound and the Dead shall be raised incorruptible There shall be a Resurrection from the Dead both of the Just and Vnjust The Lord shall descend from Heaven with a Shout with the Voice of the Archangel and the Trump of God and the Dead in Christ shall rise first We must all appear before the Judgment-Seat of Christ c. VII The Lord Christ immediatly after Summons upon this great Appearance before his dread Tribunal enters upon his last and great Work First to open the three great Law-Books that Men have lived under viz. 1. The Law of Nature 2. The Law of Moses 3. The Gospel-Law The Judg being set the Books are opened next in Order the Witnesses appear and first those that gave the Laws and they are of three sorts 1. God that wrote the Law of Nature after an invisible manner on the Hearts of Men I will come near you to Judgment and be a swift Witness against you saith the Lord. 2. Moses that delivered the Law to Israel There is one that accuses you even Moses in whom you trust 3. The Apostles that published the Gospel-Law not to Jews only but to the Gentile World These will appear not only to judg the twelve Tribes of Israel but the Gentiles whose Persons and Works also must be tried by Christ as well as the Jews He shall judg the Secrets of all Men. VIII Jesus Christ will judg the World viz. all Men both Jews and Gentiles according to their Works God shall bring every Work into Judgment with every secret thing whether it be good or whether it be evil The Necessity of which appears in these four Cases 1. The Scripture will not else be fulfilled and made good which doth fully assert the bringing to Light the hidden things of Darkness and making manifest the Counsels of the Heart 2. The Ungodly will not otherwise be convinced of all their ungodly Deeds and all their hard Speeches which ungodly Sinners have spoken against the Lord. 3. The Judgment will not otherwise appear just upon which the Glory of the Judg doth so much depend 'T is for his Glory to overcome when he judgeth And unless Matter of Fact be charged due Proportions will not be weighed out and awarded according to Desert with clearness and satisfaction either in a way of Mercy or just Severity to all Spectators Therefore the Gentiles shall be charged with Matter of Fact against the Law of Nature Whâ—â—remongers and Adulterers God will judg The Jews shall be charged for rejecting Moses and killing the Prophets The Jews and Gentiles jointly that they have neglected Faith and Charity under the Vouchsafement of the Gospel He shall judg the Secrets of Men by Christ Jesus according to my Gospel The fore-mentioned Witnesses are sufficient to prove Matter of Fact both in point of Number and Capacity The first and chief Witness will be God himself who knew all things and there can be nothing hid from him The second Witness will be Conscience which was and is with Men in all Places and Actions which Man could never leave at home nor shun his Company when he went out or when he came in He is with him in his most secret Retirements and has often told him
them We must not pry too curiously into the Depths of God he having set Bounds by the Word how far we should go and let all take heed on their Peril that they adventure no further V. The holy Spirit is the proper Element of all true Believers they are born by the Spirit live by the Spirit and walk in the Spirit Ministers are Fishers of Men. See the Parable of the Net VI. This River is good to wash purge and carry away Filth and all abominable Pollution of Sin both in Souls Churches and Nations where the Water of this River runs Such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God VII The Spirit hath its proper Bounds and always runs in its spiritual Chanel viz. the Word and Ordinances God's publick and private Worship and thither all must have recourse that would receive the precious and glorious Blessings and Benefits thereof if you would have these sacred Waters you must observe the Chanel where this River runs Where I record my Name I will come unto thee and will bless thee When the Disciples were assembled together they met with the Spirit that being their Duty and Christ's Institution VIII This spiritual River hath several times overflowed there being a Redundancy of Water in it Great Multitudes have been marvellously watered and made fat and fruitful on a sudden and shall again when the time is come God sometimes extends Mercies and Gospel-Blessings beyond his usual method being a free Agent may if he pleaseth anticipate his own Order He hath promised to open Rivers in the Desert And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall bear off from the Chanel of the River unto the Stream of Egypt God meets with some as he met with Paul who was running from him The Scripture speaks of a Time when the Knowledg of the Lord shall cover the Earth as the Waters cover the Sea In that day this River shall overflow and cover the whole World There shall be on every high Mountain and on every high Hill Rivers and Streams of Water I will open Rivers upon high Places I will make the Wilderness a Pool of Water and the dry Land Springs of Water Behold I will do a new thing now it shall spring forth shall ye not know it I will even make a Way in the Wilderness and Rivers in the Desert The Beasts of the Field shall honour me the Dragons and the Owls because I give Waters in the Wilderness and Rivers in the Desert to give Drink to my People my Chosen IX The holy Spirit is gloriously advantagious for spiritual Commerce and Traffick 'T is that which by the use of Ordinances conveys the Riches of Heaven to Dwellers here below He shall receive of mine and shew it unto you He will bring all things to your remembrance 'T is the Spirit that stores the City of God with all its Divine Riches There is no Trading to Heaven but by sailing in this River Faith can do nothing without it If these Waters do not run our Souls can make no good Return from the Celestial Shore The Church and every Family of the Godly would soon be starved were it not for this heavenly and spiritual River hence 't is said to rejoyce the Righteous There is a River the Streams whereof make glad the City of God the holy Place of the Tabernacle of the Most High By means of this River we often take a Voyage to our Father and come to Jesus Christ and daily in the Word hear from them For through him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father X. This spiritual River as 't is deep so 't is very swift tho 't is not always discerned to be so by us nor doth the Stream indeed seem to us to run always with a like Motion But when God doth as it were open the Flood-Gates then it runs very swift and is so impetuous that it drives all down before it Lord said Saul what wouldest thou have me to do When God causeth its Passage to be clear it bears down all Opposition carries away our slavish Fears our Unbelief our Earthly-mindedness and all Consultings with Flesh and Blood making thereby our Souls very clean washing us as in a Stream which is very powerful carrying away all our great Defilements 'T is not in the Skill of Men or Devils to stop this River even the strong Operations of the Spirit in a Person Church or Nation when God opens the Sluces for it XI This River is a Believer's Strength Not by Might nor by Power but by my Spirit saith the Lord. 'T is the Churches sure Fortification When the Enemy comes in like a Flood the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a Standard against them Those that are environed by the Spirit need not to fear the Stormings of Men or Devils even those Churches or Souls who enjoy the smooth and sweet Streams of this River XII Those Churches or Souls who enjoy the blessed Streams of this spiritual River grow flourish and bring forth much Fruit. He shall be like a Tree planted by the Rivers of Water that bringeth forth his Fruit in due season his Leaves shall not wither They shall spring up as Grass as Willows by the Water-Courses Blessed is the Man that trusteth in the Lord whose Hope the Lord is For he shall be as a Tree planted by the Waters which spreadeth forth his Root by the River and shall not know when Heat cometh but her Leaf shall be green and shall not be careful when the Year of Drought cometh neither shall cease from yielding Fruit. XIII This spiritual and heavenly River yields the Church and all true Believers much Joy and sweet Delight no Pleasures like those that flow from the Spirit The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy Peace c. And sometimes when they partake of these Celestial Streams they are so delighted thereby that they cannot forbear breaking forth into singing There is a River the Streams whereof make glad the City of God c. XIV This spiritual River in the use of the Ordinances and Appointments of the Gospel will carry a Soul whose Purpose and serious Intention is bent that way to God the Ocean of all Fulness and into the great Depths of everlasting Bliss XV. The Spirit of God sometimes seems not to strive or move at all upon the Hearts of Men and Women not only upon the Wicked of whom God hath said My Spirit shall not always strive with Men but also the Godly themselves cannot sometimes perceive a visible or sensible Operation thereof And then their Spirits seem like Vessels becalm'd no Duty or Service perform'd hath any Life or Activity in it it being only performed by the Strength of natural or acquired Parts and Abilities XVI
want of the Spirit for not coming to these Waters VIII The Spirit of God allays that great Drought that is in Men and Women naturally after perishing things But whosoever that drinketh of the Water that I shall give him shall never thirst c. It greatly satisfies the spiritual Desires of the Soul giving Peace inward Contentment and Joy through believing IX The Spirit and the Blessings thereof are free Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the Waters Whoever will let him take of the Water of Life freely X. The Spirit quenches the Fire of Lust the Fire of Pride the Fire of Passion which Satan and our own treacherous Hearts are ready at every turn to kindle in us and which would were it not for this sacred Water burn and consume our Souls and bring us to utter Desolation METAPHOR OTher Water many times doth prove prejudicial to the Body when it is received at certain times too freely it surfeits and indangers the Life II. Waters whether taken in the common Acceptation elementary Water or cordial Waters or Spirits prepared by Art are not Waters of Life no Water can beget Life nor give Life to the Dead III. Water may be defiled made muddy and become unwholsome and unfit to drink or wash in Disparity THe Spirit never hurts any who drink thereof though in never so great a heat you may freely take down this Water and not be hurt thereby it surfeits none no danger of drinking to excess here II. The Spirit is called the Spirit of Life and Water of Life and may fitly be so termed 1. Because it begets spiritual Life in all poor dead Sinners 2. Because it maintains Life that which gives Life and Being to us as we are Men or Christians preserves the same Whether it be natural or spiritual 3. Because it makes the Hearts of Christians lively and increases Life in them 4. 'T is called Water of Life because it brings unto everlasting Life The Water that I will give him shall be in him a Well of Water springing up into Everlasting Life III. The Spirit ever remains pure and admits of no Filth 't is impossible to defile this Water or make it unfit for the Souls of Sinners See River Inferences FRom hence we may infer that those who have not received of the Spirit or drank of this sacred Water have no spiritual Life in them If any Man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his Those that have not this clean Water sprinkled upon them their Filthiness remains II. What Fools are those Men who refuse to drink of the Water of Life 't is but drinking and live for ever III. Be exhorted to pray earnestly long for and endeavour after a Participation of the Spirit How ready are Men and Women to go to this Well and that Well to drink Water for the help and healing of Bodily Distempers go many Miles dispense with all other Affairs that they may be recovered of external Diseases But how few inquire after the Water of Life or leave all their secular Business for the good and health of their immortal Souls To perswade you to acccept of a word of Counsel take these few Motives You are invited Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the Waters c. These Waters are free you may have them if you have a Heart and Will in you to them the Well is open and Christ stands with his Arms spread forth to call and embrace you If any Man thirst let him come to me and drink The Holy-Spirit a Witness 1 Joh. 5.6 10. It is the Spirit that beareth Witness because the Spirit is Truth He that believeth on the Son of God hath the Witness within himself Rom. 8.16 The Spirit it self beareth Witness with our Spirit c. Rom. 9.1 My Conscience also beareth me Witness in the Holy Ghost c. A Witness is absolutly necessary for the keeping up of Justice deciding of all Matters of Moment or to the putting an end to Controversies that may arise between Parties and for the confirming and establishment of Truth METAPHOR WItness imports something to be done that is to be attested when it shall be required or when there is need of it II. A good Witness is a just and impartial Person one that will tell only the Truth III. A good and faithful Witness decides Controversies upon Trial the right way IV. One Witness is not sufficient to the deciding of some Differences in some Cases there should be more than one Witness In the mouth of two or three Witnesses shall every Word be established V. A Witness is highly esteemed and his Testimony prized by a Man falsely accused when his Life lies at stake thereby especially when such clear Evidence is given in for the Defendant that tends to the clearing up his Innocency and absolutely to acquit him and to his great Honour set him at liberty notwithstanding those cruel and false Accusations of his Enemy VI. A good Witness many times gives in such clear Proof and Circumstances to the deciding of Controversies and ending Differences that the Matter appears exceeding plain in the sight of all Persons VII A good and faithful Witness brings a Man sometimes off triumphantly that all were ready to conclude was a dead Man VIII A Witness is so necessary to confirm Bonds Contracts and solemn Covenants that they are not look'd upon Authentick and good in Law without Parallel THere is somthing done by Christ for us and in us which it is needful there be a Witness of to confirm and establish both 1. Whatever the Lord Jesus did in the days of his Flesh as the sent one of the Father was born witness to by the Holy Spirit by those mighty Works which were done by the means and power thereof 2. The Lord Jesus hath also done great things in those who do believe the Truth of which the Holy Spirit beareth Witness II. The Holy Spirit is a just and impartial Witness The Spirit beareth Witness because the Spirit is Truth III. So the Holy Spirit decides and ends the great doubt that arises in the Heart about the work of Grace the right way will not speak Peace to him to whom it doth not appertain will not clear the Guilty viz. him that believeth not notwithstanding his seeming Zeal Holiness c. nor condemn the holy and sincere Person notwithstanding the Weaknesses and Infirmities of his Life IV. So in the great case of Interest or no Interest in Jesus Christ or about Faith and Regeneration there must be two or three Witnesses no more is required First The Spirit of God And secondly Our Spirit or the Testimony of our own Conscience The Spirit it self beareth Witness with our Spirits that we are the Children of God V. When the Spirit of God with a Man 's own Conscience gives in Evidence for him touching his Sincerity when accused by Satan and by wicked Men and
Because the Gospel holds Christ forth to be the store house of all Divine grace and blessings he is ordained to convey all spiritual Riches to his Church and to every Member thereof 3. To allure and engage souls to love him and close in with him how can any refuse such a friend reject such a Saviour that is so beautiful to look upon and also so exceeding Rich. 4. That it might leave all men and women without excuse in the great Day what will they have to say that reject such a Saviour that turn their backs upon such a Christ when they are called to answer in the Day of Judgment 5. To relieve the tempted Soul 6. To strengthen the Faith and chear the hearts of all that do believe in him Fourthly The gospel is glorious in respect of Christ the glorious Object of it as it reveals his glorious Power Power in Scripture is taken two manner of ways or it shews a twofold power in Christ. 1. A Commanding Power his power of Soveraignty or Regal power that which we call Authority 2. The power of working or effecting that which he would have done Some have power to command but want a power to Effect that which they command cannot accomplish what they would have done but what Christ commands he can do or cause to be done at his Pleasure 1. I shall shew that the power of Christ is a glorious power 2. Shew why Christ hath such power 1. Christ hath a commanding Power he hath great Authority he hath a Regal Power or Superiority over all 1. Over Angels 2. Over the Church 3. Over the Devils I will lay upon the shoulders of Eliakim the Keys of the house of David Isa. 22.22 Keys is a borrowed speech signifying Government and Legal Power Christ hath the Keys of David Rev. 3.7 All Power in Rule and Government in Commanding Forbidding Punishing Binding Loosing Damning Saving is in Christs hand See Christ the Head and Heir of all things Keys of Hell and Death signifieth Christs Regal power over the Devils and delivering up unto Death and Hell or keeping out of it Over men mighty men Kings of the Earth He is the only Potentate King of Kings and Lord of Lords They are all his Subjects shall and must Submit to him 4. He hath an universal Power therefore glorious Power the Sun the Moon the Stars the Winds the Seas obey him 5. Christs Power is absolute he bears the Image of God he is God as you heard before None hath absolute power but God he doth what he pleaseth 6. Christs Power is Just therefore glorious in Power it is not a Might without Right 't is in him Essentially as God and is given to him as Mediator in the one Respect he derived it from none in the other sence he received it from the Father 7. Christs Power is Infinite he made the World he upholds the World therefore glorious in Power He could have made a Thousand Worlds can do beyond all that we can conceive or speak 8. Christs Power is glorious because he can bring all other Power to nought in a moment at his pleasure whether of Men or Devils 9. Christs Power is glorious Power in that it is everlasting Power Men may be powerful for a time but they may soon lose it must die and so cannot hold it long but Christ sits King for ever his power is from everlasting to everlasting of his Kingdom there shall be no end 10. Christs power is Dreadful he looketh upon the earth and it Trembles he can make all tremble before him who can Thunder like God 1. He has a glorious commanding Voice 2. A glorious restraining voice what is swifter than the Sun which he can stop in a moment 3. Glorious in his reproving voice Psal. 50.21 4. In his threatning voice Rev. 2.16 and Chap. 2.23 11. He hath a Glorious Victorious Conquering and Subduing Power he hath overcome Sin Devil Death Hell c. 12. Christs Power is Glorious because nothing is too hard for him to do nay nothing is hard for him to do he can do what he will with a word of his mouth 13. Christs Power extends not only over the Body but over the Soul also works mightily in us as well as for us and can do wonderful things by weak Instruments by foolish and contemptible ones in the eye of the VVorld VVhat mighty things did he do by a few poor Fishermen and others not accounted off 14. Lastly Nothing is hard for Christ to do tho' all the Devils of Hell and Men on Earth oppose and resist him I will work and who shall let it VVhy hath Christ as Mediator such great and glorious Power given to him 1. From the greatness of his work he is to accomplish 2. Because no Souls whatsoever Discouragements they meet with should despair in coming to him or in relying upon him 3. That he might be feared and dreaded by all yea that his very enemies might tremble before him 4. That he might be honoured and adored Honour belongs to Sovereignty Thirdly As the gospel is Glorious in respect of the Revelation made therein of God the Father and of our Lord Jesus Christ. So likewise in Respect of the Holy Ghost the gospel shews the Spirit in himself to be a distinct living powerful intelligent Divine Person Not only a distinct self subsisting Person but also a participant of the Divine Nature not the chief of all created Spirits and so the head of all good Angels as some imagine but that he is uncreated truly and ready God coeternal with the Father and the Son This we shall speak a little unto together with his glorious work Office and Operations First The VVord of God holds forth and positively declares that the holy Spirit is in himself a distinct intelligent Divine Person and which ought to be believed concerning this great truth viz. the Diety and Personality of the holy Ghost may be seen in the ensuing Testimonies according as they are Collected to our hands by a Reverend Divine Psal. 33.6 By the word of the Lord were the Heavens made and all the host of them by the spirit of his mouth Job 26.13 By his spirit he hath garnished the Heavens Psal. 104.30 Thou sendest forth thy Spirit they are created Mat. 28.19 Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost Act. 1.16 That Scripture must needs hath been fulfilled which the holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake Act. 5.3 Peter said to Ananias why hath Satan filled thy heart to lye to the holy Ghost Ver. 4. Thou hast not lyed to man but to God 1 Cor. 3.16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you 1 Cor. 12.11 All these worketh that one and the self same Spirit dividing to every severally man as he will And there are