all his People saying Every Son that is born ye shall cast into the River Eâ—od 1.22 and every Daughter ye shall save alive Hence poor Moses was cast into the Flags who afterwards was an Instrument in the hand of God by working many Signs and Wonders and appeared to help and deliver Israel one that Pharaoh little thought of Thirdly But this not taking so effectually neither they were most cruelly oppressed by hard Servitude and forced to make their full Tale of Bricks and yet Straw is denied them which made the Lives of God's People bitter unto them Fourthly and lastly When they desired liberty to go and worship God this was denied them by no means would Pharaoh consent to it but made his hands heavier and heavier upon them Thus were they in the Fire and Furnace of Affliction and yet graciously preserved notwithstanding their Enemies were so many so cruel and so mighty above them And this was that great Sight that God in a Figure shewed to Moses and this great Sight is to be seen at this Day in this and other Nations O what Hellish Plots and Contrivances have been on foot for many Years last past especially for the space of two or three Years How many Fires have been kindled to consume the poor Church of God in England and other adjacent Nations What Plots and Sham-Plots have the Popish Enemies set on foot since the Time that Dr. Oates first discovered the Grand and Hellish Intrigue And yet how wonderfully hath God wrought to save us to this Day notwithstanding we are an unworthy People and as little deserving this Divine Favour in our selves as ever any were who ever lived in any Age of the World The strange and perfidious Actings of the Enemy to destroy us and the strange and wonderful Workings of Divine Providence to preserve us have been so admirable that succeeding Ages who shall read the History of these Times will doubtless scarcely believe them but rather conclude they are meer Romances VI. Here I might note also for Illustration sake that a Bramble-Bush is attended with Thorns and often offends and wounds such as roughly and unadvisedly meddle with it VI. So such as roughly and unadvisedly touch and handle the Lord's People do but prick and wound themselves thereby as most plainly appeared in the Case of Pharaoh and the Egyptians What became of them Those that afflict God's People shall be afflicted nay wounded And I will undo all that afflict thee Zeph. 3.19 God knoweth how to make Jerusalem a burthensom Stone for all People All that burthen themselves with it shall be cut in pieces Zech. 12.3 tho all the Earth should be gathered together against it Hence Christ gave persecuting Saul Warning of the Danger 'T is hard for thee to kick against the Pricks Acts 9.5 Those that kick against God's Church do but kick against the Pricks they do but hurt wound and undo themselves thereby As for Disparities they are many and so obvious to all that I shall pass them by for tho the Church of God is here represented by a Bramble-Bush yet she is in Christ's sight as a Lilly among Thorns and her Worth and Glory through the Lord Jesus is so great that she very far surpasseth all the People and Families of the Earth Nothing of all created Things doth Christ think good enough to set forth and illustrate the Beauty and Excellency of his Church and People by however unworthy she is in her own sight or in the eyes of the sinful World Inferences ADmire the Grace and Love of God the Almighty Jehovah that inhabiteth Eternity that he should out of his abundant Favour good Will and great Condescension dwell in a poor Bramble-Bush Who is able to conceive of this rich and undeserved Favour 2. It also informeth us how it comes to pass that the poor Saints and Church of God are preserved to this day 'T is because God is among them God dwelleth in the Bush The Lord dwelleth in Sion to comfort revive uphold save and deliver her in the Day of Trouble 3. It may serve to humble us and lay us low in our own eyes What are the best of God's People by Nature and in themselves but as a Bush Bryar or Thorny Hedg 'T is God who hath made us to differ from others 4. It may deter the Wicked and for ever be a Warning to them to forbear persecuting God's People for that it will prove at last to their utter Ruine they kick but against the Pricks 5. Remember the good Will of Him and seek his Blessing that dwelt in the Bush The Church compared to a Mother Cant. 8.1 O that thou wert as my Brother that sucked the Breasts of my Mother Gal. 4.26 Jerusalem which is above is free which is the Mother of us all BY Mother in these Scriptures is meant the Church of God or as some expound it the Universal Church As God is a Believer's Father so the Church is his Mother Metaphor Parallel A Mother is the Wife of an Husband it imports a Marriage-State Every godly Woman that is a Mother can shew who is or was her Husband THe Church is the Spouse and Wife of Christ Isa 54.5 For thy Maker is thy Husband the Lord of Hosts is his Name Wherefore my Brethren Rom. 7.4 ye also are become dead to the Law by the Body of Christ that ye should be married to another even to him that is raised from the Dead that we should bring forth Fruit unto God II. A Mother is one that beareth and bringeth forth Children II. So the Church beareth and bringeth forth Children to Christ Psal 87.5 Of Zion it shall be said This and that Man was born in her Hence the Saints are called Sons Daughters and Children of Zion III. A Mother travails and is in great Pain in bringing forth Children III. So the Church is said to travail and be in pain in bringing forth of Children to Christ Isa 66.8 As soon as Zion travailed she brought forth her Children The Church may be said to travail two manner of ways 1. By Preaching Prayer and by other godly Means and Endeavours to bring forth poor Sinners out of a State of Nature into a State of Grace Paul was said to travail in Pain till Christ was formed in those to whom he preached 2. She travaileth by Preaching Prayer Tears and Sufferings and other lawful Ways to bring forth her Children out of a State of Bondage and external Slavery and Captivity into a State of perfect Peace Joy and Prosperity free from all outward Violence and Thraldom according to the Promise of God Therefore will I give them up Mich. 5.3 until the Time which she that travaileth hath brought forth Then the Remnant of his Brethren shall return unto the Children of Israel She being with Child cried travailing in Birth and pained to be delivered Rev. 12.2 For I have heard a Voice as of a
made the Clouds as useful as so many Buckets to draw up Water out of the Sea and the Wind is made use of as an Hand to carry these Buckets or Clouds whithersoever the great Creator pleaseth to distill it down upon the Earth that the Earth might be replenished and made fruitful by it SO Ministers receive all their spiritual Rain out of the great Fountain of all Fulness Of his Fulness have we all received c. and that by the Spirit that so their Doctrine might drop as the Rain upon the tender Herbs Deuâ— 32. â— and as Showers upon the Grass 'T is according to the Gifts and Operations of the Spirit be it more or less that these spiritual Clouds are filled and as God is pleased to distil and bless the Word it becomes profitable and makes this or that Man fruitful in Grace and Holiness What abundance of Fruit have the Saints brought forth under the dropping of these Clouds II. Clouds are prepared by the wise God as fit Mediums to let Rain down that so it might fall gradually as the Earth is able to take it in to the benefit of all things that grow thereon and not to its detriment as possibly it would were it not that God made use of the Clouds II. Ministers are appointed by the Lord as Instruments to communicate of his Grace and Divine Goodness to the Children of Men. If he should make use of other Mediums it might be to our hurt should he speak to us himself we could not 't is possible be able to bear the hearing of his Words The poor Israelites desired Moses to speak to them would not that God should speak to them any more lest they died III. Clouds let down their Water more freely at one Time than at another now and then it falls down wonderfully III. So the spiritual Clouds sometimes pour down or rather out the Divine Rain in a plentiful manner at other times they seem much straitned in their own Spirits IV. Clouds let down their Water at God's Command and they obey his Voice IV. So Ministers preach at God's Command 't is He that openeth their Mouths 't is as the Spirit gives them utterance V. 'T is a great Judgment upon a People when God commands or restrains the Clouds from raining upon the Earth or upon this or that particular Nation Field or Vineyard V. So 't is a severe and sore Judgment upon a People or Congregation when God suffers his Ministers to preach no more unto them or makes their Ministry of no advantage or profit to them I will command the Clouds Isa 5.6 that they rain no Rain upon it c. VI. Clouds are of great profit to those who have weak Eye-sight in that they are as a Vail between the bright shining of the Sun and them for the Light must be proportionable to the Sight or else the Eyes are confounded VI. So the Ministers of the Word of God are of infinite use and advantage to poor Mortals For we have all but weak spiritual Sight and cannot behold the Glory of God nor take in Divine Mysteries without these blessed Mediums God is pleased to make use of in his gracious Condescension to us and therefore God speaks to us by Men like our selves and opens heavenly Things by earthly Similitudes c. Inferences LEt us pray that these spiritual Clouds may be full of Divine Rain 2. It shews us the great Wisdom and Condescension of God to Mankind and what great Profit we receive by the Preachers of the Gospel 3. It shews the great Folly of all those that go about to stop these Clouds from raining when God hath given them a Command Will they attempt to hinder the Light from shining or the Clouds from raining at their pleasure Even thus they attempt spiritually when they strive to hinder Christ's Ministers from preaching the Word or obstruct the Showers of Gospel-Grace from falling upon the Souls of Men. Ministers compared to Fathers 1 Cor. 4.15 For tho you have ten thousand Instructors in Christ yet have ye not many Fathers for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel MInisters are Fathers spiritual Fathers to Believers Metaphor Parallel FAther is a Name of Dignity Headship and Authority hence the Rulers of Israel were called Fathers MInisters are Men of Name Power and Dignity they are Christ's Substitutes hence called Rulers II. Some are called Fathers because they beget Children this is the common Appellation and Notion of the Word II. Ministers by the preaching of the Gospel in a spiritual way beget Christians to Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 4.15 I have begotten you through the Gospel III. Fathers train up and nourish their Children shewing much Tenderness and Compassion towards them they are said to pity their Children III. Faithful Ministers also train up those Christians they have begotten to Christ in the further Knowledg of the Truth being very tender of them As you know how we exhorted and comforted 1 Thess 2.11 and charged every one of you as a Father doth his Children IV. Fathers have Power to command their Children I know him that is Abraham that he will command his Children c. IV. So Ministers of Christ have Power in his Name to command those Christians who are under their special Care and Charge to do their respective Duties These things teach and command 1 Tim. 4.11 2 Thess 4.6 Now we command you Brethren in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you withdraw from every Brother that walketh disorderly c. V. Fathers ought to be reverenced and honoured by their Children Honour thy Father and thy Mother c. and their just Commands to be observed and obeyed V. So faithful and worthy Ministers ought to be highly esteemed and honoured by the Saints Mal. 1.16 1 Tim. 5.17 Let the Elders that rule well be accounted worthy of double Honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine VI. A Father ought not to be rebuked by his Children it becomes them not so to do tho he may be in a Fault and blame-worthy but entreated VI. So the Minister of Christ ought not to be rebuked by any particular Members of the Church to whom he belongs tho in some things he may be blame-worthy Rebuke not an Elder 1 Tim. 5. but entreat him as a Father Tho I doubt not but that the Church after a due and orderly Proceeding with an Elder if he be under Evil and obstinate may be rebuked nay not only so but further proceeded against also VII 'T is the Honour of a Father to rule and govern his Children and whole Family with Wisdom and Discretion VII So 't is a great Honour to a Minister or Pastor of a Church to rule and govern the Congregation where he is placed wisely behaving himself in all things not to be soon angry peevish nor self-conceited but to study the Rule and impartially to carry it with an equal
God in all things his Rule 7. That he ought to have a comfortable Maintenance allowed him by the Church to which he belongs if they are able to do it That this is their Due by Divine Right tho not a forced Maintenance otherwise than Love to God his Truth and People whose Duty forceth them to allow their Ministers a Competency Secondly We may infer That the Work of a Minister of Christ is no easy but contrariwise a very hard and difficult Work Who is sufficient for these things 2 Cor. 2.16 Exod. 4.13 Jer. 20.9 So hard that many of Christ's Servants of old undertook it with much trembling which made them cry out Send by whom thou wilt send c. So hard that a Saint with all his natural Parts is not sufficient for it nay a Saint with all his acquired Parts is not sufficient for it nay I may say a Saint with all his spiritual Gifts Graces and Endowments without fresh Supplies of new Strength is not sufficient for it Thirdly It informs us wherein the Difficulty of the Ministers Work doth lie and that 1. In respect of themselves who are employed in it 1. They are but Men Son of Man I have made thee a Watchman 1 Cor. 1.27 and they commonly none of the wisest and most learned in the esteem of the World neither 2. Man at the best is a dark-sighted Creature We know but in part 1 Cor. 13.9 Rom. 7. 3 Man at best is attended with Weaknesses and carries a Body of Sin and Death about with him 4. Man at best hath but small Skill and short Experience 5. Man at best is subject to great Discouragements and liable to Temptations 2. In respect to the Work it self a Minister's Employment is very hard and difficult 1. 'T is a mysterious Work what Mysteries are greater than those a Minister is to study and dive into 1 Tim. 3.16 Without Controversy great is the Mystery of Godliness c. 2. 'T is difficult in that it calls for the greatest Care and Exactness imaginable Add not to his Word c. 3. In that it calls for the Strength of his whole Soul 4. In that it is a Work that consisteth in divers Parts there are many Things in which a Minister ought to be well instructed as appears by what hath been said 5. In that it is a Work which calls for much Diligence a slothful or idle Person is not fit to be a Minister 'T is a Work that must be followed continually Preach the Word be instant in season out of season reprove exhort with all Long-suffering and Doctrine 3. T is a difficult Work in respect of the Opposition that is made against them or from those grand Obstructions they meet with 1. From their own Hearts 2. From Sin 3. From Satan 4. From the World 1. By Reproaches and Contradictions of the Ungodly 2. By Hereticks and False-Teachers 3. From Persecutors c. Fourthly We may infer from what hath been said in opening these Metaphors That Gospel-Ministration is of absolute Necessity 1. Because God hath ordained Preaching as the ordinary Means for the Conversion of Sinners Rom. 10.17 Faith cometh by Hearing and Hearing by the Word of God 2. God hath gifted and graciously endowed some Men on purpose for this Work 3. He hath given plain Directions to his People how and whom to chuse and ordain c. 4. The Necessity further appears by considering the Nature of the Similes and Metaphors we have opened Sinners are in Arms against God and these are his Ambassadors by whom he treats and offers Terms of Peace to them Christ designs to espouse Sinners to himself and these are his Spokes-men by whom he effects this glorious Enterprize Fifthly It shews also That the Ministers Function is a most noble and honourable Employment and that all due Respect Esteem and Obedience ought to be given to them Sixthly We may infer That many who pretend themselves to be Christ's true Ministers are none of his Ministers but rather a Shame and Reproach to that venerable Name Work and Office Seventhly Let us learn from hence to bless God that we have so many able and worthy Ministers of Christ in our Land O let us pray for them and desire God to send more of these Labourers into his Harvest Pray ye the Lord of the Harvest c. Eighthly It sharply reproves many Churches and Professors for the great Neglect of their Duties towards their Ministers What a Day do we live in How is Christ's Interest Ministers and poor Saints forgot slighted and neglected O that God would raise up some to cry aloud and spare not but lift up their Voice like a Trumpet to shew God's People their Transgressions and the House of Jacob their Sins Metaphors Similes AND Other borrowed Terms c. CONCERNING FALSE TEACHERS False Teachers compared to Wolves Acts 20.29 I know that after my departure shall grievous Wolves enter in among you not sparing the Flock c. A Wolf is in Hebrew Zeeb Gen. 49. in Chaldee Deeba and Deba the Arabians call him Zebab the Greeks Lycos and Lagos and Lycania and Lycos among some of the Arabian Writers is borrowed from them as Munster hath noted in his Lexicon of three Languages The Italians call it Lupo in French Loup in Spain Lobo in Germany Valff in English Wolf The common Epithets of this Beast amongst several Authors are these Sowre Elianus Gesner Topsell wild fierce bold greedy wary swift bloody hard degenerate gluttonous hungry flesh-eater famishing harmful cruel furious insatiable treacherous martial ravenous nightly c. There are five sorts of Wolves The first is called Toxenter a swift Wolf the second Kind are called Harpages and these saith my Author are the greatest Raveners to which saith Topsall our Saviour alludes Mat. 7.15 The third Sort are called Lupus Aureus a Golden Wolf by reason of his Colour the fourth Acmone the fifth Ictinus I know that after my departure shall grievous Wolves c. Not Wolves only but grievous Wolves such as are called by some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Snatchers or ravening Wolves Note Some False-Teachers may fitly be compared to Wolves to ravening Wolves Metaphor Parallel A Wolf is a cruel and devouring Beast Topsell p. 571 578. he is not contented to kill to fill his Belly but will spoil and destroy a whole Flock c. SO some False-Teachers are very cruel and bloody destroying Multitudes of Souls 't is not one or two but the whole Church of God they strive to devour hence said not to spare the Flock Acts 20.29 II. Wolves are not only cruel but subtil and very crafty also watching the fittest Time to seize upon their Prey They will silently approach the Sheep-Fold to see whether the Dogs be asleep or the Shepherd wanting when he is careless or negligent of his Flock then comes the Wolf to destroy and suck the Blood of the poor Sheep Those Beasts that have Horns he
singular and has peculiar Properties not elsewhere to be found its Simplicity is joined with Majesty commanding the Veneration of all serious Men. * Lib. 3. Confess cap. 5. Augustine says That the Holy Scriptures seemed rude and unpolish'd to him in comparison of Cicero's adorned Stile because he did not then understand its interiora or inward Beauty But when he was converted to Christianity declared ‖ Lib. 4 de Doctrin Christ cap. 6. That when he understood them no Writing appeared more wise and eloquent †Budoeus lib. 5. de Asse partibus ejus p. 754. Greg. Nazianzen a Man of prodigious Wit Learning and Eloquence when he came to study the sacred Scriptures vilifies all Ornaments of Literature amongst the Greek Philosophers as infinitely below those Divine Oracles Illyricus says That altho we find not in the Holy Scripture that idle or delicate Itch of Words that external Sweetness or Allurement that Numerosity of Sounds or those pleasing Triffes which vain-glorious Orators of Greece and Rome beautified their so much fam'd Harangues with yet we find there a grave and masculine Eloquence exceeding all others And shall we indeed think that the great God would use Inductions as Plato Syllogisms as Aristotle Elenchs as the Carmeades Epiphonema's as Cicero Subtilties as Seneca or Words far fetch'd joined together with an artificial Syntax with respect to Weight Number and Sound If a Royal Edict were published in that kind of Speech consisting of School-Follies every wise Man would laugh at it The more plain therefore the Word and Law of the great God is 't is we say the more becoming the Author thereof and an Evidence of his Divine Stamp and Authority Yet in that Humility of Stile in Scripture there is far more Height and Loftiness and more Profoundness in its Simplicity more Beauty in its Nakedness and more Vigor and Acuteness in its seeming Rudeness than in those other Things Men so much praise and admire c. Easiness and Plainness doth best become the Truth A Pearl needs no painting it becomes not the Majesty of a Prince to play the Orator In the holy Scripture is a peculiar and admirable Eloquence What are all the elaborate Blandishments of Human Writers to that grave lively and venerable Majesty of the Prophet Isaiah's Stile as the Exordium of his Prophecy shews also in chap. 25 26 c. That which Criticks admire in Homer Pindar c. singly are universally found here tho not that Elegancy that tickles the Ear and Fancy and relishes with the Flesh but the noble and immortal Part viz. an illuminated Soul Commandments are here given forth and Subjection peremptorily required with great Severity and with no stronger Arguments than the Will of the Law-maker Promises above likelihood are made to allure of performance no Reason is alledged but I the Lord have spoken * Isa 51.22 52.4 And to encourage against Difficulties c. divine Assistance is promised both as necessary and sufficient in the manner of its ‖ Gen. 17 1. Eâ—od 12. Josh 1.9 Threats Also the Divinity of the Stile may be observed that without respect of Persons all degrees of Men are concerned High and Low Rich and Poor Noble and Ignoble Kings and Peasants commanding what is distasteful to their Natures and forbidding what they approve promising not terrene Honour but Life everlasting threatning not with Rack and Gibbet but eternal Pain and Torment in Hell-Fire Of all Writings in the World the Sacred Scriptures assume most unto themselves they tell us Ioh. 12.48 2 Tim. 3.16 Rev. 2.29 1 Pet. 1.23 Eâ—od 20.1 2. that they are the Words of Eternal Life that they are by the Inspiration of the Holy-Ghost the Testimony of Jesus Christ the Faithful Witness that they shall judg the World that they are able to make wise unto Salvation that they are the Immortal Seed of which the Sons and Daughters of God must be begotten Their Tenor is Thus saith the Lord and no Conclusion but The Lord hath spoken Hear the Word of the Lord He that hath Ears to hear let him hear c. The Nature Quality or Composure of the Stile or Phrase we say is emphatically and signally different from that of all Humane Writings whatsoever Here are no Apologies begging Pardon of the Reader or insinuating into his good Opinion by Devices of Rhetorick but a stately Plainness 1 Cor. 2.13 and mysterious Simplicity We also speak saith the Apostle not in the Words which Mans Wisdom teacheth but which the Holy-Ghost comparing or rather suiting or fitting 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spirituals with spirituals for so only the Original runs 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Matter or Things which for their Nature and Substance are spiritual Augustin with Words or Phrases which are spiritual also and so suitable to them Hence well saith one of the Ancients The Scripture so speaketh that with the Height of it it laughs proud and lofty-spirited Men to scorn with the Depth of it it terrifies those who with Attention look into it with the Truth of it it feeds Men of the greatest Knowledg and Vnderstanding and with the Sweetness of it it nourisheth Babes and Sucklings 4. It s design to promote Holiness Lev. 11.44 1 Pet. 1.15 IV. That excellent Spirit of Holiness which every where breaths in and from the Scriptures is another fair Lineament of the Hand of God in the framing them To this Holiness they most powerfully persuade Men by express Commands Ye shall be holy for I am holy As he who hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of Conversation And by Threatnings Without Holiness no Man shall see God Heb. 12.14 And by a Multitude of Examples of holy Men as Abraham David and all the Prophets and Apostles and especially of that immaculate Lamb of God the blessed JESUS As on the other side it sets before us the dreadful Vengeance that attends all Prophaneness Unrighteousness Uncleanness Pride and worldly Lusts requires not only an Abstinence from the gross outward Acts of Sin but searches the Heart and condemns the very Thoughts and Inclinations He that hateth his Brother is a Murtherer He that lusteth after a Woman hath committed Adultery The Doctrine taught every-where in this Book is directly opposite to the whole Corporation of debauched and wicked Men destructive to all Impiety and corrupt Doctrines and Practices whatsoever and perfectly ruinous and destructive to the Interests of the Devil in the World A Doctrine that has visibly the highest Tendency to those two great Ends of all Religion the Honour of God and Man's present and future Happiness What pitiful crooked and imperfect Lines have the wisest and best of meer Men as Socrates Plato Aristotle Tully Seneca Plutarch or any others drawn in their fairest Documents both Moral and Divine compared with this compleat and transcendent Rule of holy Living What undefiled Religion what pure and spiritual Worship is here
stead beyond any other thing to make us happy 2. A longing Desire after it There is always so much Desire of that we hope for that the thiâ—g hoped for is sometimes expressed by the Desire Prov. 13.12 Hope deferred maketh the Heart sick but when the Desire that is the thing hoped for cometh it is a â—ree of Life 3. Utmost and unwearied Endeavours to obtain it That which a Man makes his Hope he will make his Work and never ceaseth working till he hath attained it or is convinced there is no possibility of attaining it 4. To make Gold our Hope implieth much Trouble and Anxiety of Mind when once we see our Endeavours ineffectual and unsuccessful about the attaining of it If Hope deferred makes the Heart sick as was hinted before then when Hope dies or as Zophar speaks chap. 11.20 is as the giving up of the Ghost the Heart must needs die too 2. It is not Hope of Length of Days If I wait the Grave is my House c. But then 2. Positively it is a patient and well-grounded Expectation of the Accomplishment of what God hath promised Faith sees the Promise and beholds it tho afar off Abraham saw my Day saith Christ But then in comes Hope and keeps the Soul alive in a well-grounded expectation of the fulfilling and accomplishment of it See the Description of it where Faith is compared to an Helmet Why Hope is compared to an Anchor may appear by what followeth Metaphor Parallel AN Anchor is a good Stay and Security to a Ship in a Storm What would the Mariner do had he not an Anchor to cast out of the Ship when he is in danger of Rocks and Sands SO Hope in God through Christ is a most excellent Stay for the Soul of a Believer in a Day of Trouble and Persecution Heb. 10.34 They suffered joyfully the spoiling of their Goods knowing in themselves they had in Heaven a better and enduring Substance We are saved by Hope c. It stays the Soul as an Anchor does the Ship II. An Anchor takes hold of something which is out of sight II. So Hope the Anchor of the Soul takes hold of something which is not seen with carnal Eyes which is within the Vail c. III. An Anchor when it takes hold of a Rock or firm Ground fastens and stays a Ship more steadily preserving it from suffering Shipwrack III. So Hope the Anchor of the Soul taking hold of Christ who is called a Rock stays the Soul in a perilous Time most firm and steadily so that it is safe from spiritual Shipwrack IV. An Anchor would be of no use without the Cable to which it is fastened IV. So Hope without Faith is of no use nor can avail the Soul any thing in time of Need those two Graces always co-operate and work together for the help and succour of a Believer V. An Anchor that it may be of advantage to a Ship requires Skill rightly to cast it V. Hope the Anchor of the Soul must be rightly cast or else it will not profit a Saint any thing in the Day of Trouble It must be cast within the Vail Heb. 6. whither the Fore-runner is for us entred even Jesus c. Metaphor Disparity AN Anchor is cast down into the Sea River c. HOpe the Anchor of the Soul is cast upward the Saint's Hope is in Heaven II. An Anchor may let go its hold or be broke and so become useless to a Ship by which means the Ship may be lost II. Hope the Anchor of the Soul is both sure and stedfast hence it is said Hope maketh not ashamed If their Hope was not firm or were there any danger of its being lost or broke the Saints of God were in a sad Condition and they might turn away with their Faces ashamed If their Hope should fail them they would have no Refuge left If Hope holds all holds but it Hope be gone all is gone Neither is it to be thought that the Hope of holy Job Heman and others who in Trouble spake of their Hope being gone and perished from the Lord was indeed utterly lost and perished but that it was only so in their own Apprehension they being in great depths of Despondency and under sad Desertion of Spirit Like as the Church was when she said My God hath forsaken me my God hath forgotten me which God himself graciously answers It was not so nor could be so A Saint's standing in Christ is firm the Covenant is ordered in all things and sure But to confirm this glorious Truth and make it yet more clear and that I may leave no room for an Objection that Hope is both sure and stedfast c. Consider the many strong Bars that are cemented together as so many Bars of Iron hammered by the Spirit to the making of this blessed Anchor of the Soul both sure and stedfast First The Love of God is a sure Ground of the Saints Hope Jer. 31.3 Psal 89.30 31 32 33. I have loved thee with an everlasting Love c. If his Children forsake my Law and walk not in my Judgments if they break my Statutes and keep not my Commandments Then will I visit their Transgressions with the Rod and their Iniquity with Stripes Nevertheless my Loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my Faithfulness to fail My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing which is gone out of my Lips Zeph. 3.17 The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty he will save he will rejoyce over thee with joy he will rest in his Love he will joy over thee with singing I am persuaded that neither Death nor Life Rom. 8.38 39. nor Angels nor Principalities nor Powers nor Things present nor Things to come nor Height nor Depth nor any other Creature shall be able to separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. If the Love of God be from everlasting to everlasting to them that fear him if he rests in his Love if he will not remove his Loving-kindness from them notwithstanding their Sins and Infirmities if nothing can separate them from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord then the Hope that Believers have in God is both sure and stedfast Secondly God hath chosen elected and predestinated Believers in Christ unto eternal Life For whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate Rom. 8.29 30. to be conformed to the Image of his Son Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified The same Persons that are predestinated are called and the very same that are called are justified and the very same who are justified are or shall be glorified Therefore the Hope that Believers have is both sure and stedfast Thirdly Christ's Death is a sure Ground of Hope Who is be that
Death Secondly the Grave Thirdly Coals and Flames of Fire Which shew forth the vehement Power and Force of Divine Love to Jesus Christ Which cannot be quenched First Love is compared to Death and the Grave Metaphor Parallel DEath and the Grave overcome the strongest Men it prevails over the most powerful wise and learned in the World neither can the most mighty Monarch encounter Death or stand before it there is no discharge in that War SO Love that is in the Heart of a sincere Christian prevails against all Difficulties and Oppositions Temptations Afflictions and most cruel Sufferings and Torments that can be exercised upon them as appeared by the blessed Martyrs Nothing is too hard for Love it cannot be subdued it overcomes all Sin and Suffering whatsoever II. Death and the Grave seize upon every part of the corporal or mortal Body II. So Love when shed abroad in the Heart seizeth upon all the Faculties of the Soul Hence it is that true Christians are said to love Christ with all their Hearts and with all their Souls Metaphor Disparity DEath and the Grave put an end to natural Life and so cause all Motions or Actions from thence to cease BUt Love hath that Virtue as it is a Grace of the Spirit that it sets all the Faculties of the Soul upon Acts of a spiritual Life None are so lively as those that truly love Jesus Christ II. Death overcomes and destroys that which we would if possible keep viz. our Lives that are most dear to us II. Love only overcomes that which is offensive and contrary to us or that stands in opposition to the Soul's Union with Christ making that which would be injurious to Flesh and Blood to become profitable and advantagious yea tho it be to the Loss of Life yet Love takes away the Fear of Death and makes the Soul willing to part with Life for Christ's sake Love is also compared to Coals and Flames of Fire Metaphor Parallel COals and Flames of Fire are of a burning and consuming Quality THe Grace of Love kindled in the Soul of a Believer burns up and consumes that inordinate Desire which is naturally in the Heart after the Things and Vanities of this World it eats up and consumes all carnal and sensual Lusts whatsoever all fleshly and combustible Stuff or Things that stand in the way are burnt up and destroyed by it II. Coals and Flames of Fire are of a purging and purifying quality II. So the Grace of Love purgeth cleanseth and purifieth the Soul the Dross and Filth of the Heart and Life being wasted away a Christian is made holy sanctified and heavenly thereby III. Coals and Flames of Fire are of a melting and softning Nature they make things tender and pliable meet to receive the Impression of a Seal c. III. So the Grace of Love softens the Heart and melts it making it pliable and very fit and capable to receive the Impression and Divine Image of God IV. Some Fire is so vehement that Water thrown upon it will not quench it but rather cause it to burn more fierce and vehemently IV. The Grace of Love is of such a strong and vehement Nature thâ—t it is impossible utterly to quench or extinguish it in the Soul tho the Devil daily useth all his Strength and Skill to do it Many ways he continually assaults Believers when Temptations of one sort fail he trieth others he offers worldly Pleasures Honours Riches yea all the Goods as I may say of his House but all is in vain nothing will quench this Divine Flame the true Christian utterly contemns him with all he hath The grand Design of Satan's courting a Man with all his Offers All this will I give thee c. is to gain his Love or draw off his Affections from Jesus Christ If this Way will not do he tries another and brings Afflictions and Crosses upon the Soul but over these likewise is a Saint a Conqueror Which makes the Apostle break forth into this holy Triumph Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ Shall Tribulation or Distress Rom. 8.35 36 37 38. or Persecution or Famine or Nakedness or Peril or Sword No none of these things can For I am persuaded that neither Death nor Life nor Angels nor Principalities nor Powers nor Things present nor Things to come nor Height nor Depth nor any other Creature shall be able to separate us from the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. V. Fire hath Light with it V. So the Grace of Love is attended with the Knowledg of Christ who is the Object of Love Ignoti enim nulla cupido VI. Coals and Flames of Fire afford Heat they are of a warming and reviving Nature VI. So the Grace of Love heats our cold and frozen Hearts it warms and revives them with sweet and blessed Love and Zeal for God and his Glory VII Flames of Fire ascend or tend continually upwards See more of the Nature and Quality of Fire where the Word of God is compared to it VII So the Grace of Love darts the Desires of the Soul Heavenwards Such have their Affections set on Things above Col. 3.1 2. Metaphor Disparity FIre is from beneath it is earthy and one of the four Elements THe Grace of Love is from above it is a supernatural Grace it grows not in Natures Garden But the Fruit of the Spirit is Love c. II. A violent Fire may be quenched and all natural and elementary Fire shall be put out Mount Aetna shall not burn always II. But the Grace of Love this Divine Fire can never be quenched it shall burn to Eternity Charity never faileth c. Inference BY these Things Works and Operations we may try whether we have true Love to Jesus Christ or no. And for a further Help therein see the following Metaphor Christ's Love compared to Wine Cant. 1.2 For his Love is better than Wine WHereas Christ's Love is preferred to Wine it is to be understood Synecdochically so Ainsworth Wine here is put for the most pleasant joyful refreshing and cordial Things as Bread by the same Figure is frequently put for such things as strengthen c. The Love of Jesus Christ is better than Wine or whatsoever Men esteem to be good or to excell in Nature and Virtue Metaphor Parallel VVIne is the Fruit of a good Tree a choice and precious Plant and 't is the best of natural Liquors THe Love of Christ is the Fruit of the choicest Plant that ever was planted Men and Angels are not to be compared to him See Vine And his Love is the best and choicest of Love Wine is natural but his Love is Divine and supernatural None ever loved as Christ loved II. Wine is pleasant delectable and sweet to the Taste II. There is nothing so pleasant and delectable to a believing Soul as the Manifestation of Christ's Love it excells all things for sweetness III. Wine is to be
to have always a Conscience void of Offence towards God and towards Men. The eighth thing is Sanctification or a holy Life they who trade not in this Commodity are none of the true Sons and Citizens of Zion Ninthly the Pearl of great price worth more than ten thousand Worlds Tenthly The last thing that I shall mention is Eternal Life 1 Pet. 1.4 a Crown of Glory that fadeth not away X. A City whose Commerce lies principally in a Foreign Trade or Merchandizing hath usually a navigable River belonging to it by which Means their Commodities or those Goods they deal in are brought home to their very Doors as we see by experience What infinite Profit doth the River Thames yield this famous City and what would its Trade be worth were it not for it X. The City of God whose Trade lies in spiritual Merchandize fetch'd from afar hath a most glorious River belonging to it which may indeed be said to run through every Street thereof viz. the holy Spirit and Word of God The Spirit in several places of Scripture is called a River and by means of these blessed Streams are all divine and sacred Commodities which the Godly deal in brought home to their very Doors viz. Gifts Graces Pardon Peace and Joy in the Holy-Ghost c. whâ—â—h are very excellent Merchandize And were it not for this River what would become of this City we should soon be impoverished and undone It is the holy Spirit that enriches and chears the Hearts of all gracious Souls There is a River the Streams whereof make glad the City of God Psal 46.4 the holy Place of the Tabernacle of the Most High It may not be amiss here to consider 1. From whence this River comes See River under the 3d head of Metaphors c. 2. The Nature of the Water 3. The divers Streams thereof First The River comes 1. From a Rock Numb 28.8 11. This Rock was first smitten and then the Water came out abundantly 2. It comes from an infinite inexhaustible Fountain Rev. 22.1 't is said to proceed from the Throne of God and the Lamb. Secondly Touching the Nature of this River tho we have spoken of it under the Third Head of Metaphors in the first Volume yet we will touch a little upon it here It hath besides other Properties of spiritual Water these divers Qualities 1. It will heal all the Diseases of the inward Man it will soften and make very tender and pliable and break in pieces a hard Heart 2. It will cure the Soul of spiritual Blindness nay it will open the Eyes of him that was born blind 3. It will infallibly cure all spiritual Consumptions that spiritual Waste or Decay of Faith Love Zeal Hope c. which seizeth sometimes upon many Christians 4. It will bring down the Tympany of Pride and make a Man very humble and little in his own Eyes the more of the Spirit the more humble 5. It will cure all manner of spiritual Deadness or Deafness making a Man very lively and diligent to hear good Counsel and Instruction as Lydia experienced Acts 16 14 6. It is good against the Tremblings of the Heart and will make a Man bold and couragious in the Cause of Christ in evil Times We cannot but speak the things which we have both seen and heard Acts 4.20 7. It is an excellent Remedy to purge out all noxious and evil Humors of the Soul from whence many Distempers flow making a Man sound at Heart and holy in Life 8. It will effectually restore a lost Appetite and make a Man relish well the Food of God's Word causing it to be sweeter to him than Honey Psal 119.103 or the Honey-Comb 9. It will preserve from the Plague of Sin of what sort soever it be tho a Christian be amongst infected Persons every day 10. It will revive a fainting and drooping Spirit 11. It will set and make whole all broken Bones Psal 27.13 as David and thousands others have found by experience 12. It will cure the Leprosy and all old running Ulcers and also all fresh Wounds of the Soul tho never so deep stinking and loathsom 13. It is good against Weakness of the Hands and Feebleness of the Knees 1 Thess 5.14 2 Pet. 1.9 14. It is sovereign good against spiritual Barrenness making the Godly to bring forth much Fruit. 15. It will clear the Sight and make a Man to see afar of 16. It infallibly cures the sleepy Disease or the spiritual Lethargy of the Soul 1 Thess 5.6 so that they shall not sleep as others do 17. It cures all Diseases of the Tongue and Mouth and an unsavoury Breath Jam. 3.5 6. that common Sign of a foul Stomach 18. It cures all spiritual Lameness it causeth a lame Man to leap as an Hart Isa 35.6 and never halt any more between two Opinions 19. It perfectly cures all Distempers of the Head occasioned by Error and erroneous Principles that corrupt the Understanding 20. It is Water of Life he that drinks of it shall never die Joh. 4 14. Thirdly This River hath three special Streams 1. The Stream of Ordinances 2. The Stream of heavenly Graces 3. The Stream of Divine Promises Sinners come to these Waters O come before the Stream be turned another way See River and Water of Life XI In a glorious City usually is the King's Palace or his chief Place of Residence which tends much to its Honour and Renown XI The Church is the Habitation of God The Lord dwelleth in Zion Psal 9.11 Isa 8.18 Psal 76.1 2 3. Psal 132.13 14. Isa 57.15 in Judah is God known his Name is great in Israel in Salem also is his Tabernacle and his Dwelling-place in Zion This is for the everlasting Honour and Renown of the Church The Lord dwelleth in Zion Sing praises for the Lord hath chosen Zion he hath desired it for his Habitation This is my Rest for ever tho he be the high and lofty One that inhabiteth Eternity yet he dwelleth with them that are of an humble and contrite Spirit The special and most gracious Presence of God is with his People XII A City hath some certain Privileges Freedoms and Immunities belonging to it which Strangers have nothing to do with Foreigners may not dwell within the Walls of some Cities XII So the Church of God hath many glorious Privileges and Immunities belonging to it which unconverted Sinners have no Right to The first Privilege or part of that Freedom that belongs to the City of God is Pardon of Sin Isa 33.24 The Inhabitants shall not say I am sick the People that dwell therein shall be forgiven their Iniquity 1. This is a glorious Privilege and Freedom if we consider the abominable and hainous Nature of Sin which is opened in the first Volume under the third Head of Metaphors 2. Because of that which is couched and comprehended under the Blessing of
Scarcity better than weak or poor Christians will only God hath for their Comfort and Encouragement promised to supply their Wants Phil. 4.19 and will if sincere also relieve them Psal 84.11 that they shall not faint or perish in the Years of Famine XIX Some Cities tho rich yet are in a comparative sence but small but little Cities XIX The City of God in comparison of great Babylon is but a small City notwithstanding all her Glory Grandure Luke 12.32 Eccles 9.14 Rev. 17.18 and Greatness as you have heard she is but little There was a little City and few Men in it This City is the Church of God c. Babylon is a great City In comparison of the Wicked Christ's Flock is but a handful of People as it were XX. A City tho very strong yet is sometimes besieged and hath many Enemies XX. The City of God this little City is besieged Isa 1.8 The Daughter of Zion is left as a Cottage in a Vineyard as a Lodge in a Garden of Cucumers as a besieged City And marvellous it is so small a City should hold out so bravely unto this Day especially considering what mighty Enemies have and do besiege her Object But here it may be objected Hath it not been overcome is it not said The Holy City was trodden under foot Rev. 11.2 Answ It is only the outward Court God hath had his Church in all Ages tho forced for a time to flie into the Wilderness from the Face of the Dragon Rev. 12 6. Quest By whom is this City besieged Answ 1. By the Devil called a great King and the King of the Bottomless Pit Eccles 9.14 Rev. 12. 2. By Antichrist the First-born of Satan He hath for above twelve hundred Years laid Siege against it using all manner of Engines Craft and Cruelty to batter her down and finally to destroy her 3. She is besieged by the World by wicked Men Men of earthly and carnal Principles who abhor Zion and say Let her be defiled raze her Psal 137.7 even to the Foundation thereof 4. She is besieged by Sin and the Flesh a secret Enemy who fain in a clandestine way would betray her this Enemy doth her the most Mischief 5. She is besieged by a Multitude of false Teachers 2 Pet. 2.1 2. these likewise have done great Hurt and Dammage to the Church of God who labour by evil Doctrine to poyson all her Inhabitants 6. And besides all this there have been sad Divisions within her also she has been as a City divided and yet she stands 7. There have been sad Breaches made in her Walls so that many have been let in that way who should have been kept out 8. Many that seemed to be for her have deserted her and joined with the Enemy and yet still she holds out 9. And which is worst of all few of those who have been in the City have bravely acquitted themselves by Zeal and Holiness to defend her and yet she holds out still Quest From whence is it that she is helped to bear up against all these sore and grievous Assaults Batteries and Calamities Answ 1. This City as you have heard is built upon a Rock it has a sure Foundation which cannot be removed Mat. 16.18 2. The Lord of Hosts hath fought for her 't is he that hath been on her side he hath defended Mount Zion and the Hill thereof he hath took part with her Psal 125.2 Isa 31.4 5 and doth at this day 3. She holds out because God hath decreed her Standing Zech. 12.8 9. and that her Enemies shall not prevail 4. She is defended because she is the Place which the Lord loveth Psal 74 2. and hath purchased with the Blood of his own dear Son 5. Because it is the Place where God's Honour dwells Psal 26.8 I have loved the Habitation of thy House the Place where thy Honour dwells 6. Again she still remains because she is tho a little City yet a strong City We have a strong City She hath strong Fortifications strong Walls and Bulwarks Isa 26.1 Psal 31.21 135.21 Zech. 2.5 7. 'T is because God's own Habitation as you have heard is in her God is a Wall of Fire round about her and the Glory in the midst of her 8. She is defended by reason of the Strong-Tower she hath in her so long as her Tower stands how can she be battered down And her Tower is impregnable The Enemy may sooner pull the Sun out of the Firmament than undermine or batter down deface or demolish the Tower of Zion which is the Name of the Lord. Prov. 18.10 See Strong-Tower 9. She is defended because in her are the Laws Statutes Ordinances Isa 2.3 and holy Institutions of her King the Lord Jesus where he is worshipped and adored in Spirit and Truth Inferences HEnce all that dwell in Zion may be provoked to a diligent Improvement of their great Privileges to the end they may be enriched with all those spiritual Riches and dignified with that Honour that appertaineth to a true Denizen thereof 2. Take Comfort and Encouragement also whatever the Attempts of the Enemies are yet about all her Glory shall be a Defence All those whose Feet stand within her Gates may read Honour Safety Isa 4.5 and Salvation as it were written upon her Walls 3. Let it be your Delight to prefer her above your chiefest Joy as she is called the holy City so be ye also holy Psal 137.6 that you may declare your selves unto what City it is you do belong 4. How may this call home all those that are gone astray and invite all that profess good Will unto Sion to let their Feet stand within her Gates for the Lord hath desired it for his Habitation Holy David made this his one thing desirable Psal 27.4 viz. to dwell in God's House to be a Denizen of this City and why should not you 5. Let it be a Warning to all Sion's Enemies to take heed how they lift up their hands against her or reproach God and them that dwell in Heaven let them lay down their Arms and fight against her no more The Lord shall roar also out of Zion Joel 3.16 and utter his Voice from Jerusalem and the Heavens and Earth shall shake But the Lord will be the Hope of his People and the Strength of the Children of Israel So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion my holy Mountain c. The Church compared to the Moon Cant. 6.10 She is fair as the Moon THe Moon is called in Hebrew Lebanah of her Whiteness and bright Shining The State of the Church all Expositors agree is signified hereby The Church may in many respects be compared to the Moon Simile Parallel NAturalists affirm the Moon receiveth her Light from the Sun THe Church hath all her Light from Christ the Sun of Righteousness
above another and larger each than other VI. So in the Church God hath placed Degrees of Officers some greater and higher in Glory than others as Apostles Eph. 4.11 Pastors Teachers c. VII The Walls of the Temple were covered round about with Cherubims Palm-Trees and Flowers VII To note saith Mr. Guild the Protection of the Church by the Ministry of Angels tho they are not seen and its peaceable victorious and flourishing State under the same VII Solomon consecrated the Temple unto the Lord. VIII Joh. 17. So did Christ his Church unto the Father IX There was Musick used in the Temple IX Which signifies that Joy of Heart Eph. 5.19 and heavenly Melody that is in the Church amongst the faithful and sincere Converts thereof X. In the Temple was the Ark of the Testimony and in the midst of the House 't is said he set it X. So in the Church is God's Word and Covenant of Grace born by Christ and by his true Ministers by preaching and publishing the same XI The Glory of the Lord filled the Temple God promised to dwell therein and hear the Prayers that should be there made I have hallowed this House 2 Chron. 7.15 saith God that thou hast built to put my Name there for ever and mine Eyes and my Heart shall be there perpetually XI So the glorious Presence of Go is in his Church he dwelleth in Sion and from thence the Perfection of Beauty shines forth and the Promises of blessed Grace Peace Pardon and Acceptance is made to them who dwell therein His Eye is always upon the Righteous his Ears open to their Cry 1 Pet. 3.12 and his tender Compassion is ever toward them Type Disparity THe Temple was built with dead and senseless Stones THe Church is built with living 1 Pet. 2.5 sensible and lively Stones II. The Stones were polished and hewen by the hands of Men. II. These Stones are hewn and polished by the hand of the Spirit III. The Temple that was built by Solomon was utterly destroyed by the Babylonians III. The Church of God can never be destroyed the Gates of Hell shall never prevail against it Mat. 16.18 so as utterly to overthrow it tho it is not denied but the outward Courts have been trodden down by the Popish Gentiles Rev. 11.2 A Parallel between the second Temple built in the Days of Nehemiah and the Church of God Built in the latter Days Metaphor Parallel THe Temple that was built in the Days of Nehemiah was first destroyed by the literal Babylonians SIgnifying the Church of God should be greatly defaced and spoiled and the outward Courts trodden down by the mystical Babylonians Rev. 11 2 3 and afterwards rebuilt or rather repaired again II. The Temple was built in a troublesom Time they wrought with one hand and held a Sword in the other II. Signifying that the Church of God should be rebuilt in a troublesom time and that great Opposition should be made against them III. The Temple was rebuilt by such as had been for many Years in the Babylonian Captivity Neh. 4.13 III. Signifying that the rebuilding of God's Church should be by such as had been a long time in spiritual Captivity under the mystical Babylonians or Mother of Harlots IV. The Builders of this second Temple were look'd upon as poor weak and contemptible Persons in comparison of Solomon Neh. 4.2 and those that built with him IV. Signifying that those whom God would raise up to repair the waste Places of Sion in the latter Days should be poor weak inconsiderable Persons very unlikely to perfect so great a Work as Reformation is What was Luther and others whom God employed to the holy Apostles who were the first Builders V. The Builders of this Temple were greatly mock'd and jeer'd There were Sanballat Gesham Tobiah and others who in reproachful manner said What will these feeble Jews do Neh. 4.2 3 4. will they make an end in a Day If a Fox go up he shall even break down their Stone-Wall V. So the Rebuilders in these latter Days have been greatly reproached and contemned by the Enemies of Christ those that are truly religious called feeble weak and foolish Ones c. nay Hereticks Schismaticks and many other reproachful Names have been and still are daily given to them and their Work much slighted and despised also VI. The Builders of this Temple had much Rubbish to remove Neh. 4.2 before they could go on with their Work VI. So the Builders of God's Church in these latter Days have had much Popish Rubbish to remove much Filth of humane Inventions and Traditions of that Church being in their way some Stones being almost quite lost amongst this Rubbish and others ready to mistake and instead of a Stone of Sion they take a Stone of Babylon VII The Builders of this Temple were hindred and for a time the Work ceased VII So the Builders of God's House or Reformers in Religion have often been hindred or obstructed in these latter Days VIII Many People were very backward about rebuilding the Temple Hag. 1.2 in the Days of Haggai and Nehemiah crying the Time was not come that the House of the Lord should be built VIII So have many Souls been very backward about the Work of Reformation or repairing the House of God they have dwelt in their cieled Houses and let the House of God as it were lie waste IX Tho many cruel Enemies endeavoured to hinder the rebuilding of the Temple yet the Work went on and was finished in some Time to the Joy of the Faithful IX So the Enemies now as in former Times strive to hinder the repairing of God's House yet the Work of Reformation shall in due time be perfected to the Joy of all sincere Christians X. That Work was carried on not by Might Zech 4 6. nor by Power but by the Spirit of the Lord. X. So the Work in these Days goes on not so much by the Power of Men or human Help as by the Power of God and his Spirit XI God promised that the Glory of the second House should exceed the Glory of the first Hag. 2.9 which some conceive was made good by Christ's coming whose personal Presence in the Temple greatly added to its Glory XI So the Church of God in the latter Day will be far more glorious than it was ever yet since the beginning of the World which will be accomplished as will be shewed in respect of these things following 1. God will destroy all the Enemies of his Church 1 Sam. 2.10 Psal 37.10 11. The Adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces out of Heaven God will thunder upon them for evil Doers shall be cut off Yet a little while and the Wicked shall not be but the Meek shall possess the Earth c. And all that lift up a hand against Zion shall be torn in pieces God will plead the
Controversy of his Church and undo all that afflict her The Stone cut out of the Mountain without hands zech 12.2 Dan. 2.34 shall smite the Image upon his Feet that were of Iron and Clay and break them to pieces Then the Iron and the Clay the Brass the Silver and the Gold shall be broken together and become as the Chaff of the Summer Threshing-floor 2. God will utterly destroy all Idolatry and all false Worship and by this means will restore his own Appointments in the purity of them Rev. 14.8 Rev. 18.1 2 3 21. Isa 60.1 2. 25.6 7. 58.12 3. God to make her glorious will unite all her Children together in Love They shall serve the Lord with one Consent and no more Divisions shall be amongst them Isa 11.13 Ezek. 37.16 17 19. Zeph. 3.8 9. Zech. 14.9 There shall be one Lord and his Name one 4. God will enlarge her Borders The Children of the Barren shall say again in my Ears The Place is too strait for me give me Room that I may dwell Isa 59.20 The Fulness of the Gentiles shall be brought in they shall come like Doves to the Windows Isa 60.3.4 5. 5. The Jews shall be called and both Jews and Gentiles shall make but one Sheep-fold And there shall be one Sheep-fold and one Shepherd Ezek. 37.22 John 10.16 Isa 19.19 20 to the end 6. The Glory of the Church will be great in respect of Knowledg All the Earth shall be filled with the Knowledg of the Glory of the Lord as the Waters cover the Sea Numb 14.21 Isa 11.9 Hab. 2.14 7. Her Glory shall be great in respect of the Abundance of Peace which shall be in the World in that Day God will make Wars to cease to the ends of the Earth such a Day never was in the World yet Psal 46.8 9. 72.7 Isa 2.4 Mich. 4.3 4. 8. The Mountain of the Lord's House shall be exalted above the Mountains Mich. 4.2 Isa 2.12 and lifted up above the Hills and all Nations shall flow unto it The Saints in that Day shall possess the Gates of their Enemies Jer. 30.20 9. The Glory of the Church will be great in respect of Holiness God will bring his People into the Fire and make his Church very pure Isa 1.25 26 27. Mal. 3.2 Psal 110.2 3. Zech. 13.8 9. There shall be no Canaanite in the House of the Lord no unclean Person shall dwell therein 10. Her Glory shall be great by Christ's coming to her Psal 2.6 Thine Eyes shall see the King in his Beauty Isa 33.17 He shall be King over all the Earth I have set my King upon my holy Hill of Sion God will dwell with Men in a more glorious manner than he ever yet dwelt with them 11. In that her Glory shall abide and the Kingdom shall not be left to another People Dan. 2.44 Dan. 7.27 Inferences LEt us pray for the Day of Sion's Glory and never give God rest until he hath made Jerusalem a Praise in the whole Earth Thy Kingdom come c. 2. Let not the Godly be discouraged whatever Troubles they are now attended with Clouds of Darkness shall soon flie away At Even-tide there shall be Light Zech. 14.7 The Church compared to an Olive-Tree Hosea 14.7 His Branches shall spread and his Beauty shall be as the Olive-Tree The Church of God is compared in this place to an Olive-Tree Simile Parallel PArt or the Beauty of the Olive-Tree consists in its Greenness it is always green few Trees that bear Fruit are like the Olive in this respect SO the Church of God and every sincere Soul is green and flourishing Greenness notes Life and Sap to be in the Branches the Branches of the Divine Olive viz. the Saints are never without spiritual Moisture or the Sap of Grace in their Hearts and Lives Psal 1.3 His Leaves shall not fail Hence David said He was like a green Olive-Tree in the House of the Lord. Psal 52.8 II. The Olive-Tree is renowned for Fruitfulness it abounds mightily with Fruit. Pliny saith If care be not taken its Fruit so loads it that it even breaks it down II. The Church is fruitful now but shall be much more fruitful unto God hereafter her Beauty shall be as the Olive-Tree in this respect She shall abound in Children and abound in Grace and true Holiness III. The Olive-Tree beareth not only much Fruit but also profitable Fruit. Olives are rare things What Tree brings forth better Fruit than the Olive-Tree It s Fruit is mollifying feeding strengthning healing its Oil makes your Lamps to burn III. So the Church brings forth good Fruit not only a great quantity but Fruit that excells in its Nature or Quality viz. Faith Love Meekness Patience Charity Gal. 5.22 c. even all the Fruits of the Spirit or as they are in another place called the Fruits of Righteousness Jam. 3.17 Grace is of a mollifying feeding strengthening and healing Nature Grace makes the Lamp of Profession to burn clear whereby others see or have much Light See Oil. IV. The Branches of an Olive-Tree were formerly used to signify Peace IV. A Saint is for Peace They are Peace-makers they desire nothing more than Peace with God and Peace with Men I am for Peace saith David Psal 120.7 He that hath the Fruit of the Olive viz. Grace shall soon see the Dove viz. the Spirit bringing the Olive-Branch but as Noah's Dove did not bring the Olive-Branch till the Waters were abated so the Flood of Iniquity must be abated the Waters of Wickedness sink and be dried up before a Man can receive a sure Sign or Token of Peace and Reconciliation with God Inferences HEnce let Saints who are planted in the House of the Lord labour to be like the Olive-Tree not only to bring forth much Fruit as to quantity but good and right Fruit in respect to its quality The Church compared to an Inn. Luke 10.34 And brought him to an Inn. BY the Inn most Expositors that I have met with understand that Christ means the Church which may be fitly compared to an Inne Metaphor Parallel AN Inn is a Place to entertain Travellers whilst they pass from one Country or City to another SO the Church is a Place to entertain Christians whilst they pass through the Wilderness of this World to the Land of Promise or through the Valley of Tears to the Mount of Joy In an Inn is a Host who is to take care of Strangers or Travellers that come thither and to help them to whatsoever they need II. In the Church are Pastors or faithful Ministers who wait to receive all poor Sinners who come to take up their Lodging there and make them very welcom III. An Inn is a Place of Refreshment for Travellers where they meet with convenient Food and sweet Repose in their Journey A Man may have in some Inns what Food he pleaseth either Milk or strong Meat choice of
is a Habitation a Place built for some Man or Men to dwell in THe Church is the Habitation of the Holy-Ghost I will dwell in them 1 Cor. 6. Joh. 14.17 and walk in them c. For he dwelleth with you and shall be in you 2 Tim. 1.54 That good thing which was committed to thee keep by the Holy-Ghost which dwelleth in us Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you II. A House is built by a wise Builder upon a sure and firm Foundation some are built upon Rocks II. 1 Cor. 3.16 3.11 The Church is built upon a sure Foundation viz. Jesus Christ Another Foundation can no man lay c. Vpon this Rock will I build my Church III. A House is builded with or doth consist of divers Materials as Timber Stone Brick c. which are well hewed and squared before III. So the Church doth consist of several Members who are called or compared to Stones Ye also as lively Stones 1 Pet. 2.5 are built up a spiritual House an holy Priesthood And these Stones are also well hewed and squared by the Word and Spirit of God IV. A House hath some main and principal Parts appertaining or belonging to it as Pillars Beams Rafters c. IV. So the Church or House of God hath some famous Pillars Beams and Rafters as the Holy-Ghost calleth them The Beams of our House are Cedars Cant. 1.17 and our Rafters of Fir. The Righteous are compared to Cedars in Lebanon those Trees are tall and durable Cedar was used in building of Solomon's Temple a Type or Figure of the Church which denotes the Strength Usefulness Beauty and Excellency of the Saints or some among them who are called Pillars Gal. 2. And when James Cephas and John who seemed to be Pillars c. And Christ saith Rev. 3.12 Him that overcometh will I make a Pillar in the Temple of my God V. In a House Pillars Beams and Rafters are of great tho of different use all are to support strengthen perfect and compleat the Building the least Material is needful and cannot be wanting V. So in the House of God Eph. 4.7 to 12. the Prophets Apostles Pastors Teachers Deacons c. are of great Use tho of different Offices and all for the support of every part of the spiritual Building and the least Member cannot be spared Some are strong and some are weak some have five Talents and some but two Mat. 25. yet one ought not to despise the other As in a material House Beams and Rafters tho divers in Strength and Use yet all have a firm Connexion amongst themselves to make up one compleat Structure even so in Christ's Church tho there be divers Members severally gifted and placed as we see in the Body natural yet as the Apostle there shews verse 25. there should be no Schism in the Body 1 Cor. 12.24 but such a Conjunction of one another as they have of themselves a holy Sympathy in Supportation Suffering and Rejoycing VI. The House of a Prince when built is furnished and most richly adorned that it may become a meet Habitation according to the Degree Glory and Grandure of him who is to dwell therein VI. So the Church and Temple of God being built for the glorious Prince of Heaven and Earth is most richly and curiously adorned with the precious Gifts and Graces of the Holy-Ghost For as the Materials of this House are Silver Gold and precious Stones so its Ornaments or Furniture doth infinitely excell it being the King's Palace The King's Daughter is all glorious within Psal 45.13 VII A House is a Place of Security it defends from many Dangers which those are exposed unto that are harbourless and forced to lie without Doors besides some Houses have Walls about them VII So the Church is a Place of Security God having made such a blessed Wall about her And the Lord will create upon every Dwelling-Place in Mount Zion and upon her Assemblies a Cloud and Smoke by Day and the shining of a flaming Fire by Night for upon all her Glory shall be a Defence I will saith God encamp about mine House because of the Army because of him that passeth by c. He hath promised to be a Wall of Fire round about her Zech. 2.5 VIII A House is a Place of Repose a Resting-place it is hence greatly desired by every one that belongs to the Family that dwells therein VIII The Church of God is a sweet Place of spiritual Repose Sion is called a peaceable Habitation Isa 32.18 19. and sure Dwellings and a quiet Resting-place IX A House hath a Way that leads to it and a Door that openeth into it that so those who are Strangers may be readily directed how to find it IX So the Church or House of God hath a Way that readily leads to it In a strict Sence Christ is both the Way and the Door If any enquire more directly how they may find the Way into the Church if they take the Counsel of the Holy-Ghost they cannot miss Thus saith the Lord Stand in the Ways and see and ask for the old Paths Jer. 6.16 where is the good Way and walk therein c. This good old Way is the Way of Repentance Faith and Baptism the Saints of the Primitive Time walked all in this Way and knew no other Door into the Church And they that gladly received the Word were baptized Acts 2.41.42 and the same day there was added to them about three thousand Souls X. A House is a Place of Devotion there a Man reads prays meditates and instructs his Family X. So the Church of God is the principal Place of Publick Devotion there Prayers are made the Word is preached and the Sacraments are duely administred XI A House is subject to go to decay and therefore needs often to be repaired By the Slothfulness of the Hands the House droppeth through XI So the Church of God will soon decay if it be not often repaired by a wise and careful Discipline Metaphor Disparity AN earthly House in which Men dwell is the Work of Mens Hands BUt the Church or House of God is called God's Building the choice preparing of the Matter and the framing and jointing every part as to the Manner is of God II. A House is built with such Materials as are without Life II. But this spiritual House consists of Believers who tho they were once without Life yet now are quickned who are therefore called living Stones 1 Pet. 2 3. built up a spiritual House III. Some Houses are left desolate without Inhabitants and so go to decay and at length fall III. But it is impossible that ever the House of God should be without Inhabitants For the Lord hath chosen Zion Psal 13 2. 13 14. he hath desired it for his Habitation This is my Rest for ever here will
Money and to mind their own private Advantage more than the Credit and Glory of their Sovereign and Honour of their Captain VI. So it is a Reproach to a Christian to aim at Self in all he doth in Religion Many Men care not to do any thing for the Honour of God further then it makes as they conceive directly for their own Interest and Advantage Tell some Men of this or that Ordinance and Command of Christ they presently object May I not be saved without it Is it necessary to Salvation These Men only make Religion as a Bridg to carry them to Heaven meer mercenary Souls Alas a true Christian obeys and serves Christ sincerely that he may glorify and honour his holy Name knowing he deserves more at his hands than he is ever able to perform not doubting his Labour shall ever be in vain in the Lord the very Work is Wages to him Paul was resolved Christ should be magnified in his Body whether it were by Life or by Death Phil. 1.20 VII A Souldier hath his Warfare appointed him and his Enemies discovered to him and Orders to fight VII So a Christian hath his Warfare appointed him his grand Enemies are made known to him and he hath received Commission also to enter the Combat with them whosoever they are whether Foreign or Domestick whether external or internal secret or open First His Foreign or External Enemies are these 1. The Devil called the King of the Bottomless Pit Prince of the Power of the Air the great Dragon the Captain-General of the black Regiment and of the Hellish Militia that makes War against the Lamb and his Followers Every Christian is commanded to enter the List and to fight against these Principalities and Powers Eph. 6.11 12. 2. The World this is another grand potent and subtil Adversary many have been overcome and subdued by it 1. The Things of the World viz. the Pleasures Honours and Profits of the World These as one well observes have their Hooks and Snares hid under their pleasant Baits they usually prevail by Craft their Flatteries and Allurements are very dangerous By this part of the World Satan set upon our blessed Saviour Mat. 4.8 2. The Men of the World who are the Subjects of the Prince of Darkness and his Souldiers the Militia of Hell and the Auxiliaries of Satan the Seed of the Old Serpent who are filled with Enmity against the Woman's Seed Rom. 8.44 He that is born after the Flesh persecuteth him that is born after the Spirit c. Ye are of your Father the Devil and the Lusts of your Father ye will do These continually oppose the Truth and hate Godliness and those who profess it 3. The Worships of the World Saints have been often exposed to great Dangers for opposing the Ways Inventions and Superstitions of Men the Worship of the Beast and cursed Fornications of the great Whore but whilst they are able to stand or have Life in them they must oppose and resist all false Ways and Worshippers such as strive to make void the Doctrine of Christ and the Commands of God by their Traditions 4. There are also the Lusts of the World the Lusts of the Eye and the Pride of Life which Saints are engaged to fight against and oppose 1 John 2.16 Secondly They have their Domestick Enemies 1. Sin which is a wretched and treacherous Inmate and cursed Adversary 2. The Flesh These two made the holy Apostle to cry out Rom. 7. 1 Pet. 2.11 O wretched Man that I am who shall deliver me c. Hence we are exhorted as Strangers and Pilgrims to abstain from fleshly Lusts that war against the Soul VIII A Souldier expects and therefore ought to prepare to meet with his Enemies he knows he is chosen listed and placed under the Command of his Captain on purpose to fight VIII So a Saint expects and therefore ought to make ready to meet with spiritual Opposition from the Enemies of the Soul as soon as ever he is listed and entred into Christ's Service As it fell out with the Captain himself who no sooner was baptized Mat. 4. but presently he was led into the Wilderness to be tempted of the Devil So a Christian must always be prepared and resolved to engage and fight them Whom resist stedfastly in the Faith IX A Souldier goeth not on a Warfare at his own Charge his Prince bears the Expence of the War and furnisheth him with whatsoever is necessary for that Atchievement IX A Believer goeth not out in the Spiritual Warfare at his own Charge Christ furnisheth him with Clothes Armor Weapons and with all Things needful and necessary all is managed by his gracious and blessed Spirit X. A Souldier ought to be expert and well-skill'd in Martial Discipline to know all the Postures of War particularly the Word of Command and to obey presently He must not dispute the Matter nor make the least Pause Those Souldiers that were under the Centurion were very tractable upon this account as himself confessed I say to one Mat. 8.9 Go and he goeth and to another Come and he cometh X. So a Saint ought to be well-skill'd in all things necessary for a Christian Souldier it requires much Wisdom and Experience he must understand the Word of Command and be ready to obey his Captain as soon as ever the Word is given David had learned this part well I made haste Psal 119.60 Acts 26.19 and delayed not to keep thy Commandments And Paul saith He immediately obeyed the heavenly Vision It is a very unbecoming thing in Christians to stand or make a pause about their Obedience to Christ in those Things they are convinced to be their indispensible Duty it argues they have but little regard to the Honour of their Captain the Lord Jesus Christ Shall Souldiers be so careful and ready to obey their earthly Leaders who are but Men and shall not we be as ready and forward to obey the Lord Jesus Christ our heavenly Leader who is the most wâ—se and blessed God XI Souldiers must know their Places how to keep both Rank and File Military Discipline hath appointed every Officer in the Army his proper Place and every private Souldier to abide in the same Rank and File or Place where he is set by his Commander and none may alter their Station or change their Postures upon their own private account they must not break their Order upon their Peril for that is a Dishonour to the Captain and Standers by will laugh and reproach him besides if it be in a Time of Battel he exposeth himself and others to great Danger If an Army or Body of Men are once broken and in Confusion they are soon routed by their Enemies XI So must a Saint know his Place and particular Station where he is set by his Captain the Lord Jesus If he be set as a File-leader or made an Officer to lead a Party it is
that God had brought upon them was the Cure But why saith God should I afflict or chastise you any more or use Means for your Help and Healing when under the Use or Exercise of that Sovereign Means I have used you grow worse and worse 'T is said of the Man that went from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among Thieves Luk. 10.30 that he was not only stript of his Raiment but wounded also My Wounds stink and are corrupt saith David and in another place he cries out Lord Psal 88.51 have mercy upon me and heal my Soul for I have sinned against thee From whence it appears Psal 41.4 that a godly Man may be wounded by his Sin and that sorely too Every Sin makes a Wound in the Soul what a fearful Case are unconverted Souls then in O that Sinners would but consider this See Sin a Wound and Sickness X. Some Persons that have been taken captive and brought into Prison and Bondage besides other sad Circumstances they have been under they have been brought under the Sentence of Death nay and for their horrid Rebellions Treasons c. under a fearful and painful Death as to be torn in pieces or burned alive X. The Ungodly who remain Captives to Satan being under the power of their Lusts or abiding in the State of Unregeneracy are not only under all the sad Circumstances you have heard but to render them every way miserable as in truth their present State is they are under the Sentence of Death Perhaps some would conclude that Death to such Persons I have given the Character of is better than Life and with Job they had better chuse it Alas it would be so indeed were it to die the common Death of all Men. Death puts an end to all the external Miseries of Mortals but the Death of Sin 's Captives is quite another thing They are condemned to be burned to be burned alive too but this is not all to lie burning in the Fire of God's eternal Wrath for ever where they shall be always dying but cannot die Where the Worm dieth not and the Fire is not quenched Captive Disparity CAptives that are so only to Men are but externally enslaved BUt wicked Men that are Slaves to Sin and Satan are captivated in their Souls notwithstanding as to the Body they may be at Liberty as to outward Thraldom II. Some Persons may be free and at Liberty in their Souls at the same time when they may be Captives as to their Bodies and so their Captivity may seem less grievous to them II. But it cannot be so said of a wicked Man for whatever Misery befalls his Body 't is abundantly aggravated by and from the Captivity and Slavery of his Soul nay in the enjoyment of his greatest outward Liberty he is in dreadful Thraldom by Sin and Satan III. Captives that are so only to Men may and have been redeemed with Money III. But spiritual Captives such as are in Bondage to Sin and Satan cannot be redeemed with Money It is not Silver or Gold that can purchase the Redemption of one of Satan's Slaves for the Redemption of the Soul is so precious that nothing can make a Compensation for it but the precious Blood of Christ 1 Pet. 1. IV. If no other Means can procure the Liberty of Captives that are so only as to their Bodies yet Death sets them free and those to whom they are in Bondage have no more to do with them IV. But wicked Men living and dying in Bondage to Satan and their own Lusts cannot be free by Death but are thereby put into an irrecoverable State of eternal Misery from which there can be no Redemption being delivered up to Satan V. Some that are Captives only in their Bodies are so sensible of their Misery and Thraldom that they seek and desire to improve all Means imaginable for their Deliverance V. But some wicked Men are not only insensible of their Bondage to the Devil and their own Lusts but are lifeless as to any ways or means of Deliverance Tho Means be used daily to convince them of the dreadful Danger of their Bondage-State and of the Way and Means of their Redemption yet through the Blindness and Hardness of their Hearts they rest at quiet in the Devil's Prison where they are shut up as Captives And that which declares their greatest Thraldom and Misery is they refuse all the Tenders of Grace in order to their Redemption nay set light by Jesus Christ who came to proclaim Liberty c. VI. Captives to Men only may may be redeemed and set at Liberty and yet so captivated by them again as that they may die in Slavery VI. But wicked Men tho the saddest Captives imaginable in respect of Misery and Thraldom yet if set free by Jesus Christ they shall be no more the Slaves of Satan Joh. 8.36 For those whom the Son makes free are free indeed free from the Dominion and Power of Sin and Satan here and free from the Wages of Sin which is eternal Death hereafter Inferences Quest SOme may say If this be the State of unconverted Men and Women they are miserable Objects indeed But is there no Relief nor Help for these poor Captives must they perish inevitably and be damned for ever Answ God forbid There is good News for these Slaves and Captives of Sin and the Devil a Gospel to be preached to them God is full of Bowels were there no Deliverance to relieve it would be sad beyond what any are able to conceive But to prove that there is Salvation and Relief for the vilest Sinners consider these three things following 1. The Lord Jesus hath purchased Deliverance for them he hath laid down a satisfactory Price or Ransom for those Captives who through Faith in him shall obtain Deliverance 2. Christ is ordained and anointed to preach glad Tidings to them Luk. 4.18 Isa 61.1 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the Poor He hath sent me to heal the Broken-hearted to preach Deliverance to the Captives and recovering Sight to the Blind and to set at Liberty them that were bound 3. Many who have been in the like State of Captivity and Bondage have been set at Liberty Thousands that have been Slaves of Sin and Satan through the infinite Mercy of God are now in a perfect State of Freedom Such were some of you 1 Cor. 6.11 saith the Apostle 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 Sirs what blessed News is this for poor Sinners Suppose a Man who is a Slave or Captive and suffereth justly for his Sin were stript naked and put into a Dungeon bound with cruel and heavy Chains wounded in a most fearful manner from Head to Foot and only fed with Ashes and Gravel-stones and in this Condition were condemned
give an uncertain Sound who shall prepare himself to the Battel VI. So a Minister is sometimes commanded to sound an Alarm Joel 2 1. Blow the Trumpet in Zion sound an Alarm in my holy Mountain They are to pronounce Wrath and Judgment to thunder as it were from Mount Sinai to rouze up the slothful and secure Sinner or drouzy Professor and sometimes a Call to Duty to assemble the People to fast and cry mightily unto the Lord Blow the Trumpet in Zion sanctify a Fast call the solemn Assembly Joel 2.15 16. gather the People sanctify the Congregation assemble the Elders gather the Children and those that suck the Breast c. VII A Trumpeter by blowing his Trumpet in the Day of Battel is of great use to an Army the sounding of the Trumpet greatly encourages and animates the Hearts of Souldiers VII So a true Minister by preaching the Gospel is exceeding useful to God's Church in the Day of Trial c. How doth a lively and an awakening Sermon put Spirit and Courage into the Hearts of Christians and make them fearless and valiant for the Truth VIII A Trumpeter usually goes before the Troop of Army sounding his Trumpet he is often exposed to Danger VIII So the Ministers of the Gospel should be as He-Goats before the Flock they are the Leaders of the People Ministers are often greatly exposed IX A Trumpeter is to keep sounding all the while an Army is engaged nay not only to sound his Trumpet but to sound it loud also IX So a Minister must preach always in season and out of season whilst the Saints and Church of God are militant Necessity is laid upon me and wo is me 1 Cor. 9.16 if I preach not the Gospel Yea and it must be preached publickly X. Some Trumpeters have Silver Trumpets nay God commanded Moses to make two Silver Trumpets to call the Assembly and these were for Eleazar and Ithamar the two Sons of Aaron X. Prov. 10.20 So the Tongue of the Righteous is as choice Silver Ainsworth speaking of two Silver Trumpets that were to be made of beaten Work Numb 10. saith it signifies the Labour of the Ministers of giving themselves to Prayer and to the Ministry of the Word Psal 12.7 The Words of the Lord are pure Words as Silver c. XI A Trumpeter makes sometimes sweet Musick with his Trumpet Many love no Musick like the rare sounding of a Trumpet XI So a Minister makes sweet Musick sometimes in preaching of the Gospel in the Ears of Men. And lo Ezek. 33.32 thou art unto them as a very lovely Song of one that hath a lovely Voice and can play well on an Instrument Inferences MInisters must cry aloud and spare not they must lift up their Voice like a Trumpet They must be endued with Courage not fearing the Face of Men sparing none but reprove and warn great and rich Men as well as the Poor II. They must be Men of Wisdom that know how to sound distinctly rightly dividing the Word of Truth lest by their uncertain Sound great Detriment befall Christ's spiritual Souldiers III. Hence let all the Saints magnify God for that they have and do yet hear the joyful Sound by which they have been called to engage in the spiritual Warfare and thereby animated to a Perseverance in the same to the end IV. Also hence may be inferred That as the Saints are spiritual Souldiers so it is their great Concern to observe the sounding of these spiritual Trumpeters with the Silver Trumpets that they may be always ready to make good their Ground in an evil Day And having done all to stand Stand therefore c. Eph. 6. Ministers compared to Spokesmen 2 Cor. 11.2 For I have espoused you to one Husband that I may present you as a chast Virgin to Christ I Have as if the Apostle should say acted the part of a Spokesman I have endeavoured to engage your Affections to Christ Every Minister strives to espouse Souls to the Lord Jesus as Abraham's Servant was employed to obtain Rebeka for Isaac 'T is the main Work of a Minister to win Souls and bring them over to Christ Note Ministers may fitly be compared to Spokesmen Simile Parallel A Spokesman is a Friend to the Lover one that knows his Secrets and is judged faithful a Person that he confides in and is therefore trusted with his great and most weighty Concernments Abraham had great confidence in his Servant and therefore chose him for that Work viz. to go and take a Wife for Isaac MInisters are the Friends of Christ I have called you Friends They know the Mind of Christ The Secrets of the Lord are with them Joh. 15.14 15. All things saith Christ that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you You have not chosen me but I have chosen you Christ chuses none to this Work but such as are faithful 1 Tim. 1.12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who hath accounted me faithful putting me into the Ministry II. A faithful Spokesman is very intent and diligent in his Business Abraham's Servant would not eat nor drink until he had delivered his Message or told his Errand II. So a faithful Minister is very diligent about his Master's Work Peter and John forsook all and followed Christ He gives himself wholly up to the Work of the Gospel Job 23 12 They esteem with holy Job the Words of his Mouth more than their necessary Food III. A Spokesman uses many Arguments to engage the Affections of the Person to whom he is sent he doth set forth the Merits Riches and Worthiness of the Person who is the principal Suiter III. So Ministers use many weighty Arguments to persuade Sinners to fall in love with and espouse themselves to the Lord Jesus to accept of the Offers of his Grace and Divine Favour being not willing to take any Denial if possible They pray woo and beseech in Christ's Name and some of the Arguments they use are these viz. 1. They set forth the Greatness of their Lord and Master He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords saith Paul the Lord of Life and Glory saith Peter 2. They set forth his great Riches Vnto me Eph. 3.8 who am less than the least of all Saints is this Grace given that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable Riches of Christ See how Abraham's Servant pleaded when he came to court the Damsel The Lord hath blessed my Master greatly and he is become great Gen. 24.35 36. and He hath given him Flocks and Herds c. Silver and Gold and Man-Servants and Maid-Servants and Camels and Asses Verse 35. And Sarah my Master's Wife bare a Son to my Master when she was old and unto him he hath given all that he hath O how rich and great saith a Minister is God! The Cattel of a thousand Hills are his The Earth is the Lord's and
to fight against and slaughter his deceived Nations of whom it is said The Lord shall go forth and fight against those Nations Zech. 14. as when he fought in the Day of Battel Which will be so dreadful a Fight or Battel as never yet was fought for Slaughter and Blood and so destroy this vile Person with the Brightness of his Appearance to fulfill 2 Thess 2. and cast him as the Son of Perdition into the burning Flames to fulfill Rev. 19.20 And the Fowls of Heaven shall be filled with their Flesh And here is the Mind that hath Wisdom The Beast that was and is not and yet is is of the seventh Head and is the eighth and goeth into Perdition V. The first Beast or Head of the Caldean Kingdom or Literal Babylon did invade Judea besiege Jerusalem take the City and trample it under foot till raised again by an Edict from the next great King of Persia V. The last Beast or Head of the Roman Kingdom call'd Mystery Babylon doth invade Sion the Gospel-Church hath closely besieged her and block'd up her Privileges and trampled under fâ—ot the holy City for a long space of Time Rev. 11.2 VI. The first Beast or Power of the Caldean Kingdom call'd Literal Babylon did take away the two Olive-Trees that stood before the God of the whole Earth VI. The last Beast or Power of the Roman Kingdom hath taken away or endeavoured to slay the two Witnesses that bore up the Light and Testimony of God to the World VII Caldea or Literal Babylon did set up Image-Worship commanding upon pain of Burning the Worshippers of the true God to fall down Jer. 5.38 Dan. 3.6 It is the Place of graven Images and they are mad upon their Idols And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same Hour be cast into the midst of the burning fiery Furnace VII Rome or Mystery Babylon requires Worship to be given to the Crucifix the Image of the Virgin Mary and other Saints but especially to the Idol of the Mass so that whosoever will not own that most ridiculous Idolatry of a piece of consecrated Bread coming out of the Priest's unhallowed Hands to be their God and Saviour shall be burned at a Stake as many blessed Men and Women young and old were in the Marian Days See Fox 's Acts and Monuments VIII Caldea or Literal Babylon was the Place of Captivity and Spoil for she carried the Servants of God away captive and made a Spoil of their Treasures and rejoiced in so doing Jer. 52.28 29 30. Ezek. 1. Dan. 1. Here we shall find Ezekiel and Daniel and Thousands more in Captivity here we shall find the Spoils of Jerusalem and the Enemy rejoicing in the Spoil Because ye were glad because ye rejoyced at the Destruction ye are grown fat as the Heifers at Grass and bellow as Bulls c. VIII Rome or Mystery Babylon is become the place of Captivity and Spoil for 't is by her Orders Dictates and Influence that the Servants of God have been carried away captive and their Goods and Possessions made a Spoil of in all parts of the Christian World In her Dominions it was where we find John Hus Jerome of Prague the Noble Lord Cobham and thousands more captivated and destroyed 'T is in their Jails we find good Men imprisoned in Popish Countries we find the Inquisition and other cruel Usages For who is it in all the Christian World besides that imprisons spoils and destroys Men for their Religion that persecutes the People of God but the Vassals of this sinful City of Rome Her wicked Sons did not only kill and spoil in Bohemia Piedmont and other Countries but they rejoyced in their horrid Wickedness as appears in the Histories of the Saints Sufferings written by Mr. Fox Mr. Clark Sir Sam. Moreland and others c. IX Caldea or literal Babylon notwithstanding her great Wickedness yet was the most lofty and proud of all Countries besides called the Lady of Kingdoms and the Glory and Beauty of Excellency for which God doth severely threaten her Isa 13.19 Behold I am against thee O thou most Proud saith the Lord God of Hosts Jer. 50.31 For thy Day is come the time that I will visit thee IX Rome or Mystery Babylon notwithstanding her great Crimes and most horrid Wickedness yet hath been the most Proud of any City or People in the Christian World who saith in her Heart I sit a Queen am no Widow shall see no Sorrow for which Haughtiness and Pride of hers the Lord will remember her with Judgment and Severity when he comes to make Inquisition for Blood and avenge upon her the Injury done to Sion Rev. 18.7 How much she hath glorified her self and lived deliciously so much Torment and Sorrow give her c. X. Chaldea or literal Babylon was not only a People of great Pomp Pride and Covetousness but of great Riches and Treasures Thou that dwellest upon many Waters Jer. 50.37 51.13 abundant in Treasures thine end is come the end of thy Covetousness X. Rome or Mystery Babylon is not only a People of great Pomp and Pride arrayed with Purple Scarlet Gold Pearl and precious Stones but she sits upon many Waters is Covetous as well as Proud and full of Treasures and indeed it must needs be so for besides the Gifts that were first given in the time of Constantine as is pretended she hath made a Prey upon Nations a Spoil upon Saints had the Gifts of Kings had vast Revenues setled upon her Orders and Clergy she has peeled the People by selling Pardons and Indulgences raising Peter-Pence and the like so horribly covetous is she that she is not willing any should go to Heaven without the Gift of Money to holy Church by which slight she is grown so exceeding Rich and full of Treasure that she can afford a golden Cup to present her intoxicating Wine in to be clothed with Scarlet deck'd with Gold Pearl and precious Stones she makes the Merchants of the Earth rich that do trade with her she hath indeed as a full answer to her Type Lam. 1.10 stretch'd forth her hand upon all the pleasant things of those Countries and Kingdoms where she hath sate as a Queen XI Caldea or literal Babylon did spoil the meetings of God's People made the Ways of Sion to mourn because Men could not come to the solemn Assemblies Lam. 1.4 The Ways of Sion do mourn because none can come to her solemn Feasts or Assemblies All her Gates are desolate her Priests or Ministers do sigh her Virgins are afflicted and she is in Bitterness c. XI Rome or Mystery Babylon hath spoiled the Meetings of God's People the true Professors of the Religion of the Holy Jesus by driving the Gospel Sion or Church into the Wilderness and oftentimes burning and plucking down their Meeting-Places and persecuting her Ministers driving them into Corners frighting and dispersing their Auditors by Fines Imprisonments
to Honour and Exaltation is to be abased and suffer our selves to be trod upon this is opened also in the Person and Life of Christ To enjoy God's Favour is first to bear his seeming Frowns And many such like Mysteries there are in Godliness Fifthly There is a Mystery in Ordinances which those who follow this Trade should understand a Mystery in Baptism a Mystery in the Lord's Supper But these things I cannot enlarge upon for want of Room Vse 1. Let all take heed they do not slight or reproach these Mysteries 2. Let them not think to understand them in their own fleshly Wisdom 3. Let them labour to get the Power and Operation of them upon their Hearts and then they will esteem them and say there is a Truth in what we affirm and teach VI. He that would drive a Trade to gain by it or thrive upon it must follow it closely he must make it his chief Business nothing will be done in it to purpose without diligence So every Christian who would gain by the Trade of Godliness must keep close to it he must follow it day and night and manage it wisely throughout all his other Affairs Godliness must be followed without intermission it must be every day's Work the Head Heart Hands Feet Time Strength Discourse Contrivance must be taken up about it No Man can thrive in Godliness if his Heart be not in it When thy Hand is in the World thy Heart should be in Heaven VII He that drives a Trade with discretion must take heed he runs not too far in debt and that â—e keeps his Books carefully or else he may soon run out of all So must a Christian take heed he run not far in debt Debts will be contracted In many things we offend all But be sure to see these Debts paid left the Creditor come on a sudden upon thee If any Man sin we have an Advocate c. Renew Repentance every day 1 John 2.3 and labour after fresh Acts of Faith keep thy Accounts even with God observe the Mercies thou receivest from him and be sensible of thy Faults and Miscarriages VIII There is no Man that follows a great Trade but ought to see he hath a Stock sufficient to trust he that cannot trust in some Callings shall have but a poor Trade So every Christian must be careful to get a good Stock of Faith and Experience for if a Saint cannot trust God he will never make any Earnings of Godliness It is true it behoves a Trader to take heed whom he trusteth so it behoveth a Christian he must not trust his own Heart nor in his own Righteousness nor put too much confidence in Princes We can never trust Men too little nor God too much IX A Man that would follow a Trade to Advantage must be much at home and keep his Shop and as the Proverb is his Shop will keep him but he that is more abroad than at home will soon come to Beggery So a Saint must be much at home and keep his own Heart well Some Professors are more abroad spying Faults in other Men than they are in taking notice of their own X. A Man that drives a Trade ought to take heed he go not behind-hand and instead of getting lose by his Trading So ought a Saint to take heed he go not backwards instead of going forwards and lose instead of gaining Thou hast lost thy first Love Remember from whence thou art fallen Rev. 2. and repent XI Some Men trade upon other Mens Stocks as Factors Stewards c. And such Traders are Christians they trade upon Christ's Stock they regulate their Affairs by Christ's Advice they drive on Christ's Interest All that Saints have is their Master's Money and it behoveth them so to lay it out that it may bring in the most Increase Remember all your Graces Gifts and Temporal Goods too are the Lord 's XII Some Trades require great Layings out and if a Man is sparing in his Layings out he must expect his Comings in will be accordingly Sâ— the Trade of Godliness requires great Layings out A Christian who will not lay out his Strength Time and Parts and what he hath for God will never grow rich in Faith and Godliness XIII Quick Returns are the Life of a Trade and animate a Man in his Calling and Business exceedingly So quick Returns do enliven and greatly encourage a Christian when he finds God answers his Prayers Isa 65.24 as the Promise runs Whilst they speak I will answer â— XIV Some Men grow very rich by a Trade So some Christians grow very rich in Faith and Experience by Godliness See City of God pag. 82 83. Inferences THis may inform the Saints what they undertake when they enter upon the Work and Business of Godliness they must look upon it as their chief and principal Calling II. How are many Men deceived They pursue the World as their chief Business and mind Religion and Godliness when they have nothing else to do III. Be exhorted O Christian to follow thy Calling dost thou want Motives 1. Consider 't is an honourable and ancient Trade Christ Jesus himself was of this Profession Godliness was his chiefest Business all the Saints and Worthies of old followed this Calling Prov. 3.14 2. 'T is the best Trade and Calling in the World For the Merchandise thereof is better than the Merchandise of Silver and the Gain thereof than fine Gold Heavenly Things are rare Things Things of great worth 1. They cost deaâ— viz. the Price of Christ's most precious Blood 2. They are durable Riches 3. O what precious Things are Pardon of Sin Peace with God Union and Communion with God! What a rare Thing is Heaven Is not a Crown worth Trading for 3. Consider who you trade with and that is the great God through Jesus Christ 4. You have a faithful Correspondent one that ever lives to make Intercession for you 5. You have your Goods upon easy Terms Ask and you shall receive Come buy Wine and Milk without Money Isa 55.1 and without Price 1 Tim. 6.6 4.8 6. 'T is the most profitable Trade Godliness with Contentment is great Gain 'T is profitable to all things having the Promise of the Life that now is and of that which is to come Metaphors Similes c. CONERNING Providence and Affliction Afflictions compared to Clouds Psal 97.2 Clouds and Darkness are round about him c. Joel 2.2 A Day of Clouds c. Lam. 2.1 How hath the Lord covered the Daughter of Sion with a Cloud in his Anger CLouds are a moist Vapour exhaled from the Earth and Sea by the Sun and condensated by the Cold in the middle Region and carried by the Winds up and down called the Bottles of Heaven which God saith one doth fill with Wine and Vineger with Mercy or Wrath. By Clouds and Darkness are meant Afflictions and dark Providences under which God often times
my Fathers Kingdom Here the first word Drink is properly understood but the latter Metaphorically denoting their partaking together of the Joys of Heaven Joh. 1.10 The World was made by him and the World knew him not The former World notes the whole Universe the latter Vnbelievers c. see Joh. 2.23 24. and Joh. 4.31 32 34. Rom. 2.26 28 29. Rom. 3.21 27. Rom. 7.23 Rom. 9.6 They are not all Israel which are of Israel that is all who are born of Israel according to the Flesh are not true spiritual Israelites Rom. 12.13 14. where there is an Antanaclasis in the Verb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Cor. 11.24 the first breaking is taken properly the second breaking Metaphorically for the Passion of Christ as Luk. 22.19 See Isa 38.13 c. and 1 Cor. 15.28 Mat. 5.19 Matth. 5.19 Whosoever shall break one of these least Commandments shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven the first least expresses the sense of the Pharisees who esteemed some of the Precepts of Christ amongst the least the second least alluding to the former signifies the same with none or not at all viz. He shall be none in the Kingdom or he shall not enter there at all Mat. 18.1 Matth. 18.1 The Disciples say unto Jesus Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven V. 4. Christ answers Whosoever shall humble himself as this little Child the same is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven The first word greatest in the sense of the Disciples signifies him that hath Preheminence over others the second greatest alluding to the former denotes a Participation of the Kingdom of God without respect to inferiours the sense is whosoever humbles himself shall injoy his part in the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 19.16 Matth. 19.16 The Young Man saith unto Christ Good Master c. Ver. 17. Christ answers Why callest thou me good there is none good but one that is God The first good denotes any Goodness communicated to the Creature by the Lord such as may be found in a meer Man for such the Young Man judged Christ to have the latter good alluding to the first expresses the Essential Goodness of God who is the Fountain and Original of all the Good in the Creature The sense therefore of the words of Christ is Either call me not good or believe me to be the true God and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God-Man See Joh. 4.31 Joh. 6.28 Acts 26.28 Sometimes there happens an Ellipsis in this Figure the latter being understood by the former as Joel 2.13 Rend your Hearts and not your Garments here is a double Proposition 1. Rend your Hearts 2. Rend not your Garments the first is Metaphorical the other Proper CHAP. IV. Of the Figures of a Sentence in Logism WHat these are we have before defined They are distingush'd thus 1. Such as are in Logism or in a Sentence without Collocution or talking together 2. Such as are in Dialogism or by way of Dialogue or mutual Conference There are five of the first sort viz. I. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Exclamation is a pathetical Figure Exclamation ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to exclaim whereby the Speaker expresses the Passion or vehement Ardor of his Mind by various Interjections expressed or understood to move the Affections and Minds of those he speaks to O! Alas Behold are Signs of it this Figure is made in Scripture 1. In way of Admiration Psal 84.1 How amiable are thy Tabernacles O Lord of Hosts Psal 133.1 Behold how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in Vnity Rom. 11.33 O the depths of the Riches and of the Wisdom and of the Knowledg of God! How unsearchable are his Judgments and his Ways past finding out see Psal 8.1 144.15 2. In a way of Wishing or Praying 1 Chron. 11.17 O that one would give me Drink of the Water of the Well of Bethlehem which is at the Gate Psal 14.7 O that the Salvation of Israel were come out of Sion See Psal 42.2 Isa 64.1 Rom. 7.24 O wretched Man that I am who shall deliver me from the Body of this Death See Gal. 5.12 Job 6.8 Psal 55.6 3. In Praise Mat. 15.28 O Woman great is thy Faith Mat. 25.21 23. Well done good and faithful Servant 4. In a way of Sorrow and Complaint Psal 22.1 Mat. 27.46 My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Isa 6.5 Wo is me for I am undone 5. In way of Commiseration or Pity Josh 7.7 Alas O Lord God wherefore at all hast thou brought this People over Jordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorite to destroy us Ezek. 9.8 Ah Lord God wilt thou destroy all the Residue of Israel in thy pouring out thy Fury upon Jerusalem Luke 13.34 Lam. 1.1 6. In a way of Indignation Detestation and Reproof Isa 1.4 Wo to the sinful Nation a People laden with Iniquity a Seed of Evil-doers c Ezek. 16.23 Wo wo to thee saith the Lord God c. See Mat. 11.21 17.17 Luke 24.25 Jer. 44.4 Acts 13.10 O full of all Subtilty and Mischief thou Child of the Devil thou Enemy of all Righteousness wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord Acts 7.51 Rom. 9.20 7. In a way of Joy and Exultation as Psal 57.7 135.21 Blessed be the Lord out of Sion which dwelleth at Jerusalem Hallelujah that is praise ye the Lord See 1 Cor. 15.55 8. In a way of Obsecration or Beseeching Psal 118.25 Save now I beseech thee O Lord O Lord I beseech thee send now Prosperity Rev. 22.20 9. In a way of Reprehension Gal. 3.1 O foolish Galatians who hath bewitched you c. See Acts 7.51 52 c. 10. In a way of Derision Mat. 15.29 Of Fear 1 Tim. 6.11 c. Epiphonema 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies Acclamation and is wont to be subjoyned to an Exclamation as a certain species of it It is a little Clause or apt Sentence added after the thing is expounded From 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 acclamo to cry out exhibiting a certain Emphasis and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 briefly and concisely as Psal 2.12 Psal 3.8 Mat. 22.14 Luke 10.30 Acts 19.20 Mat. 19.27 Mark 7.37 c. II. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Epanorthosis Correction or Amending is the Reinforcement of the Clause last uttered by what follows or a re-calling of what one said to correct it From 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—orrigo to correct It is stated in a threefold manner 1. When that which was said is wholly disown'd and corrected by a more apt more proper and significant Expression as Mark 9.24 when the Father of the Child that was possest with a dumb Spirit said Lord I believe but recollecting himself and confessing his Infirmity immediately subjoyns help thou mine Vnbelief Joh. 12.27 John 12.27 Christ prays to be saved from Death Father save me from this hour yet immediately correcting that Prayer which shews the
Grammatical Signification which simply denotes asking Psal 15.1 24.3 Isa 42.24 63.1 c. sometimes signifies an absolute Negative when the Speech is of Persons as Psal 94.16 Psalm 94.16 Who will rise up for me against the Evil-doers or who will stand up for me against the workers of Iniquity as if he had said No Man can help me so have I been dealt withal It is only God can relieve me as ver 17. Psal 106.2 Psalm 106.2 Who can utter the mighty Acts of the Lord who can shew forth his Praise that is None can do it yet Psal 9.14 David says That I may shew forth all thy Praise in the Gates of the Daughter of Sion which Text R. Kimhi thus reconciles viz. In the former Text we are to understand the Praise of God with reference to those great things which he had done for his People in general In the latter what he had done for David in particular We may add that the first place may be meant of the most perfect Praise of Jehovah in the celebrating of which no Proportion can be stated so as to correspond with it The latter an earnest endeavour to return Thanks and Praise to the very utmost of humane Faculty See Psal 40.5 Psal 113.5 Who is like unto the Lord our God that is there is none amongst Men who can so really condole your Case and so mightily help you for God was and is both willing and able He speaks here of a Divine Grace Aid and Help There is his gracious Encouragement given for our Hope in the next Verses Isaiah 58.3 Isa 58.3 Who can declare his Generation that is none can because he is eternal Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son c. Ver. 13. But to which of the Angels said he at any time Sit on my Right-hand c. That is he never said so to any of the Angels See Isa 40.13 14. Luke 14.5 John 8.46 Rom. 8.31 33 34 35. 11.34 35. 1 Cor. 9.7 c. Sometimes it does not absolutely deny but restrictively so that the Particle quis who is put for quotusquisque how many which denotes fewness or paucity as Psal 90.11 Who knoweth the power of thine Anger that is they are indeed but few to wit the Servants of the Lord as Ver. 13 16. Isa 53.1 Hosea 14.10 c. Sometimes it denotes the Difficulty of the Question asked 1 Sam. 2.25 If a Man sin against the Lord who shall intercede for him That is how difficult is it to appease the Lord when he is angry for our Sins Prov. 31.10 Who can find a Woman of Strength or Activity viz. a vertuous Woman this does not signify that such are no where to be found but that they are rare See Mat. 19.25 26. Mark 10.26 with ver 23 c. The Interrogative an nunquid whether besides its common Signification which simply and affirmatively asks a Question Gen. 18.21 Numb 13.19 Rom. 3.3 5 6 c. sometimes denotes an absolute Negation as Gen. 18.14 Whether is there any thing too hard for the Lord that is there is nothing too hard for him Ver. 17. Whether shall I hide from Abraham the thing I am about to do that is I will not hide it from him Gen. 30.2 Whether am I in God's stead who hath with-held from thee the Fruit of the Womb as if he had said Can I arrogate that to my self which is the Work of God that is I can by no means do it He made thee barren and he only can make thee fruitful See Gen. 50.19 Job 40.20 c. Joel 1.2 c. On the contrary a Negative Interrogative A Negative Interrogative as is not is to be understood affirmatively as Gen. 13.9 Is not the whole Land before thee that is the whole Land is before thee Gen. 37.13 And Israel said unto Joseph Do not thy Brethren feed the Flock in Shechem that is they do so Exod. 4.14 Is not Aaron the Levite thy Brother whom I know to be eloquent that is I know that he is so See Deut. 11.30 Josh 10.13 Ruth 2.9 3.1 1 Chron. 21.17 see 2 Sam. 24.17 Job 7.1 Psal 56.8 13 Eccles 6.6 Isa 50.2 with 59.1 Jer. 23.24 Joel 1.16 Amos 2.11 5.20 Obad. 5.8 9. Jonah 4.11 Mat. 7.22 Mark 12.24 see Mat. 22.29 Joh. 4.35 6.70 11.9 1 Cor. 10.16 Heb. 1.14 c. We are specially to note that there are some Places which affirmatively ask Observation in which there is an affirmative Sense or in which the Negative Particle No is to be understood as 2 Sam. 15.27 The King said unto Zadok the Priest art not thou a Seer that is thou dost perfectly see how things go see Ezek. 8.6 1 Sam. 2.27 1 Kings 16.31 Jer. 31.20 23.23 The Interrogative 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quomodo how How sometimes absolutely denies Exod. 6. 12 30. Deut. 7.17 Judg. 16.15 Psal 73.11 137.4 Mat. 12.26 34. 23.33 Mark 4.13 Luke 6.42 Rom. 10 14 15. 1 Cor. 14.7 9 16. 1 Tim. 3.5 Heb. 2.3 c. Why wherefore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is often put for Prohibition Gen. 27.45 Why should I be deprived of you both in one day that is let me not be deprived of both 1 Sam. 19.17 Why should I kill thee that is let me not kill thee See 2 Sam. 2.22 2 Chron. 25.16 Psal 79.10 Eccles 5.5 7.17 18. Jer. 27.13 17. 40.5 Ezek. 33.11 Dan. 1.10 c. The use of Interrogations The use of Interrogations is various and almost serves every Affection There is 1. An Interrogation which denotes Absurdity Absurdity in a way of exploding it as Joh. 3.4 How can a Man be born when he is old can he enter the second time into his Mother's Womb as if he had said This is absurd and in my Judgment cannot be Joh. 6.52 How can this Man give us his Flesh to eat as if he had said This is most absurd See Ver. 60. and Chap. 12.34 2. Admiration Admiraâ—ion Gen. 17.17 Shall a Child be born unto him that is an hundred Years old and shall Sarah that is ninety Years old bear This is an Interrogation admiring the Divine Power and comparing it with his own and his Wives Impotency as Rom. 4.19 21. More Examples see Gen. 27.20 42.28 Cant. 3.6 Psal 133.1 Isa 1.21 63.1 Ezek. 16.30 Mat. 21.20 Mark 6.37 3. Affirmation Affirmation of which we have given Examples in the foregoing Pages 4. Demonstration Demonstration of a certain Subject of which some thing is affirmed or predicated Ezek. 8.6 Son of Man seest thou what they doe as if he had said Behold thou art 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Spectator or Witness of their Impiety Idolatry and Abomination Mat. 11.7 8 9. there are certain Interrogations proposed by our Saviour the scope of which is to shew who John was and in his Commendation to affirm or
deny some things And sometimes in this manner the Question and Answer are joyned both which are equipollent to a connexive Enunciation whose Antecedent is taken from the Question and the Consequent from the Answer as Psal 25.12 What Man is he that feareth the Lord him shall he teach in the way that he shall chuse Ver. 13. His Soul shall lodge in Goodness and his Seed shall inherit the Earth that is these things shall be conferred on him that fears the Lord So Psal 34.12 13. Psal 107.43 Jer. 9.12 Hos 14.10 See also Prov. 22.29 with 29.20 5. In a matter of Doubt Doubt Gen. 18.12 Therefore Sarah laughed within her self saying After I am waxed old shall I have Pleasure these words denote diffidence and doubt and the unlikelihood in her Judgment of what was promised as the following words of the Lord manifest Rom. 10.6 But the Righteousness which is of Faith speaketh on this wise Say not in thy Heart who shall ascend into Heaven Ver. 7. Who shall descend into the Deep or Abiss These Interrogations of Doubt are brought to denote the uncertainty of self-Righteousness which Righteousness by Faith wholly takes away consult the next Chapter 6. Exaltation Exaltation and Extenuation Rab. Kimhi in his Comment on Jer. 22.23 says that the Interrogative Particle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quid vel quam what or how is used in a double Signification viz. to exalt a thing as Psal 31.19 O how great is thy Goodness Psal 139.17 How precious also are thy Thoughts unto me O God Or to extenuate a thing as Psal 8.4 What is Man that thou art mindful of him that is how inconsiderable and unworthy is he of thy Grace and Favour So Psal 144.3 See also Isa 2.11 to 22. with Psal 146.3 4. 1 Sam. 9.21 2 Sam. 7.18 Gen. 23.15 Exod. 3.11 1 Kings 9.13 c. 7. Expostulation Expostulation Accusation or chiding Gen. 12.18 Pharaoh chid Abram What is this that thou hast done unto me why didst thou not tell me that she was thy Wife Ver. 19. Why saidst thou She is my Sister So Gen. 31.26 27 30. 44.4 15. Other Examples are Psal 11.1 Psal 50.16 Isa 5.4 58.3 Ezek. 12.22 Dan. 3.14 c. 8. Indignation Indignation as Psal 2.1 Why do the Heathen rage and the People meditate vain things That these are words of Indignation appears Ver. 5. Mat. 17.17 O faithless and perverse Generation how long shall I be with you how long shall I suffer you this was an Apostrophe to the Apostles by way of Indignation as appears from Ver. 10. 9. By way of Insultation Insultation and Irony as Psal 42.3 While they continually say unto me Where is thy God So Psal 79.10 c. More Examples see Jer. 22.23 23.33 with Ver. 36. Joh. 18.38 10. By way of Lamentation Lamentation as Psal 3.1 Lord how are they increased that trouble me or Lord how numerous are my Enemies Psal 22.1 Lam. 2.20 Psal 77.7 8 9. Hab. 1.17 Miseration 11. By way of Commiseration or Pity as Lam. 1.1 How doth the City sit solitary that was full of People c. Lam. 2.1 How hath the Lord covered the Daughter of Sion with a Cloud in his Anger c. so frequently in the Lamenations 12. By way of Negation Negation concerning which we refer you where we have spoke a little before of the Emphasis of an Interrogation Optative or wishing 13. By way of Wishing as 2 Sam. 23.15 Who will make me drink of the Water of the Well of Bethlehem That is O that some body would make drink See Rom. 7.24 14. By way of Prohibition Prohibition or Disswasion from a thing of which you may see the fourth and fifth Paragraphs before going 15. By way of Rejection or Refusing as Numb 23.8 How shall I curse him whom God hath not cursed and how shall I defy or detest him whom the Lord hath not defied or detested As if he had said I neither can nor dare do this thing see Judg. 11.12 2 Sam. 16.10 1 Kings 17.18 2 Kings 3.13 Hosea 14.9 Joel 3.9 Matth. 8.29 Mark 5.7 Luke 8.28 Joh. 2.4 CHAP. VI. Of the Figures of a Sentence in Dialogism FIgures in a Dialogism of which we have given a Description before are five in Number which we will briefly expound and illustrate with Examples as Aporia ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 animi pendeo c. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Doubting or Deliberation is a Figure when we deliberate or reason with our selves what we ought to say or do as Psal 139.7 Whither shall I go from thy Spirit or whither shall I fly from thy Face or Presence c. See the four following Verses Other Examples are Lam. 2.13 Luke 16.3 4. 1 Cor. 11.22 Phil. 1.22 23 24. Rom. 7.24 25 c. Anâ—oenosis ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to communicate 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Anacoenosis which signifies Communication or an imparting of a thing to another is a Figure when we deliberate or consult with those things with whom we argue for or against as Isa 5.3 4. Now therefore O Inhabitants of Jerusalem and Men of Israel judg I pray you betwixt me and my Vineyard c. so Luk. 11.19 Acts 4.19 1 Cor. 4.21 10.15 16. 11.13 14. Gal. 3.1 2 5. 4.21 c. 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Occupation is when that which may be objected is anticipated and avoided this is done either covertly or tacitely or open and plainly Of the first sort we reckon when the Objection is not mentioned but only the Answer Rom. 9.6 It cannot be that the Word of God should take no Effect for they are not all Israelites that are of Israel so the Greek This obviates an Objection viz. If Israel be rejected the Word of God will be ineffectual I will be thy God and the God of thy Seed c. An open or plain Prolepsis Prolepsis is when the Objection is stated and answered this is often joyned with a Prosopopoeia the parts of this are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hypophora and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Anthupophora The first is the Adversaries Reason or Objection the latter the Solution or Confutation of it Examples are Isa 49.14 But Sion said The Lord hath forsaken me and my Lord hath forgotten me The Answer of this Objection follows Ver. 15. Can a Woman forget her sucking Child c. See also Mat. 3.9 Rom. 3.1 2 3 4 27 29 31. 4.1 2 3. 6.1 2. 7.7 9.14 19 20. 10.18 19. 11.1 11 19 20. 1 Cor. 15.35 36 c. 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Permission is when we seriously or ironically permit or grant a thing and yet object the Inconveniency or Unreasonableness of it Examples of a serious Epitrope Epitrope are Rom. 2.17 Behold thou art called a Jew and restest