Sins of the People were the true Cause why God gave them this wicked King who broke Covenant both with God Jer. 34.17 and with Man Ezek 17.18 19. God harden'd his Heart that he humbled not himself c. Remark the Eighth The next remarkable Passage Recorded is in the nineteenth Year of the Captivity which was the nineteenth Year of Nebuchadnezzar's Reign and the eleventh of Zedekiah's Then was the full fatal and final Fall of that Earthly Kingdom c. 2 Kings 25.2 Jer. 39.2 and 52.12 't is true this Time is call'd the eighteenth Year of Nebuchadnezzar ver 29. Jer. 52. and the ninth Year of Zedekiah 2 Kings 25.1 and Ezek. 24.1 but we must suppose the King of Babylon besieged Jerusalem about two Years before it was Tibbakang Hebr. broken up with Battering Rams saith Vatablus 2 Kings 25.4 8. nor may we say with Grotius that this Place of the eighteenth Year seems to be corrected by that Place of the nineteenth but better say with Lyra 't was the latter end of the eighteenth and in the beginning of the nineteenth and though the Books of Kings and Chronicles give no account of any Occurrence betwixt those Years of nine and nineteenth of the Captivity yet find we some Passages of Remark in the two Prophets of Jeremy and Ezekiel Mark First In Jeremy who relateth how Hananiah in the beginning of Zedekiah's Reign in the Fourth Year falsly foretold the return of the Captives within two Years Jer. 28.1 c. This Priest probably but a pretended Prophet had seen how ill Vrijah and Jeremy had sped by telling the Truth therefore he resolves to Preach Placentia pleasing Matters to have Honour from the Princes and likely lucre too from the People so he affronts Jeremy publickly in the Temple as a lying Prophet in saying the Captivity would continue for seventy Years but the Issue was Hananiah is struck with Death within two Months after his false Prediction because he taught Rebellion against the Lord as Jeremy had foretold him ver 14 15 16 17. Mark 2. After this Jeremy tells us how he sent a Letter to the Children of the Captivity in Babylon in the former part of Zedekiah's Reign the Date and Contents thereof are declared Jer. 29.1 2 3 c. and Chap. 30. and 31. altogether Consolatory to the Captives and Chap. 49.34 and Jer. 50. and 51. in another Letter afterward to Comfort them that they must Exercise Patience and not Antedate Promises as their false Prophets prompted them to do against whom Jeremy denounced their most dreadful Doom Jer. 29.21 22. yet would they but wait God in due Time would deliver them and destroy Babylon and Elam that help'd her Calvin saith that Zedekiah suffer'd Jeremy's Letters to be sent by his Messengers Non ex Pietatis studio not from any Respect either to God or to his Prophet but out of Self-Love for he had heard by Hananiah that Itconiah his Corrival and the Captives would in two Years Time come back to Jerusalem if so he must resign up his Throne wherein the King of Babylon had seated him therefore sends he Embassadors to Nebuchadnezzar to testifie how obsequious he was to his Lord and Master and was Content they should carry Jeremy 's Letters knowing the purport of them was to perswade the People there Patience and to live peaceably in Babylon and not think yet of returning to give him Disturbance Mark Thirdly In Ezekiel whom in the fifth Year of Jehoiakin's Captivity and the thirteenth of the first as Dr. Lightfoot computes the Lord raised up a Prophet in Babylon as Jeremy was in Jerusalem and he began to Prophesie in the fifth Year of Jehoiakin's or Jeconiah's Captivity or as some call it with Lavater a Transmigration because he yielded to the Besieger c. Ezek. 1.2 and the same Ezekiel foretells the fatal Issue of Zedekiah's breaking his Covenant First with God Ezek. 16.38 and then with Man even with the King of Babylon Ezek. 17.15 who had set him up and sworn him to be faithful yet he revolts and seeks succour from the King of Egypt which perfidious Perjury and Treachery was the true Cause of Ruining all 2 Chron. 36.13 Mark Fourthly Ezekiel also in the sixth Year of Jeconiah's Captivity and the fourteenth of the first hath the Lord shewing him All Ezekiel from Chap. 8. to the End Daniel 2 3 and 4. Chapters what just Causes he had to remove his Glory from the Temple Ezek. 8.1 c. Chap. 9. and 10. and 11. and 12. and so on to Chap. 20. All this must be while Zedekiah Reigned the King of Babylon had set him as a Vine Ezek. 17.6 but not Content with that he must needs be a Cedar out Caesar aut nullus therefore did he bend his Boughs and Roots toward the other great Eagle Pharaoh for relief ver 7 8. so falsified his Fidelity which was his utter Destruction Mark Fifthly Again Ezekiel Prophesies in the seventh year of Jeconiah's Captivity and of Zedekiah's Reign Ezek. 20.1 which was two Years and five Months before the fatal Siege began here some rank Hypocrites came to be resolv'd of Ezekiel whether it were better to shake off the Babylonian Yoke or patiently to bear it Whereas before-hand they came concluded what course to take ver 31 32. Ezekiel by his Prophetick Spirit pierced into their putid Hypocrisie loath'd their false looks and abhorr'd their Motion God had no Answer for such no more than he had for Saul 1 Sam. 28.15 the Prayers of such are an Abomination Prov. 21.27 yet tells them the Day of this Prophane Person was now come and the Crown must be overturned overturned overturned until Christ come Ezek. 21.25 26 27. the Earthly Kingdom shall be no more in its former Glory Remark the Ninth Now Ezekiel returns us to the eleventh year of Zedekiah and the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar and of the first Captivity Ezek. 26.1 c. all which Computations Grotius c. make contemporary Now are Ezekiel's three hundred and ninety years compleated from the first Division of Israel's Kingdom into ten Tribes and two Ezek. 4.5 and now was the City and the Temple destroyed c. 2 Kings 25.2 to 20. 2 Chron. 36.17 to 21. Jer. 39.2 to 15. and 52.5 to 28. N.B. Having made this most necessary Digression in enquiring what happened betwixt the ninth and nineteenth of the seventy Years Captivity The Enquiry following is what followed this fatal nineteenth year Answer The Prophets Jeremy and Ezekiel do supply what is not Recorded either in the Book of Kings or in that of Chronicles Mark 1. Jeremy gives an account of what was done in the twenty third year c. Jer. 52.30 Nebuzaradan comes then and carries away seven hundred and forty five more Captives probably to revenge Gedaliah 's Murder Mark 2. Ezekiel tells of a Messenger that came with sad Tidings of all that had been done at Jerusalem unto him now Captive in Babylon Ezek. 33.21 and
not yet come when it comes it brings Understanding with it The 3d Remark is When Christ's Time of going up to this Feast which lasted seven days came he sent two Messengers supposed to be James and John call'd Boanerges to a Village of the Samaritans in his way to Jerusalem to prepare for his Entertainment Luke 9.52 but found it inhospitable they could find no room for Christ there no more than was found for him in the Inn at his Birth Luke 2.7 with Luke 9.53 That Idolatrous off-spring which came from Babylon c. 2 Kin. 17.24 were haters of God's true Worshippers when those two Sons of Thunder saw this their quick hot and cholerick Spirits began to boyl and they would have been thundering desperately against the Village to fire it with a Thunderbolt only they ask their Master leave for so doing v. 54. N.B. Note well 'T were well if all that study Revenge would â—irst consult with Christ in his Word before they stir either hand or foot c. But â—hrist gives them instead of an expected commission a most sharp Rebuke v. 55. â—â—ying This rash Motion of yours is not the Divine zeal of Elias but a carnal reâ—â—ngeful Spirit fired by the Devil This Wild-fire was never kindled upon God's â—â—earth or Altar Ye are Men of another mould than Elias he was a Minister of Inâ—â—gnation but you of Consolation N. B. Note well The example of Saints never â—â—cheth a violation of Charity Elias's action suiteth not Christ and the Gospel's Dispensation These blind Samaritans had a mock Temple upon Mount-Gerizzim John 4.9 20. so did not like Christ for his not worshipping with them but set his face for Worshipping at Jerusalem this the merciful Messiah thought better of Remission than Revenge Acts 17.30 and so went to another place more Hospitable v. 56. N. B. Note well When one door is shut another shall be open c. this other Village was of Galilee not so zealous for the Law as Judea was so not such severe Persecuters c. The 4th Remark is Christ hasten'd not to this Feast as his Kinsmen prompted him but stays behind privately after they were gone to be there at the first day of the Feast and came not up till the middle thereof John 7.14 and then did he go up without much company v. 8 9 10. as he did at his last going to his last Passover and Passion John 12.13 Mat. 21.8 c. which time he tells his Kinsmen was not yet come the time appointed for his Death as John 8.20 13.1 Gal. 4.4 5. the rage of the Jews was even now great against Christ so that had he come up to the first day of the Feast and that with a great confluence of followers as they expected this would have inraged them more His absence on the first day made them cry Where is He John 7.11 not Where is Jesus so full of malice were they as they could not find in their hearts to call him by his name but 't is This Fellow often times with those black and blasphemous Mouths John 9.29 Mat. 12.24 26.61 Luke 22.59 Thus Joseph's Brethren would not out of malice call him Joseph but the Dreamer Gen. 37.19 and thus outragious King Saul asked not for David but for the Son of Jesse 1 Sam. 20.27 30 31. 22.7 13. N. B. Note well This rage of the Jews Christ for our example avoided by his Prudence though he could have done it by his Power He comes privately upon the Fourth Day of the Feast at which time those that were disposed to hear him were whetted up and at more leisure from their solemn Sacrifices at that time well over then taught he them in the Temple openly John 7.14 and that with so much Light and Life as over-ruled the Jews rage and turn'd it into admiration v. 15. The 5th Remark is It must be supposed that while Christ tarried from the Feast till the fourth day thereof and went not up with his Kinsmen to be there on the first day of the Feast he was not lying Idle in an obscure place for that time but was sending his seventy Disciples dispatching them with the same Documents he had given to the twelve Apostles before and indowing them with the miraculous gift of Healing the Sick Luke 10.1 to 17. only with this difference the twelve went at large to any of the Cities of Israel but the seventy only to those places where Christ himself should come in his way from Galilee to Jerusalem These must prepare the way for him now as John Baptist had done at his first Inauguration N. B. Note well The twelve and the seventy may mind us not only of the twelve Wells and seventy Palm-trees Exod. 15.27 but also of the twelve Tribes and seventy Elders of Israel answerable both to the seventy Souls which came out of Jacob's loins Exod. 1.2 3 4 5. these seventy Disciples in thirty five couples do dispatch their narrow work with great success in a little time for they return to their Master before he departs at this time from Jerusalem Luke 10.17 38. The 6th Remark is Upon the last day of this Feast which the Jews call Hosannah Rabbah the Great Jubilee Christ stood up and publickly cried If any man thirst let him come to me and drink c. John 7.37 38. This eighth day a shadow of our Christian Sabbath was the day of their greatest solemnity at this Feast for now all the People from all parts were got up to solemnize it which their Superstition taught them to do by bringing great store of Water out of the Fountain Siloam into the Temple this Water the Priests took and mingling therewith the Wine of the Drink-Offering poured it out upon the Altar singing with loud Acclamations With Joy shall ye Draw Water out of the Wells of Salvation Isa 12.3 and thinking that by this charm which they would make Haggai and Zechary the Authors of God cannot but give them the Latter Rain for ripening their Harvest from this custom Christ took an occasion of crying up openly his Spiritual Waters in despight of all the Threatnings of his Adversaries suitable to Isa 55.1 He every one that thirsteth c. and shewing that himself was the True Well of Salvation Zech. 13.1 and that the end of their Ceremonies this last day of the feast did lead to Christ hereby he call'd them from those perishing Waters to those Living and Saving c. The 7th Remark is The Issue of Christ's Preaching in the Temple at this Feast 1. The differing sentiments of his hearers some said he was the great Prophet the Messiah Never man spake like him John 7.40 41 42 43. Thus the very Officers sent to apprehend him said v. 46. others cavill'd and design'd to kill him but they could not come to their purpose for his hour was not yet come So that not only the very Sergeants whom the Adversaries sent to apprehend him failed them
consummated when his Mediatory work endeth yet then it will not be consumed but only swallowed up by his Essential Kingdom which shall then comprehend it to all eternity his Mediatory Kingdom lasts until he hath made all his foes his footstool c. 1 Cor. 15.24 to 28. because he is both the Master the Maker of the Macrocosm or great World able to subdue all Phi. 3.21 The tenth Cordial is This King of Sion hath a true right and propriety to his fifth Kingdom even to all the Kingdoms and Common-wealths in the whole World 'T is told us in express words whose Right it is c. Ezek. 21.27 Now the Lord Christ hath a Royal Right hereunto by Three manner of means or ways as first by a Divine Eternal Ordination he was verily fore-ordained for this transcendent Royalty 1 Pet. 1.20 which word holds forth how careful our heavenly Father was to make all matters sure concerning Man's Redemption by the Messiah this great work was God's eternal purpose Eph. 3.11 and such a profound Mystery was in that work as made the holy Angels not only to admire it but also desirous to peep into it as the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies 1 Pet. 1.12 and Eph. 3.10 Secondly Christ came to this Royal Right by his Father's free and gratuitous Donation The Father bids the Son Ask of me and I will give Thee the Heathen for thy Inheritance and the utmost parts of the Earth for thy Possession Psal 2.8 9. N.B. If all things were conveyed to Christ himself by way of Asking why then should we poor Christians expect any good thing without asking especially when he bids us Ask and ye shall have c. Matth. 7.7 8. Christ indeed had a Natural and Essential Kingdom as he was God co-equal with the Father Phil. 2.6 This he had not by way of asking but did enjoy it from all Eternity and shall hold it to all Eternity But his other the Mediatory Oecumenical and Dispensatory Kingdom Christ hath as a Donative and Gift upon that Eternal Covenant made betwixt the Father and the Son for his faithful fulfilling the great work of fallen Man's Mediator as his Rich Reward and this is that Kingdom which he will deliver up to the Father when the End of it is accomplished and then the Son as Man shall be subject that God may be all in all 1 Cor. 15.24 28. Thirdly Christ hath this Royal Right by way of special and peculiar Exaltation 'T is said Christ humbled himself c. wherefore God exalted him c. Phil. 2.8 9. the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies Christ did empty himself in his State of Humiliation passing through many little Death 's all his life long and at last underwent that cursed and painful Death on the Cross as to his Body and as if this had been too little his Soul also was sorrowful to the Death Matth. 26.38 Yea he humbled himself so low as to lay down his Body three days in the Grave c. Therefore God declares his Decree to give him Royal Honour Psal 2.6 7. and to exalt him so high as not only to be above the Grave in his Resurrection and above the Earth in his Ascension yea and above the Heavens also in seating him at his Right hand upon a Throne of Glory in the highest Heavens Beside all this God sets his King upon his holy Hill of Sion above all other Hills and advances his Son's Scepter above all worldly Scepters yea and dignifies him with a Name above every Name of Honour and Dignity both in Heaven on Earth and under the Earth Phil. 2.9 10.11 Then the Sun of Righteousness Mal. 4.2 which had lain long under a lasting Ecclipse breaks forth into its former Native Splendor and Glory The eleventh Cordial is This King of Sion who hath now a true Tittle to a Right Propriety in a fifth Kingdom will in due time become the full Possessor of it whereof he is ever the Right Proprietor and Owner So 't is said Vntil he come whose Right it is and I will give it him Ezek. 21.27 which intimateth there is a time appointed by the Father wherein he will give to his Son a plenary possession of all that he hath purchased a propriety in by his Death and to explain what this is we are told that Christ will take to himself his great Power and Reign overturning all that oppose and causing them to comply with this Conquerour then all the Kingdoms of the World shall become the Lord's and his Christ's Rev. 11.15 17. Christ indeed saith My Kingdom is not of this Worlb John 18.36 Yet is it in this World Christ is better call'd King of Nations than Tidal was Gen. 14.1 as well as he is call'd the King of Saints Rev. 15.3 For when any grievous Calamity was about to come upon the Church of God from any of her Evil Neighbours Jer. 12.14 to wit the cursed Nations that compassed her about as so many greedy Tygers Bears Boars Lions Leopards Wolves c. saith Luther then God sent his Prophets to comfort his Church against this coming Calamity with this soveraign Cordial of Christ's coming as a King to Relieve and Rescue her from those Ravenous Beasts by his Irresistible Power and Regal Authority There be many famous Instances hereof not only that great Text Zech. 9.9 and that also Ezek. 21.27 but likewise tho' many more might be mentioned I shall here add only one more namely that of Isa 9.6 7. at which time there was to come a most unparallel'd Calamity upon the Church Isa 7.17 18 19. and 9.1 Then to preponderate and out-weigh the perplexity of that matchless Misery the Prophet of God there doth comfort the Church not only with the Birth but also with the Kingdom of Christ saying the Goverment shall be upon his shoulders the Mighty God the Prince of Peace and of the Increase of his Kingdom there shall be no end Isa 9.6 7. The same may be observed in those two Prophets that followed Isaiah namely Ezekiel and Zechariah as above quoted all intimating the truth of Father Bernard's excellent notion Tamen Christus Rex est etiam in hoc Mundo scilicet in ordine ad Ecclesiam that is though his Kingdom be not of this World John 18.36 which wholly lyeth and walloweth in wickedness 1 John 5.19 and whose God is the Devil blinding their minds c. 2 Cor. 4.4 Yet Christ is King in this World in his ordering and over ruling all the Affairs of the World so far as they do relate to his Church in the World Thus Christ is call'd Lord of all Acts 10.36 If it be asked of all what 't is answered he is Lord of all persons of all things of all Kings of all Kingdoms he is Lord of his Church and he is Lord of the World and therefore he will not suffer his Church to be long wronged by the World Now in order that this