the duty of repentance and humiliations persons are not only to cast off sinfull distractions but even to lay aside lawfull delights that they may afflict their souls before the Lord and seriously minde the duty for The families shall mourn and their wives apart CHAP. XIII IN the first part of this Chapter the spiritual blessings of the Gospel purchased by Christ are promised to the Church especially to Israel such is remission of sinnes and holinesse vers 1. Reformation of the Church vers 2. and zeal against false teachers v. 3. some of whom at least shall be convinced of their way and quit it v. 4. taking them to other callings v. 5 and shall acknowledge the equity of severity used against them v. 6 In the second part of the Chapter there is a Prophecie of the suffering of Christ and scattering of the visible Church and his care of his own v. 7 and that the greater part of the Church was to be cut off and but a few to be preserved v. 8. who being purged by afflictions should increase in holinesse and in the sense of Gods favour toward them v. 9. Vers 1. IN that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness There are several blessings and benefits of the Kingdome of Christ here promised which as the godly Jewes before Christ did enjoy though more darkly and in lesser measure then under the Gospel so though they be the common priviledges of the Gospel-Church in every age yet a more full accomplishment of them is reserved for the converted Israelites and therefore are peculiarly promised for that day when they shall repent and be restored as appears from the end of the preceding Chapter The first benefit is Remission of sinnes and sanctification purging away the guilt of sinne by the grace of God in for giving sinnes through Christs blood and the vertue of his blood applied by the Spirit and laid hold upon by faith for purging all uncleannesse of sinne this is compared to a springing fountaine made open to all in opposition to the small measure of water carried into the Temple for legall washings This benefit will be very conspicuous toward converted Israel when the Redeemer shall turne iniquity from Jacob Rom. 11.26 Doct. 1. The great and chiefe priviledge of the Gospel is remission and purging of sinne which as they are only attainable through faith laying hold on Christs blood and the grace of God through him offered in the Gospel so without these no other advantages by the Gospel will availe much or be comfortable for it is the first here A fountaine for sinne and uncleannesse or seâ—cration through uncleannesse pointing at all filthinesse of sinne shadowed out by legall uncleannesse causing men to be sequestrate and particularly at originall sinne shadowed out by menstruous uncleannesse for the purging whereof this fountaine also must be made use of 2. The free grace of God toward lost man and the vertue of Christs blood is a treasure in exhaustible and which cannot be overcome with the greatnesse and multiplicity of sinne in these who flee unto it for it is a fountain or spring 3. Pardon and vertue for purging of sinne is not only purchased and the way to it made patent by the death of Christ giving accesse unto God through him but is held forth in the offer of the Gospel and Ministery of the Word that none may pretend ignorance nor any who need it seclude themselves from so free an offer and that the godly who have found the fruit of it may come and daily make use of it for it is à fountaine opened 4. As the greatest must be in Christs reverence for this benefit even these who have greatest gifts and are Rulers of others so the meanest in the Church however they be not equal to others in gifts yet have a like interest with them in this saving benefit for it is opened to the house of David or Rulers who attend in Christs Courts and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem or body of the Church 5. When the Lord poures out upon his people the Spirit of repentance and humiliation it is a forerunner of ample manifestations of the grace of God in opening up the treasures of the Gospel by the Ministery of the Word and in granting of pardon and growth in purity for when the land shall mourn Chap. 12.10 In that day there shall be a fountaine opened Vers 2. And it shall come to passe in that day saith the LORD of hosts that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land and they shall no more be remembred and also I will cause the Prophets and the unclean spirit to passe out of the land A second benefit promised is Reformation of the Church from all superstition idolatry and corruption in worship under the name of Idols and from false Doctrine in removing of false teachers and the unclean spirit that leads and acts them This is accomplished in every reformed Church by Doctrine and constitutions of Discipline according to the measure of their Reformation but will more especially appear in the Church of Israel when they are converted and restored The Doctrine and Discipline of that Church shall cast out all Hereticks Sectaries and Schismaticks out of the land Doct. 1. Gospel-Reformation consists not only in the internall purging away of sinne but in the outward Reformation of Doctrine also whereby Gods truth and Ordinances which he hath promised to be with and to blesse for conversion and renovation of souls are established and set up for here with the fountaine opened such a Reformation is promised 2. The Reformation of a Church is promoved and carried on especially when the Spirit of repentance for sinne and former deboardings from God is poured out upon a people for this Reformation goeth on in that day when they are mourning chap. 12. The neglect of this provokes God to reforme his Church rather by judgements then by such a merciful way 3. Every corruption in the worship of God is an idol in so farre as it is a device of mans own brain and the deviser imagineth to himselfe a God who will not approve of such worship which certainly is not the true God so it is here held out I will cut off Idols 4. Idolatry and superstition are so grievous in the eyes of a jealous God so scandalous blemishes in his bride and evils to which we have such an inclination by nature as the least mixture of these with his worship cannot but dishonour God and pollute the Church and the very memorial of them will be enough to draw us back to Apostasie therefore in a right Reformation The names of idols are to be cut off and to be no more remembred to wit in any religious state especially 5. Whatever false worship may seem to be or promise yet in effect it proves but matter of terrour and
true causes of Judahs captivity the ill use they made of deliverance which drew new plagues upon them out of Gods hand and their conceit of external performances when yet they neglected the weighty matters of the Law We will finde God so reproving them for sin as yet encouraging them to duty and richly comforting them when they are engaged in it we will see them declining after a reformation and this to be the cause of the many calamities that ensued We will also finde here many sweet Predictions concerning the Messiah in the accomplishment whereof the Gospel-Church ought to rejoyce and predictions concerning the various dispensations of God toward his ancient people the Jewes partly in their rejection and dispersion after the coming of the Messiah in the accomplishment whereof we should reade the severity of God and partly in their future conversion and recollection which we should be much in prayer to God for that he would hasten it These and many other precious truths are expressed in these Prophecies and briefly hinted at in the Exposition and Notes Which that they may prove useful to the Church of God and in parricular to your Lordship is the prayer of My Lord Your Lordships obliged Servant in the Gospel GEO. HUTCHESON TO THE Reader Christian Reader THy Acceptance of my former endeavours upon some of the Lesser Prophets hath encouraged me to go on in this work and to offer unto thee also this Exposition of these three Prophets who lived in the Church of the Jewes after their return from the captivity of Babylon My aime and desire herein hath been and is the promoving of thy spiritual good by holding forth as briefly as I could the sense and use of this part of Holy Writing And I desire that accordingly thy care may be to make right use of this as of other meanes which God in these times notwithstanding the thick clouds of errours and delusion that now abound offereth unto thee And that it may be so it is requisite that thy scope in reading be not to satisfie curiosity or to judge of mens abilities and parts in accomplishing what they undertake which is the most that many in this nauseating and wanton age propound to themselves in reading but that thou be one who indeed art making earnest in working out thy own salvation and of honouring God in thy station and generation In which case only the Scriptures will relish with thee as being driven thereunto for reproofe consolation and direction as thou needs them Nor is it to be expected that what is here gathered from the Scripture and presented to thy view will have due weight till first thou learne in thy heart to magnifie the truth and certainty of the written Word and see God who cannot lie speaking to thee in it and by it and then thou may discern much more in it and in every sentence of it then our weaknesse can dip into or comprehend and that thou art bound to deny thy self thy corrupt sense and reason and simply trust God speaking in it blessing him for so sure a ground whereupon thy soule may leane its weight I shall adde nothing concerning this peece in particular wherein are expounded many dark places by the obscurity whereof the Lord would exercise and humble us and the subject whereof is of use to the Church under variety of conditions and revolutions Only recommending it to thy favourable acceptance and thy self in making use of it to the Lords blessing who teacheth his people to profit I am Thine to serve thee in the Gospel GEO. HUTCHESON BOOKES Printed by RALPH SMITH Master Dicksons Exposition on the whole Book of the Psalmes in three Volumes Mr. Hutchesons Exposition on Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk and Zephaniah The Christians Charter shewing the Priviledge of Believers in this life and in the life to come by Mr. Watson Minister at Stephen Walbrook the third Edition much enlarged Also Mr. Watsons Art of Divine Contentment the second Edition A SERMON of Mr. Simeon Ash at the Funeral of Mr. Jeremiah Whitaker together with a Narrative of his pious life An Exposition on the whole Book of Ecclesiastes by that late learned and pious Divine Mr. John Cotton Pastor of Bostock in New-England A BRIEF EXPLICATION OF THE Prophecies OF Haggai Zechariah and Malachi Haggai THE ARGUMENT THis Prophet with the two that follow were sent of God unto the people of the Jewes after their return from the captivity in Babylon We reade not of any Prophets they had immediately after their returne but after that they had by reason of much opposition from without and their own weakness shamefully neglected the building of the Temple Ezra 4.23 24. The Lord who had inflicted several plagues on them for this did also stir up first this Prophet and shortly after Zechariah to rouze up the people and be helpful to them in building of the Temple Ezra 5.1 2. And then sent Malachi list of all to reprove and correct the abuses that fell out amongst them after the Temple was built Haggai being the first sent out is employed partly to reprove their following their own interests and neglecting of the work of God and to stir up that secure people to the work 〈◊〉 partly to encourage them to go on and to do it bonesily being set about it In which Zechariah chiefly joynes with him and enlarges that subject of their encouragement CHAP. I. IN this Chapter after the Inscription v. 1. we have 1. A Sermon reproving the peoples sinful negligence and stirring them up to build the Temple wherein he reproves their shifting to put hand to this work as if the time of doing it were not come whereas they were most active in their own private affaires v. 2 3 4. And exhorts them seriously to consider their condition and for what God had so smitten them v. 5 6. and so to consider as to be stirred up to set to the work of the Temple in which God would shew himself gracious v 7 8. and the neglect whereof had been the cause of so many plagues v. 9 10 11. 2. We have the successe of this doctrine all of them fearing God who spake by his Word set to the work v. 12. and being encouraged by the Prophet in so doing v. 13. they are so active as in short time they have materials ready wherewith they begin the work v. 14 15. Vers 1. IN the second yeare of Darius the King in the sixth moneth in the first day of the moneth came the Word by the LORD by Haggai the Prophet unto Zerubbabel the sonne of Shealtiel Governour of Judah and to Joshua the sonne of Josedoch the High Priest saying In the Inscription we have not only the Author and Penman of this Prophecie but the time of iâ— reckoned from the yeare of the Persiâ—n Kings reign under whose power now they were and the moneth designed which was the time of their hervest the Feast of Tabernacles being the
To exhort them who were employed in so holy a work to consider their former sin in neglecting of it and to do it purely lest they polluted it as to themselves which is propounded in two cases v. 10 11 12 13. and applied v. 14. â— 2. To encourage them yet to do the work in expectation of a blessing and of Gods change of his outward dealing which heretofore had been â—â—d v. 15 16 17. but from that day should be better v. 18 19. The third Sermon is directed to Zerubbabel as the type promising stability to that people in the midst of all commotions and to Christ as the Anti-type holding out the stability and enlargement of his Kingdome v. 20 21 22 23. Vers 1. IN the seventh moneth in the one and twentieth day of the moneth came the Word of the LORD by the Prophet Haggai saying 2. Speak now to Zerubbabel the sonne of Shealtiel governour of Judah and to Joshua the sonne of Josedech the High-Priest and to the residue of the people saying 3. Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory and how do you see it now Is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing These verses hold forth the time of this Sermon the persons to whom it was directed and the occasion of it which was their discouragement considering the meannesse of this Temple being compared with Solomons which now appeares to them by the materials they had provided and by their taking the rubbish off the old fouudation which had been laid in Cyrus time Ezra 3.12 for as yet they had built none themselves v. 10 15. and so they were discouraged consideriog that Ezekiel prophesied of other things Here two things would be cleared 1. How it can be supposed that any then alive should have seen the first Temple for many yeares before this they are called ancient men who remembred it Ezra 3.12 Answ This place speaks only by way of supposition if there were any such and to such as kept on foot that complaint which they had heard from others at the first laying of the foundation Ezra 3. 2. It would be cleared upon what ground the second Temple is thus exâ—enâ—â—â—â— for Cyrus his decree Ezra 6.3 compared with Solomons fabrick 1 Kings 6.2 seems to make it larger Answ 1. We are to suppose that Solomous building was measured by sacred cubits called the first measure 2 Chro. 3.3 and that Cyrus decree mentions common cubits which were by one half lesse and so the difficultie is in part removed 2. We are not to conceive that Cyrus allowed to double the height of the Temple but that the porch which was before one hundred and twenty 2 Chron. 3.4 was to be now sixty cubits and that the sixty cubits in breadth comprehended also the length of it which therefore seemeth to be omitted in that decree because these cubits expressed both these dimensions 3. There were many other things which might make this Temple as nothing in their eyes as the losse of many things which had been in the first Temple and their base materials having but rolling stones Ezra 5.8 and 6.4 in stead of polished stones 1 King 5.18 and 6 7. and wanting gold such as David and Solomon had prepared to adorn it withal which is a part of their trouble removed by God v. 8. Doct. 1. As they who are about the Lords work will need to be frequently encouraged so when the Lord hath engaged a people in a work he will not faile to obviate all their tentations by comfortable messages therefore shortly after they had begun even in the seventh moneth c. came the Word of the Lord c. 2. As all are bound to submit to the Word so the Lord hath an especial eye upon the difficulties of every one employed in his work to encourage them therefore are all ranks even to the meanest spoken to again v. 2. that they may be strong 3. As a people sleighting the Lords work are justly contemptible in his sight so when they fall to duty they become precious in his sight and he is tender of their afflictions for now they are not this people as chap. 1 2. but the residue of the people 4. Satan is so violent and so active an enemie to a work of Reformation and our hearts so unfit for going about it that when other impediments faile he will fetch discouragements from mens own carnal mindes and the work it self as nothing answerable to their expectation and so be in peril to make it be laid aside when none other would hinder it for this is a new impediment laid in the way that the house was nothing like the former 5. Our judging of Gods work by outward appearances and looking upon it with a carnal eye is a great enemie to reformation while we consider not that the more spiritual glory Christ is about to manifest in his Church the lesse visible glory will he let appear because it would take out heart off the other this was their tentation Is it not in our eyes in comparison of it as nothing as judging of prophecies according to sense whereas Christ by taking away of some of the outward glory was making way for the greater spiritual glory of the Temple Vers 4. Yet now be strong O Zerubbabel saith the LORD and be strong O Joshua sonne of Josedech the High Priest and be strong all ye people of the land saith the LORD and work for I am with you saith the LORD of hostes Notwithstanding any alleadged cause of fainting the Lord exhorts all of them to be encouraged and go on with the work and gives the first ground of encouragement from his presence with them Doct. 1. Discouragement in any of the Lords people is a disposition ill pleasing to him and which they should oppose in themselves whatever reason say to the contrary and when their tentations are at the height therefore in opposition unto and in the midst of all their fainting thoughts Yet now be strong O Zerubbabel c. saith the Lord. 2. Whatever debates and fainting thoughts of heart the Lords people may meet and be exercised with yet they would guard against slackening of diligence and weakening of hands from duty by them which will be the result of entertained discouragement whatever present exercise it may seem to put men to therefore saith the Lord be strong and work 3. The Lords work is so honourable an employment for any to be put to and his presence and approbation so sweet a cordial that it will be found a great wrong for such as are so employed and rewarded not to be encouraged Be strong saith the Lord and work for I am with you saith the Lord of hostes Vers 5. According to the Word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt so my Spirit remaineth among you Fear ye not The exhortation is yet pressed and this first ground of encouragement confirmed The Covenant
as the Prophets were This Kingly state of 〈◊〉 Christ further described from his Attendants for under the type of red horses speckled and white behinde him is represented his having Angels for Ministers and all creatures ready for every dispensation whether sad represented by red or comfortable represented by white or mixed of mercy and judgement represented by speckled horses v. 8. Doct. 1. It concernes these who are invited to repentance by the Lord to be real in hearkening to that invitation and real in that duty therefore after the former Sermon there is no further message for three moneths at least till it were seen what fruit that Sermon had and how real they were in any thing they professed the former was in the eighth moneth and this upon the foure and twentieth day of the eleventh moneth 2. The Lord doth teach his Church and they are to receive instruction not only by his Word but by signes appointed by him joyned therewith whereby also the Church is informed that the reality of what God saith is such as if the thing said were exhibited for this whole vision as well as the doctrinal part of it is called the Word of the Lord unto Zechariah saying intimating that these types were appointed to reach and that Gods words are not empty words but real things exhibiting to view promised mercies 3. Things spiritual cannot be seen of us while we are within time but darkly and as through a glasse so much doth this way of representing things spiritual by things bodily teach us 4. As the eternal Son of God had his delights among the children of men before the earth was made so from age to age before his Incarnation he gave proof unto his Church what pleasure he had in her and to become a man and be found in the forme of a servant for her sake as appears from this that he who is the Angel of the Lord and Intercessor for his Church v. 12. who hath Angels attending him and at his command v. 8 11. yea who is Jehovah v. 20. and therefore is no other then the Son of God appears here for his Church and that as a man appearing in bodily shape and as it were essaying before-hand how it would fit him to be bone of our bone indeed 5. Christs residence and abode in an especial way is in his Church and as her low condition will not banish him or make him seek another lodging so his presence is matter of her comfort how little soever it seem to promise so much may be gathered from his being among the myrtle trees in the bottome pointing out his Church in a low condition and this as a matter comfortable though his presence and way seem as little conspicuous as a man under a dark shade 6. Though Christs presence in his Church be oft-times wanting to sense and little discerned by most nor feared by enemies yet they who have open eyes may see him in the Church in the darkest houre this is held out to us in that the Prophet even by night saw a man among the myrtle trees neither the night taking it figuratively for their dark condition nor the dark shadow could hide him from the men illuminate by God 7. Christ in his Church is not asleep in her danger but ready and watching a fit opportunity to let forth that zeale and vengeance wherewith he is cloathed against her enemies therefore is he riding and that on a red horse signifying vengeance and severity and he stood among he myrtle-trees as watching his opportunity to prove that it was so 8. Christ the King Head and Protector of his Church hath all power in heaven and earth given to him for her behoof he hath Angels and all creatures at his call to execute his will and dispensation of all sorts at his command to let forth as her condition or the temper of her enemies requireth for behinde him were there red horses speckled and white Vers 9. Then said I O my Lord what are these And the Angel that talked with me said unto me I will shew thee what these be 10. And the man that stood among the myrtle-trees answered and said These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walke to and fro through the earth 11. And they answered the Angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle-trees and said We have walked to and fro◠brough the earth and behold all the earth sitteth still and is at rest So much of this vision is expounded as was at that time for the Churches behoof and is given by Christ under the representation of an Angel talking with the Prophet who is the same with the man among the myrtle trees as appears v. 10. and it is he who intercedes for the Church v. 12 13. and gives the Prophet a Commission v. 14. which is only Christs Prerogative And so he represents Christ in his Prophetick office who before appeared as Head of the Church on horseback he being enquired at by the Prophet undertakes to informe him v. 9. and accordingly teaches him concerning his Omniscience and Sovereign Providence in the world that he exactly considers the condition of all countreys and men and how all the world about are at ease except the Church all which is represented by the type of Angels sent forth to view the world as great Kings do their Intelligencers and Agents v. 10. and by their returning an account of their diligence concerning the worlds quiet condition v 11. Doct. 1. As Christ is appointed King and Head so also to be the great Prophet and Teacher of his Church and people who hath revealed the Father and his counsel concerning mans salvation and who must be the teacher of all those who would instruct his people to any purpose for the man among the myrtle-trees is also the Angel that talked with the Prophet 2. As the Lord exalts none to much communion with himself but they need somewhat to abase them and keep them in minde of their owne wants so in a special manner as men grow in a right way of knowledge they will also grow in the humbling sense of their own ignorance therefore the Prophet being exalted to see visions findes his own Ignorance and is put to propound questions O my Lord what are these 3. As Christ hath all treasures of wisdom and knowledge to solve every difficulty so he is willing to clear every dark case to his people who humbly imploy him in so far as is needful and for their good for his answer to the Prophets question is I will shew thee what these be 4 Angels are at Christs command to come and go at his pleasure and he is their Head to whom they are subject and accountable and their promptitude and obedience unto him is such as may be a pattern to all his servants This is implied in his sending them to walk to and fro through the earth and that they answered the Angel of the Lord we
have walked to and fro through the earth 5. Christ hath persect notice of all the affaires and conditions and wayes of the children of men for the good of his Church this is represented by his Angels going forth to spie all things and by their bringing him an account for information not that he needs these helps who knowes all things immediately by himself but he expresseth it thus partly to set out his glory to our capacity that he is a Royal King with a great traine and many intelligencers and agents abroad and partly to condescend to the weaknesse of our faith which would see meanes for effectuating that which he hath alsufficiency in himself to do 6. It pleaseth the Lord for the triall and exercise of his Churches faith and patience and for making way to his bowels of sympathy to afflict his people when other people are at ease and to leave them furthest behinde to sense in outward things who have best right to be well beyond others for the whole earth sitteth still and is at rest while Judah is vexed 7. As Christ perfectly knowes the condition of the world and of his people so his infinite wisdome is the only fit carver of all remedies and improver of cases to his Churches advantage this is insinuate in that they make their report simply without prescription of a remedy but leave that to him Vers 12. Then the Angel of the LORD answered and said O LORD of hostes how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years 13. And the LORD answered the Angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words As hitherto Christ hath been represented in his Kingly and Prophetical Office in this vision so here he is represented in his Priestly Office upon this information interceding for his afflicted Church as if he were afflicted with her and passionately expostulating that though the seventy years of their captivity were long since expired yet the Lord who easily could do it had not put an end to that â—ad dispensation and let forth some effects of his mercy toward her when all others were at ease To which a good answer is returned Doct. 1. Albeit Christ do not alwayes appear in glorious acts of power for his people in trouble to prove his remembering of them yet it is a ground of comfort and token of good to know that the Church and her afflictions have a room in Christs heart and are matter of his intercession to the Father therefore the scope of this vision is to assure them of Christs intercession for them as the ground of many promises to be performed in due time 2. Christ by vertue of the Covenant of Redemption past betwixt the Father and him and the Covenant of grace made with sinners in him did exercise his Office of Mediator and Intercessor for his people making the price to be paid forth-coming in all ages even before his incarnation for here at this time he is interceding for the Church of the Jewes 3. Christ the Intercessor is engaged to see the Churches good and hath perfect knowledge of her affaires and what her case requires which puts him to appear for her in every necessity and that very affectionatly as if himselfe were concerned and engaged in her trouble all this is here said of this Intercessor for he looks on her as his charge for which he must make account as being the Angel or Messenger of the Lord for that end his information received in the former verse shewes that he is neither ignorant nor carelesse of her case his interceding upon that information unrequired and answering it as calling him to do his duty shewes how mercifull and faithfull and High Priest he is and his pleading how long c doth not import any distrust in him or quarrelling of his Father but his deep resentment of his Churches calamitie and his cordiall affection to her and her welfare 4. These for whom Christ intercedes are not the perishing world but his own in the world and his visible Church for their sake that she may be so dealt with as may most conduce for their bringing in and training up for heaven for here he prayes for Jerusalem and the cities of Judah as representing the visible Gospel-Church and as being the visible Church wherein the elect were brought forth to God 5. Christ in his intercession will not quit any of his or his peoples rights but will plead them to the full and keep up his whole claime however matters seem to go for however they were now scarce one City yet he pleads for Jerusalem and the cities of Judah for all the people and is accordingly answered v. 16 17. for things are never desperate which are within his claime 6. Albeit Christ doth intercede for his own that are not within the fold that they may be brought in yet then have we clear ground to make use of and apply the benefit of Christs intercession to our comfort when we are engaged in the way of our duty for no mention is made of them who returned not from captivity but only of Jerusalem and the cities of Judah 7. Christs way of intercession teacheth his people to come through him to God in faith as to one compleatly able to help them in all extremities for he prayes to him as Lord of hostes who could remove all impediments out of the way of his peoples happinesse 8. Such are fit for receiving the comfortable fruits of Christs intercession as are humble and made to stoop and expect them from free mercy for Christ intercedes on no other termes but that he will have mercy which is extended to the miserable and such as are sensible of their being such 9. Tender mercy and bowels of compassion in God is the carver out of what shall be the lot of his humble people for Christ comprehends all they are to receive in its fountaine which is mercy 10. Such as Christ the Mediator taketh charge of he will not have them behinde with any for happinesse for so much doth his complaining that mercy was not shewed to the Church while as others were at ease teach us 11. Christ doth tenderly weigh the measure and continuance of the Churches trouble so doth he here Against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten yeares 12. Albeit the Lord for a time let out displeasure against his Church for sinne yet his ordinary way of dispensation in the world and his peculiar favour to his Church will allow her to expect a vicissitude and change of her hard condition into a better after his prefixed time for triall is over for after the seventy years captivity Christ pleads that indignation should resolve in mercy 13. The sad effects of a captivity may last long time after the captivity is over that so the fruites of sinne may be well studied that a people so
that day saith the LORD of hostes shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig-tree A second benefit flowing from the former is the taking away of all trouble and the fear of trouble which sinne procures and the giving of peace represented by peoples walking abroad and daring in the open fields under shades to invite and call one another to feasts and enjoyment of the fruits of peace which promise is spiritually performed to all the elect when they are assured that God is at peace with them and is sometimes outwardly performed to the Church when it is for her good beside what Israel may expect when they shall turne to Christ Doct. 1. True and sound peace comes only from Christ and from the sense of the pardon of sinne through his blood which these who have fled to Christ ought to take as their allowance to rest confidently upon whatever danger there be and feed upon as the choicest of dainties and feasts for when iniquity is removed In that day saith the Lord of hostes shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig-tree 2. As outward peace and tranquillity in the visible Church and Nation where it is is a great mercy if it be well improven so it shall not be wanting when it is for her good for this promise is put in her charter for that also and left in the hand of her wise and tender guide to dispense it as he sees may be for her profit being the Lord of hostes to make it forth-coming for her when he pleaseth 3. As it is a token of a blessed and through peace when with outward and forreigne enemies God removes intestine dissensions and as amity among the inhabitants of a Nation especially in the Church is a blessing and favour in its own kinde So true spiritual peace ought to be entertained and improven by mutual godly Society and communication of conditions and experiences for common edification This is signified unto us in that peace whether inward or outward is described by calling every man his neighbour living in amity and inviting to mutual feasts and banquets CHAP. IIII. THis Chapter contains a fifth vision directed chiefly to Zerubbabel as the former was to Joshuah wherein under the type of a golden candlestick and two Olive-trees represented to the Prophet which he is stirred up to consider v. 1 2 3. and which the Prophet sensible of his ignorance desires to understand v. 4.5 Zerubbabel is instructed concerning Gods way in carrying on and perfecting the work of the Temple v. 6. and assured of the success of it notwithstanding all opposition to the shaming of all their heartlesse discouragement v. 7.8 9 10. The scope of which vision being thus explained the Prophet desires to understand the meaning of the two Olive-trees and gets an answer v. 11.12 13 14. Vers 1. ANd the Angel that talked with me came againe and waked me as a man that is wakened out of his sleep 2. And said unto me What seest thou and I said I have looked and behold a candlestick all of gold with a bowle upon the top of it and his seven lamps thereon and seven pipes to the seven lampes which were upon the top thereof 3. And two olive-trees by it one upon the right side of the bowle and the other upon the left side thereof A new vision is here ready but the Prophet wearied and astonished with former visions and promises is not able seriously to maâ—k and consider this till he be rouzed up by Christ and then he gives an account of his seeing a golden candlestick with a bowle on the top of it which by two golden pipes as is added v. 12. doth receive â—ile from two Olive-trees without any humane industry whence it is communicate to seven lamps by as many pipes to keep them perpetually burning In all which allusion is made to the candlestick in the Tabernacle and Temple something being added to sit the vision to the present scope Doct. 1. The consolations and encouragements of a people following God are so far from being rash imaginations of mens brain who are imployed in Commission that Christ hath more to communicate then they are able to comprehend for this end is it marked that the Prophet behoved to be â—â—uzed up by the Angel and put upon the considering this vision that he may carry it to the Church 2. As bur weaknesse is such while we are environed with mortality that we cannot long bear up in spiritual duties So great promises in hard times and when there are small deservings will rather overcharge our narrow hearts with astonishment then be entertained and rested on by faith for here the Prophet is as one asleep with wearinesse and astonishment 3. There is need of much upstirring from our natural lazinesse and ordinary indisposition when we are imployed in holy duties if we would reap benefit by them and see into the riches of advantage to be had in them for the Angel waled me us out of a sleep saith the Prophet 4. Loving kindnesse in Christ will both prevent his people with mercy and come over all impediments which they lay in the way of their own comfort for the Angels hath visions ready when the Prophet dreamed not of them and wakens him to see them that he may communicate them to the Church 5. Albeit only the scope of this vision be explained in the Angels answer to the first question and the Prophet in his second question doth only enquire concerning what was rare in the vision the parts of the candlestick being already known to such as understood the meaning of these types in the Temple yet we may for our instruction take up the summe of this vision as expounding the typicall candlestick in this that nothing can be done in the Church without Gods preparing of instruments for directing adifying and comforting of her and without his giving the graces of his Spirit to every one to carry on the work in his station And so 1. The Temple here represents the Church to be enlightened by Christ she being in her selfe but dark and void of light and comfort till he come and appear in her and for her and make her light 2. The Ministery appointed of Christ for the direction edification and comfort of the Church are here though elsewhere and in some respect it represent the Church it selfe Rev. 1.20 represented by the candlestick who should be pure that they may be precious in his sight as gold and who ought to shine by purity and holinesse of life and be instrumental in making the Church a shining light in a dark world 3. The bowle upon the top of the candlestick which immediately receives the oile doth fitly represent Christ as Mediator the head and store-house of his Church to whom is intrusted all fulnesse of gists and graces for the Churches behoof 4. The variety and sufficiency of gists communicate by