between Christ and the Church as the Foundation is Holy Divine and Spiritual excellent in Nature and Form so is the House or Temple of God XI The Lord Jesus Christ doth not only bear the weight of the whole Church but also all that appertain to it all the Pillars Braces under-props and supports viz. the Prophets Apostles Ministers c. that are called Pillars in the House of God He bears up the Covenant the Covenant stands firm in him I have saith God made a Covenant with my Chosen He is the Mediator and Surety of it all the Precepts of God are built upon him He is the Foundation of every Ordinance Appointment and Institution of the Gospel What ever any Man preaches or practises for Doctrine or Discipline that hath not its Rise Ground and footing from Christ the Foundation it ought to be cast away and utterly rejected and abominated as altogether unfit for Gods Building All the Promises are built upon him To Abraham and his Seed were the Promises made not to Seeds as if many but to thy Seed which is Christ all the Promises are in him yea and in him Amen c. Union and Reconciliation with God are founded on Christ 't is he who hath made Peace by the Blood of the Cross. When we were Enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son Justification Sanctification Righteousness and Redemption Vocation all are built upon him they all have their Rise and Foundation from Christ. Moreover Pardon of Sin and Peace of Conscience are from him Woman thy Sins are forgiven thee go in Peace My Peace I give unto you All Duties of Religion are built upon Christ it is he that hath commanded every thing that is to be done by us whether it respects the first or second Table all is to be done in Christ's Name by his Authority and in his Strength and by the help of his Spirit and to his Praise and Glory Faith Love Hope yea every Grace and all Gifts of the Holy Ghost which adorn the Soul and House of God are from Christ they are purchased by him and do flow from him to us by the Spirit Again the Ministry is from him he is the great Subject of Gospel-Ministration We preach Christ crucified c. The Efficacy of all is from him he gives the Encrease Lastly Eternal Life is built upon him This is the Record that God hath given to us Eternal Life and this Life is in his Son He that hath the Son hath Life and he that hath not the Son hath not Life 1 Joh. 5.11 12. METAPHOR I. OTher Foundations are laid with many Stones joyned and cemented together II. Other Foundations are laid of sensless breathless Stone or Brick things that are natural things that are terrestrial congealed into a massy lump or artificially made and prepared III. Other Foundations many times decay and by that means the whole Building is in danger and tumbles down IV. Other Foundations are laid by some Man for as Man builds the House so he it is that first lays the Foundation thereof V. Other Foundations are laid of Stones of little Value and Worth comparatively the Foundation of a House is not laid with precious Stones as Jasper Saphyr Beril Jacinth Amythist Diamond c. VI. A Foundation is often removed fault being found with it and another laid in the room of it a Man may remove a Foundation which he hath laid at his pleasure or may lay more Foundations than one VII Other Foundations may be shaken an Earthquake may remove them out of their place VIII Other Foundation cannot preserve the House that is built upon it that may be totally demolished and destroyed and yet the Foundation may remain Disparity I. THis Foundation is but one whole entire Stone which adds to the Strength and Firmness of it Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone not Stones nothing besides Christ nothing of our own must be built upon as a Foundation for Salvation II. Christ is a living lively and active Spirit hence called a living Stone disallowed indeed of Men he created the Stones and Dust of the Earth as God he hath his Being of himself and from everlasting not made nor created III. Christ being a living Stone in whom is Spirit and Life doth not cannot decay and by this means the Church of God and every particular Soul that is built upon him stands sure he transforms the Building into his own nature and so keeps and preserves it from Rottenness and all manner of Decays whatsoever Living things do not rot nor putrifie as other things do And as the Body by Joynts and Bands from the Head hath Nourishment ministred and knit together groweth and encreaseth in Strength and Beauty so is it with the glorious Body the Church and Soul of a true Believer that is joyned to Christ this blessed Head and living Foundation Because I live ye shall live also IV. Christ is laid as a Foundation for us and in our Souls by the Father 't is God's Act and not our own Behold I lay in Zion c. Who can lay Christ for a Foundation but God He was first laid by God in his Decree and then he laid him by the Prophets and Apostles And lastly by the Spirit also is he laid in the Hearts of Believers Christ is infinite How can a finite Hand or Power move an infinite Being or Thing God first removes or razes by his Spirit all other Foundations he takes of Man's hopes off Heaven by his own Works Legal Conviction Tears Humiliations Vows Covenants Resolutions c. and in the place and room of all lays Christ crucified as the ground of Hope and Happiness Hence is all Boasting excluded and Salvation wholly of Grace See Mr. Tillinghust Christ the only Foundation V. Christ the Spiritual Foundation is a precious Stone to whom coming as to a living Stone disallowed indeed of Men but chosen of God and precious Christ is not a common Stone but a choice rich Stone a Stone of inestimable Value and Price Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone elect and precious This sets forth the Excellency of a Foundation and not only so but it adds a Lustre and Glory to the House which is built upon it The Foundation of New Jerusalem is said to be laid with all manner of precious Stones and then you read of the Excellency of the Superstructure the Building of the Wall was Jasper and the City was of pure Gold O how glorious must that City needs be that hath such a Foundation as Christ is and not only so but how durable also are some precious Stone The Diamond is the hardest Stone it cuts Glass there is nothing as Naturalists say can break it Jesus Christ makes Impression on the hard hearts of Men by his Graces O then how safe must it of necessity be for us to
not in his Love and Affection that they are chastised and so often under this and the other exercise of Affliction and this the Spirit labours either by his Word or Ministers and other ways to convince them of 4. By shewing from the Word that the like Afflictions if not greater many of God's Children have met with before them or are now under knowing that the same Afflictions are accomplished in your Brethren that are in the World what are thy Sorrows saith the Spirit to those that holy Job and many of the Blessed Martyrs met with 5. By shewing them the Design and gracious End of God in all his Dispensations and Afflictions he doth it not simply for his own Pleasure as an Act of Soveraignty But for our Profit that we might be partakers of his Holiness This is the fruit of all the taking away of your Sins 't is for the trial of your Graces saith the Spirit When he hath tried me I shall come forth as Gold 'T is to convince the Devil and wicked Men that you are sincere and upright Ones and do not follow Christ for Loaves Doth Job saith Satan fear God for nought But put forth thine hand now and touch all that he hath and he will curse thee to thy Face God saith the Spirit hath brought this and the other Trouble upon thee to clear thy Innocency and to shew that Satan is a Liar 6. By shewing them that all their Afflictions are but short lived that they will soon be over they will last but for a Moment 7. That they will add to their Advantage here and hereafter Our light Affliction which is but for a Moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory 'T is saith the Spirit to shew forth the excellent nature of true Grace Faith Love and Patience never shine forth in their proper Lustre and Glory until they come under exercise The trial of your Faith is much more precious than Gold that perisheth tho it be tried with Fire And it will hereby be found unto Praise Honour and Glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 8. 〈◊〉 â—â—irit comforteth Believers by shewing them that all their Sorrows will in a little 〈◊〉 be turned into Gladness Now ye are sorrowful but I will see you again and your Hearâ—â— shall rejoyee and your Joy no Man taketh away from you Ye shall be sorrowful but you 〈…〉 shall be turned into Joy Those that go forth weeping bearing precious Seed shall doubtless come again rejoycing bringing their Sheaves with them God will give unto them saith the Spirit that mourn in Zion Beauty for Ashes the Oil of Joy for Mourning the Garments of Praise for the Spirit of Heavinesâ—â— that they may be called Trees of Righteousness the planting of the Lord that he maâ—◠〈◊〉 glorified 9. The Spirit comforteth by shewing Believers that all their Sorrows 〈…〉 in this World the wicked have all their sweet things here and the godly have their bitter things here but as the wicked shall have nothing but bitter hereafter so the godly shall have nothing but sweet hereafter Son remember that thou in thy life time receivedst thy good things and likewise Lazarus evil things but now he is comforted and thou art tormented 10. The Spirit comforteth by convincing Believers that God doth not punish them as their Sins do deserve He hath visited thee little or nothing saith Elibu so the Word will bear it The least Mercy is more than we deserve He hath not dealt with us after our Sins nor rewarded us according â—â—o our Iniquitieâ—â— VIII The holy Spirit sympathizes with every gracious Soul in their Distresses and Troubles according as God in his Word speakes to our Capacities In all their Afflictions he was afflicted his Soul was grieved for Israel And in that of the eighth Chapter to the Romans the Spirit particularly is said to sigh and groan after such a sort that cannot be uttered and hence the Apostle exhorts the Saints not to grieve the holy Spirit of God whereby they are sealed to the day of Redemption IX Likewise the holy Spirit also helps our Infirmities for we know not what to pray for as we ought But the Spirit it self maketh Intercession for us with Groans which cannot be uttered And he that searcheth the Hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh Intercession for the Saints according to the Will of God Rom. 8.26 27. Hence the word Advocate or Comforter X. The holy Spirit searches the Heart and Reins of every Soul he comes to comfort to discover the State and Condition of a Person to him David crys out Search me O God and know my Heart c. I the Lord search the Heart c. He that searches the Heart c. The Spirit searches all things c. XI So the holy Spirit is sometimes slighted and grieved through the Power of Temptation by a Believer and his sweet and heavenly Advice is not minded nor followed as it ought to be but all Comfort is rejected for a time but afterwards tho sometimes long first the Soul with Joy takes hold of it XII The Holy Spirit keeps the Heart of a Believer from utter Despondency and greatly revives and consolates him hence the Apostle saith God hath given us everlasting Consolation and good hope through Grace we are troubled on every side but not in Distress we are perplexed but not in despair I have seen his ways and will heal him also and restore Comforts to him c. XIII The holy Spirit knows there is an absolute necessity for him not only to give the Saints a Visit and immediately be gone but also to abide with them always for they cannot be without his glorious Presence one Moment It 's true sometimes they may be without his eminent comforting Presence which causes the Church to cry the Comforter that should relieve my Soul is far from me yet his supporting Presence is ever with them I will pray the Father and he shall send you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the Spirit of Truth c. and he is said to dwell in us and to make his Abode with us But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the Dead dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the Dead shall also quicken your mortal Bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you XIV The Holy Spirit is exceedingly prized and much beloved by every godly Man but more especially when they find by Experience the great Worth of him and the great Good and Profit they receive by his means XV. The Holy Spirit deals faithfully with every Man he will not speak Peace to any Person but to those to whom it doth belong nor at a time when the Soul is fallen into any Sin or under some great Temptation to sin but will at such times rather rebuke and
ΤΡΟΠΟΛΟΓΙΑ OR A KEY TO Open SCRIPTURE METAPHORS The First BOOK Containing Sacred Philology or the Tropes in Scripture Reduc'd under their proper Heads with a brief Explication of each partly Translated and partly Compil'd from the Works of the Learned By T. D. The Second and Third BOOKS Containing a Practical Improvement Parallel-wise of several of the most Frequent and Useful Metaphors Allegories and express Similitudes of the Old and New Testament By B. K. Heb. 13.5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pecuniae non appetens mos Contenti praesentibus Budaeus ex Citat Cl. Rivet Existimo Tropos Oratorios multo sublimiores efficacioresque in Sacra lectione inveniri quam in priscorum Graecorum Latinorum Monumentis posseque oratoriam phrasin fieri ea lectione multo locupletiorem LONDON Printed by John Richardson and John Darby for Enoch Prosser at the Rose and Crown in Swithins Alley at the East-End of the Royal Exchange in Cornhill MDCLXXXI TO THE READER THE Divine Wisdom Treasur'd in the Holy Scripture although unadorn'd with the plausible paint of Humane Eloquence nor with that Rapidity and Lightness which Junius and Tremellius well say the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies Jer. 23.32 Yet it wants not a Grave Genuine and Majestical dignity of Elocution suitable to those Sacred Mysteries it twofolds The best witness of which is the Tast and Experience of that sweetness which many have found in it The mode of speech in Scripture is plain and savours of to humane blandishment or artificial Beauty Yet it is most August and Efficacious to pierce the minds of Men as 1 Cor. 2.1 4. Where the Apostle disclaims any Rhetorical flourishes or perswasive Oratory but professes that his speech and Preaching was not with the enticing or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 perswasive words of Mans Wisdom but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Demonstration and Power of the Spirit that is in words truly Spiritual which could powerfully and effectually move their Hearts Where this Eminent Servant of God disowns his Humane Eloquence but not that Divine Elocution in which he excells and checks those plausible affectations and artifice of words which the Orators of his time made use of who fed their Auditors with the vain glory of words in the Contemplation and delight of which they went away without any other improvement than what bare Rhetorick could afford I may not unfitly allude to a passage in Plutarch where it is said that Lacon hearing a Nightingale Sing and by the briskness of its warbling and delicate Notes and by the clearness and quavering cadency of its Voice judged it a good prey but when he saw it and found it to be of so small a size for 't is not much bigger than a Sparrow he disdainfully left it and said vox es praeterea nihil thou art a voice and nothing else So whoseever deceives people with those fancy-taking modulations of empty Rhetorick in the Ministry or Sacred work of Preaching will in the end become despised and will not only be forsaken of their Judicious Auditors but will also by the great Pay-master be called unprofitable Servants Beyond all Writings in the World the Style of Scripture is singular and has peculiar proprieties not elsewhere found there simplicity is joyned with Majesty commanding the veneration of all serious men more than the Elaborate flourishes and long winded periods of Tully Augustine says that the Scripture seem'd rude and unpolished to him in comparison of Cicero's adorn'd stile because he did not then understand its interiora or inward beauty but when he was Converted to Christianity declares lib. 4. de Doctrin Christ. c. 6. That when he understood them no Writing appear'd more Wise and Eloquent Greg. Nazianzen a man of a prodigious Wit great Learning and Eloquence and an excellent Poet when he came over to the Study of this sacred Philosophy vilifies all other ornaments of Literature amongst the Greek Philosophers as infinitely below those Divine Oracles Illyricus says that although we find not in the Sacred Scriptures that idle or delicate itch of Words that external sweetness or allurement that numerosity of sounds or those pleasing trifles which the vain-glorious Orators of Greece and Rome beautified their so much celebrated harangues with yet we find there a Grave and Masculine Eloquence exceeding all others By the very precepts of Rhetorick what may be ones mans Eloquence may be anothers Folly because the stile must be found according to the various circumstances of Persons and Things The Lawyer pleads Eloquently and strives to move the Affections of others The Judge pronounces the sentence Gravely A King commands or forbids Plainly But if the King perswades or the Judge contends they throw off the person of a King or Judge and assume the person of a Subject and Pleader What then is the Law of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords Do we think our God will use Inductions as Plato Syllogisms as Aristotle Elenchs as the Carmeades Epiphonema's as Cicero Subtilties as Seneca or words far fetcht joyned together with an artificial Sintax 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 the Word and Law of the great God is 't is so much the more becoming the Divine Author and Lawgiver and more profitable for mankind because so 't is more easily understood being like dayly food accommodated to every Palat But what if in that humility of stile in Scripture there be more height and loftiness and more profoundness in its Simplicity more beauty in its nakedness and more vigor and acuteness in its seeming rudeness then in those other things we so praise and admire c. This Holy Book is of most powerful efficacy to instruct the humble and confound the proud In History the main thing praise worthy is Truth which is here set forth indubitably True Beauty abhors and indeed needs not the bedawbings of a pencil for the more naked it is 't is so much the more attractive and as Jewellers say The richer the Gem is the less it needs the assistance of Gold or Art to set it off c. If a proper and comely man walks upon Stilts to appear Taller it adds nothing to his beauty but diminishes the decorum of his natural proportion Yet nevertheless there is in Scripture a peculiar and admirable Elegance so that I may boldly say that Cicero's smooth and elaborate blandishments are but exercises of Puerility in comparison of the grave lively and venerable Majesty of the Prophet Esaias stile as the very Exordium of his Book shews Esa. 1.2 c. which is full of Ingenity and Eloquence Humility and Grandiloquence Reason and Affection And it may be safely asserted that considering the Method and Stile that was thought most convenient by the Sovereign Dictator of this blessed Writing the Argument of which it treats
13 44 10 7 161 11 15 10 James 1 17 82 1 Peter 1 9 24  20 70 1 John 3 1 7  20 81 Revelations 1 4 8 70  10 2 3 5 5 77 11 4 139 21 22 88 22 16 86 ERRATA SVch Escapes of the Press as injure not the sence as Mis-Pointings and litteral Errors are left to the Readers Candor to Correct or Pardon some few of such as misrepresent it he is desired to mend thus In the Epistle page 2. line 11. for found read framed l. 19. r. Carneades p. 3. l. 32. r. whole man p. 5. l. 1. for any asserting r. an assertion p. 6. l. 10. for Received r. Believed First Book p. 35. l. 48. r. Michal p. 54. l. 48 49. for grief Orphans r. grief breaks out p. 92. l. 5. dele for things l. 8. r. yours l. 20. r. Tract 2. l. 47. r. rather then p. 94. l. 46. for seems r. serves l. 49. for alive r. a line p. 99. l. 36. for look r. took p. 100. l. 9. dele in p. 135. l. 15. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 182 l. 30. dele says Book 2. p. 107. l. 9. for E. D. r. T. D. The rest are obvious to common capacity Poems on the Bridegroom p. 107. On the Rose of Sharon 202. On the Vine p. 226. of the Second Book by T. D. On the Light p. 16. by B. K. On the Plough p. 66. Of the Third Book by Mr. Flavel Philologia Sacra OR The TROPES and FIGURES in SCRIPTURE Reduced under their proper Heads and Classes with a Brief Explication of each c. SCripture Rhetorick or Sacred Elocution may be reduced to two principal Heads or Chapters 1. The first of Tropes 2. The Second of Figures First Tropes Which concern the Sense of Words viz. When they are drawn from their proper and genuine signification to that which is different or Contrary which the Etymology of the word shews for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying verto muto to turn or change Second Figures Which the Greeks calls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying the Habit or Ornament of Speech do not alter or vary the Sense of Words but imbellish beautifie or adorn them Of the first we will Treat under two heads 1. The Kinds Of Tropes 2. The Affections Of Tropes The Kinds of Tropes are four viz. Metonymie Ironie Metaphor and Synechdoche which order depends upon Logical Topicks from whence Tropes are deduced As 1. Metonymie from Causes and Effects 1. From Subjects and Adjuncts 2. Ironie from Contraries 3. Metaphor from Comparates 4. Synechdoche from the distribution of the whole into its Parts 2. Of the Genus into its Species Genus is a more general Title which comprehends some things more special under it as substance which comprehends 1. Living Creatures 2. Mettals 3. Elements c. Species is a more special Title attributed to diverse particulars under it as a Man to John Peter James or any other individual The Affections of Tropes are Three 1. Catachresis 2. Hyperbole 3. Allegory Of which there are certain Species As 1. Paraemia or a Proverb and 2. Aenigma Of These with Gods help we shall Treat in Order CHAP. I. Of a Metonymie of the Cause A Metonymie is a Trope when a Cause is put for the Effect or the Effect for the Cause the Subject for the Adjunct or the Adjunct for the Subject There are four kinds of Metonymies Answering to the four kinds of Causes Viz. 1. Efficient 2. Material 3. Formal 4. Final A Metonymie of the Cause is used in Scripture when 1. The Person acting is put for the thing done 2. When the Instrument by which a thing is done is put for the thing effected 3. When a Thing or Action is put for the effect produced by that Action of which in Order 1. The Person Acting for the thing Acted or Effected 1. THE HOLY SPIRIT is put for its Effects and Operations as 2 Cor. 3 6. Who hath made us able Ministers of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit for the Letter killeth but the Spirit giveth Life Where by the term Letter we are to understand the Law written in Tables of Stone which required perfect obedience and which no man can perform because of Corruption therefore that Law can pronounce nothing but a sentence of Death But by Spirit is meant the saving Doctrine of the Gospel which derives its original from the Spirit considered as a most merciful comforter who sets it home upon the Soul fitting and preparing it thereby for Eternal Life sutable to John 6.63 The Words that I speak are Spirit and Life that is they are from the Spirit of God and being received by Faith confer Salvation through the grace of God Rom. 8.2 By the Law of the Spirit of Life as Illyricus says is meant the Doctrine of the Gospel because it is a peculiar instrument or means of its operation which by a Divine efficacy changes the heart and writes his Law there which now is not only inscribed in Tables or Parchments but penetrates the inward parts quickning the soul to spiritual Motions and Actions See Gal. 3.2.5 Isa. 11.4 2 Thes. 2.8 Isa. 42.1 and 61.1 2. John 3.34 c. 2. THE HOLY SPIRIT is put for Regeneration Psal. 51.10 Renew a right Spirit within me Ezek. 36.26 A new Spirit will I put within you hence the Apostle says be ye renewed in the Spirit c. Eph. 4.23 Which is expounded Rom. 12.2 Be not conformed to this World but be ye transformed by the Renewing of your mind c. Hence arises an opposition of Flesh and Spirit John 3.6 That which is born of the Flesh is Flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit where by Flesh is meant man defiled by sin and by Spirit the grace of Renovation or which is the same thing the Regenerate man The Apostle 1 Thes. 5.19 Exhorts not to quench the Spirit that is the Gifts of the Spirit as Illumination and Renovation suitable to 2 Tim 1.6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 suscitare instar ignis Donum Dei stir up as Fire or Coals are stirred up for so the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies the gift of God which is in thee for true Faith and Godliness may be resembled to a little Flame kindled by the Spirit in the hearts of Believers which the Devil and Carnal Corruptions endeavour to smother but is to be cherished and stirred up as fire is by more fewel this feeding and quickning fewel is the Word of God In this sence the Soul is distinguished from the Spirit in man For Spirit denotes a Divine Power and Energy in a Regenerate and Sanctifyed soul by which it is carryed to and united to God as Luke 1.46 47. My Soul doth magnifie the Lord and my Spirit rejoyced in God my Saviour expounded 1 Thes. 5.23 The very God of Peace sanctifie
God who in his Creation of light and other great works gave himself to be seen as it were by men See Esa. 51.9 and 59.17 For in these places certain Garments are ascribed to God in his execution of Vengeance against his Enemies by an elegant Hypotuposis The metaphor is taken from a Warrior compleatly armed who comes into the field to encounter his Enemy In both places Christ the Captain of our Salvation is to be understood by the Analogy of the Text He is said to be the arm of the Lord because he is the Power of God 1 Cor. 1.24 And Esa. 59.14 It is said that there was no intercessor of the race of man that was dead in sin that could free him from the power of Satan which is a plain intimation Christ himself would be the intercessor the Conqueror of Satan and Death and our Saviour See ver 20 21. Where the promise of the Redeemer is plainly given And the Redeemer shall come to Sion and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob saith the Lord c. Psal. 45.8 The Mystical habit of Christ the Coelestial Spouse is described upon which place Brentius thus paraphrases All thy Garments smell of Myrrhe and Aloes and Cassia out of the Ivory Palaces whereby they have made thee glad that is all the Garments wherewith thou art apparelled and which can be produced for thy use are not composed of wooden or vile materials but brought from Ivory and most precious Repositories for these are called the Houses or Palaces of Garments they yield no other Odor but Myrrh Aloes and Cassia that is a most fragrant and odoriferous scent of which thou takest pleasure that is that most sweet fame which Christ himself and his Apostles by Preaching the Gospel have spread not only in Judea but in all parts of the World Luke 10.17 18 19 c. 2 Cor. 2.15 16. Christ is said passively to be put on by Believers Rom. 13.14 Gal. 3.27 When he dwells in their hearts by Faith Eph. 3.17 and makes them partakers of his Celestial benefits The Apostles are said to be endued with strength from on high Luke 24.49 When they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as it is expounded Act. 1.8 On the other side a man is said to put on the Spirit of God when it powerfully speaks or operates in or by him as a man that goes forth in order to any work amongst men covers himself with a Garment Judg. 6.34 1 Chron. 12.18 2 Chron. 24.20 Moses calls Jehovah A Banner when he gave the Altar he erected a Name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jehovah nissi The Lord my Banner Exod. 17.15 That is the Lord is my helper both now and hereafter against the Amalekites and all other Adversaries Esa. 11.10 it is said the Messiah shall stand for an Ensign or Banner of the People by which his Kingly Office is noted as this passage is quoted Rom. 15.12 He shall rise to Reign over the Gentiles For a Banner or Trophy is a sign of Victory Superiority and Lordship inasmuch as the People are said to act under the Banner of the Prince Christ is the only Asylum or Refuge where such as fly to him by Faith are protected and kept safe from the spiritual Enemy as the Souldiery repair to the Standard of the General where they are secure See Cant. 2.4 Psal. 60.4 Thou hast given a Banner to them that fear thee that it may be displayed because of the Truth Which may be truly applyed to Christ upon these words Ainsworth says that the word Banner is applyed to the Flag or Ensign of the Gospel Esa. 11.12 and 49.22 and 62.10 Here to David and his Victory to be high displayed or to use for a Banner which hath the name of lifting high Esa. 59.19 The Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a Standard against him that is he shall bring to passe that Christ shall be that Standard or Banner of the People for as Souldiers aggregate or repair to the Military Standard so the Saints are gathered together by the knowledge of Christ the Captain of their Salvation A Rod and Staff is attributed to God and our Saviour Christ Psal. 23.4 Thy Rod and thy Staff comfor me of which we have spoke in the Metonymie of the sign for the thing signified Psal. 45.6 Psal. 110.2 Heb. 1.8 The Rod or Scepter of Christ signifies his saving word whereby he directs his Church and People See Esa. 2.3 The Rod of God signifies also Castigation and Punishment Job 9.34 and 21.9 In both which places the Chaldee renders it a Stroke The King of Assyria is called the Rod of Gods Anger Esa. 10.5 Because by him as with a Rod he was to chastise the People and declare his Wrath against sin See verse 24. The Word has almost the same signification Psal. 2.9 Where the epithete of Iron being added it is a symbol of a more grievous and severe punishment Thou shalt break them with a Rod of Iron viz. Such contumacious and stubborn Enemies that despise thy Kingdom whether they be Jews or Gentiles as ver 1 2. These are prophetical words of God the Father respecting Christ his only begotten Son who was constituted King of Sion and as it were inaugurated to the sacred Offices of Judge and Redeemer See Act. 4.25 26 27. All those were to be broken with and Iron Rod by Christ the Judge who would not submit to the Scepter of his saving Grace Psal. 45.6 7. and 110.6 Esa. 2.3 but stubbornly resisted him and therefore by the Sword of his Anger which is that Iron Scepter or Rod as of a severe Judge they were to be destroyed To this place of the Psalmist there seems to be an Allusion Ezek. 21.10 13. In our Translation thus A Sword is sharpned to make a sore slaughter it is furbished that it may glitter Should we then make Mirth It contemneth the Rod of my Son as every tree or as in the marginal reading the Rod of my Son despiseth every Tree and verse 13. What if the Sword contemn even the Rod c. Where an obscure Periphrasis in the original Hebrew has begot diverse Interpretations What seems to me to be most proper and suitable I will lay down and submit it to the Judgement of the Godly and Learned 1. It is certain that the Prophets do frequently cut off their speech introducing even in the very context then this and then another speaking upon which Jerom says that the change of persons especially in the Writings of the Prophets makes the Text difficult to be understood which if delivered with a clearer distinction of places causes and times would render those things plain which seem to be obscure Nahum 2. Hence the Prophets are so obscure because when one thing is treated of there is suddenly a change to another thing or person as Psal. 2.1 The New Testament is introduced as speaking and complaining of Christs Enemies See Acts 4.24
16. 1 Pet. 2.5 9. Rev. 1.6 5.10 20.6 because they Sacrifice spiritually to him The Ministry of the Gospel is expressed by the Name of the Levites Isa. 66.21 Jer. 33.18 21 22. Paul is said Rom. 15.16 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sacra operari vel sacerdotio fungi to act the Priesthood whence the Papists infer that he said Mass which is a ridiculous and false conclusion for he adds immediately the Gospel of God so that the term is Metaphorical and signifies the preaching of the Gospel as ver 19 20. Upon which Illyricus well says If the Apostle had not spoke so clearly of this Metaphorical Sacrifice of Preaching the Adversaries would by any Means from thence endeavour to confirm their Mass c. Secondly Sacred Actions have either God or Men immediately for their Object Of the first kind are Sacrifices offer'd to God according to his VVord This word Metaphorically denotes the whole Obedience Passion and Death of Christ and so his satisfaction for the sins of the VVorld Eph. 5.2 Heb. 9.23 26 28. and 10.10 12 14. Of which the old sacrifices were Types and Shadows Then the whole worship of Christians is call'd a Sacrifice Isa. 19.21 and 56.7 and 60.7 1 Pet. 2.5 More particularly by the word Sacrifice is expressed serious Contrition of heart Psal. 51.18 19. Faith and Holiness Mal. 1.11 Rom. 15.16 See Rom. 1.5 Phil. 2.17 New Obedience and Mortification of the Flesh Rom. 12.1 See Psal. 4.5 Sacrifice the sacrifices of Righteousness Devout Prayer is called a Sacrifice Psal. 141.2 Isa. 50.7 So is glorifying of God Psal. 50.14 107.22 Hos. 14.3 Heb. 13.15 Helping our Neighbour Phil. 4.18 Heb. 13.16 Martyrdom for the Truth Phil. 2.17 2 Tim. 4.6 Gods vengeance on his Enemies Isa. 36.6 The offering of first Fruits mentioned Lev. 23.9 10. Numb 15.20.21 Deut. 2â—â— 2 c. yeilds some metaphors 1 Cor. 15.20 It is said that Christ is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The First Fruits of them that sleep that is of the Dead that shall rise again ver 23. For as a plentiful Harvest followed the offering of First-fruits so shall an universal Resurrection in due season succeed or follow the Resurrection of Christ. Some observe from Lev. 23.11 That the First-fruits were to be offered to the Lord on the Morrow after the Sabbath that is our Christian Sabbath or Lords-day vulgarly after the custom of the Heathens call'd Sunday and that in that very year wherein Christ suffered the day of offering First fruits fell on that day wherein our Lord rose from the Dead so making an excellent congruity with this allusive metaphor which Paul used 2. Beleivers are said to be First fruits 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aparche that is selected from the whole lump of mankind and consecrated to himself into the Adoption of the Sons of God as the First fruits were separated from the rest of the fruits and consecrated to God The glorified Saints in heaven are so called Rev. 14.4 Beleivers are said to have the first fruits of the spirit Rom. 8.23 For as the Israelites by the oblation of first Fruits had hopes to receive the remaining part in due season by the blessing of God So Beleivers by those gifts they receive in part of the Holy Spirit have hopes of a fulness of Joy and a full Harvest of Glory Some understand this of the Apostles only who received the First-Fruits of the Spirit miraculously Acts 2. But the former explication is more conformable to the scope of the Text. 3. It is said of the Jews Jer. 2.3 That they were the First-fruits of his increase that is chosen out of and before all other people of the World and consecrated to him The metaphor is continued All that devour him shall be desolate that is because as any that converted the sacred provision of offerings to their own use against Gods order were guilty and punished Lev. 5. so the People that would eat that is make Israel desolate shall themselves be destroyed Rom. 11.16 If the First-fruit be holy the lump is also Holy and if the Root be Holy so are the Branches that is as the whole lump was holy according to the Law when the first-fruits were offered so whereas the Patriarchs and Elders of the Jews were holy unto the Lord or a people peculiarly separated from all people to him this prerogative shall not expire with respect to their posterity but these also shall enjoy the participation of heaven and blessedness provided they believe the Gospel and heartily embrace it Neither does the Apostle speak of a spiritual but of a legal Holiness Sacred Actions of the latter kind which have men immediately for their Objects although primarily directed to the Worship of God are these Circumcision the peculiar Character of the people of God is put for Regeneration called the Circumcision of the Heart Deut 10.16 and 30.6 Rom. 2.28 Of which there is a fair Periphrasis Col. 2.11 In whom also ye are Circumcised with the Circumcision 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the Flesh by the Circumcision of Christ and ver 12. adjoyns baptism a principal medium of Renovation c. As the Jews were metonymically called the Circumcision of which we have spoke in the chapt of that Trope so Christians are metaphorically so called Phil. 3.3 And the prophane and wicked are called the Vncircumcision Lev. 26.41 Esa. 52.1 Jer. 4.4 And 6.10 And 9.26 Ezekiel 44.9 Acts 7.51 Col. 2.13 Moses is said to be of uncircumsed Lips Exod. 6.12.30 that is dull of speech or not Eloquent Of the Circumcising of Trees we have treated before Sprinkling upon the people either by Blood as Exod. 24.8 and 29.21 Lev. 14.7 c. Or by water mixt with the ashes of a red Heifer Num. 19. Heb. 9.13 c. Because it was a Type of Cleansing by Christ from sin is metaphorically put for it Esa. 52.15 Heb. 10 2â—â— and 12.24 1 Pet. 1.2 In this are three things remarkable 1. The Satisfaction and merit of Christ called the blood of Sprinkling Heb. 12.4 compared Heb. 9.13 14. 2. The Evangelical Word of Christ which is as it were Hyssop Psal. 51.7 which the Priest sprinkled upon unclean things as the Chaldee paraphrases it See the foregoing and following verses is sprinkled as it were upon the soul in order to its cleansing from sin See Romans 16.25 26. c. Gal. 3 2 5. c. 3. True Faith which is that very sprinkling of the blood of Christ by the Holy Spirit or the application of his Merits and satisfaction therefore they are joyned together Heb. 10.22 Annointing or Vnction because it was used to Kings 1 Sam. 10.1 and 16.13 1 Kings 19.16 To the Cheif or High Priest Exod. 40.12 c. And to Prophets 1 Kings 19.16 Metaphorically denotes any that have a singular call or Consecration to God who are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Annointed Psal. 105.15
Esa. 45.1 And by way of excellency the Messiah 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vnctus our chief Priest King and Prophet blessed for ever is so called as the word denotes Dan. 9.24 Psal. 2.2 John 1.42 And 4.25 Hence the name of the annointed one is commonly given him in the New Testament Matth. 1.16 17. And 2.4 And 11.16 And 22.42 Luke 2.26 See also Psal. 2.6 And 45.7 8. Esa. 61.1 Dan. 9.25 Luke 4.18 Acts 10.38 Heb. 1.9 See Col. 2.9 And John 3.34 35. From our Lord Christ we are called Christians because we believe in him Acts 11.26 being made partakers of that Holy Annointing Heb. 1.9 John 2.20 Hence made Kings and Priests Rev. 1.6 See Esa. 61.3 2 Cor. 1.21 22. Rom. 5.5 c. 3. Holy Days and Times Of these the Sabbath is most eminent being a day of rest the seventh in a week instituted by God upon the compleating of his creating work Gen. 2.3 and most exactly to be observed by the people of Israel by the the Command of God this is metaphorically translated to express New Testament Worship Esa. 56.4 and to denote the rest of eternal blessedness Esa. 66.23 where there is mention also of a New Moon in the same sence which was a Jewish Holy-day likewise Hence it is said Heb. 4.9 That there is a Sabbatism left for the people of God From the Jewish Pass-over to which the Days of unleavened bread were joyned the Apostle makes a fair Allegorical exhortation 1 Cor. 5.7 8. Where Christ is called our Pass-over because he was sacrific'd and slain for us as the Paschal Lambs which were Types of the Messiah were slain in the Old Testament The Feast of Tabernacles is put for the whole spiritual Worship of the Old Testament Zach. 1â—â— 16 18 19. All Christians while they sojourn as Strangers and Pilgrims in this world do celebrate a Feast of Tabernacles whilst they long for the heavenly City to which they hasten not with the feet of the body but by the affection of the Heart and the progress of piety and good works See Gen. 47.9 Psal. 39.12 Psal. 119 19. 2 Cor. 5.4 6 8. Heb. 11.13 14. The words of Augustine are memorable Vse the World says he But let it not insnare you that thou hast come into it art upon thy Journey out of it and that thou didst come to depart not to tarry is certain thou art then upon a Journey let this Life be thy Inn use money as a Traveller upon the Road does a Table Cup Pot and Bed that is to leave them not to tarry with them So much of Old Testament Rites those of the New Testament are two Baptism and the Lords Supper Baptism and to Baptize are metaphorically put 1. For the miraculous effusion of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other Believers in the primitive Church To the Holy Spirit is sometimes added Fire which is a symbol of its external manifestation Acts 2.3 Matth. 3.11 Mark 1.8 Luke 3.16 John 1.33 Acts 1.5 and 11.16 Some give a Reason of the appellation from the Analogical Immersion or dipping for so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to Baptize signifies because the house where the holy Spirit came upon the Apostles was so filled that they were as it were drowned in it Others say that the reason of the appellation is from the great plenty and abundance of those gifts as the Baptized were wont to be plunged or dipped in water or that they were wholly immerged in this Likewise because by the efficacy of the holy Spirit they were cleansed from sin refreshed and purified as water quenches thirst and washes away spots and filth c. 2. It is put for Calamities and Afflictions especially those of Christ Matth. 20.22.23 Mark 10.38 39. Luke 12.50 The Reason of this metaphor is likewise taken from multitude or abundance as Calamities are elsewhere compared to many and deep waters Psal. 18.16 and 32.6 and 69.1 2. c. 3. For the miraculous passage of the Israelites through the Red Sea 1 Cor. 10.2 which was a Type of Gospel Baptism c. From Bread the other part of the Lords Supper some think a metaphor is taken 1 Cor. 10.17 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quoniam unus panis unum Corpus multi sumus which is word for word in English thus because one Bread we being many are one body in our Translation for being many and one Body Upon which Erasmus in his Annotations The Greeks think that we understand that Bread which is the Body of the Lord Whereas all Christians are Members of Christ as if he had corrected what he before had spoke viz. we partake for it is more to be one and the same than partaker And in his Paraphrase thus We being all partakers of the same Bread do declare that though we be many in Number yet in the consent and harmony of minds we are one Bread and one Body Others Glassius in Rhet. sacra p. 434. says more truly understand the word Bread properly and that there is an Ellipsis of the Verb substantive is in this sence There is one Bread in the holy Supper So likewise we being many are one body the Syriack clearly expresses it thus As that Bread is therefore one so all we are one body For we all receive of the self same Bread For that sameness of Bread in the holy Supper is to be understood with respect to the Sacramental use of it as well as the Identity of matter c. CHAP. XIV Of a Synecdoche HAving largely gone through the most frequent and most eminent Tropes in the Scripture principally Metaphors we will be more Concise in what follows and illustrate each with a few Scripture Examples by which the rest of chat kind may be easily understood A Synecdoche is a Trope by which the whole is put for part or part for the whole And whereas the whole is either the Genus or Intire thing And part is a Species or Member we will treat of the 4 kinds of Synecdoche's in order A Synecdoche of the Genus is when the Genus is put for the Species or an Vniversal for a Particular as when 1. The Term All is put for the greatest part or many as that Rule of Law in the Pandects § quod Major All seem to do that which the greater part does In doing this there must be great heed taken to the Scope and right meaning of the Text take a few Examples out of the Old Testament Exod. 9.6 And All the Cattle of Egypt Died that is all that is in the field as ver 3. and some were left as ver 19. Chap. 14.26 28. and cap. 9.29 Exod. 32.3 All the People that is the greatest part as ver 26. Hence Paul uses a particular word 1 Cor. 10.7 viz. Some See more Examples Exod. 32.26 with ver 29. and Deut. 33.9 Isa. 2.2 3. Deut. 28.64 2 Sam 16.22 Hos. 7.4 c. In the New Testament
called the Lord of Hosts because all Creatures in Heaven and Earth are of his Army II. God teaches his People how to behave themselves in spiritual Conflicts and to fight under his Banner when he calls them forth He warns them of the Dangers of Enemies and discovers the Subtilties and Devices of their Soul-Adversaries III. God doth nothing rashly for in all Wars he engages in or Desolations that he brings He consults his own Wisdom and doth all by the Counsel of his own Will IV. God is invested with Power and supreme Authority to raise Armies at his Pleasure if he gives but the Word they immediatly rally together God will lift up an Ensign to the Nations from far and will hiss unto them from the end of the Earth and behold they shall come with speeed quickly And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall hiss for the Fly that is in the uttermost part of the Rivers of Egypt and for the Bee that is in Assyria and they shall come c. All are ready when He gives the Summons Angels Men Dragons Beasts the great Deeps Fire Hail Snow Wind Frogs Flies Locusts Caterpillars c. let him but hiss as it were and they come to execute his Commands 'T is said of Pompey that when one of his Officers complained of the want of Men he should reply Let me but stamp with my foot upon the Ground of Italy and I shall have Men enough which was a Note of confident Pride in him for he was wholly defeated afterwards by Caesar Yet 't is always true of the Lord of Hosts for if he holds up his Finger all the Celestial and Terrestrial Host are ready to fight his Battels V. The Lord brings forth his Weapons out of his Armory He opened his Armory and hath brought forth the Weapons of his Indignation for this is the Work of the Lord c. Take to you the whole Armor of God c. VI. So does the Lord I will lift up an Ensign to the Nation from afar And when the Enemy comes in like a Flood the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a Standard against him VII God commands the Trumpets to be blown that all might be prepared for the Day of his dreadful Controversy Blow the Trumpet in Sion and sound an Alarm in my holy Mountain Let all the Inhabitants of the Land tremble And the Lord shall he seen over them and his Arrows shall go forth as the Lightning and the Lord God shall blow the Trumpet and shall go forth with the Whirlwind of the South VIII The Lord musters his Armies The Noise of a Multitude in the Mountains like as of a great People A tumultuous Noise of the Kingdoms and Nations gathered together The Lord of Hosts mustereth the Host of the Battel In the Wars of his People Israel he gave directions for their Battel-Array and when to give the Assault IX God hath published in his Word the Reasons why he prepares for War against a People or Nation They have moved me to Jealousy with that which is not God they have provoked me to Anger with their Vanities and I will move them to Jealousy with those that are not a People I will provoke them to Anger with a foolish Nation For a Fire is kindled in mine Anger and shall burn into the lowest Hell c. I will heap Mischief upon them I will spend mine Arrows upon them 'T is because Men turn not from their Sins They profess to know God but in Works deny him setting up the Creature instead of the Creator For the Iniquity of his Covetousness saith God I was wroth Men slight the Offers and Tenders of the Gospel and tho they add Drunkenness to Thirst they think they shall have Peace and for that reason God proclaims War and saith he hath whet his Sword Wherefore was it that God brought his Sword upon Jerusalem and gave it into the hands of the Babylonians Was it not for rejecting his Word and despising his Messengers Hence his Wrath came upon them till there was no Remedy hence Jerusalem was given up again to be trod down by the Romans viz. because they rejected Christ and the Gospel X. God hath given a Banner to them that fear him that it might be displayed because of the Truth or as Ainsworth renders it to be high-displayed because of the certain Truth The word Banner or Ensign as Ainsworth upon the place says is applied to the Flag or Ensign of the Gospel Isa. 11.12 49.22 62.10 here to David and his Victory c. XI God animates and encourages his People as he did Joshua There shall not any Man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy Life As I was with Moses so I will be with thee I will not fail thee nor forsake thee Be strong of a good Courage c. Only be thou strong and very couragious For then thou shalt make thy Way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success XII God himself comes into the Field with his People How often doth he tell them that he is with them The Lord your God is he that goeth with you to fight He assists them directs them relieves them None can march under a better Commander and he is the best Helper The Lord is on my side I will not fear what Man can do unto me The Lord taketh my part with them that help me therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me Fear thou not for I am with thee Be not dismayed for I am thy God I will strengthen thee yea I will help thee yea I will uphold thee with the Arm of my Righteousness Lo I am with you always to the end of the World XII As the Lord goes before so he is the Rereward of his People Ye shall not go out with haste nor go by flight for the Lord will go before you and the God of Israel will be your Rereward He is in the Front in the Rear in the Middle and the Flanks therefore all is safe because he is invincible XIV God is a liberal Rewarder of his People tho his Royal Munificence is purely an Act of Grace not Debt or Obligation because we are his and when we have done all we are unprofitable Servants c. He that overcometh shall inherit all things Metaphor I. THe most renowned Conqueror or most successful Martialist on Earth is vulnerable and mortal Alexander would be thought the Son of Jupiter but Death soon convinced him II. Earthly Warriors are under certain Limitations for they cannot war as they please their Bounds being set by the Almighty III. There is no earthly Warrior tho never so redoubted but may be match'd and conquered too IV. Earthly Warriors know not the Success of their Arms before-hand nor foretell Events they may be baffled in their Hopes and made ashamed of their
who think Christ Jesus will never appear as a Lion but always shew himself in his Lamb-like Disposition Christ is a Lion as well as a Lamb and will ere long rise up to the Prey 2. What will become of the Murtherers and Destroyers of his Church in the Day of his fierce Wrath when he comes to make Inquisition for Blood 3. O that Sinners from hence would learn to prostrate themselves at his feet 4. This speaks much Comfort to the Godly He is full of Bowels and like a Lion able to defend and deliver them 5. By Faith and Prayer let us strive to rouze up this Lion of the Tribe of Judah to tear in pieces all his implacable Enemies Christ the true Manna John 6.50 This is the Bread which cometh down from Heaven that a Man may eat thereof and not die Rev. 2.17 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden Manna CHRIST and the Graces of Christ are called Manna the Antitype of that Manna that fell in the Wilderness Exod. 16. Manna in Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Man from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Manah preparare to prepare because it was Food prepared from Heaven for the Israelites in the Wilderness Flacc. Illyricus and others say That when the Israelites saw it like congealed Dew or small Hail or Snow lying up and down about the Camp they asked one another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 What 's that what 's that And because of frequent Repetition that it might be more easily pronounced they added the Letter 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and pronounced Manhu whence they retain the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Man Manna Type I. MAnna was a strange and mysterious thing at first to the Israelites they knew not what it was II. Manna was Food prepared from Heaven III. Manna came down or descended from Heaven IV. Manna was white it was a pure fair and bright thing V. Manna was round in Form and Figure VI. Manna was a Gift it was given to Israel freely it cost them nothing VII Manna was given to all to the Poor as well as to the Rich none were forbidden to partake thereof VIII Manna was pleasant it had all the Taste and Relish of Sweetness in it IX Manna did nourish well and was given in great plenty X. Manna was to be bruised in a Mill that so it might become more useful for Food XI Manna was given equally to all the Israelites they had all a certain measure not one more than another were all Fellow-commoners every Man had his part his Omer XII Manna was a small and little thing unto the Eye like to a Coriander-Seed XIII Manna came down with the Dew it was covered or hid as it were with Dew XIV Manna was not given to the Israelites whilst they were in Egypt XV. Manna fell round about the Camp of Israel and in no other place XVI Manna was given to Israel in the Wilderness it was their only Food whilst they remained in that desert State XVII It was gathered daily except on the Sabbath then there was none to be found XVIII They went out of their Tents to gather it XIX If Manna was kept or received otherwise than God ordained and appointed it stank and bred Worms XX. Manna ceased when Israel came into Canaan XXI Manna was only given to the Israelites XXII Those that would receive the Benefit of Manna were to eat it XXIII Manna came very seasonably to Israel they had else starved XXIV Manna was to be kept and put in a Golden Pot before the Lord to remain in the Holiest for ever XXV Manna was loathed by those evil Murmurers on whom the Wrath of God fell they esteemed it light Bread XXVI In the day before the Sabbath in the night Manna fell abundantly that so they might gather it on that day to provide Food for the Sabbath Parallel I. JEsus Christ is the Wonder of Men and Angels and when He came into this World yea to his own they knew him not II. Christ had a Body prepared of the Father that he might be Food for Believers III. Christ is the true Bread or Manna from Heaven IV. Sic Christus describitur Apoc. 1. So is Christ described without Sin V. Christ respecting his Divinity is infinite perfect and entire no beginning no end VI. Christ is called a Gift the choicest Gift that ever God bestowed given freely for the Life of the World VII Christ is sent to all to Jews and Gentiles to the Small as well as the Great to the Poor as well as the Rich none are excluded VIII Whatsoever is pleasant sweet and delicious in a spiritual sence is found in Christ his Word is sweet as Honey or the Honey-Comb O taste and see how good the Lord is IX Christus sufficit ad omnes c. Christ is very sufficient and plentiful there is in him enough to nourish and feed all What Soul is there but may be filled to the full if he comes to Christ X. Christus ut animis nostris cibus esset doloribus mortis in Cruce contundebatur Christ that he might be Food for our Souls was bruised It pleased the Father to bruise him XI All true Israelites have their equal Share in Christ a whole Christ is given to every Saint they have all one Portion one Husband one Kingdom and Crown that fadeth not away XII Christ was little low and contemptible in the Eyes of the World of no reputation XIII Christ came down with the Dew of the Spirit being baptized or covered therewith hence called as some conceive hidden Manna XIV Christ who is the true Manna is not given to Unbelievers that remain in Bondage and Slavery under the Power of Sin and Satan XV. Christ is conversant within the Limits of his Church The Graces of the Spirit fall upon Mount Hermon the Dew descends upon the Mountains of Zion There God commanded the Blessing even Life for evermore Christ walks in the midst of the Golden Candlesticks XVI Christ and the Blessings of Christ are given to us who are in the Desert or Wilderness of this World We have no other Food for our Souls but are to live upon Christ by Faith so long as we are in this howling Wilderness XVII Those that would have Christ must seek him in the Time God hath appointed In the Day of the glorious Rest or Sabbath that remains to the People of God there will be no Christ no Manna for Sinners XVIII We must go out of the old Man and sensual Rests and Love of this World if we would participate of Christ. XIX The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper or any other Institutions of Christ made use of or received in other manner than Christ hath ordained and appointed it stinks in the Nostrils of God and is abhorred by good Men. XX. Living by Faith and our being fed by Ordinances will cease when
Death of the High-Priest the Slayer shall return to the Land of his Possession By the High-Priest's Death an Atonement was made for him saith Mr. Ainsworth XXIV The High-Priest brought the Bodies of those Beasts whose Blood was brought into the Sanctuary to be burnt without the Camp Parallel I. CHrist was of the Race of Mankind of the Seed of David according to the Flesh Forasmuch as Children are Partakers of Flesh and Blood he likewise took part of the same but was altogether pure spotless without the least Stain of Sin II. So Christ glorified not himself to be made an High-Priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son c. and in another place Thou art a Priest for ever c. The Father invested him in this Office Him hath God the Father sealed He was baptized and the Spirit came down visibly upon him when he was about thirty Years old III. Christ was anointed with the Oil of Gladness above his Fellows How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy-Ghost and with Power He had also immaculate Sanctity and Purity in him IV. Christ was said to be glorious in his Apparel cloathed with the Divine Nature as with a Garment he was adorned with perfect and compleat Righteousness V. Signifying saith Mr. Guild the Deity of Christ which as a Circle hath neither beginning nor end and the Royal Dignity whereby he is advanced to be the Supreme Head in all things to his Church or his Kingship See Goodwin's Moses and Aaron VI. Christ's Humanity is cloathed with true Holiness which is compared to fine Linnen clean and white VII The Lord Jesus as our High-Priest presents â—â—or bears the Remembrances of all his faithful People upon his Heart when he appears before God to make Intercession for them He knows his own Sheep by Name VIII Christ hath in him the Perfection of true Light Beauty and Holiness Vrim and Thummim signified Christ's Prophetical Office whereby He as a standing Oracle to his Church answers all Doubts and Controversies whatsoever IX Christ is the real Antitype of this engraven Plate in likeness of a Signet Holiness to the Lord in that the Father hath actually communicated to him his Nature who is the express Image of his Person a glorious Representation of him to us being able to bear and hath born our Iniquities The Lord hath laid on him the Iniquities of us all X. Christ is the Mouth of the Father to the Sons of Men He is called the Word of God God hath spoken unto us by his Son XI Christ's Church must be a pure Virgin chast unstained with Superstition or Idolatry giving neither Love nor Worship to any other Christ owns none but such a People for his Spouse XII Christ offered up his own Body as a Sacrifice for our Sins He appeared to put away Sin by the Sacrifice of himself Christ was once offered to bear the Sins of many c. XIII As Christ was offered upon the Cross for the Sins of Mankind as a propitiatory Sacrifice so must his Blood in a spiritual manner be sprinkled upon our Consciences that we may be cleansed from our Sins and accepted in the sight of God Let us draw near with a true Heart in full assurance of Faith having our Hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience c. For if the Blood of Bulls and Goats and the Ashes of an Heifer sprinkled the unclean sanctified to the purifying of the Flesh how much more shall the Blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself to God purge your Consciences from dead Works to serve the living God But ye are come to Mount Zion c. And to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant and to the Blood of Sprinkling that speaks better things than the Blood of Abel XIV Christ's Righteousness remains for ever to cloath and adorn all true Believers 'T is the Wedding-Garment whosoever hath it not shall be shut out of the Marriage-Chamber and cast into utter Darkness XV. Christ sounds the great Trumpet of the Gospel for the assembling and gathering together of his Elect to himself from all the four Quarters of the Earth and will sound an Alarm at the last Day to the general Judgment The Trumpet shall sound and the Dead shall be raised c. XVI Christ is the great Teacher of God's Law 't is he that gives us the knowledg of Salvation that guides our Feet into the way of Peace We must seek the Law i. e. the Mind and Will of God at his Mouth who shews us plainly of the Father His Tabernacle is only standing not Moses's not Aaron's not Elias's but Jesus's This is my beloved Son hear him He is the last and only Teacher sent from God XVII Christ is Judg concerning the Plague of every Man's Heart what Sin is deadly and what not Tho there is no Sin venial as the Papist's affirm yet there is much more danger and evil in some Sins than in others As for example 'T is worse to have Sin in the Affection than in the Conversation to love it than to commit it The best of Saints have not been without Sin Infirmities have attended them yet they loved them not 'T is a loathsom thing to a true Believer That which I hate that do I. The Priest was to pronounce a Man utterly unclean if the Plague was got into his Head So if a Man's Judgment Will and Affection are for the ways of Sin if they chuse and love that which is evil Christ the High-Priest in his Word pronounces such unclean When Men approve not of God's ways because they forbid and give no toleration to their beastly Lust and Sensuality and from hence secretly contemn Religion in the strictness of it these surely have the Plague in their Heads XVIII The Lord Jesus makes and anoints many to be Kings for besides his acting towards Men in bringing of them to their Thrones and Kingdoms as 't is said By me Kings reign he makes all his Saints Kings and Priests and they shall reign on Earth XIX Christ hath the absolute Power of appointing what Officers should be in his Church He gave some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists some Pastors and Teachers Those that make any other spiritual Office or Officer than Christ hath ordained will be found grand Criminals in the great Day XX. Christ was sent to bless the People by turning every one of them from the evil of their Ways to give Pardon yea the holy Spirit and eternal Life to as many as believe on him XXI Christ entred into Heaven it self alone for us as Mediator through the Merit of his precious Blood shed to make Atonement once for all there to appear in the presence of God for us Neither by the Blood of Goats and Calves but by his own Blood he entred in
I go to prepare a Place for you If I go away I will come again and receive you unto my Father that where I am you may be also XVII The Son of God receiveth Reverence and Respect Love and Honour from the Church and all its Members when others despise him and account him an Impostor and Deceiver But the Church says He is the Son of God both Lord and Christ Lord of Glory Lord of all the Princes of this Life the Head of Angels the choicest and chiefest of Ten Thousand Whom having not seen they love and tho now they see him not yet believing they rejoice with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory He is precious in their Esteem his Name is as Ointment poured forth Metaphor I. THe natural Head is joined but to one numerical and physical Body II. The natural Head is joined to the physical Body by fleshly Bonds and Ligaments Veins and Sinews Nerves and Arteries c. III. The natural Head is sometimes sick being liable to many Distempers of very dangerous consequence as Apoplexies c. and being so it cannot help the Body IV. A natural Head doth many times fall asleep and so becomes unsensible and uncapable of securing its Body and Members at that juncture of Time V. A natural Head is weak and wants Help it self for there is no Man so wise but may receive Additions from others and doth so in all Arts and Sciences yea the Angels themselves have made known to them by the Church the manifold Wisdom of God and are in some respects charged with Folly VI. A natural Head may afford some small help to the Body but cannot bless what it affords VII A natural Head may be broken dasht in pieces and lose its Power of helping the Body and Members VIII A natural Head may dye and lie by the Walls where is then its Help Disparity I. THe Son of God the mystical Head is joined to many numerical and physical Bodies He is not only Head of Angels even of all Principalities and Powers but of all Men in some sence and to the Church and every true Member thereof in a more special and peculiar sence I would have you to know that the Head of every Man is Christ and he is the Head of the Church the Fulness of him that fills all in all II. Jesus Christ is joined to the mystical Head by spiritual and more lasting Bonds as the Bond of voluntary Choice of Promise and invisible Union Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you Because I live you shall live also that they also may be one at thou O Father and I am one I in them and thou in me that they may be made perfect in one III. The Son of God is never sick but always in a capacity not only to help his sick Body on Earth but also against all Diseases much more permanent than the Angels of God dwelling where Sickness cannot approach Neither shall there be any more Sickness or Pain IV. But the Son of God is the Angel of God's Presence and made the Keeper of Israel who neither slumbers nor sleeps V. The Son of God is not weak wants no Help from other Men in respect of any Arts or Sciences whatsoever for if the first Adam had such strength of Wisdom and Knowledg as to give Names to all things sutable to their Natures who was but earthly much more the second Adam who was the Lord from Heaven In whom are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg VI. The Son of God cannot only afford sutable Help to the Body and Members but can bless the Help to them bless Society and Communion bless Word and Sacraments bless Lenitives and Corrosives Rod and Staff make all things work together for good VII The Son of God though he was hard laid to and much struck at by the Powers of Darkness yet could they never reach high enough to break his Head to dash him and destroy his Power to help his People in time of need but were destroyed themselves in the very Attempt He spoiled Principalities Whoso shall fall upon this Head of the Corner shall be broken to pieces He bruised the Head of the Combatant VIII The Son of God hath passed through the Gates of Death hath conquered him that had the Power of Death and can never dye Death hath no more Dominion over Him He ever lives to make Intercession for the Saints lives for evermore Inferences 1. THis sheweth the great Love and Goodness of God in giving such a Head 2. The great Love of Christ and his wonderful Condescention in stooping so low as to become a Head to poor Mortals 3. What a happy Condition the Church and Members of Christ are in 1. Interrested in the same Love with the Head 2. Under the same degree of Election with the Head 3. Allied to the same Relations interested in the same Riches and assured by Membership of the same Life and Immortality in the World to come Because I live you shall live also 4. Affords a very great motive to all Men to seek Union and Membership with him because as he is so shall they be also hereafter in the next State When he shall appear we shall be like him Christ a Garment for Sanctification Rom. 13. ult But put ye on the Lord Jesus and make no Provision for the Flesh c. IN this Text are two Parts 1. An Act. 2. An Object I. An Act 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is a Metaphor taken from puting on of Garments a Phrase used by the Apostle often in reference to the New Man Eph. 4.24 In reference to the Spiritual Armour Eph. 6.11 In reference to Acts of Mercy Col. 3.12 And here in reference to the Application of Jesus Christ in respect of Sanctification From the scope of the Text 't is evident the Apostle intends Gospel Holiness he presses the Saints at Rome to a godly Life and not only to walk holily but to draw all Power of holy walking from Christ so as to be cloathed with the Vertues and Graces of his Spirit Metaphor I. GArments are for the covering of the Body they hide Nakedness and Deformity II. Garments come not naturally but are prepared and made fit for us III. Garments are worn only in some Countrys by civilized Nations and People some Barbarian and Heathenish Men and Women go naked in some Nations IV. Before new Garments can be put on the old defiled and over-worn Garments must be put off V. Garments are of great Utility in respect of Defence they secure us from the pricks and scratches of Bushes and Thornes and from many bruises and rubs and other hurts which Nakedness exposes to VI. Garments are for keeping of the Body warm what should we do who live in cold Countrys were for it not Cloaths and useful Garments she is not fearful of the Snow for all her Houshold are cloathed in Scarlet VII Garments tend to the
VII The Apostles were to take care of the Church whilst they lived and after their Decease Paul had the Care of all the Churches upon him He sent for the Elders and gave them charge c. St. Peter took care that after his Decease the Churches might be secured from Danger VIII The Apostles had a Dispensation committed to them from which they were not to depart A Dispensation of the Gospel is committed to me Wo is me if I preach not the Gospel They also ordained other Ministers IX The Apostles went through good and evil Report unweariedly till they had finished their Course and then committed themselves to Him that judgeth righteously in expectation of a Crown of endless Glory Henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness c. Parallel I. CHrist Jesus was immediatly sent by God He came not of himself but the Father sent him II. Christ Jesus went about preaching the Gospel doing Good and healing all that were oppressed III. Christ Jesus was not alone but the Father was with him God was with him in an extraordinary manner beyond what he ever was with any Mortal IV. Christ as the great and chief Apostle bore witness to the Truth For this cause came I into the World â—â— V. The Lord Jesus came as the chief Apostle to open Mysteries that had been kept hid VI. Christ Jesus had not the Spirit by measure but was filled with the Spirit to do and speak mighty things VII Christ more especially took care of his Church before he left them He forewarned them of Evils to come he cautioned them against Fears and Apostacies and committed them to the Care of his Father Keep through thy Name those that thou hast given me VIII Jesus Christ as the great Apostle had a Dispensation committed to him The Work that my Father gives me to do shall I not do it I must work the Works of God Tell that Fox I do Miracles this day to morrow and the third day I shall be perfected He had Power also to ordain other Officers and Ministers IX Christ suffered great Contradiction of Sinners against Himself fought as the Captain of our Salvation with all Difficulties and Enemies till he had finished his Work and could say Father it is finished into thy hands I commend my Spirit He for the Joy that was set before him endured the Cross despised the Shame and is sate down at the right hand of God An Apostle I. THe Apostles were but meer Men whose Original was from the Dust. II. The Apostles had but small measure of the Spirit and were not without Sin and Infirmities III. The Apostles were but Fellow-Servants and not Lords over God's Heritage not like some we have had since their Time IV. The Apostles did but shew and direct to a Saviour to Salvation and eternal Life they were not able to save nor could they give Salvation to any Was Paul crucified for you c. Disparity I. CHrist was Emanuel the eternal Son of God God vâ—â—ry God of God Lord of all whose Descent was from Heaven I came down from Heaven The second Man was the Lord from Heaven II. Christ had the Fulness of the Divine Spirit dwelt in him and rested upon him God gave not the Spirit to him by measure Through the eternal Spirit he offered himself to God without spot The Prince of this World came and found nothing in him He was holy harmless and undefiled separate from Sinners III. But Christ is Master Head Lord Ruler and Governor a compleat Prince and King as well as Priest and Prophet and Apostle He is Lord of all over all God blessed for evermore Which made Mary say They have taken away my Lord and Thomas say My Lord and my God IV. But Christ did more than shew and direct to a Saviour He was that Saviour himself and the Author of eternal Salvation to all them that obey him He had Help laid upon him being mighty to save was born a Saviour To you is born in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. And that great Salvation is not to be neglected without eminent Danger How shall we escape that neglect so great Salvation Inferences I. BEhold the great Goodness of God to the Church and World that he should send so great an Apostle so wise an Ambassador to treat with Souls and for Souls and to settle govern and establish the Church II. What great Love Christ had to Sinners that he should leave his Riches and Glory above to come down to be an Apostle a Fellow-Servant for our sakes He that was rich became poor that we through his Poverty might be made rich III. What need have we of the Pope and his Cardinals seeing God hath been so kind to give us Christ to be our Apostle and High-Priest We own none but Christ to be the Apostle and High-Priest of our Profession who can do all things for us by his Word Spirit and Ministers Away therefore with that grand Antichrist and vile Impostor whom they call His Holiness with all his Antichristian Crew IV. This may serve to inform us that we ought to listen to him and be taught by him for there is great reason for it 1. God sent him I came not of my self the Father sent me 2. He spake so as never Man spake No Man ever yet nor ever will speak like the Man Christ Jesus He spake like one that had Authority and not like the Scribes learned Doctors and wise Men among the Jews Many were astonished at his Understanding and Answers in his tender Age. 3. God commands us to hear him This is my beloved Son hear him 4. God threatens us if we do not hear him 't is dangerous to refuse to hear him How shall we escape if we turn away from him that speaks from Heaven Christ the Bread of Life John 6.48 50 51. I am the Bread of Life This is the Bread which cometh down from Heaven I am the living Bread which came down from Heaven IT is not my Business here to give the various Opinions of Men touching the Bread in the Text Some hold it to be Christ's Doctrine others Christ in the Sacrament others hold it is Christ in a more invisible Administration but to shew metaphorically that whatsoever Bread properly so called is to Men considered as Men that Jesus Christ is unto Believers and all true Christians according to the Gospel Metaphor I. BRead is prepared and made fit for Food II. Bread is a Substance well suited for the Subject to which it is appointed III. Bread is good in it self and of its own nature IV. Bread is not inherent in us but a distinct thing from us and a Gift from another V. Bread is ordained to an high and most excellent End even to preserve the whole
hunger and thirst after Righteousness c. Blessed are the meek c. But except your Righteousness shall exceed the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 5.20 Ye that have abode with me in my Temptations I appoint unto you a Kingdom c. With a multitude of such like Speeches which are contained in the holy Gospel which he uttered to encourage and animate all his Disciples in their Spiritual Warfare IX Jesus Christ takes in and shuts out as he sees Cause he cashereed Judas Demas Hymeneus Philetas and Alexander and takes in Paul Barnabas and Apollo into his Company X. The Lord Jesus is the Head of all true Christians and Commander of the Church Militant in chief all the Bands of the white Reigment march under his Banner Hâ—â— is the Head of his Body the Church Given to be a Leader and Commander to the People X. Christ when he was baptized by John took his Place in the Minstry as the Leader of his Church and ran the greatest Hazard yet deserted not his Followers for fear of Danger He not only loved them to the end but did bear them company and abode with them to the last even till he suffered for their sakes the bitter Death of the Cross c. And is spiritally with them all ways to the end of the World XI Christ gives the Word of Command to his Saints which they are to observe If any Man will serve me let him follow me Teach them to observe all things that I command you XII So is Christ by being the Captain of our Salvation for War not originally from his own natural Disposition for he is for Peace but by reason of the resolved Opposition that is in the hearts of his Enemies against him I came not to send Peace on the Earth but to bring a Sword Mat. 10.34 XIII Jesus Christ met with Enemies not only Flesh and Blood yea potent Flesh and Blood Men in Power and high Places such as Herod Pontius Pilate and the Rulers of the Jews but Principalities and Powers no less than Beelzebub himself and all his Train whom he fairly engag'd with eminent Success XIV Jesus made use both of Armor and Weapons he saw no small need for it viz. 1. The Breastplate of Righteousness when Satan and wicked Men by their Temptations would have drawn him from his Allegiance by great Proffers of Power and Glory 2. The Sword of the Spirit by which he cut down the Devil and the wicked Jews in all their Assaults It is written it is written c. 3. The Shield of Faith when he came to the last and most bloody Battel of all For the Joy that was set before him he endured the Cross despised the Shame and is sate down at the right hand of the Majesty on high XV. Jesus Christ like a most valiant Captain made good his Ground against all the Force and Artillery of Hell in a glorious manner even to the death of the Cross. XVI Christ took great care of his Saints to preserve and secure them how ever it fared with himself 1. He left them good Orders to observe in his absence the Rules of the holy Gospel 2. He took care to send them a good Guide for their Conduct no less than the Holy-Ghost the Comforter 3. He prayed for them on Earth and he prays in Heaven to engage the Protection of Almighty God for them Father keep through thine own Name those that thou hast given me c. XVII Jesus Christ prefers his Saints and Followers whom he finds worthy He gave some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists Pastors and Teachers for the Work of the Ministry c. I thank Christ Jesus who hath put me into the Ministry XVIII Christ made not Novices and unexperienc'd Christians Ministers and Pastors of Churches and Leaders of Societies He set Peter James and John to be Apostles and Leaders in the first place and Paul Sylvanus and Timotheus stout and brave Commanders to bring up as it were the Rear God hath set forth us the Apostles last of all as it were appointed to Death XIX Jesus Christ in all weighty Affairs is joined with the Father and holy Spirit the great Council of Heaven and without Him who is called Wonderful Counsellor there is nothing of grand Importance transacted either in Heaven or Earth nay without him was nothing done at first All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made When Commission was givn to Creatures of all kinds to act in their proper sphere Christ was there See Counsellor XX. Christ's place is a place of Honour because he was Worthy and the Army that he hath raised is not a Rebellious Army but legally raised and behave themselves well they are kept under good Government and Discipline not one debauch'd person in the Army is continued in the Muster-Rolls but presently turn'd off blotted out and delivered up to Satan when discovered by his inferior Officers to be such Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness From such turn away Deliver such over to Satan turn him into his own Kingdom Because thou hast loved Righteousness and hated Iniquity therefore God even thy God hath anointed thee with the Oil of Gladness above thy Fellows That all Men might honour the Son even as they honour the Father XXI Jesus Christ offers Terms of Peace and Reconciliation because he would prevent their Ruine if possible before he falls upon them and fights against them with the Sword of his Mouth Turn at my Reproof how often would I have gathered thy Children together c. In what Place soever you enter say Peace c. I gave her space to repent of her Fornication but she repented not Rev. 2.21 I will kill her Children with Death c. XXII Jesus Christ when his Grace and Offers of Mercy are refused hath and will make slaughtering work in the Earth O what work was made upon Jerusalem not long after the refusing the terms of Peace and offers of Grace and Favour by Jesus Christ. See the lamentable Story in Josephus c. And what work will shortly be made with bloody Rome in the day of Death Mourning and Famine that is coming on apace when she shall have Blood given her to drink and shall be utterly burnt with Fire And what Devastation will be made by this great Captain who is red in his Apparel and his Cloaths as them that tread in the Wine-Press at the Battel of Armagedon when the vast Armies of the Beast shall be slaughtered and destroyed by the sharp Sword that goes out of his Mouth And Blood shall come forth to the Horses Bridles for a thousand and six hundred Furlongâ—â— The Fowls of Heaven shall be filled with their Flesh there shall
and Opposition are broken in pieces by it When it once blows briskly upon the Soul it presently cries out Lord what wouldest thou have me to do Immediatly saith Saul I conferred not with Flesh and Blood XII The Spirit dissolving the Clouds of Iniquity waters the Heart with Tears of Repentance and Godly Sorrow XIII The Blowings or Operations of the holy Spirit ought carefully to be observed with the access and recess thereof for a Christian can make no Earnest of the Duties of Religion unless these Winds blow Moreover there are certain Signs whereby a Man may know which way the Spirit blows 1. If the Desires of the Soul are after God and Holiness it is one sign the Wind is in a right Point 2. If the Understanding be enlightned and Clouds of Ignorance scattered the Affections changed so that heavenly Objects are principally delighted in if the Will is brought to yield and readily to submit to the Will of God the Spirit blows the right way 3. If a Man leaves his old and evil Courses and Company if that which was once pleasant to him is now become grievous to him if his Discourse be savoury and his Life holy you may know which way the Wind blows They that are after the Spirit do mind the things of the Spirit 4. If there be new Habits wrought in the Soul so that altho a Man may sometimes be obstructed in his way and hindred in his course Heaven-ward yet immediatly as it were by a natural or divine Instinct he falls into his former Way and Course of Grace and Holiness again 't is a sign which way the Wind blows You know the Wind is sometimes obstructed or stopped in its usual course by Houses or Trees c. so that you can hardly discern by Vanes or Smoak c. which way it is so it may be with a Christian. Besides sometimes you can scarcely perceive any Wind to blow at all no more can you the Operations of the Spirit XIV The Spirit of God blowing upon the Soul of a Sinner causes his Pride and external Glory to fade away which is compared to the Flower of the Field The Rod hath blossomed Pride hath budded All Flesh is Grass and the Goodliness thereof is as the Flower of the Field The Grass withereth the Flower fadeth because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it XV. The holy Spirit tho it be invisible and its Operations mysterious and not to be discern'd by many Men yet they may see and hear the Effects of it they may perceive what Alteration and Changes it makes in this and that Man such as were very vicious and ungodly are by the Workings of the Spirit formed into another likeness and become pious and truly religious that Tongue that was wont to blaspheme God they now hear to praise and admire him c. And Believers themselves clearly feel and experience the blessed Effects and Operations thereof in their own Souls XVI The Spirit of God causes the Saints to grow in Grace and in the Knowledg of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit moves upon the Affections and every other Faculty of the Heart and by that means causes the Seed of Grace to take the deeper Root The Ground or Spirit of a Christian must be broken and loosened from the World and from the Love of sensual things more and more by the Wind of the Spirit or he will not be fruitful in Grace and good Works XVII Unless the Spirit blows upon the Soul or upon the Church they lie becalmed and cannot sail towards the Haven of eternal Happiness no Duty or Service performed in publick or private can avail any thing we get not a Bit of Ground nor any real Advantage by them unless they are performed by the Help and Influence of the Spirit God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth XVIII The holy Spirit winnows and fans God's People who are compared to Wheat and good Grain 'T is said of Christ His Fan is in his Hand and he will throughly purge his Floor How doth Christ fan and purge his People but by his Word and Spirit 't is that which cleanses and makes them pure from the Dross and Pollutions of Sin and Wickedness as the Apostle observes 1 Cor. 6.11 XIX The Spirit of God sometimes comes on a sudden upon a Soul and by its powerful Operation in a short space makes a great and wonderful Change as appears in the Case of Saul but at other times it riseth and worketh upon some Mens Hearts gradually XX. The holy Spirit when it gets into the Heart of a Man by its powerful Operation it makes him tremble and shakes him to pieces as it were causing strange tho glorious Workings in the inward Man This he doth by setting the Evil of Sin before his Eyes and his woful Condition thereby A Man never trembles as he should till the Spirit enters into him Saul was taken with such a trembling when the Spirit entred into him and began to work that he could not stand upon his Feet METAPHOR SOme Winds are sent in Judgment to destroy and overthrow which many times blow down Houses and Trees and make great Desolation witness that prodigious Wind in the Year 1661. II. Some Winds are of a blasting Nature and cause the Fruit to fall before it be ripe III. There hath been a Wind in which the Lord hath not appeared IV. Some Winds are compared to Words and Speeches of one that is desperate V. Sometimes Wind is made use of to set forth that which is vain and empty VI. Some Winds are without Rain Whoso boasteth himself of a false Gift is like Clouds and Wind without Water VII If some Winds be observed Men must not plow nor sow their Seed He that observeth the Wind shall not sow and he that regardeth the Clouds shall not reap VIII Man's Iniquity is compared unto the Wind. Disparity BUt the Spirit being the great Promise of the Father and the Fruit and Effect of Christ's Ascension is sent in Mercy to strengthen and establish and is so far from destroying or overthrowing as that it causeth the Church in general or a Christian in particular to take the more firm Root and stand the faster II. But the Spirit as compared to the North and South Winds ripeneth a Christian in Grace and causeth the Spices thereof to flow forth Grace ripeneth and fitteth for Glory III. But there is no greater Demonstration of the Lord's presence with his People or with a Soul than by the Indwelling of his Spirit Where two or three are gathered together in my Name there am I saith Christ. IV. But no Man speaking by the Spirit calleth Jesus accursed Men are by the Spirit brought into their right Minds witness the Prodigal V. But where-ever the holy Scriptures make mention of the holy Spirit it is to set forth
cause a Man to vomit it up by unfeigned Repentance by which means the Life of the Soul is preserved for if by the Operation of the Spirit Sin is not vomited up Death will certainly follow Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish Luk. 13.3 For the Flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the Flesh and these are contrary the one to the other Gal. 5.17 IV. The Spirit of God will never mingle nor become one with the Flesh the Spirit is from above and ever endeavours to be uppermost in what Heart soever it is 't will not be under the command of Sin nor Satan Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the Lusts of the Flesh. V. The Spirit wonderfully revives comforteth and infuseth Spiritual Warmth and Heat into the Soul of a Believer when he is anointed with it and indeed nothing else will refresh enliven and warm the inward Man hence 't is compared to Fire and called the Spirit of Life and blessed Comforter VI. the Spirit cannot be dried up by the heat of Persecution nor the scorching beams of Satan's Temptations that will live and abide the same in the Souls of sincere Converts losing none of its gracious Influences and Operations And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that shall abide with you for ever Joh. 14.16 See Comforter VII The Spirit cleareth the Eyes of the Understanding 't is call'd Eye-salve and from hence the Apostle prayeth for the Ephesians That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Glory would grant them the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the Knowledg of him That the Eyes of their Vnderstanding being enlightned they might know what was the hope of his calling c. Clouds and Mists of Darkness are upon the Eyes of all that have not received the Spirit so that they cannot behold things a far off VIII The Spirit of God is the only Remedy for all Obstructions of the inward Man those that scarce breath or pray at all by receiving a measure of the Spirit breath out freely their desire to Almighty God Likewise the Spirit helpeth our Infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit maketh Intercession c. No Man can say Jesus is Lord but by the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 12.3 IX The Spirit feeds the Soul yea it makes it fat and well liking nothing nourishes comparable to the Spirit the Word and Ordnances of God are but dry Bread to it this is the chief of those fat things full of Marrow by which God feasts and makes fat the Bones of his Saints X. The Spirit of God being received and lived upon the Abundance of the things of this World that have in them by means of Sin some hurtful and surfeiting Quality are made hereby very good and profitable to Believers but for want of the Spirit 's seasoning and sanctifying they become deadly and destructive to wicked Men their Table Bed and all they enjoy are made Snares to them Take heed to your selves lest at any time your Hearts be over-charged with surfeiting and Drunkenness and the Cares of this World c. Luk. 21.34 XI The Holy Spirit is of exceeding great use against all Tremblings and Convulsions of the Soul in evil Times it frees the Godly from all slavish Fears which shake some Men for want of it out of their Faith Honesty and Religion and it keeps sincere ones stedfast and imovable from being shaken by false Doctrine and lying Spirits which have troubled many with strange Convulsions Shakings and Tremblings in this Nation so that as my Author saith they have even foamed at the Mouth when Quakerism first came up amongst us XII The Holy Spirit is made use of by the Lord Jesus Christ our Heavenly High-Priest in cleansing the Leprosy of Sin he puts it into or upon every Faculty of the Inward Man the Will the Affection the Understanding the Conscience the Head the Hand the Heart the whole Soul is anointed therewith before it is pronounced clean by the Lord. I will put my Spirit within you and you shall be clean from all your Filthiness Now are you clean through the Word that I have spoken to you the Words that I have spoken to you they are the Spirit and the Life XIII The Spirit of God is that spiritual Oil that the Wise Virgins took in their Vessels and in their Lamps by which means they were accepted by the Bridegroom and the Foolish for want of it their Lamps of Profession went out and they not suffered to go into the Wedding-Chamber XIV The Holy Spirit hath an excellent beautifying Quality there is no scar spot nor deformity in the Soul but the Spirit can purge and cleanse it they that are anointed with this Oil shine in the Eyes of God and good Men 't will make a Blackmore white and beautifful fetches out those Wrinkles and foul-Staines and Spots that naturally are in the Souls of Men and Women it takes of Christ's Beauty and puts it upon the Soul and so places a shining Lustre upon the Inward Man Thy Beauty for it was perfect through my Comliness which I had put upon thee c. How glorious and beautiful to be hereby And all that sat in the Councel looking stedfastly on him saw his Face as did Stephen appear if it had been the Face of an Angel Acts 6.15 XV. There are some nay many Men in the World that love not like not the Spirit they are naturally so averse to it that they will not be perswaded to make trial of it they can't believe there is any Sweetness Benefit or Savour in it The Natural Man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are Foolishness unto him neither can be know them because they are spiritually discern'd 1 Cor. 2.14 XVI The Spirit is good to strengthen the weak and decayed Hands and Knees of a poor Saint and thereby makes the Soul more fit for Motion Godwards lively quick agile and fit for Heavenly Service XVII The Lord Jesus was anointed with the Spirit that Oil of Gladness above his Fellows Moreover every Minister of the Gospel must be anointed therewith or he is not accepted of God METAPHOR OTher Oil is of an earthly Extract and several sorts of it are prepared and made fit for use by the Art and Wisdom of Man being extracted from earthly things II. There is not one sort of Oil that hath all kind of excellent Qualities in it that which may be good to beautify and of a dulciferous Scent may not be medicinable III. Oil will not last long its Virtue is soon gone it quickly decays and becomes unsavoury Disparity THe Spirit is from above and without beginning Flowing from the Throne of God and the Lamb. But the Comforter even the Spirit of Truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testify of
me II. The Spirit hath all excellent Qualities in it 't will not only beautify and perfume but 't is also soveraign good for healing all Distempers of the Soul what rare Property is there in any sort of Oil but the Spirit in an heavenly manner far excels it III. The Spirit ever abides the same never corrupts nor loseth its Virtue it lasteth from everlasting to everlasting Inferences FRom hence we may see the excellent Nature Properties and Usefulness of the Spirit 2. It may move and stir us up to pray to the Father for fresh Anointings 3. Let us ascribe all tenderness and brokeness of Heart to the mollifying Virtue of this Precious Oil. 4. When ye see choice and excellent Oil think seriously on the Holy Spirit 5. Labour to get much of it in your Vessels lest your Lamps go out and you go to buy when 't is too late The Holy-Spirit the Earnest of the Saints Inheritance Eph. 1.13 14. After ye believed ye were sealed with the Spirit of Promise which is the Earnest of our Inheritance c. METAPHOR AN Earnest is usually part of the best things which are in common Use and Estimation among Men as Gold Silver c. II. An Earnest imports some thing bought or sold as also an Agreement or Consent between two Parties for the confirming of some Contract or Promise which before was not settled III. An Earnest is given as a Pledg of some future good thing purchased or promised to a Person IV. An Earnest oftimes of a great Bargain or Purchase is a considerable Sum twenty or thirty Pounds sometimes more hath been given in earnest of an Inheritance an Earnest is commonly proportioned according to the worth or value of the Purchase V. An Earnest is that which confirms or makes sure a Bargain or Contract between two Parties by the means of which each claims his own Interest and Property VI. An Earnest puts a Bar to any who would unjustly stop disanul or make void the Covenant agreed upon VII An Earnest confirms a Bargain so that it gives assurance to him that receives it of the Inheritance or Purchase of whatsoever it is the Earnest VIII An Earnest though it may be in it self something of considerable value yet it is always far short in worth to that which it is the Earnest of IX An Earnest as it is something given of a valuable consideration to confirm a Bargain so the Person that receives it immediately enjoys it he hath it in hand for his present Profit and Advantage and many times a Man hath nothing else to live upon till he receives the whole Sum but the Earnest-Mony X. There is always some distance of Time between the laying down of the Earnest of an Inheritance and full enjoyment of it or entering into the Possession thereof Parallel THe Holy Spirit viz. the Gifts Graces and Operations thereof is part of the best things which the great God in this World gives unto his dear Children II. The Earnest of the Spirit doth also denote as 't is observed by some that spiritual Bargain which is made between God and a Believer The Lord in a solemn Contract requires of us our whole Soul Life Strength the best we are and are capable to perform for the Glory of his holy Name and to the end he might have as I may say the Bargain punctually observed hath given us an Earnest to wit his Spirit and we in receiving of it shew our Assent and Consent to the Contract to serve the Lord and become his for ever III. The Spirit is given by the Father to Believers as a Pledg or Earnest of the blessed Inheritance which Christ purchased by his Blood for them and upon the account of his own free Grace is promised to them Who hath also sealed us and given us the Earnest of the Spirit in our Hearts 2 Cor. 1.22 IV. The Spirit which God giveth to Believers as the Earnest of Eternal Life is a great Sum or that which is of considerable Value the Purchase being infinite or invaluable 't is meet the Earnest should bear some Proportion to it who is able to account or reckon up the worth of the Spirit of God which is the Earnest of the Saints Inheritance We may judg of the Value and Excellency of it by the fruits thereof which are Love Joy Peace Long-suffering Gentleness Faith Meekness Temperance c. One particular Fruit of the Spirit viz. Peace is such an inestimable Jewel that the Apostle saith It passeth all Vnderstanding V. The Earnest of the Spirit which God hath given to his People confirms that mutual Contract and Agreement which is between him and them God hereby claims a new Covenant-Right to Believers and Believers claim Interest and Property in God Hereby we know that we dwell in him and he in us because he hath given us of his Spirit 1 Joh. 4.13 VI. The Earnest of the Spirit prevents Satan from steping in to break and make void the Spiritual Bargain or Contract between the Soul and the Lord Jesus Christ. A Saint can by this means say I have received Earnest of God I am not mine own I have agreed covenanted and sold my self to him Depart from me ye evil doers for I will keep the Commandments of my God The Lord rebuke thee Satan c. And hereby God looks upon himself concern'd to secure and make sure of the Soul to preserve his Right and Interest he hath in his People against all Enemies that he might not lose his Bargain VII The Spirit confirms the Covenant of Grace so to Believers that it gives them an assurance of Eternal Life and Glory to come hence 't is called The Earnest of the Saints Inheritance until the Redemption of the Purchased Possession VIII The Gifts Influences and Graces of the holy Spirit tho they are in themselves of great Worth and Value and accordingly greatly prized by the Godly yet not to be compared to the full Fruition of God and the glorious Inheritance which the Spirit is given as the Earnest of IX The Spirit which is the Earnest of Glory is given to Believers for their present Profit God's infinite Favour bestows Grace Peace Joy and the like whilst Saints are in this World and indeed 't is upon this Earnest-Mony they live and 't is so much as is sufficient to bear all their Charges and defâ—â—ay all their Expences till they receive the everlasting Kingdom X. There is also a distance of Time between the Saints receiving the Spirit which is the Earnest of that glorious Inheritance and the full Possession of it They receive the Spirit as the Earnest when or soon after they believe the Time when they receive the Inheritance is not till they die and not the full Fruition or perfect Enjoyment of it till the Resurrection Henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness which God the righteous Judg will give me at that Day c.
METAPHOR AN Earnest among Men is usually a certain Sum either more or less of Gold or Silver which are but corruptible and earthly Things II. The best and greatest Purchase an Earnest among Men is given for consists but of temporal things that pass away and perish as all Sublunary Things do III. Sometimes among Men a Person who has given Earnest for such or such a Commodity does afterwards recant his Bargain IV. Sometimes the Purchaser loses his Earnest by flying from the Bargain and so never has the Inheritance V. Amongst Men the Earnest of an Inheritance is given by the Purchaser to the Seller and he expects something of equal worth for that he parts withal for it VI. An Earnest among Men is given by the Purchaser with an intent or design to advantage himself thereby 't is chiefly his own Interest and Profit which he aims at in this Action Disparity THe Earnest of the Saints Inheritance is of an inestimable value being of an heavenly and sublime Nature the holy blessed and eternal Spirit of God in the Operations Gifts and Graces thereof II. The holy Spirit is the Earnest of an Inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in Heaven for us Be thou faithful unto Death and I will give thee a Crown of Life III. There never will be any recanting about giving or receiving this Spiritual Earnest God will never repent that he gave his Spirit to his faithful Children it being bestowed upon them as the Result of his eternal Purpose in Jesus Christ. And Believers have no cause to recant their Bargain in yielding themselves up to God both Body and Soul all they are and are capable to do for the Glory of Free-Grace for their Gain will be unspeakable thereby Godliness is profitable to all things having the Promise of the Life that now is and that which is to come it is great Gain IV. God will never can never lose those Souls for whom he gave his Son as the Price of their Redemption and his Spirit as an Earnest to make sure of them My Father which gave them me is greater than all and none is able to pluck them out of my Father's hands V. The Spiritual Earnest is given by the Father upon the account of Christ's Purchase unto Believers The Lord Jesus bought the Inheritance and received the Earnest of it for us as Mediator who freely gives it to us out of his own good Will he bestows it upon us as an Assurance of the full possession of eternal Life VI. The Lord giving his Spirit as the Earnest of future Blessings designs 't is acknowledged his own Glory thereby but chiefly the Profit will be ours 'T was our Good our Advantage Christ designed and aimed at in dying for us and in giving his Spirit to us Inferences WHat admirable Grace and Favour is here Did God give Christ to die for us to redeem us from Sin and Wrath to come and did he receive the holy Spirit as Mediator to give it unto us the Earnest of that purchased Possession Let this be to the Praise of his Glory Christ purchases that we might possess Others purchase that they might inherit themselves and give Earnest to make sure the Estate to themselves but the Lord Jesus needed not to do so he was Heir from everlasting and all that he did as Mediator was for us to enrich and make us happy and blessed for ever 2. If God hath given to Believers the Holy Spirit as the Earnest of their Inheritance let them take heed they do not go about to defraud him of his Bargain They are not their own they are bought with a Price and they have consented to this holy Contract by taking an Earnest from his hand 'T is great Injustice to deprive or keep back any part of a lawful Bargain from the Buyer especially when he hath given Earnest for it 3. This shews what certain Hopes and good Assurances a godly Man hath of eternal Life 'T is bought or purchased for him 't is given by Promise to him the Promise is sealed nay more than this he hath received a Pledg or Earnest of it What little ground is there then for any Soul to despond or doubt of the eternal Inheritance The holy God deals with us after the manner of Men about the great Concerns of another World the bare Promise of God would be Security enough we need not require a Seal and an Earnest of him O how doth Divine Goodness condescend to poor Creatures that the Heirs of Promise might have strong Consolation 4. From hence Believers may learn how to repell and withstand the Temptations of Satan Simon saith our Saviour Satan hath desired to have you c. But might not Simon and so consequently every true Christian say I am not mine own thou comest too late Satan I have received Earnest of a better Estate of a better Kingdom than thou hast I have given up my self to Jesus Christ and he hath taken possession of me by his Spirit that I might possess and enjoy him to Eternity 5. And let Sinners who would have an Interest in God and enjoy this eternal Inheritance learn from hence the ready way to come to it First They must believe The Saints that are sealed with the Spirit which is the Earnest of the purchased Inheritance are said to trust in God after they heard the Word of Truth the Gospel of their Salvation In whom saith the Apostle after that ye believed ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of Promise which is the Earnest of our Inheritance until the Redemption of the purchased Possession to the Praise of his Glory Secondly As they must hear attend upon the Word go out of themselves to Christ rely upon him and trust in him believe and receive the Record God hath given of his Son so they must submit to his Ordinances The Spirit is promised to those that keep his Commandments John 14.15 16. If this be done in Truth and Sincerity you shall certainly receive the Earnest of future Happiness as well as others 6. Those that would have a Trial of their Estates and Conditions who desire to know whether they have received the Spirit of God or not may read the Metaphor where the holy Spirit is compared to a Seal Nothing is more needful all may see from hence to make sure of the Spirit take heed you be not mistaken about it c. And let them that have received it live upon it Such need not fear wanting any good thing this Earnest-Penny will as hath been shewn already defray all their Charge whilst they are in this World 'T is a great Sum God gives like himself and answerable to that Inheritance prepared and purchased for Believers 7. What Fools are they that slight and despise this Earnest God offers Men in the Gospel everlasting Life and to assure them of it promises them if they will come to his
rendered as a vile Hypocrite as Job was it doth clear him and makes his Heart light and how doth he prize and esteem of such a Friend Alas had not a Christian the Witness in himself to clear and bear up his Soul he would sink down many times into utter Despondency but this made holy Job to triumph over all his Enemies Behold my Witness is in Heaven and my Record is on high As much as if he should say though many Witnesses are against me yet I will keep my Conscience clear I will not have my own Heart to charge me or witness against me as long as I live VI. So the Holy Ghost gives in such clear Demonstration and Proof to the clearing up of a Man's Evidence for Heaven that when all Cases are clearly considered a poor Saint though doubtful before comes to a good and full Satisfaction therein God's Spirit and Conscience compares a Man's State with the Word of God and if upon Trial it appears that those Qualifications are wrought in his Heart that the Word expresly mentions concerning the Truth of Grace he then finds he hath no more cause to doubt of the goodness of his Condition VII So the Holy Spirit and Conscience bring off a Christian with abundance of holy Joy and Triumph notwithstanding his Case may seem very dangerous by means of strong Accusations of Satan as it was with Job For this is our rejoycing the Testimony of our Conscience that in Simplicity and godly Sincerity we have had our Conversation in the World c. VII So the Spirit or God confirms the Covenant of Grace to the Soul of a Believer for when the true Fear of God is wrought in the Heart the Spirit witnesseth to it and thereby assures us that all the Promises that are made therein are undoubtedly our own and shall be performed to us Inference HOw happy is the State of the Godly what good Assurance have they of Eternal Life they have received an Earnest of it it is sealed unto them and they have two infallible Witnesses to confirm it to them See Conscience a Witness The Holy-Spirit a Teacher Luke 12.12 For the Holy-Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say Joh. 14.26 But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name he shall teach you all things and bring all thing to your Remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you THe Holy Spirit is the great Teacher of the Church and every particular Saint and Member thereof unto whom the Accomplishment of that great Promise is committed And they shall be all taught of God Joh. 6.45 Teacher A Teacher is a personal Appellation II. A Teacher implieth one or more that needeth Instruction or Teaching it argues Weakness of Knowledg and want of Understanding in some Persons about such things they ought to be well instructed in III. It behoveth an able Teacher to have great Knowledg and Understanding himself in all those Things and Mysteries he instructeth others in IV. A spiritual and able Teacher openeth divers dark deep hidden and mysterious things to the Understandings of Men. V. A divine and able Teacher by this means greatly inlightneth the World and causeth Darkness and Ignorance to fly away inriching Men's Minds with the precious Knowledg of sacred Truths VI. An able Teacher instructeth ignorant Persons by degrees as they are able to take in conceive and apprehend things first to read the a b c and then the Bible and afterwards the Grammar or any other Things of Learning they desire to be instructed in VII Some Teachers teach their Scholars out of a Book their great Business is to help them rightly and distinctly to understand that VIII A Teacher exerciseth much Patience towards them whom he instructeth especially when he meets with such that are very dull and unapt to learn he is forc'd to take much Pains with them IX Some Teachers tho very deserving have been greatly slighted by those very Persons they have shewed much Love to and taken great Pains with for their good which hath sorely grieved them X. Some Teachers after they have found those whom they were imployed to teach and instruct grown to such a great degree of Stubborness and Obstinacy that they have utterly despised and refused to betaught by them and have cast all Counsel behind their Backs then they have left them and wholly given them up as hopeless Persons XI Godly Teachers are so great a Blessing to People that it is a great Loss to lose them nay a sore and lamentable Judgment upon the Church and the World to be deprived of or have their Tea-chers taken away from them or forc'd into a Corner Parallel THe Holy Ghost is a Divine Person See Comforter II. There is no Man whatsoever but needeth the Divine Teaching and Instruction of the Holy Ghost For what Man knoweth the things of a Man save the Spirit of a Man which is in him Even so the things of God knoweth no Man but the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 2.11 III. The Holy Ghost hath great Knowledg yea he is infinite in Understanding there is nothing that he is ignorant of that either concerns God's Honour or our Good The Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God IV. The Holy Ghost openeth many dark and deep Mysteries what hidden Mysteries did he reveal to the Prophets and open and unfold to the blessed Apostles Which in other Ages were not made known unto the Sons of Men as is now revealed unto the Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit V. The Holy Ghost inspiring and teaching the Prophets and Apostles who were the holy Pen-men of the sacred Scripture hath greatly inlightned the Inhabitants of the Earth where their Record is known and also when he hath opened the Eyes of the Understandings of Men in those profound and glorious Mysteries contained in the holy Scripture how are their minds inriched with the Knowledg of divine Truths VI. The Holy Ghost teacheth and instructeth poor Sinners gradually first the a b c of Religion viz. the Knowledg of Sin and their lost and undone Condition thereby the Vanities of this World together with the necessity of a Saviour and then in the second Place he instructeth them in higher Mysteries opening and explaining the Covenant of Grace as also the glorious Mystery of Union and Communion with God the Mystery of the Trinity the Incarnation of Christ his Priesthood and other things relating to him as Mediator together with many dark Sayings and Prophecies of the Scripture which those who are unlearned viz. who have not the Spirit 's teachings wrest unto their own Destruction I have many things to say unto you but ye cannot bear them now VII So the Holy Ghost teacheth Sinners the Knowledg of the Scriptures for as the Spirit gave them forth so he is the best Interpreter of them Then opened be their Vnderstandings that they might understand the
Scriptures He shall teach you all things and shall bring my Words to your Remembrance he shall take of mine and shew it unto you c. that is he shall open and explain my Word and Doctrine to you How ignorant are some Men of the Scriptures and of those glorious Mysteries contained therein notwithstanding all their humane Learning or that Knowledg they have of Hebrew Greek and Latine for want of the Spirit 's Teaching VIII So the Holy Ghost exerciseth much Patience towards Sinners whom he comes to teach and instruct in the way of Salvation Mankind being generally very dull and unapt to learn the Knowledg of themselves Sin Christ and Salvation therefore he drops now a Word and then a Word for their Conviction IX So many Men that the Holy Ghost hath shewed much Love unto and laboured greatly with have notwithstanding slighted and disregarded all his Counsel and Instruction like as Israel did of old Thou gavest them thy good Spirit to instruct them and withheld not thy Manna from their Mouth c. X. So the Holy Ghost who laboured to instruct the old World finding they were grown to a fearful degree of Hardness Rebellion and Obstinacy utterly refusing to return or be reformed after he had waited many Years upon them left them to perish in their Sins God declaring sometimes before the Flood came upon them That his Spirit should not always strive with Man and in like manner the Spirit deals with stubbâ—â—rn obstinate Sinners for after long-waiting and abused Patience he leaves them and gives them utterly up to their own Heart's Lust and to walk in their own Counsel XI The Holy Ghost is such a great Blessing to the Church and People of God nay and unto Sinners too that there can come no greater Judgment upon them than to be deprived of this sacred and heavenly Teacher tho it is sad with the Church When her Teachers are removed into a Corner and her Eyes see them not yet we had better lose all other Teachers and that utterly than lose this great Teacher only for tho he is pleased to make use of them he can teach effectually and savingly without them were they removed and taken away but they cannot teach without him unto the least spiritual Advantage and those who pretend to be Teachers of others and yet despise his Teaching-Assistance will once find they undertook a Work which was none of theirs Inferences IS the Holy Ghost the great Teacher how dare any then reproach and villify him or slight his Teaching or those who are lead and instructed by him 2. It may also stir up all Persons to a readiness and willingness of Heart and Mind to be taught and instructed by him Quest. How may we know say some the Spirit 's Teachings who are they that are taught and instructed by him Answ. This you may take as an undoubted Truth that The Spirit never teacheth any thing contrary to the written Word because so the World might be at a certainty about a good and true Teacher in matters of Religion the Spirit hath left us the holy Scripture and he always teacheth as that teacheth opening and explaining what dark and obscure things are contained therein so that he that walketh faithfully up to the written Word is lead and taught by the Spirit Quest. But doth not the Apostle say We have an Vnction from the holy One and know all things and need not that any Man teach us We need no other Teacher therefore but the Spirit Answ. That is a great Mistake and apparent wresting of the Text for the Spirit of God that holy Unction was in the Primitive Saints in a more glorious measure than he is in any now and yet Christ called forth and ordained divers other Teachers for them who were to build them up in their most holy Faith And the things saith Paul to Timothy that thou hast heard of me among many Witnesses the same commit thou to Faithful Men who shall be able to teach others also A Gospel-Ministry is to abide till Christ's second Coming they are appointed for the gathering together building up and perfecting of the Saints until we all come into the Vnity of the Faith and of the Knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect Man c. Therefore the meaning of the Holy Ghost in that Place is this We need not that any Man teach us but as that Anointing teacheth if any Man teach us such and such things that are not written things that the Spirit never taught in the Word of God we ought not to hearken to them we need no Teaching but that which is according to the Spirit 's Teachings and agreeable to its Blessed Rule left upon Record viz. the Holy Scriptures of Truth The Holy-Spirit compared to a Dove Mat. 3.16 And he saw the Spirit of God descending like a Dove and lighted on him The Holy-Spirit is represented by a Dove or appeared in the shape of a Dove and may in some things be resembled thereto Simile A Dove is a Bodily Substance or hath a Subsistence of his own II As at the beginning of the Creation saith a Reverend Divine the Spirit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 incubabat came and fell on the Waters cherished the whole and communicating a prolifick and vivifick Quality unto it as a Fowl or Dove in particular gently moves it self upon its Eggs until with and by its generative Warmth it hath communicated vital Heat unto them III. A Dove is a meek harmless and innocent Creature Be ye as harmless as Doves IV. A Dove hath a quick sharp Sight or Eye as it is hinted Cant. 1.6 chap. 4.1 V. A Dove brought Tidings to Noah of the ceasing of the Flood of Waters and so consequently that the Wrath of God was abated likewise VI. A Dove is a most swift Creature hence David crys out O that I had the Wings of a Dove then would I fly away and be at rest Parallel SO the Holy Ghost hath a personal Existence It was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a bodily Shape and that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of a Dove II. So now saith he at the Entrance of the new Creation the Spirit comes as a Dove upon Christ who was the immediate Author of it and virtually comprized it in himself carrying it on by virtue of his Presence with him and so this is applyed in the Syriack Ritual of Baptism composed by Severinus And the Spirit of Holiness descended flying in the likeness of a Dove and rested upon him and moved on the Waters III. So the Holy Spirit is of a most sweet meek pure and Dove-like Disposition the Perfection of all excellent Qualities being in him as well as upon the Dove Christ as he was figured forth thereby IV. The Holy Spirit hath a quick and sharp Sight can discern the very Thoughts and Intents of the Heart what can be hid from his Eyes before whom all
things lie naked and bare V. So in the Assumption of this Form there may be some respect had to Noah's Dove signifying Peace and Reconciliation by Christ and the ceasing of the Wrath of God to all those who shall fly to the Lord Jesus and rest upon him by a lively Faith VI. The Holy Ghost is swift God is said to fly upon the Wings of the Wind the Spirit is God and the Flight of the Dove saith Reverend Blackwood denotes the divine Influence of the Spirit coming from Heaven into the Members of Christ as well as into the Head the Holy Ghost can quickly come to the Aid and Succour of a Believer when in Trouble or beset with Temptation or to strengthen him when he hath any great Work and Business to do for God That Spirit appeared like a Dove and yet the Learned tell us it was of a fiery Colour and we must not think this Substance saith Mr. Blackwood or Body resembled by a Dove to be hypostatically united to the Holy Spirit as the humane Nature of Christ is to the divine but as Angels appeared oft-times to Men in humane Bodies and laid them down again so did the Holy Ghost The Holy Spirit the Saints Guide Joh. 16.13 He will guide you into all Truth c. Rom. 8.14 As many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God The Spirit is the Saints Guide Guide A Guide is very necessary for Strangers in a Wilderness where there are many ways and turnings II. An eminent and able Guide is well skill'd in all ways and able to give Directions in the most difficult Cases that are very hard to find out III. A faithful Guide gives notice of all the Dangers that are in the way and shews also how a poor Travellor may escape them and so go safe unto his desired Place IV. An able Guide frees a Man that commits himself to his Guidance from many Cares and Fears that attend such who have lost their Way and have no Guide V. An able and faithful Guide gives plain and full Direction to the ignorant so that they cannot well miss the way if so be they exactly follow his Directions Parallel SO the Guidance of the Holy Spirit as it is contained in the Holy Scripture is necessary to Believers whilst they pass through the Wilderness of this World where one says this is the way and another that II. So the Holy Spirit is able to guide poor Sinners in all the ways of God he led Moses and the Prophets under the Law and led the Apostles and all the Primitive Christians under the Gospel-Ministration Holy Men of God spake as they were moved and guided by the Holy Spirit There is no Precept nor Promise of God needful for the Children of Men to be instructed in but the Spirit in the holy Scripture hath left it upon Record for our Direction and Consolation and whatsoever is hard to be understood that is contained therein The Spirit that searcheth all things can open and explain it to a gracious Soul the Spirit guides in the way of Morality in the way of Faith and Gospel-Obedience in the way of Church-Constitution and Discipline and in Gospel-Holiness and Conversation III. The Holy Spirit hath in the Holy Scripture for in that is contained all the Directions of the Spirit touching all matters and cases necessary to alvation given notice to all Spiritual Travellors of all the Dangers that may attend them in the way to Heaven First the Danger of Unregeneracy the common Road that most Men and Women walk in the Spiritâ—â— hath told us positively if we go in that way we shall perish for ever Except a Man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God Secondly The great Danger of the way of Presumption Thirdly The Danger of Despair Fourthly The Danger of Idolatry Heresy and Error Fifthly The Danger of Disobedience to Christ's Commands Acts 3.22.23 Sixthly The Danger of loving or liking of any one Sin Seventhly The Danger of Hypocrisy Eighthly The Danger of Apostacy c. IV. So the Holy Spirit frees a poor Saint from many Fears and Cares which attend others whilst he wholly commits himself to the Guidance of God's Word and to the Directions of the Spirit many are at a loss and know not what to do nor which way to go whilst he rests satisfied resolving to go wholly by this Guide V. So the Holy Spirit in the Scripture of Truth hath given such plain and clear Directions in all Cases of moment about Faith and Holiness that the ignorant and unlearned cannot miss the way to Heaven if they carefully observe the Rules laid down therein Guide OTher Guides tho very skilful and have good Knowledg of a way or matter they undertake to guide Men in may notwithstanding in some things miss being not infallible cannot give infallible Demonstrations to all doubtful Persons that they are right and that those who follow their Directions shall never go astray Disparity BUT the Holy Spirit in such a glorious manner by many Signs and Wonders so confirmed the way to Heaven as they are recorded in the Holy Scripture that those that follow his Counsel shall not go astray he is an infallible Guide and never imposed any Rules Laws or Precepts upon Men but left such convincing Evidence of the Truth of his Testimony that there remains no just ground for a Doubt or Objection as might be shewed in respect of the giving forth both of the Law and Gospel therefore those who pretend they are led by the Spirit or Inspiration and yet cannot prove and demonstrate what they say to be true by such ways and means that no Deceiver can pretend unto or do the like c. lie and abuse the Holy Ghost who is a certain and infallible Guide Inferences BLess God for this Spiritual Guide in matters of Faith and Practice and that there are such sure Rules left by him in the written Word What should we have done had God never afforded us such a Teacher and Guide as the Holy Ghost is 1. For Man naturally is blind I will lead the Blind in ways they knew not c. 2. There are many By-ways and were there not one sure and perfect Guide how could a Man find his way It is as easy for one Man to say he is led by the Spirit and Inspiration as it is for another and how shall a Man were it not for the Word know which of them is in the right 3. Some pretend they are led by the Spirit and they walk quite contrary to the Scripture which contains all the Truth of God necessary to be known believed and practised in order to Salvation He shall guide you into all Truth he shall bring my Word to your Remembrance Quest. How shall we know who follows the Spirit 's Guidance Answ. Art thou led to repent to leave thy Sins to believe in Christ to obey his Commands to
and follow the holy Rules and Directions thereof VI. The gospel is Called the Power of God to Salvation i. e. a mighty and glorious Instrument or means of Gods saving Power Metalepsis VII The gospel is called the Joyful sound the law was a sound of Fears and Terror a sound or voice of words that were Exceeding Dreadful The Gospel is the Antitype of the sounding the Trumpet of the great Jubilee to proclaim full Liberty and Freedom from all bondage and Tyranny of Sin Satan Hell and Wrath. VIII The gospel is called the unsearchable Riches of Christ. 1. It shews how Rich our Mediator and Husband is In him are hid all the Treasures of wisdom and knowledge it pleased the Father that in him all fulness should dwell 2. It shews the nature of his Riches both of grace and glory 3. The gospel makes all spiritualy and gloriously Rich who truly Receive it tho' never so poor before 4. All true Riches are communicated to us through the gospel such that would have this golden Ore must dig in this Mine this is the Field where the Pearl lies hid IX The gospel is called the word of Faith 1. It presents the object before the Soul 2. It opens the way to see this Object 3. It gives by means of the Spirit a hand to take hold of the Object X. The gospel is called the faithful word Because whatever its promises are they be faithfully performed XI 'T is called the Ministration of the Spirit because through it Persons come to receive the Spirit Received ye saith the Apostle the spirit by the works of the law or by the hearing of Faith XII It is called the gospel of Salvation 1. It Interesteth the Soul through the Spirit into Salvation as well as shews the way of it 2. There is no other way of Salvation but that which is revealed or manifested therein XIII 'T is called the glorious gospel of God 1. The glory of God shines forth in it 2. It was the glorious contrivance of his eternal wisdom 3. It wholly Exalts God and sets him forth in all his blessed and most glorious Attributes and Perfections beyond what any other Ministration doth whatsoever XIV The gospel is called a Book 1. Yea it is a Book by the inspiration of God as all holy Scriptures were All other books save the Bible are humane but this is Sacred and Divine 2. There is a Blessing pronounced to him that reads this book 3. And a much greater Blessing to him that understands it and keeps the things therein contained 4. 'T is a Book of all truth and no error can that be said of any other book 5. 'T is a Book Ratified and Confirmed by wonders 6. 'T is a Book that all other books point to Moses points to it the Prophets point to it all holy books of godly Men point to it 7. 'T is a book that all good and godly books are taken out of 8. 'T is a book that hath filled the world with good and profitable Books These things considered may serve as a sound Gradation to set forth the glory of the gospel and word of God Thirdly To come more directly unto the thing it self to set forth and further illustrate the glory and splendour of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 1. 'T is glorious in respect of the time and contrivance of it It was found out or contrived before the world began Hence Christ is said to be a Lamb slain before the foundation of the world 2. It is brought in as the result of that great and glorious Council which was held in Eternity Hence Jesus Christ our Mediator is said to be delivered up by the determinate Counsel and fore-knowledge of God God that is Father Son and Holy Ghost all agreed that the second Person should assume Mans nature and by shedding of his blood proclaim Peace and reconciliation to sinners The Counsel of Peace saith the Prophet shall be between them both Zech. 6.13 3. It may not be unnecessary to note here the matter this great Council had before them and did then debate about and that was how a way might be found out that God might display his own Glory and magnifie himself in every one of his glorious Attributes particularly how the two great Attributes of Justice and Mercy might meet together in sweet harmony and shine in equal glory that God who is Just might appear so and yet exceeding gracious 4. It was to find out a way how in a glorious manner God might destroy the works and designs of the Devil for to this purpose we Read the Son of God was manifested 5. It was a Council held upon the account of sinful man lost man whom God then saw dead and fallen how he might be delivered from sin and eternal wrath 't was not a Council held to ruine and destroy men but to save and make them happy This is the third thing to illustrate this Great truth that the gospel or word of Christ is a glorious Gospel Fourthly The gospel is glorious upon the consideration of that Revelation there is in it of God personally considered or the Persons of the Blessed Trinity or Gods manner of being 1. Though God is often called a Father in the old Testament yet how hard is it without help of the gospel to find out where he is so called or taken in distinction from the Son and holy Spirit sith Father as many Divines observe in some places of Scripture respects all the three Persons and hence the Jewish Rabbies who allow not of the new Testament manifestly declare their Ignorance touching this Great Truth of the Trinity tho' that may in part be imputed to that Judicial blindness they are left under yet it must be granted there is in the gospel a more clear and full discovery of this glorious Mystery then in the Law or old Testament how plainly and by manifest testimony is this bore witness to 1. By the Angels Luk. 1.32 2. By that Voice from the Excellent glory Mat. 3.17 2 Pet. 1.17 3. By the testimony of Christ himself I thank thee Father Lord of Heaven and Earth even so Father the Father that sent me is with me the Father loveth the Son the Father hath not left me alone I and my Father are one and 't is observed that he calls God Father near an hundred times in the gospel of John 4. By the Testimony of the holy Apostles how clearly is this witnessed by them especially by the Blessed beloved Apostle and Paul the great Apostle of the Gentiles Fifthly The gospel appears yet to be more glorious upon the Consideration of the glory of every one of the Persons in the blessed Trinity which shine forth most excellently therein I. In respect of the Father who did not design to vail his own glory but to greaten and magnifie it by the gospel For tho' the Lord Jesus is
the manner of his effecting this wonderful matter concerning which the Blessed Virgin had made that enquiry how can this thing be seeing I know not a man The holy Ghost saith the Angel acting in the power of the most high or in the Infinite power of God shall accomplish it 2. As the humane nature of Christ was formed by the miraculous working of the holy Ghost he was hereby formed absolutely Innocent Spotless and free from sin as Adam was in the day he was Created 3. The Spirit also the Gospel shews in a peculiar manner anointed him with those extraordinary Powers and Gifts which were necessary for the exercise and discharge of his Office The spirit of the Lord God is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek c. 4. It was in an especial manner by the power and operation of the holy Ghost by which he wrought all those great and miraculous works by which he attested and confirmed his Doctrine Hence 't is said God wrought miracles by him Jesus of Nazareth a man approved of God by miracles wonders and signs which God did by him He affirmed that what he did he did by the finger of God that is by the infinite power of God hence these mighty works are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Powers because of the power of the Spirit of God put forth for their working and effecting See Mark 6.5 5. The Lord Jesus was guided directed comforted and supported in the whole course of his Ministry Temptations Obedience and sufferings by the Spirit he was led thereby into the wiâ—â—derness presently after he was baptized the holy Spirit guided him to begin his contest with Satan The continuation of the discourse in Luke will not admit that any other spirit can be intended and Jesus being full of the holy spirit returned from Jordan and was led by the spirit unto the Wilderness namely by that spirit which he was full of And it was by the spirits assistance that he was carried triumphantly through the course of his temptations in the power of the spirit he returned 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into Galilee that is powerfully enabled by the holy spirit unto the discharge of his work 6. Moreover the Scripture affirms that he offered himself up unto God through the eternal Spirit some understand by the eternal Spirit in this place is meant the Divine nature his Deity giving sustenance unto his humane nature in the Sacrifice of himself in that he had power to lay down his life and to take it up again yet many able Divines both Ancient and Modern do Judge that it is the Person of the holy Ghost that is intended 7. It is also thought by the Learned that the holy Spirit was eminently concerned in raising him up again from the dead but we cannot dwell here 8. The work of the new Creation is managed and gloriously carried on by the workings and operations of the holy Ghost 't is the work and office of the Spirit to make the whole work of the Mediation of Christ effectual to the Souls of the Elect. 9. All those glorious and extraordinary gifts that were powred forth either upon the Prophets or Apostles were by the operations of the holy Spirit 10. The gift of Prophecy whether ordinary or extraordinary was alwayes the immediate effect of the operation of the Spirit who inspired the Penmen of holy Scripture both of the old and new Testament in the writing and giving of them forth and in the opening of and explaining of them to the Sons of Men. The Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost 11. The holy Ghost supplies the bodily absence of Jesus Christ and by him he doth accomplish all his promises unto his Church 12. As he represents the Person and supplies the Room Person and Place of Christ so he worketh and effecteth whatever the Lord Christ hath taken upon himself to work and effect towards his Saints whereas the work of the Son was not his own work but rather the work of the Father so the work of the holy Spirit is not his own work but rather the work of the Son by whom he is sent and in whose name he doth accomplish it Howbeit when the spirit of truth is come he will guide you into all truth for he shall not speak of himself but whatsoever he shall hear that shall he speak and he will shew you things to come He shall Glorifie me for he shall Receive of mine and shall shew it unto you All things that the Father hath are mine therefore I said he shall take of mine and shew it unto you 13. The holy Spirit is the Spirit of Grace and the immediate efficient cause of all Grace and gracious effects in men wherever there is mention made of them or any fruits of them it must be acknowledged as part of his work tho' he be not expresly named c. Grace is taken two wayes in Scripture 1. For the Grace Free Love and favour of God towards us 2. For the Gracious Free and Effectual Operations in us In both sences the holy Spirit is the Author of it as unto us in the first as to its Manifestation and Application in the second as to the Operation it self The Nature Excellency and Glory of Grace in the latter sence we shall in the next place insist upon But sith some men in these dayes as in former times do much Eclipse the Glory of the Spirit touching the work of Grace and Operation of the Spirit in Regeneration or the quickening them who are dead in Trespasses and Sins in affirming that saving Conversion doth principally consist in a moral swasion It may not be amiss to add something briefly here in confutation of these men whose Principles are in our Judgment fairly stated by Reverend Doctor Owen 1. They say that God administreth grace unto all in the declaration of the Doctrine of the Law and Gospel 2. That the reception of this Doctrine the belief and practice thereof is inforced by Promises and Threatnings 3. That the things revealed taught and commanded are not only good in themselves but so suited unto the Reason and Interest of Mankind as that the mind cannot but be disposed and inclined to receive and obey them unless overpoured by prejudice and a course of Sin 4. That the Consideration of the Promises and Threatnings of the Gospel is sufficient to remove these prejudices and course of sin 5. That upon a complyance with the Doctrine of the Gospel and obedience thereunto men are made partakers of the Spirit with other priviledges of the New Testament and have a right unto the promises of the present and future Life This saith the Dr. is a perfect Systeme of Pelagianism Those that would see his Answer hereunto may read from page 257. to
shall mention is Reconciliation which is a glorious blessing what is more fully opened and held forth in the gospel than Reconciliation with the means and manner how and by whom accomplished which will appear 1. By Considering the parties Reconciled 2. By Considering the Nature of the breach that was between them 3. By Considering the means and manner how it is accomplished 4. By Considering the Fruits and Effects of it 1. Considering the Parties that were at Variance who by the gospel are Reconciled God and Man the infinite God the holy God and Man these were at Enmity 't is sad when a difference rises in a Family in a Congregation in a City in a Kingdom or between one Kingdom and another but much more sad is it to have God and sinners at Enmity Adam runs from God hides himself he knew God was now become his Enemy the word declares the Creature to be Gods Enemy whilst he stands in old Adam in the state of nature and you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your minds c. And then God declares himself to be the Sinners enemy he is angry with the wicked every day he is said to fight and war against them which plainly shews he is their Enemy But now what a glorious blessing is this to have these two Parties reconciled when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son You that were enemies in your minds by wicked works or as in the Margent by your minds in wicked works yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through Death Secondly Gospel reconciliation appears to be glorious reconciliation if we consider the nature of the breach that was between them 1. It was an old breach no sooner was man made but straitway he became an Enemy to God nay every Soul that comes into the world comes into it an enemy of God or in a state of enmity 2. 'T is so great a breach that all the Angels in heaven nor all the Saints on earth could not make up 3. It was such a breach that lays the Soul obnoxious to Gods fearful Curse 4. It is such a breach that makes the Creatures of God at enmity one with another and Mankind in danger of being Devoured by them and also hath set man one against another 5. It is such a breach that sets man against himself it hath caused his own Conscience to be his Enemy and to accuse and fight against him and condemn him If our Hearts condemn us God is greater c. 6. It is such a breach that unless made up will produce an eternal Separation from God depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devils and his Angels c. Thirdly 'T is glorious Reconciliation if we consider the means and manner how and by whom it is wrought about and accomplished every Person in the glorious Trinity hath a hand in it and are eminently concerned about it God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself All things are of God who hath reconciled us unto himself by Jesus Christ c. The Lord Jesus the second Person is imployed we may see from hence as one fitly qualified to make up this dreadful Breach and in order thereunto he took our Nature on him There was a necessity of Christs coming to reconcile God and man God his Law and Justice was wronged and God was resolved to have this wrong made up and his Justice satisfied which none but Christ could do God was willing to be reconciled yet nevertheless he will wherein he was wronged be righted and have his Justice fully and compleatly satisfied Christ knew what would appease and satisfie both Law and Justice what he hath done hath infinite worth and efficacy in it this way tends most to glorifie God the Father the Son is glorified most this way the Spirit is glorified most this way and there was no way like this to melt the Sinners heart to abase him and lay him at the feet of God See Christ the Mediator c. 2. Christ doth not only reconcile God to the Creature but also reconciles the Creature unto God he undertakes to bring God near to Man and Man near to God whose heart is full of Sin and Enmity to his Maker and not subject to his Law he lays his hands upon both the first is done by his death Christ like Jonas is cast into the Sea as it were of wrath to make a Calm The second is done by the Spirit he breaks the heart changes the inward qualities and evil dispositions he takes away the heart of stone and gives a heart of flesh Fourthly Gospel Reconciliation is glorious in respect to the nature of it 1. It is a free Reconciliation it is a work of free grace alone it is not of man not of him that willeth or him that runneth but of God that shewed mercy Hence the Apostle saith All things are of God speaking of Reconciliation 2. It is mysterious Reconciliation we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world begun to our glory the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God This is one of those deep things which many because they cannot comprehend it in their own natural Wisdom cavil against it 3. It is a certain reconciliation God is at Peace and fully Reconciled in Jesus Christ Christ shall not will not loss his glorious design in coming into the world and taking our nature on him and dying the cursed death of the Cross. Those therefore that are brought to accept of the terms of Peace and Reconciliation as offered in the Gospel stand in a state of Real Peace and Friendship neither let any once imagine that after all these glorious transactions of the blessed Trinity about this work that the issue of the whole in order to the making of it effectual depends upon the Will and power of man 4. The Soul is taken into perfect Love and Union with God God hereby intirely loveth us and is so for us or on our side that his Friends and Allies become our Friends and Allies and all our Enemies become his Enemies so that what is done to us he takes as done to himself 5. It is an honourable Reconciliation it is a Reconciliation upon honourable Terms God suffereth not in any of his glorious Attributes If God had passed by our offences so that we had Pardon and Reconciliation without more adoe without a compensation for sin the Devils perhaps saith a Divine might have cryed out against him and have said where is the Glory of thy justice these have sinned against thee as well as we and the breach they have made upon thy justice is no wayes made up but now their mouths are stopt for ever This Reconciliation will be to the glory of God in the sight of Angels and Men to
We shall here only speak of the Word as it is compared to a Hammer Simile A Hammer is a fit Instrument to break Rocks and beat Stones in pieces c. II. A Hammer can do nothing of it self without the hand that uses it III. According to the Strength Design and Wisdom of the Work-Man a Hammer doth effect this or that c. IV. A Hammer is not only a fit Instrument to break things in pieces withall but also to drive home Nails c. and to clench and fasten them also Parallel THe Word of God is prepared by the Almighty as a fit means to break in pieces the stony and rocky Hearts of Sinners II. The Word of God cannot of it self break in pieces the Sinner's Heart God must use it by the hand of the Spirit if ever it accomplish that for which he sent it III. So according to the Design Wisdom and Strength the Holy Ghost is pleased to put forth upon the Heart of a Sinner is the nature of the VVork that is effected or accomplished thereby VI. So the Word of God in the hand of the Spirit is very useful to drive home and fasten 1. The Nails of Conviction 2. To drive home and fasten Precepts 3. To drive home and fasten Promises God is the great Master of Assemblies who fastens the Words of the Wise as Goads and Nails given from one Shepherd Inferences EXamine your selves have you experienced the Word to be like a Hammer 1. Have you been broken in pieces by it have you been under Grief and Trouble for your Sins 2. Are you broken off from your Sins 3. Are your Hearts soft 4. Hath the Word and Spirit of God fastened Convictions so upon you that you cannot get free of them Do they abide like a Nail in a sure place Have the Precepts of God in like manner been drove home that you cannot rest till you have submitted to them Have Promises been so fastened as that you do believe and stedfastly apply them to your own Souls II. If you would have the Word of God break your hard and rocky Hearts then 1. Consider the Severity of it touching the Threatnings thereof Gal. 3.10 Mark 16.16 Luk. 13.5 2. Consider what hath been executed upon such who break the Word 1. Adam 2. The old World 3. Korah and his Company Those that broke Moses 's Law dyed without Mercy under two or three Witnesses Heb. 10.28 3. Consider the Truth of the Word Mat. 5.18 Job 36.17 Luk. 21.22 4. The Power and Authority of the Word 5. The Torments of the Damned 6. Read often and consider the Sufferings of Christ. 7. Cry to God that he would be pleased to take the Hammer of the Word into the hand of his Spirit and smite your rocky Hearts See Simile stony and rocky Heart The Word of God the Sword of the Spirit Eph. 6.17 And the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God TWO things may be inquired into and in both these respects we shall run the Parallel 1. Why the VVord of God is compared to a Sword 2. VVhy the VVord is called the Sword of the Spirit 1. Some take as Mr. Gurnall observes the Abstract here to be put for the Concrete 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sword of the Spirit for the spiritual Sword as if it were no more but take the spiritual Sword which is the VVord of God according to that of the Apostle 2 Cor. 10.4 The Weapons of our Warfare are not carnal but mighty that is spiritual VVeapons Indeed Satan being a Spirit must be fought with spiritual VVeapons and such is the VVord of God viz. a spiritual Sword but this tho true reacheth not the full sence of the Place where 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is taken Personaliter for the Person of the Holy Spirit METAPHOR A Sword is a Weapon generally made use of by all Souldiers of every Rank and Quality the Captain as well as the ordinary Souldier hath and ought to have his Sword II. A Sword is a Weapon by which they do not only defend themselves but also do great Execution upon their Enemies III. A Sword is a keen sharp piercing Weapon it will enter into the Body and pierce the very Heart of a Man IV. A Sword is an honourable Weapon and of great Antiquity it hath been in use from the beginning a Weapon that no Enemy hath any just cause to quarrel with V. Some Swords have two Edges they will cut both ways they will cut backwards and forwards as they go in and as they come out VI. A Sword will cut off a Member many a Leg and Arm have been cut off therewith VII Some Wounds of a Sword are so mortal that there is no cure for them VIII A Sword is born oft-times before a Magistrate to signify Authority and Justice He bears not the Sword in vain IX A Sword is a very victorious Weapon it hath done great Execution in the World Joshua made great Slaughter upon the seven Nations of Canaan with the Sword it is said he put all the Souls in several Cities to the Edg of the Sword Parallel THE VVord of God the spiritual Sword every Christian of what Rank or Quality soever maketh use of and cannot ought not to be without it the Captain General fought with this VVeapon himself Ministers as well as every private Christian ought always to be armed herewith II. So the VVord of God is a spiritual VVeapon by which a Christian doth not only defend himself from the danger of Sin and Satan the VVorld c. but by it he offends yea cuts down and overcomes and vanquishes all these and other cruel Enemies of the Soul 1. The VVord is a defensive VVeapon Saith David By the Word of thy Lips I have kept me from the Paths of the Destroyer Vnless thy Law had been my Delight I should have perished in my Affliction 2 Offensive by it our blessed Captain made the Prince of Darkness fly It is written thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God III. The Word of God is sharper than any Sword If the Spirit uses it it will soon enter into and pierce the Heart of a Sinner as appears by that notable Instance concerning those Jews that put the Lord Jesus to death whilst Peter preached the VVord to them it is said they were pricked in their Hearts IV. The Word of God is an honourable VVeapon our Saviour and all holy Prophets and good Men would never else have made use of it it is also of great Antiquity the Writings of Moses as it is observed by divers were before any humane Records No Devil nor vile Heretick hath any cause to except against it or to quarrel with the Holy Scripture V. The VVord of God is quicK and powerful sharper than any two-edged Sword it hath a twofold Operation at one time as it is used by the Ministers of the Gospel it wounds the
live a godly Life to keep a good Conscience towards God and towards Men these are part of those things the Spirit guides Men in and such who thus live are led by the Spirit of God and are the Sons of God THE Word of God Compared To LIGHT The Fourth Head of Metaphors Allegories Similitudes and other borrowed Terms in Scripture that relate to the most Sacred Word of GOD. Psal. 119.105 Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path 2 Pet. 1.19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a Dark place c. 2 Cor. 4.4 6. Least the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God should shine upon them c. In handling this Metaphor we will 1. Shew what Light is 2. Give its various acceptations 3. Run the Parallel and largely open the Properties of Gospel Light Concluding with Practical Improvements upon that and some Dependant and Collateral Points LIght properly taken is thus defined Lux est claritas seu splendor in Corpore luminoso vel extra a corpore luminoso exiens that is Light is a Clarity Brightness or Splendor in a luminous body or proceeding from it It is called in Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Or from whence comes the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cerno to behold which cannot be done but where there is light The Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Maor is properly a lightsome or lucid body as the Sun Moon Stars Gen. 1.14 15 The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Matth. 17.2 Act. 26.23 the Latines lux and lumen It is threefold viz. there is a Natural light a light of Grace and a light of Glory the first is common to all that have the Sense of Seeing the second to Believers only on Earth the third to the Saints and glorified Spirits in Heaven The second sort of which we treat proceeds from Christ who is called the light Joh. 1. and his Gospel which is also called Light because it has the same influence and Efficacy in illuminating the Minds of Men which without it are spiritually dark as the Sun and other lucid bodies have to help our Corporal Eyes in the discovery of Objects Light Metaphorically is put for life it self Job 3.16 20 21. 2. For any Prosperity and Joy of Mind arising from thence Esth. 8.16 3. For the open and manifest state of things Matth. 10.27 Zeph. 3.5 Joh. 3.21 1 Cor. 4.5 4. For Favour and Good Will Prov. 16.15 5. For the Mistery of Regeneration 1 With respect to the Organical Cause of it viz. the Word and Spirit of God Psal. 43. Prov. 6.23 Isa. 2.5.20 2 Cor. 4.6 1 John 2.8 2 With respect to the formal Cause which is the Saving knowledge of Christ and true Faith Act 26.18 Eph. 5.8 1 Pet. 2.9 1 John 1.7 Hence Believers are called the Sons of Light Luk. 16.8 Eph. 5.8 1 Thes. 5.5 and the Graces of the Spirit and effects thereof the Armour of Light Rom. 13.12 3 VVith respect to the final Cause the last scope and effect of Faith which is life Eternal Isa. 6O 19 20. Joh. 8.12 Act. 26.23 2 Tim. 1.10 c. More particularly by a Metaphor Light is put for Knowledge Dan. 5.11 Isa. 60.3 For Beleivers Eph. 5.8 For the Ministers of the Gospel Matth. 5.14 For God himself 1 Joh. 1.5 Natural light was the first perfect Creature that God made of this visible world Gen. 1.3 Light is put for the Morning Neh. 8.3 And he read unto them from the light so the Hebrew until Midday Noon light in the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Zocharajim signifies double light or that which is extraordinary shining The Devil is called an Angel of Light 2 Cor. 11.14 that is by himself or Agents he assumes a specious and seeming Sanctity on purpose to insnare and deceive the Godly God is said to dwell in unapproachable Light 1 Tim. 6. that is in such transcendent Glory that no Mortal Eye can approach unto There is nothing so illustrious and glorious as Light hence the joyes of Heaven are set out by it In what respect the Word or Gospel is compared to Light take as followeth METAPHOR 1. Light is pleasant and very Comfortable Truly Light is sweet saith Solomon and a pleasant thing it is for the Eyes to see the Sun How grevious is it to be blind or to be kept in a deep and dark Dungion without seeing or beholding the Light 2. Light hath a penetrating quality it is of such a piercing and subtil Nature that it conveys it self into the least Crevise you can hardly make a Fence so Close as wholly to keep out light 3. Light makes manifest Great Light discovers and makes things manifest causing them to appear as they are in their proper nature which in the dark many times are taken to be that which indeed they are not When you would see what a thing is that you may make a true Judgment of it you bring it to the Light Whatsoever maketh manifest saith the Apostle is Light 4. Light hath a Directive vertue it Guides men in their way the Traveller by the Benefit of Light sees what path to keep and how to avoid the Dangers that may attend should he turn to the Right hand or to the Left 5. Light hath a Chearing Warming and Reviving Quality Light contributes much to the Vegetation Growth and Life of Plants and other Creatures Light and Motion are the cause of heat which the Heavenly Bodies send down upon the Earth Light is that Instrument whereby all Influences of Heaven are communicated and dispersed to the World 6. Light hath a purging and purifying Vertue Fogs and Mists that are gathered in Darkness are dispersed and scattered when the Light comes hence Light is called the refining-pot of Nature The World saith a worthy Divine would be an unwholsom Pesthouse if it had no Light 7. Light is of an undefileable Nature Tho' it passeth through sinks and most polluted places yet it Contracts no defilement it cleanseth all things but is defiled by nothing 'T is a quality so spiritual that nothing can fasten upon it to pollute it 8. Light is Glorious for beauty and splendor Hence the Glory of Heaven is called Light There is nothing of all created beings so Glorious as the Sun and light is a resplendency and shining forth of it Parallel 1. The Word or Gospel of Jesus Christ is very pleasant and a delightful thing How woful was the state of England in former times when men were kept in the Dungeon of Popish Darkness without the Precious Light of Gods Word Light is compared to Gladness and a good Day many Good Days have we enjoyed since God sent out his Light and Truth amongst us 2. The Word of God is of a searching and penitrating nature the Apostle saith it is quick
and powerful sharper than any two-edged Sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and Intents of the heart 'T is a hard matter for a Man tho' never so wicked to shut out or Prevent the Light of Gods Word from darting into and piercing of his Evil and accusing Conscience 3. The Word and blessed Gospel of Christ is so Great a Light that it makes wonderful Discoveries to the Children of Men. 1. It makes Manifest not only that there is a God but also what a God he is Not only his Being but also his manner of Being 2. It Discovers the Creation of the World 3. The State of Man before he fell and after his Fall 4. The horrid nature of Sin 5. The secret Counsel and Eternal Love of God to lost Man together with the severity of God towards the fallen Angels 6. It makes known the Lord Jesus Christ and his Blessed Design in coming into the World his Incarnation Nativity Life Death Resurrection Ascension and Intercession c. 7. It Discovers how God is to be Worshipped all his Laws Ordinances and Institutions are revealed by it 8. It discovers the True Church which otherwise cannot be known 9. Lastly It makes manifest whatsoever is needful or necessary to be known believed or practiced in order to Salvation 4. The VVord of God Directs and Guides Men in the Right way Hence David saith Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a light unto my pathes God is Gracious to mankind in this respect viz. he leaves them not at an uncertainty without an infallible Guide in matters of Religion Take away this Unâ—â—erring Rule and what confusion would the Christian VVorld be in one Man might say this is the way and another that I walk saith one by the Guidance of the Spirit and so saith another that teacheth quite Contrary things Saith a third you are both out of the way 't is I alone that am led by Inspiration and ye are in Darkness Others plead for the Pope and General Counsels which have been miserably Contradictory one to another and none of these can Give better Demonstrations touching the truth of what they Preach or Practice then the Rest being not able to Confirm their Doctrine by Miracles and so consequently how shall a poor doubtful Soul be directed in the way to heaven by either or any of them For were not the holy Scriptures the Rule but Contrariwise the Light within or Inspiration c. then must a Man be able to Confirm and Prove what he sayeth in such a way or by such means that no Deceiver or Impostor can pretend unto or do the like But is not the Spirit of God above the Scriptures which you call the VVord did not the Spirit give forth the Scriptures if so sure then that is of the Greatest Authority and only Light that can best Direct men Into the right way That the holy Spirit or third Person of the holy Trinity is a Greater Light then the holy Scripture is not Denied by vertue of which holy men of old were Inspired that gave them forth yet the Question is VVhether any Man now hath such a measure of the Spirit in him which is a greater Light than the written word and to whom others are bound to adhere and be directed by for 't is this only which is Denied 5. The word and Gospel of Christ hath a Chearing and Quickning Vertue This is my comfort in my affliction thy word hath Quickened me And in another place I will never forget thy precepts for with them thou hast Quickend me As 't is grevious to be Spiritually blind or in the Dark Region and Dungeon of Idolatry Sin and Unbelief so on the other hand how comfortable is it to enjoy the blessed word and Gospel of Jesus Christ. 6. The VVord and Gospel of Christ hath a Cleansing Purging and purifying Vertue in it Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way by taking heed thereto according to thy word Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you The Gospel and word of God Disperseth and Scattereth all the Fogs and Mists of Darkness and Error It is the refining-pot of Truth VVhat an unwholsome Pesthouse would the VVorld be in a Spiritual Sence were it not for the Light and Excellent Vertue of Gods holy VVord 7. The VVord and Gospel of God is very pure and of an undefilable Nature what filthy sinks hath it past through and what means hath been used by the Popish Adversaries and others to Corrupt and Polute it and yet no defilement cleaveth to it it remaines unmixed and pure still shining forth Gloriously such is the Excellent nature of it it purifieth the hearts and lives of men and nothing can fasten upon it to polute it 8. The VVord and Gospel of Christ is called by the Apostle The Glorious Gospel the Gospel is exceeding full of Glory There is nothing in it but that which is very Glorious Here you have a Resplendency and Shining forth of the Sun of Righteousness Gloria quasi clara saith Aquinas because Glory is the bright shining forth of Excellency now its transcendent Excellency and Splendor shines forth as may be demonstrated many wayes 1. It s Glorious in Respect of the Author and Fountain from whence it proceeds 2. 'T is Glorious in a Comparative sence 3. 'T is Glorious in respect of it Self First As light is Glorious because it is the most Excellent Rayes Resplendency and Shinings forth of the Sun so is the Gospel because 't is the glorious shining forth and resplendency of Jesus Christ the Sun of Righteousness Secondly 'T is glorious in a comparative sence it Excells the Law hence called a better Testiment tho' that was glorious yet it had no glory in this respect by Reason of the glory that Excelleth I. The Gospel excels the Law in respect of the names of the one and the names of the other 1. The Law is called the Letter the Gospel the Ministration of the Spirit 2. The Law is called a Ministration of death the Gospel a Ministrator of life II. The gospel excels in glory above the law 1. In regard of the light and perspicuity of it the law was full of obscurity clothed with many Ceremonies and mysterious Sacrifices 2. They were at a great loss touching the main drift and end thereof 2 Cor. 3.13 God spake as it were under a Vail III. The gospel is clear and plain Christ beheld heard handled c. the Mysteries long hid open'd and explained fully we behold with open face c. IV. The law was appointed to be but a leading Ministration and in subserviency to the gospel our Schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. V. The gospel more glorious or excels the law in respect of the strength of the one and weakness of