holy-Holy-Spirit the Earnest of the Saints Inheritance Page 305 The holy-Holy-Spirit compared to a Seal Page 309 The Spirit compar to a River Page 313 The Spirit compar to Water Page 319 The holy-Holy-Spirit a Witness Page 321 The holy-Holy-Spirit a Teacher Page 323 The holy-Holy-Spirit compared to a Dove Page 326 The holy-Holy-Spirit the Saints Guide Page 327 BOOK III. The Fourth Head of Metaphors Allegories Similies and other borrowed Terms in Scripture that relate to the most Sacred WORD of God THe Word of God compared to Light Page 1 Or the Gospel glorious Page 9 Kisses of Christ's Mouth Page 41 The Word of God compared to a Net Page 45 The Word of God compared to Gold Page 47 The Word of God called Milk Page 50 The Word of God compared to Strong Meat Page 51 The Word compared to Honey Page 51 The Word compared to Fire Page 53 The Word compared to a Hammer Page 58 The Word of God the Sword of the Spirit Page 59 The Word of God compared to Leaven Page 61 The Word of God compared to a Glass Page 62 Professing the Gospel compared to a Plough Page 65 The Word compared to Seed Page 67 The Word compared to Rain Page 70 The Word compared to the Dew of Heaven Page 73 The Gospel compar to Treasure Page 74 God a Father JOHN 20.27 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I ascend to my Father and to your Father 1 JOHN 3.1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God THe Title of Father is attributed to God in a four-fold Respect 1. As he is the Eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who is his only begotten Son John 1.14 Eph. 1.3 2. As he is the Father of Adam and all his Natural Off-spring in respect of Creation Luk. 3.38 3. As he is the Father of Mercies all flowing from his Bountiful Hand to the Creature 2 Cor. 1.3 Eph. 4.6 4. The Father of all Good Men in respect of Adoption and Regeneration wrought in them by the Power of his Grace Rom. 8.15 Gal. 4.6 The word Abba is a Syriack word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and is derived from the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ab from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to will or acquiesce It is only found in three places in Scripture as Mark 14.36 Rom. 8.15 Gal. 4.6 and in all those places the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Father is joyned to it which intimates as learned men say that the Gospel-Grace belongs to the Greeks who were Gentiles as well as the Jews It is observed that this is the first word that usually Children speak which carries a Spiritual Allusion Whether it be read backwards or forwards it sounds Abba which by a sweet allusion seems to imply that God is the Father of the Faithful even when in their crosses and calamities he seems averse to them Others think that the Gemination or doubling of the word in Syriack and Greek carries an Emphasis signifying that God is always a Father and that the Invocations of his Children should be put up with earnest Geminations and vehemency of desire Hierom makes the later an interpretation of the former as Rev. 1.7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 even so and Amen where the first is the explication of the second being a Hebrew word In the ensuing Parallel we take the Title Father in the fourth respect above mentioned and so it may not unfitly be termed a Metaphor taken from a Natural or Earthly Father Because God has the same love to and care of his Spiritual or Adopted Children as Worldly Parents have of their Natural Off-spring and in what degrees of Paternal Eminence God excels them shall be shew'd in the Disparity METAPHOR I. A Father gives Being to his Children as Jacob begat the Twelve Patriarchs Hence his Posterity are said to proceed out of his Loyns and are called his Issue or Off-spring II. A Father makes provision for the nursing nourishment and bringing up of his Children III. Fathers Cloath their Children Jacob made Joseph a Coat of many colours they allow not only for necessity but also for Ornament that they may take the more delight in them IV. A Father dearly loves highly esteems and greatly pities his Children If they are sick or under any calamity his tender and compassionate Bowels yearn with pity and sympathy to them V. A loving Father protects and defends his Children from hurts injuries and abuses to the utmost of his power taking their part and vindicating their Innocency against all their Enemies whom he warns not to wrong them at their peril VI. The thoughts of a tender Father run out most towards their weakest Children who are least able to help themselves giving special charge to such as are intrusted to look after them to take particular care of them VII A Father provides Food and Physick for his Children If they ask Bread he will not give them a Stone nor a Serpent if they ask him a Fish How ready was the Noble-man to seek Jesus from place to place that he might heal his sick Son at Capernaum VIII A Father takes delight to hear his young Children learn to speak and is better pleased at their endeavour to express their minds though in a lisping stammering or inarticulate Language than in the most florid Rhetorick or quaint Deliveries of others and will answer their Requests before the most perswasive Oratory of Strangers IX A loving and discreet Father proposes himself as a patern and example of good to his Children and exhorts them to imitate hlm X. A Father loves those Children best that are most like him XI A Father takes care to educate his Children and instruct them in all points of manners and good behaviour in the various circumstances of their lives at home and abroad towards Superiours Inferiours and Equals towards Friends and Enemies and towards each other giving them Precepts of good learning and other qualifications suitable to their ranks and qualities XII Fathers are very ready to hear the humble suit and requests of their dear Children for such things as they stand in need of Isaac crys to his Father and he answered Here am I my Son XIII If a prudent Father grants not his Childrens request it is because he knows they ask things that are not good for them but such as would prove in conclusion hurtful and prejudicial XIV If a tender Parent sees his Children play with any hurtful thing or to be fond of that which may wound kill or destroy them he takes it away from them XV. Fathers take care of their Children and are mindful of their welfare when at the greatest distance XVI A Father overlooks the common weaknesses and infirmities of his Children and pardons them upon their humble applications for it XVII A loving Father is much griev'd if his Children prove wicked and rebellious and useth all
in that they suit all Conditions of the Soul and tend to answer all Objections a poor Sinner or weak Believer can make opened in many Particulars 26 27 28 Power A twofold Power in Christ 20 Christ hath a glorious Power shewed in 14 Particulars 20 21 Q. Quench HOw the Spirit may be quenched 55 What the Cause is that Men quench the Spirit 56 What a wicked thing it is to quench the Spirit 57 R. Reveal GOspel reveals 1. Christ's glorious Person 2. His glorious Office 3. His glorious Love 4. His glorious Riches 5. His glorious Power largely opened 13 14 15 Rich. Christ very rich 18 The Nature of Christ's Riches 18 19 S. Salvation GOspel Salvation glorious Salvation in 16 Particulars 38 39 Salvation only by Christ and how by Christ opened 12 Sins Christ bore our Sins what meant thereby 12 T. Treasure THe Gospel compared to Treasure in eight Partic. 74 75 W. Will. Concerning the Will of Man and how it acts and how acted in Conversion largely opened 26 27 28 Word Word of God compared to a Net in nine Particulars 45 46 Word compared to Gold in twelve Particulars 47 48 Word compared to Milk in five Particulars 50 Word compared to strong Meat in three Particulars 51 Word compared to Honey in five Particulars 51 Word compared to Fire in 11 Partic. 53 54 Word compared to a Hammer in four Partic. 58 Word of God the Sword of the Spirit opened in nine Particulars 59 60 Word compared to Leaven in six Particulars 61 62 Word compared to a Glass in eight Particulars 62 63 64 Word compared to a Plough in ten Particulars 65 66 Word compared to Seed in fourteen Particulars 67 68 Word compared to Rain in thirteen Particulars 70 71 72 ERRATA PAge 6. l. 16. for quantity r. quality P. 9. f. 3. r. 14. P. 14. l. 8. add his P. 14 l. 7. blot out in these respects because P. 15. l. 4. blot out as P. 15. l. 12 r. therefore P. 15. l 61. f. had r. were P. 16. l. 29. f. you r. him P. 16. blot out so P. 26. l. 31. f. heod r. head P. 41. l. 10. f. out r. at P. 42. l. 17. f. he r. it P. 47. l. 43. f. then r. when P. 51. parall 6. l. 8. add a before glorious P. 52. in the Margin f. Goodwin r. Godwyn P. 60. par 30. l. 5. leave out when P. 62. l. 6 add he after t is P. 65. par 1. l. 10. f. it r. he P. 108. l. 28. f. them r. him P. 109. dispar 1. l. ult f. Son r. Image P. 164. par 17. leave out one he P. 190. par 3. l. 8. f. I r. we P. 194. par 2. l. 2. f. Peoples r. People P. 197. dispar 3. l. ult add of P 209. dispar 2. l. 2. f. dwelt r. dwelling p. 218. par 25. l. 9. leave out it p. 221. par 6. l. 3. f. thee r. him p. 223. par 2. l. 4 f. spendor r. splendor p. 225. dispar 1. l. 1. put and after heavenly p. 27. metaph 3. l. 4. f. Bubbs r. Buds p. 237. Infer 4. partic 4. f. the r. to p. 237. infer 6. l. 2. add is after it p. 248. dispar 6. l. 6. f. ot r. not p. 249 for Paralâ—â—el r. Disparity p. 252. par 6. l. 2. for hight r. high p. 274. par 2. Marg. r. Psal. 49.14 p. 284 par 11. l. 7. for rew r. crew par 9. l. 2. blot out to p. 290. metaph 14. l. 6. for rejected r received Motive 3. l. ult add at all after nothing p. 302. met 1. blot out a. p. 303. met 9. l. 1. put a before fat p. 304. par 14. l. 15. for to be r. are they p. 309. l. 10 for include r. conclude In the Epistle to the Reader for near twenty Years Study read near two Years Study 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 levis velux mobilis fuit subsilii saltavit Judg. 9.4 Leigh in voc Franz hist. Animal cap. 26. p. 554 * Lib. 3. Confess cap. 5. * Budaeus lib. 5. de asse et partibus ejus p. 754. Pat. 2. Clav. Script Col. 15. Alsted * Non movent non persuadent sacrae literae sed cogunt agitant vim inferunt legis rudia verba c In Annot. Act. 10. p. 317. Lib de vero Cultu c. 21. 1 Cor. 2.4 5. †Genus estquod de pluribus differentibus essentialiter praedicatur in quid non conversim ut animal genus est hominis * Species est pars generi subjecta ut homo est species animalis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Species est quae collocatur sub genere ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 video 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 transnominatio a chanâ—â—e of Names or transmutatio sive nominis pro nomine posito ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 trans 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aeolice pro 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nomen c. Joh. 6.63 Part. 1. Col. 1162. * Primo loco vox Spiritus denotat ipsum spiritum sanctum gratiose per verbum et baptismum operantem posteriori loco spiritus sancti 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 salutare intelligitur * In te in sâ—â—mine tuo Copulativa et idem est ac id est c. Mouth Tongue * Percutiamus eum propter isâ—â—am Linguam hâ—â—c est sermonem illum importunum nobis odiosum Non decorum est stulto labium dignitatis quanto minus liberali labium salsitatis * Lib. 35. cap. 14. Graeci Anqui doron palmum vocabant Dona Munera quia Manu darentur * So it is in the Hebrew Love Mercy * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 emosyna eâ—â—t genus omne beneâ—â—icii quod in miseros confertur Beza The word signifyeth Mercy and Pity therefore all our Alms must proceed from a Merciful and Pitiful heart 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * Prosopolepsia * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Oblivisci Jebovae cordis contumaciam Infidelitatem impietatem importat * In the Greek it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. that is he that loveth his soul c. and hateth his soul c. * In the Greek it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. that is he that loveth his soul c. and hateth his soul c. * Quando faciam ego pro domo mea * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * â—â—aes meâ—â—m fecit aggravari Ubicunque Auro Argento quae nomina ut reliquorum metallorum apud Hebraeos plurali carent numeralia nomina juncta leguntur pro siclis ejusdem Metalli usurpantur Junius in Gen. 24.22 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 timor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nephesh * So the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. Video Meliora proboque Deteriora sequor Ovid. * So the Hebrew Actâ—â— 20. â—â— Phil. â—â— 12 Ps. 16.6 〈◊〉 5.30 32. Brent 〈◊〉 in loc Gerrhard Toâ—â— 3. loâ—â—or de
judicious Ministers to their Christian Friends in order to its being encouraged The Matter of it is Divine but the Manner of handling possibly will not please all I must confess my own Defects and Disabilities for the undertaking of so great a Subject and am assured the Christian and candid Peruser will overlook Frailties and take that in good part which was design'd for the Publick Good As for Carpers and Censurers that like nothing but what they do themselves they are below regard I have met with an Objection against my Method viz. That no Parallels are to be drawn beyond the Scope of the Text answering the Intention of the Spirit there To which I say First That I have endeavoured with all diligence to conform all my Parallels to plain Scripture and the Analogy of the Orthodox Faith and if I go beyond what the Scope of a particular Text is yet I agree with the general Tenor of God's Word Secondly Metaphors being Terms borrowed from Things that have divers Properties as far as they yield Parities or Disparities with the Object represented agreeable to the Word of God if they tend to Edification may be safely used As for example God in a Metaphorical Notion is called a Father how can a Parallel be limited till you apply all the good Properties of a natural Father to Him So of Christ a Shepherd c. See our Sacred Philology pag. 67 171. The like may be said of many other general Terms c. Thirdly If our Method is not useful to critical Objectors yet 't is hoped it will be so to the plain serious Reader and the other may furnish himself with what he likes or let alone what he wants not Fourthly If Example be any Warrant I have the Precedents of the learned Glassius Illyricus Dr. Franzius and our own Caryl Burroughs Blackwood and divers others who have parallel'd divers Metaphors in the same nature as I have done All which I presume will satisfy such as can be satisfied with respect to this Objection I can truly say that we have spared no Cost or Pains to consult the best Authors extant whether Divines Naturalists Philosophers Philologists or Criticks c. in order to make this Essay useful for the end intended and have carefully labour'd to avoid any Notion of Things that may offend such as are sound in the Faith but have kept all along within the Bounds of that Gravity and Orthodoxy of Matter which the Christian Religion requires and the Reformed Protestants profess The Helps I have had from others whether dead or alive I readily acknowledg for I would not own that for mine which is not and to accommodate the Work the better I have I confess expressed some Things in the very Words of divers worthy and learned Divines As to the Work in general and the Use of it read the Epistle to the First Book Only this let me add here Such who would see what Improvement may be fairly made of a Metaphor may read Light Book 3. p. 1 to 40. which contains the Substance of several Sermons preached upon 2 Cor. 4.4 with good Acceptance Reader This I must say what Profit it may yield thee I know not yet when the Second Volume is finished thou wilt have the Fruit of near twenty Years Study in which time divers that know me can say I have not been idle And thou mayest perceive that what I have received I am willing to communicate to others Talents must not be hid in Napkins And that it may bring Glory to God Advantage to Thee and to the Church of Christ in general is and shall be the constant Prayer of him who is willing to serve thee in the Work of the Gospel for Christ's sake B. KEACH A TABLE OF THE Metaphors Similes c. Contained in the Second and Third Books of this VOLUME BOOK II. The First Head of Metaphors respecting GOD the Father GOD a Father Page 1 God a Portion Page 6 God a Habitation Page 10 God an Husbandman Page 14 God a Builder Page 17 God a Man of War Page 21 God a Strong-Tower Page 29 God compared to a Giant Page 35 God compared to a Lion Page 40 God as a Leopard Page 40 God compared to a Bear Page 45 God compared to a Moth Page 46 God a Refuge Page 50 God an Housholder Page 54 God compared to a Potter Page 62 God to the Wicked is a Consuming Fire Page 65 The Arm of God Page 70 God compared to a Travailing Woman Page 73 God a Shield Page 74 God a Wall of Fire Page 76 God a Iudg Page 78 God an Hiding-Place Page 83 The Second Head of Metaphors Allegories Similes Types and other borrowed Terms respecting the LORD JESUS CHRIST the Second Person in the Glorious Trinity CHrist a Mediator Page 86 Christ a Surety Page 91 Christ a Bridegroom Page 97 Christ the express Image of the Father Page 108 Christ a Physician Page 112 Christ a Testator Page 119 Christ compared to an Hart Page 124 Christ a Door Page 128 Christ the Servant of God Page 131 Christ a Lion Page 135 Christ the true Manna Page 139 Christ a King Page 143 Christ a Priest Page 149 Christ a Prophet Page 157 Christ a Shepherd Page 162 Christ the Branch Page 165 Christ the Way Page 167 Christ a Rock Page 170 Christ a Fountain Page 173 Christ the Head Page 177 Christ a Garment of Sanctification Page 182 Christ a Lamb Page 185 Christ the Pearl of great price Page 187 The Name of Christ like to precious Ointment Page 190 Christ a Believer's Friend Page 193 Christ the Rose of Sharon Page 199 Christ an Advocate Page 203 Christ an Apostle Page 208 Christ the Bread of Life Page 210 Christ the the Sun of Righteousness Page 214 Christ the Root of David Page 221 Christ the true Vine Page 223 Christ the Lilly of the Vallies Page 226 Christ under the Similitude of an Apple-Tree Page 227 Christ an Embassador Page 230 Christ a Witness Page 235 Christ an Altar Page 237 Christ Heir of all things Page 239 Christ the only Foundation Page 242 Christ the Corner-Stone Page 246 Christ Wonderful â—â— Counsellor Page 251 Christ's Compassion to Sinners under the similitude of a Hen Page 255 Christ the Captain of our Salvation Page 257 Christ a Refiner Page 262 Christ compared to an Eagle Page 265 Christ compared to a Bundle of Myrrh Page 268 Christ the Saints Wedding-Garment Page 270 Christ the Bright and Morning-Star Page 274 Christ's coming compared to a Thief in the Night Page 279 Christ the Iudg of All Page 280 Christ compared to the Brazen Serpent Page 285 Christ is All in All Page 287 The Third Head of Metaphors Allegories and Similes with other borrowed Terms respecting the HOLY SPIRIT the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity THe holy-Holy-Spirit a Comforter Page 291 The holy-Holy-Spirit compared to the Wind Page 297 The Holy-Shirit comp to Fire Page 301 The Oil of Gladness Page 302 The
Christ opened in 10 Particulars 92 93 The difference of Christ's Suretyship and Suretyship amongst Men shewed in six Partic. 94 95 T. Teacher THe Spirit of God a sacred Teacher opened in eleven Partic. 324 325 The Saints chief Teacher 325 Who have the Spirits Teaching ibid. Better lose all other Teachers than lose the Spirit ibid. Terrible Christ terrible as a Judg in a three-fold manner Met. Par. 10. 283 Testator Christ a Testator opened in fifteen Particulars 119 to 121 Wherein Christ exceeds all other Testators 122 A five-fold Testimony to Christ as a Testator ibid Thief Christ's coming is compared to a Thief in the Night in 6 Partic. 279 280 Traffick All heavenly Commerce and Traffick is by the Spirit 314 Tree Christ under the similitude of an Apple Tree opened in eleven Partic. 229 230 Trinity The Persons of the Trinity made known by Christ six manner of ways 110 V. Vessels SAints earthen Vessels God very careful of his choice Vessels par 7 63 Vine Christ the true Vine opened in ten Particulars 223 to 225 Wherein Christ exceeds all other Vines in six things 225 Union The present Time to be improved to obtain it 257 Universe The happy State of the whole Universe when Christ shall take unto him his great Power Infer 6. 148 Utichian Utichian Heresy detected 165 166 W. Wall GOD a Wall of Fire about his People 76 77 Want God as a Portion frees the Soul from fear of Want par 13. 7 Want of Christ will occasion violent Motions par 15. 213 Water The Nature of Water 319 The Spirit compared to Water opened in ten Partic. 319 320 The excellent Nature of this sacred Water shewed 320 321 Water of Life free to all 321 War The Cause why God proclaims War against a People par 9. 24 God excells all other Warriors shewed in ten Partic. 25 26 God gives warning before he makes War Dispar 5. 25 Way Christ the Way opened in ten Particulars 167 168 Way made plain to the City of Refuge Met. 7. 168 In what respect Christ is called the Way to the Father answered in four Particulars 169 What kind of Way Christ is answered in 10 Partic. 169 Wedding The Wedding-Garment 270 Whore The great Whore shall be burned with Fire 68 Wicked Wicked Men compared to wild Beasts 76 Wind. The Property thereof shewed 297 The Spirit compared to the Wind in twenty Partic. 298 299 How to know which way the Wind of the Spirit blows Par. 13. 299 Witness Christ a Witness opened in ten Particulars 235 to 237 Witness in the Day of Judgment who and what par 8. 283 The Spirit a Witness opened in eight Partic. 321 322 Two Witnesses necessary for a Christian 322 World This World had a beginning par 1. 55 This World a Wilderness abounding with wild Beasts 76 77 Works Christ's undoubted Right to all the Works of God's hands shewed in 5 Partic. Infer 1. 148 Wrath. Wrath of God terrible par 1. 65 66 67 AN Alphabetical Table OF The Principal Things Contained in the THIRD BOOK A. Attributes ATtributes of God shine forth in the Gospel Page 10 13 21 22 23 B. Baptism Baptism and the Lord's Supper glorious Ordinances 33 Beauty Beauty of Christ opened in 10 Partic. 16 Book The Gospel called a Book 9 What kind of Book shewed in 8 things 9 C. Christ. CHrist's Person glorious 13 Christ very beautiful 16 Christ's Love wonderful 17 18 Christ very rich 18 Counsel The Gospel-Covenant the Contrivance of Godâ—â—s eternal Counsel 9 D. Deity THe Deity of Christ proved by 19 Arguments 14 Deity of the Holy-Ghost proved 23 Design What God's Design was in sending Christ shewed in six Partic. 11 Dew The Word of God compared to the Dew of Heaven in five Partic. 73 F. Father THe Glory of the Father shines forth in the Gospel 10 Fire The Word of God compared to Fire 53 G. Glass THe Word of God compared to Glass in 8 Partic. 62 63 64 Gold The Word of God compared to Gold in 12 Partic. 47 Gospel Glorious Gospel largely opened 4 5 6 Gospel glorious in respect of the Author in respect of the Law in respect of its self 4 Gospel excells the Law shewed in 14 Partic. Gospel glorious in respect of the Names and Epithetes given to it shewed in fourteen Partic. 8 9 Gospel glorious in respect of the Time when contrived 9 Gospel glorious in respect of the Revelation made therein of the Blessed Trinity 10 Gospel glorious in respect of the Manifestation made therein of the Father 40 Gospel glorious in respect of the Revelation made therein of Christ 13 14 15 Gospel glorious as it respects the Holyâ—â—Ghost 21 Gospel glorious in respect of Grace and powerful Operations of it upon the Heart of Men. 29 Gospel glorious in respect of the Offers and Tenders of it 30 Gospel Reconciliation glorious Reconciliation 30 31 Gospel glorious in respect of the Ordinances of it 33 Gospel glorious in respect of Pardon of Sin 33 Gospel glorious in respect of Peace 33 Gospel glorious in respect of the Promises 33 34 Why Satan endeavours to binder the Gospel 40 Grace The excellent Nature of true Grace shewed in 16 Partic. 28 29 H. Hammer THe Word of God compared to a Hammer in 4 Partic. 58 History History of the Gospel a glorious History Holy Holy-Ghost a Divine Person 22 23 I. Justice GOD's Justice must be satisfied 11 No Man or Angel can satisfy God's Justice for his Sin 11 God's Justice only satisfied by a Sacrifice 11 K. Kingdom THe Church called the Kingdom of God 8 Why the Gospel is called the Gospel of the Kingdom 8 Kiss The Word Kiss as mentioned in Scripture opened in 12 Parric 41 42 Kisses of Christ's Mouth opened in four Partic. 43 L. Leaven THe Word of God compared to Leaven 61 62 Light The Word of God compared to Light opened in 8 Partic. 2 3 4 The various Acceptations of the Word Light 1 Love Christ's glorious Love opened in 10 Partic. 17 18 M. Meat THe Word of God campared to strong Meat 51 Mercy God will not save Men in a way of Mercy to the wronging of his Justice 11 Milk The Word of God compared to Milk in five Particulars 50 Moral Moral Persuasions not sufficient to turn a Sinner to God 26 27 N. Net THe Word of God compared to a Net in nine Partic. 45 46 O. Operation OPerations of the Holy Spirit glorious 24 P. Peace PEace of Conscience a glorious Blessing 33 Pelagianism refuted 26 Plough The Word of God compared to a Plough in ten Particulars 65 66 Priesthood Christ's Priesthood excells the Priesthood of Aaron shewed in nine Partic. 5 Promise Promises of the Gospel glorious Promises 33 Gospel Promises glorious in respect of Him through whom and in whose Name they are made 34 Gospel Promises glorious in respect of the Firmness of them shewed in 5 Partic. 35 36 Gospel Promises glorious above the Promise of the Law 36 Gospel Promises glorious
almost infinite Others say that 't is as possible to empty the Sea with sieve as to reduce or confine Metaphors to certain Classes or bounds The like may in a manner be said of the Metaphors in Holy Scripture But in as much as it is very profitable for such as are studious in that Sacred Writing it shall be endeavoured so to dispose of most if not all the Metaphors as much as may be done among such a multitude of them found there especially the most frequent and illustrious as that they may be reduced to a certain Order under their respective Heads which will inable us to give a found judgment of the most Elegant and Rhetorical part of the Bible And if any be missing the Harvest being large it may stir up others to gather up and improve the gleanings 6. As to the right distribution or distinction of Metaphors into their right Classes or Heads some take the Method of Plutarch and Quintilian who to avoid confusion in such an infinite variety which can scarce be concluded or terminated by art rightly say that the most illustrious sort of Metaphors are to be expounded and distinguished under certain heads and they make them four viz. 1. From animate things viz. such as have life to animate as when God is put for a Magistrate or a Shepherd for a Prince or Ruler 2. From animate things to inanimate viz. things which have no life as when the Earth is said to Groan and the Olive to Lye 3. Or from inanimate things to animate as when Christ is called a Door a Vine c. 4. Or from inanimate things to inanimate as when the Mystery of Salvation is called a foundation 1 Tim. 6.19 2 Tim. 2.19 c. Others not respecting things as they are in Nature observe a Grammatical series or order because Metaphors are found in Nouns Verbs and Adverbs In Nouns Substantives as where it is said Deut. 22.14 The fat of the Kidneys of Wheat for choice grains of Wheat where is a double Metaphor First In Fat for the choiceness or preciousness and Secondly In Reins which is put for Grains because they are like them in Form and both are joyned because the Reins in a living Creature are covered with Fat Thus Christ is called the Light of the World Joh. 8.12 The Good Shepherd Joh. 10.11 The Apostles are called the Salt of the Earth Matth. 5.13 c. In Nouns Adjective as when one is said to be of Vncircumcised Lips Ears Heart as Exod. 6.12 Jer. 6.10 and 9.26 For to be of an impure and sinfull heart when the unbelieving and worldly minded man is said to be Dead Mat. 8.22 When the Word or Heavenly Doctrine is said to be sound 1 Tim. 1.10 and 6.3 2 Tim. 1.13 and 4.3 c. In Verbs As when 't is said of the Wicked they shall wither Psal. 37.2 That is they shall perish The Soul is said to thirst when it earnestly and vehemently desires any thing Psal. 42.2 So when putting on is taken for assuming as Eph. 4.24 In Adverbs As when to take a thing hardly is put for Grief and Sorrow as Gen. 21 11. To speak hardly is put for roughly or severely as Gen. 42.7 To be grievously wounded is put for very much 1 King 22.34 Thus in the vulgar Latine Edition but the Hebrew is without Adverbs there But a more proper Example is in Matth. 26.75 He wept 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bitterly that is very much a Metaphor taken from Tast So 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Splendidly is put for eminently or sumptuously Luke 16.19 But waving these our method shall be to consider this Trope 1. More Specially 2. More Generally 1. More Specially which shall be about things that are translated to God which properly belong to Man Chap. 7. The 2. About what things belonging to other Creatures are ascribed to God Ch. 8. The 3. When things properly ascribable to persons are attributed to things that are not persons Chap. 9. 4. More Generally which shall be to lay down the distinct Heads and Classes of Metaphors with succinct Explications of each 5. We shall produce such Metaphors taken from God and the Creatures as are obvious in Universal Nature ch 10 11.12 6. Such as are taken from Sacred persons and things as Divine Worship c. Chap. 13. CHAP. VII Of Metaphors Translated from Man to God which kind is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ANthropopatheia is a Metaphor by which things properly belonging to Creatures especially Man are by a certain similitude attributed to God and Divine things It is likwise called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 condescension because God in his Holy Word descends as it were so low as our capacities expressing his heavenly Mysteries after the manner of men which the Hebrews elegantly call The way of the Sons of men In this Metaphor it is very necessary to take great heed that no mean base or indecent thing be attributed to the most High and Holy Majesty but that the Reason of the similitude be always improved with this Caution or Canon of Divinity viz. Whatsoever is translated from Creatures to God must first be separated from all imperfections and then that which is perfect may safely be ascribed to God To understand these similitudes as the Lord descends graciously to us so let us with a Devout mind by Faith and Prayer ascend unto him comparing spiritual things with spiritual 1 Cor. 2.13 That we may have honourable apprehensions of him and his Divine Mysteries which cannot be done without the aid of the Holy Spirit who only knows the things of God and the depths of his Wisdom revealing them to men by the Word 1 Cor. 2.10 11. To this may our Saviours speech be referred John 6.53 When by a similitude of humane things he speaks of the participation of heavenly things some of the Disciples being of gross and carnal understandings said This is an hard Speech who can hear it abhorring such Flesh eating and Blood drinking to whom Christ says ver 63. It is the spirit that quickneth the flesh profiteth nothing The words that I speak unto you they are Spirit and they are Life That is my words are not to be received in the mode and measure of vulgar or Earthly things but waving such thoughts by the aid and guidance of the Spirit as things spiritually spoken they are to be spiritually understood and by Faith to be beleived for so they are Life and give Life c. In proceeding we shall not only shew those Metaphors that respect God considered singly in his Essence and Divine Majesty but also as manifest in the flesh Some Metaphors are taken from Man and some from other Creatures From Man as 1. His Parts and Members 2. His Affections 3. His Actions 4. His Adjuncts Of which in order The Parts and Members of a Man attributed to God A Soul is attributed to God by which his Life Essence and Will and therefore God himself is
like chap. 10.11 is said of the mouth of a just or Righteous man And chap. 14.27 Of the fear of the Lord Whence it is manifest that this is to be understood of the Preaching of the saving Word of God by just and wise men that is Believers The Word of Christ the Saviour is called a Fountain and Spring Esa. 12.3 where the word is in the plural Number to denote abundance Zach. 13.1 Joel 3.23 With respect to this saving word the Church of Christ is called A Fountain of Gardens a Well of living waters and Streams from Lebanon Cant. 4.15 Chald. the words of the Law are compared to a Well of Living Waters This Fountain is only in the Church of Christ and therefore this Name is also attributed to it and it is also called a spring shut up or locked a Fountain sealed ver 12. Because it is sealed and kept by the Holy Spirit through the Word to eternal Salvation 2 Cor. 1.22 Eph. 1.13 and that in a manner utterly unknown to all humane sence and reason Peter calls False Teachers Wells without waters 2 Pet. 2.17 that is such as make a specious shew of Divine Truth but really have no Grace or heavenly Doctrine God is called the Fountain of Life but of that we have treated in the chapter of an Anthropopathy That Life eternal is called Fountains and Springs of Living waters is plain from Esa. 49.10 Rev. 7.17 and 21.6 c. More especially the Fountain or water of Siloah is memorable Esa. 8.6 which is called the Dragon or Serpents Well Neh. 2.13 From its slow stream and windings like a Serpent whose stream made a Pool Neh. 3.15 called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Pool of Siloah John 9.11 From this Well a Metaphor is taken Esa. 8.6 Forasmuch as this people despiseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly c. By which some understand divine promises given to the Jewish People of a sure defence and protection against their Enemies in which the Jews having no confidence or acquiescence betake themselves to the protection of forreign Arms. Others by the waters of Siloah understand the Kingdom of Sion instituted or appointed by God which was but small and weak in comparison of the Kingdoms of Syria and Israel as the Fountain glided with an easie and silent current The Chald. For asmuch as this people despise the Kingdom of the house of David leading them quietly as Siloah flows quietly c. Of this Fountain Jerome in his Comment says that Siloah is a Fountain at the bottom of the Hill Sion which bubbles out not with continual springs but at uncertain hours and days passing through the concaves of the Earth and Dens of hard stone with much noise we especially that dwell in this Province cannot doubt The Fountain Siloah by another name is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gichon 1 Kings 1.33.38 as appears by the Chald. paraphr upon the place which turns it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Siloah It is called Gichon from breaking or bursting out hence called a Brook overflowing 2 Chron. 32.4 it is also observable that Solomon Davids Son was anointed King of Israel by this Fountain so that there is reason for the allusion that by this Well is meant the Kingdom of the house of David Brentius upon the place says metaphor â hujus fontis familiam Davidis intelligit idquè admodum aptè Nam Siloah c. By the Metaphor of this Fountain he understands the Family of David and that in a manner aptly for Siloah though it comes with a great sound yet it flows not always but at certain days and hours And when it bubbles forth it overflows not the whole Land it destroies not the Fields but keeps it self in the Concaves or hollow places of the Earth without danger to any but flows almost hiddenly So is the family of David which for the Government of the Kingdom of Juda was sanctified by God And although there be a great unlikeness between the Kings of Judah one being more merciful more clement and more godly then another yet they were tolerable Kings neither were they hitherto over grievous to the people but behav'd themselves in the administration of the Government modestly and temperately Yet the common people in Cities and Country desirous of novelty would rather have strange Kings though Enemiss then the poor Family of David which was ordained by God himself to rule that people c. It appears in that VVar that some would willingly be disingaged from danger and others resolved to repell it any way but the Commonalty especially the Husbandmen of Juda would have the Family of David dethron'd and that the King of Israel or the King of Syria should Rule c. Against these Esaiah sharply inveighs and Prophesies that the time will come that because they would not be contented to live with satisfaction under the peaceable Raign of their own Kings they should be exposed to endure the storms and bear the scourge of tyrannical great and turbulent Enemies To this interpretation R. Kimchi Vatablus and Jerome agree A VVell is sometimes taken in good sence as Prov. 5.15 16 17 18. Drink waters out of thine own Cistern and running water out of thine own well Let thy Fountains be dispersed abroad and Rivers of waters in the streets let them be to thee only so the Hebrew and not to strangers with thee let thy Fountain be blessed This continued metaphor respects VVedlock and its lawful familiarity Aben Ezra thus expounds it The sence is that we must keep to our own proper wife and to no other besides her and by Fountains dispersed abroad a multitude of Children is noted Munsterus the Hebrews expound it forsake a stranger and adhere to thy own VVife then shall thy Fountains multiply abroad that is thy Children with honour shall appear in publick For they shall be thine own whereas if thou goest to another thy Children will be bastards c. Others expound this text of two Doctrines proposed to a pious man First That he should make good use of his proper goods and by the blessings of God will augment them ver 15 16 17 18. Secondly That he should live chastly and continently with his own VVife and abstain from others ver 18 19 c. Franzius says Drink water out of thy own Cistern c. that is keep thy Goods for thy self and thine and to heâ—â—p objects of Charity but do not consume them upon whores c. A VVell is sometimes taken in a bad sence as great perils and mischief Psal. 55.23 And thou O Lord shall bring them into the VVell so the Hebrew of destruction The Chald. into a deep Hell Psal. 69.16 Let not the well so the Hebrew shut its mouth upon me Chald. Hell Christ speaks there of his most bitter passion Jer. 2 13. Broken Cisterns that will hold no water out of which fractions the water goes out as it comes in sailing the expectation of men
Mountains and upon all the Hills that are lifted up that is upon all such as are proud and lifted up because of their power As appears ver 11.12 17. Also by the Cedars of Lebanon that are lifted up and the Oaks of Bashan ver 13. And the High-Towers and fenced Walls ver 15. Esa. 40.4 Every Valley shall be exalted and every Mountain and Hill shall be brought low c. This is a metaphorical description of the effect of John Baptists Preaching of which the Prophet speaks here Upon which Musculus The Doctrine of Repentance humbles Mountains and Hills and makes plain the uneven and crooked that is it brings down the proud depraved and wicked And the Consolation of the Kingdom of God which is joyned to the Doctrine of Repentance lifts up the Vallies that is it comforts and refreshes the humble the poor in spirit and the dejected The forerunner of the Lord did exactly prosecute both these parts in preparing the way for our Lord saying Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand Matth. 3. c. Esa. 41.15 Thou shalt thresh the Mountains and beat them small and shalt make the Hills as chaff that is thou shalt destroy thine Enemies though they be most proud and powerful notwithstanding thou dost seem but as a worm ver 14. He speaks by the Spirit to the Church of Christ which by vertue of the heavenly word works these things gloriously The Chald. renders it thou shalt slay those people destroy their Kingdoms and make them as chaff See Zach. 4.7 c. More especially there is mention of Bashan Psal. 68.15 which was a mountainous Country famous for excellent pasture the Beasts that fed there being very fat strong and great hence the Bulls Rams or Heifers of Bashan are metaphorically put for fat Deut. 32.14 which is also transferr'd to Men Psal. 22.12 Strong Bulls of Bashan have beset me round that is the Enemies of Christ who were strong and fierce c. See Amos 4.1 The Oaks of Bashan are used in the like sence Esa. 2.13 Zach. 11.2 Carmel was a Mountain famous for Fields Vines Olive-trees and Fruit bearing shrubs and is by a metaphor put for any good and fruitful Country Esa. 16.10 Jer. 2.7 Some think this Translation is made because of the Etymology of the Word that alledging that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Carmel is compounded of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Kerem vinea a Vineyard and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 plenus full that is full of Vineyards The Word is also Translated to spiritual things Esa. 32.15 and mention is made of it in the description of the New Testament Church and its vigor and glory Esa. 35.2 Lebanon a Mountain denotes the Grandees in the King of Assyria's Army because of the height statelyness and plenty of the Trees there Esa. 10.34 And Lebanon shall fall by a Mighty One that is even the stoutest and most valiant in that Army shall be slain by the Angel of the Lord. In the foregoing part of the verse 't is said and he shall cut down the thickets of the Forest with Iron where we are to understand the other part of the Army who together with their chief Captains and Champions were to be cut off Hill if added to Mountains is sometimes taken metaphorically in the sence given before Some by Everlasting Hills Gen. 49.26 Understand Patriarch Prophets and illustrious Saints who exceed others as Hills do Valleys but it is thought that the phrase unto the utmost bound of the Everlasting Hills is better expounded unto the end of the VVorld that is until the Hills be moved which are always immovable And by this reason also Esa. 54.10 The Covenant of Divine Grace is compared to Hills and Mountains immoveable A Rock which is a great Stone in height resembling a Mountain by a Metaphor denotes a firm stable or secure place from dangers and consequently Refuge and Protection Psal. 40.2 and 27.5 and 61.2 Esa. 31.9 and 33.16 Jer. 51.25 c. A Den is a Cavity or hollow place of Stones or great Rocks in which Thieves and Robbers hide themselves hence Christ calls the Temple of Jerusalem of a Den of Theives Matth. 21.13 Mark 11.17 Luke 19.46 which is taken from Jer. 7.11 because of their false Doctrine perverse lives oppressions unrighteousness c. Each of which is spiritual Robbery Neither is the allusion of a Den to that spacious and vast Temple insignificant for we find recorded by Josephus lib. 14 c. 27. and by Strabo lib. 16. that there were Dens in that Country so great and spacious that 4000 men may at once hide themselves in one of them A Valley because of its lowness and the obscurity of its shade which broken and hanging Hills and trees cause metaphorically denotes humiliation griefs and oppressions Esa. 40.4 Luke 3.5 Jerusalem is called the Valley of Visions Esa. 22.1 Because it was the seminary of the Prophets c. Psal. 23.4 Yea though I walk in the Valley of the shadow of Death I will fear no evil that is although I should fall upon the utmost perils of Death The metaphor is taken from Sheep who when they stray in those obscure and desolate Vallies are in danger to be destroyed by Ravenous beasts See Psal. 119.176 I have gone astray like a lost Sheep c. Psal. 84.6 Who passing through the Valley of Baca make it a well The Rain also filleth the Pools This text in the Hebrew is thus Passing through the valley of Mulberry-Trees they make him a well and the Rain with blessings or most liberally covereth them that is although the Godly whom ver 4 5. he calls blessed because they dwell in the House of the Lord still praising him and with a strong Faith cleaving to him c. should be involved in divers calamities which is metaphorically expressed by passing through the Valley of Mulberry-trees that being a barren and dry place Mulberry-trees usually growing in such ground 2 Sam. 5.22 23 24. yet they trust in God and make him their Well by whom as from the living stream of Health and Comfort they are abundantly refeshed raised up and comforted and as it were with a wholesome Rain made fruitful It follows ver 7. That they go from strength to strength that is by the Power of God they shall subdue and overcome all Enemies and Evils that annoy them It follows in the Hebrew thus The God of Gods shall be seen by them in Sion that is in the Church of Believers that is he will graciously manifest himself to them both by the Word of Life and by his excellent help Compare Psal. 50.23 with this text There are other vallies metaphorically made use of as Hos. 2.15 I will give the valley of Achor for a door of hope This is a Promise of Jehovah to the Church by which phrase the consolation of his spirit in adversity and the comfort of hope is understood Achor signifies perturbation or trouble and
are in and among Rocks X. Rocks yield Oil The Rocks poured me out Rivers of Oil saith Job And in another place 't is said God made Israel to suck Honey out of the Stone and Oil out of the hard Rock XI Rocks afford a very sweet and refreshing Shadow in hot Countries to weary Travellers XII Rocks are dangerous to stumble at or to fall on especially to fall from When Men get up almost to the Top of a high and mighty Rock and suddenly through want of care fall down such are broken to pieces and perish inevitably Parallel I. THe Lord Christ is a firm and sure Foundation Vpon this Rock will I build my Church c. Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone Another Foundation can no Man lay The Church being built upon Christ the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it Whosoever lays the Stress and Structure of his Salvation upon this Foundation the Powers of Hell and Rage of Devils shall never be able to subvert and destroy This made the Apostle to break forth in that holy Triumph Rom. 8. II. God in Christ is a Believer's spiritual Habitation they like the Dove make their Nest in the Clifts of the Rock He that dwelleth in Love dwelleth in God See Habitation Dove c. III. Christ our Rock is high in respect of the Dignity of his Person He is the high God He was lower than Men in the state of his Humiliation yet far higher and more glorious than the Angels He is high in respect of his Dwelling-place being exalted far above all Heavens high in respect of his Power and Sovereignty having absolute Dominion over Devils Angels and Men. IV. He that by Faith ascends upon the Top of this spiritual Rock may take a better Prospect and Survey of Heaven than Moses could of Canaan when he stood upon the Top of Pisgah He sees most of God and the Glory of the other World that stands upon the Rock Christ. V. God in Christ is the Godly Man's Refuge He that makes God his Defence or flies to Christ for Refuge needs not fear Devils nor wicked Men nor what all the Powers of Hell can do unto him See Strong-Tower VI. The Lord Jesus hath the Stability of a Rock in him He is the Rock of Ages the same yesterday to day and for ever He grows not weak as his Years so his Strength decays not VII All sweet Peace and Comfort proceed from the Rock Christ His Promises are sweeter than Honey or the Honey-Comb VIII That celestial Stream Spring and River of Comfort viz. the Spirit proceeds from the Throne of God and the Lamb From this Rock saith a worthy Writer the clear and crystalline Streams of living Water bubble forth IX In Christ are hidden all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg all the Graces of the Spirit which are compared to but far more excellent than Gold Pearl or precious Stones are only to be found in this spiritual Rock X. Christ affords us Store of precious Oil the Spirit is so called with which the Godly are all more or less anointed We have received an Vnction from the Holy One No Oil like that which comes from this Rock XI Christ is as the Shadow of a great Rock in a weary Land He keeps off all the hot scorching Beams of the Wrath of God and Hell See Apple-Tree XII Christ is a Rock of Offence many stumble at him and fall on him and some fall from him whose State of all is very sad For when Men fall from this Rock having gotten up very high by a speculative Knowledg and Profession they fall suddenly to the lowest Hell Metaphor I. ROcks tho they abide and last long yet are not everlasting II. Rocks in many respects are barren useless and unprofitable things yield no Fruit Seed that falls upon a Rock comes to no maturity Some fell upon a Rock c. III. Rocks are part of the coursest and grossest Element they are but Earth condensed and congealed into a massy senseless Lump Disparity I. CHrist abides for ever and ever he being stiled the Rock of Ages II. Christ the spiritual Rock is very fruitful and every way exceeding profitable III. Christ is of the highest and best of Beings He that made and formed the Elements and gave being to all Creatures and Things who tho called a Rock yet is the Lord from Heaven and a quickning Spirit Inferences 1. TAke heed Christ be not unto you a Stumbling-Stone and Rock of Offence 2. Let the Godly who dwell in this Rock fear no Evil their Rock is not like our Rock 3. Get into this Rock be like the Dove that makes her Nest besides the Holes Mouth 4. When you are down in the Valley and the Waters swell and threaten to overflow you get with David by Faith and Prayer upon the Rock that is higher than you 5. Prize the Rock precious Water Honey and Oil flow from it 1. 'T is a rich Rock 2. 'T is a living Rock 3. 'T is an invincible Rock 4. 'T is a feeding and fattening Rock 5. 'T is a Rock of Pearls and Diamonds 6. 'T is an eternal Rock 6. When you see a great Rock think of Christ. 7. Build all your Hopes of Happiness upon it let your Anchor be so cast as to take hold of this Rock Christ a Fountain Jer. 2.13 They have forsaken me the Fountain of living Water c. Zech. 13.1 In that Day there shall be a Fountain opened c. AMong the many Things that Christ is compared to in the holy Scripture to set forth his transcendent Excellency Beauty Usefulness and Perfections this of a Fountain is none of the least it being a most profitable Metaphor Metaphor I. A Fountain is the Spring and Head of a River from thence Waters issue and stream forth 'T is the Rise and Beginning of Springs and Waters II. A Fountain implies Abundance of Water I will open Fountains in the midst of the Vallies that is Fulness or Store of Water it denotes Plenty III. A Fountain is very tenacious a Place fit dense hard and well-compact to retain the Water leaving some certain Passage for to let its Water out in an orderly manner IV. A Fountain when the Passage or Vent is open le ts out its Water freely V. Fountains always empty themselves into low Places they love to glide in the Vallies of the Earth He sends his Springs into the Vallies VI. Fountains by letting out their Water into Vallies Meadows and low Ground make them very fruitful when Mountains and high Grounds abide barren and unprofitable VII Fountain-Water is usually common to all the Poor and he that hath no Money may partake of it none are forbid to come to a Fountain VIII Fountains yield pure and unmix'd Water Streams are sometimes muddy they may be defiled but Fountain-Water is clear fair and without Filth IX Many Fountains are deep
But Christ cannot nay will not disappoint thee Application I. IS Christ a Friend such a Friend then how greatly doth it concern poor Souls to make sure of this Friend Doth not Self-Interest lead Men to seek for Friendship and as much as in them lies with such as are likely to do the part of a Friend c. II. Doth not this reprove the Ignorance and Folly of those that slight and reject this great and good Friend How many instead of seeking his Favour are in Friendship with the World and their Lusts and by their wicked Practices are bidding defiance to him as tho neither his Favour nor Frowns were to be regarded III. It shews the miserable Condition of those that are unacquainted with him He is the Soul's Friend and it calls aloud upon them to be acquainted with him IV. Is Christ thy Friend then here 's a sure Ground of Comfort you can never want that have such a Friend so loving so sympathizing so necessary and so suitable a present a constant a careful Friend yea a Soul-Friend a wise a powerful a faithful immortal and everlasting Friend This is a Friend indeed an honourable Friend that is in favour with God who never had his Suit denied V. Is this thy Friend O then 1. Bless God that hath raised up such a Friend for thee and made thee acquainted with him 2. Prize and love this Friend dearly 3. Visit him often tell him all the Secrets and Grievances of thy Heart How sweet is Communion with him 4. Be not ungrateful to him be not like Joash who forgat the Kindness of his Friend May it not be justly said to some Is this thy kindness to thy Friend O 't is sad to abuse the Kindness of such a Friend 5. Trust your Friend take him at his word question him not he is faithful 6. Have no commerce with his Enemies but keep close and faithful to him in every Condition Achitophel dealt treacherously with David do thou not so with Christ. 7. Publish and declare what a Friend thou hast endeavour to get Sinners acquainted with him 8. Be sure let nothing part thy Friend and thee Prize his Presence dread his Frowns follow his Doctrine and Examples that it may be known that Christ is yours and you are his Let your Light so shine before Men that they may see your good Works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven Christ is the only Friend A true Friend is tried in a doubtful matter Christ hath laid down his Life for Believers what is more difficult to Nature than Death Christ the Rose of Sharon Cant. 2.1 I am the Rose of Sharon IT is Christ that speaks these words it becomes not the Spouse thus to commend her self saith Solomon Let another and not thine own Lips praise thee The Lord Jesus elegantly expresseth his own Excellency by comparing Himself unto a Rose the Rose of Sharon Metaphor I. A Rose is the Off-spring and Fruit of a good tho seemingly dry Root II. A Rose is a beautiful Flower very pleasant and delightful to the Eye of different Colours red and white and in some curiously joyned and intermix'd together red and white shews an excellent Complexion and makes up a perfect Beauty III. A Rose is a fragrant and sweet Flower it yields a most excellent and odoriferous Scent This may not hold true of every sort of Roses but 't is such an one Christ compares himself unto IV. The Rose is a useful Flower it is full of Virtue 1. Roses distilled afford a most sweet cooling Liquor good against intemperate Heat it gently qualifies Cholerick Exhalations refreshes the Spirit when sad c. and is good for the Eyes 2. Being conserved and otherwise made use of and applied they are very cordial and medicinal Their Use in Physick saith an eminent Writer words are too few to express V. The Rose is called by Naturalists the Queen of Flowers none being to be compared to it VI. The Roses that grew in Sharon were the best and chiefest of Roses they were singular in Beauty and Property VII The Rose of Sharon signifies in Greek the Flower of the Field Sharon being a Place or Plain wherein King David's Herds and Cattel were fed Roses that grow in a Field are not planted by Man and indeed do lie open to Beasts to be spoiled pluck'd to pieces or trodden down VIII The Roses of Sharon were free Persons might have access to them when they could not to other Flowers that were in close and secret Gardens IX Roses and other delightful Flowers of the Field are the Beauty and Glory of the Field they cloath the Grass X. Sharon was a Place as we said before of Pasture a Place of Feeding where the Flocks used to rest a very fruitful Vally XI The Rose yields a very precious Oil good in divers cases Parallel I. CHrist touching his humane Nature is the Off-spring of David or a Branch out of the Stem and Root of Jesse II. Christ is said to be white and ruddy Some understand thereby his two Natures by the white his Divinity by the red his Humanity The one denotes his natural Purity and Innocency the other his bloody Agony and Suffering for our sakes hence said to be red in his Apparel No Object so delightful to the Eye as Jesus Christ is in his Humiliation crucified for our Sins in his Exaltation appearing at the Father's right-hand for us True and evangelical Sights of Christ delight the Eye and ravish the Soul of a Believer Christ is a perfect and compleat Beauty III. Jesus Christ yields a most fragrant and lovely Savour What is so sweet and refreshing to the spiritual Senses of the Soul as the Merits and saving Graces of Christ His very Name is as precious Ointment poured forth He is the Savour of Life unto Life to them that believe IV. The Lord Jesus is excellent for Profit and spiritual Virtue 1. Being crucified for our sakes what precious Virtue what Soul-mollifying Water of Life does he yield us good against all Cholerick Heats and Exhalations of the Heart and Flesh making the furious and impatient Man gentle meek and humble refreshes the Spirit of a Saint when dejected and under Temptations and is exceeding good to open the Eyes of the Understanding 2. Jesus Christ laid hold on by Faith and the Virtue of his Blood applied and kept in the Soul will prove a Sovereign Cordial at all times The medicinal Properties of this Rose of Sharon for the healing the Distempers of the inward Man words I may well say cannot express V. Jesus Christ infinitely excells all others whether Angels or Men none are to be compared to Him He is the Head the Flower and Glory of Things in Heaven and of Things on Earth whether Thrones or Dominions Principlaities or Powers He is fairer than the Children of Men the chiefest among Ten Thousands VI. There is
Smoak perfumed with Myrrh and Frankincense with all the Powders of the Merchant We read of the sweet Scent of the Church but how comes she to smell so rarely but from the Communication of the sweet Graces of Christ to her Sinners are very unsavoury until this Myrrh-Tree has dropp'd upon them II. Christ is the richest and purest Perfume Heaven and Earth can afford none so sweet How fragrant is he in the Nostrils of God the Father He even ravishes the Senses of Angels and Saints makes us and all our Duties as sweet Odours unto the Father III. Christ hath in him a preserving Quality or Power were it not for that Life he has communicated to us and the rest of Mortals how soon would our Bodies rot But in a special manner he preserves our Souls Sin is of a rotting stinking and putrifying Nature compared to a Leprosy and filthy Sores now if Christ did not drop daily a little of his Myrrh I mean the Grace of his Spirit into our Souls how loathsom should we soon become IV. Jesus Christ makes every Believer beautiful they have no Comeliness but what he has put upon them 'T is he that makes their Faces to shine who takes away every Spot and Wrinkle and presents them a perfect Beauty in the Father's sight by imputing and imparting of Righteousness unto them through Faith V. Christ the true Christ of God is not easily known to the ignorant many take a false Christ for the true Christ. Some are so blind that they think the Light which is in every Man the Light of natural Conscience is the Christ of God and Saviour of the World VI. Jesus Christ hath many medicinal Virtues By his Stripes we are healed He dries up all evil and offensive Rheums makes Prayer the Breath or Breathings of the Soul savoury clears the â—â—oice and helps our Infirmities by which â—â—eans we pray more elegantly and fervenâ—â—y in the Spirit takes away all Impediments so that our Prayers are heard and accepted by the Father VII The Spirit of Christ and Graces thereof are compared to Oil He is the Myrrh-Tree from whence the Divine Oil flows wherewith the Ministers and Saints of God are more or less anointed See Oil of Gladness 1. In Christ is abundance of Divine Sweetness not a Sprig or two but a great Bundle not two or three Grains but a Bag filled with it or a Bundle of heavenly Myrrh 2. Whatever is good in Christ is laid up safe Believers may waste or lose much of the Grace of Christ in them but none of that which is bound up in this sacred Bundle can be lost METAPHOR I. MYrrh has some Dregs in it tho never so purely refined II. Other Myrrh may be bought for Money III. Other Myrrh will lose its Virtue if kept over-long IV. The Myrrh-Tree doth not always drop this Gum distills but at certain Seasons of the Year Disparity I. IN Christ is no Dregs no Sin nothing but what is invaluably precious II. All the Riches of both the Indies can't purchase one drain of this Divine Myrrh III. Christ's Virtue is ever the same IV. Christ the spiritual Myrrh-Tree is always dropping Application 1. CHrist is a precious Jesus and saving Grace worth the prizing 't is like to sweet-smelling Myrrh 2. What a Mercy is it to have our spiritual Senses so exercised as to discern between things that differ 3. What Eyes do they see with that despise and slight Jesus Christ This Bundle of Myrrh this Rose of Sharon this Lilly of the Vallies is not so much regarded by the most of Men as a Bundle of Thorns and Briars 4. You that love a sweet Smell here is a precious Perfume for your unsavoury Souls Notwithstanding all your rare Gums Odors and fragrant Flowers Spices and choice Powders you will smell ranck and unsavoury in the Nostrils of God if you have not this Bundle of Myrrh to perfume your Souls and Services 5. If Believers receive all their Graces and Sweetness from Christ let them make grateful Acknowledgments thereof to Him Christ the Saints Wedding-Garment Mat. 22.11 12. And he said unto him Friend how camest thou hither not having a Wedding-Garment c. THIS Text is part of the Parable of the Marriage Mat. 22. And the Word Parable is thus expounded by Jerome Tom. 3. Epist. 51. ad Algasiam q. 6. p. 359. Parabola hoe est Similitudo quae ab eo vocatur quod alteri 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hoc est assimilatur quasi umbra praevia Veritatis est A Parable that is a Similitude so called because it is like another thing and is as it were a previous shadow of Truth The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is derived of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to compare or liken it answers to the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mashal In the New Testament it signifies an Enigmatical or Allegorical Comparison c. For further account the Reader is referred to the Place where we treat of Parables The Phrase 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Wedding-Garment is borrowed from a custom among the Ancients where every Guest at that Solemnity was arrayed in a Habit peculiar only to such Feasts and such as wanted it were accounted Intruders viz. such as without any Right thrust themselves in Now in this Parable all Orthodox Expositors affirm that by the King ver 2. we are to understand JEHOVAH by his Son the Messiah by his Servants the Ministers of the Gospel by such that found pretences of Absence worldly-minded Persons that prefer their temporal Pleasures before Grace and true Religion by the Invitation of the Guests the calling of the Gentiles c. by him that wanted the Wedding-Garment Hypocrites or such as have not put on Christ spiritually that is are not clothed with his Righteousness by Faith whose doom is damnation ver 13. All the best Expositors agree by the Wedding-Garment is intended Christ's Righteousness or Imputed Righteousness which is put on the Soul by Faith for Justification For the further demonstration hereof see the following Parallel METAPHOR I. THe use and necessity of Garments came in by the Fall Adam in Innocency had no need of them II. Garments are to cover Nakedness that Shame and Deformity may not appear to others for this reason did our first Parents sew Fig-leaves together to cover themselves and from hence God afterwards made them Coats of Skins c. III. Garments differ much in Worth and Excellency we read in Scripture of filthy Garments and likewise of glorious Apparel IV. Garments are for Ornament they set off natural Excellency making Men and Women appear very lovely and amiable in the eyes of others V. Garments are of great Utility in respect of Defence they secure us from many Hurts and Dangers which naked ones are exposed to they are Munimenta Corporis they are as light Armor to the Body in the Winter they save the Body from peircing Cold
reprove them The Spirit is first a Spirit of burning and then a Spirit of Consolation the humble sincere and broken-hearted Ones he comforts and revives METAPHOR ANother Comforter tho wise and very compassionate and every way capable to speak Words to a disconsolate Person yet finds sometimes the Condition of his Friend to be such that all he can say and do will not take place nor administer present Relief to him but after all remains very sad and disconsolate II. Another Comforter many times misses the Case of a poor afflicted Person and thereby cannot accomplish the Work this did Job's Comforters they mistook his Case whereby they proved miserable Comforters to him III. Other Comforters are many times wearied out and leave their Friends in the midst of their Sorrow IV. Another Comforter may be absent nay at a great distance when his poor distressed Friend stands in most need of him besides he can visit but a few Persons at one and the same time and cannot be at above one Place at once V. Other Comforters can speak to the Ear but scarce able to reach the Heart Spira had many words of Comfort spoke to his Ear but they could not speak to his Heart Disparity THe Holy Spirit sometimes finds gracious Persons very much disturbed and cast down under heavy Pressures of Affliction and that no other can comfort him yet when he comes to a Resolution to relieve and refresh and comfort him all his Sorrow Temptations and Disquietments flie away Let a Saint be never so sad if the Spirit sees it is a fit time to speak Peace and Comfort to him he doth it effectually If he speak Peace who can cause Sorrow For I have satiated the weary Soul and I have replenished every sorrowful Soul Jer. 31.25 II. But the Holy Spirit never doth nor can mistake any Person 's Condition Being God he knows and is the Searcher of the Heart all things lie naked and open to his Eyes The Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God III. But the Holy Spirit cannot be wearied nor tired out The Creator of the Ends of the Earth fainteth not there is no searching of his Vnderstanding IV. But the Holy Ghost is omnipresent Whither shall I go from thy Spirit or whither I shall fly from thy Presence He is always near and at hand and needs none to bring him News how it goes with any Person Being the Omniscient God He can visit Thousands and ten Thousands at one and the same time is every where not circumscribed nor limited to Place V. The Spirit can speak to the Heart of a poor Sinner I will saith God allure her and bring her into the Wilderness and speak comfortable Words unto her In the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 loquar super Cor or ad Cor ejus I will speak to her Heart In this the Holy Spirit infinitely excels all otheâ—â— Comforters he can in a moment cause all Sorrow to cease by speaking to the Heart Inferences WE may infer from hence the great Love of Christ to his own People he will not leave them comfortless nor send one to them that is not able to speak Peace or administer true Comfort and Consolation to their Souls II. It should teach us in our trouble to cry for the Holy Comforter to come unto us III. It reproves such who deny the Holy Ghost to be God and a Divine Person this being an Appellation that properly belongs to a distinct Person IV. Let us take heed we never grieve the Holy Spirit who is such a choice and blessed Friend to us V. It may also caution every Soul against receiving Comfort when God by the Spirit speaks it not to then 1. The Holy Spirit speaks not Comfort to any unconverted Soul who love and live in their Sins but rather Terror 2. The Holy Spirit speaks not Comfort to carnal and loose Professors and Hypocrites in the Church that have Lamps and no Oil the Name of Christ upon them but not his Nature in them much Knowledge but want Charity Fearfulness will saith the Spirit surprize the Hypocrite 3. The Spirit speaks no Comfort to an Apostate and Backslider in Heart and Life he tells them They shall be filled with their own ways and led aside with the Workers of Iniquity 4. The Spirit speaks no Comfort to the moralized Person who wholly rests upon his own Righteousness and sees no need of a Saviour nor of the Righteousness of God which is by Faith in Jesus Christ. 5. The Spirit speakes no Comfort to Persecutors and Murderers of the Godly to cursed Plotters and Haters of the true Religion and Lovers of Idolatry such that worship the Beast and are Followers of the Romish Church or Upholders of the same They the Spirit saith shall drink of the Wrath of God and be tormented with Fire and Brimstone for ever and ever But the Spirit speaks comfort to all true penitent ones to such who tho they have been great Sinners yet now loath themselves in a true and thorow sense thereof and forsake it 1. To those who do believe and wholly rely upon Jesus Christ for Life and Salvation 2. To those who desire to be holy as well as happy to have their Sins mortified as well as pardoned to be sanctified as well as saved to live to God here as well as to live with God hereafter 3. To such who are universal in their obedience that take up their Cross and follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth 4. To such that obey the Precepts of God as well as believe the Promises 5. In a word To all sincere and upright ones Quest. How doth the Spirit speak Comfort to the Souls of Men Answ. 1. Usually by bringing Christ's Word and Promises to their remembrance 2. By using many Arguments some of which I have hinted at already 3. By his shining Influences sweet and comfortable Operations upon the Soul 4. By sealing up Christ's Love and giving good hope and assurance of Eternal Life unto them The Spirit compared to the Wind. Cant. 4.16 Awake O North-wind and come thou South and blow upon my Garden c. Joh. 3.8 The Wind bloweth where it listeth and thou hearest the Sound thereof but canst not tell whence it cometh c. Acts 2.2 And sudddenly there came a Sound from Heaven as of a rushing mighty Wind and it filled all the House where they were sitting c. THe Hebrew Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which comes from a Verb that signifies to breath or to blow signifies sometimes Air sometimes Wind and sometimes a Spirit The several Metaphorical Notations of Wind may be read in our Philologia Sacra p. 116. to which we refer you Sometimes it denotes things that are vain light and empty as Eccles. 5.16 Hos. 12.1 c. In the Texts cited by an express Similitude it is compared to the Holy Spirit as you may see
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
Persons and Things as they are substantial neither is there any thing that is more opposite to Lightness or Vanity than the Work of Grace wrought by the Spirit in the Hearts of Believers VI. But the Wind of the Spirit is always attended with sweet Dews and Showers of Rain being frequently thereunto compared in Scripture VII But whosoever ploweth or soweth in expectation of a blessed Crop must observe the Wind of the Spirit without which his Plowing and Sowing will be altogether unprofitable if not Sin VIII But contrary-wise there is no Work of the Spirit in the Hearts of Men but what is directly contrary thereunto and tends to the mortifying of all Sin and Iniquity whatsoever Inferences WE may infer from hence how hard a thing it is for us to know the Nature of the Work of the Spirit in Regeneration upon another Man's Heart some of its Operations being so secret and invisible 2. Let it teach us to pray to God that he would be pleased to raise this Wind and cause it to blow briskly upon our Souls and Churches And let us be contented with that Wind of the Spirit which God sends to blow upon us whether it be the North Wind of Affliction Adversity and Rebuke or the South Wind of Peace Joy and Prosperity both being absolutely necessary as we would have the one so we cannot be without the other 3. Bless God when you find the Influences of the spiritual Wind upon your own Souls or upon the Souls of others 4. Let it be also a Warning to all true Believers as they would be preserved in their Christian Course and be kept from being tossed to and fro and so from the Danger of Rocks and Sands to take heed in steering their Course by what Wind they sail because there are some Winds of Doctrine that arise from the Sleight of Men and cunning Craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive called also divers and strange Doctrines Heb. 13.9 The Holy-Spirit compared to Fire 1 Thess. 5.22 Quench not the Spirit In this Place the Spirit of God in his Gifts and Operations is compared to Fire which is largely opened under the Head of Metaphors that respect the Word to which we refer you The Oil of Gladness Psal. 45.7 Therefore God thy God hath anointed thee with the Oil of Gladness above thy Fellows 1 Joh. 2.20 and 27. But ye have an Vnction from the holy One and ye know all things But the Anointing which ye have received from him abideth in you and ye need not that any Man teach you but as the same Anointing teacheth you all things c. BY a Metaphor called an Anthropopathy Oil or Anointing is attributed to God Psal. 45.7 Heb. 1.9 Cant. 1.3 where the Holy Spirit with his Gifts are understood Which appears by comparing this Place with Isa. 61.1 Acts 10.38 Joh. 3.34 where the Unction of Christ as King and Priest is treated of Hence comes the Derivation of the Name of our Saviour who is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vnctus anointed Joh. 1.25 and 4.25 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by way of Eminency Believers in a measure are made Partakers of this Unction who by true Faith adhere to Christ the chief Head METAPHOR OIL is of a softning and mollifying nature a sovereign good for all hard Tumours in the Body The Prophet complains that the Sores of Judah were not mollified with Ointment II. Oil is of an healing nature the Samaritan poured Oil and Wine into the Man's Wounds who fell among Thieves Oil searcheth into the bottom of Wounds III. Oil Pliny saith is contrary to Scorpions and in a wonderful manner expels dangerous Venom and Poison that may accidentally be taken into the Body it secures the Vitals from the penetrating Insinuations thereof which else would seize upon and destroy them IV. Oil will hardly if at all mingle or incorporate with other liquid things 't is observed put it into what you please it will not be kept under but will get uppermost V. Oil warmeth comforteth and refresheth the Body it being anointed and bathed therewith VI. Oil cannot be dried up by the heat of Summer as Water and other liquid things will it will conserve and maintain its being against the scorching heat of the Sun VII Oil according to Pliny cleareth the Eye-sight mightily and disperseth Mists and Clouds that cause Dimness in the same VIII Oil is excellent good to open Obstructions and help them who cannot breath freely IX Oil is fat a and feeding Substance 't is a very nourishing thing 't is thought there is nothing more wholsome to the Body of Man X. Oil eaten with some other things that have some hurtful Quality maketh them very good and nourishing whilst others who eat them without Oil are surfeited thereby XI Oil Naturalists tells us is good against Shakings Tremblings and Convulsions which many are troubled with so that on a sudden sometimes they fall down and foam at Mouth XII Oil was made use of under the Law in cleansing him who had the Plague of the Leprosy The Priest was to put Oil on the top of his Right Ear and upon the Thumb of his Right-hand and the Remnant of it upon his Head XIII Oil is used for Lamps whereby they burn long and give light to them that are in the House the use whereof is very well known to all XIV Oil hath a beautifying Virtue the Virgins that were prepared for the Persian King used Ointments to make them fair for six Months space they used sweet Odours and six Months Oil of Myrth This Oil Naturalists say hath a beautifying Quality and fetcheth Wrinkles out of the Skin David speaks of Oil saying it makes the Face to shine XV. There are some Men that cannot endure Oil they love it not will not be perswaded to put a little into their Mouths they are naturally averse to it XVI The Joynts and Limbs being anointed with some sort of Oil 't will very much strengthen them and make a Man more agile nimble and fit for Motion XVII The Priests Kings and Prophets under the Law were anointed with Oil. Parallel THE Spirit softens a hard Heart asswageth and brings down those obdurate and hard Swellings of Pride and vain Glory which naturally are in the Souls of Men and Women making them willing and pliable to the Will of God II. The Spirit opens the Heart and searcheth into every Corner thereof 't is said to search all things There is no Sin nor secret Corruption but it will find it out and when it hath softned and mollified the Heart and Conscience it doth in a gracious manner heal it III. The Spirit is contrary to Satan that old Serpent and all the cursed and killing Venom and Poison of Sin and doth wonderfully expel and purge it out of the Soul when God is pleased to give a suitable measure thereof it secureth from the Insinuations of Sin and 't will
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
Terms to give them his Spirit as the Earnest thereof Turn you at my Reproof behold I will pour out my Spirit upon you I will make known my Words unto you The Holy-Spirit compared to a Seal Eph. 1.13 In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the Word of Truth the Gospel of your Salvation in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of Promise Eph. 4.30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the Day of Redemption A Seal is an Instrument fitted to make an Impression or Mark by which a Man knows the thing done whatsoever it be to be his own and not anothers Act as also to ratify and make authentick Bonds Covenants c. And in opening this Metaphor of Believers being sealed by the holy Spirit these things are meet to be noted 1. The Letter written or the Vessel filled with Treasure every true Christian. 2. The Wax appointed to the Seal and that is the Heart the relenting and pliable Heart of a Sinner Heb. 10.16 3. The Sealer that is as some conceive the Father or the Lord Jesus Christ others more immediatly the holy Spirit or third Person of the Trinity 4. The Seal as some understand is the Word of God others the Spirit we include both jointly considered 5. The Sealing or Impression active is the Act of applying the Word in the Ministry of the Gospel by the help of the Spirit to the Soul 6. The Print or Impression passive or Image of the Seal left in the Wax is called the Image of God or Knowledg Faith Love Truth Holiness c. which are originally in God and communicated to us by the Word and Spirit from him 7. The End of Sealing which is Secrecy Property and Security which things will appear more fully in opening the Metaphor METAPHOR A Seal especially if it be the King's Seal is highly prized and very carefully kept II. A Seal makes an Impression in the Wax like it self or leaves a resemblance of it III. Before the Seal can make an Impression the Wax must be melted or made pliable soft and fit to take it IV. The Seal alters the Form of the Clay 't is set or stamp'd upon A piece of Clay is a rude Lump without form or figure saith Mr. Caryl but if you take a Seal and stamp upon it that Clay receives any Figure or Coat of Arms that is engraven upon it V. A Seal is to confirm and make sure Bonds Contracts or Covenants that are made between Man and Man If an honest Man makes a Promise of such and such things to his Friend he thinks he hath ground to hope those good things so promised him are his own but if he gives it under his Hand in Writing he concludes he is more sure but if the Writing Covenant or Promise be sealed 't is as firm and as sure as he can desire to have it VI. A Seal is used to distinguish or differ things one from another whereby Property is known and secured a Merchant knows his Goods from other Mens by the Seal or Mark he sets upon them VII A Seal is used to confirm and make Laws Authentick till they have the King's Seal stamp'd upon them they oblige not the Subject to Obedience VIII A Seal is used to secure preserve or keep safe several things which otherwise might be spoiled run out and become good for nothing Things that we would not have any to touch nor meddle with we set a Seal upon IX A Seal many times is counterfeited by ill Men they indeavour to imitate it as nigh as they can to cheat poor ignorant People thereby X. A Seal is used to hide or keep back others from the Knowledg of things if a Man have any thing to write unto his Friend that he would not have others know he seals up his Letter upon the account of Secrecy tho 't is like afterwards in convenient time those things so conceal'd are discovered Parallel THe holy Spirit is the King's Seal the glorious King of Heaven and Earth and therefore is highly valued and prized by every true Christian. II. The holy Spirit makes an Impression on the Heart there is in a Believer a Similitude a Likeness or Resemblance of God every Saint hath the Image of the Spirit upon him he is holy harmless heavenly c. III. Before the holy Spirit seals any Person to the Day of Redemption the Heart is broken softned and made pliable by the Word and powerful Operations of Grace and so made fit to take that heavenly Impression And thus you have David speaking I am poured out like Water and all my Bones are out of Joint My Heart is like Wax it is melted in the midst of my Bowels IV. The Spirit makes a change upon the Soul of a Man or Woman that receives the Impression of it it alters every Faculty and puts a new Form or Figure as it were upon it Man naturally is a rude Lump a gross and confused Piece by reason of Sin till the Spirit stamps upon him or infuses into him new Habits V. The Holy Spirit confirms and makes sure the Covenant and Promises of God to Believers God hath not only made gracious Promises to them of Pardon Peace and Eternal Life c. But he hath left these Promises written in the Holy Scriptures and not only so but such is his great Love and Kindness to them he hath given them his Seal they have his Promise his Word and his Spirit also that they might not doubt of the Truth and Stability of his Covenant We are his Witnesses of these things and so is also the Holy Spirit whom God hath given to them that obey him VI. The Holy Spirit distinguishes or differs one Man from another God hath set his Seal or Mark upon all his People The Foundation of God remaineth sure having this Seal The Lord knoweth them that are his If any Man hath not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his VII The Holy Spirit is the broad Seal of Heaven by which all the Laws and Institutions of the Gospel were ratified and confirmed with Signs and Wonders in the Primitive Time by which means they come to be Authentick and everlasting Laws obliging all Men to Obedience and all Laws of Spiritual Worship Traditions and Institutions injoyned by any Potentate Assembly or Council whatsoever that were not thus sealed or witnessed to are utterly to be rejected VIII The Spirit secures preserves and keeps safe all true Believers from the Danger they continually are exposed to from Sin Satan and the Insnarements and Mischiefs of this evil World Satan nor wicked Men must not cannot destroy the Servants of God because of the Mark or Seal he hath set upon them Set a Mark upon the Men that mourn c. saying Hurt not the Earth c. till we have sealed the Servants of our God in
Spirit your Sin will cleave to you 3. This River is large enough and yet as 't is large 't is free All may come and partake of these Waters none are excepted Whoever will may come and take of the Waters of Life freely 4. This River is near the Streams thereof run by your Doors VI. Moreover from hence let Professors try themselves whether they have been washed and bathed in this River and have tasted of its Waters yea or no. Art thou mollified Is thy Heart made tender Art thou cleansed Is thy Life and Heart made holy Art thou healed of the Sores and Wounds of Sin These Waters have a healing Virtue in them they will heal a wounded Spirit a gauled Conscience they are good to clear the Sight causing one to see far off Are the Eyes of thy Understanding enlightned Dost thou prize the Ordinances of God that convey these Waters of Life unto thy Soul Is the Water of this Râ—â—ver sweet to thy Taste Is this River thy chief Element Dost thou live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit VII VVhen you remove from one Place to another from one Country to another from one Land to another be sure to plant your selves near the Chanel of this River go not from these VVaters Labour to live near the Ordinances of God and where the VVater of Life is to be had VIII Pray fervently that God would never turn the Course of this River another way VVhat would become of God's Church in England were it not for this Chrystal Stream The Holy-Spirit compared to Water Ezek. 36.25 Then will I sprinkle clean Water upon you c. Joh. 7.38 39. He that believeth on me as the Scripture hath said out of his Belly shall flow Rivers of living Water But this spake he of the Spirit which they that believe on him should receive c. In both these places and divers others the Holy Spirit is compared to Water METAPHOR WAter for its rise is from the Ocean thence it comes and thither it returns II. Water cleanses from Filth and Pollution Cloaths and other things that are defiled are usually washed and made clean in Water It is indeed the Bath of Nature which the God of Nature hath appointed for the cleansing of things or Creatures that are polluted III. Water hath a cooling Virtue it cools the Earth after a vehement hot and parching Season so the sweating Travellor cools himself by washing in Water When the Sun by its scorching Beams hath made a Room hot wash it with Water and 't is brought immediately into a cool Temper IV. Water makes the Earth fruitful 't is of a fructifying nature How barren how unprofitable is it in a great Drought The Grass fadeth withereth and is dried up but when a soaking Shower falls upon it how green and flourishing is it immediately made thereby V. Water softens and mollifies the Earth David speaking of the Earth saith Thou waterest the Ridges thereof and makest it soft with Showers VI. Water hath a healing Virtue in it Some great Wounds have been healed only by washing in Water Some Waters in England are soveraign good to cure many Distempers and Diseases of the Body like the Pool called Bethesda VII Water is so necessary a thing that we cannot live without it many have perished for want of it VIII Water is good to quench ones Thirst to allay the heat of our Stomacks and to satisfy the longing Desire and remove the intolerable Pains that rise from an excess of Drought IX Water is free and cheap easy to come at it doth not cost us much 't is a common Element none are barr'd from it X. Water is necessary to quench Fire when by Treachery of Enemies our Houses have been set on fire over our Heads how serviceable have we found Water to be to quench it Parallel THe Spirit flows from God the Ocean of all Fulness But when the Comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the Father even the Spirit of Truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testify of me Joh. 15.26 II. The Spirit of God purges and washes the Conscience from the horrid Defilement of Sin I will sprinkle clean Water upon you and ye shall be clean from your Filthiness And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the Name of our Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God The Spirit cleanseth by applying Christ's Blood and by creating clean Dispositions in the Soul See River III. The Spirit hath a cooling Virtue in it The Heart of a Man is subject to great Heats sometimes its sweltered with Temptation Satan by shooting his fiery Darts puts a Believer into violent Heats As the Hart is by the Hunter put in a foaming Sweat and brays after the Water-brook so Satan that Blood-Hound makes the Soul thirst after the Water of Life Sometimes Men are put into great Heats by prevailing and raging Corruptions They are saith the Lord as an Oven heated by the Baker The Spirit cools this Heat partly by subduing the lustings of the Flesh and partly by strengthning the renewed part Jesus Christ opens the Oven of a distempered Heart and by casting the Water of the Spirit upon it brings it into a cooler Temper When Saul was in that hot and raging Heat to shed the Blood of the Saints the Spirit quickly allays his Rage and Fury IV. The Spirit where e're it falls makes the Soul fruitful Men's Hearts naturally are barren and like the parched Heath in the Desert but when this sacred Rain comes down upon them they quickly look green and in a glorious manner fructifie and bring forth the Fruits of Righteousness as appears in the Case of Zacheus no sooner did he receive of this divine Water and Salvation was come to his House but he crys out Half my Goods I give to the Poor V. The Spirit softens the hard and flinty Heart by applying the Blood of Christ. No sooner doth the Water of the Spirit come down upon a stubborn and rocky-hearted Sinner but he is made tender and pliable thereby Lord saith Soul what wilt thou have me do He was soft mollified and melted willing to do what ever the Will and Pleasure of God was VI. The Spirit heals all the Wounds and Diseases of the Soul Lord be merciful unto me and heal my Soul saith David for I have sinned against thee He sent forth his Word and healed them No Soul that ever took down one draught of these Waters but was cured of whatsoever Disease he had It searches to the bottom of every Sore and purges out the Corruption and then by applying the Blood of Christ it heals the Soul of all its Wounds perfectly VII The spirit is of absolute necessity without it we cannot live to God can't live the Life of Faith the Life of Holiness many perish and are utterly lost for
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
to say 't is a Land of rare and choice good things Parallel THe Word of God is good Food for the Soul Man liveth not by Bread alone but by every Word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God Where the Word of God is received and well digested in the Understanding it tends to make a sound Christian. II. The Word of God is proper Food for those that are born again by the Spirit or are truly regenerated Such like new-born Babes grow and thrive by feeding spiritually upon the VVord Precepts and Promises of God and many have lived upon it and have been satisfied thereby when they have had nothing else to feed upon III. So upright and faithful Christians greatly thirst after and desire the VVord of God As new-born Babes desire the sincere Milk of the Word IV. The spiritual Milk of the VVord is an excellent Restorative for a consumptive wasted and decayed Christian They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their Strength V. The holy VVord of God is one of the choicest Blessings God hath bestowed upon his Church and People Those that would see the Excellency of the VVord and Gospel of Christ may read the Metaphor Light Application YOu may know by this whether you are born again or no. Do you cry for and greatly desire after the pure VVord of God the sincere Milk of the VVord without humane Mixtures and Ceremonies The VVord of God feeds best when 't is without any Composition of human Invention The Word of God compared to Strong-Meat Heb. 5.14 But strong Meat belongeth to them that are of Age c. AS the Word of God is called Milk so it is also called Strong Meat By strong Meat is meant the more profound perfect and mysterious Doctrine of the Gospel which is to feed strong Christians METAPHOR STrong Meat is not meet or convenient Food for Babes if they could eat it yet they want strength to digest it II. If Children after they are grown up and arrived to Years of Maturity refuse strong Meat and cannot feed upon any thing but Milk there may be cause to fear they are some way defective or diseased III. Strong Meat yieldeth strong and perfect Nourishment such as can feed upon and well digest it are more able and capable for Business than those that only feed or live upon Milk Parallel THere is something contained in the Word of God that young Christians who are like new-born Babes cannot receive it so as to understand it it is not proper for them The Milk of the Word such things as are easily taken in is for them strong Meat belongs to strong Christians Men of Experience II. So if Christians who have been a great while converted and in the Profession of the Gospel and yet cannot take in nor feed upon any thing but the Milk of the Word strong Meat being offensive to them it argues some great defect in their Understanding or that they are spiritually distempered III. So those Christians that can feed upon the strong Meat of the Word who in their Understandings can in some measure relish and digest the Mysteries of the Gospel or those deep things of God get most spiritual Strength and are more fit for Business than the Weak who only live upon Milk The Word of God compared to Honey Psal. 19.10 Sweeter than Honey and the Honey-Comb to my Taste Psal. 119.130 How sweet are thy Words unto my Taste yea sweeter than Honey unto my Mouth Rev. 10.9 But it shall be in thy Mouth as sweet as Honey SWeeter than Honey or the Honey-Comb not only the most fine and delicate Honey but all things which be delightful and pleasant to the Taste by a Synechdoche Because nothing is generally so precious and pleasant as Gold and Honey thence Comparisons are taken from these rather than other things to express the very great Worth and Sweetness of God's Word Wilson Simile HOney is exceeding sweet to the Taste What is sweeter than Honey II. Honey if it be added or put into other things that are bitter it will take away in a great measure the bitterness thereof and so cause a Man to receive it down with less difficulty III. But notwithstanding Honey is so sweet and pleasant yet there are some Men that do not care for it The full Soul loatheth the Honey-Comb IV. Naturalists affirm that Honey is good to dissolve and dissipate Tumors and Swellings and to mollify Hardness and that it is of an healing nature and serveth for an infinite number of Uses V. Honey is also of a purging Quality Parallel SO the Word of God is very sweet and pleasant to the Taste of gracious Souls What is more desirable to a sincere Believer than the sacred Precepts and Promises of the Gospel II. So if the Soul be under Affliction Temptation Persecution for Christ's sake which are bitter things in themselves yet if God be pleased to add or put into this Bitter but some of the sweet Promises of the Word how wonderfully is the Bitterness abated and with what ease can a Christian bear up under them III. Tho the Word of God is so precious and desirable yet there are many wicked and ungodly Ones that cannot endure it A vile Papist in the Massacre of Ireland took up a Bible and cursed it saying That had done all the Mischief Sinners are so glutted with the filthy Trash of this World that they loath this sacred Honey-Comb IV. The Word of God is of most Sovereign Virtue to dissolve and dissipate all spiritual Tumors of the Soul and to mollify and break in pieces the Hardness of the Heart How did it mollify the Hearts of the three thousand Peter preached unto See Hammer V. The Word and Spirit of God when they operate together in the Soul are the best spiritual Purgation in the World Now are ye clean through the Word that I have spoken unto you Simile THere are several hurtful Qualities in Honey which may be prevented by taking the Advice of the Learned Physician II. There is much Dross in Honey Disparity THere are no hurtful Qualities in the Word of God that needs no humane Skill to correct or clarify it II. There is none in the Word of God Thy Word is very pure therefore thy Servant loveth it Inferences HEnce let us learn with the industrious Bee to gather some Honey out of every Flower of God's Word How doth that little Creature labour in the Summer to store her self with Food against Winter Let every Christian learn of them but more especially the Ministers of God's Word that their Lips may drop like the Honey-Comb And let us examine whether we ever as yet experienced the VVord sweet as Honey to our Taste The Word compared to Fire Jer. 20.9 His Word was in mine Heart as a burning Fire c. And Chap. 23.29 Is not my Word like as Fire 1 Thes. 5.19 Quench not the Spirit The Holy-Spirit and
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
LEaven is of a diffusive Quality it infuses it self into every part till the whole Lump is leavened II. Leaven is of an assimilating Quality it turns the Meal in which it is hid into its own Nature III. The Woman took the Leaven and hid it in the Meal Leaven must be hid that so it may leaven the Meal the better IV. Leaven secretly and invisibly worketh and altereth the Meal and maketh a Change therein turning of it into Dough. V. Leaven doth not change the whole three measures of Meal all at once but it accomplishes its Work by degrees VI. A little Leaven will leaven the whole Lump 1 Cor. 5.6 Gal. 5.9 Parallel THe Word and Grace of God is of a diffusive nature it will where it is received in a spiritual sence leavens every Faculty of the Soul until the whole Man Body and Spirit is leavened therewith By three measures of Meal some understand the Body Soul and Spirit to be meant II. The Word of God where it is in Truth received such is the assimilating Nature thereof doth convert by its powerful Operation the whole Soul into its own Likeness it changes the evil Quailties thereof and works divine and spiritual Qualities in the room of them making a glorious and visible change in the Heart and Life III. The Word of God must be received into the Heart it must be hid as it were there like Seed that is covered in the Earth that so it may have its blessed Effect in order to leaven the Soul in a spiritual Sence the better Thy Word have I hid in my Heart IV. So the Workings and Operations of God's Word are secret and invisible our Saviour alludes to this when he compares the Work of the Spirit in Regeneration to the Wind as is well observed the Word and Spirit work secretly their Operations are invisible to the outward Eye V. So the Word and Grace of God works not that blessed Change in the Soul all at one instant but Grace is carried on in Believers by degrees I deny not but at the first Infusion of Grace or Act of Faith a Man is really and actually justified yet the Work of Conversion and Holiness is gradually carried on and may be a great while before it is perfected VI. So a small Quantity or but a dram of true Grace will spiritually leaven and change the whole Man hence Grace in the beginning is compared to a Grain of Mustard-Seed Parable LEaven is taken in the Scripture in an evil sence for Hypocrisy evil Doctrine Malice and Wickedness from that sowre Quality that is in it Disparity THe Word of God hath no unpleasant or sowring Quality in it but contrariwise it is the only means through the Spirit to purge out that old Leaven whether it be evil Doctrine Hypocrisy Malice or Wickedness that sowreth and corrupteth the whole Man 2. This may further inform us touching the nature of the Word and Grace of God And from hence we may be able to make some Judgment whether Conversion be truly wrought in our Souls or whether the Kingdom of God where Christ spiritually rules which is Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit be in Truth begun in us or no The Word of God compared to Glass 2 Cor. 3.18 Beholding as in a Glass the Glory of the Lord and like unto a Man beholding his natural Face in a Glass BERNARD understands by Glass here to be meant the Gospel with divers others and we see no cause to question this Exposition Simile A Glass is a Medium that represents Persons and things unto the sight of our external Eyes II. Some Glasses shew us such things that we cannot see nor discern without them as common Experience shews which are called Perspective-Glasses III. A Glass seems to bring such things near to us that are at a great distance Some by looking in a Glass have discovered Things and Persons many Miles of as if they were just by them IV. A true Glass shews or represents unto a Man his own natural Face by looking therein he may see what manner of Man he is he may take a plain view of himself whether fair or deformed V. A Glass is used by some as a thing to dress themselves in by it they know how to put on their Attire and to deck themselves with all their Ornaments if any thing be wanting or amiss which they would have on they soon perceive it by looking in a Glass VI. A Glass is a thing that some Persons take much Delight to look into VII He that would have a full or plain sight of a Person or Persons that he hath a desire to behold in a Glass must look therein with open Face he must not look asquint upon it VIII A Man that beholds his natural Face in a Glass and goes his way soon forgets what manner of Man he was if he saw Spots or Blemishes or other Deformity in his Face or any uncomly Features he soon forgets them IX If a Man looks into a Glass he sees there but the Image Resemblance or Representation of a Person or a Thing not the Person or the Thing it self Parallel THe Gospel is the best Medium which represents God the Father the Lord Jesus Christ and holy Spirit Angels and Saints with things past present and to come to our spiritual Sight or to the Eyes of our Faith II. The Word of God shews us such things and Mysteries that without it we could not see nor have the least Knowledg of as the manner of the Creation of the World in six Days the cause why God sets his Bow in the Cloud the glorious Attributes of God together with God's manner of being or the glorious Trinity the Conception Birth Life Death Resurrection and Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ as also God's positive Law and instituted Worship III. The Word and Gospel of God brings things that are afar off very near it represents to our Faith the Judgment-Day and shews us how matters and things shall be managed then who shall be cleared and who condemned it brings near to the Eye of our Faith the glorious Kingdom of Jesus Christ and many things of like Nature IV. So the Word of God shews forth not only the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ as also what this World is what Sin is c. But it shews what Man is before Grace how wretched blind naked deformed polluted and also after Grace through Christ how happy adorned beautiful and glorious V. So the Word of God is absolutely needful or necessary for all Christians to look into who would dress and deck themselves with the Ornaments of Grace that they may be comely in the sight of God By looking into the Word they may see what Ornaments are wanting and how to put them on so as to be compleatly dressed and every way ready for the Bridegroom 's coming VI. The Word of God is a thing that all true Christians
take much Delight to behold daily pry and look into by Reading and Meditation His Delight is in the Law of the Lord and in his Law he doth meditate both Night and Day VII So he that would have a clear sight of God in his glorious Attributes and Perfections must look into the Gospel with open Face he must look with a full and single Eye as one that is resolved by the help of the Spirit according to the nature of his sight to see what may be beheld therein and not cast a squint Look as it were upon it seem to look towards God when his Heart is more upon other Things and Objects We with open Face c. If thy Eye be single thy whole Body it full of Light VIII So he that doth cast but a transient Look into the Word of God or is but a bare Hearer thereof may whilst the Word is a preaching see or have some sence of his Sin and deplorable Condition he is in by Nature and be somewhat troubled for it a while but not putting into practice what he hears but turning to his former Course again he soon forgets what a deformed and miserable Wretch he is which is the principal Import of that Text in James IX So a Christian that looks into the Word and Gospel to behold the Glory of God hath but the sight of the Image Resemblance and Representation of God shining therein before his Eyes Simile ONe Glass hath not all the Properties which we have here mentioned II. Some Persons use too frequently to look into a Glass as others do to an evil End viz. to paint patch and spot their Faces and to see their vain Beauty which tends to increase Pride and foolishly to lift themselves up Disparity THe Gospel or Word of God is a spiritual Perspective-Glass as well as a Looking-Glass II. A Christian cannot look too oft into God's Word provided he do not neglect his particular Calling in so doing or let one Duty interfere with another neither doth his looking into the Word of God tend to lift him up but rather to humble and abase him for the more we see of God the more with Job and Isaiah we shall abhor and be ashamed of our selves There are divers other Disparities which we pass by they are the Contrivance and Workmanship of Man and brittle things c. besides many of them are false giving not a true Representation of Persons and Things c. Inferences LEt this teach every Soul the Folly of spending so much time in looking into a carnal Glass to see their own Faces and vainly to trim and deck their Heads and Bodies whilst they greatly neglect looking into this Glass wherein the Glory of God in a glorious manner may be seen See Metaphor Light And thereby they may learn how to make themselves ready for Christ's Coming as also what their happy Condition is if truly in Christ. 2. When you see a Glass or injoy the useful Benefit thereof remember the Glass of God's Word and as you slight not nor throw away that Glass by which you obtain your End viz. a Medium to behold what you desire be perswaded never to slight or throw away the Word of God but improve it to the Ends for which God gave it till you come to have the Faculty so suited and fitted to behold the Object that you shall see as you are seen and know as you are known which will be in a State of Glory and not till then 3. To inform the poor dark and blind World that as a Glass of what nature soever it be yet it is altogether useless to a blind Man till his Eyes are opened so till God opens blind Eyes poor fallen Man cannot see any of the Glory of God nor understand this glorious Gospel or Word of God 4. Let it perswade all Christians who do stedfastly believe that the Holy Scriptures or Word of God are or may be compared to a Glass in many of the Particulars afore-going to look more into it with earnest Prayer that as it is a Glass as clear as Chrystal so the Eyes of their Understandings may be opened to the end they may as in a Glass Behold the Glory of the Lord and be changed into the same Image from Glory to Glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor. 3.18 Professing the Gospel compared to the Plough Luke 9.26 He that puts his hand to the Plow and looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of Heaven HE that puts his hand to the Plough c. Our Saviour means Preaching owning or professing the Gospel The professing the Gospel may in divers respects be compared to a Plough Methapor A Plough is an Instrument made fit for the Husband-man to break up and till his Ground II. The Plough cannot break up the Ground of it self it must be held and drawn or nothing can be done by it III. It is a hard and difficult thing to plow up some Ground especially that which is rocky full of Roots or hath long lain fallow IV. The Plough pierces deep into the Earth makes as it were deep Gashes or Wounds in the Heart of it discovering what sort of Earth it is V. The Work of the Pluogh is but Opus ordinabile a preparative Work in order to sowing the Seed VI. It is best Plowing when the Earth is prepared and mollified by the Showers of Heaven then the Work goes on sweetly VII The Plough turns up by the Roots and kills those rank Weeds that grow in the Field VIII That Field is not well plowed up where the Plough jumps and skips over some part of it making Baulks it must turn up all the whole Field alike IX New Ground is much more easily plowed than that which hath lain a long time untilled X. In the last place and more directly to the main Drift and Scope of the Text the Plough must be held throughout the whole Journey a Man must not put his hand to it and presently grow weary and look back Parallel THe Gospel is an Instrument prepared and made fit by the Almighty to break or plow up the fallow Ground of our Hearts II. The Gospel must be believed and professed by us we must lay our hand to it and by the Power of the Spirit it must as it were be drawn upon our Hearts or it can do nothing III. So it is a very difficult thing to convince and humble the hard and obdurate Heart of a Sinner which is compared to a Stone and as firm as a Rock Shall Horses run upon the Rocks Will one plow there with Oxen IV. The Gospel pierces the Heart of a Sinner by powerful Convictions When they heard this they were pricked 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 punctim cedo pungendo penetro or pierced point-black to the Heart Then the Word divided as it were between the Soul and Spirit laid the Heart open made a discovery of what was hid
III. Treasure hath a great Influence upon the Hearts of the Sons of Men. IV. Treasure is much sought after with great Care and Pains and when obtained Men are very loath to part with it V. Treasure is usually kept in some strong or secure place to the end it may be safely preserved VI. Treasure sometimes signifies Store and Plenty of good Things VII Much Treasure makes Men great and honourable in the World VII Treasure will carry a Man a great way in and through great Straits Afflictions Sorrows and Sufferings Parallel THe Gospel is much in little it hath been of that Esteem that in the time of its scarcity a Load of Hay hath been given for one Leaf of the Epistle of James in English See the Word of God compared to Light II. So doth the Gospel How many poor miserable wretched Men and Women have not only been supplied as to their need but enriched thereby III. So hath the Gospel through the Spirit and therefore the Lip of Truth saith Where the Treasure is there will the Heart be also IV. What Pains did the holy Men of old use in seeking after a Discovery of the Truth of the Gospel and of the things therein contained And what a Cloud of Witnesses are there who rather than they would part with this Treasure parted with their Lives and all they had V. So the Word and Gospel of God hath been preserved in the worst of Times when the great Design of Men and Devils hath been to destroy or corrupt it Thy Word have I hid in mine Heart VI. There are Store of good Things held forth in the Gospel viz. Christ Grace Glory and every good Thing else with him and by him VII Faith in the Gospel raiseth to great Honour O what Dignity ariseth from that noble Birth that is from above until which how mean and disgraceful an Object is fallen Man VII So the Gospel and the Grace of it O how far and through what Difficulties will it carry a Man With what contentment have Christians behaved themselves in the want of all outward Enjoyments having had a little of this Treasure METAPHOR ALL Treasures here be they never so rich or rare yet they are but earthly or from the Earth II. Earthly Treasures are corruptible and many times are spoiled they become worth little or nothing Lay not up Treasure on Earth where Moth and Rust doth corrupt c. III. Earthly Treasures tho they may go far and supply many bodily Wants yet they cannot supply Soul-Wants IV. The Poor have but little of worldly Treasure and therefore 't is they are accounted poor it is mostly in the hands of the great Men of the Earth V. Men by their natural Care and Industry may get worldly Treasure and grow rich thereby VI. Worldly Treasure may be taken away by Thieves as well as eaten by Moths Disparity BUt such is the Glory of the Gospel as that it is a Treasure from Heaven and of an heavenly product and extract II. But the Gospel and Grace thereof is a Treasure incorruptible it cannot putrify or be spoiled its Splendor and Glory is durable But of incorruptible the Word of God c. III. But the Gospel or Word of God extendeth to the Supply both of the Soul and Body The Gospel heard and received by Faith makes up a full Supply to the Soul of whatever it needs My God shall supply all your Wants c. IV. But it is evident that the Poor receive the Gospel and James saith expresly that God hath chosen the Poor of this World rich in Faith c. The Poor of this World have generally most of this sacred Treasure and so are the richest Men. V. No Man whatsoever tho never so worldly wise ingenious careful and industrious in laying out all his natural Parts can enrich himself with this sacred Treasure What hast thou which thou hast not received VI. But the Gospel is a Treasure that cannot be taken away by Thieves nor can the Moth corrupt it it is called the everlasting Gospel Inferences THis shews who are the truly rich Men and Women in the World and what is indeed the true Treasure that will make them so here and to Eternity Jam. 2.5 2 Cor. 6.10 II. It shews the Folly and Madness of those that slight and despise the Gospel Heb. 2 2 3. Jer. 8.8 9. III. What strong Motives might I produce in order to the getting of this Treasure 1. Would you be rich for ever would you have durable Riches c. 2. VVould you be defended and know how to subsist another Day Then get much of this Treasure Quest. But is not this the way to be in the more danger For 't is not the Poor that the Thief cares to meddle withal but the Rich We see what Assaults they meet withal that have this Treasure therefore 't is best to be at ease and quiet and forbear to middle with it Answ. God's Power and Strength is laid out for its Preservation and of the Vessels in whom it is It is God's Treasure and the Vessel too for his People are his peculiar Treasure He will keep it night and day lest any hurt it meaning his People whom he hath enriched with this Treasure Quest. But why is this Treasure put into such earthen Vessels Is it not in the greater danger therefore to be lost they being so subject to be broken Answ. 1. They are tho mean in the VVorlds eye and also in their own yet chosen and sanctified Vessels and fitted for the Lord's use so that the Treasure can suffer no loss by the Vessel 2. The Power of God is the more manifested in preserving this Treasure in an earthen Vessel Object But these Vessels may be nay have been and are often broken and turned to Dust. Answ. Yet God never wanted a Vessel for this Treasure nay those that are turned to Dust are not destroyed they are but dissolved that the Treasure might be the more diffusive and spread it self The Blood of the Saints hath been the Seed of the Church FINIS ADVERTISEMENT THere is a second Volume ready for the Press which consisteth of two Parts The First opens by way of Metaphor and Parallel c. about One hundred sixty eight Metaphors Similes Allegories and other borrowed Terms contained in the holy Scriptures consisting of all the principal Metaphors Similes c. that the Authors can meet with under these ten Heads following 1. Such as concern the Graces of the Spirit and Ordinances of the Gospel 2. Such as concern the holy Angels and the Souls or Spirits of Men. 3. Such as respect the Church of God 4. Such as concern 1. Man in general 2. Good Men 3. Wicked Men. 5. Such as concern the Ministers of the Gospel 6. Such as respect Sin wherein the odious Nature of Sin is largely opened 7. Such as concern the Devil 8. Such as concern the false Church and false
THe Title explained 142 143 Christ as a King attended by Angels par 8. 144 Privileges and Excellencies pertaining to Christ a King shewed in seven Particulars par 21. 146 Wherein Christ exceeds all earthly Kings in twelve things 146 147 Knoweth Christ knoweth the Causes of Distempers and Diseases par 6. 113 L. Lamb. HOw Christ may be called a Lamb opened in ten Particulars 185 to 187 Practically improved 187 Light Christ the Sun of Righteousness exceeds all other Lights 220 Lilly Christ the Lilly of the Vallies opened in five Particulars 226 227 Lion A strange Story of the Justice of a Lion Met. 5. 41 Sight of a Lion 136 Voiee of a Lion Met. 7. 136 Christ a Lion 135 A Lion and Lioness revenge the Death of their Young upon a Bear Met. 10. 136 A Lion requiâ—â—es a Kindness Met. 11. 137 London London burnt An. 1666. The Desolation made thereby 67 Locust By Locusts Rev. 9. are meant the Popish Clergy Priests Friars Monks Jesuits par 23. 16 M. Man A Brittle Creature 64 Man by Nature miserably in debt to God 95 96 Manna Manna what 139 With a Parallel Manna the Type and Christ the Anti-type in twenty six Partic. 139 to 142 Christ excells Manna in a six-fold respect Dispar 142 Mediator Mediator what Mediatorship of Christ opened in one and twenty Particulars 87 88 89 The Necessity of a Mediator between God and Man shewed 1. In respect of God in six Partic. 2. In respect of Man in two things 88 Christ a Mediator fitly qualified shewed in three things 89 But one Mediator 91 Men. Christ is the Light of Men par 25. 218 Member Christ judgeth between Member and Member one Saint and another par 12. 163 Ministers Christ's Spokes-men sue hard to gain Sinners unto Christ shewed in seven Partic. par 15. 101 Christ all in the Ministry of the Word 288 Mouth The Nature of a Mouth 46 47 Myrrh The Properties thereof shewed in seven Particulars Why called a Bundle of Myrrh 269 N. NAme of God what meant shewed in four things 29 In what respect the Name of the Lord is called a Strong-Tower shewed in ten Partic. 32 â—â—3 The Name of Christ like to precious Ointment opened in ten Partic. 190 191 Christ's Name excelleth other Names shewed by ten Dispar 191 192 With Application 192 193 Necessity The Lord Jesus is of universal Necessity and Benefit par 10. 112 O. Oil. OIl anointing therewith on the Head in Consecration Met. Par. 9. 178 The Oil of Gladness and the excellent Nature thereof 302 to 304 Oil the Nature of it opened in seventeen Partic. ibid. Ordinance Christ All in All in every Ordinance 288 Order The Order of God in building the first and second Creation par 5. 18 Ointment Christâ—â—s Name like precious Ointment opened in ten Partic. 190 191 P. CHrist All in Pardon of Sin 288 Pearl Christ a Pearl of great Price opened in thirteen Partic. 187 to 189 Christ the Pearl exceeds all other Pearls shewed by a five-fold Disparity 189 People God's People are a separate People par 4. 15 Perfection All the Perfections of the Father shine forth in Christ 110 Physician In what respect Christ is a Physician opened in 23 Partic. 112 to 115 The Excellency of Christ a Physician above all other Physicians 116 117 Portion God a Portion 6 What a Portion God is shewed in 12 Partic. 8 Considered in a fourfold respect 1. It s Nature 2. It s Extent 3. It s Signification 4. It s Vsefulness p. 6 Nine practical Corollaries upon God a Portion 9 Precious To whom Christ is precious opened 248 Marks of Trial in ten Partic. 249 250 The Way to find Christ precious in four things 250 Priest Christ a Priest 149 Christ exceeds the Jewish High-Priests in 8 Partic. 153 Christ's Priesthood and Gospel-Government exceeds that of the Law Inf. 2. 154 The Notions of the Church of Rome about Priesthood discovered Infer 6. 154 to 156 Priviledg The great Privilege that Souls are let into by Christ as a Door par 13. 130 Prophet Christ a Prophet opened in seventeen Particulars 157 to 160 Christ in pursuit of his Prophetical Office layeth a Foundation for the Church to build upon par 13. 159 Prophets foretell things to come so doth Christ par 17. 160 Christ exceeds all other Prophets in five things 160 161 R. Rest GOD is the Souls Rest par 5. 10 Refuge The Import of the Word in six Particulars 50 No Refuge like God 53 All other Refuges besides God vain Met. 4. 53 Cities of Refuge under the Law what they typified 55 The Way made plain to the City of Refuge Met. 7. 168 Refiner Refiner opened in 15 Partic. 262 to 264 Register God keeps a Register for the Great Day 83 Righteousness Christ the Sun of Righteousness 214 to 220 River The Holy-Spirit a River shewed in 20 Partic. 313 The Excellency of the River of God opened in nine Partic. 316 317 The Spirit like an overflowing River 314 Rock Christ a Rock opened in twelve Partic. 170 to 172 Root Christ the Root of David opened in nine Partic. 221 222 How Jesus Christ is the Root of David and Stem of Jesse answ 222 Rose Christ the Rose of Sharon opened in 11 Partic. 119 to 201 S. Saints SAints cannot encounter with their Enemies without their Shield 75 Christ judgeth between one Saint and another par 12. 163 Salvation Common why so called Infer 2. 170 Christ the Captain of our Salvation shewed in 23 Partic. 258 to 256 Sanctuary God the only Sanctuary par 2. 10 Servant Christ the Servant of God opened in 11 Partic. 131 to 133 Christ excells all other Servants 133 Sharon Christ the Rose of Sharon 202 Shepherd Christ a Shepherd in 19 Partic. 162 to 164 Why Christ is called the great Shepherd Dispar 4. in five respects 164 Christ exceeds other Shepherds in a six-fold Disparity 164 165 Serpent The Type explained in thirteen Particulars 285 286 Sin Sin a Cause of our own Misery 49 Sin a Sickness 118 God punisheth Sin in his People gradually ibid. Spirit The Holy-Spirit a Comforter opened in fifteen Partic. 291 to 295 The Holy-Spirit a Divine Person par 3. 292 How the Spirit comforteth Believers shewed in 10 Partic. par 7. 29â—â— The Spirit compared to the Wind in 20 Partic. 297 to 301 The holy-Holy-Spirit the Earnest of the Saints Inheritance opened in 10 Partic. 305 306 The Holy-Spirit compared to a Seal in ten Partic. 309 310 How may a Man know he hath received the Seal of the Spirit shewed in six Partic. 312 Holy-Spirit a River opened in twenty Partic. 313 to 318 The Holy-Spirit compared to Water opened in 10 Partic. 319 320 Spirit of God a Teacher opened 324 325 Spirit of God a Saints Guide 327 How the Spirit guides 327 328 Star Christ the Morning Star opened in eighteen Particulars 274 to 277 Sun Christ the Sun of Righteousness opened in 34 Partic. 214 to 220 Surety Suretyship of
within V. So the Gospel and Word of God as a Plough by its powerful Convictions upon the Conscience is but a preparative Work in order to the sowing the Seed of Grace in the Heart VI. Never doth the Word of God so kindly work in plowing up the fallow Ground of the Heart as when the Gospel-Clouds dissolve and the true Grace and Love of Jesus Christ comes sweetly showering down upon it VII So the Word of God by its powerful Convictions and Operations upon the Heart kills Sin at the Root causing the Soul to loath what it formerly loved VIII That Heart is not savingly wrought upon where one Lust is spared and left untouched or when it reacheth not to the changing the evil Qualities of every Faculty The Word must noâ—â— reach the Conscience only but the Judgment Will and Affections also IX So Youth before evil Habits or a Custom and Course of Sin be taken and more abundantly cleave to them are as 't is found by experience sooner wrought upon by the Word of God than old Sinners when Sin hath got Root in their Hearts X. So the Gospel and the Profession thereof must be held owned acknowledged and profess'd in Truth and in Uprightness of Heart constantly to the end even through the whole Journey Length and Race of our Lives we must not grow weary nor faint in our Minds He that sets his hand to the Plough i. e. professes the Gospel and looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of Heaven Inferences THis may convince all Persons what need there is of the Spirit to join in and work with the Word For our Gospel came not to you in Word only but also in Power and in the Holy-Ghost and in much Assurance 2. See that your whole Soul is wrought upon that there is a Work upon every Faculty thereof 3. Take heed of a long continuance in a Course of Sin Let the old Sinner tremble but if wrought upon in his old Age admire the infinite Grace of God 4. From hence you may perceive the hardning Nature of Sin 5. Tremble at the Thoughts of Apostacy and take heed you do not shrink your hands off in the Day of Trial or refuse to plow because it is cold or because the Sun shines hot c. Mr. John Flavel's Poem upon the Plough THere 's Skill in Plowing that the Plowman knows For if too shallow or too deep he goes The Seed is either buried or else may To Crows and Rooks become an easy Prey This as a lively Emblem fitly may Describe the Blessed Spirit 's Work and Way Whose Work on Souls with this doth symbolize Betwixt them both thus the Resemblance lies Souls are the Soil the Gospel is the Plow God's Workmen hold the Spirit shews them how The Spirit draws and in good Ground doth bless His Workmens Pains with sweet and fair Success In Hearts prepar'd God scatters in the Seed Which in its season springs No Fowl or Weed Shall pick it up or choak this springing Corn Till it be housed in the heavenly Barn When thus the Word plows up the fallow Ground VVhen with such Fruits his Servants VVork is crown'd Let all the Friends of Christ and Souls say now As they pass by these Fields God speed the Plow The Word of God compared to Seed Mat. 13. The Seed is the Word of God METAPHOR GOod Seed is prepared by the Husbandman and is reserved out of the choicest Wheat and principal Barley 't is that which the Husbandman highly esteems and values II. The Ground before the Seed is sown is plow'd up and made fit to receive the Seed III. The Husbandman either sows the Seed himself or employs a Seeds-man to sow it one that hath Skill in that Employment IV. When Seed is cast into the Earth it must be covered or else the Birds may pick it up besides it will not otherwise so well take Root V. Seed lies some time in the Ground before it springs up Clods also oftentimes hinder it from springing up VI. Frost and Snow conduce very much to the well-rooting of the Seed they tend also to kill the Weeds which otherwise might choak it under the Clods by which means it roots spreads and flourishes more abundantly VII The earlier Seed is sown the better it is rooted and enabled to endure the Sharpness of the Winter VIII Some Seeds which the Sower sows fall upon stony Places and some on thorny Ground as Experience shews which Seed brings not forth Fruit unto perfection and some also falls by the High-way-side which the Birds devour IX Fruitfulness of Seed depends much upon the Sun shining and the Rain falling upon it by this means it is quickned and abundantly springs up X. Weeds many times come up with the Seed and if they are not pluck'd up or weeded out they will hinder the Growth of the Seed if not quite choak it XI The good Ground only brings forth Fruit unto perfection XII Men are very diligent and industrious in sowing their Seed they are up early and labour hard morning and evening XIII Winds and Storms do not prevent Sowers in the sowing of their Seed but let the Wind be high or low blow from the North or from the South yet they do and will sow XIV Men usually are not sparing of their Seed but scatter it abroad so plentifully that all and every part of the Field which they intend to sow may be sown therewith Parallel THe Word of God is a choice and precious thing and that which God highly values and accounts of He hath magnified his Word above all his Name Thy Word it very pure II. Our Hearts are naturally hard and have need to be plowed up which is also done by the Word and Conviction of the Spirit hence the Gospel is called a Plow See Plow III. Jesus Christ is the spiritual Seeds-Man 't is he that sows the Seed who wants neither Care nor Skill to do it The Sower is the Son of Man IV. So the Word of God ought to be hid or covered in our Hearts that Satan may not steal it away from us and that it may take good Root downward and bring forth Fruit upward David hid the Word of God in his Heart It is not enough to have it in our Heads but in our Hearts Let the Word of God dwell in you richly We ought to labour to understand it to love it and keep it in our Memories yea and to let it be well rooted in every Faculty V. The Word of God does often like Seed lie hid for a while in the Heart of a Sinner before it eminently shews it self Clods of Corruption and Temptations hinder its Growth and springing up VI. So Affliction when sanctified to gracious Persons which they meet with after their Conversion and many times in their very Seed-Time tends to kill the Weeds of Corruption and breaks and mollifies the Heart by which means they come