gentle and mild ways to reclaim them XVIII If a mild Fatherly intreaty and gentle usage will not reclaim them the Father uses a Rod and chastises them because he loves them XIX A Father corrects his Children not that he delights in it but because it is absolutely necessary he proportions the punishment to the Crime his Bowels yerning upon them the while and when the Chastisement has effected its end he is ready with open Arms to receive them as in the case of the Prodigal XX. A Father provides a Portion for his Children and takes care of their future maintenance and subsistence it being his duty to lay up for them PARALLEL I. GOd is the Author of Spiritual Being to his People Of his own will begat he us with the Word of Truth Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope c. Hence Believers are called his Children begotten by his holy Word and Spirit II. God the Spiritual Father nourishes and with Parental tenderness brings up his Children hence 't is said they are born up by him from the Belly and carried from the Womb To be laid to the Breast like new-born Babes that they may receive the sincere Milk of the Word III. God Cloaths his Saints He that so Cloaths the grass of the field shall he not much more Cloath you O ye of little Faith He Cloaths them with the Garments of Salvation covers them with the Robe of Righteousness and adorns them with the graces of his Spirit and Evangelical Holiness that he might take the more delight in him IV. God so loved his children that he sent his only begotten Son to save them In love to their Souls he delivers them they are precious in his sight and honourable and therefore he hath loved them c. Like as a Father pitieth his Children so the Lord pitieth them that fear him V. God saves and defends his Children from their Soul-Enemies as Sin Satan Spiritual Wickedness in high places which without his help would be too strong for them therefore he covers them with his wing from the rage and malice of Persecutors he is always ready to take their part If it had not been the Lord who was on our side says David when men rose up against us then they had swallowed us up quick c. What a strict charge does the Lord give to the Ungodly touching his Israel When they went from Nation to Nation and from one Kingdom to another people he suffered no man to do them wrong yea he reproved Kings for their sakes saying Touch not mine Anointed and do my Prophets no harm VI. God is exceeding tender and thoughtful of the Babes and weak ones among his people and gives particular charge concerning them unto his Ministers Strengthen ye the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees And in another place Comfort the feeble minded support the weak He is said to gather the Lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosom and gently to lead those that are with young VII God provides Food for his people and whatsoever else they want The young Lyons do lack and suffer hunger but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing There is no want to them that fear him He abundantly blesses Sions provision and satisfies her poor with bread Gives meat to them that fear him for he is ever mindful of his Covenant He provides Physick for their Soul-Diseases Bless the Lord O my Soul says David who forgiveth all thine iniquities who healeth all thy diseases VIII The Lord takes great delight to hear his little Children his Babes in Christ learn to pray and open their wants to him and though they stammer out a request or sigh or lisp out a Petition he is willing to hear and answer them His Spirit helps their infirmities for they know not what they should pray for as they ought and maketh intercession for them with unutterable groans Though like the Prophet they chatter like a â—â—rane yet he will not despise them but rather lend his Ear to them than to the vain pomp and empty Ceremonies of Formalists and the specious performances of the Hypocrite IX God is proposed by Christ as a holy patern and example to his Saints Be ye perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect And in another place Be ye merciful as your Father also is merciful God is not soon angry but patient and long-suffering so should his Children be c. X. The Lord God loves such of his Spiritual Children best who walk closest with him who are holy as he is holy pure as he is pure who are changed into his Image made partakers of the Divine Nature Daniel was greatly beloved and David recorded to be a Man after Gods own heart by way of Eminency and John is called the beloved Disciple after the same manner For it is agreeable to Reason and Equity that where there is the nearest similitude there should be the dearest love and Vnion XI None teacheth like the heavenly Father none more careful to train up and instruct his Children in right ways he hath given them his holy Word which is able to make them wise to salvation Prophets Evangelists Apostles Pastors and Teachers to instruct them Rules to walk by Precepts of behaviour towards Enemies and Friends high and low rich and poor I will teach you saith the Lord what ye shall do He teaches sinners in the way He teacheth the hand to war it is he only that teacheth to profit Isa. 48.17 In a word he hath given them the Lord Jesus in whom are hid all the Treasures of wisdom and knowledge XII The Ears of the Lord are ever open to the crys of his Children Ask and ye shall receive c. whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing ye shall receive This is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us and if we know that he heareth us whatsoever we ask we know that we have the Petitions that we have desired of him XIII The Lord God knows what 's best for his Children and never fails to supply them if they ask in Faith He never refuses but when they ask amiss Ye ask and receive not says the Apostle James because ye ask amiss c. XIV The heavenly Father when Israel would be going on in a course of Idolatry and sin tells them he will hedge up their way with thorns and make a wall c. that is to stop Israels pursuit insomuch that she shall not overtake her Lovers As the Lord has a hedge of protection to secure his people from evil Isa. 5.5 Job 1.10 so he has a hedge of affliction to keep them from evil The hedge of thorns is a Metaphor and signifies much trouble and difficulty of
not in his Love and Affection that they are chastised and so often under this and the other exercise of Affliction and this the Spirit labours either by his Word or Ministers and other ways to convince them of 4. By shewing from the Word that the like Afflictions if not greater many of God's Children have met with before them or are now under knowing that the same Afflictions are accomplished in your Brethren that are in the World what are thy Sorrows saith the Spirit to those that holy Job and many of the Blessed Martyrs met with 5. By shewing them the Design and gracious End of God in all his Dispensations and Afflictions he doth it not simply for his own Pleasure as an Act of Soveraignty But for our Profit that we might be partakers of his Holiness This is the fruit of all the taking away of your Sins 't is for the trial of your Graces saith the Spirit When he hath tried me I shall come forth as Gold 'T is to convince the Devil and wicked Men that you are sincere and upright Ones and do not follow Christ for Loaves Doth Job saith Satan fear God for nought But put forth thine hand now and touch all that he hath and he will curse thee to thy Face God saith the Spirit hath brought this and the other Trouble upon thee to clear thy Innocency and to shew that Satan is a Liar 6. By shewing them that all their Afflictions are but short lived that they will soon be over they will last but for a Moment 7. That they will add to their Advantage here and hereafter Our light Affliction which is but for a Moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory 'T is saith the Spirit to shew forth the excellent nature of true Grace Faith Love and Patience never shine forth in their proper Lustre and Glory until they come under exercise The trial of your Faith is much more precious than Gold that perisheth tho it be tried with Fire And it will hereby be found unto Praise Honour and Glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 8. 〈◊〉 â—â—irit comforteth Believers by shewing them that all their Sorrows will in a little 〈◊〉 be turned into Gladness Now ye are sorrowful but I will see you again and your Hearâ—â— shall rejoyee and your Joy no Man taketh away from you Ye shall be sorrowful but you 〈…〉 shall be turned into Joy Those that go forth weeping bearing precious Seed shall doubtless come again rejoycing bringing their Sheaves with them God will give unto them saith the Spirit that mourn in Zion Beauty for Ashes the Oil of Joy for Mourning the Garments of Praise for the Spirit of Heavinesâ—â— that they may be called Trees of Righteousness the planting of the Lord that he maâ—◠〈◊〉 glorified 9. The Spirit comforteth by shewing Believers that all their Sorrows 〈…〉 in this World the wicked have all their sweet things here and the godly have their bitter things here but as the wicked shall have nothing but bitter hereafter so the godly shall have nothing but sweet hereafter Son remember that thou in thy life time receivedst thy good things and likewise Lazarus evil things but now he is comforted and thou art tormented 10. The Spirit comforteth by convincing Believers that God doth not punish them as their Sins do deserve He hath visited thee little or nothing saith Elibu so the Word will bear it The least Mercy is more than we deserve He hath not dealt with us after our Sins nor rewarded us according â—â—o our Iniquitieâ—â— VIII The holy Spirit sympathizes with every gracious Soul in their Distresses and Troubles according as God in his Word speakes to our Capacities In all their Afflictions he was afflicted his Soul was grieved for Israel And in that of the eighth Chapter to the Romans the Spirit particularly is said to sigh and groan after such a sort that cannot be uttered and hence the Apostle exhorts the Saints not to grieve the holy Spirit of God whereby they are sealed to the day of Redemption IX Likewise the holy Spirit also helps our Infirmities for we know not what to pray for as we ought But the Spirit it self maketh Intercession for us with Groans which cannot be uttered And he that searcheth the Hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh Intercession for the Saints according to the Will of God Rom. 8.26 27. Hence the word Advocate or Comforter X. The holy Spirit searches the Heart and Reins of every Soul he comes to comfort to discover the State and Condition of a Person to him David crys out Search me O God and know my Heart c. I the Lord search the Heart c. He that searches the Heart c. The Spirit searches all things c. XI So the holy Spirit is sometimes slighted and grieved through the Power of Temptation by a Believer and his sweet and heavenly Advice is not minded nor followed as it ought to be but all Comfort is rejected for a time but afterwards tho sometimes long first the Soul with Joy takes hold of it XII The Holy Spirit keeps the Heart of a Believer from utter Despondency and greatly revives and consolates him hence the Apostle saith God hath given us everlasting Consolation and good hope through Grace we are troubled on every side but not in Distress we are perplexed but not in despair I have seen his ways and will heal him also and restore Comforts to him c. XIII The holy Spirit knows there is an absolute necessity for him not only to give the Saints a Visit and immediately be gone but also to abide with them always for they cannot be without his glorious Presence one Moment It 's true sometimes they may be without his eminent comforting Presence which causes the Church to cry the Comforter that should relieve my Soul is far from me yet his supporting Presence is ever with them I will pray the Father and he shall send you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the Spirit of Truth c. and he is said to dwell in us and to make his Abode with us But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the Dead dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the Dead shall also quicken your mortal Bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you XIV The Holy Spirit is exceedingly prized and much beloved by every godly Man but more especially when they find by Experience the great Worth of him and the great Good and Profit they receive by his means XV. The Holy Spirit deals faithfully with every Man he will not speak Peace to any Person but to those to whom it doth belong nor at a time when the Soul is fallen into any Sin or under some great Temptation to sin but will at such times rather rebuke and
and Opposition are broken in pieces by it When it once blows briskly upon the Soul it presently cries out Lord what wouldest thou have me to do Immediatly saith Saul I conferred not with Flesh and Blood XII The Spirit dissolving the Clouds of Iniquity waters the Heart with Tears of Repentance and Godly Sorrow XIII The Blowings or Operations of the holy Spirit ought carefully to be observed with the access and recess thereof for a Christian can make no Earnest of the Duties of Religion unless these Winds blow Moreover there are certain Signs whereby a Man may know which way the Spirit blows 1. If the Desires of the Soul are after God and Holiness it is one sign the Wind is in a right Point 2. If the Understanding be enlightned and Clouds of Ignorance scattered the Affections changed so that heavenly Objects are principally delighted in if the Will is brought to yield and readily to submit to the Will of God the Spirit blows the right way 3. If a Man leaves his old and evil Courses and Company if that which was once pleasant to him is now become grievous to him if his Discourse be savoury and his Life holy you may know which way the Wind blows They that are after the Spirit do mind the things of the Spirit 4. If there be new Habits wrought in the Soul so that altho a Man may sometimes be obstructed in his way and hindred in his course Heaven-ward yet immediatly as it were by a natural or divine Instinct he falls into his former Way and Course of Grace and Holiness again 't is a sign which way the Wind blows You know the Wind is sometimes obstructed or stopped in its usual course by Houses or Trees c. so that you can hardly discern by Vanes or Smoak c. which way it is so it may be with a Christian. Besides sometimes you can scarcely perceive any Wind to blow at all no more can you the Operations of the Spirit XIV The Spirit of God blowing upon the Soul of a Sinner causes his Pride and external Glory to fade away which is compared to the Flower of the Field The Rod hath blossomed Pride hath budded All Flesh is Grass and the Goodliness thereof is as the Flower of the Field The Grass withereth the Flower fadeth because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it XV. The holy Spirit tho it be invisible and its Operations mysterious and not to be discern'd by many Men yet they may see and hear the Effects of it they may perceive what Alteration and Changes it makes in this and that Man such as were very vicious and ungodly are by the Workings of the Spirit formed into another likeness and become pious and truly religious that Tongue that was wont to blaspheme God they now hear to praise and admire him c. And Believers themselves clearly feel and experience the blessed Effects and Operations thereof in their own Souls XVI The Spirit of God causes the Saints to grow in Grace and in the Knowledg of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit moves upon the Affections and every other Faculty of the Heart and by that means causes the Seed of Grace to take the deeper Root The Ground or Spirit of a Christian must be broken and loosened from the World and from the Love of sensual things more and more by the Wind of the Spirit or he will not be fruitful in Grace and good Works XVII Unless the Spirit blows upon the Soul or upon the Church they lie becalmed and cannot sail towards the Haven of eternal Happiness no Duty or Service performed in publick or private can avail any thing we get not a Bit of Ground nor any real Advantage by them unless they are performed by the Help and Influence of the Spirit God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth XVIII The holy Spirit winnows and fans God's People who are compared to Wheat and good Grain 'T is said of Christ His Fan is in his Hand and he will throughly purge his Floor How doth Christ fan and purge his People but by his Word and Spirit 't is that which cleanses and makes them pure from the Dross and Pollutions of Sin and Wickedness as the Apostle observes 1 Cor. 6.11 XIX The Spirit of God sometimes comes on a sudden upon a Soul and by its powerful Operation in a short space makes a great and wonderful Change as appears in the Case of Saul but at other times it riseth and worketh upon some Mens Hearts gradually XX. The holy Spirit when it gets into the Heart of a Man by its powerful Operation it makes him tremble and shakes him to pieces as it were causing strange tho glorious Workings in the inward Man This he doth by setting the Evil of Sin before his Eyes and his woful Condition thereby A Man never trembles as he should till the Spirit enters into him Saul was taken with such a trembling when the Spirit entred into him and began to work that he could not stand upon his Feet METAPHOR SOme Winds are sent in Judgment to destroy and overthrow which many times blow down Houses and Trees and make great Desolation witness that prodigious Wind in the Year 1661. II. Some Winds are of a blasting Nature and cause the Fruit to fall before it be ripe III. There hath been a Wind in which the Lord hath not appeared IV. Some Winds are compared to Words and Speeches of one that is desperate V. Sometimes Wind is made use of to set forth that which is vain and empty VI. Some Winds are without Rain Whoso boasteth himself of a false Gift is like Clouds and Wind without Water VII If some Winds be observed Men must not plow nor sow their Seed He that observeth the Wind shall not sow and he that regardeth the Clouds shall not reap VIII Man's Iniquity is compared unto the Wind. Disparity BUt the Spirit being the great Promise of the Father and the Fruit and Effect of Christ's Ascension is sent in Mercy to strengthen and establish and is so far from destroying or overthrowing as that it causeth the Church in general or a Christian in particular to take the more firm Root and stand the faster II. But the Spirit as compared to the North and South Winds ripeneth a Christian in Grace and causeth the Spices thereof to flow forth Grace ripeneth and fitteth for Glory III. But there is no greater Demonstration of the Lord's presence with his People or with a Soul than by the Indwelling of his Spirit Where two or three are gathered together in my Name there am I saith Christ. IV. But no Man speaking by the Spirit calleth Jesus accursed Men are by the Spirit brought into their right Minds witness the Prodigal V. But where-ever the holy Scriptures make mention of the holy Spirit it is to set forth
cause a Man to vomit it up by unfeigned Repentance by which means the Life of the Soul is preserved for if by the Operation of the Spirit Sin is not vomited up Death will certainly follow Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish Luk. 13.3 For the Flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the Flesh and these are contrary the one to the other Gal. 5.17 IV. The Spirit of God will never mingle nor become one with the Flesh the Spirit is from above and ever endeavours to be uppermost in what Heart soever it is 't will not be under the command of Sin nor Satan Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the Lusts of the Flesh. V. The Spirit wonderfully revives comforteth and infuseth Spiritual Warmth and Heat into the Soul of a Believer when he is anointed with it and indeed nothing else will refresh enliven and warm the inward Man hence 't is compared to Fire and called the Spirit of Life and blessed Comforter VI. the Spirit cannot be dried up by the heat of Persecution nor the scorching beams of Satan's Temptations that will live and abide the same in the Souls of sincere Converts losing none of its gracious Influences and Operations And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that shall abide with you for ever Joh. 14.16 See Comforter VII The Spirit cleareth the Eyes of the Understanding 't is call'd Eye-salve and from hence the Apostle prayeth for the Ephesians That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Glory would grant them the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the Knowledg of him That the Eyes of their Vnderstanding being enlightned they might know what was the hope of his calling c. Clouds and Mists of Darkness are upon the Eyes of all that have not received the Spirit so that they cannot behold things a far off VIII The Spirit of God is the only Remedy for all Obstructions of the inward Man those that scarce breath or pray at all by receiving a measure of the Spirit breath out freely their desire to Almighty God Likewise the Spirit helpeth our Infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit maketh Intercession c. No Man can say Jesus is Lord but by the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 12.3 IX The Spirit feeds the Soul yea it makes it fat and well liking nothing nourishes comparable to the Spirit the Word and Ordnances of God are but dry Bread to it this is the chief of those fat things full of Marrow by which God feasts and makes fat the Bones of his Saints X. The Spirit of God being received and lived upon the Abundance of the things of this World that have in them by means of Sin some hurtful and surfeiting Quality are made hereby very good and profitable to Believers but for want of the Spirit 's seasoning and sanctifying they become deadly and destructive to wicked Men their Table Bed and all they enjoy are made Snares to them Take heed to your selves lest at any time your Hearts be over-charged with surfeiting and Drunkenness and the Cares of this World c. Luk. 21.34 XI The Holy Spirit is of exceeding great use against all Tremblings and Convulsions of the Soul in evil Times it frees the Godly from all slavish Fears which shake some Men for want of it out of their Faith Honesty and Religion and it keeps sincere ones stedfast and imovable from being shaken by false Doctrine and lying Spirits which have troubled many with strange Convulsions Shakings and Tremblings in this Nation so that as my Author saith they have even foamed at the Mouth when Quakerism first came up amongst us XII The Holy Spirit is made use of by the Lord Jesus Christ our Heavenly High-Priest in cleansing the Leprosy of Sin he puts it into or upon every Faculty of the Inward Man the Will the Affection the Understanding the Conscience the Head the Hand the Heart the whole Soul is anointed therewith before it is pronounced clean by the Lord. I will put my Spirit within you and you shall be clean from all your Filthiness Now are you clean through the Word that I have spoken to you the Words that I have spoken to you they are the Spirit and the Life XIII The Spirit of God is that spiritual Oil that the Wise Virgins took in their Vessels and in their Lamps by which means they were accepted by the Bridegroom and the Foolish for want of it their Lamps of Profession went out and they not suffered to go into the Wedding-Chamber XIV The Holy Spirit hath an excellent beautifying Quality there is no scar spot nor deformity in the Soul but the Spirit can purge and cleanse it they that are anointed with this Oil shine in the Eyes of God and good Men 't will make a Blackmore white and beautifful fetches out those Wrinkles and foul-Staines and Spots that naturally are in the Souls of Men and Women it takes of Christ's Beauty and puts it upon the Soul and so places a shining Lustre upon the Inward Man Thy Beauty for it was perfect through my Comliness which I had put upon thee c. How glorious and beautiful to be hereby And all that sat in the Councel looking stedfastly on him saw his Face as did Stephen appear if it had been the Face of an Angel Acts 6.15 XV. There are some nay many Men in the World that love not like not the Spirit they are naturally so averse to it that they will not be perswaded to make trial of it they can't believe there is any Sweetness Benefit or Savour in it The Natural Man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are Foolishness unto him neither can be know them because they are spiritually discern'd 1 Cor. 2.14 XVI The Spirit is good to strengthen the weak and decayed Hands and Knees of a poor Saint and thereby makes the Soul more fit for Motion Godwards lively quick agile and fit for Heavenly Service XVII The Lord Jesus was anointed with the Spirit that Oil of Gladness above his Fellows Moreover every Minister of the Gospel must be anointed therewith or he is not accepted of God METAPHOR OTher Oil is of an earthly Extract and several sorts of it are prepared and made fit for use by the Art and Wisdom of Man being extracted from earthly things II. There is not one sort of Oil that hath all kind of excellent Qualities in it that which may be good to beautify and of a dulciferous Scent may not be medicinable III. Oil will not last long its Virtue is soon gone it quickly decays and becomes unsavoury Disparity THe Spirit is from above and without beginning Flowing from the Throne of God and the Lamb. But the Comforter even the Spirit of Truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testify of
do not grieve it this is the Counsel the Apostle gave to the Ephesians Do not quench the Motions of it nor turn a deaf Ear to the tender and gracious Reproofs it daily gives you Do not give way to Sin or Satan neglect not your Duties pray often and hear the Word and be found in your places where the Word and Spirit hath directed you Live in Love and let all Bitterness Wrath Anger Clamor and Evil-speaking be put away from you with all Malice and be kind one to another and tender-hearted forgiving one another as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you And hereby you will not grieve the holy Spirit whereby you are sealed unto the Day of Redemption Lastly Take heed Satan does not deceive thee with a counterfeit Seal Many are confident they have the Spirit Light and Power when 't is all meer Delusion The Spirit always leads and directs according to the written Word He shall bring my Word saith Christ to your remembrance Some Men boast of the Spirit and conclude they have the Spirit and none but they and yet at the same time cry down and vilify his blessed Ordinances and Institutions which he hath left in his Word carefully to be observed and kept till he comes the second time without Sin unto Salvation The Spirit compared to a River Psal. 46.4 There is a River the Streams whereof make glad the City of God John 7.38 He that believeth out of his Belly shall flow Rivers of living Water Rev. 22.1 And he shewed me a pure River of Water of Life as clear as Chrystal proceeding out of the Throne of God and the Lamb c. METAPHOR EVery River hath a proper Head or Fountain from whence it doth proceed II. A River hath much Water in it a Cistern or Vessel will contain but small quantities some Rivers contain abundance and can never be emptied III. A River lieth open and free to all every Man that passeth by makes use of a River if he needs it Fountains and Conduits are many times seal'd or lock'd up and 't is hard to come at Water out of them but a River doth freely send forth its Streams that run continually never cease day nor night IV. Many Rivers are very deep Altho in some places they may be so shallow as that a Man may wade in them yet in some other places they are mighty deep and dangerous so that none dare adventure into them Hence Marks and Bounds are many times set up to give notice V. A River is the proper Element of Fishes and many living Creatures they are produced by it and live in it VI. A River is good to wash in to cleanse purge and carry away Filth and noxious Pollution VII A River hath its Banks to keep it in its proper Bounds and make it run in its own Chanel by which means People know whither to go if they would partake of the Benefit of its Waters VIII Some Rivers overflow their Banks at some certain times and greatly enrich the Soil and make it fruitful as particularly the River Nilus in Egypt IX A River is profitable for Commerce Traffick and Navigation it is the means of Conveyance of the rich Commodities of one Kingdom to another and of one City to another by which means People Cities and Nations are greatly enriched What a great Conveniency is the River of Thames to the City of London By this means also one Friend can soon go to another and often hear each from the other X. Some Rivers run very swiftly bear all down before them are so impetuous as they cannot be stopped in their Course and Chanel A swift Stream washes away Filth best XI Some Rivers environ Towns and are instead of other Fortifications to them making them strong and hard to be taken XII A River causes those Trees that are planted by the side of it to thrive and grow exceedingly The Waters softening the Ground their Roots spread forth they flourish when those that are planted on Heaths and barren Mountains wither and fade away in a Time of Drought XIII A River is very pleasant and delightful as well as profitable to them that dwell by it and they can take their Walks by the sides thereof XIV A River carries or conveys by the help of Boats and other Vessels many Things and Persons whose Purposes and Intentions are that way steer'd into the Ocean XV. Sometimes a River is so still calm and quiet that you cannot discern any Motion and then without meer human artificial means no Ship Boat or Vessel can sail or move along XVI Some Rivers divide one Country or Nation from another XVII After a great Rain a River rises higher runs more swift by reason of the Land-Floods that come down and run into it XVIII A River will carry and bear up a Ship of a great Burthen and many other heavy things and according as its Waters run either more slowly or swiftly so do those things which sail or swim along in it XIX The Water of a River and running Streams is usually more clear and savoury than Pools or standing Waters A River purgeth it self and if a Branch or small Stream runs through a loathsom Ditch it carries away the Pollution of it XX. The Waters of a River are good to drink and satisfy Thirst. Parallel THe holy Spirit is said to proceed from the Father 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 It proceeds out of the Throne of God and the Lamb. II. The holy Spirit is called a River not a Cistern not a Vessel to denote that Fulness of the Water of Life which is in it the Abundance of heavenly Blessings that flow from it all the Godly in all Ages from the beginning of the World have been supplied from this River Thousands and Ten Thousands have drawn out of it have been filled with it have had their measures of it as God in his Wisdom saw good to communicate it to them yea and our blessed Saviour received it without measure And yet the River is as full as ever in it self there is no emptying of it III. The holy Spirit is a River that lieth open to all poor Sinners whoever will may come to these Waters none are forbidden no Restraint is laid on any Soul that desires to have them I will give freely to him that is thirsty even the Waters of Life Ho every one that thirsteth come to the Waters c. IV. This spiritual River is wonderful deep there is no searching out the Depths thereof Who knows the mind of the Spirit but he that searcheth all things The Purposes Decrees and secret Ways of the Spirit are unknown to Men in many respects tho some of his Ways Influences and Operations are discernible Believers may adventure a little way as far as their Bounds and Limits permit
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
want of the Spirit for not coming to these Waters VIII The Spirit of God allays that great Drought that is in Men and Women naturally after perishing things But whosoever that drinketh of the Water that I shall give him shall never thirst c. It greatly satisfies the spiritual Desires of the Soul giving Peace inward Contentment and Joy through believing IX The Spirit and the Blessings thereof are free Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the Waters Whoever will let him take of the Water of Life freely X. The Spirit quenches the Fire of Lust the Fire of Pride the Fire of Passion which Satan and our own treacherous Hearts are ready at every turn to kindle in us and which would were it not for this sacred Water burn and consume our Souls and bring us to utter Desolation METAPHOR OTher Water many times doth prove prejudicial to the Body when it is received at certain times too freely it surfeits and indangers the Life II. Waters whether taken in the common Acceptation elementary Water or cordial Waters or Spirits prepared by Art are not Waters of Life no Water can beget Life nor give Life to the Dead III. Water may be defiled made muddy and become unwholsome and unfit to drink or wash in Disparity THe Spirit never hurts any who drink thereof though in never so great a heat you may freely take down this Water and not be hurt thereby it surfeits none no danger of drinking to excess here II. The Spirit is called the Spirit of Life and Water of Life and may fitly be so termed 1. Because it begets spiritual Life in all poor dead Sinners 2. Because it maintains Life that which gives Life and Being to us as we are Men or Christians preserves the same Whether it be natural or spiritual 3. Because it makes the Hearts of Christians lively and increases Life in them 4. 'T is called Water of Life because it brings unto everlasting Life The Water that I will give him shall be in him a Well of Water springing up into Everlasting Life III. The Spirit ever remains pure and admits of no Filth 't is impossible to defile this Water or make it unfit for the Souls of Sinners See River Inferences FRom hence we may infer that those who have not received of the Spirit or drank of this sacred Water have no spiritual Life in them If any Man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his Those that have not this clean Water sprinkled upon them their Filthiness remains II. What Fools are those Men who refuse to drink of the Water of Life 't is but drinking and live for ever III. Be exhorted to pray earnestly long for and endeavour after a Participation of the Spirit How ready are Men and Women to go to this Well and that Well to drink Water for the help and healing of Bodily Distempers go many Miles dispense with all other Affairs that they may be recovered of external Diseases But how few inquire after the Water of Life or leave all their secular Business for the good and health of their immortal Souls To perswade you to acccept of a word of Counsel take these few Motives You are invited Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the Waters c. These Waters are free you may have them if you have a Heart and Will in you to them the Well is open and Christ stands with his Arms spread forth to call and embrace you If any Man thirst let him come to me and drink The Holy-Spirit a Witness 1 Joh. 5.6 10. It is the Spirit that beareth Witness because the Spirit is Truth He that believeth on the Son of God hath the Witness within himself Rom. 8.16 The Spirit it self beareth Witness with our Spirit c. Rom. 9.1 My Conscience also beareth me Witness in the Holy Ghost c. A Witness is absolutly necessary for the keeping up of Justice deciding of all Matters of Moment or to the putting an end to Controversies that may arise between Parties and for the confirming and establishment of Truth METAPHOR WItness imports something to be done that is to be attested when it shall be required or when there is need of it II. A good Witness is a just and impartial Person one that will tell only the Truth III. A good and faithful Witness decides Controversies upon Trial the right way IV. One Witness is not sufficient to the deciding of some Differences in some Cases there should be more than one Witness In the mouth of two or three Witnesses shall every Word be established V. A Witness is highly esteemed and his Testimony prized by a Man falsely accused when his Life lies at stake thereby especially when such clear Evidence is given in for the Defendant that tends to the clearing up his Innocency and absolutely to acquit him and to his great Honour set him at liberty notwithstanding those cruel and false Accusations of his Enemy VI. A good Witness many times gives in such clear Proof and Circumstances to the deciding of Controversies and ending Differences that the Matter appears exceeding plain in the sight of all Persons VII A good and faithful Witness brings a Man sometimes off triumphantly that all were ready to conclude was a dead Man VIII A Witness is so necessary to confirm Bonds Contracts and solemn Covenants that they are not look'd upon Authentick and good in Law without Parallel THere is somthing done by Christ for us and in us which it is needful there be a Witness of to confirm and establish both 1. Whatever the Lord Jesus did in the days of his Flesh as the sent one of the Father was born witness to by the Holy Spirit by those mighty Works which were done by the means and power thereof 2. The Lord Jesus hath also done great things in those who do believe the Truth of which the Holy Spirit beareth Witness II. The Holy Spirit is a just and impartial Witness The Spirit beareth Witness because the Spirit is Truth III. So the Holy Spirit decides and ends the great doubt that arises in the Heart about the work of Grace the right way will not speak Peace to him to whom it doth not appertain will not clear the Guilty viz. him that believeth not notwithstanding his seeming Zeal Holiness c. nor condemn the holy and sincere Person notwithstanding the Weaknesses and Infirmities of his Life IV. So in the great case of Interest or no Interest in Jesus Christ or about Faith and Regeneration there must be two or three Witnesses no more is required First The Spirit of God And secondly Our Spirit or the Testimony of our own Conscience The Spirit it self beareth Witness with our Spirits that we are the Children of God V. When the Spirit of God with a Man 's own Conscience gives in Evidence for him touching his Sincerity when accused by Satan and by wicked Men and
you wholy and I pray God your whole Spirit and Soul and Body be preserved blameless unto the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ For other places where the Spirit is put for the New Man and spiritual strength see Psal. 51.17 Esa. 26.9 Ezek. 18.31 Matth. 5.3 and 26.41 Acts 17.16 and 19.21 and 20.22 Rom. 1.9 1 Cor. 5.3 4 5. and 6.20 Gal. 3.3 c. More especially the SPIRIT is put for those peculiar or extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit which for various uses whether publick or private spiritual or external are bestowed on Man as Numb 11.17 I will take off or separate part off for so the Hebrew is the Spirit which is upon thee and will put it upon them viz. the 70 Elders who as verse 25 thereupon Prophesied and did not cease upon which Vatablus says The Lord so abstracted from the Spirit of Moses that he took away nothing as one Candle which Rab. Salomo calls a most Elegant similitude lights several yet loses nothing of its Original light To this may the request of Elisha be referred 2 Kings 2.9 I pray thee let a double portion of thy Spirit be upon me where there is an evident Allusion to the right of Primogeniture or first-born Deut. 21.17 where the first-born was to have a double portion c. As if Elisha had said I am your first Disciple received into your School therefore ask of God a greater measure of Spirit for me then any one of your Disciples Daniel had a more excellent Spirit Dan. 5.12 with 6.3 for so the hebrew Text runs and more knowledge and understanding c. then the Presidents and Princes that is more excellent and higher gifts of the Spirit see Luke 1.17 80. and 2.40 Acts 19.2 John 7.39 Acts 1.5 To this may be referred what is spoken of Revelations Visions or Extasies whether real or pretended as Ezek. 37.1 The hand of the Lord carryed me out in the Spirit of the Lord that is by a Vision or Rapture of Spirit So 2 Thes. 2.2 That ye be not shaken in mind or be troubled neither by Spirit nor by Word nor by Letter as from us c. That is by Revelations which are pretended to come from the Spirit so Rev. 1.10 I was in the Spirit that is in an Extasie or immediate Revelation of the Spirit as 2 Cor. 12.2 Rev. 4.2 c. and 17.3 and 21.10 is described The SPIRIT is also put for Doctrines revealed from Heaven whether 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 truly or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by vain boasting so pretended as 1 Cor. 14.32 The Spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets that is the Doctrine or Scripture Interpretation proposed by some Prophets are subject to the Judgement of the rest for it would savour of Haughtiness Ambition and Disdain for any individual to Vsurp an Infallibility and reject the Judgment of the Brethren as verse 29. Let the Prophets speak two or three and let the other Judge If any thing be Revealed to another that sitteth by let the first hold his Peace 1 John 4.1 We are thus exhorted Believe not every Spirit but try the Spirits c. The Marks of which are given verses the second and third c. Here it is evident that the Spirit is put for Doctrine whether really revealed or pretended to be so And by seducing Spirits 1 Tim. 4.1 is meant false Teachers that pretend their Doctrine to be from Gods Spirit but is indeed of the Devil Parents or Ancestors are put for their Children or Posterity As Gen. 9.27 Japhet and Shem Jacob and Israel for the Israelites Exod. 5.2 Numb 23.21 and 24.5 17. Deut. 33.28 c. Abraham Isaac Jacob of whom according to the flesh Christ came are put for Christ Gen. 12.3 In thee which the Chalde Translates for thee And the Targ. Hierosol In thy Righteousness or Holiness shall all the Families of the Earth be blessed And Gen. 18.18 All the Nations of the Earth shall be blessed in him which is meant of his Seed as Gen. 22.18 Which Seed is Christ who took on him the Seed of Araham Heb. 2.16 Through whom the blessing of Abraham is come on the Gentiles Gal. 3.14 The Writer or Author is put for his Writing Book or Work Luk. 16.29 31 They have Moses and the Prophets let them hear them that is they have what Moses and the Prophets by inspiration from God have written and delivered to Posterity for the Canon and Rule of Faith So Luke 24.27 Acts 15.21 and 21.21 2 Cor. 3.15 But even unto this day when Moses is read that is the Mosaical Writings c. The SOVL the noblest part of man is put for Life which is its effect Gen. 9.5 What we translate blood of your Lives is in the Hebrew blood of your Souls and Gen. 37.2 Reuben said let us not kill him the hebrew says let us not smite him in the Soul So Lev. 17.11 Life of the Flesh in hebrew is soul of the Flesh See Ps. 56.13 14 15. Jer. 40.14 1. This Term is sometimes put for the whole Person of man consisting of Soul and Body Gen. 46.27 Acts 27.37 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all the Souls in the Ship 2. For the Body only Ps. 105.18 Iron entred into his Soul we translate it he was laid in Iron that is the Iron fetters made dints in his Flints 3. 'T is put for Life as before Psal. 94.21 and 7.1 2 5. 4. 'T is put for a Carkass Lev. 19.28 Ye shall not make any cutting in your flesh for the Dead the hebrew is for the Soul and so it is taken Lev. 21.1 And Hag. 2.4 5. It is put for the Rational Soul Ps. 19.7 Deut. 11.18 c. 2. The SOVL is put for the Will Affections and Desires which are operations of the soul as Gen. 23.8 If it be your mind in the Hebrew 'tis with your Soul as Psal. 27.12 and 41.3 and 105.22 The Septuagint translates it if ye have in your Soul the Chaldee If it be the pleasure of your soul. So Exod. 23.9 Ye know the heart of a stranger Heb. the soul of a stranger that is his mind or affection See Deut. 23.24 1 Kings 19.3 2 Kings 7.7 Psal. 17.10 and 27. 12. and 41.3 Prov. 23.2 Jer. 34.16 John 20.24 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 how long dost thou hold our soul in suspense That is as our Translation hath it how long dost thou make us to Doubt It may be referred hither when the SPIRIT which is often put for mans soul is used to express the Motions or Affections of the Soul whether Good or Evil as Gen 45.27 The Spirit of Jacob their father revived Numb 14.24 My Servant Caleb had another Spirit Judg. 8.3 Their anger was abated ' tiâ—â— in the Hebrew their Spirit was abated 2 Chron. 21.16 The Lord stirred up the Spirit of the Philistines c. 2 Chron. 36.22 The Lord stirred up the Spirit of Cyrus c. see Psal. 76.13 and 77.4 Pro. 1.23 and
Gospel to whom the Name Gentiles is ascribed Rom. 11.13 and other places The Term Desire is sometimes put for the Affection of Love for to be desired signifies to be loved and esteemed by a Metonymie of the effect for the Cause for as much as love begets desire after the thing beloved of which you have Examples In Gen. 27.15 Psal. 19.10 11. with 119.126 127. Prov. 21.20 Cant. 5.6 Esa. 1.29 and 32.12 and 44.9 Jer. 3.19 Lam. 1.7 10. and 2.4 Dan. 9.23 and 10.11 19. Hosea 9.6 Amos 5.11 Zach. 7.14 c. Fear is put for God who is feared Gen. 31.42 The Fear of Isaac that is the God whom Isaac Feared and Worshiped So verse 53. Junius and Tremellius think this phrase alludes to that Fear by which God as it were with a bridle restrained Isaac from revoking or recalling that blessing he gave to Jacob Chap. 27.35 c. Esa. 8 13. Let him be your fear and let him be your Dread that is let God be Feared and Dreaded by you Fear is put for the Evil feared Psal. 53.5 They feared a fear where no fear was that is they feared where there was no evil nor danger which is the object and cause of Fear Prov. 1.26 I will mock when your fear cometh that is that which you fear and tremble at as verse 27. When your Fear cometh as desolation and your destruction cometh as a Whirlwind when distress and anguish cometh upon you See Prov. 3.25 c. 2 Cor. 5.11 Knowing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the fear of the Lord that is the terrible judgment of the Lord. An Action is put for its Object Exod. 15.2 The Lord is my strength and praise that is the God whom I praise and who is the scope or argument of my Song the like we have Psal. 118.14 expounded ver 15 16 Jer. 17.14 The Prophet calls the Lord his praise that is the Object of his praise and thanksgiving for his great goodness See Deut 28.8 and 12.7 c. 1 Sam. 1.27 And the Lord gave me my Petition that is the thing I asked So Job 6.8 2 Thess. 1.11 Heb. 11.13 Act. 1.4 Wait for the promise of the Father that is the Holy Spirit promised by the Father 6. The Sign is put for the thing signified IN Nouns Gen. 49.10 The Scepter shall not depart from Judah that is the Royal Authority So Esa. 14.5 Zach. 10.11 c. A Throne is also put for Regal Authority Psal. 89.4 And a Crown or Diadem Psal. 89.39 Ezek. 21.26 c. Vnction is put for the Priesthood Numb 18.8 Altars for Divine Worship 1 King 19.10 Psal. 23.4 Thy rod and thy staff comfort me that is thy Care and Love towards me for a rod and staff were a sign of Pastoral Care and Office of the Shepherd to his Flock this is withal an Anthropopathy whereby God is represented as a Shepherd and things relating to a Shepherd attributed to him Psal. 140.8 Thou hast covered my head in the day of Arms so the hebrew that is in the day of Battel and Adversities which Hostility brings the signs and Instruments whereof are Arms Psal. 44.6 For I will not trust in my Bow neither shall my Sword save me that is my Military skill Fortitude Prudence or Stratagems of which the Signs and Instruments of exercise were a Bow and a Sword to which the Divine strength and goodness is opposed verse 7. But thou O Lord hast saved us from our Enemies So elsewhere a Sword is put for War and Hostile violence Exod. 18.10 Esa. 1.10 and 2.4 2 Sam. 12.10 Lam. 5.9 Ezek. 21.3 4 9. c. In which there is also a Metonymie of the Organical or instrumental Cause as before See other Examples Psal. 144.11 and Matth. 10.34 c. Matth. 23.2 The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses Chair The Chair of Moses Metonymically denotes the power of Teaching Judging and Ruling the People of which it was a symbol which things are expressed by the Name of Moses who was instructed by God to Teach and Govern and who â—â—xercised both by the Authority of God and left the Rules in Writing for the posterity of the Jews to observe The term to sit also aptly notes both for the publick teachers for the most part sate Matth. 26.55 Luke 4.20 John 8.2 Acts 22.3 The Judges also sate in a Chair or Tribunal Exod. 18.13 Judg. 5.10 Matth. 27.19 From whence to sit is put for Ruling and Judging Psal. 29.9 10. and 110.1 See 1 Cor. 15.25 2 Thess. 2.4 And whereas the Preists Scribes and Pharisees sate in the seat or chair of Moses and did conform to the way of teaching and Government of the People according to the rule of the Divine Law given by Moses Christ ver 3. Commands Obedience to them but gives a caution to take heed of their Leaven that is their false Doctrines and feigned Traditions as Matth. 16.6 12. For that did not belong to the seat of Moses but to the seat of the scornful or chair of Pestilence as Jerome renders it Psal. 1.1 the throne of Iniquity Psal. 94.20 c. Rom. 3 30. and 15.8 Col. 3.11 The Jews are called the Circumcision because that was the sign whereby they were distinguished from other Nations And the Gentiles are called the uncircumcision because it distinguished them from the Jews Gal. 2.7 8. Eph. 2.11 Rom. 2.26 27. and 3.30 â—â—al 3.11 c. In Verbs Sometimes to hide signifies to protect and put in a safe place sometimes to leave or depart from another for hiding is a sign of both Of the former we have examples Job 5.21 Psal. 27.4 5. and 31.20 21. and 64.2 3. c. Where there is also an Anthropopathy when the speech is of God Of the later we have examples Gen. 31.49 When we are hid one from another so the hebrew that is when we depart or are absent from one another Deut. 22.1 Thou shalt not see thy Brothers Ox or his Sheep go astray and hide thy self from them that is thou shalt not go away and let them alone but bring them back So Esa. 58.7 To Sleep is put for to be secure because sound and pleasant sleep is an evident sign of security Psal. 3.5 and 4 8. Puffing is put for Contempt for a slight puff of the Mouth denotes when a matter is despised as an inconsiderable thing Psal. 10.5 and 12.5 To kiss signifies Love Obedience Obsequiousness and Submissive Respect of which in antient times a kiss was a sign as Gen. 41.40 1 King 19.18 Psal. 2.12 To this some refer that phrase Matth. 5.47 Heb. 11.13 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 osâ—â—ulo salutare for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies to salute with kissing and embracing and so is put for a receiving or embracing in Love or Faith and Hope To Laugh is put for to be joyful which is the sign of Laughter Job 8.21 Psal. 126.1 2. Gen. 21.6 Luke 6.21 25. And to be secure Job 5.22 To Stand is put
And God said let there be light and there was light suitable to 2 Cor. 4.6 where 't is written and God who said or Commanded the light to shine out of Darkness verse 6. And God said let there be a firmament in the midst of the Waters and verse 9. And God said let the Waters under the Heaven be gathered together c and verse 11. And God said let the Earth bring forth Grass c. verse 14. And God said let there be lights in the firmament of the Heavens and verse 20. And God said let the Waters bring forth abundantly the moving Creature and verse 24. And God said let the Earth bring forth the living Creature c. Rab. Mos. Maimon says that this phrase in the Creation and God said is to be under stood of the Will and not of Speech because speech by which a thing is Commanded must of necessity be directed to some being or object capable to execute his Commands but no objects of such a capacity had then being therefore of necessity it must be understood only of Gods Will. Masculus in his Comment says that Moses speaks of God after the manner of men not that God spoke so For by his word the vertue and efficacy of his Will is expressed c. for what we would have done that it might be understood believed or done we express our selves by the prolation of a word and when Gods Will is expressed it is called a word God is a Spirit and uses no corporeal or Organical Speech no transient voice nor Hebrew Greek or other Idiom unless in some temporary dispensation he was pleased to utter himself Organically which has no place here c. So the appellation of Names given to the Creatures verses 〈…〉 10. which is ascribed to God notes only his decree and divine Constitution 〈◊〉 men should so call them So the blessing of God to Fishes Fowl c. ver 22. denotes his real appointment of the multiplication of their respective kinds upon which Musculus very well says if you consider that God speaks to a quatiles or watry Creatures you will judge it a wounderful kind of speech But he speaks not to their Ears but to their Natures to which by the vertue of his word he hath given a power and efficacy to propagate their own kinds From this description of the Creation the Divine force and efficacy of Gods Will in the Creation and Conservation of the Creatures which is so conspicuous is called the Word of God Psal. 33.5 6. Psal. 107.20 Psal. 147.15 18. Heb. 1.3 and 11.3 2 Pet. 3.5 7. c. So in other decrees of the Divine Will God is said to speak Gen. 8.21 And the Lord said in his heart I will not again Curse the ground that is he so constituted and decreed it that by Noah it should be so manifested unto the World Psal. 2.5 Then shall he speak to them in his Wrath that is he will crush his Enemies with horrible Judgements and Punishments Sometimes the Decrees and Appointments of the Trinity by way of Dialogue or Colloquy among the Divine persons as Gen. 1.26 And God said let us make man in our likeness or Image c. and chap. 2.18 And the Lord said it is not good that the man should be alone I will make him an help meet for him and Gen. 3.22 And the Lord God said behold the man is become as one of us c. Gen. 11.6 And the Lord said behold the People is one and have one language go to let us go down and there confound their Language By this deliberate way of expression the Decrees of the Holy Trinity and their effectual power of operation are noted Psal. 2.7 I will declare the Decree the Lord said unto me thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee ask of me and I will give thee the Heathen for thine Inheritance Psal. 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand c. These phrases signifie the most Holy and most efficacious discerning and efficiency of Gods VVill. To this speaking of the Father answers the hearing attributed to Christ John 8.26 40. and 15 15. And to the Holy Spirit John 16.13 For this cause among others the Son of God is called the VVord 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for by him a manifestation of the internal speech of the Holy Trinity that is their Divine Decrees for mans Salvation is made unto us John 1.1 13 14 c. So much of speech in general More particularly Rebuking or Chiding is attributed to God by which its real effect or destruction is noted of which you may see examples Psal. 18.15 2 Sam. 22.16 VVhere Tempests Earthquakes c. are said to be at Gods Rebukes and Psal. 104.7 that at his rebuke the waters fled that is were separated from the Earth Gen. 1.9 To Rebuke in proper speaking two things are requisite 1. That that which is reprehensible may be chekt 2. That it may be corrected or amended these may be aptly applyed to Gods Creating VVord for when he said Let the waters under the Heaven be gathered together into one place and let the dry Land appear In the first the indigested confusion of things is reprehended and in the second they are corrected and rightly disposed off into their proper places Musculus on this place annexes this marginal note that it is an invincible Argument of Christs Divinity that at his rebuke the Winds and Seas were obedient Mark 4.39 Luke 8.24 See Psal. 9.5 and 76.6 and 68.30 Esa. 17.13 Zach. 3.2 Rebuke signifies destruction Deut. 28.20 Calling when ascribed to God signifies its real product or effect as 2 Kings 8.1 The Lord hath called for a Famine and it shall also come upon the Land for seven years Psal. 105.16 Rom. 4.17 Gods Commanding inanimate or irrational Creatures denotes a direction for some certain work to be done or omitted as Esa. 5..6 I will also Command the Clouds that they Rain no more upon it See Esa. 45.12 Answering is attributed to God when he is said to Answer mens Prayers 2 Sam. 7.9 Psal. 3.4 5. Esa. 58.8 c. Illyricus says that in hearing God answers in a threefold manner 1. By the very hearing for every man that prayes earnestly requests that 2. By some Testimony of his Spirit that we are heard 3. By granting the petition which is the most real and apparent answer Contrary to this is Gods Silence when his people pray by which his delay in comforting and helping them is noted as Psal. 28.1 Vnto thee O Lord do I Cry be not deaf toward me c. So Psal. 83.1 And God is said to answer when he takes pleasures in man Eccl. 5.20 and 9.7 The Lord is said to be a Witness when he declares the Truth of a thing in fact or justly punishes Lyers 1 Sam. 12.5 Jer. 42.5 Malach. 3.5 c. The Lord hath been a VVitness between
towards men and as accommodated for the profit of Believers that nothing which he does shall hurt them To this may be referred that speech of God which of all is most sweet and gracious and full of comfort inasmuch as it was spoken in the very swelling as it were of Anger When he speaks to Moses of the grievous sin and Apostacy of the People Exod. 32.10 Now therefore let me alone that my Wrath may wax hot against them and that I may consume them c. Jehovah speaks as if he had been bound and constrained by the Faith and Prayer of Moses so as that he could not destroy the People unless he had asked him leave as Psal. 106.23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach to turn away his Wrath lest he should destroy them Of so great a vertue and efficacy are the Prayers of the just before the Lord James 5.16 See Gen. 32.28 Hosea 12.4 Josh. 10.12 13 14. c. Esa. 1.13 The calling of Assemblies I cannot away with or more properly I cannot bear it is iniquity This is expounded with respect to the sanctity of God and his abomination of iniquity as verse 14. Your New Moons and your appointed Feasts my soul hateth which is intimaâ—â—ed by these phrases of humane abhorrence Something also of loosned or disjointed Members after the manner of men is attributed to God as Jer. 6 8. Be thou instructed O Jesuralem lest my soul be loosned or disjointed from thee so the Hebrew that is lest after the manner of a member that is broken or out of Joynt it departs from or be separate from thee and thou as a strange member be cut off or divided from me Ezek. 23.18 She discovered her Whoredoms and discovered her nakedness then my mind was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 disjointed from her By this phrase the Communion of God with Believers is most excellently expressed for if for their wilful and contumacious Rebellions God departs from them the head is as it were separated or pluckt off the putrified members as the Lord by a like metaphor speaks to the wicked Synagogue Jer. 15.6 For thou hast forsaken me saith the Lord thou art gone backward Therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee and destroy thee I am weary with Repenting Much and great was the forbearance and patience of God before this desertion which is indeed the filling the Measure of Iniquity spoken of Gen. 15.16 Matth. 23.32 To these privatives in man may be referred Diseases by which is signified the punishment of sin which Christ bore in our stead Esa. 53.4.10 Suitable to Hos. 13.14 I will ransome them from the power of the Grave I will redeem them from Death O Death I will be thy Plagues O Grave I will be thy Destruction Repâ—â—ntance shall be hid from mine Eyes Thus he speaks with respect to his Sacerdotal or Priestly Office as Heb. 2.14 Forasmuch as the Children are made partakers of flesh and blood he also himself took part of the same that through Death he might destroy him that had the Power of Death that is the Devil 2. With respect to his Prophetical Office 2 Tim. 1.10 Because by the Gospel he hath abolished Death and brought Life and Immortality to Light For he strongly defends his Church so as that the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it and 1 Cor. 15.26 The last Enemy that shall be destroyed is Death Here is a most evident symbol of the Resurrection as Junius and Tremellius upon the place rightly conclude Paul upon these words of Hosea 1 Cor. 15.55 Thus speaks O death where is thy Sting O Grave where is thy Victory c. Of the second sort of mens Actions which are ascribed to God there may a distinction be made viz. Such as are internal and such as are external The internal are with respect to the diverse States Circumstances or Conditions of men and so God is said to be a Husbandman that is Synechdochically a Vine dresser John 15.1 The reason of the Comparison follows in the next verses and is largely expounded Esa. 5. and Matth. 20. c. Christ who is the hypostatical Wisdom of God and his Eternal Son calls himself a Workman when he speaks of the Creation Cant. 7.1 For by him were all things made and without him was nothing made that was made John 1.3 Col. 1.16 c. So God is said to be the Builder and Maker of a City which hath Foundations Heb. 11.10 that is the Cause Fountain and Author of Eternal Life and Heavenly Joy So he is called a Man of War Exod. 15.3 From that Almighty work of his of overwhelming and drowning Pharaoh with his Egyptian Host. Besides in Wars waged among men he is the chief General and Captain giving Victory to whom he pleases and scattering routing or destroying whom he pleases See Psal. 46. and 76. c. Christ is called a Counsellor Esa. 9.6 with respect to his most wise decree in restoring Salvation at whose disposal it was 1 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy Calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and Grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began Likewise with respect to his most Holy Office in manifesting the Divine will to our capacities in order to Salvation and his obedience to the Father c. The Lord is called a Phisitian Exod. 15.26 Because he frees men from all perils of Souls and Bodies which are frequently compared to Diseases Psal 147.2.3 c. This is peculiarly ascribed to Christ the Redeemer for the blessing of spiritual health which we receive from him Matth. 9.12 Mark 2.17 See Esa. 61.1 He is called a Shepherd Psal. 23.1 Which appellation is also peculiarly attributed to Christ with respect to his Office as a Saviour Cant. 1.7 and 2.16 and 6.2 Ezek. 34.23 and 37.24 Micah 5.3 and 7.14 Zach. 13.7 John 10.11 Heb. 13.20 1 Pet. 2.25 and 5.4 and elsewhere He is called a Father Deut. 32.6 Psal. 68.6 Esa. 64.8 Matth. 6.1 6 8 9. Rom. 8.15 Which term is most full of Comfort and Joy declaring the Love and Affection of the Omnipotent God towards men So he is called Father of spirits Heb. 12.9 c. Christ called the Everlasting Father or as in the Hebrew the Father of Eternity Esa. 9.6 Because he most sincerely loves Believers and Glorifies them in blessed Eternity The seventy have most elegantly translated this place 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pater futuri seculi the Father of the Age to come He is called the First-born Psal. 89.27 Col. 1.15 18. Rev. 1.5 Jehovah and Christ are frequently called Prince Captain King Esa. 9.6 and 55.4 and 32.1 and 33.22 To denote their Majesty and celestial Dominion of which more elsewhere He is called a Bridgroom Matth. 9.15 and 25.1 Mark 2.19
Sun which by a certain vicissitude and declination of it self from one Tropick to the other begets shadows of a different size and the nearer it is to us the greater are the shadows but these vicissitudes are not compatible with God But the first interpretation is more conformable to the Apostles scope From this Denomination of Light attributed to God with respect to his Essence and Majesty the Son of God is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The splendor or brightness of the Glory of God Heb. 1.3 The primary reason of this appellation is in respect of the heavenly Father from whom he by ineffable generation as it were shined from Eternity as Light does from Light For 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a shining again or a resplendency as it were from the Sun beams and so by the force of the proposition his Eternal Original from the Father is indicated or shewen Brightness cannot be separated from the Sun and is of equal age with it so from the Father of Lights of whom on Jam. 1.17 we have spoke this brightness viz. the Son can never be separated because co-eternal with him John 14.10 Lyranus thus expresses himself The Son proceeds from the Father as Light or splendor from the Sun Which splendor is of the same Age with the Sun and would be Eternal if the Sun were Eternal A secundary reason may be in respect of men and that manifestation which the heavenly Father made to us by the Son The Light of the Sun is sent on the Earth to cherish vegetate and render it fruitful Christ the brightness of the Fathers Glory is sent to illuminate vivifie and save us God is said to be a Light and a Sun with respect to his energy or power and operation amongst men Psal. 27.1 The Lord is my Light that is who gives the true and saving Light of his Spirit unto me where the Psalmist exegetically or by way of exposition adds The Lord is the strength of my Life Psal. 84.12 The Lord God is a Sun and a Shield the exposition is annexed The Lord will give Grace and Glory no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly Esa. 10.17 And the Light of Israel shall be for a Fire and his Holy One for a Flame that is God shall illustrate and sanctifie the Israelites From hence arise those different phrases wherein the Light of God signifies 1. His Favour and Grace as when his Face is said to shine Numb 6.25 Psal. 80.3 c. Or 2. His Saving Revelation of Light and Truth by the Word Psal. 43.3 Send out thy Light and thy Truth let them lead me c. Psal. 67.1 Let God cause his face to shine upon us which is meant of the revelation of his way and Doctrine as ver 2. See Psal. 19.8 Prov. 6.15 2 Cor. 4.4 6. c. Or 3. Or Eternal Glorifying as Esa. 60.19 20. The Lord shall be to thee an Everlasting Light which Rev. 22.5 is applyed to Eternal Life In General The Light of God is to be taken with reference to some Celestial benefits as Psal. 36.9 In thy Light shall we see Light where the preceeding and following words shew the sence to be that by the Grace of God manifested in his Word we come to true blessedness By the Light of God here Galatinus says lib. 8. cap. 11. and Drusius lib. 15. observat cap. 4. That some ancient Rabbies understood the Messiah Hence we come to our Saviour who is particularly called the Light and Sun not with respect to his Divine Essence and Person as distinct from the Father as before but with respect to his office benefits and operations Esa. 9.2 and 42.6 and 49.6 and 60 1. Matth. 4.16 Luke 2.32 John 1.4.9 and 3.19 and 8.12 and 12.35 36. Act. 13.47 The Metaphor of Light in Scripture expresses information whereby the darkness of the understanding is dispelled as also a taking away of Sin which is compared to Darkness and a giving of Comfort all which our Saviour most eminently exhibits from himself to Believers Concerning the Appellation of Sun these two places are most eminent 1. Mal. 4.2 But unto you that fear my Name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his Wings That this is spoke of our Saviour Christ plainly appears from the scope and context of the Prophet See chap. 3.1 2 3. and chap. 4.5 With Matth. 11.10 and 17.11 12 13. Luke 1.17 c. For there is a most fair and sweet comparison betwixt Christ and the natural Sun As 1. With respect to Oneness There is but one Sun which is the Eye of the World which is enough to enlighten and cherish all So there is but one Mediator between God and Man the Man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2.5 2. That Sun only shines by its own Light and communicates brightness to the Moon and Stars So Christ is the Fountain of true Light illuminating the Church and Teachers of his word which are compared to Stars Rev. 1.20 with his own proper Light 3. As there is but one Sun which excels and illuminates the inferior luminaries of Heaven so Christ has the preheminence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 over all Col. 1.18 1. With respect to Efficacy for as the Sun chaces away darkness and clouds illustrating all things So Christ dispels the darkness of the mind by the Light of his Word the darkness of sinners by the light of his most Holy Merits and the darkness of calamity by the light of his comforting Grace 2. With respect to Equality for the Sun rises on the Evil and the Good affording its light without distinction to all things sublunary Matth 5.45 which nevertheless blind men and such as Sleep by day do not enjoy So Christ illuminates every man that cometh into the World that is he affords the means of illumination 1 John 1.9 Yet unbelievers who are blinded by the Devil and such as give themselves the liberty to sleep securely in sin and that by their proper fault and particular vice John 3.19 and 2 Cor. 4.4 Do not enjoy that saving light or illumination which is the reason why the Prophet Malachy speaking of the actual illumination of the Sun of Righteousness says To them that fear the Name of the Lord shall the Sun of Righteousness arise c. 3. No man can resist or hinder the course and efficacy of the Sun So no Devil or Tyrant can retard or hinder the course and energy of the Gospel of Christ the Sun of Righteousness 4. The Sun refreshes and quickens the World by its heat which nature demonstrates in the Spring So Christ quickens and makes alive those that are spiritually Dead Eph. 2.5 and causes a Divine heat of Love and Devotion Luke 24 32. 5. That which the Prophet mentions by the phrase with healing in his Wings is to be understood of the first beams or rays of light called the Wings of the morning or the first appearance of the Sun Psal.
Proverbial Speeches 2 Kings 14.26 Deuteronomy 32.36 Esth. 1.22 Job 16.10 Psal. 3.7 Lam. 3.39 Micah 4.14 See Esaiah 3.15 2 Corinthians 11.10 And 12.7 Matthew 5.39 Luke 6.29 with 1 Kings 22.24 John 18.22 Acts 23.2 1 Corinthians 4.11 Prov. 26.17 And 28.21 Ezek. 13.19 Matthew 3.11 John 1 27. Matthew 23.24 Acts 9.5 And 26.14 To kick against the Pricks was a Proverbial speech Acts 5.39 See Acts 23.9 The phrase 1 Cor. 13.15 But he shall be saved yet so as by Fire is a Proverbial speech as if he had scap'd from a Conflagration That is as Illyricus says such a Teacher is together with his stubble in the midst of a terrible incendium or fire these being condemned by the Judgment of God shall perish but he by the singular favour of God shall be preserved though with much hazzard and difficulty See Zachariah 3.2 Amos 4.11 c. CHAP. XXII Of an Aenigma IN a continued Trope if there be a singular obscurity 't is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aenigma which signifies an obscure question a knotty or dark speech 't is derived of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies to hint obscurely and as it were to speak in the dark And that comes from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which amongst other things denotes not only praise but a saying worthy of praise and admiration because it is a symbolical and sinewy way of expression It is said of the Queen of Sheba 1 Kings 10.1 That she came to try Solomon with hard questions that is Aenigma's such as we treat of See Ezek. 17.2 Psal. 78.2 with 49.4 c. Judg. 14.14 Samson says to his guests out of the eater came forth meat and out of the strong came forth sweetness this is a continued Synecdoche with the addition of a Metonymie By the Eater and Strong is meant a Lyon by a Synecdoche of the Genus by sweetness honey by a metonymie of the Adjunct as ver 18. Vossius after he had called this an Aenigma lib. 4. instit orat c. 11. thinks it was not really so because it was unknown to the Philistines that Samson had kill'd a Lion or got honey out of his Carkass being a thing he had told to no person as Judg. 14.7 10 17. Psal. 49.5 I will fear in the evil day the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about the question is what this evil day is and what is the sin or iniquity of the heels As to the first R. Aben Ezra by Evil day understands old age compared with Eccl. 12.1 In this sence why should I trouble my self with the cares of this world for the solicitude of old age R. Kimchi would have it in this sence why should I be solicitous for the Riches of this World which are its Glory R. Salomo joyning this with the next verse thus expounds it The sins which I do as it were trample upon with my heels and esteem light transgressions yet in it the judgment of God condemn me how much more do Riches condemn such as trust in them See Eccl. 9.10 c. Prov. 26.10 Is a very perplext Text and rendered variously by Interpreters which we leave to the inquiry of the Learned Erasmus calls that parabolical passage Matth. 12.43 44 45. Luke 11.24 25 26. an Aenigma upon which see his Paraphrase To Conclude Frarciscus Junius says that an Aenigma is an obscure Parable or Allegory which is more difficultly understood Hence every Parable or Allegory is not to be reputed an Aenigma but every Aenigma is an Allegory c. The Conclusion SO much of Tropes Our next work is to treat in the same Order of all the Schemes or Figures in Scripture which if the Divine Goodness will permit shall be largely expounded in the Second Volume where we will also give a particular Treatise of all the Types Parables and Allegories in Scripture with the Expositions of the Learned upon such as are obscure as also a Continuation of Metaphors practically improv'd in a Parallel-way which will compleat this Work and could not be brought in here because we are confin'd to a certain number of Sheets and a certain Time to Answer the expectation of such Worthy Persons as have Subscribed for the encouragement of so heavy a Work which we now leave to the blessing of the Lord. FINIS ΤΡΟΠΟΛΟΓΙΑ A KEY TO OPEN Scripture-Metaphors Wherein the most Significant TROPES As METAPHORS c. And Express SIMILITUDES Respecting the Father Son holy-Holy-Spirit As also such as respect the Sacred Word of God Are opened and Parallel-wise applied together with the Disparities From which Practical Inferences are deduced for Edification of the Reader By B. K. Hosea 12.10 I have used Similitudes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Proposui Similitudines John 3.12 If I have told you earthly things and ye believed not how shall ye believe if I should tell you of heavenly Things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Si terrena dixi vobis non creditis quomodo si dixero vobis caelestia credetis LONDON Printed by J. D. for Enoch Prosser at the Rose and Crown in Sweetings-Alley near the Royal-Exchange in Cornhill MDCLXXXI TO THE READER HAving spent many Years in a Ministerial Capacity and having the Charge of a particular Flock committed to me altho in many respects unfit for the Management of so great a Trust partly a particular Inclination but principally the Edification of my Hearers drew out my Heart to study the Nature of Scripture Metaphors and other Tropes and figurative Speeches there used and finding the Scriptures abounding with Metaphors Allegories c. and that those Divine Matters which the Holy Spirit dictates are represented by Similitudes borrowed from earthly Things yea that they are often called by the very Names that material or earthly Things are God by a gracious Condescension conveying the knowledg of spiritual Things by preaching them by their respective earthly Parallels I betook my self to preach upon some Metaphors which by the Aid of Divine Goodness wanted neither Success nor the general Satisfaction of my Auditory And having many brief Heads of my Notes respecting some principal Metaphors by me it was judged by divers worthy Men worth my Time and Pains to compile an entire Work upon this Subject for Publick Good And altho I knew the Work to be too heavy for a single Undertaker yet I have adventured this Essay And that there might be no Defect for want of any humane Literature needful I have procured such Helps as I hope to speak modestly have given sufficient proof that they want neither Learning nor Languages particularly the Help of the Gentleman that translated our Philologia Sacra he being my Friend and one that had leisure and a willing mind to contribute his Assistance After much Labour and Pains it is brought so far as thou seest and if thou reapest any Benefit by it give God the Praise As to the Work it self we have had it recommended by several learned and
going over it and the wall being a thicker substance keeps them from passing through his sore and heavy afflictions are but as hedge in a way of mercy to keep his Children from evil the pursuit of which would ruine them XV. The Lord God in seeming absence or distance from his Children never forgets them but has them in continual remembrance as in the case of Ephraim XVI The heavenly Father overlooks the frailties and miscarriages of his Children through Christ for he accepts of a willing mind c. and highly prizes sincerity He is merciful to their unrighteousness and their sins and iniquities will he remember no more he is free to pardon the penitent and humble Confessor Psal. 32.5 XVII What a lamenting Prosopopoeia does the Lord use by the Prophet Hear O Heavens give ear O Earth I have nourished and brought up Children and they have rebelled against me How great his patience is and how gently he deals with them and how frequent his calls to repentance are the Scriptures noted in the Margent clearly evidence XVIII God the heavenly-Father if his Children be stubborn and perverse visits their transgressions with a Rod and their iniquity with stripes yet takes not his loving kindness from them To be without Chastisement is a note of Bastardy and to be corrected is a certain sign of Gods love for those whom he loves he chastens XIX God the Great Father does the like My bowels saith he are troubled for repenting Ephraim I will surely have mercy upon him In all their afflictions he was afflicted he chastens for our profit and corrects in measure he executes not the fierceness of his anger to destroy Ephraim because he is God and not Man but in love and pity redeems his Saints c. XX. God lays up for his Children he not only distributes plentifully of his good things now but has much more in store and reversion for them O how great is thy goodness says the Psalmist which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee Henceforth saith the Apostle is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness c. METAPHOR I. EArthly Fathers are men subject to passions and may sometimes unjustly harden their hearts and prove cruel to their Children II. Earthly Parents though Kings and Potentates are men of little Dignity and Grandeur in comparison of the Greatness and Glory of the Almighty III. Earthly Fathers may not know the condition of their remote Children or may be unable to help them in straits c. or send seasonable supplies IV. Earthly Parents maybe in a moment made poor and their Children brought to Beggery or by giving may impoverish themselves V. Earthly Parents though they instruct their Children yet cannot convert the heart VI. An Earthly Parent cannot so give his Estate as that all his Children collectively consider'd may possess all and yet every one possess the whole as if no other had a share in it VII Fathers are mortal they are Children of yesterday they pass away and leave their Children Fatherless VIII The best of Fathers are no perfect examples or paterns of goodness for their Children may not only equal but excel them DISPARITY I. OUr heavenly Father is God and not Man and therefore doth whatsoever is good and right never wronging any of his Children In righteousness hast thou afflicted me II. But our heavenly Father has no Superiour in Quality nor Equal in Dignity his Majesty is infinite and his Glory unspeakable ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of Angels wait upon his Throne the least of which excels all the Kings of the Earth III. God knows all the wants of his Children in what place or condition soever they are in and can give them sufficient suitable and seasonable relief though the powers of Hell and wicked men should be set against them IV. God can never be made poor nor is his store the less for distribution his Spiritual Children are beyond all possibility of want V. God speaks to the heart and fastens his Word as a Nail in a sure place he makes the heart of stone to be a heart of flesh he speaks the Word of Grace to them and gives them the Grace of the Word VI. God makes every one of his Children joynt Heirs of the Eternal Inheritance and yet 't is so that every one hath the whole propriety they shall all possess a Crown and Kingdom of joy and glory joyntly and yet so that every one shall have it wholly to himself a whole God to himself a whole Christ to himself a whole Heaven to himself every one has God for his Portion particularly and Christ for a Husband and yet all of them joyntly do enjoy them together VII God is immortal from everlasting to everlasting he is called the living Father the Father of Eternity and so uncapable of any change he is a Spirit and the Father of Spirits and Life VIII But God is a perfect patern to all his Children those Perfections and Excellencies of the Divine Being that are communicable are set before us for our imitation and though we should do our best to be as like him as we can yet when we have done all and gone as high as we are capable to go by the assistance of Grace we shall notwithstanding infinitely fall short of that perfect Copy COROLLARIES 1. FRom the foregoing Parallels we may infer that Believers as such are of the most glorious and Illustrious Extraction in the world for the Almighty God is their Father 2. That this Spiritual Sonship is the greatest and chiefest of Blessings and Priviledges because it gives a Title to an Everlasting Kingdom in Heaven 3. That Saints should be incouraged against doubts dejectedness and dispondency in-affliction because their Father has provided so glorious an Estate in reversion for them and which they shall shortly possess 4. That Saints have cause to be comforted for they have a gracious Father ready to receive all their Applications and in all cases help relieve and defend them 5. That it is the duty of Saints to behave themselves suitable to their quality and not debase their Birth and Pedigree nor stain the glory of their Fathers House by sinful base reproachful actions A sordid imploy and base Society do not become a Kings Son 6. As God is the best of Fathers so let Christians labour to be the best of Children 7. Let them beware how they grieve his Spirit or provoke him to take the Rod. 8. This may support us under the loss of our nearest and best Relations God a Portion PSAL. 16.5 The Lord is the Portion of my Inheritance PSAL. 73.26 But God is the strength of my heart and my Portion for ever See Jer. 51.12 Psal. 112.57 Psal. 142.5 POrtion or Inheritance as the word is read Gen. 31.14 1 King 12.16 and 2 Chron. 10.16 is a Metaphor taken from Earthly Portions or Inheritances which
of the Apple of his Eye Here we may safely deposit Lives Estates Families choice Treasures Here no Moth can corrupt no Thief break through nor Tyranny oppress us Commit your Souls in well-doing unto him as into the Hands of a faithful Creator Believers had rather have their Treasure in their Father's keeping than their own The Adversary might soon rob and undo us were not our chief Store-house in God X. God can command Millions of Angels to destroy his and his Peoples Enemies One of which in one Night slew 185000 Assyrians and at another time cut off all their mighty Men of Valour Leaders and Captains c. XI The Lord in whose Name is strong Confidence is a Place of Refuge and strong Tower to his dear Children Those sincere Ones that have given themselves up to him they are secure out of the Devil's Gunshot and the Power of Enemies whilst the Hypocrites and lukewarm Formalists are upon all occasions exposed to both But the valiant Souldiers of Jesus within the Tower are animated with so brave a Courage that they despise the Batteries and Assaults of the Enemy as was said concerning blasphemous Sennacherib The Virgin the Daughter of Zion hath despised thee and laughed thee to Scorn the Daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her Head at thee For she had absolute Confidence in her Strong-Hold XII God the strong Tower not only inspires his Souldiers with true Valour and Courage to set at nought all the Powers of Hell but also confounds and dispirits their Adversaries that they are at last when their bloody persecuting Designs prove ineffectual forced to give over and quit their Attempts against his Church and People Metaphor I. THe Fabrick and Materials of an earthly Tower are subject to decay II. A strong Tower may be beaten down by the Fury of Cannons or battering Engines III. A strong Tower may be surprized if the Watchmen be sleepy or negligent IV. A strong Tower may be betrayed by the Treachery of seeming Friends V. A strong Tower may be reduced by Famine Disparity I. THe heavenly Tower is incorruptible and everlasting of an infinite and spiritual Essence and so not subject to the Decays of Time II. The heavenly Tower is out of the reach of Hell and the World's Batteries All the Violence in the World cannot shake it III. The heavenly Tower is beyond all possibility of Surprize its Watchman never slumbers nor sleeps IV. God knows the Hearts of all Men and therefore cannot be deceived He knows the secret Bent and Inclination of the closest Hypocrite and can render their darkest Designs against him or his People ineffectual V. In this Tower is the Bread of Life and an inexhaustible Fountain Here the Hungry are filled and the Thirsty satisfied Here is no fear of Famine because the Provision is as eternal as the Souls that need it 3. In what respects the Name of the Lord may be called a Strong-Tower take in the following Particulars The Hebrew Names of God as Jerome the best Hebrician of the Fathers observes are Ten Three come from Being as Jehovah Jah Ehejeh three from Power as El Eloah Elohim three from Governing Adonai Shaddai Jehovah-Tsebaoth one from Excelling as Elion 1. Jehovah sets out the Eternity and Self-existency of God Je notes the Time to come Ho the Time present Vah the Time past It consists of quiescent Letters or Letters of Rest to shew that there is no Rest till we come to Jehovah and that there we are safe and secure This Name is opened Rev. 1.4 8. 4.8 11.17 16.5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Which is which was and which is to come It comes of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Havah He hath been 2. Jah is a Diminutive of Jehovah and notes the same things 3. Ehejeh I am or will be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ehejeh Asher Ehejeh I will be what I will be This notes the Essence of God and implies his Immutability and Incomprehensibleness Christ alluded to this Name John 8.58 Before Abraham was I am With respect to these Names God may be called a Strong Tower in regard of the Eternity of his Duration and Infiniteness of his Essence The Rabbins and Chaldee Paraphrase expound this Text of the Eternity of God See Ainsworth on the place 4. El a strong God Junius and Tremellius translate it Deum fortem Aquila 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 robustum strong This notes the Omnipotency of God c. Ezek. 31.11 See Rivet on Psal. 19.1 Hence Eli my God an Hebrew word Mat. 27.46 and Eloi a Syriack word Mark 15.34 5. Eloah is derived of El strong or mighty and by increase of the Word the Signification is increased most Mighty or the Almighty c. The Plural Number of it is 6. Elohim Almighties or Almighty Powers Gen. 1.1 1 Chron. 17.21 2 Sam. 7.23 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Barah Elohim that is word for word Gods created that is the Father Son and Spirit created noting as some say Trinity in Unity or as others say the great Majesty of God and the Plurality of his Excellencies With respect to the Signification of these Names also God may be called a Strong Tower because of his Almighty Power and infinite Strength which is a safe Sanctuary for such as fly to it 7. Adonai derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eden Basis Columna cui aliquid insistit a Base Pillar or Column that bears up or supports any thing signifies Lord who as he created all things doth also sustain and preserve them It is given to God in the Old Testament one hundred and thirty four times See Ainsworth on Gen. 15.2 8. Shaddai Almighty or All-sufficient Grammarians are not agreed about the Etymology of this Word Some derive it from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Shadad to carry away by force to prey lay wast or destroy Many think that God took this Name from the World's Destruction in the Flood The Greeks translate it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines Omnipotens both which signify Almighty Others say that it is a compounded Word of the Verb Dai which signifies It is sufficient and the Letter 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which supplies the place of the Relative Asher to answer the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Content in himself or self-sufficient for in him is all Sufficiency c. This Name notes the Power and Sufficiency of God to go through with all things and for wasting and destroying his Enemies To this the Prophets have reference saying that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Shod Destruction shall come from Shaddai the Almighty Isa. 13.6 Joel 1.15 9. Jehovah Tsebaioth Lord of Hosts The Rabbins observe that he hath two general Troops Copiae tam inferiores quam supernae the Creatures above and Creatures beneath all ready press'd to be employed in his Wars either defensive or offensive for the Safeguard of his Favourites or
Deliverance will soon follow the Church Vse IT shews the great Affection and Love of God to his People the Truth and Certainty of their Deliverance and the utter Confusion and Downfall of their Enemies God a Shield Psal. 84.11 The Lord God is a Sun and a Shield Psal. 18.2 The Lord is my Shield THis Term Shield is Metaphorically attributed to Princes and great Men Psal. 17.10 Hos. 4.18 because they protect and defend their Subjects or Dependents from Injustice and Violence as a Shield does the Body from Blows For this reason God is called a Shield because he protects and secures his People from the Attempts of Spiritual Adversaries as well as Temporal Metaphor I. A Shield or Buckler is for Defence and Safeguard of the Body in time of Battel II. A Shield or Buckler is not only to defend and preserve one Part of the Body but every Part and not the Body only but the whole Armor also that a Man hath Hence it was made very large and for its largeness called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Gate or Door denoting that which is large and broad enough to hide or cover the whole Body and shelter it from Harm III. A Shield is used to keep that part of the Body that is struck at by the Enemy 't is a moveable Piece of Armour that a skilful Hand can turn this way or that way to take the Blow or Arrow according as he sees 't is directed against him Parallel I. GOD is the Defence and Safeguard of his Saints in all their Spiritual War and Conflicts with the Enemies of their Souls II. God defends every part of the Soul he preserves our Judgments from Corruption our Wills from growing stubborn and rebellious our Affections from being misled and ensnared with worldly Objects our Consciences from Defilement and so the whole Soul from the Venom and Poyson of Sin and Satan and not only so but he preserves and keeps our Graces from Decays and Witherings Thou Lord wilt bless the Righteous with Favour thou wilt compass him about as with a Shield III. God keeps off the Blows and fiery Darts of the Devil from wounding that Part or Grace of the Soul which is in the greatest Danger Sometimes Satan strikes at the Faith of a Christian God presently appears by his Word and Spirit for the strengthning of that Sometimes the Grace of Love is struck at God then presents immediatly Divine Objects before the Soul and shews it more and more the Baseness Deformity and Emptiness of this World and thereby increases and preserves the Love of the Soul to Himself and to Jesus Christ. Again the Will is aimed at some Temptations are laid to catch that Some Commands of God cannot be obeyed without much Self-denial because they cross us in that which our own Wills are naturally carried out very strongly to desire so that we must deny our Wills before we can do the Will of God A Temptation comes very forcibly when it runs with the Tide of our own Wills when 't is to save our Estates Children or Lives from the Danger of Enemies What saith the Devil wilt thou serve God when he thwarts thee in every thing that thou takest delight in If thou lovest any one thing more than another presently he must have it from thee No Lamb in all the Flock will serve for a Sacrifice but Isaac Abraham's only Child must be offered up No Place will content God that Abraham should serve him in but where he must live in Banishment from his Father's House and all his dear Relations Wilt thou saith Satan stoop to these low and contemptible Ordinances be a Companion to these base despised and persecuted People What follow God and yield to such hard Terms as these be Now God directs himself strait-way by his Word and Spirit to preserve the Soul from this terrible Arrow shewing what reason there is that his VVill should be done rather than ours and that we shall lose nothing by suffering for his sake and so makes the Soul willing to yield to all his Pleasure as Abraham did And this indeed of God's being a Shield unto him was the Motive that induced him not to fear After these things the Word of God came unto Abraham in a Vision saying Fear not Abraham I am thy Shield as much as if he should say I will defend and save thee from all the Darts and Arrows of thine Enemies By this Shield every Faculty of the Soul and Grace of the Spirit is preserved Metaphor I. A Shield is a Defence or Safeguard for the Body II. A Shield or Buckler cannot defend every Part of the Body at once III. A Shield may be beaten out of a Man's hand and be rendred wholly unserviceable to a Man IV. A Shield can however preserve from Temporal Enemies only Disparity I. GOD is a Defence and Shield for Soul and Body both II. God is a Buckler that saves and defends every Part and Faculty of the Soul at one and the same time he is an universal Cover III. God is a Shield that can never be rendred useless or unserviceable to a Christian that keeps close to God IV. God is a Shield or Defence that preserves from the Power and cruel Assaults and Temptations of the Devil Inferences 1. IF God be the Saints Shield let them take heed that they never engage their Enemies without God 2. This may greatly encourage the Godly in their Spiritual Warfare they have a sure Shield and Buckler that will never fail them 3. Moreover it may direct them to the right use of their Shield 't is a great part of Wisdom to know how to defend our selves by our Shield from Satan's Assaults and the Temptations of this evil World God a VVall of Fire Zech. 2.5 Thus saith the Lord I will be unto her a Wall of Fire round about I Will be unto her that is unto Jerusalem or the Church of God a Wall of Fire This Metaphor is taken from those Fires that People make round themselves when they are cast into a howling Wilderness to secure themselves from fierce and devouring Beasts and they being within the said Circle or Wall of Fire no wild Beast dares approach them c. The Speech is a Metaphor and the Epithete of Fire is added to denote that God is the Defender of his Church and a terrible Avenger that will consume its Enemies as Fire does any combustible Materials c. Metaphor I. A Wall of Fire is made for Defence and Security from Adversaries that are cruel brutish and merciless as Lions Bears Dragons c. II. A Wall of Fire is a Defence and Security to People that live in a Wilderness where they are in danger of wild Beasts it abounding with such devouring and ravenous Creatures III. A Wall of Fire is for Defence and Security when there is no other Security to be had IV. A Wall of Fire is both for Offence
Second Person in the Glorious Trinity Christ a Mediator 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and Men the Man Christ Jesus Heb. 12.14 To Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant THe Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is thought by Erasmus to be peculiar to the Scripture as being not elsewhere used and doubts whether it should be rendred Mediator Reconciler or Intercessor The Term as applied to Christ is borrowed from Persons whose Office it is to reconcile such Parties as are at variance being as it were in the middle betwixt both solliciting the Cause of each to the other till they bring them to Concord or Agreement 'T is thus defined by Illyricus Mediator is dicitur qui inter duos parum inter se congruentes aut etiam sibi invicem Hostes medius est utriusque nomine cum altero agit promovens conciliationem c. Quique tamdiu apud utramque partem alterius nomine laborat donec eas in consensum pactionem deducat The Term is applied to Moses typically Deut 5.4 5. with Gal. 3.19 but really and antitypically to Jesus Christ Heb. 12.24 Col. 1.20 Rom. 5.10 11. 1 John 2.1 A Mediator I. A Mediator implies a Difference between two Parties II. A Mediator properly signifies a Midler or middle Man a Reconciler III. A Mediator oftentimes is appointed to make up Differences that arise between two Parties upon Breach of Covenant IV. A Mediator must be a Person willing to undertake the great Work and Transaction of making Peace V. A Mediator ought to be an indifferent or impartial Person free from all Exceptions VI. A Mediator ought to be a Well-wisher to Peace a Person that loves it and longs after it nothing being more acceptable to him than to be a Peace-maker VII A Mediator must have the great Transaction of making Peace committed to him or be invested with full Power and Authority to do it VIII A Mediator ought to be a condescending Person not to have his own Will to be done in any respect further than the Nature of the Cause will require it IX A Mediator is not chosen unless there appear great need of it and that the Business cannot be accomplished otherwise X. A Mediator must be fitly qualified for this Work a Person very wise and for Justice and yet greatly inclined to Mercy that so he may every way answer the Requirement of each Party so far as is necessary XI A Mediator must be faithful seeking the Interest Right Honour and Weal of both Parties XII A Mediator many times meets with great Trouble and Difficulty in undertaking the composing of some Differences XIII A Mediator ought to be endued with much Patience Meekness and Long-suffering not only bearing Frowns from one Party or the other but also in his long waiting upon either of them to yield to Terms of Peace offered to them XIV A Mediator must be undaunted and couragious unwearied not tired out nor let the Work fall XV. A Mediator should be mollifying that is of so pacifying a Temper as to labour for such Mediums that the Streams of strict Justice may run in a way of Mercy especially considering the Weakness and Impotency of one Party for Peace sake XVI A Mediator hath usually a set Time prefixed finally to finish and accomplish his Work XVII A Mediator makes use of strong and powerful Arguments to bring the adverse Party to Terms of Peace and Friendship XVIII A Mediator whose Mediation is rejected after long Patience leaves the offending Person open to the Severity of the Law XIX A Mediator is made sole Judg in those great Matters he is chosen about and is to make righteous Decision between Party and Party and to give the definitive Sentence at last XX. A Mediator after he hath done and finished his Work of Mediation gives up his Trust and ceaseth to be a Mediator any more in that Affair XXI A Mediator leaves no Liberty of Appeal after he hath past the definitive Sentence Parallel I. SIn made a great Breach between God and Man God is angry with the Wicked every day Hence by Nature Mankind are said to be the Children of Wrath. The carnal Mind is Enmity against God II. Jesus Christ is a Mediator between God and Man He is not only God but Man not only Man but God a blessed Reconciler of Man to God and of God to Man III. The Difference originally that is between God and Man did arise from Man's breaking God's Covenant God and Man were in Peace and Concord whilst Man stood in the State of Innocency but when he fell Christ came to make up that Breach IV. Jesus Christ was willing to undertake the Work of Mediator to make Peace between God the offended Creator and Man the offending Creature Lo I come to do thy Will O God V. Jesus Christ is a Person free from all Exceptions whatsoever God approved of him and Man hath no cause to except against him but contrariwise to be abundantly thankful to God for chusing him to this Work and Office because none else could be found in Heaven or Earth None able to open the Book and loose the Seals thereof but He. VI. Jesus Christ is called the Prince of Peace never did any give such clear full and undeniable Proofs and Demonstrations of his being a Well-wisher to and Lover of Peace witness all he did and endured or past through from first to last that he might accomplish this Work of making Peace VII God hath given Christ full Power and Commission to accommplish this Work of Mediatorship He is annointed and ordained to be a Prince and Saviour All Power is given to me in Heaven and in Earth Him hath God the Father sealed VIII Christ shewed himself to be of a marvellous condescending Spirit Who being in the Form of God thought it no Robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation c. He for our sakes became poor that we through his Poverty might be made rich I came down from Heaven not to do mine own Will but the Will of him that sent me Not my Will but thy Will be done IX There was great need of or it was very necessary that there should be a Mediator betwixt God and Man First On God's part Secondly On the Creatures part First On God's part it was necessary in respect of his own Glory 1. In respect of the Glory of his Wisdom This of bringing forth and ordaining a Mediator was the marvellous Contrivance and the highest Manifestation of Divine Wisdom for hereby a way is found to reconcile Justice and Mercy and make them meet together in sweet Harmony that the Punishment of Sin might be borne and yet the Sinner pardoned freely in a way of Mercy Hence as the Apostle sheweth the manifold Wisdom of God is made known by the Church according to the
what I should speak As I have kept my Fathers Commandments c. VI. Jesus Christ to do the Work of God as Mediator was sent on a long Journey as far as 't is from Heaven to Earth and was thereby exposed to much Difficulty and great Hardships from Men and Devils He was persecuted from place to place his Life being often in jeopardy he had no-where to lay his Head and was at last most basely betrayed and put to Death VII The Lord Christ was most faithful Tho he was a Son yet learned he Obedience by the things he suffered My Meat is to do the Will of him that sent me and to finish his Work I delight to do thy Will O God Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's Business VIII The Lord Christ was faithful in doing all things which God required of him he went not beyond his Commission nor did he neglect any part of his Work He that God sent speaketh the Words of God and I know that his Commandment is Life everlasting Whatsoever I speak therefore even as the Father said unto me so speak I. Who was faithful to him that appointed him as Moses was faithful in all his House IX The Lord Jesus Christ hath an absolute Right to a Reward for his Work 's sake Tho there is no Merit or Desert for the Works which Believers do being unprofitable Servants when they have done all yet there is very great Merit and Worth in what Christ did And the Father will give him his Wages he shall have his Wife his Church for whom he served above fourteen Years nay He shall have the Heathen for his Inheritance and the uttermost Parts of the Earth for his Possession Behold my Servant shall deal prudently he shall be exalted and extolled and be very high I will divide him a Portion with the Great and he shall divide the Spoil with the Strong because he hath poured out his Soul unto Death But we see Jesus who for suffering Death is crown'd with Glory and Honour c. X. The Lord Jesus Christ having in his eye that eternal Advantage his Elect should receive and what Glory He as Man should be raised unto as the Reward of his Undertaking went through all his Sorrows with much cheerfulness Who for the Joy that was set before him endured the Cross despised the Shame and is set down at the right-hand of the Throne of God XI The Lord Jesus Christ was subject whilst he was here in our Nature in the Form of a Servant at some time unto Fear He was made under the Law 'T is said He was troubled in Spirit and was heard in that he feared Metaphor I. A Servant and the Master are not essentially and inseparably one II. A Servant amongst Men hath not an inseparable Interest in his Master's Goods and Estate III. Servants among Men many times through Temptation prove unfaithful and deceive either Father or Master yea the best Servants of good Men have in something or other miscarried IV. A Servant may be turn'd out of his Master's Service and lose his Honour V. The Servant abides not in his Master's House for ever VI. A Servant differs from the Heir in Place Dignity and Privilege VII Too many are oftentimes forced to become Servants because they cannot otherwise tell how to live Disparity I. JEsus Christ altho a Servant is essentially one with the Father the Father Son and Spirit are but the one everlasting and eternal God I and my Father are one There are three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Spirit and these three are inseparably one II. Christ hath a full a clear and inseparable Interest in all that the Father hath All mine are thine and thine are mine and I am glorified in them III. It was impossible for Christ to be unfaithful or disobey God his Father because he was without Sin and Satan had nothing in him to fasten a Temptation upon IV. The Lord Jesus Christ did not could not displease his Father and therefore did not nor could lose his Honour I do always the things that please him V. Jesus Christ abideth in the House of God for ever VI. Jesus Christ tho he be called the Servant of God yet is he his own beloved Son and Heir of all things by whom he made the World There is none in Heaven or Earth that hath greater Glory Place or Privilege conferred upon upon him than the Lord Jesus Christ. VII Christ had no necessity of Nature laid upon him to accept of the low Place and Office of a Servant He was not forced to it because he could not tell how to live without serving he being infinitely happy in himself from Eternity but the Glory of his Father and the dear Love he bore to the Creature even to poor lost Man moved him to become a Servant he did it freely for our sakes that we might be Lords Inferences I. WE may note from hence the wonderful Condescension of Jesus Christ there is nothing which sets forth his great Abasement for our sakes more than this what Grace is this Doth the Son of God who is the Lord of Heaven and Earth become a Servant He that thought it no Robbery to be equal with God made himself of no reputation and took upon him the Form of a Servant The Son of Man came not to be ministred to but to minister Quest. But some may enquire Whose Servant is Christ c. 1. He is God's Servant Behold my Servant c. 2. He is his Peoples Servant The Son of Man came not to be ministred unto but to minister and to give his Life for many II. Let us learn from him hence-forward to humble our selves Let the same Mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus Shall the Lord become a Servant and shall the Servant swell in Pride and Arrogancy and nothing content him but to be called Lord nay and lord it over God's Heritage whose Servants they ought to be if they would be Gospel-Ministers Surely Christ abhors him who calls himself the Servant of Servants whilst at the same time he exalts himself above All that are called Gods III. If the Lord Christ became a willing humble laborious and faithful Servant for us let us labour to be humble faithful and sincere Servants to him He hath done all the hardest Work and if any remain too hard for us he sticks not to set his hand to it Thou hast wrought all our Works in us and for us IV. Let this teach us to follow his Example and be Servants one to another I have given you an Example that you should do as I have done to you for this is acceptable to him V. Remember 't is an honourable pleasant and gainful thing to be Christ's Servant Paul seems to glory more in it than
only endued with natural Wisdom and that far beyond Solomon A greater than Solomon is here but hath had the Advantage also of such Education that none ever had being brought up with God himself He hath all the Treasures of Wisdom in him is skill'd in all Politicks hath knowledg in all Laws nothing passeth his Skill Thou knowest all things He is called the Wisdom of God Christ the Power of God and the Wisdom of God III. Jesus Christ was chosen to be King by God the Father as 't is said I have exalted one chosen out of the People And tho the Fathers or Elders amongst the Jews refused him yet the Children gave their Vote for him crying Hâ—â—sannah to the Son of David IV. Jesus Christ was anointed with the Oil of Gladness above his Fellows He was by the Holy Spirit consecrated King for ever The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord hath anointed me c. V. Jesus Christ was likewise proclaimed first by the Angels To you is born in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord Afterwards by the Wise Men at Jerusalem and at Herod â—â—s Court by a Star and by the Shepherds at Bethlehem VI. This did Jesus Christ in three eminent Cases 1. In speaking comfortably to all his Loyal Subjects as you may see in Mat. 5. at large 2. In giving Laws and expounding Difficulties as you may see in Mat. 6. at large 3. In bestowing his Bounty upon the Poor releasing Prisoners that were bound and in appointing an Hospital for the Sick VII Jesus Christ hath a Right to the highest Palaces in this World as he was born Heir to the Universal Emperor by whom he was at last advanced to the great Palace of the highest Heavens called the holy Palace VIII Jesus Christ our great King had the Attendance of Angels who shewed their Allegiance and paid their Homage and Service at sundry times as there appeared Occasion for them 1. They proclaimed him 2. They attended his Person to assist him in his Straits 3. They assisted his other Servants 4. They declared his Resurrection from the Dead 5. They assured his coming in Glory after his Ascension 6. They are appointed to bear him company and to attend him at his coming from Heaven the second time The Son of Man shall come and all the holy Angels with him IX Jesus Christ is invested with Power All Power is given to me in Heaven and Earth tho at the first entrance upon his Kingdom in the days of his Flesh his Power did not appear so splendent and glorious as it will hereafter X. Jesus Christ hath many Subjects assigned him by God which subscribe to his Power Some voluntarily as the Angels others by force as the Devils and by virtue of his commanding Power as the Winds and Seas which obeyed him XI Jesus Christ received Commandment from the Father from which he would never swerve and also published and established Laws to be observed as Rules of Government to the end of the World XII Jesus Christ rules and governs so well that his worst Enemies could not cannot charge him with Evil yet they did not do not love and honour him but the Sons of Wickedness rose up and still do rise up in Rebellion against him I honour my Father but you dishonour me a Man which hath told you the Truth this did not Abraham Bring out those mine Enemies c. XIII Jesus Christ hath great and large Dominions all Power in Heaven Earth and Hell He is the Head of all Principalities and Powers in Heaven he is the Head of every Man on Earth and hath the Command of all the infernal Spirits in Hell XIV Jesus Christ hath this great and high Prerogative to make Peace or to proclaim Peace to all the Sons of Men upon Submission and to send a Sword where his just Prerogative is resisted In whatsoever House ye enter first say Peace if the Son of Peace be there c. I came not to send Peace but a Sword XV. Jesus Christ that was made a little lower than the Angels for the suffering of Death is crown'd with Glory and Honour c. The Scepter of thy Kingdom is a right Scepter As I have overcome and sate down with my Father upon his Throne XVI Jesus Christ hath the Father and Holy Spirit without whose Counsel he acteth nothing either in the Affairs of Heaven Earth or Hell There are three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Spirit and these three are one Of this Council Offenders are in danger and to this Council grand Criminals are delivered up for Punishment XVII Jesus Christ hath the peculiar Prerogative to send Embassadors He sent the twelve Apostles to the World who said We are Embassadors for Christ. And He sent his Angel to the Churches to treat with them about their present and eternal Welfare I Jesus have sent mine Angel c. XVIII Jesus Christ makes Substitutes to this end By him Kings reign and Princes decree Justice By him Princes rule and Nobles even all the Judges of the Earth these for the World And when he ascended up on high he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for his Church by this shewing that He is supreme Head in all Causes Ecclesiastical as well as Civil XIX Jesus Christ saved the Gospel-Church before the Destruction of Jerusalem by giving them counsel to flie upon the sight of Signs and the Legal Church in the Wilderness by the convenient Providences of a Pillar of Fire by Night and a Pillar of a Cloud by Day He was the Angel of God's Presence that saved them and marvellously hath he and doth he now save and preserve his Church from Popish Rage and Cruelty in this and other Nations XX. Jesus Christ hath a high Court of Judicature in Heaven where he judgeth Emperors and Kings that are out of the power and reach of a human Hand from whence he sends Angels who are higher than they to punish them for Pride and Oppression as in the Case of Nebuchadnezzar who was by the holy Ones cast from his Throne and Herod who was smitten by an Angel for his Pride And a lower Court where his Church for him and in his Name judgeth Delinquents of a lower Rank XXI Jesus Christ hath many great Prerogatives Rights Privileges and Excellencies pertaining to him 1. He receives Petitions Lord Jesus receive my Spirit 2. He pardons Offenders The Son of Man hath Power to forgive Sins 3. He confers Honour I thank Christ Jesus who hath put me into the Ministry 4. He gives Commissions Go ye into all the World 5. He receives Tribute The honourable Women ministred unto him not without reason for he was Lord of all 6. He keeps an Exchequer called the
Death of the High-Priest the Slayer shall return to the Land of his Possession By the High-Priest's Death an Atonement was made for him saith Mr. Ainsworth XXIV The High-Priest brought the Bodies of those Beasts whose Blood was brought into the Sanctuary to be burnt without the Camp Parallel I. CHrist was of the Race of Mankind of the Seed of David according to the Flesh Forasmuch as Children are Partakers of Flesh and Blood he likewise took part of the same but was altogether pure spotless without the least Stain of Sin II. So Christ glorified not himself to be made an High-Priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son c. and in another place Thou art a Priest for ever c. The Father invested him in this Office Him hath God the Father sealed He was baptized and the Spirit came down visibly upon him when he was about thirty Years old III. Christ was anointed with the Oil of Gladness above his Fellows How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy-Ghost and with Power He had also immaculate Sanctity and Purity in him IV. Christ was said to be glorious in his Apparel cloathed with the Divine Nature as with a Garment he was adorned with perfect and compleat Righteousness V. Signifying saith Mr. Guild the Deity of Christ which as a Circle hath neither beginning nor end and the Royal Dignity whereby he is advanced to be the Supreme Head in all things to his Church or his Kingship See Goodwin's Moses and Aaron VI. Christ's Humanity is cloathed with true Holiness which is compared to fine Linnen clean and white VII The Lord Jesus as our High-Priest presents â—â—or bears the Remembrances of all his faithful People upon his Heart when he appears before God to make Intercession for them He knows his own Sheep by Name VIII Christ hath in him the Perfection of true Light Beauty and Holiness Vrim and Thummim signified Christ's Prophetical Office whereby He as a standing Oracle to his Church answers all Doubts and Controversies whatsoever IX Christ is the real Antitype of this engraven Plate in likeness of a Signet Holiness to the Lord in that the Father hath actually communicated to him his Nature who is the express Image of his Person a glorious Representation of him to us being able to bear and hath born our Iniquities The Lord hath laid on him the Iniquities of us all X. Christ is the Mouth of the Father to the Sons of Men He is called the Word of God God hath spoken unto us by his Son XI Christ's Church must be a pure Virgin chast unstained with Superstition or Idolatry giving neither Love nor Worship to any other Christ owns none but such a People for his Spouse XII Christ offered up his own Body as a Sacrifice for our Sins He appeared to put away Sin by the Sacrifice of himself Christ was once offered to bear the Sins of many c. XIII As Christ was offered upon the Cross for the Sins of Mankind as a propitiatory Sacrifice so must his Blood in a spiritual manner be sprinkled upon our Consciences that we may be cleansed from our Sins and accepted in the sight of God Let us draw near with a true Heart in full assurance of Faith having our Hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience c. For if the Blood of Bulls and Goats and the Ashes of an Heifer sprinkled the unclean sanctified to the purifying of the Flesh how much more shall the Blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself to God purge your Consciences from dead Works to serve the living God But ye are come to Mount Zion c. And to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant and to the Blood of Sprinkling that speaks better things than the Blood of Abel XIV Christ's Righteousness remains for ever to cloath and adorn all true Believers 'T is the Wedding-Garment whosoever hath it not shall be shut out of the Marriage-Chamber and cast into utter Darkness XV. Christ sounds the great Trumpet of the Gospel for the assembling and gathering together of his Elect to himself from all the four Quarters of the Earth and will sound an Alarm at the last Day to the general Judgment The Trumpet shall sound and the Dead shall be raised c. XVI Christ is the great Teacher of God's Law 't is he that gives us the knowledg of Salvation that guides our Feet into the way of Peace We must seek the Law i. e. the Mind and Will of God at his Mouth who shews us plainly of the Father His Tabernacle is only standing not Moses's not Aaron's not Elias's but Jesus's This is my beloved Son hear him He is the last and only Teacher sent from God XVII Christ is Judg concerning the Plague of every Man's Heart what Sin is deadly and what not Tho there is no Sin venial as the Papist's affirm yet there is much more danger and evil in some Sins than in others As for example 'T is worse to have Sin in the Affection than in the Conversation to love it than to commit it The best of Saints have not been without Sin Infirmities have attended them yet they loved them not 'T is a loathsom thing to a true Believer That which I hate that do I. The Priest was to pronounce a Man utterly unclean if the Plague was got into his Head So if a Man's Judgment Will and Affection are for the ways of Sin if they chuse and love that which is evil Christ the High-Priest in his Word pronounces such unclean When Men approve not of God's ways because they forbid and give no toleration to their beastly Lust and Sensuality and from hence secretly contemn Religion in the strictness of it these surely have the Plague in their Heads XVIII The Lord Jesus makes and anoints many to be Kings for besides his acting towards Men in bringing of them to their Thrones and Kingdoms as 't is said By me Kings reign he makes all his Saints Kings and Priests and they shall reign on Earth XIX Christ hath the absolute Power of appointing what Officers should be in his Church He gave some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists some Pastors and Teachers Those that make any other spiritual Office or Officer than Christ hath ordained will be found grand Criminals in the great Day XX. Christ was sent to bless the People by turning every one of them from the evil of their Ways to give Pardon yea the holy Spirit and eternal Life to as many as believe on him XXI Christ entred into Heaven it self alone for us as Mediator through the Merit of his precious Blood shed to make Atonement once for all there to appear in the presence of God for us Neither by the Blood of Goats and Calves but by his own Blood he entred in
Will and one who knew all the Father's Secrets No Man hath seen God at any time save the only begotten Son of God which is in the Bosom of the Father he hath declared him XIII Jesus Christ hath excelled all that went before him in this respect He was not applauded by the People only who said he was a Teacher come from God that he taught like one that had Authority and never Man spake like him but he was commended as one fit to be heard by God himself and that with an audible Voice from Heaven This is my beloved Son hear ye him This great Prophet of the Most High hath in pursuit of his Prophetical Office laid a fair Foundation for the Church to build upon in these great and most important Points 1. He hath set forth God in the Excellency of his Nature and Perfections He hath told us we are to have Faith in him to love him with all our whole Soul and with all our Strength and to worship him in Spirit and in Truth 2. He hath set forth Himself as Mediator the immediate Object of Faith and to be followed in his Life and Doctrine Another Foundation can no Man lay 3. He hath confirmed the Holy Scriptures as the Rule of Worship directing Men to them for the Regulation of their Hearts and Lives Search the Scriptures 'T is written in your Law c. And to the young Man that would know what he should do to inherit eternal Life he said How readest thou c. 4. He hath set forth the World to come in the Glory of it as the Reward of Worship telling them that there is a Kingdom to be given and The Pure in Heart shall see God XIV Jesus Christ hath not only as the Author of our Faith laid a sure Foundation for us to build upon but as the Finisher thereof hath Store of Gifts and Graces to bestow which he hath promised to give down and hath also proposed such Examples and Precepts touching all the Particularities of our Duty which if followed cannot miss of perfecting and making the Church compleat Be ye merciful as Be ye perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect Love one another Walk as you have me for an Example and what you would that Men should do to you that do unto them This is the Law and the Prophets XV. Jesus Christ was the most perfect Copy to write by the best Example to conform our Lives unto that ever our Eyes beheld or that ever appeared 1. In his unparallel'd Meekness Humility Self-Denial and Contempt of this World 2. His unwearied Patience under Afflictions and Sufferings 3. His Zeal and Forwardness to do good even to the worst of his Enemies XVI Jesus Christ hath given forth Scripture by the glorious Power of the Holy-Ghost which are the four Evangelists and all the Epistles and as to the Book of the Apocalypse he hath so confirm'd it that he hath made it Damnation to any that shall add to it or diminish from it XVII Herein Jesus Christ hath compleated his Work as a Prophet He did expound to his Disciples what was written in the Law of Moses in the Prophets and in the Psalms concerning himself And not only so but he foretold them things that were yet to come to pass as the Destruction of Jerusalem and the Captivity of the Jews He did not conceal but plainly told that there should be a Day of Distress such as had not been since they were a Nation And soon after his Ascension sent his Angel to signify to his Servant John for the teaching all his Churches many things that are and shortly should come to pass As 1. The Rise Reign and Ruine of the last Beast 2. The Suffering of the Church in the Wilderness during his Reign 3. The Glory Grandure horrid Wickedness and fearful Overthrow of Mystery Babylon 4. The going forth of the everlasting Gospel into all the World 5. And lastly his own coming in Glory with the New Jerusalem the holy Angels and all Saints to solemnize the last and dreadful Judgment Prophet I. ALL other Prophets besides Christ were inspired by Christ. The Prophets searched what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in them did signify c. by which he preached to the Spirits in Prison II. Other Prophets pointed at Christ as the Scope of their Prophecies they testified before-hand the Sufferings of Christ and the Glory that was to follow III. Other Prophets did but begin the holy Books that were to be the perpetual Rule of Faith and Practice they told us of Divine Things but in part IV. Other Prophets spake of God by private Inspiration and the Intelligence of Angels and few of them confirmed their Words by Miracles V. Other Prophets have left their Work and are all gone Your Fathers where are they And the Prophets do they live for ever What Man is he that liveth and shall not see Death Abraham is dead and the Prophets c. Disparity I. JEsus Christ received not the holy Spirit by measure but hath the Fulness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in him For in him dwelleth all the Fulness of the Godhead bodily II. Jesus Christ came as the Sum of their Prophecies to fulfill them and compleat what they foretold This is He of whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets did write III. Jesus Christ did finish and compleat the holy Books which are to be the perfect and compleat Rule of Faith and Practice to the end of the World He shewed plainly of the Father He is that Prophet that all Men are to hear upon the Penalty of being destroyed from amongst the People He that hears not his Voice and believes not his Gospel shall not see Life but perish in his Sins How shall we escape if we neglect so great Salvation confirmed by Signs and Wonders IV. But Jesus Christ spake of the Father as he had seen Him and conversed with Him heard his Words and was in his Bosom before He came down among us in the likeness of Man and confirmed his Doctrine by many immediate and mighty Miracles No Man has seen God at any time but the only begotten Son that is in the Bosom of the Father he hath declared him The things that I have heard of him I speak unto you If I had not done amongst them the Works which none other Man did they had not had Sin but now they have both seen and hated both me and my Father V. Jesus Christ abides in his Prophetical Office still that is of like continuance with his Kingly and Priestly Office as he abides a Priest continually so a Prophet He is with his Church to lead it and guide it to the end of the World as himself saith And lo I am with you always even to the end of the World Inferences I. WE may infer from hence That God hath been exceeding good
Men may swim in them 't is hard to find a Bottom X. Fountains are pleasant and delightful to behold 't is a lovely thing to see and abide by Fountains of Water they beautify and adorn a Place and make it much more pleasant and desirable Hence Fountains or Pools of Water Solomon reckons up as one of the Delights of the Sons of Men. XI Fountains are Places good to wash and bath in and have been made use of in former Times upon that account XII Fountains do not send out sweet Water and bitter nor fresh and salt that which is good and bad proceed not from the same Fountain XIII Fountains are sufficient to fill many great and small Vessels those that go thither may take what they need yea fill their Vessels to the Brim and not diminish of its Fulness XIV A Fountain is constant in its emanations or continual runnings and flowings forth XV. Many in former Times used to drink out of their Fountains XVI Fountains have Springs in themselves saith an eminent Writer and can never be emptied Streams may be dried up Cisterns may be broken and let the Water run out but the Water in a Fountain abides the same and is lasting Parallel I. FRom GOD as from a Fountain that great and glorious River of the Spirit flows it proceeds out of the Throne of God and the Lamb. Hence Christ is compared to a Fountain as well as the Father He is the Spring and Rise of all Spiritual Joy and Consolation the Head of all the Waters of Life With thee is the Well or Fountain of Life II. Christ hath Abundance yea a Fulness all Fulness of Grace and the Spirit is in him he received it not by measure He is given to be the Head â—â—ver all things to the Church which is his Body the Fulness of Him that filleth all things There is Abundance nay a Redundancy of all Divine Grace Peace and Refreshment in the Lord Jesus an Ocean or Sea of Goodness III. As the Lord Jesus contains so he retains the Waters of Life in himself He is a spiritual Fountain every way fit and well-compact in respect of that glorious Union of the two Natures in one Person to retain all heavenly Fulness and has ordered certain Passages as Conduit-Pipes viz. Ordinances and Promises which through the help of the Spirit lets out Divine Grace and Comfort in a gracious and orderly manner to all his Saints IV. Christ is a Fountain opened He hath made a Passage or Vent by assuming Man's Nature and dying on the Cross to let out his Grace and spiritual Blessings to the Sons of Men. And with what natural Freeness doth this Fountain run He seems restless always diffusing imparting and giving forth from Himself to all thirsty Souls Whoever will let him take of the Water of Life freely V. Jesus Christ filleth the humble Soul with Goodness He delights in the lowly Heart The lofty mountainous Spirits or dry heathy Souls retain not the Water of Life they cannor receive the things of the Spirit He resisteth the Proud but gives Grace to the Humble VI. Jesus Christ by letting forth his Spirit and heavenly Grace into the humble and lowly Heart maketh it very fruitful in Holiness and good Works The Churches of Christ like low Meadows near the Fountain whose Waters continually flow are always green and flourishing and know no Drought when the Wicked like Hills and dry Ground are barren and unprofitable VII The Waters of Life which flow from Jesus Christ the Divine Fountain are common to all None are forbid to come to Christ. The Poor and He that hath no Money no Worth or Righteousness in him is invited to come to these Waters VIII The Water in this spiritual Fountain Christ is pure clear as Chrystal there is no Mud nor the least mixture of any Defilement in it Men have endeavoured to foul and pollute the Doctrine of Christ and his Ordinances which flowed from him but Truth in it self in the Fountain is still the same and cannot be corrupted IX Jesus Christ is a deep Fountain We read of the deep Things of God Christ's Riches are said to be unsearchable There are such Depths of Mercy and Goodness in Christ that none can find a bottom His Love and Grace is very wonderful X. Christ is a delightful and pleasant Object There is no Fountain so lovely to the sensual Eye as Christ is to the Eye of Faith He is called a Fountain of Gardens or the Garden swelling-Fountain or Fountain of the Gardens as Mr. Ainsworth reads it The Church is a Garden Christ is the Fountain that waters it and how pleasant is a Fountain in a Garden At his right-hand there are Pleasures for evermore And thou shalt make them drink of the Rivers of thy Pleasure XI Christ is the Souls only Bath in this Fountain Sinners must wash if ever they would be clean 'T is his Blood that cleanses us from all Sin hence he is said to be a Fountain opened for Sin and for Vncleanness XII There is nothing unsavoury in Christ nothing bitter nor brackish in him whatsoever flows from this Fountain is sweet and good every drop of this Water is as sweet as Honey XIII Christ is able and sufficient to fill and satisfy all the Hearts and Souls of Men and Women that come unto him Believers may have here what they really want and yet diminish not from Christ's Fulness XIV Jesus Christ the heavenly Fountain hath never ceased running from the beginning of the World his Goodness always flows forth from one Generation to another XV. If any Man saith Christ be thirsty let him come unto me and drink XVI The Riches and Treasures of Christ are inexhaustible He is always full He has Springs in himself and can never be emptied nor dried up As for quantity so for quality this Fountain is ever the same never loses its lively Virtue and Efficacy the Watees that flow from hence have the same Operation that ever they had Prophet I. FOuntains are beholden to some other Thing as the Sea Springs and Vapors for their Waters the Rise and Original of their Waters is not from themselves II. Fountains only contain earthly and elementary Water III. Other Fountains can't heal Distempers or Diseases of the Soul but few have that virtue in them as to heal the Body IV. Fountains cannot give Life tho they may help to preserve and maintain it V. He that drinks of the Water of other Fountains may thirst again VI. Other Fountains may be fill'd and stopp'd up as the Well that Abraham's Servants digged or however the Streams may be stayed Disparity I. JEsus Christ is God and as so considered hath all Fulness originally and independently in Himself being Superintendent over all Creatures He that made Heaven and Earth the Sea and Fountains of Water II. Christ is a Fountain that contains spiritual Water of
was to have hands laid upon the Head this was a Sign of Death XII The Head is the Subject of Humility When Men have been much affected with some great Thing they put Earth upon their Heads XIII But notwithstanding all the Head is the Glory of the Man XIV The Head sheweth the greatest Signs of Pity and Sympathy to the poor distressed and afflicted Members XV. The Head is the governing Part of the whole Man the Eyes the Ears the Hands the Feet are all governed by the Head XVI The Head loves the Body that belongs to it and is concerned night and day for its Prosperity XVII The Head receiveth Reverence and Respect Love and Honour from the Body and the Members Parallel I. THe Son of God as he was higher by Birth than Men yea than the greatest of Men Kings and mighty Potentates of the Earth c. so is he by Place and Office God hath anointed him with the Oil of Gladness above all his Fellows and set him over the Works of his Hands II. The Son of God the mystical or spiritual Head is the Seat of the spiritual Senses There is the clear seeing Eye the perfect hearing Ear the pure true and infallible Taste by which Things are distinguished aright the good from the bad for the benefit of the whole Body the Church III. Jesus Christ as a publick Person and Head of his Church is Receiver-General and common Treasury of the whole Body Whatsoever came originally from God for the Good and Benefit of the Church is lodged in Christ as Mediator and Head of his Church As David said All my Springs are in thee so may the Church say of Christ We beheld his Glory as the Glory of the only begotten Son of God full of Grace and Truth It pleased the Father that in him should all Fulness dwell IV. The Son of God doth transmit or cause to be transmitted by way of communication all the Supplies of the Mystical Body whether it be Peace of Conscience Ease for Soul-pains by an Application of his Blood and Spirit to comfort 'T is by Him that the whole Body by Joints and Bonds have Nourishment administred one to another as knit together in all parts and increasing with the Increase of God Of his Fulness we all receive and Grace for Grace V. The Son of God is the Fountain of Strength to his Church 't is said All Power is given to him I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me VI. Jesus Christ was a Man of Labour that carried our Burthens for us in Divine respects The Burthen of Temptations from Satan and the World fell upon him the Burthen of Persecution even to Death it self The Lord laid on him the Iniquities of us all VII The Lord Jesus was a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with Grief There was no Sorrow like his it was heaped upon him even to perfection VIII The Lord Jesus is the Man of God's Right-hand made strong for Himself upon whom the Blessing is conferred by the Father as a Token of Good to the whole Church In Him all the Families of the Earth are blessed IX Christ the holy and spiritual Head received the Consecration of God for he was filled with the Holy-Ghost from the Womb and as a perfect Nazarite continued separate till his Baptism at which time the holy Anointing being upon him in a visible manner did furnish him for his Ministry and fit him to be a Priest unto God this holy Unction descended on him as it did on the Head of Aaron not only drenching his Beard but all the parts of his Body also even to the Skirts of his Garment Say ye of him whom the Father sanctifieth and sendeth into the World c. Who through the eternal Spirit offered himself to God X. The Son of God not only beareth the Glory of Priesthood but the highest Glory of his Father's House which consists of Kingship c. Thou art a Priest for ever c. We see Jesus made a little lower than the Angels c. crowned with Glory and Honour XI Christ was the principal Object of Envy and Hatred The Devil envied him the Jews hated him without cause Herod threatned him One while they waited to kill him at another time they led him to the Brow of the Hill that they might cast him down headlong to destroy him At last they came and laid their hands upon him in the Garden where he received the Sign of Death after his most bitter Agony and was soon after offered up on the Cross as a publick Sacrifice He died for our Sins according to the Scriptures Christ our Passeover is sacrificed for us XII The Lord Jesus was a Subject of great Humility much affected with God's Providences and Mens Wickednesses He wept when Lazarus died Christ wept when the Jews rejected him to their own Destruction and as Publius Lettius saith of him he was never seen to laugh but often to weep The Devil Herod Pontius Pilate with the Jews were not content to persecute and drive the Son of God to Corners but after they had agreed with Judas to betray him they endeavoured as much as lay in them to take this blessed Head off from his Mystical Body nothing would satisfy them till they had slain the Lord of Life and Glory XIII And so is Jesus Christ the Glory of God the Glory of the Church She glories in Him His Head is as the most fine Gold He is altogether lovely This is my Beloved and this is my Friend O Daughters of Jerusalem XIV Christ being in all things like unto us Sin only excepted hath shewed no small Signs of Pity and Sympathy as one touched with our Infirmities as appears both before he left the World and since 1. He comforts them by good Words and Promises he will not leave them comfortless but will come to them 2. He assureth that he would send another Comforter the holy Spirit 3. He prays the Father to take them into his Care and Protection 4. He cries out from Heaven when Violence is offered to them Saul Saul why persecutest thou me c. XV. The Son of God as Head of the Church hath the Government on his Shoulders his Members hear his Voice and keep his Commandments and his Commandments are not grievous unto them XVI Jesus Christ loves his Church yea all his Members He died to save and redeem them he shed his Blood to wash and sprinkle them and went to Heaven to prepare a Place for them and is concerned both night and day for their Prosperity and Welfare he will come again from thence to solemnize the glorious Marriage and receive them unto himself that where he is there they may be also I love them that love me He gave himself that he might redeem us from all Iniquity He hath loved us and washed us from our Sins with his own Blood
VII The Apostles were to take care of the Church whilst they lived and after their Decease Paul had the Care of all the Churches upon him He sent for the Elders and gave them charge c. St. Peter took care that after his Decease the Churches might be secured from Danger VIII The Apostles had a Dispensation committed to them from which they were not to depart A Dispensation of the Gospel is committed to me Wo is me if I preach not the Gospel They also ordained other Ministers IX The Apostles went through good and evil Report unweariedly till they had finished their Course and then committed themselves to Him that judgeth righteously in expectation of a Crown of endless Glory Henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness c. Parallel I. CHrist Jesus was immediatly sent by God He came not of himself but the Father sent him II. Christ Jesus went about preaching the Gospel doing Good and healing all that were oppressed III. Christ Jesus was not alone but the Father was with him God was with him in an extraordinary manner beyond what he ever was with any Mortal IV. Christ as the great and chief Apostle bore witness to the Truth For this cause came I into the World â—â— V. The Lord Jesus came as the chief Apostle to open Mysteries that had been kept hid VI. Christ Jesus had not the Spirit by measure but was filled with the Spirit to do and speak mighty things VII Christ more especially took care of his Church before he left them He forewarned them of Evils to come he cautioned them against Fears and Apostacies and committed them to the Care of his Father Keep through thy Name those that thou hast given me VIII Jesus Christ as the great Apostle had a Dispensation committed to him The Work that my Father gives me to do shall I not do it I must work the Works of God Tell that Fox I do Miracles this day to morrow and the third day I shall be perfected He had Power also to ordain other Officers and Ministers IX Christ suffered great Contradiction of Sinners against Himself fought as the Captain of our Salvation with all Difficulties and Enemies till he had finished his Work and could say Father it is finished into thy hands I commend my Spirit He for the Joy that was set before him endured the Cross despised the Shame and is sate down at the right hand of God An Apostle I. THe Apostles were but meer Men whose Original was from the Dust. II. The Apostles had but small measure of the Spirit and were not without Sin and Infirmities III. The Apostles were but Fellow-Servants and not Lords over God's Heritage not like some we have had since their Time IV. The Apostles did but shew and direct to a Saviour to Salvation and eternal Life they were not able to save nor could they give Salvation to any Was Paul crucified for you c. Disparity I. CHrist was Emanuel the eternal Son of God God vâ—â—ry God of God Lord of all whose Descent was from Heaven I came down from Heaven The second Man was the Lord from Heaven II. Christ had the Fulness of the Divine Spirit dwelt in him and rested upon him God gave not the Spirit to him by measure Through the eternal Spirit he offered himself to God without spot The Prince of this World came and found nothing in him He was holy harmless and undefiled separate from Sinners III. But Christ is Master Head Lord Ruler and Governor a compleat Prince and King as well as Priest and Prophet and Apostle He is Lord of all over all God blessed for evermore Which made Mary say They have taken away my Lord and Thomas say My Lord and my God IV. But Christ did more than shew and direct to a Saviour He was that Saviour himself and the Author of eternal Salvation to all them that obey him He had Help laid upon him being mighty to save was born a Saviour To you is born in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. And that great Salvation is not to be neglected without eminent Danger How shall we escape that neglect so great Salvation Inferences I. BEhold the great Goodness of God to the Church and World that he should send so great an Apostle so wise an Ambassador to treat with Souls and for Souls and to settle govern and establish the Church II. What great Love Christ had to Sinners that he should leave his Riches and Glory above to come down to be an Apostle a Fellow-Servant for our sakes He that was rich became poor that we through his Poverty might be made rich III. What need have we of the Pope and his Cardinals seeing God hath been so kind to give us Christ to be our Apostle and High-Priest We own none but Christ to be the Apostle and High-Priest of our Profession who can do all things for us by his Word Spirit and Ministers Away therefore with that grand Antichrist and vile Impostor whom they call His Holiness with all his Antichristian Crew IV. This may serve to inform us that we ought to listen to him and be taught by him for there is great reason for it 1. God sent him I came not of my self the Father sent me 2. He spake so as never Man spake No Man ever yet nor ever will speak like the Man Christ Jesus He spake like one that had Authority and not like the Scribes learned Doctors and wise Men among the Jews Many were astonished at his Understanding and Answers in his tender Age. 3. God commands us to hear him This is my beloved Son hear him 4. God threatens us if we do not hear him 't is dangerous to refuse to hear him How shall we escape if we turn away from him that speaks from Heaven Christ the Bread of Life John 6.48 50 51. I am the Bread of Life This is the Bread which cometh down from Heaven I am the living Bread which came down from Heaven IT is not my Business here to give the various Opinions of Men touching the Bread in the Text Some hold it to be Christ's Doctrine others Christ in the Sacrament others hold it is Christ in a more invisible Administration but to shew metaphorically that whatsoever Bread properly so called is to Men considered as Men that Jesus Christ is unto Believers and all true Christians according to the Gospel Metaphor I. BRead is prepared and made fit for Food II. Bread is a Substance well suited for the Subject to which it is appointed III. Bread is good in it self and of its own nature IV. Bread is not inherent in us but a distinct thing from us and a Gift from another V. Bread is ordained to an high and most excellent End even to preserve the whole
tasted that the Lord is gracious Therefore O taste and see how good the Lord is Experience worketh Hope This was that which Christ meant when he said Except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood ye have no Life in you When you taste relish and experience the hidden Virtue that is in Christ the use of his Name the sight of his Person the hearing of him preached will do you no good XIII Christ is a free Portion a common Right to the Poor as well as the Rich he that will endeavour to get him that will labour for the Meat that perisheth not may have him He feeds the hungry with good Things None are forbidden to take of this Bread those that will not look out for it will certainly lose their Souls at last The Sloathful shall beg in Harvest and have nothing his Desires slayeth him We are to seek to ask to knock to strive to labour for the Meat that perisheth not Joh. 6.27 or perish for the want of it XIV Jesus Christ is absolutely necessary to Mens Happiness there is no Joy no Peace no Tranquility of Mind no Content or Satisfaction no Freedom from the fretting Humour of a distempered Mind from the hungry craving of a gall'd Conscience without him If Relations speak what is it if he cloath himself with Silver if he adorn himself with Jewels if his Rooms be hung with rich Tapestry if he stretcheth himself on a Bed of Ivory all is as nothing it will not stop the Mouth of Hunger nor minister one nights solid Content or Satisfaction the heighth of all his Happiness lyeth but in the Folly of Advancement that vanisheth upon the first opening of his Eyes and seeing himself lost and thâ—â— saddest case without Christ in the World He dreams he hath spiritual Food but when he awakes his Soul is hunger-starved and sinks within him he thinks he is full and needs nothing but is naked poor and miserable and wants all things And there can be none but miserable Comforters round about him that can say little more than there is no Help for him in his God because he hath neglected this spiritual Bread For he that hath not the Son hath not Life but the Wrath of God abideth upon him Joh. 3.36 XV. A true and real sence of the want of Christ will occasion violent Motions as it did when the Poor pressed into the Gospel The violent took it by Force The Blind-man cryed when forbidden the Woman came for Crumbs upon the sharp point of great Repulses and would have no Denial XVI Jesus Christ as he is the Bread of God the Bread of Heaven the Bread of Souls is comprehensive of the greatest Blessings when promised or injoyed he is the Light of our Eyes the Joy of our Hearts the Life of our Souls his approach to us far exceeds the Joy of Harvest to an Husbandman But the greatest of Judgments when denied there follows a lean miserable starved decayed sinking dying destroyed and damned Soul for ever and ever My Servants shall eat but you shall be hungry I will break the Staffe of Bread c. Metaphor I. BRead is an earthly Substance II. Bread is a dead Substance III. Bread properly is for the Body IV. Bread properly so called will perish as the Manna in the Wilderness V. Bread properly so called is literally eaten as the Fathers did eat Manna VI. Literal or corporeal Bread is given by the hands of Men as Parents give to their Children when they ask it Disparity I. BUt Christ is the Bread that came down from Heaven the second Man was the Lord from Heaven II. But Jesus Christ is living Bread was dead for a while but is alive and lives for evermore He ever lives to make Intercession dies no more c. III. But Jesus Christ is bread Meat Refreshing Life for the Soul Whosoever hath Christ shall have him for ever shall never die IV. But Christ is durable the same yesterday and to day and for ever Whom God would not suffer to see Corruption V. But Jesus Christ is eaten spiritually not as the Papists do imagine not to his Hurt or Punishment but to his Honour and Delight not as the Fathers eat Manna in the Wilderness VI. Christ is given by the hand of God and by the Ministration of the Spirit He shall take of mine and shew unto you Inferences IF this Doctrine be true as certainly it is which hath been discovered then it affords us matter of Instruction 1. It teacheth us God's great Goodness in providing such Bread for us that is so good in it self so necessary unto us that we die and perish without it II. It shews Jesus Christ's great Goodness in vouchsafing to become Bread and Food for us what manner of Love is this that the Son should undertake to feed and save 〈◊〉 c. 3. It shews the indispensible Necessity of Mens coming to Him their receiving and being Partakers of him All Soul-Bread is in him all Life yea all spiritual Life is in him Those that refuse him chuse Death The eternal Life that God gives is in his Son 4. It shews the Blessedness of those that are made Partakers of him Whosoever hath the Son hath the Father also And he that hath the Son hath Life and shall never come into Condemnation 5. It teacheth Good and Bad to pray The Good that God would evermore give them this Bread every day give them Bread Give us this day our daily Bread The Bad that God in Mercy would not let them die before they are made Partakers of Christ the true Bread the Bread of God the Bread of Life that whosoever dieth without dieth never to live again he dies the second Death O cry to God to the Lord of Life that whatsoever you want of this Life you may not eternally perish without Jesus Christ. Christ the Sun of Righteousness Mal. 4.2 But unto you that fear my Name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with Healing in his Wings c. Psal. 84.11 The Lord God is a Sun and a Shield Which as Mr. Ainsworth noteth may refer to Christ Mal. 4.2 Observ. JESUS CHRIST is and may fitly be compared unto the Sun to the Sun in the Firmament the great Light of Heaven Metaphor I. THere is but one Sun to give Light to the Universe and from its Singularity it may take its Name Sol quia solus There are many Stars but one Sun II. The Sun is not only Light but a Fountain of Light the Eye and Soul of the World III. The Sun is a pure bright and spotless Creature the Beauty and Ornament of Heaven His Brightness is such that a Man cannot look upon it but it daâ—â—les and blinds his Eyes unless looking downwards and beholding it in Water which tho thick and gross yet is a proper Medium The Sun tho he looks as it
a Race XXXIV The Sun is of a ripening quality makes all things ready for Harvest it ripens Tares as well as Wheat bad as well as good Fruit. Parallel I. THere is but one Sun of Righteousness God has many adopted Sons but he hath but one begotten Son There is but one Mediator betwixi God and Man the Man Christ Jesus but one Saviour or Redeemer for Mankind wherever they live throughout the whole Universe II. Jesus Christ is Light in himself respecting his Deity the Fountain and Perfection of Light and Glory The Sea is not so full of Water nor the Sun of natural Light as Christ is full of Grace and Divine Light III. Christ is clearer than the Sun therefore much fairer than the Children of Men and needs must this be so he is the Brightness of the Father's Glory O there is such Beauty Purity and Glory in him that in his eternal Being and God-head we cannot behold him but if we look down upon his human Nature where his Glory is vailed he has been seen in the Flesh he was visible yet so as in him was no Spot no Guile was found in his Mouth He is altogether lovely the chiefest among Ten Thousands Before whose Eyes all things are naked all the abominable Thoughts filthy Ways and Works of Men yet he contracts no Stain of Sin nor did he when he conversed with Men in the Days of his Flesh upon Earth IV. Christ hath his Tabernacle in the Heavens at the Father's right hand there to plead and make Intercession for us V. Jesus Christ communicates of his Influences and spiritual Light There is never a day but Christ is ministring and giving forth Light and Goodness to the World especially to his Saints Of his Fulness we all receive and Grace for Grace VI. Jesus Christ rose and came forth out of the Bosom of the Father at God's command He spake not but as he received Commission from the Father he laid down his Life and took it up again and all by the Commandment of the Father VII Jesus Christ is an universal Light good to all I am saith he the Light of the World He enlightens every one that comes into the World either naturally morally or spiritually he holds forth Light and Grace to all What Nation is the Gospel confined to Go unto all Nations preach the Gospel to every Creature VIII Jesus Christ is the great and only Potentate all Rule and Government is committed into his hands 't is He who maketh Day and Night in Souls and Nations God hath made all things subject under his Feet IX Jesus Christ is infinite in Power Wisdom and Goodness his Being and Greatness are unmeasurable respecting his Deity a glorious and immense Being the Fulness of him that filleth all things there are no Bounds nor Limits to his Greatness X. Jesus Christ communicates of his Fulness to the Angels He is the Head of Principalities and Powers c. and to Saints Prophets and Apostles who are called Lights Ye are the Light of the World John Baptist is called a bright and shining Light Yet are Saints but dark Bodies of themselves they have no Light but what they receive from Christ. XI What a dark and dolesom Dungeon what a Babel of Confusion what a worse than Egyptian Slavery would this lower Creation be if God should deprive us of the Light of Christ communicated in the Gospel by his Word and holy Spirit XII Christ is wonderful Angels and Saints for Love admire him the World and Devils with Fear tremble at his Name He has the Admiration of Angels and Saints and Consternation of Devils and wicked Men. The Saints adore and worship him as it is their Duty because he is God and were there ten thousand Suns the Saints would love and admire Christ ten thousand times more than them all He doth so attract and ravish their Hearts by the beaming forth of the Rays of his Love on them that they open when he visits them and shut when he withdraws drooping and languishing in his absence and will not be kissed by any Lips nor embraced by any Arms but his XIII The Motions and Operations of Christ are strong and powerful as when he moves to convert Souls to help and deliver his People or in revenging himself upon his and their Enemies XIV Christ's Motions are swift and speedy He flies on the Wings of the Wind and skips like a young Roe especially when he comes to help and relieve his People XV. Christ's Motions are constant he is never out of action He ever lives to make Intercession He is always moving and working for his Creatures good tho in his Providences because his Footsteps are in the dark we are not able to discern him stir nor move one foot his Motion like the Sun's being certain tho undiscernible XVI Christ's Motions also are regular that is wholly according to his Father's Will that 's the only way he takes and the Line out of which he never goes Not my Will but thine be done XVII Christ is unwearied and indefatigable in all his Movings Workings and Journeyings for the Good of his People His Bounty and Liberality do not waste his everlasting Treasure of Grace nor can his laying out diminish it He is as powerful as rich and glorious as ever See the Metaphor Light XVIII Christ appearing and rising upon the Soul drives away and expells Darkness turns Night into Day and scatters all the Clouds and black Mists of Sin Ignorance and Unbelief in the Soul and not only so but also by the Influences of his Word and glorious Operations of his Gospel he dispells the dark Fogs of Ignorance Error and Confusion in the World XIX The Lord Jesus when he hath scattered and drove away by the glorious and powerful Rayes of his Word and heavenly Doctrine all Error Heresy and Antichristian Darkness will make a lovely and glorious Day in the World as he doth now in the Soul of a Believer XX. The Influences of Christ reach to every Creature there is nothing in Heaven Earth or Hell which he finds not out all things are naked to him because his Eye is every where Whither shall I go from thy Spirit or whither shall I flie from thy Presence If I ascend up to Heaven thou art there and if I make my Bed in Hell behold thou art there c. Tho he be seated in Heaven yet his Hand reaches to the Earth as well as his Eye He is present by his Knowledg and powerful Working in every place and corner of the Earth XXI Christ exhales and dries up the stinking polluted Sinks of Sin and Corruption which else would infect and destroy the Souls of his People He purifies the inward Man always refining it from the Dregs of the Flesh and the Root of Bitterness and is therefore the Soul-Physician
XXII By the Spirit of Christ we are regenerated or born again Holiness Faith Love Joy c. and all such precious Fruits are the Productions of the holy Spirit through Christ. Such as lie as it were buried in the Grave of Sin and spiritual Misery shall when the quickning Beams of this spiritual Sun shine upon their Souls have a Resurrection from that Death and by its efficacy shall their Bodies also be raised from the Dust at the last Day XXIII The Beams of Gospel-Light and Divine Illumination do not shine alike in every Nation nor in every Soul In some European Countries especially in England they are more bright and radiant than elsewhere A great many Places want the Comfort of this Spiritual Sun more than Greenland wants the Presence of the created Sun for there the Sun shines half the year but in many Heathen Countries the Sun-shine of the Gospel has not yet arose yea even in Palestine and the adjacent Countries where it first shined most gloriously its Light is for the most part if not altogether removed and communicated to the Isles afar off to the Glory of his rich and unspeakable Grace and Love to us in Christ Jesus our Lord. XXIV Christ warms and heats the Soul which of it self is cold earthly and of a benummed Constitution He sends the Comforter by him we are quickned c. He gives Rest he is the Resurrection and the Life of his People and therefore their Reviver As a Refiner's Fire he burns our Dross Hay Stubble c. And if this Fire be cherished it parches and dries up the Weeds and Trash the Thorns and Briars that grow in our Souls as predominant Sin and Lust all Self-love Corruption and carnal Confidence c. which else would choak the Word and stiffle all good Motions in us See Refiner XXV Christ is the Light of Men. Natural or Moral Light is too dim like the Moon to discover the secret Pollutions of the Soul it cannot make you see the Corruption and Filth of such as lie in their Blood being Captives to Satan the Heart does receive no Light but what comes from this Sun of Righteousness without it which we shall stumble and fall converse with Sin which envenoms the Soul and at last tumble blindfold into Hell and eternal Damnation By this blessed Light is discover'd 1. What Sin is and its Nature and Consequences for tho natural Conscience if it may be so called arraigns us for Immorality or any Breach of the Law of Nature yet it is too dark and far short of discovering the horrid Filth and abominable Evil of Sin in a Gospel-way that is the Work of the Spirit and 't is only spiritually discerned 2. This spiritual Sun or Gospel-Light shews the sad and lamentable Condition of fallen Man by Sin 3. How insignificant the World with all its outward Pomp and imaginary Glory is to release him and afford any solid Content or Satisfaction 4. It discovers the Craft and Subtilty of Satan that Arch-Enemy of Souls 5. It reveals as far as frail Man can comprehend it the Being of God in his glorious Attributes and most sublime Perfections 6. It holds forth the transcendent Excellency of Jesus Christ and the absolute Necessity there is for poor fallen Man to have an Interest in him in order to his Peace with God 7. It informs us which are false Ways who are Hereticks where the false Church is c. Which are things not to be known but by the blessed Light of this Sun of Righteousness shining in his Word viz. the holy Scriptures This Sun of Righteousness gives us Light and Direction in all the Ways of God's holy Worship this Soul-Guide leads in the right way of Wisdom and in the midst of the Paths of Judgment He leads the Blind by a Way they knew not and makes Darkness Light before them and crooked things streight See the Metaphor Light XXVI What can be so desirable so comfortable as the Light of God's Countenance to have this Sun of Righteousness shining on us David accounted it the one thing desirable That he might dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of his Life to behold the Beauty of the Lord and to enquire in his Temple If the Beams of this spiritual Sun be withdrawn the Soul is restless till it finds them seeking every where and crying out with the Spouse Saw ye him whom my Soul loveth His Favour and Loving-kindness is better than Life XXVII When Christ draws near the Soul by his heavenly Influences he causes it to become green and flourishing When this Gospel-Sun rises high and shines hot in any Kingdom or Country it causes them wonderfully to flourish it fertilizes Souls and Nations and makes them to bring forth beautiful Blossoms and wholesom Fruit but in his Retreats and Withdrawings how do they languish and pine away 'T is Night where Christ is absent and Day where he is present His being at a distance is the Soul's Winter and his blessed Approach is Summer As Birds chant their warbling Notes in the Spring rejoycing at the Sun 's coming so do the Saints with spiritual Melody congratulate the Approaches of Christ. XXVIII Christ the Sun of Righteousness shining forth in the manifestation of the Gospel causeth the Heart of one Man to dissolve and melt like Wax distilling him into Tears of Repentance others are hardned and grow obdurate as a Rock not through the Gospel's fault but their own obstinate and rebellious Minds To some the Word is a Savour of Life unto Life and to others a Savour of Death unto Death XXIX Christ is often vailed so that we cannot see him viz. when strange and dark Providences attend us as in the case of Job How often do our Sins interpose like Clouds betwixt us and this blessed Sun of Righteousness leaving our Souls in the dark Yet in these Withdrawings the Soul is sensible that his Efficacy and Virtue are not removed XXX Some like Felix cannot bear the powerful Influences of Christ's Word and heavenly Doctrine XXXI The dazling Light and transcendent Glory of Christ exceeds all the Glory of the World and all that is therein their Light is but Darkness when compared to him XXXII The Sun of Righteousness is to us eclipsed when this World gets between us and Christ when our Hearts and Eyes are so much upon it that we cannot see him in his Beauty Christ is never totally eclipsed to a gracious Soul because Sin is infinitely less than him XXXIII Jesus Christ rejoyces in doing the Work of the Father his Meat and Drink was in doing the Will of him that sent him Lo I come to do thy Will O God XXXIV Christ by his blessed Word through the Influences of the holy Spirit ripens his chosen Ones for the Harvest which is the end of the World and prepares them for Glory And the Wicked through their own Perverseness
and a great Favourite in the Court of Heaven II. Jesus Christ the Messenger of the Covenant or God's Embassador to Sinners is full of Wisdom and Skill in all the grand Affairs which concern the Glory of his Father and the Welfare of Sinners He knows how to end the Differences between God and Man and to make up that grievous and destructive Breach that hath been so long between them III. The Lord Christ hath in him all the Perfections of the glorious Deity He is called the faithful and true Witness Never did Embassador act with such Integrity to Prince and People as Christ doth between God and Sinners He would not have God dishonoured nor Man to miss of Pardon IV. Christ was chosen and appointed Messenger of the Covenant by the Determination Counsel Purpose and Foreknowledg of the King of Heaven hence is Christ said to be a Lamb slain from the Foundation of the World V. The Lord Jesus Christ when chosen to be sent on this great Embassy or Message of Peace to Sinners readily accepted it Lo it is written in the Volumn of the Book I come to do thy Will O God VI. Jesus Christ the greatest Embassador and Plenipotentiary of Heaven and Earth hath Matters of such weight and moment committed to his Trust that very far exceed those things that concern Peace and War amongst Men and Nations for they are Matters in which are wrapp'd up the spiritual and eternal Weal or Wo of all People and Nations of the World He is entrusted with those high and wonderful things that concern the Glory of God and the Peace and eternal Felicity of our Souls VII As Christ was chosen and ordained God's Messenger and entrusted with the great Concerns and sole Management of the Covenant of Grace so that he might every way be rightly constituted authorized and empower'd he received a special Commission from the Father He gave me Commandment what I should say and what I should speak I have a greater Witness than that of John for the Works which the Father hath sent me to do the same bear witness that he hath sent me VIII Christ that he might negotiate and fully accomplish and compleat the great and important Affairs of making Peace between God Almighty and poor Sinners left his own Kingdom and the Glory he had with the Father and came into this World When the Fulness of Time was come God sent forth his Son IX Christ Jesus the Messenger of the Covenant represents the Person of God himself so that whosoever reverences the Son reverences the Father also He that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me and he that rejecteth me rejecteth him that sent me The Father judgeth no Man but hath committed all Judgment to the Son that all Men should honour the Son as they honour the Father He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him X. The Lord Jesus Christ did require and command nothing of Mankind but what was the absolute Will and Pleasure of the Father My Doctrine is not mine but the Father 's that sent me I lay down my Life that I may take it up again This Commandment received I of the Father c. XI Christ was sent to put an end to that dismal and desolating War which was occasioned by Sin and the horrid Breach of the first Covenant between God the Creator being offended and the sinful guilty and rebellious Creature God was in Christ reconciling the World to himself c. For if whilst we were Enemies we were reconciled to God by the Death of his Son much more being reconciled shall we be saved by his Life And that he might reconcile both unto God in one Body by the Cross having slain the Enmity thereby And came and preached Peace to you that were afar off and to them that were nigh And to you that were sometimes alienated and Enemies in your Minds by wicked Works yet now hath he reconciled in the Body of his Flesh through Death XII Christ the Messenger of the Covenant offers gracious Terms of Peace and Reconciliation to Sinners Repent and believe the Gospel Believe and be baptized He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy-laden and I will give you Rest. O what sweet and easy Terms of Peace are these 'T is but to acknowledg our own Guilt and Vileness lay down our Arms and accept of Mercy by believing in the Lord Jesus Look unto me and be ye saved all ye Ends of the Earth Whoever will let him take of the Water of Life freely XIII Jesus Christ the Messenger of the great God was greatly grieved to see the Jews to whom he was first sent stubbornly to refuse and reject that glorious Salvation offered to them by himself When he came near the City he wept over it saying If thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy day the things that belong unto thy Peace but now they are hid from thine Eyes O Jerusalem Jerusalem how often would I have gathered thy Children together as a Hen gathers her Chickens and ye would not O that Israel had hearkned unto me XIV Jesus Christ hath many Servants who wait on him in the Accomplishment of this great and glorious Work viz. the holy Angels and the blessed Apostles and Ministers of the Gospel The Lord Jesus deserveth eternal Honour for this glorious Work Let the Angels of God worship him All ought to honour the Son as they honour the Father At the Name of Jesus every Knee shall bow XV. The Lord Jesus Christ ratified and confirmed the Covenant of Grace between God and Man by his own Blood and thereby opened a free Commerce with God For through him we have access by one Spirit to the Father Saints may with boldness come to the Throne of Grace by the Blood of Jesus XVI The Lord Jesus when he had done his Work returned home unto his Father and is highly honoured being cloathed with Glory and Majesty and is set down at the right hand of God on high far above Principalites and Powers XVII Those People and Nations that refuse the Offers of Grace and Peace made to them by Jesus Christ God proclaims War and eternal Death against them He that hath the Son hath Life but he that hath not the Son hath not Life but the Wrath of God abideth on him It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than for that City If we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledg of the Truth there remains no more Sacrifice for Sin but a fearful looking for of Judgment and fiery Indignation that shall devour the Adversaries and all those that have stubbornly refused the free Tenders of Grace XVIII Jesus Christ was and is
between Christ and the Church as the Foundation is Holy Divine and Spiritual excellent in Nature and Form so is the House or Temple of God XI The Lord Jesus Christ doth not only bear the weight of the whole Church but also all that appertain to it all the Pillars Braces under-props and supports viz. the Prophets Apostles Ministers c. that are called Pillars in the House of God He bears up the Covenant the Covenant stands firm in him I have saith God made a Covenant with my Chosen He is the Mediator and Surety of it all the Precepts of God are built upon him He is the Foundation of every Ordinance Appointment and Institution of the Gospel What ever any Man preaches or practises for Doctrine or Discipline that hath not its Rise Ground and footing from Christ the Foundation it ought to be cast away and utterly rejected and abominated as altogether unfit for Gods Building All the Promises are built upon him To Abraham and his Seed were the Promises made not to Seeds as if many but to thy Seed which is Christ all the Promises are in him yea and in him Amen c. Union and Reconciliation with God are founded on Christ 't is he who hath made Peace by the Blood of the Cross. When we were Enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son Justification Sanctification Righteousness and Redemption Vocation all are built upon him they all have their Rise and Foundation from Christ. Moreover Pardon of Sin and Peace of Conscience are from him Woman thy Sins are forgiven thee go in Peace My Peace I give unto you All Duties of Religion are built upon Christ it is he that hath commanded every thing that is to be done by us whether it respects the first or second Table all is to be done in Christ's Name by his Authority and in his Strength and by the help of his Spirit and to his Praise and Glory Faith Love Hope yea every Grace and all Gifts of the Holy Ghost which adorn the Soul and House of God are from Christ they are purchased by him and do flow from him to us by the Spirit Again the Ministry is from him he is the great Subject of Gospel-Ministration We preach Christ crucified c. The Efficacy of all is from him he gives the Encrease Lastly Eternal Life is built upon him This is the Record that God hath given to us Eternal Life and this Life is in his Son He that hath the Son hath Life and he that hath not the Son hath not Life 1 Joh. 5.11 12. METAPHOR I. OTher Foundations are laid with many Stones joyned and cemented together II. Other Foundations are laid of sensless breathless Stone or Brick things that are natural things that are terrestrial congealed into a massy lump or artificially made and prepared III. Other Foundations many times decay and by that means the whole Building is in danger and tumbles down IV. Other Foundations are laid by some Man for as Man builds the House so he it is that first lays the Foundation thereof V. Other Foundations are laid of Stones of little Value and Worth comparatively the Foundation of a House is not laid with precious Stones as Jasper Saphyr Beril Jacinth Amythist Diamond c. VI. A Foundation is often removed fault being found with it and another laid in the room of it a Man may remove a Foundation which he hath laid at his pleasure or may lay more Foundations than one VII Other Foundations may be shaken an Earthquake may remove them out of their place VIII Other Foundation cannot preserve the House that is built upon it that may be totally demolished and destroyed and yet the Foundation may remain Disparity I. THis Foundation is but one whole entire Stone which adds to the Strength and Firmness of it Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone not Stones nothing besides Christ nothing of our own must be built upon as a Foundation for Salvation II. Christ is a living lively and active Spirit hence called a living Stone disallowed indeed of Men he created the Stones and Dust of the Earth as God he hath his Being of himself and from everlasting not made nor created III. Christ being a living Stone in whom is Spirit and Life doth not cannot decay and by this means the Church of God and every particular Soul that is built upon him stands sure he transforms the Building into his own nature and so keeps and preserves it from Rottenness and all manner of Decays whatsoever Living things do not rot nor putrifie as other things do And as the Body by Joynts and Bands from the Head hath Nourishment ministred and knit together groweth and encreaseth in Strength and Beauty so is it with the glorious Body the Church and Soul of a true Believer that is joyned to Christ this blessed Head and living Foundation Because I live ye shall live also IV. Christ is laid as a Foundation for us and in our Souls by the Father 't is God's Act and not our own Behold I lay in Zion c. Who can lay Christ for a Foundation but God He was first laid by God in his Decree and then he laid him by the Prophets and Apostles And lastly by the Spirit also is he laid in the Hearts of Believers Christ is infinite How can a finite Hand or Power move an infinite Being or Thing God first removes or razes by his Spirit all other Foundations he takes of Man's hopes off Heaven by his own Works Legal Conviction Tears Humiliations Vows Covenants Resolutions c. and in the place and room of all lays Christ crucified as the ground of Hope and Happiness Hence is all Boasting excluded and Salvation wholly of Grace See Mr. Tillinghust Christ the only Foundation V. Christ the Spiritual Foundation is a precious Stone to whom coming as to a living Stone disallowed indeed of Men but chosen of God and precious Christ is not a common Stone but a choice rich Stone a Stone of inestimable Value and Price Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone elect and precious This sets forth the Excellency of a Foundation and not only so but it adds a Lustre and Glory to the House which is built upon it The Foundation of New Jerusalem is said to be laid with all manner of precious Stones and then you read of the Excellency of the Superstructure the Building of the Wall was Jasper and the City was of pure Gold O how glorious must that City needs be that hath such a Foundation as Christ is and not only so but how durable also are some precious Stone The Diamond is the hardest Stone it cuts Glass there is nothing as Naturalists say can break it Jesus Christ makes Impression on the hard hearts of Men by his Graces O then how safe must it of necessity be for us to
hunger and thirst after Righteousness c. Blessed are the meek c. But except your Righteousness shall exceed the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 5.20 Ye that have abode with me in my Temptations I appoint unto you a Kingdom c. With a multitude of such like Speeches which are contained in the holy Gospel which he uttered to encourage and animate all his Disciples in their Spiritual Warfare IX Jesus Christ takes in and shuts out as he sees Cause he cashereed Judas Demas Hymeneus Philetas and Alexander and takes in Paul Barnabas and Apollo into his Company X. The Lord Jesus is the Head of all true Christians and Commander of the Church Militant in chief all the Bands of the white Reigment march under his Banner Hâ—â— is the Head of his Body the Church Given to be a Leader and Commander to the People X. Christ when he was baptized by John took his Place in the Minstry as the Leader of his Church and ran the greatest Hazard yet deserted not his Followers for fear of Danger He not only loved them to the end but did bear them company and abode with them to the last even till he suffered for their sakes the bitter Death of the Cross c. And is spiritally with them all ways to the end of the World XI Christ gives the Word of Command to his Saints which they are to observe If any Man will serve me let him follow me Teach them to observe all things that I command you XII So is Christ by being the Captain of our Salvation for War not originally from his own natural Disposition for he is for Peace but by reason of the resolved Opposition that is in the hearts of his Enemies against him I came not to send Peace on the Earth but to bring a Sword Mat. 10.34 XIII Jesus Christ met with Enemies not only Flesh and Blood yea potent Flesh and Blood Men in Power and high Places such as Herod Pontius Pilate and the Rulers of the Jews but Principalities and Powers no less than Beelzebub himself and all his Train whom he fairly engag'd with eminent Success XIV Jesus made use both of Armor and Weapons he saw no small need for it viz. 1. The Breastplate of Righteousness when Satan and wicked Men by their Temptations would have drawn him from his Allegiance by great Proffers of Power and Glory 2. The Sword of the Spirit by which he cut down the Devil and the wicked Jews in all their Assaults It is written it is written c. 3. The Shield of Faith when he came to the last and most bloody Battel of all For the Joy that was set before him he endured the Cross despised the Shame and is sate down at the right hand of the Majesty on high XV. Jesus Christ like a most valiant Captain made good his Ground against all the Force and Artillery of Hell in a glorious manner even to the death of the Cross. XVI Christ took great care of his Saints to preserve and secure them how ever it fared with himself 1. He left them good Orders to observe in his absence the Rules of the holy Gospel 2. He took care to send them a good Guide for their Conduct no less than the Holy-Ghost the Comforter 3. He prayed for them on Earth and he prays in Heaven to engage the Protection of Almighty God for them Father keep through thine own Name those that thou hast given me c. XVII Jesus Christ prefers his Saints and Followers whom he finds worthy He gave some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists Pastors and Teachers for the Work of the Ministry c. I thank Christ Jesus who hath put me into the Ministry XVIII Christ made not Novices and unexperienc'd Christians Ministers and Pastors of Churches and Leaders of Societies He set Peter James and John to be Apostles and Leaders in the first place and Paul Sylvanus and Timotheus stout and brave Commanders to bring up as it were the Rear God hath set forth us the Apostles last of all as it were appointed to Death XIX Jesus Christ in all weighty Affairs is joined with the Father and holy Spirit the great Council of Heaven and without Him who is called Wonderful Counsellor there is nothing of grand Importance transacted either in Heaven or Earth nay without him was nothing done at first All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made When Commission was givn to Creatures of all kinds to act in their proper sphere Christ was there See Counsellor XX. Christ's place is a place of Honour because he was Worthy and the Army that he hath raised is not a Rebellious Army but legally raised and behave themselves well they are kept under good Government and Discipline not one debauch'd person in the Army is continued in the Muster-Rolls but presently turn'd off blotted out and delivered up to Satan when discovered by his inferior Officers to be such Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness From such turn away Deliver such over to Satan turn him into his own Kingdom Because thou hast loved Righteousness and hated Iniquity therefore God even thy God hath anointed thee with the Oil of Gladness above thy Fellows That all Men might honour the Son even as they honour the Father XXI Jesus Christ offers Terms of Peace and Reconciliation because he would prevent their Ruine if possible before he falls upon them and fights against them with the Sword of his Mouth Turn at my Reproof how often would I have gathered thy Children together c. In what Place soever you enter say Peace c. I gave her space to repent of her Fornication but she repented not Rev. 2.21 I will kill her Children with Death c. XXII Jesus Christ when his Grace and Offers of Mercy are refused hath and will make slaughtering work in the Earth O what work was made upon Jerusalem not long after the refusing the terms of Peace and offers of Grace and Favour by Jesus Christ. See the lamentable Story in Josephus c. And what work will shortly be made with bloody Rome in the day of Death Mourning and Famine that is coming on apace when she shall have Blood given her to drink and shall be utterly burnt with Fire And what Devastation will be made by this great Captain who is red in his Apparel and his Cloaths as them that tread in the Wine-Press at the Battel of Armagedon when the vast Armies of the Beast shall be slaughtered and destroyed by the sharp Sword that goes out of his Mouth And Blood shall come forth to the Horses Bridles for a thousand and six hundred Furlongâ—â— The Fowls of Heaven shall be filled with their Flesh there shall
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
discomforted Thus the Jews came to Mary to comfort her when they heard that her Brother Lazarus was dead and Job's Friends when he was in the depth of Sorrow came to comfort him V. A Comforter imports a Person able and willing to comfort and relieve such as are in a sorrowful mournful and afflicted condition VI. A faithful Comforter manifesteth much Love and Tenderness to his oppressed and afflicted Friend particularly 1. In coming to him 2. In supplying the Want he sustains of those things he is deprived of VII A wise Comforter uses many and weighty Arguments to infuse Comfort into a distressed and disconsolate Soul 't is not enough to come and give a bare Visit and look upon a Friend but to take apt and suitable Words and Motives to do it VIII A Comforter sympathizes with him he comes to visit to comfort him in his Grief and Trouble Job's Friends lifted up their Voice and wept and they rent every one his Mantle and sprinkled Dust upon their Heads So they sat down with him upon the Ground seven days and seven nights c. IX A true Comforter will intercede to others to administer support and relief in whose power it is to succor as well as himself X. A true Comforter will search into a Persons State and Condition to know how it is with him that thereby he may the better understand how to speak a word of Comfort to him XI A Comforter sometimes is slighted by the Person or Persons he comes to visit and administers Succor unto and all his good and sweet Advice is not regarded for a time XII A Comforter many times keeps his Friends from utter despondency and wonderfully revives and consolates his Soul and thereby makes Sighing and Heaviness to fly away The moving of my Lips should asswage your Grief c. XIII A faithful and true Comforter will not only give his distressed and disconsolate Friend a Visit but if he sees there is need of it will make his Abode even stay with him many days Job's Friends did so XIV A good faithful Comforter is highly esteemed and greatly beloved by his Friend especially when the worth of him is known or he is sensible of the Profit and much good rejected by him XV. A faithful Comforter will deal plainly with his Friend and not speak Peace and Comfort when he knows there is not just and good reason so to do but will reprove sometimes also if he finds cause for it Parallel THe Saints and People of God are in this World attended with manifold Troubles Afflictions and Sorrows Many are the Afflictions of the Righteous for all the day long have I been plagued and chastened every morning Verily verily I say unto you that ye shall weep and lament but the World shall rejoyce and ye shall be sorrowful but your Sorrow shall be turned into Joy II. The Disciples of Christ tho they mourn here or are in a sorrowful State upon many considerations yet they are capable of Comfort and fit Subjects of it They are not such as uâ—â—terly refuse or are unaâ—â—e to receive Relief and Comfort Such as have committed the unpardonable Sin or are already in Hell are uncapable of receiving true Peace and Comfort but so it is not with God's People Whatever their State and Condition is it admits of Relief tho through Satan's Temptations they are sometimes backward to take hold of it III. The holy Spirit is a Divine Person he is placed in the same Rank and Order without any Note of Difference or Distinction as to a distinct Interest in the Divine Nature with the other Divine Persons Baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy-Ghost There are three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Son and the Spirit and these three are one 2. He hath also the Names proper to a Divine Person only for he is called God Why hast thou lied unto the Holy-Ghost Thou hast not lied unto Man but unto God 3. He hath personal Propertieâ—â— assigned him viz. a Will He divideth to every Man severally as he will and an Understanding The Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God 4. He is voluntary Author of Divine Properties he of old cherished the Creation he formed and garnished the Heavens he inspired acted and spake in and by the Apostles 5. The same regard is to be had to him in Faith Worship and Obedience as unto the Persons of the Father and the Son for our being baptized in his Name is our solemn Engagement to believe in him yield obedience to him and worship him as it puts the same Obligation upon us to the Father and Son IV. So the holy Spirit comes unto a gracious Person in the time of greatest Need when he is most dejected and discomforted whether it be under Temptation Affliction or Persecution for Christ's sake Hence the Apostle saith When we came into Macedonia our Flesh had no Rest but we were troubled on every side without were Fightings and within were Fears Nevertheless God that comforteth those that are cast down comforted us c. I will not leave you comfortless I will come unto you V. The holy Spirit is able and willing at all times to comfort sincere Christians in their Afflictions Such is the Power Ability and Efficacy of the Spirit upon this account thâ—â—t 't is more câ—â—pable and able to comfort Believers than the bare bodily Presence of the Lord Jesâ—â— is able to do Nevertheless I tell you the Truth it is expedient for you that I go away pray mind the Reason our Saviour gives of it For if I go not the Comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him VI. The holy Spirit doth manifest much Love and Tenderness to Believers which appears 1. In his coming to them that are poor and contemptible in the eyes of the World 2. By making up the Want of Christ's bodily Presence 3. In bearing Repulses from them how often hath the Spirit been slighted and his Motions rejected instead of being friendly entertained when in Love he comes to them VII The Holy Spirit doth not only come and give poor Believers a bare Visit in their Distresses but also uses fit and suitable ways and means to comfort and support their Souls He shall bring all things unto your Remembrance that I have spoken unto you He shall take of mine and shall shâ—â—w it unto you and he shall shew you things to come c. The Spirit usually comforteth Believers in and under their Sorrows and Afflictions 1. By shewing them whatsoever Christ hath done and suffered for them 2. By opening and applying the gracious Promises of Christ unto them he shall bring whatsoever I have said to your Remembrance 3. By sealing up Christ's Love unto them As many as I love I rebuke and chasten 'T is no sign they are hated by Christ or
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
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.
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
them We must not pry too curiously into the Depths of God he having set Bounds by the Word how far we should go and let all take heed on their Peril that they adventure no further V. The holy Spirit is the proper Element of all true Believers they are born by the Spirit live by the Spirit and walk in the Spirit Ministers are Fishers of Men. See the Parable of the Net VI. This River is good to wash purge and carry away Filth and all abominable Pollution of Sin both in Souls Churches and Nations where the Water of this River runs Such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God VII The Spirit hath its proper Bounds and always runs in its spiritual Chanel viz. the Word and Ordinances God's publick and private Worship and thither all must have recourse that would receive the precious and glorious Blessings and Benefits thereof if you would have these sacred Waters you must observe the Chanel where this River runs Where I record my Name I will come unto thee and will bless thee When the Disciples were assembled together they met with the Spirit that being their Duty and Christ's Institution VIII This spiritual River hath several times overflowed there being a Redundancy of Water in it Great Multitudes have been marvellously watered and made fat and fruitful on a sudden and shall again when the time is come God sometimes extends Mercies and Gospel-Blessings beyond his usual method being a free Agent may if he pleaseth anticipate his own Order He hath promised to open Rivers in the Desert And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall bear off from the Chanel of the River unto the Stream of Egypt God meets with some as he met with Paul who was running from him The Scripture speaks of a Time when the Knowledg of the Lord shall cover the Earth as the Waters cover the Sea In that day this River shall overflow and cover the whole World There shall be on every high Mountain and on every high Hill Rivers and Streams of Water I will open Rivers upon high Places I will make the Wilderness a Pool of Water and the dry Land Springs of Water Behold I will do a new thing now it shall spring forth shall ye not know it I will even make a Way in the Wilderness and Rivers in the Desert The Beasts of the Field shall honour me the Dragons and the Owls because I give Waters in the Wilderness and Rivers in the Desert to give Drink to my People my Chosen IX The holy Spirit is gloriously advantagious for spiritual Commerce and Traffick 'T is that which by the use of Ordinances conveys the Riches of Heaven to Dwellers here below He shall receive of mine and shew it unto you He will bring all things to your remembrance 'T is the Spirit that stores the City of God with all its Divine Riches There is no Trading to Heaven but by sailing in this River Faith can do nothing without it If these Waters do not run our Souls can make no good Return from the Celestial Shore The Church and every Family of the Godly would soon be starved were it not for this heavenly and spiritual River hence 't is said to rejoyce the Righteous There is a River the Streams whereof make glad the City of God the holy Place of the Tabernacle of the Most High By means of this River we often take a Voyage to our Father and come to Jesus Christ and daily in the Word hear from them For through him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father X. This spiritual River as 't is deep so 't is very swift tho 't is not always discerned to be so by us nor doth the Stream indeed seem to us to run always with a like Motion But when God doth as it were open the Flood-Gates then it runs very swift and is so impetuous that it drives all down before it Lord said Saul what wouldest thou have me to do When God causeth its Passage to be clear it bears down all Opposition carries away our slavish Fears our Unbelief our Earthly-mindedness and all Consultings with Flesh and Blood making thereby our Souls very clean washing us as in a Stream which is very powerful carrying away all our great Defilements 'T is not in the Skill of Men or Devils to stop this River even the strong Operations of the Spirit in a Person Church or Nation when God opens the Sluces for it XI This River is a Believer's Strength Not by Might nor by Power but by my Spirit saith the Lord. 'T is the Churches sure Fortification When the Enemy comes in like a Flood the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a Standard against them Those that are environed by the Spirit need not to fear the Stormings of Men or Devils even those Churches or Souls who enjoy the smooth and sweet Streams of this River XII Those Churches or Souls who enjoy the blessed Streams of this spiritual River grow flourish and bring forth much Fruit. He shall be like a Tree planted by the Rivers of Water that bringeth forth his Fruit in due season his Leaves shall not wither They shall spring up as Grass as Willows by the Water-Courses Blessed is the Man that trusteth in the Lord whose Hope the Lord is For he shall be as a Tree planted by the Waters which spreadeth forth his Root by the River and shall not know when Heat cometh but her Leaf shall be green and shall not be careful when the Year of Drought cometh neither shall cease from yielding Fruit. XIII This spiritual and heavenly River yields the Church and all true Believers much Joy and sweet Delight no Pleasures like those that flow from the Spirit The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy Peace c. And sometimes when they partake of these Celestial Streams they are so delighted thereby that they cannot forbear breaking forth into singing There is a River the Streams whereof make glad the City of God c. XIV This spiritual River in the use of the Ordinances and Appointments of the Gospel will carry a Soul whose Purpose and serious Intention is bent that way to God the Ocean of all Fulness and into the great Depths of everlasting Bliss XV. The Spirit of God sometimes seems not to strive or move at all upon the Hearts of Men and Women not only upon the Wicked of whom God hath said My Spirit shall not always strive with Men but also the Godly themselves cannot sometimes perceive a visible or sensible Operation thereof And then their Spirits seem like Vessels becalm'd no Duty or Service perform'd hath any Life or Activity in it it being only performed by the Strength of natural or acquired Parts and Abilities XVI
This spiritual River divides the Church from the World Believers from Unbelievers For who maketh thee to differ from another And what hast thou which thou didst not receive XVII After brokenness of Heart or a Multitude of unfeigned Tears and true Contrition of Soul how high do the Waters of the Spirit rise how doth Peace and Joy abound in the inward Man XVIII This spiritual River carries and bears up the weight of the whole Church which sails like a Ship along these Waters and every Saint notwithstanding all those heavy Weights of Sin and other unprofitable Burthens that are in and about them are sustained by these Divine Waters XIX The Spirit is a pure Stream as clear as Chrystal its Waters are sweet and savoury and wheresoever they come they cleanse and wash away all Corruption No Man's Heart tho it be never so much polluted and foul like a stinking Ditch yet if a small Stream or Branch of this River be let into it and hath a free Passage it will carry away all the Filth and Pollution thereof XX. The Waters of this River are exceeding good for the Soul to drink and nothing else can allay or satisfy the inward Thirst and Desire thereof METAPHOR ALL earthly and elementary Rivers have a beginning II. Other Rivers are fed by Springs or Fountains c. They have not their Waters from themselves a River is not the same Head or Original from whence it proceeds III. Other Rivers are subject to decay do not always run with the same Strength a dry Summer makes abatement of its Waters many Rivers have been quite dried up God threatned the Egyptians that he would deal so with the River Nilus IV. The Waters of natural Rivers only cleanse and wash the Body from external Filthiness V. Other Rivers may grow muddy foul and unsavoury the Water not good nor wholesom to drink of VI. Other Rivers may be lock'd up or turned another way 't is possible to turn the Chanel and Course thereof Many Rivers have been made to forsake their ancient Currents This goodly River which feeds London may be lock'd up and turn'd another way by an Enemy VII Other Rivers may be frozen up tho running Streams do not freeze so soon as standing Waters yet sometimes they freeze also VIII Other Rivers breed noxious Creatures of strange and different Qualities Creatures that will eat and devour one another IX The Length Breadth and Depth of other Rivers may be measured and are of a small dimension comparatively Disparity THis River the Spirit is from everlasting to everlasting without beginning and without ending II. This River the Spirit is a Fountain as well as a Stream tho it is said to proceed from God yet it is God himself But Peter said to Ananias Why hath Satan filled thine Heart to lie to the Holy-Ghost Thou hast not lied to Man but to God There are three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy-Ghost and these Three are One. The Spirit of the Lord hath made me c. The Spirit knoweth all things sheweth us things to come is the Object of Divine Worship the Sin against the Spirit can never be forgiven From all which Instances it is evident that the Spirit is God See the Metaphor Light Book 3. pag. 22 23 24. III. This River the Spirit never decayeth it hath as much Water in it as ever it had 't is as broad as deep and as full now as it was at the beginning tho many Thousands have taken plentifully of it No Drought can abate its Chrystal Streams it is infinite in it self Tho God hath provided a Chanel of Ordinances to convey some of its Waters to his Chosen yet it cannot be circumscribed nor limited as 't is in it self IV. The Water of this River cleanseth the Soul and Conscience it washeth away all spiritual or internal Pollution and Uncleanness V. This spiritual River can never be foul'd nor made muddy nor be unsavoury 't is beyond the Power of Men or Devils to corrupt the Spirit of God VI. The River of the Spirit cannot be diverted or forced to leave its Chanel 'T is impossible to lock it up or turn its Course How can Men of finite Beings obstruct the infinite God in his ways and manner of working Whither shall I go from thy Spirit I will work and who shall let it VII This River can never be frozen The bleakest Wind the sharpest Air the coldest Season cannot change it These Divine Waters run as freely in the cold Winter as in the Heat of Summer they are of a very warming and comforting quality VIII This Spiritual River bringeth forth only Creatures of a harmless Quality All Believers so far as they are regenerated are the Production or Off-spring of the Spirit are of the same holy heavenly merciful and harmless Disposition IX This River is of great dimension Who by searching can find out God to Perfection His Length Breadth and Depth are past finding out The Spirit is incomprehensible an immense and infinite Being These Waters are like those spoken of by the Prophet Afterwards he measured a thousand Cubits and it was a River that I could not pass over for the Waters were risen Waters to swim in a River that no Man could pass over Inferences WE may perceive from hence the Excellency and Necessity of the holy Spirit He is much more useful and necessary to the Church than Rivers of Waters are to the World For our Hearts are naturally dry and parched like the Heath in the Wilderness and it is the Spirit that moistneth them our Hearts are hard and the Spirit mollifieth them they are naturally filthy and he washeth and cleanseth them yea our Hearts are barren and the Waters of this River make them fruitful II. It also sheweth us the Excellency of Ordinances which are as the Chanel in which the Waters of this River run or the Pipes through which these Streams are conveyed to the Soul III. Bless God for this River for his opening a free Passage through Jesus Christ for its flowing forth unto us and for causing us the People of England to live by the side of such a Chrystal Stream O what a happy Land is that which hath a River of Water of Life running through it IV. When you see profitable and delightful Streams think seriously of this sacred and heavenly River V. Let all be persuaded to come to this River Hoâ—â— every one that thirsteth come to the Waters c. Four Motives considerable 1. Consider have you not great need to have your Hearts purged and softned by this Spiritual River c. 2. There is no other River no other Way no other Fountain that can supply your Wants If you wash your selves with Snow-Water it will not do away your Filth if you could bathe your Souls in a River of Tears yet unless you are washed in Christ's Blood through the
rendered as a vile Hypocrite as Job was it doth clear him and makes his Heart light and how doth he prize and esteem of such a Friend Alas had not a Christian the Witness in himself to clear and bear up his Soul he would sink down many times into utter Despondency but this made holy Job to triumph over all his Enemies Behold my Witness is in Heaven and my Record is on high As much as if he should say though many Witnesses are against me yet I will keep my Conscience clear I will not have my own Heart to charge me or witness against me as long as I live VI. So the Holy Ghost gives in such clear Demonstration and Proof to the clearing up of a Man's Evidence for Heaven that when all Cases are clearly considered a poor Saint though doubtful before comes to a good and full Satisfaction therein God's Spirit and Conscience compares a Man's State with the Word of God and if upon Trial it appears that those Qualifications are wrought in his Heart that the Word expresly mentions concerning the Truth of Grace he then finds he hath no more cause to doubt of the goodness of his Condition VII So the Holy Spirit and Conscience bring off a Christian with abundance of holy Joy and Triumph notwithstanding his Case may seem very dangerous by means of strong Accusations of Satan as it was with Job For this is our rejoycing the Testimony of our Conscience that in Simplicity and godly Sincerity we have had our Conversation in the World c. VII So the Spirit or God confirms the Covenant of Grace to the Soul of a Believer for when the true Fear of God is wrought in the Heart the Spirit witnesseth to it and thereby assures us that all the Promises that are made therein are undoubtedly our own and shall be performed to us Inference HOw happy is the State of the Godly what good Assurance have they of Eternal Life they have received an Earnest of it it is sealed unto them and they have two infallible Witnesses to confirm it to them See Conscience a Witness The Holy-Spirit a Teacher Luke 12.12 For the Holy-Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say Joh. 14.26 But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name he shall teach you all things and bring all thing to your Remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you THe Holy Spirit is the great Teacher of the Church and every particular Saint and Member thereof unto whom the Accomplishment of that great Promise is committed And they shall be all taught of God Joh. 6.45 Teacher A Teacher is a personal Appellation II. A Teacher implieth one or more that needeth Instruction or Teaching it argues Weakness of Knowledg and want of Understanding in some Persons about such things they ought to be well instructed in III. It behoveth an able Teacher to have great Knowledg and Understanding himself in all those Things and Mysteries he instructeth others in IV. A spiritual and able Teacher openeth divers dark deep hidden and mysterious things to the Understandings of Men. V. A divine and able Teacher by this means greatly inlightneth the World and causeth Darkness and Ignorance to fly away inriching Men's Minds with the precious Knowledg of sacred Truths VI. An able Teacher instructeth ignorant Persons by degrees as they are able to take in conceive and apprehend things first to read the a b c and then the Bible and afterwards the Grammar or any other Things of Learning they desire to be instructed in VII Some Teachers teach their Scholars out of a Book their great Business is to help them rightly and distinctly to understand that VIII A Teacher exerciseth much Patience towards them whom he instructeth especially when he meets with such that are very dull and unapt to learn he is forc'd to take much Pains with them IX Some Teachers tho very deserving have been greatly slighted by those very Persons they have shewed much Love to and taken great Pains with for their good which hath sorely grieved them X. Some Teachers after they have found those whom they were imployed to teach and instruct grown to such a great degree of Stubborness and Obstinacy that they have utterly despised and refused to betaught by them and have cast all Counsel behind their Backs then they have left them and wholly given them up as hopeless Persons XI Godly Teachers are so great a Blessing to People that it is a great Loss to lose them nay a sore and lamentable Judgment upon the Church and the World to be deprived of or have their Tea-chers taken away from them or forc'd into a Corner Parallel THe Holy Ghost is a Divine Person See Comforter II. There is no Man whatsoever but needeth the Divine Teaching and Instruction of the Holy Ghost For what Man knoweth the things of a Man save the Spirit of a Man which is in him Even so the things of God knoweth no Man but the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 2.11 III. The Holy Ghost hath great Knowledg yea he is infinite in Understanding there is nothing that he is ignorant of that either concerns God's Honour or our Good The Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God IV. The Holy Ghost openeth many dark and deep Mysteries what hidden Mysteries did he reveal to the Prophets and open and unfold to the blessed Apostles Which in other Ages were not made known unto the Sons of Men as is now revealed unto the Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit V. The Holy Ghost inspiring and teaching the Prophets and Apostles who were the holy Pen-men of the sacred Scripture hath greatly inlightned the Inhabitants of the Earth where their Record is known and also when he hath opened the Eyes of the Understandings of Men in those profound and glorious Mysteries contained in the holy Scripture how are their minds inriched with the Knowledg of divine Truths VI. The Holy Ghost teacheth and instructeth poor Sinners gradually first the a b c of Religion viz. the Knowledg of Sin and their lost and undone Condition thereby the Vanities of this World together with the necessity of a Saviour and then in the second Place he instructeth them in higher Mysteries opening and explaining the Covenant of Grace as also the glorious Mystery of Union and Communion with God the Mystery of the Trinity the Incarnation of Christ his Priesthood and other things relating to him as Mediator together with many dark Sayings and Prophecies of the Scripture which those who are unlearned viz. who have not the Spirit 's teachings wrest unto their own Destruction I have many things to say unto you but ye cannot bear them now VII So the Holy Ghost teacheth Sinners the Knowledg of the Scriptures for as the Spirit gave them forth so he is the best Interpreter of them Then opened be their Vnderstandings that they might understand the
and follow the holy Rules and Directions thereof VI. The gospel is Called the Power of God to Salvation i. e. a mighty and glorious Instrument or means of Gods saving Power Metalepsis VII The gospel is called the Joyful sound the law was a sound of Fears and Terror a sound or voice of words that were Exceeding Dreadful The Gospel is the Antitype of the sounding the Trumpet of the great Jubilee to proclaim full Liberty and Freedom from all bondage and Tyranny of Sin Satan Hell and Wrath. VIII The gospel is called the unsearchable Riches of Christ. 1. It shews how Rich our Mediator and Husband is In him are hid all the Treasures of wisdom and knowledge it pleased the Father that in him all fulness should dwell 2. It shews the nature of his Riches both of grace and glory 3. The gospel makes all spiritualy and gloriously Rich who truly Receive it tho' never so poor before 4. All true Riches are communicated to us through the gospel such that would have this golden Ore must dig in this Mine this is the Field where the Pearl lies hid IX The gospel is called the word of Faith 1. It presents the object before the Soul 2. It opens the way to see this Object 3. It gives by means of the Spirit a hand to take hold of the Object X. The gospel is called the faithful word Because whatever its promises are they be faithfully performed XI 'T is called the Ministration of the Spirit because through it Persons come to receive the Spirit Received ye saith the Apostle the spirit by the works of the law or by the hearing of Faith XII It is called the gospel of Salvation 1. It Interesteth the Soul through the Spirit into Salvation as well as shews the way of it 2. There is no other way of Salvation but that which is revealed or manifested therein XIII 'T is called the glorious gospel of God 1. The glory of God shines forth in it 2. It was the glorious contrivance of his eternal wisdom 3. It wholly Exalts God and sets him forth in all his blessed and most glorious Attributes and Perfections beyond what any other Ministration doth whatsoever XIV The gospel is called a Book 1. Yea it is a Book by the inspiration of God as all holy Scriptures were All other books save the Bible are humane but this is Sacred and Divine 2. There is a Blessing pronounced to him that reads this book 3. And a much greater Blessing to him that understands it and keeps the things therein contained 4. 'T is a Book of all truth and no error can that be said of any other book 5. 'T is a Book Ratified and Confirmed by wonders 6. 'T is a Book that all other books point to Moses points to it the Prophets point to it all holy books of godly Men point to it 7. 'T is a book that all good and godly books are taken out of 8. 'T is a book that hath filled the world with good and profitable Books These things considered may serve as a sound Gradation to set forth the glory of the gospel and word of God Thirdly To come more directly unto the thing it self to set forth and further illustrate the glory and splendour of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 1. 'T is glorious in respect of the time and contrivance of it It was found out or contrived before the world began Hence Christ is said to be a Lamb slain before the foundation of the world 2. It is brought in as the result of that great and glorious Council which was held in Eternity Hence Jesus Christ our Mediator is said to be delivered up by the determinate Counsel and fore-knowledge of God God that is Father Son and Holy Ghost all agreed that the second Person should assume Mans nature and by shedding of his blood proclaim Peace and reconciliation to sinners The Counsel of Peace saith the Prophet shall be between them both Zech. 6.13 3. It may not be unnecessary to note here the matter this great Council had before them and did then debate about and that was how a way might be found out that God might display his own Glory and magnifie himself in every one of his glorious Attributes particularly how the two great Attributes of Justice and Mercy might meet together in sweet harmony and shine in equal glory that God who is Just might appear so and yet exceeding gracious 4. It was to find out a way how in a glorious manner God might destroy the works and designs of the Devil for to this purpose we Read the Son of God was manifested 5. It was a Council held upon the account of sinful man lost man whom God then saw dead and fallen how he might be delivered from sin and eternal wrath 't was not a Council held to ruine and destroy men but to save and make them happy This is the third thing to illustrate this Great truth that the gospel or word of Christ is a glorious Gospel Fourthly The gospel is glorious upon the consideration of that Revelation there is in it of God personally considered or the Persons of the Blessed Trinity or Gods manner of being 1. Though God is often called a Father in the old Testament yet how hard is it without help of the gospel to find out where he is so called or taken in distinction from the Son and holy Spirit sith Father as many Divines observe in some places of Scripture respects all the three Persons and hence the Jewish Rabbies who allow not of the new Testament manifestly declare their Ignorance touching this Great Truth of the Trinity tho' that may in part be imputed to that Judicial blindness they are left under yet it must be granted there is in the gospel a more clear and full discovery of this glorious Mystery then in the Law or old Testament how plainly and by manifest testimony is this bore witness to 1. By the Angels Luk. 1.32 2. By that Voice from the Excellent glory Mat. 3.17 2 Pet. 1.17 3. By the testimony of Christ himself I thank thee Father Lord of Heaven and Earth even so Father the Father that sent me is with me the Father loveth the Son the Father hath not left me alone I and my Father are one and 't is observed that he calls God Father near an hundred times in the gospel of John 4. By the Testimony of the holy Apostles how clearly is this witnessed by them especially by the Blessed beloved Apostle and Paul the great Apostle of the Gentiles Fifthly The gospel appears yet to be more glorious upon the Consideration of the glory of every one of the Persons in the blessed Trinity which shine forth most excellently therein I. In respect of the Father who did not design to vail his own glory but to greaten and magnifie it by the gospel For tho' the Lord Jesus is
Because the Gospel holds Christ forth to be the store house of all Divine grace and blessings he is ordained to convey all spiritual Riches to his Church and to every Member thereof 3. To allure and engage souls to love him and close in with him how can any refuse such a friend reject such a Saviour that is so beautiful to look upon and also so exceeding Rich. 4. That it might leave all men and women without excuse in the great Day what will they have to say that reject such a Saviour that turn their backs upon such a Christ when they are called to answer in the Day of Judgment 5. To relieve the tempted Soul 6. To strengthen the Faith and chear the hearts of all that do believe in him Fourthly The gospel is glorious in respect of Christ the glorious Object of it as it reveals his glorious Power Power in Scripture is taken two manner of ways or it shews a twofold power in Christ. 1. A Commanding Power his power of Soveraignty or Regal power that which we call Authority 2. The power of working or effecting that which he would have done Some have power to command but want a power to Effect that which they command cannot accomplish what they would have done but what Christ commands he can do or cause to be done at his Pleasure 1. I shall shew that the power of Christ is a glorious power 2. Shew why Christ hath such power 1. Christ hath a commanding Power he hath great Authority he hath a Regal Power or Superiority over all 1. Over Angels 2. Over the Church 3. Over the Devils I will lay upon the shoulders of Eliakim the Keys of the house of David Isa. 22.22 Keys is a borrowed speech signifying Government and Legal Power Christ hath the Keys of David Rev. 3.7 All Power in Rule and Government in Commanding Forbidding Punishing Binding Loosing Damning Saving is in Christs hand See Christ the Head and Heir of all things Keys of Hell and Death signifieth Christs Regal power over the Devils and delivering up unto Death and Hell or keeping out of it Over men mighty men Kings of the Earth He is the only Potentate King of Kings and Lord of Lords They are all his Subjects shall and must Submit to him 4. He hath an universal Power therefore glorious Power the Sun the Moon the Stars the Winds the Seas obey him 5. Christs Power is absolute he bears the Image of God he is God as you heard before None hath absolute power but God he doth what he pleaseth 6. Christs Power is Just therefore glorious in Power it is not a Might without Right 't is in him Essentially as God and is given to him as Mediator in the one Respect he derived it from none in the other sence he received it from the Father 7. Christs Power is Infinite he made the World he upholds the World therefore glorious in Power He could have made a Thousand Worlds can do beyond all that we can conceive or speak 8. Christs Power is glorious because he can bring all other Power to nought in a moment at his pleasure whether of Men or Devils 9. Christs Power is glorious Power in that it is everlasting Power Men may be powerful for a time but they may soon lose it must die and so cannot hold it long but Christ sits King for ever his power is from everlasting to everlasting of his Kingdom there shall be no end 10. Christs power is Dreadful he looketh upon the earth and it Trembles he can make all tremble before him who can Thunder like God 1. He has a glorious commanding Voice 2. A glorious restraining voice what is swifter than the Sun which he can stop in a moment 3. Glorious in his reproving voice Psal. 50.21 4. In his threatning voice Rev. 2.16 and Chap. 2.23 11. He hath a Glorious Victorious Conquering and Subduing Power he hath overcome Sin Devil Death Hell c. 12. Christs Power is Glorious because nothing is too hard for him to do nay nothing is hard for him to do he can do what he will with a word of his mouth 13. Christs Power extends not only over the Body but over the Soul also works mightily in us as well as for us and can do wonderful things by weak Instruments by foolish and contemptible ones in the eye of the VVorld VVhat mighty things did he do by a few poor Fishermen and others not accounted off 14. Lastly Nothing is hard for Christ to do tho' all the Devils of Hell and Men on Earth oppose and resist him I will work and who shall let it VVhy hath Christ as Mediator such great and glorious Power given to him 1. From the greatness of his work he is to accomplish 2. Because no Souls whatsoever Discouragements they meet with should despair in coming to him or in relying upon him 3. That he might be feared and dreaded by all yea that his very enemies might tremble before him 4. That he might be honoured and adored Honour belongs to Sovereignty Thirdly As the gospel is Glorious in respect of the Revelation made therein of God the Father and of our Lord Jesus Christ. So likewise in Respect of the Holy Ghost the gospel shews the Spirit in himself to be a distinct living powerful intelligent Divine Person Not only a distinct self subsisting Person but also a participant of the Divine Nature not the chief of all created Spirits and so the head of all good Angels as some imagine but that he is uncreated truly and ready God coeternal with the Father and the Son This we shall speak a little unto together with his glorious work Office and Operations First The VVord of God holds forth and positively declares that the holy Spirit is in himself a distinct intelligent Divine Person and which ought to be believed concerning this great truth viz. the Diety and Personality of the holy Ghost may be seen in the ensuing Testimonies according as they are Collected to our hands by a Reverend Divine Psal. 33.6 By the word of the Lord were the Heavens made and all the host of them by the spirit of his mouth Job 26.13 By his spirit he hath garnished the Heavens Psal. 104.30 Thou sendest forth thy Spirit they are created Mat. 28.19 Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost Act. 1.16 That Scripture must needs hath been fulfilled which the holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake Act. 5.3 Peter said to Ananias why hath Satan filled thy heart to lye to the holy Ghost Ver. 4. Thou hast not lyed to man but to God 1 Cor. 3.16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you 1 Cor. 12.11 All these worketh that one and the self same Spirit dividing to every severally man as he will And there are
diversities of operations but it is the same God which worketh all in all 2 Cor. 13.14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and communion of the holy Spirit be with you all Acts 20.28 Take heed to the Flock over which the holy Ghost hath made you Overseers Mat. 12.31 All manner of Sin and Blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men but the blasphemy against the holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men Psal. 139.7 Whether shall I go from thy Spirit Joh. 14.26 But the Comforter which is the holy Ghost whom the father will send in my name he shall teach you all things Luke 12.12 The holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say Acts 13.3 And as they ministred to the Lord and fasted the holy Ghost said separate me Barnabas and Paul for the work whereunto I have called them Ver. 4. They being sent forth by the holy spirit departed c. 'T is evident upon consideration that there is not any thing which we believe concerning the holy Ghost but that it is plainly revealed and declared in these Testimonies He is directly called God Act. 5.3 which the Socinians will not say is by vertue of an exaltation unto an Office or Authority as they say of the Son that he is an Intelligent voluntary Divine Person he knoweth he worketh as he will which things if in their frequent repetition they are not sufficient to evince an Intelligent Agent a Personal subsistance that hath Being Life Will We must confess that the Scripture was written on purpose to lead us into mistakes and misapprehensions of that we are under penalty of eternal Ruine rightly to apprehend and believe It declareth also that he is the Author worker of all sorts of Divine operations requiring Immensity Omnipotency Omnisciency and all other Divine excellencies unto their working and effecting Moreover it is revealed that he is peculiarly to be believed in and may be sinned against Also that he together with the Father and the Son created the World the spirit of God hath made me that he is the Author of all grace in Believers and order in the Churches The sum is that the holy Ghost is a Divine Distinct Person and neither meerly the power or vertue of God nor any created Spirit whatsoever This plainly appears from what is Revealed concerning him for he who is placed in the same series or order with Divine Persons without the least note of difference or distinction from them as to an Interest in Personality who hath the names proper to a Divine Person only and is frequently and directly called by them who also hath Personal Properties and is the Voluntary Author of Personal Divine Properties and the proper Object of Divine VVorship he is a Distinct Divine Person And if these things be not a sufficient Evidence and Demonstration of a Divine Intelligent Substance I shall as was said before despair to understand any thing that is expressed and declared by words But now thus 't is with the Holy spirit according to the Revelation made thereof in the word and gospel of God One Consideration which hath in part been before proposed I shall premise to free the subject of our Argument from ambiguity And this is that this word or name Spirit is used sometimes to denote the Spirit of God himself and sometimes his gifts and graces the Effects of his operation on the Souls of men and this our Adversaries in this cause are forced to confess and thereon in all their writings distinguish between the holy spirit and his Effects This alone being supposed I say it is impossible to prove the Father to be a Person or the Son to be so both which are not acknowledged any other way than we may and do prove the holy Ghost to be so For he to whom all Personal Properties Attributes Adjuncts Acts and Operations are ascribed and unto whom they do belong and to whom nothing is or can be truly and properly ascribed but what may and doth belong unto a Person he is a Person and him are we taught to believe so to be So know we the Father to be a Person as also the Son For our knowledge of things is more by their properties and operations then by their Essential forms especially is this so with respect to the Nature Being and Existence of God which are in themselves absolutely incomprehensible Now I shall not confirm the Assumption of this Argument with reference unto the holy Ghost from this or that particular Testimony nor from the assignation of any single Personal property unto him but from the constant uniform tenor of the Scriptures in ascribing all those properties unto him And we may add hereunto that things are so ordered in the wisdom of God that there is no personal property that may be found in an Infinite Divine Nature but it is in one place or other ascribed unto him First He is placed in the same rank and order without any note of Difference or Distinction as to a distinct Interest in the Divine Nature that is as we shall see personality with other Divine Persons Mat. 28.19 Baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Ghost 1 Joh 5.7 There be three that bear witness in Heaven the Father the Son and the Spirit and these three are one 1 Cor. 12.3 4 5 6. No man can say the Lord Jesus Christ is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost Now there are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit and there are differences of administrations but the same Lord and there are diversities of operation but it is the same God which worketh all in all Neither doth a denial of his Divine Being and distinct Existence leave any tolerable sence unto these expressions For read the words of the first place from the Mind of the Socinians and see what it is can be gathered from them Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the vertue or efficacy of the Father Can any thing be more absonant from Faith and Reason than this absurd expression and yet is it the direct sence if it be any that those Men put upon the words To joyn a quality with acknowledged Persons and that in such things and cases as wherein they are proposed under a Personal Consideration is a strange kind of Mystery and the like may be manifested concerning the other places Secondly He also hath the Names proper to a Divine Person only For he is expresly called God Act. 5. He who is termed the holy Ghost ver 3. and the Spirit of the Lord ver 9. is called also God ver 4. Now this is the name of a Divine Person on one account or other The Socinians would not allow Christ to be called God were he not a Divine Person though not by Nature yet by Office and Authority And I suppose they will not find out an Office
the manner of his effecting this wonderful matter concerning which the Blessed Virgin had made that enquiry how can this thing be seeing I know not a man The holy Ghost saith the Angel acting in the power of the most high or in the Infinite power of God shall accomplish it 2. As the humane nature of Christ was formed by the miraculous working of the holy Ghost he was hereby formed absolutely Innocent Spotless and free from sin as Adam was in the day he was Created 3. The Spirit also the Gospel shews in a peculiar manner anointed him with those extraordinary Powers and Gifts which were necessary for the exercise and discharge of his Office The spirit of the Lord God is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek c. 4. It was in an especial manner by the power and operation of the holy Ghost by which he wrought all those great and miraculous works by which he attested and confirmed his Doctrine Hence 't is said God wrought miracles by him Jesus of Nazareth a man approved of God by miracles wonders and signs which God did by him He affirmed that what he did he did by the finger of God that is by the infinite power of God hence these mighty works are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Powers because of the power of the Spirit of God put forth for their working and effecting See Mark 6.5 5. The Lord Jesus was guided directed comforted and supported in the whole course of his Ministry Temptations Obedience and sufferings by the Spirit he was led thereby into the wiâ—â—derness presently after he was baptized the holy Spirit guided him to begin his contest with Satan The continuation of the discourse in Luke will not admit that any other spirit can be intended and Jesus being full of the holy spirit returned from Jordan and was led by the spirit unto the Wilderness namely by that spirit which he was full of And it was by the spirits assistance that he was carried triumphantly through the course of his temptations in the power of the spirit he returned 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into Galilee that is powerfully enabled by the holy spirit unto the discharge of his work 6. Moreover the Scripture affirms that he offered himself up unto God through the eternal Spirit some understand by the eternal Spirit in this place is meant the Divine nature his Deity giving sustenance unto his humane nature in the Sacrifice of himself in that he had power to lay down his life and to take it up again yet many able Divines both Ancient and Modern do Judge that it is the Person of the holy Ghost that is intended 7. It is also thought by the Learned that the holy Spirit was eminently concerned in raising him up again from the dead but we cannot dwell here 8. The work of the new Creation is managed and gloriously carried on by the workings and operations of the holy Ghost 't is the work and office of the Spirit to make the whole work of the Mediation of Christ effectual to the Souls of the Elect. 9. All those glorious and extraordinary gifts that were powred forth either upon the Prophets or Apostles were by the operations of the holy Spirit 10. The gift of Prophecy whether ordinary or extraordinary was alwayes the immediate effect of the operation of the Spirit who inspired the Penmen of holy Scripture both of the old and new Testament in the writing and giving of them forth and in the opening of and explaining of them to the Sons of Men. The Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost 11. The holy Ghost supplies the bodily absence of Jesus Christ and by him he doth accomplish all his promises unto his Church 12. As he represents the Person and supplies the Room Person and Place of Christ so he worketh and effecteth whatever the Lord Christ hath taken upon himself to work and effect towards his Saints whereas the work of the Son was not his own work but rather the work of the Father so the work of the holy Spirit is not his own work but rather the work of the Son by whom he is sent and in whose name he doth accomplish it Howbeit when the spirit of truth is come he will guide you into all truth for he shall not speak of himself but whatsoever he shall hear that shall he speak and he will shew you things to come He shall Glorifie me for he shall Receive of mine and shall shew it unto you All things that the Father hath are mine therefore I said he shall take of mine and shew it unto you 13. The holy Spirit is the Spirit of Grace and the immediate efficient cause of all Grace and gracious effects in men wherever there is mention made of them or any fruits of them it must be acknowledged as part of his work tho' he be not expresly named c. Grace is taken two wayes in Scripture 1. For the Grace Free Love and favour of God towards us 2. For the Gracious Free and Effectual Operations in us In both sences the holy Spirit is the Author of it as unto us in the first as to its Manifestation and Application in the second as to the Operation it self The Nature Excellency and Glory of Grace in the latter sence we shall in the next place insist upon But sith some men in these dayes as in former times do much Eclipse the Glory of the Spirit touching the work of Grace and Operation of the Spirit in Regeneration or the quickening them who are dead in Trespasses and Sins in affirming that saving Conversion doth principally consist in a moral swasion It may not be amiss to add something briefly here in confutation of these men whose Principles are in our Judgment fairly stated by Reverend Doctor Owen 1. They say that God administreth grace unto all in the declaration of the Doctrine of the Law and Gospel 2. That the reception of this Doctrine the belief and practice thereof is inforced by Promises and Threatnings 3. That the things revealed taught and commanded are not only good in themselves but so suited unto the Reason and Interest of Mankind as that the mind cannot but be disposed and inclined to receive and obey them unless overpoured by prejudice and a course of Sin 4. That the Consideration of the Promises and Threatnings of the Gospel is sufficient to remove these prejudices and course of sin 5. That upon a complyance with the Doctrine of the Gospel and obedience thereunto men are made partakers of the Spirit with other priviledges of the New Testament and have a right unto the promises of the present and future Life This saith the Dr. is a perfect Systeme of Pelagianism Those that would see his Answer hereunto may read from page 257. to
Benefit by the flesh or Death of Christ unless he be quickened by the Spirit 4. The gospel in the grace of it when received in Truth works out that cursed enmity that is in the heart against God and thereby reconciles the sinner to the blessed Majesty of Heaven 5. The grace of the gospel works Regeneration makes the sinner another Man a new Man It forms the new Creature in the Soul 1. It infuses new qualities 2. It makes the Proud Person humble and not to vaunt himself 3. It makes the Unclean Person Chast and to loath Lascivious thoughts 4. It makes hard-hearted sinners full of Bowels 5. It makes the impatient Soul to bear all things 6. It makes the Covetous Person Liberal and to distribute to the poor 7. It makes the worst Husband the best Husband the worst Wife the best Wife the worst Children the best Children the Rebellious ones to be Obedient ones 6. The gospel in the grace of it brings the Soul into Union with God No Grace no Christ. God is the Fountain of this Union Christ is the Conduit-pipe as Mediator the Spirit and the grace thereof is the stream Union is let into the Soul at this door no grace no God no union with him and no Union with him no Communion with him 7. The grace of the gospel washeth the polluted Soul it cleanseth the filth of the heart and Pollution of the Life He put no difference between them and us purifying their hearts by faith 8. The grace of the gospel or saving operations of the Spirit heals the wounded Soul he poured in Oyl and Wine c. 9. Gospel grace gives the Soul a right to all the Blessings of a Crucified Christ 't is that which puts on the Wedding garment It was a pretty saying of a good Man 1. The Father weaves this Garment he was first concerned about it he prepared the matter with which 't is made 2. The Son made it he has wrought Righteousness for us 3. The Spirit puts it on 10. The grace of the gospel makes a glorious Soul a glorious Man a glorious Woman a glorious Family a glorious Church a glorious City a glorious Kingdom where 't is generally received in Truth It makes a glorious Soul It finds it naked and clothes it It finds it starved as it were and feeds it It finds it wounded and heals it It finds it cold and warms it It finds it unclean and sanctifies it It finds it poor and inriches it It finds it in bonds and sets it at liberty It finds it an Enemy to God and reconciles it It finds it Condemned and justifies it It finds it Dead and gives it Life 11. The grace of the gospel adornes the Soul it puts Ornaments upon the head and Chains beyond those of Gold upon the Neck It decks it with Jewels I decked thee with ornaments I put Bracelets upon thy hands and a chain on thy neck I put a Jewel on thy forehead earings in thine ears and a Beautiful Crown on thy head thou wast dect with Gold and silver with silk and broidered work It puts a Ring on the Finger it adorns the Soul with a meek and a quiet Spirit which is in the sight of God of great price 12. The grace of the gospel makes a man to behold a beauty and glory in the gospel to love it and to suffer for it The gospel is worth little in the sight and esteem of that man that has not the grace of the gospel What is the word of grace without the grace of the word 13. Gospel grace is an excellent preservative against the Plague of Sin No Pestilence so bad as this How shall I saith Joseph do this thing and sin against God It is also a Potion to work it out as well as to preserve from it 14. Gospel grace is good really good alwayes good and glorious at all times 't is good in health the Soul cannot have health without it good in Sickness 't is good in Prosperity 't is good in Adversity 't is good in good times and wo to them that want it in bad times we are blessed that have it but they are cursed that are without it whatsoever Profession they make For the Profession of the gospel without the grace of the gospel will do a man no good 't is but the name without the nature the Cabinet without the Jewel the Lamp without the Oyl 15. The grace of the gospel makes men like to Christ to love Christ and to die for Christ. 16. Gospel grace makes men to live to God they live to themselves that have it not they live to God that have it It makes men wise to be men of Understanding to live sober to themselves to live righteously to men and to live holy towards God to live in Subjection to God to obey God to delight in God and to live in Obedience and Subjection to his Church 6. The gospel is glorious in respect of the tenders and offers made therein to the Sons of Men. VVhat is tendered Repentance is tendered Pardon is tendered Peace is tendered Bread and VVater of Life is tendered perfect Righteousness is tendered Adoption is tendered Glorious Liberty is tendred in short God is offered he makes a tender of himself Christ is tendred with all his Benefits who is the Pearl of great price worth Millions yea more than ten thousand worlds a Marriage with Christ is tendered the Spirit is tendered with all the blessings of it a Kingdom is offered in the gospel a Crown is offered a Crown of endless glory a Crown that fadeth not away Eternal Life is tendered VVho is it that makes these tenders and offers in the gospel The great God he that has them to bestow and a right to give them VVho are they offered to To such that are his Enemies Rebels even the worst of Sinners in a word who ever will he that hath a will to receive them may have them Upon what Terms are they offered Freely offered without Money and without price tho' a man as to Righteousness hath nothing of worth nor Beauty in him being in himself but a Lump of Sin and Filthiness yet he may have these things they are offered unto such They are sincerely and faithfully offered God doth not mock men and women offer them such things as these and yet never intend to bestow them upon them if they have a heart a Mind to them my Life for theirs they may enjoy all these and many more like glorious good things Nay and more then this they have been often tendered with much Affection and in Bowels of Compassion God bewails and Christ bewails the state of such who do refuse them O then what Fools are mortals to slight and reject these tenders 7. The gospel is glorious in Respect of the glorious things that are brought about and accomplished thereby The first I
shall mention is Reconciliation which is a glorious blessing what is more fully opened and held forth in the gospel than Reconciliation with the means and manner how and by whom accomplished which will appear 1. By Considering the parties Reconciled 2. By Considering the Nature of the breach that was between them 3. By Considering the means and manner how it is accomplished 4. By Considering the Fruits and Effects of it 1. Considering the Parties that were at Variance who by the gospel are Reconciled God and Man the infinite God the holy God and Man these were at Enmity 't is sad when a difference rises in a Family in a Congregation in a City in a Kingdom or between one Kingdom and another but much more sad is it to have God and sinners at Enmity Adam runs from God hides himself he knew God was now become his Enemy the word declares the Creature to be Gods Enemy whilst he stands in old Adam in the state of nature and you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your minds c. And then God declares himself to be the Sinners enemy he is angry with the wicked every day he is said to fight and war against them which plainly shews he is their Enemy But now what a glorious blessing is this to have these two Parties reconciled when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son You that were enemies in your minds by wicked works or as in the Margent by your minds in wicked works yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through Death Secondly Gospel reconciliation appears to be glorious reconciliation if we consider the nature of the breach that was between them 1. It was an old breach no sooner was man made but straitway he became an Enemy to God nay every Soul that comes into the world comes into it an enemy of God or in a state of enmity 2. 'T is so great a breach that all the Angels in heaven nor all the Saints on earth could not make up 3. It was such a breach that lays the Soul obnoxious to Gods fearful Curse 4. It is such a breach that makes the Creatures of God at enmity one with another and Mankind in danger of being Devoured by them and also hath set man one against another 5. It is such a breach that sets man against himself it hath caused his own Conscience to be his Enemy and to accuse and fight against him and condemn him If our Hearts condemn us God is greater c. 6. It is such a breach that unless made up will produce an eternal Separation from God depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devils and his Angels c. Thirdly 'T is glorious Reconciliation if we consider the means and manner how and by whom it is wrought about and accomplished every Person in the glorious Trinity hath a hand in it and are eminently concerned about it God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself All things are of God who hath reconciled us unto himself by Jesus Christ c. The Lord Jesus the second Person is imployed we may see from hence as one fitly qualified to make up this dreadful Breach and in order thereunto he took our Nature on him There was a necessity of Christs coming to reconcile God and man God his Law and Justice was wronged and God was resolved to have this wrong made up and his Justice satisfied which none but Christ could do God was willing to be reconciled yet nevertheless he will wherein he was wronged be righted and have his Justice fully and compleatly satisfied Christ knew what would appease and satisfie both Law and Justice what he hath done hath infinite worth and efficacy in it this way tends most to glorifie God the Father the Son is glorified most this way the Spirit is glorified most this way and there was no way like this to melt the Sinners heart to abase him and lay him at the feet of God See Christ the Mediator c. 2. Christ doth not only reconcile God to the Creature but also reconciles the Creature unto God he undertakes to bring God near to Man and Man near to God whose heart is full of Sin and Enmity to his Maker and not subject to his Law he lays his hands upon both the first is done by his death Christ like Jonas is cast into the Sea as it were of wrath to make a Calm The second is done by the Spirit he breaks the heart changes the inward qualities and evil dispositions he takes away the heart of stone and gives a heart of flesh Fourthly Gospel Reconciliation is glorious in respect to the nature of it 1. It is a free Reconciliation it is a work of free grace alone it is not of man not of him that willeth or him that runneth but of God that shewed mercy Hence the Apostle saith All things are of God speaking of Reconciliation 2. It is mysterious Reconciliation we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world begun to our glory the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God This is one of those deep things which many because they cannot comprehend it in their own natural Wisdom cavil against it 3. It is a certain reconciliation God is at Peace and fully Reconciled in Jesus Christ Christ shall not will not loss his glorious design in coming into the world and taking our nature on him and dying the cursed death of the Cross. Those therefore that are brought to accept of the terms of Peace and Reconciliation as offered in the Gospel stand in a state of Real Peace and Friendship neither let any once imagine that after all these glorious transactions of the blessed Trinity about this work that the issue of the whole in order to the making of it effectual depends upon the Will and power of man 4. The Soul is taken into perfect Love and Union with God God hereby intirely loveth us and is so for us or on our side that his Friends and Allies become our Friends and Allies and all our Enemies become his Enemies so that what is done to us he takes as done to himself 5. It is an honourable Reconciliation it is a Reconciliation upon honourable Terms God suffereth not in any of his glorious Attributes If God had passed by our offences so that we had Pardon and Reconciliation without more adoe without a compensation for sin the Devils perhaps saith a Divine might have cryed out against him and have said where is the Glory of thy justice these have sinned against thee as well as we and the breach they have made upon thy justice is no wayes made up but now their mouths are stopt for ever This Reconciliation will be to the glory of God in the sight of Angels and Men to
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
for his Childrens Sins parall 17. 3 Church What makes way of Entrance into the Church parall 17. 8 Church God's Wine-Cellar parall 8. 19 City The Church or City of God enriched by the River of the Spirit 314 Comforter The Properties of a Comforter shewed in fifteen Particulars 291 to 295 Conscience Conscience a dreadful Tormentor Disp. 2. 68 Conviction Convictions lay the Heart open par 10. 15 Conversion Christ all in Conversion 288 Covenant Covenant of Grace firm to Believers 306 Counsel What Counsel Christ gives in nine Particulars 248 249 D. Danger THe Holy Spirit in the Word of God gives notice of eight imminent Dangers Parall 3. 327 Debts Sin compared to Debts How our Debts are paid and yet said to be forgiven opened 94 95 Sinners by being espoused unto Christ their Debts are discharged par 25. 102 Defend The Lord Jesus cloathing us with his Righteousness defends us four ways Metaph. Parall 5. 271 God the safe Defence of his People 76 77 Disease Sin a Disease 117 Descent Christ's Descent parall 1. 143 Destruction Man's Destruction is of himself 257 Devils God not the Portion of Devils par 5. 6 Dove The Holy Spirit why compared to a Dove shewed in six Particulars 326 Duty Whence the undoubted Duty of all Men and Angels is inferred Infer 2. 148 Duty unto Christ a King shewed in four things Infer 5. 148 E. Eagle The Properties of an Eagle shewed in sixteen Particulars 265 266 Earth Earthquake the natural Cause of it 300 Earnest Earnest of the Saints Inheritance opened in ten Particulars 305 306 Enemies The Misery of Christ's Enemies Infer 4. 148 Error Error of the Church of Rome about the Priesthood Infer 5. 154 F. Father FAther its various Acceptations and Significations and how God is the Father of Believers 1 A Parallel between an earthly Father and God in twenty Particulars 2 3 4 And a Disparity in eight things 4 Corollaries 5 Fire How God may be said to be a consuming Fire 66 67 God a consuming Fire to five sorts of Persons 69 God a Wall of Fire 76 The Spirit compared to Fire 301 Foundation Christ in pursuit of his Prophetical Office laid a Foundation for the Church to build upon in 4 Partic. par 13. 159 Christ the only Foundation opened in eleven Partic. 242 243 Fountain Christ a Fountain opened in sixteen Particulars 173 to 175 The Excellency of Christ a Fountain shewed in six Partic. 175 Christ a Fountain particularly improved 176 177 Friend Christ the Believers Friend 139 Four things requisite to true Friendship and of the Properties of a true Friend in 20 Partic. 193 to 196 Christ a Believers Friend excells all other Friends shewed in nine Partic. 197 198 With its Application 199 The happy State of all Christ's Friends Inferr 3. 148 How Friends are procured parall 9. 7 Fruitful The Cost and Pains God takes to make his People fruitful shewed in many Particulars parall 11. â—â—5 God expects Fruit from his People par 4. 15 The humble Soul the most fruitful parall 15. 15 G. Garment CHrist a Garment for Sanctification opened in twelve Partic. 182 to 184 Our filthy Rags must be put off before Christ as a Garment can be put on Christ's Righteousness as a Garment exceeds other Garments in 7 things 184 The Property of a Garment shewed in eleven Particulars 183 Garments distinguish one Person from another Met. Par. 8. 183 God God comprehensive of all spiritual Good parall 2. 6 God a Warrior What a Warrior God is shewed in five things Parallel between God and other Warriors in 14 Particulars 24 25 God hath many Armies par 4. 23 God a Strong-Tower 29 God compared to a Giant In what God is said to run upon his People like a Giant shewed in three things 35 Why God runs upon holy Men sometimes like a Giant in six Partic. 38 God compared to a Lion 40 In what respect God is resembled to a Lion shewed in 11 Partic. 40 41 42 God as a Leopard shewed in 5 things 44 God as a Bear 45 God compared to a Moth in six Partic. 46 47 How God is said to be a Moth unto a People shewed in six Partic. 48 God a Refuge shewed in 16 Partic. 51 52 God an Housholder 54 God as a Potter shewed in many Particulars 62 63 God a consuming Fire shewed in nine Particulars 65 66 67 God compared to a Travelling-Woman in four Partiâ—â— 73 God a Shield shewed in 3 Partic. 74 God a very glorious Shield to his People 57 God a Wall of Fire 76 77 God a Judg. A Parallel between God and an earthly Judg in 24 Particulars 80 81 82 God a Hiding-Place What a Hiding-Place God is shewed in five Partic. Christ is God proved in 10 Partic. 222 Godly safe in the worst of Times 54 God gives like himself parall 4. 6 God gives himself a Portion to his People paral 7. 7 Government Christ doth three things at the entrance of his Government par 6. 144 Great Why Christ is called the great Shepherd in five respects dispar 4. 164 Guide The Holy Spirit a Guide opened 327 A Guide giveth notice of the Dangers that are in the way 327 How a Man may know he is guided by the Spirit 328 Give God giveth like himself par 4. 6 H. Habitation GOD a Habitation 10 The Nature Vsefulness and Conveniency whereof is shewed in 14 Partic. 12 Six Disparities the whole opened 13 Hart. Christ compared to an Hart 124 Happiness Jesus Christ absolutely necessary to Man's Happiness par 14. 212 Heart Heart laid open by Conviction par 10. 15 Head Christ the Head opened by a fourfold Consideration 177 and enlarged by seventeen Partic. 177 to 180 Head anointed in Consecration Met. Par. 9. 178 Head mostly struck at Met. Par. 11. 179 Christ's Pity and Sympathy as the Head of his People Met. Par. 14. 179 The Excellency of Christ the Head above other Heads shewed in eight Particulars with a fourfold Inference 181 Heir Heir of all things opened in eight Particulars par 5. 239 240 Help How Christians are able to help others par 18 19 20. 8 Hen. The Nature and Property of a Hen opened in nine things 255 256 Hiding A Hiding-Place what meant thereby 83 No Hiding-Place like God 85 Housholder The Parable of the Housholder opened 54 55 Parallel between a Housholder and God opened in 30 Particulars God a most excellent Housholder in 10 Partic. 61 Home God is a Christian's Home par 11. 6 Husbandman God a Husbandman in which four things are implied 14 What kind of Husbandman God is shewed in five Partic. 14 Hypocrite God hates a Hypocrite par 9. 42 I. Image CHrist the express Image of the Fath. 108 Interest Interest in God makes the Soul value him par 11. 11 Judg. The Properties of a Judg shewed in eleven things 280 to 284 Institution No Institution of God to be made use of but as God requires par 19. 141 K. King
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
Teachers Under which Head is most evidently shewed that the Church of Rome is absolutely meant by the great Whore Rev. 17. and the Papists Objections answered which was expected in this Volume but could not be put in without palpable Injury to both by confounding the Heads c. 9. Such as concern Affliction and Providence 10. Of the Life of Man and the four last Things The Second Part elegantly opens and explains most of all the Types and many Parables in the Holy Scripture a Work much desired Both Parts will contain upwards of a Hundred Sheets and will be printed by Subscriptions viz. Four Shillings down and four more when the Books are delivered in Quires and those that subscribe for Six as the usual way is shall have one gratis c. Had not the Authors found it impossible to contract the Work so as to bring the whole into the Compass of One Hundred and Fifty Sheets they would have handled some Things more concisely AN Alphabetical Table OF The Principal Things Contained in the SECOND BOOK A. ABba expounded pag. 1. Advocate Christ an Advocate 203 Affliction Christ sympathizeth with his Saints in all their Afflictions Par. 28. 103 All. Christ All and in All. 287 Who is he that makes Christ his All answered 289 Why a true Christian makes Christ his All answered 289 How a Saint comes to have Christ to be his All answered 290 Altar Christ an Altar opened in eight Particulars 237 238 Ambassador Christ an Ambassador opened in eighteen Particulars 230 to 233 Apostle Christ an Apostle The Word Apostle explained 208 And opened in nine Particulars 209 Arm. What meant by the Arm of God opened in eleven Particulars 70 71 None have an Arm like God 71 The Arm of the Wicked soon broken 72 Armies Armies raised at God's Pleasure Par. 4. 23 Attributes Attributes of God shine forth in Christ 109 110 Attributes of God as a Wall of Fire 78 Attributes of God are a Saints Repose Par. 14. 11 Assurance Saints have a threefold Assurance 323 B. Banner THe Gospel God's Banner par 11. 24 Believers How called God's Children Par. 1. 2 Christ the Believers Friend 193 Beasts Devils and wickâ—â—d Men compared to devouring Beasts 76 Blaspheme Notions of the Church of Rome concerning Christ's Priesthood blasphemous Infer 6. p. 154 to 156 Blessing Jesus Christ is the best Blessing beyond comparison par 11. 212 Blind Men naturally blind and therefore need a good Guide 328 Branch Christ the Branch opened 165 166 Bread Christ the Bread of Life opened in sixteen Particulars 211 212 213 Bridegroom Christ a Bridegroom opened 100 to 105 The Excellency of Christ above all other Bridegrooms set forth in six Particulars 104 105 Builder God a Builder in a fourfold respect 17 Parallel between God a Builder and earthly Builders shewed in nine Particulars 18 19 The Excellency of God a Builder above all other builders shewed in twelve Particulars 19 20 C. Christ. CHrist a Mediator 86 Christ our Surety 91 Excellency of Christs Suretiship 92 93 94 Christ a King opened in one and twenty Particulars 143 to 146 Christ a Priest opened in sixteen Particulars 149 to 152 Christ a Prophet opened in seventeen Particulars 157 to 160 Christ a Shepherd shewed in nineteen Particulars 162 163 164 Christ the Way opened in ten Particulars 167 168 Christ a Rock opened in twelve Particulars 170 171 172 Christ a Bridegroom 97 Christ's great Love to Sinners shewed in six Particulars parall 10. 99 Christ the express Image of the Father 108 Explained at the Head of the Metaphor and further opened in seven Particulars with its Disparity 109 110 Christ's Godhead proved in ten Partic. 110 Christ a Physician 112 Christ a Testator 119 Christ compared to an Hart in fifteen Particulars 124 Christ a Door opened in fourteen Particulars 128 to 130 Christ the Servant of God opened in eleven Particulars 131 to 133 Christ compared to a Lion in seventeen Particulars 135 to 138 Christ the true Manna 139 to 141 Christ a Fountain opened in sixteen Particulars 173 to 175 Christ the Head opened in seventeen Particulars 177 to 180 Christ a Garment of Sanctification from Rom. 13. ult opened in twelve Particulars 182 to 184 Christ a Lamb how and in what respect Christ is so called opened in ten Particulars 185 to 187 Christ the Pearl of great Price opened in thirteen Particulars 187 to 189 The Name of Christ like to precious Ointment in 10 Partic. 190 191 Christ the Believers Friend Four things requisite to true Friendship and of the Property of a true Friend in twenty Particulars 193 to 197 Christ the Rose of Sharon opened in eleven Particulars 199 to 201 Christ an Advocate opened in twenty seven Particulars 203 to 206 Christ an Apostle opened in nine Particulars 208 209 Christ the Bread of Life opened in sixteen Particulars 211 to 213 Christ the Sun of Righteousness opened in thirty four Partic. 214 to 220 Christ the Root of David opened in nine Particulars 221 222 Christ the true Vine opened in ten Particulars 223 to 225 Christ the Lilly of the Vallies opened in five Particulars 226 227 Christ under the similitude of an Apple-Tree opened in 11 Partic. 227 228 Christ an Ambassador opened in eighteen Particulars 230 to 233 Christ a Witness opened in ten Particulars 235 to 237 Christ an Altar opened in eight Particulars 237 238 Christ Heir of all things opened in eight Particulars 239 240 Christ the only Foundation opened in eleven Particulars 242 243 Christ the Corner-stone in what respect shewed in five Particulars 246 247 What a Corner-stone Christ is shewed in nine Particulars 248 249 Christ Wonderful Counsellor opened in many Particulars 253 254 What Counsel Christ gives shewed 〈◊〉 nine things â—â—54 Christ's Compassion under the similitude of a Hen opened in nine Partic. 255 256 Christ the Captain of our Salvation shewed in twenty three Partic. 258 to 261 Christ a Refiner opened in fifteen Particulars 262 to 264 Christ compared to an Eagle opened in sixteen Particulars 265 to 267 Christ compared to a Bundle of Myrrh opened in seven Partic. 268 269 Christ the Saints Wedding-Garment opened in seven Partic. 270 to 272 Christ the Bright and Morning-Star opened in eighteen Partic. 274 to 277 The Coming of Christ compared to the Coming of a Thief in the Night opened in six Particulars 279 280 Christ the Judg of all opened in eleven Particulars 280 to 284 Christ compared to the Brazen Serpent in thirteen Particulars 285 286 Christ All and in All in the first Creation in six Particulars and in the second Creation in 15 Partic. 287 288 Christ in all and every Ordinance Partic. 15. 288 Children How God feeds and cloaths his Children parall 2 3 7. 2 Saves and defends them par 5. 2 The Childrens Portion par 9. 3 What Children God loves best par 10. 3 God teacheth his Children par 11. 3 Prevents his Children from sinning par 14. 3 God as a Father is grieved