is hid to nature as viz. the Miserie of their naturall Condition by reason of sin and the punishment due thereunto together with the meanes of deliverance by and through Jesus Christ as also shewing them the way wherein they are to walke so as they may please God Now is it so that any of you are as yet strangers to this light which it is to be feared too many among us are poore ignorant Creatures whose soules are like dungeons into which the Sun never yet looked as darke as midnight they know nothing of God of Christ of themselves nothing of the mysterie of salvation be you awakened to looke up and to looke out for it This is the watchword which the Apostle Saint Paul having received it from some of the prophets the prophet Isaiah as it is conceved giveth to such as were in that dead sleep of sin Eph. 5. 14. Awake thou that sleepest and stand up from the dead and Christ shall give thee light 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he shall shine upon thee inlighten thee And let me hand it to every of you who are thus asleepe Awake you and stand up from the dead that Christ may give you light Be you awakened and roused out of that bed of sinfull securitie wherein you have beene sleeping and beeing convinced of your owne ignorance and blindness looke out for that light of knowledg without which the heart cannot be good That the soule be without knowledge it is not good saith the wiseman Prov. 19. 2. Or as the former Translation not without the consent of the Originall readeth it without knowledg the minde is not good Of what use is a dungeon fit for nothing but to make a prison of And such is a soule without knowledg And therefore in the fear of God now awake open your eys Behold the Sun is up the Sun of righteousness is risen the Lord Jesus sheweth himselfe to you in the preaching of the Gospel doe not now shut your eyes against the light Men will not doe so by the light of the Sun When that ariseth they will not shut their doores and windowes against it to keepe it out but rather set them open to let it in that they may receive the comfort and benefit of it And so doe you by that light the light of the Gospell which now shineth forth to you Let it not be said of you what our Saviour chargeth upon the Jewes Ioh. 3. 19. That Light is come into the world and men loved darkness rather then light This if you shall doe it will be unto you as our Saviour there saith it was unto them a just Condemnation This is the Condemnation Were it for heathens who never heard of the name of Christ to be ignorant and blinde as to what concerneth their eternal happines and salvation this would be some extenuation as of their sin so of their punishment But for Christians such as are borne in times and places of light having the Sun as it were standing over their heads for them to love darkness rather then light still to continue in their naturall blindnes and ignorance so shutting out the light they are here in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 self-condemned and were there nothing else to be layed to their charg this is to them a matter and ground of a just Condemnation That it may not be so to any of you be you perswaded to set open the doores and windowes of your soules and to let in the beames of this Sun of righteousness into your hearts Be you inlightened by the light of the Gospell which as yet shineth forth unto you And being thus inlightened now reflect that light So doe the Stars Having received light from the Sun they reflect it upon the earth And the like doe you Having received light from Iesus Christ shew forth that light and that by walking as children of light That is the Apostles Exhortation to his Epehsians Eph. 5. 8. Ye were sometimes darkness but now are ye light in the Lord walke as children of the light And let it be mine to you All of you to whome Christ hath beene as a Sun inlightning of you walke you as children of light Hath Christ shined upon you doe you shine Arise shine for thy light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee saith the Prophet to Ierusalem Isai. 60. 1. And let me in his words though happily in somewhat a different sense speake unto you Arise you and shine for the light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you The Lord Iesus who is the true light the Sun of righteousness he is risen upon you in the preaching of the Gospel And therefore doe you arise and shine shine as lights That is Pauls Commendation of or Exhortation to his Philippians for it is read both ways Phil. 2. 15. Ye doe shine or shine ye as lights in the world And this be you also exhorted to doe The night being spent and the day come unto you doe you cast off the workes of darkness and put on the armour of light as the same Apostle exhorts his Romanes Romans 13. 12. Those sinful ways and courses which heretofore you have walked in which may fitly be tearmed workes of darkness in as much as they both proceede from darkness and tend to darkness proceede from the darkness of ignorance and tend to the darkness of Hell whither they will bring them that go on in them lay them a side cast them away Putting on the Armour of light that bright shining Armour Even the graces of the Spirit within shining forth in an answerable Conversation without Thus Let your light shine before men that they seeing your good workes may glorifie your father which is in heaven as our Saviour presseth it Math. 5. 16. Here is the first of these Operations Inlightning 2. The second is Enliuening This also doth Iesus Christ as I have shewen you Being like the Sun the fountaine as of Light so of Life In him was life Ioh. 1. 4. As Naturall so Supernaturall life both Originally in him as in the fountaine Having then received the former seeke also the later from him That living the life of nature in him In him we live Act. 17. 28. So we may live the life of grace by and through him finding and feeling him living in us Now I live saith the Apostle yet not I but Christ liveth in me Gal. 2. 20. Thus the Sun liveth in the plant vertually by causing it to live And O that Iesus Christ may thus live in every of us by communicating unto us his quickning Spirit whereby being raised from the grave of sin we may live unto God living the life of grace Which that we may be made partakers of be we united unto him All Communion is from union And such is the Communion which the members of the mysticall Body have with their Head it floweth from that Union which they have
and glory hereafter And such is the office of all the ministers of Jesus Christ. Which the same Apostle sets forth 2 Cor. 4. 6. God hath shined into our hearts speaking of himself and other Gospel Ministers that we should give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ that being our selves effectually illuminated we might be instrumentall in the inlightning of others This are the Ministers of Christ to doe by word 2. And as by word so by worke As by Doctrine so by Example Thus are they to shine before others in an Exemplarie Conversation So indeede ought all Christians to doe It is the Commendation which the Apostle giveth of his Thessalonians 1 Thes. 1. 7. They were ensamples to all that beleeved in Macedonia and Achaia But the Ministers of Christ in a special manner They beeing by their office shepheards they should as shepheards anciently were wont to doe go before their flocks Or to hold to the Emblem in the Text from which I would deviate as little as may be as that Star did which was given for a guide to the wise men to direct them to the place of Christs nativity It went before them saith the Text until it came and stood over where the young child was Matth 2. 9. Such Stars should the Ministers of God be unto the people Being given them for Guides they should not onely shew them light which that star also did to them but they should go before them till they bring them to heaven being Ensamples to them So was Paul to the believers of his time Marke them saith he to his Philippians which so walk as ye have us for an ensample Phil. 3. 17. Whereupon he there propounds himself unto them as a pattern for their Imitation Brethren be followers together of me And such all Gospel Ministers either are or ought to be This is that which Paul requires from Timothy 1 Tim. 4. 14. Be thou an example to the believers in word in conversation c. And the like from Titus Tit. 2. 7. In all things shew thy self a pattern of good works And it is Saint Peters charge to all of that Tribe Neither as being Lords over Gods heritage but being ensamples to the flock 1 Pet. 5. 3. The Ministers of Christ though they be as stars set over others by God yet they may not as Astrologers tell us some of the stars do Lord it over their Brethren Whether over their Consciences or Personâ— by an imperious obtruding of their own dictates instead of Gods Commandements as the Pharisees did or by carrying themselves Magisterially towards any under their charge But Patterns they should be teaching the people as by Doctrine so by Example Here is a fourth resemblance to which add a fifth 5. Stars have light and give light but it is a borrowed light In that differing from the light of the Sun whis is originally in the body of it The Sun being the fountain of light it hath light in and from it self But so have not the stars Their light is a borrowed light which they receive from the Sun And such is the light which the Ministers of Christ communicate unto others it is but a borrowed light Therein differing from that light which is in Christ who is the Sun of Righteousness as he is called Mal. 4. 2. the fountain of all spiritual light That was that true light saith Saint Iohn speaking of Christ Iohn 1. 9. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 light it self Original light So was not Iohn the Baptist as the verse foregoing hath it He was not that light A light he was and that a shining an eniment one but not that light that Original light This was onely Iesus Christ. He is the Sun As for his Ministers they are but stars receiving their light from him I have received from the Lord that which also I delivered unto you saith the Apostle to the Church of Corinth touching the Doctrine of the Sacrament And the like may be said of the whole doctrine of the Gospel This the Ministers of Christ receive before they can deliver it Being themselves enlightned before they can enlighten others God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined into our hearts saith the Apostle that we should give the light c. in that place fore-named 2 Cor. 4. 6. Hence is it that sometimes they are compared to Candlâ—s or Lamps Ye are the light of the world saith our Saviour to his Apostles Matth. 5. 14. But what light why not sun-Sun-light but candle-Candle-light So the verse following explains it Neither do men light a Candle and put it under a bushel meaning that he had not communicated unto them that light to the end that they should hide it And thus it is said of Iohn the Baptist that he was a shining light John 5. 35. But what light why a Lamp or a Candle for so the word there properly signifieth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whence cometh the Latine word Lychnus and the English Linke And such were these Angels the Ministers of these seven Churches of Asia the Churches being the Candlestick as they are here represented to Iohn in this vision they were the Candles in them Now a Candle or Lamp how great soever the light be that it giveth yet it is but a borrowed light And so is it with the Ministers of the Gospel Their light is but a borrowed light Here is a fifth resemblance Take one more 6. Stars are Influentiall As they all give light and the same light so they have their severall Influences What those Influences are it is in a great measure a Mysterie a secret to us But that they have such Influences it is not to be questioned So much we may learne from God himselfe who Putteth the Question to Iob Cap. 38. 31. Canst thou binde the sweete Influences of Pleiades or loose the bands of Orion Pleiades and Orion two of the Constellations of heaven Pleiades the seven stars which rising in the spring bring warme showres for the moistning and refreshing of the earth Orion a winter Star which brings with it hard frosts which are there called the Bands of Orion because the earth is as it were bound with them Thus are they both Influentiall changing and altering the Earth and the Ayre And like Influences have these Stars the Ministers of the Gospell upon the Persons and places over which they are set working upon them as by their Doctrine so by their Examples Both which are very Influentiall and operative for the changing and altering of the people either for the better or the worse Hence is it that they are compared to salt Mat. 5. 3. Ye are the salt of the earth Salt being layed upon a peice of flesh it hath in a little time a great influence upon it in altering the taste of it seasoning it and making it savorie And thus the Ministers of Christ by their wholesome and
in his Conception and Birth And such he was in his Life During which he continually conversed with sinners yet he received no infection from them Being every way such as the Apostle describeth him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Holy harmless â—ndefiled separate from sinners viz. in respect of any participation in that sin which is common to all other of the sons of men Heb. 7. 26. Thus Jesus Christ was and is as the Sun in respect of his personal properties From them come we to his operations and effects And here we shall find the like resemblance Christ being unto his Church as the Sun is to the world present with it Even as the Sun is in the midst of the Planets and being in his strength at noon day it is in the midst of the heavens and yet so as it is vertually and vigorously present in all places of the hemisphere that part of heaven and earth wherin it appears Even so is the Lord Iesus in the midst of his Châ—rches So this Son of man here appeareth unto our Apostle in the midst of the seven golden Candlesticks A representation of the presence of Christ in the midst of those seven Churches as the last verse of this Chhapter expounds it And so he is in all other his Churches in the midst of them Being present not only with his Ministers to whom he hath promised his presence after a special manner Behold I am with you alwayes to the end of the world Math. 28. 20. But also with all true worshippers That is his promise to his Disciples and in them to all believers Matth. 18. 20. Where two or three are met together in my name there am I in the midst of them Coming together in the name by Authority with commission from Iesus Christ and being occupied about the business of his worship and service there is he in the midst of them viz. by his grace and spirit Even as the Sun whilest the Body of it is in heaven yet by the beams of it it is upon earth Thus the Lord Jesus whilest his body is in heaven yet by his grace and spirit he is present with his Church upon earth and that efficaciously present not only eying and observing but acting Exercising many operations in for and upon his Church resembling those offices which the Sun performeth unto the earth Of these instance in three or four of the principal 1. Enlightning it This doth the Sun being the fountaine of light it inlightneth both earth and heaven as the dark places here below so the moone and stars above all with what light so ever they have they receive it from this great Luminary the Sun This is Iesus Christ the light of the world So he stileth himselfe once and againe I am the light of the world Ioh. 8. 12 and 9. 5. viz of the Reasonable world the world of mankinde In him was life and the life was the light of men Ioh. 1. 4. Of all men What ever light they have whether Naturall or Supernaturall they receive it from Iesus Christ. For Naturall light even that common light of reason and understanding that is a beame from this Sun So that Text is commonly understood Ioh 1. 9. where it is sayed of Christ. Hee is that true light that enlightneth every man that cometh into the world viz with that common light of Reason which as their Creatour he bestoweth upon them Much more supernaturall light And that both of Grace and Glory The light of grace where with the soules of Gods elect are inlightned it is an effluxe from this Sun The light shineth in darkness sayth Saint Iohn in the fift verse of that Chap Thus doth Iesus Christ inlighten the minds of men with supernaturall knowledg which of themselves are full of darkness of ignorance And so that ninth verse there may be read and construed That was the true light which coming into the world inlightneth every man So Grotius following Cyrill and Augustine there looketh upon it referring the participle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Coming not to the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Every man but to the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Light This Iesus Christ coming into the world inlightneth every man viz. that is inlightned Communicating the light of divine and supernaturall knowledg to the world And that as the Sun doth his light unto the earth which in a little time in the space of twentie-foure howers inlightneth the whole world So the Psalmist setteth forth both the swift motion and vigorous operation of it Psal. 19. 5. In the heavens God hath set a Tabernacle for the Sun which is as a Bridgroome coming out of his Chamber and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race His going forth is from the end of the heavens and his circuit unto the ends of it and there is nothing hid from the heat therof Even thus the Lord Iesus coming out of the womb of the virgin his Bride-chamber in a little space by himself and by his Apostles caused the light of his gospel to shine forth through the world in so much as the Apostle saith that in his time it was and had beene preached to every creature under heaven Col. 1. 23. So as in this he was like unto the Sun So the Apostle applyeth that of the Psalmist concerning the Sun unto him Rom. 10. 18. Thus doth the light of grace come from Iesus Christ in whome as the Apostle saith are hid all the Treasures of wisdom and knowledg Col. 2. 3. And that as of Common so specially of saving grace This light cometh from the face of Iesus Christ being beheld by faith So much we may learn from that Text of the Apostle 2. Cor. 4. 6. God hath shined into our hearts that we should give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ. The glory of God shineth in the face of Iesus Christ which being held forth unto Gods elect in the Glass of the Gospel and there beheld by them by faith they come thereby to be changed into the same Image from glorie to glory as the same Apostle hath it 2 Cor. 3. last By thus beholding of the face of Christ they come to be made like unto him in the glory of holiness which work is still in progress here untill it come to perfection in heaven Thus is the light of Grace derived from Iesus Christ. And so is the Misticall Glory Which is but as it were a reflex from that glory which is in the face of Iesus Christ which being beheld by the Saints of God in that beatificall vision they thereby are made partakers of the same glory Even as so many looking glasses being set before the Sun by the reflex of the Beames thereof every one is changed into the same Image and made like unto it Even so shall it be with the Saints in heaven We know saith Saint Iohn
things which belong to our peace should be from thenceforth hid from our eyes So it followeth But now they are hid from thine eyes In which words wee have Ierusalem's Doom or Iudgment the spirituall part of it for that onely I intend to deal with A Iudgment answearing to their sinn Their Sinn was that they had not seene they would not when they might Their judgment is that as they did not so should not see what they might have done But now they are hid from thyne eyes Q. But what was thus hid A. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is hidden A verbe of the Singular number admitting say some of a two-fold reference Either to what went before or what followeth after 1. To what followeth after So it is looked upon by some as relating to what our Saviour in the subsequent verses foretelleth concerning the finall destruction and desolation of Ierusalem The daies shall come upon thee c. This was hid from their eyes A truth It was so and that through their incredulitie Often had they heard the judgments of God denounced against them as by the Prophets so by Christ himselfe but they gave no credit to what they heard Their eyes being blinded with their present temporall prosperitie and with the spiritual privileges which they then injoying looked upon as intailed upon them and their posteritie they were readie rather to make a mock of all threatnings of that nature Flattering themselves even as Babylon is said to do Isa. 47. 8. which said in her heart I am and none else besides me she was a Nonsuch I shall not sit as a Widow neither shall I know the loss of Children Thus did Ierusalem what ever was told her by whomsoever yet shee did not shee would not beleeve that ever such a change should happen unto her This was hid from her eyes And even this was a sad thing deserving to be lamented over in as much as hereby their condition was rendred the more desperate But I shal not insist upon this 2. More properly these words are conceived to look backwards relating to what went before And so much those particles doe intimate unto us But now as looking back to the words precedent If thou hadst knowen even thou at least in this thy day the things which belong to thy peace But now they are hid from thine eyes viz. the things themselves or the knowledge of those things Q. But how is this here said to be hid from their eyes A. Why it was so for the Present and it was so for the future For the present they did not see it for the future they should not see it Q. But how came it thus to be hid A. Hereof a double ground or Reason may be assigned 1. Their owne willfullnesse 2. God's righteous judgment Through the former it was that they did not see and through the latter it was they should not see what belonged to their peace Upon these two I shall insist severally 1. This was hid from their eies through their own wilfulnesse They would not see what belonged to their peace their temporal and eternal happinesse Notwithstanding that it had been clearly revealed and held forth unto them yet they shut their eies against the Light This is that which our Saviour chargeth upon this people the people of the Jews in that known place Ioh. 3. 19. Light is come into the world but men loved darknesse rather then light So was it with the generalitie of that Nation Christ who was the light of the world he was come into the world and in particular come unto them declaring and making known to them what belonged to their peace But they loved darknesse the darknesse of sin and ignorance preferring it before the heavenly light of Divine Truth which shone forth unto them Such was their obstinacie that they even closed their eies and would not see So our Saviour himself sets it forth Mat. 13. 14. where citing the prophecie of the Prophet Isaiah he sheweth how it was verified in that people of the Iews in his time In them saith he is fulfilled the prophesie of the prophet Isaias which saith Behold hearing yee shall hear and shall not understand and seeing yee shall see and shall not perceive though they daily heard the Word saw the Works of Christ with their bodily ears eies yet they did not believe him or in him How so The reason followeth in the next verse For this peoples heart is waxed gross and their ears are dull of hearing and their eies they have closed left they should at any time see with their eies and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts c. Such was the wilful obstinacie of that people that they even stopped their ears against the Word of Christ and closed their eies against his Works they would not see what belonged to their peace and in this way it came to be hid from their eies And this our Saviour here taketh up as a iust matter of Lamentation to him and Exprobration to them bewailing them for it and upbraiding them with it And so it is Wilful ignorance is a matter of just Lamentation and Exprobration to a people So our Saviour here taketh notice of it in Ierusalem But now these things are hid from thine eye Hoc non dicitur ad levandam Hierosolymae culpam saith Calvin upon it our Saviour doth not speake this any wayes to excuse or Ierusalem's fault but to aggravate and highten it Such is wilfull and affected ignorance True indeed as for simple ignorance where men are ignorant through the want of the meanes of knowledge that excuseth a tantô in part The servant which not knowing his Masters will did commit things worthy of stripes shall be beaten with few stripes saith our Saviour in the Parable Luke 12. 48. In as much as he should have known it and might have known it had he enquired after it which he ought to have done therefore his ignorance doth not wholly excuse him yet being an extenuation of his fault it is so also of his punishment Simple ignorance of the minde and wil of God as concerning what we do or beleive is no just plea for any no just excuse in as much as they are by duty bound to know it might know more of it then they do were they not wanting in the inquiry after it But wilful affected ignorance when meâ—â—refuse to know close their eyes against the light stop their eares against instruction shutting it out of their souls this is an high aggravation of the sin and punishment of those that are guilty of it R. And well may it so be looked upon in as much as it is not a meer neglect but carrieth a contempt with it Now we know wiâ—h what an eye Conten pts are looked upon in the Courts of men upon earth When men refuse to take notice of their Orders
savorie doctrine and holy example they season others changing and altering them for the better And on the other hand being bad themselves they infect others So as what the Lord speaks of the Prophets and people of Israel in another sense Hos. 4. 9. We may use it in this Like Preist Like people Surely it was not without cause that the Lord sending his destroying Angell to Ierusalem he orders him to begin at the Sanctuarie Ezek. 9. 6. From thence came the rise of all those Abominations that were done in the midest of that Citie of which he speakes verse 4. they began at the Preists who if they had not been first corrupted themselves the people had not been what then they were Thus are the Ministers of God like Stars for those Influences which they have upon the people To which I might add did I not feare the straining of this string as an enlargment or further improvement of this Resemblance Stars having such an Influence upon the earth they have also a power of Binding and Loosing Such are the properties of those two a foresayd Constellations Pleiades and Orion The one bindeth the earth with the hard frost the other looseth it by the warme ayre and showres And such a power hath Jesus Christ given to these Stars the Ministers of his Gospel a Binding and a Loosing power This power he gave to Peter Mat. 16. 19. I will give unto thee the keyes of the Kingdom of heaven and whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth shall be bound in heaven whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth shall be loosed in heaven But not to Peter alone but to the â—est of the Apostles and Disciples as well as to him So you shall finde it Ioh. 20. 23. Where explaining what he meant by binding and loosing with their solemn Mission he giveth them this Commission Whosoever sinnes ye remit they are remitted unto them and whosoever sins ye retayne they are retayned This power did Jesus Christ give unto them and their successors putting the Keyes of the Kingdom of heaven into their handes the Keye of Doctrine and the Keye of Discipline whereby they open and shut binde and loose binde the Obstinate loose the Penitent both which they doe in a Ministeriall and declarative way Even as it may be conceived of those two foresayd Constellations Orion and Pleiades the one bindeth the earth the other looseth it But how Not meerely by their owne influence as being the sole or yet principall Cause of that Change for that is to be attributed to the Sun which by his Recess and returne maketh that alteration but they by their rising notifie those changes Even so is it with these Stars the Ministers of Christ what herein they doe they doe it not by their owne power or vertue as Peter said of his healing the Cripple Act. 3. 12. but by Anthoritie from Jesus Christ in his name declaring what his will and pleasure is Here is a sixth Resemblance To which I might yet add some other which are reached unto me by other handes But I would not seeme to straine the Allegorie by drawing that from it which it will not naturally and voluntarily yield And I shall have occasion to touch upon some and diverse other in the Application Which let it be directed both to Ministers and People 1. For the former were the Audience sutable I might from hence take a just occasion to speake largly to the men of my owne Tribe minding them of their Duty and exciting them to the discharge of it But however give me leave here to present to you what more immediately and properly concerneth them Hirein I shall preach to my self and you must give us leave sometimes so to doe Whereof you may have the benefit afterwards Besides you hearing what the duties of Ministers are may be the better able to doe what you are 〈◊〉 onely allowed but in some cases required to doe viz. to say to Archippus as Paul biddeth them Col. 4. 17. take â—â—â—de unto the Ministery which thou hast received in the Lord that thou fulfill it I meane in a Christian and becoming way to excite and admonish those whome God hath or shall set over you in case they shall be found remiss or negligent in their Ministerial duty and service Upon this account I shall give an account to you of what more properly concerneth my selfe and others of my Brethren To whome the sum of what I have to say is onely thus much that seeing they are set by God as Stars in the firmament of his Church they would performe the like offices to those committed to their charge as the Stars doe to this Inferiour world But before I come to prosecute this Exhortation let me first premise one or two Premonitions Let them first see that they be Stars such as are so placed by God in the firmament of his Church Therein do true Stars differ from Comets The one is fixed by God the other ascends of it self Let not the Ministers of the Gospell doe so Let not them ascend into Mose's Chayre as that new starre is sayd to have done into Cassâ—â— pâ—â—â—s in the yeare 1572 of themselves thrusting themselves whether upon the Ministeriall function or yet particular Charge without a regular and warrantable mission So did those false Prophets in Ieremies time of whome the Lord complayns Ier. 23. 21. I have not sent these Prophets yet they ran I have not spoken unto them yet they prophesied Thus did they all on their owne heades having neither Mission nor Message from God Let it not be so with Gospell Ministers They who take that office upon them let them looke to their calling Noe man taketh this honour to himselfe but he that is called of God as Aaron was saith the Apostle of the Priesthood Heb. 5. 4. speaking not de facto but de jure not what men doe but what they ought to doe Uzziah though a King must not take upon him the office of a Preist 2 Chron. 26. 16. No more ought any to usurpe upon a Gospell ministerie taking upon them to dispence Ordinances in a ministerial way without a warrantable calling from God Let them see that they be Stars not Comets that they be set by God in the firmament of his Church 2. And being thus set let them now seeke after Illumination that they themselves may be inlightened So are the stars being set in the firmament they are inlightned without which they would be of no use And this let these mysticall stars seeke after even a supernaturall illumination God hath shined into our hearts saith the Apostle that we should give the light c. Ministers that they may inlighten others they must first be enlightned themselves And this let them seeke after And where shall they have it Why where have the stars their light but from the Sun And where should Gospel Ministers have their light but from Iesus Christ. He
was the true light which lightens every man that cometh into the world it is spoken of Christ Ioh. 1. 9. Who ever it is that is inlightned whether with a naturall or supernaturall light they receive it from Christ. And to him let his Ministers looke and that not onely for the former but the latter of these that they be inlightned with a supernaturall Illumination having not onely their heads but hearts enlightned that they may be indued with a cleare sound and affectionable knowledg of divine and heavenly Mysteries And being thus seated and thus qualified then In a third place Let them doe the office of stars holding forth that light which they have shining before those over whome they are set Which they are to doe in those two wayes forenamed By Doctrine by Example 1. By Doctrine holding forth the light of Gods truth the word of life This are all Christians to doe in a practicall way So Paul willeth his Philippians Phil. 2. 16. Holding forth the worde of Life viz. in their lives and Conversations by walking answerable to it But the Ministers of Christ in a doctrinall way Communicating that light of saving knowledg which they have received in and by the preaching of the word Which they are to doe 1. Voluntarily and freely Soe doe the stars give forth their light And so should Ministers theirs Freely you have received Freely give saith our Saviour to his Apostles willing them to communicate their guifts for the good and benefit of others and that freely And so should the Ministers of the Gospell theirs Not doing what they doe by constraint nor yet out of Covetousness or any other by and sinister respect but willingly freely So Saint Peter giveth it them in charg 1 Pet. 5. 2. Feede the flock of God which is among you or as much as in you is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 taking the oversight thereof not by constraint but willingly not for filthy lucre but of a ready minde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Four words which I could wish all the Ministers of Jesus Christ had them written upon their hearts that remembring them they might practise accordingly 2. Doing this freely let them also do it faithfully and sincerely In doctrine shewing sincerity as Paul willeth Titus Chap. 2. verse 7. First holding forth no other light then what they have received Not their owne light Herein again true Stars differ from Comets Comets being set on fire hold forth their own light so doe not the Stars they hold forth no other light then what they have received from the Sun So ought the Ministers of Christ to doe not like those false prophets of whome the Lord complains Ier. 23. 16. that They spake a vision of their owne heart and not out of the mouth of the Lord. Comet-like being set on fire with ambition or vaineglory or some other by and sinister respects they held forth their owne light So ought not the Ministers of Christ to doe Star-like they are to hold forth no other light then what they receive from the Sun no other doctrine then what they receive from Christ. I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you saith the Apostle And then secondly all that light So doe the Stars they doe not hide or hold back any of that light which they have received No more may the Ministers of God any of the light of divine truth Such was Pauls faithfulness in his Ministerie that he did not shun to declare unto the Churches all the Counsell of God so he tels the Elders at Miletum Act. 20. 27. All the Counsell viz. What was profitable for them he explains it verse 20. And such should the faithfulness of Gods Ministers be They are not to hide or hold back any part of that light which they have received That which Balaam once spake against his will Numb 24. 13. Ministers should freely and conscientiously resolve upon and practise What the Lord saith unto them that to speake Onely that all that Thirdly And in so doing let them be assiduous and vnwearied So are the Stars in their Motions and operations in giving light to the earth they are unwearied holding on their courses night after night A fitting patterne for the Ministers of the Gospell who should be thus unwearied in their Ministeriall services So was Paul who tels his Corinthians that the Care of all the Churches came upon him daylie 2 Cor. 11. 28. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a multitude of cares which came like an Armie upon him for that is the proper signification of the word these came upon him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 daylie So should the Care of those particular charges over which God hath set his Ministers come upon them and that daylie They should be assiduous in seeking of their good unwearied in their Gospell Ministration in the worke and services of their God This is that which Paul requires from all Christians 1. Cor. 15. last Finally my brethren be ye steadfast unmovable alwayes abounding in the worke of the Lord. And let it be directed in a speciall manner to the Ministers of Christ who are imployed in the service of the Lord after a speciall manner Let them be therein unwearied 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not giving in not fainting as Paul saith of himselfe that he did not 2. Cor. 4. 1. And so doing let them now for their Incouragement take notice of what there followeth For as much as you know that your labour is not in vaine in the Lord So shall not the labour of private Christians be much less the labour of Gods Ministers Who thus shining as stars here shall shine as Stars hereafter So runs the Promise in express terms Dan. 12. 3. They that be wise Teachers saith the Margin and so the word Hammashkilim may be taken transitiuely for facientes intelligere such as make others wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament and they that turne many to righteousness which is properly the Ministeriall worke as the Stars for ever and ever Being honoured both of God and men shining in their memories upon earth the Apostles are as twelve stars upon the Churches head Rev. 12. 1. and in their persons in heaven 2. I have done with the former and chief part of the Ministerial office which is to shine before others in Doctrine to which in the second place they are to joyn Example Which as I have already shewn you is not a little influential upon the people especially upon the vulgar common sort who are for the most part more led by Example then Precept Praeceptis ducimur Exemplis trahimur Precepts lead Examples draw And of all examples none more then of Ministers They being to some as the Sun-diall by which men set their Clocks or as the Stars to the Sea-man by which he steareth his course The consideration whereof should make them the more wary and circumspect in the ordering of
Thus approving themselves unto Christ let them then Commit themselves unto him commending themselves into this hand of his So did their Master dying he commended his Spirit into his Fathers hand Into thy hand I commend my Spirit Luk. 23. 46 And so let his servants do both living and dying commend themselves their lives their liberties their labours their all into the hand of this their Lord and Master by faith putting themselves into the hollow of that hand and lying down under the shadow of it Commit thy way unto the Lord saith David unto all Psal. 37. 5. And this let the Ministers of Christ do in a special manner Fourthly And thus committing themselves to him let them also submit unto him Taking notice that they are in his hand let them yeeld up themselves unto him to be disposed of by him according to his good will and pleasure So did the blessed Apostle St. Paul So long as his Lord and Master Christ might be glorified in him and by him he did not much weigh in what way it was whether by life or by death as he tells his Philippians Phil. 1. 20. And let their be the like minde in all the Ministers of Jesus Christ. In all things let them comply with his mind and will Being willing to go whether he calls or sends them like the Centurions souldiers and servants Mat. 8. 9. I say to one go and he goeth and to another come and he cometh c. And to do what he will have them Peter though he had fished all night and caught nothing yet neverthelesse at his Masters command he will let down the net Luk. 5. 5. And as doing so suffering for him I am ready not onely to be bound but also to die at Ierusalem for the name of the Lord Iesus saith Paul to the Disciples Act. 21. 13. And thus committing and submitting themselves to him let them now incourage themselves in him So did David in that great distresse of his when he knew not what to do he then Encouraged himself in the Lord his God 1 Sam. 30. 6. And this let all the faithful Ministers of Jesus Christ do Remembring that they are in his hand yea in his right hand which may serve as a grand Encouragement to bear up their hearts and spirits First Against the contempt of the world that mean estimation which the men of this world have of them and of their calling Let the world judge and think and speak of them as it will It is not this judgement which they are much to regard with me saith the Apostle It is a very small thing to be judged of you or of mans judgement 1 Cor. 4. 3. Whose judgement then was it that he regarded Why the judgement of his Lord and Master Christ so it followeth in the next verse He that judgeth me is the Lord. What then though the world have a low a meane base estimation of the Persons and calling of the Ministers of Christ So it had of Paul and the rest of the Apostles as he setteth it forth in the sequel of that Chapter We are made a spectacle unto the world and unto Angels and unto Men verse 9. We are made the filth of the world and are the off-scouring of all things v 13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the very sweepage and dross the off all and shreds of the world Such a mean and base esteem had many in those times of Paul and his Collegues the blessed Apostles and other Primitive Ministers And it is but too apparent that such and no better is the esteem which many even among our selves have of them at this day whose tongues and pens speak what their thoughts are But let not this be regarded by the faithfull Mininisters of Christ. It is enough that their Lord and Master Christ thinks otherwise of them Let the world as it doth set them upon the left hand He hath taken them into his right hand and there he holdeth them thereby declaring both how near and dear they are to him near in Relation dear in Affection Euen as the Signet upon his right hand as the Lord saith of Eliakim Ier. 22. 24. or as the men of his right hand as the Psalmist saith of David Psalm 80. 17. his Benjamins the sons of his right hand as that word signiefith And secondly as against the contempt so against the Opposition which they meet withall in and from the world which oft time is not little Paul met with affronts more then a few Being to preach to the Deputie Sergius Paulus Elimas the Sorcerer withstood him Acts 13. 8. And elsewhere he tells us of his fighting with beasts at Ephesus 1 Cor. 15. 32. which some and not a few understand of bruitish bestiall savage and cruel bloody minded adversaries And such he sometimes conflicted with as appeareth from that request of his which he maketh to his Thessalonians 2 Thes. 3. 2. Where he desireth them to pray for him that among other things he might be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men And such conflicts the rest of the Apostles had frequent experience of finding that to be true which their Lord and Master had foretold them Matth. 10. that they were sent forth as sheep among Wolves verse 16. and that they should be hated of all men for his Names sake verse 22. because they were his servants his Ministers imployed in his service And what if the Ministers of Christ shall meet with the like at this day Which at not a few hands they already doe There being many who are desperately ingaged not onely against their Persons but against their Profession their Calling crying that down as useless and unnecessarie nay destructive and pernicious seeking by all wayes they can to extirpate and root it out But let not all this discourage the faithfull Ministers of Jesus Christ knowing that they are in his hand not in the hand of man If so there were just cause to fear their standing But in the hand of Iesus Christ and that in his Right hand which is both a gracious and a powerfull a sure and safe Custodie and Protection And who is it then that shall take them out of his hand Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand saith our Saviour concerning his sheep John 18. 20. And if not the sheep surely then not the shepherds He that hath such a vigilant eye over the one will not be regardlesse of the other Pan curatoves oviumque Magistros Yea then let men and devils do their worst yet let not them fear That was Davids resolution which he took up upon this very ground Psalme 56. 6 4. In God have I put my trust I will not fear what flesh can doe unto me Such is the Arme of man how long how strong how potent soever it be yet it is but an Arm of flesh as the Prophet tells it Jer. 17. 5. Flesh not Spirit as the Prophet Isaiah saith of
in the Church yet is there but one Sun but one Lord. One Lord one faith sayth the Apostle Ephes. 4. 5. True it is there have been others which have been so called and owned This the Apostle elswhere taketh notice of 1. Cor. 8. 5. There be Gods many and Lords many saith he viz. so called as he there explaines himselfe Such were the Gods of Baal to which the Apostle may be conceived there to allude all which were called by their masters name Bagnatim which signifieth Lords As Baal-Zebub Zebub Baal-Peor Baal-Berith Baal-Berozim and divers others These were the Heathens Lords which they worshipped and served as their Patrons and Protectors But these were all as the name of the first of them Baal-Zebub imparts Flye-Lords Mock-Lords not unlike some of those Lords which were wonte to be set up at this season of the yeare a strange honour to such a Master Lords of misrule as they were vulgarly but truly called Lords in name nothing less in truth In truth in the Church there is but one Lord In the Church I say In the common-wealth indeed there are many Lords and those not only Titular but Reall Thus we read of the Lords of the Philistines and of the King and his Lords Dan. 5. 10. Such are all Rulers and Governours who have Authoritie and dominion over the estates liberties lives of others But in the Church but one Lord which is Iesus Christ. So the Apostle there goeth on in that Text forenamed 1 Cor. 8. 6. Vnto us there is but one God One Lord Iesus Christ. Whatever there be to others to us Christians there is but one Lord One Mediatour There is one God and one Mediatour betwixt God and men the man Christ Iesus 1 Tim. 2. 5. One Saviour Neither is there salvation in any other for there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved Acts 4. 12. But one Sun One true Sun I mean sometimes indeed there are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as they call them half Suns appearing in the heavens which are nothing but reflections of the Sun shining upon some thick clouds And so there are false mediatours such as those which Romish superstition hath set up as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 partners with Iesus Christ as sharing with him in the office of his Mediatourship But one true Sun and one true Mediatour both of Redemption and Intercession even the Lord Iesus who upon this account is fitly resembled by the Sun Sol quia solus 2. As the Sun is but one so it far exceedeth and excelleth all the other stars Exceedeth them in Quantity excelleth them in Quality In Quantity in the magnitude of the Body which is vast and great even beyond belief being as by the masters of the Astronomical science it is voted no less then one hundred and sixty times bigger then the whole Globe of the Earth and Sea and far exceeding any other of the Stars And so in Quality in the greatness of the light which is greater not onely then the light of any one star but of the Moon and all the stars being put together And such is the transcendency of Iesus Christ above all other creatures whether men or Angels All which he excelleth in dignity and power in majestie and glory To him is given that nomen super omne nomen that name above every name Phil. 2. 9. supereminent power transcendent glory and that above all creatures Yea even above those Angelical spirits which in themselves are glorious creatures yet compared with Jesus Christ they are but as stars to the Sun So the Apostle setteth forth his transcendency and preeminence Ephes. 20. 21. where speaking of the exaltation of Christ he sheweth how God the Father having raised him from the dead set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named not onely in this world but also that which is to come In the whole firmament of heaven no star to be compared with the Sun Among men and Angels in earth or heaven none to be compared with this Son of man the Lord Iesus 3. Again the Sun it is as it were Oculus mundi the Eye of the world seeing and beholding what is done upon earth As it were viewing all places and passages His going forth saith the Psalmist speaking of the Sun is from the end of the heaven and his circuit unto the ends of it and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof Psal. 19. 6. And therein is it a fit Embleme of Iesus Christ who whilest he keepeth his residence in heaven yet hath a universal inspection and oversight of all things here upon earth being absolutely omniscient taking notice of all persons in all places and of all their several transactions and actions I know thy works saith this Son of man to the Churches in the Chapters following And not onely their actions but their thoughts their counsels When he was upon earth he was able to look through the Breasts of men He needed not that any should testifie of man saith St Iohn for he knew what was in man John 2. last And elsewhere we read of his seeing and knowing the thoughts of men Matth. 9. 4. 12. 25. And this he still doth Like as the Sun looketh through the window and so as it were discovereth what is within doors which those that stand without take no notice of Even so doth the Lord Iesus he being as God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the searcher of hearts he looks into the most secret corners of them looking through whatever lattices whatever specious pretences their words or actions are glazed with taking notice of their most secret counsels and intentions seeing their thoughts yea before they arise in their hearts Thou understandest my thoughts a far of Psal 139. 2. This was the mystery of those fiery eyes of the Son of man in the verse before the Text. His eyes were as a flame of fire intimating the perspicacity and omniscience of the Lord Jesus 4. Yet again the Sun is an Emblem of Purity Being pure in it self and not capable of contracting any impurity from elsewhere Though the beams of it pass through the impurest channels yet they receive no taint but still retain their native purity And such was this Son of man the Lord Iesus in the dayes of his flesh He then passed through the womb of the Virgin which was not so pure as those that Idolatrize her would make it she being no more free from that Original contagion then others of the sons and daughters of Adam yet he received no tincture from it Whilest he partaked of her nature taking flesh from her yet he was free from the taint of that corruption which cleaved to her nature Thence called by the Angel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That holy thing that shall be born of thee Luke 1. 35. Such he was
that when he shall appeare we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 Ioh. 3. 2. Like him in Glory When Christ who is our life shall appeare then shall yee also appeare with him in glory Col. 3. 4. Thus is Iesus Christ fitly resembled by the Sun in regard of his illuminating property being fons luminis the fountaine of all light inlightning all that are inlightned in what kind so ever 2 And inlightning hee also enliveneth quickneth This doth the Sun in a naturall way it quickneth vegetables hearbs and plantes and trees and some other creatures which seeme dead in the winter yet by the returne of the Sun they are quickned in the spring And the like doth Iesus Christ in a supernaturall way Hee quickneth men Thence called their life in that place last mentioned When Christ who is our life shall appeare Col. 3. 4. Quickning them and that both in their soules and Bodies Their soules The Son quickneth whome he will Ioh. 5. 21. This doth he here to the soules of men Finding them dead in trespasses and sins Chap. 2. 1. hee quickneth them Which he doth by sending his spirit into their hearts as the Sun quickneth the hearbs and plants by sending his warme beames into the bosome of the earth And as the soules so the Bodies of men Having quickned the soules of his elect here he shall quicken their Bodies hereafter This is the Fathers will who hath sent me saith our Saviour that of all that he hath given me I should loose nothing but should raise it up againe at the last day Ioh 6. 39. And this shall he doe by the same spirit So the Apostle tels his Romanes C. 8. 11. If the spirit of him that raised up Iesus from the dead dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortall bodyes by his spirit that dwelleth in you That spirit of Christ which here quickneth the souls of his elect in the first resurrection shall by the like power also quicken their bodies in the second Upon which double account he is called by the Apostle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Quickning spirit 1. Cor. 15. 45. The last Adam was made a quickning spirit The last Adam Iesus Christ who is the head and roote of all his elect as the first Adam was of all mankind he is ordained by God to be the fountaine and Author both of a spirituall and Eternall life unto them quickning them by the Communication of his spirit unto them quickning their Souls here and Bodyes hereafter Thus is he as the Sun vivifiying quickning 3. Quickning he also cheareth and comforteth This doth the Sun which is as it were the Ioy and comfort of the world without which there is nothing but melancholie darkness and sadness Such is Iesus Christ the joy and comfort of his Church The Consolation of Israel as he is stiled Luk. 2. 25. refreshing chearing comforting the hearts of his people Even as the Sun by the warm beams of it cheereth and refresheth the herbes and plants making them lift up the head which drooped before Even thus doth this Sun of righteousnes arise with healing in his wings Mal. 4. 2. Comforting the hearts of his people chearing up their drooping and dejected spirits comforting them I even I am he that comforteth you saith the Lord Christ to his people Isai. 51. 1. This is the proper office of Iesus Christ as the same Prophet sets it forth Isai. 91. 1. 2. The spirit of the Lord is upon me and hath anointed me to preach good tidings to the meeke He hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted to comfort all that mourn To appoint unto them that mourn in Sion to give unto them beauty for asshes and the oyle of joy for mourning the garment of gladness for the spirit of heavines Even as the Sun arising upon the earth putteth a new garment upon it instead of that sable mantle of darkness wherewith it was covered it put on it a robe of â—ight and so alters the habit of it making all things chearfull and comfortable So doth Iesus Christ coming to a dejected soule he causeth light to shine forth into it even the light of spirituall joy and comfort so changing and altering the state of it Which also he doth by his spirit Even as the sun whilst the body of it is in heaven yet by sending downe its beames it cheareth and comforteth those creatures which are here below Thus doth the Lord Iesus though he be in person in heaven yet by sending his spirit he comforteth the hearts of his people That is the Promise which he maketh unto his Apostles when he was to take his leave of them as to his bodily presence yet he would not leave them comfortles Ioh. 14. 18. I will not leave you comfortless I will come unto you viz. by his spirit Even as the Sun though at a vast distance from the earth yet daily cometh to it viâ—iteth it by sending down his beams upon it Thus â—he Lord Iesus though keeping his residence in heaven yet he cometh to his people upon earth by sending his Spirit to them which is their Comforter When the Comforter is come whom I wil send unto you even the spirit of truth c. Ioh. 15. 26. 4. Againe Thus chearing the hearts of his people he also maketh them to fructifie So doth the Sun to the earth to trees and plants by â—hining upon them it maketh them beare fruit which otherwise standing in the shade would be barren What ever fruites the earth bringeth forth it may thanke the Sun for it And thus the Lord Iesus by sending his spirit into the hearts of his people he maketh them fruitful who otherwise without him would be barren as he himself setteth it forth fully Ioh. 15. 4 c. By this meanes they who of themselves are not sufficient so much as to thinke a good thought as the Apostle hath it 2 Cor. 3. 9. come to abound in good workes and to be filled with the fruites of righteousness which are by Iesus Christ to the Praise and Glory of God as the same Apostle prayeth for his Philippians Phil. 1. 11. Which fruits are the fruites of the spirit so called Gal. 5. 22. 5. To which I might yet add As he causeth them to fructifie so also he purifieth them Thiâ— doth the Sun rising upon the earth it clarifieth purifieth the ayre freeing it from those annoyances which in the night season had fallen upon it And this doth the Lord Iesus rising upon the heart of his people by his spirit he purifieth them Thence compared to a refiners fire Mat. 3. 2 3. But I shall not give way to further inlargments Thus you see how Iesus Christ is as the Sun to his Church performing the like office to his people that the Sun doth to the world I might yet goe on and shew you how he is
that unclean spirit to our Saviour Mark 1. 24. But to know them affectionately with a knowledge of approbation So the word knowing in Scripture is frequently used In this sense Saint Paul saith of himself Rom. 7. 15. that the things which he did he knew not So the Original hath it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I know not meaning as our Translation giveth the sense of it that he did not allow or approve of them In this sense God is said to know or not to knovv men If any man love God the same is known of him 1 Cor. 8. 3. that is approved of him Verily I say unto you◠I know yon not saith the Bridgroome to the foolish virgins refusing to own them Mat. 25. 12. And in this sense man is said to know God and Jesus Christ. This is life eternal to know thee the onely true God and him whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ Joh. 17. 3. O righteous Father the world hath not known thee vers 25. Novv in this sense the inhabitants of Jerusalem did not know Jesus Christ. A general knowledge they had concerning the Messia that he should come And many of them might know Jesus but they did not know him to be the Messia they did not acknowledge him to be the Christ. Q. No it may be said did not they acknowledge him What meant then that Acclamation of the people who at this time brought him into Jerusalem in triumph as Saint Matthew more fully reports the story Mat. 21. 8. where he tels us how a very great multitude spread their garments in the way c. And they cryed Saying Hosanna to the Son of David Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest Now did not they own and acknowledge him How is it then that he here exprobrates them with their disowning sleighting of him A. To this it is answered True Christ was thus acknowledged by some and many at this time But by whom was it Probably by some of the neighbouring villages not by the inhabitants of Jerusalem So much seems to be intimated in the tenth verse where it is said when he came into Jerusalem all the City was moved saying who is this To whom the multitude which came along with him return answer This is Jesus the Prophet c. But again However some there were in Jerusalem that did so acknowledge him so did the Children in the Temple which sung the same song Hosanna to the Son of David vers 15. yet who or what were they No considerable party whether for quality or number For quality they were such as were of no account being of the vulgar and meaner sort Not any of eminent place whether in Church or State that appeared any more for him Have any of the Rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him say the chief Priests to their Officers Joh. 7. 48. At that time when those Queristers sung that Antheme in the Temple it is said that the chief Priests and Scribes were sore displeased Matth. 21. 15. And it was no otherwise with the body of the people who were generally led as for the most part they are by the example of their Rulers They did not receive him and his Doctrine And this it is which here he so passionately bewailes in them that they had not done it and so affectionately wisheth that they had done it O if thou c. Lo then How deplorable a thing it is for a people not to receive Christ and his Gospel being offered and tendered unto them This is the observation I am now to prosecute For a people not to receive Christ and his Gospel not to give entertainment to the messengers of peace not to imbrace the offers of grace and mercy being held forth unto them in the preaching of the Gospel this is a most sad and deplorable thing This is the thing which our Saviour here so passionately laments and bewails And the same we find him doing again elsewhere Mat. 23. 37. where he breaketh forth into the like pathetical exclamation O Jerusalem Jerusalem how often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not O Jerusalem Jerusalem the word is doubled to intimate the strong affection of the speaker How often would I have gathered thy children meaning the people of the Jews whose mother City was Jerusalem This he had attempted by sending his messengers his servants unto them then coming himself to admonish them warn them exhort them so striving to bring them to faith and repentance that so they might have been sheltred from the wrath of God and secured from those imminent evils which hang over their heads But they would not They rejected the offers of grace made unto them And this is the matter of our Saviours lamentation the thing which drew these tears from his eyes And indeed there is nothing more to be lamented then this And will you have the Reason of it take it from the Text. This is the thing which belongeth unto their peace Upon this it is that the woe or welfare the felicity or misery of a people doth depend This is their making or marring the receiving or rejecting the Gospel of peace This being entertained brings peace along with it It was the commission and direction which our Saviour gave to his Apostles when he sent them forth Matth. 10. 12 13. When ye enter into a house salute it and if the house be worthy that is such persons as are willing and ready to entertain you and your message now let your peace come upon it Now preach the Gospel of peace to them and therewith wish all good and happinesse unto them which also accordingly shall come and rest upon them So Saint Luke expresseth it Luk. 10. 6. If the sonne of peace be there meaning such persons as were readily disposed to receive the doctrine of peace the Gospel your peace shall rest upon it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God will bring upon that family all the good that you wish unto it your apprecation of peace shall be as effectual as your preaching of it Thus is it with a family And thus is it with a City and thus is it with a Nation The receiving of the Gospel is the happinesse of it On the other hand the rejecting of the Gospel is the undoing of a people So it there followeth Matth. 10. 14. Whosoever shall not receive you nor hear your words when ye depart out of that house or City shake of the dust of your feet This were the Apostles to do as a token of Gods shaking them off Even as we read of Nehemiah shaking his lap Nehem. 5. 13. Also I shook my lap and said So God shake out every man from his house from his labour that performeth not this promise even thus be he shaken out and emptied Thus were the Apostles to shake off the
shall see the things belonging unto their peace being already doomed and adjudged to everlasting darknesse You are now called into that marvellous light as Saint Peter calleth the grace of the Gospell 1 Pet. 2. 11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not undeservedly so stiled in as much as therein are revealed those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the wonderfull things of God As the Apostles auditors of them at the day of Penticost that they heard them speake the wonderfull workes of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 magnifica the magnificent great and admirable things of God Such are the ministers of the Gospell wherein those wonderfull acts and Counsels of God touching the salvation of his Elect by Christ are revealed and held forth A misterie which the Angels themselves do earnestly desire to looke into as Saint Peter telleth us 1 Pet. 11. 2. Being much taken there with when they sawe it more clearly revealed under the Gospel then it had been under the Lawe they even stooped bowed down as it were for so the word there used properly signifieth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as desirous to prie and looke narrowly into it Now these are the things which God hath revealed unto you And for this do you praise and magnifie his name for ever Taking this as a pledge and assurance of what hereafter you shall see Your eyes being thus opened to see Christ by faith here you shall see him hereafter when you shall have a full sight of him see him as he is see him in his glory Which when you shall do then shall ye be made like unto him as St. Iohn assureth you 1 Ioh. 3. 2. like him in glorie When Christ who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in glory Col. 3. 4. Which beautifull vision the Lord of his free grace and mercie in Iesus Christ vouchsafe to everie soul of us Amen FINIS The mysterie opened Seven Stars what Vid. Cornel. A Lapide in Text. The Angels of the seven Churches Stellaâ—us jaspide futro Eâ—sis erat Virgil. Aeneid 41. Obs. Gospel Ministers Stars Resemblances betwixt them Ministers set by God in the firmament of his Church They have their several Orbs. Of different Altitudes and Magnitudes Set up for Lights shining 1. By Doctrine 2. By Example 5. Their light is borrowed They are Influential They have a power of Binding and Loosing Applic. To Ministers Ministers Duties why to be opened before the people Ministers are to do office of Stars Provided first that they be Stars Set in the Church by God Illuminated themselves Then shining before others By Doctrine preaching the word which they are to do Voluntarily freely Faithfully and sincerely Constantly and assiduously An incouragement for faithful labourers Example Ministers wherein they are to be Examples to others In Purity In Zeal Their zeal must be well tempered In Humility In Sobriety Modesty Gravity In Regularity and Constancy In Patience and undanted Resolution Ministers should be heavenly minded Not clashing with their Brethren In what cases Ministers may and must apâ—eare â—gainst their Brethren Not pragmaticall Busibodies Vigilant over their flocks A modest enquiry touching the Ministers of the Church of England Some not deserving the name of Stars Many Meteors Comets Intruders upon the Office Exhalations Blazing Stars Falling-Stars Bitter stars Vse 2. Application to the People who ought To take notice of their Ministers as set over them by God Bless God for them if able and faithfull Praying for their Lives and Liberties Giving respect to their Office and Persons Making use of their Light Of Doctrine Their Example Following them as they follow Christ. Gospell Ministers in the right hand of Iesus Christ. The Mysterie explained Christs properties and interest in his Ministers Their Office is from him Right hand Blessings speciall blessings Gospell Ministerie a great Blessing to the Church Their Mission from him Their Commission from him Gospel Ministers ordered and governed by Iesus Christ. Supported and maintained by him The efficacy and successe of their labours is from him Application To Ministers Let them remember whose Ministers they are Approve themselves unto Jesus Christ. During his will and work Seeking his glory Commit themselves to him Submit unto him Encourage themselves in him Against the contempt of the world Against Opposition in and from the world Looking for success unto Jesus Christ. Going on cheerfully and courageously in their work Take heed of provoking him in whose hands they are Vse 2. To the people Take notice whose Ministers they are which are set over them Not daring 〈◊〉 oppose them Arguments to deter men from such oppression Faithful Ministers to be sâ—ught from Iesus Christ Due respect to be given to faithfull Ministers Not undervaluing â—hem Christ honoured in his Mâ—nisters Not esteeming too highly of them Receiving them specially their Doctrine The Mystery opened What signified by this sword Some understand hereby Divine judgement Corn. à lapid ad Text Others the Word The Word a Sword Christs Sword the Sword of his Mouth The word a cutting and killing Instrument The Word a sharpe sword peircing the heart The word a two edged sword Law and Gospel the two edges of this sword The word having a double execution The word having a double and contrary operation Vpon different persons beleevers unbelâ—vers Vpon the same persons Beleevers dead and alive at the same time Both the effects of the word which Killeth them and that two wayes Quickeneth them This sword the word going forth of the mouth of Iesus Christ both Law and Gospel Application To Ministers what sword they are to use But one sword The sword of the mouâ—h The sword goingforth of the mouth of Christ. Ministers to make use of this sword Ministers to preach both Law and Gospel This sword to be used for Christ. To the people This sword sufficient for them Private Christians to make use of this sword Not in a publick way But in a private All to stand in awe of Christ and his word Christ figâ—â—â—ng against â—â—stinate sâ—â—â—â—â—s By temporal judgements By eternal judgment The word of Christ to be â—eceived as his word The word to be received with fear and trembling The word to be felt as a sharpe two edged sword Pricking Piercing Killing Quickning Christs face sheweth him to be no ordinary person The Sun in his face Mystical What hereby signified various coÌ„jectures about it The glory of his mystical body Of the Romane Church Aleazac ad lec Of the Asi-Churches Brightman Of the Evangelical Church Of Christ himselfe which is insisted on Three branches of this description Branch 1. Christ as the Sun Cornel. à Lapide ad Text. In respect of his Personal properties Powerful operations Personal properties His Oneness Many stars one Sun One Lord in the Church * Preached Decem. 26. Romish Mediators 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 His transcendent excellency His Omniscience 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Poet. His Purity Powerful operations of Jesus Christ. His