to see every one behaving himself well living in sweet Concord Peace and Love together VII So it is a great Honour to the Church of God when it is well and wisely governed In this respect Solomon was a Type of Christ and his Family a Type of the Family of the Faithful or Church of God The Lord Jesus ought to be acknowledged as the Head and chief Governor and next to Him the Bishop or Pastor thereof must be obeyed and submitted to in all things in the Lord. Heb. 13.17 Obey them that have the Over-sight of you and subject your selves for they watch for your Souls There is nothing that doth more beautify the Church of God than good Order What is any Society of Men without Rule and good Government Strict Discipline must be kept up in Christ's Family Every Member ought to know his Place and to strive to behave himself well To this very end Paul wrote to Timothy 1 Tim. 3.15 That thou mayest saith he know how thou oughtest to behave thy self in the House of God c. All the Saints should live in perfect Peace Unity and sweet Concord together as Children of the same Father and Heirs of the same Crown and Kingdom Hence the Apostle exhorteth the Saints Eph. 4.3 to endeavour to keep the Vnity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace Nothing is at this Day more grievous to a sincere Soul than to see the great Divisions and Want of Love that is amongst us nor doth any thing more encourage our Popish Adversaries Jovianus the Emperor was much troubled at the Divisions that were amongst Christians in his Time and shewed his Dislike at their Contentions in these Words I tell you truly I cannot bear with Contention but such as are for Concord and Unity I willingly honour and embrace and certain I am that such as strive for Truth and Peace Christ will embrace Discord amongst Brethren being one of those things he chiefly hates Prov. 6.16 VIII There is and ought to be some special Order and Discipline kept up in a Family that every one may know his Place Work and Business VIII So in the Church or spiritual Family there is a special Order and Discipline to be learned and kept up and every one is to know his Place Work and Business some of which we shall briefly hint in this place The first thing that I shall mind is the Choice of Officers viz. Elders and Deacons They should be chosen according to the Rules and Directions God hath left in his Word viz. Men fitly qualified A Bishop must not be soon angry 1 Tim. 3.2 to 8. T it 1 5 6 7. not given to Wine no Striker not self-willed not a Brawler not Covetous not a Novice He must be blameless one that rules well his own House apt to teach a Lover of good Men sober just temperate able by sound Doctrine to convince Gainsayers There are Directions also given about their Wives 2. Every Member hath his peculiar Vote in chusing of their Officers after Election they are to be ordained by Prayer and laying on of Hands Acts 6.6 13.3 3. The Pastor or Bishop is to feed the Flock to be faithful and laborious in preaching the Word of Life exhorting reproving comforting 1 Tim. 4.12 16. according as he finds occasion 4. It behoveth him together with the Church to be careful whom they receive into the Family viz. none but such as are converted true penitent and believing Persons as near as they can 5. They ought to know the State of the Flock Prov. 27.23 Heb. 13.17 and to watch over every Member thereof 6. The Members of the Church ought to study their Duty 1. To their Pastor to provide for him a sufficient Maintenance 1 Cor. 9.9 to 14. that he may not be encumbered with worldly Affairs and thereby made unfit for his great Work and Business he is called to See Planters Labourers c. 2. To pray for him and shew him all due Respect Eph. 6.19 as the Steward and Embassador of Christ 3. As to their Duties one to another as Fellow-Members of God's Church it is needful for them to know how they should carry and behave themselves towards their offending Brethren And as touching this it is necessary to consider 1. The Rule touching private Offences 2. Touching publick and scandalous Offences and Offenders 1. Touching private Offences Christ hath left us Directions in Mat. 18.15 16. If thy Brother offend thee tell him his Fault between thee and him alone but if he will not hear thee take one or two more c. But if he still neglect to hear them tell it to the Church But if he will not hear the Church then he is fit for Church-dealing or Excommunication Let all take heed they do not make publick any Evil or Offence of their Brethren that is private for this is an utter Fault and a Violation to the Law of Christ and Order of his House 2. Touching publick and scandalous Sins and Offenders such as expose the Name of God to a Reproach as Fornication Covetousness Idolatry Drunkenness Rioting c. these without thorow and unfeigned Repentance ought forthwith to be delivered up to Satan or put out of the Church into the Kingdom of Satan 1 Cor. 5.5 from whence they came And truly it cannot be known quickly who hath true Repentance that fall into such great Sins until there be some Time of Trial. Reformation of Life is the chief part of Repentance therefore to clear the Name of God from Reproach and the better to bring the Offender to the Sence of his Sin the Ordinance of Excommunication ought in my Judgment immediatly upon Conviction to pass against him 3. In the Administration of Justice and Judgment in the Church special Care ought to be taken that with all Wisdom and Impartiality Persons may be dealt withal Let the Church and Pastor see to it that the Rich be no more spared than the Poor Levi was not to know his Father in Judgment IX In a religious Family Devotion is carefully and duely performed Prayer reading the Word c. 'T is a Reproach to a Family especially to the Master or Governor and Governess to have this neglected and a Sin very provoking to God Pour out thy Fury upon the Heathen that know thee not Jer. 20.25 and upon the Families that call not upon thy Name IX So the Church of God is the chief Place of Publick Devotion there the Word of God is and ought to be read And hence Paul saith to the Colossians When this Epistle is read amongst you Col. 4.16 17. cause it to be read also in the Church mark of the Laodiceans There the Word of God is truly and duely preached and the Sacraments administred Out of Zion the Perfection of Beauty Psal 50.2 Eph. 3.10 God hath shined To the intent that now unto Principalities and Powers in heavenly
Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Maleac by interpretation a Messenger or Legate one sent and employed in any Work whether of God or Man And those sent of God were sometimes Men as Haggai is called the Lord's Angel or Messenger Hag. 1.13 and John Baptist Mat. 3.1 and generally the Lord's Priests under the Law Mal. 2.7 and Christ's Ministers under the Gospel Rev. 1.20 Vnto the Angel of the Church c. that is the Minister or Pastor of the Church But in special Angels are those heavenly Spirits and fiery Flames that are wise 2 Sam. 14.20 excell in Strength Psal 103.20 Which are all ministring Spirits sent forth to minister unto them who shall be Heirs of Salvation Heb. 1.7 14. The Hebrew Doctors Opinion of Angels is That they are essential Forms created without any material Substance or Body And whereas the Prophet says he saw an Angel like Fire and with Wings c. it is also spoken of prophetical Visions and by way of dark Parables Also that the Angels are lower and higher one than another 't is not in the highness of place as when one Man sits higher or above another but as we speak of two wise Men which excell one another in Wisdom that that Man is higher than this Likewise that there are ten Names that Angels are called by and accordingly ten Degrees of them and the tenth called Men are the Angels which spake with the Prophets and appeared to them in Visions for which they are called Men as Maimon sheweth in Misneh Jesudei Haâ—ovah chap. 2. That there are are ten Degrees of Angels the holy Scriptures shew not but Degrees there are as the Apostle mentioneth Rom. 8.38 Col. 1.18 Angels Principalities Powers Thrones Dominions c. Howbeit we are warned not to intrude into those things which we have not seen Col. 1.18 Sometimes the Word Angel is given to Christ himself who is the Angel of the Covenant and the Angel of God's Face or Presence Isa 63.1 In whom God's Name is Exod. 23.20 Thus Ainsworth And in another place he saith That one of the two Angels that appeared to Abraham was Jesus Christ whom Abraham called the Judg of all the Earth Gen. 18.2 who is called Jehovah v. 13. It is the Opinion of some of the Learned that every particular Saint hath an Angel to take care of him Mat. 18.10 which they gather from that passage Take heed ye despise not one of these little Ones for I say unto you That in Heaven their Angels always behold the Face of my Father c. And from that in Acts 12.15 Then said they It is his Angel But others rather conclude That the Saints have many Angels to watch over them and continually to minister to them That the Godly are under the Guardianship of the holy Angels is not doubted or questioned by any worthy Writer The Holy Angels compared to Watchers Dan. 4.13 I saw in the Vision of my Head and behold a Watcher c. Verse 17. This Matter is by the Decree of the Watchers and the Demand by the Word of the Holy Ones Metaphor Parallel A Watcher or Watchman imports such as sleep not or but little their Business is to watch which they cannot do unless they keep themselves awake ANgels are not subject to sleep as Men are they always are awake beholding the Evil and the Good hence said to be full of Eyes Ezek. 1.18 II. Watchers import such as have a Charge committed to them of great importance which they are continually to look after The Apostle speaking of the Care of Ministers Heb. 13.17 saith They watch for our Souls c. II. Angels have a great Charge committed to them they are employed about great and weighty Affairs and that First in reference unto God Secondly in reference unto Saints Thirdly In reference unto wicked Men. First In reference unto God 1. They are his Courtiers attending upon Him continually for his Honour and to set forth his Magnificence I saw the Lord sitting on his Throne 1 Kings 22.19 Act. 7.33 Gen. 16.7 10.12 2 Kiâ—g 1. Lâ—â— â— 26 Acts 10.3 1.11 8.26 27 24. Rev. 1.1 and all the Host of Heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left hand 2. They wait for his Word and do receive Commandment from him 3. They oft-times declare God's Mind and Will to Men. Thus they were employed to give the Law on Mount Sinai and to reveal God's Mind to Abraham to Hagar to Lot to Elijah to the Virgin Mary to the Shepherds to the Apostles to Philip to Paul to John c. 4. To govern the Kingdoms of the World for it is not to be doubted but God makes use of them upon this account Hence they are called Princes yea glorious Princes and are much above the Kings and Potentates of the Earth Dan. 10.13 Eccles 5.8 5. They are God's Warriors to execute his Decrees whether of Mercy as 2 Kings 6.17 or of Judgment 2 Sam. 24.17 2 Kings 19.35 Rev. 16.7 6. They are continually employed in praising of God crying Holy holy holy is the Lord of Hosts Isa 6.3 Rev. 4.8 7.11 12. Secondly In reference to the Church and People of God they have a great Charge committed to them and much Business and Work to do Psal 91.11 He hath given his Angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways 1. They are as Nurses to bear up and to keep the Godly from Hurt Psal 91.12 They shall bear thee up in their hands lest thou dash thy Foot against a Stone 2. They are as Stewards to provide for the Godly in their Need. How graciously was Elijah fed by Angels with a Cake baked on the Coals and a Cruse of Water 2 Kings 19.4 5. when he was faint and ready to die 3. They are employed as Physicians as appears by that Passage John 5.4 4. As Comforters in Trouble Gen. 21 17 How sweetly was poor Hagar comforted by an Angel when she said I will not see the Death of the Lad The like was the Prophet Isaiah Isa 6.6 7. Nay our blessed Saviour refused not to receive Comfort from the Angels who ministred to him when he was in his bloody Agony in the Garden Luk. 22 43 5. They are employed as Souldiers to guard them hence called God's Host Psal 34.7 2 Kings 6.17 6. They are Encouragers of the Saints in their Duties 2 Kings 1.15 And the Angel said unto Elijah Go down with him be not afraid c. 7. They are employed to rescue and put the Godly out of Danger as appears in the Case of Lot So concerning Daniel when he was in the Lion's Den Gen. 19.16 Dan 6.22 Acts 5.19 the Angels shut the Mouths of the Lions so that they did Daniel no harm The Angel of the Lord opened the Prison-Door and brought Peter forth and delivered him out of the hands of his Enemies 8. As Prophets and Instructors to
Angels are useful to the Saints We little think what great Good we receive by the Ministration of Angels See Watchers Inferences This should instruct us we should be like Angels in many respects 1. when God commands or calls upon us to do any Service or Duty how ready ought we to be to do it even say with Samuel Here am I speak Lord what thou commandest I will do it 2. It should teach us to be faithful to the Lord as the holy Angels are 3. To be patient under Burthens Reproaches and all the Oppositions we meet with 4. To be serviceable to God and to one another in the Places and Stations wherein God hath set us c. Angels in all they do seek the Glory of God and the Profit and great Good of the Saints let us in this imitate them III. The Face of an Eagle Metaphor Parallel I. An Eagle hath a mighty quick Sight her Eyes behold afar off from the Top of Rocks out of Clouds they are said to behold Fishes swimming in the Sea So strong is the Sight of an Eagle that she can a long time behold the Sun with open and stedfast Eyes I. Angels are quick-sighted they as you hear have Eyes before and behind as if they were all Eye which notes the Excellency of their Sight and Knowledg of things They soar aloft stand before God they are said to behold the Face of God Mat. 18.10 Their Angels always behold the Face of my Father which is in Heaven 2 Sam. 1.23 II. Eagles are swift in their Flight Naturalists tell us no Bird flies more swiftly than the Eagle II. Angels are swift Creatures their Agility Speed and Swiftness is extraordinary moving saith one like Lightning from one end of Heaven to the other compared therefore to a Flame of Fire Heb. 1.7 and said from hence also to have Wings with which they flie Isa 6. Their Quickness or Agility in Motion proceeds from their spiritual Nature which is not subject to Weariness they cannot be hindred by any corporeal Substance they can pass over and through all Impediments And besides this their Agility is much helped forward by their Promptitude and Readiness Propensity and Zeal to dispatch their Errand and Ministry upon which they are employed 'T is not here saith Ayston Timor but Amor addidit alas Their Swiftness is very necessary saith Clark 1. Because of the vast distance between Heaven and Earth betwixt which they often pass and repass 2. Because many of the Saints whose Necessity requires present Relief live far asunder 3. Because the Devils are swift to do Mischief therefore they are swift to defend succour and do us good III. Eagles are fresh and lively always Age and Sickness works not upon them as upon other Birds The Eagle in her Age saith a great Writer is useful Pliny saith they never die with Age nor Sickness but by Hunger her upper Bill groweth so much over the under that she cannot open her Mouth to take in Sustenance and so dies Her Age is said to be renewed by often changing of her Feathers III. Angels never grow old they are always strong and lively they know no Sickness their Service doth not wear them out The Cherubims before the Mercy-Seat which represented the Angels were without Beards to shew their Vigor Vivacity and Youthfulness Men soon decay their Strength and Activity many times on a sudden is gone Sin hath brought this upon us if Man had not sinned he had never decayed but retained an immortal Vivacity Angels sinned not and so retain their first Liveliness Inferences FIrst From hence we may infer that Angels are fit for publick and great Service They have four Faces a Man's a Lion's an Ox's and an Eagle's which shew they have all that is requisite to great Undertakings They have Wisdom to consult to contrive and manage the Affairs of the World prudentially they have the Strength of a Lion to execute they have the Willingness and Faithfulness of the Ox to rejoyce the Heart of the Commander and Patience to undergo the Difficulties of their Work and Usefulness of the Publick they are quick-sighted to discern and prevent the Designs of Enemies and speedily to dispatch much in a little time and that with cheerfulness This is meant by their four Faces which notes their Perfection and Fitness for Service in all Parts of the World in regard of which they are said to have one Face before and another behind and one on each side God sets forth their Serviceableness by these Creatures both rational and irrational they have the Shapes of Men Birds and Beasts Secondly That suitable Persons ought to be employed in publick and great Service God employs Angels in the Government of the World who are wise trusty strong and speedy and you know what Men God calls for in the State Exod. 18.21 viz. Such as fear God Men of Truth hating Covetousness and in the Church 1 Pet. 5. Bishops must not lord it over God's Clergy They are not Lords but Servants they ought not like Princes to dwell in stately Palaces in Pride and Idleness but daily to study and preach God's holy Word and labour in God's Harvest like as an Ox is faithful and laborious to his Owner not instead of Preaching and striving to build up God's House plot and contrive Ways to pull it down and instead of feeding undo and ruin such as are faithful in the Land Thirdly Angels are noble and glorious Creatures and yet disdain not to do Service to them that are far beneath themselves Man at first when in his Glory was but a little lower than the Angels but since he sinned he is degraded and fallen as low as Hell he hath a vile Body a defiled Conscience and a polluted Soul yet the Angels that are stiled Gods Holy Ones Elect Psal 8.5 that are of the Privy-Council of Heaven these blessed Creatures are not ashamed to serve and wait upon us tho we have the scent of the Earth and Hell about us and do often grieve and offend them with our Miscarriages yet they despise us not but cheerfully minister unto us What Pride is it then in Men that have Parts Places Honour Greatness Grace c. not to stoop to those that are their Inferiors They have not more Worth in them than an Angel and Angels condescend to serve us Rom. 12.16 therefore let us not mind high things but condescend to Men of low Estate and not be wise in our own Conceit Fourthly There is one thing more remarkable touching their Faces viz. the Faces were stretched upward so Montanus and others read it They looked up to him that sate upon the Throne which was Christ The Cherubim's Faces Exod. 25.20 21. were towards the Mercy-Seat Fifthly Observe all Creatures depend upon the Lord Jesus Christ These Angels have the Face of Men Lions Oxen Eagles and look up to him If there were nothing in it but this viz. Angels in
Mother of Harlots for putting to Death such as she calls Hereticks is deemed by the Law of God and Nations a Murtherer and as such must and shall in God's due time die Her Plagues shall come upon her in one day Death Rev. 18.8 Mourning and Famine and she shall be utterly burnt with Fire for strong is the Lord God that judgeth her XIII It is a great and high Honour to a Mother that her Children and Family are well governed having their Food in due Order and that her Children and Servants are all at her Beck and dearly love one another and when none of them are missing at Dinner or Duty-time XIII So 't is the Honour of the Church of Christ when all her Children humbly and faithfullly submit themselves to good Order and Discipline when all of them carefully attend their respective Duties and do not absent themselves when she calleth them together at Times of publick Worship or upon any other occasion as to rectify Disorders or chuse Officers c. O how lovely and amiable is it Psal 133.1 2. and how doth it tend to the Glory of the Church to see Saints live together in Love and Unity always making Conscience of those Laws that respect the well ordering and religious Government of the Family or Houshold of God! XIV Some Mothers have Daughters who have Children XIV So the Universal Church hath many Daughters many particular Churches which are very fruitful to Christ There are many Disparities wherein the Church excelleth other Mothers which I leave to the ingenious Reader to find out Inferences THis should teach Believers to reverence and obey the Church of God as dutiful Children do their godly Mother in all things 2. And take care they do not grieve her 3. To have relenting Bowels towards her in all her Troubles Shall our Mother be in Distress and ready to be devoured by hungry Lions and shall not her Children be in bitterness of Soul for her When Sion is afflicted we should be afflicted when her Eyes are wet shall ours be dry when she is sad should not we be sad too 4. How doth this greatly reprove them who instead of comforting of her in her Widowhood State add to her Sorrow The Church compared to a Garden Cant. 4.12 A Garden enclosed is my Sister my Spouse c. Verse 16. Awake O North Wind and come thou South Wind and blow upon my Garden c. Cant. 5.1 I am come into my Garden my Sister my Spouse THe Church of Christ is or may fitly be compared to a Garden Metaphor Parallel A Garden is a Piece taken out of common or waste Ground appropriated to more special Use than the rest THe Church of God and every Believer or Member thereof is taken out of the common Mass of Mankind to be a chosen and select People to Christ II. The Ground of a Garden before it is planted is as barren and as unprofitable as the rest out of which it was taken II. The People of God and Soul of every Believer naturally were as barren blind sinful Enemis to God and every way as vile and rebellious as any other Sinners in the World Eph. 2.2 3 And were by Nature the Children of Wrath as well as others Who hath made thee to differ from another c. III. In a Garden no choice or rare thing cometh up naturally of it self until it is sown or planted therein III. So no spiritual good Thing can grow or spring up in our Hearts until the Seed of Grace is sown in us or a Divine Principle of Life be implanted IV. A Garden before it be sown or planted must be digged purged and well prepared IV. So must our Hearts like fallow Ground be digged up with powerful Convictions of the Word and Spirit that so Grace may the better take Root in us Hence 't is said of God's Vineyard when he was resolved to bring Judgment upon it It shall not be pruned nor digged Isa 5.6 Jer. 4.3 Hence God calleth upon them to plow up their fallow Ground and sow not among Thorns V. A choice Garden is walled or well fenced about for its Security from Danger and Spoil V. So the Church of God or every Christian is hedged or walled in Job i. 10. Hast thou not made a Hedg about him and about all he hath on every side c. God is said to be a Wall of Fire round about Jerusalem See Vineyard Zech. 2.5 VI. A choice Garden hath in it many Plants Herbs and Flowers of great Worth and Value both for Pleasure and Profit VI. So in the Church are many choice pleasant and profitable Plants of God's own right-hand planting Jer. 5.8 'T is sown with holy right Seed ye Men of Israel are his pleasant Plants All choice and saving Graces and Gifts of the Spirit are found in God's Garden VII A Garden must have much Cost bestowed upon it and much Pains taken with it or it will soon decay VII So must the Church of God have much Pains bestowed upon it Prov. 4.23 it must be kept diligently As God spares for no Cost and Pains so should his Servants be industrious or else the Church will soon decay VIII A Garden hath some Weeds in it which must as they appear be pluck'd up or they will spoil and hinder the Growth of the precious Flowers and Herbs that grow therein VIII The Church is not without some corrupt Members in it which injure it like as Thorns and Nettles do a Garden which as they are discovered are pluck'd up and cast out And also in the Hearts of the best Christians Weeds are apt to spring up from that Root of Bitterness that naturally is within them whereby many are troubled and defiled which if not pulled up will hinder their Growth in Grace IX A choice and fruitful Garden is valued highly by the Owner thereof he esteems it above an hundred times so much fruitless Land One Acre made into a curious Garden is prized above many Acres of common barren Ground IX The Church of God tho it be as it were but a little Spot a small Remnant in comparison of the World is highly prized by Jesus Christ he esteems of his own People above all the People of the Earth 1 Pet. 2 9. Hence he calleth them his Inheritance his Jewels his peculiar Ones I gave Egypt for thy Ransom Isa 43.3 4 Aethiopia and Seba for thee Since thou wast precious in my Sight thou hast been honourable and I have loved thee Therefore will I give Men for thee and People for thy Life Wicked Men are like barren Mountains they are the King 's Waste such whom he sets but little by X. A rare and fruitful Garden will afford Fruit to plant others many Gardens upon this account have as it were sprung out of one X. So from the Church of God that was first planted in Judea many blessed Churches proceeded in a little
Satan knows that if he cannot prevail then he never can 'T is the last Onset and therefore he resolves to try his Skill If he cannot break his Head so as to keep him out of Heaven yet he will if possible bruise his Heel and send him limping thither I mean fill a Saint full of Fears and Doubts about his eternal State Secondly He hath many other Stratagems to deceive by Temptations 1. He hangs out false Colours and comes to a Saint in the disguise of a Friend he transforms himself into an Angel of Light Master pity thy self 2. He strives to get Intelligence of a Saint's Affairs This saith my Author is one great Wheel in this Politician's Clock to have Spies in all Places by whom they are acquainted with the Counsels of their Enemies He labours to find out what Sin it is that most easily besets a Person or that he is most prone to Heb. 12.1 3. In his gradual Approaches to the Soul When he first comes to tempt he is modest and asks but little knowing he may get that at many times which he should be denied if he should ask it all at once A few Men are let into a City when an Army coming in a Body would be shut out Remember he draws to Sin by little and little First it may be the Thought of this or that Evil is darted into the Mind and after a while lodged quietly there and then a little after further Proceed is made in Sin c. 4. Satan like a cunning Warrier hath his Reserves like a wise Captain he hath some fresh Troops at hand if need be So that if one Temptation will not prevail he hath a second nay a third and fourth nay Multitudes What fresh and new Attempts did he use when he set upon our Saviour 5. Another Stratagem of his is this He will in a politick way retreat as sometimes you shall have an Enemy flie as overcome when it is on a design of overcoming We read not only of Satan's being cast out but of the unclean Spirit 's going out voluntarily yet be sure it was with a purpose to return more strong than before 6. He will strive to make use of fit Instruments to carry on his Temptations to the Ruine of the Soul I might proceed but by this all may see That it is needful for the Christian Souldier to be well instructed in the Stratagems of War XIV A Souldier ought to know the distinct Beats of the Drum and Sound of the Trumpet an Alarm a Call a March a Battel c. XIV So a Saint must understand the distinct and dâ—fferent Sounds of the Word of God daily ministred by his Servants for a Preacher is a spiritual Trumpeter Lift up thy Voice like a Trumpet Isa 58.1 And as it greatly behoves a Trumpeter to be well skill'd how to blow his Trumpet for if it give an uncertain Sound who shall prepare himself to the Battel so it doth a Minister rightly and distinctly to preach the Word of God that a Christian like a Souldier may have an Alarm sounded in his Ears when Danger is near or an Enemy coming upon him as also a Call to Duty to Prayer to Fasting Mourning and Sackloth when the Day requires it c. Isa 22. A good Souldier of Christ will observe the distinct Sound of the spiritual Trumpet sometimes it sounds out Reproof sometimes Counsel sometimes Comfort all is carefully observed by a sincere and wise Christian XV. A Souldier ought to be a Man of Courage bold and resolute not soon daunted nor dismayed by the Threats Malice or Strength of an Enemy He ought as God bid Joshua to be strong and very couragious XV. So a Saint ought to be of a couragious Spirit not timerous faint-hearted or soon dismayed but a Man of an undaunted Heart not fearing the worst that Men can do unto him Tho I walk saith David through the Valley of the Shadow of Death I will fear no Evil. Psal 23.4 The Wicked flee when none pursue Prov. 28.1 but the Righteous are as bold as a Lion There are three or four things which tend to embolden and encrease Courage in a spiritual Souldier in the midst of the greatest Danger when nothing but Death and Misery seems to stare him in the Face 1. The Goodness of his Cause Nothing administreth more Life and Zeal to a Saint than the Consideration of that holy Cause which in the Strength of Christ he stands up for and is sâ—t to defend 2. The Consideration of the Power and Strength of that God who hath engaged to stand by him help and aid him in all his Conflicts with the worst of his Enemies Fear not Worm Jacob and ye Men of Israel I will help thee saith the Lord. Isa 41.10 14. 1 Joh. 4.3 Fear not for I am with thee be not dismayed for I am thy God I will strengthen thee c. Ye are of God little Children and have overcome them because greater is he that is in us than he that is in the World 3. A good Call Every Christian in all his Enterprizes must see to his Call let him see that whatsoever he doth in Religion both in matter and manner it is what God hath enjoined him He that undertakes any Work or Cause that is not warranted by God's Word hath cause to tremble And also let him see he is the Man that God approves of and hath employed in and about that Work and Duty whatsoever it be and when he sees that his Call is undeniably good this will add Courage to him 4. A good Conscience This made Paul so bold in the presence of his incensed Adversaries Men and Brethren Acts 23.1 I have lived in all good Conscience before God until this day A Souldier who hath much Guilt upon him cannot if his Conscience be at all awakened engage an Enemy with that Courage as another Man may in the high Place of the Field when he knows not but the next moment he may be sent into another World 'T is Innocency and Uprightness that puts Life and Magnanimity into a Christian Having a good Conscience that whereas they speak Evil of you 1 Pet. 3.16 as Evil-doers they may be ashamed who falsely accuse your good Conversation in Christ 5. Lastly The Assurance he hath of Victory A Saint knoweth he shall have the Day and come off a Conqueror Before he enters upon the Conflict his Captain hath told him He shall overcome at last and have the Crown of Life Rev. 2.10 XVI A Souldier must expect to endure Hardness and therefore prepares himself for it It is a Life attended with many Hardships and Difficulties they often lie in the Field and fare hard when others know the want of nothing XVI So the Saints of God must expect to endure Hardness A Christian's Life is attended with many Difficulties and Afflictions which they must endure as good Souldiers of Jesus
any should take it away from him VII So a covetous Man doth not enjoy what he hath without fear he is afraid of every one lest they should rob him or lest by one means or another his worldly Pelf should be wasted or taken away VIII The Hog tho he should be washed yet in a little time he will turn again to his wallowing in the Mire and become as filthy as ever he was VIII So if an unregenerate Man should by the Light of Nature or other Helps that God is pleased to afford escape many great Pollutions and reform in many things and seem to be a true Convert and to be clean washed from his Filthiness yet for want of a thorough Work of Grace upon his Heart he will at last turn again to his former Course and be as vile and wicked as ever he was nay oftentimes much worse Mat. 12.43 Luk. 11.25 as our Saviour intimates by the unclean Spirit 's going out of a Man c. And in him is that Word made good The Sow that was washed is turned to her wallowing in the Mire again IX A Swine cries out exceedingly or makes a great Noise when he is took hold of and had away to be killed IX So wicked Men when God takes hold of them by Sickness and they come to have Apprehensions of Death upon them they cry out unless their Consciences are asleep or seared being afraid of Death and Hell X. The Wild-Boar is of a more stubborn and mischievous Nature and commonly doth more hurt being very strong than any other Swine Naturalists tell us that the Wild-Boar is almost as strong and cruel as a Lion and that he will often whet and sharpen his Teeth and run upon the Huntsman X. So Antichrist who may fitly be compared to a Wild-Boar I mean his Un-holiness that First-born of Satan is and hath been more mischievous than any other of the Herd he having got a great degree of Power which he hath from time to time exercised against God's People to the wasting and spoiling of his spiritual Vine and Vineyard Psal 80 1â— The Boar out of the Wood doth waste it and the wild Beast out of the Field doth devour it XI The Swine under the Tree in a greedy manner eat up the Acorns but never look up to the Tree or Oak from whence they fall XI So wicked and graceless Men tho they enjoy all this World 's Good never look up in a due manner to God who is the Tree of Life and is the Author and Giver of it XII Swine will refuse Pearl for Pease if ye cast Pearls before them they will tread them under their Feet XII So wicked Men will refuse Grace for Gold give them but this World and let who will take the Pearl of great Price the Love and Favour of God Give them Counsel to leave their Sins or cast the Pearl of good Instruction before them and they will tread it under their Feet they will cast that at their Heels which they should apply to their Hearts Mat. 7.6 and revile you if they do not tear and rend you into the Bargain Metaphor Disparity SWine were created such they were Swine from the beginning MAn was created holy and upright at first this swinish and brutish Nature came in by the Fall II. Swine retain their own Nature and it is impossible for them to cease being Swine II. But wicked Men may be changed and become gracious it is possible for them to become Sheep and Lambs of Jesus Christ so as to hate that which they once loved Grace when infused into the Soul makes a real and wonderful Change Inferences THis shews the brutish and base Nature of sinful Man what is more contemptible in our Eyes than a Swine 2. It shews what a vast difference there is between a true converted Soul and a brutish Sinner God esteems of the one as of his choicest Treasure but ungodly Men are meer Swine and brutish Creatures in his Sight Wicked Men Debtors Mat. 5.25 26. Agree with thine Adversary quickly whilst thou art in the way with him lest any time the Adversary deliver thee to the Judg and the Judg deliver the to thee Officer and thou be cast into Prison Vers 26. Verily I say unto thee Thou shalt by no means come out thence till thou hast paid the uttermost Farthing Mat. 18.24 And when he had begun to reckon one was brought unto him which ought him ten thousand Talents IN both these Places Sin is called a Debt and the Sinner a Debtor The Reason of which is shewed under the Head of Metaphors concerning Sin where Sin is compared to a Debt unto which we refer you Metaphor Parallel A Debtor is one that oweth Money Duty c. to his Neighbour also one that is a Trespasser an Offender or guilty Person A Man may be a Debtor by Office Gal. 5.3 by Duty Rom. 8.12 by the Law of Charity Rom. 15.27 by trespassing or offending whether God or Man Mat. 6.12 MAn oweth all that he is hath or can do unto God he having received his very Being and all other good Things that he enjoys from God as so many Talents lent him which he must be accountable to God for in the great Day c. Man is a Trespasser Mat. 25.19 an Offender or a guilty Person having broken the Law the Penalty of which is eternal Death so that as a Traitor or flagitious Person by his hainous Crimes he is become a Debtor to everlasting Punishment II. An evil Debtor is unwilling to be called to an Accompt nothing is worse to him than to hear the News Give an account of thy Stewardship Mat. 18.24 Hence 't is said One was brought that owed ten thousand Talents as if it were by Force he was haled before his Master to reckon with him II. So wicked Men do not love to think upon the Day of Judgment care not to hear of those large Bills and Hand-writings that are against them How grievous will that Voice from Heaven be to ungodly Men Luk. 16.2 Give an Account of your Stewardship Arise ye Dead and come to Judgment Give an Account of all the Oaths you have sworn the Lies you have told the Times you have been drunk the Days of Grace you have neglected give an Account of all the hard and reproachful Words you have spoken against your godly Neighbours and of all the Wrongs and Injuries you have done them give an Account of all those Talents that were lent you what Improvement have you made of your Knowledg and Parts your Seasons and Sabbaths and of those many Years you have had in the World This I say is grievous to wicked Men to think upon They shall be brought forth in the Day of Wrath they will not come willingly Job 21.30 but shall therefore be as it were haled before the Judg of Heaven and Earth III. Ill Debtors are attended with Shame Ambrose speaketh
that they wear out their frail Bodies and bring themselves quickly to the Grave III. So some of Christ's faithful and laborious Servants labour so hard in their Studies in Watching Praying and Preaching that they spend themselves or bring utter Weakness upon their frail Tabernacles I am willing saith Paul to spend and be spent c. 2 Cor. 12.15 IV. Labourers are often hindred and obstructed in their Work like as the Jews were in building the Temple IV. So Christ's spiritual Labourers are often hindred in their Work Satan strives to hinder them and false Teachers strive to hinder them and wicked Persecutors endeavour to hinder them and many times forbid them to preach any more in the Name of Christ V. Labourers observe the fittest Time to do Business in they work hard by Day and whilst they have good Weather V. So Christ's Labourers observe the fittest Time to do their Work like as Christ saith John 9.4 I must do the Work of him that sent me whilst it is Day the Night comes when no Man can work VI. A Labourer is worthy of his Meat and ought not to be denied it VI. So the Ministers of Christ ought to have all things necessary provided for them and their Families 1 Cor. 9 9 Thou shalt not muzzle the Ox that treadeth out the Corn. So God hath ordained that they that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel And since this Duty is much neglected among some Christian Churches I shall here transcribe a Page or two being part of a Sermon preached by Mr. N. C. at the Ordination of an Elder in the City of London 1681. These Words call not only for a Maintenance of Ministers but for such a plentiful Contribution as may make them Partakers with you in all good things If God bless the Congregation with a plentiful Portion of this World's Goods it is their Duty to make their Minister a Party with them in their flourishing Condition And considering the Place and Employment he is in and the Service he attends it would be extremely unworthy to think you have done enough if his pressing Necessities be answered while you abound in Superfluities If the Congregation be poor their Minister must be content to be poor with them yea rejoyce to approve himself a Minister of Christ by Hunger and Nakedness if the Providence of God call him thereto But whilst it is in the power of your Hand to provide better for him God expects it from you and be not deceived God is not mocked neither will he suffer his Commands to be slighted and evaded without rendring a just Rebuke to the Offender For whatsoever a Man soweth that shall he also reap Now that you may the better understand how far you are concerned in this Duty before I proceed to the further pressing of it let me put you in remembrance 1. That a Minister is bound to attend wholly and only upon his Calling in the Ministry and not to entangle himself in the Affairs of this Life that he may please him by whom he is called to this spiritual Warfare and nothing but real Necessity may dispense with the contrary His whole Time and Strength is little enough to be employed in the Work and Service he is called to He must give himself to the Ministry of the Word and Prayer and continue in Reading Meditation c. as a Man wholly devoted unto Gospel-Service and is therefore by his Call to the Ministry secluded from those ways and means of providing for his own Subsistence as the Trades and secular Employments of others furnish them with that his Mind by the Cares of worldly Business may not be diverted from that Study of God's Word and Care of Souls which the Duty of his Station engageth him to And if he may not expose himself to the careful Thoughts that accompany worldly Business tho tending to his Profit certainly it is no way meet that he should be left to conflict with the thorny Cares of a necessitous Condition whilst those he ministers to have means to prevent it 2. It is no less the Duty of a Minister than of other Men to provide for his Family 1 Tim. 5.8 and what lies in him to take care of his Wife and Children that they may not be exposed to a thousand Miseries and Temptations when he is gone I confess of all Men in the World a covetous raking Temper worst becomes a Minister But we greatly mistake if we think he must devest himself of the due Affection of an Husband towards his Wife or of a Father towards his Children or that those Fruits thereof which are justly esteemed commendable in others should be a Fault in him 3. An Elder or Bishop is under a special Charge to use Hospitality and to set in himself a Pattern of Charity and compassionate Bounty to poor Souls and if it be his Duty to be hospitable and charitable in an eminent degree then without controversy the People are concerned to endeavour that he may be capable of giving proof of this Grace in him by the Exercise of it as there is occasion These things being premised I shall shew you that you lie under the strongest Obligation imaginable to this Duty ' 1. By the Law of Nature ' 2. By the express Command and Appointment of Christ 3. On the account of the great and manifest Evil and Inconvenience that follows the Neglect thereof First The Law and Light of Nature obligeth you to it as to the matter of Equity and Justice And from hence our Apostle takes his first Plea in 1 Cor. 9.7 c. Who goeth a Warfare any time at his own Charges Who planteth a Vineyard and eateth not of the Fruit thereof Or who feedeth a Flock and eateth not of the Milk of the Flock The Ministry is a Warfare undertaken at the Command of Christ for the Service of your Souls and it is as reasonable that the Minister should receive a Supply of outward Things from you as that a faithful Souldier should receive his Pay from his Captain at the Charge of the Commonwealth for whose Good he militates Shall a Man feed a Flock as a Pastor does and be denied to eat of the Milk of that Flock which it is his Work to keep and feed Or is it consistent with common Justice to deprive a Man of the Fruit of that Vineyard which is planted and manured by his own Labour Such is the Case in respect of Maintenance between a Minister and the People It is not your Charity that I ask for him but Justice and Debt that I plead for He is employed in your Service and of Right should live upon your Charge Nay you have called him off from other Business and therefore his Maintenance is due from you as is the Wages of your Servant tho I fear some give more to the meanest Servant in their House than they are willing to do to their Minister Certainly if you chuse
as you ought your Ministers are not of the lowest of the People but may be allowed to have a Share of Parts common Prudence and Ability for Business with other Men and could manage Trades or fall into other Employments and get Estates as well as you if they were not devoted to a better Service And must they needs be devoted to Necessities and Misery in the same hour that they enter upon the Ministry My Brethren this ought not to be Let your Ministers have as good a Treatment at least as the Law provided for the Ox that treads out the Corn who might not be muzled Neither was this written for the sake of Oxen for doth God take care of Oxen or were there no higher End of this Law than that the brute Creature should not be abused Certainly there was And for our sakes no doubt was this written 1 Cor. 9.8 9 10 11. that he that ploweth should plow in Hope and that he that thresheth in Hope should be Partaker of his Hope For if we have sown unto you spiritual Things is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal Things Secondly The Lord hath not left us to argue this only from general Principles of Reason and common Equity but to put the Matter beyond dispute hath superadded his express Command Thus he provided for his Ministers in the Time of the Law which the Apostle urgeth in the next place 1 Cor. 9.13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy Things live of the Things of the Temple and they which wait at the Altar are Partakers with the Altar God did no sooner separate the Levites to the Service of the Sanctuary but he by Law provided for their Subsistence and tho they were but one Tribe in twelve yet the Tenth of the Increase of the whole Land was given to thâ—m besides the First-fruits and Offerings and divers other Advantages so that their Lot might equal yea exceed that of their Brethren This Law indeed is now abrogated and we pretend to no Right of tithing your Estates but the moral Equity of it can never cease Neither hath Christ left Gospel-Ministers to the wide World but hath made Provision for them also so far as the Interest of his Command will go with them that profess his Name for so it follows v. 14. Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel The Labourer is still worthy of his Hire and not the less worthy because he labours in the Gospel Tho indeed if Men did fully come up to their Dâ—ty yet still the Charge of Gospel-Worship will appear very inconsiderable when compared with that of the Law for were that my Business I think I could demonstrate that the fifth part of their Estates was yearly to be spent in things relating to the Temple-Service And if we are sensible of the great Privilege and Blessing of the Gospel on higher accounts than meerly the Ease of those Burthens we shall never think much to defray the moderate Charge of a Gospel-Ministry in suâ—h a manner as may give Reputation to our Profession Thirdly That you may prevent the Evil and Inconvenience that follows the Neglect of this Duty it concerns you cheerfully to practise it I might have said Evils and Inconveniences as of many for many there are and those of easy observation to an uâ—prejudiced Eye but it is the Discouragement of Study which at present I chiefly aim at That Study must needs be discouraged I intend the Study of Theology by the Peoples Neglect to make a comfortable Provision for their Ministers is too evident to require a Proof Who will apply himself to gather and lay up those Stores of solid Learning which are needful to a Minister when he can expect to purchase nothing to himself but Poverty and Distress thereby Or how shall a Minister be capablâ— to furnish himself with universal Knowledg of Things relating to his Work that hath no means for providing for his own Information or no Time free from Cares and worldly Business And the Disadvantage of this will at last fall to the Share of the People that he ministers unto He that considers that the holy Scriptures were originally written in Hebrew and Greek must have an hard Forehead if he deny the Usefulness of Learning to a Minister besides many other things there are that call for it in reference to the opening of the Scriptures which I cannot now insist upon And it is not without diligent and continued Study that the deep Things of God can be searched out and so proposed to you as to enrich your Minds with the clear and solid Knowledg of them I confess a little Learning and less Study may furnish a Man with such a Discourse as may please some weak Persons that judg of a Sermon by the Loudness of the Voice and affectionate Sentences or can fancy themselves to be fed with the Ashes of jingling Words and Cadency of Terms in a Discourse But alas the seeming Warmth of Affection that is stirred by such Means is as short-liv'd as a Land-flood that hath no Spring to feed it He that will do the Souls of his People good and approve himself a Pastor after God's own Heart must feed them with Knowledg and Understanding and endeavour to maintain a constant Zeal and Affection in them by well informing their Judgments and such an opening of the Mind of God from the Scriptures as may command their Consciences And this is not to be expected but from him that labours in his Study as well as in the Pulpit Mistake me not I know the Success and Fruit of all the Studies and Labours of Men that preach in the Gospel is from the Grace and Power of the Holy-Ghost but the Assistance of the Spirit is to be expected by us in the way of our Duty These things might be yet applied more home to my present purpose but perhaps some will think there is too much said already tho I heartily wish more were not needful and my Time calls me to put a Period to this Exercise and therefore I will only add a Word for the enforcement of this and the other Duties which I have laid before you by accommodating the same Things to you which were before touched for the encouragement and quickning of your Pastor in his Duty First Remember your Pastor is the Minister of Christ one that dispenseth the Mysteries of God to you in his Name and therefore he acting in his Place according to his Duty the Lord Jesus will account that done to himself that is done to his Minister Mat 10.40 with Luke 10.16 He that receiveth you saith he receiveth me and he that despiseth you despiseth me c. If the Name and Authority of Christ will beget an Awe in you or his matchless and unspeakable Love influence you there is no want of Motives to those Duties that have been press'd upon
give an uncertain Sound who shall prepare himself to the Battel VI. So a Minister is sometimes commanded to sound an Alarm Joel 2 1. Blow the Trumpet in Zion sound an Alarm in my holy Mountain They are to pronounce Wrath and Judgment to thunder as it were from Mount Sinai to rouze up the slothful and secure Sinner or drouzy Professor and sometimes a Call to Duty to assemble the People to fast and cry mightily unto the Lord Blow the Trumpet in Zion sanctify a Fast call the solemn Assembly Joel 2.15 16. gather the People sanctify the Congregation assemble the Elders gather the Children and those that suck the Breast c. VII A Trumpeter by blowing his Trumpet in the Day of Battel is of great use to an Army the sounding of the Trumpet greatly encourages and animates the Hearts of Souldiers VII So a true Minister by preaching the Gospel is exceeding useful to God's Church in the Day of Trial c. How doth a lively and an awakening Sermon put Spirit and Courage into the Hearts of Christians and make them fearless and valiant for the Truth VIII A Trumpeter usually goes before the Troop of Army sounding his Trumpet he is often exposed to Danger VIII So the Ministers of the Gospel should be as He-Goats before the Flock they are the Leaders of the People Ministers are often greatly exposed IX A Trumpeter is to keep sounding all the while an Army is engaged nay not only to sound his Trumpet but to sound it loud also IX So a Minister must preach always in season and out of season whilst the Saints and Church of God are militant Necessity is laid upon me and wo is me 1 Cor. 9.16 if I preach not the Gospel Yea and it must be preached publickly X. Some Trumpeters have Silver Trumpets nay God commanded Moses to make two Silver Trumpets to call the Assembly and these were for Eleazar and Ithamar the two Sons of Aaron X. Prov. 10.20 So the Tongue of the Righteous is as choice Silver Ainsworth speaking of two Silver Trumpets that were to be made of beaten Work Numb 10. saith it signifies the Labour of the Ministers of giving themselves to Prayer and to the Ministry of the Word Psal 12.7 The Words of the Lord are pure Words as Silver c. XI A Trumpeter makes sometimes sweet Musick with his Trumpet Many love no Musick like the rare sounding of a Trumpet XI So a Minister makes sweet Musick sometimes in preaching of the Gospel in the Ears of Men. And lo Ezek. 33.32 thou art unto them as a very lovely Song of one that hath a lovely Voice and can play well on an Instrument Inferences MInisters must cry aloud and spare not they must lift up their Voice like a Trumpet They must be endued with Courage not fearing the Face of Men sparing none but reprove and warn great and rich Men as well as the Poor II. They must be Men of Wisdom that know how to sound distinctly rightly dividing the Word of Truth lest by their uncertain Sound great Detriment befall Christ's spiritual Souldiers III. Hence let all the Saints magnify God for that they have and do yet hear the joyful Sound by which they have been called to engage in the spiritual Warfare and thereby animated to a Perseverance in the same to the end IV. Also hence may be inferred That as the Saints are spiritual Souldiers so it is their great Concern to observe the sounding of these spiritual Trumpeters with the Silver Trumpets that they may be always ready to make good their Ground in an evil Day And having done all to stand Stand therefore c. Eph. 6. Ministers compared to Spokesmen 2 Cor. 11.2 For I have espoused you to one Husband that I may present you as a chast Virgin to Christ I Have as if the Apostle should say acted the part of a Spokesman I have endeavoured to engage your Affections to Christ Every Minister strives to espouse Souls to the Lord Jesus as Abraham's Servant was employed to obtain Rebeka for Isaac 'T is the main Work of a Minister to win Souls and bring them over to Christ Note Ministers may fitly be compared to Spokesmen Simile Parallel A Spokesman is a Friend to the Lover one that knows his Secrets and is judged faithful a Person that he confides in and is therefore trusted with his great and most weighty Concernments Abraham had great confidence in his Servant and therefore chose him for that Work viz. to go and take a Wife for Isaac MInisters are the Friends of Christ I have called you Friends They know the Mind of Christ The Secrets of the Lord are with them Joh. 15.14 15. All things saith Christ that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you You have not chosen me but I have chosen you Christ chuses none to this Work but such as are faithful 1 Tim. 1.12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who hath accounted me faithful putting me into the Ministry II. A faithful Spokesman is very intent and diligent in his Business Abraham's Servant would not eat nor drink until he had delivered his Message or told his Errand II. So a faithful Minister is very diligent about his Master's Work Peter and John forsook all and followed Christ He gives himself wholly up to the Work of the Gospel Job 23 12 They esteem with holy Job the Words of his Mouth more than their necessary Food III. A Spokesman uses many Arguments to engage the Affections of the Person to whom he is sent he doth set forth the Merits Riches and Worthiness of the Person who is the principal Suiter III. So Ministers use many weighty Arguments to persuade Sinners to fall in love with and espouse themselves to the Lord Jesus to accept of the Offers of his Grace and Divine Favour being not willing to take any Denial if possible They pray woo and beseech in Christ's Name and some of the Arguments they use are these viz. 1. They set forth the Greatness of their Lord and Master He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords saith Paul the Lord of Life and Glory saith Peter 2. They set forth his great Riches Vnto me Eph. 3.8 who am less than the least of all Saints is this Grace given that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable Riches of Christ See how Abraham's Servant pleaded when he came to court the Damsel The Lord hath blessed my Master greatly and he is become great Gen. 24.35 36. and He hath given him Flocks and Herds c. Silver and Gold and Man-Servants and Maid-Servants and Camels and Asses Verse 35. And Sarah my Master's Wife bare a Son to my Master when she was old and unto him he hath given all that he hath O how rich and great saith a Minister is God! The Cattel of a thousand Hills are his The Earth is the Lord's and
forbidden but now through Christ there is a free Trade opened again to Heaven Convinced and repenting Sinners may be stored with all Things they need as Pardon Peace Union and Communion with God and eternal Life even all the Riches of Grace and Glory Ho every one that will Come buy and you that have no Money come buy Isa 55.1 and â—at yea come buy Wine and Milk without Money and without Price VI. Those that honour an Ambassador honour the Prince that sent him but those that abase slight or despise him do also despise the Prince or State that sent him We cannot despise this Messenger and yet honour his Master saith Mr. Gurnal VI. So those who receive and shew all due respects to Christ's faithful Ministers honour Christ whose Deputies they are and whose Person they represent Few are so bold as to say with that proud King Who is the Lord Exod. 5.2 that I should obey him Yet many dare say Who is the Minister that I should obey his Message or repent at his Summons or tremble at the Words he speaks What 's he Do I not know him What 's he better than us Shall I mind what he says A Rush for his Doctrine c. But let such read that Word He that heareth you heareth me Luk. 10.16 and he that despiseth you despiseth me and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me VII An Ambassador should take heed he cast no Indignity upon his Office by any base or unworthy Practice he should behave himself with all Wisdom and Gravity and avoid all dirty and unseemly Actions for in so doing he would bring much Honour and Renown not only to himself but to his Master also that sent him VII So Ministers must be holy Men that they bring not themselves and the Dignity of their Function into Contempt A wise grave and gracious Behavior exceedingly becomes a Minister Paul saith he magnified his Office O then let others take heed they do not vilify and debase it That which another Man may do without much Reproach you cannot do but it will be to your great Blemish and Dishonour nay and to the Dishonour of Christ and of his Truth also VIII An Ambassador is to do his uttermost endeavour to negotiate and accomplish such Matters he is sent about he must see to his Charge For if the Treaty of Peace or Marriage or Ambassy for Commerce and Trade succeed not the Ambassador is sure to be called to an account how he hath discharged his Place c. VIII So Ministers must see the Work of their Place and Function They are saith Gurnal ' called Ambassadors in regard of their Duty as well as Dignity where there is Honor there is Onus Places of Honour are Places of Trust Many like well enough to hear the Ministers Dignity with Diotrephes they love Preheminence yet would willingly be excused the Work that attends it None have a greater Trust reposed in their Hands than Ministers 't is tremendum Onus a Weight that made the Apostle tremble under it I was among you saith Paul with much fear and trembling They have the Charge of Souls committed to them one of which is more worth than all the World no less than the Price of Blood the precious Blood of Jesus Christ To them is committed the Word of Reconciliation Hence they pray and beseech and use all Means imaginable to bring the Souls of Men to Terms of Peace and Reconciliation with God through Christ they knowing the sad and dreadful Effects if they speed not in their Ambassy Knowing the Terror of the Lord we persuade Men. And in another place saith Paul We pray you in Christ's stead be you reconciled to God For if the Treaty of Peace between God and Sinners doth not succeed the Minister is sure to be called to an account how he discharged his Trust in the Business c. IX An Ambassador is to keep close to his Instructions he is in nothing to act contrary to or derogate from his Commission IX So Ministers must see they keep close to the Word of God they had need to take their Errand well before they come into the Pulpit or Assembly of God's People I have received of the Lord what I delivered unto you They must speak nothing require nothing preach nothing but what is according to the Authority of God's Word which is above the Church Senates General Councils or any Authority whatsoever These Ambassadors must act and do exactly according to their Commission c. X. An Ambassador must not only act according to his Commission as to Matter but must deliver his Message also with much Zeal and with all due respect had to his Master or Prince that sent him He must not prosecute his Business coldly or after he hath had Audience give himself to the Pleasures of the Court where he is resident and mind his Affairs no more or not regard how his Master's Business succeeds What Answer will he be able to return Surely if he should do thus he could not say he had done the Work of a faithful Ambassador c. X. So Ministers must be fitted with Zeal and act diligently in their Places or prosecute their Business vigorously their Hearts must be deeply engaged in their spiritual Ambassy They are to preach with all fervency as having the Sense of Christ's Honour and the Worth of immortal Souls upon their Hearts and not only say Thus and thus saith the Lord and be satisfied to see People willing to give them the hearing Tho they may thank them for that Civility yet they must not quit them unless they see they accept of the Terms of Peace and Reconciliation offered to them in Christ's Name through the Gospel They must shew them the Profit that will accrue to them if they do comply and the Danger on the other hand if they do refuse and that it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than for them XI It behoveth an Ambassador to be faithful in all things to his Master's Interest and not to become a Pensioner to a Foreign Prince for such an onâ— is utterly unworthy of such an honourable Employment XI So Ministers must not comply with Christ's Enemies or seek for Reward from them such as would betray his Interest whatever is proffered them But as we are allowed of God to be put in Trust with the Gospel even so we speak 1 Thess 2.4 5. not as pleasing Men but God which trieth our Hearts For neither at any time used we flattering Words as ye know nor a Cloak of Covetousness God is Witness XII An Ambassador ought to seek the Interest of his Fellow-Subjects and shew much Love Care and Tenderness to them so far as the Interest of his Prince will bear and not to do any thing to the spoiling of their Trade c. XII So Ministers ought to seek the Good and Welfare of all the Saints and
are as goads by which Men are prick'd forward to their Duty as Oxen are prick'd forward to go on or labour And as Nails which keep Men within the bounds of Duty as Planks are fixt when they are nail'd through fastened by the Masters of Assemblies he speaks Metaphorically of Divine Preaching as 1 Cor. 3.6 Jam. 1.21 For the Masters of Assemblies are such as founded or instituted Colledges or such as in the publick Assemblies of the Church taught the Word of God as the Prophets and Priests in the Old Testament did which are given from one Shepherd that is God the only Pastor of his People Psal 23.1 that is the supream Governour and Protector He alone is the Author of his written Word speaking immediately by his Prophets c. More especially and by way of brief Analogy Citations of the Old Test in the New we will make some Observations of the Quotations of the Old Testament quoted in the New 1. Quoad formam internam with respect to the internal Form which is the sense of Scripture Oracles 2. The external Form which is the Manner or Character of speaking and the Mode or Way of Allegation 1. The internal or inward Form with respect to which the Allegation is made either according to the sense intended by the Holy Spirit or its Analogical Accommodation 1. The Sense intended by the Holy Spirit is either literal or typical and mystical In an immediate literal Sense there are frequent Quotations which concern Christ of whom the Prophets prophesied 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 word for word as Esa 7.14 Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and thou shalt call his Name Emanuel which in the proper and proximate sense is cited with respect to Christ Mat. 1.23 compare also Deut. 18.15 with Act. 3.22 Psal 2.7 with Act. 13.33 Heb. 1.5 5.5 Psal 8.2 with Mat. 21.16 Psal 22.18 with Mat. 27.35 John 19.24 Psal 40.6 7 8. with Heb. 10.5 c. and Psal 45.6 7 with Heb. 1.8 9 and Psal 68.18 with Eph. 4.8 and Psal 69.9 with Rom. 15.3 and Psal 102.25 with Heb. 1.10 and Psal 110.1 with Mat. 22.24 45. Mark 12.36 Luke 20.42 43 44. Acts 2.34 35. 1 Cor. 15.25 Heb. 1.13 Psal 110.4 Heb. 5.6 and 7.17 Psal 110.22 with Mat. 21.42 Mark 12.10 Acts 4.11 1. Pet. 2.7 So Esa 11.10 with Rom. 15.12 and Isa 28.16 with 1 Pet. 2.6 and Isa 42.1 c. with Mat. 12.17 c. and Isa 45.23 with Rom. 14.11 and Esa 61.1 with Luke 4.18 21. and Amos 9.11 with Acts 15.15 16. Mic. 5.2 with Mat. 2.6 and Zech. 9.9 with Mat. 21.5 John 12.14 15. and Zech. 11.12 with Mat. 27.9 and Zech. 12.10 with John 19.37 and Zech. 13.7 with Mat. 25.31 Mal. 3.1 with Mat. 11.10 Mark 1.2 c. Junius and Tremellius Tarnovius and Rivet refer to this place Hos 11.1 Out of Egypt have I called my Son which Mat. 2.15 is cited and applied to Christ 2. There are Citations in a mediate and typical Sense out of the Old Testament respecting Christ and his Mystical Body the Church As Exod. 12.46 about the Paschal Lamb applied to Christ John 19.26 the Brazen Serpent Numb 21.8 9. with John 3.14 15. Jonas Chap. 2.1 11. with Mat. 12.39 Adam and Eve Gen. 2.23 24. with Eph. 5.31 32 c. To this Head also may be reduced those Allegations which are Expositions of an Allegorical Speech as in Phil. Sacr. p. 375. An Analogical Accommodation which Cajetan called a transumptive sense is when the words of the Old Testament are used in the New and accommodated to the Event and for Conveniency or Similitude are attributed to a Person or some certain thing extending it beyond the scope the first holy Writer as Mat. 13.35 the saying Psal 78.2 I will open my Mouth in a Parable I will utter dark Sayings of old is analogically said to be fulfilled in Christ For as God the Father by the Prophets opened the Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven to his People at all times so Christ who was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the hypostatical Word of the Father thought meet to express himself in Parables Yet in the 78 Psalm true Examples are given but Christ uses feigned Narrations 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 both which agree in this that they are called Parables that is Similitudes viz. such as are brought in by Christ and recited by the Psalmist on purpose to admonish the People by those Examples of what they were to expect from God by their Perseverance in or Apostacy from the Faith See 1 Cor. 10.6 11 c. The words Esa 53.4 viz. He hath born our Griefs or Infirmities and carried our Sorrows or Diseases are cited Mat. 8.17 Now if you respect the Person or adequate Subject of whom the Prophet speaks the Allegation or Citation is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the word or literally to be understood but if you will have respect to the thing of which Matthew treats it must be only by way of Analogy and Accommodation For here there is an account given of Christ with respect to his healing divers Diseases in which he is said to accomplish what was foretold by the Prophetical Oracle and in a literal sense to bear our Spiritual Infirmities in his Passion and Death as it is expounded 1 Pet. 2.24 25. More Citations you may find Deut. 30.11 with Rom. 10.6 in the description of the Righteousness of Faith see also Esa 43.19 compared with Rev. 21.5 Mat. 2.17 18. with Jer. 31.15 Mat. 13.14 with Esa 6.9 Mat. 15.8 with Esa 29.13 Luke 23.30 Rev. 6.16 with Hos 8.10 Acts 13.40 41. with Habak 1.5 Rom. 9.27 28. with Esa 10.22 Rom. 9.29 with Isa 1.9 1 Cor. 1.19 20. with Isa 29.14 33.18 Rev. 1.7 with Zech. 12.10 Rev. 11.4 with Zech. 4.14 c. 2. As to the exernal Form As to the external Form or the kind of speaking or the manner of Citation the following things are observable 1. The frequent Quotation of the Septuagint or the ancient Greek Translation of the Old Testament of which as Hierom notes * In quest Heb. super Gen. To. 4. fol. 102. Hoc generaliter observandum quod ubicunque sancti Apostoli aut Apostolici viri loquantur ad Populos his plerumque Testimoniis abutuntur quae per Translationem Septuagint Interpretum jam fuerant in Gentibus divulgatae that is This is to be generally noted that wheresoever the holy Apostles or Apostolical Men spoke to the People they did for the most part use these Testimonies which that is the Translation of the Seventy Interpreters were now published to the Gentiles And that even in those things where there is a manifest difference between that Translation and the Original Hebrew Text as Luke 3.36 wherein the Genealogy of Christ the Name Cainan is put in which is not in the Original Hebrew but in the version of the Seventy of which more hereafter The words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉