Fire 3. Thrones which are Royal Seats of Kings and Monarchs in their Magnificence and Glory 4. Dominions or Lordships Col. 1.16 5. Principalities connoting special and peculiar Jurisdiction 6. Powers such as have Right to execute Authority by God's appointment and not by his Permission only 7. Mighties 1 Thess 4.16 8. Archangels 9. Angels c. Others account but seven Orders of Angels and some but three The holy Scripture doth not fully open and unfold the Mystery of Angels to us in this respect therefore it is good for us as I said before not to be wise above what is written tho no doubt but there is a most excellent Order amongst them And probably there are different Ranks and Degrees of them and yet all are in subjection to our Lord Jesus Christ who is their Prince and Supreme Head whom they all reverence worship and adore III. An Host or Army is raised to make War and fight under the Banner of their Prince and Sovereign and many times do dreadful Execution and make great Desolation in the Earth III. The holy Angels God's mighty Host are employed to fight his Battels and at his Command to fall upon his Enemies when all Terms of Peace and Reconciliation are rejected and Sinners are grown incorrigible c. What fearful Execution and Desolation have they made in the World when they have had Commission from the Almighty Was it not this Host that came against Sodom and Gomorrah and the Cities about them Gen. 19 13 2 Kings 19 35. We will destroy this Place One of these Souldiers destroyed no less than an hundred fourscore and five thousand Men in the Camp of the Assyrians What cause have the Enemies of the Church to tremble when they consider what a mighty and powerful Army is raised and always in readiness at God's Command to fall upon them What is the Power of the proudest Monarch here below when compared to the Strength of the Lord's Host or Christ's heavenly Army IV. An Host or great Army sometimes breaks in upon a People that are secure utterly destroying and spoiling them on a sudden IV. The Angels of God come upon the wicked Enemies of Jesus Christ and his Church sometimes on a sudden in one Night was that great Host of the Assyrians destroyed Hab. 3.16 When he cometh up unto the People he will invade them with his Troops V. An Host or mighty Army hath many slaughtering Weapons if one doth not Execution another will V. So the Angels of God have many slaughtering Weapons or Ways to dedestroy sometimes by Famine Ezek. 9.2 sometimes by Plague sometimes by the Sword and sometimes make use of all these three together against a People that God resolves utterly to destroy VI. An Host or victorious Army sometimes meet with great Opposition and are fiercely engaged by stout and sturdy Enemies that will not quickly yield tho at last they are forced to fly being vanquished VI. The holy Angels of God are sometimes opposed by evil Angels who are fierce sturdy and cruel Enemies to them And there was War in Heaven Michael Rev. 12.7 and his Angels fought against the Dragon And the Dragon fought and his Angels and prevailed not c. Metaphor Disparity AN earthly Host or Army tho never so victorious at other times may yet meet with their Match nay be sometimes worsted THe Lord's Host was never worsted Tho the evil Angels are mighty in Power and have been oftentimes too hard for the Saints yet they are not able to stand before the holy Angels of God II. Souldiers of an earthly Host are mortal Men and may be put to the Sword or lose their Lives by the hands of their Enemies II. The Angels of God are immortal Spirits and cannot sustain the least Hurt or Wound much less be slain in any Wars they are engaged in against their Enemies Inferences WHat Comfort may this administer to the Godly May I not say with the Prophet Fear not for they that be with us are more than they that be with them 2 Kings 6.16 2. And as it affords Comfort to the Saints it may serve to terrify Sinners and such especially as are Persecutors of the Church of God How sad is their Condition considering who they make War against Can they stand before the terrible God God is their Enemy Christ is their Enemy and the Angels of Heaven are against them and their Enemies likewise 3. Bless God you that are in Covenant with him for the sake of these Helpers 4. This shews us also what great Glory is conferred upon the Lord Jesus Christ our blessed Mediator He is the Head and chief Leader of all the glorious Angels they are all at his Command and ready to engage in his Wars if he does but speak the Word they come with slaughtering Weapons in their hands Ezek. 9.2 to execute his Wrath and Displeasure upon the World The Holy Angels compared to the Faces of a Man of a Lion of an Ox and of an Eagle Ezek. 1.6.10 And every one had four Faces c. that is every one of the living Creatures or Angels which the Prophet saw in the Vision FOur particular Angels as some conceive which were chief over the rest of the whole Host of Angels Others upon better Reason rather understand it relates to the four Parts of the World East West North and South i. e. the Work of Angels laid out in all those Parts See Mr. Greenhill on Ezekiel pag. 85. Observ 1. God employeth glorious intelligent Creatures in his Service in the Ways and Workings of his Power and Providence in the World Observ 2. That Angels are in all Quarters of the Earth taking notice of Mens Works and Ways they perceive what is done in every Place by the Just and by the Vnjust The Consideration of which should make us carry our selves wisely and holily at all times and in all Places And every one had four Faces 1. The Face of a Man 2. The Face of a Lion 3. The Face of an Ox. 4. The Face of an Eagle In some Pictures saith Reverend Greenhill you may see several Faces so drawn that which way soever you look a several Face is presented So here before was the Face of a Man behind the Face of a Lion on the right side the Face of an Ox and on the left side the Face of an Eagle There is not a Face but is compared to the Face of some principal Creature Man is the chief of all the rest a Lion is the King of wild Beasts the Ox is the chief of the tame Ones and the Eagle is the chief of the Birds To these distinctly I. The Face of a Man Metaphor Parallel THe Face of a Man notes Understanding and the Excellency of Reason by which all human Actions are managed ANgels have great Knowledg and Understanding By their Likeness unto Man is laid before us the Rationality Knowledg and Understanding of Angels They
Money and to mind their own private Advantage more than the Credit and Glory of their Sovereign and Honour of their Captain VI. So it is a Reproach to a Christian to aim at Self in all he doth in Religion Many Men care not to do any thing for the Honour of God further then it makes as they conceive directly for their own Interest and Advantage Tell some Men of this or that Ordinance and Command of Christ they presently object May I not be saved without it Is it necessary to Salvation These Men only make Religion as a Bridg to carry them to Heaven meer mercenary Souls Alas a true Christian obeys and serves Christ sincerely that he may glorify and honour his holy Name knowing he deserves more at his hands than he is ever able to perform not doubting his Labour shall ever be in vain in the Lord the very Work is Wages to him Paul was resolved Christ should be magnified in his Body whether it were by Life or by Death Phil. 1.20 VII A Souldier hath his Warfare appointed him and his Enemies discovered to him and Orders to fight VII So a Christian hath his Warfare appointed him his grand Enemies are made known to him and he hath received Commission also to enter the Combat with them whosoever they are whether Foreign or Domestick whether external or internal secret or open First His Foreign or External Enemies are these 1. The Devil called the King of the Bottomless Pit Prince of the Power of the Air the great Dragon the Captain-General of the black Regiment and of the Hellish Militia that makes War against the Lamb and his Followers Every Christian is commanded to enter the List and to fight against these Principalities and Powers Eph. 6.11 12. 2. The World this is another grand potent and subtil Adversary many have been overcome and subdued by it 1. The Things of the World viz. the Pleasures Honours and Profits of the World These as one well observes have their Hooks and Snares hid under their pleasant Baits they usually prevail by Craft their Flatteries and Allurements are very dangerous By this part of the World Satan set upon our blessed Saviour Mat. 4.8 2. The Men of the World who are the Subjects of the Prince of Darkness and his Souldiers the Militia of Hell and the Auxiliaries of Satan the Seed of the Old Serpent who are filled with Enmity against the Woman's Seed Rom. 8.44 He that is born after the Flesh persecuteth him that is born after the Spirit c. Ye are of your Father the Devil and the Lusts of your Father ye will do These continually oppose the Truth and hate Godliness and those who profess it 3. The Worships of the World Saints have been often exposed to great Dangers for opposing the Ways Inventions and Superstitions of Men the Worship of the Beast and cursed Fornications of the great Whore but whilst they are able to stand or have Life in them they must oppose and resist all false Ways and Worshippers such as strive to make void the Doctrine of Christ and the Commands of God by their Traditions 4. There are also the Lusts of the World the Lusts of the Eye and the Pride of Life which Saints are engaged to fight against and oppose 1 John 2.16 Secondly They have their Domestick Enemies 1. Sin which is a wretched and treacherous Inmate and cursed Adversary 2. The Flesh These two made the holy Apostle to cry out Rom. 7. 1 Pet. 2.11 O wretched Man that I am who shall deliver me c. Hence we are exhorted as Strangers and Pilgrims to abstain from fleshly Lusts that war against the Soul VIII A Souldier expects and therefore ought to prepare to meet with his Enemies he knows he is chosen listed and placed under the Command of his Captain on purpose to fight VIII So a Saint expects and therefore ought to make ready to meet with spiritual Opposition from the Enemies of the Soul as soon as ever he is listed and entred into Christ's Service As it fell out with the Captain himself who no sooner was baptized Mat. 4. but presently he was led into the Wilderness to be tempted of the Devil So a Christian must always be prepared and resolved to engage and fight them Whom resist stedfastly in the Faith IX A Souldier goeth not on a Warfare at his own Charge his Prince bears the Expence of the War and furnisheth him with whatsoever is necessary for that Atchievement IX A Believer goeth not out in the Spiritual Warfare at his own Charge Christ furnisheth him with Clothes Armor Weapons and with all Things needful and necessary all is managed by his gracious and blessed Spirit X. A Souldier ought to be expert and well-skill'd in Martial Discipline to know all the Postures of War particularly the Word of Command and to obey presently He must not dispute the Matter nor make the least Pause Those Souldiers that were under the Centurion were very tractable upon this account as himself confessed I say to one Mat. 8.9 Go and he goeth and to another Come and he cometh X. So a Saint ought to be well-skill'd in all things necessary for a Christian Souldier it requires much Wisdom and Experience he must understand the Word of Command and be ready to obey his Captain as soon as ever the Word is given David had learned this part well I made haste Psal 119.60 Acts 26.19 and delayed not to keep thy Commandments And Paul saith He immediately obeyed the heavenly Vision It is a very unbecoming thing in Christians to stand or make a pause about their Obedience to Christ in those Things they are convinced to be their indispensible Duty it argues they have but little regard to the Honour of their Captain the Lord Jesus Christ Shall Souldiers be so careful and ready to obey their earthly Leaders who are but Men and shall not we be as ready and forward to obey the Lord Jesus Christ our heavenly Leader who is the most wâ—se and blessed God XI Souldiers must know their Places how to keep both Rank and File Military Discipline hath appointed every Officer in the Army his proper Place and every private Souldier to abide in the same Rank and File or Place where he is set by his Commander and none may alter their Station or change their Postures upon their own private account they must not break their Order upon their Peril for that is a Dishonour to the Captain and Standers by will laugh and reproach him besides if it be in a Time of Battel he exposeth himself and others to great Danger If an Army or Body of Men are once broken and in Confusion they are soon routed by their Enemies XI So must a Saint know his Place and particular Station where he is set by his Captain the Lord Jesus If he be set as a File-leader or made an Officer to lead a Party it is
beholding an Army of Souldiers with Helmets on III. A well-grounded Hope of Salvation and of Victory against the Enemy tends to the compleat harnessing or fitting out of every true Christian to meet and encounter with the Adversary by which means also they are said to be as terrible as an Army with Banners which Mr. Ainsworth applies to this Armor 2 Cor. 10.4 The Weapons of our Warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of Strong-Holds c. Israel being compleatly furnished with Armor of Proof who were a People saved by the Lord the Shield of their Hope and who was the Sword of their Excellency God hereby put the Fear and Dread of them upon all the Nations under the whole Heavens who heard of the Fame of them and trembled not Deut. 2.2 The People heard and were afraid Exod. 15.14 15 16. Psal 48 5 6. Sorrow took hold on the Inhabitants of Palestina The Dukes of Edom were amazed the mighty Men of Moab Trembling took hold upon them All the Inhabitants of Canaan melted away and Dread fell upon them And thus will it be again when God brings forth the Sons of Zion against the Sons of Greece every way compleatly armed with Shield and Helmet as an Army with Banners Zech. 9 13 IV. An Helmet as well as other Pieces of Armor must not be put off or laid aside until the Battel be over There are some Instruments and Engines used in War that are made use of but now and then but the Shield Breast-plate and Helmet c. are necessary continually when Arms are employed IV. So Hope the Helmet of Salvation must be taken by every true Christian and never laid aside until the Field is won and all the Enemies subdued Hence saith the Apostle 1 Pet. 1.13 Gird up the Loins of your Minds be sober and hope to the End for the Grace that shall be brought unto you at the Revelation of Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 13. ult Heb. 6.11 12. Now abideth Faith Hope and Charity We desire every one of you to shew the same diligence to the full assurance of Hope unto the end V. A Souldier that hath his compleat Armor on as the having on the Helmet doth import because it is usually the last Piece of Armor defensive that is put on is ready for Service when his Captain commands him forth and from hence he is animated and becomes very diligent and doth great Execution oftentimes upon the Enemy yea and more is expected from him than from one that is unarmed V. So a Souldier of Jesus Christ having the whole Christian Armor on is ready for any Service or Suffering for his Captain and waits but for the Word of Command and he adventures forth as Abraham did not knowing whither he went Hope of Salvation particularly maketh a Man very active it is called a lively Hope more is expected from him than from one that is hopeless Alas he goes on without any Heart that hath no grounded Hope of Heaven and the blessed Enjoiment of God and Christ for ever Metaphor Disparity AN Helmet which Men use in War hath been may be pierced through to the loss of the Life of the Souldier that hath it on BUt this spiritual Helmet called the Hope of Salvation which hath God and all Good both here and hereafter for its Object against this there can be no Assault made nor Force of Weapon used to the endangering of the Life of the Soul II. An Helmet used in War amongst Men tho it may preserve the Head from Danger yet it cannot preserve the Breast but that may be wounded by Sword or Dart. II. But a well-grounded Hope the Helmet of Salvation doth wonderfully preserve the Conscience as well as the Judgment from being corrupted by the Wounds of Error and rotten Principles carried on by the cunning Craftiness of Men whereby they lie in wait to deceive III. Men may have Helmets on and yet notwithstanding lose the Day be overcome and flie before their Enemies with Shame and Disgrace III. But he that engageth in this spiritual Armor of which the Helmet is a part Ephes 6. having on the whole Armor of God doth not only make a Christian to withstand the Enemy but also to stand against any Assault Rom. 5.5 Hope of Salvation maketh not ashamed Inferences FRom hence you may perceive how exceeding useful Hope is to all true Christians in their spiritual Warfare with the Enemies of the Soul 2. It shews that a Christian's Life is a Life of Hope or Expectation The Promises of God are not presently accomplished he seems to stay long ere he makes good what he hath engaged to give to them 3. And tho he stays long before he performs his Promise to us yet they shall be accomplished at last in the best time to the eternal Joy of their Hearts Hope deferred makes the Heart sick but when it comes it is a Tree of Life The Vision is for an appointed Time but at the end it shall speak and not lie c. 4. That tho God stays long before he performs his Word and Promise yet it is our Duty to wait patiently till it is fulfilled Wait for it because it shall surely come c. 5. That Hope pacifies and quiets the Soul of a Believer till the Promises are accomplished and fulfilled It may also serve to caution every Christian to take heed he does not take a counterfeit Helmet There is a Hope that will prove like a Spider's Web. Tho a true and lively Hope maketh not ashamed yet some Men will one day be ashamed of their Hope c. See Hope the Anchor of the Soul Hope compared to an Anchor Heb. 6.19 Which Hope we have as the Anchor of the Soul both sure and stedfast c. HOpe is not only compared to an Helmet but also to an Anchor as the Soul is compared to a Ship which Metaphor is opened under its proper Head Quest What is this Hope that is called the Anchor of the Soul Answ 1. Negatively It is not a Hope of being rich great and mighty in the World They esteem not of things below at such a rate as to make them their Hope If I have made Gold my Hope or have said to the fine Gold Job 31.24 thou art my Confidence c. Gold is put here by a Synechdoche of the Part for the Whole for all earthly things so that whereas Job saith If I have made Gold my Hope his meaning is if I have made any good things on Earth my Hope There is great difference saith Mr. Caryl between hoping for Gold and making Gold our Hope we may hope for worldly good things but we must not make any thing of this Life our Hope And further he saith 'To make Gold either gotten or to be gotten our Hope implieth these four things 1. An high Estimation of it as that which can do great things for us or stand us in
never fell from their first Estate Christ is not to them a Redeemer for their Restoration but only a Head for their Confirmation But why Angels are called Sons of God will appear in the following Parallel Metaphor Parallel A Son is the Off-spring of the Father ANgels are the Off-spring of God Adam was called the Son of God by Creation so may the Angels because created by God II. A Son is greatly beloved by the Father II. Angels are greatly beloved of the Almighty III. Sons attend honour and wait upon their Father they are about his Table and at his Command III. Angels wait upon God they stand about his Throne and are always ready to obey his Command and seek his Glory IV. Sons are greatly dignified they are near to their Father and have great Power and Authority in the Family IV. Angels are greatly dignified they are very near to God Mat. 18.10 always beholding his Face and are mighty in power Mr. Caryl saith They are called Sons of God because of Power being called Principalities and Powers c. V. Sons serve their Father cheerfully willingly and readily they obey not as Slaves or Servants V. Angels serve God with abundance of Cheerfulness and Willingness they go about their Work with a Filial or Son-like Cheerfulness and Delight VI. Sons are like their Father they have some Resemblance of him in Nature and Qualifications VI. Angels have some essential Likeness to God God is a Spirit and incorporeal the Angels are Spirits in their Nature and incorporeal Tho the difference between God and them is as great as can be conceived in this respect God is the creating Spirit and they are created Spirits God is an infinite Spirit they finite Spirits Yet the Angels bear as the Learned observe some resemblance to God in their Essence as well as in their Qualification and may in this respect be called the Sons of God likewise VII And lastly Sons imitate their Father Do good to them that hate you saith Christ that you may be the Children of your Father which is in Heaven That is Imitate God as some Children do their Fathers carry it towards evil Men as God doth and this will be an Evidence that you are the Sons of God and he will honour you with the Title of his Sons VII Angels imitate God in Mercy in Love and Compassion as also in their good Works their Ways being all holy just and good pure and righteous and shewing much Kindness and Tenderness to the Children of Men. They doubtless are patient towards the froward and undeserving Mortals they are of most excellent Natures and Dispositions No Creatures do imitate God so plainly or fully as they do and from hence they may be called the Sons of God Inferences THis may teach us how to carry our selves towards God our Father We should labour to be like the Angels Our Saviour hath taught us to pray That the Will of God may be done on Earth as it is done in Heaven Mat. 6.10 We who are God's Sons on Earth should imitate the Sons of God in Heaven We should serve God as cheerfully and with the like Alacrity of Heart as the holy Angels and labour not only to imitate the Angels and be like them but also to imitate God himself for He hath set himself before us for our direct and immediate Example Mat. 5.44 And hereby God will not be ashamed to be called our God He will not grudg us the Honour and Title of Sons which as it appears by this is a most glorious Dignity and Privilege even such a one that is conferred upon the holy Angels of Heaven c. The Holy Angels compared to an Host or Army Gen. 32.1 Jacob went on his way and the Angels of God met him Verse 2. And when Jacob saw them he said This is God's Host And he called the Name of that Place Mahanaim that is two Hosts or Camps Luke 2.13 And suddenly there was with the Angel a Multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God c. ANgels so named of the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Angelos in Hebrew Maleac Messenger or Legate one sent or employed in any Work are in these Scriptures called God's Host or Army not that he needeth them to protect himself or suppress his Enemies being infinitely stronger than all the Armies he himself hath and then what is the Strength and Force of all the Armies of his Enemies Therefore when God is said to have Armies it is either to signify First That he hath all things at his Command and is full of Power Or secondly That altho he can do all things by himself yet he will use the Agency of his Creatures to effect his Purpose Metaphor Parallel AN Host or Army have a Prince or General who is the Head of them THe Lord's Host or Army of Angels have a Prince or General who is their Head and Leader viz. the Lord Jesus Christ who is câ—lled the Head of Principalities and Powers II. An Host or Army consists of many Companies amongst which there are divers Ranks and Orders and yet all in Subjection to their Prince and chief Leader II. Angels the Lord's Host consist of many Companies or Legions Mat. 26.53 Thinkest thou that I cannot pray to my Father and he shall send me more than twelve Legions of Angels Christ spake in the Roman Phrase who reckoned their Armies by Legions as we by Regiments Six thousand six hundred sixty six was the Number of a Legion then the Number of twelve Legions was Seventy nine thousand nine hundred ninety two a great Army But how many more no Man can say Christ pitched upon a great certain Number to shew saith Mr. Caryl he could have what Number he pleased if he did but call for them We are come saith the Apostle to an innumerable Company of Angels The Lord's Camp is very great The Chariots of the Lord are twenty thousand even many thousands of Angels Psal 68.17 We read of many Degrees or Orders of Angels which some account to be nine 1. Cherubims that is Angels of Knowledg as St. Hierom interprets the Word but others from Cherub a Figure or Image Others from Chi a Note of Similitude and a Chaldee Word which signifies Puerum Juvenem a Youth And so as a learned Writer observes they were usually represented in the shape of a young Man to shew them to be intellectual Creatures of a young Man to express their Vigor and Strength with Wings to declare their Agility and Swiftness These we read were placed at the East End of the Garden of Eden with a flaming Sword Gen. 3.24 Exod. 25. 1 Kings 1.6 Ezek 10. Psal 104.4 and their Figures were appointed to be placed over the Mercy-Seat in the Tabernacle and Temple 2. Seraphims the Angels or Zeal Their Name is from an Hebrew Word which signifies to burn or burning according to that of the Psalms He maketh his Ministers a Flame of
Pardon when God absolves a poor Sinner he not only forgives but also forgets their Sins and Iniquities he remembers no more 3. Because it is a Freedom from the Guilt of it 4. Because it is a Freedom from the Power and Dominion of it 5. It is a Freedom from the Punishment of it Rom. 6.14 Rom. 8.1 1 John 5.24 6. Because 't is a purchased Freedom it was obtained by a great Sum viz. the Sum of God's great Love and Grace with the Sum of Christ's Blood Remission is through Christ's Atonement 7. Because it is a sealed Freedom it is made over to the Soul by the King 's own Seal the Spirit of God Eph. 1.13 14. that great Seal of Heaven 8. Because it is a lasting Freedom the Sins of Believers are forgiven for ever they shall never be laid to their Charge The second Privilege of this City is Gospel-Fellowship free Access to the Lord's Table and Communion with the Saints Eph. 2.6 They are made to sit down together in heavenly Places in Christ Jesus The third Privilege is Right to the Ministry they may all lay claim to the Ministers and Ministry of the Word Whether Paul or Apollo or Cephas all are yours 1 Cor. 3.27 28. They and all their Gifts and gracious Endowments are the Saints The fourth Privilege is their undoubted Right to the City-Stock or the Churches Patrimony 1. The Stock of Prayers sincere Souls have a Right to all the Prayers of the Church 2. To that Store and spiritual Provision viz. the Bread of Life Psal 132 15. c. that is laid up in her God will bless the Provision of Zion and satisfy her Poor with Bread 3. The Stock of Promises God hath promised to bless comfort strengthen beautify build up and save Sion and consequently every Saint and Member thereof for all those and many more like Promises are directly made to every sincere Soul or Citizen of Sion The fifth Privilege is free Access to the Throne of Grace Eph. 2.18 Sixthly a Dwelling-place there This is a glorious Privilege they dwell near the King behold him in the Galleries every day they dwell in God's Courts nay in his House Blessed are they that dwell in thy House they will be still praising thee Psal 84.1 Psal 92.13 Selah They that are planted in the House of the Lord shall flourish in the Courts of our God they shall bring forth Fruit in old Age c. 1. 'T is a strong and sure Dwelling-place He shall dwell on high Isa 32.18 Isa 33.16 his Place of Defence shall be the Munition of Rocks 2. 'T is a rich and glorious Dwelling-place 3. 'T is a pleasant Dwelling-place 4. 'T is an honourable Dwelling-place 5. 'T is and shall be a peaceable Habitation Look upon Zion Isa 33.20 the City of our Solemnities Thine Eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet Habitation a Tabernacle that shall not be taken down not one of the Stakes thereof shall ever be removed neither shall any of the Cords thereof be broken Seventhly They have a Right and Privilege to chuse their own Officers every free Citizen hath his Voice at every Election No Minister Bishop or Deacon may be imposed upon them without their own free Consent Eighthly They have Right to all the Blessings and privileges of the River the Streams whereof make glad all the Inhabitants the Nature of whose Water you have heard Ninthly They have a Right to the City-Guard which always attends them whithersoever they go or whatsoever they do when they are about their proper Work which are the good Angels Tenthly The last Privilege I shall mention is Sonship Joh. 1.12 Gal 4.6 But to as many as received him to them gave he Power or Privilege to become the Sons of God Because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your Hearts crying Abba Father XIII Some Cities have a common Stock in them out of which the poor decayed Citizens are often supplied and helped in their Distress and thereby delivered from utter Beggery XIII The Church hath a common Stock or Storehouse belonging to it called the unsearchable Riches of Christ Eph. 3 8. out of which all poor decayed Christians have their Wants supplied That Grace that is treasured up in Christ is always ready to be given forth to his poor Children and by this means they are kept from Ruin and being utterly undone My God shall supply all your Needs according to his Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus Phil. 4.19 XIV A City hath also a strict Watch appointed to keep the Gates and to see that no Accident happen in it to the hurt and detriment thereof XIV The Church or City of God hath also a strong and faithful Militia or spiritual Watch which are the holy Angels These are called Watchers Dan. 4.23 or Watchmen and in other places the Lord's Host or the Armies of Heaven who are mighty in Power one of them being able to destroy all the Churches Enemies These keep the Saints day and night they encamp about them and see that no Evil comes unto them Besides them God is said to watch over his People continually who is called the Watchman of Israel and the Saviour thereof in the Day of Trouble Psal 127.1 2. Vnless the Lord keep the City the Watchman waketh but in vain Besides Psal 127.1 See 6th head of Metaphors there are the Ministers of the Gospel who are called Watchmen XV. A great and famous City hath Towers and Battlements belonging to it not only for Ornament but also for Strength and Security from Evil. XV. The City of God is famous in respect of its Towers and Places of Security Walk about Zion Psal 48.12 13 14. and go round about her mark well her Bulwarks consider her Palaces that ye may tell it to the Generation following For this God is our God for ever and ever and he will be our Guide until Death The Name of the Lord is a Strong-Tower c. Everyone of the blessed Attributes of God are as so many Towers of Safety to his Church See Strong-Tower in the First Head of Metaphors XVI In a City notwithstanding the many noble and honourable Personages or worthy Patrons that dwell therein yet there are some ill and unworthy Members that get a being there which tends much to its Blemish and Reproach XVI So the City of God notwithstanding all the holy and eminent Saints and Servants of God who dwell therein yet hath in it some wicked and ungodly Ones who by Craft and Hypocrisy get a being there tho when known they are turned out as the incestuous Person Hymeneus and Alexander was 1 Cor. 5. 1 Tim. 1.20 Jud. 4. For there are certain Men crept in unawares who were before of old ordained to this Condemnation ungodly Men turning the Grace of God into Lasciviousness and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ These
needful for him to see to his proper Work and Business he may not acquit his Command when he pleaseth The Commander in chief may prefer or degrade his Souldiers as seemeth good to him but he may not he cannot dispose of himself Pastors must keep their Places Deacons keep their Places Members of each Church keep their Places and not when they please withdraw themselves and get into another Company but must abide under particular Command where Christ hath set them Shall any one think that God who hath placed such Order in other Creatures in Heaven and Earth is not strict touching that holy Order set and appointed in his Church If the Sun Moon and Stars keep in their own Sphere and move in their own Orbs if the Sea hath its Bounds and Limits set beyond which it must not go can it be imagined that the Church of Christ should be a more disorderly Piece than the inanimate and irrational Creatures God is the God of Order and not of Confusion 1 Cor. 14.33 in all the Churches of the Saints Therefore if any Christians that are of this or that particular Company or Church do break the holy Order and regard not to keep in their Stations or neglect their proper Work what a Reproach is it to them and to Religion it self Besides the Danger they are exposed to if Saints neglect Prayer or hearing the Word or the Lord's Supper or are divided amongst themselves is very great unless they rally the sooner and unite again and keep their Ranks they are in danger of being utterly routed and undone by Satan Many hence have been enticed by the Subtilty of the Devil to desert their General and flie from their Colours XII Souldiers must follow their Leader this is one Word of Command XII So must every Christian follow Jesus Christ he ought to have his Eye upon him how often hath he commanded us to follow him Shall any list themselves under his Command and refuse to be subject to his holy Laws and Authority or follow him for a Time and then grow weary Mat. 16.24 If any Man will be my Disciple let him take up his Cross daily and follow me We read of a great and famous Army consisting of Forty Four Thousand a certain Number put for an uncertain Rev. 14.1 2 3 4. that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth We must follow Christ in every Ordinance follow his Doctrine and follow his Example in every one of his gracious Qualifications viz. in his Patience how contented was he in the midst of his greatest Poverty in his Lowness of Mind and deepest Humility in his Tenderness Bowels and Compassion towards those that deserved nothing how kind loving and merciful was he Follow him in his Reproaches Afflictions and Indignities follow him in all Difficulties and Dangers with Peter follow him to Prison and to Death it self when he calls us thither Be ye Followers of me as I am of Christ Jesus Joh. 10.17 My Sheep hear my Voice and they follow me XIII It behoveth a Souldier to be well-skilled in all Stratagems of War for that conduceth much to his just and needful Accomplishments Policy having many times out-done Power and humane Strength XIII So a Christian ought to be well-skill'd and expert in all Divine Wisdom and Policy in the Management of the Spiritual War against the Enemies of the Soul Christ's Counsel is Be ye as wise as Serpents but as innocent as Doves And indeed nothing is more necessary for spiritual Souldiers than Wisdom and Policy in the carrying on of the War against their internal Adversaries because of their Craft and Subtilty Their Adversary the Devil is compared to a Serpent upon this very account and in other Places we read of his Devices and Wiles Eph. 6. That ye may stand against the Wiles of the Devil 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 properly the Methods of Satan 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gurnal which signifies that Art and Order one observes in handling a Point we say such a one is methodical Now because it shews Ingenuity and Acuteness of Wit so to compose a Discourse therefore it is transferred to express the Subtilty of Satan in laying of his Plots against a Christian Indeed the expert Souldier hath his Order as well as the Scholar there is Method in forming an Army as well as in framing an Argument The Devil is a subtil Enemy and Saints are most endangered by his Craft and Policy he hath always got the greatest Advantage upon Christ's Souldiers by this means It was the way he took when he set upon Man at first and if he overcame him when he was in his perfect State no marvel if he prevail upon him in his depraved and maimed State And therefore Wisdom is needful and more especially to discover his Stratagems 2 Cor. 2.11 We are not ignorant saith the Apostle of his Devices Some of which I shall note here for the spiritual Souldier's Profit and Observation with respect to his drawing Men and Women to Sin First He shews his Subtilty in chusing the most proper and advantagious Season for Tempting An hundred Souldiers at one time may turn a Battel and save an Army when Thousands will not do it at another Satan knows when to make his Approaches and the Time when he is most likely to prevail Gurnal The Time he takes to tempt in is 1. When newly converted No sooner is the Child of Grace the new Creature born but this Dragon pours a Flood of Temptations after it 2. When a Saint is beset with some great Affliction this is a blind Lane or solitary Place fit for this Thief to call for his Purse 3. When a Christian is about some notable Enterprize for God's Glory then Satan will lie like a Serpent in the Way An Adder in the Path that biteth his Horse Heel Gen. 49. Zech. 3.1 2 3. so that his Rider shall fall backward Thus he stood at Joshua's Right-hand to resist him The Right-Hand is the working Hand and his standing there implies his Desire to hinder him and his Enterprize Indeed the Devil was never a Friend to Temple-Work and therefore that Work is so long a doing What a handsom Excuse doth he help the Jews unto The Time is not come Hag. 1 2. Mat. 4.1 2. When our Saviour was baptized and was just entring upon his Ministry then Satan set upon him 4. When he hath the Presence of some Object to enforce his Temptation Thus he took Eve when she was near the Tree and had it in her Eye 5. After great Manifestation of God's Love then the Tempter comes Such is the Weakness of Grace sometimes in a Believer that he can neither well bear Smiles nor Frowns from God When Paul was exalted with abundance of Revelation 2 Cor. 12.1 2 3 c. then was the Time that Satan set upon him with his strong Temptations 6. At the Hour of Death
their Service couragiously Heb. 10 34 Prov. 28.1 They took joyfully the spoiling of their Goods The Wicked flie when none pursue but the Righteous are as bold as a Lion Shall such a Man as I fly was the Saying of a brave Souldier of this Captain's When Modestus the Emperor's Lieutenant threatned Basil with Confiscation of Goods Banishment and Death how couragiously did he bear it If you have any thing else threaten it for these things are nothing This was somewhat like that of Paul notwithstanding Bonds Imprisonment and Death was threatned against him yet saith he None of these things move me Acts 20.24 Rom. 5.3 neither account I my Life dear unto me c. We glory in Tribulation 4. Saints endure Hardness constantly the whole Life of a Christian is a Time of Warfare till this Life is done his Warfare is not done Job 17.9 The Righteous shall hold on their Way and he that hath clean Hands shall grow stronger and stronger A Saint must never cease being a Souldier Godliness must be his Trade as long as he lives As Satan will never have done tempting so he must never cease from resisting his Temptations 5. And then all this is done sincerely he hath holy Aims and Ends in what he doth XVIII A good Souldier spares none of the Enemy when he hath such a Command given him And Saul for not complying with the Requirement of God in this respect lost his Kingdom viz. in sparing Agag the King and the Fat of the Cattel when the Word of Command was 1 Sam. 15. Go smite Amalek and utterly destroy all that they have and spare them not but slay both Men and Women Infant and Suckling Oxen and Sheep Camels and Asses c. XVIII So a Saint or good Souldier of Jesus Christ spares not one Lust Every Sin like the cursed Amalekites must be put to the Sword He is no sound Christian that suffers any Sin to abide quietly in his Heart or Life unmortified If there be any one Darling-Lust spared it is a palpable Sign of Hypocrisy Some Men are ready to excuse their evil Lusts as Saul did They will cover their covetous Designs under the Pretence of doing good and distributing to the Necessities of the Poor but alas this will not do Obedience is better than Sacrifice A Saint must kill all put all his Sins to the Sword or die to them One Sin spared as Agag was will exclude thee the Kingdom of Heaven Rom. 8.13 If ye live after the Flesh ye shall die but if ye mortify the Deeds of the Body ye shall live XIX A good Souldier will keep with his Colours It is punishable by Martial Law for a Souldier to lie behind his Colours and Death without Mercy to depart quite from them XIX So a good Souldier of Christ will keep and abide with the Banner of Truth The Gospel saith Ainsworth is the Saints Ensign Isa 5.26 And he will lift up an Ensign to the People c. Christ will lash such as lie behind Peter was made to weep bitterly for straying from his Colours And it will be Death without Mercy to those that quite depart from the Truth and embrace Heresy or Idolatry And here let me caution all Christians to take heed lest they are deceived by their Enemies Satan like a cunning Pirate sometimes transforms himself into an Angel of Light he puts out false Colours comes with a seeming Banner or Ensign of Truth he can make use of Scripture when it will make for his purpose to deceive XX. A good Souldier will not turn his Back upon the Enemy to the dishonour of his Captain tho his Life be in danger he will not flie nor cowardly betray his Trust XX. So a good Souldier of Jesus Christ will not turn his Back to flie from the Enemy or utterly depart from the Truth whatsoever befalls him such is his Love to the Lord Jesus and Zeal for his Glory And besides he knows if he doth the great Danger he exposeth his own Soul to thereby for among all the Armor that Christians should take unto them we read of no Back-piece for if they turn their Back they are gone and undone for ever If any Man draw back Heb. 10.38 my Soul shall have no Pleasure in him XXI A Souldier is greatly animated and encouraged in all his Encounters and sharp Conflicts with the Enemy by considering the Reward and Honour he shall receive if he manfully holds out and gets the Victory XXI So a Saint is carried on with much Zeal and Courage by the consideration of the eternal Reward he shall receive in the end This made Moses despise the Glory of Egypt and refuse to be called the Son of Pharaoh's Daughter He saw him who was invisible and had an Eye to the Recompence of Reward Heb. 1â— Christ himself this way animates his Followers and faithful Souldiers I appoint to you a Kingdom Be you faithful unto Death Rev. 2.10 2 Tim. 4.8 9. and I will give you a Crown of Life I have saith Paul fought the good Fight and finished my Course and kept the Faith And henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness which God the Righteous Judg will give me at that Day and not to me only but to all them that love his appearing XXII Some Souldiers of an Army are now and then singled out as Champions to engage an Enemy alone Tho every Champion be a Souldier yet every Souldier is not a Champion A Captain will not chuse any Souldier to this Work but such only as he knows are Men of Courage and Experience c. XXII So Christ sometimes calls forth one of his spiritual Army to engage the Enemy alone and as a Champion of the Truth to sacrifice his Life in the behalf of it What greater Honour can be conferred upon a Christian than this Such a Champion was St. Stephen Antipas c. who were brave Men Acts 7. Rev. 2.13 Saints of undaunted Courage and Resolution who loved not their Lives unto Death Metaphor Disparity NO earthly Souldiers know what the Event or Issue of their Wars will be they cannot tell whether they shall overcome and get the Victory or not tho they be never so valiant and couragious in their Service and faithful and true to their Captain and Leader BUt a true Christian knows and is assured that he shall overcome and obtain the Victory He fights not at an uncertainty the Issue of the War being made known unto him by Christ in his Word And altho a Christian may sometimes doubt of the Truth of his own Sincerity yet being sincere he doth not doubt of obtaining the Conquest II. Earthly Souldiers many times lose their Limbs and precious Lives in Fight and it is not in the Power of the wisest Captain in the World to repair or make up that Loss again II. But Christ's Souldiers never engage their Enemies to the Loss of Limbs
Church of God and help them by their Counsel and Prayers at all times and not to weaken but strengthen their Hands and protect them from the Scorn Reproach and Oppression of the Enemy as much as lieth in them c. XIII When a Prince finds his Ambassadors cannot succeed in their Business but that all Terms of Peace are rejected he calls them home and then bloody Wars commonly follow XIII So when God sees that the Messenger and Message he sends by his faithful Ministers is slighted and that Sinners remain obstinate after long patience he calls home his Ministers perhaps takes them away by Death and resolves to treat with that People or State no more but contrary-wise to let out his Wrath upon them And thus it fared with Israel of old The Lord God of their Fathers sent to them by his Messengers rising early and sending them c. 2 Chron. 36.15 16. But they mocked the Messengers of God and despised his Word and misused his Prophets until the Wrath of the Lord arose against his People till there was no Remedy Inferences THis shews what great Dignity God hath conferred upon his faithful Ministers and this Title should procure an honourable Esteem of them in the Hearts of all Persons to whom they are sent And this is more necessary to the good Success of their Message than is generally thought tho 't is evident what Ministers speak upon this Subject is misconstrued as if they herein rather sought themselves than to befriend the Gospel or advance the Honour of their Master Men are ready to interpret it as a Fruit of their Pride and an Affectation they have of some outward Grandure and worldly Pomp which they design to gain by such a magnificent Title The Apostle himself was sensible of this and yet would not desist to magnify his Office 1 Cor. 4.5 and therefore saith he Let Men so account of us as Ministers of Christ and Stewards of the Mysteries of God and that they should judg nothing before the Time Object But some may say If God will use Ambassadors to treat with Sinners why doth be not use Angels c. 2 Cor. 4.7 Answ 1. The Apostle answers this We have this Treasure in earthen Vessels that the Excellency of the Power may be of God and not of us 2. Ministers being Men have the Advantage many ways above Angels for this Work 1. They are more concerned themselves in the Message they bring than Angels are What greater Argument for a Man's Care than his own Interest 2. They have a more deep Sense arising in their Hearts upon the account of the Temptations they are subject to c. 3. The Sufferings which Ministers meet with for the Gospel's sake are of great advantage to their Brethren had Angels been the Ambassadors they could not have sealed to the Truth of their Doctrine with their Blood they cannot die c. 4. Besides the Presence of Angels might terrify and afrighten us their Glory is so great c. II. This shews that Ministers have a special Commission How shall they preach except they are sent Rom. 10. They must have a lawful Call to this Office as Ambassadors have III. Let poor Sinners from hence be persuaded to hearken to them and carefully receive the Message Ministers bring from the great God and accept of Terms of Peace and close in with Jesus Christ IV. It shews the wonderful Love of God and the great Care he hath of Men's Souls V. It shews what an intolerable Affront is offered to the Majesty of Heaven by those that abuse or deride the Ministers of the Gospel and much greater by them that persecute and imprison them for delivering their Message Paul was an Ambassador in Bonds c. VI. It shews the Weight and Importance of the Preachers Message it is not a slight or sleeveless Errand they come about Deut. 30.15 Joh. 3.36 Mark 16.15 16. I set before you this day Life and Death Hear and your Souls shall live He that believeth not the Wrath of God abideth on him Go into all the World and preach the Gospel to every Creature He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned Ministers compared to Rulers Heb. 13.7 Remember them which have the Rule over you who have spoken unto you the Word of God c. MInisters of the Gospel are Rulers or Governors c. Rulers Parallel RUlers are Men in high Place endued with Power and Authority over others 't is a Name of Dignity SO Ministers are the chief of God's People such as have great Power committed to them as the Deputies and Ambassadors of Christ II. Rulers or Governors have a Law by which they ought to rule and govern in all things II. So Ministers are to rule the House and Church of God by the Rule of God's Word III. 'T is an evil thing and justly reprovable in Rulers to exceed the Limits and Bounds of the Law by which they are to rule and govern or to carry things according to their own Wills and Lusts not regarding the fundamental Laws of the Land where they live III. So 't is an abominable Evil in Ministers to rule according to their own Wills violating the Law of God Ministers may exceed their due Bounds and be arbitrary and tyrannize over the People in things spiritual as well as Civil Rulers or Magistrates in things temporal IV. Rulers in some places are chosen by the People whom they govern 't is the People's Privilege to chuse their Magistrates IV. So Ministers ought to be chosen by the Church 't is the Privilege of the People to chuse their own Pastors and other Officers according to the Qualifications laid down by the Spirit of God 1 Tim. 3.1 2 3. Acts 6.3 Wherefore Brethren look ye out among your selves c. V. Rulers ought to be wise Men Men fearing God See Jethro's Counsel to Moses Exod. 18.21 Thou shalt provide out of all the People able Men such as fear God Men of Truth hating Covetousness 2 Sam. 23.4 c. The God of Israel said the Rock of Israel spake unto me He that ruleth over Men must be just ruling in the Fear of God What a sore Rebuke doth God give covetous Rulers by the Prophet Ezek. 22.27 Her Princes in the midst thereof are like Wolves ravening the Prey to shed Blood and to destroy to get dishonest Gain V. So Ministers ought to be Men wise holy and of a blameless Conversation such as are given to Hospitality 1 Tim. 3.2 3. and not greedy of filthy Lucre. 'T is an odious thing to see a Minister covetous who is required to open the Nature of and preach against that Sin as well as all others and ought to live accordingly How can he preach against that Sin he is guilty of himself or if he doth what good effect can he think it will have upon other Mens Hearts when
exercises his own People Parallels CLouds are many Who can number the Clouds in Wisdom Job 38.37 So the Calamities of God's People are many innumerable Evils compass me about many are the Afflictions of the Righteous II. Clouds are said to be round about the Almighty Job 22.14 nay thick Clouds are said to be a covering to him and yet he dwelleth in the Light which no Man can approach unto Now when God is said to dwell in Darkness or to have Clouds and Darkness round about him it shews that God's Works and Ways are hid from us so that we are not able to see him nor look up to behold what he doth God's Providences are like Clouds they obscure or hide God's Counsel and way of his working from us he is in the Clouds tho we see him not those Clouds and Darkness which are about him do not hinder his sight of us tho they hinder our sight of him III. Clouds are of different kinds some are said to be thick and very black when others have a kind of thinness in them and are as Mr. Caryl notes as it were transparent some are more gross and opacous quite hindring and intercepting our sight of things beyond them So some of God's Dispensations are dark very dark and others more bright some are so dark and gloomy such black and thick Clouds are over us that we can see no Light we cannot see through them no seeing things beyond them when others are not so dark they are like light Clouds the Mind of God may be seen and plainly understood in them Job was covered with thick darkness he understood not the reason why God contended with him he had quite lost sight of the Almighty I go forward but he is not there Job 23.9 10. and backward but I cannot perceive him on the left hand where he doth work I cannot behold him he hideth himself on the right hand that I cannot see him but it was his Mercy God was hid on the right hand for sometimes he hides himself on the left hand from a People IV. Clouds make the day dark dull and People very Melancholly So some of God's dismal Providences make the Dispensation in which we live very dark and uncomfortable and fill us with Trouble and Sorrow V. Clouds are at the Commandment of God he covers the Heavens with them and again dissipates and scatters them at his Pleasure So all the Troubles and Calamities that attend a People or Nation are brought upon them by the ordering and over-ruling hand of God's Providence Is there any evil in a City and I have not done it Who gave Jacob to the Spoil Isa 42.24 and Israel to the Robbers did not the Lord c. and then he again sometimes in an unexpected manner scatters all the thick Clouds in a moment making the day clear serene and comfortable VI. Clouds sometimes grow thicker and thicker threatning a dismal Storm of Thunder and Hail causing all that are in the Field to hasten home So the Dispensations of God's Judgments sometimes are such that all God's People fear a dreadful Storm will come upon them and then those who have strayed abroad and estranged themselves from God begin to look about them and hasten home apace to take Sanctuary in God VII Clouds cover the Face of Heaven many Vapours gathering together rise up and darken the Sun and keep from us the comfortable Aspect thereof I will cover the Sun with a Cloud The same Word that is used for a Cloud doth signify a Multitude So Clouds as Mr. Greenhil observes sometimes signify a Multitude of Men a Multitude of Enemies as it was prophesied concerning Nebuchadnezzar's Army and of the great Gog Thou shalt ascend and come like a Storm and shalt be like a Cloud to cover the Land VIII Clouds are so swift that they are irresistible they pour out the Rain and none can let them So the Enemies and other Troubles come sometimes in upon God's People that there is no stopping them IX Clouds are such plain Emblems of Misery and Affliction that the Hebrew Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for a Cloud signifies also Calamity So the Day of the Lord's Wrath in Scripture is set out by Clouds frequently That Day is a Day of Trouble and Distress a Day of Darkness and Gloominess a Day of Clouds and thick Darkness Now the Reasons why God brings Clouds and Darkness upon his People are many which I must pass by Affliction compared to Fire Isa 24.13 Wherefore glorify ye the Lord in the Fire Zech. 13.9 I will bring the third part through the Fire c. 1 Cor. 3.13 And the Fire shall try every Man's Work of what sort it is FIre is taken in the holy Scripture two ways either literally or figuratively and metaphorically and so it signifies several Things and amongst the rest these 1. The Wrath of God Mal. 4.1 2. The Effects of his Wrath. Isa 52.4 3. Any sore and dismal Affliction Trial or Persecution Isa 24.15 Note Judgments or sore Calamities are compared to Fire Parallels THere is a great Judgment and Terror in Fire let loose upon a People So when God brings in Enemies or lets them loose upon a People 't is a great Judgment very terrible and amazing II. There are different Fires Some are a Judgment as before but others are profitable as the Refiner's Fire So there are different metaphorical Fires God's Wrath on the Wicked is like a devouring and consuming Fire that burns up all but the Fire in which he puts his own Children is like the Refiner's Fire Afflictions and Judgments upon the Godly are but to burn up their Corruption and make them more pure they shall not consume them III. Some Fires break forth suddenly and unexpectedly So some Judgments break forth upon a People and Nation suddenly when no Man looks for it whether it be Plague Sword or Famine IV. Fire burns terribly when it hath gotten to a Head 't is hard to stop it So when the Wrath of God breaks forth in good Earnest upon the Wicked 't is hard to stop it Tho Wrath hath been quenched by Prayer yet sometimes Prayer cannot quench Wrath Pray not for this People Jer. 7.16 V. The Fire will refine Gold and make it more fit for use but Wood Hay and Stubble it consumeth to Ashes So sincere Christians endure the Fire of Affliction and are made better by it but all drossy Professors and Hypocrites the Fire of Persecution consumes Affliction compared to a Rod. Job 9.34 Let him take his Rod away from me Psal 89.32 I will visit their Transgression with a Rod. Mic. 6.9 Hear ye the Rod c. THE Rod hath divers Acceptations 1. The Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Shabat is taken sometimes strictly for a Bough or Sprig growing from the Stock of a Tree because a Rod or Staff is made of a Bough of a Tree 2. It signifies a Scepter the Scepter of a King an
in the way of Obedience But a strong Faith in all it doth is kept up by Christ's doing by Christ's Obedience he sees his Acceptation comes in through the Lord Jesus's Undertaking for him 5. A weak Faith is subject to rest too much upon the Means and outward Ordinances He performs Duty and is found in the Appointments of Christ because of the Fat and Sweet of them or some present Comforts of the Spirit in the performance of them rather than because commanded of God and to manifest his Obedience and Subjection unto him and if he meets not with his expectation he is ready presently to faint and be discouraged and concludes the Ordinances do not belong to him or he is not a converted Person c. or else thinks wholly to neglect them for time to come 6. A weak Believer is ready to judg of his Justification by his inward Sanctification When he finds eminent Power over Sin then he begins to conclude he may be in a saved State tho I do not say that a Man is actually justified before he is in some measure or degree made holy where the one is the other will follow as the Effect the Cause Quest How may a weak Faith or Hand be strengthned and feeble Knees confirmed Answ 1. Consider a weak Faith is precious a little Gold is Gold a little Water is Water Thou art a Believer though thou art but a weak Believer 2. A weak Faith being true may in time prove strong and grow to be a great Faith 3. Tho thou hast but a weak Faith it will save doubtless some weak Eyes beheld the Brazen Serpent and were healed 4. Weak Faith if it be true shall never fail totally nor be taken away He that is the Author of it will likewise be the Finisher Phil. 1.6 Being confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good Work in you will perform it to the Day of Jesus Christ Hope compared to an Helmet Ephes 6.17 And take the Helmet of Salvation c. 1 Thess 5.8 And for an Helmet the Hope of Salvation AN Helmet is a Piece of Armor for the Head commonly called a Head-Piece Hope the Word is derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Havah which signifieth to expect or wait and it notes a very vehement Intention both of Body and Mind in waiting expecting or hoping when a Man waits as it were stretching forth his Spirit or his Mind putting himself out exceedingly to hope or wait for a thing Hope is a Divine and Super-natural Grace or Fruit of the holy Spirit and may be thus described First 'T is a patient and well-grounded Expectation of whatsoever God hath promised God is the Author of it called the Hope of Israel and the God of Hope The Believer is the Subject of this Hope The Object in a strict sence is God who comprehends all the Good that Saints dwell in the Faith and expectation of Psal 39.7 What wait I for my Hope is in thee In a large sence it is the Good of the Promise not in hand Rom. 8.24 or already accomplish'd but to be performed hereafter Hope that is seen is not Hope for what a Man seeth why doth he yet hope for it Futurity is intrinsecal to Hope's Object and distinguisheth it from Faith which gives a present Being to the Promise Heb. 11 1. and is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Substance of things hoped for The Good of the Promise hath a kind of Substance by Faith in the Soul it is in Heaven as it were in an Interview it brings the Christian and Heaven together as if he were there already Why Hope is compared to an Helmet will appear in the following Parallel Metaphor Parallel THe Helmet defends the Head that eminent part of the Body from the Dint of Bullet or Sword HOpe of Heaven defends the principal Parts and Faculties of the Soul from the dangerous Assaults of Sin and Satan particularly the Judgment which most Expositors understand is intended by the Head What avails that Faith which Men have without a well-grounded Hope of future Life Devils have a kind of Faith they believe but have no Hope Faith eyes the Promises and Hope preserves the Soul from Satan's Wounds keeping it in a faithful and stedfast expectation of the fulfilling of them By which means a Saint is help'd chearfully to suffer the Loss of all other things and that in Judgment hoping it will be made up again to him in another World Like as Hope causeth the Husband-man to cast his choice and precious Seed into the Earth He that ploweth ploweth in Hope 1 Cor. 9.10 he hopes for a greater Increase at Harvest So a Merchant ventures much Treasure to Sea as far as the Indies in Hope for had he not good Hopes of advantagious Returns all would account him a Fool so to do II. The Helmet maketh a Souldier fearless and very couragious in the Day of Battel for if his Head and Heart be well defended he is in no great danger of his Life II. In like manner Hope of Heaven makes a Saint very couragious for Christ and his blessed Interest Rom. 5.5 Hope maketh not ashamed 'T is the Hope of Heaven that causeth Saints to endure Afflictions and Persecutions with Patience and not to fear the Faces of their Enemies for if the Judgment Will Affection and Conscience of a Believer be preserved from the mortal Wounds of the Adversary he is safe and out of Danger which is all done by this part of the Christian's Armor How confidently and daringly did Goliah come forth against Israel with his Helmet of Brass and other Furniture as if he had been so enclosed in his Armor that it was impossible any one should prevail against him This made him carry his Crest so high and to defy a whole Host Tho he was mistaken in his Armor Isa 49.23 yet here is an Helmet c. that whosoever wears it shall never be put to shame for his holy Boasting God himself allows him so to do and will bear him out in the rejoycing of his Hope Psal 27.3 They shall not be ashamed that wait for me Therefore saith David Tho an Host should encamp against me my Heart shall not fear c. My Head shall be lifted above mine Enemies Two things make the Head hang down Fear and Shame now Hope easeth the Christian's Heart of both these and so forbids him to give any sign of a desponding Mind by a dejected Countenance in the worst of Times Luk. 21.28 When these things come to pass then lift up your Heads for your Redemption draweth nigh III. An Helmet tends to the compleat harnessing and setting out of a Souldier to meet his Enemy by which means he is terrible to behold as Experience shews for how fierce doth an Army of Souldiers look when armed Cap-a-pe And especially the Head-piece tends to do it Many have been struck with great trembling by