Sea Men above one another in respect of his Church his spiritual Building Moses above Joshuah and ordinary Prophets Aaron above other Priests Apostles above Evangelists and ordinary Ministers And all to shew his wonderful Skill and Wisdom Angels to keep his Commands and sing Praise the Heavens to declare his Glory and the Firmament to shew his handy Works Moses to manifest Wonders on Earth Aaron to celebrate his Worship John Baptist to set forth Jesus the Apostles to plant Churches and preach the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles Elders of a lower Rank Apollo and Evangelists All which have their peculiar Work and Place assigned by the great Architect of the whole Universe VI. God hath set his Stories in the Heavens where his glorious Majesty dwells and Jesus our great High-Priest sits at his right hand where all the Angels are seated in Glory and the Spirits of just Men made perfect surround the Throne of God and the Lamb The Earth for Men The dismal Prisons and Regions of Darkness for disobedient Spirits and evil Angels VII God hath not only beautified the Meek with Salvation but adorned New Jerusalem where the Saints shall dwell with so high and Soul-ravishing Excellencies as the most sublime Rhetorick can set forth as Gold Pearl Diamonds and other precious Stones the Street pure Gold the Building of the Wall Jasper the Foundations precious Stones and the Gates Pearls VIII God is a great Benefactor who hath made Buildings both for Safety and Conveniency He made the Fountains to contain the great Deeps to keep them from breaking out upon the World he has made Windows in Heaven to keep the Waters above from falling down too furiously to the prejudice of Man and Beast He hath made Chambers to keep in the roaring Winds from annoying Mortals with constant and impetuous Blasts The raging Element of Fire he hath confined to its proper Region where it cannot harm us without his permission He hath given us a pleasant and fruitful Earth a comfortable and refreshing Air a beautiful and delightful Heaven which he has placed as a Canopy over us He has constituted a good and holy Church which is as a Wine-Cellar to supply all our Wants where he has placed the Word the Spirit the Ordinances good Counsel and Instructions suitable Comforts and Consolations there is the Wine the Oil the Balm the Bread where he feeds his Lambs and makes his Flocks to rest at Noon satisfying with Favour and filling with the Blessings of his Bounty He will abundantly bless Sion's Provision c. IX God is pleased with his Work when finished He looked upon all things which his Hand had made and behold it was very good He is worthy of Honour for what he hath done because they are great things mighty things wonderful things without number So that it might be said as David O give thanks to the Lord who by his Wisdom made Heaven Let all the Host of Heaven and all the Inhabitants of the Earth praise c. Metaphor I. AN earthly Builder is but a mortal Man subject to Weakness and Death II. The earthly Builder has but a small pittance or measure of Skill and Wisdom 't is but the Wisdom of a Son of Man as light as Vanity and next to Foolishness III. Earthly Builders are fain to pause study and consider before they bring forth their Devices IV. The earthly Builder must have Materials to work upon and Servants to employ V. An earthly Builder cannot effect his Purposes in point of Building by his Word without Work and Labour VI. The earthly Builder must have much time allowed him to finish a great and famous Fabrick VII An earthly Builder lays the Foundation of his Work upon a brittle substance or at best upon a Rock which is capable of Dissolution VIII An Earthly Builder builds but little comparatively as some Towns Cities or part of them c. IX An earthly Builder may be out-done by a Successor X. An earthly Builder builds for other Men all being not for himself XI An earthly Builder is capable of Improvement in his Skill for Experiment and second Thoughts instruct him in some Points he was before ignorant of XII An earthly Builder oft-times undoes what he hath done plucks it down to make it better Disparity I. GOD the heavenly Builder is a mighty God the everlasting and everliving God with whom is no beginning of Days nor end of Life II. The heavenly Builder hath all the Treasures of Wisdom he is full of Wisdom and Knowledg he is essentially wise and skilful and gives all the Wisdom and Skill that is possess'd enjoyed or used by Men or Angels 'T is unsearchable past finding out beyond all comprehension so profound that Angels are Fools in comparison of him He charges his Angels with Folly III. The heavenly Builder having all Wisdom and Knowledg sees by one Act uno intuitu all things that are necessary and commodious and needeth not to suspend Actions till after Study and Consideration nor stay for any one to be his Help and Counsellor because there is none able or fit to teach him Who hath been his Counsellor c. IV. The heavenly Builder can make Matter fit for his purpose where he finds none even as all Things that are seen were not made of things that do appear but of Matter that was void of Form of which there was no pre-existence but it was made out of nothing and then formed into a glorious Globe and most beautiful Fabrick by him who alone that is without the help of any other doth great Wonders that by Wisdom made the Heavens c. V. God does all by a word of his Mouth Let there be a Heaven and immediatly it appears let there be an Earth and it was so c. as Gen. 1. VI. But God doth his Works which are exceeding in a moment He just pronounces the word and it is done VII But the heavenly Builder laid his Work upon a sure and unshaken Foundation upon an impregnable Rock firm and immoveable against all violence whatsoever viz. his own Almightiness than which nothing can be more permanent c. VIII The heavenly Builder has been the Erector of the whole Fabrick of the Universe He that built all things is God IX But none can mend the Work of God nor take the Glory from him His Works shall praise him for ever c. X. But all the Buildings that God makes are for himself he is no Man's Workman or Servant but hath made all things for himself For his own Pleasure they were and are created XI But God is perfect in Knowledg and therefore uncapable of Addition to it None can tax him of Hastiness Failure or Inadvertency All Sciences meet in Him as their proper Center XII No such thing done or need to be done by God No Angels unmade or Heavens dissolved or Souls annihilated or extinguished or Seas dried up to
their malignity and wickedness Job 24.1 Esa. 13.6 Joel 1.15 and 2.1 2. Amos 5.20 Zeph. 2.2 and 1.14 15 16 18. By way of eminency 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the last Judgment when God shall reward every man according to his works is called the day of the Lord Joel 2.32 Act. 2.20 1 Cor. 1.7 1 Thess. 5.2 c. The day of the Son of man Luke 17.24 26. is expounded verse 30. to be the day wherein the Son of man shall be revealed That appellation by an Antanaclasis is taken otherwise verse 22. The days will come when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man and ye shall not see it Brentius upon the place says The sence is because things are now in tranquility the Son of man is despised and rejected But so great calamities shall come upon Judea that men shall desire but for one day to see me and enjoy my help but shall not compass their desires Illyricus says ye shall desire to see that is enjoy for a small season those good things and that good state you are in whilst I am present with you but c. See verse 23. and Matth. 24.21 23. c. Christ calls his day the season of his coming into the Flesh in the fulness of time John 8.56 Your Father Abraham rejoyced to see my Day and he saw it and was glad that is he saw it by a peculiar appearance and believed upon which D. Franzius says None may doubt but a prospect of the face and person of Christ was shewn and exhibited to Abraham in his Divine vision viz. As he was born of a Virgin come of Abraham's seed beginning with miraculous ministrations exalted from his passion to the right hand of the Father and to come in the last day and Crown him in another Life The Day of the exhibition of Christ in the flesh is called Mal. 4.5 The great and terrible day of the Lord or as others render it honourable and fearful as Jacob adorn'd the place where the heavenly Manifestation was made with the same Epithete Gen. 28.17 How dreadful is this place This is no other but the House of God and the gate of Heaven This day viz. the manifestation of the Messiah is dreadful or terrible to Devils because by his power their Kingdom is destroyed John 12.31 1 John 3.8 As also to the Impious and Rebellious Enemies of Christ See Malachy 3.2 and Matth. 2 3. An Hour Mark 14.35 He that is Christ prayed that if it were possible the Hour might pass from him that is that most bitter passion the thoughts of which at that time troubled and oppressed him John 12.27 Father save me from this hour that is from the Anxiety and Agony which I shall suffer in the time of my passion Christ spoke of the time of his Passion and Death at the thoughts of which as a true and real man he seemed to be in a great trembling and consternation The End or last time is put for reward which is wont to be given when one has done his work as Prov. 23.18 Prov. 24.14 20. Jer. 29.11 So 1 Pet. 1.9 Receiving the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the end of your Faith even the Salvation of your Souls which the Syriack renders Reward or Retribution But this Reward given by God is not a debt but of free Grace and Mercy because a merited reward or wages must bear proportion to the service done but no service of ours can bear proportion to Everlasting Life and Happiness so that it necessarily follows that the reward is purely of Grace Feast is put for the Sacrifice which is offered upon the Feast day as Exod. 23.18 Thou shalt not offer the blood of my Sacrifice with leavened Bread neither shall the fat of my Feast remain untill the Morning that is the fat of the Lamb to be sacrificed or of the sacrifice of my Feast as Junius and Tremellius render it As also the Chaldee So Esa. 29.1 Let them kill Feasts that is as we translate it sacrifices See Mal. 2.3 Psal. 118.27 Bind the Feast so the hebrew with Cords even unto the horns of the Altar that is the sacrifice of the Feast or Festival day c. The Passeover is put for the Lamb which was slain and eaten on that Festival in memorial of the Deliverance from Egypt Exod. 12.21 And kill the Passeover that is the Paschal Lamb. 2 Chron. 30 17. Mark 14.12.14 Matth. 26.17 18 19. Luke 22.8 11 13 15. Summer is put for Summer Fruit Esa. 16.9 Jer. 40.10 Amos 8.1 2 Sam. 16.2 For in these places the hebrew is only Summer Harvest is put for Fruit gathered in the time of Harvest Exod. 23.10 Deut. 24.19 Esa 16.9 Joel 3.18 'T is also put for the Reaper Esa. 17.5 Which we translate Harvest-man 4. The Opinion of Men is put for the Thing it self IN Holy Scriptures sometimes things are named and described according to appearance or mens Opinion 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as they are in their own Nature This happens 1. In single words as Nouns and Verbs 2. In a Conjunct phrase In Nouns 1 Sam. 28.14 15 16 20. That Diabolical spectrum or Apparition rais'd by the Witch of Endor in the likeness of Samuel is called Samuel because he falsly gave out that he was Samuel and the deluded spectators thought him so Hananiah is called a Prophet Jer. 28.1 5 10. Not that he was truly so but so reputed 'T is said Ezek. 21.3 I will cut off from thee the Righteous and the wicked where by Righteous is meant persons that were only so in appearance having an external form of Righteousness which begat the good opinion of men but with respect to Gods notice that knows the inward frame of the Heart to be unsound there is to be unrighteous Matth. 8.12 The Jews are called the Children of the Kingdom because they seemed to be such and Christ says Matth. 9.13 I am not come to call the Righteous viz. such as are so in their own eyes but sinners to Repentance Luke 18.9 Rom. 10.2 3. c. Luke 2.48 Joseph is said to be the Father of Jesus and verse 41. he is said to be his Parent because he was thought to be so by men which is expresly said Luke 3.23 See John â—â— 42 1 Cor. 1.21 It pleased God by the foolishness of Preaching to save them that beleive verse 25. Because the foolishness of God is wiser then men c. Where Preaching of the Gospel c. is called foolishness not that it was really so but because the worldly wise reputed it so as verse 18. viz. To teach Salvation by the Cross to seek Life in Death and Glory in Disgrace which the Carnal Worldling thought folly as verse 23. The Devil is said to be the God of this World 2 Cor. 4.4 because he boasts that the Kingdoms of this World are at his disposal Matth. 4.8 9. Luke 4.6 7.
understood For as man lives and operates by the Soul so God in himself is Essential Life and a most pure act My Soul shall not abhor you Lev. 26.11 The wicked his Soul hateth Psal. 11.5 See Esa. 1. â—â—4 and 42. 1. Jer. 5.9.29 Matth. 12.8 Heb. 10.38 Hence the Lord is said to swear by his Soul Jer. 51.14 Amos 6.8 that is by himself as our Translation renders it and agreeable to Esa. 45.23 Jer. 22.5 Heb. 6.13 Where it is expounded A Body by reason of his incorporeal Essence is no where attributed to God but 't is ascribed to our Saviour Christ in a twofold respect 1. As opposed to the Shadows Figures and Types in the Old Testament the Truth Complement or Fulfilling of the things prefigured by these Shadows being held forth in him Col. 2.17 Which are a shadow of things to come but the Body is of Christ that is the Truth and Complement is in Christ. And Col. 2.9 It is said that in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bodily that is most really perfectly and solidly not in a Typical or shadowy manner as God manifested himself in the Old Testament 2. The Church is called the Body of Christ Eph. 1.22 23. And God gave him to be the Head over all things to the Church which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all It is called his Body because he Rules it giving Sense Life and Spiritual motion to it as a mans head does to his body It is called his fulness because though Christ is absolutely perfect in himself and has no need of us his Love is so great to his Church that he will not be without it any more then a head would be willing to want his members Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am c. John 17.24 Eph. 4.12 15 16. So much for Christs Mystical Body As for the humane Body of our Lord it being really and not metaphorically such it concerns not this place God is called the Head of Christ. 1 Cor. 11.3 1. With respect to his humane Nature for in that sence Christs says the Father is greater then he John 14.28 2. With respect to his Office as Mediator and Redeemer for all the actions of Christ were done by the Will Order and Commission of the Deity The Apostle by the figure Climax or a certain Gradation in the same text calls Christ the head of the Man because he chose that Sex when he took humane Nature upon him so becoming the firstâ—â—born among many Brethren Rom 8.29 He also calls man the Head of the Woman because of the preheminence of Sex and being ordered her Lord and Superior In these places the Word is Metaphorical in respect of eminency because the head in the natural body is seated highest excelling the whole body in dignity of sense and reason 3. In respect of Rule and Government the natural body being ruled by it c. More generally Christ is called the Head of the Church Eph. 1.22 and 4.15 Col. 1.18 c. In which sence man has no prerogative over the Woman as to the participation of the benefits of Christ and Mystical Union with him Gal. 3.28 Neither Male nor Female for ye are all one in Christ Jesus Hence it is said Eph. 1.10 That he might gather together in one head all things in Christ both which are in Heaven and which are on Earth which Chrysostom well interprets viz. It is done by the mystery of Redemption that Celestial and Terrestrial things that is Angels and Men should have one head that is Christ whereas before by reason of mans sin heavenly things were separated from Earthly A Face Is attributed to God by which the manifestation of himself to Angels and Men and the various workings of his Providence is to be understood for so God is known to us as one man is known by his face to another the Face of God signifies manifestation 1. In the blessed state of Eternity Psal. 16.11 With thy Face is fulness of Joys so the Hebrew and Psal. 17.15 I will behold thy Face in Righteousness I shall be satisfied when I awake in thy likeness Matth. 18.10 Their Angels do always behold the Face of my Father which is in heaven In this sence no man can see Gods Face and Live Exod. 33.20 23. For now we see through a glass darkly but then Face to Face 1 Cor. 13.12 c. 2. In the state of Mortality when God in any measure reveals himself As 1. By the Face of God his presence and propitious aspect is noted as Exod. 13.21 The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud and by night in a pillar of Fire Exod. 33.14 My Face so the Hebrew shall go with thee and I will give thee rest and verse 15. Moses said If thy Face go not with us cause us not to go up hence c. that is if you be not present as heretofore in the pillar of a Cloud and Fire Hence that appellation given to Christ is deduced Esa. 63.9 The Angel of his Face or presence because by the pillar of a Cloud and Fire in a visible manner he led the Israelites of old and made the Face of God as it were conspicuous to them others say it is because he is the image of the invisible God by whom we know the Father as one man is known by his Face to another Col. 1.15 John 14.9 10. which cannot be said of any other The Face of God signifies also that glorious appearance of God to the people on Mount Sinai Deut. 5.4 And that more illustrious manner of his Revealing himself to Moses above any other Deut. 34.10 See Numb 12.6 7 8. c. Sometimes the Face of God is put for the place where God reveals himself and where the Ministry of the word flourishes or as Jehovah himself words it Exod. 20.24 Where he Records his Name c. Thus Cain is said to go forth from the Face of God Gen. 4.14.16 that is from the place where his Parents worshipped him and Jonah rose up to flee from the Face of the Lord that is left the Church and People of God to go to Tarshish among Infidels not but that he knew that none can so fly from the Face of God as to be unseen by him but he thought that there was no place for Divine Revelations besides the Holy Land and therefore hoped that in those strange places God would no longer trouble him nor impose so hard a Province upon him as to Preach against Ninive c. See Exod. 23.15 and 25.30 Psal. 100.1 2 3. and 104.4 2 Sam. 21. 1. Psal. 139.7 Lev. 17.10 Psal. 9.4 c. Sometimes wrath and divine punishment is noted by the Face of God as Psal. 68.1 Let them that hate him flee before his Face Jer. 21.10 I have set my Face against this City
Feet Hissing is attributed to God by which a Divine Call or summons of God for men to gather together and appear in a certain place is noted as Esa. 5.26 and 7.18 For 't is customary with men oftentimes to call certain Beasts to them that way This Hissing of God is used in a good sence Zach. 10.8 I will hiss for them and gather them for I have redeemed them and they shall increase as they have increased which is understood of the gathering of the Church by the voice of the Gospel Breathing is ascribed to God Gen. 2.7 And he Breathed into his Face the breath of Life that is he endued the Body he had formed with a living soul in the Image of God Sometimes it denotes Gods Anger the Metaphor being taken from Angry men who then puff and blow strongly as Evek 21.31 I will pour out mine indignation upon thee I will blow or breath against thee c. See Act. 9.1 Laughing and Deriding are attributed to God Psal. 2.4 He that sitteth in the Heavens shall Laugh the Lord shall have them in Derision Psal. 37 12. The wicked plotteth against the Just and gnasheth upon him with his Teeth Verse 13. The Lord shall laugh at him for he seeth that his day is coming This is spoken by an Anthropopathy the Metaphor being taken from a wise and prudent man who when he sees some heady and inconsiderate undertaker rush on towards his fancied exploits without deliberation or a solid foundation laid and bragging of extraordinary matters has him in contempt and as it were laughing in his sleeve expects an unhappy event that is to say when this Mountain shall bring forth a Mouse as it is vulgarly spoken So men deride an Enemy that threatens when he has no strength or power to execute his menaces But this phrase notes the most wise Providence of God which slights the folly of his Enemies whom he tolerates for a time and to whose malice he hath appointed bounds and at the appointed season confounds tramples on and destroys them As it is said of wicked and stubborn men Prov. 1.26 I will also laugh at your calamity I will mock when your fear cometh By which is to be understood the neglect and rejection of the Wicked in their Adversity As if he had said Even as you neglect and despise my wholesome admonitions so will I despise and neglect your applications and reject you when your Calamities comes c. Kissing is ascribed to God when the speech is of the Son of God incarnate as Cant. 1.2 Where the optative words of the Mystical spouse viz. the Church are had let him kiss me with the kisses of his Mouth upon which place the Chaldee says that it is allusive to Gods speaking face to face to the Israelites as a man does to his Friend and kisses him for love But more truly it is to be understood or expounded of the promulgation or publishing of the Gospel by the Son of God made man John 1 17 18. 1 Tim. 1.10 Heb. 1.1 c. Solomon says Prov. 24.26 That every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer which by way of eminency is applicable to him of whom it is said Esa 40.4 The Lord hath given him the Tongue of the learned that he should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary and Psal. 45.2 Into whose lips grace is poured Jehova kissed that is shewed intimate tokens of his love to his people in the Old Testament times by many appearances and by Moses Prophets and Angels employed to make discoveries of him but this came short of this Kiss which the Church under the term of Spouse here desires Let him Kiss me with the Kisses of his Mouth that is let him comfort me with a manifestation more eminent then the former viz. of Christs coming into the Flesh and compleating the work of redemption The paraphrase of Origen upon this Text is How long will my Spouse send me Kisses by Moses and the Prophets Now I long to have them personally of himself let him assume my natural shape and Kiss me in the Flesh according to the Prophesies Esa. 7.14 Behold a Virgin shall Conceive and bear a Son and shall call his name Emmanuel so that this is a Prayer for the Incarnation of Christ the Blessed Spouse and Bridegroom of our Souls Heb. 1.1 To this Divine Kiss by a mutual relation of Faith answers Cant. 8.1 O that thou wert as my Brother that sucked the brest of my Mother when I should find thee without I would Kiss thee By which the sincere Love of the Church and the unblemished obedience of Faith is understood Psal. 2.12 Kiss the Son lest he be Angry by which the Kings of the Earth and the potents in the World are instructed to yield homage and obedience to the King of Glroy Christ the Son of God being exhibited in the World For in former times subjection was signified by a Kiss as Gen. 41.40 1 Sam. 10.1 1 King 19.18 Hosea 13.2 A Military Clamor or the crying of a Travailing Woman is attributed to God Esa. 42.13 14. By which is noted that his Lenity Patience and Long Forbearance are changed into a severe vengeance Junius and Tremellius do remark from Vegelius that the Roman Souldiers were wont in the beginning of Battle to fall on with a horrible Clamor to daunt the Enemy Also a Travailing Woman though in great pain yet patiently endures it to the utmost extremities of her throws and then being overcome by the violence of her greif Orphans breaks out into Cryes and Vociferation which most elegantly expresses the Patience and Forbearance of God and the extremity of his Wrath when provokt See Psal. 78.65 66. Rom. 2.4 5. Speaking and Speech is attributed to God Where we must note that those places of Scripture wherein God is said to speak or utter certain Words that he might manifest his Divine pleasure to men that way do not belong to this place God sometimes thus spake immediately as to our first Parents Gen. 2.16 and 3.9 To Noah Gen. 6.13 To Abraham Gen. 12.1 chap. 16. and 17. and 18. To Moses Exod. 3.4 5. and the following verses and to Patriarchs Prophets c. in the Old Testament 2. Sometimes God spake mediately by divinely inspired men in whom a mind enlightned by the Spirit of God was formed into words an account of such is found every where in Scripture as also of Angels who are his Ministring spirits now God does not speak thus by way of Anthropopathy or Metaphor but truly and properly although in a far different and excellent manner then men do or can think But that speaking of God which belongs to this figure is 1. When the effectual or efficacious decree of the Divine Will about the Creature and the executions thereof is revealed or expressed after the manner of humane speech as Gen. 1.3
Morning when it goes abroad to feed lye in wait for take and slay so Christ with his Disciples going abroad in Judea in the morning season that is in the beginning of his Kingdom or the first beamings of his Divine and Evangelical light to the pastures of Life not so much to feed himself as to administer to others was hunted by the Devils and by their setting Dogs the Jews and his Apostles being as Hinds dispersed he was at last taken and slain by them which seems to be intimated ver 16. For Dogs have compassed me the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me they peirced my hands and my Feet To this phrase some apply the search that Herod made for him even in his Infancy and his being driven into Egypt Matth. 2.14 15. And the gathering together of the Chief Priests Scribes and Elders of the People early in the Morning to condemn Christ as Mark. 15.1 And as the Morning Hind is not taken and slain meerly to destroy it as Wolves are wont to be killed but that it may serve for pleasant food So Christ in the sacrifice of his Cross and Death becomes most sweet food of Life and Salvation for us to be sacramentally and spiritually eaten Upon which Musculus says thus O Flesh of Christ truly like that of a Hinds but more exceedingly sweet to the faithful Soul then any things the Nobles of this World tast in their delights And that there may be nothing wanting to give it a delicate savour and relish he was not meerly slain but well turmoiled hunted and tyred before as our great men are wont to do in hunting and agitating their Deer before they kill it that the Flesh may become more sweet tender and delicate c. Adding and see how agreeable this comparison is to the Death of Christ for as the side of the pursued Hind is exposed to the Hunters dart Christs side was upon the Cross pierced with a spear Psal. 22.6 Christ calls himself a Worm with respect to his debased state and the extream contempt to which he was exposed in the World Upon which Eranzius in the aforesaid Book pag. 826. says Sicut vermis habetur pro vilissimo excremento c. As a Worm is accounted a most vile excrement which men will not so much as handle or if they do will wash their hands after it and if they see them lye upon the Earth will remove them from the sight of men So was Christ treated with extream contempt when he hung upon the Cross. It may not be amiss here to insert the paraphrase of Weidnerus upon Prov. 30.19 Difficilia mihi sunt ista tria cognoscere Viam Aquilae in Coelo h. e. Viam Christi ascendentis in caelum cum carne assumpta c. Those three things are difficult for me to know The way of an Eagle in the Air that is the way of Christ ascending into Heaven in his humane Nature The way of a Serpent upon a Rock that is the way of Christ from the Cross to the Sepulchre which was cut out of a Rock and from whence he rose the third day whence Christ himself says as Moses lifted up the brasen Serpent c. The way of a Ship in the middle of the Sea that is the way of Christ passing through the World in Tempests and Storms The way of a man with a Maid that is the way of Christ in his incarnation in the Womb of a Virgin c. It is added ver 20. Of the way of an Adulterous Women that is the Treacheries and Machinations of the Synagogue against Christ See Burgensis upon Esa. 7. Addit 5. fol. 21. What is spoken of the Eagle by Gregor Nazianz is accommodated to the Diety of Christ which is ineffable as D. Franzius cites it page 327. c. 2. Some Actions of Living Creatures are ascribed to God AS Roaring which is the property of Lions Joel 3.16 Amos 1.2 By which the Power and Efficacy of his Anger and his Word is intimated See Amos 3.8 Hosea 11.10 Esa. 5.29 c. Upon which Illyricus says it is a Metaphor for as the voice of a Roaring Lion is terrible to all other Living Creatures so men ought to be moved and tremble when the Divine Majesty speaks to them from Heaven by Thunder and and Lightning Jer. 25.30 The Lord shall Roar from on high and utter his voice from his Holy habitation Roaring he shall Roar upon his habitation that is like a Lion ready to seize upon his prey he shall thunder horribly See ver 38. In all this speech to the end of the chapter God is compared by an Allegory to a Lion Kings and Princes to Shepherds the People to Flocks and the Nations to Pastures and Sheepfolds Job 37.4 Roaring is applyed to Thunder which is called the voice of Cod. To the cry of Christ Psal. 22.1 Why art thou so far from my Salvation or helping me and the words of my Roaring See Heb. 5.7 and Psal. 38.8 God is said to Fly 2 Sam. 22.11 Psal. 18.10 Because of the most swift and impetuous motion of the Wind and sudden Tempests of which he there speaks The Spirit of God is said in the first Creation to move or rest upon the Waters Gen. 1.2 While by its operative and vital power it cherishes and as it were made the waters apt for the production of all things together with Heaven and Earth which then were mixt together A metaphor taken from Birds who sit upon their eggs and by their vital heat bring their young to maturity and perfection Some Members or Parts of a Living Creature are ascribed to God AS the Horn of Salvation 2 Sam. 22.3 Ps. 18.2 To Christ Luke 1.69 For as a Horn defends Beasts and thereby their strength is exercised so God is the most strong defence of the Godly Chemnitius on Luke 1.69 By the word Horn strength and Power is understood as Psal. 75.10 and 112.9 Lam. 2.3 By the word lifting up is described its solid strength and invincible stability against which even the Gates of Hell not prevail It is called the Horn of Salvation that is it is salutiferous obtaining victory against the Enemy and bringing safety to Captives c. As Bulls or Cows strike gore or push down their Enemies so we by Faith in the Mediator are sufficiently armed against the power of the Devil Wings are attributed to God by which that singular defence patronage care and protection which he affords his people is signifyed Psal. 9.4 He shall cover thee with his feathers and under his Wings shalt thou trust whence it is called the shadow of his Wings Psal. 17.8 and 36.7 and 57.1 and 63.7 The Covert of his Wings Psal. 61.4 A metaphor taken from Birds or Fowl especially Hens who gather their Chickens under them cherish them and protect them from being seized upon by Kites or other Birds of prey The whole similitude is to be read
is ready to bear judgment censure or curses if any person can justly complain that he has done them injury which by an elegant Prosopopeia he expresses the explication follows ver 39. If I have eaten the fruits thereof without Money or have caused the Souls of the owners thereof to expire breath out or grieve so the Hebrew Illyricus says that the Land and Furrows are put Metonymically for the Husbandmen but the former explication is the best See Job 38.7 with Psal. 148.2 3 c. A Nativity or Birth is attributed to Rain Dew Ice and Frost Job 38.28 29. for their production from God where there is also an Anthropopathy Psal. 19.1 The Heavens declare the Glory of God and the firmament sheweth his handy work that is they exhibit shew and demonstrate to the Eyes of all things a real testimony and instruction of the glorious power of God ver 2. Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night sheweth knowledge that is by that succession and vicissitude of days and nights which is so certain so constant and so profitable for men and other Creatures the Glory of God the workman is most evidently celebrated See Psal. 104.20.21 22 23 24. Some by a Metonymie understand day and night of those things which are done or happen by day and night that the sence may be that every day and every night some new thing is discovered by which to right observers the glory of God may be illustrated ver 3. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard that is there are no people though of different languages whom that speech of the Heavens and their real publication of praise may not instruct in the glory and power of God See Rom. 1.19.20 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them or to them for the invisible things of him from the Creation of the World are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse ver 4. Their line is gone out through all the Earth and their words to the end of the World that is in the extreamest parts of the Earth that stately fabrick of celestial bodies is seen as if it were exactly done by line and square which seems instead of words c. Rom. 10.18 For their line we read their sound because what is said in the Psalm of the motion of the celestial bodies the Apostle elegantly accommodates to the course of Evangelical Preaching Genebrard says that the Hebrew word signifies indeed alive but the Septuagint respect the sence whom the Apostle followed that being the most used and received Version ver 5. The going forth of a Bridegroom out of his Chamber and his rejoycing is by the same metaphor ascribed to the rising Sun to his never ceasing and most swift course Psal. 65.12 The little Hills are girded with Joy on every side ver 13. The Pastures are clothed with Flocks the Vallies are also covered over with Corn they shout for Joy they also sing The Ornaments of the Earth which by the blessing of God it every where enjoys are expressed by this Metaphor Mathesius says that the Metaphor of girding ver 12. is to be expounded of the various and winding veins of Mettals in the Bosom of the Earth Psal. 77.16 The waters saw thee O God the waters saw thee they were afraid the Depths also were troubled he speaks of the Red Seas being divided and the people of Israels marching through the middle of it which is described Exod. 14. But the sence of seeing and the passion of fear is attributed to the waters by a Prosopopeia for to see here signifies to experience as if he had said they have experienced thee and felt thy power when by a strong Wind they were cut and the bottom of the Sea became naked to make a way or passage for thy people They are said to fear when at the beck of God like trembling persons they fled from their place against their nature and by the tremendous omnipotency of God stood as a Wall on either side as it is said of the same Miracle Psal. 114.3 The Sea saw it and fled c. ver 5. What ailed thee O thou Sea that thou fleddest c Psal. 98.8 Let the Flouds clap their Hands let the Hills sing so the Hebrew These things are ascribed to inanimate Creatures to stir up men to a desire after the coming of the Lord. So Psal. 96.11 12. c. More examples you may see Psal. 103.16 with Job 7.10 and 8.18 Psal. 104.19 Cant. 1.6 Esa. 3.26 with Job 1.20 and 2.13 Esa. 5.14 Hell others translate it Sepulcher hath enlarged her Soul so the Hebrew and opened her mouth without measure By a Prosopopeia he compares the insatiable condition of Hell or the Grave with the unsatisfied Gluttony and Luxury of the Jews and foretells the punishment that God in his Wrath will therefore inflict upon them Jerome in his Commentary upon this place says Hell is said to have a soul not that it is a Living Creature as some erroneously conceit but because by words of humane custom we may express the affections of things insensible It is insatiable because it can never be filled with the multitude of the Dead See more examples Esa. 24.4 and 33.9 Jer. 4.28 and 12.4 Lam. 2.8 Hosea 4.3 Joel 1.10 Amos 1.2 c. Esa. 24.23 Then shall the Moon blush so the Hebrew and the Sun shall be ashamed when the Lord of Hosts shall Reign in Mount Sion c. This Prosopopeia intimates the light of Divine Grace in the Church as if he had said the glory of the Sun or Moon will be nothing if compared with the Glory of him that rules in the Church of God Esa. 55.12 The Mountains and the Hills shall break forth before you into singing and all the Trees of the Field shall clap their hands By this most elegant Prosopopeia likewise spiritual Joy in the Kingdom of Christ is figured as chap. 49.13 where the Heavens and Mountains are excited to singing by the same Prophetical voice And Jer. 51.48 Then the Heaven and the Earth and all that 's therein shall sing for Babylon c. By which Hyperbolical Prosopopeia an immensity of Joy for the destruction of Babylon and the Deliverance of all true Israelites is set forth Lam. 1.4 The ways of Sion do Mourn because none come to the solemn Feast This intimates a forsaking of the solemn Worship of God Hosea 1.21 22. And it shall come to pass in that day I will hear saith the Lord I will hear the Heavens and they shall hear the Earth And the Earth shall hear the Corn and the Wine and the Oyl and they shall hear Jezreel Besides the gracious blessing of God the connexion of first and second causes is fairly intimated by this speech Jezreel that is the Congregation of the faithful which according
Good Bishops and Martyrs who should confess and Preach Christ the Son of the Living God purely by the example of Peter speaking from the Revelation of the Father But because the same Peter and the Apostles a little after savour of the Flesh yea and as Christ says become Satans it signifies that after the Successors of the Apostles and good Bishops there would come Devilish Bishops And that at length he that would usurp the title of Peters sole and only Successor should follow Satan as his Father for Revelation and would seek not the Kingdom of God but of the World Which Prophesie we see most palpably and horribly fulfilled so far Luther John 6.70 Christ calls Judas Iscariot a Devil because he was like him in Lies and Treachery and so signally malicious that the Scripture says he was of the Devil John 8.44 1 John 3.8 And the Son of the Devil Act. 13.10 Metaphors taken from Heaven COrporeal or Bodily Creatures according to their Physical distinction are either simple or mixt and compounded The simple are Heaven and the Elements or the Ethereal and Elementary Region of the World Heaven properly signifies that outermost celestial body that incloses or compasses the Elements and is the receptacle of the Stars and Constellations Gen. 1.8 14 c. Gen. 15.5 Psal. 8.3 and 19.1.5 Esa. 14.13 Also the Airy Region which is above us and this either in conjunction with the Ethereal or Starry Heaven Gen. 1.6 7 8 9. where by the mention of the waters being gathered together in one place under the Heavens is intimated that also to be a Heaven which is next and immediately above them which is the lower Region of the Air or separately from it and so only the Air Lev. 26.19 Deut. 28.23 1 King 8.35 2 Chron. 7.13 Job 1.16 2.12 Psal. 8 8. Matth. 6.26 Luke 9.54 12.56 But metaphorically Heaven is taken 1. For Divine Glory and infinite Majesty which is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 phos aprositon light inaccessible or which none can approach to 1 Tim. 6.16 By reason of similitude from the greatness splendor beauty and elegancy of Heaven to which we may refer the words of Bonaventure Corpus quod est sursum dicitur Caelum c. The Body which is above is called Heaven because it is capacious secret and quiet and because this threefold propriety is found in the celsitude of the Divinity it is therefore called Heaven it is capacious in the immensity of Power secret in the depth of knowledge and quiet in the tranquility of delight This is superior to all Heavens not by situation but dignity and greater than every Heaven not by extension but from his own immensity by which he is beyond all but not excluded c. So it is taken when God is said to dwell in Heaven Psal. 2.4 1 King 8.39.43 c. So Deut. 26.15 Look down from thy Holy Habitation from Heaven and bless thy people c. So it is said of Christ that he came down from Heaven John 3.13 6.33 50 51. 1 Cor. 15.47 That is he went forth from that inaccessible Light of Divine Majesty and manifested himself in the Flesh. And the same Throne of Majesty is in the Heavens Heb. 8.1 and 1.3 to which Christ as God-man in his state of exaltation went See John 17.5 Heb. 7.26 Made higher then the Heavens Eph. 4.10 Ascended up far above all Heavens that he might fill all things See Psal. 8.1 2. and 108.5 c. By which places not so much the hight of the place as the sublimity of the Divine Majesty is expressed 2. Heaven is metaphorically taken for the spiritual Kingdom of God and that state of happiness wherein he manifests and communicates himself to Angels and Men And that is 1. Of Grace viz. The gathering and gracious Government of the Church Militant in this Life to which belongs the appellation of the Kingdom of Heaven oftentimes attributed to the Church Matth. 13.11 24 31 33. and 20.1 and 22.1 c. So when it is said to plant a Heaven Esa. 51.16 and to create a New Heaven Esa. 65.17 By which phrases the Restauration of the Church by Christ is noted which is begun in this Life and compleated in Eternity 2. Pet. 3.13 The Reason of the Comparison is because as the natural Heaven is very far distant from the Earth so the ways of God in ruling his Church and giving blessedness to believers do exceedingly surpass the manner of Earthly Administrations Esa. 55.9 And as in the natural Heaven all things are in the exactest order full of Light and radiance So God in his Church is the God of order and peace 1 Cor. 14.33 Leading Teaching and saving his people by a most convenient order of mediums and that by the Light of his saving Word 2. Of Glory viz. The Eternal and unspeakable felicity of Angels and Holy men in the beholding and perfect fruition of the glorious God To which belong those phrases Matth. 18.10 Their Angels in Heaven behold the face of my Father the speech is of the Angels appointed as keepers of the little ones By which it appears that the Angels though acting on Earth for the good of Christians are nevertheless really in Heaven that is in a celestial state of blessedness Matth. 6.20 Treasures are said to be laid up in Heaven Luke 8.22 To have treasures in Heaven Phil. 3.20 To have our Conversation in Heaven By which phrases Faith and Christian Hope aspiring and tending to Eternal blessedness is to be understood From this Heaven Satan is said to fall like Lightning Luke 10.18 Satan says Illyricus fell not from a place but from his degrees of dignity to wit from the favour of God and spiritual Blessedness into the greatest wickedness punishments and eternal and spiritual calamities Of the scope of these words of Christ Erasmus says thus Jesus that he might fortifie their Mines against that disease of vain glory which even the Saints are sometimes tainted with proposes the example of Lucifer to them who for his pride was suddenly cast down from so great felicity I saw says he Satan falling from Heaven like Lightning His dignity in Heaven was very eminent and yet for the swelling pride of his mind is flung from the highest glory to the lowest wretchedness how much more ought you to beware of pride who carry a mortal body about you obnoxious to all perils But others understand this of the power and efficacy of Christ which by the Preaching of the Apostles he put forth to which Satan against his Will was forced to give way and was as it were cast down from the height of that power which he exercised over men In Heaven we are also to consider the Ornaments of it as the luminaries as they are called Gen. 1.14 The Sun Moon and Stars which are the Organs of Light The Sun and Moon constantly shining do metaphorically denote eternal blessedness in Heaven Thy Sun shall no more go down
Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aeid and the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Atmis signifies a vapor or exhalation but metaphorically denotes Calamities and Destruction because such things as evaporate may be said to perish or be reduced to Nothing Or as others say because vapours cause darkness and obscure the splendor and shining of the Sun or lastly because vapors beget a certain sweet Dew commonly called Mill-dew which is very hurtful to Corn and Plants So 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aeid a vapor is put for vengenance or destruction Deut 32.35 Job 18.12 21.30 and 30.12 and 31.3 23. Psal. 18.18 Prov. 1.26 and 6.15 Jer. 18.17 and 46.21 and 49.8.32 Act. 2.19 c. So it is put for a thing that is frail and vanishing Jam. 4.14 What is your Life It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away See Psal. 144.4 A vapour and smoke ascending into the Air at length vanishes and perishes hence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gnolah to ascend sometimes signifies the same with perishing and Death Deut. 46.4 49.4 Psal. 102.24 Jer. 48.15 c. Clouds because of their Diverse attributes have also different metaphorical notations as 1. Calamities and Ruine because men are deprived of the light and spendor of the Sun and Firmament by them and Cloudy days make men dull and Melancholy Lam. 2.1 How hath the Lord covered the Daughter of Sion with a Cloud in his Anger Some think that by a tacit Antithesis allusion is made to the Cloud of Glory which first appeared in Jerusalem at the Dedication of the Temple 1 Kings 8.10 to which this Cloud and Fog of present Calamity is plainly contrary Hence a day of Clouds or a cloudy day is put for times of calamity Ezek. 30.3 and 34.12 Joel 2.2 Zeph. 1.15 By which metaphor the Poet said Tempora si fuerint nubila solus eris that is if times be Cloudy thou shalt be alone because seeming Friends will then forsake the distressed 2. Because of the Number and multitude of the Clouds for in tempestuous weather a great plenty of thick Clouds appear Heb. 12.1 VVherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a Cloud of Witnesses c. that is so numerous a company of Witnesses which are like a thick Cloud He speaks of those Holy men of God mentioned particularly chap. 11. who by their own example are Testimonies that we are justifyed and please God by Faith Clouds are likewise used in Comparison Jer. 4.13 Behold he shall come as Clouds that is his Army will make a vast appearance The targum says as a Cloud which comes up and covers the Earth See Ezek. 38.9 In the same sense the Chaldee interprets that passage Ezek. 30.18 A Cloud shall cover her viz. Egypt thus it renders it A King with his Hosts shall cover her as a Cloud which comes up and covers the Earth This may be also referred to the first signification For by Clouds and darkness calamity is denoted whence it is said before at Tehaphnehes also the day shall be restrained that is his light 3. Because of their vanity and inconstancy as some Clouds seem to promise Rain but being chased away by the Wind give none 2 Pet. 2.17 These are Clouds that are carryed away with a tempest He speaks of False-Teachers who fluctuate or are uncertain in their Preachings and Confessions not affording the Rain of saving Doctrine and Consolation Jude ver 12. Such are called Clouds without Water The Apostle therefore has respect to those Clouds which seem to us to be Rainy but are condensed exhalations without water as chap. 4. Sect. 4. before For False-teachers seem to be Orthodox to many c. The other appellations in each text do confirm this Exposition 4. Their Celerity or Swiftness because we see the Clouds to be carryed under Heaven with very quick speed as if they did fly being hurryed on by the impetuosity of the Wind Esa. 19.1 Behold the Lord rideth upon a swift Cloud and shall come into Egypt that is he will speedily and unexpectedly punish the Egyptians as if he did fly upon the Clouds See Esa. 60.8 Psal. 104.3 Nahum 1.3 Some think that the Prophet used this phrase because the Egyptians lookt upon Clouds of this kind to be ominous whereas Egypt was not wont to be troubled with Clouds A Tempest which properly signifies a sudden and very strong Wind or Whirlwind sometimes accompani'd with Thunders Rain and Hail when attributed to God signifies that his dreadful Wrath and tremendous punishments shall be poured out upon sinners But if attributed to men it metaphorically denotes disturbance and violent invasions There are two principal words in the Hebrew which are sometimes joyned together as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a whirl-wind or Tempest which denotes the Wrath of God and Punishment Job 9.17 Psal 83.15 Esa. 41.16 Jer. 23.19 and 30.23 Ezek. 13.11 Amos 1.14 Job 27.21 Psal. 50.3 and 58.9 Zach. 7.10 The Church is said to be tossed with Tempest or overwhelm'd with whirlwind Esa. 54.11 that is it was afflicted and destitute of comfort The other word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is of the same signification Psal. 83.15 Esa. 29.6 Hosea 8.7 Nah. 1.3 Amos 1.14 c. And Storms or an horrible or burning tempest Psal. 11.6 Whence comes terrors or storms of Famine Lam. 5.10 that is a most vehement Famine by which men are cruelly agitated and consumed as if it were by a Whirlwind or Tempest But if the word be attributed to men it denotes confusion of mind as the Air is disturbed and troubled with whirlwinds and storms 2 Kings 6.11 and an hostile attaque or ruinous invasion Dan. 11.40 See Psal. 55.3.8 Thunder to which Lightning is joyned because they terrifie penetrate and sometimes destroy the Creatures is only attributed to God and by a metaphor signifies 1. His Majesty and Glory Psal. 81.7 I answered thee in the secret place of Thunder The Chald. in a hidden place in the house of my Majesty where the spheres of Fire resound before me Illyricus The sence is in my hidden Seat or hiding place in a thick Cloud I heard thee in the Red Sea terrifying the Egyptians with Thunder and Lightning See Exod. 19.16 18. Psal. 77.18 19. 2. His Wrath and Punishment 1 Sam. 2.10 The Adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces Out of Heaven shall he Thunder upon them that is in his Anger he will grievously punish and destroy them See Esa. 29.6 Psal. 18.8 and the following verses Rev. 16.18 21. 3. His Word because in old times Jehovah for the most part made known his Will by Thunder as in the promulgation of the Law Exod. 19. his manifestation to Job chap. 37.2 and 38.1 And his voice to Christ John 12.28 29. Thunder it self is often called a voice Exod 9.23 Jer. 10.13 Rev. 4.5 and 6.1 and 10.3 c. Sometimes the voice of the Lord Psal. 29.3 c. Thus the Word of God is stiled
that want water this signifies the Idolatries of Apostacy of the people to which God the Fountain of living water is opposed 3. The Qualities of Water of these we will note two 1. It is Fluid and Liquid and if congealed by cold it is resolved and liquifi'd again by heat Hence a metaphor is taken for when to melt or to be liquid is spoke of men it signifies fear consternation anxiety and griefs Exod. 15.15 Deut. 1.28 and 20.8 Josh. 7.5 where liquid water is added Job 7.5 and 9.23 Psal. 75.3 and 107.26 Esa. 10.18 and 13.7 and 31.8 where 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies melting the Chald. breaking Consternation for fear Others render it Tribute which is the other signification of the word Esa. 6.4.7 Ezek. 21.15 Job 30.22 So Ovid de Ponto Sic mea perpetuis liquescant pectora curis So may my breasts with constant sorrows melt See Psal. 58.7 8. and 22.14.15 Where there is an express comparison Psal. 119.28 My soul melteth in the Hebrew droppeth for heaviness that is consumes as if it were liquid the Chald. My soul is sad for sorrow Some say that this is an hyperbolical description of his Tears as if his soul were liquid and resolved into weeping See Job 6.14 15. Judg. 15.14 2. Water is capable of Cold and Heat Rom. 12.11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fervent in spirit by which spiritual ardor and the zeal of Faith and piety is denoted the Syriack expresses it by a word which signifies boyling water Job 41.22 Ezek. 24.3.5 See Job 30.27 Rev. 3.15 I know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot I would thou wert cold or hot ver 16. So that then because thou art lukewarm and neither cold nor hot I will spue thee out of my mouth In this text there is a manifest translation from the qualities of water He calls the Cold such as are without any interest in Christ or the unconverted and the Hot he calls such as are endued with the true knowledge of Christ in an eminent degree and the lukewarm are such as would be called Christians but do not seriously stand by or plead the cause of Religion nor lead a life conformable to their holy profession 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is God loves such as are hot or fervent with the zeal of piety But the lukewarm who are only Christians in Name and not in reality he hates nor will he reckon them among his which by a metaphorical allusion to warm water is here expressed For by that a man is easily provok't to vomit so that Christ by the term vomiting expresses that he will reprobate such Object But what means this where he wishes that he were Cold Does that frame of spirit also please God Answer This is to be understood respectively or by way of Comparison 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Cold in that with respect to the lukewarm are more praise worthy because they openly profess what they are not counterfeiting that sanctity which they have not pretending one thing and doing another but being under the blindness of a natural state if they are taught they frequently amend and prove good men whereas the lukewarm making a specious shew of Godliness but denying the power are in afar hopeless condition The sence therefore is it is fit that thou beest put into the extream degrees that thou mayest be judged c. Prov. 17.27 A man of understanding is of an excellent Spirit the Hebrew is of a cool spirit that is of a sedate and quiet mind who is not easily provok't to be disturb'd with the fiery sallies and intemperate heat of Anger 4. The Actions of Water are of two sorts some it s own actions as to break forth Job 28.4 which signifies abundance of Wealth and a plentiful off-spring Gen. 28.14 and 30.43 Exod. 1.12 Job 1.10 Hosea 4.10 Also a publishing of speech 1 Sam. 3.1 1 Chron. 13.2 2 Chron. 31.5 When the waters are said to overflow it signifies an irruption or attaques of a multitude of Enemies and also the celerity and speed of the invasion Examples of the former are Esa. 8.8 and 28.15.17 18. Dan. 11.22 Nah. 1.8 Of the latter Psal. 90.5 Esa. 10.22 Jer 8.6 Isa. 22. All Nations shall flow together to it Jer. 51.44 Micah 4.1 Here the Prophets treat of the Conversion of the Gentiles to Christ by a very significant metaphor In the means of Conversion which is the Evangelical word by his Divine efficacy the people willingly without any compulsion flock to him Waters naturally descend if they are made to ascend it is by Engines or art and not from any spontaneous motion or peculiar quality so inclining them so this people when they tend Sion-wards and ascend that Holy Hill are acted animated and strengthned by the aid art and efficacy of the Holy Spirit by the Gospel of Christ. In men converted 1. This denotes diligence and fervour in piety as waters gather together with Celerity and Impetuosity 2 It denotes Frequency and Plenty as many waters flow together 3. It denotes Concord or Agreement as many streams come from divers places and when they meet make up one homogeneous body whose parts cannot be discerned from each other c. See Psal. 19.3 and 79.2.119.171 Prov. 1.23 and 15.2.28 and 18.4 Psal. 45.1 My heart is inditing a good matter the Hebrew is my heart boileth or bubbleth up a good word The LXX 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 eructavit prompsit this is an elegant metaphor of the speech of the heart well premeditated which by the mouth and lips is uttered as water when it boils oftentimes bubbles over To Distill is put for Speech Doctrine or Prophecy either because like Rain or Dew it is every moment instill'd into the Ears for all Words and Sentences are not proposed at one and the same time but distinctly and as it were by drops Or because as Rain and Dew Waters Refreshes and Fructifies the Earth so does heavenly Doctrine render a soul fruitful c. Examples are to be seen Deut. 32.2 Job 29.22 Ezek. 20.46 and 21.2 Mic. 2.6.11 The Heavens and Skies are said to drop down Righteousness when God gives blessings from Heaven Esa. 45.8 See Joel 3.18 Amos 9.13 The Mountains shall drop New-wine and the Hills flow with milk by which is understood that plenty of Celestial blessings purchased by the Merits of Christ. Some Actions of a man about waters as to pour out which signifies Evil sometimes with respect to God when he is said to pour out his wrath that is when he grievously punishes 2 Chron. 12.7 Esa. 42.25 Psal. 79.6 Jer. 42.18 Ezek. 9.8 22.23 Dan. 9.11 Lam. 2 4. Hos. 5.10 God is said to pour contempt upon Princes Psal. 107.39 40. that is he will devest tyrants of all authority and make them contemptible in exiles or banishment as it follows there See Job 16.13 Psal. 141.8 As it respects men it signifies the evil of guilt
and punishment or afflictions c. See examples Job 30.16 Lam. 2.11 12. Psal. 22.14 15.73.2 Ezek. 16.15 Sometimes it is taken in a good sence sometimes of God sometimes of Man Of God as when he is said to pour out his spirit and his grace when he plentifully bestows the gift of the Holy Ghost upon Believers and exhibits his grace Esa. 32.15.44.3 Joel 3.1 Zach. 12.10 Act. 2.17 33. Rom. 5.5 Tit. 3.6 See Psal. 45.3 1 Sam. 1.15 Psal. 62.8 9. Lam. 2.19 Job 3.24 To Wash and make clean which is wont to be done with water is often translated to signifie the Justification of sinful man before God and his sanctification and Renovation To be washed from sin as from most fordid filth is to obtain remission of sins through the Mediator Christ Psal. 51.8 9. Esa. 4.4 Ezek. 16.4 9. 36.25 Act. 22.16 1 Cor. 6.11 Heb. 10.22 Rev. 1.5.7.14 Or that which is always joyned with the antecedent benefit of God to abstain from sin and practise Holiness and purity of Life Job 9 30. Psal. 26.6 Psal. 73.13 Prov. 30.12 Esa. 1.16 Jer. 4.14 Jam. 4.8 c. Of Metaphors taken from the Earth IN the Globe of the Earth two things are to be considered which afford as many metaphorical acceptations 1. That it is opposite to Heaven with respect to quantity and qualities Hence as Heaven denotes the spiritual Kingdom of God and the state of eternal felicity so on the contrary the Earth denotes the state of Corruption and Sin in which man after the fall was involved John 3.31 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he that is of the Earth is of the Earth and speaketh of the Earth A very fair Antanaclasis The first phrase of the Earth is properly taken and denotes an Earthly original that is to be begotten by a natural man in a natural way to which is opposed that Christ is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 come from above and from heaven See 1 Cor. 15.47 The second phrase of the Earth metaphorically taken is to be carnally wise ignorant of Divine things lost in sin and an absolute stranger to heaven and the spiritual Kingdom of God which elsewhere is phras'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to mind that is only taken care for Earthly things Phil. 3.19 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to take care for those things which are of the Flesh Rom. 8.5 See John 3.6 1 Cor. 2.14 To which in this place of John viz. 3.31 is opposed that Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is above all that is the heavenly Lord and most Holy God void of all imperfection and worldly spot The last phrase to speak of the Earth is conformable to the first and is to speak those things which are contrary to the Kingdom of God erroneous and lying See 1 John 4.3 5. To which is opposed that Christ testifies that which he saw and heard and speaks the words of God which whosoever receives he Seals or Witnesses that God is true the like opposition Christ uses speaking to the carnal Jews John 8.23 2. Because the Earth affords men Houses and convenient Habitations in that respect Eternal Life and the heaven of the blessed is called a new Earth or Land Esa. 65.17.22 2 Pet. 3.13 Rev. 21.1 Because in it are those many Mansions which are provided by Christ for Believers John 14.2 In this sence some of the Fathers expound Matth. 5.5 Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the Earth But this may be fitly interpreted of the Earth on which we dwell For this sentence seems to be borrowed from Psal. 37.11 The meek shall inherit the Earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace The meaning may be they who do violence to none and when injur'd easily forgive who choose rather to lose their right then vexatiously to wrangle or contend who value Concord and Tranquillity of mind before great Estates to whom a quiet Poverty is more welcom then brawling Riches these I say will truly and with a mind full of tranquillity inhabit and possess this Earth and in it will enjoy the grace and blessing of God to them and their posterity whilst the Goods of the wicked are by divine Vengeance scatter'd as it were into the light Winds so that these viz. the meek are the true possessors of the Land and as it were the props or pillars that conserve it whereas the wicked together with the Devils are but possessors of a bad Faith and unjust Ravishers for whose malice every Creature groans and does as it were tacitly implore Deliverance of the great Creator Rom. 8.20 21 22. c. So much in general now we shall briefly shew what Metaphors are taken from the several parts of the Earth As 1. A Mountain or Hill being a more high and elevated part of the Earth metaphorically denotes 1. Heaven the habitation of God so called by an Anthropopathy as he is elsewhere said to dwell in the highest Psal. 3.5 I cryed unto the Lord with my voice and he heard me out of his Holy Hill that is from Heaven As if he had said I am cast out from the place of the Terrestrial Sanctuary appointed in Jerusalem but there is yet an open access to the Holy Hill of God his heavenly habitation where my Prayers shall be heard and shall implore the wished help against those rebellious and stubborn Enemies So Psal. 99.9 Psal. 121.1 and 123.1 and 15.1 18.8 2 Sam. 22.8 2. Kingdoms and Empires which like Mountains have a preheminence in the World Psal. 30.7 Lord by thy favour thou hast made my Mountain to stand strong that is thou hast given my Kingdom strength and tranquility Psal. 76.4 Thou art more glorious and excellent than the Mountains of prey that is the Kingdoms of the wicked who unjustly plunder and prey upon the World Jer. 51.25 Behold I am against thee O destroying Mountain saith the Lord c. Illyricus So he calls Babylon although it was situate in a plain because of the loftiness of its Dignity and Power by which as a very high Mountain it hung over other Cities and People But others think that by the vast circuit and thickness of its Walls it rise like a Mountain for Herodotus Strabo Pliny and Diodorus Siculus affirm that the Walls of Babylon were 50 Cubits thick and 200 Royal Cubits high And that which is added in the same place that Babylon should be made a burning Mountain is to be understood of the rubbish and ruinous heap which was left like a Mountain after the burning of that great City Hab. 3.6 The Everlasting Mountains were scattered and the perpetual Hills did bow that is the Kingdoms of the peoples were suddenly shaken and overthrown He speaks of the blessing of God which expelled the Canaanites and distributed their Lands to his people by his Ministers Moses and Joshua See Exod. 15.14 c. 3. Any proud Enemies of the Kingdom of God Esa. 2.14 The day of the Anger of the Lord upon all the High
hostile Power the Metaphor being taken from beasts who for they most part when they fight use their teeth as offensive weapons to annoy those they set upon Psal. 3 7 8. and 57.5 and 58.6 7. and 124.5 6. Job 29.17 Prov. 30.14 c. A Lip Metaphorically signifies a bank of a River or the mouth of a Vessel Gen. 22.17 and 41.17 1 Kin. 7.23 24 26. 2 Kin. 2.13 2 Chron. 2.2.5 The Hinder part of the Neck Cervix if hard or to be hardened be added Metaphorically denotes contumacy stubbornness and a refractory Mind the Metaphor being taken from horses or other untamed Beasts who being wild and ungovernable will not suffer their Necks to be bended as the Rider would have it Exod. 32.9 and 33.3 5. and 34.9 Deut. 9.6 13. and 31.27 2 Kin. 17.14 2 Chron. 30.8 and 36.13 Isa. 48.4 Jer. 7.26 and 19.15 Nehem. 9.17 29. Prov. 29.1 Psal. 75.5 The word to Behead Metaphorically signifies to demolish or break down Hos. 10.2 He that is God shall behead their Altars They had certain Altars placed aloft as if they had little Heads and also Horns c. The Wings of a Bird because 1. They are its outward Members And 2. Because they are sometimes expanded at large And 3. Because they are the instruments of swift flight through the Ayr do yield a threefold Metaphor 1. They denote the extreme or outward part of a Garment Num. 15.38 Ruth 3.9 1 Sam. 24.5 Jer. 2.34 Hag. 2.12 Zach. 8.23 c. 2. The sides or disposed ranks of a whole Army Isa. 8.8 Dan. 9.27 The extreme or remote parts of the Earth Job 37.3 and 18.13 Isa. 11.12 and 24.16 Ezek. 7.2 c. 3. The wings of the Sun and the Morning are the first rays of light suddenly like Wings expanded over the whole Earth Psal. 139.9 Mal. 4.2 on the contrary Virgil thus speaks Nox ruit fuscis tellurem amplectitur alis Night rushes on and does the Earth embrace With swarthy wings The wings of the wind denote its celerity and impetuous course 2 Sam. 22.11 Psal. 18.10 and 104.3 These three attributes of wings meet in one Text Isa. 18.1 VVoe to the land the shadow of wings so the Hebrew Where by those Vmbratile wings are understood the sails of Ships which are the extreme parts expanded in form of wings and when filled with wind are the cause of the Ships swift motion And are withal a shadow to the Sailors the Chaldee has it thus VVoe to the land to which men come from a far Country in ships and their sails are expanded like an Eagle which flies with his wings Junius and Tremellius by wings understand the Coasts of the Land that is a land shady because of the great and opacous Mountains that environ it such being every where about the Red Sea as Strabo in his last book of Geography tells us To Fly which is the property of Birds signifies in a Metaphor to be carried or sent with a swift and very speedy dispatch Isa. 6.6 and 11.14 Dan. 9.21 Psal. 91.5 't is elegantly attributed to the Eyes Prov. 23.5 Wilt thou cause thine eyes to fly unto that that is wilt thou cast thine eye upon it with most intent and earnest desire And to a sword Ezek. 32.10 when I shall cause my sword to fly so the Hebrew that is when I shall flourish or brandish my sword This is spoke of the true God by an Anthropopathy when he threatens Destruction and Death To fly signifies also to vanish and perish Job 20.8 Prov. 23.5 Hos. 9 11. To fly upon the property of rapacious Creatures signifies to rush suddenly upon a thing as 1 Sam. 14.32 the people flew upon the spoil c. The Heart of a living Creature because it is in a manner in the middle of the breast and within the body by a Metaphor is put for the middle of any thing and also the inward part Deut. 4.11 And the Mountain burnt with fire unto the heart of heaven that is the middle of the lower heavens 2 Sam. 18.14 In the heart of the Oak i. e. in the middle c. See more Examples Exod. 15.8 Psal. 46.2 3. Prov. 30.19 Ezek. 28.2 Jonah 2.4 Jer. 51.1 So the Belly is put for the middle place of a thing 1 King 7.20 The Reins for grains of wheat as before Chap. 6. The Tail the hindermost part of the Creature is put for the extremes of any thing Isa. 7.4 the tails of the firebrands that is the very ends almost burnt which can do nothing but smoke and will be quickly consum'd By which the two Kings that were Adversaries to the Jews are understood as before Sometimes the head and tail are joined together the first signifying Dominion the other Subjection and servitude Isa. 9.14 The Lord will cut off Head and Tail that is high and low the couragious and the abject which by another Metaphor of Branch and Rush is also there expressed he adds ver 15. the eminent and honourable he is the head and the Prophet that teacheth lyes he is the Tail which phrase renders them most abject and detestable before God Illyricus The tail is interpreted of seducers whether because of the extreme vileness of their life or because they voided the venemous excrements of Satan or because they wagged when they flatter men so as dogs fawn with a motion of their tail Deut. 25.18 What we read in our English Version he smote the hindmost of thee in the Hebrew is he smote thy tail that is the rere of the Army The Chald. And he slew all of thine who were loytering behind thee See Josh. 10.19 The Heel the extreme part of the foot by a Metaphor signifies the ends bounds or limits of a thing Psal. 119.112 Also the gain fruit or reward which is the end of the work Psal. 19.11 c. To lift up the heel Psal. 41.9 is said of a refractory enemy and a contriver of Mischief the Metaphor being taken from the kickings of stubborn and angry horses See Joh. 13.18 Deut 32.15 1 Sam. 2.29 Of the phrase to kick against the pricks we will treat hereafter Here we will add some certain homogeneal or similary parts of an Animal for what we have hitherto spoken of are according to a Physical Notion or distinction heterogeneous or dissimilary A Bone Because it is hard and white has two Metaphorical Notions And 1. Denotes hardness and inhumanity of Mind Prov. 25.15 A soft tongue breaketh the bone that is even the most hard-hearted and severe Man or the most grievous and rigid anger So Gideon pacified the Ephramites Judg. 8.1 2 3. and Abigail pacified David when he intended to Destroy Nabal 1 Sam. 25.24 and the following Verses 2. It denotes white like a Bone 2 Kin. 9.13 Then they hasted and took every man his Garment and put under him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 upon the bone of the stairs that is a step white
53. Rome the seat of Antichrist is call'd Sodom and Egypt Rev. 11.8 Sodom because of its Corporal and Spiritual Whoredom and other enormous sins Egypt because of its Tyranny and Cruelty against the People of God Metaphors from the various Actions of Men. SUch of the Actions of Men as we have not treated off before shall be breifly given These may be distinguished into such as are Necessary and such as are Contingent 1. Necessary Actions as to Eat and Drink denotes 1. To consume or destroy Gen. 31.15 Exod. 3.2 Deut. 31.17 and 7.16 Prov. 30.14 Psal. 14.4 Psal. 69.10 Esa. 1.20 Jer. 30.16 Gal. 5.15 Jam. 5.2.3 c. 2. To Enjoy or receive benefit as eating nourishes the body this enjoyment is either Corporal as Gen. 45.18 Psal. 128.2 Esa. 1.19 and 3.10 c. Or Spiritual Prov. 9.5 and 8.5 6 10. c. Jer. 15.16 1 Tim. 4.6 2. It denotes a participation of the Merits and Blessings of Christ John 6.50 c. 1 Cor. 10.16 3. The compleating of Eternal Happiness or Everlasting Life it self Luke 14.15 and 22.30 John 6.27 Rev. 2.7 and 3.20 c. To be filled that is after Eating denotes any fulness as when an old man is said to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sept. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Full of Days Gen. 25.8 and 35.29 See Hos. 13.6 Luke 6.25 1 Cor. 4.8 It denotes a sufficient enjoyment of things pleasing and profitable Psal. 16.10 and 17.14 and 81.10 and 103.5 and 107.9 Matth. 5.6 Luke 6.21 Sometimes it denotes loathing as a full Stomach does Meat Psal. 88.3 Hab. 2.16 Hence by an Anthropopathy 't is attributed to God Esa. 1.11 To Hunger and Thirst denotes an ardent desire in the Godly after heavenly things Psal 42.2 and 63.1 Esa. 41.17 and 51. 1. Matth. 5.6 Luke 6.21 and 1.53 In the wicked it denotes Eternal malediction for the want of those blessings Esa. 65.13 Luke 6.25 See Luke 16.24 and Amos 8.11 To Drink denotes the enjoyment of good and pleasant things Jer. 2 18. Victory as Num. 23.24 See Prov. 5.15 Esa. 37.25 Participation of Heaven Prov. 9.5 Esa. 65.13 John 4.14 and 7.38 See Rev. 22.17 c. To suffer inconveniences as Job 21.20 Jer. 25.16 and 49.12 Obad. 1.16 Hab. 2.16 Prov. 20.6 Matth. 20.22 and 26.39 c. To be accustom'd to a thing Job 15.16 and 34.7 Rev. 18.3 Prov. 9.5 To be Drunk denotes to be filled with good things Deut. 29.19 Psal. 36.8 9. Prov. 5.19 and 11.25 Cant. 5.1 Jer. 31.14 To be overwhelmed with Calamities Esa. 51.21 and 63.6 Jer. 48.26 Ezek. 23.33 To be obstinately confirm'd in impiety by the just Judgment of God Esa. 29.9 10. Hence sobriety on the contrary both of Body and mind is attributed to a godly man 1 Thess. 5.6 8.2 Tim. 4.5 and 2.26 1 Pet. 1.13 and 4.7 and 5.8 To Beget and bring forth is put for the production or event of any thing Job 38.28 Psal. 90.2 Prov. 25.23 and 27.1 Zeph. 2.2 Jam. 1.15 Hence Generations signifie things done or Histories Gen. 2.4 and 5.1 and 37.2 It is attributed to Spiritual renovation Esa. 66.9 John 1.13 The Church being as it were the Mother of Believers Esa. 54.1 and 66.7 8. Gal. 4.26 27. To the Ministers of the Gospel 1 Cor. 4.15 Gal. 4. â—â—9 Philemon ver 10. c. When a man is said to bring forth Wind Stubble Vanity c. it denotes the ill success of his malignant endeavours Job 15.35 Psal. 7.14 Esa. 26.28 and 33.11 and 59.4 Hitherto of the necessary Actions of men now we shall briefly touch such as are contingent which are good or bad with respect to the Agent or others What concerns Site or Local motion as to Go or Walk is put for the Life Manners and Actions of Men Gen. 17. 1. Psal. 1.1 Psal. 119.1 3 9. c. Rom. 8.1 Eph 2.2 10. c. 2 Cor. 12.18 Hence a Way is put for the course of Life or conduct of men Gen. 18.19 and 31.35 Prov. 28.6 Jer. 6.16 Matth. 21. 32. Act. 14.16 c. To Go signifies to die Gen. 15.2 Josh. 2â—â— 14 Luke 22.22 c. To Stay or Tarry signifies to Live John 21.22 Phil. 1.25 To Follow signifies inmitation and conformity in life and actions 1 Kings 18.21 Matth. 16.24 John 8.12 1 Pet. 2.21 2 Pet. 1.16 To Run betokens diligence Psal. 119.32 Cant. 1.4 Jer. 23.2 Rom 9.16 1 Cor. 9.26 Gal. 5.7 Phil. 2.16 2 Tim. 4.7 Heb. 12.1 The word of God is said to Run when it is largely propagated 2 Thess. 3.1 and when the Will of God is fulfilled Psal. 147.15 To Hasten signifies Temerity Rashness Precipitancy and Folly Job 5.13 Esa. 35.4 To Stand signifies to be happy or in a good Condition 1 Sam. 24.21 Psal. 30.7 8. Dan. 11.2 Rom. 14.4 To believe firmly and persevere Exod. 14.13 Rom. 5.2 and 11.20 1 Cor. 10.12 and 16.13 2 Cor 1.24 Phil. 4.1 It denotes perseverance in sin Psal. 1.1 Eccl. 8.3 Hos. 10.9 The Confirmation or ratifying of a word or decree Lev. 27.14 Deut. 9.5 and 19.15 Esa. 40.8 Jer. 44.28 2 Cor. 13.1 c. To Sit denotes to be quiet and stedfast Gen. 49.24 Psal. 113.9 Micah 5.3 c. To Fall denotes to Sin Jer. 8.4 1 Cor 11.12 and to be overwhelmed with Calamities Prov. 24.16 17. Amos 5.2 To be despicable or low Neh. 6.16 Esth. 6.13 John 12.3 To Dye Gen. 25.18 1 Cor. 10.8 See more Examples Gal. 5.4 2 Pet. 3.17 Rev. 2.5 Matth. 8.11 Luk. 13.29 Matth. 22.1 c. Esa. 25.6 c. To Gird denotes fortitude preparation and dispatch of business 1 Sam. 2.4 Job 38.3 Prov. 31.17 Jer. 1.17 To put on denotes a close Union Job 10.11 Jer. 43.12 Putting on denotes Regeneration or Renovation 2 Cor. 5.3 Rom. 13.12 14. Eph. 4.24 Col. 3.9 10. 1 Pet. 5.5 There are many transient Actions of men used metaphorically of which take a few examples instead of many by which you may judge of the rest To Take is put for to Learn or understand Job 22.22 Prov. 1.3 c. To Build 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 banah for getting of Children Gen 16.2 Deut. 25.9 Ruth 4.11 To Restore exalt or make prosperous Job 22.23 Esa. 58.12 Jer. 12.16 and 31.4 Mal. 3.15 to which to Destroy is oppos'd Jer. 42.10 c. To Establish and Confirm Psal. 89.2 Matth. 7.25 To inform by Doctrine and example Rom. 15.20 1 Cor. 8.1 and 10.23 and 14.4 17. Gal. 2.18 1 Thess. 5.11 Jude ver 20. Hence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Edification is put for Information by Word and Life Rom. 14.19 and 15.2 1 Cor. 14.3 5 12. 2 Cor. 10.8 and 13.10 Thus is the Church Built which is the House and City of God Psal. 51.18 and 102.14 Esa. 60.10 and 54.11 12. Matth. 16.18 1 Cor. 3.9 Eph. 2.21 22. and 4.12 1 Pet. 2.5 Hence such as should preserve and restore the Church are called Builders Psal. 118.22 Matth. 21.42 Act. 4.11 1 Pet. 2.7 To Build is also put for seducing by False
Esther 1.8 Psal. 8.2 Out of the mouths of Babes and Sucklings hast thou founded so the Hebrew strength c. 3. It s Order because it is the first thing in a building and the last in the destroying of an House Hence it is put for beginning with respect to time Isa. 7.9 and for the very extreme or end in the destruction or utter rooting out of the People Psal. 137.7 A Wall is transferr'd to a humane Body Jer. 4.19 I am pained at the walls of my heart so the Hebrew that is my Bowels and sides which environ or encompass my heart in which places such as are troubled with an hypocondriach disease are much pained c. Acts 23.3 Paul calls the Chief Priest whited wall that is an Hypocrite and vain speaker who bragg'd of the Dignity and title of his Office whose outward Appearance was gaudy and splendid bespeaking much sanctity whereas within he was full of Impiety and Uncleanness See Matth. 23.27 It seems this kind of wall which he alludes to was made of Mud that is a slight wall of untempered Mortar as Ezek. 13.10 which had no solid or durable substance in the inside but were curiously whited with Lime on the outside Eph. 2.14 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 intergerinus paries the middle wall of partition denotes the Mosaical Law which like a Partition divided the Jews from the Gentiles which being now taken away they are all one in Christ. A Wall in a Metaphor is a Symbol of strength and defence 1 Sam. 25.16 Psal. 18.29 Isa. 26.1 Jer. 1.18 and 15.20 A hedge denotes also Defence Ezek. 13.5.22.30 Jer. 5.1 Psal. 106.23 30. A Step or Stair or degree 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is put for increase of spiritual gifts 1 Tim. 3.13 See Matth. 13.12 a Pillar Metaphorically signifies things like it whether with respect to figure and shape Exod. 13.21 22. Judg. 20.40 Rev. 10.1 or use for it is firm and bears great Weight and therefore denotes firmness constancy and lastingness Prov. 9.1 Jer. 1.18 Job 9.6 and 26.11 1 Tim. 3.5 Rev. 3.12 dignity and preheminence in the Church Gal. 2.9 the Common-wealth Psal. 75.4 A Corner denotes extremity because it is the extreme part of the Building as 1. The extremes of the earth Exod. 27.9 Num. 34.3 Neh. 9.22 Jer. 9.26 Deut. 32.26 2. Of a field and Country Lev. 19.19 Num. 24.17 where the Chaldee and Septuagint understand Princes 3. Of the head as the Forehead and Temples Lev. 13.41 and 19.27 The outward Corner of a house signifies a Prince or Grandee Judges 20.2 1 Sam. 14.38 Isa 19.13 Hence Christ is called a Corner-stone Psal. 118.22 Expounded Eph. 2.15 16 17 20. A Nail signifies one fixt for common good Isa. 22.23 the Chaldee renders it faithful governor and the Septuagint 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Prince A Gate or Door is put for a populous City through which the passage of traffick or Commerce is wont to be Ezek. 26.2 For the entrance into a Country Micah 5.5 For the Lips Job 41.5 See Psal. 141.3 Psal. 78.22 23. Job 3.10 What a door of hope denotes is shewn before in the mention of the Valley of Achor Hos. 2.15 the opening of a door denotes preaching the Gospel Isa. 26.2 and 60.11 Acts 14.27 1 Cor. 16.9 2 Cor. 2.12 Col. 4.3 Rev. 3.8 The door of heaven denotes the means of arriving to blessedness Gen. 28.17 Matth. 7.14 Luk. 13.24 Christ calls himself a door John 10.1 2 7 9. because none can get into heaven or rightly into the Church but through him See Metaphor Door in the second Book Matth. 23.14 The Pharisees are said to shut the Kingdom of heaven and prohibit entrance therein because they hindered men from looking after the saving Graces of the Messiah who is the only door of Salvation and because they depraved his holy word To be at the door denotes nearness of time Matth. 24.33 Jam. 5.9 The Gates of Death denote extreme peril Job 38. Psal. 9.13 and 107.18 Isa. 38.10 The Gates of Hell Matth. 16.18 denote the Stratagems Machinations Plots and power of the Devil and his Ministers c. Believers are said to knock at the door when they pray earnestly Matth. 7.7 8. Luk. 11.9 God is said to knock at the Door of our heart when he earnestly invites men to Repentance Rev. 3.20 c. Bars which strengthen gates 1 Sam. 23.7 are Metaphorically put for any kind of Fortification or Strength Job 38.10 Psal. 147.13 Ezek. 30.18 Amos 1.5 Isa. 15.5 and 43.14 A Key denotes Authority and Power Isa. 22.22 'T is attributed to Christ with respect to Hell and Death Rev. 1.18 and the Church and Heaven Rev. 3.7 which denotes Chief Dominion The Keys of the Kingdom of heaven Matth. 16.19 denote the Ministry and Office of the Apostles Joh. 20.23 in retaining sins viz. excommunicating Scandalous sinners and remitting sins that is receiving the penitent set forth by the Metaphors of a Key which shuts or opens the door The Species of Buildings are 1. A City which Metaphorically denotes the Church Militant Isa. 26.1 Heb. 12.22 See Matth 5.14 The Church Triumphant Heb. 11.10 and 13.14 Rev. 2.2 c. See Phil. 3.20 and 1.27 where heavenly conversation is exprest by a word derived of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a City as Civility is from Civis a Citizen because their Conversation should be civil in opposition to the rudeness and barbarity of such as live in the Country It is said of a Fool Eccl. 10.15 that he knows not how to go to the City that is he cannot perfect what he undertook Strong Holds or Munitions are elegantly used by the Apostle 2 Cor. 10.4 for all that which the Churches Enemies put their Confidence in as Carnal Wisdom Learning Eloquence c. Which those Divine Weapons pull down c. Towers sometimes denote Proud Tyrants and worldly Grandees Isa. 2.15 and 30.25 Other significations of these see before chap. 8. and in the Metaphorical Parallels Book 2. A House denotes the Church Militant Psa. 27.3 4. 69.9 John 2.17 84.4 92.13 Isa. 56.5 7. Eph. 2.19 22. 1 Tim. 3.15 Heb. 3.6 and 10.21 1 Pet. 25. and 4.17 Hence the Apostles are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the house-servants or Stewards of God 1 Cor. 4.1 The Temple of Jerusalem is frequently called the house of God 2 Sam. 7.5 6. Psal 26.7 8. 12.2 1 Jer. 7.11 Math. 21.13 c. The Church Triumphant and Eternal Life is called a House Psal. 36.8 John 14.2 2 Cor. 5.1 2. The Reason is because 1. God lives there with the Blessed as the Master of a Family with his Domesticks 2. Because it is a most quiet and secure habitation 3. Because of the perfect and clear vision of God 4. With respect to the glorious Ornaments of his family for the Grandees of the World maintain their Families as splendidly as they can 5. Because all the spiritual sons of God are gathered into this house where there is
perfect harmony and Concord c. A Tabernacle is almost of the same signification and is put for the Church Militant Psal. 15.1 27.4 5. 84.1 for the Church Triumphant Luk. 16.8 Rev. 21.3 The Tabernacle of David Amos 9.11 Acts 15.16 denotes the Kingdom and Church of the Messiah c. The word Tabernacle is said of the Suns tarrying in heaven Psal. 19.4 and of a humane Body 2 Cor. 5.1 4. 2 Pet. 1.14 because the Soul dwels in it as its habitation till death A Chamber or Inner Room which the Latines calls Penetrale is attributed to God which is a symbol of that divine and intimate Communion which the Saints enjoy with him Cant. 1.4 See John 14.2 where the many Mansions there are thus to be Metaphorically understood viz. variety of heavenly Joys Chambers of the South Job 9.9 and 37.9 this denotes that part of Heaven which is near the Antartick Pole or Southern Axis which being below our horizon cannot be seen of us See Prov. 24.4 and 18.8 By Chambers of Death Prov. 7.27 is denoted Damnation The Chambers of the People Isa. 26.20 are temporal Death or the Graves of the Godly from which at the last day there will be a Resurrection A Prison and Imprisonment is most elegantly translated to Denote Gods Vengeance against his Enemy Isa. 24.21 And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall visit that is take notice of the host of every high one with him that is on high and the Kings of the Earth with their Land that is he will punish high and low King and Subject ver 22. And they shall be gathered together with the gathering of Prisoners into the Dungeon and shall be shut up in Prison that is they shall be held Captive by the power of God whatsoever they are that are his Adversaries for this shutting up in Prison denotes any kind of Punishment and after many things they shall be wanting that is they shall never be able to extol or lift themselves up more against God See 2 Cor. 10.4 5. A freeing from prison denotes divine Deliverance Psal. 142.7 A Ship Isa. 33.21 denotes all the force of the Churches Enemies Psal. 48.7 The breaking of the Ships of Tarshish betokens as many Interpreters say the confusion of those Enemies See Isa. 2.16 17. Besides this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to make shipwrack of Faith denotes Apostacy from the Faith c. A Grave denotes the depraved Nature of man Psal. 5.9 Rom. 3.13 Their throat is an open sepulchre the Metaphor being taken from the noysome scent of a Grave which is translated to the corrupt and wicked discourse of ill men See Matth. 23.27 28 c. See also Isa. 14.11 Thy Pomp is brought down to the Grave that is none will honour thee c. Metaphors from the various Adjuncts of Men. THese may be Divided into Internal and External of the Internal we have before expounded Many of the Externals by which the various Utensils or Instruments c. useful for humane Life are to be understood we will here treat briefly Arms are translated by a notable Emphasis to denote the spiritual fight or strugling of a Pious Soul against Sin and Temptation Rom. 6.19 13.12 2 Cor. 6.7 10.4 1 Pet. 4.1 Of Which the Apostle treats most Elegantly Eph. 6. upon which see Mr. Gurnal who hath well handled that Subject The Devil is said to be a strong man Arm'd Luk. 11.21 that is well provided with Craft Guile and Subtlety to over-reach and overcome a Soul A Sword denotes 1. A thing hurtful because it is cutting and so betokens most bitter Griefs Psal. 22.20 Luk. 2.35 Hence 't is said of an ill-speaking and virulent Tongue Psal. 55.21 57.4 59.7 Job 5.15 See Psal. 64.3 c. To put a knife to the Throat denotes extreme peril Prov. 23.2 2. It denotes a thing very penetrating and efficacious Psal. 149.6 Micah 5.5 Eph. 6.17 It is said of the Word of God that it is sharper than a two-edged sword Heb. 4.12 Gladio ancipiti 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 scindendo penetrabilius esse which denotes its piercing efficacy to reach the heart when set home by the Spirit See Isa. 49.2 Rev. 1.16 2.12 16. c. A Bow and Arrows signifie the same thing that is are put for an ill speaking and lying tongue Psal. 64.3 120.4 Jer. 9.3 An arrow flying by day denotes any sudden or invading danger Psal. 91.5 how attributed to God we have shewn in the Chapter of an Anthropopathy page 71. A Quiver wherein arrows are kept is put for a Family wherein Children are well educated Psal. 127.5 see ver 3.4 and Psal. 8.2 Matth. 9.38 Isa. 41.16 Psal. 45.5 Isa. 49.2 the Chaldee renders it It is good for that man that fills his School with them A Shield put for Princes Psal. 47.9 Hosea 4.18 who defend their Subjects as a Shield does the Body Paul calls the Word of God the shield of Faith Eph. 6.16 which quenches all the fiery darts of the VVicked One because when received in Faith it defends a Soul from all the Temptations of the Devil which are as Darts that would obstruct its passage to heaven see Gurnal as before See 1 Thes. 5.8 c. Elisha and Elijah are called the Chariots and the Horsemen of Israel 2 Kings 2.12 13.14 that is their principal strength as Chariots and horsemen are in VVar c. A Staff because it is the supporter of a weak or lame Man denotes help and support 2 Kings 18.21 Psal. 18.18 Hence the Staff of Bread Water c. is put for Meat and Drink by which the life of man is Supported and Refreshed Lev. 26.26 Psal. 105.16 Isa. 3.1 Ezek. 5.16 14 13. c. Hence Bread is said to support in our Version strengthen the heart of man as a staff does the body that is comforts and refreshes him Hence also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fulcire to prop is put for eating 1 Kings 13.7 c. On the Contrary a staff is a symbol of Meanness and Poverty as in the Prayer of Jacob Gen. 32.10 With my staff I passed over this Jordan that is weak and poor the Metaphor being taken from such as are taken Captives in VVar and despoiled of all their Arms and are dismissed with a Staff Because a staff is an Instrument whereby men use to beat It is put for Tyranny Cruelty and severe Government Prov. 10.13 22.8 26.3 2 Sam. 7.14 Psal. 89.32 Isa. 10.5.24 14.5 A Prize is put for the Reward of the Godly the metaphor being taken from such as win a race or overcome any challenger or adversary that contended with them at any exercise 1 Cor. 9.24 Phil. 3.14 For the exercise of Faith and Piety is compared to a Race or Strife 1 Cor. 9.24 25 26. Gal. 5.7 Heb. 12.1 c. Col. 2.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies to defraud of that Reward the metaphor is taken from
〈◊〉 Catachresis is called in Latin Abusio an abuse not as if the Sacred Scripture had abused any words but because the things that are Catachrestical differ in some things from the Custom of speaking Tropically and have a harder utterance and coherence The Stile of Scripture is most Holy and pure from any blemish or undecency of which take a few examples of a threefold kind 1. With respect to the acceptation or signification of words Lev. 26.30 The fragments of Idols are called Carkasses by a hard Metaphor alluding to the Carkasses of men before mentioned Deut. 16.7 To 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Boyl is put for Roasting the Paschal Lamb which was not to be boyled but roasted by the Command of God Exod. 12.9 c. Live Flesh in the Hebrew Text is put for Raw Flesh 1 Sam. 2.15 The Water which the three Worthies of David brought with the peril of their Lives is called by a harder Metonymy their Blood Job 4.12 Now a word was brought by stealth to me he speaks of that Angelical Oracle that came secretly to Eliphas See more examples Psal. 88.5 Where he calls forsaken free c. Matth. 12. Rom. 7.23 In dwelling sin is call'd a Law because it has a kind of Command upon a man while he lives unless the power of grace restrains it See 1 Cor. 11.10 The covering of a womans head is call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 power because it is passively a sign of her being under the Command of the Man by a Catachrestical Metonymie Sin is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Members which are on the Earth by a hard Metaphor See Col. 2.11 2. With respect to the joyning of the words when some words in a Metaphor especially are joyned together which seem not so well to correspond as Exod. 5.21 where it is said to stink in the Eyes which better agrees with the Nostrils which denotes great averseness Exod. 20.18 And all the people saw the Thunder and Lightnings and the noise of the Trumpet of which only Lightning is seen the others are heard So to see a voice Rev. 1.12 See more examples Matth. 7.21 22. and 10.15 c. 1 Tim. 6.19 2 Cor. 5.2 2 Tim. 2.19 c. 3. With respect to the change of words This belongs to the writings of the New Testament and the Greek Tongue in which certain words are used to signifie different things because One and the same Hebrew word whence that speech was taken may so signifie Thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aiones secula ages are put for the World Heb. 1.6 because the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies both Ages and the World Eccl. 3.11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 gratis freely is put for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 frustrà in vain Gal. 2.21 From the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies both viz. freely as opposed to merit price or reward and in vain as it is contradistinguisht from the hoped effect or event Psal. 109.2 3. See more examples Rev. 14.8 and 18.3 compared with Job 6.4 Matth. 6.34 A word that signifies Malice is put for Affliction because the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies both See Amos 3.6 See 1 Cor. 15.54 With Amos 1.11 Heb. 11.31 Jam. 2.25 1 Cor. 2.6 and 14.20 Col. 3.14 and 4.12 1 John 4.18 c. with Judges 9.16 and Prov. 11.3 c. CHAP. XIX Of an Hyperbole HYperbole is that Affection of a Trope by which with greater excess and enlargement for to amplifie or extenuate things a word is carryed or used very far from its proper and native signification Here we are not to take away an Hyperbole from the Holy Scripture by that pretext that it is a kind of Lye extolling or depressing a thing more than is true For we are to observe that this kind of speech as Tropes are is accommodated more to make expressions efficacious and powerful than with any purpose to deceive for that is inconsistent with the Goodness and Truth of this most true and blessed Author the Lord God and that there is no disagreement between the mind and the words spoken which is the thing that constitutes a lye There is a Twofold Speices of an Hyperbole 1. Amplification which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Auxesis and Extenuation which they call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Meiosis Examples of this Auxesis or Amplification are partly Rhetorical partly Logical Such as relate to Rhetorick are either in single words or in a conjunct phrase To single words these belong War is put for any private strife Jam. 4.1 which answers the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is taken in this sence Jer. 1.19 and 15.20 Heaven is put for very great height and on the contrary an Abyss or Hell for great depth or dejection Gen. 11.4 Let us build us a City and a Tower whose top or head may reach heaven that is higher than any thing on Earth See Deut. 1.28 and 9.1 c. Psal. 107.26 They mount up to Heaven they go down to the Depths which denotes the vehement and dreadful tossing of waves in a storm Esa. 57.9 Thou didst debase thy self to Hell that is to be the most abject of all he speaks of the Kingdom of Juda who submitted themselves very basely by their King Ahaz to the Assyrians because they would be assisted by them 2 Kings 16.7 c. See more examples Matth. 11.23 Lam. 2.1 Luke 10.21 1 Sam. 5.12 2 Chron. 28.9 Jer. 51.9 Rev. 18.5 Esa. 14.13 Jer. 51.53 c. To Vomit up is put for recompence or payment of what a man has eaten Prov. 23.8 Matth. 19.12 To make ones self an Eunuch is put for to suppress irregular lusts yea there are some who by the gift of God have the gift of continency this is a metaphorical Hyperbole used by Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by way of Antanaclasis Jam. 3.6 The Tongue is a fire a world of Iniquity that is a thing full of wickedness as the world is full of many things See Jer. 4.29 Ruth 4.6 To Rob 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is put for to Receive 2 Cor. 11.8 This is a great Auxesis for he names the acceptation of due and moderate sallary depredation or Robbery Rivers of Oyl are put for abundance of all good things Job 29.6 See Job 20.19 Micah 6.7 where there is a more illustrious exaggeration ten thousands of Rivers of Oyl Thunder is put for the strong neighing of a Horse Job 39.19 A Tower is put for a very High place Neh. 8.4 c. In a conjunct phrase we have these Hyperboles Gen. 41.47 And in the seven plenteous years the Earth brought forth by handfuls as if he had said that from one grain they had gathered a handful This Hyperbolical speech denotes great increase See ver 49. c. More examples you may read Gen. 42.8 Exod. 8.17 Judg. 5.4 with Num. 20 ver 5. Judg. 20.16 1 Sam. 7.6 Psal. 6.6 and 119.136 Jer.
XVI A good Housholder is full of Sympathy is much concerned and grieved when things go ill and are out of Order XVII A good Housholder gives reiterated Instances of his Favours he is familiar with his Family speaks to them and smiles on them hears them when they call helps them up when they fall XVIII A wise and good Housholder deals plainly and uprightly with his Family sheweth them the Danger of Disobedience both to Children and Servants hides nothing from them that may be for their Good lets his Servants know that if they obey not he will turn them out of Service and Children if they are disobedient they shall not only be beaten but also dispossessed of many Privileges and Inheritances XIX A good Housholder encourages his Family by present Rewards and future Promises he pays his Servants well for their Work gives his Children Promise of Reward even an Inheritance XX. A good Housholder gives Correction in season for Faults committed Fathers after the Flesh and Masters chastise disobedient Ones for Faults XXI A good Housholder is so prudent moderate and gentle in his Administration of Severity that there is no Cause of Blame and Censure his Equity and Authority justify his Ways XXII A good and wise Housholder when any are obstinate withdraws the Manifestation of former Goodness Favour and Delight for if after all good Means used fruitlesly they will not be reclaimed then he frowns on them and cannot shew his Countenance as at other Times XXIII A wise and good Housholder will maintain his own Rights against Invaders and keep up his Interest according to Law and Justice and the Use of reasonable Means XXIV A wise and good Housholder brings all the Spoil taken from his Enemies and all the Fruits of his Land into his own Houshold there are his Trophies and the Fruits of his Labour found XXV A wise and good Housholder shuts all unruly Persons out of Doors to preserve Peace and prevent Disturbance David would not let a wicked Man dwell with him nor a Liar stay in his House Some will divorce a Wife when she proves treacherous Abraham turned or cast out the Bond-woman and her Son XXVI A wise Housholder sometimes becomes an Enemy to those of his own Family when his Patience is abused and they stand out by large Provocations XXVII A wise and good Housholder doth in his Wrath sometimes swear against Reconciliation and future Acceptance XXVIII A wise and good Housholder sometimes and in some Cases casts off all Care and Pity so as to interpose against Evil or Dangers that may befall from without but gives up to fearful Ruin XXIX A good and wise Housholder is ready to have his Actions tried and refuseth not to come before a Judg or before the Determination of tolerable indifferent Persons XXX A good and wise Housholder renders Rewards and Encouragement to his Family and Servants that do well Be thou Ruler over much enter into the Joy of thy Lord. Parallel I. THat God is the first Author that gives Being to Matter Form and Order is so great and evident a Truth evinced by Scripture and Reason that none can deny it without shaking the very Foundation of Heaven and Earth and of all true Piety and Religion For all things that do appear were produced by some Cause pre-existent or else they did cause themselves which last cannot be because then they must be before themselves which is a monstrous Absurdity See the ancient Records of the World and all things therein Gen. 1. II. God the most great and good Housholder seeing it very needful and convenient hath built a House for the Commodity of his Family yea many Houses suitable to the distinct Parts of his Family which is very great One House fit for Angels and the Souls of Saints that is Heaven one for Men even the Earth one for a Nursing-House to the Off-spring of his Family and that is his Church which is the House of the Living God the Nursing-House for his Heirs and eldest Sons These things have his Hands begun and finished He that built all things is God III. God did not think it meet to be alone in the Enjoiment of perfect Happiness in himself and therefore hath taken into Covenant with himself Angels and Men and for this end was Jesus Christ set up from everlasting to gather together in himself both things in Heaven and things on Earth c. IV. Thus God the great and good Housholder hath done He hath made nothing in vain but hath fitted each Creature with Natures to do Work suitable to their proper Station The Angels to dwell in Heaven to praise in Heaven to flie through Heaven to come down into the Air to visit the Earth and view the Sons of Men Men are fitted to look up to Heaven to pray to reade to contemplate to reverence God to propagate to replenish the Earth Beasts are fitted for Labour and Service as the Horse the Mule the Ox c. The Sheep with all other Creatures receive Influence from his great and good Spirit so as to come to the Place where their Prey is and where they are to be taken for assigned Use. V. God the great and good Housholder hath set all things in Order both in the upper and lower World who is not a God of Confusion but of Order in all the People of his Family Christ his First-born is not only King even the King of the Earth but the King of Angels he is the Head of all Principalities and Powers Angels next to him above Men Men God's Representatives and Vicegerents above Women The Man is the Head of the Woman Parents the Head of their Off-spring and Children above Servants and all these above the Beasts of the Field or creeping Things of the Earth VI. Even thus hath God the great and good Housholder done to all his Family He hath appointed his First-born to be a Mediator a Priest an Advocate to influence the Gospel and Word his Angels to protect his People in Love to serve one another and bear one anothers Burthens Women to bear Children and nurse them and to be meet Helps to their Husbands Parents to love their Children Children to honour their Parents Servants and Subjects to obey their Supreme and all these to adore God and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. VII God this great Housholder hath made Provision for his great and large Family The Eyes of all things look up and trust in him he gives them their Meat in due season In my Fathers House is Meat enough and to spare Heavenly Manna as Meat and Food for Angels heavenly Food as the Bread of Life for the Saints earthly Food as Corn Wine and Oil for Men Grass and Herbs c. as Meat for Beasts c. His Hand gives all things needful If in the House he feeds them if in the Field he feeds them and fills them with good things c. VIII God keeps his Place in
Books shall be opened and the Dead shall be judged out of those things which are written in the Books XXIII God never judges alone The Son is with him the holy Spirit is with him the Angels and whole Court of Heaven do acquiesce in the Judgments that he executes XXIV God when he peremptorily pronounces Judgment without reserve it stands and must abide If he say Pharaoh and his Host shall be seen no more for ever Babylon the Glory of the Chaldean Kingdom shall be overthrown Israel shall be removed the Land shall be forsaken of both her Kings If he publish the Decree there is no changing his Determinations his Judgment is like the Laws of the Medes and Persians Abraham cannot save Sodom nor Noah Daniel or Job Judah and Israel but when a Decree of Judgment is gone forth they must die by the Sword For the Mouth of the Lord hath spoken it God an Hiding-Place Psal. 32.7 Thou art my Hiding-Place thou shalt preserve me from Trouble Psal. 119.114 Thou art my Hiding-Place c. SEcret Place as Mr. Ainsworth renders it a Phrase alluding to some Den Cave or secret Chamber where Men have found and may find Safety in Times of Danger according to what is said Isa. 26.20 Come my People enter thou into thy Chambers and shut thy Doors about thee hide thy self as it were for a little moment The Saints of old hid themselves in Dens in Caves Mountains and Wildernesses from the Rage of Men Heb. 11.38 were sometimes sheltered by the Providence of God when there was a general Combination against them therefore called God's hidden Ones Psal. 83.3 because covered by him when Edom the Ishmaelites Moab and the Hagarens Gebal Ammon and Amalek the Philistines with the Inhabitants of Tyre took crafty Counsel and consulted Mischief against them And in as much as Hiding-Place is a borrowed Speech from a Rock Mountain Cave or Den secret Chamber or Place of Shelter we may consider the Conveniency of the Metaphor and bring in a Parallel from God Metaphor I. AN Hiding-Place is usually a strong Place Men will not adventure themselves in it or think themselves safe without some considerable Strength II. An Hiding-Place is an invisible and obscure Place not known to every Body a Place that Enemies have much ado to find III. An Hiding-Place is a Covering or Shelter from many Evils from the scorching Heat of the Sun the blustering Storms of Wind and Hail IV. An Hiding-Place frees from Fear and much abates the Hurries and Discomposures of the Mind because Men do imagin themselves safe when they have taken Sanctuary in some secret Rock or Cave V. An Hiding-Place doth disappoint the Enemies who please themselves in the thoughts of preying upon the Righteous as Pharaoh said of Israel My Lust shall be satisfied The Enemies of David cry Let us persecute his Soul and take it Aha! thus would we have it Parallel I. GOD the good Man's Hiding-Place is a strong God as a Rock in time of Need nay as the Shelter of a great Rock as the Security of many Rocks His Place of Defence shall be the Munition of Rocks He is as a Place built on purpose for Safety The Name of the Lord is a strong Tower the Righteous run into it and are safe He is hence said to be the Almighty the Lord strong and mighty a strong Rock Psal. 31.2 Strong Habitation Psal. 71.3 Strong Refuge v. 7. Strong Lord Psal. 89.8 Mighty in Power Isa. 40.26 II. God is an invisible Being in respect of his Essence No Man hath seen God at any time No Man hath beheld his Form or seen his Shape He is the invisible God c. He is invisible also as he is his Peoples Hiding-Place Pharaoh saw not the Covering Israel had when he said I will pursue I will overtake my Hand shall destroy The Enemies of David saw not the Cave the Rock his Hiding-Place when they said There is no help for him in his God Haman was unacquainted with this Covering when he designed Destruction to all Israel The Wicked plot against the Just because they know not where their Safety is In the Lord our God is the Salvation of Israel III. God is no less a Covering to his People than the best of Hiding-Places have been or are unto any People He secures from the Hurt of Persecution when Men rage and rise up against them He secures from Satan's Temptations as well when he appears like a Serpent as when he acts like a Lion or great red Dragon So that not only David and the Old-Testament Church could say Had not the Lord been on our side when Men rose up against us we had been swallowed up quick He breaks the Head of Leviathan and gives it for Meat to the People inhabiting the Wilderness But even the Church now may say He that is our God is a sure Hiding-Place a God of Salvation IV. This Advantage is most eminently enjoyed by the Godly who have made God their Sanctuary and Hiding-Place they are freed from the Fear that wicked Men are surprised with their Hurries and Discomposures are much abated As 't is said of Moses He feared not the Wrath of the King And David saith At what time I am afraid I will put my Trust in thee I will discharge my self of Fears and Discomposures and account my self safe in God my Sanctuary and Hiding-Place I will not fear what Man can do unto me tho Ten Thousand compass me about In the Name of the Lord there is strong Confidence not Fear when evil Tidings come Psal. 112.7 V. God hath throughout all Ages as the Hiding-Place of his People disappointed their Enemies and secured than from being a Prey to their Teeth He saved Israel when Pharaoh pursued them He saved David when Saul hunted him like a Partridg upon the Mountains He destroyed the Host of the Philistins and Assyrians when their Expectations were very high He frustrateth the Tokens of Liars and makes Diviners mad by catching the Wise in their own Craftiness In the things wherein they deal proudly he is above them For Disparities see Rock and Strong-Tower Inferences I. IF God be an Hiding-Place then let all Godly Men flie to him in Times of Trouble and Danger by Faith and Prayer Thus David Deliver me O Lord from mine Enemies I flie unto thee to hide me There is Reason for it for good Men cannot be secure without him 1. Because weak themselves 2. Are pursued and hunted after by potent and subtile Enemies II. Let them that have taken God for their Hiding-Place abide in him for in him there is Safety and no where else 'T is vain to trust in Men or put confidence in Princes to look for Safety from the Hills or Multitude of Mountains For in the Lord alone is the Salvation of Israel THE Second HEAD OF Metaphors Allegories Similes Types and other borrowed Terms RESPECTING The Lord Iesus Christ The
to the Admiration of all The Matter being known and related to them that that were concerned he had not only his Life but the Lion also to wait upon him who became a faithful Servant to him Hic est Leo Hospes Hominis hic est Homo Medicus Leonis was that which the People would say when they saw him lead along his Lion through the Streets Here goes the Lion which was the Man's Host and there is the Man who was the Lion's Physician XII No Creatures love their Young as you may percieve by the foregoing Story in part more than the Lions which they further demonstrate in their Defence for they will receive many terrible Blows Slashes and Wounds the one opening the bleeding Body and the other pressing the Blood out of the Wounds standing invincible never yielding till Death as if Death it self were nothing to them saith the Historian so that their young Ones might be safe XIII Lions are full of Clemency to them that prostrate themselves at their feet they will not touch such as do as it were by submission humble themselves to them XIV Out of the dead Carcase of Sampson's Lion came forth Sweetness as in his Riddle XV. None can take away the Prey from an hungry Lion XVI 'T is affirmed that if a Man be anointed all over with the Blood of a Lion he shall never be destroyed by wild Beasts XVII The Blood of a Lion as Naturalists say being rubbed or spread upon a Canker or Sore which is swell'd about the Veins will presently cure the Grief Parallel I. THe Lord Jesus is the King of Kings the Lord of Lords King of the Kings of the Earth II. Jesus Christ is full of Majesty It may be truly said of him that he carries Majesty in his Face Majesty in his Looks Majesty in his Words Majesty in his Walking Christ being our Captain tho we are timerous Creatures is enough to oppose scatter and vanquish the most potent Army that ever the Prince of Darkness or the God of this World could raise against them his Looks and Words affright his Enemies III. Christ is the Power of God He is a mighty Man nay He is a mighty God mighty to save IV. Christ is of superlative Courage of an invincible Mind for he never encountred with any but he was Conqueror He subdued the Devil yea whole Legions of them and rode in Triumph through the Air. He overcame the World trampling it under his Feet He conquered Sin yea Death it self The Woman bringing forth the Lion of the Tribe of Judah portended nothing less than the Conquest of the Devil's Kingdom V. Christ appears in his Dispensations for some time to couch down as it were suffers himself to be abused in his People and seems to lie still as if he were asleep VI. Christ when he is rouzed up by the Cruelties of the Enemies of his Church and the Cries of his People will be very terrible he will come upon Princes as upon Mortar Tho now he seems still and peaceable like a Lamb yet the Day is at hand when he will rise up like a Lion to destroy and devour at once VII When Christ shall utter his Voice at the last Day and come to Judgment he will make the Nations of the World quake Let all the Inhabitants of the Earth tremble for the Day of the Lord cometh for 't is nigh at hand The Lord shall also roar out of Zion and utter his Voice from Jerusalem and the Heaven and Earth shall shake c. VIII There is nothing hid from the Eyes of Christ he sees into the darkest Corners of Mens Hearts and Imaginations the most subtil Sinners cannot escape his Notice There is no secret Place where the Plotters or wicked Men can hide themselves from him He sees all their horrid Designs and Combinations IX Jesus Christ will reward every one according to the Nature of his Works in the great Day and when he comes forth to judg Babylon he will retaliate upon her according as she hath done Thou hast given them Blood to drink for they are worthy for they have shed the Blood of thy Saints and Prophets Reward her as she hath rewarded you X. Christ marks all those that injure him and his People Wherefore doth the Wicked contemn God he saith in his Heart he will not requite it Thou hast seen it for thou beholdest Mischief and Spite to requite it with thy hand I remember that which Amalek did to Israel now go and smite Amalek I will contend with them that contend with thee and I will save thy Children And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own Flesh and they shall be drunken with their own Blood as with sweet Wine XI The Lord Jesus as he avenges the Wrongs and Injuries done to his People so he will requite Kindnesses shewed to them Such as feed the Hungry cloath the Naked visit the Sick and those that are in Prison for Christ's sake shall be rewarded Their Work of Faith and Labour of Love shall not be forgotten yea He that gives but a Cup of cold Water in the Name of a Disciple shall not lose his Reward Which is a Reward of Grace not Merit for there is no proportion between eternal Life and the best of our Performances yet God accepts of them XII The Lord Jesus loveth his People with such a strong and endeared Love that he did not only fight with cruel Enemies in their behalf but freely also received many Lashes and sore Wounds in his Body and stood invincible never yielding till Death He made his Soul an Offering for Sin Yea Death it self was nothing to him so that he might save his poor Church from Wrath and eternal Misery XIII The Lord Jesus is full of Clemency Compassion and Tenderness of Bowels to all that humble themselves at his Feet He resisteth the Proud and will tear them in pieces but giveth Grace to the Humble XIV Sampson's Riddle is unfolded best in the slain Body of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah from thence comes all the Honey the Sweetness of Grace and Glory XV. None can deliver themselves out of Christ's hand when he rises up for the Prey XVI That Person whosoever he be who applieth Christ's Blood by Faith or hath every Faculty of his Soul viz. the whole Man bathed therein shall never be destroyed by the Devil nor the Powers of Darkness XVII The Blood of Christ cures all Wounds Cankers and putrifying Sores of the Soul or inward Man when applied by the hand of Faith Metaphor THe Lion is cruel blood-sucking proud preying stony-hearted malitious a Devourer of Flocks and Herds the very Tyrant of Beasts Disparity THe Lord Jesus is mild merciful tender-hearted forgetting Injuries the Preserver and Saviour of the innocent poor weak and helpless Ones c. Inferences 1. LEt the Ungodly tremble
who think Christ Jesus will never appear as a Lion but always shew himself in his Lamb-like Disposition Christ is a Lion as well as a Lamb and will ere long rise up to the Prey 2. What will become of the Murtherers and Destroyers of his Church in the Day of his fierce Wrath when he comes to make Inquisition for Blood 3. O that Sinners from hence would learn to prostrate themselves at his feet 4. This speaks much Comfort to the Godly He is full of Bowels and like a Lion able to defend and deliver them 5. By Faith and Prayer let us strive to rouze up this Lion of the Tribe of Judah to tear in pieces all his implacable Enemies Christ the true Manna John 6.50 This is the Bread which cometh down from Heaven that a Man may eat thereof and not die Rev. 2.17 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden Manna CHRIST and the Graces of Christ are called Manna the Antitype of that Manna that fell in the Wilderness Exod. 16. Manna in Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Man from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Manah preparare to prepare because it was Food prepared from Heaven for the Israelites in the Wilderness Flacc. Illyricus and others say That when the Israelites saw it like congealed Dew or small Hail or Snow lying up and down about the Camp they asked one another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 What 's that what 's that And because of frequent Repetition that it might be more easily pronounced they added the Letter 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and pronounced Manhu whence they retain the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Man Manna Type I. MAnna was a strange and mysterious thing at first to the Israelites they knew not what it was II. Manna was Food prepared from Heaven III. Manna came down or descended from Heaven IV. Manna was white it was a pure fair and bright thing V. Manna was round in Form and Figure VI. Manna was a Gift it was given to Israel freely it cost them nothing VII Manna was given to all to the Poor as well as to the Rich none were forbidden to partake thereof VIII Manna was pleasant it had all the Taste and Relish of Sweetness in it IX Manna did nourish well and was given in great plenty X. Manna was to be bruised in a Mill that so it might become more useful for Food XI Manna was given equally to all the Israelites they had all a certain measure not one more than another were all Fellow-commoners every Man had his part his Omer XII Manna was a small and little thing unto the Eye like to a Coriander-Seed XIII Manna came down with the Dew it was covered or hid as it were with Dew XIV Manna was not given to the Israelites whilst they were in Egypt XV. Manna fell round about the Camp of Israel and in no other place XVI Manna was given to Israel in the Wilderness it was their only Food whilst they remained in that desert State XVII It was gathered daily except on the Sabbath then there was none to be found XVIII They went out of their Tents to gather it XIX If Manna was kept or received otherwise than God ordained and appointed it stank and bred Worms XX. Manna ceased when Israel came into Canaan XXI Manna was only given to the Israelites XXII Those that would receive the Benefit of Manna were to eat it XXIII Manna came very seasonably to Israel they had else starved XXIV Manna was to be kept and put in a Golden Pot before the Lord to remain in the Holiest for ever XXV Manna was loathed by those evil Murmurers on whom the Wrath of God fell they esteemed it light Bread XXVI In the day before the Sabbath in the night Manna fell abundantly that so they might gather it on that day to provide Food for the Sabbath Parallel I. JEsus Christ is the Wonder of Men and Angels and when He came into this World yea to his own they knew him not II. Christ had a Body prepared of the Father that he might be Food for Believers III. Christ is the true Bread or Manna from Heaven IV. Sic Christus describitur Apoc. 1. So is Christ described without Sin V. Christ respecting his Divinity is infinite perfect and entire no beginning no end VI. Christ is called a Gift the choicest Gift that ever God bestowed given freely for the Life of the World VII Christ is sent to all to Jews and Gentiles to the Small as well as the Great to the Poor as well as the Rich none are excluded VIII Whatsoever is pleasant sweet and delicious in a spiritual sence is found in Christ his Word is sweet as Honey or the Honey-Comb O taste and see how good the Lord is IX Christus sufficit ad omnes c. Christ is very sufficient and plentiful there is in him enough to nourish and feed all What Soul is there but may be filled to the full if he comes to Christ X. Christus ut animis nostris cibus esset doloribus mortis in Cruce contundebatur Christ that he might be Food for our Souls was bruised It pleased the Father to bruise him XI All true Israelites have their equal Share in Christ a whole Christ is given to every Saint they have all one Portion one Husband one Kingdom and Crown that fadeth not away XII Christ was little low and contemptible in the Eyes of the World of no reputation XIII Christ came down with the Dew of the Spirit being baptized or covered therewith hence called as some conceive hidden Manna XIV Christ who is the true Manna is not given to Unbelievers that remain in Bondage and Slavery under the Power of Sin and Satan XV. Christ is conversant within the Limits of his Church The Graces of the Spirit fall upon Mount Hermon the Dew descends upon the Mountains of Zion There God commanded the Blessing even Life for evermore Christ walks in the midst of the Golden Candlesticks XVI Christ and the Blessings of Christ are given to us who are in the Desert or Wilderness of this World We have no other Food for our Souls but are to live upon Christ by Faith so long as we are in this howling Wilderness XVII Those that would have Christ must seek him in the Time God hath appointed In the Day of the glorious Rest or Sabbath that remains to the People of God there will be no Christ no Manna for Sinners XVIII We must go out of the old Man and sensual Rests and Love of this World if we would participate of Christ. XIX The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper or any other Institutions of Christ made use of or received in other manner than Christ hath ordained and appointed it stinks in the Nostrils of God and is abhorred by good Men. XX. Living by Faith and our being fed by Ordinances will cease when
we come to Heaven XXI Christ and the Bread of Life is only given to Believers XXII Those that will receive saving Benefit by Christ must receive and eat him spiritually by Faith XXIII Christ was promised seasonably and came seasonably into the World in the very nick of Time In due time Christ died for the Vngodly We had perished else for ever XXIV Christ is glorified in Heaven in his human Nature at the right-hand of God and abides there for ever for the Faithful XXV Jesus Christ in his Word Ordinances and Administrations is loathed by carnal and ungodly Men yea and many account Christ's good Word light Bread XXVI Christ now before the last day the beginning of the true eternal Sabbath is more fully revealed that so poor Saints might be provided for before the everlasting Rest and End of Time comes Type I. THe Manna was Food for the outward Man for the Body only II. Manna was eaten by many that were wicked tho of the National Church of the Jews III. Manna did corrupt and putrify IV. Manna was only found at some certain times it melted away when the Sun rose V. Those that did eat of Manna in the Wilderness are dead they perished VI. The Manna that was reserved in the Holiest was spoiled and did perish Disparity I. CHrist is Food for the Soul II. Christ is not Food for nor received by any but those who are truly godly and Israelites indeed He that eateth me even he shall live by me He that eateth my Flesh dwelleth in me and I in him III. Christ the true Manna can never corrupt but abideth for ever IV. Christ is ever the same and always to be found by those that seek him aright both in Prosperity and Adversity to his Elect. V. Those that eat of the spiritual Manna shall never die He that believeth is passed from Death to Life and shall not come into Condemnation This is the Bread that came down from Heaven that a Man may eat thereof and not die VI. But our heavenly Manna abides still in the holy Place See Christ the Bread of Life Christ a King Rev. 7.14 And the Lamb shall overcome them for He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings See 1 Tim. 6.15 Rev. 19.16 BY the Lamb is meant JESVS CHRIST which is evident and indisputable the Dignity to which he is advanced is the highest among the Sons of Men Potentate Son or Man of Power King of Kings c. There is no higher Name or Title to set forth Dignity amongst Men than Kings or mighty Potentates 'T is one of the Titles of the Most High the God of this Blessed Lamb and indeed it originally belongs to him but he is pleased to bequeath it unto Men for which reason they are called Gods on Earth I said ye are Gods but you shall die like Men and fall like the mortal Princes God is in the Congregation He judgeth among the Gods This King invisible immortal the only wise God hath chosen a Vicegerent to represent him to his Subjects hath placed his Name in him not only Wonderful Counsellor and the Man that is his Fellow but as King the chief of Titles in this lower World By this the Royal and most renowned Branch that ever sprang from the Loins of Jesse and David is set forth Upon which we note That JESVS the Lamb of God is compared to and represented by the most magnificent Title of King the highest and chiefest of Kings And indeed there is nothing doth more fully set forth the Glory Power and Splendor of Christ than this as will appear if we consider these following Particulars Metaphor I. A King is usually very highly descended comes to his Dignity by Inheritance is the Son of a Noble II. A King hath or ought to have great Qualifications having the advantage of such Education to his natural Wisdom is added Skill in Politick Affairs even the Knowledg of the Laws of his Kingdom III. Kings are sometimes chosen or appointed as Solomon was by David his Father or as Alexander by Philip his Father or else by the People as was David and many others IV. Kings are anointed as well as chosen Samuel anointed Saul 'T was a Divine Ceremony much in use at the consecrating of Kings in the Kingdom of Israel V. Kings are proclaimed at their Instalment Samuel said to all the People See him whom the Lord hath chosen And all the People gave a Shout and said God save the King VI. A King after he is anointed and proclaimed enters upon his Government VII Kings de jure have a Palace by Right belonging to them whether they are in immediate possession or not VIII Kings have great Attendants belonging to their Courts tho they be not visible in all parts of their Dominions IX Kings are invested with Power they have sometimes some of them less at the first entrance upon their Kingdom than afterwards as David's was who had but two Tribes at his entrance X. Kings have many Subjects who subscribe to their Power XI Kings have Laws and Rules to govern by XII Kings tho they rule well are not loved and honoured by all are often troubled with Rebels and Sons of Belial XIII Great Kings have large Dominions as Nebuchadnezzar the Golden Head who was over an hundred and twenty seven Provinces XIV Kings have a Prerogative in their own Dominions to make Peace and War when they please XV. Kings have a Crown to wear a Scepter to wield and a Throne to sit upon XVI Kings have the Privilege of a Grand Council to advise with in Matters of Importance XVII Kings have the Privilege and high Prerogative of sending Embassadors to treat with States and Kingdoms about Affairs of Publick Good XVIII A King ordains and constitutes Officers or makes Substitutes to whom he doth delegate Power to execute his Will and Laws to all his Political Body XIX Kings do vouchsafe Security and Protection to their Subjects sometimes by good Counsel and eminent Acts of Providence XX. Kings have Courts of Judicature both high and inferior for the Punishment of Offenders according to their Rank and Degree XXI Kings have many and great Prerogatives Rights Privileges and Excellencies pertaining to them as to receive Petitions and pardon Offenders to confer Honour and give Commissions to have Tribute paid and keep an Exchequer to shut out and scatter wicked Persons and thereby become a Terror to them that do evil and a Praise to them that do well Parallel I. THe Lord Jesus Christ our great King comes to this Dignity by Birth he is eldest Son to a mighty Emperor and so right Heir to Kingship When he bringeth the First-begotten into the World c. He is the First-born of every Creature and thereby Heir of all things He hath by Inheritance obtained a more excellent Name than they viz. the Angels II. The Lord Jesus Christ hath glorious Qualifications He is not
God sware unto David that of the Fruit of his Loins according to the Flesh He would raise up Christ to sit upon his Throne And upon this account Christ is called the Son of David and the Off-spring of David How fitly Christ may be compared to a Branch we shall note under three or four Particulars Metaphor I. A Branch hath a Root or Stock from whence it proceeds II. A Branch is of the same Nature with the Stock or Root from whence it naturally proceeds III. A Branch partakes of Sap and Nourishment from the Root IV. A Branch or the Branches of a Tree are the Glory of a Tree Parallel I. CHrist as concerning the Flesh proceeded from Abraham Jesse David Mary c. II. Christ is really and truly Man and hence he is called the Seed of the Woman and the Seed of Abraham c. and Made of a Woman made like unto us in all things Sin only excepted Forasmuch as Children are Partakers of Flesh and Blood he also himself likewise took part of the same III. Christ partook of Nourishment from the Virgin not only in the Womb but afterwards Blessed are the Paps that thou hast sucked IV. Christ the Son of Man being the real Off-spring and Son of David according to the Flesh is the Glory of all David's Race and of the whole Church of God in general Inferences 1. THis may serve to reprehend those that say The Matter of Christ's human Nature was from Heaven and that he passed through the Womb of the Virgin as Water through a Conduit-Pipe and is called the Seed of the Woman and made of a Woman upon no other account than his being born of a Woman From hence 2. We may admire the Goodness and rich Grace of God and his distinguishing Love to Mankind in that the Lord Jesus took not hold of the Nature of Angels but of the Seed of Abraham that there should be a Saviour for fallen Man and none for fallen Angels 3. This shews how Man is magnified and exalted by the Almighty What greater Dignity can God confer upon us than that our Nature should be united to and made one with the Deity This is the Rise and Ground of all our Hope and Consolation Christ the VVay Joh. 14.6 I am the Way c. No Man can come to the Father but by me I Am the Way c. Way is taken properly or metaphorically In the latter Sence divers things are so called VIZ. The Law or Word of God Psal. 119.1 The Doctrine of the Gospel Acts 19.9 The Secret Counsel of God Rom. 11.33 The Conversation of the Godly Psal. 1.1 The Works of God Job 41.19 And in this Text and some others Christ is so called Way is a common Word or Phrase taken for the chief Means and Medium for the Attainment or Accomplishment of a Thing and so is very comprehensive As for example The way to gain Honour is to do some worthy and honourable Action Honour is the End the Person that seeks it is the Subject the doing the worthy Action is the Way to attain it Again If a Man would go to such or such a City he must travel that Road that leads thither here also you have the End the Subject and the Means or Way of obtaining the End So in like manner if a Man would come to God which is Happiness his chief End the Way is Jesus Christ No Man can come unto the Father but by me Here Man is the Subject God or Happiness the End Christ the Way Metaphor I. A Way to attain to any Thing or Place that we greatly desire and long after is necessary without which our End and Desire can never be accomplished II. A Way must be assigned by the Publick Legislators of a Kingdom when it is wanting and appears absolutely necessary III. A Way that is assigned must be also made known or else how shall Men do to find it and walk in it IV. A Way is useful upon divers accounts indeed to all Enterprises whether it be for the obtaining of Honour Riches Peace Health or Length of Days V. Ways lead from one Place or City to another VI. Ways are free for all none are forbid to travel in such and such common Ways and Roads VII Great Care was to be taken under the Law that the Ways to the Cities of Refuge should be made smooth and plain all Stumbling-Blocks and Impediments were to be removed and they were to be thirty two Cubits broad Ways ought not only to be laid open and made known but also made passable and easy to travel in VIII In a Way there ought to be suitable and necessary Accommodations for Travellers IX There is no coming to such or such a City unless we go the Way which leads thither X. Men are glad when they come to the End of a long Journey Parallel I. THere is an absolute Necessity of a Christ for without him Favour and Reconciliation with God the Father cannot be obtained The Jews who followed after Righteousness attained it not because they sought it not by Faith they stumbled at that stumbling Stone II. Jesus Christ is assigned or appointed by the great Law-giver of Heaven and Earth to be the Way to Happiness who saw a Saviour was wanting and such an one was necessary to bring Man to Glory III. Jesus Christ is made known by the Gospel in which are plain Directions how to find the Way God saw it necessary to send his Servants to proclaim and make known Salvation How shall they believe on him whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a Preacher IV. Jesus Christ is useful and necessary to all Enterprizes viz. 1. To Honour To as many as received him to them gave he Power to become the Sons of God 2. To Riches Riches and Honour are with me yea durable Riches and Righteousness 3. To Peace He is our Peace who hath made both one c. In me ye shall have Peace 4. He is Health Strength and Length of Days He that believeth on me shall never die V. Christ the spiritual Way leads from Sin to Grace out of Satan's Kingdom to his own Kingdom from Egypt to Canaan VI. Christ is a Way free for all Sinners The Partition-Wall is now broken down Jews and Gentiles Rich and Poor Young and Old Male and Female may freely walk in this Way None are forbid to come to Christ to believe in him and to lead a holy Life VII God in his infinite Grace and Favour hath taken care to remove all Impediments and Stumbling-Blocks out of the Sinner's Way The Way is plain and easy to Men of Understanding 't is but a falling in Love with God and Goodness and accepting of a Saviour on Gospel-Terms which are not hard My Yoke is easy and my Burden is light 'T is possible for the greatest of Sinners to be saved The
Way is well-troden the Patriarchs Prophets Apostles and all the Godly walked in this very Way 'T is made very smooth the weakest Traveller may without stumbling or danger walk in it VIII In Christ the spiritual Way are all things necessary provided There is Bread and Water of Life sweet Repose and precious Grace ready to defray all Expences for every willing and faithful Traveller IX There is no coming to God but by Christ There is no other Name given under Heaven whereby we must be saved Whoever refuse Christ and Life through him let their Confidence be never so great it will deceive them and their Hope will prove like the Spider's Web. X. Poor Sinners greatly rejoyce when through Christ they are brought home to the Father but what Joy will it be to them when they come to the End of their Journey the Salvation of their Souls Quest. In what respect is Christ called the Way or said to be the Way to the Father Ans. As he is Mediator between God and Man 1. As a Priest he aton'd and made Peace by his own Blood and thereby he is a blessed Way for us to the Father and as he is a Priest to intercede for us in Heaven See Advocate 2. He is the Way as a King to appoint Laws for us and to subdue Sin and other Enemies in us and for us 3. He is the Way as a Prophet to teach and instruct us by his Word and Spirit how to receive that glorious Atonement he hath made and to walk in those Ordinances he hath appointed 4. He is the Way by that holy Example he hath left for us Quest. What kind of Way is Christ Ans. 1. He is the only Way to the Father and eternal Life 1. The Patriarchs of old knew no other Way Abraham rejoyced to see my Day c. 2. The Prophets knew no other Way 3. The Apostles knew no other Way 4. There is no other Way revealed to Mankind 5. There is a Curse denounced to such as shall preach any other Way 2. Christ is a new Way The old Way of Access to God was barred and chained up by the Fall his Blood is called the Blood of the new Covenant By a new and living Way c. 3. Christ is a sure and certain Way no Man ever missed Heaven that rightly sought it in this Way 4. Christ is a safe Way there is Protection Guidance and safe Direction in him 4. Christ is an easy Way his Yoke is easy his Commands are easy There is Strength and Supplies of all things necessary afforded to all that walk in him 6. Christ is a comfortable Way There is sweet Company all Friends and Brethren and no Enemy walks in this Way besides there are excellent Accommodations 7. Christ is a plain Way a Way prepared cast up and all Stumbling-Blocks removed 8. He is a holy Way all other Ways are unclean and filthy none but holy Persons can walk in this Way 9. 'T is a Way of God's devising and finding out 10. 'T is a costly Way It is a cheap Way to us but dear to God it cost Him the parting with his own beloved Son and Christ the Price of his precious Blood Metaphor I. OTher Ways lead only to external Places and Privileges II. Other Ways lead to a Place but they are not that Place to which they lead III. Other Ways are sometimes out of Repair and unfit for Travellers IV. Other Ways have no Life in them nor can't preserve the Traveller from Death and Danger Disparity I. CHrist leads to the blessed immortal and eternal God Heaven and lasting Happiness II. Christ and the Father are one He is the End of a Saints Journey as well as the Father III. But Christ is a Way never out of Repair nor unfit for Sinners to walk in IV. Christ is a living Way He is a speaking directing animating and quickning Way He preserves from Death and Danger Inferences 1. BLess God for this Way O what infinite Grace is here that the Almighty should be so kind and merciful to us poor Sinners as when we had barr'd up our Way to him he should find out another for us and be at such great charge as to send his own Son to be the Way it self 2. We may infer from hence that the Salvation of the Elect is one and the same hence called common Salvation 3. It shews us that there is no Salvation but by Christ. 4. It holds forth the great Necessity of the Gospel and the Ministry thereof 5. What a miserable Condition are all those in that reject Christ 6. It reprehends those who hope or think to find other Ways to Heaven The Papists think to get thither by their own Merits the Quakers by the Light within c. 7. Labour to see a Necessity of Christ. 8. Prize Christ O value Christ He is All in All He is every thing to Believers you can never over-value precious Jesus Christ a Rock 2 Sam. 23.3 The Rock of Israel spake to me c. Mat. 16.18 Upon this Rock will I build my Church 1 Cor. 10.4 And that Rock was Christ. THe Lord Jesus is compared to a Rock Metaphor I. A Rock is a firm and an immoveable thing good for a Foundation I will liken him unto a Man that built his House upon a Rock c. That which is built upon a Rock stands sure in a tempestuous and stormy Season The Rain descended the Floods came and the Winds blew and beat upon the House and it fell not II. Rocks in ancient Times were made use of for Habitations People dwelt in them as well as built upon them they hewed out Houses or Habitations in Rocks III. A Rock is Locus excelsus an high Place tho they have their Root low and deep yet their Tops being high and soaring are lifted far above the Surface of the Earth IV. Rocks being high or eminent Places for Height they are exceeding useful to take pleasant Prospects from hence one may see afar off From the Tops of the Rocks I see him saith Balaam V. Rocks are strong and were made use of for Defence they are Cannon-proof no Fortifications like some Rocks they are impregnable David for Security came into a Rock VI. Rocks are durable permanent and lasting there is no removing a Rock they grow not weak with Age but continue the same from one Generation to another VII Rocks yield Honey Out of the Rock with Honey would I have satisfied them and elsewhere 't is said He gave them Honey out of the Rock VIII Rocks yield the purest Water most pleasant Springs proceed from them No Water says the Naturalist is so clear as that which comes percolated through Rocks IX Precious Stones and Jewels are but as it were the Sperm the Spawn or as Philosophers would have them the Sweat of Rocks All rich Mines of Gold and Silver as is evident from that in Job
are in and among Rocks X. Rocks yield Oil The Rocks poured me out Rivers of Oil saith Job And in another place 't is said God made Israel to suck Honey out of the Stone and Oil out of the hard Rock XI Rocks afford a very sweet and refreshing Shadow in hot Countries to weary Travellers XII Rocks are dangerous to stumble at or to fall on especially to fall from When Men get up almost to the Top of a high and mighty Rock and suddenly through want of care fall down such are broken to pieces and perish inevitably Parallel I. THe Lord Christ is a firm and sure Foundation Vpon this Rock will I build my Church c. Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone Another Foundation can no Man lay The Church being built upon Christ the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it Whosoever lays the Stress and Structure of his Salvation upon this Foundation the Powers of Hell and Rage of Devils shall never be able to subvert and destroy This made the Apostle to break forth in that holy Triumph Rom. 8. II. God in Christ is a Believer's spiritual Habitation they like the Dove make their Nest in the Clifts of the Rock He that dwelleth in Love dwelleth in God See Habitation Dove c. III. Christ our Rock is high in respect of the Dignity of his Person He is the high God He was lower than Men in the state of his Humiliation yet far higher and more glorious than the Angels He is high in respect of his Dwelling-place being exalted far above all Heavens high in respect of his Power and Sovereignty having absolute Dominion over Devils Angels and Men. IV. He that by Faith ascends upon the Top of this spiritual Rock may take a better Prospect and Survey of Heaven than Moses could of Canaan when he stood upon the Top of Pisgah He sees most of God and the Glory of the other World that stands upon the Rock Christ. V. God in Christ is the Godly Man's Refuge He that makes God his Defence or flies to Christ for Refuge needs not fear Devils nor wicked Men nor what all the Powers of Hell can do unto him See Strong-Tower VI. The Lord Jesus hath the Stability of a Rock in him He is the Rock of Ages the same yesterday to day and for ever He grows not weak as his Years so his Strength decays not VII All sweet Peace and Comfort proceed from the Rock Christ His Promises are sweeter than Honey or the Honey-Comb VIII That celestial Stream Spring and River of Comfort viz. the Spirit proceeds from the Throne of God and the Lamb From this Rock saith a worthy Writer the clear and crystalline Streams of living Water bubble forth IX In Christ are hidden all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg all the Graces of the Spirit which are compared to but far more excellent than Gold Pearl or precious Stones are only to be found in this spiritual Rock X. Christ affords us Store of precious Oil the Spirit is so called with which the Godly are all more or less anointed We have received an Vnction from the Holy One No Oil like that which comes from this Rock XI Christ is as the Shadow of a great Rock in a weary Land He keeps off all the hot scorching Beams of the Wrath of God and Hell See Apple-Tree XII Christ is a Rock of Offence many stumble at him and fall on him and some fall from him whose State of all is very sad For when Men fall from this Rock having gotten up very high by a speculative Knowledg and Profession they fall suddenly to the lowest Hell Metaphor I. ROcks tho they abide and last long yet are not everlasting II. Rocks in many respects are barren useless and unprofitable things yield no Fruit Seed that falls upon a Rock comes to no maturity Some fell upon a Rock c. III. Rocks are part of the coursest and grossest Element they are but Earth condensed and congealed into a massy senseless Lump Disparity I. CHrist abides for ever and ever he being stiled the Rock of Ages II. Christ the spiritual Rock is very fruitful and every way exceeding profitable III. Christ is of the highest and best of Beings He that made and formed the Elements and gave being to all Creatures and Things who tho called a Rock yet is the Lord from Heaven and a quickning Spirit Inferences 1. TAke heed Christ be not unto you a Stumbling-Stone and Rock of Offence 2. Let the Godly who dwell in this Rock fear no Evil their Rock is not like our Rock 3. Get into this Rock be like the Dove that makes her Nest besides the Holes Mouth 4. When you are down in the Valley and the Waters swell and threaten to overflow you get with David by Faith and Prayer upon the Rock that is higher than you 5. Prize the Rock precious Water Honey and Oil flow from it 1. 'T is a rich Rock 2. 'T is a living Rock 3. 'T is an invincible Rock 4. 'T is a feeding and fattening Rock 5. 'T is a Rock of Pearls and Diamonds 6. 'T is an eternal Rock 6. When you see a great Rock think of Christ. 7. Build all your Hopes of Happiness upon it let your Anchor be so cast as to take hold of this Rock Christ a Fountain Jer. 2.13 They have forsaken me the Fountain of living Water c. Zech. 13.1 In that Day there shall be a Fountain opened c. AMong the many Things that Christ is compared to in the holy Scripture to set forth his transcendent Excellency Beauty Usefulness and Perfections this of a Fountain is none of the least it being a most profitable Metaphor Metaphor I. A Fountain is the Spring and Head of a River from thence Waters issue and stream forth 'T is the Rise and Beginning of Springs and Waters II. A Fountain implies Abundance of Water I will open Fountains in the midst of the Vallies that is Fulness or Store of Water it denotes Plenty III. A Fountain is very tenacious a Place fit dense hard and well-compact to retain the Water leaving some certain Passage for to let its Water out in an orderly manner IV. A Fountain when the Passage or Vent is open le ts out its Water freely V. Fountains always empty themselves into low Places they love to glide in the Vallies of the Earth He sends his Springs into the Vallies VI. Fountains by letting out their Water into Vallies Meadows and low Ground make them very fruitful when Mountains and high Grounds abide barren and unprofitable VII Fountain-Water is usually common to all the Poor and he that hath no Money may partake of it none are forbid to come to a Fountain VIII Fountains yield pure and unmix'd Water Streams are sometimes muddy they may be defiled but Fountain-Water is clear fair and without Filth IX Many Fountains are deep
nothing eminent and refreshing in any Creature in a natural way but it is supereminent and infinitely more in a spiritual way in Christ. Christ is singular touching the Unity of the two Natures in his Person singular in his Incarnation in his Humiliation in his Conquest and Exaltation c. VII Jesus Christ was not planted by Man but by the hand of the Father and when brought forth into the Field of this World how open did he lie to evil Beasts such as Herod and the Jews were how was he pluck'd to pieces as it were and trodden under their Feet He was laid open to almost all manner of Sorrow and Suffering VIII Jesus Christ is free for all poor Sinners whoever will may come and take the good and gracious Virtue and Soul-refreshing Blessings that are in Him He is a Fountain opened The Good that is in God is no other ways communicated to Mankind but in and through Him IX The Son of God is the Beauty and Glory of Mankind by assuming of our Nature into Union with himself 'T is He who is the Crown of Mortals sitting in Glory at the right hand of the Majesty in Heaven X. Christ is to be found in green Pastures in his Churches where his Word is truly preached and Sacraments are duly administred He leads me in green Pastures XI Jesus Christ affords a very precious Oil called the Oil of Gladness which is of a most Sovereign Virtue See Oil. Metaphor I. A Rose is only pleasant and grateful to the external Senses II. A Rose can be had but in one Season of the Year you may look for a Rose in the Winter and find it not III. The Rose is a very fading Flower the Naturalists tell us of some that seem to wither in their budding all their Beauty and sweet Savour passeth away IV. A Rose may be taken presented given and received by an human Hand V. One Person can but have one and the same Rose entirely to himself at one and the same time Disparity I. JEsus Christ delights and gratifies the spiritual Senses of the Soul II. Jesus Christ this Rose of Sharon may be had at any time of the Year in Winter as well as Summer The Soul meets with him rather in Adversity than in Prosperity III. Jesus Christ is a Rose that never fades he remains in his full Beauty and Glory throughout all Generations he never loses his Savour If he does not smell so sweet to our Senses 't is because our spiritual Senses are decayed the Cause lies in us not in him Jesus Christ the same yesterday to day and for ever IV. Jesus Christ is taken presented and given by a divine hand viz. the hand of God himself God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son c. And he is not otherwise received but by Faith the spiritual hand of the Soul V. Jesus Christ the Rose of Sharon is of such a Nature that Thousands may have him entirely to themselves as if but one only had him and this at one and the same time Inferences 1. IF Jesus Christ be the Rose of Sharon so sweet and lovely a Flower let me advise all Ladies and young Virgins and others who delight in Flowers above all to get this Rose you never found the like in all your Lives none so sweet nor yields such a fragrant and odoriferous Smell as Christ doth Nay and more than that 't will be a glorious Ornament unto you 't will make all good and gracious Ones in love with you 2. Moreover this shews us that most of the Men and Women in the World have lost their Smell their spiritual Senses are gone they can find no such Savour in Religion no Sweetness in a reproached persecuted and crucified Jesus no Delight in Ordinances Prayer hearing the Word nor in Sacraments 3. Labor to be stored with the Conserves and precious Vertues of this Divine Rose prize the Distillation of it You love to wash in Rose-Water 't is very grateful and pleasing to you come then and wash in the sweet and fragrant Water of the Rose of Sharon let Heart and Hands be washed in it It will not only cleanse away the Filth but will supple and heal all the Wounds and Bruises of your diseased Souls If you wash in the Water of the Spirit that flows from a crucified Christ it will make you a sweet Savour in the World your Conversations will be of a fragrant Scent 4. Besides it shews how happy they are that have got Jesus Christ and what Fools Men of the World are who slight and dis-esteem him They prize the Thorn and Briar the pricking Pleasures and Profits of the World above the Rose the lovely Rose of Sharon 5. You that are God's Children that have had the sweet Scent of the Rose of Sharon value him above your chiefest Joy account him as indeed he is the Rose and Diadem of your Souls bear him not only by an outward Profession in your Breast but take down the sweet-smelling Savour of his Grace into your Hearts Ye can never overvalue Christ. On the Rose of Sharon IF Nature such a Magazine discloses Of artless Beauty in our common Roses As does the Pencil's Artifice outvie Commanding notice from each curious Eye Whose Sense-refreshing Fragrancy does yield Perfumes enriching the enamell'd Field Sweetning the ambient Air to entertain With Balmy Odours the invading Train Of flanting Gallants Does to each distribute A lovely Nosegay as a Vernal Tribute Yet 't is but fading With the Suns up-rise Vnfolds its Bud and in the Evening dies What shall we say to this Illustrious Bud This Rose of Sharon Language never cou'd Express its Glories Glories that excell In Beauty peerless uncompar'd in Smell No Myrrh no Cassia nor the choice Perfumes Of bruised Spice or Oriental Gums Breath equal Sweetness All the Flowers that be Tinctur'd with Nature's rich Embroidery Yield Him the chief Preheminece Then let Each Soul make haste our Sharon's Rose to get In Him is Life we perish if we taste not In Him are Joys eternal Joys that waste not Christ an Advocate 1 Joh. 2.2 We have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous ADvocate in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is one called or retained to speak or plead for them who have Indictments against them or otherwise were impleaded in any Court of Judicature and intreated to favour another in Judgment and Intercessor Advocate I. AN Advocate is or ought to be a wise and learned Person in a Court of Judicature because entrusted with weighty Causes II. Advocateship is a relative Office one related to a Judge and Court of Judicature III. An Advocate belongs to the Law which is to be his Rule in all his Practice IV. An Advocate is legally call'd and appointed to his Place and Office V. An Advocate undertakes Causes when they are brought to him VI. An Advocate pleads all Causes that he undertakes for he
the Israelites were to deal with the cursed Caananites 4. Possitively Confess all your former Rebellions Unbelief Earthly-mindedness Pride Passion Lying Drunkenness yea all Sins and forsake them 5. Take hold of Christ receive the Atonement he hath made for thee 6. Enter into Covenant immediately seal it now defer it not on pain of Death 7. Joyn thy self to the Lord's Covenant-People with speed delay not c. Application 1. From whence we may infer That those that reject Christ the great Embassador of Peace are undone to all Eternity 2. Let those that through Grace are in a reconciled state and condition ascribe all to Christ Omnis Adoratio Laus tribuenda Christo. Christ a Witness Rev. 1.5 And from Jesus Christ who is the faithful Witness 1 Tim. 6.13 Who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good Confession c. John 18.37 For this cause came I into the World that I should bear Witness to the Truth Rev. 3.14 These things saith the Amen the faithful and true Witness the Beginning of the Creation of God THe Greek Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a Witness or Martyr Beza upon Acts 22.20 says Hic ego Graecum vocabulum servare malui c. i. e. Here I have chosen rather to keep the Greek Word viz. where Stephen is called a Martyr than to translate it a Witness for common Use hath so prevailed that they are peculiarly called Martyrs who not only by Confession of Mouth but also by their Blood testify the Doctrine of Christ. See Piscator upon the Place The Greek word signifies any Witness yet in all Tongues except Greek a Martyr is a loser of his Life for the Gospel and often in Greek too in Ecclesiastical Writers Christ in a spiritual sence is called a Witness Isa. 43.10 55.4 Rev. 1.5 3.14 1. Because he is the most assured Testimony to us of Divine Truth John 18.37 2. Because he hath exactly fulfilled all that was foretold of him in the Old Testament Joh. 1.17 And 3. because he was martyred upon the Cross for us to compleat our Redemption and confirm the Gospel As Witnesses amongst Men are absolutely necessary to the keeping up of Justice and deciding all matters of moment between Man and Man Even so Almighty God intending to deal with Men according to this Rule hath in Wisdom thought fit to provide Himself with a Witness for the keeping up of Justice and deciding of all matters between Himself and Mankind and according to his own rich and admired Grace he hath provided a Witness who is free from all exception both in respect of his Faithfulness and Knowledge of things and that is Jesus Christ himself who is set forth to be the true and faithful Witness the beginning of the Creation of God who in point of Antiquity is very capable to set forth and attest whatsoever is necessary to be known of God and in whatsoever a faithful and true Witness in point of usefulness can be unto Men that and much more is Jesus Christ between God and Mankind For the illustration whereof take these following Considerations Metaphor WItness imports something done that is to be attested when it shall be required II. A Witness hath respect to a future Judgment where a Difference may come upon trial between two Parties III. A Witness is or ought to be a person of Knowledge who is necessarily qualified for the Work IV. A Witness is usually called to give Testimony and that in matters of which he hath very good knowledge V. A Witness gives in a Testimony and leaves the matter on Record that he is call'd to bear witness unto VI. A good and credible Witness makes a Cause valid to which he gives Testimony VII A Witness is so necessary in all matters of moment especially that which relates to Judgment and to the determination of things that they are seldom done without one VIII A Witness is to speak the whole Truth when no less will serve to clear the Case IX A good Witness is a just and impartial Man that abhors Lying X. A good and credible Witness ends Controversies upon Trial the right way and leaves those that are cast without Excuse or Relief Parallel THere was something done between the Father and the Son in respect of Man before the World began which God thought Christ a fit Person to bear Witness unto 1. That God had a purpose of good-will to Man and in pursuit of which made a gracious Covenant in behalf of Man 2. That God promised Happiness to Man through that gracious Covenant whom he saw fallen And this Jesus Christ hath born Witness unto in hopes of Eternal Life that God who cannot lye promised before the World began This Covenant Promise and all other gracious Acts of the Father that attend them as they are brought to light by Christ in the Gospel he is a Witness of together with the Being and Perfections of God the necessity of Faith and Holiness and Belief of the Resurrection of the Dead and of Eternal Judgment and the World to come II. The Witness of Christ hath a full and clear respect to a future Judgment where a Difference is to be tried between God and Man He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my Word I judg him not the Word that I have spoken the same shall judge him in the last day III. Jesus Christ is a Person of the greatest Knowledge in Divine Things being always with the Father and in his Bosom spake on Earth what he saw and heard in Heaven He had the Word of God immediately from his own mouth which no others had besides himself and therefore qualified to be a Witness in the highest degree as it 's said Him that God hath sent speaketh the words of God I speak not of my self but my Father that dwelleth in me he doth the works IV. Jesus was not only called to be a Priest as Aaron but also to be a Witness God called him from his high and exalted Glory in Heaven to go forth as his great Witness to the World to testifie what he knows of the Father's Will from Eternity Hence said he I came not of my self but my Father sent me and for this cause came I into the World that I might bear witness of the Truth V. Jesus Christ hath given in a full Testimony and born Record of all things depending between God and Mankind He hath testified that God loved the World and sent him to be a Saviour and that there is forgiveness of Sin and eternal Life through his Name and that God will condemn all those that believe not He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned VI. Jesus Christ however accounted a false Witness and Deceiver by the Jews yet hath by his excellent Doctrine his holy Life and stupendous Miracles given such a Testimony to the World of God's Grace and Good-will in making a Covenant
between Christ and the Church as the Foundation is Holy Divine and Spiritual excellent in Nature and Form so is the House or Temple of God XI The Lord Jesus Christ doth not only bear the weight of the whole Church but also all that appertain to it all the Pillars Braces under-props and supports viz. the Prophets Apostles Ministers c. that are called Pillars in the House of God He bears up the Covenant the Covenant stands firm in him I have saith God made a Covenant with my Chosen He is the Mediator and Surety of it all the Precepts of God are built upon him He is the Foundation of every Ordinance Appointment and Institution of the Gospel What ever any Man preaches or practises for Doctrine or Discipline that hath not its Rise Ground and footing from Christ the Foundation it ought to be cast away and utterly rejected and abominated as altogether unfit for Gods Building All the Promises are built upon him To Abraham and his Seed were the Promises made not to Seeds as if many but to thy Seed which is Christ all the Promises are in him yea and in him Amen c. Union and Reconciliation with God are founded on Christ 't is he who hath made Peace by the Blood of the Cross. When we were Enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son Justification Sanctification Righteousness and Redemption Vocation all are built upon him they all have their Rise and Foundation from Christ. Moreover Pardon of Sin and Peace of Conscience are from him Woman thy Sins are forgiven thee go in Peace My Peace I give unto you All Duties of Religion are built upon Christ it is he that hath commanded every thing that is to be done by us whether it respects the first or second Table all is to be done in Christ's Name by his Authority and in his Strength and by the help of his Spirit and to his Praise and Glory Faith Love Hope yea every Grace and all Gifts of the Holy Ghost which adorn the Soul and House of God are from Christ they are purchased by him and do flow from him to us by the Spirit Again the Ministry is from him he is the great Subject of Gospel-Ministration We preach Christ crucified c. The Efficacy of all is from him he gives the Encrease Lastly Eternal Life is built upon him This is the Record that God hath given to us Eternal Life and this Life is in his Son He that hath the Son hath Life and he that hath not the Son hath not Life 1 Joh. 5.11 12. METAPHOR I. OTher Foundations are laid with many Stones joyned and cemented together II. Other Foundations are laid of sensless breathless Stone or Brick things that are natural things that are terrestrial congealed into a massy lump or artificially made and prepared III. Other Foundations many times decay and by that means the whole Building is in danger and tumbles down IV. Other Foundations are laid by some Man for as Man builds the House so he it is that first lays the Foundation thereof V. Other Foundations are laid of Stones of little Value and Worth comparatively the Foundation of a House is not laid with precious Stones as Jasper Saphyr Beril Jacinth Amythist Diamond c. VI. A Foundation is often removed fault being found with it and another laid in the room of it a Man may remove a Foundation which he hath laid at his pleasure or may lay more Foundations than one VII Other Foundations may be shaken an Earthquake may remove them out of their place VIII Other Foundation cannot preserve the House that is built upon it that may be totally demolished and destroyed and yet the Foundation may remain Disparity I. THis Foundation is but one whole entire Stone which adds to the Strength and Firmness of it Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone not Stones nothing besides Christ nothing of our own must be built upon as a Foundation for Salvation II. Christ is a living lively and active Spirit hence called a living Stone disallowed indeed of Men he created the Stones and Dust of the Earth as God he hath his Being of himself and from everlasting not made nor created III. Christ being a living Stone in whom is Spirit and Life doth not cannot decay and by this means the Church of God and every particular Soul that is built upon him stands sure he transforms the Building into his own nature and so keeps and preserves it from Rottenness and all manner of Decays whatsoever Living things do not rot nor putrifie as other things do And as the Body by Joynts and Bands from the Head hath Nourishment ministred and knit together groweth and encreaseth in Strength and Beauty so is it with the glorious Body the Church and Soul of a true Believer that is joyned to Christ this blessed Head and living Foundation Because I live ye shall live also IV. Christ is laid as a Foundation for us and in our Souls by the Father 't is God's Act and not our own Behold I lay in Zion c. Who can lay Christ for a Foundation but God He was first laid by God in his Decree and then he laid him by the Prophets and Apostles And lastly by the Spirit also is he laid in the Hearts of Believers Christ is infinite How can a finite Hand or Power move an infinite Being or Thing God first removes or razes by his Spirit all other Foundations he takes of Man's hopes off Heaven by his own Works Legal Conviction Tears Humiliations Vows Covenants Resolutions c. and in the place and room of all lays Christ crucified as the ground of Hope and Happiness Hence is all Boasting excluded and Salvation wholly of Grace See Mr. Tillinghust Christ the only Foundation V. Christ the Spiritual Foundation is a precious Stone to whom coming as to a living Stone disallowed indeed of Men but chosen of God and precious Christ is not a common Stone but a choice rich Stone a Stone of inestimable Value and Price Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone elect and precious This sets forth the Excellency of a Foundation and not only so but it adds a Lustre and Glory to the House which is built upon it The Foundation of New Jerusalem is said to be laid with all manner of precious Stones and then you read of the Excellency of the Superstructure the Building of the Wall was Jasper and the City was of pure Gold O how glorious must that City needs be that hath such a Foundation as Christ is and not only so but how durable also are some precious Stone The Diamond is the hardest Stone it cuts Glass there is nothing as Naturalists say can break it Jesus Christ makes Impression on the hard hearts of Men by his Graces O then how safe must it of necessity be for us to
Nations and also King of all the Kings of the Earth be that comes from above is above all The second Man is the Lord from Heaven the only begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth having the advantage of the greatest Honour and highest Education being by the Father brought up with him and daily his Delight II. Jesus Christ is qualified and fitted every ways with heavenly Learning for the highest Undertaking of this kind whatsoever having been with God and also is God knows every thing that is done in Heaven and Earth knows the tempers and manners of all People He hath Rules of Judgment above others he hath received the Gift of Oratory from the greatest Master of Tongues and Languages in the World The Son doth whatsoever he seeth the Father do The Lord God hath given him the Tongue of the Learned c. so that he can understand without an Interpreter and speak without humane Assistance III. Jesus Christ is a Man of worth most fit to be Counsellor in the high Court above and that in these four following respects 1. In respect his great Wisdom 2. The Knowledg of all Laws and Customs amongst Men. 3. Of his long Standing and Experience 4. As he is united to the Ancient of Days who is the Center of all Perfection IV. The Lord Jesus was a Man of a great and noble Spirit not busied about low and inferior things of a mean Consideration but about Matters of the most weighty moment to establish Principalities and Thrones in Heaven to reform Nations and Kingdoms to reclaim the whole World and bring Heaven and Earth into an amicable Correspondence That he might gather together in one all things in himself whether they be things in Heaven or things on Earth Eph. 1.10 V. Christ the great Counsellor was elected and chosen by God himself to act in this high Sphere and Capacity called The Man of his Right-hand His Elect in whom his Soul delighteth One chosen out of the People VI. Jesus Christ was admitted into the hight Court of Heaven took his place there at the Right-hand of the Majesty on high in the presence and view of all the Angels and the seven Spirits that are before the Throne He is entred into Heaven and is set down at the Right-hand of God VII Christ that great and wise Counsellor is made acquainted with the great and wise Purposes of the great and wise King of Heaven and Earth nothing is hid from him as God without him there was nothing created or done No Man hath seen God at any time save the only begotten that is in the bosome of the Father he hath declared him He brought Life and Immortality to light through the Gospel VIII The Lord Jesus is God's Familiar and Companion Awake O Sword against my Shepherd and the Man that is my Fellow Who being in the form of God thought it no Robbery to be equal with God Phil. 2.6 IX The Lord Christ is of the highest Rank not of Men only but is indeed exalted above all his Fellows whether Men or Angels hath no Superior as Mediator but the Father The Head of every Man is Christ. He is the Head of all Principalities and Powers The Father is greater than I. The Head of Christ is God X. Jesus Christ is concern'd in the agitating of the greatest Affairs of Heaven and Earth such as immediately concern God himself and the good of all his People the Proclamations and Tenders of Grace Peace and Pardon come through his Hands He hath the Approbation of all Ministers that are imployed in the Business of the great King either in Matters Civil Military or Ecclesiastical viz. Kings Princes Rulers Deputies Judges Generals of Armies Apostles Bishops Embassadors and the like All suiters to God for Favour whether Ministers or People for the Soul or the Body their Petitions come to the hands of Christ. By him we have access to the Father of him all receive even Grace for Grace Joh. 1.16 XI Christ is the Delight of the Father and as a wise worthy and good Counsellor he is a Glory to Heaven it self and Heaven is the more longed for for his sake This is generally acknowledged by all that have the Knowledg of him or Interest in him So much may suffice concerning Christ as compared to a Counsellor of State I shall now speak concerning him under the other acceptation of the Word viz. Counsellor at Law c. I. The Lord Jesus Christ is a publick Officer belonging to Heaven the highest Court of Judicature I am not of this World glorify me with the same Glory that I was glorified before the World was c. II. The Lord Jesus gives the best Advice and Councel and most worthily deserves the title of a Counsellor I will bless the Lord who hath given me Councel Go thy way sin no more lest a worse thing come upon thee I counsel thee to buy of me Gold tryed in the Fire and white Raiment that thou mayest be cloathed c. III. Jesus Christ makes known the Law of God to those that are ignorant and unlearned he illustrates all the parts of it and sheweth to what degree it extends c. He also shews what are the Priviledges of keeping it and what are the Damages of breaking it For if you forgive Men their Trespasses your heavenly Father will forgive you c. IV. Christ resolves doubtful Cases that other Men cannot in that he saith Son be of good chear Daughter be of good chear thy Sins are forgiven thee c. V. The Lord Jesus makes over the heavenly Mansions to Men and no Man can have a good Title to this Heavenly Inheritance unless Christ makes the Conveyance As the Father hath Life in himself so hath he given the Son to have Life in himself and hath power to give Eternal Life to as many as are given unto him VI. Jesus Christ hath great respect amongst Men the Turks own him for a great Prophet the Papists for the Son of God but his own Disciples that see an Excellency in him and an absolute necessity of him make use of him own him to be their Saviour Yea and doubtless I count all things but loss for the Excellency of Jesus Christ my Lord c. Phil. 3.8 He is the Chiefest among ten thousand Cant. 5.10 VII The Lord Jesus puts an end to Controversies by Non-suiting or Overthrowing the Devil and all other Adversaries of the Soul in their own Plea I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not My Grace is sufficient for thee c. And the Dragon and his Angels were thrown out of Heaven c. To this end was the Son of God manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil VIII So Christ makes Contracts between the great God and his People in that weighty Case that concerns their Salvation and mediates and
hunger and thirst after Righteousness c. Blessed are the meek c. But except your Righteousness shall exceed the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 5.20 Ye that have abode with me in my Temptations I appoint unto you a Kingdom c. With a multitude of such like Speeches which are contained in the holy Gospel which he uttered to encourage and animate all his Disciples in their Spiritual Warfare IX Jesus Christ takes in and shuts out as he sees Cause he cashereed Judas Demas Hymeneus Philetas and Alexander and takes in Paul Barnabas and Apollo into his Company X. The Lord Jesus is the Head of all true Christians and Commander of the Church Militant in chief all the Bands of the white Reigment march under his Banner Hâ—â— is the Head of his Body the Church Given to be a Leader and Commander to the People X. Christ when he was baptized by John took his Place in the Minstry as the Leader of his Church and ran the greatest Hazard yet deserted not his Followers for fear of Danger He not only loved them to the end but did bear them company and abode with them to the last even till he suffered for their sakes the bitter Death of the Cross c. And is spiritally with them all ways to the end of the World XI Christ gives the Word of Command to his Saints which they are to observe If any Man will serve me let him follow me Teach them to observe all things that I command you XII So is Christ by being the Captain of our Salvation for War not originally from his own natural Disposition for he is for Peace but by reason of the resolved Opposition that is in the hearts of his Enemies against him I came not to send Peace on the Earth but to bring a Sword Mat. 10.34 XIII Jesus Christ met with Enemies not only Flesh and Blood yea potent Flesh and Blood Men in Power and high Places such as Herod Pontius Pilate and the Rulers of the Jews but Principalities and Powers no less than Beelzebub himself and all his Train whom he fairly engag'd with eminent Success XIV Jesus made use both of Armor and Weapons he saw no small need for it viz. 1. The Breastplate of Righteousness when Satan and wicked Men by their Temptations would have drawn him from his Allegiance by great Proffers of Power and Glory 2. The Sword of the Spirit by which he cut down the Devil and the wicked Jews in all their Assaults It is written it is written c. 3. The Shield of Faith when he came to the last and most bloody Battel of all For the Joy that was set before him he endured the Cross despised the Shame and is sate down at the right hand of the Majesty on high XV. Jesus Christ like a most valiant Captain made good his Ground against all the Force and Artillery of Hell in a glorious manner even to the death of the Cross. XVI Christ took great care of his Saints to preserve and secure them how ever it fared with himself 1. He left them good Orders to observe in his absence the Rules of the holy Gospel 2. He took care to send them a good Guide for their Conduct no less than the Holy-Ghost the Comforter 3. He prayed for them on Earth and he prays in Heaven to engage the Protection of Almighty God for them Father keep through thine own Name those that thou hast given me c. XVII Jesus Christ prefers his Saints and Followers whom he finds worthy He gave some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists Pastors and Teachers for the Work of the Ministry c. I thank Christ Jesus who hath put me into the Ministry XVIII Christ made not Novices and unexperienc'd Christians Ministers and Pastors of Churches and Leaders of Societies He set Peter James and John to be Apostles and Leaders in the first place and Paul Sylvanus and Timotheus stout and brave Commanders to bring up as it were the Rear God hath set forth us the Apostles last of all as it were appointed to Death XIX Jesus Christ in all weighty Affairs is joined with the Father and holy Spirit the great Council of Heaven and without Him who is called Wonderful Counsellor there is nothing of grand Importance transacted either in Heaven or Earth nay without him was nothing done at first All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made When Commission was givn to Creatures of all kinds to act in their proper sphere Christ was there See Counsellor XX. Christ's place is a place of Honour because he was Worthy and the Army that he hath raised is not a Rebellious Army but legally raised and behave themselves well they are kept under good Government and Discipline not one debauch'd person in the Army is continued in the Muster-Rolls but presently turn'd off blotted out and delivered up to Satan when discovered by his inferior Officers to be such Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness From such turn away Deliver such over to Satan turn him into his own Kingdom Because thou hast loved Righteousness and hated Iniquity therefore God even thy God hath anointed thee with the Oil of Gladness above thy Fellows That all Men might honour the Son even as they honour the Father XXI Jesus Christ offers Terms of Peace and Reconciliation because he would prevent their Ruine if possible before he falls upon them and fights against them with the Sword of his Mouth Turn at my Reproof how often would I have gathered thy Children together c. In what Place soever you enter say Peace c. I gave her space to repent of her Fornication but she repented not Rev. 2.21 I will kill her Children with Death c. XXII Jesus Christ when his Grace and Offers of Mercy are refused hath and will make slaughtering work in the Earth O what work was made upon Jerusalem not long after the refusing the terms of Peace and offers of Grace and Favour by Jesus Christ. See the lamentable Story in Josephus c. And what work will shortly be made with bloody Rome in the day of Death Mourning and Famine that is coming on apace when she shall have Blood given her to drink and shall be utterly burnt with Fire And what Devastation will be made by this great Captain who is red in his Apparel and his Cloaths as them that tread in the Wine-Press at the Battel of Armagedon when the vast Armies of the Beast shall be slaughtered and destroyed by the sharp Sword that goes out of his Mouth And Blood shall come forth to the Horses Bridles for a thousand and six hundred Furlongâ—â— The Fowls of Heaven shall be filled with their Flesh there shall
for fit for his own Use and Eternal Life This way he makes us meet to be Partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light Col. 1.12 As Heaven is prepared for us so Christ is preparing us for Heaven VIII This may support and comfort us under Affliction for tho no Chastening seems joyous at present but grievous yet nevertheless afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable Fruit of Righteousness unto them that are exercised thereby Christ compared to an Eagle Exod. 19.4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians and how I bore you on Eagles Wings and brought you unto my self Deut. 32.11 12. As an Eagle stirreth up her Nest fluttereth over her Young spreadeth her Wings looketh to them beareth them on her Wings so the Lord did lead him c. Rev. 12.14 And to the Woman were given two Wings of a great Eagle that she might flie into the Wilderness c. SOme say that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aquila an Eagle is derived of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be carried violently Others from an intensive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies a Year because it is lively from whence came the Proverb Vivacior Aquilâ livelier than an Eagle Others say That the Latin Aquila is derived ab aquilo colore from its dun colour For its swiftness and seldom returning Job says chap. 9.26 My days pass away as the Eagle c. that is swiftly and never to return Because of its velocity and forcible flight it denotes the quick invasion of an Enemy Jer. 48.40 49.22 Hos. 8.1 Micha 1.16 which describes the greatness of the Calamity Exod. 19.4 I have born you on Eagles Wings that is the Lord hath lovingly supported and cherished you as Eagles do their young who bear them safe over craggy and dangerous places See Jer. 4.13 Lam. 4.19 It 's said Psal. 103.5 Thy youth is renewed like the Eagles that is he hath strengthned thee so as to go through all Difficulties c. Galatinus saith that the Messiah is called an Eagle Prov. 30.19 c. But in the Texts alledged viz. Deut. 32.12 Exod. 19.4 c. the Lord is compared to an Eagle with respect to the Protection and Safety of his People the Swiftness of his Deliverances and his tender Care and Affection to them The great Eagle Annotators tell us signifieth the Lord Jesus and it seems to be an Allusion to that Flight of the Church from Egypt to Canaan which she undertook not by her own Counsel but by the Lord's Command and performed not by her own Strength but by the Lord's As the Church of Israel fled from the Dragon Pharaoh as he is called Ezek. 29.3 So the Christian Church fled from the Serpent or Dragon here with two Wings of a great Eagle Now tho I deny not but these Scriptures refer to God the Father yet may they as safely and in the Judgment of some more properly refer to the Lord Jesus Christ. Stephen speaking of Christ saith This was he that was with the Fathers in the Wilderness which spake to them in Mount Sinai c. Simile I. THe Eagle is a Royal Bird the Princess or Queen of all the Birds of the Air. II. The Eagle is a very strong Fowl Naturalists speak much of the Eagle in this respect Eagles carry the Prize saith Pliny both for Honour and Strength III. The Eagle mounts up exceeding high out of the reach or sight of Men. IV. The Eagle hath a very piercing Eye when she is on high can see down to the Earth nay behold the small Fish in the Sea V. The Eagle is a mighty swift Creature My Days are swifter than an Eagle She is swift in pursuit of her Prey VI. The Eagle Historians tell us fights with Dragons and Serpents and overcomes them VII The Eagle hath strong and long Wings which she easily spreads forth for the succor and help of her young VIII The Eagle bears and carries her young upon her Wings she spreads abroad her Wings takes them beareth them upon her Wings IX The Eagle hides her Young in high and mighty Rocks where her Nest is even in the same ragged place of inaccessible Rocks X. The Eagles Voice Naturalists tell us is so terrible that when he is angry he makes all living Creatures to be afraid Dracones audito etangore Aquilarum fugerunt in speluncas The Dragons when they hear the angry Voice of the Eagles flie into the Dens to hide themselves XI The Eagles way in the Air cannot be known XII Historians say the Eagle can look on the Sun in its brightest Splendor without being dazled She tries her young Ones the same way to see whether they be her true Off-spring for if they cannot behold the Sun but wink or their Eyes water they turn them out of their Nest and disown them as Degenerates or Bastards XIII The Eagle trains up her Young to be like her self and to mount up as she mounts XIV The Eagle is very careful and tender of her Young XV. Naturalists tell us the Eagle gives her Young Ones of her own Blood when she cannot get other Blood for them to drink XVI The Eagle is very long-liv'd The Greeks express her by a word signifying Longevity And some give the Reason not only from the excellent Temperament of her Body but because she lives in such a pure Air free from all evil Vapours and noisom Smells Parallel I. JEsus Christ is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth King of Kings and Lord of Lords As the Eagle among Birds so Christ both amongst Men and Angels hath the preheminence II. The Lord Jesus Christ is called the Mighty God I have laid help on one that is mighty For Strength he is compared to a Lion What is all human and natural Power to the Strength and Power of Jesus Christ III. The Lord Jesus after his Resurrection mounted up exceeding high into the highest Heavens far out of the sight of Man's natural Eye where he cannot be reached by wicked Men or Devils IV. Jesus Christ hath a wonderful piercing Eye seeth not only from the highest Clouds whither the Eagle mounts but from the highest Heaven can look into the Secrets of every Man's Heart even into the Hell of wicked Mens diabolical Counsels and can throughly see their bloody Purposes and Contrivances altho they dig never so deep yet they cannot hide themselves from his Omniscience for he sees what they are doing V. The Lord Jesus is swift when he comes to fight against the Enemies of his Church he is swift in the executing of his Judgments swift to deliver and help his People See Metaph. Sun Hart c. VI. Jesus Christ the spiritual Eagle fought with that great red Dragon the Devil and hath bruised the head of the Dragon VII The Lord Jesus hath strong Love enlarged and great
the World besides And thou Lord in the beginning didst lay the Foundations of the Earth and the Heavens are the Work of thy Hands II. Jesus Christ thought it no Robbery to be equal with God And he is not only the bright and Morning-Star but also the Sun of Righteousness see Sun the brightness of his Father's Glory and the express Image of his Person and he upholds all things by the Word of his Power III. Jesus Christ gives internal light which illuminates the Minds and Souls of all Believers This is the true Light who is not only the Light of the World but delivereth also all those that truly follow him out of darkness and bestoweth on them the Light of Life IV. Jesus Christ giveth light continually and can never lose his Glory because a greater Light than he cannot arise The night and the day are alike to him The Light shined in Darkness and the Darkness comprehended it not He is the Lord that is an everlasting Light V. Jesus Christ gives Light to the visible and celestial too to this World and to the World to come or heavenly Jerusalem which City hath no need of Sun or Moon to shine in it but the Lord God and the Lamb is the Light thereof Ye are come to Mount Zion to God the Judg of all and to Jesus the Mediator VI. Jesus shall never fall from Heaven nor be dissolved but abide and continue when the Heavens shall be no more And thou Lord hast laid the Foundations of the Earth and the Heavens are the Work of thine own Hands they shall wax old as doth a Garment and as a Vesture shalt thou shalt fold them up and they shall be changed but thou art the same and thy Years fail not Jesus Christ the same yesterday to day and for ever Inferences I. WHat great Love doth God bear and what Care doth he take of Believers in placing such a Star as Jesus Christ is to be a Light unto them to direct them how to steer their Course in the darkest time so as to miss all dangerous Rocks and Sands and to arrive in safety at the desired and longed-for Haven II. How safe are they that do always steer their Course by his Light and follow his Conduct they shall not be at a loss in their Journeys or Voiages nor suffer Shipwrak by Rocks Sands or Storms but shall have the Light of Life shall never perish Believe in the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved III. This may shew also the certainty of their perishing in the Dark and in the Deep that continue their Course to the end of their Voiage without the Light and Guidance of this Bright and Morning Star This is the Condemnation that Light is come into the World and Men love Darkness rather than Light because their Deeds are evil VI. Hence all true Christians that have experimentally enjoyed Inlightnings Refreshings and Conduct by Jesus Christ as the Bright and Morning Star may be stirred up and perswaded yet more and more to look unto Jesus who is not only the Author and Finisher of their Faith but causeth his Glorious Light to shine upon their Path by reason whereof the nearer they approach to the end of their joyful Journey or Race the more and more will the Light shine unto the perfect day Take you heed therefore to that more sure word of Prophecy as unto a Light that shineth in a dark place until the Day dawn and the Day-Star arise in your Hearts V. Lastly If Christ be the Bright and Morning Star then let us look and wait for the Day which he is the fore-runner of seeing the Morning Star hath appeared and is up be sure the Day is at hand and a glorious Day it will be to them who are ready and prepared for it The Coming of Christ compared to the Coming of a Thief in the Night 1 Thess. 5.2 But you your selves know perfectly that the Day of the Lord so cometh as a Thief in the Night THere are various Opinions concerning the Day of the Lord or the Coming of Christ spoken of Mat. 24. Luke 21. 2 Pet. 3.9 10. and in this Text. But if the Scope of the Text be but carefully considered it will clearly appear that the Coming of Christ here spoken of is his Coming at the last Day to Judgment when the Dead shall be raised Read the latter part of the fourth Chapter c. Why the Day of the Lord is compared to the Coming of a Thief in the Night will appear by the following Parallel Simile I. THe coming of a Thief in the Night is with a design to circumvent an unwatchful House and to take his Prey II. A Thief comes provided for his purpose with a resolution to fight and Instruments to make way to his Design Keys to unlock Doors Bars to break them open or the like III. A Thief comes at a Time when all is still and People are least thoughtful of Danger but are careless at ease even asleep upon their Beds thinking themselves secure till they are invaded and their Goods taken away IV. The coming of a Thief into a House puts the careless Family into a great Fright when they see themselves surprized and cannot tell how to help it V. The approach of a Thief in the Night makes the poor amazed Family to forget all their former Pleasures and Enjoyments and expect no more than their Lives for a Prey and glad would they be of them too VI. At the coming of a Thief in the Night Execution is oftentimes done to the Ruin of the People where he comes Parallel I. THe Coming of Christ or Day of the Lord will be with design to circumvent the careless Professors who sleep in a sinful secure State as if there was no God to fear no Jesus Christ to look for no Heaven to be sought no Hell to be avoided to such he will come and seize them for his Prey to cut them asunder and appoint them their Portion with Vnbelievers and Reprobates II. Even so will the Lord Jesus Christ at his second coming be provided for his purpose with Fire and Sword to accomplish his Design which is to make a Desolation in the Earth For by Fire and Sword shall the Lord plead with all Flesh and the slain of the Lord shall be many He shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels in Flames of Fire c. III. The Day of the Lord will come when all is still and the World least thoughtful of Danger but are careless eating and drinking and marrying and sleeping till the Heavens rend asunder the Archangel utter his Voice and the Judg himself come upon them But as the Days of Noah were so shall the coming of the Son of Man be IV. The Day of the Lord will in like manner put the sleepy Generation that shall then be into a great and dismal Fright when
Believer's All and he esteems him so to be Not to exclude the Persons of the Father and of the Holy-Ghost for what Christ is as God they all are being but one and the same eternal Being So that he that honoureth the one honoureth the other also he that honoureth the Son honoureth the Father and the Holy-Ghost I. Christ is All in All in the First Creation though this I do not say is directly intended in this place 1. He was before all things 2. He is the Original of all Creatures the Founder or to use the Scripture-Phrase the Beginning of the Creation of God Rev. 3.14 He made all things all things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made 3. He upholdeth all things by the Word of his Power c. And by him all things do consist 4. As he was before all the Original and first Former of all things and as he upholdeth them so likewise for him all things are and were created 5. He hath the disposing of all things By him Kings reign and Princes decree Judgment All Power is given to him in Heaven and Earth He hath the Keys of Hell and Death He sets up and pulls down kills and makes alive at his Pleasure 6. He is Heir of all things He hath universal Lordship over Angels Saints wicked Men and Devils See Christ the Heir II. But more directly Christ is All in All in the second Creation 1. He is the Substance of all Shadows Which are Shadows of good things to come but the Body is of Christ. 2. He is the Anti-type of all Types the All which Moses and the Prophets pointed to 3. He is all in all in Pacification and Reconciliation of God to Man and of Man to God He hath abolished in his Flesh the Law of Commandments contained in Ordinances for to make in himself of twain one new Man so making Peace 4. Christ is all in all in Satisfaction and Payment of our Debts He was made Sin for us that knew no Sin that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him The Lord hath laid on him the Iniquities of us all 5. Christ is all in all in Justification He is the Lord our Righteousness It is in him all the Families of the Earth and every believing Soul is justified In the Lord shall one say have I Righteousness and Strength 6. Christ is all in all in Election he is the Root of it the first of Election the Sum of our Election we are chosen in him for him and given to him None shall be saved but such as are elected but had it not been for Christ none had been elected had not Christ been found as the Fruit of the Wisdom of God what would have signified Election the Fruit of the Grace of God 7. Christ is all in all in Vocation He it is that hath called us and that makes that Calling effectual to us Who hath saved us and called us not according to our Works but according to his Purpose and Grace 8. Christ is all in all in Sanctification But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us Wisdom and Righteousness and Sanctification and Redemption He hath loved us and washed us from our Sins in his own Blood 9. Christ is all in all in Acceptation He hath made us accepted in the Beloved 10. Christ is all in all in respect of Salvation he is the Author of Salvation I looked and there was none to uphold therefore mine own Arm brought Salvation He hath no Partner or Competitor His Name shall be called JESVS because he shall save his People from their Sins Neither is there Salvation in any other 11. He is all in all in Conversion 1. It is he that shews the Soul the Need and Necessity of it 2. He it is that quickneth us You hath he quickned who were dead in Trespasses and Sins 3. He it is that hath begotten us by his Word and Spirit and hath given a new Heart to us and hath planted a new Principle of Life in us 12. He is all in all in the Pardon of Sin 1. He purchased Pardon for us 2. He gives us a broken Heart in order to it and a Heart to ask it and a Hand to receive it 3. Pardon is given for his Name 's sake 13. Christ is all in all in every Grace 1. He gives Faith To you it is given in the behalf of Christ not only to believe on him but also to suffer for his sake 2. 'T is he that hath shed abroad the Love of God in our Hearts by the Holy-Ghost All Grace is treasured up in him Of his Fulness have we all received and Grace for Grace He is the Author Increaser and Finisher of our Faith and all other Graces in us 14. Christ is all in all in the Ministry of the Word 1. 'T is Christ that is preached We preach Christ crucified 2. 'T is Christ that gives Grace and Gifts to preach To me is this Grace given that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable Riches of Christ. 3. 'T is he that ordains and appoints Men to this Work and puts all true Preachers into the Ministry 4. 'T is he that opens the Mouth to speak and the Ear and Heart to hear and receive the Word Take Christ away and what Gospel can be preached c. What is Paul and what is Apollo I am nothing Gospel-Ministry and Ministers are nothing without Christ. So then neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth but God that giveth the Increase 15. He is all in all in every Ordinance First In Baptism 1. This Ordinance shews forth Christ's Death 2. It holds forth his Burial We are buried with Christ in Baptism 3. It holds forth his Resurrection take Christ away and what signifies Baptism Secondly In the Lord's-Supper Christ is all in all 1. It holds forth that his Body was broken and his Blood was shed 2. It shews his Love to us and his Suffering for us Thirdly In Prayer Christ is all in all 1. We must ask in his Name 2. By the help of his Spirit 3. 'T is he that presents and makes our Prayers acceptable to God 4. What is Prayer or any Duty Saints can perform if they meet not with him in it and if it be not done to his Glory An Ordinance without Christ is but as a Cabinet without a Jewel or a Shell without the Kernel 16. Again Christ is as one saith all from the Father all to the Father and all with the Father 1. All from the Father I am come that ye might have Life Life here and Life hereafter and that ye might have it more abundantly The Life of Grace and of Glory they are by Christ. 2. Christ is all to the Father I am the Way the Truth and the Life Every Word here hath
things lie naked and bare V. So in the Assumption of this Form there may be some respect had to Noah's Dove signifying Peace and Reconciliation by Christ and the ceasing of the Wrath of God to all those who shall fly to the Lord Jesus and rest upon him by a lively Faith VI. The Holy Ghost is swift God is said to fly upon the Wings of the Wind the Spirit is God and the Flight of the Dove saith Reverend Blackwood denotes the divine Influence of the Spirit coming from Heaven into the Members of Christ as well as into the Head the Holy Ghost can quickly come to the Aid and Succour of a Believer when in Trouble or beset with Temptation or to strengthen him when he hath any great Work and Business to do for God That Spirit appeared like a Dove and yet the Learned tell us it was of a fiery Colour and we must not think this Substance saith Mr. Blackwood or Body resembled by a Dove to be hypostatically united to the Holy Spirit as the humane Nature of Christ is to the divine but as Angels appeared oft-times to Men in humane Bodies and laid them down again so did the Holy Ghost The Holy Spirit the Saints Guide Joh. 16.13 He will guide you into all Truth c. Rom. 8.14 As many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God The Spirit is the Saints Guide Guide A Guide is very necessary for Strangers in a Wilderness where there are many ways and turnings II. An eminent and able Guide is well skill'd in all ways and able to give Directions in the most difficult Cases that are very hard to find out III. A faithful Guide gives notice of all the Dangers that are in the way and shews also how a poor Travellor may escape them and so go safe unto his desired Place IV. An able Guide frees a Man that commits himself to his Guidance from many Cares and Fears that attend such who have lost their Way and have no Guide V. An able and faithful Guide gives plain and full Direction to the ignorant so that they cannot well miss the way if so be they exactly follow his Directions Parallel SO the Guidance of the Holy Spirit as it is contained in the Holy Scripture is necessary to Believers whilst they pass through the Wilderness of this World where one says this is the way and another that II. So the Holy Spirit is able to guide poor Sinners in all the ways of God he led Moses and the Prophets under the Law and led the Apostles and all the Primitive Christians under the Gospel-Ministration Holy Men of God spake as they were moved and guided by the Holy Spirit There is no Precept nor Promise of God needful for the Children of Men to be instructed in but the Spirit in the holy Scripture hath left it upon Record for our Direction and Consolation and whatsoever is hard to be understood that is contained therein The Spirit that searcheth all things can open and explain it to a gracious Soul the Spirit guides in the way of Morality in the way of Faith and Gospel-Obedience in the way of Church-Constitution and Discipline and in Gospel-Holiness and Conversation III. The Holy Spirit hath in the Holy Scripture for in that is contained all the Directions of the Spirit touching all matters and cases necessary to alvation given notice to all Spiritual Travellors of all the Dangers that may attend them in the way to Heaven First the Danger of Unregeneracy the common Road that most Men and Women walk in the Spiritâ—â— hath told us positively if we go in that way we shall perish for ever Except a Man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God Secondly The great Danger of the way of Presumption Thirdly The Danger of Despair Fourthly The Danger of Idolatry Heresy and Error Fifthly The Danger of Disobedience to Christ's Commands Acts 3.22.23 Sixthly The Danger of loving or liking of any one Sin Seventhly The Danger of Hypocrisy Eighthly The Danger of Apostacy c. IV. So the Holy Spirit frees a poor Saint from many Fears and Cares which attend others whilst he wholly commits himself to the Guidance of God's Word and to the Directions of the Spirit many are at a loss and know not what to do nor which way to go whilst he rests satisfied resolving to go wholly by this Guide V. So the Holy Spirit in the Scripture of Truth hath given such plain and clear Directions in all Cases of moment about Faith and Holiness that the ignorant and unlearned cannot miss the way to Heaven if they carefully observe the Rules laid down therein Guide OTher Guides tho very skilful and have good Knowledg of a way or matter they undertake to guide Men in may notwithstanding in some things miss being not infallible cannot give infallible Demonstrations to all doubtful Persons that they are right and that those who follow their Directions shall never go astray Disparity BUT the Holy Spirit in such a glorious manner by many Signs and Wonders so confirmed the way to Heaven as they are recorded in the Holy Scripture that those that follow his Counsel shall not go astray he is an infallible Guide and never imposed any Rules Laws or Precepts upon Men but left such convincing Evidence of the Truth of his Testimony that there remains no just ground for a Doubt or Objection as might be shewed in respect of the giving forth both of the Law and Gospel therefore those who pretend they are led by the Spirit or Inspiration and yet cannot prove and demonstrate what they say to be true by such ways and means that no Deceiver can pretend unto or do the like c. lie and abuse the Holy Ghost who is a certain and infallible Guide Inferences BLess God for this Spiritual Guide in matters of Faith and Practice and that there are such sure Rules left by him in the written Word What should we have done had God never afforded us such a Teacher and Guide as the Holy Ghost is 1. For Man naturally is blind I will lead the Blind in ways they knew not c. 2. There are many By-ways and were there not one sure and perfect Guide how could a Man find his way It is as easy for one Man to say he is led by the Spirit and Inspiration as it is for another and how shall a Man were it not for the Word know which of them is in the right 3. Some pretend they are led by the Spirit and they walk quite contrary to the Scripture which contains all the Truth of God necessary to be known believed and practised in order to Salvation He shall guide you into all Truth he shall bring my Word to your Remembrance Quest. How shall we know who follows the Spirit 's Guidance Answ. Art thou led to repent to leave thy Sins to believe in Christ to obey his Commands to
live a godly Life to keep a good Conscience towards God and towards Men these are part of those things the Spirit guides Men in and such who thus live are led by the Spirit of God and are the Sons of God THE Word of God Compared To LIGHT The Fourth Head of Metaphors Allegories Similitudes and other borrowed Terms in Scripture that relate to the most Sacred Word of GOD. Psal. 119.105 Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path 2 Pet. 1.19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a Dark place c. 2 Cor. 4.4 6. Least the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God should shine upon them c. In handling this Metaphor we will 1. Shew what Light is 2. Give its various acceptations 3. Run the Parallel and largely open the Properties of Gospel Light Concluding with Practical Improvements upon that and some Dependant and Collateral Points LIght properly taken is thus defined Lux est claritas seu splendor in Corpore luminoso vel extra a corpore luminoso exiens that is Light is a Clarity Brightness or Splendor in a luminous body or proceeding from it It is called in Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Or from whence comes the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cerno to behold which cannot be done but where there is light The Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Maor is properly a lightsome or lucid body as the Sun Moon Stars Gen. 1.14 15 The Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Matth. 17.2 Act. 26.23 the Latines lux and lumen It is threefold viz. there is a Natural light a light of Grace and a light of Glory the first is common to all that have the Sense of Seeing the second to Believers only on Earth the third to the Saints and glorified Spirits in Heaven The second sort of which we treat proceeds from Christ who is called the light Joh. 1. and his Gospel which is also called Light because it has the same influence and Efficacy in illuminating the Minds of Men which without it are spiritually dark as the Sun and other lucid bodies have to help our Corporal Eyes in the discovery of Objects Light Metaphorically is put for life it self Job 3.16 20 21. 2. For any Prosperity and Joy of Mind arising from thence Esth. 8.16 3. For the open and manifest state of things Matth. 10.27 Zeph. 3.5 Joh. 3.21 1 Cor. 4.5 4. For Favour and Good Will Prov. 16.15 5. For the Mistery of Regeneration 1 With respect to the Organical Cause of it viz. the Word and Spirit of God Psal. 43. Prov. 6.23 Isa. 2.5.20 2 Cor. 4.6 1 John 2.8 2 With respect to the formal Cause which is the Saving knowledge of Christ and true Faith Act 26.18 Eph. 5.8 1 Pet. 2.9 1 John 1.7 Hence Believers are called the Sons of Light Luk. 16.8 Eph. 5.8 1 Thes. 5.5 and the Graces of the Spirit and effects thereof the Armour of Light Rom. 13.12 3 VVith respect to the final Cause the last scope and effect of Faith which is life Eternal Isa. 6O 19 20. Joh. 8.12 Act. 26.23 2 Tim. 1.10 c. More particularly by a Metaphor Light is put for Knowledge Dan. 5.11 Isa. 60.3 For Beleivers Eph. 5.8 For the Ministers of the Gospel Matth. 5.14 For God himself 1 Joh. 1.5 Natural light was the first perfect Creature that God made of this visible world Gen. 1.3 Light is put for the Morning Neh. 8.3 And he read unto them from the light so the Hebrew until Midday Noon light in the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Zocharajim signifies double light or that which is extraordinary shining The Devil is called an Angel of Light 2 Cor. 11.14 that is by himself or Agents he assumes a specious and seeming Sanctity on purpose to insnare and deceive the Godly God is said to dwell in unapproachable Light 1 Tim. 6. that is in such transcendent Glory that no Mortal Eye can approach unto There is nothing so illustrious and glorious as Light hence the joyes of Heaven are set out by it In what respect the Word or Gospel is compared to Light take as followeth METAPHOR 1. Light is pleasant and very Comfortable Truly Light is sweet saith Solomon and a pleasant thing it is for the Eyes to see the Sun How grevious is it to be blind or to be kept in a deep and dark Dungion without seeing or beholding the Light 2. Light hath a penetrating quality it is of such a piercing and subtil Nature that it conveys it self into the least Crevise you can hardly make a Fence so Close as wholly to keep out light 3. Light makes manifest Great Light discovers and makes things manifest causing them to appear as they are in their proper nature which in the dark many times are taken to be that which indeed they are not When you would see what a thing is that you may make a true Judgment of it you bring it to the Light Whatsoever maketh manifest saith the Apostle is Light 4. Light hath a Directive vertue it Guides men in their way the Traveller by the Benefit of Light sees what path to keep and how to avoid the Dangers that may attend should he turn to the Right hand or to the Left 5. Light hath a Chearing Warming and Reviving Quality Light contributes much to the Vegetation Growth and Life of Plants and other Creatures Light and Motion are the cause of heat which the Heavenly Bodies send down upon the Earth Light is that Instrument whereby all Influences of Heaven are communicated and dispersed to the World 6. Light hath a purging and purifying Vertue Fogs and Mists that are gathered in Darkness are dispersed and scattered when the Light comes hence Light is called the refining-pot of Nature The World saith a worthy Divine would be an unwholsom Pesthouse if it had no Light 7. Light is of an undefileable Nature Tho' it passeth through sinks and most polluted places yet it Contracts no defilement it cleanseth all things but is defiled by nothing 'T is a quality so spiritual that nothing can fasten upon it to pollute it 8. Light is Glorious for beauty and splendor Hence the Glory of Heaven is called Light There is nothing of all created beings so Glorious as the Sun and light is a resplendency and shining forth of it Parallel 1. The Word or Gospel of Jesus Christ is very pleasant and a delightful thing How woful was the state of England in former times when men were kept in the Dungeon of Popish Darkness without the Precious Light of Gods Word Light is compared to Gladness and a good Day many Good Days have we enjoyed since God sent out his Light and Truth amongst us 2. The Word of God is of a searching and penitrating nature the Apostle saith it is quick
at his feet and he laid his Right hand upon me saying I am the first and the last Seventhly The gospel declares that Spiritual Worship or Divine Adoration doth appertain or belong to Jesus Christ which proves undeniably he is God Eternal and from Everlasting for that 't is Idolatry spiritually to adore and worship a Creature That Christ was and ought to be worshipped with the same worship that is due to the Father see Mat. 8.2 chap. 28.17 Luk. 24.52 Joh. 9.38 chap. 5.23 And again when he bringeth his first begotten into the world he saith and let all the Angels of God worship him Eighthly The gospel shews Jesus Christ hath power to forgive Sins none have power to forgive Sins but God Ergo Jesus Christ is God Ninthly He to whom the Saints ought and do Pray is the most high God but the gospel shews the Saints do and ought to pray to the Lord Jesus Christ therefore he is the most high God Tenthly The gospel shews that Jesus Christ had not only power to lay down his own life but also to take it up again destroy this Temple and in three dayes I will raise it up again but he spake of the Temple of his body This proves clearly his Divinity for who besides him that was God could give Resurrection to himself Eleventhly He that was in the form of God and thought it no Robbery to be equal with God and whom the Scripture calls Gods Fellow must needs be God blessed for ever but Jesus Christ was in the form of God and thought it no Robbery to be equal with God and is called Gods Fellow therefore he is God Twelfthly He that is the Object Author and Finisher of the true Believers Faith is God Eternal Blessed for ever Amen But Christ is the Object Author and Finisher of true Believers Faith Ergo. Thirteenthly He that hath Power to Baptize with and give the holy Spirit and the saving graces thereof is God But the Lord Jesus Christ hath power to Baptize with and give the holy Spirit Ergo He shall baptize you with the holy Spirit and Fire when he ascended up on high he gave gifts to men c. Fourteenthly He who can in his own Name and by his own Power and Authority give power or priviledge to others to become the Sons of God must needs be God But the gospel shews that this power the Lord Jesus Christ hath Ergo He came unto his own and his own received him not but as many as Received him to them gave HE power to become the Sons of God even to them that believed in his name He Adopts Regenerates and makes men and women Gods Children by the effectual workings of his own blessed Spirit in their hearts by which they are Interessed into all the Priviledges Promises and Blessings of the Covenant of Grace which none can do but God alone Fifteenth He that is the Believers life is God but Jesus Christ is the Believers Life therefore God Sixteen He that is Omnipresent must be God but the gospel shews the Lord Jesus is Omnipresent who can go out of Christs Presence Lo I am with you always to the end of the world Seventeen He that sees all things or before whom all things are naked and bare and hears all the Cryes and Prayers of his People in what place or corner of the earth soever they live is God But all this the gospel shews to be true of the Lord Jesus Christ Ergo. Eighteen He that is the Saviour of all the Elect and Chosen People of the Lord is God but Jesus Christ is the Saviour of all such and therefore God How often is he called our Saviour Neither is there salvation in any other His name shall be called Jesus Nineteen He that can and will Raise the Dead by his own power at the Last Day is God But Jesus Christ will raise the Dead by his own power at the last Day Ergo No man can come to me except the father which hath sent me draw him and I will raise him up at the last day Marvel not at this for the hour is coming in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice and shall come forth c. Thus we have briefly shewed the gospel is glorious in respect of the Revelation that is made therein of the Lord Jesus First In respect of the excellency of his Person which we have shewed appears by his being Man Secondly By his being God which has been evinced Thirdly His glory and excellency consisteth in his being both God and Man truly Man and truly God in one Person Can Heaven and Earth make a Lovely and an Admirable Beauty O then Christ is he He is David's Root and David's Off-spring David's Lord and David's Son See Metaphor Branch and Root What Kind of Beauty and Perfections is the Beauty and are the perfections of our Lord Jesus Christ You have heard 't is the beauty of God the beauty of Man the perfection of those Beauties which are in God and Man But to answer this Question more distinctly 1. He is the original of all Beauties and Perfections of Beauty that is in Angels the Soul the Body the Face of a Man the Sun the Stars the Firmament c. 2. His Beauty is a desirable Beauty saw ye him whom my Soul loveth with my soul have I desired thee in the night One thing have I desired of the Lord and that will I seek after that I may dwell in the house of the Lord for ever that I may behold the Beauty of the Lord and inquire in his Temple And hence he is called the desire of all Nations 3. 'T is holy and chast beauty there is no snare nor pollution in it Joseph was a beautiful Person but it was attended with a Snare here you may look and love and fear no danger 4. It is a Real beauty not a seeming beauty a paint on a wall What 's humane beauty to the beauty of the Son of God 5. Christs beauty is a soul ingaging beauty how did it make Moses to leave all Peter and John leave all who ever saw him and could forbear to Love him neglect all and follow him 6. It is a Communicative beauty he can transmit his beauty to the making others beautiful and thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty for it was perfect through the comeliness which I put upon thee c. 7. It is satisfying and delighting beauty it fills and contents each Soul to the full who beholds it 8. It is a mystical and hidden beauty carnal eyes can't see it they behold no beauty nor comliness in him to desire him 9. It is an admirable and wonderful beauty Angels in Heaven and Saints on Earth are amazed and stand astonished at the sight thereof 10. 'T is a lasting and never fading beauty The beauty of Mortals is like a
flower which withereth and passeth away in a Moment You gentle Youths whose chaster Breasts do beat With pleasing Raptures and Loves generous heat And Virgins Kind from whose unguarded eyes Passion oft steals your hearts by fond surprize Behold the Object this alone is hee Ah none like Christ did ever mortals see He is all fair in him 's not one ill feature Ten thousand times more fair than any Creature That lives or ever lived on the earth His beauty so amazingly shines forth Angelick nature is enamor'd so They Love him dearly and admire him too His head is like unto the purest Gold His curled Tresses lovely to behold And such a brightness sparkles from his eyes As when Aurora gilds the morning Skies And though so bright yet pleasant like the Doves Charming all hearts where rest diviner loves Look on his beauteous cheeks and thou'lt espy The Rose of Sharon dect in Royalty His smiling Lips his speech and words so sweet That all delights and joy in them do meet Which tend at once to Ravish Ear and Sight And to a Kiss all heavenly Souls invite The image of his Father 's in his face His inward parts exce he 's full of Grace If heaven and earth can make a rare complexion Without a spot or the least imperfection Here here it is it in this Prince doth shine He 's altogether lovely all Divine If you his beauty saw his Riches weigh 'T will charm your eyes your best affections sway And in dark minds spring an eternal day He 's fairer than all others Beauty such As none can be enamor'd on too much This Object choose yield him a holy Kiss That thou at last mayst sing Raptur'd in Bliss My Well beloved's mine and I am His. Secondly Christ is glorious in respect of his Offices as Mediator See Mediator also King Priest and Prophet Thirdly As the gospel is glorious upon the Consideration of the Revelation or Discovery which is made therein of Jesus Christ in respect of the excellency of his Person and Perfections so likewise 't is glorious as it reveals or makes known his glorious love to the Children of Men. Christs Love held forth in the gospel is glorious Love 1. From the earliness of it he loved us from Everlasting We love him because he first loved us he loved us when we had none to him nay when we were his Enemies and hated him 2. Christs Love is a glorious Love upon the account of the freeness of it there was no constraint laid upon him to fix his eye upon fallen man the Soul is Christs own free and voluntary Choice and he doth not grutch us his Love he doth not think he is too High too Rich too Honourable or too good for poor sinners 3. Christs Love held forth in the gospel is a glorious Love in that it is a drawing engaging or attracting Love it is like Elijahs mantle which he cast upon Elisha Christs Love hath a kind of Compulsion in it not by Violence but by sweet Influence 4. Christs Love held forth in the gospel is a glorious Love in that it is an undeserved love an unmerited love VVhere 's the soul that can say it deserves Christs Love some will say O such a person is worthy she deserves and merits your Love but it can't be said so here 5. Christ's Love held forth in the gospel is glorious Love in respect of the strength of it what Solomon speaks of Love Cant. 8.6 is true in respect of Christ his love is stronger than death 1. Consider from whence it brought him 2. Consider whether it brought him 3. Consider how it stript him and disrobed him 4. Consider what he endured and underwent as the Effect of his great Love and Affection 6. Christs Love held forth in the gospel is glorious Love because 't is a matchless Love 't is wonderful 't is so deep no finding of a bottom so long no measuring of it none never loved as Christ loved us he hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood 7. Christs Love is a glorious Love in that 't is a conjugal or an espousal Love Christ loves not as the Master loves his Servant nor only as the Father loves his dear Child but as a Bridegroom his Spouse the choice and delight of his heart or as a man loves his dear VVife 8. Christs love held forth in the gospel is glorious love in that 't is an abiding and eternal love nothing can separate the Soul from Christs love having loved his own that were in the world he loved them unto the end 9. Christs love is glorious love because it is a love of complacency he takes delight in his love and in the soul beloved Christ loves all men with a love of pity but he loveth his Elect with a love of Complacency 10. Christs love held forth in the gospel is glorious love because it draws forth or doth beget glorious love in the Soul to him the love which is in us to him is but the glorious Effects of his love to us It makes us to love him so as to admire him not being able to set his worth and excellency forth Glorious love causeth a longing and languishing till the soul enjoys Christ 't is with the soul as 't was with Ahab touching Naboths Vineyard Christ runs much in the Mind and Thought of such yea and it makes them willing to go through hardships and difficulties for him as Jacob did for Rachel such will abide with Christ in Adversity as Jonathan did with David it carries the Soul to love Christ above all other things Glorious love is attended with fruit Simon son of Jonah lovest thou me more than these feed my sheep If you love me keep my Commandments Such delight in Christs Presence and greatly prize every token of his Divine love and grace and mourn at Christs absence nothing will comfort if Christ be gone Glorious love leads the Soul to visit Christ often and to love them that he loves and and long to look for his appearing Thirdly The gospel is glorious in respect of the glorious subject of it viz. Jesus Christ upon the consideration of the discovery there is made therein of his glorious Riches 1. The gospel shews that Christ is Rich. 2. In what respect he is Rich. 3. That he is gloriously Rich it also Reveals why he is held forth to be so Rich. 1. Riches imply plenty and plenty of good things whether it lie in Money Lands Houses Wares c. He that hath abundance of either having absolute propriety in them is accounted Rich. In Christ are hid all the Treasuries of Wisdom and Knowledge 1. Christ is Rich in Wisdom 2. Christ is Rich in Grace Eph 1.7 3. Christ is Rich in Goodness Rom. 2.4 4. Christ is Rich in Glory Eph. 1.18 Chap. 3.16 How did Christ come by his Riches 1. He was Rich from
Eternity and 't is that which God Rejoyces in as being exceedingly pleased with it seeing his honour is made up in this Reconciliation 6. It is an abiding firm and everlasting Reconciliation there is nothing can make a breach between God and his People any more the Union cannot shall not be broke 't is beyond the power of Devils Men Sufferings nay or Sin either to do it Who shall be able to seperate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Fifthly Gospel Reconciliation is glorious in respect of the Fruits Effects and Consequences of it 1. In that all that Enmity that was between God and the Soul comes hereby to be removed and man consequently to have peace with God For he is our peace who hath made both one and hath broken down the middle wall of Partition between us having abolished in his Flesh c. and that he might Reconcile both unto God in one body by the Cross having slain the Enmity thereby and came and preached peace Being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. Peace of Conscience is another fruit and effect of this Reconciliation 3. There is also as the effects of this Reconciliation Peace and sweet Harmony in the Soul between all the Faculties they do not fight as formerly one against another the Conscience drawing one way the will another the Will opposing that which Conscience would have done the Judgment may be convinced in some measure as Balaams was who cryed out that Gods wayes were best how Goodly are thy tents O Jacob and thy tabernacles O Israel and yet the Affections may be for sin and love the wages of unrighteousness 4. The next thing that I might mention is joy in the holy Ghost when once a Soul knows he is reconciled to God then he comes not only to have Peace but also to be filled with joy in beleiving the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink but Righteousness and peace and joy in the holy Ghost 5. Free access to God is another fruit and effect of Gospel reconciliation such may go with boldness to the Throne of Grace through him we both i. e. Jews and Gentiles who believe have access by the spirit to the Father 6. Hence there is a free and blessed Trade open between heaven and earth between God and the Soul as in Countries that are in war one with another there can be no Trade nor Traffique between them but when Peace is made and a sure League concluded betwixt them Trade is open again so is it between God and the Soul when Reconciled 7. By this means we come in a special manner to be under the Care and Protection of God there shall not one hair fall to the ground without the Leave and Permission of God he has hereby Interested himself in all our concerns and many other blessed effects attend our Reconciliation with God which are elsewhere insisted upon See Mediator Eightly The gospel is glorious in respect of remission or Pardon of sin gospel remission is glorious Remission 1. By Considering who it is that is Pardoned or who they are that God forgives 1. Rebels such that had broke an holy and just Law 2. Rebels to God such that had conspired against him joined and sided with Satan against the Majesty of Heaven 3. Such that were greatly in Debt owed ten thousand Talents and nothing to pay See Metaphor Poor 4. Such that were liable to eternal Wrath. II. By considering the Causes and chief ground or way of Pardon Christs blood must be shed to procure it without shedding of blood there is no remission of sin III. By considering the Nature and Effect of Pardon 1. All sins that ever the poor sinner committed are promised to be forgiven 2. For ever forgiven 3. The Pardoned Person is not only forgiven but Justified also 4. None can condemn such 5. They have Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. IV. And Lastly Gospel Remission Is glorious in respect of God that gives forth the Pardon I am he that blotteth out thine Iniquity this antidotes the Soul against the Venom of Satans Temptations 1. He Pardons the sinner that hath Power to do it who but God can forgive Sin 2. Who can accuse the Soul I will saith Satan thou art a sinner VVhat then saith the Soul see what I have here behold a Pardon from the King himself 3. None can Revoke this Pardon or make it ineffectual 4. God himself never repents the giving them to any poor Believer as others cannot so he will never revoke free gospel pardon and remission himself Ninthly The gospel is glorious in respect of Peace the fruit and effect of grace Not Peace with God for that we have already spoken off but Peace of Conscience Great peace have they that love thy law c. My peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you let not your hearts be troubled let the peace of God rule in your hearts c. Tenthly The gospel is glorious in respect of the Ordinances and Institutions of it which we shall insist upon under its proper head Particularly that of Baptisme and the Lords Supper which will be made appear to be glorious Ordinances Eleventhly The gospel is glorious in respect of the Promises thereof The Promises of God in the gospel given through Christ are great glorious and exceeding precious The Promises may be compared to the Land of Promise they flow with Milk and Honey they are like a Rich Mine abounding with precious Treasure the further you dig the more precious gold you will find Or they may be compared to a lovely and choice Garden that abounds with all sorts of rare and excellent Flowers but 't is a garden alwaies green and flourishing flowers that knows no drought nor winter that never decays not only for Pleasure but for Profit A gospel Promise is something that God hath engaged to give to Christ or unto us through Christ or for his sake And they consist either in his free bestowing of good or his gracious removing of Evil. In his bestowing of good here or good hereafter or in removing of evil here or evil hereafter And they either are Absolute or Conditional Gospel Promises are glorious Promises called precious Promises and better promises than those of the Law or first Testament 1. This appears if we consider who it is that makes and gives these Promises forth viz. the great God Men think they have enough when they have the Promise and VVord of a King touching this or that to rely upon but what is the Promise or VVord of an Earthly King to the Promises of the King of Heaven and Earth they oft-times fail in their Promises but this King never did 2. Glorious if we consider the time when given and that was before the Foundation of the VVorld In hopes of Eternal Life
within V. So the Gospel and Word of God as a Plough by its powerful Convictions upon the Conscience is but a preparative Work in order to the sowing the Seed of Grace in the Heart VI. Never doth the Word of God so kindly work in plowing up the fallow Ground of the Heart as when the Gospel-Clouds dissolve and the true Grace and Love of Jesus Christ comes sweetly showering down upon it VII So the Word of God by its powerful Convictions and Operations upon the Heart kills Sin at the Root causing the Soul to loath what it formerly loved VIII That Heart is not savingly wrought upon where one Lust is spared and left untouched or when it reacheth not to the changing the evil Qualities of every Faculty The Word must noâ—â— reach the Conscience only but the Judgment Will and Affections also IX So Youth before evil Habits or a Custom and Course of Sin be taken and more abundantly cleave to them are as 't is found by experience sooner wrought upon by the Word of God than old Sinners when Sin hath got Root in their Hearts X. So the Gospel and the Profession thereof must be held owned acknowledged and profess'd in Truth and in Uprightness of Heart constantly to the end even through the whole Journey Length and Race of our Lives we must not grow weary nor faint in our Minds He that sets his hand to the Plough i. e. professes the Gospel and looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of Heaven Inferences THis may convince all Persons what need there is of the Spirit to join in and work with the Word For our Gospel came not to you in Word only but also in Power and in the Holy-Ghost and in much Assurance 2. See that your whole Soul is wrought upon that there is a Work upon every Faculty thereof 3. Take heed of a long continuance in a Course of Sin Let the old Sinner tremble but if wrought upon in his old Age admire the infinite Grace of God 4. From hence you may perceive the hardning Nature of Sin 5. Tremble at the Thoughts of Apostacy and take heed you do not shrink your hands off in the Day of Trial or refuse to plow because it is cold or because the Sun shines hot c. Mr. John Flavel's Poem upon the Plough THere 's Skill in Plowing that the Plowman knows For if too shallow or too deep he goes The Seed is either buried or else may To Crows and Rooks become an easy Prey This as a lively Emblem fitly may Describe the Blessed Spirit 's Work and Way Whose Work on Souls with this doth symbolize Betwixt them both thus the Resemblance lies Souls are the Soil the Gospel is the Plow God's Workmen hold the Spirit shews them how The Spirit draws and in good Ground doth bless His Workmens Pains with sweet and fair Success In Hearts prepar'd God scatters in the Seed Which in its season springs No Fowl or Weed Shall pick it up or choak this springing Corn Till it be housed in the heavenly Barn When thus the Word plows up the fallow Ground VVhen with such Fruits his Servants VVork is crown'd Let all the Friends of Christ and Souls say now As they pass by these Fields God speed the Plow The Word of God compared to Seed Mat. 13. The Seed is the Word of God METAPHOR GOod Seed is prepared by the Husbandman and is reserved out of the choicest Wheat and principal Barley 't is that which the Husbandman highly esteems and values II. The Ground before the Seed is sown is plow'd up and made fit to receive the Seed III. The Husbandman either sows the Seed himself or employs a Seeds-man to sow it one that hath Skill in that Employment IV. When Seed is cast into the Earth it must be covered or else the Birds may pick it up besides it will not otherwise so well take Root V. Seed lies some time in the Ground before it springs up Clods also oftentimes hinder it from springing up VI. Frost and Snow conduce very much to the well-rooting of the Seed they tend also to kill the Weeds which otherwise might choak it under the Clods by which means it roots spreads and flourishes more abundantly VII The earlier Seed is sown the better it is rooted and enabled to endure the Sharpness of the Winter VIII Some Seeds which the Sower sows fall upon stony Places and some on thorny Ground as Experience shews which Seed brings not forth Fruit unto perfection and some also falls by the High-way-side which the Birds devour IX Fruitfulness of Seed depends much upon the Sun shining and the Rain falling upon it by this means it is quickned and abundantly springs up X. Weeds many times come up with the Seed and if they are not pluck'd up or weeded out they will hinder the Growth of the Seed if not quite choak it XI The good Ground only brings forth Fruit unto perfection XII Men are very diligent and industrious in sowing their Seed they are up early and labour hard morning and evening XIII Winds and Storms do not prevent Sowers in the sowing of their Seed but let the Wind be high or low blow from the North or from the South yet they do and will sow XIV Men usually are not sparing of their Seed but scatter it abroad so plentifully that all and every part of the Field which they intend to sow may be sown therewith Parallel THe Word of God is a choice and precious thing and that which God highly values and accounts of He hath magnified his Word above all his Name Thy Word it very pure II. Our Hearts are naturally hard and have need to be plowed up which is also done by the Word and Conviction of the Spirit hence the Gospel is called a Plow See Plow III. Jesus Christ is the spiritual Seeds-Man 't is he that sows the Seed who wants neither Care nor Skill to do it The Sower is the Son of Man IV. So the Word of God ought to be hid or covered in our Hearts that Satan may not steal it away from us and that it may take good Root downward and bring forth Fruit upward David hid the Word of God in his Heart It is not enough to have it in our Heads but in our Hearts Let the Word of God dwell in you richly We ought to labour to understand it to love it and keep it in our Memories yea and to let it be well rooted in every Faculty V. The Word of God does often like Seed lie hid for a while in the Heart of a Sinner before it eminently shews it self Clods of Corruption and Temptations hinder its Growth and springing up VI. So Affliction when sanctified to gracious Persons which they meet with after their Conversion and many times in their very Seed-Time tends to kill the Weeds of Corruption and breaks and mollifies the Heart by which means they come
to be better rooted in Grace and strengthned in Holiness VII So when the Word of God is early received in the Love of it when a young Person is sanctified in the Bud Grace many times flourishes more abundantly Such have treat Advantage above others Long Experience tends much to the strengthning of Grace enabling the Soul to hold out in an evil Day It was a great Advantage to Timothy that he knew the Holy Scriptures from a Child VIII The Seed of God's Word which the Son of Man by his faithful Ministers soweth in the Ministration of the Gospel falls oftentimes upon a hard and rocky-hearted Sinner who tho he receive the Word with much seeming Joy yet in time of Persecution falls away Because of the Word be is offended Others like thorny Ground receive the Seed but the Cares of this World and the Deceitfulness of Riches choak the Word and it becometh unfruitful The other hear the Word and understand it not then cometh the Devil called the Fowl of the Air and catcheth away that which was sown in the Heart This is he that receiveth Seed by the High-way-side IX So the Fruitfulness of the Word in Mens Hearts depends upon Christ's gracious blessing and shining upon it and the Spirits bedewing and watering it 'T is God that gives the Increase X. So when the Word of God is received in truth into the Heart Sin and Corruption will if not carefully weeded out spring up and hinder the Growth of the spiritual Seed Hence the Apostle gives charge to the Saints That they should look diligently lest any fail of the Grace of God lest any Root of Bitterness spring up and trouble them XI So none but honest and sincere Christians stand in the Day of Trial and bring forth Fruit unto Eternal Life XII So such as God hath sent to preach his Word do diligently attend their Ministry early and late in season and out of season as knowing that their Labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. XIII Even so hath the Seed of the Word been sown in all Ages notwithstanding the Storms have beaten and the Wind of Persecution hath blown very roughly sometimes one way and sometimes another yet this hath not in the least prevented the sowing of the spiritual Seed of the Word XIV How plentifully hath the Word of God been preached in England and in other Countries and how plentifully was this spiritual Seed dispersed by the Apostles and Servants of Christ They went every where preaching the Word Which is come unto you as it is in all the World and brings forth Fruit as it doth also in you since the day ye heard of it and knew the Grace of God in truth METAPHOR SOme Men either through want of Judgment or to save Charge sow bad Seed such as will not bear much Fruit although the Ground whereon it is sown be never so good II. No Seed that Men sow can be at all fruitful or yield encrease except the Plow go before to break up the Ground which the Seed cannot do of it self by any Art of Man III. Many Men have sowed good Seed and that upon good Ground and it hath taken Root and flourished and yet by some Accident or other they have had a bad Harvest brought but little Corn into the Barn or sometimes none at all IV. The Seed which Men sow is not quickned except it die Disparity But the Seed of the Word of God is good Seed and was never sown into good Ground that is a good and honest Heart but it took Root and became fruitful as all true Believers have experienced II. But the Word of God through the mighty Operation of the Spirit is not only Seed but also the spiritual Plow by which the fallow Ground of the Heart is broken up and made fit for it self to sink into and take deep Root there III. But never was the Seed of God's Word sown in a good and honest Heart taking Root there and flourishing but a blessed Harvest always followed nay tho they sow in Tears they shall reap in Joy He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious Seed shall doubtless come again with rejoycing bringing his Sheaves with him IV. But the Word of the Lord dieth not but liveth and abideth for ever The Words that I speak unto you they are Spirit and they are Life Inferences IT may inform us that the Cause why some Persons fall away and turn with the Dog to his Vomit and with the Sow that was washed to her wallowing in the Mire is Because they were never sincere nor upright in Heart The honest and upright Soul falls not away cannot fall so as never to rise again but brings forth Fruit to everlasting Life as our Saviour clearly shews II. O then let Men and Women take heed to their own Hearts and see whether they were ever throughly broken in the sight and sence of their Sin The Word and Gospel must first be as a Plow unto them to break up the stony and fallow Ground of their Hearts before like Seed the Word can be received by them III. Remember that notwithstanding a poor Soul may meet with many Storms and go through much Difficulty and Trouble both within and without rise early and lie down late whilst he keeps his Hand on the Lord's Plow in this Seeds-Time of the Word yet the Harvest will make amends for all You that have sowed in Tears shall reap with Joy Nay the Day is at hand wherein both the Sower and the Reaper shall rejoyce together The Word of God compared to Rain Deut. 32.2 My Doctrine shall drop as the Rain c. Simile RAin is the immediate and proper Work of God He gives us Rain from Heaven and fruitful Seasons Are there among the Vanities of the Gentiles they that can cause Rain Or can the Heavens give Showers art not thou he O Lord II. Rain falls by divine Direction and Appointment God causes it to rain upon one City and not upon another You often see a Cloud dissolve and spend it self upon one place when there is not a drop within a few Miles of it one Land may have Rain and a fruitful Season when another may have none III. There is a great deal of difference in the Showers of Rain that fall upon the Earth sometimes you have it in small Drops a drisling Rain which comes gently but continuing long it waters the Earth and the Fruits thereof throughly going to the very Root at other times it comes down in a hasty and violent manner causing the Streams to run but it is gone presently and doth but little good IV. Some People in the World have no Rain as the Egyptians for it is said that it seldom or never rains there V. Rain comes down successively and gradually now a little and then a little it doth not fall all at one time before it gives over but
it comes now a Shower and then a Shower as the Earth and Fruits thereof need it VI. The Rain comes down as is noted of Dew irresistibly when God doth by his Word of Command speak to the Clouds to distil it down upon the Earth it is not in the power of all Creatures to hinder its falling VII Rain is most beneficial to the Earth when there comes sweet warm Rays of the Sun with it or as clear shining after it then Herbs Flowers and Corn as also other Fruits grow abundantly VIII Rain is necessary at Seed-time to make the Earth ready and fit to receive the Seed Thou visitest the Earth and waterest it thou greatly enrichest it with the River of God which is full of Water Thou preparest them Corn. Thou waterest the Ridges abundantly thou setlest the Furrows thereof thou makest it soft with Showers thou blessest the springing thereof thy Paths drop Fatness This is called the former Rain and as it is necessary at or about Seed-time so also it is needful at earing-time to ripen the Corn and to bring it to Perfection both these are needful to produce a good Harvest both the former and latter Rain IX Rain makes the Earth soft and tender which otherwise would be very hard and dry and unfruitful as we see in time of great Drought X. After much Rain sometimes comes a great Drought XI Clouds let down the Rain upon the Earth God makes use of them as Vessels to retain the Water and that also at his Pleasure they may let it out and distil it down upon the Earth XII Rain hath been sent down from Heaven as the Answer of Prayer Prayer hath as it were opened the Windows of Heaven that it might rain upon the Earth XIII Rain cometh down from Heaven and returneth not thither without answering the end for which it is sent Parallel THe Word of God and the Blessings that attend it are all from God 't is he that makes the Divine Rain to fall upon Men's Souls you are not to look upon those Truths that Ministers dispense as the meet Effects and Fruits of their Inventions and Parts He is the Minister of God c. the Office is from Heaven the Doctrine he preaches is from Heaven the Efficacy and Success of it is from Heaven What I received of the Lord I delivered also unto you II. So the Word of God is sent to one People and not to another to one Kingdom and not to another what glorious Influences of the Gospel hath God sent to this Land and what a Drought and Scarcity it is there of it in many others not far off and what precious Showers have some Places had in England beyond what others injoy To you is the Word of this Salvation sent it comes not by chance but by Commission and the special Command of God III. The Word of God in like manner sometimes comes down moderately yet continuing long before God takes it away from a People or Soul at length it proves effectual and throughly waters and soaks their barren Hearts and makes them fruitful but at another time the Word in a Sermon comes like a sudden Spout of Rain seeming to carry all before it and startles the Sinner but 't is soon over and doth but little good it abiding not upon the Conscience IV. So there are some People nay many in the World that never had the Gospel preached as yet to them V. So the Word drops and distils like Rain and Showers that water the Earth now a little and then a little as the Condition of the Soul requires a drop in this Sermon and a drop in another Sermon Precept must be upon Precept Line upon Line here a little and there a little now one comforting Influence and then another now one quickning Impulsion and then another now one Promise is rained down and then another 1. Christ would that his People have a constant Dependance on himself 2. He would have them wait upon every Sermon upon every Ordinance and Opportunity 3. He would not have them surfeit upon his Word therefore he observes a successive Distillation of the Blessings thereof upon them 4. He would have every Doctrine and Precepts and Promises soak into their Hearts 5. Christ would indear every drop of his Grace and morsel of his Word to his People he would have them lose nothing he bestows and therefore gives it them as they are able to receive it 6. The Souls of Believers are like narrow-mouth'd Vessels they cannot receive much at a time without spilling 7. We are such bad Husbands Christ will not trust us with all at once VI. The Word falls upon Sinners When God gives Command with mighty Power the Influences of the Word and Spirit work with mighty Efficacy upon the Heart the Word is quick and powerful it breaks the Heart in pieces in Conviction it causes the Sinner to cry out Lord what wilt thou have me do it shall accomplish that for which 't was sent See Light VII So it is in respect of the Gospel when the Sun of Righteousness shines upon the Soul under the Word and blessed Doctrin thereof O this makes a Believer and all his Graces to flourish exceedingly VIII The Gospel hath a twofold Use and Benefit it is necessary as the former Rain at the beginning or first working of Grace upon the Heart so 't is needful afterwards to ripen and prepare the Soul for Heaven Be glad then ye Children of Zion and rejoyce in the Lord your God for he hath given you the former Rain moderately and he will cause the Rain to come down the former Rain and latter Rain c. We cannot be without either we shall soon decay in our Spirits if we have not spiritual Moisture of the Grace and Word of God upon our Souls the Ministry of the Word is not only appointed to implant Grace in us but also to perfect Grace so rooted and implanted IX So the Word of God makes the hard and flinty Hearts of Sinners very soft and tender it is of a mollifying fructifying Nature it makes the Saints fruitful in Grace and Good-works X. So after great plenty of divine and spiritual Rain when People are glutted with a Fulness of Gospel-Mercies God sometimes sends a Drought shuts up Heaven Ministers are like Clouds without Rain XI Ministers are the spiritual Clouds that God hath appointed to retain the Word and saving Knowledg of divine Things so that they may also at his Command let the Water of Life down or distil it upon Men's Souls See Clouds XII Divine Rain hath been sent down as the Answer of fervent Prayer The Prayer of the Godly hath prevailed with the Almighty for sending of the Word and Spirit down upon the World and Church of God hence Paul earnestly begs the Saints Prayers That he might open his Mouth boldly to make known the Mystery of the Gospel XIII So saith the Lord shall
5. Psal. 78.19 A Mountain for Mountainous places Josh. 13.6 Judges 7.24 c. Mountains and Hills are put for Idols which were Worshipt there Jer. 3.23 Mountains and Vallies for their Inhabitants Micah 1.4 The Mountains shall be Molten under him and the Vallies shall be Cleft that is the Hearts of those that inhabit them shall wax soft See Psal. 68.2 3. and Psal. 97.4 5. They put to flight the Vallies toward the East and toward the West that is such as dwelt in the Vallies 1 Chron. 12.15 The World is put for Mankind John 3.16 and 12.19 2 Cor. 5.19 1 John 2.2 and 5.19 'T is put for the wicked who are the greatest part of mankind John 1.10 and 7.7 and 14.17 and 15.19 and 16.20 23 and 17.9 14. 1 Cor. 11.32 1 John 3.1 and 4.5 and 5.4 5. Hence the Devil is called the Prince of this world John 12.31 and 14.30 and 16.11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Princes of the world Eph. 6.12 The God of this world 2. Cor. 4.4 Which is expounded Eph. 2.2 In time past ye walked according to this world according to the Prince of the Power of the Air the Spirit that Now worketh in the Children of Disobedience The World is put sometimes for those are converted and beleive as Illyricus says alledging John 6.33 The Bread of God is he which cometh down from Heaven and giveth Life unto the world that is to beleivers and John 14.31 But that the world may know that I love the Father c. Yet Glassius thinks that the whole race of mankind is rather to be understood in both places as verse 51. the Bread which I will give is my Flesh which I will give for the life of the World for this giving of Life is not an actual conferring of it by Faith but rather an acquisition or purchase of life for them in which sence Christ is called the light that enlightens every man that cometh into the world In the other text John 14.31 Christ signifies by those words that he was therefore to die that he might deliver mankind from the power of Satan 2. That this Redemption of mankind should by the Word of the Gospel be revealed to the whole World For he says not let me die that I may shew that I love the Father but that the World may know that I love the Father Which knowledge was had when the Gospel was promulgated through the whole World by the Apostles Camerarius in his Notes on John 17.21 That the World may beleive that thou hast sent me says that by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the world we are to understand 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Such as shall be saved But Glassius says that it signifies all men universally as John 3.17 For God sent his Son that the world through him might be saved For though all men are not actually saved in regard of their proper contumacy and impenitency yet a spiritual Unity for believers is prayed for and that the World might believe that is that all men should be converted to the true knowledge of the Messiah although very many remain in Unbelief and Wickedness who shall have no share in this Redemption Ships are put for the Men in them Esa. 23.1 Howl ye Ships of Tarshish that is ye Mariners and Merchants c. So verses 10.14 A Nest is put for the Young ones Deut. 32.11 As an Eagle stirreth up her Nest that is the Young Eagles as is clearly shew'd in the following words Ophir A Country in India abounding with Gold is put for Gold brought from thence Job 22.24 Then shalt thou lay up Gold as Dust and Ophir as the Stones of the Brooks that is Gold brought from Ophir Abundance of Gold is denoted by the whole phrase and Metaphorically great felicity A Cup is put for the Wine or Liquor in it Jer. 49.12 Ezek. 23.32 1 Cor. 10.21 Yee cannot drink the Cup of the Lord and the Cup of Devils Luke 22.17 It is said in the last Paschal Supper And he took the Cup and gave thanks and said take this and divide it amongst your selves that is the Wine not the Cup for verse 18 he says I will not drink of the fruit of the Vine untill the Kingdom of God shall Come So Luke 22.20 We have the same Metonymie about the Eucharistical Cup of the Lords Supper and 1 Cor. 11.25 26 27. Of this Cup Christ says that 't is the New Testament in his Blood but the containing vessel cannot be understood but the thing contained viz. The Wine which is Sacramentally the Blood of Christ Matth. 26.28 Mark 14.24 See more 1 Cor. 10.16 21. 1 Cor. 11.26 27. Matth. 26 27. Mark 14.23 1 Cor. 11.28 The Names of Countries is frequently put for their Inhabitants as Egypt for Egyptians Gen. 17.15 Ps. 105.38 Ethiopia for Ethiopians Ps. 68.31 32 Sheba for Sabeans Job 1.15 and 6.19 See Esa. 43.3 4. Judea and the adjacent Countries about Jordan are put for their Inhabitants Matt. 3.5 Macedonia and Achaia for Christians living there Rom. 11.26 The Land of Egypt is put for spoils brought from thence Jer. 43.12 The Grave is put for the Dead that are buried in it as Esa. 38.18 The Grave cannot praise thee Death cannot celebrate thee that is they that are Dead and Buried the reason follows They that go down into the Pit cannot hope for thy Truth ver 19. The Living the Living he shall praise thee See Psal. 6.6 Psal. 115.117 The Earth is put for the Inhabitants of the Earth Gen. 6.11 The Earth was also corrupt before God and the Earth was filled with violence which is expounded in the next verse for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the Earth So Gen. 11.1 and 18.25 and 19.31 and 14.30 1 Sam. 14.29 2 Sam. 15.23 Prov. 28.2 Esa. 24.20 Matth. 5.13 The Ends of the Earth are put for the Inhabitants of the extreamest parts thereof Psal. 22.27 28. Psal. 67.8 A Theatre the place where Plays and Shews are seen is put for the sight it self 1 Cor. 4.9 Where the Apostle Paul Metaphorically says of himself For we are made a Theatre so the Greek unto the World and to Angels and to Men As if he had said we are derided hated and abused by the World and that not in a corner but as if the whole Earth were gathered together in one Theatre to satiate and please themselves with beholding our miseries A City is put for Citizens Jer. 4.29 The whole City shall flee Shall go into Thickets and clime upon the Rocks So Esa. 14.31 Jer. 26.2 c. Jerusalem Chorazin Bethsaida Capernaum are put for their Inhabitants Matth. 3.5 Mark 1.5 Matth. 23.37 and 11.21 23. Act. 18.25 Jud. 5.7.11 c. To this by Analogy may be referred these that follow Heaven is put for God who is said to dwell in the Heavens and there manifests his Glory and Majesty to Angels and glorified Spirits Psal. 73.9 They set their Mouth against the Heavens and their Tongue walketh
through the Earth that is they licentiously vent their blasphemies against God and contumelious words against Mankind See more Examples in Dan. 4.23 with verse 22. and 29. 1 King 8.32 Matth. 21.25 The Baptism of John whence is it from Heaven or of Men that is from God or men So Luke 20.4 Luke 15.18 Father I have sinned against Heaven that is against God The Heart is put for the Soul which is radically in the Heart as its proper seat Psal. 24.3 4. and 84.3 1 Pet. 3.4 Heb. 13.9 c. The Belly is put for the Heart which viz. heart is likewise put for the Soul and its acts and cogitations Job 15.35 Prov. 18.8 and 20.27 and 26.22 and 22.18 Hab. 3.16 John 7.38 3. The Possessor is put for the thing possessed GEN. 15.3 Behold the Son of mine house inherits me that is my Goods and Estate Deut. 9 1. To possesse Nations greater and mightier then thy self that is the Countries of the Gentiles for the People themselves were not to be possessed but cut off by the Command of God as verse 2 3. See 2 Sam. 8.2 Psal. 79.7 For they have devoured Jacob that is his Riches and Goods The Prince is put for his Jurisdiction Matth. 2.7 And thou Bethlehem in the Land of Juda art not the least among the Princes of Juda that is the Principalities or Prefectures of Juda who were distinguished by thousands as 1 Sam. 10.19 The Name of God is put for Oblations offered to him as Josh. 13.33 The Lord God of Israel was their Inheritance viz. the Levites which is expounded verse 14. Only unto the Tribe of Levi he gave no Inheritance the Sacrifices of the Lord God of Israel made by fire are their Inheritance c. and Josh. 18.7 The Priesthood of the Lord is their the Levites Inheritance Deut. 10.9 The Lord is his Inheritance c. See Ezek. 44.28 Christ is put for the Church or believers who are his peculiar People Tit. 2.14 1 Pet. 2.9 Matth. 25.35 For I was an hungred and ye gave me meat c. says Christ and verse 40. It is thus expounded In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of thâ—â—se my Brethren ye have done it unto me Acts 9.4 5. Saul Saul why persâ—â—cutest thou me I am Jesus whom thou persecutest whereas verse 1 2. It is said that Saul persecuted the Disciples of Christ. So 1 Cor. 12.12 So also is Christ that is his Church hath many Members and many Believers do constitute one Body of Christ or one Church for it follows v. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one Body Christ therefore is put for his Mystical Body or which is the same thing that which properly belongs to a body is attributed to Christ because of his Mystical Union with Believers For the same Reason the Afflictions of Christ are called the Afflictions of the Saints Col. 1.24 Upon which place Lyranus says thus The Passions or sufferings of Christ are twofold one he endured in his own proper Body as Hunger Thirst yea even Death and in this sence there was nothing to be filled up The other he suffers in his Members who are Believers when they are persecuted afflicted and oppressed for his sake And this is the meaning of the Apostle here when he says who Now rejoyce in my sufferings for you and fill up that which is behind of the Afflictions of Christ in my Flesh for his Bodies sake which is the Church 4. The Object is put for That which it is Conversant about CHrist Jesus is put for his Doctrine 2 Cor. 11.4 For if he that cometh Preacheth another Jesus whom we have not preached that is another better Doctrine of Christ which he calls another Gospel c. Eph. 4.20 But ye have not so learned Christ If so be that ye have heard him and have been taught by him as the Truth is in Jesus c. This is to be understood of the Doctrine of Christ. God is put for Worship appointed for his Honour as Exod. 32.1 And they that is the Israelites said unto him viz. Aaron up make us 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gods that is as Brentius Gerhard and others expound it Institue nobis publica sacra c. Institute some publique form of Worship for us or some visible sign of Gods presence as afterwards was the Tabernacle the Ark and Mercy Seat Exod. 40.34 35. Numb 7.84 possibly some such thing as they had seen in Egypt for now they were turned in their Hearts to Egypt Acts 7.39 40. Glory and Strength are put for the Praise and Celebration of Glory and Strength as Psal. 69.1 Give unto the Lord Glory and Strentgh that is give him the Praise of his Glory and Strength See Psal. 8.2 Out of the Mouths of Babes and Sucklings hast thou ordained Strength that is the Praise and Celebration of his Strength and Omnipotency as it is expounded Matth. 21.16 So Psalm 96. 6 7. verses Sin is put for Sacrifice or Sin-offering Exod. 29.14 The Flesh of the Bullock c. Thou shalt not burn without the Camp it is a sin so the Hebrew that is as our Translation renders it a Sin-offering Hosea 4.8 They Eat up the sin of my People that is the Sacrifice or sin-offering for sin has a threefoâ—â—d acceptation 1. It signifies the Transgression of Gods Law 1 John 3.4 2. Punishment for sin he shall bear his sin Lev. 20.20 and 29. and 24.15 Numb 9.13 and 18. 22. Ezek 23 49. 3. Sacrifice offered for sin Lev. 10.17 Why do you not eat the sin of the holy place for so the words are to be read that is the sin-offering In this sence that text is to be understood 2 Cor. 5.21 Christ was made sin for us that is a sin-offering according to Isa. 53.10 If thou shalt make his Soul Sin 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Our Translation renders it when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin explained Eph. 5.2 Christ hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour For he is the true propitiatory sacrifice for our sins whom the old Typical oblations adumbrated or shadowed forth That phrase of the Apostle Paul's 2 Cor. 5.21 For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin is borrowed from Esaias upon which D. Franzius thus expresses himself How Christ was made sin may be plainly and perfectly declared from the Beasts allotted for Sacrifices when by imputation of the sins of the People to them they became unclean yea sin and so were slain and sacrificed c. By which words the reason of this Tropical speech whereby Sin is taken for Sacrifice is noted Illyricus says These Sacrifices were so called because the sins of the People with respect to punishment were after a certain manner by Imputation transferred upon them not that the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies to expiate Cl. Script part
neither shall thy Moon withdraw it self Esa. 60.20 the explication follows For the Lord shall be thine Everlasting Lights and the days of thy Mourning shall be ended See Rev. 22.5 Such things as concern the state of the Church in this Life and Heaven are mixt in this chapter of Esaiah as an accurate inspection into it will shew The Chald. in Translating these words of the Sun and Moon does not unelegantly expound them thy Kingdom shall no longer be abolished nor thy Glory transferred The Light of the Sun denotes prosperity as shall be shewed hereafter therefore on the contrary the setting or darkness of the Sun metaphorically denotes calamity sorrow and misery Jer. 15.9 Her Sun is gone down while it was yet day Chald. their glory is translated in their Life time that unexpected and most heavy calamities are treated of here the foregoing and following verses shew Amos 8.9 I will cause the Sun to go down at Noon and I will darken the Earth in a clear day that is I will suddenly overwhelm you with heavy strokes and calamities So Micah 3.6 Joel 2.10 and 3.4 Esa. 13.10 On the other side an Increase of the Sun and Moons Light metaphorically signifies great spiritual happiness Esa. 30.26 The light of the Moon shall be as the light of the Sun and the light of the Sun shall be seven-fold as the light of seven days c. As if he had said the help which I will afford you shall be so great and illustrious that in that time the two luminaries of the World the Sun and Moon as if they would congratulate the Deliverance of the People will be more chearful and more shining then they were wont to be Some refer this to an Hyperbole By the Name of Stars illustrious and principal men are understood Dan. 8.10 And it viz. that little horn by which Antiochus is understood waxed great even to the Host of Heaven and it cast down some of the Host and of the Stars to the ground and stamped upon them By the Host of Heaven the People of God or the Church sometimes circumscribed in Judea is understood but by Stars the Princes or chief men who by their administration in the Church or Commonwealth were of more eminency then others are noted hence in ver 24. it is so expounded he shall destroy the mighty and the holy people that is he shall destroy the highest and the lowest See 1 Macchab. 1.25 2. By the Name of Stars the Teachers of the Word of God and Church Rulers are figured Rev. 1.15 20. and 2.1 Which consideration fairly leads us to know 1. Their Lord and Master whose Countenance is said to shine as the Sun in its strength Rev. 1.16 1. As the Sun communicates his light to the Stars in Heaven So Christ the Sun of Righteousness Mal. 4.2 imparts the light of saving knowledge to his faithful Servants 2 Cor. 4.6 2. The Lord brings forth the Host of the Stars by number and calleth them all by Names Esa. 40.26 So Christ leads forth his Ministers in his Church as a sacred Host against Satan and the World and calleth them also by Name Ps. 68.11 2. Their Office God placed the Stars in the Firmament to enlighten the Earth Gen. 1.17 3. The light of Doctrine which the Ministers bring to the Church is from heaven and taken out of the heavenly and divine Word alone 2 Pet. 1.16.19 which is sweeter then honey to the souls of such as are taught of God Psal. 19.10 Psal. 119 103. but to others as Wormwood Rev. 8.11 Because they tast nothing but bitterness and a denunciation of damnation in it 4. A Star led the wise men to Christ Matth. 2.9 Ministers propose only that end in Preaching 1 Cor. 2.2 5. It is said that at the Commandment of the Holy One they viz. the Stars will stand in their order and never faint in their Watches Of the Ministers of the Word it is said Heb. 13.17 That they watch for the Souls of men Nor ought they to be discouraged in their Watches nor faint because of the Worlds ingratitude but both by doctrine and good example to keep the same order constantly and so they shall be quite different from these wandring Stars to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever Jude ver 13. They are to take care that all things be done decently and in order in the Church 1 Cor. 14.40 6. It is said of the Stars that they fought from Heaven against the Enemies of the People of God Judge 5.20 So a most grievous fight against Devils is proposed to the Ministers of the word Eph. 6.12 Let them look to it therefore that they manage their warfare rightly 2 Cor. 10.3 4 5. That they may be able to Glory in the Lord for the heavenly reward that will follow 2 Tim. 4.7 8. 7. It is said of the Stars that together with the Sun and Moon they divide between the day and between the night and are for Signs and for seasons and for days and for years Gen. 1.14 So it is the duty of Gospel Ministers to divide between the day and night light and darkness that is to inculcate and diligently shew the difference between good and evil piety and wickedness Esa. 5.20 Jer. 15.19 Rom. 13.12 13. 2 Cor. 6.14 15. c. Also to give signs and seasons that is to provide so as that the publick worship of God be kept up timely and seasonably and in their Ministerial function to impart their gifts suitable to the wants of the flock in the respective seasons that so there may be no disorder or confusion to shew also days and nights that is to proclaim the acceptable year of our Lord Esa. 61.2 and earnestly to inculcate the appointed day in which the Lord will Judge the World in Righteousness Acts 17.31 8. It is said of the Stars that they differ from one another in Glory So there is a great diversity of the gifts of the spirit in the Ministers of the Word 1 Cor. 12 4. c. 9. All the Stars of light are commanded to praise God Psal. 148.3 with Job 38.7 So all the Ministers of the word what measure of Grace soever they have received or whatsoever gift they exercise in the Church ought with ardency of spirit to praise the Lord to serve him heartily and without selfishness or envy to preserve mutual Peace and Concord among themselves and their reward shall be certain if they behave themselves faithfully and not only in this world but also in Eternity 10. Stars were seen by John worn in the Right hand of Christ Rev. 1.20 So let the faithful Labourers in the Gospel be certain of a most gracious protection by the omnipotent hand of Christ Esa. 51.16 c. and in the Life to come they that turn many unto Righteousness shall shine as the Stars for ever and ever Dan. 12.3 So much for Ecclesiastical Stars The Stars being obscured sometimes denote