or quite lose the sight of it and 〈◊〉 step he takes the further he goes from 〈…〉 and the higher he comes to Heaven and hath a clearer Sight of that So he who by Faith and Communion with God gets up upâ—n this spiritual Ladder Jesus Christ hath a clear Prospect of the Glory 〈◊〉 Heaven Moses by Faith saw him that is invisible Faith presented to his view the Angel of the Covenant and God Reconciled in him viz. the Lord Jesus Christ. Carnal or Earthly Persons are at such a great distance from Heaven that they cannot discern the Glory of it they have no Sight no Eyes to see afar off but the Earth and Earthly things appearing to the Carnal sight being always in their view they are exceedingly Affected therewith But Believers who are dwellers above and who daily make a further Progâ—ession Hâ—aâ—e◠〈…〉 the Earth and Earthly this â—s as 〈…〉 â—â—â—ry step they take they go fâ—rtâ—e◠〈…〉 from Earth in their Love and 〈…〉 and Contemplations Our conversatio◠〈…〉 â—â—â—ven Others mind Earthly things 〈…〉 the Earth and therefore speak of 〈…〉 but Believers are said to dwell in Heaâ—â—◠〈…〉 grand Enemy of the Saints is said to open 〈◊〉 Mouth to blaspheme against God to blaspheme his Name and his Tabernacle and all that dwell in Heaven that is in the Church of God Militant they shall dwell on â—ighâ— they are out of those confused Hurries and Noises Dangers and Perplexities others who dwell below are attended withâ— They are born from above have heavenly Hearts heavenly Principles heavenly Desires heavenly Ends and Aims and heavenly Lives they have Communion with the God of Heaven heavenly things are their Delight they sâ—aâ— so high above that they are Ravished with that sight which they have of Heaven There are some other things that I might speak of as held forth by this glorious Type of Christ or which might be improved for our Instruction from hence but I shall leave them until the next time and close now with a brief word of Application VSE 1. By way of Admiration See what a wonderful person Jesus Christ is Behold the Son of Man or this spiritual Ladder that reacheth from Earth to Heaven behold it with Admiration Who would have thought of such away to Heaven Who but infinite Wisdom could have found out such a way to the Father What Work-man but the eternal God could make such a Ladder The Father is said to be above it or on the top of it to denote this way he Prepared and only by this way we must go to him if ever we come to Heaven Christ is God and Man in One Person Heaven and Earth meet together in him he brings God to us and carries us up to God God is reconciled to us in him and we are reconciled to God by him 2. Be exhorted to get up on this Ladder If ever you think to see the Father he is above it as the end of our Journey as our Hope and Reward he calls upon you Sinners to Adventure up this Ladder to believe in his Son He is above it to direct you uphold you and encourage you therefore fear not nay he is above it declaring himself in Covenant with all that come to him by Jesus Christ and to be their God I am the Lord God of Abraham c. This he spake to Jacob as standing above it or on the top of this Ladder 3. Bless God for Christ for his devising of such a way to raise us up who were sunk so low and had no strength no skill no helper none that could bring us to God nor find out a way to save our Souls but God himself only therefore he saith Deliver him from going down into the Pit I have found a Ransom Reproof This may be also for Reprehension to divers sorts of Persons 1. To such that deny the Dâ—â—ty or God-head of Jesus Christ If he be no more than a meer Man the Ladder is too short to reach up to Heaven He could not reach so high as to satisfy divine Justice or to bring us to God it being through the worth and dignity of his Person who being an infinite Person or God over all there was an infinite Worth and Merit in his Sufferings and Obedience True he might have saved himself being Perfect never having Sinned nor broke God's Law tho' he had been but a meer Man but it is from his being God as well as Man Substituted in our stead and standing in our Law-place as our great Head and â—ponser â—â— that gave such Worth and Merit for us by his Obedience and suffering to the Law and Justice of God Moreover how else also could he have overcome Death the Devil and all our Enemies and have raised himself from the Dead Death would have kept him under it's Power and he had never came out of the Grave to ascend so high as Heaven to raise us thither 2. It Reprehends all such also who seek by any other way or means to go to Heaven We have new Babel-builders or Work-mongers that think to climb up to Heaven by their own Works by their own Faith and sincere Obedience And others by the Light within which is but a branch of the First-covenant or law of God writ in the Heart and if there had been a Law that could have given Life or raised us up to Heaven verily Righteousness had been by the Law But then as the Apostle saith Christ is dead in vain Examin Try your selves by what you have heard whether you have ascended on this Ladder yea or nay 1. Were you ever brought to the Foot of Christ Did you ever see your lost Condition in the first Adam and that there is no other way to be Saved but by the Lord Jesus 2. Are you at the lowest part of the Ladder and there rest or are you got up towards the top thereof There is no resting no stay to be made when you first ascend or first believe in Christ or on any attainment of Grace but you must mount up or ascend up higher from Faith to Faith have you stept up on the Roand of Obedience have you took Christ's yoke upon you this seems too hard a step for some to take are you got above the Earth in your Affections doth the Earth and the things thereof grow less and less every day in your sight as in a natural respect it doth to him that soars very high or climbs upon a Ladder to the very Clouds Are you willing to leave Earth to leave this World to go to Heaven Paul longed to be dissolved and to be with Christ He pressed towards the mark Do you dwell in Communion with God â—las many love to be below they like those lower Regions best See how it is with you but no more at this time SERMON II. GENESIS xxviij xij xiij And behold
to Preach Moses nor to take the Law from his Mouth but from the Mouth of Christ or as it is in Christ's hands not to Preach Morality as that which can justifie and save us Not to Preach the Light within all to be our Saviour For that is to Preach the Law written in the Heart of Man it being the substance of that Law written in the Two Tables of Stone Not to Preach the Decrees of general Councils or National Synods Nor to mix our inherent Righteousness and sincere Obedience no nor our Faith with Christ's Righteousness Thus I have shewed you how Christ is Exalted Flivated and like Jacob's Ladder lifted up to Heaven Nay he 's made higher than the Heavens and that in his Person and by his Offices Heaven and Earth meet together and God and Man in Jesus Christ are made One I shall Close at this time with a Word of Application APPLICATION 1. We may Infer from hence that here is wonderful Incouragement for poor Sinners to come to Christ believe in him or to venture up this Spiritual Ladder 2. Behold the fulness which is in Christ and bless God for such a Way for such a Ladder that reacheth up to Heaven 3. Inquiry But why is there so great a fulness in Christ 1. Because God will Exalt him and Magnify him He knew how many would Debase him and Disrobe him of which sort we have too many in these Days 2. Because he being God it cannot be otherwise and this shews he is God Would God give this Glory to a meer Creature it would be Idolatry to give divine Adoration to Christ were not he the most high God 3. It is because there is such an Emptiness in poor Sinners nay in Believers as in themselves 4. It is because Christ hath so many Vessels empty Vessels to fill True he has filled Multitudes already from the beginning of the World for all that ever had any Righteousness any Grace or Peace I mean true Grace and Peace they had it from Jesus Christ. But he hath many empty Vessels yet to fill therefore there is need of such a fulness in him he fills his Church nay all his Churches and hath a greater Vessel yet to fill when he hath emptied it namely the whole Earth For all the Earth shall be filled with the Knowledge of the glory of the Lord. And he is emptying it in order to this now He will make the Earth empty and turn it up side down Now 't is full of Wickedness full of Sin full of horrid Abominations of Oaths of Pride Uncleanness Drunkenness Cruelty Divisions Contentions nay of Idolatry Superstition Errors Heresies and what not but he will empty it e'er long and then fill it there is a new World very near look for it prepare for it be ready 5. Christ is full because there is no Bread but in this Garner no Water of Life for all the World but in this Well in this Fountain 6. Because no Sinner might be discouraged nor dispair of help succour and relief in Christ nor Believers because they are God's Children and have his Likeness Also 4. This may Reprove such that cast Contempt upon Jesus Christ. Some lay quite aside this chief Corner-stone What do they less that trust to a sober Moral Life or they that cry up the Light within as if that was a Ladder that reaches to Heaven which is to build on the Covenant of Works Others degrade him that put part of the highest Glory on the Will of Man and such who mix their own Faith sincere Obedience or Righteousness with Christ's Merits and make the Gospel as a meer Law of Obedience with the sanction of Promises and Threatnings rendring our Faith and Obedience the Condition of our Salvation This is not to go to Heaven by Jacob's Ladder 5. Be Exhorted to venture up this Spiritual Ladder i. e. to believe in Christ. Motives 1. A mighty Flood of divine Wrath is near it will certainly come and it will over-flow all the dwellers on the Earth or such that dwell below The Saints who are ascended upon this Ladder dwell above Oh climb up quickly if you would escape the Wrath to come 2. There is you have heard no other way to go to Heaven Christ is the Way in which we must walk the Foundation on which we must build the Door by which we must enter or the Ladder by which we must ascend even by the Vail that is to say his Flesh or by the blood of his Cross. Do not dream of getting to Heaven by your Tears or Prayers or by your good Deeds or good Duties or by the broken Ladder of Free-will or by the Light within all What O what will become of them that strive to throw down this Ladder and thâ—nk to be saved some other ways 3. Tho this Ladder be high and thy Faith is but weak yet venture up set thy Foot upon the first Round I told you the last day that many vvho vvere weak as thou art are gone to Heaven this way yea Multitudes that were as heavy laden as thou art or canst be ventured up and found sure and firm Footing 4. Thy danger O Sinner is great wilt thou perish in the Flood O fly to this Ark get up this Ladder He that believeth not shall be Damned 5. Remember the top reacheth to Heaven it will bring thee to Heaven and know also that in the way there are many Angels they ascend and descend upon this Ladder they come down to fetch some up and others they lead and conduct even those that are ascending upon it Thou shalt O Sinner have blessed Support and Supporters in the way Examin Try yourselves do you exalt Jesus Christ Certainly if the Father hath exalted him we ought so to do 1. Dost thou lay the whole stress of thy Salvation on Jesus Christ and believe with thy whole Heart 2. Dost thou love him above all things in the world 3. Dost thou deny thy self and forsake all things for his sake and take up thy Cross and follow him 4. Dost thou account all things loss for the excelâ— of Jesus Christ 5. Dost thou take none of his Right nor Glory from him and ascribe it to Man or to the Will of the Creature 6. Canst not thou be satisfied with any thing without him No not with Ordinances unless thou dost meet with him and enjoyst him in them 7. Dost thou desire before all things to be like unto him or have his Image 8. Canst not thou endure to grieve nor offend him 9. Dost thou love him in all wheresoever thou seest his Image not because they are in all things of thy Opinion but because they are God's Children and have his Likeness Also 6. This may Iâ—form us who are true Ministers as well as who â—re 〈◊〉 Câ—ristians 1. Not the◠〈…〉 the Gâ—d-head of Christ No let the◠〈…〉 lush 〈◊〉 be aâ—hamedâ— This discovers that
But by being Renewed we are capable and do enjoy sweet Fellowship with the Father and the Son Believers walk with God and God with them Jesus Christ and Believers set together dwell together walk together yea sup together and daily visit each other Christ and they mind the same things the interest of Christ and Believers are one and the same Christ Sympathizeth with his Saints in their Afflictions and Rejoyces with them in their Consolations such a high Priest became us But O what an high Advancement is this that such a low base and contemptible Creature as Man is as in himself should be allowed to have Communion and Fellowship with the great and most glorious God of Heaven and Earth and with Jesus Christ the only Potentate and Prince of the Kings of the Earth Seventhly The Saints in Christ are so exalted and lifted up in Grandure and Honour that they are God's choice and precious Jewels or his chiefest Treasure They shall be mine saith the Lord in that day I make up my Jewels They are the Favourites of Heaven the Lord saith They that touch them touch the Apple of his Eye No King hath such a value of his greatest Favourites as God hath for his Saints they are the Persons that the King delights to Honour What is it to be honoured by poor Mortals to this honour If any Man serve me him will my Father honour He honours them here he gives them honourable Titles What are the airy and empty Titles of Earl Marquiss Duke c. that pull up Ambitious Spirits to those high and honourable Titles God confers on believers as Sons of God Heirs of God most excellent or most magnificent He hath made us Kings c. and Princes These are high Titles indeed when conferred upon us by the eternal God My Brethren they are not only hâ—noured with the highest Titles but also beloved with the highest Love I gave Egypt for thy Ransom Ethiopia and Sâ—ba for thee since thou wert precious in my sight thou hast been honourable and I have loved thee He loves them with the love of Complacency he rejoyces over them as the Bridegroom rejoiceth over the Bride Nay he loveth them with the same Love wherewith he loves Jesus Christ And hast loved them as thou hast loved me And as he loveth and honoureth them so he will also cause all Men yea Kings and such that now hate them to bow before them The Sons of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee and all that despised thee shall bow themselves at the soles of thy Feet The Gentiles shall see their Righteousness and all Kings their Glory Thou shalt also be a Crown of Glory in the hand of the Lord and a royal Diadem in the hand of thy God Nay the Lord Jesus himself will honour them Verily I say unto you that he shall gird himself and make them sit down to meat and will come forth and serve them Eighthly and Lastly He honoureth them with his own glorious Train or Noble Retinue He commands his Servants those glorious Courtiers that attend and wait round about his Throne to wait on them to administer unto them and continually to be a Guard unto them that love and fear his Name they ride as I may so say in his own Chariots The Chariots of God are twenty thousand even thousands of Angels And these are on this Ladder they ascend and descend upon the Son of Man But more of this hereafter They encamp round about such that fear the Lord and are sent to minister unto them that are heirs of Salvation VSE 1. How may this raise the Hearts of Believers Alas they little think what glory God hath in Jesus Christ conferr'd upon them How would they lift up their Heads and rejoyce did they contemplate on that great Dignity they are raised unto 2. And what Reproof may this be to the ungodly World who slight despise and hate these honourable Ones as if they were the Off-scouring of all things and not worthy to live on the Earth when indeed the world is not worthy of them These precious Sons of Sion comparable to fine Goâ—d are accounted as Earthen Pitchers Moreover it may reprove those for their horrid Folly who esteem and value the vain Honour of Men above the Honour that comes from God That had rather be Great in the Sight of Men than Great and Glorious in the Sight of God 3. This also may cause us to admire Jesus Christ who hath raised us to sucâ— Dignity and Honour his Exaltation Beloved is our Exaltation we had never been raised to this Honour had not he been Abased and then highly Exâ—lted Christ's Exaltation was only a mediatory Exaltation he was not advanced in respect of the essential Glory of his God-head for as so he was always possessed with that so that their could be no Addition of Glory made to that but it was a Glory or Exaltation of his Person as God-man the Glory of Christ as God is the same from everlasting with the Father therefore it was the exaltation of his Person as Mediator as he is our head and blessed Representative he is Exalted that we in him may be Exalted also As he Beloved was raised up from the dead so were we in him and as he was Justifiâ—d so were we in him and as he Ascended up to Heaven so did we Ascend in him and so also assuredly shall all his Elect be raised spiritually from Sin to a state of Grace here and in â—oâ—â—y and Soul to an eternal State of Glory hereafter If Christ be raised we shall be raised because he was raised as our publick Head and is ascended into Heaven as our Fore-runner 4 This may be also for Tryal By this we may know my Brethren who they are that are upon Jacobs Ladder or in Jesus Christ see what Spirits what Hearts what Principles what Ends and Aims you have and what Liâ—eâ— you live Do you dwell on â—igh yet pray labour to ascend higher and higher every day but is your Conversation in Heaven do you mount up as with Eagles Wings 't is thus if you are true Believers Earth is behind your backs and all the things of the World are little in your sight if you are elivated on high But to proceed there is one or two things more concerning this Ladder that I must take notice of Mind well the word behold and behold a Ladder this as I hinted is a word that sometimes calls for Observation and Attention Behold I am at the Door and knock sometimes it calls for Commiseration Behold is there any Sorrow like my Sorrow Sometimes it calls for Imitation Behold the perfect Man Sometimes it calls for Admiration Behold what manner of love is this c. Sometimes it calls for Faith and Dependance Behold the Lamb of God c. I said behold
of Angels 〈◊〉 their ministration to him than the Scripture Records yet perhaps no more is meant hereby than that Nathaniel and other Saints shall see or know that the holy Angels are far inferiour to the Son of Man and do administer to him And also that all that good Believers do receive by the ministration of Angels is alone in and through Jesus Christ our Mediator Moreover that God doth not only make use of the ministration of Angels in governing of the World but also in the preservation safety and good of his Church The way to Heaven is full of holy Angels some going to Heaven for Intelligence and â—thers coming from Heaven either to forward proâ—ect or comfort the Saints 1. Angels are but Christ's Messengers he is the â—ead and Lord of all Principalities and Powers 2. They own themselves to be our Fellow-Serâ—ants I am thy Fellow-Servant of thy Brethren 3. They move at his Command and go and come 〈◊〉 his Pleasure 4. And they move at his Word with all Alacrity â—â—ey are speedy and swift in doing the Will of God 5. Moreover they are sent forth to minister unto â—hem that are the Heirs of Salvation Observe DOCT. That in and thro Jesus Christ the holy Angels minister to Believers while in this World In speaking unto this Proposition I shall take this method viz. 1. I shall speak a little to the nature of Angels 2. Open their Work and Office 3. Give you some Reasons why Christ imploys them to minister to the Saints And 4ly Apply it First They are Creatures they were created by God and within the six Days also By him were all things Created whether in Heaven or Earth visible or invisible whether Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers all things were created by him and for him The Heavens and all the Angels which dwell therein were created by him i.e. by the Son of God Jesus Christ Let them praise the name of the Lord for he commanded and they were Created And this was in the Beginning In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth c. If therefore they had been Created before there should have been a beginning of time work done before that or else Angels were from Eternity and so not Creatures but none is eternal or without beginning but God Besides 't is said that God wrought all his Works in Six Dayes but if it be demanded what day they were created I answer in all likelyhood on the first-First-day When the Morning Stars sang together and all the Sons of God â—â—oued for Joy Even when God laid the foundation oâ— the Earth when the highest Heavens and first maâ—ter was created of Nothing out of which other things were formed Secondly These excellent Creatures are true Substances and do really exist contrary to the Opinion of the Sadduces who denyed Angels and Spirits that is that they thought by the name of Angels waâ— meant nothing but good or ill Inspirations or Motions or else the Wonders and Apparitions which were wrought of God 1. They were I say created therefore they are Substances and not Accidents in another Subject 2. They are endow'd with Understanding and Will by vâ—rtue of which they were capable of Sinning and of departing from the Truth of obeying or disobeying of God until confirmed by an Immutable Head 3. From their Office this is further evident They appear before God they serve him and we are commanded to make them our Patterns they come to us admonish us teach protect and comfort us 4. Because thâ—y are said to appear to Men as to Abraham Jacob and many others tho not in their own spiritual Form As so considered no mortal Creature doubtless could behold them for that is to render the Invisible World to be Visible Sometimes they have appeared in assumption of Bodies tho not for the doing of their Work but to manifest themselves to be familiar with men Aquinas adds That they might manifest the intelligible Society and Converse which men expect with them in another Life 5. Because Christ is said not to take unto him the nature of Angels and hath a Name given him above them And in the Resurrection we shall be like to them As to their Nature they are Spirits incorporate and immaterial Who maketh his Angels Spirits And again it is said Are they not all ministring Spirits Tertullian and some other ancient Fathers asserted they have proper Bodies tho invisible to us but yet he seems to mean no more than a Substance And as the same Author observes If they have any such Composition as may be called a Body it is certainly of the greatest Fineness and Subtilty a spiritual Body and therefore not like to be of that grosness that either the Air is or those Heavens that are framed out of the same Chaos but nearer the substance of the highest Heavens which seem to be made at the same time Lastly saith he it will be safe to say that in Comparison of God they are Bodies but in comparison of us they are pure and mighty Spirits To which let me add I see not that the Saints at the Resurrection tho in some things they shall be as the Angels of God yet not that their Bodies shall be such bodies as the Angels have for tho the Saints be made spiritual Bodies yet shall be material i.e. of the same matter they now consist of only refin'd Thirdly Let it be consider'd saith he that as it is God only that is without beginning so it belongs only to him to be without any possibility of change or shadow of change and that the Angels as Creatures are reducable to nothing by the same hand that made them tho not from their own Nature nor shall they ever cease to be no more than the Spirits of all men yet they are in God's hand tho the best pieces of Nature and if he withdraw his hand they all moulder to nothing Angels saith my Author may properly be called Incorruptible and Immortal because they are so by Nature I speak not saith he now of the changableness of their Wills but of their Nature and Substance The Reasons are First Because the Angels are not produced out of the power of Matter or corporal Substance as the Souls of Beasts but only by the word of God and therefore as they have internal principles of Being so they have none of Dissolution for there is the same reason of Being and not Being Secondly Angelical Nature as the Souls also of Men are not compounded of Matter and Form but are simple Forms and Substances subsisting by themselves Now all Corruption Mortality and Death is by the separation of the Form from the Matter as when the Soul is separated from the Body which is Corruption or Death or when the accidental Form is separated from the Subject as White from the Wall or Health from the Man Now whatever wants Matter
of Grace Christ is not a common head to all Adam's Seed no but only of them that the Father gave to him 2. So many as were ordained to eternal Life shall by Christ be saved True the Blood of Christ hath vertue or worth enough in it to save the whole World but it can be effectual to none but to those for whom it was shed or to them to whom the Holy Ghost doth apply it which is to all that do believe all that Christ died for he prayed for and doth now interceâ—d for that they may receive of the Merits of his Blood but he did not pray for the World yet he tis able to save to the uttermost even to the last round of the Ladder all that come to God by him seeing he ever lives observe it to make intercession for them No Man can ascend this Ladder without the mighty power of God nay no Man can come to it except the Father draw him the Election of the Father the Redemption of the Son and the Application of the Spirit are of like and the same Extention All that the Father hath given to me shall come unto me the Holy Spirit will enlighten them work Faith in them bring them all to take hold of and ascend this Ladder So wide as the speâ—iâ—l love of God is so wide is this spiritual Ladder and it is indeed so broad that Three Thousand Persons could set their Feet upon it and ascend up at one and the same time no ' Man ever by an act of true and saving Faith attempted to ascend thereon that found it too narrow and straight for him tho' the way to Heaven comparatively is narrow Fifthly A Ladder which reacheth from Earth unto Heaven ought also to be exceeding strong and firm Now Jesus Christ this spiritual Ladder tho' he be Man yet he is also God the most high God Co-eternal Co-essential and Co-equal with the Father and therefore he is mighty strong he is able to bear the weight of all our Sins and of our Persons and Infirmities He is mighty to save Cast thy Burden on the Lord and he shall sustain thee Though he is represented in our Text by a Ladder yet he is also called a Rock a strong Rock a high Rock an everlasting Rock and pray what is firmer than a Rock A Rock is locus exelus a high place Rocks as One notes tho' they have their Roots very low and deep yet their Tops are high and â—o â—ring and lifted up above the surface of other paâ—â—â— of the Earth Some Rocks reach to the Cloudâ— the Lord Jâ—sus is a high Rock in regard of the Dignity of his Person He that cometh 〈◊〉 Hâ—aven is above all He is the brightnes◠〈◊〉 the Father's Glory God hath exalted him and given him a Name above every Name A Roâ—◠〈◊〉 locus stabilis a place of Firmness and Stability Rocks keep their place and move not Now this Ladder is as firm as a Rock Christ is the power of God Originally Essentially 〈◊〉 Perfectly without Alteration without Diminition 1. In Christ all the Attributes of God are united together to save all that venture on him Justice and Mercy in him are met together and Fiss each other He is the Man of God's Right Hand made strong for himself as well as for us 2. Christ is not only Strong as Mediator in respect of his Person but also by God's Eternal Deâ—ree and Purpose God's absolute Decrees are compared to Mountains of Brass he is fixed and stands firm and sure by God's Eternal Purpose hence called a sure Foundation No need to fear venturing up upon such a Ladder should Millions of Sinners at once get upon it 't is strong enough to bear them tho they are never so heavy laden with Sin and Iniquity He that hath born the weight of Divine Wrath and Vengeance can bear and sustain the weight of all that come unto him and venture themselves upon him by Faith and Dependance tho' never so vile and notorious Sinners Sixthly A Ladder so exceeding high must have many Rounds or Gradations to ascend by So Jesus Christ in undertaking our Salvation proceeded gradually Step by Step. 1. He came down from Heaven to fix his Foot in our Nature upon the Earth 2. He was Incarnate or assumed a Body prepared for him by the Father A Body hast thou prepared me 3. He was Born of a Virgin tho' without Sin That 's the third Gradation 4. He lived a Holy and Spiritual Life in exact Conformity to that holy Law which we had broken and violated to procure a Title for us unto Eternal Life 5. He died the Cursed death of the Cross to satisfy divine Justice for us and in our stead 6. He Rose again from the Dead the Third Day for our Justification 7. He Ascended up into Heaven there is the top of the Ladder there he is now in Person tho' he is with his People on Earth by his spirit Lo I am with you alway 8. He makes Intercession pleading the Merits of his Blood for us These are some of those Gradations or Steps of Jacob's Ladder by which all Believers ascend to Heaven Seventhly He that would attain to what he desireth by climbing or descenâ—ing up upon 〈◊〉 Ladder must first come to the Foot of it anâ— so Gradually ascend Step by Step. So that Man that would go to Heaven musâ— be first brought to the Foot of Jesus Christ i. e. he must see his own lost and miserable Condiâ—â—on and know the Impossibility of getting to Heaven any other way All Self righteous Person were never brought to the Foot of this Laâ—deâ— to the Foot of Jesus Christ to acknowledgâ— themselves wretched and undone Sinners◠〈◊〉 No Alas they seeâ—inâ— Necessity of Christ nor oâ— his Righteousness They like the Jews of Old being ignorant of God's Righteousness go abouâ— to establish their own Legâ—â—â— or Inherent Righteousness He that thinks he can get Wings tâ— fly up to Heaven or can build aâ— Tower witâ— his own hands whose Top shall reach thither so that he can that way be saved will neglect nay slight this glorious Contrivanceâ— of God 〈◊〉 infinite Wisdom of Saving Sinners by Jesus Christ and so never come to Christ's Foot 〈◊〉 it is â—aiâ—â— God called Abraham to his Foot A 〈…〉 maybe said to be brought to the Foot of 〈◊〉 Christ who is effectually Convinced of the 〈…〉 he is in without Christ and of 〈◊〉 own I â—ability any other way to Step one Steâ— towards Heaven but with the Publican cryâ— out Lord have Mercy upon me a Sinner Brethrâ—n there are none but sensible Sinners meaâ—â— and heavy-lâ—deâ— Sinners that will come to Christ the â—leâ—t before called are in the same Condition â—or state of Wrath with the rest of Mankinâ— and are enlightned
〈◊〉 are grand Hereticks and know not Christ. 2. Not such who render God only reâ—oncilable or a conditional Saviour not fully reâ—onciled in Jesus Christ according to their Doctrinâ— Christ is yours if you perform the Condition and what is that why change your own Hearts be Regenerated or never venture to believe on Christ. Alas they may as soâ—n create a World as do this it is Christ's work alone we are born of God he works all our works in us Regeneration is the effect of Vnion with Christ. 3. Not such that Preach themselves or that Preach for Gain or seek their own Glory We Preach not ourselves but Jesus Christ the Lord. Consol. O know ye Saints what a happy state you are in you are mounting up and shall ascend on high 2. Angels guard you support and guide you and the holy Spirit also directs every step you take 3. Nay God himself takes you by the hand The steps of a good Man are ordered by the Lord and tho he falls he shall not utterly be cast down because God upholdeth him with his Right-hand This Ladder brings you to God the Lord God is at the top of it 1. He was the Contriver of this way he made this Ladder he prepared it 2. He is above the Ladder denoting tho Christ as Cod is equal with the Father yet as Man or Considered as our Mediator the Father is above him My Father is above all my Father is greater than I. 3. God being also above it it may denote that he upholds it by his eternal Counsel and infinite Power 4. God is above it also as an observer of all that are upon it he sees all that believe on his Son and takes notice of them 5. Moreover he is above it to encourage all that are upon it with his Covenant-Promise I am the Lord the God of Abraham c. be not afraid I will up-hold thee I will strengthen thee c. 6. It may also denote he is at the top of it as an Inviter to call upon poor Sinners to behold his blessed Son the Lamb of God or to believe on him and venture up 7. Lastly he is above it also as a Rewarder or as the end of our Journey But so much at this time SERMON III. GENESIS xxviij xij xiij And behold a Ladder c. THE last Day we shewed you that this Ladder in Jacob's Dream was wonderfully Elivated Lifted up or Exalted conâ—â—dering the Top of it reached up to Heaven from whence we took an occasion to open the wonderderful Honour Advancement Elivation or Exaltaâ—â—on of the Lord Jesus Christ considered as Meâ—â—ator I shall now proceed Twentieth A Ladder the top of which reacheth to Heaven is not only wonderfully Elivated or Exalted but all such Persons who ascend or climb up upon it even to the top thereof are â—reatly Exalted also though not by any Power or Skill of their own yet are so by means of â—â—is Ladder So all Believers who ascend upon this Spiriâ—â—al Ladder the Antitype of Jacob's Ladder Châ—â—st Jesus are hereby Exalted or raised up oâ— high in respect of their spiritual State and Condition and Frames also 1. All such who Believe in Jesus Christ whicâ— is the way to this spiritual Lâ—dâ—er are made thâ— Sons and Daughters of Gâ—â— they aâ—e all adopteâ— Children of the King oâ— Heâ—ven and Earth As many as received him to them gave 〈◊〉 Power to become the Sons of God even to theâ— that believe on his Name This of Son-ship iâ— a very great Priviledge such are greatly yeâ— wonderfully Elivated or Advanced to Honour First Consiâ—â—ring from what a State we are raised Sirs by our Sins we were brought as low as Hell being born Slaves and Vassals of Sin and the Devils or in a state of hellish Bondage Death and misery we were Sons of Perdition or Children of Wrath by Nature as well as others David thought it to be no small honour to be the Son-in-law to an earthly King and he none of the best neither but O how much greater iâ— this Honour this Advancement for God to make such who were Children of Wrath nay of the Devil to be his own Children Children of his most chiefest Love and Affection and Heirâ— of Heaven If Children then Heirs Heirs of God and Joynt-heirs with Christ. Secondly Nay my Beloved they are not only Adopted Sons and Daughters of God who believe in Christ but they are all espoused to Jesus Christ also Believers see that their first Husband is dead viz. the Law by the body of Christ and they also are become dead 〈◊〉 that Wherefore my Brethren ye also are becomâ— dead to the Law by the body of Christ that yâ— should be married to another even to him that iâ— raised from the dead that we should bring fortâ— Fruit unto God Jesus Christ espouseth all true Believers â—very Soul that rightly ascends up this Ladder I have espoused you to one Husband â—â—at I may present you as a chast Virgin to Christ. Our union with Christ is commonly expressed in â—â—e Scripture under the notion of a Marriage How to be married to the Prince of Princes to â—he Prince of the Kings of the Earth is a wonâ—erful elivation Should an earthly Priâ—ce set â—is heart upon and marry a poor Virgin one â—â—at was but a Scullion-maid or a Begger cloathâ—d with filthy Rags what an advancement would this be for such a one to become a Queen and save a Crown of Gold set upon her Head and be embraced in the Arms of a great Monarch or mighty Prince and to lie in his Bosom and to have the attendance of his Servants or Noble retinue But alas what a poor Advancement is that to this Man in honour abideth not but is like â—â—e Beasts that Perish Alas that Honour may be but for a Day and besides to be advanced to earthly grandure may prove the ruin of the Soul for ever Christ is the Heir of both Worlds Heir of God Heir of all things Vpon his Head are seven Crowns Seven is a number of Perfection elsewhere it is said upon his Head were many Crowns all earthly Crowns are his and at his dispose but they are little valued by him he gives them sometimes to his Enemies even to the vilest of Men the Crowns that are on his own Head are Coelestial loaded and sparkling and heavenly Jewels and Diamonds far brighter than Ten Thousand Suns amazing for Glory and are also Eternal And it is likewise said That as his Saints are cloathed in white Raiment so they have on their heads Crowns of Gold which doth denote that state of Dignity and Glory which they are advanced unto Vpon his Right-hand did stand the Queen in Gold of Ophir On his Right-hand the most honourable place next the King as Christ is said to be sate down at the Father's Right-hand so thâ— Saints will be set at his
Right-hand Can theiâ— be greater Honour confer'd upon them Sirs whâ—â— would not adventure up this Ladder when theâ—â— is such such Glory It is indeed the way thâ— only way to possess those Crowns of immortaâ— Grandure that are prepared in Heaven Thirdly By this advancement i.e. by beinâ— Espoused and Married to Jesus Christ all thaâ— Christ hath is theirs they have not Honouâ— only but much Wealth and riches also 1. The Righteousness of Christ is theirs to Justifie them that is the white Raiment oâ— glorious Robe with which they are cloathed 2. His Graces to adorn them In Christ are unsearchable Riches Riches and Righteousness are with me yea durable Riches and Righteousness Hence it is that the Apostle would have the Saints know the greatness of their Riches That ye may know what is the hope of your Calling and what the Riches of the Glory of his Inheritance in the Saints Here is Riches in this Inheritance Many have Riches and no Glory others have Honour prefer'd upon them but have no Riches Ignoble Spirits scrape a great deal of Wealth together in which they place their vain Hope and Hapiness in but die without Honour like the Beasts that Perish Alas their Wealth is but for a Day but this is Lasting Durable Eternal as is their Honour the Crown of Glory fadeth not away it is in Heaven and Saints are a going to it on Jacob's Ladder it is in their view they see it and therefore climb up and shall in due time reach it Happy are they that are called up this Ladder to such a hope it is called the high-calling of God in Christ Jesus Fourthly The Saints are not only the Adopâ—ed Sons and the Spouse of Christ but they are â—orn of God they are begotten and born of God born from above they that are thus called have an heavenly Birth therefore it is an high-calling this gives them meet and fit frames of Spirit such which become their noble Station and blessed Relation What would a relative Change signify without a real Change I mean a Change of State without â— Change of Heart Can a carnal heart see Beauty in Christ or in heavenly things Can â—n earthly Spirit prize or value spiritual Honour or Riches No no a Swine may as well take delight in the Glory of a King's Palace Alas â—e had far rather be on a Dunghil or wallow 〈◊〉 the Mire Moreover much of the advancement of Believers lies in their heavenly Frames and nobleness of their Spirits Works Ends and Aims In this the Righteous is more excellent than his Neighbour 1. He hath a Heavenly a Humble a Meek a Publick a Merciful an Inlightened a Free a Firm a Sublime a Sanctified a Raised an Actâ—ve and a Faithful Spirit and all this proceeds from that New-birth which he is passed under or it is the fruit or effect of his being born of God or regenerated by the holy Spirit These Persons have other Principles also than the rest of Mankind have Every Life hath Principles according to the Nature of it a Vegetative Life according to the Nature of it a Sensitive Life according to the Nature of it and the Rational Life according to the Nature of it So the Life of Grace hath Principles according to the Nature of it A Saint acts for God from a principle of Faith and Love this make the ways of God easy nay sweet and pleasant to him 2. These Men have other work also or imploy themselves in other Business than ungodly Persons do their New-nature prompts them on to make Religion their main Business and they also act freely voluntarily and with a great and strong Propensity in the things of God others act in such matters as Men without heart they must put a force on themselves if they meddle with heavenly Duties and heavenly things because of the earthly and carnal temper and frames of their Hearts But as to heavenly born Souls it is below them to be continually a digging in the Earth and loading themselves with thick Clay or to heap up the dust of the Ground or to take their chiefest Delight in eating and drinking or in pleasing their sensual Lusts No they are going as fast as they can from these things in their Hearts and Affections Love and Delight and Desires they see the Beauty of God and the Excellencies of Jesus Christ they pry into the Mysteries of the Gospel and of that Redemption which is by Jesus Christ They mind eternal things 3. Moreover this new Nature which is wrought in them causes them to have more noble high and sublime Ends and Aims than all others have 'T is not their own honour nor their own profit they seek but it is the honour and glory of God they Aim at God who is at the Top of the Ladder as the end of their Journey as is said before God beloved iâ— their last end it is to reach him enjoy him for evermore they mount up on high Fifthly They are Elivated or highly Advanced and Exalted in that they have such a Sublime Mystical and intimate Union with God and Jesus Christ He that is Joined to the Lord is one Spirit There is saith a Reverend Writer no stricter Union in the World than that of Christ and Believers it is therefore compared to all sorts of Unions Natural and Political He is the Head they the Members he is the Root they the Branches he the Husband they the Wife 'T is so firm so strong a Union intensively that Christ and a Regenerate Man becomes one Spirit as if there was but one Soul in two Bodies what the Spirit doth in Christ it doth also in a Believer acâ—ording to the capacity of his Soul I in them and thou in me that they may be made perfect in One. This shews it is a wonderful and mysterious Union more to be admired then it can be explained And the spring of it rises from the hypostatical Vnion of our Nature with the Divine Nature in the Person of Christ O how doth this exalt Believers Sixthly They are not only elivated advanced and lifted up on high by vertue of this Union but also in that they are allowed and daily have Communion with the Father Son and holy Spirit But without Regeneration or our Natures being first changed this could not be What Communion can there be between a living God and a dead Heart Or between a holy God and a filthy and polluted Creature God hates Sin and he loves it God loves Holiness and he loathes it Justification changes our state that discharged us from the Guilt of Sins but Regeneration changes our Nature and makes us fit to converse with God For as God can take no pleasure in us until his Image is stampt upon us so we can take no Delight nor pleasure in Him Without this Change Heaven would be no Paradice or Heaven unto us