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
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
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.
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
to this Name is the seed of God does as it were cry that is expects Corn and Wine and Oyl and these as it were cry to the Earth that they may receive juice and nourishment from it for their nourishment and increase And the Earth as it were invokes Heaven for Heat Rain Showers Dew Snow Winds and celestial influences And the heavens as it were invokes God the chief cause of all things without whom no second causes can effect or produce any thing and who when he hath a mind to punish can make the Heavens as Brass and the Earth as Iron Deut. 28 2â—â— and detain the fructifying Rain Jer. 14.22 But here being gracious and propitious to men he is pleased to hear giving power to Heaven that by Clouds made of collected vapours and by various fructifying ways it should influence the Earth and the Heaven shall hear the Earth by giving Rain and other things needful to make it fruitful And the Earth shall hear the Corn and the Wine and the Oyl and other things growing upon the Earth whilst moistned from Heaven it gives them juice and vigor And these shall hear Jezreel that is they shall answer the prayers or desires of the Godly and so shall Divine blessing be conveyed to them c. Jonah 1.4 But the Lord cast forth a great Wind into the Sea and there was a mighty tempest in the Sea so that the Ship thought to be broken so the Hebrew that is it was like to be broken as if the Ship had a mind Some explain this by a metonymie of the thing containing that is they that were in the Ship thought that they must speedily suffer shipwrack John 3.8 The Wind bloweth where it listeth and thou hearest the sound thereof but canst not tell whence it cometh nor whither it goeth c. A Will and Walking is attributed to the Wind and Ayr to signifie its various wonderful vicissitudes unknown to man upon which Erasmus in his paraphrase excellently says This Ayr by which we are vegetated and whose power and utility we only feel is very subtile and is called a spirit or Wind and this spirit is not restrained at the pleasure of men but is carryed by its own force by which it is known to diffuse it self through all things having a wonderful power over all corporeal things Sometimes giving Life sometimes Death Now calm and silent then more violent sometimes blowing from the East sometimes from the West and sometimes from other different quarters of the World And discovers it self by the effect You hear its voice when you see no Body neither can it be graspt by the hands you feel it present but you see it not coming neither can you tell whither it goes at its departure The New-birth is like it The minds of men by the Spirit of God are carried away and transformed by secret breathings The ineffable power and effect of it is felt but what is done is not discern'd by the Eyes And so they that are born again are not now acted by a humane and carnal Spirit but by the Spirit of God who quickens and moderates all things See Rom. 8.22 To this Classe belong some Nouns and some Verbs 1. NOVNS as when Arrows are called the Sons of the quiver Lam. 3.13 because they lye hid there as a Child in the Womb Psal. 127.3 4. So Sparkles are called sons of burning Coals Job 5.7 for in both places the Hebrew is so A Tongue is ascribed to Fire Esa. 5.24 and Flame because of some similitude betwixt a Tongue and the tapering Flame See Act. 2.3 A Tongue is also attributed to the Sea Josh. 15.2 5. which is to be understood of a Bay in form like a Tongue So the Tongue of the Egyptian Sea Esa. 11.15 is a certain Bay or River c. The oblong wedge which Achan took is called in the Hebrew a Tongue of Gold Josh. 7.21 A Hand is attributed to a Sword Job 5.20 To a Flame of Fire Esa. 47.14 To Hell Hos. 13.14 By which as in our Translation their power is understood The beginning of a parting way is called the Mother and Head of the Way Ezek. 21.21 2. VERBS Bread is said to be gone away when it is spent 1 Sam. 9.7 See Rev. 18.14 A City is said to Cry Esa. 14.31 So is a Stone Habak 2.11 The Hire of Laboarers defrauded Jam. 5.4 which denotes the grievousness of the sin or punishment See Luke 19.40 To Eat is ascribed to consuming Fire Levit 10.2 Job 1.16 Nah. 3.15 To the destroying Sword 2 Sam. 2.26 Esa. 1.20 Jer. 2.30 And to a Land or Region Numb 13.33 Either because being hard it wasted mens strength in tilling or because of the unwholesomeness of the Air. To Heal Cure or Revive is put for repairing decay'd buildings 1 Chron. 11.8 2 Chron. 24.13 Neh. 4.2 1 King 18.30 Healing is put for blessing the Land 2 Chron. 7.14 Psal. 60.3 4. For making the Waters wholsome 2 Kings 2.21 22. Ezek. 47.8 See more examples Gen. 18.10 14. Gen. 23.16 Cant. 5.5 Jer. 23.9 Jer. 5.28 c. 5. Sometimes Kingdoms Provinces and Cities which are as it were incorporate bodies are spoken of as if they were a single person as 1. The People in general as Esa. 1.5 6. expounded ver 7 8 9. Deut. 33.12 Esa. 7.20 and 8.8 and 30.28 Hab. 3.13 2. Of the whole People more specially but less frequently Lam. 3.1 Esa. 7.20 3. Of a whole City the Scripture speaks as of a Woman Esa. 32.9 An evident example of this Prosopopeia you will find Esa. 1. and Lam. 2. See also Esa. 32.11 with ver 9. Hence the people of the Jews are proposed as a faithless and Adulterous Woman Jer. 3.1 3 4. and 4.30 Ezek. chap. 1â—â— and 23. By which the conjunction of the Church with God is compared to humane Wedlock God himself is proposed in this Allegory as the Husband the Commonwealth of Israel as the Mother out of which sprung the two Kingdoms of Israel and Juda which are compared with Daughters Ezek. 23.2 There were two women the Daughters of one Mother ver 3. and they committed Whoredoms in Egypt And when they were espoused in a Covenant way to God they most wickedly forsook him and committed frequent Adulteries c. For they are spiritual Adulteries and Whoredoms which Jehovah so often reprehends and detests by his Prophets when joyned with impenitence Exod. 34.15 16. Deut. 31.16 Judg. 2.17 Esa. 1.21 and 57.3 Nah. 3.4 c. Esa. 23.15 16 17. 4. The Name of Mother is attributed to a City 2 Sam. 20.19 By which the Chief or Metropolitan City is understood from whence the rest derive their original and owe subjection to Josh. 17.16 Numb 21.25 Judg. 11.26 2 Sam. 8.1 The whole people of God are called Mother Esa. 50.1 Hos. 2.2 Because it begets or ought to beget spiritual Sons to God Hence 't is translated to the heavenly Jerusalem the New Testament Church Gal. 4.26 5. The Name
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
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
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
〈◊〉 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.
thirty two Cubits broad and all Stumbling-Blocks and other Impediments taken thereout XIII The Ways to the Cities of Refuge were made easy to find at every Partition or cross Turnings they set up a Writing Refuge Refuge XIV The Man-slayer was to flie with speed to the City of Refuge lest the Pursuer overtook him XV. The Man-slayer was not only to flie to the City of Refuge but to get into it and abide there till the Death of the High-Priest then living XVI Those that were got into the City of Refuge before the Avenger of Blood overtook them were safe and delivered from Death Parallel I. SInners nay the Godly themselves are oft-times in great Danger and Distress In my Distress I called upon the Lord. II. God is the only Refuge who is fit and capable to relieve them that flie to him III. Those who would have God for their Refuge in the Day of Trouble ought to know or understand what a God he is God is known in her Palaces for a Refuge And they that know his Name will put their Trust in him IV. God is near to all that call upon him that call upon him in Truth Not only a God afar off but a God at hand V. God is a Refuge infinite in Strength able to save all to the uttermost who by Christ Jesus flie to him VI. God secures his Church and People from innumerable Multitudes of Infernal Internal and External Enemies Edom the Ishmaelites of Moab the Hagarens Gebal Ammon Amalek with the Inhabitants of Tyre were all confederate against God's Israel yet by being in this glorious Refuge they were safe VII God secures his People from the Wrath of the King of Darkness who goes up and down like a roaring Lion seeking whom he may devour and from the Wrath of Antichrist that bloody-Beast and First-born of Hell And were it not for this Refuge we had long ago been destroyed VIII God being the Saints Refuge greatly animates encourages and fortifies their Minds against all the dreadful and amazing Dispensations of God When there are Signs in the Sun and in the Moon and in the Stars and on the Earth Blood Fire and Vapour of Smoke When there is Distress of Nations with Perplexity the Sea and the Waves roaring and Mens Hearts failing for Fear and for looking after those things which are coming upon the Earth For the Powers of Heaven shall be shaken In such a Day as this the Godly are secured and with David say Vnder the shadow of thy Wings will I make my Refuge until these Calamities are â—â—ver-past I will both lay me down in Peace and sleep for thou Lord makest me to dwell in Safety IX God as a Refuge preserves the publick Prosperity and Weal of his Church and People from the Envy of Devils and other implacable Enemies Lâ—â— thâ—â— Kings were assembled they passed by together saith David they marvelled and were troubled Fear took hold on them Why what is the Matter Because God discomfits them They are broken in pieces and cannot destroy the Joy of Mount Zion How comes this about God is known in her Palaces for a Refuge X. God is a Refuge who saves from Death and secures our Lives from the Destroyer and bloody-minded Men. Bâ—â—bylon always thirsts after and is ready to spill the Blood of God's Children and were it not that they are preserved under the Wings of the Almighty or secured by his glorious Arm they had been cut off Root and Branch before now XI Jehovah is a Refuge in and through Christ against Conscience Wrath and the Law who accuse and pursue poor Sinners and this by the Appointment of God Neither is there Help or Succour for them any where else XII There is a plain Way made to God the Father this blessed Refuge for Sinners through the Blood of Jesus all Stumbling-Blocks and Obstructions being removed See Christ the Way XIII God hath made such Provision and laid down such clear Directions leading to himself in the holy Scripture that no wise and wary Man can mistake or lose his Way XIV Those that would find Refuge in God must not neglect flying to him by Faith and Regeneration How shall we escape if we neglect so great Salvation XV. Those that would find Refuge in God must not abide without in a visible Profession and go no further but get a Dwelling in the Almighty and there abide as long as they live See God a Habitation XVI Those that get into God by the Blood and Mediation of Jesus before Wrath and Vengeance overtake them or Death cut them off are safe and graciously delivered from eternal Death There is no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus c. Metaphor I. OTher Refuges save or secure only from human Violence and Danger II. Other Refuges may not be ready at hand nor quickly found in Time of Calamity III. Other Refuges may not be out of the Reach and Attack of the Enemy nor be strong enough to secure against Assaults IV. Many Men flie to Persons and Things for Refuge which greatly deceive them They sometimes make Gold and Silver their Hope trust in their Trades Friends Princes Parliaments and Potentates of the Earth but in vain alas is Salvation hoped for from such Hills and Mountains I looked on my right hand and behold there was no Man would know me Refuge failed me and no Man cared for my Soul How have many been undone in former and latter Days by flying to false and deceitful Refuges expecting they would be Fathers and Nourishers to them There is no Trust to be put in the Sons of the Mighty The Pope and his Cardinals have a Proverb amongst them Mercatorum est non Regum stare Juramentis 'T is for Merchants not for Princes to stand to that which they have sworn V. The Cities of Refuge under the Law were only for the Man-slayer who by Chance or Casualty kill'd a Man not for wilful Murtherers Disparity I. GOD is a Refuge that saves and delivers from Spiritual and Eternal Dangers II. God is a Refuge that is always at hand and to be found by all such as seek him timely before the Day of Grace be over III. God is a high and strong Refuge Hence David resolved to make his Refuge under the Wings of the Almighty by which Phrase as some observe he compares the Lord to an Eagle to which he is resembled in Deut. 32.11 and himself to one of the Eagle's Young The Eagle mounts aloft dwells on high No Man saith Pliny can reach or touch the Eagle's Nest being made upon or rather in the Clifts of the inaccessible Rocks She abideth as saith Job on the Crag of the Rock and strong Place There she hides her young Ones who are safe enough But a godly Man who makes his Refuge in the Rock of Ages under the Wings of God's Providence and
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
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
only endued with natural Wisdom and that far beyond Solomon A greater than Solomon is here but hath had the Advantage also of such Education that none ever had being brought up with God himself He hath all the Treasures of Wisdom in him is skill'd in all Politicks hath knowledg in all Laws nothing passeth his Skill Thou knowest all things He is called the Wisdom of God Christ the Power of God and the Wisdom of God III. Jesus Christ was chosen to be King by God the Father as 't is said I have exalted one chosen out of the People And tho the Fathers or Elders amongst the Jews refused him yet the Children gave their Vote for him crying Hâ—â—sannah to the Son of David IV. Jesus Christ was anointed with the Oil of Gladness above his Fellows He was by the Holy Spirit consecrated King for ever The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord hath anointed me c. V. Jesus Christ was likewise proclaimed first by the Angels To you is born in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord Afterwards by the Wise Men at Jerusalem and at Herod â—â—s Court by a Star and by the Shepherds at Bethlehem VI. This did Jesus Christ in three eminent Cases 1. In speaking comfortably to all his Loyal Subjects as you may see in Mat. 5. at large 2. In giving Laws and expounding Difficulties as you may see in Mat. 6. at large 3. In bestowing his Bounty upon the Poor releasing Prisoners that were bound and in appointing an Hospital for the Sick VII Jesus Christ hath a Right to the highest Palaces in this World as he was born Heir to the Universal Emperor by whom he was at last advanced to the great Palace of the highest Heavens called the holy Palace VIII Jesus Christ our great King had the Attendance of Angels who shewed their Allegiance and paid their Homage and Service at sundry times as there appeared Occasion for them 1. They proclaimed him 2. They attended his Person to assist him in his Straits 3. They assisted his other Servants 4. They declared his Resurrection from the Dead 5. They assured his coming in Glory after his Ascension 6. They are appointed to bear him company and to attend him at his coming from Heaven the second time The Son of Man shall come and all the holy Angels with him IX Jesus Christ is invested with Power All Power is given to me in Heaven and Earth tho at the first entrance upon his Kingdom in the days of his Flesh his Power did not appear so splendent and glorious as it will hereafter X. Jesus Christ hath many Subjects assigned him by God which subscribe to his Power Some voluntarily as the Angels others by force as the Devils and by virtue of his commanding Power as the Winds and Seas which obeyed him XI Jesus Christ received Commandment from the Father from which he would never swerve and also published and established Laws to be observed as Rules of Government to the end of the World XII Jesus Christ rules and governs so well that his worst Enemies could not cannot charge him with Evil yet they did not do not love and honour him but the Sons of Wickedness rose up and still do rise up in Rebellion against him I honour my Father but you dishonour me a Man which hath told you the Truth this did not Abraham Bring out those mine Enemies c. XIII Jesus Christ hath great and large Dominions all Power in Heaven Earth and Hell He is the Head of all Principalities and Powers in Heaven he is the Head of every Man on Earth and hath the Command of all the infernal Spirits in Hell XIV Jesus Christ hath this great and high Prerogative to make Peace or to proclaim Peace to all the Sons of Men upon Submission and to send a Sword where his just Prerogative is resisted In whatsoever House ye enter first say Peace if the Son of Peace be there c. I came not to send Peace but a Sword XV. Jesus Christ that was made a little lower than the Angels for the suffering of Death is crown'd with Glory and Honour c. The Scepter of thy Kingdom is a right Scepter As I have overcome and sate down with my Father upon his Throne XVI Jesus Christ hath the Father and Holy Spirit without whose Counsel he acteth nothing either in the Affairs of Heaven Earth or Hell There are three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Spirit and these three are one Of this Council Offenders are in danger and to this Council grand Criminals are delivered up for Punishment XVII Jesus Christ hath the peculiar Prerogative to send Embassadors He sent the twelve Apostles to the World who said We are Embassadors for Christ. And He sent his Angel to the Churches to treat with them about their present and eternal Welfare I Jesus have sent mine Angel c. XVIII Jesus Christ makes Substitutes to this end By him Kings reign and Princes decree Justice By him Princes rule and Nobles even all the Judges of the Earth these for the World And when he ascended up on high he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for his Church by this shewing that He is supreme Head in all Causes Ecclesiastical as well as Civil XIX Jesus Christ saved the Gospel-Church before the Destruction of Jerusalem by giving them counsel to flie upon the sight of Signs and the Legal Church in the Wilderness by the convenient Providences of a Pillar of Fire by Night and a Pillar of a Cloud by Day He was the Angel of God's Presence that saved them and marvellously hath he and doth he now save and preserve his Church from Popish Rage and Cruelty in this and other Nations XX. Jesus Christ hath a high Court of Judicature in Heaven where he judgeth Emperors and Kings that are out of the power and reach of a human Hand from whence he sends Angels who are higher than they to punish them for Pride and Oppression as in the Case of Nebuchadnezzar who was by the holy Ones cast from his Throne and Herod who was smitten by an Angel for his Pride And a lower Court where his Church for him and in his Name judgeth Delinquents of a lower Rank XXI Jesus Christ hath many great Prerogatives Rights Privileges and Excellencies pertaining to him 1. He receives Petitions Lord Jesus receive my Spirit 2. He pardons Offenders The Son of Man hath Power to forgive Sins 3. He confers Honour I thank Christ Jesus who hath put me into the Ministry 4. He gives Commissions Go ye into all the World 5. He receives Tribute The honourable Women ministred unto him not without reason for he was Lord of all 6. He keeps an Exchequer called the
unsearchable Riches of Christ. 7. He shuts evil Persons out of the Church as he served Judas and will shut them out of the new Jerusalem at the last Day He scatters Wickedness by his Laws and Doctrine of Holiness He takes care of his Subjects and smites those that persecute his Church He is a Praise to all them that do well and much more will be when he advanceth his Saints to be Rulers over many Cities and sets them upon Thrones and he pronounces the Sentence Well done good and faithful Servant enter into the Joy of thy Lord. King I. THe Kings of the Earth do not create their Subjects II. The Kings of the Earth are naturally weak and many ways defective in point of Qualification III. The Kings of the Earth are ordinarily made and instituted by Men. IV. The Kings of the Earth have their Political Power Strength and Maintenance from their People V. Kings have their Power limited and confined to a certain part of the Earth VI. The Kings of the Earth may be over-reached in their Politicks as Solomon was by Women VII The Kings of the Earth may alter from better to worse and turn Tyrants as too many have formerly done VIII The Kings of the Earth may be toss'd from their Thrones and have their Kingdoms taken from them by an invincible Force which they cannot withstand as in the Case of Nebuchadnezzar and many others IX The Kings of the Earth are mortall and must die I said ye are Gods but you shall die like Men and fall like one of the Princes Mors pulsat aequo pede pauperum Tabernas Regúmque Turres Horat. X. The Kings of the Earth even the greatest and highest amongst them are but the Sons of Earth earthly very low and meanly descended in comparison of Christ. XI The best and greatest Honours and Favours the Kings of the Earth can confer on Men are temporal and fading XII The Kings of the Earth in their Execution of Wrath and taking Revenge can but hurt and kill the Bodies of their Enemies the Soul is out of their reach Disparity I. JEsus Christ the King of Kings created his Subjects both Angels and Men Whether they be Principalities or Powers Things in Heaven or Things on Earth all Things were made by him and for him II. Jesus Christ hath more than the Strength of an Unicorn is called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah hath all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg yea all Fulness III. Christ is a King made and set up immediatly by God himself who hath made him higher than the Kings of the Earth and set him King for ever upon the holy Hill of Zion He hath exalted one chosen out of the People IV. Christ's Riches and Strength are of and from himself He that has the Power of the Godhead dwelling bodily in him needs not Strength or Maintenance from others V. Jesus Christ is Lord of all hath all Power in Heaven and Earth committed to him He hath an unlimited Power Angels and Principalities are subject to him he is set up over all the Works of God's hands VI. Jesus Christ is the Wisdom of God and could not be circumvented by great Beelzebub who is the most subtil Politician all his mysterious Stratagems were to Him but as the Cords of Tow to Sampson in the Mightiness of his Divine Strength This great Captivity Jesus led captive and having spoiled Principalities and Powers he made a shew of them openly and was with a most Majestick Triumph attended to his Throne in Heaven VII But Jesus Christ being naturally and essentially good abides immutably so is the same yesterday to day and for ever VIII But Jesus Christ is for ever set down at the right hand of God upon the Throne of his Excellency and there will continue till the end of Time till all his Enemies shall be made his Footstool He will overthrow the Dragon with all his Infernal Force so that there shall be no more Place found for them and in a short time will swallow up Death in Victory The last Enemy that shall be destroyed is Death IX But Jesus Christ being raised from the Dead by the Glory of his Father dies no more Death hath no more dominion over him I am he that was dead and am alive and behold I live for evermore and have the Keys of Death and Hell To Him it is said Thy Throne O God is for ever and ever a Scepter of Righteousness is the Scepter of thy Kingdom X. Jesus Christ is highly discended the immediate Off-spring of God greater in point of Pedegree than all the Sons of Nobles called in Scripture the Man of God's Right-Hand his Fellow He thought it no Robbery to be equal with God The second Man Adam is the Lord from Heaven Therefore truly called the Lord of Glory Had they known him they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory XI But Jesus Christ the King of Heaven can confer Honours and enrich with such Favours as are everlasting With him are durable Riches and Righteousness He hath promised a Crown which never fadeth away XII But the Lord Jesus can destroy both the Bodies and Souls of Men whether Kings or mighty Ones of the Earth that are his Enemies and make them cry out to the Rocks to fall on them and to the Mountains to cover them and hide them from the Wrath of the Lamb who can cast the Dragon the Beast and the false Prophet with all their Adherents into the Lake that burns with Fire and Brimstone Inferences I. FRom hence we may plainly see the clear and undoubted Right which the Lord Jesus Christ hath to all the Works of God's hands 1. By his great Descent he is the natural Son of God The Word was with God and the Word was God and Being in the Form of God thought it no Robbery to be equal with God called the Man that is God's Fellow 2. He is qualified 3. He is chosen 4. Anointed 5. Proclaimed All which may challenge a Right to a Regal Power II. From hence we infer the undoubted Duty of all both Angels and Men to obey him Emperors Kings Princes Nobles and all the Judges of the Earth owe Homage and Service to him therefore commanded to kâ—â—ss the Son c. III. From hence we infer the good and happy State of all his Friends and Favourites He both can and will do great things for them gives great things unto them saves them from Sin Death and the Devil He will invest them with a Kingdom a Crown a Throne and unspeakable Glory Which Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither hath it entred into the Heart of Man to conceive the Things which God hath laid up for those that love him IV. Moreover from hence we may infer what the sad and miserable State of his Enemies will be without Repentance and the Necessity of their
Submission to Him even Emperors Kings Princes Nobles Captains Armies Freemen Bondmen even all both small and great He hath Power to punish all Treasons Rebellions Affronts Misdemeanors and Indignities whatsoever All that will not hear and obey him shall be destroyed He will speak to them in his Wrath and vex them in his sore Displeasure His Enemies shall be cloathed with Shame All that hate him shall be confounded and flie before him They shall be like the Dust how great soever They shall call for the Rocks to fall on them and to the Mountains to cover them from the Face of him that sits upon the Throne and from the Wrath of the Lamb. V. From hence we are taught to observe That it is our Duty 1. To adore reverence and honour Him 2. To obey and keep his Law 3. To trust in Him only for Defence and Protection 4. To pray that He would take to him his great Power and reign O blessed Son of David King of the Jews King of Israel Lord of the Gentiles Governor of Nations and King of Kings thy Kingdom come that thy Will may be done in Earth as it is in Heaven VI. From hence we infer the happy State that the whole Universe shall be in in God's appointed Time when this good great and mighty Potentate shall take to him his great Power and obtain a full Possession of all his Right When the Heavens shall rain down Righteousness and out of the Earth shall spring forth Joy The Mountain's shall drop new Wines and the Hills shall flow with Milk The Light of the Moon shall be as the Light of the Sun and the Light of the Sun as the Light of seven Days The Heavens shall rejoyce ever us and drop Fatness the Weary shall be at Rest and break forth into Singing A Jubilee shall be proclaimed and Persecution no more heard Judgment shall run down like Water and Righteousness like a mighty Stream Every Man shall sit under his own Vine and under his own Fig-Tree and none make him afraid Peace to all the Ends of the Earth Swords beaten into Plowshares and Spears into Pruning-Hooks no Nation lifting a Sword against his Neighbour no levying War any more No more Earthquakes nor Famine but a fruitful and peaceable Earth The poor Man shall overtake the Reaper and the Treader of Grapes him that soweth Seed And the Mountains shall drop sweet Wines and the Hills shall melt The Captivity of Israel shall be brought again they shall build the old waste Places and plant Vineyards and drink the Wine thereof make Gardens and eat the Fruit thereof Come to Zion with Songs and everlasting Joy where this King shall sit and appear in his Glory Israel shall rejoyce and Judah shall be glad It shall fare well with the whole Creation For the Ox and 〈◊〉 Asse that eare the Ground shall eat clean Provender winnowed with Fan and Shovel The Effect of his Kingdom shall be Peace for the Righteous shall flourish and have abundance of Peace and the Fruit of its Righteousness and Assurance for ever For not only the People shall be all righteous but upon the Bells of the Horses there shall be Holiness to the Lord. And the Ransomed shall come to Zion with everlasting Joy upon their Heads They shall obtain Joy and Gladness and all Sorrow Heaviness and Sighing shall flie away For as the Earth bringeth forth her Bud and as the Garden flourisheth with Things that are sown in it so shall the Lord God maâ—â— Righteousness and Praise spring forth before all the Nations Blessed be God Christ a Priest Heb. 7.17 For he testifieth Thou art a Priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedec Vers. 26. For such an High-Priest becometh us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from Sinners and made higher than the Heavens Type I. THe High-Priest was taken from among Men but it behoved him not to have any Blemish II. The Priest assumed not to himself this Office but was called to it of God they were consecrated by Imposition of Hands when they were twenty five Years old III. The Priests were anointed with Oil and washed with Water Thou shalt take thee anointing Oil and pour it upon his Head and he shall wash his Flesh in Water IV. The Priest was gloriously cloathed Thou shalt make holy Garments for Aaron thy Brother for Glory and Beauty V. The Priest was to have a holy Crown upon his Head VI. The Priest's Body and Loins were to be covered with clean Linnen VII The High-Priest bore the Names of the Tribes of Israel upon his Breast when he went in before the Lord. VIII The High-Priest had Vrim and Thummim upon his Breast IX The High-Priest had an engraven Plate of Gold Thou shalt make a Plate of pure Gold and engrave upon it like the engraving of a Signet HOLINES TO THE LORD And it shall be upon Aaron's Forehead that Aaron may bear the Iniquity of the holy Things and it shall always be upon his Forehead that they may be accepted before the Lord. X. Aaron the Priest was Moses's Mouth to the People XI The High-Priest was not to marry a Widow a divorced Woman nor an Harlot but a chast Virgin XII The Priest's work was to offer Sacrifices for the Sins of the People For every High-Priest is ordained to offer Gifts and Sacrifices c. XIII The Priest was to take the Blood of the Bullock and dip his Finger in it and sprinkle seven times the Mercy-Seat c. and likewise the Blood of Calves and Goats and he sprinkled the Book and all the People the Tabernacle and the Vessels of the Ministry XIV The Priest's Garments were to remain after him to cloath and adorn his Sons withal XV. The Priests were to sound the Trumpets which as Mr. Godwin observes were twofold sometimes an Alarm to War sometimes to assemble the People XVI The Priests of the Lord were to teach the Law to the People The Priest's Lips should keep Knowledg and they should seek the Law at his Mouth XVII The Priest was to judg of the Plague of the Leprosy and to pronounce clean or unclean XVIII The Priests under the Law made and anointed Kings Jehoiada the Priest and his Sons anointed Joash King of Judah XIX The Priests were to appoint Officers over the House of God and it did not appertain to the Civil Magistrate to intermeddle in the Priest's Office See the Case of Vzziah 2 Chron. 26.20 XX. The Priests of the Lord were to bless the People XXI The High-Priest only went into the Holiest of all and that not without Blood to make Atonement XXII The High-Priest only made the Perfume for Burnt-Offerings and it might not be applied to any other use but to burn before the Lord. XXIII The Death of the High-Priest set the guilty Person or Man-slayer free who had fled to the City of Refuge After the
are to be performed and done through Christ's Name and all our Prayers which are our Spiritual Incense are to be made through his Mediation all must be done which God hath appointed upon his own Altar or 't will be abhorr'd IV. The Saints spiritual Altar Jesus Christ is but one who only once and in one place offered up a sufficient Sacrifice for Sin V. The Lord Jesus our spiritual Altar doth sanctify all our Duties and Prayers which are in themselves impure VI. Jesus Christ is a Believers only Refuge it is through him and by flying to him God comes to be intreated and is kind and merciful unto us VII Christ was not only sprinkled with his own Blood but we may thereby learn that all our Prayers and Duties are not only accepted through his Intercession but also by the Means of his shedding and sprinkling of his Blood VIII These four Horns signified the Power and Glory of Christ's Priest-hood for the Salvation of his Elect from the four Corners of the Earth Type I. THe Altar and Sacrifice the Altar and Incense were two things II. Other Altars only sanctifyed the Gift ceremonianlly or figuratively and could not otherways III. Other Altars were to stand but for a time 't is a Sin now to erect such Altars because the Antitype or Substance of them is come IV. Other Altars were made of corruptible Matter viz. Shittim Wood. Disparity I. CHRIST alone is both the Sacrifice and Sacrificer II. Christ sanctifies all the Prayers and Duties of the Godly really by reason of that intrinsecal Worth Vertue and Excellency there is in him and in his Death c. III. Christ our Altar and High-Priest abides for ever Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec Heb. 5.6 IV. Christ is incoruptible that was of a perishing Nature but this Altar perisheth not Inferences I. THis reproves those that erect Altars in their Churches as the Papists and others do Saints own no Altar but Christ. II. We may infer from hence that those that serve at the Jewish Tabernacles have no Right to eat of this Altar for they thereby deny him to be their Altar III. This shews the Gospel Church and Worship is far more glorious than the Legal Church and Worship was Christ Heir of all things Heb. 1.2 Whom he hath appointed Heir of all things THe term Heir in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sors or a Lot and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lex the Law is one that inherits an Estate Lot or Portion by Law and therefore God the Father being the Soveraign Owner and Proprietor of all things devolves the Inheritance upon his only begotten Son Jesus Christ. And so though he is really and properly an Heir yet the Term is by a Metaphor borrowed from worldly Heirs This word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is appropriated by Custom to the â—â—lergy or Ecclâ—â—siastical Persons but it really signifies God's Lot or Inheritance 〈◊〉 is all â—â—he Faithful and therefore 1 Pet. 5.3 should not be translated God's Clergy but God's Inheritance Weemes Divin Exercit. The most probable Derivation of the woâ—â—d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is from the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Goral which by a Transposition of Letters and the letter Gimel changed into the Greek Kappa will be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Coral which is of near Affinity in sound and signification to the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whence as was said comes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an Heir Now the universal Body of Believers is the Inheritance or Clergy if we must so call it of God Isa. 19.25 which Universal Church is distributed into particular Churches as it were by Lots or Parts neither â—â—s the Term any where in Scripture peculâ—â—arly attributed to the Pastors of the Churches as Laurentius and Gerhard upon 1 Pet. 5.2 demonstrate Metaphor I. AN Heir is the First-born usually though it holds not universally so for all Right to Estates Kingdoms and Possessions are not Hereditary II. An Heir is the Head of a Family the chief and Supream of all his Father's House III. Sometimes a Person is made Heir and hath both Title and Possession by virtue of a Grant and Surrender made by another that is allied or bears good will to him IV. An Heir is the Support and Stay of a Family all depend and rely upon him the whole Estate and Inheritance being his V. An Heir is Lord of all he hath Headship Dominion and Power over all whatsoever he is the Heir of whether Persons or Things one or more Kingdoms See Gal. 4.1 VI. An Heir distributes Portions to others he enricheth all his younger Brethren and Sisters and gives Gifts if a kingly and mighty Heir to all his Friends and Favourites VII A Princely Heir or one that is an Heir to a Crown and Kingdom is proclaimed and his Right asserted VIII An Heir at a certain time comes to the Inheritance or takes actual Possession of that which he is Heir of Parallel I. CHRIST the Heir of all Things is the Fathers First-born I will make him my First-born higher than or high above the Kings of the Earth Psal. 89.27 II. Christ is the Head of the heavenly Family He hath put all things under his Feet And gave him to be Head over all things to the Church Eph. 1.21 22. III. Christ as he hath absolute Right or is Heir of all things As he is the First-born among many Brethren he hath also a delegated Right he hath his Title and Possession by Grant from the Father hence 't is said He is appointed Heir of all things God the Father in the pursuit of the Soveraign Purpose of his Will hath granted unto the Son as Incarnate and Mediatour of the New Covenant according to the eternal Counsel between them both a Sovereign Right or Heirship the Possession of an absolute Proprietor to dispose of all things at his pleasure IV. Christ is the only Support and Bearer-up of the whole Church by whom the whole Family in Heaven and Earth are named so all the Faithful depend and rely upon him for all things In whom are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg It pleased the Father that in him all Fulness should dwell V. Christ who is the true and undoubted Heir is Lord of all That in all things he might have the Pre-eminence All Power in Heaven and Earth is given to me the Father hath subjected all things unto him And 't is reasonable that Christ should have this Soveraign Power and Headship sith all things were made by him and for him it was meet he should be Lord of all Besides this made good the Promise made to Abraham which was that his Seed should be Heir of the World Moreover hereby is the grant of that Request of Christ to the Father He shall have the whole World for his Inheritance the ends of the Earth for his Possession
He is both King of Saints and King of Nations 1. He is Lord over Angels he is Head of Principalities and Powers Thrones and Dominions He hath Power and Authority over the good Angels these are part of his Inheritance Let all the Angels of God worship him 2. He hath Preheminence and Dominion over the evil Angels they fly before him He hath spoiled Principalities and Powers c. Col. 2.15 3. He is the Head and hath Preheminence over Men He is Lord both of the Dead and Living all the Elect are given to him they are his in manifold respects Children Servants Brethren Disciples Subjects Spouse c. 4. The Power and Headship of Christ as Heir of all things extends to all Mankind universally all owe him Homage and shall submit and bend their Knees to Him He hath an absolute unlimited and Universal Power may pull down and set up at his pleasure kill and make alive all mighty Monarchs are but Tenants at Will to him 5. He hath Power and Headship in an especial manner over all things to the Church Frist Judaical or Old-Testament things Secondly Christian or New-Testament things Christ being Heir and Lord of all things whatever the Soveraign Disposer of all those Rites and Ordinances of Worship about which the Jews contended must needs be in his Hand to change and alter them as he saw good The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath and as he is Head over all things He hath Right and Soveraignty to make ordain or appoint Laws Ordinances and Institutions and to prescribe Rules how and after what manner God is to be worshipped belongs only to Christ the Heir of all things and Head of the Church VI. Christ distributes in a glorious manner to others he gives large Portions to the Saints whom he is not ashamed to call Brethren He that doth the Will of my Father the same is my Brother Sister and Mother Regenerating quickning sanctifying assisting comforting and sealing Grace is bestowed and freely given to Believers with Pardon Peace Sonship and eternal Life yea all things are given that appertain to Life and Godliness to such that are Heirs and Joynt-Heirs with him when he ascended on high he gave Gifts unto Men. Eph. 4.8 VII Christ the Heir of all things when he first came into the World was proclaimed by the Angels of God as the rightful Heir of the Crown and Scepter of both Worlds He shall be great and shal be called the Son of the Highest and the Lord God shall give unto him the Throne of his Father David And he shall reign over the House of Jacob for ever and ever and of his Kingdom there shall be no end His Right was often asserted by himself as Mat. 28. Joh. 13.3 and by others his Apostles c. VIII There was a set time agreed upon when Christ as Mediator should come to his Inheritance who is appointed Heir c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may denote either those special Acts whereby he came into the full Possession of his Heirship or it may be extended to other Preparatory Acts that long preceded them especially if we should take it to be of the same Importance with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the second Aorist In the former sence it denotes the glorious Investiture of Christ in the full Possession of his Kingdom after his Resurrection with the Manifestation of it in his Ascension and token of its stability in his sitting down at the Right-hand of God By all these God made him placed Him with solemn Investiture Heir of all The Grant was made to him upon his Resurrection Mat. 28.18 and then fully declared to others The Solemnization of it was in his Ascension all was sealed and ratified when he took Possession of the Throne by all which he was made and declared to be Lord and Christ the true Heir of all things And such weight doth the Scripture lay upon the glorious Investiture of Christ in his Inheritance that it speaks of his whole Power as then first granted unto him Rom. 14.9 Phil. 2.7 8 9 10. and the reason of it is because he had then actually performed that Work and Duty upon consideration whereof that Power and Authority were eternally designed and originally granted unto him God's actual committing all Power over all Things and Persons in Heaven and Earth to be executed and managed for the ends of his Mediation declaring this Act Grant and Delegation by his Resurrection Ascension and sitting at his Right-hand is that which this Word denotes Notwithstanding the time of the visible Possession of his Right is not yet come he will take unto him his great Power that is the visible Exercise and Execution of it and Reign Wilt thou at this time restore the Kingdom to Israel And he said unto them It is not for you to know the Times and Seasons which the Father hath in his own Power Metaphor I. AN Heir many times is one that succeeds in the Possession of the Right and Goods of one deceased and till then cannot possess the Inheritance II. An Heir is many times disinherited of his Right cut off excluded and utterly deprived of his Crown and Kingdom by an usurp'd Power III. An Heir among Men hath comparatively but small Possessions Disparity I. CHrist enjoyes all as he is Heir of all things with the Father who dyeth not but is like the Son immortal eternal not subject to any Change The Son being Heir doth not eclipse nor diminish the Glory of the Father II. Christ shall not cannot be disinherited Tho wicked Men take Counsel together to obstruct and hinder his visible Exaltation yet all is in vain He that sits in Heaven shall laugh The Lord shall have them in Derision and will set his King upon his holy Hill of Zion I will make my First born higher than the Kings of the Earth III. Christ you hear is Heir of all things He is Head and Chief Lord over Angels and Men over all Ranks and Degrees of Men Emperours Kings and all the Nobles of the Earth over all Persons Civil and Ecclesiastical over Devils and all the Powers of Darkness He is Heir of the World to come the new Heaven and Earth and of all the Glory of it as of the Earth or the Kingdoms of this World Inferences I. FRom hence we may perceive how exceedingly God hath honoured the Lord Jesus Christ as Mediator He hath a Name above every Name in this World or that which is to come II. Moreover it is evident from hence Christ is very Rich. Who would not marry such an Heir or choose the Lord Jesus for their Husband The Riches of his Kingdom the good things of his House the Revenues of his Dominion are infinite and inexhaustible and he is very gracious and bountiful in his Communication of them unto all that take hold of him III. 'T is easy to conclude from hence that those that
intend to be Partakers of any good in Heaven or Earth in a way of Right in a way of Love and Mercy must get an Interest in Christ and abide in continual Obedience to the Gospel IV. In vain are all the Endeavours of wicked Men in keeping him from the Possession of his Right He will soon dash them in pieces and tread them under his Feet who oppose his coming to the Throne and the taking full Possession of his Inheritance V. Let us have our Eyes continually up unto him and pray that he would make haste to lay claim to his Right and take unto him his great Power and reign Let us cry Thy Kingdom come thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven c. Christ the only Foundation Isa. 28.16 Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone a tryed Stone a precious Corner-Stone a sure Foundation c. 1 Cor. 3.11 For other Foundation can no Man lay than that which is laid which is Jesus Christ. THis Term Foundation is Relative it relates to a House the Metaphor is taken from Architects The Church of God is compared to a House or Building and Jesus Christ to the Foundation thereof the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to put or place metaphorically denotes the chief head or principal thing without which what depends upon it cannot subsist no more than a Structure without a Foundation Metaphora a Fundamentis aedificiorum sumpta quae firma immota esse opportet Victorin Shigel in Nov. Test. METAPHOR I. A Foundation of a House or Building is the Contrivance of a wise and skilful Architect or chief Master-Builder II. A Foundation as to the Form Manner and Dimension of it is agreed upon and laid out by the chief Master-Builder III. A Foundation is the first part of a Building 't is laid before the Superstructure can be raised 't is the bottom of the whole Fabrick IV. A Foundation of a stately Structure is laid deep and much of it is out of sight and hard to find the Bottom of it V. A Foundation of a House must be laid of suitable Matter or that which is sure and safe to build a Superstructure upon hence the Foundation is usually laid with Stone if a stately House because durable VI. A Foundation of a stately Structure or Building is laid with tried Stones such Stones that the Builder knoweth the Nature and Temper of and not only so but to be sure he oft-times proves them himself with the Hammer and sets his Servants to prove and try them likewise VII A Foundation is a necessary part of a Building there can be no House built without a Foundation And it is very dangerous to build upon a false and rotten Foundation witness the overthrow of the House built upon the Sand. VIII When the Foundation-stone or Bottom of the Building is laid there are many Stones added and joyned to it and all the whole Structure is united and fitted to the Foundation IX The Foundation is the strongest part of the House it is that which bears up and supports the whole Fabrick X. There is Proportion between the Foundation and Superstructure you may judg of the House for Matter and Form by the Foundation thereof XI As the Foundation beareth the weight of the whole Fabrick and Structure so also the whole Furniture and all which doth adorn it is born by it Parallel I. THe Lord Jesus the Spiritual Foundation is the glorious Contrivance of the eternal God who is the wise and chief Master-Builder of Heaven and Earth II. The Father having chosen Christ God-man for this glorious Design laid him for a Foundation in his eternal Decree and brought him forth and manifested him to the World for all Men that would be saved to build upon Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone c. II. Jesus Christ is first proposed to Sinners by the Father as the Pillar or Foundation of Grace and Salvation If he had not been found out as a Foundation for the Saints and Church of God to be built upon how could the House of God have been raised hence Christ was by Decree and Promise very early laid The Seed of the Woman shall break the Serpents Head The Lord Jesus Christ is laid as the Bottom of our Justification the Bottom of our Pardon Peace and Salvation IV. Christ the Spiritual Foundation was laid in the deep and hidden Counsels of the glorious Trinity Who is able to find out the Bottoms and see the depths of that eternal Purpose and Decree of God being so mysteriously laid for a Foundation V. The Lord Jesus Christ is suitable and fit for a Foundation he is called a Rock to build upon a Rock is safe and he is called a Stone I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone The Father saw that the Lord Jesus would be every way fit and meet to erect that glorious Building and heavenly Structure of the Church and our everlasting Salvation upon VI. Christ is a tried Stone therefore called a sure Foundation God the Father will adventure to build his Church upon Christ and venture him with his Covenant as Mediator and Surety of it and all with him he is a chosen and select Stone pick'd out from amongst Men and Angels and noâ—â— only so but also a tryed Stone he hath been in the Furnace of his Father's Wrath and under God's Hammer and under great Temptation from Men and Satan he was tryed to the utmost and found by the Saints in all Ages a safe and sure Foundation he never fail'd any that built their Hope and Salvation upon him VII Christ the Foundation must be laid or down will the Building go Salvation is to be had no other way if Men do not build and rely only upon him their Foundation will deceive them they will fall into Hell Let their Structure seem never so famous they refusing this sure Rock build upon the Sands and their House will fall for another Foundation can no Man lay If ye believe not that I am he ye shall dye in your Sins VIII Upon Christ the Foundation are all Believers as well hewed and squared Stones laid to build up the spiritual House to whom coming as to a living Stone disallowed indeed of Men but chosen of God and precious ye also as lively Stones are built up a Spiritual House c. All the whole Superstructure being fitly framed is united and joyned to Christ the Foundation by Faith and Obedience IX The Lord Jesus Christ is the whole Strength and only Support of the Church all Saints rely and depend on him for Grace Righteousness Justification Pardon of Sin Safety Direction and eternal Life In the Lord shall one say I have Strength be strong in the Lord and in the Power of his Might without me ye can do nothing X. There is a Suitableness and Proportion
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
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
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
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
And because Idolaters esteemed him a God viz. in their Idols as Chemnitius says He is called the God of this World as a Dog is called the God of Egypt because he was Worshipped for a God So the Belly is called God because men took more care to provide for it then to serve God Phil. 3.19 c. Gal. 1.6 False teaching is called another Gospel because some men thought it so whereas it is really as verse 7 a perverting the Gospel Epimenides is called the Prophet of the Cretans Tit. 1.12 because they accounted him so and after his Death sacrificed to him as Laertius Witnesses External profession is called Faith Jam 2.14 17 20 24 26. because men are apt to rest in it as sufficient for Salvation See Jude 12 13. c. In Verbs Matth. 14.9 The King viz. Herod was sorry that is he counterfeited sorrow for verse 5. It is said he feared the Multitude when he would put John Baptist to Death of whom the People had a very great esteem so that this sorrow was nothing else but artificial and feigned It is said Mark 6.48 That Christ would have passed by them viz. his Disciples at Sea that is he seemed to pass by or such was the posture and motion of his body as if he would pass by John 3.30 He must increase but I must decrease This increasing and decreasing is spoke with respect to the opinion of men who had extraordinary esteem of John hitherto and vilified Christ otherwise speaking according to the Nature of the thing John Baptist was not diminished by the increasings of Christ but afterwards derived his own increasings from his fulness Acts 27.27 The Shipmen deemed that some Countrey drew near to them so 't is in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appropin quare sibi aliquam Regionem because the shore seems to move and draw near to them which are at Sea but 't is to be understood that they drew near land So Virgil 3 Aeneid Provehimur porta terraeque urbesque recedunt that is we sail from the Port and the Lands and Cities go back In joyned Words or an intire phrase Psal. 72.9 His enemies shall lick the dust that is they shall be so inclining and prostrate towards the Earth that they shall seem to lick the dust of the Earth which is a Description of fear and subjection So Esa. 49.23 and Micah 7.17 c. Esa. 13.5 They shall come from a far Countrey from the End or extream part of heaven This phrase is taken from the opinion of the vulgar who led by the guess of the Eye think that heaven is not spherical or round but hemispherical ending at the extreames of the Earth upon which the end or extreams of heaven seems to lean or be stay'd upon so that the End of heaven is put for the end of the Earth or remotest places you have the same phrase Deut. 4.32 and 30.4 Neh. 1.9 Math. 24.31 This exposition may be confirmed by the places where Mountains are called the Foundations of Heaven as 2 Samuel 22.8 Because at great distance the Heavens seem As it were to rest upon them they are called the Pillars of Heaven Job 26.11 Because Heaven seems to be propt by them as by Pillars 5. The Occupate put for the Object SENCE is put for its object or the thing which is perceived by sense as Hearing is put for Doctrine or Speech Esa. 28.9 Whom shall he teach knowledge And whom shall he make to understand hearing so the hebrew that is Doctrine or the word Esa. 53.1 Who hath beleived our hearing that is our Doctrine or Speech or as we translate it Report So is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hearing taken John 12.38 Rom. 10.16 Gal. 3.2.5 Hearing is put for rumor or fame Psal. 112.7 Esa. 28.19 Ezek. 7.26 Obad. 1. Hab. 3.2 Matth. 4.24 and 14.1 and 24.6 Mark 1.28 and 13.7 c. By the same Trope The Eye is put for Colours seen by the Eye and are the object of sight as in the Original text of the following places Numb 11.7 Lev. 13.55 Prov. 23.31 Ezek. 1.4 and 8.2 and 10.9 So two Eyes are put for a double way which give occasion to look upon both Gen. 38.14 21. Some say this is a proper name some say 't is two Fountains Affections and what bear Analogy with them are put for their object as Faith for the Doctrine which is received and beleived by Faith Acts 6.7 Gal. 1.23 Eph. 4.5 1. Tim. 4.1 Tit. 1.13 Jude 3. Rev. 2 13. See Gal. 3.23 25. Hope is put for God in whom we hope and from whom we expect every good thing Psal. 71.5 For thou art my hope O Lord that is in whom I hope the support of my hope and the God of my strength See Jer. 14.8 Psal. 65.5.6 Jer. 17.7 13. c. 'T is put for the Messiah or Christ specially Act. 28.20 For the Hope of Israel I am bound with this chain that is for the Messiah who is hoped for and desired by Israel or which is the same thing for the good hoped for from the Messiah Act. 26.6 7 8. So Col. 1.27 and 1 Tim. 1.1 Christ is called our hope It is put for men from whom we expect Good or confide in as Esa. 20.5 They shall be ashamed of Ethiopia their hope as verse 6. Likewise Hope is put for the thing hoped for as Prov. 13.12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick but when the desire cometh it is a Tree of Life that is the thing hoped for and desired Rom. 8.24 Hope that is seen is not hope that is the thing hoped for c. Gal. 5.5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of Righteousness by Faith that is Eternal Life promised to the just by Faith So Tit. 2.13 Love is put for the person or thing beloved Jer. 2.33 Why trimest thou thy way to seek Love that is that which thou lovest Jer. 12.7 I have given the love of my Soul into the hand of her Enemies that is the people dearly beloved by me as the Chaldee renders it Hos. 9.10 And their abominations were as their Love that is the Idols which they love Desire is put for the person or thing desired and loved Ezek 24.16 Son of man behold I take away the desire of thine eyes from thee with a stroke that is thy desired and beloved wife as verse â—â—8 So verse 21. Behold I will profane my Sanctuary the excellency of your strength the desire of your Eyes that is that which you love and delight in as verse 25. For that which the mind longs after is ascribed to the Eyes as the lust of the Eyes is put 1 John 2.16 This may give some light to that passage Hag. 2.7 Where Christ is called the desire of all Nations the sence that the Nations will extreamly desire him love him embrace him and hope in him that is when they are converted to the Kingdom of Christ by the voice of the
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
And God said let there be light and there was light suitable to 2 Cor. 4.6 where 't is written and God who said or Commanded the light to shine out of Darkness verse 6. And God said let there be a firmament in the midst of the Waters and verse 9. And God said let the Waters under the Heaven be gathered together c and verse 11. And God said let the Earth bring forth Grass c. verse 14. And God said let there be lights in the firmament of the Heavens and verse 20. And God said let the Waters bring forth abundantly the moving Creature and verse 24. And God said let the Earth bring forth the living Creature c. Rab. Mos. Maimon says that this phrase in the Creation and God said is to be under stood of the Will and not of Speech because speech by which a thing is Commanded must of necessity be directed to some being or object capable to execute his Commands but no objects of such a capacity had then being therefore of necessity it must be understood only of Gods Will. Masculus in his Comment says that Moses speaks of God after the manner of men not that God spoke so For by his word the vertue and efficacy of his Will is expressed c. for what we would have done that it might be understood believed or done we express our selves by the prolation of a word and when Gods Will is expressed it is called a word God is a Spirit and uses no corporeal or Organical Speech no transient voice nor Hebrew Greek or other Idiom unless in some temporary dispensation he was pleased to utter himself Organically which has no place here c. So the appellation of Names given to the Creatures verses 〈…〉 10. which is ascribed to God notes only his decree and divine Constitution 〈◊〉 men should so call them So the blessing of God to Fishes Fowl c. ver 22. denotes his real appointment of the multiplication of their respective kinds upon which Musculus very well says if you consider that God speaks to a quatiles or watry Creatures you will judge it a wounderful kind of speech But he speaks not to their Ears but to their Natures to which by the vertue of his word he hath given a power and efficacy to propagate their own kinds From this description of the Creation the Divine force and efficacy of Gods Will in the Creation and Conservation of the Creatures which is so conspicuous is called the Word of God Psal. 33.5 6. Psal. 107.20 Psal. 147.15 18. Heb. 1.3 and 11.3 2 Pet. 3.5 7. c. So in other decrees of the Divine Will God is said to speak Gen. 8.21 And the Lord said in his heart I will not again Curse the ground that is he so constituted and decreed it that by Noah it should be so manifested unto the World Psal. 2.5 Then shall he speak to them in his Wrath that is he will crush his Enemies with horrible Judgements and Punishments Sometimes the Decrees and Appointments of the Trinity by way of Dialogue or Colloquy among the Divine persons as Gen. 1.26 And God said let us make man in our likeness or Image c. and chap. 2.18 And the Lord said it is not good that the man should be alone I will make him an help meet for him and Gen. 3.22 And the Lord God said behold the man is become as one of us c. Gen. 11.6 And the Lord said behold the People is one and have one language go to let us go down and there confound their Language By this deliberate way of expression the Decrees of the Holy Trinity and their effectual power of operation are noted Psal. 2.7 I will declare the Decree the Lord said unto me thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee ask of me and I will give thee the Heathen for thine Inheritance Psal. 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand c. These phrases signifie the most Holy and most efficacious discerning and efficiency of Gods VVill. To this speaking of the Father answers the hearing attributed to Christ John 8.26 40. and 15 15. And to the Holy Spirit John 16.13 For this cause among others the Son of God is called the VVord 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for by him a manifestation of the internal speech of the Holy Trinity that is their Divine Decrees for mans Salvation is made unto us John 1.1 13 14 c. So much of speech in general More particularly Rebuking or Chiding is attributed to God by which its real effect or destruction is noted of which you may see examples Psal. 18.15 2 Sam. 22.16 VVhere Tempests Earthquakes c. are said to be at Gods Rebukes and Psal. 104.7 that at his rebuke the waters fled that is were separated from the Earth Gen. 1.9 To Rebuke in proper speaking two things are requisite 1. That that which is reprehensible may be chekt 2. That it may be corrected or amended these may be aptly applyed to Gods Creating VVord for when he said Let the waters under the Heaven be gathered together into one place and let the dry Land appear In the first the indigested confusion of things is reprehended and in the second they are corrected and rightly disposed off into their proper places Musculus on this place annexes this marginal note that it is an invincible Argument of Christs Divinity that at his rebuke the Winds and Seas were obedient Mark 4.39 Luke 8.24 See Psal. 9.5 and 76.6 and 68.30 Esa. 17.13 Zach. 3.2 Rebuke signifies destruction Deut. 28.20 Calling when ascribed to God signifies its real product or effect as 2 Kings 8.1 The Lord hath called for a Famine and it shall also come upon the Land for seven years Psal. 105.16 Rom. 4.17 Gods Commanding inanimate or irrational Creatures denotes a direction for some certain work to be done or omitted as Esa. 5..6 I will also Command the Clouds that they Rain no more upon it See Esa. 45.12 Answering is attributed to God when he is said to Answer mens Prayers 2 Sam. 7.9 Psal. 3.4 5. Esa. 58.8 c. Illyricus says that in hearing God answers in a threefold manner 1. By the very hearing for every man that prayes earnestly requests that 2. By some Testimony of his Spirit that we are heard 3. By granting the petition which is the most real and apparent answer Contrary to this is Gods Silence when his people pray by which his delay in comforting and helping them is noted as Psal. 28.1 Vnto thee O Lord do I Cry be not deaf toward me c. So Psal. 83.1 And God is said to answer when he takes pleasures in man Eccl. 5.20 and 9.7 The Lord is said to be a Witness when he declares the Truth of a thing in fact or justly punishes Lyers 1 Sam. 12.5 Jer. 42.5 Malach. 3.5 c. The Lord hath been a VVitness between
thee and the wife of thy Youth Mal. 2.14 that is to joyn them in an individual Society of Life A judicial Inquisition which inflicts revenge and punishment upon the guilty is noted in these texts Gen. 9.5 Josh. 22.23 Psal. 9.12 Psal. 10.14 15. The Metaphor is taken from the Custom of Judges who by the Examination and weighing of Testimonies first inquire into the case and then proceed to sentence By Numbring the most exact care and providence of God is noted as men keep accounts of affairs that concern them much Psal. 56.8 Thou tellest my wandrings put thou my tears into thy bottle are they not in thy book Matth. 10.30 But the very hairs of your head are numbred Also his most exact knowledge of things that are innumerable to us Psal. 147.4 He telleth the Number of the Stars he calleth theâ—â— all by their Names Esa. 40.26 He bringeth out their host by Number he calleth them all by their Names by the greatness of his Might c. By the term Selling a delivery into the power of the Enemy by an offended God is noted as things that are sold by men are transfeerred into the right power and property of another as Deut. 32.30 How should one chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight except their Rock had sold them Jud. 2.14 And the Anger of the Lord was hot against Israel and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them and he Sold them into the hands of their Enemies round about c. and chap. 4.9 The Lord shall Sell Sisera into the hand of a Woman c. See Psal. 44.12 Esa. 50.1 Ezek. 30.12 c. By the term Buying is signifyed Redemption by and through Christ as 1 Cor. 6.20 For ye are bought with a price therefore glorifie God c. and 1 Cor. 7.23 Ye are bought with a price be ye not the Servants of men So Gal. 3.13 and 4 5. 2 Pet. 2.1 Rev. 14.3 4. The price which purchases this Mystical Buying is the Blood Death Passion and Merit of our Blessed Saviour The second kind of Actions which are proper to the hands are either general or special In general there is ascribed to God by an Anthropopathy Labour in the work of the Creation So Job calls himself the Labour of his hands Job 10.3 that is fashioned and formed him in his Mothers Womb of which he emphatically speaks in verse 8. Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about The Hebrew word properly signifies the forming of a thing with great Labour Art and Diligence In other places it denotes anxiety Grief and Trouble setting forth the exceeding great Wisdom of God in the Creation or forming of man which is expounded in the 10th and 11th verses with more special and emphatical words hast thou not pouâ—â—ed me out as Milk and curdled me like Cheese Thou hast cloathed me with Skin and Flesh and hast fenced me with Bones and Sinews c. Psal. 139.13 14 15. This Divine work is spoken of Thou hast covered me in my Mothers Womb I will praise thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made marvellous are thy works and that my Soul knoweth right well My substance was not hid from thee when I was made in secret and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the Earth c. The Hebrew Translated curiously wrought is very emphatical for it properly signifies to paint with a Needle or the texture or weaving various Figures and Pictures in Arras or Tapestry Hangings or Garments interwoven or wrought with many curious colours The formation of man is therefore compared to such a work because of its marvellous Order Symmetry and Contexture of various Members Veins Arteries Bones Flesh Skin c. In the work of Redemption the Passion and Death of Christ is called Labour as Esa. 43.24 Thou hast made Labour in thine iniquities so the Hebrew He shall see the Labour or travel of his soul. Esa. 53.11 This comes to pass in a two-fold respect which attend Labour As 1. Anxiety and Toyl Then 2. The Vtility and Profit that follows for the word comprehends both according to that saying Gen. 3.19 In the sweat of thy face shall thou eat Bread where the Toyl and Profit are joyned The Toyl and Anxiety of Christ in the work of our Redemption is largely described by the Evangelists and how great the profit and benefit of it with respect to the unspeakable blessing it brought to poor mankind is evident to every soul that has tasted of his grace To Labour is opposed Rest and Recreation which by this figure is attributed to God Gen. 2.2 And God rested on the seventh day from all his works which he had made and verse 3. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctifyed it because that in it he had rested c. This Rest in God presupposes no wearyness as it does in men but the compleating end and perfection of his admirable work of this great and incomprehensible Fabrick and so only a cessation from his Creating work is to be understood For among men the more Arduous Laborious and Profitable the work is the more pleasing and delectable the Artificers rest is when he compleats it Some say that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rest is properly attributed to God which strictly signifie Rest as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 does but a bare and simple cessation as Josh. 5.12 Job 32.9 Rev. 4.8 c. And commonly it is said that he that ceases from his work does Rest although not weary but in full strength and vigor Be it so but for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is put for the very Rest here spoken of Exod 20.11 For in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth and all that in them is and Rested the seventh day c. And if the word signifies a meer cessation without any previous wearyness 1 Sam. 25.9 It is to heedfully noted that it is said Exod. 31.17 For in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth and on the seventh day he Rested was refreshed or took breath which word is also used Exod. 23.12 Of the weary Servant after his Labour viz. On the seventh day shalt thou Rest and 2 Sam. 16.14 It is expressely opposed to weariness Sion and the Church is called the place of his Rest Psal. 132.14 and Esa. 11.10 Which denotes his gracious Presence Operation and Complacency Of the special Actions of men a great many are attributed to God by which his various works of Grace Righteousness and Wrath are to be understood As 1. He is said to wash away filth and sin when he graciously remits it Psal. 51.2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin Esa. 4.4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughter of Sion c. 2. He is said to hide the Godly and Believers when he protects
put his Hook in the Nose and his Bridle in the Lips of his Enemies when he stops their fury thwarts their purposes and keeps them under 2 Kings 19.28 Esa. 37.29 He is said to put the Tears of the Godly in a bottle when he suffers them not to be shed in vain but preserving their Memory turns them to Everlasting Joy Psal. 56.8 Christ is peculiarly said to Bear our sins Esa. 53.4 12. by which their imputation to him and a full satisfaction is understood 1 Pet. 2.24 Who his own self Bare our sins in his own Body on the Tree that we being dead to sin should live unto Righteousness by whose stripes ye were healed God is said to cast our sins behind his back when he forgives them and remits the Punishment Esa. 38.17 To which there is a contrary phrase Psal. 90.8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee our secret sins in the light of thy Countenance He is said to Shave with a Razor the Head and the hair of the Feet and the Beard when he makes a spoil and devastation of the Land and scatters small and great from thence Esa. 7.20 God here intimates that by the King of Assyria he would punish the Israelites so as that Men Beasts Buildings Plants c. should be destroyed He says with a Razor that is hired that they may know it would exact its own reward that is that the Assyrians through greediness of Prey and Spoil would make havock of and sweep away all things The Lord is said to break forth upon his Enemies when he disperses crushes and slays them 2 Sam. 5.20 and 6.8 He is said to Shoot with an Arrow when he heaps swift and speedy vengeance upon the wicked Psal. 64.7 But God shall Shoot at them with an Arrow suddenly shall they be wounded God is said to Write which denotes his Knowledge and Providence with respect to Grace and Benignity as when he is said to VVrite the Godly in the Book of Life or his Book Esa. 4.3 Dan. 12.1 or when he VVrites his Law in their Hearts Jer. 31.33 Heb. 8.10 By which a Renovation by the Holy Spirit is noted that Beleivers should know and willingly obey the Will of God 2 Cor. 3.3 Hence he is said to Grave them upon the palm of his Hands Esa. 49.16 Which shews his most faithful care and eminent Grace towards them See Rev. 3.12 Sometimes his VVriting signifies his Wrath and Punishment of sinners as when Job says thou VVritest bitter things against me Job 13.26 that is thou dost afflict me with bitter and heavy strokes a metaphor taken from Courts of Judicature where legal sentences are Recorded Esa. 65.6 Behold it is VVritten before me I will not keep silence but I will recompence even recompence into their bosom by which Divine knowledge is noted a metaphor taken from men who Write down in a Book or Paper what they would remember It is said Jer. 17.13 They that depart from thee shall be written in the Earth because they have forsaken the Lord the Fountain of living waters that is such Apostates shall be excluded from Heaven and destinated to Eternal Destruction God is said to Search Jerusalem with Candles that is all their secret sins shall be brought to light and punished Zeph. 1.12 He is said to Engrave the graving of one stone c. Zach. 3.9 Which betokens the Wounds Languor and Passion of Christ who is figured by that Stone He is said to put an Hedge round about one when he preserves him from the malignity of malicious Spirits Job 1.10 And to remove the Hedge signifies that he will leave them naked exposed and defenceless Esa. 5.5 Psal. 8.12 13. and 89.40 41. When he is said to Enclose mans way with hewen Stones it denotes a being environed with Afflictions and Calamities as Lam. 3.9 To Hedge up the way with Thorns as Hosea 2.6 signifies that God will by Afflictions and other means hinder and divert men from an intended sin and iniquity God is said to Seal up the hand of every man Job 37.7 When he prohibits or hinders their actions It is said that God the Father Sealed Christ John 6.27 that is sent him forth with Divine Authority for the good of men See Cant. 4.12 and 8.6 Hag. 2.24 Where by Seal is betokened that he confirms and preserves Believers in Truth and Piety 2 Cor. 1.22 Eph 1.13 and 4.30 As men fix their Seal to that which they would Ratifie and Confirm The Father is said to Draw men to Christ John 6.44 45 65. When he illuminates the mind with his word and bestows the true knowledge of Salvation So Cant. 1.4 Jer. 31.2 Hosea 11.4 John 12.32 2 Thess. 3.5 This is no violent Compulsion but a benevolent flexion bending or disposition of a mind averse to goodness and that by means as the word Revealed and Preached c. It is said Jer. 15.7 I will Fan them with a Fan c. that is in my Anger I will disperse and destroy them The word is properly taken Esa. 30.24 It is said of Christ Matth. 3.12 Luke 3.17 That his Fan is in his hand and he will throughly purge his Floor and gather his VVheat into his Garner but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire that is by the word of his Power and by Afflictions and Tribulations he will segregate or separate the Godly from the Wicked as by a Fan or winnowing the pure grain is divided from the Chaff God is said to Sweep with the Besom of Destruction Esa. 14.23 which intimates an utter Desolation and spoil of Inhabitants to the Land It is said Psal. 76.12 He shall cut off the Spirit of Princes the word Translated cut off is emphatical and signifies the lopping off the branches of a Vine leaving it naked and desolate and so it notes a deprivation of Strength Courage or Life it self God is said to Annoint when he Comforts lifts up or makes glad his People Psal. 23.4 5. 2 Cor. 1.21 But most large extensive and copious in the Vnction of Christ our Blessed Saviour wherewith he is by the Father annointed for the Salvation of poor sinners Psal. 45.7 8. Esa. 61.1 Luke 4 18. Heb. 1.9 John 3.34 Act. 10.38 c. A third kind of Actions which properly belong to the Feet are ascribed to God as Gen. 3.15 A breaking the Serpents Head where by the Serpent is meant the Devil who seduced Eve in that form and by the Serpents head his Power and diabolical fierceness So the breaking of his Head is to be performed by the Messias God-man and signifies the destruction of the power and Kingdom of the Devil and mans Redemption from its Tyranny and Vassallage Our Saviour is figured here as a magnificent Hero who with his Feet tramples upon the Serpent or Dragon and breaks his Head But it is said that the Serpent shall bruise his heel by which phrase the Passion and Death of Christ is
he assumed humane Nature and manifested himself to men in order to their Salvation John 3.13 and 6.38 42 50. The Holy Spirit is said to Come down when in the visible appearance of a Dove it manifested it self resting upon Christ Matth. 3.16 Mark 1.10 Luk. 3.22 John 1.32 33. In another signification God promised that he would go down with Jacob into Egypt that is that his Grace and protection should accompany him in that way Gen. 26.4 Riding is ascribed unto God by which his glorious operation is noted which he exerts in the Heavens in tempests and otherwise Deut. 33.26 There is none like unto the God of Jesurun who Rideth upon the Heaven Psal. 68.33 To him that Rideth upon the Heaven of Heavens Likewise his speed and celerity in the execution of his Judgements Psal. 18.10 He rode upon a Cherub and did flie yea he did fly upon the wings of the Wind. So Esa. 19.1 c. To Meet or Meeting with a person is ascribed to God and signifies either his manifestation is noted as Num. 23.4 16. Or his Grace and Beneficence as Esa. 64.5 God is said to Return to his place which signifies a sending of Punishment Hos. 5.15 For when men are afflicted and help is delayed God seems to be absent from them Jud. 16.13 Lam. 3.43 44. A Returning on High signifies his going into his Judicial Throne or Divine Judgement it self Psal. 7.7 A Returning to the Godly signifies the taking away of Sin and the exhibition of Grace Psal. 6.4 5. Zach. 1.3 By his Rising up his Divine purpose with respect to his great Works is noted Num. 10.35 Psal. 12.5 6. and 44.26 27. and 68.1 2. and 102.14 Esa. 33.10 The Holy Ghost coming upon one signifies that it works in a singular manner in and by him Luke 1 35. Act. 1.8 which Luke 24.49 is to be endued with power from on High A Passing through or passing over is attributed to God Exod. 12.12 13. Amos 5.17 By which Divine punishment is noted sometimes a forbearance from punishing as Amos 7.8 and 8.2 With 1.3 Micah 7.18 Prov. 19.11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pesach or Pascha the Passover takes its Name from hence Exod. 12 13 23 So 't is used in the Deliverance of the People from the Babylonish Captivity Esa. 31.5 Dan. 5.30 Visitation is ascribed to God by which either his exploration that is a diligent search notice or knowledge of things Psal. 17.3 Or a real exhibition of his Grace and Benefits is noted Gen. 21.1 Psal. 65.9 10. Psal. 106.4 Jerem. 29.10 Luke 19.44 c. Sometimes it denotes Wrath and Punishment Exod. 34.7 Psal. 59.6 Esa. 27.1 Jerem. 6.6 and 15.3 Sometimes a diligent Search is attributed to God Ezek. 20.6 To bring them forth out of the Land of Egypt to the Land which I Searched out for them so 't is in the Hebrew flowing with Milk and Honey the Land of Judaea is commended says Junius by the Providence and choice of the Eternal God because as if it were by search he had provided it for a most commodious seat where after they had cast out their Enemies they were to rest c. the like is said of the Ark of the Covenant Num. 10.33 Seeking which is done by going up and down is also ascribed to God signifying his desire and serious will Ezek. 22.30 John 4.23 c. Finding out Iniquity is attributed likewise to God when he chastises and Punishes in Wrath Gen. 44.16 He is said to Find his Enemies when he lays condigne Punishment upon them He is said to Find David his Servant when out of singular Love and Providence he elected and made choice of him Psal. 89.20 Acts 13.22 In which sence he is also said to Seek him 1 Sam. 13.14 The third kind of Action is generative not that Eternal Generation by which God the Father from Everlasting begat the Son Co-eternal and Consubstantial with himself for that is not metaphorical but most proper Psal. 2.7 Prov. 8.24 25. Heb. 1.5 But that Spiritual and Mystical Generation by which he is said to beget his believing People when he remits their sin renews his own Image upon them and Adopts them into the priviledge of Sonship through Christ the Saviour Of which see Esa. 66.9 John 1.13 and 3 5 6. Tit. 3.5 1 Pet. 1.3 23. 1 John 3.9 Jam. 1.18 c. God is said to be a Father with respect to certain inanimate Creatures Job 38.28 Hath the Rain a Father or who hath begotten the drops of the Dew that is besides me For there is no other can send it upon the Earth by which God intimates that he only can give this benefit and that men cannot imitate it And verse 29. Out of whose Womb came the Ice that is where is the Artist besides me that can make it And the hoary frost of Heaven who hath gendred it viz. beside me To this may be referred that phrase Zeph. 2.2 Where God says before the Decree bring forth Upon which place the Learned Tarnovius thus paraphrases Prepare your selves to meet the Lord who has not yet brought forth produced or excuted his Decree or Statute which he as if he were pregnant with punishment goes now big with For as the Birth does not immediately follow Conception but has a certain allotted and prescribed time by Natures Law for its ripening or maturity So God although he hath certainly decreed to punish and has establisht and conceived the sentence in his own mind yet he defers execution for a certain space that he may give opportunity for Repentance which if sinners will by no means do then their iniquity grows Ripe and Gods punishment mature and fit for Execution And as the Birth must of necessity follow conception when the time limited by Nature is expired So the Judgments of God are inevitable when the determinate time comes Humane Adjuncts ascribed to God THese are either privative or positive Of the first sort are these viz. When something of impotency or inability is after the manner of men attributed to God or when God says of himself that he cannot do a thing being as it were prohibited by his Truth Goodness and Holiness as Gen. 19.22 Hast thee escape thither for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither These are the words of the Son of God who when he departed from Abraham turned towards Sodom to destroy the Cities and says thus to Lot viz. Whereas it is the immutable and certain determination of God out of a gracious and favourable respect to you to deliver you from this destruction therefore before you be placed in safely the Execution of the sentence by which Sodom must be burnt shall be delayed Upon which place D. Hunnius says the execution of Gods absolute Decree or Power no Creature can retard but here he speaks of his Power as it is tempered qualified and allayd by the favour of his fatherly mercy
and knowledge of him then the Saints on Earth can have by reason of their dwelling in so gross a habitation Likewise Polanus The Scripture oftentime says that God dwells in the Heavens not that he is there included but to intimate that he is above all in Majesty Power and Operation so as that he cannot be hindered by any on Earth as also that our minds may be elevated above the World so as that we may have no low or carnal or worldly thoughts of God c. To this may be also referred when it is said That the Holy Ghost doth rest upon any as Num. 11.25 26. 2 King 2.15 By which the distribution and energy or power of his gifts is intimated This Spirit is said to rest upon the Messiah Esa. 11.2 and 61.1 which is to be understood of the Communication of his gifts in their absolute fulness to Christ according to his humanity Psal. 45.7 8. John 3.34 The visible symbol was the resting of the Holy Spirit upon Christ in the likeness of a Dove Matth. 3.16 c. Time is ascribed to God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in a way of humane speaking but is to be understood 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in a way of divine Dialect of his absolute Eternity-Sometimes the description of Gods Eternity is taken from the Names and Differences of Seasons as Years are ascribed unto God which nevertheless are said to be throughout all generations Psal. 102.24 And shall have no end verse 2â—â— That he is the same and that his years shall not fail Heb. 1.12 And that the Number of his Years cannot be searched out as Job 36.26 Dayes are also attributed to him whence he is called the Ancient of Days Dan 7.9 which are called the Days of Eternity Micah 5.1 2 Pet. 3.18 Eternity is described by eternal time or times Rom. 16.25 2 Tim. 1.9 Tit. 1.2 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 secula Ages by which term properly times and things done in time are noted Eph. 3.9 Col 1.26 c. Sometimes two or three differences of time that Eternity which wants Beginning Interruption and End may be expressed Heb. 13.8 Jesus Christ the same that is always like himself invariable and immutable yesterday to day and for ever that is from Eternity to Eternity Rev. 1.4 Grace be unto you and Peace from him which is and which was and which is to come or will be that is who is the Eternal God so in the 8th verse there is another symbol of Eternity I am 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Alpha and Omega the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet which denote the beginning and end of any thing which are the bounds and notes of time brought to express him who is the beginning without beginning and the end without end that is who is indeed absolutely Eternal so Christ speaks chap. 21. and 22.13 as is apparent from the context To this may be referred where the Scripture uses words concerning God which respect the time to come whereas in Eternity there is not properly any time past or to come as Psal. 139.2 Thou understandest my thought a far off that is long before it came in my mind as verse 4. For there is not a word in my Tongue but lo O Lord thou knowest it altogether It is said Rom. 8.29 For whom he did 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 foreknow he also did predestinate c. Rom. 11.2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew c 1. Pet. 2. Elected according to the Foreknowledge of God the Father c. D. Mylius upon Rom. 8. says thus God is said to Foreknow such as he foresaw would believe in his son not that there is any future time properly ascribable to God in whom no accident condition or circumstance of time and place can be admitted but these things are spoken of God by an Anthropopathy that is after the manner of men This Prescience of God inasmuch as it is certain and never failes therefore such as he Foreknew he also predestinated for this Foreknowledge is never without predestination Ambrose confirms this interpretation in these words Those whom God Foreknew would embrace the Faith he elected them to the promised rewards that they that seem to believe and either are not really such as they pretend to be or forsake the Faith may be excluded for such as God hath elected to himself do remain his 1 Pet. 1.20 'T is said of Christ the Lamb of God and the Redeemer of the World that he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Foreknown before the Foundation of the World that is he was ordained by the Eternal Decree of God to be offered as a sacrifice for the sins of men Hitherto of inseparable Adjuncts the separable are various we shall recite some Armour and Weapons are attributed to God for he is sometimes said to be clad in Arms to denote the exertion or execution of his Wrath and Vengeance Psal. 35.2 3. Take hold of Shield and Buckler and stand up for mine help Draw out also the Spear and stop the way against them that persecute me c. Esa. 59.17 18. For he put on Righteousness as a Breast-plate and an Helmet of Salvation upon his head and he put on the Garments of Vengeance for Clothing and was clad with zeal as a Cloak c. Jer. 50.25 It is said The Lord hath op'ned his Armory and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation for this is the work of the Lord God of Hosts in the Land of the Chaldeans when by the Enemy he brings punishment and a general destruction upon a people thus the King of Babylon is called Gods battle axe and weapons of War for with him will he break in pieces the Nations and with him will he destroy Kingdoms Jer. 51.20 Because by him and his Host the Lord did afflict and make desolate several Countries More especially a Bow Arrows and strings are attributed to God Psal. 21.12 Lam. 2.4 and 3.12 He hath bent his bow like an Enemy he hath set me as a mark for the Arrow By which the effects of his Divine wrath against the wicked are noted By the Arrows of God are meant swift and unlookt for Calamities sent for sin Deut. 32.22 23 24. I will heap mischiefs upon them I will spend mine Arrows upon them Job 6.4 Psal. 38.2 3. and 64 7 8. Zach. 9.14 Lam. 3.13 And more particularly the Arrows of God are said to be Hail-Stones Thunder Lightnings Coals of Fire c. Psal. 18.13 14. and 144.6 Hab. 3.11 Sometimes the inspired efficacy of the Gospel in saving the Godly and Judging and Condemning the wicked Psal. 45.5 Esa. 49.2 John 12.47 48. 2 Cor. 2.15 16. A Sword is ascribed to God by which likewise is intimated his Wrath and Vengeance of which that is an index and symbol Deut 32.41 Judg. 7.20 Ps. 17.18 Esa. 27.1 and 34.5 6. Ezek. 21.8 9
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
139.9 that is the first Sun beams This celestial Sun is also a Physitian which can heal and deliver from spiritual Death The Sun when it rises gives some ease and comfort to sick persons let all that are soul sick rejoyce in this justifying and healing Sun of Righteousness 6. The Sun rising causes Joy to all things who were as it were immersed in the Melancholy sadness of night as the Poet says Phosphore redde diem quid gaudia nostra Moraris Come sweet Phospher bring the Day Why dost thou our Joys delay So by this heavenly Sun of Righteousness true cause of Joy is given unto men Luke 2.10 11. Esa. 9.2 3. 7. The Sun does make all sorts of Earthly fruit Ripe to which it also gave the beginning of vegetation So Christ is the Author and finisher of our Faith Heb. 12.2 He worketh in us to will and to do Phil. 2.13 That we may walk worthy of the Lord unto all well pleasing being fruitful unto every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God Col. 1.10 8. It is said of the Heliotrope an herb so called that it always turns and inclines to the Sun So let our hearts always incline to Christ. 9. There is nothing more pleasant to those in Captivity then to behold the Sun So there is nothing ought to be more comfortable to us in our spiritual Captivity then by the Eyes of Faith to behold Christ the Sun of Righteousness c. The Second place is Luke 1.78 Through the Bowels of the Mercy of our God so the Greek whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us Some think that this metaphorical appellation viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 oriens ex alto arising from on high is taken from Plants which are said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to branch or spout forth when they grow or begin to flourish that so it might respect those places of the Old Testament where Christ is called a Plant and Branch Jer. 23.5 Zach. 3.8 and 6.12 Where the Septuagint render 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 orientem arising and that we are to understand here the arising or Branch from on high sent from heaven to us and widely differing from all Earthly branches But the words immediately following shew that Zachary had respect rather to the similitude of the Sun and light as verse 79. of this place viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of Death to guide as a clear light does our feet into the ways of peace By a good reason it is therefore said that the Holy man respected the Prophesie Esa. 9.2 whence the phrase of sitting in the darkness and shadow of Death is taken and chap. 60.1 2. Mal. 4.2 To which places Junius Parallel 1 55. does learnedly shew that he had immediate reference 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 oriri to arise is proper to the Sun Moon and Stars from whence the Noun 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is an arising or the action or Region of the orient Sun and Metonymically it is put for the rising Sun it self to which is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from on high for distinction sake is added by which Junius says we are to understand that meridian and powerful spendor whereby the Sun chiefly at Noon illustrates all things to difference it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from its first uprising But it seems to be referred more truely to the first original of the Sun of Righteousness viz. His visiting and shining upon us on Earth and that from on high viz. Heaven as 1 Cor. 15.47 John 3.31 That the Messiah is called a Star Numb 24.17 is the Judgement of many there shall come a Star out of Jacob and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel which words are thus rendered by the Chaldee there shall arise a King out of Jacob and the Messiah shall be exalted out of Israel c. The same exposition Galatinus lib. 8. cap. 1. produces from R. Salomo and R. Moses Hadarsan Vatablus paraphrases the whole verse thus O Balak my Counsel is that you be quiet and fear not at this time for that which I foretell of things to come shall not come to pass in thy time but in the latter days viz. in the time of the Messiah whom I see but not near me for he is yet afar off when he comes he will be as a great light and vehement splendor which is signifyed by the Star c. So says Brentius Junius and Tremellius in their notes say that by the Name of a Star and Scepter is meant the Kingdom of Gods people begun in David and compleated in Christ between whom the interjected time was the progress of the Star c. See Junius in analyt explic h. l. Such as understands this Prophesie of Christ paraphrase it in this manner I shall see him but not now I shall behold him but not nigh that is my Curses will be in vain against that People whom God hath peculiarly chosen for himself and from which according to the Flesh the Messiah is to descend but the time of that Nativity is not yet come therefore I seem to behold him at a great distance but that promise will be certainly fulfilled and God for his sake will preserve this Kingdom so long there shall come a Star out of Jacob that is the Son of God manifested in the Flesh shall come of this people and shall spread the beams of his Doctrine and Miracles far and near arising as the Day-Star in the hearts of Believers 2 Pet. 1.19 Enlightning them to Eternal Life and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel that is the Messiah shall not only be a Teacher of his people but also a heavenly King and he shall smite through the Princes of Moab and destroy all the Children of Seth that is all such as will not obey his Government but remain unbelievers he shall destroy with an Eternal Death ver 18. And Edom shall be a possession Seir shall be a possession for his Enemies that is all his Enemies who by the Idumeans the capital Enemies of Israel inhabiting Seir are set forth shall be destroyed by the Sword of the Spirit but Israel shall do valiantly that is the Church which is the Kingdom of the Messiah shall be gloriously triumphant ver 19. out of Jacob shall come he that shall have Dominion and shall destroy him that remaineth of the City that is he shall rule in the House of Jacob for ever and of his Kingdom there will be no end Luke 1.33 He shall put all his Enemies under his feet 1 Cor. 15.25 26 27. c. Christ calls himself The bright and Morning Star Rev. 22.16 Because of those shinings of saving knowledge which proceed from him whence he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The light bringer usually Translated Morning-star or day-dawn arising in the hearts of men by the sure word of Prophesie But more
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
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
is Metaphorically put for the heaven of Gods Glory Psal. 11.4 Micah 1.2 For the Church Psal. 26.8 27.4 29.9 48.9 84.1 2 4. Isa. 56.7 Eph. 2.21 1 Cor. 3.16 17. 6.19 2 Cor. 6.16 Heb. 3.6 and 10.21 God is said to be the Temple of the Elect Rev. 21.22 of which see Chap. 8. before Rev. 11.19 A Temple is put for the body of Christ John 2.19 In unity with the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Word for in him dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead Bodily Col. 2.9 that is most truly perfectly and unchangeably not Typically or in a shadow as in the Temple of Jerusalem c. See Heb. 9.11 10.19 20. 8.2 9.24 and 6.19.20 An Altar is used to denote the whole Mystery of Christ the Mediator Heb. 13.10 1 Cor. 10.18 and 9.13 Sometimes Divine Worship in the New Testament Isa. 19.19 the similitude being borrow'd from the ancient Rites c. Christ is called Propitiation hilasterion Rom. 3.25 because he became the great Sacrifice that satisfied for our sins He is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hilasmos Atonement with respect to the Type to which the Apostle alludes 1 John 2.2 c. The Church is called the Pillar and stay of Truth 1 Tim. 3.15 Some think that this Metaphor is taken from the two Pillars which were set up in Solomons Temple 1 Kings 7.21 2 Chron. 3.17 The Name of the one was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jachin he shall establish and of the other 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Boaz In it is strength By which Names doubtless this most wise King had respect to the Stability and firmness of the Kingdom and Church of the Messiah which names Paul expresses by the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stabilimentum firmamentum stabiliment or firmament adding a Pillar in allusion to those Typical Pillars Hence in the same verse he mentions the house of God that is the Temple by which means the Church of the living God Verse 16. He says without Controversie great is the mystery of Godliness But what is that the Description follows which alludes to the Temple of Jerusalem for 1. In that Old Temple God appeared in a Cloud and thick darkness 1 King 8.10 11 12. Paul says of the Truth of the New-Testament that God is manifest in the Flesh. Which illustrious Manifestation was adumbrated or shadowed out by that obscure one 2. In the old Temple the Propitiatory or Mercy-seat was placed upon the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies Of Christ Paul says that he is Justified in Spirit viz. when he was risen from the Dead and so declared himself the true hilasterion attonement having made satisfaction for the sins of the world and perfectly fulfilled the Divine Law the Tables of which were contained in the Ark of Covenant Rom. 4.25 3. In the old Temple there were Cherubims over the propitiatory or Mercy-seat 1 Kings 8.6 7. Heb. 9.5 Of Christ Paul says that he was seen of Angels who were glorious and true Witnesses of his Resurrection and Glory Matth. 28.2 c. See 1 Pet. 1.12 4. In the old Temple the Jews were taught the Doctrine of the Messiah who was to Come Paul says of Christ that he was preached unto the Gentiles not to the Jews alone Believed on in the world the sound of the Apostles went out into all the Earth Rom. 10.18 and their Doctrine receiv'd by all true Believers Col. 1.5 6. 5. In the old Temple the visible appearance of God was not ordinary or perpetual But Paul says of Christ having Manifested himself in the Earth that he was received up in Glory as if he had said he hath withdrawn his visible Presence from his Church yet he is gloriously truly and invisibly for that is to be received up in glory viz. at the right hand of the Father present with it to the end of the World Matth. 28.20 Eph. 1.20 21 22 23 c. But what means 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Truth Answer 1. Either that word must be expounded in the Concrete that it should be same with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 true and opposed to that which is Typical and Shadowy of future realities or Antitypes as John 1.17 6.32 15.1 Heb. 8.2 and 9.24 VVhere the word is so taken So in Acts 26.25 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 words of Truth that is true words So Eph. 4.24 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 holiness of truth signifies true holiness Or 2 The VVord must be expounded in the abstract to denote the Doctrine of Saving Faith as it is taken 2 Thes. 2.10 13. 1 Tim. 2.4 and 6.5 2 Tim. 2.18 Heb. 10.26 Jam. 1.18 c. In which sense this genitive of Truth notes the efficient cause by which the Church is made firm and stedfast being built upon Christ the true Rock for the cause of its firmness is the heavenly Truth or the word of Truth See 1 Cor. 15.58 Acts 20.32 Rom. 1.16 Col. 1.23 2 Thes. 2.13 Joh. 17.17 1 Thes. 5.23 Some expound this of the subjectum circaquod the subject about which the Church is employed viz. to Confess Publish and Keep carefully that heavenly Doctrine contained in the Scriptures of Truth c. Metaphors from Sacred Rites THese may be distinguished into two Classes First Holy Rites ascribed to God as their immediate Agent or Actor Secondly Holy Rites perform'd by Men according to Gods Command and Prescription To the first Class belongs the Visions and Dreams which God sent to men for more secret information as to the Patriarch Jacob Gen. 28.12 13. viz. the Ladder set upon the Earth The top of which reached heaven c. which Vision our Saviour applies to himself and uses Metaphors taken from John 1.51 c. From the Divine prophecies Dreams and Visions a Metaphor is taken Joel 2.28 where the various gifts and the clear light and Revelation of the Gospel to the Evangelical Preachers is noted as Act. 2.16 17. where Peter quotes this very Text of Joel that Bread sent from Heaven to refesh the People in the Desart is largely applyed by Christ to himself John 6.31 32 33 c. Rev. 2.17 c. The other kind of Sacred Rites we thus distinguish 1. Persons 2. Actions 3. Times Of Persons one Directs and is as it were the head of the rest who are inferior and ministring or serving The Director was the high Priest the Eldest Son of the Posterity of Aaron having a constant prerogative in the Ecclesiastical Government Exod. 28.1 c. Hag. 1.1 12. and 2.3 Zach. 3.1 8. VVhose Name and Office is Mystically transferred to Christ. In the Epistle to the Hebrews hence he is so often called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 high Priest Heb. 2.17 3.1 4.14 15. 5.5 10. 6.20 7.26 8.1 9.11 and Great Priest Heb. 10.21 See Zach. 6.12 13. the Reason of the Comparison may be read at large in the Epistle The Appellation of Priests is attributed to Believers in Christ Psal. 132.9
Gardens or Orchards to spoil his precious flowers and tender plants III. A Husbandman puts some of his Cattle into fat pastures to feed and fatten them against the day of slaughter IV. A husbandman expects not that return and increase of precious and profitable fruit from the dry heath and barren Wilderness as from the rich Valleys Gardens Fields Vineyards c. which he hath bestowed much cost and labour upon in manuring sowing planting watering dressing c. V. A husbandman divides and separates his land especially that which he designs for tillage and principal use from other mens Every one knows his own land and to this end they have landmarks and the like by which propriety is preserv'd VI. A husbandman doth not only divide and separate the land that he designs for special use whether Orchard Field or Vineyard from all other but also makes a Fence or Wall about it especially if it be taken out of a waste Wilderness or a barren and common Heath or Field otherwise the fruit might soon be eaten up or trod down by the Beasts of the Field VII When a Husbandman hath Fenced or Walled in his ground he digs or plows it up in order to the manuring of it and making it good soyl fit for the use intended whether for choice grain plants or other things VIII A husbandman finds some ground more hard stony and barren than others and what the Plow cannot break up the Spade and Mattock must If it be very rocky a Hammer is used to break it in pieces IX A husbandman finds by experience that no ground till it be well manured and Planted brings forth any thing but what naturally grows of it self Choice plants must be set and seed must be sowen if we will expect fruit X. When a Husbandman has ploughed or digged up his Field he discovers the nature and quality of the ground and finds much Filth Worms Weeds and loathsome trash are turned up which before lay hid so that we many times wonder that land so fair in appearance should prove so naught XI The husbandman takes much pains and bestows great Cost to make his barren ground fruitful and destroy those hurtful Weeds which would Choak the seed deprive it of nourishment and so spoil its growth He also lays on much Dung to fertilize it and make it yield the greater Crop XII Though the husbandman doth not find his ground immediately so good and fruitful as to Answer his just expectation considering his labour and cost about it yet for all that he gives not over nor slacks his hand as if it would never be good but on the contrary pursues his endeavour in hopes that what fails in one year may be effectual in another XIII The husbandman grudges not at the cost he is at to make his ground fruitfull but does it with a willing mind and very chearfully XIV A husbandman sees when his field is plowed and sowed that it must be water'd with the dew of Heaven or it will not thrive The Earth cannot bring forth unless the Heavens distil their precious drops and refreshing showers upon it therefore he prays for rain and if it rains not he opens his sluices to water his Meadows and other low Ground to make it fructifie XV. The husbandman finds that low Grounds Valleys and Meadows by Rivers sides are most fruitful whereas Mountains Heaths and Hilly grounds how lofty soever they seem are commonly barren and unfruitful And though they may for a time bring forth yet by the scorching heat of the Sun and for want of moisture by which it should take deep root 't is so parched and burnt that it rarely if at all comes to maturity XVI A husbandman takes much pains to weed his Gardens and prune his Trees and if he finds the weeds come up thick especially such as are of a hurtful and mischievous kind he uses all ways and proper means to destroy them lest they should spoil the fruit of his Garden Field or Vineyard c. Yet notwithstanding some reliques of the old roots are left which are apt to spring up afresh unless continually cropt off and kept short XVII A husbandman in consideration of all his labour and charge expects fruit answerably from his husbandry XVIII A husbandman often goes to see the success of his labour and how his Corn and other Plantations thrive and is much delighted and comforted to find a good increase and fair hopes of a great Crop to reward his pains How he rejoyces when he finds every Vine full of thick Clusters every Tree loaden with Fruit and the Valleys covered with precious Corn XIX The husbandman is exceedingly grieved when on the contray he finds his fields barren or blasted and his hopes of a plentiful harvest disappointed XX. When the husbandman finds many Trees and Branches barren or without sap or life after all the means he hath used he cuts them down for fuel because they should not cumber the ground nor hurt others XXI A husbandman hath many Servants which he employs to work in his Vineyard or as Labourers in his Harvest XXII A husbandman that hath in his house a faithful labourous an experienced servant highly prizes him he is esteemed above any that are unskilful slothful or negligent in their business XXIII The husbandman oftentimes finds his pleasant trees choice plants and fruitful fields annoyed and greatly damnified by Catter-pillars and other hurtful Vermine XXIV When the husbandman finds his Fields or Vineyards quite barren and that no manuring will help but thorns briars and weeds abound he plucks up the hedges and lets it lie fallow and common to all XXV A husbandman Fans or Winnows his Corn to sever the Chaff from the Wheat PARALLEL I. GOd Almighty is a very rich husbandman The Earth is the Lords and the fulnâ—â—ss thereof He hath many fruitful Fields Vineyards c. where the Gospel is professed And many barren Heaths Mountains and Wildernesses the Pagan Heathen an unconverted parts of the World which yield little or no profit II. God lays claim to all the Beasts of the Field the wild and devouring Beasts of the Forrest Every beast of the Forrest is mine saith the Lord and the Cattle upon a thousand Hills The Fowls of the Mountains and the wild beasts of the field are mine No man be he never so brutish vile and mischievous but by right of Creation is the Lords though strangely degenerate from what he was and should be such he fetters chains and ties up that they cannot destroy the poor The oppressors persecuters and spoilers of the Earth would soon break in and spoil Gods vineyard but that the Lord puts hooks into their Jaws and puts bounds to them which they cannot pass III. God suffers the wicked to feed in fat Pastures to wallow in plenty eating the fat and drinking the sweet of the Earth but 't is for the day of slaughter such as have all
we have many means of increase of grace the Lord will expect the fruits of holiness from his people XVIII The Lord loves to visit his vineyard often and delights to behold the flourishing graces of his people He is gone Down into his garden into his beds of spices c. He eats his pleasant fruit he takes pleasure in his Saints and will beautifie the meek with salvation Let us see says he if the vine flourish whether the tender grape appears and the pomegranatâ—â—s bud forth there will I give thee my loves He rejoyâ—â—es to find his people abound with graces which are the blessed fruits of the spirit no Ambrosia so sweet to this heavenly husbandman as the holy performances of his Saints which is the effect of his own cost and labour XIX The Lord expresses great grief when his people bring forth no fruit or which is worse wild fruit he looked that it should bring forth grapes and it brought forth wild grapâ—â—s How he complains by the Prophet She viz. the vineyard Jerusalem was plucked up in fury the East wind driâ—â—d up her fruit Fire hath devoured her fruit this is a lamentation and shall be for a lamentation How it grieves the Lord to the heart when his servants his Ministers return this account we have laboured in vain and spent our strength for nought c. XX. When the Lord finds any barren or withered branch in his husbandry past hope of recovery he cuts them 〈◊〉 every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away Christ cursed the fruitless fâ—â—g treâ—â— and immediately it was driâ—â—d up this cutting off may be done by the immediate hand of God â—â—ith in Spirituals or Temporals or by the censure and excommunication of the Church XXI God hâ—â—th also many workmen in his Churches divers painfâ—â—l labourers in his harvest Miniâ—â—ers of the Gospel are spiritual harvest men We then as Workers together with you beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain XXII A faithful experienced and laborious Minister the Lord values above thousands of slothful false hearted and self seeking ones who care not for the flock so they have the fleece and if they have the wages care not for the work Moses was faithful in his house and therefore esteemed but Corah and hâ—â—s Company that fain would have been lookt upon as appointed by God like Moses were swallowed up XXIII The Church of God often suffers and is much spoiled by those innumerable swarms of Locusts or Catterpillars that came out of the bottomless pit by which according to the opinion of divers eminent Writers are meant the great swarms of Popish Priests Friars Monks Jesuits and even all the whole tribe of the Romish Hierarchy who are fitly likened to Locusts which as Naturalists say are a little vile kind of vermine that spring out of smoak flying together in vast numbers gnawing eating up or destroying all green things and fruits of the eaâ—â—th being a very slothful and idle creature resembling the Popish Clergy exactly who are bred out of the smoak and darkness of hellish ignorance they are slow bellies living upon the sweat of other mens brows To such Kingdoms or Countries as abound with pleasant plants they flock in swarms where they make havock and lay wast all green things in the Church of God as this and other Nations have felt and still feel infecting thousands with their damnable devices superstitious practices and inventions XXIV When God finds a Church or people without the life and power of grace and religion cold and lukewarm having only the Carkass of external profession and that no calls nor endeavours will reclaim them he withdraws his presence removes his Candlestick takes away the hedge and lays it waste Go to my place in Shilo where I set my name at first and see what I did to it for Israel 's wickedness So Sardis Ephesus Smirna Philadelphia c. and the rest of those once famous Asiatick Churches are become a barren and waste Wilderness XXV The Lord by his word and spirit which is as a fan in his hand severs the chaff and refuse part of his Children that nothing but the pure grain and seed of grace may remain in them and oftentimes by affliction winnows his Church Severing the true Christian from the dross and chaff of hypocrisie I will sift the house of Israel as Corn it sifted in a sieve c. METAPHOR I. SOme husbandmen hire their ground and pay Rent for what they have II. A husbandman maybe dispossest of his farm and turn'd out of all his estate by an enemy or the injustice of a party stronger than himself III. The husbandman thrives or grows poor aâ—â—cording as his husbandry gives good or bad returns IV. Husbandmen often faint and grow weary of working V. Husbandmen know not the success and event of their labour nor the nature of some ground till they try it VI. Husbandmen cannot rain to water their fields 't is God that gives the increase for which their dependance must be upon him VII The husbandman cannot make bad trees bring forth good fruit nor barren trees bear nor some sort of ground good let him do what he can VIII Storms Tempests excessive Rain Snow Heat or Cold often force the husbandman to a cessation of his labour and an enemy may compel him from his work IX A husbandman grows old and dies and leaves his husbandry DISPARITY I. BUt God is the proprietor and proper owner of all the Nations and people of the Earth whatsoever is under the whole heavens saith the Almighty is mine II. God cannot be dispossest or turned out of his inheritance for no strength or power is able to stand before him none can oppress him or take his right from him against his will he can destroy at once all that rise up against him III. God though he lays out very much to cultivate a Nation Church or People is never the poorer his treasure is inexhaustible and can receive no addition nor diminution Can a man be profitable to God My Goodness saith David extends not to thee All that he doth is for his Creatures profit IV. God in a proper sence cannot be weary therefore in Scripture when we read of his being weary 't is spoken by the figure 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 after the manner of men by way of condescention to our capacities after much patience and forbearance and finding no fruit he is said to be weary not properly but as before the everlasting God the Lord the Creator of the ends of the Earth fainteth not neither is weary V. But God knows all things the hearts and spirits of all men he knows what nation or people will prove fruitful or otherwise before his word and spirit are employ'd to cultivate and try them VI. God can cause it to Rain when he pleases externally upon the earth and spiritually
upon his people he can cause his precious dew to distil upon the tender herb and showers of rain to fall upon the grass VII God can make the vilest and worst of sinners to bring forth good fruit when his grace converts them and the barrenest souls to be fruitful souls VIII None can hinder the Almighty from his labour I will work and who shall lett it IX God the spiritual husbandman never grows old and can never die but is ever taking care of his husbandry COROLLARIES 1. THis shews the wonderful condescension of the great and Almighty God in comparing himself to an husbandman an Employment of great toyl and very hard labour yet profitable and honest 2. Shews the great priviledge dignity and security of the Church of Christ being the plantation of the great God in which he takes delight the rest of the world being like a barren and howling Wilderness to it Wo is me that I sojourn in Mesech and dwell in the Tents of Kedar 3. It shews the necessity of being truly grafted into this vineyard a bare profession will not do as in the foolish Virgins case he has a quick eye and will soon find out such as bear no fruit or are rotten at heart such he cuts down and burns 4. Here 's cause of joy to those that are truly implanted into Jesus Christ they are under his special care and watch they shall flourish and bring forth fruit in old age Walled in on every side and so very safe God a Builder Psal. 127.1 Except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it Prov. 9. Wisdom hath built her a House Heb. 3.4 But he that built all things is God IN these Scriptures and many others God is called a Builder which is a Metaphor taken from Carpenters and Masons that build Houses The Hebrew word by which Building is express'd is derived from the Root 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aedificavit extruxit Domum vel Vrbem to build or rear a House or City 1 Kin. 10.4 Metaphorically 't is put for Procreation and Education of Children of which Families are as it were built Gen. 16.2 2. For repairing decayed Places 1 King 12.25 3. For the Restauration Preservation and Exaltation of God's People Jer. 31.4 The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 preparo instruo to prepare or build up is as Illyricus says a military Word and signifies vasa instrumentáque castrensia colligere the gathering together of Vessels or Vtensils of the Camp of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Vessel God may be said to be a Builder in a four-fold respect 1. He created or built the visible World 2. He built or constituted the Church Militant 3. The Church Triumphant 4. The Invisible World the Celestial City or New Jerusalem for the Church Triumphant to inhabit when the visible World is dissolved In a Builder we are to consider three things viz. Skill Strength Action 1. Skill to contrive 2. Strength to provide and 3. Action to compleat All which are fairly applicable to God as a Builder as appears in the following Particulars Metaphor I. A Builder is an Artist a Man of Wisdom to contrive the fittest Model of the Whole in general and of the distinct Rooms and Parts in particular II. A Master-Builder usually hath a principal or Head-Workman to whom he imparts his Secrets in his great and weighty Contrivances who is to enter upon the chiefest part of the Work and not only to work himself but to order and direct all subordinate Workmen III. A Master-Builder hath the Figure or Idea of the Materials in his Mind of which the Fabrick is to be compacted and gives Order for the bringing them forth to answer his great Project and Design IV. A wise Master-Builder lays a Foundation to set that Fabrick upon that he intends to build for a House City or any kind of Edifice which cannot stand without it as Christ tells us V. A Builder puts his Workmen into Order and his Materials into their proper places the Stone Brick Timber Lead Iron Brass Silver c. VI. A Builder raises Fabricks of several sorts some of higher Consideration and Grandure than others as Temples the Palaces and Thrones of Princes Noble and Great Men's Houses inferior Dwellings and dismal Prisons VII A Builder gives Ornament as well as Form and Being to a House VIII A Builder is a great Benefactor to the World in making Places both for Safety and Conveniency IX A Builder is pleased with his Work when finished and is worthy of Honour for it Disparity I. GOD the first Founder and Builder of all things is that great Master of Wisdom of whom it is said that he finds out knowledg of witty Inventions that he is wise and perfect in knowledg that his Wisdom is unsearchable and his Ways Contrivance and Projections past finding out in his Works of Creation as well as Providence for not Man only is fearfully and curiously made but all his other Works so well contrived that it is not possible for any to mend them In Wisdom hast thou made them all II. God the infinite and most wise Contriver hath his Word or Son who is called the Wisdom of God and a wonderful Counsellor to be his Head-Workman who was in the Bosom of the Father and understood all his Secrets by whom he made the Worlds who is called the Son the Character Image or Representative of God without whom there was nothing contrived or made that was made either things in Heaven or things on Earth visible or invisible whether Thrones Dominions or Principalities all things were made by him and he was before all things and from him came Order and Direction to all subordinate or secondary Causes III. God the Builder of all things had the Idea in his own Mind and gave Order for the bringing of them forth in order to suit his most wise and wonderful Purposes for as known to God are all his Works from the beginning so he said Let the Heavens the Earth the Water the Air appear and they did so IV. God this great and wise Master-Builder hath planted the Heavens above and laid the Foundations of the Earth beneath which when we consider that they have no bottom but the Air and the Water we must resolve it into his own Power which can do every thing or his Word or Son who bears up the Pillars of the Earth and upholds all things He looked for a City which hath Foundations whose Builder and Maker is God V. The God of the whole Earth did at the first put all Materials into their proper places and assigned all his Servants their respective Work the Heavens above the Air the Air above the Earth and the Earth above the Waters Christ is Head-Workman above Angels Angels above Men Men in Work and Business above the Fowls of the Air Beasts of the Field creeping Things of the Earth Fishes of the
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
Confidence V. Some Warriors invade their Enemies with sudden Irruptions not giving them Warning nor Time of Preparation VI. Worldly Men of War know not sometimes how to put a Period to a War when it is begun nor can tell when it will end VII Tho Earthly Warriors can kill yet they cannot make alive VIII Such cannot kill the Soul IX A Warrior may waste his Treasure and empty his Exchequer by long and chargeable Wars X. He makes his Subjects bear the Charge Disparity I. GOD the Spiritual Warrior is the Eternal Jehovah who formed Man and all things else Thou hast laid the Foundations of the Earth and the Heavens are the Works of thy Hands They shall perish but thou shalt endure yea all of them shall wax old like a Garment as a Vesture shalt thou change them But thou art the same and thy Years shall have no end II. God has an absolute Power and Sovereignty over Heaven and Earth whom he will he sets up and pulls down at his pleasure whom he will he kills and whom he will he saves alive He doth whatsoever he pleaseth and who can say unto God What dost thou III. But there is no Match for God in the World Who would set the Briars and Thorns against me in Battel I would go through them I would burn them together He is called a consuming Fire and the greatest of his Enemies are but as Stubble fully dry It was a Saying of Caesar Veni vidi vici and may truly be said of God for he never comes off with Loss IV. The omniscient God that knows all things cannot be baffled nor disappointed he knows who of either side shall fall and who shall be slain and who wounded before the Battel begins V. The Lord of Hosts before he takes up Arms or intends to destroy a single or a combined Enemy gives them timely Warning and Notice of it that so Sinners may be ready and prepare themselves This appears in respect of the Old World those vile Enemies of God the Lord gave them warning one hundred and twenty Years of his breaking in upon them before it came to pass So he likewise gave warning to Jerusalem by the Prophets before he brought the Babylonians in upon them And what warning did the Lord give to the People of the Jews before the Destruction came upon them by the Romans God shoots off his Warning-Piece before he discharges his Murdering-Piece VI. God can in a moment stop any Judgment he can stay the Sword from devouring and the Fire from consuming He knows when the Controversy he hath with any Nation or People shall cease VII The Lord of Hosts can kill and make alive and many times by killing brings to Life VIII But God is able to kill both Soul and Body and after cast them into Hell IX But God's Treasury can never be wasted nor his Store consumed X. But God bears all the Charge of his Wars himself See the Metaphor of Captain Corollaries 1. FRom the foregoing Particulars we may infer That such as fight against God's People fight against God himself he being their Head and General that bears the Charge of the War and will certainly vindicate his People 2. From hence all good Men may derive encouragement because they are under the Conduct of so Incomparable a Warrior that can in a moment destroy all their Enemies 3. We may infer that a Martial Employment is a very honourable and useful Employ viz. when the Cause is good when 't is for God's Glory and for the Honour and Safety of King and People God is called The Lord of Hosts the God of the Armies of Israel which puts a Lustre and Dignity upon this Title c. 4. If God's People be worsted by an Enemy we may infer that it is suffered by the Almighty as a Scourge and Punishment for their Sins This was Israel's Case very often 5. Let God's People when they go out against their Soul-Enemies go in the Name of the Lord of Hosts for 't is dangerous to face an Enemy unless God go with us In the Name of the Lord will we set up our Banners 6. We may infer the desperate Case of such as fight against God Who ever hardned his Heart against him and prospered Such as make a Tumult and hate him that lift up the Heod that take crafty Counsel against his People c. Such shall be made as Stubble before the Wind and their Confederacy laught at by him that sits on high c. The most steely and flinty in the World can no more stand before God than Briars and Thorns before a flaming Fire Whoever commences War with him does it to his own Ruine and Destruction c. 7. Hence let all the Enemies of God consider that it is their wisest and safest Course to lay down their Arms and make their Peace with God 1. Because he is a God of Might and Power 2. Of Terror and Majesty 3. Of Influence and Authority he commands all 4. Of invincible Resolution and Constancy 5. Of so great Valour and Generosity that as there is no fighting with him so honourable Terms may be made with him upon Submission That he is a God of Might and Power Terror and Majesty hath been shewn already therefore we shall proceed to the third Particular viz. 3. He is a God of Influence and Authority he commands all Nothing can stand when he commands a March The Frogs invade Pharaoh the Stars fight against Sisera an Angel fights the whole Host of Assyria the Watchers turn Nebuchadnezzar to Grass toss Belshazzar from the Throne and open the Gates of Babylon for Darius He brings forth his Angels by Troops and shews them in the Air to strengthen or amaze all mounted on Chariots and Horses Sends the Winds out of his Chambers to make Confusion both by Sea and Land which rolls up the great Waves and hurls the Ships against Rocks that overturns Houses pulls up Trees by the Roots enters into small Crannies and shakes the Foundations of the Earth shakes the Walls of Jericho makes the Ground open to swallow up Men alive Whoever he sets himself against they are undone for neither Riches nor Strength will save them Riches profit not in the Day of his Wrath Money cannot bribe him and by Strength can no Flesh prevail For he can smite blind and lame in a moment put in fear smite Hip and Thigh that they cannot move to run away from him break their Cheek-Bone that they shall not bite nor ask for Mercy Many have been overcome by him but never any prospered against him So successful hath he been in Battel that the Victory goes on his Side where-ever he undertakes the War He makes One chase a Thousand and Two put Ten Thousand to Flight As is his Power so is He. His Wisdom and Counsel is such that by one Act he knows the Strength of all his Enemies and the Counsel
Protection IV. A strong Tower with respect to Scituation is usually built upon a rocky or most firm Foundation to prevent Undermining V. A strong Tower is environed with thick and lofty Walls to withstand the Batteries of the Enemy and overtop their Scaling-Ladders It also gives a fair and full Prospect of things below discovering the Motions and Approaches of the Enemy VI. A strong Tower is fortified with Out-works as Moats Plat-Forms Palisadoes Counterscarps Half-Moons c. which are often stormed and taken the Souldiers therefore do not put their chief confidence in them but when they find them not tenable they wisely retire to the Tower or main Strength or they are certainly lost VII In a strong Tower the Walls and Bulwarks are furnished with Artillery and other Military Engines to keep off and destroy the Assailants VIII In a strong Tower they have Countermines and other Devices to defeat the Besiegers Mines or under-ground Workings IX A strong Tower is a Place of Security there as in a safe Retreat Men trust their Lives Estates Families choice Treasures c. 'T is a Refuge and sure Receptacle when Enemies invade or Tyrants oppress us X. Sometimes from a strong Tower a Party is commanded to make brave Sallies and Onsets on the Enemy XI A strong Tower only saves and protects those that are got into it Others are exposed to the Fury of the Enemy The knowledg of its impregnable Strength gives Courage and Resolution to such as are in it to bid defiance to the Rage and Malice of all Enemies XII As a strong Tower gives Courage and Spirit to those that are in it so it dispirits and disheartens the Besiegers who after long and succesless Assaults are defeated or beaten quite off Parallel I. GOD is the Christian's Magazine and spiritual Armory from thence he is furnished with Weapons to combat his Soul's Adversaries as the Girdle of Truth the Breast-plate of Righteousness Shooes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace the Shield of Faith the Helmet of Salvation the Sword of the Spirit c. reckoned up in Ephes. 6.10 11 12 13 14 c. II. God the spiritual Tower is Fulness it self He satisfies and fills the hungry Soul His Fulness fills all in all The believing hungry Soul has his absolute Promise Luke 6.21 Ye shall be filled And 't is most certain that he can and will make it good The Militant Christian can want nothing but it is there ready for him III. The Lord Jesus Christ is commissioned as chief Officer in this heavenly Tower whose Resolution no Force can shake whose Courage no Enemy can daunt and whose Skill in training and disciplining his Souldiers no Military Professor can equal He is the Captain of our Salvation by him and only him all distressed Sinners are admitted into the Shelter and Protection of this Tower He only shuts and opens None can come unto the Father but by him Without him we can do nothing He distributes his Graces and fits for an Encounter He gives his Saints Power to tread upon Serpents and Scorpions and over all the Power of the Enemy c. IV. This Heavenly Tower is the Rock of Ages it self All the Powers of Hell and Earth are not able to shake it nor all their Art to undermine it V. The Lord is a Wall of Fire round about his People such as no Battery can make a Breach in nor Ladder scale There is no fighting against God for he is too hard a Match for the proudest Mortal 'T is a desperate and foolish Enterprize to attack this Fort for it is impregnable It gives those within a clear Prospect of the Things of this World which the Dwellers below cannot discover They see what Sin is with its defiling and damning Quality they are not ignorant of Satan's Devices by which he labours to circumvent them they see the Weakness of their spiritual Enemies and fear them not so long as this Tower incloses them VI. A bare external Profession of Religion superficial reading of the Scriptures thinking like the Jews to have eternal Life in them speculative Knowledg or that which is meerly historical assembling or joining in Communion with God's People in his Ordinances Conversations morally sober outward Strictness in Christian Duties pious Performances c. may be fitly compared to these Out-works which tho in themselves very good and to be practised yet without the Root of the Matter that is the Life and Power of Grace in the Heart they are not by any means to be rested in for when an Enemy comes these Defences are too weak and unserviceable It therefore concerns the Safety of Christians to go to God this impregnable Tower through Christ and make a timely Retreat into their great Citadel else their Fortification will be certainly demolished and they destroyed as in the foolish Virgins Case VII This heavenly Tower is furnished with a dreadful Train of Artillery He distributes Death Desolation and Havock among the proud rebellious Pharaohs of the Earth that oppress his People He deals Destruction in loud Peals of Thunder and furious Storms of Rain Hail and Fire He pours out the Vials of his Wrath rends Rocks and makes the Earth to quake He can and will in time melt the Elements with fervent Heat and burn up the Earth and the Works therein The murthering Cannon never roared out more Horror and Amazement than the Wrath and Vengeance of an incensed God elegantly expressed Psal. 18.8 9 10 11 12 13 14 c. The Earth shook and trembled the Foundations of the Hills moved and were shaken because of his Wrath. There went up Smoke out of his Nostrils and Fire out of his Mouth devoured Coals were kindled by it He bowed the Heavens also and came down and Darkness was under his Feet He rode upon a Cherub and did flie yea he did flie upon the Wings of the Wind. He made Darkness his secret Place his Pavilion round about him were dark Waters and thick Clouds of the Skies At the Brightness that was before him his thick Clouds passed Hailstones and Coals of Fire The Lord also thundred in the Heavens and the Highest gave his Voice Hail-stones and Coals of Fire Yea he sent out his Arrows and scattered them and he shot out Lightnings and discomfited them VIII The Lord can baffle the Combinations of the Wicked and intrap them in their own Snares He disappoints the Devices of the Crafty makes them fall into their own Pit he brings the hidden Counsels of Wickedness to Light and defeats the Plots and Stratagems of Antichrist of which in his blessed Providence he has given us many memorable Instances in former and later Times IX God is such a Safeguard to his Church that the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it a sure Sanctuary to every individual Christian that puts or commits himself into his Protection He is as tender of his Saints as
Protection is far more secure IV. God is a Refuge that will not deceive the Soul whosoe're it be that flies to him nor never did fail any who took up Sanctuary in him God cannot fail in his Ability to save he is infinite in Power he cannot fail in Wisdom because he is All-wise yea Wisdom it self in the Abstract Time doth not cause him to decay nor grow old He abides the same and his Years fail not the Eternal God is thy Refuge He is righteous and just and will not suffer his Faithfulness to fail Tho others have neither Faithfulness Bowels nor Humanity in them yet he who said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee hath also said His Mercy and Goodness endureth for ever Look to the Generations of old Did ever any trust in God and were confounded Or whom did he ever despise that called upon him V. God in Christ is a Refuge not only for Man-slayers but Murtherers Adulterers yea the vilest and worst of Sinners if by true Faith and Repentance they seek to him Manasses who made Jerusalem run down with Blood and Mary Magdalen found Refuge viz. Pardon and Forgiveness in him Inferences 1. HEnce we may perceive that the Godly in this World are exposed to great Afflictions and Calamities 2. Yet God hath not left them without a Place of Refuge 3. That there is no Safety but in the Almighty 4. That it is the only Way and Wisdom of sinful Men to flie with speed to God through Christ if they would find Mercy and Sanctuary from Wrath and Vengeance 5. This also shews the happy State and Condition of the Godly 6. Let Believers have a Recourse to God in the Day of Trouble by Prayer and Humiliation 7. Besides we may learn how vain and fruitless all the Attempts and Approaches of the Wicked are against God's Church and holy Men. 8. Why should the Godly then fear in the Day of Evil that have such a Refuge See Strong-Tower Habitation Hiding-Place God an Housholder Mat. 21.33 Hear another Parable There was a certain Housholder c. BY the Scope and Meaning of this Parable it appears that GOD the Father is that Housholder intended in this Text of Scripture 1. Because it was he that planted the Vineyard We take Vineyard for the World or the State of the Jews in the Land of Canaan 2. He hedged it round about he digg'd a Wine-Press and built a Tower 3. He set it and farm'd it out to Husband-Men God made the World and all things therein divided it by Lot since Adam and set a Determination to the Bounds and Habitations thereof 4. It was God who sent the Prophets Judges Apostles Priests and Kings to receive the Fruits of them 5. It appears evidently that it was God who sent his Son to the Husband-Men who killed him c. 6. To put all out of doubt this Son is said to be the Corner-Stone laid in Zion and that by the Lord himself This is the Lord 's doing and it is marvellous in our Eyes The Word Housholder imports three things 1. One that is possessed of an Estate 2. One that hath Business to do 3. One that hath a Family of Servants to employ All these seem fairly applicable to God Metaphorically 1. God is possessed of an Estate The Earth is his and the Fulness thereof the World and all the Inhabitants therein 2. God hath Business to do in this World to replenish the Earth and to establish his Will in respect of Worship and Service Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven c. 3. God hath a Family of Servants to govern The Soul of the Father as well as the Soul of the Son is mine And he saith to these Servants Dwell in the Land do good and employ the Talents given you God is and may not unfitly be compared to a Housholder Here I shall give you the Properties of a Housholder according to the Sence of the Word and the true Intent of the Text and so go on by God's help in prosecution of the Parallel Metaphor I. AN Housholder is the first Founder or Setler of a Family for there can be no such thing as a Housholder Family c. without a raising or first founding of it And there can be no such Raising or Founding without a Beginner or Founder where there are Effects there must be a Cause producing those Effects II. An Housholder that is to be concerned with Family-Affairs doth frame and build a House or Dwelling as a very needful Conveniency for himself and Family III. A good Housholder gets him a Family suited to all his Purposes not thinking it meet to be alone he doth espouse a Wife and bring in Servants c. IV. A good Housholder fits his Family or Houshold for Business V. A good Housholder sets things in good Order leaves nothing confused to occasion Quarrelling and Strife sets all in their proper places His eldest Son and First-born is made the Chief the rest of the Children and Servants are made Inferiors to him he is called the Excellency of Dignity VI. A good Housholder shews and appoints his Family their Work some to be employed in the House some in the Barn and Stable and some in the Field VII A good Housholder maketh good Provision for the Subsistence of his Family he knoweth that they cannot labour without Sustenance and Supplies VIII A good Housholder keeps his Place leaves not his Family when Discord happens amongst them he accounts it his Work to heal and strengthen not to destroy a House IX A good Housholder lays out Ground for his Servants Employment and Familie's Supply one Place for a Vine and another for a Garden with others for Fields and Meadows for Hay c. X. A wise and good Housholder contrives the best Scituation as well as the best Methods of Accommodation for his Houshold plants them as near as may be to Pools Rivers pleasant Streams and fruitful Springs where such are or may be form'd and made XI A good and wise Housholder teacheth and instructeth his Houshold in good Manners and fit Behavior shews Faults and dislikes uncomely and debauched Actions and Examples is angry at reiterated Untowardness Abraham taught his Children Moses instructed Israel David taught Solomon was angry with Absalom as Ely with his Sons XII A good and wise Housholder loves his Houshold with a natural and paternal Love XIII A good and wise Housholder takes care for the Preservation and Security of his Family in respect of Health and Safety against Thieves and Enemies sends for a Physician as soon as he finds any ill orders the Doors and Gates to be kept fast with Bars and Locks XIV A good Housholder bears and forbears long is not rash and hasty but meek and patient under present Provocation XV. A wise Housholder is not always wroth retains not Anger out of spite soon becomes reconciled upon Submission and using Means of Pacification
the Kingdom puts a difference between Egypt and Israel secludes Hymeneus and Philetus Hypocrites and Hereticks and all unclean Persons that the Peace of the Family may be preserved hath threatned they that trouble it shall bear their Judgment whoever they be God divorced the Church of Israel c. XXVI God upon this Ground hath tho he account it his strange Work turn'd to be an Enemy to those â—â—f his own Houshold and hath not only cast them out but drawn his glittering Sword made sharp by whetting bent his Bow and prepared his Arrows upon the String made sick in smiting and utterly destroyed aâ—â— in the Case of Israel Judah and Jerusalem XXVII God sware in his Wrath that they should not enter into his Rest and left them to expectation of fiery Indignation XXVIII Thus God dealt with Israel and Judah gave Jacob to the Spoil and Israel to the Robbers and was so far from interposing between them and Danger that he gave them up to fearful Ruine from the Chaldeans and to the Romans in the Time of Josephus declaring that his Eye should not pity neither would he have Mercy And as to particular Persons David told Solomon that if he forsook God God would cast him off for ever Thus those are confounded even as Judas Iscariot was and as Jesus Christ speaks of the Branches that abide not They are cast off and Men gather them and they come to Burning and as Salt when good for nothing is cast to the Dunghill and trodden under foot XXIX God that he might be justified in all his Actions hath appointed a general Judgment to bring forth his Works and Actions that he may clear himself and overcome when he is judged Hence it is said He hath appointed a Day in which he will judg the World in Righteousness call all his Houshold to account before the Angels and there make his Justice shine as the Sun at Noon in respect of all his Providences and Dispensations XXX God certainly rewards all Men for well-doing both in this World and that which is to come Verily shall one say there is a Reward for the Righteous when there is a God that judges in the Earth The Righteous shall be recompenced in the Earth Godliness hath the Promise of the Life that now is and that which is to come Metaphor I. AN Housholder in this World hath but a small Family tho never so great a Person Solomon was the greatest we read of yet small in comparison c. II. An Housholder in this World is but a Steward under another c. III. An Housholder in this World wants Wisdom and may be defective in respect of Government over his Houshold IV. An Housholder cannot of himself make his Family V. An Housholder in this World cannot communicate Strength nor secure from falling by Sickness or Death till they have finished the Work which he hath committed to them VI. An Housholder in this World may be taken away from his Houshold by human Force or by Sickness and Death VII An Housholder in this World may be from home about other Business not all times doing his Family good VIII An Housholder in this World tho he be at home and well yet he may be asleep and Evil come in the same Instant IX An Housholder may be taken away captive or forced to flie from his Family tho as valiant as David as wise as Solomon as great and mighty as Belshazzar and Darius X. An Housholder cannot always preserve his Family in Peace nor give them everlasting Rewards Disparity I. GOD hath a very great Family as numerous as the Stars or the Sand of the Sea The God of the whole Earth shall he be called The Earth is the Lord's and the Fulness thereof The Fathers and the Children are all his and the whole World receives great Benefits by him c. He gives all their Meat in due season He makes the Sun to shine and the Rain to fall on the Just and Vnjust II. But God is absolute Head and Lord under no Commission neither in subjection to any III. God is infinitely wise and good perfect in Knowledg hath all Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg hath Depths of Wisdom and Knowledg unsearchable and past finding out 'T is impossible for him to err or miscarry in any case his Way is perfect IV. But God is the Maker of his Family from the highest to the lowest Thou hast made us and not we our selves c. V. But God is able to make all Grace abound to make the Arms of their Hands strong to renew their Strength like the Eagle to make the Weak become as David and David as the Angel of God so as to run and not be weary to walk and not faint VI. God is always abiding as he hath no beginning of Days nor end of Life He is the eternal and ever-living God VII God is never from home about other Business cannot be out of the way of doing his Family good because every where present on Earth as well as in Heaven He fills his own Work therefore promised to be with them in the Fire and in the Water and promised never to leave them nor forsake them VIII But God the Keeper of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps for Night and Day the Dark and the Light are alike to him and between the Land and the Sea there is no difference For his Ways are in the Dark in the Deep and his Footsteps are in the mighty Waters IX But God yea the Omnipotent God cannot be invaded nor carried away captive he keeps his Place and is immoveable None hath an Arm like God and by Strength nor no other way shall any prevail over him God is Omnipotent Powerful Invincible c. X. But God the Preserver of Men and of the Souls of his Saints can so preserve in Peace that none darâ—â—s approach to rob his Family of it God gives his Family Consolation and good Hope here and Reward or Inheritance hereafter which shall never fade away nor be taken from them Inferences 1. IF God be an Housholder we infer against Epicures that he is and must be concerned in the Affairs of this lower World why otherwise should all things look up to him as the Psalmist saith and how should they be cared for and provided for as Christ himself and St. Paul averr God gives not his Spirit once and no more but it is given to his People daily and hourly 't is that gives us our daily and common Bread and taketh care of us c. 2. We infer how greatly ignorant most of the World are in that they do not account it a great Privilege to be under the Conduct of God and enquire what they should do to please him 3. What a mighty Blessing and Privilege they have who are under his Conduct that is able to do all manner of Good for them in this World and reward with everlasting Life in the World to come
and Defence it defends them that are within and offends them that are without V. A Wall of Fire is most amazing dreadful and terrible to an Enemy VI. A Wall of Fire is dangerous to attack or approach unto no devouring and cruel Beasts dare come near it the Lions tremble at the Sight thereof VII Those that are environ'd round about with a Wall of Fire are very safe in the midst of the greatest Multitudes of evil Beasts VIII Nothing will keep off as Naturalists observe cruel and devouring Beasts but a Wall of Fire IX Those that are environ'd round by a Wall of Fire are not only safe from Enemies but are also thereby kept warm from piercing Cold. X. Those that see they are compassed about with a Wall of Fire are made very fearless and couragious thereby Parallel I. GOD is the Defence and Security of his People from the Devil that roaring Lion and old red Dragon and from wicked Men who for their cruel brutish devouring and merciless Dispositions are compared to Lions Bears c. II. God is a Wall of Fire or such a Defence and Security to his People whilst they remain in the howling Wilderness of this World where their Danger is very great there being Multitudes of brutish and devouring Men or rather Beasts nay Monsters Devils in the shape of Men ready to destroy them III. God is a Wall of Fire and Defence unto his People there being no other Security for them I looked and there was none to help therefore my own Arm brought Salvation and my Fury it upheld me IV. God is a Defence to his Church and 't is He who offends and discomfits their Enemies I will undo them that afflict thee c. V. God in being a Defence or Wall of Fire to his People greatly amazeth and terrifieth the ungodly and brutish Persecutors how terrible was God to Pharaoh when he was a Wall of Fire to Israel VI. It is a very dangerous thing for any to make Attempts upon God Who is able to stand before such a Wall of flaming and devouring Fire Wicked Men are compared to Briars and Thorns and who would set them saith God against me in Battel The Devils themselves tremble before his Sacred Majesty VII Those that are surrounded about on every side by the Power Wisdom and merciful Providences of the Almighty God this great Wall of Fire need not fear Devils nor brutish Men tho never so cruel and bloody VIII Nothing can keep off cruel and merciless Men from making a Spoil of God's Church but God himself Conscience cannot the Cry of the Widow and fatherless Children no nor the Fear of Hell Therefore God walls his People round about in a wonderful manner that Men cannot find nor come at them IX Those that have God for a Wall of Fire are secured from all the cold Blasts of Sin and Temptation are sweetly refreshed and comforted for such is the property of this Wall of Fire also unto them X. Those that see they have God as a Wall of Fire round about them are thereby made very valiant and couragious saying I will not fear what Man can do unto me c. Metaphor I. A Wall of Fire is made of outward Materials viz. Wood or such like Fuel II. A Wall of Fire properly is to secure the Body from ravenous wild and devouring Beasts III. A Wall of Fire may be quenched or for want of Fuel go out and so those that were secured by it may be exposed and laid open to the Rage of cruel and merciless Beasts Disparity I. GOD who is said to be a Wall of Fire for defence of his People is the Maker of all things By him all things were made c. II. God is a Wall or Defence to keep safe and secure both Body and Soul not only from wild Beasts but also from cursed Men and Devils III. This Wall of Fire can never be quenched nor go out whilst there be any wild Beasts and devouring and bloody Persecutors in the World This Fire will burn and be a Wall to the Godly let the Devil and Rome do what they can the Church of Christ shall never be left to the Rage of Papal Fury Inferences 1. FRom hence we may note an Use of Terror to wicked Men Their cruel Attempts upon the Church of God will prove their Ruin they will get nothing thereby but a feared and wounded Conscience this Fire will devour them 2. We may see how God is pleased to represent wicked Men doth he not intimate to us by this Metaphor that they are no better than ravenous Beasts 3. What great Folly doth this demonstrate to be in the Hearts of the Adversaries Will they who are but Briars and Thorns set themselves against the Great God who is a consuming Fire 4. It also shews the infinite Love and Care of God to his Saints 5. In what Safety do the Godly dwell Let the Beasts roar and tear and goar one another whilst God's People are thus defended and preserved from their Rage and Cruelty But some may object and say How is God said to be a Wall of Fire to the Church c. It may have respect to his Divine Attributes as Wisdom Power Goodness Truth Faithfulness Justice by which he preserves his Church and People through his glorious Providences in this World as thereby he defeats their Enemies God a Iudg. Gen. 18.10 25. Shall not the Judg of all the Earth do Right Psal. 58.11 Verily he is a God that judgeth in the Earth Psal. 82.1 God standeth in the Congregation of the Righteous he judgeth among the Gods GOD is really and properly a Judg for he is the Judg of all the World and therefore he is not brought here under the Notion of a Metaphorical Judg But in regard this Term seems to be allusive to Earthly Judges we think it may not be unprofitable to draw a Parallel for the Edification of the Reader As there is nothing more frequently attributed to Almighty God in the Holy Scriptures than the Title of Judg so there is scarce any Attribute or Action of the Most High grounded upon more Reason Of which take this following Account 1. There is in the World viz. on the whole Earth a great and mighty People for Number like to the Stars of Heaven or Sands by the Sea-Shore 2. There this numerous People are almost as various in their Humors as they are in their Numbers Ages Sizes and Complections 'T is very rare if not impossible to find two that in all Points do exactly accord 3. That this numberless Multitude are all addicted to run byass to a particular thing call'd Self-love and this too from an indissoluble Principle or Impression of Nature 'T is natural for all Men to love themselves 4. That after they are grown up to some degree of Ripeness and Maturity they have ready prepared to their Eyes the bad Examples of ill-living Souls which too often have
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
one Heart for Sin and another for him he must have the whole Heart or he will have none of it Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul c. Conscience may be for Christ and his Ways and the Judgment may be much enlightned when the Will may be opposite and the Affections set chiefly upon Sin and the Vanities of this World Their Heart is divided now shall they be found faulty XVIII Jesus Christ met with greater Opposition and fought more sore and fearful Battels than ever any did for the Sinner's sake as witness his Conflict with Satan that strong Man armed with Sin and Wrath and last of all with Death it self over all which Enemies he gloriously triumphed and got a perfect Conquest XIX Jesus Christ will not take into Covenant or make a Contract of Divine Love or Grace with a Person that is not dead to the Law We must see the Insufficiency of that and of our own Righteousness and have no confidence in the Flesh if we would win Christ. Wherefore my Brethren ye also are become dead to the Law that ye should be married to another even to him that is raised from the Dead that we should bring forth Fruit unto God XX. When Jesus Christ by his Word and holy Spirit hath brought over all the Faculties of the Soul unto himself finding the Person dead to Sin Self and to this World and all things being removed which obstructed this happy Contract he then proceeds and takes the Soul into Union with Himself But according to that holy Order and Decree of God no Soul is espoused by Christ but such as is given to him by the Father All that the Father hath given me shall come unto me XXI No sooner is a Sinner converted by Faith united or espoused to Jesus Christ but there is great Joy amongst the Angels of God in Heaven and amongst the Saints of God on Earth Likewise I say unto you there is Joy in Heaven in the presence of the Angels of God over one Sinner that repenteth And so in the case of the Prodigal at his return The Father said to his Servants Bring forth the best Robe and put it upon him and put a Ring on his hand And bring hither the fatted Calf and kill it and let us eat and drink and be merry And they began to be merry XXII Jesus Christ settles upon each Soul he espouses a very great Inheritance he makes over a Jointure of an inestimable value a Kingdom of Glory a Crown that fadeth not away even everlasting Blessedness XXIII Jesus Christ leaves his Church and each believing Soul whom he takes into Union with himself in this World for a while and doth not immediatly take them to himself or carry them to Heaven his own Habitation XXIV Jesus Christ delighteth greatly in his Church and in every sincere Member thereof hence Zion is called Hephzibah And as the Bridegroom rejoyceth over the Bride so shall thy God rejoyce over thee XXV Jesus Christ discharges his Saints and People from all those Debts that bind over to eternal Wrath. Sinners were miserably indebted to the Law and Justice owed ten thousand Talents but had not a Farthing to pay liable every day to Arrests and to be sent to the dark Shades of eternal Night or Prison of utter Darkness under the Wrath of the incensed Majesty having whole Mountains of Sin and Guilt lying upon them running every day into new Scores adding Sin to Sin one heavy Debt upon another O how great is the Guilt of sinful Man and how unable to satisfy Divine Justice How then shall these Debts be paid all these Sins expiated and the Guilt taken away Justice calls for full Payment it 's Language is Pay or perish yet we cannot make the least Reparation nor right God for the Wrong we have done him by offending the Eyes of his Glory But now by a Marriage-Covenant with Jesus Christ all is at once discharged and the Sinner acquitted there being Riches and Worth enough in him who hath fully satisfied the Demands of Law and Justice and by Union with him the Sinner comes to be interested into all He was made Sin for us who 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 O how happy is that Soul that is espoused to Jesus Christ XXVI Jesus Christ confers great Honour on those that are espoused to him The Church is called a Queen and how comes that to pass but by means of this Contract and Marriage with Christ Vpon the right hand stands the Queen with Gold of Ophir Believers are called by Christ's Name have the Attendance of his Servants the holy Angels The Angels of the Lord encamp round about them that fear him He hath given his Angels charge concerning thee Saints lie in the Bosom of Christ's Love and Mercy XXVII Jesus Christ supplies all the Wants and makes blessed Provision for his Saints They that fear the Lord shall not lack any good thing Whether it be Grace or Peace either Food or Physick they want they shall have it from him all is in Christ In him all Fulness dwells and in him so as to be let out and communicated to his Saints XXVIII Jesus Christ sympathizes with his Saints In all their Afflictions 't is said he was afflicted And in another place 't is said His Soul was grieved for the Misery of Israel He himself hath suffered Being tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted We have not an High-Priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our Infirmities He that toucheth you toucheth the Apple of mine Eye Cast thy Burthen upon the Lord and he shall sustain thee XXIX Jesus Christ requires Obedience of his Church and of every Member thereof hence Paul saith The Church is subject unto Christ. The Lord Jesus is exalted above all Principalities and Power Might and Dominion and every Name that is named not only in this World but also in that which is to come and is given particularly to be Head over all things to the Church Call ye me Lord saith Christ and do not the things that I say XXX Jesus Christ reproves his Saints for their Evils and Transgressions out of his great Love As many as I love I rebuke and chasten XXXI Jesus Christ covers the Weaknesses and Infirmities of his People He covers our Sins doth not upbraid us with our Faults but forgives our Iniquities and remembers our Sins no more Tho his Saints have many Spots and Blemishes yet he through his great Grace overlooks them all and will not expose them to Reproach here nor hereafter for them XXII Jesus Christ gives Counsel and Instruction to his People I counsel thee c. What heavenly Instruction hath he left in his Word
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
that find Christ have enough they need no more Riches they are not only made happy here but also to Eternity and may say with Jacob they have all XI Christ is the Saints richest Ornament Those that are grac'd and adorn'd with this Pearl are the most renowned and honourable Ones in the World The Righteous are more excellent than their Neighbours XII There is no Cordial to a disconsolate and drooping Spirit like Christ the Virtue of his Blood and the Comforts of his Spirit revive immediatly the sick and fainting Soul 'T is he that keeps us from the Poyson and venemous Sting of the old Serpent that strengthens us and purges out all our Corruptions XIII Christ is singular there is but one Christ one Mediator between God and Man Metaphor I. PEarls are of an earthly Original II. Pearls are of a very small dimension for tho they be very considerable in value yet are the least of all precious Stones III. Men may find a rich and precious Pearl and yet be miserable in divers respects and that cannot help them IV. Men that find precious Pearls may sell them if they please and sin not nor injure themselves thereby V. Other Pearls are of a perishing Nature they may be defaced broken dissolved and come to nothing Disparity I. JEsus Christ is the Lord from Heaven II. Christ is infinite in respect of his Deity without measure filling Heaven and Earth with his Presence He is in Heaven and yet with his People on Earth to the end of the World III. He that finds this Pearl of great Price can never be miserable Christ supplies all the Wants and Necessities of Believers IV. No Man can sell Christ nor part with him but he sins thereby and ruins himself as Judas did V. Christ is durable this Pearl of Price can never be spoiled or dissolved nor diminish or lose his Beauty Inferences 1. Happy are they that find this Pearl 2. They are Fools who will not adventure the Loss of all for Him 3. Esteem highly of Christ you can never overvalue Him 4. Bless God for bestowing his chiefest and best Pearl upon you The Name of Christ like to Precious Ointment Cant. 1.3 Thy Name is as Ointment poured forth c. THe Spouse knows not how to set out the Transcendent Excellencies of the Lord Jesus Christ. Before she saith His Love is better than Wine and here she compares his Name to Ointment poured forth c. The Words are a Proposition in which you have two Parts 1. The Subject 2. The Predicate 1. By the Name of Christ some understand the Doctrine of Christ declared in the Gospel others by his Name his Person Illyricus in locum Ye shall be hated of all Nations for my Name-sake I will shew him how great things he shall suffer for my Name that is for my Sake 2. Christ hath several sweet Names or Appellations given him in the Holy Scripture that may be compared to Precious Ointment as first his Name Jesus Emanuel the Lord our Righteousness Prince of Peace c. Simile I. OIntment is of a fragrant and odoriferous Scent Precious Ointment yields a very sweet Smell the Box of Ointment which was poured upon Christ the Text says the whole House was fill'd with the Odour thereof II. Ointment hath an exhilarating Virtue it chears elevates and makes the Heart glad Ointment and Perfume rejoyce the Heart hence the Antients in their Banquetings and joyful Feastings used choice and precious Ointments III. Oil hath a drawing and cleansing Quality in it it is powerful in attracting or drawing Pollution or noxious Matter out of Wounds or Sores in the Body IV. Ointment hath a mollifying and suppling Virtue it will soften any hard Tumor or Swelling in the Body the Lord alludes to this They have not been mollified with Ointment V. Ointment is of a beautifying Nature David tells us it makes the Face to shine Naturalists says there is a sort of Ointment that will fetch out Wrinkles VI. Some Ointments are of great Worth and Value as appears not only by Historians but by what is said of that Box Mary bestowed upon our blessed Saviour VII Ointments are of a healing Nature VIII Some Ointments are of a strengthening Nature the Joynts being weak and benum'd or parts of the Body anointed therewith it recovers their Strength IX Ointment being poured forth denotes the use of it 't is of little Profit whilst it is kept close shut up in the Box nor doth it yield that fragrant Smell till poured forth X. Ointment poured forth denotes Plenty as one observes upon the place as also a free Communication of it Parallel I. THe Lord Jesus is very sweet and of a fragrant Smell to Believers as hath been shewed upon divers Metaphors nay he makes their Persons Prayers and all their Performances as sweet Odours in the Nostrils of God Christ perfumes as it were all Persons and Places where he cometh the Person Example Passion Intercession Word Promises Ordinances of Christ are of a sweet Savour II. Jesus Christ and the Spirit that flows or proceeds from him is of a glading refreshing and comforting Nature he anoints his Saints gives the Sorrowful the Oil of Gladness for the Spirit of Heaviness Thou hast put Gladness in my Heart more than in the time when their Corn and their Wine increased III. Christ draws the Soul when his Name is poured out so that the Soul feels the nature of his Sovereign Love and Grace out of the World and the Kingdom of Satan and from all Uncleanness of the Heart and Life to himself Saith Christ And if I be lifted up from the Earth I will draw all Men unto me With loving Kindness have I drawn thee Draw me and I will run after thee Christ draws the Soul from Sin and Sin from the Soul and so cleanseth it thereby IV. Christ's Name poured forth viz. his Perfections and Excellencies made known to a Sinner presently softens his hard Adamant-like Heart all the Hearts of Sinners that have been broken and made tender it hath been done by the Virtue of this precious mollifying Ointment V. This Spiritual Ointment will fetch out all the Stains and Spots of Sin all those Blemishes and Wrinkles of the Soul of which the Apostle speaks that so we may be presented amiable in the sight of God Believers have no Beauty but what they have from Christ. VI. The Lord Jesus Christ is of an inestimable Worth who is able to account the value of this Box of precious Ointment Wisdom is the principal thing Christ is the Wisdome of God its price is above Rubies VII Christ heales the Soul he is not only the Physician but his Blood and the precious Graces of his Spirit is the Balm or Ointment that cures all our Sores VIII All Spiritual Strength is from Christ 't is he only that confirms and strengthens the Feebleness and the Hands that hang
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
hearest me always He only is authorized to plead for poor Sinners XV. Jesus Christ invites all that are weary and heavy laden to come to him for Rest with a Promise of free access Whosoever comes to me I will in no wise cast out Joh. 6.36 XVI The Lord Jesus this wise and able Advocate hath undertaken desperate Causes such as Mary Magdalen a great Offender Peter a great Backslider Paul a great Blasphemer and Persecutor The Gentiles that were Thieves and Idolaters by the Fall desperate was the Cause of all he undertook I Pray not for these alone but for all that shall believe on me through their Words He makes Intercession for the Trangressors XVII Christ is very much honoured by God he calls him his Fellow and will have all Men honour the Son even as they honour the Father XVIII Jesus Christ knows much of the mind of God being skill'd in all the Laws Natural Moral and Evangelical well understands his Nature and Disposition being always by him and as one brought up with him being daily his delight c. so near and familiar that he lay in his Bosome XIX Jesus Christ had unspeakable Confidence in so much that he feared not to appear amongst great and learned Doctors in the Temple hearing them and asking them Questions to the Astonishment and Amazement of all them that heard him He appeared too mighty and learned for all the Pharisees Sadduces and Priests of the Jews XX. The Lord Jesus stands not on Fees or Gratuities for indeed none are able to give unto him a Reward for his Work but he acts on the same terms that God gives Wine and Milk and that is without Mony and without Price Whosoever will may come and take his Counsel and Advice Water of Life freely He hath filled the Poor with good things but the Rich he hath sent empty away Their Cause falling to the ground XXI Christ did frequently when on Earth and since his Departure into Heaven carry Causes doubtful to others He carried the Cause in a great Trial against Satan who made strong Attempts against him after he had fasted fourty days And when none was found worthy to open the Books and unloose the Sea's and look thereon at which John wept The Lion of the Tribe of Judah prevailed In due time Christ died for the Ungodly he hath delivered us from the Curse of the Law being made a Curse for us XXII Jesus Christ is watchful to keep up the honour of God and his Laws because the Contempt thereof would prove of ill Consequence I honour my Father I have glorified thee on Earth Not one jot of the Law shall fail think not that I came to destroy the Law c. He answered the Demands of it that God might be just and the Justifier of those that believe in Jesus XXIII Christ is very diligent never guilty of any Neglects in acting for his People he went about doing Good pleaded often pleaded strongly with Crying and Tears used mighty and prevailing Arguments with God on the behalf of his Flock on Earth pleads for great things for them for the holy Spirit for divine Protection Union and for their safe Conduct to Heaven Father I will that all they whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my Glory XXIV Jesus Christ is successful he hath carried many yea multitudes of Causes for his People nay indeed it may be said when did he miscarry what Cause was lost when the Sinner did sincerely and in good earnest engage him he carried the Cause for poor Peter to the preventing his utter Destruction he prevailed for the Protection of God to the twelve Apostles that continued with him He pervailed for the sending the Comforter when he went away he carried Paul and the suffering Saints away Conquerours hath made us more than Conquerours He manages effectually all the Affairs of his Elect throughout all the Earth XXV Jesus Christ is greatly grieved to see Men miscarry in the great Cause of their Souls through their own neglect because they did not they would not come to him retain him make use of him He drew near the City He beheld it and wept over it O Jerusalem that thou hadst known even thou in this thy day the things that belong to thy Peace But now they are hid from thine Eyes their Cause was irrecoverably lost because they would not come unto him XXVI Jesus Christ will not take the names of some into his Lips he leaves them wholly to themselves to stand or fall saith of them as once it was said of Ephraim Let him alone such are the hardned Hypocrites and Reprobates horrible Apostates the Blasphemers of the holy Ghost of these it may truly be said as in Eccles. 4.10 Wo unto him that is alone and they may say of themselves The Harvest is past the Summer is ended and we are not saved God hath sworn in his Wrath against some that they shall not enter into his Rest and Christ will neither plead nor pray for them He will take no foul Cause into his pure Breast but clearly leaves them out of his Intercession and Advocateship I pray not for the World c Joh. 17.9 XXVI The Lord Jesus is the wisest and honourablest Advocate that ever was and therefore is the undoubted Heir to Preferment yea to the greatest of Preferments He being appointed the Judg of all the World by a former and unalterable Decree Him hath God ordained to be the Judg of the quick and dead God judgeth no Man but hath committed all Judgment unto the Son He hath appointed a day in which he will judg the World in Righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained c. Advocate I. AN Advocate here below is concerned but for a few Clients cannot serve many much less all that need an Advocate to plead their Cause for them II. An Advocate here below is but of short standing comes in an hour and goes out in an hour the Eldest are but of yesterday and of small Experience III. An Advocate here below leaves his Clients doubtful because they know not how a Cause will go before Trial. IV. Some Advocates here below do more often miss than carry Causes and many of them lose more Causes than they gain V. An Advocate may carry a Cause here below and there may lie an Appeal against it in some of the superior Courts as the Court of Chancery c. The Cause may be carried for a Person in one Court and lost in another VI. An Advocate in these lower Courts tho he be an able Man yet he may be over-match'd and out-done by others it being a Rule in most Cases Not one so good but he may find his Equal c. Disparity I. JEsus Christ is an Advocate for his whole Church all may come and make use of him I pray not for
were with an open face upon the Filth and nauseous things on Earth yet contracts from thence no Filthiness or Pollution IV. The Sun hath his Orb his Tent or as the Scripture speaks his Tabernacle V. The Sun is a communicative Creature placed in the Heaven to enlighten the World he is always sending forth his Beams of Light VI. The Sun is at the Lord's Commandment in his rising and setting standing still or going back he doth all by God's special Order and Appointment VII The Sun sends forth his Light universally to all the World it shines upon the Just and upon the Unjust 't is not confined to one Nation or People or to this or that Man but 't is free to all VIII The Sun is the Superintendent over the World the chief Governor as it were and Head of Influences called the Queen of Heaven IX The Sun is of a marvellous Magnitude called a great Light and is affirmed by some to be one hundred sixty and six times bigger than the Earth X. The Sun communicates his Light to the Celestial Bodies viz. to the Firmament Moon and Stars who have no other Light but what they derive from it XI Were it not for the Sun what a dark World would this be If God should say to the Sun Shine no more or should deprive the Earth of the Light thereof who would desire to live one moment longer here XII The Sun is a wonderful and amazing Creature all gaze on it with admiration The Persians and others ignorantly adored it as a God Some insensible Creatures as the Marygold and Tulip open their Leaves at its approach to receive its reviving Influence and shut up at its departure as if mourning for its absence Others bow and hang down their Heads and wrap up themselves when he withdraws his Beams in a seeming Sympathy that shews an unwillingness in them to be seen by any eye but his XIII The Sun in its Motions and Operations is very strong and Giant-like he goes forth like a strong Man in his Might who can stay the Sun in his Course XIV The Sun in his Motion is very swift he makes haste as one who runs a long Race even the whole Circuit of Heaven XV. His Motions are constant he is ever in motion he always keeps the same Pace if he ever stood still it was not to ease himself it was not for his own but his Creator's pleasure XVI The Sun's Motion is regular he never goeth without his Bounds keeps always in the Zodiack moving in the Ecliptick betwixt the two Tropicks XVII The Sun is never weary tho in a continual Journey the Swiftness of his Course does not tire him nor is he spent by his restless Motion but is still as glorious as ever XVIII The Sun is powerful in its Operation in expelling Darkness the Night vanisheth at its approach the Clouds and dark Vapors of the Morning are also scattered and dispersed by the Operation of its powerful Beams XIX When the Sun hath chased away the thick Vapours and dark Fogs of the Morning it causes a very sweet and lovely Day shining forth with great Splendor and Brightness XX. The Influence of the Sun is very extensive it reacheth to every Creature it penetrates into the Bowels of the Earth and dives as deep as the Bottom of the Sea nothing is hid from his Heat He shoots forth his Beams like so many Darts to pierce the Body of the Earth and with his light-giving Rays maketh search into the lowest and darkest Dungeons His Remoteness from the Earth impedes not his Operation XXI The Sun dries up and exhales the gross and filthy Vapors of the Earth which otherwise would corrupt the Air and render it pestilent and infectious and is therefore of a healing quality XXII The Sun is useful to Generation and Production many precious Fruits are brought forth by it It makes the Plants which were laid as it were in the Grave to rise and spring up again Hence the Sun is called by some Anima Mundi the Soul of the World because it animates the Creatures XXIII The Sun visits not every Hemisphere nor shines in every Horizon at the same time and it differs in the degrees of Heat in the respective Latitudes according as they are nearer to or more remote from the Equinoctial Some Places beyond the Tropicks as Greenland c. see it not in many Months And it is well known that according to the Scituation of Places as they bear from each other East and West the Sun rises sooner or later proportionable to the Difference of Longitude of each Parallel XXIV The Sun is of a more healing warming refreshing and reviving quality than any Creature in Nature It is also of a burning quality for by a Burning-Glass it will set combustible things on fire XXV The Sun is of an illuminating and discovering quality exposes to view what the Night hides which the Moon tho unclouded and at Full cannot so well do It shews things as they are In the Dark we may stumble and fall yea handle venemous Creatures or fall into Dens and tumble from Precipices c. So that by its Light we are guided in all the Actions of our natural Life XXVI The Sun is of a very pleasing and rejoycing quality as Darkness and Sadness are Companions so are Light and Joy When the Heavens are obscured with black Clouds the whole Creation sympathizes and looks sadly but when the Clouds are scattered and the Sun appears in its native Brightness its Light is sweet and as Solomon says 'T is a pleasant thing for the Eyes to behold the Sun XXVII The Sun makes the several Seasons of the Year Winter and Summer Spring and Autumn according to its access and recess to and from the several and respective Climates When it rises higher in our Horizon it makes the Spring cloathing every Bush with Leaves and crowning the Gardens and Fields with Flowers but when the Sun retires every thing hangs down its Head the Grass and Flowers wither and all their Beauty and verdant Fragrancy vanish XXVIII The Sun operates according to the Matter it shines upon It softens Wax melts Snow and Ice but hardens Clay It causes a Dunghil to send forth a more corrupt and unsavoury Scent but makes Roses and other Blossoms yield a more fragrant and delightful Odour XXIX The Sun is often covered with Clouds and even in its Meridian Altitude or Exaltation 't is sometimes hid from our Eyes yet nevertheless its powerful Influence and Efficacy is not then gone XXX Some cannot bear the powerful and scorching Heat of the Sun XXXI The Sun drowns and swallows up the Glory of the lesser Luminaries as the Moon and Stars XXXII When the gross Body of the Moon interposes betwixt us and the Sun it becomes eclipsed either wholly or in part in our Horizon XXXIII The Sun is said to rejoyce in his Course as a strong Man that runs
a Race XXXIV The Sun is of a ripening quality makes all things ready for Harvest it ripens Tares as well as Wheat bad as well as good Fruit. Parallel I. THere is but one Sun of Righteousness God has many adopted Sons but he hath but one begotten Son There is but one Mediator betwixi God and Man the Man Christ Jesus but one Saviour or Redeemer for Mankind wherever they live throughout the whole Universe II. Jesus Christ is Light in himself respecting his Deity the Fountain and Perfection of Light and Glory The Sea is not so full of Water nor the Sun of natural Light as Christ is full of Grace and Divine Light III. Christ is clearer than the Sun therefore much fairer than the Children of Men and needs must this be so he is the Brightness of the Father's Glory O there is such Beauty Purity and Glory in him that in his eternal Being and God-head we cannot behold him but if we look down upon his human Nature where his Glory is vailed he has been seen in the Flesh he was visible yet so as in him was no Spot no Guile was found in his Mouth He is altogether lovely the chiefest among Ten Thousands Before whose Eyes all things are naked all the abominable Thoughts filthy Ways and Works of Men yet he contracts no Stain of Sin nor did he when he conversed with Men in the Days of his Flesh upon Earth IV. Christ hath his Tabernacle in the Heavens at the Father's right hand there to plead and make Intercession for us V. Jesus Christ communicates of his Influences and spiritual Light There is never a day but Christ is ministring and giving forth Light and Goodness to the World especially to his Saints Of his Fulness we all receive and Grace for Grace VI. Jesus Christ rose and came forth out of the Bosom of the Father at God's command He spake not but as he received Commission from the Father he laid down his Life and took it up again and all by the Commandment of the Father VII Jesus Christ is an universal Light good to all I am saith he the Light of the World He enlightens every one that comes into the World either naturally morally or spiritually he holds forth Light and Grace to all What Nation is the Gospel confined to Go unto all Nations preach the Gospel to every Creature VIII Jesus Christ is the great and only Potentate all Rule and Government is committed into his hands 't is He who maketh Day and Night in Souls and Nations God hath made all things subject under his Feet IX Jesus Christ is infinite in Power Wisdom and Goodness his Being and Greatness are unmeasurable respecting his Deity a glorious and immense Being the Fulness of him that filleth all things there are no Bounds nor Limits to his Greatness X. Jesus Christ communicates of his Fulness to the Angels He is the Head of Principalities and Powers c. and to Saints Prophets and Apostles who are called Lights Ye are the Light of the World John Baptist is called a bright and shining Light Yet are Saints but dark Bodies of themselves they have no Light but what they receive from Christ. XI What a dark and dolesom Dungeon what a Babel of Confusion what a worse than Egyptian Slavery would this lower Creation be if God should deprive us of the Light of Christ communicated in the Gospel by his Word and holy Spirit XII Christ is wonderful Angels and Saints for Love admire him the World and Devils with Fear tremble at his Name He has the Admiration of Angels and Saints and Consternation of Devils and wicked Men. The Saints adore and worship him as it is their Duty because he is God and were there ten thousand Suns the Saints would love and admire Christ ten thousand times more than them all He doth so attract and ravish their Hearts by the beaming forth of the Rays of his Love on them that they open when he visits them and shut when he withdraws drooping and languishing in his absence and will not be kissed by any Lips nor embraced by any Arms but his XIII The Motions and Operations of Christ are strong and powerful as when he moves to convert Souls to help and deliver his People or in revenging himself upon his and their Enemies XIV Christ's Motions are swift and speedy He flies on the Wings of the Wind and skips like a young Roe especially when he comes to help and relieve his People XV. Christ's Motions are constant he is never out of action He ever lives to make Intercession He is always moving and working for his Creatures good tho in his Providences because his Footsteps are in the dark we are not able to discern him stir nor move one foot his Motion like the Sun's being certain tho undiscernible XVI Christ's Motions also are regular that is wholly according to his Father's Will that 's the only way he takes and the Line out of which he never goes Not my Will but thine be done XVII Christ is unwearied and indefatigable in all his Movings Workings and Journeyings for the Good of his People His Bounty and Liberality do not waste his everlasting Treasure of Grace nor can his laying out diminish it He is as powerful as rich and glorious as ever See the Metaphor Light XVIII Christ appearing and rising upon the Soul drives away and expells Darkness turns Night into Day and scatters all the Clouds and black Mists of Sin Ignorance and Unbelief in the Soul and not only so but also by the Influences of his Word and glorious Operations of his Gospel he dispells the dark Fogs of Ignorance Error and Confusion in the World XIX The Lord Jesus when he hath scattered and drove away by the glorious and powerful Rayes of his Word and heavenly Doctrine all Error Heresy and Antichristian Darkness will make a lovely and glorious Day in the World as he doth now in the Soul of a Believer XX. The Influences of Christ reach to every Creature there is nothing in Heaven Earth or Hell which he finds not out all things are naked to him because his Eye is every where Whither shall I go from thy Spirit or whither shall I flie from thy Presence If I ascend up to Heaven thou art there and if I make my Bed in Hell behold thou art there c. Tho he be seated in Heaven yet his Hand reaches to the Earth as well as his Eye He is present by his Knowledg and powerful Working in every place and corner of the Earth XXI Christ exhales and dries up the stinking polluted Sinks of Sin and Corruption which else would infect and destroy the Souls of his People He purifies the inward Man always refining it from the Dregs of the Flesh and the Root of Bitterness and is therefore the Soul-Physician
of Trees and Plants are in the Earth II. Natural Roots as well as the Body and Branches decay grow old and die Tho the Root thereof wax old c. saith Job III. A natural Root usually bears but one Tree if it bears as some Roots do many Bodies yet not all of one species or kind there may be many thousands of Roots IV. Natural Roots are subject to the Wills Humors and Pleasures of Men. Disparity I. BUt this blessed Root the Lord Jesus Christ is in Heaven II. This Root of Believers the Lord Jesus Christ never grows old decays nor dies Jesus Christ is the same yesterday to day and for ever III. Christ is a Root that gives consolation and satisfaction to all He was the Root of the Church both before and since his Incarnation both Triumphant and Militant the Root of Abraham Job David c. and of all the Prophets and Saints that ever had spiritual Life in them IV. The Lord Jesus Christ is a Root which neither Men nor Devils can touch destroy or dig up for he is God Application Object HEre we may enquire If Jesus Christ be the Root of David how is he said to be the Stem or Branch out of the Root of Jesse Is Jesse Christ's Root and yet is Christ the Root of Jesse Ans. Jesse is the Root of Christ according to his human Nature and Christ is the Root of Jesse according to his Divine Nature as he is 〈◊〉 God and Man in one Person he is both these viz. the Root and Branch 〈…〉 Doct. From hence note That Christ is God 1. He is called God the mighty God the true God the only wise God and God blessed for ever 2. He made the World all things in Heaven and Earth 〈…〉 of the Earth and the Heavens are the Work of his Hands 3. He 〈…〉 was before all things and by him all things consist 4. He is omniscient knows all things c. 5. He searcheth the Heart 6. He is the first and the last Alpha and Omega 7. He ought to be prayed unto all Divine Worship and Spiritual Adoration belongs to him 8. He hath Power to forgive Sins 9. He thought it no Robbery to be equal with God 10. He had Power to raise himself and others from the Dead Ergo He is the eternal God Jesus Christ is the Root of Nature as well as of Grace and Glory tho we run the Metaphor under that Notion Infer I. If Christ be the Root of all the Grace that the Saints and the Church receive then from hence we may justly infer That all the Divine Goodness any Person or Persons have in them they derive from Christ 't is He that makes one Man to differ from another Who made thee to differ c. What hast thou that thou hast not received II. From hence we infer That as Christ is God so he ought to have all the Glory All should honour the Son as they honour the Father III. Then let us fear to offend him and let all our dependence be upon him c. IV. What is thy State and condition Sinner Thou hast heard Christ is the Foundation and common Root of all Believers art thou taken out of the dead and corrupt Root of Mankind viz. the first Adam and engrafted into Christ Dost thou grow upon this living Root does thy Fruit flow from spiritual Union with him V. If thou art not taken out of that evil fruitless and sapless Root labour now to be transplanted get an Interest in the Lord Jesus Christ the Root of David VI. This shews the happy State and blessed Condition of the Church and People of God Because I live saith our Divine Root ye my Branches shall live also Altho the Graces of his Saints may sometimes seem to fail and their Greenness decay yet out of this full and blessed Root shall they have sufficient Supplies For in him all Fulness dwells Christ the true Vine Joh. 15.1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I am the true Vine And Verse 5. I am the Vine IN this Text the Lord Jesus Christ is pleased to express what he is to his Church and People by the elegant Metaphor of a Vine the Nature and Properties of which with the Parallels and Disparities follow Metaphor I. THe Vine seems not so lovely stately and amiable to look upon as some other Trees 't is not so high and lofty as the Cedar nor to be compared for strength to the Oak nor for Beauty to the Palm or Firr-Tree II. The Vine nevertheless hath a more honourable Name given to it than other Trees The Lord's choicest Plantation the Church is exprest by it and therefore 't is dignified with the Title of Goodly and Noble III. The Vine gives large Shoots grows much in its young and tender Age and brings forth Fruit in a short time after it is planted IV. The Vine wonderfully abounds with Sap and inward Virtue bearing and nourishing many large Branches which spread exceedingly yet all partake of its Root and Fatness as it is said of the Olive-Tree where there is enough to feed all and make them flourish and bear Fruit abundantly V. The Vine is a most fruitful Plant. A great Naturalist tells us of one Stock one single Vine planted by the Empress Livia that yielded 12 Amphoras that is 108 Gallons of our measure of good Wine yearly There are sometimes found hundreds of Grapes upon one Cluster several Clusters upon one Branch and abundance of Branches upon one Stock The Scripture when it would express Plenty borrows a Term from the Vine which denotes Increase Thy Wife shall be as a fruitful Vine upon the Walls of thy House VI. The Vine brings forth pleasant Fruit sweet and delightful beyond others 't is said to make glad the heart of Man Give Wine to those that are of heavy heart let them drink and forget their Poverty and remember their Misery no more When the new Wine languisheth the merry-hearted do sigh all Joy is darkned the Mirth of the Land is gone VII The Vine yields profitable Fruit The Blood of the Grape as 't is called Deut. 32.14 is a great Strengthener and Supporter of Nature Paul advises Timothy to drink a little Wine for his Stomacks sake and often-infirmity The good Samaritan is said to pour in Oil and Wine into the Wounds of the Man that fell among Thieves VIII The Vine is a shadowy Plant its spreading Branches and large Leaves afford a delightful and refreshing Shade and is therefore used for covering of pleasant Arbors IX 'T is a very soft and tender Plant so that if it be cut bruised or any way wronged it will abundantly weep and bleed out its Sap and Moisture as Naturalists report X. An eminent Writer saith That the Tears of the Vine like Gum congealed in the Stock of it dropt into dim Eyes remove the little Clouds that begin to
still begetting a sharper Appetite for more IV. All the Believers in the World may partake plentifully of the Fruit of the Spiritual Vine the Lord Jesus every day yea every moment there 's enough for Millions and to be taken freely yet the Store is never the less How many have been nourished thereby since the beginning yet 't is as full as ever and so will ever be V. This Fruit is good for the Soul it comforts and revives the Inward Man VI. Christ the Spiritual Vine is of excellent Strength and Ability to support his spiritual Branches the Saints and needs no help from any another Corollaries I. FRom this Metaphor we may learn what an infinite Blessing and unspeakable Mercy the Lord Jesus Christ is to his Church and all true Believers how helpless Saints are of themselves for the Branches cannot stand without his Divine Support nor bear Fruit unless this blessed Root communicates Sap and Nourishment to them II. It shews what a sweet and blessed Union there is between Christ and Believers such a Relation as is betwixt the Root and Branches 't is a Mystical yet the nearest and most real Union III. It shews That our whole Dependence ought to be on Christ for he only can uphold us as the Root does the Branches Without him we can do nothing we can neither grow bear Fruit nor stand firm in a boysterous and tempestuous Season nor suffer for his Name but with his help we can do all IV. It shews That Christ is very sensible of all the Wrongs Injuries and Outrages that are done to his Saints They that lay hold on and offer Violence to the Branches come very near the Tree such touch the Apple of his Eye And let Believers be sweetly comforted from hence That under all their Decays and want of more Grace there is abundance of more Sap and Spiritual Nourishment in the Root and Body of this Blessed Vine which according to the nature of the Metaphor shall in due time be communicated to all the Branches that are truly grafted in him which shall revive them and make them flourish both with Leaves and Fruit to the Glory of God and their own Eternal Happiness This Humble Plant calls for our Imitation This Noble Plant deserves our Adoration It s early Fruit provides us early Food Its Plenty stores us with what 's rich and good Its pleasing Sweetness gratifies our Taste Its Profit fills us without fear of Waste Its Shadow shelters from Extreams of Heat Circling the Church His choicest Cabinet A Tender Plant How can we then abuse him An Eye-Salve healing all the Blind that use him Christ the Lilly of the Vallies Cant. 2.1 I am the Rose of Sharon and the Lilly of the Vallies MOst Expositors agree that these fore-going Words are the Words of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ I am the Rose of Sharon and the Lilly of the Vallies Wherein he expresseth his own Excellencies to draw allure and enamour the Souls of those that love and long after him how fitly he may be compared to a Rose we have shewed in this Book in some other Place to which we refer you And as there is great and lovely Beauty and Amiableness set forth by a Rose so here I shall by his Assistance endeavour to set forth his Delicious Qualifications by a Lilly the Lilly of the Vallies Metaphor I. A Lilly is a sweet and a fragrant Flower yea of such a strong and odoriferous Scent that a Mans Senses Naturalists say will be easily over-turn'd with the sweet Savour thereof II. A Lilly is white and very beautiful within it are seven Grains or Seeds of the colour of Gold so amiable that our Saviour saith Solomon in all his Glory was not adorn'd like one of these for Whiteness it exceeds all Flowers III. It is observed that the Lilly is exceeding fruitful Vna Radice quinquagenos saepe emittente bubbos one Root puts forth fifty Bubbs or Colours IV. Pliny saith The Lilly is the tallest of Flowers yet hangs down its Head V. The Lilly is a Flower that hath many medicinal Virtues the distilled Water of a Lilly is good to restore a lost Voice it helps Faintness good for the Liver helps the Dropsie and the Oil of it is good for divers Maladies Inquit Galen Parallel I. THe Lord Jesus Christ may very fitly be compared to the Lilly whose Savour and spiritual Sweetness very much excels and transcends the Sweetest of any Odours that can be mentioned the Hony and the Hony-Comb are sweet to the smell and sweeter to the taste O then how sweet is the precious Savour of our blessed Saviour See Rose of Sharon II. Whiteness denotes Holiness 't is said of the Bride the Lamb's Wife to her was granted that she should be cloathed in White And of those few Names in Sardis which had not defiled their Garments these saith Christ shall walk with me in white for they are worthy Purity is essential originally perfectly and absolutely inherent in Christ he is Holiness it self his Glory is infinite within and without every way glorious the Perfection of Beauty III. Jesus Christ is exceeding fruitful from this Root for so is he call'd how many Lillies or holy and heavenly Churches have there sprung yea from this Blessed Lilly many thousands of holy and sanctified Christians See the Metaphor of the Vine IV. Jesus Christ is higher than the Mighty Princes Kings and Emperours of the Earth higher than Heaven or Angels and yet humble and lowly in Heart Therefore he is compared to the Lilly of the Valley in his Exaltations as God very high but in his Humiliation he seems to hang down his Head V. The great and incomparable Virtue that is in the Lord Jesus Christ is excellently good to cure all the Diseases and Maladies of the Soul it cures Spiritual Blindness it softens an hard Heart it cures Stubbornness and Obstinacy by his blessed Infusion of Grace in a word there is no Malady too hard for this Spiritual Physician See Physician and Heart And for other Properties of the Lilly see more where the Church is compared to it For the Disparity See Rose of Sharon Application FRom hence we may seasonably learn to be humble seeing the Lilly which is said to be of a tall growth yet hangeth down its Head As Christ is humble so Holiness and Humility are the glorious Ornaments of a Christian. That Christian that hath most Holiness hath most Humility The Ear of Wheat which is well kern'd and fullest hangs down its Head most Christ under the Similitude of an Apple-Tree Cant. 2.3 As the Apple-Tree amongst the Trees of the Wood so is my beloved amongst the Sons I sate down under his Shadow with great Delight and his Fruit was sweet unto my Taste AS Christ sets forth the Praise of his Church in the second Verse She excelling all the Daughters as the Lilly did Thorns so the Church sets
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
Delight and Jewel of his Father's Heart his only begotten Son who lay in his Bosome 3. He is most precious in that he is preferred so much above Angels and in his being able to undertake the Work of our Redemption which none in Heaven or Earth had Worth enough in them to do Nothing less than this choice and valuable Jewel or precious Stone would be received as a sufficient Price to satisfy the Justice of God or make full Compensation for Sin the Breach of God's holy Law 4. He is most precious in respect of his Qualifications He hath the fulness of the Godhead in him It pleased the Father that in him all Fulness should dwell hence said to be full of Grace and Truth God even thy God hath anointed thee with the Oil of Gladness above thy Fellows He hath not say Divines the Fulness of Parts but the Fulness of Degrees There may be some Addition made to that Fulness that is in Believers but there can be no Addition made to his There is in Christ not only enough the Fulness of Sufficiency but also the Fulness of Redundancy Angels may have no want but in Christ is an Overplus to redound to others He hath enough to fill thousands and millions of thousands Of his Fulness we have all received and Grace for Grace 5. Christ is precious in the esteem of the holy Angels the Angelical Host to honour and shew their high esteem and awful respects to him at his Birth sang with a loud voice Glory to God in the Highest They adore and worship him continually All the Godly accounted and will for ever account of Him as the most precious and inestimable Jewel in Heaven or Earth The Saints in Heaven for ever proclaim his glorious Worth and Praise they cry Power Riches Wisdom Strength Honour Glory and Blessing to the Lamb for ever and ever To all the Saints on Earth he is precious Paul accounted all things as dung that he might win Christ The Spouse crys out He is white and ruddy the chiefest amongst ten thousand Believers have parted with all things in this World freely for his sake Nay in love to him and to shew how they did adore and honour him have been made Sacrifices in dreadful Flames rather than they would undervalue or deny his holy Name Christ is precious very precious most precious always precious altogether precious Precious in his Nature precious in his Name that is as precious Ointment poured forth precious in all his Offices his Spirit Grace Word Ordinances and Promises are precious Can Believers value him enough who is their Life Life External Life Internal and Life Eternal Christ is their Light he is their Mediator Surety Friend Food Clothing Ornaments Portion c. in a word He is All in All to them VII Christ being a precious Stone never loses his Strength or Beauty as he cannot be defaced by Men nor Devils Eternity it self cannot dissolve this Stone nor diminish its brightness Christ is durable Heaven and Earth shall fade away and wax old like a Garment but Jesus Christ is still the same and his years fail not he is the same yesterday to day and for ever VIII Christ Jesus the spiritual precious Stone is exceeding great As God he is of infinite dimension filling Heaven and Earth with his Presence He is large enough for the whole Foundation and every Corner this one entire Stone serves for all IX All manner of Perfections Virtues choice and admirable Excellencies meet together in the Lord Jesus his Brightness is far above the Brightness of Diamonds his Whiteness excells the Whiteness of Pearls and there is no medicinal Virtue or Quality in any precious Stone but in a spiritual way is far more transcendent in him He cures the Sight strengthens and cures the Heart makes fruitful resists Poyson c. See the Metaphors Pearl of great price and Foundation Inferences I. FRom hence we may infer That the Church of God is a very rich and glorious Building as 't was foretold it should be O thou afflicted tossed with Tempests and not comforted behold I will lay thy Stones with fair Colours and thy Foundation with Saphire II. Ascribe all the Beauty and Glory of the Church and of the Saints to the Lord Jesus III. Bless God for this choice and precious Stone of the Corner The more excellent Christ is the more it should draw out and enlarge our Hearts to bless and praise God for him IV. For Trial. Is Christ precious to you I shall lay down a few Rules whereby you may try your selves 1. Dost thou own Christ to be very God He cannot be valued nor esteemed by any as he is in himself till they thus account of him and believe in him 2. Dost thou honour adore and obey Him as thou dost honour adore and obey the Father All Men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father 3. Is there nothing here below which thou valuest and prizest above Christ An Hypocrite hath always something that lies in his Bosom which he esteems and prizes more than Christ Their Hearts go after their Covetousness The young Man went away sorrowful because the World was uppermost in his Affection If Christ be truly precious to any he is superlatively precious to them 4. If God should bid thee ask what thou wilt as he did Solomon what wouldest thou request of him Would it be thinkest thou this precious Stone this Christ this Pearl of great price to have a Right to him to be like him to enjoy him to be with him for ever 5. Is Christ much in your Thoughts Where your Treasure is there your Hearts will be also 6. Hast thou denied thy self of all things or art thou ready so to do and to follow Him For whom I have suffered the Loss of all things and do account them but Dung that I may win Christ. 7. Canst thou not be satisfied with any thing thou dost enjoy without him Canst thou say with one in another Case Yet all this availeth me nothing so long as I see not or have not a clear Evidence of my Interest in Jesus Christ. 8. Dost thou build wholly upon Him Is He All to thee Dost thou see him all in Pacification 'T was he that appeased the Wrath of the Father satisfied both Law and Justice He is All in Justification Who is the Lord our Righteousness He is All in Election the first and chief of his Father's Choice the way of it He hath chosen us in him Is He All to thee for Acceptation Who hath made us accepted in the Beloved He is All in Conversion 'T is he that shews us the Necessity of it that doth quicken and beget us by his Word and Spirit 't is he that forms a new Spirit in us Is he All to thee about Pardon of Sin He purchased Pardon 'T is by his own Blood viz. that Atonement which he hath made we
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
Body will not fit the Feet every part of the Body hath a distinct cloathing which is only proper for it self III. There is not one particular Garment that serveth for all uses for the Body some Robes are good for Covering but are not for Beauty other Garments serve for Ornament but they do not serve for Defence some Garments are good to wear in cold Winter-Weather but not good for the Heat in the midst of Summer Persons of Ability have several Garments for several uses because there is no one Garment good on all occasions IV. No one Garment will fit all Bodies that which sits decently on one Sex would be uncomly on another that which will fit a Child will not fit a Man that which is proper for a Prince will not become nor suit a Subject V. Other Garments may be pierced a Sword may be thrust through them they may be spoiled burnt or cut to pieces VI. All material Garments may be corrupted Moths may eat them they may be worn out by using and turn into Raggs even the strongest Garments that ever were made VII The best and richest Wedding-Garment that ever was made the Price thereof may soon be accounted and easily reckon'd up VIII Other Garments may be stained catch Spots and Dirt and many ways be defiled Disparity I. THis is a large Garment the Robe of Christ's Righteousness can cover many though they be at never so great a distance Should I say saith Bernard That Christ's Righteousness will not serve for him and me Non est pallium breve quod duos operire non potest All the Elect of God tho they live in several Nations tho they be a Multitude which no Man can number yet they are cloathed and sufficiently with this one Garment I saw a Wonder in Heaven a Woman cloathed with the Sun This Woman is the Church of God this Sun is Jesus Christ the Sun of Righteousness as he is called All Believers are covered cloathed and adorned with one and the same Garment and every one hath it as an entire Garment to himself II. This Spiritual Garment fits every part Christ is a Diadem or Crown upon the Head and Shooes for the Feet Christ's Righteousness is a compleat suit of Apparel from head to foot the Soul that hath this Wedding-Garment on is perfectly and compleatly cloathed III. This spiritual Garment is for all Uses and all Seasons 't is both for Covering and Ornament 't is as proper and necessary in Winter as in Summer and in Summer as in Winter 't is good for the Travellor 't is the Labourers Garment 't is the Souldiers Garment 't is good to fight in it is the Princes Garment yea and the Subjects Garment it is the Christians Garment it is very light and pleasant to walk in and yet thick to defend from Stormy Weather Christ suits all occasions states and conditions of the Soul or Souls that have an Interest in him He is made of God unto us Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 IV. This Spiritual Garment the Righteousness of Christ is as fit for one as for another it is as fit and as proper for the Peasant as for the Prince the same Garment here that is for the Man is for the Woman for the Child as for the Father There is neither Barbarian Scythian Jew nor Gentile Male nor Female Bond nor Free but ye are all one in Christ. The Righteousness of Christ is a fit Garment for the Souls of Men there is no Soul too big no Soul too little none too small none too great for Christ's Righteousness to array and cover V. But this Garment no Dirt nor Spear can pierce or enter into no Devil can tear nor rend it nor can all the powers of Hell Sin or Darkness burn or destroy it VI. But this Spiritual Garment is durable and lasting the Moth cannot corrupt nor consume it it never grows old nor can it be worn out 't is as fresh and as beautiful at the last as at the first putting on VII The worth and price of this Wedding-Garment can never be valued 't is worth Millions yea thousands of Millions the Riches of the whole World are nothing in comparison of it What would a Christless Soul give in the great Day for this Robe viz. to be cloathed with Christ's Righteousness VIII This Robe cannot be defiled the Garment of Sanctification may take Spots hence we read of some who had their Garments spotted with the Flesh and of others who had not defiled their Garments but a Christians Wedding-Robe can sustain no Pollution the Life of Christ was without Spot his Righteousness pure and perfect which Saints are cloathed with in respect of Justification hence Christ calls his Love his Dove his undefiled One. Thou art all fair my Love and there is no Spot in thee See Metaphor Christ a Garment for Sanctification Inferences I. THis shews the miserable State of those that are without Christ such have not on the Wedding-Garment they want that excellent Robe that renders the Godly Person amiable in the Bridegroom's sight and all that have it not on shall be shut out of the Wedding-Chamber II. It shews also the happy and blessed Condition of all sincere and godly Ones See Garment of Sanctification Christ the Bright and Morning Star Rev. 22.16 I am the Root and Off-spring of David and the Bright and Morning Star MOrning Star in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Star of exceeding Brightness Metaphorically signifies the shining Light of the paths of the Just. Prov. 4.18 where the Hebrew word is Lucifer for the Morning Star so Job 11.17 A fuller Knowledg of God by inward Illumination 2 Pet. 1.19 The King of Assyria Isa. 14.17 The glorious Light of Eternity Rev. 2.28 see Dan. 12.3 1 Cor. 15.41 42. Lastly Christ the Saviour of the World Rev. 22.16 for which see Phil. Sacra chap. 8. of an Anthropopathy and the following Parallel METAPHOR I. THe Morning Star is a very solid Light without twinkling corruscation or sparkling as other Stars do II. The Bright and Morning Star is the Harbinger to the greatest of natural Joy viz. rising of the Sun what doth the Earth desire more III. The Morning Star is a great Ornament to the Heavens this is so visible that it needs no Instances to prove it IV. The Morning Star is a very pleasant Object to all that have Eyes to behold it and love the Light V. The Morning Star is esteemed not a little useful to guide Mariners when they have lost the light of their more common Guide viz. the Pole Star VI. The Morning Star is by Astronomers accounted a Star of the first Magnitude VII The Morning Star is observed to be a terror to Thieves and evil Men when they see this Sun of the Morning appear they haste away to hide themselves lest the light of the Day should overtake and discover them VIII The Morning Star as
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
the other what the law could not do in that it was weak through the Flesh God sent forth his Son c. The law wounds but can't heal it shews a man he is dead but it can't give him life it shews man he is naked but it cannot cloth him The gospel gives life heals clothes and comforts the one shews we are in Prison the other brings us out no Salvation by the one and none without the other VI. The gospel excels in glory above the law in regard of the discovery there is made therein of the Mercy and Grace of God the one shews God is just and severe and will not clear the guilty the other shews he is not only just but also gracious If any grace shone forth under the law it was only beams of gospel light darting forth darkly in it VII The gospel is more glorious in regard of the chief Administrators of the one and of the other The one were 1 Angels if the VVord spoken by Angels were stedfast who have received the law by the disposition of Angels and have not kept it 2. Moses a Servant one that spake on earth Heb. 12.25 The other Christ the Lord of life and glory who speaks from heaven How shall we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven VIII The gospel excels the law in respect of Preisthood Aaron and his Sons were Priests of the law Christ is the only Priest of the gospel 1. The Priests of the law were Men no more than Men Christ God-Man 2. They had infirmities sin and guilt in their hearts and lives as well as others Christ had none in his Mouth was found no guile 3. They were made Priests without an Oath but Christ with an Oath Heb. 7.21 so greater solemnity at his instalment into Office 4. They could not continue by reason of Death and they truly were many because shey were not suffered to continue by reason of death but Christ dieth not he ever liveth to make intercession for us but this man because he continueth for ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood 5. Christ was more merciful and filled with greater bowels than they he hath compassion on the ignorant and on them that are out of the way Heb. 5.2 6. Christ as Priest was the substance the Antitype of Aaron and his Priest-hood 7. There is compleatness and perfection in Christs Priesthood but it was not so touching Aarons If therefore perfection were by the Levitical Priest c. the law that made nothing perfect IX The Priesthood of Christ under the gospel excels Aarons in respect of Work and Office c. 1. He was to enter into the holy place 2. To appear before God 3. To bear the sins of the People Exod. 28.38 4. To make an Atonement Lev. 16.32 5. To Judge of Uncleanness Lev. 13.2 6. To offer Incense Lev. 16.17.8 7. To determine Controversies Deut. 17.8 8. To Bless the People and many other things which Jesus Christ infinitely Excels in 1. Christ is entered into the true Holy Place Sanctum Sanctorum the Holy of Holies Heaven it self 2. He appears really before God for us being set down on the right hand of the Majesty on High c. 3. He hath as the great Anti-type born our sins upon his own Body on the Tree 4. He hath made a compleat and perfect Attonement 5. He Judges of our uncleanness both of the Heart as well as of the Flesh. 6. He resolves all our Doubts ends Controversies speaks peace to the disconsolate a word in season to him that is weary 7. He offers Incense And there was given to him much Incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints 8. He gives down Blessings Him hath God sent to bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities c. IX The gospel excels the law in respect of Sacrifices 1. Those Sacrifices under the law were not so Excellent there was not that worth in them as is in the Sacrifices of the gospel What was the blood of Bulls Bullocks and Lambs these were part of those Legal Sacrifices Christ offered up his own Body poured forth his precious Blood to take away our sins 2. They were offered often to Atone for Iniquity dayly every year But Christ hath offered up himself in Sacrifices once for all by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are Sanctified that which they were alwayes or continually a doing and yet could not accomplish he did by one single Sacrifice and that for ever X. The law required perfect righteousness and nothing less would be accepted and so consequently no soul could thereby be delivered from terror and bondage but the gospel through Christs perfect righteousness acted in his own Person for us accepts of Sincerity in the room and stead of the perfect keeping the whole Law XI In respect of the extent of the one and of the other The law was only given to Israel or unto the lineal Seed of Abraham and to the Proselyte Stranger he dealt his Laws and Statutes to Israel he did not so to any Nation c. The gospel is extended to all People and Nations under the whole Heavens Go into all the World and preach the Gospel to every Creature Mar. 16.15 VVhosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have eternal Life XII The gospel excels the law in the easiness and sweetness of it the precepts of the law were many more in number and hard to learn and remember and very difficult and painful some of them to do particularly Circumcision and also very chargeable beyond what the Gospel is My yoak is easie and my burden is light XIII The gospel is glorious above the law in regard of the Promises of it called better Promises better Covenant better Hope Heb. 7.19 XIV It is more glorious in respect of its Duration the law was but for a time the Servant abides not in the house for ever but the Son abides for ever an everlasting Covenant an everlasting Priesthood an everlasting Gospel No other Ministration is to be looked for till the end of the VVorld Thirdly The gospel is glorious in respect of it self here we shall be large If we have respect to the Historical part the gospel contains a glorious history there is that in it which may affect every person please every Curiositâ—â— what is there in any History which may Commend or illustrate its glory and excellency which the gospel comes short in 1. Some Persons delight to Read and hear Histories that treat of Love and amorous stories 2. Some are more affected with such that treat of Martial-Exploits or Atchievements of Wars of the conquering of Kingdoms and Nations and overcoming mighty Champions c. 3. Some rather Commend such Histories that treat of those great rarities which are in many Nations and Kingdoms of the world and of the Cities Lawes Customes and
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
take much Delight to behold daily pry and look into by Reading and Meditation His Delight is in the Law of the Lord and in his Law he doth meditate both Night and Day VII So he that would have a clear sight of God in his glorious Attributes and Perfections must look into the Gospel with open Face he must look with a full and single Eye as one that is resolved by the help of the Spirit according to the nature of his sight to see what may be beheld therein and not cast a squint Look as it were upon it seem to look towards God when his Heart is more upon other Things and Objects We with open Face c. If thy Eye be single thy whole Body it full of Light VIII So he that doth cast but a transient Look into the Word of God or is but a bare Hearer thereof may whilst the Word is a preaching see or have some sence of his Sin and deplorable Condition he is in by Nature and be somewhat troubled for it a while but not putting into practice what he hears but turning to his former Course again he soon forgets what a deformed and miserable Wretch he is which is the principal Import of that Text in James IX So a Christian that looks into the Word and Gospel to behold the Glory of God hath but the sight of the Image Resemblance and Representation of God shining therein before his Eyes Simile ONe Glass hath not all the Properties which we have here mentioned II. Some Persons use too frequently to look into a Glass as others do to an evil End viz. to paint patch and spot their Faces and to see their vain Beauty which tends to increase Pride and foolishly to lift themselves up Disparity THe Gospel or Word of God is a spiritual Perspective-Glass as well as a Looking-Glass II. A Christian cannot look too oft into God's Word provided he do not neglect his particular Calling in so doing or let one Duty interfere with another neither doth his looking into the Word of God tend to lift him up but rather to humble and abase him for the more we see of God the more with Job and Isaiah we shall abhor and be ashamed of our selves There are divers other Disparities which we pass by they are the Contrivance and Workmanship of Man and brittle things c. besides many of them are false giving not a true Representation of Persons and Things c. Inferences LEt this teach every Soul the Folly of spending so much time in looking into a carnal Glass to see their own Faces and vainly to trim and deck their Heads and Bodies whilst they greatly neglect looking into this Glass wherein the Glory of God in a glorious manner may be seen See Metaphor Light And thereby they may learn how to make themselves ready for Christ's Coming as also what their happy Condition is if truly in Christ. 2. When you see a Glass or injoy the useful Benefit thereof remember the Glass of God's Word and as you slight not nor throw away that Glass by which you obtain your End viz. a Medium to behold what you desire be perswaded never to slight or throw away the Word of God but improve it to the Ends for which God gave it till you come to have the Faculty so suited and fitted to behold the Object that you shall see as you are seen and know as you are known which will be in a State of Glory and not till then 3. To inform the poor dark and blind World that as a Glass of what nature soever it be yet it is altogether useless to a blind Man till his Eyes are opened so till God opens blind Eyes poor fallen Man cannot see any of the Glory of God nor understand this glorious Gospel or Word of God 4. Let it perswade all Christians who do stedfastly believe that the Holy Scriptures or Word of God are or may be compared to a Glass in many of the Particulars afore-going to look more into it with earnest Prayer that as it is a Glass as clear as Chrystal so the Eyes of their Understandings may be opened to the end they may as in a Glass Behold the Glory of the Lord and be changed into the same Image from Glory to Glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor. 3.18 Professing the Gospel compared to the Plough Luke 9.26 He that puts his hand to the Plow and looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of Heaven HE that puts his hand to the Plough c. Our Saviour means Preaching owning or professing the Gospel The professing the Gospel may in divers respects be compared to a Plough Methapor A Plough is an Instrument made fit for the Husband-man to break up and till his Ground II. The Plough cannot break up the Ground of it self it must be held and drawn or nothing can be done by it III. It is a hard and difficult thing to plow up some Ground especially that which is rocky full of Roots or hath long lain fallow IV. The Plough pierces deep into the Earth makes as it were deep Gashes or Wounds in the Heart of it discovering what sort of Earth it is V. The Work of the Pluogh is but Opus ordinabile a preparative Work in order to sowing the Seed VI. It is best Plowing when the Earth is prepared and mollified by the Showers of Heaven then the Work goes on sweetly VII The Plough turns up by the Roots and kills those rank Weeds that grow in the Field VIII That Field is not well plowed up where the Plough jumps and skips over some part of it making Baulks it must turn up all the whole Field alike IX New Ground is much more easily plowed than that which hath lain a long time untilled X. In the last place and more directly to the main Drift and Scope of the Text the Plough must be held throughout the whole Journey a Man must not put his hand to it and presently grow weary and look back Parallel THe Gospel is an Instrument prepared and made fit by the Almighty to break or plow up the fallow Ground of our Hearts II. The Gospel must be believed and professed by us we must lay our hand to it and by the Power of the Spirit it must as it were be drawn upon our Hearts or it can do nothing III. So it is a very difficult thing to convince and humble the hard and obdurate Heart of a Sinner which is compared to a Stone and as firm as a Rock Shall Horses run upon the Rocks Will one plow there with Oxen IV. The Gospel pierces the Heart of a Sinner by powerful Convictions When they heard this they were pricked 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 punctim cedo pungendo penetro or pierced point-black to the Heart Then the Word divided as it were between the Soul and Spirit laid the Heart open made a discovery of what was hid
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
my Word be that goeth out of my Mouth it shall not return unto me void but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it Simile RAin is not necessary at all times there are Seasons when the Husbandman craves none he is sometimes afraid of a Shower and prays for fair Weather Rain in Harvest is not welcome II. Rain is no distinguishing Argument between good and bad Men it falls promiscuously upon the Righteous and the Wicked for tho it doth not fall every where in every City and Place yet where it comes it usually falls alike Disparity THe Word of God is necessary at all times Preach the Word be instant in Season and out of Season There is indeed no time but this divine Rain is needful and we cannot say we want it not for we cannot be without it one day II. But the Word of God and Blessings thereof are a distinguishing sign of God's special Favour the peculiar drops of divine Grace are not communicated to all alike tho all may have the Word preached to them My Word saith Christ hath no abiding in you Inferences PRay that the Divine Clouds may be filled with Spiritual Rain 2. And know from hence the necessity of the Word that there is as much need of the Word for the Growth and Comfort of the Soul as there is of Rain for the Growth of the Fruits of the Earth 3. How blind are they who are offended at the Doctrine of the Gospel 4. Hath the Word like Rain or Dew fallen upon your Souls Consider the Effects of Rain and examine your selves thereby 5. When ye see it rain upon the Earth think upon the Word and Doctrine of the Gospel with secret Groans and Desires of Heart that your Souls may be made fruitful by it 6. And lastly Take heed you do not provoke God to shut up Heaven that there be no more Rain God can make spiritual Clouds empty or scatter them in a way of Judgment now your Eyes behold your Teachers and they seem like Clouds filled with Water but he can soon cause them to be driven into Corners as a Punishment of your Sins or make them like Clouds without Rain that so you may know what it is to abuse the spiritual Plenty you have so long injoyed by feeling Want and Scarcity that may be over all the Land Behold the days come saith the Lord that I will send a Famine in the Land not a Famine of Bread nor a thirst for Water but of hearing the Word of the Lord. The Word of God compared to the Dew of Heaven Deut. 32.2 My Doctrine shall drop as the Rain my Speech shall distil as Dew c. METAPHOR DEw falls insensibly and invisibly you may be in the Field all night and not perceive the Dew fall and yet find great Dew upon the Grass II. As Dew comes down undiscernibly and invisibly so also very sweetly and in a mild manner III. Dew is of a fructifying Nature for falling especially on Herbs and tender Plants it soaks into the Roots of them and makes them fruitful IV. Dew comes down irresistibly who can stop or hinder the Dew from falling on the Earth V. Dew doth usually fall in the Night Parallel SO the Operations and Blessings of the Word and Graces thereof are invisible we feel the Work but the manner of the working thereof is unknown to us No Man can see the Conversion of of another saith an eminent Minister nor can well discern his own The Word works by little and little like as the Dew falls II. So the Gospel comes upon some Men in a sweet and mild manner it distils as it were upon them like Dew altho on others 't is true the Word comes like a mighty and fierce Rain III. So the Word of God causes the Soul to grow in Grace it makes the precious Plants of God's Vineyard to be green and flourish in all the Fruits of the Spirit The Saints at Thessalonica after they received the Word their Faith grew exceedingly I will be as the Dew unto Israel and he shall grow as the Lilly IV. Who can hinder or stop the Word from operating upon the Sinner's Heart If God will work who shall let My Word shall not return to me in vain it shall accomplish that for which I sent it V. So the VVord only comes upon Mens Hearts like Dew whilst the Night of this VVorld continues In the State of Glory the perfect Day this Dew will fall no more no more Preaching nor Means of Grace will then be afforded to Sinners neither will Saints have need of it For when that which is perfect is come then and not till then will that which is in part be done away METAPHOR DEw is not sufficient to water some Ground nor to make the new-mown Grass to spring and grow that needs a plentiful Rain Disparity THe VVord of God is not only a Dew that sweetly waters and refreshes the tender Herbs but also 't is sufficient to soak and well water the driest Ground hence it is compared to Rain as you heard before The Gospel compared to Treasure 2 Cor. 4.7 But we have this Treasure in earthen Vessels c. WE shall first shew that the Word and Gospel of Christ is a Treasure yea most choice Treasure tho it be never so much slighted by wicked Men. Secondly we shall run the Parallel c. Arg. 1. That which is set forth by the choicest and rarest things in the whole World must needs be a Treasure But the Gospel is set forth by the choicest and rarest things as Gold Silver precious Stones c. therefore the Gospel is a Treasure Arg. 2. That which is of such value that its Worth cannot be known or computed must needs be a Treasure But the Gospel is invaluable Ergo c. Arg. 3. That by which the Grace and Love of God is communicated must needs be a Treasure or that which is of great worth But the Gospel is that by which the Grace and Love of God in Christ is communicated Ergo c. Arg. 4. That which the best wisest and holiest Men have esteemed and prized above all earthly and worldly Things must needs be a Treasure But such have so prized the Gospel and Word of God Ergo. Psal. 119.14 127. Job 23.12 Arg. 5. That which good and holy Men have died for rather than to part with must needs be a Treasure or that which is of great worth But holy Men have rather chosen Death than to deny or part with the Gospel Ergo. Phil. 1.7 Heb. 10.29 11.26 Acts 20.24 Arg. 6. That which enriches all that really partake of it or enjoy it must needs be a Treasure But the Gospel doth so Rom. 11.12 Ergo c. METAPHOR RAre or excellent Treasure is more in quality than quantity more in Worth than Shew II. Treasure enricheth those that have it
III. Treasure hath a great Influence upon the Hearts of the Sons of Men. IV. Treasure is much sought after with great Care and Pains and when obtained Men are very loath to part with it V. Treasure is usually kept in some strong or secure place to the end it may be safely preserved VI. Treasure sometimes signifies Store and Plenty of good Things VII Much Treasure makes Men great and honourable in the World VII Treasure will carry a Man a great way in and through great Straits Afflictions Sorrows and Sufferings Parallel THe Gospel is much in little it hath been of that Esteem that in the time of its scarcity a Load of Hay hath been given for one Leaf of the Epistle of James in English See the Word of God compared to Light II. So doth the Gospel How many poor miserable wretched Men and Women have not only been supplied as to their need but enriched thereby III. So hath the Gospel through the Spirit and therefore the Lip of Truth saith Where the Treasure is there will the Heart be also IV. What Pains did the holy Men of old use in seeking after a Discovery of the Truth of the Gospel and of the things therein contained And what a Cloud of Witnesses are there who rather than they would part with this Treasure parted with their Lives and all they had V. So the Word and Gospel of God hath been preserved in the worst of Times when the great Design of Men and Devils hath been to destroy or corrupt it Thy Word have I hid in mine Heart VI. There are Store of good Things held forth in the Gospel viz. Christ Grace Glory and every good Thing else with him and by him VII Faith in the Gospel raiseth to great Honour O what Dignity ariseth from that noble Birth that is from above until which how mean and disgraceful an Object is fallen Man VII So the Gospel and the Grace of it O how far and through what Difficulties will it carry a Man With what contentment have Christians behaved themselves in the want of all outward Enjoyments having had a little of this Treasure METAPHOR ALL Treasures here be they never so rich or rare yet they are but earthly or from the Earth II. Earthly Treasures are corruptible and many times are spoiled they become worth little or nothing Lay not up Treasure on Earth where Moth and Rust doth corrupt c. III. Earthly Treasures tho they may go far and supply many bodily Wants yet they cannot supply Soul-Wants IV. The Poor have but little of worldly Treasure and therefore 't is they are accounted poor it is mostly in the hands of the great Men of the Earth V. Men by their natural Care and Industry may get worldly Treasure and grow rich thereby VI. Worldly Treasure may be taken away by Thieves as well as eaten by Moths Disparity BUt such is the Glory of the Gospel as that it is a Treasure from Heaven and of an heavenly product and extract II. But the Gospel and Grace thereof is a Treasure incorruptible it cannot putrify or be spoiled its Splendor and Glory is durable But of incorruptible the Word of God c. III. But the Gospel or Word of God extendeth to the Supply both of the Soul and Body The Gospel heard and received by Faith makes up a full Supply to the Soul of whatever it needs My God shall supply all your Wants c. IV. But it is evident that the Poor receive the Gospel and James saith expresly that God hath chosen the Poor of this World rich in Faith c. The Poor of this World have generally most of this sacred Treasure and so are the richest Men. V. No Man whatsoever tho never so worldly wise ingenious careful and industrious in laying out all his natural Parts can enrich himself with this sacred Treasure What hast thou which thou hast not received VI. But the Gospel is a Treasure that cannot be taken away by Thieves nor can the Moth corrupt it it is called the everlasting Gospel Inferences THis shews who are the truly rich Men and Women in the World and what is indeed the true Treasure that will make them so here and to Eternity Jam. 2.5 2 Cor. 6.10 II. It shews the Folly and Madness of those that slight and despise the Gospel Heb. 2 2 3. Jer. 8.8 9. III. What strong Motives might I produce in order to the getting of this Treasure 1. Would you be rich for ever would you have durable Riches c. 2. VVould you be defended and know how to subsist another Day Then get much of this Treasure Quest. But is not this the way to be in the more danger For 't is not the Poor that the Thief cares to meddle withal but the Rich We see what Assaults they meet withal that have this Treasure therefore 't is best to be at ease and quiet and forbear to middle with it Answ. God's Power and Strength is laid out for its Preservation and of the Vessels in whom it is It is God's Treasure and the Vessel too for his People are his peculiar Treasure He will keep it night and day lest any hurt it meaning his People whom he hath enriched with this Treasure Quest. But why is this Treasure put into such earthen Vessels Is it not in the greater danger therefore to be lost they being so subject to be broken Answ. 1. They are tho mean in the VVorlds eye and also in their own yet chosen and sanctified Vessels and fitted for the Lord's use so that the Treasure can suffer no loss by the Vessel 2. The Power of God is the more manifested in preserving this Treasure in an earthen Vessel Object But these Vessels may be nay have been and are often broken and turned to Dust. Answ. Yet God never wanted a Vessel for this Treasure nay those that are turned to Dust are not destroyed they are but dissolved that the Treasure might be the more diffusive and spread it self The Blood of the Saints hath been the Seed of the Church FINIS ADVERTISEMENT THere is a second Volume ready for the Press which consisteth of two Parts The First opens by way of Metaphor and Parallel c. about One hundred sixty eight Metaphors Similes Allegories and other borrowed Terms contained in the holy Scriptures consisting of all the principal Metaphors Similes c. that the Authors can meet with under these ten Heads following 1. Such as concern the Graces of the Spirit and Ordinances of the Gospel 2. Such as concern the holy Angels and the Souls or Spirits of Men. 3. Such as respect the Church of God 4. Such as concern 1. Man in general 2. Good Men 3. Wicked Men. 5. Such as concern the Ministers of the Gospel 6. Such as respect Sin wherein the odious Nature of Sin is largely opened 7. Such as concern the Devil 8. Such as concern the false Church and false
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
come to have our Sins forgiven 't is he that gives us a Heart to ask it and a Hand to receive it Is Christ All to thee in respect of every Grace He gives Faith 't is he that is the Author and Finisher of it 't is he that sheds Love abroad in our Hearts by the Holy-Ghost All Grace is treasured up in him all Grace is communicated to us through him Is he all to thee in the Ministry of the Word 't is Christ that is preached 't is he that gives Grace to preach and opens the Ear to hear the Word preached and helps the Soul to receive the Word Is Christ all to thee in Ordinances The Lord's Supper holds forth his Death his Body broken and his Blood shed He is the sum and substance of it Baptism shews his Burial and his Resurrection In Ordinances or Duties art thou not satisfied unless thou meetest with Christ Jesus 9. Art thou willing to accept of Christ as the Father offers him Art thou willing to have him to be thy Prince as well as thy Saviour to destroy thy Sin as well as to save thy Soul 10. Dost thou long to be like him art thou willing and desirous to be holy as to be happy to live to him here as well as to live with him hereafter Is every thing in Christ or that belongs to Christ precious to thee V. Reproof This reprehends those that lay aside and would build without this precious Corner-Stone Who they are see Metaphor Christ the Foundation VI. Labour to esteem and highly value Jesus Christ. What are all things without him If he is not precious to thee nay thy All all thy profit by him at last will be nothing at all what wilt thou do at Death Qu. Some may say What shall we do to get Christ to obtain him who is so precious 1. Let thy Sins go 2. Let all thy Righteousness go in point of dependence do not trust to that 3. Let all Consultations with Flesh and Blood go and close immediately with Christ. 4. Improve the Means of Grace God is pleased to afford thee attend upon the Ministry of the Word Lastly Here is comfort to all true Believers you that have Christ have all and let me tell you you can never have less than all for this precious Stone can never be taken away from you you having made the blessed Choice that one thing needful with Mary Christ the Wonderful Counsellour Isa. 9.6 And his Name shall be called Wonderful Counsellour c. COuncellour is a word of a double Signification respecting two ranks of Men. 1. Such as appertain to the high Courts of Princes called Counsellors of State 2. Such as appertain to the high Courts of Judicature who are called Counsellors at Law These two Ranks of Men have their proper Work and Business peculiarly appropriated to them c. The first of these Ranks of Men are in Councel with the King to make and establish Laws therefore called Elders or Senators c. 2. The proper Work and Business of the second Rank or Order of Men is to unfold and plead Law therefore called Barresters or Counsellors c. Many things belonging to each Station do very fairly agree to the Son of God who therefore is not unfitly called Wonderful Counsellor c. Wonderful because the greatest and wisest that ever was Counsellor because his Place Work and Circumstances agree thereto as appears in these following Considerations Counsellour I. SOme Councellors are of a noble Extraction well descended which gives them Advantage above others Such have a double Advantage 1. In respect of Honour 2. In respect of Education Men basely or meanly born and descended are seldom or never advanced to the Honour of Counsellors in the highest Courts especially of Parliaments II. A Counsellor is brought up to useful Learning for so great an Employ or Office Men who are illiterate being unfit for it III. A Counsellor is a Man of Worth otherwise unfit for that Function or to appertain to any Court IV. A Counsellor of State is or ought to be a Man of an high and heroick Spirit not concerned about Triffles and things of an inferior Nature but mostly taken up with the more weighty and more considerable matters of the Law V. A Counsellor of State is chosen to that high Sphere and Dignity he comes not in of himself but by choice VI. A Counsellor of State is admitted into the Kings Court takes his place at the Council-Table and his chief Business lies there VII A great and wise Counsellor of State is made acquainted with the most secret Purposes of the King himself without whose Counsel and Consent there is nothing acted nor brought to light VIII A Counsellor of State is one who is thought worthy to be the Kings Familiar and Companion IX A Counsellor of State is one of the highest Ranks of Men none above him but the King himself X. A Counsellour of State is concerned in the agitating of Great Affairs such as immediately concern the King and the good of all his Subjects as the issuing out of Proclamations and the approving of other Ministers to be imployed in the King's Business XI A wise worthy and good Counsellor of State tho he be a Subject and Favourite to the King yet he is a great Glory to a Kingdom and it is the more respected for his sake I. A Counsellor at Law is a publick Officer belonging to a Court of Judicature II. A Counsellor at Law gives Advice and Councel from whence he derives the Denomination of being called a Counsellor III. A Counsellor at Law makes known the Law to those that are ignorant or unlearned he being the Mouth as it were of the Law IV. A Counsellor at Law resolves doubtful Cases which other Men cannot V. Counsellours at Law make Conveyances of Estates and most Men think these Conveyances not sufficient unless made by such able Men as they VI. Counsellours at Law have great respect amongst Men especially those who do most need them and make use of them VII A Counsellour at Law puts an end to Controversies by Non-suiting or Overthrowing the Party which is on the Adversaries side VIII A Counsellor at Law makes Contracts in great and weighty Cases between Parties IX A Counsellor at Law discovers Flaws in Evidences to undeceive the over-credulous X. A Counsellor at Law is of general use to Men since their tempers have been corrupted their manners vitiated and a necessity of multiplying Laws to correct them c. XI A Counsellour at Law is a Pleader of Causes which is none of the least part of his work Parallel I. THe Lord Jesus is of an high and sublime Extraction well descended according to the Flesh of the Blood Royal of the Lineage and Stock of David the King of Israel and in respect of his Diviniâ—â—y the eternal Son of God Possessor of Heaven and Earth He is Lord of the Angels and King of Saints and
Power in Heaven and Earth be given unto him by whom Kings raign and Princes decree Judgment and Justice Nobles rule even all the Judges of the Earth Who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords yet his chief Rule and Government is over the pleasant and delightful Plants the Saints who are on the Earth the Excellent in whom is all his delight 't is they that hear his Word obey his Voice and do his Will c. The hundred forty and four Thousand are pleasant and delightful ones 1. The Father's Name is upon them 2. They are not defiled with Women 3. They follow the Lamb whithersoever he gâ—â—eth These are governed by the Lamb. XII Jesus Christ is the Master of all Moderation both for soft Words and gentle Instructions who by good Doctrine did so eminently qualify his Followers that he fitted them for every Season when cast down he comforted them with good Words and Promises Let not your hearts be troubled ye believe in God believe also in me If I go away I will come again and receive you to my self that where I am you may be also Joh. 14.1 3. When hot and fiery he cools and abates Choler You know not what Spirit you are of The Son of Man came not to destroy Men's Lives but to save them Love your Enemies Learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find Rest for your Souls XIII Jesus Christ is really the cause of all Beauty to the true Church and to all the Members thereof 1. In respect of Imputed Righteousness by which they are justified 2. In respect of Grace and Vertue by which they are adorned 3. In respect of Good Life and Conversation which arises from his Spirit Doctrine and good Example By him all that believe are justified But the fruits of the Spirit are Love Joy Peace Long-suffering Gentleness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance Gal. 5.22 You are compleat in him who is the Head of all Principalities and Powers XIV Jesus Christ doth greatest kindness in the Winter or dark time of the Church then it is he maketh Intercession manifesteth Care and sends Relief and Succour to the Saints performs all the parts of a merciful High-Priest and Mediator but when the Winter is past the darkness gone and the night quite spent then his Office of Priesthood and Mediatorship shall cease Then shall the Son deliver up the Kingdom to the Father and God shall be All in All. 1 Cor. 15.24 XV. Jesus Christ hath a very honourable Name Jesus which is Saviour Christ which is Anointed The Son of God the only begotten well beloved the Emanuel God with us and he hath a Name above every Name Thou shalt call his Name Jesus for he shall save his People from their Sins The Rulers set themselves against the Lord and his Anointed And we believe thou art Christ the Son of the Living God God is gone up with a shout This is the true God and Eternal Life Lord of all Lord of Glory Prince of Life Prince of Peace Prince of the Kings of the Earth The day-Star from on high that bringeth Life and Immortality to light by the Gospel He hath by Inheritance obtained a more excellent Name than the Angels XVI Jesus Christ is Omega as well as Alpha the Finisher as well the as Author or Beginner of our Faith the Reâ—â—egard as well as the Captain of our Salvation gives the latter as well as the first fruits of the Spirit trains as well as conducts he rewards according to the Works of Piety and Goodness as well as he commands to do them he concludes this day of Grace when he comes to judg as well as he began it when he came to save He ushers in the dismal night of Darkness to the wicked as well as he ushers in the day of glad Tidings and great Joy to the Righteous He appears after the going down of the Sun and shutting up of Mercy as well as before the rising of the Sun and clear approach of Mercy He is a Harbinger to Captivity as well as to the year of Jubile and Deliverance He sends down to Hell and Darkness as well as as sends up to Heaven and Glory I am Alpha and Omega the Beginning and the End Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith XVII Jesus Christ and the Light of the Gospel altho sometimes obscured by the means of misty foggy Clouds Powers of Darkness Ignorance Unbelief and Heresy yet nothing can hinder his Course but he constantly keeps his glorious Circle in his Dispensation and keeps a continual Motion in a way of Divine Providence until the time of his Kingdom and Patience is over He that hath promised to come will come and will not tarry The Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his Temple Behold I come quickly and my Reward is with me He cannot be prevailed against by any malignant Powers of Earth or Hell Herod Pontius Pilate the High-Priest the whole body of the Jews the Romans Mahomatans and Papists that hate him and his glorious Appearance cannot obstruct his Motion and Operation in the Church or World nor in any-wise extinguish his Light from its glorious Splendor Hereafter shall you see the Son of Man coming in the Clouds of Heaven with Power and â—â—reat Glory 'T is hard for thee to kick against the Pricks The Disciples waxed bold and multiplied The Blood of the Martyrs was the Seed of the Church O Galilean thou â—â—aâ—â— overcome me saith wicked Julian On this Rock will I build my Church and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it The Administration of Christ is like the Path of the Just that shâ—â—neth more and more to the perfect day Of his Kingdom there shall be no end upon the Throne of David to order and establish it with Judgment and with Justice from henceforth even for ever XVIII Jesus Christ in all that hath been or can be said exceeds in Brightness and Glory for as hath been manifested he is the Brightness of his Father's Glory in which respect he exceeds Angels and Men for tho he was the Off-spring of David yet he is the Bright and Morning Star METAPHOR I. The Morning Star did not make it self nor other Stars II. The Sun and Morning-Star are two things for the Morning-Star is much inferiour to the Sun in light and glory III. The Morning-Star gives but external light to the corporal sense IV. The Morning Star gives light only in the night but loseth its glory when the Sun ariseth V. The Morning Star gives Light only to the visible World VI. The Morning Star shall fall from Heaven or be dissolved at the general Conflagration of the World the Heavens and the Earth that now is are reserved c. Disparity I. JEsus Christ the Bright and morning Star made the Orbs wherein the Stars are fixed with the Sun Moon and all