between us and him nearer though spiritual than that of our kinred according to the flesh therefore Christ that his troubled Servants may have peace calls them to himself John 16. 33. Phil. 4. 4 12 13. 4. There is the peace of inward consolation by that Spirit which is the Comforter to allay and take away all heart-trouble John 14. 26 27. Hereby Jesus as Jonathan 1 Sam. 23. 16. strengthens the hands and hearts of his Servants in God 5. There is the peace of expectation Let not your hearts be troubled saith our Saviour John 14. 1 2 3. for I go to prepare a place for you that where I am ye may be also look to that in all troubles here and quiet and comfort your hearts 1 Thes 4. 17 18. 2 Cor. 4. 14. 6. Of sustentation mean-time Acts 18. 10. Psal 73. 23 24 26. Thus of the personal Peace 2. There is by a reigning Christ a social-Peace or a society-Peace And that 1. By our own Regeneration whereby our spirits are made peaceable towards others 2. By others Conversion whereby their spirits are made peaceable towards us Both these we find Isa 11. 6 c. Thus was the raging spirit of Saul calmed and thereby the whole Church also had much more rest and quiet Acts 9. 31. yea by the convictions of the Word upon the hearts of wiser Men though they be not converted there ariseth a peace to the People of God by an over-ruling Christ and Thus by Gamaliel's counsel upon a ground of Religion to wit that it was dangerous to fight against God Acts 5. 39. that bloody company were so convinced that the Apostles had their lives and were dismiss'd with a comfortable measure of peace Unto all which we may add that Christ to whom all power is committed bends and binds the hearts tongues and hands of Enemies as Gen. 31. 42. 33. 10. raiseth up instruments and ordereth out benign Providences as he pleaseth for his Churches peace Hence something they do against the Children of God and more they cannot do though they would never so fain and though they be never so like to do it as we see in Herod Acts 12. 2 3 4 5 6 11. Hitherto of the Peace of Christs Kingdom 3. Christs Rule and Dominion is described by the relation it hath unto David Here therefore is as it were the Heraldry of the Holy Ghost describing this King as lineally descending from David This was of great use to the Jews because all their Covenant-comforts and precious Promises were laid up in the House of David 2 Sam. 7. 26 29. 2 Kings 19. 3 4. 1 Chron. 14. 2. yea and is so to us Gentiles also for the main Promises of the Covenant of Grace are made and belong to the people of God in all Ages which people of God we Gentiles now are over whom Christ the Son of David is as their King and Shepherd Ezek. 36. 24. John 10. 16. Rom. 10. 12. Hos 1. 10 11. In sum There 's no comfort for sinners but in a work of Redemption and Reconciliation none can be merry solidly but they that can sing that new Song Revel 5. 9. There 's no Redemption but by the true Messiah and his Sacrifice Dan. 9. 26. John 8. 24. Acts 4. 12. This true Messiah must be of the House and Lineage and sit upon the Throne of David Luke 1. 32 33. 2. 4. By this Description therefore we see where to fix our comfort there being no sitting upon the Throne of David since this Child was born but by this Child and Son of God only to whom is given Dominion and Glory Dan. 7. 14. Mat. 20. 18. yet we must remember that He sits on the Throne of David as David did reigning outwardly and subduing Enemies as he did His Kingdom is not a worldly but a spiritual Kingdom wherein he rules by his Word and Spirit Psal 110. 2 3. Mat. 12. 18. Luke 17. 21. only while he rules thus in his Church spiritually he rebukes the wickedness of the world as he seeth good outwardly Psal 110. 6 7. Acts 12. 20. yea and of the Church also Acts 5. 5 10 11. 13. 11. 4. The Government of Christ is described by the manner of the administration of it His Kingdom is a well-ordered and established Kingdom as the Covenant with David was 2 Sam. 2. 3 5. Christ in person did set things right in the Temple John 2. 15 16. And hath set an order in his Church Mat. 18. 15. John 20. 23. Ephes 4. 11 12. 1 Tim. 3. 2 c. 5. wholly and Tit. 1. 5 6 7 c. yea for outward things 1 Cor. 11. 2 c. 34 14 throughout Col. 2. 5. It is also an established Kingdom so that the Gates of Hell cannot prevail against it Mat. 16. 18. nor any true Member of it Luke 22. 32. John 17. 15. 1 Pet. 5. 10. with v. 8 9. This appears because all those things are in it whereby the Throne is established as right Laws and righteous Executions of Judgment in regard of his Enemies and Justice in regard of his Subjects 5. It is described by the perpetuity of it It is for ever and ever Dan. 7. 14. Luke 2. 33. Heb. 1. 8. As long as this world lasteth Christ doth and will administer it as Mediator as now it is and ever after the Kingdom will continue in a glorious state 2 Tim. 4. 1. 2. 12. All this is sealed and assured by the zeal and ardent love of the Lord of Hosts which is the cause of it and again by the zeal and vehemency of spirit that is in the Lord of Hosts for his own glory his Churches welfare to pay his Enemies their Wages to make good his Truth and perform his gracious Promises made to his people When God puts on the cloak of zeal as 2 Kings 9. 20. 20. 15. he will throughly plead the cause of his Church Jer. 50. 34. vindicate the honour of this great King and see that all shall be well though for present it be never so ill Isa 59. 14 15 16 17 18-20 63. 5 6. Our zeal is oft seen in promising and professing It were better shew it as God doth his in performing That which yet remains to be more particularly spoken to is why Christ is so much spoken of in Promises and Promises of the Churches Deliverance whereof these Reasons may be given 1. Because Christ is the foundation of faln Mans recovery of the covenant of grace of all the grace comfort of that covenant which containeth all good in it as the Mine of Mercy He is therefore mentioned and described immediately after the Fall in that first grand Promise Gen. 3. 15. revealing mans restoring upon this ground that the Seed of the Woman shall bruise the head of the Serpent that caus'd the Fall by the Serpents bruising of his heel that is principally by our Saviours
with the Father and the holy Ghost the Author which this word Father signifies Gen. 4. 21. Job 38. 28. and the giver of eternal Life John 10. 28. and all lasting and everlasting good things 2 Thes 2. 16. yea as Mediator He in special is the procurer thereof and the person in whom it resides John 17. 2. 1 John 5. 11 12. 1 Joh. 5. 20. 2. He may be thus called in respect of the care and kindness he hath for his people who are oft like shiftless Children Job 29. 16. He ever looks to his little Children He hath an everlasting Kingdom and as Kings are Fathers of their Country so is he of his Church but They only for a time He for ever But besides both these which are ordinarily mentioned Christ is more properly a Father because he hath a Seed and abundance of Children Heb. 2. 13. Psal 110. 3. Acts 2. 41. purchased by his Death Isa 53. 10. begotten by his Resurrection 1 Pet. 1. 3. Ephes 2. 6. for whom he hath purchased and as an Everlasting Father provided an everlasting Inheritance Ephes 1. 14. 1 Pet. 1. 3 4. And in the mean time he takes such a Fatherly care of them here as that no Man shall hurt them Acts 18. 10. 5. The Prince of Peace He as a Priest procureth our peace Ephes 2. 16 17. the chastisement of our peace being laid upon him Isa 53. 5. He as a Prophet preacheth peace Ephes 2. 17. Isa 57. 19. Job 3. 4 29. He as a Prince worketh peace for his People by taking a course with all their Adversaries Mica 5. 5. and bestoweth peace on them even that peace which passeth all understanding Psal 68. 18. Gal. 5. 22. Phil. 2. 7. When he left the world Peace was his Legacy John 14. 27. and now he is in Heaven he is doing that which he went for that is preparing Mansions for his Disciples wherein there shall never be any molestations John 14. 1 2 3. Isa 57. 2. How great a comfort is there in all this for all His To us a Child is born That 's set first and that brings all other comforts near to us He hath married himself to our nature and so He is our Goel and next Kinsman Hereby we are extreamly near to God and God is unspeakably near to us Hence To us a Son is given for He is not only a Child and Son of Man but the Son of God This admits us to the blessed enjoyment of all his following attributions The Government is upon his shoulders He that is our Child and our God is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth Revel 1. 5. having all power given him in Heaven and in Earth and in Hell for our use Mat. 18. 28. Revel 1. 18. For the managing of which princely Power for our best advantage He is Wonderful in his Works Exod. 15. 11. Counseller in his Word the Mighty God for the bearing of our sins on the Cross and disburthening us of them as also for the bearing down of all our Enemies and freeing us from them John 16. 11. and so He is the Prince of Peace commanding peace for us Psal 44. 4. and working peace in us so that our hearts and minds are kept safe and quiet as in the strongest Garrison through Christ Jesus Phil. 4. 7. Ver. 7. Hitherto of our Saviours Person In this Verse followeth the Description of his Government which is the perpetual stay of the Church of God in this diversly and oft very sadly governed world but looking to Christ the Supream Governour Eccles 5. 8. all 's well or shall be well all is right or shall be set at rights at that last and great day Mean-while He moderates the worst things and makes them to those that are his the best things Rom. 8. 28. This Government is described by the extent peace relation administration and perpetuity of it 1. By the extent and amplitude of it for it is a thriving and still encreasing thing Christs Kingdom is still coming and coming on which was especially by the coming in of the Gentiles Psal 2. 8. Isa 49. 18 to v. 24. But still and even unto the end of the world wheresoever the Gospel is preached some are added Acts 2. 47. 11. 24. See Mat. 13. 31 32 33. All other Kingdoms and Monarchies have their decreases but Christ's is still on the growing hand yea He gains by what he loses the Blood of Martyrs being the Seed of the Church 2. By the peace of it for the Kingdom of God is peace Rom. 14. 17. and Christ the King is the peace Mica 5. 5. More particularly in and by the Kingdom of Christ there is a Personal and Social peace 1. A Personal peace and that divers ways For so there is a peace 1. Of Justification by the righteousness of Christ which is a main thing in the Kingdom of Christ Rom. 14. 17. and which being purchased with his Blood as a Priest he doth as a royal King bestow on all those thaâ— are his Psal 66. 18. Isa 45. 24. And by this Justification through Faith there is inward peace filling the heart with joy in all outward troubles Rom. 5. 1 2 3. 2. There is the peace of Sanctification by those gifts and graces which Christ as an ascending King bestows upon all those that are His by the Spirit of grace Job 7. 39. and by which he rules in their hearts and souls for the Kingdom of God is within us Luke 17. 21. This peace of Sanctification hath two branches for it ariseth 1. From the mortification of our Lusts which when they prevail there is fighting 2 Sam. 24. 10. but when they are prevailed over much tranquillity of mind as we see in David who was freed from grief of heart and greatly rejoiced in God when by Abigail he got the better of his irregular passion 1 Sam. 25. 31 32 c. Thus Christ rules when the peace of God rules in our hearts for the subduing of all those unruly passions that are the make-bates between Man and Man Col. 3. 15. 2. Peace ariseth not only from the subduing of our Lusts but from the quickening of us to newness of life from an holy frame of heart and a lively exercise of Christian graces in our whole carriage Thus by Faith there is perfect peace Isa 26. 3. and by the testimony of a good conscience in the faithful discharge of our duties much rejoicing 2 Cor. 1. 12. and by patience a possessing of our souls in peace Luke 21. 19. 3. There is a Personal peace of relation union and interest in Jesus Christ as Men are much quieted if they have a friend nearly related and dearly affected to them and that is able in every condition to give them help that hath enough in him for their use Thus it is with us in regard of Christ yea much better than thus inasmuch as his love and power is infinitely greater and the union
to think God was an Enemy to him for that which was evil in him the thing true and certain is that he was wounded Joh. 20. 25. 27. for our transgressions bruised indeed of the Lord v. 10. but it was for our iniquities Chastised Mat. 27. 26. but for our peace and that with his stripes we might be healed We were the wandring Sheep v. 6. and He the suffering and Sacrificed Lamb We went our way He bare our woe and like David 2 Sam. 24. 17. loves to have all laid upon himself as all was laid in the old Law on the innocent Sacrifice Levit. 1. 4. and 16. 21. And never was any Sheep or Lamb so quiet under Shearing and Slaughter as he was who opened not his mouth but even to admiration kept it shut Mat. 27. 14. 2. And as he took his suffering patiently v. 7. So if we look to the Issue he was taken from it gloriously v. 8. He was taken from prison that is from all the Straits wherein his Soul was shut up Mat. 26. 37 38 and 27. 46. as also from the grave wherein his body was laid Psal 16. 10. Act. 2. 24. an Angel descending rolling away the Stone from the door of the Sepulchre and attending him in his coming out of prison and from Judgment that is as from all those pressures that he was under by the Justice of God as he was our Surety so from all that which he was adjudged unto by the Injustice of men God making known his innocency in his resurrection that fully justified him 1 Tim. 3. 16. Being thus rescued and risen his Exaltation goes on for who shall declare his generation that is the eternal duration of his person Rev. 1. 18. Isa 53. 13. and the encrease continuance and perpetuity of his Kingdom Psal 110. 2 3. There 's a depth in these things of Saviour-exaltation and such a multiplication of marvelous things that we cannot attain the wonders that are in them and if we should declare and speak of them they are more than can be numbred Psal 40. 5. Which Christs Sufferings and low estate are fo far from making an objection against that they are the very reason of this his Advancement for thus it was and therefore 1 Pet. 1. 11. Phil. 2. 8 9. God thus highly exalted him in these and his following Eminencies because he was cut out as a tree cut down of the land of the living Joh. 19. 33. Mat. 27. 63. and from the inhabitants of the world Isa 38. 11. not for any fault of his Psal 59. 3. 15. Joh. 25. but for the transgressions of God's people and v. 9. for this reason also that is because we were wicked and had procured to our selves that wages of Sin which is death He that is God made his grave with the wicked that is God permitted and determined Act. 4. 28. that he should die and be prepared for the Grave by his being numbred amongst transgressours v. 12. but withal he took order in and at his deaths for his death contained many deaths in it that he should be honourably and remarkably buried in a new Sepulchre purposely provided by Joseph of Arimathaea a rich man Mat. 27. 57. that by that act of Providence as we may say he might be distinguished and in some sort exempted from the number of common Malefactors as there was great reason why he should because to resume that mentioned in the latter end of v. 8. He had done no violence nor was any deceit found in his mouth 1 Pet. 2. 22. yet v. 10. it pleased the gracious Lord upon our account to bruise him and put him to grief but for glorious ends in respect both of him and us 3. Success And so followeth the Success of our Saviour's humiliation and passion and resurrection Vse 1. A numerous posterity when thou shalt make his Soul that is himself wherein his Soul had a great part Mat. 26. 38. and travelled much v. 11. an offering for Sin he shall see his seed Psal 27. 30. Joh. 12. 32. 1 Pet. 1. 3. Act. 2. 41. 2. Perpetuity He shall prolong his days and live after death in his person and conserved Church Rom. 6. 9 10. 3. Prosperity the pleasure of the Lord that is the gathering of the Church out of all Nations a work arising from Gods will and pleasure and wherein he takes pleasure shall prosper in his hand by his hand or power in Heaven and from Heaven 1 Cor. 3. 5 6 7. 14. 24 25. Gal. 2. 8. Col. 1. 29. and in the hand of the Minister here on earth 2 Cor. 4. 7. Act. 19. 20. Ephes 4. 11 12 13. Mark 16. 20. Heb. 2. 4. Of this Prosperity there is set down 1. The measure v. 11. He shall see the travel of his Soul that is the fruit of the travel of his Soul and of the pains of Death he sustained like the pains of a travelling Woman especially if they he refer'd to his Soul-sence of the wrath of God This fruit of what he hath born for man's Salvation He shall see in so great measure not only in his own glory in heaven but in the glorious fruit thereof in all the world Col. 1. 6. that he shall be satisfied and receive full content in it 2. The means by which the Kingdom of Christ is so prosperous and that is by the word of the Gospel spread abroad in the world and received by Faith By his knowledg that is by the Gospel-Manifestation of Jesus Christ as the Lord our righteousness Jer. 23. 6. shall my righteous 1. Joh. 2. 1. a righteous-making 2 Cor. 5. 21. Rom. 5. 19 Servant justifie many that is all that believe Act. 13. 39. for he shall bear their iniquities and in that way the just suffering for the unjust 1 Pet. 3. 18. they shall be made just Rom. 3. 25 26. for justice must be satisfied by a propitiatory sacrifice before sinners can be justified 2 Cor. 5. 21 None made Righteous but by Christ made sin for them Luk. 18. 13 14. Joh. 33. 24. Behold then what Christ hath gained by his Suffering when he sees thereby so many begotten to him So many justified and saved by him yea by him as a Servant for Christ justifies not only as God but as man that is as Mediator in which regard he is a Servant and at command Isa 52. 13. John 14. 31. and by working perfect righteousness for us in our flesh So that we are saved not by works Tit. 3. 5. but by words Act. 11. 14. and are justified not by any thing we can do but by what he hath done and suffered for us laid hold on by Faith Joh. 17. 20. as it is made known to us in the doctrin of the Gospel 2 Pet. 1. 2 3 Now besides this posterity perpetuity and prosperity there is accrewing unto Christ from his low estate the highest Glory v. 12. Therefore that is because he hath poured out his Soul unto Death he was
10. 2. Because in and through Christ all good is given out from God unto us 1 Cor. 3. 21 22 23. Rom. 8. 32. In particular That this may appear so to be Christ is here set forth in his Person and Office and that as both of them make for his Peoples good 1. In his Person For Behold here It is said 1. A Child is born There 's Christs Humanity for He was Marie's Child Mat. 2. 20. that is of her substance though conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost He was also fed and bred up with Butter and Honey as other Children us'd to be in that Land that flowed with Milk and Honey Isa 7. 14 15. This Child like the Youth or Child David 1 Sam. 17. 33 42. masters and destroys all the Goliah-like Enemies of the Church 2. A Son is given There 's his Divinity Luke 1. 35. which they that had eyes saw well enough John 1. 14. The Child is born but the Son that is Christ as the Son of God is not born but given yet it 's true that that holy thing that was born of Mary is truly called the Son of God Luke 1. 35. that being ordinarily ascribed to the Person that properly belongs to either nature so that holy thing is that holy Person said to be born of Mary because as Man he was so but as God he was given not born And when God gave him forth unto us it is under this Name The Son of God Psal 2. 7. Heb. 1. 5. 3. A Child is born and a Son is given to us There 's our felicity for God gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life John 3. 16. This shews what 's meant by this Us that is all Believers whether before or after Christ and whether they be Jews or Gentiles Acts 15. 11. Luke 2. 10 11. O How many be there that believe there is a God but not that he is a Father to them that there is a Christ but cannot say or shew that he is given to them Happy that Man that can say in the presence of Christ My Lord and my God John 20. 28. and that Woman that can say and sing in the presence of God My Spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour Luke 1. 47. 2. Christ is here set forth In his Office The government of all especially of the Church is upon his shoulder He hath the Keys to lock and unlock do and undoe as he pleaseth Isa 22. 22. Rev. 1. 18. 3. 7. He hath no such yoke or staff as is an instrument of oppression as Isa 9. 4. but a Key and Ensign of Rule and Domination and under this great work and weight of Government he puts his own shoulder Albeit he use Instruments Prov. 8. 15 16. yet he is no non-resident He sees oversees and perfectly orders all himself Unto both these is adjoined for the Churches further consolation and confirmation a fuller description of Christs Person and Government 1. Of his Person which well followeth upon the mention of his Government because it shews how excellently and abundantly he is qualified for the managing of it But it is also of general use For As God set his Name Almighty before Abraham to assure him of all covenanted mercy and as he did more largely spread his Name before Moses to set forth the goodness and the glories of his Nature and both in reference to and for the behoof of his Church So here the Name of Christ is like Ointment poured forth Cant. 1. 3. and his several Attributes reckoned up to ascertain the Church of all desirable things in and by him He is therefore said to be 1. Wonderful Not only in his Person a Child in a Manger and yet God God and yet lying in a Manger Luke 2. 12 18. Nor only in his Wisdom and Understanding Luke 2. 47. and in his Preaching Luke 4. 22. John 2. 46. Nor only in his miraculous Works Luke 9. 43. but especially in regard of the gathering governing and protecting of his Kingdom and Subjects John 14. 12. in relation whereunto strange things have been are and will be done in the World Psal 77. 13 14 15 16. with Mica 7. 15. Zech. 8. 6. especially the work of Redemption is fill'd with Wonders Ephes 3. 9 10. 1 Tim. 3. 16. 2. Counseller Isa 11. 2. Not only because he is acquainted with his Fathers Counsels John 1. 18. 5. 20. as Privy Counsellers are with State-matters and because in him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledg Col. 2. 3. So that He can say Counsel is mine and sound Wisdom I am Vnderstanding Prov. 8. 14. but especially because he reveals as the great Prophet of the Church the whole Counsel of God Luke 7. 30. Acts 20. 27. Mat. 11. 25 26 27. Not only as far as is necessary for their salvation but for their direction also consolation and confirmation in all their concernments He it is that saith of Himself I lead in the way of righteousness in the midst of the paths of judgment Prov. 8. 20. and that for our great benefit ver 21. 3. The Almighty God True God equal with the Father 1 John 5. 20. John 5. 17 18. and as Mediator also God-man John 20. 28. Luke 1. 47. He must needs therefore be Mighty Psal 50. 1. yea Almighty Rev. 1. 8. Now as God said to Abraham I am the Almighty God Gen. 17. 17. that is I am so for thy use so it is here Christ is the mighty God that is as a Priest Mighty to bear the whole Wrath of God Isa 53. 4. to save us his Blood being the Blood of God Acts 20. 28. And as a Prophet mighty in Word and working mightily therein by the operation of his Spirit Gal. 2. 8. whence it is that there are so many Believers Acts 2. 41. when there could not be one but by that exceeding great power whereby God raised up Christ and Christ raised up himself from the dead Ephes 1. 19. Rom. 1. 4. As a King also the power of a God sheweth it self in him to the rejoicing of the hearts of all his Subjects Isa 52. 7. Zech. 9. 9. It 's he chiefly who is that Mighty one that God hath laid help upon that he might be the mighty King and Helper of his Church for the overthrow of all the enemies thereof Psal 89. 19 23. yea the strength of Jehovah is not only with him Psal 110. 1 c. but in Him Exod. 23. 21. and that Name is on him Jer. 23. 6. that he might throw down all spiritual Enemies Sin Satan Death and Hell 1 Cor. 15. 57. Col. 2. 15. Heb. 2. 14. He is not only a Counseller but mighty to execute all his Counsels and to overthrow all the Counsels of the Adversaries of his People Isa 8. 10. 4. The Everlasting Father so he may be said to be two ways 1. Because he is together
Death whereby he was destroyed that had the power of death that is the Devil Heb. 2. 14. After which Promise Christ and the good things we have in and by Him are still brought in and represented As 1. To Noah to assure the restoring of the world after the Flood had drowned and destroyed all for Noah built an Altar offered Burnt-offerings from which the Lord smelt a sweet savour and so resolv'd never to destroy all again as he had once done This was not because the Lord in the blood of Beasts but because the sacrificing of them was a type of the Sacrifice of Christ who gave himself for us an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour Ephes 5. 2. To assure this further God established a Covenant with Noah and with his Seed and with every living Creature Gen. 9. 9 10 13. whereof the Rain-bow was a sign which is applied by Isaiah chap. 54. 9. to the Covenant of grace shewing that it issued from that 2. To Abraham saying In thee and in thy Seed all the Nations of the Earth shall be blessed Gen. 12. 3. 22. 18. which by the Apostle Paul Gal. 3. 8 16. is applied to Christ 3. Christ and his Redemption is set forth in their Deliverance out of Egypt where He that appeared to Moses under this Name I am that I am Exod. 3. 14. appeareth to be Christ by the same title in effect and as further unfolded given to Christ yea taken to Him by Himself Revel 1. 4. So in Exod. 23. 20 21 23. He is described as their Deliverer out of Egypt yea therefore they were delivered because He in a sort was delivered in them as being to come of them Hos 11. 1. 4. To omit the Covenant of God with David Psal 89. 28. 2 Sam. 23. 5. which is intimated in their Deliverance from the Assyrian 2 Kings 19. 34. Christ is often mentioned in the Prophecies of their Deliverance out of the Captivity as is manifest not only in this Text but in divers other Scriptures and namely in these following Isa 7. 14. 8. 8 10. 10. 27. Jer. 23. 5. to v. 9. so Ezek. 36. 25. Dan. 9. 17 26. Micah 5. 2 5. Zech. 9. 11. in which last place Christ is described with a Therefore v. 7. to shew that therefore they were delivered out of Captivity because such a King was to come in fulness of time the vertue of whose Redemption extended it self backward and so it doth forward unto all Ages of the Church as that from which the Deliverance thereof issueth Hence Deliverance out of Babylon so much excelleth Deliverance out of Egypt because of the nearer connexion of it with Christ yea because his Coming and Kingdom is wrapt up in it Thus of the first Reason 2. Because the great Deliverances in the Old Testament were types and fore-runners of our full Redemption by Jesus Christ as they issued from it so they were like John Baptist to it that is sent before to give the Jews a people much taught by the eye such notice of it as was suitable to their time and state This we may see in their Deliverance out of Egypt which being set before the Ten Commandments of the Moral and Eternal Law of God as a motive to the observation thereof would be of little weight with us who were not delivered out of Egypt as they were but that our Deliverance out of the spiritual Egypt and out of the hands of all our spiritual Enemies was signified by it and is presented in it as the Paschal Lamb instituted upon that Deliverance evidently sheweth Exod. 12. 46. John 19. 36. The like we may say of their Deliverance out of Babylon which as the casting of Jonah upon the dry Land after his being three days and three nights in the Whales belly Mat. 12. 39 40. set before them a rising and a raising Christ which they might look upon in their bringing out of the grave of Babylon as the sign earnest thereof unto which we are led by the Prophets manner of expressing that Deliverance Isa 26. 19. Hos 6. 2. 3. Because the comfort of the Church and People of God is compleated only in Jesus Christ For 1. He only can free us from all Enemies Luke 1. 74. and namely from spiritual Enemies which are the greatest and which do endanger us everlastingly over all of which he hath triumphed Col. 2. 15. and so may we in him Rom. 8. 33 34. Nor is there any but He that can obtain eternal Redemption and Salvation for us Heb. 9. 12. Acts 4. 12. Isa 45. 17 22. 2. And in him only satisfaction is to be found because as he freeth us from every kind of Enemy so he surnisheth us and supplieth us with every kind of comfort for with Him we have every thing Rom. 8. 32. 1 Cor. 3. 21 22 23. so that if his People be in never so much outward affliction yea without Deliverance yet they may overskip as it were that kind of comfort and pass from it to spiritual Phil. 4. 4. 2 Cor. 1. 3 4 5. whereof so much is procured to them through our Lord Jesus Christ as that they may glory in tribulations Rom. 5. 3. Phil. 4. 7. yea if there be a dimness in spiritual comforts they may pass from them to eternal unto which the Redemption of Christ extends and wherein it is accomplished 2 Cor. 4. 17 18. 1 Thes 4. 18. 4. Because none can partake in spiritual Deliverance nor in outward Deliverance in mercy but only such as are in Christ Jesus It 's true that they out of the Church may be said to be delivered by Him as the Ruler of the whole Earth Zech. 4. 14. 2 Kings 5. 1. Amos 9. 7. Mat. 28. 18. John 5. 22. And wicked Men in the Church are together with those that are good delivered by Him as the King of the Church Deut. 33. 26 27 28. with Jer. 23. 6. Psal 2. 6. so the Pool of Bethesda cured whosoever it was that step'd in first after the troubling of the Water without any difference it seems between good and bad and whatsoever Disease he had he was delivered from it John 5. 3 4. for that healing Water remained as a Monument of Gods owning them as his People But though Christ hath wrought still Josh 5. 13 14 15. John 5. 17. in the Deliverance and Preservation of the Church wherein there is corn and chaff that is in outward Deliverances yet none are delivered spiritually but only such as are in him as their Head Nor are any but they delivered outwardly in special mercy though they partake in common kindness and Creature-mercy Psal 145. 9. or Church-mercy it is not in member mercy for where should they have any such mercy that have not Christ Jesus and that are expresly excluded out of his Prayers John 17. 9. Wicked Men have a great deal to answer for their comforts and Gods loving-kindness such as it is
complaint of incredulity setteth forth the Reason and the Remedy of it 1 The Reason of it It is because there be so few to whom the arm of the Lord that is that eminent Power of the Lord and the Excellency residing and putting forth in the Person and Kingdom of Christ is Revealed Wherein two things are included viz. 1. That there is a great might in the Gospel for the arm of the Lord is in it Rom. 1. 16. 15. 18. Gal. 2. 8. 2 Cor. 10. 4 5. 1 Cor. 14. 24 25. 2 Cor. 4. 7. 2. But this arm is hid and revealed to few John 1. 11 14. It 's like the River Siloah that runs softly and is not so much observed Psal 46. 45. Isa 8. 6. or like the host compassing Dothan not discerned till God opened mens eyes 2 King 6. 7. Qu. How comes it to he thus hid A. By the Lowness of Christ's Person and Condition 1. By the unsightliness of Christ to a worldly Eye as to his person Isa 52. 14. Which is applicable also to his Kingdom and concernments for as his Person Isa 42. 2. so his Kingdom is not of this World Neither he nor it come with observation Luk. 17. 20 21. or any outward pomp Which appears in the description we have here of his coming into the world 1 2. for he did come and grow up before him that is before the Lord conceive it according to his counsel and purpose in his sight and with his support as a Tender Plant. Look to God and there was before him Power enough But look to men and the outward appearance and he grew up as a little weak plant and Rod Isa 11. 1. and as a Root out of a dry ground that doth not thrive by the moisture of the ground no more doth the Messiah and his Kingdom rise up and flourish in an ordinary way but by a dew frow the Lord Mica 5. 7. Which as it waiteth not for so it is not exposed to the eye of the ordinary sons of men He came into the world when the Family of David was very low So that this Prophet speaking of Christ's appearing doth not mention the Kingly state and royal Family of David but saith he shall come out of the Stem of Jesse Isa 11. 1. Act. 13. 22. Whose Family was in comparison mean whence it seems to be that when they had a mind to shake off the Government which God appointed should reside in his Family they express themselves thus neither have we inheritance in the Son of Jesse 1 King 12. 26. No marvel therefore if the world could see nothing that would take with them in this outwardly hopeless Shrub wherein the meanness was apparenâ— and palpable but the arm of heaven hid and undiscernible 2. By the meanness of his Condition while he had his abode in the world 1. This is here described 1. Negatively He hath no form nor comliness which is not to be understood of Christ's Feature and Complexion which was no doubt as other mens that are not deformed he being not any way stained with Sin and being it's like of a more exact temper of body but the uncomeliness is to be applied to his condition and to his form and face also when spit on buffetted Isa 50. 6. He and so his Kingdom were both of them beautiless to a carnal eye No marvel therefore if they that judged according to the appearance Josh 7. 24. were unwilling to own him and if such be still averse from his Kingdom and ways Psal 2. 3. Matt. 13. 55 56 57. Luk. 19. 14. for only called men choose Christ 1 Cor. 1. 22 23 24. O how many Learned men can see a beauty in Plato Aristotle Aquinas and perhaps in great Augustine not in his Sanctity but in his Learning and Sufficiency And yet if a man preach in the evidence and demonstration of the Spirit he will be accounted by men that are graced with Learning but not made wise by Grace a passing poor Preacher and his Sermon a dry Sermon 2. This is described affirmatively As Christ had but little in outward shew of that which was desirable So he did in his Life Course and whole Administration of his Office lie under that which was to a carnal eye horrible For vers 3. He was despised despighted and rejected of men Joh. 9. 28. yea of his own Citizens Luk. 19. 14. and at last a Barabbas was preferred before him he was a man of Sorrows made up of them as it were and made more than all other men acquainted with grief Heb. 4. 15. Mark 3. 5. Matt. 26. 37. Luk. 22. 24. Heb. 5. 7 8. We Jews that were his own Joh. 1. 11. hid our faces from him as from an horrid Sight Joh. 19. 15. Away with him Away with him we cannot abide the Sight of him Mark 14. 65. He was despised and we esteemed him not Matt. 27. 39. to 44. and v. 63. and Matt. 27. 20. to v. 24. Indeed he was made and made himself of no Reputation Phil. 2. 7. Accordingly his Ministers and chief Officers as they were at first poor Fishermen so still they are Earthen Vessels 2 Cor. 4. 7. so called not onely with respect to mans Common but to their own personal condition which is commonly more contemptible than that of other men yea and the Subjects of Christ's Kingdom are such also men of no or of low note and name 2 Cor. 3. 26 27. No wonder therefore if the men of the world be loth to join themselves to so mean a Christ and a Church and Company of men of so small account Joh. 7. 48 49. Hitherto of the Reason of the Complaint See Psal 28. Now 2 of the Remedy for the Prophet here doth not only complain of but excuse and take off the Scandal of the cross and so shews how we may help our selves against all low thoughts arising from the low things of the Kingdom of Christ This is done by declaring the true cause and the singular good issue and success of our Saviour's low sad and suffering Condition 1 Cause It was not for any fault in him which if it had he might have been the worse thought of but it was not v. 9. his Judge upon a full hearing of all that could be alledged against him when he spake very little for himself was his witness that there was no fault in him Mat. 27. 24. Luk. 23. 4. 14. 22. Joh. 19. 38. If any ask therefore how it came to pass that Christ had such coarse and curs'd usage the answer and sure truth is He hath born our grief and carried our Sorrows v. 4. What he endured we procured we did eat the sower grapes and his teeth were set on edge the sorrow was his but the sin ours yet this is granted that We Jews did esteem him Stricken Smitten of God and deservedly afflicted as Mat. 26. 65 66. Joh. 10. 33. and 19. 17. But v. 5. it was Jews mis-judging
natural and moral way Joh. 3. 10. and in the Church we find it in a better way Ezra 10. 9 10 11 12. This is an encouraging Fear Ninive says Who can tell Jon. 3. 9. the Church Who knoweth Joel 2. 14. And sure if Gods It may be v. 7. come to something then will our May-bees also If we give him his expectation he will give us ours Jon. 3. 10. Jer. 38. 2. with Jer. 21. 9. Thus saith the Lord He that goeth forth or falleth to the Chaldeans he shall live Q. How could the People deliver themselves and so the King and City into the hands of their and his greatest enemy and yet keep the fidelity they owed to their King A. 1. It was Gods will and counsel and command Jer. 27. 12. Jer. 38. 20. that they and their King also should yield themselves up to the King of Babylon and the bond of our Obedience to God in an extraordinary case takes away any other ordinary bond of Obedience crossing that as the command to Abraham to kill his Son took away the standing bond both of the fifth and sixth Commandment at that time and as to him 2. It 's answered that out of such an extraordinary case as long as there is any ordinary way to save King City Country Subjects are bound to adventure their lives to the utmost for their defence and preservation But as things stood here two things were to be confidered viz. 1. That there was no hope of keeping the City in a way of reason the enemy being so much too strong for them all help failing them and they being utterly disabled to sustain the Siege there being no more bread in the City v. 9. It 's usual to deliver up strong Forts that cannot be kept but with greater loss to the supream Governour upon the best conditions they can get 2. The Case here makes all clear for whereas when Jerusalem was besieged by Senacherib 2 King 19. 32 33 34. the Lord said he would take away and did take away that proud enemy by one of the Heavenly Host so that he returned by the way he came and did not could not come into the City Here the case was clean contrary for God made known by his own Word that it was absolutely certain and resolved on in Heaven that the Army of the Chaldeans should take the City and burn it with fire if they stood out with him Albeit therefore it were not yet actually done yet it was all one as if it had been done because it was certainly and suddenly to be done Now although Subjects are to stand for their King and Country to the utmost drop of their blood as long as there is any hope yet if there be none but Gods pleasure is revealed for their being under another King by giving him the possession of all they may and should yield to Gods will in it to whom it belongeth to dispose of the Kingdoms of the World as he pleaseth Jer. 27. 6 7 11 12. And in such a case all Oaths and Obligations to the former King cease and the present powers that have got all into their hands are to be submitted to as long as it pleaseth God so to order it though it be for the space of seventy years for why should we be the Authors of our death and misery by our obstinacy Jer. 27. 12 13. Q. If falling to the Chaldeans were according to the will of God why doth Jeremiah himself so passionately disclaim that charge Jer. 38. 13 14. A. It 's one thing to go forth by way of dedition and a voluntary yielding to an enemy that cannot be resisted another thing to abide in the City and act there for the enemy in a way of sedition and treachery This last is that which Jeremy disclaims he acted not for the Chaldeans in what he said but for his own People who had no better way to save themselves than to lay aside their weapons and animosity and tender their submission more to God than to Nebuchadnezzar Q. But what shall be said to the Fugitives that fell to the Chaldeans Jer. 38. 19. 39. 9. are they to be commended A. It 's one thing to fly out of Fear as those Run-aways did another to yield out of Faith and Obedience to God which was the thing Jeremy perswaded and intended it should be done by the generality not an inconsiderable company yet they that fell to the Chaldeans by flight fared the better for it with the enemy it 's like though they were captivated also Jer. 39. 9. but had they faln to him by Faith they should have found favour with the enemy and with God also as Jer. 39. 18. Jer. 38. 27. Then came all the Princes to Jeremiah and asked him and he told them according to all these words that the King commanded so they left speaking with him for the matter was not perceived Qu. Did Jeremy do well in following the Kings command and giving a sliding answer to the Princes or is he to be blamed for it A. 1. This may be taken into consideration and serve somewhat for the better weighing of this Question that albeit Jeremy in his Discourse with the King and advice to him speak according to the Word of God v. 21. and no doubt by the Spirit of God yet we do not find that he had any special Command from God to go and deliver these words unto him though he had formerly shewed and said from God the same things for substance v. 21. Jer. 27. 12. It 's one thing for a Prophet to deliver Gods mind when a question is propounded to him in way of Counsel v. 15. another to deliver it by special Command and as a Messenger sent from God to say such words This may be cleared by Pauls manner of speaking when the Corinthians wrote to him to be resolved sometimes he saith Not I but the Lord 1 Cor. 7. 10. sometimes I not the Lord v. 12. 25. I have no commandment of the Lord. Yet he spake what was very agreeable to the Word of God and as one that had the Spirit of God v. 40. but he had not such an express Command for one thing whereof he speaks as for another Now if it were thus here which I leave to the Learned and judicious to judg of then Jeremy might be less resolute because less armed with a special Commission from God and therefore as he got from the King Security for his life before he gave him counsel v. 15. so here he takes the counsel the King gave him as the likeliest way to secure it with the Princes when in that which God gave him a direct charge to speak he did not use to cast any such perils but shewed himself most couragious in the confidence of Gods sending him to speak all that he spake in their ears Jer. 26. 15. 2. For the thing it self he spake that which was true for we find before Chap. 37.
lay not this sin to their Charge Act. 7. 60. may seem to respect those that did what they did against him out of a blind Zeal for he is very stern against those of them that were obstinate v. 51 52 53 54. And whereas Saul is conceived to be converted by and sure had the benefit of that Prayer he declareth that he obtained mercy because what he did ill he did ignorantly 1 Tim. 1. 13 Unto all ignorant opposers mercy should be shewed and meekness 2 Tim. 2. 25. Tit. 2. 2. As also to those that be instigated by others Mat. 27. 20. with Luk. 23. 34. Gal. 5. 8. 10 12. Paul declares good thoughts of the troubled but prayes fearfully against the Troublers Gal. 1. 7. Act. 13. 10 1. 2. The evil cause or course that wicked men defend against God and his People we may pray against but not so against their persons We find not that David prayed against the Person but against the Counsel of Achitophel 2 Sam. 15. 31. So the first Christians prayed not against the persons of them that sat in Counsel against the Apostles but against their proceedings Acts 4. 29. Or if in such prayers the Persons be sometimes mentioned yet we find in Scripture that it is in reference to their works Neh. 6. 14. as a vile Person is and ought to be contemned Psal 15. 4. 3. Whatsoever is done in Scripture by the extraordinary Servants of God in extraordinary cases yet it will be safe for us in stead of mentioning particular persons to wrap them up in the general evil cause and course that we ought to pray against as Paul doth Gal. 5. 12. If particular persons come under the general head of disturbers of the Church of God and of enemies to the Truth of God then they justly fall under Church-imprecations which yet are not directed against this or that man but in a generality against this and that man without pointing to any as enemies to the Kingdom of Christ and Souls of Christians 4. We are not to pray at all against our own private and personal enemies as seeking to be revenged of them though we may pray that God would restrain them and defend us from their â—alice Psal 119. 121 122. This is the meaning of the new-Testament precepts to pray for enemies Mat. 5. 44. Rom. 12. 14. 19 20. 5. But against the enemies of God his Cause his Church Psalm 94. 1 2 5. we may pray Judges 5. 31. Neh. 4. 5. Yet not without limitation as 1. It must be done with a pure Zeal that is not because we suffer by them but truly and clearly and meerly forthat very reason because they are enemies to God and undoers of his People when else we wish them all good So it was with Jeremy he spake good before God for his people Jer. 18 20. yet see what dreadful prayers he made against them because they were such enemies to God that they sought to kill him that spake from God to them that God might not kill them v. 21 22 23. so Psal 74. 22 23. their prayers against enemies are put on Gods account as also Psal 79. 6 7 10 12. 2. It must be done not absolutely but orderly that is 1. we should pray for their Conversion for a Saul may be converted 2. for their Restraint that God would change or check their hearts as he did Esau's Gen 33. 10. or bind their tongues and hands as he did Laban's Gen. 31. 29. But 3. the highest and heaviest Prayers are to be presented before God and for God against those enemies of himself and his people that are incurable and ever will be incorrigible Who such be the Lord knows and not we and therefore we must leave our Prayers with him to do what he will with them yea we may pray him to confound and trouble them for ever rather than that he should not be known to be most high over all the Earth When we aim purely at that end we may pray against desperate enemies that they may be put to shame and perish Psalm 83. 16 17 18. 129. 5. But all carnal and selfish mixtures motives and motions are to be abandoned And we must know of what Spirit we are Luk. 9. 55. Q. What use may we make of those prayers in Scripture which it is dangerous for us to imitate who have not the Spirit or Patience of Prophets A. 1. We may look upon them with much comfort as Prophesies though formed into a Prayer of the woful state and end of the enemies of God and his People what is put into this Prayer here was put into Jeremie's Prophesy before as hath been shewed p. 54. 2. What they prayed more particularly we may make use of in a generality and direct it against the Kingdom of the Devil which is no more than to pray Thy Kingdom come for how can the Kingdom of Christ come if the Kingdom of Satan do not come down Ezek. 3. 20. When a Righteous man doth turn from his Righteousness and commit iniquity and I lay a stumbling block before him he shall die c. Qu. How can God be said to lay a stumbling-block before a Righteous man backsliding A. First it is to be considered that by a Righteous man here is not meant a man Righteous before God by Faith through Christ's Righteousness imputed to him whereunto is ever joyned the Righteousness of God in him whereby he becomes a new creature 2 Cor. 5. 17. for such never fall quite away though they often fall in the way Adam fell after the first Creation Eccles 7. 29. none so fall after the second Eph. 4. 24 25. 2. 10. Jer. 32. 40. John 10. 28. Psal 1. 6. 1 Pet. 1. 5. yet such an one may fall very low in regard of the degrees of grace comforts of the Spirit and suavities of Religion but one Ezekiel or other will raise him up again But by a righteous man in this place and upon supposition of a total and final fall is meant one righteous before men As 1 In his own or other men's account Luk. 15. 7 16. 15. yea perhaps in good men's account because charity binds to think the best 1 Cor. 13. 7. 2 By profession Act. 8. 13. 3 By a righteousness in matter of doctrine Mark 12. 32 34. and in divers parcels of outward practise Secondly by Gods laying a stumbling-block before such a righteous man righteous not by the Reality of Righteousness within We may not imagin that God puts any unrighteousness into any such man or any man or that he inclines his heart to any evil James 1. 13. But two things may be understood by it 1. In a more spiritual sence Gods leaving of a backslider to his own backsliding heart yea giving him up to it Psal 81. 12. or to Satan 2 Thes 2. 10 11 22. yea farther God in his just judgment may raise up such Providences as his corrupt heart will be