is applied to wounds Luke 10. 34. and was Symbolically used by those who had the Gift of Healing James 5. 14. Mark 6. 13. Such an All-heal is Grace What noisom Ulcers are upon sinners Hearts Isa 1. 5 6. which Grace keeps sweet at present and is in the way of an Effectual Cure The best of Nature's Medicines are onely Skinning or Repercussive Imprisoning Rebellious Humours which makes them rage the more and break out other where with greater fierceness But Grace Designs the altering of one's Constitution beginning with the Heart or Mind and thence expelling into the Members that which it will not leave there neither Rom. 7. 23 24. 6. Oyl doth not break the Head Psal 141. 5. But is of a Mollifying Nature Isa 1. 6. The Emblem of soft words Psal 55. 21. And that which gently doth insinuate it self into a Part or Member Such also is the Property of Grace A bare Command is very Irritating Rom. 7. 8. And Slavish fear begets an Angry kind of Duty Exod. 4. 25 26. Which is Tormenting 1 John 4. 18. But Grace doth soften a stony Heart Ezek 36. 26. And soaks into the Will Mat. 26. 41. Gently dispersing peccant Humours and making the Soul to Act from Love so that Commandments are not grievous 1 John 5. 3. And when there 's most of Grace in any man there 's most of sweetness both in Relation to himself and others proceeding from the Nature of this Oyl 7. Oyl is not apt to Freeze like other Liquid things No more is Grace Nature is very fluid in the Summer Season and Hypocrites are Active while they are in the midst of warm encouragements but when that Sun declines how stiff are such how Cold for Christ and like-dead Flies untill the Spring returneth Whereas a truly Gracious Soul though sensible of such with-drawings yet is as fit for present use as ever because of that Native warmâ—h wherewith he is endued Saints can endure Hardship 2 Tim. 2. 3. 2 Cor. 11. 27. Partly because they are inured to it Luke â— 29. But chiefly from the Grace or Fatness of that Olive-Tree which they are Graffed into Rom. 11. 17. 8. Oyl is not apt to wast but is the Preserver of other things and therefore Colours are laid in Oyl A Carnal Man's Goodness is like the Dew Hos 6. 4. Or of a waterish Nature which quickly dryeth up And Moral Vertues are of a pretty Colour but apt to fade because not laid in Grace How quickly did that Lovely Young Man look pale for lack of following Christ Mark 10. 20 21 22. Or meerly because his Vertue was not added unto Faith as it should have been 2 Pet. 1. 5. But Grace is of an Everlasting Nature not waxing lean with Age Psal 92. 14. But springing up to Everlasting Life John 4. 14. According to the Nature of its Covenant Jer. 32. 40. 9. Oyl is of a Chearing Fragrant Nature We read of the smell of Oyntments Cant. 4. 10. whereby they do bewray themselves Prov. 27. 16. Filling the House with Odour John 12. 3. which stirs up Love Cant. 1. 3. and is Heart chearing Prov. 27. 9. Therefore 't is called the Oyl of Joy Isa 61. 3. and Gladness Psal 45. 7. which was not to be used in the Times of Mourning 2 Sam. 14. 2. Nor with a Sin-Offering Lev. 5. 11. Or Jealousie-Offering Numb 5. 15. which call'd for sadness All which agrees to Grace in point of Savour and Refreshing confest by all who have their Senses Exercised Christ had Grace poured into his Lips Psal 45. 2. whose Lips were therefore like to Lillies dropping sweet smelling Myrrh Cant. 5. 13. Yea and how Odoriferous might Professors be did they but Open their Box of Oyntment or were but in the Exercise of Gospel-Graces 10. Oyl is a very stately satisfying and Pleasant Nourisher Much of the Israelites Food was Oyl 1 Kings 17. 12. whose pleasantness was that by which their Manna was resembled Numb 11. 8. Yea Oyl is very satisfying by reason of its Fatness and very stately also which therefore is coupled with fine Flower and Honey Ezek. 16. 13. and Wine which he that Loveth over-much will not be Rich Prov 21. 17. To signifie the equal Costliness of Oyl and Wine And such a kind of Nourisher is Grace Heart-strengthning Soul-satisfying and very pleasant unto a Spiritual Palate Yea when that Stately Feast of Oyls as the Hebrew hath it is made upon Mount Sion Isa 25. 6. Its first Course will be Grace as Glory will be the Second Psal 84. 11. 11. Oyl is of a diffusive Nature soaking into the Bones Psal 109. 18. And that by which a running River is Resembled Ezek. 32. 14. An Instance whereof we have in Aaron's Oyntment which ran down from his Head unto his Beard and thence unto the Skirts of his Garment Psal 133. 2. Sin is self-propagatiâ—â— and so is Grace which is not able to contain it self save as it is enforced A worldly prudent Man can stop the current of his Testimony when he pleaseth because his Prophecying Spirit is of an Ordinary Nature which therefore is Subject to such kind of Prophets 1 Cor. 14. 32. But good John Baptist could not hold his Tongue although he thereby lost his Head Mat. 14. 3 4. 10. whose Life and Liberty might else have been preserved 12. Oyl was abundant in the Land of Canaan which therefore was called a Land of Oyl 2 Kings 18. 32. Especially some part thereof and therefore Asher was bid to dip his Foot in Oyl Deut. 32. 24. wherein much of their Treasure did consist Prov. 21. 20. And wherewith they Traded with them of Tyre Ezek. 27. 17. The Assyrian boasted of his Natural Oyl 2 Kings 18. 32. But Grace is no where to be found save in and among God's Israel and there it is abundant especially with those who have the Name for Happiness which Asher signifieth Gen. 30. 13. Although their outward Lot like his be stony yet do they suck this Oyl out of the Flinty Rock Deut. 32. 13. which is the Richest Treasure Isa 33. 6. and wherewith such do Trade Rom. 1. 11. 13. Oyl was of an Ancient Use in the Designation of Persons unto some more than Ordinary work or Office wherewith the High-Priest was Annointed Numb 35. 25. So were the Prophets 1 Kings 19. 16. Psal 105. 15. And also Kings 1 Sam. 16. 13. As these were Types of Christ who was both Prophet Priest and King and was accordingly Annointed Isa 61. 1. Acts 4. 27. Psal 45. 7. Thus also Grace resembleth Oyl because the Saints are thereby both Design'd and fitted for such Offices for he which hath Annointed them is God 2 Cor. 1. 21. Poor Carnal Creatures are Design'd for Lower Uses whilst Higher Places are reserv'd for Saints who as they are at present Kings and Priests to God so they shall Reign on Earth Rev. 5. 10. as David did soon after his Annointing and then will Foolish Virgins wish they had their Vessels
Oppression Ezek. 28. 16. 18. Pride Ezek. 28. 2. 6. Policy Ezek. 28. 3 4 5. Zech. 9 2. and falling in with Israel in their Prosperity 1 Kings 5. 1. for a self end 2 Chron. 2. 15. but else a pricking Briar Ezek. 28. 22. 24. Confederating with Ashur against them Psal 83. 7. and Selling them unto the Grecians Joel 3. 4 5 6. Which Grecians here do seem to be the last of Israel's grosser Adversaries Zech. 9. 13. chiefly so called because of their Resembling the Ancient Grecian Monarch in point of Speedy Conquest Dan. 8. 5. or filling the breadth of Immanuel's Land Isa 8. 8. 12. When the Angel out of the Temple Rev. 14. 17. or Saints of an Higher Rank such as the Priests were of Old who onely might enter into the Temple when such are loudly cryed unto by another Angel from the Altar who had Power over Fire v. 18. or Saints of a Lower Rank such as the Ancient Levites were who Ministred at the Altar although not in the Temple Then will the Vintage of the Earth be Reaped v. 19. by the space of two hundred Miles v. 20. And then the Viols are poured out Rev. 15. 1. And when the Watch-men upon Mount Ephraim or Persons of a Lower Spirit shall Cry Arise ye and let us go up to Sion Jer. 31. 6. The Lord will then bring them from the North v. 8. and they shall Tremble from the West Hos 11. 9 10. Uniting with Judah against the Philistines Isa 11. 13 14. and against the Sons of Greece Zech. 9. 13. seeking the Lord and David their Kings Hos 3. 5. and being encouraged thereunto by Abner or some chief Leader who sometimes was for Ishbosheth 2 Sam. 3. 17 18. Thus when the Elect shall cry or they whose Actual Saint-ship is not so clear Christ will avenge them speedily Luke 18. 7 8. 13. When the Priests or choisest Saints do weep between the Porch and Altar as not being in the Temple which yet they had a Right to enter into but now are come out from thence Joel 2. 17. then will the Lord be Jealous for his Land v. 18. and remove far off from them his Northern Army v. 20. when the Old Heavens or Present state of visible Churches shall seem departed as a scrowl when it is Rolled together Rev. 6. 14. or when their Beauty is defaced in Order unto a Change then will the Great Day of Christ's wrath come v. 17. And when the four Beasts or former Church-Officers are not mentioned as before but onely Twenty four Elders or Saints at large Rev. 11. 16. The Temple of God is Heaven will soon be Opened v. 19. Nor will that smoak Offend mine Eyes wherewith the Temple will be so filled as that no Man will be able to enter into it that being one Sign immediately fore-going the seven last Plagues Rev. 15. 8. or Seventh Trumpet 's Sounding When such as fear the Lord in a way of Distinction from Ordinary Church-members at such a time speak oft each to other Mal. 3. 16. God's Day is near Mal. 4. 1 2. 14. When Israel's Adversaries shall Divide each one being set against his fellow then is Salvation near at hand Thus David's Kingdom over all Israel was Ushered in by Abner's falling out with Ishbosheth Thus Ammon and Moab having joyntly slain the Edomites did help to Destroy each other in that Valley of Jehoshaphat 2 Chron. 20. 3. who were distinguished by their respective Idols viz. Chemosh and Milcom or Molech 1 Kings 11. 7. which latter signifies a King and the former is supposed to be Bacchus Thus shall Lot's Children whom Ashur helpeth be done unto as were the Midianites Psal 83. 8 9. when every Man's Sword was set against his fellow Judg. 7. 22. Thus shall it be with Gog and Magog Ezek. 38. 21. or with the People that fight against Jerusalem Zech. 14. 12 13. which is the cleaving of Mount Olivet in the midst v. 4. and then the Lord shall come and all the Saints with him v. 5. This will conclude that Earthquake Rev. 11. 13. which Ushereth in the Third Woe or last Trumpet of seven quickly v. 14. 15. When Tidings out of the East and Noâ—â—h shall Trouble the last Northern King Dan. 11. 44. then will be the time of the End v. 40. both of that Northern King v. 45. and Israel's Trouble Dan. 12. 1. by reason of their Prince's interposing on their behalf Which King is there Described Partly by his being from the North as the Assyrian was Isa 14. 31. or at a further Distance from the Sun viz. a grosser Interest than his Confederates were Partly by his entring into the Glorious Land Dan. 11. 41. which fairly hints his being the same with that Assyrian Isa 7 8. Partly by his Uniting with the King of the South against the former King there Dan. 11. 40. which King of the South may be a more Refined Interest or somewhat nearer to the Sun and possibly may be Ezekiel's Gog whose Name in Hebrew signifieth Covered or Disguised and with whom Magog is United whose Name doth signifie Vncovered Ezek. 38. 2. both which are Threatned v. 21. as is the Assyrian and his Confederates Isa 10. 26. Partly by Edom's escaping out of his hand together with Moab and the chief of the Children of Ammon Dan. 11. 41. or not being dealt so Rigorously with by him as others may And Partly by his having Power over the Treasures of Gold and Silver Dan. 11. 43. just as the Assyrian boasteth Isa 10. 14. But tidings out of the East and North will Trouble him and make him Furious Dan. 11. 44. and soon after that comes Israel's full Redemption Dan. 12. 1. All which I grant doth ultimately relate unto the Literal Jews in their own Land as Zech. 12. 9. but do believe we Gentiles first shall meet with Their Temptations and Deliverances These are the more immediate Providential Antecedents of Christ's Coming in the Latter days To which I will but add one more as followeth 16. When there shall be a General warning given not to Comply with the Beast at such a time for fear of being thereby brought into a present state of visible Reprobation Rev. 14. 9 10 11. then comes that dreadful Judgment which first beginneth at God's House or with the Harvest v. 14 15 16. and Ends with others viz. the Vintage v. 19. This seemeth chiefly to be the Cry here made VVhich warning is thus Described there 'T is after the Return of Babylon's Captivity Rev 14. 1. and singing thereupon v 2 3. as the beginning of Babylon's Judgment v. 7 8. 'T is also after the Revival of that Bestial interest once more else would there be no need of such a present warning 'T is a little before the Harvest or Christ's Visitation of his own House Rev. 14. 15. It doth not thus sadly threaten such who onely have the Number of that Beasts Name upon them or his Name viz. some more Remote
sorts of Interests would have Combin'd with Ashur against God's hidden Ones Psal 83. 3. 8. who else might have been Built up in the midst of Israel had they walk'd worthy of their Restauration after an Affrightment Jer. 12. 15 16. 12. To shame his own unworthy People 1 John 2. 28 by frustrating their Expectation Job 6. 20. and to Correct them by bringing Trouble and no Good when they did look for Peace and Healing Jer. 14. 19 20. He had been oft-times made to Tarry for their Duty who therefore justly makes them Stay for their Deliverance They quickly waxed Wan on with a little Liberty who therefore were remanded into Bonds till better able to bear Enlargement They were not Thankful for what they had which therefore was thought meet to be withdrawn A Toleration was sometimes called Monstrous therefore it is Recalled till it shall have a better Appellation and duly General Distribution They had a mind to spare some Goodly Babylonish Garment therefore though Jericho was fallen before yet Ai must check them in their own Land They were exceeding Hypocritical Isa 10. 6. therefore they must fall under the Slain and it is well if that be all that is to be inflâ—cted v. 4. 13. To make the Revelation of himself at last more Ravishing and his Continuance Grateful by Reason of his present Tarrying as warmth is after a tedious Winter and Meat unto an hunger-bitten Soul Christ or the Head-stone must be brought forth with shoâ—tings Zech. 4. 7. And when he Comes he means to tarry by it for though John must Decrease John 3. 30. yet will there be no End of Christ's increasing Government Isa 9. 7. therefore he will consult for more than Ordinary Welcom Now that which hath been long desired is most Affectionately Entertained and like to be most Lastingly Delighted in Since waiting doth enlarge one's Receptivity and gathereth up the Souls Affections into the Bosom of its Beloved Object untill that Object doth become the sole Inheriter of its Love Therefore the Saints shall not grow weary of being ever with the Lord 1 Thes 4. 17. because they have been made to wait for his Appearing 1 Thes 1. 10. with so much earnest Expectation 2 Cor. 5. 2. 14. To Fit and Prepare all sorts of Persons for their respective future Portions at his Coming Christ waiteth to be Gracious to his People Isa 30. 18. and the Damnation of others doth not slumber 2 Pet. 2. 3. yet doth he tarry till These be fitted to Destruction and till Those be prepared unto Glory Rom. 9. 22 23. Israel's Redemption must therefore be delayed because the Amorites sins were not yet full Gen. 15. 16. Nor will Christ Bury those Dead untill some competent Waiting hath evinced that they are Dead indeed Yea God's own People were too Hot to Drink at their first going out they were not fine enough to be then Married they were too Young to Sway the Scepter too Private Spirited to be entrusted with a Publick Stock too High to be Exalted too Sensual to eat their fill too Low of Stature to wear Long Robes too Cholerick to eat Christ's Sweet-meats indeed too Many to be Feasted and too too Carnal for a Spiritualized Kingdom But when the Grapes are fully Ripe the Vintage will be Gathered Rev. 14. 18 19. And when the Bride is Ready the Bridegroom will not tarry as till that time he doth Rev. 19. 7. 15. To shew the Greatness of his Power in scattering his Re-inforc'd Adversaries and in Reviving that Work which had been given up for Dead and Buried As he abode still where he was John 11. 6. till Lazarus was Dead v. 14. and had been four Days Buried v. 39. that his Disciples might Believe v. 15. and that his Enemies might bear Witness to such a Miracle v. 46 47. The Virgins Party was too Potent at their first going out as Gideon's was who Therefore were not then Delivered lest Israel should vauntingly impute their being saved to their own Hand Judg. 7. 2. Therefore Christ tarrieth untill their Power be wholly scattered Dan. 12. 7. to make them sing His Holy Arm hath gotten him the Victory Psal 98. 1. and not their Sword Psal 44. 3. Nor would the Faith of some have been so strengthned by healing what was onely Sick as by one's being Raised from the Dead which latter Dives thought in Hell sufficient to Convince the greatest Unbeliever upon Earth Luke 16. 30. Nor doth Christ judge the Beast to be an Adversary strong enough untill the Dragon doth succeed him whom Pharaoh Typified and whom God raised up to shew his Power Exod. 9. 16. Christ sleepeth till the Ship be full of Water Mark 4. â—7 38. But when Senacherib or Babylon's Assistant doth threaten Lâ—banon and Carmel 2 Kings 19. 23. Now will I Rise saith the Lord Isa 33. 9 10. And when all Nations are United against Jerusalem Then shall the Lord go forth and fight against them as in the day of Battel Zech. 14. 2 3. 16. To Aggravate both Sions Mercy and her Opposers Judgment by their joynt-suddenness at his Appearing thus unawares At their first going out the Virgins Generally did Expect him and so did others as their Amazing fear did then Evince therefore Christ tarrieth designing to surprize them all as they are either Watching Luke 12. 37. or Sleeping Mark 13. 36. or Revelling Mat. 24. 49. at least-wise minding other Matters Luke 17 28. and not thinking of him Mat. 24. 44. Which suddenness doth marvellously Affect according to the Nature of a Dispensation both in a way of Paining at the very Heart Jer. 4. 19 20. and of Rejoycing 2 Chron. 29. 36. How will the Saints Mouth be filled with Laughter when their Captivity is Returned whilst they are in a Dream Psal 126. 1 2. And how will others be confounded when their inevitable Destruction cometh whilst they are saying Peace and Safety 1 Thes 5. 3 Therefore Christ doth prolong his Time that so his unexpected Coming might fill his Peoples Hearts with Wondring and others with Consternation Quest 3. What are we to Understand by Slumbring and by Sleeping here Both as to the Difference that is between them and as to the Particular Cases which they refer unto Answ I. As to the Difference between these two it may be considered two ways Either first with Respect unto their Nature and so all know that Slumbring is less than Sleeping as being but an Entry into the Sleeper's House A Slumberers Senses are not so fast bound up but that he can hear some greater Noise and understand what is said or done and give some kind of Answer yea have some stirring of Affections and be awakened sooner than he that 's fast asleep Witness the Spouse whose Heart was then awake therefore her Sleep was but a Slumber Cant 5. 2. because she then could hear the Knock of her Beloved and understand his Voyce v. 2. and gave some kind of Answer v. 3. Yea had some Moving in
who therefore Prayeth them for their own good He knows the Judgment wants not Light who therefore thus applies himself to their Affections by such a Pathetical Exhortation He knows the Virgins love to slumber who therefore earnestly beseecheth their awakening He might Enjoyn what is Convenient but for Love's sake he rather doth Beseech Philem. 8. 9. His Fatherly Compassions are stirred in him for the Wiser Virgins who therefore speaks thus Affectionately unto them all Thus doth Christ sometimes condescend to gain our Duty and to set us a Copy Quest 3. How may we know the Cry which is then made Answ This Cry must either be conceived to be Ordinary or Extraordinary If Extraordinary it then must be Prophetical which some may be in the Expectation of but not upon substantial Grounds We may not be Wise above that which is Written 1 Cor. 4. 6. Now the Scripture doth no where plainly hint such Extraordinary Gifts with reference to these our days since if that Prophecy Joel 2. 28. be strictly now to be fulfilled again we may as well expect Christ's Personal Coming Now which that Place firstly did refer unto Acts 2. 16. Nor is it needful since the Perfecting of those Scriptures by which the Man of God is throughly furnished unto all good works 2 Tim. 3. 17. Yea with Respect unto these Latter days those have no Light in them who go not to that Law and Testimony Isa 8. 20. which are a surer word of Prophecy than is a Voice from Heaven 2 Pet. 1. 18 19. or one seâ—t from the Dead Luke 16. 30 31. He also is sadly Threatned who shall add ought as Extraordinary pretended Prophets needs must do unto that finishing Book of Revelations Rev. 22. 18. And though God is at Liberty to give forth such a Gift yet are we not required to Believe on that Account before hand though Men pretending thereunto may sometimes have hit right Nay 't is expresly said with reference to such a time there is no more any Prophet among us that knoweth how long Psal 74. 9. I therefore judge this Cry to be more Ordinary or something which doth occurre according to the Scripture after the Bridegroom 's having Tarried and as the next or more immediate Antecedents of his Coming As for Example 1. When the Inhabitants of Mount Seir shall be destroyed by Moab and Ammon who were Confederates against the Men of Judah 2 Chron. 20. 10. which was the Beginning of that Salvation v. 22 23. in the Valley of Berachah v. 26. for poor unworthy good Jehoshaphat 2 Chron. 19. 2 3. As that fore-told Christ's Coming in Jehoshaphat's Valley to Judge his People's Enemies after the Return of their Captivity Joel 3. 1 2. Which said Inhabitants of Mount Seir were Esau's Off-spring Gen. 36. 8. who was a very little Jacob's Elder Brother Gen. 25. 25. but Sold his Birth-right or Priority and thereby loâ—t his much desired Blessing of Supremacy for a Trifle Gen. 25. 33. and 27. 35. whereupon he hated his Brother Jacob v. 41. though Israel did not dis-possess him of his Inheritance 2 Chron. 20. 10 11. These Men will joyn against Judah with Moab and Ammon and yet be Destroyed by their own Confederates Soon after which Christ Cometh 2. When Israel's Adversaries shall Unite to cut them off from being a Nation Psal 83. 4 5. Designing to take God's Houses into their Possession v. 12. and burning up his Synagogues in the Land Psal 74. 8. Then will Christ evidence his being King of Old Psal 74. 12. by doing to these bold Enemies as to the Midianites Psal 83. 9. and in a very little while his Anger shall cease in their Destruction Isa 10. 25 26. as it was with Abasuerus upon Haman's being Executed Esth 7. 10. who sought to Destroy all Mordecaâ—'s People Esth 3. 6. Thus when the Heathen help forward their Affliction who are but lately come out of Babylon God will return with Mercy to Jerusalem Zech. 1. 12. 15. 16. and make the Chaldean's Daughter silent who had no Mercy for her Captives Isa 47. 5 6. 3. When Israel's sad Case will be unto the Eye of Reason Desperate One Sign of Sion's Restauration is the seeming Incurableness of her Sorrow and her being called an Out-cast Jer. 30. 15. 17. after the Return of her Captivity v. 3. When God shall have Accomplished to scatter the Holy People's Power then will these things be finished Dan. 12. 7. after the Time and Times and Part of Time or after the Little Horn's decease who did so long continue Dan. 7. 25. and consequently after their being possessed of the fourth Beast's Kingdom v. 21 22. Their expectations must miscarry who look for deliverance from themselves Isa 26. 18. But when the Eyes of Man as of all the Tribes of Israel are towards the Lord then will his Burden rest upon the Land of Hadrach and Damascus Zech. 9. 1. And thus No Faith on Earth will Usher in the Bridegroom 's Coming Luke 18. 8. And when there is no Humane intercessor visible then Christ's own Arm will bring Salvation Isa 59. 16. repaying Recompense unto his Enemies in the Islands v. 18. 4. When God hath performed his whole work upon Mount Sion he then will punish that Assyrian Isa 10. 12. the stretching out of whose Wings hath fill'd the breadth of Immanuel's Land Isa 8. 8. An Hypocritical Nation must first be soundly whipt then will that Rod be cast into the Fire Isa 10. 5 6. 16 17. Achan must first be fully stoned and all his ill-gotten Goods consumed then will the fierceness of God's Anger be turned away Joh. 7. 25 26. It must appear who count God's Service vain because the wicked are Delivered and who yet think upon his Name Mal. 3. 14 15 16. Then shall a Providential difference be put between the Righteous and the Wicked v. 18. Two Thirds of Israel must be cut off and die and the Remaining Third Part must be Refined then shall they call upon the Lord and he will hear them Zech. 13. 8 9. 5. When long endurance both on God's part and Man's shall fix the Generality in their Respective Wandrings A willing Ignorance is one Gray Hair upon the Old World's Head 2 Pet. 3. 5. or Sign of its Last days v. 3. as dying at the Root doth evidence thâ— Harvest to be fully Ripe When Controversies cannot be determined by Ordinary means then comes the Judge into his Valley of Decision Joel 3. 14. When Daniel understood not the Time of the End from what Christ told the Angel Dan. 12. 6 7 8. Christ giveth him a plainer Sign viz. the fixedness of Men in wicked ways v. 10. Some will debase themselves even unto Hell Isa 57. 9. without being grieved for it v. 10. but go on forwardly in their own way v. 17. then comes the Time of Restauration v. 18. and Prince of Peace v. 19. And when these Virgins part from inability to Give or to Receive any further Oyl and Light
Dress him with his Own or rather see him as he is or as he at the least will at the last appear in Glory Men therefore Hide their Faces from him Isa 53. 3. because his Visage is first marred by them Isa 52. 14. either by stripping him of his stately Robes or by discolouring them with their Evil Eye Could we but look at Jesus as he is Now set upon his Father's Throne Heb. 12. 2. how should we Run with Patience the Race that is set before us v. 1. Since Duty hath the same Debentur's and which as surely will be discharged 2 Tim. 2. 12. Yea how would Duty at the Present Ravish could we but Eye its Native Beauty our being therein most like to Christ together with that Peace which doth attend it 3. If any One Duty would be alway loved by us so let our Love be Universal and let us not Despise the least at least-wise not the Greater Branches of it such as Time-Duties are by way of Eminency He that Despiseth any of his ways shall Die Prov. 19. 16. his Love thereunto will Decay it being with Obedience as with a Faggot the smallest of whose sticks when plucked out doth loosen all the rest A Killing Cold is oft-times got in tender Bodies by leaving off a Thinner Garment yea by not having it closely Girt about us Much more if Weightier Matters are Dis-esteemed it being with our Affections as with a Civil State which soon will come to Nought when Babes and Children are in Chief Command Isa 3. 4. Time-Truths are as the Bond of Duty which being once slackned doth hazard the Dissolution of our Love in General as both Experience and the Scriptures Witness and without Love to which no True or Lasting Love to any other can safely be concluded otherways 4. Let our Affections unto Christ be Genuine or Kindly and not Enforced One may be Over-awed to Love another but Souldiers Preâ—t into a Service are not to be Confided in therefore Christ onely is for Voâ—untiers How hard a Matter it is to keep Affection up in a Religious Duty unless the Spirit be kindly raised Whereas Enlarged Hearts can Run Psal 119. 32. and spend themselves 2 Cor. 6. 11. without being Wearied 2 Cor. 12. 15. Spontaneous Earthly Fruits are moâ—â— Abiding so is that Love which is most Natural God's Love is therefore Evâ—â—laâ—tng Jer. 31. 3. because he Loveth Freely Hos 14. 4. Therefore God and his People are called each others Portion or Inheritance Jer. 10. 16. because the Naturalness of their Affection each unto other is like an Estate in Land which is not Subject unto Câ—â—ualties as Money â—s An Arrow forced out of a Bow will fall within a while whereas Beams Darted from the Sun continue in their Strength and unconâ—rained Vigour 5. Let not our Love be over-violent I mean not so as to be Supream in Competition with our Judgement A Sober Traveller will sooneâ—t come unto his Journeys end whilst he that 's all upon the Spur will quickly Tire both Horse and Man Gal. 5. 7. They who receive Man as an Angel Gal. 4. 14. are apt ere long to count him as an Enemy v. 16. therefore unless such could be Zealously Affected alway v. 18. 't is better to be Moderate 1 Cor. 4. 6. Some in our Days have been too fierce to hold So Run as that we may Obtain 1 Cor. 9. 24. and he that striveth for the Mastery is Temperate v. 25. which seemeth to be meant by Lawful striving 2 Tim. 2. 5. We should Love God with all our Heart and Soul and Mind and so with all our Strength Mark 12. 30. else as an injudicious love is alway Carnal though fixt upon a Spiritual Object so it will never last and violent Exercise doth onely Post a Mortal Body so much the faster into its Grave 6. Let our Affections unto Duty be kept up in their constant Exercise as we would have them to continue That Lamp which is not always Burning will go out If in this case we cease to Love Affection will soon Die as doth Man's Body without continual Breathing Loves Breath and Life is in the Nostrils of its Exercises He that would row against the Stream as every of Christ's Lovers doth must have a Care of Missing any one stroak for fear of being Turned quite away This some have found to be the Issue of Religious Intermissions under pretence of waiting for the Spirit till Love unto that Duty hath been quite Extinguished And as indulged sluggishness is one Symptom of our Dying Love so is it a Cause thereof as stirring up this Heavenly fire by a Lively Excercise is likeliest to prevent its Going out When we have once Raised the Bell of Duty a steady pull may keep it up with ease which else will Fall and may not Rise again 7. Let us not Hanker after other things Sin Killeth our Affections quite and if the Creature hath too much Christ will have none at all 1 John 2. 15. A right up burning Lamp will last the longest but when its Light doth waste on either side it swaileth much and hazards an Extinction Christ sitteth light Mat. 11. 30. but Mammon got up behind him Tireth us in ways of Duty Could we but lay aside these heavy Weights how should we Run with Patience the Race that is set before us Heb. 12. 1 How can some wonder at the Cooling of their scattered Love It being therewith as with Sun-beams which are not burning save as they are United Psal 86. 11. We cannot Approve our selves to God unless we study 2 Tim. 2. 15. and studying is inconsiâ—tent with Diversions untill our Eyes are turned from beholding Vanity Psal 119. 37. This favouring so much what is of Man though onely in a way of Longing for them destroys our Taste of better things Mat. 16. 23. and our Desires thereof 8. Let our Affections unto Christ and Duty be of the Noblest Kind both as to their Rise and Maintenance Christ may be Embraced by Carnal Arms and in that case the Ivy about an Oak may wither soon because its Root is of a Weak Decaying Nature Professors Generally are onely careful to fix upon a Spiritual Object Whereas the Suitableness of their Affections is as Essentially required of them else are they neither Holy nor will be Lasting And though there is an Holy Driving Terror 2 Cor. 5. 11. and other Drawing Considerations Hos 11. 4. yet will our Motion never be Perpetual save as our being Wisdom's Children Mat. 11. 19. is evinced by the Naturalness of our Affection to its Naked Wayes And to that end let us not too much eve Encouragements in such a way lest by that means our Love should be Debased But let those Chambers or Accommodations be so joyned to the Temple of our Duty as that their Beams may not be fastned into its Wall according to God's own Order 1 Kings 6. 6. else will it Threaten both the Weakning and Defacing of that House in
speak Again Job 29. 22. The Pharisees were oft wont to Prate untill Christ put a Question to them concerning his being David's Lord Mat. 22. 45. and then 't is said they neither could Answer him nor durst they Ask him any more Questions v. 46. to signifie how Silencing that God-like Kingly State will be when it shall be Advanced The Dispensation or Appearing of this King will be Evinced by the speechlesness of those unworthy ones whom he Reproveth Mat. 22. 11 12. Errour and Sin may Now be full of words but Then all Flesh is bid be silent Zech. 2. 13. yea all the Earth Hab. 2. 20. MATTHEW XXV 13. Watch therefore for ye know neither the Day nor the Hour wherein the Son of Man cometh IN this Verse we have an Account of Christ's Design in putting forth this Parable or of that principal use which he would have us make thereof viz. Our being Watchfull From whence the General Observation is as followeth Observ Since we Know not the Day or Hour in which the Son of Man will come we therefore ought to be upon our Watch. Quest 1. Why doth Christ call himself the Son of Man with reference unto his Coming in these Latter-dayes Answ 1. To declare his being still a Man though now Ascended and that his Coming at the Last will be in the Humane Nature also Some would sain have him turn'd into a Spirit though he that is now Ascended is also He who first Descended into the Grave Eph. 4. 10. which is not Applicable to the Spirit of Man Eccl. 3. 21. Others will grant him as a Man to be Ascended but not that he will so Return and yet 't is said He shall so Come and in like Manner as he was seen to goe Act. 1. 11. And though his Coming in this Parable will mainly be in a Mystical sence yet will it be the coming of the Son of Man though not his coming As a Man or in his Person till Afterwards save as some Man or Men may Represent him Now as Hezekiah did of Old Isa 32. 1 2. 2. To shew the Nature of his Kingly Dispensation at such a time in point of Visibility and Temporality which is most Aptly shaddowed out by his then coming As the Son of Man His Ecclesiastical and Spiritual Kingdom was set up at first besides both which he had Another Kingdom Then though it was not Immediately to Appear Luke 19. 11 which therefore must be Temporal Now that which is meerly Spiritual is fitlyest resembled by the Soul as Christ with reference unto his spiritual Kingdom is called the Shepherd of his Peoples Souls 1 Pet. 2. 25. but that which is Temporal by the Man Thus David's Temporal Rule was over Men 2 Sam. 23. 3. and as Christ at his Personal coming is called a Man Act. 17. 31. so with respect unto the Assyrians coming before that time this Man 't is said shall be the Peace Mic. 5. 5. 3. To shew the Greatness of his Humility He was God's Equal upon Earth Phil. 2. 6 and he as Man is far above the Angels Now Heb. 1. 13 yet doth he style himself the Son of Man He will Then have that Name the King of Kings upon his Thigh Rev. 19. 16 but in his Mouth the Son of Man which is a Worm Job 25. 6. Thus was Ezekiel oft-times called to make him Humble and thus Christ did as often call himself to shew that he is so When Israel was come into the Land of Canaan they kept no more the Feast of Tabernacles or the Memorial of their former Low Condition till Nehemiah's time but Then it was revived Neh. 8. 17. which Dispensation was a Type of this And when that self-abasing Feast shall Mystically be Observed in these latter dayes then shall men thereby know that Verily the Son of Man is come 4. To hint perhaps the Meanness of his First appearing in these Latter dayes according to the Constant Purport of that Phrase the Son of Man yea with respect to Christ himself Heb. 2. 6. That as Himself who Truely was the Son of Man is onely said to have been Like him Afterwards Rev. 1. 13. he is so Altered Now from what he sometime was so will it be with reference to his Dispensation He will at Last come as the Son of Man Mat. 24. 30 because the Whole of his Own Personal Reign will be but Mean compared with the Father's Kingdom Afterwards 1 Cor. 15. 28. And so may his Precursory coming here be fitly called that of the Son of Man because it will be Mean compared with his Personal when he shall Gloriously appear as God Tit. 2. 13. or in the Glory of his Father Mat. 16. 27. 5. To signifie perhaps the great Humanity or Familiarity of his Conversing with the Sons of Men excepting some at his Appearing His Enemies indeed will be then Burnt up round about Psal 97. 3. but yet his Anger will cease in their Destruction Isa 10. 25. and he will then Rest in his Love Zeph. 3. 17. He did Approve himself on Earth to be the Son of Man by suffering his Disciples to Ask him any thing Joh. 15. 15. to sit with him at Meat Joh. 13. 18 Yea by his Rising to Wait on them v. 4 5. and so will it be Now. Therefore Christ bids his people Ask of him at such a time Isa 45. 11 and they shall then sit with him Rev. 3. 21. yea he will then Rise and Serve them Luke 12. 37. This King of Glory will not be stately but as Himself at Last so he Now in his People will Affably appear to All or as the Son of Man Quest 2. Why is that called the Coming of Christ which yet 't is thought will be so long before his Personal or Proper Coming Answ Because of the full Resemblance that is between them as may be thus made out 1. With respect unto the Signs of Both. Christ's Personal Coming will be notified by many Signs both in the Sun and Moon and Stars and Earth and Sea and Powers of Heaven Luke 21. 25 26 so will This Coming be We have had wonderfull signs of such a Nature and in the Letter of Later years though we Now see them not Psalm 74. 9. And in the Mystery yet more Abundantly The Scriptures fitly answering to the Sun or Fountain of Created Light have been extreamly Darkned as Mat. 24. 29 and more especially some Part thereof And that which Borroweth its Light from thence or Moon-like Preaching hath been turn'd into Blood as Joel 2. 31. at least not given her Light Mat. 24. 29. Church-Officers are called Stars Rev. 1. 20 and these have sadly fallen Mat. 24. 29 at least withdrawn their shining Joel 3. 15. The Earth or Civil State of things hath oft-times Quaked The Sea or Many Waters denoteth People Rev. 17. 15 whose Waves have roared The Powers of Heaven also or of the Churches have been shaken 2. With reference unto the state of things Immediately