A Key to Open Scripture Metaphors

Inferences.

IF this Doctrine be true (as certainly it is) which hath been discovered, then it affords us matter of Instruction:

1. It teacheth us God's great Goodness in providing such Bread for us, that is so good in itself, so necessary unto us, that we die and perish without it.

II. It shows Jesus Christ's great Goodness, in vouchsafing to become Bread and Food for us; what manner of Love is this, that the Son should undertake to feed and save 〈◊〉 &c.

3. It shows the indispensible Necessity of Men's coming to Him, their receiving and being Partakers of him: All Soul-Bread is in him, all Life, yea, all spiritual Life is in him. Those that refuse him, choose Death. The eternal Life that God gives, is in his Son.

4. It shows the Blessedness of those that are made Partakers of him: Whosoever hath the Son, hath the Father also. And he that hath the Son, hath Life, and shall never come into Condemnation.

5. It teacheth Good and Bad to pray: The Good, that God would evermore give them this Bread, every day give them Bread: Give us this day our daily Bread. The Bad, that God in Mercy would not let them die before they are made Partakers of Christ, the true Bread, the Bread of God, the Bread of Life, that whosoever dieth without, dieth never to live again, he dies the second Death. O cry to God, to the Lord of Life, that whatsoever you want of this Life, you may not eternally perish without Jesus Christ.

Christ the Sun of Righteousness.

Observ. JESUS CHRIST is, and may fitly be compared unto the Sun, to the Sun in the Firmament, the great Light of Heaven.

Metaphor.

I. THere is but one Sun to give Light to the Universe, and from its Singularity it may take its Name, Sol quia solus. There are many Stars, but one Sun.

II. The Sun is not only Light, but a Fountain of Light, the Eye and Soul of the World.

III. The Sun is a pure, bright; and spotless Creature, the Beauty and Ornament of Heaven. His Brightness is such, that a Man cannot look upon it, but it da •• les and blinds his Eyes; unless looking downwards, and beholding it in Water, which (though thick and gross, yet) is a proper Medium. The Sun, though he looks (as it 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; 'tis not confined to one Nation or People, or to this or that Man, but 'tis 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 marvelous 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 shows 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 Zodiac, moving in the Ecliptick, betwixt the two Tropics.

XVII. The Sun is never weary, though 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 Tropics, as Greenland, &c. see it not in many Months. And it is well known, that according to the Situation 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 (though unclouded, and at Full) cannot so well do. It shows things as they are. In the Dark we may stumble and fall, yea, handle venomous 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 rejoicing 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) 'It 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, clothing every Bush with Leaves, and crowning the Gardens and Fields with Flowers; but when the Sun retires, everything 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 unsavory Scent; but makes Roses, and other Blossoms yield a more fragrant and delightful Odor.

XXIX. The Sun is often covered with Clouds, and even in its Meridian Altitude or Exaltation 'tis 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 rejoice 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 Savior 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 veiled, 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 ministering 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 everyone 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; 'tis 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 the 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, though 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, though 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 expels 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 everywhere. Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I fly 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 Knowledge 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.

XXII. By the Spirit of Christ we are regenerated or born again. Holiness, Faith, Love, Joy, &c. and all such precious Fruits, are the Productions of the holy Spirit, through Christ. Such as lie (as it were) buried in the Grave of Sin and spiritual Misery, shall (when the quickening Beams of this spiritual Sun shine upon their Souls) have a Resurrection from that Death; and by its efficacy shall their Bodies also be raised from the Dust at the last Day.

XXIII. The Beams of Gospel-Light, and Divine Illumination, do not shine alike in every Nation, nor in every Soul. In some European Countries, especially in England, they are more bright and radiant than elsewhere. A great many Places want the Comfort of this Spiritual Sun, more than Greenland wants the Presence of the created Sun; for there the Sun shines half the year, but in many Heathen Countries the Sun-shine of the Gospel has not yet arose; yea, even in Palestine, and the adjacent Countries, where it first shined most gloriously, its Light is for the most part (if not altogether) removed, and communicated to the Isles afar off, to the Glory of his rich and unspeakable Grace and Love to us, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

XXIV. Christ warms and heats the Soul, which of itself is cold, earthly, and of a benumbed Constitution. He sends the Comforter, by him we are quickened, &c. He gives Rest, he is the Resurrection, and the Life of his People, and therefore their Reviver. As a Refiner's Fire, he burns our Dross, Hay, Stubble, &c. And if this Fire be cherished, it parches and dries up the Weeds and Trash, the Thorns and Briars that grow in our Souls, as predominant Sin and Lust, all Self-love, Corruption, and carnal Confidence, &c. which else would choke the Word, and stiffle all good Motions in us. See Refiner.

XXV. Christ is the Light of Men. Natural or Moral Light is too dim (like the Moon) to discover the secret Pollutions of the Soul; it cannot make you see the Corruption and Filth of such as lie in their Blood, being Captives to Satan; the Heart does receive no Light, but what comes from this Sun of Righteousness; without it which we shall stumble and fall, converse with Sin which envenoms the Soul, and at last tumble blindfold into Hell and eternal Damnation. By this blessed Light is discovered, 1. What Sin is, and its Nature and Consequences; for though natural Conscience (if it may be so called) arraigns us for Immorality, or any Breach of the Law of Nature, yet it is too dark, and far short of discovering the horrid Filth and abominable Evil of Sin in a Gospel-way; that is the Work of the Spirit, and 'tis only spiritually discerned. 2. This spiritual Sun, or Gospel-Light, shows the sad and lamentable Condition of fallen Man by Sin. 3. How insignificant the World, with all its outward Pomp and imaginary Glory, is to release him, and afford any solid Content or Satisfaction. 4. It discovers the Craft and Subtilty of Satan, that Arch-Enemy of Souls. 5. It reveals (as far as frail Man can comprehend it) the Being of God, in his glorious Attributes, and most sublime Perfections. 6. It holds forth the transcendent Excellency of Jesus Christ, and the absolute Necessity there is for poor fallen Man to have an Interest in him, in order to his Peace with God. 7. It informs us which are false Ways, who are Heretics, where the false Church is, &c. Which are things not to be known, but by the blessed Light of this Sun of Righteousness, shining in his Word, viz. the holy Scriptures.

This Sun of Righteousness gives us Light and Direction in all the Ways of God's holy Worship; this Soul-Guide leads in the right way of Wisdom, and in the midst of the Paths of Judgment: He leads the Blind by a Way they knew not, and makes Darkness Light before them, and crooked things straight. [ See the Metaphor Light.]

XXVI. What can be so desirable, so comfortable, as the Light of God's Countenance, to have this Sun of Righteousness shining on us? David accounted it the one thing desirable, That he might dwell in the House of the Lord all the days of his Life, to behold the Beauty of the Lord; and to inquire in his Temple. If the Beams of this spiritual Sun be withdrawn, the Soul is restless till it finds them, seeking everywhere, and crying out with the Spouse, Saw ye him whom my Soul loveth? His Favor and Loving-kindness is better than Life.

XXVII. When Christ draws near the Soul by his heavenly Influences, he causes it to become green and flourishing. When this Gospel-Sun rises high, and shines hot in any Kingdom or Country, it causes them wonderfully to flourish, it fertilizes Souls and Nations, and makes them to bring forth beautiful Blossoms, and wholesome Fruit; but in his Retreats and Withdrawings, how do they languish and pine away! 'It is Night where Christ is absent, and Day where he is present. His being at a distance is the Soul's Winter, and his blessed Approach is Summer. As Birds chant their warbling Notes in the Spring, rejoicing at the Sun's coming; so do the Saints with spiritual Melody congratulate the Approaches of Christ.

XXVIII. Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, shining forth in the manifestation of the Gospel, causeth the Heart of one Man to dissolve and melt like Wax, distilling him into Tears of Repentance; others are hardened and grow obdurate as a Rock, not through the Gospel's fault, but their own obstinate and rebellious Minds. To some the Word is a Savour of Life unto Life, and to others a Savour of Death unto Death.

XXIX. Christ is often veiled, so that we cannot see him, viz. when strange and dark Providences attend us, as in the case of Job. How often do our Sins interpose like Clouds, betwixt us and this blessed Sun of Righteousness, leaving our Souls in the dark? Yet in these Withdrawings the Soul is sensible that his Efficacy and Virtue are not removed.

XXX. Some (like Felix ) cannot bear the powerful Influences of Christ's Word and heavenly Doctrine.

XXXI. The dazzling Light, and transcendent Glory of Christ exceeds all the Glory of the World, and all that is therein; their Light is but Darkness, when compared to him.

XXXII. The Sun of Righteousness is to us eclipsed, when this World gets between us and Christ, when our Hearts and Eyes are so much upon it, that we cannot see him in his Beauty. Christ is never totally eclipsed to a gracious Soul, because Sin is infinitely less than him.

XXXIII. Jesus Christ rejoices in doing the Work of the Father; his Meat and Drink was in doing the Will of him that sent him: Lo, I come to do thy Will, O God.

XXXIV. Christ by his blessed Word, through the Influences of the holy Spirit▪ ripens his chosen Ones for the Harvest, which is the end of the World, and prepares them for Glory: And the Wicked, through their own Perverseness, are fitted, as Vessels of Wrath, for Destruction.

Metaphor.

I. THe Sun is a Creature, and had a beginning; and when Time is swallowed up of Eternity, it will set and rise no more.

II. The Sun gives Light, but cannot give Sight; the Sun-Beams, though never so powerful, cannot make a blind Man see.

III. The Sun shines but in one Hemisphere at once; when it rises to us, it sets to our Antipodes.

IV. The Sun hath endamaging as well as healing Qualities, defaces Beauty, maketh Men faint; Fruits are sometimes withered to nothing by it.

V. The Sun is inanimate, hath neither rational, sensitive, nor vegetative Life, though in some sense called the Fountain of Life.

VI. The Sun is the Servant of Men, from the Root 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to minister. 'It is Idolatry to worship it.

Disparity.

I. JEsus Christ is God, in his Essence uncreated, and without beginning▪ Christ endureth forever, he is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, the First and the Last.

II. Christ gives Sight as well as Light, he made the Blind to see. He also cures spiritual Blindness, as Saul 's, by Ananias, Acts 9.17.

III. Christ is able to shine over the whole World at once. It may properly be said of him, as of the King of Assyria, The Stretching out of his Wings are able to cover the World at one moment.

IV. Christ hath no hurtful quality; he quickens the Soul, never makes it faint. He makes Deformity beautiful and lovely, ripens, but never withers the Fruits off Grace. His Beams are destructive to none, but such as have no root; such indeed he withers.

V. Christ has Life, Light, and Heat, and is often in Scripture called our Life ; for he gives and maintains both natural and spiritual Life.

VI. Christ is our Lord, whom Men and Angels must worship; all the Host of Heaven adore him. 'It is gross Impiety not to worship him.

Christ the Root of David.

THere is a great and glorious Mystery in these Words; many understand not how Jesus Christ should be the Root, and yet the Off-spring of David. This Text agrees with those Words of our Savior, If David called him Lord, how then is he said to be his Son? They understood him not. Christ, as he is God, is David 's Lord, and the Root of David : but as he is Man, he is his Off-spring, and hence elsewere called the Branch.

Christ is and may fitly be called and compared to a Root.

The Root of

• 1. Grace.
• 2. Glory.

Metaphor.

I. A Root is that from whence the Tree and Branches do proceed.

II. A Root is a thing hidden in the Earth, and not obvious or visible to the Eye.

III. A Root hath Life, nay, 'tis the Center of Life: the Life of any Tree or Plant is principally in the Root.

IV. The Root beareth the Body of the Tree, and all the Branches thereof.

V. The Root communicates Sap and Nourishment unto the Body, and all the Branches thereof.

VI. The Body and Branches have a necessary dependence on the Root.

VII. There is much Life and Sap in the Root, when the Tree and Branches seem dead, dry, and sapless.

VIII. As is the Soundness and Firmness of the Root of a Tree, the more sound, firm, and stable is the Tree itself, with the Branches thereof; these being likely to endure, when those that have no Root fall away.

IX. The Root is best secured of any part of the Tree, being excellently fortified by Nature in the Earth.

X. Those that would utterly destroy the Tree, strike at the Root.

XI. The Root communicates of the same Life and natural Virtue to the Tree and Branches.

Parallel.

I. FRom the Lord Jesus Christ, the Root of David, all Believers do proceed: I am the Vine, ye are the Branches. See Christ the true Vine.

II. The Deity or Divine Nature of Jesus Christ is a hidden thing, cannot be seen with mortal Eyes. Christ's Glory was veiled under Afflictions, Reproaches, Poverty, &c. as a Root is under the Earth.

III. In the Lord Jesus Christ is Life; He is called the Way, the Truth, and the Life. As the Father hath Life in himself, the Son also hath Life in himself. Life is in Christ, as Sap is in the Root of a Tree.

IV. The Lord Jesus Christ, this Root, bears up his Church, and every Member thereof.

V. The Lord Jesus Christ conveys Sap and Nourishment to all his Church, and every particular Believer or Branch thereof; hence he is called our Life.

VI. The Saints and Church of God have the like dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ: Without thee we can do nothing.

VII. There is much Sap and Life in Jesus Christ for the Godly, when ofttimes they seem like withered and dry Branches.

VIII. The Goodness, Firmness, and Soundness of this Divine Root, the Lord Jesus Christ, shows us the very happy, steadfast, and secure State of the Church. This Root cannot fail nor decay, and consequently the Church and People of God shall endure and stand against all the Storms and Blasts of the Devil, Antichrist, and all wicked Enemies.

IX. The Lord Jesus Christ is secured from Hurt and Danger, (whilst his Church is daily exposed thereunto) being hid in God, as it were: You are dead▪ and your Life is hid with Christ in God.

X. The Devil's grand Design being utterly to destroy all the Godly, struck most furiously at Jesus Christ, the blessed Root.

XI. Christ communicates of his Spirit and Divine Nature to his Church: If the Root be holy, even so are the Branches. Be ye holy, even as I am holy. He that hath this Hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Metaphor.

I. NAtural Roots 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, today, and forever.

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.

Christ the true 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; 'tis 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 honorable Name given to it than other Trees. The Lord's choicest Plantation (the Church) is expressed by it; and therefore 'tis 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; 'tis 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 darkened, the Mirth of the Land is gone.

VII. The Vine yields profitable Fruit; The Blood of the Grape (as 'tis 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. 'It 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 gather there, drive away Darkness, and clear the Sight: And further saith, Quid possit Vitis, & alia quae fundit, sermon explicare nemo potest ; that no Tongue could sufficiently tell the Virtues of the Vine: the like says Pliny.

Parallel.

I. JEsus Christ in his state of Humiliation, did not appear in that outward Glory, Pomp and Magnificence, which the proud Grandees of the Earth glitter in; he was not entertained with the Royalties of Imperial Palaces (for his Kingdom was not of this World. ) He was looked upon in comparison of the Mighty Men, who are compared to the Cedars of Lebanon, and Oaks of Bashan, as a poor mean and contemptible Shrub; as the Prophet foretold: He shall grow up before him as a Tender Plant, and as a Root out of a dry Ground; he hath no Form nor Comliness, and when we shall see him, there is no Beauty, that we should desire him.

II. Jesus Christ hath a Name above every Name ; he infinitely excels whatsoever is good, great and glorious in Angels, Saints and Men. The spendor and Stateliness of Monarchs Courts is nothing in comparison of that inexpressible Luster and Majesty that surrounds him. The Heavenly Luminaries are dim to him; he is the Royal Ofspring of Heaven, of the sublimest Extraction. When he bringeth the first begotten into the World, he saith, and let all the Angels of God worship him.

III. Christ when in his young and tender Age, grew much in favor both with God and Man; and when he was twelve years old, disputed with the Learned Doctors, hearing them, and asking them Questions; and all that heard him were astonished at his Understanding and Answers, &c.

IV. J •• sus Christ is full of Life and Divine Virtue; the Treasuries of his communicable Graces are immense and unspeakable; All Wisdom and Knowledge are hid in him: In him all Fulness dwells: his People, mystically united to him, are his Branches; them he supplies with spiritual Quickening, Nourishment and Growth, and though scattered over many Kingdoms and Nations, his Protection environs them round about, provides a sufficient Supply for their spiritual Wants, which is to be found nowhere else. If a Man abide not in me, (saith he) he is cast forth as a Branch that is withered, &c.

V. Christ the Spiritual Vine, is not only a green, spreading and flourishing Plant, but also exceeding fruitful; he was so in his Life, going up and down doing good, both to the Bodies and Souls of Men; fruitful in his Death. In that Cluster there is much choice Fruit; as Atonement, Reconciliation, Redemption, Victory over Sin and Satan, the abolishing of the Law, and establishing the everlasting Righteousness: he was fruitful in his Resurrection, Ascension, Intercession, &c. The Graces of the Spirit, Holy Ordinances, and Promises of Eternal Life, are all Fruits of this heavenly Vine; from him is all our Fruit found. See Metaphor Light.

VI. The Lord Jesus brings forth the most pleasant and most desirable Fruit. I sat down under his Shadow with great delight, saith the Spouse, and his Fruit was pleasant to my Taste. No Cup so refreshing as the Cup of Divine Consolation. No Wine nourishes or quickens the Body so much as the Love of Christ, Peace with God, Reconciliation, Pardon of Sin, Justification, Adoption, &c. These Blessed Fruits of this mystical Vine do cheer, feed and enliven a Drooping and Languishing Soul.

VII. The Lord Jesus yields Fruit every way profitable. All the Good that Soul or Body is capable to receive, flows from him, and is the Fruit of his Love, purchased by his Death, and communicated by his Word and Holy Spirit: It warms, supports and strengthens the Souls of his People. His Grace is of a healing, quickening, and vivifying nature. See Metaphor, Wine and Ointment, &c.

VIII. Jesus Christ is a Shadow to his Church, a hiding-place from the Wind, and a Cover from the Tempest; as the Shadow of a great Rock in a weary Land: He defends from the Rage of Satan, from Sin, from the Fury of Man in the heat of Persecution; yea from the wrath of God, by which (were it not for the interposition of this blessed Screen or Shade) we should be scorched, burnt, yea utterly consumed. See Rock, Apple-Tree, &c.

IX. Christ, the Spiritual Vine (being affronted, rejected and abused by the rebellious, obstinate and unbelieving Jews ) when he approached and beheld the City, He wept over it, was grieved for the hardness of their Hearts ; but more especially when he came under the execution of Divine Wrath for Mans sake, and in his stead, which he did willingly undergo; how did his bruised and abused Body sweat (as it were) great drops of Blood, until he yielded up his blessed Life and precious Spirit for us?

X. The Grace of Christ, the Spiritual Vine, is precious Eye-Salve, which removes those thick Clouds of Darkness and Ignorance that are upon the Understanding; by which a Soul spiritually comes to have a clear Prospect of those never-fading Glories of the other World, and plainly discerns the gilded Follies and transitory Vanities of all things here below. In a word, no Tongue can sufficiently exalt the transcendent Virtues of this ever-blessed Vine.

Metaphor.

I. THe Vine is a Plant of an earthly Extract; the choicest and goodliest are only the Plantation of Men.

II. The Vine is not always green; the Leaves fall off in Winter. You may look for Fruit when the Vintage is gathered, and find none.

III. The Fruit of the Vine taken to excess, is offensive to God, hurts and injures the Soul, breeds Diseases and destructive Humours in the Body, bereaves Men of Reason, intoxicates the Brain, &c.

IV. The Fruit of the Vine diminishes, by gathering Cluster after Cluster you may soon strip it off all.

V. The Fruit of the Vine is only good for the Body.

VI. The Vine wants Support; unless it be underpropt, it falls, being not able to bear the weight of its own Branches.

Disparity.

I. CHrist is of an heavenly Original and Extraction, a Vine of God's own planting, who prepared a Body for him, and appointed him to the work of Redemption. He is the true Vine, and God the Father is the Husbandman ; no other could plant so Noble a Vine as Christ is.

II. Christ, the Spiritual Vine, perpetually flourishes, always abounds with Fruit, and knows no Winter; he is the same from Generation to Generation, yesterday, today, and forever, without variation, or shadow of turning ; there's always a full Vintage, that never diminishes, withers, nor decays, never grows old, but ever remains in its full growth and absolute Perfection.

III. The Fruit of Christ, the Spiritual Vine, never hurts any; no danger of Surfeit here; the more you eat and drink the better 'tis; here's no fear of Excess. The Wine of Consolation neither gluts nor inflames, nor intoxicates, but nourishes, and feeds the Soul, 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 'tis 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.

Christ the Lily of the Valleys.

MOst Expositors agree that these (fore-going Words) are the Words of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: I am the Rose of Sharon, and the Lily of the Valleys. 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 shown 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, endeavor to set forth his Delicious Qualifications, by a Lily; the Lily of the Valleys.

Metaphor.

I. A Lily 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-turned with the sweet Savour thereof.

II. A Lily is white and very beautiful; within it are seven Grains or Seeds, of the color of Gold, so amiable, that our Savior saith, Solomon in all his Glory was not adorned like one of these: for Whiteness it exceeds all Flowers.

III. It is observed that the Lily is exceeding fruitful; Vna Radice quinquagenos saepe emittente bubbos ; one Root puts forth fifty Bubbs or Colours.

IV. Pliny saith, The Lily is the tallest of Flowers, yet hangs down its Head.

V. The Lily is a Flower that hath many medicinal Virtues; the distilled Water of a Lily is good to restore a lost Voice, it helps Faintness, good for the Liver, helps the Dropsy; 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 Lily, whose Savour and spiritual Sweetness very much excels and transcends the Sweetest of any Odours that can be mentioned; the Honey and the Honey-Comb are sweet to the smell, and sweeter to the taste: O then how sweet is the precious Savour of our blessed Savior! See Rose of Sharon.

II. Whiteness denotes Holiness; 'tis said of the Bride, the Lamb's Wife, to her was granted, that she should be clothed 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 itself, 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 called) how many Lilies, or holy, and heavenly Churches, have there sprung? yea, from this Blessed Lily many thousands of holy and sanctified Christians? See the Metaphor of the Vine.

IV. Jesus Christ is higher than the Mighty Princes, Kings and Emperors of the Earth, higher than Heaven or Angels, and yet humble and lowly in Heart; Therefore he is compared to the Lily 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 Lily, see more where the Church is compared to it. For the Disparity, See Rose of Sharon.

Christ under the Similitude of an Apple-Tree.

AS Christ sets forth the Praise of his Church in the second Verse, She excelling all the Daughters, as the Lily did Thorns ; so the Church sets forth Christ's Glory and Praise in this; He excelling all the Sons, as far as the Apple-Tree excels all the Trees of the Wood.

Simile.

I. THe Apple-Tree is very profitable to the Owner, as it is observed by some; it far excels other Trees; hence Pliny s •• ith, there were many about the City of Rome, which were set at a yearly Rent of two thousand Sesterties ; yielding them more Profit and Revenue by the year than a pretty good Farm.

II. The Apple-Tree yields diversity of Fruit. It hath (saith Mr. Ainsworth ) more variety of Fruits than any other Tree that grows; 'tis not easy to reckon up the various sorts of Apples.

III. The Apple-Tree yields sweet and pleasant Fruit.

IV. The Apple-Tree doth wonderfully excel the wild and barren Trees of the Desert, which bear no Fruit, or else that which is sour and unwholesome.

V. The Apple-Tree, whether you take it in the Blossom, or when its Fruit is fully ripe, is a very beautiful Tree, and to look upon very lovely and amiable.

VI. The Apple-Tree in its Leaves, Buds, Blossomes, Fruits, &c. hath very sweet and comfortable Smells: The Spouse alludes to it when she cries to her Beloved to comfort her with Apples.

VII. The Apple-Tree, Naturalists observe, is a very tender Tree; Pliny saith, 'tis the tenderest of all Trees.

VIII. An Apple-Tree is a very shadowy Tree; its Shadow refresheth, and by common Experience is found comfortable to sit under in the heat of the Day, &c.

IX. 'It is a rare sight to see an Apple-Tree grow in a Wood.

X. The Leaves and Fruit of the Apple-Tree are Medicinal.

XI. An Apple-Tree in the midst of the Trees of the Wood affords ofttimes much Refreshment to weary Travelers.

Parallel.

I. THe Lord Jesus Christ yields his Father more Profit, and brings more Glory to him than all the Angels in Heaven, or Saints on Earth▪ do or ever did, and not only brings Glory to God, but also infinite Profit to all his People, who are Partakers of his Grace, and of the great plenty of Fulness that dwelleth in him.

II. Jesus Christ excelleth in variety of precious Graces. What good thing is it that any true Believers wants, or can want of any sort, but 'tis to be had in Jesus Christ, whether Grace or Gifts, things for the Soul, or things for the Body, whether common or special Mercies? Of his Fulness all we have received, and Grace for Grace.

III. Jesus Christ the Divine Apple-Tree bears most sweet and pleasant Fruit; his Fruit was sweet (saith the Spouse) to my Taste. See the Metaphor of the Vine.

IV. Jesus Christ infinitely excelleth and surpasseth all Objects and Things whatsoever, He is the chiefest amongst ten thousand, yea, the chiefest in the whole World, none like to him in Heaven or Earth.

V. Jesus Christ is very beautiful; whether you consider him in his Incarnation, or Exaltation, he is most amiable and lovely, We beheld his Glory as the Glory of the only begotten Son of God, &c.

VI. How transcendently sweet is the Scent and Odor of our Blessed Savior! How sweet are the Comforts of his Spirit, his Word and heavenly Doctrine! Thy Word, saith David, is sweeter than Honey or the Honey-Comb; Words fitly spoken are like Apples of Gold in Pictures of Silver: God's Word is not only sweet, but rare and valuable; Christ is wholly delectable, his Conception, Birth, Life, Death, Burial, Resurrection, Ascension and Intercession smell exceeding sweet. See Vine.

VII. Christ is of a soft and tender Heart, full of Bowels, of Compassion to poor Sinners; weeping over perishing ones, and thus 'twas foretold of him by the Prophet; He shall grow up as a tender Plant, and as a Root, out of the dry Ground.

VIII. Jesus Christ is a Shadow many ways to his Church; I sat down under his Shadow with great Delight ; He is a Cover from the scorching heat of the Wrath of God, a Shadow for need; and he is a Shadow for Delight, Refreshing and Pleasantness. Shadow is often used in Scripture to denote Protection and Mercy. See Rock, Habitation, Vine, &c.

IX. It was a rare sight to see Jesus Christ in the days of his Flesh, dwelling in the Wood of this World amongst Men.

X. The Leaves of this Tree of Life, are for the healing of the Nations.

XI. So when a poor, weary Soul, or spiritual Pilgrim meets with this Divine Apple-Tree, and partakes of the Fruit thereof, he is sweetly refreshed and supported thereby.

Metaphor.

I. AN Apple-Tree is subject to decay; in time it doth wither and die.

II. The Fruit of the Apple-Tree will soon rot and come to nothing.

III. The Fruit of the Apple-Tree hath some pernicious Qualities in it, it's only external and it perisheth in the using.

IV. An Apple-Tree hath no Fruit, Leaves, nor refreshing Shadow on it, for one great part of the Year.

Disparity.

I. THe Lord Jesus Christ never decays, nor ceaseth from yielding Fruit.

II. But the Fruit of the Lord Jesus Christ is incorruptible, and will never fade nor decay, it endureth forever.

III. But Christ's Fruit hath no bad nor hurtful Quality; 'tis sweet, but surfeits not, breeds no Worms; but on the contrary, purges the Soul from all inward Filth, and makes it healthful; this Fruit is satsifying. The Spouse by eating herereof had abundance of Rest, Peace, Content and Satisfaction.

IV. There is Fruit always to be found on Christ, and a refreshing Shadow; this Tree is ever green and knows no Winter.

Christ an Embassador.

THe Words, Embassador, Legate, or Messenger, are synonimous Terms, properly such as are commissioned or deputed betwixt distant Parties, to transact Affairs of moment. The Term is applied to Christ, who is the Angel, Messenger, or Embassador of the Covenant, who not only transacted, but completed the Work of Redemption, thereby reconciling God and Man, who were before at variance and Enmity: Which shall be further manifested in the following Parallel.

Metaphor.

I. AN Embassador or Messenger of Peace is an honorable Person, and usually a great Favorite to the King.

II. An Embassador is a wise Person, skilled in State-Affairs, and knows how to adjust National Differences, or to make up a Breach or Breaches that may be between one Kingdom and another.

III. An Embassador must be of known Integrity and Faithfulness, as well as of Ability, great Trust being reposed in him.

IV. An Embassador is appointed and made choice of to this great Employment, and Place of Trust, by the determination and decree of the King.

V. A Person that is chosen to go an Embassador, must accept of the Place and Work, before he takes his leave of the Court.

VI. An Embassador is entrusted with Matters of great weight and moment, things that concern Peace and War, the Weal and Woe of Kingdoms and Nations.

VII. An Embassador, as he is chosen, and entrusted with Matters of great consequence; so likewise, that he might be invested with a Legal Power, he receives a special Commission from the Prince or State he represents, which does authorize him to that Work and Office.

VIII. An Embassador, having received his Commission, leaves his own Kingdom, and goes into that Country, to which his Prince hath ordered him, there to negotiate the Affairs that are committed unto him.

IX. An Embassador of Peace represents the Person of the Prince or State that sent him; so that the same Honor and Dignity, or Indignity, that is shown to him, is shown thereby to the Sovereign whom he represents: And it is easy to guess how much they esteem the Prince, by the Respects they pay to his Embassador.

X. An Embassador is strictly tied to the prescribed Rules, Precepts, and Directions, which are delivered to him, and doth not, must not proceed contrary unto them.

XI. An Embassador is oftentimes sent to prevent or put an end to War, that thereby great Effusion of Blood, Ruin, and Desolation might be stop'd and prevented.

XII. An Embassador offers Terms, or makes Proposals to the adverse Party, thereby finally to conclude and make a lasting Peace.

XIII. An Embassador that hath a tender Heart, is greatly grieved when he sees his Mediation and merciful Terms of Peace to be slighted and rejected; and from the consideration of the woeful Misery and Calamity that is like to follow, he is the more importunate, using many Arguments to cause Compliance.

XIV. An Embassador hath many Servants, or a great Retinue waiting upon him, and is a Person deserving much Honor, in discharging his Trust with very much Awe and Fidelity to his Prince.

XV. An Embassador hath Power given him to ratify and confirm Articles of Peace between Kingdoms and Nations, who are at variance, that so there may be Commerce between them in future Times.

XVI. A faithful Embassador is received with abundance of Joy at his return home, and is highly prefer'd, as a Testimony of great Favor, for his Works sake.

XVII. An Embassador not having success in his Business, in bringing the Adversary to amicable Terms of Peace and Reconciliation, many times against those Nations or People that refuse, bloody War is proclaimed, and great Desolation follows.

XVIII. An Embassador is oftentimes an Instrument to save Thousands, and Ten Thousands of Souls from Death, and Kingdoms from Fire, Sword, and Destruction; and thereby he raises Trophies to his Fame and Glory.

Parallel.

1. CHrist, the Embassador or Messenger of the Gospel of Peace, is a most noble, honorable, and renowned Person, Lord of Lord's, most excellent in Worth and Dignity, one near-allied, and a great Favorite in the Court of Heaven.

II. Jesus Christ, the Messenger of the Covenant, or God's Embassador to Sinners, is full of Wisdom and Skill in all the grand Affairs which concern the Glory of his Father, and the Welfare of Sinners: He knows how to end the Differences between God and Man, and to make up that grievous and destructive Breach that hath been so long between them.

III. The Lord Christ hath in him all the Perfections of the glorious Deity; He is called the faithful and true Witness. Never did Embassador act with such Integrity to Prince and People, as Christ doth between God and Sinners. He would not have God dishonored, nor Man to miss of Pardon.

IV. Christ was chosen and appointed Messenger of the Covenant, by the Determination, Counsel, Purpose, and Foreknowledg of the King of Heaven; hence is Christ said to be a Lamb slain from the Foundation of the World.

V. The Lord Jesus Christ, when chosen to be sent on this great Embassy, or Message of Peace to Sinners, readily accepted it: Lo, it is written in the Volume of the Book, I come to do thy Will, O God.

VI. Jesus Christ, the greatest Embassador and Plenipotentiary of Heaven and Earth, hath Matters of such weight and moment committed to his Trust, that very far exceed those things that concern Peace and War amongst Men and Nations; for they are Matters in which are wrapped up the spiritual and eternal Weal or Woe of all People and Nations of the World. He is entrusted with those high and wonderful things, that concern the Glory of God, and the Peace and eternal Felicity of our Souls.

VII. As Christ was chosen and ordained God's Messenger, and entrusted with the great Concerns, and sole Management of the Covenant of Grace; so that he might every way be rightly constituted, authorized, and empower'd, he received a special Commission from the Father. He gave me Commandment what I should say, and what I should speak. I have a greater Witness than that of John; for the Works which the Father hath sent me to do, the same bear witness that he hath sent me.

VIII. Christ, that he might negotiate, and fully accomplish and complete the great and important Affairs, of making Peace between God Almighty, and poor Sinners, left his own Kingdom, and the Glory he had with the Father, and came into this World: When the Fulness of Time was come, God sent forth his Son.

IX. Christ Jesus, the Messenger of the Covenant, represents the Person of God himself; so that whosoever reverences the Son, reverences the Father also: He that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me; and he that rejecteth me, rejecteth him that sent me. The Father judgeth no Man, but hath committed all Judgment to the Son, that all Men should honor the Son as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son, honoreth not the Father which hath sent him.

X. The Lord Jesus Christ did require and command nothing of Mankind, but what was the absolute Will and Pleasure of the Father: My Doctrine is not mine, but the Father's that sent me▪ I lay down my Life, that I may take it up again. This Commandment received I of the Father, &c.

XI. Christ was sent to put an end to that dismal and desolating War, which was occasioned by Sin, and the horrid Breach of the first Covenant, between God the Creator being offended, and the sinful, guilty, and rebellious Creature. God was in Christ, reconciling the World to himself, &c. For if whilst we were Enemies, we were reconciled to God, by the Death of his Son; much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by his Life. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one Body by the Cross, having slain the Enmity thereby. And came and preached Peace to you that were afar off, and to them that were nigh. And to you that were sometimes alienated, and Enemies in your Minds by wicked Works, yet now hath he reconciled in the Body of his Flesh, through Death.

XII. Christ, the Messenger of the Covenant, offers gracious Terms of Peace and Reconciliation to Sinners: Repent, and believe the Gospel. Believe, and be baptized. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you Rest. O what sweet and easy Terms of Peace are these! 'It is but to acknowledge our own Guilt and Vileness, lay down our Arms, and accept of Mercy by believing in the Lord Jesus. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all ye Ends of the Earth. Whoever will, let him take of the Water of Life freely.

XIII. Jesus Christ, the Messenger of the great God, was greatly grieved, to see the Jews, to whom he was first sent, stubbornly to refuse and reject that glorious Salvation, offered to them by himself. When he came near the City, he wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things that belong unto thy Peace; but now they are hid from thine Eyes. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy Children together, as a Hen gathers her Chickens, and ye would not. O that Israel had hearkened unto me.

XIV. Jesus Christ hath many Servants, who wait on him in the Accomplishment of this great and glorious Work, viz. the holy Angels, and the blessed Apostles and Ministers of the Gospel. The Lord Jesus deserveth eternal Honor for this glorious Work: Let the Angels of God worship him. All ought to honor the Son, as they honor the Father. At the Name of Jesus every Knee shall bow.

XV. The Lord Jesus Christ ratified and confirmed the Covenant of Grace between God and Man by his own Blood, and thereby opened a free Commerce with God: For through him we have access by one Spirit to the Father. Saints may with boldness come to the Throne of Grace by the Blood of Jesus.

XVI. The Lord Jesus, when he had done his Work, returned home unto his Father, and is highly honored, being clothed with Glory and Majesty, and is set down at the right hand of God on high, far above Principalites and Powers.

XVII. Those People and Nations that refuse the Offers of Grace and Peace made to them by Jesus Christ, God proclaims War and eternal Death against them. He that hath the Son hath Life; but he that hath not the Son, hath not Life, but the Wrath of God abideth on him. It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment, than for that City. If we sin willfully, after we have received the knowledge of the Truth, there remains no more Sacrifice for Sin, but a fearful looking for of Judgment, and fiery Indignation, that shall devour the Adversaries, and all those that have stubbornly refused the free Tenders of Grace.

XVIII. Jesus Christ was and is the only Instrument in the hand of God to save the World from utter Destruction and Ruin, and many Thousands of poor Sinners from eternal Torments, under the incensed Wrath of an eternal God, and is hereby become the everlasting Wonder and Praise of Men and Angels: Worthy is the Lamb to receive Power, and Riches, Wisdom, Strength, &c. Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy Blood, &c.

Metaphor.

I. HUman Ambassadors are but weak, mortal, and unstable Men, and many times cannot accomplish the Business they are employed about; or otherwise, by reason of Unfaithfulness, betray the Right and Prerogative of their Sovereign.

II. Ambassadors among Men, though nobly descended, yet always are of a lower Rank than the Prince that sends them.

III. Ambassadors among Men are employed to make up National Differences only, and appease the Wrath of Men.

IV. Ambassadors among Men, at their first Arrival to treat of Peace, appear in much outward Pomp, Splendor, and worldly Grandeur.

V. Ambassadors amongst Men are sometimes very long and tedious, when they begin, before they can effect the Issue or Product of their Negotiations.

VI. An Embassador among Men, when he hath made up a long and destructive Breach between Kingdoms and Nations, and they are at perfect Peace and Friendship, yet he cannot keep them always so, but in time new Discord ariseth, and the Breach is as wide as it was before.

Disparity.

I. CHrist is God as well as Man, one mighty to save, perfect, all-wise, stable, of one mind, no ways defective, able to accomplish all his Pleasure, true to God, highly standing for his Honor, wills not that he should abate a tittle of his Sovereignty; and rather than his Glory should be stained in the least, to save Sinners he laid down his own Life, and hath offered whatever the Will and Counsel of God was.

II. Jesus Christ thought it no Robbery to be equal with God ; hence called God's Fellow, and the express Image of the Father's Person ; and, as touching his Divinity, not inferior to him.

III. Jesus Christ was chosen to make up the spiritual Breach between God and Sinners, to appease his Wrath, and satisfy Divine Justice; that he might not only save Men's Bodies, but their Souls also; not to deliver from natural only, but eternal Death.

IV. The Lord Jesus, when he came, when he appeared to the World, it was in a low, mean, and contemptible Condition: He veiled his Glory, and made himself of no Reputation ; and though his Retinue was glorious, yet invisible to the Men of the World.

V. Christ did the great Work of his Embassy in a short time: By one Offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified; he soon removed the Enmity by the Blood of his Cross.

VI. This blessed Embassador having made Peace between God and Believers, this League and Covenant by means of his Mediation is everlasting, this Peace shall not, cannot ever be broken, 'tis well ordered in all these things, and sure, being confirmed by Blood and the Oath of God; For the Mountains shall depart and the Hills be removed, but my Kindness shall not depart from thee, neither the Covenant of my Peace be removed, saith the Lord, that hath Mercy upon thee: Isa. 54.10.

Christ a Witness.

THe Greek Word, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , signifies a Witness or Martyr. Beza upon Acts 22.20. says, Hic ego Graecum vocabulum servare malui, &c. i. e.

Christ in a spiritual sense 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 complete 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 called 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 lie) 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 judge 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 myself, 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 testify what he knows of the Father's Will from Eternity. Hence, said he, I came not of myself, 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 Savior; 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, of his Faithfulness in performing and making good the same, of the reality of his Intentions, to make Men happy through believing, that he renders the matter on God's side valid against all Contenders whatsoever, so as that God shall be clear in Judgment, and none be able to answer him one word of a thousand.

VII. Jesus the faithful and true Witness, was so necessary to the determination of matters relating to God and man, that it could not be done without him, otherwise another might have served in his room; but none in Heaven nor Earth was found worthy to open the Book, and loose the •• eals thereof, Rev. 5.4. If I had not come and done what no other did, you had not had Sin, but now you have no cloak for your Sin ; John 15.22, 24.

VIII. Christ, as the chief Witness, hath spoke the whole Truth, left nothing concealed that either concerns God's Glory, or Men's Good, either by himself before he went to Heaven, or by his Apostles since; he hath declared the whole Counsel of God, so that the Record of his Testimony is able to make us perfect and complete in the whole Will of God; and if any add to, or take from his Word, he shall lose his part in the Book of Life and heavenly Jerusalem.

IX. Jesus is so just, and impartial a Witness; yea, and so great an Abhorrer of Falsehood, that he is called the Truth itself, yea, Grace and Truth came by him ; He was holy, harmless, separate from Sinners.

X. As the Testimony of Jesus will put an end to all Controversies the right way, and leave the Wicked wholly wi •• hout Excuse, and clear the Justice of God: So it shall be more tolerable for the Land of Sodom, in the day of Judgment, than for that City, that refuse and reject the Word and Testimony of Christ in the Gospel. Divine Justice however will be cleared in the eyes or view of Men, and Angels, in condemning them that had the Light, and would not be determined by it. See Christ a Prophet.

Metaphor.

I. THe greatest Witnesses amongst Men, are but of a short standing, they are but of yesterday; know but in part, therefore can testify but in part.

II. Earthly Witnesses are but Servants, and in many things return the Matter of their Testimony by Information.

Disparity.

I. BUt Jesus Christ is an Ancient Witness of long standing, was with the F •• there from the Beginning, saw and •• eard all things that he spake and did: I was by him, as one brought up with him, &c. Before Abraham was I am.

II. Jesus Christ is the Son of the great King and Law-gi •• er, and hath the whole matter of Testimony by Sight and personal Knowledge: The Father hath shown the Son all things that hims •• lf doth, &c. And what he hath seen and heard that he testifieth: Joh. 3.32.

Christ an Altar.

THE Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , properly signifies an Altar, where the slain Sacrifices were offered; and sometimes, as Brightman says on Rev. 16.7. The Altar of Incense or Perfumes.— It is derived of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , which signifies a Sacrifice or Offering. In this Text it Metaphorically denotes the whole Mystery of Christ the Mediator, and is put by a Synecdoche for the Oblation or Sacrifice, ( viz. Christ.) See 1 Cor. 9.13. & 10.18. The meaning is, that such as still stick to the Ceremonies of the Law by serving the Legal Tabernacle, and thereby seek their Justification, cannot eat of this Spiritual Altar ; that is, they cannot be Partakers of the Benefits of this Sacrifice purchased by the Death of Christ.

Metaphor.

I. THe Altar of Perfume was appointed by the Lord, to be made of Shittim Wood, overlaid with Gold, having a Crown of Gold about it.

II. The Altar of Burnt-Offerings was ordained for Sacrifices, to atone for Sin; the Flesh of Beasts was offered thereon.

III. All Sacrifices were to be offered upon the Altar of Burnt-Offerings; and all Incense to be burnt upon the Altar of Incense.

IV. The Altar of Burnt-Offerings was but one, and in one place; and the Sacrifice to be offered thereon, in this place only.

V. The Altar did sanctify the Sacrifices which were laid upon it.

VI. The Altar was a place of Refuge, Men that were in danger, fled to the Horns of the Altar, and there entreated for Favor.

VII. The Horns of the Altar were to be sprinkled with Blood, and so was the Altar of Incense once a year.

VIII. The Altar had four Horns on the four Corners thereof.

Parallel.

I. CHRIST's Human Nature was covered and over-laid (as it were) with the Divinity, and crowned with Majesty, as the Gold adorned the Wood, and circled the Altar.

II. Christ was appointed for Sacrifice, his Human Nature was offered up as a Propitiatory Sacrifice for the Sins of the whole World.

III. All our Duties 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 'twill be abhor'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 entreated, 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 sanctified the Gift ceremonianlly or figuratively, and could not otherways.

III. Other Altars were to stand but for a time, 'tis 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 intrinsical Worth, Virtue, and Excellency there is in him and in his Death, &c.

III. Christ our Altar and High Priest abides forever. Thou art a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek: Heb. 5.6.

IV. Christ is incoruptible; that was of a perishing Nature, but this Altar perisheth not.

Christ Heir of all things.

THe term Heir, (in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Sors, or a Lot, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Lex, the Law) is one that inherits an Estate, Lot, or Portion by Law; and therefore God the Father being the Sovereign 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 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , is appropriated by Custom to the •• lergy, or Eccl •• siastical Persons; but it really signifies God's Lot or Inheritance, 〈◊〉 is all •• 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 woe •• d 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , is from the Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Goral, which by a Transposition of Letters, and the letter Gimel changed into the Greek Kappa, will be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Coral, which is of near Affinity in sound and signification to the Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , whence as was said, comes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 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 •• s the Term anywhere in Scripture pecul •• 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 Supreme 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 Favorites.

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 'tis said: He is appointed Heir of all things. God the Father, in the pursuit of the Sovereign Purpose of his Will, hath granted unto the Son▪ as Incarnate, and Mediator 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 Knowledge: 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 'tis reasonable that Christ should have this Sovereign Power and Headship; since 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 Preeminence 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 Preeminence 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 Sovereign 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 Sovereignty 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 quickening, 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 shall 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 forever 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. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , 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 non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the second Aorist. In the former sense, 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 usurped Power.

III. An Heir among Men, hath comparatively but small Possessions.

Disparity.

I. CHrist enjoys all, as he is Heir of all things, with the Father, who dieth 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, Emperors, 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.

Christ the only Foundation.

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 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , 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 skillful 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; 'tis laid before the Superstructure can be raised; 'tis the bottom of the whole Fabric▪

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 ofttimes 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 joined 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 Fabric.

X. There is Proportion between the Foundation and Superstructure; you may judge of the House for Matter and Form by the Foundation thereof.

XI. As the Foundation beareth the weight of the whole Fabric 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, picked out from amongst Men and Angels; and no •• only so, but also a tried 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 tried to the utmost, and found by the Saints in all Ages a safe and sure Foundation, he never failed 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 die 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 joined 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 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 practices 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 God's 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, 'tis 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 everything 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 joined and cemented together.

II. Other Foundations are laid of senseless 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 putrefy, as other things do. And as the Body by Joynts and Bands from the Head hath Nourishment ministered and knit together, groweth and increaseth in Strength and Beauty ; so is it with the glorious Body, the Church and Soul of a true Believer, that is joined 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; 'tis 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 Luster 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 build upon this Foundation!

VI. Christ is the only Foundation: as he is every way fit and meet to be laid in the bottom of the Building, so he is without Fault; And no other Foundation can be laid, than that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus. But though we, or an Angel from Heaven, preach any other Gospel to you than what we have preached unto you, let him be accursed: Gal. 1.8.

VII. Christ is a Foundation that can never be shaken, the greatest Revolutions, Mutations, Changings, Turnings and Over-turnings that can come, cannot over-turn this Foundation, nor remove it out of its place. Foundations of Kingdoms, Nations, Commonwealths and Constitutions of Antichristian Churches, may, and shall be shaken; but Christ the Foundation of the true Church shall abide forever.

VIII. Christ the Spiritual Foundation is able to uphold and preserve the H •• use or Soul that is built upon him; I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him. Upon this Rock I will build my Church, and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it: Mat. 16.18.

Christ the Corner-Stone.

CHRIST by a Metaphor (called Anthropopatheia ) is not only called a Stone, but also (by a very emphatical Phrase) a Corner-Stone, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Mat. 21.42. Acts 4.11. 1 Pet. 2.6. And whereas Builders place the strongest and most durable Stone in the Corner-Foundation, it denotes the firmness, strength, and duration of Christ the Foundation, or Spiritual Stone, upon which the whole Church is built. It is said, 〈◊〉 . 3.17. The Lord will smite the corner of the Head (so the Hebrew) of the Daughter of Zion. The exterior Angle of an Edifice has a Prospect to each side, and is put for Principality, or the chief Ruler, Judge. 20.2. 1 Sam. 14.38. Isa. 19.13. hence it is attributed to Christ, Psal. 118.22. expounded Eph. 2.15, 16, 17, 20. he having the chief over-sight of, as well as he is the principal Foundation to his Church.

METAPHOR.

I. A Corner-Stone sustains, and upholds the building; if the Corner of the House fall, the whole Structure is in danger. There came a Wind from the Wilderness, and smote the four Corners of the House, and it fell upon the young Men, and they are dead. Some Stones may drop out of the middle of the Building, and yet it may stand; but if the Corner or Foundation gives way, down it falls.

II. Corner-Stones are the Medium, by which the Walls of the House are united in one Building. Pull out the Corner-Stones and the two sides of the House are separated the one from the other.

III. The Corner-Stone is for Direction in a Building, an Under-workman is to take Rule from hence. All other Stones must be laid level and even with that, not further out nor in. So that being fitly placed, they know how to proceed from thence.

IV. The Corner-Stone preserves the House; hence a Builder lays strong and firm Stones in the Corner; for Experience shows, that most of the dangerous rubs and hurts a House is exposed to, usually falls upon the Corner of it, and that keeps off hurt and wrong, that otherwise the rest of the Building would sustain.

V. As the Corner-Stones are the strongest for bearing and preserving, so the fairest Stones for Beauty and Ornament. If the Corner-Stones be graceful, rich, and curiously wrought, the whole Building is the more comely. Much Art and Cost is bestowed on the Corner-Stones, they are better and more rich usually than any others.

Parallel.

I. CHRIST may be compared to a Corner-Stone in respect of Sustentation; He is the Sustainer and Upholder of the Church, the great Pillar that bears up his Elect. The Churches Safety, Peace, Grace, Comfort and Salvation is upheld by him: Eliakim was a Type of Christ in this. He shall be fastened as a Nail in a sure place. And be shall be for a glorious Throne to his Father's House, and they shall hang upon him all the Glory of his Father's House, the Offspring and the issue, all Vessels of small quantity, from Vessels of Cups, to Vessels of Flagons. All Believers from small to great, are born up by, and hang upon Jesus Christ.

II. Jesus Christ that entire and glorious Corner-Stone, unites Jews and Gentiles together; He hath made both one. He made them but one entire House and spiritual Building; He cements all Believers together in one Body; He makes them one, in Mutual Love and Affection; makes them all Partakers of the same Grace, Privileges and Salvation.

III. Jesus Christ is a Believer's Direction, He is our Rule by which we must proceed in all spiritual Things; that which is not done by Christ's Command or Example, or by plain Rule and Direction from him, must be all undone and pulled down again; all must run parallel with the Line of Christ's Doctrine or Example: Learn of me. And in another place, saith He, I have given you an Example that ye should do as I have done to you. Joh. 13.15. Having left us an Example that we should follow his Steps: 1 Pet. 2.21.

IV. Christ preserves the Church of God; He receives all the rubs of Enemies in his own Person, which had they met with us, would soon have broken us to pieces, and defaced our Souls. 'It is he who by his Strength keeps those great Dangers from us that we continually are exposed to from Satan, Sin, and wicked Men, and the Wrath of God. All our Strength and Help is in him: what a great Mercy is it, that God the great Builder hath chosen such a sure Stone for the Corner? Thou shalt preserve me from Trouble, O Lord, from the Hands of the Wicked preserve me, from the violent Man, who hath purposed to overthrow my Goings.

V. Christ is the beauty of all God's Building; as he bears up and preserves, so he beautifies likewise the Church, and all Believers. There would be no Comeliness in the House of God, all would be but as a deformed heap, were it not for this Corner-Stone. What is the Glory and Beauty of the Saints to Jesus Christ? He is fairer than the Children of Men. We have no Comeliness but what he puts upon us. God hath spared no Cost to place such a rare and choice Stone in the Corner. Christ is a Stone curiously wrought, if I may so say, richly adorned with the Divine Nature, full of Grace and Truth: Joh. 1.14.

METAPHOR.

I. OTher Corner-Stones of all material Buildings are inanimate, senseless, and lifeless things.

II. Corner-Stones of a material House, are fashioned and laid by Men.

III. Other Stones may drop, or be drove out of the Building, or be greatly mar'd, defaced and spoiled.

IV. Corner-Stones in a material House, as they strengthen the Building; so they also receive Strength from the Building, and are some security to the Corner.

V. Other Buildings must have many Stones for one Corner, cemented and joined together to complete and finish the Superstructure, and those Stones that are laid for one Corner, will not serve for every Corner of the same House.

VI. 'It is rare to see a material Building to have Corners laid with precious Stones, as Jasper, Onix, Diamond, &c.

VII. An House though its Corners should be laid with precious Stones, and Pearl, and all the Structure suitable, and so thereby may be more glorious and durable than Corner-stones of other Buildings, yet may it molder away, be defaced, lose its Beauty, and perish.

VIII. Other precious Stones are of a small dimension, and of small weight; you may put many of them, the largest that were ever seen, in a small Vessel or Cabinet.

IX. Another precious Stone may have many excellent Properties in it; but no one hath all Virtues, Excellencies, Forms, and Colours in it.

Disparity.

I. JEsus Christ is a living Stone, he hath Life in himself, and communicates Life unto the whole Building; and from hence, Believers are called Lively Stones.

II. Christ is both fashioned, polished and laid in the Spiritual Building by God himself; Behold, I lay in Zion a chief Corner-Stone: 1 Pet. 2.6.

III. Christ is a Stone that cannot be loosed nor disjoined, nor drove out of God's House, by all the skill of Men or Devils; nor can be mar'd, spoiled, or any ways hurt.

IV. Christ the Spiritual Corner-Stone, receives no Strength from any Stone or part of the Building; what need hath he of Help from any of his Saints? What can weak Believers add of Support to him?

V. Christ the Corner-stone is but one whole entire Stone, yet every corner of God's House hath the same Stone; and though the Building be raised never so high, yet he fully supplieth each Corner from the bottom to the top, and there needs no other Corner-Stones besides himself.

VI. Christ the Corner-Stone of the Spiritual Building, is a Precious Stone: Behold I lay in Zion a chief Corner-Stone, elect and precious ; no Jasper, Onix, Diamond, or Sapphire is to be compared to Him. He is of infinite Worth and Value, ot only so in the Opinion and Esteem of others, but really so in himself; hence called the Pearl of great Price.

1. He is precious in himself, being God co-equal and co-eternal with the Father; The express Image of his Person ; Heb. 1.3.

2. He is so, it appears, in that he is the choice Diamond, the Delight and Jewel of his Father's Heart, his only begotten Son, who lay in his Bosom.

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 fullness 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 honor and show 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 forever account of Him as the most precious and inestimable Jewel in Heaven or Earth. The Saints in Heaven forever proclaim his glorious Worth and Praise; they cry, Power, Riches, Wisdom, Strength, Honor, Glory and Blessing to the Lamb forever and ever. To all the Saints on Earth he is precious. Paul accounted all things as dung, that he might win Christ; The Spouse cries 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 show how they did adore and honor 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 itself 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, today, and forever.

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 excels 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 Poison, &c.

See the Metaphors, Pearl of great price, and Foundation.

Christ the Wonderful, Counselor.

COuncellour, is a word of a double Signification, respecting two ranks of Men. (1.) Such as appertain to the high Courts of Princes, called Counselors of State. (2.) Such as appertain to the high Courts of Judicature, who are called Counselors 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 Council 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 Counselors, &c. Many things belonging to each Station, do very fairly agree to the Son of God, who therefore is not unfitly called Wonderful, Counselor, &c. Wonderful ▪ because the greatest and wisest that ever was. Counselor, because his Place, Work, and Circumstances agree thereto, as appears in these following Considerations.

Counselor.

I. SOme Counselors are of a noble Extraction, well descended, which gives them Advantage above others. Such have a double Advantage. 1. In respect of Honor. 2. In respect of Education. Men basely or meanly born and descended, are seldom or never advanced to the Honor of Counselors in the highest Courts, especially of Parliaments.

II. A Counselor is brought up to useful Learning for so great an Employ or Office; Men who are illiterate being unfit for it.

III. A Counselor is a Man of Worth, otherwise unfit for that Function, or to appertain to any Court.

IV. A Counselor of State is, or ought to be a Man of an high and heroic 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 Counselor of State, is chosen to that high Sphere and Dignity; he comes not in of himself, but by choice.

VI. A Counselor 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 Counselor 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 Counselor of State is one, who is thought worthy to be the Kings Familiar, and Companion.

IX. A Counselor of State, is one of the highest Ranks of Men, none above him but the King himself.

X. A Counselor 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 employed in the King's Business.

XI. A wise, worthy and good Counselor of State, though he be a Subject and Favorite to the King, yet he is a great Glory to a Kingdom, and it is the more respected for his sake.

I. A Counselor at Law is a public Officer belonging to a Court of Judicature.

II. A Counselor at Law gives Advice and Council, from whence he derives the Denomination of being called a Counselor.

III. A Counselor 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 Counselor at Law resolves doubtful Cases, which other Men cannot.

V. Counselors at Law make Conveyances of Estates; and most Men think these Conveyances not sufficient, unless made by such able Men as they.

VI. Counselors at Law have great respect amongst Men, especially those who do most need them, and make use of them.

VII. A Counselor at Law puts an end to Controversies, by Non-suiting, or Overthrowing the Party which is on the Adversaries side.

VIII. A Counselor at Law makes Contracts in great and weighty Cases between Parties.

IX. A Counselor at Law discovers Flaws in Evidences, to undeceive the over-credulous.

X. A Counselor 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 Counselor 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 Divini •• y, the eternal Son of God, Possessor of Heaven and Earth; He is Lord of the Angels, and King of Saints and 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 Honor, 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 everything, 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 human Assistance.

III. Jesus Christ is a Man of worth, most fit to be Counselor in the high Court, above, and that in these four following respects. 1. In respect his great Wisdom. 2. The Knowledge 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 Counselor 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 entered into Heaven, and is set down at the Right-hand of God.

VII. Christ that great and wise Counselor, 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 bosom 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 concerned 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 employed 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, Ambassadors, and the like. All suitors to God for Favor, 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 Counselor, he is a Glory to Heaven itself, and Heaven is the more longed for, for his sake. This is generally acknowledged by all that have the Knowledge of him, or Interest in him.

So much may suffice concerning Christ, as compared to a Counselor of State; I shall now speak concerning him under the other acceptation of the Word, viz. Counselor at Law, &c.

I. The Lord Jesus Christ is a public 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 Council, and most worthily deserves the title of a Counselor. I will bless the Lord who hath given me Council. Go thy way, sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon thee. I counsel thee to buy of me Gold tried in the Fire, and white Raiment that thou mayest be clothed, &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 showeth to what degree it extends, &c. He also shows what are the Privileges 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 cheer; Daughter, be of good cheer, 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 Savior. — 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 seals the Covenant between them; for which cause he is called, The Mediator of the New Covenant, Heb. 12.24. See Mediator.

IX. Christ hath discovered Flaws in Evidences, to undeceive those that have been mistaken about their Right to the Heavenly Inheritance. Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing, and knowest not that thou art wretched, and poor, and blind, and miserable, and naked. Rev. 3.17. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. John 3.3.

X. So Christ is of general use to Men, since the nature of Mortals hath been so generally corrupted by the Fall, by which means there is a necessity of him not only as a Priest to offer Sacrifice for us, but also as a Prophet or Counselor, to expound the obligations to Holiness, and the spirituality of the Laws of God to us; for want of which many go on in their Errors, till they forfeit all Privileges, fall under the strokes and penalties of the Law, and become miserable forever through ignorance, unbelief, and disobedience.

XI. Jesus Christ is a Pleader of Causes, which is none of the least part of his work: for which see Advocate opened.

There are many Disparities ; Christ excels all other Counselors in many respects. See Advocate.

The Compassion of Christ to Sinners under the Similitude of a Hen.

THE Lord Jesus shows by these words his great Compassion and Affection to the Jews, who refused the offers of his Love and infinite Favor.

Three things are considerable in the Text.

1. Christ's Grace and good Intention to them, How often would I have gathered thy Children together, &c.

2. The way or manner which he took in order to the accomplishing of his gracious Design and Purpose touching them, — as a Hen gathereth her Chickens under her Wings.

3. The Jews Obstinacy; Ye would not.

The Lord condescends very low in making this Simile of a Hen ; the nature and property of which Creature take as follows, so far as it will hold Parallel to the Case in hand.

Simile.

I. NUllum enim Animal circa pullos suos tanta Compassione movetur, &c. Saith Bernard ; There is no Creature that is moved with so much Compassion towards her young ones, as the Hen.

II. The Hen is observed to fly in the very face of such ravenous Birds as strive to destroy her Chickens; she strives to save and defend them with all her might, though with the utmost hazard of her life.

III. Such is the Hens care of, and affection towards her Chickens, that she for their sakes is made weak in all her members, and brought to extreme faintness. Hoc genus animantis magnum affectum in filios habet, ita ut eorum infirmitate affecta, &c. (saith Austin ) this Creature shows great affection towards her young ones, that being affected with their weakness, she also is made weak.

IV. The Hen clocks often, and with a mournful voice, as it were, calls her Chickens to her, when she perceives they are in danger by the Kite, or any other enemy, to be destroyed.

V. The Hen stands ready prepared to receive her Chickens under her Wings to defend them against all Violence that may happen to them.

VI. The Hen is very desirous to gather all her Chickens together, and cover them with her Wings; she would not have one of them wanting.

VII. The Hen gathers her Chickens to her; and that they may have Food as well as Nourishment and Shelter, she looks about and scratches to get them Meat.

VIII. The Hen succors, refreshes and makes lively such Chickens that are weak and hang down their Wings, and can scarce go; she soon recovers them when she gets them under her Wings.

IX. The Hen, 'tis observed, if she finds any Crumbs, Corn, or any other good thing, she gives it to her Chickens, though she wants it herself; she spares out of her own Mouth, and puts it into theirs.

Parallel.

I. THe Lord Jesus was moved with the greatest Compassion imaginable towards the poor Jews and Jerusalem, which he was first sent to, and came to seek and to save. This is signified abundantly by that wonderful Passion, that seized upon his Spirit, when he came near the City, and by his Expressions in the Text, &c. 'tis said, he wept over it, &c. and cried out with a mournful Voice, O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! &c.

II. The Lord Jesus Christ to save and defend the Off-spring of Israel, and the poor Sinners of the Gentiles, did not refuse to encounter with the greatest of their Enemies: He resisted the Devil, who sought to make a prey of them, &c. No Enemy that strove to devour us, but Christ endeavored to defend us from him.

III. Christ, that he might save poor perishing Sinners, by taking Man's nature upon him, was made weak in the same sense, as 'tis said he became poor: such was the greatness of his Love and Affection towards us, that he bare our sickness, and carried our sorrows. To what extremity of faintness was he brought, when he sweat as it were great drops of Blood! and when the ponderous Cross was laid upon him, as they led him to Golgotha, 'tis said, he fainted. He was touched with the feeling of our infirmities, being made like to us in all things, sin only excepted.

IV. Christ calls to poor helpless and impenitent Sinners very often, with a mournful Voice, and Tears in his Eyes, O that that hadst known, in this thy day, the things thou belong to thy peace; but now they are hid from thine eyes! O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Why, what's the matter? An Enemy is at hand, Ruin is at the door; Why will you die, O House of Israel? Now 'tis to England, yea, to London ; O that they would once hear Christ's Calls before it is too late, and the things that concern their peace be hid from their eyes! &c.

V. The Lord Jesus stands with his Arms and Heart open ready to receive all true penitent Sinners, that come unto him; I have spread out my Hands all the day long, &c. Come unto me all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you Rest, &c.

VI. The Lord Jesus hath such Bowels of Pity and Compassion to sinful Mankind, that he would have none of them perish, But come to the Knowledge of the Truth, and be saved ; How desirous is he to get them all under his Wings of Grace and Protection; Turn ye, turn ye, why will ye dy, O House of Israel? turn and live, saith the Lord, How often would I have gathered thy Children together! &c.

VII. The Lord Jesus calls to Sinners, that they may have the Bread of Life. Ho, every everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the Waters, &c. Eat ye that which is good; yea, the Bread that never perisheth. Christ gives Bread that never perisheth.

VIII. All sin-sick and diseased Souls that are weak and hang down their Heads, or their Wings, and go drooping all the day (as it were) half dead, no sooner are they got under the Wings of Christ, but he graciously succors and refreshes them, making them brisk and very lively.

IX. Christ out of his infinite Bowels to his People, finding no other Meat was so good and excellent for them, gave them Food from Heaven, even his own Body, My Flesh is Meat indeed, &c.

Simile.

I. THe Hen cannot save and defend her Chickens under her Wings, when she hath gathered them to her, being a poor, weak inconsiderable Creature.

II. The Hen when her Chickens are grown up, cares not for them; she will ('tis noted) rather strike at them, and beat them from her.

III. The Hen loses often-times her Chickens; the Kite gets them away from her, and makes a Prey of them.

IV. A Hen soon forgets her Chickens, which she hath bred and brought up.

Disparity.

I. THe Lord Christ is strong and able to save, hide and defend all his People that come to him, under his Wings, being the most High, Omnipotent, Eternal Jehovah: The Father and I am one; He thought it no Robbery to be equal with God.

II. Our Blessed Savior will never cease to take care of, and provide for his poor Children; his Eye is as well upon the oldest and strongest Christians as upon the weakest and youngest; Cast all your Care upon him for he careth for you, &c.

III. The Lord Jesus Christ cannot, will not lose one of them that the Father hath given him, those, that thou hast given me I have lost none, but the Son of Perdition, &c. I give them Eternal Life, and they shall never perish, &c.

IV. Christ never can, nor will forget his Saints. Can a Woman forget her Sucking Child, that she should not have Compassion on the Son of her Womb? yea, she may, but I will not forget thee.

Christ the Captain of our Salvation.

THis is a military Term, the Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , a Captain, being derived from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , which signifies to lead; and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 also a Captain, derived from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , which signifies Beginning, Chief, or Government, denoting in a borrowed sense from Military Commanders, the Rule, Dominion and Principality of Christ over all, and that he leads his Spirtual Militia safe through all Perils in their Christian Warfare. Being to enter upon a Military Subject, and the chief of that Rank, we shall consider Captain in a threefold respect.

In respect of his

• 1. Qualifications.
• 2. Place and Office.
• 3. Progress or Actions▪

METAPHOR.

I. A Captain is supposed to be a Man qualified for his Place, to which there are these things necessary. 1. That he be free and willing to take that Work and Office upon himself; it is not meet he should be forced to do it. 2. It behooveth him to be one faithful in all things to his Sovereign. 3. A Captain must be valiant and courageous, not easily dismayed, though he meet with never such hard and difficult Service. 4. He ought also to be well skilled in the Work and Duty of his Place and Office.

II. A Captain is made so by his Commission, which is his Authority to act in that Capacity.

III. A Captain hath the Power of listing Soldiers under his Command, to serve in the King's War.

IV. A Captain by virtue of his Place and Office doth nominate his Officers, and appoint them their proper Work, gives out his Orders, beyond which they are not to venture.

V. A Captain hath the keeping of Muster-Rolls, wherein all the Names of his Under-officers and Soldiers are entered, by which he calls them over, and knows them all by Name.

VI. A Captain leads his Soldiers out into the Field to be exercised and disciplined, to be made fit for Service against the day of Battle.

VII. A Captain makes a Speech to his Soldiers to encourage them in the way of their Duty, and shows them the dangers of Neglect and Remisness.

VIII. A Captain hath Power to casheer, can take in or shut out, as he seeth Cause.

IX. A Captain is the Head of a Company, Commander over a Band of Men.

X. A Captain when he hath taken his Place, marches in the Head of his Company, runs the greatest Hazard, deserts not his Men for fear of Danger.

XI. A Captain gives the Word of Command to his Soldiers, which they are carefully to learn and observe.

XII. A Captain by his Place is engaged to War, both offensive and defensive as occasion shall require.

XIII. A Captain meets with Enemies to try his Skill and Courage.

XIV. A Captain makes use of Armor and Weapons, of which there is no small need in the day of Battle.

XV. Captains are commonly stout Men, and will make good their Ground against an Enemy, scorn to yield till they die.

XVI. A good Captain takes care for his Men to preserve and secure them, whether he lives or dies himself.

XVII. A Captain hath the power to prefer his Men to Office, that he approves of to be fit and worthy.

XVIII. A wise Captain puts the best Men into the greatest Service; he makes not young and unexperienc'd Men, Commanders of Companies, and Leaders of Parties, lest the Work should miscarry in their hands.

XIX. A Captain in weighty Affairs is joined with the Council of War, without whom there is nothing of grand Importance transacted.

XX. A Captain's place is a place of Honor, where the Subject is justly worthy of it, and the Army legally raised.

XXI. A valiant and Noble-hearted Captain offers terms of peace to the Enemy, before he falls upon them and fights them, to prevent effusion of Blood if possible.

XXII. Captains when their Favor is refused, put Men to the Sword, and make slaughtering work in the World.

XXIII. A Captain doth not only come off a Conqueror, but improves his Conquest and Victories to many degrees of Advantage. 1. To the discouragement of Advarsaries. 2. In spoiling their Forts and Strength. 3. In the erecting Trophies. 4. In disposing the Prey, to gratify, and reward his Soldiers that engaged with him in the War.

Parallel.

I. JEsus Christ the Captain of our Salvation, had not only these four, but all other honorable, and necessary Qualifications, that made him fit to be a Leader. For, 1. Jesus Christ was free and ready, had no force put upon him, but came voluntarily and of his own free will to undertake this Office, &c. he looked round about, and saw that there was none to help or to undertake this Work, then said he, Lo, I come to do thy Will, O God. 2. Jesus Christ was faithful over his own House, called the faithful and true Witness, he never so much as thought in the least, of betraying of his Trust. It was impossible indeed he should be unfaithful, who was without Sin, the holy and immacculate Lamb of God. 3. Christ was valiant and resolute, the danger of Death, and Threats of an ill natured King, could not make him retreat, when he had entered the Field, slighted his Enemies high Words and vain Florishes. Go, tell that Fox that I work Miracles this day and tomorrow, the third day I shall be made perfect. Luk. 13.32. The Contempts of his Enemies, nor Perswasion of his Friends, could not at all abate his Valor, he knew he must, and resolved he would be about his Father's Business. Luk. 2.49. 4. Christ was fitted with Wisdom and Understanding, he is called the Wisdom of God.

II. Christ was commissionated by God, after his qualifications did commend him to this Place: for though he offered freely to accept, yet he acted not of himself, but by Command and Authority from the Father. I came not of myself, the Father sent me. I received Commandment from the Father.

III. Jesus Christ hath the Power of listing Spiritual Soldiers under his Command, to serve in the Wars of the Soul, and Battle of the Lord of Hosts. He took the Names of Nathaniel, Zacchaeus, Cephas, Peter, James, and John, who listed themselves under his Command; with many others we read of in the Gospel.

IV. Jesus Christ doth appoint Saints their proper Work, and gives forth his Orders, beyond which they are not to pass. He nominated the twelve Apostles to be next to himself, and gave. Orders that they should not march beyond the confines of Judea, but tarry at Jerusalem till fresh supply of Strength came in. Go not to Samaria, nor the Cities of the Gentiles, But tarry at Jerusalem till you are endued from on high. Add not to his Word, &c.

V. Christ hath a Book wherein the Names of his Saints and faithful Followers are recorded, called in Scripture, the Lamb's Book, or Book of Life; whose Names are in the Book of Life; the Book of Life of the Lamb, slain from the Foundation of the World. He calls his own Sheep by Name, &c.

VI. Jesus Christ lead his Saints to the Sea side, to the Mountains, to the Desert, to exercise and make them fit for Service against the day of Battle, by which he taught their Hands to war, as it were, and their Fingers to fight against the Devil, the Flesh and the World.

VII. Christ made large Speeches to all his Followers (see his Sermon in the Mount ) to encourage them in the way of their Duty, and show them the great dangers of Neglect and Remisness. Blessed are they that 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, Hymenaeus, 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; H •• 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 Ministry, 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 engaged 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 Battle of all: For the Joy that was set before him, he endured the Cross, despised the Shame, and is sat 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 Timothy, 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, Counselor, 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 anything made that was made. When Commission was givn to Creatures of all kinds to act in their proper sphere, Christ was there. See Counselor.

XX. Christ's place is a place of Honor, 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 debauched person in the Army is continued in the Muster-Rolls, but presently turned 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 honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.

XXI. Jesus Christ offers Terms of Peace and Reconciliation, because he would prevent their Ruin, 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 Favor 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 Battle 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 Furlong •• ; The Fowls of Heaven shall be filled with their Flesh, there shall be burying work for Multitudes, seven Months. By Fire and Sword shall he plead with all Flesh, and the slain of the Lord shall be many. Isa. 66.15, 16.

XXIII. Jesus Christ at his first coming did weaken the Kingdom of Satan, spoiled Principalities, set up Trophies of his Victory, made a show of them openly, led Captivity in Triumph, and will complete the Work at his second Coming, will take the old Dragon and bind him for a thousand Years. And at the end of the thousand Years, cast the Dragon, the Beast, and the false Prophet, into the perpetual Dungeon. Rev. 20.2. v. 20. He will then give a Reward to all his Prophets, and Saints, both great and small, make them Rulers over Cities, over all Nations, To bind Kings in Chains, and Nobles in Fetters of Iron ; and dash them in pieces like Potters Vessels; give the Upright Dominion over them in the Morning; place them upon Thrones with Palms in their Hands; make them Kings and Princes in all the Earth, to Reign with him till he deliver up the Kingdom to the Father, which puts a final End to all▪ the Wars;