A Key to Open Scripture Metaphors

Inferences.

1. This may Inform and fully Convince all considerate Persons, what the reason and cause is that the Devil is such an implacable Enemy to the Gospel, and uses all means immaginable to prevent it or hinder the light thereof from shining into our hearts. If our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not, lest the light of the Glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2. It also shows us what a great blessing God hath bestowed upon this nation.

3. It may be a means to stir up all poor sinners to believe and obey it, to prize and esteem it.

4. It may teach us to contend earnestly for it, and to hold it fast, in spite of all opposers whatsoever.

5. What Motives might hence be inferred to prevail with all sincere Believers to be earnest with God, that they may behold in this glass more of his glory, to the end it may by its reflected Rayes, change them into the same Image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. That it may shine into their Hearts.

(1.) As they would be as burning and shining Lights to others.

(2.) As they would live in the Joy and Comfort of it themselves.

(3.) As they would approve themselves Wisdoms Children, by justifying and standing by, and for, this glorious Gospel held forth in the word of God, in the worst times.

6. If the Gospel be so glorious it may put each man upon Examination, dost thou perceive and clearly behold the glory which shines forth in it? Some (it is to be feared) never saw the gospel in the glory of it; it is as a sealed Book to them; they see but the outsides of the book, they are not able to discern the luster and glory which is contained in it; the God of this world hath blinded the minds (saith the Apostle) of them that believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the Image of God should shine unto them.

Some men commend the gospel only because it contains so many righteous and good Laws, and holy Rules of Justice and Morality, teaching men to live soberly, and to do as they would be done unto, but see but little more in it; which shows these men have but little of the Mystery, and Glory of the Gospel opened to them; for though' it be granted, that it is one part of the excellency of it, yet it is not the chief, as appears by what hath been said.

Again, There are others who seemingly are much affected with the Gospel (that Book of Books) and yet cry up, and magnify the Light within above it, as if that was a more perfect Rule than the holy Gospel, and Word of God; which shows how little of the Gospel glory appears to them.

In the last Place, if the Gospel be so glorious, O pray (whosoever thou art) that God would be pleased to open thine eyes, that thou mayst see it so to be; and cry mightily, that he would be pleased never to take it away from this poor Nation, nor suffer its Glory and Brightness to be Eclipsed by letting in Popish darkness again amongst us. If we once lose the Gospel, we may all cry Ichabod, the glory is departed from England ; and, with the Church of Old, say, the Crown is fallen from our heads, woe to us that we have sinned.

But some may say why doth Satan endeavor to hide the Gospel?

1. It is because he is such an implacable Enemy to Mankind, he cannot endure the light himself, and he would not (such is his hatred to us) have the light of the Gospel shine upon us.

2. Because of that Malice he bears to the Lord Jesus, he would fain keep men ignorant of a Savior; Not only out of hatred to man, but also out of implacable enmity to the Lord Christ, that so he may as much as lie's in him hinder our Savior's chief design and intention in coming into the World; which was to bring men out of Darkness into the Light.

3. Because he knows whilst he can keep men ignorant of the Gospel, he hath them fast enough, what Profession soever they make of Religion, though' they hear, read, pray, give Alms, nay, and in many things reform their lives; yet if they see not the way of Salvation, as it is revealed in the Gospel, he matters it not, they still remain his Captives.

4. Because, it is hereby, his Kingdom is like to fa •• ; 'tis the light of the Gospel that tends to the utter overthrow and ruin of the Kingdom of darkness.

What wonderful things hath the Gospel done in the World, and what Power is there in it, by the help of the Holy Spirit to dis-Throne Satan, and break all his Chains to pieces; therefore he bestirs himself to hinder the breaking out of Light and Knowledge in every Nation, and causes fierce opposition to be made against those, who endeavor to sup-plant him, and lay open his grand designs. This informs, us, how it comes about there is so much Ignorance and gross Darkness in the World; not only in Popish Countries, but also where the Gospel is Preached: Though Men hear it Preached every day, yet O how Blind and Ignorant are many Sinners. Men rest satisfied with the bare notion of Things, and Name of Christians, never minding Religion in good earnest, but in a most fearful manner, are grown so fool-hardy, and venturous, as to hazard and expose their Souls unto eternal ruin. The Devil hath blinded their minds, this also shows us from whence it is, there are, and formerly have been, so many false, and detestable Opinions, Errors, and cursed Heresies in the world. Alas, the Devil this way, endeavors to obstruct and hinder the Gospel from being received, he has indeed strove a long time wholly to overthrow the very foundation of the Christian Religion, and to bring in another Gospel; he strives to cheat Men of the true Savior, and in his stead to Preach another, of whom the Scripture is wholly ignorant, how have many Impudently asserted the Light in all men to be the true Christ, and Savior of the Word? He doth not only strive to take away his glorious Sovereignty, and set up another Universal Head, who hath power to make Laws, and repeat them in matters of Religion at his pleasure, (as the Followers of the Beast affirm) But now of late endeavors to take away the very Person of the Holy Jesus. Also to change the Ordinances, or wholly to deny them, (hath been, and is another of his Stratagems) which witness to the true Christ, his Death, Burial and Resurrection. And lastly, Satan hath always endeavored also to bring into contempt the Ministers of the Gospel, or else raise up Persecution upon them; and all these things he doth to hinder the Gospel from shining, or obstruct the promulgation thereof.

The Kisses of Christ's Mouth.

LEt him (that is, Christ) kiss me. By these Expressions (saith Ainsworth, and others) the Church desireth to have Christ manifested in the Flesh. Others, by Kisses, understand most friendly, familiar, and sensible Manifestations of Love, for they are so amongst Friends; as 'twas betwixt Jonathan and David, and so 'tis between Husband and Wife. It is evident that Kisses are mentioned on sundry Occasions, used for divers Ends, and signifying several Things.

• 1. We read of a Kiss of Salutation, 1 Sam. 20.41. 1 Thess. 5.26.
• 2. A Kiss of Valediction, Ruth 2.9.
• 3. A Kiss of Reconciliation, 2 Sam. 14.33.
• 4. A Kiss of Subjection, Psal. 2.12.
• 5. A Kiss of Approbation, Prov. 2.4.
• 6. A Kiss of Adoration, 1 Kings 19.18.
• 7. A traiterous Kiss, Mat. 26.49.
• 8. A Kiss of Affection, Gen. 45.15.

And since the Church desires, in the Plural Number, Kisses of Christ's Mouth, it may refer,

1. To a Kiss of Reconciliation, or Manifestation of Peace, Unity, and Friendship.

2. A Kiss of Affection, which is very sweet, to have Christ express or manifest his gracious Love to her.

3. A Kiss of Approbation which is (saith Mr. Guild ) sweetest of all.

The Text is purely Allegorical, as the whole Song is acknowledged to be by all Divines.

METAPHOR.

KIsses betoken Love and Good-Will to the Party they are given to.

II. They betoken a hearty Conjunction, and cordial Union of two Parties.

III. They betoken such a Friendship, as allows a Liberty of Access and Communication at all times.

IV. They leave such Impressions, as engage the Affections to a future Remembrance of the Object.

V. They oblige the Giver to show further Favors, and Acts of Love and Kindness, to the Party he bestows them on.

VI. They are a Confirmation of the endeared Love and Reality we profess.

VII. They are the Privilege and Right (in a more peculiar manner) of Covenant-Relations, as Husband and Wife, &c.

VIII. In Reconciliation, (after a seeming Breach between dear Relations) they are highly prized and longed for by the Party offending.

IX. A Kiss is looked upon as a very high Honor, when received by an inferior Person from a great King or Prince, and begets in others a longing after the like Manifestation of Sovereign Grace and Favor.

X. They are very sweet and comfortable to very dear Friends, after long absence.

XI. They are the first Ceremony or Initiation of kind and comfortable Entertainment; as in the case of the profuse and extravagant Prodigal.

XII. To be admitted to kiss the hand of a Prince, is a great Honor, because of his Royalty and Grandeur; but to kiss his Mouth, is extraordinary, and only allowed to great Favorites.

Parallel.

THe Spouse in the Text desires of the Lord Jesus, Tokens, or further Manifestations of his Love and Good-Will to her.

II. The Church desires further Tokens and Assurances of that blessed Conjunction and Union, that is between herself and the Lord Jesus Christ.

III. Gracious Souls desire a more near Access unto Christ, and spiritual Intimacy and Communion with him: O when wilt thou come unto me! 'It is the Voice of my Beloved that knocketh. With my Soul have I desired thee in the Night.

IV. The Spouse desires such Favor, and Manifestations of Christ's Love and Grace, that she may never forget his Love: We will remember his Love more than Wine.

V. The Spouse desires (as doth every gracious Soul) that Christ would lay himself under such Obligations of Love and Friendship to her, that he may never forget her. The Death of Christ is the greatest Expression of his Affection to his Elect. Let him seal up his Love to us by the Kisses of his Mouth, viz. by his gracious Promises, and we are sure enough.

VI. The Spouse desires the greatest Confirmation of Christ's Love and gracious Affection to her, to have clear Evidence of her Union with him, and eternal Life.

VII. Manifestations of Christ's Love do belong properly to the Church, and covenanted People of God. Hence the Spouse presumes to speak thus unto her Beloved, Let him kiss me with the Kisses of his Mouth: I have the Liberty and Privilege to request it of him.

VIII. Manifestations of Christ's Love are greatly prized by gracious Persons, after there hath been a seeming Strangeness or Breach in their Apprehension between them, knowing they were wholly in the fault, and the only Cause of the Breach.

IX. The Love-Tokens, or Expressions of Christ's blessed Favor to the Spouse, make the Daughters of Jerusalem to long after Christ's Love and Favor as well as she: Whither is thy Beloved gone, O thou fairest among Women, that we may seek him with thee? This was after she had declared, His Mouth is most sweet, he is altogether lovely.

X. How sweet and exceeding comfortable are the Kisses of Christ's Mouth, or Evidences of his Love, after a long time of spiritual Desertion.

XI. Manifestations of Christ's and the Father's Love, are glorious Tokens or Acts of Acceptance of poor Sinners, who having been very vile and rebellious, return home at last to their Father's House, and embrace a precious Savior.

XII. The Kisses of Christ's Mouth, (who is the only King and blessed Potentate of Heaven and Earth) are an infinite Honor; can a poor Creature be more eminently dignified?

The Word of God compared to a Net.

SOme understand by the Net, and Kingdom of Heaven, that our Savior intends the Church; others the Gospel. It may have respect to both, but in my Understanding it is more clearly applicable to the Gospel.

Parable.

A Net is made or prepared, as a convenient thing to catch Fish.

II. A Net is made use of by skillful Fishers; it requires Wisdom rightly to use it, to the End it is appointed. A Fisher uses ofttimes much Policy and Craft, in putting in, and drawing of his Net.

III. A Net is cast into a Multitude of Waters, at an Adventure, the Fisherman not knowing whether it may catch many, or few, or any at all.

IV. A Fisherman works hard with his Net, sometimes a great while together, and catcheth nothing.

V. A Net takes Fish of every sort, some great Ones, and some little Ones, some good, and some bad; as 'tis expressed in this Parable.

VI. A Net takes Fishes out of their own natural Element; and as soon as they are taken out of the Water they dy.

VII. A Net takes or compasses sometimes a Multitude of Fishes at once. When Simon Peter put in his Net at the special Command of Jesus Christ, he enclosed a great Multitude of Fishes.

VIII. A Net, though it be cast into the Sea, and has taken many Fishes, yet 'tis not known of what kind or sort they be, until the Net is drawn up.

IX. After the Fisherman hath drawn his Net about so long, that he concludes it hath taken all it is like to enclose and compass in, he then draws it to the Shore, and severs the Good from the Bad; the Good he puts into Vessels, and the Bad he throws away.

Parallel.

THe Gospel or Word of God is appointed to catch or convert the Souls of Men: Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch Men.

II. The Word of God is made use of by skillful and able Ministers; and it requires much spiritual Wisdom, rightly to use it for the Conversion of Sinners. Paul being crafty, tells the Corinthians, He took (or catched) them with Guile.

III. The Gospel is preached by a faithful Minister to a Multitude of People, (who are compared to Waters in many Places of Scripture) and yet he knows not, when he preaches, or casteth his Net in, whether he shall take many or few Souls, nay, whether one Sinner shall be reached or converted thereby, or not.

IV. So a Minister sometimes labors a long while together, and takes much Pains in preaching the Gospel, and yet converts not one Soul; Who hath believed our Report? &c. They may sometimes say with Peter, We have labored all Night, and have taken nothing.

V. So the Gospel-Net takes hold of some of every sort and degree of Men: Some great and honorable, rich and mighty in the World, though not many such; some little Ones, such as are mean and poor in the World. Again, some great and notorious Sinners are taken, such as Mary Magdalene and Paul were, before converted; and some that are not such great and capital Offenders: For though every Man is a great Sinner in a proper sense, yet comparatively some are greater, or more guilty and profane than others: And there was a Woman in the City, that was a Sinner: Not but that all the Women in the City were Sinners, but this Woman was a notorious one, or one noted and eminent for Wickedness. Also the Gospel and Church of God takes some bad Professors, and counterfeit Christians, as well as such as are sincere.

VI. The Gospel or Word of God, the spiritual Net, takes Sinners out of their natural Element; and as soon as they are savingly taken thereby, they die to Sin, and to all sensual Objects, and carnal Delights of the Flesh, and this World, and to their own Righteousness, Rom. 6.2, 6, 11.

VII. The Gospel-Net also sometimes takes hold of, or encloseth many Sinners at one Cast. At one Sermon three thousand Souls were converted, by that glorious Preacher, and famous Fisher of Men, the Apostle Peter.

VIII. So the Gospel and Church of God, though it takes many Souls, yet 'tis not fully known of what sort they be, until the Time comes that Christ draws the Net up.

IX. The Gospel and Church of God having taken many Sinners, or all being brought in, that are to be taken by this spiritual Net, Christ will (as it were) at the last Day draw it to Shore, and then he will sever the Good from the Bad, the Sheep from the Goats, the sincere Ones from Hypocrites; and the one shall be saved, atd the other thrown away, viz. be damned. Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a Net that is cast into the Sea, that taketh of all sorts, which when it is full, Men draw it to Land, and gather the Good into Vessels, and cast the Bad away: So shall it be at the End of the World: The Angels shall go forth, and separate the Bad from the Good, and shall cast them into the Furnace of Fire; there shall be wailing, and gnashing of Teeth.

Parable.

A Fisherman has one Net prepared to take small Fishes, and another to take great Oone.

II. A Net many times proves defective, and comes to be broken, and by that means the Fisherman loses hir Draught of Fishes.

III. A Net takes Fishes out of their own natural Element, to their great hurt, the Fisher's design in taking them, being to kill and destroy them.

Disparity.

THe Gospel or Word of God is but one and the same Net, which takes the great and small Metaphorical Fishes.

II. There is no Defect in the Word, the Gospel-Net is never faulty, nor is it from thence so few Sinners, or spiritual Fishes, are taken; but rather from themselves, and Satan, who endeavors to obstruct (as much as in him lies) their being taken thereby.

III. The Gospel-Net takes Sinners out of their natural State, viz. Ways of Sin and Wickedness, for their great Good and Advantage; it being the Design of God, and his Servants, the Ministers of his Word, to save their Souls alive thereby.

The Word of God compared to Gold.

THo these Scriptures do not directly compare the Word of God to Gold, but rather set out the great Excellency of it above Gold, and show the great disproportion there is between Gold and it; yet we shall (as some Divines have done) run a Parallel between Gold and the Word, and then in our usual Method show the Disparities.

Simile.

GOld is a precious sort of Metal, and is esteemed the chiefest of all Minerals. See Pliny.

II. Gold contains much in little; a small quantity of Gold is worth much Brass, &c.

III. Gold is a weighty and a firm sort of Metal.

IV. Gold hath much Beauty and Splendor in it; the Colour shines, and is glorious.

V. Gold is made use of to deck and adorn with. The Father of the Prodigal called for a Ring to put upon his Finger. Nay, more than this, the Crowns of Kings and Princes are usually made of Gold.

VI. Gold is used to make Vessels. We read, that God appointed under the Law many Vessels to be made of pure Gold; divers such were in Solomon 's Temple, all which were figurative.

VII. Gold is durable: It abides the Fire, it will not lose or waste by being put into the Furnace, as other Metals will.

VIII. Gold enriches him that finds much of it: It is esteemed as a precious and principal Treasure; and as such, both in former and latter Times, hath it been hid and laid up: Then shalt thou heap up Gold as the Dust, &c. Tyrus heaped up Silver as the Dust, and fine Gold as the Mire of the Street.

IX. Men take much Pains to get Gold, they dig through Hills and Mountains for it, and endure much Labor and Pain before they can obtain it.

X. Gold is a sort of Metal that is often tried, to see if it be what it is taken to be, whether it be so good, pure, &c.

XI. Men that get much Gold, are oftentimes set upon by Thieves, and are in great danger of being robbed; and from hence take care to secure it and themselves as well as they can.

XII. Gold is known to be a rich and Sovereign Cordial, and excellent good to cure several Diseases of the Body, particularly the Kings-Evil.

Parallel.

THe Word of God is very precious, and so esteemed by all true Christians: Thy Word is very pure, therefore thy Servant loveth it. I esteem the Words of thy Mouth above my necessary Food.

II. The Word contains much in little. Fear God, O how much is contained in that! God manifest in the Flesh; Christ, the Image of the invisible God: It pleased the Father, that in him should all Fulness dwell. Very much is contained in one of these short Sentences.

III. The Word of God is ponderous, and very weighty. The Words of Men ofttimes are airy and empty, and, when weighed in the Ballance, as light as Vanity, and not to be regarded; but what God speaks, is firm. And such as find it not heavy and weighty now, so as to let it sink into their Hearts, shall find it will one day sink them down to Hell: The Words that I speak shall judge you at the last Day.

IV. So is the Word of God. The Gospel is said to be glorious, 'tis indeed transcendently excellent; its Glory shines forth, and may be demonstrated many ways. See Metaphor Light.

V. The Word of God most gloriously decks and adorns every true Christian, that hath store of it in his Heart, in whom it dwells richly. The Church is said to be clothed with wrought Gold; the Word of God, and the Graces thereof, are doubtless intended thereby. The Gospel is the Saints Crown, and Royal Diadem; should God suffer it to be taken away, they may cry out with Israel of old, The Crown is fallen from our Head, woe to us that we have sinned. The Law of God is said to be an Ornament unto the Head, and Chains about the Neck, called, Cant. 1.10. Chains of Gold.

VI. The Word of God is made use of by Jesus Christ, to make many Golden Vessels, Golden Saints, Golden Churches, called by the Spirit Golden Candlesticks. No People in the World are so glorious, precious, and amiable, as God's People.

VII. The Word of God is durable. All the Endeavors of wicked Men from time to time, have been to destroy the Word; it hath been in many Fires, (as I may say) and yet it remains and abides the same. Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but my Word shall not pass away. All Flesh is Grass, and all the Glory of Man as the Flower of the Field: The Grass withereth, and the Flower thereof fadeth away. But the Word of the Lord endureth forever: and this is the Word which by the Gospel is preached to you.

VIII. The Word of God is of a Soul-enriching Nature; it enriches the Mind with the Wisdom and glorious Knowledge of Jesus Christ, and blessed Experience of his rich Love and Grace: Let the Word of God dwell in you richly, in all Wisdom. No Treasure is like to the Treasure of God's Word: We have this Treasure in earthen Vessels. (See Metaphor Treasure.) David hid it; and Mary, as a precious Treasure, laid it up in her Heart.

IX. So those that would be enriched with the Word of God, have much of it in their Heads and Hearts, must take Pains; they must dig in these Golden Mines (as it were) for it. Search the Scriptures, saith Christ. It is a Word taken from Miners, such as seek for Gold; they must do it carefully, vigorously, and resolvedly. If they would find the Power, Virtue, and Excellency of the Word, so as to make it their own, they must seek for it as for hidden Treasure.

X. The Word of God is called a tried Word; it has been tried by many thousand Christians, and found to be what it is taken to be, viz. pure Gold, sacred Truth; yea, and sweeter than the Honey, or the Honey-Comb. It never failed them that trusted to it. As for God, his Way is perfect. The Words of the Lord are pure Words, as Silver is tried in a Furnace of Earth, purified seven times.

XI. Those People, or particular Souls, that do possess and enjoy much of the glorious Word of God, are in danger of being set upon by spiritual Thieves and Robbers; Satan, and many other his Emissaries, will be sure to assault such. What experience hath England had of this for many Years, but more especially of late? How is it beset by bold, impudent, and bloody Romish Thieves? What is the reason? Why, England is rich, it hath got much Gold in it, much of the Word of God: Here are a rich People, many rich Churches, rich Souls; and therefore this grand Thief hath consulted with many of his Company, to set upon us, and rob us of all our Treasure. And hence it is we take, or ought to take such Care, to secure the Word of God, and ourselves from being undone by losing it.

XII. So the Word of God is by all true Christians known, and by common Experience found, to be a most Sovereign Cordial for the Soul, to revive and comfort a desponding and drooping Spirit, excellent good to cure inward Distempers.

METAPHOR.

GOld, and earthly Treasures, are (by the permission of God) at the Will and Command of Men. Daniel tells us, that the vile Person shall have Power over the Treasures of Gold and Silver, &c. They may take away, and dispossess us of the best of earthly things.

II. Gold may canker and corrupt: Your Gold and Silver is canker'd, and the Rust of them shall be a Witness against you.

III. Tho Gold will do many things for the Body, yet it cannot profit the Soul; it will beautify and enrich the outward Man, but it cannot beautify, purge, or enrich the inward Man.

IV. Gold and Silver will not satisfy or fill the craving Desires of Man: Neither is his Eye satisfied with Riches. He that loveth Silver, shall not be satisfied therewith.

Disparity.

THe Word of God received into the Heart, viz. into the Affection and Understanding, &c. no Man can take it from us; it is not in their Power to rob and dispossess us of this sacred Gold. They may take away our Bibles out of our hands, but cannot take the Word of God out of our Hearts, as it is engraven upon the fleshly Tables thereof.

II. The Word of God is incorruptible, so pure, that it can never canker, neither lose any of its excellent Glory, Beauty, and Virtue, it admits not of any Rust or Pollution: Being born again, not of corruptible Seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.

III. The Word of God enriches, beautifies, and purges the Soul: Now are you clean, through the Word that I have spoken unto you. He is spiritually the richest Man, that hath most of the Word of God abiding in him, who hath store of precious Promises laid up against a Time of Need.

IV. The Word of God received in Truth, is of a Soul-satisfying Nature: The Fear of the Lord tendeth to Life, and he that hath it shall abide satisfied, &c. This is that Water of Life, that whosoever drinketh thereof shall thirst no more, have no more an inordinate and insatiable desire after worldly things. See Water.

The Word of God called Milk.

BY Milk here, we must understand the Doctrine of the Gospel, which is easily taught unto the Capacities of such as are Children in Understanding.

METAPHOR.

MIlk is good to nourish the Body; and Physicians tell us, Where it is well digested, it maketh good Blood.

II. Milk is proper Food for Children, and new-born Babes; it nourisheth them exceedingly; they grow and thrive thereby, though they have nothing else to feed upon.

III. New-born Babes greatly desire and long after the Milk of the Breast.

IV. Milk is a Restorative, excellent good in Consumptions, or for them that be lean.

V. Milk was one of those choice Blessings that Canaan did abound withal: 'It is called a Land flowing with Milk and Honey ; as much as to say, 'tis a Land of rare and choice good things.

Parallel.

THe Word of God is good Food for the Soul: Man liveth not by Bread alone, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God. Where the Word of God is received, and well digested in the Understanding, it tends to make a sound Christian.

II. The Word of God is proper Food for those that are born again by the Spirit, or are truly regenerated. Such, like new-born Babes, grow and thrive by feeding spiritually upon the Word, Precepts, and Promises of God; and many have lived upon it, and have been satisfied thereby, when they have had nothing else to feed upon.

III. So upright and faithful Christians greatly thirst after and desire the Word of God: As new-born Babes, desire the sincere Milk of the Word.

IV. The spiritual Milk of the Word is an excellent Restorative for a consumptive, wasted, and decayed Christian: They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their Strength.

V. The holy Word of God is one of the choicest Blessings God hath bestowed upon his Church and People. Those that would see the Excellency of the Word and Gospel of Christ, may read the Metaphor Light.

The Word of God compared to Strong-Meat.

AS the Word of God is called Milk, so it is also called Strong Meat. By strong Meat, is meant the more profound, perfect, and mysterious Doctrine of the Gospel, which is to feed strong Christians.

METAPHOR.

STrong Meat is not meet or convenient Food for Babes; if they could eat it, yet they want strength to digest it.

II. If Children, after they are grown up, and arrived to Years of Maturity, refuse strong Meat, and cannot feed upon anything but Milk, there may because to fear they are some way defective or diseased.

III. Strong Meat yieldeth strong and perfect Nourishment; such as can feed upon, and well digest it, are more able and capable for Business, than those that only feed or live upon Milk.

Parallel.

THere is something contained in the Word of God, that young Christians, who are like new-born Babes, cannot receive it so as to understand it; it is not proper for them. The Milk of the Word, (such things as are easily taken in) is for them; strong Meat belongs to strong Christians, Men of Experience.

II. So if Christians, who have been a great while converted, and in the Profession of the Gospel, and yet cannot take in, nor feed upon anything but the Milk of the Word, strong Meat, being offensive to them, it argues some great defect in their Understanding, or that they are spiritually distempered.

III. So those Christians that can feed upon the strong Meat of the Word, who in their Understandings can in some measure relish and digest the Mysteries of the Gospel, or those deep things of God, get most spiritual Strength, and are more fit for Business, than the Weak, who only live upon Milk.

The Word of God compared to Honey.

SWeeter than Honey, or the Honey-Comb ; not only the most fine and delicate Honey, but all things which be delightful and pleasant to the Taste, by a Synecdoche. Because nothing is generally so precious and pleasant as Gold and Honey, thence Comparisons are taken from these rather than other things, to express the very great Worth and Sweetness of God's Word. Wilson.

Simile.

HOney is exceeding sweet to the Taste: What is sweeter than Honey?

II. Honey, if it be added or put into other things that are bitter, it will take away (in a great measure) the bitterness thereof, and so cause a Man to receive it down with less difficulty.

III. But notwithstanding Honey is so sweet and pleasant, yet there are some Men that do not care for it: The full Soul loatheth the Honey-Comb.

IV. Naturalists affirm, that Honey is good to dissolve and dissipate Tumors and Swellings, and to mollify Hardness; and that it is of an healing nature, and serveth for an infinite number of Uses.

V. Honey is also of a purging Quality.

Parallel.

SO the Word of God is very sweet and pleasant to the Taste of gracious Souls. What is more desirable to a sincere Believer, than the sacred Precepts and Promises of the Gospel?

II. So if the Soul be under Affliction, Temptation, Persecution for Christ's sake, (which are bitter things in themselves) yet if God be pleased to add or put into this Bitter, but some of the sweet Promises of the Word, how wonderfully is the Bitterness abated, and with what ease can a Christian bear up under them!

III. Tho the Word of God is so precious and desirable, yet there are many wicked and ungodly Ones, that cannot endure it. A vile Papist, in the Massacre of Ireland, took up a Bible, and cursed it, saying, That had done all the Mischief. Sinners are so glutted with the filthy Trash of this World, that they loath this sacred Honey-Comb.

IV. The Word of God is of most Sovereign Virtue to dissolve and dissipate all spiritual Tumors of the Soul, and to mollify and break in pieces the Hardness of the Heart. How did it mollify the Hearts of the three thousand Peter preached unto. See Hammer.

V. The Word and Spirit of God, when they operate together in the Soul, are the best spiritual Purgation in the World: Now are ye clean, through the Word that I have spoken unto you.

Simile.

THere are several hurtful Qualities in Honey, which may be prevented by taking the Advice of the Learned Physician.

II. There is much Dross in Honey.

Disparity.

THere are no hurtful Qualities in the Word of God; that needs no human Skill to correct or clarify it.

II. There is none in the Word of God: Thy Word is very pure, therefore thy Servant loveth it.

The Word compared to Fire.

The Holy-Spirit and Word of God, is, and may be fitly compared to Fire.

METAPHOR.

FIre is of an illuminating or enlightening Quality.

II. Fire is of a warming and heating Quality; there is not only Illumination, but Calefaction.

III. Fire will burn any combustable matter it can seize upon, separating Metal from Rust and Dross, it discovers whether Metals be of a currant or counterfeit and base allay. Whatever Fire seizes effectually upon, it converts it into a Flame.

IV. Fire is of an ascending Quality, greedily mounting to its proper Seat, and will not rest till it incorporates with its own Elements. Earth and Water incline to their own Centers, though sometimes artificially made to ascend.

V. Fire is of a melting and softening Quality, Iron, and other Metals are made pliable by it, and fit to receive any Figure whatsoever, as Wax keeps the Impression of the Seal.

VI. Fire hath a vivifying enlivening and quickening Quality, it refreshes and restores that Heat and Warmth, which the prevailing Cold deprives us of.

VII. Fire is of a comforting and consolating Quality or Nature

VIII. Fire is of a penetrating or piercing Nature, there is no pore or secret Passage of the Body thrown into it, but it pierces it.

IX. Fire is of an assimilating Quality, that is, it changes all Materials into its own Nature, or sets them on fire.

X. Fire is a very profitable Element, there is a necessity of it; many Trades cannot be followed without it, nor can Men and Women live without it.

XI. Fire is ofttimes quenched, and in a great measure put out, to the damage of those for whom it was kindled.

Parallel.

THe Word and Spirit is Light. The Commandment is a Lamp, and the Law is Light; enlightening the Eyes. Psal. 19.8. The Entrance of it gives Light. Psal. 119.130. By it the Eyes of our Understanding are enlightened: By which we know the Riches of his Glory. See Metaphor Light.

II. The Word and Spirit of God, give Heat and Warmth to the benumbed Soul of a poor Sinner; they give Zeal and Fervency (that is) Heat of Spirit to serve the Lord.

III. The Word and Spirit of God burns and consumes all that's fit Fuel for it; when thoroughly kindled upon the Souls and Consciences of Men, it destroys the Hay, Stubble, Wood, Chaff, &c. of Sin and Corruption; and leaves no Metals in the Building unconsum'd, save what is built upon the Foundation, Jesus Christ, who like Gold, Silver and precious Stones will endure the Fire; it also causes the Soul to burn in Love to Christ, to be lifted up with transported Ardency of Affection after him, and desiring to be united to him also. All Men are to be tried whether with respect to Doctrines or Practices by God's Word, and what disagrees with this Standard, or will not bear touch with this Touch-stone, is to be rejected as counterfeit, and of no value.

IV. The word of God when it hath by the Spirit, kindled the Soul of a Sinner, it immediately causes his Affections and Desires to ascend and mount up to Heaven as to its Center and only Place of Satisfaction, leaving (as the Fire only leaves Ashes) his dreggy and impure Part behind; the Soul seems to be then on the Wing wholly for Heaven, too pure and •• enned for Communion with corrupt things. They shall dwell on high, &c. Isa. 33.16.

V. The Word by the Spirit, softens the hard and stony Heart, and makes it a Heart of Flesh, disposes the Soul, and makes him fit to receive or take the Seal or heavenly Impression, and Image of God. See Zeal.

VI. The Word and Spirit quickens the Soul of a Sinner, nay raises to Li •• e those who have been, in a spiritual Sence, dead in Sins and Trespasses. 'It is the Spirit that quickenns, the Flesh profits nothing. The Law kills, but the Spirits gives Life.

VII. The Spirit of God, called the Comforter, administers the greatest, nay, the only Consolation to the Soul of Believers: O what Comforts have some poor deject Christians received from the gracious Promises of God's Word!

VIII. The Word and Spirit of God searches all the Faculties and Powers of the Soul; it penetrates not only the Head but the Heart, Judgment, Affections, Conscience, Will, &c. It leaves no Corner unvisited, nor secret Place undiscerned.

IX. The Word and Spirit of God makes the Soul spiritual, transforms the carnal Mind, and makes it partaker of its own divine Nature, it sets it in a flame of Love and spiritual Zeal for Christ and his blessed Truth.

X. The Word and Spirit of God is of such absolute necessity, that Saints cannot live one Moment without it. Hence the Spirit of Christ is called, The Spirit of Life. Moreover, the Word of God was esteemed by Job, above his necessary Food; and by David, above thousands of Gold and Silver. Man lives not by Bread alone, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God. Mat. 4.4. A Christian can perform no Duty aright acceptable to God, without the Divine Help and Influences of the Spirit of God.

XI. So is the Divine Fire many times quenched and put out in a great measure, to the hurt and damage of Christians. Quench not the Spirit. 1 Thes. 5.19.

METAPHOR.

FIre is an external Element, and only useful for the Profit and Comfort of the outward Man.

II. Fire is a bad Master, when it has got to a head and violently breaks out, it doth much Mischief, and destroys wonderfully.

Disparity.

THe Spirit of God and his Word are divine, sacred, and heavenly, profitable to the Soul of Man.

II. The Word and Spirit of God never hurts or injures those that it gets the Mastery and Victory over; if it destroys 'tis only Sin, and such things that would ruin and spoil the Soul; happy are those, in whom the Word of God and his Spirit doth reign and predominate.

The Word of God compared to a Hammer.

IN these Words, the Word of God is compared to Fire, which we have already spoken of.

2. As the Word is compared to Fire ; so likewise to a Hammer.

3. The Heart of a Sinner is compared to a Rock. We shall here only speak of the Word as it is compared to a Hammer.

Simile.

A Hammer is a fit Instrument to break Rocks, and beat Stones in pieces, &c.

II. A Hammer can do nothing of itself without the hand that uses it.

III. According to the Strength, Design and Wisdom of the Work-Man, a Hammer doth effect this or that, &c.

IV. A Hammer is not only a fit Instrument to break things in pieces withal; but also to drive home Nails, &c. and to clench and fasten them also.

Parallel.

THe Word of God is prepared by the Almighty, as a fit means to break in pieces the stony, and rocky Hearts of Sinners.

II. The Word of God cannot of itself break in pieces the Sinner's Heart: God must use it by the hand of the Spirit, if ever it accomplish that for which he sent it.

III. So according to the Design, Wisdom and Strength the Holy Ghost is pleased to put forth upon the Heart of a Sinner, is the nature of the Work that is effected or accomplished thereby.

VI. So the Word of God in the hand of the Spirit is very useful to drive home and fasten, (1.) The Nails of Conviction; (2.) To drive home and fasten Precepts; (3.) To drive home and fasten Promises. God is the great Master of Assemblies, who fastens the Words of the Wise as Goads and Nails, given from one Shepherd.

The Word of God the Sword of the Spirit.

TWO things may be inquired into, and in both these respects we shall run the Parallel.

• 1. Why the Word of God is compared to a Sword?
• 2. Why the Word is called the Sword of the Spirit?

1. Some take (as Mr. Gurnall observes) the Abstract here to be put for the Concrete, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Sword of the Spirit, for the spiritual Sword; as if it were no more but take the spiritual Sword which is the Word of God, according to that of the Apostle. 2 Cor. 10.4. The Weapons of our Warfare are not carnal, but mighty ; that is, spiritual Weapons: Indeed Satan being a Spirit, must be fought with spiritual Weapons; and such is the Word of God, viz. a spiritual Sword; but this though true, reacheth not the full sense of the Place, where 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is taken Personaliter, for the Person of the Holy Spirit.

METAPHOR.

A Sword is a Weapon generally made use of by all Soldiers of every Rank and Quality: the Captain, as well as the ordinary Soldier, hath and ought to have his Sword.

II. A Sword is a Weapon by which they do not only defend themselves, but also do great Execution upon their Enemies.

III. A Sword is a keen, sharp, piercing Weapon; it will enter into the Body and pierce the very Heart of a Man.

IV. A Sword is an honorable Weapon, and of great Antiquity; it hath been in use from the beginning, a Weapon that no Enemy hath any just cause to quarrel with.

V. Some Swords have two Edges, they will cut both ways, they will cut backwards and forwards, as they go in and as they come out.

VI. A Sword will cut off a Member; many a Leg and Arm have been cut off therewith.

VII. Some Wounds of a Sword are so mortal, that there is no cure for them.

VIII. A Sword is born ofttimes before a Magistrate to signify Authority and Justice. He bears not the Sword in vain.

IX. A Sword is a very victorious Weapon, it hath done great Execution in the World. Joshua made great Slaughter upon the seven Nations of Canaan with the Sword; it is said, he put all the Souls in several Cities to the Edg of the Sword.

Parallel.

THE Word of God, the spiritual Sword, every Christian (of what Rank or Quality soever) maketh use of, and cannot, ought not to be without it; the Captain General fought with this Weapon himself, Ministers, as well as every private Christian, ought always to be armed herewith.

II. So the Word of God is a spiritual Weapon, by which a Christian doth not only defend himself from the danger of Sin, and Satan, the World, &c. but by it he offends, yea, cuts down and overcomes and vanquishes all these and other cruel Enemies of the Soul, (1.) The Word is a defensive Weapon. (Saith David.) By the Word of thy Lips, I have kept me from the Paths of the Destroyer. Unless thy Law had been my Delight, I should have perished in my Affliction. (2). Offensive; by it our blessed Captain made the Prince of Darkness fly. It is written, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

III. The Word of God is sharper than any Sword. If the Spirit uses it, it will soon enter into and pierce the Heart of a Sinner; as appears by that notable Instance concerning those Jews that put the Lord Jesus to death; whilst Peter preached the Word to them, it is said, they were pricked in their Hearts.

IV. The Word of God is an honorable Weapon, our Savior and all holy Prophets and good Men would never else have made use of it: it is also of great Antiquity, the Writings of Moses, as it is observed by divers, were before any human Records. No Devil nor vile Heretic hath any cause to except against it, or to quarrel with the Holy Scripture.

V. The Word of God is quicK and powerful, sharper than any two-edged Sword ; it hath a twofold Operation at one time, as it is used by the Ministers of the Gospel, it wounds the Souls of the Elect in order to healing, and it wounds the Reprobate in order to damning, to such it may be called a killing Letter. To one we are the Savour of Life unto Life, to the other the Savour of Death unto Death.

VI. The Word of God hath cut off many a Member of the old Man, it will cut off a Right-hand lust, of Profit, or a Right-eye lust, of Pleasure.

VII. So some Wounds that many Sinners receive, are such, that there is no cure for them, ( viz. ) such who have sinned the unpardonable Sin. There is a Sin unto death.

VIII. He that bears the Word of the Spirit, shows he is a Man that hath great Authority for what he says, and that he is a Person for Right and Justice; it is that which decides all doubtful Cases, &c.

IX. So the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit, is a glorious and victorious Weapon, which will appear, If we consider how many it hath struck down dead, and sentenced unto eternal Death; how many strong Enemies have been slain and subdued by it, strong Lusts, strong Devils, strong and vile Heretics; it is a victorious Sword. It is called the Sword of the Spirit;

1. Because it is a spiritual Weapon, but that is not all.

2. Because the Spirit is the Author of it, a Weapon it is, (saith Gurnal ) which his Hand alone formed and fashioned, it came not out of any Creatures Forge. Holy Men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

3. The Holy Spirit is the only true Interpreter of the Word, whence we have that known Passage of Bernard; Quo Spiritu factae sunt Scripturae, eo Spiritu legi desiderant, ipso etiam intelligendae. The Scriptures must be read, and can be understood by no Spirit, but that a lone, by whom they were made.

4. Because the Spirit only can give the Word its Efficacy and Power in the Soul; it is the Office of the Spirit, Sigillare animum rerum creditarum. Except he lays his weight on the Truths we read, and hear, to apply them close, and as it were cut their very Image in our Minds and Hearts, they have no more Impression than a Seal sets upon a Stone or Rock. The Spirit will do nothing for Believers without the Word, and they can do nothing to purpose without him, the Word is the Sword, and the Holy Spirit of Christ the Arm that weilds it; So that,

5. The like use that a Sword is of to a Soldier in War; the same is the Word to the Spirit in order to the cutting down, and spoiling all his and others Enemies.

The Word of God compared to Leaven.

SOme understand by Leaven in this place the Word of God, others Grace; the one concludes it is the Word of Grace, the other the Grace of the Word; a third sort understand the Church of God is intended by it.

The Word and Grace of God may be compared to Leaven in three or four Considerations.

Parable.

LEaven is of a diffusive Quality, it infuses itself into every part, till the whole Lump is leavened.

II. Leaven is of an assimilating Quality, it turns the Meal in which it is hid into its own Nature.

III. The Woman took the Leaven and hid it in the Meal. Leaven must be hid, that so it may leaven the Meal the better.

IV. Leaven secretly and invisibly worketh and altereth the Meal, and maketh a Change therein, turning of it into Dough.

V. Leaven doth not change the whole three measures of Meal all at once, but it accomplishes its Work by degrees.

VI. A little Leaven will leaven the whole Lump. 1 Cor. 5.6. Gal. 5.9.

Parallel.

THe Word and Grace of God is of a diffusive nature, it will where it is received in a spiritual sense, leavens every Faculty of the Soul, until the whole Man, Body, and Spirit is leavened therewith. By three measures of Meal, some understand the Body, Soul and Spirit to be meant.

II. The Word of God, where it is in Truth received (such is the assimilating Nature thereof,) doth convert by its powerful Operation the whole Soul into its own Likeness, it changes the evil Quailties thereof, and works divine and spiritual Qualities in the room of them, making a glorious and visible change in the Heart and Life.

III. The Word of God must be received into the Heart, it must be hid as it were there like Seed that is covered in the Earth, that so it may have its blessed Effect in order to leaven the Soul in a spiritual Sence the better: Thy Word have I hid in my Heart.

IV. So the Workings and Operations of God's Word are secret and invisible; our Savior alludes to this, when he compares the Work of the Spirit in Regeneration to the Wind, as is well observed, the Word and Spirit work secretly, their Operations are invisible to the outward Eye.

V. So the Word and Grace of God, works not that blessed Change in the Soul all at one instant; but Grace is carried on in Believers by degrees. I deny not, but at the first Infusion of Grace or Act of Faith, a Man is really and actually justified; yet the Work of Conversion, and Holiness is gradually carried on, and may be a great while before it is perfected.

VI. So a small Quantity, or but a dram of true Grace will spiritually leaven and change the whole Man; hence Grace in the beginning is compared to a Grain of Mustard-Seed.

Parable.

LEaven is taken in the Scripture in an evil sense for Hypocrisy, evil Doctrine, Malice and Wickedness, from that sour Quality that is in it.

Disparity.

THe Word of God hath no unpleasant or souring Quality in it, but contrariwise it is the only means through the Spirit to purge out that old Leaven, whether it be evil Doctrine, Hypocrisy, Malice, or Wickedness, that soureth and corrupteth the whole Man.

2. This may further inform us, touching the nature of the Word and Grace of God. And from hence we may be able to make some Judgment, whether Conversion be truly wrought in our Souls? or whether the Kingdom of God, (where Christ spiritually rules, which is Righteousness, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit,) be in Truth begun in us or no?

The Word of God compared to Glass.

BERNARD understands by Glass here, to be meant the Gospel, with divers others; and we see no cause to question this Exposition.

Simile.

A Glass is a Medium, that represents Persons and things unto the sight of our external Eyes.

II. Some Glasses show us such things, that we cannot see, nor discern without them (as common Experience shows,) which are called Perspective-Glasses.

III. A Glass seems to bring such things near to us that are at a great distance. Some by looking in a Glass have discovered Things and Persons many Miles of, as if they were just by them.

IV. A true Glass shows or represents unto a Man his own natural Face; by looking therein he may see what manner of Man he is, he may take a plain view of himself, whether fair or deformed.

V. A Glass is used by some as a thing to dress themselves in; by it they know how to put on their Attire, and to deck themselves with all their Ornaments: if anything be wanting or amiss, which they would have on, they soon perceive it by looking in a Glass.

VI. A Glass is a thing that some Persons take much Delight to look into.

VII. He that would have a full or plain sight of a Person or Persons that he hath a desire to behold in a Glass, must look therein with open Face, he must not look asquint upon it.

VIII. A Man that beholds his natural Face in a Glass, and goes his way, soon forgets what manner of Man he was; if he saw Spots, or Blemishes, or other Deformity in his Face, or any uncomely Features, he soon forgets them.

IX. If a Man looks into a Glass, he sees there but the Image, Resemblance, or Representation of a Person or a Thing, not the Person or the Thing itself.

Parallel.

THe Gospel is the best Medium which represents God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and holy Spirit, Angels and Saints, with things past, present, and to come, to our spiritual Sight, or to the Eyes of our Faith.

II. The Word of God shows us such things and Mysteries, that without it we could not see nor have the least Knowledge of; as the manner of the Creation of the World in six Days; the cause why God sets his Bow in the Cloud; the glorious Attributes of God, together with God's manner of being, or the glorious Trinity; the Conception, Birth, Life, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ; as also God's positive Law and instituted Worship.

III. The Word and Gospel of God brings things that are afar off, very near; it represents to our Faith the Judgment-Day, and shows us how matters and things shall be managed then; who shall be cleared, and who condemned; it brings near to the Eye of our Faith, the glorious Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and many things of like Nature.

IV. So the Word of God shows forth, not only the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ, as also what this World is, what Sin is, &c. But it shows what Man is before Grace, how wretched, blind, naked, deformed, polluted! and also after Grace through Christ, how happy, adorned, beautiful and glorious!

V. So the Word of God is absolutely needful or necessary for all Christians to look into, who would dress and deck themselves with the Ornaments of Grace, that they may be comely in the sight of God. By looking into the Word they may see what Ornaments are wanting, and how to put them on so as to be completely dressed, and every way ready for the Bridegroom's coming.

VI. The Word of God is a thing that all true Christians take much Delight to behold, daily pry and look into, by Reading and Meditation: His Delight is in the Law of the Lord, and in his Law he doth meditate both Night and Day.

VII. So he that would have a clear sight of God in his glorious Attributes and Perfections, must look into the Gospel with open Face; he must look with a full and single Eye, as one that is resolved by the help of the Spirit, according to the nature of his sight, to see what may be beheld therein; and not cast a squint Look as it were upon it, seem to look towards God, when his Heart is more upon other Things and Objects: We with open Face, &c. If thy Eye be single, thy whole Body it full of Light.

VIII. So he that doth cast but a transient Look into the Word of God, or is but a bare Hearer thereof, may, whilst the Word is a preaching, see, or have some sense of his Sin, and deplorable Condition he is in by Nature, and be somewhat troubled for it a while; but not putting into practice what he hears, but turning to his former Course again, he soon forgets what a deformed and miserable Wretch he is, which is the principal Import of that Text in James.

IX. So a Christian that looks into the Word and Gospel to behold the Glory of God, hath but the sight of the Image, Resemblance, and Representation of God shining therein before his Eyes.

Simile.

ONe Glass hath not all the Properties which we have here mentioned.

II. Some Persons use too frequently to look into a Glass, as others do, to an evil End, viz. to paint, patch, and spot their Faces, and to see their vain Beauty, which tends to increase Pride, and foolishly to lift themselves up.

Disparity.

THe Gospel or Word of God is a spiritual Perspective-Glass, as well as a Looking-Glass.

II. A Christian cannot look too oft into God's Word, provided he do not neglect his particular Calling in so doing, or let one Duty interfere with another; neither doth his looking into the Word of God tend to lift him up, but rather to humble and abase him; for the more we see of God, the more with Job and Isaiah, we shall abhor and be ashamed of ourselves.

There are divers other Disparities which we pass by; they are the Contrivance and Workmanship of Man, and brittle things, &c. besides many of them are false, giving not a true Representation of Persons and Things, &c.

Professing the Gospel compared to the Plough.

HE that puts his hand to the Plough, &c. Our Savior means, Preaching, owning, or professing the Gospel.

The professing the Gospel may in divers respects be compared to a Plough.

Methapor.

A Plough is an Instrument made fit for the Husbandman, to break up and till his Ground.

II. The Plough cannot break up the Ground of itself; it must be held and drawn, or nothing can be done by it.

III. It is a hard and difficult thing to plow up some Ground, especially that which is rocky, full of Roots, or hath long lain fallow.

IV. The Plough pierces deep into the Earth, makes (as it were) deep Gashes or Wounds in the Heart of it, discovering what sort of Earth it is.

V. The Work of the Pluogh is but Opus ordinabile, a preparative Work in order to sowing the Seed.

VI. It is best Plowing, when the Earth is prepared and mollified by the Showers of Heaven, then the Work goes on sweetly.

VII. The Plough turns up by the Roots, and kills those rank Weeds that grow in the Field.

VIII. That Field is not well plowed up, where the Plough jumps and skips over some part of it, making Baulks; it must turn up all the whole Field alike.

IX. New Ground is much more easily plowed, than that which hath lain a long time untilled.

X. In the last place, and more directly to the main Drift and Scope of the Text, the Plough must be held throughout the whole Journey; a Man must not put his hand to it, and presently grow weary, and look back.

Parallel.

THe Gospel is an Instrument, prepared and made fit by the Almighty, to break or plow up the fallow Ground of our Hearts.

II. The Gospel must be believed and professed by us; we must lay our hand to it, and by the Power of the Spirit it must (as it were) be drawn upon our Hearts, or it can do nothing.

III. So it is a very difficult thing to convince and humble the hard and obdurate Heart of a Sinner, which is compared to a Stone, and as firm as a Rock: Shall Horses run upon the Rocks? Will one plow there with Oxen?

IV. The Gospel pierces the Heart of a Sinner by powerful Convictions: When they heard this, they were pricked ( 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , punctim cedo, pungendo penetro, or pierced point-black,) to the Heart. Then the Word divided (as it were) between the Soul and Spirit, laid the Heart open, made a discovery of what was hid within.

V. So the Gospel and Word of God (as a Plough) by its powerful Convictions upon the Conscience, is but a preparative Work, in order to the sowing the Seed of Grace in the Heart.

VI. Never doth the Word of God so kindly work in plowing up the fallow Ground of the Heart, as when the Gospel-Clouds dissolve, and the true Grace and Love of Jesus Christ comes sweetly showering down upon it.

VII. So the Word of God, by its powerful Convictions and Operations upon the Heart, kills Sin at the Root, causing the Soul to loath what it formerly loved.

VIII. That Heart is not savingly wrought upon, where one Lust is spared, and left untouched, or when it reacheth not to the changing the evil Qualities of every Faculty. The Word must no •• reach the Conscience only, but the Judgment, Will, and Affections also.

IX. So Youth, before evil Habits, or a Custom and Course of Sin, be taken, and more abundantly cleave to them, are (as 'tis found by experience) sooner wrought upon by the Word of God, than old Sinners, when Sin hath got Root in their Hearts.

X. So the Gospel, and the Profession thereof, must be held, owned, acknowledged, and professed, in Truth, and in Uprightness of Heart, constantly, to the end, even through the whole Journey, Length, and Race of our Lives; we must not grow weary, nor faint in our Minds. He that sets his hand to the Plough, (i. e. professes the Gospel) and looks back, is not fit for the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Word of God compared to Seed.

METAPHOR.

GOod Seed is prepared by the Husbandman, and is reserved out of the choicest Wheat, and principal Barley; 'tis that which the Husbandman highly esteems and values.

II. The Ground, before the Seed is sown, is plow'd up, and made fit to receive the Seed.

III. The Husbandman either sows the Seed himself, or employs a Seedsman to sow it, one that hath Skill in that Employment.

IV. When Seed is cast into the Earth, it must be covered, or else the Birds may pick it up; besides, it will not otherwise so well take Root.

V. Seed lies some time in the Ground, before it springs up; Clods also oftentimes hinder it from springing up.

VI. Frost and Snow conduce very much to the well-rooting of the Seed; they tend also to kill the Weeds, which otherwise might choke it under the Clods: by which means it roots, spreads, and flourishes more abundantly.

VII. The earlier Seed is sown, the better it is rooted, and enabled to endure the Sharpness of the Winter.

VIII. Some Seeds which the Sower sows fall upon stony Places, and some on thorny Ground, (as Experience shows) which Seed brings not forth Fruit unto perfection; and some also falls by the Highway-side, which the Birds devour.

IX. Fruitfulness of Seed depends much upon the Sun shining, and the Rain falling upon it; by this means it is quickened, and abundantly springs up.

X. Weeds many times come up with the Seed, and if they are not plucked up, or weeded out, they will hinder the Growth of the Seed, if not quite choke it.

XI. The good Ground only brings forth Fruit unto perfection.

XII. Men are very diligent and industrious in sowing their Seed, they are up early, and labor hard, morning and evening.

XIII. Winds and Storms do not prevent Sowers in the sowing of their Seed; but let the Wind be high or low, blow from the North, or from the South, yet they do and will sow.

XIV. Men usually are not sparing of their Seed, but scatter it abroad so plentifully, that all and every part of the Field which they intend to sow, may be sown therewith.

Parallel.

THe Word of God is a choice and precious thing, and that which God highly values and accounts of: He hath magnified his Word above all his Name. Thy Word it very pure.

II. Our Hearts are naturally hard, and have need to be plowed up, which is also done by the Word, and Conviction of the Spirit; hence the Gospel is called a Plow. See Plow.

III. Jesus Christ is the spiritual Seeds-Man; 'tis he that sows the Seed, who wants neither Care nor Skill to do it: The Sower is the Son of Man.

IV. So the Word of God ought to be hid or covered in our Hearts, that Satan may not steal it away from us, and that it may take good Root downward, and bring forth Fruit upward. David hid the Word of God in his Heart. It is not enough to have it in our Heads, but in our Hearts: Let the Word of God dwell in you richly. We ought to labor to understand it, to love it, and keep it in our Memories, yea, and to let it be well rooted in every Faculty.

V. The Word of God does often (like Seed) lie hid for a while in the Heart of a Sinner, before it eminently shows itself. Clods of Corruption, and Temptations, hinder its Growth and springing up.

VI. So Affliction (when sanctified to gracious Persons, which they meet with after their Conversion, and many times in their very Seed-Time) tends to kill the Weeds of Corruption, and breaks and mollifies the Heart, by which means they come to be better rooted in Grace, and strengthened in Holiness.

VII. So when the Word of God is early received in the Love of it, (when a young Person is sanctified in the Bud) Grace many times flourishes more abundantly. Such have treat Advantage above others. Long Experience tends much to the strengthening of Grace, enabling the Soul to hold out in an evil Day. It was a great Advantage to Timothy, that he knew the Holy Scriptures from a Child.

VIII. The Seed of God's Word, which the Son of Man by his faithful Ministers soweth in the Ministration of the Gospel, falls oftentimes upon a hard and rocky-hearted Sinner, who though he receive the Word with much seeming Joy, yet in time of Persecution falls away: Because of the Word be is offended. Others, like thorny Ground, receive the Seed; but the Cares of this World, and the Deceitfulness of Riches, choke the Word, and it becometh unfruitful. The other hear the Word, and understand it not; then cometh the Devil, (called the Fowl of the Air) and catcheth away that which was sown in the Heart: This is he that receiveth Seed by the Highway-side.

IX. So the Fruitfulness of the Word in Men's Hearts, depends upon Christ's gracious blessing, and shining upon it, and the Spirits bedewing and watering it: 'It is God that gives the Increase.

X. So when the Word of God is received in truth into the Heart, Sin and Corruption will, if not carefully weeded out, spring up, and hinder the Growth of the spiritual Seed. Hence the Apostle gives charge to the Saints, That they should look diligently, lest any fail of the Grace of God; lest any Root of Bitterness spring up, and trouble them.

XI. So none but honest and sincere Christians stand in the Day of Trial, and bring forth Fruit unto Eternal Life.

XII. So such as God hath sent to preach his Word, do diligently attend their Ministry, early and late, in season and out of season, as knowing that their Labor shall not be in vain in the Lord.

XIII. Even so hath the Seed of the Word been sown in all Ages, notwithstanding the Storms have beaten, and the Wind of Persecution hath blown very roughly, sometimes one way, and sometimes another; yet this hath not in the least prevented the sowing of the spiritual Seed of the Word.

XIV. How plentifully hath the Word of God been preached in England, and in other Countries? and how plentifully was this spiritual Seed dispersed by the Apostles and Servants of Christ: They went everywhere preaching the Word. Which is come unto you, as it is in all the World, and brings forth Fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the Grace of God in truth.

METAPHOR.

SOme Men, either through want of Judgment, or to save Charge, sow bad Seed, such as will not bear much Fruit, although the Ground whereon it is sown be never so good.

II. No Seed that Men sow can be at all fruitful, or yield increase, except the Plow go before to break up the Ground, which the Seed cannot do of itself by any Art of Man.

III. Many Men have sowed good Seed, and that upon good Ground, and it hath taken Root, and flourished, and yet by some Accident or other, they have had a bad Harvest, brought but little Corn into the Barn, or sometimes none at all.

IV. The Seed which Men sow is not quickened, except it die.

Disparity.

But the Seed of the Word of God is good Seed, and was never sown into good Ground, (that is, a good and honest Heart) but it took Root, and became fruitful, as all true Believers have experienced.

II. But the Word of God, through the mighty Operation of the Spirit, is not only Seed, but also the spiritual Plow, by which the fallow Ground of the Heart is broken up, and made fit for itself to sink into, and take deep Root there.

III. But never was the Seed of God's Word sown in a good and honest Heart, taking Root there, and flourishing, but a blessed Harvest always followed; nay, though they sow in Tears, they shall reap in Joy: He that goeth forth, and weepeth, bearing precious Seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his Sheaves with him.

IV. But the Word of the Lord dieth not, but liveth and abideth forever: The Words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are Life.

The Word of God compared to Rain.

Simile.

RAin is the immediate and proper Work of God; He gives us Rain from Heaven, and fruitful Seasons. Are there among the Vanities of the Gentiles they that can cause Rain? Or can the Heavens give Showers? art not thou he, O Lord?

II. Rain falls by divine Direction and Appointment; God causes it to rain upon one City, and not upon another. You often see a Cloud dissolve and spend itself upon one place, when there is not a drop within a few Miles of it; one Land may have Rain and a fruitful Season, when another may have none.

III. There is a great deal of difference in the Showers of Rain that fall upon the Earth, sometimes you have it in small Drops; a drisling Rain which comes gently, but continuing long, it waters the Earth and the Fruits thereof thoroughly, going to the very Root; at other times it comes down in a hasty and violent manner, causing the Streams to run, but it is gone presently, and doth but little good.

IV. Some People in the World have no Rain, as the Egyptians, for it is said, that it seldom or never rains there.

V. Rain comes down successively and gradually, now a little and then a little; it doth not fall all at one time, before it gives over, but it comes now a Shower and then a Shower, as the Earth and Fruits thereof need it.

VI. The Rain comes down (as is noted of Dew) irresistibly; when God doth by his Word of Command, speak to the Clouds to distil it down upon the Earth, it is not in the power of all Creatures to hinder its falling.

VII. Rain is most beneficial to the Earth, when there comes sweet, warm Rays of the Sun with it, or as clear shining after it, then Herbs, Flowers, and Corn, as also other Fruits, grow abundantly.

VIII. Rain is necessary at Seed-time, to make the Earth ready and fit to receive the Seed; Thou visitest the Earth, and waterest it; thou greatly enrichest it with the River of God, which is full of Water: Thou preparest them Corn. Thou waterest the Ridges abundantly, thou setlest the Furrows thereof; thou makest it soft with Showers, thou blessest the springing thereof, thy Paths drop Fatness. This is called the former Rain, and as it is necessary at or about Seed-time, so also it is needful at earing-time, to ripen the Corn, and to bring it to Perfection; both these are needful to produce a good Harvest, both the former and latter Rain.

IX. Rain makes the Earth soft and tender, which otherwise would be very hard and dry, and unfruitful, as we see in time, of great Drought.

X. After much Rain, sometimes comes a great Drought.

XI. Clouds let down the Rain upon the Earth; God makes use of them as Vessels to retain the Water, and that also at his Pleasure, they may let it out, and distil it down upon the Earth.

XII. Rain hath been sent down from Heaven as the Answer of Prayer; Prayer hath as it were opened the Windows of Heaven, that it might rain upon the Earth.

XIII. Rain cometh down from Heaven, and returneth not thither, without answering the end for which it is sent.

Parallel.

THe Word of God, and the Blessings that attend it, are all from God, 'tis he that makes the Divine Rain to fall upon Men's Souls; you are not to look upon those Truths that Ministers dispense as the meet Effects, and Fruits of their Inventions and Parts: He is the Minister of God, &c. the Office is from Heaven, the Doctrine he preaches is from Heaven, the Efficacy and Success of it is from Heaven: What I received of the Lord, I delivered also unto you.

II. So the Word of God is sent to one People and not to another, to one Kingdom and not to another: what glorious Influences of the Gospel hath God sent to this Land; and what a Drought and Scarcity it is there of it in many others not far off? and what precious Showers have some Places had in England beyond what others enjoy? To you is the Word of this Salvation sent: it comes not by chance, but by Commission and the special Command of God.

III. The Word of God in like manner sometimes comes down moderately, yet continuing long before God takes it away from a People or Soul, at length it proves effectual, and thoroughly waters and soaks their barren Hearts, and makes them fruitful; but at another time, the Word in a Sermon, comes like a sudden Spout of Rain, seeming to carry all before it, and startles the Sinner, but 'tis soon over, and doth but little good, it abiding not upon the Conscience.

IV. So there are some People, nay, many in the World, that never had the Gospel preached as yet to them.

V. So the Word drops and distils like Rain and Showers that water the Earth, now a little and then a little, as the Condition of the Soul requires; a drop in this Sermon, and a drop in another Sermon; Precept must be upon Precept, Line upon Line, here a little and there a little: now one comforting Influence and then another; now one quickening Impulsion and then another, now one Promise is rained down and then another. 1. Christ would that his People have a constant Dependance on himself. 2. He would have them wait upon every Sermon, upon every Ordinance and Opportunity. 3. He would not have them surfeit upon his Word, therefore he observes a successive Distillation of the Blessings thereof upon them. 4. He would have every Doctrine, and Precepts, and Promises soak into their Hearts. 5. Christ would indear every drop of his Grace, and morsel of his Word to his People; he would have them lose nothing he bestows, and therefore gives it them as they are able to receive it. 6. The Souls of Believers are like narrow-mouthed Vessels, they cannot receive much at a time without spilling. 7. We are such bad Husbands, Christ will not trust us with all at once.

VI. The Word falls upon Sinners. When God gives Command with mighty Power, the Influences of the Word and Spirit work with mighty Efficacy upon the Heart; the Word is quick and powerful, it breaks the Heart in pieces; in Conviction it causes the Sinner to cry out, Lord, what wilt thou have me do? it shall accomplish that for which 'twas sent. See Light.

VII. So it is in respect of the Gospel, when the Sun of Righteousness shines upon the Soul, under the Word and blessed Doctrine thereof, O this makes a Believer, and all his Graces to flourish exceedingly!

VIII. The Gospel hath a twofold Use and Benefit, it is necessary as the former Rain at the beginning or first working of Grace upon the Heart; so 'tis needful afterwards, to ripen and prepare the Soul for Heaven. Be glad then ye Children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God, for he hath given you the former Rain moderately; and he will cause the Rain to come down, the former Rain and latter Rain, &c. We cannot be without either; we shall soon decay in our Spirits, if we have not spiritual Moisture of the Grace and Word of God upon our Souls: the Ministry of the Word is not only appointed to implant Grace in us, but also to perfect Grace so rooted and implanted.

IX. So the Word of God makes the hard and flinty Hearts of Sinners very soft and tender; it is of a mollifying, fructifying Nature, it makes the Saints fruitful in Grace and Good-works.

X. So after great plenty of divine and spiritual Rain, when People are glutted with a Fulness of Gospel-Mercies, God sometimes sends a Drought, shuts up Heaven. Ministers are like Clouds without Rain.

XI. Ministers are the spiritual Clouds that God hath appointed to retain the Word and saving Knowledge of divine Things, so that they may also at his Command let the Water of Life down, or distil it upon Men's Souls. See Clouds.

XII. Divine Rain hath been sent down as the Answer of fervent Prayer; The Prayer of the Godly hath prevailed with the Almighty, for sending of the Word and Spirit down upon the World, and Church of God: hence Paul earnestly begs the Saints Prayers, That he might open his Mouth boldly, to make known the Mystery of the Gospel.

XIII. So, saith the Lord, shall my Word be that goeth out of my Mouth, it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Simile.

RAin is not necessary at all times; there are Seasons when the Husbandman craves none: he is sometimes afraid of a Shower, and prays for fair Weather; Rain in Harvest is not welcome.

II. Rain is no distinguishing Argument between good and bad Men; it falls promiscuously upon the Righteous and the Wicked; for though it doth not fall everywhere, in every City and Place, yet where it comes, it usually falls alike.

Disparity.

THe Word of God is necessary at all times: Preach the Word, be instant in Season and out of Season: There is indeed no time, but this divine Rain is needful, and we cannot say we want it not, for we cannot be without it one day.

II. But the Word of God and Blessings thereof, are a distinguishing sign of God's special Favor: the peculiar drops of divine Grace are not communicated to all alike, though all may have the Word preached to them: My Word (saith Christ) hath no abiding in you.

The Word of God compared to the Dew of Heaven.

METAPHOR.

DEw falls insensibly and invisibly; you may be in the Field all night, and not perceive the Dew fall, and yet find great Dew upon the Grass.

II. As Dew comes down undiscernibly, and invisibly, so also very sweetly, and in a mild manner.

III. Dew is of a fructifying Nature; for falling especially on Herbs and tender Plants, it soaks into the Roots of them, and makes them fruitful.

IV. Dew comes down irresistibly; who can stop or hinder the Dew from falling on the Earth?

V. Dew doth usually fall in the Night.

Parallel.

SO the Operations and Blessings of the Word, and Graces thereof, are invisible; we feel the Work, but the manner of the working thereof is unknown to us. No Man can see the Conversion of of another, (saith an eminent Minister) nor can well discern his own. The Word works by little, and little like as the Dew falls.

II. So the Gospel comes upon some Men in a sweet and mild manner; it distils as it were upon them like Dew, altho on others ('tis true) the Word comes like a mighty and fierce Rain.

III. So the Word of God causes the Soul to grow in Grace, it makes the precious Plants of God's Vineyard to be green, and flourish in all the Fruits of the Spirit. The Saints at Thessalonica, after they received the Word, their Faith grew exceedingly. I will be as the Dew unto Israel, and he shall grow as the Lily.

IV. Who can hinder or stop the Word from operating upon the Sinner's Heart? If God will work, who shall let? My Word shall not return to me in vain, it shall accomplish that for which I sent it.

V. So the Word only comes upon Men's Hearts like Dew, whilst the Night of this World continues. In the State of Glory, the perfect Day, this Dew will fall no more; no more Preaching, nor Means of Grace will then be afforded to Sinners, neither will Saints have need of it: For when that which is perfect is come, then (and not till then) will that which is in part be done away.

METAPHOR.

DEw is not sufficient to water some Ground, nor to make the new-mown Grass to spring and grow; that needs a plentiful Rain.

Disparity.

THe Word of God is not only a Dew, that sweetly waters and refreshes the tender Herbs; but also 'tis sufficient to soak and well water the driest Ground: hence it is compared to Rain, as you heard before.

The Gospel compared to Treasure.

WE shall first show, that the Word and Gospel of Christ is a Treasure, yea, most choice Treasure, though it be never so much slighted by wicked Men.

Secondly, we shall run the Parallel, &c.

Arg. 1. That which is set forth by the choicest and rarest things in the whole World, must needs be a Treasure: But the Gospel is set forth by the choicest and rarest things, as Gold, Silver, precious Stones, &c. therefore the Gospel is a Treasure.

Arg. 2. That which is of such value, that its Worth cannot be known or computed, must needs be a Treasure: But the Gospel is invaluable, Ergo, &c.

Arg. 3. That by which the Grace and Love of God is communicated, must needs be a Treasure, or that which is of great worth: But the Gospel is that by which the Grace and Love of God in Christ is communicated; Ergo, &c.

Arg. 4. That which the best, wisest, and holiest Men have esteemed and prized above all earthly and worldly Things, must needs be a Treasure: But such have so prized the Gospel, and Word of God; Ergo. Psal. 119.14, 127. Job 23.12.

Arg. 5. That which good and holy Men have died for, rather than to part with, must needs be a Treasure, or that which is of great worth: But holy Men have rather chosen Death, than to deny or part with the Gospel; Ergo. Phil. 1.7. Heb. 10.29. & 11.26. Acts 20.24.

Arg. 6. That which enriches all that really partake of it, or enjoy it, must needs be a Treasure: But the Gospel doth so; Rom. 11.12. Ergo, &c.

METAPHOR.

RAre or excellent Treasure is more in quality than quantity, more in Worth than Shew.

II. Treasure enricheth those that have it.

III. Treasure hath a great Influence upon the Hearts of the Sons of Men.

IV. Treasure is much sought after, with great Care and Pains; and when obtained, Men are very loath to part with it.

V. Treasure is usually kept in some strong or secure place, to the end it may be safely preserved.

VI. Treasure sometimes signifies Store and Plenty of good Things.

VII. Much Treasure makes Men great and honorable in the World.

VII. Treasure will carry a Man a great way, in and through great Straits, Afflictions, Sorrows, and Sufferings.

Parallel.

THe Gospel is much in little; it hath been of that Esteem, that in the time of its scarcity, a Load of Hay hath been given for one Leaf of the Epistle of James in English. See the Word of God compared to Light.

II. So doth the Gospel. How many poor, miserable, wretched Men and Women have not only been supplied, (as to their need) but enriched thereby?

III. So hath the Gospel, through the Spirit; and therefore the Lip of Truth saith, Where the Treasure is, there will the Heart be also.

IV. What Pains did the holy Men of old use, in seeking after a Discovery of the Truth of the Gospel, and of the things therein contained! And what a Cloud of Witnesses are there, who rather than they would part with this Treasure, parted with their Lives, and all they had.

V. So the Word and Gospel of God hath been preserved in the worst of Times, when the great Design of Men and Devils hath been to destroy or corrupt it: Thy Word have I hid in mine Heart.

VI. There are Store of good Things held forth in the Gospel, viz. Christ, Grace, Glory, and every good Thing else, with him, and by him.

VII. Faith in the Gospel raiseth to great Honor. O what Dignity ariseth from that noble Birth that is from above! until which, how mean and disgraceful an Object is fallen Man!

VII. So the Gospel, and the Grace of it, O how far, and through what Difficulties will it carry a Man! With what contentment have Christians behaved themselves in the want of all outward Enjoyments, having had a little of this Treasure!

METAPHOR.

ALL Treasures here, be they never so rich or rare, yet they are but earthly, or from the Earth.

II. Earthly Treasures are corruptible, and many times are spoiled; they become worth little or nothing. Lay not up Treasure on Earth, where Moth and Rust doth corrupt, &c.

III. Earthly Treasures, though they may go far, and supply many bodily Wants, yet they cannot supply Soul-Wants.

IV. The Poor have but little of worldly Treasure, and therefore 'tis they are accounted poor; it is mostly in the hands of the great Men of the Earth.

V. Men by their natural Care and Industry may get worldly Treasure, and grow rich thereby.

VI. Worldly Treasure may be taken away by Thieves, as well as eaten by Moths.

Disparity.

BUt such is the Glory of the Gospel, as that it is a Treasure from Heaven, and of an heavenly product and extract.

II. But the Gospel, and Grace thereof, is a Treasure incorruptible, it cannot putrefy, or be spoiled; its Splendor and Glory is durable: But of incorruptible, — the Word of God, &c.

III. But the Gospel, or Word of God, extendeth to the Supply both of the Soul and Body. The Gospel heard and received by Faith, makes up a full Supply to the Soul of whatever it needs: My God shall supply all your Wants, &c.

IV. But it is evident, that the Poor receive the Gospel; and James saith expressly, that God hath chosen the Poor of this World, rich in Faith, &c. The Poor of this World have generally most of this sacred Treasure, and so are the richest Men.

V. No Man whatsoever, though never so worldly wise, ingenious, careful, and industrious, in laying out all his natural Parts, can enrich himself with this sacred Treasure: What hast thou which thou hast not received?

VI. But the Gospel is a Treasure that cannot be taken away by Thieves, nor can the Moth corrupt it; it is called the everlasting Gospel.